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Yutu-2 becomes worlds longest-working lunar rover

Global Times) 08:39, September 19, 2024

As people across China and around the world celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, traditionally marked by gazing at the full moon, China's Yutu-2 lunar rover has delivered a special surprise - fresh images from the moon's far side.

To date, Yutu-2 has traveled 1,613 meters on the lunar surface since its landing in January 2019, making it the longest-working lunar rover in the world.

The Yutu-2 rover, or Jade Rabbit-2, was launched into orbit in December 2018 as part of the Chang'e-4 lunar probe. It landed on the far side of the moon in January 2019. In Chinese folklore, Yutu is the mythical white rabbit that accompanies the moon goddess, Chang'e, from whom the lunar mission derives its name.

By far, the Yutu-2 has accumulated nearly 5 years and 9 months of operational time, far exceeding its designed lifespan of three months and having become the longest-working lunar rover. Recently, it completed its 71st lunar day of work and transmitted new images back to Earth, China Central Television reported on Tuesday.

During its stay on the moon, Yutu-2 has gathered valuable geological information, including data on the surface morphology, shallow structure, and material composition of the Chang'e-4 landing area. It has also contributed important scientific data regarding geological evolution and the early evolution of the moon's crust.

In addition to the Yutu-2, both the Chang'e-3 and Chang'e-4 landers are also active on the moon. China's relay satellites, Queqiao and Queqiao-2, are also still operational in the lunar orbit, according to Zuo Wei, deputy chief designer of the ground application system for the Chang'e-4 mission.

Queqiao has facilitated communication between the Chang'e-4 mission and Yutu-2, while Queqiao-2, after having completed the Chang'e-6 mission, is now conducting scientific exploration, awaiting the arrival of Chang'e-7.

Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, has previously revealed that the Chang'e-7 mission, planned for implementation around 2026, is progressing smoothly. The main task of this mission is to search for evidence of water ice at the lunar south pole.

If successful, the Chang'e-7 mission is expected to become the world's first to land on the lunar south pole, creating conditions for long-term human presence on the moon and paving the way for future human exploration of deep space, including Mars, Wu said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
George Strait performs at Kyle Field. @alivecoverage / Courtesy of Messina Touring Group

Following his record-breaking concert at Kyle Field in College Station this summer, George Straits next Texas performance will be in front of a much smaller  but equally impressive  audience.

Strait will play the Patriot Awards Gala Oct. 3 at the Convention Center. Its part of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention, an annual event being held in San Antonio for the first time this year.

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According to information on the organizers website, as many as 40 of the 60 living recipients of the Medal of Honor  the nations highest award for military service  are expected to attend.

The King of Country also will be playing for some fellow Texas legends.

Among the honorees at the gala will be actor Chuck Norris and the Gene and Jerry Jones family, which will receive he Patriot Award, the societys highest honor. According the the events website, that award will be accepted by Charlotte Jones, daughter of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. She has been involved in fundraising for the National Medal of Honor Museum, which is scheduled to open in March in Arlington.

Other honorees are Richard M Tres Kleberg III, Fox news anchor Martha MacCallum and actor Taylor Kitsch.

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Actor Gary Sinese will serve as master of ceremonies.
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Location of roadside monitoring stations in the Glasgow LEZ. Credit: Findings (2024). DOI: 10.32866/001c.123382

New research exploring the effects of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Glasgow has found that while traffic flow has remained largely unchanged since the Zone was enforced, air quality has improved.

Co-authored by researchers from the Universities of Auckland, University College Dublin, and Glasgow, the study, published in Findings, gathered hourly data from traffic sensors and air quality monitors in the city's busy Hope Street and High Street within the LEZ to produce figures for the daily average NO 2 . Meteorological data, provided by the UK Met Office, factored in the wind effect on NO 2 dispersal.

The study found a statistically significant reduction in traffic flow on High Street during weekdays resulting in notable decreases in normalized NO 2 levels of between 25% and 27% on weekdays. A 35% drop of NO 2 on weekends was also observed.

In contrast, traffic patterns on Hope Street remained stable, yet statistically significant decreases in NO 2 levels of between 9% and 13% on weekdays were still observed, suggesting the establishment of the LEZ discourages high emission vehicles in the city center and helps improve air quality.

Co-author of the paper, Qunshan Zhao, Professor in Urban Analytics at the University of Glasgow's Urban Big Data Center, said, "These early results indicate that while traffic reductions and the decrease in high emission vehicles in some parts of the city may be contributing to improved air quality, other factors may also play a role.

"The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring to better understand the LEZ's long-term impact on both traffic and pollution levels across Glasgow. Paired traffic sensors and air quality sensors can be set up to help further understand the relationships between traffic flows and air quality variations."

In common with other large U.K. cities, Glasgow has high traffic volumes from both private vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). In 2021 alone, the city had nearly 240,000 licensed vehicles, according to the Department for Transport Statistics.

The resulting congestion led to elevated emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and particulates from vehicle-related activities such as tailpipe emissions, brake wear, tire wear, and road abrasion.

Responding to growing concerns about traffic-related air pollution, Glasgow City Council introduced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city center on 1 June 2023 with the aim of reducing pollution by restricting access to vehicles that do not meet strict emissions standards.

There are currently Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones in the following U.K. cities: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford, Bath, Bradford, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Sheffield, Southampton, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

More information: Hyesop Shin et al, Did the Implementation of Low Emission Zone in Glasgow Change the Traffic Flow and Air Quality? Findings (2024). DOI: 10.32866/001c.123382
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Cover illustration of the 2024 Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook, showing five of the nine case study locations. Credit: CLICCS / University of Hamburg

Climate change is forcing people to adapt to changing environmental conditions. But what really makes the difference is how they do it. The recently published "Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook 2024" by 73 authors shows that, in the long run, only sustainable adaptation can succeed. This global assessment by University of Hamburg's Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS) also provides practical recommendations.

"Successfully adapting to the impacts of climate change is just as difficult and challenging as reducing emissions of every kind," says Anita Engels, Professor of Sociology and leading author of the assessment. "Yet, both are needed."

On the basis of nine case studies in diverse geographical contexts, including Nepal, Namibia, Lower Saxony (Germany), Sao Paulo, Ho Chi Minh City, Hamburg, North Frisia (Germany), Taiwan, and the Maldives, CLICCS researchers have analyzed a broad range of adaptation measures in response to climate risks.

None of the cases assessed can currently be regarded as exemplifying a sustainable adaptation strategy. However, Hamburg, North Frisia, and Ho Chi Minh City were able to demonstrate initial approaches to transformative adaptation. The research teams, which included people from the contexts under investigation, furthermore identified key conditions for sustainable climate adaptation.

Developing sustainable measures together with the local populace

"Sustainability is not just a 'nice-to-have,'" says Beate Ratter, Professor of Geography and author of the assessment. "When adaptation isn't sufficiently thought through, the side-effects can cancel out the successes."

For example, poorly chosen coastal protection measures might help combat flooding but can, in the long run, lead to the loss of stabilizing sediments or harm sheltering coral reefs. Similarly, forests that are restored with monocultures are especially vulnerable to pest infestations and fires.

The study assesses the quality of adaptation measures in three categories. The first stage involves direct responses to crises like flooding or drought (coping). The measures in the second stage are more forward-thinking. Preventive adaptation measures are pursued step by step in order to avoid or mitigate negative climate impacts in the near future (incremental).

The third stage, sustainable adaptation, calls for redefining structures and processesa transformation. These measures produce long-term effects, reduce risks, and are jointly shaped and implemented by the local populace (transformative). They produce as few additional emissions as possible and are oriented on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so as not to do harm elsewhere. For instance, they preserve biodiversity and conserve natural resources.

Climate variability and climate change can add up

Adaptation is urgently needed because the combination of climate change and natural climate variability is already having pronounced effects on ecosystems and economies, as the latest CLICCS climate simulations show.

"In the future, extreme weather events could also occur in combination or clusters," says Prof. Jochem Marotzke, a climate researcher at the Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology and another of the assessment's authors. "That means greater risk with potentially devastating effects. We need to take measures to prepare as soon as possible."

At the same time, CO 2 emissions need to be rapidly and consistently reduced. But the world is making little headway. Back in 2021, CLICCS first identified the 10 key social drivers relevant in this regard. Three in particular are currently standing in the way of meeting the targets set out in the Paris Agreement: corporate strategies, consumer trends, and insufficient divestment, that is, insufficient withdrawal of investments in fossil fuels.

"Once again, we're seeing massive investments in oil, gas, and coal," says Anita Engels. "But the financial betting would have to point in another direction. Investors would have to be convinced that, in the long run, their investments in fossil fuels just don't pay off anymore."

Here, the only remedy consists of legally binding regulations and political conditions established by individual countries and in connection with the United Nations negotiations on climate change.

Turning up the pressure to turn away from fossil fuels

What can individual societies do? According to the analysis, social movements can push political decision-makers and companies to set more ambitious climate targetsthrough support or pressure. Emitters also need quantifiable goals and clear obligations to reduce greenhouse gases, which in turn are implemented and monitored. Only then can the urgently needed qualitative leap in climate protection be achieved.

Climate litigation can initiate and accelerate these processes. Further, when societies achieve a higher level of social justice, this increases their chances of successfully implementing climate protection and adaptation alike.

Lastly, corresponding strategies should be developed together with the local populace, as their local knowledge, experience, and commitment can substantially contribute to the measures' success.

More information: Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook 2024. Conditions for Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation, DOI: 10.14361/9783839470817
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A bird in the hand: Annika Radu holds a silvereye during research on Lady Elliot Island. Credit: Christine Dudgeon

A little yellow-and-white bird that prefers to date its mates in an idyllic island lifestyle rather than fly to the mainland to mingle is an example of avian species evolution in action, according to new Australian research.

The University of the Sunshine Coast paper, published in Nature Scientific Reports, investigated the genetic divergence of the Capricorn silvereye population on Lady Elliot Island since the species was first observed there in the 1980s.

The study found that the species, known for fast breeding and monogamy, had already developed genetic distinction in less than five decades on the southern Great Barrier Reef island.

UniSC animal ecologist Dr. Dominique Potvin said genetic markers indicated the bird chose to stay and play on the resort side of the island for its lifespan rather than seek out other silvereye populations.

"This is a rapid rate of genetic divergence, with the zosterops lateralis silvereye now one of the island's most common land-dwelling avian species," she said. "It can easily fly long distances but chooses not to visit the Queensland mainland or other islands."

Dr. Potvin, who supervised the collaborative study led by UniSC Honours graduate Annika Radu, said there were three subspecies of silvereyes across Queensland and its reef islands.

Just hanging around: the silvereye. Photo: Annika Radu

Credit: University of the Sunshine Coast

"Many individuals migrate from Tasmania to Queensland and back every year, so it's not like they can't get places," she said. "This study supports previous research showing that Great Barrier Reef birds are slowly evolving away from the mainland species."

"Silvereyes are notorious for this, but most studies have looked at them on a species levelsuch as throughout the South Pacificrather than a local level.

"We are seeing species divergence/evolution in action," Dr. Potvin said.

Radu said the study compared samples from birds at Maryborough, the Sunshine Coast, Lady Elliot Island and Heron Island northeast of Gladstone.

September is breeding season for the bird with a distinct white ring around the eye, which nests in trees and feeds on invertebrates and fruit. There are 17 subspecies of silvereye across Australia and the South Pacific.

The paper, "Genetic patterns reveal geographic drivers of divergence in silvereyes," was co-supervised by UniSC Associate Professor Kathy Townsend and co-authored by UniSC Senior Research Fellow Christine Dudgeon, UniSC Dr. Alexis Levengood, University of Oxford's Sonya Clegg and Ashley Sendell-Price, and University of Otago's Yasmin Foster.

More information: Annika Radu et al, Genetic patterns reveal geographic drivers of divergence in silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis), Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71364-9 Journal information: Scientific Reports
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Image of wrinkled epithelium on the ECM hydrogel layer in response to compression. Credit: POSTECH

A research team consisting of Professor Dong Sung Kim, Professor Anna Lee, and Dr. Jaeseung Youn from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at POSTECH has successfully recreated the structure of wrinkles in biological tissue in vitro, uncovering the mechanisms behind their formation. Their findings were published on August 19 in the journal Nature Communications.

While wrinkles are often associated with skin aging, many organs and tissues, including the brain, stomach, and intestines, also have distinct wrinkle patterns. These structures play a key role in regulating cellular states and differentiation, contributing to the physiological functions of each organ.

Understanding how biological tissues fold and form wrinkles is vital for understanding the complexity of living organisms beyond cosmetic concerns. This knowledge can be central to advancing research in areas such as skin aging, regenerative therapies, and embryology.

Despite the significance of biological wrinkle structures, much of the research in this area has relied on animal models including fruit flies, mice, and chickens, due to limitations in replicating wrinkle formation in vitro. As a result, the detailed processes behind wrinkle formation in living tissue remain largely unknown.

Professor Dong Sung Kim's team addressed this limitation by developing an epithelial tissue model composed solely of human epithelial cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). By combining this model with a device capable of applying precise compressive forces, they successfully recreated and observed wrinkle structures in vitro that are typically seen in the gut, skin, and other tissues in vivo.

Schematics of an epithelial bilayer and its folded structures. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51437-z

This breakthrough allowed them, for the first time, to replicate both the hierarchical deformation of a single deep wrinkle caused by a strong compressive force and the formation of numerous small wrinkles under lighter compression.

The team also discovered that factors such as the porous structure of the underlying ECM, dehydration, and the compressive force applied to the epithelial layer are crucial to the wrinkle formation process. Their experiments revealed that compressive forces deforming the epithelial cell layer caused mechanical instability within the ECM layer, resulting in the formation of wrinkles.

Additionally, they found that dehydration of the ECM layer was a key factor in the wrinkle formation process. These observations closely mirrored the effects seen in aging skin where dehydration of the underlying tissue layer leads to wrinkle development, providing a mechanobiological model for understanding wrinkle formation.

Professor Dong Sung Kim said, "We have developed a platform that can replicate various wrinkle structures in living tissue without the need for animal testing. This platform enables real-time imaging and detailed observation of cellular and tissue-level wrinkle formation, processes that are difficult to capture in traditional animal models. It has wide-ranging applications in fields such as embryology, biomedical engineering, cosmetics, and more."

More information: Jaeseung Youn et al, Tissue-scale in vitro epithelial wrinkling and wrinkle-to-fold transition, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51437-z Journal information: Nature Communications
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Wildfires have consumed millions of hectares of land in recent weeks in Brazil.

Brazil is burning. From the Amazon rainforest to the Pantanal wetlands, flames have consumed millions of hectares of forest and farmland in recent weeks.

Nearly two-thirds of Latin America's biggest country is under smoke.

While fueled by extreme drought, which the government says serves as "a demonstration of the gravity of climate change," many of the fires were set by "criminals," in the words of environment minister Marina Silva.

Here is what we know about Brazil's "fire pandemic," as Supreme Court judge Flavio Dino has described the state of affairs.

What is the extent?

According to data collected by satellites of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), a total of 188,623 fires have been identified in Brazil since the beginning of the year.

The total number for last year was 189,926.

The month of September 2024 has been the worst so far, with 61,572 fires recorded in 17 days compared to 46,498 for the whole of September 2023.

The number of blazes in the Amazon this month are already much higher than in 2019, when destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest sparked an international outcry that placed then president Jair Bolsonaro on the back foot.

The figures for 2024 are still far from the record of 393,915 fires recorded in 2007more than a third in September that year alone.

But this time, "fires are burning in several regions of the country at the same time, which makes the problem more complex to manage," said Ane Alencar, scientific director of the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM).

What are the causes ?

Brazil has been experiencing a prolonged drought since June 2023, according to Suely Araujo, public policy coordinator for Brazil's Climate Observatorya collective of non-governmental organizations.

Whatever rain did fall was "less than expected," resulting in dry conditions that can turn the slightest spark into a blaze.

"Climate change is at play, coupled with the El Nino phenomenon," said Araujo.

Alencar said most of the fires were deliberately set, most commonly by farmers clearing land.

Farmers can obtain government permission for such burning, but the practice has been temporarily banned because the fires can easily get out of control under current conditions.

However, "it is probably the law that is least respected in Brazil," Alencar told AFP.

Another culprit is the massive and influential agro-industry sector, which Alencar says has been found to deliberately set fire to public forests to clear land for farmers.

A third cause is more difficult to pinpoint: individual arsonists whose only motive is to "sow chaos," according to federal police chief Humberto Freire.

What is the outlook?

INPE researcher Karla Longo said that if the fire starters are not stopped, the blazes "will continue until it rains."

The drought that has Brazil in its grips is likely to last until October, she added.

"The rainy season is supposed to start in the second half of October... but it may be delayed due to extreme dryness and low atmospheric humidity," added Ricardo de Camargo, a professor of meteorology at the University of Sao Paulo (USP).

Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has vowed to combat climate change and pledged to stop illegal deforestation of the Amazon by 2030, conceded on Tuesday that Brazil was "not 100 percent prepared" to deal with the latest wave of fires as he announced $94 million for the response.

"The authorities should do more, at all levels," said Araujo, who led the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, a federal agency, from 2016 to 2019.

She called for closer coordination between ministries, as well as between national and state governments.

Freire has called for tougher penalties for "environmental crimes."

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at Maynooth University's Hamilton Institute and Department of Mathematics and Statistics in Ireland have unveiled significant findings on the role of homework in student achievement. The research, led by Prof Andrew Parnell, Nathan McJames and Prof Ann O'Shea, used a new AI model to analyze data from the "Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study" (TIMSS 2019).

Focusing on 4,118 Irish students in their second year of secondary school, the research assessed the impact of varying homework patterns on their mathematics and science performance.

The study titled, "Little and often: Causal inference machine learning demonstrates the benefits of homework for improving achievement in mathematics and science" was published in the journal Learning and Instruction.

It offers new evidence on how homework frequency and duration affect academic performance among Irish secondary school students.

Frequency over duration

The study highlights that the frequency of homework is more important than its duration. Daily homework assignments were found to be most effective for improving mathematics achievement, while science performance benefited most from homework assigned three to four times a week.

Effectiveness of shorter assignments

Short-duration homework tasks, lasting up to 15 minutes, were shown to be just as effective as longer assignments. This suggests that regular, concise homework can promote learning without overwhelming students with excessive work.

Equity in benefits

Contrary to previous research, this study found that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, experienced similar benefits from homework, indicating equitable advantages across diverse student populations. The researchers advocate for homework policies prioritizing regular, short-duration assignments to optimize student engagement and academic success without causing undue stress.

Nathan McJames, the lead author, commented, "Our study provides strong evidence that regular homework can significantly enhance student performance, especially when given 'little and often'. By avoiding very long homework assignments, this also allows students to balance schoolwork with other important activities outside of school."

Prof Andrew Parnell added, "Our use of advanced causal inference methods ensures the reliability of our findings. This research provides valuable insights that can guide evidence-based policy changes in education, ultimately benefiting students across the board."

More information: Nathan McJames et al, Little and often: Causal inference machine learning demonstrates the benefits of homework for improving achievement in mathematics and science, Learning and Instruction (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.learninstruc.2024.101968 Journal information: Learning and Instruction
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Rugged treeless landsacape of the Falkland Islands today. Credit: Dr. Zoe Thomas

A researcher from the University of Southampton (UK) has found evidence that the treeless, rugged, grassland landscape of the Falkland Islands was home to a lush, diverse rainforest up to 30 million years ago.

A study by Dr. Zoe Thomas, leading an international team of scientists, reveals that the South Atlantic archipelago was once covered in cool, wet woodlandsimilar to the present day rainforests found in Tierra del Fuego, off the tip of South America.

Detailed findings of the research are newly published in the journal Antarctic Science.

The scientists conducted the research after clues to the whereabouts of buried remains of the ancient forest reached them via word of mouth in the tight-knit community of Port Stanley, the Falklands' capital. Chance conversations led them to find perfectly preserved prehistoric tree remains and pollen at a building site in early 2020.

"We were in the Falklands carrying out research for a different project when a fellow researcher, based on the island, mentioned they'd heard from a friend that something interesting had been dug up by a builder they knew," explains Dr. Thomas, an expert in physical geography at the University of Southampton.

She continues, "Excavators at the site of a new care home in Stanley had cut into a deep peat layer which was filled with large tree trunks and branches. These were so well preserved, they looked like they'd been buried the day before, but they were in fact extremely old.

"Our interest was immediately piqued, as finding tree remains here was baffling. For at least thousandsprobably millionsof years, the Falkland Islands have not been able to sustain trees. It's too windy and the soil too acidic. This raised the intriguing question of just how old the wood from this forest bed was."

Dr. Zoe Thomas and Dr. Haidee Cadd examining ditch at Tussac House site where prehistoric tree remains were found. Credit: Dr. Zoe Thomas

With the help of members of the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) in Port Stanley, samples of the peat layers and deposits were removed from the site at Tussac House near Stanley Harbour. These were carefully transported to Australia for laboratory testing at the University of New South Wales, where the sediment was meticulously sampled, and the wood analyzed with specialized scanning electron microscopes.

The tree remains proved too old to obtain conclusive results from radiocarbon dating, so pollen spores were used instead. The scientists analyzed a variety of spores compacted and sealed in the same layers of peat as the wood. Pollen records led them to conclude the tree trunks and branches date to between 15 and 30 million years old.

The Falkland Islands are a British territory located 8,000 miles from the UK in the South Atlantic. Comprised of two main islands and 778 smaller ones, they cover an area just over half the size of Wales and are known for being wet, cold and windswept, with fast changing weather conditions. Their landscape is not dissimilar to Dartmoor in the UK.

Perfectly preserved wood sample from Tussac House site aged between 15 and 30 million years old. Credit: Dr. Zoe Thomas

Tens of millions of years ago, the climate in the South Atlantic was much warmer and wetter than today, and capable of supporting a rainforest environment. This would have been cooler than tropical rainforests we might typically think ofsuch as the Amazon rainforestbut still able to support a rich, diverse ecosystem of plant and animal life.

Many of the tree species growing on the Falklands at the time of the Tussac House sample are now extinct, but would have seeded on the islands by being carried on the prevailing westerly winds from rainforests that covered much of the southern hemisphere, including what is now mainland South America.

Scientists can't be sure what led to the eventual demise of the islands' rainforest and the transformation to peatlands, but it's reasonable to speculate it was due to a change in climate and a move to colder and drier conditions.

Dr. Thomas comments, "It's amazing to think that if we'd not had the chance to chat and engage with people in such a close community at that particular moment, we may never have recovered these pristinely preserved samples of tree. Until our visit and the construction worker's find, no one had any idea that six meters under their feet were perfectly preserved relics of an ancient rainforest and exquisite fossilized pollen. I'm so grateful to the friendly islanders, who, by being so welcoming and open, gave us this unique opportunity to investigate."

As for the future, Dr. Thomas says the islands are unlikely to see a return to a forest landscape anytime soon: "Current projections suggest the region will get warmer, but also drierleading to concerns about the risk of erosion to the peatlands, which are sensitive to climate change."

More information: Zoe A. Thomas et al, Evidence for a floristically diverse rainforest on the Falkland archipelago in the remote South Atlantic during the mid- to late Cenozoic, Antarctic Science (2024). DOI: 10.1017/S0954102024000129
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Shifted waves reflecting from a crystal. Credit: The European Physical Journal D (2024). DOI: 10.1140/epjd/s10053-024-00867-x

A new technique may make it easier for researchers to create real-time images of microscopic samples by considering the waves that propagate through sample surfaces as light interacts with them.

Optical differentiation is a useful technique for analyzing images of microscopic samples in real time. Currently, however, it lacks the ability to fine-tune the resolution in the images it produces.

In a new article published in The European Physical Journal D, a team led by Jian Wu at the National University of Defense Technology in Changsha, China, proposes a new approach that enabled them to tune the wavelengths reflected from crystal samples. Their technique could allow researchers to extract far more detailed images of their samples, and would be especially useful for analyzing systems of cells and large molecules.

Optical differentiation involves calculating the rate of change in key properties of a light signalincluding its intensity, phase, and amplitudeafter it interacts with a sample. This is particularly useful for distinguishing features around sample edges, where there are sharp discontinuities in the brightness, color, and texture of the reflected light.

In their study, Wu's team investigated the behavior of Bloch surface waves, which propagate along the surfaces of insulating materials with periodic crystal structures. By incorporating these waves into their calculations, the team found they could substantially improve the tuneability of the wavelengths reflected from the surface.

This was possible since Bloch wave propagation can be affected even by tiny variations in incoming wavelength, causing dramatic changes in the positions of reflected light beams. As a result, the team could calculate detailed image features in real time through a simple mathematical relationship between the incoming and reflected light, which accounts for changes in polarization and intensity as the light interacts with the sample.

In their future research, Wu's team aims to extend their approach to 2D crystal samples, potentially bringing its practical application a step closer to reality.

More information: Jian Shi et al, Tunable photonic differentiator via Bloch surface waves, The European Physical Journal D (2024). DOI: 10.1140/epjd/s10053-024-00867-x Journal information: European Physical Journal D

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new study has shed light on the challenges of converting one type of specialized cell into another, a process critical for advances in regenerative medicine. Despite recent progress in the field, a key obstacle in maintaining the new identity of reprogrammed cells lies in their original DNA methylation patternscrucial markers that define cell identity.

The study, now published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Professors Yosef Buganim and Howard Cedar from Hebrew University and Professor Ben Stanger from Pennsylvania University.

Cellular reprogramming, often achieved through a process known as trans-differentiation, allows scientists to transform cells into different types, such as turning skin cells into heart cells. While these transformations initially appear successful, the newly reprogrammed cells frequently fail to maintain their new identity over time.

The result? Cells that behave only partially like the target cell type, limiting their use in long-term treatments or therapeutic applications.

To better understand this issue, the researchers developed a novel approach to analyze changes in DNA methylation during cell conversion. DNA methylation is a chemical process that helps regulate which genes are active in a cell, serving as a sort of cellular memory that locks in a cell's identity.

By studying various models of direct cell conversion in both lab-grown cells and animal tissues, the team discovered that, although the cells may begin to look and act like their new type, they retain their original DNA methylation patterns.

"Despite significant changes in gene expression, the reprogrammed cells are unable to fully erase their original developmental instructions. This limits their ability to fully embrace their new role," explained Professor Buganim.

The study suggests that the developmental constraints embedded in the regulatory regions of DNA prevent cells from resetting these patterns. As a result, reprogrammed cells fall short of becoming fully functional versions of their intended type.

"This discovery opens up new avenues in understanding the molecular barriers to complete cellular reprogramming," added Professor Cedar. "It also brings us one step closer to figuring out how to overcome these roadblocks, which could have significant implications for future medical applications, including tissue regeneration and disease modeling."

These findings mark an important step in the field of cellular reprogramming, offering crucial insights into how to achieve stable and functional cell transformations for future cell-based therapy.

More information: Ahmed Radwan et al, Transdifferentiation occurs without resetting development-specific DNA methylation, a key determinant of full-function cell identity, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2411352121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is trying his best to shake up the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war. He recently undertook a major cabinet reshuffle in which he replaced no fewer than nine ministers, including his foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba. Announcing the changes, Zelensky said he wanted his government to be "more active" in pressing for aid from its western allies.

These cabinet changes came as Ukraine pressed ahead with its offensive in the Kursk oblast in Russia. Zelensky has said that holding some Russian territory will give Kyiv leverage for future territorial exchange negotiations with Russia.

And, while criticism of Zelensky's gamble has increased as Ukraine's position in the Donbas in the east of the country has deteriorated, seeing Ukrainian soldiers turn the table on Russia has undeniably given Ukrainians a morale boost.

Ukrainians needed this. As the war has endured and its costs mounted, morale and public health have suffered.

We have tracked Ukrainian sentiment for years. In June and July 2024, in cooperation with the Kyiv International Institute for Sociology (KIIS), we conducted a telephone public opinion survey of 2,200 respondents representative of the adult population of government-controlled areas of Ukraine. This was to follow up on a survey from October 2022.

We should treat wartime polls with caution. But our survey findings suggest people are worried about war weariness among their fellow Ukrainians. It also suggests that there is growing, if reluctant, support for negotiations and territorial concessions.

Open to compromise

Attitudes among Ukrainians toward territorial concessions have also started to shiftbut only slightly. Most people have opposed giving up land since 2014, but KIIS's own regular omnibus survey provides evidence of growing recognition, now shared by one-third of Ukrainians, that territorial concessions may be necessary.

In JuneJuly 2024 we repeated a question we asked in October 2022 on territorial concessions, shown in the figure below. "All choices about what to do during this current Russian aggression have significant, but different, costs. Knowing this, which of the following four choices should the Ukraine government take at this time?"

The biggest change was this: in 2022, 71% of respondents supported the proposition to "continue opposing Russian aggression until all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, is liberated," but in 2024 the support for that option had dropped to 51%.

In 2022, just 11% agreed with "trying to reach an immediate ceasefire by both sides with conditions and starting intensive negotiations." In 2024, that share had increased to 31%.

But there are differences in how people look at these choices. Much depends on whether they have been displaced (though whether they lost family members or friends does not seem to make a difference), whether they worry about war fatigue among their fellow Ukrainians, and whether they are optimistic or pessimistic about western support.

There is more at stake in this war than territorynot least, saving lives, ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty, and protecting the country's future security. KIIS's own recent research has shown that in a hypothetical negotiation scenario, people's views on the importance of preserving territorial integrity might depend on how any possible deal might safeguard other things they care about.

For two and a half years, the brutal war has affected everyday lives of Ukrainians, and many (43%) believe that the war will last at least another year. Most of the respondents in our survey had not been physically injured in Russian violence (12% had), but about half had witnessed Russian violence, and most had lost a close family member or friend (62%). About one-third had been displaced from their homes.

Consistent with an increasing number of reports, the survey shows growing recognition of war fatigue. Rather than asking directly about whether respondents felt this themselves, we asked whether they worried about it among fellow Ukrainians. The results were revealing: 58% worry "a lot" and 28% worry "a little," whereas only 10% report that they do not worry about war fatigue.

While there are signs of war weariness among Ukraine's western allies, our surveys show that Ukrainians are still broadly optimistic about continued western support, though less so than in October 2022. About 19% believe western support will grow (down from 29% in 2022), while 35% believe it will stay the same (41% in 2022). Almost a quarter (24%) believe it will continue but at a lower level than now (up from 16% in 2022), and 13% believe it is unlikely to continue (up from 3% in 2022).

Life or death

Research from early on in the war showed that Ukrainians strongly preferred strategies that preserved the country's political autonomy and restored the entirety of its territory. This would hold, "even if making concessions would reduce projected civilian and military deaths, or the risk of a nuclear strike over the next three months."

As the authors of the study pointed out: "Russian control of the government in Kyiv or of territories in the east would put the lives of many Ukrainians at risk, as it is well documented that Russia has committed widespread human rights violations in temporarily occupied territories."

Given the war's accumulating death toll, in our 2024 survey we designed a simple framing experiment that can give us an indication of whether considerations about loss of life may shape people's views on negotiations. We asked half of the respondents, randomly selected, if they would accept that "Ukraine concede some of its territories to end the war." About 24% said yes.

For the other half, we asked if they would accept that "Ukraine concede some of its territories to save lives and end the war." In that case, 34% said yes. So, ifrightly or wronglyterritorial concessions are associated with saving lives, it increases support for them.

But when asked directly in the 2024 survey if they agreed with the statement "Russia should be allowed to control the territory it has occupied since 2022," 90% disagreed. So while there is still majorityif diminishedsupport for fighting to restore full territorial integrity, there is growing support for negotiations.

What we also know from our surveys is that there is very little evidence that Russia's territorial annexations will ever have any legitimacy among Ukrainians.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net.

Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023.
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:

Mass graves detected and mapped in Kosovo. Credit: MaGPIE

"These newly reported discoveries [of mass graves] confirm our darkest fears. The people of Ukraine and the world deserve to know how exactly those buried in the forest near Izium have died," said Amnesty International

Mass graves were reported in Ukraine soon after Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022, and were promptly probed by investigators and forensic experts as likely crime scenes.

Soon after the war began, we started to collate information on potential mass grave sites, hoping to get a better understanding of the practicalities of documenting the location of mass graves in real time using open-source information, and to stress test tools that we had developed to support mapping.

It was exacting work: the internet was flooded with reports from many different sources, from potential victims and witnesses to journalists and analysts. The volume of material available to us was enormous, and within it, we needed to work out which reports were reliable, where there might be inaccuraciesinnocent or deliberateand how we should record the location of a verified mass grave.

We were working within an ongoing and rapidly changing situation: in a short space of time, a site would go from being located, reported to the police, formally investigated, excavated and the bodies located in it identified.

Our mapping therefore had to be done at pace to fully verify the open-source reports that we relied on before the situation changed.

The intensity of the work in Ukraine was also a strong reminder to us of the need to protect ourselves and our team from the constant exposure to graphic reports and imagery. As Diego Nunez, a data researcher for the Mass Grave Protection, Investigation and Engagement (MaGPIE) project that we run, told us:

"Even if you might be familiar with graphic or explicit content, it is hard not to feel small and powerless in front of the evidence of human rights violations of any kind. From pictures of the mass graves with fresh or skeletonized remains to the testimonies of survivors, each grave seems to tell a story of horror which might be difficult to forget. "

It was noticeable how little information was coming out of eastern Ukraine and Russian-controlled regions. For us, this meant an increased risk of an incomplete or skewed map with the potential for it to feed into a political narrative of denial. It was only when Russian troops left certain territories that more information emerged.

But while the inaccessibility or unreliability of information about mass grave sites during an armed conflict presents challenges for us as researchers, it is a source of excruciating anguish for those looking for their loved ones.

That is why we have made it our mission to produce the world's first global open-source mass graves map. Such a map is important because physical memorialization of mass grave sites may be difficult where political and ethnic tensions continue to run high or perpetrators remain in positions of power. The digital recording of sitesespecially in an open-source formatmay serve as a form of memorialization, providing some form of justice for victims' families, ensuring that the death of their loved one is recorded and remembered, and helping to counter revisionism and state denial.

In addition to our ongoing work with the map, we have extensively researched mass grave materials and victim accounts from across the world and have produced a protocol of international standards on how mass grave protection and investigation should be approached.

Millions missing

Mass graves are sites of unimaginable human loss and suffering, and they exist on a shocking scale. According to a report by the UN Special Rapporteur in 2020), "there is not one region in the world, not one historical period, that has not seen mass graves."

They are present on every inhabited continent and the number of victims they are believed to contain is staggering. In Iraq alone, up to 1 million people are missing and are potentially in mass graves following decades of conflict and human rights violations, from the pre-Saddam Hussein era to the Yazidis killed at the hands of the Islamic State.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 7,600 people are still missing following the conflict there. They include over 1,000 victims of the Srebrenica genocide.

And in Cambodia more than 20,000 mass burials at 288 burial sites from the Khmer Rouge era have been found so far, containing the remains of an estimated 1.3 million people.

The ethnographer Adam Rosenblatt has called mass graves, "an underground map of atrocity that stretches across the planet's surface."

And for every body hidden in a mass grave, there is a family that is in anguish. The need to know where their loved one is, what happened to them, and to have their remains returned so that they can be mourned with dignity can be overwhelming and enduring.

Crime scene investigation

But mass graves are more than sites of human despair and sufferingthey are also crime scenes, containing evidence that is essential for building a case against perpetrators so that families can achieve some element of justice. Despite this, however, until relatively recently there have been no common, international standards to guide practitioners on the best ways to protect and investigate such sites.

We have been able to fill this gap with the Bournemouth Protocol on Mass Grave Protection and Investigation.

We were fortunate enough to be joined by a group of world-leading experts who worked on mass graves in many different capacities, including representatives from the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), the International Committee for the Red Cross and the International Criminal Court. Between them, our collaborators had worked as lawyers, judges, investigators and forensic practitioners in every major mass grave context imaginable, and on every continent.

The protocol follows the chronological stages of mass grave investigation, from the initial discovery of a site to the achievement of justice and commemoration. It is now being used by the ICMP and is available in 15 languages, most recently Ukrainian.

Zahra and Wadad's quest for answers

To highlight the impact that this trauma can have, we searched for and compiled the real-life experiences of families of the missing from all over the world for our animated film Resolution.

Our hope for the animation is that any family who finds themselves in the same horrific situation anywhere in the world would be able to recognize their own experiences in it. The six-minute film is told from the perspective of those who are left behind, and focuses on three key characters.

The first two are Zahra and Wadadthey are not real, but their experiences are. They are composite characters, grounded in research that includes published victim narratives and testimony from many different countries that have seen atrocities, including Bosnia, Iraq, Lebanon, Rwanda, Syria and Guatemala. Our research also involved direct engagement with victims' organizations and expert practitioners with experience of working with the families of the missing.

Our decision to use composite characters for the film was based on our need to ensure the anonymity and safety of survivors, particularly in situations where the perpetrators of atrocities were still in positions of power. It also allowed us to represent the experiences of as many people and contexts as possible.

Zahra's son was found in a mass grave ten years after he was taken by armed forces from their rural home. Together with hundreds of others who were targeted because of their ethnicity, he was transported to a holding site, tortured and executed.

His body was found in a mass grave that contained the remains of over 200 others. He was identified initially by his distinctive clothinga hat that Zahra had knitted for himand later by DNA evidence.

Zahra's search for him had been a long and arduous one. Like many others who were also searching for missing family members, she reported him missing, provided a description and a DNA reference sample. She asked neighbors, survivors and witnesses if they had any idea what had happened to him and where he might be.

She plastered his image on any available public spaceand she waited. And despite the almost daily discovery by international investigators of mass graves in the surrounding area, knowing in her heart of hearts that he must almost certainly be dead, the absence of a body meant that there was always the tiniest shred of hope that somewhere he might be alive and come back to her.

She lived in this agonizing state of limbo for more than a decade, unable to mourn her son and to move on with her own life until he had been found. The return of his body to her was devastating, but it also meant that she was able to bury him with the care and dignity that had been denied him in his final days and in his death.

Sadly, Zahra's experiences are not unique.

Wadad was at home with her husband and two small children, celebrating her husband's birthday, when the soldiers arrived at their door.

They beat her husband before taking him away and raped Wadad while her terrified children cowered outside her bedroom door.

Wadad never saw her husband alive again. Like Zahra, Wadad's quest to find out what had happened to him was a long one. Her children grew into adults as their struggle continued. As political oppression in her country mounted, so did the number of disappearances, and families of the missing swelled the ranks of protesters who were calling for answers.

In the end, the answer did not come from the government but from a survivor who had been imprisoned with Wadad's husband. He had been executed. Wadad still doesn't know where his body is.

The experiences of Zahra and Wadad are shared by families all around the world who are searching for their loved ones. The majority of victims in mass graves are men and boys, meaning that many of those who are looking for the bodies of their dead are women. In the immediate aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, for example, 70% of the country's population was female. In Bosnia, too, the vast majority of the missing are men (86.98%), most of whom were aged between 21 and 60 at the time they disappeared (70.58%).

Like Wadad, women were often victims of human rights violations, including rape and other forms of sexual violence. This means they have to deal with their own trauma and at the same time navigate the ordeal of investigating what happened to their loved one.

In Rwanda alone, between 250,000 and 500,000 women were raped during the genocide. Many of them suffer social isolation and rejection as a result, struggle with ongoing illness including HIV infection, and must try to make a living as a sole breadwinner for their families, including for any children born as a result of rape.

In our film, the body of Zahra's son is found and returned to her so that she can bury and mourn him. The same cannot be said, however, for Wadad, reflecting the sad truth of mass grave investigation: for most people who are looking for their loved ones, their remains will never be found. Mass grave siteseven when knownwill never be excavated, and in other cases remains have been destroyed.

'They made him disappear completely'

Armando Amaro Condor, for example, was a student at Peru's Universidad Nacional de Educacion Enrique Guzman y Valle who went missing in July 1992.

He was among nine students and one professor who were disappeared and later extrajudicially executed by Peruvian military forces. His sister, Carmen Rosa Amaro-Condor summed up her feelings in her evidence to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights when she said:

"They made him disappear completely; they burned his body with lime, with gasoline, that shows their complete inhumanity."

Mass grave exhumation is time consuming and expensive, and for countries that lack sufficient resources or expertise, may simply never happen.

In Iraq, for instance, it is estimated, based on the current rate of progress, that to exhume and investigate all currently known mass graves would take 800 years.

But efforts to search for, exhume and identify the dead and prosecute those responsible also requires political will, which is likely to be lacking where those responsible remain in positions of power.

In Guatemala, there is still no specialist public body with a mandate to search for the reported 45,000 people who have been missing since the 36-year conflict ended in 1996. Instead, families have faced official denial and obstruction, aided by an attorney general who remains loyal to former military leaders and political figures directly implicated in the many massacres that took place there. Families must rely instead on civil society organizations to conduct exhumation and identification efforts.

Where the existence of mass graves runs counter to political or nationalistic goals, sites become inconvenient reminders of a truth and a history that leaders are seeking to either rewrite or erase.

For example, nationalism and ethnic tensions are running dangerously high in Bosnia's Republika Srpska where President Milorad Dodika genocide denierhas promised his supporters secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Authorities within the Republika Srpska are actively engaged in revisionism efforts, and since 2016, at the behest of the minister of education and culture, children attending schools in the Republika Srpska have not been taught about the Siege of Sarajevo or the Srebrenica genocide.

Memorialization has become a highly partisan issue, as murals in the city of Foca have appeared celebrating Ratko Mladic and Milorad Pelemis, the commander of the 10th Sabotage Detachment of the Bosnian Serb Armythe unit responsible for the killing of over 1,000 Bosniaks at Branjevo Farm in July 1995.

By contrast, of the 42 largest mass graves discovered in the country to date, just 12 of the excavated sites bear any kind of memorial plaque or are otherwise marked. Instead, many have been built over or used as rubbish dumps.

Within this highly tense and partisan context, witnesses to crimes are fearful of reporting mass grave locations. Amor Masovic, chairman of the board of directors of the Missing Persons Institute in Bosnia, said that information about hidden graves is still being stored in people's heads, but witnesses who were involved in crimes aren't willing to share their knowledge, partly because of the political climate, adding:

"Messages from political leaders go against that, saying those who offer information will become traitors to their people, while those who should be criminally prosecuted for taking people away and forcibly making them disappear are heroes to these politicians."

Wissam is the third character in our film (they are gender-neutral so that the widest possible spread of survivors can recognize themselves in the film).

They are a student in a city in sub-Saharan Africa, where they blog about the political situation. Wissam is chatting with their partner online when they witness armed men break into their partner's flat and begin to beat him, before dragging him away, out of sight of the screen.

Wissam uses their online presence to raise awareness of the disappearance, launching a campaign that attracts others from their own country and beyond. There are riots as protests against government oppression grow, but Wissam never learns their partner's fate or whereabouts. They remain in limbo.

For those who continue to searchand for whom there will never be a body or a trialwe need to find other ways to alleviate their anguish, to restore dignity in death and to bring families some peace, and perhaps some form of justice.

Digital mapping and concealed evidence

Online documentation and mapping is used in other human rights contexts as a way of recording fact, preserving evidence and raising awareness of human rights violations. It is an area that we have been exploring in our work to see how it might be applied to mass graves.

The digital recording and mapping of mass grave sites could also provide protection of the site and preserve its location in the event that the political situation changes and investigation becomes a possibility at some point in the future.

In Guatemala, for example, after decades of impunity and an absence of any will on the part of the state to search for and identify the missing, a new president has been elected on an anti-corruption platform, and the country is currently pursuing the criminal prosecution of a former army general, Lucas Garcia, who held office during one of the most violent and bloodiest periods of the conflict.

It offers families a glimmer of hope that justice will finally be done and loved ones foundbut time is running out. Garcia is 91 and his co-accused, Callejas y Callejas, has been declared unfit for trial. Witnesses and perpetrators are dying and memories are fading, along with hopes of locating mass graves and their victims.

But the issue of open-source mapping of mass graves is not a straightforward one. Mass grave sites are vulnerable to disturbance because perpetrators will often try to cover up their crimes. So publicly revealing the location of a site may actually alert them to the fact that their cover-ups have failed. The destruction of or interference with mass graves can then result in the loss or contamination of evidence.

It can also result in damage to the bodies that are buried there, including the separation and commingling of body parts. For those hoping for the identification and return of a family member, this can be both traumatic and catastrophic.

As the conflict in Bosnia was in its final throws, for example, several months after the Srebrenica genocide took place, the US secretary of state issued a statement indicating that US forces had identified the location of a number of mass graves from satellite imagery.

As Bosnian-Serb forces sensed defeat, a concerted and organized effort was made to conceal the evidence of mass graves: they were dug up using heavy machinery and bodies were moved in their hundreds to secondary, smaller sites. The process was brutal and indiscriminate. It meant that body parts became separated and mixed with others, with remains of single individuals being found in multiple different grave pits.

Public disclosure of the location of a mass grave site could also put witnesses and victims' families at risk of harm, especially where the possibility of criminal investigation exists within a country or those responsible still hold positions of power.

The first global map

While there is currently no system of global record keeping, mapping or monitoring of the number and location of mass graves or of the numbers of victims believed to be in them, there are a few mass grave mapping projects that have been conducted at a country level, including in both Bosnia and Cambodia, providing us with an insight into some of the challenges involved.

Our initial aim was to produce guidancea number of practical tools that would enable anyone involved in mapping mass graves to make decisions that were ethical and safeincluding when open-source publication should be avoided and how risks could be mitigated.

And our team of specialist researchers has now begun the long process of producing the first world-wide open-source map of mass graves, a process that we envisage will take another 2.5 years to complete.

We continue to encounter many challenges along the way, including how we verify the credibility of online reports and sources, as well as the availability and accessibility of reports themselves.

Cross-referencing materials to validate our sources is hugely time consumingwe are trying to compare the non-comparable. Where sites are unmarked or are situated in remote areas they are harder to identify, bringing with it the risk of under-representation in areas and the possibility that fewer recordings of graves might feed into a revisionist narrative, or deny families the justice and closure they are looking for.

The work is methodical and long. Nonetheless, as a snapshot of our current progress hopefully shows, we are working to ensure that overlooked and under-reported mass graves are captured.

The image above shows the different types of mass graves recorded in Kosovo. The barchart outlines the large numbers of sites recorded by the project so far.

What next?

The way that we search for, exhume and investigate mass graves has come a long way since the formation of forensic teams in south and Latin America in the wake of the military junta regimes of the 1970s and early 1980s. Since then a number of forensic teams have been founded in Guatemala, Peru and elsewhere to facilitate the exhumation and identification of the disappeared.

The international tribunals that were set up by the UN Security Council after the conflicts in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia went a step further, introducing multidisciplinary teams that operated on a large scale. The search for the missing has benefited from the application of technology such as satellite imagery and ground penetrating radar, while the development of DNA evidence has been instrumental in the reliable identification of victims.

These developments all inform today's efforts to find answers for victims' families in what feels like an increasingly volatile world.

And despite the ubiquity of mass graves across the globe and their significance for families and societies that are seeking to come to terms with their violent pasts, the full scale and nature of the mass grave phenomena is still not well understood. While many countries may legislate to search for the missing, punish those responsible and provide families with the answers they so desperately need, the extent to which those legal commitments are manifested in practice is variable.

Sometimes states may simply lack the capacity and expertise required to conduct credible forensic exhumations that have the potential to meet the needs of families who are often left without the answers they need while perpetrators go unpunished. In order to rectify this, we need a fuller understanding of how legal commitments are being interpreted and applied in practice.

In the meantime, for the families of the missing, the need to find their loved ones and to understand what happened to them does not fade with time, and neither does their commitment to pursue the truth.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Former President Donald Trumps recent suggestion that he backs the removal of a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions put in place by a 2017 tax bill he signed has candidates in the 7th Congressional District sparring over whats known as the SALT deduction.

In the 7th, the most closely watched House race in New Jersey, Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. faces a first-term challenge from progressive activist Sue Altman in the states second wealthiest congressional district  and one of the districts most impacted by the $10,000 cap. Trump said Tuesday on his Truth Social network that he would get SALT back and lower your taxes.

Kean charged Altmans past support of other tax policies shows she has been on the wrong side of lowering the cost of living and lessening the tax burden for hardworking New Jerseyans. He noted she backed growing state budgets in past years and a 2020 tax proposal that would have raised New Jerseys sales tax from 6.625% to 7% and created a new tax bracket for residents with more than $250,000 in annual income.

To NJ07, SALT means getting our full state and local tax deduction back. But to @suealtman and her radical allies, SALT stands for Sue Altman Loves Taxes, Kean said on X.

Altman, meanwhile, noted the cap exists only because of a Republican Congress and administration. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which imposed the cap, passed both chambers of Congress without a single yes vote from Democrats and was signed into law by Trump.

LaMonica McIver wins special House election in New Jersey Democratic Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver has defeated Republican small businessman Carmen Bucco in New Jerseys 10th Congressional District. The seat opened up after Democratic Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died in April.

@KeanForCongress has zero credibility on SALT when he still refuses to admit Trump and GOP leadership are responsible for the double-tax on NJ families while doing nothing to fix the problem. Must be hard to fight for NJ-07 without a backbone, Altman said on X.

Efforts to remove or ease the cap, which is due to expire at the end of 2025, have found support among lawmakers of both parties in high-tax states like New Jersey, New York, and California that are disproportionately affected by the limit.

By capping the state and local taxes residents can deduct when filing federal income taxes, the cap increases some residents tax base and thereby increases their tax burden.

Some rank-and-file progressives have opposed eliminating the SALT cap because doing so would disproportionately benefit wealthy residents and wealthy homeowners, in particular.

At $133,593, the 7th Districts median income is the second highest in the state, coming second only to the 11th District, where the median income is $134,648, according to census data.

This story first appeared on the New Jersey Monitor.
The judge overseeing the bribery trial of former AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza, accused of funneling payments to an ally of Michael Madigan to win the speakers support, has declared a mistrial in the case.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman announced his decision Thursday afternoon, a few hours after the jury had communicated to the court that they appeared to be deadlocked.

What happens if we feel we are at a stalemate and feel that it wont change? a note sent out by the jury early Thursday said. The judge had sent the panel back to do more work.

Gettleman Thursday afternoon said a follow-up note indicated the situation had not improved.

We believe there is no possibility of coming to a unanimous verdict, the next note read.

The judge then called the jury back into his courtroom, asking the foreperson whether they were sure of the deadlock.

How much can I say? she asked the judge. I am absolutely positive.

The judge told the jury he knows they tried hard and thanked them for their service, saying deadlocks are part of the system. We need a unanimous verdict and we dont always get it, he said before dismissing the jury from service.

Such a mistrial is declared once a judge determines a jury is hopelessly deadlocked and further deliberations will not lead to a unanimous decision. The government is allowed to retry the case if it wishes to do so.

Gettleman told the lawyers in the case to return to his courtroom Tuesday to discuss next steps. Any retrial would almost certainly take place after Madigan himself goes on trial beginning early next month.

The only earlier communication from the jury came Wednesday morning, when the panel sent the judge a note reading: The government indicates that for a bribe there only needs to be intent and no exchange. Is this consistent with the law?

This question seemed to hit at the heart of the case. Gettleman called the jury back out and reread several pages of the jury instructions dealing with the elements of the bribery counts, then urged them to read it again back in the jury room.

The instructions define bribery as a person giving or offering something of value to another person with the intent to influence or reward an agents of state government in exchange for an official act.

Gettleman told the lawyers he was not surprised by the confusion because the issue is complicated.

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.

The trial, which proceeded far quicker than the original three-week estimate, has offered an advance look at evidence that will be presented at Madigans own racketeering trial, which kicks off in less than three weeks.

According to prosecutors, La Schiazza schemed to pay retiring state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, a longtime Madigan acolyte, a total of $22,500 over nine months for doing little or no work for AT&T, even though he ostensibly was supposed to produce a report on the Latino caucuses in Springfield and Chicagos City Hall.

The arrangement, which was pushed by close Madigan confidant Michael McClain, came as AT&T was looking to pass the COLR bill, which stood to save the company hundreds of millions of dollars, according to trial testimony.

In closing arguments Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sushma Raju said the wheeling and dealing gave Acevedo a payday, La Schiazza a notch in his belt and AT&T the bill they had coveted for decades. But it left one constituency in the lurch.

It shorted the people of Illinois, who deserved a fair, transparent and honest legislative process, Raju said. What we got instead was a legislative process that was tainted by this defendant, who paid for the result he wanted. It was not lobbying  it was a crime and Paul La Schiazza knew it.

But the defense painted a far different picture, one of common and legal dealings between the corporate and political worlds, where companies routinely seek to curry favor with politicians in order to get them to consider their agenda.

The legislation AT&T wanted passed, known by the acronym COLR, took years of legitimate, tireless hard work, and not just by La Schiazza, defense attorney Tinos Diamantatos told the jury in his closing remarks.

It was a team effort by AT&T to get something done lawfully and appropriately as the law allows them to do, Diamantatos said. This was no bribe.  The government failed to meet its burden. It wasnt even close.

Echoing arguments in the ComEd Four trial last year that featured similar accusations of bribing Madigan, Diamantatos on Tuesday called La Schiazza collateral damage in the governments zeal to bring down the powerful speaker, and urged jurors to end the nightmare La Schiazza has been living since finding himself in the prosecutions crosshairs.

Madigan, 82, and McClain, 76, are scheduled to go on trial Oct. 8 on racketeering charges alleging Madigans vaunted state and political operations were run like a criminal enterprise while utility giants Commonwealth Edison and AT&T Illinois put his cronies on contracts requiring little or no work.
Emergency personnel survey the scene where dead and injured migrants were pulled from a commercial trailer on the Southwest Side on June 27, 2022. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer Homero Zamorano from an unrelated arrest in 2020 in Anderson County. Zamorano is awaiting trial on a charge of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants resulting in death Courtesy Anderson County People stop to pay their respects at a memorial for 53 migrants who perished during a smuggling attempt in a commercial trailer truck in 2022. Clergy from Posada Guadalupe conducted a service days later, where the scene along Quintana and Cassin Roads on the citys Southwest Side was adorned with wooden crosses, flowers and candles. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer

A truck driver charged in the deaths of 53 migrants left in a sweltering trailer in San Antonio in 2022 is blaming the government for the tragedy.

In a court-filed motion, Assistant Federal Public Defender Jose I. Gonzalez-Falla, a lawyer for truck driver Homero Zamorano Jr., cited outrageous government conduct in asking a judge to dismiss smuggling charges against his client or to suppress evidence against him.

Federal agents could have broken up the smuggling ring months earlier because they had information that included who was hiring truck drivers to transport loads of migrants inland from the Texas-Mexico border, the motion states.

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MORE COVERAGE: Seven Guatemalans charged in deaths of 53 migrants in San Antonio

This tragedy was easily preventable had the government simply acted on information it had in its possession for months leading up to the tragedy, Gonzalez-Falla wrote in the motion. This neglect was inexcusable and outrageous.

The public defenders argument that the governments actions were so egregious that they violated a defendants due process rights has been used in other cases.

Federal prosecutors and the agency that investigates immigrant smuggling, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, have not answered the motion. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Betsy Chestney has instructed them to respond to the allegations by the end of September. Spokespersons for the agencies said they plan to do so in court.

Zamorano is accused of driving a tractor-trailer containing 66 migrants from Laredo to San Antonio on June 27, 2022. Border Patrol agents waved it through a checkpoint on Interstate 35 without looking inside, federal officials have confirmed.

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The trailers cooling system was not working, and when the rig arrived in Southwest San Antonio later that afternoon, scores of migrants were dead or dying from the heat. Some were hospitalized but the death toll eventually reached 53 in what officials have called the deadliest human smuggling attempt in the nations history. The driver didn't stick around to help, but abandoned the truck and ran.

A co-defendant, a portly middleman named Christian Martinez, or Gordo, was later accused of recruiting Zamorano as part of a larger conspiracy, court records show. Both were charged with conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants resulting in death or serious bodily injury, in a case that has since grown to include several other defendants, including an alleged ringleader arrested in Guatemala.

Martinez has since pleaded guilty to smuggling charges for his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. Zamorano is awaiting trial.

On April 29, 2022, a few months before the disastrous smuggling attempt, Border Patrol agents at the checkpoint north of Laredo found 98 migrants in another tractor-trailer whose cooling system was not working, Zamoranos lawyer noted in his motion. The driver cooperated immediately, according to the motion, telling investigators a man called Gordo hired him to drive the immigrants and giving them two phone numbers for him.

Gonzalez-Fallas motion said a law enforcement database linked Martinez to one of the phone numbers. Early the next morning, April 30, 2022, the driver positively identified Martinez from a photo array as Gordo.

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The motion also argues that, other leads  though less direct  were available to investigators and could have helped them stop the smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths.

For example, on March 30, 2022, a truck driver was arrested at the I-35 checkpoint with 107 migrants concealed in his trailer. Its refrigeration unit had failed, and when the trailer doors were opened, the temperature inside was recorded at 98 degrees, the motion said.

Martinez later said during his post-arrest interrogation on June 29, 2022, that he also had hired the driver for the March 30, 2022, smuggling attempt.

Had the government searched that drivers phone, Zamoranos lawyer argues, its contents would have shown Martinezs role. The driver later confirmed for investigators that Martinez hired him.

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Although authorities knew that Martinez was hiring drivers to haul migrants in tractor trailer rigs, they did nothing to arrest him, Gonzalez-Falla wrote. Their failure to act allowed the conspiracy to continue. It allowed Martinez to employ Zamorano. This in turn allowed the migrants to perish in the tractor trailer that Zamorano drove for Martinez.

Additionally, the motion notes, the semi driven by Zamorano was registered to an address in San Antonio. Records checks showed that eight out of 11 semis, and five out of six trailers, registered to the same address were interdicted in human smuggling incidents involving migrants travelling inside trailers, the motion said.

It appears that the government simply arrested and prosecuted each low-level driver of trucks apparently connected to Martinez and left the ring to continue operating, Gonzalez-Falla contends.

The government was obligated to act on information it possessed to disrupt the life-threatening transportation of migrants through the Laredo checkpoint in tractor trailers, the defense lawyers motion states. There can be no excuse for doing nothing. The loss of 53 lives at the hands of this alien smuggling conspiracy was foreseeable and preventable.
Rapid City Area Schools has launched a pilot program aimed at helping students who may not be fully prepared for kindergarten.

The Junior Kindergarten initiative, introduced this year at Valley View, South Park and General Beadle Elementary schools, is designed to provide children with an extra year to develop their academic and behavioral skills before entering kindergarten.

The program is intended for students who meet the districts age requirement for kindergarten but may not yet be ready for the demands of the traditional curriculum. According to Jennifer Strong, RCAS Director of Federal Programs, Junior Kindergarten is an opportunity to give students a more solid foundation, reducing the likelihood of retention later in their school years.

"Junior Kindergarten allows learners to experience more academic success, and it reduces the potential of future retention by giving them a more solid foundation prior to entering kindergarten," said Strong.

Eligible students were identified through assessments conducted by each schools kindergarten team during the first few days of the school year. The team evaluated each childs readiness and discussed Junior Kindergarten placement with families. Participation is voluntary, and families who declined the opportunity allowed other students to be considered for the program. The goal is for the students to enter kindergarten next year with their peers, having gained the skills and confidence needed for success.

Junior Kindergarten follows pre-kindergarten versions of the RCAS-approved kindergarten curriculum, aligned with South Dakotas Early Childhood Guidelines. While the district did not need to hire additional teachers for the program this year, approximately $20,000 has been spent on curriculum materials. Staffing adjustments may be necessary in the future, depending on how many students are enrolled in the program and kindergarten in the coming years. Strong explained that fluctuations in enrollment could impact staffing needs, but additional full-time teachers are not expected to be needed for several years.

Despite the quick turnaround in launching the program, Strong said that early indicators show promise. Students are adjusting to the school schedule, learning new academic skills, and meeting behavioral expectations. While challenges were anticipated with the new initiative, the district said it is optimistic about the program's long-term impact.

Were excited to proactively support them, Strong said. Rather than wait and see if a child needs to be retained after starting kindergarten, were addressing readiness now, and thats something we believe will help these students throughout their school careers.

As the pilot progresses, the district will monitor its effectiveness and determine whether to continue or expand Junior Kindergarten in the future.
Native Americans were given the right to vote in 1924 following the Indian Citizenship Act. One-hundred years later, Native voters still face barriers when attempting to vote.

A new Lakota-led initiative, the He Sapa Voters Project, is working to make a change.

I dont think my ancestors would want me to be quiet. Im urging everyone to talk to your relatives and families, to get out the Native vote, said Marlene Poor Bear, Oglala Lakota, in a Sept. 17 press release.

This fall, the He Sapa Voter Project plans to bring voter registration opportunities to several urban and rural communities across the state.

COUP, or Communities Organizing for Unified Power, is a Rapid City-based nonprofit organization led by Lakota women. In 2019, COUP created the He Sapa Voters Project before the highly anticipated 2020 election.

Were (He Sapa Voters) a nonpartisan group, said Natalie Stites Means, Cheyenne River Lakota and COUP executive director. Were solely interested in getting more Native Americans registered to vote. We feel like Native Americans are the future of South Dakota, were the majority-minority, and its been demonstrated that our voter rights are suppressed or definitely inhibited by conditions that were facing here.

In 2022, a federal judge ruled that South Dakota, specifically the states driver's license agency, had committed numerous violations of the National Voter Registration Act. One of the violations came from a failure to provide voter registration at licensing agencies in Indian Country and rural areas.

Following an investigation from the Justice Department, officials in Bennett County, part of the Pine Ridge Reservation, must now offer a satellite polling station in Allen, after findings indicated the county failed to make registration and early voting opportunities equally open to Native voters.

In rural areas, Indigenous voters face challenges not only in registering to vote but in getting to a polling station. Public transportation on reservations is severely limited and many places havent historically offered satellite polling stations.

As of now, the group plans to hold events in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, as well as on the Cheyenne River, Standing Rock, Crow Creek, Lower Brule and Pine Ridge reservations before the voter registration deadline on Oct. 21.

The group will also be tabling at locations around Rapid City, such as the Oglala Lakota College He Sapa Center and the upcoming Black Hills Powwow Oct. 11 through 13.

On Sept. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m., the group will host a voter education bingo event at COUP headquarters, 103-A New York Ave. in Rapid City.
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.




Kathmandu, Nepal, August 19, 2024: Constitution Day- 2081 is being celebrated with greatest enthusiasm and various programs across the country today.





Constitution Day Main Ceremony Committee formed to mark the Day under the chairmanship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli organized a special function at the military parade ground in Tundikhel on Thursday morning.





On this occasion, the chairman of the Constitution Day Main Ceremony Committee and Prime Minister Oli, President Ram Chandra Paudel other dignitaries attend in the function.




State senator presents beach and coral reef protection program for Quintana Roo

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A state senator has presented a motion for the creation of a coastal recovery and protection program for beaches. The motion presented is in coordination with state and municipal governments to implement urgent actions for the recovery of beaches and coral reefs.

Quintana Roo Senator Eugenio Segura presented the motion Wednesday to urge various government institutions to take concrete actions in relation to climate change. These actions, he said, are to prevent the continued loss of beaches in Mexico on which millions of tourism-related jobs depend.

In Quintana Roo, one of the main attractions is the beaches, representing the largest concentration of tourism in the country. In our state, tourism contributes 8.7 percent of the national GDP and generates around 450,000 direct jobs and more than 1.2 million indirect jobs.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya have some of the highest hotel occupancy levels in the country, exceeding 80 percent for most of the year, he said.

Segura highlighted that in Quintana Roo, Governor Mara Lezama has made great efforts to have 25 beaches Blue Flag certified. She has also created a Comprehensive Sargassum Management Plan that has allowed more than 44,500 tons of sargassum in 3 million square meters of beach to be collected with the support of the Navy and the municipalities.

He stressed that it is urgent for Mexico to have a Comprehensive Coastal Recovery and Protection Program to mitigate the impacts of climate change and coastal erosion, guaranteeing the environmental and economic sustainability of our communities.

Segura says the state also requires the creation of a National Program for the Recovery and Conservation of Coral Reefs, something that is considered essential to protect the coasts against natural phenomena.

Quintana Roo Senator Eugenio Segura

It is essential to have these federal programs that are specifically dedicated to dealing with the impact of climate change. Therefore, I propose an appeal to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) to, in coordination with state and municipal governments with coastlines, implement urgent actions for the recovery and conservation of our beaches, he explained.
Uber drivers protest over continued Cancun airport harassment

Cancun, Q.R.  Cancun Uber drivers met with authorities Wednesday after a roadway protest. The group of rideshare drivers walked with banners alleging corruption and unfair practices by National Guard personnel.

The protest came after weeks of Uber vehicles being towed from the Cancun International Airport by National Guard.

On Wednesday evening, a group of around 30 drivers met at Malecon Tajamar where they began their walk toward the airport. With one lane blocked, drivers held banners saying Uber is legal, Airport without Corruption and Enough Harassment.

Their protest, which began around 5:00 p.m., ended with a discussion that included National Guard, the Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) and the Southeast Airport Group (Asur). The outcome of that discussion has not been made public.

On Wednesday, Uber drivers voiced concerns over the increased attacks against drivers and the alleged abuse of authority by the National Guard who have jurisdiction over the federal airport.

Agueda Soto Esperilla, an Uber spokesperson, said they are alarmed by the complicity of the National Guard in the attacks and fines not issued under the appropriate protocols.

Uber drivers protested ongoing harassment. Photo: September 18, 2024.

The most serious thing is that they are ignoring the safety of tourists which directly affects them, she said.

According to Soto Esperilla, the National Guard stops between three and four Uber vehicles a day, imposing fines of up to 54,000 pesos.

Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia, the Director of the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo), said that Uber has protection but not the drivers. Soto Esperilla described these comments as nonsensical.
The first presidents last official words to his countrymen bear repeated reading in an age when principle has come to mean so little.

Does character in public life still matter? President Biden reflected on this question as he gazed at portraits of Americas great presidents while announcing his decision to withdraw his candidacy from the 2024 presidential race.

Unfortunately, aside from a few vague nods like Americans being a good people, the question went largely unanswered, with Biden quickly transitioning to a stump speech for saving our democracy by advancing his partys agenda and endorsing the vice president as his replacement. Like his opponent, who recently showed courage under fire, it was a glimmer of presidential character, but only that. It seems neither party nor its candidates offer a coherent vision for personal character or civic virtue.

But two questions still need answering. Does character still matter? And if so, what does it look like?

Perhaps the most authoritative single source for answers is the first presidents parting speech. Now is a good time to uplift the greatness of presidential character by remembering the virtues lauded by Americas first indispensable man.

George Washingtons legacy includes winning the War for American Independence, overseeing the creation of the U.S. Constitution, serving as the first president, and voluntarily giving up power twice. He announced this second decision, now known as his Farewell Address, in a letter published September 19, 1796, in Claypooles American Daily Advertisers The address set the standard for subsequent orations by parting presidents and showcased the public service and personal sacrifices of a man who had dedicated his life to safeguarding the new republic.

Washingtons final advice to his countrymen is saturated with references to the virtues necessary for a republic. Unlike the ever-changing, vapid moralism of the internet age, the virtues Washington exemplified and recommended to his countrymen were historic, spanning the classical, Christian, and commercial ages. That these three eras highest ideals had informed Washingtons career becomes evident in his address, and a tour through it is a breath of fresh air in this noxious political season.

An Anglican by birth and temperament, Washington had been steeped in Christian literature and liturgy, to which he added classical sources. Washington found the republican statesmen whom Plutarch uplifted particularly inspiring. He appreciated the commercial virtues no less. In the military, he learned the importance of logistics and material provision. As president, he was surrounded by advisers who understood the importance of a robust economy with strong commercial institutions. Alexander Hamilton, a man well-versed in the works of economists like Adam Smith, was Washingtons friend and closest adviser and helped him draft the address.

From the onset of the address, Washington portrays the presidency in moral, not realpolitik, terms. He describes the president as being clothed with that important trust to execute the laws of the land faithfully. He acknowledges his own fallible judgment and expresses a debt of gratitude to the country he had the privilege of serving.

Washington makes several refences to propriety, duty, and patriotism. These words encapsulate the classical virtue of piety, which the ancients understood as the loyalty, honesty, and integrity that flows from an individuals fulfillment of obligations to the divine, the family, and the community. As the commander who led the armies of the fledgling nation in the War for Independence and then as the statesman who shored up the nascent constitutional order, Washington repeatedly sacrificed his own comfort, safety, and security.

Washington was only able to navigate these tumultuous waters because of another classical virtue he mentions: prudence, or wisdom, which means knowledge of the highest goods and the ability to reason, make good judgments, and orient ones life around these goods. At the end of his second term, the prudent Washington recognized his advancing age and the need for the republic to experience a peaceful transition of power. He trusts that the free constitution which is the work of your hands may be sacredly maintained because it is stamped with wisdom and virtue.

Washington followed his classical role models moderation, a virtue describing the self-discipline that regulates the emotions and prevents statesmen from indulging the excesses of human passion. And in embodying his countrys constitutional values, he also exhibited great-souledness, understood in classical texts as the capacity to exemplify excellence and moral leadership under pressure with a beneficent ease devoid of vanity or selfishness. These virtues helped Washington navigate the squabbling subcommanders and unreliable Congress during the War for Independence, as well as the pitfalls of setting up a new countryincluding moderating the opposing political views and factions within his own cabinet.

Washingtons nonsectarian Christianity also pervades his Farewell Address. He exhibits the virtue of hope when he invokes and trusts in the protection of Heaven, one of his terms for the Christian God he believed had created and ordered the natural world. The constitutional principles that animate the country are sacred because they conform with divine law and are safeguarded by the Creator of the cosmos.

Washingtons language in these instances is covenantal, and this national mindsetthe same religion, manners, habits, and political principles he speaks ofwill bind American citizens together in ways that race, blood, or geographical origin never could. Americas sacred, political covenant is the countrys only defense against the factionalism that threatens to tear it apart, which Washington characterizes as originating in the fallenness of human nature. He explains how history has demonstrated that the best way to counter mans fallen nature is through the distribution of sovereignty and republican checks and balances.

From the republics earliest days, Washington feared how party spirit could coopt and corrupt the legal system. Washington warns against the divisiveness seen in todays candidatesexhorting Americans to frown upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest. Instead, he stressed the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness.

This is also the essence of the commercial mindset: that individual virtues and happiness are symbiotic with those of the nation, protecting and encouraging one another. Self-interest must not undermine the foundations of unity, the political fortress of all, yet the national government must restrain itself, allowing citizens to pursue their individual happiness while also fending off internal and external enemies.

Rather than pursuing personal or national glory in foreign wars, Washington recommended temperance and impartial commercial relations. Americans should avoid undue preferential or antagonistic relationships with other countries or even with countrymen of different political persuasions. Impartiality in law, in international affairs, and in political deliberation preserves free republican government. Commercial relations were the sinews of this new republictying the north to the south and the east to the west. The unity and mutual benefit of trade between different regions of the country meant greater strength, greater resource, [and] proportionably greater security from external danger.

So how can Americas political covenant hold together against the temptations of factionalism? Washington returns to Christianity: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, he exhorts, religion and morality are indispensable supports. Statesmen and patriots cannot hope to maintain the United States without religious obligation and religious principle. How can we conceive of honesty, honor, or justice without the presence of an honest, honorable, and just God behind our aspirations, Washington rhetorically asks midway through his address.

That Washington found no dissonance between the Christian and the commercial virtues is made clear with his natural transition at this point to the other props for liberty and popular government, such as an enlightened education and a strong economy. He had commanded the army and governed the United States with the commercial virtues of thrift, diligence, honesty, and integrity.

He stresses that public and private conduct should be honest, something modern presidential candidates routinely ignore. Washington also recommended thrift in public affairs by avoiding likewise the accumulations of debt and not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. Public debt is something to cherish yet use sparingly. Americans should cultivate generosity and personal responsibility rather than blame-shifting and passing financial burdens on to our children.

Washington also advised integrity on a national scale. The United States should cultivate peace and harmony with all, avoiding foreign alliances that prohibit free trade or compromise objectivity. Americans should be magnanimous. . . a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Alliances divert resources from the industry and innovation that American citizens can dedicate to their own prosperity, a prosperity shared with the world through commerce. Americans should leave foreign powers to their own particular interests and undertake those shifting commercial ties that yield greater benefits to all. Pursuing this economic philosophy of harmony [and] liberal intercourse with all nations will make America the greatest nation.

Here the influence of Hamilton, the economic genius behind the Federalist Papers, is keenly sensed. As Samuel Gregg notes:

[Hamiltons] Federalist 8 hints at a strong parallel between the republican virtues promoted by the Constitution and those of commerce: a self-governing discipline of enterprise consisting of character traits such as industry, innovation, economy, self-restraint, honesty, prudence, and so on. The habits which made for commercial success would thus reinforce republican virtues against those habits which threaten republican practiceindolence, hubris, venality, and absence of restraint.

Washington concludes his address with a touching humility. He professes that he took up the presidency only to give the Constitution time to settle and mature. This has been accomplished despite his own limitations and defects (no doubt his inability to better combat slavery was on his mind). Washington understood that humans are imperfect creatures with a tendency to wrong one another. Yet he has confidence in the Christian virtue of forgiveness, which is the ability not only to look past wrongdoing but also to restore a damaged relationship or community.

Washington endured personal sufferings, saw good men die for their country, and experienced the pain of severed friendships over political disagreements. His repeated warnings against factionalism also indicate his inability to keep broader factions at bay. Yet he is still confident of Americas future because he is imbued with hope that the United States would become a great commercial republic tempered by the ancient virtues.

This recognition of his own fallibility transitions to an expression of faith in God, whom he prays will not allow his errors to lead his country astray. Washingtons virtue of faith eschews a nihilism or materialism that says there is only earthly power; he instead looks toward the justice and order of the heavens. He believes his republic will continue to find its way as he himself looks forward to Gods perfect kingdom, which the aged statesman describes as the mansions of rest now on his horizon.

Washington had opened his Farewell Address to his friends and fellow-citizens and offered his advice as a parting friend. His conclusion returns to friendship and the virtue of love that inspires it. Washington reflects nostalgically on the forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal. He has offered advice as an old and affectionate friend to those who have shared mutual cares, labors, and dangers.

As had already become celebrated in Washingtons lifetime, this zeal drove him to great acts of courage from the moment he took the field against the French in the 1750s. He repeatedly came under fire and always maintained his composure, one time saving a doomed expedition from annihilation after his commanding officer was killed. Motivated by the bravado of a young man in these early fights, his motives changed as he grew into a statesman, first in Virginia and then for the United States.

Washington learned to respect the people that made his new country, and especially while sacrificing alongside them in the grueling eight years of the War for Independence. He loves his country, which encapsulates both the native soil of Virginia that his family has toiled in for generations and the country that he has served. He will spend his final peaceful days amid fellow citizens whom he loves while enjoying the rewards that flow from good laws under a free government.

We are unlikely to find statesmen of Washingtons once-in-a-century stature today. Nonetheless, we should expect candidates and citizens to follow his advice and his example of these classical, Christian, and commercial virtues. In fact, if we want a free country worth protecting, we should not settle for anything less.
Former San Antonio Police Department officer Alexander Garza (left) and his lawyer Robert Leonard participate in an arbitration hearing on Wednesday. Garza was fired for fabricating a report to avoid working late to answer a domestic disturbance report. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer Former San Antonio Police Department officer Alexander Garza (left) is sworn in as a witness by legal hearing examiner Dr. William McKee during an arbitration hearing on Wednesday. Garza was fired for fabricating a motorist in distress call to avoid working late to answer a domestic disturbance report. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer Donna McElroy, an attorney for the City of San Antonio, questions former San Antonio Police Department officer Alexander Garza during an arbitration hearing on Wednesday. Garza was fired for fabricating a motorist in distress call in order to avoid responding to a domestic disturbance report, which would have resulted in working late. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer CLEAT legal council Robert Leonard participates in an arbitration hearing on Wednesday. Garza, who is represented by the CLEAT law enforcement union legal team, was fired for fabricating a motorist in distress call in order to avoid responding to a domestic disturbance report and working late. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer Former San Antonio Police Department officer Alexander Garza (left) participates in an arbitration hearing on Wednesday. Garza, who is represented by the CLEAT law enforcement union legal team, was fired for fabricating a motorist in distress call in order to avoid responding to a domestic disturbance report and thus avoiding working late. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer Former San Antonio Police Department officer Alexander Garza (left) and his lawyer Robert Leonard participates in an arbitration hearing on Wednesday. Garza, who is represented by the CLEAT law enforcement union legal team, was fired for fabricating a motorist in distress call in order to avoid responding to a domestic disturbance report and working late. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer CLEAT legal council Robert Leonard participates in an arbitration hearing on Wednesday. Garza, who is represented by the CLEAT law enforcement union legal team, was fired for fabricating a motorist in distress call in order to avoid responding to a domestic disturbance report and thus avoiding working late. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer

One of two San Antonio Police Department officers who were fired after being accused of fabricating an incident in 2021 to avoid working past their shift is fighting to get his job back.

Officer Alexander Garza was riding in a two-man unit on Oct. 8, 2021 with officer Hector Ybarra when they diverted to a fake incident about a "stranded motorist" after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance, SAPD officials say.

Officials said the officers generated the fake incident report to avoid working longer than their scheduled shift. The actions delayed police response to the domestic disturbance.

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Garza was given an indefinite suspension by SAPD, which is the equivalent to a firing. He's appealing to be reinstated and receive full back pay and benefits.

During an arbitration hearing that began Tuesday, witness testimony established that the officers ran a license plate that they used on the stranded motorist report. The owner of the vehicle later told police they were never stranded.

There was no vehicle or body-worn camera footage from the incident  a requirement when officers responding to calls.

Robert Leonard, Garza's lawyer, argued that although Garza was the officer operating the police vehicle when it diverted away from the call, it was Ybarra who spoke with dispatch and generated the fake report.

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He said Garza was unaware of Ybarra's intentions at the time, and Ybarra told the dispatcher that they would resume the call shortly.

"At no time was Officer Garza untruthful during this incident. At no time was he a co-conspirator. At no time did he collude or come up with a plan along with Officer Ybarra to make up this false call," Leonard said during opening statements.

Leonard said Garza did not enter false information.

"All Officer Garza did was drive the car. He was not responsible for anything that was put into the official government record," Leonard said.

Carlos Ortiz, a former SAPD Integrity Unit detective, testified that the officers' vehicle was parked near SAPD's South Substation when it traveled in the direction of the disturbance and then made a turn to go in the opposite direction.

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Ortiz said Ybarra asked another officer if they could respond to the call but was told they couldn't. Not long after, the report about the stranded motorist was made, Ortiz said.

On the witness stand, Garza denied the allegations. He said he had some "compassion" for Ybarra at the time because he had a newborn baby and just wanted to go home. But he said he did not know what Ybarra was typing into the report.

I wish I would have said something. ... I didn't know what (Ybarra) was doing until it happened.

But Donna McElroy, a lawyer representing the City of San Antonio, said Garza's decision to not drive to the disturbance right after receiving the call was a clear breach of the trust and integrity required for a police officer.

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"Mr. Garza was just as complicit as Mr. Ybarra in creating a fake call to avoid doing his job," McElroy said. "Our citizens must be able to trust our police officers. ... they must be able to trust that police officers will come when called."

McElroy said Garza had previously told officials during his internal affairs investigation that he was told by Ybarra to drive away from the call, but both officers held the same rank, so Garza was not required to listen to Ybarra's commands.

In his testimony, Chief William McManus said he would not trust Garza on patrol duty, even if he was reinstated by the arbitrator.

"(Garza) had every opportunity to intervene instead of being complicit in the cover up and not responding," McManus said.

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Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Researchers have evaluated lakes based on mineral and chemical compositions that promote high-quality aquatic life, such as lake trout, frogs and insects. The following lists some of America's cleanest lakes where flora, fauna and the occasional human can thrive.

1. Lake Louise, Florida

The award of America's cleanest lake goes to Lake Louise in Florida. Although this body of water is located in a suburb within the greater Orlando metropolitan area, all of its levels are optimal. Lake Louise's pH level is 6.98, which promotes life and can even improve human skin health.

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2. Axhandle Lake, Wisconsin

America's second-cleanest lake is Axhandle Lake, located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. This famous 75-foot-deep (23-meter-deep) lake boasts low turbidity, which allows local fishermen to easily spot the numerous largemouth bass and northern pike that inhabit the region.

3. Bear Gully Lake, Florida

Bear Gully Lake is considered the third-cleanest lake in the country due to its extremely low levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which include sulfates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonates and sodium.

4. Lake Mooney, Virginia

Formerly known as Rocky Pen Reservoir, this new lake has risen by 40 million gallons per day since it opened in 2014. It receives water from the Rappahannock River and provides a long-term drinking supply for residents.

5. Aberdeen Lake, Mississippi

Located on the Tenn-Tom waterway, Aberdeen Lake in Mississippi is considered one of the most remote lakes in the country. Although the surrounding area allows for camping, the off-the-beaten-path location of this lake may explain why it remains one of the cleanest.

Honorable Mentions

Amory Lake, Florida

Lake Downey, Florida

Claytor Lake, Virginia

Lake Spivey, Florida
DAKOTA CITY -- For three hours in the early morning hours of Aug. 5, 2022, Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team members surrounded Jason Jones' house, repeatedly broadcasting the message they were there to arrest him and wouldn't leave until doing so.

Negotiators called him at least two dozen times and texted him.

They never received a response, except notifications the first two text messages had been read.

After firing chemical munitions into Jones' house at 206 Elm St. in Laurel, Nebraska, and breaking out windows to confirm Jones was lying in a bedroom, SWAT team members entered the house and found Jones in bed, badly burned, wearing only a shirt, barely moving and silent. They handcuffed him, placed him on a netted backboard and carried him outside, where medical personnel treated him and transported him to a hospital.

"At one point, he made one comment, maybe, 'I can't move.' Other than that, he made no comments," Nebraska State Patrol Lt. Jessie Pfeifer, an assistant SWAT team leader who entered the house, told jurors after they were shown a SWAT team member's body camera video of Jones' arrest Thursday, the sixth day of evidence and witness testimony in Jones' murder trial.

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 Aug. 4, 2022, shooting deaths of Laurel residents Michele Ebeling, 53, in her home and Gene Twiford, 86, his wife, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, in their home and setting both houses on fire.

Roughly 24 hours before Jones' arrest, authorities responded to a house fire across the street from his home and found Ebeling's body. Late that evening, investigators found a backpack containing receipts showing the purchase a day earlier of two gas cans and a backpack from Fleet Farm in Sioux City and gasoline at two Laurel convenience stores. Jones' name had printed out on one of the receipts, and investigators eventually matched numbers from two credit cards found in Jones' wallet to those on the receipts from the Fleet Farm and gasoline purchases.

Surveillance video obtained from Fleet Farm showed Jones buying the gas cans and backpack. Jurors also were shown video of Jones filling the cans at a gas pump in Laurel and placing them in the back of his black Hummer.

Liquid extracted from a partially burned gas can found inside Ebeling's home was tested and identified as gasoline, said Christine Gabig, a forensic chemist in the Douglas County crime lab in Omaha. Samples of carpet and flooring, as well as Ebeling's pants, also contained gasoline.

Jurors previously saw photos of a Mountain Dew bottle with a liquid and blue rag stuffed inside that was found outside the Twiford home. Gabig tested the liquid, rag and two flooring samples from inside the house. The liquid was determined to be gasoline, and all the items contained gasoline, too.

Fire investigators previously testified they determined both fires were set by someone igniting gas that had been poured on the floors inside the homes.

Palm prints lifted from the gas can found in Ebeling's home matched Jones, Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory latent print analyst Mariana Ward testified. A print taken from the Mountain Dew bottle matched Jones' right ring finger.

Using the information obtained from the receipts, plus learning a handgun found inside the Twiford home had been traced to Jones, State Patrol Sgt. Brad Higgins said he applied for an arrest warrant for Jones, and SWAT teams were dispatched to Laurel to arrest him.

At about 2 a.m., approximately 23 SWAT and support team members surrounded Jones' home. Inside a command center, Trooper Brian Detlefsen, a trained negotiator, began calling Jones' phone repeatedly, each time his unanswered call forwarded into voice mail. Two texts he sent to Jones were shown as being read, but two later texts were not.

"I didn't have any contact with him besides him reading the first two messages," Detlefsen told the jurors in Dakota County District Court, where the trial was moved from Cedar County after a judge determined it would be hard for Jones to receive a fair trial there.

Detlefsen said he had a phone conversation with Jones' wife, Carrie, who was not in the house but informed him at about 2:30 a.m. that her husband was in bed and could hardly move because he was burned. They had a similar conversation around 4 a.m.

Defense attorney Matthew McDonald questioned both Detlefsen and State Patrol Lt. Alan Eberle Jr., a SWAT commander, why chemicals were fired into the home and its windows broken out after Carrie Jones had told them where her husband was and that he was badly injured.

"Why not just break out that (bedroom) window and verify he's in there?" McDonald asked.

Eberle said authorities did not know how severely Jones was injured, and the only information about his injuries had come from his wife.

"You ever had a spouse in a situation give you incorrect information?" Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey O'Brien asked Eberle.

"Yes," Eberle said.

Because of his burn injuries, Jones remains absent from the trial because he's unable to sit upright for long periods of time. He's in custody in Lincoln.
SIOUX CITY -- A man who was shot by his younger sister inside a Sioux City home earlier this month was arrested Wednesday for burglary.

Liem Wabashaw, 18, was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on one count of second-degree burglary.

He was shot in the neck Sept. 9 at 1908 Helmer St. Police investigators said they determined Wabashaw, a former resident there, was not welcome in the home and was shot after approaching his juvenile sister.

According to a complaint filed in the case, Wabashaw had been arrested and charged with assaulting the girl 20 days earlier and had moved out of the home.

On the day of the shooting, he entered through a window to retrieve some of his items. Noticing they were damaged, he went to the kitchen and pulled the refrigerator and stove away from the wall with the intention of cutting the power cords, the complaint said. He then entered his sister's room and advanced toward her. Feeling threatened, she shot him once in the neck. Wabashaw's injury was not life-threatening.

Wabashaw is charged with serious assault for the Aug. 20 alleged assault, which also took place at the Helmer Street address.
After school, Dennis enlisted in the army and was stationed in Washington D.C. with the First Battalion, Third Infantry Old Guard. While there he met his wife-to-be, Sue. After the birth of their son, they relocated to Salisbury, MD, where Dennis was employed at Delmarva Power for 30 years, climbing poles and the ranks to become supervisor of Bay Region Operations. After retirement, Dennis and Sue embarked on countless RV adventures, exploring almost every corner of the United States. Dennis loved the great outdoors, especially fishing, sailing, and jogging. A pillar in his community, Dennis was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Delmar. His warm smile, kind heart, and dedicated service to others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Bad weather was reported near two Nebraska farm fields where small planes crashed minutes apart in August, according to preliminary reports from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The two crashes happened on Aug. 26, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) apart, and within 50 minutes of each other, the Omaha World-Herald reported Thursday. While the NTSB reports don't yet cite a probable cause in either crash, both reports include witness accounts of low clouds and bad weather.

Joseph Rudloff, 73, of Norfolk, Nebraska, died when his single-engine plane, a two-seat RANS S19, crashed at 8:41 a.m. near the town of Crofton. At 9:31 a.m., a single-engine Piper Cherokee piloted by 79-year-old Charles J. Finck of Elk River, Minnesota, crashed near Wayne, Nebraska.

No one else was aboard either plane beyond the pilots.

Rudloffs obituary described him as an avid flier who died after his plane was engulfed in thick fog. The NTSB report said that 11 minutes before the crash, he called a pilot friend saying he was over Yankton, South Dakota, but unable to land there because of poor weather. Yankton was seeing fog and light rain at the time.

Rudloff's friend suggested he fly to an airport in Nebraska. Rudloffs plane hit the ground near Crofton in the far northeastern corner of Nebraska.

That same morning, a landowner near Wayne heard an engine revving on a plane that turned out to be Finck's. The landowner then heard a pop sound and saw a black plume of smoke coming from his cornfield. He told investigators that clouds were near the ground when he heard the plane fly by. Rain also was falling.
San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association President Joe Jones, right, shakes hands with City Manager Erik Walsh, left, after City Council the ratified the unions new contract on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Members of the San Antonio Fire Department stand to be recognized during a meeting of City Council in council chambers on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Members of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, including San Antonio Fire Investigator Joe Alderete III, left, applaud City Council ratifying the unions new contract on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Ron Nirenberg talks with journalists following a meeting of City Council on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News District 7 Councilperson Marina Alderete Gavito listens to colleagues speak during a meeting of City Council in council chambers on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Six months was all it took for the city and the firefighters union to settle on a new contract  a timeline that City Manager Erik Walsh said set a new standard for relations between the city and the association.

The City Councils approval Thursday of the contract, which will cost the city nearly $110 million over the next three years, was the last step in the bargaining process. Though the vote was largely a formality, it was a celebratory moment for city officials and union leadership.

It was the first time in 15 years that the City Council and firefighters union members actually ratified an employment contract.

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I think its critical for this organization and the fire department  which is part of this organization  to return back to normal, Walsh said ahead of the council vote.

The current contract was handed down by a panel of arbitrators in 2020 after a years-long stalemate. The previous agreement had expired in 2014.

In the period between, the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association successfully mounted a 2018 city charter amendment campaign that gave them the sole power to send contract disputes to binding arbitration and that placed restrictions on future city managers salary and tenure  upheavals that resulted in the resignation of then-City Manager Sheryl Sculley.

This time around, negotiations were relatively swift, with few public bumps along the way.

One of the few fights took place not at the bargaining table, but on the steps of City Hall.

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In early May, five council members held a news conference to air their grievances about City Attorney Andy Segovia. They faulted Segovia for not allowing them to confer privately with Walsh about the status of the negotiations and the salary offer being made to the union.

Segovia in turn accused council members of leaking information about the contract talks to the union.

The public spat, however, quickly fizzled. Since then, council members have not commented publicly on Segovias performance or complained about having insufficient information about the negotiations.

Ultimately, city and union negotiators settled on a 20% wage increase over the length of the contract. They signed a tentative contract on Aug. 23.

The finalized contract will take effect Oct. 1 and run through Sept. 30, 2027.

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The unions voting period for the contract ended Monday. More than three-quarters of its membership participated in the ratification vote, with 97% of members who cast a ballot voting in favor of the contract.

I think that this contract provides a little bit of stability and provides an opportunity for us to get to the next contract negotiations, where hopefully we can continue to make up ground, union President Joe Jones said.

Jones, who has led the union since 2022, said it was too soon to say whether this contract marks a turning point in the unions relationship with the city.

I think that this signals a healthy path ahead as long as we stay on the path, he said. The accomplishment of one collective bargaining agreement doesnt necessarily provide (that) weve reestablished that we all get along now and were all great, were all friends.

One question heading into Thursdays council vote was whether District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito would take part in it, after saying in May that she hadnt decided whether she would recuse herself. Her brother, Joe Alderete III, was part of the unions negotiations committee, which advised its negotiations teams.

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Alderete Gavito said even though the City Attorneys office had cleared her to take part in the vote, she was abstaining.

I want to ensure that my actions not only meet the highest ethical standards but also avoid any appearance of bias, she said. I offer my full support for this contract, but because of this I will be abstaining from this vote.

Earlier in the meeting, she mentioned her brother in her remarks thanking the unions leadership team for their willingness to work with the city on the agreement.

The citys Code of Ethics advises against voting on something that would directly benefit a family members economic interests in a way that would be distinguishable from its effect on members of the public in general or a substantial segment thereof. Because Alderete is one of 1,795 union members, hell be among many others benefiting from the new contract.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg and council approved the contract on an 10-0-1 vote.

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Firefighters and paramedics will see their base wage rise by 7% in the first year of the contract, followed by an 8% raise in year two and a 5% increase in the final year.

A yet-to-be-answered question, however, is whether the union will take a position on any of the six city charter amendments that will be on the Nov. 5 ballot  namely on an amendment to undo the restrictions the union got voters to place on the city manager in 2018. Those limit Walsh to no more than eight years in office and cap his salary at no more than 10 times what the lowest-paid city employee earns.

If approved, Proposition C would give back the authority to determine the city managers salary and length of service to the City Council.

Jones said the unions legislative committee has yet to take a position on that proposed amendment or any of the others.

The committee will discuss the propositions with the unions 19-member executive board on Wednesday.

Theres a lot to analyze, because there is a lot to do with that charter (amendment) and theres a lot of moving parts, so we want to make sure we make the right decision when it comes to anything, said Javier Patlan, the unions legislative director.

Patlan said councils approval of the contract would have no bearing on their support or lack of support for particular amendments.
Donald Trump said he wants the government or insurers to pay for in vitro fertilization treatments. For those lacking coverage, the American taxpayer would presumably pick up the entire cost.

Then, just days ago, House Republicans blocked a bill that would have guaranteed a basic right -- never mind who's paying -- to IVF treatments across the nation. Seems like we have a bit of confusion here.

Trump can bully House Republicans to do as he wants. He got them to reject a bipartisan immigration bill that would have immediately brought order to the Southern border. The bill was so conservative, it offered Democrats no concessions on legalizing anyone.

Trump obviously wanted the border to remain chaotic as a campaign issue. And perhaps frustrated that President Joe Biden's subsequent executive order stopped the stampede, he's flogging the lie about pet-eating migrants.

On the issue of reproductive rights, Trump wants peak ambiguity.

His idea of socialized IVF treatments followed the public outcry over efforts in some states to ban them after the Dobbs decision left the matter of abortion to the states. While helping infertile couples have children, IVF also involves the destruction of embryos, thousands and thousands of them.

There is no inherent difference between an embryo formed the old-fashioned way and an embryo created through IVF. And so those who hold that an embryo is a human being and destroying one is murder are being consistent in opposing IVF.

The political problem for Trump is twofold: One is that IVF is a popular solution for infertile couples, and the prospect of banning it is most unpopular. The other is that he is responsible for ending the constitutional right to an abortion, which is how we got here.

Trump may have thought that getting rid of Roe v. Wade -- that is, making abortion a state-level issue -- would be an elegant way of pleasing his "pro-life" supporters while leaving abortion accessible in the more liberal states. What it did, however, was energize anti-abortion activists.

Rather than regard the overturn of Roe as the finish line, many are treating it as the starting gate to ban abortion pills, certain contraceptives and IVF treatments. Some would restrict women's travel across state lines to end a pregnancy. (Nearly 1 in 5 women seeking an abortion are now going out of state for such care.)

Trump's game plan is to frustrate any intelligent guess on what access to reproductive care would look like in a second term. Hence, his proposal for socialized IVF. Hence, his letting the Republican House kill a bill guaranteeing access to IVF that he just said government should pay for.

A resident of Florida, Trump said he opposes his state's ban on abortion after six weeks, which is now being challenged in a ballot measure. He said six weeks is "too short." The pro-life side exploded, as you would expect it to, so now Trump says he is voting to keep the six-week ban.

There's been much speculation about how Trump really feels about abortion or IVF. In all likelihood, he doesn't care one way or another.

Such conversations are useless anyway. For Trump, keeping promises is not a high priority. His beleaguered Vice President Mike Pence has called Trump's whiffling and waffling a "slap in the face" to the millions of pro-life Americans who voted for him.

Trump's strategy is to change the subject to pet-eating and let his nasty sidekick Laura Loomer make ethnic slurs that move the headlines away from reproductive rights. And when he can't wriggle out of stating a position on abortion, he diverts attention into crazy lies about killing newborns.

The presidential campaign of 2024 will never be forgotten.
The history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is full of surprising plot twists and sudden reversals, unexpected deaths and unpredictable resurrections. But few have generated the shock of the moment in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along when Broadway legend Patti LuPone is accused of singing off-key.

A WandaVision spinoff that follows the attempts of the villainous witch Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) to regain her powers and escape the false reality she was trapped in by the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), Agatha isnt a musical, exactlyFrozen songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez are credited with original song, singular. But that song recurs in nearly all of the episodes, or at least the four (of nine) released to critics in advance of its premiere on Wednesday night. Whether idly hummed by the series protagonist on her way to work or belted out as a 70s-style rock anthem, The Ballad of the Witches Road sets the series witchy heroines on a figurative and literal course to confront their deepest fears, including the terror of drifting a semitone sharp.

Created by WandaVisions Jac Schaeffer, Agatha All Along opens with a reprise of that series, Marvels first and still best foray into episodic television. Instead of a 1950s sitcom, Agathaor Agnes, as shes briefly calledis trapped in a prestige TV drama, where shes a loose-cannon detective with oily hair who finds a dead womans body lying face down in the woods. The Mare of Easttown knockoff is fine as far as it goes (and I will admit to chuckling at Based on the Danish series Wandavisdysen in its fake opening credits), but it goes on long enough to make you wonder if it took three and a half years to come up with the idea of replicating WandaVisions serial pastiches in a different genre. But the cosplay peters out after Agatha makes her way to the morgue and discovers the identity of her mysterious corpseper the toe tag, one W. Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch.

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Wandas death isnt enough to break her spell, but it weakens it enough for Agatha to see how shes been imprisoned, and for her to remember the only way out: to convene a coven and walk the Witches Road, a mystical path that will lead each of its five members to a personalized confrontation. Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata) has to reckon with the fact that shes been turning her talent for potion-making toward selling bogus wellness remedies, while Alice Wu-Gulliver (The Diplomats Ali Ahn) confronts the generational curse that took her rock star mother, in a recording-studio sequence straight out of Stereophonic. Theres also a septet of creepy, Conjuring-style witches pursuing her, plus an angry ex-lover named Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) who cant seem to decide whether she wants to kill Agatha or get her backa matrix of emotions Plaza has become an old hand at playing.

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Theres also the matter of the teenage boy, played by Heartstoppers Joe Locke, who turns up on Agathas doorstep begging to be schooled in the magical arts and winds up accompanying the witches on their quest, although no one quite offers an explanation for why hes there. He tries to tell them his name, but every time he does, a spell sews up his mouth, so Agatha settles on simply calling him Teen. Like the identity of WandaVisions antagonist or The Acolytes secret Sith, the mystery of who the Teen really is comes up frequently in Agatha All Along, mostly by way of reminding us that were supposed to care. There are also the moments when the other members of Agathas coven briefly take on personalities that are not their own, and references to an unidentified he who is responsible for stripping the witches of their powers. (Comics readers, or anyone with a smartphone and curious fingers, will note the presence of an empty nursery in Agathas house, along with the name Nicholas Scratch.)

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These scattered informational morsels are meant to entice us to keep moving on down the road, tuning in or logging on each week to take one more incremental step toward the big reveal. But where witches are concerned, following the breadcrumbs doesnt always work out as planned, and the history of mystery-box shows is one of almost inevitable disappointment. Anticipation is wonderfully elastic, capable of stretching out over weeks or months without losing its pull. But satisfaction is much less forgiving, and a smarter show, or even just one more concerned with not setting its audience up for a fall, wouldnt let quite so much hinge on the result of filling in a few blanks. Even WandaVision lost its magic after it unveiled who was behind the curtain, although the new show owes its existence, or at least its title, to the musical manner of that revelation.

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Related From Slate The Acolyte Was Almost the Most Radical Star Wars Story Since The Last Jedi. What Happened? Read More

Thats not to say Agatha All Along isnt enjoyable, even if most of the joy is to be found around the edges. Hahn plays her centuries-old sorceress with an acidic crankiness, as if she ran out of Fs somewhere in the 17th century, and the actors make the most of every tossed-off gag, as when LuPones witch balks at exiting one magical space through a door in the back of an oven, reasoning that it didnt work out so well for an old friend of hers. But I could feel myself bracing for the part when it gets less fun, when the self-contained storytelling gives way to larger imperatives and the fun turns into homework. Like the images of fictional witches strewn throughout Agathas closing credits, from The Wizard of Oz up though The Craft, the many rearrangements of The Ballad suggest were watching the latest iteration of an ages-old story, one about powerful women pitted against each other to distract them from the focus on a common foe. But when the distractions are so engaging, the real enemy is whatever is pulling them toward the end of their journey, forcing a destination when wed rather just be along for the ride.
Joan Vassos might have a problem. She has been cast as the lead of The Golden Bachelorette, which premiered Wednesday. Shes beautiful, accomplished, and eloquent. Her story of love and loss is compelling; she was happily married for decades before her husband died of pancreatic cancer in 2021. Shes familiar to fans of the franchise for her endearing appearance on The Golden Bachelor last year, in which she left the show early to care for her daughter, who was struggling with postpartum depression.

Now, as the Golden Bachelorette, she gets another shot at finding love on television. But she might be damned from the start. None of the men vying for her hand live anywhere near Rockville, Maryland, where she resides, works as a school administrator, and has raised a family (that she clearly cares about!).

Of course, each of the 24 men who stepped out of the limo knows where Vassos lives but has decided to participate anyway. Perhaps theyre prepared to leave their own homes, their own families, their own lives to start something new with Vassos. But  perhaps theyre not.

On The Golden Bachelor, which ran last fall, leading man Gerry Turner, a septuagenarian from Indiana, found love with Jersey Shore native Theresa Nist. Turner proposed, Nist accepted, and the two married in a televised wedding spectacular in January. But then they just kept living in Indiana and New Jersey, respectively.

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By April, TMZ reported, the two still werent living together because, well, uprooting decades worth of life for someone youve known for a few months is hard, particularly when there are grandchildren involved. Were told theyve each got their own established homes in their respective states, and moving everything into one pad would be time-consuming, TMZ explained. Theresas still working in NJ and has yet to decide what shes going to do about her job as a compliance officer. Also, Gerry and Theresa are super close to their own families, and our sources say moving away from either would be difficult for them. Um, yeah!

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Turner and Nist flirted with moving to neutral territoryCharleston, South Carolinaand starting life anew in the Palmetto State. But that vision never materialized. We looked at homes in South Carolina, we considered New Jersey, and we just looked at homes after home, but we never got to the point where we made that decision, Nist told ABC News when the pair went on Good Morning America to announce their Golden Divorceor, as Slate editor-in-chief Hillary Frey put it, their breakup, because could you even really call it a marriage? This was entirely avoidable, if only they had had a difficult conversation before they tied the knot. After all, Turner eliminated Faith Martin because she made it to the final four and basically told him she wasnt willing to move away from Washington state for him. Good for her, honestly. A similar conversation with Nist might have saved them both some trouble.

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But thats the problem with dating people who live thousands of miles away. Even if theyre willing to go on the show and explore love, they might not be willing to leave their homes and lives for a new beauespecially if they are people who share your values of putting family first, as many contestants on the show say they do. That was a big theme during the premiere of The Golden Bachelorette. One contestant was ushered out of the limo by his daughter, Bachelor alum Kelsey Anderson. Another gifted Vassos a onesie for her grandkid featuring a slice of pizza, a hot dog, and the words Chicago Style. (Chicago  nowhere near Rockville, Maryland!) There was even a very touching segment in which the contestants kids left them video messagestears ensued. Its clear that Vassos is into guys who find family important  but perhaps not important enough that they wouldnt be willing to move away from their family to be with her?

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Sheand whoever selected her suitorsis clearly not seriously considering the logistical aftermath of the show. One contestant does live in Maryland, albeit a two-hour drive away, on the states Eastern Shore. That could be workable, but  he was eliminated on Night 1! No contestants reside in the D.C. area. The next closest suitor is near Philadelphia. In order for Vassos and one of these men to start a life together, someone will need to make a sacrifice, uproot their life, and move at least a couple of hours away, but more likely across the country. As someone who has moved to multiple unfamiliar states for a spouses career, I know that its a big sacrifice. But I also know its something far easier to do when youre young, when you dont have a house or an in-person job, when you dont have children or decades and decades of inertia. What is the hair salon owner in Chicago supposed to do? Is the ER doctor willing to get a new job? What about the guy who co-parents his children with an ex? Is the guy whose listed job title is just girl dad going to be able to petition his bosses (his girls) to move their lives too?

As a contestant on The Golden Bachelor, Vassos garnered praise for her inability to compromise on the values she holds dear. She refused to put her pursuit of Turner ahead of her daughters need for love and comfort at a difficult time. During the premiere, one suitor told Vassos that he would have made the exact same decision. Thats awesome. But if the whole finding-another-husband thing is going to work for Vassos, what she might really want is someone who is willing to put her first, and his family second.
In May 2022, Utah-based TikTok influencer Taylor Frankie Paul announced to her followers that her marriage was ending after she and her husband had taken part in soft swinging with their group of friends. No one was innocent, she said. Everyone hooked up with, like, everyone. Taylor said shed been intimate with a friends husband in private, which had violated the groups rule that all couple swapping take place in front of their spouses.

Taylor is an original member of #MomTok, a group of married moms with Mormon backgrounds who post videos of themselves and sometimes their husbands performing dances on TikTok. They have perfect smiles, impeccable hair and nails, and adorable children. Together they boast millions of followers and have created a lucrative online influencing business through their frequent joint posts.

Hulus new unscripted series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives picks up on the #MomTok drama soon after the swinging scandal became public. So, Taylor, a producer off-screen asks in a testimonial in the opening moments, tell us how a couple of Mormon moms getting together, making TikToks, suddenly turns into this crazy swinging sex scandal? (Russell M. Nelson, the current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has in recent years objected to being labeled Mormon, but many members of the religion continue to self-identify as Mormons, and the shows cast members and producers use the term often.)

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The womens increased visibility since the show premiered and became a big hit for Hulu has led to frequent judgment online, especially from onlookers close to home who object to the womens claiming of the Mormon mantle. The show explores the central tension between the social capital the women seek through adherence to traditional Mormon standards, in a state where Mormonism is the only real path to social acceptance, and the actual capital they have at their fingertips through their global followings on TikTok. But Secret Lives has also prompted a debate about contemporary Mormonism and whether the mainstream churchs central bureaucracy and its most vocal followers can and should be able to control what it means to be Mormon.

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In recent years, a slew of LDS-themed reality shows (including Bravos Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and TLCs Sister Wives) and documentaries (like Netflixs Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey and Hulus Mormon No More) has captured the attention of curious national audiences. These other series have typically focused either on ex-Mormons or on those who are involved in fundamentalist offshoots of the LDS church known for their contemporary practice of polygamy. Secret Lives offers a window into the sometimes messy lives of people who are active members of the mainstream church, at a time when its fundamental teachings are less and less mainstream. If it took the salacious tale of #MomTok swingers to get us here, so be it.

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If youre watching the show hoping for more on how self-proclaimed members of this conservative religion might square their faith with swapping spouses at sex parties, youll be disappointed. None of the suspected participants in the swinging parties, other than Taylor, signed on for the show. The seven other perfectly coiffed #MomTok members who did agree to become cast membersWhitney, Demi, Mayci, Mikayla, Layla, Jennifer, and Jessiemphatically deny having had any knowledge of the swinging parties prior to Taylors revelations.

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But the eight-episode first season, which is all available on Hulu as of Sept. 6, reveals that they have each deviated from the standard Mormon path in their own way, and that they see their participation in #MomTok as an avenue to make a statement against traditional Mormon gender roles.

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On the show, all eight women say they are the breadwinners in their relationships, for examplea far departure from the faiths teachings in its Proclamation on the Family that fathers are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families and that mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.

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Commenters on TikTok have been quick to point out that the women of #MomTok dress not in accordance with the modesty standards set forth by church teachings; their clothes, too, appear incapable of covering sacred temple garments. (The garments, required of those who have had temple endowments, as some cast members have, are now less often worn among young peoplea trend that earlier this year provoked the LDS church to strengthen its language around the requirement.) On the show and in their TikToks, the wives wear varying types of sexy outfits and dance to modern, sometimes overtly sexual music. Several of the women also drink alcohol and admit to having slept with their husbands prior to marriage.

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The swinging scandal, which makes for a big opener, becomes just a backdrop to an emerging divide in the group of cast members over what it means to be representatives of Mormonism. Two campsthe sinners and the saintstussle over what their contemporary brand of Mormon femininity represents and just how far the boundaries of the category can stretch before theyve stepped outside it. A few storylines in each camp show how Secret Lives digs into this question.

Taylor becomes the de facto leader of the sinners, who include Demi, Jessi, and Layla and are distinct from the saints more for their live-and-let-live approach to one anothers missteps than for their drastically different moral standards. Taylors relationship to Mormonism wavers throughout the year-plus of filming for the shows first season. She reveals that she and her former husband, Tate Paul, partied and had sex before marriage and that although they were wed in a sacred Mormon temple ceremony available only to members in good standing, they did so because of pressure from her parents and from the church. The series explores how that pressure has followed Taylor Paul into a new relationship.

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At one point Taylor, whose new boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, slid into her DMs on TikTok shortly after the swinging scandal, sits down with her mother to tell her she may be pregnant. Youre so stupid. Youre always screwing up everything, her mom says. Im just so tired of you doing everything to this family.

Dakota is a recovering addict and fellow member of the LDS church who asks Taylor in a subsequent scene if she can handle not drinking alcohol if theyre going to be together long-term. I wont lie. Im drinkinglike, tonight Im getting effed up, she says in a testimonial. Moments later, the episode cuts to police footage taken at Taylors house, showing an intoxicated Taylor being arrested for domestic violence. Dakota says Taylor began physically attacking him during an argument and he pushed her into the garage to stop her. A crying Taylor tells police she was so afraid of Dakota in the garage that she peed her pants. Taylor eventually pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

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Several months later, they are still together and have a baby boy, though references to their explosive fights pepper the series. When Dakota moves in with pregnant Taylor, her mom and dad have a stern talk with themnot about whether their relationship is a healthy one, given their recent history of domestic violence, but about the sin of living together before marriage.

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Members of the saints faction also contend with their own indiscretions. In an early episode, Whitney Leavitt gathers the women of #MomTok to tell them that the rumors theyve heard about her husband Connor using Tinder are true. After confronting him, she learned he had been communicating and exchanging nude pictures with women throughout their marriage.

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There was more to that, adds Whitney, who has decided to stay with and forgive him. She says Connor has been struggling with porn and that she believes that this addiction is ultimately what led him to Tinder. Theres a reason why people do certain things, and I think he was just confused, she tells her friends.

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Whitney at one point contemplates accepting a $20,000 offer to promote a line of vibrators on her TikTok. She asks her mother, also a devout Mormon, whether she approves. Her mom is skeptical about the use of sex toys, for both married couples and single individuals. I think when youre seeking pleasure, it can just get out of hand, she warns Whitney, echoing a slippery-slope perception of sexuality Mormons instill in youth.

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On a group trip, the women film new content together, before the sinners and saints sit down to confront one another about things said behind each others backs and judgments theyve made about their various departures from the Mormon rule book. At stake for the saints is whether they can continue to associate with the members of #MomTok, a means of clout that has proved to be immensely profitable for them, without losing the acceptance of their Mormon families and communities.

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The sinners are on more-complicated journeys with their faith. For example, Layla, the only Black member of the #MomTok group, says she joined the church in high school because all her friends were Mormon. At 22, she is a divorced mom of two who shares that shes never had an orgasm. Before youre married, she says of the church, sex is so taboo. But then, the second you get married, youre supposed to be this, like, porn star for your husband. She says her goal is to figure out who she is, something she hasnt taken the time to do since she converted and married a fellow Mormon at 19.

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Secret Lives is most interesting when the groups unite to defend the women against Mormon patriarchy, including their apparently jealous, controlling male partners. These include Taylors boyfriend Dakota and Zac Affleckthe husband of a saint, Jennifer, and, yes, a distant cousin of the actor Ben Affleck. Jen, who identifies as a conservative Mormon, worries frequently about how her husband and in-laws perceive her influencing career. Zac, a recent graduate of the LDS churchrun Brigham Young University who is preparing for medical school, is frequently described by the women as the most controlling husband.

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When one of the #MomTok members surprises the women with a night at a Chippendales show in Las Vegas, Jennifer decides not to attend and worriedly calls her husband, who she knows will not approve, to tell him where they are. Over text message, according to the other cast members present, Zac gets in a snit. He threatens to divorce his wife for putting herself in a situation in which she could end up at such a place and says hell take their children to live with his parents. For hours, he refuses to speak to her, while continuously sending text messages questioning her character and claiming he no longer loves her. The other #MomTok women present assure Jen she has done nothing wrong and express concern about his behavior and their marriage.

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Meanwhile, Zac has spent the evening in Las Vegas gambling the $2,000 Jen allotted him for the evening, a subject Jen agrees to address on camera only if the shows producers refrain from portraying Zacs gambling as an addiction. Another cast member later claims that Zacs parents had given the couple money to help with the cost of medical school and that Zac had blown it all on gambling. When the two later resolve the argument and Jen tells Zac she worries that moving to a different state for his medical school will affect her career, he says he doesnt care.

But its not the men of #MomTok who ultimately face the harshest judgments of the LDS public that is watching Secret Lives. The women routinely receive rude and even harassing comments on their TikToks castigating their looks, their relationships, and their life choices. Commenters speculate that some of the womens husbands are secretly gay and spread rumors of infidelity.

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They do not deserve to call themselves Mormon Wives,  the BYU student newspaper, rounding up extreme critiques of the wives online, quotes a typical YouTube commenter as saying. LDS wives are women who are kind, loving, respectful and devote their lives to serving others. These women are not them. Im appalled that they say that they are.

In August, though it failed to reference the series by name, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquarters issued a rare statement ahead of the shows release, insinuating that it harmed faithful members by portraying the womens lives as Mormon lives. Some portrayals of Mormonism resort to stereotypes or gross misrepresentations that are in poor taste and have real-life consequences for people of faith, the statement read. It countered with a kind of no true Scotsman reframe: The true story of our faith is best seen in the countless lives of those who strive daily to follow our Savior Jesus Christ, it concluded.

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You can see why church leaders may find the show disturbing. Despite its glossy overproduction and its unfulfilled promises to reveal sexy secrets about swingers, Secret Lives succeeds in telling other true stories. One of them is the ancient, familiar narrative of religious people who sin despite being commanded not to. But more vitally, Secret Lives, in all its gossipy glory, puts its finger on unresolved conflicts within the LDS faith about marriage and gender roles. Its one thing to hear that the nationwide rise in womens involvement in paid work is challenging the churchs teachings about men as providers and presiders over the family, or that a world increasingly comfortable with consensual sexual exploration is in conflict with a church that teaches that this will inevitably lead to heartache. Its another thing to see these fights play out in publicTikTok by TikTok, comment by commentthanks to a generation of Mormon women happy to share that messiness with the world.
From troubling election denialism to rampant misinformation about voter fraud, there are already multiple respects in which this years presidential election feels like 2020 deja vu. Recently, another vestige of the 2020 election has begun to rear its ugly head: the so-called independent state legislature theory. In 2020 the ISLT posed a major threat to our democracy, as its proponents tried to use the premise to allow state legislatures to overturn the will of the voters in decisive Electoral College states. Fortunately, they were unsuccessful. Now the Supreme Court is being asked to hear another case about the scope of the ISLT.

Put simply, ISLT posits that because the elections and electors clauses of the U.S. Constitution empower state legislatures to regulate congressional elections and appoint presidential electors, state legislatures authority over federal elections is exclusive and absolute. Therefore, according to ISLT, state courts lack the power to review state laws implicating federal elections under state constitutions. Under ISLT, state legislatures would have unprecedented, unreviewable power over elections, even if state courts determine that their actions violate state constitutional provisions.

Last year, the Supreme Court resoundingly rejected ISLT and its essential premises in Moore v. Harper. Moore held that the elections clause does not divest state courts of their long-standing power to exercise judicial review over state laws. The court emphasized that state legislatures are creatures of their state constitutions and, accordingly, are subject to the ordinary constraints on lawmaking contained in those constitutions, as enforced by state courts.

The court did, however, issue a caveat. Moore noted that because the elections clauses specification of state legislatures is a deliberate choice that [the] Court must respect, SCOTUS has an obligation to ensure that state courts do not evade the U.S. Constitution. The high court explained that under the elections clause, state courts may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections.

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As several scholars predicted, ISLT proponents have now seized on the language in Moore to argue that state supreme court decisions that invalidate state election laws on state constitutional grounds violate the elections clause. This spring, the Montana Supreme Court held that various election laws, such as the elimination of same-day voter registration and the restriction of third-party absentee ballot collection activities, violated the right to vote in the state constitution. Now Montana has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review and reverse that decision, arguing that by striking down these laws, the state Supreme Court unconstitutionally interfered with the authority of the Legislature.

Far from raising substantial questions under the elections clause, the Montana case underscores why the vast majority of post-Moore ISLT claims should not succeed. As I and others argue in an article forthcoming in Boston College Law Review, it will be exceptionally rare for a state court to exceed the ordinary bounds of judicial review, and accordingly, it will almost never be appropriate for the Supreme Court to second-guess state court decisions on state constitutional law under the elections clause.

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In Moore, the court grounded its authority to review state court decisions under the elections clause in a group of cases that all stand for a simple proposition: Although the court ordinarily does not have the power to review state court decisions on state law, it can review these decisions if it is necessary to prevent state courts from evading a clear federal interest. The Moore court defined the federal interest underlying the elections clause as state courts not transgress[ing] the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections. Only if a state court exceeds those bounds can SCOTUS step in to review the state-law ruling. Whether the court can review those decisions, then, turns on the scope of the ordinary bounds of judicial review.

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Related From Slate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has Sabotaged Early Voting in a Critical Swing State Read More

As it turns out, the ordinary bounds of judicial review are exceptionally broad, as Moores reasoning, constitutional history, and fundamental principles of state sovereignty make clear. Moore underscored that, since the founding, state courts have conducted judicial review and state constitutions have regulated federal elections. Any Supreme Court review under the elections clause cannot disrupt state courts long-standing role of enforcing state constitutions against state laws.

Nothing in the drafting or ratification history of the elections and electors clauses suggests that the Framers intended to give state legislatures the ultimate authority over elections. In fact, the opposite is true: The Framers worried that giving state legislatures exclusive power over elections would allow them to subvert federal elections, so the elections clause was drafted to empower Congress to regulate the time, place, and manner of those elections as well.

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And finally, the Constitutions respect for states as separate sovereigns is a foundational principle in our federalist government, and this deeply rooted commitment supports a broad understanding of the ordinary bounds of judicial review. States are under no obligation to model their governments, including their judicial systems, on the federal government. What constitutes appropriate judicial review, then, must include the variety of adjudication philosophies and interpretive methodologies that state courts use to enforce their state constitutions, even if theyre different from those used by federal courts.

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Taking these points together, it becomes clear that the ordinary bounds of judicial review are capacious, and it would be extraordinarily rare for a state court to transgress them. Indeed, the Montana Supreme Court decision exemplifies this. To reach its ruling, that court reviewed the states constitutional history, reasoned through its precedents, and faithfully applied the Montana Constitutions commitment to voting rights to the state laws at issue. In other words, the Montana Supreme Court did what courts typically do. Its decision plainly falls within the ordinary bounds of judicial review.

As the election draws closer, opponents of voting rights will attempt to use ISLT to defy state court decisions striking down unconstitutional laws. But if the Supreme Court hears these claims, it should swiftly reject them as unfounded attempts to expand Moore beyond its clear terms and upend centuries of black-letter law upholding states rights to enforce their own constitutions, including protections for the right to vote.
As a new term of Supreme Court rulemaking approaches, minors access to gender-affirming care is on the chopping block. In the high-profile case L.W. v. Skrmetti, the court will decide whether statutory bans on treating gender dysphoriaalready in place in about half of statesviolate the Constitution or survive judicial scrutiny. The outcome will have an immediate impact on the health and well-being of countless minors residing in red states whose doctors and parents agree that they are in need of medical treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapies to handle incongruence between their sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. In addition, the decision in Skrmetti will have a broader effect, either restraining or legitimizing numerous other anti-LGBTQ+ bills rapidly spreading across the country and hounding minors and adults alike.

When the stakes are this high and the issue at hand so ideologically charged, the need for comprehensive and attentive deliberation cannot be more pressing. Perplexingly, however, this does not seem to be the plan. Instead, at this juncture, the court prepares to consider just one of two reasons to deem the treatment bans unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment. This partial posture is alarming and must be urgently corrected to allow adequate review of the case.

The issue arrived at the highest court after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit affirmed treatment bans enacted by Tennessee and Kentucky, rejecting a pair of distinct constitutional challenges raised by trans minors, parents, and doctors who regularly provide gender-affirming care. Those plaintiffs argued that the bans not only discriminate on the basis of sex and transgender status in violation of the equal protection clause but also infringe on fundamental parental rights protected under the due process clause. When the 6th Circuit dismissed these two claims, the plaintiffs from Tennessee and Kentucky filed separate petitions for Supreme Court review of the rulings reasoning regarding discrimination and parental rights. Regrettably, the court has taken no action on these petitions thus far.

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Instead, at the end of the term, the court granted only a petition filed by the government, which previously intervened in the proceedings to support the impacted plaintiffs and access to gender-affirming care. This petition, however, was limited to the one issue the government is legally authorized to raise: the denial of equal protection under the law. When the court oddly granted the governments intervenor petition without deciding those of the main plaintiffs, it created a potentially skewed consideration of Skrmetti that might ignore about half of the 6th Circuits analysis.

It is unclear if this happened inadvertently or calculatedly. In any case, the court should grant the primary petitions without delay and prepare to examine the treatment bans constitutionality under the equal protection clause and the due process clause. One readily available opportunity to do so is at the courts long summer conference, scheduled for the end of this month, to formally close the 202324 term.

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What makes seizing this opportunity indispensable is that the court has already placed on this conferences agenda a petition of conservative parents seeking a review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuits decision in Parents Protecting Our Children v. Eau Claire Area School District. Those parents claim that school policies regarding handling students gender identity infringe on their constitutionally protected parental rights. Given the similarity of both the claim and the context, it would be highly unjust and patently partisan for this court to decide, at that conference or later, to consider the rights of conservative parents but not those of parents of trans minors.

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All this might sound like a procedural mishap, but whether Skrmetti will be considered narrowly or fully could dramatically change the litigations outcome. Although the two distinct constitutional challenges are equally compelling, and each should have sufficed to ensure trans adolescents access to needed health care, in a court controlled by a conservative supermajority, the likelihood of the right result is significantly lower under discrimination theories than it is under parental rights arguments.

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As I demonstrate in a forthcoming article, conservatives are much more united around denying equal protections to LGBTQ+ people than regarding state intervention in parental rights. On equality, they have already embarked on a preelection execution of Project 2025s attack on Bostock v. Clayton Countythe Supreme Courts 2020 precedent notably declaring, It is impossible to discriminate against a person for being homosexual or transgender without discriminating against that individual based on sex. Even though Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote Bostock and Chief Justice John Roberts agreed with him, the recent efforts to roll back the decision make their adherence to their previous positions uncertain. Therefore, although the treatment bans conspicuously discriminate against trans patients who cannot receive the same medicines that their cisgender counterparts are benefiting from, a hearing confined to equality-based arguments in Skrmetti is far too precarious. For ideological reasons, there might not be enough votes to stop discrimination against trans people.

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In comparison, parental rights stand a better chance, as they are uniquely important to conservatives who care about keeping the government out of parents choices in settings such as homeschooling and vaccination. The bans challenged in Skrmetti directly raise the specter of such government overreach and the usurping of parents century-old fundamental right to direct their childrens upbringing, including their medical needs, free of state intrusion. Indeed, a rising number of red states have recently worked to codify parental rights; among them is Tennessee, whichwhile defending its infringement on parents rights in Skrmettihas also enacted the Families Rights and Responsibilities Act, declaring, The liberty of a parent to the care, custody, and control of the parents child, including the right to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of the child, is a fundamental right.

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Related From Slate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has Sabotaged Early Voting in a Critical Swing State Read More

My recent study of conservative responses to state bans on gender-affirming care presents evidence of ambivalence and an intensifying internal divide. Judges in federal and state courts, organizations, politicians, and even friends of the court who submitted briefs in Skrmettiall on the right side of the political maphave repeatedly and explicitly cautioned that allowing the government to intervene in parents decisions regarding their trans children would create a slippery slope that would endanger conservative interests. For example, expresidential candidate for the Republican nomination Chris Christie clarified during a 2023 presidential debate that he opposes state restrictions on gender-affirming care and favors limited involvement from the government. He forewarned that once states are allowed to undermine parents authority, it will be difficult to stop them: You start to turn over just a little bit of this authority, the authority theyre going to take from you next, youre not going to like.

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Such concerns could resonate with some of the conservative justices and create a path to a nonpartisan consensus in Skrmetti around parents rights when even the most compelling discrimination arguments might fail. In particular, justices who devoted their jurisprudence to limiting government intervention might be more amenable to invalidating the bans in the name of private autonomy than their conservative colleagues who are particularly committed to the most traditionalist views of gender and sexuality.

Legally, excluding parental rights from the discussion of Skrmetti would critically distort the standard of review that should apply to the treatment bans under conventional constitutional analysis, indefensibly enhancing the risk to trans minors. Although the 6th Circuit erroneously applied the most lenient standard to the bansrational-basis reviewand whereas sex-based discrimination requires intermediate (heightened) scrutiny, infringement of parental rights calls for the highest standard: strict scrutiny.

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In theory, applying various standards should not change the cases result because the treatment bans are rooted in animosity toward transgender people and, as such, should fail even the lowest level of review. Likewise, the bans must not survive an intermediate level of scrutiny, becauseas even a Trump-appointed district court judge found in the early stages of Skrmettithey are not substantially related to any important state interest, given that, although claiming that the treatments are unsafe, red states still allow providing them to minors, as long as theyre not transgender. However, the highest level of scrutiny required for jeopardizing parental rights might be necessary in a court dominated by conservatives. Even in a court indisposed to protect LGBTQ+ people, the bans cannot be considered compellingly justified and narrowly tailored and should thus fail strict scrutiny due to their sweeping prohibition of all treatments, regardless of circumstances, including the use of puberty blockers specially designed for minors.

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Ultimately, although a limited review of Skrmetti could deprive countless adolescents of the health care they critically need, for political reasons, full consideration has better potential to overcome this divide. By contrast, proceeding with discrimination claims alone would remove even the optics of a pursuit of justice, signaling a biased approach that a Republican judge on the Texas Supreme Court dubbed parental rights for me but not for thee. In such a case, Skrmetti might become another ideology-laden 63 precedent with harsh consequences for LGBTQ+ people. Two weeks before the new term commences, one can only hope that the court makes the right (nonpartisan) choice.
Since I started writing about J.D. Vance in 2022, Ive repeatedly noticed his use of a certain rhetorical technique that Ive come to think of as his trademark. Hell claim vehemently to agree with one of Donald Trumps various provocative or absurd claimsthat the 2020 presidential election was stolen, for instance. Then hell explain himself using internally coherent language and reasoning that sounds well informed and registers as substantive  but that in no way supports the extreme premise he started with.

The reason I bring up this go-to move is that he is using it to justify false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, who were not eating cats. But first lets look at the stolen election argument as an instructive example. Vance does not believe that there were millions of votes cast in 2020 by illegal immigrants or that ballot vans made midnight drop-offs in Milwaukee and Detroit to tilt the race. He doesnt make any of the dozens of other claims of global-sabotage conspiracies and preloaded voting-machine algorithms that other MAGA figures have endorsed.

Instead, he says the election was stolen by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (because Zuckerberg donated money to a group that helped pay for COVID safety measures at voting locations in a manner that, according to Vance, made it disproportionately easier for Democrats to vote) and by Twitter (because the service briefly obstructed the distribution of stories about material found on Hunter Bidens laptop out of concerns that the information may have been fabricated or obtained illegally by a foreign government).

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Both of those thingsZuckerbergs underwriting of COVID voting support and Twitters laptop-story blockdid happen. They might have helped Democrats a bit, for all we know. But do they constitute stealing an election in anything like the way that Trump means the word? No. Legally speaking, as endeavors of private individuals and companies, would they have justified reversing the results of the election in the way Trump called for? Also no.

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It appears that Vancewho once sold himself to the public as an empathetic conservative intellectualis making a sort of compromise with himself in order to justify his career-advancing change of heart. Hes like a walking National Review, following Trump around to retroactively undergird his pronouncements with a rational structure. (Which is funny because Trump couldnt care less whether the stuff he does is justified by evidence or laws!)

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New York magazines Jonathan Chait noticed something in this vein in Vances June New York Times interview, when he justified Trumps instigation of violence on Jan. 6 itself. Challenging elections and questioning the legitimacy of elections is actually part of the democratic process, Vance argued to the Times Ross Douthat. Attempting to overturn the results of the election by force, Vance says, was an expression of palpable and actionable frustration on behalf of Trump voters, who were pissed off about not having been taken seriously over the very legitimate grievance that they had about our most fundamental democratic act as a people.

This was all a long way of saying that they were mad because the candidate they had voted for didnt win. As Chait observed:

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People are pissed off, he explains. Well, yes, that happens. People are always pissed off. Humans have constructed various ways of working around this reality. One of them, a constitutional republic with fair elections and robust liberal protections, has worked fairly well. I propose we keep it going, even if Vance has calculated that his continued advancement might require putting it aside.

Vance has a law degree, and he likes to present things in terms of principles and philosophies. But the fancy talk is just a way of weaponizing his feelings, which are actually the ultimate arbiter of fact vs. falsehood and right vs. wrong.

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That brings us to Wednesday, when Vance publicly refused to stop referring to Haitians in Ohio as illegal aliens. A few weeks ago, after rumors began circulating on the right-wing web that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were stealing and eating the citys cats, Vance posted on Twitter: Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Donald Trump then brought up the rumor at his debate with Kamala Harris as an example of the harms wreaked by illegal immigration. When authorities in Springfield said that the rumor was untruesomething they communicated directly to Vances staff almost immediately, according to new Wall Street Journal reportingVance backpedaled slightly, saying that the accusation, even if not verifiable, was fair game to talk about because it brought attention to the legitimate issue of illegal migration.

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But that still doesnt quite track: The Haitians in Springfield, it turns out, are for the most part in the United States legally. Theyve been granted something called temporary protected status, a designation extended by the executive branch to individuals fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries. As the name suggests, the program does not grant beneficiaries the right to stay in the U.S. permanently. But they can live and work in the country legally for as long as the status is extended.

Heres what Vance said when he was asked about this in North Carolina, according to NPR:

What is fundamentally illegal is for Kamala Harris to say were going to grant parole, not on a case by case basis, but to millions of illegal aliens who are coming to this country, Vance said. That does not magically make them legal because Kamala Harris waved the amnesty wand. That makes her border policy a disgrace, and Im still going to call people illegal aliens.

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By using policy jargon like parole and amnesty and case-by-case basis, Vance kind of makes it sound as if he knows what hes talking about. But temporary protected status is by definition not amnesty (which means allowing those who lack legal status to become permanent residents) or parole (which means releasing individuals into the U.S. while their residency status is being adjudicated).

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Temporary protected status is also not a power that liberals in the White House have claimed out of thin air. As this report by the Congressional Research Service explains, TPS was established by Congress as part of the Immigration Act of 1990. The law, signed by (Republican) President George H.W. Bush, grants a member of the Cabinetinitially the attorney general, but now the secretary of homeland securitythe authority to designate a country for TPS.

Vance describes TPS as fundamentally illegal because it is granted by the executive branch, at its discretion, on a categorical basis. In fact, however, the TPS program was created by an act of Congress that grants the executive branch the power to issue the status, at its discretion, on a categorical basis. Its fundamentally legal, if you will. A pretty clear-cut case of full legality, honestly. But did the Framers of the Constitution ever stop to consider that it might be used to do stuff that J.D. Vance doesnt like?
Archaeologists have also uncovered a forgotten mediaeval settlement, thought to have been one of the larger trade centres.

It is fair to say that our town is still an undiscovered historical gem of southern Slovakia, said local historian Pavel Polka about Zeliezovce. (Source: Michal Cheben)

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Archaeologists excavating near the site of a now-vanished church, dating back to the 11th or 12th century, have uncovered remarkable evidence of a once-thriving mediaeval settlement. Their research has revealed the existence of an important trade route and a vibrant community in the area.

Further discoveries suggest that the site has been inhabited for millennia. A Neolithic settlement, complete with kilns and dwellings, existed there thousands of years ago. The site, located on the outskirts of Zeliezovce, towards Tekovske Luzany, was identified by chance. A local historian found a reference to the long-lost church in a book from 1880.

The findings span multiple eras, from the Neolithic to the Roman period and the Middle Ages.

The most significant discovery is the identification of a Roman marching camp, a site that researchers have been searching for in this part of the Pohronie region for decades. Magnetic analysis, along with the unearthed artefacts, dates the camp to the latter half of the 2nd century AD, placing its establishment during the so-called Marcomannic Wars. This was a period when Roman legions, led by Emperor Marcus Aureliusthe philosopher on the throneoperated in the territory of what is now Slovakia, aiming to subdue the aggressive Germanic tribes that repeatedly invaded and ravaged the borders of the Roman Empire.
Explore Georgievits Palace with guided tours or visit the September edition of Good Market this weekend.

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Music | Market | Science

Music

The House of Music building on Panenska Street will be opened September 21 with concerts and discussions in the palace courtyard. (Source: BKIS)

Opening of the House of Music

Saturday, September 21, at 10:30 in Georgievits Palace.

Get to know the Georgievits Palace on Panenska Street, where young and old musicians will develop their talent. The restored national cultural monument will celebrate its opening with concerts, guided tours, workshops and discussions.

Explore the reconstructed palace during a guided tour with Bratislava Cultural and Information Centre (BKIS) guides. All tours are in Slovak and are free of charge. You can register here.

At 15:30 there will be a guided tour of the building with the Mayor of Bratislava, Matus Vallo. The event will be closed with Korben Dallas' concert at 17:00.

https://sk.frame.mapy.cz/s/pehecetofo

Market

The September edition of the Good Market will be held from 10:00 to 17:00 on September 21 in Bratislava. (Source: Facebook/Dobry trh)

Dobry trh

Saturday, September 21, starts at 10:00 on Panenska street.

The Good Market (Dobry trh) will be again on Panenska Street and its surroundings. It will be based on the theme of "Transformations" and the question of how to live in a changing world. As usual there will be concerts, discussions, workshops and the traditionally high-quality products of market vendors.

Don't forget to visit [fjuzn] zone at Dobry trh in the park on Svoradova Street and Podjavorinskej Street. Their programme will be full of concerts and workshops. At 15:30 visit the bracelet weaving and postcard making workshop of the Ukrainian Sunday School.

You ca see the full program of Dobry trh here.

https://sk.frame.mapy.cz/s/lepejohuda

Science

European Science Night

Friday, September 27, from 9:00 to 23:00 in Stara trznica, V-club and Lab.cafe.

The festival program will take place in Bratislava in the Old Market Square and in other accompanying locations, where you will experience fascinating lectures, interactive presentations, and experiments that will open the door to the world of science.

Two lectures will be given by foreign guests in English at 20:30 and 21:15 both in Stara trznica (Old Market Hall). You can see all lectures and workshops planned at the festival in Bratislava here.

https://sk.frame.mapy.cz/s/lotevehofu

If you have tips for free events in Bratislava or you would like to share your hiking or cycling trip ideas with readers, let me know at kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk.
The tax is set to come into effect from April 2025.

If approved, the announced transaction tax will apply to bank transfers from business accounts and the use of business account payment cards from next year. (Source: Pixabay)

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The government of Robert Fico (Smer) announced a new tax on financial transactions on Tuesday, September 17, and the cabinet approved it on Wednesday. If approved by parliament, this tax will affect businesses, companies, and sole traders.

It is expected to come into force in April 2025.

Compared to Tuesdays announcement, the government managed to make changes to the tax on financial transactions, which, as part of the public finance consolidation package, will now generate 700 million for the state instead of 610 million. This change has been made due to a reduction in VAT for the restaurant sector to 5 percent, despite earlier plans to raise it to 23 percent. The shortfall of 110 million will be partially offset by the increased transaction tax.

1) How is the financial transaction tax structured?

The transaction tax will apply to bank transfers from business accounts and the use of business account payment cards. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer) mentioned that businesses would pay 0.35 percent of the transferred amount, with a maximum charge of 30 for bank transfers. For ATM cash withdrawals, the rate would be 0.7 percent, and businesses would pay 2 annually for a payment card linked to a business account.

However, the government on Wednesday approved a bank transfer rate of 0.4 percent, with a maximum charge of 40. For example, if a business pays a supplier 5,000 via bank transfer, the tax would be 20. The rate for ATM withdrawals was set at 0.8 percent. So, if a business withdraws 100 from an ATM, it will pay 0.80 in tax.

The minimum tax for a financial transaction is set at 0.01, and it will be paid monthly.

Ficos government was inspired by Hungary, which has had a similar tax since 2013, covering households as well. In Hungary, the current rates are 0.45 percent for bank transfers and card payments, and 0.9 percent for cash withdrawals, with a maximum charge of 20,000 forints (50) for cashless payments. There is no cap for cash withdrawals.
Testimony continued Wednesday in federal court in Austin in the civil trial over a 2020 confrontation on Interstate 35 between drivers in a "Trump Train" and a Harris-Biden campaign bus. /Dr. Eric Cervini /Twitter

AUSTIN  In the civil trial this week over whether drivers in a Trump Train hindered a Biden-Harris campaign when they surrounded it on Interstate 35 the week before the 2020 election, one of the many points of contention is the meaning of slang used in Facebook posts and messages  and even some emojis.

Attorneys for three plaintiffs who were on the bus that day  former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, former campaign staffer David Gins and bus driver Timothy Holloway  have led a seven-member jury through reams of social media posts made by the six defendants in an attempt to show that they intended to block the buss progress, or at least were aware they were doing so, as they tracked its progress between San Antonio and Austin on Oct. 30, 2020.

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating the Ku Klux Klan Act, an 1871 federal law intended to prevent political violence and intimidation tactics. The suit seeks punitive and compensatory damages.

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The defendants  Dolores Park, Steve Ceh, Randi Ceh, Robert Mesaros, Joeylynn Mesaros and Eliazar Cisneros  have disputed the lawsuit's allegations, saying the people on the bus were not in danger and the incident was not an attempt at intimidation.

In federal court in Austin on Wednesday, plaintiffs attorney Robert Meyer displayed screenshots showing defendant Joeylynn Mesaros, of New Braunfels, responding with clapping emojis to a message on Facebook that day saying, Yes patriots get them out, and replying Bye bye to a message saying, Lets show Kamala the way out of Texas. At the time, some members of the Trump Train believed that then-vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris was on the bus.

Meyer also pointed to a text message Mesaros sent that day saying, were raging to chase down this Biden bus, and a social media post she made after the incident saying the Trump Train had provided the Biden campaign a friendly escort out of town.

Throughout her impassioned testimony, Mesaros pushed back against Meyers portrayal of her posts as amounting to a celebration that the bus was kept from campaign events.

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Previous testimony in the trial, which is now in its second week, established that the presence of the Trump Train led the Biden campaign to cancel a planned event at Texas State University in San Marcos out of fear for the safety of those who would attend. At times, the convoy of dozens of vehicles forced the bus to slow down to speeds as low as 15 miles an hour.

We might have different definitions of celebrate, Mesaros said. It was my objective to have fun. Not to get sued.

There is no disagreement that she and her husband, Robert Mesaros, drove their black pickup in the convoy that day  for part of that time, with their then 10-year-old son, after leaving to pick him up from school.

Meyers questioning was intended to persuade the jury that rather than simply express their support for Trump by flying flags from their truck bed, they intimidated and impeded those who were on the bus.

I still dont believe that its intimidating. I disagree, strongly, Joeylynn Mesaros said Wednesday.

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On Tuesday afternoon, plaintiffs attorney Cerin Lindgrensavage questioned Robert Mesaros about a video filmed by Wendy Davis that appears to show his pickup pulling closely in front of the Biden bus from the shoulder of the highway, followed by its brake lights illuminating. Mesaros testified that he had pulled over to fix a state of Texas flag flying from his truck bed and he pulled in front of the bus after interpreting the drivers sustained honk as urging him to go ahead.

Another video appeared to show Mesaros pickup again illuminating its brake lights while not far ahead of the bus. He and his wife denied that they were braking to slow the bus.

I have no idea why I tapped the brakes, said Robert Mesaros, who works as a master plumber.

He agreed that the Biden bus was driving unsafely slow because of the Trump Train drivers, but said it was never his intention to slow down the bus.

In his testimony on Tuesday, he referred to the days Trump Train gathering as phenomenal.

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The drivers showed up to show our support for President Trump in the exact same way they did, he said, referring to those on the campaign bus.

On Wednesday, Meyer questioned Joeylynn Mesaros about statements she made while raising money for their defense by appearing on political podcasts. During one interview, she used the word escort to describe the convoys treatment of the bus. On a website that she and her husband created to raise money for their defense, they said they were merely flying Trump flags from their vehicle next to the Biden bus.

She said they raised $310,000 for their defense through these efforts, yet the lawsuit had still financially bankrupted them and damaged relationships with family members and friends.

Jurors also saw text messages between Joeylynn and Robert Mesaros after media outlets reported that a lawsuit had been filed against Trump Train drivers, but before they were named as defendants, in which she wrote, We probably need to delete our social media posts ASAP about chasing the bus.

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She testified she wanted to delete the posts because she was worried she'd face political attacks.
One of the coalition leaders, Andrej Danko, wants to see vignettes abolished.

Access to the D1 highway section from Trnava to Bratislava. (Source: TASR)

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Next year, motorists will pay 90 for a 365-day highway sticker. The cost of a single-day highway sticker will also rise to 8.10.

Today, drivers pay 60 for the 365-day highway sticker and 5.40 for the single-day highway sticker.

Ninety euros is the amount we deemed acceptable for motorists. Compared to neighbouring countries such as the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia, this remains the lowest 365-day sticker fee, stated the Transport Ministry, as quoted by the TASR news agency.

This adjustment is part of a consolidation measure that still requires parliamentary approval, where Robert Ficos government holds a majority.

Conversely, the price of a 10-day sticker will decrease from 12 to 10.80, while a one-month sticker will cost 17.10. This measure is expected to generate approximately 35 million for the state budget.

However, as the Sme newspaper notes, Andrej Danko, leader of the far-right Slovak National Party and one of the current coalition leaders, previously campaigned for the abolition of highway vignettes before the early 2020 elections. He argued that people should not pay for highways that are not yet completed, making it a key theme of his campaign.

Danko even conducted a Facebook poll asking people whether they supported or opposed the abolition of highway vignettes. Of more than the 16,000 respondents, 15,000 were against the idea.

Facebook has proven to be a waste of time, Danko commented on the poll results. He explained that people from America and Africa could vote, which skewed the results.

Today, Danko asserts that the state needs revenue from highway vignettes but still considers their existence nonsense, given that the highway network is incomplete.

In Slovakia, no new highway stretch was opened this year. In addition, there is still no highway connection between Bratislava and Kosice, the second largest city in the country.

At the time of Slovakias accession to the European Union in 2004, there were 322 kilometres of highways and 78 kilometres of dual carriageways in operation, Index writes. Today, there are 545 kilometres of highways and 320 kilometres of dual carriageways. Over the past two decades, Slovakia has thus added an average of only 23 kilometres of new highways each year.

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The summers almost over, but its not too late to slip into a pair of short sleeves at Short Sleeves Coffee Roasters in North Carolina. Lets take a closer look.

The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia, and Ghirardelli.

As told to Sprudge by Daniel Lancaster.

For those who arent familiar, will you tell us about your company?

Short Sleeves Coffee is a teeny tiny roasting company based out of Swannanoa, NC founded by Daniel and Emily Lancaster, and their three kiddos: Elliot, Theodore, and Louise.

The name Short Sleeves Coffee is a nod to the simple moments in life. The ordinary, but delightful things.

Were going to make you incredible coffee, sure. Our coffee is top notch and we care about it deeply. However, we want to share it with you in a laid back, accessible, down to earth, friendly manner. Were not gonna be pretentious about it; and well hope weve got something for every kind of coffee drinker out there.

You know that feeling when you get home from work, and swap out your uniform for your favorite t-shirt? Thats the feeling we hope our coffee gives you. And when you enter our cafe (coming fall 2024), we hope youll see that this isnt a place where you have to put on a bunch of layers, and pretend. Nopetheres no dress code here. You can be yourself, and get comfortable. You can come in your Short Sleeves.

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

Situated in Swannanoas historic Gas Station built in 1928, were excited about the moments already shared in this space and are looking forward to the many new moments to come. There is a lot of work required to restore this iconic building, but in the end, were going to have a really delightful space for our community.

There are three rooms in the building, with two entrances in the front, and a large garage door entrance in the back. Well have seating in each room, and a pretty large outdoor seating area as well. Were really leaning into a soft pallet, and a light-hearted feel inside. Well be tiling our bar with a super fun scattered color palette that we think will really welcome folks inside.

We want the walls, colors, and style inside to really encourage you to loosen up your tie and maybe undo that top button too. You dont have to put on layers and pretend here theres no dress code; just come in your short sleeves.

Whats your approach to coffee?

Coffee is a pretty regular thing that most people drink every day. However, there is quite a bit that goes into getting those brown beans to your home. Within that process, theres also a lot that can go wrong for the earth, the people on the margins, and the supply chain.

Were trying to be part of whats going well and work tirelessly to only source coffee that is both delicious, and is ethically sourced. We then roast, prepare, and brew that coffee in methods that we believe offers an excellent product, that also serves our staff and customers with care.

We dont believe we are called to simply enter this world, use up the resources with lackluster methods, consume, and dissolve into the earth. We rather are called to work for more sustainable methods of coffee production, care for the environment we are given, work towards better conditions for farmers and their families, and spend time doing justice to the piece of creation were responsible for.

Things shouldnt be formed to simply be produced cheaply and tossed outbut instead we are invited to come alongside the work that has already begun in taking broken and ordinary things and making them undeniably beautiful.

We are pretty detailed, and love experimenting. We dont believe weve mastered coffee, nor ever will and thats what we love about it. An espresso from the same lot can taste completely different, and will require a totally new dial on a different day. Thats whats fun about coffee.

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

Espresso Machine: Slayer LP Steam, two-group, in white

Coffee and Single Origin Espresso Grinder: Mahlkonig EK43

Slow Bar: well be doing pour-overs and flash brew with our V60s

Espresso Grinders: Still finalizing these!

How is your project considering sustainability?

A lot of people will just bulldoze a space, and make it exactly how they want it be. However, the space is already a space so to just come in a rewrite everything about the space would be a sad shame for the people who have already invested deeply in it, and a waste of resources. Rather, the most sustainable use of resources is to preserve as much as possible, and were really trying to do that in our buildout.

Furthermore, were considering how light and energy can be preserved as much as possible in our design, and were making steps to do just that. As often as we can, well opt for open windows and an open garage door to let the natural air and breeze circulate within.

In our roasting, we work very hard to choose coffee from farms that use sustainable practices, and only work with importers that do the same as well. Once it comes to us, we dont bother with overly expensive and wasteful packaging, but instead, try to find creative ways to get coffee in customers hands without using a bunch of wasted materials. As were currently in packaging redesign phase right now, were working really hard to keep that true.

Finally, the most important thing we believe we can do for sustainability in the coffee industry is to continue to educate the consumer. At the end of the day, people are voting with their dollars, and if the voters dont care about sustainability in coffee then well never be able to build the traction we need as an industry to create a true, thriving, sustainability culture. So, we will definitely offer classes on this topic at times, but will also look for creative ways to portray information to customers in other ways.

Whats your hopeful target opening date/month?

September 2024

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that youd like to mention?

Yes!

Emily Worley is our interior designer. Shes top notch and really helping us make this vision a reality from our lighting down to our floors.

Mark Joseph Oliver is a woodworker (MJO Studios) who is helping us make beautiful tables, shelves, benches, and a bar top.

Sam Chastain is our general contractor and has an excellent vision for creative, yet resourceful projects.

Sully Pierce of Pierce Carpentry is our primary trim carpenter and has a fine attention for details.

Rocks and Rhododendra are our creative gurus helping with photography, videography, and launch marketing.

Brock Forrer and Angel Martinez (Angel M. Designs) are the graphic designers who each have helped with the project along the way. I (Daniel Lancaster) also have a small background in graphic design and have developed a number of our assets.

Thank you!
For many coffee enthusiasts, the appeal of Indonesian coffee beans is hardly newsthe term Java is synonymous with coffee, and comes from the Indonesian island thats home to the city of Jakarta. But Indonesian-style cafesand intricate coffee drinks that put these fine coffees in the forefrontare only now stepping into the limelight in the U.S.

Kopi Jahe? Jus Alpukat? Youll be sipping on them soon enough.

Specialty and niche coffee focusing on a single region or a country have been, for the last few years, a small-yet-persistent trendboth in direct-to-consumer brands and brick-and-mortar coffee shops. Take, for example, the Yemeni coffee mini-wave experienced by the Bay Area recently, or the growth of Vietnamese coffee in America and the rising mainstream popularity of Vietnamese coffee drinks.

In the case of Indonesia, the trend is two-fold; featuring drinks with avocado, ginger, coconut sugar, pandan, and other ingredients, Indonesian coffee shops are popping up everywhere from San Francisco to Washington DC, coloring outside the lines and fiercely covering new ground in cities with outstanding coffee scenes. These cafe owners also take special pride in sourcing coffee from the country that originated these special flavors and interesting combinations. Surprise and curiosity, says chef Nora Haron of Kopi Bar, when asked how customers respond to Indonesian drinks on her menu. Many are intrigued by the unusual combination of coffee and avocado, wondering how the flavors will blend together.

Her shops best seller is the soft green-hued Avocado Kopi, an espresso drink prepared with fresh avocado. This is Harons version of Jus Alpukat, a coffee-avocado shake thats popular in Indonesia, and has a growing following on social media. Haron opened Kopi Bar in Walnut Creek back in 2023, adjacent to her full-service Indonesian restaurant, SanDai. She serves a mix of classic and familiar drinks prepared with Indonesian beans exclusively, and specialty drinks that capture the customers adventurous sidelike the Coconut Cappuccino, made with coconut milk, and Teh Tarik, a hot milk tea from Malaysia, which is widely popular in Indonesia as well.

Like Kopi Bar, coffee shops around the country are offering now the electric-green coffee, as well as other Indonesian specialties; in San Francisco, Kopiku, which opened shortly after Kopi Bar in the lively Marina neighborhood, serves, among other options, Pandan Matcha and Iced Kopi Gula Aren, made with palm sugar ubiquitous in Indonesian cuisine. In L.A, Nonatos, a nomadic coffee project, pops up at festivals and boutiques with Es Dogeran Indonesian shaved ice drink made with coconut milk-based shaved ice and pandan syrup. In Scottsdale, AZ, Chill Kopi offers colorful latte drinks made with coffees sourced from Indonesia.

Despite a steady increase in Indonesian students coming to study in the U.S, the Indonesian-American community is relatively small. According to a report by PEW Research Center, the U.S Indonesian population was estimated at roughly 129,000 in the year 2019, with many of these immigrants residing in L.A and NYC metropolitan areas. The Indonesian coffee shop trend is similarly small, compared to, say, the booming Korean-American cafe scene in LA, or the many Colombian coffee bars in New York. But it argues compellingly for itself all the same, and has been successfully introducing, stateside, a culture thats been vibrating on a high frequency in Indonesia for years.

I think Indonesia has been well-known for its coffee for quite some time, says Vivit Kavi, the co-owner (with husband Irfan Ihsan) of the five-year-old DUA in Washington DC. However, people are starting to recognize Indonesian specialty coffee more because theyre becoming aware of the connection between ethical farming practices and the quality of the products it produces.

The two moved to the DC area from Jakarta over 20 years ago, and originally opened DUA as a franchise of a successful Indonesian chain, but became independent later on. Upon moving to the U.S, Kavi says, the two discovered a gap in Indonesian coffee offerings for consumers. DUA has strived to do things differently, first by partnering with sustainable small Indonesian roasteries like Klasik Beans, Wanoja Coffee, Java Frinsa Estate, and Lopo Coffee, and then by matching the nuanced flavors of Indonesias distinct coffee regions of the different regional beansSumatras nutty and spicy notes, West Javas tropical flavorwith the right drinks on the menu.

In addition to drip, pour-over, and espresso, DUA also offers Brown Aren Latte, which uses organic coconut palm sugar originating from East Java. We recommend it for die-hard brown sugar latte fans, Kavi says. Theres also an Oat Pandan Cold Brew and the Kopi Susu, which, according to Kavi, is incredibly popular in Jakarta. People think its similar to Vietnamese coffee because of the sweetened condensed milk added, she says, but the main distinction is that ours is a latte and made with Arabica beans so the espresso balances really well with the condensed milk and gives it a creamy sweetness that isnt overpowering.

The added curiosity of tasting unique ingredients and the look and feel of the novelty drinks helps drive the point home; at Kopi Bar, the best-selling Kopi Avocado is a great example, combining high-quality Indonesian coffee with the familiar, creamy taste of avocado. The coffee provides a deep, slightly bitter note, while the avocado adds a smooth, velvety texture and a subtle sweetness, says Haron. Those who try it often find themselves pleasantly surprised by the balanced flavor, noting that its a delightful departure from traditional coffee drinks.

At Scottsdales new Chill Kopi, couple Flo and Zach Harder are hoping to get similar responses from their growing customer base, which gravitates towards the coffee shops iced, colorful drinks named Bali Blues and Kopi Cream. All the drinks are made with top-tier Indonesian beans, which, Flo Harder says, translate to a velvety mouthfeel and earthy tones, thanks to their proximity to the landscapes volcanic ash and agriculture.

Growing up in Jakarta, coffee has always been a part of Flos lifefrom watching her father consume his daily dose of caffeine over the morning newspaper, to spending days in local coffee shops. The couple, who met in Arizona, got married in Bali and spent their honeymoon exploring. The coffee culture in Indonesia is contagious, Flo says. Everything from the customer service, presentation, and decor represents what weve experienced every time we go to Indonesia.

Indonesia has a long history of coffee cultivation dating back to Dutch colonial times, chef Nora Haron notes. This heritage adds a layer of authenticity and story, which appeals to U.S. consumers who value origin and narrative in their specialty coffees. It helps that these coffees are delicious and steeped in culture.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/are-you-at-risk-what-we-know-about-electronics-makers-linked-to-lebanon-blasts-1120205286.html

Are You at Risk? What We Know About Electronics Makers Linked to Lebanon Blasts

Are You at Risk? What We Know About Electronics Makers Linked to Lebanon Blasts

Sputnik International

Lebanon is reeling in the wake of 48 hours of terror attacks blamed on Israeli intelligence and targeting Hezbollah through coordinated explosions of electronic devices. Which companies, brands and devices are involved? Here's what we know.

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Handheld communications equipment makers are in damage control mode after on Tuesday and Wednesdays series of explosions across Lebanon, which have left scores of people dead and thousands injured.For the privacy minded, the acts of terror add terrifying new risk, demonstrating that intelligence services can use your devices to not just spy on you, but kill you without provocation or due process, if you fall on their bad side. Heres what we know about the companies whose products were involved in the Lebanon attacks:Gold Apollo: This Taiwanese manufacturer of alphanumeric pagers, restaurant and hospitality wireless solutions is at the center of events, with the companys AR924 series pagers exploding en masse (up to 5,000 simultaneously) in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday. Gold Apollo founder Hsu Ching-Kuang told media the pagers in question were manufactured under license by BAC Consulting KFT, a shady Hungary-based subcontractor registered in 2022 with just one employee and run out of a small building in a residential neighborhood of Budapest with no visible outside presence.Hsu claims Gold Apollo did not design or manufacture the deadly pagers - each thought to have been stuffed with three grams of explosives. Reached for commentary, BAC Consulting CEO Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, an LSE and University of London graduate and former European Commission advisor, told US media she did not make the pagers and was just the intermediary. A government spokesman said in a statement that BAC Consulting has no manufacturing presence in Hungary.Icom Incorporated: Osaka-headquartered radio, wireless LAN and SIP solutions maker Icom is the other company widely implicated, via its explosive IC-V82 VHF series of handheld walkie-talkies. The company cannot confirm the shipment of its products to Lebanon, and said the manufacture of this particular transceiver was halted in 2014. Icom assured that it sells its wares only through authorized distributors, and has had problems with counterfeiters using its brand.Lebanese media have reported that other electronic devices also exploded in this weeks carnage, from home solar energy systems and car batteries to electric scooters, fingerprint-reading devices, laptops and smartphones, including iPhones. These reports have yet to be independently verified.Apple has taken its share of blows to its reputation in recent years from manufacturing faults causing iPhones to randomly catch fire or explode while charging, and scandals related to intelligence agencies using its products to spy on users, but no past publicly reported incidents involving iPhones being deliberately used as makeshift explosive devices.The breadth and extent of the reported attacks has prompted some observers to suggest that batteries sold by shady third party suppliers may have been involved.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/curfew-imposed-in-frances-martinique-due-to-ongoing-civil-unrest---reports-1120199287.html

Curfew Reportedly Imposed in Frances Martinique Due to Ongoing Civil Unrest

Curfew Reportedly Imposed in Frances Martinique Due to Ongoing Civil Unrest

Sputnik International

Authorities in the French Caribbean territory Martinique have imposed a curfew amidst protests in the island's administrative center.

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On Tuesday, it was reported that on the island of Martinique, the French overseas territory in the Caribbean Sea, six police officers were injured during protests against rising food prices that have been ongoing for several days. The curfew will be imposed from 21:00 to 05:00 in the port area, as well as other areas of the city, a French radio broadcaster reported on Wednesday. The report added that additional law enforcement personnel will soon arrive on the island from French Guiana and Guadeloupe. Since early September, the city's port, which is the main delivery point for almost all goods, has become the center of a protest movement against rising food prices.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/gibraltar-pact-talks-in-brussels-end-without-agreement-for-3rd-time---joint-statement-1120210103.html

Gibraltar Pact Talks in Brussels End Without Agreement for 3rd Time - Joint Statement

Gibraltar Pact Talks in Brussels End Without Agreement for 3rd Time - Joint Statement

Sputnik International

The third high-level meeting in Brussels aimed at finalizing a pact to regulate Gibraltar's post-Brexit relationship with the European Union has concluded without an agreement, according to a joint statement from the European Commission, Spain and the United Kingdom released by the UK Foreign Office on Thursday.

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The meeting, which took place on Thursday, brought together European Commission Executive Vice-President Maros Sefcovic, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. "Building on significant progress of 12 April and 16 May, today's discussions were constructive and productive, resulting in further progress on the complex issues of negotiations, namely in the area of people and goods," the statement read. Gibraltar has been a stumbling block in relations between Spain and the UK for three centuries. Following the War of the Spanish Succession of 1701-1714, Gibraltar was ceded to the UK. Since then, the British have controlled the rocky section of the Iberian Peninsula's southern coast with an area of 6.5 square kilometers (2.3 square miles) and a population of 30,000 people.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/israel-created-shell-company-to-produce-explosive-pagers-shipped-to-lebanon---reports-1120200857.html

Israel Created Shell Company to Produce Explosive Pagers Shipped to Lebanon - Reports

Israel Created Shell Company to Produce Explosive Pagers Shipped to Lebanon - Reports

Sputnik International

Israel has created a shell company to manufacture explosive pagers that were then shipped to Lebanon, The New York Times reported, citing three intelligence officers.

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According to the officers, by its appearance, BAC Consulting Kft. was a Hungary-based company that had a contract to manufacture the devices on behalf of the Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, while in fact, it was part of an Israeli front company. At least two more front companies were created to mask the true identities of the people who created the pagers  Israeli intelligence officers. At the same time, BAC Consulting Kft. had ordinary clients, for whom it produced pagers without explosives, the newspaper reported. The explosive pagers began shipping to Lebanon in the summer of 2022, but production was then ramped up after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the use of mobile phones for security reasons.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/israel-seeking-to-convince-hezbollah-to-make-deal-by-blowing-up-walkie-talkies---reports-1120198468.html

Israel Seeking to Convince Hezbollah to Make Deal by Blowing Up Walkie-Talkies - Reports

Israel Seeking to Convince Hezbollah to Make Deal by Blowing Up Walkie-Talkies - Reports

Sputnik International

Israel hopes that its attacks utilizing explosives planted in pagers and walkie-talkies will convince Hezbollah to stop its strikes against Israel that are in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

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On Wednesday, a Lebanese source told Sputnik that communication devices other than pagers had exploded in different parts of Lebanon. Lebanese media reported that the exploding walkie-talkies were purchased about five months ago, almost simultaneously with the pagers that detonated on Tuesday. At least 20 people died and 450 others were injured in the second wave of explosions, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. In addition, the decision to carry out a second series of explosions was also dictated by the assumption that Hezbollah's investigation would likely reveal that the walkie-talkies contained explosive devices, the report added. Up to 2,800 people were injured and at least 12 died as a result of the mass detonation of pagers on Tuesday, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. The Lebanese government and the Hezbollah movement blamed the explosions on Israel. Media reported that pagers were used by Hezbollah as a closed communication system least susceptible to hacking and eavesdropping.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/mexican-president-us-actions-to-blame-for-latest-spate-of-cartel-violence-in-sinaloa-1120212611.html

Mexican President: US Actions to Blame for Latest Spate of Cartel Violence in Sinaloa

Mexican President: US Actions to Blame for Latest Spate of Cartel Violence in Sinaloa

Sputnik International

A recent US operation to capture the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel has sparked the violence that the state of Sinaloa has been experiencing in the last few days, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday.

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"What I can tell you is that there was an agreement, and due to this agreement  details of which we still do not know, including what it consisted of and under what conditions it was made  it has produced a confrontation for us in Sinaloa, which is happening now, and which I expect will be settled soon, as we are taking action," Lopez Obrador told a press conference broadcast by his administration. Last week, Sinaloa authorities canceled all festive events for Mexico's Independence Day due to deadly clashes between cartels and law enforcement. Local media reported fighting erupted between two factions of the local cartel - Los Chapitos, led by the children of drug lord El Chapo, and followers of the recently detained Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada. A significant military presence, including around 2,200 personnel, has been deployed in Sinaloa to maintain order amid the violent clashes that killed more than 30 people. Joaquin El Chapo Guzman's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, was arrested in July and has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges, while the co-founder of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, Zambada, faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering. El Chapo is serving a life sentence for drug offenses, and his other son, Ovidio, was extradited to the US in September 2023, with two of his brothers still at large.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230923/mexican-cartels-emerge-as-nations-fifth-largest-employer-study-reveals-1113597969.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/n-korea-successfully-tests-new-ballistic-missile-strategic-cruise-missile--state-media-1120201301.html

N. Korea Successfully Tests New Ballistic Missile, Strategic Cruise Missile  State Media

N. Korea Successfully Tests New Ballistic Missile, Strategic Cruise Missile  State Media

Sputnik International

North Korea's missile administration has successfully test-fired a new type of Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 tactical ballistic missile and an upgraded strategic cruise missile, with leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the launches, the state-run KCNA news agency reported on Thursday.

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"The Missile Administration of the DPRK successfully conducted test-fires of the new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 and an improved strategic cruise missile on Wednesday," KCNA reported. The purpose of the test launch was to confirm the accuracy of hitting a target with a super-large warhead at a distance of up to 320 kilometers (200 miles) and the assessment of the warhead's explosive power, the news agency added. The North Korean leader personally supervised the test launches and expressed satisfaction with the results, KCNA said. Kim Jong UN reportedly said that the current regional situation, which "threatens North Korea's security," requires prioritizing military strength.On Wednesday, the South Korean military said that North Korea had launched several short-range ballistic missiles that flew about 400 kilometers (249 miles). South Korea condemned the launches as a threat to regional peace, while Japan lodged a protest, citing regional security concerns.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240626/north-korea-launches-ballistic-missile-towards-east-sea---reports-1119132086.html

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Edward McKinley reports on Texas state government and politics from the Hearst Bureau in Austin for the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News, with a particular focus on education issues. He can be reached at edward.mckinley@houstonchronicle.com.

He is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism and Georgetowns Masters in American Government program. He previously reported for The Albany Times Union and the Kansas City Star newspapers, and he originally hails from the great state of Minnesota.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/nato-chief-admits-massing-tens-of-thousands-of-troops-on-russian-border-since-2014-1120210556.html

NATO Chief Admits Massing Tens of Thousands of Troops on Russian Border Since 2014

NATO Chief Admits Massing Tens of Thousands of Troops on Russian Border Since 2014

Sputnik International

NATO has transformed its eastern flank from having no combat-ready troops in place in 2014 to tens of thousands now, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

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"We have, over these ten years [since 2014 that he took over], undergone the biggest transformation in a generation. We have strengthened our defenses, from having zero to tens of thousands combat-ready NATO soldiers on our eastern flank, from thousands to half a million troops on high readiness and from 3 to 23 allies spending at least 2% of GDP on defense," Stoltenberg said during a session named "Reflections on a Challenging Decade," hosted by the German Marshal fund in Brussels. In recent years, Russia has witnessed unprecedented NATO activity near its western borders. Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the bloc's buildup of forces in Europe, especially since the bloc supported the Kiev regime amid its attacks on Donbass. In an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson earlier in February, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow had no intentions of attacking any NATO countries. Putin added that NATO countries were trying to intimidate their own populations with an imaginary Russian threat.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/netanyahu-accuses-uk-labour-govt-of-undermining-israels-ability-to-defend-itself-1120199582.html

Netanyahu Accuses UK Labour Govt of Undermining Israel's Ability to Defend Itself

Netanyahu Accuses UK Labour Govt of Undermining Israel's Ability to Defend Itself

Sputnik International

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the UK Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer of undermining Israel's ability to defend itself by suspending licenses for arms supplies to the Jewish state.

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On Monday, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy announced that London had suspended 30 out of some 350 arms export licenses citing risks that British weapons might be involved in violations of humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu also noted the rise in anti-Semitism in British society and expressed hope that the countrys government will take action to combat this phenomenon. The Israeli prime minister also accused the International Criminal Court of anti-Semitism for accusing Israel of deliberately harming civilians in the Gaza Strip. On May 20, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan filed arrest warrant requests for officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as for leaders of the Palestinian organization Hamas.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240822/netanyahu-rejects-reports-israel-is-allegedly-ready-to-leave-gaza-egypt-border-1119870166.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/pager-bomb-psychological-warfare-signals-that-netanyahu-wants-major-war-lebanese-observer-fears-1120210214.html

Pager Bomb Psychological Warfare Signals That Netanyahu Wants Major War, Lebanese Observer Fears

Pager Bomb Psychological Warfare Signals That Netanyahu Wants Major War, Lebanese Observer Fears

Sputnik International

Dozens of people were killed and nearly 3,500 injured in a series of coordinated explosions of pagers, walkie-talkies and other electronic devices Tuesday and Wednesday targeting Lebanese political and militia movement Hezbollah. Sputnik asked a Beirut-based scholar what exactly happened, and what happens next.

2024-09-19T18:03+0000

2024-09-19T18:03+0000

2024-09-20T10:41+0000

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Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has commented on the series of deadly blasts that rocked Lebanon earlier in the week, characterizing them as an Israel act of terror, a massacre, a genocide, and a declaration of war that would be met with just punishment.Linking the suspected Israeli attack to Hezbollahs ironclad support for Gaza (which has manifested in a months-long campaign of cross-border attacks, including the targeting IDF troops and infrastructure), Nasrallah assured that the Lebanese front will not stop until Israeli aggression in Gaza ends.Israelis will not be able to return to their homes in northern Israel so long as the aggression in Gaza continues, Nasrallah said, responding to Prime Minister Netanyahus X post comments from a day earlier that Tel Aviv would return the residents of the north to their safe homes.Not counting a Netanyahu advisor who dropped hints about Israeli responsibility for carnage, Israeli officials have not publicly denied nor confirmed involvement, leaving it to Israeli and US media to report the intimate details of planning behind the attacks, citing anonymous officials.On the eve of the violence, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin privately expressed concerns that Israel might launch a ground invasion into southern Lebanon. On Thursday, in a possible bid to cool tensions, sources told the Jerusalem Post that the IDF has no plans for any major new operations, much less a ground invasion.Psychological WarfareThe damage is heavy. Were not just talking about material damage, Yeghia Tashjian, a Beirut-based political analyst and researcher, regional and international affairs cluster coordinator at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut told Sputnik, comparing the chaos which followed Tuesdays coordinated explosions to the atmosphere following the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion.There were a lot of injuries, ambulances, people with blood injuries. There were also kids  and this is very important, because sometimes we are seeing in the media as if the targets were only Hezbollah fighters and so forth. No, there were kids also. I think two or three kids have been martyred so far, the observer said, noting that the attack took place in the late afternoon, when students were returning from schools, and homes and shops were packed.Tuesday and Wednesdays back-to-back electronic device attacks were not limited to the capital nor limited to Hezbollah or its supporters, but constituted an attack on the whole Lebanese people affecting people across the country, Tashjian stressed.Prelude to Invasion?The attempted escalation is only logical for Netanyahu, who faces criminal charges if the war that started in Gaza were ever stopped, Tashjian said. In order to remain in power, he has to continue and prolong this war because he is concerned with prosecution  there are judicial cases against him. Israeli society is not actually concerned with the war. They are asking for the release of hostages and negotiations with Hamas. So there is a lot of pressure.Will Hezbollah Bite the Bait?Characterizing this weeks attacks as another attempt by Tel Aviv to bait Hezbollah into a major war, Tashjian said he expects the militia to respond in a manner consistent with its policy of calculated deterrence, since a large-scale war with Israel threatening to escalate into a regional war is not Lebanons interests.If a huge escalation [takes place] and Israel takes a decision to engage in a ground invasion, we may witness another form of regional war. This would be a very severe conventional war, expanding not just through south Lebanon, but far off theaters in Yemen and Iraq, affecting trade and energy security, and even the upcoming US presidential elections. And of course, there would be more casualties. Infrastructure will be destroyed in both countries. This is not something that some international actors want, Tashjian believes.This is not in the interest especially of the Persian Gulf countriesIran also doesnt want a war, to be very fair. This is clear by Irans calculated and measured response against Israel. If Iran wanted a regional war, it could have escalated and could have directly hit Israel weeks ago. But its trying to play a limited, calculated deterrence game against Israel, the observer stressed, commenting on Tehrans nearly year-long effort to put pressure on Tel Aviv and its allies through the Axis of Resistance without being sucked into a conflict which would almost inevitably involve the US.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/pentagon-fears-israel-on-verge-of-launching-ground-operation-against-hezbollah--media-1120201587.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/lebanon-aviation-regulator-introduces-ban-on-comms-transportation-on-board-of-aircraft-1120203941.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240903/netanyahu-refuses-surrender-to-israeli-protesters-demanding-hostage-deal-1119991461.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240918/israel-and-us-behind-two-waves-of-blasts-in-lebanon-to-divert-attention-from-gaza-genocide---expert-1120194799.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/pentagon-fears-israel-on-verge-of-launching-ground-operation-against-hezbollah--media-1120201587.html

Pentagon Fears Israel on Verge of Launching Ground Operation Against Hezbollah  Media

Pentagon Fears Israel on Verge of Launching Ground Operation Against Hezbollah  Media

Sputnik International

The US Department of Defense is very concerned about a ground war erupting between Israel and Hezbollah in the wake of the wave of deadly explosions of pagers in Lebanon, reported The Wall Street Journal.

2024-09-19T08:59+0000

2024-09-19T08:59+0000

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The US Department of Defense is very concerned about a ground war erupting between Israel and Hezbollah in the wake of the wave of deadly explosions of pagers and other electronic devices in Lebanon, reported The Wall Street Journal.The Pentagon is alarmed that the situation is close to spiraling out of control, a senior official was cited as saying.You would do this as shaping one before doing something else, a former defense official told the outlet, in a nod at the timing of the detonations.Israel recently transferred a division consisting of thousands of commando and paratrooper soldiers that had been operating in Gaza to the north, the publication cited sources as saying. While Israel has not been calling up reserves, it could start a smaller-scale operation imminently, according to unnamed US defense officials.Fears of an impending Israeli ground operation in the south of Lebanon had been cited at a Pentagon meeting by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday, said the outlet. The wave of blasts had taken the risk of a full-blown regional war to new heights, it noted. After speaking with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Austin got the impression that Tel Aviv was gearing up for new military options regarding Lebanon, a US defense official was cited as saying.Austin urged Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant to give diplomatic negotiations time to succeed, according to Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed on Wednesday that it was imperative that all parties refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict.Media reported that pagers were used by Hezbollah as a closed communication system least susceptible to hacking and eavesdropping. Other detonated devices, according to various reports, included walkie-talkies, phones and fingerprint scanner. Sputnik has not been able to verify the information on the full list of exploding devices.The Israeli defense minister posted a message on X on Wednesday, announcing that Israel was embarking upon a new phase in the war by allocating resources and forces to the northern arena.Israel has not made any official statements about the explosions.While military analysts have speculated in interviews for Sputnik that that US intelligence services could be behind the explosions, Washington has rushed to distance itself from the incident with the weaponized gadgets. The US had no involvement with the electronic attacks against Hezbollah, the White House said on Wednesday.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also remarked on Wednesday that the pager detonations in Lebanon could be a preemptive action ahead of a major military operation which has to be avoided at all costs."Obviously, the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a preemptive strike before a major military operation. So as important as the event in itself is, the indication that this event confirms that there is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon, and everything must be done to avoid that escalation. Guterres told journalists in a press briefing.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240917/from-echelon-to-prism-us-intel-services-could-be-behind-hezbollah-pager-detonation---expert--1120180857.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/readiness-to-use-strategic-submarines-weapons-very-high---russian-navy-commander-in-chief-1120198583.html

Readiness to Use Strategic Submarines' Weapons Very High, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Says

Readiness to Use Strategic Submarines' Weapons Very High, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Says

Sputnik International

The most destructive weapons in the 25th submarine division of Russia's Pacific Fleet is at a very high level of readiness for use, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm. Alexander Moiseyev said.

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"Of course, the highest level of training. I am directly involved in the management of these forces, I see how these tasks are solved by ships. It should be noted that these are modern ships. This is a completely different level of technology. Weapons that, first of all, are of the highest operational reliability. And I am not even talking about the readiness to use weapons: extremely high," the Russian Defense Ministry quoted Adm. Moiseyev as saying.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240918/russia-slams-natos-reckless-rejection-of-putins-red-line-on-ukraine-attacks-1120189986.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/russian-fm-spokeswoman-and-rossiya-segodnya-editor-in-chief-take-part-in-eurasian-womens-forum-1120201453.html

Russian FM Spokeswoman and Sputnik Editor-in-Chief Take Part in Eurasian Women's Forum

Russian FM Spokeswoman and Sputnik Editor-in-Chief Take Part in Eurasian Women's Forum

Sputnik International

Sputnik goes live as Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and editor-in-chief of Russia's Rossiya Segodnya international media group and RT broadcaster Margarita Simonyan attend the Eurasian Women's Forum session themed "Looking at the Changing World" in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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Sputnik is live as Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of Sputnik's parent media group Rossiya Segodnya, participate in the Eurasian Women's Forum session themed "Looking at the Changing World" in St. Petersburg, Russia.This year, more than 1,500 people from 126 countries are attending the forum. The forum runs from September 18 to 20.Follow Sputniks feed to learn more!

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AI Russian FM Spokeswoman and Rossiya Segodnya Editor-in-Chief Takes Part in Eurasian Women's Forum Sputnik International AI Russian FM Spokeswoman and Rossiya Segodnya Editor-in-Chief Takes Part in Eurasian Women's Forum 2024-09-19T13:10+0000 true PT1S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/the-good-the-bad-and-the-funny-of-the-senate-hearing-on-election-threats-1120198120.html

The Good, the Bad and the Funny of the Senate Hearing on Election Threats

The Good, the Bad and the Funny of the Senate Hearing on Election Threats

Sputnik International

The US Senate Intelligence committee called tech leaders to testify about "foreign threats to elections in 2024." They focused on Russia, China and Iran, as well as the threat posed by AI.

2024-09-19T02:21+0000

2024-09-19T02:21+0000

2024-09-19T02:21+0000

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mark warner

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european union (eu)

hunter biden

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The GoodA few Republican senators spoke out against censorship of dissenting voices, albeit without pushing back on the idea that freedom of speech belongs exclusively to Americans.Cmte. Vice Chair Marco Rubio (R-FL) brought up the Hunter Biden laptop story as evidence of when government and tech censorship can go wrong. There was a concerted effort to silence a media outlet in the United States for something that turned out not to be Russian disinformation, the Senator lamented, also bringing up the censorship of the COVID lab leak origin theory.Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AZ) echoed those statements and noted that it was far more influential than anything Russia, China or Iran had been accused of.Again, this is domestic information operations if youd like to say. Far more influence on our elections than memes or YouTube videos or articles that Russian intelligence agents or Chinese intelligence agents posted.Cotton also defended political humor and satire, noting that the recently signed California anti-deepfake law would target deep fakes of former US President Donald Trump saving ducks and geese. Its fine. People laugh at them. Satire and political humor are as old as our country.The BadAnti-Russian, Chinese and Iranian sentiments were high in the hearing, as was the desire to quiet speech from anyone originating from those countries.Cmte. Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) complained that Meta* and Google have allegedly allowed their ad tools to be used by sanctioned entities (read: companies in China, Russia and Iran). He also slammed Elon Musk for not cooperating with their efforts to fight disinformation.He also accused Iran of infiltrating US protests against Israeli actions in Gaza.Finally, Warner thanked Meta President of Global Affairs for removing Russian sites (including Sputnik and RT) from the platform.I want to thank Meta, I hope that our committees interest in this subject helped move you yesterday when you guys decided to take down RT and related Russian influence operations, he said.Finally, Meta* President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg called for cooperation with countries across the West, potentially exporting the rules of the EU and US across the supposedly "democratic world.""I would also suggest cooperations between different jurisdictions across the democratic world globally is important, particularly between the United States, Europe, India and so on," Clegg argued. "I think one of the greatest risks is a fragmentation of different regulatory approaches around the world for technologies that by definition are borderless."The UK and EU have censorship laws far in advance of the US. In August, a UK man was jailed for 20 months over a Facebook post.The FunnySen. Susan Collins (R-ME) accused China of using the Sister Cities program to sow discord. China is attempting to build relations with state and local officials. We see the sister cities programs, we see the Confucius Institutes and educational institutions, so how are your platforms trying to help safeguard the down-ballot races? she asked. The Sister Cities program was created in 1956 by US President Dwight Eisenhower to foster bonds between people from different communities around the world. More than 140 countries and 300 communities participate in the program. Meanwhile, after showcasing fake sites meant to mimic The Washington Post and Fox News, Warner implied Americans are too brainless to read URLs. Fake websites are not new and have likely existed for nearly as long as the World Wide Web itself. Warner blamed AI, but fake websites are typically created by modifying the HTML files of an existing website. He also said Americans "trust" Fox News and the Washington post, raising the question of if he's ever been on the internet.*Meta and Facebook are banned in Russia for extremist activities

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240827/meta-shouldnt-have-demoted-hunter-biden-laptop-story-on-platform---ceo-1119920010.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240917/self-discrediting-kremlin-excoriates-metas-global-ban-on-sputnik-and-rt-1120175444.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220416/many-us-regions-maintain-ties-with-russia-despite-political-tensions---sister-cities-international-1094805750.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/us-coast-guard-may-need-to-wait-15-years-for-long-delayed-modern-cutter-ship---report-1120213248.html

US Coast Guard May Need to Wait 15 Years For Long-Delayed Modern Cutter Ship - Report

US Coast Guard May Need to Wait 15 Years For Long-Delayed Modern Cutter Ship - Report

Sputnik International

The USCG program to build a single modern cutter to operate in coastal inshore waters as a patrol security interceptor vessel is such a mess the entire service will continue to lack the resources it needs until 2039.

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combat readiness

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"GAO found challenges with Coast Guard's acquisition of the Offshore Patrol Cutter that is intended to replace the Medium Endurance Cutter," the report acknowledged. "This new cutter is essential for the service's drug interdiction mission, but acquisition delays are expected to create operational capability gaps through at least 2039." The massive delays with the cutter, now delayed for possibly 15 years, are widespread and affect the entire Coast Guard maritime force, the GAO pointed out. "Coast Guard aircraft and vessels have not met availability targets. In 2023, GAO reported that Medium Endurance Cutters - a key asset for interdicting drugs - were not consistently meeting operational availability targets," the report said. The Coast Guard noted that the declining condition of the cutters risked decreased capability for meeting mission requirements, the GAO added. Among those hindered missions is the Coast Guard's efforts to intercept and prevent cocaine and other dangerous drugs from entering the United States. The GAO report comes on the heels of reports outlining the US Navy's continuing decline, which has intensified due to poor recruiting figures over a period of multiple years.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240530/us-navy-years-behind-already-over-budget-in-designing-new-class-of-frigates---report-1118694592.html

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causes of declining us coast guard standing, what is a cutter ship, downfall of us navy, us military poor recruitment
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/us-court-detains-russias-denis-postovoy-transfers-him-to-washington---lawyer-1120214598.html

US Court Detains Russias Denis Postovoy, Transfers Him to Washington - Lawyer

US Court Detains Russias Denis Postovoy, Transfers Him to Washington - Lawyer

Sputnik International

A US court in Florida detained a Russian national and transferred him to Washington, his lawyer Todd Foster told Sputnik.

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us district court

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"The judge ordered [Postovoy] to be detained and transported to Washington," Foster said on Thursday. Magistrate Judge Natalie Adams held earlier a detention hearing at the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa. Foster also said that he did not know when Postovoy is expected to arrive in Washington, where he will be detained or when the next hearing will be. Postovoys family still has to decide who will represent his interests in court. The US Justice Department said on Wednesday that Postovoy, who lives in Sarasota, Florida, procured and illegally exported microelectronic components with military applications from the United States to Russia through companies he owns or operates in Russia, Hong Kong and elsewhere, without obtaining required licenses.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240917/moscow-asks-state-dept-to-provide-info-on-russian-facing-illegal-export-charges-in-us-1120174631.html

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Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Missouri.

Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference. You can sign up here.

You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at Jeremy.wallace@chron.com.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/us-defense-chief-israeli-counterpart-discuss-threats-posed-by-iran-hezbollah-after-pager-attack-1120197611.html

US Defense Chief, Israeli Counterpart Discuss Threats Posed By Iran, Hezbollah After Pager Attack

US Defense Chief, Israeli Counterpart Discuss Threats Posed By Iran, Hezbollah After Pager Attack

Sputnik International

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed threats to Israel following the pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon and Syria.

2024-09-19T03:11+0000

2024-09-19T03:11+0000

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yoav gallant

col. patrick ryder

lebanon

israel

hezbollah

world

israel-gaza conflict

palestine-israel conflict

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"Austin... spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to review regional security developments and reiterate unwavering US support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and Iran's other regional partners," Ryder said on Wednesday. Austin also reaffirmed the priority of reaching a Gaza ceasefire deal to bring home hostages held by Hamas, and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border, the release added. At least 12 people were killed and more than 2,800 injured on Tuesday as a result of the mass detonation of pagers in Lebanon, according to the country's health ministry. A second wave of mass detonations of communications devices on Wednesday killed at least nine people and injured another 300.The US has not condemned the attacks, but Secretary of State Antony Blinken admitted that they would make the peace process in Gaza more difficult. Israel has not admitted to its alleged role in the attack.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240918/lebanon-pager-blasts-could-be-preemptive-strike-before-major-military-operation---un-chief-1120194379.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/watch-russian-giatsint-b-howitzer-wipe-out-ukrainian-armored-vehicles-1120200762.html

Watch Russian Giatsint-B Howitzer Wipe Out Ukrainian Armored Vehicles

Watch Russian Giatsint-B Howitzer Wipe Out Ukrainian Armored Vehicles

Sputnik International

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of Battlegroup Dnepr Giatsint-B 152 mm towed gun crews destroying armored vehicles, ammunition depots, and fortified positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the right bank of the Dnepr River.

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russia's special operation in ukraine

video

russia

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russian defense ministry

ukrainian armed forces

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The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of Battlegroup Dnepr Giatsint-B 152 mm towed gun crews destroying armored vehicles, ammunition depots, and fortified positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the right bank of the Dnepr River."Shooting across water obstacles is considered one of the most difficult for artillery," an artillery platoon commander with the call sign "Kupol" said.

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Russian Giatsint-B Howitzer Wipe Out Ukrainian Armored Vehicles Sputnik International Russian Giatsint-B Howitzer Wipe Out Ukrainian Armored Vehicles 2024-09-19T09:04+0000 true PT0M29S

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The annual Stable of Memories Round Barn fundraiser will be held Sunday night, Sept. 29, from 6-9 p.m. at the historic Lexington, Kentucky landmark adjacent to The Red Mile. The event is being held the night before the opening of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale at Fasig-Tipton.

This year's Stable of Memories event will feature the official debut of the Brittany Farms collection of trophies, which Brittany owner George Segal has donated to the Stable of Memories. Brittany is selling its last crop of yearlings at this years Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

The evening will also include a silent auction of framed harness racing/horse artwork from various collections and a live performance by local artist John Lovern, and dinner and bar service, provided Bayou Bluegrass Catering.

All proceeds from the evening benefit the preservation of the Round Barn, and its designation as the Stable of Memories Inc., which is a 501c3 non-profit corporation. All funds raised and donated are used to maintain the historic building and its collections and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Tickets for the Sept. 29 fundraiser can be purchased by clicking here.

(Stable of Memories)
Freehold Raceway announced on Thursday, Sept. 19 that it expects to cease all live racing and simulcast operations as of Dec. 28, 2024. Employees and affected stakeholders were notified by track officials earlier today.

This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical importance of Freehold Raceway to the local community and the New Jersey horse racing industry, said Howard Bruno, General Manager of Freehold Raceway. Unfortunately, the operations of the racetrack cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward. We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated employees, horsemen and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.

The remainder of the approved live racing schedule for 2024 will be completed and daily simulcasting will continue until the closure date.

Freehold officials are working proactively with the New Jersey Racing Commission, state and local officials, and industry stakeholders on all necessary items related to the closure of the facility.

Severance will be paid to employees, including compensation as required by New Jerseys Worker Adjustment and Retraining (WARN) Act, and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

(Freehold Raceway)
The Atlantic Breeders Crown Host Committee announced on Thursday, Sept. 19 the Atlantic Canadian harness racing families that will be recognized for their achievements and contributions to the industry.

The families will be honoured during the upcoming Atlantic Breeders Crown Weekend at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Oct. 12-13.

The Gordon MacLean family from Winsloe, P.E.I. will be celebrated for their long association with harness racing.

From New Brunswick, the family of the late Gerald Ryan from Saint John will be saluted for their long involvement and many successes.

The McCallum family of Truro, N.S. will be recognized for their 60-plus years of involvement.

Newfoundland and Labrador will not be honouring a family this year.

Presentations to the three families will take place at the Atlantic Breeders Crown banquet, presented by the Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association, at the Top of the Park at the CDP on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Memorabilia from each of the families will be on display in the Memory Lane room in the 1888 Lounge during the weekend.

(Atlantic Breeders Crown)
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said Tuesday that a review  prompted by a court decision this summer involving a man who had been held more than two months past his release date due to an error about how to apply jail credit  led them to discover seven more people who were held in prison beyond their release dates.

Our team is committed to working proactively alongside the Attorney Generals Office to ensure the appropriate application of jail time credit, NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys said in a press release.

He said the Corrections Department takes advantage of every opportunity to improve its processes, and this court decision was no different.

Jeffreys was referring to a decision July 19 in Dallas Waters case.

The Omaha man filed a petition asking a judge in Lancaster County, where he was serving his prison sentence, to release him.

Waters said the prison hadnt given him appropriate jail credit for time he served before he was sentenced.

On March 22, a Douglas County district judge sentenced Waters to one year of imprisonment in each of four cases, all concurrent, on attempted theft charges, shoplifting and driving on a revoked license.

But the sentence provided for different jail-time credits in each case, ranging from two days to 130.

NDCS calculated his tentative release date as Sept. 28, which prompted his court filing. Waters said he believed his release date should have been May 26 with the jail credit and good time, which roughly cuts a sentence in half.

Lancaster County District Judge Kevin McManaman ordered the prison to show cause why a court order shouldnt be issued granting Waters his release.

But, a day before the July 17 hearing, the prison discharged Waters, agreeing that his discharge date had been erroneously calculated and, in fact, he should have been released May 13.

In the order that followed, McManaman said: It appears this unique and complex sentencing structure contributed to NDCSs apparent miscalculation of Mr. Waters sentences.

Because Waters was released, the matter was considered moot.

But Tuesday, General Counsel Ryan Gilbride said: The department is now carefully reviewing offender sentences with the assistance of the Attorney Generals Office regarding other inmates potentially affected by this unique and complex sentencing structure.

So far, they have reviewed all individuals with a tentative release date this year or next year. Of the 1,437 sentences reviewed, seven resulted in immediate discharges.

Jeffreys said that, moving forward, NDCS will begin reviewing tentative release dates for 2026 using the same process.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was seen giving remarks to republican delegates from Texas on the first day of the Texas GOP Convention on May 23, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Christopher Lee

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is again suing Harris County over its guaranteed income initiative, alleging that the latest version of the program still violates the Texas Constitution despite modifications officials made to pass muster.

The Texas Constitution expressly prohibits giving away public funds to benefit individuals  a common sense protection to prevent cronyism and ensure that public funds benefit all citizens, Paxton, a third-term Republican, wrote in the suit. The State of Texas brings this suit to ensure that Harris County follows the law and that public funds are properly expended and not doled out as door prizes at the voting booth.

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Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee held his ground in a statement he made Thursday on social media.

Our 1st basic income program was legal. The Texas Supreme Court disagreed, so we created a new program to address concerns, said Menefee, a Democrat. If it wasnt clear before, its clear now: @KenPaxtonTXs goal is to tank a program that will help Texans in need. We wont back down. See you in court.

Uplift Harris, as the local program is called, is designed to give financial assistance to low-income households picked through a randomized lottery. Around 1,900 participants were selected earlier this year to receive $500 monthly payments for 18 months, following a similar guaranteed income model that has been used around the country.

Though the original legal battle over the program is still making its way through the courts, the county decided last month to move forward with a modified program because its running out of time to spend the $20.5 million of earmarked funds. The money comes from federal pandemic recovery dollars that must be allocated by the end of the year.

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Under the modified plan, the households that were already awaiting payment would receive pre-loaded cards that restrict spending to approved categories.

Thats not the spirit of a guaranteed income program, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said at the time. Thats why this is Uplift Harris 2.0, not Uplift Harris. But it is a way to keep our promises to these families and we do think it will have a benefit and something that we can study.

Paxton argued in the suit filed Thursday that Harris Countys revised program still does not meet the criteria for exceptions to Constitutions prohibition on giving away public funds as gifts because it does not accomplish a public purpose, the county does not have sufficient control over the funds and the county does not receive any return benefit.

Though the Texas Supreme Court has not ruled on the program, in June it strongly signaled a belief that the initiative violates the Texas Constitution.

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Although we make no definitive statement about the merits, the state has raised serious doubt about the constitutionality of the Uplift Harris program, and this potential violation of the Texas Constitution could not be remedied or undone if payments were to commence while the underlying appeal proceeds, Justice Jimmy Blacklock, a Republican who is running for reelection this year, wrote in a 12-page opinion that kept the program on hold.
On September 18, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Notification No. 30/2024-25-DGFT, amending the import policy for fresh (green) areca nuts under ITC (HS) 08028010. This amendment, made under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, modifies the import policy condition initially established in Notification No. 17/2023. The revised policy allows the import of 17,000 metric tonnes of fresh areca nuts from Bhutan without a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition, specifically through the Land Customs Stations (LCS) Jaigaon, Chamurchi, Hatisar, and Darranga. Additionally, all imports must have a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The inclusion of LCS Hatisar and LCS Darranga as approved ports enhances the existing import framework, providing more options for importers. This notification underscores the governments ongoing efforts to facilitate trade while maintaining regulatory oversight in the import of agricultural products. The changes reflect a strategic approach to bolster trade relations with Bhutan, ensuring a steady supply of areca nuts to the Indian market.

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(Department of Commerce)

(DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE)

New Delhi

Notification No. 30 /2024-25-DGFT | Dated : 18th September, 2024

Subject: Amendment in Import Policy Condition under ITC (HS) 08028010 of Chapter 08 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule I (Import Policy).

S.O. 3960(E). In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 and Section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government in partial modification to Notification No. 17/2023 dated 03.07.2023, hereby amends the Import Policy Condition (c)(i) of items under ITC(HS) 0802 80 10 of Chapter 08 of ITC(HS), 2022, Schedule  I (Import Policy), as under : (changes made are in bold letters)

Revised Policy Condition:

(c) Import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh (green) Areca Nut without Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition shall be allowed from Bhutan every year. Such imports are allowed:

i) through LCS Jaigaon (INJIGB), LCS Chamurchi(INCHMB), LCS Hatisar(INHT5B) and LCS Darranga(INDRGB) only, and,

ii) shall be subject to a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by DGFT.

Effect of the Notification:

In addition to the existing two ports, import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh(green) Areca nut without Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition from Bhutan shall also be allowed through LCS Hatisar(INHT5B) and LCS Darranga(INDRGB).

This issues with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.

[F.No. 01/89/180/43/AM-01/PC-2[A]/Part-III/E-8258]

SANTOSH KUMAR SARANGI, Director General of Foreign Trade & Ex- officio Addl. Secy.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued Notification No. 30/2024-25, dated September 18, 2024, amending the import policy for fresh green areca nuts from Bhutan. This notification modifies the existing Import Policy Condition under ITC(HS) 2022, Schedule I. Previously, the import of 17,000 metric tonnes of fresh areca nuts was permissible only through two designated Land Customs Stations (LCS). The latest amendment expands the list of approved ports to include LCS Hatisar and LCS Darranga, in addition to the existing ones.

The revised policy removes the Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition for these imports, facilitating smoother trade. The imports must still be accompanied by a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by the DGFT. This adjustment aims to enhance trade efficiency and support the import process by broadening the entry points for areca nuts into India. The change reflects the governments effort to streamline and increase the accessibility of this agricultural product from Bhutan.

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Department of Commerce

Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Notification No. 30/2024-25- DGFT| Dated: 18th September 2024

Subject: Amendment in Import Policy Condition under ITC(IIS) 08028010 of Chapter 08 of ITC(HS) 2022, Schedule I (Import Policy).

S.O. (E): In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 and Section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government in partial modification to Notification No. 17/2023 dated 03.07.2023, hereby amends the Import Policy Condition (c)(i) of items under ITC(FIS) 0802 80 10 of Chapter 08 of ITC(HS), 2022, Schedule  I (Import Policy), as under : (changes made are in bold letters)

Revised Policy Condition:

(c) Import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh (green) Areca Nut without Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition shall be allowed from Bhutan every year. Such imports are allowed:

i) through LCS Jaigaon (INJIGB), LCS Chamurchi (INCHMB), LCS Hatisar (INHT5B) and LCS Darranga (INDRGB) only, and,

ii) shall be subject to a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by DGFT.

Effect of the Notification:

In addition to the existing two ports, import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh(green) Areca nut without Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition from Bhutan shall also be allowed through LCS Hatisar (INHT5B) and LCS Darranga (INDRGB).

This issues with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.

(Santosh Kumar Sarangi)

Director General of Foreign Trade &

Ex- officio Addl. Secretary to the Government of India

Email: [email protected]

[Issued from File No. 01/89/180/43/AM-01/PC-2[A]/Part-III/E-8258]
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new system aimed at improving the monitoring and detection of forest fires through advanced real-time image processing is reported in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology. The work could lead to faster and more accurate detection and so help improve the emergency response to reduce the environmental, human, and economic impacts.

Zhuangwei Ji and Xincheng Zhong of Changzhi College, in Shanxi, China, describe an image segmentation model based on STDCNet, an enhanced version of the BiseNet model. Image segmentation involves classifying areas within an image to allow flames and forest background to be differentiated. The STDCNet approach can extract relevant features efficiently without demanding excessive computational resources.

The team explains how their approach uses a bidirectional attention module (BAM). This allows it to focus on distinct characteristics of different image features and determine the relationships between adjacent areas in the image within the same feature. This dual approach improves the precision of fire boundary detection, particularly for small-scale fires that are often missed until they have grown much larger.

Tests with the model on a public dataset showed better performance than existing approaches in terms of both accuracy and computational efficiency. This bolsters the potential for real-time fire detection, where early identification can prevent fires from spreading uncontrollably.

The new system has several advantages over standard fire detection methods, such as ground-based sensors and satellite imagery. These have limitations such as high maintenance costs, signal transmission issues, and interference from environmental factors such as clouds and rugged terrain.

The researchers suggest that drones equipped with the new image processing technology could offer a more adaptable and cost-effective alternative to sensors or satellites, allowing fire detection to be carried out in different weather conditions and in challenging environments.

More information: Zhuangwei Ji et al, Bidirectional attention network for real-time segmentation of forest fires based on UAV images, International Journal of Information and Communication Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1504/IJICT.2024.141434
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:

Cathay Pacific grounded its A350s after a Zurich-bound jet was forced to turn back to Hong Kong earlier in September.

An engine defect in the Airbus A350 plane that led to the cancellation of dozens of Cathay Pacific flights this month could have escalated into "extensive damage", according to the results of a Hong Kong probe released Thursday.

Hong Kong-based Cathay briefly grounded its fleet of A350s for inspections and repairs after a Zurich-bound plane was forced to turn around and head back to the Chinese city on September 2.

The inspections found that components on 15 of the 48 planes in the fleet of A350s, powered by engines from the British manufacturer Rolls-Royce, had to be replaced.

In Thursday's report, the Hong Kong investigators said a post-flight examination of the Zurich-bound plane found that a fuel hose had ruptured, as evidenced by a "discernible hole", burn marks and "black soot observed on the aft section of the core engine".

The fuel could have leaked through the ruptured hose and resulted in a fire that would have spread to surrounding areas, said the report released by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA).

"If not promptly detected and addressed, this situation... could escalate into a more serious engine fire, potentially causing extensive damage to the aircraft," it said, categorizing the incident as "serious".

Five additional fuel hoses in the Zurich-bound planewhich was manufactured in 2019were also found to have either "frayed metal braids or collapsed structures", the authority said.

To address the issue, the AAIA recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency require Rolls-Royce to "develop continuing airworthiness information, including but not limited to, inspection requirements of the secondary fuel manifold hoses" of the engines in question.

In its report, Hong Kong investigators said the Cathay flight crew saw an engine fire warning for the number two engine shortly after liftoff.

The crew declared an emergency "mayday" signal but later downgraded it to a call indicating an urgent situation.

The fire warning was cleared after 59 seconds, as the crew shut down the engine and used a fire extinguisher.

Thursday's preliminary report "should be regarded as tentative", a spokesman said.

'Precautionary measure'

The Cathay incident prompted other airlines in Asia to carry out similar checks on their A350-900 and A350-1000 models, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 and XWB-97 engines.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also mandated inspections on A350-1000s as a "precautionary measure", noting that there are 86 such aircraft in service worldwide.

However, it said mandatory inspections of Airbus A350-900 engines were "not warranted at this stage".

Rolls-Royce said Thursday that it was continuing to work closely with regulators to support the ongoing investigation.

"As stated in the AAIA report, the engine and aircraft system promptly detected and addressed the issue, as expected with such an incident," a spokesperson said.

The Zurich-bound Cathay plane that was forced to return to Hong Kong was an A350-1000 model, the AAIA report said.

Qatar Airways is the biggest operator of the A350-1000, with 24 in its fleet, followed by Cathay Pacific and British Airways, which both have 18.

Airbus declined to comment on the AAIA report, while the EASA have not responded to AFP's requests for comment.

Last November, Emirates chief executive Tim Clark expressed concerns about the durability and longevity of A350 engines.

Rolls-Royce has defended its Trent XWB-97 engines and said it is taking steps to improve their durability.

 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:

A view of a laptop shows the Twitter sign-in page with their logo, in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, July 24, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File

Some Brazilian users regained access to X on Wednesday despite a nationwide ban put in place by the country's Supreme Court, a reunion apparently resulting from the social network changing the way its servers are accessed.

But the renewed access may be short-lived.

Late last month, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered X blocked nationwide after months of tension with the site's billionaire owner Elon Musk over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation. De Moraes also set fines for anyone using virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access the platform.

That rendered X effectively inaccessible in the country until Wednesday, when an Associated Press journalist was among those who regained access. The number of X posts made in Brazil rose from 939,000 Tuesday to more than 2 million by late afternoon Wednesday, data analysis company Bites said.

Experts examining X's IP addressesnumeric designations that identifies sites' location on the internetsaid there are indications the company has begun routing users through the servers of Cloudflare, a content delivery network, en route to its own.

"The service that Elon Musk's social network has started using works like a 'digital shield' that protects the company's servers," Pedro Diogenes, Latin America's technical director for CLM, a distributor that focuses on cybersecurity. It acts as a proxy between users and X's servers, filtering traffic and preventing the original IP address from being recognized, Diogenes told the AP.

Brazil's telecommunications regulator Anatel said it is looking into the situation and will report its findings to the Supreme Court, noting that there has been no change to de Moraes' ruling. A panel of fellow justices later upheld his decision, though it hasn't yet gone before the court's full bench. His fine for VPN users in particular has faced blowback, including from the nation's bar association.

The Supreme Court declined to comment on possible actions it could take. X said on its platform that the shutdown in Brazil affected service to Latin America as a whole, so it swapped network providers.

"This change resulted in an inadvertent and temporary service restoration to Brazilian users," the Wednesday evening statement said. "We expect the platform to be inaccessible again shortly."

Earlier Wednesday, former President Jair Bolsonaro celebrated the return of the social network with a post from his account. He has sided with Musk in the feud with de Moraes and sought to portray the ban as censorship from an overzealous judge.

Some Brazilian X users also trumpeted the platform's returnwith several addressing de Moraes directly, vowing that they weren't using a VPN. There have been no reports of fines being levied against people using VPNs.

Cloudflare, a security company that prides itself on providing services to websites regardless of their content, has a history of protecting sites other companies won't touch. But only to a point. In 2017, for instance, it dropped the neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer as a customer following a deadly clash at a white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. And in 2022, it dropped the notorious stalking and harassment site Kiwi Farms citing an "immediate threat to human life."

But X is a mainstream social media platformeven if it may be home to some extremist contentand it is not yet clear whether Brazil's ban would be enough for San Francisco-based Cloudflare to abandon it.

Cloudflare has a reputation for cooperating with governments, however, and so may comply with an order from the Supreme Court to cease serving as X's proxy, David Nemer, who specializes in the anthropology of technology at the University of Virginia, told the AP.

Ordering internet service providers to block Cloudflare would be impossible, since thousands of Brazilian companies depend on it, Nemer previously wrote on Bluesky, another social media platform.

A person close to Cloudflare, who was not authorized to speak publicly about a business relationship, said the network services provider did not do anything specifically to help X get around Brazil's ban. Rather, X recently switched to Cloudflare from another provider, which could be a reason the block is not working.

This person added that the workaround likely won't last long.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Structural and functional features of feline eyes. (A and B) Schematic illustration showing the camouflage-breaking ability of a feline under diverse light condition. (C) Magnified schematic illustration of the tapetum lucidum in the retina. (D) Schematic illustration of the feline eyes anatomy. (E and F) Schematic illustrations showing the visual ecology of feline and conventional vision during the daytime (E) and nighttime (F). Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp2809

A team of engineers from the Center for Nanoparticle Research, Seoul National University, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, all in Korea, has developed a new type of artificial eye based on natural cat eyes.

In their study published in the journal Science Advances, the group copied two features of cat eyes that give them unique abilities to see in the dark and to detect camouflaged objects.

As the researchers note, cameras installed on drones and robots are based on circular apertures that mimic the human eye, an approach that results in imagery with both a foreground subject and the background kept in focus. This approach sometimes makes it difficult for the camera to keep track of the target object.

Animals, such as cats, use a different approach: They have vertically slitted eyes to capture an asymmetric depth of field. Because of that, the researchers chose to use the cat eye architecture as a means for developing a new type of artificial eye.

Using animal eyes as a template for designing new types of artificial eyes is nothing new, of courselast year, another team of researchers in Korea used the cuttlefish eye as inspiration for the design of a robot eye that could see better in murky, underwater conditions.

Imaging demonstration of the feline eyeinspired vision system. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp2809

For the new approach, the research team designed a vertical aperture, allowing the camera to keep a target in focus while the field behind it remained blurry, allowing for better tracking of target objects during the day.

Cats can see well at night because they have a tapetum luciduma reflective layer behind the retina that improves light sensitivity. It is also responsible for making cat eyes appear to shine at night. The researchers gave their artificial eye the same abilities by adding silver metal reflectors behind the image sensor.

Together, the two features give the new camera the ability to see better in the dark and to keep track of target objects, even if they are hidden by camouflage.

More information: Min Su Kim et al, Feline eyeinspired artificial vision for enhanced camouflage breaking under diverse light conditions, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp2809 Journal information: Science Advances

 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:

Credit: TikTok / The Conversation

TikTok, Facebook and other social media platforms are being flooded with uncanny and bizarre content generated with artificial intelligence (AI), from fake videos of the US government capturing vampires to images of shrimp Jesus.

Given its outlandish nature and tenuous relationship with reality, you might think this so-called "AI slop" would quickly disappear. However, it shows no sign of abating.

In fact, our research suggests this kind of low-quality AI-generated content is becoming a lucrative venture for the people who make it, the platforms that host it, and even a growing industry of middlemen teaching others how to get in on the AI gold rush.

When generative AI meets profiteers and platforms

The short explanation for the prevalence of these baffling videos and images is that savvy creators on social media platforms have worked out how to use generative AI tools to earn a quick buck.

But the full story is more complex. Platforms have created incentive programs for content that goes viral, and a whole ecosystem of content creators has arisen using generative AI to exploit these programs.

Much of the conversation around generative AI tools focuses on how they enable ordinary people to "create." Many earlier digital technologies have also made it easier to participate in creative activities, such as how smartphones made photography ubiquitous.

But generative AI takes this a step further, as it can generate tailored images or videos from a simple text prompt. It makes content creation more accessibleand also opens the floodgates to mass production on social media.

To take just one example: if you search "pet dance motorcycle" on TikTok, you will find hundreds of AI-generated videos of animals doing the "motorbike dance," all animated using the same AI template. Some accounts post dozens of videos like this every day.

Creators and platforms are making money

You may wonder why such repetitive, unimaginative content can go viral on TikTok. The answer lies in the platform's own advice to aspiring creators: if you want your videos to be promoted, you should "continuously share fresh and diverse content" that "doesn't require a big production budget."

You may also wonder why some platforms don't ban AI accounts for polluting the platform's content stream. Other platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, which police intellectual property rights more aggressively than TikTok, invest considerable resources to identify and remove AI-generated content.

TikTok's community guidelines do ban "inaccurate, misleading, or false content that may cause significant harm," but AI-generated contentat least for nowdoes not qualify as causing "significant harm."

Instead, this kind of content has become important for platforms. Many of those "pet dance motorcycle" videos, for example, have been viewed tens of millions of times. As long as users are scrolling through videos, they are getting exposed to the ads that are the platforms' primary source of income.

Inside the AI 'gold rush'

There is also a growing industry of people teaching others how to make money using cheap AI content.

Take Xiaonan, a social media entrepreneur we interviewed who runs six different TikTok accounts, each with more than 100,000 followers. As he revealed in a live-streaming tutorial with more than 1,000 viewers, Xiaonan earned more than US$5,500 from TikTok in July alone.

Xiaonan also hosts an exclusive chatting group where, for a fee, he reveals his most effective AI prompts, video headlines and hashtags tailored for different platforms, including YouTube and Instagram. Xiaonan also reveals tricks for standing out in the platforms' recommendation game and avoiding platform regulations.

Xiaonan says he established his "AI side job" after being laid off by an internet company. He now works with two partners selling classes and tutorials on making AI-generated videos and other types of spam for profit.

Creators posting AI content may not be the kind of people we expect. As Xiaonan told us, many of the people taking his AI tutorialentitled "Side job, self-employed, high-paid"are housewives, unemployed people and college students.

"Some of us also do Uber driving or street vending," one creator told us. AI-generated content has become the latest trend for earning side income.

The rise of AI has coincided with global unemployment trends and the growth of the gig economy in the post-pandemic era.

Making AI-generated content is more pleasant work than driving passengers or delivering food, according to a creator who is also a stay-at-home mother. It's easy to learn, almost zero cost, and can be done any time at home with just a phone.

As Xiaonan says, his method is to use AI to "earn from productivity gap"that is, by producing far more content than people who don't use AI .

The global AI-generated content factory

Our observations indicate many of these creators are from non-Western countries, such as India, Vietnam and China.

As one Chinese social media influencer told us:

"China's short video market is nearing saturation, which means you need to seek data traffic [viewers] on overseas platforms."

For these entrepreneurs, AI is the secret sauce not only for creating viral content but also for circulating already-viral videos across different countries and platforms.

An effective strategy mentioned by one creator is a kind of platform arbitrage involving popular videos from Douyin, the counterpart of TikTok in mainland China.

A creator will take one of these videos, add AI-generated translation, and post the result on TikTok. Despite clunky AI dubbing and error-riddled subtitles, many of these videos garner hundreds of thousands or even millions of views.

Creators often mute the original video and add AI-generated narration, translating the content into various languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian and Swedish. These creators often manage several or even dozens of accounts, targeting viewers in different countries in a strategy known as an "account matrix."

This is only the beginning

We are only at the dawn of mainstream AI-generated content culture. We will soon face a situation in which content is effectively infinite, but human attention is still limited.

For platforms, the challenge will be balancing the engagement these AI-driven trends bring with the need to maintain trust and authenticity.

Social media platforms will soon respond. But before that, AI-generated content will continue to grow wildlyat least for a while.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Tarjimly co-founder Atif Javed presents his app at the Google Impact Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Sunnyvale, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Juliana Yamada

They may be Tigrinya speakers fleeing the authoritarian Eritrean government's indefinite military service policy. Or Rohingya people escaping ethnic violence in Myanmar. But refugees navigating resettlement often face a shared hurdle: poor machine translations and a short supply of interpreters knowledgeable in their less-serviced languages.

Tarjimly, a Google-backed nonprofit described as "Uber for translators," aims to help asylum seekers clear that hurdle. Through a new artificial intelligence partnership, Tarjimly trains outside large language models while allowing its volunteers to respond more urgently to needs for translators. It's a feedback loop where humans teach the nuances of each language to the machines by sharing data from one-on-one calls and correcting automated translations.

And it's this uniquely human realm of language that Tarjimly co-founder Atif Javed believes exemplifies the ever-tricky balance between individuals' ingenuity and technological advancement. He says it's the needed personal touch that shows why AI's rapid development shouldn't generally stoke widespread fears.

Languages popular in the Global Southsuch as the Dari and Pashto commonly spoken in Afghanistan, home to one of the world's largest protracted refugee criseshave the worst quality coverage, according to Javed. He feels well positioned to supplement the internet's English-dominated information troves that train services like Google Translate with his mobile app's more diverse data sets.

Tarjimly connects refugees with on-demand interpreters, who can communicate during meetings with social workers, immigration officials and doctors, and records the encounters for AI training. To comply with patient privacy protections, Tarjimly anonymizes the conversations on its app. Javed said the nonprofit also has on option for "no record" sessions where none of the data is stored for alternative uses.

Tarjimly co-founder Atif Javed talks to attendee Lauren Welke about Tarjimly at the Google Impact Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Sunnyvale, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Juliana Yamada

Many of its 60,000 volunteers are multilingual refugees themselves who more intimately understand not only their counterpart's native tongue but also the crisis that brought them there, according to Javed.

Among them is Roza Tesfazion, a 26-year-old Eritrean refugee who works professionally as an interpreter for the United Kingdom's government. Fluent in Amharic and Tigrinya, she studied English and Swahili to help her immigrant family overcome language barriers when they first moved to Kenya.

Tesfazion said she translates at no cost because she knows "how emotional it is" for the people on the other side of her sessions.

"You have to have that touch of human emotions to it," she said.

Tarjimly's founders say their mission's sensitive nature lends itself to nonprofit status more than a corporate structure. Users arrive in very vulnerable positions, and the nonprofit works with established humanitarian groups including Catholic Charities, the International Rescue Committee and the United Nations' International Organization for Migration.

Mobile phones display Tarjimly, an app that connects translators with refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarians at the Google Impact Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Sunnyvale, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Juliana Yamada

The work requires a level of trust that would have been difficult to earn in a "for-profit, competitive world," according to Javed. "The underlying engine of our success is the community we've built."

That community, however, also has room for artificial intelligence. A $1.3 million grant from Google.org has enabled a "First Pass" tool that gives an instantly generated translation for human volunteers to revise. A new information hub will open up its language data for partners, including Google, in early 2025.

But refining a more diverse library of languages will require conversational data at a scale much broader than Tarjimly can likely provide on its own, according to Data & Society researcher Ranjit Singh.

Singh, who studies the social implications of automation and inclusive digital solutions, said translation services will always need a "real person in the middle."

"There is one part of it which is translation and another part of it which is just trying to understand somebody's life situation," he said. "Technologies help us do some of this work. But at the same time, it's also fairly social."

Tarjimly co-founder Atif Javed presents his app at the Google Impact Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Sunnyvale, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Juliana Yamada

Tarjimly was inspired by Javed's time volunteering with Arabic speakers at refugee camps in Greece and Turkey after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and working in Silicon Valley. A Muslim American whose family immigrated to the United States in 2001, Javed said he was reminded of his own childhood translating for his refugee grandmother.

His lived experience is one reason why Elevate Prize Foundation CEO Carolina Garcia Jayaram said her organization awarded $300,000 last year to Tarjimly. That "proximate leadership" helps nonprofits better understand developments like artificial intelligence that "can be both cause for excitement and trepidation," Jayaram said. The risk-averse philanthropic sector may be slow to catch up with disruptive new technologies, she noted, but shouldn't ignore their positive applications.

"It's a great example of how not to get stuck in that bogeyman complex about AI," she said. "To go to leaders who are closest to those issues and say, 'How would AI unlock the possibilities and opportunities for your organization?'"

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Over 400 new products, technologies to debut in 3rd Global Digital Trade Expo

Xinhua) 08:48, September 19, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 400 new products and technologies will debut at the third Global Digital Trade Expo, scheduled from Sept. 25 to 29 in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, Tang Wenhong, assistant minister of commerce, said on Wednesday.

Among the new products and technologies, approximately one quarter originate overseas, a significantly higher proportion than the previous edition, Tang told a press conference.

Leading companies from 32 countries and regions will participate in the expo, with international companies accounting for over 20 percent of both the total number of exhibitors and exhibition areas, he added.

A dedicated zone for future industries will be established for the first time this year, showcasing cutting-edge technologies in areas such as intelligent robots and low-altitude economy, according to Tang.

A report on China's digital commerce will also be released during the expo, which will focus on the achievements and future prospects of China's digital commerce and show Chinese wisdom to bridging the global digital divide.

Launched in 2022, the expo, featuring Kazakhstan and Thailand as guests of honor this year, is co-hosted by the government of Zhejiang Province and China's Ministry of Commerce.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Shown is the weather pattern in the mid-levels of the atmosphere. By Saturday night, a trough of low atmospheric pressure can be seen moving through northern New Mexico and Colorado. This will bring a cold front through parts of Texas. Pivotal Weather

High atmospheric pressure has been sitting over Texas for the past several days, causing temperatures to be hotter than average across the state. Here in San Antonio, the average daily high temperature over the past week has been 95.4 degrees, which is more typical of mid-July than it is mid-September.

Many other parts of the state have been just as hot, or even hotter. Houstons average daily high over the past week has been 95 degrees, and Austin's daily high averaged 98 degrees during the same time frame.

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Forecast models, though, are indicating that a change in the weather pattern is coming this weekend and early next week. The high pressure ridge, which has been responsible for the late summer heat wave, will weaken and move south and east. At the same time, a low pressure trough will move across the southern Plains, bringing a cold front into parts of Texas.

Is this cold front is going to bring us some chilly air into South Texas? It wont, and itll likely stall out before reaching South Texas. However, because the high pressure will not be as dominant an influence on our weather pattern, temperatures will drop slightly by Sunday and Monday, making things a bit less oppressive outside.

Communications towers are shown on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 in Spring. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Thursdays forecast

On Thursday, high pressure is still expected to dominate the weather, producing another hot and humid day across South Texas. Well start with mild temperatures as morning lows will only reach the upper 70s under mostly cloudy skies.

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Skies will slowly clear throughout the day, allowing temperatures to rise steadily. San Antonio temps will reach 90 degrees by around noon, on their way to a high of 96 degrees by the late afternoon. Once again, very humid conditions are also expected, so expect heat index values, or "feels like" temperatures, near 105 degrees.

Shown at left are expected low temperatures for Thursday morning across South Texas. At right are the expected high temperatures for Thursday afternoon. Pivotal Weather

High pressure creates sinking motion in the atmosphere, which hinders rainfall development. But during the late afternoon, we might have enough moisture for a few isolated showers to overcome the high pressure ridge. The vast majority of areas will stay dry, as less than 10% of the region will encounter any rain.

Friday and Saturday

Similar weather is expected Friday as temperatures soar into the mid-to upper 90s under mostly sunny skies. Daily low temps will stay mild in the middle to upper 70s.

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By Saturday, the high pressure ridge will start to shift southeast ahead of the approaching low pressure trough. The difference in the weather will be subtle, as this will only bring temperatures down by a degree or two. Highs will continue to likely reach the mid-90s here in San Antonio.

Sunday and Monday

A cold front will start moving through the Texas Panhandle on Sunday, moving slowly toward South and Central Texas by early next week. This front is expected to stall out near or slightly north of San Antonio.

San Antonio is not expecting major effects from this cold front. However, winds could shift and come from the north briefly on Monday or Tuesday, bringing a drop in humidity and slightly cooler temperatures. However, temps are still likely to peak in the low 90s in and around San Antonio. Parts of North and West Texas can expect a much larger drop in temperatures.

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CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CNO  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,210,000 shares, a decrease of 16.6% from the August 15th total of 2,650,000 shares. Currently, 2.2% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 755,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.9 days.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Jeanne L. Linnenbringer sold 5,435 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.26, for a total value of $186,203.10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 37,663 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,290,334.38. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other CNO Financial Group news, insider Jeanne L. Linnenbringer sold 5,435 shares of CNO Financial Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.26, for a total transaction of $186,203.10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 37,663 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,290,334.38. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Jeanne L. Linnenbringer sold 5,364 shares of CNO Financial Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.88, for a total transaction of $187,096.32. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 44,884 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,565,553.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 3.00% of the companys stock.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On CNO Financial Group

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CNO. CWM LLC raised its stake in shares of CNO Financial Group by 64.1% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,144 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 447 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP lifted its position in CNO Financial Group by 123.2% during the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,694 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 935 shares during the period. EntryPoint Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of CNO Financial Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $52,000. Blue Trust Inc. raised its position in CNO Financial Group by 25.4% during the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 2,384 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 483 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 DIFC Ltd acquired a new position in CNO Financial Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $89,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.43% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have commented on CNO shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on shares of CNO Financial Group from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 8th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of CNO Financial Group from $30.00 to $38.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and set a $37.00 price objective on shares of CNO Financial Group in a research note on Friday, September 13th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their target price on CNO Financial Group from $27.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, CNO Financial Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $33.75.

Get Our Latest Analysis on CNO

CNO Financial Group Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE:CNO traded up $0.29 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $34.79. 646,207 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 747,153. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $32.25 and a 200-day moving average price of $29.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a current ratio of 0.19 and a quick ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.12 and a beta of 1.01. CNO Financial Group has a 1 year low of $22.27 and a 1 year high of $35.45.

CNO Financial Group (NYSE:CNO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 29th. The financial services provider reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.33. CNO Financial Group had a return on equity of 18.30% and a net margin of 9.96%. The firm had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $929.99 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.54 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that CNO Financial Group will post 3.43 earnings per share for the current year.

CNO Financial Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.16 per share. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. CNO Financial Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 18.66%.

About CNO Financial Group

(Get Free Report)

CNO Financial Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, markets, and administers health insurance, annuity, individual life insurance, insurance products, and financial services for senior and middle-income markets in the United States. It offers Medicare supplement, supplemental health, and long-term care insurance policies; life insurance; and annuities, as well as Medicare advantage plans to individuals through phone, online, mail, and face-to-face.

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Disciplined Investments LLC purchased a new stake in General Electric (NYSE:GE  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 1,399 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $222,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT raised its position in shares of General Electric by 174.2% in the second quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 50,029 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $7,953,000 after buying an additional 31,786 shares in the last quarter. Plancorp LLC raised its position in shares of General Electric by 0.9% in the second quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 12,134 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,929,000 after buying an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Peregrine Asset Advisers Inc. raised its position in shares of General Electric by 4.5% in the second quarter. Peregrine Asset Advisers Inc. now owns 17,178 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $2,731,000 after buying an additional 739 shares in the last quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of General Electric in the second quarter valued at approximately $213,000. Finally, Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. raised its position in shares of General Electric by 16.7% in the second quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 5,097 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $810,000 after buying an additional 730 shares in the last quarter. 74.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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General Electric Stock Performance

NYSE GE opened at $180.32 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.14. General Electric has a fifty-two week low of $84.42 and a fifty-two week high of $182.43. The stock has a market cap of $197.38 billion, a PE ratio of 59.12, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.18. The firms fifty day moving average price is $167.28 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $170.87.

General Electric Announces Dividend

General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.99 by $0.21. General Electric had a net margin of 7.66% and a return on equity of 16.07%. The company had revenue of $9.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.44 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.68 earnings per share. General Electrics revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that General Electric will post 4.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 25th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 26th will be paid a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 26th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.62%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio is 36.72%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $201.00 to $209.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 1st. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $175.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of General Electric from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $191.14.

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General Electric Company Profile

(Free Report)

General Electric Company, doing business as GE Aerospace, designs and produces commercial and defense aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and mechanical aircraft systems. It also offers aftermarket services to support its products. The company operates in the United States, Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa.

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Argent Trust Co increased its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 189,595 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 963 shares during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson makes up about 1.2% of Argent Trust Cos portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. Argent Trust Cos holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $27,711,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of JNJ. Citizens & Northern Corp grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% in the second quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 1,884 shares of the companys stock valued at $275,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC grew its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 16,861 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,643,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the period. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,831 shares of the companys stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Pine Harbor Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 1.9% in the second quarter. Pine Harbor Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,472 shares of the companys stock worth $507,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Outfitter Financial LLC grew its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 0.4% in the second quarter. Outfitter Financial LLC now owns 16,632 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,431,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares during the period. 69.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on JNJ shares. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $160.00 to $155.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 19th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $175.00 target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $167.00 to $169.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded shares of Johnson & Johnson from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $160.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, TD Cowen cut their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $195.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Johnson & Johnson presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $173.21.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Johnson & Johnson news, VP Robert J. Decker sold 5,635 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $165.06, for a total transaction of $930,113.10. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 18,973 shares in the company, valued at $3,131,683.38. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.16% of the companys stock.

Johnson & Johnson Trading Up 0.0 %

NYSE:JNJ opened at $167.07 on Wednesday. Johnson & Johnson has a one year low of $143.13 and a one year high of $168.85. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $160.38 and its 200 day simple moving average is $154.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.07. The stock has a market cap of $402.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.53.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The company reported $2.82 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $22.45 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.33 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 46.34% and a return on equity of 36.60%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.80 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 27th were given a dividend of $1.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 27th. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.97%. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is 30.92%.

About Johnson & Johnson

(Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson, together with its subsidiaries, researches, develops, manufactures, and sells various products in the healthcare field worldwide. The company's Innovative Medicine segment offers products for various therapeutic areas, such as immunology, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis; infectious diseases comprising HIV/AIDS; neuroscience, consisting of mood disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and schizophrenia; oncology, such as prostate cancer, hematologic malignancies, lung cancer, and bladder cancer; cardiovascular and metabolism, including thrombosis, diabetes, and macular degeneration; and pulmonary hypertension comprising pulmonary arterial hypertension through retailers, wholesalers, distributors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals for prescription use.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report).

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Shares of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Reduce by the eight brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $1,356.25.

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on MTD shares. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on Mettler-Toledo International in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. They set an equal weight rating and a $1,400.00 price objective on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective 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. Jefferies Financial Group restated an underperform rating and issued a $1,250.00 target price (up from $1,230.00) on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a report on Monday, June 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,150.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,300.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 5th.

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Mettler-Toledo International Stock Up 1.4 %

MTD opened at $1,402.69 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $29.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.34, a PEG ratio of 3.70 and a beta of 1.14. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $1,406.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,373.84. Mettler-Toledo International has a 52 week low of $928.49 and a 52 week high of $1,546.93.

Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $9.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.00 by $0.65. The company had revenue of $946.75 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $929.13 million. Mettler-Toledo International had a net margin of 20.95% and a negative return on equity of 575.61%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $10.19 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Mettler-Toledo International will post 40.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Mettler-Toledo International news, CFO Shawn Vadala sold 250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,401.00, for a total value of $350,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 4,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,884,514. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Christian Magloth sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,422.97, for a total value of $1,422,970.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 734 shares in the company, valued at $1,044,459.98. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Shawn Vadala sold 250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,401.00, for a total value of $350,250.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 4,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,884,514. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.94% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mettler-Toledo International

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MTD. Capital International Investors raised its holdings in Mettler-Toledo International by 15.1% in the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 1,075,420 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,431,696,000 after acquiring an additional 141,431 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 169.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 573,702 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $763,764,000 after purchasing an additional 360,786 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International in the 4th quarter worth about $320,847,000. PineStone Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 127.4% in the 2nd quarter. PineStone Asset Management Inc. now owns 259,629 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $362,855,000 after purchasing an additional 145,453 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 2.8% during the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 248,007 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $330,169,000 after purchasing an additional 6,788 shares during the last quarter. 95.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Mettler-Toledo International

(Get 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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Berenberg Bank started coverage on shares of Ashtead Group (LON:AHT  Free Report) in a report published on Wednesday morning, Digital Look reports. The brokerage issued a buy rating and a GBX 7,000 ($92.47) price objective on the stock.

AHT has been the subject of several other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 6,150 ($81.24) price target on shares of Ashtead Group in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a GBX 6,500 ($85.87) price objective on shares of Ashtead Group in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 5,537.86 ($73.16).

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Ashtead Group Trading Up 3.1 %

Insiders Place Their Bets

Shares of Ashtead Group stock traded up GBX 174 ($2.30) on Wednesday, reaching GBX 5,714 ($75.48). The company had a trading volume of 4,014,527 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,177,101. Ashtead Group has a 52-week low of GBX 4,437 ($58.61) and a 52-week high of GBX 6,180 ($81.64). The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 5,284.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 5,463.34. The firm has a market cap of 24.96 billion, a PE ratio of 2,104.80, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 145.75, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 1.17.

In related news, insider Brendan Horgan sold 37,063 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 5,112 ($67.53), for a total value of 1,894,660.56 ($2,502,854.11). In other news, insider Brendan Horgan sold 37,063 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 5,112 ($67.53), for a total transaction of 1,894,660.56 ($2,502,854.11). Also, insider Renata Ribeiro purchased 160 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 1st. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 5,273 ($69.66) per share, for a total transaction of 8,436.80 ($11,145.05). Corporate insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock.

Ashtead Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services.

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Shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty-seven research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $62.36.

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Loop Capital decreased their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $53.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $57.00 to $55.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $74.60 to $67.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Stephens reaffirmed 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. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating and issued a $67.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Chipotle Mexican Grill

Institutional Trading of Chipotle Mexican Grill

In other news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total value of $951,103.92. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 358,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,591,844. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . In related news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total value of $951,103.92. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 358,300 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,591,844. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 15,750 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.02, for a total transaction of $866,565.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 473,514 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $26,052,740.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 34,934 shares of company stock worth $1,918,589 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 1.02% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Gilbert & Cook Inc. grew its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.6% in the 4th quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 1,028 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,351,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC grew its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 55.0% in the 4th quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC now owns 341 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $780,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Principal Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 4th quarter valued at $277,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 340 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $778,000 after buying an additional 15 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 88,399 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $202,158,000 after buying an additional 8,458 shares during the last quarter. 91.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

Shares of CMG opened at $56.92 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $54.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $80.98. The stock has a market cap of $78.17 billion, a PE ratio of 60.55, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 1.25. Chipotle Mexican Grill has a 1-year low of $35.37 and a 1-year high of $69.26.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The restaurant operator reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.94 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $12.65 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill will post 1.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

(Get Free Report

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF  Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Piper Sandler from $260.00 to $162.00 in a research note published on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the stock.

ELF has been the topic of several other reports. B. Riley assumed coverage on e.l.f. Beauty in a report on Tuesday, September 10th. They issued a buy rating and a $175.00 price target on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on e.l.f. Beauty from $151.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. DA Davidson reiterated a buy rating and issued a $223.00 price target on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a report on Wednesday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on e.l.f. Beauty from $224.00 to $207.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Raymond James reiterated a strong-buy rating and issued a $235.00 price target on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a report on Monday, July 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $198.80.

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e.l.f. Beauty Trading Up 1.9 %

Shares of ELF stock opened at $114.52 on Monday. e.l.f. Beauty has a 1 year low of $88.47 and a 1 year high of $221.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.77 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $157.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $175.67. The company has a market cap of $6.41 billion, a PE ratio of 51.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 1.45.

e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.20. e.l.f. Beauty had a return on equity of 23.30% and a net margin of 10.80%. The business had revenue of $324.48 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $303.60 million. Research analysts predict that e.l.f. Beauty will post 2.88 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at e.l.f. Beauty

In other e.l.f. Beauty news, CEO Tarang Amin sold 15,386 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.85, for a total transaction of $3,090,278.10. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 171,329 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $34,411,429.65. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other e.l.f. Beauty news, SVP Joshua Allen Franks sold 3,370 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.28, for a total transaction of $678,313.60. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 71,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,489,342.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Tarang Amin sold 15,386 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.85, for a total value of $3,090,278.10. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 171,329 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $34,411,429.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 19,304 shares of company stock valued at $3,864,492. 5.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of e.l.f. Beauty

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 5.2% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,540,832 shares of the companys stock worth $366,744,000 after purchasing an additional 126,231 shares in the last quarter. Swiss National Bank boosted its position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 108,900 shares of the companys stock worth $21,348,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty in the 1st quarter worth $417,000. Nia Impact Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty in the 2nd quarter worth $1,794,000. Finally, WD Rutherford LLC boosted its position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 17.5% in the 2nd quarter. WD Rutherford LLC now owns 15,916 shares of the companys stock worth $3,354,000 after purchasing an additional 2,374 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.44% of the companys stock.

About e.l.f. Beauty

(Get Free Report)

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cosmetic and skin care products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. Skin, Well People, and Keys Soulcare brand names worldwide. The company offers eye, lip, face, face, paw, and skin care products. It sells its products through national and international retailers and direct-to-consumer channels, which include e-commerce platforms in the United States, and internationally primarily through distributors.

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Taiwanese company Gold Apollo said Wednesday that the pagers used by Hezbollah members that simultaneously exploded and killed at least nine people were made by a Hungarian partner.

About 2,800 people were wounded, including the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, when the pagers exploded across the country in blasts that Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah blamed on Israel.

The New York Times, citing anonymous American "and other" officials, reported that the pagers had been ordered from Gold Apollo, with explosives packed inside sometime before they arrived in Lebanon.

They were tampered with by Israel before arriving in Lebanon, some of the officials told the US newspaper.

Gold Apollo head Hsu Ching-kuang denied the report, saying the pagers were "100 percent not" made in Taiwan, and not from his company.

"They are not our products from beginning to end. How can we produce products that are not ours?" Hsu told reporters in Taipei.

The company said in a statement that it has established a "long-term partnership" with Budapest-based BAC Consulting KFT to use its trademark and the model mentioned in media reports "is produced and sold by BAC".

At BAC Consulting's registered postal address in a Budapest suburb, a woman there told reporters that the two-storey semi-detached building belongs to a company providing virtual business addresses.

BAC Consulting CEO Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

She appears to be the only employee of the company founded in 2022, according to legal documents consulted by AFP, which also report an annual revenue of 210 million forints ($590,000, 530,000 euros) and profit of around 45,000 euros.

The Times reported about 3,000 pagers were ordered from Gold Apollo, mostly its AR924 model.

"Our company only provides the brand trademark authorisation and is not involved in the design or manufacturing of this product," Gold Apollo added.

Taiwan's economic affairs ministry said Gold Apollo's pagers made in Taiwan only have "a receiving function" and the capacity of their built-in battery "is about that of an ordinary AA battery that is not possible to explode to cause death or injury".

"After reviewing media reports and pictures, we think it's very questionable that (the model used) is the company's product," the ministry said, adding that there is no record of the company directly exporting to Lebanon.

A source close to Hezbollah, asking not to be identified, previously told AFP that "the pagers that exploded concern a shipment recently imported by Hezbollah of 1,000 devices" which appear to have been "sabotaged at source".

There was no immediate comment from Israel on the explosions that killed nine people, including the 10-year-old daughter of a Hezbollah member, and wounded around 2,800 others.
Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN  Free Report) had its price target increased by Evercore ISI from $5.50 to $6.00 in a research note published on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an in-line rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th.

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Brandywine Realty Trust Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BDN opened at $5.36 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.07, a current ratio of 2.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. The stock has a market cap of $923.37 million, a PE ratio of -4.39 and a beta of 1.33. The companys fifty day moving average is $4.98 and its 200 day moving average is $4.69. Brandywine Realty Trust has a 52 week low of $3.62 and a 52 week high of $5.67.

Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by ($0.05). Brandywine Realty Trust had a negative net margin of 32.27% and a negative return on equity of 12.16%. The company had revenue of $125.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $119.47 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.29 EPS. The companys revenue was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Brandywine Realty Trust will post 0.93 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brandywine Realty Trust

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Point72 DIFC Ltd bought a new position in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new position in Brandywine Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth $71,000. Founders Financial Alliance LLC raised its holdings in Brandywine Realty Trust by 8.7% in the 2nd quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC now owns 40,701 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $182,000 after purchasing an additional 3,250 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. lifted its position in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 7,435.2% in the 2nd quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 2,087,242 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $9,351,000 after purchasing an additional 2,059,542 shares during the period. Finally, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 25.8% during the 2nd quarter. Pacific Ridge Capital Partners LLC now owns 200,849 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $900,000 after purchasing an additional 41,252 shares in the last quarter. 87.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Brandywine Realty Trust Company Profile

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Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) is one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States with a core focus in the Philadelphia and Austin markets. Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), we own, develop, lease and manage an urban, town center and transit-oriented portfolio comprising 160 properties and 22.6 million square feet as of September 30, 2023 which excludes assets held for sale.

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Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM  Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Tuesday.

Grupo Simec Stock Performance

Shares of SIM stock opened at $27.71 on Tuesday. Grupo Simec has a 1 year low of $26.00 and a 1 year high of $35.81. The firm has a market cap of $4.27 billion, a PE ratio of 14.07 and a beta of 0.29.

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Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 22nd. The basic materials company reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Grupo Simec had a return on equity of 16.68% and a net margin of 24.90%. The firm had revenue of $487.42 million for the quarter.

Grupo Simec Company Profile

Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) Director Harry Kenneth Culham sold 47,430 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$83.41, for a total transaction of C$3,956,136.30.

Harry Kenneth Culham also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, September 9th, Harry Kenneth Culham sold 50,000 shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$81.87, for a total transaction of C$4,093,500.00.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Trading Down 1.0 %

CM opened at C$82.94 on Thursday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12-month low of C$47.44 and a 12-month high of C$84.07. The company has a market cap of C$78.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.00, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.12. The companys 50 day moving average is C$73.61 and its 200 day moving average is C$69.00.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Dividend Announcement

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 28th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.34%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio is currently 52.10%.

CM has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$69.00 to C$74.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$74.00 to C$75.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. National Bankshares lifted their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$78.00 to C$86.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Cormark upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a market perform rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from C$75.00 to C$83.00 in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$79.00 to C$78.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 12th. 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$79.15.

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About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Free Report) had its target price increased by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $210.00 to $213.00 in a research note published on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an overweight rating on the stock.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on RCL. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $170.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Macquarie boosted their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $165.00 to $189.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $185.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Tigress Financial upped their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $155.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $182.31.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Trading Up 0.1 %

NYSE RCL opened at $168.55 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $43.38 billion, a PE ratio of 21.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 2.61. Royal Caribbean Cruises has a 1-year low of $78.35 and a 1-year high of $173.40. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $160.14 and a 200-day moving average of $148.72. The company has a current ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.20.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $3.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.76 by $0.45. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a return on equity of 52.49% and a net margin of 16.32%. The firm had revenue of $4.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.05 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.82 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Royal Caribbean Cruises will post 11.65 EPS for the current year.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a  dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Investors of record on Friday, September 20th will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 20th. Royal Caribbean Cruisess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.62%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Royal Caribbean Cruises news, Director Vagn O. Sorensen sold 5,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.50, for a total transaction of $919,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 25,837 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,095,164.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Vagn O. Sorensen sold 5,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.50, for a total value of $919,300.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 25,837 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,095,164.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Naftali Holtz acquired 5,350 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The shares were bought at an average price of $140.00 per share, with a total value of $749,000.00. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer now directly owns 48,256 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,755,840. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 7.95% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Royal Caribbean Cruises

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of RCL. Meeder Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 50.3% during the 2nd quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 233 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 78 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1.0% during the second quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 8,095 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,291,000 after buying an additional 81 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. increased its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 38.9% in the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 293 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 82 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,213 shares of the companys stock worth $353,000 after buying an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kowal Investment Group LLC raised its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Kowal Investment Group LLC now owns 2,286 shares of the companys stock worth $318,000 after buying an additional 87 shares during the last quarter. 87.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 21, 2024, it operated 65 ships. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

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Alamos Gold (TSE:AGI  Free Report) (NYSE:AGI) had its price target increased by National Bankshares from C$28.00 to C$30.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a hold rating on the stock.

Several other research analysts have also issued reports on the company. TD Securities raised their target price on Alamos Gold from C$27.00 to C$31.00 in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on Alamos Gold from C$27.00 to C$31.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on Alamos Gold from C$25.00 to C$29.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Scotiabank upgraded Alamos Gold to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, National Bank Financial lowered shares of Alamos Gold from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, September 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$25.80.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on Alamos Gold

Alamos Gold Stock Down 1.1 %

AGI opened at C$27.50 on Monday. Alamos Gold has a fifty-two week low of C$14.80 and a fifty-two week high of C$28.66. The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$24.83 and a 200-day moving average of C$22.11. The company has a market capitalization of C$11.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.44, a P/E/G ratio of -2.10 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 3.04.

Alamos Gold (TSE:AGI  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AGI) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$0.33 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.26 by C$0.07. Alamos Gold had a net margin of 17.72% and a return on equity of 6.72%. The business had revenue of C$455.07 million during the quarter. On average, equities analysts expect that Alamos Gold will post 1.4766404 EPS for the current year.

Alamos Gold Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be given a $0.035 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. This represents a $0.14 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.51%. This is an increase from Alamos Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. Alamos Golds payout ratio is presently 20.59%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Alamos Gold news, Senior Officer Scott Russell Gordon Parsons sold 13,334 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$21.48, for a total value of C$286,414.32. In other Alamos Gold news, Senior Officer Scott Russell Gordon Parsons sold 13,334 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$21.48, for a total transaction of C$286,414.32. Also, Senior Officer Adrian Paulse sold 15,571 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, August 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$24.80, for a total transaction of C$386,193.50. Insiders have sold a total of 80,910 shares of company stock valued at $2,060,405 over the last three months. 0.27% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Alamos Gold Company Profile

(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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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (NYSE:TLK  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Monday.

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk Trading Up 1.6 %

Shares of TLK opened at $20.51 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $19.09 and its 200 day moving average price is $19.80. Perusahaan Perseroan has a 1-year low of $16.62 and a 1-year high of $26.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.65.

Get Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk alerts:

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (NYSE:TLK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The utilities provider reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter. Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk had a return on equity of 15.39% and a net margin of 15.65%. The company had revenue of $2.35 billion for the quarter. On average, analysts expect that Perusahaan Perseroan will post 1.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk

About Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk during the 2nd quarter valued at about $616,000. Maven Securities LTD grew its stake in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 152.7% during the 2nd quarter. Maven Securities LTD now owns 26,785 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $501,000 after acquiring an additional 16,185 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning grew its stake in shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 107.9% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 59,363 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,110,000 after buying an additional 30,812 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC increased its holdings in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 268.1% in the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 316,621 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,921,000 after buying an additional 230,613 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new position in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk in the second quarter worth approximately $2,163,000.

(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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HCMC-based NextBold Capital eyes $100 mln fund to back SMEs in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos

By Minh Anh Thu, September 19, 2024 | 11:23 am GMT+7

NextBold Capital, a Ho Chi Minh City-based private equity firm, is raising its first fund with an intended size of $100 million to invest in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

NextBold Capital's inaugural fund has seen its fundraising efforts ramp up this year, with a flurry of interest from investors, the firm said in a statement.

It has gained early recognition in the form of shortlisting as a must-watch Emerging Private Equity Manager for Asia-Pacific at SuperReturn Asia 2024, one of the world's leading private equity and venture capital conferences.

With the fund, the firm plans to invest in businesses across education, healthcare, consumer goods, technology, and agribusiness in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

The fund has started mapping the market in several sectors including education and healthcare, with pre-funding deals already in motion.

Managing partners of NextBold Capital (from left): Jonas Wilbert, Sjoerd Zwinkels and Pedro Baliza. Photo courtesy of the company.

"We're incredibly excited about the deals we've already lined up. Our early investments are targeting companies with strong business fundamentals in fast-growing markets, where we see clear potential for sector dominance with the right operational support," said Pedro Baliza, managing partner.

NextBold Capital's strategy encompasses targeting SMEs in key urban centers across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, the three markets experiencing rapid growth thanks to a rising middle class, strong entrepreneurial cultures, and increased foreign investment.

These markets are still underserved by global investors, particularly in the SME space. We see enormous potential for value creation by bringing in the right mix of capital and operational support," said managing partner Sjoerd Zwinkels, former investment director at Mekong Capital  a leading asset management firm in Vietnam.

After making investments, NextBold Capital works on the ground with portfolio companies to implement governance, drive revenue growth, and improve operational efficiency.
Russian operatives are ramping up disinformation operations to malign Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign by disseminating conspiracy-laden videos, Microsoft said Tuesday, amid heightened alert over foreign influence operations targeting the US election.

The report comes after the US government accused Russia's state news agency RT earlier this month of seeking to influence the presidential election in November and imposed sanctions on its top editors.

Starting in late August, a Kremlin-aligned influence group called Storm-1516 produced two fake videos to discredit the campaign of Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, Microsoft said in a report. Both videos garnered millions of views.

One video purported to show a group of alleged Harris supporters attacking a supposed Trump rally attendee, while the second featured an actor peddling fabricated claims that Harris paralyzed a girl in a 2011 hit-and-run case.

This second video was disseminated through a website posing as a local San Francisco media outlet, the report said.

A second Russian group, known as Storm-1679, pivoted its focus from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to publish false videos discrediting Harris.

"The shift to focusing on the Harris-Walz campaign reflects a strategic move by Russian actors aimed at exploiting any perceived vulnerabilities in the candidates," said Clint Watts, general manager of the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center.

"As we inch closer to the election, we should expect Russian actors to continue to use cyber proxies and hacktivist groups to amplify their messages through media websites and social channels geared to spread divisive political content, staged videos, and AI-enhanced propaganda," Watts added.

The Microsoft report comes a day before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on foreign threats to the upcoming election.

On Monday, tech giant Meta said it was banning Russian state media outlets from its apps around the world due to foreign interference activity.

The ban came after the United States accused RT and employees of the state-run outlet of funneling $10 million through shell entities to covertly fund influence campaigns on social media channels including TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department said the United States had disrupted a Russian disinformation campaign involving an AI-powered "bot farm" used to create fake profiles on the social media platform X.

The campaign -- aimed at sowing "discord" in the United States -- was developed by a senior editor of RT, financed by the Kremlin and aided by an officer of Russia's FSB security service, it added.

US officials have also warned of efforts by other foreign powers, including Iran, to meddle in the November election.

In a separate report last month, Microsoft said Iran was ramping up efforts to influence the US elections by using fake news sites, hacking, and cyber attacks.
Attorneys for the family of Javion Magee said Wednesday that no one yet knows how the 21-year-old trucker died before being found with a broken neck and tied to a tree in Henderson.

But during a press conference Wednesday, they criticized sheriffs investigators for quickly calling it suicide while questions remain, and they vowed to press for answers in the death some family members still suspect was a lynching.

For any suggestion that it was suicide, anybody stating it was a suicide, would be grossly premature, said Harry Daniels, national civil rights attorney. We do know a young, Black man was hanging from a tree in North Carolina.

Sheriffs deputies found Magee sitting at the base of a tree in Henderson with a blue rope around his neck on Sept. 11, according to search warrants.

An unidentified caller told 911 dispatchers he had been mowing grass in the area with some other men when he saw a man who hung himself in a tree.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said Wednesday Magees autopsy showed no signs of defensive wounds or physical abuse. Toxicology tests are pending.

Suspicions Magee had been lynched arose soon after when a woman posted a TikTok video saying she was Magees cousin and accused law enforcement of concealing facts while calling the death a suicide.

We obviously dont believe that, the woman says in the post, asking others to share the story. A flurry of social media posts soon followed, calling Magees death a lynching, which Vance County Sheriffs Curtis Brame has called untrue, and national news outlets picked up the story.

There is not a lynching, Brame told The N&Os newsgathering partner, ABC 11. 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, Brame said.

Video of Javion Magee buying blue rope from Walmart

On Monday, the Vance sheriffs office released videos of Magee buying a blue rope at Walmart on the same day he died. A timeline released Wednesday showed he did so just past 6 p.m. on Sept. 10, the day before his body was found.

Video footage also shows him giving something to a homeless person at the Wal-Mart, the sheriffs office said Wednesday. After interviewing the homeless person, investigators learned Magee gave him $228.

The videos show Magee paying for the rope and tossing it back and forth in his hands while leaving the store and driving away. Other surveillance videos show his truck traveling on Vance Mill Road and making a left turn into T& R Tractor and Trailer Repair.

A man wearing the same clothes Magee wore earlier is then seen walking alone and carrying a white bag in the direction of where deputies found his body.

Magee was discovered approximately 16 hours after he purchased the rope, which investigators said was wrapped around his neck 11 times and secured to a tree branch.

Timeline of events leading to truckers death

Magee was a long-haul trucker working out of Chicago, and he came to Vance County while driving a delivery route. He planned on visiting cousins in Houston soon after.

I dont know too many gainfully employed, happy 21-year-olds who drive to Vance County and kill themselves, said Lee Merritt, also a national civil rights attorney, during Wednesdays press conference.

A timetable of events leading to Magees death was released Wednesday.

But while the family got a call reporting his death as a suicide and did not get a chance to see pictures or identify the body until Wednesday, they now know a fuller picture of events.

Daniels said Magee tried to check into a Hampton Inn in Henderson but found it full.

Instead, he stayed at the trailer repair yard about a half-mile from the Walmart, where other truckers were staying alongside him.

Daniels said he did not know how many were potentially parked with Magee.

He added a trucker sleeping in the middle of nowhere might have many uses for a rope, explaining the Walmart purchase.

As a seasoned trucker, Daniels said, its a lot of reasonable explanations for that.

Supporters chant, Say his name!

Daniels stressed that neither attorneys nor the family are pointing fingers at this point, but he did not rule out legal action in the future depending on what the investigation shows.

He said pictures show Magee attached to a branch 7 or 8 feet high, but he said the young man was killed not in the manner you would see in the 60s, or the 20s or 30s.

As the attorney spoke, a crowd of several dozen supporters held signs reading Was he lynched, chanting Say his name!

Magees parents shaken by evidence

Magees parents, shaken by the evidence they had seen for the first time Wednesday, spoke briefly at the press conference, giving thanks for support and prayers.

Kori Magee, Javions father, said his son followed him into the trucking trade despite seeing ups and downs in the business, and he was very competitive and wanted to put in work.

If I could tap into him, he said, I would say hes wanted this country to come together. If there wasnt a divide, this wouldnt have happened.
BAMBERG -- Bamberg County has been selected as an area of focus to receive technical support as part of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/NOAA funded South Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Collaborative Program (RCCCP).

The RCCCP is a watershed-based community engagement resilience planning partnership between the South Carolina Office of Resilience, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, and South Carolina Beach Advocates. This program focuses on the Salkehatchie Watershed to assess specific vulnerabilities and identify resilience projects at the local level. These assessments and identified projects will be integrated into a comprehensive resilience plan for the Salkehatchie Watershed.

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The RCCCP will work with the Bamberg community to:

 Evaluate resilience needs

 Provide technical assistance to assess specific vulnerabilities to flooding and other hazards

Bamberg McDonald's celebrates grand opening McDonald's restaurant celebrated its grand opening at 3668 East Railroad Ave the morning of Sept. 12.

 Assess community assets at risk

 Provide consultants and facilitate Community Action Teams (CATs) who will assist the community in planning for strategies and solutions to mitigate and adapt to environmental hazards and changes while enhancing the ecosystems within the community

This program could not have come at a more opportune time, stated County Administrator Joey Preston. Preston noted Bambergs participation in the RCCCP will help better equip Bamberg County to mitigate flood damage similar to the washed out roads that resulted from Tropical Storm Debby.

Bamberg County Council Chairman Evert Comer, Jr. thanked the SC Office of Resilience, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, and South Carolina Beach Advocates for collaborating to bring their service and expertise to rural communities in flood-prone areas like Bamberg County. Such a proactive approach will help us be better prepared when the next storm hits us.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the worlds largest smelter on one site, has announced that the board members have given the go-ahead for the Lines 4-5 Creep Up Project at a capital expenditure of $30 million.

Once completed, it will enhance Albas metal production by an additional 8,000 metric tonnes per year.

The announcement came during the third quarterly Board of Directors meeting today (September 18), said Alba in its report.

Presiding over the meeting, Chairman of the Board Khalid Al Rumaihi first welcomed the recently announced partnership with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), marking the initiation of due diligence for a potential business combination involving segments of Maadens aluminium strategic business unit.

He also emphasised the company's dedication to operational excellence and cost efficiency amid the volatile economic landscape and expressed confidence for a strong finish to the year, it stated.

He also welcomed Hisham Al Kooheji as the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to the C-Suite of Alba and wished him all success in his new role.

At the meeting, CEO Ali Al Baqali said: "As we continue to position Alba at the forefront of the global aluminium industry, I am delighted to welcome Al Kooheji to our Executive team as Chief Marketing Officer. His expertise and strategic vision will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in driving our growth and market leadership."

During the meeting, the Board reviewed and approved the minutes of the meeting held last month and received comprehensive updates from the Executive and ESG Committee, Board Audit Committee, and Nomination, Remuneration, and Corporate Governance Committee on strategic matters to include progress of Power Station 5 (PS5) Block 4 Project, the Companys operational, financial and sales performance to-date, the ongoing feasibility study for the New Replacement Line (Class 3), Pillar Two and Bahrain Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax, amongst others, said the report from Alba.

Al Rumaihi later inaugurated the new Data Command Centre by welcoming members of the Board. The Data Command Centre, a state-of-the-art facility, will serve as a centralised hub for overseeing and managing Albas operations.

On the importance of Alba's Data Command Centre, the Chairman said: "Our Data Command Centre will empower us to monitor, control, and coordinate our activities with unprecedented precision, enabling us to navigate challenges with agility. As we enter the final quarter of 2024, we look forward to celebrating the successful commercial operation of Power Station 5 Block 4 Project."-TradeArabia News Service
Aldar Properties and Mubadala Investment Company, a sovereign wealth fund owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, have deepened their strategic partnership by establishing a series of joint ventures. These ventures aim to own and manage assets across Abu Dhabi, valued at over AED30 billion ($8.17 billion).

This collaboration seeks to unlock value for both parties while driving the transformation and growth of Abu Dhabi as a leading global business and lifestyle destination, according to a company statement.

The announcement was made during an inauguration ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable economic growth and positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for investment and innovation.

Leveraging Mubadalas extensive land bank and institutional expertise, alongside Aldars development and asset management strengths, the partnership will see a 60:40 ownership split, with Aldar holding the majority stake. The joint ventures are designed to enhance Abu Dhabis value through key initiatives, such as:

* Creating a world-class retail platform to consolidate the emirates premium shopping destinations.

* Acquiring sustainable residential and commercial income-generating assets in Masdar City.

* Developing strategically located islands adjacent to Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

* Establishing a logistics park near Zayed International Airport.

These ventures will further Abu Dhabi's standing as a global destination for business, tourism, and real estate investment, driving innovation within the emirate's knowledge-based economy. The parties plan to finalize these transactions in the coming months, pending the completion of due diligence processes.
The Uniqlo pop-up store will introduce the retailer's UTme! program partners. Merchandise will feature exclusive designs created by local artists and businesses. Uniqlo The Uniqlo pop-up store at Memorial City will be open through Oct. 9. Uniqlo

Houston-area shoppers can get a preview of clothing retailer Uniqlo and its community-driven initiatives at its Memorial City Mall pop-up store in the weeks leading to the grand opening.

The apparel retailer has opened a temporary exhibit to introduce the companys Japanese heritage and local initiatives to support Houston artists, small businesses and community. The pop-up will be open through Oct. 9. The permanent store, Uniqlo's first in Texas, will open Oct. 11.

The kiosk will showcase Texas-inspired designs that will be available from its UTme program, a service that allows customers to print customized T-shirts and tote bags on demand. Partners in the program include Houston artist David Maldonado, local muralists Alex Roman Jr. and his mother, Sylvia Roman, Montrose record bar 93 Til, and Crawfish and Noodles restaurant.

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Also, Uniqlo announced an ad campaign in which it will show notable Texans wearing its LifeWear brand of clothing. In Texas, the retailer will highlight Chekesha Johnson, executive director of the Queens Foundation, a nonprofit group serving low-income youth; Julia Cole, a Houston-born recording artist and TV host; and Patrick Feges, pitmaster at Feges BBQ.

Uniqlo is partnering with Harmony House, a nonprofit focused on housing and health care needs of Houstons homeless population, at its grand openings. The permanent Memorial City Mall store will be followed by a location at First Colony Mall on Oct. 18.

A division of Toyko-based Fast Retailing Co., Uniqlo is opening more than 20 North American locations in 2024.
Dubai-based Kasco Developments  the latest venture by the prominent Kasco Group  has officially announced its foray into the UAE property market with the launch of three new projects worth over AED1.2 billion ($327 million) in Business Bay and Al Jaddaf areas. The company aims to develop and sell 1 million sq ft of residential projects by 2025.

Having been involved in real estate since 2008, Kasco Group has a portfolio of successfully delivered projects such as Waves Tower by Kasco, Kasco Residence, Kasco Tower, and Gulf Oasis.

Building on the group's longstanding legacy across multiple sectors, Kasco Developments aims to innovate and create lifestyle driven, premium residential spaces.

In the short term, the company will be focused on launching, selling, and delivering its first three projects, with an initial investment of over AED1.2 billion. Dubai areas of particular interest to the new company include Business Bay and Al Jaddaf.

The new venture draws on the Kasco Group's 30 years of experience in project execution, financial management, and strategic planning.

Mustafa Al Kaissi, the Chairman of Kasco Developments, said the company aims to differentiate itself in Dubais soaring market by prioritising client well-being and an inspiring living experience.

"Our group's philosophy, captured by the slogan Inspire Your Soul, goes beyond traditional opulence, blending design, functionality, and an inspiring atmosphere," he noted.

CEO Issa Abdul Rahman said: "We plan to create spaces that inspire and elevate lifestyles. This is not just about luxury but about crafting homes where design, energy, and quality align to offer a unique living experience. We are bringing the values of professionalism, reliability, and premium quality that have always been at the heart of the Kasco Group to our new real estate ventures."

"With a vision to develop and sell 1 million square feet of residential projects by 2025, the company plans to introduce more forward-thinking real estate concepts, incorporating modern design trends and technology to set new benchmarks in the industry," he added.
Nahdi Medical Company, a leader in the pharmacy retail sector in Saudi Arabia, and Made in Saudi programme have signed a memorandum of understanding MoU to localise pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

The MoU was signed by Eng Abdulrahman Althkair, CEO of the Saudi Exports Development Authority, and Eng Yasser Joharji, CEO of Nahdi Medical Company, during a signing ceremony held at one of Nahdis pharmacies in Riyadh.

The signing ceremony also included the launch of the first-ever shelves exclusively dedicated to Saudi national products at Nahdis pharmacies. The shelves, that come under the Made in Saudi brand, are dedicated to high-quality locally made health related products and medical supplies.

Promoting Saudi products

Nahdi Medical Company recognises the importance of providing Saudi products and making them more accessible to Guests while enhancing their awareness of their quality and competitive strength that is on par with global brands.

Moreover, it seeks to achieve the common goal it has with the Made in Saudi programme of encouraging Guests to shop local, in addition to developing and enhancing exports in order to reach global markets.

Althkair said: This strategic collaboration with Nahdi Medical Company aligns with the framework of Saudi Exports represented by the Made in Saudi programme to enhance the positioning of Saudi products and facilitate consumers accessing them in both local and global markets. It also emphasises the importance of fostering effective strategic partnerships with both the public and private sectors.

Althakair added: This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting economic diversification and contributing to achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by empowering Saudi products locally and enhancing their exports globally.

Strategic goals

Joharji said: Our strategic partnership with the Saudi Exports Development Authority represented by the Made in Saudi programme is a true source of national pride. It will play a role in supporting the strategic goals of localising pharmaceutical industries and medical supplies and contributing to advancing national development on multiple fronts.

We have full confidence in the quality of local manufacturing and are committed to reinforcing our trust in our national capabilities, enabling us to compete globally and enter the highest of international ranks, God willing. We are honored to play a key role in promoting the Made in Saudi brand and raising awareness of its quality and value. Nahdi has plans in place to actively promote Saudi products within its pharmacies both inside and outside the kingdom. We will also pursue various joint initiatives with the Made in Saudi programme, which we believe will add more beats to Saudi society.

The signing of the MoU between the two entities marks the beginning of several national initiatives in the healthcare sector. This partnership is set to support the localisation of pharmaceutical industries, medical supplies, and health products, expanding their availability in sales outlets both inside and outside the kingdom.

Additionally, the collaboration will focus on increasing consumer awareness of the quality of Saudi-made products through joint initiatives, including training programmes, workshops related to the 'Made in Saudi' programme, and participation in exhibitions and events.--TradeArabia News Service
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, a report said.

This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between the two entities designed to empower women in the retail sector, both locally and internationally, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

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.

Notably, our partnership with Ether by Cloud Spaces has been vital in providing them with the tools and guidance needed to excel.

Malak Smejkalova, Senior Director of Innovation at Ether by Cloud Spaces, said: 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.
Leading global investment players - BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Microsoft, and MGX - have joined forces to launch a new AI partnership, mainly aimed at investing in new and expanded data centres to meet the growing demand for computing power.

The new entity, Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP) will help in developing more powerful AI capabilities.

The partnership aims to unlock $30 billion of private equity capital over time, which in turn will mobilise up to $100 billion in total investment potential, including debt financing.

The founders of the partnership bring together leading global investors BlackRock, GIP, and MGX, an artificial intelligence and advanced technology investor, with funding and expertise from Microsoft.

GAIIP combines expertise in infrastructure and technology to scale data centres efficiently, alongside energy, power, and decarbonisation investment capabilities to enable AI-related infrastructure.

Speaking at the launch of the new entity, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of MGX, emphasised the importance of AI for the future of economies.

"Artificial intelligence is not just an industry of the future; it underpins the future. Through this unique partnership, we will enable faster innovation, technological breakthroughs, and transformational productivity gains across the global economy. The investments we make today will secure a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future for all mankind," he stated.

This partnership will support an open architecture and broad ecosystem, providing full access on a non-exclusive basis for a diverse range of partners and companies, he added.

NVIDIA will support GAIIP, offering its expertise in AI data centres and AI factories to benefit the AI ecosystem. GAIIP will also engage with industry leaders to enhance AI supply chains and energy sourcing for the benefit of its customers and the industry.

Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said: "Mobilising private capital to build AI infrastructure, like data centres and power, will unlock a multi-trillion-dollar long-term investment opportunity. Data centres are the bedrock of the digital economy, and these investments will help power economic growth, create jobs, and drive AI technology innovation."

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, said: "We are committed to ensuring AI helps advance innovation and drives growth across every sector of the economy. The Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership will help us deliver on this vision, as we bring together financial and industry leaders to build the infrastructure of the future and power it in a sustainable way."

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said: "The capital spending needed for AI infrastructure and the new energy to power it goes beyond what any single company or government can finance. This financial partnership will not only help advance technology, but enhance national competitiveness, security, and economic prosperity."

Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, the Chief Executive of MGX, said: Building the necessary infrastructure required to advance and accelerate the adoption of AI will reshape and revitalise almost every aspect of how we live. Similar to transportation infrastructure, new data centres and power sources will enable growth and commerce in the future innovation economy."

MGX, he stated, was created in Abu Dhabi earlier this year to invest in AI and advanced technologies with global partners to enable the technology fabric of the global economy, focusing on AI infrastructure; AI-enabled technology; and semiconductors.

Todays announcement is a major partnership within those segments, building on the emirates longstanding investment track record in data centres, compute capacity, and enabling infrastructure, he added.

Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, said: "There is a clear need to mobilise significant private capital to fund investments in essential infrastructure. One manifestation of this is the capital required to support the development of AI."

"We are highly confident that the combined capabilities of our partnership will help accelerate the pace of investments in AI-related infrastructure," he noted.

Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, pointed out that accelerated computing and generative AI were driving a growing need for AI infrastructure for the next industrial revolution.

"NVIDIA will use its expertise as a full stack computing platform to support GAIIP and its portfolio companies on the design and integration of AI factories to propel industry innovation," he added.

-TradeArabia News Service
Changan Automobile recently celebrated the grand opening of its largest global flagship showroom in Baghdad, the latest milestone in its expansion across the Middle East.

With the establishment of this flagship showroom, Changan underscores its strong commitment to the Iraqi market and ushers in a new chapter of sustained growth in the region. The grand opening was attended by Iraqi dignitaries, including cabinet members, the Minister of Energy, and the Minister of Transportation.

World-class showroom sets new industry standards

Along with the launch of its largest showroom in Saudi Arabia, Changan Automobile is making a strong statement with its newly opened Dora Sales and Service Complex, strategically located along the prominent Dora Highway in southern Baghdad.

With an investment exceeding 18 million ($20.04 million), the facility spans over 39,000 sq m, and includes a 4,000-sq m exhibition area complemented by an adjacent three-level, 5,000-sq m spare parts warehouse that ensures efficient parts distribution across the country. There is also a 9,000-sq m service area equipped with 40 lift stations that can meet the after-sales service needs of customers in Baghdad and the surrounding areas.

Changan also launched its latest model, the UNI-S, and showcased the popular Eado Plus and Hunter-Plus models, all of which received enthusiastic praise from those who attended the opening ceremony.

With its outstanding product quality and technological innovations, Changan has become one of the most trusted and beloved brands in Iraq, consistently ranking among the top three Chinese automotive brands in the country. It is also among the top ten global automotive brands.

Changan in strategic partnership

Since entering the Iraqi market in 2018, Changan Automobile has had a robust partnership with Albakhet Group, a family-owned business that has specialised in automotive imports and trade since 1997. Through this collaboration, Changan has rapidly expanded its presence in the market.

Changan is one of the leading manufacturers, with an annual sales volume of 2.8 million units. In 2018, we partnered with the Albakhet Group and officially entered the Iraqi market. Today, we are excited to witness the opening of Changan's largest facility worldwide, said Xiao Feng, General Manager of Changan Automobiles Middle East and Africa Division.

With the great support from our partner and the trust and satisfaction of our customers, Changan now has around 40,000 Changan users in Iraq. We are committed to continue building on these achievements and improve our service network in the region.

Looking ahead

The collaboration with Albakhet Group and the inauguration of the flagship showroom in Baghdad not only marks a significant strategic milestone in Changan's deepening localisation efforts in the Middle East but also signals the brand's global strategy.

Changan Automobile is committed to continually expanding its presence in the Middle East, and leading the industry with smart, low-carbon mobility solutions. Leveraging its strong R&D capabilities and technological innovations, Changan will enhance its service network and driving experience for Middle Eastern consumers, while introducing a range of innovative smart models to boost its global competitiveness and influence.--TradeArabia News Service
Ducab Group, one of the largest end-to-end solutions providers and manufacturing firms in the UAE, is elevating and expanding its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and decarbonization strategy following its appointment of Schneider Electrics Sustainability Business as a strategic advisor.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the wider UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, setting new benchmarks in sustainable industrial practices and elevating Ducabs clean energy solutions portfolio.

As per the deal, Schneider Electric will work closely with Ducab Group to develop a comprehensive ESG and Climate Strategy aimed at achieving significant carbon emissions reductions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

These efforts will build on the companys existing sustainability measures, which include two solar PV plants that power half of its Jebel Ali factory and the Blade Smart Factory Project - an Industry 4.0 driven facility optimizing operations, it stated.

Ducab said it was making tangible progress in reducing carbon emissions, optimizing resource use, and advancing its ESG objectives, thereby strengthening its standing as a leader in sustainability within the energy industry.

"While our business continues to thrive, meeting the global demand for sustainability is one of todays greatest challenges. Our collaboration with Schneider Electric provides a powerful solution, and we plan to build on their expertise in energy management and decarbonization," remarked Charles-Edouard Mellagui, the CEO of Ducab Cables Business.

"We remain determined to support the global energy transition by deploying all our innovative products and solutions across all sectors, and this marks a crucial milestone in that journey," he stated.

Amel Chadli, the President of Gulf Countries, Schneider Electric, said: "This collaboration exemplifies Schneider Electrics commitment to empowering companies to meet the challenges of today while securing a cleaner, more resilient future. It also marks a significant step towards implementing sustainable practices across Ducabs operations."

"Together, we are laying the groundwork for a comprehensive ESG strategy that will not only reduce carbon footprints but also set a new standard for industrial decarbonization in the region in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility; its a solid commitment to future generations," he added.

As part of the partnership, Schneider Electric will conduct an ESG Double Materiality Assessment for Ducab and facilitate ESG reporting in compliance with global frameworks and GRI standards.

In addition, Ducab will leverage Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Resource Advisor  a cloud-based solution designed to monitor and track sustainability progress over the long term, integrating AI-driven data to create comprehensive sustainability strategies, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Saipem, a leading engineering and construction company, said it has been awarded a new offshore contract worth $2 billion, under the existing Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with Saudi Aramco, for the development of the Marjan field in Saudi Arabia.

The award follows the completion of the bidding procedure, and the occurrence of the usual preliminary conditions requested by the client, said the statement from Saipem.

The scope of work involves the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of wellhead platforms topsides, wellhead platforms jackets, tie-in platform jacket and topside, rigid flowlines, submarine composite cables and fiber optic cables, it stated.

For the project, Saipem will deploy its local offshore fleet, including state-of-the-art dynamic positioning vessels, its advanced welding technology and will leverage on its renowned engineering expertise.

Furthermore, the fabrication activities will be executed at the Saudi fabrication yard Saipem Taqa Al Rushaid Fabricators Company (STAR), located in Dammam, further enhancing the local content and developing the capabilities of the local industry, said the statement.

This important contract, at the backdrop of the recent awards by Saudi Aramco to Saipem, reinforces companys long-standing presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This comes close on the heels of Saipem's recent contract win for offshore EPC services from QatarEnergy LNG as part of the Combined COMP3A & COMP3B of the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Program.

Saipems scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of six platforms as well as approximately 100 km of corrosion resistance alloy rigid subsea pipelines of 28 and 24 diameter, 100 km of subsea composite cables, 150 km of fiber optic cables and several other subsea facilities.-TradeArabia News Service
Sabic announces the signing of an agreement with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) for the sale of its 20.62 per cent shareholding in Aluminum Bahrain (Alba).

The sales proceeds are expected to be within a range of BHD 363 million ($963 million) to BHD 398 million.

The completion of this transaction is conditional upon obtaining all regulatory approvals from the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain and after satisfaction of certain customary conditions set out in the Share Purchase Agreement.

Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, Sabic CEO, said, We value our fruitful partnership with Alba over the years, which has contributed significantly to Sabics growth. Once this transaction is finalised, we will be better positioned to reinforce our strategy to become the preferred world leader in chemicals and support the successful realisation of Saudi Vision 2030.

When completed, the transaction will enable Sabic to optimise its portfolio, focus on its core business, and further strengthen its growth in the chemicals industry. It will contribute to improved returns and the reallocation of capital to opportunities with higher margins. -TradeArabia News Service
Urja Bharat Pte Limited (UBPL), a 50:50 special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petro Resources Limited, has been awarded a production concession contract by the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs (SCFEA) in Abu Dhabi.

This comes following the awarding of the exploration and production concession to UBPL in March 2019, and the successful completion of the exploration phase, during which the SPV invested nearly $164 million, said the Indian group in a statement.

The concession agreement includes a total area of up to 6,162 square kilometers, granting UBPL 100% concession rights.

UBPL said the present transaction marks the entry of Indian Oil Corporation as an operator for development of a production concession in the highly prolific Abu Dhabi region.

This is consistent with its stated strategic objective of balancing its portfolio by adding production assets in prolific basins to its existing E&P portfolio.

Initial exploration efforts have yielded positive results in Onshore Block 1, including within the 38 sq km Ruwais area. With the award of the Production Concession, UBPL is eligible to commercially develop the oil and gas resources in the area, stated the Indian group.

This is the first full production concession award to an international company from the Abu Dhabis exploration blocks bid rounds.

The production concession agreement gives UBPL the equity oil rights and will supplement the efforts of the company towards energy security of India, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's ports have witnessed a 14.6% increase in inbound and outbound container traffic during FY 2023 when compared to the year before, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) which issued the kingdoms Maritime Transport Statistics Publication results for 2023.

The GASTAT data showed that the total inbound and outbound container traffic at Saudi ports had exceeded 5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalent units).

The Inbound container traffic stood at 3.4 million TEUs, while outbound container traffic at 2.2 million TEUs, reported SPA.

The figures also show a 33.8% increase in ship traffic at the kingdom's ports in 2023 compared to 2022. The total ship traffic at Saudi ports stood at 19,082.

King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu had the highest ship traffic, 6,538, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 4,411 ships and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam with 2,516 ships, stated the GASTAT data which also provides details on cargo volumes, port infrastructure, and crane capacities at the Kingdom's ports.

The number of passengers at the Kingdom's ports increased by 11.5% in 2023 compared to 2022, exceeding 1 million passengers, stated the report.

Jazan Port recorded the highest number of arriving and departing passengers: 484,598, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
'The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote' at Stages is a satire about politics and the 'Latino monolith'. Melissa Taylor 'The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote' at Stages is a satire about politics and the 'Latino monolith'. Melissa Taylor 'The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote' at Stages is a satire about politics and the 'Latino monolith'. Melissa Taylor 'The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote' at Stages is a satire about politics and the 'Latino monolith'. Melissa Taylor Stages director Cesar Jaquez courtesy

In title alone, "The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote" says a mouthful.

The play, currently having its world premiere at Stages, pokes fun at the hypothetical monolith that has been analyzed and exploited by politicians, strategists and newscasters. It's the elusive block of Latino voters that many believe can win or lose U.S. elections.

MORE FROM JOEY GUERRA: Gabriella Martinez, a Houston singer known for viral Selena covers, is up for a Latin Grammy

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Playwright Bernardo Cubria, who grew up in Houston, insists things are much more layered.

"For me, this play is about allowing our community to be given the nuance that other communities are given, and to say loudly and proudly that we're not a monolith, that we have our tios toxicos and toxicas, and that we come in all shapes and sizes, and that we don't agree with each other on every single thing," Cubria says.

"To think that everyone from Tijuana to Buenos Aires agrees on every single issue is an insane idea. I just wanted to laugh about that because for me to be Latino is such a gift because of how vast we are."

The show follows university professor Paola Aguilar who, motivated by her desire for in vitro fertilization, takes a job with an unspecified political party to help them understand the "Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine" vote. Cubria was motivated to write the play after spending the last two election cycles arguing with people on X (formerly Twitter). It's a situation many can relate to, as our natural instinct when someone disagrees, especially behind a keyboard, is to go on the attack.

'The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote' at Stages is a satire about politics and the 'Latino monolith'. Melissa Taylor

He recalls one instance when he was up until 4 a.m. arguing with a woman in Kansas about immigration policy.

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"I realized that all I was doing was yelling into an echo chamber, existing in my bubble, and I wasn't treating people who disagreed with me with humanity. That's actually a way to change hearts and minds. I felt embarrassed about how I handled that," Cubria says.

He was further humbled during his research for the play. Cubria traveled to Florida with "real judgments" about Cuban voters. He was struck by a man's story about fleeing Cuba on a raft as a child with his infant sister. Despite his own struggles, the man expressed empathy for others who, in his view, faced even greater hardships. Cubria incorporated the story into the play.

"I came to Houston on an airplane, bro. Who am I to judge this man? I had my own prejudice exposed to me," Cubria says.

Director Cesar Jaquez shares many of the same sentiments. He attended early readings of the play in San Diego and was immediately impressed with how it leans into politics with laughter. Jaquez is Stages' building and events coordinator and oversees the annual Sin Muros theater festival. This show is his major directorial debut.

Playwright Bernardo Cubria was raised in Houston. courtesy

Both he and Cubria grew up in Mexican families that encouraged open discussion about politics. Still, Jaquez was nervous about how the play would be received by a wider audience. Until things changed in July when President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race after mounting pressure from Democrats and was replaced by Vice President Kamala Harris.

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'The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote' When: Now through Oct. 6 Where: Stages, 800 Rosine Tickets: $51 and up; stageshouston.com

"I think just leaning into the joy and everything that's positive coming out of this election season has been really gratifying for myself. It's still scary, but I'm not as afraid anymore. I feel like there's hope. And that's what the show is," he says. "Let's lean into the joy of it. Let's lean into the comedy of this. You can really laugh with an audience and be in a room with people that can make a difference. And that can change the world."

"The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote" joins a wave of local theater productions that spotlight Latino talent in leading roles, including "American Mariachi" at the Alley Theatre and Stages' own "Panto Alicia in Wonderland." Similarly, Black actresses excelled in leading roles traditionally given to white actresses in "Cinderella" at Theatre Under the Stars and "The Wizard of Oz" at Queensbury Theatre.

Cubria, who originally left Houston, because of what he saw as a lack of representation in theater, is heartened by the opportunities that he is now contributing to onstage.

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International tourism bounced back to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the seven months through July 2024, driven by strong demand in Europe and the re-opening of markets in Asia and the Pacific.

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023 and only 4% less than in 2019. Data shows a strong start to the year, followed by a more modest second quarter. Results are in line with UN Tourisms projection of a full recovery in international arrivals in 2024 despite ongoing economic and geopolitical risks.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sectors history. The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions. This recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies.

Middle East continues to lead the recovery

The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions. With increased air connectivity and visa facilitation supporting the recovery in international travel, the data shows all world regions have recorded a strong year so far.

The Middle East remained the strongest-growing region in relative terms, with international arrivals climbing 26% above 2019 levels in the first seven months of 2024.

Africa welcomed 7% more tourists

Europe and the Americas recovered 99% and 97% of their pre-pandemic arrivals respectively during these seven months.

Asia and the Pacific recorded 82% of its pre-pandemic tourist numbers (-18% versus 2019) reaching 85% in June and 86% in July.

A total of 67 out of 120 destinations around the world had recovered 2019 arrival numbers in the first half of 2024, based on countries reporting monthly or quarterly data. Some of the strongest performers in January-July 2024 were Qatar (+147% versus 2019) where arrivals more than doubled, Albania (+93%), El Salvador (+81%), Saudi Arabia (+73%), the Republic of Moldova (+50% through June) and Tanzania (+49% through June).

Stronger receipts and expenditure

Regarding international tourism receipts, 47 out of 63 countries with available data had recovered pre-pandemic values in the first six months of 2024, many reporting strong double-digit growth compared to 2019 (in local currencies and current prices). Among the best performers through June or July 2024 were Albania (+128%) and Serbia (+126%) where receipts more than doubled (compared to the same period of 2019), followed by Tajikistan (+85%), Pakistan (+76%), Montenegro (+70%), North Macedonia (+60%) and Portugal (+57%). Strong results were also reported by Turkiye (+55%) and Colombia (+54%). Worth noting based on first quarter data, are Saudi Arabia (+207%) and El Salvador (+168%) which enjoyed extraordinary growth compared to Q1 2019.

Data on international tourism expenditure reveals strong demand for outbound travel in January-July 2024, especially from large source markets such as the United States (+32%), Germany (+38%), and the United Kingdom (+40% through March), compared to the same period of 2019. Strong outbound spending was also reported by Australia (+34%), Canada (+28%) and Italy (+26%), all through June 2024. Limited data for India shows an impressive surge in outbound spending, with 86% growth in Q1 2024 (versus Q1 2019).

Revised data for 2023 shows export revenues from international tourism reaching $1.8 trillion (including receipts and passenger transport), virtually the same as before the pandemic (-1% in real terms compared to 2019). Tourism direct GDP also recovered pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching an estimated $3.4 trillion, equivalent to 3% of global GDP. In 2019 tourism directly contributed to 4% of global GDP.

Positive finish to 2024 expected though challenges remain

The UN Tourism Confidence Index shows positive expectations for the last part of the year, at 120 points for September-December 2024, though below the prospects for May-August, which stood at 130 (on a scale of 0 to 200, where 100 reflects equal expected performance). Some 47% of the tourism experts participating in the Confidence survey expect better performance for the sector in the last four months of 2024, while 41% project similar performance and 11% worse. This reflects a gradual normalization of tourism performance after a strong 2023.

Experts pointed to inflation in travel and tourism, namely high transport and accommodation prices, as the main challenge the tourism sector is currently facing, as well as the global economic situation, staff shortages and extreme weather events, said the report. - TradeArabia News Service
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is warning residents that harmful cyanobacterial blooms will persist in some lakes and reservoirs into the fall.

Although most blooms occur during the warmer months and blooms typically dissipate as temperatures decrease, some of the single-celled organisms persist into the fall and winter seasons and pose health risks to humans and can also be fatal to wildlife, domestic pets and livestock.

Exposure can result in rashes, itching, numbness, fatigue, disorientation, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

The highest risk area is Boysen Reservoir, where blooms are reported at the marina and most of the reservoirs boat ramps and camp groups. Blooms are also confirmed at Keyhole Reservoir, the dog park shore at Lake McKenzie in Casper, the south access area of Leazenby Lake and the North Red Hills ramp at Seminoe Reservoir.

DEQ and the Department of Health are recommending:

Avoid contact with water in the vicinity of the bloom, especially in areas where cyanobacteria are dense and form scum.

Do not ingest water from the bloom. Boiling, filtration, or other treatments will not remove toxins.

Rinse fish with clean water and eat only the fillet portion.

Avoid water spray from the bloom.

Do not allow pets or livestock to drink water near the bloom, eat bloom material, or lick fur after contact.

If people, pets, or livestock come into contact with a bloom, rinse off with clean water as soon as possible.
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.
Bao Ong is a restaurant columnist for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at bao@houstonchronicle.com

He previously worked on staff at Eater New York, Bon Appetit and Time Out New York. In addition to Bao's background in journalism, he also graduated from the French Culinary Institute. He moved to Houston in summer 2022 and in his first year, he won the top award in the Comment and Criticism category awarded by the Texas Managing Editors organization. Follow where he's eating and drinking on Instagram: @baohaus
Chef Ope Amosu tapped home cooks like Elizabeth Jagun when he was first learning to cook West African food. Amosu is working on opening up a brick and mortar location of ChopnBlok. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

The best West African food comes from home cooks, according to chef Ope Amosu. Six years ago, he turned to women who had a talent in the kitchen for cooking food from their homeland. He watched, he cooked  and he created ChopnBlok.

ChopnBlok, which serves West African cuisine, started as a pop-up before becoming a vendor at Post Houston food hall in 2021. Now it is expanding with its first brick-and-mortar in Montrose, which Amosu says will open by October. ChopnBlok is part of a recent wave of casual West African restaurants introducing the cuisine to new audiences across the U.S.

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"When it comes to the food itself, it was really important for me to understand and learn from those who knew how to do it foundationally correctly, because I think a lot of times when you take a cuisine that you want to share with a broader audience, it's often questioned if the cuisine loses identity, right? So for me, that was super important that my community could rally behind our food that we're serving and the experience that we're offering," Amosu, 37, said.

Houston has one of the largest Nigerian communities in the United States. Several traditional African restaurants can be found in southwest Houston. But Amosu wanted to learn from Houston's home cooks who had gained a reputation for making some of the best West African dishes.

Chef Ope Amosu is seen in the kitchen of cook Elizabeth Jagun with various West African dishes. Amosu is working on opening up a brick and mortar location of ChopnBlok. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Chef Ope Amosu of ChopnBlok with various West African dishes. He's expanding his concept with its first brick and mortar to open in Montrose. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Chef Ope Amosu tapped home cooks like Elizabeth Jagun when he was first learning to cook West African food. Amosu is working on opening up a brick-and-mortar location of ChopnBlok. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Cook Elizabeth Jagun talks about timing and seasoning of jollof rice, a West African dish, to chef Ope Amosu in her kitchen. Amosu is working on opening up a brick-and-mortar location of ChopnBlok. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Previously in the energy industry, Amosu had an unconventional entrance into cooking. While food played a big role in his Nigerian household growing up in Houston, he didn't really cook until he had the idea for a fast-casual West African restaurant when he was 30 years old. He's since cooked alongside professionally acclaimed chefs, and this year, he was a semifinalist for a James Beard Award.

One of the cooks he tapped as he was gaining his footing in the kitchen was his cousin Elizabeth Jagun, who now runs Boss Kitchen Catering on the side of her day job in IT. She says cooking is her happy place. She has a distinct memory of making jollof rice at the age of eight, growing up in north Nigeria. Jollof rice is an essential dish in West African households. It's made differently in Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana, and each place believes theirs is better. It's a tomato-based rice with peppers, onion, garlic, ginger and a lot of spices.

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Over the years, Jagun has become known for a different recipe of fried rice. She took it to a work potluck when she lived in London and it was a major hit. She's built a network of people requesting her food, including celebrity clients. Her family of seven moved to Houston two years ago.

Elizabeth Jagun talks about timing and seasoning of jollof rice, a West African dish, to chef Ope Amosu in her kitchen. Amosu is working on opening up a brick-and-mortar location of ChopnBlok. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Amosu first cooked with her in 2018, when she was visiting Houston. She normally doesn't cook her famous fried rice in front of many people because of how special it is, but she made an exception. Jagun said he reminded her of herself. They both perfect their recipes through research, and she too hopes to open a restaurant one day to be a trendsetter in the space, like Amosu.

"He's my inspiration," Jagun said. "What bro Ope is doing is like the top of it all... he's mastered it so fast, and he knows exactly what the community needs. He wants everything to appeal to a wider market."

Amosu has made West African food more approachable by modernizing traditional flavors. He is also health-conscious with his recipes. Jagun said he has no competition in Houston because what he's making is so unique. He's also not scared of competition, believing there's space for everyone and uplifting fellow cooks like Jagun.

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With his new brick-and-mortar restaurant, he plans to expand on the West African experience by introducing new dishes, adding alcoholic drinks, and providing a stage for live music. He said hes taking the restaurant even deeper into its West African roots by sourcing a variety of new ingredients from the motherland for the expanded food-and-drink menu.

His success has been fueled by an interest in African heritage, which people are connecting with through food and music, known as Afrobeats.

Various West African dishes cooked by chef Ope Amosu and Elizabeth Jagun in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

"Ope is setting the pace for this, and we are in big support of him to expose the West African taste to the American community, and to start with Houston," Eric Elewokor said. He helps manage his wife Elizabeth's African chili sauce brand, Nana's Kitchen, in Houston. Elizabeth is one of the home cooks Amosu reached out to in ChopnBlok's early days.

They were able to share the traditional Ghana way of cooking with Amosu. By the age of 12, Elizabeth could cook most Ghanaian food, she said.

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Amosu has concocted his own style of cooking that incorporates flavors from all over West Africa because of the home cooks he leaned on. People from everywhere have fallen in love with his cooking, whether their palates are accustomed to African flavors or they're trying the cuisine for the first time.

He wants West African food to become so accessible it's normalized like a lot of other cuisines. Amosu is grateful for the all opportunities and connections he's made because its all part of the bigger picture, which is amplifying the voice of the West African community. He wants his culture to get the flowers it deserves.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Abortion care is health care. We all need to vote YES on Prop. 139, the Arizona Abortion Access Act, to protect the health of women and families in our community.

In Arizona, people are entitled to make important health decisions with their families and under the guidance of their health care physician. Proposition 139, the Arizona Abortion Access Act, will protect the essential and deeply personal relationship between a woman and her doctor by securing her right to abortion care in our state constitution. It is time to end the politics of womens health care caused by abortion bans and their negative impacts on public health in Arizona.

Public health policy is designed to improve health outcomes and well-being for individuals and the community. Abortion bans are bad public health policy. Access to care depends on a strong health care system that includes an adequate number of providers with the skills and medical solutions to solve patient issues. Abortion bans weaken public health infrastructure and leave doctors afraid to provide care because of threats of severe professional, civil, and criminal penalties. This will inevitably lead to doctors leaving the state or turning down job offers. Abortion bans also discourage patients from having honest conversations with their doctors about their health care needs.

Over my many decades working as a public health professional developing and evaluating public health programs, I have seen that punitive health policies such as abortion bans most negatively impact our low-income residents and people living in rural and under-resourced areas. Maternal health providers are less likely to work in states with restrictive abortion laws, particularly in our rural communities, placing women and children at higher risk of illness and even death. Studies on maternal mortality across all 50 states demonstrate higher rates of maternal death in states where abortion care is restricted. While many factors may contribute to this contrast, abortion restrictions appear to reflect a larger indifference to womens health care.

We need to permanently protect the right to abortion care in order to ensure that patients and providers do not face legislative restrictions that criminalize the act of providing health care. Criminalizing abortion care endangers patients and violates public health standards, medical ethics, and human rights. Prop. 139, the Arizona Abortion Access Act, is the only solution to stopping extreme bans from taking effect and from negatively impacting public health in our state.

I encourage you to vote YES on Prop. 139, the Arizona Abortion Access Act.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The changing global climate poses a growing threat to our national security. Extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and desertification are already causing loss of life, increased migration, and political instability across the globe. Scientists overwhelmingly agree that unless we curb greenhouse gas emissions, our planet will face catastrophic conditions by the end of this century.

Having served over thirty-five years in the U.S. Navy and as a former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and the Environment, I have witnessed the profound impact of climate change and our reliance on fossil fuels on national security. As a father of four, I am deeply concerned about addressing this crisis for future generations.

The U.S. is currently responsible for about 13% of global greenhouse gas emissions, second only to China, which accounts for 27%. To confront this global challenge, the U.S. led efforts to negotiate the Paris Agreement in 2015. This agreement, part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, was signed by 194 countries that account for over 98% of global emissions.

In June 2017, President Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. While no other nations followed suit, Trump canceled several actions initiated by the Obama administration to combat climate change. Trumps stance was predictable  he had long dismissed climate change concerns. In a 2016 interview with The Washington Post, he said, Im not a big believer in man-made climate change.

Trumps actions as president reflected his skepticism. He ended the Clean Power Plan, designed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants by 32% by 2030, and rolled back regulations that required the oil and gas industry to repair methane leaks, even though methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas.

The scientific evidence is clear. Since the late 19th century, Earths average surface temperature has risen by approximately 2.2F (1.2C), with most of the warming occurring since the 1970s. Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and sea levels have risen by more than 8 inches due to melting glaciers and warming seawater. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is causing unprecedented destruction and loss of life.

Among the battleground states, Arizona is experiencing the greatest impacts of climate change, particularly in agriculture. Arizona is in the midst of a megadroughtthe worst in over 1,200 years  which is drastically affecting water availability for crops like cotton, corn, and alfalfa. The states agriculture depends heavily on the Colorado River, which has seen significant reductions in water levels due to rising temperatures. These water shortages threaten not only Arizonas farming industry but its long-term viability.

The agricultural struggles in Arizona illustrate how climate change can disrupt food security and local economies. If current trends continue, both states will face further economic hardship, increased migration, and heightened instability.

The U.S. military is acutely aware of the security risks posed by climate change. A 2020 report titled A Security Threat Assessment of Global Climate Change by military and intelligence experts outlines the potential risks. The report concludes that even under low-warming scenarios, every region of the world will face severe security threats in the coming decades. Higher levels of warming will lead to catastrophic, likely irreversible risks throughout the 21st century. The risks include increased political and social instability and heightened threats to U.S. military operations.

Trumps refusal to address the climate crisis puts our national security at risk. Re-electing him would likely result in further rollbacks of critical environmental policies, degrading the health, safety and quality of life for future generations.

Vice President Kamala Harris offers a forward-thinking vision. Harris has been a vocal advocate for climate action, recognizing the urgency of the crisis. The Democratic platform calls for massive investments in renewable energy like wind and solar, which not only combat climate change but also offer significant economic opportunities in the transition to clean energy. The platform also emphasizes global leadership to ensure all nations contribute to mitigating this existential threat.

Climate change is a national security threat we cannot afford to ignore. The consequences of inaction will not only impact our environment but also the stability and prosperity of nations worldwide. The time to act is now, and the stakes are too high for complacency.
MANHATTAN, N.Y.  St. Louis rapper Nelly is being sued by four of his former St. Lunatics group mates, who say they've been denied writing credit and royalties for eight songs, most of which are featured on his debut album Country Grammar," which was released 24 years ago.

The 49-year-old rapper's childhood friends say Nelly lied to the group about giving them writing credit  or paying them royalties  on eight tracks. At least five of those were included his first solo album, which became the eighth hip-hop album to reach "diamond status" in 2016.

Wednesday's suit said it took 20 years for his fellow St. Lunatics to realize they had not been given credit for writing the songs because they believed Nelly when he assured them he would. The group also accused Nelly of taking credit for writing the songs and letting other people receive credit and income from those tracks.

The group members are asking for no less than $50 million. The lawsuit was filed three years after Nelly and one of the suit's plaintiffs, Ali Jones, got into a public spat about who was responsible for forming their rap group in the '90s.

"While (Nelly) demonstrated considerable skills as performer and vocalist, he lacked the songwriting creativity possessed by the other members of the St. Lunatics," the suit said, arguing the other group mates did "the majority of the songwriting and lyrical composition."

Nelly, whose legal name is Cornell Haynes Jr., grew up in St. Louis with the four St. Lunatics group mates listed in the suit: Jones, Torhi Harper, who performs under the name "Murphy Lee"; Robert Kyjuan; and Lavell Webb, who performs under the name "City Spud." The sixth group member, Corey "Slo' Down" Edwards, was not listed as a plaintiff.

The six men formed the rap group in 1993, the suit said, and worked for four years to "get a foothold in the music industry." The group found their first commercial success in 1997 with the song "Give Me What You Got," one of the eight songs listed in the lawsuit.

The seven other tracks named in the lawsuit are Steal the Show; Thicky Thick Girl; Wrap Something/Sumden; Batter Up; Go; "Iz U"; and Country Grammar."

BMG Songs Inc. penned a record deal with Nelly in 2000, the suit said, and the same year also signed with the St. Lunatics.

The suit says the St. Lunatics members began writing songs for Nelly's first album because it was set to be released before the group's first record. The four group mates said they "provided all of the lyrics" for the songs, while Nelly provided "some lyrical arrangement and writing and also vocal performances."

Nelly's debut 17-song album, "Country Grammar," was a huge success. Released in June 2000, it has sold more than 10 million copies. A year after it was released, the St. Lunatics released its first album, "Free City," which eventually went platinum.

The group claimed they relied on Nelly's promise that he would give them credit and a portion of the income brought in by the songs' distribution. Every time they asked the rapper about their publishing credit and royalties, Nelly "would assure them as 'friends' he would never prevent them from receiving the financial success they were entitled to as writers," the suit said.

They had not pursued legal action because they believed he would make good on his promise, the group said.

But they hired an attorney in 2021, who reached out to music corporation Universal Music Group Inc. asking for the royalties they said they were owed. The request was forwarded to Nelly, who the suit said denied their claims of joint authorship.

Nelly's representation could not immediately be reached.

The St. Lunatics disbanded more than 10 years ago. Harper and Jones now live in Atlanta, Cleveland still lives in St. Louis and Webb resides in St. Charles, Missouri.

The group's lawyer, Gail Walton, could not be reached for comment.

Other defendants in the suit include Universal Music Group, Inc.; Universal Music Publishing Group; BMG Songs Inc.; Kobalt Music Publishing; and Hipgnosis Songs Group LLC.

The lawsuit was filed a little more than a month after Nelly made headlines for his arrest while collecting his winnings at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis.

Photos: Nelly's Black and White Ball returns to St. Louis in 2023 after hiatus
On Sept. 19, 2023, City Lights Night Light Tulsa program celebrated its 10th anniversary.

From the start of the program, which serves individuals experiencing homelessness, the goal has been to create a community not of clients but of "friends and neighbors."

Since 2013, thousands of homeless individuals have been served through the effort, with thousands of community volunteers coming together to help and provide services.

See photos from the September 2023 event:
Expecting mother Abby Henson speaks to midwife Jessica Gonzales during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

When Abby Henson was pregnant with her first child six years ago, she decided she wanted a midwife to deliver her baby.

The Houston resident knew that studies have linked midwives to similar or better outcomes for low-risk pregnancies. Yet Henson, 37, wasnt sure how others in her life would react to her decision. Before her son was born six years ago at a birth center in Dallas, she would refer to it vaguely as the place Im giving birth.

I did feel like I might be judged for this, and I didnt want to be, said Henson, who is now preparing for the imminent birth of her third child, also with a midwife. But after that [first] experience, Ive been very loud.

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Henson is among the patients and advocates who believe midwives could be part of the solution in Texas, which continues to suffer what one study termed alarming rates of maternal mortality, particularly among Black women.

Yet financial challenges, such as lower Medicaid reimbursement rates compared to physicians and the fact that many insurance plans will not cover births outside a hospital, make it difficult to sustain a midwifery practice. The result is that midwives deliver far fewer babies in Texas than in states such as New Mexico that have done more to support the profession.

Its frustrating, said Sarah Slette, a licensed midwife in Fort Worth who is president of the Association of Texas Midwives. It just goes to show that were not valuing midwifery care in Texas the way that we should.

Midwife Jessica Gonzales is photographed during a regular check up with a patient at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Expecting mother Abby Henson speaks to midwife Jessica Gonzales during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Midwife Jessica Gonzales measures expecting mother Abby Hensons belly during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Expecting mother Abby Henson and midwife Jessica Gonzales are photographed during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Expecting mother Abby Henson and midwife Jessica Gonzales are photographed during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Expecting mother Abby Henson and midwife Jessica Gonzales are photographed during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Expecting mother Abby Henson and midwife Jessica Gonzales are photographed during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Midwife Jessica Gonzales is photographed at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

The recent news that Texas Childrens Hospital is eliminating its midwifery program as part of major layoffs brought those challenges into stark relief, midwifery advocates said. The layoffs were the result of financial troubles, including millions in lost revenue from a drop in Medicaid patients and rising expenses. But advocates say the loss of the Texas Childrens program is emblematic of the broader challenges for midwifery in Texas.

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Texas Childrens, in a statement, called the decision to close the program a difficult one, and one that we did not take lightly.

Our medical and administrative leadership conducted an extensive review within the OB/GYN service line, and while we are incredibly proud of the impact the midwifery team has had on our patient community, this change was necessary to strategically position our organization for the future, the statement said. We take great pride in the Pavilion for Womens multidisciplinary, family-centered approach as well as its distinctive ability to treat some of the most rare and medically complex conditions in the world. We look forward to continuing to provide all our patients with the high quality care they deserve.

Advocates say the loss of any program in Texas is disappointing. The World Health Organization and various studies have linked midwives to a range of better birth outcomes, including higher rates of vaginal births and fewer interventions such as the use of an epidural. They have also been linked to fewer preterm births, stillbirths and reduced rates of maternal mortality.

I think theres a perception that sometimes women choose midwives because they want low lights, and they want to be in a tub, and they want Enya playing in the background, said Micaela Canales, a certified nurse midwife at Texas Childrens who was among the layoffs. But the women that we serve are coming to us and saying that they want to have a healthy, normal delivery.

Choosing midwifery

Houston resident Angela Huyukluoglu decided she wanted a home birth with a midwife when she was pregnant with her first child 12 years ago. Her husband was skeptical, though, out of concern that something could go wrong.

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They decided to compromise: Huyukluoglu opted to deliver with the midwives at Texas Childrens Hospital. Both her pregnancy and delivery went so smoothly that she decided to return for her second child two years later.

I just felt like it was very comprehensive. I felt very supported, she said. It was exactly what I was looking for.

For years, the Texas Childrens midwifery program has been regarded among the best in Houston, if not all of Texas. Former patients lauded the program in conversations with the Houston Chronicle, saying the midwives made them feel comfortable throughout their pregnancy and helped them avoid unnecessary interventions.

Others said the program was an ideal middle ground because its affiliation with the hospital relieved concerns their families had about choosing a midwife instead of an obstetrician.

Its such an in-between option, Slette said. Its typically more woman-centered care, but youre in an environment where youre steps from an O.R. That makes people feel really safe.

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There are two types of midwives in Texas. The practice at Texas Childrens is staffed by certified nurse midwives, who are registered nurses that have earned graduate-level degrees and often work in hospitals. Certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives, must complete a midwifery program or apprenticeship and perform most out-of-hospital births.

As of last year, there were 485 CNMs in Texas, including 79 in Harris County, according to Texas Department of State Health Services statistics. There were also 352 licensed midwives across the state, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which does not provide county-level data on its website.

Texas Childrens began offering midwifery care after acquiring The Womens Specialists of Houston in 2008. The hospital has six full-time midwives and one part-time midwife who deliver 280 to 300 babies annually, and they will continue to offer care at the hospital for deliveries scheduled through March 2025, Canales said.

Other Greater Houston hospitals also offer midwifery care. Harris Health has 11 on staff at Ben Taub Hospital and five health centers, while Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has five. HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe and Memorial Hermann Memorial City are also among those with programs.

But losing a program is disappointing to many in the community because it eliminates one more choice for families  particularly those who want to choose a midwife but are hesitant to give birth outside a hospital.

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Stories from patients like Henson, who was hesitant to tell others shed chosen to deliver at a birth center, are common to many in the profession. They say the American public often has an outdated view of midwives, even though they are seen as the standard of care for low-risk pregnancies in other countries.

For people who are not familiar with out-of-hospital birth, it tends to be very scary for them, said Jessica Gonzales, a licensed midwife at Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Center who is caring for Henson. Theres all these different societal misconceptions about midwives.

Expecting mother Abby Henson and midwife Jessica Gonzales are photographed during a regular check up at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Not really valued

Some advocates said the loss of the program at Texas Childrens is representative of the challenges faced by midwives in Texas.

In 2021, approximately 48% of all births in Texas were financed by Medicaid, according to data from the nonprofit KFF. But the state reimburses certified nurse midwives at a rate that is 8% lower than what it pays to physicians for the same services under Medicaid.

Thats an added obstacle when hospitals across the U.S. are already closing maternity wards due to various factors, including financial challenges. Experts say many hospitals consider labor and delivery services to be money losers because they are more reliant on payments from Medicaid, which reimburses at rates lower than private health insurers.

In many ways, hospitals are incentivized to prioritize interventions, such as C-sections, that may bring in more money, said Erin Sing, a certified nurse midwife who is program director for the Texas Tech University Health Science Centers nurse midwifery program.

Economics drive us toward these interventions, and the things that midwives do are not really valued, she said.

Furthermore, federal law only requires states to extend Medicaid coverage to certified nurse midwives. Texas does not offer Medicaid reimbursements to certified professional midwives, so patients must pay the full cost of prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care out-of-pocket. A 2021 study found the average cost of a home birth in the southwest U.S. is just over $4,800, and the costs of services at Texas birth centers range from $4,000 to $8,000 on average.

The advantage of hospital-based midwifery programs is that insurers are more likely to cover those services, said Andie Wyrick, a certified nurse midwife at Holistic Heritage Homebirth in Tomball. Theyre often the only midwifery option for patients who cant afford out-of-pocket costs.

That opens the door to so many people, she said.

Experts believe the various economic challenges are a significant reason why midwives attended just 3% of births in Texas in 2022, according to data from the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Thats much lower than the 24.3% in neighboring New Mexico, where midwives and physicians are reimbursed equally under Medicaid.

Midwife Jessica Gonzales is photographed during a regular check up with a patient at Heart of Houston birth center on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

The demand is there

Advocates believe that if midwifery was more common in Texas, it could lead to better outcomes during pregnancies and deliveries.

Both the World Health Organization and various studies have said quality midwifery care could help reduce both maternal mortality and stillbirths. Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. far exceed those of other high-income nations where midwifery care is more common for low-risk pregnancies.

We are the safest form of care that can be provided, Canales said. The statistics bear that out.

Those statistics are particularly relevant in Texas, where a 2022 analysis by the Department of State Health Services found that the rate of pregnancy-related deaths was virtually unchanged between 2013 and 2019. The analysis also found that 88% of deaths in 2019 were preventable, and that Black women faced an outsize risk of death and life-threatening hemorrhaging.

The ACNM has said that if states adopt regulations to reimburse midwives and physicians equally under Medicaid, it could help to support the financial viability of midwifery care and birth centers. Earlier this year, Democrats in Congress also introduced a bill called the Mamas First Act that would extend Medicaid coverage to midwives, tribal midwives and doulas, who provide support during labor but do not provide medical care. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is also offering a grant to help states improve maternal health and expand midwifery care.

Advocates say supporting greater access to midwives is also beneficial because it leads to more options for patients.

I love obstetricians. I think theyre fabulous, said Kathleen Wilson, a Houston doula who has worked alongside both physicians and midwives. But its not the right model for every single person.

Midwives said that if policy changes could help to make their practices easier to sustain, they believe more patients would choose midwifery. Canales, who previously worked at Ben Taub and a birth center, said there has been a waiting list for patients at every place shes been.
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Two women from Tulsa have been selected from among thousands of candidates worldwide to participate in the Obama Foundation Leaders class of 2024.

Abigail Abby Mashunkashey, director of communications for the Osage Nation, and Carlisha Williams Bradley, founder and executive director at Women Empowering Nations, were the two leaders chosen from Oklahoma.

The program focuses on leaders age 24 to 45 who aim to drive systems-level change across sectors and issues, according to a news release. Participants selected for the program  34 from Africa, 35 from the Asia-Pacific region, 36 from Europe and 100 from the U.S.  have shown at least three years of demonstrated impact.

Obama Foundation Leaders are asked to develop a values-based foundation for sustained leadership, to cultivate relationships with a focus toward lasting change, and to engage with issues at the systems level.

Mashunkashey celebrates Indigenous culture by promoting the Osage Nation for Native and non-Native audiences, the release states.

The United States of America is made stronger by sovereign tribal nations, yet Native invisibility continues, and Native voices are still not always at the table when critical conversations occur, she said in a statement. Learning from experienced changemakers in the Obama Foundation Leaders program will strengthen my ability to break through communication barriers and amplify Native voices.

Williams Bradleys nonprofit organization, WEN, works to spotlight the path to executive leadership for young women of color. She was named a Tulsan of the Year by the Tulsa World in 2020 for her work as a member of the state Board of Education.

This opportunity represents not only my own personal growth, but also the continued expansion of Women Empowering Nations mission to equip young women with the leadership skills and global exposure they need to create meaningful social change, Williams Bradley said in a statement.

Forrmer President Barack Obama said the program gives changemakers across the world a chance to connect and find effective solutions to some of the worlds biggest problems.

Im incredibly proud of the leaders weve worked with over the years and excited to welcome this new class, Obama said. Together, they bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table, and our hope is that theyll be able to learn from each other and develop a deep network of support. Im inspired by their dedication, and look forward to seeing them grow and create lasting, meaningful change in their communities.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives

(DONE)
Vietnamese rice exports are expected to continue their upward climb despite India removing its floor price for basmati rice exports, according to Nguyen Ngoc Nam, chairman of the Vietnam Food Association.

Nam confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that Indias loosening of rice export regulations, particularly the removal of its floor price for basmati rice shipments, will not impact Vietnamese rice.

Whether India bans or resumes exporting rice, it will not affect our market because the quality segment of Indian rice differs from that of Vietnam and Thailand, Nam explained.

In fact, the industry is likely to grow as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia all seem poised to up their demand for rice compared to initial projections.

These three countries, along with China, make Vietnams top rice export markets.

According to Nam, Vietnamese rice exports from January to August reached over 6.15 million metric tons, generating US$3.85 billion in revenue.

These numbers reflect a 5.8-percent increase in volume and a 21.7-percent rise in revenue compared to the same period in 2023.

While the volume of rice exports saw a modest increase, turnover surged due to a 14.8-percent rise in average export prices which now sit at $625 per metric ton.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development projects rice exports in 2024 at approximately 7.6 million metric tons.

With only four months left in the year, weve already exported 6.15 million metric tons of our estimated 7.6 million tons, Nam said.

This leaves about 1.45 million metric tons still to be exported [this year] and means we will be able to ensure that Vietnamese rice is sold at good prices for our farmers."

A rice exporter in Can Tho City, located in the Mekong Delta region, which accounts for over 50 percent of Vietnams rice production and 90 percent of its rice exports, echoed Nams sentiment.

Vietnam sells high-quality rice at very competitive prices, he added.

In international bidding, the Vietnamese grain consistently performs well.

To thrive, especially with market fluctuations, Vietnam must diversify its rice products to open more avenues for export.

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Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse, along with their entourage, will make their trips to the U.S. and Cuba from September 21 to 27, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the trip to the U.S., the Vietnamese leader will participate in the Summit of the Future hosted by the United Nations (UN) on September 22-23 and the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, which begins on September 24. Lam will also have several working sessions during the visit.

Lam, his spouse, and accompanying officials will later pay a state visit to Cuba at the invitation of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and his wife, the foreign ministry said.

This will be the first multilateral working trip of Party General Secretary and State President Lam in his new positions, and will also mark his first-time visits to the U.S. and Cuba as the head of the Party and state.

That Lam is going to attend the coming Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly demonstrates Vietnam's high respect for multilateral cooperation and the UNs role in the current world context.

The Summit of the Future is considered a historic event, where many documents are expected to be adopted to create an important foundation and an orientation for cooperation within the UN in the coming time.

In a video message sent to the Global Call event in New York ahead of the Summit of the Future on September 12, Lam emphasized that the summit is an opportunity for the UN and multilateralism to affirm their irreplaceable values in the face of the great challenges of the current times.

He also hoped that the summit will bring new thinking and new ways of doing things for the future of the world.

The leader of the Party and state suggested that the coming event focus on discussing effective solutions for transformation in science, technology, and innovation; green transformation; and global governance transformation.

The trip to the U.S. will be conducted as the two countries have just celebrated the first anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and are looking forward to welcoming 30 years of the normalization of relations in 2025.

Since the comprehensive strategic partnership was set up in September last year, the relationship between the two countries has relentlessly developed and their bilateral cooperation has been expanded in various fields, bringing benefits to both countries, especially in creative innovation and technology.

The U.S. is Vietnam's second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching nearly US$111 billion last year, surpassing the $100-billion mark for the third consecutive year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

During his stay in the U.S., the Vietnamese leader will have meetings and contacts with U.S. politicians and businesses.

The U.S. trip will be followed by a visit to Cuba, reaffirming the strong traditional relationship between Vietnam and Cuba. This visit highlights Vietnam's ongoing commitment and dedication to its traditional friemds, according to the ministry.

The special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba, whose diplomatic ties were set up in 1960, has been deeply imprinted in the minds of the people of the two countries.

On April 1, 2020, the Vietnam - Cuba Trade Agreement officially took effect, with many new trade incentive commitments, bringing benefits to businesses of both countries and creating favorable conditions for bilateral import and export of goods.

Cuba imports up to 400,000 metric tons of rice from Vietnam each year and has received support from Vietnam in developing household-scale rice production, as well as corn, soybean production, and aquaculture.

Many Vietnamese companies are also advancing their investment projects in Cuba.

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The organizer of the upcoming Gemini Fourth Run the World Concert in Vietnam has issued a second apology after meeting with a strong backlash from Vietnamese netizens for posting ticket information which showed a map of Vietnam missing the countrys Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos.

The concert, organized by Njoin, is scheduled for October 19 at Hoa Binh Theater in Ho Chi Minh City and marks the first stop for Thailands Gemini Fourth on their Asian concert tour.

Gemini Fourth is made up of Norawit Titicharoenrak and Nattawat Jirochtikul  a Thai 'established couple' known for starring in the Thai TV series 'My School President.'

In Thailand, an 'established couple' is a duo that often appears together as love interests on TV and performs concerts and other promotion events together.

Criticism against the Gemini Fourth Run the World Concert began on Tuesday after Njoin posted ticket information for the Ho Chi Minh City stop, along with a map of Vietnam, to its Facebook page.

The map failed to include Vietnams Truong Sa and Hoang Sa in the East Vietnam Sea.

Within an hour, Njoin deleted the original post and published a note apologizing to its Vietnamese fans for the omission.

Vietnamese netizens, however, were unsatisfied with the apology, with dozens commenting that the letter came off as insincere and perfunctory. Notably, it failed to directly mention the missing archipelagos.

Several upset commenters demanded that the concert be canceled, claiming that Njoins omission of Truong Sa and Hoang Sa demonstrated an egregious lack of respect for Vietnamese sovereignty.

Njoins original Facebook post about the 'Gemini Fourth Run the World Concert' in Vietnam, which shows a map of Vietnam without Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in the East Vietnam Sea. Omitting these archipelagos is widely considered a violation of Vietnams territorial sovereignty.

In its attempt to quell the backlash, Njoin posted a second apology letter to both its fans and the Vietnamese people in general, this time admitting its failure to convey a full and sincere apology the first time and putting the blame on inexperienced staff.

The letter called the omission of Truong Sa and Hoang Sa an unacceptable mistake and reiterated the importance of protecting Vietnams sovereignty over its maritime areas.

In addition to its apology, Njoin thanked fans for pointing out the mistake so that it could promptly correct it.

It said the experience was a valuable lesson on the importance of reviewing its content before publication.

Though the letter seemed to calm a portion of the online community, many commented that they refused to accept Njoins apology.

Many of those who rejected the apology suggested that Njoin issue an apology in English and attach a full Vietnamese map which includes its maritime areas.

The coming arrival in Vietnam of Gemini Fourth will mark their second visit to the Southeast Asian country.

Their first was a fan meeting last June. Tickets for the upcoming concert sold out in less than a day.

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The European Union (EU) has released 650,000 (US$722,000) in humanitarian aid following the devastating impact of typhoon Yagi in Vietnam to help address the most pressing needs, such as food, water and sanitation, and healthcare.

To support Vietnam's emergency response, the EU also activated the Copernicus Emergency Satellite Mapping Service on September 11.

So far, ten maps have been produced, the bloc said in a press release posted on its official website on Wednesday.

In addition, the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam has announced funding of 250,000 ($278,130) to aid UNICEF in providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene support for vulnerable children and families affected by the disaster.

Various EU member states' diplomatic missions and European businesses based in Vietnam are also arranging to help with humanitarian efforts.

Typhoon Yagi has left a trail of destruction in northern Vietnam since it made landfall on September 7.

It was one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded in the region.

Hundreds have been confirmed dead or missing, while roads, schools, factories, hospitals, and other infrastructures were destroyed, causing economic losses of about $2 billion.

Janez Lenarcic, European commissioner for crisis management, expressed his condolences to all the victims and their families impacted by the natural disaster.

He affirmed the blocs readiness to help the affected communities with all the means at its disposal.

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Vietnams Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs has proposed a nine-day break for the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, spanning from January 25 to February 2, 2025.

The Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet, is the biggest festival in a year for Vietnamese as it is an occasion for family reunions.

The ministry is seeking feedback on the proposal from 16 ministries and agencies before submitting it to the prime minister for approval.

According to the proposal, public workers will be entitled to nine-day leave, including five days promulgated by the 2019 Labor Code and the other four on the weekend.

The first day of the 2025 Lunar New Year falls on January 29.

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs also put forward two options for the National Day (September 2) holiday next year.

The first option is from Saturday, August 30, to Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

The second is from Tuesday, September 3, to Wednesday, September 4, 2025.

The ministry prefers the first option, which is a four-day break.

Laborers in Vietnam are now entitled to two days off for the National Day holiday.

Next year's National Day falls on Sunday.

From 2021, Vietnam has mandated a total of 11 days off for public holidays, including five days for the Lunar New Year holiday, two days for the National Day holiday, and one day each for the New Year holiday, the Hung Kings Commemoration Day, the Reunification Day, and the International Workers' Day.

Apart from these holidays, foreign laborers in Vietnam are permitted to have one day off for their home country's National Day.

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Doctors at Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City have removed 31 magnetic toy balls from the small intestine of a three-year-old boy and sutured eight intestinal perforations, the hospital reported on Wednesday.

The boy was hospitalized with a stomachache, vomiting, bloating, and fever.

An X-ray showed dozens of round foreign bodies forming two chains in the patients small intestine.

Doctors thought the objects were magnetic balls and immediately performed an emergency surgery on the boy.

Doctor Nguyen Hien from Children's Hospital 2, the main surgeon in the operating room, said the boy had suffered many intestinal perforations.

One magnetic ball chain was in the first part of the small intestine and the other was found in the last part of it, Hien explained.

The 31 magnetic toy balls were the most magnetic objects ever removed from a patient at the hospital, the doctor added.

The boy had been playing alone when he swallowed the magnetic balls

Doctor Pham Ngoc Thach, deputy director of Children's Hospital 2, said that the hospital perform surgeries for over 10 cases of intestinal perforations due to magnetic object ingestion per year.

He urged parents of young children to be vigilant about the toys and items around their kids, remove any dangerous toys, regularly inspect children's toys, and avoid letting them play alone.

Dr. Thach highlighted that swallowing foreign objects is a common issue for children aged one to six.

Ingesting magnetic objects is extremely dangerous as the magnetic objects can cause parts of the intestinal wall to stick to each other, leading to ischemia, necrosis, and perforations.

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Sundays 7News Spotlight profiles controversial drug rehab Shalom House, plus Take That and an update on illegal vape imports.

The epidemic of drug abuse in Australia is showing no signs of slowing, with two million Australians battling addictions and the number of fatal overdoses almost doubling in two decades.

Shalom House is the fastest-growing rehab centre in the country.

Its controversial founder, Peter Lyndon-James, is an ex-con and rehabilitated addict who claims he has the answer to Australias worsening drug crisis and the cure for all kinds of addicts.

He says his tough-love, labour-based unconventional service is helping men, women and  increasingly  children to rebuild their lives. And Shalom House is overflowing. By any measure, there are just too many residents.

But not everyone is a fan of his methods. Some say Shalom House, which has earned the reputation as Australias toughest rehab centre, is like a cult and that residents are really inmates in a religious prison.

Now, in a 7News Spotlight exclusive, Peter Lyndon-James and Shalom House have granted access-all-areas to Sevens crime reporter Ben Harvey.

Also on the show, after the Albanese Governments $243 million crackdown on vapes, has it actually worked? Eight months into the national ban on all illegal vape imports, 7News Spotlight takes to the streets to discover we are still far from busting the underworld hold on this crooked industry.

And dont miss a very special exclusive interview with UK boy band royalty, Take That, as they prepare to tour Down Under.

8:45pm Sunday on Seven.
Kim Nguyen, pharmacist, prepares a Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine at CVS, 12550 Louetta Rd., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Cypress. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

The Lone Star State ranks near the bottom in the country for vaccination rates, according to a new WalletHub study.

Among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Texas ranked 47th for how much of the population is vaccinated against various diseases. The study looked at 16 key metrics that weighed rates of children, teens and adults vaccinated against a range of diseases and the share of uninsured people.

Texas also ranked 46th in terms of flu vaccination coverage among adults and 48th in terms of the share of children under 6 who are part of an immunization information system, which are confidential, computerized databases that record vaccination rates in a population. These systems help inform public health decisions to increase vaccination rates.

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The study also found that Texas also comes in dead last for the share of people without health insurance, and this number is not including institutionalized people.

Dr. Luis Ostrosky, infectious diseases physician at UTHealth Houston said he doesnt find Texass poor ranking surprising.

It makes me very sad because we have extraordinary physicians and public health officials in Texas, and were pretty much the victim of this massive misinformation campaign regarding vaccines, Ostrosky said.

According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevent 4 to 5 million deaths worldwide each year. In Ostroskys view, the sweeping historical success of vaccines for diseases like polio and HPV has led a significant part of the public to forget their crucial benefit to public health.

Were almost victims of our own success, Ostrosky said. People havent seen polio cases in their friends and family, so we think it doesnt exist and it creates this narrative of why would we get vaccinated if its not an issue for our kids?

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On top of diseases like polio and smallpox, the HPV vaccine prevents cancers like cervical, mouth, throat and others, and the Hepatitis B vaccine prevents liver cancer. To Ostrosky, that feat serves as a powerful reminder of the power of vaccination.

A pediatric flu vaccine, photographed during a pediatric COVID-19 vaccination event Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The pandemic saw vaccine skepticism and misinformation at the helm of public doubt. Research studies scouring social media found medical misinformation, conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine ideology.

While poverty can limit access to quality vaccine education, the Texas Department of Health and several hospitals offer vaccination programs for low income and uninsured people, like Texas Vaccines for Children. But vaccine misinformation isnt necessarily a problem of access, and it isnt limited to income levels. In Ostroskys view, many people with unwavering access to health programs and education still seek out their own online research and conclude they dont need vaccines.

Last November, Governor Greg Abbott signed a COVID Vaccine Freedom Bill that prevents private business from requiring their employees to get COVID vaccination shots.

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Ostrosky said the overshot success of COVID vaccines worsened the publics distrust. When vaccines were first announced during COVID, there was an expectation that the shots would prevent people from spreading the disease. While current vaccines limit severe sickness from COVID in the majority of people, they dont prevent the infected from transmission.

We overpromised that you would be unable to transmit. That came up short, Ostrosky said.

Improving vaccination levels in Texas isnt impossible to Ostrosky, though. Grass roots and community-led education efforts can go a long way.

Personal freedom is a heavy sticking point for anti-vaccine sentiment and legislation. When it comes to reconciling the notion that vaccines impose on liberty with improving public health, Ostrosky encourages Texans to think of vaccines as not only a benefit for their own health, but for the safety of their larger community. When more people are vaccinated, pockets of transmission that can harm the immunocompromised shrink.

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Applications are now open for NSW arts, music and screen organisations to participate in the 2025 Createability Internship Program and be matched with talented creative practitioners with disability or who are d/Deaf through paid internships.

Supported by Create NSW, Screen NSW and Sound NSW, Createability host organisations are supported to provide meaningful, career-enhancing internships for creatives with disability and play a vital leadership role in helping break down barriers to access and inclusion across the creative industries.

Karen Rodgers, Director Arts, Create NSW said: The Createability Internship Program demonstrates that barriers to access and inclusion can be overcome with supportive organisations making small adjustments. Our host organisations find the program to be rewarding and many return year after year. I encourage all Arts and Cultural organisations, especially in regional NSW and Western Sydney to get involved.

Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW said: From the ABC and Animal Logic to Endemol Shine  the Creatability Internship program has benefitted several organisations across the NSW screen industry and provided many rewarding outcomes for the interns taking part in the program. We encourage production and film organisations to take part in supporting increased inclusivity across the sector.

Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW said: Were delighted to be able to extend this fantastic program to include music industry organisations. Internships are an important way for creatives to get real-world industry experience and expand their networks. But Creatability is also great opportunity for host organisations to learn from their interns and break down barriers to employment opportunities beyond the program itself.

Liz Martin, Accessible Arts CEO said: Accessible Arts is delighted to partner with Create NSW, Screen NSW and Sound NSW to deliver the Createability initiative again in 2025. This internship program is an important step towards a more diverse and dynamic creative industries sector. Increasing access and inclusion in the creative industry has a broader impact, by paving the way for increased inclusivity and accessibility in the stories we tell and how we tell them.

Kim Akhurst, Compass ABC TV Series Producer said: Compass has hosted two interns with the Createability Internship Program. Both worked as researchers and contributed enormously to our production through their work, creativity and lived experience. Increasing accessibility and inclusivity in the ABC benefits everyone.

Up to 10 Createability host organisations will deliver internships of 4-weeks equivalent. The internships offer accessible pathways to employment, training and professional development. Interns with suitable skills, interests and experience will be matched to opportunities with selected organisations through the competitive application process, opening in late 2024.

The 2025 Createability Internship Program is delivered by Create NSW, Screen NSW and Sound NSW, in partnership with disability advocacy organisation Accessible Arts to grow pathways to employment for practitioners with disability or who are d/Deaf. In addition to grant funding, host organisations receive training from Accessible Arts to improve access and inclusion to remove the barriers that people with disability often face in the workplace.

Over the past three years, some of NSWs leading arts and screen organisations across regional NSW, Western Sydney and Sydney have benefited from the program, including Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Animal Logic, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Endemol Shine, Erth Visual and Physical Inc, Lingo Pictures, Outloud, Performance Space, Sydney Theatre Company, and Tantrum Youth Arts.

Internship roles have varied from technical TV production roles, digital content creation, research, behind-the-scenes production and maker roles, and many more. These have been rewarding and life-changing opportunities, often leading to on-going employment and other long-term positive outcomes.

Applications are now open for host organisations until 21 October 2024. For more information or to apply, visit create.nsw.gov.au
EXCLUSIVE:

UK music format The Piano is being filmed in Australia by Eureka Productions.

Filming was spotted this week at Melbournes Southern Cross railway station with cameras centred on an unattended piano on the concourse, as people tinkled the ivories for passers-by.

Two seasons have screened in the UK with cameras capturing strangers playing classical standards, contemporary hits, and original compositions -by the end of the first series one talented pianist, a young blind girl who was also autistic, performed at the Royal Festival Hall in Londons Southbank Centre.

The show has been likened to Bake Off for Pianos.

The format has since been sold to Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark.

Chris Culvenor from Eureka said, The Piano is a beautifully crafted, feel-good format that will showcase tremendous Australian talent and highlight compelling Australian characters. Its a true privilege to bring this series to Australia.
Industry representatives from Nine, SBS, ABC, Seven and Netflix will participate in Media Diversity Australias annual Industry Round Table at Nines North Sydney headquarters tomorrow.

Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, will join with representatives from AAP, The Guardian, The Conversation Media Group, ARE Media, Junkee Media, Womens Agenda, National Indigenous Times and more.

Also in attendance for the first part of the event are representatives from the Federal and State Government, Free TV, AFL, Google, Meta, Walkley Foundation, Women in Media, and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, among others.

Mariam Veiszadeh, CEO of Media Diversity Australia, said: Theres no denying that the sector has faced some complex challenges in the last 18 months which have only further highlighted the critical role diversity, equity and inclusion needs to play in the long-term sustainability of our sector. This years round table is an opportunity to confront these realities head-on and to reaffirm our shared responsibility to create a more inclusive media landscape. Its only by working together that we can truly drive the meaningful, lasting change our industry needs.

Building on the momentum of last years inaugural round table hosted at SBS, this years event will bring together an expanded group of senior representatives from leading media organisations, including new members such as ARE Media, Junkee Media, Womens Agenda, National Indigenous Times, Hachette Publishing, and Netflix.

MDA is committed to driving sector-wide change by fostering discussions around diversity, inclusion, and equity. This years round table will feature a keynote address by Assistant Minister Julian Hill and a thought leadership panel discussion moderated by Nines Sarah Abo and featuring AFL DEI Executive Tanya Hosch.

The closed-door round table will include discussions around key challenges, barriers, and action plans, aiming to build on the outcomes from the seven working group meetings held over the past year.

The second part of the event featuring the round table will involve a Chatham house event discussion focusing on critical industry challenges and opportunities, including:

Industry Collaboration

Inclusion Practices

Talent Pipeline, Retention & Cultural Safety

Navigating Lived Experience & Impartiality

Capability Building & DEI Surveys

The event is designed to strengthen collaboration across the sector and ensure that diversity, inclusion, and equity remain central priorities for the media industry as it seeks to better reflect contemporary Australia.
Another cast member from acclaimed Foxtel drama Tangle has called for a series revival.

The Foxtel series ran for three seasons from 2009  2012, starring Justine Clarke, Kat Stewart, Ben Mendelsohn, Catherine McClements, but has since had wider exposure through Netflix and Prime Video.

Actor Lincoln Younes, who played Romeo Kovac, tells TV Tonight, Do you how much Ive been pitching this every year? I would love that to come back. I think they could do 10 Years On as a fourth season. Because I do feel like it was cut short.

Younes, now starring in Last King of the Cross (pictured) was just a teenager when he featured as sibling to Georgia Flood.

I was just 16, and each season was a year and a half later. So it was a while ago. I went to the Logies recently, and I ran into a lot of old Tangle creatives. We had a bit of a nostalgic catch up, which was nice, he said.

Now aged 32, he is old enough to portray a young father himself.

Completely and kind of be struggling with some version of Vince, who Ben Mendelsohn played, and those fathering skills, whether he goes with them or not.

The series co-produced by John Edwards and Imogen Banks, also featured Joel Tobeck, Matt Day, Blake Davis, Kick Gurry, Jane Allsop and more.

John Edwards recently told TV Tonight, Its funny. I was talking to somebody in the UK earlier this week  the head of a very big company- and they were talking about Tangle being their favourite Australian series. It helped this person define what a commercially viable relationship drama should be. It should be a bunch of really good looking, middle class people, who are good actors, behaving appallingly!

Producer Imogen Banks (Fake, Safe Home, RFDS, Offspring) recently told podcast TV Reload, I literally got a text about an hour ago from John Brawley, who was our DOP on Tangle, saying Tangle series 4? We could just tune into their lives now!

I love, love Lincoln and see him at all sorts of things. Hes such a divine human, Georgia Flood  most of have gone on to keep working, Banks added.

In a further podcast, Kat Stewart said she had been pestering producers a fourth season for some time.

I would do Nat Manning again in a heartbeat. I loved doing that show. It was a dream cast. (Nats) so naughty. Justine Clarke & Catherine McClements, Im such massive fans of them. And also the kids have grown up and done amazing things.

Lincoln Younes says he will keep campaigning for a show revival.

Done! Tangle season four!
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides is seen during a meeting with representatives of Greece and Cyprus to discuss the modalities of a subsea cable envisaged to link Cyprus to continental Europe at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia

ATHENS (Reuters) - Cyprus reaffirmed its commitment to a planned electric transmission cable to Greece but said on Thursday that technical and financial details needed to be ironed out before it could sink more funds into the project.

The so-called Great Sea Interconnector seeks to link the power grids of Greece via Crete, Cyprus and eventually Israel in a project costing 2.4 billion euros ($2.67 billion). The Greece-Cyprus section is estimated at 1.9 billion euros.

The project to build what would be the world's longest and deepest underwater power cable has been the source of some unusual discord between the two historic allies, with Cyprus holding out for assurances on the viability of the project, while Greece wants a deal wrapped up swiftly.

The issue was discussed at a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Athens on Thursday.

Christodoulides assured Mitsotakis of Cyprus's political commitment and of taking a stake in the share capital of the project once a due diligence report had been finalized, a statement from the Cypriot Presidency said.

It said Cyprus also expected to see the formation of a special-purpose vehicle, for which advanced consultations were underway with third countries, which it did not name.

Nicosia on Tuesday said it would contribute 25 million euros annually over a five-year period towards the cable, but did not specify that it would sink money into its share capital, causing some consternation in Athens.

"We are optimistic... that there will be a positive outcome regarding the financial aspect, because this is the issue, this is the aspect of the specific project that is being discussed," Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said.

($1 = 0.8977 euros)

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou and Michele Kambas; Editing by Christina Fincher)
Hyderabad Merger in India

The Princely State of Hyderabad had merged with India on 17th September 1948, through what is called a Police action, actually done by Indian Army

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:40 PM , Ram Puniyani

The Princely State of Hyderabad had merged with India on 17th September 1948, through what is called a Police action, actually done by Indian Army. It was called operation Polo and General Chaudhary led the operation. In its memory, BJP has started celebrating it as Hyderabad Liberation Day; while the Congress led Government of Telangana celebrated it as Praja Palan Day (Advent of Democracy day).

BJP leader Kishan Reddy stated that not celebrating it as a Hyderabad Liberation Day is an insult to the people who sacrificed their lives during the merger through army action to India.

There are others who label it as "Islamophobia" of Nehru and Patel which led to annexation of a Muslim Princely state into India. Most of these arguments are either one sided or biased in one way or the other.

Can a Princely state ruled by a Muslim king be called as Muslim State (Hyderabad)? Majority of its population was Hindu.

Can a Muslim majority state ruled by a Hindu King (Kashmir) be called as a Hindu state?

While some scholars see this through the eyes of religion, the core factor was geographical on one hand and transition away from feudal system towards democracy on the other. How much of that could be achieved in Kashmir is a matter of doubt as factors in that region were mired by the ambitions of neighboring Pakistan, who de facto wanted to build a Muslim state and regarded a Muslim majority Kashmir to be in Pakistan as per Jinnahs "Two Nation theory. This theory was originally put forward by Savarkar anyway.

So why did Nehru take interest in Kashmirs accession to India?

Was it a mere geographical expansionism or to support to the democratic movement against the Feudal-Kingdom towards democracy?

Sheikh Abdullah with his democratic aspiration first converted Muslim Conference into National conference and stood for secular values. He looked up to Gandhi and Nehru for secular-democratic values. The problem was vitiated by the Pakistans aggression called as Tribal one but was led by military, and US-UK supporting from the back.

Then there is the issue of sovereignty. Kings and many others labeled the Kingdoms through the religion of the Kings while Indian Nationalists regarded that the sovereignty belongs to the people not to the kings. It is in this background that the complex problem of merger of Hyderabad into India has to be seen.

As India became Independent, the Princely states, above 600, were given the option to either merge with Pakistan or India or remain Independent. Princely states, that had some autonomy during British rule, now were facing a dilemma but most of them wanted to remain Independent. They were advised by Lord Mountbatten preferably to merge with the neighboring country. With Sardar Patal overseeing most of the mergers, he had given the promise of giving the Princes relative autonomy in most matters barring defense, communication and external affairs.

In turn, they were given the right to keep their massive properties and wealth. Most of the princely states finally merged with India. Travancore, ruled by a Hindu king, after lots of hesitancy also agreed to be part of India. The Raja of Kashmir, Harising refused to merge with India and Nizam of Hyderabad also did not agree to merge with India.

As pointed out above, Indian leaders regarded the sovereignty belongs to the people and not with the kings. Most of these Kings were loyal to the British and were having a life of luxury. Junagadh was integrated with India through military action and in the plebiscite which was held after that endorsed its merging with India.

Nizam of Hyderabad was sitting over a large and rich state. He wanted to remain Independent or merge with Pakistan. Idea of merger with Pakistan was not on religious grounds but because of the fact the Mohammad Ali Jinnah promised that Nizam's rights will not be disturbed.

India was keen on merging Hyderabad into India for multiple reasons, Islamophobia, not being any of them. The main ground was the geographical location of the state of Hyderabad right within the center of India, a totally landlocked autonomous state or a state which was part of Pakistan would have been the source of perennial problems.

This was the core consideration for the Nehru-Patel duo. A standstill agreement (November 1947) was signed with Nizam till the final decision was to be made. The idea was that this period should be used to democratize the Hyderabad Administration, so that negotiation will be easy.

Nizam used this time to strengthen his army by increasing the number of its irregular force called Razakars which was led by Major Gen SA El Edroos, the Arab commander in chief of the Hyderabad state forces.

The Congress meanwhile launched a Satyagrah to demand for democratization of state administration. 20000 of these Satyagrahis were jailed. Due to the state repression and Razakar atrocities against Hindus many of the people fled the state.

Also, the communists had launched the dalams (groups) against the landlords for land redistribution and for protection of the people from Razakars atrocities. Nizam was dragging the negotiations and Razakars were becoming more menacing. Anti Nizam struggle had a good deal of support from some local and number of Muslims from the whole country.

The same source tells us, Patel joyfully wrote to Suhravardy, On the question of Hyderabad, the India Union Muslims have come out in the open on our side, and that has certainly created a good impression in the country. It is in this background that the military action was unleashed, in which according to the Sunderlal Report, nearly 40000 people (mainly Muslims) lost their lives.

History is very interesting as to which aspects we pick up to build our narrative. The narratives by many scholars focus on religion to show that this was Islamophobia on the part of Indian leadership. The two main aspects of the whole episode are seen in its complexity. The first one clearly shows the geographical consideration, aimed to nip the future problems. And second one was democratization and anti landlordism aimed at by the local dalams of Communist partys.

The criticism of Indian leadership of Nehru and Patel on the issue is one sided and biased attempt to tarnish their aspiration, which might not have fully fructified.

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Bullet holes are visible on the house at 7815 Harding on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The home was the scene of a botched drug raid on Jan. 28, 2019 that left the two homeowners dead and five police officers injured. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer Retired Houston Police Department officer Gerald Goines pleads not guilty to two felony murder charges in the January 2019 deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas at the 482nd District Court Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer An out of state forensic analyst brought by the family of the killed homeowners at a botched drug raid work the bullet holes still at the home on 7815 Harding on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The home was the scene of a botched drug raid that took place on Jan. 28, 2019 and left the two homeowners dead and five police officers injured. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer Seventeen bullet holes can be seen on the front entrance of 7815 Harding Street, where five Houston Police officers were shot while serving a warrant Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer

Gunfire erupted 18 seconds after Houston polices Squad 15  at the behest of Gerald Goines on allegedly false intel  pulled up to the Harding Street home of Dennis Tuttle and his wife, Rhogena Nicholas, a Texas ranger said.

Trooper Jeff Wolfs minute-by-minute account of the 2019 botched heroin bust revealed publicly to a jury  more than five years later  what may have unfolded inside the Pecan Park home using Squad 15s own words during Goines felony murder trial in the couples deaths. The officers gave multiple statements to investigators, sometimes clarifying their earlier remarks, in the weeks that followed.

Wolfs assignment stemmed from the Harris County District Attorneys Office asking him to determine who shot whom and when. He determined two officers, Cedell Lovings and Frank Medina, kicked off the violent exchange after barging into the home and shooting the couples dog, according to the rangers testimony. Goines had not anticipated a dog at the home earlier that day but patrol officers warned him otherwise.

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I believe everything happened very quickly, Wolf testified Thursday during his third day on the witness stand. The prosecutors rested their case hours later.

Wolf surmised that the commotion, paired with Nicholas screaming profanities at the officers, likely prompted Tuttle to emerge from a bedroom armed with a revolver once the squad breached the home.

At least one officer allegedly shouted they were police with a search warrant. Prosecutors have quibbled over whether the officers announced themselves or if the couple recognized the men entering their home as police officers. Wolf conceded the possibility that the couple never heard their announcement over the fracas.

More from trial: Harding Street raid trial raises questions about Art Acevedo, body camera footage

The military veteran, regardless of how it happened, confronted the officers in the living room wearing loose-fitting sweat pants, socks (but no shoes) and a leg brace. He shot Medina in the shoulder and Lovings in the neck, paralyzing him.

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The gun battle lasted a minute more as another officer, Felipe Gallegos, returned fire, killing Nicholas and Tuttle, Wolf testified. He went on to detail how Tuttle shot Sgt. Clemente Reyna and Goines in the face next as they moved in to rescue their brethren.

The ranger concluded none of the officers were shot by friendly fire.

'I'm hit'

One of Goines lawyers lamented the absence of other officers who participated in the raid Wednesday while urging Judge Veronica Nelson to allow Wolfs findings to be shown to the jury. Nelson declined his request.

Several lawyers for these individuals have come to court and informed her honor that theyll plead the Fifth (Amendment) if called to testify  unless theyre immunized, said Secrest, noting that one had already done so last week over the potential existence of a personal camera used during the raid.

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The lack of officers with first-hand knowledge of what happened inside the home has left the jury with little but the rangers testimony to account for what the narcotics team saw and heard inside the home.

An officer, Oscar Pardo, heard the couples dog cry out as Medina and Lovings shot it, Wolf testified. Pardo then saw Medina collapse onto the couch, shouting, Im hit, after a round struck his shoulder. He purportedly saw Nicholas standing over Medina while screaming in an aggressive manner, the ranger continued.

Medina did not say whether he saw Nicholas standing over him, telling investigators he may have lost consciousness.

Pardo and another officer, Felipe Gallegos, however, both perceived Nicholas as moving toward Medinas shotgun, Wolf testified. In response, Gallegos, whose murder charge was dismissed, opened fire on Nicholas, killing her from outside the door as she appeared to lean forward.

Two more officers  Reyna and Goines  were shot as Tuttle emerged in the doorway, according to the officers accounts. Reyna recalled seeing Tuttle with his guns barrel close to his face and then feeling something hit his face.

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I believe he thought he was about to be killed, Wolf said.

Wolf testified that Gallegos killed Tuttle next. His autopsy photos showed he was shot multiple times in the chest, arms and at least once from behind.

A police investigator, Robert Lujan, earlier testified that he found no evidence of unlawful force in the shooting.

Body cameras worn by patrol officers on perimeter duty picked up two final gunshots that followed more than three minutes of relative silence. Wolf attributed those shots to Officer Eric Sepolio shooting the dog one last time as it tried getting up as the defense team questioned him.

He perceived it as growling.

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Wolf noted that he never reviewed a necropsy and didnt know if one had been done. The prosecutor cast doubt on Sepolios account.

Do you have any evidence that it was the dog that he was shooting, prosecutor Keaton Forcht asked.

No, Wolf said.

The ranger said he valued physical evidence over the word of the officers.
Mohammed bin Salman: No option but Palestine with Jerusalem as Capital

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman Wednesday (September 18, 2024) ruled out recognition of Israel or any ties with the Jewish state unless the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital is established.

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:35 PM , ummid.com News Network

Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman Wednesday (September 18, 2024) ruled out recognition of Israel or any ties with the Jewish state unless the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital is established.

While inaugurating the activities of the first year of the 9th session of the Shoura Council in Riyadh, Mohammad bin Salman also slammed what he called crimes of the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian.

"We renew the Kingdom's rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes of the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian people, ignoring international and humanitarian law in a new and bitter chapter of suffering, the Saudi Crown Prince said.

The Kingdom will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the Kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that," he added.

BREAKING: Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman confirms that Saudi Arabia will not normalize with Israel unless Palestine is recognized a state with East Jerusalem as its capital. pic.twitter.com/1U6gCvvWWS  Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) September 18, 2024

Mohammed bin Salmans statement came shortly after the UN General Assembly passed a draft resolution calling Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian lands, including West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The resolution passed with 124 of the 193 members of the UN supporting its asked the far right Zionist regime to end its occupation and remove all settlements in 12 months.

The UN vote and Saudi stand on the formation of the State of Palestine comes in the midst of the Israeli war in Gaza where the occupation forces have killed more than 41,000 Palestinians since Oct 7, 2023.

Outlining the Kingdom's foreign policy, Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia is keen to cooperate with all active countries in the international community.

"We are convinced that what protects humanity and preserves its civilizational values is the joint pursuit of a better future based on fruitful cooperation between countries and peoples, respecting the independence and values of countries, adopting the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference in their internal affairs, and avoiding resorting to force in resolving disputes", he said.

In his address to the Shura - the highest governmening body of the Kingdom, the Saudi Crown Prince also advocated for a peaceful resolution to Russia-Ukraine war.

"The Kingdom also seeks to enhance regional and international security and peace by making efforts to reach political solutions to crises in Yemen, Sudan, Libya and other countries as well as supporting solutions to international crises such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis," he said.



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NGOisation of Public Causes Harming Efforts to Address Pressing Issues

For civil society groups, it is the need of the hour to recognize the limitations of the NGO model and focus more on the formation of solidarities around structural and systemic issues for attempting meaningful and sustainable change.

Thursday September 19, 2024 5:38 PM , Dr Ajazuddin Shaikh

On August 26, 2024, heavy rainfall began in many parts of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad and Vadodara. Within two days, the rain accelerated, and heavy water logging happened in several parts of these cities. With this, several distress calls and messages began to come to social and political workers from the most vulnerable locations, mostly by people from poor and marginalized communities. Pirana dumping site is considered only a mountain in Ahmedabad  the site where Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) dumped waste from the City till some years before. Behind the site, there is a vast settlement  a Muslim ghetto, known as Bombay Hotel.

On August 28, 2024, we received a phone call from one of our activist friends working with unorganized sector workers, who informed us that hundreds of families were in distress due to heavy waterlogging in some locations of the area. Due to continuous rainfall, factories were shut, leaving daily wage workers without income to meet their basic food needs and requesting rations for 2-3 days. We immediately began our efforts to mobilize resources and, with the help of a donor, distributed 100 ration kits through a local volunteer who visited door-to-door to reach the kits.

During her visit, she found many people, largely women, with severe skin issues in their legs. People with skin problems informed the volunteers that due to the mountain of waste, contaminated water comes down in their Basti and affects not only their skin but the overall health of their families. It was heart-wrenching to see their legs, even in the videos shared by the volunteer.

On August 29, when several parts of Ahmedabad City were struggling to survive either in the water or in the aftermath of heavy water logging, a reputed NGO organized a dissemination seminar with three rounds of panel discussions in a posh location in the City. Since we were invited and the venue was near our workplace, we also participated in the event, expecting some serious discussion about the aforementioned issue. The panels of the seminar comprised experts in the field of urban planning and governance, academicians, social workers, and some retired officials from the municipal corporation.

In his presentation, the NGO head claimed that the organization has been working in some underdeveloped geographies of Ahmedabad since 1989. The retired AMC official praised the government and AMCs efforts to deal with the issues faced by the unorganized sector workers. The efforts he mentioned were food kitchens at Kadiyanakas, small loans to street vendors, and designated space allotments to street vendors.

[Skin disease because of contaminated water logging]

An academic head from a highly reputed educational institute kept praising Ahmedabad City by comparing it with Patna City. Paradoxically, he began his speech by saying we should not compare our countrys cities with those in developed countries, considering the vast difference in the per capita income. The moderator asked the panelists some prearranged questions, which made it easy to pass the examinations. The anchor then announced the lunch break without taking any questions from the audience. Experiencing this kind of staged event, our conscience forced us to leave it immediately after that.

We do not wish to blame any NGO for staging this kind of program, especially in the current times when most NGOs are struggling for funding and resources. Instead, we believe that the NGO model forces organizations to function in such an insensitive manner. We have a number of friends working in NGOs at different levels who are the most committed and enlightened individuals we know. There cannot be any question on their intentions and commitment. However, they also have to follow the NGO culture of fancy events and gatherings, three to five-star accommodations, corporate-style presentations, colorful IEC material, and so on, sometimes ignoring the sufferings of the people they pretend to represent. Since the funders do not allow any controversial conversations, critical questions and reflections are largely missed in these events and gatherings.

The area described above was not the only area affected by the recent calamity. Many others, such as Vatva, Narol, Ramol, Piplaj, and others, were similarly affected. These are the areas where the NGO discussed here, along with several other NGOs, have been working for a long period of time. However, the problems faced by the locals largely remained unchanged.

It would be unjust to say that the NGOs havent done anything in these areas. However, their limitations did not allow them to step forward and demand fast removal of the garbage, which is one of the major root causes of the dire situation. Even the petition on which the High Court of Gujarat ordered the removal of the garbage from the location was filed by an individual activist.

Earlier, the COVID-19 lockdown and pandemic exposed our fragile system of governance on several fronts. Although our government and their social allies kept praising their response, claiming it to be relatively better than other developed countries like the USA, the fragile system keeps exposing itself even in such a small-scale natural calamity. It is public-spirited common citizens and some NGOs that respond quickly in times of such calamities and prevent dire situations from becoming more critical. The role of NGOs (as passive administrators) to help people and governments is crucial and cannot be undermined.

However, we believe that the NGO model is incapable of challenging and changing the status quo or addressing the root causes. The model, by design, does not thrive to address the structural inequalities and systemic oppression that push people into dire situations, even in such small-scale natural or man-made calamities. The structural and systemic changes require public movements to play a leading role.

Has the rapid NGOisation of public causes somewhat damaged the climate that could solidify people and convert that solidarity into a movement?

This remains a question to me.

For civil society groups, it is the need of the hour to recognize the limitations of the NGO model and focus more on the formation of solidarities around structural and systemic issues for attempting meaningful and sustainable change.

[The writer, Dr Ajazuddin Shaikh, is a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and a civil society activist. He works with marginalized communities on the issues associated with substance use. He wishes to thank Prof. Ankur Sarin for his important feedback on the piece and Ritu Bhatt for her help with proofreading and editing.]

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A series of specialised workshops, part of the 'Semiconductor ATP Workforce Accelerator Programme,' was organised in Ho Chi Minh City from Sept. 16 to 18. The three-day event served as a platform for collaboration between U.S. partners and Vietnamese educational institutions.

Associate Vice Provost and ITSI Principal Investigator Jeffrey Goss led the opening session titled 'Building Academia-Industry Partnerships for Sustainable Semiconductor Ecosystem Development.'

The workshop outlined collaboration methods between businesses and academic institutions, aiming to create a mutually supportive ecosystem to ensure long-term growth.

Through in-depth research, participants gained a clear understanding of how such ecosystems operate and how cooperation between stakeholders can be enhanced. Attendees also learned about practical models and the benefits arising from academia-industry partnerships.

Following the workshop, Dr John W. Fowler, Motorola Professor of International Management at the W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, conducted a session titled The Challenge to Cultivate Global Semiconductor Talent.

It focused on the challenges and opportunities involved in developing the specialised skills needed to meet market demands. Attendees gained valuable insights into effective workforce development strategies, international collaboration, and the role of education and training in sustaining the growth of the semiconductor industry.

Before concluding the morning sessions, there was a workshop titled Adapting Global Semiconductor Talent Cultivation Practices to Vietnam, which addressed key areas such as curriculum modernisation, building partnerships between education and industry, and developing public-private initiatives to strengthen the semiconductor workforce in Vietnam.

Within the framework of the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund), established under the 2022 CHIPS Act, the United States will collaborate with Vietnam to significantly develop the country's ecosystem, regulatory framework, workforce, and current infrastructure needs.

This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of Vietnam's semiconductor ecosystem while simultaneously supporting the U.S. industry.

Organised by Arizona State University (ASU), the sessions brought together key stakeholders, including leaders from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), the National Innovation Centre (NIC), local government officials, ATP industry leaders, and academic representatives from top engineering and technology universities and vocational colleges. The goal was to identify Vietnam's strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector and formulate action plans to enhance its capabilities.
HA NOI  Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC) has disclosed its plan to auction off bad debts from two clients, namely Phuc An Khang International Hospital Corporation and Binh Duong Construction Stone Co., Ltd.

VAMC has purchased the bad debts of Sacombank related to Phuc An Khang International Hospital and Binh Duong Construction Stone. The starting price for the auctioned debt is more than VN239.23 billion (US$9.7 million).

The collateral for Phuc An Khang International Hospital's debt includes land usage rights for 8,048sq.m2 and ownership of an industrial facility in ong An Industrial Zone, Binh Duong Province. It also comprises ownership of a residential property covering 377.3sq.m2 at 22 Ngo Quyen Street, District 5, HCM City.

The collateral securing Binh Duong Construction Stone's debt consists of ownership rights to a residential property covering 506.1sq.m2 at 204A Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, HCM City.

The sale and acceptance of auction documents will run from September 18 to October 7 at VAMC headquarters in Ha Noi and HCM City.

Each buyer can purchase one set for VN500,000. Asset viewing will occur between September 18 and October 3, with debt profiles on display on October 3 and 4.

The auction requires a VN25 billion deposit and will commence at 2.00pm on October 10, with multiple rounds of direct voting and bidding increments.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan on Wednesday suggested further strengthening co-operation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV).

The collaboration aims to resolve any trade obstacles and barriers, and facilitate trade activities, especially in e-commerce, towards stepping up trade cooperation among the countries.

He made the statement at the 16th Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam Economic Ministers' Meeting (CLMV-EMM 16) in Vientiane, Laos.

The official acknowledged the efforts of the four countries in promoting economic, trade, and investment activities over the past year, amidst ongoing regional and global economic difficulties and challenges.

He expressed his hope that they will continue to coordinate and support each other in effectively implementing free trade agreements to which they are members, improve the investment and business environment, develop transportation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure.

We will also support each other to promote digitalisation and human resource development, strengthen support measures for businesses, and further solidify each country's position in regional supply chains, thus maintaining the momentum of trade and investment growth in the future, he said.

Regarding the CLMV Action Plan for 2023-24, Tan said he highly valued the proactive, flexible, and highly consensual coordination among the countries in implementing activities and projects.

He recommended Laos, in its role as ASEAN Chair in 2024, to strengthen its coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat to speed up the adoption of the CLMV Senior Economic Officials' Meeting (CLMV SEOM) Terms of Reference (TOR), with the hope that the approval could be completed before the 11th CLMV Summit slated for later this year.

He also asked Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors to implement investment and business projects in the countries.

In his speech, Lao Minister of Industry and Trade Malaithong Kommasith stressed that in the context of the increasingly complex situation in the region and the world, the CLMV countries must strengthen solidarity and close cooperation to address challenges.

The CLMV EMM 16 demonstrates a commitment to continued cooperation in realising the CLMV countries vision, aiming to transform the region into an upper middle-income area and an economic hub of ASEAN by 2045.

Amidst numerous challenges, the CLMV countries continue to maintain economic growth, with their trade value reaching US$767.7 billion in 2023, accounting for 21.6 per cent of ASEANs total trade value. Foreign direct investment in the countries increased by 5.4 per cent to $26.4 billion in 2023 from $25.1 billion in 2022.

Delegates discussed crucial issues, considered and approved the CLMV Senior Economic Officials' Meeting report. They also exchanged views and provided guidance on implementing action plans for national development.  VNS
OTTAWA  A logistic company run by two Vietnamese-Canadians has become the sole distributor of the Vietnamese ST25 rice variety in the Canadian market.

KD Trading partnered with ST25 producers to import the rice to Canada after thorough market research.

The company has also developed specific and long-term strategies for ST25 to be accepted in the new market, said CEO Kevin Le.

ST25 was awarded the title Worlds Best Rice in 2019 and 2023.

It was developed in Viet Nam by agricultural engineer Ho Quang Cua and his team, and is also known under the name Mr Cuas rice.

Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in Canada Tran Thu Quynh said that the trade office highly appreciates the role of overseas Vietnamese enterprises in bringing Vietnamese rice products to the Canadian market.

Previously, Vietnamese enterprises had tried to export rice to Canada, but only those with modest quality, she said. Vietnamese businesses in Canada have been making the efforts to bring high-quality, branded rice products such as ST25 to this market, she said.

Canada is a fairly large rice consuming market, with an import demand of about 500,000 tonnes per year. The country also has strict requirements on rice quality.

It is necessary to have the coordination of all parties, including the trade office, exporters, importers and distributors to ensure quality of the imported rice, Quynh said.

In the first half of this year, Canada spent more than US$207 million on importing rice, an increase of 5 per cent over the same period in 2023.

Viet Nam currently ranks in the top five rice exporters to Canada with an export turnover of about $6.5 million.  VNS
HAI PHONG  Industrial enterprises in Hai Phong City have asked the city authorities for tax and fee reductions to reduce financial pressure after Typhoon Yagi.

They proposed the measure during a meeting with the management board of the Hai Phong Economic Zone on late Wednesday.

The port city is one of the localities that was directly affected by the super typhoon.

Jung Hyeok, General Director of LS Metal Vina representing enterprises in the Deep C Industrial Zones at the meeting proposed that the industrial zone be pronounced area specifically affected by disasters so it can receive proper support from the State.

Social security should pay a certain percentage of workers salary to reduce financial pressure for employers since business activities were suspended by the typhoon, and also to help them retain employees.

The enterprises also asked for certain costs  value added tax, electricity and water bills  to be reduced so they have more resources to resume operations.

Insurance companies should assess damages as quickly as possible and offer them compensations if applicable, Jung Hyeok said.

Representatives of other businesses asked the Hai Phong Customs Department to quickly resolve procedures related to the equipment they imported that were damaged by the typhoon.

Nobuharu Shiina, General Director of Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Vietnam Co Ltd said the company is actively reviewing the general damages to their business. They also asked their employees to actively report the damages their families endure so that the company could support them.

Tran Manh Hung, Deputy Director of Hai Phongs Customs Department, said that they would do all they could to resolve the import procedures so that businesses have the equipment they need to resume production.

Le Trung Kien, Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board said he will report enterprises struggles to leaders of the citys Party Committee and Peoples Committee so timely support can be provided.

He will also work with relevant agencies to come up with the most beneficial solutions for businesses, such as declaring a state of emergency in the Deep C Industrial Zones, and make sure insurance compensations are provided where applicable.

He stressed that the city's greatest wish at this time is for businesses to soon resume production after the typhoon. He believed businesses will recover, like after the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a strong supply chain from Hai Phong to the global market.  VNS
HA NOI  Eight pangasius exporters from Viet Nam have been exempted from anti-dumping tax, following the latest review by the US Department of Commerce.

The tax was imposed on frozen pangasius imports, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VESAP) said on Wednesday.

This the preliminary result of the period of review 20 (POR20) by the US department, taking place from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023.

Pangasius products by eight Vietnamese exporters showed no sign of dumping behaviours, which would give them an anti-dumping tax exemption, according to the department.

This is a good sign for Vietnamese pangasius exporters as, since 2003, several companies have been subject to anti-dumping tax from the US.

During the previous review period (POR19) from August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022, only one Vietnamese exporter was freed from anti-dumping tax, which was the Vinh Hoan Joint Stock Company.

Five other companies were given a low anti-dumping tax rate at US$0.18 per kilogram, while the remaining exporters were subject to a general tax rate of $2.39 per kilogram.

The eight companies that would be exempt from anti-dumping tax this year are Bien Dong Seafood Company Ltd., Vinh Hoan Corporation, Can Tho Import-Export Seafood Joint Stock Company, Dai Thanh Seafoods Company Ltd., Dong A Seafood One Member Co., Ltd., HungCa 6 Corporation, Nam Viet Corporation and NTSF Seafoods Joint Stock Company.

The US Department of Commerce will release the final results of the review in 120 days time.

This year the department continues using Indonesia as an alternative country to calculate the dumping margin, since Viet Nam is considered a non-market economy by the US, according to VESAP.

Indonesia was selected since it has a similar economy to Viet Nam, similar goods are under review and reliable data is available for evaluation.

Pangasius export turnover in the first eight months of this year was estimated at $1.3 billion, up nine per cent over the same period last year, statistics from VESAP showed.

The US remains the largest single import market for Vietnamese pangasius with total export turnover in August alone, reaching $3 million, the highest since the beginning of the year and 15 times higher than August 2023.

By the end of August total pangasius exports to the US reached nearly $6 million, 14 times higher than the first eight months of 2023.

Other major pangasius import markets are under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) market bloc, Thailand, the UK, the EU, mainland China and Hong Kong.

The total value of pangasius exports to the CPTPP market bloc reached more than $8 million in the first eight months of the year, an increase of 31 per cent over the same period last year.

Australia was the largest single market for pangasius exports in the bloc, accounting for 39 per cent of the total exports, with export turnover reaching more than $3 million  an increase of 21 per cent over the same period in 2023.  VNS
HA NOI  Logistics giant SLP Vietnam has swiftly launched multiple relief efforts in regions severely impacted by Typhoon Yagi to help residents quickly return their normal everyday lives.

Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to strike Viet Nam in the past 30 years, caused extensive damage across several northern provinces, triggering widespread flooding, landslides and flash floods.

Demonstrating a strong spirit of solidarity and corporate responsibility, SLP Vietnam launched immediate relief efforts in the impacted areas and initiated an internal donation drive, rallying employees to contribute to the cause of supporting those in need.

As part of the efforts to aid children in the hardest-hit areas, SLP Vietnam became the first company to partner with the Viet Nam Association for the Protection of Childrens Rights (VACR) to deliver help to disadvantaged families at the Van My apartment complex in Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City.

The families had been displaced after strong winds caused two apartment buildings to tilt dangerously.

In collaboration with VACR, the Hai Phong Childrens Rights Association and the Peoples Committee of Van My Ward, SLP Vietnam provided a thousand meals and awarded 50 scholarships to children from these affected families.

Employees at the company also helped directly, by raising funds and preparing aid packages containing essential items such as rice cookers, blankets, rice, milk and medicine. In co-operation with the Yen Bai Childrens Rights Association and local authorities, SLP staff delivered these packages directly to more than 120 households in Nga Quan and Viet Thanh communes in Tran Yen District and Yen Bai Province.

Director of External Relations at SLP Vietnam, Nguyen Le Hang, said joining to help families in disaster-affected areas in Viet Nam is an essential activity and part of the company's corporate culture.

"We hope to contribute alongside the people of Viet Nam in overcoming the aftermath of the storms, helping everyone quickly stabilise and return to their normal lives," she said.

SLP will continue to roll out further community support initiatives as part of Global Giving Day - GLPs global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. These initiatives underscore the commitment of both GLP and SLP Vietnam to responsible and sustainable operations.

SLP is a leading developer of modern industrial and logistics infrastructure with a long-term commitment to Viet Nam. SLPs portfolio comprises 11 state-of-the-art industrial facilities across six key provinces, covering nearly one million square metres. With a strong focus on sustainable development and community support, SLP has implemented various initiatives to improve infrastructure and livelihoods in provinces such as Vinh Long, Long An and Bac Ninh.  VNS
HA NOI  The stock market extended its positive momentum as numerous stocks posted significant gains, with the VN-Index rising for the third day in a row.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the benchmark VN-Index increased by 6.37 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 1,271.27 points.

The market's breadth was positive, with 186 gainers outnumbering 99 losers. Liquidity on the southern bourse decreased by 23.2 per cent, reaching over VN14.2 trillion (US$574.6 million), with a trading volume of 606 million shares.

The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest stocks on the HoSE, rose by 7.47 points, or 0.57 per cent, to close at 1,318.41 points. In the VN30 basket, 22 stocks advanced, one declined and seven remained flat.

Data compiled by the financial website vietstock.vn showed that banking stocks led the market rise. Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SSB) was the top gainer in terms of capitalisation, with its shares hitting the ceiling, rising by 6.73 per cent, contributing over 0.77 points to the VN-Index.

It was followed by the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (VCB), with shares up by 0.55 per cent, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (CTG), which increased by 0.84 per cent and the Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TCB), up by 0.87 per cent.

According to analysts from Viet Dragon Securities, liquidity remained low, indicating a lack of increased buying support for the market. Given the rapid recovery, there is potential for the market to experience fluctuations around the 1,280-point level. However, a level near 1,270 points is expected to continue supporting the market in the short term and could help the VN-Index test the supply levels around the 20-day moving average (MA20) at the 1,280-point mark.

Investors are advised to monitor the markets short-term recovery potential, while considering portfolio adjustments to minimise risk.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also closed higher, gaining 0.35 per cent to 233.77 points.

During the session, shares worth more than VN989 billion were traded, with a trading volume exceeding 56.4 million.

In the afternoon session on Thursday, foreign investors continued their net buying streak, recording a net purchase of VN470.4 billion on the southern exchange.  VNS
Feature: Chinese cultural performances thrill U.S. students

08:51, September 19, 2024 By Tan Jingjing ( Xinhua

A Chinese artist shows pictures drawn by students as gifts at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," said Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- For 8-year-old American student Samantha, the dazzling art of Chinese opera face-changing not only brought her into a magic world, but also inspired her to learn Chinese culture and language.

With just a turn of the head, a wave of the hand, or even a blink of the eyes, Chinese performers, wearing colorful costumes, could change face masks in less than a second, drawing cheers and applauses from hundreds of students at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, a public school in Pacoima, Southern California.

"That's so cool. I love Chinese performances. I want to visit China," wowed Samantha, a third grader at the learning center.

Face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, was part of the performances presented by a delegation of the Sichuan Song and Dance Troupe to students at the learning center on Wednesday.

Co-sponsored by the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association and the Chinese Culture Development Center in Los Angeles, the performances featured Chinese drama and dance, martial arts, Kung Fu tea art, acrobatics, puppet show, and calligraphy art.

"It's my first time watching Chinese cultural performances. I love the Chinese puppet show. I want to learn more about China," Alexa, a third grader at the learning center, told Xinhua.

The whole stadium of students burst into cheers and claps when Chinese performers presented them panda dolls as gifts.

"They (panda dolls) are so cute. I just can't wait to visit the new giant pandas at San Diego Zoo," 8-year-old Kiteya told Xinhua.

A Chinese artist performs face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

The learning center has maintained exchange programs with Chinese schools since its founding over 30 years ago. It has Chinese language lessons for its high school students.

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal, told Xinhua.

"I want them to understand that even though we're miles and miles apart, we can still have connections," she added.

This year, the learning center had several Chinese students visiting for a week. Some high school students of the learning center also traveled to China for a week.

"For the Chinese students that came here, our students were really excited to talk to them about what's school like over there, what do you eat, what do you like to do... In the high school, the students that have gone to China have said it's been an amazing experience and they've really enjoyed it," Rodriguez told Xinhua.

Calling U.S.-China relations very important in the world, Rodriguez said she hopes to see more people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, especially the younger generations.

Students of the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center watch a performance staged by a delegation from China's Sichuan Province, in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Hudd Huddleston, a teacher of Chinese language at the learning center, told Xinhua he has been teaching 9-12 graders Chinese, and the students have great interest in Chinese language and culture.

The learning center has partnerships with schools in Beijing and Shanghai, and soon will establish links with schools in China's Sichuan Province, according to Huddleston.

"We hope one day we can visit China," said Hugo Efrain Flores, a student parent who was invited to watch the performances.

"We are all friends. We are all the same," he told Xinhua.

Los Angeles is the second and last stop of the Chinese troupe's U.S. tour, which also took them to Hawaii.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Houston Chronicle

An employee at the Port of Houston was killed Wednesday after being struck by collapsing material, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

The employee, who worked for a steel imports company called AllTrans Terminal Companies, has not been identified. Hidalgo said there is no active threat to public safety, and that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting an investigation to determine if there was any wrongdoing in the incident.

I am so sorry to the colleagues, friends and family of the employee who passed away, Hidalgo said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The identity of the employee and circumstances of their death remained uncertain Thursday. AllTrans Terminal Companies did not respond to a request for comment, and a representative for OSHA said it could be as long as six months before more information is made available.
YUNNAN  Vietnamese writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu has been honoured as Best Southeast Asian writer at the 2024 Dianchi Literature Awards ceremony in Yunnan Province, China.

Tu was honoured for her short story Nhung bien (The Seas) in the short story collection titled Co inh Mot am May (Anchored The Cloud), published by Phanbook and a Nang Publishing House in 2018.

The story is about Nhi, a woman missing her husband, who is allegedly missing at sea.

"I don't want to waste time getting attached to works that have already been written, but instead devote all my attention to what I am writing and what I will write," Tu said in a speech sent to the organising committee.

"Even though I don't think about my works very much, I believe they still receive warmth and light  like the day I found out Dianchi magazine had given my short story an award."

Tu was born in 1976 in the southern province of Ca Mau, where she still lives. She has released 30 books in different categories of fiction, short stories and poems, impressing both young and older readers by focusing on the rural life of farmers in her native province. Several of her novels have been translated into Korean, English, German and Swedish.

The book Canh ong Bat Tan (Endless Fields) is her most famous work, with about 150 thousand copies sold.

With this novel, published in 2018, Tu became the first female Vietnamese writer to win the Liberaturpreis 2018, as voted by Litprom  the Society for the Promotion of Literature from Africa, Asia and Latin America in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Dianchi Literature Awards was established in 2003, founded by Tianchi Literary Magazine and managed by the Kunming Federation of Literature and Arts.

It is awarded annually to literature genres including novels, poetry and prose. The Southeast Asian literature category was established in 2018, with the winner last year being Indonesian Ekagunyawan.  VNS
SYDNEY  A variety of activities to showcase the beauty and richness of Vietnamese culture has been introduced in Viet Nam: A Voyage arts programme, held this week in Sydney, Australia.

Held by the Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Sydney, the event was a celebration of the diplomatic achievements between Viet Nam and Australia.

VACEO has played a vital role in promoting and connecting Vietnamese culture within Australia. The organisation has hosted numerous cultural events, showcasing unique performances that blend traditional Vietnamese instruments with Australian indigenous music. They aim to promote Vietnamese culture, providing Vietnamese expatriates and international friends with opportunities to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the country's rich cultural values. In this event, VACEO continued to present outstanding artistic performances that exemplify the perfect fusion of traditional art and modern spirit.

Viet Nam: A Voyage, which took place on Tuesday, welcomed over 500 guests, including representatives from the New South Wales government, the Vietnamese Embassy, key state agencies, diplomatic delegations in Sydney and a large number of Vietnamese expatriates living and working in Australia.

Consul General Nguyen ang Thang and New South Wales Attorney General Michael Daley were also there.

The highlight of the programme was a series of vibrant artistic performances, ranging from traditional dances to ethnic music. Each performance not only reflected the diverse beauty of various regions, but also narrated historical and cultural stories through music, costumes and dance, taking the audience on a journey to explore Vietnamese culture.

Viet Nam: A Voyage coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival that is much anticipated by Vietnamese of all ages from around the world. To celebrate this occasion, students from Viet School presented a performance featuring colourful, shimmering lanterns and songs capturing the festive spirit of the full moon night.

Artists from VACEO brought to the event performances that showcased their artistry, technique and creativity while honouring traditional values in a modern setting through every beat of the drums, notes of the flute, strums of the lute and movements of dance.

The appearance of artist inh Linh, a master of the Vietnamese bamboo flute, added a unique highlight to the programme.

The event also presented the catwalk collection Mua Nuoc Noi (Flow of Memories) by B.TheLabel by Bianca Nguyen, taking the audience on a journey to explore the beauty and style of the Mekong Delta.

Inspired by her hometown of Chau oc City in the southern province of An Giang, the designer skillfully blended traditional and modern elements to create unique pieces that reflect the cultural identity of Viet Nam.

According to the designer, the collection was not only a work of art but also a tribute to her homeland, promoting the style of Viet Nam to international friends.  VNS
HA NOI  A night of exciting music and dance performances introducing Chinese culture took place in Ha Noi on September 18.

The 'Under the Shared Moon and Wind, A Dialogue Across Mountains and Waters' Cultural Salon was one of many activities held to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival for people from both countries.

It was co-organised by the Information Office, the Foreign Affairs Office of People's Government of Yunnan Province and Kim Lien Travel to promote their culture and tourism in Ha Noi, while enhancing cultural exchanges between China and Viet Nam.

In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is both a moment to reconnect across the ages and a vibrant cultural gathering.

China and Viet Nam, though separated by mountains and rivers, share the same moon and wind. As the Chinese saying goes, "The moon reaches its fullest on the 16th day of the lunar month". The event was therefore organised on September 18, which was the 16th day of the eighth lunar month, to let people once again enjoy the spirit of reunion with a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture of both countries.

Speaking at the event, Wang Qun, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Viet Nam, said in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Reunion Festival, a day for families to reunite and have fun.

As Viet Nam and China have maintained a good relationship for many years, the Mid-Autumn Festival experience in Ha Noi not only introduces the beauty of traditional Chinese culture to the Vietnamese people but also aims to honour the unique culture of the two countries, tightening the solidarity between their people.

At the event, people enjoyed unique dances in traditional Chinese ethnic costumes, as well as acrobatics, singing and performances of traditional musical instruments played by artists from Yunnan.

They also had the chance to take part in a range of experiments such as making and tasting Mid-Autumn moon cakes and rose cakes, learning traditional painting techniques, trying out Chinese paper cutting art and drinking flower tea. Participants also had the chance to win prizes like lanterns, scented bags and hand embroidered necklaces by taking part in games.

A mini photo exhibition was also displayed during the celebration. Beautiful and colourful images of Yunnan, including its natural heritage, people and their customs and traditions, festivals, nature reserves and ancient cities are featured by talented photographers.

Event goers were introduced to a province that combines geographically distinctive, incredible cultural aspects and amazing natural scenery which appeal to tourists all year round.

Yunnan is located in southwest China on the border of Viet Nam's ien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Ha Giang provinces. It has beautiful natural landscapes, historical architecture and a friendly and generous population.

It is home to many must-visit destinations such as Jiuxiang Cave, known as the "Museum of Karst Caves", the Shangri-La White Water Terraces and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces, Heshun Ancient Town and Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. VNS
NEW YORK  Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (UN), has affirmed that Viet Nam consistently supports international efforts and the Palestinian people's pursuit of a two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law, with the pre-1967 border and with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

Addressing the UN General Assemblys emergency special session on September 17-18 Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory on the basis of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, Giang called on all parties involved to seriously implement the UN Security Council's Resolution 2334 (2016), and halt expansion and construction activities of new settlement areas, demolition of homes, and displacement of Palestinian people in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Viet Nam respects and supports the ICJ in fulfilling its tasks, including providing advisory opinions, he stated, saying that all solutions related to the peace process in the Middle East must adhere to international law, especially UN resolutions.

In the context of the increasingly complicated situation in the Middle East and rising tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories, Giang called on relevant parties to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate conflicts, and facilitate dialogue as well as international efforts towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue.

The session adopted a resolution proposed by Palestine calling on Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories within the next 12 months, comply with international law, withdraw its military, immediately cease all new settlement activities, evacuate all settlers from the occupied lands, and dismantle a portion of the separation wall constructed within the occupied West Bank.

The resolution asked Israel to allow all displaced Palestinians to return to their places of origin and to provide compensation for losses and damage caused by the occupation. Vietnam voted in favor of the resolution along with 123 other UN member states.

Earlier, on July 19, 2024, the ICJ issued its advisory opinion at the request of the UN General Assembly in Resolution 77/247 dated December 20, 2022, affirming that Israels continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is illegal, and that all countries have an obligation not to recognise the prolonged occupation.  VNS
HA NOI  Although economic cooperation between Vietnam and Africa has developed positively, it has not yet matched the potential, the strong political relations, and the aspirations of the people from both sides, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet said on Wednesday.

In a meeting in Ha Noi with eight ambassadors and charge d'affaires from embassies in Ha Noi along with eight non-resident ambassadors from African countries, the official expressed his delight at the positive development of Viet Nam-Africa cooperation over recent time, highlighting the significant milestone of Viet Nam officially becoming an observer of the African Union (AU) in December 2023, and having made important contributions to support African countries in implementing the AUs Agenda 2063 in areas such as peacekeeping, food security, agriculture, digital infrastructure development, and education and training.

The official expressed hope that, by building on this strong political relationship, the two sides will continue supporting each other in multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Francophonie. He also urged African countries to support Viet Nams candidacy for important UN mechanisms, such as the UNs General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and the Security Council.

He proposed that diplomats actively play a bridging role and enhance coordination by recommending and implementing specific cooperation plans in the near future to create a shift in trade cooperation and investment attraction.

The foreign diplomats affirmed their backing for Viet Nam in promoting cooperation with the AU and regional economic communities (RECs) to contribute to the continent's overall development, particularly in areas where Viet Nam has strengths. They shared experiences in industrialisation, modernisation, poverty reduction, and agricultural development.

Regarding economic matters, many showed their desire for Viet Nam to effectively seize the opportunities brought about by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and to tap into the potential of the African common market. They suggested both sides enhance exchanges between their chambers of commerce, business communities, and people-to-people interactions, as well as facilitate visa issuance to strengthen mutual understanding and expand opportunities for economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

The diplomats also proposed that Vietnamese businesses increase their investments in Africa to take advantage of the young workforce and abundant natural resources.

To create breakthroughs in bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to strengthen agricultural collaboration, actively seek third-party resources to implement trilateral projects in agriculture and education, share development experiences, and continue perfecting the legal framework, and negotiating and signing important agreements such as those on double taxation avoidance, investment promotion and protection, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam's top leaders sent messages of sympathy to their Lao counterparts on September 19, following reports of severe flooding and landslides ravaging Lao localities.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran ThanhMan extended their most profound sympathies to Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane.

In their messages, the Vietnamese leaders expressed their sympathies with the Lao authorities and people, particularly those in affected areas, believing that under the close leadership and attention of the Lao Party, State, Government and NA, the Lao people will swiftly overcome these challenges and stabilise their lives.

The Vietnamese Party, State, Government, NA and people stand side by side with their fraternal Lao people during this difficult time, they said.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also sent a message of sympathy to his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith.  VNS
NEW YORK  A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam will attend the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) with the overarching message of strengthening multilateralism, acting together to build a future of peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainability for all citizens, according to Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN Ambassador ang Hoang Giang.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Giang highlighted the significance of the UNGA 79, which takes place when both the UN and Viet Nam are looking towards celebrating their 80th founding anniversaries. This milestone presents an opportunity to envision a new future and development path for both the UN and the world.

The UN will host a series of events, including the Summit of the Future from September 22-23 under the theme Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow and the General Debate themed "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations" from September 24-28.

These events aim to rally stronger international cooperation and reinforce multilateralism, with the UN at the centre of efforts to achieve common goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals. They will provide a platform for leaders and heads of state to discuss and propose solutions to global challenges, set strategic visions for the UN, and chart a future development path toward a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world. The discussions and decisions made during the UNGA 79 will have lasting and far-reaching impacts on international relations, global cooperation, and the advancement of shared goals, he said.

The ambassador stressed that it will be the first time the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee attends the UNGA and also the first multilateral diplomatic activity by Party General Secretary and President To Lam at the global organisation. This historic participation strongly reaffirms Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, diversification of external ties, and active and proactive global integration. It demonstrates Viet Nam's commitment to sharing its vision and solutions on the role of the UN and major global issues, while also reflecting the Party and State's profound interest in multilateral cooperation, major UN agendas, and comprehensive relations with the UN.

According to the diplomat, the cooperative relationship between Viet Nam and the UN has over the past nearly half a century seen remarkable developments across various aspects and at various levels.

The UN has been a trusted friend, closely connected with Viet Nam since the early days of the country's reconstruction after the war and throughout its subsequent renewal process. Meanwhile, Viet Nam has consistently affirmed its proactive role in and positive contributions to UN activities, and shared the core values of this organisation.

Transitioning from a recipient of UN aid, Viet Nam has gradually become a reliable and effective partner, ranking as the 49th largest contributor to the UN budget and increasingly participating in all three main pillars: peace and security, development cooperation, and human rights, said Giang.

In the field of peace and security, Viet Nam is one of the leading countries supporting multilateralism and a multilateral approach to addressing global challenges and affirming the crucial role of the UN. It always emphasises adherence to the UN Charter and international law, particularly the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, not threatening to use or using force, and addressing disputes through peaceful means.

Viet Nam has raised a strong voice against acts of oppression, invasion, violence politics, and unilateral sanctions in international relations. The country has participated in nearly all the major international treaties on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and disarmament, seriously fulfilled its obligations and promoted the implementation of these treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANFWZ). It is the 10th country in the world to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

Since 2014, the Southeast Asian nation has actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations, reflected through the deployment of over 800 military and police officers and soldiers to remote areas such as South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Abyei, and the UN headquarters.

It has been elected twice by UN member states as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in 2008-2009 and 2020-21; and has promoted initiatives to uphold and adhere to the UN Charter, enhance cooperation between the UN and ASEAN, and associate the bloc's role in UNSC activities, particularly in addressing the aftermath of unexploded ordnances left by wars. Notably, Viet Nam took the lead in drafting and promoting Resolution 2573 - the first standalone resolution of the UNSC on protecting essential infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and water and electricity systems, for civilians in conflicts, which was co-sponsored by all 15 UNSC members and many UN member states.

Viet Nam has proactively and actively participated in the common work of the UN for international peace and security, consistently advocated for dialogues, reducing tensions and confrontations, and seeking sustainable and comprehensive solutions to conflicts while emphasising adherence to international law, stated Giang.

The ambassador went on to say that in the field of development cooperation, Viet Nam has consistently made positive contributions to promoting a fair and equitable international economic and trade order, and protecting the legitimate interests of the developing countries. Despite limitations in resources, Viet Nam stands out in achieving global development goals, earning high praise from the international community and encouragement to share its experiences.

In the 2000-15 period, the nation successfully achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly completing the goal of eradicating extreme poverty ahead of schedule and achieving positive results in education and access to clean water and sanitation.

Since 2015, it has made concerted efforts to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a national action plan that integrates the SDGs into socio-economic development policies and strategies; and made remarkable progress in poverty reduction, universal health insurance, and the improvement of access to quality education, with the motto of no one being left behind.

Strongly supporting the Secretary-General's call, Viet Nam recently issued its national commitment on SDG transformation in several key areas, focusing on social welfare, sustainable employment, healthcare system development, cultural and educational advancement, and human development, Giang said, adding that this reflects Viet Nam's strong determination and firm commitment to achieving these goals.

Despite its modest resources and level of scientific and technological development, Viet Nam has exerted every effort to respond to climate change, committed to striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and strongly developing renewable energy sources for electricity production, while stepping up control, prevention, and reduction of environmental pollution, especially ocean plastic pollution. Viet Nam is among the core group promoting the UN General Assembly resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states with respect to climate change, the diplomat said.

He noted that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Viet Nam proposed an initiative to designate December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, aiming to raise public awareness of and preparedness against epidemics, which received support and co-sponsorship from many member states.

Viet Nam's persistent efforts have been recognised and supported by the international community by unanimously electing the country to important positions in UN agencies such as Vice President of UN General Assembly's 77th session (2022-23), member of the Executive Board of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for the 2000-02 tenure, member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 1998-2000 and 2016-18 tenures, and Chair of the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) for the 2018-19 tenure. The country has participated in the management mechanisms of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Regarding human rights, Viet Nam has been consistent with the Party and State's policy of taking the people as "the centre, goal, subject, and driving force of national development", ensuring and promoting human rights according to international standards, actively participating in the fight against the trend of politicising human rights, and supporting an approach based on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding, and narrowing differences and disputes, stated Giang.

He underlined that Viet Nam has paid special attention to the implementation of economic, cultural, social rights and development rights in line with the common interests of the developing countries. It was a very early participant at and is a member of seven out of the nine key international conventions on human rights, completely fulfilling its membership obligations under these conventions and having many dialogues with five human rights convention bodies. At the same time, in the spirit of cooperation, the country has welcomed many UN special rapporteurs on human rights to work in Viet Nam.

Recently, Viet Nam promoted the initiative to recognise June 11 as the International Play Day, which was co-sponsored by 138 countries, highlighting the important role of play in the physical and psychological development of the children as well as social progress, thereby not only raising awareness of children's rights globally but also responding to the "Month of Action for Vietnamese Children", helping activities protecting children's rights in Viet Nam become more meaningful and practical.

With its international reputation and position, Viet Nam has been elected by the international community as a member of the UN Commission on Human Rights, the predecessor of the Human Rights Council, for the 2001-03 term and the Human Rights Council for the 2014-16 and the 2023-25 terms, and the Executive Board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the 2025-27 tenure.

As a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure, Viet Nam will continue to contribute to the important activities and decisions of this body, prioritising the protection of vulnerable groups, gender equality, and human rights amid digital transformation, and developing and promoting the adoption of the resolution on ensuring human rights in the context of climate change, Giang said.

He underscored that Viet Nam's outstanding performance, especially in implementing recommendations through four cycles under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the Human Rights Council, has been recognised and highly valued by the UN and many countries in the region. These efforts not only demonstrate Viet Nam's commitment to protecting and promoting human rights but also contribute to strengthening the country's international reputation in this field. Viet Nam has officially continued to run for membership of the Human Rights Council for the 2026-28 tenure, showing its determination and ability to maintain its leadership role in promoting and protecting human rights globally.

The Democratic Republic of Viet Nam was established at the same time as the UN was founded nearly 80 years ago. Realising the significance of the UN in the international system, President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to the President of the UN General Assembly and many UN member states in early 1946, officially asking for Viet Nam's membership to the organisation. It was not until 1977 that Viet Nam became an official member of the UN, its resilient and persistent struggle for national independence, freedom, and reunification made positive and practical contributions to delivering on the UNs target of promoting peace, independence, and equality between peoples and their right to self-determination. It was a source of encouragement and motivation for the national liberation movement, and made contributions to ending the colonialism in the 1960s.

The diplomat described Viet Nam as an inspiring story, elaborating it transformed from a war-torn, poor and backward nation into a country with dynamic development, socio-political stability, and improved living conditions of people in all aspects. Viet Nam, once a sanctioned and blockaded nation, has expanded its ties with almost all the nations across the globe, and been confident to take on membership and leadership positions in UN agencies.

That the country has been upbeat about the future, and integrated itself with the future of the region and the world is a practical contribution to building a future of peace and prosperity for all people in the world, Giang said.

According to the diplomat, Viet Nam's multilateral foreign relations and its bamboo diplomacy have been clearly demonstrated at the UN forum, and have contributed significantly to its success. The achievements that the nation has obtained over the past time have helped enhance its image in the international arena, while demonstrating that it is an active, responsible and proactive member of the UN, engaging in various activities regarding peace, security, and promotion of sustainable development goals and human rights.

Viet Nam has also put forth many initiatives, showing its readiness to take on the tasks of the UN to promote multilateralism, and join hands with other countries amidst an increasingly complicated international environment, he continued, stressing throughout multilateral external activities, Viet Nam has gained trust from international friends and partners, thus contributing to enhancing its bilateral friendship and garnered resources for national development.

The top leader's working trip once again reaffirms the countrys foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, reflects its image as an active and responsible member of the UN and its capacity of taking on common tasks of the organisation.

Regarding his expectations about the Viet Nam-UN relations in the coming time, Giang said that the third decade of the 21st century has passed nearly halfway, witnessing many complicated and unpredictable developments across the world.

According to the diplomat, political-security, socio-economic, and environmental fluctuations, along with unilateral actions, power politics, competition between major countries, division, and confrontation have continued to pose serious challenges to multilateralism and the UN.

However, countries still share the aspiration for peace, stability, cooperation, and development. Global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and energy crises are increasingly severe, with resonant, far-reaching, and cross-border impacts, threatening the sustainable development of all countries.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic was vivid evidence for the need and vital significance of multilateral cooperation and the UN in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, where no single country can solve global challenges on its own.

Viet Nam is standing at a new historical starting point, a new era that marks Viet Nam's thriving development after its 40-year renewal process.

From a country heavily devastated by war, Viet Nam has risen to become a symbol of peace and stability, with widened relations, a constantly consolidated and enhanced position and power. Viet Nam now is ready to take charge of and contribute more to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

In the coming time, Viet Nam will continue to strengthen its partnership with the UN to promote multilateralism, respect international law and the UN Charter; make practical contributions to maintaining regional and international peace and stability; respond promptly and effectively to global challenges, especially commitments relating to climate change; continue to actively implement the national action plan to implement the 2030 Agenda; step up participation in UN peacekeeping operations; strengthen relations between the UN and regional organisations, especially promoting ASEANs central role in the regional security architecture.

In addition, Viet Nam will also continue to mobilise support for its candidacy in important UN mechanisms, firstly the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-28 tenure, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 tenure, and the UN Security Council for the 2032-33 period; gradually nominate Vietnamese people with sufficient qualifications and capacity to managing and leadership positions of specialised UN organisations.

Looking back over the past 47 years, the Viet Nam-UN partnership has achieved many positive and significant results, which met Viet Nam's requirements and interests in different periods, while contributing to promoting the countrys image and position, enhancing Viet Nam's voice and affirming its contributions at the UN. These results will create favourable conditions for the two sides to expand their cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of the cooperation, actively support Viet Nam's national development and international integration process, and contribute to the implementation of the common goals of the UN, for peace, stability and sustainable development of mankind, and for a better future for all.  VNS
Ambassador ang inh Quy, former deputy minister of foreign affairs, speaks to Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) on the occasion of 47 years since Viet Nam became the 149th member of the United Nations (September 20, 1977 - September 20, 2024)

Although Viet Nam joined the United Nations (UN) late, the country was elected twice as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Do you think this affirms that Viet Nam's role and voice are increasingly recognised by the international community in contributing to global peace and stability?

I couldnt agree more. Among the UN agencies, only the Security Council is tasked with maintaining world peace and security. Only the decisions of the council are binding on all members, while the decisions of other agencies are only recommendations, not mandatory.

In fact, most countries with sufficient capacity all want to take on the position of a UNSCs member.

In the 2020-21 term, we were elected with a record high number of votes (192 out of 193 countries).

During two years engaging in the councils activities, Viet Nam made positive contributions to solving issues related to global peace and security.

Well performing the tasks of the councils chair in January 2020 and April 2021, Viet Nam proposed initiatives as well as chaired the drafting and approval of two UNSC resolutions and three UNSC presidential statements.

All of those contributions have been recognised and highly appreciated by the international community.

When Viet Nam assumed the position of a non-permanent member of the UNSC, the international security and political situation arose with increasing tense, complicated and unpredictable developments, in which, the trend of competition among powers emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic threatened the global stability and development. How did Viet Nam demonstrate its role in such a complicated international context?

It is true that during our tenure as a UNSC non-permanent member in 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic made conflicts in the regions more complicated.

Relations between major countries, which had been already tense, became even more complicated.

Due to the pandemic, the UNSC could not hold in-person meetings. Other UN agencies can postpone or cancel meetings, but the UNSC cannot.

If the meeting is cancelled, there will be places where people die, places where people go hungry without relief, places where the injured do not receive treatment.

This affects the lives of not millions of people but hundreds of millions of people everywhere where conflicts exist.

To solve that problem, we quickly adapted to the new situation. The Vietnamese delegation itself actively contributed to the establishment of new working regulations of the UNSC, switching from in-person to online.

It sounds simple, but behind it are many stories about network security or how to vote? We need efforts and contributions from all countries, and I think Viet Nam is one of the very active members.

After only nearly two weeks, the UNSC agreed on a new online working process and implemented it throughout the 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

In that context, we still fully participated in the UNSC activities. In particular, we proposed the UN General Assembly make December 27 the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.

Now the UN and the whole world celebrate that day and remember that this is a Viet Nam's initiative.

During the month when Viet Nam was the UNSC chair, Viet Nam initiated an open discussion at the ministerial-level on promoting compliance of the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security. Is this considered a remarkable achievement of Viet Nam in its role as the UNSC chair in a very short time?

Taking on the rotating presidency of the UNSC is arranged in alphabetical order. We faced the challenge of not being familiar with the work. However, this also created an opportunity for the chair to arrange the agenda for the whole month.

In the year when the UN celebrates its 75th anniversary, the UN Charter is the fundamental law of the worlds legal system. Therefore, we chose to hold an open discussion on promoting compliance with the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security, which received agreement from member countries.

This discussion set a record in the UNs 75-year history with 111 speeches lasting three days. Also at this discussion, the UNSC agreed to adopt a Presidential Statement which was called respect for the Charter in maintaining international peace and security. I think this is one of the very deep impressions that Viet Nam left during this term.

When you were head of Viet Nams permanent delegation to the UN, how did the international community recognise and evaluate Viet Nams engagement in global peacekeeping activities?

For all countries, participating in peacekeeping forces is an honour and responsibility for global peace and security.

As for Viet Nam, we won independence and unified the country through one of the longest and most sacrificial wars of the 20th century. Therefore, the international community pins expectations on Viet Nams participation in peacekeeping missions.

In fact, over the past 10 years, Viet Nams blue beret soldiers have met those expectations. The people and local authorities in countries such as South Sudan, the Central African Republic and recently the Abei region between South and North Sudan have highly appreciated the service of Vietnamese soldiers, including the doctors and nurses at the Field Hospital in South Sudan. All of them have shown beautiful images of Viet Nam and late President Ho Chi Minh.

In addition to performing well the tasks assigned by the UN, our soldiers also maintain good relations with localities and local people, bringing the image of Vietnamese people close to locals, which they previously only knew in books and history.

We have also inspired peoples, especially countries still in conflict and instability, to have faith and aspiration to strive for peace and a stable life to the people. How have we done this?

Many countries consider Viet Nam a role model in the struggle for independence and national unification.

Many believe that the Vietnamese people, with so much pain and loss during the war, are the people who understand the value of peace the most. That is why the international community always welcomes and highly appreciates Viet Nam's contributions to maintaining global peace and security.

Now they expect Viet Nam to make more extensive and effective contributions. VNS
HA NOI  Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan addressed the fourth Eurasian Womens Forum held in St. Petersburg, Russia, via a pre-recorded speech. She participated in the forum at the invitation of Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko.

In the speech at the plenary session, the Vice President praised the role and positive contributions of the forum, viewing it as a platform for exchanging and sharing opportunities, challenges, and solutions to enhance the role of women in all areas of society.

She underlined that the forum has conveyed a strong message about the role of women, not only in the development of their own countries but also in having a profound impact on peace and sustainable development in the region and the world.

Vice President Xuan affirmed that in recent years, Viet Nam has achieved significant socioeconomic success, including gender equality and empowering women. The role and status of Vietnamese women have been elevated in all areas of social life, particularly in politics and the economy, she continued.

She highlighted that women, as ambassadors of peace and compassion, should be placed at the centre and granted greater authority in efforts to promote dialogue, build trust, and enhance cooperation to create a peaceful, happy, and prosperous world. Viet Nam is committed to continuing to support the development of women, providing opportunities for them to access positive trends of the era and contribute more significantly to the noble goals set by the United Nations, she added.

In his opening remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that the active participation of women today is extremely important for building a multipolar, fair and truly free world.

Given the current global geopolitical situation, women need to play a key role in forming a fairer and humane world order, Matvienko said.

Held every three years since 2015, the Eurasian Womens Forum aims to promote the role of women in all fields for the target of building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

This years edition with the theme Women for strengthening trust and global cooperation, drew the participation of 1,500 delegates from 126 countries and international organisations, including many female leaders.

The forum, which will last until September 20, features about 100 meetings and discussions, focusing on topics such as the role of women in shaping the agenda for peace and trust; women in the new economic era: technology and innovation; women for a healthy and happy society; women for a clean planet and food security; and women in preserving traditions and diversification.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, State President To Lam, along with his wife and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will take part in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), work in the United States, as well as paying a State visit to Cuba from September 21-27.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the visits on Thursday.

This is the first multilateral foreign activity of the top leader in his new position at the at the largest and most important global multilateral forum.

The activities at the UNGA take place in the context of the 50th anniversary of the relationship between Viet Nam and the United Nations, a relationship which is flourishing and is constantly growing deeper and stronger, according to spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pham Thu Hang, at a press briefing in Ha Noi.

Viet Nam is becoming increasingly more proactive and active, making substantive and extensive contributions to all UN key activities related to peacekeeping, security and development cooperation, she said.

"Viet Nam has been assuming critical positions within the UN body and contributing significantly to the regional and global cooperation processes," the spokesperson added.

Regarding the US visit, spokesperson Hang said after the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and the United States, the two countries have together achieved many successes, facilitating peace, stability, security and prosperity in the region and in the world.

The two have maintained contacts at multiple high levels, as well as launching several new dialogue mechanisms.

Viet Nam is currently the US's eighth largest trading partner and sixth largest import market.

"The two countries are effectively implementing areas of cooperation and unlocking cooperation potential in such areas as security and defence, education and training and high technologies, including semiconductor and artificial intelligence.

"We also continue to coordinate closely with the multilateral forums and mechanisms while sustainably collaborating in response to common regional and global challenges," she said.

The State visit to Cuba, To Lam's first to the Latin American country since being elected as Vietnamese top leader, is made at the invitation of the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and his wife.

"The time-tested solidarity and special bonds of friendships between Viet Nam and Cuba is a precious treasure that most parties face and people cherish and continue to nurture across all channels," spokesperson Hang noted.

Both countries maintain strong bilateral contacts and exchange of delegations at all levels, particularly high level and Party-to-Party relations have been continuously amplified.

"The Viet Nam-Cuba Inter-Government Committee mechanism is managing many crucial areas of cooperation on rice supply, staple food production, healthcare and pharmaceuticals."

"Viet Nam is currently the second-largest Asian trading partner of Cuba and the largest foreign investor from Asia into Cuba. The two countries also actively advocate and support each other at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations," she said.

Agenda

During the UN General Assembly's working visit, General Secretary and President To Lam will appear at the Summit of the Future and the general debate session of the 79th UN General Assembly and hold several bilateral side meetings.

It is also expected that during the working trip in New York, General Secretary and President To Lam will have talks and meet with leaders of the state authority, Congress Party, some leaders of the departments of the US and several foreign activities.

During the Cuba visit, Vietnamese top leader will have official talks with First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of the National Assembly of the People's Power Juan Esteban Lazo Hernandez, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.

To Lam will also pay a visit to General Raul Modesto Castro Ruz, who served as the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, as well as engage in other diplomatic activities.  VNS
The Houston ISD seal is seen before Superintendent Mike Miles speaks before the districts first public budget workshop for the 2024-2025 school year at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, May 15, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

HISD Police Chief Shamara Garner said in a video published Tuesday that a student was arrested for a social media threat amid a rise in reported threats against schools statewide.

"As police chief, I understand any threat or mention of violence toward your child's school is deeply unsettling," Garner said. "Please know that the safety of your children is our highest priority, and we take all reports and social media threats of violence seriously."

No details about the student arrested were provided in the message.

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The district announced Thursday it was boosting campus security amid "a statewide situation." HISD said then it had not confirmed any direct threats to its schools, and that its police department is working with state law enforcement agencies to investigate.

HISD is still investigating online threats "suggesting violence toward several Texas schools" with other law enforcement and federal partners, Garner said.

"It is important for our students to know that any such threat that cause fear will be investigated with the intent to seek criminal prosecution," she said.

Families across multiple schools have been getting school-issued messages regarding threats, social media posts show.

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The district will hold a webinar on student safety and health Thursday at 5 p.m., the first of what the district plans to be monthly webinars, according to a message from HISD's chief of police to families. Garner will present the district's approach to student safety and hold a Q&A session with Safety and Emergency Management Director Craig Straw at the end of a presentation. Parents were asked to submit questions online ahead of the webinar, the link for which will be provided Thursday morning.
HA NOI  United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Pauline Tamesis has emphasised that Viet Nam's participation at the Summit of the Future, the highlight of the high-level segment of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), is crucial.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of Party General Secretary and State President To Lams upcoming trip to the US for the summit, the UNGA 79, and working sessions in the country, Tamesis said the summit is a pivotal moment in global cooperation.

We are facing challenges that our current international systems  designed decades ago  are simply not equipped to handle. From climate change and widening inequality to the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), she explained.

The world has changed, but our institutions have not properly kept up. The summit aims to overhaul these outdated structures, creating a new framework for global governance that is inclusive, effective, and ready for the 21st century. It is about building systems that can solve the problems we face today, not the ones we faced almost 80 years ago when the UN was established.

She held that as a middle-income country, Viet Nam has a vested interest in reshaping global financial structures to ensure access to affordable financing for sustainable development.

Viet Nam adds its voice and leadership to the critical discussions on climate change  a timely reminder of a developing countrys vulnerability to climate change, especially soon after Typhon Yagi brought immense damage to its most vulnerable populations, Tamesis stressed.

By participating actively, the country can advocate for reforms that prioritise developing countries and contribute to building more inclusive and responsive international institutions.

The UN Resident Coordinator said the summit likewise offers Viet Nam a platform to collaborate with global leaders, ensuring that its perspectives and challenges are addressed in the pursuit of a more just and sustainable future. It is an important opportunity for Viet Nam to lead and contribute to global conversations and follow-up actions.

She said in the pre-recorded remarks by Party General Secretary and State President Lam for the Summit of the Future, he recognised that the historic summit will bring about new thinking and new modus operandi for the worlds future.

He also recognised that, it presents great opportunity for the United Nations and multilateralism to reaffirm their irreplaceable values in face of todays tremendous challenges.

He identified that transformations must begin with advances in science, technology and innovation and that the United Nations must take the lead in establishing legal frameworks for information sharing and assisting countries in safely and securely developing groundbreaking technologies.

Equally noteworthy is the proposal for the establishment of a global green technology platform where ASEAN and other regional organisations can share their experiences and promote green technology development.

Tamesis noted that with Viet Nam's active contributions to the summit and collective efforts to strengthen peace, cooperation and international solidarity with a view to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN in Viet Nam is confident that together, we can achieve the summits goals and lay a solid foundation for future generations.

Regarding the UNGA 79, she said the call for reimagining and strengthening multilateral cooperation is at the heart of the session. The focus is on using collective resources to advance peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Sustainable development takes centre stage with a renewed push for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting vulnerable regions. The message is clear: we must combat poverty and inequality while safeguarding the environment.

It will also touch upon peace and security, human rights and dignity, technological innovation, economic growth and equity, while highlighting youth empowerment.

The session calls for institutional reforms, pushing for updates to the UN system itself, including the security council and financing mechanisms, to better reflect the realities of todays global challenges. It is about renewing the global commitment to tackle these challenges together, with an eye toward a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.

Asked about the urgency of solving global problems, especially climate change, the UN official said we are amid runaway climate chaos where rising sea levels, extreme weather events and environmental degradation are accelerating at an alarming pace.

Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath is estimated to cause US$1.6 billion in damage for Viet Nam with a projected 0.15% reduction in its GDP for 2024.

If we dont act swiftly, this chaos could lead to irreversible damage, threatening ecosystems, food security, health, and economic stability across the globe, she said.

Emphasising young peoples role in global mobilisation for a sustainable future, she said Vietnam is quite fortunate as young people comprise 21 per cent of the national population  over 21 million people  the highest proportion of youth in the countrys history.

Viet Nam should continue to enable the youth to bring their ideas, expertise and energy to decision making platforms locally and globally, she suggested.

The UN is committed to ensuring that youth are meaningfully engaged at every level of decision-making, making sure their voices dont just echo in the room but actually shape policies, she affirmed.

According to a communique of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lam and his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam will attend the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), hold working sessions in the US and pay a state visit to Cuba from September 21-27. The visit to Cuba will be made at the invitation of First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez and his spouse.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel have continued coordinating closely with local authorities to monitor the situation there and working out citizen protection plans, including evacuation for those in dangerous areas, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said on September 19.

Responding to a question about the current tension in the Middle East, especially following the explosion of walkie-talkies in some areas of Lebanon, and Vietnamese citizen protection in the region at the ministrys regular press conference, Hang said Viet Nam keeps close tabs on and is deeply concerned about the recent developments in the Middle East.

Viet Nam calls on relevant sides to exercise restraint, cease conflicts, enhance dialogue, and resolve differences through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, for the sake of people, and for peace and stability in the region and the world, she emphasised.

Hang cited the Vietnamese diplomatic missions as saying that Vietnamese citizens in the region still remain safe and stable.

She advised those in dangerous areas to regularly follow updates from local authorities, as well as warnings from the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry and the diplomatic missions there.

For assistance, citizens should contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt and Lebanon via the hotline +201 02 613 9869, the Vietnamese Embassy in Iran via + 98 21 224 11670, the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel via +972 50 818 6116, and the ministrys Consular Department via +84 981 84 84 84.

According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt, which concurrently serves Lebanon, there are 11 Vietnamese nationals working and studying in Lebanon, mostly in Beirut and neighbouring areas.

The embassy is continuing to monitor the situation closely, maintaining constant communication with the Vietnamese citizens to provide assistance should the need arise.

Boat capsizing in Korea

Regarding the capsizing of fishing boat with eight crewmembers -- including three Vietnamese -- in the waters off of Gunsan City of the Republic of Korea on September 17 morning, Hang said right after learning about the incident, the Vietnamese Embassy in the country asked for medical treatment for the Vietnamese crew members from local competent agencies, while coordinating with others concerned to guarantee their interests in line with regulations.

So far, it has been confirmed that there are no other Vietnamese nationals in the incident aside from the three who are being treated in hospital and their health condition is stable.  VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary and State President To Lam hosted a reception for Cuban Ambassador to Viet Nam Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen in Ha Noi on Thursday.

The top leader asked the ambassador to convey his thanks to First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez for Cubas readiness to dispatch experts and doctors to Viet Nam, helping the country deal with the devastating consequences of Typhoon Yagi.

Lam noted with pleasure the fruitful developments of the bilateral relations, and affirmed that Viet Nam consistently treasures the solidarity and special solidarity between the two Parties, countries, and peoples.

He thanked Miguel Diaz-Canel for inviting him to pay a state visit to Cuba, and expressed his hope that the visit will contribute to consolidating trust and tightening solidarity between the two nations, raising cooperation efficiency, and advancing the Viet Nam-Cuba ties to a new period, with practical and sustainable development.

For his part, the ambassador affirmed that the Cuban Party, State, and people always keep a close watch on and highly value Viet Nam's reform achievements over the past nearly 40 years, as well as its experience in socio-economic development, external relation expansion, and international integration.

Such achievements have not only given more strengths to the country, but also improved its reputation and position in the region and the world, he said.

He said the visit by Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam is anticipated in Cuba, stressing it also demonstrates Cuban high-ranking leaders will and readiness to constantly consolidate and strengthen the relations.

The diplomat expressed his firm belief that the visit will contribute to creating new momentum for the bilateral ties to grow further in the time ahead.

On this occasion, Lam asked the ambassador to convey his regards to Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuban revolution leader Raul Castro Ruz, and other high-ranking leaders of the Cuban Party and State.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  More than 4,000 children at risk of child labour have gained access to support services during the past two years.

In a special child-protection project, 1,152 people have been trained in how to prevent child labour practises and how to reduce levels of exploitation.

The results were from the programme 'Prevention of child labour in arduous, toxic and hazardous environments, including online child sexual exploitation and violations of minimum working conditions', or more commonly called the Against Child Labour (ACE) Project, which has been conducted by World Vision in Viet Nam.

A conference to conclude the project was held on Wednesday in Ha Noi, providing an opportunity for all parties to assess their achievements, share good practices and develop sustainable strategies moving forward.

More than one hundred delegates were at the conference including representatives from the US Embassy, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, partners of the ACE project in three provinces and cities a Nang, Quang Nam and ien Bien and delegates from the Philippines and Cambodia.

More than 60 awareness raising communication activities have been organised for various target groups including children, parents and enterprises.

Two child consultation and support places have been established in Muong Ang District in ien Bien Province and Tam Ky City in Quang Nam Province.

Online courses on child labour prevention, communication and training materials have been developed, including the production of some special safety songs.

Funded by the US Department of Labour, the ACE project was first implemented in Viet Nam in November 2022.

Not only aimed at helping the Vietnamese Government prevent child labour, it also included training in identifying online child sexual exploitation.

The project baseline survey implemented last year showed that the three provinces and cities participating in the project have not recorded any cases of illegal child labour. But, delegates heard, the risk of child labour is always present, especially in the post-COVID-19 pandemic context.

Country Director of World Vision International in Viet Nam Doseba Tua Sinay said: As a childrens organisation, we always aim to protect children from all forms of exploitation and risks that can negatively affect their lives.

We are delighted to witness the successful implementation of the ACE Project, demonstrating our joint efforts to prevent and reduce child labour in Viet Nam. This also affirms our commitment to providing a meaningful life for all children, especially the most vulnerable.

Tran Thi Nhuan, Head of the Child Affairs and Gender Equality Division under the ien Bien Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that what impressed her most was that the project always listened to the wishes and needs of the locality, ensuring activities were region appropriate.

Thanks to that, we can effectively realise the work of preventing and reducing child labour, she said.

Based on current legal regulations, the project developed a child labour screening toolkit to identify victims and children at risk.

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Head of the Social Protection and Children Division under the a Nang Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that the screening results provided useful information on which to build a strategy.

It has helped us develop an intervention plan and support children at risk of child labour in the locality, she said.

Faced with increasing risks to children online, the ACE Project has collaborated with the Viet Nam Information Security Association (VNISA) to establish the Viet Nam Cyber Safety Club (VCSC).

For the first time in Viet Nam there is a club connecting technology companies providing services and products to protect children online, non-governmental organisations in the field of child protection and individuals with the common goal of protecting and supporting children.

It will contribute to the Government's programme 'Protecting and supporting children to interact healthily and creatively online in the period of 2021-25'.

In its first year, the club achieved an important milestone when launching a set of criteria for services and products to protect children online.

Deputy Director of the a Nang Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Thu Huong said: With the toolkit, we will conduct annual screening to identify children at risk of child labour throughout the city.

Deputy Director of ACE Project Rafiq Ahmed Mangi expressed his belief that, even though the project has ended, the partners will continue to promote the results and maintain the project's activities locally.

What we have achieved is just a humble first step, but I believe it will be the foundation for future activities. Going from zero to one is a challenging start, but through that stage, we believe in the effect that the ACE Project has created towards a future without child labour, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  Provinces and cities in central Viet Nam are being warned to be ready for a tropical depression which it is feared could strengthen into a typhoon by Thursday morning.

In Thanh Hoa Province, o Minh Tuan, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee told local officials to closely monitor and continuously update information on the progression of the tropical depression, as well as being ready for any potential flooding.

Districts and Thanh Hoa City were ordered to immediately implement safety measures for vessels and maritime activities and keep boats in harbour and advise those still at sea to find a safe shelter.

The provincial Agriculture and Rural Development Department has been ordered to closely monitor the situation, collaborating with relevant units to ensure the safety of dikes, reservoirs and irrigation systems and to pay close attention to harvest autumn crops and protect aquatic resources.

In the coastal Quang Binh Province, a ban on sea activities will commence from midnight on Thursday until conditions are deemed safe.

Fishing teams at sea were advised to maintain communication and support one another in emergencies, while measures for securing assets on rafts and fishing huts were also being implemented.

Districts and towns were assigned to inspect areas at risk of flash floods, landslides and execute contingency plans for storms, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides, including the evacuation of residents to safer locations.

Particular attention should be given to high-risk areas such as Phong Khong Hill in uc Hoa Commune, Hamlet 5 in Quy at Town and Ruc Village in Hong Hoa Commune, along with the stockpiling of food and essential supplies in case areas are cut off for a long time.

Officials are being urged to keep in communication with residents who were still in forests and to call them back safely before the onset of any flooding.

Traffic control and guidance must be arranged at low-lying crossings and flooded areas, with the temporary suspension of operations at floating bridges and ferries during significant rainfall.

In Quang Tri Province, as of Wednesday, all 2,280 vessels in the province received warnings about the tropical depression in the East Sea, prompting them to move to safety.

Local units assessed the condition of dams and reservoirs to identify and repair any damage, while also developing and updating disaster response plans for critical infrastructure and downstream areas.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vo Van Hung directed coastal districts and Con Co Island officials to continue guiding and managing vessels, including tourist boats, ensuring their safe evacuation from hazardous areas or to shelters and ensuring the safety of tourists on the island.

Meantime, Quang Ngai Province suspended all maritime activities, including passenger transport to Ly Son Island, starting from Wednesday noon until weather conditions returned to normal.

Chairman of the province's People's Committee Nguyen Hoang Giang told relevant units to keep track of vessels at sea, informing them of the storms trajectory to ensure safe evacuation from dangerous areas.

The provincial Education and Training Department was tasked to make a decision to temporarily close schools if needed.

In Quang Nam Province, Colonel Hoang Van Man, Political Commissar of the Provincial Border Guard Command, reported that border guard posts were closely managing the activities of vessels, ensuring the safety of residents, property and aquaculture on the islands and along the coast.

Tornado, heavy rains

In Ha Tinh Province, Nguyen Khac Phong, Party Secretary of Thinh Loc Commune in Loc Ha District, reported that a tornado caused by the tropical depression damaged three homes and several structures in Nam Son hamlet, uprooting about 200 coastal trees.

Following the incident, local authorities mobilised community members, including the Women's Union and veterans to quickly repair roofs and damaged structures.

The Ha Tinh administration also instructed local authorities in coastal and mountainous districts to assess high-risk areas for flash floods, landslides and then evacuate local residents.

The National Centre for Meteorology and Hydrology said that the tropical depression was predicted to cause heavy rainfall between Wednesday and Friday across the north and central regions, with rainfall totals ranging from 100 to 300 mm and exceeding 500 mm in some places.

Between Wednesday and Thursday, the Central Highlands and southern regions would also experience moderate to heavy rain, with some areas seeing up to 150 mm.

Rainfall was expected to be most intense in the afternoons and evenings.

Head of the forecasting centre's office Nguyen Van Huong said that the tropical depression was likely to strengthen into a typhoon on Thursday, moving primarily westward before shifting to a west-northwest trajectory toward the central provinces.

With the forecasted rainfall, mountainous areas from Ha Tinh Province to Quang Ngai Province mus remain vigilant about the risks of flash floods and landslides.

By 7 am on Thursday, the typhoon was projected to be moving southwest at about 20 km/h, located approximately 210 km southeast of Quang Tri Province and 120 km east of a Nang. VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has called on businesses and associations to join efforts in providing support and resources for the swift recovery of crop production, following Typhoon Yagi and the subsequent flooding and landslides.

Speaking at the ministrys workshop on supporting crop production recovery after the disasters in the northern region, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung emphasised the urgent need for rice seeds, estimating a requirement of around 15,000 tonnes.

The national reserve holds only about 4,100 tonnes. The demand for vegetable seeds is over 100 tonnes, while only 150 kg remain in storage. For corn, over 1,000 tonnes are needed, but the reserve holds just 257 tonnes.

The ministry estimated that the recent storm and floods have caused approximately VN4 trillion in damage to crops.

As of Wednesday morning, 312,000 hectares of cultivated land were flooded or flattened, with an estimated 100,000 hectares completely lost. Additionally, 3,763 aquaculture cages were damaged, or washed away and 22,514 livestock and over three million poultry died.

More than 200,000 hectares of rice fields were submerged, 50,612 hectares of vegetables were flooded and 38,104 hectares of fruit trees were damaged.

Local organisations are still collecting data for a more precise assessment.

The ministry swiftly convened meetings to direct recovery efforts across livestock, aquaculture, crop production and forestry sectors, providing technical guidance to salvage as much of the affected areas as possible. Emergency drainage measures have also been implemented.

Speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Director of the ministrys Department of Crop Production Nguyen Thi Thu Huong noted that in addition to seed support, farmers urgently need assistance with agricultural input materials.

Regarding post-storm recovery, Huong advised that for rice production, fields should be cleaned and water drained to prepare for early winter planting. For vegetable crops, local authorities should promptly inspect and drain the water, clean fields and prepare the soil and seeds for replanting.

Priority should be given to leafy greens, short-cycle vegetables and water-tolerant crops to supply the market during the harvest transition.

In response to the demand for seedlings, the Department of Crop Production has sent requests to associations, businesses and universities to prepare agricultural seeds for production in northern localities. The department also urged seed producers not to raise prices during this period to help ease the difficulties faced by farmers in the disaster-stricken regions.

As of 11am on Wednesday, 18 businesses and associations had contributed seeds, fertilisers, agricultural materials and cash, totalling VN15.2 billion ($616,190).  VNS
VIENTIANE  Viet Nam is dedicated to advancing shared goals for a resilient and water-secure Southeast Asia, said Nguyen Thi Thu Linh, Director General of Viet Nam National Mekong Committee as she attended a regional dialogue on water security on Wednesday.

We believe that achieving sustainable water management requires collective efforts, and Viet Nam is eager to both contribute our experience and learn from others, said Linh at the event in Vientiane, Laos, as she reaffirmed Viet Nams commitments to collaborate with ASEAN and MRC member states on these challenges.

Viet Nam has been facing severe impacts from climate change, from drought and salinity intrusion in its southern Mekong Delta to the devastating floods and landslides of Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit the countrys mainland in the last 70 years.

The number of people killed or reported missing in the storm and its aftermath topped 350, while the country has also estimated its economic losses of US$1.6 billion.

These more frequent extreme events underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts and sustainable investments to enhance regional resilience to disasters, said Linh.

The Vietnamese representative also proposed key areas where sustainable investment can drive progress, including water security, disaster management and cooperation.

Recommendations include a multi-dimensional approach and guidelines for water security, the application of advanced technology, strengthening cooperation, preparedness and responses in the face of disasters and enhancing joint projects and governance frameworks in a regional context.

We must pursue a multi-faceted approach that includes policy reforms, technological innovation and active community engagement, said Linh.

Addressing the event in her opening remarks, Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit said that the recent devastating flood in the Mekong region highlights the urgency of ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience.

To fully unlock the potential of the Mekong River and ASEAN, we must also enhance the regions connectivity.

A more connected Mekong means more opportunities for trade, energy sharing, disaster response and environmental protection  all of which are key to achieving long-term water security, said the Lao minister, who is also serving as the chair of the MRC Council for 2024.

The Mekong River is the longest and largest in Southeast Asia and is vital to the economies of its surrounding residents.

According to the MRC, the river supports 51 per cent of rice production, over 10 per cent of energy generation, 50 per cent of fisheries production and 35 per cent of overall tourism, said the MRC Secretariats chief executive officer Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun.

With joint investment in three areas, namely institutional linkages, disaster monitoring and management and joint projects, the region can be better connected, more resilient and more water secure, he added.

Held for the second time following the first online dialogue during the COVID-19 pandemic, the second ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue presents a platform for water and environment ministers, senior government officials, experts and young people to discuss and reaffirm their commitment to tackling critical water security challenges in the Mekong region as well as ASEAN.

Key topics of the conversation also include investment, innovative governance, technology and partnership.

According to United Nations Water, which addresses water and sanitation issues globally, water security is defined as the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable water quality for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability.  VNS
HA NOI The Vietnamese Embassies in France and Cuba on Wednesday called on overseas Vietnamese in the host countries to raise funds to support people affected by Typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods and landslides in the homeland.

The move came following the appeal of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam and the Presidium of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee.

At a hybrid meeting with representatives of Vietnamese associations in Paris and many other locations in France such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Grenoble, Vietnamese Ambassador to France inh Toan Thang called on Vietnamese organisations, associations, business community, overseas Vietnamese and international friends to join hands in assisting typhoon-hit victims.

Reviewing the damage caused by the typhoon and its subsequent floods and landslides, Thang also acknowledged the solidarity and sending of condolences from international friends, especially the French Government, organisations and people.

The Vietnamese Embassy, agencies and organisations and French friends has raised nearly VN2 billion (over US$81,100) to support victims in the home country.

Meanwhile, Jerome Tham, a representative of the Association of Vietnamese in France (UGVF), announced that a week ago, the association launched a donation campaign to support the typhoon victims. It has so far received about 15,000 Euros, of which 10,000 Euros have been sent to the VFF.

President of the France-Viet Nam Friendship Association (AAFV) Nguyen Hai Nam said that as soon as he received information about the heavy damage caused by the typhoon, AAFV called for donations from its members.

Nguyen Phan Bao Thuy, President of the Union of Vietnamese Youths and Students in France (UEVF), announced that the union proactively called on partners and members to support people in typhoon-hit areas, particularly the northern province of Lao Cai, which was among the hardest-hit localities.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba launched a fund-raising campaign on the same day.

Ambassador Le Quang Long called on the business community and overseas Vietnamese in Cuba and other countries in the Caribbean region to help the victims overcome this difficult time.  VNS
HA NOI  High-ranking leaders from various countries continue to send letters and messages of condolence to the leaders of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, with regards to severe damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in the Southeast Asian country.

In his message of sympathy, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life and property caused by the typhoon in Viet Nam. He extended heartfelt condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State, Government, and people, especially to the directly affected families.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stressed that as a member of the ASEAN Community as well as a strategic partner and a close friend of Viet Nam, Singapore stands ready to assist Viet Nam in recovering from the aftermath of the typhoon.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand sent messages of condolence, affirming that the Thai people are deeply concerned and stand in solidarity with the people of Viet Nam to overcome this challenge together.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his admiration for the extraordinary efforts of the Vietnamese government, military, police, and local authorities in responding to this natural disaster. The UK confirmed its readiness to provide aid and support Viet Nam in restoring normality.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conveyed his deep condolences and expressed hope that those affected would quickly recover their health and stabilise their lives.

King Felipe VI of Spain extended his deepest sympathies on behalf of the Spanish people and personally to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged humanitarian assistance and expressed her desire to further discuss this issue on the sidelines of the upcoming 79th United Nations General Assembly.

The King of Norway, the President of Uzbekistan, and comrades from the communist parties of India, Portugal, and France also sent messages of sympathy, sharing in Viet Nam's difficulties and the immense loss of life and property caused by Yagi.

On this occasion, the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Thailand, the Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, the Deputy PM and Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, and the Foreign Minister of Serbia also sent messages of condolence to Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

To date, the powerful typhoon and ensuing flooding and landslides have left 329 people dead and missing in 26 localities in northern Viet Nam.  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
An above-ground valve continues to burn three days after after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck the site, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in La Porte. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

When Pamela and Shawn Hollie felt a loud explosion outside their home in the Brookglen neighborhood between La Porte and Deer Park Monday morning, they thought a plane had fallen out of the sky into their backyard.

The Hollies immediately lost power and were smacked by a wave of intense heat as a gigantic column of roaring flames shot into the air behind their neighborhood. The married couple and their three kids eventually fled their home of six months along with the rest of their neighbors, part of an evacuation totaling about 1,000 households.

Many residents who evacuated their neighborhoods near the still-burning Deer Park pipeline fire had yet to return on Wednesday afternoon, leaving some frustrated and wondering when they could finally go back home.

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At 6 p.m., authorities announced an end to the evacuation order. City officials also advised the public to avoid the area on Spencer Highway until the investigation into the fire has concluded. Walmart was scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday, with Spencer exits and entrances closed.

I imagine this is what homelessness feels like, said Shawn Hollie, 33, outside a La Porte hotel where dozens of displaced residents were staying. Its devastating because we work extremely hard to have what we have, and we didnt have a plan in place for something like this.

Diane Hutto, describes witnessing the resulting fire when a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve yards from her familys home, resulting in a massive pipeline fire, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Huttos home, which was doused by firefighters to protect it due to the close proximity to the fire, had water and smoke damage, while her back yard suffered damage from the intense heat. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A small shed stand partially melted by the year of a pipeline fire that burned for three days after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve, resulting in a massive pipeline fire, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A melted license plate cover is seen on a truck after a pipeline fire burned for three days, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Damage to the second floor of Steve and Diane Huttos home is seen after residents of Deer Park and La Porte were permitted to return to their homes three days after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve, resulting in a massive pipeline fire, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Huttos home, which was doused by firefighters to protect it due to the close proximity to the fire, had water and smoke damage, while their back yard suffered damage from the intense heat. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Damage to the second floor of Steve and Diane Huttos home is seen after residents of Deer Park and La Porte were permitted to return to their homes three days after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve, resulting in a massive pipeline fire, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Huttos home, which was doused by firefighters to protect it due to the close proximity to the fire, had water and smoke damage, while their back yard suffered damage from the intense heat. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer An above-ground valve continues to burn three days after after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck the site, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Steve Hutto, right, takes in a moment alongside his wife, Diane, as he describes the damage to his property after residents of Deer Park and La Porte were permitted to return to their homes three days after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve, resulting in a massive pipeline fire, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Huttos home, which was doused by firefighters to protect it due to the close proximity to the fire, had water and smoke damage, while his back yard suffered damage from the intense heat. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A La Porte police officer blocks the entry to a neighborhood along Somerton Drive, several blocks from the site of pipeline explosion, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in La Porte. The explosion began on Monday, Sept. 16, after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Utility work continues electrical lines along the westbound portion of Spencer Highway near the site of the pipeline explosion, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in La Porte. The explosion began on Monday, Sept. 16, after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A La Porte police officer talks with a resident while blocking the entry to a neighborhood along Somerton Drive, several blocks from the site of pipeline exposition, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in La Porte. The explosion began on Monday, Sept. 16, after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Traffic is diverted away from Spencer Highway west of East Boulevard near the pipeline explosion site, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in La Porte. The explosion began on Monday, Sept. 16, after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck an above-ground valve. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Damage to a home across the street from where a large pipeline fire burned for three days is seen, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

The ruptured natural gas pipeline owned by Energy Transfer still burned Wednesday afternoon as officials with the Texas Railroad Commission waited to enter the site and begin an investigation into the cause of the fire.

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Crews continued to repair infrastructure Wednesday evening and expect to complete work by 6 p.m. Thursday, with the fire anticipated to be extinguished a few hours later, according to a statement from the city of Deer Park.

On Wednesday afternoon, all the entrances to the evacuated neighborhoods and that stretch of Spencer Highway were still blocked off by barriers and emergency vehicles.

We had to leave with the clothes on our back and not much else, said 37-year-old Pamela Hollie. She added they were still wearing the same clothes Wednesday that they had on when the fire broke out around 10 a.m. Monday.

Without access to their belongings, and therefore unable to work or get their children to school, the Hollies and their kids have been jumping between relatives homes and hotels since then. Their attempt to get home Tuesday came up short: a police officer turned the couple away outside of their neighborhood and told them to wait it out.

But Pamela Hollie said theyve waited long enough.

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We were told it would burn out in 24 hours, and we would be fine, she said. And then here we are with not a whole lot almost 72 hours later.

Fellow Brookglen resident Raechel Oliver has also grown increasingly frustrated with the evacuation order since she left her home with her four kids and grandmother Monday. Oliver, who was at home when the fire shook the area, tried returning to her neighborhood Monday night to get clothes after seeing police letting a delivery driver through but was denied entry.

They let an Amazon driver deliver a package, but they wouldnt let me go back to get any of my belongings, she said. It made no sense.

Like the Hollies, Oliver hasnt been back to work since the pipeline caught fire nor have her kids returned to school.

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My poor baby, hes still in a T-shirt shirt and diapers. These arent even my clothes, she said, pointing down to the borrowed set of pajamas she had on Tuesday.

An above-ground valve continues to burn three days after after a vehicle drove through a fence along a parking lot and struck the site, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in La Porte. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Despite some hotels opening their doors to displaced residents, some have still had difficulties finding a place to stay.

Evacuee Alejandra Gonzalez was moving into her new home Monday in the Pecan Plantation neighborhood when she felt the bang and rattle of the pipeline fire igniting. With all her and her familys belongings still in a moving truck, the 35-year-old mother of two fled to a nearby hotel for with her kids and mother.

However, the hotel let them stay only two nights, leading Gonzalez to another La Porte hotel to find a room for her family on Wednesday afternoon.

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Its very difficult because the kids need to rest but we have nowhere to go, she said in Spanish. I dont know what were going to do.
The dialogue attracted more than 200 foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and leaders from cities and provinces in the southern region, all hoping to improve the investment environment.

Speaking at the event, Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said, "With current geopolitical developments and ongoing trade competition around the world, the economic picture does not have many bright spots."

Seck Yee Chung, co-head of VBF Investment and Trade Working Group, analysed the market entry conditions applicable to foreign investors.

According to Chung, VBF's members said authorities should be more flexible regarding investment registration certificates for foreign firms. There is also a backlog in some areas.

The timeline to process dossiers is longer than the timeline prescribed by law. It can take more than one month for enterprise registration certificates to be adjusted, while the regulatory timeline is three working days, he added.

We respectfully suggest that licensing authorities consider allocating more human resources to facilitate procedures within the designated timeline, Chung added.

Colin Blackwell, head of VBF Human Resources Group, commented on the processing of work permits for foreign executives and specialists.

This issue is a key concern for the entire foreign-invested community in Vietnam, with consistent feedback from VBF members. An example is the EuroCham Business Confidence Index survey, with feedback from over 200 companies, showing that work permit processes continue to present challenges, particularly for businesses seeking to bring in executives and specialists who play critical roles in transferring technical and specific industry expertise, said Blackwell.

While new legislation has introduced minor improvements, only three per cent of the surveyed businesses reported significant changes in the work permit process.

We see an opportunity to streamline these regulations on the management of foreigners working in Vietnam, making the process more efficient and aligned with global standards, closer to how multinational companies' HR departments operate, he added.

Blackwell recommended flexibility and understanding in documentation requirements.

For high-tech and green growth sectors, we ask for some flexibility in the documentation needed for work permits. These industries are evolving quickly, and standard qualifications may not yet exist in Vietnam. Flexibility would help Vietnam attract top talent in these emerging sectors and knowledge transfer, which are vital for the countrys future.

Moreover, the geographical validity of work permits must be expanded. Current regulations requiring foreign employees to apply for a work permit at their intended place of work and submit updates when they are sent to work in different localities, which is impractical, he said.

Instead, he believed that it would be more effective to issue a single work permit at the place of business registration and only report to the province when the employees are sent to work for more than 30 days in another locality.

Tran Anh Duc, co-head of VBF Investment and Trade Working Group, also raised issues about aviation infrastructure and congestion at international airports that are affecting the experiences of foreign investors and businesses arriving in Vietnam.

However, Duc emphasised that despite many challenges, foreign investors are still optimistic about the potential of Vietnam's logistics market. With a strategic location in Asia, along with large domestic demand, Vietnam has many opportunities to become an important production and logistics centre in the region.

However, to attract and retain investors, Vietnam needs to improve transportation infrastructure, reduce logistics costs, and develop sustainable solutions in green transportation and logistics, Duc suggested.

Government and enterprises outline efforts to implement green growth strategies at VBF 2024 The Vietnam Business Forum (VBF 2024) took place this morning in Hanoi, themed "FDI enterprises pioneer in implementing green growth strategies" and chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

FIEs approve of rankings for innovation Foreign-invested enterprises are clamouring for stronger local factors to help boost direct inflows of funding in innovation.
Vietnam is simultaneously implementing many solutions to increase its role in the global supply chain, some of these come from the enthusiastic support of the US government over the past year. Could you offer an overview of the Vietnam-US cooperation strategy and what lies ahead?

Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam

The results and synchronous efforts of the entire political system, businesses, and educational and training institutions in Vietnam are contributing significantly to the development of the semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam.

The semiconductor ecosystem is not only the physical facilities for assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) or semiconductor manufacturing facilities. We see the importance and movements of US investors, but infrastructure and the supply of essential utilities also play a critical role in the ecosystem operation.

We highly appreciate the northern province of Bac Ninhs governments commitment to a very stable power supply for the production and business activities of enterprises.

In recent months, we have received very new announcements from the Ministry of Industry and Trade about the direct power purchase agreements that current or upcoming investors can sign them with renewable energy producers. This mechanism is the outcome of seven years of working between the Vietnamese and the US governments to build it, ensuring efficiency and safety for both the Vietnamese government and investors operating in the country.

Besides that, the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) fund is also one of the efforts to raise semiconductor human resources for Vietnam. However, we need to do many things to develop the semiconductor industry and its system, as well as increasingly increase the attractiveness and receive more investors in this field.

The initial results seem to be good, including the cooperation between Vietnamese and US universities specialising in high technologies to train semiconductor engineers, and other bilateral cooperation programmes.

There are some good signals from US partners and businesses for Vietnam, specifically two visits by the US semiconductor industry associations and the visit of Apple and Nvidia CEOs. This reflects the atmosphere of great expectation and excitement for investment in Vietnam. The cooperation programmes on semiconductors between the two countries have been strong in the past year, but this is just the beginning, and I believe in upcoming activities and plans.

Vietnam is one of eight countries in the ITSI fund, so what is Vietnams position in this alliance, and what does the US expect for Vietnam in semiconductor ATP after launching it?

Over the years, this partnership has laid a strong foundation for deeper collaboration across many areas of our bilateral relationship, including one of the most critical industries in semiconductors.

The United States is proud to invest in Vietnams future through workforce development programmes that create lasting partnerships and ensure Vietnams professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this rapidly evolving sector. Together, we are building institutional ties that will shape the semiconductor industry here in Vietnam for many years to come.

This programme will be instrumental in developing a curriculum designed specifically to equip Vietnamese professionals with the tools necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of semiconductors. But our collaboration goes beyond training and education. We are working closely with Vietnam to lay the groundwork for a broader semiconductor ecosystem. This includes deepening Vietnams connections to global supply chains, thereby paving the way for sustainable economic growth and technological advancement.

I am confident that our joint efforts will yield significant benefits for both countries. The US government is making an additional $5 million available to support further semiconductor-related activities in Vietnam.

During cooperation and support for semiconductor workforce development, what is most necessary for Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in the semiconductor supply chain?

In addition to technical training, there is also a need to enable English to be the second official language in Vietnam to be more widely taught in Vietnam.

I expect that high school or university and college training programmes in Vietnam, especially in chip design, manufacturing, semiconductor equipment, IT, and computer science, will be taught in English.

Thereby, graduates can communicate directly with US partners in English early, which will open up many business and job opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises and individuals.

Jeffrey Goss, principal ITSI investigator Arizona State University In the semiconductor industry, the ability to speak and work in English is essential because many technical concepts are used in English, and computer language is English. Therefore, with cooperation via the ITSI fund, we have a specialised English training course for semiconductors. This collaboration opens up tremendous opportunities for Vietnamese students and professionals to gain cutting-edge skills in semiconductor technology. We are honoured to support Vietnams journey towards becoming a key player in this transformative industry. Some investment activities are taking place or are soon plans of investors. Amkor pours billions of US dollars in ATP in Vietnam, in addition to investments by Hana Micron and Felix, and Intel. TSMC makes a direct investment abroad that can be considered the largest amount ever of the company, to build manufacturing plants in Vietnam. Thus, Vietnam has an extremely favourable advantage in capturing this dynamic investment activity. However, Vietnam also needs to improve its readiness and ensure essential conditions for businesses to set up production and business facilities, especially electricity and green energy supply play a critical role. Each incident or delay costs a lot of money. Virginia Kent, senior ITSI coordinator Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Vietnam is one of eight countries selected for this initiative, along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and India, all supported by the US Department of States Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. Vietnam is one of the most important and strategic partners of the US government. We see many opportunities for investment and business in Vietnam, particularly in ATP semiconductors. We have coordinated with the Vietnamese government to expand and strengthen investment and cooperation activities effectively. This partnership extends beyond technological advancements. It represents a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and prosperity through innovation. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of technological progress are widely distributed, strengthening our economies and our shared democratic values. Vietnamese partners have been coordinating in reviewing the ATP ecosystem within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development framework. The draft will be completed soon and we will announce the outcomes, which are essential in developing the semiconductor ecosystem, covering all relevant areas such as infrastructure, policy mechanisms, legal regulations on human resource development, and skills improvement. This will be useful to enhance the position of countries participating in this framework in the global semiconductor supply chain. This report will also provide input for Arizona State Universitys human resource development programme, in collaboration with more than 20 educational institutions across Vietnam, to train hundreds of lecturers and professors for pioneering human resource lecturers of the semiconductor industry.

Wide-ranging partnerships pick up semiconductor pace The collaboration between the state, enterprises, and universities is proving effective in developing human resources for the semiconductor industry and achieving the goals set for 2030.

US shows support for Vietnam's semiconductor industry The United States and Vietnam marked the first anniversary of its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by launching workshops on semiconductor workforce development and public policy workshops.
In early September, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment publicly consulted on the environmental impact assessment report of a road project connecting tourism culture heritage and promoting economic development along the Red River, invested by Hung Yen Department of Transport.

The route will travel 55.68km long along the Red River, with a total investment value surpassing $415 million

As the project investor, Hung Yen Department of Transport will coordinate with the design and environmental consulting unit to conduct detailed project design and establish an environmental management plan.

The route will be 55.68km long, passing through the districts of Van Giang, Khoai Chau, Kim Dong, and Hung Yen city. The projects total investment value according to the policy approved by Hung Yen People's Council surpasses $386 million, meanwhile the total investment value according to the design report reaches $415 million.

The route aims to complement the traffic infrastructure, connecting cultural heritage and tourism to develop the economy along the Red River.

Bell Pagoda is a unique architectural work belonging to Pho Hien relic complex

The area near the heritage route accommodates many pagodas, temples and historical relics such as Nhan Thap Pagoda, Me So Pagoda, the Da Hoa temple national historical relic that pays worships to Chu Dong Tu and Princess Tien Dung, Dang Chau Pagoda, Cot Temple, Dong Tu Linh Temple, May King Tomb, and Mother Au Co Temple. The investment in construction of the route will facilitate the exploitation of these spiritual sites.

When completed, the route would create a breakthrough in the development of the province's transport infrastructure; contributing to the formation of a regional route connecting cultural and spiritual heritage works along the Red River, particularly along the Thang Long - Pho Hien - Tam Chuc - Bai Dinh - Huong Pagoda axis; as well as linking traffic in the Hanoi - Hung Yen - Ha Nam - Ninh Binh region.

At the same time, the route will bolster the demand for goods transportation and; effectively avail of the available land along both sides of the route; develop and form industrial clusters, urban areas, and tourist service areas; as well as entice investment for localities where the route passes through, including the districts of Van Giang, Khoai Chau, Kim Dong and Hung Yen city.

The route will coincide with the Red River dike road (Provincial Road No.378) for about 3km

The route starts at the border of Hung Yen and Hanoi in Van Giang district, and the end point intersecting the left dike of the Red River at Km133+500 in Tan Hung commune, Hung Yen city.

The route will coincide with the left dike of the Red River (Provincial Road No.378), then the route will separate and go close to the dike towards the riverbank, with some sections being 1-1.5km from the existing dike on average.

The main road is designed to ensure technical requirements for a Class II road, with a design speed of 100km per hour; the side road is designed to ensure requirements equivalent to a Class IV road, with a design speed of 60km per hour.

The route will encompass two overpasses crossing an irrigation canal at Lien Nghia and Nghi Xuyen pumping stations, and Nghi Xuyen Bridge, suitable for the scale of crossing rivers and irrigation canals.

The design of intersections must ensure compliance with planning, traffic safety and traffic capacity through intersections.

The project requires conversion of the land use purpose of over 19hectares of rice fields, affecting 245 households, of which 204 households will be resettled.

The construction of the project will take place from 2024 to 2026.

Hung Yen attracts more than $1.5 billion in H1 Synchronous infrastructure, open investment environment, and transparent administration are the factors enhancing Hung Yens appeal in the eyes of domestic and foreign investors.

Hung Yen perfects transport infrastructure to motivate development An increasingly comprehensive transport network is opening up space and creating motivation for the northern province of Hung Yen's socioeconomic development.
Deputy Minster of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc

On September 17, the National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) in collaboration with the Vietnamese Australian Scholars & Experts Association (VASEA) held a conference on Promoting green innovation in agriculture through market mechanism.

The conference aimed to provide updated information on green agriculture through the market mechanism, boost green innovation in agriculture, as well as to promote cooperation and investment between Vietnam and Australia.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc said that agriculture contributes about 12 per cent of GDP, providing livelihoods for about 30 per cent of the workforce. However, this sector is also struggling with big challenges such as climate change. The Mekong River Delta area - the country's largest rice granary - is forecast to lose about 500,000 - 1 million hectares of agricultural land by 2050 due to rising sea levels, causing annual losses of up to 3 per cent of GDP.

"Therefore, green agriculture is emerging as an inevitable solution for sustainable development in Southeast Asia. Vietnam -an agricultural country - is a promising land for green agriculture. Investment in technology, a young workforce, and supportive government policies create a lot of favourable conditions for Vietnam to implement green transformation in agriculture successfully," Ngoc said.

However, to fully exploit this potential, Vietnam needs to overcome some barriers, she added. One of the major challenges is human resources, especially high-quality ones, in the agricultural sector. There is a lack of experts and engineers who can manage high technology, while the rate of untrained rural workers is still very high.

"Farmers need to be properly trained in advanced farming methods, sustainable land management and efficient use of resources. In addition, access to green technologies, new crop varieties and investment is still limited," Ngoc emphasised. "Start-ups in the green agriculture sector also face difficulties in connecting with experts, accessing markets and expanding production scale. Lack of infrastructure and resources is also a major barrier that needs to be addressed to promote the development of these businesses."

NIC and VASEA signing the memorandum of understanding

The conference's experts provide updates, guidance, and recommendations on promoting green agriculture through market mechanisms through some topics like Enabling farmers to adopt climate change mitigation via a carbon market, Promoting green innovation in agriculture via market mechanisms, and Making environmental benefits of low-emission farming techniques eligible for trade-guiding farmers and farming enterprises through the carbon certification process.

Do Nam Thang from Crawford School of Public University and Australian National University highlighted the role of reducing emissions from rice cultivation. Vietnam's methane target is a 30 per cent reduction by 2030, while rice's impact is 48 per cent of agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions and 75 per cent of methane emissions from rice alone.

"Emission cuts in rice are more affordable than in livestock. This is essential to meet national and global commitments," Thang affirmed.

Chu Hoang Long from Australian National University said that overall rice producers incur costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Rice producers should be compensated for reducing GHG emissions, and market mechanisms are generally considered an efficient way to compensate, the reduction in emissions is compensated via trading carbon credits. However, market mechanisms require a certification process and should be designed in line with national goals."

Also at the conference, the NIC and VASEA signed the memorandum of understanding, marking a significant milestone for the bilateral relationship for green innovation in agriculture.

Overcoming challenges to unlock green agriculture in Vietnam Developing large-scale green agriculture in Vietnam faces several challenges, including land consolidation, infrastructure needs, and building market trust. Smart farming practices and supportive policies are crucial to meeting Vietnam's ambitious agricultural goals and expanding its export market.

Leveraging technology to boost Vietnamese agricultural prosperity For many years, Nestle has transformed Vietnams agriculture by pioneering sustainable farming and fostering robust rural communities through through the adoption of science and technological innovation. Le Thi Hoai Thuong, Nestle Vietnams senior corporate affairs manager, talked to VIRs Mai Anh about the companys trajectory and what they have done to advance Vietnamese regenerative agriculture.
Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to strike Vietnam in the past 30 years, caused extensive damage across several northern localities, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and flash floods. The storm has resulted in an estimated 329 deaths and missing persons, with nearly 1,929 individuals injured. Additionally, 234,700 homes, 1,500 schools, and numerous infrastructure projects have been damaged or destroyed.

Demonstrating a strong spirit of solidarity and corporate responsibility, SLP Vietnam, a major provider of modern logistics infrastructure, launched immediate relief efforts in the impacted areas and initiated an internal donation drive, rallying employees to contribute.

As part of the efforts to aid children in the hardest-hit areas, SLP Vietnam became the first company to partner with the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Childrens Rights (VACR) to deliver timely assistance to disadvantaged families at the Van My apartment complex in Ngo Quyen district, Haiphong city, which was directly hit by Typhoon Yagi.

These families had been displaced after strong winds caused two apartment buildings to tilt dangerously.

On September 13, in collaboration with the VACR, the Haiphong Childrens Rights Association, and Van My Peoples Committee, SLP Vietnam provided 1,000 meals and awarded 50 scholarships to 96 children from affected families.

SLP Vietnam donated 1,000 meals and awarded 50 scholarships to children from affected families at Haiphongs Van My apartment complex

Continuing its relief efforts, SLP Vietnams employees further contributed by raising funds and preparing aid packages containing essential items such as rice cookers, blankets, rice, milk, and medicine.

In cooperation with the Yen Bai Childrens Rights Association and local authorities, SLP staff delivered these packages directly to more than 120 households in Nga Quan and Viet Thanh communes in Tran Yen district, Yen Bai province  the areas severely impacted by flash floods, together with some vulnerable families in Yen Bai on September 15.

SLP staff delivered aid packages directly to more than 120 households in Nga Quan and Viet Thanh communes in Tran Yen district, Yen Bai province

According to Nguyen Le Hang, director of External Relations at SLP Vietnam, joining hands to support families in Vietnams disaster-affected areas is an essential activity and part of the company's corporate culture and commitment to sustainable development.

We hope to contribute alongside the people of Vietnam in overcoming the aftermath of the storms, helping everyone quickly stabilise and return to their normal lives, said Hang.

In addition to these timely relief efforts, SLP continues to roll out further community support initiatives as part of Global Giving Day - GLPs global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

These initiatives underscore the commitment of both GLP and SLP Vietnam to responsible and sustainable operations.

SLP is a top developer of modern industrial and logistics infrastructure with a long-term commitment to Vietnam.

As of April 2024, SLPs portfolio comprises 11 state-of-the-art industrial facilities across six key provinces, covering nearly one million square metres.

With a strong focus on sustainable development and community support, SLP has implemented various initiatives to improve infrastructure and livelihoods in diverse localities such as Vinh Long, Long An, and Bac Ninh.

Vietnam's GDP may slow up to 0.5 per cent due to Typhoon Yagi The impact of Typhoon Yagi may reduce Vietnam's 2024 GDP growth by between 0.2 per cent to 0.5 per cent, according to a report released by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) on September 16.

SABECO supporting localities hit by Typhoon Yagi Beer giant SABECO is working with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU), local authorities, and partners to support the rebuild of northern provinces following the destruction brought by Typhoon Yagi.
As of mid-last week, several insurers reported significant property and motor vehicle losses, with compensation estimates running into millions of US dollars.

Spate of claims made in typhoon aftermath, illustration photo

Ngo Trung Dung, deputy secretary-general of the Vietnam Insurance Association, said that most insurance payouts related to Typhoon Yagi have involved vehicles damaged by fallen trees or floodwaters, as well as industrial facilities in economic zones.

These are typically entities that take proactive measures to mitigate risks, Dung said. Properties covered by risk insurance, which includes storms, floods, and high winds, as well as motor vehicles with comprehensive insurance, would be eligible for compensation. The widespread devastation from Typhoon Yagi, especially in northern Vietnams key economic areas, is expected to result in massive payouts, Dung said.

Vu Van Thang, deputy CEO of PVI Insurance, said that by September 10, PVI had recorded around 240 claims related to property damage, excluding motor vehicle and personal insurance. The estimated compensation for these claims is expected to exceed $16.7 million.

Thang confirmed that after completing damage assessments, the company would begin issuing advance payments to affected customers within the week.

Similarly, BIDV Insurance reported nearly 500 claims, half of which were related to technical property insurance, while the remainder involved motor vehicles and marine insurance. Total compensation from BIDV Insurance is projected to reach nearly $8.4 million, including losses at a factory in Do Son Industrial Zone in the northern city of Haiphong, which lost its roof during the storm.

PTI Insurance registered 65 claims for property, technical, and marine losses, alongside 273 motor vehicle claims. PTIs total compensation is expected to exceed $6.3 million, with further updates pending as post-storm flooding continues.

The Insurance Supervisory and Management Department under the Ministry of Finance has confirmed preliminary damage assessments across key insurers. In the technical property insurance sector, 684 claims have been recorded, with Bao Viet Insurance handling 220 cases, VietinBank Insurance 150, PVI 134, and other insurers such as Bao Minh, Agribank Insurance, and PJICO managing the rest.

The motor vehicle sector has reported over 1,000 claims, with Bao Viet Insurance handling 315 cases, PTI 270, and PJICO 220, among others. However, total financial losses have yet to be fully estimated.

Last week, the same department issued a directive urging insurers to work with local authorities and organisations to swiftly assess human and property losses. The directive said insurers should provide advance payments and timely, full compensation to policyholders and beneficiaries, in line with contractual agreements and legal regulations. Insurers were asked to submit damage and compensation reports by September 12.

A representative from PTI said the complexities of property insurance, particularly in relation to mandatory fire insurance for property owners, including factories and residential homes, make some scenarios challenging. While large businesses and industrial facilities tend to be well-insured, small business owners have been severely impacted, with many facing total devastation but lacking coverage.

Unfortunately, small business owners typically do not prioritise insurance, leaving them unprotected when disaster strikes, Dung said.

The situation is similar for homeowners. Many residential buildings in northern Vietnam were heavily damaged by Typhoon Yagi, yet few residents had storm or flood insurance for their homes or apartments.

Tran Nguyen Dan, a lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, said that all-risk property insurance for apartments remains uncommon in Vietnam. He explained that most apartment buyers secure mortgages through banks, which bundle insurance policies that may not meet their actual needs.

Most people end up buying mandatory fire insurance to cut costs or are pushed into purchasing life insurance through loan agreements with banks. As a result, many apartment owners affected by the recent storm wont receive compensation despite having insurance, Dan said.

He further noted that the annual premium for all-risk property insurance for apartments is typically around 3 per cent of the assets value  significantly lower than potential financial losses in a disaster.

Customers and banks should shift focus towards offering and purchasing insurance products that address actual needs rather than transactional insurance bundled with loans, Dan said.

Dan recommended that policyholders follow these key steps to protect their rights.

Firstly, immediately contact your insurer to report any damage. If an assessor cannot visit quickly, ask for guidance on documenting the damage, particularly for motor vehicle claims, he said.

He added that gathering evidence, including photographs, videos, and damage reports, is crucial to facilitate the claims process.

Finally, policyholders should fully cooperate with assessors during site visits to ensure an accurate record of damage and receive guidance on compensation procedures. Many insurance companies have dispatched professional teams to expedite this process.

According to the Insurance Business Law, claims must be submitted within one year of the insured event. Any period of force majeure or objective hindrance is excluded from this timeframe. If the contract does not specify a timeline for settlement, insurers are required to provide compensation within 15 days of receiving all valid documents related to the claim.

Hanoi endures widespread impact from Typhoon Yagi Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall in Hanoi on September 7, has caused major disruptions to infrastructure in the capital and surrounding areas.

Haiphong picks itself up after typhoon The northern port city of Haiphong has faced severe flooding following Typhoon Yagi, greatly affecting locals and businesses.
The company's latest financial statement highlights positive financial indicators for Vua Nem. Specifically, in the first seven months of 2024, Vua Nem's cumulative after-tax losses were reduced by VND16 billion ($648,496) ahead of schedule. Since June 2024, the company has shown encouraging signs with positive after-tax profits.

These impressive results have been achieved after one year of comprehensive restructuring and operational optimisation. In addition, the flexible pricing strategy and product diversification, adapted to the market during the economic downturn, have significantly contributed to this success.

Low pricing strategy amidst economic fluctuations

As a part of Vua Nems sustainable development goals, the company has expanded its product portfolio to meet the needs of consumers across all segments, from economy to premium. This move demonstrates Vua Nems flexible adaptation to market fluctuations and its commitment to provide the best quality products across every cost bracket.

Vua Nems Valuable Sleep campaign has proven effective, with 22 per cent growth in the product segment under VND5 million ($203) within the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This is evidence that even in the low-cost segment, a business can achieve certain success if it knows how to position its products and manage pricing effectively.

The latest financial statement reveals that, as of the end of July 2024, 91.5 per cent of Vua Nems 130 stores had achieved year-to-date positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), a 20.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, the number of stores with cumulative negative EBITDA has been gradually decreasing since the beginning of the year, and it is projected that by the end of 2024, all stores will achieve positive cumulative EBITDA.

Quality beyond low prices

A Vua Nem representative emphasised that its low-price strategy does not compromise product quality. "Our philosophy is not to chase after the market but to focus on developing products with high-quality materials, eliminating intermediaries, and delivering products directly from the factory to stores at the most reasonable prices for consumers."

As a result, a diverse range of affordable yet high-quality products, meeting the diverse needs of consumers, has been introduced. Some examples include the Magic and Elite Original Spring Mattress; Osaka, Akita, Hachi Foam Mattress, and the Gummi Lite Latex Mattress.

Affordable product line with top-tier quality wins over consumers

The Goodnight Hachi Foam Mattress targets couples at a mid-range price. With a sturdy two-layer foam structure, a multi-point massage surface and bamboo fibre antibacterial cover, this product offers long-term usability, meeting the needs of couples through various stages: newly-weds, pregnancy, and young children.

In addition, those who love spring mattresses but are concerned about their budget can opt for Goodnight Magic. Regarded as one of the most accessible spring mattresses, Goodnight Magic ensures quality with its independent pocket spring system, which minimises motion disturbance and noise, and provides excellent spinal pressure relief.

Goodnight Magic spring mattress provides perfect support for deeper sleep

Over the past year, Vua Nem has also focused on diversifying its sleep care product portfolio by introducing items such as the Iyashi Herbal Compress Belt and MI Nightlights to expand its customer base, particularly targeting younger consumers aged 22 and up. Vua Nems representative shared, "We want all customers to find top-quality products at the best prices, whether in-store or through e-commerce channels."

This strategy has helped Vua Nem reverse its losses, increase sales, and grow a younger customer base by 30 per cent compared to the same period last year. With the current progress, Vua Nem is accelerating its profit growth rate and is on track to achieve positive results this year.

Mattress maker Vua Nem records positive financial performance in first four months Vua Nem JSC, Vietnam's biggest mattress retailer, is officially debt-free and achieved its profit target in the first four months of 2024.

Choosing people, environment, and financial return for investors Mekong Capital is making a deeper foray into sustainability. Ellen Van, the funds investment principal, spoke to VIRs Linh Le about how it assesses and manages risks, and the importance of authenticity in its sustainability endeavours.
Parents line up to pick up their children in front of Bellaire High School on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, after the school was placed in a secure mode due to bomb threats. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

If there was any question that something isnt right with our kids, take a look at this week:

A student was stabbed during a fight at Sterling Aviation High School, a Spring High School student was detained for bringing a gun to school, and at Elsik High School in Alief, a student was caught waving a kitchen knife in the hallways. Then a bomb threat forced a lockdown at Bellaire High School.

SCHOOL SAFETY WEBINAR TODAY: Student arrested amid threats to schools statewide, HISD police chief says

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This generation of children raised on social media, cell phones and COVID social distancing is struggling. The solutions aren't solely about adding security to schools and banning cell phones in classrooms, which are needed.

Kids are in an unprecedented mental health crisis with a shortage of mental-health professionals who work with them, and we need more of them, too. There are estimates of more 1 million children with mental-health issues being admitted to emergency rooms nationwide, according to the National Health Statistics Report.

We shouldn't be surprised.

As parents, many of us are also stressed and struggling, compounded by the current political and economic environment. In efforts to make parenting less stressful, we've given kids early access to phones and social media.

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I get it. Kids are much quieter when they are on their phones. But it's nearly impossible for them to learn the critical thinking, social skills and coping strategies needed to navigate life when they are on they are zombied on video games.

Jonathan Haidt, author of "The Anxious Generation," writes that the phone-based childhood has replaced play-based childhood and fueled a mental-health epidemic in children. Because of this, many children don't know how to regulate their emotions, especially anger and rejection.

Last week, Houston ISD sent a letter to parents saying they were increasing campus security districtwide "out of an abundance of caution" to safeguard schools.

Sounds good until another school-shooting makes the news. Earlier this month, a 14-year-old fired an AR-style rifle on a Georgia high school campus, killing four people and injuring six.

Our world is in chaos politically, socially and economically and we're addicted to our phones, so how do we expect our kids to be mentally stable?

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Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy warned what we already know: social media is a direct threat to children's mental health and can lead to depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, especially among teenage girls. He encouraged parents to establish tech-free zones in which children cannot access their phones.

Parents could do well by getting off their phones, too. After a few weeks off of social media, particularly X, I feel remarkably more at peace, less stressed and less worried about the future. I'm also less likely to check my phone at a stoplight or during dinner. Emails take a back burner, too.
AMES  After Iowas public universities in the spring promised to pursue a DEI-related directive from regents and lawmakers to explore establishing new free speech and civic education initiatives on their campuses, the University of Northern Iowa is forging ahead with a proposed Center for Civic Education.

In doing so, UNI is seeking millions in state support  including a $1 million direct appropriation in the upcoming 2026 budget year to launch the center and another $32.4 million in facilities-specific state funds over the next three years to cover the deferred maintenance costs of renovating and transforming its Commons building into a hub for outreach and civic education.

The UNI state-facilities request would start with a $4.7 million ask in the 2026 budget year.

In early American history, a town commons served as the civic and social center of the community, hosting events, civic discourse and building community, according to UNIs facilities-related funding request. The university would blend these two concepts by making the current Commons into a hub for outreach and civic education.

Specifically, it would house both the UNI Foundation and its new Center for Civic Education, which received approval from the Board of Regents at its meeting Thursday in Ames.

At its November 2023 meeting, the (board) directed the regent institutions to explore proposals to establish a widespread initiative that includes opportunities for education and research on free speech and civic education, according to UNIs proposal. This proposal for a Center for Civic Education reflects significant university efforts in this area both before and since that directive was established.

Range of activities

Per the proposal, the new center would engage in a range of activities and services, including:

Curricular innovation and professional development aimed at informing meaningful citizens and engagement.

Civic-engagement programs and events exposing students and the public to divergent viewpoints and opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Civic learning opportunities for Iowas pre-service and in-service teachers aimed at continued professional development in civic learning.

Proposed events include a controversial issues speakers series alongside existing events like Constitution Day.

In April  while reporting to the board on progress toward its 10 diversity, equity and inclusion-related directives, including reorganizing DEI offices, reviewing DEI positions and cutting any not necessary for compliance and accreditation  the University of Iowa and Iowa State University leaders also reported civic-education initiatives.

UI President Barbara Wilson said her campus planned to launch a pilot Civic Dialogue Initiative this fall, including a field experiment in the residence halls and a first-year seminar to assess the impact of dialogue skill building on student learning outcomes.

In response to The Gazettes questions on that initiative this fall and how its being implemented, UI officials declined to share details until after we have a chance to update the Board of Regents and campus community.

The only center

To the question of how UNIs new center might collaborate with centers and institutes at Iowas other colleges and universities, UNI officials reported it will be the only center at the regents universities focused solely on civic learning and engagement and the only center in the state of Iowa whose mission includes a focus on promoting civic learning across the state, particularly in K-12 education.

Among the centers anticipated expenses is a faculty fellow needed in the first year to get programming off the ground, overseeing its initial activities, and leading a search for a director  a tenured faculty member in an academic department with expertise in civic education.

After UNI hires a director, the fellow will assist him or her, and the university will hire a half-time administrative assistant.

The center also will need IT support in identifying, creating and maintaining the system by which it will make teaching resources available to K-12 teachers across the state, according to board documents.

UNI will pull initial funding for the center from its general education budget, while exploring additional revenue streams.

One of the clear duties of the director will be applying for grants, according to UNI.

Per the proposal, the UNI center will research its own effectiveness and publish its results  in hopes of serving as a resource for effective civic education regionally and nationally  while also conducting external research on free speech and civic education and best practices.

Discussing issues

At the university level, the center will craft curricula aimed at developing effective citizens; launch an annual series of free speech and civic engagement professional development events; build a repository of assignments and class activities to help develop civic knowledge and values; create online courses on free speech and civic education for faculty to use as they build courses; and develop online courses on free speech and civic education for university staff in their interactions with students in student organizations, residence halls and other non-academic parts of campus.

Regarding public outreach, the center will offer programming featuring state and community leaders and sponsor free-speech and democratic-dialogue activities designed to expose students to multiple ideological viewpoints and help them discuss issues with others, including those with whom they disagree.

At the K-12 level, the UNI center will  among other things  organize and host an annual Conference on Innovation in Civic Education and Free Speech; hold a New Teacher Academy aimed at training new teachers in civic and civil discourse in the classroom; and offer events on timely topics involving civic education and free speech issues in the news.

UNI officials said the campus is well positioned to host the center, given its unique research capacities in Iowa history and politics. Earlier this year, longtime Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley gifted his senatorial papers to UNI.

These papers would join his U.S. House and Iowa legislative papers and an impressive array of other archival materials and collections that would attract scholars throughout Iowa and beyond, allowing UNI to promote research and scholarship in civic education and free speech, according to board documents. UNI has already established a strong foundation in civic education.

Boasting the systems first civic education undergraduate certificate and minor, newly offered this fall, UNI officials said, the Center for Civic Education at UNI would be an invaluable asset to help students develop critical workforce skills to better support Iowa industry.
Episode 160: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the ongoing issue of traffic safety and road design in the United States.

Despite advancements in vehicle safety, over 42,000 people died in traffic crashes in 2022. The hosts argue that the U.S. has a higher rate of traffic fatalities compared to other wealthy nations, and this is partly due to cultural attitudes and a lack of political will to implement stronger safety regulations and road design improvements.

They discuss how features like roundabouts, narrower lanes and traffic-calming measures can significantly improve road safety, but often face resistance from the public. The hosts also note that aggressive and distracted driving behaviors have worsened in recent years, and suggest automated speed enforcement could help address this.

Looking to the future, the hosts are optimistic that the rise of autonomous vehicles could have a positive impact on overall driving behavior, as self-driving cars would follow traffic laws and set a new standard for safe driving. However, they also raise ethical questions about public acceptance of autonomous vehicle technology, even if it proves to be statistically safer than human drivers.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast

Why are American drivers so deadly, by Matthew Shaer, The New York Times Magazine

Addressing America's traffic death crisis, by Matthew Yglesias, Slow Boring

Will you keep driving when autonomous vehicles are safer than humans?, by Demetria Gallegos, The Wall Street Journal

2025 Chevy El Camino RS comes back to digitally hunt Ford's Maverick and the Santa Cruz, by Aurel Niculescu, Auto Evolution

About the hosts
Kroger, 20355 Cypresswood Dr., is shown on Thursday, June 29, 2023 in Cypress. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

A decision on the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons could be coming soon.

Lawyers for the two supermarket chains and the Federal Trade Commission presented their closing arguments Tuesday as part of a hearing on the proposed merger. The hearing is to determine if the commission's request for an injunction on the deal will be allowed.

The impending decision comes nearly two years after Kroger and Albertsons first announced the deal back in October 2022.

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Here's what to know about the potential merger.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS: Kroger and Albertsons make a final pitch for their merger before a judge decides whether to block it

When was the Kroger-Albertsons merger first announced?

Kroger and Albertsons announced on Oct. 14, 2022, that they had agreed to a deal that would see Kroger buy Albertsons for $24.6 billion and have the two merge together.

They are two of the largest grocery store brands in the country, and would control 13% of the marketplace if the merger is completed, according to the Associated Press.

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What brands does Albertsons own?

Albertsons owns and operates grocery stores under the Albertsons name and many locations that are run under a different name.

Randalls is the banner under which Houston stores are branded by Albertson. But other brands run by Albertsons include Acme, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets and Vons.

What brands does Kroger own?

In addition to the Kroger name, other companies within the Kroger family are Bakers, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Marianos and Ralphs.

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Why is the Federal Trade Commission trying to stop the Kroger-Albertsons merger?

The Federal Trade Commission wants to stop the Kroger-Albertsons merger because it believes the merger will reduce competition in the grocery store industry. Regulators say it will lead to higher prices and fewer benefits for workers, among other things.

This supermarket mega merger comes as American consumers have seen the cost of groceries rise steadily over the past few years. Krogers acquisition of Albertsons would lead to additional grocery price hikes for everyday goods, further exacerbating the financial strain consumers across the country face today, said Henry Liu, Director of the FTCs Bureau of Competition, in a February statement that announced the lawsuit. Essential grocery store workers would also suffer under this deal, facing the threat of their wages dwindling, benefits diminishing, and their working conditions deteriorating.

What will happen to Kroger and Albertsons stores if they merge?

Kroger and Albertsons have said they won't close any stores but said in April they will sell 579 stores in markets where there is competition overlap to C&S Wholesale Grocers.

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That includes 30 Albertsons locations in Texas and Louisiana.

What happened during the hearing on the merger?

The three-week hearing in Portland, Oregon, featured both sides laying out their case for a federal court judge.

Kroger and Albertsons said the merger will allow them to compete against companies like Walmart and Amazon. The commission argued that Kroger and Albertsons aren't competing against companies like those that sell groceries in addition to many other departments, but with other grocery stores like themsevles.

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In this weather satellite photo taken Thursday morning, no major tropical systems are seen in the Atlantic basin, but the National Hurricane Center is monitoring three areas of potential development over the next seven days. National Weather Service

A tropical disturbance could arise in the next seven days from the warm waters near the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico, according to a National Hurricane Center forecast on Thursday.

More then halfway through September, the month that historically sees the most tropical activity in the Atlantic basin, the hurricane center also is watching two other areas where tropical development is possible over the next seven days.

The hot spot near the Yucatan Peninsula straddles the northwest Caribbean Sea and the southern Gulf of Mexico. Some social media posts have spread doomsday weather models showing a powerful hurricane tearing across the Gulf of Mexico. But those kind of predictions are not only far too unreliable this early before the event  and theyre simply misleading and dangerous.

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Without better data, plenty of uncertainty remains about what exactly will unfold in the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico into next week. Lets dig in and discuss why confidence is so low at this point.

Heres what we dont know

First, not all aspects of the forecast through next week are uncertain. Forecasters are confident that tropical development is likely by early next week over the western or northwestern Caribbean Sea. Both long-range forecast models and their various ensembles suggest as much by about next Wednesday. Confidence in what happens from there, namely the track and intensity of whatever churns from the Caribbean, is quite low.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three areas of potential tropical development over the next seven days. One area, in the northwest Caribbean Sea and southern Gulf of Mexico, has a medium chance of development through the middle of next week. National Hurricane Center

Based on the current limits of science, having uncertainty about tropical development a week or more from now is normal. Very few instances spring to mind when both the European and American GFS weather forecast models agree on a common scenario this early.

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The National Hurricane Center has gradually increased development odds in this region of the Atlantic basin over the past few days. Expect that trend to continue as time passes and confidence increases. But, for now, uncertainty is too high to give specific details regarding track or intensity.

Model uncertainty is high

One way to highlight the uncertainty that exists is by analyzing operational long-range forecast models.

An operational weather model is frequently used for planning and emergency response. It takes into consideration all of the various ensemble members and provides a most likely scenario for various weather events. This far out, though, operational models are unreliable for official decision-making calls, like coastal evacuation orders or disaster declarations.

The latest complete run of the operational European model extends to next Saturday. It showed an area of low atmospheric pressure located over the southern Gulf of Mexico in the Bay of Campeche.

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Compare this outcome to the previous complete run of the same model, which showed a low pressure area arriving along the upper Texas Gulf Coast by next Saturday.

Shown are individual ensemble plots of where low atmospheric pressure could be centered in the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea by the middle of next week, according to the American GFS ensemble. Individual ensemble members have low pressure centers from the Bay of Campeche in the southern Gulf of Mexico to the western Caribbean. Tropical Tidbits

Analysis of the American GFS model also presents unique forecast challenges. The most recent complete run of the operational GFS model shows a quickly developing tropical system by the middle of next week. As it enters the warm Gulf of Mexico, it quickly intensifies before being swept toward the eastern Gulf of Mexico by an incoming cold front next weekend or early the following week.

When this scenario is compared to the previous complete run of the same model, significant timing and intensity differences emerge. The earlier runs favor a slightly weaker and quicker moving system, even if the track between the two looks fairly similar.

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Role of the Central American Gyre

The Central American Gyre is a large-scale and persistent low pressure system found around Central America. It forms most often during the monsoon season and can lead to heavy rain and flooding, as well as the development of tropical storms or hurricanes.

Tropical Storm Alberto formed earlier this season as a result of the Central American Gyre. Previous tropical systems that have been influenced to some extent by the Central American Gyre include Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Hurricane Stan in 2005.

Bottom line: Stay informed

Its far too early to say what will come of this area being monitored by the National Hurricane Center, its critical for everyone to stay informed. Keep updated with daily forecasts from the Houston Chronicle.

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You might be ready to try sex toys to spice up your 50-plus sex play, but where to shop for them can be daunting. An actual store where you can talk to a salesperson and browse might be appealing unless you are afraid of, yikes, is that my neighbor?! Online is another option but whats legit and whats not? Heres all the buzz on sex toys from the experts.

My husband and I are interested in exploring sex toys but stumped on where to get them. I worry about unsafe websites, and I think if I went to a sex toy store, Id become overwhelmed. Can you provide safe sources for sex toys geared toward older adults?

As with many products, theres a learning curve  as I found out when I first started shopping for sex accessories. What material is the toy made of? Whats the battery life? Is there a warranty? And, for some older adults who may have issues gripping a toy, is it ergonomic? All questions best answered by an experienced salesperson.

Shop talk

Allison Kent, a licensed clinical social worker focusing on relationships and sex, urges you to visit a sex toy store and ask a salesperson for help. The educational training that store staff receives tends to be comprehensive  and the human interaction, she says, far exceeds what you will experience online.

In the Mood For AARPs In the Mood column, writer Ellen Uzelac will ask experts your most pressing 50+ sex and relationship questions. Uzelac is the former West Coast bureau chief for The Baltimore Sun. She writes frequently on sex, relationships, travel and lifestyle issues. Do you have a question? Email us at sexafter50@aarp.org

Qualities Kent says to look for in a sex toy shop include: staff who are knowledgeable about the products, are good listeners and are respectful in how they communicate with you regardless of your age, gender, kink or preferences.

Sexy sex toy facts What kind of sex toys do older adults prefer? Seventy percent of 65-plus adults in the U.S. favored vibrators while 37 percent chose dildos, says a recent Durex Global Sex Survey. How many older adults use sex toys? Roughly 1 in 3 adults 40-plus say theyve used a vibrator for solo and partnered sex, according to AARPs Ageless Desire study.

Another benefit: When you shop in person, Kent says you can see the toy up close, feel a sample, experience the texture and explore the different features. Staff should wear and offer you latex gloves to test out the toy before purchase, she adds.

And if you dont want to have a sex chat right out in the open, Sari Cooper, codirector of the Erotic Intimacy Academy and founder of Center for Love and Sex in New York City, recommends booking a private appointment in advance  something many shops are happy to do.

Check out online options

If you dont have access to a brick-and-mortar store (or the thought of going into one is just too much), there are plenty of reputable websites that sell sex accessories.

If youd like a shop that caters to women, Cooper, a certified sex therapist, favors smaller, entrepreneur-led and female-owned sites like Unboundbabes. It has a smaller menu of toys than some of the larger sites so it wont overwhelm you, she says.

If you want a toy that doesnt look like a toy, she recommends Dame Products, which sells sculptural toys that look like works of art. Cooper gives the company high marks for its sophisticated design features, a wide array of pulses on each of its toys and discreet packaging.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

If you saw The Golden Bachelor last year, or any of the shows in ABC's The Bachelor reality show franchise, you know something of what to expect from this first season of The Golden Bachelorette: Among other givens, there will be buckets of tears (OMG, the crying!), agonizingly slow rose ceremonies, laughs and bonding between contestants (minus that one guy who didnt come there to make friends), and sexy nights behind closed doors when things get serious. Then, at the end, the star will give her pick of the litter the Final Rose and theyll live happily ever after (insert eye roll or dreamy smile here, depending on your level of faith in reality show-inspired love).

But were getting ahead of ourselves. The gist of the two-hour debut episode: We were reunited with Joan Vassos, 61, a lovely widow from Rockville, Maryland, who was one of the women vying for Golden Bachelor Gerry Turners apparently fickle heart last year. Now the Golden Bachelorette, Vassos met her bevy of 24 eligible bachelors, then mingled with them at an awkward-looking, testosterone-heavy all-night cocktail party at the L.A. mansion where the men are housed during the shows taping. They each tried to get her alone to impress her with their love-worthiness, before she sent six dudes packing at dawn.

Now off the show:

Bill, 68, a retired videographer from Portland, Oregon; David, 68, a Texas rancher who showed up to greet Vassos on a horse; Ken, 60, whos from Massachusetts and loves Miley Cyrus; Pablo, 63, an EMT volunteer from Maryland; R.J., 66, a California financial adviser; and Thomas, 62, a New York City Fire Department chief who plays the ukulele.

Here are some of the other memorable moments and takeaways from the premiere.

The show  as all of the Bachelor/Bachelorette series do  began with the contestants offering slightly or very cringey meet-cute schticks.

One by one, the men climbed out of their limos to meet Vassos, she of the long blond tresses and glittery golden (get it?) gown. Each had created a greeting meant to help him stand out from the herd. Chock, 60 an insurance exec from Wichita, Kansas, said hed heard she makes a great chicken noodle soup, so, I brought my own  Chock-a-noodle soup, and offered her a taste of it from a jar. (Was it even hot? Ew.) That is delicious! she said.

California chiropractor Bob, 66, walked toward her with a massive video camera, ostensibly filming the experience for his kids (its 2024  use your iPhone, man!).

And everyone, everyone, told her how beautiful she was (she knows, guys, she knows!).

(Left to right) Kelsey Anderson, her father Mark, 57, an Army veteran from Leesville, Louisiana, and Joan Vassos. Disney

The last, "surprise" arrival was Mark, father of Kelsey Anderson, 28  recipient of the final rose and a marriage proposal from Joey Graziadei, 29, on Season 28 of The Bachelor.

Anderson, wearing a shimmering bright green gown, slinked out of her limo to greet Vassos, then introduced her handsome dad, Mark. A widower and Army veteran from Leesville, Louisiana, he's the baby of the group at 57, and actually seems like a pretty cool guy. Plus, hes got a great smile (Id give him a rose for sure).
AARP notched a win for nursing home residents and their families this week by helping to fend off an effort to overturn new federal minimum staffing standards.

A bill that would have rolled back the new requirements advanced in the U.S. House on Sept. 18 but failed to come to a vote ahead of a key deadline. A similar bill in the Senate also failed to advance.

Members only

In April, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the first-ever national staffing standards for federally funded nursing homes. The changes, which AARP championed, were first proposed in September and apply to most of the nations 15,000 nursing homes. They come in response to concerns about safety and the adequacy of care in nursing homes as well as the roughly 188,000 nursing home resident deaths since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.



However, proposed bills in the House and Senate would have blocked the rule from taking effect. The repeal effort follows complaints from the nursing home industry that the standards would be difficult to meet because of a nursing workforce shortage.



Learn How AARP is Fighting for You AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Read more about how we fight for you every day in Congress and across the country.

AARP fought hard to protect the requirements. AARP activists have sent more than 290,000 emails to federal lawmakers in recent weeks, urging them to keep the standards in place.

We will keep fighting against any threats to the safety of nursing home residents, especially when it comes to making sure staffing standards arent cut, Megan OReilly, AARP vice president for health and family, said Friday.

Improved staffing required

The rule requires nursing homes to provide the staffing equivalent of at least 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident per day. That includes 0.55 hours of care from a registered nurse and 2.45 hours of care from a nurses aide each day. It also calls for a registered nurse on-site around the clock, seven days a week, to provide skilled care.




Investor Presentation

Perth, Sep 19, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd ( ASX:PIQ ) is pleased to release a copy of the presentation to be provided by Dr Richard Lipscombe to attendees at the Pitt Street Research Life Sciences Conference, Sydney on 19 September 2024.



*To view the Presentation, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/P2A4JGKQ





About Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd





Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) is a wholly owned subsidiary and trading name of PILL, a medical technology company at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bioanalytical services. The Company specialises in the area of proteomics - the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins. Proteomics International's mission is to improve the quality of lives by the creation and application of innovative tools that enable the improved treatment of disease.

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Lillian Henny Alexander is a candidate for the Harris County 507th Judicial District. Raj Mankad

Family courts can be painful to observe: a procession of divorce cases, child custody battles and protective orders that will test the patience of even the most experienced and compassionate judges.

The human in the black robe on the bench matters. The judge shouldn't compound or prolong anybody's tears or pain or confusion. That's why we like what Lillian Henny Alexander did after she won her Democratic primary election against Judge Julia Maldonado, who had the worst evaluations in the Houston Bar Association's poll of any family court judge. Alexander says she called around to fellow lawyers and asked what they disliked about Maldonado's handling of the 507th District Court, and she determined to do things better if elected.

In our endorsement screening with Alexander, 38, she shared that feedback: her colleagues wanted a judge who would sign off on orders and settlements that two parties agreed upon, without sending them back "looking for loopholes and getting lost in the weeds." They wanted a court that is responsive and accessible, with clerks that were available to answer the phone to answer quick questions and help attorneys navigate a complex family court system. And they want a judge who is efficient and consistent, ensuring that a high volume of cases are processed without depriving clients and their counsel of fairness or justice.

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Describing the court under Maldonado, she said: "There was no consistency day to day, month to month, you had no rhyme or reason, on when a ruling would come, that makes you incompetent to a client, and it's not my job, if I'm elected, to make any attorney or any person there feel incompetent."

2024 ENDORSEMENTS: Browse all recommendations by The Editorial Board

Alexander recalled her own experience with a former family court judge that left an impression. She was a new family court attorney and the first judge she appeared in front of took time to patiently walk Alexander through the finer points of a "prove up" hearing in which parties present a divorce settlement for a judge to review. That moment of mentorship was not only respectful, it's ultimately more efficient. As it turns out, Alexander's model for judicial temperament, former judge Alyssa Lemkuil, is married to her current political opponent.

Republican Daniel Lemkuil, 58, has more years of experience than Alexander. He has been a practicing civil attorney for more than 30 years, he's board certified in family law and was a former associate judge for six years in the 310th Family District Court. He told us during the screening that he ran for this bench specifically to run against Maldonado, but once Alexander had dispatched with her in the primary, he finds himself facing a lawyer who holds similar views on how to improve the bench. Lemkuil agreed with much of Alexander's assessment, but added a few ideas of his own. He stressed the need to lower legal costs, for taxpayers and for families, through greater efficiency. He would conduct more zoom and telephone conference hearings to lower travel costs for attorneys and clients, and he wants to figure out a way to better manage the "pro se" docket  cases where clients represent themselves, usually because they often can't afford a lawyer.

Typically, in races where both candidates are qualified, we might give the nod to the one with more experience. In this case, Alexander's energy, acumen and compassion tipped the scale. She stressed the need to address underlying problems while considering the full context of cases before her. Rather than hold a father in contempt for failing to pay child support and locking him up in jail, sending him to a job training program  earning while you learn  will lead to a better outcome.

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In contrast, Lemkuil emphasizes the need to lower legal costs, for taxpayers and families, through greater efficiency. Sending someone with a long history of failing to pay child support to jail for the weekend, where they will get an invasive "body cavity search," can be an appropriate decision in his view. We prefer Alexander's approach.

Alexander said she does not fancy herself a reformer, intent on pushing to overhaul the policies of the family court system as a whole. If anything, she seems to detest how the judiciary becomes politicized.

"I'm here to follow the law," she said. "I'm not here to turn this into a bout of politics, because that's what we didn't like, even from our Democratic judge who just lost. If you walk forward to me and this is the saddest day of your life, because you realize you're getting a divorce, it's not my time to use your moment to overhaul a system. If I wanted to do that, I'd be a lawmaker."

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We agree. Voters should give Alexander a chance to improve the 507th.
Texas Childrens Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center and the John P. McGovern Texas Medical Center Commons are seen, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Houston. Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag

Unexpectedly lying in an emergency room bed last month, I felt profoundly grateful to live in a place with some of the best hospitals in the entire world. Growing up in Pearland, one of the largest cities in the Houston area, we never doubted our communitys health. Thats because Houston has long been considered a global leader in medical care, with an infrastructure that strives to serve every patient who walks through its doors. But despite the essential role these hospitals play in our lives, they now face escalating financial challenges that, if left unaddressed, could undermine the very foundation of our health care system.

The Houston area boasts more than 85 hospitals, serving 4.8 million patients annually. The Texas Medical Center, at the heart of our city, is a world-class institution, employing more than 106,000 people and providing care for thousands of patients every day. These facilities, alongside other local hospitals, are not just the backbone of Texas health care  they are models of excellence in patient care nationwide.

During my time on the Pearland City Council, I saw firsthand our hospitals profound impact on the community. They are more than health care providers; they are partners in our neighborhoods well-being. Working with local leaders like HCA Healthcare, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and Memorial Hermann Health System, I saw how these institutions partner with local governments and businesses to improve quality of life for all of us. Greater Houston is arguably the most diverse place in the country, and our hospital systems work hard to meet everyones needs, regardless of background or income. In a state with the highest number of uninsured residents in the country, our hospitals go out of their way to provide billions in charity care for those who would otherwise go without.

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But the reality is sobering: A 2022 report from Kaufman Hall, a health care consulting agency, found that nearly 1 out of every 10 Texas hospitals is at serious risk of being forced to close its doors. In 2022, nearly half of Texas hospitals operated at a loss. The reasons are clear  labor costs surged more than 20% since the pandemic while supply costs also continued to increase. Meanwhile, doctors are increasingly pulled away from patient care to navigate a maze of administrative tasks imposed by insurers. These insurers, with their endless prior authorization requests, have created a system where getting care is a frustrating, time-consuming process that harms patients health outcomes. When coverage is delayed or denied, hospitals are left to pick up the financial slack. To make matters worse, Medicare reimbursements fall woefully short of covering the actual costs hospitals incur caring for seniors. In short, just when expenses are highest, local hospitals are being forced to do more than ever before with less support from Washington.

Hospitals have always risen to the challenge, especially when it comes to caring for the most vulnerable among us. Thats why the recent layoffs of nearly 1,000 employees at Texas Children's Hospital were so shocking. This was not just a financial setback  it was a blow to the health of our children. These layoffs could have been prevented with stronger financial support and federal programs designed to sustain the vital care these facilities provide. Now hundreds of health care professionals are out of work and the quality of care at this beloved facility will inevitably suffer. This is not an isolated incident. Similar situations are playing out across the country, putting thousands of health care workers and their patients at risk.

How many more layoffs or closures will it take before we realize we must act to protect and strengthen our hospitals? If we expect our health care facilities to survive and continue providing for our communities, we must provide them with the resources they need. True success comes from investing in the people and places that sustain us, and no institution embodies this commitment more than our hospitals. Their mission is both simple and vital: to keep us safe, healthy and thriving. Its time we invest in their future so they can continue to protect ours.
Abby Church is a City Hall reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at abby.church@houstonchronicle.com.

Before coming to the Chronicle, Abby covered Tarrant County government at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. As an Air Force brat, she spent her childhood everywhere, but she claims Virginia as home. She graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and creative writing.
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has become the founding member of the recently launched Think Tank of The International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS). This initiative is dedicated to fostering self-regulatory engagement, critical thinking, and research to advance responsible advertising worldwide.

The launch event, held in New York yesterday, marked the beginning of a new platform whose goal is to ensure that a wide range of stakeholders - advertising standards bodies (self-regulatory organisations), industry leaders, academic institutions, and other key players - can have a voice and participate in a collective effort to improve advertising practices. Initially, the Global Think Tank will focus on pressing issues like sustainability and the responsible use of AI, with plans to address additional topics as the Think Tank grows in capacity and becomes fully operational.

As digital technologies, including AI, continue to reshape the advertising landscape, and environmental and societal challenges increasingly influence media, marketing, and communities, there is a growing need for advertising that works better - not just for individuals, but also for the industry, communities, and society at large.

ICAS President, Guy Parker, stated: "Were truly excited to launch the ICAS Global Think Tank. Were confident it will provide the platform we need to address some of the most pressing issues facing the advertising sector today, generating insights that will help inform evidence-based policymaking, elevate ad standards and ultimately benefit people and communities worldwide. We are delighted that many associations and companies have already committed to supporting this initiative, and we look forward to welcoming even more members and stakeholders to the Think Tank in the months and years ahead."

Manisha Kapoor, CEO & Seceretary General, ASCI and ICAS Vice President stated: ASCI via its ASCI Academy is very honored to be a founding member of the ICAS Global Think Tank. As issues around advertising regulation get more complex, it is important that we all put together our minds and resources to support this initiative. We look forward to meaningful discussions and outcomes that will help build consumer trust and confidence in brands and advertising.

This initiative is aligned with ASCI Academys work on thought leadership. The other founding members and supporters of the Global Think Tank, include self-regulatory organisations, industry associations and industry members such as:

Ad Standards, Australia

Advertising Association (AA UK)

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA UK)

Advertising Standards Authority Ireland (ASA Ireland)

Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)

Asociaci?ara la Autorregulaci?e la Comunicaci?omercial (AUTOCONTROL), Spain

Associa Brasileira de Anunciantes (ABA)

European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA)

Google

ASCI will work with other partners to discuss and debate new ideas and best practices that will prove beneficial to the industry and strengthen consumer protection.
BL Agro, one of Indias leading FMCG brands, launched a new television commercial (TVC) for Nourish Pulses. The TVC was premiered on the opening day of World Food India 2024 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi by Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of MoFPI.

The TVC is conceptualized and produced by Leads Brand Connect, a leading creative agency headquartered in Noida. It portrays how Nourish Pulses combine convenience, health, and affordability to cater to the needs of todays modern households who value both quality and practicality.

The advertisement opens with a heart-warming exchange between a mother, played by renowned actress Himani Shivpuri and daughter. As the mother unpacks groceries, she reprimands her daughter for not bringing containers to store the pulses. The daughter proudly explains that containers arent necessary because Nourish Pulses come in innovative zipper-lock packaging. The packs can be sealed securely after every use, keeping the pulses fresh and protected. This simple exchange highlights the convenience and thoughtfulness behind Nourishs packaging, making everyday life easier for busy families.

Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director of BL Agro, commented on the new TVC, saying, We wanted to bring a shift in the brand image of Nourish and make it stand out - for the superior quality and the practical convenience. Our special zipper-lock packaging ensures that pulses stay fresh without the need for additional storage. Its a smart and practical solution for todays busy households.

The ad further emphasises that Nourish Pulses are 100% unpolished, free from artificial colours or oils that are often used to make products appear more appealing. Instead, the pulses retain their natural texture, flavour, and taste, offering a healthier and more authentic choice. The vacuum-packed feature prevents moisture from seeping in. It guarantees that the pulses remain fresh and dry, reinforcing the brands commitment to premium quality.

Richa Khandelwal, Managing Director of Leads Brand Connect, and the creative force behind the TVC, commented on the vision for the campaign: Consumers are becoming more conscious about what they eat, and Nourish Pulses fit perfectly into that mindset. Our goal was to create an ad that presented the same. We wanted it to connect with the audience on a personal level. So, we conceptualised a relatable story that highlighted how Nourish Pulses deliver convenience, quality, and nutritionall at an affordable price. The packaging innovation is at the heart of this message, and were proud to have brought that vision to life for BL Agro.The launch of the TVC also aligns with the revamped image of the Nourish brand, which reinforces its core commitment to quality, hygiene, and nutrition for all. Through this new branding direction, Nourish seeks to assure consumers that its products offer the highest standards of health and safety, from sourcing to packaging.

The campaign was aired on all social media platforms to begin the new era of brand image. A refreshed image that appeals to the health-conscious modern family as it delivers nutrition-packed products that are convenient and affordable.
Cheil India has just unveiled an upbeat youth anthem that perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of Gen Z, while highlighting the standout features of Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 5G.

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are versatile smartphones with a range of innovative features such as circle to search, IP67 rating, Nightography, Samsung Knox Vault, and Samsung Wallet. Circle to Search with Google is now available on Galaxy A55 & Galaxy A35 5G. Simply circle an image or a text and know more about it. The IP67 rating is designed to safeguard your device against dust and accidental water spills. The new A55 A35 captures awesome photos even in low-light. The improved triple cameras absorb more light for bright, sharp, and accurate colours with low noise at night to give you vivid Nightography with vibrant colours & details. Samsung Knox Vault combines a Secure Processor with a brand-new security memory chip to safely store and maintain the most important information in separated and isolated locations, thus providing strong security guarantees against both software and hardware attacks. Samsung Galaxy A-series also brings the revolutionary Samsung Wallet with the Galaxy A35 & A55. This gives the millions of digital payments users in India a completely safe, secure & convenient new way to pay.

Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India said, "Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 5G epitomize Samsung's commitment to enhancing user experiences through democratization of innovation, product experience, and affordability. Our awesome anthem highlights how these devices empower Gen Z to elevate their experiences and embrace their full potential."

This peppy musical celebrates those who love to live boldly, and settle for nothing less than awesome. The film follows a lively bunch of friends ready to seize the day. Throughout their journey, Galaxy A55 and A35 5G's remarkable features such as Private Share, IP67 rating, Durability, Nightography and Samsung Wallet enhance their adventures, making each moment unforgettable.

With its infectious rhythm, captivating dance moves, and demonstration of top-notch features, the anthem is a celebration of awesomeness, and serves as a rallying cry for the younger audience.

Sharing his insights about the campaign, Vikash Chemjong (CCO, Cheil India) said, With a new smartphone being launched every other day, how do we get our Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 5G phones in the hands of Gen Z? Well, how about putting our song on their lips, and showcasing how for every crazy adventure they indulge in, we've got an awesome feature for it."
Authored by Dr. Hitesh Kalro, Associate Professor and Area Chairperson Marketing, SVKM's NMIMS, School of Business Management

In the fast-evolving landscape of education, the next five years promise a blend of challenges and opportunities for education marketers. As education becomes increasingly digital, personalized, and accessible, marketing strategies must adapt to keep pace with shifting student expectations, technological advancements, and market dynamics. As the world embraces digital solutions, educational institutions face the daunting task of standing out in a crowded online marketplace. With students bombarded by digital ads, emails, and social media content, cutting through the noise requires innovation and precision.

Hyper-Personalization is the key

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics offers educational marketers the chance to tailor their messaging like never before. Hyper-personalizationwhere content, ads, and recommendations are crafted for individual learnerscan significantly improve engagement and conversion rates. By leveraging data on student behaviour, interests, and preferences, institutions can create marketing experiences that feel uniquely relevant, increasing the likelihood of enrolment.

Global Competition & Strategy

With online education transcending geographical boundaries, institutions are now competing for students on a global scale. This presents a challenge, particularly for smaller universities and local colleges, which may find it harder to attract international learners against the backdrop of well-established global giants. To stand out in the global marketplace, institutions must focus on niche areas of specialization. By developing and marketing unique programs that cater to specific career paths, emerging industries, or underserved learner populations, educational institutions can carve out a distinctive brand identity. For example, focusing on sectors like AI, climate change, or health tech can attract students interested in cutting-edge knowledge that mainstream institutions may overlook.

Flexible & lifelong learning

Todays students seek flexible, on-demand education, making traditional marketing strategies less effective. They favor online learning, micro-credentials, and self-paced courses. To stay relevant, educational institutions should highlight the flexibility of their offerings, such as stackable courses and professional certifications. Positioning as a lifelong learning partner can attract both young learners and professionals.

With peer experiences driving decisions over institutional claims, marketing should focus on authentic testimonials and community engagement to build trust and influence. Marketers can amplify student voices by encouraging testimonials, leveraging alumni success stories, and building vibrant online communities. Featuring user-generated content, such as student blogs, vlogs, and social media takeovers, can create authentic connections with prospective learners. Additionally, fostering a strong alumni network can serve as a long-term marketing asset, showcasing real-world success stories that future students find credible.

VR, AR & AI to drive change

As new technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and AI reshape the educational landscape, marketers must stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant. However, the speed of technological advancements can be overwhelming for institutions with limited resources.

Technologies like VR and AR offer innovative ways to engage prospective students. Virtual campus tours, immersive program previews, and interactive course demos can bring the educational experience to life, particularly for students who cannot visit in person. By integrating these technologies into their marketing strategies, educational institutions can offer a unique, hands-on glimpse into what they have to offer, making their offerings more compelling.

The Road Ahead

Education marketing in the next five years will be a combination of agility and innovation. Institutions must ride the wave of digital transformation, tune into evolving student desires, and stay ahead of tech trends. The secret sauce? Building genuine connections, championing flexibility, and aligning with todays social values. The winners will be those who blend their core mission with a bold, adaptable approach, turning todays challenges into tomorrows triumphs. Embrace the future with authenticity and relevance to attract and retain the learners of tomorrow.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.
Google has successfully appealed a significant antitrust fine imposed by the European Commission five years ago. The European General Court annulled the 1.5 billion penalty, citing errors in the Commissions assessment of the company's advertising contracts.

The Commission had argued that Googles contracts with publishers hindered innovation, solidified its market dominance, and harmed consumers. However, the court found that the Commission failed to provide sufficient evidence to support these claims.

Timeline of Events:

In 2019, the Commission fined Google for imposing restrictive contracts on third-party websites using its AdSense platform. These contracts prevented these websites from displaying ads from Googles competitors alongside Google search results.

Google appealed the fine, arguing that the Commission had made material errors of analysis. This marked the third major antitrust penalty against the Alphabet-owned company by the EU in the last decade.

Google has since changed its contracts to address the Commissions concerns. A Google spokesperson stated that the company is pleased with the courts decision and that the case involved a limited number of text-only search ads placed on a subset of publishers websites.

Ongoing Investigations

While Google has won this particular case, it faces ongoing antitrust investigations in the EU and the US. The EU is investigating whether Google favours its own ad technology services and is also examining its compliance with the Digital Markets Act. In the US, the Department of Justice and state Attorneys General are investigating Googles dominance in the ad tech market.

Also read:

Googles Ad Empire Under Fire: Landmark Antitrust Trial Begins

Key Points:
The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) is poised to elect M V Shreyams Kumar as its new president for a one-year term, during its 85th Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 27, 2024. Currently serving as Deputy President of INS, Kumar is expected to succeed Rakesh Sharma, who held the presidency for the 2023-24 term. Kumar, Managing Director of Mathrubhumi newspaper and a former member of the Janata Dal (United) party, joined Mathrubhumi in 2000 as Director of Marketing and Electronic Media. He holds a PGDBA from Kings Langley College of Management, London.

The AGMs agenda will focus on financial and administrative matters, including the adoption of the Annual Report and Audited Accounts for the year ending March 31, 2024. Additionally, the re-appointment of M/s. Khanna & Annadhanam as Statutory Auditors for a five-year term and the election of new members to the Executive Committee will also be addressed.
The Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) & Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), Urban Affairs Department has announced the launch of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 at Shillong to strengthen voluntarism and collective action for Swachh Bharat and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The Swachhata Hi Seva fortnight will be observed from September 17th to October 2nd with the theme of Swabhav Swachhata - Sanskaar Swachhata.

Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Honble Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya & Minister In-charge, Urban Affairs Department stressed on the importance of a clean environment and the responsibility of each citizen to play their part in ensuring a clean environment. He highlighted that the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched by Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, is a crucial programme that requires public participation to succeed.

During the programme, Honble Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that the Urban Department has allocated significant funds for infrastructure development, including Rs 5.8 crore for footpath renovation in Iew Duh and a proposed Rs 15 crore for upgrading the traditional market. The revamped market will feature separate sections for vegetables, wet markets, and clothing. Moreover, Dhar also shared his vision to make Meghalaya one of Indias top tourism destinations within five years, emphasising the importance of cleanliness in achieving this goal. This aligns with the Swachh Bharat Missions objectives, which include improving health, safety, dignity, and economic benefits for citizens.

Smti. R. M Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, highlighted that as citizens it is our responsibility to take the pledge to ensure that cleanliness is maintained, while also introspecting on what can be done for the country. She talked about the working conditions of sanitation workers and dignity of labour, raising awareness that they should be respected for the work done. Smti Kurbah mentioned that 70 e-vehicles have been earmarked by the government out of which 67 has been received and are functional, that will be carrying wastes from households.

To mark the launch of the Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) 2024, the Swachhata pledge was also administered today.

The objective of SHS 2024 is to facilitate large-scale advocacy and citizen participation for swachhata, mega cleanliness drives & clearing of dirty and difficult garbage spots (black spots), recognise the contribution of sanitation workers, celebrate the achievements over the past decade, and reaffirm our commitment to the future of sanitation and sustainable waste management in India.

Shri J. P. Lakiang, MCS, Joint Secretary and Mission Director, Swacch Bharat Mission Grameen remarked that the presence of everyone in the programme reflects the collective commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness and hygiene which forms the bedrock of a healthy and progressive society. The Swachh Bharat Mission has always been not only a sanitation initiative but a movement in transforming our lifestyles and instilling values that elevate communities, he said.

As part of SHS 2024, three pillars of activities are being carried out-Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) - Shramdaan activities aimed at the time-bound transformation of target units and general cleanliness. Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari - Promoting public participation, awareness, and advocacy. Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs - Conducting preventive health checkups and providing social security coverage for sanitation workers.

Dignitaries present at the programme were Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Honble Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya in-charge, Urban Affairs Department; Smti. R. M Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills; Shri P. K. Boro, MCS Joint Secretary, Government of Meghalaya & CEO, Shillong Municipal Board; Shri J. P. Lakiang, MCS, Joint Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, PHE & Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, Meghalaya, Shri K Kharumnuid, Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), Meghalaya, Urban Affairs Department and other officials and dignitaries of allied departments. Also, Present at the programme were students and teachers from different schools and colleges, NCC cadets, village headmen and SHG members were also present.
Havas Media Network has appointed Rebecca Tos as Managing Partner for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) of Consumer Science & Analytics (CSA), its global data and technology consultancy, which is now being introduced in the ANZ market. Previously, Tos led Havas Media Market, a role that will now be taken over by National Head of Partnerships and Adtech, Kevin Fernandes. In her new position, Tos will continue to be part of the Havas Media Leadership team.

In this expanded role, Tos will oversee CSAs launch across Australia and New Zealand, where Havas had acquired Catchi in 2018. She will lead the initiative to support marketers in providing high-value business solutions.

Virginia Hyland, CEO of Havas Media Network, praised Tos, stating: Rebecca is a rare talent within our industry with a sharp focused mind that can unpack and develop business solutions for clients with compelling results. Rebecca has successfully led and grown businesses in her previous roles of Managing Director, Merkle and CEO of Columbus. She more recently served in key Advisor roles to data and tech businesses across APAC. She will play a pivotal role working with our Havas Village agencies and our clients to support our continued global focus creating better ways to unlock insights and improve consumer experiences when engaging with companies, building data homes that connect audience movements and activate campaigns.

Hyland added that marketers face growing challenges, especially with tight budgets and stretched teams. She emphasized Rebeccas importance in fostering client partnerships, saying, Rebecca will play a key role in leaning into our clients businesses in a true partnership extension.

Regarding her new position, Rebecca Tos expressed her enthusiasm: Being a data native myself, working with a team who thrive on solving problems with data and technology each day, is a very rewarding space to be. Our partners truly value how we think and operate in their ecosystem, which at times is unique, complex and challenging. Im particularly excited about the significant global investment were making to accelerate our capability even faster and being a part of that story.

Also Read:Rebecca Ingram appointed as GM PR and Major Events, Tourism New Zealand
Vikram Chandratrey, formerly the Director of Marketing for Mondelez International in Indonesia and Head of Innovation and Equity for Southeast Asia, has joined Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL) as Vice President of Marketing for the ready-to-drink (RTD) category in India. Effective from September 16, Chandratrey relocated from Jakarta to Gurugram to lead the marketing efforts for brands like Himalayan Water, Tata Gluco+, and Tata Copper+.

At Mondelez, Chandratrey spent over 11 years, working extensively on well-known products such as Cadbury and Oreo. He has now been succeeded by Lucas Levy, the former Marketing Head for Dove Hair in Southeast Asia at Unilever, who will take on the role of Regional Marketing Head.
Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology

Berne/Zurich, 19.09.2024 - The new members of the Executive Board have been appointed in connection with the inauguration of the new President of EPFL, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, as of 1 January 2025. In addition, the ETH Board has granted EPFLs request to limit the number of students with foreign educational qualifications admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme.

On 27 March 2024 the Federal Council appointed Anna Fontcuberta i Morral as the next President of EPFL. She will succeed Martin Vetterli on 1 January 2025. Anna Fontcuberta i Morral made a presentation to the ETH Board regarding the future organisation of EPFL and the composition of its Executive Board. The latter will include six Vice Presidencies, of which two are new: a Vice Presidency for Support to Strategic Initiatives and a Vice Presidency for Human Development.

The ETH Board has made four new appointments to the EPFL Executive Board, to take effect on 1 January 2025: Ambrogio Fasoli, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Stephanie Lacour, Vice President for Support to Strategic Initiatives, Edouard Bugnion, Vice President for Innovation, and Marianne Wannier, Vice President for Human Development. The Vice Presidents for Finances, Francoise Bommensatt, and for Operations, Matthias Gaumann, will continue in post, thus ensuring stability for EPFL in these areas.

Professor Ambrogio Fasoli is a Full Professor in the School of Basic Sciences (SB), former Director of the Swiss Plasma Center at EPFL and CEO of the European Consortium for the Development of Fusion Energy, EUROfusion. In addition, he is Provost Delegate of EPFL, having served as Associate Vice President for Research from January 2021 to February 2024.

Professor Stephanie P. Lacour is a Full Professor in the School of Engineering (STI) at EPFL; a renowned specialist in neurotechnology, she has won numerous awards and prizes for her research. From 2018 to 2022 she was a member of the EPFL Committee for Academic Evaluation. She has been a member of the EPFL Academic Strategic Committee since July 2023.

Professor Edouard Bugnion is a Full Professor in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC) at EPFL. He has gained valuable experience in the area of innovation and technology transfer and maintains close links with Swiss and international industry. Having served as Vice President for Information Systems between 2017 and 2020, he has already played an important part in the governance of EPFL.

Marianne Wannier is currently the interim Head of Human Resources at EPFL. After working in the private and non-governmental sector, from 2008 to 2019 she was Head of Human Resources for the EPFL School of Engineering (STI), the Space Center and the Integrative Food and Nutrition Center. From 2019 to 2023 she was Head of Human Resources at the Swiss Federal Roads Authority in Bern.

The ETH Board also took note of the departure of Gisou van der Goot, Vice President for Responsible Transformation, and Ursula Oesterle, Vice President for Innovation, and thanked them for their valuable services.

Cap on admissions to EPFL of students with foreign educational qualifications

From the autumn semester 2025, a cap will be placed on the number of foreign students with foreign educational qualifications admitted to the EPFL Bachelor's degree programme. The ETH Board took this decision at its meeting in the wake of consultations both within the ETH Domain and with the federal administration. Persons who hold a Swiss passport or a Swiss Matura are not affected by the cap on admissions and continue to have free access. The number of places for foreign students with foreign educational qualifications (such as the German Abitur or the French Baccalaureat) admitted as first-year Bachelor's students will be capped at an annual total of 3000. Admission will be granted according to the candidates' ability. This cap on admissions will apply up to and including the autumn semester 2028. It may be extended, depending on how the situation develops. The cap is being brought in at the request of the EPFL Executive Board. Due to the continued growth in student numbers, the Executive Board has identified a shortage of capacity which poses a significant risk to teaching quality at EPFL.

Strong growth in student numbers brings challenges

The ETH Board notes the continuing strong growth in student numbers at both Federal Institutes of Technology. For the autumn semester 2024, ETH Zurich has received 13% more enrolments for Bachelor's degrees compared with last year, 80% being from Switzerland. A similar increase is emerging for Master's students. EPFL also continues to see high growth in student numbers, at 5%. In one sense this is very gratifying, since our country needs a well-qualified workforce. On the other hand, the gap between the funding available to the two Federal Institutes of Technology and the number of students taught continues to widen. The student/teacher ratio is therefore steadily deteriorating, and with it the quality of the education provided. Despite the various measures introduced by the two Federal Institutes of Technology and the four research institutes (such as the suspension of investments in research on health, digitalisation, the environment and agriculture, as well as the cap on admissions to EPFL and the recruitment freeze), the ETH Domain will not be able to compensate for the lack of federal resources - even if the institutions run down their reserves even faster than at present. According to the current plan, the reserves will stand at no more than CHF 300 million or so by the end of the ERI period 2025-2028. This is CHF 1.2 billion less than at the end of 2019.

Address for enquiries

Christoph Leuenberger

Deputy Head of Communications

Haldeliweg 15, CH-8092 Zurich

christoph.leuenberger@ethrat.ch

+41 58 856 86 24

Publisher

Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology

https://www.ethrat.ch/en




People in Lebanon are now afraid of everyday devices people cannot live without these days, particularly ones you use to communicate. This comes after two successful blasts have rocked the Asian nation involving pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to members of Hezbollah.

The pager blast killed 16 members of Hezbollah, while the walkie-talkie blast killed at least 20 people as of press time. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, are among those injured in the pager attack.

Everyday Devices are Now Feared

In an interview with CNN, Los Angeles Times Middle East Bureau Chief Nabih Bulos said that people in Lebanon are now afraid of everyday devices in the wake of the two attacks.

"Just to give you a sense of the rumors we've been hearing, there are all these messages circulating for people telling people to shut off their wi-fi routers or take out batteries from certain devices," Bulos said in the interview.

"There really is a fear of the normal items you have at home," Bulos added.

Read Also : 7 Old Technology That We're Glad Has Improved

Pager, Walkie-Talkie Blasts Target Hezbollah Members

The twin deadly attacks began Tuesday after hundreds of pagers owned by Hezbollah members suddenly exploded simultaneously. According to a report, these pagers are new and were just purchased in recent months.

This attack was followed by another one the next day, which targeted walkie-talkies this time around. Both attacks have been blamed on Israel, and there are now fears that a third attack will take place on Thursday.

Israel has refused to publicly comment on both attacks. However, Hezbollah has already pledged to retaliate.
Are bats creepy or cute? Alabamas own The Bat Lady can help you decide -- and the answer is probably going to be cute. Her Batty for Bats program has helped educate thousands of children and adults alike across the state about bats by giving them an up-close look at the flying creatures.

Auburn resident Vicky Beckham Smith worked as an environmental educator for 25 years at The Birmingham Zoo, Auburn University Outreach and more prior to starting A-Z Animals in 2003, and while she offers programs on a wide variety of topics, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, fossils, manatees and more, its her Batty about Bats presentation that has become the most popular and has garnered her the nickname as The Bat Lady.

Smith said she first developed an interest in bats when she was a child and witnessed one being captured. Even then, she said she was eager to disapprove the many misconceptions many people believe about the creatures.

I fell in love with bats after seeing one at age seven when a janitor at a church had hit him with a broom and put him in a jar, said Smith. I was fascinated while the adults were all saying it had rabies. I argued with them and ran to get an encyclopedia to prove them wrong. They wouldnt listen and the poor little bat was tossed into the trash. It was many years later when I was volunteering at The Birmingham Zoo that I got to work with bats, and in 2003, I got my first little bats to care for and use in education programs.

Today, Smith has four fruit bats and two big brown bats in her care, but she has taken care of many more over the past two decades, and while she said shes cared for a variety of different species of bats, there were a few that became favorites to her.

Eufaula resident Vicky Beckham Smith popular Batty about Bats educational program has garnered her the nickname as The Bat Lady. She has helped rehabilitate a variety of different species of bats over the past two decades. (Photo contributed by Vicky Beckham Smith)Vicky Beckham Smith

One of my favorite little bats was severely injured by fireworks, said Smith. A family found him in their backyard on July 5. In order to save his life, the vet that they carried it to had to amputate his wing so, of course, he couldnt go back to the wild. Sparky lived with me and did education programs for nine years.

Smiths education program, which reaches around 5,000 people each year, details the different aspects of bats and their importance to our environment as well as debunks many common myths about them, but its the presentation of her live bats that piques her audiences interest the most.

Everyone is always so excited to meet the bats up-close since they are presented in a safe way, said Smith. I am rabies vaccinated, and so are my bats. My Egyptian Fruit Bats do come out of the cage on my gloved hands for everyone to get a closer look. Many people are surprised to see how cute they are, saying that they have a dog like face. The native bats are usually sleeping through the program and people are often surprised how small they are when they are full grown.

Smith, who is also a member of the Alabama Bat Working Group in addition to several other environmental groups, said shes hopeful that attendees of her program will leave with a better understanding of bats as well as the important role they play in the ecosystem of our state.

We now officially have 16 species of bats in Alabama, Smith said. They Alabama Bat Working Group recently held a Bat Blitz in Jackson County to specifically see if we could find Eastern Small footed bats in Alabama, and we did! I was on the team that caught one -- that was pretty exciting to be there to see and help document that, in fact, this bat does live in Alabama. All 16 species of Alabama bats are insect eaters, so they eat bugs that bug us, bugs that harm our farmers crops and our forests.

If youre interested in seeing Smiths bats for yourself, youre in luck. Alabama State Parks is hosting three events this year featuring bat presentations by Smith as part of their Bats, Bugs, Biodiversity: Connecting Children to State Parks program for kids. The next event will take place on Sept. 28 at Roland Cooper State Park in Camden while the following two will happen on Oct. 26 at Desoto State Park in Fort Payne and Nov. 3 at Rickwood Caverns State Park in Warrior. Smith also books programs through schools, libraries, camps and other organizations.

To find out more, visit the A-Z Animals Facebook page.
A group that gives Alabama high school and college students opportunities to develop data skills in science and engineering through summer internships with companies around the state is gearing up for its second year.

Alabama Data Scholars, an internship and skill-building initiative powered by QuantHub, celebrated the graduation of their first group of Data Scholars this summer at QuantHubs headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.

The new program, composed this year of 26 Scholars, has transformed the future of tech talent in Alabama by equipping high school students with innovative skills in data science, analytics, and AI through direct, hands-on experience, according to a statement from Data Scholars. Partnered with a mix of corporate partners, innovative startups, tech companies, and nonprofit and government entities, Alabama Data Scholars offers Alabama high school students from across the state a rare opportunity to gain 21st-century skills through paid internships, all before graduating high school, according to the statement.

We want to let students see rural opportunities relating to data and technology, Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager, Alabama Department of Commerce, said in a statement for the 2024 program. We will be using our interns at Commerce to help track our Salesforce projects and information, clean up records, do reporting and go on industry visits as a bonus.We are completely impressed with the young lady we will be working with.

Interns in 2024 were placed with 21 innovative employers throughout the state, including Energy Alabama, Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA), BlackBelt Technologies (BBT Connects), Southern Company, Protective Life Insurance, EBSCO Information Services, Altec and many more. These organizations provided an environment where scholars could develop skills in AI and machine learning, data analysis, data visualization, business analytics, Power BI, Python, and SQL by participating in hands-on projects.

Alabama high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates are eligible to participate if over 16 at the time of internship start. Signed parental consent is required for applicants under 18. The first group of 2024 Alabama Data Scholars were competitively selected from a pool of finalists and placed into internships with innovative organizations leveraging data.

Data Scholars, according to the program, are determined based on a combination of factors including interest in data science careers and data skills development, academics and extracurricular involvement, engagement in QuantHub, and a demonstrated desire to innovate and drive positive change in Alabama.

Registration for organizations willing to host the paid summer internships for 2025 is underway; Nov. 1 is the deadline for priority registrations. Student applications begin Dec. 1. After this process, the intern candidates are reviewed and selected in Mid-February of 2025.

Sessions for college undergraduate interns are 12 weeks - between May 12 and Aug. 1, 2025. Sessions for high school interns are 8 weeks and between June 9 and Aug. 1, 2025, according to the program. Quanthub assumes general liability and secures signed parental consent documentation for all applicants and interns under 18.
An investigation into the deaths of a Decatur couple point toward the incident being a murder-suicide, according to police.

The preliminary results of an autopsy conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences indicate that Jonathan Wayne Dawes, 44, shot his wife, Stephanie Miller Tribble, 60, before turning the weapon on himself.

According to the Decatur Police Department, officers conducted a wellness check at the couples home in the 1800-block of 5th Avenue Southwest on Sept. 6.

Officers found Dawes and Tribble dead inside the house with apparent gunshot wounds.

The investigation into their deaths is still ongoing.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Nearly two dozen former employees of Mohamed Al-Fayed  father of Princess Dianas partner Dodi Fayed, who died alongside the royal in 1997  are accusing the late billionaire of having raped or otherwise sexually assaulted them.

The former owner of Harrods, who died at 94 in August 2023, allegedly raped as many as five women, with over 20 female former staffers accusing him of sexual assault or rape across multiple continents, BBC reports.

The alleged attacks took place in London, Paris, St. Tropez and Abu Dhabi.

The allegations are aired in the outlets documentary and podcast, Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods, in which the famed London luxury department store is accused of having helped to cover up the allegations against Fayed.

Lawyer Bruce Drummond, whose legal team represents several of the accusers, told BBC the spiders web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark.

Former staffers said Fayeds alleged predatory behavior was an open secret, and many of his accusers came forward when he was still alive.

We all watched each other walk through that door thinking, you poor girl, its you today, and feeling utterly powerless to stop it, said one woman.

He actively cultivated fear. If he said jump, employees would ask, how high? said another.

One woman added that the culture of fear knew no bounds and was present from the lowliest of the low, to the most senior person at Harrods.

Five of the accusers said they were raped, while several others who alleged assault said Fayed had attempted to rape them.

Working at Harrods allegedly included invasive sexual health tests. Though they were performed by doctors, the results were sent to Fayed but not the women involved.

Eamon Coyle, who served at multiple levels of security at Harrods, said his duties included listening to recorded calls and that Fayed bugged everybody that he wanted to bug.

The Harrods of today is a very different organization to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do, the current owners said in a statement to BBC, condemning Fayed.

Other outlets have tried to previously air allegations against Fayed, with a 1995 Vanity Fair expose accusing him of sexual misconduct and culminating in a libel lawsuit and settlement. Other attempts were made by ITV two years later and Channel 4 in 2017.

Harrods last summer began settling civil suits brought against them by more than a dozen accusers.

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2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The air still smelled of smoke a day after a fire destroyed parts of a large homeless encampment in Huntsville.

City officials said there were no injuries or deaths resulting from the fire on Tuesday at the encampment on Derrick Street, the only approved place for the homeless to set up tents in Alabamas biggest city. Huntsvilles department of community development estimates that 10 individuals are directly affected by the fire.

Tammy Dudley, 48, who has been living at the encampment for more than two years, said all of her belongings were destroyed in the fire, including a new tent she was planning to put up.

Everything I had was in there, Dudley told AL.com. All my stuff was in my friends tent. He lost his tent and everything, and I lost all my clothes and everything.

She estimated that the fire might have affected closer to two dozen people.

Nonprofit organizations working with the homeless said many people have rallied with increased support for residents of the encampment, which houses between 100 and 200 people at a time.

Everybody in the community has stepped up and really reached out to groups like us and said, How can I help? said Chad Rodriquez, executive director for Huntsville-based nonprofit FirstStop. Weve had nonstop communications from our existing donors, new donors, other partner organizations. And really, it has been special to see how everybody stepped up to help our unhoused friends.

Were just thankful that nobody was hurt, he added. Thats the biggest thing of this.

Dan Wilkerson, the Huntsville fire marshal, said four tents were involved.

Evidence indicates that two individuals got into an argument, which culminated with a tent being set on fire, Wilkerson added in an email. There were no explosive devices or propane tanks involved. The total number of affected people is unknown as many of the camp residents left when first responders arrived.

Andrew Hazel is the operational manager for northern Alabama with ShowerUp, an organization that provides mobile hygiene services for the homeless community. He said the nonprofit has had a tremendous outpouring of support.

Hazel said people have ordered supplies using the Amazon wishlist on its website and have donated cash.

Rodriquez said several clients at First Stops day center were affected by the fire and now need tents, tarps, sleeping bags, socks, underwear, and hygiene products.

Really, anything in that vein of thinking is going to be helpful, because thats what people will need just to get over the immediate need, but also to help sustain them long-term, he said.

Huntsvilles community development department encourages people to bring supplies to First Stop, located at 206 Stokes St., and not directly to the camp.
Shots rang out in a park on Birminghams Southside late Wednesday, leaving one man dead.

South Precinct officers responded about 10:40 p.m. to a call of gunfire and people running in Brother Bryan Park on Magnolia Avenue.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said police found the victim unresponsive in the park. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene.

The man was found in the northwest corner of the park, closest to 21st Street and 10th Avenue South.

Witnesses reported hearing shots fired and saw people running away from the park, but they did not see the actual shooting, Wade said. They called 911.

Wade said the victim did not have any identification on him. Though the park is popular with transients, she said there was no indication the victim was a transient.

Its possible that the people witnesses saw running from the park were the suspects, she said.

A man was fatally shot inside Brother Bryan Park on Birmingham's Southside on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.(Carol Robinson)

No arrests have been made.

The deadly shooting was one of two on Wednesday. Earlier, a man was found fatally shot in southwest Birmingham street.

There have been three homicides in the city in five days. On Friday, a contract worker for the Birmingham Housing Authorities was shot to death in Collegeville.

The victim is Birminghams 115th homicide this year. Of those, eight have been ruled justifiable and two happened in previous years and died in 2024.

In all of Jefferson County, there have been 147 homicides including the 115 in Birmingham.

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
When Hurricane Francine made landfall last week in Louisiana, there was hope that some of the rain from the storm would help battle Alabamas drought.

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor was released on Thursday, and it shows where Francines rain helped with the drought  and where it did not.

The Drought Monitor compiles a look at drought conditions nationwide every week. The report is created on Tuesday and released on Thursdays. Drought conditions are classified from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought).

The overall picture is that most of Alabama remains in some level of drought.

However, there were some substantial gains in the past week.

* The percentage of Alabama in Level 2 (severe) drought decreased from 43.03 percent last week to 7.58 percent this week.

* Level 1 drought fell from 99.70 percent last week to 65.70 this week.

* The area in Level 0 drought (classified as abnormally dry) decreased ever so slightly from 100 percent last week to 99.16 percent this week.

* There was also a slight increase in the area considered not in drought  it went from zero last week to 0.84 percent not in drought this week.

But the news wasnt all good. A small area of Level 3 (extreme) drought in north Alabama grew slightly from 0.34 percent last week to 0.64 percent this week.

Francine and its remnant circulation brought rain to parts of the state starting on Wednesday and lasting into last weekend.

Sept. 14 and 15 had the biggest amounts, but only for parts of the state.

The Drought Monitor noted that daily-record amounts for Sept. 14 totaled 4.72 inches in Muscle Shoals and 3.63 inches in Birmingham.

Heres the National Weather Services daily rainfall plot for Sept. 14 (last Saturday):

Parts of Alabama got some decent rain on Sept. 14.NWS

Heres the observed rainfall from Sept. 15:

A rain band from the remnants of Francine caused rain to add up from northwest to southeast Alabama on Sept. 15.NWS

The rain has since ended for most of the state, and the rest of the week will have lower rain chances, according to National Weather Service forecasts.

Rain chances arent expected to climb -- and they wont climb much -- for parts of the state until about a week from now.

However, there is hope for some rain in the not-so-immediate future. The Climate Prediction Centers six- to 10-day precipitation outlook suggest Alabama will have elevated chances for above-average rainfall from Sept. 24-28 (next Tuesday through Saturday):

Alabama will have slightly elevated chances for above-average rainfall next week.Climate Prediction Center

Forecasters will also be keeping an eye on the Gulf of Mexico next week, when a tropical depression could form and track northward:
Vice President Kamala Harris will return to Atlanta on Friday to highlight her support for expanded abortion rights and link the deaths of two Georgia women who died after complications from abortion pills to former President Donald Trumps policies.

A Harris official said the Democratic nominee plans to address the deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, both of whom died shortly after Georgias anti-abortion limits took effect following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion.

Democrats are intensifying their focus on GOP positions on abortion as November nears, with polls in Georgia and other battleground states showing broad support for expanding access to the procedure.

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll released Wednesday shows Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck in Georgia, a state Republicans see as a linchpin in their 2024 strategy. Roughly one in 10 likely Georgia voters see abortion as the biggest influence on their vote.

Anti-abortion advocates say the deaths are tragic, but they say the abortion pills the women used to terminate their pregnancies  and, in one instance, the negligence of medical providers  are what caused the deaths.

Thurman, whose death was first reported by ProPublica, died after waiting 20 hours for a hospital for treatment. Harris has said her death is the consequence of Trumps anti-abortion stance. He appointed three U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump now argues that states should have the final say on abortion laws.

This young mother should be alive, raising her son, and pursuing her dream of attending nursing school, Harris said of Thurman in a statement earlier this week.

Women are bleeding out in parking lots, turned away from emergency rooms, losing their ability to ever have children again. Survivors of rape and incest are being told they cannot make decisions about what happens next to their bodies. And now women are dying, she said. These are the consequences of Donald Trumps actions.

Trumps campaign said earlier this week that the hospital should have provided life-saving treatment, and highlighted the Republican nominees support for exceptions to abortion limits written into Georgias law for rape, incest and the life of the mother.

With those exceptions in place, said Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, its unclear why doctors did not swiftly act to protect Amber Thurmans life.

When Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law in 2019, he kept a campaign promise to pass one of the strictest abortion laws in the country.

All life has value, all life matters and all life is worthy of protection, he said at the time.

Kemp spokesman Garrison Douglas said the exceptions put in place under Georgia law should have prevented the deaths of Thurman and Miller.

It is self-evident that dangerous misinformation places patients lives at risk, which is why getting the facts right is vitally important, he said. Georgias (abortion law) not only expanded support for expectant mothers but also established clear exceptions, including providing necessary care in the event of a medical emergency.

Georgias law bans most abortions once a doctor can detect fetal cardiac activity, typically about six weeks into a pregnancy and before many know they are pregnant.

But some medical experts and abortion rights advocates say Georgias law does not clearly outline when an abortion is necessary in order to prevent the death of the pregnant woman or the substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function. Some doctors warned lawmakers when the bill was being debated that there are no medical definitions that align with that exception.

State Sen. Ed Setzler, an Acworth Republican who sponsored the 2019 abortion bill, called Thurmans death a tragedy. He had not yet read the ProPublica piece about Miller.

This young mother was killed by a 9-week chemical abortion that Georgia banned in 2019 because it is dangerous for women and deadly for their children, he said. Georgias law gave these shamefully unprepared doctors every legal tool they needed to save this mothers life.

According to the ProPublica report, Thurman sought the hospitals help after traveling to North Carolina and taking an abortion pill in 2022. She was about nine weeks pregnant with twins at the time. When the abortion didnt complete, Thurman developed sepsis. Twenty hours after she arrived at the emergency room, her heart stopped on the operating table, ProPublica reported.

Thurmans death took place two weeks after Georgias anti-abortion law took effect in 2022.

In the years since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion activists have set their sights on one of the two pills used to have an abortion. The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year overturned a lower court ruling that banned the use of mifepristone, the first in a two-pill series used to terminate pregnancies, allowing continued use of the pill.

Mifepristone, first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000, is one of two drugs used in medication abortions, which account for more than half of all abortions in the United States. Anti-abortion advocates had challenged the FDAs approval of the medication.

In 2021, the FDA issued guidance allowing abortion medication to be prescribed through the mail following a telehealth visit.

Georgia providers say they dont use telehealth for abortion visits. Georgias abortion laws also require an ultrasound to determine how far along a pregnancy is before an abortion  medical or surgical  can be performed. The ultrasound requires an in-person visit.

The two-pill combination has become the most-used method for those seeking an abortion in Georgia. The pills are approved for use up to about 10 weeks, though very few abortions are performed in Georgia after about five weeks of pregnancy due to the states law.

State lawmakers in recent years have unsuccessfully tried to ban Georgians from receiving abortion pills in the mail. Opponents of the effort say there would be no way to enforce such a ban.

A second ProPublica article published on Wednesday documented the death of Miller, a 41-year-old mother of three who also died in the months after Georgias abortion ban took place.

Doctors told Miller she might not survive another pregnancy after giving birth to her youngest child three years earlier, family members told ProPublica, so when she learned she was pregnant, she ordered abortion pills online from overseas and tried to terminate her pregnancy at home.

Millers family said she was afraid of going to doctors for help once it was clear the abortion was incomplete. She died at home a few days later.

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2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Feature: Lanterns, fire dragon light up Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn night

Xinhua) 08:59, September 19, 2024

A drone light show in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is staged in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

HONG KONG, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rabbits, moon cakes, red lanterns, fire dragon...a drone show was staged above Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on Tuesday evening, with 1,000 drones weaving multi-screen Mid-Autumn festival scenes to convey holiday blessings.

"Hong Kong has a rich festive atmosphere! It's very special to see traditional Chinese cultural elements appeared in the sky," said a tourist from Beijing surnamed Ji, who came to Hong Kong with her family for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

A variety of celebrations have already started leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance began on Monday, drawing a large crowd to witness the time-honored custom in Hong Kong.

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is a local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) item selected as one of the Remarkable Examples of Good Practice for Safeguarding the National ICH Items in 2019.

This year's event featured a 67-meter fire dragon made of incense sticks led by 300 performers and accompanied for the first time by a 20-meter LED version carried by around 100 children. They paraded through the streets of Tai Hang, a neighborhood in the vicinity of Hong Kong's Victoria Park.

Large-scale lantern carnivals were being held in Hong Kong. The one held in Victoria Park showcased lanterns on four major aspects of daily life: clothing, eating, living and traveling.

This year's lantern displays featured numerous highlights including Chinese traditional clothing, local cuisine, and giant pandas, attracting people to take photos in front of them.

The festive atmosphere in Hong Kong will continue as the National Day draws near. John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said over 400 activities will be held in Hong Kong in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Highlight activities included a flag-raising ceremony and National Day reception on the morning of Oct. 1, and a fireworks display that evening. The HKSAR government will also introduce a rich array of special offers covering areas including public transport, culture, arts and leisure to encourage public participation to share the joy of National Day.

A drone light show in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is staged in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

A drone light show in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is staged in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

A drone light show in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is staged in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

A drone light show in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is staged in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

People pose for photos with red lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

People pose for photos with red lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

People watch a dragon dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

People visit a lantern fair during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

People pose for photos with red lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The body of a man accused of shooting five people in vehicles on Interstate 75 earlier this month in Southern Kentucky, setting off a massive manhunt, was found Wednesday afternoon near the crime scene.

Joseph Couch, 32, was found near Exit 49 on the interstate, about nine miles north of London, near where he shot 12 vehicles on Sept. 7. Its about 65 miles south of Lexington on one of the nations busiest highways.

The shootings set off a massive manhunt for Couch in the rugged terrain of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and authorities announced Tuesday they were retreating from the woods and putting more resources on patrols instead.

KSPs announcement came about an hour after a couple named Fred and Sheila McCoy posted a live YouTube video claiming theyd found Couch after searching for six days and nights.

In the video, the couple said they could see vultures circling nearby. They commented on a foul smell as they walked toward the vultures, and then Fred shouted, Oh, I got him!

Sheila replied, Oh, my Lanta! Oh, my Lanta! Oh, gosh. Oh, gross.

The video showed a body lying in the back of a hollow, and the couple said the body appears to have deteriorated. The person was wearing jeans, but the gender was not apparent.

Someone off-screen said to the couple, Hey, no pictures. This is a crime scene.

Then the video ended.

The couple went live a second time after finding the body, and they appeared to be discussing what theyll do with the reward money. Authorities had offered a $35,000 reward for information that led to Couchs arrest.

Fred and Sheila say they are descendants of the famous feuding families the Hatfields and McCoys from West Virginia and Kentucky.

The couple previously operated the Hatfields and McCoys museum in Casey County, according to the museums website. Casey County is about an hour west of the I-75 shootings.

Though the museum is closed indefinitely, the couple still operates a YouTube channel with more than 5,000 subscribers. Before the shooting, they posted mostly about the two families, but for several days theyve posted about searching for Couch in the woods of north Laurel County.

They called themselves bounty hunters on the hunt, and they told WKYT they decided to start searching for Couch as a date night idea.

Fred McCoy is a retired police officer, according to the museum website.

While on the run, Couch was charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault. There were no fatalities in the shooting.

Couch sent texts to a woman before the shooting, saying Im going to kill a lot of people, adding, Well (Im going to) try at least, according to court documents.

He told the woman he planned to kill himself afterward. Police later found his Toyota parked atop a hill on a U.S. Forest Service Road near Exit 49, where the shooting happened, and they found the AR-15 they think he used in the shooting.

_____

2024 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit at kentucky.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Authorities are asking for the publics help locating a 73-year-old woman Shelby County woman who has been missing for more than a week.

Brenda Clark, who also goes by Diane Clark, was last seen Sept. 10 in Pelham.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday issued a Missing and Endangered Alert for Clark.

Clark lives with a condition that may impair her judgment. According to friends and social media posts, Clark may have last been seen in the Chattanooga area and they fear she is lost and confused.

Brenda Clark, who also goes by Diane Clark, was last seen Sept. 10 in Pelham.(Contributed)

Clark could be driving a gray Honda Civic with Alabama license plate number 6688BM6.

She is described as 5-feet, 5-inches tall and ways 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and blonde or strawberry blonde hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Shelby County Sheriffs Office at 334-670-6255 or 911.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters declined Wednesday to endorse Kamala Harris or Donald Trump for president, saying neither candidate had sufficient support from the 1.3 million-member union.

Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business, Teamsters President Sean M. OBrien said in a statement. We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries  and to honor our members right to strike  but were unable to secure those pledges.

The Teamsters rebuff reflected a labor union torn over issues of political identity and policy, one that mirrors a broader national divide. Vice President Harris has unmistakably backed organized labor, while former President Trump has appealed to many white blue-collar workers even as he has openly scorned unions at times. By not endorsing anyone, the Teamsters are essentially ceding some influence in Novembers election as both candidates claimed to have support from its members.

Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt noted in an emailed statement that more than three dozen retired Teamsters spoke last month in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention, having endorsed Harris. Their pensions were saved through the 2021 passage of the Butch Lewis Act that President Joe Biden and Harris championed.

While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career, Hitt said. The Vice Presidents strong union record is why Teamsters locals across the country have already endorsed her  alongside the overwhelming majority of organized labor.

The Teamsters said Wednesday that internal polling of members showed Trump with an advantage over Harris, a fact that the Republicans campaign immediately seized upon by sending out an email that said the rank-and-file of the Teamsters Union supports Donald Trump for President.

Harris met Monday with a panel of Teamsters, having long courted organized labor and made support for the middle class her central policy goal. Trump also met with a panel of Teamsters in January and even invited OBrien to speak at the Republican National Convention, where the union leader railed against corporate greed.

In an interview Wednesday on Fox News, OBrien said lack of an endorsement tells candidates that they have to back the Teamsters in the future. This should be an eye opener for 2028, he said. If people want the support of the most powerful union in North America, whether youre a Democrat or Republican, start doing some things to support our members, he said.

The Teamsters choice to not endorse came just weeks ahead of the Nov. 5 election, far later than endorsements by other large unions such as the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers and the United Auto Workers that have chosen to devote resources to getting out the vote for Harris.

With OBrien facing a backlash from some Teamsters members after speaking at the Republican National Convention, its no surprise that the union decided not to make an endorsement, said Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at Cornell University.

Trumps praise of Tesla CEO Elon Musk for firing workers who supposedly went on strike really made a Trump endorsement very unlikely, Wheaton said. The members were not in total agreement, he said.

Marick Masters, a business professor emeritus at Wayne State University in Detroit who follows labor issues, said the Teamsters lack of an endorsement suggests a realignment within the unions membership.

For many workers, issues such as gun control, abortion and border security override Trumps expressions of hostility to unions, Masters said.

The Teamsters detailed their objections to the candidates in a statement, starting with their objection to a contract implemented by Congress in 2022 on members working in the railroad sector.

The union wanted both candidates to commit to not deploying the Railway Labor Act to resolve contract disputes and avoid a shutdown of national infrastructure, but Harris and Trump both wanted to keep that option open even though the Teamsters said it would reduce its bargaining power.

Harris has pledged to sign the PRO Act, which would strengthen union protections and is something the Teamsters support. Trump, in his roundtable with the Teamsters, did not promise to veto a proposal to make it harder nationwide to unionize.

Other unions have shown trepidation about endorsing either presidential candidate. The United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America on Friday ultimately endorsed Harris with a caveat that the manner in which party leaders engineered Bidens replacement at the top of the ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris was thoroughly undemocratic, union leadership said in a statement.

But the Teamsters lack of endorsement also suggests an indifference to the Biden-Harris administration, which signed into law a measure that saved the pensions of millions of union retirees, including many in the Teamsters.

As part of its 2021 pandemic aid, the administration included the Butch Lewis Act to save the underfunded pensions of more than 1 million union workers and retirees underfunded pensions. The act was named after a retired Ohio trucker and Teamsters union leader who spent the last years of his life fighting to prevent massive cuts to the Teamsters Central States Pension Fund.
Warrior Met Coal in Tuscaloosa County, one of the leading producers of metallurgical coal in the United States, will pay $250,000 as part of a settlement agreement to fix a coal slurry impoundment and stop discharging polluted wastewater into a tributary of Texas Creek, which eventually flows into the Black Warrior River.

Texas Creek and Davis Creek, regularly enjoyed by locals and wildlife, deserve the utmost protections afforded by law, Nelson Brooke of Black Warrior Riverkeeper said in a news release. Holding Warrior Met Coal accountable for their unpermitted coal slurry wastewater discharges is Black Warrior Riverkeepers role, given that state regulatory agencies were asleep at the wheel on this one.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler signed off on a settlement agreement and consent decree between Warrior Met Coal and Black Warrior Riverkeeper, ending the environmental advocacy groups lawsuit against the company.

Black Warrior Riverkeeper sued Warrior Met Coal in 2022 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleging that the company violated the federal Clean Water Act and state mining regulations after a coal slurry impoundment (a collection of coal waste held in a retaining pond) at one of its mines leaked wastewater polluted with coal mining waste into an unnamed tributary of Texas Creek.

In their complaint, Black Warrior Riverkeeper noted it documented 21 leaks from the impoundment from 2021 to 2022.

According to the text of the settlement agreement, Warrior Met Coal will now have to limit and monitor discharges from the impoundment. In 2023, WMC prepared an immediate action plan to address discharge from the impoundment; as part of the agreement, it will have to analyze the proposed IAP, which has to be approved by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, according to the news release.

Warrior Met Coal also agreed to bring the impoundment under the Alabama Dam Safety Program, a voluntary statewide program that allows for additional monitoring and regulation by the local emergency management agency.

Warrior Met Coal will pay the Freshwater Land Trust $250,000 for the implementation of a supplemental environmental project in the Davis Creek subwatershed of the Black Warrior River. Texas Creek is a tributary of Davis Creek, which is a tributary of the Black Warrior River.

In addition, Warrior Met Coal agreed to reimburse Black Warrior Riverkeeper $28,000 in legal fees.

This case is a textbook example of why citizen suits are a critical enforcement mechanism when governments fail to enforce the law, Eva Dillard, staff attorney with Black Warrior Riverkeeper, said.

We are pleased that WMC was willing to take responsibility for the problems at Mine No. 7 and establish a [Supplemental Environmental Plan] that will give back to Davis Creek.

Warrior Met Coal is the 20th largest coal production company in the United States, producing about 1.1% of the countrys total coal in 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The company owns three mines in Tuscaloosa County, according to its website, and employs more than 1,100 people.

From 2021 to 2023, members of the United Mine Workers of America were on strike at Warrior Met Coal in what is believed to be the longest strike in Alabamas history. The strike is over but the UMWA and WMC continue to negotiate a new contract.

WMC produces metallurgical coal, which is used in the production of steel, something that has become an increasingly important part of the states economy. A study from the Alabama Mining Association found that, in 2018, metallurgical coal exports counted for 50% of the Port of Mobiles revenue for that year.

Last year, Gov. Kay Ivey allocated $20 million to the Alabama Port Authority for upgrades at the McDuffie Coal Terminal, to shift it from an import terminal to an export terminal.

Warrior Met Coal did not respond to a request by AL.com for comment prior to publication of this story.
On July 2014 the late Charles Krauthammer penned an article titled Moral Clarity in Gaza. He noted that Hamas has only one grievance: Israels very existence.

Some geopolitical conflicts are morally complicated. The Israel-Gaza war is not. It possesses a moral clarity not only rare but excruciating. Israel is so scrupulous about civilian life that, risking the element of surprise, it contacts enemy noncombatants in advance to warn them of approaching danger. Hamas, which started this conflict with unrelenting rocket and mortar attacks on unarmed Israelis -- 6,464 launched from Gaza in the past three years -- deliberately places its weapons in and near the homes of its own people. This has two purposes. First, counting on the moral scrupulousness of Israel, Hamas figures civilian proximity might help protect at least part of its arsenal. Second, knowing that Israelis have new precision weapons that may allow them to attack nonetheless, Hamas hopes that inevitable collateral damage -- or, if it is really fortunate, an errant Israeli bomb -- will kill large numbers of its own people for which, of course, the world will blame Israel.

A decade later, how exquisitely correct Krauthammer was.

During Operation Protective Edge which Israel launched in 2014, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred medical supplies, food, gas, and humanitarian aid to Gaza and set up hospitals for Gazans, which Hamas tried to block in order to prevent its own people from receiving the medical care they needed.

Billions of dollars went to Gaza to rebuild it after the IDF wiped out a large portion of Hamass arsenal, tunnels, and terror sites.

And now ten years later, October 7th shook Israel and world Jewry to its very core.

The normalization of the most bestial atrocities are landmarks of shame.

Hamas orgy of rape, murder, and callous, indiscriminate cruelty such as mutilation, torture, burning alive, and beheadings that began last October 7 and is continuing almost a year later, marks an escalation extreme even by the standards of that blood-stained region. Morally horrific have been the protests on prestigious U.S. university campuses, abetted by simpatico, or cowardly, professors and administrators. These riotous displays also feature property damage, record-breaking assaults against Jews, and chants explicitly or implicitly calling for another Holocaust, and celebrating the Nazis Final Solution.

U.S. university campuses aid and abet the 400+ anti-Semitic incidents thus far as compared to 33 incidents during the same period in 2022.

In 2011 Dr. Arieh Eldad recounted a searing story that clearly shows how deep the Palestinians moral abyss is. Eldad had helped establish the Israeli National Skin Bank, which is the largest in the world. As Chairman of Plastic Surgery, he was asked to

supply skin for an Arab woman from Gaza , who was hospitalized in Soroka Hospital in Beersheva, after her family burned her. Usually, such atrocities happen among Arab families when the women are suspected of having an affair. The woman was treated... and discharged to return to Gaza. She was invited for regular follow-up visits to the outpatient clinic in Beersheva [Israel]. One day she was caught at a border crossing wearing a suicide belt. She meant to explode herself in the outpatient clinic of the hospital where they saved her life [emphasis mine]. It seems that her family promised her that if she did that, they would forgive her. This is only one example of the war between Jews and Muslims in the Land of Israel. It is not a territorial conflict. This is a civilizational conflict, or rather a war between civilization & barbarism.

More locally, regarding college campus protestors, they trespass all boundaries of civility

They are everywhere almost all the time: a yelling, chanting, Jew-hating mob, disturbing the city peace, interrupting every holiday and public event, harassing innocent civilians, at work, at homes, and on the streets, but especially harassing Jews: Students of course, but also those who are dressed in visibly Jewish ways -- plus Jewish museum directors, Jewish professors, both on campus and at their homes, and as they are dining in known Jewish restaurants. There should be consequences for disturbing the peace, for committing immoral, and unlawful behavior. For terrorizing a peaceful civilian population.

But no one stops them -- absolutely no one stops them.

In the larger theater of current events, the Palestinian Authority was permitted to draft a United Nations General Assembly resolution that declares open season on Israelis.

"The stage has now been set for a full-fledged effort by the United Nations to destroy the Jewish state by means of the first-ever wholly Palestinian-drafted resolution. It is scheduled for adoption at an 'Emergency Session' of the General Assembly on September 17 and 18, 2024. "The Palestinian resolution castrates Israels very legitimacy by claiming that the country is engaged in apartheid and 'particularly severe forms of racial discrimination.'

The facts be damned. In Israel, Arabs have more rights and freedoms than in any Arab state. Its a classic Nazi antisemitic inversion technique. Switch victim and perpetrator."

Moreover, the Palestinian Authority is demanding that the United Nations evict more than 500,000 Israeli citizens from their ancestral homeland of Judea and Samaria.

Despite the odious move by the Palestinian Authority, Kamala Harris is a proponent of the two-state solution for Israel which is essentially the Final Solution for Israel.

Harris has had a longstanding relationship with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) which has infiltrated America in order to create an Islamic caliphate right here.

While mouthing support for Israel, Harris wants to address Islamophobia yet ignores the main oxygen pipeline for the terrorist organization Hamas.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton criticized the Biden-Harris initiative in a tweet that said: After the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and a breakout of pro-Hamas activism on campus, the White House is claiming Islamophobia is our top concern.

Moreover, Harris has scolded Israel and has little sympathy for the Israeli victims of the heinous attacks on that country.

She clearly believes that Netanyahu, not Hamas, is the true enemy.

For far too long, diplomats, reporters, and human rights activities have saved Hamas.

All this has resulted in Intimidate the Jews Day whether it be in London, New York, France, or any other city where jihadists are empowered.

In central London, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) plans a march on October 5, 2024 to intimidate Jewish worshippers at nearby synagogues. The PSC declares that they will mark a year since the start of Israels genocidal assault on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. We need the largest possible mobilisation to demonstrate our solidarity, demand an end to the genocide, and to call on the British government to stop arming Israel.

As Melanie Phillips points out: How disgusting is this. October is the month when decent people will mark the start of the Hamas-led genocidal assault on southern Israel, when thousands of Arabs from Gaza stormed across the border fence and butchered, raped, beheaded or burnt alive 1200 Israeli women children and men and dragged 250 others into the hellholes of Gaza where a maximum of 100 are thought to remain alive in horrific conditions.

Yet the new UK governments anti-Israel policy is in full force. As Con Coughlin points out

The pretence that the UK's new Labour government has moved away from the blatant anti-Semitism... under its former leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has been brutally exposed by the actions of David Lammy, the party's new Foreign Secretary.

Lammy confirmed that the UK plans to restore its funding to UNRWA, despite the fact that staffers were directly involved in the October 7th attacks. Moreover, Lammy suspended a number of UK arms contracts to Israel.

But, of course, an arms embargo will only embolden Israels adversaries.

The Oslo peace process of 30+ years ago stands as an incredible strategic blunder and led to Hamas genocidal commitment to Israels destruction.

Consequently, it is imperative that every freedom-loving person understand how important it is that Israel secures the Philadelphi corridor.

The major task of a Jew is to survive. It is non-negotiable.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com

Image: 4kbw9Df3Tw
Remember: illegally appointed special counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting President Trump in D.C. for exercising his constitutional right to free speech after the 2020 election. Smiths case essentially claims that Trump was not entitled to question the legitimacy of the mail-in ballottainted election and that his refusal to concede to Joe Biden directly led to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The fact that Biden and his attorney general, Merrick Garland, are using the imprimatur of the criminal justice system as a smokescreen to railroad and possibly imprison the leader of the opposition party is bad enough. By treating President Trumps speech as the proximate cause of other alleged crimes (consisting mostly of questionable trespass violations reimagined and inflated into felonies) committed by strangers, the Biden-Garland-Smith Triumvirat e of Tyranny has turned every Americans opinion into a potential criminal act.

Should this bother all those rabid leftists who desperately want to see President Trump behind bars? I would say so. President Trump has now survived two assassination attempts, and although the FBI has done its best to muddy the waters concerning the motivations of the first gunman (trying to kill the Republican nominee for president seems like a pretty good clue, does it not?), the social media history of the second gunman (as well as the Biden-Harris bumper sticker on his truck) clearly exposes him as a Ukraine Warobsessed, anti-MAGA, Kamala Harrissupporting zealot who believes that President Trump is a civilizational threat.

Where would he get that crazy idea? Oh, I dont know  maybe from the constant stream of contributors on networks such as MSNBC who call Trump a dictator, another Hitler, and a Nazi. Maybe the would-be assassin took Democrat politicians seriously whenever they showed up on news shows these last eight years to claim with utmost sincerity that Trump is a threat to democracy. Maybe the man who turned an AK-47 on the president read one of the numerous opinion columns featured in the nations factually shoddy but stubbornly prominent publicati ons, all universally libeling President Trump as a rapist, a white supremacist, a fascist, and a dangerous leader of the far right. Should fake journalists who regularly claim that America will literally end if Trump returns to the White House be surprised when someone stumbles upon their neurotic rantings and subsequently attempts to save the country from the specter of their shared delusions?

Have we not also reached our whats good for the goose is good for the gander political moment? If President Trump must spend millions of dollars defending himself against mercenary prosecutors intent on locking him up for the remainder of his life because of the dangerous words that come out of his mouth, then surely those people who use their speech to beg for someone  anyone  to rid the country of the once and future president should be held similarly liable. How many times can a Democrat politician or credentialed propagandist falsely compare Donald Trump to mass murderers and dictators such as Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini before those inflammatory slanders rise to the same level of proximate cause that prompted the Department of (in)Justice to put Trump in its crosshairs over January 6?

Jack Smith is prosecuting President Trump for somehow threatening the peaceful transfer of power from a legitimately elected president to an illegitimately installed stooge. Even though Trump correctly believed (and still does believe) that the 2020 election was rigged in Bidens favor (mail-in ballots stuffed into unsecured drop boxes in the dead of night, the use of Zuckerbucks to increase ballot collection in Democrat neighborhoods, and the Intelligence Communitys efforts to defraud the American people with regard to Hunter Bidens laptop from Hell all amply support this conclusion), he left office as legally required on January 20. Trump never called for violence against Joe Biden or the U.S. government. He never urged Americans to revolt against their country. Even on January 6  the half-day of protest that leftist pundits and politicians say was worse than 9/11 and the Civil War combined  President Trump calmly urged his supporters to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. In other words, he defended his First Amendment right to speak his mind and the First Amendment right of all Americans to speak theirs  but he never, ever called for violence against his political enemies.

For the crime of speaking truthfully about the tremendous deficiencies and suspicious vote-counting activities surrounding the 2020 election, Jack Smith and the rest of the Triumvirate of Tyranny have thrown President Trump in the dock to defend his life. And as atrocious as the Triumvirates political persecution of an American president has been, it pales in comparison to the way it has harassed, hunted, imprisoned, and even tortured thousands of ordinary Americans for showing up at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 to protest for free and fair elections.

The vast majority of Americans who arrived in D.C. on that fateful day committed no crimes. Most had no criminal records. They included an inordinate number of veterans, law enforcement officers, grandparents, and retirees. In D.C. courtrooms, however, prosecutors and partisan judges have described them as terrorists, seditionists, insurrectionists, and domestic enemies.

How did they earn such ignoble monikers? They are accused of spreading the Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen from President Trump. It does not seem to matter to any of these courts that roughly 60% of the American people also believe that cheating likely affected that election. For expressing an opinion unpopular in D.C., J6 political prisoners have been held in solitary confinement and forced to review re-education materials regarding Trumps lies, crimes, and attacks on democracy. These are actual lesson plans for conservative political prisoners in the United States.

If telling a Big Lie means that a persons speech merits criminal punishment, though, surely Joe Biden and Kamala Harris deserve similar treatment. Biden has repeatedly claimed that Trump-supporters murdered police officers on January 6. That is a complete lie. The only people to die that day were J6 protesters, including a female Air Force veteran shot in cold blood and another female beaten to death. Crimes of murder and excessive force may very well have taken place on January 6, but Trump voters did not commit them. That truth, however, is inconvenient for Biden, fellow Democrats, and their faithful media propagandists, who all desperately cling to the Big Lie that Trump engineered a violent insurrection.

Biden has also clung to the Big Lie that President Trump called neo-Nazis at a Charlottesville political rally very fine people. Trump did no such thing. He was discussing the issue of whether statues and monuments commemorating Confederate soldiers should be removed simply because they offend modern sensibilities. In a moment when he sought to build unity among all Americans, he expressed his belief that there are good people on both sides of that contentious debate. Trump warned, however, that once we start tearing down historic statues, the impulse to destroy our past will never end. Eventually, he predicted, statues dedicated to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and other remarkable Americans would be targeted, too. He was right. Those who wish to transform America by first rewriting Americas history have spent the last four years toppling priceless monuments built by some of Americas finest artists. But that truth does not permit Joe Biden to falsely portray President Trump as a racist.

Where have we heard the Charlottesville and J6 lies recently? Kamala Harris repeated both during the presidential debate. Surely, if President Trump is responsible for inciting a fake insurrection, Biden and Harris are responsible for inciting two very real assassination attempts.

Image via Pxfuel.
Last week, I attended a Trump47 Women's Leadership Coalition event with Elise Stefanik in D.C. I was one of just several Jews in attendance, and what struck me profoundly was the fact that 'they didn't have to but did' -- Chairwoman Stefanik took the stage and was speaking on the economy, the border crisis, the importance of this upcoming election, and concerns more germane to her own district. However, it was when she spoke strongly against antisemitism on college campuses that it drew the high attention of everyone in attendance. Elise did not boast about the congressional hearings which she initiated, but rather emphasized that there is much work to be done -- that barely a fraction of schools that allow Jew hatred have been penalized.

She didn't have to do anything for Jews. Chairwoman Stefanik is not a Jew, nor does she represent a Jewish-populated district, not even close. When previously pressed on the reason for her highlighting campus antisemitism, her simple answer resonated with non-terrorist supporting Americans -- 'because it is the right thing to do.'

Contrast that with 'friend to the Jews' Rep. Ritchie Torres, who votes for addressing antisemitism, but who voted 'No' when Israel needed America most. The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 was put forth in the beginning of November of 2023, and because the aid was not tied to Ukraine -- two very different wars -- Torres, along with other Dems, voted against Israel. All 51 Democrat senators voted against a $14.3 billion stand-alone aid package for Israel when Israel needed it most.

Or Mayor Eric Adams in NYC, who like a robot keeps saying that 'he loves Israel.' Well, if that were the case, he would clamp down on the violent terrorist protests that have rocked NYC since the Jewish genocide. Can't forget Senator Cory Booker who loves to pander to his Jews, but then votes against Israel and has been near silent since Oct. 7th.

President Trump is also not a Jew. Sure, his son-in-law is a Jew, and his eldest daughter adopted the Judean faith, but he has many children and grandchildren who are not Jews. At times during President Trump's first term, it seemed as if he was a President of both America and Israel with his litany of pro-Israel policies, including defunding the terrorist groups (UNRWA, PA, Hamas -- Jihad Joe bankrolled all during his first year in office).

"Since 1950, U.S. taxpayers have sent over $6.3 billion through the United Nations to subsidize Palestinian refugees living in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. In 2016, the last year of the Obama Administration, the U.S. sent $359 million in Palestinian aid, only $39 million less than 2014s all-time high of $398.7 million. President Donald Trump cut the Palestinian aid to zero in 2018  which had never been tried in the 71-year history of funding the region. In April 2021, President Joe Biden agreed with the PLO, not Trump, and restarted aid to the Palestinians. Weeks later, rockets were again landing on Israelis and the region was at war."

President Trump also placed onerous sanctions on Iran, which left them near bankrupt, had the IRGC general Qasem Soleimani killed, recognized that the Golan Heights are legitimately part of Israel (thousands of Jewish artifacts have been found throughout the Golan since Israel reclaimed that land in the defensive Six Day War in 1967), and included Jews in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, thus granting Jews the right to pursue legal action against federal institutions which permit antisemitism, not on faith-grounds, but on ethnicity. Ethnicities have homelands, not faiths. Jews are an indigenous race to Israel, always have been since splitting from other Semitic tribes in Judea and Samaria.

The Abraham Accords, of course, was the zenith of President Trump's Middle East foreign policy. Though he was not involved in the decade of back-channel relations between Israel and the Arab nations, President Trump and his team got the Accords to the finish line.

He also encouraged PM Benjamin Netanyahu to apply sovereignty to Area C of Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu failed to do so.

The greatest test came with the moving of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and for that we truly must thank Ambassador David Friedman. On a recent podcast of Mislaibled, the host asked the former ambassador if he helped with the moving of the embassy, to which he replied that there was no one doing more for that to happen, and that he would mention it every day to the President. When the cabinet convened to meet about moving the embassy, all other cabinet heads were against it. Scared to do the right thing just like every other Administration since 1995 when Congress voted to pass the Jerusalem Embassy Act. President Trump, too, signed the waiver in June of 2017, but in December of 2017, the decision was made to honor the obligation of the 1995 bill. The Act did give the option of review every six months. Originally Clinton agreed that the moving of the embassy was needed, but he worked hard to attempt to stop Republican senator Robert Dole's bill.

And we all know how Clinton ended up harming Israel through the Oslo Accords, having Israel cede 2/3rds of its ancestral heartland to a terrorist organization, a 'peace accords' that has been responsible for the murder of thousands of Israelis (1200 Israeli citizens were murdered just during the Second Intifada (2000-2005).

Ambassador Friedman explained to President Trump that it was the right thing to do and that he should not fear rogue terrorist actors -- whether it be the Arab occupiers (falsely called 'Palestinians'), Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, etc. That by moving the embassy America would show the world that our nation stands by its allies.

President Trump listened and despite what the rest of his cabinet advised, chose to move the American embassy to Israel's actual capital.

He did not have to. Jews comprise barely a blip in the U.S. population. He did because just as with Chairwoman Stefanik, it was the right course of action.

Meanwhile all Kamala Harris can offer is redundant platitudes that Israel has the 'right to defend itself' -- of course it does. Every nation has that right.

She then moved on from stating the obvious to droning on about the antisemitic 'two-state solution' -- yes, let's give genocidal Arab occupiers who, inside Israel (in Judea and Samaria) engage in Pay for Slay payments (which now, thanks to Biden has the funds back in its coffers) to terrorists -- over 7% of the PA's budget, around $300 million per year goes towards paying families of terrorists who have murdered Jews. compared to barely $250 million which goes towards welfare programs. Additionally, the PA has been paying Hamas as well, with the two terrorist groups officially joining forces recently. Even on October 7th, there were numerous PA terrorists among the murderers.

Upwards of 550 Arab occupiers are employed in the Pay for Slay bureaucracy system. The longer the prison stay, the more the payout. Extra funding is provided to Israeli Arabs and those Arabs in Jerusalem who hold Israeli IDs.

And on the other side, we have Gaza (also part of Israel) where similarly the entire occupying population is still, not shockingly, supporting Hamas.

Hamas and the PLO/PA are all the same deadly disease.

Laureen Lipsky is the CEO & Founder of Taking Back the Narrative (www.tbtnisrael.com), a Zionism education company.

Image: Pixabay
Democrats and corporate media keep getting away with it. What theyre getting away with is inciting violence -- against Donald Trump, first and foremost. Two assassination attempts didnt happen in a void. Trump didnt provoke Thomas Matthew Crooks and Ryan Wesley Routh to try to kill him, despite Lester Holts spin. Holts broadside is predictable: project blame -- in this case, blame the victim. Democrats and their media watercarriers refuse to accept responsibility for wrongs, even when the proof is hiding in plain sight.

Wrote Buck Sexton, via X, September 16:

Problem the Democrats have run into  again -- is they cannot say this person is as bad as Hitler and then in the next breath say I disavow violence against this person who is as bad as Hitler They want the political benefit of false demonization without the blowback of it

Other than spasms of outrage by conservative commentators, what blowback do Democrats and their media allies suffer? Nothing of any real consequence. Sure, they want the political benefit of false demonization, but not much stops them from pursuing it, and if that doesnt work?

Demonization is meant to end Trump, regardless the means. The rhetoric is designed to paint Trump as not merely objectionable, but demonic. Should he recapture the presidency, his enemies say, apocalypse will ensue. Heres a clip of Democrats speaking up for political violence aimed at the former president. Said an ex-FBI agent on CNN, Routh was spurred on by much of the political diatribes that are going on these days talking about Trump, equating him to Hitler[.]

Tarring Trump as Hitler didnt just start. Its a charge first made by Hillary Clinton on The View last year. That odd smear has been obediently picked up by others. Per Outkick, the day after the second assassination attempt against Trump, Howard Stern said:

"Hitler was perceived as a clown in Germany [like Trump in the US]. He was one of these buffoonish characters. Then he won an election. And that was the end of Germany."

Got that?

If Trump wins, the end of America is near.

Kamala Harris, in the debate, derided Trump for exchanging love letters with Kim Jong-un. Never mind that Trump established a rapport with Kim to avoid another bloody war on the Korean peninsula. Instead, Harris said that Trump likes consorting with dictators. More routinely, Democrats and talking heads drone that Trump intends to demolish democracy. Curious that Trump didnt take a wrecking ball to it in his term as president. More curious still that Trumps accusers are fine with lawfare, justify election-year protests riots as righteous (Kamala Harris), and offhandedly dismiss credible evidence of election rigging.

These arent stupid people as a rule. They arent all in the grips of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Many are calculating cynics. Knocking off Trump politically would satisfy, but if it takes a Crooks or Routh to pick up rifles and shoot him, well, thats unfortunate, but Trump is a dire threat to democracy, after all. And if Trump is killed, you can bet that the media would throttle into full Lester Holt spin: Trump brought it on himself.

If you think thats a stretch, did you notice the muted reactions by Democrats and corporate media to the attempts on Trumps life? Had those attempts been made on Joe Biden or Kamala Harris, had the would-be assassins been MAGA identifiers, the eruption of outrage, the vilification of Trump and his supporters, and calls for the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies to go after anyone wearing a red cap would have paled any red scare by comparison.

How else can we discern intentions? In the roughly sixty days between Crooks attempt on Trumps life and Houths, the vitriol directed at Trump abated for just a few days only to kick up again. Yet, were expected to believe that cause and effect are mere correlation. Were supposed to believe that the lies and slander directed at Trump have no impact on the minds of men twisted by hate. Or in Crooks case, perhaps he was driven by a perverse desire to be a hero. Unsparing attacks on Trump by notable Democrats and the media may have led Crooks to delude himself that laurels awaited.

No revelation that corporate media makes no serious effort to call out Democrats for the bile they spew at Trump. In fact, the media enables the hatred. Corporate media long ago abandoned its responsibility to journalism. They practice advocacy journalism, which is something Marxist professors started pushing at Columbia back in the 1960s. Its just cover for the work of propagandists. If we had a media that made more than a pretense at impartiality and held Democrats and others to account for smearing Trump as Hitler, then much of the extreme rhetoric would stop. As is, that rhetoric serves as a siren to loons and extremists who are willing to try their hands at killing Trump.

Granted, hot rhetoric isnt anything new in American politics. But in modern times, there are lines that parties typically dont cross. Exceptions occur, however, when the country is grappling with big troubles and/or historic choices about the countrys direction.

Were most certainly at a crossroads today. The nations direction is up for grabs. Passions are running high.

The 1930s and 1960s were similar to now in that they were change times. Prior to Franklin Roosevelt taking office, there was an assassination attempt on his life. Chicago mayor Anton J. Cermak, who was with FDR, was the assassins unintended victim, not unlike Corey Comperatore in Butler, Pennsylvania. The would-be assassin actually saw Roosevelt as the quintessential capitalist, an uber-capitalist.

The 1960s really began with the Kennedy assassination. Lyndon Johnson assumed the presidency. The civil rights movement was met with violence. Race riots erupted in Watts, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. The counterculture was in full swing. LBJ escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, which turned unpopular. Antiwar protesters taunted Johnson with the chant: Hey, hey LBJ, how many kids did you kill today? When Walter Cronkite turned against the Vietnam war, much of the media followed.

So, Trump being targeted for attacks isnt unprecedented. Haters arent new. Malicious souls and provocateurs there have been. And violent men -- mostly men -- arent new. Yet the alignment of powerful establishment interests, the Democrat Party, corporate media, and the administrative state to prevent Trumps election make these times different -- and exceptionally perilous. Not even Lincoln faced so formidable an array of opponents.

Elites are playing for keeps, and that makes them dangerous. Transforming America isnt hyperbole. They mean to fundamentally change the country, whether Americans believe it right and good or not. Their worldview is antithetical to the very principles that made a liberty revolution and founded this country. Above all, these elites mean to keep power in their hands. Theyre deadly serious about it.

Donald Trump is right again. Said he: In the end, they're not coming after me. They're coming after you -- and I'm just standing in their way.

J. Robert Smith can be found at X. His handle is @JRobertSmith1. At Gab, @JRobertSmith. He blogs occasionally at Flyover .

Image: AT via Magic Studio
Americans are constantly fed a narrative about the pro-woman Democrats, and the anti-woman Republicans, but it is all based on one issue abortion! But, shouldnt we look at all issues to see who really supports women and girls?

Trump supports limiting abortion to around 14 weeks into the pregnancy, a position which is essentially reflected in most of the worlds laws. It is a bald-faced lie to say that Trump supports a nationwide ban on abortions.

If you look at data from this report, it shows that 53% of adults believe abortion should be restricted to under 14 weeks; only 21% think an abortion should be allowed after 30 weeks, and that 21% say there should be no restrictions. When an abortion procedure takes days to complete because the baby is so big, I think its safe to say that that is the extreme position, not the one embraced by Trump and other Republicans.

Kamala and the Democrats essentially want abortion on-demand to be allowed at any stage of pregnancy. That puts their views in lockstep with few countries in the world, namely North Korea and China.

Democrats dont even believe mothers or fathers have any right to know if, or have any say in, whether or not their young daughters procure abortions.

Trump and Republicans believe that babies born in third trimester abortion failures should receive health care like all humans. Democrats refuse to vote for the Born Alive Act, so they will just neglect the baby until he or she dies. Somehow, they refer to that as reproductive choice.

If a woman has a baby born at home and chooses to let it perish, she can, and should be, charged with homicide. It is not called a reproductive choice. That is clearly unequal treatment under the law. Shouldnt doctors and mothers in abortion mills be treated exactly the same as mothers at home? If not, why not? Lets have Kamala explain why she essentially believes a baby born at a Planned Parenthood is no more valuable than a rock.

Why would anyone trust those who refuse to provide healthcare to vulnerable newborn babies to treat the rest of us any better? Who else would they let die? We dont have to do much research to find out.

An architect of Obamacare, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, brother of Rahm, said people who have lived to age 75 have lived long enough:

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist and one of the country's leading health care experts, says by age 75 he would opt out of medical treatments in order to not prolong his life in favor of letting nature take its course.

Isnt it pathetic that Biden and Harris were considering this man to be head of the FDA?

Pardon me, but at age 71, I dont want any bureaucrat who believes that at age 75, I have lived long enough. Shouldnt health care choices belong to the individual instead of the government? Shouldnt women have the right to choose?

Trump believes women should have the choice on what kind of insurance policy they buy, and which doctor they use. Democrats believe the government should dictate what everyone buys!

Trump believes women should have the freedom of choice on whether they want to get a vaccine or not. Democrats believe women should be forced into vaccination against their will, or get fired. They dont care how many women and daughters are harmed by vaccine injury or job losses.

Trump believes women should be able to buy the vehicles and appliances they want; Democrats want to take away that freedom of choice.

Trump believes poor mothers should be able to choose what schools their children attend; Democrats dont care, no matter how bad the results are.

Trump believes women have freedom of speech. Democrats believe that women who dare challenge school boards about the destruction caused to their children by the progressive agenda, should be threatened by the Justice Department. Dissent is not allowed.

Trump can define what a woman is; Democrats say they cant, while also claiming they are the party of science.

Trump believes women and girls shouldnt have to compete against men in sports; Democrats believe women should shut up and play along with a mentally disturbed mans delusions.

Trump believes women and girls have the right to privacy in their locker rooms and restrooms; Democrats believe they shouldnt complain if men are in their space exposing their junk.

Trump wants to secure the border; Democrats dont seem to care how many women and girls are killed, raped, trafficked, or die from drug overdoses, as they continue to wreak havoc on the U.S with their porous border.

The media and other Democrats have never cared about how many women Bill and Hillary mentally and physically abused and sought to destroy. They clearly dont care about all women who were victimized by powerful Democrats, Bill included.

A party that cant define what a woman is, forces women to compete against men, forces women to share locker room space with men, fires women if they wont take a vaccine, doesnt give girls the choice of schools, seeks the closure of crisis pregnancy centers, overruns America with illegals (including gang members and terrorists), and takes away choice of what health insurance to buy, is not pro-woman. They are only pro-Planned Parenthood and pro-abortion because thats what gives them money and votes.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
A few days after President Trump called Kamala Harris "a Marxist" after the last presidential debate, Newsweek put on its "journalism" cap and attempted to debunk that claim, saying they decided to ask some "real" communists from the Communist Party U.S.A., a depleted husk of an organization which must have maybe 100 members.

They asked Joe Sims, a longtime CPUSA functionary who now serves as the "co-chairman" of the operation, and who is probably the only one allowed to speak to the press. He came to the phone for Newsweek easily.

So is Kamala a Marxist?

"We don't see anything in the platform or statements of the current or former Democratic Party standard bearersBiden, Obama, Harris, etc., that indicate they are Marxist," Sims said. "What we do see is the standard GOP charge of 'socialism' used by Mitch McConnell, Trump et al. going all the way back to Joe McCarthy. No surprise here! "Again, we've seen this script beforeovert racism, alongside vague allegations of 'Marxism' deployed to divide and divert working-class people from uniting and bettering our situation. "Donald Trump's red-baiting and racism are old and tired divide-and-conquer devices. Trump used both last night. But the American people know better. It didn't work against Obama and it won't work now."

So there you have it: Joe says Kamala is not a Marxist. Therefore, Trump lied.

That was what Newsweek thought it "proved" as it consulted all those real communists, meaning, just Sims.

It's nonsense. What Newsweek didn't do was go look through the easily found archives of the Communist Party U.S.A.'s public documents, which shows quite a bit of approval of Comrade Kamala and her doings. They defend her. They advocate for her. They praise her Marxist outlook.

Here's a May 2024 piece written by Juan Lopez, another longtime functionary who now runs the San Francisco Bay Area branch of the CPUSA. The topic of his discussion was whether the Democrats were left-wing enough ahead of their 2024 convention to make the communists happy. Juan brought up the 2020 convention to argue that they were. I boldfaced the money quotes:

The day before the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC) leading progressive womens groups held a summit aimed to ensure womens perspectives were front and center at the Democratic convention. The summits stated aim was to elevate womens voices, especially women of color who have been a crucial voting bloc, to ensure that issues especially affecting women, including access to abortion, paid family and sick leave, pay equity among many others, were uppermost in the conversation. Mindful of majority public sentiment at the time and the general view of delegates, then vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris warned of the damage of structural racism, which she said leads to injustice in reproductive and maternal health care, excessive use of force by police, and our broader criminal justice system.

That's a pretty good Marxist argument right there, with a nice use of Marxist language and reasoning that you find in those quarters.

But it gets better:

These clearcut facts, I believe, show the lesser of two evils characterization of the Democratic Party holds no water.



For the viable left, including the Party, it is important to recognize the symbiotic relationship in fashioning strategy and tactics now, when the country is facing a fascist danger represented by Trump and Republican Party, and the necessity to build a peoples united front to defeat it.



I can only suppose the battle between labor and its strategic allies on the one hand and capital on the other over control of the Democratic Party will intensify, if we manage to win and secure the November elections and subsequently to isolate and incapacitate far-right/fascist political and economic power.

Who is this "we" you speak of, Kemosabe as you talk of winning elections? And note that they've got big plans for us conservatives once they "win" the coming election.

That's about all you need to know about CPUSA support for Harris, and their plans to "win" the election with her, followed by plans to punish their opposition, the way communists always do.

But this is far from all of it.

In 2020, they urged their members to get out there and vote for Biden and Harris because they like the Democrat party's slide leftward along its Bernie Sanders lines:

The progressive changes in the Democratic Party will continue. Bernie Sanders clear message to his supporters is that their campaign made progress in bringing vital issues like the $15 minimum wage, Green New Deal, and Medicare for All into the mainstream, but to continue and win those fights it is urgent to defeat Trump by voting for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Anita Waters, an elderly, but probably not longtime, functionary from Ohio, (who ironically looks like a classic childless cat lady in the video that follows below), has lots of grievance politics to attach to Kamala in her 2020 piece:

While women in general do not vote as a bloc, African American women have emerged as a potent force in electoral politics. In 2016, for example, 98% of Black women voted Democratic. The following year, U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama won his seat with 98% of Black womens votes. This year, African American women helped propel Biden to the nomination, probably as strategic voters, then issued a powerful challenge to the presumptive nominee demanding that he select a Black woman for vice president. On August 11, he announced his selection of California Senator Kamala Harris.

She's quite approving of that in her piece, adding:

The selection of Kamala Harris no doubt brought joy and enthusiasm to a number of constituencies, including HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) alumni and citizens of Jamaican and of Indian heritage, and the all-important bloc of Black women voters. They feel vindicated with Bidens choice, and with a 77-year-old white man at its top, the ticket is less likely to suffer from the benevolent and hostile sexism that was experienced by Clinton in 2016. Another reaction to 2016 was an acute awareness of sexism in media coverage of women candidates. Even before Harris was selected, womens organization leaders issued a memo entitled, We Have Her Back, addressed to News Division Heads, Editors in Chief, Bureau Chiefs, Political Directors, Editors, Producers, Reporters and Anchors, warning against the sexist scrutiny and stereotyping that has long plagued all women candidates, and is especially amplified for Black and Brown women. Bidens selection of Harris was so widely predicted that it seems safepolls had shown Harris to be the favorite of intended votersbut having an African American woman on the Democratic ticket does represent a breakthrough in U.S. electoral politics.

In another piece that ran as an article on their site, by someone named Adam Keller, an Israeli "peace" activist celebrating Prime Minister Netanyahu's electoral defeat in 2020, was quoted as congratulating Harris in 2020, as reprinted from the People's World, which is the CPUSA paper:

Gush Shalom, the Israeli Peace Bloc, congratulates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for their hard-fought victory and their impending entry into the White House. This is a great day for the whole world. We congratulate American democracy, which managed to shake off and oust a president who trampled on the most basic of democratic norms and still persists in futile efforts to cling to his fading power.

Meanwhile, get a load of this 2020 video of Sims and his minions (his Politburo?) discussing the morning papers and the communist life together the way Gus Hall used to do years ago -- with high words of praise for Kamala, and note the section where the group collectively goes 'ooh' at the mention of Comrade Gus, a Minnesota Man who was curiously like Tim Walz:

So privately, they love Harris, and say so over and over in the clip, but they also note amongst themselves that they know that the public reviles communists, which would explain why Sims tailors his message to Newsweek about Kamala Harris not quite being a Marxist as if to throw the public off and deceive them ... while in these little-watched tapes, and on their website, Harris is just the person they want to win the election.

We can also see that in Angela Davis's endorsement of Kamala Harris as reported by the People's World. Angela, who ran for president as Gus Hall's running mate years ago, is not a member of the party anymore, she says, but remains a "small-c" communist, and is pretty close to them as a vaunted grand lady of the communist legacy.

Speaking in Paris a few weeks ago, People's World reported that Davis said she liked Harris and wanted Harris to win, not on her race, but on her radical left-wing ideas and agenda, which warms the cockles of every communist's heart.

A similar dynamic has been sparked by the entry of Kamala Harris into this years race for the White House, Davis said. The point of winning, however, is not to put people into office only because of their race or gender, she cautioned. When we engage in electoral politics, it cant be just because a particular individual is running for office, Davis told the crowd, it is to enlarge the terrain of mass struggle, to guarantee a space for the trade union movement to win victories, for the womens movement to win victories, for people of color to win victories, for working and poor people to win victories. Thats why we urge people to vote, isnt it? she asked before turning to the audience with a smile and saying, You know that here in France for sure.

... and ...

Though she said voters should not be motivated by race or gender considerations alone, Davis emphasized the historical importance of Harris being the Democratic candidate. Black women are so marginalized in society that Kamalas candidacy means something spiritually to Black women. But when you reach that level, nominee of one of the two major parties, you have to be the face of capitalism, militarism, and neo-colonialism. Harris, Davis warned, has told us she will be that face, that she will build the most lethal military apparatus ever. As dangerous as that reality is, however, Davis said, Theres more to think about: Harris is not a fascist, and the other person running for president is. Thats why she said theres no question about who progressive people should vote for in the U.S. election. Trump, whom she never mentioned by name, must be defeated, but getting Harris into office isnt the end of the road. She encouraged her listeners to think of voting as a collective and strategic actin their own struggles in France as well as when theyre analyzing why the labor movement, communists, and the left in the U.S. urge a vote against Trump and for Harris. Its not just about electing Kamala Harris, Davis again said, its about opening space for those of us who are more radical than Kamala Harris to put the pressure for change, especially in the first place when it comes to the genocide in Palestine.

See, only Kamala will open that door for them. Like Sims, she's cautious and qualified in public of her support, but there's no question she's endorsing Harris as the best means of achieving the communism she desires.

So to claim, as Newsweek does, that Kamala is no Marxist is kind of naive, given the enthusiasm seen for Harris all over the CPUSA's website and in its newspaper. Imagining that no one's looking, they're open as can be about their support for Harris and the Democrats.

On related matters, the CPUSA Political Action Commission also big on the Democrat talking point that 2020's election was the freest and fairest ever -- ooh, look at that "meticulous" language in this 2021 piece, commenting on conservatives who questioned the 2020 election:

Their aim is to push the Big Lie that Donald Trump won the election last Nov. 3 despite overwhelming proof that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were elected with 81 million votes to 74 million for Trump. It was the most enormous voter turnout in history, the cleanest, fairest, most carefully observed election, and the most meticulous vote count ever.

In the rest of their piece, they called for getting active in supporting various Democrat bills to rig the election into a permanent one-party state.

Sound a little communist? It is.

In another piece on the Jan. 6 riots, where something called the "D.C. Metro Club of the CPUSA" spent a lot of time naming groups of people communists really, really, really don't like, a lot of whom I've never heard of as being present at those riots, but are special disfavorites of communist regimes in other countries:

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, during the congressional certification hearing for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, a violent fascist coup attempt was made in the streets of D.C. and on Capitol Hill in an effort to reverse the defeat of Donald Trump. The coup attempt appears to have been coordinated throughout the country. Fascist Trump supporters from the likes of the Proud Boys; Q-Anon conspiracy theorists; American Firsters; the Boogaloo movement; III Percenters; Turning Point USA; right-wing Vietnamese, Cubans, Venezuelans, Falun Gong cultists, Hong Kong and Tibetan separatists, and Iranian monarchists; and actual Republican elected officials were actively encouraged by the extreme-right forces of the U.S. Senate, such as Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (claiming Hitler was right), members of the Trump family, and backers like Roger Stone, to take part in this insurrection.

That suggests a bit of foreign sponsorship, since nobody but nobody thinks about overseas Vietnamese or Tibetans, or for that matter conservative antichavista Venezuelans as troublemakers or extremists, except, well, the CPUSA, and odds are high that these groups weren't there, anyway, but don't imagine the FBI is curious about that.

The bottom line here, is that Kamala is a big favorite of the Marxists even as characters like Sims and Davis officially say she isn't quite one of them. Actually, the evidence shows that she is, and she's the candidate they'll fight to elect, given how much she promises them.

That ought to be a warning to everyone else that a vote for Comrade Harris is a vote for communism.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License




New York, US (PANA) - A sharp escalation in fighting in Sudans El Fasher, along with ongoing clashes between rival military factions across the country, is heightening the risk of atrocities, including violence against women, and worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis, senior UN officials warned on Wednesday
As you may remember. David Muir of "The Ambush," a new ABC TV series about presidential debates, confronted Pres. Trump over crime statistics. It was one of the "fact checks" during the hour.

A few days later, it's Muir who is getting fact checked. Let's see:

Muir interrupted Trump, something he never did to Vice President Kamala Harris, retorting, President Trump, as you know, the FBI says overall violent crime is coming down in this country. To which Trump responded, The FBI -- they were defrauding statements. They didnt include the worst cities. They didnt include the cities with the worst crime. It was a fraud. Just like their number of 818,000 jobs that they said they created turned out to be a fraud. Muir is right that FBI data show violent crime is down. However, Trump is also right that there are major problems with the FBIs data. The comparison with problematic jobs data from the Department of Labor is a good one. The agency was forced to lower the number of jobs created during the Biden administration by almost a million, which showed that its previous figures were consistently misleading.

Trump said he would target migrants who committed crimes, noting that crime here is up and through the roof.

So the fact checker got fact checked! I like that.

Common sense confirms that crime is up. I don't need a manicured report. All I need to do is talk to someone who lives in Washington, D.C. or Chicago. Or watch the local newscast and see for yourself. The killings have not stopped. It's the reporting that is misrepresenting the crime numbers.

So a double win in this post. Down goes the dishonest fact checker. Up goes the truth, a reality that anybody living in the world can confirm without reading any statistics.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Pixabay
Faced with Teamster members who refuse to get with the program and support Kamala Harris, the union leadership has decided to refrain from endorsing anyone.

In the 1940s, the Teamsters were loyal Roosevelt Democrats. However, according to the WaPo, that changed in the 1950s when congressional Democrats investigated Dave Beck and Jimmy Hoffa, two Teamster presidents. Out of spite, therefore, the Teamsters endorsed Richard Nixon in 1960. By 1964 and, again,1968, though, the Teamsters had returned to their Democrat roots, endorsing LBJ and Humphrey.

Image by AI.

In 1972, the Teamsters supported Richard Nixon, who had been actively courting them. The WaPo doesnt mention it, but Im pretty sure that part of the support for Nixon was because the Teamsters were so fervently anti-communist. They didnt like what they saw happening in the Democrat party, which had begun its long slide into open communism.

In 1976, the Teamsters couldnt bring themselves to support Jimmy Carter, so they refrained from endorsing anyone.

In 1980, after four years of Jimmy Carters malaise and the humiliation of the Iran hostage crisis, the Teamsters endorsed a Republican: Ronald Reagan, the ultimate Cold Warrior.

In 1984, thanks to Ronald Reagans soaring economy and battle against the Soviet Union, Teamster members supported him by 53.6% compared to only 43.6% for Mondale. Accordingly, the union endorsed Reagan.

In 1988, George H. W. Bush, who promised to continue Reagans economic and anti-Soviet policies, got the Teamsters endorsement. In the Teamsters poll underlying the endorsement, Bush scraped by with a margin of 50.2% compared to Dukakiss 46.4%.

By 1992, America was still reaping the benefits of Reagans policies, but the culture was shifting, and the Cold War seemed to be over. (Actually, only the Soviet phase was over.) The Teamsters returned to the Democrat fold and endorsed Bill Clinton. That endorsement mostly reset the Teamsters. Once again, they were a Democrat party stalwart.

In 1996, the Teamsters abstained from endorsing Clinton because they were displeased with his trade policies, which they believed hurt them. (They were right, of course. Those policies marked the massive shift of the manufacturing sector from America to Mexico and China.)

In 2000, though, the Teamsters once again returned to the fold, endorsing Al Gore.

In 2004, the Teamsters endorsed John Kerry.

In 2008 and 2012, the Teamsters endorsed Barack Obama.

In 2016, the Teamsters endorsed Hillary Clinton.

In 2020, the Teamsters endorsed Joe Biden.

In sum, since the 1930s, the Teamsters have overwhelmingly endorsed Democrats. In 1960, they abandoned the Democrats out of pique; in 1996, they sat out the endorsement cycle; in 1972, 1980, 1984, and 1988, they endorsed Cold Warriors. Its also likely that, in 1980, 1984, and 1988, burned by Carters economy and buoyed up by Reagans, they endorsed those candidates whom they believed would help them bring home the bacon to their families. In other words, kitchen-table issues ruled the day.

However, 2024 is a very different year from any that has ever come before. The Cold War with the Soviet Union is over, but the war against communism now rages on American soil. While the teachers unions may be hard-left, white-collar workers (thats what a college degree does for you), the Teamsters still represent working-class men and women.

These are the people who believe in old-fashioned ideas such as the existence of men and women, a belief in sovereign borders, and an understanding that printing money and destroying borders will break the American economy. They also noticed that Trumps economic policies brought to heel Chinas trade aggression (which is premised on cheating and government subsidies), while the Democrats, especially Tim Walz, have a remarkably loving attitude toward China. That attitude allows Democrats to impose economy killing green regulations on Americans while giving China a pass.

In other words, people who are not crazy dont like Democrat values, which hurt them and their children, and do like Republican values, which help them. This is a reminder that Trump is popular, not because of a cult of personality (that was Obama) but because he promises to govern for America and not for lunatics and non-American people and nations.

That being the case, you wont be surprised to learn that, according to internal Teamster polls, Trump is soaring with the unions members. In an electronic poll taken from late July through mid-September, 59.6% of Teamsters supported Trump, with only 34% supporting Kamala Harris, while a mid-September phone poll revealed that 58% of members supported Trump while only 31% supported Harris:

BREAKING: Teamsters, one of the largest labor unions in the country, just released a poll showing that an overwhelming majority of their over 1.2 MILLION members support Trump over Kamala Harris



Trump: 58.5%

Harris: 32.5%



It looks like they may endorse Trump any day now, pic.twitter.com/xmFzuChx10  George (@BehizyTweets) September 18, 2024

I dont know if Trumps promise to end taxes on overtime pay factored into his numbers, but I wouldnt be surprised. Union members get a lot of overtime pay. That was a smart move on Trumps part, and I expect Harris to echo it any day now.

With these numbers, one would think that the Teamsters leaders would officially endorse Trump. However, the leaders just couldnt make themselves do that. Instead, they punted. Incidentally, the second paragraph is weird because the claims about union support being inclusive dont jibe with their polling:

The General Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Wednesday elected not to endorse any candidate for U.S. President. After reviewing six months of nationwide member polling and wrapping up nearly a year of rank-and-file roundtable interviews with all major candidates for the presidency, the union was left with few commitments on top Teamsters issues from either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harrisand found no definitive support among members for either partys nominee.

Regardless of the official endorsement, its likely that almost 60% of the Teamsters members, who are spread across America, will be casting their votes for Donald Trump. Thats great.

But dont get cocky. This election will be close, and Democrats will cheat, so every single vote counts. Make sure you vote and, if you vote in person, take all your conservative friends along.
Haiti is a very poor countrythe poorest by far in the Western Hemisphere. The US has provided Haiti with large doses of foreign aid. In fact, the Clintons were given control of large amounts of aid money to improve Haiti through their foundation. That didnt work out very well as funds were siphoned off to who knows where but not much to the benefit of the ordinary Haitians.

Development economists have concluded that a poor country cannot be saved by foreign aid. They must want to develop their country themselves. At this point, Haiti has no prospects for significant change. Arbitrarily admitting large numbers of Haitians into America will have no effect on Haiti and a chaotic effect on America, especially if small-town resources are overwhelmed.

Image: A cat eater from Haiti. X screen grab.

So, whats for dinner?

Haitians living are known to eat cats for dinner in Haiti. (See, e.g., here, here, and here.) Ohio Governor DeWine is oblivious to this, as well as the overall impact of illegals in Ohio. Meat is meat when you are hungry, but over time, you develop a taste for certain types of meat. One of the major gang leaders in Haiti has the nickname Barbecueand this wasnt because of his taste for livestock or even cats. Once Haitians arrive in the USA, we should not expect them to change their dining habits. Pets are not available at the grocery store.

But theres something important to note about Haitians fondness for domestic pets. Its not just poverty or food culture. Instead, what comes with Haitians is Voodoo worship, and what comes with Voodoo worship is small-animal sacrifice, which is often torturous in its practice. In Haiti, estimates are that up to half the population practices voodoo, no matter the other faiths they profess. Some of their dinner items are related to these Voodoo rituals.

In New Orleans, 10 percent of the population is estimated to have a Voodoo connection. Voodoo shops on Bourbon Street, a Voodoo museum, Voodoo ceremonies, and veneration for Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen, live on not just as tourist attractions. If Biden/Harris wanted to import Haitians, they should have sent them to New Orleans.

You can compare Haitian eating habits to other countries without justifying the perverse essence of Haitis food desires. In China, they eat dogs without a sacrificial process. If you are eating on the street and ask what kind of meat is in your dish, the response is often just meat. So, if you have traveled extensively in China, you have probably eaten dogs. You see cute little puppies in cages on the street. They are not pets.

In France, they eat horses and various types of animal innards. Other foods around the world are tuna eyeballs, fruit bat soup, haggis, and monkey brains, to mention a few. In Mexico, there is fish head soup. Many stores in New Orleans sell turtle soup, although Westerners dislike it. Chicken feet are sold at the Chinese grocery store. Pig ears and snouts, pickled pigs feet, squirrel brains, calf brains, and eggs are available for breakfast.

De gustibus non est disputandum, or there is no accounting for taste. You might be tempted to say this. But that is not so in this case. There is a good explanation for Haitian food tastes, and its not just poverty at work.
Apparently, fawning is not enough.

Kamala Harris recently spoke to a National Association of Black Journalists panel and gave the friendly, on-her-side reporters this treatment when she thought the cameras were off:

I keep telling yall about Kamala! Now look for yourselves.



Kamala at the end of her interview with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). She couldnt get out of there fast enough. Kamala left frowning (Shes a mean woman).



I swear they were limited in their pic.twitter.com/VbLEvUb8dh  Vernon Jones (@VernonForGA) September 19, 2024

She frowns. She gives them the short shrift, smile barely there, shakes hands, and gets the hell out, a scowl visible on her face as she leaves.

The reaction on the faces of the reporters there was priceless.

Which tells us a lot about the nature of Harris.

Sure, we know she's a phony. She makes up stories about herself and her upbringing and tells outright lies. She sure as heck doesn't know what Economics 101 is, but she pretends she does. She pretends Willie Brown, who gave her her start at his knee, doesn't exist. She does phony accents to pander to different audiences -- black, ghetto-black, Southern black, Obama, French, and her latest a Mexican-maid parody accent.

The worst fakery, though, is her "joy" schtick, wherein she pretends to be happy and "joyful" to her adoring crowds, exuding in their applause and the prospect of getting behind the Oval Office desk, like she's seen in the television shows. She's the happy, joyful Kamala in striking contrast to the frowning, poker-faced Trump who says the country is on the wrong track.

It's fake as can be, because while she projects that image, she's actually nasty as cat-doo when no one's looking.

We know this from various leaks on Twitter about her rages at her staff over her various failures. We also know that from reports that she has had a 92% staff turnover in three and a half years, unable to keep staff on staff because she has the behind-the-scenes personality of Meghan Markle.

Now the mask has slipped a little at least in her rude, blow-the-off-I'm-out-of-this-joint behavior towards black journalists who no doubt gave her the royal treatment.

It wasn't enough. She's mean as can be when she thinks the cameras are off, and she'll maintain that 'joy' persona only for as long as she has to. After that, the witch comes out.

Voters beware.

Image: Twitter screen shot

What a mean person.
Siena Colleges latest poll had some interesting results, especially from Jewish voters, long one of the Democrat partys most reliable demographics. It turns out that Jewish voters dont like what they see. The poll generally asks like/dislike questions and specific questions about the economy and immigration, but I have to believe that Jews are also worried about the Democrats antisemitism problem and Kamala and Bidens efforts to save Hamas (a Nazi-like terrorist organization) from extinction.

You can see the Siena poll here, but its in microscopic font with a bewildering number of rows of information. Ive broken out the massive shift in Jewish support for Trump and some interesting general findings.

Image: Donald Trump at the Western Wall. YouTube screen grab.

Preliminarily, up to and including 2020, Jews have consistently voted for Democratsand, as this WaPo report shows, theyve done so by huge margins. The only exception was for Reagan when long-time Democrat Jewish voters (like my father) were frightened by Carters weakness in the face of Iran and his lukewarm support for Israel. And no, its not that American Jews put Israel before America. Its that they know that Israel is the tip of the spear when it comes to Islams pressure against the West. If Israel goes, that wont end things; it will be the beginning. Democrats voted for Reagan again in 1984 because of the stunning economic recovery on his watch.

Just four years ago, in 2020, when Siena conducted a poll of New York voters, that blue state (which last voted for a Republican in 1984) loved Biden. Chief among the Biden supporters were the Jews, who gave Biden a 77% favorability rating while giving Trump only a 20% favorability rating. When asked for whom theyd vote, 74% said for Biden.

A lot can happen in four years. Here are the Jewish voting numbers now:

As of this week, 52% of Jews have a favorable view of Donald Trump, compared to 48% with an unfavorable view.

If the election were held today, 54% of Jews would vote for Trump, with 44% voting for Kamala.

On the economy, 58% of Jewish voters favor Trump compared to the 39% favoring Kamala.

On abortion, 49% of Jews still favor Kamala compared to 44% favoring Trump.

On immigration, 58% of Jews favor Trump compared to only 33% for Kamala.

On democracy in the abstract, despite all the talk about Trump being an existential threat to democracy, Jews favor Trump (53%) over Kamala (45%).

On Bidens job performance, only 41% of Jews approve, while 55% disapprove.

Two more things: First, Jews vote. Currently, 73% are certain to vote in November, and 23% are very likely to vote, for a probably 95% turnout. No wonder Trump is actively seeking the Jewish vote.

Second, for those who say that New Yorks Orthodox Jewish community votes conservative, thats true. However, theyre only about 40% of the Jews in New York. The fact that Trump now leads in the state means non-Orthodox Jews are shifting.

Generally speaking (that is, not focusing just on New Yorks Jewish voters), New Yorkers arent happy with the status quo. While Democrats still like the direction in which the country is heading (49% compared to 35% who are unhappy), nobody else is very pleased. The poll shows that 88% of Republicans think the country is on the wrong track, a view shared by 76% of Independents and others. If these unhappy New Yorkers understand that Kamala is that status quo, thats bad news for her. Even if they tell pollsters theyre voting for Kamala, we might see a shy Tory effect.

Whats fascinating about all this is that, for decades, abortion was the one flag that Democrats had to wave to get out the vote. That issue, more than any other, drove voters to the polls. I certainly saw that in the community in which I raised my children. My neighbors worked hard, believed in marriage and family, opposed crime, disliked drug use, wanted low taxes... Indeed, in all ways, they were conservative, except on abortion. Say abortion, and they were off to vote for the Democrat.

Knowing this, Democrats have been insisting that Trump wants to ban abortions. They say this even though (a) the Dobbs decision means that the federal government no longer has a say in abortions, (b) Trump has explicitly disavowed seeking to ban abortions at the federal level because he says its a state matter now, and (c) Trump has explicitly disavowed Project 2025, which seeks stronger abortion laws. Politically, abortion is a dead federal issue, no matter how much the Democrats flog it.

If the data about Jewish voters are to be believed, the Jewish Democrats long-standing (and embarrassing) support for abortion is being overridden, temporarily, at least by more pressing concerns about their survival at home and abroad (theyve witnessed whats happened at Columbia and NYU), the economy, and open borders. If Israel is the tip of the spear when it comes to Islamic depredations against the West, maybe Jewish voters in New York are the tip of the spear when it comes to Americans concern about where Biden has taken this nation and where Kamala will continue to take it.
Thomas Wolfe, a novelist, poet, and essayist extraordinaire, wrote, You Cant go Home Again. Kamala Harris has adopted as her campaign slogan, We cant go back. It is beyond irony, well into the realm of blasphemy, to suppose that the Harris campaign was inspired by Wolfe. That someone who uses words as if they were nothing more than shards of iceberg lettuce, a crushed tomato, and a bit of chopped radish and cucumber was inspired by a man who crafted words much as Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and Albert Einstein explored the mysteries of the universe, defies belief.

Wolfes quote was a lamentation for what he recognized as a better place and time, expressed in his masterpiece Look Homeward, Angel. Anyone who has crossed the best used by date in their life is likely to have nostalgic dreams of those places and times. But his quote was far more than a dismissal of time travel. It was a recognition of ships that have sailed and water regrettably over the dam. As much as we would love to recapture the spirit and comfort of those days, we recognize the futility of those desires.

The Harris campaign slogan is nothing more than gaslighted demagoguery directed at a recoverable time. Her refusal to answer the question of whether or not we are better off today than we were four years ago under the Trump administration speaks volumes. Slogans and bumper stickers can attempt to lead you in any direction. The truth unfailingly points due north. That truth says that we, as individuals and as a nation, are undeniably in worse shape than we were four years ago.

The weaponization of the DoJ by the Biden-Harris administration has failed to prevent the possibility of returning to the Trump years. The media campaigns of misdirection, outright lies, and invective, which may have incentivized two failed assassination attempts, have thus far not derailed the possibility of a re-emergence of a great American era.

It appears that divine intervention has played a more significant role in the protection of former President Donald Trump than have the efforts of the Secret Service or Department of Homeland Security. This is not meant to imply that God is on Trumps side. It suggests to me that He is on Americas side, and is giving us the opportunity to return to better times, likely more in keeping with His wishes for our nation.

Whether we choose to make the most of that opportunity is up to the voting public, and hopefully not fraudulent vote counting or harvesting efforts. We can discount Wolfes words because we have not sailed too far from our home port. The place and people are still there waiting for our return. But we must reject Harriss campaign slogan, which attempts to disparage those better times and keep us from recovering Americas greatness. I dont believe Wolfe would deny us the short return trip home. On the other hand, Kamala must be left with nothing to cackle about.

Bill Hansmann is a dentist and dental educator with over fifty years in the profession. He continues to teach and write political blogs and semi-mediocre novels while living with his wife and cats in Georgia.

Image: Gage Skidmore
In 1897, a young French medical student named Ernest Duchesne submitted a ground-breaking doctoral thesis titled Contribution to the Study of Vital Competition Between Microorganisms: Antagonism Between Moulds and Microbes. In this work, Duchesne introduced a revolutionary idea that bacteria and moulds are locked in a constant struggle for survival, and this antagonism could be exploited for therapeutic use.

Although the therapeutic properties of fungi and plants in treating infections was known since ancient times, it was Duchesne who showed experimentally that certain moulds destroyed pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella typhi (which causes typhoid fever) and Escherichia coli in laboratory cultures and when injected into guinea pigs. What Duchesne had discovered was the natural antibiotic penicillinan achievement typically credited to Scottish physician Alexander Fleming. Duchesnes work remained largely forgotten until it was rediscovered more than 50 years later, in 1949, four years after Fleming was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize for his discovery.

Culture of penicillium mould. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Ernest Duchesne was born in Paris in 1874, the son of a chemical engineer who owned a tannery. After completing his secondary education, he was admitted to the military medical school in Lyon (Ecole du Service de Sante Militaire) in 1894. Two years later, Duchesne began his research under the guidance of Gabriel Roux, a professor of microbiology and Director of the Municipal Office of Hygiene in Lyon.

Roux had observed an intriguing phenomenon: despite the abundance of fungal spores in the air, they were absent in tap water and fountain water, though they could be made to grow in distilled water. This led Roux to suspect that certain microorganisms in the water might be inhibiting mould growth. He suggested Duchesne explore this idea as the foundation for his thesis. This observation would prove to be the starting point for Duchesnes pivotal work on microbial competition, eventually leading to his overlooked discovery of penicillin.

Duchesne conducted a series of experiments in which he cultured Penicillium glaucum in broth, then introduced small amounts of bacteria, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli, into the fungal colonies. Each time, the fungal spores died. He concluded that in the struggle for survival, the bacteria had the upper hand. However, Duchesne speculated that before the Penicillium perished, it might have weakened the bacteria, potentially reducing their virulence and pathogenic properties.

Ernest Duchesne

To test this theory, Duchesne injected guinea pigs with a solution containing an equal mixture of Penicillium glaucum and E. coli. Initially, the animals became seriously ill, but they recovered quickly. Two days after the initial injection, he administered the same mixture again, and the animals showed no ill effects, suggesting they had developed immunity to the E. coli. When guinea pigs were injected with a mixture of S. typhi and P. glaucum, they exhibited a similar immune response.

Duchesne noted that certain moulds (Penicillum glaucum), inoculated into an animal at the same time as very virulent cultures of some pathogenic microbes (E. coli and typhoid), are capable of reducing to a very considerable degree the virulence of these bacterial cultures.

Although Duchesne failed to identify the antibiotic produced by the mould Penicillium glaucum, he did correctly conclude about the therapeutic use of fungi:

We hope that the pursuit of these studies on the vital competition for life between fungi and microbes that we have only begun here, and for which we do not pretend to have made more than a small contribution, may result in the discovery of other facts useful and applicable to prophylactic hygiene and therapy.

Duchesnes thesis earned him a degree, but the novelty of his research failed to intrigue the medical society. Toward the end of 1898, Duchesne was appointed physician to the 2nd Regiment of Hussars based in Senlis. He married in 1901, but his wife died two years later of tuberculosis. He himself became ill with the disease in 1904, and was discharged from the army in 1907. He spent the last years of his life at various sanatoria in the South of France and in Switzerland before dying in 1912 at the age of thirty seven.

Sixteen years later, in 1928, Alexander Fleming experienced a similar discovery to Duchesnes when his cultures of Staphylococcus aureus were accidentally contaminated with Penicillium mould. Fleming, like Duchesne, observed that the mould was releasing a substance that inhibited bacterial growth. Despite the significance of this finding, Fleming's 1929 paper, published in the British Journal of Experimental Pathology, failed to attract much attentionmuch like Duchesnes thesis years earlier.

Alexander Fleming in his laboratory at St Mary's Hospital, London. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Fleming himself was uncertain about the practical medical applications of his discovery. He was more focused on its potential use in bacterial isolation than in treating infections. His chemist colleagues attempted, unsuccessfully, to isolate the active substancepenicillinleading Fleming to abandon further research on it.

A decade later, in the late 1930s, German-born British biochemist Ernst Boris Chain rediscovered Fleming's overlooked 1929 paper. Recognizing its potential, Chain suggested to Australian scientist Howard Florey that investigating antibacterial substances produced by microorganisms could be a promising line of research. Florey assembled a team of biologists and biochemists at Oxford University, and their collaborative efforts ultimately led to the successful isolation and mass production of penicillin, transforming it into a lifesaving antibiotic. This breakthrough came just in time for widespread use during World War II, changing the course of medicine.

After the curative properties of penicillin became public knowledge, thanks to an editorial in The Times, Alexander Fleming found himself at the center of attention, overshadowing Howard Florey. The media, eager to promote the familiar narrative of a lone scientist making a serendipitous discovery, distorted the facts and attributed the development of penicillin almost entirely to Fleming. Despite the inaccuracies, neither Fleming nor St. Mary's Hospital, where he made his initial observations, made any effort to correct the record. In fact, Fleming later made a statement that hinted at arrogance: When I woke up just after dawn on September 28, 1928, I certainly didnt plan to revolutionize all medicine by discovering the worlds first antibiotic, or bacteria killer. But I suppose that was exactly what I did.

Howard Florey and Ernst Chain.

In 1945, Fleming, along with Florey and Ernst Boris Chain, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for "the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases." Although the prize was shared equally among the three, it was Fleming who continued to receive the lions share of public recognition, while Florey and Chains crucial roles in developing penicillin into a viable treatment were often overlooked.

Duchesnes work resurfaced in 1949, thanks to Justin Godart, who presented a paper titled "Le Precurseur Francais de l'Action 'Antibiotique' du Penicillium" (The French Forerunner of the Antibiotic Action of Penicillium) before the Academie Nationale de Medecine in February of that year. This marked the beginning of a long-overdue recognition of Duchesnes contributions.

See: Alexander Flemings Microbial Art

In the years that followed, opinions on Duchesne's legacy varied widely. Some claimed unequivocally that Duchesne was the true discoverer of penicillin, having documented its antibacterial properties decades before Fleming. Others contended that while Duchesne was the first to observe the antagonistic relationship between Penicillium and bacteria, his work did not fully reveal the potential for therapeutic use.

In their textbook for first-year chemical and bioprocessing engineering students, Ricardo Simpson and Sudhir K. Sastry argue that according to the historical background, the person who first noticed the presence of penicillin was not Alexander Fleming, but the French medical student Ernest Duchesne, in 1896. Similarly, in his acclaimed book Bad Medicine, David Wootton challenges the conventional attribution of the discovery solely to Fleming and instead calls for a more nuanced distribution of credit. He writes, Thus it would seem fair to say that [Joseph] Lister and Duchesne had both independently discovered penicillin, and had taken it somewhat further than Fleming did, and that there was nothing remarkable in Flemings initial identification of penicillium [sic] as an antibiotic.

Woottons assertion underscores the idea that the foundational work of both Lister and Duchesne, long before Fleming, laid the groundwork for what would become the discovery of penicillin. In 1944, botanist Jules Brunel noted that Flemings lasting fame was largely due to his coining of the term penicillin, rather than his being the first to witness microbial antagonism. Brunel's observation highlights how language and timing often play a critical role in shaping historical recognition, leaving earlier contributors like Duchesne largely overlooked for many years.

There are, however, those who attempt to discredit Duchesnes work. British scholar Gilbert Shama, for instance, argues that the P. glaucum cultures Duchesne worked with likely did not contain penicillin, since the guinea pigs he injected with the solution survived. Shama points out that guinea pigs are extremely sensitive to penicillin, suggesting that had penicillin been present in Duchesnes experiments, the animals would have likely died. He further speculates that the fungal mycelium may have stimulated the animals innate defenses, and this may have contributed to their survival, rather than the presence of an antibiotic substance.

Ultimately, the debate over who truly discovered penicillin may be less significant than recognizing those who advanced it to the point of practical application. While both Duchesne and Fleming made important contributions to understanding microbial antagonism, the real credit for penicillins widespread medical use belongs to the scientists, such as Howard Florey, Ernst Boris Chain, and their team, who isolated and developed it into a life-saving drug. It was their work that made penicillin available on a global scale, revolutionizing modern medicine.

The British medical historian Bill Bynum sums this up nicely:

The discovery and development of penicillin is an object lesson of modernity: the contrast between an alert individual (Fleming) making an isolated observation and the exploitation of the observation through teamwork and the scientific division of labour (Florey and his group). The discovery was old science, but the drug itself required new ways of doing science.

References:

# Serge Duckett, Ernest Duchesne and the concept of fungal antibiotic therapy, Lancet

# Gilbert Shama, Deconstructing the fable of the discovery of penicillin by Ernest Duchesne, Endeavour
Meta is once again in troubled waters in the European Union. The EU is investigating Meta over concerns that it may have unfairly added its Facebook social network to its Marketplace service. It gives Marketplace an unfair advantage in the online marketplace space, said the regulator. Meta could face hefty fines in the EU over Marketplace competition if found guilty.

Meta is once again on the EUs radar for unfair Marketplace competition

According to Financial Times, Meta could be facing huge fines in the EU for unfair Marketplace competition. The EU claims that Meta is dominating the classified advertising market using unfair tactics. The competition watchdog is concerned that Meta has given Marketplace an unfair advantage by integrating it into the Facebook social network.

The integration provides Marketplace a much wider reach than the competitors. Furthermore, the regulator is also concerned that Meta may be using user data from Facebook to offer Marketplace sellers an advantage. The EU suggests that Meta accessed data from businesses for free to then sell ads to users. This gives the company a predatory advantage over its competitors.

Notably, the EU launched this antitrust probe in 2019 after accusations from rival brands. The other tech companies claimed that Facebook was abusing its dominant position by providing free services while profiting from user data. Furthermore, in December 2022, the watchdog offered initial findings that Meta was distorting competition. These accusations particularly mentioned the online classified ads market.

Meta could face fines of up to 10 percent of its global revenue for Marketplace competition

The report further mentions that the EU could fine Meta for up to 10 percent of its global revenue if found guilty. The companys global revenue in 2023 was reportedly around $135 billion. However, the overall fine could be much smaller, only time will tell. The source says the regulators decision on the matter could arrive as early as October. Almost certainly, Meta will appeal whatever the fines will be placed.

Notably, the EUs latest investigation on Meta comes amid a period of increased antitrust fines against big tech giants. Just earlier today, Apple got hit with 62 million Euros EU class action for unfair charges.
Google had agreed to sell its AdX advertising marketplace to pacify the European Union (EU) but the idea was rejected as insufficient. It appears every party involved, wants Google to do a lot more to regain their trust.

Google was willing to sell AdX

Its no secret that Google is in hot water owing to its advertising marketplace AdX. The ad exchange is a behemoth, just like the companys search platform.

Multiple regulators and government watchdogs are behind Google claiming the company acts like a monopoly in the ads business. The EU has even argued that Googles practices are anti-competitive and the company crushes its competitors.

The European Commission claims Google favors its advertising services. The commission recently opened its fourth case against the worlds most popular search engine.

Google has been trying to find some middle ground to get EU and other regulators off its back. To pacify the parties involved, Google reportedly offered to sell its advertising marketplace AdX.

AdX, or Ad Exchange, is a marketplace where publishers can make their unsold ad space available to advertisers for purchase on a real-time basis. Regulators have accused Google of stifling competition, but the company has been fighting multiple legal battles to challenge these claims

Who refused Googles peace offering and why?

It is important to note that Google has never openly indicated it was willing to divest in AdX. The Reuters report cites three lawyers involved in antitrust cases. Needless to mention, none of these individuals have permission to speak publicly.

Incidentally, it was the publishers who rejected Googles proposal. It seems they want the search giant to divest more than just AdX.

It appears publishers want Google to address conflicts of interest. Needless to add, Google has a commanding presence in almost all levels of the ad tech supply chain and it could use this to gain an unfair advantage.

As expected, Google continues to challenge the very definition of the ad tech business. As we have said before, the European Commissions case about our third-party display advertising products rests on flawed interpretations of the ad-tech sector, which is fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving. We remain committed to this business, a Google spokesperson said.

With the peace offering allegedly out the window, Google may now have to try other techniques. It is not immediately clear how Google will quell the growing discontent.
Right now, Google is in the grips of yet another antitrust lawsuit that can have a massive impact on its business structure. The DOJ (Department Of Justice) is suing the company on the grounds that Google is running a monopoly on the ad market. Well, during the case, it appears that Google may have tried to hide its message history to hide some of its unsavory business practices.

Lawsuit recap

Right now, Google is fighting its third major antitrust lawsuit within a years time, and it lost the previous two. The first was the lawsuit that ruled Google was running a monopoly on the Android app market. The second was much more significant, and it saw Google charged as the owner of a search monopoly.

This third case takes aim at its ad business. Much of Googles income comes from selling ads. However, its such a major force in the online ad market that its pretty much in charge of the ad buying and ad selling process. This way, its able to basically make the rules on how ads are sold on the internet.

Other companies like Meta and Microsoft also sell ads, and they also have a sizeable piece of the ad market in their claws. However, Google has a much larger influence, owning up to 90% of the ad market in some regions. This is somewhat because of the numerous buyouts of online advertising companies like DoubleClick.

On the fourth day of the trial, we found out that Google negatively affected publishers by getting rid of their freedom to choose the price floor when auctioning ad space. This is something that looks bad on Googles part.

Google may have tried to hide its message history

Cases like these always tend to dig up some old skeletons that companies have buried. Google was instructed by the court to reserve its conversations for investigation purposes. However, the court saw several documents marked privileged and confidential. If thats not bad enough, some Google employees were told to use Google Chat in a way that wont leave a paper trail.

As you can tell, this looks pretty suspicious for the company. Google executives and other higher-level workers typically talk about pretty much everything, both the good and the bad. If theyre instructed not to leave a paper trail, then you can bet that theyre hiding something pretty bad.

However, the court isnt accusing the company of hiding incriminating evidence. It just seems that way.

Hiding messages

A few Google employees testified on Friday regarding the Google Chat practices. Many Google employees communicated through this application, and they were sometimes instructed to start conversations with the chat history turned off. Thats pretty shady. This means that no one could pull up a record of the conversation.

Chris LaSala, a former Google sell-side ad executive expanded on this. When the company was placed on a litigation hold, Google Chat conversations had their chat history turned off by default. That was only if there werent any significant work messages. In that case, the history would need to be turned back on. However, several Google employees admitted to having some significant conversations with the history turned off.

Speaking of old skeletons, a 2020 conversation reached the surface, revealing an interaction between LaSala and other colleagues. In the message, the colleague asked LaSala if they should talk about a topic over email or if it was too sensitive for email, and they asked if they should, keep on ping? LaSalas response was start a ping with history turned off. Thats not a good look. This was Chris basically telling the employee to enter a back alley conversation.

Thats not all, as another conversation involving LaSala telling an employee to maybe start an off the record ping thread with Duke, you, me.

As a response to the court, LaSala mentioned that he tried to follow the terms of the hold, but he made a mistake. He said that, though the history was turned on, he wanted to make sure that the first message was preserved, so he put the message in the email to be safe. We were really good at documenting  and to the extent I made a mistake a couple times, it was not intentional.

Confidential documents

Along with the Google Chat conversations, there were several documents presented to the court that were marked Privileged and Confidential. For example, one email from former Google executive Rahul Srinivasan mentioned Googles Communicate with Care policy. Its a policy that ensures that the workers are careful when they refer to certain things. For example, when referring to something as Circumventive.

An interesting part of an email reads, We should assume that every document (and email) we generate will likely be seen by regulators. Obviously, thats a pretty damning piece of literature right there. Again, nothing incriminating was said in the emails (as far as we know), but the fact that Google was so secretive about certain conversations makes the court feel that the company has something to hide.

A Google spokesperson responded to the court about this subject, We take seriously our obligations to preserve and produce relevant documents. He continued to say We have for years responded to inquiries and litigation, and we educate our employees about legal privilege. In the DOJ cases alone, we have produced millions of documents including chat messages and documents not covered by legal privilege.

Whether Google was trying to cover up shady practices or not, this doesnt look good for the company. Google is already on thin ice, having a ton of evidence and testimony come out against it. The last thing Google needs is to be trying to cover up its message history.
New York, US (PANA) - The detention of asylum seekers around the world is harmful and contrary to their fundamental right to seek protection  which is why the practice should stop  the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Wednesday
Huaweis tri-fold smartphone is in high demand, it seems, as sales estimates have risen by 100%. This information comes from a well-known analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. The device in question is the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design, by the way.

Sales estimates for Huaweis tri-fold smartphone have risen by 100%

The company was expected to ship 500,000 units of the device. Well, now, the estimates have been revised to 1 million units for this year. Do note that the phone is China-exclusive, so were talking about China alone.

This phone managed to attract a lot of attention from all over the world despite the fact it launched in China only. There is hope it will arrive to more markets, though, as Huawei started teasing it via global social media channels.

This is also the worlds first tri-fold smartphone, by the way. It is available in China from CNY19,999 ($2,830). Which is, needless to say, a very high price tag for a smartphone. Still, tons of people seem to be interested.

Its not even available just yet

It is also worth noting that its not even available to buy in China yet. It will go on sale tomorrow, September 20, though reservations have been available since the phone launched.

Both Xiaomi and HONOR seem to be working on their own tri-fold smartphones. So its only a matter of time until we see some competition for Huawei. Its also worth noting that Huawei doesnt have access to Google services, at least not officially, so that gives its competitors the edge globally.

This smartphone has a 10.2-inch 3K AMOLED display which can fold to two smaller form factors. Best of all, its only 12.8mm thick when fully folded, so its almost as thin as the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The device also has a very compelling camera setup, truly fast charging, and much more.
Nowadays, theres no telling how many of the companies we trust are scraping our data under our noses to train AI models. We never find out until theyre caught with their hands in the cookie jar. One of the most popular job search platforms and social media sites actually lets us know that it scrapes our data, but theres a caveat. LinkedIn scraped our data before updating its privacy policy. This could put it in hot water.

The fact that LinkedIn is scraping our data should come as no surprise for two reasons. Firstly, just about every company on Earth, and probably other planets in the solar system, has started scraping data to train AI models. Remember, AI is the future! Secondly, LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft, one of the most AI-crazy companies on the market.

This is a sour blow for people who are looking for work on the platform. LinkedIn has supported and helped human workers for years, so its a bit ironic that its using those human workers data to train AI models.

LinkedIn scraped data before updating its privacy policy

A companys privacy policy is a way for it to be transparent about whats going on with your data. While many people dont really read this information, there are those who are always keeping an eye on them. Its a gesture of trust. So, if the company does anything not indicated in that policy, it can feel like a betrail.

LinkedIn updated its policy to let you know that your data is being scraped, so there shouldnt be an issue. However, according to the report, it appears that LinkedIn might have started scraping the data before updating the policy. If thats the case, then it would have technically violated its policy.

Recently, several users reported that LinkedIn was using its users data to train its AI model, but they didnt see the update in the policy yet. 404Media reached out to the company for comment, and it said that it would update it shortly. So, LinkedIn was training its model on its users data without updating the policy initially.

How to stop LinkedIn from using your data

You can stop LinkedIn from scooping up your data, but this is bittersweet news. If youre in the U.S., you can opt out of having LinkedIn using your data, but you dont have that option in some other regions. Unfortunately, if youre in the EU, for example, you dont have the option.

If you do have the option, youll see it in the Data Privacy section of your settings. Go to the Data for Generative AI Improvement section. There, youll see a toggle that will stop the flow of data from getting to LinkedIn. One thing to know is that, if you flip this switch, LinkedIn will still retain the information its already collected on you. Youll need to use the desktop version, not the app.

Should there be consequences?

Yes! There should be some sort of fine or slap on the wrist for LinkedIn. We live in a world where more companies are scraping our data, and we dont like it. The staff at LinkedIn should have known that scraping our data without our knowledge would upset us. Also, how long was the company going to secretly scrape users data before getting caught? If no one found out, would the company have updated the policy at all?

There should be some sort of repercussion for this; not to punish the company, but to set an example for other companies that do this. Whether this was intentional or if the LinkedIn staff just forgot, there were people who had their data scraped without their knowledge.
Oppo has been working on its Android 15-based skin, ColorOS 15, for quite some time now. There have been multiple rumors in the past about it, with some even hinting at its launch date. However, you shouldnt wait too long as Oppo has officially confirmed the launch date of ColorOS 15.

Today, the company officially announced that the 2024 OPPO Developer Conference (ODC) will be held on October 17 where it will also release ColorOS 15. That also means we are just weeks away from seeing the next-gen skin in action.

Oppo officially announces the launch date of ColorOS 15

The ODC 2024 will take center stage in Hangzhou, China where the company will announce the companys major software update for its devices. Worth noting the next-gen OS will succeed ColorOS 14 which was initially unveiled late in 2023, with the global version launching in January 2024. If you are eager to know whats coming with ColorOS 15, we are here to tell you.

Thanks to multiple leaks, some key features of the next-gen ColorOS updates are already out in the wild. Oppos next-gen Android-15-based skin could feature an iOS-style Control Center. Besides, it may also include the Dynamic Island feature which first debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro models. ColorOS 15 might also include improved animations and major UI changes.

Rumors also suggest that Oppo could finally introduce AirDrop support with ColorOS 15. On top of that, Oppos next-gen skin is likely to include several Android 15 features. The company could also shed some light on innovations in the upcoming Android skin while highlighting AI and a new smart ecosystem.

Oppo Find X8 series could be the first lineup to get ColorOS 15

As soon as the company announced the launch date of ColorOS 15, popular tipster Digital Chat Station hinted at the release date of the OPPO Find X8 series. Per the tipsters Weibo post, the company could announce the Find X8 series with a Dimensity 9400 chipset on October 21. The tipster also speculates that the upcoming flagship lineup could be the first Oppo phones to get ColorOS 15. However, theres no information on whether it will boot the next-gen OS out of the box.

The leaker further adds that Oppo may also launch the Pad 3 Pro tab and Enco X3 TWS earbuds. The company could also showcase a new color option for the Oppo Watch X. Besides, we could see a bunch of magnetic accessories at the event as well. Moreover, the tipster also claims that the Pad 3 Pro might get the ColorOS 15 update by the end of this year.
The past few weeks have been particularly favorable for Xiaomi. The company managed to overtake Apple in the global smartphone sales rankings. Mid-range devices, such as the Redmi Note series, helped it achieve the feat. Now, the Chinese giant has revealed that the Redmi Note 14 series will arrive next week, as well as the design of the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Pro+.

Redmi Note 14 Pro lineup official renders; series arriving next week

Regarding the Redmi Note 14 launch date, Xiaomi did not offer a specific day. We only know that the new devices will launch sometime next week. It seems that the company wants to keep the expectations around the series until almost the last day. It is possible that Xiaomi will reveal the exact date of the event before the end of this week.

The company also confirmed the design of the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ in renders. For some time now, the Redmi Note series has been betting on a premium-like look to stand out in the segment, mainly in the Pro models. It appears that the upcoming lineup will follow the same path. The renders show the Redmi Note 14 Pro in two colorways: Phantom Blue and Twilight Purple. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ stands out in a Porcelain White finish.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro and 14 Pro+ will feature curved edges on the front and rear. The company is experimenting with a dual-tone rear finish that distributes the colors in grids for the Pro model. The Pros Twilight Purple variant shows a particularly elegant vegan leather cover. On the other hand, the Pro+ model uses a more sober unicolor finish.

There are also aesthetic differences between the rear camera modules of both variants. The island is thinner in the Pro variant, but the camera lenses raise noticeably. Meanwhile, the Pro+ models camera island is thicker, enclosing the lenses in a dome. There are likely to be more differences in aspects such as weight and thinness, but these are still unknown.

Some leaked and confirmed specs

According to leaks, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip will power the Redmi Note 14 Pro. It would also bring 90W fast charging and a 50 MP main camera. Meanwhile, the Pro+ variant would rely on Mediateks Dimensity 7350 chip. Xiaomi confirmed that both devices will be durable thanks to an IP68 water and dust resistance rating and improved Diamond Structure. Lastly, the series will enjoy extended software support.
In the smartphone industry, most people take it for granted that Samsung and Apple will always occupy the top two spots in the global sales rankings. However, there are times when an outsider manages to take over a position in the top 2. Xiaomi did just that in August, becoming the second-biggest smartphone maker and pushing Apple to third place.

Things seem to be going well for Xiaomi lately, so much so that it has been able to repeat a milestone it hasnt achieved since August 2021. Counterpoint Researchs latest market analysis places the Chinese giant in second place in the global phone sales charts for August. As expected, Samsung remains in the top spot with strong shipments of its devices.

Xiaomi becomes the second-biggest smartphone maker in the world in August 2024

According to the report, there were some internal and external factors that contributed to Xiaomis milestone. Regarding internal moves, Xiaomi slightly tweaked its device launch strategy. The company has been releasing fewer models than before for each segment. In addition, it has bet heavily on the premium segment with attractive high-end devices, which has captured the attention of the public that usually buys this type of product.

Currently, the company offers some of the best camera phones and foldable devices on the market. So, mobile photography enthusiasts can have Xiaomi among their top options when switching smartphones. The Xiaomi Mix Fold is also expected to hit the global market in the coming weeks. Xiaomi, like other Chinese brands, integrates more risky innovations than the Galaxy Z Fold lineup in its foldables. Therefore, there is a lot of expectation and interest among the most tech-savvy.

In some markets where Xiaomi is traditionally strong, sales have stagnated. However, the company compensated for this by growing in Latin America through strong promotions. Sales of devices in the sub-$200 range continue to stand out over other price segments in Xiaomis catalog.

The usual drop in iPhone sales every August also helped

There is another factor that led Xiaomi to become the second-biggest smartphone maker in August 2024. However, this factor is cyclical and not under the companys control. We are talking about the usual drop in iPhone sales every August. Apple usually releases new iPhone generations in September, so sales of older models suffer due to the anticipation of future ones.

It is possible that Apple will regain the second (or even first) spot once the iPhone 16 series hits stores. However, it is not a certainty, as a recent report revealed lower than expected demand for the iPhone 16 Pro. Anyway, no matter what happens, Xiaomis milestone is still commendable.
Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

This Laura Ashley gift set is one of many Star Gifts now available at Boots. (Boots/Yahoo Life UK)

It may be only September, but Boots' Star Gifts are back and better than ever, ready to get you started on your Christmas gift shopping early. These gift sets from luxury and budget beauty brands allow you to save big while snapping up some of the most coveted products in skincare, make-up and hair care. That's your Estee Lauder, Iconic London, L'Oreal and more.

And for a limited time only, a number of these sets have been discounted by more than half price, with everything from at-home gel manicure kits to self-tanning skincare routines, and even an indulgent beauty advent calendar up for grabs.

But it's this Laura Ashley Timeless Luxuries Collection that takes the top spot. Now reduced from 60 to just 29.50, it features a lavish selection or products to seriously upgrade anyone's shower routine and leave them feeling perfectly pampered.

Inside is a body lotion, shower creme, hand and nail cream, and a lip balm. Presented in a hamper-style box, there's also an eye mask and zipped pouch to store your treats.

The box can also easily be re-used once it's been opened, whether for a mini picnic or a stylish storage solution at home.

The hamper box fits with Laura Ashley's quintessentially British style. (Boots)

Perfect for trialling new products or refreshing your stash, this sweet selection of body care treats is a must-have. (Boots)

29.50 60 at Boots Shop Boots Star Gifts

Every year without fail, Boots' Star Gifts receive rave reviews and sellout success, thanks to their fantastic value for money and beautiful presentation boxes. You barely need to gift wrap.

No doubt the Laura Ashley Timeless Luxuries Collection will be another popular pick for Boots shoppers this year, so if you're keen to add one of your own to your basket (we won't judge if you keep it all to yourself) ASAP.

Shop now: Laura Ashley Timeless Luxuries Collection | 29.50 (Was 60)

Louise Whitbread

Shop now

Also appearing on our wishlist from this year's Star Gifts is the Macmillan 24 Doors of Joy Advent Calendar, that's been slashed in price from 90 to 44, with 2 from every sale being donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Another top pick is the Mylee Nail It Kit for mastering gel manicures at home, that's now on offer for 49 instead of the full price tag of 100.

More star gifts to shop at Boots

Boots Mylee Nail It Kit 49 100 Save 51 This Mylee kit has everything you need to master at-home gel manicures with ease. There's an LED lamp, cuticle sticks, nail files, nail prep solution and a gel remover, a top and base coat, and four gel shades to get you started. 49 at Boots

This article was originally published on Yahoo Life UK.
An astonishing double save from David Raya ensured Arsenal avoided defeat in their Champions League opener at Atalanta.

The Gunners keeper repelled a penalty from Italy striker Mateo Retegui and somehow got back across his goal to keep out the rebound as Mikel Artetas side escaped with a goalless draw.

It was not exactly vintage Champions League fare in northern Italy, with Arsenal blunt in attack and Atalanta not particularly ambitious either.

An important point in our Champions League opener  pic.twitter.com/sxNPW0Njjw  Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 19, 2024

But after the tension of the north London derby win at Tottenham and ahead of Sundays top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City, Arteta will not be too unhappy with an unspectacular point.

The Gunners boss will know, however, that they will have to raise their game considerably if they are to trouble the champions at the Etihad.

In front of a noisy, intimidating crowd inside the Gewiss Stadium, Bukayo Saka at least showed no ill-effects from limping off at Spurs four days earlier and curled an early effort wide.

Then, after ex-Gunner Saed Kolasinac was booked for a foul on Thomas Partey 20 yards out, Sakas low free-kick was saved by Marco Carnesecchi.

David Raya (centre) was the Arsenal hero (Fabrizio Carabelli/PA)

Gabriel Martinelli should have hit the target from Declan Rices lay-off in the area but got under his shot and blazed over.

Atalanta had enjoyed recent success against an English club, stunning Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in April on their way to winning the Europa League.

But they attacked only sporadically in a stodgy first half, chiefly through their hat-trick hero against Bayer Leverkusen in the final in Dublin, Ademola Lookman.

Their best chance arrived when Retegui backheeled the ball into the path of Charles de Ketelaere, who curled his shot wide.

However, the second half began with a bang after Partey was beaten for pace by Ederson and pulled the Brazilian back.

Thomas Partey (right) was caught out for the penalty (Fabrizio Carabelli/PA)

The initial foul looked to have taken place well outside the area, but a VAR check confirmed the decision of French referee Clement Turpin to award a penalty.

However, Retegui was unable to stand and deliver thanks to the heroics of Raya, who first dived to his right to beat out the spot-kick.

As the ball looped up, Retegui must have thought he had the simplest of headers, from six yards out into an empty net.

Gabriel Martinelli came closest for Arsenal (Fabrizio Carabelli/PA)

But Spaniard Raya incredibly managed to get back to his feet and throw himself over to his left to claw the ball out from on the goal-line.

Martinelli had a late chance to win it for Arsenal after he was put through on goal by substitute Raheem Sterling.

But the Brazilian striker was off balance as he snatched at his shot and lifted it over the top, with Arsenals hopes of nicking a win disappearing with it.
The Guardian, September 17, 2024

Afghanistan is at risk of a polio outbreak, health officials have warned, after the Taliban suspended the vaccination campaign over security fears and restrictions on women.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 18 new cases of polio infection in the country so far this year, a significant increase from the six cases reported in 2023. Local healthcare workers say these numbers could be higher as many cases will not yet have been detected.The Taliban had temporarily suspended polio vaccinations in Afghanistan, a health official involved with the campaign confirmed to the Guardian, because of security concerns and womens involvement in administering vaccines.

A highly infectious viral disease, polio can cause paralysis and death, particularly in infants and young children.

The reason behind the postponing of the polio campaign is the issues with the modality of implementation, the health official explained on condition of anonymity. The leadership of the current government has ordered us to not conduct door-to door campaigns.

Instead, the Taliban government wants to shift vaccination efforts to local mosques, with the expectation that families would bring their children to get doses.

This is very bad news for the polio programme, the official said. For the eradication to be successful, we need to cover more than 95% of the children with two doses of the vaccine.

But without the door-to-door campaigns, we will not be able to reach [that target]. It puts the whole country at risk, even the region.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where the polio virus is endemic.

One of the reasons for banning door-to-door campaigns was security. The south, especially Kandahar, is where the Taliban leaders live, and they are concerned the campaigns could reveal their locations to foreign threats, the official said.

Fake vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan and Pakistan were reportedly used by US intelligence agencies to identify and confirm terrorist hideouts, including those of Osama bin Laden. This led to massive mistrust of the campaigns across the region, with several attacks on polio workers over the past decade.

A local healthcare worker in Kandahar said that door-to-door vaccination was already banned in southern Afghanistan.

In Kandahar and even in parts of Uruzgan province, vaccinations have been taking place only in the local mosques for many years now, one of them said.

While the Taliban have banned women from working in various sectors, women in healthcare have largely been allowed to remain in their jobs.

However, the healthcare worker said: Women in the southern region face restrictions from local authorities in participating in the programme, particularly in the rural areas.

The health official agreed. Women have been crucial to the success of the door-to-door campaigns and raising awareness of the vaccines among mothers and families since, in a deeply conservative society, men would not be allowed into those spaces, they said.

Afghan health workers administer polio vaccinationsAfghanistan to restart polio vaccination programme with Taliban support.

Of the 18 cases reported this year, 11 are in Kandahar. In the rest of Afghanistan, there are no issues with female polio workers, and in those areas where we have female workers, we dont have cases of polio. They are directly responsible for the eradication of polio in those parts, the official added.

When the Taliban took over, I was happy because I thought now we would have the opportunity to completely remove polio from Kandahar, said one 23-year-old former female polio worker, who asked to be identified only as Farhanaz.

I was eager to travel to remote regions if needed to administer the vaccines. But when I faced restrictions, I was heartbroken, she said.

Farhanaz said she had been working with the local vaccination campaign since she was a teenager but was forced to resign shortly after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Our work was crucial and effective. Preventing us [women] from doing our job will hurt the country and our children will suffer for no fault of theirs, she warned.

The WHO has been approached for comment.
Emma Raducanu reached the quarter-finals of the Korea Open after beating eighth seed Yue Yuan in straight sets.

The 21-year-old needed seven match points to clinch a hard-fought 6-4 6-3 victory over the eighth seed.

Raducanu edged ahead following a close first set and powered ahead at the start of the second, holding off a comeback from Yuan and serving eight aces during the second set.

@EmmaRaducanu storms through to the Seoul quarter-finals! Quality from Emma who defeats No.8 seed Yue Yuan 6-4, 6-3 #BackTheBrits  pic.twitter.com/bnDQZGQIMn  LTA (@the_LTA) September 19, 2024

Raducanu had battled past American Peyton Stearns in the previous round to set up the meeting with Yuan, which was incredibly tight in the opening stages.

The momentum shifted when some solid forehands allowed Raducanu to level at 4-4 and she broke Yuans serve in the following game to go in front.

After taking a medical timeout, the Briton then successfully served out the set and quickly picked up where she left off to take control in the second set, breaking Yuans serve in the opening game before extending her lead in the second, which included two aces.

She won her sixth straight game of the match to go 3-0 up but was broken in the fourth game as Yuan pulled one back and the Chinese player looked to pile on the pressure.

Although Yuan looked like she was beginning to find her rhythm, Raducanu fought back to hold serve and extend her lead further in a close sixth game.

The eighth game produced seven deuces and Raducanu missed five match points before Yuan eventually held serve, but the Briton stopped any chance of a late comeback by wrapping up victory in the following game.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Esther Rantzen attends a Thanksgiving Service in memory of Dame Vera Lynn at Westminster Abbey on March 21, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

What did you miss?

Dame Esther Rantzen has shared her hopes for the legacy she will leave behind after Sir Keir Starmer committed to a debate on assisted dying laws.

The Prime Minister has repeated his commitment to Rantzen, who has terminal lung cancer, and a parliamentary debate is expected to take place before Christmas.

Broadcaster and ChildLine founder Rantzen told Lorraine that she wanted to avoid her family's happy memories of her being "overwhelmed" by seeing her dying in pain.

What, how, and why?

Esther Rantzen has spent her life campaigning for social change, and although she is now living with terminal lung cancer, she is still working hard to push for a change in assisted dying laws.

Since revealing her cancer diagnosis in 2023, Rantzen has been open about her plans to visit assisted dying clinic Dignitas in Switzerland when she feels the time is right - but has been campaigning for a change to laws that make assisted dying illegal in England, including travelling with someone to Dignitas which is a non-profit organisation which provides physician-assisted dying.

Esther Rantzen is campaigning for a change in assisted dying laws. (PA Images via Getty Images) (Jonathan Brady - PA Images via Getty Images)

Rantzen does not do in-person interviews any more but she spoke to Lorraine's Dr Hilary Jones over the phone to say how pleased she was that Starmer was going ahead with the debate.

She said: "I'm very, very impressed that given all the challenges, national and international, he remembers the conversation we had before the election in which he made it clear that this is something he does feel very strongly about.

"Being a lawyer himself, I think he thinks it's important that laws should be just and fair and clear, which this one is not."

Rantzen added: "Palliative care is wonderful but it isn't always effective and I know as does anyone who's been in this situation that memories of someone you love dying in pain can sometimes overwhelm the happy memories that you'd had during their lifetime. I absolutely don't want that to happen to my family, I want them to remember the fun we've had, not any terminal pain I might be in.

Keir Starmer has committed to a parliamentary debate before Christmas. (WPA Pool/Getty Images) (WPA Pool via Getty Images)

"The effect of the current law is that I do have to go to Switzerland and Dignitas they won't be able to come with me because I would risk them being investigated by the police for having supported me, which is all wrong."

Asked what she hoped her legacy would be, Rantzen said: "Even if it doesn't happen in my time, I do hope that other people in my situation will be given the choice. That's all I ask, to shorten their death if that's what they want."

The broadcaster added that she was feeling better than expected, saying: "I'm much better than I thought I would be because I've got one of these amazing new drugs which seems to be holding the cancer at bay to my surprise."

What else has Esther Rantzen said about assisted dying?

Esther Rantzen and her family have spoken about their views on assisted dying. (WireImage) (Karwai Tang via Getty Images)

Rantzen and her daughter Rebecca have spoken out many times about why they feel so strongly on assisted dying, and in April the broadcaster shared that she had received offers from kind strangers in Zurich to be with her at Dignitas if her family couldn't.

She told Good Morning Britain: "As you know, signed up with Dignitas. But it does mean if I go to Switzerland that my family can't come with me for fear of being interrogated by the police, which is not what you want your family to go through."

Presenter Susanna Reid asked her whether she would consider making the journey on her own. Rantzen revealed the kindness of strangers and how she wouldn't be on her own.

She said: "Among the wonderful messages of support there are people who say they'd go with me or people who live in Zurich and would meet me off the plane, so I don't know. It's really a decision for my family to make. They might say, 'The hell with it. We're going with you.' I mean, this whole thing is really to try and save them from a terrible memory."

She added: "If I knew that was going to be difficult for my family to witness, I would want to be able to ask for help."

Lorraine airs on ITV1 at 9am on weekdays.

Read more: Esther Rantzen

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/esther-rantzen-legacy-keir-starmer-assisted-dying-debate-102350009.html
The exploding device attacks in the Lebanon are utterly despicable and extraordinarily dangerous, the Taoiseach has said.

Simon Harris said the safety of Irish troops currently based in the country on UN missions was an absolute priority for the Government.

There are basic rules around engagement, even in conflict, and at the very core is the idea that you dont send explosive devices in among civilian populations and to watch explosions taking place in supermarkets, he said.

To watch the impact that its had on civilian populations, on children, on innocent people going about their lives, is utterly despicable and extraordinarily dangerous at a time when the rest of the world is trying to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East.

Mr Harris is to travel to New York next week to attend the UN General Assembly, which he said was an opportunity to try to bring about a ceasefire in the Middle East.

In relation to Irish troops, Mr Harris said they are continuing to monitor the situation very carefully, very closely.

The safety of our peacekeeping troops, who do incredible service on the ground, is always paramount in our minds, the Taoiseach said as he updated reporters during a visit to the National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois.

We dont just analyse and consider this at a national level. We also do with UN colleagues, and indeed with other European colleagues.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin speaking to the media at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois (Cillian Sherlock/PA).

I dont have any specific updates in relation to devices, other than to assure you that keeping our troops safe is an absolute priority for all of us in Government.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the attacks required further investigation to determine the origin of the explosives.

Theres a variety of speculation as to whether explosives were put into the pagers at a manufacturing facility. We just dont simply know that, said Mr Martin who also attended the ploughing on Thursday.

I think the concern we would all have, a deep concern here, is, in essence, a new type of modern warfare manifested itself in a very indiscriminate and shocking way.

Because many, many innocent people going about their daily lives at work or shopping, and so on, can be victims of this type of weaponry.

Children as young as nine were killed in this attack. How many more people must die before we bring an end to the carnage? Too many people have died in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and dire. UN personnel (are) saying theyve never seen anything like it.

Were now potentially on the cusp of a major escalation in Lebanon, we appeal to all not to escalate, and to de-escalate.

Who suffers? Ordinary people, so civilians, innocent men, women, and, above all, children, suffer in this type of warfare. It simply has to stop. And there will be wider implications, unfortunately, for the wider world.

Mr Martin said he does not anticipate any issues with equipment used by Defence Forces personnel stationed in Lebanon on a UN peacekeeping mission.

This seems to be a very specific issue, specific to particular shipments of pagers and smartphones and whatever, he said.

We have tried and trusted procurement mechanisms with tried and trusted providers, so we dont anticipate any issues.
A former Hollywood actor who was this month released early from prison has been rearrested and remanded in custody.

Tattooed Jason Hoganson, 53, was photographed raising a thumb as he was released from Durham Prison on September 10.

The following day he was arrested in Newcastles West End on suspicion of two counts of breaching a restraining order and one count of assault.

He appeared in court on September 12, and was due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates Court on Wednesday, having admitted one count of breaching the order but denying the other count, and denying assault.

He was remanded in custody and is due to stand trial on October 30 at South Shields Magistrates Court

Hoganson, who was released early after serving half of an 18-month jail sentence at HMP Durham, had a leading role in 1987 film Empire State.
Four Metropolitan Police officers are under investigation for misconduct after two women were murdered by a man they had complained about to the force.

Carl Cooper, 66, was jailed for life in July for the murders of Naomi Hunte, 41, who was stabbed in the chest, and Fiona Holm, 48, whose body has never been found.

Both women had been in a relationship with handyman Cooper around a year apart and had complained to police about his violence.

On Wednesday, the Met Police confirmed four of its officers were under investigation for misconduct in relation to a complaint Ms Holm made against Cooper for assault in April 2023, as first reported by The Times newspaper.

Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Fiona Holm (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Cooper was not charged following the attack, despite being arrested, the force said.

Ms Holm, of south east London, is believed to have died around two months later on June 20 2023.

A review into the management of Ms Holms complaint concluded a more thorough investigation could have identified key witnesses, who could have provided strong evidence for a victimless prosecution against Cooper.

During the murder trial, Woolwich Crown Court heard Ms Hunte, who was found stabbed to death on her sofa in south east London on Valentines Day in 2022, made a number of domestic callouts to police to her home in 2020 and 2021 and told them he was obsessed with her.

In a police call-out to her home on June 29 2021, she told officers Cooper stalks me and Im really scared now.

Met Police Commander Paul Brogden said: Our thoughts will always remain with Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm, and we again extend our sincere condolences to their families as they continue to grieve for these two beloved women.

We have always been clear that we made mistakes when dealing with allegations against Carl Cooper.

Naomi Hunte seen in an undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police (Metropolitan Police/PA)

For those mistakes we are extremely sorry.

He continued: These matters are currently the subject of several reviews led by the Mets directorate of professional standards.

A senior officer from Lewisham met with Fionas family to discuss the review of the missing person investigation and I would like to repeat our direct and unequivocal apology for the way they were treated when they reported her missing.

It is a matter of enduring regret that we did not have sufficient evidence to charge Cooper sooner for the murder of Naomi.

Cooper has still not revealed the location of Fionas body.

We continue our enquiries to find her so that her family can finally lay her to rest.

Sentencing Cooper in July, Mr Justice Johnson told the killer he was sure he had been a great danger to women over the years and that he had a history of acting in controlling and coercive manner to your female partners.

The four officers are being investigated in relation to Ms Huntes April 2023 GBH complaint.

This was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which advised it should be a local investigation, but the watchdog will review its findings, the Met said.
A train seat that can be converted into a lie-flat bed has been unveiled in a bid to transform rail travel.

Designers of the DreamSuite said it could boost comfort for budget passengers on overnight sleeper services and long-distance daytime journeys.

The seat is being developed by consultancy Future Travel Studio, which received 275,000 of funding from the Department for Transport and innovation agency Innovate UK last year.

The seat can be converted from an upright position to a flat bed using a mechanical system (Future Travel Studio/PA)

A prototype was revealed at the Derby factory of train manufacturer Alstom on Thursday.

The UKs two overnight sleeper train services connect London with Scotland and the South West.

They both feature a combination of private cabins beds  which are sold at a premium price  and regular train seats, which many passengers select to save money but find difficult to sleep on.

Future Travel Studio said DreamSuite had been created as a middle-ground option.

It claimed this could offer 60% more capacity than sleeper cabins  meaning savings could be passed on to passengers  and be more comfortable than conventional seating.

The seat can be converted from an upright position to a flat bed with a length of six feet and two inches using a mechanical system.

It features a privacy screen  enabling flexibility for solo travellers and couples  and space to hang clothes and store bags.

It has been designed to meet UK rail safety standards, and could be fitted to existing carriages.

Future Travel Studio said it hoped to launch a pilot programme for DreamSuite (Future Travel Studio/PA)

Designer Nik Lusardi, whose previous roles include creating Virgin Atlantics first-class seats between 2004 and 2016, told the PA news agency: What weve been trying to do is democratise this kind of product on rails.

We want to make this attainable for everybody, not just business passengers and people whove got deep pockets.

He said DreamSuite was a game change as his experience of UK trains was that the seats are all a bit hard, they get uncomfortable after about half-an-hour.

He added: We are very passionate about sustainability.

We think theres a bit of a tsunami coming around this kind of product.

People are gravitating more towards train. This product makes train travel a more compelling argument.

Alstom managing director for the UK and Ireland Nick Crossfield said: By integrating advanced, flexible seating options into existing rolling stock, were helping to unlock new opportunities for both daytime and night-time rail services while supporting the industrys efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

DreamSuite truly is a game-changer.

Future Travel Studio said it hoped to launch a pilot programme for DreamSuite, paving the way for commercial use.

Mark Smith said it is a product that people are familiar with from business class air travel, which is perceived as upmarket.

But he expressed concern at the potential downgrade in security compared with a lockable sleeper cabin.

Mark Smith, founder of international train travel website Seat61.com, said there is potential for the design to be deployed in continental Europe but its unlikely to be used in the UK.

I dont think it will happen in the UK, he said.

Although theres growing demand for sleepers, and although the Caledonian Sleeper runs fully booked (between London and Scotland) almost every night, they are maxed out for 16 vehicles, they cant add extra cars to their trains.

Would they bother fitting these in place of their existing seats?

I think that would be nice, but I dont think theyll think thats worthwhile.
The King has conveyed his profound shock and sadness at the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in central Europe.

Charles said he and the Queen send their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones as he issued a message of support to people affected by the crisis.

Several nations have been hit, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, as a result of a low pressure system that began dumping record rainfall in the region last Thursday.

Firefighters pump water and mud from city streets and help clean the city of Glogow that was hit by a high flood wave in south-western Poland (KG PSP via AP/PA)

Authorities have reported 23 deaths so far, with seven each in Poland and Romania, five in Austria and four in the Czech Republic.

In northern Italy, more than 1,000 people were evacuated overnight in the Emilia-Romagna region and the Lamone river has overflown its banks near Bagnacavallo.

The King, in a written message signed Charles R, said: My wife and I are profoundly shocked and saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in central Europe.

A message from The King regarding the ongoing floods in Central Europe. pic.twitter.com/gI0z1xSAu9  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 19, 2024

Many people in the United Kingdom have strong, enduring and personal ties to the region and, together with them, my wife and I send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those who have so tragically lost their loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods.

We have immense admiration for the sheer courage and dedication of the emergency services across the region who have clearly worked relentlessly to provide desperately-needed support, relief and assistance to the countless people whose lives and properties have been dreadfully disrupted.

The European Unions head office warned this week that the combination of floods in central Europe and deadly wildfires in Portugal are joint proof of a climate breakdown that will become the norm unless drastic action is taken.
The King has thanked Royal Navy submariners for their service to the country while on a visit to a base in Argyll and Bute.

Charles met dozens of serving submariners at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) at Coulport, part of HM Naval Base Clyde.

He was welcomed by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE and received the royal salute from several senior members of the Navy.

The King meets members of the Royal Navy and their families (LPhot Stuart Dickson/MoD/Crown Copyright/PA)

It marks the first time the King has visited the base as head of the armed forces, though he did visit in 2011 and 2013 as the Prince of Wales.

Commodore Paul Dunn OBE, of the Submarine Service, said: His Majestys visit, his first here as commander-in-chief of the British armed forces, acknowledges the valuable service of our submariners.

The Royal Navys unbroken 55-year record of continuous at sea deterrence is a tremendous source of pride, showcasing the skill, professionalism and dedication of our defence enterprise.

This remarkable national endeavour, entrusted to us since 1969, has seen our submariners and their families make significant sacrifices in the defence of our country.

The King also went aboard a Vanguard-class nuclear capable submarine, where he spoke to crew members about their roles and thanked them for their commitment.

The King signing the visitors book during a visit to the Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Coulport (LPhot Stuart Dickson/MoD/Crown Copyright/PA)

He later met gold deterrent pin holders  submariners who have been honoured for their efforts in nuclear deterrence.

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Longhurst and his family were among the submariners who met the King.

CPO Longhurst said: Meeting the King with my wife and shipmates today was a truly special moment, marking the culmination of my service as a Royal Navy submariner.

It has been a challenging but fulfilling 23 years, seven of which have been underwater.

His Majestys visit today not only highlights the importance of the job we do in keeping the nation safe, but it also emphasises the invaluable support of our loved ones who stand by us through every deployment.

Our families are the unsung heroes and today recognises that at the highest level.

The King and senior submariners salute during his visit to the naval base (LPhot Stuart Dickson/MoD/Crown Copyright/PA)

The geographic position of a Vanguard-class submarine on patrol is a secret not shared with the majority of the crew.

While at sea, submariners have little contact with the outside world.

However, one of the most important links with home is the arrival of the Family Gram, a 120-word one-way message that arrives weekly.

Patrolling submariners will also receive a snapshot of local and international news stories, as well as sporting results  all of which are vetted by the commanding officer.

The King meeting families and friends of Royal Navy submariners (LPhot Stuart Dickson/MoD/Crown Copyright/PA)

Commodore Sharon Malkin ADC, naval base commander Clyde, said: HM Naval Base Clyde has supported the UKs deterrent submarines since 1968.

The One Clyde team on base is a collaboration of serving naval personnel, veterans, civil servants, and industry partners  many of whom are part of the local community.

His Majestys visit to the Clyde today is a tremendous honour for all of us involved.
The Foreign Secretary has expressed concern about rising tensions and civilian casualties in Lebanon amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israel is reported to have carried out air strikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday afternoon as Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed to retaliate following this weeks attacks that targeted Lebanese militants with exploding pagers.

In a televised speech, Mr Nasrallah said the attacks, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, had been a severe blow and claimed they had killed dozens, including children, and wounded thousands.

On Thursday evening, David Lammy said he had spoken to Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati and expressed my deep concern over rising tensions and civilian casualties in Lebanon.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy (Frank Augstein/PA)

He added that he and Mr Mikati had discussed the need for a negotiated solution to restore stability and security across the border between Israel and Lebanon.

Mr Lammy went on to repeat the Foreign Offices warning to British nationals, urging them to leave Lebanon while commercial options remain as the situation could deteriorate rapidly.

Also on Thursday, two Israeli soldiers were reported to have been killed by Hezbollah in the groups own cross-border attacks.

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant meanwhile vowed that Israeli civilians would return to the countrys north as he promised Hezbollah would pay an increasing price.

2/2 My message to British nationals in Lebanon is leave while commercial options remain. Tensions are high and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. See the latest travel advice: https://t.co/oeWXh6FKnA.  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 19, 2024

Fears of an all-out war have mounted as Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire across Lebanons southern border.

Hezbollahs renewed offensive followed Hamass attack on Israel on October 7, and both groups are backed by Iran.

Western countries including the UK have repeatedly urged restraint, arguing escalation could lead to a regional war.

The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon.
The final daily print edition of Londons Evening Standard has landed on the capitals streets ahead of it relaunching next week as a weekly title.

The newspaper, which has previously been circulated free of charge at the capitals Underground stations from Monday to Friday, relaunches next Thursday September 26 with its new weekly publication The London Standard.

The publications editor-in-chief, Dylan Jones, who joined the title in June last year, bid farewell to the papers last daily print edition in a piece published on page three and said that he looked forward to relaunching it as an end-of-the-week treat.

Copies of the final print of the London Evening Standard are taken by readers as the paper moves to weekly-only editions and a rebrand (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Mr Jones said in an op-ed that it will continue to be available at the capitals Underground stations, and added: We will look and feel the same, although with a slightly different name The London Standard and many, many more pages. We think youll like the change. We certainly hope so.

He pledged the new look will be an upmarket celebration of the city in all its glory and will be delivering quality at scale for a culturally savvy, desirable audience  you.

In addition, he said that there will be more quality in the title including sharp opinion, analysis, interviews, deeply researched features, scoops and the strong record in campaigning that is now part of its DNA.

Every page will have energy. This is an end-of-the-week treat, with features you come back to on Saturday and Sunday, he wrote.

The last ever front page of the Evening Standard. pic.twitter.com/yuD390kzjQ  Elliot Wagland (@elliotwagland) September 19, 2024

He signed off saying: We sincerely hope you will join us on the continuation of our 200-year-old journey and we look forward to seeing you next Thursday, for the latest development of The London Standard.

On the front page of the last daily issue was an interview with the Transport Secretary Louise Haigh about tackling train unions, while other pages were devoted to news stories.

In May, the newspaper told staff about the changes, saying it is making substantial losses with its current operation, which has prompted the need for a change of direction.

The Evening Standard is owned by Evgeny Lebedev, who is also a shareholder in The Independent as well as a member of the House of Lords and the son of Russian oligarch Alexander Lebedev.
The Economist, September 19, 2024

Last month the Taliban published a new consolidated code of religious laws. It has left Afghan women reeling, with many now searching for ways to leave. It also has implications for the Talibans quest for legitimacy and relations with the world. Three years after Americas withdrawal from the country, the situation in Afghanistan looks worse than ever.

Even before the announcement in late August, women were banned from attending secondary schools, universities, parks and female-only spaces such as beauty salons. They were not allowed to work in most professions. Now they are banned from raising their voices or reciting the Koran in public. They are prohibited from looking at any man other than their relatives, and have to cover their faces fully.

Nasiba (not her real name), a 28-year-old midwife in Badghis, in the north-west of the country, says that after three years under the Taliban she feels a sense of hopelessness, loneliness. When she leaves the house, she does so with fear, shaking, that someone might say something to me or stop me. Some women have reacted to the latest announcement by reducing how much they go out; others ensure they are never alone outside. Amina, a widow in Kabul, the capital, locks her daughter and son inside. Her children eat once a day, if at all: If theres food they eat, if not they wait.

The new religious code is a pivotal moment, says Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, who is barred from the country by the Taliban. He wants gender apartheid to be considered a crime against humanity. Activists want the Taliban to be tried at the International Criminal Court (Afghanistan has signed up to the Rome statute). That seems unlikely. Outrage in the West has been muted, not least as many are distracted by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Suhail Shaheen, the Talibans choice to be permanent representative to the United Nations, says the new code was introduced to limit the powers of the morality police, who have become more present in the country. Mr Shaheen insists that the law banning women from speaking outside had been misinterpreted. He says that the Taliban has issued thousands of licences for women interpreters. The ban applied to women singing at large gatherings of men, he claims. He adds that women can study midwifery or go to a religious school.

That is of little comfort to many women. Nasiba says that she has started to think about leaving the country, mostly for the sake of her ten-year-old daughter but also of her five-year-old son, who admires the Taliban. He sees [the Taliban] at the shopping centre, he sees their rangers and wants to take a photo...maybe hell become a Talib, she says, with a grim laugh. When theres no education...no computer classes, or English, just religious education, what else is he going to become?
A man who threatened to kill an MP has been jailed for three years and three months.

Ryan Breheny, 48, also said he had been offered an AK-47 assault rifle and and claimed he was going to attack NHS workers, Bolton Crown Court heard.

The defendant, of Old Hall Street, Wigan, Greater Manchester, made the threat to kill Lisa Nandy, MP for Wigan, and now Labours Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

He was jailed on Tuesday after pleading guilty to making a threat to kill, making threatening communications and common assault.

Ryan Breheny has been jailed for making threats to kill Lisa Nandy (GMP/PA Media)

The court heard Breheny first called the emergency services just after 6.15pm on June 3 this year, and told the police operator he wanted to make a complaint about the NHS.

He then said that he had been offered an AK-47 and was going to execute everyone in the hospital wearing a uniform.

He continued to make threats, using the word execute multiple times, referring to the specific weapons he was planning on using.

During the call, Breheny referred to chemicals he could get hold of and how easy it was to make a bomb.

Less than an hour later, he sent two threatening emails to Lisa Nandys constituency office, threatening to kill the MP.

The distressed office manager who opened the emails called police.

But as one of the officers knocked on the door, he could see Breheny inside the house, beginning to arm a crossbow. Breheny then came to the door with the weapon in his hand.

Breheny was arrested and police found more weapons including air rifles, crossbow bolts, a machete, slingshots and a baton.

He admitted sending the emails and making the call to emergency services but denied any intention of carrying out out his threats.

Abbie Clarke, senior Crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in the North West, said: Brehenys threats have caused fear and distress to the staff at the MPs office.

Members of Parliament and the emergency services play vital roles in our communities and criminality cannot be allowed to impede or affect that in any way.

The Crown Prosecution Service works with the police to protect MPs and our emergency services, so they can continue to do their important work.

Detective Constable James Cupitt, of Greater Manchester Police, said: Brehenys threats were shocking and disturbing, causing distress to those involved. We will not hesitate to act where people make these sort of threats and will seek to secure the appropriate charges.

We work closely with elected officials to ensure they can carry out their work without the fear of individuals who would cause them harm, and will always do our best to protect them and our communities.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the first day of Democratic national convention, on 19 August, in Chicago. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive Congress member for New York, has introduced legislation aimed at establishing an ambitious social housing programme that would see millions of new homes being built with US government funding.

With Tina Smith, a Democratic senator for Minnesota, Ocasio-Cortez has introduced the Homes Act in the House of Representatives to address what they call a housing crisis that has left millions of low-income people unable to find rental accommodation they can afford. Smith has introduced the proposed legislation in the Senate.

If passed, it would provide federal funding for millions of new homes and apartments that would have to remain affordable by law.

Related: Ron DeSantis condemned over Floridas draconian new anti-homelessness law

The initiative comes against the backdrop of mounting concern that has seen soaring housing costs emerge as one of the salient campaign issues in the forthcoming presidential election.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has tried to address it by pledging $25,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers  a proposal which critics say would drive up house prices.

In their joint legislation, Ocasio-Cortez and Smith propose setting up an authority within the the Department of Housing and Urban Development to acquire properties and provide homes with explicit tenant protections.

It would also set rents based on tenants incomes and mandate permanently affordable purchase prices.

The homes would be run by non-profit organisations, housing associations or cooperatives.

For generations, the federal governments approach to housing policy has been primarily focused on encouraging single-family homeownership and private investment in rental housing, Ocasio-Cortez and Smith wrote in an editorial in the New York Times, which argues that the current system has led to Americas 44 million private tenants struggling to meet rental payments.

They blame high rents and home shortages on decades-old restrictive zoning laws and rising building costs, meaning not enough new housing has been built.

There is another way: social housing, they say. Instead of treating real estate as a commodity, we can underwrite the construction of millions of homes and apartments that, by law, must remain affordable. Some would be rental units; others would offer Americans the opportunity to build equity.

The pair argue that the model already exists in some European cities, including Vienna, as well as in some projects in Ocasio-Cortezs native New York, and in St Paul in Smiths home state.

Citing the New York complex of Co-op City in the Bronx as one template, they write: [It] stands as not only one of the largest housing cooperatives in the world  with its own schools and power plant  but also the largest, naturally occurring retirement community in the country, a testament to its financial and social sustainability.

They invoke research estimating that their proposal could build and preserve 1.25m new homes, including more than 850,000 for the lowest-income households.

This is the federal governments chance to invest in social housing and give millions of Americans a safe, comfortable and affordable place to call home  with the sense of security and dignity that come with it, Ocasio-Cortez and Smith conclude.
We havent learnt the most important lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, top experts warned this week - Getty Images AsiaPac/Kevin Frayer

Political apathy and selfishness in the face of outbreaks of bird flu and mpox show that the world has not learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, leading virologists have warned.

While scientific measures for diagnosing or treating viral outbreaks might have come on since the coronavirus emerged, politicians are often still blinkered by short termism.

The US governments failure to give flu jabs to farm workers in areas where H5N1 flu is spreading through cattle, and nations hoarding mpox vaccines even as the virus ravages parts of Africa are both examples of failing to learn lessons, they said.

Dozens of leading virologists gathered in Durban, South Africa, this week at the annual meeting of the Global Virus Network (GVN).

Behind closed doors, scientists from 80 laboratories in 40 countries discussed topics including pandemic preparedness and countering scientific misinformation.

Nations hoarding mpox vaccines is more evidence that we havent learnt lessons from Covid, the experts said - AFP/AFP

Prof Salim Abdool Karim, director of Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, acted as his governments top adviser during the pandemic and said science had progressed, but the political action needed to be prepared had not.

He said: At a scientific level, at a technological level, the ability to make biological counter measures, we are really far advanced.

So if you want to know how we are doing in pandemic preparedness, science gets a big tick. If you want to know how we are doing in political preparedness, put a big cross. You should put that cross, because we havent learnt some important lessons.

Despite the United Nations declaring a public health emergency over mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he said there was still a chronic shortage of diagnostics and vaccines.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week said a worsening outbreak of the infection had killed more than 100 people in Africa in a single week. A concerning new strain of the virus first found in the DRC has now spread to at least 14 countries.

Prof Karim said richer nations were again hoarding supplies that could be used to stop the spread.

He said: We are struggling to get diagnostics, we are struggling to get vaccines. This is Covid all over again, we just simply havent learned that lesson.

Many countries are sitting on huge stockpiles. Their approach is: Actually we will sit on our stockpile because we will wait for the virus to get to us and then we will use our vaccine, instead of saying: This is a global problem, lets stop it at source, lets use the vaccines we have so that it never arrives on our shores.

Yale School of Public Healths Prof Sten Vermund, GVN president, said countries had made improvements since Covid-19 on readying supplies of protective equipment, or making sure they had more intensive care beds.

But he said primary prevention, to stop outbreaks, or nip them in the bud, was being neglected, as shown by the response to the H5N1 outbreak this year in US cattle.

Avian influenza began spreading in US dairy cattle last December. Since then, over 200 herds across 14 states have become infected.

There have been 14 human cases, all but one, in Missouri have been in farm workers who had been in direct contact with infected birds or cows.

Virologists worry that as the flu season approaches, there is a risk human flu and H5N1 viruses could end up swapping genes if they both happen to infect someone at the same time, in a phenomenon called reassortment.

Reassortment is thought to have produced new flu strains, sometimes with more virulence, in the past.

Prof Vermund said he was surprised there was not more political pressure to vaccinate farm workers against H5N1 and common flu, so reassortment did not happen.

He said: In my country, even obvious opportunities for pandemic prevention are being missed and I do think that there is a pathological short memory on the part of many of our policy makers.

They have the evidence of the recent pandemic, they have threats of subsequent pandemics and yet the response continues to be indolent.

He went on: I would like to have seen all of the farmworkers who are at risk offered the two vaccines: the routine yearly human flu vaccine and the H5N1 which is stockpiled by the hundreds of thousands in the US.

Vaccinating them against these two flu strains, one is an occupational hazard for them, doesnt cause much disease, but could be the source of a new pandemic strain, to me that would be very rational.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
Kentucky state police public information officer Scottie Pennington addresses the media about the mass highway shooting in London, Kentucky, on 9 September 2024. Photograph: Timothy D Easley/AP

A retired couple who decided to become bounty hunters for the week found the body that authorities believe to be the shooter who attacked people on an interstate highway and then disappeared, it emerged on Thursday.

After the shooter fled, leaving a Kentucky community scared and on guard, Fred and Sheila McCoy decided to plunge into rugged terrain in search of what was widely anticipated to be the gunmans remains, as law enforcement were also searching.

Kentucky state police have now credited the McCoys with helping investigators find what they believe to be the remains of Joseph Couch. Couch, 32, is suspected of firing randomly at vehicles on Interstate 75 on 7 September, wounding five people.

Related: Body found near site of Kentucky highway mass shooting believed to be suspects

Teams of local, state and federal law enforcement had searched tens of thousands of acres of woods since the shooting. Authorities warned residents to be extra vigilant and some schools temporarily shifted to virtual learning.

For one week we turned into bounty hunters, Fred McCoy told the Associated Press on Thursday. The more we was watching the news and saw lockdowns and school closings, the more we were compelled to search for him.

The discovery of the remains calmed fears in the eastern Kentucky community of London, just a few miles from where the shooter perched above the highway and opened fire with an AR-15. State police said on Wednesday night that the McCoys would receive a $25,000 reward for the find.

Once the identification is fully confirmed, it will bring to a close a pretty scary time in that community and the surrounding communities, Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, said on Thursday. He said there was every reason to believe the remains were those of Couch.

In a 30-minute YouTube livestream on Wednesday, the McCoys were seen in dense woods, and Sheila McCoy said she smelt a foul odor after they saw vultures in the air.

At the end of the video, they discover the remains, having not known if they would stumble on a body or someone alive, armed and dangerous.
Lisa Nandys office manager said: I was shocked and genuinely believed that this man couldve carried out the threats that he was making - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing

Lisa Nandy received death threats from a constituent who was armed with a crossbow when he opened his door to police, a court has heard.

Ryan Breheny, from Wigan, threatened to kill Ms Nandy in emails sent to her constituency office on June 3.

Earlier that day, Breheny had called 999 and told police he had been offered an AK-47 assault rifle and was going to execute everyone in a hospital.

During the same call to police, the 48-year-old claimed he had access to chemicals and spoke of how easy it would be to build a bomb.

Less than an hour later, he sent the emails to the office of Ms Nandy, the Labour MP for Wigan, who is now the Culture, Media and Sport Secretary.

In a victim statement read to the court, her office manager said: I was shocked and genuinely believed that this man couldve carried out the threats that he was making.

When police arrived at Brehenys house later that day, he was seen with a crossbow. He was told to drop the weapon, but instead loaded it and opened his door to officers while holding it.

Breheny was jailed for three years and three months at Bolton Crown Court for making a threat to kill, making threatening communications, and common assault.

Ryan Breheny was jailed for three years and three months at Bolton Crown Court - Greater Manchester Police/SWNS

A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spokesman said: Ryan Breheny, 48, called the emergency services just after 6.15pm on June 3 this year. He told the police operator he wanted to make a complaint about the NHS. He then said that he had been offered an AK47 and was going to execute everyone in the hospital wearing a uniform.

He continued to make threats, using the word execute multiple times and referring to the specific weapons he was planning on using. During the call, Breheny referred to chemicals he could get hold of and how easy it was to make a bomb.

Less than an hour later, he sent two threatening email messages to an MPs constituency office. The messages contained threats to kill the MP.

Police went to Brehenys house the same evening, and as officers knocked on the door, one saw him in the house with a crossbow.

The CPS added in the statement: Breheny was told to drop the weapon, but instead began to load it and opened the door with the weapon in his hand.

He was later arrested in his house after he dropped the weapon. Further weapons were seized from inside his home including, slingshots, rifles, a baton and a machete.

In a police interview, he admitted sending the emails, but claimed that he had no intention of carrying out his threats.

Abbie Clarke, the senior crown prosecutor for the North West, said: Brehenys threats have caused fear and distress to the staff at the MPs office.

Members of Parliament and the emergency services play vital roles in our communities and criminality cannot be allowed to impede or affect that in any way. The Crown Prosecution Service works with the police to protect MPs and our emergency services, so they can continue to do their important work.
David Lammy made reference to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in a recent newsletter - Justin Ng/Avalon

David Lammy has been branded highly improper and callous after writing that Azerbaijan had been able to liberate territory in a conflict described as ethnic cleansing.

The Foreign Secretarys recent blog post led Armenias ambassador to urgently seek clarification on the apparent change in the Governments position over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

It was internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but governed by ethnic Armenians, who represent the vast majority of people there and declared it the breakaway state of Artsakh.

After Azeri forces subjected Nagorno-Karabakh to a nine-month blockade, they attacked in September 2023 in a violation of a ceasefire deal agreed after a war in 2020.

Some 100,400 ethnic Armenians, making up 99 per cent of the population, fled following threats of ethnic cleansing. After the invasion, there were allegations of war crimes, including the murder of Armenian civilians.

The ghost city of Stepanakert in the Nagorno-Karabakh region - Osama Bin Javaid/Al Jazeera

Ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh cross the border with Azerbaijan - ANATOLY MALTSEV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

At the time, Mr Lammy said on social media that Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians must be guaranteed safety and dignity and called for human rights and international law to be respected.

But in his recent Substack newsletter, he wrote that Azerbaijan has been able to liberate territory it lost in the early 1990s.

Alicia Kearns, the conservative MP and former chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said: This marks a significant shift in the UKs language and position. Its highly improper to change UK policy via a blog. Urgent clarity is needed as to why this comment was published.

Encouraging Azerbaijan and Armenia to agree a historic peace treaty is a diplomatic priority, with provisions made for displaced ethnic Armenians to resettle safely in Nagorno-Karabakh, she wrote on social media.

Ms Kearns added: Contradicting long-standing UK policy in a vanity blog is totally inappropriate and throws into question the Foreign Secretarys judgement.

The remains of a house in Terter destroyed in the 2020 war between Azerbaijan and Armenia - EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images

Mark Movsesian, the Frederick A. Whitney Professor and director of the Mattone Center for Law and Religion at St Johns University Law School, told GB News he was shocked.

The Foreign Secretarys reference to Azerbaijans liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh is shockingly callous and ignorant, he said.

In fact, exactly a year ago, Baku ethnically cleansed the region of its 120,000 Christian Armenian inhabitants in violation of an order from the International Court of Justice.

The Telegraph understands Mr Lammys post does not signal a change in UK policy.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: The UK supports the territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan and is encouraged by both sides engaging in meaningful dialogue. We will continue to support their commitment to lasting peace in the region.
Hillary Taylor at the statehouse in Columbia, South Carolina, today. Photograph: Jeffrey Collins/AP

Two days before South Carolina is scheduled to execute a man on death row, the key witness for the prosecution has come forward to say that he lied at trial and the state was putting to death an innocent man.

Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, 46, is due to be killed by lethal injection on Friday. His attorneys filed emergency motions to halt the execution, citing new testimony asserting that Allah was wrongfully convicted, but the state supreme court denied the requests late Thursday, saying the execution should proceed.

Allah, who was previously known as Freddie Owens, was convicted of an armed robbery in November 1997 and the murder of a convenience store cashier named Irene Graves. He was 19 years old at the time. Allah has long asserted his innocence in the killing of Graves, a 41-year-old mother of three, who was shot in the head during the robbery.

There was no forensic evidence tying Allah to the shooting. The states central evidence against Allah was testimony from his friend and co-defendant, Steven Golden, who was also charged in the robbery and murder. Golden and Allah were due to face a joint murder trial, but as the case was starting in 1999, Golden pleaded guilty to murder, armed robbery and criminal conspiracy and agreed to testify against Allah.

Surveillance footage at the store showed two masked men with guns, but they were not identifiable in the footage. Golden, who was 18 years old at the time of the robbery, said at the trial that he and Allah had been the men in the footage, and that it was Allah who shot Graves.

But on Wednesday, two days before the scheduled execution, Golden came forward with an explosive affidavit, stating that Allah is not the person who shot Irene Graves and was not present during the robbery. Golden said he concealed the identity of the real shooter out of fear that his associates might kill me, and that he was coming forward now because he wanted a clear conscience.

I dont want [Allah] to be executed for something he didnt do, he wrote in the new affidavit.

Golden said he was high when police questioned him days after the robbery, and the detectives claimed they knew Allah had been with him: They told me I might as well make a statement against [Allah], because he already told his side to everyone and they were just trying to get my side of the story. I was scared that I would get the death penalty if I didnt make a statement.

He alleged prosecutors later promised him that he would not face the death penalty or life in prison if he testified against Allah, and he agreed.

In a response filed on Thursday, the attorney generals office suggested that Golden was not credible, saying he has now made a sworn statement that is contrary to his multiple other sworn statements over twenty years. Lawyers for the state also noted that people in Allahs life at the time testified that Allah had confessed to them that he was the shooter. Allahs attorneys rejected the allegations that he had previously confessed, suggesting that testimony was unreliable.

The state supreme court sided with the attorney general, ruling the new evidence did not amount to exceptional circumstances warranting a reprieve.

The justices said Goldens new statement was squarely inconsistent with his repeated past testimony, and that there was no indication of the circumstances under which Golden was asked to sign his most recent affidavit. The justices also maintained that other evidence suggested Allahs guilt.

Gerald Bo King, one of Allahs lawyers, criticized the courts decision not to intervene despite compelling evidence of his innocence that emerged only yesterday, adding in a statement Thursday night: South Carolina is on the verge of executing a man for a crime he did not commit. We will continue to advocate for [Allah].

Allahs execution would be the first in 13 years in South Carolina and could be the start of a rapid series of executions in the coming months in the state. The state supreme court recently announced five additional executions that it would seek to schedule after Allah is killed, saying they would be spaced apart by at least 35 days.

Related: He deserves to live: South Carolina to execute first man in 13 years despite doubts raised by evidence

South Carolina had unofficially paused executions in 2011 as pharmaceutical companies stopped supplying lethal injection drugs, fearing public pressure. But the state restocked its supply after it passed a law last year shielding the identity of suppliers.

Allahs attorneys had raised a series of objections to his execution in recent weeks, before Goldens new statement. They noted Allah had been convicted of murder without a jury explicitly ruling that he pulled the trigger. Prosecutors told jurors at his trial that they could convict him for murder simply if they believed he was present during the robbery, and his lawyers have argued that the death penalty should not be applied to a defendant found guilty as an accomplice.

His lawyers have also noted that he endured a lifetime of severe violence and trauma and had been diagnosed with brain damage.

If executed, Allah would be one of the youngest people at the time of the crime to be put to death by South Carolina in decades.

Allahs lawyers have also filed a clemency petition with the governors office to stop the execution.

The Rev Hillary Taylor, executive director of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, said on Thursday it would be a huge miscarriage of justice if the execution proceeds: Khalil should not have to die for somebody elses wrongdoing. That is not accountability. That is not justice.
Michael Stubgen, a member of the centre-right CDU, says Germany should be able to decide who comes into our country - Maja Hitij

Germany should abolish the constitutional right to asylum as it will allow the country to set quotas on refugees, the interior minister of the eastern state of Brandenburg has said, in an apparent bid to appease the hard-Right.

Michael Stubgen, a member of the centre-right CDU, said the law should be amended as Germany already subscribes to the Geneva Convention on refugees, making it redundant.

The individual right to asylum is no longer necessary in the Basic Law [German constitution] because we already grant protection to people who are persecuted under the rules of the Geneva Refugee Convention, he said. That is why I am in favour of anchoring the Geneva Refugee Convention as an institutional guarantee in the Basic Law.

He added that the reform would allow Germany to introduce its own quota system for refugees. We will then decide who comes into our country. And we can decide to what extent we can accept and integrate migrants.

Germanys mainstream parties are expected to be roundly defeated in this weekends Brandenburg state elections, where the hard-Right AfD party is projected to take nearly 30 per cent of the vote.

Nationwide border controls

Irregular migration has quickly become Germanys most fierce political issue after a knife attack at a music festival in Western Germany where a Syrian man murdered three people.

Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, this week introduced nationwide border controls in response to calls for a much tougher migration policy, expanding checks already in place with the countrys eastern EU neighbours.

Increased tensions over migration have also been seized upon by the CDU party, which is at risk of losing support to the AfD in both the Brandenburg state election and the general election in September 2025.

It came as a new poll suggested that confidence in Mr Scholzs traffic light coalition had fallen to just three per cent, with voters venting their frustration about the lack of tougher migration controls in Germany.

The survey of a thousand Germans, conducted in late August and early September, found that only three per cent felt the SPD, Greens and FDP coalition was good for the country.

A quarter of respondents said they were hoping for a powerful, one-party majority in the next election while 54 per cent said they wanted to see the CDU party return to government.
Joro spiders were first spotted in the US in north Georgia in 2014, though they likely arrived on shipping containers years before. Photograph: Alex Sanz/AP

The invasive joro spider has been spotted for the first time in Pennsylvania.

Six of the giant, colorful spiders, which were already spreading across north-east states including New York and New Jersey, were seen in the yard of a home in Bucks county on 5 September, according to the interactive tracking system JoroWatch. A state entomologist then visited to confirm the location and identification.

The species, Trichonephila clavata, is native to east Asia, primarily Japan. It measures up to 4in (10cm) with legs as long as 8in (20cm), and can spin large, golden webs up to 10ft (3m) wide.

Related: Giant, invasive joro spiders to spread on US east coast  but pose no huge threat

Females can be identified by their yellow abdomen and broad blue-green bands on their back, as well as yellow and red markings on their belly, according to JoroWatch. They also have long black legs that are often striped in yellow bands.

Males are smaller, and mostly brown, with two long yellow stripes on both sides of their abdomen and a dark brown stripe in the middle.

Joro spiders were first spotted in the US in north Georgia in 2014, though they probably arrived on shipping containers years before. According to a 2022 University of Georgia study, joro spiders differ from the golden silk spider, a close relative, as they have double the metabolism rate and a 77% higher heart rate.

As a result, unlike the golden silk spider  which moved to the US south-east from the tropics 160 years ago, but has been unable to spread due to its inability to withstand cold temperatures  the joro spider is able to survive freezes.

Despite their intimidating exterior, joros are considered fairly shy and harmless to people and pets.

Last year University of Georgia scientists compared the responses of more than 450 spiders across 10 different species to a mild disturbance  a turkey baster that blew two puffs of air onto the spiders. While most species froze for less than a minute before resuming their normal activities, the joro spiders remained still for more than an hour.

They basically shut down and wait for the disturbance to go away, the studys lead author Andy Davis told the university newspaper. These spiders are really more afraid of you than the reverse.
Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attacks on devices across Lebanon. How did the pagers and walkie-talkies explode? Find out in our guide. Composite: AFP/Getty Images/Apollo

In an unprecedented security breach, thousands of pagers and walkie-talkie radios belonging to members of Hezbollah detonated across Lebanon in simultaneous explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least 26 people and wounding thousands of others.

Hospitals across Lebanon were overwhelmed with an influx of patients after the pager attack on Tuesday, and a field hospital was set up in the southern city of Tyre to accommodate the wounded.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel and vowed to retaliate. Israel has declined to comment on the blasts, but Tuesdays explosions came just hours after the military announced it was broadening its aims in the war sparked by the Hamas attacks on 7 October to include its fight against Hezbollah along the border with Lebanon.

It remains unclear how exactly such an audacious attack was carried out, but here is what we know so far.

How did the pagers and walkie-talkies explode?

A small amount of explosives were planted inside a new batch of 5,000 pagers ordered by Hezbollah for its members, according to a senior Lebanese security source who spoke to the Reuters news agency. Israels intelligence services were responsible, the source said.

The Mossad injected a board inside of the device that has explosive material that receives a code. Its very hard to detect it through any means. Even with any device or scanner, the source said.

Another security source told Reuters that up to 3g of explosives had been hidden in the new pagers and had gone undetected by Hezbollah for months. The source said 3,000 of the pagers had exploded when a coded message was sent to them, simultaneously activating the explosives.

An American official who spoke anonymously to the New York Times made similar claims, adding that the devices had been tampered with before they reached Lebanon. Explosive material was reportedly hidden in each pager next to the battery, along with a switch that could remotely detonate the device.

According to the New York Times, the pagers received a message at 3.30pm local time that appeared to have come from the groups leadership. It was this message that is believed to have activated the explosives. Several videos being circulated of the explosions appear to show victims checking their pagers in the seconds before they exploded.

Fewer details have emerged about Wednesdays walkie-talkie blasts, but a security source told Reuters that they had been bought by Hezbollah five months ago, about the same time that the pagers were bought.

The Mossad has not commented on either attack.

Where did the devices come from?

The plot appeared to have been many months in the making.

The walkie-talkies are understood to have been bought about the same time as the pagers, and images of the devices examined by Reuters showed an inside panel labeled ICOM and made in Japan.

ICOM said in a brief statement on its website that it was aware of media reports that walkie-talkies with stickers bearing its logo had exploded in Lebanon. We are currently trying to establish the facts and will provide updates on our website as new information becomes available, it said.

The wireless communications company, based in the western city of Osaka, has offices in several other countries, including the US, Germany and China. The firm has previously said that production of model IC-V82, which appeared to be the model in images seen by Reuters, was phased out in 2014.

Hezbollah ordered 5,000 pagers marketed by the Taiwan-based company Gold Apollo, according to the Lebanese official, and it was these new devices that exploded. Other sources told Reuters that these pagers had been brought into the country in the northern hemisphere spring.

Analysts at the open-source intelligence group Bellingcat also identified the pagers as coming from Gold Apollo.

A source close to Hezbollah told the AFP news agency that the pagers that exploded concern a shipment recently imported by Hezbollah, which appeared to have been sabotaged at source.

A senior Lebanese source told Reuters the devices, identified as the AR-924 model, had been modified by Israels spy service at the production level.

There is no suggestion that Taiwan-based Gold Apollo was aware its devices had been tampered with. The companys founder, Hsu Ching-kuang, told reporters on Wednesday that the pagers used in the attack had not been manufactured by Gold Apollo but by BAC Consulting, a company based in Hungary that had the right to use the Taiwanese firms brand. However, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, the chief executive of BAC, told NBC: I dont make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong.

Elijah Magnier, a Brussels-based security analyst, told AFP: For Israel to embed an explosive trigger within the new batch of pagers, they would have likely needed access to the supply chain of these devices.

Why does Hezbollah use pagers?

A pager is a small wireless device that can receive, and in some cases send, messages but cannot make calls. Popular in the 1980s and 90s, their use quickly declined in the early 2000s with the rise of mobile phones.

Hezbollah is known for using the lower-tech devices to communicate because, unlike mobile phones, they can evade location-tracking and monitoring by Israeli intelligence.

Yossi Melman, a co-author of the book Spies Against Armageddon, said: A lot of people in Hezbollah carried these pagers, not just top-echelon commanders.

A security breach of this scale is seen by experts as hugely embarrassing and damaging to morale in the militant group.

This would easily be the biggest counterintelligence failure that Hezbollah has had in decades, said Jonathan Panikoff, a former US government deputy national intelligence officer on the Middle East.

Why are mobile phones so trackable?

Hezbollah is well aware of the threat posed by using mobile phones. In February, the groups general secretary, Hassan Nasrallah, warned supporters their phones were more dangerous than Israeli spies, saying they should break, bury or lock the devices in an iron box.

Mobile phones can be used to track someones location because they regularly ping masts as they move around, allowing their signal to move to different masts in the network.

The phone is constantly pinging away to stay in touch with whatever network it is using, said Alan Woodward, a professor of cybersecurity at Surrey University.

If you monitored the network, you could locate the signal from a specific phone, he said, by seeing which masts were interacting with the device and locating the handset within the overlapping ranges of those masts. In urban areas, the density of masts makes for an accurate zeroing-in process.

You can do a simple triangulation, said Woodward.

GPS receivers on phones  used for mapping apps, for instance  also give a devices location, although you would need to hack your way inside a phone to receive that information.

As a safety move, therefore, Hezbollah turned to pagers, which listen out for a signal from transmission networks in order to receive a message but do not ping back. There is no communication made by the pager to monitor, Woodward said.

You cannot locate the pager because it is doing nothing but listening, he said.

However, Hezbollah clearly did not anticipate the device itself being used as a potential weapon.

Referring to the walkie-talkie explosions on Wednesday, Woodward said the devices could be tracked because they communicated with each other via radio frequencies, but that tracking was a difficult task and they were not as vulnerable as mobile phones, which may have been why Hezbollah used them. Again, the group did not appear to have suspected that they would be used as explosive weapons.
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Tatyana Bakalchuk founded Wildberries in 2004 before her husband Vladislav joined the company

An acrimonious divorce involving Russias richest woman descended into a gun battle over the countrys most successful online retailer, killing two people and wounding seven.

Tatyana and Vladislav Bakalchuk, the estranged couple who founded Wildberries, known as Russias Amazon, blamed each other for Wednesdays shoot-out at the companys head office in Moscow.

Mr Bakalchuk was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, assault of a law enforcement officer and vigilantism the following day.

The fight broke out when Mr Bakalchuk, who owns 1 per cent of the company and had appealed to Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen Republic ruler, to stop his wife pushing through a controversial merger, showed up at the office.

He claimed that he was there to negotiate but was shot at by people inside the building.

What happened next is hotly disputed.

Footage taken by witnesses showed a brawl breaking out at the entrance to the office.

A group of men believed to include Mr Bakalchuk can be seen attempting to storm the building in one video, while a man smashes his way through a glass door.

After the man lunges through, several gunshots can be heard.

Separate videos from inside the office show one man, possibly a security guard, reaching for his handgun and firing at the invaders.

Mr Bakalchuks lawyers called the charges against him a flagrant and unprecedented violation of his rights, and said the allegations fly in the face of witness testimony and video evidence to the contrary.

In a statement describing the incident, they said: Upon arrival, Vladislav and his representatives encountered aggressive actions from law enforcement officers and office security. As a result of this clash, a shoot-out occurred, in which the office security officers were the first to open fire.

Among the guards they hired were terrorists  people with a criminal past. It was they who opened fire to kill Vladislav and his representatives.

Mrs Bakalchuk strongly denied the claims.

Today a group of people led by Vladislav Bakalchuk [...] attempted to seize Wildberries offices in Moscow, she said on Telegram.

To my deep regret, as a result of the armed attack on Wildberries, a security guard at our office was killed, she said.

Statements about supposed negotiations that the armed group showed up to are absurd, given no one agreed to any such negotiations.

This is a hostile takeover. Or rather, an unsuccessful one, she added.

A second guard died in hospital from wounds sustained during the incident after Mrs Bakalchuks statement was made.

In a tearful video posted online, she asked: Vladislav, what are you doing? How will you look into the eyes of your parents and our children? How could you bring the situation to such absurdity?

The incident is reminiscent of corporate raiding that blighted Russian businesses in the 1990s and 2000s, when rivals would seek to seize assets by showing up with armed men and taking control of a companys office, instead of buying shares.

Witnesses filmed a brawl breaking out at the entrance of the companys building

Mrs Bakalchuk founded Wildberries by selling clothes from her Moscow apartment while on maternity leave in 2004. Her husband joined the company shortly afterwards.

It has since grown to become Russias largest online retailer and sells everything from beauty products to furniture and pet food.

It employs tens of thousands of people and has made Mrs Bakalchuk one of only two Russian female billionaires.

In 2023, Wildberries allowed authorities to raid several of its warehouses in search of migrant workers to draft into their war against Ukraine.

Police searched the head office in January after a mysterious fire destroyed one major warehouse in St Petersburg and $191 million worth of stock.

Last month, Russian soldiers sent to push the Ukrainians out of the Kursk region were caught on security cameras looting a local Wildberries depot.

Mrs Bakalachuk announced she was filing for divorce in July, triggering an instant quarrel about division of assets. Mr Bakalchuk said they did not sign a prenuptial agreement and believes he is entitled to half the company.

A man was videoed smashing his way through a glass door

But there is another layer to the dispute.

Around the same time as the couples split, Wildberries announced a merger with Russ Outdoor, a billboard advertising giant controlled by two brothers called Robert and Levan Mirzoyan.

The deal, which Mrs Bakalchuk described as part of a plan to expand the brand into Central Asia and eventually rival Amazon or Ali Baba, reportedly won the blessing of Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin sources told Bloomberg in June that the tie-up was also intended to build an alternative to the SWIFT money transfer system that many Russian banks have been blocked from since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

However, Mr Bakalchuk argued that his wife was tricked into what he calls a wildly lop-sided mistake that would see a large chunk of the companys wealth given away to Russ Outdoor, a much smaller firm, for no apparent benefit.

The deal involved transferring 35 per cent of the company to a joint venture with Russ Outdoor, Forbes reported.

Merger is fraud

Mr Bakalchuk appealed to Mr Kadyrov, who decried both the merger and the effect of divorce on the children in a recorded meeting. The Chechen warlord promised to return Tatyana to the family and protect a legitimate business.

In July, Mr Kadyrov publicly described the merger as fraud and a corporate raid before explicitly blaming the Mirzoyan brothers.

The brothers have not directly commented on the controversy, although Robert Mirzoyan has given interviews explaining his vision for the merger.

In a joint statement, Russ Outdoor and Wildberries said: Wildberries and Russ continue to operate in a stable mode [...]. We are confident that the details of the divorce process and emotional details are of no interest to business publications.

For now, law enforcement appears to have taken Mrs Bakalchuks side.
School leaders called for better specialist support and funding to avoid the collapse of Englands special needs educational system. Photograph: Andrew Fox/Alamy

Children with special needs in England have slipped further behind their peers in reading, writing and maths, despite recent legislation and advances in teaching making their education a high priority.

School leaders described the results as incredibly disheartening, and called for better specialist support and funding to avoid the collapse of Englands special needs education system.

The Durham University research looked at the results from Sats national assessments since the introduction of the 2014 Children and Families Act and the special educational needs and disability (Send) code of practice, which overhauled how local authorities and schools support children with special needs.

Related: Record 576,000 pupils have special needs support plan in England

Based on the records of 2.5 million year 6 primary school pupils since 2014, the research identified a concerning trend of increasing academic achievement gaps over time for most Send categories in reading, writing and maths, compared with peers without special needs.

Pepe DiIasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: The results of this study are incredibly disheartening and reinforce the need for urgent action over the Send crisis.

Schools do everything they can to support pupils with additional needs but there are huge problems with funding, the availability of specialist support and delays in securing education, health and care plans. The whole system is on the brink of collapse.

Dr Johny Daniel, the author of the research and an assistant professor at Durhams school of education, said: There have been several positive developments and improvements in approaches to support pupils with Send. However, the studys findings indicate that these developments have not yet fully translated into improved outcomes for these students.

One contributing factor is that, despite their crucial role, teachers and teaching assistants often do not have sufficient access to professional development opportunities that would enable them to implement the latest evidence-based support strategies effectively for their students with Send.

On average, by 2018-19, year 6 pupils with Send were almost two years behind in writing, 1.7 years behind in maths, and 1.5 years behind in reading compared with their peers, and with a wider gap between the two groups than in 2014-15.

The research found similar patterns for children with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities as well as those with specific difficulties such as hearing impairments or autism spectrum disorder, who had smaller academic achievement gaps.

Daniel said: This gap highlights a systemic issue where the necessary training and resources are not adequately provided, making it challenging for educators to apply best practices in the classroom. Its important to note that this is not a reflection on the dedication or capabilities of teachers and teaching assistants themselves, but rather an area where additional support and investment are needed.

The ASCLs DiIasio said: The new government must act swiftly to provide more investment in Send support and in training for teachers and teaching assistants. We have to do better for these children. The government must work with the sector to ensure that their needs are built into all educational policies and practices.

Some groups of children with specified disabilities did show progress against their peers. The research found that pupils with visual impairments had a marginal decline in the achievement gap in reading, maths and writing in 2019 compared with the previous year.

Catherine McKinnell, the minister for school standards, said: For too long, children and young people with Send have been let down by a system that is not working.

We are determined to tackle these issues head-on, improving childrens life chances with better inclusivity, expertise and capacity within mainstream schools, as well as making sure special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

There is no magic wand to fix these deep-rooted issues immediately, but we have already started with Ofsted reform, our curriculum review, and more training for early years staff, and will continue to act as quickly as possible to create the change that is so desperately needed.
Hassan Nasrallah accused Israel of carrying out an act of war in a televised address to the nation - ANWAR AMRO/AFP

Israeli jets bombarded southern Lebanon and staged a show of force over Beirut just as Hezbollahs leader vowed to avenge the covert operation that turned his fighters into walking booby traps.

Hassan Nasrallah admitted that his movement had been dealt a huge and severe blow after two days of remote-controlled explosions in electronic devices killed 37 people and wounded thousands more.

Speaking for the first time since the attacks began on Tuesday, Nasrallah used a televised speech to castigate Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, accusing him of carrying out an act of war.

However, if Hezbollahs supporters were hoping its leader would order full-scale retaliation by unleashing the movements vast rocket arsenal against their hated neighbour, they were to be disappointed.

Wary of being drawn into open conflict, Nasrallah instead threatened to respond only in the vaguest terms, promising a moment of reckoning at an unspecified time in the future.

The enemy crossed all boundaries and red lines, he said. It will be met with a harsh punishment in ways they might expect and not expect. You will know when it happens  but its nature, its size, how and when it will happen, this we will keep to ourselves.

As he spoke, Israel delivered a pointed message of its own as its fighter jets broke the sound barrier over Beirut, the Lebanese capital, triggering sonic booms that further unnerved its edgy residents.

Israeli forces also launched air and artillery strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, while two Israeli soldiers were killed on its northern border.

Nasrallah sought to play down the attacks, which Israel has not yet officially acknowledged, as much as possible.

He claimed that Israel had aimed to kill 5,000 people by detonating explosives hidden in the pagers and walkie-talkie radios of his fighters. But it failed, he said, because the operation only killed a fraction of that number.

Nasrallah also sought to shrug off the impact of the attack, claiming that the movements communications networks had survived largely unscathed.

In Hezbollahs strongholds in the poor suburbs of south Beirut, the scene of hundreds of small explosions this week, the groups members and supporters tried to project similar bravado.

Yet quietly many admitted to shredded nerves and a sense that every piece of technology was now a source of suspicion and that every passerby on the street was potentially a walking bomb ready to explode.

Yesterday I bought an alarm clock because I didnt want to sleep near my phone, said a woman who only identified herself as Sara. Although I have to have it with me for work, I feel like I am carrying a bomb in my pocket. I keep touching it to make sure it is not heating up.

She was not alone. Neighbours and friends had been disconnecting appliances, refusing to answer calls and even disposing of baby monitors for fear of what might be targeted next.

The paranoia was hardly surprising. Few in south Beirut did not feel the impact of Tuesdays pager blasts and Wednesdays walkie-talkie explosions.

My friend died and seven other people I know were wounded, said Sara, opening up her mobile phone to reveal a photograph of a man she knew who had lost a hand and been blinded in both eyes.

Nearly 3,000 people were wounded, many of them in south Beirut. Sara described the two hospitals she went to volunteer at on the first day of the attacks as scenes of horror.

It felt like being in a zombie movie, she said. There was blood all over the floor and people were coming in without fingers or hands. Everywhere there were people looking for their relatives. It was chaos.

Nearby, in a grim irony, funerals were taking place to lay to rest those killed in burial processions that had taken place the previous day.

Hezbollah fighters in camouflage uniforms and red berets formed a guard of honour around the coffins of Fadel Abbas Bazzi and Ahmad Ali Hassan, both of whom had died in the second wave of attacks that targeted Hezbollahs hand-held radios.

A brass band played and young Boy Scouts in Hezbollah scarves stood to attention near the funeral biers as mourners gathered in notably fewer numbers than the previous day  another glimpse into the fear that has taken hold of much of Beirut.

Israel struck sites in Lebanon just as Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, was about to begin his speech to the nation

Among those in attendance was a Hezbollah member who, despite suffering a wound to his side when his pager exploded, had brought his seven-year-old son to teach him that he would one day follow in his fathers footsteps.

My son needs to be here whatever the risk, he said. I am teaching him a lesson. We could all die soon and if we do, the next generation need to understand what we are fighting for. Their turn will come.

Such words are a sign that many Hezbollah fighters see their conflict with Israel in terms of decades rather than years.

Hezbollah has 100,000 fighters, said one of the movements supporters. In the past two days maybe 5,000 of them were injured. But we still have 95,000 more who are unhurt and ready to fight with all their heart and souls. We cannot be defeated.

While Israel revels in the unalloyed triumph of the past few days, it will take more than even this most extraordinary of attacks to defeat Hezbollah, which has been firing rockets into northern Israel in a limited show of support of Hamas since the start of Israeli operations in Gaza last October.

The group is estimated to have fired a total of 8,000 rockets from its estimated arsenal of 200,000.

In his speech, Nasrallah warned Mr Netanyahu that not only would he not win but that he would fail even in his most pressing goal: finding a way to allow more than 60,000 Israelis living within range of Hezbollahs rockets to return home.

Let me tell the Israeli government, the Israeli army and the Israeli people: You will not manage, he said. I tell prime minister Netanyahu: You can do what you want, you will not manage.

The only solution is to halt the aggression against the people of Gaza. No military escalation, no killings, no total war will return your settlers to the border area. You know it.

Although the terms of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have been outlined for months, both sides have refused to compromise on its final details.

Hassan Nasrallah said Israel would be punished in ways they might expect and not expect - AFP

In a sign of a potential breakthrough, however, Israel has reportedly drawn up a new proposal to break the deadlock that would allow Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, along with thousands of Hamas members, to leave Gaza for a third country in exchange for the release of all 101 Israeli hostages.

Gal Hirsch, Israels coordinator for the hostages, reportedly met with his American counterparts in the White House last week to present the safe passage deal, as the proposal is called, according to Israels KAN public broadcaster.

Meanwhile, Lloyd Austin, the US defence secretary, postponed a trip to Israel scheduled for next week, the news site Axios reported, citing two Israeli officials.

Mr Austin had been due to hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant as well as with Mr Netanyahu.

The postponement came as David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, repeated calls for British nationals to leave Lebanon.
Brent Carter was caught at a backstreet brothel in May 2015 - Athena Pictures

A Labour councillor who was caught covered in lipstick in an illegal sex den has become the leader of his local authority.

Cllr Brent Carter, the new leader of Merthyr Tydfil Borough council in south Wales, was caught at a backstreet brothel in 2015 during a police raid.

He became the leader of the Labour-run authority on Wednesday after a group of independent councillors lost their majority following a by-election defeat.

Cllr Carter, 52, had only been inside the brothel for a few minutes in May 2015 when police officers raided the address in Merthyr Tydfils Regent Street.

Details of the incident emerged in September 2017 when Leon Hall, the pimp running the illegal sex den, was tried in court.

Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court heard that Cllr Carter  who was a Labour councillor at the time  was found covered in lipstick inside the property.

Police also discovered packets of condoms and lubricating gel on the floor.

Residents on the street had previously complained that the round-the-clock activity at the terraced house had been a nuisance for a year and was causing distress.

Highly embarrassing

It is understood the brothel was staffed by Eastern European women who were allowed to keep two-thirds of their earnings.

Hall was given a 10-month suspended sentence for running the brothel.

Cllr Carter was reported to the Public Service Ombudsman for breaching the councils code of conduct but was not arrested and kept hold of his seat, which he has held since 2008.

The ombudsman later ruled there was no evidence that Cllr Carter had brought his office or authority into disrepute  as opposed to bringing himself personally into disrepute.

Residents of the town said it was highly embarrassing that he was now leader of the council.

Local resident Simon Ryan, 57, a taxi driver, said: How will people respect the town when its leader has acted in this way?

He was caught red-handed in a brothel  people cant have faith in a man like that. We will be the laughing stock of the Valleys.

Its highly embarrassing for him and for Merthyr Tydfil which has improved its reputation over recent years.

In a statement issued by Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council, Cllr Carter said: I appreciate the concern raised by some members of the community regarding my past.

As the newly elected Leader of the Council, I understand the importance of upholding the values and reputation of our town as I have lived in Merthyr all my life; and I can honestly say that I wouldnt want to live anywhere else.

The support received by my family, friends and constituents, who have from 2008, trusted me with their vote, has been overwhelming.

I want to assure everyone that I am fully committed to serving with integrity and dedication. It is important that residents know that I have learned from my past experiences and have worked hard to grow and evolve as a person.
Demonstrators wave Bangladesh's national flag during Martyr March to mark one month since the ousting of the country's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Photograph: Munir Uz Zaman/AFP/Getty Images

Like so many of Sheikh Hasinas political rivals, Amir Chowdhury was in jail the day that the prime minister fled Bangladesh.

Chowdhury, a senior leader in the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP), had been picked up by police three weeks earlier, in July, as mass protests began to engulf the country and a violent crackdown began in response. It was Chowdhurys third stint in prison since Hasina took power 15 years ago and began a campaign to destroy his party.

This time it was university students, not opposition parties, who started the protests. As their movement began to gather momentum and public anger swelled against Hasina, the BNP and other parties also took to the streets, alongside garment workers, farmers, lawyers and intellectuals.

The state hit back at protesters, using beatings, teargas, rubber bullets and live ammunition, but the protests swelled, escalating into a fully fledged revolution calling for the end to Hasinas autocratic rule. Thousands were arrested and over 1,000 people were killed over the course of three weeks, one of the bloodiest episodes in Bangladeshs history.

Related: Shes the one who shattered us: families of slain Bangladesh students wantk to hold Sheikh Hasina to account

On 5 August, Chowdhury became aware that the prison cells around him, filled with arrested students and BNP members, were abuzz. Some had smuggled in radios and were listening to the news as it began to be reported that Hasina had fled in a helicopter as almost a million people had marched towards her residence.

When we heard she had gone, said Chowdhury, it was like a bomb blast in the jail. The next morning Chowdhury and swathes of fellow prisoners were freed.

With just over a month since Hasinas regime collapsed, Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads. At the request of the triumphant student leaders, Mohammed Yunus, the Nobel Laureate and former political rival of Hasina, agreed to return to the country from the US to head an interim government, tasked with restoring democracy. Many of the advisers Yunus has appointed were once deemed enemies of the state by Hasina, including prominent NGO heads, lawyers, journalists, activists and students.

A giddy optimism still grips the streets of the capital Dhaka. People spoke gleefully of a second independence for Bangladesh, of the relief of the overnight return of freedom of speech and no longer having to fearfully look over their shoulders as they discussed politics.

Sitting in a hotel lobby in Dhaka, renowned human rights activist Nur Khan Liton recalled that, until a few weeks ago, he had been under constant police surveillance and could never have imagined being able to hold meetings freely in public. BNP leaders, many of whom were slapped with hundreds of criminal cases, revelled at no longer spending their days sitting in courtrooms or jail cells.

Yet the country still has yet to return to normality and remains in a state of insecurity. For the past month, hundreds of factories have been shut down due to mass protests, bringing the lucrative garment industry to an economically devastating halt.

Police  routinely used by Hasinas regime to terrorise civilians and commit abuses  still remain largely absent from the streets, fearing attacks by civilians. Several police stations have been set on fire and in many instances, civilians have taken to calling student groups rather than the police to help resolve incidents or report injustices.

This week, in what many saw as a bid to get the law and order situation under control, the interim government granted the military special powers to carry out policing duties, including arrests and search warrants. While the government insisted the measure was only temporary, lasting two months, the move was viewed with some concern.

Analysts say the roster of ambitious democratic reforms that Yunus and his advisers have promised are complex  involving rebuilding key state institutions from scratch  and are likely to take years to implement. For students at the forefront of the revolution, several of whom now sit at Yunuss right hand, the task at hand is a complete overhaul of everything from the police to the judiciary, the banks and the electoral system to ensure that authoritarianism can never take hold again. Many also spoke of the necessity of changing the constitution, which Hasina had amended.

Its a huge and complicated process, said Rezwan Ahmed Refat, a protest coordinator who is studying law at Dhaka university. The main challenge is that many of the fascist systems that Hasina put in place are still there. We have a long way to go with reforming the government secretariat, the police and the judiciary. Until these institutions are independent, then nothing will change.

These reforms will take time

Refat said that while Yunus still had a powerful mandate from millions who took to the streets, if the government did not move faster and clearly lay out the specifics of their reform agenda soon, students would not hesitate to protest once again.

Privately, several prominent figures voiced concern that the interim government appeared to be lost and trying to take on too much. Few however wanted to speak publicly, not wanting to be seen to undermine Yunus.

After the public highs following Hasinas departure, the government admitted that the weight of expectation was enormous and the pathway to reform was fraught with challenges, particularly as Hasina left the country in deep economic crisis. According to government advisers, tens of billions of dollars have been illegally laundered out of Bangladesh by Hasinas so-called cronies since 2014, and the scale of the corruption and losses are still only just becoming apparent.

Touhid Hossain, the newly appointed foreign affairs adviser, called for patience, stating that the outlines of exactly what the interim government meant by reform was still being finalised and would probably crystallise in the next few months.

Hossain emphasised that he, like others in the new government, stepped up simply to implement a new vision of Bangladesh that the youth have sacrificed their lives for. Yunus himself is already 84.

Once we do the job, we will hold the elections, said Hossain. Politicians will come in and run the country and we will fade away. None of us has any ambition to hold any post in the future government.

Nonetheless, one of the biggest questions is just how long they intend on staying in power. While initially it was suggested it would be just a few months, many now believe it could be up to five or six years, in order to give them time to overhaul the countrys key institutions. Activists tasked by the government to look into issues such as enforced disappearances said it would take them 18 months minimum just to do their initial investigations.

I would not speculate on timeframe, but I dont think that it is going to be over in three or six months. These reforms will take time, said Hossain.

For now, political parties, namely the BNP, have agreed to step back and let the interim government implement reforms with their tacit support, namely in the hope that Yunuss strong connections with the US and other western countries will encourage much-needed foreign economic assistance into the country.

If this transition government does not succeed, it will not only destroy the government, it will destroy Bangladesh, said Abdul Moyeen Khan, a senior BNP leader.

Yet the BNP pushed back at the suggestions of the unelected interim government lasting several years. It is widely acknowledged that with Hasinas Awami League party in tatters, with most of its leaders in hiding or abroad, the BNP would sweep any election. Analysts said BNPs impatience to return to power could be a cause of unrest down the line, with the first protests taking place this week. Others warned that an ongoing political vacuum could enable more extremist Islamist elements, already present in Bangladesh, to take greater hold.

But on the streets, most remained hopeful for the future. Gazi Jakaria, 35, was among about 400 people who was partially blinded during the protests after he was shot at by police and then held in jail for several weeks with no treatment. I have no regrets about making this sacrifice to bring down Hasina, he said. We went out into the streets to fight for change and thats what Yunuss government is doing so I am happy. We cant fix everything overnight.
Daljit Bhail claims his Georgian mansion has been damaged by planes landing at Heathrow - SWNS/Daljit Bhail

The owner of a 3 million Georgian mansion has claimed low-flying planes landing at Heathrow Airport are damaging his manor house.

Daljit Bhail, 54, says the planes are extremely dangerous for his 28-room Grade II-listed home in Hounslow, west London, which he rents out on AirBnb.

The 18th-century property sits next to Heathrows south runway, and Mr Bhail claims it has been damaged by large gusts of wind. He also believes it has been damaged by ice and frozen sewage from onboard toilets that has fallen from the planes, a claim the airport denies.

Its just madness how they treat a listed building, and the planes wake me and guests up at 3am, the property investor said.

Daljit Bhail claims his large property has been damaged by large gusts of wind and frozen sewage falling from planes flying overhead - SWNS

Mr Bhail alleges that low-flying aircraft have caused vortex damage to the roof of the mansion, which he bought for 600,000 in 2000.

Sometimes there is less than a minute gap between planes flying overhead, Mr Bhail said. Its not just the damage  its really loud and they shouldnt be flying that low.

If ice can fall off and go through a double screen window, which it has, what happens if someone is underneath? Its extremely dangerous.

A broken skylight inside Daljit Bhails property, which he claims was caused by ice falling from low-flying planes. - SWNS/Daljit Bhail

Mr Bhail accused Heathrow of abandoning the house and said they initially agreed to fix the damage to his roof. The airport denies this.

It is understood the airport paid for a contractor to visit to do repair work for the vortex damage, but they were unable to continue because of a disagreement with him.

Its a stand-off, he said. They sent an assessor out who confirmed the house had been hit by a vortex strike, and said they would nail down the tiles, but then they said they couldnt as its a listed building.

Mr Bhail said Heathrow then sent a workman to secure the roof in April but claimed he did a shoddy job, left nails everywhere and put his foot through the ceiling. Pictures and videos show large nails sticking out of the walls in the loft.

Mr Bhail accused Heathrow of abandoning the house and said they initially agreed to fix the damage to his roof - SWNS/Daljit Bhail

Since then, Mr Bhail claims scaffolding has been left for five months and no one has been sent to finish the job, damaging his ability to attract guests. The scaffolding now has ivy growing up it its been there so long, he said.

A Heathrow spokesman said: We have well-established programmes to protect local buildings from the impacts of airport operations, including preventative works and noise insulation.

In the rare cases where a property is damaged, we work with specialist contractors who will assess the most suitable repair, at no cost to the resident.
Mark Robinson said the comments are not the words of Mark Robinson - REUTERS

The Republican candidate running to be governor in the key swing state of North Carolina has denied accusations he called himself a black Nazi on a pornography website and insisted he would not drop out of the race.

On Thursday, CNN claimed it had uncovered information showing Mark Robinson, 56, had posted what it termed inflammatory comments on a pornography websites message board more than a decade ago.

According to CNN, posting under the username minisoldr on the site Nude Africa, Mr Robinson reportedly described secretly peeping on women in the showers of public gymnasiums as a teenager.

Mr Robinson, whose campaign is backed by Donald Trump and who is currently the states lieutenant governor, also allegedly termed himself as a black NAZI! and expressed support for reinstating slavery.

Mr Robinson is no stranger to controversy and was already thought to be dragging Republicans and Trump down in the polls.

CNN said it had declined to publish much of the content it had uncovered, given its graphic nature. It also reported that Mr Robinson had denied making the comments.

An email address belonging to Mr Robinson was also allegedly registered on Ashley Madison, a website designed for married people seeking affairs, according to the Politico website. A spokesperson for Robinson said that he did not make an account on Ashley Madison.

Donald Trump speaks while surrounded by law enforcement officers and Mark Robinson (right) in North Carolina last month - REUTERS

On Thursday, the candidate posted a video on X, in which he said: We are staying in this race. We are in it to win it. And we know that with your help, we will.

Mr Robinson made reference to a story that he said CNN was running, but he didnt give details.

Let me reassure you the things that you will see in that story  those are not the words of Mark Robinson, he said. You know my words. You know my character.

Mr Robinson, who is trailing in the polls to Democrat Josh Stein by as much as eight points, has a history of making controversial and often unsettling comments.

Over the years he has made anti-Semitic comments, questioned the Holocaust, and often attacked the LGBT+ community.

An avowed evangelical Christian who has often been asked to deliver sermons, he attacked transgender people as filth.

And yes, I called it filth, he said, in 2021. And if you dont like that I called it filth, come see me and Ill explain it to you.

On the porn forum, he allegedly wrote: I like watching tranny on girl porn! Thats f---ing hot! It takes the man out while leaving the man in! Robinson wrote. And yeah Im a perv too!

In another thread, commenting on a story of a woman who said she was raped by her taxi driver while drunk, Mr Robinson wrote, and the moral of this story.. Dont f--- a white b----!

Mr Robinsons campaign did not respond to questions from The Telegraph.

Mr Stein campaign said in a statement: North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor.

I wanted to take a minute to address the latest outrageous lies coming from my opponent's dishonest campaign: #ncgov #ncpol pic.twitter.com/RtteVUiozr  Mark Robinson (@markrobinsonNC) September 19, 2024

Earlier, Mr Stein had declined to hold a debate with Mr Robinson, saying he had spent his entire public life spewing hate, lying about his record, and spreading dangerous and false conspiracy theories.

A spokesperson added: A debate would only serve to legitimise him and provide a platform for his vile and dangerous rhetoric.

The furore has been leapt upon by critics of Mr Trump, who has frequently voiced his support for Mr Robinson.

Mr Robinson had been considered a rising star in the Republican party.

Ahead of the March primary, Mr Trump told a rally in Greensboro that Mr Robinson was Martin Luther King on steroids for his speaking ability.

As it is, Mr Trump is already having to fight harder than expected to win North Carolina and its 16 electoral college votes.

Barack Obama was the last Democrat to win the state in 2008, but polls suggest Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is closing the gap there with Mr Trump.

State law says a gubernatorial nominee could withdraw as a candidate no later than the day before the first absentee ballots requested by military and overseas voters are distributed. That begins on Friday, so the withdrawal deadline would be late Thursday. State Republican leaders could then pick a replacement.

Mr Trump has yet to comment on the accusations. However, Mr Trumps campaign appears to be distancing itself from Mr Robinson in the wake of the report. In a statement to the AP, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the GOP nominees campaign is focused on winning the White House and saving this country, calling North Carolina a vital part of that plan.

Mark Robinson speaking at the Republican convention in July. He has previously questioned the Holocaust - GETTY IMAGES

Ms Leavitt went on to contrast Mr Trumps economic record with that of Ms Harris, not mentioning Mr Robinson by name or answering questions as to whether he would appear with Mr Trump at a Saturday campaign rally in Wilmington or had been invited to do so.

North Carolina has become a toss-up swing state where the result of the general election is uncertain.

A spokesperson for Ms Harris campaign, Ammar Moussa, said on X that Donald Trump has a Mark Robinson problem and reposted a photo of the two together.

Ed Broyhill, a North Carolina member of the Republican National Committee, said he spoke with Mr Robinson on Thursday afternoon and still supported him as the nominee. In an interview, Mr Broyhill suggested the online details might have been fabricated.

It seems like a dirty trick to me, Mr Broyhill said.

On Capitol Hill, US Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina, chair of the House GOPs campaign committee, told reporters the reports findings were concerning. Mr Robinson, he said, has some reassuring to do in the state.

Mr Robinson, 56, was elected lieutenant governor in his first bid for public office in 2020.

He tells a life story of childhood poverty, jobs that he blames the North American Free Trade Agreement for ending, and personal bankruptcy. His four-minute speech to the Greensboro City Council defending gun rights and lamenting the demonising of police officers went viral  and led him to a National Rifle Association board position and popularity among conservative voters.
Mohamed Al Fayed in 2005 in front of a memorial to his son Dodi and Diana, Princess of Wales in Harrods. He died last year, aged 94. Photograph: Reuters

The former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused of raping five women and sexually abusing at least 15 others when they worked at the luxury department store, according to a BBC investigation.

More than 20 women, all of whom were Fayeds former employees, told a BBC documentary they had been sexually assaulted by him and that Harrods had covered up the abuse.

The stores current owners said they were utterly appalled by the allegations and apologised to the victims.

Law firms in the UK and the US said on Thursday they were investigating bringing legal claims over allegations including trafficking, rape and serious sexual assault.

Leigh Day, working with the American firm Motley Rice, represents a woman who alleges she was subjected to trafficking, rape and abuse. She and her lawyers said they believed there could be hundreds more survivors of similar abuse perpetrated when they worked for Harrods between 1985 and 2010.

Lawyers are also investigating whether possible claims could be made against the Metropolitan police by people who say they reported their alleged abuse but insufficient action was taken.

Fayed, who sold Harrods in 2010, died last year aged 94. His obituary in the Guardian noted there had been repeated allegations of sexual harassment of female staff during his lifetime.

In 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to charge Fayed over the claim he had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at the store. In 2013, he was interviewed by police after a woman alleged he had sexually attacked her at his Park Lane apartment after a job interview. The police reopened the case in 2015 but took no further action. Fayed always denied the allegations.

The alleged victims give detailed accounts of the abuse, including some on camera, in the new documentary, Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. It alleges the abuse took place in London, Paris, Saint-Tropez and Abu Dhabi.

One woman told the BBC she was raped as a teenager in Fayeds Park Lane apartment. Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass, she told the BBC.

Three other women told the BBC they had also been raped by him in the apartment. A fifth woman, named only as Gemma, said on camera that Fayed had raped her at his Villa Windsor apartment in Paris and then made her wash herself with disinfectant.

She told the programme: Obviously he wanted me to erase any trace of him being anywhere near me.

The documentary makers say the women came forward after seeing Fayed sympathetically portrayed in the Netflix series The Crown. The episodes in question covered Diana, Princess of Waless relationship with Fayeds son Dodi, and their deaths in a car crash in 1997.

One woman, whom the BBC names only as Sophia, says Fayed tried to rape her more than once when she was a personal assistant to him from 1988 to 1991. Speaking of Fayeds portrayal in The Crown, she told the BBC: People shouldnt remember him like that.

Bruce Drummond, a barrister representing several of the women, told the BBC: The spiders web of corruption and abuse at this company was unbelievable and very dark.

In a statement, Harrods said: We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed. These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms. We also acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.

The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010; it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

This is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved. This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.
Protesters at city hall in Atlanta, Georgia, on 16 September 2024. Photograph: Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

Money-laundering charges are being dropped against a bail fund swept up in an unprecedented case involving 61 people accused of a criminal conspiracy while protesting against the controversial Georgia police training center known colloquially as Cop City.

Deputy attorney general John Fowler unexpectedly told Fulton county superior court judge Kimberly Esmond Adams and attorneys for several of the cases defendants in a hearing this week that he was dropping charges underlying 15 of the 18 counts included in the Rico, or racketeering, indictment.

The charges targeted the Atlanta Solidarity Fund (ASF), one of nearly 100 similar organizations across the country that help arrested protesters with bail, legal defense and related needs. The group is at the center of the states case; its three members are mentioned more than 120 times in last Septembers 109-page indictment.

Related: Atlanta police surveil people opposing Cop City: Theres this constant stalking feeling

The funds members still face racketeering charges in the case, months from trial. It is the first time a state Rico law is being used to prosecute this many defendants in connection with a protest or social movement, experts have told the Guardian. Rico charges are usually reserved for use against organized crime.

The decision showed these charges are baseless, and this is the state acknowledging that the entire narrative theyve built [in the case] was a fiction, said Marlon Kautz, one of the three ASF defendants. Still, the funds members withstood a Swat-style raid on their Atlanta house in May of last year, and have suffered subsequent problems with banks and donation platforms due to the charges  the consequences of demonization, Kautz said.

The attorney generals office did not answer a query from the Guardian about the reason behind the announcement. Several people who were in the courtroom said Fowler called the decision a close call  to which Judge Esmond Adams responded: Lets be clear  you dropped these charges because you knew they wouldnt prevail.

The hearing was meant to consider a group of five of the 61 defendants and their motions to dismiss the case altogether due to deficiencies in the states historic indictment, leveled against dozens of people linked to a wide-ranging protest movement against the planned training center now in its fourth year.

The opposition is both local and national, and includes concerns ranging from the environmental impacts of the 171-acre (69-hectare) footprint the center will occupy in a large forest south-east of Atlanta, to unchecked police funding and militarization. State and local authorities insist the center is needed for morale and state-of-the-art training.

We dont know what the criminal enterprise was, we dont know what the dates were, said Krista Wright Novay, attorney for the ASFs Savannah Patterson, about the indictments problems.

Also, the indictment doesnt tell us what the racketeering acts are, said Chris Carraway, whose motion to dismiss the case on behalf of defendant Sonali Gupta was also considered. Is it passing out flyers? Is it attending a protest? And what does this have to do with individual defendants?

Before the announcement, deputy attorney general Fowlers integrity in the case had been questioned. The Guardian confirmed that he obtained emails between the ASFs members and their attorneys and shared them with police investigators and others, as another motion asserts  and that he did the same with communications of other defendants in the case.

Attorney-client privilege wasnt handled the way it should have  one of the most intensely upheld privileges in jurisprudence, said Wright Novay.

Fowler also denied the existence of police messages on Signal in court, despite being presented, in another motion from defense attorneys, with evidence from the Guardian of law enforcement leadership ordering officers last year to download the encrypted phone app for that very purpose.

Meanwhile, Kautz, of the ASF, said about the money-laundering charges being dropped against him and his co-defendants: [It] does nothing to undo the harm to us and to the many political protesters whose lives have already been drastically impacted. But it does serve as a reminder that prosecutions against political movements are not a pursuit of justice.

 This story was amended on 19 September to reflect that 15 counts were dropped, not 14.
Owen Paterson resigned in 2021 after a committee of MPs recommended he be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

The European court of human rights has dismissed an appeal by the former MP Owen Paterson against the parliamentary report that preceded his political downfall.

Paterson, a former environment secretary and influential pro-Brexit Conservative, resigned as an MP in 2021 after an investigation by the parliamentary commissioner for standards established that he had repeatedly engaged in improper lobbying.

The investigation began in 2019 after the Guardian reported that Paterson had lobbied ministers and officials, asking them to take steps that would benefit two companies that were paying him to be their consultant.

Two years later the commissioner, Kathryn Stone, found that Paterson had made 14 approaches to ministers and officials. A committee of MPs recommended he be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days over the egregious breach of lobbying rules.

Paterson resigned after a failed attempt by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, to protect him by forcing MPs to vote to suspend the parliamentary standards procedure.

The next year Paterson, a long-standing eurosceptic, announced that he would take the British government to the European court in an attempt to have the investigation into his conduct declared unfair.

On Thursday, the court unanimously rejected his complaint, finding that the parliamentary investigation to have been fair.

Paterson had complained that following publication [of the investigation] he was no longer engaged with the local community, was not invited to events, and was shunned by many people he had considered friends. He gave examples of being shouted at in the street, according to the ruling.

As a consequence, he has found it difficult to attend events; for example, on the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III he did not attend any events for fear of embarrassing his hosts.

Paterson said he had been unable to obtain paid or unpaid work after resigning. He has lost his income as an MP, and the two companies that had retained his consultancy services had cut all ties with him. He has calculated his net loss to be 120,000 British pounds net per annum, the judges summarised.

Without this income, and without other employment opportunities, he has had to support himself using savings, pension income and income from rental property.

Paterson told the court of the stress the investigation had placed on his family, during which time his wife, Rose, took her own life. He said he believed the investigation was a contributing factor.

The European court found Paterson could not attribute any financial loss to the investigation. As he himself resigned from the House of Commons before the house could consider whether or not to apply the recommended sanction [of suspension], neither the loss of his seat nor the loss of income from his position as an MP were a necessary consequence of the investigation, the judges concluded.

Moreover, he has provided no documentary evidence to substantiate his claims that he lost his consultancy work, and has since been unable to find either paid employment or charitable work, as a direct consequence of the committees findings.

Paterson also argued that the commissioners report should not be protected by parliamentary privilege, suggesting such protection should be reserved for proceedings on the floor of the house. The court did not agree.

There was a legitimate public interest for the public to know the outcome of the parliamentary investigation into a complaint about the applicants conduct as an MP, the judges concluded.
Once a poster boy, Andrews chances of redemption look slim in the light of his many scandals - Kim Sayer / Alamy | REUTERS/Toby Melville

As A Very Royal Scandal detailing Prince Andrews car crash interview with Emily Maitlis airs on Amazon this week, we look back at the highs and lows of the second born royal son

1. Returning war hero

Andymania: the prince became a pin-up as soon as he stepped off HMS Invincible on his return from the Falklands War - David Caulkin/AP

His finest hour came in 1982 when he returned, coated in glory, from Falklands War duty with a rose between his teeth. Andymania was rife and teenagers were reported to swoon in his presence. But alas from then on it was all downhill  his service record was sufficient to promise a successful career as a naval officer, but while on secondment to the Ministry of Defence he allegedly fell foul of the admirals, towering figures who werent prepared to put up with his high-handed manner.

To them he was a sailor, not a prince  and if he couldnt conform to accepted standards of behaviour there was no place for him in the service.

He quit or was fired, nobody knows which, and in a colossal tactical error, in 2001, Buckingham Palace apparently asked the Duke of Kent to step aside as the UKs trade envoy  a job hed done handsomely for many years  so that Andrew could be said to have a job to go to.

2. The Special One

Andrew believed himself to be the late Queens favourite son - Shutterstock

Legend has it that he was the late Queens favourite son but if theres little evidence to substantiate that, by his words and deeds Andrew certainly believed it. Born 10 years after Princess Anne in 1960, his arrival heralded a thaw in relations between the sovereign and her consort Prince Philip, who was mighty miffed that his children didnt bear his Mountbatten surname (ironic, since hed only recently ditched his real name of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg). What with this, and his brushes with petty officialdom back at the palace, Philip took himself off on a world cruise lasting five months which only ended after questions were asked in parliament.

On his return, the Queen patched up their differences by promoting him to Prince of the United Kingdom and adding his Mountbatten to her name, Windsor  just 11 days before Andrew was born.

3. An officer and a film star

Actress Koo Stark was said to be the princes only serious love - James Gray / Associated Newspapers

An American actress  and a British prince? As weve lately discovered, not necessarily a recipe for harmony, but the romance between Andrew and the actress and photographer Koo Stark showed decided promise. Given the nod by the Queen, it started in 1981 and lasted through his service in the Falklands War; the writer Tina Brown says Koo was the princes only serious love.

But it all fell apart when it was discovered that five years earlier shed taken the lead role in The Awakening of Emily, a forlorn X-rated movie directed by Henry Herbert, the earl of Pembroke. The publicity broke up the relationship.

4. Fergie time

Vulgar, vulgar, vulgar: The prince has remained close with Sarah Ferguson though her antics often enraged the Royal Family - Hulton Archive

Though still entwined after 38 years, their relationship poses a number of questions. The erratic and  to some  downright disgraceful Sarah Ferguson was, according to Prince Philip, the worst thing ever to happen to the House of Windsor. Courtier Lord Charteris called her vulgar, vulgar, vulgar.

Her frankly curious marriage to Andrew broke down after she was pictured having her toes sucked by her financial advisor John Bryan, but to some the hallmark of her character is her venality  offering business introductions to her husband in return for 500,000 being only one example.

5. Trade secrets

Goga Ashkenazi was said to have brokered the 15m sale of Andrews marital home at Windsor - Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock

The Duke has always had an interest in the rich and powerful, and none more so than Goga Ashkenazi, who briefly rose to prominence during Andrews benighted career as Britains roving trade ambassador. Goga comes from Kazakhstan, a country in which Andrew took a disproportionate interest after he became, according to reports, besotted with the beautiful businesswoman and socialite (he even introduced her to Mum).

It is said Goga brokered the 15m sale of Andrews marital home Sunninghill Park at Windsor which served to draw attention to his questionable, largely unrecorded, career promoting Britain abroad. He was fired in 2011 after the Jeffrey Epstein affair came to light  apparently to the rapture of senior civil servants given the job of nannying him for more than a decade.

6. The fall of the House of York

Sidelined: Andrews daughters Eugenie (left) and Beatrice have been eased out of the royal spotlight - Gareth Fuller/PA

Stop bullying the York family! barked Fergie back in 2016, hitting back at newspaper articles claiming that Andrew and Charles, then still the Prince of Wales, had fallen out over the future role of his two daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.

If hed been sidelined by his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, could he not at least leave a lasting legacy through the princesses being granted official status as working royals? Andrew himself angrily rebutted the claims, but almost a decade on these two princesses still remain on the further shores of royalty.

7. The photo that finished him

Prince Andrew has been plagued by this picture of him allegedly putting an arm around the then 17-year-old Virginia Roberts - US District Court - Southern Dis/AFP via Getty

Real or fake  is this picture of the one-time second in line to the throne with his arm around a teenage girl, and a vile procuress beaming her approval? Is it damning evidence or, as suggested by the York camp, just something spitefully engineered to put Andrew in jail?

While the girl is undoubtedly the former 17-year-old Virginia Roberts of California, who claims she was sexually assaulted by the prince, questions were raised as to whether the hand clasping her is Andrews, or a photoshop job  he claimed to be having a pizza in Woking at the time.

Certainly, he later paid her an undisclosed sum reputed to be 12 million to shut up and go away. Money may have changed hands but there are no winners, and once-rich Ghislaine Maxwell is still in jail, serving out a 20-year sentence.

8. Sympathy for the devil

Bad blood: The King has no desire to see his younger brother return to royal duties - Getty Images

Picture for one moment what it looks like from Andrews point of view. Born second in line to the throne, until as late as his 40th birthday it was conceivable he could have become Regent  in the unlikely event of the combined deaths of the Queen and Prince Charles. Until Prince William reached his 18th birthday, the Duke of York could have reigned  thats how important he could have been. Now he has no job, little money, a dramatically reduced status and his reputation in shreds.

Meantime his big brother lords it as sovereign with untold wealth, power, privilege and a track record of public service which justifies the rewards which have come his way. Andrew would like just a small slice of pie  retaining the Royal Lodge, for starters  but it would seem King Charles wants him gone.

9. And the reason why...

He has rarely shown good judgment and finds it impossible to self-examine. The paedophile Jeffrey Epstein played to his weakness for a pretty face and his childlike belief that whatever he did, nobody would ever find out because he was Prince Andrew. Epstein was a monster but, except for a bulldozing manner with those he considers his inferiors, Andrew is not  just a slightly dim bulb cursed with being born the second son.

As for the future...

He will be 65 in the New Year, a time when many men look forward to doing the things they never had time while they worked. Conversely, with a lifetime of fun behind him, this could be the moment when takes a turn in the road and takes up a serious career. Theres still time for the Duke of York to redeem himself and leave a reasonable legacy behind, though some will say its all too late.

All three episodes of A Very Royal Scandal are available on Amazon Prime from September 19
Jason Hoganson, seen outside HM Prison Durham following his early release - Owen Humphreys/PA

A former actor freed from jail early under Keir Starmers prisoner release scheme is back behind bars after allegedly assaulting his ex-partner.

Jason Hoganson  who starred in the cult 1980s film Empire State  was pictured giving the thumbs up as he left HMP Durham on Sep 10 after being freed from an 18-month sentence for assaulting his former girlfriend in the street.

He was one of 1,750 prisoners released 40 per cent through their sentences rather than halfway under a scheme designed to prevent jails running out of space.

However, within 48 hours Hoganson, a 53-year-old of no fixed abode, his head covered in distinctive tattoos, was back in jail after being arrested.

A court heard he was arrested on Sep 11, the day after he was released, on suspicion of two counts of breaching a restraining order by contacting the same former partner and one of assaulting her.

Prosecutors said that Hoganson allegedly sent his former partner two letters while he was in HMP Durham in August and on Sep 3. He is then suspected of assaulting her by slapping her cheek at her home address the day after his prison release.

Hoganson appeared before Newcastle Magistrates court on Sep 12

Hoganson appeared before Newcastle Magistrates court on Sep 12 and pleaded guilty to one count of breaching the restraining order but not guilty to the second. He also denied the allegation of assault by beating.

The court heard that the assault allegedly happened at a property in Arthurs Hill, Newcastle. District Judge Kate Meek accepted jurisdiction and his trial was listed for Oct 30 at South Tyneside Magistrates court. He was remanded in custody.

He had been due to appear again at North Tyneside Magistrates court via video link from prison on Wednesday, but refused to do so and his solicitor spoke on his behalf. He was further remanded in custody until his trial.

Hoganson, originally from Wallsend, struggled with his movie career and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime.

He had a leading role in the 1988 Hollywood movie Empire State alongside Ray McAnally, the Irish actor, Jamie Foreman and Martin Landau, the US star.

Playing a Geordie drifter living among mobsters in London, Hoganson had been talent-scouted by producers who contacted his drama teacher looking for a youth to play the part in the 1987 movie.

He is the second prisoner freed early who is alleged to have committed a crime within hours of their release. It emerged last week that a different former inmate allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on the same day he was freed.

Amari Ward, 31, was released on Tuesday as part of the policy, which aims to ease prison overcrowding. He appeared at Croydon Magistrates court on Thursday, charged with sexual assault, and is due to attend Maidstone Crown court next month.

Ward is alleged to have intentionally touched a woman who did not consent in Sittingbourne, Kent, on Tuesday, according to court documents. He was arrested at an address in south London.

Prison and probation watchdogs forecast that prisoners released early would be recalled to jail within weeks, with homelessness a key reason for either breaching their licence or returning to crime. A third of freed prisoners reoffend within a year of release.
Electronic tag - Gianni Muratore/Alamy Stock Photo

Offenders including domestic abusers have been freed from jail without being electronically tagged because of staff shortages, The Telegraph understands.

Hundreds of prisoners, including potentially violent offenders, released early under the Governments scheme are free to walk the streets without tags after shortages of staff led to delays in fitting the devices.

Officials said the early release of more prisoners had added to the delays. Lord Timpson, the prisons minister, is expected to express serious concerns at a meeting with officials from Serco, the private contractor responsible for the tags.

Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, is said to be furious over the delays, which sources said she regarded as part of the atrocious inheritance we received from our predecessors.

It comes days after she was forced to release 1,750 prisoners early to avoid jails running out of space.

Electronic tags are used to enforce home curfews on released prisoners or suspects on bail to ensure that they remain at an agreed address. They are part of a prisoners licence, with any breach leading to a recall to prison.

The tags enable their movements to be tracked 24/7. They use GPS to give pinpoint accuracy on an ex-prisoners location and are also used to police geographical bans so that violent offenders or domestic abusers are prevented from contacting their victims.

Under the rules, they have to be fitted within 48 hours of a prisoner being freed. The ex-offender has to stay at a fixed address for that length of time so it can be done.

It is understood staff shortages have meant that Serco, which manages the Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS) system, has not fitted them to the freed prisoners within the 48-hour deadline.

This backlog has let offenders walk free from their homes after 48 hours without any tags. Sources said the backlogs had been compounded because, when Serco staff turned up to fit the tags, the ex-prisoners could be out.

Ministry of Justice sources said domestic abusers were being prioritised to be tagged. They said Serco had recruited more staff, and that the backlogs were being remedied.

The MoJ has threatened financial penalties against Serco unless it clears the backlogs quickly. A spokesman said: Tagging is an important part of our strategy to keep victims safe and cut reoffending, and there are currently record numbers of offenders wearing tags.

We are holding Serco to account to address delays in fitting some offenders with tags, and will apply financial penalties against the company if this is not resolved quickly.

While this issue is ongoing, we have prioritised tagging domestic abuse offenders to make sure their licence conditions, such as staying away from their victims, are strictly followed.

Serco, which took over the electronic monitoring contract in May, said it had been working hard to reduce the number of people waiting to have a tag fitted. It said it was prioritising cases based on risk profiles.

The total number of individuals fitted with electronic tags has increased by 17 per cent, from 17,826 in June last year to 20,893 this June.

Writing in The Spectator, David Shipley, a former prisoner who was tagged, said the system appeared to have collapsed since he left jail.

Nowadays, even probation officers struggle to get clear answers about whether or not tags have been fitted, he said. Several recently-released prisoners told me that their probation officers had asked them whether they had been fitted with a tag. How are they supposed to keep tabs if they dont know this basic information?
Fred and Sheila McCoy - AP

Fred and Sheila McCoy have dedicated much of their lives researching and documenting a notorious post-Civil War era feud that left many dead and terrorised a swathe of Appalachia.

So when a gunman who opened fire on motorists on a highway near their home went on the run, leaving locals terrified, it was perhaps not entirely surprising the former police officer and his wife would decide to join efforts to track him down.

Officials had also offered a reward of $35,000.

For five days the couple carried out their own search, as dozens of police officers spread out across the vast Daniel Boone National Forest, said to be larger than the cities of Los Angeles and New York City combined. As they did so, they live-streamed their efforts.

On the sixth day they found what are believed to be the remains of the suspected shooter, drawn in part by the sight of vultures hovering above, and a powerful smell. As they approached the spot, one of them kept the camera rolling.

Oh, Lord, this is nasty. Oh, my goodness, this is gross, says Ms McCoy, 59, as she warns her husband to watch out for snakes.

At the end of the video they discover the remains of suspected shooter, Joseph Couch, who disappeared 11 days before.

Joseph Couch, the suspect in the shooting

Hey, guys, you wont believe it, we found him, oh, my goodness gracious.

Police said they have to carry out forensic tests to ensure the remains are those of 32-year-old Couch, who is believed to have opened fire two weeks ago on Interstate 75, near the town of London, about 140 miles from Louisville.

He had apparently texted someone that he intended to kill a lot of people, and had recently bought an AR-15 assault rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

While he did not kill anyone, five people were seriously hurt, and the community was left in fear.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Thursday that once identification was confirmed it would bring to a close a pretty scary time in that community and the surrounding communities.

He added: We have every reason to believe this is Joseph Couch. But a final and determinative identification has not yet been possible. There is DNA testing going on right now.

The McCoys live a few counties over from where the gunman opened fire and because both had undergone surgeries, they are no longer regular hikers.

For one week we turned into bounty hunters, Mr McCoy, 66, told the Associated Press. The more we was watching the news and saw lockdowns and school closings, the more we were compelled to search for him.

He added: We were just a crippled old man and crippled old woman walking in the woods.

He told CNN the fugitive has been stressing this community out. He added:

Now everyone can rest.

Officials confirmed that the couple will receive the reward money.

The aftermath of the shooting on i-75 - Getty

Mr McCoy said he was a descendant of a Hatfield-McCoy marriage and they run a small museum related to the history of the feud between the families.

The story has sparked books, live shows and a History Channel miniseries starring Kevin Costner.

Until recently, the McCoys ran a small museum in the city of Liberty, which they said contained the largest privately-owned collection of Hatfield and McCoy artefacts, collectibles and memorabilia. Mr McCoy reportedly has a background in law enforcement, serving with the US Marine Corps and the police in Kentucky.

The museums website says: Closed until further notice.
Split image of Ricky Gervais laughing and frowning

He supported Jeremy Corbyn and is a vegan and animal welfare champion who once said: You cant take equality too far. But, in recent years, Ricky Gervais has built up a legion of Right-wing fans for his insistence on saying the unsayable about woke culture.

In a succession of stand-up comedy tours, all later broadcast by Netflix, the creator of The Office has been in equal parts lauded and denounced for jokes about cancel culture, transgender politics and Gen Z snowflakes.

Fellow comedian Robin Ince, who this week claimed he was once bullied so badly by Gervais that it triggered a stress rash, has gone so far as to describe his former collaborator as a pin-up and role model for the alt-Right. Thanks to his anti-trans punchlines, Gervais has become a useful ally in the culture war, he said in an essay on his website in 2022. The two men have not spoken since.

But while Gervaiss surge in popularity among the anti-woke has certainly done his bank balance no harm (his most recent Netflix film, Armageddon, is the highest-grossing comedy special of all time), it is by no means clear that he welcomes his new hero status.

This week, for example, Gervais will have been horrified to learn that an Australian man, in court for performing a Nazi salute outside a Jewish museum in Sydney, cited him as an inspiration, quoting from a routine in which Gervais joked about a schoolboy called Adolf raising his arm in Hitler-fashion when his name was called out at registration.

The Australian case neatly captures the paradox of the modern Gervais. To his supporters, Gervais  like Jimmy Carr or Dave Chappelle  is a free speech champion slaying the shibboleths of woke culture. To his detractors, including some fellow comics, the 63-year-old is a heretic whose best days passed after The Office ended and who now punches down against disadvantaged minorities solely because hes an attention-seeker.

Gervais himself rejects the Right-wing label. Im an old-fashioned liberal-Leftie, champagne socialist type of guy. A pro-equality, opportunity-for-all, welfare state snowflake, he wrote on Twitter in 2019. But, if I ever defend freedom of speech on here, Im suddenly an alt-Right Nazi. How did that happen?

How indeed? Gervais came relatively late to stand-up, with his first UK-wide tour in 2003 (well after The Office became a hit), and his pre-existing fame probably meant he was more willing to push the limits of taste and decency than those who slogged across the circuit in their 20s. His five stints hosting the Golden Globes have gone down in Hollywood lore, with Gervais being gratuitously rude and blasting Tinseltowns elite for their general sanctimony. Youre in no position to lecture the public about anything, he said in 2020. So if you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your God and f off, OK?

Gervais became known for his provocative hosting style at the Golden Globes (pictured at the 2016 ceremony with Mel Gibson) - Getty

As well as jokes about political correctness, he has also targeted the disabled and the mentally ill and made gags about paedophilia. Unusually for comedy, an industry where an unspoken code holds that you dont explicitly attack your fellow practitioners, Gervais has come under fire from the likes of Nish Kumar, James Acaster and Stewart Lee. What hes doing is not edgy or interesting. He seems to think that it makes him an edgy or interesting comedian, it doesnt, Kumar said in a 2018 routine. All he is is just the same as every other rich, white dude comedian who gets too successful, runs out of ideas, and so just s---s on the latest minority group.

Lee continued what has become a rather one-sided feud in an interview with Prospect magazine last week. Its disingenuous. You get people saying they cant say anything. But a lot of them are filling stadiums, winning Grammys, and getting $60 million off Netflix, he said. Ricky Gervais would love to be properly cancelled, I think, but he doesnt seem able to say anything actually controversial enough to be as controversial as hed like to be.

The truth is, both those who adore and loathe Gervais for what he says on stage are missing the point entirely. Im nobodys champion, he once said. Get a better champion is what Id say to anybody who thinks Im their champion.

What appears to preoccupy Gervais more than anything is the right to free speech  and to offend. Theres nothing you shouldnt joke about, theres no subject you shouldnt joke about. It depends on the actual joke and the target, he told American talk-show host Stephen Colbert in 2019. People get offended when they mistake the subject of a joke for the actual target and theyre not necessarily the same.

Gervaiss Netflix special, Armageddon, won him a Golden Globe - Netflix

Born in Reading to working-class parents (his father was a labourer while his mother did odd jobs and brought up four children) Gervais may reflect that whatever he has done in his career has worked. He owns mansions in Hampstead, north London, and Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and now owns the Dutch Barn Vodka brand.

Armageddon, which debuted on Christmas Day last year, won a Golden Globe. Next week, Gervais kicks off Mortality, a new stand-up set that will also be filmed for Netflix, in Londons West End. People who love to love, or love to hate him, will have plenty to rake over.

Were all gonna die. May as well have a laugh about it, he said. Mortality looks at the absurdities of life. And death. Bring it on.
Rod Sims, the former chair of the ACCC, says the regulator could investigate whether the practices revealed by Guardian Australia were lessening competition to the detriment of consumers. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Rod Sims, the former chair of Australias competition law enforcer, says he believes the regulator should consider investigating the behaviour of the markets leading real estate property portal, realestate.com.au, for potential anti-competitive behaviour.

The Greens have also hit out at what they say is an alleged outrageous abuse of market power, saying the price hikes arising from REA Groups dominance underscored the need for new price-gouging laws.

Sims, who chaired the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission for more than 10 years until 2022, said the regulator could investigate whether the practices revealed by Guardian Australia were lessening competition to the detriment of consumers.

Under Australian consumer law, a corporation must not make a contract or arrangement that has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition.

A Guardian Australia investigation has revealed that industry disruptors feel they are being significantly disadvantaged by the practices and pricing structures of realestate.com.au and, to a lesser extent, Domain, claiming they cannot compete on a level playing field with traditional real estate agents.

Related: The bear at the door: estate agents say they fear speaking out about realestate.com.au price gouging

This behaviour seems well worth considering under section 45 of the Competition and Consumer Act, Sims told Guardian Australia.

The former commissioner, who is now a professor in the practice of public policy and anti trust at the Australian National Universitys Crawford School of Public Policy, also said he believed that a previously rejected application for collective bargaining by real estate agents in dealing with realestate.com.au might now be successful.

Sims was commissioner at the time the application by Property Media Group was rejected, when concerns were raised by the industry that prices being offered to agents and consumers were high and disproportionate with a lack of competitive negotiation.

It does seem to me that this is a case where a collective boycott might now be allowed by the ACCC, Sims told Guardian Australia.

I suspect the attitude to collective boycotts has now changed, and so such an application may now have more chance of success.

The Greens economic justice spokesperson, Nick McKim, told Guardian Australia that the partys proposed legislation to outlaw price gouging, which was flagged in the Senate last week, was needed to address a system rigged in favour of big corporations.

Under the proposed laws, which mirror those in the European Union, the ACCC would have powers to apply for an order to the federal court if it believed a company had engaged in price gouging.

Corporations hiking prices just because they can is exactly why we have introduced legislation to make price gouging illegal, McKim said.

Related: The Australian tenants who are charged to pay their rent

Successive weak governments have stood by and watched monopolies and duopolies grow unchecked, allowing them to drive up costs.

The result is a system rigged in favour of big corporations at the expense of ordinary Australians.

Sophie Scamps, independent MP for the Sydney seat of Mackellar, also backed the need for the ACCC to look at prices being charged by Australias property portals after Guardian Australia revealed Australians were paying the highest online advertising costs in the world when selling their homes.

There are already too many barriers to people selling and downsizing their homes, so its disturbing to hear that Australians yet again are apparently paying inflated prices to have their house placed on real estate marketing platforms, Scamps told Guardian Australia.

As in the case of the supermarket duopoly, the ACCC needs to investigate the prices being charged for using such an essential service.

REA Group declined to comment.
Police Scotland confirmed that the force provides for exactly the kind of self-identification of trans people that the UK government prevented from being enacted in Scotland - Jane Barlow /PA

Three recent events have confirmed that Scotlands civic sphere has drastically over-reached itself on the subject of gender ideology.

First we had Police Scotland anticipate a change in the law that is not actually happening  an extremely worrying development for an organisation that is, at least in theory, supposed to uphold the law of the land. In a submission to a Scottish Parliament committee, Police Scotland confirmed that the force provides for exactly the kind of self-identification of trans people that the UK government prevented from being enacted in Scotland  an intervention subsequently found by the Court of Session to have been entirely legal and legitimate.

Not only has Police Scotland decided that it knows better than the courts or parliament on this issue, it has proudly asserted that it expressly allows male rapists to self-declare their sex in order to foster their sense of belonging. Publicly-funded lectures by trans activists on their ideology, to which officers are subjected, have resulted in this astonishing up-ending of all logic in the criminal justice system. More worryingly, it has resulted in incidents of rape, which can only be committed by biological men, being attributed to women. Facts matter, but not to Police Scotland any more.

Then there was the long-delayed and very much welcomed resignation of Mridul Wadhwa, the biological man who identifies as a woman and who used his position as head of Edinburgh Rape Crisis to accuse female rape victims who requested support and counselling only from other biological women of transphobia.

But scandals about the creep of trans ideology are now being exposed so quickly that its hard to keep up, and now we have a report that between 90 and 100 children  some as young as nine  were prescribed puberty blockers on the NHS, despite doctors being ignorant of the risks involved. Tracy Gillies, the medical director at NHS Lothian, said it was really very difficult to articulate why any clinician would now prescribe drugs to suppress puberty to treat gender issues.

Half of those treated had a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism, a further third had a diagnosed mental health disorder, and yet clinicians still treated patients complaints as a gender issue. Seventy per cent of patients were biological girls.

As soon as a child mentions theyre gender questioning, everyone goes, I cant deal with this, they need to go to the gender service, said Rhoda MacLeod, who leads the Sandyford Clinic, Scotlands only gender service. The prescription of puberty blockers to under-18s was suspended in England when the Cass Review into young peoples gender care was published earlier this year, and Scotland quickly followed suit.

But for many young people, the damage has already been done and they will suffer the effects for the rest of their lives. More worryingly, legislation being prepared by the UK government (and which, following an agreement with the Scottish government, will apply to the whole of Britain) will seek to ban conversion therapy; it is already feared among parents groups that exactly the kind of practice that has failed children in Scotland  immediately referring gender-questioning children to gender clinics  will become the only legal course of action. This is the affirmation model of care that is so beloved of trans ideology champions like Stonewall and Mermaids. Questioning or challenging a teenagers belief that they have been born in the wrong body could become a criminal act.

And still politicians at Holyrood, politicians of most of the main parties (with the honourable exception of the Scottish Conservatives) refuse even to discuss the issue, for fear that they will be asked what is, to them, the unanswerable question, What is a woman?

The SNP, supported wholeheartedly by Labour and the Liberal Democrats, have gone along with this ideology from the very start, seeking to legislate to allow children and, yes, even rapists, to change their gender without so much as a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. This would have had real world consequences for the vulnerable women forced to share a prison cell with biological men with a history of sexual violence. And yet when the vote at Holyrood came, those MSPs blithely accepted the praise of the trans activists and ignored the real and justified fears of women.

Actions have consequences. The mindset at Holyrood remains one of overwhelming support for trans ideology, and to hell with the concerns of these silly women. Now, despite having expert advice from the clinicians involved, we know that vulnerable children have been subjected to untested drugs whose side-effects we cannot predict. No MSP who voted for Nicola Sturgeons Gender Recognition Reform Bill should have the brass neck now to speak out against this heinous practice, for the lead those clinicians took came from the chamber at Holyrood.

Not that there is any danger of MSPs speaking out. The same politicians who might wring their hands in faux concern in the presence of the TV cameras are the same ones who have failed to raise a single word of criticism about Police Scotlands corruption of rape statistics, the same politicians who can find time to Tweet their latest visit to a local food bank but couldnt get round to commenting on the Edinburgh Rape Crisis scandal.

In their mindless and craven subservience to gender ideologues, MSPs have let Scotland down. They have let down Scotlands women and their children. Their only strategy is to hope that when election time rolls around again, this issue will not be anywhere near the top of voters concerns. Because if it is, they will have no answers to give and no defence to mount.
A courtroom sketch of Sean Combs looking at attorney Marc Agnifilo, left, in federal court in New York City. Photograph: Elizabeth Williams/AP

Hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs will have to await trial on sex-trafficking and racketeering charges in a Brooklyn jail instead of his luxurious Miami Beach mansion after a second judge refused to grant a $50m bail package offered by his lawyers.

On Wednesday, US district judge Andrew L Carter Jr denied Combss request to be released to home detention with GPS monitoring, pointing to the possibility that Combs may tamper with witnesses.

Carters denial marks the second refusal to grant Combs the hefty bail package, which included the $50m bond, as well as the passports of his children and mother.

The 54-year-old was initially denied bail and ordered to jail on Tuesday after he was federally charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has pleaded not guilty.

Related: Sean Diddy Combs: a timeline of allegations and charges

The arrest of Combs came roughly six months after federal authorities conducting a sex-trafficking investigation raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami.

The three-count, 14-page indictment alleges racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The federal indictment contained graphic details, including that Combs would force sex-trafficking victims to engage in group sex acts with associates of his in what he referred to as freak offs  sometimes for days at a time  while he recorded video of the encounters and masturbated to them. The encounters were so physically exhausting for him and his victims  whom he would allegedly force to ingest drugs  that all typically received IV fluids to recover, the indictment said.

For decades, SEAN COMBS, a/k/a Puff Daddy, a/k/a P Diddy, a/k/a Diddy, a/k/a PD, a/k/a Love, the defendant, abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct, the indictment reads.

It added that during the raids on Combss Miami and Los Angeles homes earlier this year, investigators seized drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, as well as three AR-15s guns with defaced serial numbers.

The indictment also alleges that Combs subjected victims to various forms of abuse, in addition to having maintained control over them through physical violence, promises of career opportunities, granting and threatening to withhold financial support, and by other coercive means, including tracking their whereabouts, dictating the victims appearance, monitoring their medical records, controlling their housing, and supplying them with controlled substances.

Related: Sean Diddy Combs charges are a win for women says ex-Danity Kane member

Combss alleged criminal conspiracy, the indictment says, relied on employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled  creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.

His lawyers tried unsuccessfully on Tuesday and Wednesday to keep him out of jail. In addition to offering the bond, his lawyers pledged that Combs would turn over his passport and said he was attempting to sell his private jet. They said that conditions at Metropolitan detention center in Brooklyn are not fit for pre-trial detention.

Prosecutors argued that Combs was a serious flight risk and that his net worth was close to $1bn, including more than $1m in personal cash on hand as of last December.

With Combs set to face jail time in Brooklyns Metropolitan detention center, he will be joining a string of other high-profile detainees who have spent time there including R Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell, Michael Cohen and Sam Bankman-Fried.
Jenny Gilruth argues that secondary teachers want a consistent and objective standard of assessment - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Plans to scrap exams for 15- and 16-year-olds across Scotland have been abandoned after the SNPs Education Secretary distanced herself from the findings of an official review.

Jenny Gilruth said continuous assessment by coursework would contribute to a greater percentage of pupils final grades, with less reliance on high stakes exams.

She rejected a key recommendation by a major report into the future of Scotlands qualifications system that exams should be scrapped altogether before the fifth year of secondary school.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, she said S4 pupils would continue to sit formal exams for most National 5 qualifications.

Ms Gilruth argued that secondary teachers wanted a consistent and objective standard of assessment, while many pupils preferred sitting written exams to continuous assessment.

She said exceptions might be made for some practical courses such as National 5 fashion and technology, cookery and practical electronics.

Ms Gilruth insists she wants to reform qualifications but that it has to be done with teachers, pupils and other professional bodies - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Further proposals for improving Scotlands education system will be set out later this year, but Holyroods opposition parties said Ms Gilruth had failed to deliver any long-term vision.

Nicola Killean, Scotlands childrens commissioner, said Ms Gilruth had only provided tentative steps with no timescales or additional money despite comprehensive education reform being required.

An authoritative international study published in December found Scottish secondary pupils scored record low results and had fallen further behind their English counterparts in reading, maths and science following the pandemic.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) global study also found that Scotland had the widest attainment gap between the wealthiest and poorest pupils for maths of any of the UK home nations.

This is despite Nicola Sturgeon having pledged to make it her mission to close the gulf in performance when she was first minister.

SNP ministers have refused to follow England by allowing schools to remove themselves from local authority control, with headteachers south of the border given the power to hire and fire staff and choose learning materials.

The PISA study noted: Many high-performing school systems tend to entrust principals and teachers with these responsibilities.

However, SNP ministers asked Prof Louise Hayward, who specialises in educational assessment and innovation at the University of Glasgow, to examine Scotlands qualifications system.

Her review, published in June last year, recommended that 15- and 16-year-olds be graded on coursework and actions such as volunteering as part of a Scottish diploma of achievement.

It also argued that a wider range of assessment measures should be used for Highers and Advanced Highers.

Exams will remain part of overall approach

But Ms Gilruth told MSPs that examinations would remain part of our overall national approach and will not be removed from all National 5 courses.

She said: I know from direct engagement as Cabinet Secretary that many young people prefer examinations over continuous assessment.

And, as evidenced by the teachers survey published earlier this year, many secondary school teachers who responded support the retention of exams as a means of applying a consistent and objective standard.

The Scottish Education Secretary insisted she wanted to reform qualifications but that it had to be done in partnership with teachers, pupils and other professional bodies.

She also reiterated her commitment to reducing teachers contact time with pupils in the classroom by 90 minutes per week, to give them more time for other duties such as assessment.

But Liam Kerr, the Scottish Tories shadow education secretary, said: Education experts have been crying out for a long-term vision from the SNP but this statement completely fails to deliver one.

Liam Kerr described Ms Gilruths plan as a piecemeal approach - Andrew Milligan/PA

Since the Cabinet Secretary has chosen to ignore experts calls, its hard to have any confidence that her piecemeal approach will deliver the outcomes that need to happen.

Prof Hayward said: Young peoples voices were central to the work of the review and the majority of young people were calling for change.

Many described experiences in the senior school phase that were dominated by preparation for exams, past papers, prelims, memorising chunks of text or prepared answers.
Military families will also have to carry the cost of the 20 per cent VAT tax - Justin Tallis/PA

The military covenant with the brave men and women who protect this country is under huge strain. Army housing has been a disgrace for years, with very little done to improve it. And now an MoD review of what consequences the 20 per cent hike on school fees is going to have on Army families will add more misery.

Unless the VAT rise is addressed, it will put a vast number of potential recruits off joining the military. Boarding school discounts are the one allowance that compensates for Army life, as you know your children will be well-educated while you are away fighting the Kings enemies.

This is something I know from personal experience. I went to 4 schools in the UK, Germany and the Middle East before I went to boarding school at the age of seven. For the next 12 years I was at just 2 schools. In that time my parents moved 7 times and hence I would have gone to 11 schools for my education up to the age of 18.

This is not atypical. As a soldier myself, my children would have gone to 9 different schools rather than the two boarding schools they went to. This is not free education, we still spent virtually every spare penny we had to top up the school fees from the Army allowance. I would not be able to afford a 20 per cent increase today, as I expect will be the case for most military families today, if the Chancellor penalises service families in this way.

The military has been so denuded by the peace dividend that the Army is its smallest since the Battle of Waterloo. We would struggle to put 100 tanks and a brigade of infantry into the field to oppose the Russian hordes, which is a possibility if we do not enable Ukraine to prevail.

As Starmer gives the train drivers a whacking great pay rise but hammers the pensioners; is the Army next in line for cuts to enable new Labour to give to others? The Defence Review has just begun, and we all know that the military is in a perilous state after years of underfunding and wastage since the end of the Cold War. But even with war now in Ukraine and the chance that the British Army might have to fight in Europe again, the Prime Minister will only increase defence spending when conditions allow. If not now, then when?

Wars are won by bold action and lost by dithering. Perhaps the PM is trying to do too much at the moment, but he must realise that defence and security of Britain is his number one priority which currently seems well down the list.

The moral and financial abuse of Army families is a national disgrace. They cannot strike, they cannot withdraw their labour; the champagne socialists may look down on us, but it is us who do the fighting, so that they can be free to protest and complain. We come from every corner of these isles and every social strata.

The enemy knows we are not a soft touch, so Sir Keir, please do not treat us as such. Allow us a decent education for our children and decent housing for our families. Remember, while you are holding the coats, we will be doing your fighting.
Keir Starmer in 2010 while the head of the Crown Prosecution Service - LEWIS WHYLD/PA

Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire over the failure to charge Mohamed Fayed with sexual assault while he was chief prosecutor.

In 2008, Fayed, the then owner of Harrods, was interviewed by the Metropolitan Police under caution after a 15-year-old girl told detectives he had sexually assaulted her at the London department store.

In February 2009, when Sir Keir was director of public prosecutions (DPP), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that no charges would be brought because there was no realistic prospect of conviction.

Downing Street claims Sir Keir, who quit his role at the CPS in 2013, had no involvement in the decision. However, the Conservatives said it was yet another instance of failure of the organisation under his watch, after it also failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile.

Mohamed Fayed died last year aged 94 without ever being prosecuted - STEVE MAISEY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Five women have now claimed they were raped by Fayed and a further 20 said he sexually assaulted them.

Matt Vickers, shadow minister for crime and policing, said: Keir Starmer is always eager to take credit for other peoples work at the CPS, but whenever something went wrong under his watch it was always someone elses fault.

There was a chance to prosecute Fayed while Starmer was DPP but it was not taken. These latest revelations show this was yet another instance of failure.

Sir Keir said when he was DPP that he was personally concerned when it came to any case that might have reputational impact for the CPS which may be because its about a particularly sensitive case.

He has in the past denied that he was informed when a CPS investigator decided to drop a case against Savile when he was DPP.

A Downing Street spokesman said: Keir did not handle this case. It did not cross his desk.

Fayed died last year aged 94 without ever being prosecuted, despite multiple complaints to the police by different women.

By the time the teenager went to the police in 2008 to say that Fayed had groped and kissed her against her will, Fayed had a well-established reputation for sexually assaulting his staff.

In a 1998 biography by Tom Bower, former employees described being groped by Fayed in the workplace and being pestered for sex by him in his homes in London and Paris.

The teenager, who is now in her 30s, told the BBC she had started working at Harrods as a shop assistant in 2007 when she was 14 and saw him as a father figure at first, but he started calling her on her personal mobile and hugging her in the shop.

She said in May 2008, she was asked to go up to the Harrods boardroom, where she claims she was assaulted.

She said: He started hugging me and getting touchy and feely, rubbing himself against me and he just grabbed my face and tried to put his tongue in my mouth.

I mentioned I was 15 and said what are you doing? and he said I was turning into a beautiful woman and grabbed my chest.

I pushed him off and he saw I was freaked out and scared and he just got into a rage and started screaming at me. She reported the matter to the police the same month after telling her parents what had happened and Fayed was interviewed later that year.

Rene Barclay was the CPSs director of complex casework at the time of the case - IAN NICHOLSON/PA

The case was handled by Rene Barclay, the CPSs then director of complex casework, whose role included handling cases deemed high profile. In 2009 he announced that no charges would be brought.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said on Thursday: In May 2008, police received an allegation of sexual assault alleged to have occurred in London.

The report was thoroughly investigated, including examination of CCTV, speaking to potential witnesses and analysis of telephone data.

Following this, a case was referred to the CPS for consideration, who concluded that no further action should be taken.

The alleged victim told the BBC she was informed that part of the reason no charges were brought was because she had got the day of the week wrong in her description of when the assault happened.

The CPS said the teenagers complaint was the only time a file on Fayed was passed on to them by police.

In 2018, 2021 and 2023, after Sir Keir had left the CPS, it provided early investigative advice to the Met following complaints made about Fayed, but a full file of evidence was never received in each of these instances.

Another woman contacted the police in 2013 and again in 2015 but the CPS say they had no involvement in that case.

In the BBC documentary Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods, women who worked at the department store between the 1980s and the 2000s said assaults happened at the companys offices, at Fayeds Park Lane apartment and on foreign trips.

The broadcaster says Harrods not only failed to intervene but also helped cover up allegations against Fayed.

Utterly Appalled

The current owners of Harrods said they were utterly appalled by the allegations, stressing that the company today was very different.

Bruce Drummond, a barrister from a legal team representing several of the women, said: The spiders web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark.

Commander Kevin Southworth who leads on Public Protection for the Met said: We are aware of various allegations of sexual offences made over a number of years in relation to the late Mohammed Al-Fayed which were reported to the Met.

Each one was investigated and, where appropriate, advice from the Crown Prosecution Service was sought. No charges resulted from these investigations.

As with any investigation, if any further information comes to light it will be assessed and investigated accordingly.
Ukraine has suffered huge losses after years of bloody warfare. But its citizens are determined not to be conquered by Russia, and they are still rallying to the colours to defend their homes and families. No less than 14 new combat brigades are standing up at the moment  units which are desperately needed to hold back Putins invasion.

But modern combat units need armoured vehicles, and Ukraines allies are supplying only enough vehicles to equip just four of the new brigades. The other 10 are having to make do with old ex-Soviet vehicles  or resign themselves to mostly fighting on foot.

Its a huge problem for Ukraine as it scrambles to mobilize fresh forces to hold the line against unrelenting Russian assaults, 30 months into Russias wider war on Ukraine. There are obvious solutions, but they require political will in the capitals of Ukraines biggest allies  political will thats been in short supply lately. Especially in Washington DC.

Ukraine has received barely enough modern vehicles for even four out of 14 brigades the Ukrainian army has been organizing, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN on Sept. 15.

A Ukrainian brigade typically has 2,000 troops in three or four battalions, each of which normally has 31 vehicles: armoured trucks, tracked armoured personnel carriers or tanks, depending on the kind of battalion. Fourteen brigades would need around 1,300 vehicles. By Zelenskys count, the new brigades are short by a thousand.

Its not that Ukraines allies havent pledged a lot of vehicles. Since Russia widened its war on Ukraine in February 2022, these allies have promised around 5,200 tanks, APCs and armoured trucks  most of them modern designs. These are additive, of course  Ukraine went to war nearly three years ago with thousands of ex-Soviet vehicles, and many thousands more in storage.

But 30 months of hard fighting has taken a toll. According to Oryx, an intelligence collective that tracks vehicle losses in Ukraine, the Ukrainian military has lost no fewer than 4,700 vehicles to Russian action. The vehicles the allies have pledged are barely adequate to replace battlefield losses  and are totally inadequate to both replace losses and equip the dozens of new brigades Kyiv has formed since 2022.

Worse, the allies have been slow to honor their pledges. Of the 5,200 vehicles theyve promised, just 2,900 have been delivered. Many of the others are still awaiting refurbishment after years or decades in storage.

Perhaps most notably, a Belgian-Danish-Dutch consortium has handed over just 60 or so German-made Leopard 1 tanks 19 months after first offering nearly 200 of the tanks to Ukraine. The Danes blame the Germans for taking too long to repair the 1980s-vintage Leopard 1s. The Germans blame a shortage of spare parts.

A Leopard tank. Germany has pledged both Leopards and Marder armoured vehicles to Ukraine - Craig Stennett

Desperate to equip new brigades with heavy equipment  any heavy equipment  the Ukrainian defense ministry has scoured warehouses and vehicle parks for what we had, Zelensky said. What the Ukrainians had was a lot of Cold War leftovers, including BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles dating back to the 1960s.

The problem, of course, is that a 60-year-old BMP-1 with its paper-thin armour is hopelessly vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons and drones. Riding in a BMP-1 is better than marching into battle on foot, but only barely.

Whats especially galling about Ukraines vehicle shortage is that its biggest ally, the United States, has thousands of surplus M-1 Abrams tanks and M-2 Bradley fighting vehicles sitting in desert storage  but has given Ukraine just 31 M-1s and a little more than 300 M-2s.

The United States could solve Ukraines vehicle problem in an instant. It even has the funds to do so  nearly $6 billion in so-called presidential drawdown authority that pays for new weapons after the president sends old weapons to an ally. Its the policy of US president Joe Biden, a Democrat, to give away only those vehicles he can replace.

Worryingly, Biden has been inexplicably slow to use his drawdown authority. By law, the current drawdown funds expire on Sept. 30. The White House has asked the US Congress to include a clause in a budget patch that would extend the funding into next year, but that funding patch passes or fails at the whims of the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson.

Bear in mind, this is the same speaker who blocked US funding for Ukraine for six months starting back in October. Johnsons allegiance lies with disgraced Republican ex-president Donald Trump, and Trumps allegiance  it seems  lies with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

For Americans, all this politicking is frustrating. For Ukrainian troops who desperately need modern vehicles to give them a fighting chance along the front line of Russias brutal war, its more than frustrating. Its a matter of life and death  not only for them but for their families and their entire nation.
The decision to cut the flight tax is likely to increase flying. Photograph: Tt News Agency/Reuters

Campaigners have accused the Swedish government of doing everything in its power to stop climate action after it cut a tax on flying, despite admitting that it would increase emissions.

The flight tax, aimed at cutting pollution from aviation, was introduced in 2018, amid the rise of the flight shame (flygskam) movement popularised by Greta Thunberg.

But in its budget for next year, presented on Thursday, the centre-right coalition, which depends on the support of the far-right Sweden Democrats, said that from 1 July 2025 the tax would no longer apply.

The move is expected to cut ticket prices from Sweden by 80 SEK (5.93) on European flights and 325 SEK (24.09) on those outside Europe.

Erika Bjureby, a programme manager at Greenpeace Sweden, said: It feels like the government is trying to dismantle as many climate policies as possible and does everything in its power to stop climate action.

The government even states that a scrapped flight tax will increase flying, which undoubtedly will lead to increased emissions. On top of that, we have the current tax cut on fuels, while the public transport in Sweden is on its knees with several train connections being cancelled in the near future.

Although the move is likely to increase flying, and in turn lead to a rise in emissions, the government claims that overall its budget will cut emissions. It also announced a cut in taxes on wages, pensions, savings and petrol.

Miljopartiet, the Swedish Green party, accused the government of being in number-crunching denial.

It said: The government cannot cope with the climate and nature crisis: instead of a policy that lowers emissions, they subsidise both aviation and diesel. The Baltic Sea is dying, invasive species continue to spread and people cannot get out into the forest and land.

Maja Rosen, from campaign group Vi haller oss pa jorden (We stay grounded), said the move was a clear example of the huge gap between knowledge and action in the climate issue.

Rosen added: The government knows that emissions must urgently be reduced and that the emissions from aviation are very high, yet they choose to drop the flight tax, which will inevitably lead to increased emissions.

The Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, said earlier this month that the flight tax had resulted in a heavy competitive disadvantage for Swedish airports. Now it is abolished.

Meanwhile, Denmark has said it plans to implement a flight tax from 2025 to help fund the industrys green transition. By 2030 the country plans to make all domestic flights powered by 100% sustainable fuels.
Critics say research shows that development is best supported by play-based learning environments. Photograph: Folio Images/Alamy

Children in Sweden are to start school at six years old from 2028, a year earlier than at present, in an overhaul of the countrys education system that signals a switch from play-based teaching for younger children.

The government has announced plans to replace a compulsory preschool year for six-year-olds known as forskoleklass with an additional year in grundskola (primary school).

The centre-right coalition government, led by the Moderates and backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, announced the plan before the presentation of the 2025 budget, due on Thursday. The plan dates back to the previous government and is also backed by the left-leaning Social Democrats.

The education minister, Johan Pehrson, said school must go back to the basics and added that there would be a stronger focus on early learning to read and write, as well as mathematics. This should lead to students having a better opportunity to develop basic skills such as reading, writing and counting and to reach the goals in school, he said.

Critics say the plan goes against research that shows childrens development is best supported by play-based learning environments, encouraging them to explore, create and develop through play, curiosity and guided discovery. Union leaders fear the move could put many specialised preschool teachers out of work.

Christian Eidevald, a visiting professor of early childhood education at Sodertorn University, said: By pushing six-year-olds into a more formalised school setting, we risk losing the essential play-based methods that have been shown to foster childrens development. This is not just a pedagogical preference: studies confirm that play is foundational for early learning and the development of critical skills such as language and problem-solving.

Eidevald is among a group of academics who study children and pedagogy, including Ingrid Pramling Samuelsson, a senior professor of pedagogy at the University of Gothenburg, who have written an article calling into question the governments reasoning.

Related: Teachers in England offered lie-ins to make job more appealing

Incorporating the six-year-olds into primary school without taking into account their specific developmental needs and without taking advantage of the unique competence of preschool teachers is a step in the wrong direction and will not lead to increased equality, they wrote. Instead of implementing structural changes, resources should be invested in raising the quality in education with competent teachers.

Asa Westlund, the Social Democrats education spokesperson, said her partys support for the plan was dependent on maintaining a mix of learning and play in what she said should act as a bridge between preschool and school.

Some experts were positive about the plan. Johannes Westberg, an education professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, said the move made sense and would bring Swedish schooling more into line with the rest of Europe. It will probably imply a schoolification of the forskoleklass, so more traditional school pedagogy will be provided already for these six-year-olds, but not necessarily affect the entire comprehensive school as such, he said.

Other education measures to be presented in the budget include investing in emergency schools for temporarily relocating children when there are issues at school, greater investment in textbooks to support screen-free environments, and funding for teacher and preschool-teacher training.
The metro extension south from Sydenham could be derailed if the NSW government doesnt reach a pay agreement with transport union. Photograph: Belad Al-Karkhey/AAP

Commuters can expect delays and a main Sydney train lines conversion to a metro service will face significant disruption at the taxpayers expense unless the New South Wales government can reach an 11th-hour agreement with the rail union.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union was yet to reach a breakthrough in emergency talks with Sydney and NSW Trains management on Thursday morning after beginning industrial action on Wednesday.

The RTBU and the government have been locked in a tussle over a new enterprise agreement for train drivers as well as the unions concerns about the metro conversion of the T3 line between Sydenham and Bankstown in western Sydney.

Train staff have refused to work outside normal rosters, limiting network coverage for the NRL and AFL finals and Bledisloe Cup on Friday and Saturday.

The union is also threatening to shut down the entire T3 line if the government goes ahead with its plans to close the Sydenham to Bankstown segment from 30 September to begin converting it to a metro service.

That would leave the transport department scrambling to find enough replacement buses to accommodate passengers along the entire rail corridor instead of just between Bankstown and Sydenham.

The transport minister, Jo Haylen, said the disruption would be significant and cost taxpayers more than $100m a month.

We have 200 bus drivers hired, 100 buses ready to go. Everything is in place, she said.

The union has staunchly opposed the project, which will transform the line between Bankstown and Sydenham into one that can accommodate driverless trains. Unlike the recently opened Sydney Metro, the new T3 metro will be above ground.

The RTBU has previously called for the metro conversion of the T3 line to be abandoned altogether.

The RTBU NSW secretary, Toby Warnes, on Wednesday insisted the unions opposition to the project was because of safety concerns and not because it would mean fewer train drivers.

The Bankstown line is out in the open, it runs on a level corridor, it runs next to a freight train, he said.

Were not opposed to the metro, per se. On the Tallawong to Sydenham [metro line] you still have staff  just not drivers  and theyre all our members as well.

Haylen on Thursday said the government had already spent $2.5bn on the southwest metro project. She insisted the T3 conversion would result in a safe track.

The union also wants to use new multi-employer bargaining provisions introduced by the Albanese government in 2022, which would enable train drivers to bargain alongside Sydney light rail employees when they enter pay negotiations later this year.

As of this week, the RTBU was planning to push for an 8% annual pay increase for every year of the agreement it ended up reaching with the Minns government.

The union said it would call off this weeks industrial action if the government agreed to offer 50c fares to public transport users, in line with a similar policy that began in Queensland last month.

Related: Noodles, gelato and a dip: how to spend a day riding the rails of the Sydney metro extension

The opposition transport spokesperson, Natalie Ward, accused Labor and the RTBU of being entwined every step of the way.

She refused to say whether she supported the idea of 50c fares, saying that fare pricing is a matter for the government.

The premier, Chris Minns, said fares could not be made that cheap without it costing the taxpayer.

Transport for NSW has apologised to commuters and warned the action could cause train services to be cancelled at short notice. It said it would update passengers as soon as possible on its plan for the weekend.
Two people are missing and about 1,000 people have been evacuated from their homes after devastating floods and landslides hit the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, prompting accusations that Giorgia Melonis far-right government lacks the will to confront the climate crisis.

The flooding was brought on by Storm Boris, which had earlier wreaked havoc in central and eastern Europe, killing at least 24 people. Several major cities in central Europe were bracing for swollen rivers to peak on Thursday but defences generally appeared to be holding.

Visiting one such city, Wrocaw in Poland, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, announced 10bn in cohesion funds for member states left with heartbreaking devastation from the flooding.

The torrential rain in Italy engulfed the same areas of Emilia-Romagna hit by flooding in May 2023 that killed 17 people and caused 8.5bn (7.14bn) of damage.

Two people were reported missing in Traversara, a hamlet in Ravenna province, after the Lamone River burst its banks. Schools have closed, railway lines have been disrupted and some roads were blocked by landslides.

Firefighters have carried out more than 500 rescue operations in the region, including using helicopters to lift people from flooded homes. We are in a full emergency  the event is very similar to what we had last May, Michele De Pascale, the mayor of Ravenna, told Radio 24.

There are no deaths reported in the latest flooding, which has also affected parts of the neighbouring Marche region. However, anger is mounting among residents at the sluggish progress of works intended to help protect the region from flooding.

My home has once again been destroyed, a resident in Faenza, a town in Ravenna province, said in a video collated by Local Team, an Italian photo and video agency. Its shameful; the politicians do nothing.

Extreme rainfall is becoming more common because of human-caused climate breakdown across most of the world. Warmer air can hold more water vapour, while human factors, such as flood defence planning and land use, are also important factors in flooding.

Italy is among Europes climate risk spots. This summer alone it has endured unprecedented heatwaves, drought, wildfires, storms and severe flooding.

Angelo Bonelli, who leads the leftwing Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra party, on Thursday urged Meloni to explain her governments strategy in addressing the climate crisis.

There is no will to face the climate crisis, he said. The truth is that the climate crisis causes damage, and economic damage. The climate issue must not have a political characterisation. Unfortunately, it is an objective fact that we have to deal with. The premier, Meloni, must tell parliament which initiatives she intends to adopt.

Meanwhile, Alice Buonguerrieri, a deputy in Melonis Brothers of Italy party, said she would file a complaint with prosecutors to determine responsibility for the latest flooding. She claimed the regions centre-left authorities had spent only 49m of the 130m allocated by the government last year to build flood defences.

In eastern and central Europe, the flooding was the worst in two decades. At least 24 people have died  five in the Czech Republic, seven in Romania, seven in Poland and five in Austria. The damage is estimated at billions of euros, with roads, bridges and railway lines destroyed and whole neighbourhoods submerged.

In Wrocaw, Polands third-largest city, defences appeared to be holding firm after two frantic days of work to reinforce them by the military and civil protection forces and volunteers among the citys 600,000 residents. Poland has deployed 14,000 troops to its hardest-hit region, near the Czech border.

Von der Leyen, who met Tusk and the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria to discuss aid for the region  which has been hit by five times the average rainfall for September in five days  said the first 10bn of aid would be available immediately.

This is an emergency reaction now, she said after touring the area around Wrocaw. It was for me  heartbreaking to see the destruction and the devastation.

In Hungary, which has reinforced defences along more than 300 miles of riverbank, the Danube was not due to peak in the capital, Budapest, until Saturday. The prime minister, Viktor Orban, said the water should be below record 2013 levels and Hungary would mount a successful defence against this flood as well.
Kamala Harris has failed to secure the support of a growing movement of voters focused on the war in Gaza. Composite: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The Uncommitted National Movement announced that it will not endorse Kamala Harris for president, saying on Thursday she failed to respond to the movements requests that she meet with Palestinian families in Michigan and to discuss a ceasefire in Israels war on Gaza by 15 September.

Vice-President Harriss unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear statement in support of upholding existing US and international human rights law has made it impossible for us to endorse her, Abbas Alawieh, an Uncommitted leader and delegate from Michigan, said during a press conference on Thursday.

After the Democratic national convention last month, Uncommitted leaders sent a letter to Harris and her senior advisers voicing their dissatisfaction with the DNCs refusal to allow a Palestinian American to speak, as well as reiterating their demands for a ceasefire and engagement with people who have been affected by Israels war on Gaza. In a response to movement leaders on Sunday, Harriss team said they dont have particular engagements that they can point us to, but they can keep us updated as things develop, Alawieh said. Harriss campaign added that it would continue to be open to opportunities to engage with communities on vital issues.

Related: I know the dangers of a Trump presidency: Palestinian solidarity groups pressure Harris as election looms

However, the movements leaders who helped mobilize more than 700,000 Americans to vote uncommitted or its equivalent in Democratic party primaries throughout the nation also acknowledged the danger of Donald Trump winning the election.

At this time, our movement opposes a Donald Trump presidency whose agenda includes plans to accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing, said Alawieh. And our movement is not recommending a third-party vote in the presidential election, especially as third-party votes in key swing states could help inadvertently deliver a Trump presidency, given our countrys broken electoral college system.

For months, the movement had urged Harris to demonstrate a shift in her policy on Gaza, where more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October, to no avail, said the Uncommitted leader and Palestinian American Lexis Zeidan.

We urge uncommitted voters to register anti-Trump votes and vote up and down the ballot. Our focus remains on building this anti-war coalition, both inside and outside the Democratic party, said Layla Elabed, a leader of the Uncommitted National Movement and a Palestinian American.

In a statement, a Harris campaign spokesperson said: [T]he Vice President is committed to work to earn every vote, unite our country, and to be a President for all Americans. She will continue working to bring the war in Gaza to an end in a way where Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.

The uncommitted movement originated in Michigan, where more than 100,000 people cast uncommitted ballots to signal to Biden their dissatisfaction with his Gaza policy, before spreading to Democratic primaries throughout the nation. A June CBS poll showed that a majority of Americans believe that the US should not send weapons to Israel, including 77% of Democrats.

Arab American voters in Michigan and other swing states will play a critical role in the presidential election. Joe Biden won Michigan, where 278,000 Arab Americans live, by just 154,000 votes in 2020. Four years earlier, Donald Trump won Michigan by 10,704 votes.

Several Arab and Muslim American leaders have endorsed Harris in recent months, including the Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund and the US representative Ilhan Omar. Muslim Women for Harris-Walz, which disbanded after the Democratic national convention because of its denial of a Palestinian American speaker, reaffirmed their support for Harris a week later.

The uncommitted leaders who spoke on Thursday were split on their voting plans for the top of the ticket. Alawieh said that he plans to vote for Harris so that he can continue with his anti-war efforts, despite her lack of alignment with his values on the issue. But I am concerned with Donald Trumps very specific plans to suppress pro Palestinian human rights organizing, he said.

As a Palestinian American with family in the occupied West Bank, Elabed said, whenever shes questioned on her voting choice, she feels like shes being asked that question at a funeral. While she said that she wont vote for Harris, Trump or a third-party candidate for president, she continued: I will be going out to vote and ensuring that Im voting up and down the ballot for candidates that I have a shared value with.

Zeidan said that she also plans to abstain from voting at the top of the ticket. Still, Im open to having that very perspective change as it relates to what VP Harris and the administration and her campaign plan to do between now and November, she said.

Until the November election, the Uncommitted National Movement plans to continue applying pressure on the Biden administration to adopt an arms embargo on Israel and support a permanent ceasefire, as well as to block a Trump presidency. Over the next few months, Zeidan said, the movement will produce content that is cutting through the noise and building coalitions that are going to continue to challenge both Trumps extremism and also Harriss status quo. They will also continue to educate voters on the risk of a Trump presidency and will continue pushing Harris to stop sending arms to Israel.

The Democratic party, pro-war forces like [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee] want to drive us out of the Democratic party, but we wont concede, said Elabed. Were here to stay.
Weve lost the plot when a boy called Loki Skywalker Mowbray cant get a passport because his middle name is in breach of copyright - Wessex News Agency

A medieval predator. A galaxy far far away. Lesbians. The primary school curriculum. The tragic death of a care home patient. A dog in a dress.

If youre wondering whether cosy crime purveyor Richard Osman has really lost it, please rest assured  actually on second thoughts, dont ever close your eyes again because this Hieronymus Bosch phantasmagorical parade is human fact, not science fiction.

I say fact but well circle back to that much-disputed definition shortly. If ever a week convinced me that we are doomed, it was this one, in which Britains embrace of witless stupidity far exceeded anything I could have imagined.

In no particular order, we have a school in Scotland that has acknowledged a previously unheard-of phenomenon and in so doing magicked into very existence the concept of species dysphoria. In a bid to prove its woke credentials, it is now-ow-owwww allowing a child to identify as a wolf.

A dachshund in a Zoom meeting led to an 18-month legal battle and a huge council payout after its owner, who works with young people in the borough, insisted Pabllo was transgender and so dressed him in a frock.

This prompted two lesbian social worker colleagues to say shocking things like your dog is male and express wider gender critical opinions that deeply hurt his values. Thats the owner. Not Pabllo, who most definitely doesnt look too happy in his stupid tutu.

A lot of argy-bargy, flouncing and a 63,000 payout later, it transpires that its actually OK for women to hold strong opinions about transgenderism. Who knew?

Moving on, we have the couple who applied for a passport for their seven-year-old son and had their application initially turned down because of his ridiculous but essentially inoffensive middle name; Loki Skywalker Mowbray was construed as a breach of copyright.

Then, to a Free Speech Brighton meeting in the back room of a pub, where members were summarily evicted by bouncers because they had the temerity to speak freely: in this case, to voice their pretty bog-standard pensees that gender ideology should not be taught in schools, a sentiment with which the landlord vehemently disagreed.

Finally, and entirely unfunnily, a frail, elderly man died in Surrey care home after getting trapped in the frame of his bed. The night carer on duty heard him shouting for help but didnt open the door  because she was frightened of him.

To quote the finest TV philosopher-cum-scourge-of-all-bent-coppers-everywere of our age: Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey. Is this what we as a nation have become?

Pusillanimous. Thin-skinned. Prissily self-righteous. Monstrously self-centred. Locked into an orgiastic death spiral of taking offence, giving offence and going to such excruciating pains not to offend a minority of one that the majority of everybody else ends up being offended instead.

It is time to draw a line. No, not in the sand. Who came up with that one? If ever there were a less permanent marker, a more (literally) wishy-washy expression of ambivalence that can be erased and redrawn at will, it is a line in the ruddy sand.

Let me rephrase; here, in 2024, we must face up to a new C word. Yes, I know, its a provocative word that a great many people avoid.

Some because they are too angry or too confused by the implications. Others may never have even said it aloud, not even to themselves; why would they? Far too triggering.

Generation Z, for all their punctilious journaling and slightly creepy manifesting (Dear Universe, please send me everything I ever wanted, right here, as I lie in my bed turning my brain to mush on TikToks) have never even considered it as a lifestyle choice.

But like so much else, its a cut-and-dried case of use it or lose it. I am speaking, of course, about COMMON SENSE.

Where has it gone? What the hell have we done with it? And for the love of Her Late Great Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, can somebody reinstate common sense back to the very heart of what it means to be British?

A kid says they identify as a wolf? No you dont, you spotty show-off. Back to class.

Why is there a dachshund in a frock on my Zoom call? Just stop. If you have to dress your pet interestingly, there is something wrong with you, so get a life. Oh, and I see your transphobic accusations and I raise you coercive control. Dogs arent supposed to be trussed up like extras from La Cage Aux Folles.

Pabllo doesnt look too happy in his stupid tutu - Instagram

Hello? Is that the Passport Office? Any lad called Loki Skywalker has enough on his plate without some uppity jobsworth picking on him. And with a name like that he was born to fly.

And so to Free Speech, which is supposed to be free. There are only two sexes, whatever the crackpots say. Men cant become women. Children have a right not to be fed garbage about choosing from 100-plus genders. Its somewhere between laughable and sinister, so Ill brand it silly because I know that word rankles.

A care home in which lives are lost because carers (unworthy of the name or the job) are too scared to respond to cries for help is a shameful disgrace. There are no excuses.

Yet, this is where we find ourselves. In the grip of a mania where people are so focused on the affirmation  or condemnation  of the social media mob, they cant  or wont  exercise any sort of personal judgement.

Feelings override facts, victimhood has been elevated to the highest state of being, and the merest mention of a mental health issue sends professionals into a muddled duty-of-care tailspin.

We are all us ill-served when every last vexatious complaint from the inadequate or the mean-spirited is greeted with gullibility and investigated with reverence.

In the shrill insistence on rights, nobody ever mentions responsibilities. Common sense has become vanishingly rare  no wonder Osmans old school, spade-a-spade sleuthing novels are such a popular escape.

Out here in the real world, Britain has become a place where the clueless and the callous trip over each other to call out every shade of behaviour except the most glaringly obvious one of all  stupidity. Stupid as a dog in a dress or a wolf in childs clothing.
A Welsh village blocked a housing estate lest English-speakers move in

In Wales it looks as if being anti-English has gone mainstream. The Labour-led assembly discriminates against second-home owners; a Welsh village blocked a housing estate lest English-speakers move in and become a degenerate influence; and Bridgend County Borough council has ended free transport for certain pupils unless they attend a Welsh language or faith school.

Every story has a nuance. The bus decision is not about rank prejudice but the logic of promoting Welsh, which falls under statutory duty. If in an imaginary region there are, say, six English schools and one Welsh, people who want the Welsh one will have to travel further and, QED, extra support is required to make it viable.

The SNP has encouraged Gaelic education in Scotland, prompting similar rows about accessibility  and Im all for it. Real conservatives love local tradition. It was Margaret Thatcher, threatened by a hunger strike, who launched the Welsh TV channel and promoted the language in schools; John Major, in 1993, put Welsh on an equal footing with English in public business and justice. After centuries of oppression, the English have co-sponsored the revival of Welsh culture  and the migration of thousands of Englishmen to the valleys is a further sign of our affection.

Britain works because it is not a narrow-minded nation state but a cosmopolitan kingdom. The heart warms to read that Cornish, a language that until recently was classed as extinct, is now being taught in 40 primary schools. When the King and Queen visited Guernsey in July, they were addressed in Guernesiais, a dialect of Norman French.

Im afraid to say it is devolution, the attempt to translate culture into administrative politics, that has bred sectionalism and thrown up artificial barriers between us  most dramatically during lockdown, when Wales banned visitors from English hotspots and some nutty Scots Nats unfurled banners on the A1 suggesting we stay home to Keep Scotland Covid Free.

Left-wing parties claim theyve invented a nationalism that is free of ethnicity. This turns out to be impossible. Viewers of The Way  a delightfully mad three-part drama on BBC iPlayer  watched as workers at a Welsh steel mill were bought out by foreigners, subjected to martial law, fled across the border, only to be locked up in cages by plummy Englishmen wearing our national costume of the Barbour jacket (aided, I kid you not, by the Welsh Catcher).

The show ended with refuge in France and tossing an ancient sword into the sea, foxing all reviewers except those whod read The Mabinogion and The Owl Service  as I did at my Kentish grammar  and who know that however hard nationalists try to dress up their Welshness as anti-Tory class struggle, it remains an historic identity shrouded in mythology. Just like Englishness.

The key difference is that we English are no longer invited to express ourselves in such sentimental terms, let alone on the licence fee. The equivalent would be a thriller about Ukip activists rescuing us from the metric system by beating Drakes Drum.

English academics dont even believe that they themselves exist, the phrase Anglo-Saxon now being expunged from the university syllabus, and one cannot promote an identity that is a figment of the Right-wing imagination. A Tory policy was mooted to give council house preference to long-term residents. Labour has dumped it.

Were residents in the Midlands to say that Swahili speakers are unwelcome, theyd likely face a police investigation  for it would be discriminatory and immoral. Whats irksome is the hypocrisy of people who think one kind of cultural pride, for Wales or Scotland, is dandy, but the other, Englishness, is pure evil  the relic of an empire that was far worse than the Nazis (to quote superstar historian Kehinde Andrews).

The real victim here is Britishness. Of the three UK regions, in Scotland it is sidelined; in Ulster, controversial to say the least; in Wales, a 2020 poll found 39 per cent of Labour voters favoured independence. Britishness suffers from conflation with Englishness, with Boris and Brexit. It also lost its ideological purpose with the end of empire, and is now reduced to a litany of values  politeness, privacy, clean politics  that often no longer apply and can be claimed the world over.

Unless there is a concerted project to redefine and sell Britishness, along with the Union, this empty shell will give way to the ancient appeals of language, religion or skin tone. The recent riots suggest its already happening.
Jayne Rudd worked for a charity highlighting the plight of domestic abuse victims - Greater Manchester Police

A woman who worked for a domestic violence charity has been jailed for three years after stabbing her ex-boyfriend.

Jayne Rudd, 32, stabbed Sam Leopold three times in January just weeks after he won a restraining order against her because of the domestic abuse she subjected him to.

Rudd, a former communications officer at Olive Pathway, a Manchester-based domestic violence charity, had previously been given a suspended sentence for another attack on Mr Leopold.

Manchester Crown Court heard that in January, Mr Leopold was sleeping in a friends living room when Rudd let herself in at 6am, despite being banned from contacting Mr Leopold under the terms of the restraining order.

Mr Leopold rushed to close the rooms door to prevent Rudd getting in  only for her to force it off its hinges and use a kitchen knife to punch holes in it.

Jayne Rudd has been jailed for three years - CAVENDISH PRESS

Mr Leopold suffered three injuries in the attack, including a slashed wrist, before he fled to a neighbouring house and called the police.

Officers later found Rudd asleep in a drunken stupor on the living room floor before arresting her.

The court heard that Rudd had previously been given 34 weeks in jail suspended for 18 months in June 2023 after she became verbally aggressive towards Mr Leopold in a local pub and then punched him.

He hid from her but Rudd subsequently hounded him with 300 texts apologising for her volatile behaviour.

In September 2022, Rudd was ordered to complete a 12-month community order and 100 hours after she mauled one trainee policeman on the hand and lashed out at a policewoman as four officers detained her for refusing to leave a property.

Dangerous to be around

In a statement, Mr Leopold, a tree surgeon from Altrincham, Cheshire, said he became used to being assaulted by her.

He said: She is dangerous to be around and this latest incident is clear evidence of that.

It doesnt matter if she has a non-molestation order or a restraining order to protect me. She will always find a way back to me and that makes me feel unsafe.

The court heard from a psychiatrist who examined her who said Rudd had an emotionally unstable personality disorder and a tendency to self-destruct.

A chaotic, toxic relationship

Brendan OLeary, Rudds counsel, said his client had mental issues dating back to a childhood trauma.

There were suicide attempts from the age of 14 onwards and she has a borderline personality disorder, he told the court.

At the time of these offences she was clearly a very unwell woman and this was a chaotic, toxic relationship.

Sentencing Rudd to three years in prison, the judge told her that she was a highly intelligent woman but with a very troubled history.

He also gave her a lifelong restraining order preventing her from contacting Mr Leopold.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Nelson Mandela Bay council gives the go-ahead for the Mandela Bay Development Agency to start the process of finding a new stadium operator.

Current operator Access Managements contract ends in June. The firm has managed the North End stadium since 2009.

At yesterdays council meeting, held at the old Woolboard Exchange Building, acting city manager Johann Mettler sought councillors approval for the MBDA to conduct the public participation process to solicit views on the intention to get another stadium operator.

The city hopes to get an operator that will manage the stadium for longer than three years and transform the precinct into a national and international sports, leisure, events and tourism destination.

It wants an operator that can generate revenue for the city instead of relying on the municipality for funds, create jobs and make the stadium a catalyst for economic growth in the North End area and Bay region.

While the majority in the council praised Mettler for getting the process going four months before a new operator would start, COPE and the UDM felt it could be handled internally by municipal officials.

UDM councillor Mongameli Bobani said: We want to thank you for starting the process in time so that we dont go for another deviation, which was always the case in the past.

My concern is, why use the MBDA to drive the process?

You have capable officials who can do it. Or do you not have faith in your own officials to handle it?

COPE councillor Rano Kayser said: Its the first time that before a contract is expiring, it comes months in advance. I must congratulate the city manager on that.

However, we cannot create another municipality within a municipality. Granted, the MBDA has done good work in revitalising our CBD and so on.

But lets make use of internal staff . In any case, there is no stability in the MBDA.

The ANC and DA disagreed, saying the MBDA was an entity of the municipality, owned fully by the city.

DA councillor Retief Odendaal said: I cant understand why were attacking our own officials. For once, were being proactive instead of reactive.

We hope the city manager can ensure that the stadium becomes financially viable and not an albatross around our necks.

Economic development department political head, ANC councillor Zukile Jodwana said the MBDA was owned by the municipality.

The perception must be taken out that the MBDA is separate because then the MBDA will go around doing its own thing. We need to understand that it is a municipal entity, Jodwana said.
Pet memorials

There are around 700 pet cemeteries in the United States, the first established in 1896 - Paul Koudounaris

He was only a cat, reads the headstone. But he was human enough to be a great comfort in hours of loneliness and pain. Deweys final resting place is the oldest surviving memorial in Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery, Dedham, Massachusetts, and was erected over 100 years ago. The inscription has become famous, and Dewey has a cultish following. It is a public statement about the role a cat played in the life of its human companion writes Paul Koudounaris in his book Faithful Unto Death. Such declarations had been previously reserved for dogs, making Deweys gravestone the great ancestor of countless heartfelt memorials to cats.

Koudounaris has spent much of the last 11 years creating this beautifully illustrated book (subtitled Pet Cemeteries, Animal Graves and Eternal Devotion), travelling all over the world to photograph cemeteries and gravestones, and research the stories behind the emotive little markers, which vary from a scrap of wood on which is written Unknown Cat Killed on Road  layed to rest by people who cared, to a full-blown marble mausoleum.

In Paris there is a lion named Mine and a goldfish named Gazouille. In Blockley, Gloucestershire, is a grave marking the last resting place of a trout. Even Jonny the Snail warrants a headstone (He Lived Life Well).

Pet cemeteries arent just for furry friends - Paul Koudounaris

There are the celebrities  a beagle called Tippy to whom Elvis sang Hound Dog on stage in Chicago; Terry, who played Toto in The Wizard of Oz, and Mae Wests monkeys. There are the talented: Parry, a dog who could ride a tricycle while holding a pipe in his mouth and whose grave was inscribed Show biz was his life and love; the hero dogs  Sarge, who took a bullet to the head while pulling a Marine out of the line of fire, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart; and Simon the ships cat, who received a Dickin Medal for his role in killing rats and boosting morale, and who became so well-known that he was assigned his own press officer. His behaviour, reads his gravestone at Ilford Animal Cemetery, north London, was of the highest order.

Then there are the faithful. A dog called Bobbie went missing in Indiana in 1923 when he was on holiday with his owners. Unable to find him, they returned to their home in Oregon, on the west coast. Six months later, Bobbie turned up, having made the 3,000-mile journey to find his family. Could this be true? Apparently so  and his heroic feat made him famous and awarded him an elaborate grave in the form of a cottage complete with hedge and white picket fence.

Six months after going missing Bobbie the dog found his way back to his owners - a journey of 3,000 miles - Paul Koudounaris

What was it that inspired Koudounaris to devote more than a decade of his life to this project? Do you want the pithy story or the real one? he growls over the phone from Las Vegas, where he lives with his three cats. The pithy story is that Ive written three books about death and one book about domestic cats, and if you take the history of domestic animal and the history of death and overlay them on a venn diagram, then pet cemeteries are right in the middle, so it seemed like a natural move.

The real story, it turns out, is that when he finished a previous book (about sacred sites and traditions around death), he decided to visit a pet cemetery in LA and take a few photographs. He spent several hours there, and to his great surprise started to cry, tears splashing on to his camera. (He tells me that he looked up to check whether or not it was raining, but I dont believe this bit.) After three books about death and travelling the world documenting death sites, I thought I was impervious  but what finally broke me was these little animal graves, and the inscriptions people had written on them, and the way they said goodbye to their pets  the heartfelt and honest nature of it all.

Pet ownership is an industry that generates around $100 billion a year in the US - Paul Koudounaris

That told me something  and I went home and started ruminating on the nature of our relationship with animals, how they allow themselves to be moulded into the vision we want them to be, and how they become a piece of us, so when an animal dies its like losing something internal that you will never get back. There are stacks of books on how to mourn your pet, but none of them did anything for me  it was all garbage. But in a covert way this book is a guide to mourning  by showing you how other people have loved, lost and mourned.

As part of his research, he volunteered as a grief counsellor for people who had lost their pets. He had to give it up after a year. It got to the point where it was psychologically debilitating. I quit because I couldnt take it any more.

Pets as we know them are an invention of the 19th century, a product of the great social shift which saw people flock to the big cities in the wake of the Industrial Revolution he writes. There was an evolution in their relationship as the cramped quarters of the modern metropolis drew people and animals closer than they had ever been. People bonded with animals in a new way. Nowadays pet ownership has evolved into a huge industry, one that generates around $100 billion a year in the US alone.

Elvis sang Hound Dog on stage to Tippy the beagle in Chicago - Paul Koudounaris

Koudounaris did not do his research online, preferring instead to visit libraries, archives and major research institutions to consult the Readers Guides to Periodic Literature (a pre-Google index of articles published in magazines and journals) picking out stories about dogs and cats that interested him.

My favourite story in the book is that of a charismatic little dog called Nightlife, a simple mutt who was so beloved that his funeral turned into one of the most extraordinary ever recorded for an animal, writes Koudounaris. Owned by a bartender in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1952, Nightlife lived up to his name - he lit up the scene wherever he went and had free run of the city, stopping at restaurants and taverns to delight all he met and hitching a ride with taxi drivers who knew where to drop him off when he wanted to return home. He met a sad end  run over while crossing the road  and a local funeral parlour hosted a wake for him.

He lay in a childs coffin lined with white satin, writes Koudounaris, and 2,000 people came to pay their respects; the following day a procession headed towards Clara Glen Pet Cemetery. Sixteen Cadillacs led the way, followed by hundreds of mourners. It was a distinctly segregated area and Nightlifes owner and most of his friends were black. Eventually the police arrived on the scene. The police were white yet they had not come to stop the procession but rather, with sirens blaring, to lead the little dog the rest of the way to his eternal home. An entire city had effectively united in memory of a dog.

There are an estimated 700 pet cemeteries in the USA, the first established in 1896. The first pet cemetery in the UK was inadvertently created in Hyde Park in London in the early 1880s when the gatekeeper, Mr Windbridge, allowed a family with whom hed become friendly to bury their dog, Cherry, in the park. The idea caught on. It is now closed but it is estimated that 1,000 dogs and cats have been interred here.

Koudounaris says he became obsessed with animals and death at an early age - Paul Koudounaris

Koudounariss favourite pet cemetery is in Finland. The tradition there is hand-painted portraits on wooden grave plaques, he says, so it has a personal feeling and there are a lot of little offerings and trinkets left on the graves  and the setting is idyllic, surrounded by woodland, with fairy lights and tea lights, little lanterns with candles. The whole place is unimaginably beautiful.

Koudounaris grew up in southern California. His fathers family was Greek but he grew up in Egypt (Remember how Alexander the Great went to Egypt, took a lot of people there, founded a giant city, and then dropped dead, basically stranding everyone there? That was us, he says), and moved to America to study engineering. At an early age I became obsessed with the two things that would recur in my life, animals and death. By the time I was in second grade I was already withdrawing because I thought a lot about mortality. Its a difficult topic for a child.

His first cat, Fritter, was found in a dumpster. I loved that cat, he says. That cat loved me. If there was anything served at dinner that I didnt like I pretended to eat it, palmed it like a magician, and held it under the table so Fritter could eat it for me. Eventually my mother decided that Fritter could no longer live in the house  she was tired of vacuuming the cats fur. So she declared Fritter an outdoor cat. Nothing has ever hurt me like the sight of that cat staring in from the window, begging to be let in. Except at night, when I could sometimes sneak her into my room and hide her under the covers. I believe that my mother putting that cat out destroyed our relationship. It was never the same again, I never trusted my parents afterward. I effectively chose the cat over my parents.

Its hard to know how seriously to take Koudounaris but his book is a work of art. And now he needs a holiday, so hes off to Indonesia to photograph some mummies.

Faithful Unto Death: Pet Cemeteries, Animal Graves and Eternal Devotion (25, Thames & Hudson) is out now
A rare first edition book of poetry by Robert Burns has sold for more than 60,000 at auction.

Auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull said on Thursday that one of 88 known surviving copies of Poems Chiefly In The Scottish Dialect had been sold to a private buyer for 62,700, which includes a buyers premium.

It was expected to fetch between 50,000 and 60,000 under the hammer.

#AuctionUpdate The Kilmarnock  or first  edition of #RobertBurns poems is the single most famous volume in Scotland's impressive literary heritage. Today's #Books & #Manuscripts sale saw Burns' 'Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect' reach 62,700.https://t.co/2RUyt5FOwG pic.twitter.com/PVO1db7gS0  Lyon & Turnbull (@LyonandTurnbull) September 19, 2024

It comes in stark contrast to when the book originally went on sale, as all 612 copies sold for three shillings each and sold out within a month.

Burns, who started writing poetry at the age of 15, was 27 when the book was published.

The Kilmarnock edition includes a number of the bards most popular poems, much of which were written at Mossgiel farm, Mauchline, East Ayrshire, where he lived and worked alongside his brother, Gilbert, between 1784 and 1788.

To A Mouse, Address To The Deil, The Twa Dogs and Halloween all formed part of his earliest works.

Cathy Marsden, head of books and manuscripts at Lyon & Turnbull, said: We are delighted that this incredible rare work has found a home, and a home so near its birthplace! Robert Burns, Scotlands bard, has been immortalised through his poetry, which speaks to people as much today as it did when he first set pen to paper. Lyon & Turnbull are thrilled to be able to contribute to this story.

Although Burnss success at farming did not match the proliferation of poetry  the farm was losing money  it was during his time at Mossgiel that he met a group of six girls about whom he wrote the poem The Belles Of Mauchline.

One of them was Jean Armour, who he described in the poem as the jewel of the group and who later became his wife.

The couple had nine children, with the first two, who were twins, born out of wedlock.

Their last child was born on the day of Burnss funeral in July 1796.

A page from the first edition of Poems Chiefly In The Scottish Dialect (Lyon & Turnbull/PA)

It was Burnss desire to marry Jean, who was pregnant, that led to the publication of this first volume of poetry.

Her father vehemently opposed the marriage and Burns planned to emigrate to Jamaica.

A local lawyer, Gavin Hamilton, suggested he funded the voyage through the publication of his poems.

The success of the work was immediate and Burns abandoned his plans to leave Scotland.

An original manuscript copy of the National Covenant of Scotland for the burgh of Peebles (1638-9) sold for nearly five times the estimate (between 10,000 and 15,000) at 72,700.

One of a handful remaining in private ownership, it is the fourth known copy to appear at auction.
Reform UK will begin its party conference on Friday saying it plans to win the next general election.

The party, which secured five seats at this years general election, is set to begin its two-day conference in Birmingham with speeches from party leader Nigel Farage, deputy leader Richard Tice, chairman Zia Yousuf and MPs Lee Anderson, Rupert Lowe and James McMurdock.

Mr Anderson, Reforms chief whip, is expected to target significant gains at next years local elections and general election victory in 2029 in his conference address on Friday afternoon.

He will say: We have five MPs and we are growing our membership and support every day. Next year we will win hundreds of council seats across the UK.

We must take this fight to Parliament so we can take back control of our country and in 2029 win the general election.

Mr Anderson was Reforms first MP after he joined the party in March following his suspension from the Conservatives over Islamophobic comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

James McMurdock, whose victory in South Basildon and East Thurrock was an unexpected gain for Reform, will also talk up the partys prospects in five years, saying the 2029 conference will be ready to welcome prime minister Nigel Farage.

Mr Farage will also address the conference on Friday, issuing a clarion call for change.

The conference comes a day after he announced he was giving up ownership of Reform UK.

Unlike other political parties, Reform is a limited company of which Mr Farage is the majority shareholder.

But on Thursday, he announced he was changing the ownership structure so the party was owned by its members, saying: I no longer need to control this party.

He also found himself embroiled in a row after claiming parliamentary security had told him not to hold in-person surgeries in his Clacton constituency due to safety concerns.

The PA news agency understands there is no record of this advice being given to Mr Farage by either the Speakers Office or Parliaments security team, while sources denied such advice had been given as it would interfere with an MPs democratic duties.
Rochelle Humes has vowed never to do Strictly Come Dancing. (Corbis via Getty Images) (Stephane Cardinale - Corbis via Getty Images)

What did you miss?

Rochelle Humes has vowed never to do Strictly Come Dancing after Bruno Tonioli compared her moves to "the aunty at the Christmas party who'd drunk too much sherry".

The Saturdays star and This Morning presenter appeared on Loose Women with her husband Marvin Humes, where they talked about his bandmate JB Gill's chances in the current BBC series.

But Rochelle said her best advice to their friend was not to follow in her footsteps, adding that the idea of taking part in a full Strictly series made her feel ill.

Read more: How to get tickets to the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK tour

What, how, and why?

Rochelle Humes fans could be forgiven for thinking that the TV star would be a shoo in for Strictly Come Dancing thanks to her popstar past in The Saturdays and S Club Juniors.

But This Morning presenter Rochelle told Loose Women that she would never return to the Strictly ballroom after a disastrous Christmas special 11 years ago that saw judge Bruno Tonioli compare her to a drunk aunty.

She and husband Marvin Humes were asked about their friend, Marvin's JLS bandmate JB Gill's chances in this year's Strictly cast and whether they would ever do the show themselves.

Marvin pointed out that his wife had already done the Christmas special in 2013, but Rochelle said: "You can't say that I did it because that's offensive to people that did. I did a Christmas special, it was a long time ago because (their eldest daughter) Alaia's 11 and it was not long after I'd had her.

"I remember at the time Bruno was a judge and he said I looked like the aunty at the Christmas party who'd drunk too much sherry. Do you know what, I've watched it back through my fingers."

Asked whether she would come back for a full series, as Matt Goss who was also in her Christmas special had done, she said: "No. I honestly think anyone that does it is so brave. Even when they say 'dancing the Cha Cha...' I'll be like (vomiting sounds). So whatever you do, J, just do the opposite to me and you'll be amazing."

JB Gill is dancing with Amy Dowden on Strictly Come Dancing 2024. (BBC)

Rochelle and her partner Ian Waite scored a respectable 31 points for their festive Salsa, but came last in the competition.

Talking about Gill's chances this year, Marvin said: "J's going to do so well, he loves Strictly."

Asked whether he was a good dancer already, he joked: "He was in JLS, of course he is! We met Amy (Dowden, his dance partner) at the weekend, she came up to our last show and they did a little dance together. They've already got great chemistry together."

What else did Rochelle and Marvin Humes say?

Rochelle and Marvin were on Loose Women to talk about their new series of music gameshow The Hit List and said they loved working together.

Marvin shared: "We're still married so we're doing ok. Working on The Hit List, for me it doesn't feel like work, I'm with my best friend hosting the show."

Marvin and Rochelle Humes love working together. (PA Images via Getty Images) (Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)

The couple have three children, but said condensing the show into a week's filming was good for their family.

Rochelle explained: "My mum comes and holds down the fort at home. It works better for us - it's full on, we do three eps a day and we do it over a week which means that we can get the whole series in one week. If we were at home, I'd feel bad that we were running late for school.

"My mum enjoys that week. I don't ask any questions, they eat what they want, they go to bed at what time and I just think, nanny's rules. Ultimately, she's like, I'm doing you a favour, don't worry about it. If they have a chocolate at midnight, it's not your business."

Loose Women airs on ITV1 at 12.30pm on weekdays.

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/strictly-come-dancing-rochelle-humes-drunk-aunty-133046058.html
Actor Sebastian Stan said he gained a lot of weight in order to play Donald Trump in upcoming film The Apprentice.

The 42-year-old told Variety he gained 15 pounds over two months in order to play the former US president in the movie, which tells the story of Mr Trumps career as a real estate businessman in the 1970s and 1980s.

Stan also told the US publication he felt Mr Trump is a lot smarter than people want to say and added that he felt the 78-year-old had created a brand because he repeats things consistently.

When asked how much weight he could gain in a short space of time by the films director Ali Abbasi, he said: Youd be surprised, you can gain a lot of weight in two months.

He went on to say that he had researched his character in detail, including how he was paying tax in 1983, in case Abbasi asked him to speak about it in character.

Speaking about getting into character for the role, the Romanian-born actor added: I had 130 videos on his physicality on my phone.

And 562 videos that I had pulled with pictures from different time periods  from the 70s all the way to today  so I could pull out his speech patterns and try to improvise like him.

Abbasi and Stan also spoke about controversy surrounding the film, given it is set to be released on October 11 in the US, before the country goes to the polls in November, where Mr Trump will bid for his second term as president, against current vice-president Kamala Harris.

Abbasi, 43, said: I am quite shocked, to be honest, this is not a political piece. Its not a hit piece, its not a hatchet job, its not propaganda.

The fact that its been so challenging is shocking.

While Stan added: Everything with this film has been one day at a time.

There are a lot of people who love reading the (films) Wikipedia page and throwing out their opinions.

But they dont actually know what theyre talking about. Thats a popular sport now online, apparently.

Stan is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes, known as Winter Soldier, in the Captain America and Avengers Marvel film series.

He also featured in the TV series Gossip Girl as Carter Baizen, and had roles in 2017 film Logan Lucky and 2018s I, Tonya.

The Apprentice will be released in UK cinemas on October 18.
The head of Britains financial watchdog has called for better financial education in schools, warning UK economic growth faces an uphill battle without it.

Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, said the UK needs to tackle the root causes of financial exclusion, citing a recent report by the Education Select Committee of MPs.

He said: Effective financial education needs to begin early. Potentially even at primary level, as the select committee called for, and should now be considered in the Governments curriculum review.

Mr Rathi made the remarks in a speech on Thursday at an event by debt charity Stepchange, attended by regulators such as Ofgem, local government officials and consumer finance companies.

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi addressed an event by debt charity Stepchange (Victoria Jones/PA)

He said companies, along with the FCA and other public sector bodies, also need to help improve financial inclusion across the working age population, amid a rise in digital money-related products.

He said improving digital financial inclusion across the entire population can help mitigate barriers to, and possibly catalyse economic growth.

He called for a fundamental change of mindset at the regulator, the Government and at financial services companies to improve peoples access to things like digital loans and savings products.

Its about access to what you need to live your life, he added.

Mr Rathi pointed to recent trials of auto-enrolled workplace savings schemes, where, similar to pensions, employers deduct the amount workers want to save directly from their payroll unless the employee opts out.

The National Employment Savings Trust (Nest), which has run the trials, said the schemes were popular with 93% of those surveyed during the trials.

He said: With an estimated one in three working age people not having access to 1,000 of cash savings to help with unexpected life events, this could be a game changer.

The Financial Conduct Authority is the City watchdog (FCA/PA)

Moreover, Mr Rathi continued, the financial advice and guidance market in the UK does not work well.

He added: Working with Government, it is our hope to reform the system so consumers get the help they want, when they need it, and at an affordable cost.

This could improve support for making pension decisions or choices with long-term savings and investments.

At the same event, Financial Ombudsman Service chief executive Abby Thomas urged businesses to step up support for people in debt.

In the first three months of this financial year, complaints rose by 70% versus 2023, she said, with 18,000 credit card cases, of which 15,000 related to irresponsible or unaffordable lending.

Ms Thomas said the volume of complaints is concerning and that lenders must treat customers fairly and with empathy.

She added: There are so many well-established rules and guidelines  including most recently in the consumer duty  that are designed specifically to help financial businesses find ways of supporting their customers when the need arises.

But despite this, were still seeing cases where customer experience has fallen far short of what it should have been.
Tammie Kelton has shared why she doesn't buy her grandchildren presents, pictured with her grandchildren. (Tammie Kelton/SWNS)

Watch: 'I refuse to buy gifts for my grandkids - trolls say I must hate them'

A grandmother who refuses to buy gifts for her grandchildren has shared her reasons for sticking to the present buying ban.

Tammie Kelton, 50, told her grown-up children that when she became a grandmother, she wouldn't buy the children gifts.

Tammie, who is grandmother to four grandchildren aged nine, six, three and eight months, explained that on their birthdays and holidays, the kids would already get plenty of gifts that she didn't want to add to.

Instead of buying the children stuff they'll throw away, lose or forget, she puts money in a savings account for each of them.

So while her grandchildren may not get anything now, when they reach adulthood, they will have a cumulative sum of money, which she hopes will be in the region of $40K (around 30K) each.

Kelton says she wants to help the, in a more long-term way and feels this is the best solution.

Tammie Kelton has shared why she doesn't buy her grandchildren presents, pictured with her grandchildren. (Tammie Kelton/SWNS) (Tammie Kelton / SWNS)

"I set up their investment accounts the day each of them was born," the nurse practitioner, from Sidney, Ohio, in the US explains.

"The grandchildren have several family members who inundate them with gifts already.

"When they have loads of other people giving them gifts, they get lost and forgotten.

"But as adults they'll remember - 'this is what Grandma Mimi did to help me with the rest of my life'."

Kelton had her own children young, aged just 18 and 20, and had to drop-out of high school.

She herself recalls growing up in poverty and having to bring her kids up with money being tight.

It wasn't until she turned 30 that Kelton went to university and got a degree before forging a career in nursing.

That was the turning point for her financially and now she makes a comfortable living, but she says both she and her children haven't forgotten what life was like when she didn't have a lot of money.

"I had a rough start and I was young so I couldn't help my kids either," she explains.

"My children remember what it was like when our electric would get cut off.

"There were times I struggled to put food on the table."

Kelton says she would rather invest in her grandchildren's future. (Tammie Kelton/SWNS) (Tammie Kelton / SWNS)

Kelton's aim is now to "break the generational curse" and give her grandchildren "generational wealth" because she says she and her children never had that.

While they may have a few less gifts to unwrap on their birthdays, she feels it's important to set them up for their future.

At the moment Kelton says her eldest grandchild has between $10K (around 7.5K) and $15K (around 11K) in their account already.

While she has had some negative comments about her decision, she says the family are all on board.

"They know I love them - the time I spend with them shows them that, not the gifts," Kelton adds.

"In the family everyone knows what I'm doing and they love it," she continues. "They know it'll give the grandchildren a great start in life.

"I want to help them [my grandchildren] in a way I couldn't help my children."

Additional reporting SWNS.

Read more about parenting:
The Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center is seen in this file photo from 2017.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Inmates at Massachusettss only maximum-security prison attacked and stabbed two corrections officers multiple times Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

Another three corrections officers were also injured when responding to the inmate assault, which occurred at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster about 50 miles northwest of Boston, the Massachusetts Department of Correction confirmed.

The correction department said it was notified of the assault at 6:20 p.m.

"The facility is secure at this time while an investigation is conducted to determine the facts and circumstances," said Scott Croteau, a spokesman for the state's Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, in a statement USA TODAY.

Five corrections officers transported to hospitals

The Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union first shared news Wednesday evening on Facebook, claiming that an officer was stabbed in the back and head.

Croteau confirmed that all five officers who were injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. Four of them have already been released, while one remains hospitalized while being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Massachusetts State Police have been notified of the attack and sent investigators Wednesday evening to the prison, state officials said.

Corrections union: 'Do your jobs'

The union, which represents about 4,000 corrections officers and other corrections employees, has been regularly sounding the alarm on dangerous working conditions at prisons across the state.

Earlier this month, the union shared a Boston Herald editorial warning of the dangers of "makeshift knives" in Massachusetts prisons. In another post, the organization argued: "The dangers that currently exist cannot be overstated ... We just want to ensure we are given the tools to do our jobs and go home safely to our families."

Last month, the union told the Boston Herald that dozens of homemade sharpened weapons were found inside Souza-Baranowski.

Following Wednesday's attack, the union took to Facebook to criticize the Department of Correction, claiming its been four years since the agency had authorized the use of tactical units and done a thorough institution wide search.

"ENOUGH!" the union wrote. "How much more do our members have to endure before you decide to keep them safe? The inmates are literally running the asylum. Do your jobs."

USA TODAY left a message Thursday morning with the union that was not immediately returned.

Department of Correction launches investigation into attack

State Sen. Peter Durant, R-Spencer was also critical of the Department of Correction following the attack and called for an investigation.

The administration has kicked this can down the road too many times and there is no reason why our corrections officers should have to come to work fearing that they will leave their shift in an ambulance, Durant said in a statement, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, a USA TODAY Network publication.

The Department of Correction has since launched an investigation and has transferred the suspected assailants to other prisons, Croteau said in an updated statement to the Telegram & Gazette. The Worcester County District Attorney's Office is part of the probe, which will not only seek to determine how and why the attack occurred, but also will include a "full security assessment," Croteau said.

Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said in a statement to the Telegram & Gazette that he is "deeply concerned" following the assault.

"My thoughts are with the officers and their families at this time and the Department offers our full support to the officers as they recover from their injuries," Jenkins said in the statement. "Violence against DOC staff is unacceptable, and we will take the steps necessary to ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law."

Contributing: Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 corrections officers stabbed at max-security prison in Massachusetts
A 27-year-old Nebraska man who posed as someone a decade younger and attended high school for more than 50 days was sentenced to at least 85 years in prison in connection with sex crimes charges, court documents show.

A Lancaster County judge sentenced Zachary Scheich last week after he pleaded no contest in July to first-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree sexual assault, generation of child pornography  age 19 or over  and child enticement with electronic communication, according to a sentencing order and a plea agreement.

Scheichs sentence runs a maximum of 120 years in prison, according to the order. He wont be eligible for parole for 40 years, according to KOLN-TV of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Police Department in Lincoln, Neb.

At his sentencing hearing, Lancaster County Deputy County Attorney Amber Scholte said Scheich targeted, groomed and lured students via social media while pretending to be their peer or boyfriend, the station reported.

The public defender's office that represented Scheich did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night.

Scheich identified himself as Zak Hess, 17, and he attended two high schools in Lincoln  Northwest High School and Southeast High School  for 54 days in the 2022-23 school year, officials have said.

He was admitted to the schools using fake documents, including a birth certificate, immunization records, a transcript and medical records, the officials said.

A spokesperson for the district where Scheich attended high school also did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Authorities began investigating Scheich in June 2023 after a concerned parent contacted the school district. Police announced his arrest in July.

Charging documents show the crimes he pleaded guilty to mostly occurred in 2022 and 2023. Several victims were under age 16, the documents show. Another was 13 or older.

One of the sexual assault charges, from 2019, involved two people whose ages are not included in the documents.

In September 2023, authorities accused a 23-year-old woman of criminal impersonation, alleging she posed as Scheichs mother and helped him get enrolled in the schools, according to KOLN. She pleaded not guilty, and the case is ongoing.

CORRECTION (Sept. 18, 2024, 10:30 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated KOLN-TVs network affiliation. It is a CBS affiliate, not an NBC affiliate.
A federal judge in Idaho dismissed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the constitutionality of new voter registration requirements that bar the use of student IDs to register to vote and cast a ballot.

Two groups  March for Our Lives Idaho, which aims to reduce gun violence, and the Idaho Alliance for Retired Americans  sued Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane and argued that the laws unfairly limit the voting rights of students. The laws took effect in July 2023.

U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ruled that the new requirements do not create a severe burden, because the states laws also allow for a free ID card. Lawmakers this year removed a limit on furnishing residents who had recent drivers licenses with the free ID cards. While the plaintiffs had alleged that the laws focus on student IDs would disproportionately affect young voters, Brailsford ruled that such disparate impact  will not likely result in an inequality of opportunity to vote for younger citizens.

McGrane said he was pleased with the outcome of the lawsuit in a Wednesday news release.

Hundreds of Idahoans have successfully obtained a free ID card since this legislation went into effect, he said. If you need a free ID card to vote, visit your local DMV or visit voteidaho.gov for more information.

The Idaho Supreme Court rejected another lawsuit earlier this year from the League of Women Voters and Babe Vote, a progressive voter drive group, which argued the same laws violated the Idaho Constitution.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs could not immediately be reached for comment.
ORANGEBURG, S.C.  South Carolina State University congratulates alumna Johnnie Mae Lee, Class of 1943, upon celebrating her 103rd birthday.

Ms. Lee is the universitys oldest living graduate.

She celebrated her birthday on Tuesday, Sept. 10, with family members, including two fellow Bulldog alumnae, her sister Sarah Garrison, Class of 1955, and her niece Shari Garrison Brown, Class of 1980.

Johnnie Mae Lee with her sister Sarah Garrison, SC State Class of 1955, and her niece Shari Garrison Brown, Class of 1980. The SC State University National Alumni Association gave her a forever birthday card and a doormat from the associations 2024 National Convention in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Ms. Lee is a native of Anderson, South Carolina, and the first of 11 children of the late Cyrus S. and Mabel Coaxum Lee.

At an early age, she attended Bethel A.M.E. Church in Anderson and was involved in many church and community activities. She received her earliest education at South Fant Street School and later attended Reed Street High School graduating with honors as the salutatorian of her class.



Ms. Lee received a scholarship and attended South Carolina A & M (now SC State University), earning a bachelors degree in education in 1943. She returned to Anderson as a teacher at Reed Street School for a year.

Later, relocating to New York City, she pursued graduate studies at Teachers College at Columbia University and Brooklyn College. She accepted a position with the citys Department of Health. Later, with a promotion, she transferred to the Department of Finance as a principal Administrative Associate. Ms. Lee retired after 37 years of service with NYC Government.

She has resided in Cambria Heights, New York, for more than 40 years.
WASHINGTON  An Alaska man has been charged with making "heinous" threats to torture and kill six Supreme Court justices and some of their family members.

Panos Anastasiou, 76, was arrested Wednesday in Anchorage, the Justice Department announced Thursday.

Prosecutors said he sent more than 465 messages to the Supreme Court through its public website, some of which contained violent, racist and homophobic rhetoric coupled with threats of assassination by torture, hanging and firearms.

We allege that the defendant made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement. Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families.

More: Supreme Court wants $19.4 million in new funds to protect the justices and their homes

Garland did not say which justices were targeted. There are six justices appointed by Republican presidents who often side together when the court is split along ideological lines.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court asked Congress for an extra $19.4 million for security to deal with evolving risks and a change in how the justices homes are protected.

Increased funds are needed in party to allow the Supreme Court Police to take over around the clock protection of the justices residences from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts wrote in its budget request to Congress.

More: Biden administration proposes $38 million for judicial security after Supreme Court protests

FILE PHOTO: A view of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, U.S., June 17, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo

In 2022, Garland tapped the Marshals Services to provide 24-hour security for the justices amid a flood of threats and protests that followed a leaked draft of the opinion that would overturn the landmark abortion decision Roe v. Wade.

President Joe Biden signed into law a bill quickly passed by Congress to expand security protections for the justices' families.

At a judicial conference earlier this month, Justice Amy Coney Barrett described her sons discovery that she had been wearing a bulletproof vest.

Barrett did not explain the reason for the protection. But a Nevada man awaiting trial for his participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot allegedly threatened Barrett in June after she dissented from the courts decision to limit how prosecutors can charge Jan. 6 defendants.

Bradley Nelson allegedly posted on social media an image of Barrett with the comment that someone should cut her throat from ear to ear, according to a judicial order.

In June of 2022, a California man who allegedly made threats against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was arrested near the justice's suburban Washington, D.C. home while armed with a gun and knife. He has pleaded not guilty.

In December, a Florida man pled guilty to threatening to kill Roberts.

In the Alaska case, Anastasiou is charged with nine counts of making threats against a federal judge and 13 counts of making threats in interstate commerce. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of threatening a judge and five years for each count related to interstate commerce.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alaska man charged with threatening to kill Supreme Court justices
Lean in to the acids. Lean in to the greens!

Serious Eats

When it comes to wine pairing, salads can be tricky: a salad that's dressed with something tart can knock out the flavor of the wine you're trying to enjoy. We asked a few sommeliers from around the country for their tips on the best wines to serve with salads, and all the factors to consider when pairing. Here's what they had to say.







"The main concern here is making sure that the acid in the wine meets or exceeds the acidity in the salad dressing"







Keep Track of Your Acids

"Wines with an herbaceous or vegetal component work nicely with salad, whether it be a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley (all that fresh parsley and cut bell pepper) or a Gruner Veltliner from Austria (pea shoots and parsnips, anyone?). The main concern here is making sure that the acid in the wine meets or exceeds the acidity in the salad dressing; you might think that a tart wine with a tart vinaigrette would be overwhelmingly, well, tart, but together those two high acid components will wash each other out, and you'll be left with a clean palate, ready to experience the more immediate flavors in the salad. You also want to match the weight in your dressing to the weight of the wine: a salad with a creamier dressing might want a wine with the creaminess of oak treatment. And finally, don't be afraid of a little residual sugar if there are sweeter elements in the salad (whether it be a honey vinaigrette, candied nuts, or fresh fruit). To my mind, one of the greatest salad pairings of all time is a classic Waldorf salad with Francois Cazin Cour-Cheverny Cuvee Renaissance (the off-dry bottling he makes in exceptional yearsif that wine is out of reach, then a good Vouvray Sec or Demi-Sec from a producer like Domaine Huet, Philippe Foreau, or Francois Chidaine will do just fine!)."Mia Van De Water (North End Grill)

"Salads can be real wine killers: a wine with medium acidity suddenly becomes flabby in the face of zippy salad dressing because vinegar is infinitely more tart than any of the acids that turn up naturally in wine. There are two ways to deal with this issue. The first is to select wines that bite back. Brighter styles of wine (read: higher acidity) will hold their own next to the sourness of, for instance, lemon juice or vinegar. Some wines to consider in this category include: Txakolina (traditionally lean white wine from northern Spain), Muscadet (based on the snappy Melon de Bourgogne grape of the western Loire Valley in France), and Picpoul de Pinet (a white from the Languedoc region of Southern France). Picpoul translates roughly to 'lip stinger,' a nickname referring to its naturally high acidity. Red wines with suitable acidity are harder to come by, but a rose or sparkling rose could do the trick. The other way to address the issue of pairing salads with wine is to make a salad dressing with slightly lower acidity by substituting something like a lower acid citrus (tangerine or Valencia orange, perhaps) or verjus (the juice of underripe grapes). Grapes like grapes, so the verjus is a fun alternative for your next vinaigrette."Lulu McAllister (Nopa)

"The variety that always comes to the rescue is Riesling. Riesling has high acid to match dressings but a few grams of sugar can go a long way to making the dish more complete. The last few months I have been drinking a lot of Riesling from Karthauserhof, Weiser-Kunstler and Peter Lauer."Eric Railsback (Les Marchands)

"White wines are an easy go-to with salad, but I think that is only half of the story. I think higher acid red wines make tremendous salad pairings and for this I look to Italy. Start with kale and balsamic. Throw in some pepper, cranberries, walnuts, and maybe a Pecorino cheese and that sounds like a meal worthy of a Piemontese Barbera d'Alba by E. Pira e Figili. These wines have a tremendous freshness to them, yet with the heartiness of the cheese and the walnuts, the tannic properties of Barbera will have met their foil. Given the old adage 'acid loves acid,' the balsamic dressing will marry perfectly with this higher acid red grape. If the kale were to be swapped out for a less hearty green, such as romaine or mache, one might be tempted to seek out a white wine, but something with high mineral and high acid. I would stay in a Mediterranean country and head to Roussillon, France to enjoy Thomas Tiebert's Domaine de l'Horizon "Patriot" 2011. This German living in Catalunya makes this cuvee from Macabeu and Muscat to satisfy his yearning for the super-crisp mineral, yet floral whites he misses from the Mosel. For this pairing I would swap out a classic dark balsamic vinegar for a white balsamic, which brings the same sweet/sour combo we all love, but with a slightly more neutral flavor profile more befitting a white wine pairing."Caleb Ganzer (Eleven Madison Park)

"With a super acidic dressing, I would choose a fuller white; perhaps a Chardonnay with some oak aging. If it's a super creamy dressing, I would choose a leaner white with more acid like a dry Riesling or a white from Northern Italy. Then again, if you have a steak or chicken salad, you can go with a light-bodied red, like a Beaujolais, or Arbois from France."Jessica Brown (The John Dory and The Breslin)

Jennifer Segal

Green Tones Are Salads' Friends

"Gruner, gruner, gruner! This is my go-to salad wine if we're talking greens, vinaigrette, and veggie-heavy salads. The savory, green tones with celeriac and white pepper notes of a classic gruner are a perfect match for a salad. It enhances all farm-fresh flavors of the a great salad and brings brightness to the finish. Gruner also generally has enough weight on the palate to go with salad that have proteins. There's enough ripeness to balance out a grilled chicken or egg preparation, as well as acidity if you like salmon or blue cheese with your salad. Other great wines that have lovely, fresh green tones that work well with salads: Sancerre, Chablis, Arneis, and even a Blanc de Blancs Champagne."June Rodil (Qui)

"When it comes to challenging pairings like kale or asparagus or artichokes, a simple way to think about wines is to think: if I were cooking these vegetables, what would I add? I use lemon and salt, so for asparagus, artichokes, kale, I tend to lean to wines that have that citrus and salinity: briney seaside wines like Pigatos from Liguria, or Sardinian Vermentinos, Muscadet or a sharp, acidic, and dry riesling (and yes, of course...gruner veltliner). It's fun, also, to play with smoke (not fire): smoky volcanic wines like a great Fiano or Greco di Tufo can add a lot of texture and depth to a salad, especially with a peppery green like arugula, or a salad with a blue cheese or citrus. That same citrus salad is also fun to pair with a light red like a Freisa from Piemonte: the acidity is already there from the oranges, and then you add the fresh earthier berry that you find in the wine, reminds me almost of a great sangria."Ceri Smith (Biondivino and Tosca)

"Tart wines are best with salads, since you're often dealing with vinegar and mustard in dressing. You can pretty much pop any white or rose from the Loire Valley: it's called Le Jardin du France for good reason. Pepiere's Muscadet or Trotereau's Quincy are perfect salad wines. Many Italian whites have a subtle neutrality that endears them to vegetables. Pigato (Vermentino) from Liguria has a tight white pepper kick to it that makes it pop with salad. I especially love Punta Crena's Vermentino. Rose is the other great salad wine, since it mutes the pungency of garlic-forward dressings and finishes clean. One of my favorite combos is Commanderie de Peyrassol rose and spinach salad with olives, egg and a dijon vinaigrette."Jackson Rohrbaugh (Aragona)

Read the original article on Serious Eats.
The nation recorded one of its worst totals for child deaths from the flu this past season, coinciding with troubling drops in U.S. vaccination rates, federal health officials warned.

Nearly 200 children died from influenza-related complications in the 2023-24 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials announced the death count last week after two children died in early September.

The seasons death toll of 199 matches the 2019-20 flu season, CDC said. The highest death toll recorded was 288 children who died from the flu in the 2009-10 season, at the height of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic.

Most of the 199 total children who died from the virus were eligible for a vaccine but did not receive one. Studies have shown that annual flu vaccines, while not foolproof against infection, are effective against serious illness.

Its hard to watch, Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said. There was a way to prevent this.

Flu vaccines are effective at reducing risk of serious illness or death from the virus, though officials worry drops in vaccines are contributing to a rise in childhood deaths from flu in the 2023-24 season.

Officials must now contend with misinformation and hesitancy around vaccines that took hold with COVID-19, Offit said. The COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted families' regular visits with their doctors, when they may have received routine vaccines. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get their annual flu shot, especially if they are at higher risk, such as having asthma, neurologic conditions, or being obese.

The CDC data included 158 children who died who were eligible for a vaccine and whose vaccination status was known. Out of those, 131 children, or 83%, were not fully vaccinated. Among the 189 deaths with known information on medical conditions, 93, or 49%, had at least one preexisting medical condition.

By age, 126 of the children were between 5 and 17 years old. There were 73 children younger than 5 years old. Children younger than 5, along with children with certain underlying conditions, face a greater risk of complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia from the flu.

The deaths coincide with drops in vaccinations among children. As of May 11, just over 53% of children between ages 6 months and 17 years old were vaccinated this season, which was lower than the prior seasons 56%, when there were 187 deaths. This past season is also lower than pre-pandemic coverage when 62.4% of children were vaccinated in 2020.

Vaccinations by children's race, ethnicity, and whether they lived in rural areas appear to be worsening. Less than half of Black children received their annual flu vaccine, and slightly more than half of white children did, compared to nearly 60% of Hispanic children and nearly 59% of children listed as "Other," CDC data showed. Less than 40% of children in rural areas received their annual dose, compared to nearly 60% of children in urban areas and nearly 54% in suburbs.

Flu and coronavirus vaccine signage is seen at a Duane Reade by on Broadway on January 05, 2023 in New York City. Walgreens Boots Alliance reported their first-quarter earnings beating estimates from Wall Street amid an early flu season that boosted the demand for cough and cold medicine.

How effective is annual flu vaccine?

Annual flu vaccines target last years circulating strains of the virus. While it doesnt completely eliminate the risk of getting infected, it reduces the chances of serious illness. A 2022 study found that vaccines were increasingly effective against the most life-threatening forms of disease.

A lot of this is preventable with vaccination against severe illness, Dr. Adrienne Randolph, the study's senior author and a critical care physician at Boston Children's Hospital, said. Its really important that parents go get their kids vaccinated.

Still, Randolph added the latest season's childrens deaths are the only ones reported as positive for flu. There are also other factors, such as longer-term issues from serious respiratory illness and missed school days, that affect children and their families. In addition, elderly people and others with underlying conditions are especially vulnerable to the flu, which kills tens of thousands of people annually.

Where can I get a flu shot?

Just before respiratory illness season in the fall and winter months, Randolph recommended families start planning their annual flu shots in October. Its easier now with pharmacies administering vaccines, along with free clinics in communities.

In Memphis, Fight Flu Tennessee is set to bring free vaccines through a state program whether or not people are insured.

We are a healthier society when we make sure our children are vaccinated, Dr. Michelle Taylor, director of the Shelby County Department of Health Services, which serves Memphis, told USA TODAY. We know that when children are protected, and their health is protected, it means that the entire community is more protected.

The results of more deaths and lower vaccination means more work needs to be done, said Michele Slafkosky, executive director of Families Fighting Flu, a nonprofit founded in 2004 by parents whose children died from flu complications.

The organization has fought to include universal flu vaccine recommendations to reduce illnesses and deaths. This work also includes improving vaccine confidence and making families aware of options available for annual shots.

We all need to do a better job of taking care of not just our loved ones, but our communities, Slafkosky said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CDC: Flu deaths in children reach alarming level as vaccinations drop
Gabe Hanna and Ella Kleefisch tied the knot on June 15 in Milwaukee where the bride wore a replica of the ballgown from the 2015 live-action remake of 'Cinderella'

Lynette Yahn Ellarose Kleefisch and Gabe Hanna on their wedding day

And they lived happily ever after!

After getting engaged onstage while playing Cinderella and Prince Charming in a production of Cinderella last year, actors Gabe Hanna and Ellarose Kleefisch exchanged vows on June 15, 2024 in front of 130 friends and family at St. Sava Orthodox Cathedral in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The nuptials paid tribute to the fairytale, including the bride's replica dress of the ballgown worn by Lily James in the 2015 live-action remake of Cinderella.

Lynette Yahn Ellarose Kleefisch and Gabe Hanna

I just removed a piece of the top and had the perfect dress for me left! Kleefisch tells PEOPLE of the gown, which featured a corset-style bodice and full tulle skirt. I thought the dress was magical and it fulfilled all of the dreams I had about my wedding as a little girl. I truly felt like a princess when I wore it.

Adds Hanna: The moment I saw her enter the church with her father, I was speechless. She quite literally took my breath away.

Related: 'Cinderella' Actors Who Got Engaged Onstage Reveal Fairytale-Themed Wedding Plans (Exclusive)

We also had a custom sword engraved with our names and wedding date to cut our cake. I would say that's pretty royal! he continues.

Lynette Yahn Gabe and Ellarose's wedding cake from Sweet Mixin's

The couple's three-tier chocolate cake featured Italian meringue frosting and was covered in flowers reminiscent of Kleefisch's bouquet  which was made by her father along with all the celebration's florals. The dessert also perfectly matched their reception tablescapes, from the colorful candelabra to the blue glass goblets.



Hanna is Greek Orthodox, so the couple had a traditional Orthodox wedding ceremony and Kleefisch handmade their wedding crowns out of artificial flowers, floral wire and ribbon to match their wedding colors. She also hand-painted the unity candles that they held throughout the ceremony.

We wore the wedding crowns with a ribbon tied to each other as we walked around the altar three times, symbolizing our first steps as a married couple while we walk in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Hanna tells PEOPLE.

Lynette Yahn Gabe Hanna and Ellarose Kleefisch

The celebration was full of emotion as the couple exchanged their vows.

The moment we left the altar we both broke down. I think we just couldnt believe we actually got to be together forever, Kleefisch tells PEOPLE. We snuck into an office in the church and cried into one anothers arms.

After the ceremony, the festivities moved to the couples wedding reception held at Kleefischs parents' house on the outskirts of Milwaukee, where guests were treated to a buffet by Stoddards Meat Market & Catering, followed by late night snacks from Chick-fil-A.

Lynette Yahn The table settings at the wedding reception

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Related: Brides Brother Spent 120 Hours Making His Sisters Dream Wedding Dress as Gift to Her

Their first dance as husband and wife to Cody Frys Photograph preceded a spectacular fireworks display, before the couple went on to party the night away with those closest to them.

It was a beautiful gift to have our wedding reception in Ellaroses parents' backyard. Her father surprised us with fireworks that lit up the night sky after the sunset. It was a thoughtful and beautiful time, Hanna tells PEOPLE.

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.

Lynette Yahn Gabe Hanna and Ellarose Kleefisch take in the surprise fireworks display at their wedding reception

The wedding was a fairytale. We wanted a timeless, elegant, and whimsical wedding and by golly we got it, adds the bride.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
A landscaper in Connecticut died on Monday after a tree fell on him when it tumbled in an "unintended direction," according to local police.

Timothy Healy, 50, was caught under the felled tree when Cheshire police and emergency responders arrived at the scene that afternoon, the department said in a news release obtained by USA TODAY.

Cheshire is located about 28 miles south of Hartford, Connecticut's captial city.

Healy, of Naugatuck, Connecticut, was taken to a hospital but eventually died from his injuries, according to police.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) responded to the scene and is working in conjunction with the Cheshire Police Department to investigate this incident, police said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Connecticut landscaper dies after tree falls in 'unintended direction'
Natalie_magic/istockphoto

COVID is surging again. Heres the latest on new variants, updated vaccines, and masking

Editor's note: This story was first published on Aug. 14, 2024, and has been updated to reflect the Food and Drug Administration's approval of updated vaccines.

If theres one thing thats predictable about the virus that causes COVID-19, its that it will continue to evolve and find new ways to infect  and reinfect  the worlds population.

The latest mutations of SARS-CoV-2  specifically KP.1, KP.2, KP.3, and their sublineages  accounted for most infections in the United States as of the first week of August, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance. A combination of slightly greater transmissibility, partial escape from immunity, and waning immunity from previous vaccinations and infections set the stage for another summer COVID-19 surge, explains David Montefiori, PhD, director of the Laboratory for HIV and COVID-19 Vaccine Research and Development in the Department of Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

As of Aug. 3, the percentage of people reporting positive tests for the virus had reached its highest point since January of 2022, and emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 also inched up, according to the CDCs data tracker. However, deaths remained far below the weekly rates during previous surges, with 340 reported during the week ending Aug. 3, compared with 2,578 weekly deaths during the last COVID-19 peak, in January 2024, and nearly 26,000 weekly deaths at the height of the pandemic in the United States, in January 2021.

On Aug. 22, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the updated mRNA vaccines developed by pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech for people 12 years and older and granted emergency use authorization for the same vaccines for children six months to 11 years old. They are now available at pharmacies and doctors offices.

AAMCNews spoke with academic experts in infectious disease, viruses, and vaccines to answer some common questions about the latest variants and the new vaccines.

Halfpoint / istockphoto

How are new variants different from previous strains?

SARS-CoV-2 is constantly evolving, but most of the mutations are inconsequential, Montefiori explains.

There are many, many subvariants we dont even hear about, he says. We hear about the ones that are most common at a particular time.

The now-dominant KP.2 and KP.3 variants, which are part of a family of strains collectively referred to as FLiRT variants because of the part of the virus where they have mutated, are subvariants of JN.1, which is a subvariant of omicron.

Omicron appeared in late 2021 and was the last variant to mutate enough to significantly escape immunity from the original strain and vaccines tailored to it. Since then, the variant mutations have had only small impacts on immune evasion.

Theres very little difference among these variants [JN.1, KP.2, and KP.3], and thats a good thing, Montefiori says. However, all three of [them] have escaped [immunity] up to five- to tenfold, compared to the XBB variant contained in last falls booster.

Scientists are most concerned when there are mutations to the viruss spike protein, which is what the virus uses to attach to and infect cells. The spike protein is also the part of the virus that the vaccines have been developed to target. The FLiRT variants have several minor mutations to the spike protein  perhaps enough to trick antibodies for a while  but not enough to completely evade immunity, Montefiori explains.

zstockphotos / istockphoto

How long are you protected after getting a COVID-19 vaccine or infection?

The antibodies that are triggered from either a vaccination or an infection generally last for three to four months, notes Kawsar Talaat, MD, a vaccinologist and associate professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.

The reason COVID-19 cases increased this summer is likely because people who hadnt been recently vaccinated or infected had fewer antibodies at the ready to fight off the first sign of the virus and were more likely to experience its symptoms, including fever, chills, sore throat, cough, congestion, body aches, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue.

In a study examining COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in Nebraska after vaccination with the 2023-2024 vaccines that targeted the XBB.1.5 variant, researchers found that vaccine effectiveness peaked four weeks after vaccination and then gradually waned, particularly as the new JN.1 variant began circulating.

The data showed very clearly [the vaccine-induced immunity] waning over time, indicating theres a need to target the circulating variants, says the studys lead author, Danyu Lin, PhD, Dennis Gillings Distinguished Professor of Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill.

However, he adds that there were greater uncertainties about the effectiveness against hospitalization and death than against infection due to the relatively small number of hospitalizations and deaths.

As of May, only 22.5% of adults in the United States reported having received the updated 2023-2024 vaccine that was released last fall and tailored to the XBB variant dominant at that time, meaning many of those being infected now have significantly reduced immunity to the current mutated virus, Montefiori says.

Still, those who have healthy immune systems and have previously been vaccinated or infected are less likely to experience the more severe cases of COVID-19 that result in hospitalization or death. Thats thanks to the immune systems second layer of defense  the T cells, which attack and kill infected cells, thereby shutting down the virus production factory.

This may be why hospitalizations and deaths rose only slightly this summer, since most people had some previous exposure to the virus, a vaccine, or both.

microgen / istockphoto

Will the new vaccines target the latest variant?

Decision-makers at the FDA faced a dilemma when it came to guidance for producing updated COVID-19 vaccines: Create vaccines tailored to the strain circulating in the spring, or wait to adapt the vaccine to a variant that was more likely to be dominant in the fall and risk delaying the production and rollout.

At its June meeting, members of the FDAs vaccine advisory committee debated the options: whether to recommend that manufacturers develop vaccines targeted toward JN.1, which was dominant until May, or targeted toward one of the FLiRT variants. Complicating the decision was the fact that Novavax, an American biotechnology company, had already developed a JN.1-targeted vaccine and the company said it wouldnt have time to change the formulation before the fall. Novavaxs vaccine is the only protein-based COVID-19 vaccine that doesnt use the newer mRNA technology that the other manufacturers, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, use in their vaccines.

Its important to have Novavax as an option because some people are still concerned about mRNA [technology], says Mark Sawyer, MD, a professor of clinical pediatrics and a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and Rady Childrens Hospital-San Diego, and a member of the FDAs vaccine advisory committee. Novavax allows them an option to still be protected.

The mRNA vaccines, which the CDC says are very safe based on safety data from millions of vaccinations, can be more quickly adapted to the FLiRT variants.

The advisory committee recommended that the FDA authorize vaccines targeting the JN.1 lineage rather than the KP.2, but the FDAs final decision was a preference for KP.2-targeted vaccines, while also allowing Novavax to proceed with the JN.1-targeted vaccine.

In preclinical trials in mice, Moderna found that a previous version of the vaccine updated to target JN.1 showed high levels of neutralizing antibodies against not only JN.1 but the FLiRT variants as well, according to a Moderna spokesperson.

In late August, the FDA approved the KP.2-targeted, mRNA vaccines for adults.

Montefiori says that the specific formulation doesnt make a huge difference, since the latest variants havent mutated enough to avoid neutralizing antibodies completely. The important thing, he says, is to remain up-to-date on vaccination.

Rattankun Thongbun / istockphoto

Is it time to wear a mask again?

While the days of mask mandates are in the past, some physicians advise strategic masking. In a recent interview with MedPage Today, Anthony Fauci, MD, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that he wears a mask when on a plane or in a crowded indoor place, particularly because he is 83 years old and at high risk of severe COVID-19.

Sawyer also recommends masking while traveling or in high-risk situations.

If youre in a community where the virus is surging, as so many people are, it is smart to wear a mask if youre in indoor, crowded conditions, he says. Especially people who are at high risk, its time to break out their masks again.

DepositPhotos.com

What if I get COVID-19?

If you start to experience any COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC recommends isolating to prevent spreading the virus to others, particularly those in high-risk groups, and taking an at-home COVID-19 test. The CDC also recommends that those in high-risk groups see their doctor for a prescription of the antiviral medication Paxlovid.

This includes people 65 and older or anyone over age 12 with a condition that is a risk factor for severe COVID, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, obesity, or pregnancy. According to the Paxlovid website, 75% of Americans have a risk factor that might make them eligible for the antiviral. The prescription must be started within five to seven days of developing symptoms. One retrospective study found that Paxlovid treatment reduced hospitalization by 26% and death by 73%.

Some people have reported a rebound of symptoms after taking Paxlovid and initially recovering from symptoms. The CDC says this could be a feature of COVID-19 infection, regardless of whether the person took Paxlovid, and that anyone who experiences a rebound of COVID-19 symptoms should follow the isolation guidelines.

According to CDC guidelines, you can resume normal activity if your symptoms have improved for 24 hours and you havent had a fever in 24 hours without taking a fever suppressant, but you should continue to take extra precautions, like masking, for an additional five days.

licsiren / istockphoto

What will the future of COVID-19 entail? Will we need new vaccines every year?

Montefiori predicts that we will need annual updated COVID-19 vaccines, just as seasonal flu shots are the norm.

However, future vaccines may be different. Moderna is testing a combination COVID-19 and flu shot. A nasal vaccine, also in the works, might be more effective at preventing infection, since the virus is airborne and the antibodies could be more localized to catch the virus upon entry to the body, Talaat explains.

But how well the vaccines work will depend largely on people getting them. Though COVID-19 is not as dangerous as it once was, it is still deadly for some, including young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, and it carries the risk of long COVID.

The mRNA vaccines have a strong safety profile, Sawyer says, with data from millions of vaccinations showing that the worst side effects  myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (a neurological disorder)  are incredibly rare.

Youre better off getting the vaccine than not, even with all of its weaknesses," Sawyer says. The fact that it doesnt last that long, and it takes time and effort to go get it, all of those things are worth it to protect yourself and your family.

This article originally appeared on AAMC.org and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. officials now believe that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza is unlikely before President Joe Biden leaves office in January, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

The newspaper cited top-level officials in the White House, State Department and Pentagon without naming them. Those bodies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"I can tell you that we do not believe that deal is falling apart," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters on Thursday before the report was published.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said two weeks ago that 90% of a ceasefire deal had been agreed upon.

The United States and mediators Qatar and Egypt have for months attempted to secure a ceasefire but have failed to bring Israel and Hamas to a final agreement.

Two obstacles have been especially difficult: Israel's demand to keep forces in the Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt and the specifics of an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The United States has said a Gaza ceasefire deal could lower tensions across the Middle East amid fears the conflict could widen.

Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal on May 31 that he said at the time Israel agreed to. As the talks hit obstacles, officials have for weeks said a new proposal would soon be presented.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has killed over 41,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh; Editing by Eric Beech)
This story was updated to add new information.

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  Springfield residents want to get back to normal.

In the past two weeks, the central Ohio city of nearly 60,000 has faced police cars outside of church services, 200 students absent from an elementary school amid bomb threats and a City Commission meeting so packed that dozens of residents had to stream it on their phones outside City Hall.

After Ohio Sen. JD Vance posted claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating dogs and cats and after former President Donald Trump repeated the claims during a presidential debate, residents and local officials have been left to deal with security issues, national media attention and hateful flyers and phone calls.

Springfield's moment in the national spotlight is going to continue as Trump says he is going to the city in the coming weeks.

State and local officials say Trump's claims about Haitians eating dogs and cats are false. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also said it could not find evidence to support reports that immigrants were stealing geese around local parks and trails.

The claims have meant less attention to the real challenges facing Springfield and how it deals with the influx of Haitian migrants, according to Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, a Republican.

If I knew that my words were hurting people consistently, I would want to change that and I would want to not do that, Rue said. Im just asking them to move on and quit using us as a political tool. We want to get out of this political vortex that weve been caught up in.

In an interview on CNN last week, Vance said he was trying to draw attention to the immigration issues in Springfield. "If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what I'm going to do," he said. Vance clarified in the interview that the story "comes from firsthand accounts from my constituents" and that he was not implying that he was making up the story.

Springfield has attracted national scrutiny after conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, spread debunked claims that Haitians in the community were stealing and eating peoples pets. Liz Dufour/The Enquirer

A rust belt town with growing pains

Springfield has been an industrial town since the late 1800s, but the city's median income dropped between 1999 and 2014 when manufacturing jobs declined in the U.S.

Springfield made an effort to attract more businesses and companies expanded in the city in 2022. Those jobs in turn attracted immigrants and word spread quickly among the Haitian community.

Pierre Eric Jean, a Haitian resident of Springfield, said he moved to the city because it was the first place in America he had heard of.

"We Haitian people are here to work hard and help our family in Haiti," he said.

The city now has a "Little Haiti" neighborhood, a library branch with a French language section for Haitian residents, two Haitian restaurants and seven Haitian grocery stores.

Pierre Eric Jean said many Haitians in Springfield feel discouraged after the rimours Vance amplified gained traction and some Haitians are talking about moving out of Ohio.

City officials have wrestled for years with the impact of Haitian migration, which increased the population by an estimated 25%. Rue said the school district went from 200 to 2,000 non-native English-speaking students. He said their emergency responders are among the busiest in the state and end up providing primary care to residents because the health care system is overtaxed.

Back in July, Springfield City Manager Brian Heck penned a letter to federal officials  including Ohios senators  asking for help to address the citys housing crisis. The letter, read by Vance during a committee hearing, led to a Fox News interview with Heck and Rue.

Heidi Earlywine teaches English as a second language and has been acting as a liaison for the Haitian community in Springfield.

Springfield resident Heidi Earlywine said she noticed more complaints related to immigration at City Commission meetings last year and believes it was related to the end of Medicaid continuous enrollment in March 2023 and increased visibility of homeless people in the city after a homeless shelter closed.

"What happens when you drive through town in 2023 is you see unhoused people and now you don't have your benefits anymore, right? And so those two things were a confluence of events where some people in town started rabble-rousing at city meetings," she said.

Then the bus wreck happened, Earlywine said.

In August 2023, Hermanio Joseph, an immigrant from Haiti, was driving a minivan and struck a Northwestern Local Schools bus that overturned. Eleven-year-old Aiden Clark died after being ejected from the bus and more than 20 other students were injured in the crash.

Joseph was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide and sentenced to a minimum of nine years in prison and a maximum of 13 years in prison in May.

"When that happened, it really made everything extra bad," Earlywine said.

Don and Marie Owens, Springfield residents of 40 years, agreed. They said the crash "absolutely" increased tension in the city.

Nathan Clark, Aiden's father, publicly asked residents and politicians last week to stop using his son's death as an excuse to say hateful things about immigrants. Clark asked politicians, including Vance and Trump, who've brought up his son's death, to apologize. He said to use his son as a political tool is "reprehensible."

But national attention on Springfield didnt stick until the days before the presidential debate when Vance and other Republicans amplified rumors about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets.

Once Trump repeated the claim to a national audience, everything changed, Rue said.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said during the ABC debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Members of the Haitian evangelical church in Springfield received threatening anonymous phone calls before the service on Sunday, Springfield resident Heidi Earlywine said. Earlywine teaches English classes affiliated with the church and requested a police presence outside on Sunday so the churchgoers would feel more safe.

City reckons with national attention, international threats of violence

Since the presidential debate, Springfield City Hall, two elementary schools, two hospitals, three grocery stores, two colleges and the Ohio Statehouse have received threats.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said Springfield was the target of 33 bomb threats, which all turned out to be hoaxes. Still, the threats derailed government and school operations and forced organizers to cancel its annual cultural festival.

As a human being, I hate to see a broad brush of lies spread against any group, Rue said. My heart goes out to those in the Haitian community that are experiencing this fear and this hate and would like it to stop.

Some residents spoke about the increased immigration at the Springfield City Commission meeting on Sept. 10, describing it as an "invasion" and expressing concerns about homelessness and fear of rising rents and housing prices and increased response times from police.

Springfield residents Don and Marie Owens said Trump's comments made the already-present division in the city 'much worse.'

Don and Marie Owens said their neighborhood was predominantly Black when they moved in in 1992 and now the neighborhood includes several Haitian families. Their grandson played with the children of a Haitian family growing up and now has a Haitian friend in school.

They have concerns about rising house prices but were upset to hear the rumors about geese and cats and say the Haitians in Springfield "got a raw deal."

Marie Owens said the situation is unfair to the Haitians and other Springfield residents.

"It's unfortunate that Trump said it and he had no clue whether it was true or false," she said. "It's a publicity stunt at our cost."

Marlee Karissa Merzius, 10, left, her sister, Sephora Merzius, 9, and friend, Rose Anne Telusma, performed Every Move I Make during the homecoming service at First Baptist Church in Springfield.

Some Haitians in Springfield are afraid to leave their houses

Luckens Merzius immigrated to Springfield from Haiti with his wife and two daughters six years ago. The family attends First Baptist Church in the city, where Sunday's church program includes a prayer request for the people of Haiti.

Merzius said many Haitians left Haiti for political reasons and a fear of violence and now they once again are feeling scared in their community.

Myriam Joseph, a Haitian woman who moved to Springfield in 2020, works as a home health care nurse and primarily cares for white residents. She said she feels afraid when she goes into their homes and residents ask her about politics, like whether she likes Trump or Harris.

Joseph said her 15-year-old son called her last week and asked to be picked up from Springfield High School because he was scared.

Myriam Joseph, a home health care nurse in Springfield, said she feels scared in her community,

DeWine announced the Ohio State Highway Patrol will conduct daily bomb sweeps at Springfield schools and encouraged parents to send their children back to school. Springfield City School District Superintendent Robert Hill said attendance has been down in the district and there were 200 students absent from an elementary school with an enrollment of 500 students on Tuesday.

What's next for Springfield?

Local officials are concerned about a potential visit from Trump and say resources in the city are strained.

Rue noted at a news conference Tuesday that just a week ago, the city was not facing the threats it's facing now.

Were trying to do these interviews to let the world know that Springfield is a beautiful city, Rue said. Were a hardworking city. Were a city that wants to move forward together. Weve always had to struggle for success, but we are here, we are trying to be a vibrant community, and we need help, not hate. We need peace, not unrest."

Contributing: Amber Hunt and Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer.

Erin Glynn and Haley BeMiller are reporters for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. Reach out to Glynn at eglynn@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Springfield Ohio copes with being in spotlight over Haitian immigrants
Tatyana Bakalchuk founded Wildberries in 2004 before her husband Vladislav joined the company

An acrimonious divorce involving Russias richest woman descended into a gun battle over the countrys most successful online retailer, killing two people and wounding seven.

Tatyana and Vladislav Bakalchuk, the estranged couple who founded Wildberries, known as Russias Amazon, blamed each other for Wednesdays shoot-out at the companys head office in Moscow.

Mr Bakalchuk was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, assault of a law enforcement officer and vigilantism the following day.

The fight broke out when Mr Bakalchuk, who owns 1 per cent of the company and had appealed to Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen Republic ruler, to stop his wife pushing through a controversial merger, showed up at the office.

He claimed that he was there to negotiate but was shot at by people inside the building.

What happened next is hotly disputed.

Footage taken by witnesses showed a brawl breaking out at the entrance to the office.

A group of men believed to include Mr Bakalchuk can be seen attempting to storm the building in one video, while a man smashes his way through a glass door.

After the man lunges through, several gunshots can be heard.

Separate videos from inside the office show one man, possibly a security guard, reaching for his handgun and firing at the invaders.

Mr Bakalchuks lawyers called the charges against him a flagrant and unprecedented violation of his rights, and said the allegations fly in the face of witness testimony and video evidence to the contrary.

In a statement describing the incident, they said: Upon arrival, Vladislav and his representatives encountered aggressive actions from law enforcement officers and office security. As a result of this clash, a shoot-out occurred, in which the office security officers were the first to open fire.

Among the guards they hired were terrorists  people with a criminal past. It was they who opened fire to kill Vladislav and his representatives.

Mrs Bakalchuk strongly denied the claims.

Today a group of people led by Vladislav Bakalchuk [...] attempted to seize Wildberries offices in Moscow, she said on Telegram.

To my deep regret, as a result of the armed attack on Wildberries, a security guard at our office was killed, she said.

Statements about supposed negotiations that the armed group showed up to are absurd, given no one agreed to any such negotiations.

This is a hostile takeover. Or rather, an unsuccessful one, she added.

A second guard died in hospital from wounds sustained during the incident after Mrs Bakalchuks statement was made.

In a tearful video posted online, she asked: Vladislav, what are you doing? How will you look into the eyes of your parents and our children? How could you bring the situation to such absurdity?

The incident is reminiscent of corporate raiding that blighted Russian businesses in the 1990s and 2000s, when rivals would seek to seize assets by showing up with armed men and taking control of a companys office, instead of buying shares.

Witnesses filmed a brawl breaking out at the entrance of the companys building

Mrs Bakalchuk founded Wildberries by selling clothes from her Moscow apartment while on maternity leave in 2004. Her husband joined the company shortly afterwards.

It has since grown to become Russias largest online retailer and sells everything from beauty products to furniture and pet food.

It employs tens of thousands of people and has made Mrs Bakalchuk one of only two Russian female billionaires.

In 2023, Wildberries allowed authorities to raid several of its warehouses in search of migrant workers to draft into their war against Ukraine.

Police searched the head office in January after a mysterious fire destroyed one major warehouse in St Petersburg and $191 million worth of stock.

Last month, Russian soldiers sent to push the Ukrainians out of the Kursk region were caught on security cameras looting a local Wildberries depot.

Mrs Bakalachuk announced she was filing for divorce in July, triggering an instant quarrel about division of assets. Mr Bakalchuk said they did not sign a prenuptial agreement and believes he is entitled to half the company.

A man was videoed smashing his way through a glass door

But there is another layer to the dispute.

Around the same time as the couples split, Wildberries announced a merger with Russ Outdoor, a billboard advertising giant controlled by two brothers called Robert and Levan Mirzoyan.

The deal, which Mrs Bakalchuk described as part of a plan to expand the brand into Central Asia and eventually rival Amazon or Ali Baba, reportedly won the blessing of Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin sources told Bloomberg in June that the tie-up was also intended to build an alternative to the SWIFT money transfer system that many Russian banks have been blocked from since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

However, Mr Bakalchuk argued that his wife was tricked into what he calls a wildly lop-sided mistake that would see a large chunk of the companys wealth given away to Russ Outdoor, a much smaller firm, for no apparent benefit.

The deal involved transferring 35 per cent of the company to a joint venture with Russ Outdoor, Forbes reported.

Merger is fraud

Mr Bakalchuk appealed to Mr Kadyrov, who decried both the merger and the effect of divorce on the children in a recorded meeting. The Chechen warlord promised to return Tatyana to the family and protect a legitimate business.

In July, Mr Kadyrov publicly described the merger as fraud and a corporate raid before explicitly blaming the Mirzoyan brothers.

The brothers have not directly commented on the controversy, although Robert Mirzoyan has given interviews explaining his vision for the merger.

In a joint statement, Russ Outdoor and Wildberries said: Wildberries and Russ continue to operate in a stable mode [...]. We are confident that the details of the divorce process and emotional details are of no interest to business publications.

For now, law enforcement appears to have taken Mrs Bakalchuks side.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
An Indiana woman has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime after she repeatedly stabbed a Chinese American teen on a city bus while yelling slurs, court records show.

Billie Davis, 58, admitted to stabbing an 18-year-old Indiana University student in her head seven to 10 times last year. The teen survived the pocketknife assault but suffered several wounds.

Davis told police she snapped when she saw the woman and attacked her because she was Chinese. She added that she wanted to make "one less enemy," according to the plea agreement.

Trinh Le, community care director at civil rights nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate, told USA TODAY the guilty plea hasn't erased the grief Indiana's Asian American community has grappled with since the assault.

"Students we supported at (Indiana University) after the attack shared that theyve been living in fear ever since," Le said. "We know that racism against Asian American communities continues to be a pervasive issue, and its being dangerously fueled by xenophobic, anti-immigrant comments from politicians and leaders. Its time to hold our leaders who embolden racist attackers accountable as well.

The announcement in Indiana comes less than two months before the election as some civil rights leaders warn the campaign cycle could trigger a spike in hate crimes. A study by the Leadership Conference Education Fund found reported hate crimes have increased during the past four presidential election cycles  and warns this year could see another dangerous rise.

Asian student stabbed several times on Indiana city bus

On Jan. 11, 2023, Davis boarded a Bloomington Transit bus that the victim was seated on, according to the plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

After the victim, identified as "Z.F." pulled a cord to indicate she wanted to stop at the next exit, Davis removed a folding knife from her right front pocket and opened the blade, the agreement said. As the student stood to exit the bus, Davis turned toward her and repeatedly stabbed her in the head, according to court filings.

"Z.F. exited the bus screaming in pain from the stab wounds," the plea agreement read. "The Defendant collapsed the knife and put in back in her pocket and sat back down on the bus.

The student suffered several wounds on her head, including a deep cut that required sutures and staples, according to court documents.

Another passenger followed Davis when she got off the bus. The defendant ... said the woman she attacked was going to blow up the bus because she was Asian, the plea agreement said.

Security camera footage from the bus showed no interaction between Davis and the 18-year-old student before the sudden attack, which happened at 4:43 p.m. as the bus came to a stop.

Court documents say Davis has demonstrated a recognition and affirmative acceptance of personal responsibility for the defendant's criminal conduct.

Lawyers representing Davis argued she was mentally ill and incompetent to stand trial. But after she was put on proper medication, her condition improved. This January, the judge in the case ruled that Davis was competent and that a trial would be scheduled.

Public defender Sam Ansell told USA TODAY the plea agreement was reached through extensive negotiations that will allow the court to impose a just punishment that reflects the seriousness of the offense and recognizes Daviss diminished capacity due to her mental disorder.

Ms. Davis is now properly medicated for her condition and feels awful for the victim and her family. She offers her deepest apology for the terrible suffering she caused, Ansell said.

A plea agreement says Davis will be sentenced to no more than six years in prison when she comes before the judge on Dec. 3.

Election year could be fueling a rise in hate crimes

The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University released a report earlier this year that found hate crimes rose by an average of 17% across 25 American cities in 2023. Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Austin all broke hate crime records dating back to the early 1990s, according to the center.

In one of the latest hate incidents, Springfield, Ohio, has faced a slew of violent threats after Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump, spread false claims that Haitian immigrants were eating pets.

On Wednesday, federal prosecutors announced that a "self-described racist skinhead" was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for threatening his Black neighbors in Maine. Charles Allen Barnes, 47, admitted to sending a Facebook voice message saying he was outside his neighbors apartment and would kill anyone who emerged, while repeatedly using racial slurs.

A Boston-area man earlier this month was sentenced to 18 months in prison for an anti-Asian hate crime. Prosecutors said John Sullivan, 78, encountered a group of Asian Americans he hadn't met before outside a post office  including three children  and yelled: "Go back to China." Sullivan threatened to kill them, then drove his car into one of the adults, eventually causing the man to fall face-first into a 10-foot-deep construction ditch, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

With the presidential election weeks away, one report warns the nation could be seeing a rise in hate incidents. The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a national civil rights group, said in a study last year that data going back to 2008 reveals that hate crimes against racial groups increase around general elections.

"From the mainstreaming of hate and the failure of social media platforms to adequately address disinformation, the current climate is rife with opportunities for the trend of increased hate to continue into the 2024 election  unless action is taken," the report said.

Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg and Claire Thornton, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana woman pleads guilty to hate crime in stabbing of Asian teen
China's top diplomat meets president of South Korea-China Parliamentarians' Union

Xinhua) 09:09, September 19, 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the South Korea-China Parliamentarians' Union, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with a delegation led by Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the South Korea-China Parliamentarians' Union, on Wednesday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said he appreciated the contributions the union has made to promoting the friendship between the two countries.

Wang said China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) should be good neighbors with mutual trust and good partners that undertake mutually beneficial cooperation, no matter how the international or regional situations change.

Noting the continuity and stability of China's policy toward the ROK, Wang expressed the hope that the ROK side would meet China halfway, consolidate political mutual trust and push for the sustained, steady and sound development of China-ROK relations.

China is willing to study measures to facilitate personnel exchange between the two countries further, and welcomes people from all walks of life in the ROK to visit the country, Wang said. It stands ready to expand comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with the ROK, work together to safeguard the principles of free trade, and maintain stable, unimpeded production and supply chains, he added.

Kim and other lawmakers in attendance said the union stands ready to join hands with the Chinese side to strengthen strategic communication, increase personnel exchange, tap into cooperation potential and promote the ROK-China friendship.

They also said that the union is willing to adhere to multilateralism and safeguard free trade alongside China, and to jointly promote peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Nearly a year after one of its autonomous vehicles struck and dragged a pedestrian in downtown San Francisco, General Motors Cruise is gearing up for a return to the Bay Area. Amaya Edwards/The Chronicle Nearly a year after one of its autonomous vehicles struck and dragged a pedestrian in downtown San Francisco, General Motors Cruise is gearing up for a return to the Bay Area. Amaya Edwards/The Chronicle

Nearly a year after one of its autonomous vehicles struck and dragged a pedestrian in downtown San Francisco, General Motors Cruise is gearing up for a return to the Bay Area.

The company announced on Thursday its plans to deploy a limited number of manually driven mapping vehicles in Sunnyvale and Mountain View for research and development, with an aim to introduce five driverless cars in the region this fall.

Resuming testing in the Bay Area is an important step forward as we continue to work closely with California regulators and local stakeholders, Cruise said in a social media post.

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Mountain View Mayor Pat Showalter warmly welcomed Cruise to the community in a statement to the Chronicle.

Mountain View is home to many forward-thinking companies that are making our lives better through technology, Showalter said. Our city serves as a key location for the research and development of autonomous vehicles.

Thursdays announcement arrived nearly a year after California regulators indefinitely suspended Cruises driverless operations following the Oct. 2, 2023, incident, when a human hit-and-run driver struck a jaywalking pedestrian, propelling her into the path of one of Cruise's robotaxis, which then attempted to pull over with the victim trapped underneath.

Last month, the company revealed a plan to collaborate with Uber to incorporate its robotaxis into the ride-hailing platform, although specific details of this partnership remain undisclosed.

Cruise remains barred from offering paid driverless rides in California. The timeline for its return to San Francisco remains uncertain, despite having previously received authorization from state regulators to operate commercially without restrictions.

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The October 2024 incident occurred just weeks into Cruise's paid driverless operations in San Francisco. Both the California Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Motor Vehicles accused the company of not disclosing that its robotaxi dragged the pedestrian for about 20 feet after the collision, allegations Cruise has consistently denied.

Roughly 20% of Cruises workforce was later laid off, and the company faced a $112,500 fine from the PUC. According to the DMV, Cruise has begun, but not yet completed, the process for reinstating the necessary driverless deployment permit to charge for rides.

The setback has severely impacted Cruises ambitious robotaxi deployment plans and led to the resignation of its founder and CEO Kyle Vogt, as well as several other executives.

While the purpose of this small-scale presence is specifically to allow employees to engage with our product for research and development purposes, we look forward to taking this step as we continue our conversations with local officials, a Cruise spokesperson said in a statement.
Lebanon is reeling after facing deadly back-to-back attacks targeting Hezbollah members  with pagers simultaneously exploding across the country on Tuesday, then walkie-talkies detonating in a similar fashion on Wednesday.

Panic, fear and grief have now gripped the country, with questions swirling about how the attacks could have been carried out, where the devices came from, and whether this latest development could plunge the Middle East into a wider regional conflict.

At least 37 people, including children, have been killed in the attacks, which Lebanese officials have blamed on Israel. Thousands more are injured  many maimed and in critical condition after communications devices exploded in their pockets or in their face.

After warning Wednesday that a new era of war was beginning, Israel on Thursday began to strike targets in Lebanon and says its top commander has approved plans for the northern arena.

Heres what we know so far.

What happened, when and where?

The first attack came on Tuesday afternoon when pagers exploded at the same time across several parts of Lebanon  including the capital Beirut, and in several towns in the central Beqaa valley, strongholds for the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Videos showed the bloody aftermath on streets and public spaces. In one CCTV video, a man was picking out fruit in a supermarket when an explosion detonated  leaving him groaning in pain on the ground, clutching his lower abdomen as panic breaks out around him.

Lebanese hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, with limited staff attending to hundreds of bandaged and bleeding patients  some of whom had to lie on the floor as more of the injured arrived.

Almost exactly 24 hours later, Lebanon was rocked by a second attack Wednesday, when walkie-talkies detonated in the suburbs of Beirut and in the south of the country.

One witness, who cannot be named for security reasons, described seeing a mans hands blown off by an exploding walkie-talkie while attending a Hezbollah funeral. Fires broke out in dozens of homes, stores, and vehicles, with videos showing smoke billowing on chaotic streets.

In a speech on Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah conceded the group had suffered an unprecedented blow. He said the twin attacks had crossed all red lines and pledged there would be a reckoning.

While Nasrallah was speaking, CNN reporters in the country heard a sonic boom as an Israeli military jet flew over Beirut and dropped what appeared to be flares over the city.

Minutes later, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it was striking targets to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.

Firefighters put out flames and a crowd gathers after a reported explosion in Saida, Lebanon, on September 18, 2024. - Mahmoud Zayat/AFP/Getty Images

Why would Israel target Lebanon now?

Hezbollah and Israel have been at conflict for decades  but the two have ramped up their cross-border attacks on each other since last October when the war in Gaza began, following Palestinian militant group Hamas deadly attack on Israel.

Hezbollah is part of a larger Iran-led axis across the Middle East spanning Yemen, Syria, Gaza and Iraq that has engaged in a simmering conflict with Israel and its allies over the past 11 months.

The axis has said they will continue striking Israeli targets as long as the war in Gaza goes on, rebranding themselves as a supportive front for Palestinians in the strip, as described by a senior Hezbollah leader.

Israel may have chosen this timing for the attacks because it believed Hezbollah had discovered the pagers capability  making it a use it or lose it moment, said an Israeli source familiar with national security.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may also have wanted to shore up domestic support. Officials and residents from the northern region have become increasingly vocal about the need to return to their homes after being evacuated due to attacks, piling pressure on the government to act against the threat of Hezbollahs rockets from southern Lebanon.

On Tuesday, Israel made it a new war objective to return Israels northern residents to their homes near the border  which has long been understood to be a political necessity.

People gather outside the American University of Beirut Medical Center, which saw an influx of injured patients after explosions in Lebanon's capital on September 17. - Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

How did it happen?

There are still many questions on how Israel might have carried out its attacks this week  and where the devices that detonated came from.

Hezbollah is highly secretive, and its leader has previously urged families to dump their cell phones to avoid infiltration from Israeli and US spyware. Thats why so many Hezbollah members and their families rely instead on low-tech wireless communication devices like pagers.

The pagers that exploded were new and had been purchased by Hezbollah in recent months, a Lebanese security source told CNN. The New York Times reported that Israel planted explosives next to the battery in each pager, as well as a switch for remote detonation, citing US and other officials.

When CNN tried to trace the pagers origin, it found a mysterious supply chain that stretched from Asia to Europe.

Damaged pagers in Lebanon bore the name of a Taiwanese manufacturer  but the company said the devices were instead made and sold by a Hungarian company in Budapest.

Hungarian authorities denied this, however, saying the Budapest firm was a trading intermediary with no manufacturing sites in the country.

CNN has tried to contact the company and its chief executive, but did not receive a response. However, according to NBC News, the chief executive confirmed in a phone call that her company worked with the Taiwanese manufacturer  but denied making the pagers and said she was just the intermediate. CNN could not confirm her statement.

Making things even stranger, the address for the companys office is in a residential area  where other people in the building said they hardly saw people coming to work, and that the Budapest company had never physically been to the building.

Late Thursday, The New York Times reported that the Hungarian company, BAC Consulting, was in fact part of an Israeli front, citing three intelligence officers briefed on the matter. The firm was one of at least three shell companies created to mask the fact that Israeli intelligence personnel were manufacturing the pagers, the officers told the Times.

Meanwhile, Lebanon said the walkie-talkies that exploded were a discontinued model made by Japanese firm ICOM.

The devices were not supplied by a recognized agent, were not officially licensed and had not been vetted by the security services, Lebanese authorities said. ICOM said the model was discontinued a decade ago, and it could not determine whether the ones used in Lebanon were counterfeit or shipped from its company.

A photo taken Wednesday in Beirut shows the remains of an exploded pager. - AFP/Getty Images

How have Hezbollah, Israel and the world responded?

Nasrallah said Israel will face a reckoning for its twin massacres. The head of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, told Nasrallah that Israel will face a crushing response, Iran state media IRNA reported.

The Lebanese government also condemned the attack as criminal Israeli aggression and a violation of their national sovereignty.

Lebanons Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told CNN on Wednesday he fears the consecutive attacks in Lebanon signal a move to an introduction to war, calling on the United Nations Security Council and the United States to help re-establish peace along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Its less clear what capacity Hezbollah might have to launch a counterattack if many of its members are wounded and key communication methods are no longer reliable.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appeared to reference the attacks on Wednesday during a visit to an air force base  praising the excellent achievements of the military and intelligence agency.

We are at the beginning of a new era in this war and we need to adapt ourselves, Gallant said.

After the IDF strikes began on Thursday, Gallant said: Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price.

It appears US officials were largely in the dark until reports emerged of the explosions, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Israeli officials notified the US that it was going to carry out an operation in Lebanon on Tuesday but did not give any details about what they were planning, the sources said.

The UN rights chief condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of international humanitarian law and urging an independent, thorough and transparent investigation. International NGO Human Rights Watch echoed his remarks, saying the inquiry should be prompt and urgently conducted.

CNNs Rob Picheta, Tamara Qiblawi, Christian Edwards, Mick Krever, Wayne Chang, Eric Cheung, Nectar Gan, Balint Bardi, Kara Fox, Oren Liebermann and Kylie Atwood contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The pagers were used in attacks in Lebanon on Tuesday

Israel allegedly set up a shell company that has supplied Hezbollah with pagers since 2022, according to a US media report.

Pagers were used in an explosives attack in Lebanon on Tuesday, which left 12 members of the terror group dead and thousands injured.

A supply chain trail allegedly led to Hungarian firm BAC Consulting, which appears to have a contract to manufacture beepers under a licensing agreement from Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese company.

However, the Budapest-based company was a front and part of a secret operation to send pagers to Hezbollah in 2022, the New York Times claimed, citing intelligence sources.

The terrorist group wanted the pagers as part of its efforts to avoid Israeli surveillance of mobile phone networks. But it was allegedly sent devices with explosive-laced batteries made by Israeli intelligence officers, according to the report.

Hsu Ching-kuang, the chairman of Gold Apollo, told reporters on Wednesday that his company had not made the pagers, although they carried its branding.

He said the firm had a three-year licensing agreement with BAC Consulting, allowing it to use the trademark on devices it made, and that payments to his company had come from the Middle East.

Reached on the phone by NBC News on Wednesday, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, the chief executive of BAC Consulting, said: I do not make the pagers. I am just the intermediary. I think you got it wrong.

Reporters visited the companys address, a two-storey building in Budapest, to find the name posted to the glass door on an A4 sheet.

A woman who answered the door said she was only there as a headquarters manager and that the firm only received post once a month, which she is responsible for collecting.

A view of the head office of the BAC Consulting firm in Budapest, Hungary - Janos Kummer

The New York Times said BAC was one of three shell companies created to hide the identities of the real makers of the exploding pagers, according to three intelligence sources.

BAC also took on ordinary clients, for which it made a range of ordinary pagers.The pagers intended for Hezbollah were manufactured separately with the explosive PETN added, the sources alleged.

The first pagers were sent in the summer of 2022, but manufacturing increased after a Hezbollah chief warned his followers not to use mobile phones.

In February, Hassan Nasrallah said: I tell you that the phone in your hands, in your wifes hands, and in your childrens hands, is the agent. Bury it. Put it in an iron box and lock it.

He ordered all Hezbollah officers to carry pagers at all times, which would be used to send orders in the event of war.

Two American intelligence officials told the New York Times that thousands of pagers arrived in Lebanon over the summer and were distributed among Hezbollah officers and their allies. Israeli intelligence officers called the pagers buttons, to be pushed when the time was right.

On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said he would do whatever it took to ensure that the some 70,000 Israelis driven away by Hezbollah rocket attacks could return home. On Tuesday, the pagers were activated and exploded.

Intelligence and defence sources said Israel triggered them to beep before sending a message in Arabic that appeared to come from Hezbollahs senior leadership.

The pager attacks were followed up with a second wave of explosions emanating from Hezbollah walkie talkies on Wednesday. Lebanese officials reported 25 dead and 450 injured.

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Prime Minister Netanyahu was identified as one of the suspect's targets [EPA]

An Israeli citizen has been arrested on suspicion of being involved in a plot by Iran to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials, Israel's security services say.

Israeli police and domestic intelligence said the man was smuggled twice into Iran and received payment to carry out "missions".

In a joint statement, they said the suspect was a businessman who had lived in Turkey and had Turkish contacts who had helped get him into Iran.

The announcement comes at a time of soaring tension between Iran and Israel, regional arch-enemies.

The statement said the suspect, who was not identified, was arrested last month. It said his targets were the prime minister, the defence minister and the head of an unnamed security agency.

It said that in April and May, the suspect twice travelled to Samandag in Turkey to meet a wealthy Iranian businessman called Eddie, and was helped by two Turkish citizens.

The statement said Eddie had problems leaving Iran on both occasions, so the Israeli citizen was smuggled from Turkey into Iran instead. It said that the man met both Eddie and "an Iranian security operative" there.

It said Eddie asked the Israeli to "carry out various security missions within Israel for the Iranian regime". These included transferring money or a gun, photographing crowded places in Israel and sending them to "Iranian elements" and threatening other Israeli citizens who had been recruited by Iran but had not completed their tasks.
An Israeli businessman was smuggled into Iran to plot the assassination of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials, police and intelligence officials said Thursday, amid rising tensions over Trojan Horse attacks this week that killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters and civilians in Lebanon and wounded thousands more.

The plot was motivated in part to avenge the July death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, the police and the Shin Bet security service said in a joint statement. Haniyeh was killed by a bomb hidden at his guest house in Tehran in a strike attributed to Israel.

In a joint statement, Israel's national police and Shin Bet domestic security service described the unnamed suspect as "a businessman who lived in Turkey for an extended period, maintained business and social ties with Turkish and Iranian individuals."

More: Lebanon on edge after wave of Hezbollah blasts and as Israel vows 'new phase' in war

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah gives a televised address, Lebanon, September 19, 2024, in this screenshot taken from a video.

The suspect was twice smuggled into Iran from Turkey to meet with Iranian intelligence officials, the Israeli statement said. He demanded $1 million in advance to help kill targets including Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar  but received a paltry 5,000 Euros for his trouble before Israeli police arrested him last month.

News of the suspect's formal indictment Thursday on "serious security" charges came as Israel bombed southern Lebanon after explosions in booby-trapped walkie-talkies and pagers in the past two days caused bloody havoc in the ranks of its arch-foe Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, raising fears that a full-blown war was imminent. The action also sowed disarray across Lebanon as panicked residents abandoned their mobile phones.

More: Hezbollah radios explode, injuring hundreds in new blasts tied to Israel

Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime Hezbollah supremo, swore in a televised address Thursday that Israel would receive a "just punishment" and said Israel's northern border wouldn't know peace until Israel ended its 11-month war in Gaza. Israeli fighter jets buzzed Beirut as he spoke.

Hezbollah, based in southern Lebanon, is Iran's closest regional ally.

In the alleged assassination plot announced Thursday, the suspect was asked to perform surveillance, logistics, and intimidation services for Tehran, including moving money and guns to drop sites, "photographing various crowded places in the country and sending them to Iranian elements," and "threatening other Israeli citizens activated in the country by the Iranian regime who did not complete requested tasks," the government said.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israeli wanted $1 million from Iran to kill Netanyahu: Officials
Local unions within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters are putting their support behind Vice President Harris in November, despite the wider unions decision to withhold a presidential endorsement this year.

Michigan Teamsters President Kevin Moore and the Executive Board on behalf of 245,000 active and retired Teamsters enthusiastically endorse the Harris-Walz campaign, Kevin D. Moore, president of the Michigan Teamsters Joint Council No. 43, said Wednesday in a document posted to Facebook.

We strongly support their continued commitment to the issues that matter most to working families and our nations middle class, Moore continued. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have consistently demonstrated their dedication to championing the labor movement, safeguarding social security, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Americans, including womens reproductive rights.

Teamsters General President Sean OBrien told The Hill on Wednesday that his union didnt back Harris or former President Trump because both candidates didnt commit on the core issues that we need to get accomplished on behalf of our members.

Other unions that got behind the vice presidents bid include Teamsters Joint Council 42. According to the local unions website, it represents 23 Teamsters Union Locals located in Southern California, Southern Nevada, Guam, Saipan and Hawaii.

The 300,000 Teamsters who work across California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam are fundamental to the American economy, not only producing and transporting goods, but also providing essential services throughout the private and public sectors, Joint Council 42 President Chris Griswold said in a post on its Facebook page. They deserve a committed administration that will relentlessly advocate for their rights, ensure their safety, and prioritize the needs of working people.

Harriss bid for the presidency likely hinges on her ability to capture a handful of battleground states like Michigan and Nevada. According to the polling average from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, she is leading Trump 48.6 percent to 47.2 percent in the Wolverine State. In the Silver State, the Democratic nominee is ahead 47.8 percent to her GOP rivals 46.5 percent, the polling index found.

Harriss campaign referenced the endorsements from the local unions in a press release Wednesday, also stating that the vice president has received the overwhelming support of organized labor because, while she has spent her entire career championing labor, Donald Trump celebrated firing striking workers and his Project 2025 agenda would fundamentally undermine the right to organize.

The Hill has reached out to the Teamsters.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Its true not all heroes wear capes. A Michigan sheriffs deputy didnt need one as she leapt into the window of a moving car on a busy highway to rescue a 63-year-old driver suffering from a medical emergency.

The viral video circulating online is from an incident that occurred Sept. 12 in Mount Clemens, just outside of Detroit.

According to the Macomb County Sheriffs Office, deputies Nicole Miron and Anthony Gross were dispatched after receiving calls of an erratic driver in the area.

Sheriff's Deputy Nicole Miron.

Its a typical call. We get a lot of be on the lookouts for possible drunk drivers, Miron said.

But after seeing the silver GMC Sierra swerving and hitting the curb but only driving slowly, Miron said she knew something was off.

The vehicle wasnt responding. The driver wasnt responding to us. He wasnt going very fast. It was about 5 miles an hour, so it wasnt like he was evading us or trying to get away. It was just kind of like he didnt realize we were behind him, she said.

I had him pull up next to the vehicle so that we could kind of get a visual on what was going on, and I could tell it was an elderly male in the vehicle driving. It seemed as if he was having some sort of medical issue.

Sheriff's Deputy Anthony Gross.

With time quickly running out, Miron and Gross made a snap decision to try and prevent other drivers from getting hurt.

It was like spur of the moment, just feeling everything out, and then we finally just decided on it, like, Hey, this is what we are going to do, Gross said.

Miron and Gross pulled up next to the vehicle with the unresponsive driver and attempted to break the glass window on the drivers side.

That didnt work, but Miron said the noise brought the driver back to consciousness and he was able to lower the window.

The car stopped for a brief second when the driver hit the brakes.

And at that point, I let them know. I said, Im gonna jump in the vehicle, so I have to ride over and put the vehicle in park, Miron added.

She made the daring jump in just a matter of seconds.

Once inside the car, Miron put the vehicle in park and was able to call for medical backup.

I used his phone to call his next contact in there that would have been listed. I just let them know kind of what happened. And I asked his medical history to see what was going on, to ... explain more of what we were dealing with, Miron said.

The driver was taken to a nearby hospital and has since recovered, according to Miron.

When asked if she was fearful about making the jump, Miron said she didnt think twice.

I guess I was just willing to do whatever I had to do at that point to stop them, because we were running out of options. So I guess you weigh out the situation, just eliminate each one thats not going to work and use what works.

Still, the newly found viral success has been a bit unexpected for both Gross and Miron.

Were a little bit overwhelmed, but I mean to us, I dont feel like it was as crazy, she said. But after the fact, looking back, I think we we looked at each other like, Oh, my God, I cant believe we just did that.
A death row inmate in Missouri who has long claimed his innocence and is scheduled to be executed in less than one week asked the US Supreme Court on Wednesday for a stay of execution, arguing his due process rights were denied during the yearslong legal battle to save his life.

Marcellus Williams, 55, was convicted of first-degree murder in 2001 in the death of Felicia Gayle, a one-time newspaper reporter found stabbed to death in her home in 1998. His execution is set for September 24.

In court documents, lawyers for Williams note former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens previously halted Williams execution indefinitely and formed a board to investigate his case and determine whether he should be granted clemency.

The Board investigated Williams case for the next six years  until Governor Michael Parson abruptly terminated the process, the lawyers write.

When Parson took office, he dissolved the board and revoked Williams stay of execution, the petition notes. Parsons decision denied Williams his right to due process, Williams lawyers say.

The Governors actions have violated Williams constitutional rights and created an exceptionally urgent need for the Courts attention, the court documents state.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney said earlier this year that there were constitutional errors in Williams original criminal trial, the court documents state, citing issues including the removal of at least one prospective Black juror due to race.

These would be key issues for the Board of Inquirys consideration in whether to recommend clemency instead of execution  if the Governor had not wrongly dissolved the Board, the documents state.

Prosecutors raised some of those issues in a motion to vacate Williams conviction, which a judge rejected earlier this month.

The NAACP is calling on Parson to halt Williams execution, noting that the death penalty has been historically applied in a racially disparate manner, particularly in Missouri.

Killing Mr. Williams, a Black man who was wrongfully convicted of killing a White woman, would amount to a horrible miscarriage of justice and a perpetuation of the worst of Missouris past, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and Missouri State Conference President Nimrod Chapel Jr. wrote in an open letter to Parson.

On Wednesday, US Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri also sent a letter to Parson urging him to stop Williams execution.

As lawmakers, we are committed to building a Missouri that is a beacon of justice, and we strive daily to represent the needs and demands of Missourians across the state, the letter states. For this reason, we are urging you to immediately commute Mr. Williams sentence and halt his execution.

Highlighting the efforts of Williams attorneys to prove his innocence, Bush said executing Williams would be a grave injustice and would do serious and lasting harm.

CNNs Dakin Andone, John Fritze and Evan Perez contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Miguel Pereira and Guillermo Martinez

AVEIRO DISTRICT, Portugal (Reuters) -A wave of deadly wildfires in Portugal has pushed emergency services to the limit and much-needed reinforcements arrived on Wednesday from Spain and Morocco, authorities said, as cooler weather also brought a glimmer of hope.

At least seven people have died due to the blazes in the Aveiro and Viseu districts, with dozens of houses destroyed and tens of thousands of hectares of forest and scrubland consumed. Authorities have mobilised more than 5,000 firefighters.

Reuters footage showed local residents in the northwestern Aveiro district - one of the worst-hit - distributing food and water to exhausted fire engine crews, wishing them "strength in the combat".

"We know they are very tired. And then, as they don't have access to food and water, we are trying to help, and it's our way of thanking them," one volunteer, Cristina Almeida, said.

A specialised emergencies team of 270 Spanish military personnel would be deployed in the central Viseu district from Wednesday and up to four heavy water-bombing aircraft were expected to arrive from Morocco, civil protection authority said.

Spain, Italy and France have already sent two water-bombing aircraft each after the Portuguese government on Monday requested help under the EU civil protection mechanism.

"We are in a stressful situation, at the limit of our capabilities," civil protection chief Duarte Costa told CNN Portugal, adding that the reinforcements would allow for some rotation of exhausted Portuguese firefighters and aircraft maintenance.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information Service showed that large-scale blazes had burned an area of more than 90,000 hectares (347 square miles) since Saturday, making this year's total of at least 124,000 ha the widest burned area since 2017, when Portugal suffered two devastating wildfires that killed more than 100 people.

After temperatures that had kept above 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) since the weekend, officials expected cooler air to help with the firefighting effort in the coming days, but the meteorological situation in general remained unfavourable, civil protection commander Andre Fernandes told reporters.

At least some of the dozens of fires across Portugal have been started by arsonists, motivated by possible commercial interest, spite or criminal negligence, police said, and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro vowed to "spare no effort in repressive action" against such crimes.

Police said in a statement they had arrested 12 people since Saturday suspected of arson in the districts of Aveiro, Leiria, Castelo Branco, Porto and Braga.

(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves, Susana Vera, Miguel Pereira, Guillermo Martinez, Silvio Castellanos, Pedro Nunes; writing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alex Richardson)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China said on Thursday its Liaoning aircraft carrier had been on a routine training mission in the western Pacific and dismissed charges by Tokyo that the vessel and its escorts had entered Japanese waters.

In the latest incident in a drawn-out dispute between Beijing and Tokyo over maritime activities, Japan's defence ministry said on Wednesday the carrier and two accompanying destroyers had sailed between Japan's southern Yonaguni and Iriomote islands in waters where Japan can exert control.

China's defence ministry responded on Thursday by saying the vessels were on a training exercise that was in line with relevant international laws. It did not give an exact location for the flotilla.

"There is no need for relevant parties to over-interpret it," the defence ministry said in a statement.

Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Moriya said on Wednesday that Tokyo had conveyed its serious concerns to Beijing, describing the incident as "utterly unacceptable".

Japan would continue to closely monitor Chinese naval vessels' activities in the surrounding waters, Moriya said.

An increase in Chinese military activity near Japan and around the island of Taiwan in recent years has worried Tokyo. Japan has responded with a defence buildup it says aims to deter China from using military force to push its territorial claims in the region.

Last month, Japan lodged a protest with Beijing after a Chinese navy survey vessel entered Japanese waters. It also accused a Chinese spyplane of breaching its airspace.

(Reporting by Laurie Chen and Beijing Newsroom; Writing by Laurie Chen; editing by Philippa Fletcher and Angus MacSwan)
WARSAW (Reuters) - Central Europe is experiencing the worst floods in at least two decades, with a trail of destruction from Romania to Poland and and the deaths of at least 23 people so far.

Below are the main facts on the current situation in affected countries, estimated costs of damages and governments' help.

POLAND

* Four provinces in southwestern Poland are covered by the highest level of hydrological warnings against level 3 floods.

* The Polish defence ministry said more than 14,000 soldiers had been deployed to flood-hit regions.

* Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the damage caused by the floods will reach billions of zlotys. Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski told a crisis meeting that 2 billion zlotys ($521 million) in funds had been secured for immediate help.

* Minister for Funds and Regional DevelopmentKatarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz said 1.5 billion zlotys from Poland's European Union funds would be redirectedto reconstruction, with another 3.5 billion zlotys potentiallyallocated to building floodwalls, reservoirs and dams.

HUNGARY

* The peak levels of the flood have entered Hungary and it is expected to last until Thursday. The flood is expected to fall short of the record levels seen in 2013.

* The emergency reservoir near Mosonmagyarovar has been opened, which is expected to lower the water level on the Leitha river by 20 cm.

* The defence effort is underway on 544 km of rivers in Hungary in total, with the highest degree of flood alert in place on 225 km.

* Nearly 4,400 people are involved in the defence effort, including 1,288 water management personnel, 1,677 soldiers, 312 police officers and 117 prisoners.

* The River Danube is expected to peak in Budapest late on Saturday with 846 cm, below its 2013 record of 891 cm.

THE CZECH REPUBLIC

* Rising rivers affected nearly all parts of the Czech Republic, except for some western areas.

* The hardest-hit regions were in the northeast, along the Polish border, in an area spanning more than 100 km. Parts of the country's third-largest city Ostrava, with a population of around 295,000, were hit by flooding.

* Flooding affected 10 square km and 6,500 buildings in Opava, a city of 56,000 just west of Ostrava.

* Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said damage could be in the ballpark of around 100 billion Czech crowns ($4.44 billion). That is equal to about 1.25% of gross domestic product.

* The Czech Insurance Association's (CAP) first estimate of flood damage for insured property reached 17 billion crowns.

AUSTRIA

* The hardest-hit part of Austria has been the province of Lower Austria, which surrounds Vienna and borders the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

* Chancellor Karl Nehammer said the federal disaster fund will increase to 1 billion euros ($1.11 billion) and companies severely affected by flooding will be able to postpone tax payments.

ROMANIA

* Rainfall in Romania and subsequent flash floods affected dozens of villages and small towns across eight counties, with the eastern counties of Galati and Vaslui the worst hit.

* While the government is still assessing the total cost of the damages, initial estimates show roughly 6,500 homes have been damaged, impacting more than 15,000 people.

* The coalition government has allocated 100 million lei ($22.37 million) in immediate aid to families affected by floods. The county council of Galati has allocated just under 1 million lei to cover initial clean up costs, including the removal of dead animals.

* Romania has a mandatory home insurance scheme for natural disasters including earthquakes, floods and landslides, but the insurance pool overseeing the scheme says average coverage rates in rural areas of Galati and Vaslui are at 7% and 8%, respectively, sharply below the national average of 23%.

SLOVAKIA

* Slovakia's Environment Minister Tomas Taraba said the Danube had peaked at nearly 10 m (32.81 ft) and water levels would now slowly fall. He said damage caused by floods throughout the country was estimated at 20 million euros.

($1 = 3.8372 zlotys)

($1 = 22.5300 Czech crowns)

($1 = 0.8990 euros)

($1 = 4.4702 lei)

(Reporting by Anna Koper in Warsaw, Gergely Szakacs in Budapest, Luiza Ilie in Bucharest and Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
FILE - Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, left, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, attend the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial Meeting at the State Department, Jan. 30, 2024, in Washington. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Government scientists and artificial intelligence experts from at least nine countries and the European Union will meet in San Francisco after the U.S. elections to coordinate on safely developing AI technology and averting its dangers.

President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday announced a two-day international AI safety gathering planned for November 20 and 21. It will happen just over a year after delegates at an AI Safety Summit in the United Kingdom pledged to work together to contain the potentially catastrophic risks posed by AI advances.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told The Associated Press it will be the first get-down-to-work meeting after the UK summit and a May follow-up in South Korea that sparked a network of publicly backed safety institutes to advance research and testing of the technology.

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Among the urgent topics likely to confront experts is a steady rise of AI-generated fakery but also the tricky problem of how to know when an AI system is so widely capable or dangerous that it needs guardrails.

Were going to think about how do we work with countries to set standards as it relates to the risks of synthetic content, the risks of AI being used maliciously by malicious actors," Raimondo said in an interview. "Because if we keep a lid on the risks, its incredible to think about what we could achieve.

Situated in a city that's become a hub of the current wave of generative AI technology, the San Francisco meetings are designed as a technical collaboration on safety measures ahead of a broader AI summit set for February in Paris. It will occur about two weeks after a presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris  who helped craft the U.S. stance on AI risks  and former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to undo Biden's signature AI policy.

Raimondo and Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that their agencies will co-host the convening, which taps into a network of newly formed national AI safety institutes in the U.S. and UK, as well as Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Singapore and the 27-nation European Union.

The biggest AI powerhouse missing from the list of participants is China, which isn't part of the network, though Raimondo said were still trying to figure out exactly who else might come in terms of scientists.

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I think that there are certain risks that we are aligned in wanting to avoid, like AIs applied to nuclear weapons, AIs applied to bioterrorism, she said. Every country in the world ought to be able to agree that those are bad things and we ought to be able to work together to prevent them.

Many governments have pledged to safeguard AI technology but they've taken different approaches, with the EU the first to enact a sweeping AI law that sets the strongest restrictions on the riskiest applications.

Biden last October signed an executive order on AI that requires developers of the most powerful AI systems to share safety test results and other information with the government. It also delegated the Commerce Department to create standards to ensure AI tools are safe and secure before public release.

San Francisco-based OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, said last week that before releasing its latest model, called o1, it granted early access to the U.S. and UK national AI safety institutes. The new product goes beyond the company's famous chatbot in being able to perform complex reasoning and produce a "long internal chain of thought" when answering a query, and poses a medium risk in the category of weapons of mass destruction, the company has said.

Since generative AI tools began captivating the world in late 2022, the Biden administration has been pushing AI companies to commit to testing their most sophisticated models before theyre let out into the world.

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That is the right model," Raimondo said. That being said, right now, its all voluntary. I think we probably need to move beyond a voluntary system. And we need Congress to take action.
Newly released satellite imagery shows the devastation caused by flooding in central Europe over the past week.

Poland, Romania, Austria and the Czech Republic have reported several deaths and mass destruction to towns as rivers flood from extensive rainfall.

According to Reuters, at least 23 people have died from the flooding across Europe. Four deaths have been reported in the Czech Republic. Seven people were killed in Romania and in Poland. Five people are dead in Austria.

Images from Maxar Technologies show the flooding damage in Stronie Slaskie, a town in Klodzko County, Poland. On Sunday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Klodzko County was the hardest-hit area of the country, according to Reuters.

In the images, roads are washed away, flooding still plagues the town, and mud cakes the ground where floodwaters have receded.

In more before and afters from Maxar Technologies, homes and fields are also seen damaged by floodwaters from the Biala Ladecka River in a different part of the town.

Before-and-after images from Glucholazy, Poland, show similar sights.

The first image from February 2019 shows a river flowing under a bridge through the town. In the after image, remnants of that bridge can be seen along the flooded river.

Buildings damaged by floodwaters, debris and mud are also visible. The bridge in the town was washed away on Sunday, according to Reuters.

A closer photo shows more damage to homes and fields in Glucholazy.

More images from Maxar Technologies show the devastation to parts of the Czech Republic as well.

Over the weekend, thousands of people were evacuated in the Czech Republic because of flooding, according to Reuters.

In Mikulovice, Czech Republic, floodwaters from the river breached the town, flooding homes and buildings, according to satellite images from Maxar Technologies.

In the town of Ostrava, dozens of buildings and fields can be seen underwater. Satellite images from Kravare, Czech Republic, also show hundreds of homes and businesses inundated by floodwaters.

According to Reuters, water levels in the Czech Republic on Wednesday were mostly receding, but rivers were still peaking in some parts of the country.





Original article source: Before-and-after images reveal destruction in central Europe after deadly flooding
The energy recovery facility (ERF) is planned for industrial land at the edge of Portland Port. [Powerfuel Portland]

A new waste incinerator on the south coast of England will hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions in Dorset, its council leader and campaigners have said.

The facility, planned for land on Portland Port, was given the go-ahead by the government, despite initially being refused by Dorset Council.

Council leader Nick Ireland said it would also harm the area's tourism industry.

Powerfuel Portland said its plant would allow Dorset's non-recyclable waste to be "managed locally in a more sustainable way".

The developer had appealed a decision by the council to refuse planning permission for its proposed energy recovery facility (ERF) on industrial land at the edge of Portland Port.

Dorset Council had cited concerns over its visual impact, pollution and lorries.

Following a public enquiry in December, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said on Monday that planning permission had been granted.

Powerfuel Portland said the 150m facility would have the capacity to process up to 202,000 tonnes of waste per year and create enough energy to power about 30,000 homes.

The chimney stack at the incinerator, in use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, would stand at 262ft (80m) tall.

It said hazardous or clinical waste would not be burned.

In her decision to give the plan the go-ahead, Rushanara Ali, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness, said she agreed with the planning inspectorate that the environmental impact was within regulations.

She also said it would have "no harmful impact on the landscape and scenic beauty, or setting of the Dorset National Landscape" and "no injurious effect" on the Unesco Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Nick Ireland said the plant was not needed [BBC]

Leader of the Liberal Democrat-run council, Mr Ireland said there were "huge consequences" to the decision.

"Dorset Council has a net zero target - this effectively knee caps us.

"There is no imperative that requires the generation of electricity from burning rubbish - there are better ways of generating electricity.

"In the end, burning stuff generates CO2. It generates emissions and these emissions are going to be spewed out at the top of Portland."

He dismissed the benefits that it would create employment, saying job numbers would be "fairly low".

"But if you put that against the potential impact on the tourism industry - do you want to sit on Weymouth beach and look at a power plant?

"Generally, [the emissions] will be heading your way because of the prevailing wind directions."

South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton has also called for the plan to be scrapped.

Campaigners have opposed the plans for the incinerator at Portland Port [BBC]

The Stop Portland Waste Incinerator group, which had campaigned against the plan, said the government's decision was "beyond disappointing".

"Here on the Jurassic Coast, Englands only natural world heritage coastline tells mankind that climate change is an existential matter," a statement from the group said.

"Burning one tonne of waste emits one tonne of greenhouse gases. Building an incinerator at Portland Port and shipping waste here makes no sense at all."

Portland Port previously said the power plant was "vital to this ports future" by allowing it to offer shore power to docked cruise ships.

In a statement following the government announcement, it said it "welcomes the decision" to grant planning permission.

"Portland Port will work with Powerfuel as a commercial operator on the port estate, as it does with all other occupiers, to facilitate operations and take the next steps forward," it added.

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

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MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (FOX 2) - A bubbling feud between Oakland County and Macomb County over the claims untreated water from the former was released into a canal that meanders through the latter is continuing to draw rebukes from both sides, which each pointing fingers at the other.

In Macomb County, the public works commissioner Candice Miller has for years blamed its neighbors to the west for allowing dirty water with garbage and wet wipes to pollute the red run drain, which travels through Warren.

But in Oakland County, the water resource commissioner, Jim Nash, says their neighbors to the east are not keeping up with investments to maintain their own clean water.

"It's not the first time false claims have been made against this facility," he said, standing in the George W. Kuhn retention facility in Madison Heights. The plant goes into action during periods of heavy rain, treating the extra water runoff that arrives during extreme weather.

Tensions between the two bodies have escalated to the legislative level, where proposals would require Oakland County to separate its storm water from its sewage.

Michigan's counties typically use water infrastructure that is called combined sewer overflow - or CSO - which combines waste water and stormwater. Separating them would require billions of dollars in costs that would be levied on taxpayers, Nash said, adding it would provide little benefit.

"We are not the source of their pollution and muck problem," he said.

But Miller sees it differently.

"If it is acceptable to Oakland County, they will not mind when Macomb County builds a steel wall across the discharge canal and let them handle their own treated sewer water," she said.

In 2020, Miller stood next to trees along the Red Run Drain that were draped in garbage. The video, posted on YouTube, outlined what she said was wrong with Oakland County's water treatment systems.

Earlier this year, her department sent a letter to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to lament the polluted water entering Lake St. Clair, despite it's $100 million investment to reduce its overflows.

The letter claims Oakland County "continues to discharge partially treated sewage directly into Macomb" and sends "billions of gallons" of the liquid into the Red Run Drain.

But Oakland County officials claim third-party studies have found the water is clean. Commissioner Dave Woodward, who was at the press conference on Wednesday, pointed to people playing politics amid the spat.

"It is the most irresponsible thing I've ever seen done of a public leader," he said of leadership at Macomb County.

Nash told FOX 2 the incident that led to the pollution Miller stood next to was due to a sewer interceptor that broke. It has since been fixed.

"Unfortunately, it backed up, and the choice is between releasing it into the environment or releasing it into peoples' basements, and were not going to release it into peoples' basements," said Nash.

Oakland County is currently working to secure a new permit for managing its groundwater. Miller is calling on EGLE to not renew the permit.

"You really need to separate your sewers, which is very expensive. I understand that," said Miller. "But at a minimum, they need to build bigger retention so that you would store it, treat it, and then send it down to Detroit for proper treatment."

According to Nash, Oakland County has the largest storage site for stormwater in Michigan, with plans to add another 25 million gallons of capacity.

EGLE told FOX 2 the George W. Kuhn facility at the center of the issue meets all state and federal regulations.

It's been in talks with both counties and plans to convene a meeting with lawmakers on Oct. 8 as a new groundwater permit is worked out.
For the second time, Buttigieg is playing the GOP VP candidate as part of Democrats' debate prep. Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images; David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images;

For the second time in four years, Pete Buttigieg is playing the GOP VP candidate in debate prep.

Buttigieg is playing Sen. JD Vance as Gov. Tim Walz prepares for the October 1 debate.

The Transportation Secretary recently joked that he was "still recovering" from playing Mike Pence.

As Tim Walz prepares for his debate with Sen. JD Vance, the Minnesota governor already reportedly has a stand-in for his vice presidential foe.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been playing Vance in debate rehearsals with Walz, The Washington Post first reported on Thursday.

The Post also reported that the VP candidate was practicing with Buttigieg and taking notes on a yellow legal pad in a Minneapolis hotel on Wednesday.

It's not the first time that Buttigieg has played a Republican vice presidential candidate. In 2020, the former South Bend mayor took on the role of Vice President Mike Pence in debate prep sessions with Kamala Harris.

Buttigieg was previously asked on MSNBC in August whether he'd be willing to play Vance in a debate.

"Obviously, I'll make myself however I can, although I'm still recovering a little bit from the experience of trying to inhabit the mind of Mike Pence," Buttigieg said at the time. "I'll do anything to help this ticket win, but I don't know if it will come to that."

"For anyone from the Harris campaign who's watching, it sounds like Mayor Pete is saying he's willing to embody JD Vance for a period of time," host Jen Psaki joked.

Vance and Walz are set to debate on October 1 in New York City.

"This debate will serve as another clear opportunity for Governor Walz to present Vice President Harris' winning vision of a New Way Forward to the American people who are ready to turn the page on Donald Trump," Emily Soong, a spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign, told Business Insider in a statement.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Demonstrators gather in support of the Palestinian people at a rally for Gaza at the Israeli Consulate in New York City on Oct. 9.

The Uncommitted Movement of pro-Palestinian Democrats is withholding its endorsement from Vice President Kamala Harris after she rebuffed its latest request, the group announced Thursday, while also making clear its opposition to former President Donald Trump and the third-party candidates who might inadvertently help elect him.

Vice President Harriss unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear campaign statement in support of upholding existing U.S. and international human rights law has made it impossible for us to endorse her, the group said in a news release shared with NBC News ahead of its release.

The group said Harris had given it the cold shoulder and fumbled by refusing even the small gesture of allowing a Palestinian American speaker at last months Democratic National Convention.

Now, the Vice Presidents campaign is courting Dick Cheney while sidelining disillusioned anti-war voices, pushing them to consider third-party options or to sit this important election out, the group said.

Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The group said the matter of utmost importance to pro-Palestinian voters is stopping Trump, whose agenda includes plans to accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing.

We must block Donald Trump, which is why we urge Uncommitted voters to vote against him and avoid third-party candidates that could inadvertently boost his chances, as Trump openly boasts that third parties will help his candidacy, the group said.

Green Party nominee Jill Stein and left-wing third-party candidate Cornel West have both focused heavily on recruiting voters sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, each selecting a Muslim American running mate and speaking last week at a gathering of disaffected Arab Americans in Dearborn, Michigan.

Their work appears to be paying off, according to interest group polls that indicate Stein and West performing much better among Muslim and Arab Americans than they are among Americans overall.

The Uncommitted Movement emerged as a result of Democratic voters expressing dissatisfaction with this years Democratic presidential primaries. President Joe Biden was running essentially unopposed, so voters looking to register their displeasure with his support for Israels bombardment of Gaza after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks selected the uncommitted option on ballots, instead.

More than 700,000 voters ended up selecting uncommitted, sending 30 uncommitted delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Drowned out amid the nearly 4,000 delegates at the convention, the uncommitted bloc was too small to push any changes in the partys platform or rules, but it was large enough to force organizers to take their presence seriously  as well as their potential to disrupt the proceedings.

Still, the delegates strongly preferred Harris over Biden, believing she was more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and persuadable, so they did not disrupt the convention, even after organizers told them there would be no room on the schedule for a Palestinian American speaker.

Instead, uncommitted delegates staged a sit-in outside the convention hall and set a new deadline of Sept. 15 for Harris to meet with Palestinian American families in Michigan who had lost loved ones in Gaza.

That request was rebuffed, as well, according to the group, leading it to issue of the non-endorsement of Harris.

All along, the delegates have insisted they are loyal Democrats who despise Trump. They said they needed something to take home to their community to show they had Harris ear. But that loyalty also meant Harris campaign most likely understood that it had the upper hand in any negotiations with the delegates, who were loath to do anything that might help Trump.

And now, while it is not endorsing Harris, the movement also seems to be steering its supporters to her by saying Trump and third-party candidates are off the table, encouraging them to turn out and register anti-Trump votes.

Pro-war forces like AIPAC may want to drive us out of the Democratic Party, the group said, referring to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel lobbying group. But were here to stay.
"Shark Tank" is introducing a new shark this season.

Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks, will officially join the panel of full-time sharks for Season 16 of the ABC reality TV series, the network announced Sept. 18.

Lubetzky, who's been a frequent guest on the business competition, will take a permanent seat alongside longtime sharks and fellow entrepreneurs Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin OLeary when Season 16 premieres Oct. 18.

Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks, joins "Shark Tank" as a full-time shark in Season 16.

"As a guest Shark for the past five seasons, Daniel has earned his spot with the Sharks, executive producer Clay Newbill said in a statement. He is a self-made founder of a multibillion-dollar company, has all the qualities we look for in a Shark, and possesses an authentic desire to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Daniel is a welcome addition to our panel, and we look forward to working with him for many seasons to come.

Entrepreneurs who are scheduled to appear as guest sharks in Season 16 include Todd Graves, owner and founder of Raising Canes; Jamie Kern Lima, co-founder of IT Cosmetics; Rashaun Williams, venture capitalist and Atlanta Falcons limited partner; and returning guest shark Kendra Scott, philanthropist and founder of the Kendra Scott lifestyle brand.

News of Lubetzky's promotion comes on the heels of Cuban's announcement last year that Season 16 of "Shark Tank" will be his last.

The business mogul and Dallas Mavericks co-owner shared the news during a November 2023 appearance on the Showtime podcast All the Smoke."

Mark Cuban previously announced that the upcoming 16th season of "Shark Tank" will be his last.

Cuban first appeared on the show as a guest investor during its second season. He was promoted to a full-time shark in Season 3 and has remained on the panel ever since.

Cuban told "All the Smoke" hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson that he liked "Shark Tank" because "it sends the message the American Dream is alive and well.

I feel like in doing Shark Tank all these years, weve trained ... multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet of Shark Tank and show their business and get a deal, thats going to inspire generations of kids," he said.

Season 16 of Shark Tank premieres Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (D) has rejected a debate with Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) in their gubernatorial race, citing the many controversial statements the GOP nominee has made throughout his career.

Stein campaign spokeswoman Kate Frauenfelder said in a statement that engaging with Robinson for a debate would only give him a platform to spread his vile and dangerous rhetoric.

Mark Robinson has spent his entire public life spewing hate, lying about his record, and spreading dangerous and false conspiracy theories. A debate would only serve to legitimize him and provide a platform for his vile and dangerous rhetoric, and we wont be part of that, Frauenfelder said.

Stein had previously indicated he expected he would debate Robinson but stayed noncommittal, while Robinson had been pressing Stein for debates and already agreed to participate in one with Spectrum News. He challenged Stein to a debate directly in a post on the social platform X on Tuesday.

Robinson has rallied enthusiasm among those on the right as a fierce defender of gun rights and close ally to former President Trump, but his career has also been marked by controversy surrounding a wide range of comments he has made concerning numerous groups.

He has described homosexuality and transgenderism as filth, called Muslims invaders and made derogatory comments about Jews and Black voters who support Democrats. He has also referred to abortion as murder and genocide, though he has seemingly softened his stance on the issue during the campaign.

Steins campaign has gone after Robinson particularly on the issue of abortion, accusing him of being an extremist.

Robinsons campaign slammed Steins decision on the debate, arguing it is not fair to North Carolina voters.

Steins refusal to participate in a debate deprives North Carolina voters of a gubernatorial debate in the general election for the first time in decades, said Mike Lonergan, the communications director for the Robinson campaign. This proves that his empty talking points about democracy are nothing more than cheap cynicism from a dishonest and self-serving career politician taking North Carolina voters for granted.

Stein has argued that democracy is on the ballot this year in North Carolina, with a Republican supermajority in charge of the state Legislature and pushing through various electoral reforms.

Polling has signaled reason for optimism for Stein; he has opened up a 12-point lead in the polling average kept by The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.

But members of both parties have said they ultimately expect a closer finish in the battleground state, which has a history of tight races. Polling in both of the past two gubernatorial races underestimated the Republicans performance by several points.

A gubernatorial nominee passing on debates against their opponent is not unheard of in recent times. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) rejected debating Republican Kari Lake during their gubernatorial race in 2022, on similar grounds to Steins rationale for not debating Robinson.

Hobbs narrowly defeated Lake to be elected governor by less than 1 point.

But its been decades since such a decision was made in North Carolina. The New York Times reported that if Stein and Robinson ultimately do not debate, it will break a tradition in the state intact since 1972.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Medha Singh and Noel Randewich

(Reuters) - While former U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will not sell his $1.7 billion stake in Trump Media after restrictions likely expire on Thursday, other insiders could soon cash in their gains.

Trump Media & Technology Group is 57% owned by the Republican presidential candidate who told reporters last Friday that he does not plan to sell his shares.

Other major stakeholders who could soon sell their shares include United Atlantic Ventures and Patrick Orlando, whose fund, ARC Global Investments II, sponsored the blank-check company that merged with Trump Media in March. The two own a combined 11% of Trump Media, according to a company filing.

"Even if Trump doesn't, it would be interesting if other insiders begin selling because that would be a clue as to what they think his mindset is about selling," said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers.

Trump Media insiders could sell their shares as early as after the bell on Thursday if the stock ends the regular trading session at or above $12, according to a provision in the company's prospectus.

Shares were last down 4% at $15, extending sharp losses in recent weeks fueled by worries about the end of so-called lock-up period related to its stock market debut in March.

Trump and other insiders, including Chief Operating Officer Andrew Northwall, Chief Technology Officer Vladimir Novachki and director Donald Trump Jr., did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment on their plans after the lock-up expires.

Trump Media did not respond to a request for a comment.

The size of ARC's stake in Trump Media is in dispute. A Delaware judge this week ruled ARC Global should receive 8.19 million shares of Trump Media, more than the roughly 7 million shares that the company has said that ARC was entitled to.

Separately, Truth Social cofounders Andy Litinsky and Wes Moss have also sued TMTG for damages for preventing them from selling their stock sooner.

Orlando and Moss did not immediately reply to requests for comment, while Litinsky could not be reached for a comment.

Newly listed companies often see pressure on their stocks ahead of the end of their lock-up period, when insiders become free to sell their often considerable stakes.

Trump Media, which operates the Truth Social app, saw its value balloon to nearly $10 billion following its Wall Street debut, lifted by retail traders and traders who see it as a speculative bet on his chances of securing a second four-year term as president.

However, after reaching that peak, Trump Media shares have lost most of their value, with declines accelerating in recent weeks after President Joe Biden gave up his reelection bid on July 21, and Trump lost a lead in opinion polls ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election to Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Betting markets now show Harris with a modest advantage over Trump in a tight race.

Trump Media's revenue is equivalent to two Starbucks coffee shops, and strategists say its $3 billion stock market value is detached from its day-to-day business.

Its stock is trading at the equivalent of over 1,000 times its revenue, far exceeding the valuation of even AI superstar Nvidia, which recently traded at 24 times its revenue.

"The market couldn't absorb even a partial stake sale without some material damage to the stock," Sosnick said.

"Ultimately a lot will hinge on whether (Trump) keeps his word on not selling while the longer term prospects of the company are completely dependent upon his electoral prospects."

Insiders Stake as % of outstanding

TMTG shares

Donald Trump 56.6%

United Atlantic 5.5%

Ventures llc

ARC Global 5.5%

Investments

Phillip Juhan 0.2%

Devin Nunes 0.06%

Scott Glabe 0.01%

(Reporting by Noel Randewich and Medha Singh; Additional reporting by Lance Tupper and Tom Hals; Editing by Megan Davies and Diane Craft)
By Sriparna Roy

(Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Elanco Animal Health's skin disease treatment for dogs, the health regulator's website showed on Thursday, sending the company's shares up 2% in afternoon trade.

The oral drug, Zenrelia, aims to control pruritus, or itching, associated with allergic dermatitis and to control atopic dermatitis in dogs that are at least 12 months old.

Zenrelia, an immunosuppressant, is administered once daily, with or without food.

Elanco considers Zenrelia as one of its potential blockbusters. It is the company's first product in the market related to skin disease treatments for dogs, that include Zoetis' oral treatment Apoquel.

In a head-to-head study conducted in 338 dogs, Zenrelia showed greater relief from itching and skin lesions over time than Apoquel, Elanco said.

The study was conducted by the company for the drug's submission, to be reviewed, in the European Union.

The company plans to launch Zenrelia in the coming days, Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons said.

Elanco will price Zenrelia around 20% lower than Apoquel, Simmons said, adding that there will be some additional savings as Elanco's drug is dosed once-daily, while Apoquel is dosed twice-daily in the initial phase of treatment.

Zoetis did not immediately respond to a request for a comment on pricing.

Zenrelia belongs to a class of drugs known as JAK inhibitors, which block inflammation-causing enzymes known as Janus kinases.

In June, Elanco cautioned that the boxed warning on the drug label could slow its adoption in the United States.

The FDA approval for Zenrelia carries a boxed warning stating that dogs should not be vaccinated at least 28 days before and after treatment with the drug, due to the risk of fatal vaccine-induced disease and inadequate immune response to vaccines.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy and Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
By Moira Warburton, Richard Cowan and Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Senate will prepare stopgap spending bill that would avert a looming partial government shutdown, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Thursday, as House Republicans offered no hint as to what their next move would be.

"Time is not a luxury that Congress has right now," Schumer said on the Senate floor. He said lawmakers in the chamber would spend the next several days trying to reach a deal that Republicans and Democrats alike could support.

Congress must pass spending legislation before the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1 to avoid furloughing thousands of federal workers and shutting down a wide swath of government operations weeks before the Nov. 5 election.

A bill that would have paired six months of funding with controversial election-law changes opposed by Democrats failed in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Wednesday.

House of Representatives Republican leaders said on Thursday they were working on another approach, but did not provide details.

"We're having conversations and drawing up the next play," House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters.

Aside from election rules, the two sides are also at odds over how long they should extend temporary funding. Johnson has advocated for a six-month extension, which would take the issue off the table until next spring, when his Republicans could potentially control both the White House and Congress.

Democrats are pushing for a shorter three-month extension, which would require Congress to tackle the issue by the end of this year, when Democratic President Joe Biden will still be in the White House and Democrats are still in charge in the Senate.

A lengthy extension of the current $1.2 trillion funding plan also would hamper government operations because it would prevent agencies like the Department of Defense from launching new projects.

(Reporting by Moira Warburton, Andy Sullivan and Katharine Jackson; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell)
Gov. Gavin Newsom joined state and local leaders to sign legislation targeting homelessness and expanding affordable housing during an event at La Fenix Bridge Housing in San Franciscos Mission District on Thursday. Felix Uribe/Special to The Chronicle

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a package of bills intended to bolster Californias response to the dual homelessness and the housing crisis, he announced at a news conference in San Franciscos Mission District on Thursday morning.

Standing on the roof of La Fenix, an 157-unit Bridge Housing affordable housing complex that has 40 units set aside for formerly unhoused individuals, Newsom also introduced guidance for up to $2.2 billion in funding through Proposition 1, passed by California voters in March, to construct permanent supportive housing for individuals at risk of  or currently  experiencing homelessness.

S.F. Bay Area property map: Here's who owns every building in the region

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The housing program, which he has called Homekey+, would also be offered to veterans or individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders, regardless of whether they are unsheltered.

Newsom described the program as a revamped version of the existing Homekey model, which provides funding for cities to acquire and rehabilitate existing buildings with the goal of converting them into permanent affordable housing. Applications for the program will go live in November and funding will be distributed beginning in May 2025.

This legislature in the last four, five, six years has done more, arguably, than the last four or five legislatures have done in the last 40 or 50 years to address this crisis, said Newsom. Youve seen this tectonic mind-shift away from NIMBYism to YIMBYism  this shift around accountability  of understanding that state vision is realized at the local level.

He took to task cities like Huntington Beach, which he called performative in their approach to addressing the affordability gap  and vowed to turn up the heat for cities that turn their back on the housing crisis. The Orange County city had argued it was exempt from following state housing law, an argument a federal judge dismissed.

The Proposition 1 funding for the Homekey+ housing will generate more than 4,000 permanent housing units across the state  with services  for impacted individuals, half of which will be reserved for veterans with behavioral health needs, Newsom said.

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Many of the housing bills Newsom signed Thursday are aimed at compelling local governments to approve the construction of more homes, including by enforcing penalties against cities and counties that fail to abide by state requirements to accommodate new housing.

Every city has to participate in this process, said Assembly Member Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, whose bill was one of those signed into law Thursday morning. She recounted her experience as a child, growing up in a trailer. Inertia and status quo is no longer acceptable in California  we are going to change California and realize the true California dream.

Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday the state would be taking more urgent and aggressive action to address the states housing crisis by providing greater incentives and clarity for local jurisdictions to build more affordable housing, including by penalizing communities that shirk their state-mandated responsibilities around housing.

They include:

AB3093 by Assembly Member Chris Ward, D-San Diego introduces two new categories of residents cities must include in their housing plans: those who are acutely low-income, and extremely low-income. The law defines extremely low-income as 30% of the area median income, which in the neighborhood where Newsom signed the laws is about $50,000.

AB1886 by Assembly Member David Alvarez, D-San Diego, clarifies that local governments must adopt a housing plan approved by the state to comply with state housing element law. AB1886 aims to block arguments from local governments that have claimed they determined themselves to be in compliance after passing housing plans the state did not approve.

AB1893 by Wicks limits when local governments can reject Builders Remedy projects. Developers building moderate- and low-income housing can invoke the Builders Remedy and bypass some local zoning rules in cities and counties that the state has deemed out of compliance with state housing law.

SB1037 by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, makes it easier for Californias attorney general to force cities to plan for more housing.

AB2243 by Wicks expands provisions in California law that make it harder for cities to reject affordable housing projects near freeways, industrial sites and commercial areas, while creating exceptions for some parts of the coast.

AB2488 by Assembly Member Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, will help San Francisco finance projects converting office buildings into housing downtown.

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Cracking down on cities that reject housing projects has been a major component of Newsoms approach to addressing the housing crisis. In the past month he announced a settlement with the city of Elk Grove (Sacramento County) over its rejection of an affordable housing complex, and threatened a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk (Los Angeles County) for passing a measure banning new homeless shelters.
TEL AVIV  The Israeli military launched a new wave of attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday, after two days of device explosions that left the Middle East fearing all-out war.

The attack on southern Lebanon involved airstrikes and artillery but Israeli ground forces had not crossed the border, an Israeli official told NBC News.

The Israel Defense Forces announced the strikes  which it said were aimed at degrading the groups capabilities and infrastructure  just as the leader of the Iran-backed militant and political group began a much-anticipated response to the stunning attacks using walkie-talkies and pagers.

Two soldiers were killed in combat in northern Israel, the IDF said. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reported that four people were injured in raids on a town in southern Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency.

At least 37 people, including two children, were killed and thousands more injured across Lebanon, the countrys health minister said early Thursday  a rising toll from the wave of attacks that left the country reeling and the region on the brink.

As the world urged against further escalation after months of devastating war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israel indicated its focus had shifted to its northern border with Lebanon, declaring a new phase to its simmering monthslong conflict with Hezbollah.

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to this "new phase" in a video posted to X, noting that it will bring both risk and benefits. He warned that Hezbollah will pay an "increasing price" as time goes on.

"Hezbollah feels that it is being persecuted, and the sequence of military actions will continue," Gallant said. "Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes."

In Lebanon, the attacks left Hezbollah in disarray and an already beleaguered country rattled, with hospitals overwhelmed and the public fearful that mobile phones or other devices may explode.

In a speech Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said, there is no doubt that we have been exposed to a major and severe security and humanitarian blow, referring to the device explosions as an unprecedented terrorist attack, and noting that the explosions of roughly 4,000 devices wounded civilians, not just Hezbollah members.

He went on to call it an act of war against Lebanon, but did not specify how or when Hezbollah would retaliate.

The enemy has crossed all red lines and all laws in this attack, Nasrallah said, vowing that Israelis would not be able to achieve their goal of repopulating Israels evacuated northern areas without ending its military aggression, and reiterated that Hezbollah "will not stop before the aggression on Gaza stops."

As Nasrallah delivered his speech, Israeli warplanes flew over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier with sonic booms shaking the capital, in what appeared to be a show of might.

The Lebanese Army said Thursday that specialized units were detonating pagers and suspicious communication devices in various areas, warning the public to stay away from the blast sites and report any suspicious devices without approaching them.

A former senior Israeli security official told NBC that the devices were not detonated as part of a strategic decision, but because the military was trying to act while it was still possible to use the explosives.

They went on to say that Israel is not planning to go to war with Lebanon as of now.

The timing was not a strategic decision, but of necessity, because it became a kind of use it or lose it situation, the former official said.

The Israeli military said it was "operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes, as well as to achieve of all of the war goals."

In northern Israel earlier Thursday, at least eight people were injured by anti-tank fire from across the Lebanon border, health authorities said.

The center of gravity is moving northward  resources and forces are being allocated [to this front], Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said a day earlier in an address at an air base, without mentioning the explosions. We are at the start of a new phase in the war  it requires courage, determination and perseverance on our part, he said.

Gallant, in a separate post on X, said he spoke with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin overnight, briefing him on IDF operations in the southern and northern arenas, focusing on Israels defense against Hezbollah threats.

Two U.S. officials told NBC News that Israel told its ally it was going to do something in Lebanon, but they did not give any details, and that the U.S. was caught by surprise when the reports of the pager attacks emerged Tuesday.

While Israel has not taken direct responsibility for the attacks, the militant group and Lebanese officials also pinned the blame on Israel.

The country's foreign minister, Abdallah Rashid Bouhabib, is set to participate in an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council in New York on Friday.

Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, described the device explosions as "indiscriminate," "insane" and "barbaric" in a statement Thursday. He also criticized the U.S. for its continued support of Israel, describing the country as a "savage and murderous regime."

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reiterated the American position Thursday that it supports Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist groups but that the U.S. does not want to see escalation in the region.

"We think that the best way to solve the very real security challenge that Israel faces is through a diplomatic resolution that would allow thousands of Israeli citizens to return home and allow thousands of Lebanese citizens to return home," Miller said.

Exploding devices leave a trail from Taiwan to Bulgaria

Lebanons civil aviation agency Thursday directed all airlines flying out of its main airport in Beirut to prohibit passengers from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies, the state news agency NNA reported.

The agency also prohibited their transportation via freight cargo.

The Lebanese Telecommunications Ministry identified the exploding devices Wednesday as Icom V82s, a type of handheld walkie-talkie.

Osaka-based Icom said Thursday that it had not shipped that model for 10 years after it ceased production of the unit.

Icom walkie-talkies on display at a store in Tokyo.

Theres no way a bomb could have been integrated into one of our devices during manufacturing, Yoshiki Enomoto, a director at ICOM, said outside the companys headquarters Thursday.

"The process is highly automated and fast-paced, so theres no time for such things," he told Reuters.

Enomoto added that the company cannot confirm if the devices shipped by Icom to the Middle East a decade ago were involved in the explosions because it didn't put any hologram stickers on them, a common way of verifying the authenticity of products.

Icoms website lists the V82 as one of its most counterfeited products.

No parts other than those specified by our company are used in a product, Icom said in a statement. The firm declined NBC News request for further comment.

As authorities across the world scrambled to track how the devices that exploded made their way into the hands of Hezbollah, Bulgarias state news agency said Thursday that the country was investigating the possible involvement of a company registered there, without directly naming it.

Images of the pagers bore the name of a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, Gold Apollo, which said the devices were made by a Hungarian firm, BAC Consulting, that it said was authorized to use Gold Apollo's logo for product sales in certain regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are entirely handled by BAC."

Whether original Gold Apollo products were tampered with, or entirely fake ones manufactured, was still being investigated, a spokesperson for the Taiwanese Economic Affairs Ministry told NBC News.

Hungarian officials said that BAC Consulting was just a trading intermediary and that none of the pagers had been inside the country.

The company's chief executive, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that her company worked with Gold Apollo. But when asked about the pagers, she said over the phone, I dont make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong."

Barsony-Arcidiacono has since not responded to requests for further comment.

Raf Sanchez reported from Tel Aviv, Mithil Aggarwal reported from Hong Kong, Yuliya Talmazan from London and Doha Madani from New York.
The 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez at the hands of their 18- and 21-year-old sons are back in the spotlight due to the premiere of Netflix's "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."

The series, directed by Ryan Murphy, stars Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez, Chloe Sevigny as Kitty Menendez, and Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as Lyle and Erik Menendez, as it recounts the moments leading up to the grisly double murder in Beverly Hills  and what happened after.

Jose and Kitty Menendez were shot and killed in their Los Angeles home on Aug. 20, 1989, leaving a scene so gruesome it was initially investigated as a mob hit, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Their two sons, Joseph "Lyle" Menendez, now 56, and Erik Galen Menendez, now 53, were convicted in 1996 of killing their parents with shotguns after two trials, the first of which ended in hung juries.

More about 'Monsters'

<a href="https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/monsters-lyle-erik-menendez-cast-vs-real-people-rcna168424" target="_blank">How the cast of Netflixs Monsters: Lyle and Erik Menendez compare to the real people </a>

<a href="https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/menendez-brothers-mom-kitty-menendez-rcna171302" target="_blank">Who was the Menendez brothers' mom, Kitty Menendez? </a>

In the brothers' second trial, which was before a single jury and free of TV cameras, the judge ruled allegations of Jose Menendez abusing his children as inadmissible, though that was the defense's argument in the first trial.

Erik and Lyle Menendez have been imprisoned for more than half of their lives since their arrest in 1990. Allegations of sexual abuse from a member of Puerto Rican boy band Menudo against their father, included in the 2023 Peacock series "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed," but not included in their trials in the 1990s, could corroborate their claims  and potentially reopen their case.

Here's what to know about the Menendez brothers, the Menendez family's connections to Menudo and where the brothers are now.

What happened to Jose and Kitty Menendez?

Jose Menendez spent most of the early 1980s as chief operating officer at RCA Records, where he helped sign bands like Duran Duran, The Eurythmics and Menudo, according to the Los Angeles Times.

He moved his family to California after leaving RCA Records in 1986 to work for Carolco Pictures, according to the Times, and he purchased a 9,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills in October 1988.

The Beverly Hills home would become the infamous crime scene where Jose Menendez and his wife Mary "Kitty" Menendez were shot several times in their living room on Aug. 20, 1989 with two 12-gauge shotguns.

"It was just absolutely savage," Russ Olson, a former Beverly Hills police captain and murder investigator said of the crime scene on an episode of "Snapped," an Oxygen true crime documentary series. "You're looking at two human beings who had been ripped apart."

Jose Menendez, 45, was shot at point-blank range in the back of the head, and was struck three more times in the arms and legs. Kitty Menendez, 47, was shot four times in the head and five other times across her body.

"The bodies were distorted," Olson said. "They had no resemblance of what you would expect a human being to look like."

Then 21-year-old Lyle Menendez called 911 saying he and his then 18-year-old brother Erik Menendez had just returned home to find their parents slain.

"Somebody killed my parents," Lyle Menendez told the dispatcher, according to a transcript of the call. "Erik, get away from them," he could be heard shouting at his brother on the call.

Lyle and Erik Menendez sit in Beverly Hills Municipal Court where their attorneys delayed making pleas on behalf of the brothers on March 12, 1990.

When police arrived, neighbors could hear screams and officers found Erik Menendez curled in a ball, sobbing on the lawn, the Times reported.

How were the Menendez brothers caught?

Investigators described the murders as a "gangland-style killing," the Times reported citing police reports, and detectives suspected the slayings were perpetrated by mobsters or Jose Menendez's business rivals who may have had a grudge.

However, the Menendez brothers' financial behavior following the slayings began to attract the attention of investigators: Lyle Menendez bought a Porsche, a Rolex and thousands of dollars worth of clothing, while Erik Menendez purchased a custom Jeep Wrangler.

Shortly after police confiscated recordings of the brothers' therapy sessions which contained incriminating information, and about seven months after the murders, the couple's oldest son, Lyle Menendez, was arrested on March 8, 1990.

Erik Menendez surrendered to authorities three days later, and both brothers made their first appearance in court on March 12.

Why were there multiple trials?

Lyle and Erik Menendez leave the courtroom in Santa Monica, California, on Aug. 6, 1990.

The Menendez brothers were first tried jointly with separate juries in 1993. The case became a national sensation due to television coverage of the courtroom proceedings on Court TV.

In the first trial, the brothers argued they killed their parents because they feared for their safety after a lifetime of sexual abuse perpetrated by their father, and condoned by their mother. A family member testified about hearing of knowing the abuse as a child, ABC News reported.

Prosecutors argued the brothers had killed their parents for financial gain, and the trial ended with two deadlocked juries in January 1994, according to the New York Times.

Then Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti said he would retry the case and that he would not accept a plea bargain, according to the Times.

The brothers' were tried before a single jury for their second trial, which began in August 1995. Judge Stanley Weisberg, the judge in the second trial, ruled evidence and testimony about the brothers allegations of sexual abuse would be inadmissible in the new trial, citing irrelevance, the Los Angeles Times reported

Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in March 1996.

Both brothers were sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, according to the Associated Press.

What is Menudo and what are its ties to the Menendez family?

Menudo was a Puerto Rican boy band formed in 1977 by music producer Edgardo Diaz. The original lineup featured five boys in their early teens, and became an international sensation by the early 1980s  Ricky Martin even debuted in the group in 1984.

Once boys reached age 15 or 16, they would be replaced by younger members, former members recalled in "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed." (Peacock is of TODAY's parent company, NBCUniversal.)

Roy Rosello joined Menudo at age 13 in August 1983, and alleged in the documentary he was sexually abused by Diaz, the group's founder, for the three years he was in the band.

Diaz did not respond to a request for comment for the Peacock documentary or from NBC News, but he has repeatedly denied the allegations of sexual abuse against him from former members of the band.

Rosello also alleged in the series he was molested by Jose Menendez when Menendez was the head of RCA Records. Rosello said Diaz took him to Menendez's home, where Menendez drugged him and raped him.

"That's the man here," Rosello said in the series, pointing to a photo of Jose Menendez posing with Menudo after they signed to RCA in 1983. "This guy  that's the pedophile."

Erik Menendez said in "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed" he remembered seeing Rosello with his father in their home as a child.

"My dad was one of the guys that was choosing and selecting the new members of the group," he said. "I remember specifically taking one of the kids and going off and saying he wanted to talk to him alone and they went off into the house upstairs."

Robert Rand, a journalist and executive producer on "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed" who has been covering the brothers case for decades, told Erik Hernandez the news of Rosellos allegations against his father over the phone in the docuseries.

Frankly, to be honest, I feel horrible. Its sad to know there was another victim of my father, Erik Menendez said. I always hoped and believed that one day the truth about my dad would come out, but I never wished for it to come out like this  the result of trauma another child has suffered. It makes me very sad.

Lyle Hernandez said in the series the allegations were "overwhelming" to hear.

"We've heard rumors that something might have happened with Menudo through the years," he said. "It's a remarkable thing to happen so many decades later."

"Of course you would know that would have made a difference at trial," he told Rand. "Certainly that would have made an enormous difference because the entire trial centered on the belief about these events."

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office did not respond to questions from TODAY.com in 2023 seeking the status of the investigation into Rosellos police report, which he filed in November 2022.

Will the Menendez brothers ever be released?

Erik and Lyle Menendez are currently incarcerated at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, where they are not eligible for parole.

Attorneys for the Menendez brothers filed a habeas petition on May 4, 2023, according to court documents obtained by NBC News, based on new evidence uncovered in the Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed documentary that was not included in their trials in the 1990s. The petition also included a 1988 letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin complaining of ongoing abuse from his father.

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said in a statement to TODAY.com on Sept. 18, 2024 it was investigating the claims made in the petition, and that "the matter is pending the filing of informal response" by Sept. 26.

A previous statement from the district attorney's office to TODAY.com in May 2023 confirmed the office had received the petition and that it was under review.

Alan Jackson, a criminal defense attorney, outlined on TODAY in May 2023 what what would need to happen for the Menendez brothers to "breathe free air one of these days."

"First, they have to file the petition. The petition has to be reviewed by a superior court judge. The judge has to grant a new trial, and the defense has to win at trial," Jackson said. "So those procedural and factual hurdles  that's a big mountain to climb."

"Is this a glimmer of hope? It's a glimmer," Jackson continued.

Where are the Menendez brothers now?

An Oct. 31, 2016 photo of Erik Menendez and a Feb. 22, 2018 photo of Lyle Menendez, both provided by the California Department of Corrections.

Erik and Lyle Menendez began serving life sentences without the possibility of parole after they were convicted of murdering their parents in 1996.

Lyle Menendez is now 56 and his younger brother Erik Menendez is now 53, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The brothers were held at separate prisons until 2018, when they were both moved to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, where they are currently serving their sentence.

Rand told ABC News in 2018 that before their reunion, the brothers hadnt seen each other since Sept. 10, 1996.

Lyle Menendez was led down a hallway to meet his brother in a room in the prison, and once the guard opened the door, both brothers "burst into tears immediately," Rand said.

"They just hugged each other for a few minutes without saying any words to each other," Rand said. "Then the prison officials let them spend an hour together in a room."

Rand wrote in his book, "The Menendez Murders," that he also spent time with both brothers in 2024, when he was invited to see a large mural unveiled at the correctional facility, part of a beautification effort led in part by Lyle and Erik Menendez.

"Both brothers had big smiles on their faces," Rand wrote, adding they were all emotional during the 20-minute visit.





This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The 2024 WNBA regular season ends Thursday night with all 12 teams in action, although some games are much more important than others  at least when it comes to this years playoffs and the 2025 draft lottery.

Seven of the eight playoff berths have been clinched, with only the final one up for grabs tonight with the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics still in contention. Two of those teams could also drop into next years lottery for a shot at the No. 1 overall pick.

As for the teams that have already clinched playoff berths, theres still some seedings to be determined. The top two teams are locked into position, as are the No. 5, No. 6 and No. 7 spots, leaving the third and fourth seeds to be finalized.

Sound complicated? Its actually simpler than it appears. Here is a breakdown of whats at stake tonight, the schedule and the standings heading into the final day.

Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington (21) shoots against Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7) during a game on June 12. The two teams face off again, Thursday and the game could finalize both the No. 3 and No. 8 seeds in the 2024 playoffs.

WNBA schedule on final day of regular season

Six games are on tap Thursday night (all times ET):

Chicago Sky at Connecticut Sun, 7 p.m. (WNBA League Pass)

Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty, 7 p.m. (WNBA League Pass)

Indiana Fever at Washington Mystics, 7 p.m. (Amazon Prime)

Los Angeles Sparks at Minnesota Lynx, 8 p.m. (WNBA League Pass)

Dallas Wings at Las Vegas Aces, 10 p.m. (WNBA League Pass)

Seattle Storm at Phoenix Mercury, 10 p.m. (WNBA League Pass)

WNBA standings

x=clinched playoff berth; e=eliminated from playoff contention

Team W L GB New York -x 32 7 -- Minnesota -x 30 9 2 Connecticut -x 27 12 5 Las Vegas -x 26 13 6 Seattle -x 24 15 8 Indiana -x 20 19 12 Phoenix -x 19 20 13 Atlanta 14 25 18 Washington 13 26 19 Chicago 13 26 19 Dallas -e 9 30 23 Las Angeles -e 7 32 25

WNBA playoff seedings

Five of the seeds are locked into place entering tonight's games:

New York Liberty Minnesota Lynx Connecticut Sun OR Las Vegas Aces Las Vegas Aces OR Connecticut Sun Seattle Storm Indiana Fever Phoenix Mercury TBD

How final WNBA playoff seeds will be determined

The three "to be determined" seeds could be finalized as soon as the early games end, pending the outcomes. Here are the clinching scenarios:

Atlanta Dream clinch No. 8 seed with a win or a Chicago loss

Washington Mystics clinch No. 8 seed with a win and an Atlanta loss and a Chicago win

Chicago Sky clinches No. 8 seed with a win and with losses by Atlanta and Washington

Connecticut Sun clinches No. 3 seed with a win or a Las Vegas loss

Las Vegas Aces clinch No. 3 seed with a win and a Connecticut loss

2025 WNBA lottery

The Los Angeles Sparks and Dallas Wings are assured of being in next year's draft lottery for a shot at the No. 1 overall pick. As are the Washington Mystics, no matter what the results of tonight's games are. Washington previously acquired Atlanta's 2025 first-round pick in a trade, so the Mystics would either end up with their own lottery pick if they miss the playoffs, the Dream's, if Washinton makes the playoffs, or two lottery picks if both teams miss the playoffs..

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA playoffs: What's at stake on final day of 2024 regular season


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ARN is proud to announce the winners of the Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA) in 2024, honouring female excellence within the technology channel following an industry-defining celebration in Sydney.

Played out in front of more than 510 attendees at Doltone House on Jones Bay Wharf in Sydney on 19 September, WIICTA brought together all facets of the Australian ICT industry placing female achievement and accomplishment in the spotlight.

Mirroring the entire local ecosystem, 178 finalists made the shortlist from a pool of over 101 organisations and more than 375 nominations submitted, spanning partner, vendor and distributor businesses.

Following an intensive judging process  selected by an executive panel of more than 170 industry judges  21 winners were selected across eight categories, in addition to five highly commended acknowledgements.

The collective aim of WIICTA is to ensure as many outstanding women are endorsed through this unique awards program, aligned to the collective goal of providing a platform upon which aspiring female talent can shine across Australia.

To all our finalists, highly commended and winners, congratulations on your outstanding recognition from not only your own colleagues, but the entire Australian ICT ecosystem, ARN editor Julia Talevski said. This is an inspiring example of the deep levels of emerging and established female talent in Australia.

In total, WIICTA honoured the channel across eight categories, spanning Innovation, Technical, Entrepreneur, Graduate, Rising Star, Shining Star, Achievement and DE&I Champion awards.

All career stages were in the spotlight from graduate-level entrants to well-established CEOs, in addition to inspiring entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and technical experts, as well as talent rising through the ranks and consistent high-performing individuals. This was also supported by champions of DE&I initiatives.

ARN congratulates all winners, highly commended and finalists and thanks all organisations and individuals for supporting this initiative.

INNOVATION This award recognises a creative-thinking candidate who is a standout in bringing innovation to life through a big picture and out-of-the-box approach to business. This individual is unrivalled at converting embryonic ideas into viable working solutions through a unique thought process designed to continually push the envelope.

Partner:

Deb Cox  Arinco

Kirstie Elderfield  ASI Solutions

Imogen Tysoe  Atturra

Renata Di Stefano  blueAPACHE

Xara Tran  Champions of Change

Laura Flynn  Infotrust

Nikita Yardi  Macquarie Cloud Services

Demelza Green  Patient Zero

Maddie Rothwell  The Missing Link

Sarina Ferguson  Unified Solutions Group

Winner: Kirstie Elderfield  ASI Solutions

As the head of product and transformation, Kirstie conceptualised and executed a productisation framework, building a bot to help bring ideas into market-ready products. This helped to reduce time to market, improve ROI and enable the sales team, creating a consistent go-to-market strategy and elevated customer experience.

Vendor/Distributor:

Anna Christensen  Cloudian

Catherine Lee  CrowdStrike

Nicole Quinn  Fortinet

Sue Murthy  HP

Carol Ma  Ingram Micro

Beki Diamond  Lightwire

Danni Munro  Pax8

Mila Fedynskaya  Schneider Electric

Winner: Nicole Quinn  Fortinet

Nicoles innovative process has propelled her towards success, particularly around cyber security education and public policy. As APAC head of government affairs, Nicole prioritises thoroughly understanding the needs and gaps within the current landscape. Her visionary mindset, strategic partnerships and commitment are all clearly seen in her various initiatives at Fortinet.

TECHNICAL This award recognises excellence in the form of technical and engineering expertise, honouring deep domain knowledge in relation to technology products, solutions and services. This candidate has provided business value through specialised skills and competence, spanning technical, pre-sales and support roles.

Partner:

Simone Bennett  Arkahna

Angelina Priya  blueAPACHE

Steffy Mathew  Blue Connections IT

Alexandra Pepperell  Brennan

Heidi Tallarida  Business Aspect

Yera Patel  Exigo Tech

Sheena Shrivastava  Infotrust

Ajina John  Insight Enterprises

Ambily Menon  Intelematics

Pranavi Macharla  Interactive

Winner: Simone Bennett  Arkahna

Simones technical certifications span AWS and Azure and combined with her extensive hands-on experience in high-stakes projects, reflect her specialised skills and competence. Her journey from an IT trainee to a leading consultant highlights her deep domain knowledge, technical excellence and passion for technology.

Vendor/Distributor:

Jodi Favaloro  Cradlepoint

Jana Dekanovska  CrowdStrike

Nandini Bhardwaj  Google Cloud

April Neoh  HPE

Vanessa Sunassee  MyCISO

Samantha Van Stokrom  Netskope

Lisli Laanemets  NEXTGEN

Luisa Genovese  Palo Alto Networks

Negar Baseri Salehi  Schneider Electric

Natalie Mead  Snowflake

Winner: April Neoh  HPE

In a career that spans across Asia and A/NZ over 25 years, April has demonstrated the ability to thrive in complex situations. She has been instrumental in building systems that seek to solve grand challenges and stretch the capabilities of existing systems in high performance computing and the artificial intelligence space.

ENTREPRENEUR This award recognises an enterprising candidate with a risk-taking mentality, honouring excellence in launching new ventures, products or services. This individual has a proven background in building innovation from the ground up, evident through converting market-leading ideas into viable business offerings.

Partner:

Natalia Scheidegger  3rdmill

Sapna Bhatia  Adactin Group

Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann  ATech

Sandra Arena  Gallant Collective

Pauline Thomas  Macquarie Cloud Services

Asma Gulbaz  Slalom

Jill Price  SoftwareOne

Regina Melamed  TechClick

Winner: Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann  ATech

Established in Brisbane in 2007, Sarah-Jane started out as a web developer for small businesses as a hobby while pregnant with her first child. Within 12 months, her hobby had grown into a full-time job and evolved throughout the years into a significant cloud hosting player in the market, winning and retaining key customer accounts along the way.

Vendor/Distributor:

Marissa Shipley  CompliantERP

Agnes Schliebitz-Ponthus  Fluent Commerce

Georgia Dowie  Pax8

Tin Dacanay  Schneider Electric

Angie Keeler  ZellaDC

Winner: Marissa Shipley  CompliantERP

As CEO and cofounder of CompliantERP, Marissa has spanned international borders, identifying market needs in the process. Her entrepreneurial spirit sees her start with meticulous research and planning to define goals and objectives, aligning them with industry demands and compliance requirements.

GRADUATE This award recognises a standout graduate candidate who has leveraged apprenticeship programs to start a career within the ICT industry. Open to all roles and responsibilities, this individual has made an immediate and positive impact on the business through providing a fresh perspective and high levels of professionalism.

Partner:

Anastasiia Dovhan  Chamonix IT

Bouchra Jihany  Datacom

Jordan Roberts  Deloitte

Isabella Baker  Intalock Technologies

Pawandeep Kaur  iSeek

Giselle Levine  Macquarie Cloud Services

Charlotte Ross  ONGC Systems

Weasley Au  Patient Zero

Thilini Samaraweera  Sparx Solutions

Chenuli Abeywardena  Tecala

Winner: Jordan Roberts  Deloitte

Aiming to help as many people as possible through IT, Jordan completed a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation. Her engagement in Deloittes graduate program has significantly accelerated her career. Having worked on the companys Cyber Academy program early on, she was pivotal in bringing the student perspective and at the forefront.

Vendor:

Vi Le  Cisco

Emily Qiao  Google Cloud

Kezia Somerville-Petch  HPE

Winnie Soemargo  HPE Aruba Networking

Ilmini Hakmanaarchchi  Palo Alto Networks

Hoa Pham  Schneider Electric

Winner: Kezia Somerville-Petch  HPE

After realising that medicine wasnt for her, Kezia dropped out of pre-med to pursue her interest in technology. Her real break into the tech world came when she joined the HPE graduate program. Since then, Kezia has gained management of her own unique accounts, where she builds on her passion of driving customer relationships and technology outcomes.

DE&I CHAMPION  Individual This award recognises an influential individual who actively drives diversity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives through mentoring and thought leadership across the ICT industry. This candidate acts as a role model for aspiring executives, cultivating diverse teams to drive change both internally and externally. This award is open to all aspects of diversity and inclusion (gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation etc).

Partner:

Cassandra Eastham  Blue Connections IT

Charlotte Lloyd  Centorrino Technologies

Nicola Young  Cognizant

Lisa Sarago  Land on Heart

Tanur Parira  Logicalis

Racquel Miller  Oreta

Rachel Sands  Orro

Cassandra Ashworth  Rapid Circle

Brooke Adams  Slalom

Megan Visser  Virtual IT Group

Winner: Megan Visser  Virtual IT Group (VITG)

Megans influence and thought leadership in DE&I have yielded significant results within VITG. Her initiatives have created an inclusive and supportive environment, fostering diverse talent and driving change. She established the Equality Council at Powernet, which she later extended to VITG following the merger.

Vendor/Distributor:

Ciara Fayle  Cisco

Jade Meara  F5

Jacqueline Ibrahim  HPE

Davina Partridge  Ingram Micro

Sinead Fitzgerald  Microsoft

Anastasia Kiteri  NetApp

Sarah Sloan  Palo Alto Networks

Sumiya Sultan  Schneider Electric

Shobha Joshi  Snowflake

Neringa Hojrup  Teradata

Winner: Davina Partridge  Ingram Micro

Since joining Ingram Micro, Davina has transformed the distributors approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In her role, she has been key to ensuring every team member feels seen, heard, and that they belong. Her efforts include leading various educational and learning initiatives aimed at deepening that sense of belonging across the team.

RISING STAR This award recognises a standout candidate rising through the ranks within the ICT industry, acknowledging significant advancement during the early stages of her technology career. This individual is growing in stature and importance through demonstrating outstanding business acumen, deep market expertise and high levels of professional integrity. This award is open to candidates with 10 years or less experience within the ICT industry.

Partner (National):

Brooke Martin  Arinco

Amanda Williams  Blue Connections IT

Samantha Jordan  Centorrino Technologies

Lara Wright  Connetico

Jennifer Hizon  Cube Networks

Nicole Bourke  Data#3

Madison Spiteri  Kaine Mathrick Tech

Charuni Mallawaarachchi  Oreta

Natalie Beaton  Otto IT

Samantha Buttigieg  Tecala

Winner: Nicole Bourke  Data#3

Since establishing her career within Data#3, Nicole has had a positive impact on her teams ability to connect and collaborate, driving several projects to improve team morale, culture and knowledge. She also spearheaded a new process to handle long-tail quoting along with building and developing a new contract management system (CMS) to reduce order processing time and capitalise on renewals.

Partner (Multinational):

Marilyn Tiangco  ASI Solutions

Lena Madeleine Chapple  Cognizant

Katherine Drew  Deloitte

Catherine Francis  Insight Enterprises

Melanie Nguyen  Interactive

Lara Barnett  Logicalis

Lisa Tierney  Ricoh

Leah Cerinich  Sourced Group

Winner: Lara Barnett  Logicalis

Since stepping into the ICT industry in 2019, Laras influence has been profoundly felt, particularly within Logicalis. Lara has already marked her success with numerous significant projects, one of which generated millions in the sales pipeline. Her passion for continuous learning has led her to level up her business skills as she takes on more executive leadership responsibilities.

Vendor:

Brearna Leopold  CrowdStrike

Sarah Wilson  Datadog

Jessica Stark  GoTo

Loren Dennett- HP

Priya Sharma  ImpexDocs

Mubarra Khan  Fluent Commerce

Victoria Lam  NetApp

Lorna Guerin  Palo Alto Networks

Bec Caldwell  Phriendly Phishing

Aarushi Arya  Snowflake

Winner: Victoria Lam  NetApp

From the onset of her career as a standout technology graduate of the NetApp S3 Graduate Academy, Victoria has progressed into a talented and respected solutions engineer thanks to her ambition, dedication, and passion. Managing technical workshops has highlighted her comprehensive technical knowledge and ability to lead and execute complex projects.

Distributor:

Minya Vasili  Exclusive Networks

Vanessa Jeffery  Ingram Micro

Sunny McPhillips  NEXTGEN

Lauren Pinkney  Pax8

Victoria Carroll  Tech Data

Ana Gomes  Wavelink

Winner: Lauren Pinkney  Pax8

After managing a team in the US for a year, Lauren shifted to Australia  an entirely new market at the time for both Pax8 and for herself. Overcoming market, cultural and people challenges, Lauren has come out on top as director of business development, managing a team across Australia and the Philippines.

SHINING STAR This award recognises an established candidate with a strong record of achievement, acknowledging excellence in spearheading company initiatives and driving strategic change. This individual is a consistent high performer who regularly achieves standout business results and continues to assume increased levels of seniority within the organisation. This award is open to candidates with between 11-20 years experience within the ICT industry.

Partner (National):

Sarah Norton  Atturra

Quinita Lindley  blueAPACHE

Marie Michaud  Bridged Group

Kristy Tuinman  D6 Consulting

Priscilla Barboza  Cevo

Kerri Absolon  Data#3

Shilpa Reddy  Oreta

Bay McGovern  Patient Zero

Pattigrace Lupari  Spirit Technologies

Amanda Ho  TechClick

Winner: Shilpa Reddy  Oreta

Shilpas career is distinguished by her innovative thinking, professionalism, and leadership, which have significantly contributed to her success and the achievements of her team. These qualities have enabled her to excel in various roles, earning her numerous awards and recognition along the way.

Partner (Multinational):

Nina Rizk  Cognizant

Galit Jona  Delta Insights

Michelle Buhne  Exigo Tech

Sarah Turnbull  Insight Enterprises

Liz Nguyen  Interactive

Gina Lilicrap  Orro

Radhini Sivanathan  Slalom

Risa Nurhidayati  Software One

Sanya Turkalj  Sourced Group

Deepti Kakkar Wadhwa  Wipro

Highly Commended: Sarah Turnbull (Insight) and Gina Lilicrap (Orro)

Winner: Liz Nguyen  Interactive

As the driving force behind Interactives network services business, Liz has a list of accomplishments across the industry. She has been credited with developing and launching Interactives network core, the NNI, which saw the migration of customers onto one shared platform that significantly improved its underlying technology and service levels.

Vendor:

Grace Walker  Access4

Mary Armstrong  Cisco

Prayna Prasad  Cloudflare

Bec Paior  ConnectWise

Anna Mascarello  Elastic

Rachna Kumar  ExtraHop

Anna Coniglio  Google Cloud

Jordana Desmyth  HP

Elisa Kelsall  IBM

Sarah Carney  Microsoft

Highly Commended: Mary Armstrong (Cisco) and Prayna Prasad (Cloudflare)

Winner: Sarah Carney  Microsoft

As the national CTO, Sarah has been instrumental in driving the adoption of generative AI across Australian workplaces, showcasing her ability to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Having worked across a wide range of industries prior to Microsoft, she leveraged her transferable skills and seized opportunities that allowed her to move through the ranks into her current leadership role.

Distributor:

Elizabeth Paterakis  Dicker Data

Maria Ianni  Ingram Micro

Fay Messaike  NEXTGEN Group

Sara Furlong  Pax8

Winner: Fay Messaike  NEXTGEN Group

Fays time at NEXTGEN thus far has seen her drive significant sales growth for the company in both established accounts and innovation logos. This highlights her expertise with maintaining existing relationships and capitalising on emerging trends to tap into new ones. Her astute business sense, calm and considered demeanour have led exceeding her teams revenue expectations.

ACHIEVEMENT This award recognises a standout candidate who has delivered an unrivalled contribution to the ICT industry, evident through outstanding professional and personal achievements. This individual has earned a reputation as an esteemed thought leader following a distinguished career as both a business leader and role model for aspiring executives. This award is open to candidates with 21 years or more experience within the ICT industry.

Partner:

Joana Valente  Deloitte

Jenny Southon  Insight Enterprises

Katie Bentley  Interactive

Lisa Bebawy  Macquarie Cloud Services

Nichole Wynne  Nicstar

Jane Beck  Slalom

Joanna Kennedy  TechClick

Sherran Evans  Tecala

Highly Commended: Joana Valente (Deloitte)

Winner: Jenny Southon  Insight Enterprises

For more than 30 years, Jenny has played a pivotal role in the IT industry across a variety of organisations. Throughout her career, she has built and developed high performance sales teams, and is widely recognised for her strategic insights and transformative impact. She has a strong influence on aspiring tech professionals, particularly women.

Vendor:

Emma Harris  Cisco

Beverley Allsop  Dell Technologies

Angela Walker  Dynabook

Yvette McEnearney  GoTo

Julie Barbieri  HPE

Philippa Cogswell  Palo Alto Networks

Anita Moorehouse  Rapid7

Astrid Groves  Schneider Electric

Cathy Conroy  Snowflake

Winner: Julie Barbieri  HPE

A trailblazer in the ICT industry, Julie began her career as an engineer in the 1980s. Since then, she has made several bold, strategic moves including taking on various senior leadership roles across a variety of organisations. Her strong aptitude for executing and devising strategic business decisions has led to an array of successful programs that have garnered a significant return on investment.

Distributor:

Rhonda Robati  Crayon

Hope McGarry  Ingram Micro

Linda Volker  NEXTGEN Group

Julie Ceresa  Westcon-Comstor

Winner: Hope McGarry  Ingram Micro

Described as a beacon of inspiration and a pivotal figure in the IT industry, Hope embodies a lead-from-the-front attitude that motivates her team and sets a high standard across the organisation. Under her leadership, Ingram Micros ASG, specialty, and commercial divisions have undergone remarkable transformation, delivering outstanding results.
Worldwide, the virus, which can cause paralysis in infants and children, is unchecked only in these two countries. In Afghanistan, the Taliban no longer want door-to-door campaigns fearing for their own safety. In Pakistan workers continue to be victims of terrorist attacks and families are still very wary of vaccines.

Kabul (AsiaNews/Agencies)  After some reports indicated that the Taliban had suspended an ongoing anti-polio vaccination campaign, local sources noted that no official decree had been issued to that effect. Instead, the Talibans Ministry of Public Health said that it was willing to conduct the vaccination campaign in mosques rather than the door-to-door approach used so far.

Health experts warn that this risks undermining decades of efforts to eradicate the virus and might spark a new epidemic because most families in remote areas are unable to take their children to a mosque to get two doses of the vaccine. The latest data seem to bear this out.

Of the 18 cases detected this year (against 6 in 2023), 11 were in Kandahar, the Talibans main centre of power, where vaccinations have been conducted in mosques over the past few years due to restrictions on female workers.

In the rest of Afghanistan, there are no issues with female polio workers and in those areas where we have female workers, we dont have cases of polio," a local official told The Guardian.

Before the Taliban took power again in August 2021, women played a key role in vaccination campaigns, raising awareness among mothers and entering spaces forbidden to men.

For this reason, female staff have been allowed to continue working in the health sector, despite a series of other bans imposed by the Taliban on women's activities.

But in rural villages in the southern provinces, those bordering Pakistan, several women said they were forced to resign because of restrictions on their freedom.

This, however, is not the only reason that prompted the Taliban to review the vaccination campaign. The reason behind the postponing of the anti-polio campaign is the issues with the modality of implementation, the health official explained on condition of anonymity.

The leadership of the current government has ordered us to not conduct door-to-door campaigns for security reasons, the source added. The south, especially Kandahar, is where the Taliban leaders live, and they are concerned the campaigns could reveal their locations to foreign threats.

The Islamic State represents another threat. In recent years, the group has repeatedly targeted the centres of Taliban power for terrorist attacks.

In the past, US intelligence services used fake immunisation campaigns to track down terrorists, fuelling the population's mistrust. Religious clerics have also spread fake news.

Pakistan is the other country in the world along with Afghanistan where polio is still running unchecked among children and infants, spreading mainly via wastewater, causing irreversible paralysis in some cases.

Some 18 cases were reported this year in Pakistan, but the actual number is likely higher. Most infections were reported in Balochistan, a province on the border with Iran and Afghanistan. This is no coincidence.

Despite efforts by the Pakistani government, which last week recruited 286,000 health workers to vaccinate 33 million children under the age of five, two attacks against health workers and police personnel assigned to protect them have already been reported.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Pakistani Taliban movement, and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (IS-KP), who operate along the Afghan border, attacked polio teams because they suspect them to be government spies.

After unidentified gunmen killed a vaccinator and a policeman last week, police personnel went on strike to demand government action.

More than 200 people, mostly women, have lost their lives in attacks against anti-polio campaign workers in recent years.

But it is often families themselves who ask medical staff to record a vaccination that never took place due to mistrust of vaccines.

According to a study in Peshawar, for example, 79 per cent of parents did not want to vaccinate their children because they feared they include ingredients forbidden by their religion.
by Steve Suwannarat

The magistrates' want to investigate their role in the death of 78 young Muslims who were locked up in military vehicles. The incident took place in the far south of the country, the scene of separatist and sectarian tensions for decades. However, the case is under a statute of limitations and risks resurfacing the clash between the ruling party and the military and nationalist establishment.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Eight security officials will be tried for their role in the Tak Bai massacre in which 78 young Muslims died in military vehicles on October 25, 2004 for alleged subversive activities in Thailand's restless south.

The decision comes almost 20 years after the event that made official claims of dialogue with elusive and often unrepresentative counterparts irreconcilable, as the stalemate in talks to date has shown; but which, at the same time, highlighted even more the intransigent and colonial-like nature of Bangkok's control over the far south, in the four provinces (Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat) with a majority or substantial Muslim presence, heirs of a sultanate that once extended even over vast areas of present-day Malaysia.

Twenty years ago, following protests that broke out in Tak Bai, Narathiwat province, over the attempted arrest of six alleged local militants, the army and police intervened in force, killing seven protesters, arresting 1,300 and loading a large number of them, one on top of the other, onto trucks. Dozens died suffocating in the sun and unable to free themselves.

The then executive led by Thaksin Shinawatra, to whose government experience the Pheu Thai led by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra looks back today, had expressed its condolences for the incident but denied any direct responsibility. At the same time, the police had tried to feed the theory of armed extremists among the arrested protesters.

The massacre was the start of a new flare-up of the long-running low-intensity conflict in the southern extremity between local separatist groups and security forces, which had led to prolonged phases of a state of emergency. Resulting in repression on the one hand and devastating demonstration actions carried all the way into the heart of Bangkok on the other, costing 7,600 lives so far.

The announcement of the prosecution of the alleged perpetrators of the event, now on the verge of the statute of limitations, came after relatives of the victims had filed a complaint last month against seven individuals formerly belonging to the security forces. However, only one

of them is on the list presented by the attorney general. The suspects should have foreseen that their actions would lead to the suffocation and death of the 78 people in their charge, stressed Attorney General's Office spokesman Prayut Bejaguran at a press conference on Wednesday.

It is significant that the Pheu Thai-led governments in office since last year (the former in coalition with the largest pro-military party, the latter with the former historical opponents of the Democratic Party) have reached this point.

As well as establishing the prosecution of those responsible for the latest coups, if officially denounced. The party's traditional hostility towards the armed forces, the need to achieve greater cohesion of the population on its governing initiatives and to secure greater consensus in southern Thailand, is beginning to become clear. On the other hand, there are not a few who fear that this could resurrect the clash with the military establishment and nationalist forces that in the past, most recently in September 2006 and May 2014, propitiated and preceded the military's direct control over the country.
Sultan Ibrahim arrived in Beijing to mark 50 years of bilateral relations. Kuala Lumpur is looking to Chinese investments to build connectivity with neighbouring Singapore. Malaysian oil exploration in the South China Sea is a bone of contention between the two countries.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Malaysian King Ibrahim arrived in Beijing for the first visit by a Malaysian monarch to China in ten years.

The four-day visit is taking place amid celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations, and includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

His Majesty's visit provides an excellent opportunity for both sides to reaffirm a shared commitment in ensuring that Malaysia-China relations continue to remain forward-looking, dynamic and prosperous, Malaysia's foreign ministry said.

For the Southeast Asian country, the goal is to obtain Chinese support for projects aimed at boosting connectivity with neighbouring Singapore.

Installed as the country's 17th king in January under Malaysias monarchical system, in which the heads of the countrys nine royal families rotate as head of state every five years and must remain impartial, the Sultan of Johor Ibrahim, 65, has stated that he wants to intervene directly in the country's political affairs.

In an interview before his accession to the throne, he proposed that the state-owned oil company Petronas and the anti-corruption agency report directly to the king.

Chinese Premier Li already visited Kuala Lumpur in June, backing Malaysian plans to develop rail connectivity via other Chinese-backed rail projects in Laos and Thailand.

This is part of a pan-Asian railway network linking Kunming in China to Singapore, presumably through Johor, where the sultan also wants to develop a railway link.

Sultan Ibrahim also mentioned plans to revive a stalled high-speed rail line between Malaysia and Singapore with a border crossing at Forest City.

During his stay in China, the king is expected to attend the naming ceremony of the Chair of Malaysian Studies at Beijing University of Foreign Studies and meet with the Malay diaspora.

China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009. Last year, total bilateral trade was valued at US$ 98.9 billion, 17.1 per cent of Malaysia's global trade. Malaysia is China's second-largest trading partner among ASEAN countries, behind only Vietnam.

Trade ties between China and Malaysia came into the spotlight earlier this month when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had received a protest note from China calling for a halt to Malaysia's oil exploration activities in the South China Sea.

The prime minister stressed that the two sides continue to discuss the issue.

China claims almost all the South China Sea as its territory based on historical maps, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal ruled that China's claim has no basis in international law, a ruling that China does not recognise.

RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
The entrance of the 17th & Balboa Market in San Franciscos Richmond District was boarded up after burglars broke down the front door with a pickup truck Tuesday. Mariam Lawson A bookshelf was used to temporarily board up the 17th & Balboa Market after burglars broke down the front door using a pickup truck Tuesday night in San Franciscos Richmond District. Vending machines at the 17th & Balboa Market in San Franciscos Richmond District were damaged during a burglary Tuesday night. Police arrested four suspects Wednesday. Mariam Lawson

San Francisco police arrested four people suspected of vandalizing and burglarizing a market in the citys Richmond District on Tuesday, officials said.

The burglary occurred just after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when several people broke into the 17th & Balboa Market, a convenience store at 1601 Balboa St., by driving a pickup truck through the front door, shattering the glass, store co-owner Mariam Lawson told the Chronicle.

Inside the convenience store, the suspects stole between $300 and $400 worth of lottery tickets, broke a shelf and damaged vending machines, Lawson said.

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The suspects fled before officers arrived, but later that night, plainclothes officers spotted the suspect vehicles traveling to Oakland and disabled one vehicle near Eighth and Center streets, according to the San Francisco Police Department. The occupants, Enrique Johnson-Antunez, 27, of Emeryville, and Valerie Brinkmann, 33, of Newark, were taken into custody.

Oakland police found two additional suspects attempting to cash in stolen lottery tickets at a business near 14th and Adeline streets. The suspects, Esteban Vasquez Lara of Oakland and Elena Carlson, were also taken into custody.

All four suspects were booked into the San Francisco County Jail on multiple charges, including burglary, vandalism, theft of a vehicle, and vehicle registration fraud. Carlson was booked on additional charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine.

The incident is the third burglary or attempted burglary at the 17th & Balboa Market in the past year, Lawson said.

Im glad they caught the people, Lawson said. Hopefully they get their lesson learned that were hard-earned business owners. It takes a lot to run a business, and having to have added headaches such as this is really uncalled for.

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Hopefully San Francisco can do something about these crimes, because its really taking a toll on business owners, not just us, she said.
Fr Raed talks about concerns triggered by the military escalation on the Lebanese border. Social tensions related to conflict are a rising concern, especially in an increasingly radicalised society. The desire to escape does not concern only Christians. "The only solution is an end to the war in Gaza." Dioceses and priests in Italy (and Europe) are urged to promote small pilgrimages of solidarity.

Reneh (AsiaNews)  Everyone is waiting for the spark" that will trigger open war", even if a "climate of confrontation" already exists, as evinced by recent events, like pagers and portable radios used by Hezbollah in Lebanon exploding, killing scores of people, this according to Fr Raed Abu Sahlieh, parish priest at St Anthony Catholic Church in Rameh, some 40 kilometres north of Nazareth, in the Galilee.

After Gaza, the "northern front" repeatedly evoked by Israeli leaders seems to be the target of a permanent war strategy, explains the clergyman who is also an aide in the Latin Patriarchate school, speaking to AsiaNews.

From his vantage point, he can closely follow the military escalation between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, Lebanons largest Shia movement, noting that Hezbollah does not want an open war with Israel for several reasons. While support for the Palestinians and Gaza is strong, the economic and political situation in Lebanon does not allow a new military adventure, with the destruction of infrastructure and other assets. Fear remains, and the only solution is to end the war in Gaza.

For the past few weeks, attention in Israel and the international community has been focused on the northern border with Lebanon, where the Israeli government seems bent on opening a new war front whose consequences could be devastating for the entire region.

Until recently, the area had experienced a period of relative calm, Fr Raed explains. It is located a few tens of kilometres from the border with Lebanon but now there is great fear of developments. The whole Middle East does not know what will happen, people are worried, while the two sides (the Israeli military and Hezbollah) are getting ready.

So far, the military confrontation in the north has been contained, with "missiles that have not reached us for now, but landed in the Golan, the northern villages (which have been evacuated), and near Tiberias where there is an Israeli military base.

It is clear that the rocket attacks had specific targets and spared, so far, civilians. [But] The 46 villages and settlements in the north are almost empty, with people relocated to hotels in central Israel, Tiberias, and the Dead Sea.

At least 150,000 Israelis have been displaced from the northern border and from the border with Gaza, staying at reception facilities for almost 11 months, in a difficult situation: families in a single room, tensions caused by overcrowding and uncertain prospects for their children, before school starts.

The tensions are linked to the war in Gaza, which is little talked about but risks adding to the many problems that grip the country and, consequently, the region.

"Some parishioners work in reception facilities, in hotels in Tiberias, the priest said. They tell me about a difficult reality, people who are worried about their things, houses and properties abandoned and at risk of being destroyed, many are already abroad ... According to some sources about half a million but there are no official statistics.

What is certain is that "more than 62 per cent of Israelis have dual nationality, and those who can leave.

In Rameh the population is divided between Christians, Muslims, and Druze, about 9,000 people who still live and work together, even if tensions, or at least a spirit of mistrust, is beginning to creep in, like in many other mixed towns.

After all, 11 months of war, the terrorist attack by Hamas and the prospect of the northern front are all factors that undermine dialogue and fuel the radicalisation of respective positions.

Israeli society has shifted right, Fr Raed explains. Israelis want to settle accounts with Hamas and Hezbollah, and there are growing tensions between Israeli Jews and Arabs."

This situation, he warns, is bringing ruin to everybody, the result of the direction and political leadership of three people: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The country is at risk of plunging into the abyss not only from a military point of view, but also social and economic.

Everyone is suffering from the crisis. Just think of this season, which is traditionally dedicated to the olive harvest. In the past up to 200-300,000 workers with permits came from Palestine, but now there are very few. Those who earned money from the harvest risk having no more income. With no money, families cannot pay school fees and children are denied the right to education.

Such a crisis, such a vacuum is seen everywhere, from Nazareth and Tiberias to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, resulting from the lack of pilgrims who represent the primary source of income for Christians in the Holy Land.

For some time now, Christians here have been buying houses abroad, in Cyprus and Georgia, in Greece and Romania, but also in Italy out of fear, lack of prospects, a desire to flee. Here in my area at least 20 per cent of families are ready to pack up and go abroad, where they have already acquired a property, the clergyman notes.

It is all empty. Today it is possible to visit the Holy Sepulchre and pray for 15, 20 minutes without any hurry, when until shortly before the war one had to wait hours in line to enter and visit.

The West Bank is also experiencing destruction, as Israeli troops carry out raids and incursions, war scenarios by the Israeli army, collective punishment, as Fr Raed calls it. A Palestinian from Zababdeh (West Bank), the priest was born on 25 June 1965.

Some 24 deaths were reported in Jenin (which the Latin patriarch, Card Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited recently), where everything has been closed for 10 days. Ditches, two-metre deep, were dug to block traffic; going from Jenin to Ramallah is some adventure, amid blockades, checkpoints, and fears of attacks by armed settlers who seem to be the masters.

Finally, the priest wants to say goodbye with an appeal, or rather a final invitation: For pilgrims I understand that it is difficult to come, but the holy places can be reached without problems, and they are safe.

Dioceses, bishops, priests in Italy (and more generally Europe and the United States) can organise solidarity visits with small groups, a few believers, to express closeness and support a bit our economy.

These are, as I call them, pilgrimages of solidarity that would confirm, once again, the role of Christians as a factor of peace in the Middle East.
by Nirmala Carvalho

They are accused of promising miraculous cures for diseases, exploiting superstitions widespread among Dalits and the poor. The events allegedly took place in the house of Pastor Achhe Lal, in the village of Pakhrauli. A local source: it was a normal Sunday liturgy. Fr Anand Mathew of Varanasi: Arrests are an almost daily occurrence. Wrong if Catholics on Protestants say: it is only their problem'.

Lucknow (AsiaNews) - Police in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested four people on charges of alleged conversions to Christianity, harshly pursued in this as in other Indian states in a campaign fuelled by Hindu nationalists who systematically spread suspicion against minorities.

The pretext that fuelled the act was allegedly the promise to cure certain ailments, exploiting the belief in superstitions widespread especially among poor people, the authorities said. Six women were also arrested in the operation, later released. Abdus Salam, a police officer from Lambhua, Sultanpur district, said that they had been informed of illegal conversion activities conducted in the house of Pastor Achhe Lal in Pakhrauli village, which the Kotwali Dehat police is in charge of.

The arrests were made on Sunday, 15 September after the police raided the location in Sultanpur. Here, the accused allegedly lured poor people from the Dalit community with false promises and then converted them to Christianity. We received information that Achhe Lal's house was involved in unauthorised conversion activities under the guise of traditional healing practices. Investigations revealed that Kanhaiyalal, son of Chhotelal originally from Bhadiyan, Lambhua, was responsible for the conversions, said Abdus Salam

Speaking to AsiaNews, a Pentecostal pastor, who asked not to disclose the identity, commented: There were about 60 people attending Sunday prayer. It was a Sunday worship and there was nothing illegal, there is nothing criminal in praying within the private walls of one's home'. It was a local vigilante group belonging to nationalist right-wing movements that alerted the authorities. Administrative bias and illegal violence against minorities are reaching new levels in Uttar Pradesh. Currently about 24 Christians, mostly pastors, languish in jails because of their faith,' he explained.

The accused have been identified as Achhe Lal, Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh and Subhash Kumar. The local official said that all four accused were later taken to a local court and remanded in custody. Salam also said that two other people - Kanhaiyalal and Raju, who had been previously arrested and now also placed in custody - were being further investigated.

Catholic priest Fr Anand Mathew, who has been serving in Varanasi for decades, told AsiaNews: Arrests are now almost a daily occurrence. What is there to comment on?. Fr. Mathew also castigates the silence of those in the local Church itself who say that it is not our problem, but theirs; dividing Christians between us and them. It is just the opposite of what Jesus taught'.
UPDATE: Mayor Breed pushes back at fierce attacks during Chronicle-KQED S.F. mayoral debate

Candidates in San Franciscos hotly contested mayoral race took the stage for a debate, co-presented by the Chronicle and KQED.

With a contentious election already well underway  and both Mayor London Breed and Mark Farrell embroiled in recent controversies the debate was an opportunity for voters to cut through the noise and hear directly from the five major candidates.

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Chronicle senior political writer Joe Garofoli and KQED political reporters Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos moderated at KQEDs Mission District event space. Breed, Farrell, Daniel Lurie, Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safai participated.

S.F. mayoral debate co-presented by the Chronicle and KQED SFChronicle

Theres nothing like seeing the top candidates together on stage at the same time to compare their positions, personalities and plans for San Francisco, Shafer said.



Candidates were asked to discuss their policies and ideas on a range of the most pressing issues facing San Francisco, such as homelessness, public safety, the citys post-pandemic recovery and the enduring plague of drug overdoses.

San Francisco voters will be inundated with unprecedented amounts of political advertising in this mayoral campaign, Garofoli said. This will be a chance to see the candidates go toe-to-toe in person and see who soars, who wilts and who just regurgitates their talking points.

Watch the mayoral debate SFChronicle

About the Moderators

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Joe Garofoli is the San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer, covering national and state politics. He has worked atthe Chronicle since 2000 and in Bay Area journalism since 1992, when he left the Milwaukee Journal. He was the host of Its All Political, the Chronicles political podcast. He has won numerous awards including the Polk Award and a Webby Award for Best Documentary Podcast, and in addition to politics has covered everything from fashion to the Jeffrey Dahmer serial killings to two Olympic Games.

Marisa Lagos is a correspondent for KQEDs Politics and Government Desk and co-hosts Political Breakdown. Lagos conducts reporting, analysis and investigations into state, local and national politics for KQED radio, TV and online. Previously, she worked for nine years at the San Francisco Chronicle covering San Francisco City Hall and state politics; and at the San Francisco Examiner and Los Angeles Times. She has won awards for her work investigating the 2017 wildfires and her ongoing coverage of criminal justice issues in California.
19 September 2024 00:01 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

A year has passed since Azerbaijan's most decisive and strong response to Armenian separatism and terrorismanti-terrorist operations. The event a year ago was not enough to prevent Armenian separatism and illegal acts in Garabagh but it also resulted in the deep shaking of the external forces that encouraged separatism and conflict in the entire South Caucasus.

What happened until September 19, 2023, created a general picture of the external influence of the pro-Armenian separatist elements and Armenian lobbies spread in Western organisations. Here, whether it is USAID, ICRC, PACE, as well as the initiatives of the representatives of the US Congress, each party showed its staunch pro-Armenian position.

Unfortunately, among the leaders of the European Union, there are still people who are distinguished by their pro-Armenian position, and who are ambitious against the territories of Azerbaijan. They propagate hatred and antagonism against races and religions as a whole with all their might and try to lead the masses to follow them.

Today, such people are preparing a great rebellion against humanity as a whole by dragging Europe against its Islamophobic and chauvinist tendencies.

Recently, among such trends, the Netherlands has also joined the ranks of activists. The ultra-right populist party leader Geert Wilders, who was elected Prime Minister last November, has already brought many countries against the Netherlands with his racist and anti-Islamist speeches. It is not a coincidence that the Dutch state did not lag behind France in accusing Azerbaijan in recent baseless statements and stark territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

In its latest statement, the Netherlands government, which called Azerbaijans Garabagh region freed from the Armenian occupation "Nagorno Karabakh", once again declared what political interests it pursues in its claims regarding the release of the criminal separatist groups arrested in Garabagh on September 19 of last year.

Certainly, the group that was defeated in the South Caucasus on September 19 and expelled from the occupied territories did not consist only of Armenians. Racist, Islamophobic, and separatist countries such as the Netherlands and France seem to have a big portion in their selfless support for separatism. With this, they also demonstrate that they are an interested party in the South Caucasus that was once embroiled in the conflict for more than 30 years.

Let's cast a glance at a subtle issue. The USAID organisation of the United States notes that since 2023, it has provided financial assistance to Armenians who left Garabagh on their volition. The note mentions 100,000 Armenians and adds that a total of 18 million dollars were spent on Armenian refugees fled Garabagh.

The question is whether the information about the exact identity of "100,000 Armenians" living legally or illegally in Garabagh was included in the official statistics? Has the donor organisation of the United States determined to whom the allocated funds are spent? Or is this just an exaggerated figure for the claim against Azerbaijan?

If a little attention is paid to one more issue, one can witness that there is discrimination in the activities of the organisation. During the 30-year occupation, more than one million refugees and displaced people of Azerbaijan lived in tents for a long time. While the world witnessed these atrocities of Armenia, those organisations remained silent. At that time, a figure of one million was not raised so much in the agenda of international institutions. However, today, a figure of approximately 20 thousand is exaggerated five times and conveyed to the world in such a form as if the people who passed through the ordeal of the past 30 years were not Azerbaijanis, but Armenians. Maybe the Armenians are good at playing the victim, or they come alive as angels in the eyes of their Western allies?

Today, the USA and France spare no money as aid packages to Armenia remain high. They even do their best to strengthen the military potential of a defeated state. How logical to accept their concept of peace in the South Caucasus while they think it is necessary to rearm a state that has occupied the territory of another state for three decades?

In 1992, when Azerbaijan was under occupation, the US government's Section 907 of the United States Freedom Support Act prevented any kind of direct aid to Azerbaijan. At that time, as now, the pro-Armenian congressmen in the US Congress took quick steps to implement this decision. However, Azerbaijan, whose territories were occupied, was in a much more difficult and even intolerable situation than Armenia, which was donated by all of its allies. When the West put the scales of justice in front of us then, we remained silent and patient. We were patient that maybe one day their sense of justice would wake up and they would condemn the Armenian crimes committed in Garabagh. But it did not turn out as desired. That necessitated a strong response against injustice.

The day Armenians fell on their knees on November 10, 2020, followed by the erasure of Armenian terrorism from Garabagh on September 19, 2023, showed Western forces that justice can only be restored through strength.

In a nutshell, Azerbaijan restored this justice with its own strength, and today, standing upright in front of those forces, it maintains this justice.

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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

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19 September 2024 19:45 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Recently we came upon an intriguing article containing several misrepresentations (absurdly written) in one of the US-based Armenian publications, which also needs to be touched upon. An article named Is COP29 Berlin 1936 by Michael Rubin, published on the US-based Mirror-Spectator, frames Azerbaijans hosting of COP29 as akin to Nazi Germanys propaganda-driven Olympics. However, before we decode the inaccurate statements, certain things need to be sorted out first. We would like to bring one point to the attention of Mr. Rubin that its crucial to correct the misrepresentation of the situation regarding "Nagorno-Karabakh", referred to as so-called and not existing "Artsakh. These territories, known internationally as Garabagh, are recognised as part of Azerbaijan's sovereign territory under international law.

As we embark on reading this analysts article, we come up with a baseless claim saying that President Ilham Aliyev harbours "deep-seated racism" and rejects Armenian cultural or religious legitimacy. It is essential to highlight that, contrary to Armenia, Azerbaijan's commitment to religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, including its protection of Armenian heritage within the country, has always been present. For instance, Rubin, the Armenian church in Baku, stands as a testament to this, preserved and maintained despite the conflict. This demonstrates that Azerbaijan does not reject Armenian cultural or religious identity, as falsely implied in the article. Additionally, Azerbaijan had frequently emphasised the idea of reintegration requests from Armenians. Unlike Armenia, throughout the years of occupation, it conducted notorious ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis.

As President Ilham Aliyev stated in a forum titled "Garabagh: Back Home After 30 Years. Accomplishments and Challenges" that our proposals from the very beginning of the time - when the Second Garabagh War ended - were very clear. People who live in Garabagh have two options: either to become Azerbaijani citizens  we provided all the necessary legal and also security framework for that  or to find another place to live. There can be no other option. The other option can be a residence permit or work permit to live and to work in the country, which you don't consider to be your country. (source: President Ilham Aliyevs official statement).

This approach shows that Azerbaijans intention is not to expel, oppress, or show racism towards Armenians but rather to integrate them within the country under a framework of law and safety. So it is more accurate to say that Azerbaijans post and even pre-war position focused on securing peace and rebuilding the region, and the government's actions and statements reflect a commitment as well.

Misrepresentation of Azerbaijan's goals and inaccuracy of comparison

Now to address the articles misguided comparison, which compares Azerbaijans hosting of COP29 to the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Nazi propaganda. First and foremost, Mr. Rubin must understand beforehand that Azerbaijan's participation in global environmental efforts has a different context, focussing on climate issues, not political ideology. Second, Azerbaijan prefers to be a country that does not glorify names of Nazi or anything related to German Hitlerite regime. Needless to say, that Armenia is a country that glorifies Nazi collaborators Garegin Nzhdeh, Drastamat Kanayan as the national heroes of the country.

I would like to remind that the Nzhdeh monument was erected in Yerevan in 2016, during Serzh Sargsyan's presidency. But later, during the period when Nikol Pashinyan became Prime Minister of Armenia, the demand to demolish the monument was repeatedly heard from Russia. In Yerevan, something was constantly mumbled in response, but the monument is still in place. And, eventually, on the first day of 2024, on this so beloved persons birthday, we saw new generations of Armenian fascists marching through the Armenian capital city of Yerevan with Nazi-stylized flags. Nzhdeh - a collaborator of the German Hitlerite regime who recruited ethnic Armenians to serve in Nazi special services during the Second World War. Yes, it was Nzhdeh's collaboration with the Nazis that led to his arrest by the Soviet military counterintelligence in Bulgaria. This is the face of the national hero of the Armenian people, on whose birthday a blatantly fascist march was organised in Yerevan, during which the whole range of disgusting escapades took place - from zigging marchers to the demonstration of Nazi slogans.

So, unlike the Olympics comparison, COP29 represents an opportunity for all the participating countries to foster trans-regional cooperation. By hosting the event, Azerbaijan aims to bridge geopolitical divides, notably between itself and Armenia, using climate diplomacy. The nation sees this as a chance to address environmental and political challenges through dialogue and collaboration, with the goal of peacebuilding in the South Caucasus.

Finally, we urge the editorial team of Mirror-Spectator and Michael Rubin to set aside provocations and instead support peace and reconciliation between our nations for a better future.

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Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua

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19 September 2024 12:16 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Russian construction companies are set to arrive in Azerbaijan for a business mission, according to reports from Russian media, as cited by Azernews.

Supported by the Russian Export Center (RIM), approximately 20 Russian manufacturers will visit Baku on October 3-4 to explore cooperation opportunities and potential joint projects with Azerbaijani partners. These companies, hailing from various regions of Russia, will present modern construction materials, equipment, and innovative solutions for the construction and design sectors.

The business mission will involve meetings with importers, builders, developers, and architectural firms. Representatives from the Russian embassy, trade mission, and development institutes from both Russia and Azerbaijan will also participate in the event.

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Metallica, from left: Robert Trujillo, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield. The Bay Area rock band has announced new dates for its North American tour in 2025, including at Levis Stadium. courtesy James Hetfield, from left, Robert Trujillo, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica. The Bay Area rock band has announced new dates for its 2025 North American tour, featuring Pantera and Limp Bizkit as support acts. Rob Grabowski/Associated Press

Metallica has announced new dates for its North American tour in 2025, featuring Pantera and Limp Bizkit as support acts.

As part of the Bay Area heavy metal bands extended M72 World Tour, the new leg kicks off in April at the Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas. Metallica will then perform in major stadiums across cities, including its first-ever concerts at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara on June 20 and 22.

Tickets for Metallicas 2025 North American tour will be available to the general public starting 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, via Ticketmaster. Various presales begin on Monday, Sept. 23, with special offers for the Fifth Member fan club.

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A Live Nation presale begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, with the code SETLIST.

Other stops on the tour include Toronto, Nashville, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Tampa, Houston and Denver. The band is also set to headline two nights at the Sonic Temple Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio.

The band plans to deliver unique no repeat set lists for cities hosting multiple nights, offering two-night ticket packages and travel deals alongside single-night tickets.

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19 September 2024 15:23 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), met with Sorbon Gulakhmadov, First Deputy Road Chief of Tajikistan Railways State Unitary Enterprise, during the consultative meeting on the establishment of the Eurasian Transport Route International Association held in Baku on September 19-20, Azernews reports.

The two officials discussed key areas and prospects for railway cooperation, with a particular focus on Tajikistan's access to European markets through the Middle Corridor.

It was emphasized that goods transported via the China-Tajikistan road, and then through the Eurasian Transport Route in the western direction, offer significant opportunities for expanding and diversifying the Middle Corridor's potential.

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19 September 2024 15:41 (UTC+04:00)

The Chamber of Accounts and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) discussed future directions of cooperation, Azernews reports, citing the chamber.

According to information, the delegation led by the chairman of the organization Vugar Gulmammadov, held a meeting with the president of IFAC, Asma Resmouki, who is on a visit to Baku. During the meeting, the IFAC head informed about the main strategic goals of the Federation and talked about the work done by the institution she represents in the field of creating and improving high quality standards, promoting accounting and accountability, conducting relevant research, and preparing articles.

V. Gulmammadov reported on the reforms carried out in the field of public finance management and the role of the supreme audit body in strengthening accountability in the public sector. The chairman said that the improvement of the legislation in the field of accounting can give impetus to the success of the reforms carried out in the direction of strengthening the professional potential.

In the meeting, the acquisition of international and national certificates by the Chamber's employees through training to strengthen the potential of professional personnel, as well as the organization of practical training for students of financial and accounting majors of educational institutions in the last 2 years and the results of that program were discussed.

Later, based on the issues identified in the Chamber's financial audits, discussions were held and suggestions were made regarding the improvement of international standards in the non-commercial sector, as well as the consolidation process in the public sector. At the same time, in response to the question addressed to A. Resmoukin about the work done by the supreme audit body within the framework of COP29, it was noted that the supreme audit bodies of 127 countries, including the Chamber, which are currently participating in this initiative through the "Climate Scanner" tool, are aware of the work done by the government in the direction of climate change prevention. including evaluating the implementation of obligations accepted at the national and international level, its progress and the obtained preliminary results are discussed with the relevant state bodies. The global (summarized) results of the global assessment conducted through the "Climate Scanner" tool are expected to be announced at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to be held in our country.

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19 September 2024 16:21 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The diversification of joint activities on developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was discussed, Azernews reports with reference to "Azerbaijan Railways" JSC (ADY).

The discussions occurred during a meeting between Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of ADY, and Zufar Narzullayev, Chairman of the Board of "Uzbekistan Railways" SC. The meeting was held within the consultative gathering of railway administration heads on establishing the "Eurasian Transport Route" International Association in Baku.

Key areas of cooperation in transport between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were addressed, alongside other mutual interests. The significance of bolstering joint efforts under the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the railway administrations in June, was highlighted.

Additionally, the meeting emphasized Uzbekistans upcoming contribution to the Eurasian Transport Route through the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway project.

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19 September 2024 16:47 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On September 18-19, the 3rd meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) Chairs of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) members took place in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, Azernews reports.

The participants examined the current security environment, focusing on regional and global developments affecting the OTS countries. Key discussions revolved around security threats and challenges targeting the member states, along with the potential impact of certain regional and global events on the Turkic region.

Special attention was paid to transportation security and the enhancement of transportation and logistics infrastructure along the Middle Corridor. The safe and efficient movement of goods and people across the Turkic world was highlighted as essential for economic growth and regional stability.

The meeting also delved into strengthening cooperation within the OTS framework, with discussions on specific projects and programs aimed at enhancing security collaboration among member states.

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19 September 2024 17:18 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On September 19, the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) and the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA) jointly held a seminar aimed at familiarising journalists specialising in the energy sector with relevant legislative terms and new regulations, Azernews reports.

Opening the seminar, Samir Akhundov, Chairman of AERAs Management Board, highlighted the large-scale energy projects currently underway in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that transitioning from traditional energy sources to renewable resources is a key priority in todays world. He mentioned that 2024 was declared the Green World Solidarity Year in Azerbaijan by Presidential Decree and reminded attendees that in November this year Azerbaijan will host COP29, a significant global event. Samir Akhundov underscored the vital role of the media in promoting Azerbaijan and communicating the countrys reforms both inside the country and to the international community.

Natig Mammadli, Deputy Executive Director of MEDIA, highlighted MEDIAs ongoing efforts to enhance sectoral journalism through various trainings, seminars, and other events in collaboration with different institutions. He praised the partnership between AERA and MEDIA, saying the seminar will positively impact the professional activity of journalists specialising in the energy sector.

During the seminar, Elmar Gulaliyev, Head of AERAs Energy Sector Liberalization and Investment Attraction Division, and Fagan Abdurahmanov, Head of the Department for Development of Renewables Areas at the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency (AREA), presented on Overview of the Electricity Sector of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Transition to Green Energy. Additionally, Parviz Aliyev, Director of AERAs Energy Regulation and Monitoring Department, spoke on Connection of Building Facilities to Electricity and Gas Distribution Networks.

The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, and an extensive discussion was held on the topics of interest.

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19 September 2024 17:33 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Special Adviser on Climate Action Andrew Harper, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 of last year. Baku, which will become the center of the world for two weeks, is expected to receive about 70,000 to 80,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aimed at preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation "COP" (Conference of Parties) refers to the "Conference of the Parties," the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

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19 September 2024 17:54 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of "Azerbaijan Railways" CJSC (ADY), met with Ufuk Yalcin, CEO of TCDD Transportation and Chairman of the Board of Turkish State Railways, during the consultation meeting of railway administration heads in Baku on the establishment of the "Eurasian Transport Route" International Association, Azernews reports.

At the meeting, the two countries discussed the key directions and future prospects of their railway cooperation, focussing on enhancing cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor.

Discussions also highlighted the potential for expanding cargo capacity after the modernisation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line.

Both Azerbaijan and Turkiye play a pivotal role in facilitating goods transport between East and West, and the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to jointly increasing freight traffic through the Middle Corridor using the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route.

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19 September 2024 11:17 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

In Azerbaijan, September 18 is celebrated as National Music Day, marking the birthday of the remarkable composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, who is recognized as the founder of Azerbaijani written music and the composer of the first opera in the East.

The practice of commemorating this day as a holiday was initiated by the renowned conductor maestro Niyazi, who observed it annually following Uzeyir Hajibayli's passing.

The tradition of celebrating the birthday of the great composer as a holiday was laid by eminent conductor, maestro Niyazi, who used to celebrate this day each year after Uzeyir Hajibayli's death..

National Music Day was officially established in Azerbaijan in 2009 by a decree of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

The day serves as an opportunity to honor the country's musical traditions and promote cultural awareness among its citizens.

The music feast is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Azerbaijan.

The day is marked by numerous cultural events, music festivals, concerts, which demonstrate the country's musical diversity and talents.

Baku Music Academy has solemnly celebrated National Music Day.

Representatives of state institutions and public organizations, prominent cultural and art figures as well as music enthusiasts attended the event.

In his speech, Rector of the Baku Academy, People's Artist and Professor Farhad Badalbayli emphasized that the tradition of celebrating the birthday of the great composer as a holiday was initiated by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

He drew attention to the fact that with the Decree signed by our National Leader in 1995, on the eve of the 110th anniversary of the birth of the genius composer, September 18 is celebrated as National Music Day in Azerbaijan country every year.

"Uzeyir Hajibayli is a sacred figure for us. The graduates of the Baku Music Academy named after him perform successfully all over the world. Of course, this is Uzeyir bays success," emphasized the rector.

Farhad Badalbayli also noted Uzeyir Hajibayli's contributions to the development of the Azerbaijani music and stated that the great composer will forever live in the hearts of the music community and people.

People's Artist Khuraman Gasimova congratulated the participants of the event on National Music Day.

I am proud to be a graduate of this beautiful musical institution. It is also worth mentioning what a wonderful situation it is that events will be held in the liberated Shusha, in the homeland of Uzeyir Hajibayli, within the framework of a festival named after him, she said.

The Deputy Culture Minister Murad Huseynov remarked that the birthday of Uzeyir Hajibayli is celebrated in a grand manner in the country, stressing the significant role of the great composer in the history of the Azerbaijani musical culture.

There is no place on Earth where Uzeyir beys music is not heard. Our musicians successfully perform on the world's beautiful stages, promoting our national music, he noted.

Afterward, classical music pieces were performed by the Exemplary and Separate Military Orchestra of the Ministry of Defense and the Azerbaijani State Choir.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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19 September 2024 23:16 (UTC+04:00)

The military training, Eternal Brotherhood  III held in Kazakhstan with the participation of special forces from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Pakistan, Qatar, and Uzbekistan has ended, Azernews reports, citing the press services of Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

The closing ceremony of the exercise, which was attended by more than four hundred personnel, was held at the Orda training range in the Turkistan region, Kazakhstan.

The professionalism of the exercise participants was highly appreciated at the ceremony.

It was noted that according to the plan, the special forces skillfully fulfilled the tasks of neutralizing imaginary illegal armed formations that violated the border, seizing advantageous high grounds, incapacitating unmanned aerial vehicles using electronic warfare means, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance to protect against drone attacks and other tasks.

In the end, awards were presented to the distinguished servicemen.

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19 September 2024 10:19 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A group of Azerbaijani civil society representatives has addressed an open letter to the leadership of the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

Azernews presents the full text of the letter:

Mr. Ian Borg, OSCE Chair-in-Office.

Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

We, the representatives of the civil society of Azerbaijan, appeal to you regarding the fact that hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who were forced out of their historical homelands and homes in Armenia 36 years ago and became refugees are still unable to return to Iravan, Goycha, and other historical homes in Western Azerbaijan.

Armenia, where Azerbaijanis historically lived, has carried out a systematic campaign aimed at erasing the material and cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis. This deliberate destruction has been ongoing for decades. We note with a heavy heart that today, only one out of 269 mosques registered on the territory of Armenia in 1870 has survived. In addition, hundreds of cemeteries belonging to Azerbaijanis have been systematically destroyed.

Iravan, the current capital of the Republic of Armenia, was once divided into Shahar, Damirbulag, and Tapabashi districts. Azerbaijanis lived in these areas from the time the city was established until the end of the 20th century. The name of the Tapabashi neighborhood, which was built and inhabited by Azerbaijanis, was later changed to Kond. This neighborhood is one of a handful of places with surviving examples of cultural heritage belonging to Azerbaijanis in Armenia. However, it is regrettable that Tapabashi neighborhood, which is part of the Armenian governments systematic campaign towards erasing the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people, is to be completely destroyed.

In May of this year, we, the representatives of the civil society of Azerbaijan, addressed an open letter to the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, asking that tangible measures be taken to prevent the destruction of the Tapabashi neighborhood and for a fact-finding mission to be sent to the area. We declared our openness to dialogue and interaction with UNESCO within the framework of norms and mechanisms of international law in order to stop the destruction. We also called on UNESCO to take the Tapabashi district under its protection as a unique example of cultural heritage of the world. We stated that we were ready to work closely with UNESCO in monitoring efforts. However, we did not receive a response to this request from UNESCO, nor did we see any statement of concern about this issue from the Council of Europe or the OSCE, which declare that they are guided by the protection of human rights.

The Irevan Castle, Khan's Palace, the Abbas Mirza Mosque, and many other monuments, which represent valuable examples of the material heritage of the Azerbaijani people on the territory of Armenia, have been completely destroyed. The history of the Blue Mosque, built by Khan of Iravan Huseyn Ali Khan in the 18th century, has been distorted and portrayed as a mosque belonging to another nation.

Armenias destruction of cultural monuments belonging to Azerbaijanis represents a flagrant violation of several international conventions, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the World Heritage Convention, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The policy of ethnic cleansing pursued by Armenia has seriously damaged Azerbaijan's intangible cultural heritage. For example, the Goycha ashiq school, one of the main schools of Azerbaijani ashiq art, which has been included in the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has been severed from its origins. Armenia has destroyed the statue and gravestone of renowned Azerbaijani performer Ashiq Alasgar in his native Goycha district. This is a demonstrative insult to the people of Azerbaijan.

The continuous destruction of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage by Armenia violates our right to use cultural heritage and protect our culture. This conduct seriously hinders peace, dialogue, and reconciliation efforts in the region.

We demand that both the Council of Europe and the OSCE express an explicit position on the mentioned issues. This behavior is no different from the attitude shown toward the war crimes Armenia perpetrated during the years when Azerbaijani lands were under occupation and the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms of Azerbaijani refugees. Azerbaijani society has legitimately lost faith in the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO. We see that, shortly after the anti-terror operation, the first anniversary of which was celebrated just recently, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe took a biased step against the Azerbaijani delegation. This behavior and attitude are unacceptable, and those masterminding it will not achieve their goals.

The OSCE and the Council of Europe should not adopt a double-standard approach to these issues. They should be objective and impartial. As representatives of Azerbaijans civil society, we are ready to cooperate with all relevant organizations in this area, provide additional information, and mediate efforts to protect the material and cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis in Armenia.

We, therefore, urge you to encourage Armenia to restore and protect the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people in accordance with its international obligations. In line with the principles reflected in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Armenia must ensure the protection of the cultural and historical heritage of Azerbaijanis and their safe and dignified return to their ancestral lands.

Signatures:

1. Aziz Alakbarli  The Western Azerbaijan Community

2. Amir Aliyev  Center for the Promotion of Human Rights Public Union

3. Fuad Mammadov - "Simurg" Azerbaijan Cultural Association

4. Fariz Khalilli  "Miras" Public Association for the Promotion of Cultural Heritage

5. Ramil Isgandarli- Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum

6. Narmina Aghayeva - "Promotion of Iravan Cultural Heritage" Public Union

7. Haji Abdulla - "Zangezur" Societies Public Union

8. Novella Jafarova - D. Aliyeva Azerbaijan Women's Rights Society

9. Saadat Bananyarli - "Azerbaijan National Unit of the International Human Rights Society" Public Union

10. Saltanat Gojamanli - "Protection of Human Rights and Legality" Public Union

11. Mubariz Asgarov  "Objective" Public Union for the Promotion of National Values

12. Shahla Naghiyeva - Sonmez Mashal Cultural Relations Public Union

13. Sheyda Allahverdiyeva  "ICOMOS Azerbaijan" Public Union

14. Gamar Baghirova - Jafar Jabbarli Public Association for the Development of Culture, Science, and Education

15. Ulviyya Babirova - "Culture Volunteers" Public Union

16. Turkay Gasimzada - Association for the Protection of Azerbaijans Cultural Heritage and Support for Tourism

17. Esmira Fuad - Eternal Turan Book Fund

18. Sevda Tahirli - Mirza Alakbar Sabir Foundation

19. Shahin Gadirov - "Zirva" Culture and Art Public Union

20. Farida Mirishova- "Iz" Support for Culture Development Public Union

21. Samad Vakilov - "Muvakkil Law Center" Public Union

22. Telman Gasimov  Scientific Research Public Union

23. Khatira Valiyeva - "Khankendi - Support for Internally Displaced Persons" Public Union

24. Ibrahim Ibrahimli  "Bir Tabassum" Public Union for the Promotion of Patriotism

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Brad Pitt, left, and George Clooney in a scene from Wolfs. Scott Garfield/Associated Press

Reports of a trend pointing to the Death of the Movie Star are an exaggeration, and George Clooney and Brad Pitt are here to prove it.

The two buddies, frequent collaborators and Oscar winners with marquee name recognition reunite for a low-key romp, if there is such a thing, as competing mystery men in writer-director Jon Watts crime comedy Wolfs. Its about as much fun as youd expect, and maybe more.

Clooney and Pitt are lone wolf fixers akin to the Harvey Keitel cleaner character in Pulp Fiction (known, by the way, as The Wolf). When a politicians (Amy Ryan) attempted fling with a goofy young dude (Austin Abrams) goes terribly wrong, theyre separately called in to erase the incident and, despite their objections, forced to work together. What unfolds is the usual reluctant-buddy-comedy formula: Complications arise  plenty amusing ones  and their snarky professional rivalry is good for easy laughs.

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Its not a return to Cop Car director Watts indie roots, but rather than the bright palettes of his massively successful Spider-Man movies, the look and feel of Wolfs is much more grown-up. And appropriately so. Theodore Shapiros score doesnt cram the comedy down your throat. Its reminiscent of the music used for 70s mysteries: light, with a hint of menace.

Brad Pitt, left, and George Clooney in a scene from Wolfs. Scott Garfield/Associated Press

Meanwhile, the lighting and sets are moody and upscale. Its a comedy, but shot like a noir. (Pitts previous Killing Them Softly comes to mind, visually.) Cinematographer Larkin Seiple, who has worked on Watts Cop Car as well as Everything Everywhere All at Once, shoots patiently, texturally (the occasional falling snow adding unexpected beauty) and, with editor Andrew Weisblum, allows us to see the acting. Thats particularly important when the main attraction is the rivalry of Pitt and Clooney.

And it is a pleasure to see them together again, Danny Ocean and Rusty of the Oceans films or Harry and Chad of Burn After Reading in new guises as hard men, cynical loners forced together. Yes, its a familiar formula, though instead of buddy cops, its buddy cleaners. What these Wolfs do is shades darker than the gentleman thievery of the Oceans larks, and the character comedy comes from a deeper place.

Brad Pitt, left, and George Clooney in a scene from Wolfs. Scott Garfield/Associated Press

These two actors are now very much old pros, and they communicate a great deal without leaning on the dialogue  not that Watts script isnt enjoyable. Clooneys tricks of the trade are clever, and when Pitt wants to get out of a sketchy motel, he says, I feel like Im getting syphilis just standing here. Its the star chemistry we all came to see, and theres plenty of it. We know theyre going to end up allies, but its just plain fun to watch them needle each other, and admit their creaking bones could use some Advil. Theyre not quite Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, but these two performers are in complete control and look like theyre enjoying themselves. Its hard not to enjoy their enjoyment.

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The casting throughout is impeccable. Those who know Abrams from his, um, unpleasant turn in The Walking Dead will be surprised and delighted by what a spastic, lovable naif he is here. Then theres Ryan, who is great in everything. In her limited role here, she brings emotional grounding and urgency and even sells some subtle physical comedy. Poorna Jagannathan, the best thing about Never Have I Ever, shines in an all-too brief appearance. (More of her, please.)

There is some action with a low body count, well handled by Watts and company. Theres only one extreme stunt, well-executed and hilarious. But its these two movie stars together again that elevate Wolfs.
19 September 2024 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The delegation led by First Deputy Minister of Defense  Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev starts an official visit to Italy, Azernews reports referring to the official website of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.

Within the visit, the Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army will hold meetings with the Italian military leadership and attend a defense industry company.

Further details and updates on the visit are expected to follow.

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19 September 2024 13:18 (UTC+04:00)

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order establishing September 20 as the State Sovereignty Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The order highlights that, since the early 1990s, the Republic of Armenia has grossly violated the UN Charter by pursuing an aggression policy against Azerbaijan. Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijans internationally recognized territory through military force, carried out ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis, destroyed Azerbaijani cities and villages, looted the countrys natural resources, and committed the Khojaly Genocide, one of the most atrocious tragedies of our time.

Following the 44-day Patriotic War that began on September 27, 2020, in response to Armenia's new invasion plans and provocations, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces achieved a historic victory over the Armenian army. By liberating its lands from 30 years of occupation, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and implemented the UN Security Council resolutions.

To prevent further large-scale provocations by Armenian forces in the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan and to restore the constitutional order, the Azerbaijani Army conducted an anti-terror operation on September 19, 2023. This operation, which lasted just 23 hours, forced the enemy to surrender and showcased the Azerbaijani Armys professionalism and heroism. This victory fully restored Azerbaijans sovereignty, and today, the Azerbaijani flag flies proudly in all territories where Azerbaijani sovereignty is established.

For any nation, creating and developing an independent state is a monumental achievement. Despite facing challenges, occupation, and deprivations, the Azerbaijani nation's determination for independence and statehood remained unshaken. Today, the Azerbaijani people have their independent state, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty achieved at the cost of heroic soldiers, officers and martyrs blood are considered the national wealth of the Azerbaijani people.

Thus, September 20 will be observed annually as the State Sovereignty Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Cabinet of Ministers is instructed to address issues arising from this order.

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19 September 2024 13:33 (UTC+04:00)

Labeling by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia of the local counter-terrorism measures aimed at disarming and completely forcing out the remnants of the armed forces of Armenia from the Karabakh economic region of our country, and restoring the sovereignty and constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan in those territories, as an attack against Nagorno-Karabakh and ethnic cleansing is unacceptable, said Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson for Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as he commented on the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia of 19 September.

Despite presenting itself as a peaceful country, Armenias calling Garabagh, the ancient and eternal land of Azerbaijan, with fictional names such as Nagorno-Karabakh is a clear example of disrespect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

The counter-terrorism measures carried out in our sovereign territories in less than 24 hours by our Armed Forces on 19-20 September 2023 were in full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. Azerbaijans restoration of sovereignty over its lands, in addition to constituting one of the most glorious pages of our history, is a triumph of international law and justice.

It was well-known that despite the defeat of Armenia in the 2020 Patriotic War and over the three years, until 2023, contrary to the obligations it accepted, Armenia not only had not withdrawn its illegal armed groups from the Garabakh region of Azerbaijan, but even transferred additional weaponry, ammunition, military equipment, landmines to Azerbaijani territories. Armenia, which continued landmine terror against our country, even further expanded this threat over time. Armenias officials were propagating the puppet regime they kept in our territories by all means, and the Prime Minister of Armenia congratulated the separatist regime on the so-called independence on 2 September 2023.

The major condition was to counter such exceeding any boundaries behavior of Armenia, which did not give up its unfounded claims against the territories of Azerbaijan laid within the historical and international legal framework, and falsification of history, grossly violated the principles of international law and did not draw conclusions from the miserable situation it had fallen in due to its policy of aggression.

On 19 September 2023, the death of 6 Azerbaijani citizens as a result of the terror act committed by the Armenian armed forces exhausted Azerbaijans patience and made counter-terrorism measures inevitable.

Despite the inflammatory efforts and propaganda of the Armenian side, during the counter-terrorism measures the civilian population was not targeted, the civil infrastructure was not damaged, and only legitimate military infrastructure and facilities were destroyed. Notwithstanding numerous calls from the Azerbaijani side not to leave their places of residence, despite the launched reintegration program, Armenian residents decided to leave the territories of Azerbaijan. It was their free choice, and to label it as an ethnic cleansing shows the hypocrisy of Armenia, which has mass-evicted Azerbaijanis from Armenia and occupied Azerbaijani territories, committing genocide and massacres.

With the complete restoration of Azerbaijans territorial integrity and state sovereignty, a historic opportunity has emerged for the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and consequently for the signing of a final peace agreement. Thus, while Azerbaijan is the initiator of the peace process for the sake of the security and progress of our region and has been making genuine efforts in this direction, maintaining claims against the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the Armenian Constitution and other legislative acts is unacceptable, and for the historical peace opportunity not to be missed by Armenia necessary and adequate measures must be taken as soon as possible to eliminate the mentioned claims.

On this historically important day for the people and state of Azerbaijan, we once again commemorate with deep respect the dear memory of sons and daughters of the homeland who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

We are proud of our glorious Armed Forces, and we wish our state and people a lasting victory! Hajizada added.

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19 September 2024 13:59 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Western Azerbaijan Community has issued a statement marking the anniversary of the anti-terrorist measures implemented in the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The statement declares: Today marks one year since the implementation of anti-terrorist measures in the Garabagh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. With this measure, Azerbaijan has ended a long-standing injustice that lasted over thirty years and fully restored the countrys sovereignty. This decisive action put an end to Armenia's persistent efforts to undermine Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, upholding the supremacy of international law.

The systemic struggle, which began with the return to power of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 1993, was successfully concluded under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. This thirty-year struggle, culminating in a complete victory, symbolizes the unity of the Azerbaijani people and state.

Azerbaijans actions have not only served its national interests but also upheld international justice principles. This represents a rare triumph of truth and justice in a world often marked by chaos and injustice.

Regrettably, some foreign forces are attempting to portray these achievements negatively and rekindle tensions. We call on these forces to respect international law and support sustainable peace in the region.

We urge all nations to recognize this significant victory of justice and support the return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to their homes, thereby closing this painful chapter of history with dignity.

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19 September 2024 22:03 (UTC+04:00)

The event that openly distorts and falsifies all the facts related to Azerbaijan is aimed at deteriorating Azerbaijan-United States relations, Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in response to a local media inquiry on the hearing at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress on 19 September 2024.

According to him, this is another manifestation of how some groups in the U.S. Congress openly misrepresent the situation in Azerbaijan under the disguise of human rights, while openly demonstrating disrespect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Unfortunately, such one-sided and biased events organized by the members of the U.S. Congress who are being guided by their internal considerations and personal gains much more than the U.S. national security interests, have long become a usual business for the U.S. Congress. Moreover, the participation of representatives of the former separatist regime in the hearing goes beyond all the imaginations, since the same Congressmen, who have organized this hearing are presenting themselves as ardent supporters of respect towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, he noted.

Hajizada pointed out that Azerbaijans anti-terror measures of last year were in full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and Azerbaijan has never targeted the civilian population.

On the contrary, the military aggression and almost 30 years of Armenias occupation of Azerbaijans sovereign territories where large-scale ethnic cleansing and massacres were committed against Azerbaijanis, religious and cultural monuments of Azerbaijan were razed to the ground, have never been condemned by the U.S. Congress. Unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan has repeatedly called for coexistence and cooperation between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, and has assured that the Armenians could be provided all the rights and benefits, and enjoy safety and security as citizens of Azerbaijan.

At the same time, it is alarming to see framing the situation in our region as a confrontation in religious terms, which is detrimental to peace-building and reconciliation.

Moreover, claims at the hearing about the human rights situation in Azerbaijan expressed by some people and organizations that are under the payroll of the Armenian diaspora are null and void, and we categorically condemn such statements. It would be more appropriate for them to focus on violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms in Armenia that they patronage, including cases of the deaths in prison of persons arrested as a result of political persecution, as well as oppression of politicians and their family members.

The so-called Artsakh referred in the hearing was nothing than an illegal entity established in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan by Armenia as a result of military occupation and ethnic cleansing of around 750,000 Azerbaijani civilians from the formerly occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Similarly, misrepresentation of the geographic name of a part of Azerbaijans internationally recognized territory of Karabakh region as being Artsakh is a clear violation of the principles and procedures for international standardization of geographical names, as well as alteration of standards of use of national and foreign geographic names by the U.S. Government authorities approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), as required by the US Public Law 80-242 (1947).

We call on the U.S. Congress leadership to prevent such actions from undermining the bilateral Azerbaijan-U.S. relations and expect the Department of State, as an agency overseeing the implementation of the foreign policy, to take appropriate measures in the U.S. Congress against such events hijacked by Armenian lobby groups, the spokesman added.

On 19 September 2024, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress held a hearing titled Human Rights in Azerbaijan Since the Fall of Nagorno-Karabakh, where speakers raised multiple allegations against Azerbaijan.

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19 September 2024 23:03 (UTC+04:00)

Acting Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan  Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, who is on a visit to a fraternal country at the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Turkiye, Army General Ziya Cemal Kadoglu, held a series of meetings, Azernews reports, citing the press services of the Defense Ministry.

Amidst his visit, Lieutenant General N.Islamzade met with the President of the Secretariat of Defense Industries under the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye, Mr. Haluk Gorgun, the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Yasar Guler, and the Commander of the Air Force, Army General Ziya Cemal Kadoglu.

The meetings discussed the current state and development prospects of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye and exchanged a wide range of ideas regarding future joint projects.

During the meetings, the importance of further expansion of cooperation in military, military-technical, and military educational fields was emphasized and other issues of common interest were discussed.

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19 September 2024 14:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Mazahir Afandiyev

Following Azerbaijan's return to state sovereignty in 1991, there was a severe crisis that affected every aspect of our country. The First Karabakh War caused significant losses for Azerbaijan. The country descended into a major humanitarian crisis as a result of the destruction of its economic potential, the halting of progress, and the increasing number of refugees and internally displaced people.

The process of state construction in Azerbaijan began in 1993 with the repeated return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the helm of the country at the adamant request of the Azerbaijani people.

Following the international community's acknowledgement of Azerbaijan's independence at the close of the 20th century, our country focused on safeguarding not only the state's interests but also those of all parties involved by managing and allocating fairly natural resources of the Azerbaijani people.

The interests of all parties in the continued growth of the globe and the region were safeguarded by the Contract of the Century, which was signed on September 20, 1994, thanks to the leadership and unceasing efforts of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and is still in effect today. At the same time, the Contracts implementation allowed the young Republic of Azerbaijan to gain international recognition, expand its authority, and establish itself as a trustworthy partner. One of the keystones of our freedom, the oil contract played a significant role in supporting both the growth of our economy and our triumph in the Second Garabagh-Patriotic War.

It should be noted that 13 major oil companies of the USA, Great Britain, Russia, Turkey, Norway, Japan and Saudi Arabia took part in signing the contract with the Republic of Azerbaijan: Amoco, BP, McDermott, UNOCAL, Lukoil, Statoil, Exxon, Turkish Petrols, Pennzoil, ITOCHU, Ramco, and Delta.

It is no accident that Azerbaijan, which flawlessly fulfilled the Contract of the Century signed in 1994, has the confidence of all participating international consortiums as well as partner states, and is currently regarded as the leading state in the region.

In general, since 2003, President Ilham Aliyev has declared energy policy a priority in Azerbaijan's multi-vector foreign policy and uses it as the main tool to ensure Azerbaijan's integrity, peace, stability, and secure sustainable development in the region. The world's states are becoming more interested in Azerbaijan as a result of the significant projects which completed over the past 20 years in connection with logistic corridors between North and South and West and East. Despite changes in the political landscape of the world, Azerbaijan continues to be committed to energy policy and rising to new challenges.

Year after year, Azerbaijan has been effectively managing its oil contracts and growing its gas production. Future project planning and execution also heavily depend on the discovery of alternative energy sources, which is one of the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution, and the enhancement of the green agenda, which is a crucial component of Azerbaijan's energy policy.

We can declare with pride that Azerbaijan, which signed the "Contract of the Century" in 1994 and is known throughout the globe as a dependable producer of gas and oil, is effectively changing its energy strategy to one of "green" energy and a "green" economy.

Particularly, following the Second Karabakh-Patriotic War, Azerbaijan launched several megaprojects aimed at promoting the "green" economy and producing "green" energy, thus actively contributing to global energy security. From this vantage point, friendly states have a strong desire to strengthen their current relationships in the area of exporting domestically produced alternative energy in addition to oil and gas.

These elements served as Azerbaijan's primary tools for maintaining security, peace, and calm in the South Caucasus both during and after the Second Karabakh-Patriotic War. Therefore, the fact that all countries decided to hold the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in our country this year is a clear indication of the importance placed on our energy policy in general as well as the energy projects, the basis of which was laid by the Great Leader and which we have successfully implemented around the world.

The author is a member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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19 September 2024 22:44 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

Turkiye is strengthening its cooperation with Iraq in the fields of combating terrorism and the Development Path through trade and contracting. Minister of Trade Omer Bolat will hold business meetings in Iraq on October 8-9 with a delegation of 80 businessmen. A significant portion of the delegation consists of contracting companies.

The positive effects of the Gulf tour led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year on relations continue. Iraq and Turkey, which signed 26 cooperation agreements in different areas in April, will meet in Iraq on October 8-9. Trade Minister Omer Bolat and a trade delegation of 80 people will hold business meetings.

Latest situation on the development path

The delegation to be chaired by Bolat includes exporters from all sectors, with the most important part being contracting companies.

Developments regarding the Development Road Project, which will connect the Gulf and Europe, are also planned to be discussed during these meetings. The Development Road, which is planned to be built with 1,200 kilometers of highway and 1,200 kilometers of railway up to Turkey's Ovack Border Gate, will provide significant economic contributions to both Iraq and Turkey. In this context, Bolat and his delegation are also expected to discuss construction work here.

Pioneering reconstruction

The Development Road Project will also open the door to other projects on the trade route. New districts, villages and settlement areas will be created along the project route. These new settlements will both provide security and increase the usability of the road. Contracting collaborations to be made for the establishment of cities within the scope of the trade trip will also be discussed.

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Baker Claire Ptak inside her London bakery, Violet Cakes, in 2018. Ptaks West Marin childhood inspires the cakes and pastries she sells. VICTORIA JONES/AFP via Getty Images

In mid-August, after an overnight flight and a 90-minute cab ride with my almost 1-year-old, I stumbled into my friends house in East London, awake and functioning in only the most technical sense. I left my spouse to nap while I strapped the baby to me and headed back out the door. Sure, the travel had been brutal, but here we were in far-flung environs! I popped a freshly picked blackberry into my sons mouth and pointed out the smells of roses and fox piss as I walked along the residential streets of Hackney. We were bound for the only logical place to start our English summer holiday: a bakery owned by a woman from Point Reyes.

At first glance, Violet is every inch an English bakery. There are scones and red currant-topped cakes and prim Victoria sponges in the display case, the types of baked goods that you could imagine someone on The Great British Bake Off calling scrummy. Then you see the quintessentially American egg-yolk chocolate chip cookies, a far cry from brittle biscuits meant for dunking in PG Tips. And slices of something called California cake, which contains neither gluten nor eggs nor a drop of English dairy. And are those matcha blondies, dotted with white chocolate chips? Cue a montage of Paul Hollywood wrinkling his nose at the powdered green tea.

This is the essence of Claire Ptaks Violet Cakes, which has been operating out of a modest building on a quiet, leafy lane since 2010. In her cookbook Love Is a Pink Cake, Ptak writes that her career has been informed by a sense of home and place. That home, that place is West Marin. Despite her almost 20 years in England and her reverence for British ingredients, her Northern Californian sensibility informs each cupcake, muffin and brownie.

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If Ptaks name sounds familiar, its most likely because for a moment in 2018, she was internationally famous. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle selected her to bake their wedding cake which, unlike almost every other royal wedding cake since Queen Victoria, was not a stodgy, shelf-stable fruit cake. Instead, Ptaks masterpiece featured layers of Amalfi lemon curd sandwiched between light sponge, all enrobed in elderflower-scented Swiss buttercream. It was a cake meant to be eaten, not sold on eBay a decade later.

Claire Ptaks wedding cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The cake featured elderflower syrup made at the queens residence in Sandringham, England, a light sponge cake uniquely formulated for the couple, an Amalfi lemon curd filling and elderflower buttercream. STEVE PARSONS/AFP via Getty Images

When the call came from the palace, Ptak thought she was being punked. It was so crazy, MacKenzie, I was like, ... What? Ptak said. Her bakery, while undeniably cool, is not the type of tony establishment you might imagine a royal frequenting. It faces a dreary block of public housing in a diverse borough not served by the Underground. But nevertheless, in May of 2018 Ptak found herself in the kitchens at Buckingham Palace, whipping buttercream while Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philips lunch trays were being prepared.

In a way, it was foretold by another wedding cake 40 years ago. A young Ptak attended the Inverness wedding of Bay Area artist Rick Yoshimoto and Suzanne dConey, and the festivities culminated in the unveiling of an unconventional sculpture by J.B. Blunk. The medium was cake and pink icing. It was enormous, transported by half a dozen guests on a sheet of plywood, and it was, shall we say, avant-garde, suggestively decorated with splotchy blue bananas and lush cross-sections of papaya. It came out, and I was just mesmerized by it, Ptak recalls. She may not have known her future lay in baking, at that tender age of 8, but the way her assembled community gathered gleefully around the cake-cum-sculpture? She knew she wanted her work to have that kind of impact.

Artist J.B. Blunks suggestively decorated cake for the wedding of Bay Area artist Rick Yoshimoto and Suzanne dConey in West Marin in the 1980s. The cake was an early inspiration for Ptak. Jan Watson

Ptak was born at home in Point Reyes  very hippie Northern California beginnings, she says  to Gene, a drama teacher, and Elisabeth Ptak, who designed childrens clothing and wrote a long-running column for the Point Reyes Light newspaper. Genes second job was as head waiter at Mankas, back when it was improbably one of two dueling Czechoslovakian restaurants in Inverness, population 1,400. Ptak recalls whiling away afternoons there, watching Manka Prokupek pipe elegant meringues.

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In high school Ptak rebelled, as teens must. But instead of turning on, tuning in and dropping out, in Ptaks West Marin community of artists and off-the-gridders rebellion meant becoming interested in capitalism. As soon as she could secure a work permit, Ptak set about making money, baking muffins for a local bed and breakfast and working the 4 a.m. shift at the Bovine Bakery during summers. After a brief detour into the film industry, the pull of pastry tugged her back into the kitchen, and she eventually landed at Chez Panisse  where she would have happily stayed if not for a long-distance relationship. London was calling, Ptak says, and 19 years later, shes raising a daughter in her adopted home.

Today, London is a world-class restaurant town, but Ptak arrived in the era of the gastropub, and her seasonally driven baking was seen as unusual. After staging at some of the citys top restaurants, she launched Violet Cakes as a stall in a Hackney market, introducing Brits to whoopie pies and cakes that married the ripest fruit with herbs and a judicious pinch of salt. Five years later came the brick-and-mortar bakery, then a column in the Guardian, collaborations with the likes of Yotam Ottolenghi and Nigella Lawson, and five cookbooks.

Her latest, Love Is a Pink Cake, was released last year. Much like Ptaks life, its divided into two halves  California and England  and the first chapter is an ardent love letter to the Bay Area and its bounty. Ptak shot the California portion of the book on location in Inverness, and her communitys fingerprints are visible everywhere. Theres a recipe for wild fennel and roasted fig friands, perfumed by canary yellow fennel blossoms foraged by her father in the hills near the Ptak family home. Peach tarte tatin with peach leaf custard uses fruit from Al Courchesne at Frog Hollow Farm, one of Ptaks favorite suppliers from her time at Chez Panisse. And all the recipes were photographed at the home of none other than sculptor and erotic cake artisan J.B. Blunk.

I tried so hard to get away from my beginnings when I was a teenager, Ptak told me, but Ive come full circle.

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Our final day in London happened to be my sons first birthday. We would fly home that evening, and between packing and getting to Heathrow and catching our plane, we knew it would be a day full of stressors. But I wanted the morning to be for him. So the day before, we purchased a small teddy bear, Paddington-adjacent, and I ordered a Victoria sponge smash cake from Violet.

A Victoria sponge smash cake topped with white currants from Violet Cakes in East London. MacKenzie Chung Fegan/The Chronicle

Initially he greeted the small cake with mild skepticism, decorously removing the sprig of white currants from the top and poking the tuft of whipped double cream. I separated the two layers of golden sponge and helped him take a bite of cake, raspberry jam and cream. His eyes flew open. He attempted to shove the rest into his mouth in one go. Next year Ill bake him a full-size Victoria sponge, maybe even using fruit from Farmer Al at Frog Hollow  a classic English treat for a California boy.

Baker Claire Ptaks brown sugar Victoria sponge cake from her 2023 cookbook Love Is a Pink Cake. Courtesy Pia Riverola

Brown Sugar Victoria Sponge

Makes one 8-inch cake to serve 8-10

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This recipe appears in Claire Ptaks cookbook Love Is a Pink Cake. Short on white sugar during a pandemic lockdown, Ptak substituted brown and found she loved the texture and depth it imparted. If youd prefer a more traditional Victoria sponge, you can swap in an equal amount of white sugar. If youd like to forgo making your own jam, use the best preserves you can find  any fruit you like.

Quick strawberry jam

250g (10  ounces) strawberries, hulled and quartered (cut smaller if the berries are very large)

225g (1  cups) demerara or raw sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

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Pinch of salt

The sponge

250g (2 sticks + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature

250g (1  cups) brown sugar

4 eggs

250g (1 cups) all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

 teaspoon salt

Filling and garnish

150g (5  ounces) quick strawberry jam

230g (1 cup) heavy cream

Icing sugar (powdered sugar) for dusting

Make the jam

First make the jam. Put 125g (3  ounces) of the strawberries with half of the sugar into a small heavy-bottomed pot and crush with a potato masher (or similar) while warming through over a low heat.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a roasting tin with parchment paper. Put the remaining sugar into the lined roasting tin and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes to warm through.

Add the remaining strawberries and sugar to the crushed strawberries, bringing just to a simmer, then add the warm sugar. The warm sugar keeps the cooking going swiftly so you can cook the fruit as quickly as possible, preserving that fresh fruit taste. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the lemon juice. Bring to a boil and allow to bubble away for 12-15 minutes. Cool completely (any leftovers after the cake has been assembled will keep for up to 2 weeks).

Make the cake

Preheat the oven to 340 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and line two 8-inch cake tins with parchment paper.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating between each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together, then add this to the mixer and continue to mix just until incorporated.

Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared cake tins, then bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins before turning out.

To assemble

Once the cakes are cool, spread one cake with 5  ounces (150g) of the cooled jam. Whip the cream to soft peaks and spoon on top of the jam, then top with the second cake layer. Dust with icing sugar. Chill until ready to serve to keep the cream nice and fresh.
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?

8.7% 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.26.09% 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.65.22% 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.
By: Observer Editorial Staff

Those who serve on the front line, protecting the Beaufort County public from government overreach and insuring honesty in government are the Board of County Commissioners. Each Commissioner is elected by the public to hold a position of trust. It is only the Board that has the authority to tax, spent the taxes, and to hire and fire those who hold critical management positions in County government. The honor of these Commissioners has to be of the highest caliber.

Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more failure to uphold the Constitution, to self-serve and lately to assume the powers of a sovereign among far too many elected officials. It is not just selfless service but the assumption among elected officials that they have somehow become anointed and crowned to make decisions that are unhinged from reality, the constitution and common sense. There is also the underclass of hired public officials who are only too eager to support the corrupt behavior of elected officials. These corrupt behaviors are prevalent, not only among County Commissioners, but from the dog catcher to the President of the United States.

The September 9th meeting of the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners was filled with corrupt, unethical and disloyal activity. All votes were 5 to 2 with the two Democrats voting with the three RINOs (Republican In Name Only). Conservative Republican Commissioners Richardson and Deatherage voted in the interest of the public.

Commissioner Richardson placed on the agenda to have a discussion about the Beaufort County Community College sponsoring a LGBTQ Plus club. It was advertised on the College media system as a campus event held in a room at the College. Richardson was clear in stating that the activities of such a club could have a severe negative impact on young peoples minds. LGBTQ is a controversial issue with many people, both religious and non religious, opposing the impact of sexual perversion on society. Richardson state he has no objection to holding such meetings on private property as opposed to public property.

The discussion by the Board of Commissioners went nowhere in spite of the religious posturing of several Board members. Because of the lack of support by the Board of Commissioners to stop this activity, we believe the public should notify the State Board of the Community Colleges of their displeasure with the use of public property for these kinds of activities. Complaints are best made to the governing body of the Community College. We believe calling the staff or President Loope are a waste of time. We tried to identify board members with their telephone numbers and could not find this information on the College web site. Call the college (252-946-6194) and ask for a list of board members with their contact information. If the college does not cooperate, call Hood Richardson at 252-975-3472.

We believe using public property to push highly questionable sexual acts is not in the public interest. Support from the College gives young inexperienced minds a false sense of true moral and religious standards.

Commissioner Richardson pulled a two point seven-million-dollar broadband funding issue from the consent agenda. Supposedly there is no controversy about items on the consent agenda. Therefore, the consent agenda is where issues are placed to hide from the public. Richardson forced a vote by the commissioners on this funding. The two Democrats voted with the three RINOs in favor of this spending. Commissioners Richardson and Deatherage voted against.

A second broad band (internet) issue for a grant of $500,000 came up and was approved. There is $1,089,708 dollars remaining in the original broadband funding appropriation of $4,000,000 by commissioners.

The broadband thing is a holdover from the Obama Administration. The idea is to construct internet lines in areas the telephone companies cannot justify because of the very low population density. Then it was discovered these people refused to pay the full price of internet services so we now have a subsidy for these people. They pay $30 per month. How much do you pay?

There is a sinister reason the government wants everyone to have broadband. The government has the ability to spy on every home that has a computer. This is why they want everyone to have a computer.

Commissioners who vote for this are harming their citizens.

Fake Frankie Waters made a motion that the Chocowinity fraud cases against Joy McRoy that involve, the Town of Chocowinity, possibly the Blounts Creek Fire Department, the Chocowinity EMS and the Chocowinity Fire Department not be allowed on the agenda for six months. Commissioner Richardson has been requesting answers about how much Beaufort County tax money may be involved. The trial began during the first week in September. The County Manager contends that, after we gave these agencies the tax money we have no authority to make sure it is spent for what it was taxed for. If you believe this we have a bridge to sell you. The County Attorney has been useless on this issue. He sits there and waits for Fake Frankie Waters and his minions to point him in a direction.

Fake Frankie Waters timing was perfect in shutting down the Chocowinity fraud issue. The trial started this month and John Rebholz needs the McRoy Family endorsement in his campaign for County Commissioner.

The issue of how much money the County Attorney actually collects is apparently resolved with both the Attorney and the County Manager finally making statements to the effect that Attorney Francisco has not received any money for expenses, trips or any other work directly or indirectly performed for the County. Therefore, his salary for part time work is $84,000 per year. Why were not these statements made when Richardson first made his request. This looks like a power play on the part of the County Manager.

We believe it is up to the County Commissioners to protect and defend the interests of the taxpayers. Commissioners are the only body that can set and enforce ethical, moral and honesty standards. Five of these commissioners are clearly running form their responsibility. They are actually sending signals that unethical, dishonest and immoral conduct will be tolerated and to some extent encouraged.

If commissioners do not have the responsibility to protect the public, then who does?
Hospitals continue to look to ASCs for growth opportunities as they face mounting financial pressures and struggle to maintain operating margins."

A recent survey of health system executives by VMG Health found that 60% of leaders were considering pursuing outpatient surgery joint ventures in 2024  the highest area of interest of any potential specialty partnerships.

"Historically, health systems didn't always embrace surgery centers because of the financial impact and perceived competition. But now, a lot of health systems view ASCs as an important part of their delivery network and want to be involved in a bigger way," Aric Burke, CEO of Phoenix-based Atlas Healthcare Partners, told Becker's.

St. Louis-based Ascension is looking to ASCs for its growth plans amid a $3 billion operating loss in fiscal 2023. Ascension has added 21 ASCs over the last three years and aims to grow that number to more than 100 in the next few years, President Eduardo Conrado told Becker's in an interview. Bon Secour Mercy Health System, a 48-hospital Catholic system, is also looking to ASCs through a joint venture to build out more than 30 ASCs with Raleigh, N.C-based Compass Surgical Partners.

"The rise of healthcare consumerism means patients are more informed and selective about their care options, favoring ASCs for their convenience, lower costs and quicker recovery times," consultant Ankura said in a Sept. 10 blog post."These economic pressures drive the growth of ASCs as payers seek to reduce healthcare costs through lower-cost sites of care than traditional hospital-based surgical platforms."

According to the post, ASCs also allow health systems and hospitals to better align with independent physicians in their market. By buying into an ASC, physicians gain equity, aligning incentives with hospitals and health systems.

Additionally, amid an industry shift to site-neutral payments, ASCs also provide an avenue to access alternative payment models and align with value-based imperatives, according to the post. And as commercial payers increasingly eye the cost-savings potential of ASCs, hospitals and health systems should "shoot to where the puck is going" to meet margins, Mike Slubowski, president and CEO of Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health, told Becker's.

ASCs also provide an opportunity to enter a new market, particularly booming suburban markets.

At the Morgan Stanley conference on Sept. 5, Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare's CEO Sam Hazen said that HCA is aiming "to extend the reach of our network for our patients, make it more convenient for them to start their process of care somewhere in the HCA system." He said its approach is to "take as many outpatient facilities as we possibly can and make it closer to the patient."

"We think we have a unique portfolio of communities inside of HCA that are benefiting from some of the national migration that's taken place, to Texas, to Florida, to Tennessee, to South Carolina, to Utah," he said. "I can go down the list and pretty much all of our communities, I think, are benefitting from some of that and it's really given us an opportunity to invest further in our network model."

And while ASC investment is costly upfront, the payoff is worth it.

In the blog post, Ankura discussed a client that saw a $6 million reduction to the hospital's bottom line when migrating outpatient surgeries to an on-campus ASC, but by freeing up operating room capacity for higher revenue-generating inpatient cases, the move resulted in a net gain to operating margins.

"Our biggest growth is in outpatient care. Some think we are only a hospital system, but only about 46 percent of our business is from our hospital sector today," New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling told Becker's. "The more you expand ambulatory and grow in the right locations, the more you increase market share, which brings more of the necessary inpatient care back to your hospitals."
Employed physicians have reported higher levels of burnout, anger and anxiety compared to independent physicians, according to a recent Physicians Foundation survey.

The 2024 Survey of America's Current and Future Physicians surveyed 1,723 physicians, residents and medical students between June 17 and July 16, 2024.

Here are six stats to know:

1. More employed physicians than independent physicians reported having inappropriate feelings of anger, tearfulness or anxiety, 54% compared to 46%.

2. Additionally, 41% of employed physicians reported withdrawing or isolating from family, friends and co-workers compared to 30% of independent physicians.

3. Of the surveyed physicians, 53% of independent physicians strongly or somewhat agree they often have feelings of burnout, compared to 62% of employed physicians.

4. More employed physicians reported being overextended and overworked (33%) than independent physicians (24%).

5. Twenty-two percent of independent physicians said their workplace wellbeing culture has improved in the past year compared to 28% of employed physicians.

6. Only 20% of independent physicians said their feelings about the future of the medical profession are positive, compared to 32% of employed physicians.
Pea Soup Andersens in Buellton (Santa Barbara County). Google street view

Pea Soup Andersens, a landmark restaurant and beloved sight for road trippers on the Central Coast, has a new owner.

Developer Ed St. George purchased the Buellton (Santa Barbara County) property, home to the restaurant and a neighboring parking lot, on May 31 of this year, county assessor records show. SBID LLC c/o Ed St. George is listed as the new owner on the county documents. The purchase comes months after the restaurant closed in January, after 100 years of serving its lauded split pea soup with sliced Danish pumpernickel bread.

The Buellton property was first listed for sale in 2021, the Lompoc Record reported. SFGATE first reported the sale of the property. (The Chronicle and SFGATE are both owned by Hearst, but operate independently.) The online outlet reports that St. George is associated with St. George and Associates, a large-scale rental company in Santa Barbara and Isla Vista thats known for renting properties to college students. St. George could not be reached for comment.

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The purchase of the restaurant did not include the adjacent Pea Soup Andersens Inn, a small hotel that is separately owned and operated. The second Pea Soup Andersens location in Santa Nella (Merced County), just off Interstate 5, is owned separately, and remains open.

Founder Anton Andersen, born in Denmark, opened the restaurant in 1924, at a time when Buellton was a hub for Central Californias Danish community. His French-born wife, Juliette, originally made the trademark split pea soup that bestowed the restaurant with its name and main attraction. The restaurants popular meals and kitschy appeal, which included Danish decor and a towering windmill, made it an enduringly popular stop for travelers. It claimed to serve millions of bowls of soup per year.

Its unclear when Pea Soup Andersens might reopen, or if the new owner plans any major changes for the restaurant.
While its specialized paramedic program will operate through at least Dec. 20, Exeter (N.H.) Hospital also plans to close additional programs.

The hospital's pediatric dental, neurology and podiatry services will end starting Oct. 11, the Portsmouth Herald reported Sept. 16.

Officials at the facility agreed to continue operating the paramedic program after meeting with New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella's office, who relayed "significant public health and safety concerns," Mr. Formella said in a statement.

The advanced life support paramedic program allows the hospital, which is part of Cambridge, Mass.-based Beth Israel Lahey Health, to have specially trained paramedics respond to emergencies requiring a higher level of care than what is typically available from local EMS officials.

Mr. Formella's office has requested Exeter share more information on the service cuts by Sept. 20, according to a statement from the New Hampshire Department of Justice shared with Becker's.

"Notably, Exeter/BILHs plan to discontinue the Advanced Life Support Program did not take into account agreements Exeter entered into with approximately 14 municipalities requiring a 90-day notice for service termination," the statement said. "Exeter/BILH has also downplayed the demand for the healthcare services and programs it intends to cease providing."

Sonya Vartabedian, Exeter Hospital spokesperson, shared the following statement with Becker's:

"Like many health care organizations in our region and across the country, Exeter Hospital continues to face dramatically rising costs, changing patient care trends and a challenging reimbursement environment. While we have made progress in continuing to rebuild our financial health in the post-pandemic environment, we are evaluating all aspects of our operations, including aligning our staff with patient care priorities and focusing our resources on health care programs and services that Exeter Hospital is uniquely qualified to provide. These steps will help ensure we have a strong financial foundation, and that Exeter is well-positioned to continue to deliver on our health care mission. We are working to respond to the inquiry from the Attorney Generals Office."
Hoboken, N.J.-based CarePoint Health System has filed three WARN notices with the state, signaling potential layoffs as it explores financial restructuring options.

The notices point to 2,602 potential layoffs by Dec. 12. Jobs that could be affected are at Bayonne (N.J.) Medical Center (859 workers), Jersey City, N.J.-based Christ Hospital (843 workers) and Hoboken University Medical Center (900 workers), according to the notices.

CarePoint has been exploring various options amid financial difficulties.

In January, the health system signed a letter of intent with Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, N.J., to combine under a new management company, Hudson Health System. Hudson Regional, a for-profit facility, would combine with CarePoint's three safety-net hospitals under a new operating company. Earlier this year, CarePoint also tapped Flint, Mich.-based Insight, a health network that includes two hospitals and multiple ASCs, to stabilize its finances.

Then this summer, Hudson Regional sued CarePoint, alleging breach of their merger pact, and various vendors have sued, seeking payment, according to the Hudson County View.

The news outlet reported Sept. 12 that CarePoint has started talks on financial restructuring that could include bankruptcy.

CarePoint shared a statement with Becker's acknowledging the financial challenges and noting that there are multiple options on the table.

"Despite facing increasingly daunting financial challenges, CarePoint Health remains committed to delivering best in class healthcare services to the people of Hudson County and the system is exploring various strategic financial restructuring options to support that vision," the statement said.

"It is critical to note that the system's three local hospitals are not facing any imminent threat of closure and no final decisions regarding layoffs have been made at this time. We are grateful to CarePoint's incredibly dedicated physicians and staff for their commitment to excellence and partnership during this period and will continue to do whatever is possible to ensure that they can keep providing exceptional and essential healthcare service to the communities we serve."

This article will be updated if more information becomes available.
Five years ago, Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare embarked on a new chapter in the health system's journey, reducing its debt profile and having its ambulatory surgery center business drive a greater portion of the company's performance, according to CEO and Chair Saum Sutaria, MD.

Tenet committed to deleveraging the company, realizing the fair value of assets through divestitures and growing its ambulatory business, United Surgical Partners International, by capitalizing on the shift to outpatient procedures at lower costs.

"The proceeds from asset sales reflect their high quality, helping us reduce leverage, which now provides strategic and financial flexibility for future growth," Dr. Sutaria said Sept. 9 during the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference. "Our ability to deleverage the company with the types of proceeds we've generated  has been very good. We are seeing the company at a place where the leverage generates not only a degree of strategic and financial flexibility, but stability for the organization's ability to invest in growth over the next few years."

Tenet, now a 52-hospital system, significantly improved its leverage position this year, selling nine hospitals in high-growth markets in California and South Carolina for a total of $3.9 billion. It also plans to sell its majority stake in five more Alabama hospitals for $910 million this fall.

Proceeds from these hospital sales are being used to reduce the health system's debt and expand its outpatient footprint through strategic ASC acquisitions and de novo developments.

USPI is the largest ASC chain in the country with 520 ASCs and 24 surgical hospitals across 38 states. By the end of 2025, it plans to have 575 to 600 facilities in its portfolio.

This would be almost double the outpatient footprint of its closest competitor, Deerfield, Ill.-based SCA Health, an affiliate of UnitedHealth Group's Optum.

"USPI, the strongest ASC platform in the country, had the strongest recovery in 2023 from a volume perspective. We look at that as a measure of strength of preference of the USPI platform," Dr. Sutaria said. "The growth was more than two times what our annual guidance would look like from a midpoint standpoint."

Acuity has also improved in the company's ASCs, leading the company to raise its guidance mid-year based on performance, organic growth and cost management.

In July, Tenet raised its EBITDA outlook for fiscal year 2024, projecting a range of $3.8 billion to $4 billion, up $300 million from the previous year.

"There's still plenty of room to grow with outpatient surgeries in orthopedics to move into a freestanding ASC setting, and to do it in a cost-effective way," he said. "I remind people all the time that our ASC portfolio is virtually 100% freestanding. So the cost savings from moving into that setting, aside from the service and all that stuff is, is quite beneficial. And it opens the market when things are more affordable for more growth."

Dr. Sutaria said USPI's value proposition has "only strengthened, and the multiples at which we're acquiring and synergizing haven't changed."

USPI's acquisition multiples remain steady, and it has maintained a disciplined process in deal evaluation, according to Dr. Sutaria, who said changes in Tenet's balance sheet flexibility won't erode this discipline.

Tenet is not interested in "risky" or "turnaround" assets and will continue to "acquire high quality assets that have good margins," Dr. Sutaria said.
An AI company that works with health systems has reached an agreement with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to resolve allegations that it issued inaccurate and deceptive claims regarding the reliability and safety of its products.

AI health tech company Pieces Technologies' generative AI tool is capable of providing summaries of patients' conditions and treatments for hospital staff. The company works with four hospitals in Texas, according to a Sept. 18 news release.

An investigation by Mr. Paxton's office revealed that Pieces made misleading claims about the accuracy of its healthcare AI products, potentially endangering the public interest. According to the news release, Pieces created various metrics to promote its AI tools as "highly accurate," advertising an error rate or "severe hallucination rate" of "<1 per 100,000" in its marketing efforts.

Mr. Paxton's investigation concluded that these metrics were likely inaccurate and may have misled hospitals regarding the true accuracy and safety of the company's products.

As part of the agreement, Pieces has committed to providing transparent and accurate information about the accuracy of its products. The company has also agreed to ensure that hospital staff using its generative AI tools for patient care are fully informed about the appropriate level of reliance on these products.

"We are extremely disappointed in the Texas Office of the Attorney General's press release that dangerously misrepresents the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance into which Pieces entered," a statement from Pieces shared with Becker's reads. "Importantly and as noted specifically in the AVC, Pieces vigorously denies any wrongdoing and believes strongly that it has accurately set forth its hallucination rate, which was the sole focus of the AVC."

Pieces stated that it believes the Attorney General's press release misrepresents the terms of the AVC.

According to the company, the AVC does not mention any safety concerns regarding Pieces' products, nor is there evidence that the public interest has ever been at risk.

"The AVC focuses solely on the company's reporting of hallucination rates in the context of an independently developed risk-classification system that is based on severity," Pieces statement reads. "Importantly, there is no industrywide risk classification system for generative AI hallucinations for inpatient clinical summarization that exists today."
Brian Smolskis has been appointed COO of Lompoc (Calif.) Valley Medical Center.

Mr. Smolskis brings more than three decades of healthcare experience to the role, according to a Sept. 9 news release from Lompoc Valley.

He previously served as system COO at Whittier, Calif.-based PIH Health, the release said.

Four other leadership changes were also recently made, according to the release.
Tom Keller is stepping down from his role as president and CEO of West Plains, Mo.-based Ozarks Healthcare for a new leadership position.

Mr. Keller will join Joplin, Mo.-based Freeman Health System on Dec. 1, according to a Sept. 18 news release from Ozarks Healthcare. He will become president and CEO of the system, succeeding 13-year CEO Paula Baker, who is retiring, according to a Sept. 18 news release from Freeman Health System shared with Becker's.

During his tenure at Ozarks, Mr. Keller oversaw the expansion of rural clinics and pharmacies. Under his leadership, the system also successfully implemented an electronic medical record system, the release said.

Ozarks Healthcare includes a 114-bed acute care hospital, pharmacies, specialty and family medicine clinics, and home care services.

Editor's note: This story was updated on Sept. 19 at 8:46 a.m.
Lourdes Boue, CEO of Coral Gables, Fla.-based Doctors Hospital and Miami-based West Kendall Baptist Hospital, brings more than two decades of experience to Baptist Health in her role as a CEO.

Previously, Ms. Lourdes served as vice president of operations at West Kendall, where she played a key role in the facility's opening. She also held positions as vice president of Baptist outpatient services and corporate director of strategic planning and business development for Baptist Health.

She told Becker's this experience, as well as her personal history, has influenced how she leads today. Ms. Boue discussed the most difficult decision she's made as CEO, her leadership strengths and the importance of networking.



Editor's note: Most questions are part of a regular series with health system CEOs. Responses were lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: What has been the most significant decision you've made as CEO, and can you walk us through the process you used to evaluate options and reach that decision?

Lourdes Boue: I can tell you not necessarily the most significant, but the most difficult. And by its difficulty, it was significant to me, personally and professionally. To put it in context, I was promoted to my first CEO role in December of 2019, and I had a honeymoon period for about two months until I was greeted by COVID in February of 2020. When I go back and think of the tumultuous time that we went through, I was extremely well-supported by a wonderful chief nursing officer and an incredible chief medical officer at my local hospital. And then, of course, I was part of the system. But one of the most difficult decisions that I had to wrestle with was when we restricted family members from visiting our hospitalized patients at the height of COVID.

I have significant experience  I've always been the family caretaker. I'm not a nurse; I'm a CPA by profession  but I've always been a family caretaker.  So, when the policy came down that we needed to restrict family visitation, it went to the core of who I am and what I believe in versus the patient's safety concerns. We were trying to follow what was being developed as best practices and what our system said was necessary. We rolled out the policy, and sure enough, because I was following the line, I made it appropriate and had to go through the risk-and-reward process.

We had one particular patient I'll never forget. I rounded that evening on a unit, because I tended to round a lot during COVID, and I found a nurse in tears  a baby nurse, a new nurse  who was taking care of a patient whose daughter had said, "I need to stay with my mom because she gets agitated." We, quote, "forced the policy" on this family member. The mother got agitated and experienced dementia when the daughter left. It was just not a pretty situation. It broke my heart to see this baby nurse have this experience. I call her a baby nurse  a wonderful young woman who was just starting her nursing career and was struggling with what was the right thing to do. I remember hugging her and taking personal responsibility as the CEO for putting her in such a difficult situation, then trying to console her in the moment over what she had to go through with this family member and patient.

I decided  with our nursing CNO  at that moment that we were going to be very careful about how we deployed this policy moving forward. Nothing in life is black and white, and situations should be assessed on an individual basis. The nursing leadership would be able to make decisions where they wanted to make latitudes to the nursing policy, so long as safety was maintained from distances, from masking, and from gloving. At the time, we didn't even know how to handle COVID.

So, I think that was the most difficult decision I've ever had to make, and it was just months into my role as CEO. I didn't realize it about myself, but I do think I am such a patient advocate because of my personal experiences. I even remember saying to my CNO, "If it had been my daughter in that bed or my mother in that bed, you would have had to call security to yank me out of this hospital."

Q: What was your first job? How old were you? Biggest thing you learned?

LB: My first job was when I was 14, and it was a summer job. I remember my parents both worked in downtown Miami, and I got a job in an office in the same building where my father's office was, so it was easy for me to commute back and forth with my parents every day during the summer. I worked five days a week at 14, and I was a receptionist, answering phones and the like. I remember just about after a week of starting, I would get in the car and cry because I hated the job. People were yelling at me, people calling and leaving messages, and it was just a very stressful job for a 14-year-old.

My father went and asked this gentleman, whom he knew casually from working in the same building. He said, "Help me understand what's going on with my daughter. Is she not managing this well? Because she's so upset every day. I want to make sure that my daughter knows work ethic." And I'll never forget this. This has stuck with me. The guy said to my dad, "Listen, if your daughter learns to drive in Miami, she'll only be able to drive in Miami. But if she learns how to drive in New York City, she's going to be able to drive anywhere in the world. So think of this job as learning to drive in New York City."

Well, at the time, I really didn't understand what that meant, but I think it was building resiliency on my part. And lo and behold, fast forward probably 10 years, and it ended up that my father discovered that the guy had been embezzling money from people. So he was avoiding every call and every message possible, and I was the one that was front and center receiving all these angry messages from people. They would call for him, and I would say, "He's not in. [I can t]ake a message." People would show up and sit in the lobby for hours, and he wouldn't come out. It was just, again, putting it in perspective as a 14-year-old.

But I didn't quit, and my parents didn't tell me to quit either. So I guess in their own way, they taught me resilience  toughing it out, seeing it through, doing the best you can. And eventually, that was just a summer, but boy, was I glad that summer was over.

Q: What is one of your lesser-known talents or leadership "superpowers?"

LB: I enjoy developing people. I enjoy teaching. I have been told that I have an incredible amount of patience, and I do have patience for those individuals, those leaders, those staff members that are really interested in learning something, understanding something. I try to encourage people to ask questions, ask questions to understand, to appreciate. When we understand and appreciate, then we can get feedback that's even more valuable than if we're not asking questions.

I think people don't necessarily see me as someone that is aligned with development. I mean, they see me as, I think, a tough driver expecting excellence, driving for that excellence, trying to get the best out of people. And I think until they get to know me and work with me, they don't realize that, yes, I expect that, but I'm here to help you get there. So I think that's something that might be a talent of development, but it's lesser known.

And I've been here now, this time around, for 20 years with Baptist, I have six people, young professionals, who have reached out for me to be their unofficial mentor. I value the fact that they value being able to come to me for advice, for education, for knowledge, for perspective. So that's something that I think is part of my leadership, talent that I enjoy, and I think others do as well that know me.

Q: If you could go back in time 10 years, what would you tell yourself to start doing, or start learning about? What ended up being a bigger deal than it might have seemed at one point?

LB: I don't know that it's a bigger deal, but it's important. I think as you grow up in an organization and you're very focused on performance, and getting that performance with people and creating the right culture, I think what we forget is that as you rise within an organization, the need to build external relationships, the networking becomes important.

I spent a lot of my career in operations at the COO level. The COO is the doer, to get the performance done. And so I would say that those individuals who are aspiring to grow into that higher C-suite level like CEO need to take the time to build the networking within the industry and outside of the industry, to build relationships that will support them in the need to be much more outward-facing the higher you go in an organization. And I wish somebody had told me that 10 years ago.

Q: What are you reading up on now to prepare for the next three to 10 years?

LB: It's more on a personal level of what decisions you make as to when you trigger your exit strategy from an industry where you've been dedicated to it for 45 years. How do you reinvent yourself? How do you still stay connected to the industry you love? How do you still make a difference to patients and to staff and to leaders without having the obligations of a C-suite role? And what does that look like? And that's really more of the research that I'm doing today for the next three years now.






The University of Virginia board of visitors and president Jim Ryan have agreed to retain outside counsel to conduct an independent review of the complaints and allegations raised by faculty at UVA Health in Charlottesville, Va., in a no-confidence letter, according to a statement shared with Becker's Sept. 18 from university spokesperson Brian Coy.

In early September, 128 UVA Physicians Group-employed faculty signed a no-confidence letter against K. Craig Kent, MD, UVA Health's CEO and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Virginia, and Melina Kibbe, MD, dean of the school of medicine.

The five-page letter, addressed to the university's board of visitors and published in The Cavalier Daily, calls for immediate removal of the leaders. It accuses Drs. Kent and Kibbe of fostering a negative work environment that compromises patient safety and "contributing to an ongoing exodus of experience and expertise."

The letter specifically accuses the leaders of allowing "egregious acts" at the health system and medical school, including hiring physicians despite quality concerns; using threats against faculty who raise issues about safety, capacity and moral distress; using promotion and tenure delays as retaliation; and excessive executive spending amid staffing shortages.

University and health system officials have defended Drs. Kent and Kibbe and emphasized their commitment to reviewing and understanding the concerns.

"University leaders, including Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Craig Kent and Medical School Dean Melina Kibbe, agree on the need to pursue a thorough and independent review," Mr. Coy said in his statement. "The board and President Ryan will receive the findings of this review and work with UVA Health leaders to address any issues that may arise through this process."
Wakefield, R.I.-based South County Health has responded to calls for leadership change in the wake of an open letter from physicians and a state Department of Health investigation.

The health system held a news conference Sept. 13 and an online leadership panel Sept. 16 to answer questions from the public regarding concerns shared in an open letter from 40 of the South County Health physicians and staff.



Due to the letter, CMS determined the Rhode Island Department of Health would conduct an investigation of South County Hospital to "evaluate the CMS condition of participation."



"The survey team found no conditional deficiencies of participation in Medicare and Medicaid Services or with State licensure. Per CMS policy, a survey report is generated only when there are deficiencies identified," the health department said in a Sept. 16 news release.



South County Health has also published a website to share "more details about the financial challenges in healthcare and the facts around some of the recent changes at South County Health," according to the site.



The health system cites disagreements on how to address financial losses within its medical oncology and infusion programs as part of the reason some oncologists have resigned.



"The underfunding of all Rhode Island health systems resulting from disparately low reimbursement rates when compared to neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts, has systematically created an unsustainable healthcare delivery environment  and is the direct root cause of the challenges that all Rhode Island healthcare systems experience, not just South County Health in recruiting/retaining doctors," the health system wrote on its website.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted Sept. 19 to forward two resolutions regarding contempt charges against Steward Health Care chairman and CEO Ralph de la Torre, MD, to the full Senate.

The vote on the resolutions came after Dr. de la Torre defied a congressional subpoena and failed to attend a Sept. 12 hearing.

The Senate committee forwarded both the civil and criminal contempt resolutions against the CEO of the Dallas-based health system. If passed by the full Senate, the civil resolution would instruct the Senate's legal counsel to bring a civil suit to require Dr. de la Torre's compliance with the subpoena and his testimony before the HELP committee.

If passed by the full Senate, the criminal contempt resolution would refer the issue to the U.S. Department of Justice to criminally prosecute the CEO for failing to comply with the subpoena.

Steward sought Chapter 11 protection May 6 and has since been working to offload the remainder of its 31 hospitals. Dr. de la Torre's absence from the hearing came as he has faced criticism the past few months for lavish vacations and ownership of two multimillion-dollar yachts while the for-profit health system's hospitals struggle.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is the chairman of the HELP committee, said in a prepared statement that the votes will make it clear that "even though Dr. de la Torre may be worth hundreds of millions of dollars; even though he may be able to buy fancy yachts, private jets, and luxurious accommodations throughout the world; even though though he may be able to afford some of the most expensive lawyers in America, no. Dr. de la Torre is not above the law."

In a Sept. 18 letter to the committee, Dr. de la Torre's attorney said that he lacks the authority to speak on behalf of Steward with respect to the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and he is prohibited by a federal court order from doing so." The attorney also alleged the hearing "was seemingly designed as a vehicle to violate Dr. de la Torres constitutional rights."

"The U.S. Constitution affords Dr. de la Torre inalienable rights against being compelled by the government to provide sworn testimony that is specifically (yet baselessly) sought to frame Dr. de la Torre as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts' health care system," the letter said. "Accordingly, on the advice of counsel, Dr. de la Torre invokes his procedural and substantive rights under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, including the privilege to refrain from testifying at the committees hearing."
The El Humo cocktail features torched wood chips at Popoca in Oakland. Adahlia Cole/Special to The Chronicle

Not only is Popoca in Oakland a trailblazer for Salvadoran cuisine, it is also home to a groundbreaking drink program unlike any other in the Bay Area.

Cocktails here are imbued with Salvi flavor, putting fun spins on classics or building on the restaurants motifs. The bracing El Humo ($17) is like a Salvi old-fashioned, featuring bourbon and syrup spiced with Salvadoran relajo seasoning, served in a smoke-filled glass. Riffing on a pina colada, the booze-forward Martini Colada ($17) is excellent, made with pineapple-infused gin and coconut-saturated vermouth, while its rich mouthfeel comes from a coconut cream wash. Corn, a major theme of the restaurant, comes three ways in the Palomitas ($18), a cocktail consisting of corn whiskey, elote liqueur and a corn milk wash.

Beverage director Eduardo Ed Peraza Flores shakes a cocktail at Popoca in Oakland. Adahlia Cole/Special to The Chronicle

Beverage director Eduardo Ed Peraza Flores is spearheading these exuberant combinations. Flores program establishes a new drinking culture, as El Salvador does not have much of a cocktail tradition. Flores met Popoca chef Anthony Salguero during the restaurants popup days, when the two bonded over their shared Salvadoran heritage. Like Salguero, Flores has been working in kitchens since he was a teenager, doing everything from dishwashing to barbacking to bartending. Most notably, Flores worked at sensational Asian American bar Viridian in Oakland for nearly three years, before Salguero asked him to join the team at Popoca.

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This is Flores first time heading a program of his own and a rare opportunity to reflect his roots. The first challenge was dissecting Salvadoran drinking culture, in the hope of finding corollaries for cocktails. He mined a lifetime of nostalgia, scanning sensory memories of his time living in El Salvador as a child and relaying those flavors into the cup.

Early cocktails at the restaurant were tasty but straightforward spiked agua frescas like a creamy peanut horchata and fruit punch called ensalada de fruta. Eventually, Flores drinks became more involved, featuring house-made elements like Loroco flower-infused gin, green mango-steeped tequila and alguashte orgeat, made with pumpkin seeds in place of almonds. Today, youll notice a captivating synergy between the kitchen and the bar, where the shared flavors of the drinks and food play off each other.

Natasha Nazer tends bar as a guest looks over the menu at Popoca in Oakland. Adahlia Cole/Special to The Chronicle

But Popcas bar program is more than its cocktails. In fact, what really won me over is its top-notch spirit list. El Salvador has an affinity for rum, and Popocas list would make a tiki bar envious. Additionally, the restaurant has a one-of-a-kind bottle list full of deep cuts from Latin America, like Pox, a mixed grain alcohol from Central America and southern Mexico, as well as other Mexican spirits like gin and agave distillates like raicilla and sotol, made from cactus varieties. You might catch a few of these bottles on the bar shelves of Mia in Jack London Square and Low Bar in Uptown Oakland, but neither offers as much variety as Popoca.

I almost shrieked when I saw my favorite rum on offer: Camazotz ($13), a wildly complex Oaxacan rum, made in the agricole style with fresh sugarcane. It smells like sweet, ripe mangoes but tastes savory with vegetal, peppery notes. Make sure to try one of the rums by El Salvadors first distiller Cihuatan, many of which are aged in oak barrels. I love sipping the expressive 12-year-old option on the rocks, which tastes of stone fruits and nuts, while the neat 15-year-old version brought to mind cacao and warm spices.

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The bar at Popoca in Oakland. Adahlia Cole/Special to The Chronicle
Allina Health will reduce its elective surgery schedule and hours for registered nurse care coordinator staff at Owatonna (Minn.) Hospital, affecting nurses and surgical technicians.

The Minneapolis-based system confirmed the moves in a statement shared with Becker's Sept. 18.

Allina will reduce its elective surgery schedule from five to four days a week at the hospital, starting Nov. 2, the statement said, citing reduced surgical volumes following the departure of physicians. At the same time, it will reduce hours for registered nurse care coordinator staff in the medical-surgical unit at the hospital.

Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Health System employs most providers who perform surgeries at the hospital while Allina owns and operates the Owatonna Hospital and oversees all nurse staffing-related decisions.

In a statement shared with Becker's, Jason Wray-Raabolle, MD, site lead physician for Mayo Clinic Health System in Faribault and Owatonna, said one of the general surgeons who previously worked at Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna resigned recently, and the system is working to fill the position.

"There have been no other changes to our staffing from a personnel perspective," Dr. Wray-Raabolle added.

"Our clinic staff carefully evaluates each patient's case, taking into account their individual needs and preferences, to determine the most appropriate course of action. In some instances, referrals to Mayo Clinic in Rochester may be necessary to provide specialized care or access to resources that aren't available locally. We strive to collaborate with Allina Health in Owatonna to keep patients close to home whenever possible."

Regarding the separate decision to reduce hours for registered nurse care coordinator staff in the medical-surgical unit at the hospital, Allina cited a need "to better align with schedules at our other Allina Health regional hospitals."

"Allina Health is grateful to our care team members for their dedication and service to the Owatonna community," the health system's statement said.

"We are working with impacted employees to help them understand how this change will affect their schedules and, as appropriate, offer them support with finding other job opportunities within Allina Health. Allina Health remains committed to providing excellent care, close to home, for those in Owatonna and surrounding communities."

In total, Allina expects the new schedule and reduction of hours to affect five or fewer full-time equivalents, including surgical technicians and nurses.

"Our goal is to minimize impact, and to help affected care team members understand how this change will impact their schedules," Allina said. "When appropriate, we will offer them support with finding other job opportunities at Allina Health."

The Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents nurses at Allina, is condemning the decision and calling on the health system to reconsider. Allina said it is in contact with the unions to work through the contractual process.






The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a division of HHS, has partnered with other federal agencies and health systems to create a national safety alliance as part of broader commitments from the federal government to reduce preventable harm and improve care quality industrywide.

The alliance was among efforts shared at the White House Sept. 17 during a forum on patient safety hosted by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology  a working group of more than two dozen thought leaders in the academic, government and private sectors. AHRQ first shared the concept of a national safety alliance in 2023, with more details emerging at the forum.

Eight things to know:

1. The National Action Alliance for Patient and Workforce Safety is a collective of federal agencies, heath systems, medical associations, policymakers and patient groups that will work together to apply evidence-based harm reduction strategies across all populations and settings, according to an AHRQ overview. The first area of focus will be hospital care settings.

2. The alliance will rely on a total-systems approach to safety improvement and align with the National Action Plan to Advance Patient Safety, which aims to reduce preventable harm by 50% by 2026. Participating systems will conduct a baseline safety assessment to identify priority areas for improvement. Through the alliance, they'll have access to implementation support, funding opportunities and other resources to support improvement efforts.

3. On Nov. 1, the alliance will release an initial version of a dashboard to monitor the nation's progress toward eliminating preventable patient and workplace harms across all settings.

4. As part of the federal government's broader efforts to improve safety in healthcare, the CDC has also released new guidance to support hospitals in reducing diagnostic errors  which are responsible for nearly 800,000 deaths per year. The CDC will also develop new measures to advance recognition and treatment of sepsis.

5. The White House also secured commitments from 22 national and regional organizations to promote a "whole-of-society approach" to healthcare safety. For example, Press Ganey has committed to building an AI-backed analytics dashboard next year that will integrate key safety data points on patient outcomes, the workforce, safety culture and more. The Association of American Medical Colleges also plans to share a revised set of education competencies that focus on safety and quality improvement skills for physicians.

6. In addition, the White House said 16 systems have committed to safety improvement actions. Together, these systems provide healthcare to more than 30 million patients and employ hundreds of thousands of workers:

Ascension (St. Louis)

Baylor, Scott and White Health (Dallas)

Beth Israel Lahey Health (Cambridge, Mass.)

Braden Health (Ave Maria, Fla.)

CommonSpirit Health (Chicago)

Highmark Health (Pittsburgh)

MedStar Health (Columbia, Md.)

Mercy Health (St. Louis)

Nemours Children's Health (Jacksonville, Fla.)

Novant Health (Winston-Salem, N.C)

Prisma Health (Greenville, S.C.)

Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, S.D.)

SSM Health (St. Louis)

Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.)

University of California Health (Oakland, Calif.)

University Hospitals (Cleveland)

7. In another initiative, the Veterans Health Administration, a component of the Department of Veterans Affairs, will roll out a new national program next year to prevent falls across care settings. All VA health system leaders will also sign a safety culture commitment by mid-2025.

8. The patient safety alliance's launch comes a little over a month after CMS added seven new measures to its hospital inpatient quality reporting program as part of its Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System final rule released Aug. 1. The patient safety measure will take effect in 2025. The patient safety structural measures assess whether hospitals have a structure and culture that prioritize safety through five domains: leadership committed to eliminating preventable harm; strategic planning and organizational policy; a culture of safety and learning; accountability and transparency; and patient and family engagement, according to a CMS final rule.
Spine surgeons are keeping a close eye on the evolving policy issues affecting their job from reimbursements to Medicare pay.

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses.

Next question: Many newer spine technologies come with a heavy price tag, especially for ASCs. What will it take to lower costs for the technologies and help them become more widespread?

Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.

Question: What are the policy issues you're advocating for in your job?

Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: It all comes back to connecting authorization with reimbursement. For some reason, for decades and decades, prior authorization in surgery has never been linked to payment. This is and continues to be a major flaw in the current system, and allows for a gigantic loophole through which payers can shuck and jive their way out of paying for services rendered. It is beyond me why HHS and Congress have not mandated that authorization be a guarantee of payment, especially in terms of clean claims submitted with the same exact CPT codes that were authorized. One must wonder what motivation those in government would have for not advocating for physicians to be paid for the work they do.

Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): Current public policy advocating for physicians and in the general public, is difficult at best, and in most cases, awkward in discussion and participation. For instance, the political landscape, candidate choices and policy debate are displeasing to some, since immovable disparate opinions exist and further continuation is almost a social faux pas. That being said, where did civil discourse and idea partition go in the last decade. Privately, my record of support is no mystery nor is it to be shamed by someone of careless objectivity and emotion. The policies of economic recklessness and geopolitical weakening benefit neither citizens of the world nor their loved ones. Are we all not in an importable sense of discomfort and fear about prosperity and safety?

So, the short answer to this adumbration is advocating for patriotism and sustenance of this country. My immigrant-family lineage of three generations proudly represented the ideals and morays of this country, sovereignty and peace through service. Proud of our accomplishments and our fellow citizens: Working tirelessly, caring endlessly for our families and their future.

'And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you  ask what you can do for your country.'
Brad Kella won the second series of The Piano (John Johnson/PA)

The winner of The Piano series two, Brad Kella, has signed a recording contract with Liverpool-based label Modern Sky.

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Bootle, Merseyside, released his debut single, Eve And Frank, dedicated to his foster parents, on Friday.

At the age of seven, Kella was placed into foster care, where he was able to learn the piano through a government grant, which funded an electric piano for him.

As a teenager, he walked out of his GCSE exams but managed to earn a scholarship to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) despite being unable to read sheet music.

A video of him went viral after he was filmed playing on a public piano in Liverpool One shopping centre and the producers of The Piano got in contact and urged Kella to audition.

Speaking about the show, he said: I just applied for the show, expecting nothing to come of it.

I went into the Manchester audition wearing a tracksuit not looking like a piano player at all. But they were blown away, they said.

I played one of my own songs. Everyone was advising me not to, because other contestants were playing classical standards, and it was a risk. But Lang Lang and Mika, the judges, they loved it.

On the Channel 4 show, host Claudia Winkleman meets talented pianists at train stations across the country, before they play to passers-by while the shows judges, pop star Mika and Chinese pianist Lang Lang, secretly watch on.

Series one was won by 13-year-old blind musician Lucy from West Yorkshire.

Claudia Winkleman at Victoria Train Station in London during filming for the television show The Piano (Lucy North/PA)

Kella, who will also release a debut album, had his single co-written by British orchestrator Rosie Danvers, who has arranged for Noel Gallagher, Adele and Michael Kiwanuka.

Discussing what it was like to make the album, he said: They sent me down to RAK Studios in London to record an album.

Some of the best string players in the world were there, reading through pages of manuscript, but I managed to get through the whole session  eight hours  just remembering it off the top of my head, because I cant read music.

I was 13 when I first saw a piano, now Im 23, so I feel like I was born to do it.

Kella will also perform at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this month as part of a programme demonstrating the value and impact of the creative sector in the UK.

Kellas album is set for release in 2025.
Lynette Fay has been hosting The Lynette Fay Show on BBC Radio Ulster every afternoon, Monday to Thursday.

Lynette Fay has revealed that leaving BBC Radio Ulster after 23 years has been one of her most difficult decisions.

Ms Fay, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, revealed the news on Thursday.

She is an award-winning presenter and producer, working in television and radio who has hosted the Lynette Fay Show on BBC Radio Ulster every afternoon, Monday to Thursday.

At the end of the show, she said: I have a bit of news for you. We were talking earlier in the month that September is the time for renewal, new energy and pressing the reset button.

And Im doing exactly that because Ive made one of the biggest and most difficult decisions of my life in recent weeks and that is that Im leaving BBC Radio Ulster.

I walked through the doors of Broadcasting House in Belfast here 23 years ago and in all of that time Ive had the incredible privilege of meeting and hearing from so many listeners and viewers.

Thanks to everybody whos given me their time and to the many who have opened their hearts and their homes and my job is nothing without people, their stories and their trust in me to help them find their voice.

And I also have to thank the many phenomenal musicians who have given of their time to uplift us all with their extraordinary talents, those who have come into the studio, performed at outside broadcasts, all of the brilliant colleagues that Ive been lucky enough to work alongside as well.

And all the shows Ive worked on recently, particularly this one, The Lynette Fay Show, and Folk Club, they have grown, they resonate deeply with the Radio Ulster audience and I am so, so proud of that.

She continued: We have amplified local life through the female lens on this programme, sparking conversations that have made people sit up and take notice.

We have normalised talking about womens health, hearing womens stories and platforming music made by women, so weve really built something special here in the afternoons.

And then Folk Club, it has led me into the heart of our vibrant, flourishing folk music scene, thats a role I will always cherish, its just been an honour to platform and showcase the talent of local musicians.

Its also been beautiful to be part of peoples lives, to be part of your day, your week, for such a long time  half my life as someone reminded me recently.

That mentioned, life has a way of reminding us just how fragile it is and I have given this decision so much thought and I know this is the right moment for me to step back from full-time broadcasting, for now.

A daily show takes a lot of commitment and high energy. I have loads of ideas and dreams that I would like to follow and I need to make time to give all of them a go.

I love radio, I love people, connecting with people, and I will continue to do that, its simply time for me to move on, evolve and embrace the new opportunities awaiting me and my family.

Speaking in Irish she said, life is only a spell, and its just time for me to renew.

Her last show will be next Thursday, September 26.

Meanwhile, her last Folk Club programme will be Saturday 28 September.

Emma Dunseith, BBC Northern Ireland's head of content production, said: We understand that Lynette is keen to pursue new opportunities outside the BBC.

"Were grateful for her on-air contribution to many different programmes over the years.

Ms Fay attended St Patricks Girls Academy and graduated with a BA International in Irish and History and HDip in Communications in NUI Galway.

Broadcasting in Irish and English on BBC Radio Ulster since 2001, Ms Fay is now well known on the local airwaves.

She has presented every type of programme from current affairs, to arts to sport.

Ms Fay has been nominated numerous times for her radio work and has numerous PPI awards to her credit.

In the world of television, Lynette also works as a producer and presenter and has a number of documentaries to her credit, in Irish and English.

She presented the hugely popular BBC series Blas Ceoil for four years, and is an integral part of the presenting team for the Ifta award winning Fleadh TV since the programmes inception.

Alongside Daniel ODonnell, she has co-presented five series of country music show Opry an Iuir for BBC NI/TG4, and she is the voice of the hugely popular BBC series Keepin Er Country. Ms Fay has also presented BBC NIs BBC Music Day live show from Belfasts Crumlin Road Gaol.

A history graduate, she also fronted a 1916 documentary Faoi Gheall ag Eirinn for the BBC.

Behind the camera, Ms Fay has produced a number of documentaries for TG4 and BBC including Michaela, Mo Dheirfuir, Lui na Talun, Its a Blas, Imirce, An tAmhran Gaeilge and Piobairi Ard Mhacha  the story of the internationally renowned Armagh Pipers Club.

Besides broadcast media, Ms Fay has worked as an event MC, hosting community and corporate events on a regular basis, and focuses her charity work on the Southern Area Hospice, which is based in Newry.
Cruise passengers say being able to see Northern Irish countryside was a gift

Kit and Rick at the Peace Bridge in Derry on Thursday

Two friends from the US who met on a round-the-world cruise ship which has been docked in Belfast for the past three months have completed a 70-mile trek from Belfast to Londonderry, explaining that they wanted to have an adventure while they waited.

Kit Cassingham, who is originally from Colorado, and Dr Richard Namikas, from Florida, have been sharing an apartment in Belfast with their spouses since May when the ship was beset with delays.

Villa Vie Residences Odyssey arrived at Queens Island in Belfast to be outfitted before it was scheduled to leave on May 30 for the first leg of a three-year cruise.

But the ship has still not left because of problems with its rudders and gearbox.

Kit, who is no stranger to long-distance walking, only decided last Wednesday that she would trek to Derry alongside Rick as a way to show how the cruise passengers are not stranded, as most people expect.

She has previously walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain twice (once from France which was 500 miles and once from Portugal which was 250 miles), and recently walked from Rome to Assisi by herself.

Kit and Rick set off on Friday hoping it would take five days to make it to the northwest.

Arriving just one day later than planned, Kit said they decided to take the scenic route and took some much-needed time out to rest when needed.

The US woman said she and Rick feel very accomplished after completing their impressive feat.

I trained to walk the Camino and walked on average 15 miles a day, but I didnt train to do this, and we averaged about 10 miles a day which isnt bad for people not trained, she told Belfast Telegraph.

I didnt walk much yesterday (Wednesday) because I got so exhausted, but averaged the 10 miles today into Derry.

Rick and Kit were met by a welcome party of six of their shipmates including Kits husband Randy and Ricks wife.

It was a great end to our wonderful trip to be welcomed like that, she said.

kit

Randy and I will now stay in Derry tonight and go home tomorrow, and hopefully the ship might set sail next week.

She said that the walk was wonderful and educational in so many ways.

We met so many people along the way and so many angels who stopped to ask us if we were OK or if we needed help or directions or anything, she told this newspaper.

The people here are so warm and welcoming and being able to see some of this beautiful countryside outside of Belfast was a real gift.

Their first stop last Friday was at Nutts Corner before making it to Randalstown on Saturday.

They then stopped at Magherafelt, where they stayed for two nights on Sunday and Monday.

We stayed at Laurel Villa in Magherafelt, which had links to Seamus Heaney, and the people running it were so lovely, she said.

We basically walked for our second day and they told us to call them when we couldnt walk anymore and they picked us up and we stayed a second night, then the following morning they dropped us off where we stopped the previous night.

Kit said Magherafelt was her favourite pit stop out of them all.

I really liked it; it was a fun little village with little kids walking to school every day, a lot of interesting shops and some great restaurants, she said.

It was great to see places like this packed with lots of character, and we were so lucky with the weather as well.

Rick and Kit then made their way to Dungiven on Tuesday before getting to the Belfray Country Inn just outside Derry on Wednesday where they had a much-needed rest in order to complete the 10-mile walk into Derry city on Thursday.

Prior to their walk, Kit said that she wanted to change peoples perceptions of the ship people and the dialogue surrounding them around being stranded in Northern Ireland.

We wanted to show people that we arent stuck, we can go anywhere we want, and its been an adventure, she said.

Watch: Passengers from stranded Odyssey ship embark on 70 mile walk from Belfast to Londonderry

Kit is set to celebrate her 70th birthday next month and hopes she will be enjoying it in the Caribbean with her husband Randy.

The couple sold their home in the US and most of their possessions  and even rehomed their cat  so they could live permanently on board the Villa Vie Residences Odyssey.

We had been on a few cruises before to the Caribbean and even to Alaska and just loved the lifestyle; ship people are adventurers and the best thing about it is that you can travel the world and come home every night, you never have to unpack, she explained.

So, Im hoping within the next month things will start moving and we will be on our way.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said he does not support forced vaccinations in Northern Ireland.

It follows controversy over new legislation set to come before the Assembly.

The Public Health Bill has sparked controversy, particularly around vaccinations, with concerns stemming from references to vaccination policies.

The bill does not explicitly mandate compulsory vaccination and states that regulations must allow exemptions from vaccination and include provisions about how someone can show that exemption.

But some are concerned that it could pave the way for more coercive measures in the future.

The issue of vaccination came under the spotlight here during the Covid-19 emergency.

Some were deeply sceptical of vaccines, citing concerns about side effects, safety and personal choice, with misinformation and online myths helping to fuel concern.

Some people have argued the draft bill's wording is too vague, particularly on vaccinations, leaving open the possibility for stricter vaccine-related measures in the future.

North Down MP Alex Easton said the bill proposed extensive powers, allowing for sweeping special restrictions on individuals, which he said represented a significant overreach by the state.

Provisions that enable authorities to compel individuals to undergo medical examinations, be vaccinated, quarantined, or restricted from working and moving freely are deeply concerning," he said.

These measures, while potentially intended to safeguard public health, risk undermining personal freedoms and civil liberties without adequate checks and balances."

Mr Easton said the bill was a tilt too far in favour of government control and he cannot support it.

I will continue to advocate for a more measured and proportionate approach, ensuring that public safety is maintained without compromising individual rights," he added.

But as he announced a two-week extension on a public consultation yesterday, Mr Nesbitt moved to allay concerns.

He said the extension to October 14 will help maximise the number of responses on the proposed legislation.

Mr Nesbitt said there had been some misunderstanding but stressed that the legislation would be subject to the Assemblys scrutiny processes.

He said: I would encourage any individual, group, or organisation with a view on the consultation to submit a response ahead of the new closing date of October 14. This is your opportunity to help shape this important legislation.

There has been significant public interest in the consultation. As we seek to replace outdated legislation, it is important that we consider all options.

"I am not in favour of mandatory vaccination even in limited and tightly prescribed circumstances.

"Nevertheless, it is right that we have a public conversation about all potential options in the public consultation, as we decide what should be in the final Bill to protect us all.

Unfortunately, there has been some misunderstanding about the planned new bill.

Any draft legislation emerging from the consultation must go through the Northern Ireland Assembly's normal scrutiny processes, including a detailed review by the Health Committee and an Assembly debate followed by votes of the full Assembly.

It is important we have vigorous debate on the proposed legislation, which is why I welcome the strong interest in the consultation.

I am determined that the planned Bill will strike the correct balance between the states responsibility to protect the publics health, our collective responsibility to protect each other, and the autonomy, rights and dignity of individuals.

"The public consultation process and the subsequent Assembly scrutiny processes will help us achieve that balance.

The bill would replace the 1967 Public Health Act, ensuring Northern Ireland can respond to a wider range of severe threats to public health.

While the 1967 Act focused on infectious diseases, the bill would also cover infection and contamination from biological, chemical and radiological sources.

Updating the legislation to cover all hazards would bring Northern Irelands legislation into line with the rest of the UK.
A new COVID variant has landed in the UK (Photo: Getty Images)

Health officials have warned of a new Covid variant coined XEC, which has begun to spread in the UK.

First reported in Germany in June, XEC is known to stem from the Omicron variant. It has since advanced across Europe with cases emerging now in the US and Asia.

Dr Louise Herron, deputy director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that no variants have been detected in Northern Ireland yet.

The latest published data, detailed in the Covid-19 Epidemiological Bulletin for Northern Ireland contain information on detections of variants and are published weekly, she said.

The variant has since been detected in at least 11 European countries so far since it was initially spotted in Berlin.

Prof Francois Balloux, Director of Computational Systems Biology at UCLs Genetics Institute stated while cases will go up, the XEC variant is not fuelling a surge and is not anticipated to cause the next wave.

Symptoms for XEC mirror flu-like characteristics similar to previous variants of Covid.

The most recent symptoms the NHS name on their website include: a high temperature, shivering, a new and continuous cough, feeling tired or exhausted and loss of appetite.

Most cases result in a quick recovery, however, some may experience more severe symptoms such as those designated as high risk.

The PHA advised on taking precautionary measures to reduce the risk of passing and catching the illness.

The risk of catching or passing on Covid-19, flu or other respiratory infections is greatest when someone who is infected comes into close proximity with other people, Dr Herron said.

She added. Although widespread Covid-19 testing is no longer available, it is important to be aware of symptoms that could be caused by Covid-19 infection so you can exercise caution and take action to reduce the risk of spreading it to other people.

Eric Topol, a professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine, believes the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next, as stated on X.

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In a public statement, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that vaccination continues to be the best protection against the illness.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA deputy director, assured the public that the development of a new strain is normal and expected adding that viruses genetically change over time.

She went on to encourage those who are eligible for a free booster to get the latest jab.

People qualifying for the free jab in Northern Ireland are as follows  those who live in an adult care home, those aged 65 years or older, those over the age of 6 months in a high-risk group & some front-line NHS, care home or social care workers.

"Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine, Dr Amirthalingam said.

It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly, she added.

Dr Herron reinforced this in her statement. Vaccines are the best defence against Covid-19 and flu. They provide good protection against hospitalisation and death, and reduce the risk of long-term symptoms and spread to others.

She advised that the winter vaccination program will commence in Northern Ireland on the 7th of October and will start with residents of care homes.

The PHA said further information on the program will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
People enjoy the sun at Seapark beside Holywood, Co. Down this week. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Some rainfall will arrive in Northern Ireland this weekend after a recent period of good weather as we enjoy "summer's last hurrah", the Met Office has said.

Heavy rainfall is expected to drench many parts of the UK with up to 70mm of rainfall expected within a few hours after a spell of dry, warm weather.

While some weather warnings are in place, Northern Ireland appears to be escaping the worst of the bad weather.

Meanwhile, there are two yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms for Friday and Saturday, covering most of south-west England, parts of Wales, the Midlands and west London and is in place from 12pm until 8pm.

The second warning is in place all of Saturday from 1am and covers all of Wales and south-west England, the Midlands and parts of south-east England.

In Northern Ireland, there will be some bright weather on Saturday but there are expected to be some heavier overnight showers. It will be cloudy on Sunday and with winds turning northerly on Monday, they will bring with them some showers.

Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: "We are being spoiled by almost summer's last hurrah, but there's a bit of a change coming down the line as we move our way through towards Friday, and especially the weekend."

Currently, the UK is experiencing a period of high pressure which will move north and east throughout the week, he said.

So far this month, the UK has seen an average 49.5mm of rainfall - which is typical for this time of year, Mr Stroud said.

"Successive bands of rain" and "normal conditions for autumn" are expected next week, he added.

This week has brought unusually warm weather for this time of year and contributed to crowds of people enjoying the unexpected sunshine.

The average temperature for Northern Ireland at this time of year usually lingers around the mid-teens - but current temperatures are

quite significantly above the average, the Met Office said this week.
China moves to promote archaeological study travel

Xinhua) 09:14, September 19, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government on Wednesday released guidelines to promote the high-quality development of educational travel in the field of archaeology.

These guidelines highlight the benefits of utilizing China's abundant archaeological resources for educational purposes. The guidelines state that educational travel "is conducive to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture, as well as enhancing the public's scientific literacy and humanistic spirit."

Educational travel, also known as study travel, combines education and tourism to provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on educational experiences and research-based learning outside the traditional classroom setting.

Provincial cultural relics administrative departments are instructed to compile and publish a list of suitable locations for archaeological study travel.

Institutions involved in archaeology, including archaeological site parks, museums, research institutes, and excavation sites, are encouraged to organize educational travel activities, according to the guidelines.

To ensure the quality of archaeological study travel, the National Cultural Heritage Administration will oversee the certification of qualified bases and incorporate such travel into the development and operation of national archaeological site parks and related museums.

The administration will also support the establishment of industry organizations dedicated to archaeological study travel, aiming to improve curriculum development, design, and mentor evaluation.

Moreover, the guidelines emphasize the importance of prioritizing public welfare in archaeological study travel. Efforts should be made to provide more affordable products and services targeting young people, while also offering appropriate fee reductions for special groups such as low-income families.

In the guidelines, the government stressed safety and the orderly operation of study travel activities.

Cultural relics administrative departments at all levels are required to closely monitor the facilities, visitors, and activities related to study tours, taking necessary measures to rectify any issues or suspend operations if necessary.

China's 55 national archaeological site parks received over 67 million visitors in 2023, an increase of 135 percent compared to the previous year. The surge highlights the growing popularity of such parks as a new hot ticket in cultural tourism.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press A positive coronavirus at-home test is displayed in 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Americans once again have the opportunity to request free coronavirus tests by mail, as authorities brace for a potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

The federal program, offering each U.S. household four at-home test kits via the Postal Service since 2022, has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. Despite previous pauses due to funding shortages, the Biden administration has revived the initiative multiple times, most recently ahead of last years respiratory virus season.

Despite a recent decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the programs seventh phase commenced on Thursday, Sept. 26.

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According to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov.

Over-the-counter test kits typically retail for approximately $24 for a two-pack.

This announcement coincides with confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a highly transmissible new variant, named XEC, has been detected in nearly two dozen states, including California, according to preliminary data from the global virus database GISAID.

The CDC expects the virus to surge again during the winter, with a peak expected around mid-January.

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Although national COVID-19 trends remain elevated, they have significantly declined since the summer peak. As of the week ending Sept. 14, there were about three COVID-related hospitalizations per 100,000 residents and approximately 563 COVID-related weekly deaths, compared to about five hospitalizations per 100,000 and 1,000 deaths during the same period in the previous month.

While at-home tests like those distributed through COVIDTests.gov have become less reliable at detecting newer, more immune-evasive strains of the virus, ASPR assured that the tests being distributed remain effective through the end of the year.

The updated fall vaccines are expected to be effective against the XEC variant, given that it is an offshoot of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated to target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain.

The FDA stated last week that it is highly confident in the effectiveness of this seasons updated vaccines.

At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants, the CDC affirmed.

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Visit COVIDTests.gov (you can also access the order form at special.USPS.com/testkits). Click Order Free At-Home Tests

Enter your contact information and shipping address.

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Orders are delivered via first-class mail, and free test kits can also be obtained by calling 1-800-232-0233. Some tests may display expired dates on the box, but the FDA has extended these dates. A full list of extended expiration dates is available on its website.
A new 7m shared community building has opened in west Belfast as part of events to mark Good Relations Week.

More than 70m (230ft) of peace wall was removed to make way for the Black Mountain Shared Space at the former Finlays factory on the Ballygomartin Road.

Funded by the EUs Peace IV programme, Stormonts Department for Communities and the Republics Department of Rural and Community Development, the building will provide services for residents and hold a range activities.

Belfast City Council (BCC), the lead partner in the project, also provided funding.

BCC, the Black Mountain Shared Space Project, the NI Housing Executive and Dublins Northside Partnership have all been involved in the construction of the building.

Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said Wednesdays opening is the culmination of the many years of cross-community engagement.

It will be a fabulous, shared asset for all the people in the surrounding area, he said.

My department wants to support actions that make a real positive change to the lives of communities, families and individuals and I am confident that the Black Mountain Shared Space Project, and all that it offers, will deliver positive and long-lasting impacts for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The EUs Peace IV programme is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Gina McIntyre, chief executive of the SEUPB, said: The Peace programmes realised the extensive benefits of investing in the creation of shared spaces, such as the superb Black Mountain facility.

They can provide an essential catalyst for socio-economic change  bringing people together, while also transforming and regenerating what may have previously been areas and communities that felt left behind and alienated.

Belfasts Lord Mayor Micky Murray said the new building will be transformative for the communities it will service.

As well as providing a base to deliver vital services for people of all ages and backgrounds, it will act as a catalyst for the physical and social regeneration of the area, he said.

The key aim of this project was to create welcoming, safe, shared spaces for people from different community backgrounds to mix.

As well as being a hub for community development, it will offer comprehensive programmes of activities to enable communities that have been historically divided to build positive futures together.

The Black Mountain Shared Space follows the opening of the 7.8m EU-funded Shankill Shared Womens Centre earlier this year.

Other shared spaces in Belfast include the 6.2m Forth Meadow Community Greenway. Together these three projects represent a combined investment of 21m.

The Black Mountain Shared Space organisation was established back in 2010, aimed at improving community relations.

Its chair Paul Millar said: This fantastic new building will make a huge difference to our work.

It will provide us with the space to deliver much more joint programming and that will in turn help bring the two neighbouring communities together more regularly. It gives us a base to build towards a positive, shared future.

While 30m of peace wall was removed for the new project, there are still miles of such infrastructure across Belfast.

News Catch Up - Tuesday 17th September
Police at the scene of a previous alert at the ground.

Police at the scene of a security alert following the discovery of a suspicious object at playing fields in the Church Road area of east Belfast on 18 September. Image: Pacemaker

A second security alert in east Belfast has come to an end after a suspicious object was examined and declared a hoax.

Its after an incident at the playing fields on Church Road, the home of East Belfast GAA  just hours after another security alert at the same location had ended.

The alert began after a report was made to police shortly after 1pm on Wednesday afternoon of a suspicious object. A public safety operation was implemented, which involved closing Church Road between Manse Road and the Ballygowan Road.

Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examinations were carried out on the object, which has now been declared a hoax and taken away for further forensic examination.

Church Road has fully re-opened. Inspector David McKinley said: We understand the disruption this incident caused and I want to thank everyone impacted for their patience and co-operation while the scene was made safe.

An investigation is underway and I would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 764 18/09/24."

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The previous alert was earlier declared to be nothing untoward.

In an earlier statement, police said: Police received a report at around 4:05pm on Tuesday 17th September, of a suspicious object located at playing fields in the area. Officers attended alongside ATO, and the object, which has been declared as nothing untoward, has been removed.

The playing fields and a number of roads were closed. Officers have now left the scene, the roads have fully re-opened and police would like to thank the local community for their understanding.

Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting reference number 1158 17/09/24.

A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ .

A local councillor earlier described a concerted campaign against the club as utterly depressing  with numerous security alerts since it was formed in 2020.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said its utterly depressing" that the club is being targeted by a person or group of people.

Its having a massive impact on the area, he said, theres an integrated school and an integrated nursery and people that live around there. It is hugely disruptive.

The vast majority of people in Belfast and east Belfast want nothing to do with those who are responsible.

He explained that the council is planning on increasing security measures by installing CCTV cameras and increased lighting.

Im hopeful that when it happens it will put an end to this.

The club has every right to stay there, this is up at Henry Jones and out of the way, not slap bang in the middle of the Newtownards Road. Its literally at the top of a very windy hill in the Castlereagh area.

A lot of people back the club and the CCTV is planned for this month so we hope it will now end it for good.

Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey also strongly condemned the latest appalling security alert.

I am appalled at yet another disgraceful security alert at Henry Jones Playing Fields, which are used by East Belfast GAA, the South Belfast MLA said.

Every one of these appalling incidents are an attack on the entire community, and are not welcome in todays modern, inclusive Belfast.

Gaelic Games is flourishing in all corners of our city and at every level of society, we will not allow a minority to drag us back and bring our community down.

I would call on all community and political leaders to make it clear that there is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour.

News Catch Up - Tuesday 17th September
A would-be passenger aboard much-delayed residential cruise Villa Vie Odyssey claims she has been thrown off due to comments she made in a WhatsApp group.

Jenny Phenix, 68 and from Florida, USA, sold her possessions to join the three year round-the-world voyage with the intention of stopping off in Miami along the way to pick up belongings for the rest of the cruise.

Passengers calling the ship home have been stranded on the vessel in Belfast for three months while awaiting a new departure date.

Watch: Stranded Odyssey cruise ship takes to the waters after three-month delay in Belfast

Ms Phenixs comments on WhatsApp about when the ship would set sail, as well as concerns about the duration of refurbishments and having a temporary cabin, has led to her being removed from the cruise all together.

She was told her contract had been cancelled for impacting community morale.

The Telegraph reports that Villa Vie Residences chief operating officer, Kathy Villalba, informed Ms Phenix: We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity. This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and wellbeing of other passengers.

Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the wellbeing and satisfaction of our community.

Ms Phenix, who has been living out of a suitcase since December 2023, told The Telegraph: These were private conversations  I posted nothing on social media platforms. The frustration among the residents grew after every delay. I tended to be one of the more outspoken in asking important questions. Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group.

Its not the first time Ms Phenix has encountered twists in the road when it comes to around-the-world cruises. The Florida-based Life at Sea residential ship scheme filed for bankruptcy July 23 2024, owing her thousands of dollars in the process.

Ms Phenix has now returned to Florida, having joined the last leg of Royal Caribbeans Serenade of the Seas nine-month voyage, but not without experiencing some emotional devastation. She now plans to stay with her daughter until she comes up with a whole new plan for my life.

The Independent has contacted the Villa Vie Residences for comment.

In a statement shared with The Telegraph, Mike Petterson, the chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, said: Ms Phenix broke multiple terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. The founding residents voted and agreed to uphold her suspension and we plan on respecting that decision. We have nothing else to comment on the ongoing dispute.

Villa Vie Odyssey was scheduled to set sail from Northern Ireland in May 2024. It was due to visit all seven continents, with stops at more than 425 ports in 147 destinations, but has been stalled due to the ship requiring work to the rudders and the gearbox, among other repairs and tests.

Earlier this week, YouTube vloggers MidLife Cruising, who have been detailing their experiences on board the delayed Odyssey, revealed theyd received an email from Villa Vie Residences CEO on Monday 9 September announcing there were still problems and that the company had extended a request for passengers to cover their food and accommodation expenses for at least the next seven days.

Ealier this week, Mr Petterson told The Independent: While the road has had its challenges, every decision weve made is focused on the wellbeing and safety of our residents. We have supported our residents with trips around Europe, and spent over $2m in hotel stays and trips to accommodate and entertain them while Odyssey has been getting ready for launch.

The hard work continues, and we are on track to welcome passengers onboard by the end of this week. We look forward to launching with pride and purpose, knowing were not just building a ship but a united community at sea together.
Demi Moore arrives at the premiere of The Substance on Monday, Sept 16, 2024, in Los Angeles (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

A shadow has fallen across Demi Moores face. Were in a hotel room in London thats been converted into a makeshift press junket, and the big, black poster for her new film The Substance is wreaking havoc with the lighting.

Flustered men, who probably had pictures of the star on their bedroom walls decades ago, swirl around her with tool belts and boxes. The woman in question is unbothered.

Its just reflecting, Moore tells one of the men, between sips of water from an enormous tumbler.

She points to a pile of camera detritus in front of her. If we put it in front of the pole just there, but behind the sign, itll absorb the light.

The man, far too awed to even think of challenging her, does exactly what he is told. A shuffle, a switch and a loud clang later, the shadows are gone. Moore takes another sip of her water.

The 61-year-old, it should be said, didnt ask for and certainly doesnt need artificial lighting.

This is a woman who was built in a movie star factory 40 years ago, giving her an almost supernatural ability to appear lit from within. It also lends her a slight uncanniness.

Moore has always been so famous, so photographed and so debated  and thats before we even mention culture-rattling work such as Ghost, Indecent Proposal and A Few Good Men  that youre forced to do a double take in her presence.

Yes, it is her, you find yourself thinking. My god its actually, really her.

The French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat knew she needed a woman like Moore for The Substance to work: someone who hasnt just known fame intimately, but someone who could accurately embody its fickleness.

Few can speak better to the dizzying highs and lows of celebrity than Moore, whose body, sex life and sky-high salaries have long been about as talked-about as her movies.

I had to find an actress who symbolises stardom, Fargeat says. Someone who knows what its like to receive love from the people who look at you, but who also knows what its like to lose those eyes.

In a very metatextual bit of casting, Moore plays Elizabeth, a fading movie star and fitness guru who is dropped from her hit workout show after turning 50.

Desperate, she agrees to take part in a surreal experiment: if she injects herself with the mystery toxin of the films title, a younger, shinier version of herself (who names herself Sue and is played by an eerily poreless Margaret Qualley) will quite literally hatch from her body.

The experiment requires both women to trade places every seven days, but the agreement between them rapidly breaks down.

Sue craves more of the attention and success thats inevitably foisted upon her. Elizabeth, meanwhile, begins to physically erode.

The result is one of 2024s biggest cinematic conversation-starters, a gloopy, grimy, day-glo flesh-fest; Eric Prydzs Call on Me video with added intestines and skin rot.

Ive seen it twice now and am still unsure whether its actually any good  but its sheer ambition is undeniable, along with the haunting brilliance of its two central performances.

On paper, this could have been a disaster, Moore tells me with a laugh.

Demi Moore in The Substance, under the gaze of Margaret Qualley on a poster

She is dressed in a knee-length polka dot dress, her hair pitch-black, her face taut yet warm.

Next to her is 29-year-old Qualley, dressed in a cyborgian leather one-piece. Moore speaks huskily and briskly, talking around many of the obvious parallels between herself and Elizabeth.

Qualley, of Netflixs Maid and memorable supporting turns in Poor Things and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is the quieter of the two, possibly because shes jet-lagged, possibly because The Substance  both in content and in conversation about it  feels very much like The Demi Show. Still, the pair were a united front while making the film.

We created a real sense of safety, Moore remembers. Even when we werent in scenes together, we were often together on the set  there was comfort in knowing we had each other.

When it comes to nudity, The Substance isnt Moore nor Qualleys first time at the rodeo, but here their nude scenes feel particularly frank and exposing: Qualley is asked to play a character who happily participates in her own sexual exploitation, while Moores nude scenes are arrestingly clinical.

At one point she stands in front of her bathroom mirror under garish white lights, poking hatefully at her sixtysomething flesh. Well, Hollywood sixtysomething, anyway.

Its not a glamour role, Moore says. I knew going in that I had to be vulnerable and raw. She and Qualley look at one another, appreciatively. We kind of held each others hands as we walked through the fire, Qualley adds.

Moore has been deservedly lauded for her work in The Substance  New York magazine dubbed it the best performance of her career.

But its also not as radical a departure as some corners of the media insist it is.

Yes, many of Moores most famous roles have been nakedly commercial endeavours, but risk has been baked into far more of her career than you might at first think.

Remember the (unfairly) lambasted GI Jane, in which she shaved her head and underwent arduous military training? Or how she followed up the elegant fantasy of Ghost by playing a blue-collar murderess in Mortal Thoughts? Remember how she almost admirably miscast herself in an adaptation of The Scarlet Letter?

At the peak of her Nineties fame, Moore regularly chose parts that were ballsy and dangerous, parts that  whether they worked or not  consistently put a target on her back.

Shes been doing things like this her whole career, Qualley says. But to me, GI Jane is just the ultimate.

Moore herself is reluctant to look back and complain. Perhaps everything has to find its right time? she suggests. But GI Jane certainly was not appreciated, and it actually really holds up if you watch it today.

Fargeat admits that she didnt realise the extent of Moores trailblazing until she read her 2019 memoir, Inside Out.

She was very feminist and ahead of her time and made really bold choices, she says. It was a whole side of her personality that I didnt know. She has that iconic status, but also this toughness, this risky state of mind.

That said, she didnt anticipate that Moore would be interested in the role. When her name was first suggested for it, I doubted she would ever want to do it. I knew it would be something quite sensitive for an actress. Im asking someone to confront their own phobias, you know?

I felt like it found me, says Moore, who has a slight tendency to speak in opaque, therapeutic terms.

Im not Elizabeth, but I could find pieces of her that connected with me, and I knew that if I tried her on for a few months and went on this journey with her, it would lead to something greater for myself.

Fargeat thinks that Moore was fated to make The Substance at this particular moment in time.

Inside Out saw Moore write about, in often heartbreaking detail, her childhood sexual abuse, her struggles with addiction and the pain of divorce in the spotlight  she was married to Bruce Willis, with whom she has three daughters, from 1987 to 2000, and then Ashton Kutcher from 2005 to 2013.

Shes gone through so much, and has done a lot of work on herself to overcome the violence of [her past] and feel good about herself again. Shes gained the strength to confront all of those things.

If Inside Out was an exorcism of Moores history, then The Substance is an arresting step into her possible future.

For a start, its drawing her Oscar buzz  a first for her. But she also thinks its helped her in other ways, too. Some of the most painful segments of Inside Out saw Moore writing about her own body, her experiences of disordered eating, and how she spent much of her major movie career fixated on her weight. Working on The Substance, though, felt different.

I walked away from it with a certain sense of liberation within myself, Moore says. I knew there were going to be shots that highlighted my flaws, but those allowed me to find acceptance and appreciation in myself. She shakes her head. It was about surrendering. I had to let go of any parts of me that value perfection.

How is that process going, I ask. Its ongoing, she laughs, softly. But Im getting better.

I believe her. She really didnt seem to care about those shadows.

The Substance is in cinemas from Friday
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was not holding physical surrgeries because of security concerns (PA)

Nigel Farage has said he is not holding in-person surgeries in his constituency over fears the public will flow through the door with knives in their pockets.

The Reform UK leader said he had been advised not to accommodate the old-style physical meetings between MPs and their constituents in his seat of Clacton.

The politician has repeatedly been accused of not prioritising his Commons role, coming under fire for spending time in the US endorsing Donald Trumps presidential campaign following the July 4 election.

During a phone-in on LBC, the MP was asked whether he had an office in his constituency  and how many surgeries he had held there since being elected more than two months ago.

Do I have an office in Clacton? Yes. Am I allowing the public to flow through the door with their knives in their pockets? No, no Im not, he replied.

Asked why would the people of Clacton want to flow through the door with knives in their pockets, he said: Well they did in Southend. They murdered David Amess, and he was a far less controversial figure than me.

Conservative politician Sir David was fatally stabbed during a surgery in his Southend constituency in 2021 by an Islamic State-supporting terrorist.

Nigel Farage suggested he could be stabbed like murdered Conservative MP Sir David Amess (Chris McAndrew/PA)

Asked whether he was hosting physical surgeries in Clacton, Mr Farage told LBC not yet, but that he would when Parliament allows me.

On whether he had been advised for his own security not to hold surgeries, he replied: I would have thought that would make sense, wouldnt you?

He said the guidance had been given by the Speakers (Sir Lindsay Hoyles) office, and beneath the Speakers Office there is a security team who give advice and say you should do some things and not do others.

So were not in a fit state to do the old-style surgeries, but do you know what, if youve got something to say to me as a Clacton resident, Zoom is not the end of the world, Mr Farage added.
A man has pleaded not guilty to owning or being in charge of two XL bully dogs which killed a woman.

Ashley Warren, 40, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, where he denied two charges relating to the dogs, named in court papers as Beauty and Bear, which killed Esther Martin, 68, in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3 this year.

The defendant, of High Road, Leytonstone, east London, wore a brown shirt and black trousers as he appeared in the dock.

Warren pleaded not guilty to being the owner of a dog which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place, namely an XL bully named Bear, and pleaded not guilty to being in charge of a dog which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place, namely an XL bully called Beauty.

Warren also pleaded not guilty to having a bladed article.

Essex Police previously said the case was the first to be charged since new laws on owning XL bullies came into force earlier this year.

An inquest hearing was told Ms Martin was found unresponsive inside a property in Hillman Avenue and had sustained unsurvivable dog bite wounds.

An inquest hearing was told Esther Martin had sustained unsurvivable dog bite wounds (Essex Police/PA)

Ms Martin, who was staying at the address in Hillman Avenue but lived in Woodford Green, east London, was found with two large dogs, an inquest was told, as proceedings were opened then suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation.

The medical cause of her death was recorded as dog bite wounds to the upper right limb.

Two dogs were destroyed at the scene and they were later confirmed by Essex Police to be XL bullies.

A three-to-four week trial was fixed for August 11 2025.

Warren was given conditional bail.
Jonathan Reynolds said Sue Gray is getting on with the job (Liam McBurney/PA)

Ministers have no political input in the pay of their advisers, the Business Secretary has said, as he defended Sir Keir Starmer amid criticism of his chief of staffs 170,000 salary.

Jonathan Reynolds said there was a long-standing process for determining earnings for aides and dismissed suggestions that the Prime Minister had personally intervened to increase Sue Grays pay.

Disclosures that Ms Gray received a pay rise after the election which means she earns more than Sir Keir have sparked a row within Government and prompted opposition critics to demand answers about how the decision was made.

Mr Reynolds told Sky News: I think its important people understand that the pay bands for any official, any adviser, are not set by politicians. Theres an official process that does that.

I dont, for instance, get to set the pay for my own advisers who work directly for me. So theres a process, we dont have political input into that.

He added: Sue Gray is getting on with the job of this Government delivering on our promises, I think thats what matters more than anything else for anyone who works in Downing Street, and I can assure you that is exactly what is happening.

On whether Sir Keir personally intervened to increase Ms Grays salary, Mr Reynolds said: Theres a process that sets these things. It is widely recognised. Its long-standing. It hasnt changed and that is how pay bands are set for any adviser.

The appointment of Ms Gray, a former senior civil servant whose report into lockdown-era parties within Downing Street contributed to the downfall of then-prime minister Boris Johnson, to Sir Keirs team has been controversial.

The BBC report on her pay is the latest of a number of negative stories about the aide, and comes amid suggestions of mounting acrimony at the heart of the new Government over her earnings.

Downing Street denied this week that there was a nest of vipers behind the scenes in Sir Keirs administration after reports of tensions involving senior officials, including between Ms Gray and director of political strategy Morgan McSweeney.

Over the weekend, Sir Keir sought to play down the rumours about Ms Gray, saying: Im not going to talk behind her back and Im not going to talk about individual members of staff, whether its Sue Gray or any other member of staff.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing a backlash over the salary of one of his closest aides (Justin Tallis/PA)

All I can say about the stories is most of them are wildly wrong.

The BBC said a number of Whitehall sources had briefed the organisation on Ms Grays salary increase, meaning she earns about 3,000 more than Sir Keir, who is paid about 167,000.

Sir Keir signed off a rebanding of the salaries for special advisers shortly after taking office in July, according to the BBC.

This is not reflected in the most recent publicly available report outlining special adviser salaries and pay bands, which is from July 2023.

The focus on Ms Grays pay comes at an awkward time for the PM as it swiftly follows another row about his and his wifes acceptance of lavish gifts from prominent Labour donor and peer Lord Alli.

Speaking to broadcasters on Thursday, Mr Reynolds stuck to the line that he has no problem with ministers getting a chance for a little bit of relaxation as part of their jobs.

After it emerged that Sir Keir has received more than 100,000 in freebies from donors since 2019  more than any other recent prime minister  the Cabinet minister denied that being gifted tickets to events was a perk.

Mr Reynolds told Times Radio: Its not a perk of the job, its part of the job. People want to engage with decision-makers. They want to ask you to be aware of what they are doing.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the Prime Minister (James Manning/PA)

Again, I think we have the right rules on transparency in relation to that. But this is about the job that we do and the need to be engaged with the sectors that we cover.

He added that he had spent pretty much every hour working since becoming a secretary of state, and if people get the chance for a little bit of relaxation as part of that, again, Ive no problem or objection to that.

Sir Keir has accepted around 39,000 from Lord Alli since December 2019, as well as nearly 40,000 in tickets from the Premier League.

These included four Taylor Swift tickets during the election campaign worth 4,000 and thousands of pounds worth of tickets to Arsenal games.

The Prime Minister was defiant over the donations when questioned about the row by reporters earlier this week, signalling he would continue to accept gifts and hospitality.

Im a massive Arsenal fan. I cant go into the stands because of security reasons. Therefore, if I dont accept a gift of hospitality, I cant go to a game. You could say, well, bad luck. Thats why gifts have to be registered, he said.

But, you know, never going to an Arsenal game again because I cant accept hospitality is pushing it a bit far.
Vice President Kamala Harris has criticised Donald Trumps promise to deport millions of people who are in the United States illegally

The Democratic presidential nominee questioned whether her Republican rival would rely on massive raids and detention camps to carry out the plan.

She told the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institutes annual leadership conference on Wednesday that the nation can find both a pathway to citizenship for those who want to come and at the same time secure the border.

We can do both, and we must do both, she said.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York (Alex Brandon/AP)

Mr Trump held a rally in Uniondale on New Yorks Long Island as both candidates took a break from campaigning in the states that are likely to decide the November 5 election.

He ripped into Democratic leadership in New York City and state, blaming them for homeless people living in what he called horrible, disgusting, dangerous, filthy encampments and even the conditions on the New York City subway, which he called squalid and unsafe and promised to renovate.

Were just destroying the fabric of life in our country. And were not going to take it any longer. And you got to get rid of these people. Give me a shot, he said.

Before heading out to the suburbs, the former president stopped at a Bitcoin cafe in New York City. He has embraced cryptocurrency and on Monday helped launch his familys new cryptocurrency venture.

Ms Harris harked back to the Trump administrations immigration policies as she bid for Hispanic support.

Kamala Harris arrives at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Leadership Conference (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

While we fight to move our nation forward to a brighter future, Donald Trump and his extremist allies will keep trying to pull us backward, she said.

We all remember what they did to tear families apart, and now they have pledged to carry out the largest deportation, a mass deportation, in American history.

Imagine what that would look like and what that would be? Hows that going to happen? Massive raids? Massive detention camps? What are they talking about?

Mr Trump has leaned into immigration as a top campaign issue and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in the history of our country but has offered no details on how such an operation would work.

Look at whats happening, he told his crowd in New York. Businesses that are fleeing, money draining out of your state and hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants sucking your public resources dry.

The Teamsters union has declined to endorse either candidate, saying neither had sufficient support from its 1.3 million members.

The vice president met with a panel of Teamsters on Tuesday, having long courted organised labour and made support for the middle class her central policy goal.

Mr Trump met earlier in the year with a panel of Teamsters and its president, Sean OBrien, spoke at his invitation at the Republican National Convention.

The former president said he plans in the next two weeks to visit Springfield, Ohio, the city at the centre of false accusations from him and his running mate JD Vance that members of the citys Haitian community are abducting and eating cats and dogs.

He also said he plans to visit Aurora, Colorado, where he says a Venezuelan street gang with a small presence in the city has taken over a rundown apartment complex. Aurora police say that is not the case.
The remains of the Titan submersible on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean (Pelagic Research Services/AP)

A mission specialist for the company that owned the Titan submersible that imploded last year has told the US coast guard that the firm was staffed by competent people who wanted to make dreams come true.

Renata Rojas was the latest person connected to Titan owner OceanGate to give evidence as an investigatory panel listens to testimony that has raised questions about the companys operations before the doomed mission.

British adventurer Hamish Harding and father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood died alongside OceanGate Expeditions chief executive Stockton Rush and Frenchman Paul-Henri Nargeolet when the submersible imploded en route to the site of the Titanic wreck in June 2023.

Mr Dawood was a London-based businessman and adviser to the Kings charity Princes Trust International, with a focus on its work in Pakistan. His 19-year-old son was a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Debris from the Titan submersible recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic (Paul Daly/AP)

Ms Rojas testimony began with a different tone than some of the earlier witnesses, who described the company as troubled from the top down and focused more on profit than science or safety.

I was learning a lot and working with amazing people, Ms Rojas said.

Some of those people are very hard working individuals that were just trying to make dream come true.

Ms Rojas also said she felt the company was sufficiently transparent during the run-up to the Titanic dive. Her evidence was emotional at times, with the coast guard panel proposing a brief break at one point so she could collect herself.

I knew what I was doing was very risky. I never at any point felt unsafe by the operation, she said.

Earlier this month, the coast guard opened a public hearing that is part of a high-level investigation into the cause of the implosion.

The public hearing began on September 16 and some of the testimony has focused on problems the company had prior to the fatal 2023 dive.

During the hearing, former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge said he frequently clashed with Mr Rush and felt the company was committed only to making money.

The whole idea behind the company was to make money, Mr Lochridge said. There was very little in the way of science.

Also expected to give evidence on Thursday is former OceanGate scientific director Steven Ross.

An illustration of the Titan submersible, right, is shown near the ocean floor of the Atlantic Ocean (United States Coast Guard/AP)

The hearing is expected to run through to Friday with more witnesses still to come and resume next week.

Mr Lochridge and other witnesses have painted a picture of a company led by people who were impatient to get the unconventionally designed craft into the water.

The deadly accident set off a worldwide debate about the future of private undersea exploration.

Coast guard officials noted at the start of the hearing that the submersible had not been independently reviewed, as is standard practice.

That and Titans unusual design subjected it to scrutiny in the undersea exploration community.

OceanGate, based in Washington state, suspended its operations after the implosion.

The company has no full-time employees currently, but has been represented by an attorney during the hearing.

During the submersibles final dive on June 18, 2023, the crew lost contact after an exchange of texts about the Titans depth and weight as it descended.

The support ship Polar Prince then sent repeated messages asking if the Titan could still see the ship on its onboard display.

One of the last messages from Titans crew to Polar Prince before the submersible imploded stated all good here, according to a visual recreation presented earlier in the hearing.

When the submersible was reported missing, rescuers rushed ships, planes and other equipment to an area about 435 miles south of St Johns, Newfoundland.

Four days later, wreckage of the Titan was subsequently found on the ocean floor about 330 yards (300 metres) off the bow of the Titanic, coast guard officials said.

Nobody on board survived.

OceanGate said it has been fully co-operating with the coast guard and NTSB investigations since they began.

The Titan had been making voyages to the Titanic wreckage site going back to 2021.
Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the main city in Himalayan Kashmir on Thursday to campaign for his party in the local election  the first such vote since New Delhi stripped the disputed regions semi-autonomy in 2019.

Mr Modis visit to Srinagar city in the Kashmir Valley, the heartland of decades of anti-India rebellion, comes amid strong public opposition there to New Delhis changes five years back.

That move revoked the regions semi-autonomous status, annulled its separate constitution, downgraded and split the former state into two centrally governed union territories Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir  and removed inherited protections on land and jobs.

Supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shout slogans as he arrives to address an election rally in Srinagar (Mukhtar Khan/AP)

Authorities laid razor wires and erected road checkpoints to close the roads leading to the venue of Modis election rally in Srinagars main commercial centre.

Armed paramilitary troops and police in flak jackets patrolled the area, snipers and sharpshooters were positioned atop buildings near the venue.

We have said in the parliament that we will restore (the regions) statehood. Only BJP will fulfil this commitment, Mr Modi said to a cheering crowd at the rally while referring to his Bharatiya Janata Party.

Since 1947, Kashmir has been at the heart of conflict between India and Pakistan after British rule of the subcontinent ended with the creation of the two rival countries.

Both administer part of it but claim the territory in its entirety.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989.

Policemen and supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leave the venue after an election rally in Srinagar (Mukhtar Khan/AP)

Most Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the insurgency is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, a charge Islamabad denies.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the fighting, which most Kashmiri Muslims consider a legitimate freedom struggle.

Thursdays visit was Modis second to the Muslim-majority region to campaign for his party candidates in the ongoing election.

Voting began on Wednesday, with a brisk turnout in the first phase.

The vote is the first in a decade, and the first since his Hindu nationalist governments 2019 move.

Supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend an election rally in Srinagar (Mukhtar Khan/AP)

Kashmirs pro-India political parties have promised to fight to undo those changes.

Last week, Mr Modi addressed a similar rally in southern Doda district.

The second and third phases of the polling are scheduled for September 25 and October 1.

The process is staggered for logistical reasons and to allow troops to move around to stop potential violence in the Himalayan region.

Votes will be counted on October 8, with results expected that day.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed new laws regulating AI during an appearance at the Dreamforce conference Tuesday in San Francisco. A conservative video producer has filed a lawsuit challenging one of the laws. Justin Sullivan/TNS

Hours after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning deepfake political ads, which use artificial intelligence to impersonate a candidate and misrepresent the candidates views, the laws were challenged by a conservative producer whose videos purport to show Vice President Kamala Harris describing herself as the ultimate diversity hire.

The new laws use state power to force private social media companies to censor private citizens speech, attorneys for the video producer, Christopher Kohls, said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in Sacramento.

One measure, AB2655 by Assembly Member Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, requires large online platforms, those with at least 1 million California viewers in a year, to block the posting of materially deceptive content about candidates in the last 120 days before an election.

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The second bill, AB2839 by Assembly Member Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, allows a candidate, and others harmed by the deceptive content, to sue for damages.

The legislation was prompted by billionaire Elon Musks posting on his X website of the fake Harris campaign ad, a posting that has drawn more than 100 million views. It appears to show the Democratic presidential candidate saying she was chosen to run because President Joe Biden finally exposed his senility at the debate with Donald Trump.

I am the ultimate diversity hire and a person of color, so if you criticize anything I say, youre both sexist and racist, the artificially produced voice declares. I may not know the first thing about running the country, but remember, thats a good thing if youre a deep-state puppet.

The video then switches to an actual clip of Harris making what Kohls described in his lawsuit as incomprehensible remarks.

The overall message is in line with conservative attacks on racial diversity programs in schools, government and the private sector. Opponents, who say the programs promote minority status at the expense of skills and qualifications, gained legal ground last year when the Supreme Court prohibited affirmative-action programs that allowed colleges to consider an applicants race or ethnicity.

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After Kohls video was posted on X, Newsom replied with his own post on the site: Manipulating a voice in an ad like this one should be illegal. Ill be signing a bill in a matter of weeks to make sure it is, he wrote.

The Kohls video includes a statement that it was intended as a parody. AB2655 says its ban on deepfakes does not apply to parodies or satires, but Kohls said his video would not be protected  the legislation requires the parody label to be written in letters as large as any other text on the video, which, according to the lawsuit, would fill up most of the screen.

The legislation chills and restrains political humorists, Theodore Frank, lead attorney for Kohls, said in the lawsuit.

Frank said the video exaggerates real political talking points and mannerisms, which (Kohls) hopes reduced the chance of Harris winning the 2024 presidential election. There is nothing wrong with this. (Kohls) has an absolute Constitutional right to lampoon politicians he believes should not be elected.

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Washington (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Washington next Thursday for talks with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as he presses for the US to allow Ukraine to use Western-provided weapons to strike deeper into Russia.

Im looking forward to hosting my friend President Zelensky of Ukraine next week at the White House, Mr Biden said in message posted on X, formerly Twitter.

During his visit, Ill reaffirm Americas commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence.

The Biden administration is still not convinced that it should give Ukraine the authority to launch long-range missiles deeper into Russia, and US officials say they are seeking more detailed information about how Kyiv would use the weapons and how they fit into the broader strategy for the war.

Mr Zelensky will meet US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

US officials said they have asked Ukraine to spell out more clearly its combat objectives should the administration green light loosening restrictions on long-range weaponry.

Administration officials are concerned that loosening restrictions would have limited impact and come with great risk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week warned that Russia would be at war with the United States and its Nato allies if they allow Ukraine to use the long-range weapons.

US defence officials have repeatedly argued that the long-range missiles are limited in number and that Ukraine is already using its own long-range drones to hit targets farther into Russia.

Mr Zelensky is notably meeting separately with Ms Harris, who is looking to succeed Mr Biden.

She last met the Ukrainian president in July at an international gathering in Switzerland to discuss the war, shortly before Mr Biden announced he was abandoning his bid for re-election and endorsed Ms Harris.

Former US president Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he would move quickly to end the war should he win the November election.

His running mate, Senator JD Vance, said in a recent interview with the Shawn Ryan Show that Mr Trumps plan would include establishing a demilitarised zone, and Ukraine would not reclaim territory that Russia occupies and would agree not to join Nato.
Vice President Kamala Harris plans to travel to Georgia on Friday to address the deaths of two women who were denied timely medical care as a result of the states abortion restrictions. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  Kamala Harris will make a last-minute trip to Georgia on Friday to campaign for abortion rights, part of a pattern of pivoting off breaking news and addressing developments on issues she feels passionately about, including reproductive rights, gun violence and education standards.

Harris was initially only traveling to Madison, Wis., on Friday, but her office announced Wednesday afternoon that she would be stopping in Atlanta before heading there.

The Georgia stop is being billed as a speech to lay the blame for the overturning of Roe v. Wade at Donald Trumps feet and highlight the deadly consequences of the resulting abortion bans. Details about where and when the event will be held havent been released.

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ProPublica reported this week that two Georgia women, Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, died after they were unable to access legal abortions and timely medical care following the Supreme Courts 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. The ProPublica stories are the first to report abortion-related deaths deemed preventable by doctors since the decision.

Arranging quick response trips isnt new for Harris. She has done several as vice president, including going to Tennessee in April 2023 to support lawmakers who were ousted from the state House of Representatives after protesting in support of gun control; to Florida in July 2023 to deride the states new teaching materials that include lessons about how enslaved people benefited from skills they learned while enslaved; and to Arizona in April to address the states Supreme Court decision reinstating a 1864 law that banned abortion in almost all cases, among others.

Harris has always cared about what real people are going through and how policy affects real people in real time. So these arent theoretical exercises to her; she really thinks that to bring about change, you have to jump on things before people are desensitized, Megan Jones, a senior political adviser to Harris, told the Chronicle.

An aide to Harris said the trips are an opportunity to emphasize the extreme actions being taken by Republicans.

Harris changing her schedule to make these trips sends a message that these types of crises  whether its the crises of democracy, the crises of gun violence, or the crises of women dying because they cant access reproductive care  merit an emergency response. And it just shows the seriousness with which she takes these issues, Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones, one of the three previously ousted legislators, told the Chronicle.

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This is her first fast-twitch trip since becoming a presidential candidate, and its once again on an issue she has made central to her campaign: abortion.

Harris has long worked with abortion rights advocates and is trusted by them, while President Joe Biden has a rockier history, having previously opposed federal funding for abortion and personally opposing abortions.

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Harris said that this was going to happen, that this was a health care crisis in the making, and that Donald Trump was the architect. And we are sadly now seeing real stories of real families, said Megan Jones, who previously served as director of public engagement and intergovernmental affairs in Harris vice presidential office.

The trips can help those communities feel less alone, Justin Jones said.

Right after the Republican supermajority voted to oust Justin Jones and fellow Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson  and failed to oust Rep. Gloria Johnson  Jones said they felt isolated.

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It was meant to make us feel like you dont belong here, that you dont have any support here, he said. Her presence changed that.

It sent a message that these extremist rogue legislatures are not going to be able to abuse their power or to abuse their citizens without having a strong response from allies in the federal government, Justin Jones said.

These trips are also politically advantageous; Georgia is a critical swing state for Harris presidential campaign. Harris and Trump are statistically tied among Georgia voters, according to a new Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll.

Georgia passed a restrictive abortion ban in 2019, outlawing the procedure after six weeks with narrow exceptions for rape, incest or a medical emergency. A U.S. District Court blocked the laws enforcement later that year, but when Roe v. Wade was overturned, the state Supreme Court reinstated the ban. Two weeks later, Thurman was dead.
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The former owner of a Burlingame apartment building has agreed to pay a family for pressuring them to move out after learning the woman was pregnant. ftwitty/Getty Images

The former owner of a Burlingame apartment building has agreed to pay $137,500 to a family for pressuring them to move out of their one-bedroom unit, and threatening to evict them, after learning the woman was pregnant, according to federal officials who oversaw the settlement.

The Justice Department announced Wednesday that a federal judge had approved the settlement requiring Melinda Bautista Teruel to compensate the couple, Yasmin and Waael Abuhijab. Teruel sold the seven-unit building after the couple moved; if she acquires another residential property within three years, the settlement requires her to undergo training on compliance with housing laws and adopt a policy against discrimination.

Waael Abuhijab is a San Francisco firefighter and his wife is a registered nurse. According to the couple, Yasmin Abuhijab was pregnant with her first child when they signed the lease in the fall of 2017, but Teruel did not realize that when they first met. After they moved in, they said, Teruel met with them again, noticed her pregnancy and told them a one-bedroom unit was not for families and they should have moved into a three-bedroom apartment in the building.

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Throughout 2018, the couple said in court filings, the landlady repeatedly told them by phone and in person that they should move. They said that when Yasmin Abuhijab told her they couldnt afford it, Teruel replied that they could add to their income by providing day-care service.

When Teruel asked the woman in July 2019 if she was pregnant again and she said she was, the Abuhijabs said, Teruel threatened to evict them. According to their court filing, she called them a number of times in the days before childbirth, accused them of hiding the first pregnancy, threatened to file a complaint about alleged water leaks, and then phoned Yasmin in the hospital on the day she gave birth and insisted again that they should move.

The couple moved out in 2020 and said Teruel kept their $1,800 security deposit. They filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which found that Teruel had discriminated against them based on their family status. The settlement was reached after months of negotiations.

Housing providers must always comply with federal civil rights laws, U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey said in a statement announcing the settlement. They cannot discriminate based on national origin, race or other protected characteristics, including family status.

Lawyers for Teruel were not immediately available for comment. In court papers, attorney Eric Erickson said the 83-year-old landlady had acted in good faith, had found signs of damage to the apartment and did not violate any laws.

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This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle.
PITTSFIELD  Pittsfield residents  and their pets  should avoid swimming in Pontoosuc Lake, officials say, after the detection of a potentially harmful blue-green algae bloom in the water.

In a public health advisory issued Wednesday, Health Director Andy Cambi cautioned residents that the lake poses a risk for people and pets due to the presence of the algae bloom.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is a naturally occurring microscopic organism that lives in lakes and ponds in Massachusetts. The right conditions  namely warm water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations, amond others  can result in a bloom, making them pose a potential risk to humans and animals.

Exposure to blue-green algae can result in irritations of the skin, eyes or ears, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps, the advisory said. In extreme cases, people exposed can also develop nerve or liver problems.

Residents should avoid skin contact with the algae, swallowing water from the lake and inhaling airborne droplets when near it. Jim McGrath, the citys parks, open space and natural resource program manager, warned residents to avoid green scum, film and mats floating on the lake.

The public health advisory describes blue-green algae as having a noxious odor, appearing green in color and is sometimes referred to as looking like pea soup.

The advisory states that any person or pet who accidentally comes into contact with the algae should thoroughly rinse off with clean water. Anyone experiencing the harmful side effects should contact their health care provider, veterinarian, or poison control at 800-222-1222.

McGrath said that pets are often particularly sensitive to algae, and he strongly cautioned residents to avoid letting them swim in the lake until the bloom subsides. The advisory warns residents that dogs may consume the algae when licking their fur after exiting the lake.

While many species of cyanobacteria can be harmless, others can be toxic, McGrath said. For the time being, city residents should act as if the algae bloom is toxic until proven otherwise, he said.

We just need everyone to be mindful that their safety is of paramount concern, McGrath said.

McGrath did not have an official timeline for getting results on testing to determine the toxin levels, but hoped to have them within the next week to 10 days. The advisory won't be lifted, however, until the city collects two samples a week apart from each other that have toxin levels below the state guidelines.

The public health advisory urges residents to avoid high-risk activities, such as, any contact with water including swimming, diving, playing or wading, drinking lake water and engaging in water sports, including wakeboarding and tubing. Moderate risk activities include canoeing, rowing, fish consumption, sailing, kayaking and boating.

The city will be posting warning signs at public access points at the lake, McGrath said, and has already begun sending emails to residents in its vicinity.

Its not the first time that the city has dealt with algae blooms in its lakes: Pontoosuc Lake had similar advisories issued in 2019 and 2022. Both Pontoosuc Lake and Onota Lake are tested monthly for cyanobacteria, McGrath said. The city will continue monitoring lake conditions until the bloom has subsided.

McGrath said that algae blooms tend to run their course fairly quickly, but he cautioned residents to remain vigilant until the advisory was lifted.

As quickly as it comes, it often goes away, McGrath said, noting that this bloom came on very suddenly.
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NORTH ADAMS  City officials and veterans organizations are hoping residents will welcome a World War II hero home, more than 82 years after he left to enlist and fight.

The remains of Marine Corps Pfc. Erwin S. King will arrive in his hometown on Friday afternoon, marking the Marine's final journey home after decades spent searching for the lost son, uncle and comrade.

King, whose remains were conclusively identified in May, will be buried with full military honors on Tuesday  the 82nd anniversary of his being killed in action during the World War II battle of Guadalcanal. He would have been 100 on Aug. 11.

A wreath-laying ceremony will be held about 3 p.m. Friday in King's hometown of Clarksburg, after which the motorcade escorting his remains will pass Veterans Memorial Park, at the intersection of Center and Eagle streets in North Adams, between 3 and 3:15 p.m.

Thats where North Adams Veterans Agent Mitchell Keil hopes residents will gather to pay respects to King, who enlisted in the Marines at the age of 17, six weeks after Pearl Harbor.

Its the first of several events honoring King, whose remains were missing for 80 years before they were found on Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands. He will be buried Tuesday next to his parents, in the plot they purchased with the hope their youngest son would someday be found and returned.

On Friday, a delegation including Mayor Jennifer Macksey and members of Kings surviving family, will travel to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn. They will be escorted there and back by North Adams Police and veterans organizations, including motorcycle riders from American Legion North Adams Post 125 and Dalton Post 155.

The response from the community has been outstanding, Keil said of preparations. Anybody who has asked to be involved has done everything they can.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home at 521 West Main St., and all are welcome, said Judith Richard, one of King's surviving nieces. A short funeral with a U.S. Navy chaplain will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at Flynn & Dagnoli, and burial with full military honors will start around noon at Southview Cemetery on Church Street.

Those in attendance at graveside on Tuesday will include about 140 students from Drury High School. King attended Drury until January 1942, when he left months before graduation to enlist in a moment of national crisis. His parents, Erwin C. and Emilia King, signed for his enlistment, as he was not yet 18.

Student attendance is voluntary, Drury history teacher Patrick Boulger said; for those who do attend, respect for the occasion is expected.

The students will wear Drury blue and white, assemble in the school auditorium, and walk as a unit down the driveway and across Church Street to the cemetery.

We went through the long list of likely scenarios they will see, Boulger said, such as the volley of ceremonial gunfire. We were explicit about that  we dont want students to be traumatized.

Boulger said he was approached about the possibility of student attendance in May, shortly after it was announced DNA testing had conclusively identified Kings remains.

The story resonated with me. I thought 'This is something Drury students should have the opportunity to experience from a student standpoint and from a human standpoint, Boulger said. Theres an aspect of learning about the sacrifices made by individuals who came before them.

He wasnt surprised by the student interest, because I know the measure of the caliber and quality of the students in this building, Boulger said.

Judith Richard of Warner, N.H., Lynda Pruden of North Pownal, Vt., and Bruce LaBonte of Bradenton, Fla., learned in May that their uncle, whom they never met, had finally been positively identified. Their mother, Lucille King LaBonte, was born two years before Erwin  whose middle name, Shaftsbury, owes to the fact he was delivered in that Vermont town when his mother went into labor during a Sunday drive.

In July, receiving a report hand-delivered by military repatriation experts, they learned another King family descendant, Mark E. Clarke of Clarksburg, provided the DNA sample that confirmed the discovery of Kings remains. Clarke is the son of Gertrude King Clarke, another of Erwin S. Kings late sisters.

Richard, who was contacted by the Marines in May with the news her uncle had been found, said preparing for the funeral has been "a lot to absorb." She and Pruden both noted that the discovery has brought family members closer together after decades apart.

"The only thing that chokes me up is my mothers not here," Richard said. "I wish she was here. [Lucille and Erwin] were the closest  they were less than two years apart. They really grew up together."

Pruden still says it's "a freakin' miracle" that her uncle was found.

"I want everybody to know about this," she said. :For people still who have no idea where their relatives are, theres hope."
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CHESHIRE  Voters in Adams and Cheshire will head to the polls on Sept. 30 to vote on Hoosac Valley Regional School District's $22.5 million budget for the 2024-25 budget year.

The special district-wide meeting on Sept. 30 will be in the Hoosac Valley Middle and High School auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

Cheshire residents have until Friday to register to vote in the special district meeting. Adams voters have until Sept. 20, to register to vote.

The School Committee was to meet on the budget Sept. 16, but an error in the meeting agenda forced its cancellation and rescheduling to this coming Monday.

Cheshire voters chose last month to send the school budget back to the drawing board rather than endorse a Proposition 2 1/2 permanent override of about $150,000, which would have resulted in at least a short-term tax hike. Proponents of the move, originally favored by voters at town meeting, said that it would allow the town to avoid dipping into its reserve funds.

Nevertheless, the district intends to put forth its original budget proposal for Sept. 30.

If approved, in the absence of an override, it would require Cheshire to do what it had resisted and spend some of its reserves.

According to a post on Cheshires website about the meeting, If the vote passes, the Town of Cheshire will need to utilize $150,534 of reserves to fund the school budget. If the vote fails, the HVRSD School Committee will need to reevaluate and present another budget to the voters.

If Cheshire and Adams residents vote down the budget, Then we have the option of calling another meeting, possibly editing the budget, Superintendent Aaron Dean said. If we dont have an agreement by Dec. 1, then the Commissioner of Education would take over financial control of the district.

If left up to the state, it can shape the budget any way it sees fit, but Dean said he is confident it would accept the districts proposal if it comes to that.

Cheshires assessment went up $130,000 last year. That was what the state designated as the minimum, Dean said. They dont want to pay any more than what was level-funded. So if we were to adjust the budget to conform to that, it has to be proportional with Adams. It would end up being a more than $600,000 reduction to the school budget.

At Cheshire's annual town meeting this summer, voters approved a $3.1 million assessment to the school district, compared to $2.95 million for the most recent year, setting up the override vote. That's because the school budget, combined with the municipal budget, would require the town to increase the levy  the amount of money a town can raise through taxes  by more than the maximum 2 1/2 percent.

When the School Committee was deliberating and going through the budget process, that was never shared with us until after the committee voted on the budget, Dean said of Cheshires response to the budget process. We didnt have time to discuss. There was no compromise number given either, so it put the committee in a difficult situation.

Dean said he wished Cheshire would have more constructive conversations with us, and try to understand what were trying to accomplish, adding, Id like to see the towns work to build up the district rather than tear it down.
GREAT BARRINGTON  The town is asking a federal judge to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit filed by a former teacher who was investigated by police over what she said were false claims made by a janitor.

In a motion filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield last week, the towns attorney in the case says it should be dismissed because there isnt evidence provided to support the handful of alleged civil rights violations against the teacher that she lists in the lawsuit, which is replete with editorialization and unsupported speculation rather than factual allegations.

Arantzazu Zuzene Galdos-Shapiro, a former eighth grade English teacher at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School, filed the lawsuit on May 14 claiming her civil rights were violated by the town, its Police Chief Paul Storti, and Police Officer Joseph OBrien.

The Berkshire Hills Regional School District and its Superintendent Peter Dillon were also listed as defendants, but the school district has since been removed as a defendant in an amended complaint.

Galdos-Shapiro, who resigned from the district in June, filed the lawsuit after a custodian on Dec. 8 went to police with allegations he was witness to her disseminating obscene or pornographic material to minors, allowing students to sit on the plaintiffs lap and meeting with students in private and telling the students not to tell their parents about it , the court documents say.

That so-called obscene material included images from the illustrated novel, Gender Queer: A Biography, which depicts graphic sexual acts in a coming of age genre.

Galdos-Shapiro said she kept the book in the classroom as a supplemental material that students had to get permission from her to check out.

Dillon and then-school Principal Miles Wheat consented to allow Officer OBrien to talk to Galdos-Shapiro in her classroom after school and in plain clothes, and to find the book to determine whether it contained true obscenity.

The interaction was captured on OBriens body camera. In the video, Wheat, OBrien and Galdos-Shapiro could be seen talking about the unknown location of the book, which Galdos-Shapiro said she couldn't find in the classroom.

The investigation by police was quickly shut down after a meeting with police, Dillon and Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. The matter of the books appropriateness was released back to the school district.

Fallout from what was seen as a book banning incident was swift. It included condemnation by the states ACLU chapter as well as Gov. Maura Healey.

And it has since prompted a reckoning in the district over its relationship with police as well as a review of its policies including those governing educational materials. Galdos-Shapiro resigned on June 10, citing a threat to her health working in a school that is not a safe place for her.

Her lawsuit also claims defamation. She alleged she was intentionally targeted as a queer Mexican American, and said the janitor, who had had other tangles with school staff, was homophobic.

She is seeking punitive, monetary and other damages as well as costs and attorney's fees.

The town's motion to dismiss the case challenges the multiple alleged constitutional violations, including of her First Amendment rights. The court filing says that the fact that an investigation occurred is not a violation of those rights. It also says the mere inquiry into the book and other concerns does not amount to any sort of a constitutional deprivation.

In the court filing, the town says that the police had enough reason to investigate the janitor's complaints. Other points from the court filing include:

That Galdos-Shapiro does not provide evidence that she "suffered an adverse action."

The interaction between her and OBrien was "extremely short and resulted in no other action."

That police had "reasonable suspicion" to make an inquiry into allegations involving children.

That she was not searched in any way or taken into custody; only her public school classroom was searched.

Principal Wheat had "actual or apparent authority to consent to any search."

Shayne Lotito, one of Galdos-Shapiros attorneys, declined to comment, saying they intend to file a response to the motion to dismiss. The response, wrote Lotito, of firm Todd & Weld, would contain answers to various questions, including why the school district was removed as a defendant.
Experience is the teacher of all things. - Julius Caesar

It seems most people have things that they desire to change about themselves in order to produce a better life. We make our financial plans, buy gym memberships, and enroll in professional development classes. Sometimes its a New Years Resolution or a new love interest. Or maybe we hit a significant birthday, like 30 or 40 or 50, and decide its finally time. But for all of our sincerity, we usually focus on making merely superficial changes, while God wants us to experience truly transformational change. Gods will for all of our lives is that we experience that inside-out change, the kind that transforms us into the image of Christ.

From the beginning, His purpose was clear: we were created to be reflections of the image of Almighty God.

Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness (Genesis 1:26).

That means God is more concerned with changing things like our sin-marred characters, rather than our circumstances, our fallen inner man rather than our outward appearance. And He often uses the circumstances and situations that we want Him to change, to change us before He changes them. He can use every test, trial, struggle, pain, promise or promotion to help us be transformed.

Our lives are the sum total of our experience, and those experiences can be categorized into three types:

Bad experiences

Good experiences

God experiences

Bad experiences are those that we feel negatively affect our lives. They may be things we want to forget, events we wish never happened, and conversations that have wounded us and left scars. Good experiences are experiences that we feel positively affect our lives. They are things that bring us feelings of joy, happiness and pleasure.

The truth is that not all experiences that we deem as good, in the sense just mentioned, are actually good. Sometimes they turn out to be shallow, temporary, and usher in seasons of pain. Remember Samson. His trips to Gaza to visit Delilah seemed good to him, but led to destruction. And sometimes our bad experiences actually become fuel that leads us to experience great blessing. In hindsight, you can see how the trial eventually reshaped you and conformed you more to Christ.

The Best Kind of Experience

God experiences are the best, because one authentic encounter with the living God can change your entire life. It can take lifes bad experiences and turn them entirely around for your good; and it can take the good experiences and transform them into defining moments of life.

God experiences can change the trajectory of a persons life in an instant. It can break the hold of a lifetime of addiction, mend a relationship in a moment of time, or melt a hardened heart in a millisecond and make all things new! The power of a God experience is unprecedented and unparalleled, even if unpredictable.

What Is a God Experience?

A God experience is simply a moment in time when the eternal and Almighty God of creation suddenly, and possibly unexpectedly, makes Himself known to us. He speaks, appears, reveals, or intervenes in our reality in a way that is clearly and undeniably Him, dispelling our doubts and instilling a deep sense of awe. These encounters are completely transformative.

What if I told you that I knew a guy whose heart was so cold, and mind so twisted in his religious beliefs, that he could torture and kill men, women and children who held opposing religious beliefs?

What if I told you he planned and schemed new ways to hunt down, capture and torment more innocent people? What if I told you that the man justified his behavior by his superior education, cultural bias, and elitist social position? What if I told you that Christians who knew him, believed him to be beyond the salvation of God?

It turns out, they were wrong. The mans name was Saul of Tarsus, and he was radically transformed into the great Apostle Paulby a God experience.

Sauls God Experience

Many believe that Saul was raised in a family of social influence, probably by a father who was a Pharisee. We know Saul was highly educated, and he discipled under the well-respected Rabbi Gamaliel. He was zealous in his faith, and deeply racist. He believed that the non-Jewish gentiles who lived around and among the Israelite people were infidels and intermarrying with them was an abomination to God.

Saul eventually ascended to the highest rank in Jewish society as a leading member of the Sanhedrin, a group of seventy-one members who were judges, senators and spiritual advisors to the people of their region. Saul was an intellectual of intellectuals, and yet, his obsession was to torture or murder anyone who believed in the deity and Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2).

Saul of Tarsus was the sum total of his bad and good experiences in life; experiences which had unfortunately shaped him to be someone completely deceived about his true spiritual walk with God. But he had not had a God experience...yet.

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? And he said, Who are You, Lord? Then the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads. So he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what do You want me to do? Then the Lord said to him, Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:3-9).

Jesus revealed Himself to Saul of Tarsus, a man who didnt believe in Him. He demonstrated in an undeniable way that He was real, alive, active, involved and deeply interested in Sauls life. That God experience turned the greatest persecutor of the Church into perhaps the greatest preacher of the Church the world has ever known. God then used this intellectual of intellectuals to write two-thirds of the New Testament.

Sauls God experience transformed him from who he was, a man he was never destined to be, to the man whom God chose him to be from before the foundation of the earth. Thats what a God experience can do! So how does this happen, and can we position ourselves to encounter God in this life-changing way?

God Experiences Change Us Through Imprinting

The Cambridge Dictionary states to imprint means to fix an event or experience so firmly in the memory that it cannot be forgotten although you do not try to remember it. In life, we often face many negative things that leave deep marks on us that we wish werent there. Drugs, toxic relationships, stereotypes, abuse, loss, and sickness are just a few of these common life experiences.

These things in many ways shape and define us, and may remain even after we come to faith in Christ; the perceptions often exist unchallenged in the corners of our minds and cause us to experience an identity crisis. Instead of embracing our new life in Christ, we continue to see ourselves as losers, unworthy, undeserving, incapable, stupid, lazy, ugly, afraid, weak, vile, violated, or victimized.

Saul of Tarsus spent days in the solitude of his supernatural blindness, considering his life and the Scriptures in a whole new way. Random pieces started to fall into place, revealing Gods grand plan for mankind. The extraordinary love and grace of God for all people began to become evident as he re-evaluated current events.

As the sudden and unexpected reality of the Risen Savior imprinted on Saul, he began a radical internal transformation. He could not work to achieve acceptance. He was forgiven, delivered, accepted, cherished  chosen! This became the new marks that Saul carried on his soul. And because of his God experience, Saul developed a completely new identity.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

God Experiences Change Us Because They Keep Us

Imprinting creates a lifelong bond. When an animal is born it will imprint on whatever and whomever initially nurtures and cares for it in its weakness, usually its natural mother. The bond created is so strong, that even if the animal is separated from its mother for years, when reunited the animal will immediately connect and remember that mother as its source.

When we have an authentic experience with God, where He makes Himself or His Word real to us, so that we know that God is healer, provider, redeemer, restorer and forgiver, we imprint on God. He is our source and nothing can break the bond between us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).

Throughout Sauls ministry as the great Apostle Paul, he had many circumstances challenge him to give up and lose faith. But because of the miraculous intervention of a God experience in his life, nothing could cause Paul to turn back from pursuing Gods will for his life.

In my own life, I have once heard the audible voice of God calm me during a raging emotional storm. And He gave me supernatural direction and encouragement to pursue a life of selfless ministry when my youthful plan was to pursue a big career and bank account. I have seen supernatural answers to prayers cried from the heart, and miracles happen before my very eyes. You just cant tell me God is uninterested, uncaring, or out of touch. You just cant tell me He doesnt have a plan, or His arm is too short to save. I have had God experiences that imprinted me to the source, and it keeps me in peace.

God experiences are available to everyone, but they are not necessarily accessed by praying more, reading more of the Bible, going to church more, living right, or worshipping regularly. Perhaps they do position us to better perceive and understand God experiences when He moves miraculously in our lives. But if I could suggest anything, it would just be this simple thing: live.

Many of the most profound God experiences happened at a time the people were not even thinking about God. Moses was tending sheep, Peter was fishing, Gideon was hiding, one woman was fetching water and another was caught in adultery.

Just be ready, especially when your faith is being tried. Remember your Source, and expect a miracle!

Photo credit: Getty Images/Yori Hirokawa

Frank Santora is Lead Pastor of Faith Church, a multi-site church with locations in Connecticut and New York. Pastor Frank hosts a weekly television show, Destined to Win, which airs weekly on the Hillsong Channel and TBN. He has authored thirteen books, including the most recent, Modern Day Psalms and Good Good Father. To learn more about Pastor Frank and this ministry, please visit www.franksantora.cc. Photo by Michele Roman.
One person was slightly injured in an apartment fire in Pfeffikon LU. (symbolic image) Keystone

One person was slightly injured in a fire in an apartment in Pfeffikon on Thursday morning. According to Lucerne police, the person had to be taken to hospital.

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The fire was reported to the Lucerne police shortly after midnight on Thursday, as they announced on Thursday.

The fire broke out in a room in an apartment in Pfeffikon. One person inhaled smoke and had to be taken to hospital with minor injuries. The other occupants left the house beforehand, the police said.

The Oberwynental fire department was able to extinguish the fire, the cause of the fire is unclear and is being investigated. According to the report, the amount of property damage is still unclear.

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San Francisco Mayor London Breed accused mayoral candidate Mark Farrell of making a call to City Hall in an attempt to fast-track building permits. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle; Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Mayor London Breed on Thursday accused her opponent Mark Farrell of unethical behavior, alleging that the former supervisor asked her office for help expediting building permits to remodel a home he purchased in 2020 for more than $4.5 million.

Farrell strongly denied asking for preferential treatment and disputed the accusation as a bold-face lie, though he acknowledged that he called her chief of staff, Sean Elsbernd, shortly after purchasing his home to ask about the timeline for permitting on the project. Farrell said he did not ask Elsbernd to intervene.

The accusation, first reported by the San Francisco Standard, comes amid a mayoral campaign that has heated up in recent weeks, with candidates trading barbs over alleged ethical lapses.

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The issues are likely to feature prominently in a debate Thursday night hosted by the Chronicle and KQED.

Farrell, who briefly served as interim mayor in 2018, bought his home on Jordan Avenue in the Jordan Park neighborhood in April 2020 for between $4.5 million and $4.7 million, according to his campaign.

City records show that there were no permit applications under review at the property by the Department of Building Inspection from 2015 until July 2020, when the first in a series of permits to renovate the home was filed with the agency. The permits called for replacing the windows, moving a bathroom and adding a patio area and deck.

Breed said Farrell called her office before the pandemic because permits on his home remodel were delayed and he wanted to get the work done on his home before moving in. She did not provide a specific date of the alleged call. A spokesperson for Breed said that Farrell made the call to Elsbernd, who relayed the message to Breed. The mayor refused the request, according to her spokesperson.

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It felt highly inappropriate to call the Mayors Office directly to try to skip the line and ask for a favor like that, when youre a former city official, Breed said in a statement. I was surprised that he would be so brazen and try to have the mayor of San Francisco expedite his permit.

It made me very uncomfortable, she added.

Elsbernd declined to comment.

Its unclear what permit Farrell would have asked for help expediting before the pandemic.

Farrell said he called Elsbernd shortly after buying the home in April 2020 to ask how long the process would take for our planned remodel because we were not using a permit expediter.

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I explicitly told him during that conversation not to engage in my permitting process and that I did not want any help  just information about timelines, Farrell said in a statement.

Farrell described Elsbernd as his longtime friend and former colleague. The two served on the Board of Supervisors and both attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory.

Farrell said all communications about his home remodel with the Department of Building Inspection were managed by his architect and contractor. He said he did not make any calls to a permit expediter or to anyone else with connections to DBI to try and fast-track permits.

Breed said Farrells call to her office showed the level of Marks entitlement and lack of respect for the rules.

Farrell said the accusation was Breeds attempt to distract from her own problems.

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View of the Kussnacht basin of Lake Lucerne. Together with Meggen LU and Kussnacht SZ, this area is one of the top residential locations in Switzerland. (archive photo) Keystone

The municipalities of Central Switzerland have scored highly in a ranking published by the "Handelszeitung" newspaper: two municipalities from the cantons of Lucerne and Zug and one municipality from Nidwalden each took first to fifth place.

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The "most attractive municipality" in Switzerland is therefore Meggen. The Lucerne lakeside municipality improved from fifth to first place compared to 2023, as the Handelszeitung reported on Thursday.

The other two podium places were secured by Hergiswil NW and Oberkirch LU. Both made up more than 20 places compared to the previous year.

The two best-placed companies from 2023 lost some ground in the ranking, with Cham ZG dropping from second to fourth place and Zug from first to fifth.

In addition to Meggen, Hergiswil, Oberkirch, Cham and Zug, there are seven other municipalities in Central Switzerland in the top 20. These are Freienbach SZ (7th place), Hunenberg ZG (9th), Risch ZG (11th), Kussnacht SZ (12th), Walchwil ZG (15th), Wollerau SZ (19th) and Lachen SZ (20th).

The twelve municipalities in Central Switzerland are joined among the most attractive 20 by six municipalities in Zurich, one in Vaud and one in Graubunden.

All municipalities with more than 2000 inhabitants were compared for the municipal ranking. According to the "Handelzeitung", 51 factors were taken into account, such as the level of taxes, property prices, safety, location and the range of schools, childcare facilities and shopping opportunities. The evaluation was carried out by the consulting firm Iazi.

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Beds with partitions fill a dormitory at the Embarcadero Safe Navigation Center in 2020. Mayor London Breeds office said San Francisco is on track to nearly reach the shelter expansion target by mid-2025, about three years earlier than anticipated. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Mayor London Breed has directed city officials to double San Franciscos shelter expansion goal, the latest big pronouncement about how shes tackling the homeless crisis as she faces a tough reelection campaign.

Breeds main challengers have all said they would push for significant expansion of shelter to move the unhoused off the streets.

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Breeds office said shes upping the goals because the city is on track to nearly reach the shelter expansion target by mid-2025, about three years earlier than anticipated.

The Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center in San Francisco in 2023. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle

Those targets were laid out in the Spring of 2023s five-year homelessness plan  called Home by the Bay  which set out to reduce the number of unsheltered people living on city streets by half and cut overall homelessness by 15% by June 2028.

Officials projected that achieving the plans goals would require adding 1,075 shelter beds and 3,250 permanent supportive housing units, as well as financial support to an additional 4,300 households at risk of homelessness. The new goal calls for adding 2,150 shelter beds between spring 2023 and June 2028.



The city has a total of 4,200 shelter beds.

Breed spokesperson Jeff Cretan said the mayors new directive is a reflection that were not done and theres more work ahead.

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Some homeless advocates argue the directive fails to address the full scope of San Franciscos homeless crisis because its overly focused on shelter rather than prevention and permanent housing.

The city added 282 units of permanent supportive housing sites in the first year of the strategic plan, according to Emily Cohen, a spokesperson for the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. The city provides permanent supportive housing  long-term affordable housing for formerly homeless individuals  in dozens of buildings across the city, as well as subsidies that people can use in the private rental market.

Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, said Breed calling for a shelter expansion without first focusing on reaching the citys housing and homelessness prevention goals went against careful planning that the (homeless) department did to ensure a maximum decrease in homelessness.

We want people to have shelter, she said, but in order to do that, we need a combination of investments in prevention for inflow, housing for outflow and to use shelter for as short of a period of time as possible.

Shelter is expensive, people are still homeless and the health outcomes are not great, she added.

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Unsheltered homelessness in San Francisco dipped 1% between the winter of 2022 and 2024, while overall homelessness rose by 7%, according to the citys latest point-in-time count.

Shelter beds in the pipeline in San Francisco include 60 cabins that are slated to open in the Bayview in February, 61 beds that will be added at the Dolores Adult Shelter in the Mission in 2025 and hotel vouchers for families that are expected to serve 240 people and will be released in the coming months.

Part of the reason for nearing the shelter expansion goal so early, according to Cretan, was the need for shelter among homeless families  a segment of the citys homeless population that grew 94% in the past two years. The city earlier this year set aside new funding for hotel room vouchers and rental subsidies for families facing homelessness.

This is a real challenge were facing and our hope is that by concentrating on these families, we can make a difference in future (homeless) counts, Cretan said.

Hope Kamer, spokesperson for the nonprofit Compass Family Services, said recent moves by the Breed administration have expanded the shelter footprint for families in a promising way but that it remains to be seen whether the city has enough housing subsidies to transition those families from shelter into permanent housing.

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Rather than talk about shelter units added as a metric of success, we should always be talking about access to permanent supportive housing situations as the metric, she said. But its easier to build shelter.
Fresh from the Emmy red carpet, four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan will be on this Friday night's Late Late Show to talk about her new film The Outrun, based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Amy Liptrot.

Saoirse will share what drew her to this story of addiction and recovery and why she can now add lambing to her list of special skills.

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Just this week, Bundee Aki celebrated becoming an Irish citizen.

New Zealand born, Irish rugby player Bundee has been living in Ireland for ten years and will sit down with Patrick to speak of the honour it has been for him to become a proud Irish citizen, his rugby career, playing for Connacht and more.

Dating Naked UK is Rylan Clarkes new Paramount+ series, and he will be in The Late Late Show studio to bear all.

Rylan is set to speak about his tv and radio career since becoming a household name on The X-Factor in 2012; why he is bascially an Irish man and KaRyoke!

Snow Patrol are back with a brand new album, The Forest is the Path and on Friday night Gary, Nathan and Johnny will sit down with Patrick to tell him about their long awaited first album since 2018, perform a new song from the album and a megahit.
Hezbollah has fired a new barrage into northern Israel, continuing its drumbeat of exchanges with the Israeli military as fears of a greater war rise.

It comes after hundreds of electronic devices exploded in Lebanon, killing at least 32 people and wounding more than 3,000 others.

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The device explosions appeared to be the culmination of a months-long operation by Israel to target as many Hezbollah members as possible all at once.



Hezbollah fighters salute as they stand next to the coffins of four victims who were killed after their handheld pagers exploded in Beirut (Bilal Hussein/AP)

Over two days, pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah detonated, wounding and even crippling some fighters, but also maiming civilians connected to the groups social branches and killing at least two children.

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It was unclear how the attack fit into warnings by Israeli leaders in recent weeks that they could launch a stepped-up military operation against Hezbollah, Lebanons strongest armed force.

The Israeli government has called it a war aim to end the Iranian-backed groups cross-border fire in order to allow tens of thousands of Israelis to return to homes near the border.

Speaking to Israeli troops on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said: We are at the start of a new phase in the war  it requires courage, determination and perseverance.

He made no mention of the exploding devices but praised the work of Israels army and security agencies, saying the results are very impressive.

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Mr Gallant said that after months of fighting Hamas in Gaza, the centre of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces.

Hezbollah said early on Thursday it had targeted military positions in northern Israel, without specifying what weapons it used.

Israeli hospitals reported that they treated at least eight patients injured in the attacks.



A video grab shows a walkie-talkie that was exploded inside a house in Baalbek, east Lebanon (AP)

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The military said early on Thursday that it had struck several militant sites in southern Lebanon overnight.

The volley of strikes was a signal by Hezbollah that it would continue its near daily fire, which it says is a show of support for Hamas amid Israels 11-month-old campaign in Gaza in retaliation for the Palestinian militants October 7 attack on Israel.

Israel has responded to Hezbollahs fire with strikes in southern Lebanon, and has struck senior figures from the group in the capital Beirut.

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The exchanges have killed hundreds in Lebanon and dozens in Israel and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents on each side of the border.

Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly pulled back from an all-out war under heavy pressure from the US, France and other countries.

But in their recent warnings, Israeli leaders have said they are determined to change the status quo dramatically.

Israel began moving more troops to its border with Lebanon on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, Israeli officials said.

Israels army chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, said plans have been drawn up for additional action against Hezbollah, though media reported the government has not yet decided whether to launch a major offensive in Lebanon.



Mourners carry the coffins of victims who were killed after their handheld pagers exploded in Beirut (Bilal Hussein/AP)

Meanwhile, Lebanon was still reeling from the unprecedented mass bombings of Tuesday and Wednesday.

The explosions have rattled anxious Lebanese fearing a full-scale war.

The Lebanese Army said it has been locating and detonating suspicious pagers and communication devices, while the countrys civil aviation authorities banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all airplanes departing from Beiruts international airport until further notice.

The attack was likely to severely disrupt Hezbollahs internal communication as it scrambles to determine safe means to talk to each other.

Hezbollah announced the death of five combatants today, but did not specify if they were killed in the explosions or on the front lines.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was scheduled to speak later on Thursday as the group vowed to retaliate against Israel.

The blasts went off wherever the holders of the pagers or walkie-talkies happened to be in multiple parts of Beirut and eastern and southern Lebanon  in homes and cars, grocery stores and cafes and on the street, even at a funeral for some killed in the bombings, often with family and other bystanders nearby.

Many suffered gaping wounds on their legs, abdomens and faces or were maimed in the hand.

Tuesdays pager blasts killed 12 people, including two children, and wounded some 2,300 others. The following days explosion killed 25 and wounded more than 600, Health Minister Firas Abiad said, giving updated figures.

Health Minister Firas Abiad praised Lebanons hospitals, saying they had managed to deal with the flood of wounded within hours.

It was an indiscriminate attack. It was a war crime, he said.

Mary Ellen OConnell, a professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, said booby-traps are banned under international law.

Weaponizing an object used by civilians is strictly prohibited, she said.
An attempted prison break early on Thursday in Honduras left two inmates dead and three injured, authorities said.

According to officials, a total of 72 prisoners took part in the attempted escape from the mens prison in the town of Tamara, about 19 miles (31km) from the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa. They did not clarify how the casualties occurred.

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Military police were called in to deal with the situation. The forces commander, Col Ramiro Munoz, said one of the prisoners died at the prison while the other died a while later, at a nearby hospital.

Everything is now calm and in order, Mr Munoz told local media. This isnt going to set us back, there is no other prison in the world where this doesnt happen.

The Latin American country has long been plagued by gang violence and overcrowded prisons.

Mr Munoz said that at around 4am, the prisoners barricaded themselves inside a section of the prison to distract the guards. Military police responded, he said, without elaborating.

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A forensic investigation would take place to dispel any speculation, Mr Munoz also said.

At the womens prison in Tamara last year, a riot broke out that killed 46 women.

The carnage led to calls for change to the countrys prison system and even talk of whether Honduras should emulate the drastic zero-tolerance, no-privileges prisons set up in neighbouring El Salvador by President Nayib Bukele.

In June, Honduras President Xiomara Castro announced the creation of a new 20,000-capacity megaprison, as part of the governments larger crackdown on gang violence and efforts to overhaul the long-troubled prison system.
Vice President Kamala Harris has criticised Donald Trumps promise to deport millions of people who are in the United States illegally

The Democratic presidential nominee questioned whether her Republican rival would rely on massive raids and detention camps to carry out the plan.

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She told the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institutes annual leadership conference on Wednesday that the nation can find both a pathway to citizenship for those who want to come and at the same time secure the border.

We can do both, and we must do both, she said.



Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York (Alex Brandon/AP)

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Mr Trump held a rally in Uniondale on New Yorks Long Island as both candidates took a break from campaigning in the states that are likely to decide the November 5 election.

He ripped into Democratic leadership in New York City and state, blaming them for homeless people living in what he called horrible, disgusting, dangerous, filthy encampments and even the conditions on the New York City subway, which he called squalid and unsafe and promised to renovate.

Were just destroying the fabric of life in our country. And were not going to take it any longer. And you got to get rid of these people. Give me a shot, he said.

Before heading out to the suburbs, the former president stopped at a Bitcoin cafe in New York City. He has embraced cryptocurrency and on Monday helped launch his familys new cryptocurrency venture.

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Ms Harris harked back to the Trump administrations immigration policies as she bid for Hispanic support.



Kamala Harris arrives at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Leadership Conference (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

While we fight to move our nation forward to a brighter future, Donald Trump and his extremist allies will keep trying to pull us backward, she said.

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We all remember what they did to tear families apart, and now they have pledged to carry out the largest deportation, a mass deportation, in American history.

Imagine what that would look like and what that would be? Hows that going to happen? Massive raids? Massive detention camps? What are they talking about?

Mr Trump has leaned into immigration as a top campaign issue and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in the history of our country but has offered no details on how such an operation would work.

Look at whats happening, he told his crowd in New York. Businesses that are fleeing, money draining out of your state and hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants sucking your public resources dry.

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The Teamsters union has declined to endorse either candidate, saying neither had sufficient support from its 1.3 million members.

The vice president met with a panel of Teamsters on Tuesday, having long courted organised labour and made support for the middle class her central policy goal.

Mr Trump met earlier in the year with a panel of Teamsters and its president, Sean OBrien, spoke at his invitation at the Republican National Convention.

The former president said he plans in the next two weeks to visit Springfield, Ohio, the city at the centre of false accusations from him and his running mate JD Vance that members of the citys Haitian community are abducting and eating cats and dogs.

He also said he plans to visit Aurora, Colorado, where he says a Venezuelan street gang with a small presence in the city has taken over a rundown apartment complex. Aurora police say that is not the case.
A mission specialist for the company which owned the Titan submersible that imploded in 2023 is scheduled to testify before the US Coast Guard on Thursday.

Renata Rojas is the latest person to testify who is connected to Titan owner OceanGate after an investigatory panel has listened to two days of testimony that raised questions about the companys operations before the doomed mission.

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British adventurer Hamish Harding and father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood died alongside OceanGate Expeditions chief executive Stockton Rush and Frenchman Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

Mr Dawood was a London-based businessman and adviser to the Kings charity Princes Trust International, with a focus on its work in Pakistan. His 19-year-old son was a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.



June 2023 image provided by Pelagic Research Services shows remains of the Titan submersible on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean (Pelagic Research Services/AP)

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Earlier this month, the Coast Guard opened a public hearing that is part of a high-level investigation into the cause of the implosion. The public hearing began on Monday and some of the testimony has focused on the troubled nature of the company.

Also expected to testify on Thursday is former OceanGate scientific director Steven Ross.

During the hearing, former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge said he frequently clashed with Mr Rush and felt the company was committed only to making money.

The whole idea behind the company was to make money, Mr Lochridge testified. There was very little in the way of science.

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Mr Lochridge and other witnesses have painted a picture of a company led by people who were impatient to get the unconventionally designed craft into the water.

Coast Guard officials noted at the start of the hearing that the submersible had not been independently reviewed, as is standard practice. That and Titans unusual design subjected it to scrutiny in the undersea exploration community.



OceanGates former director of marine operations David Lochridge during his testimony (Andrew J Whitaker/The Post And Courier/AP)

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OceanGate, based in Washington state, suspended its operations after the implosion. The company has no full-time employees, but has been represented by an attorney during the hearing.

During the submersibles final dive on June 18 2023, the crew lost contact after an exchange of texts about the Titans depth and weight as it descended.

The support ship Polar Prince sent repeated messages asking if the Titan could still see the ship on its onboard display.

One of the last messages from Titans crew to Polar Prince before the submersible imploded stated all good here, according to a visual recreation presented earlier in the hearing.

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When the submersible was reported missing, rescuers rushed ships, planes and other equipment to an area about 435 miles south of St Johns, Newfoundland.

Four days later, wreckage of the Titan was found on the ocean floor about 300 metres off the bow of the Titanic, Coast Guard officials said.

OceanGate said it has been fully co-operating with the Coast Guard and NTSB investigations since they began.

The Titan had been making voyages to the Titanic wreckage site since 2021.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Washington next Thursday for talks with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as he presses for the US to allow Ukraine to use Western-provided weapons to strike deeper into Russia.

Im looking forward to hosting my friend President Zelensky of Ukraine next week at the White House, Mr Biden said in message posted on X, formerly Twitter.

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During his visit, Ill reaffirm Americas commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence.

The Biden administration is still not convinced that it should give Ukraine the authority to launch long-range missiles deeper into Russia, and US officials say they are seeking more detailed information about how Kyiv would use the weapons and how they fit into the broader strategy for the war.



Mr Zelensky will meet US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

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US officials said they have asked Ukraine to spell out more clearly its combat objectives should the administration green light loosening restrictions on long-range weaponry.

Administration officials are concerned that loosening restrictions would have limited impact and come with great risk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week warned that Russia would be at war with the United States and its Nato allies if they allow Ukraine to use the long-range weapons.

US defence officials have repeatedly argued that the long-range missiles are limited in number and that Ukraine is already using its own long-range drones to hit targets farther into Russia.

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Mr Zelensky is notably meeting separately with Ms Harris, who is looking to succeed Mr Biden.

She last met the Ukrainian president in July at an international gathering in Switzerland to discuss the war, shortly before Mr Biden announced he was abandoning his bid for re-election and endorsed Ms Harris.

Former US president Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he would move quickly to end the war should he win the November election.

His running mate, Senator JD Vance, said in a recent interview with the Shawn Ryan Show that Mr Trumps plan would include establishing a demilitarised zone, and Ukraine would not reclaim territory that Russia occupies and would agree not to join Nato.
Tabcorp chair Bruce Akhurst will step down from the ASX-listed wagering business after concerns from unhappy investors frustrated with the companys direction.

He will be replaced by fellow director Brett Chenoweth at the end of this year. Chenoweth already chairs Adairs, Canberra Data Centres and RetireAustralia and sits on the board of Vodafone NZ.

Tabcorp chairman Bruce Akhurst at Derby Day in 2022. Credit: Tash Sorensen

Akhursts resignation ends a seven-year director tenure on the board of the wagering business which demerged from its former lotteries cash-cow in 2021. He has chaired the business since the demerger.

Tabcorp confirmed his decision on the ASX late on Thursday, days after a report in The Australian Financial Reviews Street Talk section which said investors were holding Akhurst responsible for the groups disappointing financial performance.
Racing NSW may face the states powerful privileges committee over concerns it is in contempt of parliament after wrongfully seeking out the identity of a whistleblower covered by immunity.

A special report released by the committee on Friday raised concerns about correspondence sent by Racing NSW chief operating officer Graeme Hinton on August 12 regarding allegations raised during a public hearing three days earlier.

The fiery August 9 hearing featured several senior members of the Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW. But during evidence provided by Racing NSW chief executive Peter Vlandys, independent MLC Mark Latham alleged the racing supremo interfered in stewards inquiries by letting favoured trainers off lightly while comprehensively investigating others.

Racing NSW boss Peter Vlandys clashed with upper house MP Mark Latham a parliamentary hearing last month. Credit: Dean Sewell

Latham also alleged a toxic culture  an environment of fear and reprisal had become prevalent under Vlandys.

Vlandys categorically denied the accusations, labelling them complete rubbish while claiming the committee was accepting submissions from undesirables and people who are cruel to horses.

Let me say again under oath, Mr Latham: I have never, ever, ever interfered in a stewards inquiry, ever, he said at the time.

The inquiry was convened to consider the proposed sale of Rosehill Racecourse but during the three days of public hearings turned in part to an examination of Racing NSW.

The committee said in its report the correspondence from Hinton made specific reference to allegations and Racing NSW had investigated the issues raised with utmost urgency.

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The committee is concerned that such an investigation could be interpreted as a wrongful attempt by Racing NSW to uncover the identity of confidential submission authors, potentially with the intention of discouraging or intimidating these inquiry participants from giving evidence, the special report stated.

If this interpretation is correct, this would have a substantial and detrimental impact on the ability of this committee to conduct its inquiry, and would be a matter of utmost seriousness.

Vlandys told this masthead: The injustice and hypocrisy on this is mind-boggling. Persons can make spurious allegations that are complete fabrications and when we try to get procedural fairness, we are persecuted without any opportunity to defend ourselves against these fictional allegations.

Needless to say, any reasonable person could see the bias from some on the committee to satisfy self-interest groups.

The NSW Legislative Council will consider the referral as early as next week.
Thanks for joining us for Brisbane Times live news blog today. Well be back on Monday morning.

In case you missed them, here are some of todays top stories:

Twelve devices have been seized by authorities in the case of an Australian soldier and her partner accused of accessing material on Defence computer systems to send to Russian operatives, a court has heard.

A change to rules that ban dogs from indoor areas of cafes and pubs will be put on the national agenda, amid an outcry about the eviction of a border collie named Archer from the brewery that bears his name.

Ex-Mossad and CIA agents are astounded at the sophistication of the pager attack on Lebanon. But some think we are closer to a regional war than we have been at any time in the last 11 months.

When Will Ashcroft last took on Geelong, what followed were the toughest days of his life. But his rapid comeback  a year in the making after suffering a ruptured ACL  has led to the ultimate demon-vanquishing mission.

And Gambaros Black Hide is embracing its riverside locale at Queens Wharf with a greater focus on seafood, and wines to match (with more bottles thrown in for the high rollers too).
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The crowd outside Kelvin Groves La Boite Theatre is a swirl of colour and texture  hot pinks and pale blues, tight-fitting sequin dresses and patchwork skirts. There are glints of expression in every direction, but one outfit stands out above the rest: a brilliantly elaborate dress crafted from pastel silk ribbons. Given the occasion  the premiere of Rachel Burkes Fancy Long Legs for Brisbane Festival  it could only be worn by one person, the queen of colour herself. I think there is an energy of punk to being so yourself that its so eye-catching and people stare at you, Rachel says. It can be confronting for people to dare to be that sculptural in the world. Rachel Burke (centre) with the cast of Fancy Long Legs, the show adapted from her childrens book of the same name for this years Brisbane Festival. All outfits pictured were designed and made by Burke. Credit: Jade Ellis At her local coffee shop, a hole-in-the-wall in a suburban street on Brisbanes northside, Rachel is only moderately pared back.

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The designer, artist and author is wearing a chequered pink and black dress over a stripey long-sleeved skivvy. Heart-shaped sunglasses rest on her head. Convention would call the combination a clash. On Rachel, its art. Loading She remembers the moment, about seven years ago, when she first realised her own outfits were the best advertisement for her brand. I was going to this event and wearing [one of my] tinsel dresses, before they were super popular, she says. I knew people were going to stare at me, which they did ... but then something happened, and I actually felt really powerful to just be myself. Tinsel is an integral part of the Rachel Burke story. Raised in Melbourne, Rachel moved to Brisbane aged 15. She returned to Victoria after high school to study musical theatre, but dropped out after a year.

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I didnt have the triple-threat discipline. The only thing I could think of that I loved as much as performance was making costumes. Rachel Burkes world of wonder: from dresses and jackets crafted from tinsel to entire outfits assembled from bows. Credit: Markus Ravik So she moved back to her parents place in Kedron and, armed with a sewing machine, started making clothes in their garage. At first, her sewing skills needed some work  I had been very hot-glue savvy until that point, she admits  so she set a goal to make a dress every week for 20 weeks. I raised $5000 for charity which, at the time, felt like a million dollars ... I decided to do it again the following year, but make a dress every day and keep a blog about it. It caught the attention of fashion boutique Princess Polly and retailer Universal Store. Soon, she became Universals head of womenswear design. And then I went out on my own. About that time, she met Patience Hodgson, then-frontwoman of Brisbane band The Grates, who wore a tinsel jacket while performing at Splendour in the Grass. That was a turning point.

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Rachel Burke (left) with Patience Hodgson from The Grates. Credit: @imakestagram Rachel has since designed tour costumes for Kesha, outfits for Beyonces children, an upcycled birthday suit for Harry Styles and the Barbie outfit worn by Cate Blanchett at this years Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards on the Gold Coast. She traces back her love of eccentric design, of crafting out of tinsel and pompoms, to a magpie-like childhood obsession with shiny things. Its so fun to see the cottagecore fairy movement come back, because that was me as a child, she says. Im so grateful that I have my crafts to heal me because I get so much solace out of making, Rachel says. The art therapy is real. Credit: Markus Ravik I have this visual of me in year one, in the art room, filling my pockets with sequins, and the teacher putting a hook finger in the back of my smock and pulling me back. I just needed to have it.

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Rachel admits theres a childlike element to her colourful style. But her fashion is for adults, who she believes should be open to joyful dressing  getting in touch with that inner child  too. Her designs have developed a cult-like following, resonating with a broad demographic. Youre as likely to see one of her outfits on a night out in Fortitude Valley as you are at a red carpet event. I used to put labels on the jackets warning: These jackets are a conversation starter. Introverts beware. I think its natural that people want to have a good time. A bride wearing a custom puff reception dress by Rachel Burke on her wedding day. Credit: @imakestagram Stories of customers wearing her tinsel jackets to weddings and celebrations come as a delight. That was a surprise, she says. People would hang it on their wall  one woman got hers encased in a perspex box.

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A woman has been killed every four days in 2024. We bring you stories of lives lost in recent years. Some of the cases featured are still before the courts.

Accused killer Lachlan Young will have his trial fast-tracked to the Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to murdering ex-girlfriend Hannah McGuire in front of a packed regional courtroom.

Young, 21, was beamed into Ballarat Magistrates Court on Thursday from Melbourne Assessment Prison, where he is currently being held, sporting a mullet, pink T-shirt, and heavily tattooed arms.

Friends and family of Hannah McGuire attending a hearing, where her accused killer, Lachlan Young, pleaded not guilty. Credit: Nine News

More than 50 friends and family of McGuire packed into the courtroom to listen to the proceedings, many wearing black jumpers with the 23-year-olds image printed on the chest and the words, She matters  remembering Hannah McGuire.

There, the court heard, Young had elected to have the trial fast-tracked to the Supreme Court, which avoids a public committal hearing where evidence against an accused is usually tested for the first time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has given a snarky interview over tax reform and interest rates, accusing the media of focusing on not terribly clever questions as the governments agenda stalls in the Senate against opposition from the Coalition and Greens.

During a 20-minute interview on Thursday, the prime minister criticised ABC host Patricia Karvelas questioning, the latest in a series of moments where Albanese has grown tetchy when pressed on hard topics.

ABC radio presenter Patricia Karvelas and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a tense interview. Credit: ABC Screengrab, Alex Ellinghausen

Albanese told reporters to chill out in August after he was filmed in a hot-mic-style incident at the Pacific Islands Forum, snapped at 2GB host Ben Fordham over the Voice and clashed with the organiser of an April anti-domestic violence rally in Canberra, saying: I am the prime minister.

Thursdays interview became tense when Karvelas asked the prime minister whether he was ruling out changes to capital gains and negative gearing tax rules.
Australias migrant intake will exceed 400,000 for the last financial year, blowing the federal governments chances of meeting its target as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton condemned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to manage population growth during a housing crisis.

Figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday reveal there was a net increase of 388,000 overseas migrants in the first nine months of 2023-24  just 7000 shy of the governments 12-month forecast for 395,000 people.

Overseas migration is still above the Albanese governments targets. Credit:

It guarantees the Albanese government will not meet its migration target  which was already revised up from predictions of 315,000 in last Mays budget and 375,000 in last Decembers update  even as surging population growth has started to slow.

The latest blowout of numbers will fuel further attacks from the Coalition, which has already made migration core to its campaign at the next election. Dutton seized on the data within hours of its release and linked it to cost-of-living concerns.
The detonation of thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, believed to have been carried out by Israel, could constitute a war crime, according to a group of more than a dozen United Nations legal experts.

The experts, led by University of Sydney law professor Ben Saul, the UNs special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, labelled the exploding pagers a terrifying violation of international law.

First responders carry a man wounded after his handheld pager exploded, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. Credit: AP

These attacks violate the human right to life, absent any indication that the victims posed an imminent lethal threat to anyone else at the time, the experts said in a joint statement issued from Geneva late on Thursday night.

Such attacks require prompt, independent investigation to establish the truth and enable accountability for the crime of murder.
London: A string of women who worked at Harrods have come forward to accuse Mohamed al-Fayed, the late London department stores owner, of rape and sexual assault.

Five women said they were raped by the billionaire, who died last year aged 94, and a further 20 claimed he sexually assaulted them.

The women who worked at Harrods from the late 1980s to 2000s said assaults were carried out at the companys offices, in Fayeds London apartment, or on foreign trips often in Paris at the Ritz hotel.

Egyptian businessman and Ritz hotel owner Mohamed al-Fayed poses with his hotel staff in Paris in 2016. Credit: AP/File

It is claimed he would regularly tour the department stores sales floors to identify young female assistants he found attractive before isolating and attacking them.
Heres what we know about the case. Police found an appalling murder scene On the morning of February 24, 2023, police officers responded to 911 calls placed by Magalhaes, and found a scene they would later describe as appalling. Juliana Peres Magalhaes. Credit: Fairfax County PD In a large home on a cul-de-sac, they found Banfields wife, a paediatric nurse, who had been stabbed in the upper body and would soon die of her injuries, and Ryan, who had been shot dead. Banfield, Magalhaes and Banfields four-year-old daughter were also at the scene, unharmed.

Banfield and Magalhaes told police that Ryan was attacking Christine Banfield that day and they were trying to defend her. But police found no sign of forced entry, and prosecutors said the man who was shot had been invited to the home for a sexual tryst. Police recovered a knife and two guns. The au pair fired a weapon, too Magalhaes started her job as a live-in childcare worker for the Banfields in 2021. On the morning of the killings, Magalhaes said she set out with the couples daughter sometime after 7am for the zoo, but returned after forgetting their lunch, according to her lawyers, who gave her account of events at a hearing in April.

She saw an unfamiliar car outside the home and called Christine Banfield, who did not pick up. She then called Brendan Banfield, and once he arrived, they went inside together, the lawyers said. Christine Banfield. Credit: NBC4 Magalhaes took the child to the basement but heard a commotion and went upstairs, the lawyers said, where Brendan Banfield was shouting, Drop the knife! Banfield told a 911 operator that a man was stabbing his wife, and that he fired his service weapon at the man to stop him. Magalhaes later told a detective that Banfield told her to get a second gun from a bathroom, giving her the code to a safe. She retrieved it and fired, the lawyers said, arguing that she was acting in self-defence to protect the family. They later emphasised that she was acting on orders from her employer.

Ryan, of Springfield, Virginia, was pronounced dead at the scene. A medical examiner testified that he was struck twice, in the head and chest, and that it was the shot to the chest  the au pairs bullet  that was the fatal shot. Who was the man shot in the Banfield home? Prosecutors say Ryan exchanged messages with a profile featuring a photograph of Christine Banfield on the website FetLife, which describes itself as a community for people interested in kinky sexual practices. It was not clear who had created the profile. Ryan had arranged to come to the Banfield home after discussing plans for rough sex, prosecutors said.

Ryan was open about his activity on FetLife, his friend told The Washington Post. People who knew Christine Banfield said the messages discussing a rendezvous did not sound like her, and a prosecutor, Eric Clingan, said in April that there was no evidence that she had been into knife play, binding or other similar sexual practices. But Magalhaes lawyers have emphasised that it was Christine Banfield who purchased tickets for her daughter and au pair to go to the zoo that day, suggesting she wanted to have the house to herself. Allegations of an affair While prosecutors have not said that Magalhaes and Brendan Banfield concocted a plot to frame Ryan, they have offered a possible motive: the two had been having a months-long affair.
U.S. Typhon Missiles Stay in the Philippines, Testing Strategic Feasibility Despite Chinas Protests (Photo: Darrell Ames, Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEOMS), United States (US) Army / Public domain)

The United States has no immediate plans to withdraw the Typhon mid-range missile system from the Philippines, despite mounting Chinese opposition and increasing regional tensions. Originally deployed for joint military exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines, the system remains in place, raising concerns in Beijing as it faces a potential escalation of geopolitical confrontation.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the Typhon's presence in the Philippines is part of a broader U.S. strategy to test the feasibility of its use in the event of a regional conflict, Reuters Reported.

The deployment of the Typhon system, which can launch cruise missiles capable of targeting Chinese positions, underscores the Philippines' growing strategic importance for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific. Located near the Taiwan Strait, the Philippines would play a critical role in any U.S. military effort to support Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. The proximity of the missile system to this flashpoint has led to heightened tensions in an already volatile region.

China has been vocal in its condemnation of the deployment. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, expressed Beijing's concerns, stating, "It seriously threatens the security of regional countries and intensifies geopolitical confrontation." Both China and Russia have accused the U.S. of fueling an arms race in the region, while tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate with frequent maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines.

The Typhon missile system, brought to the Philippines in April for exercises such as Balikatan 24, was expected to be withdrawn by September. However, recent developments suggest it may remain in the country indefinitely. Colonel Louie Dema-ala, a spokesperson for the Philippine Army, confirmed that training with the system is ongoing, and its future deployment is up to the discretion of the U.S. Army Pacific. According to Philippine officials, the system's presence serves both practical and strategic purposes, including the potential for its use in conflict situations.

"The missile system remains a deterrent," said a senior Philippine government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "We want to give them sleepless nights," the official added, referring to China. The system is located on the northern island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea, and its proximity to Taiwan makes it a key component of U.S. defense plans in the region.

The U.S. has been rapidly expanding its anti-ship capabilities across the Indo-Pacific as it races to close the gap with China's more advanced missile arsenal. According to government documents, the U.S. plans to acquire over 800 SM-6 missiles in the next five years and already has several thousand Tomahawk missiles in its inventory. The Typhon system is designed to be mobile, allowing for flexibility in deployment as strategic conditions change.

China's response to the missile system has been one of consistent alarm. Chinese defense officials have repeatedly denounced the Typhon's deployment, with Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's defense ministry, accusing Washington and Manila of bringing "huge risks of war into the region." This sentiment was echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pointed to the U.S. deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as a reason for Russia resuming production of similar weapons.

Despite the rhetoric from Beijing, the Philippine government has sought to downplay the missile system's impact on regional stability. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reassured Chinese officials in July that the Typhon posed no direct threat to China and would not destabilize the region. However, tensions remain high as China continues to militarize several islands in the South China Sea, a move that the U.S. has repeatedly criticized as a violation of international law.

The Philippines finds itself in a delicate position. As tensions with China grow, particularly over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the presence of the U.S. missile system serves as both a defensive measure and a potential flashpoint. In a recent confrontation at Sabina Shoal, Filipino and Chinese vessels faced off, highlighting the persistent friction between the two nations. While the Philippines withdrew a Coast Guard vessel from the area, citing the need for repairs and crew rest, officials stressed that the withdrawal was not a concession to Chinese demands.
NTPC Green has solar and wind-power assets, and operates in more than six states.

By Dave Sebastian



The renewable-energy arm of Indias state-run power producer NTPC Ltd. is seeking to raise as much as Rs 10,000 crore ($1.2 billion) in its initial public offering, underscoring how the worlds busiest market for listings is now attracting bigger deals.

New Delhi-based NTPC Green Energy Ltd. plans to use the proceeds to invest in its subsidiary and repay loans taken by the unit, according to a draft prospectus dated Wednesday. The company has yet to decide its listing date. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

At least three more companies, including SoftBank-backed Swiggy Ltd., as well as Indian units of LG Electronics Inc. and Hyundai Motor Co., are looking at $1 billion-plus IPOs in the coming months after recent debutants saw their shares surge on listing. Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd.s stock more than doubled on debut this week, after raising $781 million in Indias biggest IPO of the year so far.

While majority of the India IPOs have been smaller than $50 million so far, the nation has already seen 90 deals this quarter, compared with 54 in the US, making the South Asian nation the busiest IPO market globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In terms of the amount raised, its still behind the US and Hong Kong, the markets that hosted the biggest two listings in the world this year.

Enthusiasm for IPOs has boosted Indias listing proceeds to $8.8 billion so far in 2024, already exceeding the annual tallies for the two preceding years, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

The IPO boom comes as Indias rapid economic expansion makes it a bright spot amid challenges facing peers such as China. The demand is being fueled by both local and foreign investors.

NTPC Green has solar and wind-power assets, and operates in more than six states. The company posted a net income of 1.4 billion rupees on revenue of 5.8 billion rupees for the three months through June this year, according to the draft prospectus.

IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., IIFL Securities Ltd. and Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd. are book-running lead managers of the offering.
A joint front of State-owned refiners is discussing crude oil purchase from Russia under a term deal that may be sealed in the next financial year (FY26), petroleum ministry sources said.

"The talks have been overtaken by a change in crude price. Now, the whole equation changes," one of the sources said, indicating the deal may reach completion in FY26. Crude oil from Russia is usually purchased on spot prices, while long-term contracts are usually reserved for crude from India's traditional import sources in the Middle East. Spot purchase allows refineries to secure different grades of oil, otherwise unavailable. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The deal will reduce the volatility in Russian crude prices and may allow India to have consistent access to Russian oil at lower rates. In May, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) signed a one-year deal with Russia's State-owned oil major Rosneft to buy at least 3 million barrels of oil per month in Russian rubles next year, Reuters had reported.

India is prepared to keep buying oil from Russian companies that are allowed to make such sales, since prices are cheaper, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said earlier this week.

Russia has remained the largest source of crude for India for more than a year now. In August, oil imports from Russia stood at 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), up 14.5 per cent from 1.49 million bpd in July, data from commodity market analytics firm Kpler showed.

Speaking about the term deals signed with Middle-Eastern nations last year, sources said these will be up for renewal talks later this year. India will be in a stronger position this year given it is the only major economy where oil demand is rising, the source indicated.

"The market has changed. Worldwide, estimates of global demand growth are being revised downwards. This means, in a country where demand is increasing...you can draw your own conclusions," he said.

Above price cap

Sources also said Russian crude priced above $60 per barrel is currently being imported by Indian refiners, with Russian insurance cover.

In December 2022, G7 nations  the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK  have prohibited Western shipping and insurance companies from dealing in Russia crude sold at or above a $60 cap. This was implemented concurrently with a separate ban on Russian seaborne crude and refined shipments by the European Union (EU) nations.

In November 2023, the US Treasury Department sanctioned a number of maritime companies flouting the oil cap. The Western allies hope to financially squeeze out Moscow, which has continued to benefit from soaring energy prices, and cut off its means of financing the invasion of Ukraine. The average price of Urals crude grade had crossed the cap limit multiple times last year.
India is set to become the worlds third-largest economy by 203031, as per S&P Global India. The country is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 6.7 per cent.

India emerged as the fastest-growing large economy, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth at the rate of 8.2 per cent in the financial year (FY) 2024, surpassing the government's earlier estimate of 7.3 per cent. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Abhishek Tomar, head, S&P Global India Leadership Council, and chief data officer for S&P Global Market Intelligence, said, "India's medium-term prospects are healthy and filled with opportunities in multiple sectors, including trade, agriculture, and AI, likely structural reforms, and growing energy demands. India is poised for growth, and with a young and dynamic workforce, it is well-positioned to shape the global economic landscape."

The research further stated that India must develop infrastructure and geopolitical strategies, particularly regarding its extensive coastline, to maximise trade benefits. Nearly 90 per cent of India's trade is seaborne, necessitating robust port infrastructure to manage increasing exports and bulk commodity imports.

According to the World Bank and S&P Globals Container Port Performance Index 2023, only three Indian ports found a place among the top 50. Moreover, the performance gap between public and private sector ports was notable, as the countrys largest government-owned port, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), was ranked 96th globally, while the privately operated Mundra Port Terminal in Gujarat ranked 27th.

Until a decade ago, India's government-owned ports commanded about 75 per cent of the country's container volumes, with JNPT and Chennai Port leading the pack. But cargo volumes have increasingly shifted to private ports, given their market-oriented dynamics in a competitive environment, and bureaucratic hurdles associated with pricing and infrastructure investment have limited the attractiveness of government-owned ports, the research said.

Privately run ports in India captured 47 per cent of total cargo in FY24, according to S&P Global's Journal of Commerce. As per the journal, this demonstrates the rise of Adani Ports. Adani-run Mundra Port handled 15.6 per cent more volume than JNPT and grew twice as fast in FY24.

Rahul Kapoor, vice president, global head of shipping analytics and research, stated, India needs more ports. With big investments pouring into the sector, a balance needs to be struck while we discuss public and private ports. Additionally, Kapoor stated that the market intelligence firm is expecting freight rates to come down.

The report also added that Indias total petroleum product demand is projected to rise by almost 2 million barrels per day (b/d) to reach 7.1 million b/d by 2035 from 2023 levels, largely led by demand for transportation.
The BJP released its Haryana poll promises a day after Congress released its own list of seven promises aimed at youth, women, and others

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (September 19) released its manifesto for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, set for October 5. The ruling party released its poll promises a day after Congress released its own list of seven promises aimed at youth, women, and others. Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda led the charge, presenting the BJPs Sankalp Patra (manifesto) in Rohtak, Haryana. Also in attendance were Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

BJPs major promises for Haryana Assembly elections

>Financial support for women: Under the Laado Laxmi Yojana, women will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 2,100.

>Industrial growth: The BJP plans to build 10 industrial cities, inspired by IMT Kharkhoda, offering special incentives to businesses. Each city is expected to create 50,000 jobs for local youth.

>Healthcare initiatives: The Chirayu-Ayushman Yojana promises free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh for each family, and an additional Rs 5 lakh for elderly individuals above 70 years old.

>Support for farmers: Purchase of 24 crops at the declared minimum support price (MSP) is guaranteed.

>Employment generation: As many as 200,000 youth are promised government jobs without hassle or cost, while 500,000 more will benefit from various employment schemes, including the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme.

>Housing plans: As many as 500,000 houses will be built across both urban and rural areas.

>Medical services: Free dialysis in government hospitals, along with free diagnostic services in all hospitals.

>Sports promotion: An Olympic Games nursery is planned for every district.

>Affordable cooking gas: Cylinders will be provided at Rs 500 under the Har Ghar Grihani Yojana.

>Scooters for rural students: The Awal Balika Yojana guarantees a scooter for every college-going student in rural areas.

>Veteran support: Every Haryanvi Agniveer will be assured of a government job.

>Transport infrastructure: Projects include constructing the KMP's Orbital Rail Corridor and launching new Vande Bharat trains, along with rapid rail and metro services between Faridabad and Gurugram.

>Caste-based welfare: Special welfare boards with adequate budgets will be set up for small backward caste groups.

>Pension increase: Social pensions will be hiked, with adjustments linked to DA (Dearness Allowance).

>Educational support for OBCs and SCs: Full scholarships for students from OBC and SC backgrounds pursuing medical and engineering degrees at any government college in India.

>Entrepreneurial assistance: OBC entrepreneurs will receive loans up to Rs 25 lakh, in addition to the benefits of the Mudra Scheme.

>Skills development: Haryana will be transformed into a global education hub, offering modern skills training.

>Tourism expansion: A world-class Aravalli Jungle Safari Park is planned for South Haryana.

Haryana polls: Congresss key poll promises



The Congress on Wednesday released its election manifesto with promises of free electricity, a reintroduction of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), an increase in the annual income limit for OBCs creamy layer, free medical treatment up to Rs 25 lakh, and a monthly pension of Rs 6,000 for the elderly, widows, and the differently-abled.

The party also promised a legal guarantee of MSP for farmers and Rs 2,000 for women.
Egypt eyes deeper cooperation with China in tourism, archaeology: minister

Xinhua) 09:16, September 19, 2024

CAIRO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said here on Tuesday that Egypt eyes deeper cooperation with China in tourism and archaeology.

During a meeting with journalists from both local and foreign media outlets, Fathy spoke highly of the "strong" Egyptian-Chinese relationship, adding that the two countries had carried out "a wide range of fruitful cooperation."

Hailing the success of the "On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt" exhibition currently being held in China and the joint Egyptian-Chinese archeological mission excavating the Montu Temple in Upper Egypt's Luxor, Fathy expressed hope for expanding cultural exchanges with China, highlighting the rich civilizations of both countries.

Egypt aims to increase its annual influx of Chinese tourists, Fathy said, noting that the country hosts around 200,000 Chinese tourists annually.

"In addition to participating in tourism exhibitions in China, we will work with Chinese tour operators and hold sessions, dialogues, and workshops to discuss developing tourism between China and Egypt," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
This was the first assembly elections in J-K post abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The last assembly elections were held in 2014. "The Phase-1 of General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of J&K recorded an approximate voter turnout of 61.11 percent as of 11:30 pm. The same shall continue to be updated by the field level officers as the remaining polling parties keep returning, the Election Commission said in a press release late at night.

A voter turnout of more than 61 per cent was registered in the first phase of assembly polls covering 24 segments across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the Election Commission said. The final polling percentage can go up as data from some stations are yet to be compiled, and this also does not include postal ballots, the commission said. Kishtwar district recorded the highest 80.14 percent polling followed by Doda (71.34 percent) and Ramban (70.55 percent) in the Chenab valley region of Jammu, the Election Commission said, quoting the latest information said. In south Kashmir, Kulgam district led the turnout chart with 62.46 percent followed by Anantnag district (57.84 percent), Shopian district (55.96 percent) and Pulwama district (46.65 percent), the EC said.
Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting ahead of the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Srinagar, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, claiming that the Opposition party is willing to compromise with the culture and heritage for the sake of some votes. He made the remarks while addressing an election rally in Jammu and Kashmirs Katra, the home to Hindu Goddess Vaishno Devi's famous temple.

Attacking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his recent US trip, Modi said: Recently, the heir of Congress' royal family went to foreign and said that Indian Gods and Goddesses are not Gods. In India, Gods and Goddesses are worshipped in every village, but Congress doesn't consider them as Gods Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

VIDEO | J-K elections 2024: "For the sake of some votes, Congress is ready to compromise with your culture and heritage. Recently, the heir of Congress' royal family went to foreign and said that Indian Gods and Goddesses are not Gods. In India, Gods and Goddesses are worshiped pic.twitter.com/CzxynyrWJS September 19, 2024

The PM's visit to Jammu and Kashmir comes amid the Assembly election season in the Union territory. The first phase of polls, which commenced on Wednesday, will be held in two more phases on September 25 and October 1, and the counting of votes will be done on October 8.

First elections since Article 370 revoked

These elections are the first since Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was scrapped and the erstwhile state was turned into a Union territory. The last Assembly elections in J-K were held in 2014. The polls will serve as a crucial litmus test for Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reflecting the public's acceptance of their policies for the region.

If the saffron party wins the polls, it is expected to give them an edge in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, cementing their position as promoter of stability and peace and having a tough stance on national security - an area where they allege that the Congress has failed.

Earlier today, Home Minister Amit Shah also targeted the Opposition and Gandhi over the Pakistan ministers statement on the Congress and National Conference (NC) party. He was referring to Pakistan Defence Minister Asifs remark that their government and Congress-NC alliance in J-K were on the same page about Article 370.

While the Farooq Abdullah-led NC has promised to restore the Article 370 status of J-K, the Congress manifesto was silent on the issue.
Siva's directorial Kanguva is the biggest and most expensive movie of the year, made with a budget of Rs 350 crore, which might be bigger than Singham, and several other big films. The shooting for the movie took place in seven different countries on multiple continents.

The technical department that worked on the action and cinematography of the movie was hired from Hollywood. The movie boasts that it is one of the biggest war sequences featuring over 10,000 people.

Apart from Suriya, the movie also features Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Natarajan Subramaniam, Jagapathi Babu, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley, Kovai Sarala, and Ananda.

Bobby Deol plays the antagonist

Bobby Deol will play the role of Udhiran, an antagonist. Bobby Deol who is working with Suriya for the first time said, "Working with Suriya has always been a dream...He is awesome. He is an amazing actor," reported news agency ANI. Suriya also shared his experience of working with the Animal star. ANI quoted Suriya as saying, "In the film, we fought but brotherhood was very much between us. He helped us make the film's climax bigger and bigger."

What is the release date of Kanguva?

The film was initially slated to release in theatres on October 10, however, the makers have revised the release date and now the movie will be released on November 14, 2024.

What is the budget of Kanguva?

The movie is made with a budget of Rs 350 crore.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has outlined several high-priority projects for this year, focusing on initiatives ranging from psychological assessments for the armed forces to advanced weapons systems.

According to a report by Indian Express, these efforts include developing a psychological evaluation for Agniveers, enhancing directed energy weapon systems, and providing statutory backing to key certification bodies. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Psychological assessment for Agniveers

One significant project is the development of a psychological assessment test for the selection of Agniveers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. This test, aimed at evaluating the mental fitness of recruits, is expected to be adopted by the armed forces later this year. Currently, the recruitment process for Agniveers includes educational qualifications, physical tests, and medical assessments, but lacks psychological evaluation, the report said.

The Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), a part of DRDO, has been working on this initiative, and a psychometric test for Agniveers was trialled during a recruitment rally last year.

Weapon systems

Another major focus for DRDO is the finalisation of advanced weapon systems. This includes the Final Operational Clearance for the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system for the Indian Air Force (IAF), known as "Netra". These platforms are designed to detect and track enemy aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aiding in threat assessment and interception. The IAF is currently operating two AEW&C systems that have already received Initial Operational Clearance, the report said.

Additionally, DRDO is working on a 30 kW Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system to neutralise rogue aerial objects using concentrated electromagnetic energy. Such technology is crucial for countering the threat posed by UAVs, which have become a growing security concern, the report stated.

Certification bodies

As part of its broader agenda, DRDO also aims to grant statutory status to key regulatory and certification entities like the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and the Centre for Fire, Explosive, and Environment Safety.

In addition, DRDO is prioritising the development of an anti-drone High Power Microwave System with a range of 1 km, designed to neutralise enemy drones. Plans are also underway for the maiden launch of a Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, which will eventually be integrated into aerial, naval, and land-based platforms, the report further said.
Artillery shells sold by Indian arms manufacturers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine, and New Delhi has not intervened to halt this trade despite protests from Moscow, Reuters reported on Wednesday, based on interactions with eleven officials from Indian and European governments and the defence industry, as well as an analysis of commercially available customs data.

The transfer of munitions to support Ukraine's defence against Russia has been occurring for over a year, said the report, citing the sources and customs data. Indian arms export regulations restrict the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser, who risks future sales being terminated if unauthorised transfers take place. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Citing three unnamed Indian officials, the report said that the Kremlin raised these concerns on at least two occasions, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.





ALSO READ: Modi 3.0 100-day foreign policy outcomes: Ukraine, Global South and more The report added that neither the foreign nor the defence ministries of Russia and India responded to requests for comment. However, in January, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had stated at a news conference that India had not sent or sold artillery shells to Ukraine.

Two Indian government sources and two defence industry sources informed the news agency that India produced only a very small quantity of the ammunition currently being used in Ukraine, with one official estimating it to be under one per cent of the total arms imported by Kyiv since the war began. The news agency could not ascertain whether the munitions were resold or donated to Kyiv by the European customers.

Where is Ukraine getting Indian munitions from?

Among the European nations supplying Indian munitions to Ukraine are Italy and the Czech Republic, which is leading an initiative to provide Kyiv with artillery shells from outside the European Union, said the report, citing a Spanish and senior Indian official and a former top executive at Yantra India, a state-owned company whose munitions are being used in Ukraine.

The Indian official mentioned that New Delhi was monitoring the situation. However, along with a defence industry executive familiar with the transfers, the official noted that India had not taken any action to restrict this supply to Europe.

The defence ministries of Ukraine, Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic also did not respond to requests for comment by the news agency.





ALSO READ: Quad summit: PM Modi's US visit to include UN address, engagement with CEOs Meanwhile, New Delhi and Washington -- with the latter being Ukraine's primary security ally -- have recently strengthened defence and diplomatic cooperation in response to a rising China, which both countries consider their main rival.

India also maintains strong ties with Russia, which accounts for over 60 per cent of New Delhi's arms imports and is a valued partner. In fact, in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Moscow for his first bilateral international trip after being re-elected to a third term. Moreover, India has refused to join the Western-led sanctions against Moscow.

Why is India not halting these transfers to Ukraine?

As the world's largest arms importer, India views the prolonged conflict in Europe as an opportunity to develop its emerging arms export sector, said the report, citing six unnamed Indian sources familiar with official perspectives.

For its part, Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of artillery ammunition.

According to data compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India exported just over $3 billion in arms between 2018 and 2023.





ALSO READ: India's FY24 defence exports jump record 32.5%, touch Rs 21,083 crore At an August 30 conference, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India's defence exports surpassed $2.5 billion in the last financial year, with a goal to increase this to approximately $6 billion by 2029.

Meanwhile, commercial customs records analysed by the news agency reveal that in the two years preceding Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, three major Indian ammunition manufacturers -- Yantra, Munitions India, and Kalyani Strategic Systems -- exported only $2.8 million in munitions components to Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Slovenia, where defence contractors have invested heavily in supply chains for Ukraine.

However, between February 2022 and July 2024, that figure rose to $135.25 million, which included completed munitions that India began exporting to those four nations.

Arzan Tarapore, a defence expert from Stanford University, told the news agency that New Delhi's efforts to expand its arms exports significantly influenced the transfer of its arms to Ukraine.

Which European companies are giving Ukraine Indian-made artillery shells?

The unlisted Italian defence contractor Meccanica per l'Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES) was among the companies sending Indian-made shells to Ukraine, said the report, citing the former top Yantra official.

The official reportedly said that the Rome-based company, which is Yantra's largest foreign client, purchases empty shells from India and fills them with explosives.

While several Western firms have the capability to fill explosives, they lack the manufacturing capacity to mass-produce artillery shells, the official added.

However, neither MES nor Yantra India responded to emails seeking comment.

Meanwhile, customs data analysed by the news agency indicate that Yantra shipped $35 million worth of empty 155mm L15A1 shells to MES between February 2022 and July 2024.

Records also show that in February 2024, UK-based arms company Dince Hill -- whose board includes a senior MES executive -- exported $6.7 million in ammunition from Italy to Ukraine.

Among the exports were 155mm L15A1 shells, which the customs declaration specified were manufactured by MES for Ukraine's Defence Ministry and supplied for "promoting the defence capability and mobilisation readiness of Ukraine."

Yantra said in its 2022-23 annual report that it had agreed a deal with an unnamed Italian client to set up a manufacturing line for L15A1 shells. The former Yantra executive identified this client as MES.

Dince Hill did not respond to an email requesting comment. Its new owner, Rome-based Effequattro Consulting, could not be reached either.

In May, Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente shared on social media an end-user agreement signed by a Czech defence official that authorised the transfer of 120mm and 125mm ammunition shells from Munitions India to arms dealer Czech Defence Systems.

Moreover, Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported in May that the actual final destination of the Indian-made arms carried by a vessel that had stopped in a Spanish port was Ukraine. While a Spanish official and another source familiar with the matter confirmed to the news agency that Kyiv was the end user, Munitions India and CDS did not respond to inquiries.

Customs records dated March 27 and analysed by the news agency show that Munitions India had shipped 10,000 rounds of 120mm and 125mm mortar shells, valued at over $9 million, from Chennai to CDS.

Walter Ladwig, a South Asia security expert at King's College London, told the news agency that the diversion of a relatively small amount of ammunition was geopolitically beneficial for New Delhi because it allows India to demonstrate to its Western partners "that it is not 'on Russia's side' in the Russia-Ukraine conflict".
September 18, 2024: Ukraine has shown the world how effective drones are and is now selling some of those it produces to export customers. The income from export sales to NATO countries finances continued Ukrainian production. This year Ukraine is on track to produce three million drones. These consist of armed and unarmed models of many different designs.

To deal with Russian air attacks on drone manufacturing facilities, the government encourages individuals or small groups of Ukrainians to build drones in their homes or rented commercial spaces. As a result there are over 400 locations where drones are being produced.

For traditional weapons and equipment Ukraine still needs factories producing armored and unarmored vehicles as well as artillery and small arms. This is aided by the extensive use of 3-D printing devices which in turn enables dispersed industrial production. Components for larger weapons can be manufactured at many small workshops and moved by private automobiles to the final assembly area. This use of personal vehicles was soon discovered by the Russians who now attack many cars carrying civilians, rather than weapons components. This only happens within ten or twenty kilometers of the front line. That is the range of most reconnaissance drones both sides use.

Other nations, especially NATO members, China and India have noted the drone revolution in Ukraine and are seeking to equip their own forces with drones and drone technology. This is what the Ukrainians export to countries that support them. China has to get Ukrainian-produced drones and drone tech from its ally Russia.
A court in the United States on Thursday issued summons to the Indian government in response to a civil lawsuit filed by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun , which alleges an assassination plot against him.

The external affairs ministry has labelled the lawsuit as "completely unwarranted." Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

"When these issues were first brought to our attention, we took action. There's a high-level committee engaged (in this matter)...," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

The US District Court for the Southern District of New York has issued the summons, in which the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) Chief Samant Goel have been named. Additionally, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta have also been named and are required to file a response within 21 days. The Centre has not yet reacted to the development.

#WATCH | When asked if the Khalistan issue will be discussed during PM Modi and US President Biden's bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "As we have said earlier, whatever issues are of mutual concern between India and America, we discuss them all. Whether any pic.twitter.com/pZgWHtDajJ September 19, 2024

Pannu shared a copy of the summons on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, which has been withheld in India. Pannun holds US and Canadian citizenships.

What is the Pannun assassination case about?

The issue over Indias alleged attempt to assassinate Pannun, a designated terrorist, has been a thorn in the India-US diplomatic ties. In November 2023, the US Justice Department had slapped Gupta, an Indian national, with murder-for-hire charges, alleging his involvement in a plot to assassinate the Sikhs for Justice organisation leader.

In June, Gupta pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was arrested from the Czech Republic last year and later extradited to the US at the request of the US government in connection with the case.

US prosecutors allege that Gupta was acting under the direction of an unnamed Indian government official, a claim that India has denied. The Centre had also announced that an inquiry had been initiated to investigate the allegations and look into the evidence shared by the US.

In April, The Washington Post had reported that Vikram Yadav, a R&AW officer, was the Indian official behind the plot and that former R&AW Chief Goel had sanctioned the operation.

The report had been dismissed by India as making "unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations.

The development comes two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the US for the annual Quad summit, being hosted by President Joe Biden. Modi will be in the US from September 21-23.
Bharti Kher's mixed media artwork sold for an estimated $1.5 million (Rs 7 crore) at a Sothebys auction in London in June 2010. 'The Skin Speaks a Language Not Its Own' is a life-size female fibre-glass elephant covered in bindis arranged in a serpentine pattern. It alludes to the Hindu concept of the third eye and the number zero. Kher uses resin, everyday objects, and "hybrid creatures" in her mixed media installations which have the bindi as a recurring motif to explore identity, mythology, and gender.

In 15 years since that auction, mixed media art is still
When Atishi takes oath as Delhi Chief Minister on September 21, she will enter history books as being only the third woman to accomplish the feat after BJP's Sushma Swaraj and Congress' Sheila Dikshit. Atishi's elevation to the top post comes at a crucial juncture for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is looking to return to power in the Delhi Assembly polls early next year as well as for the government, which will have to fast-track pending policies and schemes for public welfare. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The senior leader will have her task cut out after assuming office and will be running against time to ensure implementation of schemes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 and doorstep delivery of services among others.

However, Atishi is not new to rising to such situations. Her induction into the cabinet also happened when the government was going through testing times following the arrest of deputy chief minister and the then Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's trusted lieutenant, Manish Sisodia last year in excise policy case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Atishi, along with Saurabh Bharadwaj, joined the Delhi government following the resignation of Sisodia and Satyendar Jain.

Atishi, 43, took to governance, heading 13 major portfolios in the Kejriwal government, including those of finance, revenue, education and public works department.

She was unanimously chosen as the chief minister-designate during the legislature party meeting here on Tuesday.

Even though Atishi joined AAP in 2013, she stayed in the background working as an adviser to the government on education-related policies and made a foray into electoral politics only in 2019 when she unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls from East Delhi against BJP's Gautam Gambhir.

Before venturing into active politics, Atishi dropped her surname Marlena, a portmanteau of Marx and Lenin, since she wanted that her political affiliations should not be misconstrued.

In 2020, Atishi again contested elections, this time the Delhi Assembly polls, and was elected as an MLA from Kalkaji.

The fact that she enjoys the confidence of Kejriwal and Sisodia paved the way for her to succeed Kejriwal.

Atishi's parents Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi were Delhi University professors. She received her Bachelor's degree in History from Delhi University's St Stephen's College and topped her batch.

She also holds postgraduate degrees in Education and History from the University of Oxford.
September 18, 2024: India has long maintained friendly relations with most nations. One major exception is China, which has several territorial disputes with India and in the last decade has revived many claims that have been dormant for decades. Once India realized they were on the receiving end of major Chinese threats, they sought help from allies. Russia has long been a provider of weapons for India as well as a major trading partner. This chummy Cold War era relationship dissolved as Russia invaded Ukraine while China pressed its many border disputes with India. India needed more allies and the Americans were available. To make clear their alliance with the United States, Indian officials openly backed Ukraine and even visited Ukraine as a demonstration of support. This could lead to Indian military aid for Ukraine and/or India purchasing Ukrainian drones.

This process began in the 1990s when India finally realized that its socialist economic policies were not working and something new was needed. India noted that China in the 1980s had ditched socialism for a free market economy. This paid off in a spectacular fashion for China. India sought trade opportunities from the United States. During the Cold War India considered the United States an imperialist power and avoided any economic or military links with the Americans. Now China had become a major threat to India and the Americans were willing to help. The U.S. was facing a Chinese naval threat in the Pacific and Chinese naval forces were increasingly showing up throughout the Indian Ocean region. China was also selling warships, especially submarines, to many of Indias neighbors. India needed a similarly powerful ally and the Americans were willing to engage.

Meanwhile, the ongoing border disputes remain unresolved. There has been some violence, and deaths. Conventional weapons were not used. Both sides relied on soldiers armed with clubs, rocks and righteous fists. Both sides want to avoid a shooting war.

These disputes got going again back in 2020 when China revived the border war over Pangong Lake, which is largely in Tibet and patrolled by a small Chinese naval force. This is the longest lake in Asia and part of the 134-kilometer long lake extends 45 kilometers into the Indian Ladakh region. China is using its usual sneak and stay tactics to slowly move the border into territory long occupied by India. The portion of the lakeshore in dispute has no native population. The only people who visit the area are soldiers from India or China.

China and India both have had small armed boats patrolling their portions of the 4,200-meter high lake, except for the few months when the entire lake is frozen over. In the last decade, China has been building roads into remote and formerly inaccessible (via vehicle) portions of the lake coastline. China has built some of these roads into areas claimed by India but not regularly patrolled because special mountain troops must be employed to get into these areas without coming in by boat or on foot over the ice.

India admits that the Chinese aggression along its northern border is active again and the Chinese are now actually taking control of Indian territory and apparently plan to continue doing so. Despite Indian nuclear weapons, China believes it can get away with gradually gaining control over more than 100,000 square kilometers of Indian territory it claims. This will be done by grabbing a few square kilometers at a time without triggering a nuclear exchange. Fortune favors the bold, even in slow motion.

China and India have already fought a war, back in 1962. In a month of fighting (starting on 20 October) India lost 7,000 troops (57 percent prisoners, the rest dead or missing) compared to 722 Chinese dead. China declared a ceasefire that India accepted. China actually advanced in two areas, a thousand kilometers apart and ended up taking 43,000 square kilometers of Indian territory.

The source of the 1962 war and current border tension goes back a century and heated up when China resumed control over Tibet in the 1950s. From the end of the Chinese empire in 1912 up until 1949, Tibet had been independent. But when the communists took over China in 1949, they sought to reassert control over their lost province of Tibet. This began slowly, but once all of Tibet was under Chinese control in 1959, China had a border with India and there was immediately a disagreement about exactly where the border should be. Thats because, in 1914, the newly independent government of Tibet worked out a border called the McMahon line with the British who controlled India. China considers this border agreement illegal and wants 90,000 square kilometers back. India refused, especially since this would mean losing much of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India and some bits elsewhere there and all along the new northern border.

India, as a democracy with a free press, has a public discussion of Chinese tactics and possible Indian responses. China also tries to take advantage of Indian media freedom by buying favorable coverage in the Indian press. This is done via bribes, offers of investments and loans as well as economic concessions within China. Military strategy in China, since ancient times, has placed emphasis on having a powerful military but using it mainly as a threat and giving enemies an incentive to accept bribes and allow China to get what they want. Yet India has rarely been seen as an enemy of China. There is nothing valuable on their mutual border which for thousands of years has been along high mountains and thinly populated lowland jungles. Neither India nor China had any incentive to use large armies to threaten each other.

Because of this background, the border disputes of the last 60 years are seen by Indians as inexplicable and by Chinese as overdue restitution for centuries of humiliations inflicted by Western invaders. India, ever since it emerged from centuries of British colonial rule in 1947, insisted that India and China shared a background of oppression by the West. China sees India as trying to perpetuate Western crimes against China. To most Chinese Indians look and sound like Westerners so therefore India must be an enemy of China. India has come to accept that the Chinese are obsessed with making India pay for real or imagined wrongs inflicted by Western imperialists and see nothing wrong with using ancient Chinese imperialist methods to get their way. Suddenly British imperialism is not the worst thing that could ever happen to India. China is seeking to provide something much worse and much closer. India seeks new allies with mutual interests in the region and the United States proved to be an ideal nation to fulfill this role.
Puri lauded Houston as a global hub for energy innovation and said events like

The United States is India's sixth largest energy trade partner and the growing bilateral trade has the potential to cross the $500 billion-mark from $ 200 billion at present, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said. The hydrocarbon trade between the two countries has reached $13.6 billion in 2023-24 -- nearly double the figure from 2018-19, Puri said at a roundtable with energy companies. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The roundtable, held on the sidelines of the global energy conference Gastech 2024, here was attended by Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of USISPF, and Consul General of India in Houston, D C Manjunath, among others.

Puri said that the US is now India's sixth-largest energy trade partner, with hydrocarbon trade valued at $2.43 billion in the first two months of FY 2024-25.

This momentum indicates the potential for total bilateral trade to soar from around $200 billion to over $500 billion, he said.

During his visit the minister also engaged with stakeholders from the US-India Business Council (USIBC), the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), and industry leaders to underscore the significance of the US-India energy partnership.

The conference was organised by USISPF, an advocacy group dedicated to strengthening the strategic partnership between the US and India.

Puri highlighted India's leadership during its G20 Presidency, where it launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in collaboration with the US and other like-minded countries.

This initiative aims to develop and deploy low-carbon solutions, further reinforcing the commitment to sustainable energy practices.

In a meeting with Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management at the US Department of Energy, Puri discussed the unique challenges India faces as the third-largest hydrocarbon consumer while aiming for net zero emissions by 2070.

The discussion covered issues such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as a vital solution for enhancing energy security and emissions reduction, alongside advancements in CO2 removal and innovative biofuels.

Puri also hailed the signing of four crucial agreements between IGL Social and American counterparts at the India Pavilion, saying these pacts pave the way for new clean energy initiatives and contributing to India's resilience and self-sufficiency in energy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Engaging with leaders from Vitol, Baker Hughes, and Woodside Energy, Puri explored opportunities for investment and collaboration to meet India's increasing energy demands sustainably.

The discussions focused on leveraging advanced technologies in hydrogen, geothermal energy, and carbon capture, with Baker Hughes providing cutting-edge solutions for deepwater exploration and emissions reduction.

Puri also encouraged Shell USA to participate in the upcoming rounds of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bidding, highlighting the ministry's efforts to improve the "ease of doing business" in the exploration and production sector.

Shell executives expressed confidence in India's growth story and showed keen interest in its rapidly developing LNG sector.

The minister also participated in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative at the Consulate General of India, and planted a sapling as a symbol of reverence for the mother nature.
The State of Jharkhand has filed a contempt petition against the Union Government for the delay in appointing the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. This development was brought to light by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Thursday, during a conversation with Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani, according to a report by LiveLaw. The AG, however, was unaware of the petition.

The exchange took place during a discussion about a separate petition concerning judicial appointments. The Attorney General requested an adjournment, as the matter is set to be heard the next day. He indicated that the Centre may soon finalise its decisions on pending Collegium recommendations for appointing High Court Chief Justices. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Sujit Narayan Prasad was appointed the acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jharkhand on July 20, 2024 after Chief Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi retired on July 19, 2024. Sarangi had served as Chief Justice for only two months and demitted from the office. Before Sarangi, Sanjaya Kumar Mishra had served as Chief Justice of Jharkhand HC from February 2, 2023 to December 28, 2023.

While the retirement age for Supreme Court judges is 65, high court judges must demit at the age of 62.

The matter regarding the judges appointment which is listed tomorrow, I request this matter may be pushed by a week or so, I will be in a position to come back with something. Let it not be taken up tomorrow, the AG told CJI Chandrachud, referring to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking prompt action on Collegium recommendations.

CJI Chandrachud rejected the adjournment request, pointing out that the list for the next day had already been published. He advised the AG to address the issue in court when the petitioner is present.

The Supreme Court Collegium recommended appointments for Chief Justices of eight High Courts on July 11, but these resolutions are still pending with the Union Government. During a hearing last week on the judicial appointments issue, the Attorney General cited sensitive information regarding the Collegiums recommendations, resulting in the case being postponed to September 20.

In the interim, on September 17, the Collegium revised three of its earlier recommendations from the July 11 resolution. This ongoing adjustment highlights the complexities and delays involved in the judicial appointment process in India.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday announced that the government will soon release the report of the committee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, which was established following the withdrawal of the three controversial farm laws. The minister also unveiled new initiatives aimed at modernizing agriculture and improving farmer engagement during a press briefing on the achievements of the Modi 3.0 government's first 100 days

The top court on Thursday rejected telecom companies' petition to re-compute adjusted gross revenues, or AGRs, amid a long-standing dispute over payment of dues to the central government. The top court on Thursday rejected telecom companies' petition to re-compute adjusted gross revenues, or AGRs, amid a long-standing dispute over payment of dues to the central government.

China will certainly be "high on the agenda" at the Quad Summit set to be hosted by US President Joe Biden in Delaware's Wilmington on September 21, US National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Wednesday (local time). When asked to what extent China will be a focus of the Quad Summit, Kirby stated, "I think it'll certainly be high on the agenda. I mean, there's not an opportunity when you get together with these particular leaders, the Indo-Pacific, Quad, where you in fact it would be irresponsible if they didn't talk about the challenges that still exist in the region caused by aggressive PRC military action for instance, unfair trade practices, tensions over the Taiwan Strait. I have no doubt that that all those issues will come up."

A US court has summoned the Indian government after Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun filed a civil lawsuit, alleging a plot to murder him.India refrained from voting in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, as the 193-member body passed a resolution demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months, according to a report from news agency PTI. Those opposing the resolution included Israel and the United States. Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom were among the other nations which abstained from voting. The resolution received 124 votes in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstentions.
The Odisha government has approved12 key industrial projects during the 36th High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) meeting chaired by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The state govenment sanctioned a total investment of Rs 39,271.50 crore, expected to generate employment opportunities for 17,098 individuals across various sectors, according a press release from CMO. CM Manjhi had set a target of attracting industrial investments to the tune of Rs 2.5 lakh crores in the coming 5 years. However, in the first 100 days of the new government, 90 per cent of the annual target has been achieved, i.e. investment of Rs. 44,682.92 Cr have already been approved generating employment opportunities for 36,462 persons, including today's proposals and the ones approved in the State Level Single Window Authority meeting held in the month of July, the release said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The approved projects span a wide range of industries including ESDM, Steel, Metal Downstream, Chemical, Cement, Green Ammonia, and Rubber/Plastics. These projects, strategically located in 8 districts such as Khurdha, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Ganjam, Balasore, and Keonjhar, are poised to enhance Odisha's manufacturing capabilities and significantly contribute to the state's economic development.

CM Majhi said, "This is our first HLCA meeting under the new government, and I am honoured to lead this significant event. Our government is committed to fostering an environment that supports industrial growth and economic development in Odisha. Our goal is to position Odisha as a premier investment destination in India. Over the next five years, we aim to attract industries in diverse sector, making Odisha the industrial hub of India. We are implementing various measures to make Odisha one of the most business-friendly states. We prioritize industrialization and job creation, and today's agenda reflects our commitment to becoming an industrial hub with a substantial total investment of over Rs39,000 Crores across diverse sectors, generating over 17,000 job opportunities."

In a major development, three proposals from the ESDM sector have been approved, underscoring the state government's focus on new-age industries. Silectric Semiconductor Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. received approval for a Silicon Carbide Device manufacturing unit, while Heterogeneous Integration Packaging Solutions Private Limited will establish a manufacturing plant for glass substrates in the form of wafers for semiconductor packaging. Additionally, Kaynes Circuits India Pvt. Ltd. received approval for a manufacturing unit for the production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). All these projects are located in Khurdha, with a combined investment of Rs 6355.50 crore and the potential to employ 2320 individuals, the release added.

In the chemical sector, Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd will set up a synthetic organic chemical manufacturing unit in Jagatsinghpur, while Epigral Limited will establish a chemical manufacturing unit in the same district. Together, these projects represent an investment of Rs 5,355.00 crore and will provide employment to 1,900 individuals.

In the metal downstream sector, Electrosteel Castings Limited will establish a 500,000 MT ductile iron pipe manufacturing plant in Dhenkanal, while Jindal (India) Limited will set up a steel pipe processing facility in Dhenkanal to produce ERW pipes.

Additionally, Bhushan Power and Steel Limited will create a metal downstream complex in Sambalpur. These three approved projects represent a combined investment of Rs 12,191.00 crore and are expected to generate 5,570 jobs.

The Steel sector will see investment from Shyam Steel Manufacturing Limited's 0.5 MTPA integrated steel plant in Keonjhar, with an investment of Rs 2,510.00 crore and is expected to create 3,640 jobs.

The cement sector will benefit from Ambuja Concrete North Pvt. Ltd.'s (ACNPL)'s cement grinding Unit in Cuttack, with an investment of Rs 1,400.00 crore, projected to employ 410 people.

The Green Ammonia sector includes Torrent Green Hydrogen Private Limited's Green Ammonia project in Ganjam, with a significant investment of Rs 10,260.00 crore, expected to generate 1,558 jobs.

Finally, in the Rubber/Plastics sector, Dalmia Bharat Refractories Limited will set up a manufacturing unit for tyres, tubes, and flaps in Balasore, with an investment of Rs 1,200.00 crore and potential employment for 1,700 individuals, the release added.

The Government of Odisha continues to support and invite business leaders to invest in the state. With these projects moving forward, Odisha's economy is expected to grow significantly, making it a top choice for investments and industrial growth in Eastern India.
by Austin Bay September 18, 2024

The list of American security agencies stained by bureaucratic incompetence, dreadful leadership and outright political corruption just keeps getting longer.

Let's start -- but not finish -- with the erstwhile elite of the elite in the bodyguard business: the U.S. Secret Service.

On Sept. 16, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released his "whistleblower" report documenting the USSS's failures from large to small in the July 13 attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. At an open-air rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the assassin killed a bystander and wounded Trump and two others.

Hawley's report is damning. The regrettable but slam-dunk proof of Hawley's critique occurred the day before, on Sept. 15, when another wannabe assassin, this time in Florida, came within a couple of minutes of taking a scoped-rifle shot at Trump.

Give the USSS a tactical success. An alert agent spotted the killer. The wannabe killer -- he's got the faraway stare of a Marxist fanatic -- was nabbed by Florida police.

In the immediate aftermath, government and law enforcement officials praised the agent. He did a stellar job. But one Florida sheriff bluntly assessed the operational failure, the failure that allowed the fanatic to get close enough to kill. The operational and leadership flaw: Despite the July attack, Trump simply did not have sufficient USSS and police protection.

Hawley's report deserves close attention. Sample jaw-droppers: At Butler, USSS intelligence sections failed to connect with Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies on what are absolutely routine and essential issues. Example: There was no assessment of local suspicious individuals. Lack of prior planning: The hospital where Trump was taken was inadequately secured. When an American leader under USSS protection moves, USSS is supposed to have a secure medical evacuation plan.

The Department of Homeland Security, which commands the USSS, has failed to answer critical questions. An example: "Did the Acting Secret Service Director ever deny resources to the Trump campaign, or USSS sniper teams, as has been reported in the press?"

Review this column's intro. DHS's failure to answer a resource question asked by a senator -- three months after the attempted homicide! -- is either Washington bureaucratic incompetence at its paper-pushing worst, or political corruption.

Both hide a truthful answer to a life-and-death question affecting a presidential election.

When it comes to telling the truth to the American public, DHS has a lousy record. Check the internet. For some three years, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas routinely claimed the U.S. borders were secure. Whatever your politics, his statements are a fact.

The borders are not secure, especially the southern border. Somewhere between 9 million and 15 million illegal immigrants have entered the U.S. since early 2021 -- we don't know the exact number, which is another institutional failure that has economic and physical security consequences. Ultra-Democrat sanctuary cities like New York City and Chicago have buckled under the illegal immigration onslaught that shredded their "social safety nets" -- meaning the onslaught robs poor Americans. The physical security issue: As I write this column, Venezuelan gangs, who entered en masse under Mayorkas' watch, terrorize neighborhoods in Colorado and Texas.

U.S. intelligence agencies are absolutely essential to protecting America. But their reputations have been stained -- at least in flyover country.

Consider the 51 so-called intelligence experts who signed Secretary of State Antony Blinken's letter claiming that Hunter Biden's laptop was "Russian disinformation." The laptop has now figured as no-doubt evidence in at least two of Hunter's trials.

The 51 came from the CIA, Pentagon and state etcetera elite.

I carried a top secret clearance of some sort for over three decades. Why do any of these "experts" still have clearances? They lied. Yes, several quibble, claiming weasel words, but at the down and dirty, they lied to the American people and participated in election interference. In the name of accountability, they should lose their clearances.

Within the Washington Post-protected Beltway, Biden-Harris Department of Justice elites don't know how deeply their lawfare schemes have tarnished the DOJ's reputation. Would that it were surface tarnish. They're into banana republic corrosion.

How long does it take to restore a reputation? Lt. William Calley's 1968 Vietnam War massacre scarred the Army and the Pentagon. The Army didn't shake the Vietnam-Calley stain until 1991's Desert Storm. So, 23 years?
The Centre has discontinued a sub-scheme that allowed private sector participation in the governments grain procurement as per the rejigging of the flagship scheme of PM-AASHA to ensure minimum support price to farmers approved by the Union Cabinet.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday that PPSS (Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme) which was earlier part of the bouquet of programs offered under PM-AASHA has been scrapped as there was not much participation from private companies. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Chouhan was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a press conference organised as part of 100 days of Narendra Modis third term in office.

PPSS was run on a pilot basis for some time after Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) was launched in 2018.

However, there was not much participation from private players as companies felt that the 15 per cent cap on remuneration was too low in the event of a big drop in prices.

Chouhan also announced that starting next month he will meet farmers and organisations representing them from across the country every Tuesday to hear their grievances and address them.

The minister also said any decision on GM crops will not be taken unless there is a national consensus on it, as it is a sensitive issue.

On the impact of late rains on the standing kharif crops, Chouhan said that the countrys kharif (summer) rice production is expected to surpass last years levels.

Rice sowing has progressed very well, thanks to good rainfall. Heavy rains in some areas like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have caused damage, but this will not bring down the production. Overall, rice production will be better than last year, he said.

Kharif rice, harvested around November, accounts for about 70 per cent of India's total rice production.

In the 2023-24 crop year (July-June), kharif rice production stood at 114.36 million tonnes, as per the governments third estimate. The minister reported that total rice acreage has increased by 1.64 million hectares to 41 million hectares as of last week.

Coming back to the changes made in PM-AASHA, Chouhan said that under the Price Deficiency Payment component which is similar to Madhya Pradeshs Bhawantar Bhugtan Yojana (BBY) now, states can make payments for up to 40 per cent of their oilseeds production which was earlier 25 per cent but the extent of central support will only be limited to 15 per cent of the difference between MSP and modal rates.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Thursday restrained Axis Capital (ACL)  a wholly owned subsidiary of Axis Bank  from taking any new assignment as a merchant banker, arranger or underwriter in the debt segment for alleged violation of the norms.

The market regulator alleged that ACL provided guarantee or indemnity towards redemption of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in the guise of underwriting, which it is not permitted under the regulations. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Such activity poses risk to the financial system as it can potentially disrupt the orderly functioning of the market. Credit rating agencies construed such guarantee/indemnity as credit enhancement and rated the instruments accordingly, which the investors relied upon, said Sebi in its interim order following its probe into NCDs issued by Sojo Infotel, for which ACL was the merchant banker.

Sebi has also forwarded its order to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for examining Axis Capitals activities as a subsidiary of a banking company. The market regulator carried out an inspection after a Sebi-registered research analyst flagged concerns.

Sojo had raised funds to purchase shares in Lava International. The repayment of the NCDs of Sojo was planned through sale of shares of Lava by promoters through an initial public offering (IPO) or a secondary sale. Lava in 2021 filed offer documents with Sebi, which were returned by the regulator. ACL was also the lead manager for Lavas IPO.

As Sojo failed to redeem the NCDs, Axis Debenture Trustee invoked pledge over 26 per cent shares of Lava that had been pledged by the promoters of Sojo as security cover for NCDs.

As Axis Capital was unable to find a purchaser for pledged shares, it had to fulfil its underwriting commitment by depositing Rs 167 crore to the escrow account of Sojo.

The whole transaction was, in substance, a structured secured credit transaction in the cloak of a capital market instrument (bonds) designed to finance an acquisition, which had adequate collateral/guarantees in the form of pledge of shares of Sojo and Lava International, personal guarantees of promoters of Sojo, lien over escrow account and hypothecation of assets of Sojo, noted Sebi whole-time member Ashwani Bhatia in the order.







Keeping a check



According to Sebi, ACL provided guarantee or indemnity towards redemption of NCDs in the guise of underwriting The market regulator has provided the merchant banker 21 days for filing its reply and objections and to seek an opportunity for personal hearing.

It is not permitted under the regulations

Such activity poses risk to financial system by disrupting the orderly functioning of the market, Sebi said

Market regulator has forwarded its order to RBI to examine ACLs activities as a subsidiary of a banking company
Premium mobile device maker Apple will start selling iPhone 16 series smartphones from September 20 onwards, sources aware of the development said. The company for the first time has plans to start assembling iPhone Pro Series in India but those models will start selling at a later date, the source said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "The entire iPhone 16 lineup will be available across the country tomorrow," an Apple India spokesperson said. The company, however, did not offer any comment on the availability of assembled in India iPhone Pro series. This is the first time the company is selling the iPhone Pro series at lower price than the previous version mainly on account of import duty cut in the recent budget.

"iPhone 16 Pro starts at Rs 119,900 and iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 144,900," the company had said in a statement.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max were launched at starting price of Rs 134,900 and Rs 159,900 about a year ago.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities with largest ever display size of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches in iPhone series.

However, there is no price change in the assembled in India iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus..

"iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900 and iPhone 16 Plus starts at Rs 89,900," Apple had said.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities.

The company will roll out the US English version of Apple Intelligence feature on the iPhone 16 series devices next month through software update. The Apple Intelligence will enable users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text..

In the Notes and Phone apps, users can also record, transcribe, and summarise audio with the help of Apple Intelligence.

When a user will initiate recording while on a call in the Phone app, participants on the call will be automatically notified about it and Apple Intelligence will generate a summary to recall key points.

The iPhone 16 Pro series will come with the A18 Pro chip with 6-core GPU chipset--important to handle artificial intelligence features in the phone. Apple claims A18 Pro chip is up to 20 per cent faster than the previous generation, and 6-core CPU that can run the same workload as the previous generation is 15 per cent faster.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will come with A18 chip which will have 6-core CPU, which the company claims is 30 per cent faster than the A16 Bionic chip and faster than all the competition. These devices will have 5-core GPU up to 40 per cent faster and 35 per cent more efficient than A16 Bionic chips.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen is travelling to war-ravaged Ukraine on Friday with the promise of 160 million euros ($180 million) in fresh energy funds to get the nation through the winter. Von der Leyen told reporters that 100 million euros ($112 million) of the funds would come the proceeds of the Russian assets held in the EU because of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It is only right that Russia pays for the destruction it caused, she said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The European Union estimates that about half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed, making the job of heating homes, hospitals and schools increasingly difficult as temperatures dip ahead of the third war winter that the nation will face.

Von der Leyen said Russia knew full well that bombing energy stations was hitting Ukraine where it really hurts. Morale to keep on fighting can be significantly sapped if millions shiver in the brutal winter for months on end.

We may see huge implications, said Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency. People will look to move around, to go to the places where they can have shelter and heating."



That makes international help all the more necessary, said von der Leyen.

As Ukraine's friends and partners, we must do all we can to keep the lights on. And as winter is approaching, well, we must keep the brave people of Ukraine warm, while we also are keeping the economy running, she said.

Many of the upcoming efforts will go into repairing the damage done. Lithuania, for example, is dismantling a thermal power plant to ship it piece by piece to Ukraine for rebuilding there. With continued electricity exports from EU countries, von der Leyen said it would cover about a quarter of the nation's energy need in the coming months.

The EU is trying to decentralise energy production through the use of solar panels and other new technologies in Ukraine to make it more difficult for Russian attacks to have a direct impact on the energy grid. It would also help Ukraine become a greener economy, she said.

Overall, the EU estimates that it has provided Ukraine with at least 2 billion euros ($2.24 billion) in energy support since the February 2022 invasion. Von der Leyen said she will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss energy issues on Friday.
By Sheera Frenkel, Ronen Bergman & Hwaida Saad

The pagers began beeping just after 3:30 in the afternoon in Lebanon on Tuesday, alerting Hezbollah operatives to a message from their leadership in a chorus of chimes, melodies, and buzzes. The pagers began beeping just after 3:30 in the afternoon in Lebanon on Tuesday, alerting Hezbollah operatives to a message from their leadership in a chorus of chimes, melodies, and buzzes. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

But it wasnt the militants leaders. The pages had been sent by Hezbollahs archenemy, and within seconds the alerts were followed by the sounds of explosions and cries of pain and panic in streets, shops and homes across Lebanon.

Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah have long been vulnerable to Israeli attacks using sophisticated technologies. In 2020, for example, Israel assassinated Irans top nuclear scientist using an AI-assisted robot controlled remotely via satellite. Israel has also used hacking to stymie Iranian nuclear development.

In Lebanon, as Israel picked off senior Hezbollah commandos with targeted assassinations, their leader came to a conclusion: If Israel was going high-tech, Hezbollah would go low. It was clear, a distressed Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah, said, that Israel was using cellphone networks to pinpoint the locations of his operatives.

He had been pushing for years for Hezbollah to invest instead in pagers, which for all their limited capabilities could receive data without giving away a users location or other compromising information, according to American intelligence assessments.

Israeli intelligence officials saw an opportunity. Even before Nasrallah decided to expand pager usage, Israel had put into motion a plan to establish a shell company that would pose as an international pager producer.

By all appearances, BAC Consulting was a Hungary-based company that was under contract to produce the devices on behalf of a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo. In fact, it was part of an Israeli front, according to three intelligence officers briefed on the operation. They said at least two other shell companies were created as well to mask the real identities of the people creating the pagers: Israeli intelligence officers.

BAC did take on ordinary clients, for which it produced a range of ordinary pagers. But the only client that really mattered was Hezbollah, and its pagers were far from ordinary. Produced separately, they contained batteries laced with the explosive Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), according to the three intelligence officers.

The pagers began shipping to Lebanon in the summer of 2022 in

small numbers, but production was quickly ramped up after Nasrallah denounced cellphones.

Some of Nasrallahs fears were spurred by reports from allies that Israel had acquired new means to hack into phones, activating microphones and cameras remotely to spy on their owners. According to three intelligence officials, Israel had invested millions in developing the technology, and word spread among Hezbollah and its allies that no cellphone communication  even encrypted messaging apps  was safe anymore.

Not only did Nasrallah ban cellphones from meetings of Hezbollah operatives, he ordered that the details of Hezbollah movements and plans never be communicated over cellphones, said three intelligence officials. Hezbollah officers, he ordered, had to carry pagers at all times, and in the event of war, pagers would be used to tell fighters where to go.

Over the summer, shipments of the pagers to Lebanon increased, with thousands arriving in the country and being distributed among Hezbollah officers and their allies, according to two American intelligence officials.

To Hezbollah, they were a defensive measure, but in Israel, intelligence officers referred to the pagers as buttons that could be pushed when the time seemed ripe.That moment, it appears, came this week.

Speaking to his security cabinet on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would do whatever was necessary to enable more than 70,000 Israelis driven away by the fighting with Hezbollah to return home, according to reports in Israeli news outlets.

Those residents, he said, could not return without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north, according to a statement from the prime ministers office.

On Tuesday, the order was given to activate the pagers.

To set off the explosions, according to three intelligence and defence officials, Israel triggered the pagers to beep and sent a message to them in Arabic that appeared as though it had come from Hezbollahs senior leadership.

Seconds later, Lebanon was in chaos.


Pager Explosion in Lebanon: The incident left at least nine people dead and around 3,000 injured. (Reuters)

The series of pager and walkie-talkie explosions t hat rocked Lebanon and parts of Syria in the past two days may have left Hezbollah humiliated, but the attack was allegedly being planned by Israel since 2022, according to a report published by the New York Times on Thursday.

ALSO READ: Pager, walkie-talkie blasts in Lebanon: Who is targeting Hezbollah and why? Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The report claimed that 12 anonymous current and former defence and intelligence officials associated with the development stated that Israel was behind the complex operation. While Israel has not officially reacted to the incident, Hezbollah has accused the country of orchestrating the attack and has vowed retaliation.

What is Hezbollah and why was it targeted?

Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been at odds with Israel for decades, has seen heightened tensions with the country following the Gaza conflict that was triggered last October. The subsequent escalation between the two sides took a new turn on Tuesday when explosives planted in 5,000 pagers used by Hezbollah went off simultaneously across Lebanon. The incident left at least nine people dead and around 3,000 injured. A day later, another round of explosions in walkie-talkies and some solar systems were reported in the region, killing at least 14 people.

Why was Hezbollah using outdated pagers for communication?

Hezbollah uses pager devices to evade detection of its movements, a strategy adopted after Israel began taking down senior Hezbollah leaders through targeted assassinations. Pagers are low-tech communication devices that work on radio signals rather than the internet. In an effort to avoid Israeli surveillance, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah decided to expand the use of pagers for communication, instructing his group that Israel was using cellphone networks to pinpoint the locations of his operatives.

What is Israels connection with pager explosions in Lebanon?

In response, Israeli intelligence officials reportedly initiated a plan to create a shell company that would pose as an international pager manufacturer, the report claimed. A Hungary-based company, B.A.C. Consulting, was established for this purpose. B.A.C. Consulting was contracted to produce the pagers on behalf of a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo, which was initially believed to have manufactured the devices.

According to the NYT report, the company was an Israeli front. Three intelligence officers stated that two more shell companies were established to disguise the operation, under which these pagers were being produced by Israeli intelligence officers.

On Wednesday, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant told his troops that they were at the start of a new phase of war, praising the work of Israels army and security agencies without directly mentioning the explosions in Lebanon. He said the results were very impressive.

To avoid suspicion, B.A.C. Consulting also produced regular pagers, but for their main client, Hezbollah, the device batteries were laced with explosives, three officials said.

The pagers began shipping to Lebanon in the summer of 2022, after Hezbollah decided to ban cellphones completely. Production rapidly increased, and the pagers were turned into devices that could be remotely detonated when the time was right, the report stated.
BGO, a global real estate investment management advisor and provider of real estate services, has today announced that it has successfully raised 2.0 billion for its European investment program through its fourth European Value-Add Strategy. With this announcement, the Value-Add Fund has raised a total of 1.463 billion in commitments and 520 million through co-investment opportunities in high-quality industrial and data centre platforms in Europe. This is the fourth fund in BGOs European Value-Add strategy, which has invested over c. 4 billion since 2014.

BGOs European Value Add series has now successfully navigated multiple cycles over more than a decade, with Fund IV being our largest raise yet and well positioned to take advantage of this current cycle, said John Carrafiell, co-CEO, BGO. Building vertically integrated capabilities across multiple countries and having the skills to invest in leading operating companies and platforms, like data center company Bulk Infrastructure and developer and contractor Techbau, has given our European strategy a unique edge.

Our European Value Add fund franchise continues to attract strong support from existing and new investors. BGOs ability to navigate changing market circumstances, manage risks and capture opportunities across the key markets in Europe has contributed to developing strong, long-term relationships with our investors, said Toby Phelps, Managing Partner, and Head of European Equity at BGO. Our fourth European Value-Add strategy retains significant dry powder to capitalize on the strong opportunity in European real estate as markets enter a period of greater stability and growth prospects. BGOs differentiated deal-flow, strong history of co-investments in sectors with long term growth prospects, and our strong fiduciary mindset, will continue to enable the successful growth of our European platform.

The Value-Add Fund will be largely focused on sectors that are benefitting from structural growth in demand, specifically the living sector, logistics, including cold storage and urban logistics, data centres, as well as those that are experiencing cyclical challenges that are impacting values. The team will seek to apply its local asset management expertise in key European markets to transform under-valued or under-managed assets in well-established locations into high quality investments with high stabilised yield on all-in cost.

We are pleased with the support received for our European Value Add franchise. The strategys relative performance and track record in offering attractive co-investment opportunities in best in class and scalable platforms have resulted in more than 80% of the investors in this new fund being comprised of existing investors who continue to partner with us, as well as a number of new strategic relationships, said Francesco Ostuni, Managing Partner, and European CIO, BGO.

About BGO

BGO is a leading, global real estate investment management advisor and a globally-recognised provider of real estate services. BGO serves the interests of more than 750 institutional clients with approximately $83 billion USD of assets under management (as of June 30, 2024) and expertise in the asset management of office, industrial, multi-residential, retail and hospitality property across the globe. BGO has offices in 27 cities across thirteen countries with deep, local knowledge, experience, and extensive networks in the regions where we invest in and manage real estate assets on behalf of our clients in primary, secondary and co-investment markets.

BGO is a part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life.

The assets under management shown above includes real estate equity and mortgage investments managed by the BGO group of companies and their affiliates, and as of 1Q21, includes certain uncalled capital commitments for discretionary capital until they are legally expired and excludes certain uncalled capital commitments where the investor has complete discretion over investment.

For more information, please visit www.bgo.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240917283052/en/
Copeland, a global leader in sustainable climate solutions, today announced a 500 crore (US$60 million) investment in India to expand its manufacturing facility in Atit, Maharashtra and for the construction of a new global R&D centre in Pune, Maharashtra. The manufacturing, engineering and R&D investments in India will expand existing engineering capabilities, increase production capacity of Copeland's compression solutions and advance the innovation of sustainable heating, cooling, refrigeration and industrial solutions.

Underscoring Copeland's commitment to India, these expanded India facilities will provide for the addition of an advanced scroll compressor line catering to both the domestic and Copelands key international markets in the region. The investments will expand Copelands existing Pune manufacturing facility by an additional 7,350 square meters over the next five years and the addition of a 15,000 square meter R&D centre focused on advancing Copeland's climate solutions for its customers.

"India is an important growth market for Copeland, and this expansion reaffirms our commitment to both the India market and innovation," said Ross B. Shuster, chief executive officer, Copeland. "These planned investments will enable us to increase production capacity and reduce lead times for our customers in the region while supporting India's energy and environmental goals."

The addition of Copeland's award-winning scroll compressors to the manufacturing line up in India will advance cooling and refrigeration technology deployments for its customers based in the country. The companys expanded R&D investments in India will play a major role in helping pave a more sustainable and innovative future, as Copeland supports three global megatrends: energy transition through electrification of heating demand, adoption of low-GWP and natural refrigerants, and in safeguarding perishable food and medical products through an efficient and sustainable cold chain.

"Copeland is committed to serving our customers in India and the region by helping them address the demand for sustainable solutions and world-class quality," said Sandeep Gupta, vice president & managing director, Copeland India. "These investments will establish India as a leading scroll compressor manufacturing and innovation hub. We are investing in Indias economic and sustainable future by supporting the India Prime Ministers vision of Make in India and its aspiration to be a world-class manufacturing hub.

Learn more about Copelands sustainable solutions at Copeland.com.

About Copeland

Copeland is a global leader in sustainable heating, cooling, refrigeration and industrial solutions. We help commercial, refrigeration, industrial and residential customers reduce their carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. We address issues like climate change, growing populations, electricity demands and complex global supply chains with innovations that advance the energy transition, accelerate the adoption of climate friendly low GWP (Global Warming Potential) and natural refrigerants, and safeguard the world's most critical goods through an efficient and sustainable cold chain. We have over 18,000 employees, with feet on the ground in 50 countries - a global presence that makes it possible to serve customers wherever they are in the world and meet challenges with scale and speed. Our industry-leading brands and diversified portfolio deliver innovation and technology proven in over 200 million installations worldwide. Together, we create sustainable solutions that improve lives and protect the planet today and for future generations. For more information, visit copeland.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918552556/en/
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Speaking notes for the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: Strengthening Canadas Temporary Resident Programs and Migration Pathways

Speech

Earlier this year, I gave Canadians an update on the status of Canadas immigration system and our ongoing work to make it more efficient and sustainable.

Check against delivery. This speech has been translated in accordance with the Government of Canadas official languages policy and edited for posting and distribution in accordance with its communications policy.

Speech was delivered on September 18, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario.

Hello. Thank you all for being here today.

Thank you, Minister Boissonnault.

I want to start by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People.

Officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and ESDC will be available after the announcement on background for any questions you may have.

Earlier this year, I gave Canadians an update on the status of Canadas immigration system and our ongoing work to make it more efficient and sustainable.

We recognize that the vast majority of our labour force growth has been driven by immigration. Canadas aging population needs newcomers to help address demographic pressures and sustain our social programs over the long term.

What we heard from Canadians is that they expect Canada to identify the right number of newcomers with the needed skills, and help set them up for success.

Today, Im here to share some of the results of that ongoing work, and the actions we intend to take to maintain a world-class and well-managed immigration system.

How we got here

To support what Canada needs, our immigration system also needs to continuously adapt to new realities.

We have been through a period of significant change in just a few short years. At the start of the pandemic, we saw the unprecedented closing of our borders and a halt on the flow of goods and people.

As we emerged from the pandemic, Canada faced severe labour shortages. We took steps and adapted with new and temporary measures. These actions were necessary to support the urgent needs of businesses and our economy, and to help us navigate that challenging period.

We should acknowledge that, in the uncertainty following the worst of the pandemic, temporary measures were allowed to run on longer than needed, and an urgent pivot is now necessary.

Today, our economy has evolved, and our labour market has softened.

While there are positive signs of improvements, families and communities are now facing pressures and we need to take action.

This summer, I met directly with stakeholders across the country, and we heard from many Canadians online.

I have discussed the challenges and needs of communities with my provincial and territorial counterparts.

We heard from a range of expertsincluding economists, business leaders and service providersabout the state of our immigration system, and how our targets are impacting our communities and economy.

The challengesand actions neededare clear: Canada has seen a sharp increase in the volume of temporary residents in recent years, driven by a rise in international students, and temporary foreign workers, in addition to a significant increase in asylum claimants.

To be clear: all newcomers are valued in Canada. They contribute to Canadas economic, social and cultural fabric. Our economic future depends on those we bring to Canada.

But we also need to recognize that this can impact communities, such as the increases in unemployment amongst youth and newcomers.

By November 1, I will announce our newest Immigration Levels Plan for the next three years. As we head into the fall, we will rebalance our system by setting the right number of newcomers as a critical part of a well-managed system.

We are introducing changes to further recalibrate international student, foreign worker and permanent resident volumes. That work has already started.

To understand where we are going, I wish to take stock of what weve already done and the results were seeing.

Challenges and recent changes

To make sure the entire plan makes sense for the needs of Canadians and the needs of our economy, for the first time ever in Canadian history, we will include targets for temporary residents in addition to permanent residents in our annual immigration levels planning.

Back in March, I announced our goal to reduce Canadas temporary resident numbers from 6.5% of the total Canadian population to 5% over the next three years.

The number of temporary foreign workers saw a sharp increase from 437,000 in 2019 to more than 1.2 million in 2023.

This is due to temporary policies making work permits more widely available to fill labour market gaps and to boost our economyat a time when it was needed, during the pandemic.

To be clear: our facilitative measures during the pandemic worked. As the situation has changed, these policies that were always meant to be temporary are not needed anymore, and we are adjusting accordingly by putting stricter access on work permits for international students after graduation, as well as removing work permit eligibility for spouses of undergraduate international students and individuals holding visitors permits.

Likewise, we ended unlimited off-campus working hours for international students. Students are now back to working 20 hours per week, as the new limit of 24 hours will be fully implemented later this fall.

I will provide an update once the 24 hours regulation come into effect, so students can plan accordingly. Until then, working more than 20 hours per week is a violation of the conditions of a study permitand those who infringe the conditions may face enforcement actions.

Last year, Canada had over 900,000 international studentswith some of these students facing difficulties in their journey.

In addition to the previously announced cap on international students, including temporary residents in the annual levels planning will help prevent similar challenges in the future.

To support international students and set them up for success, we have

increased the cost of living requirement so students are better prepared for the reality of life in Canada, and

implemented a systematic verification of letters of acceptance from designated learning institutions to protect students from fraud

Regarding the student cap, early signs indicate that the cap announced in January is effectively reigning in international student volumes. From January to August 2024, we had more than 200,000 fewer international students coming to Canadaa 38% decrease compared to 2023.

Recent reports also show that rent is stagnating in certain university towns. Were cautiously optimistic: our policies are working.

Were also working on the Recognized Institution Framework to set higher standards for adequate housing options, among other services and supports for future students.

At the same time, we remain committed to our long-standing humanitarian tradition of helping the worlds most vulnerable people while reinforcing the integrity of our humanitarian programs.

We are actively working on changes to improve our in-Canada asylum system. Investments from Budget 2024 will improve processing while maintaining the fairness and integrity of this system with significant new funding to support the housing needs of asylum claimants.

Earlier this year, we implemented a partial visa requirement for travellers from Mexico. We did this because there was a growing number of asylum claims by Mexican nationals, the majority of which were rejected, withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant. And this action is working. Between July 2023 and July 2024, theres been nearly an 80% reduction in asylum claims by Mexican nationals.

The number of asylum claimants staying in hotels funded directly by the federal government has decreased to around 5,000, down from over 7,600 in January of this year, as IRCC and its partners have been working continuously with claimants as they transition to independent living.

Canadalike the rest of the worldfaces unprecedented flows of migrants and refugees globally. Thats why we established a coordination table with provinces to work together to distribute asylum claimants fairly across the countrytogether.

And that is why it is disappointing that provinces have walked away, effectively ending the Asylum Working Group. For clarity, the federal government wasand isat the table with resources to work on sharing this challenge as a country.

No asylum claimant is relocated without their consentand provinces arent forced to take them on. We are working with provinces to demonstrate that there are longer-term economic and social benefits that may be available in welcoming asylum claimants, and the federal government is willing to work with provinces to support a sustainable and voluntary relocation model. What we need is partners who are willing, committed to and engaged on finding a way forward that is equitable and fair.

Next steps

This brings us to where we are today and the need for more changes to strengthen our temporary resident programs.

As we plan ahead for the 2025 and 2026 immigration levels, we are taking a hard, comprehensive look at our immigration programs, including where tough choices will have to be made.

As we continue to review and strengthen temporary resident programs, we are looking for more ways to reduce fraud and strengthen compliance rules for employers.

Announcements

In advance of our annual levels plan, I am announcing some new measures today to strengthen our temporary resident programs, to further align our immigration system to the realities facing our country, and to ensure the sustainability of our immigration system.

First, we will reduce the target on study permits issued by 10% in 2025 and 2026 compared to 2024. This means we aim to issue up to 437,000 study permits in both 2025 and 2026, which would represent about a 36% decrease from 2023.

Second, we will exempt fewer students from the cap.

This means, starting in 2025, masters and doctoral students, among others, will be counted as part of the cap. As we have now included temporary residents into our levels planning, going forward, we will have an annual target for international students. Simply put: the international student cap is here to stay.

Some international students are better set up to integrate and succeed in Canada. In particular, graduate degree students are well aligned with Canadas labour market needs. Thats why we will be reserving about 12% of the cap for these students and aligning the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program with our economic priorities.

Over the next three years, we expect these changes to yield approximately 300,000 fewer study permit holders.

As of November 1, we will institute a new language proficiency requirement for post-graduation work permit applicants that is aligned with requirements for permanent residence streams.

A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates will be required for anyone applying for a post-graduation work permit on or after November 1, 2024.

And for prospective students applying on or after November 1, post-graduation work permit eligibility will depend on the level of studygraduates from bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs will remain eligible for a work permit of up to three years. These graduates are more likely to acquire transferable knowledge and skills, and be able to adapt to changing economic circumstances over the long term.

Graduates from programs at public colleges will only be eligible for a work permit of up to three years only if their field of study is linked to labour market shortages in Canada.

These changes will ensure that graduates have the skills and work opportunities to successfully integrate into Canadas labour market and potentially transition to permanent residence.

Over the next three years, we expect these changes to yield approximately 175,000 fewer post-graduation work permits.

In the near future, we will also take further measures to restrict eligibility for spousal open work permits.

We will be further limiting work permit eligibility for spouses of students in doctoral and certain masters programs, select professional programs, and certain pilot programs.

Over the next three years, we expect these changes to yield approximately 50,000 fewer work permits for the spouses of students group.

We will also be limiting work permit eligibility to include only spouses of highly skilled, specialized workers such as C-suite executives, scientists, engineers, lawyers, professors and technicians, or of workers in sectors where there are key labour shortages.

Spouses of workers in critical sectors, like health care and construction, will continue to be eligible for work permits.

Over the next three years, we expect these changes to yield approximately 100,000 fewer work permits for this group of spouses.

With the changes in the last couple of years, the context has changed and we see new threats trying to exploit our immigration programs.

To that end, I have asked my deputy minister to review how visa officers make decisions in this new context, including the tools, training, analysis and procedures used to approve temporary resident visas.

Working with my colleague, Minister Boissonnault, I will bring in further measures later this year to detect and prevent fraud in temporary worker programs.

Conclusion

As we continue to adapt our immigration to new challenges and needs, we will explore any and all necessary changes required to identify and mitigate threats to our immigration programs.

We have listened to Canadians, including our provincial, territorial, and municipal partners and community leaders, and we will continue to protect the integrity of our system and grow our population responsibly.

Immigration is vital for Canada, and we have a long-standing tradition of welcoming those who work hard to make Canada their home. With these changes, we are making immigration work for our country so everyone has access to the quality jobs, homes and supports they need to thrive.

By November 1, I will table the annual immigration levels plan for 2025 to 2027 that will reflect the needs of our economy and communities. To those who would complain about worker shortages, heres my message: theres no better time to hire and invest in Canadian workers.

Thank you.
Beirut, Sep 19 (UNI) The death toll from a series of explosions of communication devices in different parts of Lebanon has risen to 20, the emergency center at the Lebanese Health Ministry said.

"According to updated data, as a result of the explosions of walkie-talkies this evening, the death toll has reached 20, with more than 450 injured," the center said.

A Lebanese source told Sputnik that communication devices other than pagers had exploded in different parts of Lebanon on Wednesday. Lebanese media reported that the exploding walkie-talkies were purchased about five months ago, almost simultaneously with the pagers that detonated on Tuesday.

UNI/SPUTNIK ARN
If theres one car that can be considered as the king of reinvention, its the Hyundai Santa Fe. In the five generations its been around, e...
Sean McCarthaigh

A prominent anti-immigration activist who a court heard accused a creche owner of promoting paedophilia and child molestation for placing childrens drawings of a rainbow flag in a window has been acquitted of committing a breach of the peace over the incident.

Philip Dwyer, a self-styled citizen journalist who has been a regular attendant at anti-immigration protests around the country in recent years, was found not guilty of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the Daisy Chain Creche, Eden Centre, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 on June 30th, 2021.

Mr Dwyer (56), a father of three from Tallaght Cross West, Tallaght Dublin 24, denied committing a breach of the peace contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 at a sitting of Tallaght District Court on Thursday.

The creche owner, Lucy Madigan, gave evidence that she spotted Dwyer filming with his mobile phone while sitting in his car outside the creche as she arrived at her business after getting a call about an incident.

She recalled that Dwyer reacted by clapping his hands and stating: Lets go. Lets do this when she confirmed to him that she was the creches owner.

When she asked Dwyer to delete the video, Ms Madigan said he responded by asking her if she was responsible for the rainbow flags in the window of the creche and accusing her of promoting paedophilia and child molestation.

She said Dwyer claimed the rainbow represented homosexuals and that he added that homosexuals are paedophiles.

The witness said he also accused her of indoctrinating four-year-olds to welcome paedophiles into their life.

Ms Madigan said she asked the defendant who was moving towards her to stay one metre away as it was during the time of Covid-19 restrictions.

She gave evidence that Dwyer told her to remove her mask and asked if she was ashamed to show her face.

Ms Madigan said the defendant kept coming towards her and was getting louder when she just wanted Mr Dwyer to delete his video as she thought the creche and children had been recorded.

However, she claimed that he replied he would put the video online and make you famous but would delete the faces of any children.

She told the solicitor for the DPP, Tom Conlon, that she was quite shaken and quite upset by the incident.

Self-identified journalist

Ms Madigan agreed with counsel for the accused, Ciara Ni Gabhann BL, that Mr Dwyer had identified himself to her, but she could not recall that he had asked for a comment or interview or had identified himself as a journalist.

She recalled trying to tell Dwyer how the creche operated a curriculum on diversity and inclusion but that he kept shouting at me and shouting over me.

Ms Madigan said she could not process how a stranger could walk up to her and accuse her of promoting paedophilia.

The court was shown videos recorded by the defendant which showed him telling the creche owner that he would expose her for putting LGBTQ+ ideology into the minds of young children which was absolutely disgraceful.

When told by Ms Ni Gabhann that Mr Dwyer vehemently denied making any reference to paedophilia or child molestation, Ms Madigan replied: One hundred per cent he told me that all homosexuals are paedophiles and that they are child molesters.

She accepted that no children were recorded in the videos shown in court.

Garda Trevor Timpson told the court that he found Ms Madigan very frightened and upset by the incident after the matter was reported to gardai.

He recalled that the businesswoman was extremely worried that the accused would return and attack them while out in a public place.

The garda said Ms Madigan, who owned a number of creches, was also concerned that he would also appear at other locations.

A childcare assistant at the creche, Danielle Cramp, said she was approached by the defendant as she returned from a walk with two young children.

Ms Cramp said she felt intimidated at Mr Dwyer shouting at her from about 20 feet away if she was responsible for the rainbow flag and accusing her of inciting paedophilia and incriminating young peoples minds.

In response to the suggestion by Ms Ni Gabhann that the accused had no engagement with her, Ms Cramp replied: Thats not true.

Pony Express

In evidence, Mr Dwyer explained that he had been delivering a package while working as a contract courier for Pony Express when he noticed the rainbow drawing in the window of the creche promoting Gay Pride 2021.

The accused, who described himself as both a citizen journalist and trainee journalist, said he wanted to ask the owner of the creche why they were doing that to children.

My intention was to make a story. I felt strongly that parents need to be made aware if it is happening in a creche, he added.

The defendant admitted he became mildly irritated and had raised his voice because he felt children were being groomed as well as being quite annoyed about what was happening in the creche.

He repeatedly denied having used the word paedophilia when speaking to creche staff.

Mr Dwyer said his intention was to give them a fair opportunity to explain what was going on , while he was very conscious of not filming any children.

As a journalist, he said he asked difficult questions and had a robust conversation.

Mr Dwyer, who unsuccessfully contested this years local and euro elections for the far-right party, Ireland First, told the court he had become active as a citizen journalist after the 2020 general election.

He understood a video of the creche incident that he had posted online had been removed by YouTube.

The defendant disagreed with the suggestion by the prosecution that his reckless behaviour had caused a breach of the peace.

In a closing submission, Ms Ni Gabhann said journalism would be seriously undermined if a journalist asking uncomfortable questions constituted a breach of the peace.

Mr Conlon argued that the defendant had been threatening, abusive and insulting.

In essence he was a nuisance, the solicitor added.

Dismissing the charge, Judge Patricia McNamara said she found that the accused did not intend to commit a breach of the peace on the day.

The judge said she did not believe the threshold to find him guilty of the offence had been met, and he was entitled to the benefit of the doubt.

Judge McNamara remarked that she was not making a judgement on anything else.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Cartoon Forum in Toulouse, France, brings together the European tv animation industry for yet another edition. This 2024 gathering is  even more than the last  filled with intriguing international series projects and specials that aim to find co-producing partners, broadcasters, and distributors.

But even though Cartoon Forum welcomes over a thousand guests from across Europe and other parts of the world, its interesting to note that you can count Americans at the event on the fingers of two hands, with three broadcasters attending along with a single producer, and a few others sprinkled throughout.

While big companies such as Warner Bros. or Disney may rely on their EMEA branches to look for European projects, one might wonder if the Atlantic is just too broad to cross for American producers and investors. But in the post-pandemic era with co-productions tools and pipelines being increasingly digitized, can distance really be such a barrier?

The cross-Atlantic barrier surely did not stop Polish producers Laniakea Pictures, who reached out to American screenwriting veterans Doug and Candie Langdale for their new project Mechozaurs: The Voice From Afar. An ambitious young adults/adults 8 x 45-minute 2d-animated series, it aims to push the boundaries of adult animation by blending mature, complex storytelling with high production values typically seen in live-action series, as Mateusz Kowalczyk, Laniakeas CEO, told Cartoon Brew.

Our goal isnt just to create a show about dinosaurs, but to craft an action-drama that defies genre norms, Kowalczyk added. Inspired by RPGs, computer games, and Asian anime, Mechozaurs is a project fueled by a deep love for pop culture and nerdy enthusiasm. We dive into themes like grief, revenge, and redemption, aiming to create something both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Our ambition is to redefine adult animation, challenging stereotypes, especially in Western markets. With a strong cross-media approach, were not just making a series; were building an expansive, immersive universe that spans across games, comics, and more.

Mechozaurs is also a rare occurrence of a European tv series written by American writers, although its not the first time Doug and Candie Langdale have figuratively crossed the Atlantic. I actually wasnt aware that there were so few American writers that do so, said Doug Langdale, who first collaborated on a European production in 2006, when he co-wrote the infamous German-American co-production Happily Never After. But its only after he and his collaborator/wife Candie Langdale started working with fellow screenwriter and animation director Jorge R. Gutierrez on projects that they discovered how easy working with international productions was.

Of course, we do have a lot of early morning meetings, the duo joked. But since Covid, so much of the work we do has gone remote, even with people that are right next to us. A lot of things havent gone back to in-person completely, and we find ourselves regularly pitching in Zoom calls, Google Meets, etc. Other than that, our ways of working are unchanged. If the project looks interesting, we dont really think about it. Were just excited to work on exciting projects, no matter where theyre based.

The Langdales were approached by Laniakea through their agent and were blown away by what Kowalczyk and his team presented to them. They had a lot of material already, and I mean a LOT, the Langdales told Cartoon Brew. A whole world of material that resembled more of an open-world game than a tv series bible. Our job was mainly figuring out how much story we could fit in, and what would be the best approach to unveil this universe to the public in a compelling and emotional story.

For Kowalczyk, who has gathered an impressive number of talented artists to expand its IP into a transmedia universe, reaching out to the American duo was a bold yet carefully thought-out decision. Their work on projects like Samurai Rabbit, The Book of Life, and Maya and the Three demonstrated a mastery in balancing adventure, emotion, and complex themes, which aligns perfectly with what Mechozaurs demands. Doug and Candie bring to the table a wealth of experience in animation and a great sense of narrative balance; they know when to ground the story or blow it up, thanks to their remarkable sense of storytelling and humor.

From their part, Doug and Candie Langdale underlined that one of the pros of working with European teams is definitely the different point of view. Its fun and refreshing to see things from another angle. People in Europe are drawing from different folk tales when theyre writing a story. And its interesting to understand the other points that we may need to serve to our audience to match their narrative expectations.

As for cons, the only thing the Langdales could think of was the fact that European studios sometimes dont work under The Animation Guild conditions, which could be a drawback for some of their fellow writers. And on the budget side, we understand that they are often lower, but we dont feel weve run into any problems because of that. Production companies in Europe usually have more flexibility in their pipeline, and that allows us to find clever ways to make things work. Occasionally, theres a bit of a language barrier, but it really hasnt been much of a problem because everybody spoke English to us!

During the interview, Doug also made an honest and intriguing observation: To be blunt, when I worked on a project in Spain  The Dog Knight aka Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds, which came out silently in the U.S. in 2021 but became a success in the EU market  I was a bit intimidated. I think theres a perception that people in much of Europe are smarter than us, or at least better educated? And Ive been surprised to find that, specifically for animation writing, there seems to be a feeling in Europe that we U.S.  and Canadians  writers are kind at the forefront of it. I truly think everyone would benefit from more communication and collaborations between our industries.

Incidentally, that is exactly what drove Kowalczyk to seek out the duo. Their extensive experience with large-scale projects, writers rooms, and coordinating with multiple storyboard artists and directors is particularly beneficial for such a complex project. Moreover, Doug and Candie are widely respected in the industry for their collaborative spirit, trustworthiness, and willingness to share their expertise. This has been an essential element in shaping Mechozaurs, as their insights have helped us navigate the complexities of tone and storytelling choices. I would absolutely recommend collaborating with American teams, as it brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience that can elevate a project. Its not just about the talent, but also the different approaches to storytelling and production that can really complement European sensibilities.

Its also a matter of widening your perspectives, concluded Candie Langdale. I think our American studios are a little afraid that the kids wont relate to this content or understand it, but the popularity of Japanese animation in the U.S. already says otherwise. To me, it proves that the kids do want to see other stories, and that theres an interest for new narratives. Mechozaurs is one the most exciting projects weve worked on; its a unique show. But beyond that, I think our industry is ready to get an influx of European animation.

And that may be what Mechozaurs can bring to the U.S. and international market. For Kowalczyk, who presented the project earlier today at Cartoon Forum, this has a global potential with the right partners.

Were at a pivotal point where strategic partnerships can elevate the project to the next level, he said. Were seeking collaborators who not only see the potential of cross-media storytelling but also bring expertise in the execution, marketing, and PR of a new IP. We have the resources and investor backing to support this vision, but we recognize that international support is crucial to truly make an impact.
Confidence Cement to issue rights shares

ICR Newsroom By 19 September 2024

Bangladesh cement producer Confidence Cement PLC has decided to issue rights shares to raise BDT1.29bn (US$m10.78m) for investment in an associate company named Confidence Cement Dhaka and repayment of term loans.

The Chittagong-based cement manufacturer will issue one right share for every three existing shares at BDT45 each, including BDT35 as a premium, as per the boards decision at a recent meeting.

The companys total number of ordinary shares is 86.25m, meaning the cement maker will issue 28.75m rights shares. The rights shares issuance is subject to approval by the shareholders at the annual general meeting (AGM), the securities regulator and compliance with the requirements embodied in relevant laws.

Confidence Cement has a 50 per cent stake in Confidence Cement Dhaka, which has a production capacity of 1.8Mta. According to the companys latest report, Confidence Cements profit stood at BDT694m in the 9MFY23-24 (against BDT490m in 9MFY22-23) due to a declining cost of sales.

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CSN looks to buy InterCement's Loma Negra

ICR Newsroom By 19 September 2024

InterCement Participacoes, the indirect controlling shareholder of the cement producer Loma Negra in Argentina, agreed to a new exclusivity period in favour of Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN) to continue negotiating the acquisition of 100 per cent of its shareholding.

The company previously had another exclusivity period, expired as of 12 August, after two extensions. There was no renewal and negotiations were left open to the possibility of an interested third party. However, Loma Negra informed the Argentine Securities and Exchange Commission today that InterCement agreed to a new extension of the agreement that provides the exclusivity right with Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN) in relation to a possible acquisition of shares representing 100 percent of its capital stock, with a term until 16 October 2024.

The owner of Loma Negra has also since been able to renegotiate its debt with creditor banks. The extension of the deadline to negotiate exclusively with CSN was signed just 24 hours after InterCement, together with other companies of the group, submitted for approval of an out-of-court recovery plan in Brazil, with the approval of creditors representing more than one third of its indebtedness, in accordance with Brazilian law.

The Extrajudicial Recovery Plan is being carried out in the competitive process organised by Banco BTG Pactual. The plan involves another stage of InterCements already stated capital structure readjustment strategy, which aims to implement a restructuring of its indebtedness preserve business and seek a solution maximising value with its creditors and stakeholders, according to the company.

The communication added, The occurrence of the Pan depends on the verification of certain conditions and events, including the execution of a contract for the purchase and sale of InterCements equity interests, assets and operations to a third party investor, a transaction that is still under negotiation. The validity of such a new exclusivity period seems to close the doors for other interested parties for the purchasing of all or part of InterCements assets to submit their proposals. Among the interested parties is Argentine businessman Marcelo Mindlin, who intends to keep only the Olavarria cement plant. Mr Mindlin, owner of Sacde construction, wants to keep the former company of the Fortabat family to vertically integrate all the operations of his company.

CSN, the main candidate to take over InterCement, is also the second-largest cement group in Brazil with 21 per cent of the market, behind market leader Votorantim Cimentos with a 35 per cent share. InterCement is the third, with 14 per cent of this market.

Among the interested companies are Buzzi Unicom, the Polimax group, the owner of Cement Mizu and two Chinese companies (one Sonoma and Huaxin Cement).

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Italian deputy PM hails ties with China

Xinhua) 09:32, September 19, 2024

ROME, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Italy, as inheritors of millennium-old civilization, will be able to use their wisdom to jointly promote global peace, stability and sustainable development, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has said.

"In the name of peace and global stability, the friendship between Italy and China is crucial," said Salvini on Tuesday at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to Italy to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of comprehensive strategic partnership of the two nations.

He also said that he believes that dialogue, friendship, partnership, and collaboration between China and Europe are absolutely beneficial, positive, and necessary.

As Italy's minister of infrastructure and transport, Salvini also told Xinhua that he had great admiration for the path China has taken over the past 75 years. He thanked the Chinese community "for the contribution it brings to many Italian cities."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
United Nations/New Delhi, Sep 18 (UNI) India was among 43 nations that abstained from voting on Wednesday in the United Nations General Assembly on a Palestinian-drafted resolution demanding that Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months.

The resolution received 124 votes in favor, while 43 countries abstained; and Israel, the United States and 12 others voted against it.

The non-binding resolution, which was adopted by the UN, also calls on countries to take steps to cease "transfer of arms, munitions and related equipment to Israel".

Besides India, among the major countries that abstained are Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Among the 14 countries that voted against it, are the United States, Israel, Hungary, and Argentina.

The resolution also comes days before the annual UN gathering. According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to address the 193-member General Assembly on September 26, the same day as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The resolution is the first to be formally put forward by the Palestinian Authority since it gained additional rights and privileges this month including a seat among UN members in the assembly hall and the right to propose draft resolutions.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged countries to vote no on Wednesday.

The resolution welcomed a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice that said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the General Assembly on Tuesday for failing to condemn the October 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants that triggered Israel's assault on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

He rejected the Palestinian text, saying: "Let's call this for what it is: this resolution is diplomatic terrorism, using the tools of diplomacy not to build bridges but to destroy them."

UNI RN
Peruvian market shows stability in August

Muriel Bal By 19 September 2024

Peruvian cement dispatches in August 2024 remained stable at 1.101Mt when compared with August 2023, reports the country's cement association, Asocem. Of this total, 1.005Mt was supplied by Asocem members.



Cement production edged up one per cent YoY to 1.107Mt in August 2024 from 1.011Mt in August 2023 while clinker production increased by 12 per cent YoY to 0.786Mt from 0.703Mt.



Cement exports increased nine per cent to 11,700t in August 2024 from 10,700t in the year-ago period. Meanwhile, clinker exports were up seven per cent YoY to 74,500t in August 2024 from 69,500t.



Chile accounted for all cement imports into the country, which fell by 20 per cent YoY to 2000t in August 2024. The average CIF price for cement imports via the Tacna land terminal reached US$127/t, up 19 per cent YoY, during this period.



However, clinker imports increased by 67 per cent YoY to 81,000t in August 2024. South Korea accounted for 53 per cent of clinker imports while Ecuador supplied 43 per cent of clinker imports. All clinker imports entered Peru via the port of Callao. The average CIF price for clinker imports dropped 11 per cent YoY to US$54/t.

Published under
New Delhi, Sep 19 (UNI) India on Thursday dismissed as completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations a lawsuit filed by Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in a US court claiming that the Modi government was involved in a plot to murder him.

The lawsuit filed on September 17, ahead of PM Modis visit to the US, alleges that the Modi government engaged Indian national Nikhil Gupta to hire an assassin in New York to murder him.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri dismissing the suit, said: As we have said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged, it doesnt change our views about the underlying situation.

I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case, whose antecedents are well known, referring to Pannun.

I would also underline the fact that the organization so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organization, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967; and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. And, I dont want to say anything more than that at this point in time. I think that speaks for itself.

The lawsuit has been filed against the Government of India, NSA Ajit Doval and Nikhil Gupta.

UNI RN
Dr. Derek Liuzzo, assistant professor and assistant program director of the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Emerging Educator Award by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT).

Liuzzo, who joined the UTC faculty in 2019, will officially receive the Emerging Educator Award in October during ACAPTs national Educational Leadership Conference in Oakland, California.

According to its website, ACAPT represents 278 member institutions and faculty committed to improving education standards, research and practice within the field of physical therapy. The emerging educator honor, awarded annually to one early-career physical therapist instructoror, in some years, not at allrecognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in academic or clinical teaching in a physical therapy education program early in his or her physical therapy career.

Liuzzo said he was unaware that his name had been put forward for the award.

I had no clue it was happening; they nominated me secretly, he said, explaining how he learned about the award. I had no inkling that this was coming and just happened to look at my email; Im pretty sure I dropped my phone because you dont expect that. It was shocking, surprising and exhilarating all at once.

To have people nominate me, to feel that I was worthy of this  I still dont have the words to really describe it. Im just really excited and very grateful that people put my name out there for this.

The award letter cited Liuzzos profound commitment to enhancing learning opportunities for students through creative and impactful approaches, his involvement with interprofessional education collaborations, and the work he has done as a member of the Network Community Taskforce and as chair of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Academy of Educations Academic Faculty Special Interest Group.

You work really hard, and you try so many different things, and being recognized for this is really nice, he said. Theres still a lot to learn and I want to continue to grow my leadership skills.
The Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center (FJC) announces that it will host a meeting organized by the State of Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) this Friday at 2 p.m. at 5705 Uptain Road in Chattanooga.Officials said, "This meeting will bring together community officials and leaders to discuss the vital role Family Justice Centers play in addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse across the state."The meeting will feature Jennifer Brinkman, director of the OCJP, who will lead a discussion on the Family Justice Center model."This 'wrap-around' service delivery system unites critical community resources in a centralized location, ensuring comprehensive support for victims while promoting offender accountability. Chattanooga is one of the flagship family justice centers, being the 4th of 14 FJCs to open in Tennessee," officials said.In addition to Director Brinkmans presentation, the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center will share insights on its own successes and challenges in serving the local community."This event is a significant opportunity for elected officials and leaders across municipalities and counties to explore how increased collaboration and government support can enhance the critical services FJCs provide to victims in need," officials said. "We encourage all community leaders, advocates and stakeholders committed to creating a safer, more supportive community to attend."0For more information about the meeting or the work of the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center, contact Regina McDevitt at rrmcdevitt@chattanooga.gov.
As I sat in the audience for Chancellor Steve Angles State of the University address this week, I couldn't help but feel immense pride and excitement for the incredible momentum were experiencing at UTC. Coinciding with the 138th anniversary of the University of Chattanooga's founding, this moment perfectly captured what it means to be a Moc: striving for excellence, embracing challenges and making a profound difference in the world. Today, I want to highlight some of the remarkable achievements and forward-looking initiatives taking place at UTC. Its clear: UTC is on the move.

Record-Breaking Success Across the Board

UTC is experiencing unprecedented growth and success on several fronts. This fall, we welcomed our largest freshman class ever2,473 studentscontributing to a record enrollment of 11,834 students. Graduate student enrollment also surged by 13.7 percent, further solidifying our commitment to providing high-quality education at all levels. But its not just about the numbers; its about creating an environment where students can thrive. Our donors have stepped up in extraordinary ways, setting a new record with over $60 million in gifts this year, up 400 percent from last years $14.1 million, a demonstration that our alumni and stakeholders believe in the vision and leadership at UTC. These investments are vital as we continue to improve our campus infrastructure and programs.

Transformational Investments in Campus and Research

We are also making historic investments in our campus facilities, totaling over $414 million, thanks in part to the outstanding support of our Hamilton County delegation. Key projects include the construction of the Kennedy Health Sciences Building for our nursing program, an addition to Fletcher Hall for our Rollins College of Business, and a new 780-bed residence hall. These upgrades are not just bricks and mortar; they represent our commitment to providing an unparalleled educational experience and preparing students for leadership roles in their communities and beyond.

A particularly exciting development is UTCs expanding role in leading-edge research, especially in quantum sciences and mobility technologies. With a new Quantum Center and significant federal fundingincluding $3.5 million for quantum research and $2.4 million for mobility researchUTC is positioning itself as a leader in these transformative fields. We recently announced our first-ever Governors Chair appointment in Quantum Information Science and Engineering, a prestigious role that will be shared between UTC and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This partnership underscores UTCs critical role within the UT System and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Two new Ph.D. programs in mobility and quantum studies are in development, designed to recruit top-tier faculty and students in these areas.

Collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory

UTCs collaboration with ORNL is also accelerating our research impact. Our faculty and students are working closely with ORNL to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from energy storage to smart transportation systems. These partnerships have already yielded significant results, including new federal grants and groundbreaking research that will shape the future of mobility and energy solutions.

A Future Full of Promise

The momentum at UTC is impressive. The investments in our campus, the record-breaking enrollment and donations, and the cutting-edge research initiatives all point to a future full of promise. But none of this would be possible without the commitment and passion of our faculty, staff, students and community partners. Together, we are building a University community that not only educates but also inspires, innovates and leads.

The energy and excitement on our campus is contagious. UTC is indeed on the move, and I couldnt be more excited about the journey ahead. As we continue this upward trajectory, I invite you to join us, support us, and contribute to this incredible story. Go Mocs!

Randy Boyd

President, University of Tennessee System
A detective testified Wednesday that he was able to track the path four gang members took to a Southside murder by picking out landmarks in the background of their Facebook Live.

Zach Crawford said on the broadcast taped by a fellow officer he noticed a familiar church on Rossville Boulevard, then the C&C Auction building before the silver Nissan Rogue turned onto 38th Street headed toward rival Bloods territory.

Detective Crawford said the vehicle was caught on camera at the Bethlehem Center before it arrived at Nine Brothers convenience store at Central Avenue and shots began to ring out.

Tremaine Dillard and Tyqurerio Jazzkem Malone are currently being tried for first-degree murder in the courtroom of Criminal Court Judge Amanda Dunn.

The case of Montrell Franklin is on the docket for Nov. 6, and that of Eric Sims for next April 7.

The investigator said Dillard was driving and Franklin was in the front passenger seat. He said Malone and Sims were in the back. He said he could identify all four in the video, having had "encounters" with them previously.

The state says a barrage of shots were fired toward the front of Nine Brothers from the Rogue with one rifle bullet entering the abdomen of 31-year-old Robert Dowdy. It severed an artery and he died in about an hour.

Brandon Rakestraw was also seriously injured.

One shot hit the storefront, another landed toward the back of a car on the lot, and another shattered the windshield of an employee's vehicle.

A large number of 9mm handgun spent shell casings and Remington 223 rifle shell casings were found up and down 38th Street and near the store lot.

Detective Crawford said one of the gang members in the back seat was displaying an AR-15 in the video.

Police quickly learned that the Rogue belonged to Tierra Gibbens. Ms. Gibbens testified that she had loaned it out to Franklin, who she referred to as "my brother."

Ms. Gibbens said she texted him about returning it. When he did, she started for her sister's house when suddenly her vehicle was surrounded by police.

Still in the vehicle were multiple spent cartridge casings from the handgun and the rifle, matching what was found at the scene.
The Chattanooga City Commission commemorated Constitution Week on Tuesday by inviting Noah and Rory Dumitru, students at Boyd-Buchanan School, to open the council meeting with a Constitution presentation. Council Chairman Chip Henderson extended the invitation and the young scholars were introduced by Chattanooga City Historian, Linda Moss Mines.

Noah Dumitru thanked the council members for the opportunity to speak briefly about the U. S. Constitution. Today is Constitution Day, a day of remembrance set aside by U. S. Congress for citizens of the United States to think about our Constitution - - the oldest constitution in effect in our global community and the longest-continuously governing document in the history of the world. He paused and included the large audience with his comments. It is appropriate for us to meet in the Council room - - a perfect example of the idea of government based on the voices of the people - - a people who elect their representatives to speak for them and to guard our sacred ideas of liberty, equality and justice.

His sister joined him at the podium as they took turns speaking. Rory began with a question. What makes our constitution and our government unique? A belief in a balance of power between the national, state and local governments - -a government based on the rule of law with our constitution as the supreme law of the land - - a division of power between the three branches of government - - legislative, executive and judicial and the protected rights of the people combined with their responsibilities to be informed citizens.

The elder Dumitru added more details about our constitution and then concluded with, The United States remains the inspiration for people around the world who do not live in free societies. We are that city on the hill whose light shines for liberty. We are not perfect country or a perfect people, but we work each day to live up to the dream this republic represents. Rory Dumitrus final statement was personal for the siblings. Thank you for allowing us to be here today. We may not be able to vote yet but we are proud to be citizens of the United States and to live in Chattanooga. Thank you for working here at the local level to preserve the dream.

They then distributed copies of the Founding Documents to each of the council members and provided copies for all attending the council meeting.

Noah Dumitru is the president of the Col. Return J. Meigs Society, Children of the American Revolution and Rory Dumitru serves as American History chair for the Tennessee Society of the Children of the American Revolution.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announced a $3.5 million gift and research grant from the Journey Health Foundation to establish a Research Center for Health and Economic Analytics within the universitys Gary W. Rollins College of Business.Officials said, "The new center, which will be named in honor of the foundation, marks a major step in the use of data-driven research to combat long-standing healthcare disparities in the region and will serve as a role model across the United States."The Journey Health Foundation Research Center will focus on delivering health and economic analytics, an effect that aligns directly with the foundations mission to better understand and address social determinants of health that affect underserved communities in Chattanooga  currently one of the least healthy cities in the country."Journey Health Foundation is committed to transforming health across the south.We are committed to staying steadfast and relentless in forging innovative and collaborative partnerships that will reshape Chattanooga into one of the healthiest cities in America, said Tracy Wood, president and CEO of Journey Health Foundation. Strategic and data-backed interventions are the tools we will use to close gaps in healthcare and make that vision a reality. Deepening UTCs research capabilities through this partnership allows all of us to use data in transformative new ways, and we are excited to get to work.The $3.5 million gift will be allocated as follows: $2.25 million to establish and operate the Journey Health Foundation Research Center for Health and Economic Analytics, which will spearhead research aimed at solving critical healthcare challenges in the region. $1.25 million to fund a Master Research Grant that will support innovative research and data analytics projects led by the Center.A board of managers, appointed jointly by the Rollins College of Business and Journey Health Foundation, will oversee the management of these grants.UTCs Rollins College of Business is dedicated to fostering future leaders and problem solvers through hands-on, data-driven learning experiences, which makes this the ideal home for this new research center, said Robert Dooley, dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. The center will provide opportunities for our students to work with outstanding faculty on meaningful, impactful research. We are honored at the trust that Tracy and the Journey Health Foundation board are placing with us and proud of the contributions we can make to improving health and quality of life across our city.The Center will enhance the teaching, research and service mission of the Department of Data Analytics in the Rollins College of Business, said Hemant Jain, director of the Journey Health Foundation Research Center. It will provide real-life examples for teaching various phases of analytics and will provide a valuable data source for facultynot only in the College of Businessbut for other areas like public health, social work, computer science and more. As a result, the greater Chattanooga area will have access to reliable, curated data to help address pressing economic and health challenges.Officials said, "This grant marks one of Journey Health Foundations first major philanthropic commitments since its formation last year. The Foundation was founded following the sale of Hospice of Chattanooga and its parent company, Alleo Health System. With over $100 million in assets, Journey Health Foundation is the largest healthcare-specific philanthropic organization in the region."The Journey Health Foundation Research Center for Health and Economic Analytics will have a temporary office in Fletcher Hall until construction is complete on the colleges 81,000-square-foot expansion.
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transit Authority is researching the building of a traditional public bus station and transit hub downtown as part of its developing master plan.

Chattanooga city officials and CARTA are working to identify city-owned property for this purpose in the downtown core, between the river to the ridge, and may have a location on the map before Thanksgiving.

Weve got the citys support here, said CARTA President and CEO Charles Frazier in his monthly report to the board of directors.

The transit hub is one of many mobility layers in the comprehensive Plan Chattanooga and Plan Hamilton, a county-wide project of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency and the Chattanooga-Hamilton County/North Georgia Metropolitan Planning Organization.

RPA Deputy Director Karen Rennich told the planning commission at its meeting Sept. 9 that a draft of Plan Hamilton will be ready to present in December. A draft of Plan Chattanooga will be ready to present in January. Once the planning commission approves each plan for recommendation, it will be sent to the County Commission or City Council for approval.

CARTA Advertising Revenue

The CARTA board voted to approve advertising policy changes that would allow private businesses to build bus stop shelters, benches and concrete slabs at no cost to CARTA, and then advertise there.

Board member Corey Evatt voted against the change and said he does not support any paid advertising in public spaces or public services. Mr. Evatt said that besides overloading riders with yet more information to process, consumer ads may influence CARTA to erect bus stops where the consumers are, not where the riders are.

Mr. Frazier said that CARTA needs the advertising revenue stream now, but could back away from the model in later years. As the budget stands, fiscal year 2025 will begin $1.9 million in the hole, he said.

The words fiscal cliff are always ringing in the back of my mind, said board Chairman Johan de Nysschen.

Board member Daniela Peterson raised concern that such an agreement would permit ad messages conflicting with CARTAs values, but Chief Administrative Officer Veronica Peebles assured the board that the advertising policy prohibits divisive and harmful topics such as alcohol, tobacco, adult products and political candidates.

We definitely control the content of the advertising messaging, Ms. Peebles said.

Incline



CARTA has sold 81 annual passes for the Incline Railway since the program began Aug. 1.

CARTA has also begun a one-year pilot program in partnership with the Chattanooga Public Library to lend one family bus pass a week, excluding blackout dates June 1 through Aug. 1.

More about Plan Chattanooga and Plan Hamilton

The comprehensive plan considers road conditions, emergency services, natural resources, demographics, parks and greenways, commercial and industrial development, housing, transportation, and more. These plans will provide guidance for new development, zoning changes, capital improvements, and conservation.

Weve never done that in our history, said RPA Executive Director Dan Reuter at the planning commission meeting. Im very proud of the work we have done in the last year.

Public input meetings are scheduled throughout the fall. RPA will host a public input meeting at the Friends of Hixson meeting Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 8 a.m.
The American Legion Post 100 in Dayton is hosting Bug Fest 2024 on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Volkswagon Beetle acquired the nickname many years ago when the Beetle became a very popular small car known for its great gas mileage. Collectors of the early years Beetles have become very passionate about the car. Gatherings of the collectors, sometimes known as Bug Paloozas have become popular events.

The American Legion Post 100 is asking folks to join this years event as a fundraiser for the Legion. The event will be held at the Rhea Elementary School at 1005 Delaware Ave.

Show organizers said that water cooled bugs are welcome as are the air cooled cars. Booths will also be set up to sell various car parts. There will be music, vendors and food trucks.

Entry fees for vendors and show vehicles will be $20. General admission for visitors is $5. For additional information please text 619-6811.


New Delhi, Sep 19 (UNI) India has served a formal notice to Pakistan seeking review and modification of the Indus Water Treaty, highlighting fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty.

The notice was served on August 30 seeking review and modification of the Treaty under Article XII(3) of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), as per which its provision may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments.

Among the various concerns highlighted by India, the important ones include change in population demographics, environmental issues  the need to accelerate development of clean energy to meet Indias emission targets, impact of persistent cross border terrorism, etc.

The notification was issued in the background of a separate prolonged controversy with respect to the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydro Projects.

In this regard, the World Bank has simultaneously activated both the Neutral Expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration on the same set of issues.

The Indian side has, therefore, also called for reconsideration of the dispute resolution mechanism under the Treaty.

With this Notification, India has called Pakistan to begin government to government negotiations in order to review the Treaty under the provisions of Article XII(3).

The Ratle Hydoelectric Project (850 MW), is a Run of River Scheme located on River Chenab at village Drabshalla, district Kishtwar, in Jammu and Kashmir, while the Kishanganga is located north of Bandipora in the same UT, located on Jhelum river.

India and Pakistan signed the IWT in September 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being signatory to the pact, which sets out the use of water of River Indus and its five tributaries  Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum and Chenab.

It allocated the three western rivers - Indus, Chenab and Jhelum to Pakistan, and the three eastern rivers  Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, to India for use. According to the treaty, India has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river (RoR) projects on the three western rivers.

Pakistan objected to the two hydroelectric projects saying they violated the Indus Waters Treaty. In 2015, Pakistan approached the World Bank and sought the appointment of a neutral expert to address its objections to the Kishanganga and Ratle Projects. The next year, Islamabad retracted the

request and sought a court of arbitration to adjudicate its objections.

In May 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kishanganga project.

In January 2023, India had issued notice to Pakistan accusing Islamabad of intransigence on the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The notice came following disagreement between the two countries on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.

UNI RN
Local publisher Walnut Street Publishing announced this week the upcoming launch of a magazine created from the submissions of Chattanooga's school-age population. Representing grades K - 12, over 100 pieces of poetry, prose, and visual art will appear in The Walnut Branch: Young Adult. It is the first magazine of its kind in the Chattanooga area.

"We believe it's important for young artists to know their voices matter," says Director Aaron Quinn. "Their voices deserve to be heard right now. Age does not limit the importance of an artist's voice."

Partnering with Walnut Street Publishing, the Hunter Museum of American Art will exhibit the pieces of several young artists beginning Oct. 3. They will likewise host the launch of the magazine on Oct. 13 as part of their ongoing Sunday Studio event.

Walnut Street Publishing intends to make The Walnut Branch: Young Adult a biannual publication, ensuring the students of Chattanooga have their voices heard for years to come. As Mr. Quinn said, "More than publishing, community is our mission; and a community's strength lies in all voices being heard, regardless of age."

Walnut Street Publishing is a Chattanooga-based independent publisher redefining publishing as community by creating unique spaces for authors and artists to connect with their audience.
Zoomsical Previous Next

The year 2020 was a pretty dark one for theater, if you can remember.

Having found her passion for theater after starring in Matilda at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and then playing a small part in Billy Elliot with Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, my then 11-year-old daughter Libbie was severely disappointed to have her career cut off by the pandemic.

And while it was a small blip in what was happening in the world at large, it was a big thing to our preteen, who didnt get to finish her fifth-grade year.

She took a few classes via Outschool, which helped, but we were utterly delighted when we saw Christian Family Theater - the place we had originally seen Matilda Jr. produced - was holding auditions for a Zoomsical.

The production would be entirely filmed in the kids own homes, allowing them to stay apart but be together and perform for an audience safely.

Libbie was cast as Jennifer Mobley in The Big One-Oh Zoomsical, and went on to be in one more of the four Zoom theater productions Christian Family Theater did during what would have been their 2020-2021 season.

For these young actors, it was absolutely a godsend in terms of community, expressing their artistic sides, and hanging on to some sense of normalcy during tumultuous times.

In summer 2021, I helped move costumes, props, scenery, and audio equipment for CFT after they were asked to leave their space at Brainerd United Methodist Church to make way for changing church programming. We caravaned along and crammed it into new spaces at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church on East Brainerd Road, where they have been rehearsing and performing since then.

During that time, CFT has become a home away from home for my daughter, nurturing her love for theater, allowing her to participate behind the scenes doing sound and stage management, and bringing her many close friendships.

This summer, Wesley Memorial decided to sell the building and find a smaller space, leaving the groups who meet there (Boys Scout of America and a dance group, along with CFT) unsure how to proceed.

The theater would like to stay in the East Brainerd area, because founder Dale Dye feels that the Theatre Centre works downtown with school-aged actors.

What he would really like to see is an arts space for kids on Chattanoogas east side.

Consider the Mountain Arts Community Center on Signal Mountain. This space has a theater, classroom space, and meeting rooms. Individuals can come here and take classes in dance, pottery, painting, piano, yoga, and percussion; see performances from Mountain Arts Theater and the Signal Mountain Playhouse; record in the studio; or come to a meeting of the town council.

Chattanooga is very rich in talented, experienced, and innovative teaching artists in the performing arts, said Vincent Oakes, the director of the Chattanooga Boys Choir - who performs at various locations and rehearses at Second Presbyterian Church downtown. What we lack throughout our community, however, is abundant creative space to effectively and consistently craft and deliver these experiences, especially for children.

Local teacher and performer Neshawn Calloway, the music director for CFTs current production, firmly added, Chattanooga has too many arts organizations in the city for there to be no dedicated performing arts space. We are grateful to Rise Chattanooga for allowing the community to come in and use their space, but it's not suited as a rehearsal space for theater and choral groups. We are grateful to the churches that allow us to use their spaces, but there needs to be a fixed permanent home for such groups.

Chattanooga is certainly not lacking space for new buildings - or old spaces ready to be reimagined. Ms. Calloway explained, Every time I look up there are new condos being built. There has to be someone in this city with a love of the arts that is willing to help these non-profit groups acquire a space.

Mr. Dye would love to see a space like the Mountain Arts Community Center exist on the other side of the county - a space to allow his childrens theater to grow and serve twice as many kids in the area.

Right now, were limited by our rehearsal space, Mr. Dye said at a recent meeting about the Wesley building issue. We would love to have two rehearsal rooms with dance space so we could be doing twice the number of shows.

Finances prevent CFT and most community groups from having their own space.

Mr. Oakes added, Given the nature of non-profit arts organizations, we rely on the generosity of community partners to help make these opportunities accessible and to keep things like participation fees and audience admissions as low as possible.

While donations from parents help keep costs down a little, CFT just doesnt have the funds to purchase or rent a space of their own with the stage and storage they need. Grants and fundraising have helped them grow their program to this point, but right now the future is looking a little bleak for CFT, whose motto is because theater is about family.

Libbie, now 15, says she would feel like a part of her was missing if CFT was forced to shut down.

Lillian Anderson, 13, chimed in, CFT is more than a building or place, its family. Its a home. With CFT I learn new things, laugh with new people, and build upon my theater knowledge and the relationships Ive created there. Its given me opportunities that I couldnt have come to on my own.

The theater is hoping to fit in one more show in their current location - Something Rotten Jr. - before the building is sold and they are asked to vacate their space.

Mr. Oakes put it quite eloquently when he said, Performing arts venues may seem peculiar  stages, rehearsal spaces, and audience accommodations dont always fit the traditional business floor plan model, and they often require a great deal of flexibility, open areas, or other specific needs. However, these spaces are made infinitely more special when filled with the talented artistry and boundless creativity of children.

Ms. Calloway, in her firm manner, urged locals, We all know how valuable the arts are to our youth, so let's put our money where our mouth is and support such groups as Christian Family Theater and help them acquire a permanent home.

Id love to see a permanent arts space for our areas kids to learn, paint, dance, grow, act, sing, create, and thrive.




Home News Hillary Clinton calls for Americans to be criminally charged for spreading 'propaganda'

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested earlier this week that Americans who promulgate allegedly Russian-backed "propaganda" should be civilly and even criminally charged.

Speaking to MSNBC host Rachel Maddow on Monday, just a day after a second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, Clinton described her former political opponent as a "very dangerous man" and urged Americans to be outraged by him.

"We can't go back and give this very dangerous man another chance to do harm to our country and the world," she said.

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Now, Hillary wants to JAIL anyone who disagrees with her.



She's jumped the shark. Shame on MSNBC for hosting such despicable nonsense. pic.twitter.com/RZIHfCQUoq  Trish Regan (@trish_regan) September 17, 2024

Clinton made an apparent reference to a recent U.S. Justice Department allegation that Russian state media producers funneled nearly $10 million to a company later revealed to be Tenet Media, which reportedly offered large sums to pro-Trump commentators such as Dave Rubin, Tim Pool, Benny Johnson and others, according to CNN.

Claiming some Americans both wittingly and unwittingly share such "propaganda," Clinton floated the idea that those who do so should in some cases be criminally punished, which could presumably include potential jail time.

"But I also think there are Americans who are engaged in this kind of propaganda," she said. "And whether they should be civilly or even in some cases criminally charged is something that would be a better deterrence because the Russians are unlikely, except in a very few cases, to ever stand trial in the United States."

Clinton has been on a media blitz and conducting a national tour to promote her new book Something Lost, Something Gained, published on Sept. 17.

Clinton's sentiment echoes some of the rhetoric from other leading Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris and her 2024 vice presidential running mate, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Walz, whose government threatened 90-day jail sentences for lockdown violators and set up a hotline that allowed Minnesota residents to report their neighbors for alleged violations, maintained during a December 2022 interview on "The Reid Out" that there is no guarantee to free speech if it impinges upon elections.

Earlier in the interview, Walz pinpointed "misinformation" about COVID-19 and the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as particularly concerning.

"There's no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech, and especially around our democracy," he said. "Tell the truth, where the voting places are, who can vote, who's able to be there. Watching some states continue to weaken the protections around the ballot, I think, is what is inspiring us to lean into this."

During a 2019 interview with CNN anchor Jake Tapper following a Democratic primary debate, Harris suggested the right to free speech on social media platforms such as X is a privilege and that Trump had lost his privilege and should be suspended for his alleged "witness intimidation" and "attempt to obstruct justice."

"He has lost his privileges, and it should be taken down," she said of Trump's Twitter account at the time. "The bottom line is that you can't say that you have one rule for Facebook, and you have a different rule for Twitter."

"The same rule has to apply, which is that there has to be a responsibility that is placed on these social media sites to understand their power. They are directly speaking to millions and millions of people without any level of oversight or regulation, and that has to stop," she added.

Trump's Twitter account was suspended in the wake of the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. However, it was subsequently reinstated after Elon Musk purchased the company and renamed it X.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg claimed in a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee last month that the Biden administration pressured his company to effectively "censor" Facebook content related to COVID-19 and Hunter Biden's laptop.
Home News MorningStar Ministries defends itself after ex-volunteer accused of sexual abuse

Officials at Rick Joyners MorningStar Ministries in South Carolina suggested they shouldn't be blamed for the sexual abuse former volunteer and ex-police officer Erickson Douglas Lee allegedly committed against multiple young boys who participated in one of its youth programs, as two more alleged victims filed lawsuits against the ministry.

We are aware that several young men have filed lawsuits against the ministry. While we dont know at this point what more we could have done to have vetted Officer Lee in advance to ensure that he would not have taken advantage of these young men, we hold no malice or anger towards the young men or their parents who have chosen to file suit, reads a statement the ministry provided to The Christian Post.

Some of these families remained active in our church even for months after Officer Lee's arrest, and they are always welcome at MorningStar.

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Lee was sentenced to nine years in prison on Sept. 6 after he pleaded guilty under an Alford plea to second and third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child, first-degree assault and battery, dissemination of obscene material to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, The Herald reported.

In a 40-page lawsuit filed in August, one of Lees victims, John Doe No. 1, and his parents accused Joyner, along with several top officials of the organization and multiple other staff members, of gross negligence for allegedly engaging in the cover-up of multiple incidences of sexual abuse in the ministry.

The lawsuit named Joyner, MorningStar Fellowship Church, Joyner's second in command, David Yarns; the former volunteer; the volunteer's father and MorningStar Fellowship Church's head of security, Douglas Lee; Erickson Douglas Lee's assistant, Chase Portello; along with unidentified defendants James Smith 1-10 (any other agents and/or employees of the ministry associated with the complaint).

John Doe No. 2 made similar allegations in a lawsuit filed on Sept. 3, while John Doe No. 3 filed a similar lawsuit against the defendants on Sept. 5 regarding the abuse that took place from August 2021 through January 2023.

Randy Hood and Chad McGowan of the law firm McGowan, Hood, Felder, and Phillips represent the plaintiffs. They said in a statement to CP that they identified the victims as John Does to protect their identities. At least one of the victims was just 13 years old when Lee allegedly started to abuse him.

John Doe No. 1s lawsuit alleges that before Lee sexually assaulted him and the other minor boys, MorningStar Fellowship Church swept other sexual abuse and exploitation cases under the rug and never reported them to law enforcement.

Lawyers for the victims further alleged in the filing that several defendants witnessed Lees misconduct firsthand and did nothing to stop it. Chase Portello, who assisted Lee in the youth program, allegedly helped Lee threaten and intimidate his victims.

The simple fact is that the leaders of MorningStar Fellowship Church not only failed to protect these young victims, they enabled and protected their abuser even after witnessing much of the abuse firsthand, said Hood in his statement to CP. They had the chance to do the right thing on multiple occasions but, instead, tried to sweep it under the rug with at least one of them trying to help Lee try and intimidate his young victims.

MorningStar Ministries officials claim they had no reason to suspect Lee, 25, was a child sex predator.

One of the reasons that this matter is so shocking to us is that the former volunteer, who has been convicted, is a former police officer. Because of his status as a police officer, we had no reason to believe that Officer Lee would lead any young men into illegal activity, either through illegal sexual activities or illegally furnishing alcohol to minors, the ministry told CP.

We believed his status as a police officer meant that he would be a protector of these young men rather than one who would impose illegal acts upon them. As we have often asked ourselves in the aftermath, if we cant trust a police officer as a youth worker, who can we trust?

MorningStar Ministries officials further noted that Lee went through several background checks before working with the ministry  including the military  and those checks still werent enough.

Based on our internal review of the matter, we believe that at least three separate background checks were run on the volunteer, including one by the United States Military, a second by the Cornelius Police Department, and one run internally by our ministry, using a private background-check company. We believe Officer Lee held a national security clearance by the United States Marine Corps, meaning he was most likely subject to an elevated background check, the ministry said. We relied on these checks, which raised no reasons for us to be concerned about Officer Lee. We felt confident at the time in his perceived stability and reliability partly because of his status as a police officer.

MorningStar Ministries also alleged that Lee lived at the home of one of the victims where the abuse occurred, and they had no knowledge of his living arrangement at the time.

We have since learned that the address reflected in the warrants as the site of any criminal activity was where the accused, Officer Lee, apparently lived on the same property as one of the victim's families, MorningStar Ministries said.

It is our understanding that Officer Lee moved into a garage apartment, which was attached to the home occupied by one of the victim's families, had apparently been invited to live there without the church knowing about it, and lived with one of the victim's families, apparently at the family's invitation, for some time.
Home News Muslim donor's blood denied for donation to sick Hindu woman at Indian hospital

An incident at the district hospital in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, has ignited public outrage after a Muslim man was refused the opportunity to donate blood for a critically ill Hindu woman.

The refusal, captured on video and circulated widely on social media, has drawn sharp criticism, with many condemning the communal overtones of the situation.

According to reports, the incident occurred when Pawan Sonkar, a resident of Ajaygarh, brought his mother to the district hospital for treatment. His mother was diagnosed with a severe blood deficiency, and the attending doctors urgently requested him to arrange a blood donor. In response, Sonkar brought his friend, Raja Khan, a Muslim, to donate blood.

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However, a technician at the hospital's blood bank refused the donation, citing the donor's religion as the reason. The brief video clip, which surfaced on Sept. 8, shows Sonkar confronting the technician, questioning the basis for the refusal. The technician can be heard saying, "Muslim blood cannot be given to a Hindu patient," and expressing concerns that "our jobs would be at risk if we proceed."

The video has sparked outrage across social media, with many expressing their disbelief at the blatant communal bias exhibited in a medical setting. Journalist Astha Svyasachi voiced her dismay on X, stating, From streets to schools to hospitals, the venom has spread far and wide. This bigoted doctor should be suspended. Noted social activist and scholar Apoorvanand also voiced his sorrow on X, lamenting, "We had to reach here: Hindus cannot be given Muslim blood."

Official responses and conflicting claims

In response to the incident, the civil surgeon at the hospital, Dr. Alok Gupta, provided a clarification to Aaj Tak that added a new dimension to the unfolding controversy. Dr. Gupta acknowledged that the incident took place on June 22, months before the video went viral, and confirmed that a complaint had been lodged. He claimed that after further inquiry, blood was eventually taken from the donor, Raja Khan, but only after it was established that Khan was a close friend of Sonkars family.

Further attempts to downplay the incident have surfaced from hospital authorities. Dr. Gupta explained that the technician in question, Ravi Kant Sharma, did not outright reject the blood due to communal reasons but was investigating the possibility of professional blood donors being involved. He added that the technician had only questioned Sonkar's claim that Khan was his "brother" due to their differing religious backgrounds, which led to the awkward exchange captured on video.

Attempts to contain the damage

As the video gained traction, several sources appeared to take a softer stance on the incident. One Hindi news source, covering the issue after the video went viral, suggested that the refusal might have stemmed from routine protocols at the hospital aimed at preventing exploitation by professional blood donors. The report claimed that professional donors often operate in such facilities and that rigorous screening is necessary to ensure the integrity of the blood donation process.

Another Hindi source reiterated these claims, emphasizing that the lab technicians questions were in line with standard procedures. The article further noted that the technicians queries about the donors religion were not a reflection of communal bias but rather part of a broader attempt to ensure that the donation was legitimate.

Fallout and political reactions

The video not only sparked public outrage but also became a topic of discussion in political circles. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh addressed the incident, calling for action against the staff involved.

Despite the backlash, no substantial action has been taken against the technician or other hospital staff, as per reports. Dr. Gupta confirmed that the technician had received a notice to explain his actions but did not mention any concrete steps to discipline those involved. The case remains under review by the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), and further investigations are expected.

This article was originally published by Christian Today India.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (UNI) A Moon Shot Cancer event will be among the highlights of the upcoming Quad Summit on Saturday that will see PM Modi hold talks with the leaders of the US, Australia and Japan in Wilmington, Delaware.

PM Modi will meet with US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida for the Quad Summit in Delaware, which is PM Modis first stop during his September 21-23 US visit.

The Quad summit is being held in the hometown of US President Joe Biden, who bows out of office in November.

It was Indias turn to host the summit, and on request of the US side we agreed to exchange it. India will host the next Quad in 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a briefing ahead of the PMs US visit.

This will be the Sixth Quad and Fourth in-person Quad Summit.

Declining to reveal the Leaders Agenda during the summit, the FS said that Quad has a very, very full and substantive agenda.

Quad has a constructive agenda, and it continues to develop with focus on the Indo-Pacific, with

strong focus on peace prosperity, health, security, HADR, climate change, counter terrorism, the FS said.

During the Summit, the leaders will review the progress achieved in the past one year, and set the agenda for the next year.

Moon Shot Cancer Event, a milestone event to treat and alleviate the burden of cancer, with focus on treating Cervical Cancer in the Indo-Pacific region, will be a highlight of the Quad summit, the FS said.

He said the summit will also be a farewell event for President Biden and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, who has announced his decision to step down and not seek re-election.

It will be a farewell event for President Biden and PM Kishida of Japan, and provides an opportunity to thank both leaders for giving salience to the Quad, he said.

The regional and international geopolitical situation will be discussed at the Quad and will be reflected in the Joint Statement. All the key challenges confronting the international community, relating to peace and security, will be discussed by the leaders, the FS said.

Quad brings together four countries - India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, with a commitment to work as a force for global good and to support an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient.

The first Quad Leaders Summit took place in virtual format on March 12, 2021. Three Working Groups were announced - Vaccine Partnership, Climate Change, and Critical & Emerging Technology.

The second Quad Leaders Summit (the first in-person) was held on September 24, 2021 in Washington DC. Three new Working Groups were announced -- on Infrastructure, Space, and Cyber issues. 100 STEM fellowships (25 from each Quad country) to US universities for graduate and doctoral students from Quad countries were announced.

The Third Quad Leaders Summit was held virtually on March 3, 2022 to discuss the situation in Ukraine and its impact on the Indo-Pacific. The Leaders agreed to start a new humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mechanism to enable the Quad to meet future humanitarian challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The fourth Quad Leaders Summit (second in-person) was hosted by Japan on May 24, 2022. Leaders launched the Quad Satellite Data Portal to provide regional countries with space-based data for climate and disaster forecasting and sustainable use of marine resources; Q-CHAMP for practical cooperation on climate action, climate finance, and technology transfer to help countries meet their climate commitments; Quad Debt Management Resource Portal to address challenges of unsustainable debt financing; Quad Partnership on HADR (an India-led initiative) to provide timely and effective assistance in the Indo-Pacific region in the event of future incidents.

The fifth Quad Leaders Summit (third in-person) was held in Hiroshima, Japan on May 20, 2023. The Quad Leaders Vision Statement  Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific was released, outlining the Leaders vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

UNI RN
Home News Lake Country Church pastor wrongfully fired for looking at inappropriate images, attorney says

Scott Crenshaw, the senior pastor of Lake Country Church in Fort Worth, Texas, claims he was wrongfully fired for looking at "inappropriate images" and intends to seek a public apology and reinstatement to his job, says his attorney Mark Lane.

Crenshaw "has not looked at any inappropriate images. That is an absolutely baseless claim on behalf of the elders," Lane told The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "They've engaged in nothing but rumor mill and scandalous discussion with employees with malice."

When contacted about the allegation on Thursday, a church official told The Christian Post that it did not release any information to the public about Crenshaw's termination and did not have any further comment.

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This isn't the first time that Crenshaw has been accused of looking at "inappropriate images" while serving as a pastor.

In 2016, while recovering from cancer and serving as senior pastor of the multi-campus New River Church in Texas, Crenshaw was removed from his post for "viewing inappropriate images" on his computer while he was at work.

In a statement to his church, Crenshaw said he was "sickened and embarrassed" by his actions and stepping away from his leadership role so he could heal.

"First off, I would like to thank the New River family for the prayers, scriptures and encouragement that you have sent me during my cancer journey. Ten days of hospital time, complications and recovery have ended in a clean bill of health from this week's visit to the doctor," the pastor said.

Two years later, in 2018, Lake Country Church hired him. He told CP in an interview about his comeback from a pornography addiction that "Technology was my downfall, but now technology is helping my restoration process."

According to research cited by Mission Frontiers, 68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis.

Of young Christian adults 18-24 years old, 76% actively search for porn, while 59% of pastors said that married men seek their help for porn use.

Lane said even though Crenshaw joined Lake Country Church's leadership team in 2018, it wasn't until 2020 that he was promoted to serve as the church's senior pastor.

Crenshaw told CP that he went through intensive counseling for his porn addiction after he was dismissed from New River Fellowship. His attorney insists that what happened there "is not relevant to today."

"It's horrible to destroy a man's career," Lane told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Lane further noted that he intends to seek a public apology from Lake Country Church and compensation for damages.

He said when the elders were first made aware of the allegations against Crenshaw, they offered him a 60-day sabbatical with support. They later rescinded that offer and replaced it with a 90-day leave of absence. Two days later, Crenshaw was allegedly fired.

Crenshaw is a Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate and has four children with his wife, Renee, to whom he has been married for 32 years. He also has two grandchildren, according to a cache of his profile scrubbed from the church's website.
Home News United Nations set to vote on stripping Israel of right to self defense; US senators slam resolution

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is expected to vote on a Palestinian resolution demanding that Israel end what it referred to as an unlawful presence in East Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian Ambassador to the U.N. Riyad Mansour told the UNGA on Tuesday that Palestinians are facing an existential threat and called on the global body to vote for the resolution and end the Israeli occupation.

While the Palestinian Authority (PA) is not yet recognized as a full U.N. member, the UNGA voted in May that it is qualified to join and recommended that the U.N. Security Council reconsider granting the PA full membership. Consequently, the Palestinian Mission to the U.N. is now able to submit resolutions to the General Assembly.

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The current resolution was submitted with support from the Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement. Israel previously threatened to halt cooperation with the PA if it proceeded with the resolution.

The text of the resolution states that Israel must remove all its military forces from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including its airspace and maritime space."

If enacted, the resolution would force the IDF to withdraw from all of Judea and Samaria (West Bank), as well as East Jerusalem, including the Old City and Gaza. Such an action would severely cripple Israel's ability to defend itself from attacks.

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon also addressed the UNGA, calling on member states to reject the resolution after calling the measure an attempt to destroy Israel through diplomatic terrorism." He said that it ignores the truth, twists the facts and replaces reality with fiction.

Instead of a resolution condemning the rape and massacre committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, we gather here to watch the Palestinians U.N. circus  a circus where evil is righteous, war is peace, murder is justified and terror is applauded, Danon stated.

This resolution doesn't move the region forward, it drags the region backward, delaying the hope for peace and advancement.

The resolution would not be legally binding; however, resolutions by the U.N. General Assembly are considered significant expressions of global opinion.

The move by Palestinian representatives is also an attempt to reinforce the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, which ruled that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. Such opinions by the court are also not binding.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas Greenfield told reporters that the Palestinian resolution has a significant number of flaws, including that it fails to recognize Hamas as a terror organization, which was the ruling authority in Gaza before the war. She also said that the resolution exceeds the ICJ ruling in its claims.

In our view, the resolution does not bring about tangible benefits across the board for the Palestinian people, Greenfield said. I think it could complicate the situation on the ground, complicate what were trying to do to end the conflict, and I think it impedes reinvigorating steps toward a two-state solution.

A group of U.S. Senators, including Republican vice-presidential nominee, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, released a statement slamming the Palestinian resolution.

The senators called on the international community to focus its energy and resources on defeating terror groups such as Hamas.

Instead of proposing biased and counter-productive initiatives, which will do nothing to advance a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the international community must focus its energy and resources on ensuring Hamas and other terrorist groups are completely destroyed, the statement said, continuing, We must remain firm to ensure every single hostage held by these terrorists is safely returned to their loved ones.

The statement called the Palestinian resolution a "clear insult to the Jewish people and anyone who understands history.

This proposal introduced by the Palestinian delegation, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, is an absolute disgrace that rewards terrorism. It is a clear insult to the Jewish people and anyone who understands history, the senators wrote.

In addition to Vance, the statement was signed by senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Risch (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL).

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News 'Our eyes are on God': 16.2M Christians forced from their homes in sub-Saharan Africa

Pastor Barnabas is among millions of Christ-followers living in overcrowded displacement camps in Nigeria after Fulani militants attacked the pastor, his late brother and his brother's late wife while they were on their farm in 2019.

Armed with guns, machetes and sticks, one of the terrorists broke Barnabas' hand with a stick, an injury that still impacts him five years later. While he was fortunate enough to escape the onslaught, his brother, Everen, and brother's wife, Friday, were not.

"Now, I have lost everything that I had," Barnabas was quoted as saying in the new report "No Road Home" from the Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors detailing the massive displacement of Christians across sub-Saharan Africa. "Everything in my home and village was burnt; I was left with nothing."

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For the past five years, Barnabas and his family have lived in a camp filled with 5-foot tents made of used cardboard and plastics. People in the camp struggle daily to find work and provide food for their families. To this day, Barnabas' hand is still damaged, but he can't afford the medical treatment he needs.

Living at an IDP camp, Barnabas serves as a minister for his fellow Christians who are forced to live there due to violent persecution.

"Millions of Christians are displaced here in Nigeria ... [as well as] in the whole of Africa," Barnabas said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "We are remaining in the darkness."

Open Doors, which monitors Christian persecution in over 60 countries, reports that over 32 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, half (16.2 million) of whom are Christians, have fled from their homes in recent years due to increasing violence often perpetrated by Islamic extremist groups or groups of radicalized Fulani herders who have killed tens of thousands in predominantly Christian farming communities in the last decade.

The organization's new report is based on data gathered from two states in Nigeria, where violence has resulted in the mass displacement of Christian communities and made the nation among the top 10 IDP-hosting countries worldwide.

"[Christian IDPs'] minds have been discouraged," Barnabas said. "And as a pastor in the camp, [who is also] displaced, I don't have anything to give them. We only pray together and share the Word of God together. Our eyes are on [God]. ... Our hope is [in] Him. We put our confidence [in] Him. We believe He is great. He will do it, more than we have expected."

Open Doors warns the region is one of the most violent places in the world for believers of Jesus. Although violence has impacted both Christians and non-Christians, Open Doors notes that "recorded testimonies indicate that Boko Haram, Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and militant Fulani groups have deliberately targeted Christians or Christian communities, their livelihood, faith leaders and places of worship."

"Nigerian state security personnel regularly failed to respond in a timely or effective manner to violent attacks against Christians," the report continued. "This failure created distrust in the security forces among Christians. Furthermore, widespread impunity by the state for the perpetrators of violence encouraged an environment where more violence and greater displacement can and does take place."

Figures from the International Organization for Migration indicate that the Borno state hosts 74% of IDPs in the northeast region of Nigeria, Open Doors relays. As of December 2023, the IOM reported 1.7 million IDPs were hosted in the Borno state alone.

"Of the 1.7 million in Borno, 74% were displaced before 2021, illustrating how many IDPs have been dealing with the harsh realities of displacement settings for many years," the report stated. "A further 68% of IDPs have been displaced two or more times."

The Plateau state hosted 54,457 IDPs by December 2023, according to data cited by Open Doors. Researchers contacted local agencies such as the Mwaghavul Development Association, which reported a higher number of IDPs. The MDA documented 103,000 IDPs in Mangu LGA as of January 2024, according to Open Doors.

Open Doors contends this discrepancy illustrates the challenges in documenting IDPs throughout the Plateau state and the need for further research into the issue.

Open Doors U.S. CEO Ryan Brown said that sub-Saharan Africa is the "most violent place in the world for Christians," saying faith-related deaths in the region have "outstripped" those of any other region in the annual Open Doors World Watch List report for the last half-decade.

The World Watch List is Open Doors' annual report ranking countries based on how dangerous it is to be a Christian there.

Among the recommendations in the "No Road Home" report, Open Doors urged the media to raise awareness about the issue of the massive displacement of Christians and the violence they face from extremist groups. The nonprofit wants Christian communities in the West to speak up for their brothers and sisters in Christ and to keep them in prayer.
Home News Alaska man arrested for threatening to kill 6 Supreme Court justices

A man living in Alaska has been arrested and charged for allegedly sending hundreds of hateful and threatening messages to six justices of the U.S. Supreme Court and their families.

A federal grand jury indicted 76-year-old Panos Anastasiou of Anchorage on Wednesday of threatening to injure and kill six justices, as well as some of their family members.

Anastasiou was charged with nine counts of making threats against a federal judge as well as 13 counts of making threats in interstate commerce, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska.

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If convicted, Anastasiou faces up to 10 years in prison for every count of threatening a federal judge and as much as five years for every count of making threats in interstate commerce.

The U.S. Attorney's Office accuses the Alaska resident of sending more than 460 messages via a website to the Supreme Court from March 2023 until July 2024, with the rhetoric becoming increasingly hostile.

"Beginning on Jan. 4, 2024, Anastasiou's messages allegedly escalated to messages intending to threaten harm toward the victims," the U.S. Attorney's Office explained. "The messages contained violent, racist and homophobic rhetoric coupled with threats of assassination by torture, hanging and firearms."

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, the indictment does not specifically name the six Supreme Court justices who were targets of Anastasiou's messages. Instead, they are identified as "Supreme Court Justices 1-6."

At present, the Supreme Court has six members who lean conservative on most high-profile decisions, while the other three typically lean liberal.

The Notice of Intent to Seek Detention Hearing submitted by the attorneys for the plaintiff provided copies of some of the messages that Anastasiou allegedly sent to the Supreme Court.

One of them identified a justice as having a "white trailer trash nloving insurrectionist wife." This unnamed justice is likely Justice Clarence Thomas, an African American whose wife, Ginni Thomas, is Caucasian and has been accused of communicating with former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in the aftermath of the 2020 election, calling it a "heist." Although she believes there were election irregularities, she has since clarified that she does accept Joe Biden as the president of the United States.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that he believed the defendant "made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with."

"Our justice system depends on the ability of judges to make their decisions based on the law, and not on fear," stated Garland. "Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families."

The Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a controversial 1973 decision that had established abortion as a constitutional right, allowed several states to ban abortion in nearly all circumstances.

Since the initial leaking of a draft of the decision in May 2022, there have been several threats made against conservative members of the high court, prompting increased security.

Earlier this year, for example, 43-year-old Neal Brij Sidhwaney of Florida was sentenced to 14 months in prison for threatening Chief Justice John Roberts via a phone call in July 2023.

A man was arrested in 2022 for plotting to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his home in Maryland in response to the leak of a draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
Home News Hispanics tout efforts to combat 'lack of faith in churches,' get Latinos to 'vote biblical values'

Editors' note: This is part 7 of The Christian Post's year-long articles series "Politics in the Pews: Evangelical Christian engagement in elections from the Moral Majority to today." In this series, we will look at issues pertaining to election integrity and new ways of getting out the vote, including churches participating in ballot collection. We'll also look at issues Evangelicals say matter most to them ahead of the presidential election and the political engagement of diverse groups, politically and ethnically. Read other articles in the series by clicking here.

Conservative Hispanic Christian activists warn that the lack of faith in churches has led to greater Hispanic support for Democrats and progressives even though their beliefs align with biblical values embraced by conservatives and Republicans.

The Christian conservative political advocacy group Faith & Freedom Coalition hosted its Road to Majority conference in Washington, D.C., last week. The second full day of programming on Saturday featured a panel titled Hispanic Voices for Faith and Freedom," where Hispanic activists discussed efforts to advance the conservative cause within the Hispanic community.

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Moderated by Faith & Freedom Coalition National Hispanic Director Nilsa Alvarez, the panel included activists based in both the United States and Latin America. They spoke about their efforts to intertwine faith and politics as they push back against the infiltration of progressive ideology in education and culture.

Adianis Morales, the Florida and Puerto Rico Hispanic director for the Faith & Freedom Coalition, who has a background as a pastor, cited the lack of faith in churches where were not voting our biblical values as the reason why she joined former President Donald Trumps campaign in 2020 and became involved in political activism.

"It was pertinent to have a pastor that will defend biblical values and will go to churches and spread the news so Christians will vote their biblical values," Morales said.

Morales also elaborated on her activism against what Alvarez described as radical sex education in her school district.

We started getting together, we started doing protests, we had children protesting what they were doing, and hundreds of parents were coming to [the] school board. At every single meeting, I was there as a pastor praying before we started and holding the school board accountable for what they were doing, she recalled.

Morales detailed how the Faith & Freedom Coalition launched a chapter of the organization in Puerto Rico in January.

Until Puerto Ricans understand that we are being used by the Democrat Party, that just because we come from Democratic countries doesnt mean that were Democrats here, she said.

We are conservatives, Morales insisted. We are people that believe in God. We believe in family; our values are very important, our families are the best things. So until we get the Puerto Ricans to come here and register correctly and they understand that they are not Democrats, that they are Republicans, conservatives, thats the only way that were going to change the nation.

Dorcas Hernandez, who founded an organization in Peru that translates to Dont Mess With Our Kids in English, described what motivated her to launch the advocacy group.

At the moment, the government of Peru was a progressive government coming after our [children], she said. They were implementing laws in the justice system with gender ideology and sexual orientation in the education system.

We, the citizens, took a stand, she asserted. We gathered the church, the citizens, the faith leaders, the mamas and papas and grandparents to make a commitment before God to take a stand for life, children and freedom. From that moment on, the movement [grew] and [grew] by the millions. We took the nation by storm, peacefully gathering 1.5 million people in the public square to tell the government, Enough is enough. Youre not coming after my children; youre not coming after our generation.

We were able to oust the prime minister, to oust the secretary of education, Hernandez added. We have to be obedient, and we have to take a stand in faith because God is with us.

Hernandez said that over 30 nations around Latin America have chapters of the "Don't Mess With Our Kids" movement, including Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador and Paraguay.

We just launched it here in the United States a year ago, she said. Were getting ready to get all our 50 states, 51 locations, and to take back America, to protect our children ... and more important, to take  [the] United States back to God.

While conservative-leaning faith-based advocacy groups have made convincing the Hispanic community to vote for Republicans a top priority ahead of the November election, exit polling shows the majority of Hispanics support Democrats at the national level.

In the 2020 presidential election, exit polling showed that 65% of Latinos backed Democrat Joe Biden, while 32% voted for Republican Donald Trump. Two years later, in the 2022 midterm elections, exit polling showed 60% of Latinos backed Democrats, while 39% voted for Republicans.
Home News Pastor Mark Driscoll refuses city order to take down 'Jesus Christ 24' sign: 'We will not comply'

Controversial Pastor Mark Driscoll says he doesn't plan to comply with an Arizona city order to take down a campaign-style sign with the name of Jesus Christ on property surrounding his church.

Driscoll, the founding pastor of Trinity Church in Scottsdale and the now-defunct Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, said during a church service on Sunday that he received an email from the city about the sign, which reads, "Jesus Christ, '24."

The letter reads in part, "We are now receiving complaints regarding a temporary sign that was erected in the ROW adjacent to the church," and adds, "this sign does not appear to be a political sign."

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"I'm sure it wasn't someone named Karen, but someone complained," Driscoll told his congregation.

After sharing a partial copy of the letter and an image of the sign on social media, Driscoll wrote, "The government asked us to take down our Jesus '24 sign. My response? We will not comply, but we will multiply."

He showed his congregation photos of the area where the sign was placed near Trinity Church, which included a number of political signs similar to the one put up by Driscoll's church.

Driscoll defiantly called on the government to solve some of the country's more pressing issues rather than focus on signage.

"I would just humbly submit that if you work for the government before you go around collecting signs, figure out how to close the border and take care of people before signs," he said.

Driscoll recounted the history of Scottsdale and its founder, U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, in 1888.

"They named the town after a Bible-teaching pastor," said Driscoll. "He moved here, started Bible studies and planted a church. If Winfield Scott were here, he would tell you he probably had a, you know, 'Jesus Christ 1888' sign in the front of his church when they started in Scottsdale, Arizona, because he's a Bible-believing Christian."

He then announced everyone in the congregation would receive a free sign and urged his congregation to consider voting according to their faith and not partisan politics.

"As you're choosing your political leader, make sure you choose your eternal Savior," he added.

The Christian Post reached out to the City of Scottsdale for comment Wednesday. This story will be updated if a response is received.

An online listing for the 24 x 18 "Jesus for President" yard sign reads: "Annoy evil pagans AND your HOA (but I repeat myself) with the official Vote Like Jesus yard sign "

In the spring, Driscoll urged Christians to approach the 2024 presidential election with "sobriety" and said he found neither President Joe Biden nor Trump attractive candidates.

"How should a Christian approach the 2024 election? Make every effort to maintain sobriety despite the difficulty. And the truth is we're going to have two candidates, both of which are old. I would like somebody who is younger," Driscoll noted on TikTok before V. "They are both in the flesh. So we have a Democrat in the flesh, and we have a Republican in the flesh.

"If you're filled with the Holy Spirit, your options stink, but welcome to America."
Home News UN demands Israel withdraw to pre-1967 borders within a year, limiting Israels ability to fight terrorism

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) overwhelmingly voted to adopt a nonbinding Palestinian resolution, calling on Israel to end without delay unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory within a year or face consequences, including embargoes.

The resolution calls on Israel to withdraw from all territories seized after the 1967 Six-Day War, including East Jerusalem. Israel has consistently maintained that holding these territories is necessary for its defense and security.

UNGA's resolution also called on member states to refrain from selling military equipment or weapons to Israel that could be used in Palestinian territories and called for a boycott of goods produced in Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria.

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The resolution, the first proposed by the Palestinian delegation since being granted diplomatic privileges in May, was approved with 124 nations voting in favor, 14 against and 43 abstentions.

The 14 U.N. member states who voted against the UNGA motion are Argentina, the Czech Republic, Fiji, Hungary, Israel, Malawi, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, Tuvalu and the United States.

The 43 countries that abstained from the vote included nations that have recently moved toward withholding arms sales to Israel, including Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Following the vote, Oren Marmorstein, the spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted a message to X calling it a distorted decision that is disconnected from reality, encourages terrorism and harms the chances for peace.

In particular, Marmorstein slammed the resolution for ignoring the issue of Palestinian terrorism targeting Israeli civilians. The resolution makes no mention of the Hamas atrocities of October 7, or the ongoing Gaza War which resulted from that attack.

The General Assembly decision bolsters and strengthens the Hamas terrorist organization and the Iranian terrorist state that stands behind it, Marmorstein said.

The resolution sends a message that terrorism pays off and yields international resolutions.

Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon called the vote a shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authoritys diplomatic terrorism.

He condemned the world body for refusing to call for the release of the hostages.

Decisions of the U.N. General Assembly are not legally binding but are considered expressions of the opinions of world leaders.

Israel is widely expected to ignore the terms of the resolution; however, it previously threatened to halt all cooperation with the Palestinian Authority (PA) if the resolution was pursued.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned the PA that it would respond in kind based on the resolution's wording.

If the Palestinian Authority acts against Israel in complete contradiction to the commitments it undertook in the interim arrangements that were signed, Israel will act in the same way and stop all cooperation with the PA and bring about its dissolution, Katz stated earlier this month.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home Opinion God commands us to visit the imprisoned

Through my work in prison ministry for more than 12 years, I have seen some of the brightest lights for Christ shining within prisons across America. I saw this firsthand while visiting a maximum-security womens prison in Alabama in 2022. I spent time with women on death row and later worshipped alongside those sisters in chapel. The womens robust faith, gratitude, and sincerity moved me. Though we have walked vastly different journeys in life, their need for a Savior was no greater than my own.

According to a recent study by Pew Research Center, the number of U.S. adults identifying as Christians has plummeted over the past 30 years. Regular church attendance remains startlingly low  all while our culture is filled with despair and division. But what if, amidst the decline in faithful churchgoers, God is planning to ignite a revival? And what if He wants to build His Church with people in the unlikeliest places  even prison?

Free-world Christians arent bringing Jesus into prison. He is already there. Incarcerated Christians know what you and I may take for granted: Prison can either be a place of despair or a place of faith and focus. Its amazing what can happen when all you have is stripped away, and all thats left is Jesus.

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Not one of us is immune to the poverty and brokenness of being human. We all have a need to be rescued. I remember Ive been spared the rock-bottom moment that can lead someone to prison. But people behind bars often have a deep understanding of Gods grace that my pride sometimes fails to grasp. Prison ministry calls us to embrace a posture of humility if we are to make a genuine, lasting impact for the Kingdom.

Incarcerated brothers and sisters are precious members of the Body of Christ. They have personally experienced what Scripture tells us: These [trials] have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith  of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire  may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed ... (1 Peter 1:7). Christians behind bars are among the ones God can use to fan the spark of revival into flame. The Lord has a way of choosing the weak, the foolish, and the despised things of this world for His glory (1 Corinthians 1:2728).

The Church inside prison is a vibrant expression of His Body thats just as vital as the churches in our own communities. When we stop seeing the imprisoned and the marginalized as other, and instead build a community that sees shared value in each person, God shows up in fresh ways.

As we obey Jesus command to visit those in prison, we have an opportunity to be challenged and encouraged by their perspective. My colleague Cody once shared about a peer-led Bible study he visited at a mens prison in Minnesota. The group read the story of Jairus daughter and the bleeding woman in Mark 5. What caught their attention wasnt the miracle of the little girl being resurrected; it was the story of Jesus healing the woman on His way there.

In her society, the woman would have been ceremonially unclean, and no one would have had anything to do with her. She had tried everything to get better and nothing worked. In a moment of desperation, she reached out for Jesus cloak and was healed. She encountered Christ face-to-face and found the hope of being reconciled to her community  a miracle on the way to another miracle.

Cody said the men in that prison Bible study resonated with her character. Ostracized and broken, they felt the same longing for reconciliation with God and with others. Some of them had tried almost everything to get better, too. The men were moved by the hope of knowing the kind of Savior who responds when nobody else will.

Encountering Jesus with the incarcerated is a blessing that deepens our faith and shifts our mindset toward eternity. The book of Revelation describes a scene where the nations come together and worship Jesus as one. Together, they all point to King Jesus. Its a beautiful picture of unity in diversity, reflecting the nature of our relational God whose love and power transcend barriers  even prison walls and razor wire.

In our on-camera society, prison ministry is a call to service behind the scenes. Those following God in prison, where cell phones and cameras are generally prohibited, wont often be shouted out on Instagram for their work. And this is the beauty of it: Our Heavenly Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:14).

We stand on holy ground when we encounter Jesus with our brothers and sisters behind bars. To journey with them is to embody the Kingdom of God. So, find out how you can come alongside incarcerated people. Rejoice that they are counted among His flock. Learn from their hope, encourage their repentance, and help build a stronger community to which they can return. Let yourself be transformed, just as they have been, by the radical love of God. Remain faithful in this, and you can expect to see a revival of justice, mercy, and hope across our culture.
Abortion clinic 'buffer zone' law is discriminatory and 'lacks clarity'

Christians have expressed concern about the imminent introduction of a ban on pro-life activities near abortion clinics in England and Wales.

'Safe access zones' - also called 'buffer zones' - are set to roll out around abortion facilities from 31 October under legislation that was passed as part of the Public Order Act 2023 under the Conservative government.

The buffer zones extend up to 150m of an abortion facility and ban "influencing" individuals within the boundaries. Breaching the terms of the buffer zones carries an unlimited fine.

The Alliance Defending Freedom UK (ADF UK), which has assisted several pro-life volunteers in buffer zone legal cases, said that the term "influencing" was so broad that it risks criminalising people for consensual conversations or silent thoughts.

Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF UK, urged the Crown Prosecution Service and College of Policing to issue guidance making clear that freedom of thought and speech are protected in the UK.

"Good law should be clear, consistent and predictable but the buffer zones legislation set to be enacted is vague and broadly drafted. By banning 'influencing'  a broad and sweeping term  over an area stretching 300m in diameter, the law is wide open to misinterpretation and abuse," he said.

"In the places where 'buffer zones' already exist under local authorities, we have already seen three individuals prosecuted over the past two years, simply for praying silently in the privacy of their own minds.

"Engaging in silent prayer, or consensual conversation, are peaceful acts protected by human rights law. And whilst the government has heeded calls to refrain from naming these acts as criminal offences, the threshold for criminality remains intolerably unclear."

He added, "Thoughtcrimes are for 1984  not 2024."

Adam Smith-Connor, an army veteran, is standing trial for praying silently within an abortion clinic buffer zone in Bournemouth in December 2022.

In August, pro-life campaigner Isabel Vaughan-Spruce received 13,000 in compensation from West Midlands Police for being wrongfully arrested twice over silent prayer within an abortion clinic buffer zone.

The Catholic Church's lead bishop for life issues, John Sherrington, called the upcoming ban "an unnecessary and disproportionate step backwards in the protection of religious and civic freedoms in England and Wales".

He said that existing law was sufficient to protect women from harassment and intimidation, and that the ban lacked clarity around prayer and offers of help.

"In practice, and despite any other intention, this legislation constitutes discrimination and disproportionately affects people of faith," he said.

"Religious freedom is the foundational freedom of any free and democratic society, essential for the flourishing and realisation of dignity of every human person. Religious freedom includes the right to manifest one's private beliefs in public through witness, prayer and charitable outreach, including outside abortion facilities.

"As well as being unnecessary and disproportionate, we have deep concerns around the practical effectiveness of this legislation, particularly given the lack of clarity in relation to the practice of private prayer and offers of help within 'safe access zones'."

Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said, "Hundreds of women have been helped outside abortion clinics by pro-life volunteers who have provided them with practical support, which made it clear to them that they had another option other than going through with the abortion.

"The implementation of buffer zones next month will mean that vital practical support provided by volunteers outside abortion clinics, which helps to provide a genuine choice, and offers help to women who may be undergoing coercion, will be removed for women and many more lives will likely be lost to abortion.

"It is unacceptable that the results of the government consultation on abortion buffer zone guidance was never released, especially given the unclear meaning of the legislation."
Aiding flood victims in South Sudan, faith leaders work on long-term solutions

All summer, heavy spring rains around Lake Victoria have slowly worked their way through the Nile River's swampy course through Uganda, eventually flooding Kuon Nyawal's farm in South Sudan, destroying her crops, killing her livestock and leaving her home in ruins.

"The floods have left us unable to grow our own food, and the little we manage to acquire is simply not enough. This has led to a desperate shortage of food and irregular meals for our family," said the 35-year-old mother of four who has taken refuge at the Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons camp, 435 miles north of Juba, the country's capital.

Nyawal is among 750,000 South Sudanese threatened by the floods and at risk of starvation among a population of more than 12.7 million people, of whom about 61% identify as Christian.

"We are very worried about the situation because floods have destroyed the region's farming and caused mass displacement, and people may never return to their homes," Nyawal said. "Something needs to happen to save people from these effects of climate change."

The dire situation in Bentiu and nearby regions has spurred religious leaders to join nongovernmental organizations in coming to South Sudanese communities' aid, particularly farming areas.

"It is clear that urgent and comprehensive measures are needed to address these pressing challenges," said James Deng, a local evangelist, or pastor. He noted that more than 300,000 people were living in refugee camps in the Bentiu region. "People are not living in their homes, their crops are destroyed, and there's looming starvation. We are working hard to try to find a better solution to this kind of climate change."

Deng said the dikes built by United Nations Mission in South Sudan are inadequate and pointed out that local churches "are actively involved in constructing dikes to safeguard thousands of lives at risk of flooding. By supporting the building of even one dike, individuals can have a significant impact in saving many lives."

Deng also hoped that churches would increase their donations of food and essential supplies. "We can provide vital aid and alleviate the threat of starvation for those affected."

Bishop Christian Carlassare of the Catholic Diocese of Bentiu also noted that the church was collaborating with NGOs to build dikes, dams and other water management infrastructure. These structures are sustainable, he said, retaining water for use during droughts.

"Our goal is to minimize the devastation caused by floods on both crops and households in order to prevent future suffering due to climate change," the bishop said. He said the diocese is training people in dike construction, hoping to empower them to protect their land from future floods. "It's crucial to prepare our communities proactively to safeguard their land and crops against disasters."

Despite a 2018 peace deal between government and opposition forces, the country continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the 2013-18 civil war, as numerous armed groups persist in fighting.

The Italian-born Carlassare, who narrowly survived an attack by gunmen at his Rumbek residence in April 2021, implored the people of South Sudan to unite in peace and stand together in the face of climate change.

"Families residing in flood-prone areas have endured relentless challenges, including years of conflict, food insecurity, recurring floods and an influx of refugees and returnees from Sudanese conflict," he said. "To propel the nation forward, the people of South Sudan must join forces to foster unity and peace. The collective prayers and unwavering faith of the population can alleviate the suffering caused by flooding and conflict."

Evangelist Mayol Kuot said his church has been actively providing essential supplies such as shovels, plastic sheets, sandbags and digging bars to fortify the dikes around the villages, particularly in northeastern South Sudan, to ensure the safety of the local population.

At the same time, church leaders are calling on the government, more faith-based organizations and other well-wishers to join them in assisting the vulnerable communities. They emphasize that the situation remains critical.

"It is imperative that immediate action is taken to preserve the lives of the people," said Kuot, who serves in Malakal, a town in northeastern South Sudan. "The dikes in flood-prone areas must be reinforced and expanded with the creation of water storage dams. The displaced individuals urgently need sufficient food, medical supplies, and other necessities, while also requiring relocation to higher ground."

 Religion News Service
Drones, a breaching tool to open barricaded rooms, and a "hazardous devices" robot are among military equipment that University of California police departments are requesting this year from the state.

According to a report released by the UC Council of Chiefs of Police this month, schools within the university system are also requesting specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including assault weapons. The UC Board of Regents will decide whether to approve the requests at its Thursday meeting.

UC Berkeley is seeking a second hazardous devices robot to upgrade their outdated technology and ensure readiness in case their current 20-year-old robot fails, and a "kinetic breaching tool" to use in the event of a "barricaded subject or unresponsive individual due to a medical issue." UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Cruz and UC San Francisco, are collectively requesting drones as well.

Dan Mogulof, assistant vice chancellor from UC Berkeley, told University Herald on Wednesday that the drones would be unarmed and used to "assist first responders in enhancing public safety by providing an aerial perspective."

UC Merced, UCLA and UC San Francisco are additionally requesting new launchers which shoot non-lethal munitions such as sponge rounds, chemical agents and pepperballs.

Such requests aren't new --- the university system's police departments have been required to record their inventory, requests and use of military equipment by state law since 2021.

However, this year's weapons requests follow confrontations between law enforcement and pro-Palestinian student protesters at multiple UC campuses, resulting in dozens of arrests and suspensions in the spring. Protests have continued to crop up during the fall semester.

"The University of California just announced a list of military weaponry it wants in order to escalate its warfare on its students," a Los Angeles group that opposes police surveillance, posted on X on Friday.

The UC Student Association also expressed opposition to the weapons requests, telling the San Francisco Chronicle "we are troubled to see campuses invest money in weapons, rather than student basic needs." Its president, UC Davis senior Aditi Hariharan, asked the regents to reject the requests.

Each university will hold a public community engagement meeting on Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. regarding the report, according to the UCPD website.
PM intends to fast-track assisted suicide vote before Christmas, according to reports

Despite a deeply divided Cabinet, a vote on making assisted suicide legal could be held before Christmas as the Prime Minister backs plans to fast-track the legislation, according to The Mail on Sunday.

While those at the end of their lives currently have the same legal protections as everyone else against assisted suicide, The Mail on Sunday has revealed that a "divisive vote" on legalising assisted suicide "could be held within weeks". If a Bill on the issue became law, this would usher in one of the greatest social changes since the Abortion Act in 1967.

A source in the Labour Party told the paper, "The wheels are turning. It has been made clear to the MPs at the top of the ballot that the PM backs a change in the law."

While newly elected Labour MP Jake Richards has already made clear his intention to introduce a bill to make assisted suicide legal after he came eleventh in the Private Members' Bill Ballot earlier this month, Keir Starmer is reportedly engaged in accelerating the process.

Since Richards is too low in the ballot to guarantee time for a debate, Labour MPs higher up are being encouraged to take the proposal forward. The Mail on Sunday reports that, last Friday night, one Labour MP on the ballot admitted to being offered two additional staff to assist him in drafting a bill if he proposed legalising assisted suicide.

Opposition to assisted suicide within the Labour Cabinet

However, the Prime Minister's own Cabinet remains deeply divided on the issue. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said, "I don't intend to support it."

"I know some MPs who support this issue think, 'For God's sake, we're not a nation of granny killers, what's wrong with you'... [But] once you cross that line, you've crossed it forever. If it becomes the norm that at a certain age or with certain diseases, you are now a bit of a burden... that's a really dangerous position."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also expressed serious reservations about the idea, declaring himself "conflicted" on assisted suicide.

The Health Secretary discussed the importance of making sure "people aren't coerced into exercising their right to die" because of a lack of support in end-of-life care.

"Candidly, when I think about this question of being a burden, I do not think that palliative care, end-of-life care in this country is in a condition yet where we are giving people the freedom to choose, without being coerced by the lack of support available", he added.

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. This Government will not stand in the way of any debate and votes."

The most recent substantial attempt to legalise assisted suicide in the House of Commons was in 2015 when former backbench Labour MP Rob Marris introduced the Assisted Dying (No. 2) Bill as a Private Members' Bill. This attempt was soundly defeated at the Bill's second reading by 330 votes to 118. Starmer was one of the 118 MPs who voted in favour of assisted suicide at that time.

Since 2015, several other Private Members' Bills have been introduced to Parliament with none of them progressing past Second Reading.

Lord Falconer, who has failed to change the law on assisted suicide on six previous occasions since 2009, has introduced another assisted suicide Bill, which awaits Second Reading in the House of Lords.

Biased Citizens' Jury

These latest developments come at the same time as an extreme 'Citizens' Jury' on assisted suicide found more participants supported the inclusion of child euthanasia than opposed it. It has been revealed that the Citizens' Jury was funded by a major donor to the assisted suicide lobby and commissioned by a research body whose director used to head up a pro-assisted suicide pressure group.

The results of the Citizens' Jury, organised by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, allegedly showed "broad support for a change in the law in England" on assisted suicide. However, it has since been revealed that the 'jurors' appear to have been a highly partisan selection of people who took extreme positions on the issue of assisted suicide and euthanasia that are not widely supported by the public.

Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said "Making assisted suicide legal, including the clear threat it poses to people with disabilities and people who are otherwise vulnerable, is a very dangerous idea. As the Prime Minister's own Cabinet realises, in the context of a struggling healthcare system, the notion that assisted suicide would be freely chosen rather than a result of coercion cannot be taken seriously.

"Evidence from Canada and Oregon clearly show that, for many people who end their lives by assisted suicide (or euthanasia in the case of Canada), concerns about being a burden are very real. We would be naive to think, in our highly atomised society, that such trends would not be operative in our own country too."

 Right to Life UK
Pope Francis' visit to Asia-Pacific highlights urgent need for world climate commitment

Pope Francis' recent visit to Asia and Oceania, from 2 to 13 September, has provided a significant platform for world leaders to call for urgent action on climate change.

As the pope journeyed through countries already feeling the severe impacts of environmental crises, local leaders highlighted the need for a global commitment to address these issues.

In Papua New Guinea, one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, Governor General Bob Dadae delivered an emotional plea during the pope's visit on 7th September.

"Your Holiness, climate change is real," Dadae stated. "The rise in sea levels is affecting the livelihoods of our people in the remote islands of Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific."

Dadae highlighted the existential threat his country faces, with extreme weather events, landslides, and flooding placing thousands of lives at risk.

"The experience across the Pacific is that islands are sinking, people are affected and displaced, while the world continues to talk," he lamented.

"We want the world to know that there is no more time for discussion. What the world needs is commitment for action."

Dadae's words served both as a stark warning and a desperate call for immediate international action. He expressed gratitude for the work of Catholic missionaries and other faith-based organisations in supporting communities affected by climate change, but stressed that without broader global commitments, the situation would only worsen.

He urged, "There is no more time for discussion. What the world needs is commitment for action."

A week later, in Singapore, a similar call for action came from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during a meeting with the pope on 7 September.

"We are seeing accelerating climate change, making the world less safe for humanity," Shanmugaratnam told Pope Francis. He applauded the pope's leadership, especially his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si' (Praised Be), which urged the world to protect the environment.

Shanmugaratnam also emphasised the importance of the upcoming COP28 climate summit as a pivotal moment for the international community to intensify its efforts. "Your Holiness' support for the Paris Agreement and your call for climate action have inspired many," he said. "This message is all the more relevant as the world struggles to meet growing energy demand while achieving a transition to clean energy."

In response, Pope Francis recognised Singapore's potential to lead in climate solutions. "We should not underestimate the impact that a small nation like Singapore can have in this regard," the pope remarked. He stressed that Singapore's access to capital, technology, and talent could drive significant advancements in addressing the climate crisis.

The threat of climate change was a recurring theme throughout Pope Francis' trip, which began in Jakarta, Indonesia, a city battling rising sea levels. With an estimated 40% of Jakarta already below sea level, the government is preparing to relocate the capital to escape worsening floods.

During his visit, Pope Francis joined Southeast Asia's grand imam in issuing a joint declaration calling for religious leaders to unite in the fight against climate change. "This ongoing environmental crisis has become an obstacle to the harmonious coexistence of peoples," the declaration read.

Although Pope Francis had initially planned to address the COP28 climate conference in Dubai later this year, respiratory issues have forced him to cancel his appearance. Instead, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, will deliver the pope's message in his absence.
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By doidam10, Adobe

Senior staff at several major UK Christian charities have expressed their worries for the future of the faith-based charity sector at the annual Faith Charities Forum this week.

After a challenging year for the sector as a whole, leaders from CAFOD, Christian Aid and the Methodist Church all agreed that the less sympathetic climate is making it especially difficult for many faith-based charities to operate at optimum efficiency, both at home and overseas.

Their comments come only three months after Christian charity Stewardship published the results of a survey which highlighted that there remains untapped giving potential among many UK Christians. Half of the survey respondents said they were unable to afford to give money, or give more, while 20% said they lacked trust in the church spending the money well.

Christian Aid: Pressure on the cost base is very present

The key issue faced by the charities is that the need is being outstripped by the rising costs of their operations.

Patrick Watt, chief executive officer of Christian Aid said: I think the pressure on the cost base is very real, and it has been for the last five to 10 years.

While in nominal terms, Christian Aids income in recent years, particularly our voluntary income, has held up, that money is stretching less far than it did in the past, and the cost of doing business is rising faster than any improvements in our nominal income.

And obviously lying behind that is a decline in charitable giving over the last five years.

Watt added that additional demographic issues, such as declining congregation numbers in many UK churches, have added to the decrease, as both the formal and informal climate has become less sympathetic.

We cant last 10 years

Rachel Lampard, director of social justice and social action at the Methodist Church, echoed Watts comments, saying: We are all at full stretch.

At the moment, we have been through however many years of austerity and the cost-of-living crisis, and weve been told by Keir Starmer that we have a decade of renewal ahead. I dont think that we can last 10 years at this rate. We have got to see change happening soon.

Gareth McNab, director of external affairs at Christians Against Poverty, reiterated the sentiment that faith charities were being overstretched.

Weve sleepwalked and woken up and found ourselves in a place where faith-based social action initiatives are holding the nation together and keeping people alive, and thats not the role of faith, said McNab.

Focusing on community building

However, the solution may lie in faith charities ability to evolve the services that they are providing, according to Lampard.

Community building is actually where I think we need to put our money. Thats where we need to be.

The Methodist Church, along with many other organisations, is investing much more in community organising as this is the transformational stuff that we need to see.

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From left to right: Zoe Sprigings of Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Roger Harding of Round Our Way and Kamran Shezad of Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Foundations and trusts need to take more risks to address climate change issues, attendees at the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) annual conference heard yesterday.

Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, also said that foundations should have some funds dedicated to addressing climate change issues.

She said there is an enormous risk that the foundation sector is being too cautious by focusing so heavily on the governance of funding recipients.

I'm not suggesting you shouldn't have good governance, but have some funds where you are prepared to take more risk because there is a real chance of accelerating progress.

The speed at which we need to make change is a justification that we have to take more risk. The risk is that climate change happens.

Climate change affects every aspect of peoples lives and society as a whole, King said. And climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities such as low-income groups, the elderly and people with ill health, she added.

King also said the sector should focus on generating greater public support for the issue.

We have got to get the public on board with this, she said. They've got to understand this is about creating a better future. It's about creating better jobs.

A different approach to address climate change

The impact of climate change and efforts in tackling the issue, such as the transition to electric vehicles or eco-friendly products in supermarkets  which tend to be more expensive for consumers  are really distant for people to relate to when they are struggling to get through the week financially, said Roger Harding, director of Round Our Way, in a panel discussion.

Round Our Way aims to highlight the impact of climate change on local communities and working-class people.

Harding said it approaches climate change from a practical perspective, showing people how climate change could cause flooding, create more potholes, inflate the price of food and harm the wellbeing of pets.

Kamran Shezad, director of Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, echoed Hardings sentiment.

Shezad said climate change is a difficult topic for communities to understand and relate to when experts convey their message through scientific jargon.

Communities will understand better when you talk to them from a job perspective, when you talk to them from their children's perspective, when you talk to them from a health perspective, Shezad said.

Harding said the third sector plays an important role in providing services to beneficiaries, but their work is going to be harder as the impact of climate change will impinge upon those services.

He added that the sector also needs to work with local communities to build trust and counter the efforts of some people who use climate change to create division.

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Analytics from Lex Machina 2024 Trade Secret Litigation Report reveals a rise in trade secret cases filed in federal district court in 2023, along with the continued steady trend of trade secret cases that involved Defend Trade Secret Act (DTSA) claims.

Financial institutions and insurance companies were predominant on the list of the most active plaintiffs over the three years from 2021 to 2023.

The LexisNexis companys report examines trade secret litigation trends in federal district and appellate courts. Focusing on the three-year period from 2021 to 2023, it surveyed emerging trends in case filings, venues, judges, law firms, attorneys, parties, timing metrics, case resolutions, findings and damages.

The report often focuses on different sets of data, e.g., filtering cases in order to provide analytics on general trade secret cases, trade secret cases excluding DTSA cases, and DTSA cases filed in the federal district courts, as well as trade secret cases docketed in the federal appellate courts.

The ability to use Lex Machina to track changing litigation patterns and trends is exemplified in a practice area like trade secret litigation, said Elaine Chow, Lex Machinas trade secret legal data expert and editor of the report. We can use Lex Machinas multitude of filters to slice the data and analytics to see, for example, that trade secret case filings swung back up in 2023, and that the proportion of trade secret cases involving DTSA claims continued to rise. Legal practitioners can employ this information to derive the valuable data-driven insights most relevant to their own practice.

In 2023, there were a reported 1,203 trade secret cases filed in federal district courts.

In the three-year period from 2021 to 2023, the highest number of trade secret cases was filed in the Central District of California, while Judge Yeakel from the Western District of Texas was the most active judge for trade secret cases.

In the three-year period from 2021 to 2023, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani was the most active law firm representing plaintiffs in trade secret cases.

Littler Mendelson defended clients in the highest number of trade secret cases during the three-period from 2021 to 2023.

For trade secret cases that were appealed to a federal appellate court and terminated from 2021 to 2023 with a decision on the merits of the appeal, 45 percent were ultimately reversed, the report found.

More than $511 million in Punitive/Willfulness Damages was awarded from 2021 to 2023.

The report metrics can assist readers in deciding who to pursue as clients, whether to file a particular motion or when to settle (and for how much).
Google won a court fight with the European Union over a 1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) fine for thwarting competition for online ads, partly making up for last weeks crushing defeat in a separate judgment for abusing its monopoly powers.

Judges at the EUs General Court in Luxembourg backed the Alphabet Inc. units challenge to a fine doled out in 2019, saying regulators were mostly correct in their findings but made key mistakes in their probe linked to the duration of the alleged wrongdoing.

The European Commission had concluded that Google  as a dominant online ad broker  illegally prevented rivals such as Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. from placing ads on third-party websites. Wednesdays ruling can still be appealed at the blocs top tribunal, the Court of Justice.

The decision comes on the heels of two court successes for antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager and her bid to rein in Silicon Valley. Last week she won victories at the top court against Googles attempt to avoid a 2.4 billion antitrust penalty for favoring its own product results on search and Apple Inc.s bid to skirt a 13 billion Irish tax bill.

Margrethe Vestager, competition commissioner of the European Commission, during a news conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Apple Inc. lost its court fight over a 13 billion ($14.4 billion) Irish tax bill and Google lost its challenge over a 2.4 billion fine for abusing its market power, in a double boost to the European Unions crackdown on Big Tech. Photographer: Simon Wohlfahrt/Bloomberg

The EUs case into Googles AdSense service is the last of a trilogy of court disputes over cases that set the course for Vestagers tenure, which is about to end after a decade.

EU regulators targeted Googles role as an ad broker for websites, where the AdSense for Search product placed advertising on platforms including newspaper websites, blogs and travel sites.

When the Brussels watchdog hit Google with the 1.5 billion penalty in 2019, it said Googles contracts with websites prevented them from accepting rival search ads from the likes of Microsoft and Yahoo. When a user would input a query on a Google search box on websites, ads from such rivals were blocked. The problematic contracts were all dropped by 2016, when the EU escalated the investigation.

This is a modal window.The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.

EU Mistakes

Despite confirming the majority of the commissions findings, judges in Wednesdays ruling said that regulators blundered in their assessment of the duration of the disputed clauses, as well as the part of the market covered by them during 2016.

The EU commission has not established that the three clauses it had identified each constituted an abuse of a dominant position and, together, a single and continuous infringement of antitrust rules, the court said.

In a hearing two years ago, Googles lawyers described the EUs 2019 penalty as representing a quasi criminal fine of very large proportions.

Mountain View, California-based Google said on Wednesday its pleased that the court has recognized errors in the original decision and annulled the fine. We will review the full decision closely.

This case is about a very narrow subset of text-only search ads placed on a limited number of publishers websites, the company said. We made changes to our contracts in 2016 to remove the relevant provisions, even before the commissions decision.

The Brussels-based commission said it will carefully study the judgment and reflect on possible next steps.

The EUs Google cases marked the centerpiece of Vestagers efforts to crack down on the growing power of big tech companies. Shes fined the Alphabet unit more than 8 billion to date and has also launched a fourth case into Googles advertising technology business, suggesting that the firm needs to be broken up to allay antitrust concerns. A final decision in that probe is pending.

Following the EUs lead, the US Department of Justice has also taken on Google. Like Vestager, its also pushed for a breakup of Googles adtech business, as a trial gets underway across the Atlantic.

Top photo: The Google headquarters in Mountain View, California. Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
A Vermont woman was sentenced Monday in federal court for embezzling approximately $223,000 from The Dartmouth, the student newspaper at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

Nicole Chambers, 41, received a 15-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud on April 30, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said in a statement.

"The Dartmouth, a non-profit student newspaper, entrusted the defendant with their finances, and she betrayed that trust by embezzling more than $223,000 over the course of four-and-a-half years," Young said. "This was a crime motivated by the defendant's greed, plain and simple. The defendant stole to fund her high lifestyle, including trips across the United States and Caribbean and purchasing luxury items. The consequence of crimes like this is federal prison."

Chambers served as the office manager for The Dartmouth from 2012 to 2021, gaining full access to its finances, including bank, PayPal and Venmo accounts. Between April 2017 and September 2021, she made unauthorized transfers to her accounts and used the newspaper's funds for personal expenses like travel and luxury items, including a memory foam mattress and bedframe, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Notably, she also diverted $1,900 for fees related to her husband's court case.
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In a Wednesday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said his company was seeing more sales of the iPhone 16 than last year's series of the smartphones.

"The first week was better than last year," Sievert said. "Not only good, but better than last year, and people are buying Pros, they're buying Maxs, so they're buying up the food chain, and they're buying at a greater rate than last year."

Apple is set to release the iPhone16 in stores on Friday, widely touted for its new artificial intelligence capabilities. However, the AI features won't be present for the phones' first launch, with a beta version of the program set to come out next month. Some analysts predicted that there's less demand for the product than expected  perhaps somewhat due to the AI feature delay  which caused Apple shares to slide.

But according to Sievert, the iPhone16 is in demand, although the delay may lengthen the buying cycle. He said it may take longer for customers to share their experience with the new product "by word of mouth" because of the features' postponement.

Sievert also reviewed announcements the company made at a conference it held on Wednesday. T-Mobile increased its customer target to 12 million over the next several years, and Sievert said it figured out how to get "even more capacity" out of its 5G network. Siebert also said T-Mobile "put a stake in the ground" on the AI front, as the company shared it would partner with Nvidia , Nokia and Ericcson to "design and drive the future of mobile networks with AI at the center."

"It's going to take a few years," Sievert said. "We're only half way in to this 5G revolution, it's been around five or six years, but we're now turning the page and starting to architect with our partners what future networks will look like to make sure everybody has a better signal in the future."
For the first time in its century-plus history, the Anti-Defamation League is suing a Fortune 500 company, Intel , joining a case brought by the law firm of Wigdor on behalf of a former Israeli employee of the technology firm.

The lawsuit, originally filed in August, claims Intel failed to respond to public antisemitism posted by executives and flagged by an Israeli employee (who later was moved into a position reporting to one of the executives), and ultimately retaliated against him by terminating his employment.

The employee "wasn't just discriminated against, he was targeted [and] victimized," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday in explaining ADL's decision to sue Intel.

An Intel spokeswoman said the company has a longstanding culture of diversity and inclusion and does not tolerate hate speech of any kind, pointing to its code of conduct. She added that Intel does not specifically comment on ongoing litigation.

Intel has operated in Israel for 50 years, where it has invested more than $50 billion, and remains one of Israel's largest private employers with more than 11,700 Israeli employees. The company estimated $8.7 billion in exports from its Intel operations, accounting for 5.5% of Israel's high-tech exports and 1.75% of the country's GDP, in 2022.

In June, Intel suspended $15 billion expansion plans for a major plant in Israel, but said it was fully committed to the region and the war was not a factor. Intel is facing significant financial pressures and scrutiny from investors, and recently suffered its worst one-day decline on Wall Street in over 50 years after weak earnings. The company is currently undergoing a major restructuring to shore up its balance sheet, slashing capital spending and laying off more than 15% of its employees as part of a $10 billion cost-reduction plan.

Rise in antisemitism at work, in business world

Incidents of antisemitism at work are part of broader social and political conflict across the nation, according to the ADL, which found that in 2023, there was a 140% increase in antisemitic harrassment, vandalism, and assault cases in the U.S.

"We are dealing with an increasingly intensifying environment for antisemitism," Greenblatt said during the CNBC interview. "We know that things have exploded since 10-7," he said, a reference to the date of the attack on Israel by Hamas forces.

The incidents tracked by the ADL across Jewish institutions, colleges, and K-12 schools, among other locations, saw a sharp rise over the final three months of 2023. The ADL also counted 255 Israel-related incidents at businesses specifically in 2023, many at local establishments, in which Jewish customers and employees experienced antisemitic harassment.

Business establishments were third behind public spaces and college campuses among the frequent location type for antisemitic incidents recorded at anti-Israel protests. Shopping malls, businesses that protesters alleged manufacture weapons for the Israeli military and businesses which are targeted by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, were among targets.

Greenblatt referred to the Intel suit as "a bold step" and said during the CNBC interview that the rise in antisemitism has reached the highest level of corporations. "We've seen bigotry in boardrooms and in businesses," he said. "People think it's just political speech if you target or harass people because of their Jewish identity or faith and that's wrong, even in a corporate environment like Intel," he added.

Asked later by CNBC if the Intel suit reflected the start of a broader legal strategy that will be pursued against other corporations, Greenblatt said via email, "It is incumbent on us to use every tool available, including the courts, when necessary, against the scourge of antisemitism and hate wherever and whenever we see it, including in the workplace. When employers do not meet their legal obligations in protecting their Jewish employees, ADL will not hesitate to act."

The former Israeli employee also recently sent an open letter to Intel's board of directors about his complaint.

The surge in antisemitism and protests against the Israel-Gaza war have roiled U.S. daily life, from college campuses to internal dissent within major U.S. companies, and it is the latest example of a divisive social and political issue spilling over into the workplace and adding to the pressures faced by corporate executives in recent years. In April, Google fired 28 employees after protests tied to its sale of technology to Israel. Google also fired an employee last spring who interrupted a speech by an Israeli executive.

"CEOs have my sympathies," Greenblatt said. "I have hundred and hundreds of people who work for me, people of different political views, and ethnic views, and if you can't just show up and do your job and create shareholder value, then maybe you don't belong," he said. "I think we've got to recognize this is an intense environment, but we need to keep our people focused," he added. "People have their views but they don't belong in the cubicle or in the meeting room where you are focused on satisfying customers."
(This is CNBC Pro's live coverage of Thursday's analyst calls and Wall Street chatter. Please refresh every 20-30 minutes to view the latest posts.) A medical device maker and a discount retailer were among the stocks being talked about by analysts. Piper Sandler initiated Abbott Laboratories with an overweight rating. Meanwhile, JPMorgan downgraded Five Below to sell from neutral. Check out the latest calls and chatter below. All times ET. 7:22 a.m.: Beat-down Coursera shares can rebound more than 40%, BofA says Bank of America is now bullish on Coursera , saying the sold-off stock could see a notable bounce. Analyst Nafeesa Gupta initiated coverage of the online learning platform at a buy rating. Gupta's $11 price target implies shares can rally 43.8% over Wednesday's closing level. "We are constructive on COUR's long-term growth as the market for upskilling/reskilling expands," Gupta wrote in a Thursday note. Gupta said Coursera stands out amongst peers because it offers actual certifications and degrees in partnership with accredited institutions. That can actually provide value to students, she said, especially in a tight job market. Artificial intelligence can provide both tools to improve the business and the basis for educational programming, Gupta said. On top of that, the analyst said to expect further margin growth and the potential for revenue to reaccelerate next year. Shares jumped more than 6% before the bell on Thursday. That's a bright spot amid a hard year, with shares diving 60.5% in 2024.  Alex Harring 7:03 a.m.: Bernstein cuts price target on Nike amid innovation critiques Bernstein sees slightly less room for Nike to rebound. Analyst Aneesha Sherman shaved her price target down by $3 to $109. That still implies shares of the beat-down stock can bounce 34.7% over the next 12 months from Wednesday's close. Sherman kept her outperform rating on the athletic retailer, offering a sign of confidence amid a rough year. Nike shares have dove more than 25% in 2024, making it the third worst performer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. "'Nike didn't innovate' has been one of the sweeping statements thrown around this year," Sherman told clients. Sherman pinpointed three drivers of this cooled innovation, which in part pushed her to cut earnings estimates for the second half of 2025 and first half of 2026. While she described these issues as "fixable," the analyst said the resolutions will be slow moving and won't show a clear benefit until the 2026 fiscal year. They are: The design process becoming too complex. The removal of feedback loops. A shift in leadership focus away from the product. Despite the turmoil, Sherman said investors should not view the storied brand as "broken."  Alex Harring 6:53 a.m.: Now's the time to buy DoorDash, BTIG says BTIG said it's now the right time to buy in on DoorDash  even after the stock's big run. Analyst Jake Fuller upgraded shares of the food delivery stock to buy from neutral. Fuller's $155 price target reflects 17% upside over Wednesday's closing share price. "DASH has been on our radar for a while given a positive category bias, consistently strong execution and steady upward pressure on estimates," Fuller wrote in a note. Fuller listed three reasons for why it's currently a good time to snap up shares: Estimates should get raised again due to under-appreciated drivers over the long-run and near-term strength seen through checks. The company is hitting key milestones, with positive EBIT and net income expected in the second half of this year. Rideshare delivery services are "a scarce pocket of secular growth" within the consumer internet sector. Fuller said he wants to raise exposure on the food delivery group when compared with others like online travel booking or digital dating. DoorDash jumped about 4% before the bell Thursday. Notably, Fuller's call implies DoorDash has more room to run after already seeing big gains. The stock has surged around 34% year to date, building on 2023's rally of more than 102%.  Alex Harring 6:25 a.m.: Jefferies recommends buying NextEra Energy Partners despite buyout concern Jefferies came out of the gates optimistic on NextEra Energy Partners . Analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith initiated coverage of the Florida-based renewable energy stock at a buy rating. Dumoulin-Smith's $28 price target suggests 8.4% in upside over Wednesday's closing level. Concerns around the stock are tied to the fact that NextEra needs to handle $3.75 billion in buyouts tied to convertible equity portfolio financing between 2025 and 2032, the analyst said. That can lead to a whopping 50% dividend cut. But Dumoulin-Smith said the market has already "digested" this scenario. He said the company should see a "surprisingly high" average dividend yield of 7% over that seven-year period. "We think the market is underappreciating NEE potentially driving a more constructive outcome and shares trading below DCF, suggesting upside potential pending a resolution," Dumoulin-Smith told clients in a Wednesday note. Following this call, NextEra Energy Partners advanced more than 2% in Thursday's premarket trading. Shares have dropped about 15% in 2024. NEP YTD mountain NEP year to date  Alex Harring 6:19 a.m.: Barclays initiates Hertz at underweight Barclays is opening coverage on Hertz with concern at top of mind. Analyst Dan Levy initiated the car rental stock at underweight. Levy's $3 price target suggests the penny stock can lose 18.9% from where it finished Wednesday's session. "HTZ faces a challenging situation," Levy told clients in a Thursday note. "Accordingly, we believe HTZ stock will remain under pressure for the time being." Levy noted that Hertz is in the midst of a fleet overhaul with many electric vehicles being replaced, while simultaneously redoing its systems. Liquidity is a large concern going forward, he said, and EBITDA and free cash flow are both under pressure for the time being. Hertz shares fell more than 1% before the bell Thursday. The stock has tumbled more than 64% this year. Elsewhere, Barclays initiated coverage of competitor Avis at an equal weight rating. While the stock has plummeted 52% in 2024, it popped more than 5% in Thursday's premarket.  Alex Harring 5:54 a.m.: AI helps HubSpot compete, BofA says Bank of America is keeping an eye of HubSpot's artificial intelligence work. Following the software company's analyst day, BofA's Brad Sills reiterated his buy rating. Sills' $580 price target reflects the potential for shares to jump 15.1% over Wednesday's closing level. Sills pointed to the announcement of Breeze, its AI platform. He said this should widen the company's competitive moat, leading the analyst in turn to raise his targets for earnings per share in both 2025 and 2026. "HubSpot remains in AI 'proliferation first, monetization later' mode," Sills wrote to clients in a Wednesday note. But, "given the depth and breadth of the offerings, [the company] could enter monetization period perhaps as early as H2FY25." Shares have slid more than 13% in 2024, pulling back after more than doubling last year.  Alex Harring 5:46 a.m.: JPMorgan says to sell Five Below JPMorgan turned bearish on Five Below , citing challenges that are hard to surmount for the value-focused retailer during a tough year. Analysts Matthew Boss downgraded shares to underweight from neutral. While Boss raised his price target by $6 to $95, that still implies 5.2% downside from Wednesday's close. Boss pointed to the fact that a basket of Five Below products has seen sales decline year over year for all but one of the last 10 quarters. The retailer also should see headwinds to 2025 margins because of labor costs while it tries to "right" the course of the business, working specifically on things like pricing and product. Boss' call is unusual on the Street. The majority of analysts polled by LSEG have a buy-equivalent rating, and none before this had one that's equal to underperform or sell. This downgrade comes amid a rough year for the stock, with shares diving around 53%. If that performance continues, 2024 would mark Five Below's worst year on record. FIVE YTD mountain FIVE year to date  Alex Harring 5:46 a.m.: Piper Sandler says Abbott Laboratories is a buy There's an attractive buying opportunity in Abbott Laboratories shares, according to Piper Sandler. Analyst Adam Maeder initiated coverage of the medical device maker with an overweight rating. His price target of $131 implies upside of 14%. Abbott shares have lagged the broader market, rising just 4%, while the S & P 500 is up more than 17%. Maeder pointed to headwinds from lawsuits related to baby formula that allegedly caused necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Still, "with ABT trading at 22.3x consensus 2025 adj. EPS, we see an attractive entry point into what we believe is one of the higher quality large-cap medtech names," Maeder said. "We see a pathway to durable HSD top-line growth and expect ABT to return to double-digit adj. EPS growth in 2025 (and there forward). We couple this financial profile with a consistent dividend and solid past track record in recessionary environments and, ultimately, we see a versatile large-cap name that's undervalued," the analyst said. ABT YTD mountain ABT year to date  Fred Imbert
US President Joe Biden looks on before speaking ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, September 12, 2024.

A federal judge has extended a temporary restraining order against the Biden administration's latest student loan forgiveness plan, threatening the White House hope to provide financial relief to tens of millions of Americans ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential elections.

U.S. District Judge Randal Hall, appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush, said Wednesday that he would maintain the order blocking the Biden administration from forgiving student debt for an additional 14 days.

In the meantime, Hall said he would review the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction against the Biden's relief plan, and the Biden administration's request to dismiss the case.

The continuation of the restraining order is the latest setback for the Biden administration's efforts to cancel people's federal student loans. President Joe Biden began promising to alleviate people's education debts during his 2020 campaign bid, but Republican legal challenges have consistently stymied his attempts.

The development stems from a lawsuit against the president's aid package brought by seven GOP-led states earlier this month. The states  Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Dakota and Ohio  said the U.S. Department of Education's new debt cancellation effort, like its previous attempts, is illegal.

The states also accused the Biden administration of trying to secretly implement the plan before the final rule on the program was issued in October, which would violate rules around the timeline of new regulations.
This report is from this week's CNBC's "Inside India" newsletter which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse and the big businesses behind its meteoric rise. Like what you see? You can subscribe here.

India has long been thought of as the world's back-office, while its Asian counterpart China claimed the title of global factory powerhouse.

Those classifications held true for decades as India grew its capabilities in global command centers and other information technology services while China dominated large-scale manufacturing.

India's economic focus shifted to a new target when its government declared that manufacturing would spur its economy to high-income status by 2047.

The central government's launch of the "Make in India" initiative in September 2014 kicked off a move to galvanize efforts in becoming a manufacturing hub. Its intent was clear: to develop India's manufacturing capabilities in sectors like automotives, electronics, pharmaceuticals and aerospace while creating opportunities for locals.

In the 10 years since the launch of "Make in India," the government has dished out varied support measures such as the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, which supports businesses both local and foreign in planting roots in India. With an outlay of 1.97 trillion Indian rupees ($24 billion), 14 sectors are being leveraged under the PLI based on factors like their scope to reduce imports, boost exports and create employment.

From tech hub to iPhone manufacturer

To witness India's progress from a tech hub to a manufacturer, one merely needs to journey north from its own version of Silicon Valley in Bengaluru.

Approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast in the district of Kolar lies a Tata Group-owned facility that manufactures iPhones for tech giant Apple . The Tata Group became the first Indian company to manufacture iPhones after acquiring Taiwanese firm Wistron 's operations last October.

Another iPhone facility will soon be 45 kilometers away from Bengaluru in Doddaballapura. Run by Foxconn, around 20 million iPhones are expected to be produced here annually, once it commences operations.

With 14% of iPhones being made in India, the nation is now the largest producer of the smartphone after China, according to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apple has plans to raise this to 24% to 25% between 2027 and 2028.

Foxconn is among a growing number of contract manufacturers setting up shop in India to capitalize on its reservoir of workers seeking employment. The firm now has over 30 factories in India employing some 40,000 workers.

Like the Tata Group, other Indian firms have also jumped on the bandwagon. For instance, Dixon Technologies is among India's largest electronics manufacturers and has progressed from making gadgets like home appliances and surveillance systems for domestic consumption to producing smartphones for export.

Apart from electronics, India also has a foothold in pharmaceuticals and automotive manufacturing thanks in part to the "China Plus One" strategy that has nudged companies to diversify their supply chains and operations.

For instance, automaker Kia India set up its manufacturing facility in the district of Anantapur  over 200 kilometers away from Bengaluru  while homegrown company Divi's Laboratories is among the largest manufacturers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and counts global titans Novartis, GSK and Merck among its clients.

India's manufacturing sector has seen "remarkable" growth says, Samir Kapadia, founder and CEO of B2B marketplace India Index. For instance, it has benefitted from infrastructure developments like a six-fold increase in the pace of highway construction and a 40% jump in the average speed of freight trains over the past two decades, he said.

"These infrastructural shifts in India have improved connectivity within and outside the country putting India at a very different playing field than it was 10 years ago when 'Make in India' started," Kapadia told CNBC's Inside India.

He foresees further growth based on the $1.3 trillion earmarked by the government for infrastructure development for 25 years from 2021 to 2046, along with the partnerships and efforts that corporates are making.

But what excites him more is the "incremental arbitrage India will have as it takes market share from China inch by inch, sector by sector," added Kapadia.

For context, 61% of the 500 executive-level U.S. managers surveyed by market research firm OnePoll earlier this year said they would pick India over China if both countries could manufacture the same materials, while 56% preferred India to serve their supply chain needs within the next five years.

"What India will do is a lot more grandiose  I see a leapfrog in its entire workforce into industries like semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and medical devices," Kapadia said.

India vs. other emerging markets

While India looks to poach China's manufacturing share, other countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Mexico are also stiff competitors.

Indonesia's manufacturing capabilities include nickel and battery materials, while Vietnam's comparative advantage lies in broadcast equipment and machinery, to name a few. Bangladesh has a strong share in textiles manufacturing while Mexico, which produces autos, aviation and aerospace equipment, has an edge over India given its proximity to the U.S.

Franklin Templeton's Yi Ping Liao, however, does not see major cause for concern.

"I think there's always going to be competition but each country will have its own niche," the assistant portfolio manager, who is part of the emerging markets equity Asia strategy team, told CNBC's Inside India.

What sets India apart is its lower cost of labor relative to the other markets, and the fact that capacity built there can address not just exports, but also its large domestic market which has huge consumption potential, Liao said.

"There are still a lot of challenges for India, but they're coming from a low base. So even if it grows its electronics manufacturing from 3% to 9%  that's a three-fold increase which is a good opportunity," she noted.

What's lacking?

Even as India embraces the maturation of its manufacturing industry, the sector still has a long runway before it can help the country realize its vision of becoming a developed nation.

"The policy intention and direction of Make in India is correct. But we haven't seen much of a change in terms of increasing the share of manufacturing in India's GDP, or in job creation," Shumita Deveshwar, chief India economist at TS Lombard, told Inside India.

In fact, the share of manufacturing in India's GDP dipped from around 18% in 2012 to 14% in the current fiscal year, recent data shows. Indian investment firm DSP Mutual Fund predicts that the sector's share in overall GDP will rise to 21% by 2034.

What is needed is an increase in India's competitiveness through the addition of jobs at higher skill levels, Deveshwar said.

For starters, this can be cultivated through vocational training for unskilled workers in areas like textile manufacturing which can "be a big provider of jobs," she said. More experienced employees can take on jobs in semiconductors and high value-added products "which require targeted skills," she noted.

India is also in need of foreign investments, which is at a five-year low, said Deveshwar. Foreign direct investments into India as a share of GDP have lagged behind Brazil and China between 2010 and 2022, which the TS Lombard economist finds concerning, given its strong macroeconomic indicators.
Members of the National Action Network protest outside the office of hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman on January 04, 2024 in New York City.

Several companies, including Molson Coors, Harley-Davidson , Ford and Lowe's all followed suit. They said they will no longer provide data to the nonprofit's Corporate Equality Index, a traditionally respected barometer for which companies best meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Rural retailer Tractor Supply started a trend specifically by severing ties with LGBTQ+ advocacy group the Human Rights Campaign, also known as HRC, which is among the letter's signatories .

A range of corporations have curbed their DEI efforts, which picked up in 2020 after a national reckoning over racial injustice sparked by the police killing of George Floyd. Legal experts saw the Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling on affirmative action in higher education as a roadmap for targeting private corporations prioritizing employee, supplier and consumer diversity. While some right-wing activists have claimed credit for pressuring companies on social media into making the changes in recent weeks, several corporations have said changes have been in the works since March.

"These shortsighted decisions make our workplaces less safe and less inclusive for hard-working Americans," the letter adds.

"Abandoning DEI will have long-term consequences on business success," the authors of the letter wrote. "Ultimately shirking fiduciary responsibility to employees, consumers, and shareholders."

The call to action comes after businesses including Ford , Tractor Supply , and Brown-Forman announced plans to change or entirely end internal DEI initiatives.

Twenty civil rights organizations sent a letter Thursday to Fortune 1000 companies calling for them to recommit to diversity, equity and inclusion, after several major companies scaled back their efforts.

HRC President Kelley Robinson told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Sept. 12 that there's a strong business case for diversity in the workplace.

"Consumers are two times more likely to want to buy from brands that support the community," said Robinson. "This is bottom line the best thing to do for businesses, and that's why I think that we're seeing so much energy from employees, from consumers and from shareholders starting to push back on these decisions."

She emphasized that LGBTQ+ consumers have $1.4 trillion of buying power, as reported by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Robinson called moving away from DEI the "wrong decision for business."

The HRC responded to the companies that rolled back DEI commitments by cutting their Corporate Equality Index scores by 25 points.

On a 100-point scale, that deduction brings Brown-Forman, Lowe's, Ford and Molson Coors from a perfect score of 100 to 75. Tractor Supply & John Deere fall from 95 to 70. And Harley-Davidson 's Corporate Equality Index score drops from 45 to 20.

The companies mentioned in this article did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In the letter to the Fortune 1000 companies, the civil rights groups argued pulling back from DEI not only hurts their standing with consumers, but also risks their ability to keep the most talented workforce possible.

"Businesses that fail to include women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people neglect their financial duty to recruit and retain top talent," the letter read.

"We call on business leaders to speak out publicly, defending decades long, pro-business decisions to support inclusion."

The full text of the letter and list of signatories is below.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs, policies, and practices make business-sense and they're broadly popular among the public, consumers, and employees. But a small, well-funded, and extreme group of right-wing activists is attempting to pressure companies into abandoning their DEI programs.

Recently, some CEOs have caved and announced their company's divestment from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

These capitulations weaken businesses and the American economy more broadly. And, these shortsighted decisions make our workplaces less safe and less inclusive for hard-working Americans. Meanwhile this exposes businesses to legal risk by increasing the likelihood of bias and discrimination within organizations.

Abandoning DEI will have long-term consequences on business success -- ultimately shirking fiduciary responsibility to employees, consumers, and shareholders. Businesses that fail to include women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people neglect their financial duty to recruit and retain top talent from across the full talent pool and limit their company's performance overall.

A survey of 1,039 companies with at least $15 billion in annual revenue showed that companies at the top quartile for both gender and ethnic diversity are 12% more likely to outperform all other companies. There is also a penalty for lagging on diversity which has only gotten larger with time. Companies in the bottom quartile of executive diversity on gender and ethnicity underperform all other companies by 27%. (Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters, McKinsey & Company 2020 report)

Critically, these decisions are not supported by your employees. According to an Edelman survey in 2024, 60% percent of people say an inclusive work culture with a well-supported diversity program is critical to attracting and retaining them as an employee -- that's up 9 points from 2022. In addition, according to Pew, only 16 percent of employees think focusing on DEI "is a bad thing."

Furthermore, divestment from DEI will alienate diverse consumer segments including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Women control an estimated two-thirds of global consumer spending and are projected to control two-thirds of all consumer wealth within the next decade, with estimates ranging from $12 trillion to $40 trillion. Today, Black consumers hold $1.7 trillion in purchasing power and the LGBTQ+ community wields $1.4 trillion in spending power.

Future-proofing businesses also means recognizing the increasing diversity of consumers and employees. One-in-four GenZers are Hispanic, 14% are Black, 6% are Asian, 5% are some other race or multiple races, and 30% are LGBTQ+ identified. Our nation's disabled population continues to grow: recent CDC data showed the number of disabled adults in the United States grew, from 61 million in 2018 to 70 million in 2024, or more than 1 in 4 Americans (28.7%). This immense financial influence by populations often served by DEI programs are seen across various sectors, from consumer goods to financial services, demonstrating that DEI is a critical driver of business.

Put simply, hastily abandoning efforts that ensure fair, safe, and inclusive work environments is bad for business, unpopular and unwise. As business leaders who helped to build DEI programs, you know it's good business, and we have the receipts that show it.

At this moment, we call on business leaders and corporate board members to lead.

When values of diversity, equity and inclusion are tested by politically motivated, anti-business forces, CEOs and corporate board members must defend them unequivocally. To be clear, women workers, people of color and disabled workers aren't making political statements when they show up to work and ask for equal policies, benefits and treatment. By abandoning best practice programs to support these workers, you not only capitulate to political forces and disregard what's good for your bottom line, but you introduce risks of discrimination and bias to your employees and your company.

We welcome your partnership and understand the safety risks posed by bad actors are serious -- these are threats that impact us all. Backing down from long-standing commitments only serves to empower those who threaten your workers and customers. We call on business leaders to speak out publicly, defending decades long, pro-business decisions to support inclusion. Your trusted voices together will future proof the business community against anti-business, politically motivated extremists.
Passers-by walk in front of the main entrance to the Axel Springer high-rise.

German media empire Axel Springer will be split in two under a deal between CEO Mathias Doepfner and private equity firm, the company said on Thursday, securing the billionaire chief executive's control over news titles Bild and Politico.

Axel Springer's profitable classifieds businesses are to become separately held entities under U.S. firm KKR and Canada's CPP Investments majority ownership, the German media group said in a statement.

The two sides had reached a deal in the summer to split Axel Springer, a source told Reuters on Saturday.

The statement did not give a valuation of the company.

Sources told Reuters the sides currently value the whole company at 13.5 billion euros ($14.95 billion) with the classifieds business accounting for the lion's share of it at around 10 billion euros.

That would be around double the value given for the group when KKR entered as a strategic investor five years ago in a deal that preceded Springer's delisting in 2020.

Axel Springer said a final agreement on the split was expected in the coming months, with the transaction expected to close in the second quarter of next year.

Founded by Axel Springer in 1946 in Hamburg, his eponymous publishing house grew into Germany's most influential media group, with its right-wing, red-bannered tabloid Bild ranking as the country's most-read newspaper by far with a daily circulation of just under 1 million at the end of 2023.

Today, the media company has its sights set on expansion in North America, having bought political news outlet Politico for $1 billion in 2021, and is seeking to expand its influence there.

The deal to split Springer would hand the group's media assets to Doepfner and members of the Springer family, including the 82-year-old Friede Springer, Axel's widow, who consolidated control over the business after his death in 1985, before gradually transferring power to her anointed successor Doepfner.

KKR and its partner CPP Investments currently hold a 35.6% and 12.9% stake in Axel Springer, respectively, while Doepfner and Friede Springer hold 21.9% and 22.5%.

The planned split foresees KKR and CPP Investments owning the majority of classifieds, which include job portal Stepstone and property website Aviv, while Doepfner and Springer would retain a minority stake.

Axel Springer had been preparing to float Stepstone but the planned initial public offering was shelved when war broke out in Ukraine in 2022.

KKR and CPP Investments are now likely to target an IPO in the second half of 2025, according to an industry source.

Aviv is also seen as a potential candidate for an IPO but sources say the company is not yet ready.
CNBC's Jim Cramer on Thursday reviewed stocks that have historically performed well just after the Federal Reserve embarks on a cutting cycle and chose his favorites. Using data compiled by CNBC Pro, Cramer discussed the top 10 stocks with the median best performance during three months after an initial cut over the past 40 years.

"Now that the Fed's started cutting rates with a bang, you need to think about what kind of stocks will work best in what I consider to be a new regime. Our friends as CNBC Pro got you started with the ten stocks that've done best during the first three months after a rate cuts, going back to '84," he said. "But when you go through their current circumstances, the only ones I can fully endorse are Apple, Target and Textron, in that order."

 CNBC's Sarah Min contributed to this story.
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Lebanon's leadership warned that the risk of further violence and escalation is extremely high following two days of attacks involving exploding communications devices across the country. The next 48 hours, ministers told CNBC on Thursday, will be particularly dangerous. On Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of communications devices  including pagers and two-way radios  used by members of Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah exploded in an apparent widespread act of sabotage, killing at least 37 people and injuring at least 3,000 more. Hezbollah called the act an "Israeli aggression"; Israel, meanwhile, has not commented on the blasts. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was among those injured, while a son of a Hezbollah member of Parliament was killed in the attack. Children were also among those killed. "It's definitely a very serious escalation. I don't see any act of escalation that will not lead to provocation, and that is what we fear most, because what happened yesterday will only trigger more escalation into the conflict," Lebanon's minister of economy, Amin Salam, told CNBC's Dan Murphy on Thursday.

"This will be a really, very, very dangerous ... 48 hours that this country will witness to see how the reaction will be." Hezbollah, the Shiite organization that also dominates a large swathe of Lebanon's politics, is already engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israel to its south. The group has now vowed retaliation, raising fears of all-out war in a region already ravaged by conflict. Hezbollah has launched thousands of rockets into Israel in the nearly 12 months since the latter began its war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza in October last year, with Israeli retaliatory fire killing hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and scores of Lebanese civilians. Tens of thousands of people on both the Lebanese and Israeli sides of the border have been evacuated from their homes.

'Unparalleled kind of unification'

The attacks, Salam said, managed to unify many Lebanese behind Hezbollah, despite many in the country normally being opposed to the group. "It created a massive, massive reaction, even with people in Lebanon that were against Hezbollah, now they are taking a stand more with Hezbollah," the minister said. "So the provocation turned from one entity in Lebanon into the entire country. Yesterday, we witnessed an unparalleled kind of unification among Lebanese political parties towards what happened." "I think yesterday broke all rules, all borders," Salam added. "It went beyond because in Lebanon, this is considered, you know, an act of terror. ... That's why I'm terribly concerned that this will lead to further violence, and this will definitely escalate the situation."

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CNBC also spoke to Lebanon's health minister, Firas Abiad, who said the attacks and the subsequent floods of injured casualties were a shock to the country's hospital system. "We had around 2,800 patients who presented to the emergency rooms, which eventually we had 12 fatalities," after the first wave of device explosions, Abiad said. "We had almost 300 patients in critical conditions, and almost 450 patients who required operations for eye injuries, hand injuries, amputations. ... There were more than 90 hospitals that were involved in receiving patients." The attacks are a blow to Lebanon's already fragile infrastructure, which suffers daily power cuts, and its economy, which is one of the most indebted in the world and has undergone a series of crises in recent years. "We are working in a low resource environment," Abiad said. "If there is a major escalation, it will put a major stress on the health system. There is no questioning about that."

A Lebanese army soldier gestures to an ambulance rushing wounded people to a hospital in Beirut on September 17, 2024, after explosions hit locations in several Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah fighters. Anwar Amro | AFP | Getty Images
The exterior of the Hayward Gallery, part of the Southbank Centre. The brutalist-style building was designed by a team led by Norman Engleback in the late 1960s. Universal Images Group | Getty Images

LONDON  From Michelle Obama to Anish Kapoor and Tracey Emin to Nina Simone, London's Southbank Centre has featured them all, and it is one of the U.K.'s most popular attractions. But to secure its future, the arts complex needs 165 million ($217 million) to repair ageing buildings  which include performance venues, a gallery and public spaces across 11 acres on the south side of the River Thames  as it approaches its 75th anniversary in 2026. In March, the Southbank Centre's CEO Elaine Bedell appealed to the then Conservative government to contribute 27 million toward the "urgent" cost of repairing and upgrading the complex's buildings, in an article in London's Evening Standard newspaper. And according to Mark Ball, the Southbank Centre's artistic director, money for those repairs will involve a "big conversation" with the U.K.'s newly installed Labour government and other supporters  a significant portion of the center's funding comes via a public grant, with the rest coming from donations, retail and partnerships. "We can't allow the cultural infrastructure to literally crumble in our hands, because ... without investment, it won't be here," Ball told CNBC. Ball is responsible for programming performances and exhibitions for the center's four main venues  concert halls Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, smaller live music venue Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery  as well as commissioning artwork for outdoor spaces across the site. (The neighboring National Theatre and British Film Institute Southbank are not part of the Southbank Centre.)

Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama on stage at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre on Dec. 3, 2018, as part of a tour to promote her book "Becoming." Jack Taylor | Getty Images

Ball has been in the job since January 2022, joining from a role as creative director of the Manchester International Festival. During his first year at the Southbank Centre, he oversaw more than 5,400 events and shows. The center is the U.K.'s fifth most-visited attraction, with visitor numbers up 8% to nearly 3.2 million in 2023, but  like other arts institutions  figures are not yet back to pre-Covid levels, which topped 4 million, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions. The Royal Festival Hall, the center's first venue, opened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, a government-funded event held across the U.K. to provide positivity after World War II. "That was a festival set up by a Labour government, coming in on a landslide, after a war, in a country battered by austerity. And there was a need for cohesiveness, there was a need to look really optimistically at the future," Ball said. "It transformed this  what was derelict, bombed out, part of south London, into this huge cultural space," he says. Ball is hoping for the new government to see arts institutions in a similarly optimistic way and described its pledges to support arts subjects in schools as "very exciting." But, as a result of what Ball described as a "real terms deduction" in public funding over the past few years, the center has sought commercial partnerships with the likes of Apple, and the Royal Festival Hall began hosting the BAFTA awards in 2023. The government's grant totaled 19.95 million in the financial year ended March 31, 2019, then rose in 2020 and 2021 before falling to 19.67 million in 2023.

Mark Ball, artistic director of London's Southbank Centre. Southbank Centre

Ball attended new Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's speech at the Science and Industry museum in Manchester in July, in which she talked about the government's aim to support culture and creativity against a backdrop of rioting in the U.K. CNBC spoke to Ball as the U.K. was reeling from the summer's violence. "We look at what's happening now, and it's  very shocking, but it makes it more important, I think, to understand that culture does have a real role in putting yourself in someone else's shoes," he said. "That's what artists do all the time. They create stories about other people that allow you to have empathy," he said. Ball shared a school experience in the 1980s during a "legendary" performance of "Richard III" by the Royal Shakespeare Company, starring Antony Sher. "As a young, closeted gay kid, seeing this performance of this outsider trying to find a way to be accepted, which is essentially the characterization that Antony gave him, just totally resonated with me," he said. "It literally changed my life ... I became much more actively involved in the arts. I dropped some of my science subjects and started doing drama. Twenty years later, I was working for the Royal Shakespeare Company," he said. The Southbank Centre announced its forthcoming season on Thursday, including a large-scale retrospective from artists Gilbert Prousch and George Passmore, better known as Gilbert and George.

Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic (center) posing with artists at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, on Oct. 4, 2023. Daniel Leal | AFP | Getty Images

The program also includes classical music festival Multitudes, which will see collaborations between contemporary artists and the center's resident orchestras and other performers. Conceptual artist Marina Abramovic will perform "Vexations," a short piano piece played repetitively over around 16 hours, with pianist Igor Levit, and, in a separate event, "All of this Unreal Time," a movie starring Cillian Murphy, will be shown alongside a live music performance. "One of the things that struck me when I came here is that amazing artists came through the building, and they were brought through the building by individual artform teams. But they never met," Ball said. "One of the things I've been trying to do ... is to get our artform teams to be working much more collaboratively. Artists instinctively now [are] less genre specific," he said. Ball hopes such collaborations will encourage new audiences to see and hear classical music live. There has been a "massive rise" in the number of young people streaming classical music, he said, but that hasn't translated into attending performances. A 2022 study by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra showed that people under the age of 35 listened to classical music more often than those over 55. "[Young] people going to other contemporary music gigs are not necessarily taking the leap into going to live classical music events, because they perhaps don't see it as something that's for them," Ball said.

"Thinking Fountains," an installation by German artist Klaus Weber, outside the Hayward Gallery at the Southbank Centre. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks on stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson called himself a "black NAZI" and said "slavery is not bad" in years-old comments on an online pornographic forum, CNN reported Thursday.

Robinson, the controversial lieutenant governor of the key presidential battleground state, also posted graphic sexual messages in dozens of posts on that forum through an account linked to him, according to CNN's "KFile."

The candidate, who has been praised by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as recently as last month, referred to himself on that forum as a "perv" with an affinity for transgender porn, per CNN.

Reached for comment, Robinson's campaign spokesman Michael Lonergan pointed CNBC to a video in which the Republican denies the report and accuses his Democratic opponent, state Attorney General Josh Stein, of leaking the story to CNN.

"Let me reassure you, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson," the candidate said in the straight-to-camera statement shared on X less than an hour before the report published.

Ahead of CNN's bombshell, Robinson was under pressure from staff and members of the Trump campaign to drop out of the race, the Carolina Journal reported, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

The Trump campaign denied it was pushing Robinson to withdraw. "That's absolutely inaccurate," spokesman Brian Hughes told NBC News.

Robinson in Thursday's video signaled he would not leave the race in North Carolina, where the first absentee ballots are set to be sent out Friday.

Recent polls on the race for North Carolina's top job show Stein leading Robinson, at times by wide margins. The Democrat on Thursday launched a new "Republicans for Stein" initiative.

Robinson, who won his state's GOP gubernatorial primary in March, has already been at the center of a series of controversies and scandals.

Among the most recent: a Sept. 3 report from North Carolina investigative outlet The Assembly, that Robinson frequented 24-hour porn shops' private video booths as often as five nights a week in the 1990s and early 2000s.

His campaign spokesman denied that report and lashed out at the reporters, accusing them of being "degenerates."
Activist investor Politan Capital won the two board seats it was seeking at medical technology company Masimo , defeating founder and CEO Joe Kiani and another director, Chris Chavez, at the shareholder vote.

Masimo shares rose more than 2% in extended trading. Politan nominees Darlene Solomon and Bill Jellison will join Politan investment chief Quentin Koffey and former Johnson & Johnson executive Michelle Brennan, who obtained board seats in a prior proxy fight last year.

"We look forward to meeting with, learning from, and working together with the Healthcare and Consumer employees to make Masimo an even greater company," the four directors said in a statement after the vote on Thursday.

Politan's nominees in total received roughly twice as many votes as Kiani and Chavez, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss non-public information freely.

The extended proxy fight was marked by a fierce legal battle. Masimo, best known for its litigation with Apple over the company's use of pulse-oximetry technology in the Apple Watch, sued Politan, alleging errors in its proxy statement. The activist, in turn, sued Masimo, claiming the company had manipulated the vote count with the help of a powerful shareholder ally.

Masimo's effort for injunctive relief was ultimately rejected, although Koffey was held in contempt of court for revealing the judge's decision while it was under seal. The victory for Politan will likely result in the departure of CEO Kiani as well as operating chief Bilal Muhsin. Kiani and Muhsin have both told shareholders they would quit if Kiani was ousted from the board.

WATCH: Masimo CEO on the proxy fight
Worries about whether artificial intelligence investments will pay off may have rocked markets recently, but Wedbush Securities tech analyst Dan Ives says the tech boom is set to continue. Nvidia shares in particular were hit in recent weeks , before rebounding last week and lifting other tech names as well. Nvidia is set to continue driving tech higher, Ives told CNBC's " Street Signs Asia " on Monday. "Everything we're seeing from  Nvidia  this party is going to continue  for the next six to eight quarters, because we're actually seeing demand accelerating," he said. "I believe this fourth industrial revolution is just starting, and now second, third, fourth derivatives [are] playing out across the pack  Oracle , Microsoft , Palantir , front and center," he concluded, adding that that includes the areas of software, infrastructure, internet and smartphones. He's also optimistic that the tech supply chain is set for more growth, saying that use cases are continuing to expand, which is good news for related components. Ives estimated that AI capital expenditure is set to reach around $1 trillion. "The tech supply chain is gearing up for an unprecedented period of growth being driven by the roughly $1 trillion of AI capex we estimate is on the horizon the next few years for the tech world," he wrote in a separate Sept. 15 note with other Wedbush analysts. Ives said tech stocks are set to move higher into the end of the year and 2025, thanks to AI spending, the start of a U.S. rate-cutting cycle and an assumed "soft landing." Wedbush estimates that for every $1 spent on an Nvidia graphics processing unit chip , there's an $8 to $10 "multiplier" across the tech sector. "Nvidia has changed the tech and global landscape as its GPUs have become the new oil and gold in the IT landscape with its chips powering the AI Revolution and being the only game in town for now," the note said.
Check out the companies making headlines in extended trading: Nike  Shares soared 10%. The sneaker company announced that CEO John Donahoe would step down from the role on Oct. 13. Nike veteran Elliott Hill, who had been at the company for 32 years before retiring in 2020, will take the helm. FedEx  Shares of the shipping company pulled back 10%. FedEx trimmed the higher end of its full-year earnings outlook and cut its revenue guidance. Fiscal first-quarter results missed the mark as well. FedEx reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.60 on revenue of $21.58 billion, while analysts polled by LSEG were looking for $4.76 per share in earnings and $21.93 billion of revenue. MillerKnoll  The office furniture company slipped more than 2% after missing analysts' estimates on the top and bottom lines in the fiscal first quarter. MillerKnoll reported adjusted earnings per share of 36 cents on revenue of $861.5 million. Analysts polled by FactSet forecast 40 cents per share on revenue of $889.4 million. The company also issued weak guidance for the current quarter. Lennar  The home construction company fell 3% despite surpassing Wall Street estimates in the fiscal third quarter. Lennar reported earnings of $4.26 per share on revenue of $9.42 billion. Analysts surveyed by LSEG expected earnings of $3.63 per share on $9.17 billion in revenue. Chewy  Shares of the pet products retailer slipped around 1%. Chewy announced a public offering of $500 million of its Class A stock by Buddy Chester Sub LLC, an entity affiliated with funds advised by BC Partners Advisors  Chewy's largest shareholder. The retailer also agreed to buy $300 million in shares from Buddy Chester; Chewy said it will cancel and retire those repurchased shares when the transaction is complete.
Chinese vice premier talks with UK chancellor of exchequer on economic cooperation

Xinhua) 09:36, September 19, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Wednesday held a phone conversation with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on enhancing trade and economic cooperation.

He, who leads the Chinese side to China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, said that China is ready to work with Britain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and restart the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.

China is also willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Britain, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and expand cooperation in finance, green economy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, among others, he noted.

Reeves, who leads the British side to the dialogue, said that Britain is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China to lay a stable and lasting foundation for the development of long-term and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Here are Thursday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Morgan Stanley reiterates Alphabet as overweight In a note to clients, the firm outlined four areas the company can work on to improve its multiple. "A) Improved GenAI disclosure B) Rev, opex and capex guidance with upward revisions C) More complete segment disclosure D) More emphasis of GOOGL's positive societal impacts." Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight The firm said iPhone 16 demand may not be as bad as feared after comments from the T-Mobile CEO. "However today's comments from TMUS' CEO that iPhone 16 family sales are vibrant and up Y/Y  even before Apple Intelligence is released  with greater potential longevity to the cycle, suggests that demand might not be as bad as feared." JPMorgan downgrades Five Below to underweight from equal weight JPMorgan said it sees "margin constraints" for the discount retailer. "Specifically on cadence - our work points to August comps down low-single-digits with sequential improvement in 1H September." Piper Sandler reiterates Robinhood as overweight Piper Sandler said the "opportunity knocks for [an] expanded crypto offering" for the stock trading company. "Bottom line, we estimate ~10%-12% EPS upside to HOOD earnings if the company were to expand its crypto offering to something comparable to crypto native peers." KeyBanc reiterates Nvidia as overweight KeyBanc said it is sticking with its overweight rating on the stock. "We see NVDA as remaining uniquely positioned to benefit from AI/ML secular data center growth within the industry." Redburn Atlantic Equities initiates Kodiak Gas Services as buy Redburn said the natural gas company is "attractive." " Kodiak Gas Services (KGS), a leading contract compression provider, offers investors an attractive way to gain exposure to structural growth in US natural gas demand." Mizuho initiates Talos Energy as buy Mizuho said the energy company offers a "compelling investment opportunity." "We believe TALO's strategic focus on balancing asset optimization, low risk development/exploitation, and targeted high-impact exploration projects can provide modest but steady volume growth that, combined with the high oil mix and above-average EBITDA margin, result in a cash generation outlook that is underappreciated at current price levels." Mizuho initiates Northern Oil and Gas as buy Mizuho said the oil and gas company is well positioned. "There are pros and cons of being a non-operator, but on balance we believe NOG' s combination of scale, lower operational risk, superior cash operating margins, a strong M & A track record, and attractive cash return make for a compelling investment case that stacks up against operator E & Ps." Raymond James upgrades Safehold to outperform from market perform Raymond James said the real estate investment trust is a beneficiary of lower rates. " Safehold (SAFE): Upgrading to Outperform from Market Perform, increasing 2025 estimates, and establishing price target of $34 per share." Morgan Stanley reiterates Nio as overweight Morgan Stanley said it is bullish on the electric vehicle company as Nio unveils its latest midsize family model, the L60. " NIO's unproven execution remains the key culprit, on which bulls and bears can argue their respective cases. Market conviction, supply chain commitment and corporate (operating & financing) cash flow will all hinge heavily on the success of the L60." TD Cowen reiterates Micron as buy TD Cowen cut its price target on the stock to $115 per share from $160 but said it is standing by its buy rating ahead of Micron earnings next week. "As for the upside, we expect a very similar setup, at least directionally, to that of 2H:21, where shares recovered by nearly +40% over a 3-month period (Sep.21 through Jan.22), presenting an attractive risk reward." Morgan Stanley reiterates Tesla as overweight Morgan Stanley said it is concerned about the company's robotaxi event but that it is standing by the stock. "Heading into Tesla's '10/10' robotaxi event we are, frankly, struggling to see how the day can live up to investors' high expectations." Barclays initiates Hertz as underweight Barclays said it sees too many negative catalysts for the auto rental company. "Launching on HTZ with UW rating  liquidity questions amid fleet overhaul." Piper Sandler initiates Abbot Laboratories as overweight Piper Sandler said the medical device company has an attractive valuation. "We are initiating coverage of Abbott Laboratories with an Overweight rating and $131 PT." Wells Fargo initiates Outfront Media as overweight Wells Fargo said it is bullish on shares of the outdoor ad company. "We're initiating coverage on OUT with an Overweight rating and $22 PT." Morgan Stanley downgrades Elanco to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley said it "lacks conviction" in shares of the pet biopharma company. "While ELAN's pipeline progress will offer line of sight to more consistent topline growth & share gains w/ tangible launch catalysts in 4Q/2025, we lack conviction in the near-to-medium term pathway, on the lack of clear superior differentiation in an evolving competitive landscape for key products." BTIG upgrades DoorDash to buy from neutral The firm said rideshare is a "a scarce pocket of secular growth." "Checks point to ongoing near-term strength and we see under-appreciated longer-term drivers, leading us to raise estimates (again); DASH is hitting important milestones with positive EBIT and net income expected in 2H." Bank of America initiates Coursera as buy The firm said it is bullish on shares of the online learning platform company. "We are initiating on Coursera (COUR) with a Buy rating and a PO of $11 (44% upside potential)."
Don't worry about Apple or the iPhone 16. Wall Street analysts have been debating whether demand for the company's new artificial intelligence-ready iPhone models is off to a slow start ahead of Friday's rollout to stores. Jim Cramer said Thursday, however, there should be no debate after what T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert told him in a Wednesday interview for "Mad Money." The leader of one of the largest U.S. carriers said there have been more iPhone 16 sales in the first week of preordering compared to the same period last year for the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 was announced on Sept. 9 , when the company held this year's fall new product event. "People are buying Pros. They're buying Maxes. So, they're buying up the food chain, and they're buying at a greater rate," Sievert said, dismissing any softer iPhone 16 sales data as "nonsense." This is important because mobile carriers  including Verizon and AT & T  are the single-largest iPhone sales channel for Apple. These firms account for roughly 66% of iPhone shipments in the U.S., and about 40% worldwide, according to Morgan Stanley. That's why Jim trusts the T-Mobile CEO's word more than initial analyst channel checks on sales. "Sievert stands for what the numbers really are," Jim stressed during Thursday's Morning Meeting . After listening to Sievert  who also spoke at Wednesday's T-Mobile analyst day  Morgan Stanley came to the same conclusion Jim did. In a Wednesday note, the Morgan Stanley analysts said the iPhone 16 will usher in a "multi-year upgrade cycle" for Apple because of its generative artificial intelligence capabilities. They said it's a "when, not an if" situation. AAPL YTD mountain Apple YTD This is a big pushback on Wall Street calls from earlier this week about softer demand for the iPhone 16 base and Pro models that knocked down Apple stock. Analysts from JPMorgan, Barclays and Bank of America said that lower shipping times compared to last year may indicate softer demand for the newest iPhone Pro models. TF Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo, a noted Apple analyst, said that first-weekend sales for the iPhone 16 were down 12% year over year compared to the iPhone 15. Kuo said demand was lagging because a key selling point, the Apple Intelligence AI suite, won't be fully available until after the release. Sievert counted that notion, telling Jim on "Mad Money" that delays in the AI tools could drive more interest in the iPhone 16. "I have a feeling the cycle will be lengthened a little. The AI features don't come out for a little while. That word-of-mouth of seeing Apple Intelligence on your phone and telling other people is still in front of us and will take a few weeks." Shares of Apple were on a three-session winning streak, including Thursday's 3.8% surge. Year to date, Apple has gained 19%  roughly on par with the S & P 500 index's 20% increase in 2024. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AAPL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

Apple CEO Tim Cook inspects the new iPhone 16 during an Apple special event at Apple headquarters on September 09, 2024 in Cupertino, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
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#NewsFlash | #SBI has subscribed the $50 m government Treasury Bills issued by #MaldivesGovernment for one more year.

Earlier subscription matures on September 19, 2024, in May 2024 SBI had similarly taken a subscription for a $50 m T Bill under the same mechanism pic.twitter.com/oS1NWYGhcm



 CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) September 19, 2024

The State Bank of India (SBI) has renewed its subscription to $50 million worth of government treasury bills issued by the Maldives for another year. The previous subscription was set to mature on September 19, 2024, and has now been extended at the request of the Maldivian government.In May 2024, SBI had similarly subscribed to $50 million in Maldivian treasury bills under the same mechanism, as part of its ongoing financial support to the island nation. These subscriptions are part of broader efforts to bolster the Maldives' economic stability.India regards Maldives as a key maritime neighbour and an important partner under the country's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision Sagar.Earlier on Wednesday, Maldives Education, Labour & Skills Minister Ahmed Shafeeu had said that India remains a major partner for Maldives and also a major contributor to the development, especially in the education sector. He was addressing education and skilling resources exhibition and conference DIDAC INDIA in New Delhi.India-Maldives ties were under strain after President Mohammad Muizzu-led government's campaign to remove a small contingent of Indian troops from the Maldives.After talks between the two sides, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.Things further went downhill after three Maldivian deputy ministers made controversial remarks regarding India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.Maldives Foreign Ministry distanced itself from their remarks, and the three junior ministers were suspended.Unlike his predecessors, who made the first port of call to New Delhi after assuming office, Muizzu travelled to Turkiye first and to China for his first state visit in January.He visited New Delhi on June 9 to attend Prime Minister Modis swearing-in ceremony.
As we navigate the threshold of a bold new era with generative AI, the excitement is palpable  not least for software companies in Europe. From content and code generation (including debugging and testing), personalisation, and back-office task optimisation to virtual assistants, decision-making, and far beyond, generative AI is a revolutionary technology that is beginning to drive considerable value. It is also a strategic imperative for software developers to help power the next stage of their customers growth.

McKinsey estimates that 75 percent of the value generative AI could deliver will come from four key areas: customer operations; marketing and sales; software engineering; research and development (R&D). The direct positive impact on software engineering productivity could range from 20 percent to 45 percent annually. This would be achieved through a reduction in the time spent on activities like generating initial code drafts, generating documentation, analysing the root-cause of issues, or creating new systems design.

Leveraging the Cloud to Seize the Generative AI Opportunity

At AWS, we are committed to helping software companies realise the full potential of cloud computing as an enabler for the fast adoption of generative AI. Thousands of software businesses in Europe are using AWS today to accelerate innovation, increase operational efficiencies, and reduce costs while getting the highest levels of security and protection. Cloud technology is crucial to create and power the Foundational Models (FMs), like Large Language Models (LLMs), and augment these models with your data, to build unique generative AI applications at scale. With Amazon Bedrock, we offer our customers the choice to use diverse high-performing foundation models from leading AI companies like AI21 Labs, Anthropic, Cohere, Meta, Mistral AI, Stability AI, and Amazon through a single API, along with a broad set of capabilities for building generative AI applications with security, privacy, and responsible AI.

Developers are telling us that theyre spending the majority of their time on repetitive and tedious tasks and cookie-cutter code. To help solve this challenge, we recently announced the general availability of Amazon Q, the most capable generative AI-powered assistant for accelerating software development and leveraging companies internal data. Amazon Q Developer assists developers and IT professionals with all of their tasksfrom coding, testing, and upgrading applications, to troubleshooting, performing security scanning and fixes, and optimising AWS resources. This empowers developers to spend less time on repetitive and tedious coding and more time on creating unique experiences for their end users while being able to deploy faster.



Continual Evolution of Use Cases

Generative AI is already making an impact on software companies in Europe. InfoCert, whose Legalmail solution enables businesses to verify the authenticity and legal validity of their email exchanges, is using Amazon Bedrock to streamline access to innovative document and email processing features, and paving the way for more efficient machine learning (ML) integrations. InfoCert expects to reduce financial overhead by 80 percent for startup, development, and configuration costs when onboarding new customers.

Another example is Showpad, a software company recognised for crafting leading sales and marketing enablement solutions. It is leveraging AI services from AWS to analyse vast amounts of data and use the insights to generate personalised content that addresses each buyers unique needs and preferences. The results are telling, Showpads customers are already seeing a 2.2-times uplift in the return on investment for their marketing content.

AWS Commitment to Europe

Our commitment to democratising access to generative AI builds on our longstanding support of Europes digital future through our investments in infrastructure, jobs, skills development, and education in local communities. We recently announced plans to invest 15.7 billion in Spain in the AWS Europe (Spain) Region, which will support an estimated 17,500 full-time equivalent jobs in local businesses on an annual average basis.

For public sector organisations and customers in highly regulated industries, we are launching the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, a new independent cloud for Europe, by the end of 2025 with a planned investment of 7.8 billion. To help customers and partners plan their deployments to the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, we have published the roadmap of initial services.

AWS local teams work to empower software companies across Europe through various programs aimed at supporting their international expansion, such as AWS Global Passport. We are also focused on accelerating modernisation and fostering SaaS adoption through programs like AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) and the dedicated EMEA SaaS Factory.

To learn more about how software companies can harness generative AI to accelerate growth, download ebook, and listen to this podcast.
The UN Secretary-Generals Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence has released its final report  Governing AI for Humanity  detailing how AI can best serve humanity, especially people who are often underrepresented and left out of such discussions.

The report builds on months of extensive global consultation with more than 2,000 participants and the publication of a provisional report last December. The group behind the report is described as the worlds first and most representative collection of experts capable of reflecting humanitys aspirations for AI.

The final report sets out a plan to manage AI-related risks and share the technologys potential globally. Among other things, it calls for the foundation to be laid for the first globally inclusive and distributed architecture for AI governance based on international cooperation. It also proposes seven recommendations to address shortcomings in current AI governance and calls on all governments and stakeholders to cooperate in overseeing AI to promote the development and protection of all human rights.
Usually, the idea of nature is associated with peace  gentle babbling brooks, quiet rustling of leaves, an occasional frogs croak.

But not all the sounds of nature  and particularly, the animal kingdom  are peaceful. Anything but actually. In fact, here are five animals that could single-handedly ruin an atmospheric ASMR video.

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One important note first, though: There are other animals that, by decibel, are louder, but dont bother us. Ive excluded things like sperm whales firing off underwater sounds, or bats screeching above our audible frequencies because theyre polite enough to make their hooting and hollering not my problem. In other words, the animals on this list are all fully, horribly noticeable to the human ear.

5 Greengrocer Cicada Just so you know, we're starting at 120 decibels, which is approximately the volume of a jet engine. When it comes to bugs, perhaps the absolute leader in being extremely loud and annoying is the cicada. Despite being tiny insects, the males have a membrane on their chest that they vibrate, basically turning their entire body into a tiny, obnoxious drum. Combine that with the fact that they emerge in massive broods, and youve got what is basically a constant, 120-decibel buzzing. Having grown up in cicada migration destination Washington, D.C., I can attest that its shockingly loud and never stops.

4 White Bellbird I promise you, this video isnt doctored, even though it feels like an obvious product of video-editing software. This little white bird is the White Bellbird. Id argue that the word bell implies a much more pleasant sound than the ones these tiny birds rocket into a peaceful atmosphere. Their calls have been recorded at 125 decibels, and they dont seem to have any appreciation for how terrifying that is. Advertisement Advertisement

3 Northern Elephant Seals The previous two entries at least have the advantage of being non-human and fairly dry sounding. Enter the Northern Elephant Seal, who does no ones ears any such favors. The calls of the Northern Elephant Seal couldnt be more clearly coming from a pile of vibrating flesh. Even the biggest nature-loving animal activist would be hard-pressed to describe their 126-decibel moist grunting as beautiful. Advertisement Advertisement I imagine this is what Bigfoot would sound like if he was bleeding out. Its so gross, in fact, that the sound effects designer for Lord of the Rings stole it for the orcs of Moria.

2 Moluccan Cockatoo One of the only birds capable of out-screaming the White Bellbird is the Moluccan Cockatoo. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the San Diego Zoo recorded its Moluccan Cockatoos as screaming at 135 decibels. They also sound undeniably awful. The most messed-up part of all of this? People own these as pets, which must be some form of strange auditory masochism. Advertisement Advertisement
There are some places on the planet where things get weird. For instance, you ever heard of the Bermuda Triangle? Well, it turns out theres nothing weird about that bit of the ocean at all  it sees a lot of traffic, but vessels that travel there are no more at risk than those anywhere else. Yeah, forget about the Bermuda Triangle; we dont know why we brought that up.

But other spots? Other spots really are weird.

5 Gravity Drops Near Sri Lanka Students in school learn that on Earth, gravitational acceleration is equal to 9.81 m/s. That number is really the average gravity across the planet, because the force varies from place to place. Once you know that, its surprising we make kids do math with that needlessly exact figure. 9.8 would be an easier number to deal with (and is a more accurate number, in some places). Even 10 would be a reasonable number to give to kids, if all we need to do is teach them to use formulas correctly. Don't Miss Gravity varies from place to place  and in some places, it varies a lot. In the ocean near Sri Lanka, gravity is so much weaker than in the rest of the world that the sea level is more than 300 feet lower than it would otherwise be. You might imagine that water levels would drop in places with high gravity, rather than low gravity, because the ground pulls the water down so hard, but think about it some more. Low gravity means every other part of the world is pulling on the ocean harder, so less water collects near the gravity anomaly. Lemoine, et al. The gravity hole is blue here. Red marks where gravitys extra high. This spot is called the Indian Ocean Geoid Low. To know why gravitys so low there, wed have to burrow deep into the planet, and possibly cut it in two, which is inadvisable. Barring that, we do have some good theories. We think that part of the Earth has an unusual amount of liquid magma, so its less dense. This magma is left over from when the Indian tectonic plate smashed into Asia fairly recently. By fairly recently, we mean around 50 million years ago, which is pretty recent, all things considered. The geoid may only last for another 100 million years, so you better hurry up and visit it while you can. Advertisement

4 The Toasty Bit of Norway In the Norwegian Sea, we have one disturbing bit called the Lofoten Vortex, where the water stores an unusual level of heat. The issue here isnt recent climate change  this part was absorbing and releasing such a level of heat back in the 1970s, too. The ocean here has no ice and even boasts its own coral reef. The culprit? Anticyclones. Lorenzo Occelli Theyre the darker, evil version of cyclones. In the northern hemisphere, large systems like storms rotate counterclockwise. When the water instead rotates clockwise, we call that an anticyclonic eddy, and in the Lofoten Vortex, it leads to high temperatures and waters full of stirred-up nutrients. That may not be exactly what youre seeking when you venture up to the Arctic Ocean, but were told the dolphins there love it. Advertisement

3 On Top of Paraguay, Magnetism Disappears Weve got another diagram of the Earth for you, showing how forces change from one area to the next. Here, were looking at the magnetic fields strength. Youll see the field suddenly plunge somewhere over South America. Finlay, et al. Clearly, this is the fault of all those Bolivian tin miners. Without looking at the map, if you had to guess one spot where the magnetic field gets weird, maybe youd point your finger at one of the poles. But the planets rotational axis, which defines where we put the north and south poles, isnt the same as its magnetic axis (which creates the magnetic field). As a result, we have this belt of radiation around the globe that dips down and comes close to us at this unlikely spot above Paraguay. That leads to a weak magnetic field and a whole lot of radiation. Advertisement Advertisement We call this the South Atlantic Anomaly, and down on the ground, we dont need to worry about it. A dip in the inner Van Allen radiation belt still places the radiation more than a hundred miles above the Earths surface. But when were flying through space close to Earth, this twist in radiation and magnetism can screw with everything. The Hubble telescope cant work when it passes through here, and it passes that way 10 times a day. A satellite that cost a quarter billion dollars split apart and exploded in 2016, and the South Atlantic Anomaly was why. Oh, and when the space station orbits around here, laptops crash. Thats why the computers that run the station are much simpler and more reliable. Theyre slower than the chip youre using to read this article, but they dont shut down every time they pass through spaces mystery spot. Advertisement

2 The Tulsa Center of the Universe You might not have known that the center of the universe is in Tulsa, but thats what this spot is named, and Oklahoma wouldnt lie to us. Sound goes wonky here. Make a noise, and it echoes back to you louder than when you made it, but people outside a small perimeter dont hear it at all. Advertisement Advertisement TravelOK.com Confess to a murder here. Legally, they have to let you go. The most convincing explanation about whats going on here is that sound bounces off a wall. Youll find many domes worldwide that will echo sound back to you in a surprising manner. Only, this spot isnt surrounded by a wall. Also, we have no explanation for why sound doesnt travel beyond a fixed distance, given the absence of any barrier around it. Wed go investigate ourselves, but that would mean having to spend time in Tulsa. And if we did that, well, then wed have so much fun going out to dinner with our friends at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse that wed completely forget to complete the assignment that brought us to town.
Oh baby. Youd think lugging around a developing human being for nine months would be plenty of work on its own. But history has shown us its possible to be pregnant and perform stellar sketch comedy right up until the day you give birth.

Here are five funny cast members and hosts who proved that pregnancy and Saturday Night Live can be a fertile combination

1 Amy Poehler Poehler was pregnant when she performed her famous Hillary Clinton/Tina Fey sketch with Tina Fey. When we were doing the sketch, Archie was doing somersaults in my stomach, she says in Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live, I was thinking, Wow, he knows this is really exciting. Play Archie was almost the first kid born on Saturday Night Live. Poehler rehearsed on Friday the week that Jon Hamm hosted for the first time  the same day that she learned that her baby doctor passed away unexpectedly. I was due the next day. So its my first kid, Im in a Mad Men outfit, I turn to everybody and I hysterically start crying, and a really pregnant woman crying is terrifying, she told an audience, as reported by Vulture. And Jon Hamm, who I am just getting to know, comes over and puts his hands on my shoulder and is like, This is a really important show for me. Im gonna need you to get your shit together. And I laughed so hard, I probably peed myself. (She gave birth on Saturday just hours before Hamms big show.)

2 Keke Palmer Palmer was the first performer to announce her pregnancy on Saturday Night Live. People were already speculating so why not? You need a certain level of physicality to do SNL, she told Vanity Fair. It was so much fun to say it during my monologue. Thats something my kid can have forever. Play

3 Maya Rudolph The day Rudolph had to tell Lorne Michaels she was pregnant was the day she stopped being afraid of him. Lorne always made me nervous because I always wanted to be a good girl in front of him, she says in Live from New York. But once I had to go into his office and tell him I was pregnant  which was, weirdly, a month after Tina (Fey) had to do the same thing  everything about our relationship changed. Michaels biggest concern? I cant believe I just let you fall through a wire foam piano last week.

4 Kerry Washington Washington pulled some old sitcom tricks the week she hosted while pregnant, such as wearing boxy outfits and hiding behind chairs while playing Michelle Obama. And Oprah Winfrey. And Beyonce. That was SNLs awkward way of acknowledging it had no Black women in its cast, a circumstance thats thankfully been rectified in her kids lifetime.
Theres a reason critics (including me) keep reminding readers of RS Benedicts insightful 2021 essay Everyone Is Beautiful and No One Is Horny: Because superhero movies and shows keep rolling off the assembly line, made by people who are apparently terrified that the audience might think their characters are recognizably humanoid entities with recognizably humanoid desires (Deadpool, who definitely fucks, being the exception who proves the rule). But its possible that some creators working with Marvel have been listening and learning, because if the two-episode premiere of Agatha All Along tells us anything, its that the company has finally figured out how to let characters be horny.

The titular Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) was originally introduced into this phase of the MCU in the 2021 Disney+ series WandaVision. Avengers Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) have relocated to the New Jersey suburb Westview for the kind of life that doesnt require saving the world all the time. But as we watch the couple play out sitcom-worthy storylines (Visions bringing his boss and his wife home for dinner and Wandas not prepared!) on a sitcom-worthy set, and with sitcom-worthy supporting characters like intrusive neighbor Agnes (Hahn), it gradually becomes clear whats actually going on: Wanda, aka Scarlet Witch, has used her magic to enchant an entire town so that she could hide there from reality, recasting herself as the heroine in decades worth of sitcom scenarios.

Eventually, Agnes reveals herself to be Agatha, a fellow witch who doesnt respect Wandas untutored form of magic, and the two battle in the sky over the Westview town square, as Marvel heroes and villains are wont to do. Wanda lifts the spell for all the townsfolk except Agatha, whose powers she steals, and whom she returns to her Agnes persona, wiping her memory of Wanda entirely.

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Whereas WandaVision brought us Wandas versions of various madcap sitcom premises, Agatha All Along opens with a take on a very different kind of show, if one thats just as recognizable: the pitch-dark season-long crime procedural. Mare of Easttown is referenced in the spoof credits for Agnes of Westview; The Killing gets a nod as the credits also claim its based on the Danish series Wandavisdysen; and this poster wouldnt exist if not for the first season of True Detective.

Now Agnes is a detective on the Westview police force, and apparently not a great one: as we meet her, shes been suspended without pay, only returning to the job because a young womans body has been dumped in the woods. Soon Agness chief is ushering in help on the case that Agnes doesnt want: a federal agent named Rio Vidal. Suddenly an episode that has to this point been as dour as any dead girl town show has an unmistakable erotic charge.

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Granted, Rio is played by Aubrey Plaza, one of our sexiest actors working today  and you dont have to take my word for it when this character poster exists.

But in the scene, what seems like typical bickering over jurisdiction is laced with double entendres. When Agnes accuses Rio of wanting to take control of her investigation, Rio purrs, If you want to be in control, you can be. Later, Rio shows up at Agness house and they talk, more relaxed. Agnes says she has a lead in the case. Thats not why I came over, Rio replies.

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As the evening goes on, the subtle signs that Agnes is in a story about magic  the coroner telling her the murder victim is really most sincerely dead, Rio joking that Agnes will turn into a pumpkin if she travels too far from home  get more insistent. Agnes and Rio end up together at the morgue, where Agnes learns that the corpse is Wanda and Rio tells her how Wanda trapped Agnes in her spell. Agnes grabs anxiously at her collar, gasping that shes hot. Yes, claw your way out, Rio urges, at which Agnes sheds layer after layer of clothes, revealing the Agatha beneath.

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When she comes to as herself, shes back at home, moments before Rio storms in for a fight. Theres no exchanging magical lasers yards apart in the sky this time: Rios got to get close to Agatha because shes fighting with a knife  and with horny challenges like Do you remember pain? It kind of tickles, doesnt it. When Agatha asks how Rio prefers her, Rio shoots back, Horizontal? In a grave? As the combatants get ever closer, Agatha murmurs, You know you love it  the anticipation. No one asked me, but: Yes! I do!

In the next episode, once Agathas snapped out of Wandas spell and joined forces with a fan whose name magic keeps her from hearing  shes forced just to call him Teen (Joe Locke)  Agatha gets down to the business of assembling a coven. Simply dressed in a button-down, jeans, oxfords and a tastefully neutral patterned wrap, Agatha edits her look to be most appealing to each prospect. Approaching Lilia (Patti LuPone), a local psychic reader, Agatha puts her hair back in a low bun, adds pearls, wears the wrap like a shawl, and speaks in a honeyed Southern accent. For Jennifer (Sasheer Zamata), owner of a Goop-y shop selling dubious wellness treatments, Agatha goes full Laurel Canyon with a casual fedora and messy pigtails. Shes not (necessarily) trying to have sex with these women, but given how effortlessly she code-switches to mirror her targets, shes not that far off from a witchy pickup artist.

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Eventually, Agatha does gather all the witches she needs to join her in singing a spell back at her house. One of them, Alice (Ali Ahn), is the daughter of Lorna Wu, a famous pop star and rumored witch believed to have been lost on the Witches Road Agathas trying to conjure. I think weve all seen enough Fleetwood Mac documentaries to know what happens when highly sensitive people get together to make music, emotions run high, and at least one of them identifies as a witch: People end up getting down in more ways than one.

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There are reasons to watch Agatha All Along other than mere prurience: good jokes, for example. After Lilia charges Teens debit card for her psychic reading, she lets him know itll show up on his bank statement as Lilias Leggings, but thats just her side hustle. Jennifers not happy that Agathas back in her life, and doesnt pretend otherwise: I havent seen you since I made a really pointed effort to never run into you again. How are you? Awful? Teens attempt to create a festive atmosphere for the coven meeting involves making a WELCOME COVEN banner for the fireplace, with a cheerful pentagram drawn in the second o. So attention has been paid to elements other than how much at least two of the lead characters definitely want to ravage each other, both violently and sexually, possibly at the same time.

After so many recent Marvel letdowns, my expectations for Agatha All Along were low; this show might not exactly be TV prime rib, but its a big step up from the pink slime chicken dinners Marvels been serving us lately.
As his daughter predicted, John Cleese's self-imposed exile from Twitter/X didnt last long. To be fair, the Monty Python star managed to stay silent (save for a couple of retweets) for nearly nine days before deciding to fire new shots at archenemy and former comedy compatriot Eric Idle.

The latest grenade lob continues a social media feud from earlier this year. Idle publicly complained that the groups relative lack of riches was due to mismanagement by Terry Gilliams daughter, Holly, who runs the company that steers Monty Python projects. Cleese, Michael Palin and (surprise) Terry Gilliam came out in support of Holly at the time. Cleese said that he found her to be very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working and pleasant.

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What sparked the flames again? Deadline reports that Idle created a fresh post on X (once Twitter), accusing Cleese of firing former manager Jim Beach and installing Holly.

Idle certainly made the allegation, but back in February, more than seven months ago. So what bunched up Cleeses boxers shorts that prompted him to fire back to a February 11th reply to Idles post?

Did Cleese just now stumble upon @KorikoQueens question: Why was Cleese allowed to fire Jim? You guys had no say on that?

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Or maybe hes just spent the summer cooking up a reply. This is an invention, Cleese fumed after the seven-month delay. Jim, who was an old friend of mine from Cambridge days, became Python manager after the O2 show. About four years ago he suffered a bad stroke and subsequently resigned as our manager. His number 2, Holly Gilliam, automatically took over as Python manager.

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Why even the most diehard fan would be interested in the succession plans of Monty Pythons backstage management is a question only Cleese and Idle can answer. More amusing to Cleeses followers was the fact that the comedian didnt take long to reverse his decision to leave Twitter.
Its been five years since stand-up star Shane Gillis spent a total of five days as a cast member of Saturday Night Live, but Lorne Michaels still cant believe that the shows fanbase didnt want to spend every Saturday night watching Gillis awkwardly mumble slurs at his co-stars.

The ascension of Saturday Night Lives shortest-tenured cast member from podcasting microcelebrity to bona fide streaming star following the events of his 2019 hired-to-fired speedrun makes us wonder whether Gillis could have accomplished nearly as much in his already-impressive comedy career had SNL retained him through its 45th season and beyond. Between his Netflix series Tires, his streaming special Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs and his deification among the vaguely conservative anti-woke comedy crowd, Gillis is currently in command of a larger following than those of all but the most all-time-beloved SNL cast members, and its hard to imagine an alternate reality where the generally left-leaning SNL fan community ever embraces him with as much fervor as do his friends in the manosphere.

Frankly, getting fired from SNL in the midst of a massive media controversy might have been the biggest break of Gillis career  and Michaels biggest regret going on 50 years as the SNL don. In a rare interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Michaels, who has continued to keep Gillis close both on SNL and in other projects, lamented how political correctness has harmed his show, saying of the 2019 backlash to the Gillis hiring, The overreaction to it was so stunning.

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Yeah, well, so were the slurs.

Gillis came up when THR asked Michaels for his thoughts on how political correctness impacts SNL in 2024, but the comedy kingmaker insisted on returning to 2019, remarking, We had a bad time when I added Shane Gillis to the cast. He got beat up for things that hed done years earlier, noting of what he considered to be the overreaction, The velocity of it was 200 Asian companies were going to boycott the show.

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For context, just a year earlier in a 2018 episode of Gillis show Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast that Gillis had attempted to scrub from the internet prior to his SNL hiring, Gillis briefly played the character of a racist 1940s landlord living in New Yorks Chinatown neighborhood for a bit, using an ugly ethnic slur for comic effect. In a separate podcast episode from that year, Gillis and his co-host Matt McCusker ranked other popular comedians and artists based on their race, gender and sexual orientation, calling Judd Apatow and Chris Gethard white f****t comics and fucking gayer than ISIS.

In response to the unearthing of clips that Gillis himself tried to hide, Gillis tweeted out, Im a comedian who pushes boundaries, adding the defensive almost-apology, If you go through my 10 years of comedy, most of it bad, youre going to find a lot of bad misses. Im happy to apologize to anyone whos actually offended by anything Ive said.

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Four days later, Michaels fired Gillis from SNL.

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It became a scandal and I go, No, no, hes just starting and hes really funny and you dont know how were going to use him, Michaels told THR of the controversy. When he came back to the show last year (to host), we saw, Oh right, hes really talented, and he wouldve been really good for us. However, Michaels assessment of Gillis SNL hosting appearance in February earlier this year doesnt quite match up with the critical and fan consensus on the return. In fact, almost everyone besides Michaels saw Gillis nervously stumble through cringey sketches while struggling to deliver his lines clearly and with any degree of comedic timing.

Still, Michaels looks back on that poorly received SNL episode as a sad reminder of what could have been, saying of the Gillis scandal, It was like a mania. Michaels added of the cultural moment in 2019, It just became not quite the Reign of Terror, but it was like youre judging everybody on every position they have on every issue as opposed to, Are they any good at the thing they do?

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In Gillis case, he is, inarguably, a much better canceled comic than he is a sketch performer on SNL. All of Gillis attempts at reaching a mainstream audience have been awkward and stilted as he struggles to restrain himself from calling everything and everyone around him gay on shows like SNL and Hot Ones, but his appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and Kill Tony continue to dazzle the anti-woke comedy crowd who actually prefer a liberal use of slurs.

SNL, however, simply isnt a place where Gillis brand of comedy can succeed, and its probably best for everyone involved that his time as part of the cast was so historically brief. After all, the manosphere doesnt make its stars read off of cue cards.
La Mansana Table and Bench, La Mansana de Chinati, Marfa, Texas, from Donald Judd Furniture (2024). Photo: Matthew Millman/Mack

Thanks in some measure to Kim Kardashian, who recently claimed to own what turned out to be Donald Judd knockoffs, we have been reminded of the perennial appeal of the artists furniture. But even before Kim K., and 30 years after his death, it seems we are always talking about Donald Judd and making homages to his deceptively simple designs. You can see plenty ofJudd-style platform beds on 1stDibs or walk into any number of stylish stores and cafes all over the world to see a variation on his daybed or chairs.

This month, arts publisher MACK and Judd Foundation copublished Donald Judd Furniture, a companion volume to their previous book on the buildings and interiors of the prolific artist, designer, and theorist. The book is less a showy coffee-table volume than a manual filled with diagrams that show exactly how the planes of wood and material should fit together. Its the analog version of whats already available on the Judd Furniture website by way of the Judd Foundation, but the book is much easier to peruse, with companion photos of the furniture as it took up space in Judds own apartments and workshops.

Fourth Floor Low Table, 101 Spring Street, Judd Foundation, New York. Photo: Matthew Millman/Mack

For architects, the conversation with Judd is an ongoing one. As both Furniture and the preceding Spaces book bear out, Judd feels like he belongs to the discipline as much as if not more than to the art world: The dining-room chairs from his 101 Spring Street house (now home to Judds eponymous foundation) echo Frank Lloyd Wrights Usonian chairs; a table at his Marfa compound seems like a long-lost relative of Enzo Maris autoprogettazione. As for his influence on contemporary architecture, its so pervasive it can almost go unnoticed, which is why we sat down with three New York designers who have borrowed from or worked with Judd designs to talk about their relationship to the artist.

From left: Slip Together Plywood Architecture Table, Architecture Office, Marfa, Texas. Photo: Matthew Millman/Mack Two-by-Twelves furniture, Casa Perez, Presidio County, Texas, from Donald Judd Furniture (2024). Photo: Matthew Millman/Mack From top: Slip Together Plywood Architecture Table, Architecture Office, Marfa, Texas. Photo: Matthew Millman/Mack Two-by-Twelves furniture, Casa Perez... more From top: Slip Together Plywood Architecture Table, Architecture Office, Marfa, Texas. Photo: Matthew Millman/Mack Two-by-Twelves furniture, Casa Perez, Presidio County, Texas, from Donald Judd Furniture (2024). Photo: Matthew Millman/Mack

Landon Brown, architect, Onland Architecture

How did you get Judd-ized?

As a sculpture student, I convinced my professors to let me live and work in Marfa at the Chinati Foundation. It was a scrappier institution then: This was pre-Instagram Marfa. I ended up doing everything there, from maintenance to conservation to basic admin, and it was really an interesting opportunity to get in touch not only with the work but with the universe that surrounds it. That experience really caused me to pivot toward architecture.

A room that Onland Architecture designed around Peter Freemans Donald Judd desk. Photo: Mark Wickens

You recently worked on a project that involved some Donald Judd furniture; can you talk about that?

Yeah, part of that project, which was Peter Freemans Tribeca apartment, was to design around his black walnut Judd desk. That was a really rewarding way of returning back to my earlier time, when I worked for Peters gallery. It was such a delight to be able to organize an entire space around a single piece of Judds.

What is it about Judds design approach that you think has been most essential for you?

Its the fluidity of the work: the way it moves between different scales, from the object to the space to the landscape, and the way they all start to dialogue with one another  though its often more like a confrontation. The work I do tries to explore those same relationships, although maybe not in quite so confrontational a way.

A house in upstate New York designed by Onland Architecture. Photo: Mark Wickens

The house that Brown designed had very specific moments for viewing the outside. Photo: Mark Wickens

Is there a particular project of yours that you tried this approach with?

One of the first projects I did upstate is a small house. I found myself rejecting this idea of the fluid interchange between interior and exterior that so much contemporary architecture is forced to accept. I chose to think about a space that was unabashedly interior-oriented, but then I used a small amount of glass to frame specific perspectives outward, as though the house were an object for viewing. When you think of Judds interest in the role of the viewer, setting up a specific frontal or other orientation toward a piece, some memory of that percolated there.

What is your favorite piece of Judd furniture?

The Double Daybed 28. I find the scale and configuration of this piece to be the most direct expression of two nearly architectural volumes held in tension against one another. Yet its a nice take on a space that is scaled to the body of an individual. On a personal level, as an intern at the Chinati Foundation in the early 2000s, I had the chance to spend many hours lying around reading on it. I also may have nearly ruined the cushion covers in a washing-machine disaster.

Colin King, interior designer, Colin King Studio

Do you remember your first encounter with Judd?

I first experienced Judd at Dia Beacon  his plywood works there  and I was so drawn to the severity as well as the simplicity of it. The humble materials especially: plywood, yes, but also concrete, aluminum. I was fascinated by that and the way it all seemed to play into how he worked and how he lived. After that, I did a deep dive into the Spring Street house, and Ive gone to Marfa four times now. I get more curious with each visit.

What is it that drew you to Judds furniture and interiors?

Its the way he was always interested in pairings. You can go to Spring Street and spend the whole time studying the shelves: Theres this nonhierarchical approach to how he placed objects  hed put a rock next to a sculpture, as though they were the same thing. Or hell put a Biedermeier sofa next to some Swedish antiques, and then have a Mies chair. No matter what, he somehow makes sure the space around the object feels just as important as the object itself.

Colin Kings apartment in Tribeca. Photo: Rich Stapleton

Photo: Rich Stapleton

When have you specifically channeled Judd for a design of your own?

In my own apartment in Tribeca, I took the same approach he did with Spring Street: really just stripping everything back, beginning with the floors, to reveal that warm pine. That in turn influenced the wall color, in order to establish that dialogue between floors and walls. Obviously, Judd didnt use any window treatments  like, he really let the city be the background to the apartment  so I did something similar with that. And the whole way he created a space expressly for the composition of objects. That was definitely a guiding principle for me.

What is your favorite piece of Judd furniture?

This metal desk. It merges form and function, elevating the work beyond furniture into a sculptural piece: something that defines its space with balance and clarity, and that embodies Judds philosophy, his belief that art should seamlessly exist within daily life.

Nick Poe, architectural designer, 31 Arch

Whats your Judd story?

I grew up in New York, and I think part of what I respond to in his work is that he somehow captures this slice of what it was like in New York in the early 90s. I feel so at home in his spaces. But whats funny is that it was always on the periphery of my experience  Im sure Id seen his artwork everywhere, but I never went to one of his spaces until I did a project in Marfa in 2016. I just feel like I was always somehow aware of it.

Once you did start to realize you were surrounded by Judd, what is it you noticed?

The commitment to beauty, definitely, and to function. One thing I always think about is that, though minimalism gets thrown around a lot with Judd, theres a kind of maximalism in his interiors and in his art, like hes throwing around 6,000 tons of steel or whatever. Its not the philosophy of minimalism as such thats appealing; its the idea that you can make art and design objects in a sort of beautiful but humble way. Its a refreshing take.

Lees, a private dining room, with a table and space designed by Nick Poe. Photo: Dan McMahon

When have you found yourself doing Judd?

Lees, a private dining venue, was largely inspired by a space in Albano, Italy, where I attended a dinner when I was living in Rome in 2014. It was a humble space used for communal dinners and had a simple, open kitchen. That space stuck with me and felt like something missing in New York. A couple years later, I stumbled on a dilapidated mah-jongg parlor for rent next door to my old studio, and it seemed like the right fit. I had recently returned from a formative trip to Marfa where I had been for a week or so to work on a project. Experiencing Judds incredible work there, especially his living and work spaces, deeply resonated with me, having grown up in and around beloved downtown artist lofts, whose slow extinction I mourn. As I was building Lees out of pocket, it also spoke to me that the Judd ethos is about resourcefulness as much as it is about beauty.

Ive also made lots of couches inspired by his daybeds, albeit with a lower back. Theyre in line with his spirit and his philosophy  but you really cant do Judd as well as he did, even with the foundation-certified reproductions. The wood back then was just so much better; today, you cant get old construction lumber anywhere. The amount of time Ive spent digging through piles of 2x12s to find the straight ones! All he had to do was go to the nearest hardware store. Now theres Home Depots everywhere. Its not really the same ethos.

The Block/La Mansana de Chinati, Judd Foundation, Marfa, Texas. Photo:  Elizabeth Felicella/Courtesy Judd Foundation

Whats your favorite piece of Judd furniture?

Its archetypical. Could be any farm table, or all of them. His hand and eye is there but nearly removed, not overt; its not stylized or self-conscious. The proportions are great, and I love the integrated sink, which makes it subtly special and site-specific. Its so functional and pure, as are the objects that ornament it. I love the tables patina, the abandonment of perfection, the overall nonchalance.
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Leadership is a journey.

And sometimes that journey means crossing a road.

It may be a wide road.

It may be a narrow road.

It may be a straight road.

It may be a windy road.

But whatever kind of road it is, you can be sure of one thing.

One day you're going to have to cross it.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair during the World Economic Forum in 2023. Mr Blair told the Mail: 'Leadership is a journey. And sometimes that journey means crossing a road'

So what exactly is the most effective way to cross that road?

Over time, and with a wealth of experience, I have developed a three-stage strategy for road-crossing.

Let's start with stage one.

Why, you may ask, should you start with stage one, rather than stage two? Or even stage three? Simple.

It's because stage one is the first stage. And stage two is the second stage.

And as for stage three  that's what I term the third stage.

Over my years as a Leader, I have known those who attempted to cross a road by undertaking the third stage first.

Or the second stage last.

Or even  I kid you not  the first stage second.

It may have seemed like a great idea at the time.

But their journeys always ended in disaster.

If only they had consulted me!

Tony Blair and his wife Cherie stand outside 10 Downing Street shortly after his election win in 1997

Then Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) speaks to Conservative leader William Hague (right) as they walk through the corridors in the Houses of Parliament

Stage One: The First Stage.

Identify exactly which road you want to cross.

Frankly, there's no point crossing any road you don't want to cross. If you do that, you'll end up on the wrong side of the road  and, what's more, not even the right road.

First ask yourself this vital question: how can I know for sure which road it is that I want to cross?

Great question! Thanks for asking!

Think of any of the great Leaders. Nelson Mandela. Napoleon. Genghis Khan. They always came equipped with a route map in their top pockets.

And  vitally  they knew how to fold and unfold that route map.

Without discipline and determination, it's easy to get into a terrible muddle when trying to unfold a route map.

First, you open it at the wrong place. Then your destination is nowhere to be seen. So you unfold it some more.

And then the bit you really want is upside down.

So you turn the map round in the limited amount of space available. And as you do so, you knock over your cup and your coffee spills all over the table.

And worse: you've completely forgotten to bring a pack of household tissues to mop it all up. There's a lesson to be learnt. Allow sufficient time and space in which to unfold your route map or things can get very messy.

Blair said that 'great Leaders' such as Napoleon (pictured) always 'came equipped with a route map in their top pockets'

Stage Two: The Second Stage

Once those great leaders identified the right road to cross, they set about crossing it.

I have never forgotten something President Bill Clinton once told me.

'Tony,' he said  we were on first-name terms  'Tony  let's cross that bridge when we come to it.'

Just one short sentence. But a whole lifetime of experience.

Food for thought.

Up to then, I'd often tried to cross my bridges before coming to them. Result? I used to fall flat on my face.

Then I realised what I'd been doing wrong. There's no way you can cross a bridge unless you have come to it.

American President Bill Clinton (left) addresses Blair's (right) cabinet at 10 Downing Street in 1998

Stage Three: The Third Stage

Question: How did the chicken cross the road?

Answer: With the right leadership.

The Leader is the Leader because his job is to lead.

To lead, others must follow. Without followers there can be no leader. I often say to new Leaders that the best way to approach the task of crossing a road is through the three 'L's:

Look right.

Look left.

Look right again.

And then tell everyone else to cross. It's all about delivery.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives to attend the Order of the Garter Service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in June 2024

Sir Keir Starmer (left) speaks to former Prime Ministers Tony Blair (centre) and Gordon Brown (right) at St James's Palace on September 10, 2022

In my experience, people who try crossing roads without first consulting a leader walk straight into the oncoming traffic.

Not good for them. Not good for their community. And not good for the oncoming traffic.

Cheers! More handy tips on Leadership in the weeks to come!
Have you ever wondered the top secret plastic surgery procedures celebrities are getting to guarantee they look perfect and stay youthful?

On the Blonde Files, Arielle Lorre asked the Gloss Angeles podcast hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan what the undetectable procedures people are doing that the general public doesn't know about.

They mentioned blepharoplasty or 'blephs,' with beauty editor Kirbie Johnson saying it's not 'super invasive like a lateral brow lift' and it helps to 'refresh their eye area.'

The clip quickly went viral, with commenters weighing in with what they found noticeable and how they think stars defy aging.

To find out some of the other wildly popular procedures, FEMAIL reached out to top plastic surgeons, who revealed that celebrities are embracing everything from salmon sperm facials to fat transfers.

On the Blonde Files in June, Arielle Lorre asked the Gloss Angeles podcast hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan what the undetectable procedures people are doing

Some commenters asked the beauty editors to look into how certain celebrities faces have changed, naming Lindsay Lohan (left) and Christina Aguilera (right), who appear to be aging backwards

'We're in this world where fillers and neuromodulators are a part of people's beauty routines,' Kirbie explained on the podcast.

'Once the Botox stops working around certain areas around their eyes,' they ask what else can be done, Kirbie added.

Kirbie and Sara also mentioned rhinoplasties and veneers as undetectable ways celebrities often alter their appearances.

'I think veneers are way too obvious,' one person pointed out in the comments section. 'Blephs can change your appearance for the worst. Be careful!!!' another warned.

Some commenters asked the beauty editors to look into how certain celebrities faces have changed, naming Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, and Stassi Schroeder.

Many people thought some of the changes were due to GLP-1s, writing, 'A lot of what people think is better plastic surgery is just weight loss.'

Celebrity facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Persky, based in Encino, California, confirmed to DailyMail.com that blepharoplasty offers 'the biggest bang for the buck in facial rejuvenation.'

'The procedure has evolved from removing skin, muscle, and fat to now leaving the eye muscles intact, and removing skin with or without repositioning fat,' Dr. Persky explained. 'These changes have resulted in less obvious hollowing around the eyes, and a natural fresh appearance.'

Celebrity facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Persky (left) and Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale (right) both gushed about the benefits of blepharoplasty

Ultherapy, a micro-focused ultrasound treatment, has been a big hit with stars, and Christy Brinkley was a spokesperson - above, she's attending a cocktail party for the treatment in 2017

'Celebrities love SkinVive treatment because the face looks like foundation and make up are on all the time,' Dr. Persky divulged

The recovery time is only one or two weeks, making it a celebrity favorite.

Beverly Hills, California-based double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale, 36, explained that an 'upper blepharoplasty can be used to remove excess skin and fat or even add fat to make the eyes more youthful and rested.'

Dr. Truesdale, who has a practice on Rodeo Drive, said that 'lid changes in position and shape can be done to enhance the eye as well,' calling the impact 'subtle and powerful.'

Dr. Persky said the latest A-list beloved treatment is ezGEL, a bioregenerative treatment 'that is 100 per cent natural made from the patients own blood' and is 'a great natural alternative to eye filler without the risk of complications associated with hyaluronic acid filler injections.'

He explained that the gel is injected in the under eyes, in crow's feet, cheeks, lip lines, and naso-labial folds, and is then repeated two months later and maintained once a year.

Dr. Persky also mentioned a micro-needle infusion of hyaluronic acid mixed with Botox, vitamin C, and skin lightener, as well as Ultherapy - a micro-focused ultrasound tightening treatment for which Christy Brinkley was a spokesperson - and SkinVive - a micro-droplet injection that hydrates the skin and gives the skin a lasting glow.

After comparing before and after pictures, Dr. Antell believes 'eyelid surgery was done' on celebrities like Matt Damon (left), Jennifer Coolidge, and supermodel Gisele Bundchen (right)

'Celebrities love SkinVive treatment because the face looks like foundation and make up are on all the time,' Dr. Persky divulged.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Darrick Antell had eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty himself twenty years ago.

The New York-based surgeon told DailyMail.com, 'The procedure made me look refreshed and took years off my appearance.'

Dr. Antell has also performed the procedure on many satisfied clients over the years, and one recently compared it to having a 'mini facelift.'

He believes the procedure has become a favorite with multiple A-listers, who often combine it with other tweakments as they age and the eyelids stretch.

After comparing before and after pictures, Dr. Antell said he believes that 'eyelid surgery was done on celebrities like Matt Damon, Jennifer Coolidge, and supermodel Gisele Bundchen.'

'Frequently, eyelid surgery is performed with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift, brow lift, or fat transfer,' Dr. Antell said.

Donald B. Yoo, a famed plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, explained that some of the best kept beauty secrets involve innovative -and unexpected - skincare ingredients.

Dr. Yoo revealed many stars use skin tightening devices, explaining, 'Tighter, better quality skin means sharp jawlines and necklines for decades longer than your average Joe or Jane' (stock image)

Dr. Darrick Antell (left) in New York City had eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty twenty years ago and Donald B. Yoo (right) also dished on some of the best kept beauty secrets

'Kim Kardashian may have introduced the idea of a salmon semen facial into American pop culture, but this K-beauty innovation has been keeping Hollywood royalty look youthful and hydrated for almost a decade,' Dr. Yoo said about the controversial procedure, which Jennifer Aniston also swears by.

Dr. Yoo revealed that many stars use skin tightening devices, explaining, 'Tighter, better quality skin means sharp jawlines and necklines for decades longer than your average Joe or Jane.'

He added, 'Celebrities have relied on fat grafting and the use of nanofat to defy aging while flying under the radar.'

'Fat is harvested under low pressure, often while performing liposculpture on an area with a little extra fat, and once purified is used as a permanent filler for the face,' Dr. Yoo disclosed.

'Sunken cheeks, temples, and under-eyes look instantly more fresh, volumized and youthful. The best part? It's virtually undetectable after a week of mild swelling,' Dr. Yoo said, making it a must for celebrities who have to hit the red carpet or get back to set.
Move aside Hermes, Chanel and Prada - because this season's must-have bag is the humble tote.

Although these branded shopping bags typically cost under a tenner, that doesn't mean there isn't a hierarchy among fashion fans.

Earlier this month, one London-based Reddit user questioned if their tote bag from Daunt Books - a famous bookstore in Marylebone - was still trendy.

The anonymous fashion fan wrote: 'After a decade at the top, Daunt Books seems to no longer be the 'it bag' of the middle class commuter who wants to show off that they think. What's it been replaced with, though?'

The bag which was once ubiquitous in the capital, seems to be replaced with others - with fans going to bakeries and supermarkets to get their carrier bag.

The question sparked fierce debate in the forum - with some arguing that the New Yorker's branded bags still reigned supreme while others claimed a hipster bakery bag was now on top.

Earlier this month, a London-based Reddit user questioned if the Daunt Books bag was still the coolest tote to own

One argued: 'The free New Yorker tote bag and the Trader Joe's tote bag!'

Another added: 'Shakespeare Companys tote bag, cos [sic] it proves you're cultured and have been to Paris.'

Meanwhile, a third replied: 'What about the one from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour shows? That's been very prominent this year.'

As the debate continues to rage on online, brand expert Nick Ede tells FEMAIL what your tote bag of choice really says about you.

The expert said: 'The combination of practicality, style and environmental and cultural awareness has made them a must have fashion accessory.'

The New Yorker Tote

Pictured: the New Yorker tote bag that readers get for free when they sign up for a magazine subscription

Readers of New Yorker magazine famously receive a free tote bag when they sign up for a subscription - and according to Nick, it's a surefire way for wearers to show off how cultured they are.

He said: 'Who needs a Birkin when you have a New Yorker tote? This tote bag is, consciously or unconsciously, a sign of cultural currency.

'Reading the New Yorker implies that you are someone with rarefied knowledge, cultural awareness and refinement of taste.

'So wearing the tote bag allows one to subtly broadcast ones knowledge or everything that's important culturally.'

Lulu Guinness x Waitrose Tote

This year, Waitrose has seen huge success for their Lulu Guinness collaboration (pictured), which is proving popular with middle class mothers

They famously partnered up with Anya Hindmarch on th e 'Universal' tote in 2021 - but this year, Waitrose has seen huge success for their Lulu Guinness collaboration.

Nick said: 'The 'designer' collab is a win win for the brand and the designer as its all about visibility.

'With the Lulu Guinness and Waitrose bag, its hit a sweetspot with shoppers and influencers alike who want to get their hands on this oversized bag with lovely quality interior and pockets. Its quite a statement and is bold in its design.'

However, the expert says that shoppers who are drawn to this bag aren't slaves to fashion.

He continued: 'It doesn't smack discerning or stylish rather that you are buying something you have been told is stylish!

'Lulu Guiness has a massive fan base and this will appeal to middle class middle aged women looking to brighten up their daily shop with a hint of red!'

Trader Joe's Tote

Pictured: a used Trader Joe's tote bag, which is currently being sold on Depop. The grocery store chain doesn't exist outside the US

Trader Joe's might not have a single branch outside of the US - but tote bags from the premium grocery store are becoming an increasingly sight in the UK.

The brand expert explained: 'TikTok made this a must have bag and one that everyone had to have even if they didn't know what or who Traders Joe's is!

'It shows that you are a keen trendsetter and someone who uses social media to gain your knowledge unlike those who buy the New Yorker tote.

'It's the kind of bag you buy one in every colour for which means you're a collector who knows that youll be the talk of your friends with you tote.

'With a simple design and cool colourways it's a bag that is ageless and once again shows that the wearing is in touch with its cultural significance.'

Mubi Tote

Pictured: the blue Mubi tote bags that are produced by the London-based film production company

Part streaming service, part production company, Mubi is a brand to know among film fans - which is why their tote bags are sky-rocketing in popularity of late.

Analysing the uptick in blue Mubi totes, Nick said: 'This shows that you are serious about your cinema those with a Mubi tote bag are part of the most exclusive club in town.

'It's a must for cinephiles who read existential poetry who dismiss Marvel as crime against movies and wallow in films by Lars Von Trier.

'It's a very cool status to have a Mubi bag and one those in the know know how to get one.'

Daunt Books

Brand expert Nick Ede said of these totes: 'If you are seen with a Daunt Books tote you are part of the literati that includes Elizabeth Olsen , Helena Bonham Carter and many others'

According to the London-based Reddit user, Daunt Books totes have been the must-have bag for the past 10 years - and Nick Ede says they're still a 'upper middle class status symbol'.

The expert said: 'If you are seen with a Daunt Books tote you are part of the literati that includes Elizabeth Olsen, Helena Bonham Carter and many others.

'Its an upper middle class status symbol that shows youre an opera goer and have a season ticket at Glyndebourne.

'It speaks volumes about the wearer that they buy books and are environmentally friendly, they love travel and they have an understated wealth.

'It's a cool badge of honour and even if you don't read books, it gives the impression you are one of the elite who have actually read the complete works of Shakespeare.'

Hipster Bakery Tote

Pictured: a Jolene bakery tote bag. The small bakery is is proving popular among millennials and Gen Z, according to the brand expert

Along with the rise of hipster bakeries has come the rise of hipster bakery tote bags in recent years.

Jolene - a small business in Newington Green - is proving popular among fashion-conscious millennials and Gen Z, according to the expert.

Nick said: 'The Jolene bag letters were drawn by a 6 year old and have become one of the coolest fashion items around.

'With the rise and rise of bakeries in hipster areas, like Brooklyn in New York and Shoreditch in London, having a bag branded with their name is the ultimate in endorsement.

'It's cool, stylish, on trend and environmentally conscious... and it shows you don't mind a carb or two as well!'

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Tote

Pictured: a Taylor Swift Eras Tour tote bag, which is currently being sold second-hand on Depop

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour may have left Europe last month - but the star's merch is still being sported by fans across the country.

The brand expert said: 'This iconic bag is a badge of honour for many  it invited you into a tribe of Swifties who when spotting your bag will know exactly where you were this summer and they'll probably look out for friendship bracelets all up your arms too.

'Or it means you didn't and your friend felt sorry for you and all you got was a Taylor Swift bag!

'Either way it's a status symbol for a very special moment in time that many wont forget.'

Notting Hill Shopping Tote

Nick Ede said of this tote: 'This bag shows you are super stylish with a hint of a knowing look  a bag that has been 15 years old and still on trend is a brilliant achievement'

Notting Hill continues to be one of the most touristy spots of London - but Nick Ede says the branded shopping bags tend to be reserved for the most knowledgable of city dwellers.

The expert said: 'This bag shows you are super stylish with a hint of a knowing look  a bag that has been 15 years old and still on trend is a brilliant achievement.

'Whether your there for the carnival, off to the market or a secret Hugh Grant fan this bag says you've been to London, you love London and you know your London.'
He's no stranger to a scandal, having fathered two acknowledged love children - but now Prince Albert of Monaco is locked in a bitter falling out with his right-hand man of more than 20 years.

Claude Palmero, 68, looked after the Royal Family's finances (including their investments, their properties and the main palace) from 2001 to 2023, just as his father, Andre, had done for Prince Rainier III of Monaco two decades before him.

However, he was sacked by Prince Albert, 66, in 2023 after being targeted by a mysterious anti-corruption website. A few months later, French newspaper Le Monde published Palmero's 'secret notebooks', which claimed to detail reckless spending by the Royal Family, with a particular spotlight on Princess Charlene, 46.

But the controversy has since deepened after the former financial adviser was reportedly arrested - and released without charge - last Wednesday.

He was questioned by police after Prince Albert filed a lawsuit against him, resulting in an investigation into alleged 'breach of confidentiality, invasion of privacy and receiving the proceeds of two offences'.

Millionaire Palmero, who prefers his privacy and is rarely photographed, has vowed to 'restore his honour', his lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard told The Telegraph. He even aims to return to his role in the palace, which was 'his life'.

He's no stranger to a scandal, having fathered two acknowledged love children - but now Prince Albert of Monaco (pictured in August 2024) is locked in a bitter falling out with his right-hand man of more than 20 years. Albert, Jazmin and Alexandre are pictured in New York

Princess Charlene's 'crazy' and 'out of control' spending was leaked in Claude Palmero's memos earlier this year

Palmero, who is now said to work as a freelance financial consultant in Monaco, hasn't heard from Prince Albert since July 2023, according to the publication.

Recalling his 'very sudden' dismissal, the former financial advisor's lawyer said: 'Palmero loved his job. It was his life, in fact. His life was Monaco; it was the Prince, the Princes family, helping and doing everything he could to protect them

'It was very sudden. He felt completely depressed it was incomprehensible,' she added, before saying that if Palmero didn't have the support of his family, 'I think he would not be with us.'

The lawyer added: 'Three years ago, someone decided to dirty the name of Claude Palmero... At the beginning, the Prince said to Palmero, "OK, I want to help you, its horrible, they are lying. I know that you are clean." And two years later, the Prince says, "I am fed up of all these stories, and I want you to go away."'

Prince Albert, who took over the reins of the principality following his father Prince Rainier III's death in 2005, sacked his trusted financial adviser in June 2023.

In an sudden purge, he also dismissed his chief-of-staff Laurent Anselmi after the two staff members were targeted by an anonymous website's explosive claims of widespread corruption in the country.

The website, known as 'Les Dossiers du Rocher', emerged in late 2021 and targeted not only Palmero and Anselmi, but other prominent figures close to the prince including lawyer Thierry Lacoste and president of the principality's supreme court Didier Linotte.

These men, known as the G4, were accused of orchestrating corruption involving multimillion-euro property deals, claims which all four vehemently deny.

Claude Palmero, 68, looked after the Royal Family's finances (including their investments, their properties and the main palace) from 2001 to 2023, just as his father, Andre, had done for Prince Rainier III of Monaco two decades before him

Albert initially stood by his close confidants, but later began distancing himself from them. Then in June, Albert sacked Palmero and Anselmi, and again publicly played down associations with Lacoste, his lawyer and childhood friend, and Linotte.

After losing his role in the palace, Palmero reportedly filed a lawsuit against the royal family, accusing them of abuse of weakness, attempted extortion and theft. He also contested his dismissal before a tribunal headed by Judge Linotte.

But when the president of Monacos Supreme Court was pushed out, Palmero went to the European Court of Human Rights. He allegedly claimed that it wasn't possible to get a fair hearing in the super-rich principality. The case is still ongoing.

Prince Albert of Monaco has denied all of Palmero's allegations.

A few months later in January, excerpts from Palmero's 'secret notebooks' made their way into two French newspapers. His lawyer denies that he gave the information to the press.

The books alleged that Albert spends millions every year from a secret French bank account to pay his former mistresses and love children - with Jazmin Grimaldi, 31, and Alexandre Coste-Grimaldi, 20, receiving allowances of 344,000 a year each.

According to Le Monde, Jazmin, Albert's love child with U.S. estate agent Tamara Rotolo, receives 73,000 every three months - despite not being part of the royal family. Palmero noted she was given 4,200 for her 18th and a flat in New York worth 2.6 million seven years later.

He also noted that the palace was paying for kidnap and ransom insurance for Alexandre, 20, Albert's son with former air hostess Nicole Coste. The Prince acknowledged paternity of Alexandre in 2005.

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert pictured in November 2023

In 2015, Alexandre's mother persuaded Albert to back her fashion business, which was fronted by a shop in London's Knightsbridge, Le Monde said. Palmero noted in 2015 that it was 'on course [to cost] one million [euros] a year'.

Liberation, another of the French newspapers which published excerpts from the series of five notebooks, said the Prince had an account at French bank BNP under the name AG for 'Albert Grimaldi'.

The newspaper said the account was used to pay Albert's former mistresses and their children without his wife Princess Charlene, 46, knowing.

Meanwhile, Charlene, who is 20 years the Prince's junior and spent four months in a hospital in 2021/2022 for 'deep fatigue', was routinely given an allowance of around 1.2 million a year - but still managed to overspend, according to Palmero's notes.

The speed at which the mother-of-two apparently burned through money so worried the Prince's accountant that he wrote in his notes: 'It's crazy! I have no control over the Princess' spending.'

Investigators in the super-rich Mediterranean country, which has a population of just 36,000, are seeking to find out how Le Monde obtained Palmero's notebooks, according to Le Parisien.

Palmero was reportedly released at around 2pm on last Wednesday and has not been charged at this stage, reported the French publication.

Palmero's lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, denied reports in France's national press that he had been taken into police custody over corruption allegations contained in a separate lawsuit filed by Prince Albert.

Albert and Charlene are pictured at King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation in 2023

She said 'false information' was 'leaked to the media this morning in order to put pressure on the police and the justice system as well as to undermine the honour' of her client, who has been the 'target of powerful interests in Monaco for a long time'.

Canu-Bernard, who said her client denies wrongdoing, claimed: 'Claude Palmero was indeed heard this morning, this does not in any way concern any suspicion of corruption... There was no follow-up because nothing was found against the former treasurer of the Palace.'

MailOnline contacted Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard and the Monaco Royal Household for comment at the time.

Earlier this year, Prince Albert said his family and the public had supported him after his former accountant accused him of financial impropriety, but his wife Princess Charlene is 'very upset for him'.

The ruler spoke to Paris Match to mark his birthday two months after Palmero's notes revealed Charlene's personal spending allowance rocketed to more than 1million-a-year.

The leaked documents to French media earlier this year also accused the royal family of hiring illegal immigrants as nannies. Prince Albert did not comment on it at the time.

Speaking in March 2024, he said: 'Thankfully, my whole family is there for me, showering me with their affection, both my immediate family and the extended family of Monegasque.'

But he went on: 'She [Charlene] was also very upset for me, and saddened by certain things that came out in the media. We supported each other. She has resumed many of her activities, more public engagements, to everyones delight.'

The entries in Palermo's notebooks seem to suggest that Prince Albert's chaotic personal life has drained his riches.

The Prince acknowledged paternity of Alexandre (centre), 20, his son with Coste (left) in 2005

Nicole Coste (right with Albert) was allegedly on track to cost the monarch 'nearly $1million a year'

Head of Monaco's ruling Grimaldi dynasty since 2005, Albert is the only son of Prince Rainier III and former Hollywood star Grace Kelly. He has two acknowledged love children: Alexandre, by former air hostess Nicole Coste, born in 2003; and Jazmin, by U.S. estate agent Tamara Rotolo, born in 1993.

In September 2020 another putative love child sent a letter. The teenager - aged 15 at the time - is being raised in Brazil and claimed in the handwritten note to have been conceived during a round-the-world love affair in 2004.

The matter was to come to court in Milan, but was dropped. A spokesman for the Prince said it was a 'hoax'.

Some of the most potentially damaging comments in Palmero's notebooks refer to Charlene's staff. He alleges she employed nannies and other domestic staff who were illegal immigrants, or living in Monaco illegally.

'Her Serene Highness the Princess makes people work for her who are not compliant,' Palmero warned Albert.

In a letter written in January 2017, he said another employee from the Philippines had been 'illegal for five years', despite being on a one-month tourist visa. 'He gets paid 100 euros a day [85] which is off the scale,' Palmero wrote.

In December 2014, Charlene gave birth to twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, and immediately placed them in the care of nannies who Palmero claims were also illegal immigrants.

'Update on the hiring of nannies . . . We are completely illegal (even their tourist visa expired on January 7),' Palmero wrote on January 15 of that year.

'They are not only in an illegal situation, but one entered with a false passport,' he added.

In 2021, he vetoed new staff hires requested by Charlene, who already had '8.5 people in her service, there have never been so many'.

In a statement to Le Monde, the Prince's lawyers said that if money was paid to illegal migrants, then it was Palmero who had authorised the expenditure.

Last year, Palmero was sacked as one of Albert's most trusted lieutenants and is now accused of having embezzled cash - a claim he denies. 'I never took a cent,' he said.

'This is a 100 per cent denial. I am neither corrupt nor a thief, all improbable things of which the princely family, for whom I devoted myself for two decades, unjustly accuses me today.'

In a statement Prince Albert said: 'The attacks that Mr Palmero makes against me and against the state of Monaco and its institutions show his true nature and the little respect . . . he has for the family and the principality.'

Palmero's departure follow two years of corruption claims distributed by a WikiLeaks-style website, Les Dossiers du Rocher (The Rock Files).

The website said that the Prince's confidants manipulated the sky-high property market on The Rock - as the tiny tax haven Principality of Monaco is nicknamed - for personal gain.

Those named on the website included Albert's former chief of staff Laurent Anselmi, Claude Palmero and his one-time lawyer Thierry Lacoste.

All were once close personal friends of Albert, while others accused of fraud include Monaco Supreme Court judge Didier Linotte.

All those named vehemently deny the claims made against them.

Prince Albert told Le Figaro last year: 'The Rock Files brought to light, via the internet, certain activities of people who were working with me. As I've said: if trust is broken, then it's impossible to continue working together.'
Crown Princess Elisabeth, 22, has moved to Boston for her studies

Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium looked every inch the cheerful student as she started her new course at Harvard University on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old has joined Harvard Kennedy School where she is studying for her MA in public policy.

The Belgian Royal Palace took to Instagram to share the pictures, writing: 'Hello USA! Princess Elisabeth has started her masters in public policy at @harvardkennedyschool.'

Elisabeth dressed the part and donned a pair of 210 Crest high rise wide leg jeans from classic American brand Tommy Hilfiger with a brown sleeveless tank top.

She completed her casual yet chic outfit with a pair of 110 Adidas GT Sneakerstuff trainers in shades of green.

Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium appeared in high spirits during her first day of Harvard University

The royal, who studied at Oxford University for her undergraduate degree, styled her brunette tresses in natural waves and opted for minimal makeup for the occasion.

After Elisabeth finished her studies in England, she took part in various engagements throughout the summer with her parents - King Philippe and Queen Mathilde for Belgium - including marking National Day.

In July, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium thanked the University of Oxford for three 'wonderful' years - as she prepares to move to Boston for her MA at Harvard.

The royal, 22, moved to the UK in the autumn of 2021 to start her History and Politics undergraduate course at Lincoln College.

The future European Queen enrolled at the institution under the name 'Elisabeth de Saxe-Coburg' and was a member of Lincoln College.

Speaking about her time there, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace told the Oxford Mail: 'The Princess loved studying in Oxford and had a wonderful time in Lincoln College.'

As well as being an active member of her college's boat club, Elisabeth would have completed around six written papers and a thesis in History or Politics in her final year to complete the degree.

Now, Princess Elisabeth's has joined the renowned Harvard University in Boston, where the Princess passed entrance tests to.

The 22-year-old royal has moved to Boston to undertake a master's degree in public policy

Elisabeth donned a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans, a sleeveless brown tank top, and Adidas trainers for the occasion

The palace told Brussels Times: 'The Princess was also selected for an 'Honorary Award' from the Fullbright Program, the US Department of State's international educational exchange programme.'

And it seems Princess Elisabeth is already immersing herself in American culture. In March, She hosted former US president Barack Obama when she joined her father King Philippe in Brussels.

She took time out of her studies her studies at the time to carry out the rare royal engagement in her home nation.

Elisabeth is next in line to the Belgian throne as she is the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.

According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the princess completed a written Oxford entrance exam in history 'anonymously' so that her royal status would not affect her chances of being offered a place.

Elisabeth is believed to have chosen the course herself, in agreement with her parents, and reportedly consulted with graduates from various universities and made her decision based on what would be most useful to her in her role as Queen later in life.

During her time at Oxford there was speculation about her love life amid reports she was dating an 'ordinary' young man.

Belgian media reported that the 20-year-old had found love with fellow student Nicholas Dodd, 20, from Rochdale.

Mr Dodd read History at the same college according to Het Laatste Nieuws, a Dutch-language newspaper based in Antwerp, Belgium.

However, the rumours were quashed when Dodd's family said the reports were 'false'.

'They just go to the same college and study together. Just like all his other friends, I can't comment any further,' an unnamed family member told Manchester Evening News.

When asked about the rumours, the Royal Palace refused to comment, according to French-language, Belgium-based television station RTL.

An accomplished 22-year-old by any measure, the official royal website says Elisabeth enjoys walking in nature, reading and playing the piano  although like 'all youngsters her age', writes the palace, 'her taste in music is varied.'

Elisabeth - who speaks Dutch, French, German, English, and has also taken classes in Mandarin Chinese - began attending royal engagements from a young age and was just nine when she delivered a speech at the opening of the Princess Elisabeth Children's Hospital.
Jewellery may be the smallest part of your outfit, but it has an outsize impact on how the world views you.

Having worked as an editor at Vogue, where I was jewellery director for 25 years, chasing the latest jewels to sprinkle over the pages of the magazine, I know every trend has a long history, yet also offers an extremely personal form of self-expression.

And while you could easily spend thousands on the finest gems, you can make an equally vivid statement shopping on the high street. You just need to work out what your statement piece is really saying about you. I've decoded the six key jewellery trends for autumn, and selected pieces glittering with hope, possibility and novelty to see you through the winter season ahead . . .

Small stacking rings, 18, accessorize.com, chunky gold ring, 180, thomassabo.com, snake rings 11 and 8.50, lovisa.co.uk, bangles from 440, theysso.com, enamel bangle, 12, asos.com, diamante choker, 20, accessorize.com, pearl necklace, 220, astridandmiyu.com, pendant necklace, 110, dowerandhall.com

Really wild rings

This season the jewellery world is looking back to Victoriana, with nature symbols such as flowers, insects, swallows and serpents everywhere  especially on motif rings. JW Anderson's autumn/winter show featured tiny doves painted onto signet rings, and snake motifs shone at Chloe.

The trend for animals on jewels now is identity-led  pick an animal whose characteristics you admire or aspire to align with. Thomas Sabo has a gold-plated snake ring at 180  or River Island's leopard ring is 14.

Snake ring, 180, thomassabo.com

Sacred scarab, 80, mariejune.com

Posy bloom ring, 225, alexmonroe.com

Seahorse, 67, Kylie Harper via wolfand badger.com

Return of the choker

A fashion season covers many looks, so while I'm recommending long pendant necklaces, I'm also flagging a trend for short, tight chokers.

Chokers have often been described as colliers de chien, a fashion kickstarted in the mid-19th century when Hermes created a leather collar with studs for a client's bulldog. On the catwalks, Gucci featured circlets of metal dog collars; Chanel had ropes of pearls interspersed with chunky chains and heart-shaped pendants.

Marla Aaron's necklaces have a series of twisting locks which attach chains together. Sandralexandra has the perfect choker for those who like the chain look, featuring glass handcrafted in Spain (110), and you can get matching earrings for 43.

Heirloom necklace, 450, monica vinader.com

Marnier glass link, 110, sandralexandra.com

Sumptuous chandeliers

Chandelier earrings are back, which is great news because they throw a flattering light on the face as the dark days of winter approach  making them a far better investment than Botox in my opinion.

The original chandelier drops were designed to mimic Georgian candelabra, reflecting light as a woman danced around a candlelit room. Ballrooms are in short supply these days, but the importance of light never diminishes.

Dolce & Gabbana's diamond chandeliers are stunning, but a cascade of crystal or semi-precious stones does the job nicely, too  like Swarovski's mixed crystal (350). A more affordable choice is lab-grown crystals such as Lovisa's earrings (18, seen on model above). There's no need to go as far as shoulder skimmers as shown on the catwalks, and if chandeliers feel too flashy for your daytime, then pop them in your bag and bring them out to sparkle after dark  just like they do in Bridgerton.

Mesmera chandelier, 350, swarovski.com

Elena earrings, 285, sorujewellery.com

Diamante drop earrings, 19, karenmillen.com

Superhero cuffs

During the 1970s, every stylish wrist boasted a sculptural bangle after Tiffany & Co released its bestselling Bone Cuff, designed by Italian ex-model Elsa Peretti.

Now there is a resurgence in decorated wrists  but this time, you need something on each arm. Costume pieces by Goossens are a classic  the brand's founder, Parisian jeweller Robert Goossens, made styles for Coco Chanel's runway shows.

To keep things more affordable, look for pieces fashioned in glossy non-precious metals, resin, wood or leather, such as this wide, wavy bracelet by Anthropologie at 48.

Wavy cuff, 48, anthropologie.com

Boucle cuff, 445, goossens-paris.com

HD x TG bangle, 350, hotdiamonds.co.uk

Romantic pendants

Necklaces with a drop pendant were prominent on the autumn/winter catwalks at Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta and Gabriela Hearst. Long, loose and swaying, they ranged from polished stones to abstract metal shapes and charms, and some swung from leather ropes.

Pick a pendant that's meaningful to you, or add your own special coin or charm, and the necklace becomes a personal talisman.

Or try beads because the 1970s vibe is back. Sienna Miller, the boho poster girl, was seen wearing a green malachite pendant on a Missoma chain (105). A more affordable option is Ottoman Hands  its gold-plated turqouise pendant is 49.

Amalfi turquoise pendant, 49, ottomanhands.com

Malachite necklace, 105, missoma.com

Perfect hoops

This season, jumbo-sized hoops are back, either in gold or chunky silver  look for volume which is also lightweight.

I'm not a fan of the new asymmetric hoop look, however.

Wearing one giant and one petite on the opposite ear just looks like you've put the wrong pair together.

Jennifer Fisher is the hoop queen of Manhattan, and makes every size and variety you could wish for, starting at 93 for her flat huggies (jenniferfisher.com), while Dower & Hall offer beautifully embellished pearl hoop earrings (295). For chic affordability, look to Betty & Biddy  its striking Chubby hoops are just 16.

Waterfall pearl hoops, 295, dowerandhall.com

Chubby hoops, 16, bettyandbiddy.com
Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed she fears her children being prosecuted by police if they went with her to Swiss assisted dying clinic Dignitas.

The former broadcaster, 84, spoke about her continuous campaigning to legalise assisted dying in the UK and what she hopes her legacy will be after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last year.

Today, she opened up to Dr Hilary Jones in a moving phone interview on Lorraine

She said: 'Even if it doesn't happen in my time, I do hope that other people in my situation will be given the choice. That's all I ask, to shorten their death, if that's what they want.'

Since being diagnosed, Esther has been campaigning 'for the right of people to choose the manner of their own death, to be pain free and to die with dignity', which she hopes will be her legacy.

Esther revealed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised her he would 'try and get a vote on legalising assisted dying before Christmas'.

Dame Esther Rantzen opened up to Dr Hilary Jones in a moving phone interview on Lorraine on Thursday

Esther and Desmond welcomed their first child Emily Wilcox in January 1978 who later changed her named to Miriam. As a teenager, she battled myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) (pictured in 1996)

She said: 'I'm very, very impressed that given all the challenges you know, national and international, he remembers the conversation we had before the election in which he made it clear that this is something he does feel very strongly about, that the law at the moment is unsatisfactory.

'Being a lawyer himself, I think he thinks it's important that laws should be just and fair and clear, which this one is not.'

She revealed in December that she has joined the Swiss Dignitas clinic but she said the law prevents he family from going with her.

Esther said: 'The effect of the current law is that if I do have to go to Switzerland and Dignitas, they won't be able to come with me, because I would risk them being investigated by the police for having supported me, which is all wrong.'

The TV presenter who shot to fame in the 70s on her show That's Life, shared three children with her late partner who died in 2000 from heart disease.

Following Dame Esther revealing she has joined Dignitas as she battles stage four lung cancer and may go there to die, her middle child has said she'd 'want to ground the plane' if her mother flew to Switzerland - but backed her right to decide her own fate.

Esther's children, Rebecca, Miriam and Joshua, have discussed the heartbreak of watching their father, Desmond, endure a slow and painful death as he battled heart disease, adding: 'That's what mum wants to avoid.'

Dr Hilary shared his own personal experience and how it felt when his mother was dying.

He said 'It was the same for me and my elderly mother. My mother begged me not to help her, because she understood what the repercussions would be, although she wanted me to, and I would have done had I had the chance, but it wasn't possible.'

He added: 'There will be people who are worried about a change in the law. There are plenty of fail safes that can be put in place so that people still have the right to govern and determine their own demise'.

Back in the ITV studio, Dr Hilary spoke to host Lorraine about his interview with Esther

Dame Esther pictured with her husband Desmond, who died in 2000, and their children Rebecca, Miriam, Joshua

Dr Hilary shared his own personal experience and how it felt when his mother was dying

Esther continued: 'Exactly and that's what the Prime Minister said, that he was very careful to make sure that any new law that is proposed contains these precautions, and they must do, of course, they must.'

Esther added: 'I know from the things that you said that you understand where I'm coming from, because palliative care is wonderful but it isn't always effective.

'I know, and anybody who's been in my situation and seen this happen, that memories of someone you love dying in pain can sometimes overwhelm the happy memories that you've had during their lifetime. So, I absolutely don't want that to happen to my family. I want them to remember the fun we've had, not any terminal pain I might be in.'

Asked how she is, Esther told Dr Hilary that her new cancer medication appears to be working well.

She said: 'I'm much better than I thought I would be, because I've got one of these amazing new drugs which seems to be holding the cancer at bay, to my surprise.'

Back in the ITV studio, Dr Hilary spoke to host Lorraine about his interview with Esther.

He said: 'It was a very poignant interview, and it was great to hear her sounding strong and as courageous as always'

Since being diagnosed, Esther has been campaigning 'for the right of people to choose the manner of their own death, to be pain free and to die with dignity', which she hopes will be her legacy

He added: 'This wouldn't be a substitute for palliative care. It would just give people the right if they're in distress, if they're losing their dignity, and if they have got mental capacity, and they make the decision, it should be a choice for them to get assistance.' As well as reflecting on the reasons for those objecting to a change in the law.

'This is not a mandatory thing, if there's a change in the law, it's just a choice for those people who want it. I'm not saying we must do it, [that] we could do anything illegal We must not do that, we can only follow the law, and as a son and as a doctor, I would always do that...'

Assisting someone to end their life is currently a criminal offence in England and Wales.

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 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.
Prince William stunned drivers in Aberdeen as he walked between engagements today, making the most of the autumn sunshine.

As he strolled down the city's cobbled streets shocked drivers leant out of their windows shouting: 'Hi William!' prompting him to wave and smile. He startled a few pedestrians, while one cyclist stooped his bike right next to him to look twice, not entirely believing his eyes.

The Prince of Wales was in the city to persuade the private sector to rent property to more people who have been homeless, saying there are a 'wealth of people out there who want to help, but don't know how'.

Talking about his Homewards initiative to eradicate homelessness in six key areas of the country, the heir to the throne said he wanted to convince private landlords and businesses that it was not too risky.

As he arrived, he showed off the beard that has sent royal fans wild in recent months - perhaps suggesting it's a style choice that is here to stay

Speaking to people who have personally struggled with homelessness, addiction, mental health issues and more, he also said he wants to empower 'those who are homeless to realise their life matters'.

'When you're at your lowest ebb, you believe - quite understandably - that people don't care and there's nowhere to go,' he said, of the importance of removing stigma.

But, he continued: 'There's hope, definitely. We've got to start changing the narrative.'

The Prince, whose beard seems to be here to stay, flew to Aberdeen via a slightly delayed commercial airline, and joked he had brought some good weather with him.

The Prince of Wales proved his beard is here to stay as he attended engagements in Aberdeen to discuss homelessness

The royal teamed up with Gail Porter, who is an advocate for Homewards after finding herself homeless at two points in her life

The Prince of Wales looked passionate as he attended the lunch and discussed the issue of homelessness

The Prince of Wales engaged in conversation with people involved in the cause of ending homelessness as he attended the 'thank you' event

The royal father-of-three, 42, beamed as he arrived in the Scottish city to meet workers from across the homelessness sector

Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, with community manager Iona Rennie, as he meets workers from the homelessness sector during a visit to Shelter

His first of two engagements was at the office of Shelter Scotland, where he spoke to staff and service users.

Hearing that there is a lot of 'unsuitable accommodation', which either does not meet acceptable standards of living or involves long-term sofa surfing, he said: 'There's pressure everywhere, isn't there?'

The Prince told staff he hoped his Homewards project would help bring more awareness to the issue of hidden homelessness, the importance of early intervention to stop people becoming homeless in the first place, and a 'shift from management to prevention'.

'You guys do all of the hard work,' he said. 'But who is supporting you? I want Homewards to be that, to elevate your work and support you.

'We're trying to change the narrative to 'this [homelessness] is happening, and we move with it' rather than something no-one understands or talks about.'

On the issue of hidden homelessness, he added: 'A lot of people don't understand that because they don't see it.'

William appeared to listen intently to the other attendees at the lunch

William looked animated as he discussed a cause about which he has long been passionate, following in the footsteps of his mother Princess Diana

William's first engagement will see him visiting the Aberdeen office of Shelter Scotland, which supports people on the brink of or already experiencing homelessness

William put on a serious smoulder as he visited the charity

Hearing from staff that they could only help so many people, and that systematic change is needed to provide more housing, the Prince sympathised: 'Whatever you do, there's always that block at the end.

'We've got to deliver the homes. I can't promise we're going to deliver hundreds and hundreds, but we think there's a good chance to get the private sector more involved.

'A lot of the private sector want to help, they want to do it.'

He continued: 'There are a wealth of people out there who want to help but don't know how.'

Viewing a wall of photographs taken by Margaret Mitchell, in a project to capture those with lived experience of homelessness, the Prince spoke of a similar exhibition staged at Saatchi, London, by Homewards.

The Prince then heard from two service users, who have turned their lives around with the help of Shelter Scotland.

One spoke of long-term addiction issues and being released from prison with no home, job or mental health support to go to, while the other told of the bleak living conditions which saw him given a bare room with a kettle for his permanent housing.

'You tell me what you want to tell me,' the Prince reassured them, noticing that one man - who did not want to be identified - seemed nervous. 'No pressure.'

'Everyone needs to feel like they belong,' he said, of the importance of community support.

'You need to feel you belong, and you're cared for.'

Saying he had heard stories of the same issues across the UK, the Prince added: 'It's the system, the fact that we've got to adapt the system.

'You guys both said the same thing, that you went to the council - and this is no offence to the council - but they've got so many things on their plate, but they find it hard to know where to signpost you, how to fix it and sometimes they can't fix it.

'So how can we get to you earlier?

'It's tweaking the system a little bit so we get more upstream, where they are earlier indications that you're at risk of homelessness before you get into it.

'It's crucial and that's what I'm hoping in these five years that I can do, to try and amplify the brilliant work that you and other organisations do.

'It's such a big jigsaw.'

The Prince of Wales' busy day of engagements is part of his five year-long Homewards programme, which is a mission to prove homelessness can be ended once and for all

The royal has made tackling homelessness one of his main prioritises

The Prince also heard accounts from children living in temporary or unsuitable accommodation, who wrote of their nightmares and fears about their situation as well as their hopes for the future.

One, read out in a moment of levity among the many negative stories, recorded a little girl's ambition to one day have a house with 'four bedrooms, a balcony, four bedrooms and a very big garden'.

It is 'crucial' to reach children, the Prince said, before it 'manifests itself in bigger problems in later life'.

He also urged service users to keep speaking about their experiences, to help 'empower those who are homeless to realise their life matters'.

The Prince of Wales , known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, as he meets workers from the homelessness sector

William looked animated as he chatted to workers at the charity

William also viewed artwork with community manager Iona Rennie

'This has to become a thing where people are talking about it more, it's understood more, it's in the media more, the priority goes higher.

'It's been hidden, for lots of reasons. We need to remove that [stigma].

'It's important everyone understands the true grit and determination it's taken from you guys to get out of those situations. It's important to see the light at the end of the tunnel.'

At Union Kirk, the Prince held a roundtable meeting in private before joining a large hall where staff and volunteers from the homelessness sector had gathered to celebrate their work so far, as well as their new inclusion in the Blue Light Card discount service.

The card allowed emergency services, NHS, social care workers and the Armed Forced to receive discounts with more than 15,000 retailers, saving members a combined 330m last year, and now open to those in the homelessness sector.

Guests at the event included Gail Porter, who was first taken to a shelter with her mother at the age of 11, and became homeless again after her television career suffered when she declined to wear a wig after developing alopecia.

She now works as a mental health and homelessness advocate, and has appeared at events with Prince William before.

After arriving at the event, Prince William spoke to the team behind Blue Light Card first - CEO Alidad Moghaddam, and co-founders Steve Denny and Tom Dalby - saying how pleased he was that they had said a quick yes to including staff from homeless charities.

He spent time at three tables talking to staff and volunteers, listening as they told of issues including overcrowded prisons, understaffed services and, mostly, a lack in housing supply to put people in.

'It's depressing isn't it,' he told one. 'It must be so difficult for people dealing with this every day.'

He added: 'You guys have been doing this job for so long and I'm aware that perhaps not many people say thank you, so please hear it from me: thank you.'

In a speech, he opened with an in-joke with Gail Porter, who is one of the Homewards advocates, and had been sitting next to him moments before.

'I was suddenly worried when I gave Gail Porter my speech that she might have drawn on it,' he said to laughter. 'Luckily it looks ok so far.'

He continued: 'We have amongst us today those who go above and beyond in their efforts to help those in the greatest need.

'It has been a privilege to meet some of you, and to hear about the challenges you face as well as your ideas on what more Homewards can do to support the sector.

'I am always particularly inspired to meet those of you who have your own experience of homelessness. Despite the trauma and difficulties you have encountered, you have chosen to join the workforce that helped you, so that you can ensure others don't experience what you did.'

The Prince added: 'As you all know too well, homelessness is a complex issue.

'I'm so glad to be able to celebrate the enormous and invaluable contribution you and your colleagues across the UK make, today and every day.'

The Prince of Wales's engagement comes as Homewards has announced a partnership with the national Blue Light Card discount, which provides deals to emergency services workers.

In collaboration with Homewards, Blue Light Card will now extend discounts to 60,000 workers in the UK who work within the homelessness sector.
Plant-based food influencer Deliciously Ella has sold her company after admitting she was 'overwhelmed with fame'.

Ella Mills, 33, the daughter of Sainsbury's heiress Camilla Sainsbury and former Northern Ireland secretary Shaun Woodward, is believed to have banked 'millions' from the sale to Swiss group Hero.

While the price of the sale hasn't been disclosed, her food empire - which she owned alongside her husband Matthew Mills - was previously valued at 60million.

Since she started designing healthy recipes in her parents' kitchen while studying at St Andrew's University in 2013, the recipe mogul has built a food empire, selling millions of her own products across UK supermarkets.

But not everything has always been smooth sailing as she recently revealed she was stepping out the limelight after claiming that she was receiving a barrage of horrendous trolling.

Ella's vegan products will join other upmarket health food sold by the Swiss company, including the children and baby snacks, Organix, famed for their posh maize crisps and oat bars.

Ella Mills, 32, found fame for her clean eating blog while studying at St Andrew's University in 2013

In January earlier this year, the foodie confessed that she was consciously 'retreating from public life' after she faced years of horrific online trolling

Ready to buy in most supermarkets, Ella's healthy cereal bar snacks have been extremely popular since hitting the shelves in 2016, having sold 100 million products so far.

In a joint statement, the couple admitted the brand how grown 'bigger than either of us could have imagined,' but that the sale has been long deliberated and 'felt right'.

In January, the foodie confessed that she was consciously 'retreating from public life' after she faced years of horrific online trolling.

With fame and seven cookbooks selling more than 1.5million copies worldwide, scrutiny had increased over the years she told The Times.

'Until quite recently I really, really retreated because I felt overwhelmed. I wanted to be essentially vanilla,' Ella said at the time.

Finding it easier to stay silent in the face of what she described as 'personal' and 'incredibly violating' attacks, Ella was at the same time unhappy about having lost her voice.

Ella remedied the problem by removing pictures of herself from socials.

She now focuses her content on family and friends. Pictured with her husband and daughters

Ella and Matthew's statement in full Were beginning an exciting new chapter. In 2012, I sat down to write Deliciously Ellas first blog post: a quick recipe for sweet potato wedges with a creamy avocado dip. It was a simple step, but it changed my life. Those early days of Deliciously Ella was me in my kitchen learning to cook, sharing recipes and building a like-minded community around delicious, plant-based food. In 2015, I met Matthew, and my life completely changed again. Within a month, we had moved in together and hed quit his job to become the DE CEO. We knew together we could take Deliciously Ella to the next level, building a fully natural, plant-based food company. Since then, weve worked non-stop to build DE into what it is today. Were now one of the fastest growing food companies in our category and weve sold over 100 million food products since launch. This success has all been made possible by you, our community, who we cherish and feel in deep service to. Its been a rollercoaster, filled with highest highs and lowest lows, and were so proud of all that weve done together. When we look to the future, we want to ensure that the next chapter of Deliciously Ella is even bigger and better. So, weve decided to partner with the amazing people from the Hero Group , who have now acquired Deliciously Ella, to supercharge that next stage of growth. The Hero Group are a family-owned, long-term focussed business, and we know our values align. As part of this, the Plants food products will become an independent business that will still be owned by Matthew and me. Weve got huge plans for it, so stay tuned Both Matthew and I will maintain our roles in the Deliciously Ella business, with Matthew staying as CEO and me continuing my role as our founder. Thank you for being part of our journey. We cant wait to start this next chapter together Advertisement

Ella's Instagram account now focuses on pictures of her cooking tasty dishes lightly peppered with images of herself exercising, posing with her husband or cuddling with her children.

Speaking in 2022, Ella said she would like to follow in Jamie Oliver's footsteps and take up food advocacy.

'I know I can do the most good working directly to change the way people eat,' she told You Magazine.

Over the past decade, Ella's empire has grown from a humble blog to a firm that sells a food product every two seconds  and her plans for the future underline a commendable determination to spread her message.

She said the vicious trolling she endured after her first book, Deliciously Ella, was published in 2015 almost forced her to quit her venture.

'We'd gone from something niche to people talking about you instead of to you,' she said.

Ella owned the company with her husband Matthew (pictured together)

She still regularly shares cooking videos online (pictured)

'I was so young and out of my depth and confused. I didn't know what I was doing. I definitely had moments from 2015 to 2017 when I thought, "Do I really want to do this?"'

Ella said it was her online community that kept her going, adding: 'When you hear from people who say this has changed their life, you think "Who cares about this random person I've never met who doesn't like me?"'

Her range grew to more than 40 vegan products  including her original cacao and almond energy balls  which are sold across 6,000 stores.

Ella's mother is the supermarket heiress Camilla Davan Sainsbury but she says there have never been any handouts from either of her parents.

'My family haven't worked in Sainsbury's since before I was born,' Ella said. 'Ironically they were one of the last retailers to stock us.

'But there is a spirit that comes from my great-great-great-grandpa, who started one of the biggest brands in the country.'

If she does move into food politics, Ella may turn to her ex-Labour MP father for advice.

Meanwhile, her husband Matthew Mills, the chief executive of Deliciously Ella, is also considering following in the family footsteps with a run for parliament.

Matthew is the son of late Cabinet Minister Dame Tessa Jowell and previously said it was 'definitely in the ether' that he would one day stand as an MP.

The couple met through their parents in what Ella has dubbed 'an arranged marriage'. The mother-of-two added: 'The first two times we met it was business and not a date.

'Eventually he asked me out to dinner and three days after that we moved in together.'
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium was praised for being 'normal' as she kicked off her first day at Harvard in a pair of baggy jeans and a brown tank top.

The future Queen, 22, said goodbye to her palace in Europe so that she could get her master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Belgian Royal Palace took to Instagram on Wednesday to share pictures of her on campus as classes began - and many people on the web were shocked that the royal was attending an American school.

Some tried to 'imagine' what it would be like to become friends with her, only to find out she's a princess, while others joked that it seemed like something out of a 'movie.'

Social media users also praised the princess for opting for a 'normal' lifestyle despite hailing from such a prominent family.

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium was praised for being 'normal' as she kicked off her first day at Harvard in a pair of baggy jeans and a brown tank top

'Imagine becoming friends with her and then finding out shes the crown princess of Belgium,' one person wrote.

'Can't imagine how it feels being her friend,' someone else replied.

'When they [joke] around theyll be like, "OK queen,"' the user comically added.

'When's the movie [coming out]?' another person asked.

'The new Legally Blonde,' a fourth comment read, referring to the 2001 hit film starring Reese Witherspoon.

A fifth said, 'She is a normal human being like you and me.'

'Enjoy those two years of anonymity,' a different person wrote.

'Hopefully she can afford the tuition,' another user sarcastically added.

The future Queen, 22, said goodbye to her palace in Europe so that she could get her master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Belgian Royal Palace took to Instagram to share pictures of her on campus as classes began - and many people were shocked that the royal was attending an American school

'I hope folks will leave Princess Elisabeth alone, allow her to be just a student, to learn and enjoy her stay in historic Beantown,' someone else wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

For her first day, Elisabeth certainly looked like your average college student, donning a pair of $278 high-rise wide leg jeans from the brand Tommy Hilfiger and a brown sleeveless top.

She completed the casual yet chic outfit with a pair of Adidas sneakers and a dazzling gold necklace.

The royal, who previously studied at Oxford University for her undergraduate degree, styled her brunette tresses in natural waves and opted for minimal makeup for the occasion.

Elisabeth spent the summer partaking in various royal engagements with her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.

Some tried to 'imagine' what it would be like to become friends with her, only to find out she's a princess, while others joked that it seemed like something out of a movie

Elisabeth spent the summer partaking in various royal engagements with her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde for Belgium. She's seen with her family in July

But now, the 22-year-old, who is next in line to the Belgian throne, has put her royal duties on hold to attend college in the US.

It seems the princess is fiercely dedicated to not receiving special treatment thanks to her status.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir previously reported that when she headed to Oxford for college, she completed a written entrance exam 'anonymously' to ensure her royal status would not affect her chances of being offered a place.

Elisabeth graduated in three years with a degree in History and Politics, something she reportedly chose because she felt it would be most useful to her in her role as Queen later in life.

An accomplished 22-year-old by any measure, the official royal website says Elisabeth enjoys walking in nature, reading and playing the piano  although like 'all youngsters her age,' the palace writes, 'her taste in music is varied.'
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands appeared in high spirits as she attended a seminar on sustainable building today.

The 53-year-old royal cut an elegant figure in a vibrant teal trench dress that was sumptuously tied in at the waist.

The mother-of-three oozed confidence in the stunning ensemble, which featured a collared neck and sleeves rolled up to reveal her elegant sun-kissed arms.

The queen accessorised the look with a chunky clutch bag which was coloured with swirls of a matching teal and stunning caramel shade.

Maxima kept her bright blonde tresses out of her face by holding them under a sweet straw hat. She completed tasteful hairdo with a few strands of hair left out to frame her face.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands appeared in high spirits as she attended a seminar on sustainable building today

The Queen glowed in her typical glamorous makeup, accentuating her large brown eyed with a smoky look.

Completing the look, she opted for some neutral pink heeled pumps with small bows on the front.

Today, Maxima attended seminar sustainable building and living by Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draisma in Dokkum.

The Dutch royal was evidently in high spirits on Thursday as she greeted everyone with a bonny smile.

At one point, Maxima was pictured chatting to two men who were involved in sustainable building, lending an ear as she listened to them discuss the cleverly designed houses.

In another snap, the queen admired a spacious bedroom made entirely of wood, in one of the sustainable homes. She smiled admiringly at the fresh looking bedroom which featured an above the bed skylight window.

Next she moved through the kitchen of the properly, smiling as she took in the impressive builds.

Maxima posed glamorously outside one of the barn shaped houses, complete with wooden decking and sustainable solar panels fixed to the roof.

The queen was in good company in her vibrant blue frock as she posed for a picture with seminar leaders, nearly all of whom donned navy suits.

Just yesterday, the busy Dutch royal stepped out in a fabulous bottle green frock at she attended an education presentation at secondary vocational education school in Rotterdam.

The mother-of-three oozed confidence in the stunning ensemble which featured a collared neck and sleeves rolled up to reveal her elegant sun-kissed arms

Maxima glowed in her typical glamorous makeup, accentuating her large brown eyed with a smoky look

At one point, Maxima was pictured chatting to two men who were involved in sustainable building, lending an ear as she listened to them explain the cleverly designed houses

Maxima kept her bright blonde tresses out of her face by holding them under a sweet straw hat. She completed tasteful hairdo with a few strands of hair left out to frame her face

The queen accessorised the look with a chunky clutch bag which was coloured with swirls of a matching teal and stunning caramel shade

The queen was in good company in her vibrant blue frock as she posed for a picture with seminar leaders, nearly all of whom donned navy suits

The Dutch royal was evidently in high spirits on Thursday as she greeted everyone with a bonny smile

Maxima posed glamorously outside one of the barn shaped houses, complete with wooden decking and sustainable solar panels fixed to the roof

The queen adorned a bold green gown with an adventurous feathered hem reaching just below the knee.

She accessorised with matching green heels and an elegant shawl which she draped over her shoulders, enhancing her sophisticated look.

Her blonde locks were styled in a chic side parting, with Maxima opting for a glamorous makeup look.

To finish her look, the Dutch royal added three bracelets, a statement ring and green floral earrings.

Albeda is a regional educational institute for secondary vocational education and adult education, which offers 120 courses.

Maxima embraced the last few days of summer in a bright teal dress

In another snap, the queen admired a spacious bedroom made entirely of wood, in one of the sustainable homes

Next she moved through the kitchen of the properly, smiling as she took in the impressive builds

The mother-of-three oozed confidence in the chic sleeveless gown which featured a feathered hem

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked typically stylish as she stepped out for a presentation in Rotterdam today

It's been a busy few weeks for Maxima, on Friday, she attended a Netherlands war commemoration event in Mesch.

The royal donned a dusty pink dress for the occasion with a statement belt feature. She accompanied the outfit with a matching floral fascinator and a pair of brown suede heeled shoes.

The celebrations marked the country's 80th anniversary of liberation from Nazi occupation.

King Willem-Alexander accompanied Maxima for the occasion and looked dapper in a navy suit and light blue tie.

The royal couple greeted World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer, 99, at the event and joined him a jeep.

Walking arm-in-arm with the Dutch queen, American World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer returned on Thursday to the tiny Dutch village that he and others in the 30th Infantry Division liberated from Nazi occupation exactly 80 years ago.

Thayer, now 99, visited Mesch, a tiny village of about 350 people in the hills close to the Dutch borders with Belgium and Germany, and was greeted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima for a ceremony beginning nearly a year of events marking the anniversary of the country's liberation.

After Thayer and the king and queen were driven in a vintage military truck into the village along a mud track through orchards and fields, Maxima reached out and gave a hand of support to Thayer as he walked to his seat to watch the ceremony paying tribute to the American liberators.

American troops from the 30th Infantry Division, known as Old Hickory, were among Allied forces that liberated parts of Belgium and the southern Netherlands from German occupation in September 1944.
A food critic came across the worst KFC in America while he was at one of the busiest airports in the US.

Farley Elliott, SFGate's Southern California Bureau Chief, supported a negative review from the outlet Fast Company after he visited KFC in Terminal B's dining terrace at LAX this month.

'I hardly ever recommend LAX to anyone; there's no way on earth I would ever recommend this KFC to another person,' Elliott wrote for SFGate.

He agreed with every negative comment Fast Company made about the restaurant and sympathized with the location's previous customers.

Fast Company released its LAX KFC ranking less than a week after the restaurant chain closed dozens of locations in the Midwest.

KFC inside the Bradley International Terminal at LAX is considered to be the worst KFC in America

Farley Elliott, a food critic and SFGate's Southern California Bureau Chief, revealed his KFC meal at LAX was the worst meal he ever had at an airport

Elliott visited the LAX KFC inside the Bradley International Terminal after his boss requested him to look into the claims.

However, the food critic was already not a fan of airport restaurants before the request.

'Restaurants are often bad simply because theyre in an airport,' Elliott wrote.

'Fried food and alcohol can make any pre-flight meal semi-palatable, but even then, expectations are low.'

Once he arrived, he was immediately stunned after he spotted the long line of travelers waiting to purchase KFC at 10 am.

He got in line and slowly prepared to order what he called 'one of the worst meals' he'd ever had at an airport.

Elliott visited the LAX KFC inside the Bradley International Terminal after his boss requested he do so

While Elliott waited in line, he witnessed the restaurant's chaotic operations.

The Bureau Chief claimed the KFC location's ticket printer was not working, which led to an even more stressful experience as a customer.

There was also only one employee at the register during the entire time Elliott was there.

The restaurant's digital kiosk also didn't make Elliott's experience better; employees needed to assist customers with their electronic orders due to ingredient and item shortages.

'The cybernated setup couldnt warn customers of sold-out dishes, either, so you just kind of had to  hope ... that they hadnt run out of corn yet,' Elliott wrote.

Elliott was finally able to place his Double Crunch fried chicken sandwich two-piece meal order 30 minutes after arriving at KFC, and after spending $15, he found out his meal didn't include a beverage.

He walked over to a wobbly table and tasted his hardened chicken tenders and 'lukewarm mashed potatoes' with barely any sauce.

Elliott gave a one-star rating to a biscuit, and overall, he believed his experience was nothing but a nightmare.

Elliott claimed the table he walked to with his food was wobbly, and that he was served hardened chicken tenders and 'lukewarm mashed potatoes'

Fast Company did not hold back in its August 22nd KFC ranking release.

The scores were calculated based on a scoring system they created, which factored in an average customer review score and written reviews earlier this year.

Its weighted score was dreadful compared to the best KFC restaurant in America after only getting a -8.60.

A Fast Company representative called the employees 'very rude people' and criticized its overpriced and limited menu.

'Eating there made me feel sad. I feel sorry for anyone that has to suffer this place,' a Google reviewer wrote.

Other KFC LAX customers were just as harsh with their reviews on Google, and it currently holds a 1.5-star rating based on more than 300 reviews.

'Should have listened to the other reviews. This is one of the absolute worst restaurants I been to. I love KFC as well,' a Google reviewer wrote this week.

Another customer wrote: 'If I could give no stars I would. The worst KFC service I've EVER had.'
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, is currently visiting the African state

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was all smiles yesterday as she visited a medical centre during her trip to Tanzania.

The mother-of-two arrived in the country earlier this week. During her trip, she will be celebrating how the UK and African nation have collaborated on various issues including health, agriculture and women's empowerment.

On Wednesday, Sophie - who is the global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) - met with TT surgery beneficiary, Hadija Shaban Kawam and Hon. Jenista Mhagama MP, Minister of Health. The women smiled for pictures as they chatted in front of Hadija's home in Kibaha.

And the duchess, 59, was pictured beaming as she perched on the floor and rested her hand on Hadija's, who responded to the gesture with a sweet smile.

During the visit, Sophie donned a maxi dress with statement geometric navy, brown, and beige print running across it.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (right) met with TT surgery beneficiary, Hadija Shaban Kawam (middle) and Hon. Jenista Mhagama MP, Minister of Health (left) yesterday

The duchess was pictured beaming as she held hands with the Hadija who responded to the gesture with a sweet smile.

The royal looked completely at ease in her collared frock, her blonde tresses clipped back out of the way behind her head.

And Hadija seemed at ease too: at one point, the surgery beneficiary appeared to throw her head back in a fit of giggles as the pair chatted animately.

The duchess also visited the Mlandizi Health Center Tanzania - which offers eye treatment services through the Non-Governmental Organization Sightsavers - so she could see some the treatments in action.

As part of the duchess' visit, she witnessed a live TT surgery - which corrects trachomatous trichiasis. This is a condition where one or more eyelashes touch the eye due to lid scarring, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Sophie was pictured wearing pale blue scrubs and a medical face mask as she observed the treatment being carried out on one patient.

While at the clinic, she also spoke with one Trachoma patient Jumanne Seif Lwambo, during his appointment as well as medic Dr Hiza.

Sophie is visiting the African nation solo, flying there to deliver a message from King Charles to the Commonwealth nation.

On the first day of her visit on Tuesday, Sophie delivered a speech signed personally by her brother-in-law, the king.

At one point, the TT surgery beneficiary threw her head back in a fit of giggles as she chatted animately with Sophie

During her visit to the clinic, Sophie spoke to Trachoma patient Jumanne Seif Lwambo and Dr Hiza (pictured)

Sophie, who is the global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), was present as one patient received treatment on their eye at the clinic in Kibaha on Wednesday (pictured)

Sophie (pictured) has flown solo to the African state, to deliver a message from King Charles to the Commonwealth nation

During the speech, Charles expressed his 'gratitude' for Sophie's work on the ground, aiding the people who are fighting tropical diseases.

Celebrating the two nations' achievements on health, Sophie acknowledged the work done to eliminate trachoma, an infectious and blinding disease that has been rife in Tanzania.

The message read: 'As patron of one of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness's members, Sightsavers, and knowing that the Duchess of Edinburgh is with you today in Tanzania, I particularly wanted you all to know how full of admiration and gratitude I am for your passion and devoted efforts in treating and preventing neglected tropical diseases, especially trachoma.

'Your constant dedication and hard work will lead us to a world where inclusion and equality can be realised across our Commonwealth.

'I send you all my warmest good wishes and heartfelt encouragement for the much-needed success of your gathering.'

Sophie also set out her ambition to see trachoma eliminated across the Commonwealth by 2030.

The speech, read by Sophie. was signed, Charles R - the monarch's personal touch signally.

On the first day of her visit on Tuesday, Sophie delivered a speech signed personally by her brother-in-law, King Charles

Sophie pictured with Hon. Jenista Mhagama MP, Minister of Health and The Honourable Mr Abubakar Kunenge, Pwani Regional Commissioner (right)

Last week, Sophie stunned in stylish ensemble as she appeared at a British Fashion Council event ahead of the start of London Fashion Week.

Often seen in maxi dresses and florals, Sophie opted for a more tailored look as she presented the British Fashion Council's Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, at the Royal Academy of Arts in central London.

The wife of Prince Edward opted for a pair of tweed, wide-leg trousers, featuring patch pockets and a V-neck, burgundy blouse with blouson sleeves.

She wore her blond hair brushed back behind her ears to reveal a pair of gold earrings with dainty, dark red gemstones attached.

The Duchess beamed as she presented the British Fashion Council's Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to 27-year-old London-based menswear designer Steven Stokey-Daley.

Sophie wore a pair of tailored, wide-leg trousers featuring patch pockets and a burgundy blouse with blouson sleeves

Sophie cut a stylish figure at a British Fashion Council event in London last week, wearing tweed trousers and a maroon blouse

The award took the form of a tall, silver vase decorated with coloured roses and leaves.

Previous winners of the honour, which was set up 'in recognition of the role the industry plays in society and diplomacy', include Richard Quinn - who received it from Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 - Saul Nash and Priya Ahluwalia.

The award also aims to turn the spotlight on young designers who are making a difference to society through either sustainable practices or community engagement.

Steven Stokey-Daley, who worked on menswear collections at Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford before setting up his SS Daley label, has built up a celebrity following, with fans including pop star Harry Styles - who even invested in the brand.

Sophie also greeted other attendees, including the chief executive of the British Fashion Council Caroline Rush CBE and BBC radio broadcaster and TV presenter Clara Amfo.
'So, whos up for booking glamping tents at that festival? the WhatsApp message reads. Everyone pings back straight away with enthusiastic approval. Then comes the kicker. A Bedouin Tent for four comes in at, gulp, 2,355. Each.

Such is the reality of trying to keep up with my wealthy friends over the school summer holidays, now mercifully at an end.

Despite the rain, most have tried to squeeze every last drop of fun out of July and August, with sailing trips on the Solent, expensive dinners and weekends away by the sea.

But dear God, the cost of it all. And the anxiety of saying yes to any innocent suggestion of a chilled night or two away when your companions are so much more loaded than you... and youre already wondering how youll pay this winters gas bill.

I reluctantly bowed out of the festival. As much as I would love a weekend partying with some of my oldest friends and their kids, the truth is I am increasingly out of my depth financially.

Georgina says she's suffered the anxiety of saying yes to an innocent 'night or two away' with wealthy friends ... and youre already wondering how youll pay this winters gas bill

And as I scroll through Instagram and see their luxury holidays abroad  one hired a yacht for a week in the Med, another posed with a glass of bubbles by an infinity pool in the Caribbean  I have had to fight the surge of Fomo (fear of missing out) and envy that envelops me at this time of year.

Our family holiday last summer, a week in Ireland and a few days glamping in a rain-soaked shepherds hut in Dorset, has made me realise theres a widening gulf between me and my more affluent pals.

When a friend recently asked if I could join her for a long weekend in Ibiza, I jokingly asked if shed heard of something called the cost-of-living crisis. She simply laughed and said it sounded very unpleasant.

Bring out the small violin, I hear you say. I know its a ridiculous first-world problem when so many are truly struggling  but still, that Theodore Roosevelt quote about comparison being the thief of joy rings true at times.

Such as when Im forced to admire a friends new wine cellar, which is twice the size of our repainted 1980s kitchen.

At our annual university get-together each year, its not uncommon for bottle after bottle of champagne to be ordered. As the four-course feast arrives  smoked salmon, celeriac carpaccio, fillet of beef, chocolate and marmalade lamington  I dread to see what the final bill will be. 300. Each!

That sort of expenditure is enough to wipe me out for a month, and Im already maxed out on my overdraft.

Even though we met at Exeter University in the late 1990s and have followed similar middle-class trajectories in life  2.4 kids, Volvo, labrador and so on  I earn considerably less than most of my friends.

While many of them have gone on to become CEOs and fund managers, I struggle on less than the UKs average full-time salary of 35,000 as a freelance journalist. I have been self-employed for nearly 15 years and work around my three children, now 15, 12 and ten.

A scroll through her friends' Instagram feeds about their luxury summer holidays - one hired a yacht in the Med - exposed the widening gulf between Georgina and her affluent pals

Thankfully, Ive never felt judged by my friends for my relative lack of money. I do sometimes suggest meeting for brunch at a local cafe rather than one of the expensive swanky restaurants they frequent, though. Ive only had one time where an old friend refused. After she turned her nose up at Wagamama, we ended up having oysters and champagne at a new restaurant in Soho. We had such fun but I regretted it the next day when I checked my bank balance.

Learning from Oystergate, Ive started telling friends I can only join them for a drink rather than dinner if Im a bit broke that month. Generally, they are very understanding.

Quietly, some friends go out of their way to help me. One was happy to wait for the 75 I owed her for dinner until a big invoice was paid; another sometimes insists on picking up the bill at the end of the night because, she says, she can and she knows I would do the same for her if I could.

There is no social hierarchy in my various groups, as such; weve known each other too long for that. But I do find it hard that some female friends now work four days a week yet earn far more than me.

Fortunately my husband Dom, a lawyer, earns enough that I dont have to worry about paying the mortgage each month. But we have separate bank accounts (something my late mother always advised), so Im acutely aware of my own precarious pay situation.

It is therefore a huge relief to see the start of term and a socially quieter autumn rolling around again. A chance to recoup some of the money Ive splurged chasing sun-kissed memories with these mates. For the most part, Ive had to accept that I simply cant keep up with them  at least, not all the time.
Sarah Ferguson has said she misses her late mother's 'shining spirit' in a touching tribute shared over two decades on from her death.

The Duchess of York, 64, honoured her mother, Susan Barrantes, in a heartwarming post she shared on Instagram, marking the 26th anniversary of her passing.

Mother-of-two Sarah, who was married to the Queen's son Prince Andrew for 10 years, shared a sweet selection of photos of her mother on social media, writing that Susan was 'far too young to be taken from us' when she died.

Paying tribute to her mother, who passed away in September 1998, Sarah said she missed her daily, reflecting on her 'zest for life' and 'shining spirit'.

Susan, a documentary filmmaker, died following a car crash in Argentina, just one year after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Sarah Ferguson (right) said she misses her late mother's (left) 'shining spirit' in a touching tribute she shared on social media

The Duchess of York , 63, honoured her mother, Susan Barrantes (pictured) in a heartwarming post on Instagram, marking the 26th anniversary of her death

Susan had been travelling with her nephew Raphael at the time over the crash - though he survived, sustaining only minor injuries.

The Duchess of York's mother earned the nickname 'the bolter' and caused a stir in British social circles when she eloped with Argentinian polo player Hector Barrantes in 1975, a year after her divorce from Fergie's father Sir Ronald Ferguson.

Sir Ronald died in 2003 following a heart attack in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Sarah's emotional Instagram post said: 'My much-loved mother Susie died 26 years ago today.

'She was far too young to be taken from us and I often reflect on the fact that at just 61, she was younger than I am now when she died in a cruel accident.

'I think constantly of her zest for life and her shining spirit. Like all of us, she made mistakes but she taught me to value each and every day and to always seek to treat people with kindness. I miss her greatly.'

In one of several pictures accompanying the sweet caption, Susan can be seen joining Sarah on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the day of her daughter's royal wedding day in 1986.

In another pictures, Susan is pictured in a black and white photograph, grinning at the camera as her long hair blows behind her in a glamorously windswept shot.

In another pictures, Susan - who was a socialite and documentary filmmaker - is pictured in a black and white photograph, grinning at the camera as her long hair blows behind her in a glamorously windswept shot

Susan Barrantes pictured before her death. The day is one which is particularly difficult for Sarah as it also marks the anniversary of the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II

In one of several pictures attached to the sweet caption, Susan can be seen joining Sarah on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the day of her daughter's royal wedding day in 1986

Paying tribute to Susan, who passed away in September 1998, Sarah said she missed her beloved mother daily, reflecting on her 'zest for life' and 'shining spirit'

In another picture, Susan is pictured beaming to the camera as she holds a telephone up to her ear. In the cheeky snap, she wears a glamorous frock and silver tiara.

Reacting to the post, the duchess' youngest daughter, Eugenie, wrote: 'Miss beautiful Granny Susie.'

Susan was buried beside second husband, Hector Barrantes, who'd died away eight years earlier.

The day is one which is particularly difficult for Sarah as it also marks the anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2023, she wrote a touching tribute to both women, who were both immensely important individuals in her life.

That year, Sarah wrote: 'My beloved mother Susie died 25 years ago today, taken far too young.

'There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about her, her indomitable spirit and her joy for life.

'Today is also the first anniversary of Her Late Majesty the Queen's funeral.

'As I have often said before, the Queen was like a second mother to me and I will always be grateful for the love and understanding she showed me throughout her life.

'Today I celebrate the legacy of the two women who gave me so much strength and courage.

'I am so thankful for their guidance and the examples they set, which I try always to live up to.'

Writing on the first anniversary of the Queen's death Sarah honoured her friendship with the late monarch, calling her a 'wonderful friend, mentor and a second mother' in a touching Instagram post.
There were certainly shades of the surreal at Prada's Milan fashion show on Thursday.

Models donned a striking array of unusual sunglasses and bizarre headwear from the spring/summer 2025 range.

But as outlandish as some of the new looks were, believe it or not, youre very likely to be wearing them  or watered-down versions of them  next year.

Miuccia Prada, 75, is one of the most influential fashion designers working today. Which also means that shes one of the most copied.

All over the world, retailers watch her fashion shows with a gimlet eye, taking notes on every shape, print and colour combination she uses.

One of the models (pictured) at Prada's S/S 2025 show at Milan Fashion Week was dressed in a brown leather visor

Another of the models at Prada's Milan show on Thursday wore these oversized sunglasses covering almost her whole face

These oversized sunglasses with purple lenses, was paired with a black headscarf featuring white polka dots

The reason that the high street is awash with twinsets this autumn is because Prada showed them in February - likewise slingbacks, riding boots and double-breasted blazers.

Among the bizarre headwear and glasses on show was a futuristic leather visor.

Strip away the outlandish eyewear, however, and you would see a surfeit of desirable  and easily wearable  clothes.

There were skirts for every occasion; handbags came in structured and bowling bag styles; footwear included brightly coloured court shoes, Mary Janes and loafers.

Whatever your opinion, you cant argue with the facts: The fashion house continues to outpace the market, with sales at Prada Group up 17 per cent in the first half of 2024, defying the slowdown that rivals such as LVMH and Kering are currently experiencing.

The show was watched by A-listers including actress Carey Mulligan, who wore a more orthodox pair of sunglasses.

Also attending the event was Simone Ashley, who looked stunning in a thigh-skimming strapless mini dress, with delicate floral straps.

She accessorised with slingback heels and shades, joining Carey Mulligan on the star-studded FROW.

Meanwhile, another model wore what appeared to be a straw visor-style hat, and another a leather hat

Coming to a store near you? Futuristic sunglasses were among the unusual headgear showcased by models at the event

Carey looked gorgeous in her classic Prada suit, teaming a blazer with a pencil skirt and heels.

Sarah Paulson added a pop of colour to the FROW with her bright yellow sweater, teamed with a full black skirt.

She threw a grey jacket around her shoulders and carried her Prada bag.

The actress accessorised with a white belt to cinch in her waist and matched Simone with her shades.

Top Boy star Letitia Wright rocked a 6,000 leather varsity jacket from the fashion house, teamed with a tiny mini skirt and lace-up boots.

Meanwhile, Stranger Things star Maya Hawke looked effortlessly stylish in a black mini dress, boasting a bejewelled neckline.

She teamed the chic look with black tights and heeled strappy shoes, toting around her essentials in a Prada handbag.

Designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons opened the show, called Infinite Present with florals before moving into metallics and feathers, accessorised with bizarre, animal-like visors.

Simone Ashley looked stunning in a super chic mini dress for Prada's anticipated Milan Fashion Week show on Thursday

Simone Ashley looked stunning in a super chic mini dress as she joined Carey Mulligan for Prada's anticipated Milan Fashion Week show on Thursday

Sarah Paulson added a pop of colour to the FROW with her bright yellow sweater, teamed with a full black skirt

Top Boy star Letitia Wright rocked a 6,000 leather varsity jacket from the fashion house, teamed with a tiny mini skirt and lace-up boots

Stranger Things star Maya Hawke looked effortlessly stylish in a black mini dress, boasting a bejewelled neckline

Milan Fashion Week will run from Tuesday, September 17, to Monday, September 23, and will feature a total of 57 shows and 69 presentations.

Some of the biggest names in the industry are expected to showcase their latest looks, including Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani and Versace.

Noticeable absentees include Giorgio Armani, who instead unveiled their newest range in New York, and Tom Ford, which will hold a presentation instead of a show, following the departure of Peter Hawkings and in anticipation of new creative director Haider Ackermann's AW25 debut.

Speaking about the upcoming range of shows, Vogue Italia contributor Giorgia Feroldi told Vogue Business: 'Being in Milan during fashion week always means having very little time to rest and process what you've seen, as it's always the most packed calendar out of the ''big four''.'

'But with less big debuts ahead and a day added to the schedule in search of some relief, the mood feels slightly more relaxed compared to other seasons. I hope this can benefit younger designers.'
The Calile Hotel in Brisbane won the award for The Best Hotel in Oceania

Two Australian hotels have been named in The World's 50 Best Hotels for 2024.

The Calile Hotel in Brisbane won the award for The Best Hotel in Oceania and ranked 25th while The Tasman in Hobart ranked 49th.

The prestigious awards held in London celebrated industry-defining hotels from across the globe.

Capella Bangkok won the top spot and claimed the award for Best Hotel in Asia followed by Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy then Rosewood Hong Kong.

The Calile Hotel - Brisbane, Queensland

The Calile Hotel, a popular haunt for socialites and celebrities, opened in October 2018 and prices start around $379-a-night.

The gorgeous hideaway offers nine rooms ranging from the humble Essential hideaway to poolside and high-end suite options.

The $100million Fortitude Valley hotel was born out of the Malouf family's decision to transform Brisbane's premier shopping district James Street into a 'lifestyle resort' destination.

There are six dining options both inside and nearby as well, with the Lobby Bar perfect for lunch and dinner daily while the two hot spots on Ada Lane - Same Same and Bianca - are top picks for heavier meals.

The prestigious awards held in London celebrated industry-defining hotels from across the globe (The Calile Hotel in Brisbane pictured)

The Calile Hotel in Brisbane (left) won the award for The Best Hotel in Oceania and ranked 25th while The Tasman (right) in Hobart ranked 49th

The Calile Hotel is a 20 minute drive from Brisbane airport

The Tasman - Hobart, Tasmania

The Tasman is part of the Marriott Luxury Collection and boasts 152 rooms of grand design.

Located in the heart of Hobart in the waterfront precinct and a mere 15-minute drive from the airport, the luxe hotel has a unique U-shape that embraces 1940s art deco.

The overarching style is described as 'an architectural symphony' combining designs from past and present.

The glamorous rooms feature original windows, restored fireplaces, original artwork and custom furnishings.

The St. David's Park Suite in particular is dubbed the 'crown jewel' of the heritage building as it overlooks namesake park and features a 'lofty' ceiling reminiscent of the first ships arriving in Hobart.

The Tasman is part of the Marriott Luxury Collection and boasts 152 rooms of grand design

Located in the heart of Hobart in the waterfront precinct and a mere 15-minute drive from the airport, the luxe hotel has a unique U-shape that embraces 1940s art deco

The suites will make you feel like you're staying in luxury. Finish the day sipping cocktails on the rooftop overlooking to view (right)

The luxe hotel has a unique U-shaped design that embraces 1940s art deco.

It's located in the heart of Hobart in the waterfront precinct

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Hotels, said: 'This year's dynamic list underscores the appetite for a range of experiences.

'From busy city breaks to far-flung escapes, and honours the dedication and passion of the staff who make these exceptional experiences possible, while highlighting the remarkable breadth of talent in the industry worldwide.

'We look forward to the continued evolution of The World's 50 Best Hotels in 2024 and beyond.'
Cancer isn't traditionally thought of as a disease people can 'catch.'

But a new report warns that tumors caused by common STDs are on the rise across America.

While rates of major cancers of the lung, breast and kidney have stabilized in recent years, certain types linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) are trending in the wrong direction.

A new report from the American Association for Cancer Research found cervical cancer in people between 30 - 34 has increased 17.5 percent from 2012-2019.

Likewise, rates of mouth and throat cancers caused by HPV have been increasing in all ages, the AACR report said.

Michael Douglas shared his HPV and throat cancer story in 2013 while on the Graham Norton show. He has since entered remission. Farrah Fawcett created a foundation to fund research into HPV-related cancers and help prevent other people from developing the disease, which took her life in 2006

The AACR report cited a 2022 study from the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer which found that cervical cancer rates in people under 45 had been increasing since the early 2010s

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The report pins the uptick on the number of people dodging the vaccine. Other theories include more people having casual, unprotected sex.

Girls and boys are recommended to start the course of three vaccines beginning around age 11.

But the vaccine hasn't been mandated nationally, and the US has fallen behind other countries in it's uptake.

As of 2022, only 38 percent of American adolescents received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine.

In the UK and Australia, 76 percent of and 84 percent of children under 17 had gotten one or more doses of the vaccine.

'Despite clear evidence demonstrating that the vaccine reduces cervical cancer incidence, vaccine uptake in the U.S. has been poor,' according to the report.

'These data emphasize the critical importance of public health measures to boost cervical cancer prevention and early detection in the United States.'

'Deploying resources to raise public awareness of cancer prevention ... can accelerate the pace of progress in reducing the global cancer burden'.

The report estimated that in 2024, some 2million cancers will be diagnosed in the US.

Of those, the American Cancer Society said HPV related cancers - of the mouth, head, throat, cervix and genitals - cause 1.2 percent of all cancers in men and 2.5 percent of all cancers in women.

This represents about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer and about 4,000 deaths from the disease.

In women age 30 to 34, the AACR report said the overall incidence of cervical cancer has increased 2.5 percent per year between 2012 and 2019 - a total of 17.5 percent in seven years.

Oral cancers linked to HPV - of both the throat and mouth - in all ages have also been increasing, the AACR said.

The American Cancer Society estimated that since the mid 2000's, all oral and throat cancer cases have increased by 1 percent per year, mainly because of HPV.

Some doctors think oral sex  of all kinds  could be the culprit.

There is some suggestion that this uptick in HPV-related cancers is linked to riskier sexual behavior from individuals seeking connection after the pandemic.

HPV is a highly infectious sexually transmitted disease thought to be responsible for about 1.2 percent of cancers in men and 2.5 percent cancers of women in the US each year. It's associated with cervical, head, neck, throat and anal cancers

Public health officials and pop culture icons have been raising awareness about the trend in recent years.

Michael Douglas shared in 2013 that he believed he developed throat cancer from HPV he caught during oral sex.

Farah Fawcett, the Charlie's Angels star, succumbed to an HPV related cancer in 2006. Before her death, she founded in a program at UC Davis to raise awareness for the disease.

HPV is a virus that can be transmitted by contact with the blood, bodily fluid, or skin of an infected person - primarily through sex.

It's highly contagious and according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, is thought to affect more than 42 million Americans.

There are many different pathogens which have been linked to cancer. Some, like HPV and hepatitis, are viruses. Others, like H. Pylori, the bug also thought to cause ulcers, are bacteria. These cancers fluctuate in different parts in the world based on sanitation and medical practices

There are 200 different kinds of HPV infections - 12 of them have been linked to cancer.

The virus can cause cancer by weakening the immune system, causing chronic inflammation and changing the way cells in the body behave, mutating them into cancerous masses.

Nearly 99.7 percent of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

About 90 percent of anal cancers, 70 percent of mouth and throat cancers, and many penile and vulvar cancers are caused by this virus, according to the AACR report.

A vaccination against HPV was approved by the FDA in 2006 - and is available for both boys and girls beginning at age 11.

Vaccination is thought to prevent nearly nine in 10 HPV-associated cancers, according to a 2020 study from Sweden. Likewise, a 2024 study in Scotland found that early vaccination programs that began decades earlier led to zero new cases of cervical cancer this year.
A Utah mother has shared her 'traumatic' experience of being in labor for more than a month after she was denied care due to her state's abortion laws.

Shelby Gambrell said she went to the hospital seven times on the advice of her care team due to the agonizing pain of contractions.

But doctors refused to induce her because under Utah law, practitioners cannot induce a woman until she is 39 weeks pregnant - considered full term - unless either of their lives are in danger.

Gambrell was forced to endure contractions every four to six minutes until her baby girl was born more than one month later.

@storytimewithshelbs Replying to @Sharon McKay520 thank you for asking  forever grateful for my Rosie girl + forever passionate about reproductive rights  original sound - Shelby Gambrell

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Gambrell finally gave birth in April 2022. Her daughter weighed seven pounds, 14 ounces.

'Her nails were incredibly long and she was covered with hair all over her body,' she explained.

'They told me this baby was ready to come out a long time ago.'

Under Utah law, which bans abortion after 18 weeks of pregnancy, a medical practitioner can't induce the mother before she is full term - 39 weeks - because it is considered to be inducing to abort.

Since the overturning of Roe vs Wade, the state is currently litigating a near-total abortion law.

Practitioners who are in violation of the abortion law would be found guilty of 'performing or inducing an abortion,' according to the state's abortion law.

Gambrell's nightmare began on March 16, 2022 when she started feeling contractions and went to the hospital at the advice of her midwife.

And the Utah mom has just recently share her birth story.

Speaking in a TikTok video, Gambrell said: 'I started experiencing regular contractions.

'I had a baby before and had Braxton Hicks before. These were contractions.'

After 72 hours of pain, she went to the hospital where doctors also confirmed she was experiencing contractions.

'But because there was no progress being made there was nothing they could do,' explained Gambrell.

During her first pregnancy, Gambrell found her body carries an excess amount of amniotic fluid - liquid that surrounds and protects the developing fetus.

She experienced the same in 2022, hindering the baby's ability to move to the cervix and Gambrell was not dilating.

Dilating is when a woman's cervix begins to expand, allowing the baby to move to the birth canal.

The cervix needs to be at least 10 centimeters, more than triple the size when not in labor, which can take anywhere from 12 to even 20 hours, but some women have experienced longer.

The only option for Gambrell to give birth at 34 works was for her water to be broken, she said.

'I was sent home seven times without a baby. I never went [to the hospital] on my own accord, I was always sent for pain management,' continued Gambrell.

'I was given morphine six times. One of the times I opted not to do it because I didn't like how...'

Gambrell stopped in the middle of her statement, on the verge of tears and turned the camera off.

In Utah, doctors aren't permitted to induce labor until the mother reaches 39 weeks gestation unless her or the baby's life are in danger

She came back to explain that reason for the refusal is that her daughter stopped moving the last time she took the morphine.

'My midwife swept my membrane three times, but wouldn't do it anymore than that because it wasn't doing anything,' the mom said.

The process can sometimes help induce labor by separating the amniotic sac from the cervix.

It is conducted by midwife or doctor, who inserts a finger inside the cervix and makes a circular sweeping movement to separate the membranes.

Studies have shown that 86 percent of women who went into labor following the process needed no more than two sweeps. Only 14 percent required more.

Gambrell continued to explain she and her husband begged doctors for a reason to why she needed to stay pregnant for the full 39 weeks if she was in pain from contractions.

'They couldn't do it. There was no reason,' she said, explaining contraptions occurred every four to six minutes for 34 days.

Gambrell said she is passionate about reproductive rights because 'it is none of my d*** business what anyone else does,' but also because of what she endured two years ago.

'My issue was not a legal issue. My issue was a medical issue and my medical professional could not make the necessary moves due to laws on the books.

'My care was not catered to me. It was catered to this idea of what equates to a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy. I will never get pregnant again.

'My therapist has told me I'm allowed to use the word 'trauma.' This was a traumatic event.'
Abdominal thrusts may not be the most effective way to save someone who is choking, experts have warned.

Instead, hitting someone in the back, between the shoulder blades, can still generate enough pressure to dislodge something stuck in people's airways.

The method is also 'less invasive' than the much-lauded Heimlich maneuver, which can help prevent serious complications such as rib damage.

Experts at St John Ambulance believe the new information may in fact save many lives.

New guidelines that illustrate how to deal with choking when nobody else is around should be provided, they have also argued.

Abdominal thrusts may not be the most effective way to save someone who is choking, experts have warned. Pictured, the famous scene in Mrs Doubtfire where she uses the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge a shrimp from Stuart's larynx

Instead, hitting someone in the back, between the shoulder blades, can still generate enough pressure to dislodge something stuck in people's airways

The Heimlich manoeuvre is often recommended when a patient is choking on food or other objects, and their airway is obstructed

Grace Lawson, a lead trainer with St John Ambulance, told The Mirror that abdominal thrusts 'can cause quite a lot of damage to the casualty'.

As well as rib damage, research has long shown other complications can include damage to the heart valves and ruptures in the stomach and food pipe.

Alternatively, 'we start by asking them if they are choking just in case it might be something like a severe allergy which has caused their throat to swell  a different reason for obstruction', Ms Lawson added.

'We would ask them if they can cough to see if they can get it out themselves.

'If they can't or the coughing is quite absent, then we would support them from the front across the shoulders and administer up to five back blows using the heel of your hand in between the shoulder blades.

'If it still hasn't come out then we do up to five of the abdominal thrusts, and if that hasn't worked, call an ambulance and then just repeat the process.

'Going for back blows first is always a better option to start off with and then moving onto abdominal thrusts.

Usually, a first-aider would place their arms around the choking person from behind, and pull upwards and inwards on the abdomen below the ribcage

Grace Lawson, a lead trainer with St John Ambulance, told The Mirror that abdominal thrusts 'can cause quite a lot of damage to the casualty'

Emergency responders say every second counts during an emergency and can make the difference between life and death

'It's less invasive and it can still clear the obstruction.'

Emergency responders say every second counts during an emergency and can make the difference between life and death.

For example, when the heart stops, it takes less than five minutes for brain cells to die because of a lack of oxygen.

The longer it takes to resuscitate a patient, the higher the likelihood of severe brain damage and death.

Figures suggest that around 270 people die in the UK each year from choking  despite being completely preventable.

The Heimlich manoeuvre is often recommended when a patient is choking on food or other objects, and their airway is obstructed.

Usually, a first-aider would place their arms around the choking person from behind, and pull upwards and inwards on the abdomen below the ribcage.

The pressure from this movement can usually expel the obstruction, allowing the patient to breathe again.
A 20-year-old's runny nose that he had been suffering for six years turned out to be his brain bulging through a hole in his skull.

The unidentified man from Syria had been suffering a chronic runny nose, headaches and seizures after having experienced a head injury.

What he thought was simply a cold symptom was actually 'leakage' of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - a clear fluid that protects the brain and spine.

The issue began after the patient was in a car accident six years prior where he sustained a head injury but refused medical treatment at the time. He then began experiencing moderate headaches and seizures, as well as a runny nose.

The 20-year-old unnamed patient had been experiencing leakage of his cerebrospinal fluid for six years (stock photo)

After imaging was taken of the man's brain, doctors diagnosed him with traumatic encephalocele, a condition in which brain matter escapes through openings in the skull, such as the nasal cavity.

Most often, an encephalocele is a rare birth defect that results in the tissue that covers the brain, and possibly portions of the brain itself, to protrude through openings in the skull.

The birth defect occurs in approximately one per 10,400 births, or about 375 babies a year.

In some cases, however, people can develop a traumatic encephalocele after experiencing some kind of trauma or injury to their head or brain, and the condition can develop years after the initial injury if the patient refuses treatment.

Because the condition is so rare, there are no known figures on how many traumatic encephaloceles occur in the US per year.

However, one study estimates a nasal encephalocele, like the one the 20-year-old had, occurs in one in 40,000 live births in the US per year.

According to the Syrian patient's case report, about 10 to 30 percent of skull base fractures develop CSF leakage.

Losing CSF can damage blood supply to the brain and brain function. It also increases the risk of brain injury because CSF acts as a protective cushion for the organ.

Any type of encephalocele is treated with surgery to repair the rupture and close any open layers to ensure no more tissue or brain matter can drain out of the skull.

In the case of the Syrian patient, the man refused initial treatment for injuries when he was brought to the hospital after his car accident.

After suffering from headaches and seizures for years, the man developed meningoencephalitis two months before reporting to the hospital for his CSF nasal leakage.

He was admitted to the intensive care unit for one month and underwent an MRI of his brain.

This scan revealed he had a fracture in his skull and an encephalocele had developed in his nasal cavity.

His brain tissue and meninges - layers that protect the brain and spine - were bulging through the skull fracture with 'significant expansion' into right-side areas of the brain filled that are filled with CSF.

The left image shows the man's encephalocele in his nasal cavity and the right image the resolution of the man's encephalocele in his nasal cavity after surgery

The left image shows the encephalocele that has pushed through the patient's skull into his nasal cavity and the right image shows the patient's brain after removal of the encephalocele

Doctors recommended surgery to repair the fracture, but the patient refused medical care.

When he returned to the hospital two months later for a follow up, another MRI showed the same thing and surgery was again recommended.

The patient finally relented and underwent an operation that saw a neurosurgeon return the tissue and matter that had leaked through the patient's nasal cavity back into their normal locations.

The doctor also repaired the damaged meninges and reconstructed the base of the skull where the fracture had damaged it with medical-grade cement and glue.

The patient recovered well and was sent home two days later.

At a follow-up visit two months later, an MRI revealed the patient's encephalocele was completely closed and any damage the bulging matter had on the brain and surrounding areas had been reversed.

The man also stopped having headaches, a runny nose and seizures.

Doctors in the case report warned that although a traumatic encephalocele is 'a rare and unexpected complication of trauma,' doctors must evaluate patients for it 'because of it's life-threatening consequences.'
Top UK surgeons have performed an astonishing, gruelling operation to separate one year-old conjoined twins who were attached at the head.

The patients, Minal and Mirha, from Pakistan, are said to be recovering in the Turkish hospital where they were treated and are expected to make a full recovery.

The 14-hour procedure at the Ankara Bilkent City Hospital on 19 July was performed by Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani, a pediatric neurosurgeon based at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The painstaking surgery included a local team of medics and was completed in two surgical stages over a period of three months.

It was a particularly risky task given where the twins were conjoined  at the front of the head  which meant they shared vital blood vessels and brain tissue.

Minal and Mirha, from Pakistan, were successfully in a 14-hour operation that took place over three months.

Surgeons used cutting-edge virtual reality headsets to 'rehearse' the painstaking procedure

A team of 60 people helped carry out the operation, which took place over the course of three months

'They're making an excellent recovery, really wonderful,' Professor Jeelani told Sky News.

'They should be in a position to go back to Pakistan in a few weeks.'

The expansive team of surgeons called on the help of a special type of virtual reality to help prepare for the highly complex operation.

The surgeons rehearsed their movements using so-called Mixed Reality (MR) technology, which involves combining 3D images, such as medical scans, with the physical world.

As well as allowing the doctors to practice the surgery, the MR device also helped Prof Jeelani and his team train the medics at Ankara hospital in Turkey on what to expect.

Father Rehan Ali and mother Nazia Parveen celebrate the success of the surgery

The twins are now recovering in hospital, with Dr Jeelani saying he's happy with the progress.

The procedure was a particularly risky task given where the twins were conjoined  at the front of the head  which meant they shared vital blood vessels and brain tissue.

Dr Jeelani previously performed surgery to separate Bernardo and Arthur Lima, who were born with fused brains. The twins underwent several operations in Rio de Janeiro, with the direction of Dr Jeelani. Pictured: the twins before the procedure with surgeon Dr Noor ul Owase Jeelani (right) and their parents Adriely and Antonia Lima (left)

Prof Jeelani is a world-leading expert in highly technical operations such as this.

In 2022, he separated three year-old Brazilian twins Bernardo and Arthur Lima during a procedure that lasted an astonishing 27 hours.

Dr Jeelani said he was 'absolutely shattered' after the operation, where he took only four 15-minute breaks for food and water.

But it was 'wonderful' to see the family feeling 'over the moon' afterwards, he said.

'There were a lot of tears and hugs. It was wonderful to be able to help them on this journey.'

He added that, as with all conjoined twins after separation, the boys' blood pressures and heart rates were 'through the roof'  until they were reunited four days later and touched hands.

Dr Jeelani's work is supported by his charity Gemini Untwined, which raises funds for siblings born joined at the head.

According to Gemini figures, one in 60,000 births results in conjoined twins, and only 5 per cent of these are what's known as craniopagus children, meaning they are fused at the head.

The life expectancy of twins who are not separated is very low.

About 40 per cent of twins fused at the head are stillborn or die during labour.
Our political allegiances really could be hard-wired into our brains, neuroscientists believe.

For research in the Netherlands has suggested the brains of Conservatives are a different shape to that of Left-wingers.

Scans of more than 900 Gen-Z adults showed right-leaning voters have larger amygdalas, the area of the brain connected to emotion.

Experts today labelled the findings 'surprising'. But warned it was not precise enough to be able to predict someone's stance simply from a scan.

Scans of more than 900 Gen-Z adults showed right-leaning voters have larger amygdalas, the area of the brain connected to emotion

It also builds on landmark research, originally commissioned by actor Colin Firth in 2010 as part of his role as guest editor of BBC 4's Today programme, that uncovered a 'strong correlation' between increased grey matter in the amygdala and political views.

Professor Diamantis Petropoulos Petalas, study lead author and an expert in psychology at the University of Amsterdam, said: 'It was really a surprise that we replicated the amygdala finding.

'Quite honestly, we did not expect to replicate any of these findings.

'The amygdala controls for the perception and the understanding of threats and risk uncertainty.

'So it makes a lot of sense that individuals who are more sensitive towards these issues have higher needs for security, which is something that typically aligns with more conservative ideas in politics,'

The findings build on landmark research, originally commissioned by actor Colin Firth (pictured) in 2010, that uncovered a 'strong correlation' between increased grey matter in the amygdala and political views

In the study, researchers from the University of Amsterdam and The American College of Greece assessed the scans of 928 Dutch adults aged between 19 and 26 who had a differing levels of education.

Each was quizzed on where they stand on social and economic issues including women's and LGBTQ+ rights, income equality and which political party they identify with.

Their brain data was then paired against the questionnaire.

They found self-proclaimed right-wingers had a more pronounced amygdala  an almond-shape set of neurons located deep in the brain's medial temporal lobe, that processes emotion.

Writing in the journal iScience, however, researchers said this association was 'three times smaller compared to the original study'.

In the initial 2010 study, scientists at University College London assessed brain scans of 90 students.

They also discovered those aligned to the left had thicker anterior cingulates  an area associated with courage and decision-making.

But scientists today did not find any association between conservatism and a smaller volume of gray matter in the ACC.

Instead, they uncovered a link between Conservatives and greater grey matter in the right fusiform gyrus, a region in the temporal lobe that is essential for visual and cognitive functions.

Professor Petropoulos said: 'These regions have to do with facial recognition, so it makes sense that they might be involved when one is thinking about political issues, because political issues often remind us of the political personas that represent ideology on those issues.

'Just the memory of the face of a politician, for instance, might make the fusiform gyrus light up a little.

'We see ideology as a complex, multidimensional product; that includes different attitudes on social and economic matters, as well as identification with progressive or conservative ideals  it's really not just about the left or the right,'
You might want to consider a pair of sandals the next time you take a long stroll on the beach.

After playing barefoot on the sand with his friends, this seven-year-old boy developed itchy raised lines on his left heel.

While they may look like simple scratches, doctors discovered they were actually the outlines of parasitic worms that had burrowed under his skin.

The boy, from Namibia, had gotten the parasites from stepping on feces from an infected dog or cat that were contaminated with larva.

When doctors realized the boy lived in an area where there were dogs and cats and regularly played barefoot, it was a clue that he could've come into contact with the hookworm larvae

Adult hook worms outside the body. The disease the boy contracted is caused by the larvae, which are even smaller than this

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When the boy came into the doctors office, he reported that the lines on his foot got more pronounced as he itched, the case study published in the journal Scientific Research, said.

Doctors ruled out other culprits, finding the boy hadn't been bitten by any bugs or been otherwise injured. He was growing normally and had all of his vaccinations.

But when Doctors asked the boy about his home, they found some clues.

He was from a densely populated area of Rundu, a region in Northeast Namibia, with a population of over 118,000.

Here, doctors discovered the boy had been playing barefoot in the sand with his friends in areas where dogs and cats also relieved themselves.

They therefore diagnosed him with cutaneous larva migrans.

Adult hookworms live in the intestines of infected dogs and cats. When those animals go to their bathroom, sometimes, their feces contains hookworm eggs.

When a human steps on, sits on or touches that soil, the larva can burrow into the skin. They are not mature enough to penetrate into other regions of the body, and stay in the skin, moving as much as a centimeter per day.

It's especially common in the feet, buttocks, thighs and hands, but the worms can enter through any part of the skin. It cannot spread between humans.

When the larvae moves under the skin, the body's immune system reacts, causing the inflamed, bumpy red lines that are characteristic of the disease.

This infection is especially common in tropical regions of the world with poor sanitation and infrastructure - including the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa and parts of the Southeastern United States.

Doctors don't know how common it is, and the study authors said it's a 'neglected non-communicable zoonotic disease', largely because it affects people in poor countries, though some tourists are also infected with it each year.

Hookworms have sharp heads that they can use to burrow into the skin. The worm pictured is an adult, and is much larger than the kind that lives under the skin.

A separate case of subcutaneous substantia nigra. The lines form when the body's immune system reacts to the worms inside it, causing inflammation and itchiness, that appear as these raised lines on the surface of the skin

Doctors have been reporting on this condition for over 100 years, and have come up with multiple treatments. The Namibian boy was given tablets of Albendazole, an FDA approved treatment for any patristic worms, and an anti-itching medication.

After one week, his itchiness had disappeared. By six weeks, the marks of the worms had disappeared.

Sometimes, the condition resolves itself without treatment, as the larvae die off under the skin on their own.

But when the worms make the patient itchy, like in the case of the 7 year old, it can lead to sores on the skin that become infected, so doctors opt to treat it with medication.

In rare cases where doctors don't treat it and the patient itches themselves into a wound, there have been reports of more serious infection, according to researchers from Sampson Regional Medical Center.

These infections can lead to kidney damage, other rashes, joint pain, fever and a weakened immune system, more susceptible to other diseases.

There is no vaccination against the worm, but people can help prevent the spread of the disease by deworming their pets and wearing shoes when walking on sand or soil.

Human hookworm was previously thought to be eradicated in the US between the 1950's and 1980s, thanks to better sanitation practices. But a study in 2017 found it still persists in certain highly rural areas in the south, largely because of poor sewage systems.
A faulty air conditioning system or a blinding stage light are among the leading theories for what caused a spate of mysterious illnesses at a Trump rally.

At least six people who sat stage right behind the former President in Tucson, Arizona, last Thursday suffered from 'burning' red eyes in the hours after the political gathering and had to go to the ER, according to local reports.

Others said they were left 'blinded' by any bright lights in the days afterward, and had to hide indoors with a towel over their heaad and suffer constant pain.

Two doctors told DailyMail.com they believed this may be an issue with the AC, with it either blowing too strongly and drying out attendees eyes or blowing a fine dust into their eyes that caused irritation and damage.

The above shows Trump during the rally in Tucson music hall. Those who were on stage right of the former President have reported the injuries

A third suggested, however, that it was most likely to be a faulty stage light that had caused the illnesses after blasting strong UV light onto the attendees throughout the one-hour and 18-minute rally.

Some people online have suggested the injuries could be down to a pepper spray or other chemical substances, but the doctors said this was unlikely  adding that a pepper spray would likely have caused immediate symptoms.

It remains unclear whether this was an intentional act or simply down to a faulty system in the building.

A spokesperson for the US Secret Service said there was no known threat to the former President at the rally.

The Trump campaign said in a statement: 'The Trump campaign has been collecting information. We remain committed to the countless patriots that attend our high-energy, high-impact rallies across the country.'

It is the second scare to hit a Trump rally in just two days, after reports circulated yesterday that there were explosives found in a car.

And in mid-July, one person died and two were critically injured during an assassination attempt on Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

Mayra Rodriguez, a former Clinton supporter turned Trump fan and pro-life advocate, said that her 'eyes were burning' once she left the rally and headed for the emergency room shortly after getting home from the speech

Above shows a woman who asked not to be identified but also said she suffered from problems with her eyes after attending the Trump rally

Dr Talin Amadian, an optometrist in Los Angeles, told this website: 'My train of thought is going towards this is something with the AC and the vents that are there.

'They do blast the AC pretty strongly in these buildings, and sometimes this could dry out the surface membranes of the eyes.

'It's also possible that maybe there was some dust in the AC vents  and this could have [been blown onto attendees].'

She added: 'I have sat under an AC vent in a long meeting and just the air flow, the constant air flow, it can irritate the eyes and sometimes dry them out.'

Dr Stuart Fischer, an emergency medicine physician in New York City agreed, saying: 'It could be something in the air conditioning vents that was blown onto attendees, because it's only affecting those in part of the stage.

'It could have been sand, sawdust, anything really.

'It may be that something blew over these people and they all rubbed their eyes, which is the worst thing you can probably do if something is coating the front of the eyes because it can cause abrasions (scratches).'

The clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Opthalmologists also suggested to DailyMail.com that the reactions could have been caused by a substance in the air that was blown onto attendees.

The doctors were suspicious for this because illnesses had only been reported in one area, which they said may point to a fault with the air conditioning system in that area of the building.

The doctors said that symptoms of this eye damage would emerge within hours after the rally and likely then prompt patients to go to the ER.

But they said the damage wouldn't be permanent, with many attendees eyes recovering in the days afterward.

The injuries were first reported on Tuesday this week, five days after the rally, although the first patient came forward on Friday last week, just a day after the rally took place.

Dr Robert Cykiert, an ophthalmologist at NYU Langone Health, suggesting to DailyMail.com that the injuries were likely down to a faulty stage light.

He said: 'The symptoms that these people are reporting are pretty classic for what we call UV keratitis, or ultra-violet keratitis.

'If UV light is of high intensity and aimed at your eyes, it will burn the surface of the cornea and it will give you intense pain, blurry vision, tears, redness and swelling in the eyes that lasts for about 24 to 48 hours.

Kathleen Winn, former congressional district six candidate for Arizona, was seated on the opposite side of the stage and said she was unaware of any injuries in the area where she was sat

'I see patients with this who go to sun parlors and they sit under UV to get a sun tan and don't wear the plastic goggles, and they get these very typical UV burns in the cornea.

'We also occasionally see this in people who do mountain climbing and go up to high altitudes. The symptoms take a few hours to develop because the cells don't die until a few hours after the exposure.'

It was possible that tungsten halogen lamps  often used in theaters for stage lighting  or similar could have caused the injuries, he said, if they were defective or had been fitted with the wrong type of bulb.

Dr Cykiert added: 'That is the most likely scenario.

'The question is was this done on purpose as another way to attack Trump and his supporters or whether this was some sort of defective lighting that these people were accidentally exposed to'.

He called for a full investiagtion by the local authorities, Secret Service and FBI into the injuries.

All three doctors said they thought it was unlikely that the injuries had been caused by pepper spray because this would likely cause an 'immediate reaction'.

They also said that if anyone had sprayed the chemical in the building they would likely have immediately been spotted by security or the crowd or caught on a camera.

Dr Amadian said: 'I did think of that, but that would be something that would have been caught on the cameras or by attendees, you know.

'I just feel like with security and everything now, people are very aware of who is going in and what is going in, so I assume that would have been noticed by now.'

A fourth doctor, Dr James Dello Russo  an optometrist in New Jersey  suggested to this website, however, that it was possible that pepper spray may have been released by someone within the stand on stage right.

One of the patients who was affected was Myra Rodriguez who began to feel pain in her eyes as soon as she left the rally and said by the next morning she could only see a 'white cloud' out of her eyes.

She had to stay indoors and keep them covered with a cold wet towel because of the pain.

She told News 4 Tucson, which first reported the injuries: 'As soon as we left and I stepped outside I started to feel like my eyes were burning.

'[At the moment], I can't see anything when I try to open my eyes. I see a bright light. It hurts, it hurts a lot to open my eyes. I have this cold cloth I put on and take off constantly. It's horrible.'

'The emergency room staff kept saying from the triage nurse to the PA, "are you sure you were not sprayed with something?".'

Ms Rodriguez drove the 90 minutes back to Phoenix after the rally but said the pain in her eyes then became so severe that she went to the ER.

Her daughter Alexandra Olvera, who spoke to DailyMail.com, said that her mother had now mostly recovered from the incident.

A brother and sister who sat near Ms Rodriguez, but asked not to be identified, also shared their symptoms.

The brother said: 'It was all focused on my eyes, my eyes were red like hell, you know, it's unbearable. I couldn't handle it.'

His sister added: 'It kept getting worse and worse, my eyes were watering a lot, my nose started running, then I started feeling my face get really flushed and my neck felt like it was on fire and it just progressed from there.'

Another woman said she had to cancel all her appointments over the coming week with clients because the rally had left her unable to see.

Dr Ami Vadada, an ophthalmologist and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said: 'The description of symptoms appear consistent with irritation to the cornea, or the front surface of the eye.

'If the event was windy, it's possible that dust or other allergens could have come in contact with the eye, causing redness, tearing and burning. Aerosolized substances can also irritate the eye as well.'
Scientists believe they've uncovered the true origin of the Covid pandemic  and have rejected the popular theory that the virus was leaked from a laboratory.

A major international study published today insists that the virus began life in a wet market in Wuhan, China, rather than in a scientific experiment.

Researchers tested genetic samples of animals that were sold in Wuhan market stalls in 2019 and found traces of the Covid virus in some species.

They argue that this is the first time scientists have pinpointed the animals that may have been responsible for transmission to humans.

This adds another layer to the accumulating evidence that all points to the same scenario: that infected animals were introduced into the market in mid-to late November 2019, which sparked the pandemic, said author of the study Kristian Andersen from Scripps Research.

Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan China, where scientists believe the pandemic started

A raccoon dog, which was sold live at the market and is now thought to be one of the main culprits in spreading the virus to humans

The raccoon dog, a fox-like animal common in East Asia, was suggested to be the biggest carrier of the virus.

Other animals such as masked palm civets, hoary bamboo rats and Malayan porcupines were also found to be carrying Covid-19 before it spread to humans.

This is not a definitive list as many of the key animal species were cleared out from the market before the Chinese health team arrived, said Florence Debarre of the French National Centre for Scientific Research, who led the study.

The scientists note that many of the early cases in Wuhan, a city of 12 million people, were workers from the market.

Debate has raged about the source of the pandemic that claimed 7 million lives globally and over 200,000 in the UK.

The alternative theory is that the pandemic was caused by a leak from one of the laboratories at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

This theory gained traction after the Director of the FBI Christopher Wray said the bureau believes Covid-19 'most likely' originated in a 'Chinese government-controlled lab'.

President Biden failed to shut down the lab leak conspiracy after he ordered an investigation into the theory.

Malayan porcupines were also identified as one of the animals that caused the spread to humans

The market and the lab are just 14 miles away from each other which added to the theory

Following the publication of this latest study scientists now insist that the pandemic did originate at the market as originally reported.

The study is based on a new analysis of data released by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The data came from more than 800 samples collected in and around the Huanan Seafood Wholesale market beginning on January 1, 2020, and from genetic samples reported from early COVID-19 patients.

On January 1, 2020, after the animals were removed and just hours after the market was closed, investigators from the Chinese CDC went to the market to collect samples.

They swabbed the floors, walls, and other surfaces of the stalls and came back days later to focus on surfaces in stalls selling wildlife, such as a cage and carts used to move animals.

They also collected samples from the drains and sewers.

Experts warn that lessons from Covid-19 have not been learnt, with the possibility of a future pandemic caused by the trade of live animals.

This is the most risky thing we can do take wild animals that are teeming with viruses and then play with fire by bringing them into contact with humans living in the heart of big cities, whose population densities make it easy for these viruses to take hold, said Michael Worobey of the University of Arizona, one of the study authors.

Other experts agree. Commenting seperately, Professor James Wood, infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, who did not take part in the study, said: While efforts have been made globally to tighten up on laboratory biosecurity to ensure that viruses cannot inadvertently escape, little or nothing has been done to limit either the live trade in wildlife.

This graphic details the most common symptoms of Covid-19

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The Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on the UK population, with at least 235,000 Brits are thought to have been killed by the virus since the pandemic began in 2019.

A report from the Covid-19 inquiry, published in July this year, stated that the UK Government's failure to prepare for a 'forseeable' pandemic led to mass death, 'untold misery' and 'economic turmoil'.

The inquiry chair Baroness Heather Hallett, in her first scathing report into the outbreak, claimed a 'damaging absence of focus' on measures that would be needed to deal with a fast-spreading disease was to blame for 'the tragedy of each individual death'.

The 240-page document also called for 'radical reform' in order to safeguard against future pandemics and warned: 'It is not a question of 'if' one will strike but 'when'.'

In her moving 2,000 word foreword, Baroness Hallett concluded that 'never again can a disease be allowed to lead to so many deaths and so much suffering'.

A major flaw, according to the inquiry, was the lack of 'a system that could be scaled up to test, trace and isolate' people.

The inquiry said it had 'no hesitation' in concluding that the 'processes, planning and policy of the civil contingencies structures within the UK government and devolved administrations and civil services failed their citizens'.

Baroness Heather Hallett, who chaired the Covid 19 Inquiry, highlighting the grave lack of preparedness and resilience that meant the virus tore through communities and overwhelmed the NHS

The report added: 'Despite reams of documentation, planning guidance was insufficiently robust and flexible, and policy documentation was outdated, unnecessarily bureaucratic and infected by jargon.'

She acknowledged preparing for a pandemic costs money, but warned: 'The massive financial, economic and human cost of the Covid 19 pandemic is proof that, in the area of preparedness and resilience, money spent on systems for our protection is vital and will be vastly outweighed by the cost of not doing so.

'Had the UK been better prepared for and more resilient to the pandemic, some of that financial and human cost may have been avoided.'

She said high pre-existing levels of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and obesity, and general levels of ill-health and health inequalities mean that the UK was more vulnerable.

Covid inquiry report findings The first report from the inquiry covered how prepared and 'resilient' the UK was for the Covid pandemic. In summary it found had the UK been better prepared some of the massive human and financial toll of Covid could have been avoided. Specially it found: Despite planning for an flu outbreak, Britain's preparedness and resilience was not adequate

Emergency planning was complicated by the many institutions and structures involve

The approach to risk assessment was flawed, resulting in inadequate planning to manage and prevent risks, and respond to them effectively

The UK governments outdated pandemic strategy, developed in 2011, was not flexible enough to adapt when faced with Covid

Emergency planning failed to put enough consideration into existing health and social inequalities and local authorities and volunteers were not adequately engaged

There was a failure to fully learn from past civil emergency exercises and outbreaks of disease

There was a lack of attention to the systems that would help test, trace, and isolate. Policy documents were outdated, involved complicated rules and procedures which can cause long delays, were full of jargon and were overly complex

Ministers, who are often without specialised training in civil contingencies, didn't receive a broad enough range of scientific advice and often failed to challenge the advice they did get

Advisers lacked freedom and autonomy to express differing opinions, which led to a lack of diverse perspectives and their advice was often undermined by 'groupthink' Advertisement

But, addressing the state's preparedness, she added: 'There must be radical reform. Never again can a disease be allowed to lead to so many deaths and so much suffering.'

She said planning and guidance was 'insufficiently robust and flexible', that policy documentation was 'outdated, unnecessarily bureaucratic and infected by jargon', and that advice was 'often undermined by groupthink'.

She also acknowledged the Government's preparedness and resilience was, 'quite evidently under constant strain' at the time the pandemic struck, given several Whitehall departments' preoccupation with leaving the European Union.

The 240-page report said: 'The evidence suggests that there were, and remain, real limits on the state's capacity to cope with an increasing trend of multiple, complex civil emergencies happening at the same time.'

Baroness Hallett added: 'I have no hesitation in concluding that the processes, planning and policy of the civil contingency structures across the UK failed the citizens of all four nations.

'There were serious errors on the part of the state, and serious flaws in our civil emergency systems. This cannot be allowed to happen again.

'Unless the lessons are learned and fundamental change is implemented, the human and financial cost and sacrifice of the Covid-19 pandemic will have been in vain.

'The harrowing accounts of loss and grief given by the bereaved witnesses and others who suffered during the pandemic serve to remind us why there must be radical reform.'

She said the Government's sole pandemic strategy, from 2011, 'was outdated and lacked adaptability and was beset by major flaws, which were there for everyone to see'.

That strategy focused on only one type of pandemic, and, she said 'failed adequately to consider prevention or proportionality of response, and paid insufficient attention to the economic and social consequences of pandemic response'.

Consequently, she said, it was 'virtually abandoned on its first encounter with the pandemic' by then-Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

She also noted that responsibility for the strategy prior to the pandemic extended over the tenures of the two previous Secretaries of State of Health: Andrew Lansley MP, from May 2010 to September 2012, and Jeremy Hunt MP, from September 2012 to July 2018.

The report identified how leaders failed to heed the lessons from Exercise Cygnus, a three-day training scenario involving nearly 1,000 Government officials to test the UK's response to a serious influenza pandemic.

The exercise highlighted 'the lack of capability and capacity to surge resources in a number of key areas, including the NHS, social care and the management of excess deaths'.

However, no reference was made that the UK's pandemic plans, policies and response capabilities were not sufficient to cope with the extreme demands of a severe pandemic during a subsequent meeting to discuss Cygnus, involving then-Prime Minister Theresa May and members of the National Security Council.

A member of the public walks past the National Covid Memorial Wall, a public mural painted by volunteers to commemorate the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom

Baroness Hallett made a number of recommendations, including that a similar exercise is carried out every three years, publishing the outcome.

She also suggested a 'radical simplification' of civil emergency preparedness and resilience systems.

She said the Government 'could and should' have invested in the test and trace system, which was used to try and identify how the virus was spreading.

Lockdown, one of the most divisive elements of the Covid 19 response, will be examined in further detail in a future report.

But Baroness Hallett acknowledged it 'should be a measure of last resort'.

In a statement, the inquiry chairman said: 'My report recommends fundamental reform of the way in which the UK government and the devolved administrations prepare for whole-system civil emergencies.

'If the reforms I recommend are implemented, the nation will be more resilient and better able to avoid the terrible losses and costs to society that the Covid-19 pandemic brought.

'I expect all my recommendations to be acted on, with a timetable to be agreed with the respective administrations. I, and my team, will be monitoring this closely.'
The architect of New York City's coronavirus lockdowns admitted to breaking his own rules to attend drug-fueled sex parties in an undercover sting.

Former Covid czar Dr Jay Varma was caught on camera talking about how he got high and went to underground raves that were 'not Covid-friendly' at the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

He also detailed how he snuck around to participate in 'deviant sexual' gatherings, hosted sex parties at his home and rented a hotel with friends where they would get 'naked' and take 'molly,' a street name for MDMA or ecstasy.

He was secretly recorded in a sting operation by Mug Club Undercover, an investigative organization run by right-wing commentator Steven Crowder.

Dr Varma was former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio 's most senior Covid advisor, appearing in daily public briefings and championing restrictions like school closures and vaccine mandates.

Dr Jay Varma served as Mayor Bill de Blasio's senior advisor for public health and Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021

Dr Varma was filmed in an undercover sting operation by Mug Club Undercover. He was captured in what appears to be secretly recorded videos in July and August 2024

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Throughout the undercover footage, Dr Varma appears to brag about how he was 'running the entire Covid response' for New York City and how he was behind pushing de Blasio's vaccine mandate.

'I had to be kind of sneaky about it [sex party]... I was running the entire Covid response for the city,' he told a woman off-camera identified only as a Mug Club journalist.

He continued: 'I did all this deviant, sexual stuff while I was on TV... and people are like "Aren't you afraid? Aren't you embarrassed?" And I was like, no, actually... I love being my authentic self.'

And the doctor later added: 'The only way I could do this job for the city was if I had some way to blow off steam every now and then.'

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Dr Varma said: 'Unfortunately, I was targeted by an operative for an extremist right-wing organization determined to malign public health officials and take down the public health system in America.

'This individual has been highly discredited and he has been banned from numerous media outlets for his homophobic slurs and racist rants.

'In those private conversations that were secretly recorded, spliced, diced, and taken out of context, I referred to events that transpired four years ago.

'Between April 2020 - May 2021, I participated in two private gatherings. I take responsibility for not using the best judgment at the time.'

The doctor's statement continued: 'Facing the greatest public health crisis in a century, our top priority was to save lives, and every decision made was based on the best available science to keep New Yorkers safe.

'I stand by my efforts to get New Yorkers vaccinated against COVID-19, and I reject dangerous extremist efforts to undermine the publics confidence in the need for and effectiveness of vaccines.'

In a separate statement, a spokesperson from City Hall told DailyMail.com: 'Dr Varma is not, nor has he ever been, a member of the current administration.

'The citys health department went above and beyond to protect New Yorkers from COVID-19 and continues to protect and keep New Yorkers safe under Mayor Adams leadership.'

Dr Varma left his New York City government post in 2021.

DailyMail.com also reached out to SIGA Technologies, where Dr Varma is listed as the chief medical officer and executive vice president, but the company has not responded.

Dr Varma appears to admit on secretly recorded video that he and his wife rented a hotel to gather with friends and take drugs

Dr Varma appears to admit on secretly recorded video that he was attending sex and polyamory parties with large groups of people during Covid

When asked by the MCU journalist what the 'sex parties were like during Covid,' Dr Varma admits he never attended 'a public type' sex party.

However, he goes on to say he and his wife had one with their friends in August 2020.

The couple rented a hotel room and Dr Varma advised everyone attending to take a Covid test and send him the results.

At this point in the pandemic, New York City was in the beginning of its reopening plan, but businesses still had to limit their capacities and indoor dining was restricted.

Dr Varma, who also worked on global public health for the CDC, said: 'It was fun. We all took... Molly [Ecstasy/MDMA] and it was... eight to 10 of us in a room and everybody had a blast because everybody was like so pent up because like everybody was stuck together and stuff like that.

'And sometimes it isn't so much about like penetrative sexual stuff. Some of it is just something about like bodies being close to each other. Just being naked with friends.'

Later in the video Dr Varma talks about going to an underground dance party with 200 people in May or June 2021 beneath a bank in New York City where 'everybody's high.'

He said: 'And I was so happy because I hadn't done that... in like a year or whatever. But I was looking around being like, f***, I wonder if anybody sees me and they're going to be pissed because this was not Covid-friendly.'

When asked by the MCU journalist if he thinks New York City residents would have criticized him for 'having sex parties during Covid,' Dr Varma replied: 'Yeah. It would have been a big deal.

'Yeah. It would have been a real embarrassment.'

New York City had some of the strictest lockdown measures in the United States during the height of the pandemic, when the city became the nation's epicenter for cases and deaths.

Dr Varma appears to admit on secretly recorded video that he would be embarrassed if people found out he was not adhering to Covid lockdown guidelines

On the footage, Dr Varma claimed he was the person who convinced then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to institute Covid vaccine mandates

Schools, libraries, parks, shops and restaurants were closed. Millions were sent home to work remotely and children attended school online - something Dr Varma said he was privately against, but the teacher's union wanted remote learning, so officials 'didn't really have a choice.'

Now, research has shown that sending kids home was detrimental to their education and emotional wellbeing - something else Dr Varma acknowledged.

He said in the clip: 'I wanted kids in school. The mayor wanted kids in school, but the teachers union didn't. The teachers union wanted all the teachers to be able to stay home and Zoom so they'd be safe, even though it means the kids get hurt.'

And in 2022, Dr Varma criticized current Mayor Eric Adams for not doing enough to contain the spread of the virus as a new variant caused a surge of cases.

The undercover videos also appear to show Dr Varma taking credit for vaccine mandates, with the doctor saying he was who convinced then-mayor de Blasio to enforce vaccine requirements.

Dr Varma said: 'Well, I had actually been talking to him [de Blasio] about it since even before the vaccines were available. I was like, you're going to have to do it this way and so he came up with this metaphor that we're going to climb this ladder. We're going to first start voluntarily and then we're going to be pushing it.'

He continued: 'So the way we do it in public health is we make it very uncomfortable to be unvaccinated. With vaccines it's like, you can't get a job, you can't go to a restaurant, kids can't go to school. It's like "F*** I'm just going to get vaccinated."

'You "force" people by making it really uncomfortable... The whole idea is like you build barriers so that people are like "F*** this. I'm just going to do it because I'm tired of being harassed."'

The nearly 18-minute video also appears to show Dr Varma take credit for other Covid-era measures, as well, such as social distancing.

Dr Varma said people asked him how he didn't 'go crazy during' Covid lockdowns. He said: 'I think the reason I didn't is because I felt like I had control. It was getting done to [the public, but], it's like, I was the one making the decisions about what happened.'
Ivanka Trump has stoked more plastic surgery speculation after a series of recent social media snaps.

Plastic surgeons told DailyMail.com the former first daughter looked almost 'too perfect' in photos shared to Instagram.

The 42-year-old has has never admitted to any aesthetic enhancements, but that has not stopped rumors from swirling over the years.

Dr Benjamin Caughlin, a plastic surgeon based in Chicago, highlighted a mirror selfie Ivanka shared this month from Paris in which she appears in a matching lilac set and a pouty expression.

Her chin and jawline appear more defined than ever, likely with the help of fillers, according to Dr Caughlin.

Ivanka Trump posted a slew of glamorous shots from Paris. Cosmetic surgeons noted that her flawless complexion is likely due to a combination of rhinoplasty, laser treatments, and fillers. The photo was posted to her Instagram in September 2024

Ivanka's profile is streamlined, which surgeons said highly suggests that she underwent at least one rhinoplasty as well as a chin implant

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Dr Caughlin said: 'Volume in the right spots can really make a difference.

'You can widen the mandible laterally. You can also lengthen it posteriorly. You can make the body of the mandible and the body of the jaw a little bit longer.

'It can be really slenderizing, particularly in females.'

In another picture posted in July, Ivanka showed off her streamlined profile while wearing a yellow dress.

In it, she shows off her ski-slope nose, which has become the envy of millions.

Dr Darrick Antell, a Manhattan-based plastic surgeon, said: 'The tip of her nose appears to be more projected and refined, but this could have been achieved with non-surgical rhinoplasty with filler. She likely had it done to add balance to the rest of her features.'

Experts have suggested Ivanka has underwent a rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, possibly more than once, streamlining her profile.

Dr Joel Kopelman, a New York City-based facial plastic surgeon, said: 'In some cases, achieving a highly refined nasal shape, like the ski slope appearance, may require more than one procedure.

'The initial rhinoplasty could address structural issues or the overall size of the nose, while a secondary (revision) rhinoplasty might be performed to further refine the tip or adjust the nasal bridge.'

Ivanka's chin has also been the subject of public scrutiny since her November 2023 appearance at her father's fraud trial in New York City.

While her 2020 chin was smaller and appeared more tucked into her face, the chin of 2023 and 2024 is more pronounced.

To augment the chin, doctors cut into the skin around the chin bone and stretch it to create a pocket where they can insert an implant, making the chin longer and more pronounced.

Meanwhile, Dr Kopelman told DailyMail.com that her jaw appears wider in certain photos going back to the spring.

'I would speculate that she may have had masseter Botox typically used to slim the face, but it can cause a temporary widening effect while the muscle is adjusting.'

Masseter Botox is injected in the masseter muscles located at the back of the jaw on either side of the face.

By reducing the size of these muscles and restricting their movement, this type of injection can create a slimmer-looking, more contoured jawline.

In addition to well-placed cheek fillers, surgeons posited that she has also had filler added to her jawline to give it a more chiseled appearance. The photo was posted to Instagram in July 2024

'Another possibility is the use of chin or jaw implants, which can enhance the structure of the lower face and give that more angular look,' Dr Kopelman added.

'I see patients requesting this more frequently now to achieve that sharper, more contoured jawline.'

Dr Antell added: 'She also had significant volume added to her chin and her lips enhanced with filler.'

The power of well-placed filler  an injected substance that adds volume to the face in order to smooth out wrinkles and contour certain features  cannot be overstated, according to Dr Caughlin.

In addition to making a person look younger, filler can also reduce signs of tiredness, plump the cheeks, and reshape the lips.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Ivanka's team for comment.

Dr Steven Fallek, a plastic surgeon in New York and Medical Advisor to Maskad Skincare, added that her cheeks appear fuller than before in her photos from Paris, which is especially noticeable on the sides of her face toward the outer edges.

Cosmetic surgeons have told DailyMail.com the changes Ivanka has undergone since she was a teenager (shown here with younger sister Tiffany) are too stark to be attributed to good lighting and masterful photo editing

Dr Kopelman added: Looking at the example [her latest post], I would say that she likely has received cheek fillers.

'Her cheeks do appear fuller than in past photos, and this fuller appearance is often the result of well-placed fillers. It's a subtle way to refresh the face without surgery, and it's something I frequently recommend for patients looking to enhance their natural structure.'

And Dr Caughlin said: 'Does it appear she has received additional filler in her cheeks? I think this might be a good example as well. Likely the upper outer cheeks. Many people do really well with a bit of volume there. it's the perfect peak and valley.'

A combination of Botox, laser treatments, and masterful photo editing also likely played leading roles in achieving her flawless complexion.

Dr Caughlin said: 'Her frozen face? One hundred percent neurotoxin.

'Now, that's actually the goal - to stop movement and prevent wrinkles. But if you overdo it you're in unnatural territory. Looks great on TV, but in person? I'm sure it's a bit odd when she tries to express herself.'

Laser treatments, meanwhile, are tried-and-loved ways to improve the color and texture of skin without going under the knife.

Plastic surgeons projected that she likely underwent one of two different types of laser treatment: fractional lasers or IPL.

Fractional lasers penetrate the skin and create damage there, which kickstarts the body's natural natural healing process which improves texture and wrinkles.

IPL targets pigmentation in the skin including age and sun spots, and stimulates collagen produced to reduce fine lines.

Dr Kopelman said that, in the latest photos, 'her flawless skin is likely a combination of Botox, lasers, and possibly a bit of photo editing for an extra polished look. I often see my patients use all three together to create that perfect finish.'
What actually goes on between a therapist and his or her client? Mental health is never out of the news and it seems fresh 'issues' are given an official label every year, certainly increasing a perceived need.

Words like 'trauma' are carelessly over-used, while people with chronic needs slip through the many holes in a flawed system.

Counselling on the NHS is, increasingly, like a mirage in the desert; the UK Council for Psychotherapy warns that more psychotherapists are needed in the NHS workforce to meet the UK's looming mental health crisis.

In the past few years, the need for competent and professional services dealing with mental health has grown considerably. There are more and more private therapists and counsellors, and advice columnists (like me) regularly suggesting that people dealing with tough problems find a counsellor  as if that were a magic wand.

Resistance to the idea is common  which is why Both Sides Of The Couch could be very useful. There are many books by psychotherapists about their practice, with heavily-disguised case histories, but what actually happens within the room?

Both Sides Of The Couch is a frank and fascinating account of the process leading to recovery, told by both the (private) therapist and his client. Pictured: Scene from Lady In The Dark

Is it hard to tell the truth? How does the therapist deal with feelings and possible judgements? This book is a frank and fascinating account of the process leading to recovery, told by both the (private) therapist and his client.

A duet for two voices, or sonata played by two different instruments, the text gives a double perspective on one story  during which the therapist himself is led to reflection on his own younger life.

Anna Wickins was a highly trained consultant engineer, happily married with three children, yet still haunted by a traumatic event that happened when she was a student at Bristol University 20 years ago.

When she arrived at the Devon home of psychotherapist Paddy Magrane she was in such a state she could barely speak, but fixed her eyes on his cool sneakers in mute rebellion, deciding to 'give the therapy process six weeks'.

She dreaded having to tell him her reason for being there: 'It was a secret I'd hidden for nearly 20 years that had become increasingly difficult to ignore.' Watching, Magrane  himself pretty stressed-out from private events he'd had to deal with that morning  was disconcerted by his new client and unsure how to deal with her.

Reading his searingly honest account makes you wonder just how many therapists actually feel out of control, beneath their calm facades.

The first breakthrough came when Wickins handed him a short written explanation (on her phone) of why she was there. As a student of 18, she was raped, not once but twice, by a man she had considered a friend. When she told friends in the hall of residence, she was (incredibly) disbelieved and ostracised: 'Next day, no one spoke to me.'

This remembered nightmare had afflicted her for many years, causing panic attacks and self-harm. Seeking therapy actually increased her 'shame'.

Like many wounded people, she dreaded having to reveal the awful detail of what happened to her, but knew that she had set herself upon this path because it was essential. This was what Magrane must start to unpick.

The authors of this insightful book, Anna Wickins and Paddy Magrane, are now firm friends

When she can't bear to talk, Wickins mutely hands Magrane what she has written down. In that way he can be made aware of aspects of her case she shrinks from describing.

Interestingly for me, as the Mail's advice columnist, this approach underlines the usefulness of readers writing out their problems and finding that very process helpful. I hear it again and again.

The to and fro records of their actual discussions are often touching, sometimes repetitive, but always raw.

Their book, Both Sides Of The Couch is available now

As Wickins relaxes into trust of her therapist, he has his own demons to deal with. There is a subtext as Magrane sees news about sexual abuse by monks at his old boarding school, the Catholic Ampleforth.

He had no such experience, but his horror at the revelations is amplified by the realisation that people he knows are still sending their children there. At the same time he recalls the bullying he did experience, and realises that a whole institution can be 'contaminated  poisoning the very air the students breathed'. He talks to his own therapist and finally embarks on a long journey simply to stand before the school where so much harm was done.

The idea of the healing journey is important, and he is inspired to make it by his own client, having witnessed at first hand what such a strange 'pilgrimage' can do. Because the culmination of Wickins's therapy over two years is the journey she makes with Magrane, back to Bristol to look at the places where both rapes happened.

This sort of intervention seems highly unusual and Magrane must first discuss it with the control therapist that all practitioners must have, in order to allow them to decompress. Their alternating accounts of the strange and testing trip make compulsive reading. How does therapy end? When, explains Magrane, one or other side decides enough is enough.

Weeks after returning from their trip to Bristol, Wickins experiences the surprising cessation of all her panic-inducing symptoms. It's as if a boil has been lanced.

Her therapist explains: 'She felt all the pain and pushed through anyway. And as a result, Anna built her resilience on a bedrock of granite.'

But that's not the end of the story. Wickins feels 'profoundly changed by my time in therapy'  so much so that she decides to train as a counsellor herself. This way she becomes what the great psychiatrist Carl Jung called 'a wounded healer'.

This explains that an analyst is compelled to treat patients because the analyst himself is 'wounded'.

Both authors of this wonderfully insightful book, who are now friends, might like to remember that, more than two centuries before Jung, in the Aeneid, the Roman poet Virgil expressed that very idea: 'Knowing pain, I can learn to help the pain of others.'
I recently went on a family holiday to Malaga, flying with Ryanair. On the way home, my child's Joie pushchair was broken at some point between me checking it in at Malaga Airport, and picking it up again at Leeds Bradford.

At the airport I couldn't find any Ryanair staff so I spoke to someone from Swissport, the airline's baggage handling company.

I filled out a form and was told it would be passed to Ryanair. I asked if I needed to do anything else, and was told I didn't.

But when I arrived home, I looked up Ryanair damaged luggage claims online and noticed that I needed a reference number - which I hadn't been given.

Pushed to the limit: J.H was travelling with her toddler when her pushchair got broken - and then she was given conflicting information about how to make a claim with Ryanair

I went back to the airport to check with Ryanair staff, and was told that all I needed was a picture of the hand-written form as proof that I had handed it in. I took one when I filled it out, so thought it was sorted.

A week later, I hadn't heard anything so I contacted Ryanair online. I was asked for the reference number, and replied that I did not have one, but provided the picture of the form I filled out at the airport.

I was then told that I needed to claim online, but that the deadline to do it had now passed as it had been more than seven days since the flight.

The pushchair was less than six months old and cost 200. J.H, Leeds

Helen Crane of This is Money replies: Taking small children abroad isn't for the faint-hearted, not least because of all the essential bits and bobs that little ones require.

By the time you have packed all your nappies, bibs, bottles or cups, sun protection supplies and home comforts it can feel as if you are going away for a month, rather than a week.

Nonetheless, you'd managed to have a fun family holiday with your toddler and make it back in one piece - but sadly your pushchair did not.

When you saw it at the baggage carousel it was in a sorry state, with the bumper bar, which also functions as the carry handle for the pushchair, snapped in half.

Parts of the fold-out pushchair were also bent, so it no longer locks into place.

What are your rights when luggage gets lost or broken on a flight? On most international flights, your luggage is covered against loss, damage or delay if it is the fault of the airline. This is thanks to an agreement called the Montreal Convention. More than 130 countries have signed the agreement, and checked luggage travelling on any flight between two Montreal Convention countries is covered. This means it applies to the majority of popular destinations - though domestic flights are not included, and domestic transfers as part of an international trip can also complicate matters. The maximum compensation varies with exchange rates, as it is based on a average of international currencies called 'special drawing rights' - but is currently about 1,330. However, you will need to prove how much the damaged or lost items will cost to replace, or expenses you have incurred as a result of a delayed bag, and you won't get any more than that. Airlines can also deduct money for wear and tear, so a broken suitcase that cost 100 new but is five years old may only result in a payout of 50. If you have particularly high-value luggage, it is advised to take out separate insurance. To make a successful Montreal Convention claim, it is advised that you report your lost or damaged luggage at the airport when you land - and ask if you need to follow up with an online claim. It is also a good idea to take pictures.

In short, it was totally unsafe and unusable - meaning you should have been able to claim money for a new one from the airline.

This is a consumer right under the Montreal Convention, and is the case whatever airline you fly on, and whether you are in first class or on a budget carrier like Ryanair.

But filing the paperwork can be easier said than done, especially when you arrive home to a sparsely populated arrivals hall with airline staff nowhere to be seen.

You managed to corner a member of staff from Swissport - the company that Ryanair employs to make sure passengers' checked luggage gets to and from their destination.

You filled out a form and made sure to double check that you had done everything that was needed before leaving the airport.

Up in the air: J.H filled out a claim form at the airport, but couldn't work out whether or not she needed to claim online too - and then was told she had missed the deadline

But you later found out you were missing a key piece of the puzzle - a reference number for your damaged item. By the time you worked that out, though, Ryanair told you it was too late to make a claim.

It turned out you had been given the wrong information, both on arrival at the airport and on your second visit. Ryanair's policy is that anyone with lost or damaged luggage needs to both speak to someone at the airport on arrival, and fill out a claim form online.

If baggage is damaged it must be reported at the arrival airport, and an online claim must be submitted to Ryanair within seven days of the date of damage. If luggage is delayed, you have 21 days from the day it is returned to you.

You felt you had pushed the issue as far as you could with Ryanair, so you contacted me for help.

CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk

I contaced the airline and it is now processing a compensation payment of 150 for the damaged pram.

This is less than the 200 you paid for it in March because of wear and tear. It is common for the airline to offer a settlement based on the item's current value, rather than its price as new.

Importantly, you had proof of purchase for the pram which is often vital when making a claim for lost or damaged luggage.

A spokesman for Ryanair said: 'This passenger travelled from Malaga to Leeds Bradford [...] where her pushchair was damaged on the return flight, however the third-party handling agent wrongly did not provide [her] with a PIR (Property Irregularity Report), which is required to submit a baggage claim form online.

'A member of our customer service team has been in contact with [the customer] directly to assist.'

Of course, you did fill out a form at the airport - though it appears you were not given the right one, as it didn't include that all-important reference number which is needed to make an online claim.

Nevertheless, I am glad you have managed to get the money to replace the broken pushchair and hope your next family trip away is a less bumpy ride.
Rolls-Royce shares hit a record high yesterday as pressure mounted on Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to approve UK mini nuclear power stations.

The British engineering giants stock rose 5 per cent to 525p  taking gains since Tufan Erginbilgic became chief executive at the start of 2023 to 462 per cent  after it won a landmark contract in The Czech Republic.

The deal sparked calls for the mini-nukes  known as small modular reactors (SMRs)  to get the green light in the UK.

Turbo boost: Rolls-Royce stock rose 5% - taking gains since Tufan Erginbilgic (pictured) became chief exec at the start of 2023 to 462%

Experts said Ministers must show greater urgency for Britain to win the global race to roll out SMRs.

They are seen as critical in the push to net-zero. SMRs are cheaper and faster to construct than full-sized nuclear power stations.

Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said: Labours go-slow approach on nuclear will take us back to square one.

Thats bad for bills and our energy independence.

Rolls-Royce is one of five companies left in the running to be chosen for Government contracts by Great British Nuclear.

The others still in contention are US-Japanese joint venture GE-Hitachi and American firms Holtec, NuScale Power and Westinghouse.

A winner is expected by the end of the year with the final investment decision set to be made by 2029.

Tom Greatrex, head of the Nuclear Industry Association, said the Government must get on with choosing the technologies, sites and number of units.

He added: Greater urgency than Ministers have thus far signalled is needed. The longer they take, the longer the country will be exposed to volatile international gas markets driving energy costs up, undermining the health of the economy.

Tim Yeo, who chairs the London-based think tank New Nuclear Watch Institute, said time is of the essence for the UK to have a chance at winning the global race to roll out the first SMRs, adding: We believe first mover advantage will be critical in determining which companies are successful.

The Government said: We are reversing a legacy of no new nuclear power being delivered. SMRs will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs.
More than three feet wide and with seven rows of razor-sharp, serrated teeth, the great white shark jaw makes a fearsome sight as it's pulled from a sealed cardboard box by two uniformed officers.

The huge bone is the latest item seized by Border Force officials tasked with tackling the 17bn global illegal wildlife trade, and now takes its place alongside other grisly exhibits gathered inside a small, dinghy room at its outpost near Heathrow Airport - which MailOnline exclusively toured this week.

From multiple rows of shelves stare the glazed eyes of lions, tigers and polar bears, while a baboon's severed head sits mounted inside a bell jar - the animal's open-mouthed, somewhat playful expression making it appear disturbingly lifelike.

Elsewhere are miniature monkey skulls in glass boxes, stuffed birds of prey, a sliced dolphin brain set into glass, a narwhal tusk, and a crocodile with its hands clasped like a circus performer addressing a crowd.

Even more unsettling are the remains of once majestic animals defiled into trinkets, including a lion's paw clumsily turned into a bottle opener, a matchbox mounted on a leopard skull, a tankard wrapped in elephant skin, sea turtle shells converted into backpacks and all manner of coats, bags, rugs and shoes crafted from skin and fur.

The prevalence of fashion items points at the lucrative nature of this illicit market, with a high-end snakeskin bag or a shawl made from sought-after fur, like that of a Tibetan antelope, selling for as much as 30,000.

MailOnline was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at wildlife products that have been seized after entering the UK

Everything in the room has been seized by Border Force under Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Items include a crocodile with its hands clasped like a circus performer addressing a crowd

This 1975 treaty covers 35,000 animals and plants, some of which cannot be traded at all, while the rest require specific permits. Most items on display have been seized for lacking the paperwork to prove they have been obtained legally

A baboon's severed head sits mounted inside a bell jar - the animal's open-mouthed, somewhat playful expression making it appear disturbingly lifelike

Everything in this room has been seized by Border Force under Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This 1975 treaty covers 35,000 animals and plants, some of which cannot be traded at all, while the rest require specific permits.

Most items on display have been seized for lacking the paperwork to prove they have been obtained legally.

What is Cites?

The worldwide Cites treaty came into force in 1975 and controls how more than 35,000 animals and plants are commercially traded. It is split into three tiers, with the first consisting of species threatened with extinction like gorillas and rhinos that cannot be commercially traded at all. The other two tiers consist of other endangered species which cannot be imported into Britain unless they come with a permit showing they are from an approved source. Advertisement

In the case of the great white shark jaw, this was intercepted at a parcel hub in Coventry after being mailed to an individual from Taiwan several months ago.

Wrongly listed as a blue shark or tiger shark - which are not covered by Cites - it was correctly identified by an expert and is now being held pending an appeal.

Border Force's Cites squad operates from a brutalist office block at Heathrow but is also tasked with intercepting illegal wildlife products from around the UK.

Several rare trees are covered by Cites, which is how His Majesty's Government became the proud owner of a Union Jack embossed electric guitar bearing the signatures of Noel and Liam Gallagher.

This was seized because the protected wood in its fret board did not come with the required permit, and the instrument is now propped up next to the door alongside other displays featuring seized timber.

Our friendly and knowledgeable guide, Border Force higher officer Lee Grigg, explained that Cites consists of three appendixes, with the first consisting of species threatened with extinction like gorillas and rhinos that cannot be commercially traded at all.

The other two include other endangered species which cannot be imported into Britain unless they come with a permit showing they are from an approved source.

Many of the exhibits seized by Border Force consist of quack remedies, ranging from freeze-dried crocodile blood - a supposed cure for asthma - to vials of bear bile, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver conditions.

Border Force higher officer Lee Grigg unwrapping a great white shark jaw that officers intercepted in Coventry

Mr Grigg is joined by Danny Hewitt, Border Force director. The Border Force Sites team operate from a nondescript office block by Heathrow Airport

The jaw measured than three feet wide and with seven rows of razor-sharp, serrated teeth

A lion paw that had been crudely transformed into a bottle opener

Among the seized items was this monkey skull, which had been carved with elaborate patterns

Big cats featured prominently among the displays, which are gathered inside a small room

Several rare trees are covered by Cites, which is how His Majesty's Government became the proud owner of a Union Jack embossed electric guitar bearing the signatures of Noel and Liam Gallagher

This was seized because the protected wood in its fret board did not come with the required permit, and the instrument is now propped up next to the door alongside other displays featuring seized timber. Pictured is a close up of the signatures

Also prominent in the displays were quack remedies. Pictured bottom left is a product made from black ants that was said to be 'more effective than Viagra'

Freeze-dried crocodile blood is touted as a cure for asthma. This pot was seized by Border Force

Among the displays were a box of bird eggs smuggled into the country by former Rhodesian SAS member Jeffrey Lendrum, who was caught at Heathrow with 19 hawk, eagle and vulture eggs strapped to his chest - two of which had already hatched

Mr Grigg told MailOnline about the role he played in catching the prolific smuggler, describing the moment he took off Lendrum's clothes to reveal the sling of eggs as 'the most surreal strip search ever'

Another product touted ground-up cactus as a slimming aid, while black ants were said to 'exceed Viagra and Cialis' as a cure for erectile dysfunction.

Among the displays were a box of bird eggs smuggled into the country by former Rhodesian SAS member Jeffrey Lendrum, who was caught at Heathrow with 19 hawk, eagle and vulture eggs strapped to his chest - two of which had already hatched.

Mr Grigg told MailOnline about the role he played in catching the prolific smuggler, describing the moment he took off Lendrum's clothes to reveal the sling of eggs as 'the most surreal strip search ever'.

Border Force had been aware Lendrum was about to land in the country, so he was taken aside by officers inside Terminal 2 on June 27, 2018.

The 'cowboy pet wholesaler' who tried to smuggle 102 endangered chameleons into the UK

Earlier this year a 'cowboy pet wholesaler' was prosecuted for smuggling a shipment of 102 endangered pygmy chameleons into this country to sell for a profit - despite not having a licence. Mark Brittain Officers at Heathrow discovered a secret compartment containing the endangered animals in plastic boxes in a shipment from Cameroon. Only 76 of the 102 were alive and had to be rehomed at wildlife centres, zoos and colleges. Mark Brittain, 48, from Hull, (pictured above) admitted two offences of fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing spectral chameleons. He was given a four-month suspended prison sentence, 100 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay 425 costs. Advertisement

In total, Mr Grigg and his colleagues recovered 100,000 worth of vulture, eagle and sparrowhawk eggs that the joint Zimbabwe-Irish passport holder had illegally gathered in South Africa.

'I don't know if you've seen the bit from Friends where Joey wears all of Chandler's clothes, but it was a bit like that,' recalled the officer. 'It was warm and he had all these layers of clothes on so you could tell it didn't look right.

'He disclosed he had bird eggs and claimed he had rescued them from trees that were being chopped down in South Africa. He said he was going to hand them over to us when he was in the UK.

'He had 19 eggs on his body. He was acting as a human incubator, and as they were coming off him at least one was starting to hatch. We then found videos of him illegally collecting eggs, which blew his story out of the water. '

The eggs were successfully raised into chicks at a rescue centre in Gloucestershire and Lendrum was jailed in 2019 for three years and one month after pleading guilty to four wildlife offences.

Danny Hewitt, Border Force Director, told MailOnline that his officers often seized animal and plant products under Sites several times a day, both in passenger bags and freight at airports like Heathrow and in parcels sent through the mail.

'We dedicate a lot of time to investing in intelligence and have specialist detection capabilities as well, including x-ray machines and dogs that are trained to detect Sites products,' he told MailOnline.

'Wildlife trafficking is the fourth largest international crime worth an estimated 17billion globally every year, so there is a huge organised criminal network behind this.

'It has an impact not only on the environment and local communities, but corruption can be involved as well - so it does really meet all the markers for serious organised crime.'

Mr Hewitt said officers trying to identify illegal wildlife products moving across the UK border would often look at the countries they were coming from or going to.

China is a major market for animal parts used in traditional medicine - despite no evidence of their efficacy - while there is a huge demand in regions like the Middle East for bags, shoes and other items made from reptile skin.

Tell-tale signs officers look for include passengers wearing unusual clothes or walking suspiciously, strange smells coming from bags and even luggage moving around of its own accord.

Tiger and other big cat heads and furs that had been made into rugs and other soft furnishings

Many of the animals were stuffed, and are likely to have been put on display in people's homes

The thousands of animals included in Cites either cannot be traded at all, or require a permit

A display including a bobcat and a Barbary sheep, which had been imported whole

Specialist Border Force officers are trained to go through lists of ingredients to look for plant and animal products

The prevalence of fashion items points at the lucrative nature of this illicit market, with a high-end snakeskin bag or a shawl made from sought-after fur, like that of a Tibetan antelope, selling for as much as 30,000

Accessories made from reptile skin are said to be particularly popular in the Middle East

This pair of trainers were among the illicit fashion items seized by Border Force

Officers are also trained to look at the ingredients of seemingly innocuous products - like bags of coffee - to check they do not contain any items sourced from protected plants or animals.

'There's a mandatory training course for all new Border Officers about the illegal wildlife trade, and we also have a team of subject matter experts,' Mr Hewitt.

'We've noticed a bit of an uptick recently in the import of live scorpions, arachnids and reptiles, but of course we also see goods like leathers, belts and handbags which we're also seeing an increase of.'

He said the ability to buy and sell these products online was a major reason for the increase in wildlife trafficking.

While criminal gangs control much of the market, ordinary people can find themselves accidentally falling foul of the law by taking back souvenirs that they do not know are protected.

The Border Force Cites squad operates around the clock and is also involved in intercepting live animals, with Mr Grigg recently called at 1am to respond to a shipment of 1300 tarantulas.

Understanding which items fall foul of Cites can require careful calculation.

Mr Grigg explained that Cites rules do not apply to excreted waste products such as elephant faeces - said to be a surprisingly popular souvenir for visitors coming back from Africa.

But they would apply to a product like parrot earwax, which is bizarrely considered a natural remedy but falls foul of the rules because the process of harvesting it is considered invasive.

Meanwhile, snake skin can be considered a Cites product even if it has been naturally shed and collected because of the difficulty of proving conclusively that it has not been obtained by poachers.

Mr Grigg holds an elephant's tusk, one of many Border Force has seized over the years

Many of the animal products seized by officers are destroyed, but others are kept for educational purposes

An alligator skull next to small monkey skulls kept in bell jars

This endangered sea turtle shell had been turned into a backpack

There were a large number of ivory items in the collection, including these sperm whale teeth

Ivory is covered under Cites, but historical figurines or pieces of jewellery can sometimes be imported into the UK with the correct paperwork.

The owner may have to provide evidence of the item's age, such as a photograph showing a piece of ivory jewellery being worn by a great-grandmother.

Most animal or plant items seized by Border Force are destroyed, but some are kept for educational purposes and to highlight the scale of the global trade in illegal wildlife.

The most commonly trafficked animal in the world are pangolins, driven largely by demand for their meat and scales in Asia.

Around 20 tonnes of pangolin scales are trafficked each year for use in traditional medicine, with poaching the animal a particularly easy task because of the way they roll up into a ball when touched.

Tom Byrne, Head of Net Zero and Environment at British Airways, said the airline works alongside Border Force to train staff how to recognise and report suspected incidents of wildlife trafficking.

'Wildlife trafficking sadly happens on commercial aviation, so as a leading airline we want to be trying to find solutions,' he told MailOnline.

'We are training cabin crew, ground crew and check-in staff how to spot anything suspicious and direct it to Border Force.

'We talk about looking out for luggage or people who might be acting suspiciously, so that could be someone who is dressed abnormally for the conditions or luggage that has an unusual smell.'

Ivory is covered under Cites, but historical figurines or pieces of jewellery can sometimes be imported into the UK with the correct paperwork

The owner may have to provide evidence of the item's age, such as a photograph showing a piece of ivory jewellery being worn by a great-grandmother

These items had fallen foul of the regulations by not having the correct paperwork

The sealife section of the display included various corals and shells

A tiny turtle pictured alongside corals that people had tried to smuggle into the UK

The airline also has a series of 'wildlife champions' who help raise awareness of the problem among staff.

One of them, Chelsea Thomas, told MailOnline: 'We carry out a lot of wildlife trafficking roadshows to remind colleagues about what they can do to help prevent the trade.

'Animal welfare is important and it's crucial that we don't lose any more animals to poachers. And we don't want any more species to become endangered.'

The sheer scale of the global illegal wildlife trade is mind-boggling, with a recent major crackdown, dubbed Operation Thunder, seeing 53 live birds, 5.5kgs of ivory and 435 live plants seized in the UK alone October 2 and 27, 2023.

This was alongside 1,000 health supplements containing illegal plant and animal products, one ceremonial headdress made from big cat fur, vulture and falcon eggs, a lesser flamingo feather bracelet and 26 products made from reptile skin.

While Border Force is responsible for frontline detection and seizure of items covered by Sites, criminal investigations are carried out by the police.

There was controversy earlier this year after it emerged that cuts were being made to the Metropolitan Police's wildlife crime unit, which has fought against illegal trafficking for the past 20 years.

The move to redeploy the unit's specialised detectives to local policing was called 'woefully wrong' by the animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation.

The Met told the BBC that it would still investigate wildlife crime and there would still be a centralised 'function', but would not provide further details about what that would be.

Anyone found guilty of illegally smuggling wildlife into the UK risks imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
The mother of a 12-year-old girl who took her own life has shared emails she says prove she 'begged' the school to act over the severe bullying against her daughter.

Charlotte O'Brien, a Year 7 student at Santa Sabina College at Strathfield in Sydney's inner-west, took her own life earlier this month.

Daily Mail Australia revealed on Wednesday that Charlotte had learned of her biological father's violent criminal past.

She told fellow students about what he had done, which mother Kelly O'Brien said prompted constant bullying.

Messages seen by Daily Mail Australia show the family and the school in conversation about Charlotte's claims she was being bullied over her disclosure.

In exchanges dated August 2022, Ms O'Brien wrote to Santa Sabina saying she is 'so worried about Charlotte being bullied because of the information that come to light'.

Ms O'Brien wrote she would 'hate to uproot Charlotte and start her at a new school again' but 'the ramifications bullying has on mental health are just too severe'.

Charlotte, a Year 7 student at Santa Sabina College at Strathfield in the city's inner-west, took her own life earlier this month

The school responded: 'At Santa, we take bullying extremely seriously. Please be assured we will do everything to support Charlotte and you.'

It also said counselling was being arranged for Charlotte.

Ms O'Brien also wrote to Charlotte's teacher and stated she was 'overwhelmed with the support' they had provided to the girl.

'We will continue to keep an eye on her and support Charlotte in whatever way we can,' the teacher replied.

In November 2022, Ms O'Brien wrote to the school to express new concerns with Charlotte.

'She (Charlotte) has now sent me an email with multiple crying faces and said she's having a hard time with the girls,' Ms O'Brien wrote.

After Charlotte died her mother Kelly O'Brien sent this message to the Sydney school that she attended

As recently as August 2024, Charlotte's mother informed Santa Sabina that Charlotte was too upset to attend school.

'Unfortunately Charlotte will not be in today. She has been coming home in tears the last few weeks over friendship issues.

'This morning Charlotte is very distressed. So she will stay to collect herself.'

Then on September 10, Charlotte's mother revealed the tragic news that her daughter had taken her own life.

'My beautiful girl took her own life because of the relentless friendship issues she faced,' she wrote.

'I was scared to label it bullying but that's exactly what it was.'

'I'd begged the school to intervene  I wish I had been stronger and demanded it be fixed!' she wrote.

Charlotte's mother said her 12-year-old daughter cried her way to and from school every day

On Monday, Charlotte's family spoke out in a statement issued to 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham, demanding that the bullying they claim drove their daughter into helpless despair over a two-year period not be 'swept under the carpet'.

The school's response on Monday was the family's allegations 'were new and inconsistent with their records'.

'She wrote a goodbye note specifically mentioning the bullying she received at the school,' Charlotte's mother said.

'She said life was too difficult for her to continue.

'When the most recent case of bullying was raised, the school simply said it was investigated and the girls denied it. That's it. Case closed. Move on.

'Well my beautiful daughter's life won't move on and I'll never get to say goodbye.

'These issues cannot be swept under the carpet. I will not let my daughter's memory be swept under the carpet either.

'How many more children need to lose their lives before they get it? How many parents need to feel the pain of never being able to pick up their child from school again before they get it?

'We're broken forever.'

Experts say suicide is complex and can only rarely be attributed to one factor alone.

The highest risk factors for youth suicide are believed to be a mental health condition or a physical disability, but bullying, family problems and grief are also considered risk factors.

Santa Sabina College has been contacted for comment.

For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
The 35-year-old said he has never been more fulfilled

A high-flying corporate worker has revealed he has no regrets after ditching his career with $500,000-a-year job offers to pursue a career in comedy.

Kurt Sterling, 35, said he felt more fulfilled than ever before despite earning significantly less money than when he was a management consultant.

'It's just so much better. It's just fantastic. I really enjoy it. I probably work as hard but I'm doing it because I want to,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Mr Sterling was pulling 18-hour long days with a company that was set up so that he would be available to them 24/7.

The 35-year-old admitted there were perks - such as travelling the globe and living in a luxurious Sydney apartment that had 270 degree views of the cityscape.

Mr Sterling claimed the paychecks were simply not enough with the unrelenting lifestyle straining his relationships and leaving him with a sense of disconnect.

'I describe it as a deal with the devil. I give you all the time that I have and in exchange you show me the world,' he said.

Mr Sterling grew up in NSW's Central Coast region and didn't know what he wanted to do with his life as a teenager.

Kurt Sterling, 35, quit his globe-trotting corporate career, rejecting $500,000 salary job offers, to pursue his passion in comedy

His management consulting role saw him travel to 15 different countries and live in a Sydney apartment with 270 degree views of the city

In high school, he excelled in math and economics and landed himself a scholarship in actuarial studies at the University of New South Wales.

However, while interning, Kurt found the job 'boring' as he would go 'weeks and weeks' without talking to people.

Mr Sterling made the transition to a management consultant job on 'pure spontaneity'.

'I found this job in management consulting after the firm came to the campus and were talking to students there,' he said.

'I didn't really understand what it was, but I understood that it was an office job where you get to solve big problems, work for big companies, travel and talk to people.

'I wanted to do business stuff, whatever that meant, and I knew I wanted to talk to people all day'.

Mr Sterling said the role was 'all encompassing' and often felt like he was 'stuck in a washing machine' with working and traveling to work becoming his whole life.

After 12 years, Mr Sterling had the realisation that he was not in the industry he truly wanted to be in.

'Covid hit which meant that the travel was gone, and so all the kind of cool stuff, and the things that made you feel good about was gone and all of a sudden, it's a bad deal for me,' he said.

'I felt disconnected and dissatisfied. I didn't want office speak, I really missed real human interaction.

'I also felt like I had no common experiences with friends or family and my twenties were given over to a corporate world.'

In 2022, Mr Sterling made the bold move of quitting his high-paying job to pursue his dream in comedy.

He made his Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut with his stand-up show, 'Corporate Chronicles'.

The comedian has now brought the show back to his home shores for Sydney Fringe Comedy - which runs between September 18 to 20.

Kurt told Daily Mail Australia he feels the most fulfilled in his life and gigs almost every night

Mr Sterling said the move was a 'very strategic decision' and argued that stand-up comedy and consulting were 'the same thing'.

'We would do strategy projects for companies and we'd say to them, "here's what we think your strengths are, and therefore, here's what we think you should do",' he said.

'When I thought about it, I realised I had three things. I've got a lot of stories, because I've done so much travelling. I feel very comfortable speaking in front of people, because I've done it every day for the last 12 years.

'I'm also good with like formulas and patterns, things like that, because of my master degree.

'I think when you combine those three things, the only answer is stand-up comedy. That's the only thing I can think of that combines all three of them.'

Now, Kurt explained he has found a career path that is truly fulfilling and would never go back to the job he once had.

'I'm doing it because I'm excited about the new joke, or I'm excited about getting on stage, or I'm excited about creating something,' he said.

'I really enjoy every day, and to the point where I feel like I've lost track of days.

'I have found success in entertaining and making people laugh, and this is what makes me truly happy. Any pressure is internal ambition instead of outside stress.'
Only parents can disable or remove the safety features

Meta's new teen accounts limits teens' use of the app

Nova radio star Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli has slammed Instagram's new 'teen accounts' feature as a 'watered-down' solution to Australia's mental health crisis.

The Meta-owned app announced the new safety features on Tuesday that will push all Australian teens onto specialised accounts over the next 60 days.

The accounts limit who can see and message users aged between 13 and 17, restrict their exposure to inappropriate content and improve parental supervision.

The built-in protections can only be changed or disabled with the permission of parents.

The Nova 96.9 breakfast host and child protection campaigner, 44, told Daily Mail Australia the ability for parents to remove the safeguard significantly reduced the effectiveness of the new accounts.

'At 36 Months we will take any positive step towards guarding kids online. Unfortunately, we consider this a bit of a soft offering,' the father-of-three said.

'It doesn't actually solve the problem we have.

'It's like getting a show bag without getting to go to the show - it's just symbolic.'

Nova star Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli (pictured with fellow 36 Months campaigners Hamish Blake and Robb Evans) says Instagram's new 'teen accounts' need to do more to protect kids

Meta has introduced a series of new safety features which will limit who can see and message its users aged between 13 and 17 as well as restrict their access to inappropriate content

He and production company CEO Rob Galluzzo have been pushing for the age-limit to access social media to be increased from 13-years-old to 16-years-old.

A petition, titled 36 Months, has received more than 115,000 signatures in support of the change and was recently presented to the New South Wales Parliament.

His organisation believes the hardline age restriction will allow impressionable teenagers to 'get to know themselves before the rest of the world does'.

Wippa said children will likely pressure their parents to disable the safety features.

'It puts the pressure on parents - which is one of the things we're trying to ease. Parents often feel like if the kid across the road's parents say it's okay, they have to as well. Otherwise they've got an angry kid on their hand,' he said.

'We need to relieve that pressure from parents and kids who feel like they will face social isolation if they're the only ones not online.'

The radio star described social media as a 'sensitivity amplifier' during an already incredibly emotional time in young people's lives.

'We want to reinforce to everybody just want a sensitive time it is when you're growing up,' Wippa said.

'If social media had been around when I was 13, it would have been an extremely challenging time. We want kids to develop to the best they can possibly be.

'If we could free up some space they could be using that time to learn lessons, resilience, self-esteem and belonging.

'All those crucial things that are so important at that stage of development.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this month vowed to introduce a bill to increase the age limit on social media.

Wippa believes the move could see Australia lead the way for other Commonwealth nations to crackdown on teenagers' social media use.

'Our greatest development was the Prime Minister saying he will make a change in November,' he said.

'That was the biggest development and most courageous step towards guarding our kids we've seen in this dangerous time.

'The prime minister can lead the Commonwealth and stand on an international stage and say, "This is not good enough for our kids. We will not accept this in Australia because it's damaging our kids".

'We have kids right on the edge right now, there's an immediacy for this.'

Robb Evans lost his daughter, Olivia (pictured together), to suicide last April following a years-long battle with anorexia - which was worsened by eating disorder 'advice' on Instagram

Wippa (pictured handing 36 Months' 115,000 signatures to parliament) believes restricting Australian teenagers' access t social media will drastic improve their meatal health

Compared to the demands of 36 Months, as well as similar advocacy around the globe, Wippa described Meta's teen accounts as 'a peace offering' to parents.

He desperately wants to see the age limit on social media increased to 16 before his nine-year-old son is able to use the app - which is in just four years time.

'It certainly doesn't do the job and doesn't offer the relief we've been campaigning so hard for,' he said.

'The last thing I want is to think that [my son], or any other kids, is being exposed to things he doesn't need to be or inappropriately approached.'

One of the people with the strongest emotional ties to the campaign is Robb Evans who lost his daughter, Olivia, to suicide last April following a years-long battle with anorexia - which was worsened by eating disorder 'advice' on Instagram.

Mr Evans described Instagram's teen accounts as 'a positive start' but 'not enough'.

'My daughter, Liv, was only 15 when social media amplified her struggles with an eating disorder, leading to her tragic passing,' he said in a statement on Wednesday.

'We cannot afford compromise when it comes to the safety and mental health of our children.

'Australia has the opportunity to set a global precedent by raising the age limit and ensuring social media is a space for safe, healthy development.

'This is a matter of national importance and I urge our government to stand firm in safeguarding the future of young Australians.'

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Evans - who lost his daughter Olivia to suicide in 2023 -described Instagram's teen accounts as 'a positive start' but 'not enough'

A Meta spokesperson said that it 'disagrees' with the criticism of its teen accounts updates as ineffective.

'We disagree that Instagram Teen Accounts doesn't remove pressure from parents -this new feature empowers and further supports parents,' he said.

'This new experience is designed to give parents peace of mind that their teens have the right protections in place. We've said for many years that we want teens to have safe, age-appropriate experiences online.

'Yesterday's update builds on the years we've spent developing and launching 50+ tools, features, and resources to support parents and teens on our apps.

'For us at Instagram, it's parents first. We believe parents know best, and are deferring decision making to the parent, because parents know their teens better than any company, or any policy maker or Government.

'We have designed Instagram Teen Accounts to meet, what we know, are the top concerns for parents, and we will continue to stay focused on this.'

Both Wippa and Mr Evans have pushed against the new update being viewed as a compromise to their demands for the app to do more.

Rising social media use has been linked to mental health issues, cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide in Australian teenagers.

Co-founder of 36 Months, Rob Galluzzo, added the new teen accounts were a clear sign Meta is aware of the issues it has contributed to.

'It seems Meta has heard this plea and taken some positive steps,' he said.

'Ideally, the government shouldn't have to step in and make commitments about legislating changes to the minimum age.

'Social media platforms should have led the way on this. I think they missed an opportunity here to build trust with parents.

'36 Months has helped bring social media out of cyber-space and into a national conversation about health. It's given a voice to parents.'
A former prison psychologist has been reprimanded for professional misconduct after her flirty conversations with a maximum-security inmate emerged.

The details of Melanya Polata's conduct with the male inmate in an unnamed Queensland prison were revealed in a judgement made by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) on Tuesday.

Judge Geraldine Dann, the QCAT deputy president, said Ms Polata's comments to the inmate were 'well short' of how a psychologist should behave with an inmate, in the referral action brought by the Psychology Board of Australia.

The psychologist had told the inmate how she 'really missed talking to him' after she was banned from speaking to him, and fielded dozens of phone calls from the man after she stopped working in the prison.

She also lied to her supervisor about making a visit to the inmate despite the ban.

Ms Polata worked in the prison for nearly eight months in 2019.

Judge Dann said Ms Polata needed 'to focus carefully on ethical guidelines for practice should she resume practice as a psychologist'.

It was also noted that Ms Polata dealt unprofessionally with the inmate who had made 'sexual innuendos', according to the decision, and called Ms Polata 'gorgeous'.

Melanya Polata was found to have behaved inappropriately with an inmate she met, wrote a letter to and called numerous times against the wishes of a superior

Ms Polata was banned from seeing the inmate by her supervisor.

The inmate's medical history included self-harm, suicide attempts, violent and aggressive behaviours, domestic and family violence, problematic substance abuse and personality disorders, according to the decision.

Ms Polata had been asked to stop engaging with the inmate because he was becoming 'fixated' on her.

'(The inmate) had been requesting visits only from (Ms Polata) and had demonstrated coercive and manipulative behaviours in the past,' the decision detailed.

Despite this, Ms Polata made a visit to the inmate shortly after the ban, which was apparently reported by a colleague.

When questioned by her boss, Ms Polata said she hadn't had any contact with the inmate.

Three days later she admitted to having seen the inmate.

Ms Polata resigned from her role as provisional psychologist for Queensland Corrective Services at the prison just a day later.

The inmate called Ms Polata on her mobile 49 times between March and June 2020 using a prison phone, over which calls are recorded.

In one call, the inmate told Ms Polata he loved their friendship and said: 'I love our friendship'; 'I haven't stopped thinking about you'; and 'I miss you'.

He told her he'd been self harming, and repeatedly called her 'gorgeous'.

In response, Ms Polata said she also missed him, and invited him to call her whenever he needed to.

She told the inmate: 'I told you that I was, I was going to stay in your life forever'; 'you know that I'm married'; 'even as a, as a, as a closest friend I can be I told you I'm there for you and I will always be'; '(we) have a very good connection'.

She said she really would miss talking to him and told him she'd collect him from prison upon his release.

Ms Polata told the inmate she would stay in his life forever, despite her marriage, even as a closest friend she could be to him

Ms Polata had been warned to stay away from the inmate who had a reportedly violent past and had previously demonstrated coercive behaviours

A cell search found the inmate had kept a letter from Ms Polata during her period of employment at the prison.

'I need you to understand that the upper management in this place have restricted me from having any contact with you and, in the last week l have had a lot of trouble with trying to justify to them why I have spent time with you in the first place' she had written.

'I know I said I would help you in dealing with so many of these, and I promise that I will.

'It's just not going to be here. You have so much love and support around you. You are blessed. Dont take them for granted.

'I will never turn you away. I would never say no to somebody reaching out and wanting to not only get help but be a part of my life. And I promise that.'

The judge found no suggestion of any sexual relationship between the pair.

Ms Polata had received a degree of Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours from Central Queensland University before working with corrective services.

Her conduct was referred to the QCAT after the Psychology Board of Australia suspended her registration on May 2020, upon which she agreed not to practice psychology.

Her registration then expired in November 2020, after the Board refused her application.

The tribunal on Tuesday decided that Ms Polata had behaved in a manner that constitutes professional misconduct and reprimanded the former psychologist.

Judge Dann said that Ms Polata was 'now agreeing' to allegations made in the disciplinary action brought by the Board, after initially 'downplaying' her conduct.

Lifeline 13 11 14
A Border Force officer has told of the part he played capturing a prolific smuggler of endangered bird species dubbed the 'Pablo Escobar of eggs'.

Jeffrey Lendrum, 63, was intercepted at Heathrow in 2018 with 19 hawk, eagle and vulture eggs strapped to his chest - two of which had already hatched.

The former Rhodesian SAS member had gathered the eggs illegally in South Africa, and a year later he was jailed for three years for wildlife crimes in a London court.

Lee Grigg, a higher officer at Border Force who now specialises in animal and plant smuggling, was on duty in Terminal 2 when Lendrum landed on June 27, 2018.

He told MailOnline about the role he played in catching the prolific smuggler, describing the moment he took off Lendrum's clothes to reveal the sling of eggs as 'the most surreal strip search ever'.

Jeffrey Lendrum, 63, was intercepted at Heathrow in 2018 with 19 hawk, eagle and vulture eggs strapped to his chest - two of which had already hatched

Lee Grigg, a higher officer at Border Force who now specialises in animal and plant smuggling, was on duty in Terminal 2 when Lendrum landed on June 27, 2018

Some of the egg shells from the 2018 seizure are now kept in a display at a Border Force building in Heathrow

Mr Grigg compared the moment to a scene from Friends where Chandler wears all of Joey's clothes

Border Force had been aware Lendrum was about to land in the country, so he was promptly taken aside by officers.

Mr Grigg and his colleagues recovered 100,000 worth of vulture, eagle and sparrowhawk eggs that the joint Zimbabwe-Irish passport holder had illegally gathered in South Africa.

'I don't know if you've seen the bit from Friends where Joey wears all of Chandler's clothes, but it was a bit like that,' the officer recalled to MailOnline.

'It was warm and he had all these layers of clothes on so you could tell it didn't look right.'

Lendrum insisted he brought the eggs into the country to protect the birds because their natural habitat was being destroyed by tree felling, his trial heard.

Mr Grigg continued: 'He disclosed he had bird eggs and claimed he had rescued them from trees that were being chopped down. He said he was going to hand them over to us when he was in the UK.

'He had 19 eggs on his body. He was acting as a human incubator, and as they were coming off him at least one was starting to hatch.

'We then found videos of him illegally collecting eggs, which blew his story out of the water. '

The eggs were successfully raised into chicks at a rescue centre in Gloucestershire and Lendrum was jailed in 2019 for three years and one month

Lendrum has always vainly insisted that he was motivated by compassion

Eggs in incubator Lendrum smuggled them into the UK

Many of the animals at aa storeroom near Heathrow where illegally imported wildlife products are housed were stuffed, and are likely to have been put on display in people's homes

Tiger and other big cat heads and furs that had been made into rugs and other soft furnishings

Big cats featured prominently among the displays, which are gathered inside a small room

The jaw measured than three feet wide and with seven rows of razor-sharp, serrated teeth

A lion paw that had been crudely transformed into a bottle opener

The eggs were successfully raised into chicks at a rescue centre in Gloucestershire and Lendrum was jailed in 2019 for three years and one month after pleading guilty to four wildlife offences.

The smuggler was a serial offender who was previously jailed for 30 months in 2010 for trying to board a flight to Dubai with 14 peregrine falcon eggs taped to his stomach.

He was also caught in Brazil with four albino falcon eggs stolen from Patagonia and jailed for four-and-a-half-years in October 2015.

Lendrum fled Brazil when he was released on bail to appeal against his sentence.

He has always vainly insisted that he was motivated by compassion and once told author Joshua Hammer: 'The whole media has portrayed me as the Pablo Escobar of the falcon-egg trade.'

However, prosecutors have insisted Lendrum was motivated by greed and hoped to make a fortune selling the hatched birds.

Peregrine falcon chicks which hatched from eggs discovered strapped to the chest of Jeffrey Lendrum during an earlier incident in 2010

MailOnline was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at wildlife products that have been seized after entering the UK

Everything in the room has been seized by Border Force under Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Items include a crocodile with its hands clasped like a circus performer addressing a crowd

Most items on display have been seized for lacking the paperwork to prove they have been obtained legally

Mr Grigg spoke to MailOnline during an exclusive tour of a storeroom near Heathrow where illegally imported wildlife products are housed.

The items were seized by Border Force under Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

This 1975 treaty covers 35,000 animals and plants, some of which cannot be traded at all, while the rest require specific permits.
Ask any of the Donald Trump fans at his Wednesday night Long Island rally whether he should debate Kamala Harris again and the the answer is unanimous: Yes.

'I think you should go for it,' said Andrew Peters, a 49-year-old body shop owner, wearing a 'F**k Hamas' T-shirt. 'What's he got to lose?'

Trump has repeatedly ruled out the idea after declaring himself the victor of last week's televised clash.

But a J.L. Partners poll for DailyMail.com reveals that American voters are overwhelmingly in favor of seeing the two candidates pit their wits against each for a second time, including a clear majority of Trump's own supporters.

The survey of 1000 likely voters found that 63 percent said they should meet again on the debate stage.

Donald Trump has ruled out another debate but a majority of his supporters, 59 percent, want to see him go up against Kamala Harris again. Democrats are overwhelmingly in favor

Only 19 percent said there was no need.

When just Republicans were taken into account, 54 percent wanted a second debate. And that grew to 59 percent of people who said they intended to vote for Trump himself in November.

Harris was widely viewed to have bested Trump in last week's ABC debate in Philadelphiapundits, focus groups and a DailyMail.com snap poll suggested she had managed to get under the former president's skin.

So it is no surprise that more than 70 percent of Democrats said they would like them to go at it again.

The Harris campaign even challenged Trump to a second debate within minutes of the first ending.

But Trump quickly rebuffed her.

'When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are "I want a rematch,' he posted on his Truth Social platform.

James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, said it was perhaps no surprise that voters wanted to see more of the two candidates.

'Voters think there has been more heat than light in this campaign, so it is no wonder that they want to see more of the candidates and to try and get more detail on their plans.' he said.

Trump and Harris clashed for more than 90 minutes in the ABC News debate last Tuesday

Trump was on Long Island for a rally on Wednesday. Fans said they wanted a second debate

'I think you should go for it,' said Andrew Peters, a 49-year-old bodyshop owner, wearing a 'F**k Hamas ' T-shirt. 'What's he got to lose?'

'Around one in 10 likely voters remain undecided, and we know from our Daily Mail post-debate poll that Independents want to know more about Harris' agenda in particular.'

Trump was in New York on Wednesday evening, entertaining thousands of supporters in the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island.

Speaking to DailyMail.com before the event started, Robert Anderson spoke for many when he said moderators in the first debate were biased against Trump.

He was in favor of a second debate if it came with guarantees, he said, and Trump was on an even playing field.

'I think that if they had a neutral party like Fox or Newsmax ... Greg Kelly as a moderator, I think everybody would welcome it,' he said, referring to the Newsmax anchor.

'I think that everybody sees that the first debate was so biased that I think people would be welcome to it.'

J.L. Partners polled 800 independent voters who watched last week's debate. Voters said Kamala Harris made them feel hopeful and confident as well as annoyed

Fox News had proposed Sept 17 for a third debate, but the date came and went without any agreement.

Johnson said it was clear that Trump's supporters wanted him to appear for another debate.

'If he can learn from his past mistakesdial down the rhetoric, resist falling for Harris' taunts, and nail his opponent on the issueshe could turn things around and wipe out Harris' unquestionable bounce from the first debate,' he said.

'But there's one complication: Does anyone think Trump is actually capable of doing that? If the campaigns judgment is that he can't, then the best political advice may be for him to forgo a round two against Harris.'
Former President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is planning to visit the city at the center off false migrants-eating pet claims within the next two weeks, as he tries to keep immigration at the heart of the election battle.

His supporters roared as he cracked an off-color joke about visiting Springfield, Ohio, during a rally on Long Island.

'You may never see me again,' he said to the delight of thousands of people packed into the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, who chanted 'Save the cats.'

'But that's OK, you gotta do what you gotta do.'

Unfounded claims about Haitian migrants in the city eating cats and other pets have circulated in the dark recesses of the internet for weeks.

Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening that he will travel to Springfield, Ohio, and the center of false migrants-eating-pets claims in the next two weeks

But they blew up last week when Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, spread a baseless rumor that migrants were preying on cats.

Local authorities have debunked the claims and it later emerged that it was based on a report about a missing cat that turned up safe and well.

Vance has defended his actions, saying the stories highlight how communities in places like Springfield are struggling with an influx of arrivals.

An exclusive poll for DailyMail.com revealed that the tales may be resonating with a chunk of voters even if they are not true.

A poll of 1000 likely voters, conducted by J.L. Partners, found that more than a third believed Haitians were eating cats, geese or other domesticated animals.

At the same time, however, the poll shows Trump support crashing among Hispanic voters, a segment that could decide the 2024 election.

Trump said he would also visit Aurora, California, which has been subject to similar debunked claims about Venezuelan gangs.

It is all part of an effort to continue hitting Harris on the border.

He talked about the impact in New York.

J.L. Partners polled 1000 likely voters to get their views on fake claims that Haitians were eating pets. The results carry a 3 percent margin of error

Supporters have used AI images and memes to portray Trump as savior of the animals

Trump threw in some promises for his New York audience, pledging to rebuild the city's transit system and designating Ground Zero as a national monument

But his main aim was to keep immigration and the border at the center of his battle

'The mobs of illegal migrants are being put up in luxury hotels at your expense while our great veterans live on the freezing or steaming sidewalks right outside the main entrance to where the migrants enter the hotel,' he said.

'We have veterans lying on the streets  squalid. And they're seeing migrants go up to the seventeenth floor of their suite. How crazy has our country become.'

Trump will be known as the 'Border President,' he said while 'Kamala will be known as your invasion president.'

New York is not in play in 2024, even though Trump claimed he was in position to win it for the first time in decades.

Instead, he was on Long Island in a district that Democrats are hoping to pick up as they look to flip the House.

His audience brought a Long Island energy to proceedings, their chants echoing through the arena and their boos making the seats tremble.

Trump threw in some promises for his New York audience, pledging to rebuild the city's transit system and designating Ground Zero as a national monument.

He ran through some of his greatest hits, bragging about his crowd size ('greater than Elvis'), slamming the 'fake news,' and claiming the world had been at peace under his rule.

He followed them with a string of unfounded claims about his opponent, saying Harris wanted to stuff the Supreme Court with 25 justices and defund the police.

An electronic billboard in Youngsville, NC, displays a message ridiculing Trump, referencing his false claims that immigrants are eating pets

Before heading out to the suburbs, Trump stopped at a Bitcoin cafe in New York City to promote his family's new cryptocurrency venture

Before heading out to the suburbs, Trump stopped at a Bitcoin cafe in New York City to promote his family's new cryptocurrency venture. He handed out burgers and announced that he was likely to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week.

Trump has long been viewed as a thorn in efforts to keep up support to the embattled Ukrainian leader, rallying Republicans against sending more weapons to fight the Russian invasion.

But Zelensky will be in New York next week for a major United Nations meeting, triggering speculation that he might seize the chance to make his case in person to the former president.

'Probably, yes,' Trump told reporters in New York when asked if he would meet the Ukrainian president.

In recent months, several world leaders or former leaders have met with Trump during visits to the U.S.

Last month Zelensky said he wanted to present a peace plan to Biden, Harris and Trump.

The former president made his remarks ahead of a campaign rally in Nassau County on Long Island.

The area could be crucial to his party holding control of the House. The seat is held by Anthony D'Esposito, one of 18 Republicans representing heavily Democratic area.

Securtity was tight for Trump's first rally after a second apparent attempt on his life Sunday

Trump supporters gathered before the rally in Uniondale, New York

In 2020, Joe Biden beat Trump by about four percentage points on Long Island and in Nassau County by about 60,000.

However, Trump beat him narrowly in neighboring Suffolk County.

The former president has claimed New York is in reach for him, but he would need to rack up the votes heavily in these areas to outweigh the city's heavy Democratic slant.

The rally was hit by drama earlier in the morning, amid false reports that explosives were detected nearby.

Local police worked quickly to correct online posts and said that the claims emanated from a civilian training a sniffer dog.

That still came too late for some news organizations, including DailyMail.com, that reported tweets posted by a reporter claiming to be with far right One America News Network.
The scene is a hospital ward in Beirut. The atmosphere is one of devastation and chaos. Men lie on beds or slump in wheelchairs, their clothes spattered with blood. One rolls onto his side: the end of his hand is ragged, torn almost like paper. Stumps dangle where his fingers once were.

Its just one of several videos from Lebanon sent to me by Middle Eastern sources over the last 24 hours. Im watching the visceral aftermath of one of the most audacious intelligence operations in history, but Im also watching something else  a clear message: dont mess with the state of Israel. The countrys security forces have a reputation of carrying out operations with unparalleled ruthlessness and efficacy. Over the past 24 hours, it seems they may have surpassed themselves.

On Tuesday afternoon, explosions from the pagers of Hezbollah fighters rippled across Beirut. What happened next was an extraordinary sight  terrorists collapsing while browsing fresh produce; keeling over in the street as their trouser pockets exploded; imploding into a heap as they paid at tills.

Hezbollah is now reaping what for so long it has sown for others. Amid the destruction there was, I thought, a certain irony.

By yesterday afternoon the death toll had reached 12, with thousands injured.

Then, incredibly, a second wave of explosions: at around 17:30 local time Hezbollah walkie-talkies began blowing up. Images of the exploded devices examined by Reuters showed an inside panel labelled ICOM and Made in Japan. Mossad, it seems, may have access to more than one supply chain.

Crowds watch as smoke rises from a building following an explosion, as hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated across south Lebanon's and in Beirut

Reports are that Hezbollah used walkie-talkies as a back-up comms system: who says Mossad has no sense of humour? But how did the Israelis do it? Though they have not claimed responsibility, believe me it is Israel.

No one is more certain of this than Hezbollah, which released a statement soon after the explosions. After examining all the facts, data and information regarding the sinful attack that occurred this afternoon, it thundered, we hold the Israeli enemy fully responsible for this criminal aggression.

So how did the Israelis manage to pack thousands of Hezbollah pagers with explosives then distribute them to the groups members across Lebanon?

The answer lies, as always with Israeli security operations, in fastidious planning, creativity and guts. All these qualities were needed for this operation because Hezbollah is far more than just a terror organisation. It is a paramilitary group that also de facto runs the state of Lebanon.

This means it has a lattice of procurement supply chains that it uses to obtain weapons, launder money and traffic drugs.

For all this it needs several things, not least of which is an equally large and opaque network of shell companies around the globe. The Israelis know about these and nickname them monkeys. It is highly likely that Hezbollah would have used one of these companies to buy the several thousand pagers needed for their army of thugs.

Reports are that the Israelis compromised and penetrated this supply chain years ago then lay dormant, waiting. A few months ago Hezbollah leaders decided it was time to switch out mobile phones for pagers. This was, of course, just what Mossad had been waiting for. It was time to move. Saboteurs, working somewhere along the pager manufacturing supply chain, implanted one to two grammes of explosives inside more than 5,000 pagers shortly before these devices  now Israeli Trojan horses  were exported to Lebanon.

Sources say the explosive material was PETN, or pentaerythritol tetranitrate  structurally very similar to nitroglycerin and formidably powerful while at the same time very stable.

For months, members of this proscribed terror group unwittingly used the pagers for communication. It would have been a tense time for those monitoring things back in Jerusalem. If just one device exploded ahead of time, the entire plot would have curdled into failure. But it didnt; and then: D-Day. On Tuesday at 15.45 (local time) users received an unknown message; many of them held the pager up to their face. Seconds later, the pager went not beep but boom.

There are many theories about what happened. One says a code  for example 00000 or whatever  was sent to a small electronic card inside the pagers causing the machines to heat up rapidly and ignite the explosives.

Unsurprisingly, most injuries were to hands and faces.

As of last night, at least 14 people had died  including two children  and around 3,000 are injured across Lebanon and Syria (where Hezbollah are also active).

Around 200 are in a critical condition while hundreds are said to have been blinded by the explosions. In the village of Saraain, in eastern Lebanon, mourners gathered at the funeral of the youngest confirmed victim, nine-year-old Fatima Abdullah.

This is a disaster for Hezbollah. The pagers were most likely used by its most senior officers  meaning those maimed were likely from the rank of major or lieutenant- colonel and above.

According to Eyal Pinko, a former Navy commander and intelligence officer in the IDF the entire senior backbone of Hezbollah was impacted by this attack. He added: They will need to reset themselves. They need to set up again to understand who is leading the battalions and military units. It will take time to recover.

The operation  which would have involved hundreds of Israeli operatives  is one of the most complex and impressive feats in modern warfare. It is unclear why the decision was made to ignite the beepers on Tuesday.

US sources told the Axios news website that the decision was made to blow up the pager devices out of concern the secret operation might be discovered by the group in a decision described as a use it or lose it moment.

These sources suggested Israeli officials were initially planning to use the pagers as a surprise opening blow in an all-out war. Other analysts are suggesting that this attack was a preventative strike following intelligence that Hezbollah intended to escalate the conflict between Israel and Lebanon on the northern border.

Pinko said: I think Hezbollah is culturally a very suspicious organisation by nature and if they had an inkling about the explosives inside the pagers they would have immediately stopped using them. The idea that officers grew suspicious is nice gossip, but I dont think its true.

Beyond the practical effects on Hezbollah there is, of course, the huge embarrassment. The operation is being described as Hezbollahs biggest security breach. And it comes after the Israelis whacked Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in the centre of Tehran on the day of the new Iranian presidents inauguration to boot.

The Iranians and Hezbollah need to be careful: any more of this and they might start to suffer a terror brain drain. Internationally, all parties who could even be vaguely considered to have a connection with the supply chain at the heart of the operation have been feverishly distancing themselves from events.

Branding from Taiwanese manufacturing company Gold Apollo was found on the compromised devices. Most of them were the companys AR924 model, though three other models were included in the shipment. Founder and President Hsu Ching-Kuang has said production was outsourced to the firm BAC Consulting, which has an address in Budapest.

He added that he considered himself a victim of the incident and planned to sue BAC. He did, however, acknowledge that payments had come through the Middle East stating: The remittance was very strange.

On the BAC Consulting website the company said it was involved in bridging technology and innovation from Asia. The companys address was registered to a two-storey building in Budapest; its name was posted on the glass door on an A4 sheet.

Around three years ago BAC was given permission to sell its own products using the Gold Apollo brand. Gold Apollo makes a wide range of devices including pagers  wireless devices that can send messages without an internet connection commonly used by emergency services and hospitals.

Taiwan has no record of Gold Apollo pagers being shipped to Lebanon, according to preliminary investigations by its Ministry of Economic Affairs.

British-educated Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono is Chief Executive of BAC Consulting. She told NBC News: I do not make the pagers. I am just the intermediary. I think you got it wrong.

The remains of a handheld pager after explosions rocked Lebanon this week. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the 'sinful aggression'

Frantic people gather outside a hospital where the atmosphere is one of devastation and chaos

What now? Among the injured was Irans ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani who lost an eye in the first attack. Lets not forget that Iran launched a direct mass-missile attack on Israel in April because the Israelis struck a target in the Iranian consulate in Syria.

Iran has also vowed revenge for Haniyehs assassination  and so far done nothing. Tehran may now feel that the pressure to respond is too great to resist.

Yesterday I interviewed Foreign Secretary David Lammy for the Mails new weekly global news podcast 90 Seconds To Midnight.

As we discussed Britains role in an increasingly dangerous world, my producer Bella Soames twice had to update me with yet more news of carnage from Lebanon. Once more, the irony was not lost on me.

Predictably, there are those  especially in the EU and UN  who are rounding on Israel, criticising Jerusalem for escalation and other assorted misdemeanours frowned upon by the sorts of bloodless functionaries who comprise the senior leadership of these organisations.

But remember: Israel is a country at war; it is a British ally and it is fighting the forces of extremism and terror that we have suffered from ourselves. What happened yesterday was an astonishing feat of creativity and brains against a malign terror group that opposes all the values we hold dear.

The world is getting closer to midnight; indeed, we are accelerating towards it.

So lets support all those on the right side of a war that, whether we like it or not, we have been fighting for many years now  or it might swallow us all.

Search 90 Seconds to Midnight wherever you get your podcasts now.
Chinese EV brands dominate Indonesian market in August

Xinhua) 09:38, September 19, 2024

JAKARTA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese car manufacturers emerged as the best-selling brands in Indonesia's electric vehicle (EV) market in August, surpassing other Asian competitors, according to data from the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries (GAIKINDO) released on Wednesday.

China-based BYD came at the top EV producer that gained the most popularity in the Southeast Asian country, recording a total of 2,971 unit sales, with Seal and Atto 3 being the most favorite series. Two other Chinese EV brands, Chery and Wuling, followed closely, each selling more than 400 units.

"BYD has recorded extraordinary achievement in terms of order, even if compared to other Chinese brands," GAIKINDO said in an official statement on its website.

South Korean EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq and Kona Electric, recorded significantly lower sales, with 182 units each.

Chinese EVs are gaining popularity in Indonesia as the demand continues to grow.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A teenage girl accused of shooting her mom dead and attempting to kill her stepdad was filmed playing on her mobile phone and texting a friend just moments after shots were fired.

Harrowing footage of Carly Gregg casually wandering around her kitchen has been played in court during her murder trial in Mississippi.

The now 15-year-old was just 14 when she allegedly shot her mom inside their home on March 19. She turned down a 40-year plea deal and her legal team is instead pursuing an insanity defense.

In the video, Gregg walked into the kitchen wearing a Nirvana t-shirt and paced up and down the corridor, disappearing off camera briefly before returning, holding something behind her back, and peering into the kitchen.

She walked off camera again in the opposite direction moments before three gunshots rang out.

Harrowing footage of Carly Gregg casually wandering around her kitchen has been played in court during her murder trial in Mississippi this week

The now 15-year-old, who was 14 at the time of her alleged crimes, turned down a 40-year plea deal and her legal team is instead pursuing an insanity defense

After the first shot, a woman was heard screaming, and then the room fell silent.

Moments later, Gregg was again seen camera, casually taking a seat on a stool near the kitchen bench and texting on her phone as her two dogs watched on.

Gregg's mother, 40-year-old math teacher Ashley Smylie was fatally shot in the face.

Prosecutors allege Gregg then used her mother's phone to text her stepfather Heath in an effort to lure him home, Law and Crime reported.

A text message sent from Smylie's phone to Heath read: 'When will you be home honey?'

When Heath returned home, police allege Gregg shot at him, hitting him once in the shoulder.

Prosecutors allege Gregg then used her mother's phone to text her stepfather Heath in an effort to lure him home

She walked off camera again in the opposite direction moments before three gunshots rang out

The court heard Heath wrestled the gun from Gregg before she could shoot him again, prompting her to flee the scene.

Police allege that while on the phone, Gregg text one of her friends, known by the pseudonym B.W, asking them to come over to the house due to an 'emergency.'

When the friend arrived, Gregg allegedly asked her 'if she had ever seen a dead body before' and led the witness to her mother's body.

Heath testified in court about seeing his wife's body when he got home.

'I knew that she had been shot, there was blood around, I'm not sure exactly where, on the right side of her face.'

Gregg's mother, 40-year-old math teacher Ashley Smylie was fatally shot in the face

He said Gregg had once been a 'sweet little girl' but looked like 'she had seen a demon' on the day in question.

'When I opened the door to the kitchen, the gun went off in my face before the door was three or four inches wide open,' he claimed.

'The gun flashed in my face. It went off two more times, but my hand was on the gun after the first shot, and I twisted it from Carly.'

The court heard on Wednesday from psychiatrist Dr Andrew Clark, who said he believes Gregg 'blacked out' for up to 90 minutes on the day of the alleged offence.

Gregg had confided in Dr Clark that she had started using marijuana, the court heard, several times per week and was concerned that her mother would find out

But he also accepted that someone in Gregg's position would have a motive to 'fake' a mental illness.

Dr Clark told the court Gregg reported to him that she'd had 'auditory hallucinations' for years prior to the alleged crime, but the voices in her head had never 'commanded' her to do anything.

Gregg had confided in Dr Clark that she had started smoking marijuana, several times per week and was concerned that her mother would find out, the court heard.

The court heard she had used marijuana up until at least the day prior to the alleged incident. She had also been prescribed Lexapro and Zoloft - both medications for mood disorders.

She is charged with murder, attempted murder and evidence tampering, and faces a life sentence if found guilty.
One of the characteristics of the Left-wing mind is the desire to impose Utopian fantasy on human reality.

The Left still maintains that people are inherently equal so should receive roughly equal rewards. This belief ignores vast differences in ability and application. We are equal only in the sight of God.

True to form, the Labour Government has come up with another Utopian idea that defies common sense, although contradicted by research. It is also potentially damaging to millions of young people.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds claimed in a newspaper this week that encouraging flexible working  i.e. working often from home  would boost productivity, encourage economic growth and make staff more loyal to their employers. A nice idea, if true.

The Government is reportedly not forcing civil servants to come into the office even for three days a week. It has also stopped releasing statistics about the occupancy of Whitehall departments. Well no longer be able to marvel that HM Revenue& Customs is being run by a couple of blokes in jeans whove stuffed cotton wool in their ears to avoid hearing telephones ringing.

Those working for companies in the real world will come under increasing pressure from their bosses to turn up in the office, writes Stephen Glover

Needless to say, trade unions are cock-a-hoop. Working from home for much of the week is considered a right in the public sector. Believe it or not, at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) civil servants are threatening to boycott the office for a year after being told to go into work for just two days a week.

ONS bosses have plainly not got the Governments message  that civil servants should be allowed to work at home virtually whenever they please.

Yet while the Government indulges public sector workers, private companies are coming to the view that working from home is bad for business. Amazon has just told employees they should return to the office full-time for five days a week from next year.

More and more chief executives are expecting a complete return to office working. In a survey, 83 per cent say they believe there will be a reversion to pre-pandemic practices within three years.

The sad truth is that productivity growth in the public sector is already more glacial than in the private sector. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, between 1997 and 2019 productivity in the former grew far more slowly than in the latter  0.2 per cent annually versus 0.8 per cent.

We face, under Labour, a widening chasm between public and private sectors  another instance of two-tier Britain. Government employees, already with index-linked pensions far more generous than those in the private sector, will go to the office even more rarely. Productivity will suffer, whatever Jonathan Reynolds says.

Meanwhile, those working for companies in the real world will come under increasing pressure from their bosses to turn up in the office.

But of course it may not end there. There are hints that as part of Labours radical new working-rights package  discussed yesterday by Mr Reynolds and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in a friendly pow-wow with trade union bosses  staff in the private sector could be given the right to four-day weeks.

In other words, whether they like it or not, firms may be compelled to allow staff not to work a full week in the office.

Why on earth do Angela Rayner and Jonathan Reynolds believe working from home will boost productivity when theres absolutely no evidence that this is the case?

Admittedly, if you dont have to travel to the office, time is saved. But there may be distractions and temptations at home that cancel out the benefit of not journeying to work.

Studies suggest working from home tends to decrease productivity. Stanfords Institute for Economic Policy and Research in the US found fully remote working is associated with 10 to 20 per cent lower productivity than fully in-person work. Other papers have linked remote working with declines of 8 to 19 per cent.

Its obvious. If left to their own devices, many are liable to work a little less hard than if surrounded by colleagues at work, supervised by bosses.

I accept, of course, there are exceptions. Vicars work from home. So do lock-keepers and some who play the financial markets. Most writers work at home (which can be a lonely business) and newspaper columnists, including this one, often write from home.

At the other extreme,many jobs cant be doneat home in any circumstances  bricklaying or constructing motor cars or deep-sea diving.

We are really talking about office jobs, most of which can be carried out to some degree at home but often not, for reasons Ive touched on, to the highest standards.

Its not just about productivity and efficiency. In my youth, when I toiled in an office five days a week, often for long hours, I learnt from the example of others. I recall, too, the on-the-spot influence of mentors, who wont pop up in your sitting room to offer guidance and advice.

Above all, being in an office enables socialising and interaction denied to those who huddle alone in their own homes. I suspect that many young people want these benefits, which will be severely curtailed if they spend most of their days labouring in solitude.

Id suggest that mental health problems are less likely to be an affliction under the balm of regular social contact

Dont we live in an increasingly atomised world in which more and more families break up, and communities are less cohesive and welcoming than they once were? An office, where one sees familiar faces and meets friends, is one of the last social bastions of togetherness.

Id go further and suggest that mental health problems, which an increasing number of young people are said to have, are less likely to be an affliction under the balm of regular social contact.

So, no, it isnt all about productivity, important though that is. The Government wont merely hobble the economy. It risks clipping the wings of millions of young people. Britain, by the way, already tops the league among European countries for working from home. Not a happy statistic.

Labour came to power promising economic growth. It promptly set about developing two policies that are likely to stifle it. The first is higher taxes  which will be unveiled in next months Budget  in a country where taxation is already at its highest level for 70 years.

And now we have the prospect of working from home being institutionalised, first in the public sector and subsequently, if the Government has its way, throughout the economy.

Labours Utopian projects are usually well-meaning.

But they take no account of the real world. This latest idiocy is further evidence that Sir Keir Starmer and his crew havent the faintest notion how to govern.
A couple who accidently drove into water after following wrong GPS directions were saved by heroic restaurant workers in South Carolina.

Employees from Islander 71 Seafood restaurant and bar in Isle of Palms quickly jumped into action after the couple, who were vacationing in the city, drove into a nearby marina Saturday around 10.30pm.

The unidentified couple, a 70-year-old man and a woman in her 60s, had just enjoyed dinner at the restaurant before their SUV hopped on a boat ramp entrance and plummeted into the water after listening to the navigation system, according to Sgt. Matt Storen with the Isle of Palms Police Department.

Johnny Himmelsbach, a bartender and former lifeguard, heard the car splash into the water and swiftly ran into the water to pull the couple to safety.

Within minutes the car sank, but luckily the confused couple rolled their windows and 'remained calm' when they hit the water, Storen told DailyMail.com.

An unidentified couple visiting Isle of Palms, South Carolina nearly sunk with their car in a marina on Saturday night after enjoying dinner at Islander 71 Seafood restaurant and bar

The 70-year-old man and a woman in her 60s had just enjoyed dinner at the restaurant before their SUV hoped on a boat ramp entrance and plummeted into the water. (pictured: The car being pulled out of the water Sunday)

The car is seen 'completely submerged' underwater as lights shine through

The male driver and female passenger are not facing charges and the 70-year-old man 'successfully completed a DUI field test,' Storen said, adding that they declined medical care.

Restaurant manager Christopher Sollom told WCIV-TV Himmelsbach 'Didn't even hesitate - he jumped right in and was able to pull two people out of the car before it submerged into the water.'

Sollom added that after Himmelsbach jumped in to help, another employee, Cash Luther, followed him in while a fellow bartender, Shannon Standhardt, called 911 to report the dramatic incident.

Standhardt also ran to a nearby fire house and alerted first responders to help.

Sollom ran down to the water and said by the time he got there the car was 'completely submerged.'

'So, that was a matter of 60 seconds from when someone got me upstairs to when I ran downstairs,' he told the outlet.

Johnny Himmelsbach (pictured), a bartender and former lifeguard, heard the car splash into the water and ran into the water to pull the couple to safety

While Himmelsbach jumped in to help, another employee, Cash Luther, followed him in while a fellow bartender, Shannon Standhardt, called 911 to report the dramatic incident. (pictured: The SUV pulled out of the water Sunday)

'It could have gone a different way. Everything aligned for a perfect rescue,' the manager told The Post and Courier.

The elderly couple told Sollom they were in 'a lot of shock' after the scary situation but they are 'happy to be alive,' the outlet reported.

Shortly after the near-fatal incident, the Isle of Palms Police Department announced that the Isle of Palms Marina boat ramp would be closed until further notice.

The ramp opened back up Sunday after the Charleston County Sheriffs Office dive team recovered the sunken vehicle.

Images from the scene showed emergency personnel pulling the car out of the water, along with personal items, while onlookers watched.

The department said no injuries or 'environmental impacts' were reported.

Standhardt told WCIV-TV Hummelsbach is 'truly an angel' for saving the stranded couple that night.

Within minutes the car sank, but luckily the confused couple rolled their windows and 'remained calm' when they hit the water

Fellow bartender, Shannon Standhardt, called 911 to report the dramatic incident before running to a nearby fire house and alerting first responders. (pictured: Fire-rescue crew in the Marina)

Onlookers are seen watching emergency crews get the car out of the marina. Police said no injuries or 'environmental impacts' were reported

'He deserves all the credit from this. I can't say we will ever forget this evening and be so grateful that this accident didn't have a different outcome,' she said.

DailyMail.com contacted the Isle of Palms Police Department.

In 2023, two tourists drove straight into Honokohau Harbor, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii after listening to GPS directions.

Christie Hutchinson captured the dramatic moment on video which showed the crew swimming up to the driver and passenger and helping them escape unharmed.

Two men tied a rope to the back of the silver Chrysler Town & Country and attempted to save the van but their efforts were ultimately in vain as it quickly sank into the harbor.

Christie can be heard saying: 'Pretty sure that wasn't supposed to happen' before explaining how the tourists were following GPS directions and took a wrong turn.'

Sailboat crew members sprung into action and helped the female driver of the van escape through the window while the other passenger, also a woman, and reportedly the sister of the driver, escaped out the window on the other side of the car.
Mossad is flexing its muscles, ex-Israeli intelligence officers have claimed as they say a surprise attack on Hezbollah using exploding pagers and walkie-talkies shows just how 'well-oiled' the nations battleplans are.

At least 20 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in blasts across Lebanon today when communication devices, solar panels and fingerprint recognition gadgets detonated, wounding their owners.

It comes just a day after similar strikes on pagers left almost 3,000 wounded and a dozen dead - including civilians and children.

The attacks amount to the biggest security breach in Hezbollah's history, with the group and its backers Iran condemning Israel and labelling it 'mass murder'.

This evening, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant declared the start of a 'new phase' of war in the Middle East, though it did not making any official comment about the explosions.

Now former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamid has said the attacks across Lebanon represent a demonstration of Israel's 'well-oiled battleplans'.

He told MailOnline: 'In two waves- each a matter of minutes, Hezbollah lost thousands of its battle-ready militants in an impactful operation that seriously disrupted its command-and-control capabilities.

Flames rise up a building in Lebanon amid the explosions

Pictures purportedly showing exploded hand-held radios have been circulating online

Former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamid has said the attacks across Lebanon represent a demonstration of Israel's 'well-oiled battleplans'

A new wave of wireless communications device explosions across Lebanon on Wednesday killed at least 14 people and injured hundreds more

Local media has reports a fire breaking out in a car as a result of a device exploding

'The repetitive attack, essentially using Hezbollah's backup wireless communications system  the portable radios  against its fighters, creates further deterrence, illustrating that those behind the strike are not just able to pull off their operation in a single surprise attack, but also have other tools at their disposal and well-oiled battleplans.

'While Hezbollah still has the fallback wired system it created in 2008, the loss of wireless communications capabilities severely compromises its flexibility, connectivity, and manoeuvrability.'

A former deputy national security adviser in Israel has further lauded the 'operational brilliance' of the deadly explosions.

Professor Chuck Freilich said the act 'sows deep fear' and could 'deter' Hezbollah from escalation.

'What I think we have seen here is intelligence and operational brilliance,' he told Sky News. 'This is really unprecedented.'

'Apparently thousands of Hezbollah fighters have been hit here, with unfortunately a few civilian casualties. You can't get more targeted than this.

'This may be enough of a dramatic hit for Hezbollah that will stop them from escalation. It certainly sows deep fear.'

And a further senior Israeli intelligence official added that the killer blasts were a 'very successful tactical move' - although they claimed not to know if their former country was involved.

Professor Chuck Freilich (left) said the act 'sows deep fear' and could 'deter' Hezbollah from escalation while Dr Eyal Pinko (right) said he believed it could be a 'warning shot' - a show of Israel's strength to get Hamas to agree to a ceasefire

A radio device exploded in the city of Baalbek is seen as wireless communications device explosions across Lebanon

A view of site where Lebanese soldiers have detonated a suspected explosive device found in a pit in the parking lot of the American University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon

A view of a device suspected to be rigged with an explosive at the location where Lebanese soldiers have detonated it as the device is found in a pit in the parking lot of the American University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon on September 18, 2024

A partly damaged car after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon

Dramatic video shows the moment an explosion can be heard at a funeral gathering, with smoke rising over the crowds which then disperse

Dr Eyal Pinko said he believed it could be a 'warning shot' - a show of Israel's strength to get Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.

He told The World with Yalda Hakim: 'The way this operation was done - if it was by Israel or not - it's a way of saying or signalling 'let's stop here... we can penetrate you... and let's stop here.

'Israel doesn't want to go to any more war. Israel wants peace and quiet and to finish the war in the Gaza Strip.'

The latest explosions this afternoon have hit the country's south and the capital Beirut, where dramatic time-lapse video shows multiple plumes of smoke rising above the skyline in different locations almost simultaneously.

Mourners were among the injured after multiple explosions occurred at the site of a funeral for three Hezbollah members and a child who were killed by the exploding pagers yesterday, according to reports.

Beirut's hospitals are reportedly still at full capacity following yesterday's attacks, with medical aid being rapidly diverted to the already crippled country as it deals with the catastrophe.

A hand shows the destroyed pager or paging device that exploded on September 17, 2024

A radio device exploded in the city of Baalbek is seen as wireless communications device explosions across Lebanon have killed at least 14

Smoke billows from a house in Baalbek in east Lebanon after a reported explosion of a radio device, on September 18, 2024

People react after a reported explosion occurred during the funeral of those killed when hundreds of paging devices exploded across Lebanon the previous day, in Beirut's southern suburbs on September 18, 2024

The repeated clandestine attacks, which Israel has not officially taken responsibility for, have raised already spiking tensions in the region to fever pitch.

Israel has moved additional troops to its northern border and Lebanon's foreign minister has warned that the blasts are an omen of a widening war.

The scenes of terror across Lebanon and Syria were reportedly caused by Israel's shadowy intelligence agency Mossad, which collaborated with the IDF to plant explosives in the pagers.

Mossad has a long history of elaborate stunts on foreign soil, first gaining infamy after successfully carrying out the daring 1960 capture of high-ranking Nazi Adolf Eichmann, one of the key architects of the Holocaust.

After the agency was tipped off that Eichmann, who fled Germany in the last days of the Second World War, was hiding in Buenos Aires, Argentina, they sent out a top investigator to sniff around for clues.

Following weeks of investigation, they located and identified the sick Nazi, who by then was living as 'Ricardo Klement', in Argentina's capital city as a labourer, a quiet and peaceful life that stood in stark contrast to the misery and suffering he wrought on millions.

Mossad found infamy after successfully carrying out the daring 1960 capture of high-ranking Nazi Adolf Eichmann (pictured)

Mossad assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (pictured), chief of Iran's nuclear programme in 2020

More than 2,750 people were injured across Lebanon, with more than 300 people in a critical condition

Israel's then-prime minister David Ben-Gurion, assessing that Argentina was unlikely to formally extradite Eichmann, decided to commission Mossad to kidnap him and bring him to Israel to stand trial for his crimes.

On 11 May 1960, Eichmann was approached by Mossad agents as he arrived home from work by bus. They approached him, asking him if he had a moment, before putting him on the ground, sticking him in a car and concealing him with a blanket before moving him to a safehouse already prepped for his arrival.

There, he was held for nine days as investigators worked to completely confirm his identity.

He was then sedated, before being stuck on an El Al flight with a fake passport back to Israel, where he stood trial for his crimes.

Though Eichmann is perhaps the most famous example of a Mossad target, the agency has had plenty of other high-profile, even deadlier, incidents.

The most notable was in 2020, shortly after the US took out Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, when Mossad assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, chief of Iran's nuclear programme.

Fakhrizadeh led Iran's uraniam enrichment programme, as well as the military's research and development wing.

The stunning incident saw scores of Hezbollah members severely injured throughout southern Lebanon and in its capital Beirut

The pagers are believed to have been packed with explosives by Mossad

Thousands of people, Hezbollah members and civilians alike, were injured

On November 27 2020, he was assassinated while driving on a rural road near Tehran.

Though exact details of his death are up for debate, it is believed that he was killed by a remotely-operated machine gun on the back of a car that had pulled up next to his.

He was reportedly hit 13 times from a distance of 150m, before the gun-carrying car blew up, according to an account corroborated by Ali Shamkhani of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Mossad, along with the IDF, have also been claimed to be involved in the explosions of electronic devices across Lebanon and Syria.

It is alleged that Mossad, working in collaboration with elements of Israel's Defence Forces (IDF), managed to infiltrate the supply chain and plant a small quantity of high explosives inside the communication devices before they were delivered to Lebanon some time this spring.

These rigged devices were subsequently distributed to thousands of unsuspecting members across the political, military, operational and medical branches of Hezbollah before they were eventually detonated on Tuesday afternoon.

Officials in Jerusalem have so far declined to comment on the incident, but Hezbollah has placed the blame squarely on Israel and has vowed to punish it.

An American official speaking on condition of anonymity said Israel briefed the United States on Tuesday after the attack, but gave no more details.

Lebanon's official military remains on high alert outside the country's hospitals

Lebanese people arrive at blood donation center in Beirut to donate blood on the call of Ministry Of Public Health

The death toll rose to 12, including two children, according to the Lebanese health ministry, while nearly 3,000 people were injured

Meanwhile, a slew of security sources, regional analysts and munitions experts concur that Mossad and the IDF are the only entities capable of pulling off such an operation.

For now, Hezbollah has been left deeply embarrassed by the security failure. Sky News reported tonight that 'thousands and thousands' of pagers are currently being destroyed by the proscribed terror group in the wake of the detonations.

The head of the IDF, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said Israel has drawn up plans to attack Hezbollah, telling the Times of Israel: 'We have many capabilities that we have not yet activated.

'We have seen some of these things, it seems to me that we are well prepared and we are preparing these plans going forward. At each stage, the price for Hezbollah needs to be high.'

Without directly mentioning the detonations, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant praised the work of the IDF and Israel's security services, telling them 'the results are very impressive.'

'We are at the start of a new phase in the war - it requires courage, determination and perseverance', he said on a visit to the Ramat David airbase in northern Israel.

He added that, following months of war in the Gaza Strip, the 'centre of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces.

Gallant later added that the aim of a potential escalation in tensions with Hezbollah was to 'return the residents of the settlement in the north to their homes safely.'

Beirut's hospitals are reportedly still at full capacity following yesterday's attacks, with medical aid being rapidly diverted to the already crippled country as it deals with the catastrophe

Lebanese security officers check a partly damaged car after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon

Lebanese soldiers gather outside a damaged mobile shop after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon

People watch as smoke rises from a building following an explosion, as hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated across Lebanon's south and in Beirut suburbs

An ambulance vehicle arrives to American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) in Beirut, after hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday

His comments were backed up by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in a short video shared to social media, said: 'I have said it before, we will return to the citizens of the north to their homes in security and that's exactly what we are going to do.'

Downing Street said tonight that the Lebanon detonations were 'deeply concerning', with a spokesperson adding that prime minister Kier Starmer and the government 'continued to monitor the situation closely.'

'We are working with our international partners to urge calm and de-escalation at this critical time.'

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, meanwhile, called the attacks in Lebanon a 'heinous act of terrorism.'

She added: 'All the signs are there of an international terrorist attack because it is obvious that in order to gather such a large amount of equipment, it had to be brought in, crossing several borders. Obviously, there is an international trail in this, and it should be investigated accordingly.

'Now the reaction of the west should be indicative. If the west remains silent, and as always, does not insist on an investigation, does not talk about human rights, does not repeat its rhetoric of many years, which they have used in similar cases when terrorist acts were committed on their territory, then this will be proof of their direct engagement.'

The US, meanwhile, was forced to deny for the second time in two days any involvement in the detonations.

The White House's national security adviser John Kirby told reporters today: 'We were not involved in yesterday's incidents or today's in any way.

Lebanese soldiers, taking precautions in the area after a new wave of wireless communications device explosions across the country, controlled a detonation of a device they suspected to be rigged with explosives in a pit at the parking lot of the American University of Beirut Medical Center

An image grab taken from a UGC video posted on social media on September 17, 2024, shows men covered in blood in Beirut's southern suburbs after dozens of Hezbollah group members were injured when their pagers exploded

At least nine people have been killed in the pager bombings

'We want to see the war end, and everything we've been doing since the beginning has been designed to prevent the conflict from escalating.'

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned this afternoon that the strikes could be a precursor to a large-scale confrontation between Israel and Lebanon.

'The logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a pre-emptive strike before a major military operation,' he said.

'These events confirm that there is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon and everything must be done to avoid that escalation.'

He added that it was 'too soon to know' if the explosions would have a impact on the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

'Sadly, we aren't any closer to that now than we were even a week ago, so it's difficult to see any impact of these incidents, but I think it's just too soon to know', he said.

The UN's human rights chief, Volker Turk, meanwhile condemned the waves of explosions as a violation of international human rights law.

'Simultaneous targeting of thousands of individuals, whether civilians or members of armed groups, without knowledge as to who was in possession of the targeted devices, their location and their surroundings at the time of the attack, violates international human rights law and, to the extent applicable, international humanitarian law,' Turk said in a statement on Wednesday.
A graphic design influencer has tragically been found dead four weeks after vanishing in Queensland's Whitsundays region.

Joel Pringle, 40, was last seen at an address on Waite Creek Court, Cannonvale, around 4.30pm on Monday, August 19.

His disappearance sparked a massive search, with local volunteers assisting his family and authorities to scour the Conway National Park area where his phone was last detected.

His partner Eve Houghton announced on Wednesday that their search efforts had sadly come to an end.

'It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late yesterday evening. Unfortunately he passed away,' she wrote in a Facebook group dedicated to the search.

'We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come together in the search for Joel  family, friends, and the many people who travelled from far and wide to help.

'We are incredibly thankful to the police, water police, SES, and local businesses that displayed flyers and posters.

'To everyone who offered their support and kindness - your love and care will forever be treasured by Joel's family and close friends.'

Joel Pringle pictured with his partner Eve Houghton

Joel was an Instagram influencer who ran a self-titled logo designing company, selling iconic cartoon-style sketches.

His logos were used by businesses across the world, with some of his big brand clients including Foot Locker, The Mad Hueys, KFC, and Pringles.

Originally from Melbourne, Joel and his family made a sea change to the Whitsundays in 2019 to live on a yacht, sharing their journey online with his more than 44,000 followers.

In recent years, he used his platform to spruik the benefits of a digital nomad lifestyle, offering classes to teach others how to start their own businesses.

Photos posted online show Joel, his partner, and their two young sons, enjoying life among the pristine waters and lush wilderness of tropical north Queensland.

In recent months, he had shared exciting new upcoming personal and professional projects, including plans to build a home on a block of land the couple purchased in the Whitsundays Hinterland.

In January, he shared a post of him alongside his yellow Porsche, captioned: 'POV [point of view] you made it.'

'Keep going! Anythings possible!!' he wrote.

The graphic designer has more than 44,000 followers on Instagram, where he shared his idyllic digital nomad lifestyle

Pictured are designs he made for Cronulla Beer company

'2016 hit hard, 2020-22 was hard, now I have been diagnosed with autoimmunity. But it's all good baby baby! Still we rise!!

'More than ever I'm sure my purpose here is to help people rise up, no matter what is thrown at them or me.

'I want you to be able to look at me struggling, but winning anyway.'

Two months later, he urged his followers to beware of the 'silent killer' - letting your dreams slip away,' he said.

'It's those little things that you tell yourself you're fine with when you can feel in your body that you're not.

'Those little things that will make you look back at the last decade or two with regret and worry that you never lived up to your potential.

'Those little things that slowly niggle away at the fire inside you.

'Don't let yourself slip into that trap. Don't let anything stand in your way! Go get it!'

He vanished four weeks ago along with his white Holden Crewman ute with a metal tray (pictured)

In his last post on Instagram, just days before he vanished, Joel beamed with joy as he told followers he had just completed an early morning gym session.

'Good morning everybody! It's bright and early this morning, I think it's in the fives baby - I think it's in the fives!

'This is the first time I have been up in the fives in about a year! About a whole year. That's amazing. Woo!

'Gym work out done! Breakfast about to be cooked. Your logos also about to be cooked.'

Worried relatives raised the alarm after the father vanished last month, along with his white Holden Crewman ute.

He had celebrated his 40th birthday on August 14 - just five days before going missing.

The death is being treated as non-suspicious.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Woolworths is being urged to let go of its Big W chain and separate the New Zealand operations into a new business by some of the supermarket's major investors.

First Sentier Investors portfolio manager Dushko Bajic said at a forum in Sydney this week he had suggested the changes to new Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell at a recent meeting, reported the Australian Financial Review.

'We would just love you to be a simple Australian supermarket,' Mr Bajic said he told Ms Bardwell, who replaced former CEO Brad Banducci this month.

Mr Bajic said Woolworths, which is larger than major rival Coles should also deliver a significantly larger profit, yet this wasn't the case.

Coles has simplified its business into two main divisions of food and liquor, while the Woolworths group has seen significant losses as the Big W stores and the New Zealand stores struggle.

'Reinvest back into your business, your prices and make the most of your superior supermarket locations [this] won't be able to be matched by your competitor.' Mr Bajic said

'[Big W] is a business within the [Woolworths] portfolio that's just destroyed capital.'

In August, Coles announced an after-tax profit of $1.1billion, while Woolworths net profit of $1.7billion was reduced by a $1.5billion impairment courtesy of New Zealand operations where it has expanded aggressively in recent years.

A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that it was nothing more than investor speculation and 'we have no plans to sell Big W or our NZ supermarket businesses'.

New Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell (pictured) stepped into the role this month after former chief Brad Banducci retired

Ray David, portfolio manager at Blackwattle Investment Partners, agreed that 'in theory' Woolworths should be far outperforming Coles given its size, greater network of stores and greater logisitics assets.

Woolworths group has a 37 per cent market share of the grocery sector in Australia while Coles Group has 28 per cent, according to research firm Statista.

Other investors who spoke to the AFR on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive financial discussions agreed that the New Zealand business should be spun off.

Big W's main problem appears to be a struggle to compete against rivals Target and particularly Kmart which dominate the discount department store sector.

One major Woolworths Group investor told a forum in Sydney Big W had 'destroyed capital' for the wider business as it struggled to compete against main rival Kmart

Kmart is owned by Perth-based Wesfarmers and saw earnings jump 25 per cent to $958million in the last financial year.

Wesfarmers also owns wildly successful hardware business Bunnings which Woolworths tried to take on with its Masters Home Improvement stores between 2009 until their closure in 2016.

Masters was a joint venture by Woolworths and US-based Lowes Home Improvement and suffered more than $3billion in losses.

One investor told the AFR closing the Big W stores would be a difficult task considering that it had warehousing and logistics benefits that the supermarket business relied on.

Ben Gilbert, the head of research at investment advisory firm Jarden, said maximising returns would be the main topic of focus for both investors and Ms Bardwell as she takes the reigns.

The company also noted in their most recent financial results in August that 'New Zealand Food and Big W had a challenging year impacted by value-conscious customers cross-shopping and trading down'.

But it said that 'both businesses made good progress on their transformation plans with improved Customer scores and item growth in Q4'.
A coffee entrepreneur has warned the only way Australia's cafe culture can survive is with a dramatic decrease in the number of venues around the country.

Coffee roaster and community leader Phillip Di Bella, owner of Di Bella Coffee and the Coffee Commune, shared his controversial take in a short video last Monday.

Mr Di Bella sat with Wollongong cafe owner Giorgina Venzin to discuss the possible closure of thousands of Australian cafes to curb industry oversaturation.

'Look, before Covid in 2019 there were 19,000 cafes. By the end of last year, there were 26,500 cafes,' he said.

'We simply don't have the demand for the supply that's out there and every time a new cafe opens, it dilutes business.

'So what's the perfect number? We don't know but we certainly need some sort of regulation to make sure that we're not allowing people to open on every corner and drive others bankrupt.

'No one wants to see anybody lose their business so we need to find that equilibrium where the supply meets the demand and the demand meets the supply.'

Mr Di Bella's take was met with criticism from cafe fans who accused him of trying to limit his competition.

Coffee roaster and community leader Phillip Di Bella (pictured with his wife) believes Australia's coffee market is oversaturated

'So instead of focusing on creating a superior product, improving the customer experience, or running a more efficient business, theyd rather stifle competition by pushing regulations to limit how many businesses can operate in the area?' one wrote on social media platform X.

'So the government should regulate how many new cafes can be opened to prevent the existing ones having to compete?' another wrote.

'We don't need more regulation. The market will decide which cafes will be profitable and which do not. The good ones will remain profitable,' another said.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Di Bella for comment.

Mr Di Bella has previously called for more government support of the hospitality industry.

Mr Di Bella predicted more than 2,000 cafe owners or suppliers would have to shut their doors as profit margins continue to tighten.

He claimed the current average coffee price resulted in just $1 of profit per cup, meaning cafes will need to increase costs just to stay above water.

'Everyone is doing it tough right now, so of course operators don't want to be charging $7 for a flat white but that will become the norm,' he told the Courier Mail.

'Our members have families as well, so that is not a sustainable income.'

The average cost of a flat white costs between $4.30 to $6.50 in Queensland - among the most expensive in Australia according to Friendly Finance.

Mr Di Bella called for the government to limit the amount of cafes allowed to operate in Australia

Mr Di Bella said the industry desperately needed government intervention from either the Labor Party or the Coalition ahead of the state election in October.

The industry boss criticised both of the major parties for not consulting small businesses in the coffee industry just weeks before voters head to the polls.

'The cost-of-living is crushing operators who generate tens of millions of dollars in government revenue,' Mr Di Bella said.

Mr Di Bella called on both parties to increase the threshold for the payroll tax - currently at $25,000-per-week - and reform industrial relation laws.

The report from finance broker Friendly Finance last November found that Queensland had seen a uptick in coffee consumption leading to varying costs.

It noted the 'diverse' nature of the state's coffee culture leading to a flat white costing between $4.60 to $8 in Indooroopilly in southwest Brisbane.
Bosses predict WFH will officially be over by 2027

Majority of Aussie CEOs want workers in the office

The majority of Australian CEOs want staff to return to the office full-time by 2027 - signalling an end to the popular working arrangement for millions of workers.

The KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook survey found 83 per cent of 1,300 global CEOs predict the work from home era will end within the next three years.

The survey revealed bosses are taking a firmer stance on WFH in 2024, after 64 per cent of chief executives predicted workers would return full-time the previous year.

The older the CEO, the tougher their stance is on getting workers back with 87 per cent of bosses aged 60 to 69 calling for an end to the flexible arrangement.

Women CEOs have a slightly softer approach; 78 per cent of female CEOs predict a complete return to the office within three years compared to 84 per cent of men.

In good news for workers, those who return to the office can expect to be rewarded.

Of the CEOs surveyed, 87 per cent said they are more likely to give employees who make the effort to be in the office raises, promotions and favorable assignments.

The survey comes after tech giant Amazon and Aussie gaming outfit Tabcorp became the latest corporations to issue mandates forcing staff back into the office - as Australia's largest tech company slams the move.

The vast majority of Australian CEOs predict workers will return to workplaces full-time by 2027 as an Atlassian boss argues office mandates 'aren't the solution'

Head of Atlassian's distributed work model Team Anywhere, Annie Dean (pictured), said hardline office mandates 'aren't the solution' for Australian workers

Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy sent an email to workers insisting corporate staff will need to be back be in the office permanently from January 2025.

In his message to staff, Mr Jassy said Amazon leadership had 'decided that we're going to return to being in the office the way we were before the onset of COVID'.

Meanwhile, Tabcorp emailed employees to say its 'default position' was for office-based members to return to workstations five days a week.

'What this means is that all office-based team members should work in the office, with their team, every day of the working week,' the internal memo reads.

Head of Atlassian's distributed work model Team Anywhere, Annie Dean, said hardline office mandates 'aren't the solution' for Australian workers.

She said workers are getting tied-up in 'fake work' which describes tasks that feel like work but do little to actually advance their company.

'Office attendance does not fix fake work,' Ms Dean told The Australian.

'Rigorously adopted sets of working norms that increase co-ordination and improve communication and focus fix fake work.

'A business seeking to operate like the world's largest start-up  as Andy Jassy wrote in an Amazon company memo announcing a five-day return to office yesterday  should be pioneering new, more efficient modes of work, not willfully endorsing the old way as a solution to new problems.'

Since 2020, Atlassian has taken a flexible approach to working arrangements with staff able to choose whether they work from home or in an office.

The KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook survey found 83 per cent of 1,300 global CEOs predict the work from home era will end within the next three years (pictured, office workers in Sydney)

Staff at KPMG Australia, the company behind the CEO survey, appear to be safe from the back to the office edict. CEO Andrew Yates (pictured) is not predicting an end to WFH

Staff at KPMG Australia, the company behind the 2024 CEO survey, appear to be safe from the back to the office edict for now.

CEO Andrew Yates is not among those predicting an end to work from home.

He said the survey results could be a reflection of the specific CEOs questioned or a reset of the last few years which saw a more relaxed WFH culture.

'I think it does depend on the business,' Mr Yates said.

'We've seen a number of CEOs come out more recently and mandate a return to the office, and that probably suits their business.'

The right of Aussie workers to work from home is not protected by law.

Depending on personal circumstances, workers have the right to request a flexible working arrangement from their bosses under the Fair Work Act.

Australians can request to work from home or work during non-standard hours if they have caring responsibilities, are pregnant, or in other specific situations.
The grandmother of the first female soldier killed in combat in Gaza was comforted during the 'hero' 20-year-old paramedic's funeral last night.

The Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in southern Gaza and five others were wounded on Tuesday, with three of them in a serious condition.

One of those who died was Staff Sergeant Agam Naim, an army paramedic.

She is first female soldier to have been killed in combat in Gaza, according to Israeli media.

The young soldier has been hailed as a 'true hero' and a 'smiling gem of a soul' in emotional tributes.

A heart-breaking photo of her funeral shows her grandmother sat in a chair, surrounded by three women trying to comfort her.

The grandmother of the first female soldier killed in combat in Gaza was comforted during the 'hero' 20-year-old paramedic's funeral

A heart-breaking photo of her funeral shows her grandmother sat in a chair, surrounded by three women trying to comfort her

Staff Sergeant Agam Naim, 20, an army paramedic, was the first female soldier to have been killed in combat in Gaza, according to Israeli media

Family members and friends mourn during a funeral for Staff Sergeant Agam Naim

People mourn Israeli military paramedic First Sergent Agam Naima at her funeral yesterday

Other army medics at the funeral struggled to hold back tears at the death of their fallen comrade.

Some sat on the ground beside a pile of floral tributes, hugging one another.

Agam, from Kibbutz Mishmarot, was supposed to complete six months of service in Gaza on Thursday and go on regular leave to begin instructing a paramedics course at Bahad 10, the medical corps school.

She had already renewed her passport, intending to take a short holiday abroad with her friends.

It was reported that the soldiers - from the 401st Armoured Brigade's 52nd Battalion - were killed by a hidden bomb that exploded inside a building.

Along with the young paramedic, Cpt. Daniel Mimon Toaff, 23, Staff Sgt. Amit Bakri, 21, and Staff Sgt. Dotan Shimon, 21, were all killed.

Agam, from Kibbutz Mishmarot, was supposed to complete six months of service in Gaza on Thursday and go on regular leave

Agam's aunt, Muriel, said her parents had been terrified for her and there was a 'big family conversation' when she was deployed to Gaza

Female soldiers attend the funeral for Israeli Defense Forces paramedic Sgt. Agam Naim, the first woman Israeli Defense Forces soldier killed in combat in the Gaza Strip

Agam's aunt, Muriel, said her parents had been terrified for her and there was a 'big family conversation' when she was deployed to Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Her aunt recounted the words which she said she will never forget: 'She said that she wouldn't be able to look into the eyes of the mothers of her comrades in her unit if they were going to Gaza and she wasn't there to take care of them.'

She added: 'The horrible thing is that we send the kids, knowing the price isn't worth it. That's the worst part. Now, there are more bereaved parents who must cope with this terrible price and live with it for the rest of their lives, knowing they let her go for something they maybe no longer believe in.'

Two months ago, Agam's mother posted on Facebook to speak of the terror she experienced when she learned a paramedic had been harmed and she had no idea if it was her daughter.

It read: 'Agam received invitations to the paramedics course, and we were so happy. Maybe she'll become a doctor one day, wouldn't that be great?

Israeli soldiers carry the coffin during a funeral for Israeli soldier Staff Sergeant Agam Naim

The deaths on Tuesday came nearly a year into the war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas ' October 7 attack

One of the four, Staff Sergeant Agam Naim, an army paramedic, was the first female soldier to have been killed in combat in Gaza, according to Israeli media

'Two days after the course ended, she was already in Gaza with the engineering corps. We stopped breathing, stopped sleeping. Life changed. Suddenly, I discovered panic attacks that came without warning.

'The pain was immense, terrifying. Another day, I got a call: 'Have you heard from Agam?' No, why? 'A paramedic was injured.' Again, I stopped breathing, seeing black, trying to find out more. Another call came  no, the injured paramedic was from Jenin. No relief. That day, we didn't know where she was. We found out later she was with Givati.'

In another emotional post she said: 'What kind of child will I get back at the end of this war? I hope that soon my daughter will return home safe in body and mind, that the war will end, and that we'll return to normal life, God willing. My Agami, I'm so proud of you, my beloved, waiting for you.'

The deaths on Tuesday came nearly a year into the war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack.

Hamas and other armed groups remain active across the territory despite months of heavy Israeli bombardment and ground operations that have destroyed vast areas and displaced most of the population.

Israel says 346 of its soldiers have been killed since the start of ground operations last October. The military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
She is, surely, the most celebrated divorce lawyer in the land, ennobled as Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia nearly two decades after she represented King Charles as he and Princess Diana parted.

But is Fiona Shackleton  the so-called 'Steel Magnolia'  now in danger of being overshadowed by younger divorce court talent?

The question would have been unthinkable when Shackleton acted for Sir Paul McCartney as his marriage to his second wife, Heather Mills, came to a rancorous end.

So infuriated was Mills by the settlement that she drenched Shackleton with a jug of water.

But the impending courtroom battle between Eamonn Holmes and his estranged wife, Ruth Langsford, suggests that those days may be behind her, with Langsford choosing to be represented by Catherine Costley, who, until last year, was junior to Shackleton at eminent solicitors Payne Hicks Beach.

Fiona Shackleton leaves the memorial service of Betty Boothroyd in early 2024

Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia represented King Charles as he and Princess Diana parted

Shackleton (left) has worked with other famous faces such as Paul McCartney (right)

Georgina cannot fault latest Manuel

Andrew Sach's granddaughter, Georgina Baillie, is impressed by John Cleese's West End stage show Fawlty Towers  The Play.

After watching it at the Apollo Theatre in the West End, the artist met Hemi Yeroham, who plays Spanish waiter Manuel, the role memorably performed by her late grandfather in the classic BBC sitcom.

'It was flawless,' she tells me of Yeroham's performance. 'My mother [Sachs's daughter Kate] sat next to me, and I saw she was visibly moved by his performance. She had tears in her eyes.'

Georgina posed with Turkish-born Yeroham. Between them is one of her portraits from her Manuel collection.

'I feel a bit guilty saying this, but his Spanish accent is probably a bit more accurate than my grandfather's.'

Andrew Sach's granddaughter Georgina Baillie (right) meets Hemi Yeroham (left) who plays Manuel in Fawlty Towers on the West End

The West End cast of Fawlty Towers - The Play. Hemi Yeroham (left) was gifted a portrait of his character Manuel by the original actor's granddaughter

Grayson Perry 'treated differently' now he is as a Sir

Cross-dressing ceramicist Grayson Perry is enjoying the knighthood he was awarded in King Charles's New Year Honours last year a little too much.

'You do get treated differently on airlines,' he tells me at the Sky Arts Awards at Camden Roundhouse in north London.

'When a stewardess found out, she Googled me mid-Atlantic. You are treated like royalty. I am definitely going to bring out my wellness brand now.'

The artist's wife Philippa, a psychotherapist, is revelling in her new title, too.

'She definitely wants to be known as Lady Perry,' he says.

'She likes it. She wanted to change her bank card straight away.'

Phillipa (left) and Grayson Perry (right) are enjoying their new titles as a result of the ceramicist's knighthood

Thandiwe's girl new face of global beauty giant

Clearly anything Thandiwe Newton can do, her daughter Nico Parker can do better...

Mission Impossible II star Thandiwe, 51, used to be the face of skincare brand Olay.

Now, Nico has been announced as the youngest global brand ambassador for French cosmetics house Lancome.

The 19-year-old, who starred in Disney's 2019 film Dumbo and appears in the new Bridget Jones sequel, celebrated her lucrative new beauty deal at a London dinner this week.

Wearing a strapless mini dress, she was joined by mum and dad, Thandiwe's estranged husband Ol Parker, writer and director of Abba film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Lancome's youngest global brand ambassador Nico Parker wears a strapless mini dress on September 17

Thandiwe Newton attends Variety's Power of Young Hollywood. Newton used to be the face of skincare brand Olay

Late Goodman's final gift to his wife

Strictly Come Dancing's late judge Len Goodman's widow, Susan, and their only child, James, are due to pocket 4.6million after putting his long-standing private company into voluntary liquidation.

Pleasurable Pastimes, set up in 2009, reports the expected payout in a declaration of solvency filed at Companies House.

Goodman's company is liquidating 2million in freehold property and 2.6million in cash.

Goodman died last year at the age of 78.

Len Goodman's company Pleasurable Pastimes is liquidating 2.6million in cash. The Strictly judge died in 2023 at the age of 78

Lord Brougham leaves 3.9million estate to children

With two divorces behind him, the 5th Lord Brougham and Vaux was understandably wary of roaring off on a third marital adventure, preferring instead to remain happily unmarried to Sezgin Patterson for 16 years after they first touched bumpers.

But having finally motored to the altar in September 2022 aged 84, Lord B changed gear, drawing up a will nine months later  just weeks before he died.

According to newly published probate documents, most of his 3.9 million estate was bequeathed to his children, but he stipulated that Sezgin was to have a property to live in  and was also to inherit his Land Rover Discovery, and enjoy the income from a 400,000 fund. Certainly enough for the petrol.

Dame Sheila: 'Tax me more!'

Dame Sheila Hancock does not mind that Sir Keir Starmer has stripped millions of pensioners of their winter fuel payments.

'I could not care less that they have cut my winter fuel allowance,' declares the actress, 91.

'I don't need it. As long as the people who have not got it are going to be looked after by their councils, I absolutely think it should not be a top priority.'

Sheila Hancock receiving Damehood for services to drama and to charity in November 2021

Dame Hancock (left), who is the widow of John Thaw (right), said she 'could not care less' that Labour have stripped her of a winter fuel payment

The widow of Inspector Morse star John Thaw adds: 'We should be concentrating on education and health.

'Old people have had a very good innings. Give the youngsters a chance. It is ludicrous that I am given money. There are a few people who cannot afford to give it up and they need it. Take care of those.

'People like me, [should] give it up. And we should pay more taxes. We have got to get the country on its feet.'
The Middle East has been left on the brink of conflict after detonating pagers, walkie-talkies and solar panels left Hezbollah reeling in a wave of surprise attacks from Israel's spy agency Mossad.

At least 20 people were killed and hundreds more injured in blasts across Lebanon yesterday when communication devices, solar panels and fingerprint recognition gadgets detonated, wounding their owners.

It came just a day after similar strikes on pagers left almost 3,000 wounded and a dozen dead - including civilians and children.

The attacks amount to the biggest security breach in Hezbollah's history, with the group and its backers Iran condemning Israel and labelling it 'mass murder'.

And last night Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant declared the start of a 'new phase' of war in the Middle East, though it did not making any official comment about the explosions.

But as the shadow-war that has crippled Lebanon played out, questions are still yet to be answered as the globe was thrown into chaos as they reacted to the unprecedented piece of subterfuge.

Here, MailOnline brings you up to date with what we know so far:

Pictures purportedly showing exploded hand-held radios have been circulating online

How long has Israel been planning this operation?

It would take a long time to plan an attack of this scale. The exact specifics are still unknown, but experts who spoke with the AP about Tuesday's explosions shared estimates ranging anywhere between several months to two years.

The sophistication of the attack suggests that the culprit has been collecting intelligence for a long time, explained Nicholas Reese, adjunct instructor at the Center for Global Affairs in New York University's School of Professional Studies.

An attack of this caliber requires building the relationships needed to gain physical access to the pagers before they were sold; developing the technology that would be embedded in the devices; and developing sources who can confirm that the targets were carrying the pagers.

Citing conversations with Hezbollah contacts, Magnier said the group is currently investigating what type of explosives were used in the device, suspecting RDX or PETN, highly explosive materials that can cause significant damage with as little as 3-5 grams. They are also questioning whether the device had a GPS system allowing Israel to track movement of the group members.

N.R. Jenzen-Jones, an expert in military arms who is director of the Australian-based Armament Research Services, added that 'such a large-scale operation also raises questions of targeting' - stressing the number of causalities and enormous impact reported so far.

'How can the party initiating the explosive be sure that a target's child, for example, is not playing with the pager at the time it functions?' he said.

When did Mossad agents plant explosives in the tech?

The crippling security breach is believed to be the result of a shady operation stretching from Hungary to Taiwan that was masterminded by Israel's foreign spy agency.

It is alleged that Mossad, working in collaboration with elements of Israel's Defence Forces (IDF), managed to infiltrate the supply chain and plant a small quantity of high explosives inside the communication devices before they were delivered to Lebanon some time this spring.

These rigged devices were subsequently distributed to thousands of unsuspecting members across the political, military, operational and medical branches of Hezbollah before they were eventually detonated on Tuesday afternoon.

Officials in Jerusalem have thus far declined to comment on the incident, but Hezbollah has placed the blame squarely on Israel and has vowed to punish it.

An American official speaking on condition of anonymity said Israel briefed the United States on Tuesday after the attack, but gave no more details.

Meanwhile, a slew of security sources, regional analysts and munitions experts concur that Mossad and the IDF are the only entities capable of pulling off such an operation.

A radio device exploded in the city of Baalbek is seen as wireless communications device explosions across Lebanon

Was specific tech targeted or simply components?

A Hezbollah official told the AP that walkie-talkies used by the group exploded on Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. Lebanon's official news agency also reported that solar energy systems exploded in homes in several areas of Beirut and in southern Lebanon, wounding at least one girl.

While details are still emerging from Wednesday's attack, the second wave of explosions targeted a country that is still reeling from Tuesday's pager bombings. That attack appeared to be a complex Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah, but an enormous amount of civilian casualties were also reported, as the detonations occurred wherever members' pagers happened to be - including homes, cars, grocery stores and cafes.

Elijah J. Magnier, a Brussels-based veteran and a senior political risk analyst who says he has had conversations with members of Hezbollah and survivors of the attack, said that the newer brand of pagers used in Tuesday's explosions were procured more than six months ago. How they arrived in Lebanon remains unclear.

Taiwanese company Gold Apollo said Wednesday it had authorized use of its brand on the AR-924 pager model - but that a Budapest, Hungary-based company called BAC Consulting KFT produced and sold the pagers.

A radio device exploded in the city of Baalbek is seen as wireless communications device explosions across Lebanon have killed at least 14

Smoke billows from a house in Baalbek in east Lebanon after a reported explosion of a radio device, on September 18, 2024

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs said that it had no records of direct exports of Gold Apollo pagers to Lebanon. And Hungarian government spokesman later added that the pager devices had never been in Hungary, either, noting that BAC had merely acted as an intermediary.

Speculation around the origins of the devices that exploded Wednesday has also emerged. A sales executive at the U.S. subsidiary of Japanese walkie-talkie maker Icom told The Associated Press that the exploded radio devices in Lebanon appear to be a knock-off product and not made by Icom.

'I can guarantee you they were not our products,' said Ray Novak, a senior sales manager for Icom's amateur radio division, in an interview Wednesday at a trade show in Providence, Rhode Island.

Novak said Icom introduced the V-82 model more than two decades ago and it has long since been discontinued. It was designed for amateur radio operators and for use in social or emergency communications, including by people tracking tornadoes or hurricanes, he said.

A hand shows the destroyed pager or paging device that exploded on September 17, 2024

Dramatic video shows the moment an explosion can be heard at a funeral gathering, with smoke rising over the crowds which then disperse

Was BAC Consulting a cover for Mossad?

Initial reports suggested the pagers ordered by Hezbollah were supplied by a Taiwanese company called Gold Apollo.

But executives this morning said the company had only authorised its brand on the devices, and that they were manufactured and sold by BAC Consulting KFT.

'Apollo Gold Corporation has established a long-term private label authorisation and regional agency cooperation with BAC,' a statement read.

'According to the agreement, we authorise BAC to use our brand trademark for production sales in specific regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are entirely handled by BAC.'

Gold Apollo chair Hsu Ching-kuang told journalists this morning that his company has had a licensing agreement with BAC for the past three years, but did not provide evidence of the contract.

He also said he negotiated the licensing agreement in Europe with a Taiwanese woman whom he believed was a regional representative of BAC.

A photo taken on September 18, 2024, in Beirut's southern suburbs shows the remains of exploded pagers on display at an undisclosed location. Hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on September 17

'She had already flown several times to Europe,' he said, claiming the woman called herself Teresa.

'From beginning to end, they never mentioned Lebanon.'

BAC Consulting Kft, a limited liability company, was registered in May 2022 with records showing it had revenue of $725,768 in 2022 and $593,972 in 2023.

Reporters located the registered address of BAC Consulting in Budapest, but a person at the building speaking on condition of anonymity said the company did not have a physical presence there.

BAC Consulting's website, which has now been taken down, said the company worked with telecommunications companies to 'bridge technologies in Asia'.

Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, who studied in London and lists 'disaster management' as one of her skills, is listed as the Chief Executive of the Hungarian-based company BAC Consulting said to have supplied the devices to the Lebanese group.

She has denied any involvement with the pagers and told a US TV station: 'I don't make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong.'

Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, who studied in London and lists 'disaster management' as one of her skills, is listed as the Chief Executive of the Hungarian-based company BAC Consulting said to have supplied the devices to the Lebanese group

What will explode next?

Panic has caused chaos in Lebanon as terrified residents tear the batteries from their walkie-talkies and throw devices into the street in fear of more explosions.

In a sign of the alarm caused by the devices, the Lebanese Armed Forces have been carrying out controlled explosions of suspicious items.

Home solar energy systems also exploded this afternoon, along with fingerprint devices and radios.

A number of wireless devices exploded in Baalbek, northeast of Beirut, after their owners threw them into the streets later on Wednesday evening. Many of the wounds were to the stomach and hands.

A reporter in the southern suburbs of Beirut said he saw Hezbollah members frantically taking batteries out of any walkie-talkies that had not exploded, tossing the parts in metal barrels.

Pictures of a device surrounded by rice bags in the car park of the American University of Beirut Medical Centre read 'product of Thailand'.

People have flooded to social media claiming that 'smartphones are next' and 'any electronic device can be used like a bomb'.

A walkie-talkie that was exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon today

One commentator said 'if pagers can be hacked to explode, cell phones will be next'.

Some reports have suggested a cyber hack by Israel triggered battery overheating and a sudden combustion event, but an expert thinks this 'unlikely'.

Instead, it may just be a case of whether a device has been physically tampered with or not.

Dr Lukasz Olejnik, visiting senior research fellow of Department of War Studies of King's College London, agreed that pagers are now a 'niche' technology but are still useful in emergency situations or 'really specialised uses'.

But he calls the theory flooding social media that a cyber hack triggered battery overheating and combustion  so without any implanted explosives  'unlikely'.

According to Dr Olejnik, smartphones could potentially be targeted in these sorts of attacks instead of pagers, except 'smartphones could be tracked more easily'.

But the academic added that there 'is no risk that someone explodes your smartphone'.

'Most modern smartphones are constructed in ways that such tampering could be anywhere from very difficult to nearly impossible,' he said.

If you are 'paranoid', he suggests using an explosive material detector on your phone and buying 'directly from vendors only', such as Apple, rather than second-hand vendors.

A view of a device suspected to be rigged with an explosive at the location where Lebanese soldiers have detonated it as the device is found in a pit in the parking lot of the American University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon on September 18, 2024

What happened across these two waves of attacks?

On Tuesday, pagers used by hundreds of Hezbollah members exploded almost simultaneously in parts of Lebanon as well as Syria. The attack killed at least 12 people - including two young children - and wounded thousands more.

An American official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Israel briefed the U.S. on the operation - where small amounts of explosives hidden in the pagers were detonated. The Lebanese government and Iran-backed Hezbollah also blamed Israel for the deadly explosions. The Israeli military, which has a long history of sophisticated operations behind enemy lines, declined to comment.

A day after these deadly explosions, more detonations triggered in Beirut and parts of Lebanon Wednesday - including several blasts heard at a funeral in Beirut for three Hezbollah members and a child killed by Tuesday's explosions, according to Associated Press journalists at the scene.

At least 20 people were killed and another 450 were wounded, the Health Ministry said, in this apparent second attack.

When speaking to troops on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made no mention of the explosions of electronic devices, but praised the work of Israel's army and security agencies and said 'we are at the start of a new phase in the war.'

Lebanese people arrive at blood donation center in Beirut to donate blood on the call of Ministry Of Public Health

Why was Hezbollah using pagers?

Security sources said the hand-held radios had been purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, around the same time as the booby-trapped pagers.

Commanders are said to have switched to the radio devices because they believed they were more secure than mobile phones, which could be hacked by Mossad spies.

Hezbollah fighters were warned by their leader in March: If you are looking for the Israeli agent, look at the phone in your hands and those of your wives and children.

The compromised walkie-talkies were said to be part of Hezbollahs emergency back-up communications system, in the event of their pagers not working.

Yesterdays explosions hit the countrys south and Beirut.

Lebanese army soldiers stand guard near a fire truck at the scene of a reported pager device explosion in Saida in southern Lebanon

What kind of sabotage would cause these devices to explode?

Tuesday's explosions were most likely the result of supply-chain interference, several experts told The Associated Press - noting that very small explosive devices may have been built into the pagers prior to their delivery to Hezbollah, and then all remotely triggered simultaneously, possibly with a radio signal. That corroborates information shared from the U.S. official.

A former British Army bomb disposal officer explained that an explosive device has five main components: A container, a battery, a triggering device, a detonator and an explosive charge.

'A pager has three of those already,' said the ex-officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he now works as a consultant with clients on the Middle East. 'You would only need to add the detonator and the charge.'

This signals involvement of a state actor, said Sean Moorhouse, a former British Army officer and explosive ordinance disposal expert. He added that Israel's foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad, was the most obvious suspect to have the resources to carry out such an attack. Israel has a long history of carrying out similar operations in the past.

The specifics of Wednesday's explosions are still uncertain. But reports of more electronic devices exploding may suggest even greater infiltration of boobytrap-like interference in Lebanon's supply chain. It also deepens concerns around the lack of certainty of who may be holding rigged devices.
Israel and the US are vying to push Hamas into a ceasefire deal by threatening Iran's control over Lebanon, an ex-Israeli intelligence officer has claimed.

Though it has not officially commented on the two waves of explosions that rocked Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, killing more than 30 and leaving thousands injured, Israel has been blamed for the deadly attacks.

Former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed told MailOnline he believed the move aimed to pressure Hamas into taking an unfavourable ceasefire deal.

Melamed said: 'It becomes clear that the US and Israel are signalling Iran directly. By taking decisive action, they aim to force Iran to pressure Hamas into a compromise, particularly as Israel threatens to strike Hezbollah at a time when the group is vulnerable, potentially undermining Irans control over Lebanon and weakening its most significant proxy.

'In the wake of the second wave, Israel moved its 98th Division close to its border with Lebanon, and mobilised tanks along the border region.'

Former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed (pictured) told MailOnline he believed the move was a ploy from Israel and the US to pressure Hamas into taking an unfavourable ceasefire deal

Lebanese soldiers, taking precautions in the area after a new wave of wireless communications device explosions across the country, controlled a detonation of a device they suspected to be rigged with explosives in a pit at the parking lot of the American University of Beirut Medical Center where the injured were brought in Lebanon on September 18, 2024

A view shows a hole where the Lebanese army carried out a controlled explosion of a walkie-talkie device outside the American University of Beirut Medical Center

Melamed, who worked in the IDF's counterintelligence branch, said that this repositioning, combined with the losses Hezbollah suffered 'create a context of increased pressure on Iran to rein in the Sinwar brothers.'

This Iranian pressure could force them into an agreement to prevent escalation in the north, which would destabilise Lebanon and challenge Hezbollah's authority. Ultimately it positions Sinwar as a significant threat to Tehran's broader ambitions. Iran likely views Sinwar's defiance as a risk to its overarching interests.'

The US twice denied any ties to the explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

CNN reported that Israel notified the US ahead of Tuesday's pager detonations, though did not give American officials any details as to what was planned.

Officials in Jerusalem have so far declined to comment on yesterday's pager blasts, but Axios reports that two sources 'with knowledge of the operation' confirmed Israel's involvement.

Pictures purportedly showing exploded hand-held radios have been circulating online

Flames rise up a building in Lebanon amid the explosions

Local media has reports a fire breaking out in a car as a result of a device exploding

A partly damaged car after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon

Dramatic video shows the moment an explosion can be heard at a funeral gathering, with smoke rising over the crowds which then disperse

The unnamed sources allege that the walkie-talkies were booby-trapped in advance by Israeli intelligence and then delivered to Hezbollah as part of its emergency communications system, which the group had planned to use during a war with Israel.

The compromised walkie-talkies were said to be part of Hezbollahs emergency back-up communications system, in the event of their pagers not working.

It was a use it or lose it moment, a US official told website Axios. Security experts described the simultaneous bombings as an audacious tactical move, disabling thousands of Hezbollah fighters and spreading chaos through the organisation.

The pagers are said to have repeatedly beeped and flashed their screens to attract the victims attention before blowing up, causing hideous facial injuries.

The original plan was for Israel to explode the 5,000 pagers as an opening move in an all-out offensive against the terror group, according to reports.
EXCLUSIVE

Within moments of Andrew O'Keefe sliding onto the presenters' couch for Weekend Sunrise's biggest broadcast of the year, the show's producers knew they had a problem.

There was something not quite right about the long-standing host.

At first, they were concerned about the odd way he was slouching and how he appeared somewhat dazed and confused.

Then he began to speak.

His words were slurred, his comments erratic and off-kilter - and then there were the strange outbursts of unprompted laughter.

It was Saturday, May 28, 2017 and the nation's long-standing number one news breakfast program was covering the most highly anticipated event of the year.

Almost 12 years to the day since she was convicted of attempting to smuggle 4.2kg of cannabis into Bali, Schapelle Corby was returning to Australia.

Within moments of Andrew O'Keefe sliding onto presenters couch alongside 'confused' co-host Angela Cox, the show's producers knew they had a problem

The nation's No1 breakfast news program had spent months planning every second of its wall-to-wall coverage as convicted Bali drug smuggler Schapelle Corby returned to Australia

The program's hard-working producers and crew had been plotting every moment of the network's wall-to-wall coverage for months.

Now it looked like their efforts were about to be overshadowed by the strange behaviour of the show's star presenter.

At one point during the broadcast, O'Keefe's co-host Angela Cox admitted his random babbling was 'confusing' even her.

Later, he was caught blatantly checking his mobile phone during a live segment with a Weekend Sunrise reporter.

It wasn't long before the Seven switchboard started lighting up with calls from concerned viewers: 'Is AOK okay?' 'Is he having a stroke?' 'He looks "tired and emotional"' 'Is he drunk on-air?'

Daily Mail Australia was the first outlet to notice the strange sideshow playing out from Seven's landmark Martin Place studios in Sydney.

But within minutes of publishing a story about the star's unusual antics a little after 8am, Seven's army of spinners had swung into gear.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with O'Keefe, they insisted.

He was simply overwhelmed by Corby's dramatic homecoming.

Behind the scenes, they knew better.

The high-profile star's life was in free fall as he 'self-medicated' with drugs and alcohol.

Asked about O'Keefe's troubling 2017 appearance this week, Seven insiders struggled to pinpoint the occasion.

Not because it was so trivial but because it had become so disturbingly common that year.

'Slurring his words on-air in 2017? Which time?!' one senior source replied when queried by Daily Mail Australia.

Concerned viewers were worried about O'Keefe's unusual antics during the live broadcast

Seven's army of spin doctors maintained O'Keefe was simply overwhelmed by Corby's dramatic homecoming and hosed down suggestions he was 'tired and emotional' on air

While the network strived to save face publicly - and to protect O'Keefe from suggestions he was unravelling amid lurid industry-wide gossip about his wild partying - tensions were escalating on set.

Colleagues were increasingly concerned about his welfare and questionable life choices. Seven's news bosses wanted him out.

By that December, O'Keefe announced the inevitable.

After clocking up a record-breaking 12-year run as Weekend Sunrise presenter, he was stepping down to spend more time with his 'real family' - social worker wife Eleanor Campbell and their three children, Barnaby, Rory and Olivia.

What he didn't reveal was that the erratic behaviour that stymied his Sunrise career had also already destroyed his relationship with his now ex-wife.

By that stage, she had already left him, along with their children.

Although O'Keefe would stay on with Seven as the host of its hit weeknight game show The Chase Australia for three more years, his breakfast news days were over - and the countdown had begun on his time at the network.

As he spiralled wildly out of control, and lurched from scandal to scandal, it seemed nothing could now halt the terminal decline of one of the country's most talented stars.

This week, he remains behind bars after almost dying in his humble eastern Sydney flat from a heroin overdose.

O'Keefe arrives at Rose Bay police station on Monday where he was charged with drug possession following a shocking heroin overdose at his eastern suburb flat at the weekend

Paramedics managed to revive the 52-year-old before rushing him to St Vincent's Hospital in nearby Darlinghurst in the early hours of Saturday morning.

After being released, he was arrested and charged with drug possession and breach of bail.

The troubled entertainer was not present in court when his matter was heard on Tuesday and his lawyer did not apply for bail, meaning O'Keefe would be remanded in custody.

Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge's message was blunt: 'He's lucky to be alive...if he wants to stay alive (staying in jail) is the best thing to do.

'God help him, and it's a shame he doesn't have an epiphany.'

O'Keefe has plenty of time to consider his tragic trajectory over the next three weeks before returning to court once more on October 10.
A German man has been arrested in Majorca on suspicion of sexual assault after a man he met on gay dating app Grindr ended up in hospital with an apple stuck up his backside.

The patient was able to expel one of the pieces of fruit by himself but had to seek medical help to free the other after suffering 'serious injuries'.

Detectives began investigating the alleged assault after he left hospital and went to police to say the apples had been introduced inside him without his consent after he was drugged during an 'out-of-control' sex game in the island capital Palma.

A German man was arrested in Majorca on suspicion of sexual assault after a man he met on gay dating app Grindr ended up in hospital with an apple stuck up his backside (Stock photo)

Local reports said he had agreed to some 'unorthodox' sexual practices which involved the introduction of small objects as part of a pre-sex pact but not the one that left him needing hospital treatment.

Police confirmed the arrest Wednesday, saying an investigation into the man's claims were ongoing. His nationality has not been made public.

The German detainee lives in Majorca and the alleged sex crime is said to have occurred at his home in Palma. The arrest happened Tuesday.

Detectives began investigating the alleged assault after he left hospital and went to police to say the apples had been introduced inside him without his consent after he was drugged during an 'out-of-control' sex game in the island capital Palma (File photo)

A National Police source said: 'We are still investigating despite the arrest.'

It was not immediately clear this afternoon if the unnamed German has already appeared before a judge in a closed court hearing.

He is likely to be bailed following a court appearance pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
A Missouri death row inmate who has long maintained his innocence in a 1998 murder is making a last ditch plea for a stay of execution.

Attorneys for Marcellus Williams, 55, who was convicted in 2001 of first-degree murder in the death of former newspaper reporter Felicia Gayle, petitioned the US Supreme Court to halt his death by lethal injection scheduled for September 24.

They argued in court documents that Williams' right to due process was trampled upon when Republican Missouri Gov. Michael Parson abruptly terminated an investigation into Williams' case.

His predecessor, former Gov. Eric Greitens, had halted Williams' execution indefinitely and formed a board of former judges to review his case and to determine whether Williams should be granted clemency.

The board investigated Williams' case for the next six years, but it is unclear whether it ever reached a verdict before Parson suddenly disbanded it.

Marcellus Williams, 55, is scheduled to be executed on September 24 for the 1998 murder of former newspaper reporter Felicia Gayle

'The Governor's actions have violated Williams' constitutional rights and created an exceptionally urgent need for the Court's attention,' the lawyers argued in the petition.

Williams' attorneys noted that even the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced earlier this year that there were constitutional errors in Williams' original trial - including the removal of one prospective black juror due to race.

'These would be key issues for the Board of Inquiry's consideration in whether to recommend clemency instead of execution - if the Governor had not wrongly dissolved the board,' the petition says.

Williams had previously filed a civil action challenging Parson's dissolution, and a trial court ruled that the governor exceeded his authority under state law and deprived Williams of his due process rights, according to the St. Louis-Post Dispatch.

But the Missouri Supreme Court disagreed, and held that prisoners have no due process rights in clemency proceedings - prompting Parson to set Williams' September 24 execution date.

His attorneys are now arguing Missouri Gov. Michael Parson trampled upon Williams' due process rights by disbanding a board that was reviewing his case

His attorneys and supporters are now using every available option to try to halt the 55 year old's execution.

In addition to the petition to the US Supreme Court, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced on Monday it will appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court a judge's ruling upholding the conviction and death sentence.

The following day, Williams' team of attorneys also announced they filed a motion asking the Missouri Court of Appeals to reconsider its 2010 denial of Williams' claim that a trial prosecutor unconstitutionally removed black prospective jurors because of their race.

Any of the three courts can issue a stay on Williams' execution to give judges more time to review the claims.

Prosecutors at Williams' original trial claimed that Williams broke into Gayle's home on August 11, 1998 and stabbed her 43 times with a butcher knife before stealing her purse and her husband's laptop

Prosecutors at Williams' original trial have said that Williams broke into Gayle's home on August 11, 1998, heard water running in the shower and grabbed a butcher knife.

When she came downstairs, Gayle was stabbed 43 times and her purse and her husband's laptop were stolen.

Authorities said Williams then stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt, prompting his girlfriend at the time to ask him why he would wear a jacket on a hot day.

That girlfriend later reported that she saw the stolen laptop in Williams' car and he sold it to a neighbor a day or two later.

Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, wo shared a jail cell with Williams in 1999 when Williams was in prison on unrelated charges.

Cole told prosecutors Williams confessed to the killing and offered details about it.

But defense attorneys countered by saying both Williams' girlfriend and Cole were convicted of felonies and wanted a $10,000 reward for information about Gayle's death.

St Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell cited concerns about DNA evidence on the butcher knife as he requested a hearing challenging Williams' guilt earlier this year

Questions have since emerged about the integrity of that trial - which lead to Williams' conviction - with Democrat St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell citing concerns about DNA evidence on the butcher knife as he requested a hearing challenging Williams' guilt earlier this year.

He said that the evidence indicated that someone else's DNA was on the murder weapon.

But just days before an August 21 hearing, new testing showed the DNA evidence was spoiled because members of the prosecutor's office touched the knife without gloves before the original 2001 trial.

Attorneys with the Midwest Innocence Project then reached an agreement with the prosecutor's office under which Williams would enter a no-contest plea to first-degree murder in exchange for a new sentence of life in prison without parole.

Judge Bruce Hilton signed off on the agreement, as did Gayle's family.

But at the behest of Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the agreement and ordered Hilton to proceed with an evidentiary hearing.

The judge then ruled on September 12 that the first-degree murder conviction and death sentence would stand.

'[Williams'] remaining evidence amounts to nothing more than re-packaged arguments about evidence that was available at trial and involved in Williams' unsuccessful direct appeal and post-conviction challenges,' Hilton ruled.

'There is no basis for a court to find that Williams is innocent, and no court has made such a finding,' he continued.

Activists are pressuring Gov Parson to stay Williams' execution next week

Still, Parson's office is being inundated with requests to stay Williams' execution.

The NAACP, for example, wrote to the governor arguing that the death penalty has been 'historically applied in a racially disparate manner' particularly in Missouri.

'Killing Mr. Williams, a black man who was wrongfully convicted of killing a white woman, would amount to a horrible miscarriage of justice and a perpetuation of the worse of Missouri's past,' NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and Missouri State Conference President Nimrod Chapel Jr. wrote.

US Rep. Cori Bush also sent her own letter to Parson, urging him to stop Williams' execution.

'As lawmakers, we are committed to building a Missouri that is a beacon of justice, and we strive daily to represent the needs and demands of Missourians across the state,' she wrote in a letter shared to X.

'For this reason, we are urging you to immediately commute Mr. Williams' sentence and halt his execution.'

She then went on to highlight the efforts Williams' attorneys have made to prove his innocence, saying executing him would be a 'grave injustice and would do serious and lasting harm.'

A spokesman for Parson said attorneys for the governor's office have met with Williams' legal team and the governor will announce a decision at a later date - typically at least one day before the scheduled execution.

But Parson, a former county sheriff, has been in office for 11 executions and has never granted clemency.

If Williams were to die by lethal injection next week, his death would mark the third execution in Missouri just this year, and the 14th nationwide.
Detectives have issued an urgent warning after suspected burglars were caught on CCTV posing as police officers in a bid to scope out homes and cars to target.

Kent Police released doorbell camera footage of two men believed to be posing as police in Sevenoaks.

The force would like to speak to the pair following separate incidents in the Kippington Road area have been linked to attempts to steal vehicles and burglary offences.

The pair, wearing vests similar to those worn by policemen, allegedly approached a property on the suburban street around 9pm on September 11. They left shortly afterwards.

Detectives say the incident is being linked to a previous report of suspicious behaviour in the same road on Friday, August 23.

The community is asked to contact the force or Crimestoppers if they have any information that could be beneficial to the investigation.

Kent Police released doorbell camera footage of two men believed to be posing as police in Sevenoaks. The force would like to speak to the pair following separate incidents in the Kippington Road area have been linked to attempts to steal vehicles and burglary offences

Kent Police issued a statement Wednesday, saying: 'It is reported that at around 9pm on Wednesday 11 September 2024, two unknown men approached a property in the road.

'Wearing tracksuits and black gloves, they were also wearing vests which had a similar appearance to clothing sometimes worn by police officers. They left the scene shortly after.

'The incident is being linked to a previous report of suspicious behaviour in the same road, on Friday 23 August.

'At just after 1.30am, two suspects wearing balaclavas attempted to steal a car but left empty handed.

'Several images have now been issued by investigating officers, who would like to identify and speak to those pictured.'

Anyone with information that may help detectives is urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/145895/24.

Tips can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or using an online form.

Detectives say the incident is being linked to a previous report of suspicious behaviour in the same road last month

Impersonating a police officer, which is an offence under the 1996 Police Act, carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail.

The incidents in Sevenoaks are not the first time that criminals have disguised themselves as policemen to aid in their crimes.

Two men who claimed to be officers and were wearing 'crude' uniforms were causght on camera being chased out of an apartment block in east London by angry residents in October 2021, The Telegraph reported.

Similarly, in November last year, 17-year-old Joe Metcalfe was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he made a 'detailed plan to murder Muslims at a nearby mosque while disguised as an armed police officer'.
Failings in NHS maternity services are so 'widespread' they risk becoming 'normalised', a damning report warns today.

As a major review found that dire care is 'not isolated' to high-profile scandals like East Kent and Shrewsbury and Telford, where hundreds of babies and mothers died or suffered preventable harms, Wes Streeting described the situation as a 'national shame'.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said two-thirds of the services either 'require improvement' or are 'inadequate' for the safety of mothers and babies.

It stressed that many are not learning from mistakes, instead choosing to treat incidents as 'inevitable' rather than accept accountability.

In an unprecedented move, the regulator called for 'increased national action' and ring-fenced investment to tackle the shortfalls.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting speaks at an Institute for Public Policy Event on September 18

Mr Streeting described a report into the failings of NHS maternity services as a 'national shame' (Stock Image)

But campaigners say the recommendations do not go far enough, warning 'countless lives are being forever torn apart' in the meantime.

Last night, Mr Streeting vowed to fix maternity services, insisting that the current state of affairs keeps him 'awake at night worrying'.

The Health Secretary said: 'These findings are cause for national shame.

'Women deserve better - childbirth should not be something they fear or look back on with trauma.

'It is simply unacceptable that nearly half of maternity units the CQC reviewed are delivering substandard care.'

NHS maternity care has been under increased scrutiny following several high-profile inquiries, including more than 200 baby deaths at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, and the investigation into maternity services in East Kent.

Inspectors visited 131 units between August 2022 and December 2023 as part of a national programme to reverse the trend.

The report blamed poor management of incidents with limited learning when things go wrong, failure to ensure safe and timely assessment at triage, unsuitable estates and access to essential equipment, a lack of oversight from trust Boards and significant challenges in recruiting and retaining staff.

It concludes: 'Without action, the danger is that poor care and preventable harm will become normalised. We cannot and must not let that happen.'

Last night, Mr Streeting vowed to fix maternity services, insisting that the current state of affairs keeps him 'awake at night worrying' (Stock Image)

Almost half (48 per cent) were rated as requires improvement or inadequate while only four per cent were classed as outstanding and 48 per cent were rated good.

The CQC said the safety of maternity care 'remains a key concern' with no services rated outstanding, 47 per cent requiring improvement, 18 per cent rated inadequate and only 35 per cent, good.

Incidents are poorly managed and not learned from, with the potential to normalise serious harm in maternity, it said.

Not all patients received a safe and timely assessment when being triaged, with instances of triage phones going unanswered and some women discharging themselves before being seen by a midwife or doctor as delays were so severe.

While complications such as postpartum haemorrhages are well recognised by maternity staff, the 'significant impact' on women is often overlooked.

Some NHS estates were described as 'not fit for purpose', lacking the 'space and facilities and, in a small number of cases, appropriate levels of potentially life-saving equipment'.

There are also concerns about how maternity staff communicate and engage with women and their families.

A damning inquiry found hundreds of avoidable baby deaths and brain damage cases at the maternity ward at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (pictured)

More than 1,400 cases at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (pictured) have been reviewed - with most taking place between 2000 and 2019

Nicola Wise, director of secondary and specialist care at the CQC, said: 'Although we've seen examples of good care and seen hardworking, compassionate staff doing their best, we remain concerned that key issues continue to impact quality and safety.

'Disappointingly, none of those issues are new.'

The report makes a number of recommendations to NHS trusts, NHS England and integrated care boards including better data collection and letting affected parents have more involvement in any care reviews.

It also called for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to invest more in maternity services and work with NHS England to ensure this is ring-fenced.

But James Titcombe, whose son Joshua's avoidable death in 2008 prompted the Morecambe Bay Inquiry, said they do not go far enough.

He told the Mail: 'We urgently need a national process that looks at the system as a whole, including an honest analysis of why previous attempts to reform maternity safety have fallen short.

'This work is badly needed, otherwise the forthcoming 10 year plan for the NHS developing by our new government risks being yet another missed opportunity for maternity safety - and the cost will be measured by more avoidable tragedy and lives forever shattered.'

James Titcombe (pictured) urged the government to take action, saying 'the cost will be measured by more avoidable tragedy and lives forever shattered'

His son Joshua Titcombe (pictured) died after suffering pneumococcal septicaemia and a lung haemorrhage on November 5 2008, nine days after he was born at Furness General Hospital in Cumbria

Kate Brintworth, NHS chief midwifery officer, admitted large numbers of women and families are still being let down.

She said: 'We know there is much more we need to do to drive up standards of care and build on improvements already made, and we will continue to provide intensive support to the most challenged trusts and support a growth in the maternity workforce.'
An executive at Ernst and Young in India has tragically died almost two years after an Australian staffer took her own life, following accusations of a toxic work culture.

Anna Sebastian Perayil, 26, died on July 20th, just four months into her role as an Audit and Assurance Executive at EY in Pune, western India.

She'd completed her chartered accounting exams in November last year and travelled the 1,300 kilometres from her hometown of Kerala to Pune for the job at the notoriously competitive accounting firm.

At the time, she'd posted her excitement about her new position on LinkedIn.

Her heartbroken mother, Anita Augustine, has since penned a letter to the Chairman of EY's Indian region, Rajiv Memani, demanding something be done about EY's work culture where she claims 'mental and physical well-being is sacrificed for productivity'.

Adding to her anguish, Ms Augustine wrote, was the fact nobody from EY showed up at her funeral.

'My heart is heavy, and my soul is shattered as I pen these words, but I believe it is necessary to share our story in the hope that no other family will have to endure the pain we are going through,' her letter began.

Ms Augustine said when her daughter had passed her exams, she was 'full of life, dreams and excitement' for her future.

'She worked tirelessly at EY, giving her all to meet the demands placed on her,' she continued.

Anna Sebastian Perayil, 26, died on July 20th, just four months into her role as an Audit and Assurance Executive at EY in Pune, western India

'However, the workload, new environment, and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally and mentally.'

Ms Augustine said her daughter became riddled with anxiety, stress and sleeplessness.

When her parents came to visit for the ceremony of Ms Perayil finishing her CA, she had to go to hospital after suffering chest constrictions.

The doctor found she hadn't been getting enough sleep but even after being discharged, Ms Perayil insisted on returning to work.

'It breaks my heart to tell you that even during those two days, which were the last we would spend with our child, she couldn't enjoy them because of the work pressure,' her mother said.

Ms Augustine claimed her daughter had been told that many of her colleagues had quit due to an 'excessive workload'.

'My child didn't realise she would pay for that with her life,' she said.

Ms Perayil's death comes after Australia EY worker Aishwarya Venkatachalam, 27, (pictued with husband) plunged to her death from the terrace of the firm's building in Sydney on August 27, 2022

'Anna would return to her room utterly exhausted, sometimes collapsing on the bed without even changing her clothes.

'She did not know how to say no. She was trying to prove herself in a new environment, and in doing so, she pushed herself beyond her limits. And now, she is no longer with us.'

The grieving mother also demanded answers as to why none of Ms Perayil's colleagues came to her funeral.

Ms Augustine said she reached out to senior members of the firm following the funeral but received no reply.

'This absence at such a critical moment, for an employee who gave her all to your organisation until her last breath, is deeply hurtful,' she said.

'My heart aches not just for the loss of my child but also for the lack of empathy shown by those who were supposed to guide and support her.'

EY in a statement said it was 'deeply saddened' by Ms Perayil's death.

'That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us,' it said.

'While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so.

'We are taking the family's correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility.

Ms Perayil's mother claimed none of her daughter's EY colleagues came to her funeral

'We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India.'

Ms Perayil's death comes after Australia EY worker Aishwarya Venkatachalam, 27, plunged to her death from the terrace of the firm's building in Sydney on August 27, 2022.

The Indian national - who moved to Australia 10 months earlier - had complained to friends that other EY workers were 'mean and racist'.

Daily Mail Australia's reporting on the story prompted an investigation into bullying, racism and work culture at the financial giant by Elizabeth Broderick, the high-profile Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

Oceanic EY CEO David Larocca vowed Ms Broderick would look at the firm's culture, work practices and psychological health and safety in an 'independent and rigorous' review.

Ms Venkatachalam - who used the abbreviated Venkat form of her name professionally - died after she was at a work drinks function at Sydney's The Ivy nightclub on August 26.

She returned to the EY building and managed to access the terrace cafe, where she fell to her death.

Good Samaritans told Daily Mail Australia how, moments before Ms Venkatachalam's death, they found her distraught in a nearby car park, sobbing about being bullied.

A group of women returning to their car found her sobbing uncontrollably in a city centre car park where she told them 'everyone was so mean to her in her office and that white people are not nice and are mean people and racist'.

It echoed similar comments she had earlier made to her friend Neeti Bisht in April that 'mean colleagues' had been making her new life in Sydney a misery.

She told the three women she met in the car park that her house key was in her office but she couldn't get into the building to collect it and had nowhere else to go.

Her newlywed husband Nakul Murali, whom she married in a spectacular three-day Tamil-Brahman ceremony in January 2021, was on a flight home from Singapore to Sydney at the time of her death.

Other bystanders helped her back to her office around midnight, but 20 minutes later she plunged to her death onto the awning above the building's front entrance.

Ms Venkatachalam's death sparked further accusations of racism within the company and allegations of a toxic workplace culture.

There is no suggestion EY or Ms Venkatachalam's co-workers or her superiors were in any way responsible for her death.

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A young man has revealed he was almost fired after his boss read messages he exchanged about another colleague on the company's communication platform.

Owen Willis, who is from the UK and spent time living in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast explained he was 17 years old at the time and did not understand the 'rules of corporate'.

'This is your reminder that messages sent on corporate platforms can and will be read by your employer,' the marketing expert said in a video posted to social media.

He explained that a colleague who he would always 'have a laugh and a joke' with would use the company's Skype Business account to message each other.

'We would just chat s**t on there all day. Like work stuff and then non-work stuff,' Mr Willis said.

'We'd talk about everyone, like if someone annoyed me I'd be like "guess what this person's done" and put it in my Skype for business.'

However, Willis said he had no idea that the chat history could be read by HR, his manager and the head of his team.

'Obviously, we swore a lot in the messages, so I'm guessing that somehow got flagged,' Willis said.

'Or maybe we said something that was inappropriate that, I don't know, got flagged.'

His work friend would always message him about a female colleague and her dress sense.

The company Willis worked for was located in a corporate building, and its employees were expected to dress 'smart' and appropriately for the office space.

Willis explained the female colleague would often wear a t-shirt and 'Thailand elephant trousers' and would get away with it - something his work friend was not happy with.

'I never said anything bad about her, but my colleague, who I would message all the time, used to talk about it every day,' Willis said.

'They caught my colleague, who I was messaging, they got sacked and never came back to work.'

Owen Willis explained how he was almost fired from his first job after his boss read messages between him and a fellow colleague

While Willis did not send a message about the female colleague, he still had to go through a disciplinary meeting as he was involved by reading the messages and replying to them with a laughing face emoji.

'Just because I was involved in that and I read the messages and probably just replied with laughing faces, I still then had to go through the disciplinary at work.

'There was no disciplinary action on my behalf, cause they took the fact that I was 17 and an apprentice at the time, which I'm very thankful for.'

He advised workers to use WhatsApp or iMessage if they wanted to criticise a coworker, rather than using any work-related communication platforms.

Aussies shared similar stories to that of Willis, with many claiming they were busted using their company's communication channel to talk about coworkers.

'Our whole admin team (me included) got fired for having group chats on Skype for business,' one person said.

'Someone in my sister's office was fired after going through there work email and finding that he was having an affair with another woman in the office,' a second added.

A third joked: 'If my employer reads my Microsoft Teams messages I will genuinely be sacked.'

A fourth person added: 'I love working in tech, this was one of the requests I used to look forward to the most, as we got to find out all the juicy drama about our clients/customers.'

Others advised workers who wanted to vent about office life or fellow colleagues should save it 'for the pub', in person or on the phone so that there was no written record of the conversation.

Willis explained he and his colleague sent messages using the company's Skype Business account (stock image). Legally, employers are allowed to access private work messages

In Australia, the Workplace Surveillance Act (2005) stipulates employers are legally allowed to read an employee's private work messages.

The law requires an employer to give at least 14 days of notice before the surveillance starts.

The notice must outline details about the type of monitoring - whether CCTV, or work messages -, how it will be carried out, the start date and whether it would be for a period of time or ongoing.

Ultimately, employers are legally allowed to monitor an employee's private work messages.

A company's IT policy should provide more information on how an employee's communications are monitored.
A man has been found dead behind a service station in Queensland.

The body was discovered at the premises on Lower King Street at Caboolture, north of Brisbane, on Thursday morning.

Queensland Police cordoned off the area with a spokesman saying an investigation had been launched.

'A crime scene has been declared after a man was found deceased around 7.20am behind a business on Lower King Street,' the spokesperson said.

'Investigations into the circumstances of his death are underway.'
A new airport phenomenon has emerged as more and more anxious travelers are posting about 'gatexiety'.

The term, short for 'gate anxiety', refers to the act of obsessively checking your gate information - even when it is listed on your airline's app.

Other 'symptoms' include a need to verbally confirm with gate agents or other passengers and repeatedly reassuring yourself you still have your ticket.

While the habit can be irritating for travel companions, experts say it is advisable since gate information can often change at the airport.

Sally French, a travel expert with NerdWallet, told Fox News Digital that it is 'rarely a bad thing' to arrive early and check information in person.

A new airport phenomenon has emerged as more and more anxious travelers are posting about 'gatexiety'

'This gives me peace of mind that I won't miss my flight while also affording me a great meal and a chance to catch up on work,' she said.

The phenomenon is unsurprisingly linked to generalized anxiety around airport travel, according to MK Clarkin, LMSW and executive clinical director at LifeStance Health.

'Navigating air travel exposes us to a myriad of factors outside our control: weather delays, aircraft malfunctions, airport traffic, gate changes, long security lines or the risk of baggage being lost,' she said.

'Humans are hardwired to want to be in control for the sake of our own well-being and survival, so, by nature, traveling by plane removes many factors within our control, leading to distress and sometimes anxiety.'

In a bid to combat this anxiety, some travelers may overcompensate by arriving several hours early.

But Clarkin warned this can actually result in increased stress, as passengers are left waiting around.

'While this is a guaranteed way to ensure you find the gate on time, it can lead to rumination and restlessness while you wait for your boarding time,' she said.

Symptoms of the phenomenon include an obsessive need to check gate information, the desire to verbally confirm details with airport staff and needing to check you still have your ticket

'Ironically, it may also lead to a mishap in which you don't realize the gate has been changed, so you show up at the wrong location.'

She said the best way to combat gatexiety is to 'control the controllable' such as 'arrival time, baggage, checking in, securing the boarding pass'.

While it might be tempting to head straight to the bar to try and take the edge off, her colleague Matthew A. Solit advises avoiding alcoholic drinks which may exacerbate things in the long run.

'Download a few episodes of your favorite comfort show, curate a playlist, listen to a podcast or bring a book,' he recommends instead.

The TSA recommends checking with individual airline for how early to arrive at the airport.

Typically, the guidance is two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before and international flight.
In the boiling cauldron of the Middle East, a crack team of spies intercept and booby-trap a consignment of electronic devices destined for a terrorist group.

Months later, when the militants have shared the gadgets among themselves, the shadowy unit strikes. Via a remote signal, it detonates explosives concealed in the technology  causing carnage among the enemy.

If this was the plot of a Hollywood thriller, viewers might consider it barely believable. But this week, these extraordinary scenes have played out in real life.

On Tuesday, hand-held pagers owned by Hezbollah terrorists blew up simultaneously across Lebanon and in Syria. At least 12 people were killed and about 3,000 injured.

Then yesterday, walkie-talkies used by the Lebanese militia exploded en masse, leaving more dead and wounded.

A video grab which shows a walkie-talkie that was exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon

Earlier this month Foreign Secretary David Lammy (pictured) blocked the sale of certain arms to Israel

The finger of blame has been pointed at Israel and its Mossad spy agency, although Tel Aviv has not confirmed its involvement.

But who else has the motive and technological capability to carry out such an audacious, complex and deadly strike?

Tragically, not every victim was a Hezbollah member. However, the overwhelming majority of devices blew up in the hand or pocket of their intended targets. It would be difficult to conceive of a more sophisticated and precise attack.

Predictably  and shamefully  some on the Left are shedding tears for Hezbollah.

Don't they understand that this was not some unprovoked act of aggression? On October 7 last year, Hamas slaughtered some 1,400 Israeli citizens in cold blood.

A day later, Hezbollah  another of Iran's proxies  began to pound northern Israel with rockets from Lebanon. Israel, rightly, wants to bring an end to the barrage so 60,000 of its displaced citizens can return home.

The bombings were undoubtedly a spectacular coup for Israel. The terror group has been humiliated, its communications are damaged and its fighters dead or injured.

But Hezbollah has sworn revenge  and amid fears the situation will escalate into full-blown war the world watches with trepidation.

At a time of such tension, Britain needs a sure-footed and clear-sighted statesman at the Foreign Office. Dispiritingly, we have the deeply unimpressive David Lammy.

People and first responders gather at the scene of a reported device explosion in Saida in southern Lebanon on September 18

Within hours of him delivering the most asinine speech by a foreign secretary for many a year, the pagers were exploding in Lebanon. His claim that climate change posed a greater threat than war and terrorism couldn't have been more lamentably wrong.

Mr Lammy's priorities seem badly skewed. With conflicts raging, why is his department wasting time virtue-signalling by flying a flag to mark Bisexual Awareness Week?

This extends to his policies, too. Earlier this month, the Foreign Secretary blocked the sale of certain arms to Israel  a disgraceful insult to our ally on the day it buried six hostages mercilessly executed by Hamas.

The ham-fisted example of how not to conduct diplomacy was so Labour could appease Muslim voters. Yet if Israel retaliates by withholding military equipment from our Armed Forces, it will jeopardise Britain.

In the Mail today, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu contrasts the Tory government's 'clear support' for his nation, with Labour's 'mixed messages'.

People react after a reported explosion occurred during the funeral of those killed when hundreds of paging devices exploded across Lebanon the previous day, in Beirut's southern suburbs on September 18, 2024

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Labour of undermining Israel as a second wave of booby-traps rocked the Middle East. Pictured: Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem on September 2

In a withering denunciation of the Starmer government, he says: 'They claim that Israel has a right to defend itself, but they undermine that ability to exercise that right.'

Israel is in an existential battle for survival against genocidal maniacs.

Britain should instinctively know which side to take. It's profoundly troubling that this Government seems not to.
Sir John Major has blasted the previous government's Rwanda scheme as 'un-Conservative and un-British', claiming the policy was not fit for the 21st century.

The former prime minister said he dislikes 'intensely the way society has come to regard immigration as an ill' and warned that a Tory merger with Reform UK would be 'fatal'.

Sir John, in an interview with the BBC's Amol Rajan, said: 'I thought it was un-Conservative, un-British, if one dare say in a secular society, un-Christian, and unconscionable and I thought that this is really not the way to treat people.'

The policy, which was scrapped by Sir Keir Starmer in July, aimed to deter asylum seekers by sending those who arrived in the UK illegally to the east African country.

Labour has now announced that money allocated to pay for the previous government's Rwanda scheme will go towards the Border Security Command.

Former Prime Minister Sir John Major (pictured in February) has blasted the Tory government's Rwanda scheme as 'un-Conservative and un-British', claiming the policy was not fit for the 21st century

The policy, which was scrapped by Sir Keir Starmer in July, aimed to deter asylum seekers by sending those who arrived in the UK illegally to the east African country. Pictured: A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent on September 3, 2024

Sir John told Mr Rajan: 'We used to transport people, nearly 300 years ago, from our country. Felons, who at least have had a trial, and been found guilty of something, albeit that the trial might have been cursory.

'I don't think transportation, for that is what it is, is a policy suitable for the 21st century.'

Pressed on whether the policy acts as a deterrent, Sir John replied: 'Are they seriously saying to me that somewhere in the back woods of some North Africa country, they actually know what the British Parliament has legislated for? I think not.'

Sir John (pictured during his time as PM) served as prime minister from November 1990 to May 1997

Sir John said he dislikes 'intensely the way society has come to regard immigration as an ill in the way it has. I don't agree with that, I've never agreed with it'.

He added that people who come to the UK on small boats do so 'because they're not quite sure where to go'.

Sir John, who served as prime minister from November 1990 to May 1997, said he had not decided which Tory leadership contender to support, with Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat standing.

He said: 'I would like to support someone who's going to look at the long-term problems and make a suggestion as to which direction we should go and bring people back into the party who are genuinely centre right.'

He added: 'The only party that can legitimately appeal to the centre right is the Conservative Party. And that is what we have to do, we have to decide where our natural support really lies and appeal to them.

'People may have made a misjudgement about the last election. We lost five votes (seats) to Reform UK and people are jumping up and down, and some, rather reckless people are saying, well we must merge with them.

'Well, that will be fatal.'

Sir John, i n an interview with the BBC 's Amol Rajan, said: 'I thought it was un-Conservative, un-British, if one dare say in a secular society, un-Christian, and unconscionable and I thought that this is really not the way to treat people'. He is pictured with Mr Rajan

On whether Nigel Farage (pictureed) should join the Tory party, Sir John said he does not 'share that view', adding: 'I don't think he's a Conservative, and he's spent most of his time in the last few years telling people how much he dislikes the Conservative Party and would like to destroy it. 'I don't think that's a terribly good background for bringing someone into the party'

He continued: 'I do think traditionally we have been a commonsense party. And I'm optimistic. I think we have had such a bad defeat, we have got a base upon which we can build, in a wholly new and, I think, potentially effective way.'

On whether Nigel Farage should join the Tory party, Sir John said he does not 'share that view', adding: 'I don't think he's a Conservative, and he's spent most of his time in the last few years telling people how much he dislikes the Conservative Party and would like to destroy it.

'I don't think that's a terribly good background for bringing someone into the party.'
An Air New Zealand passenger has captured breathtaking images of the spectacular Aurora Australis light display as the plane flew past.

Australian woman Rachel Kennedy was on a flight from Melbourne to Christchurch, New Zealand, on Tuesday night when she looked out the window and saw the stunning phenomenon.

'I had changed the seat on my flight to be on the right side of the plane just in case and had followed the Aurora forecasts for days,' Ms Kennedy said, who had travelled from Melbourne to Christchurch for a work conference.

'My first few photos captured the green arc but not much more,' Kennedy said.

However, the captain then decided to turn off the lights, and she was able to capture several stunning images.

As soon as she touched down, she shared the images on the Facebook page 'Aurora Australis' - where thousands commented on the incredible photos.

'Should have been on a plane last night,' one person said. 'Note to self, book more flights.'

The passenger captured the 'spectacular' light display of an Aurora Australis from her Melbourne to New Zealand flight on Tuesday (pictured)

Aussies said the light show looked 'magical' and the traveller had a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to have viewed it from an aircraft (pictured)

'What an amazing sight and experience to have seen,' a second added

'Omg this is mesmerising,' a third declared.

'I think you just won the Aurora photography prize for the year. Congratulations,' another added.

The Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, is a natural light display similar to the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

It is caused by the interaction between solar wind (charged particles from the sun) and Earth's magnetic field, which excites gases in the atmosphere, leading to the emission of colourful lights.

'Some of the sun's energy and small particles can travel down the magnetic field lines at the north and south poles into Earth's atmosphere,' explained the Australian Space Agency.

'There, the particles interact with gases in our atmosphere resulting in beautiful displays.

'In some instances, the combination of the particles and oxygen gives off green and red light. In others, the interaction with nitrogen results in glows of blue and purple.'

The Aurora Australis can be seen year-round, but it's most commonly visible around the equinoxes in March and September when the longer, darker nights improve the chances of spotting the lights.

For Aussies keen to see the Aurora Australis, the Bureau of Meteorology's Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre has a dedicated forecast, guide and tips to help.

'You ideally need a dark night with little cloud cover,' the BOM explained. 'You don't want a bright moon or any light pollution, so a good location is a dark beach or a hill where you have an unobstructed view to the south.'

The coloured light show occurs when a solar storm comes down to earth, bringing particles that interact with gases (pictured stock photo of the Aurora Australis over Antarctica)
A vulnerable woman whose mother mysteriously disappeared when she was just 10 years old has revealed how heartless scammers made off with her $300,000 life savings.

Chrystal Winfield is the daughter of Bronwyn Winfield, who disappeared from her Lennox Head home in northern NSW after tucking her two children Lauren and Chrystal - then aged five and 10 - into bed on May 16, 1993.

Ms Winfield, now 41, was cruelly conned to hand over money she had planned to build a house to live in with her son when she met a man on a Sydney street who pretended to run a charity in India.

She recalled the man described himself as a 'soul doctor' who promised he could help lift 'a curse' on her life.

Before long Ms Winfield had made a donation to the man's charity and later allowed members of the man's group to 'bless' her cash savings and her phone.

'I'm usually pretty good with intuition,' she told news.com.au. 'I got that completely wrong. I was very vulnerable.'

Eventually, still trusting the man and his charity, Ms Winfield agreed to buy $200,000 in gold bullion, bringing the cash to a meeting in a box.

But the scammers managed to switch boxes while she was distracted, making off with her savings and leaving her holding another box filled with 'concrete and paper'.

Ms Winfield, 41, was cruelly conned to hand over money she had planned to build a house to live in with her son

'Why was I so silly? I genuinely thought they were nice people,' Ms Winfield said.

'I was genuinely happy to help them with their charity.

'But not my whole life savings that I'd set aside for my life and my son.'

Adding to her frustration is the fact a NSW Police investigation into the alleged scam proved fruitless.

It's understood no CCTV exists of Ms Winfield's interactions with the group and communications between them were conducted through encrypted WhatsApp messages.

Police investigations discovered phone numbers used to scam Ms Winfield were registered to addresses in Western and South Australia.

Ms Winfield is the daughter of Bronwyn Winfield, who disappeared from her Lennox Head home in northern NSW after tucking her two children - then aged five and 10 - into bed on May 16, 1993 and has never been seen again

An email seen by news.com.au suggested NSW detectives had investigated 11 similar incidents in the Cabramatta area over the course of 2023 and 2024.

Friends of a shattered Ms Winfield have now rallied to help restore her finances through a fundraising effort.

Childhood friend and Gofundme organiser Rennie Fletcher said Ms Winfield had revealed she had been conned during a catch-up with old schoolfriends aware of her vulnerability because of the renewed interest created by a popular podcast about the disappearance of her mother.

'We were appalled that someone would take advantage of Chrystal's vulnerability, and so we decided to do something about it,' Mr Fletcher said.

He said Ms Winfield was known for her kindness to others despite the trauma she had experienced early in life.

For her part, Ms Winfield said she was moved by the support of her friends.

'It's not about the money; it's just the thought that somebody would do that for me.'

A 2002 coronial inquest found that Ms Winfield died at the time of her disappearance.

Bronwyn Winfield pictured with two children Lauren and Chrystal before her disappearance

The inquest also stated a 'known person' should be charged with her death and that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should consider prosecuting her estranged husband, Jonathan.

Mr Winfield has always denied any wrongdoing in Bronwyn's disappearance and the DPP has declined to prosecute him due to insufficient evidence.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Mr Winfield had any role in his wife's disappearance.

In 2010, police offered a $100,000 reward for information that would help solve the mystery.
A Kentucky woman charged with fatally shooting her two young sons plans to use an insanity defense at trial, court documents revealed.

Tiffanie Lucas, 32, is accused of shooting her sons Maurice Baker Jr., 6 - affectionately known as 'Peanut' - and his half-brother Jayden Howard, 9, inside their Shepherdsville home in November 2023.

Police said the mother initially claimed the shooting was an accident and that she was manipulated into doing it.

A motion filed in Bullitt Circuit Court on September 11 obtained by People said a defense attorney for Lucas plans to 'assert a defense of insanity at the time of the alleged offense.'

'[The defense intends] to introduce at trial expert evidence relating to a mental disease, mental defect, or other mental condition bearing in the issue of guilt and the issue of punishment,' the filing said.

Tiffanie Lucas (pictured), 32, intends to plea insanity at trial over the November 2023 shooting of her two young sons

Maurice Baker Jr. (right), 6 - affectionately known as 'Peanut' - and his half-brother Jayden Howard (left), 9, were killed inside their Shepherdsville home in November 2023

Lucas is charged with two counts of capital murder and the stepmother to one of two boys has said the family will accept nothing less than the death penalty.

The double shooting occurred on November 8 with the boy's bodies discovered when Bullitt County Sheriff's Office received reports of a gunshot injuries at Lucas's home in Shepherdsville.

When Lucas's neighbor pulled into his driveway, he saw the 32-year-old walking down the stairs of his porch before collapsing.

She told him that her 'kids were dying.' When the neighbor entered her home, he discovered the boys' bodies in a bedroom and gun on the bed.

The neighbor then called 911 and stayed with the boys until EMS arrived and rushed them to Norton's Children's Hospital in Louisville.

They were taken into surgery but ultimately succumbed to their injuries.

Police recovered Ring camera footage from a nearby home on the day of the shooting.

In the video, four shots ring out before Lucas could be seen walking outside and shouting for help.

Lucas told detectives that she left the gun in the bedroom and that someone had given it to her. She admitted that no one else had been to the house that day.

Bullitt County detective Richard Beahl said when questioned by police Lucas said 'I'm in such a bad spot' and chalked the shooting up to an accident.

Police said the mother initially claimed the shooting was an accident and that she was manipulated into doing it

The boys bodies were discovered when a neighbor entered their home and found them in a bedroom with a gun on the bed

The stepmother to one of two boys has said the family will accept nothing less than the death penalty for Lucas

'Im so stupid,' she added. 'I would never do anything like this unless someone manipulated me.'

Beahl testified that Lucas 'made statements that she was being manipulated through Facebook, through the internet or through Wi-Fi...into doing what she did.'

On Facebook, 32-year-old Lucas posted heavily edited photos of herself and her two boys.

'I love my babies everyday of the year, I will always use any excuse to celebrate them and show them how special they are,' she wrote on Valentine's Day 2022.

In another post, she proclaimed: 'I love my kings different and thats why Jayden & Peanut are different types of children. They are GOD SENT & every wrong I have ever done or any hurt I have ever caused I am so focused on correcting and loving them longer and deeper.'

She continued: 'I can not guarantee a lot of things in life BUT I can guarantee the mother I will always be, the love I will always share, and the best I can ever give and do will be PROMISED to you my love, Jayden & Peanut!'
A CIA officer who drugged, photographed and sexually assaulted more than two dozen women learned his fate following an emotional hearing on Wednesday.

Brian Jeffrey Raymond, 48, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after prosecutors found nearly 500 videos and photographs of naked, unconscious women dating back to 2006 - including many in which he can be seen opening their eyelids, groping or straddling them.

Raymond, a San Diego native and former White House intern, ultimately pleaded guilty to four of 25 federal counts including sexual abuse, coercion and transportation of obscene material.

As part of his sentence the judge ordered him to pay $10,000 to each of his 28 victims.

Raymonds attorney, Howard Katzoff, sought leniency for the government worker claiming he ignored his own need for help, and over time he began to isolate himself, detach himself from human feelings and become emotionally numb.

Brian Jeffrey Raymond, 48, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after prosecutors found nearly 500 videos and photographs of naked, unconscious women dating back to 2006

Raymond, a San Diego native and now ex-CIA agent, ultimately pleaded guilty to four of 25 federal counts including sexual abuse, coercion and transportation of obscene material

Prosecutors described the now-former CIA officer as an experienced sexual predator who kept a detailed account of potential victims organized by name, ethnicity and notes on their physical characteristics.

'Many of the recordings show Raymond touching and manipulating the victims' bodies while they were unconscious and incapable of consent,' a Justice Department release read.

'Raymond attempted to delete the explicit photographs and videos depicting the victims after learning about the criminal investigation.'

U.S. Senior Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said: It's safe to say he's a sexual predator. You are going to have a period of time to think about this.

About a dozen of Raymond's victims - who were identified only by numbers in court - recounted how the longtime spy upended their lives.

Some said they only learned what happened after the FBI showed them the photos of being assaulted while unconscious.

My body looks like a corpse on his bed, one victim said of the photos. Now I have these nightmares of seeing myself dead.

Prosecutors described the now-former CIA officer as an experienced sexual predator who kept a detailed account of potential victims organized by name, ethnicity and notes on their physical characteristics

Another spoke of a recurring trance that caused her to run red lights while driving. Many told how their confidence and trust in others had been shattered forever.

I hope he is haunted by the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life, said one of the women, who like others stared Raymond down as they walked away from the podium.

With a graying beard and orange prison jumpsuit, he sat despairingly as he heard his punishment for one of the most egregious misconduct cases in the CIAs history.

Reading from a statement Raymond told the judge that he has spent countless hours contemplating his downward spiral.

It betrayed everything I stand for and I know no apology will ever be enough, he said. There are no words to describe how sorry I am. That's not who I am and yet it's who I became.

Prosecutors say Raymonds assaults all follow a similar pattern as he would lure women he met on Tinder and other dating apps to his government-leased apartment and drug them while serving wine and snacks.

Investigators combing his devices found an incriminating online search history for phrases such as 'Ambien and alcohol and pass out' and 'vodka & valium.'

Once the women were unconscious he spent hours posing their naked bodies before photographing and assaulting them. At times he would open their eyelids and stick his fingers in their mouths.

About a dozen of the victims - who were identified only by numbers in court - recounted how the longtime spy upended their lives (pictured US Embassy in Mexico City where he worked)

Prosecutors described the now-former CIA officer as an experienced sexual predator who kept a detailed account of potential victims organized by name, ethnicity and notes on their physical characteristics

The CIA has since publicly condemned Raymonds crimes and implemented reforms.

There is absolutely no excuse for Mr. Raymonds reprehensible, appalling behavior, the agency said Wednesday. As this case shows, we are committed to engaging with law enforcement.

Raymonds sentencing comes amid an evaluation on sexual misconduct at the CIA.

Last week another veteran CIA officer faces charges in Virginia for allegedly reaching up a co-workers skirt and forcibly kissing her during a drunken party in the office.

Another former CIA employee is scheduled to face a jury trial next month on charges he assaulted a woman with a scarf in a stairwell at the agency's headquarters.

The full extent of sexual misconduct at the CIA remains classified in the name of national security - including a 648-page internal watchdog report that found systemic shortcomings in the agencys handling of such complaints.

The classified nature of the activities allowed the agency to hide a lot of things, said Liza Mundy, author of Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA.

The male-dominated agency, she said, has long been a refuge for egregious sexual misconduct, adding for decades, men at the top had free rein.
He has now been released from hospital

Their brother, 3, was in an induced coma

A toddler who survived an inferno that claimed the lives of his two siblings has been released from hospital, as a coroner launches a probe into their tragic deaths.

Siblings Izabel, 5, and Lyvia, 2, and their three-year-old brother Kalais were pulled unconscious from the rear of a property in Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west after neighbours raised the alarm on 8 September.

Firefighters rescued the children one-by-one before all three were rushed to the Royal Children's Hospital. Police are investigating whether they had been left home alone.

Tragically, Zabel and Lyvia died in hospital last week, while Kalais was put in an induced coma.

But his father, Jayde Petalas, has revealed that little Kalais was released from hospital on Wednesday.

'Im really happy about it. Im glad hes OK,' Mr Petalas told The Age.

It comes as the Coroners Court of Victoria has confirmed there is a active investigation into the children's deaths.

Mr Petalas, who does not live at the home, previously told Nine News of his fears that his children would have been 'petrified' in the fire.

Little Kalais, 3, was placed in an induced coma after a devastating house fire that killed his two siblings. The toddler was released from hospital on Wednesday

Father Jayde Petalas (pictured with one of the children) said it had been confronting to see the three young children in hospital

'I hope they didn't feel anything to be honest, (but) obviously they would have, I just tell myself they didn't,' the distraught father said.

'It shouldn't have happened. They're the best little kids - so innocent.'

Police are still trying to establish what sparked the fire and whether the children were home alone at the time.

The kids and their mother Shania Lee moved into the property a week before the blaze.

The children were trapped inside for about half an hour, according to neighbours.

'When I first came out a few of us heard screaming,' an unnamed resident recalled.

Adolf Kolaritsch added: 'Just explosions, that's all it was and then fire shooting out into the air.

Another said it was heartbreaking to hear that the children were 'fighting for their lives'.

Mr Petalas is pictured with two of the children Izabelle and Kalais, who were pulled unconscious from a Melbourne house fire

A loud bang heard before the flames engulfed the home, followed by a series of further explosions, sparked concerns fireworks may have played a role in triggering the blaze.

However, Victoria Police Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Acting Inspector Adam Henry said they had so far found no evidence of that.

He also stressed that was also too early to say if the fire was suspicious.

All three of the children were found unconscious from smoke inhalation in an area towards the front of the home, he said.

'This is an incredibly tragic incident, and one that certainly would have been very confronting for the first responders,' Inspector Henry said.

The blaze is believed to have started at the rear of the home, which was gutted by the fire.

Neighbours said they heard explosions before and during the fire that raged for half an hour while the children were inside

Police have brought in arson and explosives experts to investigated what started the blaze

Forensic police were seen combing through debris outside the home after they joined fire investigators and Victoria Police's Arson Squad at the scene

'At the time (fire crews) were unaware that anyone was inside the property and it is our understanding that the family had only moved in a week earlier,' Inspector Henry said.

Det Insp Henry said police will speak to Ms Lee 'in due course' but 'at this time she is with her children and it's where she needs to be'

'It is important that we don't pre-empt any possible outcomes or make any assumption,' he said.

Forensic police were seen combing through debris outside the home after they joined fire investigators and Victoria Police's arson squad at the scene last week.

Detectives also canvassed the area in search of CCTV they believe might help determine where the children's guardians were at the time of the blaze.

A dog was carried out of the backyard by a firefighter about 9.30am on Monday. It appeared uninjured and is believed to have fled the fire and returned home later

Detectives are also canvassing the area in search of CCTV they believe might help determine where the children's guardians were at the time of the blaze

It's understood police are working to establish if anyone in the home had left around the time the blaze erupted.

The crime scene remains taped off as police continue to probe inside the house for clues.

A dog was carried out of the backyard by a firefighter on Monday morning. It appeared uninjured and is believed to have fled the fire and returned home later.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
An 11-year-old boy has tragically died after falling off a train while subway surfing in Brooklyn.

The child, who has yet to be identified to the public, lost his life while surfing on the roof of a G train in Park Slope on Monday.

The dangerous trend has already claimed the lives of three others this year alone.

According to the FDNY, the horrific incident occurred near 4th Avenue 9th-Street station around 10.15am.

Witnesses told the NYPD the boy fell off the top of the train and onto the tracks below.

An 11-year-old boy died on Monday around 10.15am after subway surfing on the roof of a G train in Park Slope Brooklyn. (pictured: Cops picking up a backpack on the tracks)

The horrific incident occurred near 4th Avenue 9th-Street station. (pictured: Officers seen carrying a covered gurney on the platform)

Video footage taken after the incident, the moment cops picked a backpack up off the train tracks where the child had fallen. Officers were also seen carrying a covered gurney on the platform.

Service for the F and G train was disrupted while the NYPD conducted an investigation at the Brooklyn station.

'I hope that other kids that think about this think twice,' Brian, a Brooklyn resident, told PIX 11.

Following the most recent death, Mayor Eric Adams took to X to pay his respects.

'It is heartbreaking to hear another life cut short due to subway surfing. Sending my prayers to the family of this young New Yorker.

'We will continue to do everything we can to discourage this dangerous activity, but we need everyone to join our efforts. Through our #RideInsideStayAlive campaign, we're going to continue working to keep our kids safe,' Adams said.

Last year the MTA launched a campaign, 'Ride inside, stay alive,' warning against the dangers of subway surfing after many children were either injured or killed.

This is the fourth subway surfer death in 2024 and the youngest victim to lose their life from the daredevil act.

NYPD officers are seen surrounding a covered gurney after the tragic incident Monday. The child has not been identified

In July, Anthony Bhagwandeen, 15, died after hopping on top of a Queens train. He was found with a severe head injury at the elevated tracks at Beach 90th St. Station in Rockaway

In July, Anthony Bhagwandeen, 15, died after hopping on top of a Queens train.

He was found with a severe head injury at the elevated tracks at Beach 90th St. Station in Rockaway, Daily News reported.

Lennox DeCruz, the teen's grandfather, told the outlet he doesn't believe his grandson was alone that fateful day.

'Lets say he was [subway] surfing. He wouldnt have gone alone. If he had friends with him, they didnt stay. They didnt stick around after he fell,' DeCruz said.

His grandfather added that his grandson also suffered two broken legs.

According to cops, it is unclear if Bhagwandeen died after being hit by another train or after falling onto the tracks.

A GoFundMe page was launched to raise money for his memorial service following his sudden death.

Just a month before that an unidentified 13-year-old boy was killed while subway surfing in the Bronx.

He lost his life after riding on top of a northbound No. 6 train at the Middletown Road station in Pelham Bay, the NYPD reported.

The deceased child suffered a head trauma, among other injuries.

In January, Alam Reyes, 14, fell off a Coney Island bound F Train in Brooklyn and died at the scene. His half-brother said he ditched school that day and went subway surfing with a friend

In January, Alam Reyes, 14, fell off a Coney Island bound F Train in Brooklyn and died at the scene.

His heartbroken half-brother later revealed that the teenager followed multiple accounts that posted pictures and videos of subway surfing around the city.

'Now that you go to his social media, you see who he's following, who's his friends,' Diego Tinoco, told Daily News.

'You see the videos people post of subway surfing, you realize now it's too late.

'He was a nice kid, he had a lot of friends, he just hung out in the wrong circle.'

Tinoco said his brother ditched class at Landmark High School in Chelsea and went subway surfing with a friend that day.

The friend continued on to the next stop after Reyes fell at the elevated Avenue N station in Midwood above McDonald Avenue.
The chief executive of a regional council has been sensationally sacked during a livestreamed meeting.

CEO Dave Burges had his contract terminated by the Southern Downs Regional Council during its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday.

The Southern Downs Council is a local government area in Queensland's Darling Downs region in the state's southwest.

Mr Burges had been CEO for over four years since mid-2020 and is understood to have been on long service leave at the time.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton moved the motion as the last order of business.

'I'm going to move a motion that council terminates the chief executive officers' employment in accordance with section 18.1E of the contract of employment with council and the officer made on 19 June 2023 effective immediately. Do I have a seconder for that motion?' Mayor Hamilton said.

After the motion was seconded, councillor Ross Bartley took to his feet and spoke against the motion while praising the outgoing CEO.

'I'd just like to say in my 20 years plus of local government I've worked with five full-time CEOs and as many acting, and in that time I found the previous CEO to be one of the most professional and efficient I've ever worked with,' he said.

CEO Dave Burges (pictured) was fired by the Southern Downs Regional Council during the council's Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday

Mayor Melissa Hamilton moved the motion as the last order of business (meeting is pictured)

'So it's disappointing to me that our CEO has been terminated, but it seems to be that is life of local government.'

Councillor Russell Wantling also spoke against the motion.

'I'd like to speak against it also,' he told the group.

'I actually had one of the staff come up to me recently and they said to me that councillors come and go and so do mayors. And they said that they were so happy to be actually working with a good CEO for once.'

Another councillor started to pay tribute to Mr Burges, before being cut off by Mayor Hamilton who said: 'We haven't made the motion'

But they continued: 'If the motion was to pass, I'd like to say that I'm thankful for the time that David spent with us new councillors in this term and I wish him the best for the future.'

Angry residents took to the council's Facebook page to criticise the move with former councillor Andrew Gale writing that he was 'appalled'.

'I am absolutely shocked and horrified at the Councilor's who today voted to SACK the best CEO who has worked with council in recent years,' one person wrote.

'Very disappointing result. Councillor's Wantling and Bartly are to be commended for voting against the motion.'

'Shame Shame Shame. Sack the bloke when he's on his first holiday in four years and not even there to defend himself,' a second wrote.

'Why is the CEO being dismissed? Surely the public needs to know,' a third said.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (pictured) paid tribute to Mr Burges and wished him well for the future

'Southern Downs Regional Council announced at its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 18 September 2024 that it will be pursuing new leadership opportunities as it moves to terminate the employment contract of Chief Executive Officer Dave Burges, effectively immediately,' the council said in a statement.

'The termination was administered in accordance with the contract terms, as agreed by the previous Council.'

Steve Jackson will be acting CEO at the council during the recruitment process.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Burges for comment.
A second poll in 24 hours shows Donald Trump tied with Kamala Harris in one of the critical midwestern swing states that could turn the election.

A Marist College poll released just after midnight Thursday shows Harris ahead of Trump in Wisconsin and Michigan and the rivals statistically tied in Pennsylvania.

Trump won all three so-called 'blue wall' states over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, delivering him an Electoral College victory.

In 2020, President Joe Biden flipped the three states back to the Democratic column.

The poll shows Harris leading Trump by five points in Michigan, 52 percent to 47 percent, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

A second poll in 24 hours shows Donald Trump tied with Kamala Harris in one of the critical midwestern swing states that could turn the election

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Harris has a small lead in Michigan with independents and larger leads with black voters and female voters. Trump leads in the state with white voters and men.

In Wisconsin, where Trump and Harris were tied in Wednesday's key poll, Harris has a one-point advantage at 50 percent to 49 percent but well within the margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

Harris did have a larger lead among Wisconsin independents (51 percent to 47 percent) than she does in Michigan (49 to 47) and even leads Trump among white and male voters.

In Pennsylvania, however, the two can not be separated, with a 49-49 tie and the margin of error of plus-minus 2.9 percentage points.

Trump leads Harris 49 percent to 45 percent among independent voters, while claiming men and white voters, while Harris leads among female and nonwhite voters.

A Quinnipiac University poll released earlier Wednesday shows Harris ahead of Trump in Pennsylvania and Michigan while they are tied in Wisconsin.

Harris now has a six-point lead in Pennsylvania in that poll - 51 percent to 45 percent - with Green Party hopeful Jill Stein and Libertarian Party candidate Chase Oliver garnering 1 percent each.

The margin of error in Pennsylvania is plus or minus 2.7 percent.

A Marist College poll released just after midnight Thursday shows Harris ahead of Trump in Wisconsin and Michigan and the rivals statistically tied in Pennsylvania

The poll shows Harris leading Trump by five points in Michigan, 52 percent to 47 percent, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points

Trump won all three so-called 'blue wall' states over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, delivering him an Electoral College victory

In Michigan, Harris leads Trump by five points - 50 percent to 45 percent - with Stein receiving 2 percent of the vote.

Her lead is narrowly outside the plus or minus 3.3 percent margin of error.

In Wisconsin, Harris leads by 1 point - 48 percent to Trump's 47 percent - with Stein recieving 1 percent of the vote.

That poll had a plus or minus 3 percent margin of error.

By narrow margins, voters in the three states say Trump is the better leader on the economy and immigration but Harris is the far-and-away leader on the issue of abortion.

In Pennsylvania, 57 percent say Harris would do a better job handling the issue of abortion, compared to 38 percent who said Trump.

In Michigan it's 53 percent for Harris and 42 percent for Trump and in Wisconsin 53 percent also said Harris, while 40 percent said Trump.

Harris had an edge when asked which candidate was better for 'preserving democracy.'

She had a tiny lead when Americans in the three states were asked which candidate would better handle a crisis.

In Pennsylvania, 49 percent said Harris and 47 percent said Trump.

In Michigan, 51 percent said Harris, 47 percent said Trump and in Wisconsin - where Harris has the smallest lead - 49 percent said Harris and 48 percent said Trump.

The three midwestern states are among the seven considered to be crucial to the race, alongside, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina.

Biden won six of the seven in 2020 en route to the White House.

If Harris were to lose either Pennsylvania or Wisconsin, she would need to hang on to Arizona, Georgia and Nevada or flip North Carolina to retain the White House for the Democrats.

Harris will return to Wisconsin to campaign on Friday, while Trump will head to Pennsylvania for a rally Monday night.
A child psychology expert has revealed the traumatic choice faced by the distraught mother of the 12-year-old girl who committed suicide after being bullied at school.

Charlotte O'Brien, a Year 7 student at Santa Sabina College at Strathfield in Sydney's inner-west, took her own life earlier this month after two years of misery where she said classmates were using confidential information to bully her relentlessly.

Emails between Charlotte's mother Kerry O'Brien and the school reveal Ms O'Brien believed the bullying was having 'severe ramifications' on her daughter's mental health.

She faced a heart-rending decision on whether to uproot her daughter and pull her from her school mid-year, or try to work with school staff to solve the problem.

Brisbane-based senior child psychiatrist Dr Jillian Spencer said the dilemma to leave a school, even a toxic one, mid-year was 'an extremely difficult one for parents'.

'The hope is that the new schools social environment will be easier, but there is no guarantee,' Dr Spencer told Daily Mail Australia.

'I have seen some children do really well with a change of school and I have seen others that have not managed the pressure of being "the new kid", especially if their self-confidence has been knocked by recent negative experiences.

'Some parents worry that a move of school will teach a child to give up in the face of adversity, but this is not a significant concern for a single school move.'

Yer 7 student Charlotte O'Brien tragically took her own life after saying persistent bullying by classmates was making her school-life a living hell

For some families buying a new full school uniform or other costs associated with the change could be a financial stress.

And there is also the fear that the trigger for the bullying may still follow the child even to their new school through online abuse and social media.

In Charlotte's tragic case, she discovered on Google that her biological father, who she has never known, had a violent criminal past and confided that to some friends.

Unfortunately that information was then weaponised pitilessly against her, the family said.

However, even in connected age of social media Dr Spencer thought it was still possible for a child to move to a new school where they troubled and find a 'clean slate'.

'I have seen that clinically and it is wonderful to watch a child bounce back,' she said.

Dr Spencer said persistent bullying was normally due to a combination of things rather than one factor, such as family background.

She said it depended on the individual personalities of the children in the class or year level doing the bullying and their parents willingness to intervene, the schools capacity to regulate bullying, and the bullied childs vulnerabilities.

Charlotte divulged personal family information to some friends but sadly she said it was used against her

Brisbane-based Senior Child Psychiatrist Dr Jillian Spencer said there were no guarantees moving schools would make a bullying situation disappear

While Dr Spencer could only comment on Charlotte's case from what she had read, suicide in general is complex and the World Health Organisation (WHO) warns against ascribing it to just one factor.

'Suicide risk should not be exaggerated, nor be presented as monocausal, and should not be considered an appropriate means of dealing with adversity,' a WHO guideline reads.

Dr Spencer provided some general advice to parents who believe their children are suffering bullying at school.

'Parents should keep detailed information about incidents that are alleged, and the children involved, so that the school has clear information to act on,' she said.

'If serious bullying goes on for more than two to three months, it may affect the childs development.

'The child may come to view themselves and the world in a different light from the sustained negative experiences.

'There needs to be an ongoing conversation with the child about what they are experiencing and if they see any opportunities for things to improve and retain a sense of hope.'

Dr Spencer said there also needs to 'ongoing conversation' between the parents and the school, including the school psychologist/guidance officer, about any factors that can be employed to protect the child.

For parents who are concerned a school is not being proactive enough, Dr Spencer said it was important to communicate this in writing 'to ensure that the concerns arent disregarded'.

'Parents should also meet with senior staff from the school and the school psychological or guidance officer about the situation,' Dr Spencer said.

'If any mental health services are involved, those can also liaise with the school to ensure the concerns are being addressed.'
Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart has once again ripped into government bureaucracy as endangering the living standards of Australians, despite the approval of her newest iron ore mine.

On Wednesday Ms Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting confirmed the federal government had given the final green light to its $600million McPhee project, north of its massive Roy Hill operation near Nullagine in WA's remote Pilbara region.

The mine is expected to produce about 10 million tonnes of ore annually from the 2025-26 financial year.

The project was first referred for environmental approval in early 2021 and originally expected to open in 2023, but Hancock Prospecting's projects chief executive Sanjiv Manchanda said the proposal experienced a 'multitude of challenges' and had been bogged down by changes to heritage legislation and federal environment guidelines.

The delay prompted Ms Rinehart's ire about 'government tape', which she warned will stymie investment and compromise living standards.

'Mines aren't like wool that grow each year, they must be studied, invested in and developed if we want to be able to maintain living standards,' she said.

'This is serious if we keep bringing in policies and adding government tape that keep attacking the mining golden geese, making projects more expensive and uncertain, there are other countries that have iron ore and other minerals.

'Investment will continue to move offshore as we continue to see record business closures, upsetting many families, and falling standards of living affecting Australians across our country, six consecutive quarters so far.

The delayed approval of Hancock Prospecting's $600million McPhee project in WA prompted Ms Rinehart's ire about ' government tape', which she warned will stymie investment and compromise living standards

'In my view, it's important that we make investment and projects more welcome, and continue receiving the benefits of the mining industry and those businesses that they support.'

In the year to June 30, 2023, Hancock made a $5.04billion net profit from $13.2b revenue, compared with a $5.8b net profit and $14.6b revenue in 2022.

The result represented the biggest profit in Australia for a locally owned private company during that financial year.

Ms Rinehart herself is estimated to be worth $46 billion.

Her 'golden geese' comments about the mining industry come as Anthony Albanese's government struggles to realise its election pledge to establish a new agency, Environment Protection Australia, that would be able to impose stiff penalties on companies caught breaking environmental laws.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is in talks with the Coalition, Greens and crossbenchers about the proposed body but the demand by the Greens for a 'climate trigger' to allow the agency to reject fossil fuel or industrial projects adversely contributing to climate change has complicated the legislation.

Mining companies and industry groups fear the agency's role will further delay projects, inflate costs and deter new investment.

By contrast, the ALP claims the agency would cut green tape by providing companies with prompt, clear advice to help streamline the environmental approvals process.

Ms Rinehart warned the standards of living could fall if investments continued to move offshore (stock image)

Ms Plibersek said she will not incorporate 'Greens election policy' in the government's bill.

Western Australia's Pilbara region supplied the world with 38 per cent of its iron ore last year, and two thirds of China's iron ore came from there.

But there are now dire warnings about the price importers will pay for Australian iron ore in the next couple of years after the bursting of China's property bubble.

AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina recently told Daily Mail Australia that iron ore prices could fall further if Chinese investors on the share market became nervous, with poorer risk sentiment affecting key commodity prices.

'I do think that there is a downside risk to iron ore prices but to get price to fall to $60 a tonne, you'd need to see a much further weakening in the Chinese economy,' Ms Mousina said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has renewed her plea to Australians in Lebanon to leave the country after a second spate of explosions on Wednesday (local time) killed nearly two dozen people and injured hundreds more.

The attacks, which were carried out using rigged walkie-talkies, are broadly seen as targeting fighters of Hezbollah, a Lebanese political party and militant group that has been engaged in cross-border fighting with the Israeli military since the start of the Israel-Hamas War.

'Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation,' Senator Wong told reporters on Thursday.

'I would also say to Australians in Lebanon this reflects the concern we've had for some time about the potential for regional escalation.

'You would have heard me say if you are in Lebanon, leave now.

'We are concerned about wider escalation, and we would continue to urge all parties to avert a regional escalation.'

Wednesday's blasts killed 20 people and injured more than 450, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Meanwhile, the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, with nearly 3000 injured, including Iran's ambassador to Lebanon.

Australians in Lebanon have been desperately urged to leave the country after a second round of deadly attacks on the country involving exploding tech (pictured, paramedics in Beirut)

Israel has not commented on the either attacks directly, but Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (local time) his country was 'opening a new phase in the war'.

'It requires courage, determination and perseverance from us,' Mr Gallant said.

Senator Wong refused to comment on whether she thought Israel was responsible for the attacks in Lebanon, but said that 'we know that Israel lives in a unique security environment, and we also know that we see a cycle of violence in the Middle East.'

'We would like to see peace and the peoples of region would like to see peace,' she said.

Earlier, Australia joined the UK and Canada among 43 countries that abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding Israel 'its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory' within a year.

The UNGA adopted the Palestinian-drafted resolution overwhelmingly, with 124 in favour and just 12 against.

Senator Wong said that Australia 'worked very hard' with other countries to get amendments through that would have let Canberra to back the resolution.

'We voted for recognition and ceasefire ... because we were able to get a set of words that we could support,' she said.

'Unfortunately, this was not the case. Nevertheless, we support the principles of determination for the Palestinian people.'

The senator said she understood why Australians were concerned about the conflict in Gaza, adding she herself was 'deeply concerned'.

'10,000 children have been killed,' she said.

'I am deeply concerned about the conflict in Gaza. And we will continue to do everything we are able to do to seek peace.'

Aussie tourists have been warned against travelling to Lebanon (stock image)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it targeted military buildings belonging to Hezbollah in the Jibbain area of southern Lebanon on Wednesday, September 18.

The IAF said it targeted several buildings in southern Lebanon's Al Jibin region using fighter jets, after one of its divisions identified several Hezbollah fighters operating in these buildings.

But Greens defence spokesman David Shoebridge accused the government of not supporting the resolution because it would have affected 'arms trade with Israel'.

'Foreign Minister Penny Wong can spin this however she wants,' he told reporters on Thursday afternoon.

'But one of the core reasons why the Australian government voted down the UN resolution was it would have required Australia to stop the two way arms trade with Israel.'

The government has denied supplying weapons and munitions to Israel in the past five years.

It has also supported the UK's move to cut back weapons exports to Israel.
Her mother was acquitted of murder and torture

A man who murdered a three-year-old girl after inflicting severe physical abuse and punishments has been jailed for life.

Tane Saul Desatge, 45, was found guilty in the Queensland Supreme Court at Toowoomba of the murder and torture of Kaydence Hazel Mills some time between February 16 and May 6 in 2017 at Chinchilla, west of Brisbane.

Following a judge-alone trial, Justice Sean Cooper found Desatge caused Kaydence's death by hitting her on the head and face with the bamboo stick with the intention of at least doing grievous bodily harm.

Justice Cooper on Thursday sentenced Desatge to life imprisonment with his 1,066 days spent on remand recognised as time served.

He will be eligible to apply for parole in March 2042.

Kaydence's mother and Desatge's fiancee at the time, Sinitta Tammy Dawita was acquitted of murder and torture at the same trial.

Kaydence had been subject to escalating violence before her death, with Desatge more frequently hitting her with the stick.

'I find that Mr Desatge felt a significant degree of animosity towards (Kaydence's father) and this animosity influenced his feelings towards Kaydence and his treatment of her,' Justice Cooper said.

Tane Saul Desatge was sentenced to minimum of 18 years behind bars after he was found guilty over the murder of his stepdaughter Kaydence Hazel Mills (pictured)

Family members told Justice Cooper during trial that more and more noticeable bruises, often in a straight line, appeared on the little girl and she was repeatedly forced to eat her own faeces.

Kaydence was last seen alive lying on a red couch with her eyes closed and not moving at the family's home with bruises on her head and face.

Desatge and Dawita concealed Kaydence's death by wrapping her body in garbage bags and initially placing her in the outhouse at their home's backyard.

The couple moved her body to Chinchilla Weir where she was buried until her body was discovered in March 2020.

Desatge and Dawita had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of interfering with a dead body.

Dawita was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison and with time already served she will be eligible for parole on September 23.
'It's the most Australian thing I've ever seen,' one person said

Customers carried on with their meals as kangaroo hopped around

We're all guilty of the occasional trip to KFC, and it seems kangaroos are no exception.

A Western Australian filmed the crazy moment a roo stopped by at a KFC restaurant in Busselton on Sunday night, and then shared it on social media.

Filming from the car park, Torrie Bolton caught the roo bouncing to a huge height, while at least two customers carried on as if this was just a regular night out in their town.

After avoiding the tables, the kangaroo seemed to be headed for the exit, but then got frightened by the automatic door and bounced away.

But a follow-up clip showed it eventually escaped through the sliding door and made its way across the car park to freedom.

It's not know if the roo was hopping mad over an order gone wrong, but KFC confirmed that no customers, staff or marsupials were injured in the unexpected adventure.

Among almost 1,000 comments under the video, one person wrote that it was 'the most Australian thing I've ever seen come from Australia'.

'That's Australia for ya,' another wrote.

Others joked that the roo was looking for a feed, just like anyone else. 'Skippy wants his zinger box,' wrote one.

Others were astonished at the lack of reaction from the customers. 'Bro was sitting there like it's normal,' one said. 'I'm from Australia and it's like this too.'

Poll Have you ever come across a wild creature in an unexpected place? Yes No Have you ever come across a wild creature in an unexpected place? Yes 19 votes

No 9 votes Now share your opinion





Another, possibly joking, asked 'What country is this?'

Some though, thought the kangaroo could mount a legal case, with one writing 'Roo should sue, that door wasn't clearly marked.'

'Nobody thought to hold the door open. Guess they figured Skippy had the auto doors figured by now,' wrote another.

A KFC spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that 'A kangaroo hopped its way into KFC Busselton on Sunday.

'After roaming the restaurant for a bit, it then decided it was time to bounce.

'We can confirm no customers, team members or marsupials were injured as a result.'

This wasn't the only recent close encounter with a wild animal in Australia, though the koala who ventured into a supermarket in Victoria was much calmer.

Videos and photos captured the koala wandering through aisles, climbing up shelving, crawling over newspapers and inspecting children's toys in the Meeniyan IGA in Victoria's Gippsland region on Monday.

Some viewers of a video of a kangaroo leaping wildly around a fast food joint while customers continue to eat reckon it's the most Australian thing they've ever seen

The cute creature eventually needed a helping hand from staff getting down from the top of a spice rack.

'He has a little roosting area over in the trees in the middle part of town and he decided to go for a little waddle and ended up at our door and was very determined to come in,' IGA store owner Kaelene Shervall told the Today show on Tuesday.

'We had great difficulty getting him back out.

'The main thing was he was just looking to climb up somewhere and when he couldn't get any higher on the herb stand, that's when I got the platform ladder out and he decided he liked that better,' she said.
Baby P's evil stepfather's behaviour in prison is so bad that he has been denied a full parole hearing and will remain locked up.

Steven Barker, 47, has spent 15 years in prison for torturing and killing 17-month-old Peter Connelly and for raping a two-year-old girl.

He has been denied parole four times since 2017 but was hopeful that his fifth would result in a full appeal and his eventual release.

However, Barker has been told a review of his jail papers under a Member Case Assessment (MCA) has been unsuccessful.

The MCA is the first stage in the review process that normally leads to a full oral hearing in front of a three person panel.

Known publicly as Baby P, 17-month-old Peter Connelly (pictured) was tortured and killed by his mother's lover Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen, whilst his mother Tracey Connelly stood by

Steven Barker (pictured) has served 15 years for torturing and killing Baby P, as well as raping a two-year-old girl.

Barker now has 28 days to appeal the decision and to request a private oral hearing.

The Parole Board confirmed that Barker had been informed of the MCA decision. So far, he has not appealed.

If the status quo remains, Barker will be in jail until at least 2026.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Steven Barker following a paper review.

'The panel also refused to recommend a move to open prison. After a paper refusal, the prisoner has 28 days in which to ask the Parole Board for an oral hearing.

'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.'

A source said: 'Barker also lost his last appeal under a MCA in 2023. It is very rare for a prisoner to have two rejections in a row.

'The panel member who read Barker's dossier decided there was enough information to reject his parole appeal.

Baby P's mother Tracey Connelly (pictured) covered up the abuse of her son and was jailed indefinitely in 2009 for a minimum of five years after admitting causing or allowing his death

Barker's older brother Jason Owen (pictured) was given a six-year custodial sentence for allowing Baby P to die, but has also been released

'The documentation has to be pretty damning for this to happen and the outcome has to be clear cut.'

The MCA review included documents on his behaviour in jail and in-depth psychological reports.

Barker has reason to fear the MCA review, as he lost the last one in October 2023.

The review said that Barker had refused to deal with his horrific actions.

This included refusing to take part in 'offence-focused interventions'.

Barker was among three people jailed in relation to the death of baby Peter in 2007.

Peter's mother Tracey Connelly, 42, was released in 2013 before being locked up again in 2015 for breaching her licence conditions.

She is alleged to have been selling naked photos of herself and 'developing intimate personal relationships' online.

She was released in July 2022, but recalled to prison again this month for breaching her license conditions a second time.

She was subject to 20 licence conditions, including having to wear an electronic tag and disclose all her relationships, having her internet use monitored and obey a curfew.

She was also banned from going to certain places to 'avoid contact with victims and to protect children'.

A HM Prison and Probation Service spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and we do not hesitate to recall them to prison if they break the rules.'

Connelly pictured in July 2022 when she was released from prison

Tracey Connelly has been recalled to prison for an unspecified breach of her licence conditions after being sentenced to an indefinite prison term for torturing her son to death

The Parole Board had said at the time of her release in 2022 that she had been cleared for release due to a low risk of reoffending and that probation officers and prison officials supported the plan.

As she is serving an indefinite sentence, it will be a matter for the Board to decide if she is ever released again.

Barker's brother Jason Owen, 48, was given a six-year custodial sentence for allowing Baby P to die, but has also been released.

Little Peter had suffered over 50 injuries, despite being on the at-risk register.

Social workers, police and health professionals made a total of 60 visits to his home over an eight-month period before he died.

His horrific injuries included a broken back, fractured shinbone, damage to the head, and blackened fingers and toes from cigarette burns.

Connelly's lover Barker was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 10 years for raping a two-year-old and given a 12-year term to run concurrently for his 'major role' in Peter's death.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board previously said: 'We can confirm the parole review of Steven Barker has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.'
An Australia Post contractor has been charged with theft after he allegedly stole more than $6,000 worth of iPhone 16s from a mail consignment.

Police arrested the 34-year-old man at about 6.40am on Thursday in Forbes, in central New South Wales, and charged him in Parkes Police Station.

The man allegedly stole the consignment from the Parkes post office at about 9am on Tuesday.

He put the package in his own delivery van.

Australia Post was later alerted that one of the phones  which were due for release on Friday  was activated for use.

The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are all being released on Friday.

NSW Police was notified and commenced its enquiries into the phones' disappearance.

Investigations led police to Forbes on Thursday, where they stopped a delivery van and arrested the 34-year-old man.

An Australia Post contractor has been charged with theft after he allegedly stole more than $6,000 worth of iPhone 16s from a mail consignment

Police searched the van and found one of the allegedly stolen mobile phones, which they then seized.

Later in the morning, police moved in on a house on Federation Boulevard in Forbes and found the other three mobile phones.

The man was hit with one theft related charge while in the Parkes Police Station.

'The man was taken to Parkes Police Station and charged with steal property as clerk/servant over $5,000 and under $15,000,' police said.

The 34 year old was granted conditional bail to appear at Parkes Local Court on Thursday 17 October 2024.

Daily Mail Australia understands the contractor no longer provides services to Australia Post.

Australia Post confirmed they have been made aware of the charges.

Australia Post have been contacted for further comment.
A series of fatal explosions of pagers and walkie talkies carried by Hezbollah fighters has heightened Pentagon concern about a potential ground war erupting in Lebanon soon as sources claimed that the US knew Israel was planning something against the militant group before the attacks.

Before hundreds of electronic devices simultaneously detonated on Tuesday and Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told other senior Pentagon officials in a Monday meeting that he feared Israel could soon retaliate and launch an offensive.

US alarm regarding a possible invasion has grown since the deadly explosion attacks in Lebanon with another senior defense official sharing their concerns about the situation 'spiraling out of control'.

But ever since the Gaza war broke out on October 7 last year, when Hamas fighters stormed a music festival in southern Israel, the Biden administration has feared a full-scale conflict could erupt on Israel's northern frontier that could pull in the US and even Iran.

US officials claimed that although they are yet to witness any concrete movement from Israel regarding an imminent invasion, and that it would take weeks for Israeli forces to launch a major offensive, that they could still launch a smaller operation with speed and without any substantial military presence.

The Pentagon was allegedly briefed by Israel that its forces were going to do 'something' in Lebanon on Wednesday before the deadly walkie talkie explosions. Pictured: US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken

A new wave of wireless communications device explosions across Lebanon on Wednesday killed at least 14 people and injured hundreds more

Pictures purportedly showing exploded hand-held radios have been circulating online

Israeli officials, however, snapped back on Wednesday, claiming they were beginning a new stage in their head-to-head with Iram-backed Hezbollah but said the clash could be avoided if the militant group draws back its forces from southern Lebanon and ends the cross-border missile attacks.

'We are at the start of a new phase in the warwe are allocating resources and forces to the northern arena and our mission is clear: ensuring the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes,' Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.

'To do so, the security situation must be changed.'

Speaking in Egypt, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said Washington had no prior knowledge of what was going to happen before Tuesday and Wednesday's attacks.

But speaking on the BBC Global News Podcast, its State Department correspondent Tom Bateman claimed that message had been 'tweaked a bit in the last few hours, with officials briefing anonymously that they did have some advanced warning'.

He added that according to these briefings, the Pentagon was told by Israelis that they were going to do 'something' in Lebanon yesterday - but 'didn't give any details on what that operation was'.

'It's a slightly bizarre admission I think because it begs the question: why didn't the Americans ask them what they planned to do  when this piece of information was given to them? So I think that will be the focus of a lot more questions for the Pentagon and the State Department,' he said.

Blinken also expressed frustration on Wednesday that the escalations between Israel and Hezbollah threaten to derail efforts to broker a cease-fire deal in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.

The diplomat spoke to reporters in Cairo, where he traveled for talks on the cease-fire negotiations and US-Egyptian relations.

The United States, Egypt and other international partners are working for an agreement between Israel and Hamas to halt nearly a year of war in Gaza and release hostages held by the militant group.

The US says such a deal is the best chance at tamping down wider regional tensions, with Israeli leaders threatening to step up military action against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and the pager attack risking further escalation.

Local media reported a fire breaking out in a car as a result of a device exploding

Smoke billows from a house in Baalbek in east Lebanon after a reported explosion of a radio device, on September 18, 2024

Flames rise up a building in Lebanon amid the explosions

'Time and again' when the US and other mediators believe they are making progress on a cease-fire deal in Gaza, 'we've seen an event that... threatens to slow it, stop it, derail it,' Blinken said in response to a question about the previous day's explosions in Lebanon.

Personal pagers used by Hezbollah in Lebanon exploded nearly simultaneously Tuesday, killing at least 12 people, including two children.

Blinken reiterated that the US was still gathering information on the circumstances of the pager attack and declined to make more specific comments.

In other unexpected events that have put a cease-fire deal at risk, Blinken spoke of the discovery this month of the bodies of six hostages who Israel said had been recently killed by Hamas.

They were among those still held in Gaza following Hamas' October 7 attacks in Israel that sparked the war.

When news came of their deaths, negotiators had been making progress on the timing and other details of a swap that would have freed hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention, America's top diplomat said.

Blinken, who had meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, said the most dire need in the troubled cease-fire negotiations was for both sides to show they actually wanted a deal.

'The most important thing in this moment is to see a demonstration of political will,' Blinken said.

He headed to his tenth trip to the Middle East since the war in Gaza began without the optimistic projections that the Biden administration has previously conveyed of a breakthrough in the negotiations.

The US, Egypt and other allies say a deal is essential to quelling escalated attacks by Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria.

Israeli leaders warned this week of a possible military offensive in Lebanon to stop what have become daily exchanges of rockets and missiles between Hezbollah and Israel across the southern Lebanese border.

Abdelatty, the Egyptian foreign minister, said Wednesday the region was on the brink of wider war and spoke critically of Tuesday's targeted explosions in Lebanon.

'Any escalation, including what happened yesterday, certainly hinders reaching a cease-fire deal and the release of hostages and detainees,' he said.

'Certainly what happened doesn't only hinder the current talks, but also risks getting into a full-scale war.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of slow-rolling the talks for a cease-fire in Gaza because a deal could mean the collapse of his hardline coalition government, with some members opposed to any deal with the Palestinians.
A free speech group claimed it was kicked out of a pub for saying children should not be taught trans ideology in schools.

About 50 members of Free Speech Brighton, a sister group of the Free Speech Union, were ejected from the Brighton pub on Tuesday evening.

It was claimed the boozer's landlord took offence to one of the speeches about the teaching of gender ideology in schools and told security to kick the group out.

Heated scenes captured on video recorded the moment security staff ordered the group to leave - as furious activists protested, yelling 'call the police' and 'this is Britain'.

After being booted from one pub, it is claimed the group was then 'followed' by security staff to another boozer nearby before being removed.

A group of 50 campaigners from Free Speech Brighton claim they were kicked out of a pub after members gave a speech about transgender ideology being taught in school (pictured is the moment a security guard in black tells the group to leave)

In video footage shared online, the guard appears to take away a microphone stand as a member of the free speech group tries to grab it back from him

MailOnline has approached the pub and security firm for comment.

Free Speech Brighton said it had pre-booked a back room in the first pub for a meeting, with microphones and speakers brought for members to make speeches.

Among those taking to the stand in the pub was a retired teacher who claimed 'gender ideology' - the belief that gender is not fixed and can differ from a person's assigned sex at birth - should be banned from schools.

The activist, who spoke for about 15 minutes, reportedly argued that parents should be told what their children were being taught in sex education lessons and should see the material used in these classes.

However, as the woman in her fifties was speaking, five security guards entered and demanded the group to leave, reports the Telegraph.

Julie Raven, who attended the night, took to Facebook and wrote: 'Tonight we went to a Free Speech Union meeting at a pub in Hove, a private meeting in a hired room.

'We were quiet and well-behaved... Less than an hour in, a private security firm made us leave because we talked about gender reality.

'They then followed us to our next meeting place in a pub and made us break up the regrouping of maybe ten people.

'Absolutely amazed at the reality of thought-policing in this country right now.'

Pictured is the moment the security guard arrives to tell activists they must leave the pub

Footage shared on social media appeared to show a security trying to remove a microphone and speaker as a female member of the group finished her speech.

in the video, the guard can be heard telling the furious group that a 'complaint' had been made about they and the landlord wants them to leave.

'This is private premises,' the guard says while activists yell at him. 'Now you have been asked to leave anyone refusing is now trespassing.'

One freedom of speech campaigner, who attended the event, said the speeches were about 'safeguarding children against pervasive gender ideology' and that activists were left seething with rage at being forcibly kicked out.

They added: 'We left, shocked and angry, but this incident only underlines our concern that Free Speech is under grave threat when you can get kicked out of a pub - once a place for healthy banter- for saying the 'wrong thing'. I wonder what other topics are verboten here?

'I'm 58 and have never been asked to leave a venue before. Is this 1939 or 1984? - It certainly isn't modernity, and we mustn't allow it to become our future.'

Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, claimed the pub did 'not have a leg to stand on' in ordering the group to leave for expressing 'perfectly lawful beliefs'.

'From a legal point of view, it's no different to kicking someone out because they're black or gay,' he told the Telegraph. 'It's unlawful discrimination, plain and simple.'

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Young said he would threaten the landlord with legal action unless the group receives and apology and is allowed to rebook.

He added: 'Pubs should not be in the business of policing the opinions of their customers and have no right to kick them out because they express perfectly lawful views that the landlord disagrees with.

'We do not live in Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia. Free speech may be under attack in this country, but it's still legally protected. The Free Speech Union is here to make sure it stays that way.'
Lebanon is reeling after thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah fighters exploded during two days of carnage, leaving thousands with horrific injuries, dozens dead, and many now terrified of a repeat attack.

Israel has been accused of orchestrating the blasts, and while it has not claimed responsibility, Hezbollah and its backers Iran have condemned their arch-foe for carrying out 'mass murder' and have vowed to exact revenge.

The chief of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, is set to make an address this afternoon, with Lebanese civilians holding their breath over how the hardline militia will retaliate and how Israel will respond in turn.

In a sign that a major escalation is imminent, Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant last night declared a 'new phase' of the war had begun, after nearly a year of cross-border fighting with Hezbollah.

Israel has been moving more troops and tanks to its northern border since the pager blasts began, ratcheting up fears of a regional conflagration as commentators and officials have warned that the Middle East is on the brink of all-out war.

Patients are treated at the Lebanese-Italian hospital in the city of Tyre (Sur) after the second wave of blasts yesterday

The attacks have seen scores of Hezbollah members severely injured throughout southern Lebanon and in its capital Beirut

Smoke rises from an explosion during a funeral, coinciding with a second day of devices used by Hezbollah members detonating, in Kfar Sir, Lebanon

Israel's military evacuate injured people by helicopter after an anti-tank missile was fired into Israel from Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, September 19, 2024

Less than 48 hours after the first surprise blasts saw Hezbollah fighters' pagers detonate across Beirut, southern Lebanon and in Syria, many are now waiting with bated breath to see if a third wave of attacks will follow today.

Fearing that yet more devices could be booby-trapped, panicked Hezbollah fighters have torn the batteries from their walkie-talkies and thrown them into open spaces.

Civilians have spoken of their terror that their mobile phones and other home devices could effectively be turned into bombs, with reports that many are removing their batteries and Lebanese SIM cards.

'We don't know if we can stay next to our laptops, our phones. Everything seems like a danger at this point and no one knows what to do,' one local told the BBC.

Exploding walkie-talkies killed 20 and injured at least 450 people on Wednesday, including mourners at a funeral for three Hezbollah fighters and a child killed in the blasts the previous day, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

On Tuesday, exploding pagers killed 12, including two children, and left almost 3,000 injured.

Tehran last night threatened that it will 'follow up' after its ambassador to Beirut was confirmed to be among the injured in the attacks.

The Islamic Republic's envoy to the UN warned in a letter that it 'reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond to such a heinous crime and violation.'

In news which is bound to further fuel tensions, it was also revealed today that Iran allegedly recruited an Israeli civilian to assassinate prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the individual arrested last month.

As bellicose rhetoric is ramping up on both sides, the United Nations and governments around the world have called for calm, with France urging 'maximum restraint' and Britain calling for 'de-escalation'.

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on September 18, 2024

A car burns on the streets of Lebanon following an explosion

Lebanon's ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada, warned this morning that the Middle East is the closest it has been in 50 years to a regional war that would 'spare no one'.

Speaking on Sky News, he said that Israeli 'war crimes' have put the region on 'the brink of an all-out war'.

He blamed Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli prime minister was holding the 'whole region hostage' and had 'put his country at a continual state of war' in order to keep his grip on power.

Israel's defence minister Gallant, a former general, said yesterday of his country's war strategy that 'the center of gravity is moving north. We are diverting forces, resources, and energy toward the north.'

In an expansion of Israel's official war goals on Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that his forces would now aim to halt Hezbollah's attacks in the north to allow tens of thousands of residents to return to their homes along the border.

He reiterated this in a brief video statement last night, saying: 'I've already said we will return [the displaced] residents of the north safely to their homes, and that is exactly what we will do.'

Hezbollah said 20 of its members had been killed in yesterday's attacks, vowing revenge against Israel who it said was 'fully responsible for this criminal aggression'.

At 5.00 pm (1400 GMT) today, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah will give a previously unscheduled televised speech to 'address the latest developments'.

A person is carried on a stretcher outside American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) as people, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were wounded and killed when the pagers they use to communicate exploded across Lebanon, according to a security source, in Beirut, Lebanon September 17, 2024

Chaotic scenes in Lebanese hospitals were broadcast to social media this week

It will be watched closely by both his supporters and his enemies for any signals of what shape a response might take.

Speaking to Israel's public radio, former deputy Mossad chief Ram Ben Barak warned that even though Hezbollah had been 'infiltrated', it could still launch an attack in a short space of time.

'We need to get rid of the euphoria and prepare for a major event in the north,' he reportedly said.

Meanwhile a leading war crimes barrister has warned that the device explosions could amount to a 'criminal act'.

Sir Geoffrey Nice, who led the prosecution of Slobodan Milosevic, said that the distribution of the devices 'without any certain knowledge of where they would be at the time of activation', could have meant they were being used by 'non-combatants'.

A hand shows the destroyed pager or paging device that exploded on September 17, 2024

'Non-combatants are not entitled to be treated by... random bombs in the way these have happened,' he told BBC Radio 4.

'The second possibility is that this is simply an attack on civilians, and it's conceptually pretty much the same as Hamas unguided missiles into non-military parts of Israel.

'And then thirdly... is the question of proportionality, even if there was any justification in law for what it's assumed Israel has been doing.'

Now scrutiny is turning to the origins of the detonated devices, all of which were bought by Hezbollah around five months ago out of fear that Israel could hack smartphones and other communication devices.

A Taiwanese pager maker denied that it had produced the pager devices which exploded in the audacious attack.

A man is seen bloodied sitting on the floor of a Lebanese hospital following the explosions

Portrait of Hassan Nasrallah seen during funeral organized by Hezbollah for four victims killed in the explosions of pagers

Gold Apollo said the devices were made by under licence by a company called BAC, based in Hungary's capital Budapest.

Meanwhile Japanese firm Icom said Thursday that it had stopped producing the model of radios reportedly used in recent blasts in Lebanon around 10 years ago.

'The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company,' Icom said in a statement.

'The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company,' it said.

It added that products for overseas markets are sold exclusively through its authorized distributors, and that its export programme is based on Japanese security trade control regulations.
The recent surge in global conflict has led to speculation that World War III could be on the horizon.

Walkie-talkies, solar panels and fingerprint recognition devices used by Hezbollah fighters have detonated across Lebanon, killing 20 and wounding hundreds of people including mourners at a funeral, witnesses and security sources have reported.

This second wave of carnage comes a day after thousands of exploding pagers used by the group left almost 3,000 people injured and a dozen dead, including civilians and children.

Lebanese media has also reported that home solar energy systems have blown up in several areas of Beirut.

Some people, concerned at the prospect of worldwide warfare, are keen to know where the safest countries across the globe would be should war break out.

So, what are the safest countries to be in if World War III does take place?

Read on below for the full list to see where you would be safest in the event of another World War.

This map shows some of the safest countries that you could be in were World War III to potentially break out

Antarctica

View of an iceberg at the Gerlache Strait, which separates the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula, in Antarctica on January 16, 2024

The list kicks off with a location that is not a country, but a large continent.

While Antarctica may be famed for its extreme tourism, beautiful landscapes and icy terrain, it is unlikely to be frequented by many people in the possible event of World War Three due to its location as the most southerly point on the planet.

Argentina

Tourists at Iguazu Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders, on the border of Brazil and Argentina

Although Argentina has had a history of engaging in conflict, notably clashing with the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in 1982, the South American country has been found to be the most likely places to survive famine after a nuclear war.

Studies have found that the release of 100 nuclear bombs could release so much smoke that the sun may became blocked, which would result in famine and crop failure.

As a result, Argentina would be a good place to be thanks to its abundance of resistant crops, such as wheat.

Bhutan

In this photograph taken on January 10, 2024, a traffic policeman directs traffic in Bhutan's capital Thimphu

After joining the United Nations on September 21 1971, Bhutan declared itself to be neutral in regards to any conflict.

This stance means it often ranks highly on the Global Peace Index.

Combining the fact that it is landlocked with its plethora of mountainous regions means Bhutan would be particularly safe should World War III ever break out.

Chile

View of the Paine Massif at Torres del Paine National Park in Chile's Magallanes Region in southern Chile, 400km northwest of Punta Arenas, on January 7, 2024

Next on the list is the country with the world's longest coastline, which runs for 4,000 miles (6,435 km) in total, meaning it would span the distance between Moscow and Madrid.

Like its neighbour Argentina, Chile is blessed with a variety of different crops and natural resources.

Its level of development is also arguably the most advanced in South America. So, although you might feel isolated, its level of infrastructure and access to modern technology means it could be the ideal spot if World War III were to occur.

Fiji

Empty hammock in the shade of palm trees on the tropical island paradise of Fiji

For anyone who would want to be in a remote country at the outbreak of war, Fiji might be for you. The island nation - located in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean - is some 2,700 miles away from its closest country, which is Australia.

This, along with a potential lack of military strategy as its army has just 6,000 men, means it also ranks highly in the Global Peace Index.

With much of the land made up of dense forests, as well as a plentiful supply of minerals and fish, Fiji might be the perfect place to be in during World War III.

Greenland

This photograph taken on August 16, 2023, shows an iceberg, approximately a few hundred metres long, drifting along the Scoresby Sound Fjord, in Eastern Greenland

The island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, is the world's largest island.

Greenland is notoriously remote, mountainous and politically neutral, making it an ideal refuge point in an emergency.

It also has an estimated popular of 56,000 people, meaning it is unlikely to be targeted by any global superpower.

Iceland

A woman with closed eyes relaxes and enjoys of spa in hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Iceland has consistently topped the Global Peace Index consistently, earning it a reputation as one of the most peaceful country in the world.

As well as being particularly remote, Iceland would not need to fret over its reliance on other countries for resources, thanks to the presence of fresh water reserves, marine resources, and renewable energy sources.

Indonesia

Pictured: Rice Terraces at sunrise in Lombok, Indonesia. In 1948, the country's first president, Achmed Sukarno, coined the 'free and active' term to refer to their foreign policy.

Like others on the list, Indonesia is included thanks to its typically neutral stance on political issues across the globe.

In 1948, the country's first president, Achmed Sukarno, coined the 'free and active' term to refer to their foreign policy.

This referred to the fact they act independently in international affairs, and are most concerned with the creation of world peace.

New Zealand

Pictured: The Hobbiton movie set, North Island, New Zealand. The country ranks second in the Global Peace Index and has long been marvelled at for its non-partisan stance on conflicts.

New Zealand ranks second in the Global Peace Index and has long been marvelled at for its non-partisan stance on conflicts. If it were to be attacked, the country's mountainous terrain offers its citizens the perfect protection.

South Africa

An aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa, with the world-famous Table Mountain in the background

South Africa earns a spot thanks to it being the home of multiple sources of foods, along with plentiful quantities of fertile land and fresh water.

The country's modern infrastructure could also increase your chances of survival should World War III happen.

Switzerland

Panorama of Lauterbrunnen valley located in the Swiss Alps near Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, also known as the Valley of Waterfalls

Of all the countries around the world, Switzerland may be the country that is singularly and most readily associated with political neutrality.

The country has been famed for its staunch position - or lack thereof - on matters concerning international politics for close to 200 years, and is well protected by its mountainous terrain, landlocked geography and numerous nuclear shelters.

Tuvalu

Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Pictured: A view out to sea from Funafuti

Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia.

An extremely low population of just 11,000 inhabitants means infrastructure is in thin supply compared to leading Western nations.

With natural resources also low in Tuvalu, it would appear to be an undesirable target in the potential event of World War III.
A pensioner with a hobby for metal detecting discovered a hoard of brown coins he initially thought were a pile of chocolate buttons.

But the 35 mud-covered Celtic coins actually turned out to be a treasure trove worth over 100,000 and dated to 55 BC when Julius Caesar was alive.

Tony Asquith unearthed the find while searching a recently ploughed field in August 2022 in Lenham, near Maidstone, in Kent.

After donning his spectacles and cleaning them he realised they were Celtic staters dating to 55 BC after Caesar had conquered Gaul and attempted to invade Britain.

The coins had a pre-sale estimate of 20,000 but were sold today at Mayfair-based auctioneers Noonans for five times that sum of 103,000.

Tony Asquith unearthed the find while searching a recently ploughed field in August 2022 in Lenham, Kent

The 35 mud-covered Celtic coins actually turned out to be a treasure trove worth over 100,000 and dated to 55 BC when Julius Caesar was alive

The coins showed a horse galloping to the right with a charioteer's arm above

The coins were sold individually and had estimates of between 300 and 800, but they all smashed their estimate with one selling for 7,500.

Tony, a metal detectorist of 45 years, said he will split the money with the landowner.

He said: 'I am speechless at the result and can't believe it.'

The coins were concealed inside a flint nodule which had broken open when the field was ploughed, scattering its contents.

The naturally occurring flint nodule is roughly spherical and the coins were tightly packed inside its hollow interior.

They showed a horse galloping to the right with a charioteer's arm above.

Tony said: 'It was an amazing find. The recent ploughing of the field must have brought the nodule to the surface, and broke it open, scattering its contents of coins.'

Nigel Mills, coins and artefacts specialist at Noonans, said: 'Using his Minelab Equinox 800, Tony at first just found some wire and a shotgun cartridge.

The coins discovered by Mr Asquith had a pre-sale estimate of 20,000 but were sold today at Mayfair-based auctioneers Noonans for five times that sum of 103,000

The coins were concealed inside a flint nodule which had broken open when the field was ploughed, scattering its contents

'But then, he got a signal which revealed a brownish coin.

'He was surprised to recognise this as a Celtic stater.

'On looking down he saw what looked like a pile of chocolate buttons laid out.

'Putting on his glasses, Tony realised that they were all Celtic staters!

'The staters date to around 55 BC after Julius Caesar had conquered Gaul and attempted to invade Britain.

'They all have a shallow domed obverse with a dished reverse that displays an abstract or devolved horse galloping to the right with a charioteer's arm above.

'The coins were concealed within the flint nodule which was formed 90-70 million years ago.

'The hollow interior would originally have contained mud and the decayed remains of marine animals.

Julius Caesar (100 BC to 44 BC) was a Roman statesman who played critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire

The naturally occurring flint nodule (right) is roughly spherical and the coins were tightly packed inside its hollow interior

'Ten other hoards of Iron Age gold coins contained in flint nodules have been found in Britain, but all of them are in museums.'

Last year official figures confirmed the metal detecting boom in Britain caused a record for the amount of buried treasure found.

In 2022 there were 1,378 discoveries in total for England and Wales, which is the highest number of finds since records began in 1996.

Metal detecting has seen a massive boom in people taking up the outdoor hobby since lockdown, with experts explaining people had more time on their hands than before.

The total number of archaeological finds for 2022 was 53,000, but an object is only classed as treasure in the UK if it is at least 10 per cent of its weight is gold or silver, and is at least 300 years old when found.

This was updated last year to include an object that is at least partially of metal, is at least 200 years old, and provided exceptional insight into an aspect of national or regional history.

There were 1,378 treasure discoveries in total, according to provisional figures for 2022, which if confirmed will be the highest number of finds since records began in 1996

A Channel 5 TV thriller featuring metal detectorists was broadcast earlier this year. It stars Neil Morrissey and The Inbetweeners James Buckley as they break the law and refuse to declare their treasure find - instead trying to sell it on

However the volume of treasure finds has steadily increased since the introduction of the Treasure Act 1996, when only 24 items were classed as such.

In 1997 it had risen to 54. But by 2014 the amount of treasure had increased to more than 1,000 a year.

The popularity of the hobby has even inspired a Channel 5 TV thriller called Finders Keepers, which sees two metal detectorists unearth a hoard of Saxon gold and try to sell it on.

In November MailOnline broke down 2022's treasure hotspots, which included Norfolk in the lead on 95, followed by 83 in Hampshire, 81 in Kent and 75 in Suffolk.

The Ministry of Justice, which compiles figures from treasure findings from Coroner's Courts, said there had been 'a big surge in metal detecting activity during (and also since) the pandemic'.

In 2024 the definition of 'treasure' has now been expanded to include objects of historical importance more than 200 years old and containing metals such as bronze.

Discoveries of treasure meeting these new criteria will be assessed by a coroner and will go through a formal process in which they can be acquired by a museum and go on display to the public.

The change to the law has been prompted after a number of discoveries fell outside the scope of the Act  although they were thankfully saved for the nation.

They included spectacular Roman finds such as the Ryedale Hoard  a collection of bronze objects  now at York Museum, and the Birrus Britannicus figurine, made of bronze, of a Roman wearing a heavy woollen cloak, now at Chelmsford City Museum.
A mathematics tutor isolated young girls in their family homes so he could molest them, a judge has heard.

Quy Huy Hoang is accused of sexually abusing four girls while tutoring them in their southwest Sydney homes between May 2011 and July 2014.

Assisted by a Vietnamese interpreter, the 76-year-old pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and four counts of indecent assault of a child under 16 at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Thursday.

Hoang abused the trust that three families had placed in him to teach their daughters, crown prosecutor Alex Morris during openings in the judge-alone trial.

Between May 2011 and March 2013, he allegedly molested two sisters, one of whom was aged between three and five years old and the other between six and seven.

After experiencing multiple family tragedies, the girls' mother received a call saying Hoang heard of their plight and wanted to help.

He tutored the sisters free of charge, initially teaching the girls in the dining room but then persuading their mother it would be quieter in the toy room of their home.

'The reason Mr Hoang suggested this was because he wanted the privacy of another room to provide him with the opportunity to sexually offend,' Mr Morris told Judge Penelope Hock.

Quy Huy Hoang is accused of sexually abusing four girls while tutoring them in their southwest Sydney homes between May 2011 and July 2014

The tutor is accused of taking cream from a black briefcase and using it to digitally penetrate one of the sisters.

On the same occasion, he kissed the girl on the lips and made her 'pinkie promise' not to tell her mother, Mr Morris said.

That girl was separately forced into touching the tutor's genitalia, the court was told.

Her sister was assaulted when Hoang touched her sexually through her pyjamas, the prosecutor said.

After the girls' mother reported the matter to police, the tutor was arrested at a Catholic church service in August 2014.

During a search of his home, police found a black briefcase filled with maths worksheets as well as vaseline, creams and lip-balm.

One of the lip-balm containers contained a substance chemically identical to KY Jelly personal lubricant, Mr Morris said.

Hoang pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and four counts of indecent assault of a child under 16

On his mobile phone, police found a number of photographs of children, including the four alleged victims.

Hoang is accused of sexually assaulting another girl and her school friend, both aged seven years at the time, between March and July 2014.

He convinced the mother of one of the girls to tutor them in her son's bedroom, getting her to install a door lock and blackout curtains in the room.

Hoang allegedly forced one girl to touch his penis and digitally penetrated her.

He touched the other girl on the outside of her pants and digitally penetrated her, causing her to burst into tears, Mr Morris said.

'I don't want to do it, I don't want to be here,' the girl allegedly said when her mother asked what was wrong.

The trial continues on Friday.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
A pro-Palestinian protester acquitted over displaying a placard that depicted former premier Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts says she has 'no regrets'.

Marieha Hussain, 37, was last week found not guilty at Westminster magistrates' court of a racially aggravated public order offence at a Gaza rally last November.

The psychology teacher has now spoken for the first time since her acquittal to blast police and accuse officers of being 'hostile' and 'aggressive' when they interviewed her in 'one of the most distressing experiences of my life'.

The heavily pregnant mother of two defended herself for smiling as she proudly held up the placard saying anyone who found the term 'coconut' offensive did not understand it.

She said the term had been 'hijacked' and '(they) decided what they think it means and are prosecuting it' as she defiantly said: 'I have absolutely no reason not to carry that placard around again.'

Marieha Mohsin Hussain (pictured centre) was seen at a pro-Palestinian rally last year with a banner depicting Suella Braverman and Rishi Sunak as coconuts

The mother of two (pictured arriving at Westminster magistrates' court last week) was found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence

In response to her claims about the police interview, Scotland Yard said a line manager had found no issues with the officer's conduct and no formal complaints have been made.

There were claps and cheers from the public gallery as Ms Hussain was cleared at court on Friday after a trial heard that she 'quite obviously does not have a racist bone in her body'.

Ms Hussain told the Guardian the ordeal had cost her her job, made her move home and even meant she did not recognise the early signs of her pregnancy.

'From that day [of the rally] to this very day I have had no regret about making that placard, taking it out and defending it,' she said.

Ms Hussain said she was trying to 'highlight' Sunak and Braverman's 'racism' for describing the pro-Palestinian protests as 'hate marches'.

'...the Rwanda policy, the comments about Pakistani men. That fed into a really dangerous rhetoric that is actually untrue,' she added.

'I was trying to highlight actually their racism and their discrimination against an ethnic minority and vulnerable groups.'

The term 'coconut' was something Ms Hussain grew up with 'in our culture' where it was 'flung around easily' with her own father calling her the name in her teen years, she said.

She said she would use a similar placard again as 'it's political satire' and she can't see any reason why she shouldn't.

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.

'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 psychology teacher (pictured leaving court last week) has now spoken for the first time since her acquittal to blast police and accuse officers of being 'hostile' and 'aggressive' when they interviewed her

The heavily pregnant Ms Hussain says the trial has had a massive impact on her life with it costing her job, forcing her to move home, and even meant she did not recognise the early signs of her pregnancy

'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.'

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

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.

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 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.'

Counter-protesters clash with police in Parliament Square in central London, during pro-Palestinian protest march

Protesters hold flares during the pro-Palestinian protest in London on November 11

Several people were detained by police at the march in central London on November 11

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 acquiescing to it or being inactive. It was a political criticism of these two particular politicians.'

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service told the Guardian: '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 judge's decision.'
Five women alleging they were raped by late Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed have tearfully spoken of their 'anger' at how the Egyptian-born billionaire has been portrayed in Netflix hit series The Crown.

They claim the fictionalised version of Al Fayed as 'funny and gregarious' has effectively 'eulogised' a man they say seriously sexually abused them during his time in charge of the luxury London department store.

The women's revelations have come to light following a new BBC documentary exploring claims Al Fayed - who died aged 94 in August 2023 - was a serial rapist.

He is said to have carried out the attacks between 1984 and 2010, when the famed London department store was sold.

More than 20 female former workers at Harrods have come forward to accuse Al Fayed of sexual abuse and presiding over a 'culture of fear' at the department store, the BBC said.

Five women alleging they were raped by late Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed have tearfully spoken of their 'anger' at how the Egyptian-born billionaire has been portrayed in Netflix hit series The Crown. Pictured: Elizabeth Debicki as Diana and Salim Daw as Al Fayed in the series

Royal connections: Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana in 1996

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - carried out the attacks while Harrods boss between 1984 and its sale in 2010

Actor Salim Daw paid an emotional tribute to Al Fayed when he died last August

Gemma, who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, said his portrayal as a personable man in The Crown 'made me hot and bothered'

Harrowing details of the accusations, including vivid descriptions of the alleged rapes by the women, were shown on Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods - along with claims the firm itself not only failed to intervene to help the alleged victims but also covered up their claims.

During the documentary one of his accusers is seen watching a clip from the hugely popular Netflix series The Crown, which dramatises key moments from the royal family over the last 50 years.

In the episode, titled 'Mou Mou', a reference to the nickname the Egyptian businessman insisted people call him, Princess Diana (Elizabeth Deblicki) is seen smiling with Mohamed Al Fayed (Salim Daw) as they meet for the first time at a polo match.

Al Fayed's character comes across as jovial, earnest and personable, but the clip evoked a strong reaction from his accusers.

Gemma, who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, told the documentary: 'To be honest it's made me hot and bothered, I think he comes across pleasant and we all know he's not.'

Another of his accusers, Sophia, who worked as his personal assistant from 1988 to 1991, he said: 'It makes him look so funny and gregarious, and he could turn that on, but he wasn't. He was vile.

Claiming Al Fayed tried to rape her more than once, she said: 'That makes me angry, people shouldn't remember him like that, it's not how he was.'

Elsewhere in the documentary, his accusers said they were coerced into undergoing invasive medical exams in which they were tested for sexually transmitted diseases, with the results being sent directly to Al Fayed himself.

Al Fayed seen smiling on at a young Prince William and Diana at a polo match in 1988

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

Mr Al Fayed (right) with Prince Charles (with his back to camera) and Diana during a Harrods-sponsored polo match in 1987

The corporation says more than 20 female former workers at Harrods have come forward to accuse Al Fayed (pictured) of sexual abuse

The BBC said it heard testimony from 13 women who say they were sexually assaulted at Fayed's 60 Park Lane property in London, four of whom allege they were raped there.

Harrods began settling claims with women who came forward alleging to have been sexually abused at his hands in July last year.

The store's current owners have released a statement saying they were 'utterly appalled' by the accusations and have apologised to the women affected.

Following Al Fayed's death last September, the actor who played him paid an emotional tribute to the late businessman, who coincidentally passed away on his birthday.

Salim Daw, 73, from Israel, took to Instagram to mark the passing of Mohamed Al-Fayed, to describe him as 'a giant, who came from nothing to everything'.

While the pair had never met, Daw described him as 'such a rare and a distinctive character'.

His post read : 'I was deeply saddened to hear about Mohamed Al Fayed's passing.

'A giant, who came from nothing and became everything.

'For two years I portrayed him on "The Crown". Such a rare and a distinctive character.

'I can only hope my portrayal of him did him justice. I feel that I knew him, even though we have never met.

'It is no coincidence that he passed on my birthday. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.'

Fayed was born in Alexandria in 1929 and moved to the UK in the 1960s, becoming an early driving force in the development of Dubai.

Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods and Fulham FC, is pictured here in 2018

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with his wife Heini Wathen in 2016. The couple had four children

Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London

He later bought House of Fraser, including Harrods, with his brothers, as well as the Ritz hotel in Paris, which he owned up until his death.

He had begun his career selling fizzy drinks and then worked as a sewing-machine salesman.

He built his family's fortune in real estate, shipping and construction, first in the Middle East and then in Europe - aided by connections with his first wife Samira Khashoggi's arms dealer brother Adnan Khashoggi.

A combination of building a business empire in the UK and establishing a charitable foundation saw him mixing with the UK's most illustrious figures - from stars to royalty.

Fayed is believed to have met Diana, Princess of Wales, and the then-Prince Charles at a polo match in the 1980s - and through this connection introduced her to his son Dodi.

In later years he became consumed with pursuing investigations into the crash which killed Dodi and Diana on August 31 1997 - almost exactly 26 years before his own death.

Diana - who was divorced from Charles in 1992 - and Dodi were pictured together in St Tropez in 1997, sparking rumours of romance.

The pair then travelled together as they sought to leave the Ritz Hotel in Paris on the fateful morning of August 31 that year.

The younger Al-Fayed and the Princess of Wales were being driven away from paparazzi by Henri Paul, the deputy head of security at the hotel, when Paul lost control of the car and struck a pillar at a speed of about 65mph.

Al Fayed opened his own private investigation into the crash after being dissatisfied with the official investigations - and promoted a series of conspiracy theories alleging that the establishment had a hand in their deaths.

But a 2008 inquest concluded that Dodi and Diana were unlawfully killed by a combination of Paul's driving under the influence of alcohol, the fact neither were wearing seatbelts and the erratic driving of paparazzi pursuing them.

In a full statement pertaining to the allegations, Harrods told the BBC: 'The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010.

'It is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

'Since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible.

'This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.'

MailOnline has contacted Netflix and representatives of Salim Daw for comment.

.
An Israeli citizen was arrested after allegedly accepting money from Iran to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it has been revealed.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar announced today that Tehran was behind a plot to kill senior officials in Israel following the assassination of Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh in late July.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other top Israeli officials were also named as Iranian targets claimed to have been uncovered by Israeli intelligence.

Iran allegedly sought to employ Israeli businessman Moti Maman, 73, with extensive time spent in Turkey to develop a plot on Netanyahu's life within Israel.

The plot allegedly went back to April this year when the Israeli businessman agreed to meet a wealthy businessman living in Iran for business purposes.

Netanyahu allegedly faced assassination attempts after the death of Haniyeh in Tehran in July

Moti Maman was identified as the man who attempted to assassinate the Prime Minister

Iranian soldiers parade during the annual Army Day on April 2024

Explosions lighting up the sky in Hebron, Palestinian Territories, during an Iranian attack on Israel in April 2024

Shin Bet said Iran had led a plot since Ismail Haniyeh (pictured) was assassinated in Tehran

Andrei Farouk Aslan and Guneid Aslan were named as the intermediaries serving to connect the alleged assassin with Iran via Turkey.

They were alleged to have met with the unidentified Israeli citizen in Samandag in May to meet and discuss the plot.

The Israeli businessman was alleged to have requested one million dollars before agreeing to anything.

Iranian officials refused the request, saying however they would remain in touch and paying him 5,000 euros for joining the meetings and undergoing training.

As part of his work for Iran, he was allegedly requested to take videos of Israeli sites for surveillance and intelligence gathering purposes, and threaten other Israelis who Iran had already approached that were not complying with their own spy missions.

Iran is understood to have asked the businessman to try to recruit Russians and Americans capable of killing Iranian figures opposed to the regime.

Shin Bet, an Israeli intelligence agency, did not suggest how far the suspect had got with his missions.

They stressed that foiling one plot did not end the overarching threats facing Israel.

Only last week, Shin Bet uncovered what it said was a plot by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior defence official, who was subsequently identified as the former army Chief of Staff and Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon.

The businessman was indicted on Thursday. Shin Bet said the latest arrest showed the efforts Iran was making to recruit Israelis to gather intelligence and carry out terrorist missions in Israel, including by using individuals with criminal backgrounds.

Iran had vowed swift retaliation after Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on July 31.

Drones and missiles were fired into Israel in April, following the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Posters of the recently assassinated Ismail Haniyeh and General Qasem Soleimani, assassinated in 2020, are hung at the Revolution Square in Tehran, Iran on August 27, 2024

Iranian medium range missiles 'Nazeat' are displayed during the annual Army Day celebration at a military base in Tehran, Iran, 17 April 2024

Rockets fired from Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system, 23/8

But it was not clear how Iran intended to deliver 'revenge' for the attack on Haniyeh.

Israel announced the alleged attempt on the life of its Prime Minister as clashes continued with Iranian proxy group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel announced yesterday that it was entering a new stage of its war after sudden explosions rippled through parts of Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Israel has not taken responsibility for the detonations of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies introduced by Hezbollah to avoid Israel hacking mobile phones.

But Defence Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged 'the results are very impressive'.
A communications officer who was hired by a charity to highlight the plight of domestic abuse victims has been jailed - after she stabbed her boyfriend three times and knocked a door off its hinges.

Jayne Rudd, 32, stabbed Sam Leopold in a temper tantrum only three weeks after he had a restraining order put against her.

During the attack, Rudd used a kitchen knife to punch holes in the panel of a door as Mr Leopold battled to keep it shut before she reached through a broken section and slashed his wrist.

The victim managed to flee to a neighbouring property and alert police who later found Rudd asleep on the sofa in a drunken stupor.

This comes after a campaign of violence which included her punching him in the back before striking him in the face at a pub.

In a separate incident, Rudd also turned up to one of Mr Leopold's female friends and tried to strangle her.

Jayne Rudd, pictured, was jailed for three years had a new restraining order imposed banning her from contacting Mr Leopold for life

Jayne Rudd (pictured) stabbed Sam Leopold only three weeks after he had a restraining order put against her

Jayne Rudd (pictured) stabbed Sam Leopold only three weeks after he had a restraining order put against her

In a statement, Mr Leopold who lives in Altrincham, Cheshire described his ex-girlfriend as 'dangerous to be round' and said he doesn't want to see her 'ever again'.

Judge Alan Conrad KC jailed Rudd, of Bowdown, Manchester, for three years and imposed a new restraining order banning her from contacting Mr Leopold for life.

Jen Coleman, prosecuting, told how Mr Leopold had been staying at a friend's house on January 8 this year when Rudd turned up at 6am and let herself in through an unlocked door.

The court heard she shouted his name which prompted him to get up and dash to the living room door and throwing his back against it to stop her getting in.

Ms Coleman said: 'She then began to punch the door numerous times until the bottom of the door broke off its hinges. She then ducked under the broken door and slashed at Mr Leopold three times and he suffered injuries to his wrist.'

He managed to flee to a neighbour's house and called 999.

Rudd was later found asleep on the sofa by police who then arrested her.

She gave a prepared statement denying the offences saying the victim had broken the door.

In a statement Mr Leopold who lives in Altrincham, Cheshire said: 'I became used to being assaulted by her which I knew wasn't right but I was aware she had mental health issues.

'She is dangerous to be around and this latest incident is clear evidence of that. It doesn't matter if she has a non-molestation order or a restraining order to protect me. She will always find a way back to me and that I me feel unsafe.'

Following the attack, which left him with injuries to his arm, he said he is 'constantly on edge for when she is eventually released. I am constantly looking over my shoulder'.

He added the incident has prevented the arborist from working as he uses a chainsaw as for of his job.

He added: 'I do not wish to see Miss Rudd ever again but I will never know if this is the last time she will contact me.'

The victim, Sam Leopold, described Rudd, pictured, as 'dangerous to be around'

Defending, Brendan O'Leary, said his Rudd had mental issues dating back to a childhood trauma and said at the time of this incident she was 'clearly a very unwell woman and this was a chaotic, toxic relationship'.

'She presents as a gentle, intelligent, thoughtful woman,' said Mr O'Leary

He added: 'But there is evidence of mental health difficulties going back to her early teenage years. There were suicide attempts from the age of 14 onwards and she has a borderline personality disorder.'

In June last year, before the latest attack, the court was told Rudd was given 34 weeks in jail suspended for 18 months after she became verbally aggressive towards Mr Leopold in a local pub and then punched him in the back before striking him in the face.

Rudd used a kitchen knife to punch holes in the panel of a door as Mr Leopold battled to keep it shut

He hid from her but Rudd subsequently hounded him with 300 texts apologising for her volatile behaviour before attending his parent's home where he was asleep and hit him in the face with her handbag.

In a separate incident, she turned at the home of one of Mr Leopold's female friends and tried to strangle her.

In September 2022, she appeared before a court after she mauled one trainee policeman on the hand and lashed out at a policewoman as four officers detained her for refusing to leave a property.

Inquiries revealed Rudd, a university Masters graduate who attended the 15,558 a year Withington Girls School in Manchester before working for the Olive Pathway domestic violence charity, had been given a suspended prison sentence jail last year over a previous attack on Mr Leopold.

A psychiatrist who examined her concluded that she had an 'emotionally unstable personality disorder' with characteristics to 'act impulsively without consideration of the consequences'.

Her moods were described as 'unpredictable and capricious' adding that she has a 'tendency to self-destruct'.

At Manchester Crown Court, Rudd showed no emotion as Judge Alan Conrad KC rejected pleas for her to be spared jail for a third time.

The judge told her: 'You are a highly intelligent woman but with a very troubled history. These offences represent a terrifying incident involving a dangerous weapon where you went to an address when Sam Leopold was present and smashed a door until it broke went underneath it and slashed him with a knife.'

The Judge added that Rudd's actions had a 'serious psychological effects' on her victim.

He added: 'Only immediate custody is the appropriate sentence here.'

Rudd who appeared in court from video link from Styal women's jail pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breaching a restraining order. Other charges against her of having a bladed article and criminal damage were allowed to lie on file.
Jaroszek told police he didn't know the drink-driving laws in the UK were so strict

He admitted to drink-driving at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court yesterday

Radoslaw Jaroszek has been banned from the road for more than two years

An ice cream van driver has been banned from the road for more than two years after he was found to be nearly four times the drink-drive limit while serving customers.

Hundreds and thousands of tourists were visiting Great Yarmouth in Norfolk during the peak summer period when Radoslaw Jaroszek, 45, was serving up cones and lollies.

Police were alerted by concerned customers who said he seemed 'intoxicated' and 'impaired'.

He was tracked on CCTV as he drove his Ford Transit through the seaside town, where he lives, and pulled over to be breathalysed.

Officers found he had 131mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath  nearly four times the 35mg limit.

Ice cream van driver Radoslaw Jaroszek (pictured) was caught nearly four times over the drink drive limit

Jaroszek had been working for Lamarti's Ice Cream (stock picture above) when customers reported him for appearing 'intoxicated'

He was then taken in for questioning, by which time the lowest reading from a breath sample was 100mg.

Jaroszek appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he admitted drink driving.

The court was told he was working on August 12 for Lamarti's Ice Cream, which was established in 1980 and runs a fleet of modern vans in Norfolk.

Officers told the hearing they 'smelt liquor' when they pulled him over at 3.20pm and he was unsteady on his feet.

Jaroszek admitted to drink-driving at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday

Jaroszek claimed he never usually drank but had 'two pints of beer' to help him cope with depression caused by his partner's recent miscarriage.

Speaking through an interpreter, he also said in his home country of Poland it was 'quite usual' to drink alcohol and he didn't know the drink-driving laws in the UK were so strict.

Jaroszek was banned from driving for 25 months, given a 12-month community order including 100 hours of unpaid work, ten rehabilitation requirement days and told to pay a total of 100 in court costs.

After his arrest, he was dismissed. He remains unemployed.
The Netherlands has become the first EU country to demand a crisis opt-out of mandatory migration rules to try and reduce the number of refugees coming in.

The Dutch government, dominated by Geert Wilders' far-Right party, said the move was justified so it can provide 'housing, health care and education' to its citizens.

The request comes amid a deepening political crisis over the EU's common refugee system and the Schengen borderless travel zone.

'I have just informed the European Commission that I want a migration opt-out within Europe for the Netherlands,' Dutch migration minister Marjolein Faber wrote in a letter to Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs.

'We need to be in charge of our own asylum policy again.'

However, the European Commission has already criticised the plans, saying 'you cannot evade EU legislation'.

Asylum seekers and refugees at a registration center in Ter Apel, The Netherlands in April (file picture)

Geert Wilders, who leads a far-Right party that currently dominates the Dutch government

Signs direct new refugee arrivals in Ter Apel, The Netherlands (file picture)

It comes as the new Dutch government, which came to power in November, is planning to declare an 'asylum crisis' to pave the way for tougher measures.

This would include a freeze on asylum applications and powers to forcibly deport people who do not have a right to be in the Netherlands.

Under the proposal, refugees would also only be able bring in family members if they have had residence status for two years, have housing and a 'stable income'.

Currently asylum seekers receive a permit to stay for an indefinite period after five years.

Earlier this month, Germany announced it would bring in controls on all its land borders to deal with the 'continuing burden' of migration and 'Islamist terrorism'.

Interior minister Nancy Faeser told the EU that the country had no choice but to enforce proper border controls to cope with unauthorised entries.

The policy marked a U-turn from her stance just last month when she refused to extend strict controls first introduced last year on Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

These rules have already seen more than 30,000 people turned back at the borders since mid-October last year.

Concerns about immigration have been pushed to the forefront of German politics, heightened by a series of attacks carried out by Islamists, most recently in Solingen.

The German government has also been facing increased pressure to respond to migration as support for right-wing party, the AfD has rapidly gathered pace.

And at the end of last month Germany's police union announced that Schengen was making Germany's security crisis even worse and must be abandoned immediately.

People hold banners that read 'Direct democracy' and 'No to mass immigration, yes to remigration' as far-Right protesters march through the streets of Solingen

Nancy Faeser of the struggling Social Democrat party (SPD) is to enforce temporary border controls at all national land borders

Far-right protesters hold a banner reading 'Remigration now' as they march through the streets of Solingen, following a stabbing rampage, on August 26

Teenage girls draped in German flags attend an election campaign rally of the right-wing Alternative for Germany on May 28

Manuel Ostermann, deputy federal chairman of the Federal Police Union, has launched a fierce condemnation of Schengen, the EU's hair-brained border-free scheme, in an interview with Focus magazine.

'The crisis in Germany's security is a direct consequence of Schengen's ineffective policies. Schengen's inability to manage migration effectively has put Germany's safety at stake.'

'Germany must realize the current failure of Schengen and either make a concerted effort to return to the current legal situation or terminate Schengen,'

Here he pointed to the rising crime rates in Germany, exacerbated by the migration crisis, as proof that Schengen is no longer viable.

He said Schengen's open borders have made it easier for criminals to operate across Europe, impacting Germany's safety.

'Schengen has failed to protect Germany from the influx of criminals, necessitating immediate action.'

'We must continue to notify our internal borders because border controls, whose effectiveness has been proven, are no longer maintained under Schengen.

'The failure of Schengen is evident in the increased crime rates, making it clear that changes are needed.'
It had been almost two weeks since a manhunt was launched in search of a man who opened fire on moving vehicles and wounded five people in Kentucky when the effort came to a dramatic end on Wednesday.

On September 7, 32-year-old army veteran Joseph Couch shot at unsuspecting motorists on Interstate 75 near London, a city of about 8,000 people, with an AR-style semiautomatic rifle that he had purchased just hours before the shooting.

No one was killed, but the attack - and a note left by the suspect - prompted officials to launch the hunt for him, which saw officers probing rugged and hilly terrain in the area where the attack happened ever since.

With the manhunt gaining national attention, cops were also joined by internet sleuths hoping to capture the moment the suspect was finally found.

To the surprise of one YouTuber couple - Fred and Sheila McCoy, from Kentucky - that is exactly what happened on Wednesday.

The couple filmed themselves trekking through tough brush at the Daniel Boone National Forest, before ultimately finding a dead body

Sheila and Fred McCoy discovered a crime scene linked to a mass shooting in Kentucky that left five people injured and a dozen cars riddled with bullet holes

As they live streamed themselves cutting through the undergrowth at the Daniel Boone National Forest, the pair made a grim discovery: a deteriorating body believed to be that of the shooter.

Fred, who had been livestreaming the search with his wife, said that after he spotted dozens of vultures circling a particular area on Wednesday, they decided to follow the rough terrain down a valley, when suddenly they picked up on a foul smell.

'Something's dead cause I got a whiff of something', Sheila is heard saying in the video on their YouTube channel.

At first, though, the couple thought they might just find a dead animal or a carcass that the suspect may have been eating to survive.

But they soon noticed that Kentucky State Police were scouring an area nearby, and after about half an hour of searching, Fred cried out: 'Oh got him here!'

'He's deteriorated!' Fred said, to which is wife responded: 'You found him? Oh my Lanta!' She is heard repeating the phrase several times in the clip.

The couple are then seen easing down a slope to where the body was, at which point a third voice - assumed to be a cop - can be heard telling them to not take photos.

Drivers park on the the lanes of the I-75 highway after reports of multiple people shot about nine miles north of London, Kentucky, U.S. September 7, 2024

Joseph A. Couch, a suspect in the shooting of multiple people on the I-75 highway about nine miles north of London, Kentucky, U.S. September 7, 2024, poses in an undated photograph

Drivers park on the lanes of the I-75 highway after reports of multiple people being shot while driving down the interstate highway, near London, Kentucky, U.S., in this picture obtained from social media, September 7, 2024

Following the shocking discovery, the livestream ended abruptly, but the couple quickly went back online to share the news of their discovery.

'Hey guys, you won't believe it, we found him, oh my goodness gracious,' Sheila McCoy said while filming the search. 'Now this little area (London) can rest.'

The discovery was made less than a mile from the location of the shooting on Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky.

Authorities had said that they believed the suspected gunman may have been hiding in the wooded area and offered a $25,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest.

But now the internet couple who will reap the prize money for their role in the dramatic discovery.

Kentucky state troopers who had been accompanied by the couple on their search said last night that they had 'stumbled upon an unidentified body' in a wooded area.

'We're very confident that this brings a closure in the search for Joseph Couch,' Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett told reporters, adding that personal items found at the scene pointed toward the suspect and an unspecified weapon was nearby.

The body would be sent to the state capital of Frankfort for identification, Burnett added.

But Laurel County Sheriff John Root said that the discovery of the body wasn't the outcome authorities wanted. 'I'd rather he'd been alive and he could have paid for what he's done', he said.

On September 7, Couch shot at a dozen cars and wounded five people.

Police recovered the AR rifle, Couch's car and a cellphone with the battery removed near the shooting site at Exit 49, officials said, on the night of the incident.

Image shared to social media from the incident showing a vehicle's back window smashed after it was struck by a bullet

Couch was arrested last month on charges of terrorist threatening in the third-degree (seen in his August booking mugshot), and was released on a $1,000 bond

Investigators have not publicly speculated as to the shooter's motive. A text Couch sent to his ex-wife indicated he intended to kill himself after targeting strangers.

Before the shooting spree, police received a call from Couch's ex-wife who said he texted her that 'I'm going to kill a lot of people ... Well try at least,' the Lexington Herald-Leader reported, citing an affidavit for an arrest warrant it had reviewed.

The woman later showed officers a follow-up text message saying, 'I'll kill myself afterwards,' the affidavit said.

Couch was reportedly arrested last month on charges of making terrorist threats, but was out on a $1,000 bond.

The status of his case is not clear, however Kentucky has some of the loosest gun laws in the nation, including not requiring a background check or permit to purchase a firearm.

Couch was also arrested back in 2020 on charges of DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to maintain insurance.
Two car enthusiasts killed when a Toyota Corolla crashed into a tree and burst into flames have been identified.

Mathew Wong, 23, and Kasia Kulary, 26, died in the accident on Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at Balgowlah on Sydney's Northern Beaches at around 10.45pm on Wednesday.

Police believe Mr Wong was driving the black car.

The pair had come from a motoring meet-up in Mosman with the Car Culture Australia group, which they were keen members of, 9News reported.

Ms Kulary's Facebook cover photo shows her posing with a Lexus.

'Kasia was, and still is, the light of all of our lives. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends,' her family said.

Police are investigating the crash and whether the car was speeding.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Kasia Kulary, 26, died after the car was travelling in crashed into a tree and burst into flames

Police believe Mathew Wong, who also died, was driving the black car

The accident happened on Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at Balgowlah on Sydney's Northern Beaches at around 10.45pm on Wednesday.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact Manly Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Israeli secret service didn't just tamper with the deadly Hezbollah pagers -- they made them from scratch, having set up a complex web of shell companies across Europe, it was claimed today.

Initially it was suspected that Mossad had managed to intercept and plant tiny bombs in a shipment of the pagers headed for the Iranian-backed terror group in Lebanon after thousands of people were injured and dozens killed.

But now it appears that the Israelis set up front companies across Europe to manufacture the pagers themselves, embedding small amounts of PETN explosive inside, ready to be detonated by a coded message.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied any role in the explosions, but 12 current and former defence and intelligence officials told the New York Times that the Israelis were behind it, describing the operation as 'complex and long'.

Following the series of explosions, Lebanese civilians have been living in terror as they fear that the 'technological war' could be a precursor to a full-scale conflict.

A man is injured after his pager exploded in Beirut on Tuesday

Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, who studied in London and lists 'disaster management' as one of her skills, is listed as the Chief Executive of the Hungarian-based company BAC Consulting initially believed to have supplied the devices to the Lebanese group. She denies any knowledge of the alleged plot

An undated file image of an Apollo pager, similar to the ones that exploded on September 17

Chaotic scenes inside a shop as a pager explodes in Lebanon on Tuesday

A pager destroyed in a blast on Tuesday. Some 2,800 people were injured in the blasts

Chaotic scenes inside hospitals in Lebanon are seen on Tuesday evening following blasts

A person is carried on a stretcher outside American University of Beirut Medical Center after attacks on Tuesday

A dozen people were killed as explosions rocked Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday

Israeli spies were already working on their ingenious plan long before February when Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that Israel was using cellphone networks to pinpoint the locations of his operatives.

'You ask me where the agent is,' Nasrallah told his followers in a publicly-televised address.

'I tell you that the phone in your hands, in your wife's hands, and in your children's hands is the agent.'

Then he urged them: 'Bury it. Put it in an iron box and lock it.'

He had been pushing for years for Hezbollah to invest instead in pagers, which for all their limited capabilities could receive data without giving away a user's location or other compromising information.

According to the New York Times, one of the Mossad shell companies was B.A.C. Consulting in Budapest, Hungary, set up to produce the devices on behalf of a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo.

Gold Apollo's chair, Hsu Ching-kuang, told journalists Wednesday the firm has had a licensing agreement with BAC for the past three years.

'According to the cooperation agreement, we authorize BAC to use our brand trademark for product sales in designated regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are solely the responsibility of BAC,' Gold Apollo said in a statement.

At least two other shell companies, one in Sofia headed by a Norwegian businessman were created as well to mask the real identities of the people creating the pagers: Israeli intelligence officers.

It is not known how involved in or aware of the ultimate plan were the legitimate business people running the companies, such as British-educated physicist Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, who has denied any knowledge of the plot.

B.A.C. did take on ordinary clients, for which it produced a range of ordinary pagers. But for Mossad the only client that really mattered was Hezbollah, and its pagers were far from ordinary.

Produced separately, they contained batteries laced with the explosive PETN, according to the three intelligence officers speaking to the NYT.

The pagers began shipping to Lebanon in the summer of 2022 in small numbers, but production was quickly ramped up after Mr. Nasrallah made his speech denouncing cellphones.

Not only did Nasrallah ban cellphones from meetings of Hezbollah militants, he ordered that the details of the group's movements and plans never be communicated over mobiles and that officers must carry pagers at all times, unwittingly playing even further into the hands of the Israelis.

A man is injured after his pager exploded in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday

Lebanese media reported that Israel managed to hack pagers and cause them to explode

Hezbollah fighters carry the coffins of a person killed after hundreds of pagers exploded in a deadly wave across Lebanon the previous day, on September 18

Devices began beeping on Tuesday afternoon. Trying to turn them off caused detonation

The aftermath of the second wave of explosions on Wednesday, in Baalbek, Lebanon

Over this summer, shipments of the pagers to Lebanon increased, with thousands arriving in the country and being distributed among Hezbollah officers and their allies, according to two American intelligence officials speaking to the New York Times.

To Hezbollah, they were a defensive measure, but in Israel, intelligence officers referred to the pagers as 'buttons' that could be pushed when the time seemed ripe.

That moment came this week.

To set off the explosions, according to three intelligence and defence officials, Israel triggered the pagers to beep and sent a message to them in Arabic that appeared as though it had come from Hezbollah's senior leadership.

Seconds later, Lebanon was in chaos. Some 2,800 people were injured and a dozen killed as explosions rippled through the country and parts of Syria.

Emergency services were further strained as walkie-talkies also used by Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday, injuring 450 and killing nine.

Thousands were left with horrific injuries to their eyes, faces and hands in the two waves of clandestine attacks.

In news which is bound to further fuel tensions, it was also revealed today that Iran allegedly recruited an Israeli civilian to assassinate prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the individual arrested last month.

As tensions ratchet up after almost a year of cross-border fighting, Israel has been moving more troops and tanks to its northern frontier and unleashed blistering airstrikes on Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon overnight.

With the increased activity and blasts increasingly viewed as heralding a return to all-out war, last seen 18 years ago, Lebanese officials are now pleading for an intervention from the UN and say their country is preparing for the worst.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati today called on the UN to oppose Israel's 'technological war' on his country.

He said in a statement ahead of the UN Security Council meeting tomorrow that the UN should 'take a firm stance to stop the Israeli aggression on Lebanon and the technological war it is waging'.

Many in Lebanon are now living in fear of a third wave of attacks. Worried that yet more devices could be booby-trapped, panicked Hezbollah fighters have torn the batteries from their walkie-talkies and thrown them into open spaces.

Civilians have spoken of their terror that their mobile phones and other home devices could effectively be turned into bombs, with reports that many are removing their batteries and Lebanese SIM cards.

'We don't know if we can stay next to our laptops, our phones. Everything seems like a danger at this point and no one knows what to do,' one local told the BBC.

Writing for MailOnline, journalist Hassan Harfoush described people's terror over the last two days.

'Beirut has collapsed into panic. The WhatsApp groups are going non-stop. There are wild rumours doing the rounds that solar panels might explode, batteries, fridges  anything. There's fake news saying phones have exploded.

'I know it's stupid but I even told my parents to get a fire extinguisher, just in case something blows up in the house,' he added.

'We're all really scared; there is no safe place any more. Everyone knows what these explosions can do. In a Beirut hospital, I saw a man whose flesh had been torn from his face, the bones gruesomely visible. He was still conscious.'
The mother of a baby boy who was seriously burned in an attack by a stranger in a Brisbane park last month has revealed there is some key information the police have refused to share with her.

The woman and her son were on a picnic in Hanlon Park, in the city's inner south-east, on August 27 when a stranger approached them and allegedly threw a flask of scalding coffee over the child before fleeing.

The nine-month-old baby suffered serious burns to his face, upper body and arms and has had seven operations in Queensland Children's Hospital.

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.

But the police have kept basic information about their investigation - including what nationality the man is and where he fled to - from the baby's parents.

'It's a bit frustrating  I would just like an update from police,' the mum, who asked for her and her son to not be identified, told the Brisbane Times on Thursday.

'At this point in time I'm not feeling confident because I don't know what country he's from, I don't know what they're actually doing or where they're at in this process.

'If we get an update then maybe we'll feel a bit more confident.'

The mother of a baby boy (pictured) who was seriously injured in an attack by a stranger last month has revealed there is some key information the police have refused to share with her

The mum had previously slammed the cops for keeping her and her partner in the dark on what was happening.

'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,' she told the Kyle & Jackie O show last Friday.

She said she had been given 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.'

After the attack, the suspect ran to the Apostolic Church Of Queensland in Annerley, where he changed his clothes and then got a rideshare car to the city centre.

The baby boy had his seventh operation on Tuesday and the mum is hopeful he won't need any more.

She said he is in good spirits, has healed significantly since the attack and is 'walking and crawling and laughing.

'You wouldn't even know he's been injured like this because he's just very resilient and strong. It hasn't stopped him from doing anything at the moment.'

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

The nine-month-old baby (pictured) suffered serious burns to his face, upper body and arms and has had seven operations in Queensland Children's Hospital

At the last press conference on September 9, the police said they were investigating if the suspect had been 'sleeping rough' at the time of the alleged attack.

A GoFundMe page set up to help the family with their medical and other expenses had raised almost $190,000 by Thursday night.

The police said there is no new information on the case that can be made public.

'Police are not making further comment due to investigative processes,' a police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.
Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to new sex crime charges from an accuser who has never told her story publicly but claims she is now ready to speak her truth at trial.

While awaiting retrial on other sex charges in a landmark #MeToo case, Weinstein, 72, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a new charge of forcing oral sex on a woman in a Manhattan hotel in spring 2006.

Prosecutors released no details about the woman, and Weinstein's lawyer said he had no idea who she is -but an attorney said that she represents the woman and that she has never made her accusation public.

'She will be fully prepared to speak her truth at trial to hold Weinstein accountable before a jury of his peers,' the lawyer, Lindsay Goldbrum, said in a statement.

She said the woman doesn't want to be identified for now, and the law firm declined to say anything more about her or her accusation.

Harvey Weinstein is acing fresh sex crime charges from a new accuser who has never shared her story publicly

The disgraced movie mogul, 72, pictured at a court appearance on August 19, 2024, where he appeared feeble in a wheelchair

According to the indictment and another court document, the alleged assault - the specific charge is a 'criminal sex act' - happened at a lower Manhattan hotel between April 29, 2006, and May 6 of that year.

Weinstein, who co-founded the film and television production company Miramax, has long maintained that he never engaged in any sexual activity that wasn't consensual.

Defense attorney Arthur Aidala reiterated Wednesday that his client 'never forced himself on anyone.'

Aidala said he had 'absolutely no clue' about the accuser's identity or the specifics of the allegation.

'We have a lot of work to do. We have to find out who that person is. We have to do an investigation,' he said outside court.

Weinstein, who is recovering from emergency surgery, came to court in a wheelchair, carrying two novels with him, and appeared to watch the proceeding intently.

It comes after he was rushed to Bellevue Hospital from Rikers Island in New York City earlier this month for emergency life surgery.

Weinstein's representatives Craig Rothfeld and Juda Engelmayer said: 'As we have extensively stated before, Mr. Weinstein suffers a plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment'.

The fresh allegations come seven years after numerous sexual assault and harassment allegations against Weinstein turbocharged the #MeToo movement.

He has languished in prison in New York ever since his conviction, after he became the most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement in 2017 when women began going public with accounts of his behavior.

After the revelations emerged, British police said they were investigating multiple allegations of sexual assault that reportedly took place between the 1980s and 2015.

The outpouring touched off a far broader reckoning with sexual misconduct, and the allegations led to Weinstein's professional downfall, multiple lawsuits and criminal charges on both US coasts.

His 2020 rape and sexual assault conviction was a watershed #MeToo moment, followed by his 2022 rape conviction in Los Angeles.

He was sentenced to decades in prison.

Weinstein has long maintained that he never engaged in any sexual activity that wasn't consensual

But New York state's highest court this spring overturned his 2020 conviction, which was based on accusations from two women.

The high court, called the Court of Appeals, said the trial judge unfairly allowed testimony based on allegations that were not part of the case, but that judge's term expired in 2022, and he is no longer on the bench.

The Court of Appeals ordered a new trial, which had been scheduled to start in November but now is likely to be delayed.

The new judge on the case, Curtis Farber, set an October 2 hearing to discuss scheduling and rule on whether the new charge will be wrapped into the retrial, a consolidation that prosecutors want but Weinstein's lawyers oppose.

Aidala said Weinstein wants to go to trial as soon as possible, but his defense team doesn't want to rush its work on addressing the new charge.

Prosecutors revealed last week that Weinstein had been indicted on at least one additional sex crime charge that wasn't part of the earlier case.

But the new indictment was sealed until his arraignment Wednesday.

Prosecutors had said that the grand jury heard evidence of up to three alleged assaults, in hotels and a residential building, from the mid-2000s to 2016.

Aidala said Weinstein was 'somewhat relieved' to find only one charge on the new indictment.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the investigation continues.

'Thanks to this survivor who bravely came forward, Harvey Weinstein now stands indicted for an additional alleged violent sexual assault,' Bragg, a Democrat, said in a statement.

Weinstein remains in custody while awaiting his New York retrial.

The 72-year-old has been at a Manhattan hospital following emergency surgery September 9 to drain fluid around his heart and lungs.

He takes as many as 19 different medications for his various health ailments, Aidala said.

Once one of the most influential people in the movie business, Weinstein co-founded the film and television production companies Miramax and The Weinstein Company and produced films such as 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'The Crying Game.'
Prisoners in HMP Isle of Wight have been banned from reading Harry Potter books, after bosses decided teen books were 'off limits' for men convicted of sexual assault.

The category B 'super-prison' combines HMP Parkhurst and HMP Albany and holds 1,100 inmates.

A report into the sex offender jail by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said there had been complaints that the seven novels by J.K. Rowling were not on the shelves.

It states that, despite the library having a 'higher number of users' in the past year, there was some 'frustration' from inmates and library staff at the ban.

The report states: 'A frustration raised with us by library staff relates to the Ministry of Justice's approved stock policy for books in an establishment for men convicted of sexual offences.

Prisoners in HMP Isle of Wight have been banned from reading Harry Potter books (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone pictured), after bosses decided teen books were 'off limits' for men convicted of sexual assault.

HMP Isle of Wight (pictured) is a category B 'super-prison' combines HMP Parkhurst and HMP Albany and holds 1,100 inmates

The Harry Potter were turned into films, in which the three main characters were played by Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter (centre), Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley (right) and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger (left). The actors were just 10-12 years old in the first film

'This policy cuts out a significant number of books - e.g. Harry Potter - where a teenager is the main protagonist.'

The Harry Potter books and movies have made author J.K.Rowling a multi-millionaire, with a fortune of more than 820m.

The seven books, which were all turned into films, follow the exploits of a boy wizard called Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they battle the evil Lord Voldemort.

In the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - published in 1997 and made into a film in 2001 - Harry is aged just 11 when he finds out he is a wizard and goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

He is just 17 in the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

A prison source said the ban was in place to stop sex offenders indulging in fantasies.

He said: 'Prisons need to discourage the behaviour shown by offenders prior to being jailed.

'If this means not allowing books which might trigger a certain type of fantasy or behaviour, then so be it.'

He added: 'I've read all of the Harry Potter books, and I'm not quite sure how it would create a flashpoint for an offender, but mine is not to reason why.'

Prison chiefs declined to comment.

Evanna Lynch, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Katie Leung pictured attending the Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix photocall on June 25, 2007
This is the horrifying moment a man was impaled on the horns of a raging bull after trying to play hide and seek with it.

The one-and-a-half ton beast had just been released for a bull running event in Spain when it gored the festival goer on Tuesday.

The bull impaled the man's torso and tossed him in the air after he tried to sneak around a pillar and play with it.

He was also tramped by the bull after he slipped while trying to dodge it.

Other festival goers who had sought cover on top of concrete columns watched on in horror.

They can be seen desperately waving jackets and colourful makeshift matador capes to try and distract the animal.

A man was impaled on the horns of a raging bull after trying to play hide and seek with it in Spain

The bull impaled the man's torso and tossed him in the air after he tried to sneak around a pillar and play with it

Other festival goers who had sought cover on top of concrete columns watched on in horror

The bull eventually left the man alone and he was dragged away for urgent medical treatment, with puncture wounds to his abdomen, local media has reported.

One other festival-goer was seriously injured in the bull run and 12 more suffered minor injuries.

The incident occurred at an event in Tordesillas, Valladolid, where locals release a single bull for a run through the town before it is herded into a meadow.

The festival, known as Toro de la Pena, or Bull of the Virgin, has been held for centuries and is traditionally a way for young men to test their courage.

It used to end with the bull being lanced to death this was stopped in 2016 after protests from animal, rights groups.

It comes after footage released yesterday showed a 64-year-old man being gored in the scrotum at a bull running event in La Vall dUixo, north-east of Valencia.

The bull had just been released from its pen when it charged towards the man at breakneck speed.

The man was then held in the air for several seconds before the bull dumped him on the ground in front of shocked onlookers

The victim, identified as only F.M.N, suffered entry and exit wounds around his groin area in the goring

The bull had just been released from its pen when it charged towards the man at breakneck speed

Before the man had a chance to react, the bull picked him up with one of its horns from the other side of a metal barrier.

The man was then held in the air for several seconds before the bull dumped him on the ground in front of shocked onlookers.

The victim, identified only as F.M.N, suffered entry and exit wounds around his groin area and was taken to hospital for treatment.

An onsite medical team, as well as two doctors who were there as spectators, gave the man first aid.

He was conscious when he was taken to a hospital in nearby Villarreal and will undergo surgery, local media has reported.
A terrified pregnant woman has claimed she was shoved and assaulted on a British Airways flight by a fellow passenger who told her: 'Don't think I won't punch you in your f****** face.'

Parul Patel, 35, was 11 weeks pregnant at the time. She was flying back to London from Amsterdam with her partner when the incident occurred as passengers were disembarking the plane.

She believes the passenger wrongly thought she had pushed in front of him.

Ms Patel approached a member of staff who apologised for the man's behaviour and offered a complimentary bottle of champagne.

The business analyst from Watford said: 'I actually felt like this man was going to hurt me.

Parul Patel (right), 35, was 11 weeks pregnant at the time. She was flying back to London from Amsterdam with her partner, Dhiren Raghvani (right), when the incident occurred as passengers were disembarking the plane

Ms Patel and Mr Raghvani were returning from a holiday to Amsterdam to visit a friend when the incident occurred on August 19 at around 4pm

'I felt I was made to be the bad guy and I now feel fearful to confront anyone about anything.'

Ms Patel had been on holiday in Amsterdam with her partner Dhiren Raghvani to visit a friend in August this year.

She said: 'It was supposed to be a joyous trip, but it ended in a nightmare.'

The incident occurred on August 19 at around 4pm Ms Patel says a male passenger pushed her out of the way and accused her of trying to cut in front of him.

She said: 'I was already standing in the aisle, and suddenly, he pushed me and said' "Don't think I won't punch you in the f***ing face." I was in shock.'

The situation quickly escalated as the man continued to verbally assault her - making threats and using abusive language.

A member of cabin crew tried to console her, but the experience left Parul shaken and fearful.

She said: 'I asked them to call security. I was already in a state of shock, crying so much I could barely speak.

'I didn't really understand why she was giving us the bottle?

'It would make sense if we were talking about bad customer service, but we were dealing with common assault here.'

Despite reporting the incident to staff, Ms Patel feels her concerns were not taken as seriously as she would have liked.

When she followed up with the airline, Ms Patel was offered a 50 voucher.

The couple encountered the same man again in the arrivals hall where Ms Patel said the man squared up to her and 'cursed her unborn child'

She said: 'This wasn't about a delayed flight or lost luggage - this was a serious assault.'

To make matters worse, the couple encountered the same man again in the arrivals hall where Ms Patel said the man squared up to her and 'cursed her unborn child.'

Despite the repeated threats and aggressive behaviour, Ms Patel claims the police said they were unable to take any action.

She said: 'They said they didn't see him doing anything - except me swearing back at him. I struggled to sleep for a week after it happened.

'As a new mum and pregnant with my second child, I now feel scared to confront anyone.

'It's made me question my safety, especially as we hear so much about violence against women. It was so demoralising. I felt like I was made out to be the bad guy, when in reality, I was the one being threatened and assaulted. '

British Airways said: 'We do not tolerate any kind of abuse against our colleagues or customers.

'A member of our cabin crew team offered assistance to our customer when this incident was brought to their attention, and it has been reported to the police.'

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were contacted about an altercation at Heathrow Airport on 19 August. 'A woman reported that she had been approached by a man inside the airport following a dispute that had begun on an inbound flight'

A British Airways plane taking off from Heathrow (stock image). Ms Patel approached a member of staff who apologised for the man's behave and offered a complimentary bottle of champagne. When she followed up with the airline, Ms Patel was also offered a 50 voucher.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were contacted about an altercation at Heathrow Airport on 19 August.

'A woman reported that she had been approached by a man inside the airport following a dispute that had begun on an inbound flight.

'Officers attended but the man had left the location.

'Officers spoke to the relevant airline who had no record of the dispute.

'They also spoke to two independent witnesses who provided information that did not support the woman's version of events.

'After assessing all of the information available, a decision was taken not to investigate further. The woman was informed of this.

'If any further information comes to light, this will be assessed and investigated accordingly.'
A prominent transgender model, actor and influencer has been brutally stabbed to death in Georgia.

Kesaria Abramidze, 37, was killed the day after parliament in the ex-Soviet state had passed a law banning LGBT propaganda, with her death sparking widespread outrage.

She suffered more than 50 stab wounds in the attack, which took place last night in her own home in the capital Tbilisi.

A male suspect, named as Beka Jaiani, 26, was detained at the city's airport evidently seeking to leave Georgia, according to reports. He is said to have known the star.

CCTV footage allegedly shows him waiting by a lift in her apartment block, and then running down the stairs in the same building less than ten minutes later.

Kesaria Abramidze, 37, was killed the day after parliament in the ex-Soviet state had passed a law banning LGBT propaganda

The victim was a well-known and popular figure in Georgia after undergoing a sex change operation in 2014

Kesaria's killing is the third high-profile murder of a transgender woman in Georgia in recent years

Neighbours heard screams and went to her apartment where they found her blood-drenched body.

The victim was a well-known and popular figure in Georgia after undergoing a sex change operation in 2014.

She had represented Georgia at Miss Trans Star International in 2018 and had more than half a million online followers.

Georgia's President Salome Zurabishvili, who is against the new anti-LGBT laws, responded to news of Kesaria's death: 'A terrible murder! A denial of humanity!

'Only this might sober up our society Hopefully, the killing of this beautiful young woman will at least serve to make us more humane and Christian.'

Before having the sex change procedure, Kesaria froze her genetic material abroad, and intended to have a child.

Her killing is the third high-profile murder of a transgender woman in Georgia in recent years.

A male suspect, named as Beka Jaiani, 26, was detained at the city's airport evidently seeking to leave Georgia, according to reports

The killing came after the country passed laws in lockstep with Russia banning same-sex marriages, adoption by same-sex couples, gender-affirming care, public endorsement of LGBTQ+ relations and people, and depictions of them in the media.

Pride events and public displays of the rainbow flag are outlawed, and censorship imposed on films and books.

The tough new laws face a veto from pro-Western President Zourabichvili, but this can still be overcome by a subsequent vote in parliament.

The bill is entitled 'On Protection of Family Values and Minors'.

Human rights watchdog the Social Justice Center (SJC) said in its statement reacting to Kesaria's killing: 'There is a direct correlation between the use of hate speech in politics and hate crimes.

Kesaria posted to her Instagram story yesterday, just hours before her killing last night

Kesaria had represented Georgia at Miss Trans Star International in 2018 and had more than half a million online followers

'It has been almost a year that the Georgian Dream government has been aggressively using homo/bi/transphobic language and cultivating it with mass propaganda means,' it added.

'It is certain that the policy of hate has serious consequences  harassment of LGBTI people, their marginalization and violence against them. The case of the murder of Kesaria Abramidze cannot be perceived without this general context.'

The British embassy in Tbilisi said of the new law: 'The United Kingdom is seriously concerned by the adoption, in the third reading, of the legislative package on family values and protection of minors.

'This package undermines fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and risks further stigmatisation and discrimination of part of the Georgian population.'
A failed asylum seeker drugged and sexually assaulted a vulnerable 14-year-old girl after the Home Office 'didn't get round to' deporting him.

Sam Sharma, 34, carried out the horrific abuse on her more than a year after he completed a 14-month prison sentence for spitting, urinating, and hurling racist abuse at police officers, as well as threatening to rape the officers' family members.

But instead of being deported after his release from prison, the Indian illegal immigrant was allowed to roam free despite the authorities having the powers to deport him 'if they wanted to'.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that Sharma avoided being sent home because the Home Office 'probably just didn't get round to it'.

Sheriff Alison McKay has now jailed Sharma for three years after a jury found him guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting a child in Dundee on 26 May last year.

Failed asylum seeker Sam Sharma, 34, drugged and sexually assaulted a vulnerable 14-year-old girl after the Home Office 'didn't get round to' deporting him

The Indian illegal immigrant was allowed to roam free despite the authorities having the powers to deport him 'if they wanted to'

She said: 'If he doesn't have a UK passport and it is correct that he has claimed asylum and been refused then Mr Sharma will be known. They can already deport Mr Sharma if they want to.

'I take the view that you are already within the sights of the Home Office and they will decide whether or not you will be deported.'

Counsel Neil Beardmore, defending, told the court: 'There was a history of him making applications and those being refused. He originates from India.

'He does not have a UK passport. He has claimed asylum and is a failed asylum seeker. You would expect them to deport him at the conclusion of his sentence.

'You have to ask why - after his last imprisonment - the Home Office didn't deal with it? They probably just didn't get round to it.'

Former shop assistant Sharma sexually abused the underage girl in Dundee after supplying her with cannabis. He was also found guilty of supplying cannabis.

Jurors convicted Sharma of sexually abusing the girl, then aged 14, in May 2023 at an address in the West End area of Dundee.

He was also found guilty of being concerned in the supply of cannabis to the girl and another woman on the same date.

Sharma, who had been working at a convenience store in Monifieth, was subject to three bail orders at the time of the offence.

A not proven verdict was returned on a charge of sexually assaulting another woman while she was asleep.

Perth Sheriff Court (pictured) was told that Sharma avoided being sent home because the Home Office 'probably just didn't get round to it'

Sheriff McKay said: 'In relation to the sexual conduct towards the girl, I take the view she was a particularly vulnerable young person.'

As well as sending Sharma to prison for 36 months, she added his details to the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Mr Beardmore said: 'In custody he has experienced racial abuse. A complaint has been lodged with the governor of the prison.'

On 7 January 2022, Sharma was jailed for 14 months and Dundee Sheriff Court was told that he was already being lined up for deportation at that stage.

Sharma spat and urinated at police and hurled racist abuse as he threatened to rape and kill the officers' family members.

Sharma hurled abuse at one officer by calling him a 'freshie' and implied he was 'fresh off the boat.' He was left with his arm deformed as a result of multiple breaks during the fracas with police.

Sharma admitted attacking PC Shogun Hangetsu by spitting at him as well as shouting, swearing and urinating at police on 3 September 2021.

He also admitted making racist comments to the officer and making sexual remarks and issuing threats to police and their families.

Fiscal depute Lora Apostolova told Dundee Sheriff Court: 'He is believed to be an Indian foreign national and deportation is a live issue.

'Police had reason to visit. He appeared under the influence and was behaving in an erratic manner. He stated he was of Indian descent and referred to PC Hangetsu as a Paki bastard.

'He called him a freshie, meaning fresh off the boat, and a common insult to ethnic minorities. He was warned about his behaviour but continued to be aggressive.'

Sharma ranted: 'I'm going to get a gun and shoot your mum's p****. I will f*** your sister and shoot your mum. I will find you in the street and stab you.

'I will f*** you and I will stick my big d*** in you. Don't f*** me off. Do you want to suck my d***, freshie? I'm going to kill your family. I'm a big guy.'

Sharma ran to the back of the police van and spat at the officer before urinating through a gap in the door of the police vehicle. Officers were forced to step back to avoid being 'splashed'.

Solicitor Gary McIlravey, defending, said: 'He has little recollection of events. He accepts taking alcohol but not a particularly large amount.

'He is at a loss to explain his behaviour. He is thoroughly embarrassed and appalled by his behaviour and wishes to extend his apologies to all concerned.

'This was best described as unsavoury and wholly unpleasant. At some point during the course of the incident his lower left arm was broken in several places.

'His inappropriate behaviour was dealt with in summary fashion. His arm will remain in a less than straight position for the rest of his life.'

Sheriff Alistair Carmichael said: 'You spat at police officers which is unacceptable. You made threats towards them and their families, including shooting and stabbing them.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'It is longstanding government policy that we not comment on individual cases. We are committed to deporting foreign national offenders and aim to remove them from the UK at the earliest opportunity.'
A four-year-old boy has been left with permanent nerve damage to his face after he was attacked by a dog while playing at a friend's house.

The Bull Arab rescue dog, Orlando, attacked the boy in Perth in August.

The boy's mother, Jasmine Santich, has since called for the animal to be put down, amid claims her son was the third person to be attacked by the dog.

Ms Santich's son, Swayde Rangi, required reconstructive surgery to his face after he was rushed to the hospital from a property in Yangepup, south Perth.

Ms Sanitch recounted the moment her son was attacked.

'The dog has lunged at his faced and pushed him back onto gravel and scraped both his arms, and (the dog) went at his face multiple times,' she told 7News.

Ms Santich said her son's wounds were 'horrific'.

'His eye was completely severed; it was so swollen, and he was so scared. It was horrific,' the mum said.

Swayde, 4, was attacked by a dog while playing at a friends house. He's spent days in hospital

Swayde's mother, Jasmine Santich, called for the dog to put down following the vicious attack

Swayde will need more surgery next week. He's already spent five nights in Perth Children's Hospital.

Graphic vision of Swayde's injuries show bite marks and cuts across his face.

Ms Santich said the incident left her son terrified of dogs and that he had shown symptoms seen in sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder.

'This was really significant damage done to a child's face,' she said to 9News.

She asked what it would take for stricter punishments for the dog after the attack.

'If this isn't enough, what is?' she questioned.

The local council began an investigation into the dog and has since declared him a dangerous dog.

A spokesperson for the City of Cockburn council confirmed the dog was released after an inspection of the Yangeup property and the compliance of his owners, who must now follow several strict conditions, according to the West Australian.

The boy will require more treatment in the coming week for his serious injuries, his mum said

The dog must remain on the lead in public, and wear a muzzle and 'dangerous dog' collar at all times.

The council couldn't confirm whether the animal had previously attacked others.

'The owners must adhere to an annual property inspection to meet the requirements of the Dangerous Dog Declaration,' a spokesperson for the council told the West Australian.

'These restrictions remain in place for the duration of the dog's life or until an order through the State Administrative Tribunal is handed down.'

The owners also front a potential $10,000 fine after the local council commenced legal action against them under the Dog Act.
Hundreds of bars and restaurants in Mallorca are facing imminent closure following the worst season since Covid and tourists tightening their belts.

The warning has come from the restaurant association, PIMEM-Restauracion, which says their members are being strangled by three essential factors - the lack of qualified personnel, the increase in staff and activity costs, and a drop in sales.

Its president, Cesar Amable, says the increase in travel prices and accommodation has hit its sector and other mainstays of the complementary offer such as commerce this summer.

'The average stay has been shortened and the budget of tourists has been limited, thus penalising the extraordinary expenses of the trip, a situation that has ended up confirming the least profitable season in recent years, a pandemic period aside,' he said.

A sign of the times, the picturesque Spanish island has been rocked by a wave of anti-tourism protests this year calling for 'low quality' visitors to leave in response to a lack of local housing, limited job opportunities and a rising cost of living.

Sinister graffiti appeared on wall in Majorca over the summer

Members of the Mallorca Platja Tour association demonstrate against tourism with a banner that reads 'Let's occupy our beaches!' on Palma de Mallorca beach on August 11

A protester speaks during the demonstration on the beach of Palma de Mallorca in August

A demonstrator holds a sign which reads 'it's not tourismphobia, it's Mallorcicide' during protest

Demonstrators hold a sign which reads 'tourism yes, but not like that' during a march in Palma

Restaurateurs are now demanding the creation of their own hospitality agreement that differentiates their conditions from those of hoteliers, as is already happening in other regions of Spain such as La Rioja, Madrid and Guipuzcoa at the provincial level.

The salary increases, they say, are unaffordable for a sector that this season has seen its turnover fall by around 20 per cent compared to last season.

Thus, they have explained that the collective agreement has increased staff expenses by 25.3 per cent since 2018, while the price of menus has risen by 10 per cent in the same period.

'There is a huge gap between hotels and restaurants; I think it's very good that hotels raise prices as much as they want to raise them, but there are many things that differentiate us,' said Mr Amable.

He warned that the drop in income this season will probably result in an early closure of many businesses located in tourist areas of Mallorca and the rest of the archipelago.

Unless a new agreement was made, he warned: 'We restaurateurs have a very bad future.'

Mr Matas said they had been pressing for an agreement of their own for the last 15 years but nothing had happened.

'The situation since then has worsened a lot and restaurants are being strangled,' he added.

For the six months to the end of June, 42.5 million international visitors travelled into Spain, with June alone recording a 12 per cent rise to 9 million as the busier summer period picks up, according to Spain's data agency INE.

That means 2024 has been shaping up to be another record year for tourism, already the world's second most visited country behind France.

It is expected to beat last year's high of 85 million tourists, when numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

Data shows visitors are increasingly opting to stay in rental apartments, rather than hotels, driving up demand for flats and incentivising landlords to buy up housing at the expense of residents.

The number of visitors to Spain in the first-half of the year staying in that type of accommodation was up 30 per cent, while those staying in hotels was up 11 per cent.

Amid widespread dissatisfaction over pay, housing and opportunities, residents in Majorca took to the streets for major demonstrations against perceived 'overtourism'.

In July, residents in Barcelona responded in their own way, firing water guns at tourists enjoying dinner on a street popular with foreign visitors.

Under the banner 'Enough! Let's put limits on tourism', some 2,800 people - according to police - marched along a waterfront district of Barcelona to demand a new economic model that would reduce the millions of tourists that visit every year.

Barcelona's rising cost of housing, up 68 percent in the past decade, is one of the main issues for the movement, along with the effects of tourism on local commerce and working conditions in the city of 1.6 million inhabitants.

Rents rose by 18 per cent in June from a year earlier in tourist cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, according to the property website Idealista.

For years, the city has worn anti-tourist graffiti with messages such as 'tourists go home' aimed at visitors some blame for the rising prices and shaping of the economy around tourists.

Barcelona's local authorities have since responded by saying they would introduce a tourist tax for short-stay cruise passengers in a bid to alleviate the strain.

But local businesses dependent on tourism worry such hasty moves could deter the people they rely on to live.

The activist group said they chose the area because it is infamous for drunkenness and disorder

An anti-tourism placard is seen during a demonstration in Barcelona in July

Anti-tourism demonstrations broke out through the summer with locals seen marching to 'reclaim the beaches' and hanging 'Tourists go home' banners at holiday hotspots across the country

The Caterva protest group put up red tape and 'Beach Closed' signs at several coves in Manacor, eastern Majorca in late August

A protester holds a sign reading 'Take back your drunks, give back our homes' during a demonstration in Palma this month

The first major protest in Alicante on the mainland took place in July, as hundreds of locals took to the streets to voice their concerns about overtourism.

Scores of residents met at the central Plaza Toros with banners and flags reading 'Leave our neighbourhoods', 'our home is not the patio of gringos' and 'f*** AirBnB' amid fears locals are being priced out of their homes and trapped in unstable jobs catering to foreign visitors.

Aggrieved locals chanted 'Alicante is not for sale', blew whistles and waved flags, closing streets as they rallied on the Calle Calderon de la Barca, finishing their march at the office for tourism to plenty of applause from crowd.

And on July 27 around 250 protestors impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach in a 'surprise action'.

Activists boasted of filling a car park by Cala Turqueta, a beautiful cove on the island's southern coast, with 'residents' cars'.

They then used towels and their own bodies to shape the message 'SOS Menorca' on the sand by the waterline.
Kamala Harris' presidential campaign faces tough times after two hosts on liberal-leaning CNN blasted the Democrat hopeful on separate shows.

Dana Bash and Abby Phillip have criticized Harris for not being specific about her proposals, which they say could lead to a Donald Trump win in November.

Bash joked on Wednesday that you could play a drinking game every time VP Harris repeats the same talking points on the economy, often bringing up small businesses and her middle class background.

'When you listen to Kamala Harris on what she will do, you can almost start a drinking game every time she says small businesses,' Bash said during a panel discussion.

Meanwhile Phillip said on Tuesday that Harris 'lacked specifics' and does not have quick and 'understandable' answers regarding the economy and other topics.

'Black journalists today at the NABJ [National Black Journalists Association] pressed vice president Kamala Harris on policies from guns to the war in Gaza, but many of her answers lacked specifics,' Phillip said.

Dana Bash joked on Wednesday that you could play a drinking game every time VP Harris repeats the same talking points on the economy, often bringing up small businesses

Meanwhile Phillip said on Tuesday that Harris 'lacked specifics' and does not have quick and 'understandable' answers regarding the economy.

Bash played a clip of Harris in her interview with NABJ where she talked about her plans to expand the tax credit for small businesses.

'She also talks about being a middle-class kid. Thats also the front of her answers,' said CNN panelist, Semafor reporter David Weigel.Both Bash and Phillip said Harris has failed to provide concrete answers to the most pressing concern for Americans - the high cost of living.

Weigel added: 'What people want to hear is how do you make the prices go down?

'There is not a plan to say that were going to lower the cost of your grocery bill to what it was in 2019...

'And Harris, I think, with a different set of incentives and a different relationship to something she can back up in a policy paper, she doesnt have an answer. So she goes to a larger, well, imagine a future where there are more businesses and this starts to ameliorate.'

Both Bash and Phillip said Harris has failed to provide concrete answers to the most pressing concern for Americans - the high cost of living

Harris on Tuesday sat down for a rare interview with a trio of journalists from the National Association of Black Journalists,

Asked whether Americans are better off today than four years ago when she and President Joe Biden entered office, Harris did not directly answer the question, instead referencing the state of the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and bringing up her plans to try to lower housing costs and promoting herself as a 'new generation' of leader.

Harris said her candidacy offers the country a chance at 'turning the page on an era that sadly has shown us attempts to by some to incite fear to create division in our country.'

Janiyah Thomas, Black media director for the Trump campaign, said Harris remarks to the National Association of Black Journalists on Tuesday reveal her record of failures for Black Americans.

'She told the NABJ that after three and half years of her failed policies, grocery prices are too high and the American Dream is unattainable for young Americans,' Thomas said.

'We cant afford four more years of Kamala Harris. Its time to put President Trump back in the White House and restore economic prosperity.'

Harris has largely sidestepped traditional media appearances and instead focused on rallies, grassroots organizing and social media engagement, where the vice president can sidestep questions from independent journalists about her policy record and proposed agenda.
Police have revealed a major update at the inquest into the death of an apprentice who was found dead at the side of a road after a night out 14 years ago.

On the fourth day of a coronial inquest into Josh Warneke's death, it emerged that there are 15 people who cannot be eliminated as suspects in the 21-year-old's death.

Mr Warneke's body was discovered on Old Broome Road, in Broome in Western Australia's Kimberley region, on February 26, 2010, shortly after he had left a nightclub in the popular resort town.

A reward of $1million has been offered for information that helps catch his killer.

On Thursday, the inquest, which has moved from Broome to Perth, heard that there were also another 'three groups of suspects' who could not be ruled out as being involved.

The tradie was last seen walking near Old Broome and Bagot roads at around 2.45am and a taxi driver found him with a severe head injury shortly after, the West Australian reported.

Detective Inspector David Palmer, who led a team that carried out a cold case review into Mr Warneke's death in 2017-2018, told the court they concluded he died after either being struck by a vehicle, being assaulted with a weapon, or both.

Around 850 witnesses were spoken with or identified during the police investigations into Mr Warneke's death, the inquest heard.

On the fourth day of a coronial inquest into Josh Warneke's (pictured) death, it emerged that there are 15 people who cannot be eliminated as suspects in the 21-year-old's death

Some of the suspects' names were mentioned in court on Thursday, but a suppression order means they cannot be named publicly.

One of the suspects told a woman that he hit Mr Warneke with a tomahawk and that he could point out where the weapon was.

But the police later ruled the man was known to 'talk rubbish', the court heard.

Sergeant David Magorian, one of state's most experienced crash investigators, said he did not believe Mr Warneke was hit by a vehicle on the night he died.

He said the lack of tyre marks at the scene, Mr Warneke's injuries and the fact his thongs were found close to his body led him and his major crash squad colleagues to conclude a vehicle wasn't involved.

'My view is I can't think of a scenario where he was struck by a vehicle that would leave him lying in that position,' Sgt Magorian said.

'I can't think of a scenario where there was contact with a vehicle. He looked too neat. It's inconsistent with what we would normally find.'

A crash report into Mr Warneke's death also concluded he was not hit by a vehicle or something sticking out from a vehicle.

Sgt Magorian said he agreed with those conclusions.

Earlier this week, taxi driver Philip Nordfelt denied that he bumped the tradie with his car in a McDonald's car park 30 minutes before Mr Warneke was found dead less than a kilometre away.

He also said he could not remember a passenger in his taxi saying 'please don't hit him'.

'I'm positive that I didn't,' Mr Nordfelt told journalists outside the Coroner's Court after his testimony, the ABC reported.

The young tradie was captured on CCTV in a McDonald's car park 30 minutes before he was found dead

A taxi driver denied that he bumped the tradie with his car in a McDonald's car park (pictured) 30 minutes before Mr Warneke was found dead

On Monday, the inquest heard that a man who was charged and later acquitted of Mr Warneke's manslaughter would not be giving evidence.

Indigenous man Gene Gibson was charged with Mr Warneke's murder in 2012  before eventually pleading guilty to manslaughter.

He was jailed for more than seven years and had served nearly five when WA's supreme court found the 'integrity of the plea was impugned' and his conviction should be quashed. He is not one of the 15 suspects identified by police.

The inquest continues.
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Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are locked in a dead heat in the polls with just 46 days to go until Election Day.

A New York Times/Siena Poll released Thursday morning show both candidates have support of 47 percent of voters nationwide.

But the same survey shows Harris has a four-point lead in the critical battleground of Pennsylvania, one of the states that will ultimately decide the election.

According to another Washington Post poll however, the race is essentially tied in the Keystone State. Both campaigns believe winning the state will secure the path to victory.

Results of a DailyMail.com poll also found that the majority of Americans - including most Trump supporters - want a second debate between him and Harris.

The survey of 1000 likely voters found that 63 percent said they should meet again on the debate stage.

Follow all the updates of the final sprint in the 2024 presidential race in our live blog.
A rape victim who was abused by her father from the age of three has slammed Huw Edwards, claiming he blamed his paedophilia on poor mental health.

The former BBC presenter was spared jail at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday after admitting accessing indecent images of children as young as seven.

The 63-year-old previously admitted three charges of 'making' indecent photos after he was sent 41 illegal images by a convicted paedophile over WhatsApp.

But Edwards only received a suspended sentence after the chief magistrate said his mental health at the time of the offences could have impaired his decision-making.

District judge Paul Goldspring handed Edwards a six-month prison sentence which he suspended for two years, and declined to make a sexual harm prevention order.

He also told Edwards he must attend 25 rehabilitation sessions and be placed on the sex offender treatment programme for 40 days. In addition, Edwards was told to pay 3,000 in prosecution costs and put on the sex offenders' register for seven years.

But today, MailOnline spoke to 43-year-old Ally, an alias for a rape victim who said she was disgusted by Edwards's sentence and mental health defence.

Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday

Ally, who tried to commit suicide more than ten times, said: 'There are millions of people who have mental health problems who never do that, they don't commit crimes, especially not looking at child abuse images.

'It's not a part of depression. The children in these stories are forgotten. We talk about images but we're actually talking about people, they're children like me.

'I think that's often forgotten when it gets talked about in court and it's just seen as someone looking at a picture but it's actually a person who was once being abused.

'I really feel for the kids in these images who have been in this story, I hope they're safe.'

The judge in the Edwards case said medical evidence appeared to confirm that he had no memory of viewing any particular image because of his mental health at the time.

But Ally said Edwards blaming his actions on mental health issues 'undermines the pain of victims'.

Court artist's sketch of Huw Edwards in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday

She continued: 'He's got the suspended sentence - it means nothing really. He might say he's sorry have some rehab, but my dad had some rehab and went onto abuse me again so what evidence do we have that it even works for people.'

On Monday, the court was taken through details of Edwards's mental health history, with reference made to one report by a consultant psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist that recorded Edwards took two months of sick leave 'following an anonymous denunciation' in 2018.

The same psychiatrist concluded Edwards was at 'considerable risk of harm from others' and the risk of taking his own life was 'high and significant' if he was imprisoned.

Another medical report, by a forensic psychosexual therapist, said: 'The feelings of being desirable and unseen alongside Mr Edwards' unresolved sexual orientation created a perfect storm where he engaged in sexual infidelities and became vulnerable to people blackmailing him.'

As for Ally, she was five when her father was convicted of two counts of indecent assault against a six-year-old girl in January 1987, who was her best friend.

Mugshot of Huw Edwards who was given six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years

She said: 'When he was convicted of abusing my friend, I didn't say what he had done to me. My father started abusing me from as young as I can remember, aged three, maybe before.'

In the year of the arrest, Ally underwent a physical examination, which showed she had a torn hymen - consistent with sexual abuse.

She was placed on the child protection register and made a ward of court.

Ally said: 'The family court said he was allowed some access to me through letter writing, so I never escaped from that. They said I had to write to him each month.

'It felt like he was still there like I couldn't speak openly, he had that hold over me.'

After four months in prison, Ally's father was released, and in 1991, he was granted visitation access. Within the year she was seeing him alone, aged 11.

She said: 'I would go to his house, and from about 12 years old he started buying me alcohol so he could do what he wanted really.'

Court artist's sketch of Huw Edwards in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday

Until the age of 16, when Ally left home, her father would rape her, fondle her and take pictures of her in his flat.

She said: 'He had loads of gear, and I recall seeing images on the screen.'

In 2015, he was arrested for being in possession of images of child abuse, but not convicted

Aged 16, Ally moved to London to escape him but returned home a year later because of her own poor mental health.

She said: 'I tried more than ten times to kill myself, and I self-harmed. I was an alcoholic, and I was admitted to a psychiatric ward twice in 1998 when I was 17 and in 1999.'

She reported him to the police in 2017 and an 18-month police investigation took place, but no further action occurred.

Ally said: 'The police said they believed me but there was nothing they could do, I felt let down yet again by a system that is meant to protect me.'

Last year she was awarded 62,839 for loss of earnings due to mental health issues caused by abuse and repeated sexual abuse.

For confidential support, please call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details
A disgraced parish priest, who stole 200 from his church's Sunday collection, received a suspended prison sentence on Tuesday.

Father Fortunato Pantisano, 44, fought the charge and still maintains his innocence, but now faces being booted out of the Roman Catholic church.

The Italian-born priest, who was ordained at Westminster Cathedral in 2013, was based at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Tynemouth Street, Fulham, in west London.

District Judge Daniel Sternberg told him: 'You were identified by CCTV entering a locked office at the church, where you had been working and took two plates of money that had been collected.'

He added: 'No credit can be given to you for any kind of admission and you continue not admitting to these offences today.

Father Fortunato Pantisano (pictured arriving at court) who stole 200 from his church's Sunday collection, received a suspended prison sentence on Tuesday

Father Pantisano (pictured speaking in church) was ordained at Westminster Cathedral in 2013

'You told the author of your pre-sentence report that you were entitled to this money and plainly the trial court decided you were not entitled to that money.'

Father Pantisano received twenty weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years and was ordered to pay 200 compensation to the church, 654 costs and a 154 victim surcharge.

He was forced to move to accommodation at St. Edward's Convent, Harewood Avenue, Marylebone while on bail and was convicted of stealing the money from Our Lady of Perpetual Help on January 7.

Judge Sternberg told the priest: 'This is an offence of high culpability as you were a person with a high degree of trust, a high position as a minister of religion and you abused that trust.'

He continued: 'This offence is very serious, but you do have a strong prospect of rehabilitation and there is some personal mitigation.

'You have no previous convictions and were of good character and positive good character through your role in the church and you will no longer be able to continue your vocation as a minister of religion.

'This offence is so serious the custody threshold is crossed.'

Father Pantisano's lawyer Tony Meisels said: 'Obviously, Father Pantisano has lost his good character. This is his first criminal conviction and he has lost a lot due to this situation.

Fortunato Pantisano (pictured with his lawyer Nina Reinach outside court) fought the charge but was so unconvincing in the witness box, magistrates said his evidence assisted the prosecution

The Italian-born priest (pictured at City of London Magistrates Court) stole from Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Tynemouth Street, Fulham, in west London

'He was on a sabbatical and was paid last month, but does not know if he will be paid this month while they decide what to do within the Roman Catholic church.

'He has a meeting tomorrow with the Vicar General, where the church lies and I think it is fair to say he will not be able to practice again in the Roman Catholic church and may face canonical proceedings.

'He has been an employee of the church for twenty-four years. It is his life.'

Prosecutor Connie Wong told Westminster Magistrates Court today that it was after the second mass of Sunday, January 7 that Father Pantisano was caught on internal CCTV entering the office adjoined to his church accommodation.

She said: 'He was a priest of the church, but was suspended from service at the time and went to two plates and left the room.

'The total amount of cash stolen was estimated at 200.'

The trial heard the priest was reported to police by parish volunteer John McGranaghan, who had placed the two wicker baskets in a locked office, which could also be accessed from the priest's house.

He told the trial: 'This was the collection from the parishioners for the two masses that morning.

'We went back to count the offertory and there were two empty baskets and the collection had gone.'

The trial heard Father Pantisano was reported to police by parish volunteer John McGranaghan (pictured), after he saw the collection was gone

He suggested collection money had been going missing at the church recently.

Mr McGranaghan said: 'Because of what had been happening in the previous weeks, I decided to go back to count the money that day.'

Fortunately, CCTV in the office showed Father Pantisano enter via an adjoining door, remove the two baskets containing cash from the room, then return them empty.

The Diocese of Westminster Director of Resources, Robert Walker, told the court there are strict rules regarding the cash collections and individual priests cannot simply help themselves to the money.

Regarding the CCTV, he said: 'Basically I see the money going from one hand to the other and it is taken without authorisation.

'He is taking individual notes from the baskets and leaves with the money.

'There is no reason for him to be in there at that time, particularly as he was suspended.'

Father Pantisano was arrested on April 30 and gave a 'no comment' interview at Hammersmith Police Station.

He told the trial that he was not suspended and was entitled to be in the office, but could not recall if he had taken any of the collection money.

He said: 'I do not remember taking any money. If I did, it was not my intention to be dishonest, it was to buy food maybe, I don't remember.

'Sometimes there are emergencies like homeless needing money or charities or the priests need to buy food.'

Trial prosecutor Nathan Paine-Davey asked the priest: 'It is not credible to say you do not remember taking the money, is it? It is what has brought you here today.

'You have gone into that office by unlocking the door from your side and taken that money. That's the truth, isn't it?'

Father Pantisano replied: 'I am the parish priest and I have a right to be there. The money is given for the priests to decide what to do.

'I deny stealing and I have no other comment.'

Father Pantisano (pictured arriving at City of London Magistrates Court) has told he abused the trust parishioners had in him

Mr Paine-Davey told the magistrates: 'The defendant cannot tell you why he had his hands in the baskets and took them out of view. That is not credible.

'The purpose of removing the baskets was to steal money out of sight of the CCTV and only today we hear this vague, rambling account of what happened.

'You just can't put your hand in a collection basket. That is dishonesty.'

The trial magistrates told Father Pantisano he had no credibility whatsoever in the witness box and his evidence had assisted the prosecution case against him.

In his impact statement, Mr Walker said: 'This has caused an incredible amount of mistrust between the church and the parishioners. It only takes one person to do something wrong to ruin the reputation of the rest.'

The court heard Father Pantisano's parents, aged 75 and 73 years-old, still reside in his native Calabria and he has a brother in Milan and another in France.

Mr Meisels explained: 'He has got some medical issues, anxiety and depression.

'He has been living at a convent, but due to the publicity of this case has been told he cannot live there.'

The priests' mental health has been negatively effected since an allegation, not disclosed, was made against him in 2018 when he was a parish priest north of London, the court heard.

Mr Meisels added: 'He has not properly come to terms with the offending and there is a degree of denial in the report and he is keen to put this behind him and move on with his life.

The lawyer argued the offence was not at the top end of breaches of trust.

He said: 'I appreciate he was a priest in a church, but the highest culpability is for those in a much higher position, with a higher degree of trust than a priest in a small church with a small amount of money...

'He has really lost a lot. His position, income, career. He has lost a lot already and whatever punishment he gets today will only cap it.'

Community service was not a sentencing option because Father Pantisano does not intend on remaining in the UK.
The alleged victims of Mohamed Al Fayed have shared harrowing tales of abuse which they claim the billionaire former Harrods owner put them through.

Multiple women have come forward to claim the late Egyptian businessman sexually abused them in the Knightsbridge store and at his properties in the UK and abroad.

Witness have revealed the invasive medical exams that young women were coerced into undergoing and to the culture of fear Al Fayed presided over at the world's most famous department store.

One accuser even recalled the sickening moment that the tycoon ordered her to clean herself up with a 'bottle of Dettol' moments after raping her on a business trip to Paris.

In total dozens of women have come forward to accuse Al Fayed, who rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, of horrifying attacks ranging from sexual harassment to violent rapes.

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of raping multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1984 to 2010

Gemma (pictured), who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says she was raped by Al Fayed during a work trip to Paris

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana at the charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

Gemma, who worked as Al Fayed's personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, claims she was subjected his perverted behaviour almost immediately after starting work for him.

She said this included him grabbing her breasts and demands she have sex with him, before he raped her at Villa Windsor, a former home of post-abdication King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.

Speaking the BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Gemma said she would often try to avoid the worst of his behaviour by locking herself in her room or bathroom when on trips abroad.

She claimed how on one trip to Abu Dhabi she locked herself away and ignored him knocking on the door in the middle of the night, with Al Fayed becoming 'really cross' the next morning.

Gemma recalled: 'He said: "You didn't let me in last night, why did you not let me in? I told you if you're coming on this trip you have to be nice with me." When he said "be nice with me", it meant he wanted you to please him sexually.'

She added that on one occasion she was able to 'talk my way out of it' when he came into her room wearing nothing by a silk gown and holding a tub of Vaseline in the middle of the night.

The alleged victim told host Emma Barnett she was then raped by him on a trip to Paris before callously being told to clean herself up afterwards.

Gemma said 'He directed me to go into the bathroom and clean myself. And when I got in there he'd pointed me to a bottle of Dettol, that was on the side. It was on the side of the shower. And he said: "Just clean yourself".

One of his alleged victims, Gemma, who worked for Al Fayed as a personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says his behaviour would turn more frightening during work trips abroad

Gemma described her former boss Al Fayed to the new BBC investigation as 'a serial rapist'

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - was a serial sex attacker

Mohamed Al Fayed dons a Victoria emerald and diamond tiara as he launches Harrods' New Year sale in 2001

Mr Al Fayed at the opening of the Egyptian Room in Harrods - which featured busts of himself and, later, a statue commemorating Diana and his son Dodi

'And the time I thought  being the super-freakish person he was about germs  I just assumed that was the reason.

'But looking back, now I'm old and more mature, I realise that was probably to cover up any kind of evidence that would have left his trace on me. He left the room and he acted the next day like nothing had happened.'

Gemma is one of multiple women to have spoken in a new BBC documentary titled Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, with the alleged victims talking about their experiences with the tycoon.

She told filmmakers 'I think Mohamed Al Fayed is a rapist - he is a serial rapist' and claimed that afterwards she felt so unsafe that she was unable to speak up until he died.

Many of the women who have spoken up describe relentless sexual harassment from the billionaire, with this often beginning almost immediately after being hired.

Another of his alleged victims, Rachel - not her real name - told the BBC she was raped after staying at one of Mr Al Fayed's apartments after a late shift at work.

She said: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over.

'I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.'

Many of those who spoke in the documentary claimed they had been forced to undergo invasive medical examinations, in which they were tested for sexually transmitted diseases with the results sent to Al Fayed himself.

One woman told filmmakers: 'There is no benefit to anybody knowing how my sexual health is, unless you're planning to sleep with somebody, which I find quite chilling now.'

Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London

One of the women now speaking out, who says Fayed raped her at his London apartment told BBC investigators: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. 'I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over'

The current owners of luxury department store Harrods in London (pictured) have issued a statement saying: 'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future'

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

It was part of an alleged 'culture of fear' which Al Fayed presided over at the store, with staff claiming the tycoon would scare people into doing what he wanted.

Another woman told of being raped at the Mayfair address as a teenager, describing staff at Harrods as being treated as his 'playthings'.

She said: 'Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever.

'We were all so scared. He actively cultivated fear. If he said 'jump', employees would ask, 'How high?''

The BBC said it heard testimony from 13 women who say they were sexually assaulted at Al Fayed's 60 Park Lane property in London, four of whom allege they were raped there.

Harrods began settling claims with women who came forward alleging to have been sexually abused at his hands in July last year.

Harrods said in a statement to the BBC: 'The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010.

'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over,' she said,

'I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.'

'It is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

'Since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible.

'This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.'

The Ritz hotel in Paris, formerly owned by Fayed, told the the BBC that it 'strongly condemns all forms of behaviour that do not align with the values of the establishment'.
Major high street giant Next today warned it could be forced to close stores after it lost a 30m landmark legal battle over equal pay.

The fashion retailer issued the warning after an employment tribunal ruled last month that Next should pay its store staff, who are predominantly women, the same hourly rates as its mostly male warehouse workers.

Bosses told investors on Thursday the ruling will affect Next's ability to make stores 'individually profitable' and could lead to store closures.

Next could have to pay more than 30m to settle the claim, which was first lodged in 2018 and includes more than 3,500 current and former shop workers.

The retailer has around 500 stores in UK and Ireland, as well as another 206 franchised stores in 33 other countries.

Major high street giant Next has said it could be forced to close stores after it lost a 30m landmark legal battle over equal pay

Bosses told investors on Thursday the ruling will affect Next's ability to make stores 'individually profitable' and could lead to store closures

Lawyers at legal firm Leigh Day believe more than 30million could be owed in back-pay, but Next has confirmed it will appeal against the decision.

They said the difference between shop and warehouse staff's hourly rates ranges from 40p to 3 and an average salary loss is more than 6,000 per person.

Next laid out the potential impact of the ruling in its half-year results on Thursday, stating: 'Inevitably some of our stores will no longer be viable if this ruling is upheld on appeal.

'Materially increasing store operating costs will result in more shops being closed when their leases expire, and will materially impede our ability to open new stores going forward', according to The Telegraph.

The company also warned that the case could have ripple effects across its warehouses, where it will be unable to raise wages without doing so in stores.

The comments came as the company published figures which showed its revenues in the first six months of the year were up 13.6 per cent to hit 2.9bn while profits rose 3.9 per cent to 432m.

The strong financials led to Next shares rising by 6 per cent in early trading today.

Last month the tribunal rejected Next's defence that warehouse pay rates were higher than on the shop floor due to wage levels in the wider job market.

However, the tribunal did rule there was no evidence of 'direct discrimination' towards women.

Instead, the ruling says the pay discrepancy was down to Next wanting to 'reduce cost and enhance profit'.

It said the 'business need was not sufficiently great as to overcome the discriminatory effect of lower basic pay'.

Between 2012 and 2023, around 77.5 per cent of retail workers at Next were women while 52.75 per cent of warehouse operators were men.

Next could have to pay more than 30m to settle the claim, which was first lodged in 2018 and includes more than 3,500 current and former shop workers

Next, which is run by Tory peer Lord Wolfson (pictured), says it will appeal the decision

Former and current staff are hopeful now they will be paid thousands of pounds of compensation.

Helen Scarsbrook, 68, was one of the three laid claimants in the case and has worked for Next for more than 20 years.

Celebrating the victory last month, she said: 'We did it! It has been a long six years battling for the equal pay we all felt we rightly deserved but today we can say we won.'

Elizabeth George, Leigh Day partner and barrister representing the successful claimants, added: 'When you have female dominated jobs being paid less than male dominated jobs and the work is equal, employers cannot pay women less simply by pointing to the market and saying, "It is the going rate for the jobs". We knew that already.

'It is worth reminding people that the financial compensation they will now be entitled to is not a windfall.

'It is pay that they were always entitled to if Next had complied with its equal pay obligations.'

A spokesman for Next said: 'This is the first equal pay group action in the private sector to reach a decision at tribunal level and raises a number of important points of legal principle.'

Five supermarket giants  Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and the Co-op  are also facing equal pay cases.

Tesco is also facing a similar equal pay case - with 50,000 store workers claiming they are unfairly paid compared with their warehouse stablemates

And in these cases, the retailers also argue pay is set based on market rates.

Britain's largest grocer Tesco is the subject of legal action involving nearly 50,000 workers.

Shop workers, who are mostly women, claim they have been paid unfairly as they were paid up to 3 less per hour than distribution centre workers, who are mostly men.

Their lawyers claim the potential pay-put could top a staggering 4billion.

A Tesco spokesman said: 'The jobs in our stores and distribution centres are different.

'These roles require different skills and demands which lead to variations in pay - but this has absolutely nothing to do with gender.

'We continue to strongly defend these claims.'
This is the haunting moment a proud grandmother shared a photo of her newborn grandson - only a week before the boy's mother allegedly left the infant to die in a roasting car.

Grandmother Tonya Luncsford beamed with joy as she held baby Grayson up for the camera in a photo posted to her Facebook account on September 9.

A week later, on September 16, the newborn was dead from 'hyperthermia, severe dehydration, and gross neglect' in Peoria, Illinois, authorities said. The child had been left for at least four hours in a U-Haul truck rented by his mother, Andrea Luncsford.

Andrea, a 26-year-old OnlyFans model from Peoria, had been driving the vehicle for days after the funeral of Grayson's father on September 14, 25 News reported.

Grayson's grandfather begged his daughter to leave the child with his grandparents only hours before the infant was found dead.

'You know that baby can overheat and die, please let us help you, from dad to mom,' he texted his daughter, according to Fox 2 News.

Proud grandmother Tonya Luncsford beamed with joy as she held baby Grayson up for the camera in a photo posted to her Facebook account on September 9

Grayson's mother, Andrea Luncsford, 26, has been charged with the newborn's murder

Grandfather Andrew Luncsford tracked his daughter down to a home in Peoria's East Bluff, where he found his grandson unconscious and not breathing in the truck on the night of September 9.

He called emergency responders, who found Grayson lying in the grass of a yard and tried to revive him before declaring him dead at the scene.

When police arrived, they found Grayson's mother behaving 'erratically,' and she later tested positive for cocaine.

Andrew told police that his daughter had ignored his messages that day before telling him that the baby had stopped breathing.

When the grandparents arrived, he said she tried to drive off before they could take the baby out of the van.

The mother, who has a criminal record dating back to 2019, had already been taken into custody on suspicion of endangering Grayson. She was spoken to by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services on September 6.

The agency had launched an investigation into 'substantial risk of physical injury or environment,' according to spokesperson Deborah Lopez.

The mother appeared delighted after delivering her 6lb, 11oz son on August 4, posting pictures of the newborn on her Facebook page.

Grayson's father, Michael Eastwood Jr., 26, also filled his profile with photos of his 'little man' as Grayson turned a month old on September 4,

The OnlyFans model from Peoria, Illinois, has a criminal record dating back to 2019 and had already been taken into custody on suspicion of endangering Grayson

Grandfather Andrew Luncsford, pictured with another child, had begged his daughter to leave Grayson with him and Tonya

Luncsford seemed delighted with Grayson as she posted pictures of her newborn on Facebook

Two days later Eastwood was dead from unexplained causes at Mount Sinai Hospital near his home in Chicago, and his son's life began to unravel.

'I can't believe you're gone Michael,' Andrea posted on September 7. 'My heart is hurting so bad. We miss you so much. I can't keep myself together. We need you. God. We need you.'

Police say Grayson was wearing the same clothes he had on at his father's funeral when they arrested his mother on suspicion of murder three days later.

An autopsy discovered that he may have been dead for up to 24 hours before he was pulled from the van, which had no ventilation or air conditioning.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said that Grayson also appeared to be severely malnourished by the time he died.

'An autopsy on little Grayson demonstrates that he suffered gross neglect due to severe hyperthermia and profound dehydration,' he said at a press conference on Tuesday.

'We've talked about safe sleep and the safe sleep suffocations that are preventable. This, too, is a preventable death.

'When you have an infant or a kid in a car for any amount of time in this heat, the outcome is going to be as it is right now today, which is we have the death of a 1-month-old who has died because they were in a car with no air conditioning, no ventilation, no nutrition, no hydration.

'Even an adult would suffer hyperthermia and dehydration.

'It's going to happen a lot faster for an infant, unfortunately, because of body surface area and the makeup of their bodies and how fragile they are in their infancy anyway.'

Thirty-three children have died after being left in vehicles so far this year according to a count by NoHeatStroke.org - up from 29 last year.

Luncsford appeared desperate in her last Facebook update posted a day after her partner's funeral, and two days before her son's death

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said that baby Grayson also appeared to be severely malnourished by the time he died

Andrea wept as she appeared in court on Wednesday and was told she faces up to 100 years without parole if convicted of her son's murder.

A decision on bail is expected Thursday ahead of an arraignment hearing next month.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has begun a second investigation into Grayson's death.

'These are active investigations, and we are not able to comment further,' a spokeswoman said.

'We are working with local law enforcement on both investigations.'
Fed-up flight attendants at Frontier Airlines are planning a strike that could spark nationwide travel hell.

The Denver-based carrier's flight attendants are furious about management's new 'out-and-back' business model which means they return to their destination of origin every day. Previously their schedule had involved staying overnight at other stops further from home.

The more than 4,100 Frontier flight attendants being represented by the Association of Flight Attendants argue that the business model change increases their out-of-pocket costs and reduces their pay.

AFA International President Sara Nelson said in a press release: 'Frontier management is putting their "cost savings" plan on Flight Attendants backs. Its a gross example of corporate greed that devalues the contributions of these Flight Attendants to the airline and creates incredible instability for the people who make Frontier fly.

'Frontier must negotiate to reflect the impact of their completely new business model.'

Frontier flight attendants are threatening to strike after 99.6 percent of flight attendants voted in favor of one

When the AFA notified Frontier management of their concerns in April, they outlined that attendants would be paid less and have to spend more on commuting. Per diem is also taxed on one-day trips, according to an AFA press release.

One flight attendant experienced a 17 percent drop in paid flight hours between February and April and eight more trips to the airport.

Put into effect in April, the new model is meant to prevent delays and cancelations, as well as save the airline $200million this year, Reuters reported.

But this change to improve efficiency and increase savings was made at the expense of flight attendants, the AFA alleges.

AFA Frontier President said in a press release: 'Frontier Flight Attendants are struggling to earn a living because of managements new "out-and-back" model. The impact of this change has turned our lives and our paychecks upside down.

A strike could mean chaos for Frontier Airlines, which schedules 500 flights each day

Frontier Airlines' headquarters is in Denver, Colorado

'The harm is real and happening right now. Were ready to do whatever it takes to bring management to the table.'

Flight attendants overwhelmingly support the idea of striking, with 99.6 percent approving of it and 92.7 percent saying they would participate in it in an AFA vote.

A strike could have a detrimental impact on the airline, which schedules over 500 flights everyday. Each plane can hold anywhere from 180 to 240 people, depending on the aircraft's model.

The AFA plans to use its 'CHAOS' - Create Havoc Around Our System - strategy to get their desired outcome. This could mean beginning a strike completely unannounced.

'The union decides when, where and how to strike without notice to management or passengers,' an AFA press release reads.

No strike date has been set.

The Association of Flight Attendants argued that the changed business model is at the expense of flight attendants

Anywhere from 180 to 240 people can fit on a Frontier flight, depending on the plane's model

The airline has not met the union's demands, which include compensation and accommodations for flight attendants.

It appears management is not taking the threat of a strike seriously. They even argue that a strike would be illegal.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Frontier Airlines wrote: 'Frontier Airlines is fully committed to maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with our flight attendants and to negotiating a fair contract. However, negotiations are nowhere near a point where a strike can legally occur.

'The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) knows this but is resorting to tactics designed to generate publicity and fuel fear at the expense of the flying public.'

'In the meantime, Frontier has been meeting monthly in direct bargaining with the AFA since last December and remains committed to negotiating in good faith to achieve an agreement that supports our flight attendants and ensures the continued success of our company.'

Frontier said they are not in supervised mediation with the AFA, so a strike vote 'cannot even be considered.'

Frontier said that the flight attendants are threatening to strike to cause a stir and there is no legal backing to it

The AFA and Frontier Airlines have been in direct bargaining since December, according to the airline

The AFA told Reuters in April that the business plan could reduce pay by 20 percent for new hires. Frontier pays newly hired fight attendants $26 per hour. They are only paid when the plane is in motion.

The AFA notified management that their business decision violated the Railroad Labor Act, the applies to labor in the railroad and airline industries.

The possibility of a strike comes after the union filed a mediation claim in May with the National Mediation Board.
A former Hollywood actor who was this month released early from prison has been rearrested and remanded in custody.

Jason Hoganson - who rose to fame after starring in the cult 80s film Empire State -was released from prison on September 10 after serving half of his 18-month jail term for attacking his ex-girlfriend.

The assault happened in December last year and Hoganson served a majority of his sentence on remand. He was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court in August but was released less than three weeks later because the time spent in custody on remand counted towards his total sentence.

Tattooed Hoganson, 53, was photographed raising a thumb as he was released from Durham Prison on September 10.

He was released automatically at the halfway mark  on the same day other prisoners were let out early under Sir Keir Starmers controversial early release scheme.

The following day he was arrested in Newcastle's West End on suspicion of two counts of breaching a restraining order and one count of assault.

Jason Hoganson, with his face crisscrossed with angry scars and his head covered in distinctive tattoos, gave a jubilant thumbs up to the camera as he left prison on September 10

But 48 hours later the 53-year-old fallen star was back behind bars after being arrested

Jason Hoganson pictured at the time of his appearance in 1987 movie Empire State

He appeared in court on September 12, and was due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, having admitted one count of breaching the order but denying the other count, and denying assault.

He was remanded in custody and is due to stand trial on October 30 at South Shields Magistrates' Court.

His brother Michael confirmed the release date was known well in advance and he was not let out early.

Originally from Wallsend, Hoganson - who now has 109 convictions on his record - struggled with his movie career and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime.

Hoganson had a leading role in the 1988 Hollywood movie Empire State

Originally from Wallsend, Hoganson - who now has 109 convictions on his record - struggled with his movie career and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime

In the film he played an enigmatic Geordie drifter living among mobsters in London, Hoganson had been talent-scouted by producers who contacted his drama teacher looking for a youth to play the part in the 1987 movie

After auditioning more than 100 teenage hopefuls, producers offered Hoganson the part of Geordie drifter Pete, and he starred alongside Irish actor Ray McAnally, Jamie Foreman and US star Martin Landau. Pictured is a scene from the film

Hoganson had a leading role in the 1988 Hollywood movie Empire State, alongside Irish actor Ray McAnally, Jamie Foreman and US star Martin Landau.

Playing an enigmatic Geordie drifter living among mobsters in London, Hoganson had been talent-scouted by producers who contacted his drama teacher looking for a youth to play the part in the 1987 movie.

Last month, Newcastle Crown Court heard Hoganson was caught on doorbell video camera when he attacked his former partner in Newcastle on December 11 last year.

Prosecutor Amy Levitt said he already had a restraining order to keep him away from the woman when he attacked her.

Miss Levitt told the court: 'Footage shows the defendant assaulting the complainant. He slaps her to the face and she walks away. He walks after her.

'There are further hits and a push, where she falls to the floor. The assault continues while she's lying on the floor.

'She describes him, having pushed her, hit her, kicked her and put his body weight on her. The assault lasted around three minutes.'

Hoganson admitted assault by beating and breach of a restraining order.

Ian Crook, defending, told the court: 'He was an accomplished actor. He actually secured a role, quite a leading role, in a film, a crime thriller.

'At that point the future was bright.'

Mr Crook said Hoganson already had personal struggles at that point and added: 'Being thrown into the spotlight wasn't easy for him to cope with. He turned to drink and drugs and that led to a downward spiral.'

He said Hoganson has a complex mental health history but has been a mentor for others while in prison on remand.

Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Hoganson to 18 months behind bars, most of which he has already served on remand.

Miss Levitt said Hoganson had been given a restraining order to keep him away from the victim after he was convicted of offences of battery and criminal damage in May last year.
Lebanese civilians are living in terror after thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah fighters exploded, with fears the 'technological war' could be a precursor to a full-scale conflict.

Thousands were left with horrific injuries to their eyes, faces and hands, while dozens lost their lives in the two waves of clandestine attacks, which targeted Hezbollah fighters' communication equipment but also led to civilian casualties.

Israel is widely believed to have orchestrated the blasts, and while it has not claimed responsibility, Hezbollah and its backers Iran have condemned their arch-foe for carrying out 'mass murder' and have vowed to exact revenge.

In news which is bound to further fuel tensions, it was also revealed today that Iran allegedly recruited an Israeli civilian to assassinate prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the individual arrested last month.

As tensions ratchet up after almost a year of cross-border fighting, Israel has been moving more troops and tanks to its northern frontier and unleashed blistering airstrikes on Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon overnight.

With the increased activity and blasts increasingly viewed as heralding a return to all-out war, last seen 18 years ago, Lebanese officials are now pleading for an intervention from the UN and say their country is preparing for the worst.

Israel's military evacuate injured people by helicopter after an anti-tank missile was fired into Israel from Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, September 19, 2024

Patients are treated at the Lebanese-Italian hospital in the city of Tyre (Sur) after the second wave of blasts yesterday

Moti Maman was identified as the man who attempted to assassinate the Prime Minister

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati today called on the UN to oppose Israel's 'technological war' on his country.

He said in a statement ahead of the UN Security Council meeting tomorrow that the UN should 'take a firm stance to stop the Israeli aggression on Lebanon and the technological war it is waging'.

Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad has warned that his country must prepare for the 'worst-case scenario' adding that the attacks over the past two days show Israel's 'intent is not towards a diplomatic solution.'

He added that 'the weaponisation of technology' is a very worrying new tactic, not only for Lebanon but also for the rest of the world, and for other conflicts.'

'Now we have to think twice before using technology,' he said in an interview with the BBC .

Many in Lebanon are now living in fear of a third wave of attacks. Worried that yet more devices could be booby-trapped, panicked Hezbollah fighters have torn the batteries from their walkie-talkies and thrown them into open spaces.

Civilians have spoken of their terror that their mobile phones and other home devices could effectively be turned into bombs, with reports that many are removing their batteries and Lebanese SIM cards.

'We don't know if we can stay next to our laptops, our phones. Everything seems like a danger at this point and no one knows what to do,' one local told the BBC.

Smoke rises from an explosion during a funeral, coinciding with a second day of devices used by Hezbollah members detonating, in Kfar Sir, Lebanon

The attacks have seen scores of Hezbollah members severely injured throughout southern Lebanon and in its capital Beirut

Writing for MailOnline, journalist Hassan Harfoush described people's terror over the last two days.

'Beirut has collapsed into panic. The WhatsApp groups are going non-stop. There are wild rumours doing the rounds that solar panels might explode, batteries, fridges  anything. There's fake news saying phones have exploded.

'I know it's stupid but I even told my parents to get a fire extinguisher, just in case something blows up in the house,' he added.

'We're all really scared; there is no safe place any more. Everyone knows what these explosions can do. In a Beirut hospital, I saw a man whose flesh had been torn from his face, the bones gruesomely visible. He was still conscious.'

Exploding walkie-talkies killed 20 and injured at least 450 people on Wednesday, including mourners at a funeral for three Hezbollah fighters and a child killed in the blasts the previous day, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

On Tuesday, exploding pagers killed 12, including two children, and left almost 3,000 injured.

Tehran last night threatened that it will 'follow up' after its ambassador to Beirut was confirmed to be among the injured in the attacks.

The Islamic Republic's envoy to the UN warned in a letter that it 'reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond to such a heinous crime and violation.'

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar announced today that Tehran was behind a plot to kill senior officials in Israel following the assassination of Hamas ' political chief Ismail Haniyeh in late July.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other top Israeli officials were also named as Iranian targets claimed to have been uncovered by Israeli intelligence.

Iran allegedly sought to employ Israeli businessman Moti Maman, 73, with extensive time spent in Turkey to develop a plot on Netanyahu's life within Israel.

The plot allegedly went back to April this year when the Israeli businessman agreed to meet a wealthy counterpart living in Iran for a business meeting.

Israel says it is aiming to shore up its national security by focussing its attention on the north, with Benjamin Netanyahu framing the war as an existential issue for his country.

In an expansion of Israel's official war goals on Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that his forces would now aim to halt Hezbollah's attacks in the north to allow tens of thousands of residents to return to their homes along the border.

He reiterated this in a brief video statement last night, saying: 'I've already said we will return [the displaced] residents of the north safely to their homes, and that is exactly what we will do.'

Israel's defence minister Gallant, a former general, said yesterday that the war had entered 'a new phase'.

He said of his country's war strategy that 'the center of gravity is moving north. We are diverting forces, resources, and energy toward the north.'

Overnight, Israeli jets and artillery hit multiple targets in southern Lebanon, Israel's military said.

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese village of Khiam near the border on September 19, 2024

These included sites in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam.

Israeli media reported that a number of Israeli civilians had been wounded by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon but there was no official confirmation.

On Wednesday, Hezbollah fired around 20 projectiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted by air defence systems without causing any injuries, the military said.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah is set to make an address this afternoon, with Lebanese civilians holding their breath over how the hardline militia will retaliate and how Israel will respond in turn.

As bellicose rhetoric is ramping up on both sides, the United Nations and governments around the world have called for calm, with France urging 'maximum restraint' and Britain calling for 'de-escalation'.

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on September 18, 2024

A car burns on the streets of Lebanon following an explosion

Lebanon's ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada, warned this morning that the Middle East is the closest it has been in 50 years to a regional war that would 'spare no one'.

Speaking on Sky News, he said that Israeli 'war crimes' have put the region on 'the brink of an all-out war'.

He blamed Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli prime minister was holding the 'whole region hostage' and had 'put his country at a continual state of war' in order to keep his grip on power.

Israel's defence minister Gallant, a former general, said yesterday of his country's war strategy that 'the center of gravity is moving north. We are diverting forces, resources, and energy toward the north.'

In an expansion of Israel's official war goals on Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that his forces would now aim to halt Hezbollah's attacks in the north to allow tens of thousands of residents to return to their homes along the border.

He reiterated this in a brief video statement last night, saying: 'I've already said we will return [the displaced] residents of the north safely to their homes, and that is exactly what we will do.'

Hezbollah said 20 of its members had been killed in yesterday's attacks, vowing revenge against Israel who it said was 'fully responsible for this criminal aggression'.

At 5.00 pm (1400 GMT) today, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah will give a previously unscheduled televised speech to 'address the latest developments'.

A person is carried on a stretcher outside American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) as people, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were wounded and killed when the pagers they use to communicate exploded across Lebanon, according to a security source, in Beirut, Lebanon September 17, 2024

Chaotic scenes in Lebanese hospitals were broadcast to social media this week

It will be watched closely by both his supporters and his enemies for any signals of what shape a response might take.

Speaking to Israel's public radio, former deputy Mossad chief Ram Ben Barak warned that even though Hezbollah had been 'infiltrated', it could still launch an attack in a short space of time.

'We need to get rid of the euphoria and prepare for a major event in the north,' he reportedly said.

Meanwhile a leading war crimes barrister has warned that the device explosions could amount to a 'criminal act'.

Sir Geoffrey Nice, who led the prosecution of Slobodan Milosevic, said that the distribution of the devices 'without any certain knowledge of where they would be at the time of activation', could have meant they were being used by 'non-combatants'.

A hand shows the destroyed pager or paging device that exploded on September 17, 2024

'Non-combatants are not entitled to be treated by... random bombs in the way these have happened,' he told BBC Radio 4.

'The second possibility is that this is simply an attack on civilians, and it's conceptually pretty much the same as Hamas unguided missiles into non-military parts of Israel.

'And then thirdly... is the question of proportionality, even if there was any justification in law for what it's assumed Israel has been doing.'

Now scrutiny is turning to the origins of the detonated devices, all of which were bought by Hezbollah around five months ago out of fear that Israel could hack smartphones and other communication devices.

A Taiwanese pager maker denied that it had produced the pager devices which exploded in the audacious attack.

A man is seen bloodied sitting on the floor of a Lebanese hospital following the explosions

Portrait of Hassan Nasrallah seen during funeral organized by Hezbollah for four victims killed in the explosions of pagers

Gold Apollo said the devices were made by under licence by a company called BAC, based in Hungary's capital Budapest.

Meanwhile Japanese firm Icom said Thursday that it had stopped producing the model of radios reportedly used in recent blasts in Lebanon around 10 years ago.

'The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company,' Icom said in a statement.

'The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company,' it said.

It added that products for overseas markets are sold exclusively through its authorized distributors, and that its export programme is based on Japanese security trade control regulations.
Florida residents are being warned to brace for 'king tide' season where beach resorts are at risk of being flooded even on sunny days with no rain.

The sunshine state's year is typically broken into seasons including heat season, hurricane season, rainy season and in the fall - it's king tide season.

This is the time of year when tides are at their highest along the east coast, and salty water can be pushed up through drains and manholes, flooding the streets.

If it then rains as well, these sunny-day floods can quickly become disastrous.

Florida residents are being warned to brace for 'king tide' season where beach resorts are at risk of being flooded even on sunny days with no rain

King Tides are most common from September through November, sometimes even continue into early December

King Tides are defined as the highest tides of the year, and are typically one to two feet higher than average high tides.

It is not a scientific term but is used to describe floods that occur when the moon and sun are aligned with each other and the closest distance to Earth. They typically occur during a full-moon cycle.

They are most common during September through November, and sometimes even in early December.

Residents in states from Florida, California and other coastal areas along the Southeast Atlantic including South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia are most significantly affected by king tides.

This is due to their low-lying coastlines which make them more vulnerable to high tides, particularly in areas such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Charleston.

With the full moon cycle approaching this week, National Weather Service meteorologists have placed all of South Florida under a coastal flood advisory through at least Friday afternoon to prepare for the annual possibility.

Tidal flooding is not a new occurrence for South Florida residents, but areas along the East Coast - Florida all the way to Maine - are now seeing flooding days, according to NBC Miami.

Experts say that king tides are also being impacted by global warming.

The earth's temperature has risen by an average of 0.11 Fahrenheit (0.06 Celsius) per decade since 1850, according to Climate.gov.

The rate of warming since 1982 has also increased - three times as fast per decade.

A man sits on a sandbag wall in place to prevent flooding from king tides where he lives in Maine along the coast

National Weather Service meteorologists placed all of South Florida under a coastal flood advisory through at least Friday afternoon to prepare for the annual arrival of king tides

Earth just experienced its hottest summer on record and rising sea-levels attribute to the sunny-day floods

Although Florida folks are no stranger to floods, other places along the coastline - Florida to Maine - are starting to experience more

Our planet just had its hottest summer on record and very well may have the hottest year, NBC added.

Although the polar ice caps have been melting for decades, the rate of increasing warmth continues to melt the ice sheets - increasing the level of the ocean.

These high tide flooding events have doubled since the year 2000 due to this sea level rise.

In the southeastern part of the United States, the amount of high-tide flooding days have only increased since 2000 - 400 percent to 1,100 percent, according to The Palm Beach Post.

The placement of the moon in the fall season along with rising sea-level leads to the expansion of warm water. The Gulf Stream current is said to slow down, piling more water along Florida's coast, The Palm Beach Post added.

Even a few inches of water during high tide flooding can create a slew of problems for residents. The water can damage cars or erode underground pipes.

Neighborhoods can become inaccessible for those who use a wheelchair or stroller for transport. Businesses can be forced to close their doors.

Standing water can also block emergency vehicles, causing additional flooding if the sewers back up into buildings or overflow into natural bodies of water, according to NPR.

A biker can be seen riding along the flooded bike path after a king tide hit Sausalito and Mill Valley, California in early January of 2022

Flooding can create a slew of problems for residents and is now labeled as the country's most frequent and expensive disasters

Flooding-related deaths involve people intentionally walking or driving into floodwaters and at least 189 people were killed due to floods in 2015

In the last year, St. Petersburg, Florida, Atlantic City, New Jersey and Charleston, South Carolina, were just three of 30 places that tied or broke their records for the number of high-tide flood days, NPR added.

Texas, specifically Galveston, experienced 23 days of high-tide flooding last year, NPR noted.

Many people died after they continued to walk down the streets or drive in the floodwaters, NPR added.

It got so bad in Texas that billboards now flash 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' whenever there is a major storm.

An average of 110 people lose their lives each year over the last decade. As many as 189 people were killed in 2015, NPR stated.

And coastal flooding from these high tides is becoming more common in most parts of the United States.

Boynton Beach, Florida, dealt with flooding issues from king tides in October last year, despite the sunny weather.

A fisherman at Boynton Beach was at a park when the tides rolled in last year, and said that the parking lots were being overtaken by water.

'There was a lot of flooding in the parking lot, so some people had to wait for a few hours in their car,' he told WPTV. 'A foot in a half to two feet, easy.'

Sea levels don't rise at the same rate everywhere.

The effects of these king tides are more common in places where sea level is most rapidly rising.

'Decades of sea level rise are catching up,' William Sweet, an oceanographer at NOAA, told NPR.

Other elements such as currents, wind and waves also play a major part in how these floods will look.

'While we do not expect widespread flooding, there is potential for localized flooding, so we want residents to be aware, prepare and stay vigilant,' a West Palm Beach alert on Tuesday noted.
A Muslim woman was ordered off a rollercoaster by a theme park employee because she was wearing a headscarf.

Hadil Alqarini, 37, accused the employee at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City of being racist, saying she had never previously had a problem riding rollercoasters.

Alqarini had taken her family to the Kansas City amusement park on Friday night to celebrate the Halloween Haunt celebration.

After more than three hours of going on the rides, Alqarini and her nine-year-old son, Moe, jumped on the Prowler.

But before the ride could begin, an employee told her she must remove her hijab. He claimed it was due to the park's policy not to wear loose articles of clothing.

Alqarini tried to explain to the member of staff that she'd never run into this problem in the 24 years she's been visiting theme parks in the United States.

Before the ride could begin, an employee told her she must remove her hijab. He claimed it was due to the park's policy not to wear loose articles of clothing

Hadil Alqarini (pictured), 37, accused the employee who made the decision of racism, noting she'd never had a problem riding coasters in the past

She was ordered off the Prowler at Worlds of Fun - despite having ridden it before with her hijab on

According to Alqarini, several people came to her defence. A teenage co-worker told the employee that his Muslim relatives had no issues riding the prowler in the past, as did another man in Alqarini's group.

The employee did not budge.

'He was racist. As hell,' Alqarini told Kansas City Star.

Alqarini first attempted to contact Clay County Sheriff's department, but later filed a complaint with the park itself.

Worlds of Fun has issued a statement apologizing for the way Alqarini was treated, but insist the employee was not being racist and acted out of an 'abundance of caution.'

So at @worldsoffun the ride ops at Prowler kicked off a Muslim woman because she wouldnt take off her hijab pic.twitter.com/8GOimTSNud  Aaron Carroll (@COFCoasters) September 14, 2024

Worlds of Fun has issued a statement apologizing for the way Alqarini was treated, but insist the employee was not being racist and acted out of an 'abundance of caution'

The woman said she will not be returning to Worlds of Fun

'Worlds of Fun is a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all races and religions,' the park said.

'Due to a misunderstanding out of an abundance of caution regarding loose articles on riders, a woman wearing a religious head scarf was removed from a ride.

'A ride supervisor corrected the policy and apologized to the guest, who was cleared to ride. The guest opted not to ride.

'Worlds of Fun and Six Flags apologize for the incident.'

The woman was offered free tickets and fast lane passes for her next visit, but turned the offer down.

Alqarini said she would not be returning to the park, so had no need for the free passes.
Donald Trump says a federal case needs to be brought against Kamala Harris after it was revealed Iran sent sensitive materials to her campaign about her rival.

The former president claims Harris 'spied' on his campaign because Iranian hackers stole information and gave it to the Democrats in an effort to interfere with the 2024 presidential election, according to the FBI.

He is also demanding the vice president resign in the wake of these allegations.

'WHEN DOES KAMALA AND HER CAMPAIGN GO BEFORE A GRAND JURY ON IRAN, IRAN, IRAN?' Trump questioned in an all caps post on Truth Social on Thursday.

'MY CAMPAIGN WHEN THROUGH HELL ON THE RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA HOAX. THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE IRAN/KAMALA CAMPAIGN CORRUPTION CASE IS REAL!' he concluded.

It comes after Iranian hackers offered information it stole from Trump's campaign to President Joe Biden when he was still the 2024 candidate up against the former president.

Donald Trump accused Kamala Harris of 'spying' on his campaign after the FBI revealed Iranian hackers stole sensitive information and turned it over to the Democrat's 2024 campaign

Microsoft revealed in August that hackers tied to the Iranian government have for months been trying to influence the presidential election.

And on Wednesday, the FBI claimed the cyber-terrorists sent unsolicited emails containing stolen information from the Trump campaign to people connected to the Democratic president in an effort to interfere.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, is now questioning why the Biden or Harris campaign did not turn over this information or report it to authorities.

'What did they do with Iran's espionage?' he questioned on X. 'Did they contact law enforcement?'

'Is the Biden-Harris Administration colluding with Iran?'

In an all caps Truth Social post, Trump concluded the new report proves that Harris was spying on his campaign and demanded that his rival resign  but said she would only be replaced by a 'communist' candidate.

'WOW, JUST OUT!' Trump wrote on his social media site on Wednesday. 'THE FBI CAUGHT IRAN SPYING ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GIVING ALL OF THE INFORMATION TO THE KAMALA HARRIS CAMPAIGN.'

'THEREFORE SHE AND HER CAMPAIGN WERE ILLEGALLY SPYING ON ME.'

'WILL KAMALA RESIGN IN DISGRACE FROM POLITICS?' he questioned.

The new evidence claims Iranians sought to disrupt the presidential election by hacking into sensitive information from Trump and offering the material to Biden's campaign.

But in late July, Harris took over her boss's reelection campaign and is now the Democratic nominee for the presidential election in November.

A spokesperson for the Harriz-Walz campaign said they were 'not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign.'

'A few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt.'

The spokesperson went on to say they've 'cooperated with the appropriate law enforcement authorities' since they were informed of the foreign operation.

Trump also spoke out about the hack attempt at his rally in Long Island, New York on Wednesday.

'Biden is working with Iran and Iran doesn't exactly like me because they were ready to make a deal, except we had an election that was rigged and stolen.'

There's no evidence that any of the recipients of the hacked information responded, officials said, and instead prevented it from surfacing in the final months of the closely contested election.

The hackers sent emails in late June and early July to people who were associated with Biden's campaign before he dropped out on July 21 and endorsed his vice president to take his spot.

Trump said Kamala Harris should resign in the wake of the latest revelations

The emails 'contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trump's campaign as text in the emails,' according to a statement from the FBI and other federal agencies.

It represents the latest effort by U.S. officials to call out Iran's brazen, ongoing work to interfere in the 2024 election, including a hack-and-leak campaign that the FBI and other federal agencies linked last month to Tehran.

Additionally, the FBI uncovered a plot by Iranian-linked individuals to assassination Trump and other U.S. politicians and officials  like President Biden and former 2024 Republican primary candidate Nikki Haley.

The Justice Department has been preparing charges in the latest breach.
A teen girl has claimed that she does not remember shooting her mother dead before she turned the gun on her stepfather, a court has heard.

Carly Gregg, 15, is fighting murder charges with an insanity defense after she shot her mother Ashley Smylie dead and attempted to kill her stepfather in their Mississippi home back in March.

Gregg was in the middle of a mental health crisis and does not remember shooting her math teacher mother, psychiatrist Andrew Clark said as he testified in the teen's defense Wednesday.

Dr Clark said he believes Gregg 'blacked out' for up to 90 minutes on the day of the shooting, as she claimed that her memory went blank after she let the dogs out.

The court heard that Gregg had used marijuana up until at least the day prior to the alleged incident. She had also been prescribed Lexapro and Zoloft - both medications for mood disorders.

Carly Gregg, 15, is fighting murder charges with an insanity defense after she shot her mother Ashley Smylie dead and attempted to kill her stepfather in their Mississippi home

Smylie had confronted the teen about her marijuana use on the way home from school the day she was killed, psychiatrist Andrew Clark said

Gregg reportedly to the psychiatrist that she'd had 'auditory hallucinations' for years prior to the killing, but the voices in her head had never 'commanded' her to do anything.

'She was having mood issues, eating disorder issues, cutting herself, hearing voices and sleeping difficulty all leading up to January of 2024,' Dr Clark told the court.

Smylie had confronted the teen about her marijuana use on the way home from school the day she was killed, Dr Clark said.

According to Dr Clark, the teen had begun smoking marijuana about six weeks before she shot her 40-year-old mother dead. She had reportedly also been struggling with new medications.

'And then, her mother finds out she's smoking marijuana,' Dr Clark said. 'For Carly, in particular, she so cared about her mother's approval, so for her, this was a crisis.'

Harrowing footage of Carly Gregg casually wandering around her kitchen has been played in court during her murder trial in Mississippi this week

Gregg's mother, 40-year-old math teacher Ashley Smylie was fatally shot in the face

The teen had a 'close, yet complicated relationship' with her mother and a loving bond with her stepfather, per Dr Clark. Gregg's relationship with her biological father, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was more problematic.

Gregg was filmed casually walking around her kitchen, playing on her mobile phone and texting a friend just moments after shots were fired.

Prosecutors allege that after shooting her mother dead, Gregg used the teacher's cellphone to text her stepfather Heath in an effort to lure him home.

A text message sent from Smylie's phone to Heath read: 'When will you be home honey?'

When Heath returned home, police allege Gregg shot at him, hitting him once in the shoulder.

The court heard Heath wrestled the gun from Gregg before she could shoot him again, prompting her to flee the scene.

Gregg faces 20 years to life in prison if convicted.

She turned down a deal with the prosecution that would have seen her serve 40 years in prison.
A wannabe drill rapper has pleaded not guilty to owning or being in charge of two XL bully dogs which killed his mother-in-law.

Ashley Warren, 40, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, where he denied two charges relating to the dogs, named in court papers as Beauty and Bear, which killed Esther Martin, 68, in February.

Ms Martin suffered 'unsurvivable' wounds in the attack at a house in Jaywick in Essex, while visiting her 11-year-old grandson.

It is the first case of its kind since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force this earlier year.

The defendant, of Walnut Road, Leyton, east London, wore a brown shirt and black trousers as he appeared in the dock.

Ashley Warren (pictured) attended Colchester Magistrates' Court and pleaded not guilty to owning or being in charge of two XL bully dogs which killed his mother-in-law

Esther Martin (pictured) was mauled to death by two XL bully dogs in front of her 11-year-old grandson

The dogs, named Beauty and Bear, were killed by police after attacking Ms Martin earlier this year

Warren pleaded not guilty to being the owner of a dog which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place, namely an XL bully named Bear, and pleaded not guilty to being in charge of a dog which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place, namely an XL bully called Beauty.

Warren also pleaded not guilty to having a bladed article.

Ms Martin, who was staying at the address in Hillman Avenue but lived in Woodford Green, east London, was found with 'two large dogs', an inquest was told, as proceedings were opened then suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation.

The medical cause of her death was recorded as 'dog bite wounds to the upper right limb'.

Ms Martin is understood to have been visiting Warren's house when she was set upon by the dogs.

It was previously reported that she had attempted to calm the dogs with a broom before they attacked.

One of the dogs shot dead by police which mauled it Ms Martin in front of her grandson

Police stand outside Warren's home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3 after the attack by the pets, named in court papers as Bear and Beauty, which were shot dead by police

The hearing took place at Colchester Magistrates' Court (pictured). Due to the severity of the charges, a plea and directions hearing was set for September 19 at Chelmsford Crown Court

Her grandson was seen running out of the house and screaming for help, witnesses said.

The dogs were shot dead by armed police officers who raced to the home and arrived within minutes of the 999 call.

Before their arrival, a man was earlier seen smashing a window with a brick in a desperate attempt to save her.

At the time of the incident, the dogs were caring for six puppies after Beauty gave birth, and it is thought Ms Martin had been attempting to stop the puppies from fighting with the broom.

Essex Police confirmed it was the first case to be charged since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force on February 1.

A three-to-four week trial was fixed for August 11, 2025. Warren was given conditional bail.
A student at Apalachee High School recorded a rap tribute to his beloved algebra teacher, who was one of four people gunned down in a mass shooting at the Georgia school.

Isaac Sanguma, 16, attended Apalachee High School and was there when alleged gunman Colt Gray, 14, opened fire in the school on September 4.

One of the victims was 53-year-old algebra teacher Cristina Irimie, who died trying to save a student, her relative told ANF.

Sanguma said he didn't want her name to be lost to history.

Instead, he created the song Forever Irimie and posted a teaser on TikTok that gained over 2.6milion likes.

Isaac Sanguma, 16, was at Apalachee High School when alleged gunman Colt Gray, 14, opened fire inside the school on September 4

Sanguma said he didn't his favorite teacher Cristina Irimie to be lost to history, so he wrote a song dedicated to her

Students and faculty gathering to mourn and celebrate the lives of the Apalachee High School shooting victims on September 8

The heartwarming tribute is a song of sorrow about what happened that day, in memory of his favorite teacher.

'Won't see Ms. Irimie for a while, man I can't cope with this trauma,' Sanguma raps in the clip. 'Can't break down, I know Ms. Irimie want me to go harder.'

Irimie was described as beloved teacher with a 'big heart' who brought a cake to the school to celebrate her birthday with students on the day she was killed, ANF reported.

That compassion touched Sanguma, who wrote in his post that he met Irimie his freshman year when she was working as a substitute teacher.

He regretted being rude to her during that time and apologized for his behavior during his junior year. He said the teacher immediately accepted his apology.

'Ms. Irimie never made me feel ashamed of myself," Sanguma recalled. 'She understood that I got kicked out of school my freshman year over petty little referrals and never wrote me up for coming to class late or having my phone out.'

Irimie's compassion touched Sanguma, who wrote that he met the teacher his freshman year when she was working as a substitute

Apalachee High School shooting victims, from left to right: Christian Angulo, Mason Schermerhorn, Cristina Irimie and Richard Aspinwall, shown at a memorial outside the school on September 10

The song Forever Irimie is scheduled to be released this Friday

Irimie would pull the student aside for pep talks after their class ended, he explained. He said the last day he saw her, she had 'the fattest smile on her face with her little dimples,' requesting that Sanguma come to class on time and asking if he was okay.

Sanguma said he was apprehensive about releasing the song because he didn't want people to feel that he was doing this for himself, ANF reported.

After recognizing that music is his form of therapy, he felt compelled to express himself.

The 16-year-old has been writing and recording music for seven years.

He invited all students to join him for his music video shoot on September 14 at the high school, and was seen filming part of the video at a memorial in front of the school.

Forever Irimie is scheduled to be released this Friday on Spotify.
The boss of luxury department store Harrods has apologised for the firm 'failing' its employees after sex abuse allegations against late owner Mohamed Al Fayed, a leaked memo reveals.

Managing director Michael Ward has written to staff as a BBC investigation revealed five female ex-employees accused Fayed of raping them - admitting that Harrods 'failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise'.

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 in August 2023 - carried out the attacks during his time in charge of the outlet between 1984 and its sale in 2010.

The corporation says more than 20 female former workers at Harrods have come forward to accuse him of sexual abuse and presiding over a 'culture of fear' at the department store.

Now Mr Ward has told current staff in his internal message they would receive 'the support you need during this incredibly difficult time', as he described Fayed as 'abusing his power wherever he operated'.

A new BBC documentary alleges the late ex-Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed (pictured in October 2015) carried out sexual assaults including raping five female former employees

Gemma, who worked for Fayed between 2007 and 2009, is among those accusing him

Current Harrods managing director Michael Ward has written to all current staff

Mr Ward told employees working for the London luxury department store they would receive 'the support you need during this incredibly difficult time', while saying the company was 'utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed'

Some of those involved claim they were coerced into undergoing invasive medical exams in which they were tested for sexually transmitted diseases, with the results being sent directly to Al Fayed himself.

Harrowing details of the accusations, including vivid descriptions of the alleged rapes by the women, were shown on a new programme called Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods - along with claims the firm itself not only failed to intervene to help the alleged victims but also covered up their claims.

The store's current owners have now told of being 'utterly appalled' by the accusations and have apologised to the women affected.

It comes as it was revealed:

Bruce Drummond, a barrister representing some of the former employees, said: 'The spider's web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark.

'Any place of work has a duty to ensure the safety of its employees. Without question, the company failed these ladies.

'That's why we step in. Because they just did nothing to actually prevent this. They did the opposite. They enabled it.'

And now in his memo to staff today, Mr Ward wrote: 'You may be aware of the BBC documentary, and the accompanying podcast, concerning allegations of misconduct by Harrods former owner and Chairman, the late Mohamed Al Fayed during his period of ownership of Harrods from 1985 to 2010.

'We know that the content and detail outlined within the documentary is extremely upsetting to watch, for those in the business at the time of the alleged behaviour, and for those that have joined the business since.

Former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women including one, Gemma, who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009

The BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - carried out the attacks while Harrods boss between 1984 and its sale in 2010

The corporation says more than 20 female former workers at Harrods have come forward to accuse Al Fayed (pictured) of sexual abuse

'We wanted to reach out to you directly to let you know how we have responded, and what we have been doing separately to support the victims of Al Fayed, and ensure that you, our colleagues, have the support you need during this incredibly difficult time.

'As our response to the BBC outlined, we are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed. These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated, and we condemn them in the strongest terms. We also acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.

'The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010. This is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved.

'This process is still available for any current or former Harrods colleagues. While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today.'

He urged anyone affected and still working at Harrods to contact its human resources department, while also sharing contact details for help services including confidential helplines and sexual harassment support officers.

Mr Ward added: 'This is an extremely difficult time for us as a business. My ask is that you continue to look out for your teams and yourselves, and seek the support you require from colleagues and from the business.

'My final point is that this is an issue of extreme sensitivity to many. I ask that you treat this issue with the compassion and sensitivity that it warrants, both inside the business and in your personal lives.'

The alleged attacks are said to have happened not only in London including at his Mayfair flat in the capital but also in Paris, at the Ritz hotel which he owned, and St Tropez in France as well as Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

One of his alleged victims, Gemma, who worked for Al Fayed as a personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says his behaviour would turn more frightening during work trips abroad

She says he raped her at Villa Windsor in Paris's Bois de Boulogne, a former home of post-abdication King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson

Gemma described her former boss Fayed to the new BBC investigation as 'a serial rapist'

Rachel, not her real name, told the BBC she was raped after staying at one of Mr Al Fayed's apartments after a late shift at work.

She said: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over.

'I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.'

Another woman told of being raped at the Mayfair address as a teenager, describing staff at Harrods as being treated as his 'playthings'.

She said: 'Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever.

'We were all so scared. He actively cultivated fear. If he said 'jump', employees would ask, "How high?"'

One of his alleged victims was named as Gemma, who worked for Al Fayed as a personal assistant between 2007 and 2009 - and tells how his behaviour would turn more scary during work trips abroad.

She says he raped her at Villa Windsor in Paris's Bois de Boulogne, a former home of post-abdication King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.

Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods and Fulham FC, is pictured here in 2018

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured alongside Diana, Princess of Wales, at a charity event held at Harrods in London in 1996

She described waking up to find him attempting to get into bed with her, adding: 'I told him, 'No, I don't want you to'.

'And he proceeded to just keep trying to get in the bed, at which point he was kind of on top of me and [I] really couldn't move anywhere.

How Mohamed Al Fayed cultivated 'culture of fear' While he could be charismatic, gregarious and kind, the Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of hiding a dark side to his character which saw him abuse dozens of women. Women who have spoken out against the Egyptian businessman claim he imposed a 'culture of fear' at Harrods. The chairman of the world famous department store, is accused of 'scaring' the people who worked under him into silence and carrying out his bidding. One woman, who claimed she was raped by Al Fayed as a teenager, said he treated staff as 'playthings'. She told the BBC: 'Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever. 'We were all so scared. He actively cultivated fear. If he said 'jump', employees would ask, 'How high?'' The abuse was not just confined to the Knightsbridge store, with one alleged victim saying he was even more monstrous on work trips abroad. She described how Al Fayed raped her at Villa Windsor, the former home of King Edward VIII in Paris. The woman, called Gemma, told the BBC she woke up to find him getting into her bed, saying: 'I told him, 'No, I don't want you to'.' She added: 'I think Mohamed Al Fayed is a rapist - he is a serial rapist.' Advertisement

'I was kind of face down on the bed and he just pressed himself on me.'

She added: 'I think Mohamed Al Fayed is a rapist - he is a serial rapist.'

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Gemma said she 'didn't feel safe' around Al Fayed after the attack and said she 'would have been too frightened' to get justice while the tycoon was alive.

She claimed Mr Al Fayed started sexually harassing her 'immediately' after she started her role at his charitable foundation, by making sexual remarks and groping her.

She told the Today programme that Mr Al Fayed tried to come into her room on multiple work trips and spoke of locking herself in rooms and bathrooms and ignoring him when he would come to her door.

This was then followed by the alleged rape during a work trip to Paris.

Gemma said he directed her to clean herself afterwards, adding: 'Looking back now I'm older, more mature, I realise that that was probably to cover up anything, any kind of evidence, anything that would have left his trace on me.'

She said she felt 'terrified' afterwards.

'In Paris, there were security guards patrolling the house, there were security guards outside the house, we were locked in a gated property, we'd been escorted there that day by the police, so I felt like I couldn't even go to the police, even if I could make my way out of the property,' she told Radio 4.

'I couldn't even contemplate leaving the country because he had my passport, so my only way to leave was with him back on that private jet back to London.'

She said getting back to London was 'even more terrifying' because she felt she had no one to turn to, explaining that she and her colleagues were under 'surveillance' and that there was a 'strong culture of don't talk about anything relating to him'.

Gemma said going to the police back in London 'just wasn't an option', adding: 'He felt like such a powerful man with so much money and so many professional people around him that were facilitating everything he did.

'It just felt like little old me from a small town outside of London is never going to stand a chance against him, and even if I went to the police, what would they do? It's my word against his at that point.'

The programme heard she got herself signed off from work with stress within weeks of returning from Paris.

Gemma said that while she was on sick leave, Mr Al Fayed would ring her and threatened to send his security team to take her back to London.

She eventually sought help from a lawyer to help her leave the company properly, she said.

Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London

One of the women now speaking out, who says Fayed raped her at his London apartment told BBC investigators: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. 'I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over'

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with his wife Heini Wathen in 2016. The couple had four children

Gemma told of having to destroy recordings she had made of Mr Al Fayed sexually harassing her.

Inside the Succession-style battle for Mohamed Al Fayed's inheritance Following his death last year Mohamed Al Fayed's children have reportedly been involved in a battle over his inheritance. With the death of his eldest son Sodi in 1997, his surviving children have been left to vie for control of his business and property empire. The tycoon had four children with Finnish socialite Heini Wathen - Jasmine, born 1980, Karim, born 1983, Camilla born 1985 and Omar born 1987. Since his passing tensions have reportedly been frayed between the family. His daughter Camilla was charged with robbery in December after allegedly ordering her bodyguards to steal her brother Omar's phone at the tycoon's Surrey mansion. This came after claims that Omar and Camilla's Syrian businessman husband Mohamed Esrab had got into a 'physical altercation' at the mansion in 2020. Omar had been touted as the man to take over the running of Harrods, but in 2009 he resigned saying ti was not the 'ethical workspace' he wanted. He and Camilla used to have historically had a close relationship, founding a vegan restaurant in Notting Hill together before he reportedly left reluctantly in 2017. Their two older siblings Jasmine and Karim have by and large kept out of the public eye. Advertisement

'The HR department during my leaving process had said that in order to leave quietly and quickly, they needed me to destroy all of my evidence,' she told the Today programme.

'They gave me a settlement, they made me shred my evidence and I had to sign an NDA to say I would never speak about it.'

She added: 'It's mad that even today I'm petrified of someone that's no longer alive. It sounds ridiculous, but that's how it is, and that's he made us feel.'

In the documentary some women claim they were coerced into undergoing invasive medical exams, in which they were tested for sexually transmitted diseases with the results sent to Al Fayed himself.

One woman told filmmakers: 'There is no benefit to anybody knowing how my sexual health is, unless you're planning to sleep with somebody, which I find quite chilling now.'

Fayed was accused of sexual assault when alive, but the BBC now says it believes many more women could have been victims of him.

Eamon Coyle, who joined Harrods as a store detective in 1979 and was its deputy director of security between 1989 and 1995, told the BBC: 'We were aware that he had this very strong interest in young girls.'

The BBC said it heard testimony from 13 women who say they were sexually assaulted at Fayed's 60 Park Lane property in London, four of whom allege they were raped there.

Harrods began settling claims with women who came forward alleging to have been sexually abused at his hands in July last year.

Harrods said in a statement to the BBC: 'The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010.

'It is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

'Since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible.

Mr Al Fayed (right) with Prince Charles (with his back to camera) and Diana during a Harrods-sponsored polo match in 1987

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

'This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.'

Alleged victims slam portrayal of Al Fayed in The Crown A year before his death Mohamed Al Fayed was immortalised in Netflix's hit drama, The Crown. The programme, which charts the British royal family over the last 70 years, introduced him in season 5. Titled 'Mou Mou', a reference to the nickname the Egyptian businessman insisted people call him, one episode covered his rise up to meeting Princess Diana. He was played by Israeli actor Salim Daw in the programme, with the show portraying him as a charismatic and gregarious figure. However, it has drawn criticism from some of his alleged victim, who told documentary makers that was not the real Mohamed Al Fayed. One woman told the BBC: 'To be honest it's made me hot and bothered, I think he comes across pleasant and we all know he's not.' This was backed up by another of his accusers, who said: 'It makes him look so funny and gregarious, and he could turn that on, but it wasn't right. It makes me angry, people shouldn't remember him like that, it's not how he was.' Advertisement

The Ritz hotel in Paris, formerly owned by Fayed, told the the BBC that it 'strongly condemns all forms of behaviour that do not align with the values of the establishment'.

Fayed was born in Alexandria in 1929 and moved to the UK in the 1960s, becoming an early driving force in the development of Dubai.

He later bought House of Fraser, including Harrods, with his brothers, as well as the Ritz hotel in Paris, which he owned up until his death.

He had begun his career selling fizzy drinks and then worked as a sewing-machine salesman.

He built his family's fortune in real estate, shipping and construction, first in the Middle East and then in Europe - aided by connections with his first wife Samira Khashoggi's arms dealer brother Adnan Khashoggi.

A combination of building a business empire in the UK and establishing a charitable foundation saw him mixing with the UK's most illustrious figures - from stars to royalty.

Fayed is believed to have met Diana, Princess of Wales, and the then-Prince Charles at a polo match in the 1980s - and through this connection introduced her to his son Dodi.

The moment of their meeting was immortalised in a later season of the hit Netflix drama, The Crown, in which the Egyptian businessman was played by Israeli actor Salim Daw.

One episode charted his rise to fame and his eventual meeting with Diana, although his alleged victims have slammed the sympathetic portrayal of him on the show.

One tearful woman told documentary makers: 'It just makes him look so funny and gregarious, and he could turn that on, but it wasn't right. And that makes me angry, people shouldn't remember him like that, that's not how he was.'

In later years he became consumed with pursuing investigations into the crash which killed Dodi and Diana on August 31 1997 - almost exactly 26 years before his own death.

Diana - who was divorced from Charles in 1992 - and Dodi were pictured together in St Tropez in 1997, sparking rumours of romance.

Among those giving testimony to the BBC is Gemma who says Fayed raped her at Villa Windsor in Paris's Bois de Boulogne (pictured), former home of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson

Mohamed Al Fayed (right) with son Dodi at a party for the film Hook in 1992

The pair then travelled together as they sought to leave the Ritz Hotel in Paris on the fateful morning of August 31 that year.

The younger Al-Fayed and the Princess of Wales were being driven away from paparazzi by Henri Paul, the deputy head of security at the hotel, when Paul lost control of the car and struck a pillar at a speed of about 65mph.

Dodi's father opened his own private investigation into the crash after being dissatisfied with the official investigations - and promoted a series of conspiracy theories alleging that the establishment had a hand in their deaths.

But a 2008 inquest concluded that Dodi and Diana were unlawfully killed by a combination of Paul's driving under the influence of alcohol, the fact neither were wearing seatbelts and the erratic driving of paparazzi pursuing them.

At the same inquest Al Fayed claimed that Charles would be 'happy' now that the Royal Family had 'cleared the decks, they finished her, they murdered her'.

Such was his obsession over the deaths and his insistence on making the outlandish claims, Harrods was stripped of its four royal warrants - the right to declare that a company supplies goods by appointment to the Royal Family.

Even before his death in 2023, which happened almost 26 years to day that his son and Diana were killed, Al Fayed had faced sexual assault allegations.

In 2015 he was the centre of a police investigation into a rape allegation against him, but this did not lead to any charges.

And three years later Channel 4 reported that multiple women had accused him of sexual abuse, including one who alleged she was just 15 when he targeted her.

The woman claimed she was just a schoolgirl when Al Fayed spotted her and offered her a job, before showering her with gifts such as perfume, designer handbags and wads of cash.

She alleged he then tried to kiss her, with no charges being brought after the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was conflicting evidence and no realistic prospect of conviction.

Two other women also described how Al Fayed would shower them with gifts, before becoming overtly sexual in his behaviour and sacking one after she refused to sleep with him.While alive Al Fayed consistently denied the claims against him, but since his passing more women have come forward to detail their sickening interactions with him.
Nigel Farage says he will not hold tradition face-to-face MP 'surgeries' with his Clacton constituents over fears the locals will turn up armed with knives.

The Reform UK leader said today he had been advised not to hold regular 'old-style' physical meetings to address locals' problems in case they 'flow through the door' carrying blades 'in their pockets'.

The politician has repeatedly been accused of not prioritising his Commons role, coming under fire for spending time in the US endorsing Donald Trump's presidential campaign following the July 4 election.

During a phone-in on LBC, the MP was asked whether he had an office in his Essex constituency  and how many surgeries he had held there since being elected more than two months ago.

The surgeries are a chance for voters to meet their MP and bring forward any local issues and concerns they would like help with.

'Do I have an office in Clacton? Yes. Am I allowing the public to flow through the door with their knives in their pockets? No, no I'm not,' Mr Farage replied.

Asked why would the people of Clacton want to flow through the door with knives in their pockets, he said: 'Well they did in Southend. They murdered David Amess, and he was a far less controversial figure than me.'

The Reform UK leader said today he had been advised not to hold regular 'old-style' physical meetings to address locals' problems in case they 'flow through the door with knives in their pockets'.

During a phone-in on LBC, the MP was asked whether he had an office in his Essex constituency  and how many surgeries he had held there since being elected more than two months ago.

Asked why would the people of Clacton want to flow through the door with knives in their pockets, he said: 'Well they did in Southend. They murdered David Amess, and he was a far less controversial figure than me.' Conservative politician Sir David was fatally stabbed during a surgery in his Southend constituency in 2021 by an Islamic State-supporting terrorist.

Conservative politician Sir David was fatally stabbed during a surgery in his Southend constituency in 2021 by an Islamic State-supporting terrorist.

Asked whether he was hosting physical surgeries in Clacton, Mr Farage told LBC 'not yet', but that he would 'when Parliament allows me'.

On whether he had been advised for his own security not to hold surgeries, he replied: 'I would have thought that would make sense, wouldn't you?'

He said the guidance had been given by 'the Speaker's (Sir Lindsay Hoyle's) office, and beneath the Speaker's Office there is a security team who give advice and say you should do some things and not do others'.

'So we're not in a fit state to do the old-style surgeries, but do you know what, if you've got something to say to me as a Clacton resident, Zoom is not the end of the world,' Mr Farage added.

However, the Speakers Office and Parliaments security team are understood to have no recollection of telling Mr Farage that he should not hold in-person surgeries in his constituency.

Sources said neither would have advised any MP not to hold a surgery because this would interfere with their democratic duties, but would instead have offered security advice on how measures could be taken to ensure their safety.

There is no record of such advice ever having been given to Mr Farage.

Last month it was revealed Mr Farage is the UK's highest-paid MP after his register of interests revealed he makes almost 1.2million a year from appearing on GB News.

The register shows he is paid 97,928.40 a month for 32 hours of work presenting his show, which airs Monday to Thursday.

Following his success in Clacton - which came after he consistently denied he was planning on running, or taking up the helm as the leader of Reform UK - he returned to the channel as a presenter.

He also made 16,597.22 from hiring himself out for personalised videos on Cameo - where he has been duped into saying rude names and using pro-Irish Republican slogans by pranksters - and earns 4,000 a month writing for the Daily Telegraph.

The register also shows he was paid 11,783.55 by the AZ Liberty Network, an American conservative civic engagement group, for a speaking engagement.
An Afghanistan veteran who 'hid behind a tree' near an abortion clinic to silently pray for his unborn child has gone on trial accused of breaching a 'buffer zone'.

Adam Smith-Connor is accused of breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order around the Dean Park Clinic in Bournemouth on November 24, 2022.

The clinic is one of the most harassed in the country and an order was put in place by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) to prevent any forms of protesting in relation to abortion issues, including prayer and counselling.

Former soldier Smith-Connor, 51, was allegedly seen behind a tree about 160ft away from the facility's entrance, standing in silence praying with his head bowed for four or five minutes.

Poole Magistrates' Court heard he was approached by Catherine Brookfield, a BCP Council community safety accredited scheme officer who asked what he was doing.

Adam Smith-Connor (pictured on Thursday) is accused of breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order around the Dean Park Clinic in Bournemouth on November 24, 2022

The clinic is one of the most harassed in the country and an order was put in place by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) to prevent any forms of protesting in relation to abortion issues, including prayer and counselling.

In a video taken by Smith-Connor, a chartered physiotherapist, he told the council worker: 'I'm praying for my son who is deceased.'

The court heard he is still haunted by the decision he and his then-partner made to abort their unborn child 24 years ago.

Responding to Smith-Connor, Ms Brookfield said: 'My belief is you are here to engage in an act of disapproval of the work of the abortion clinic.'

She asked him to move on as he was within the buffer zone and acts of 'prayer as disapproval' were prohibited by the PSPO.

Father-of-two Smith-Connor refused and told her: 'You are telling me that silent prayer is banned in this area? I'm praying in my mind and not approaching anyone.

'I'm entitled to pray silently for my dead son in a free country.'

Smith-Connor, from Marshwood, Southampton, Hampshire, was repeatedly warned he could face further action if he did not leave the buffer zone during their over 90 minute conversation.

He was subsequently issued with a 100 fine for breach of conduct on December 13, 2022.

Father-of-two Smith-Connor (pictured) refused to move when asked to by the council official, the court was told

Pictured is a sign warning about the buffer zone around the clinic, which Smith-Connor is alleged to have breached

Smith-Connor did not pay it and so was charged with the criminal offence of failing to comply with a public spaces protection order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

He denies the offence and his trial is underway at Poole Magistrates' Court.

He broke down in court today as he said that he believed it was wrong for prayer to be criminalised in a 'free nation'.

He said: 'My son was aborted in Leeds 24 years ago so it is not practical for me to go to Leeds, so I go to a more local location to pray because my son lost his life within an abortion facility.

'I feel it's important for me to go to near that kind of location.

'Prayer is important and prayer shouldn't be threatened in this great land, so I chose go and practice this right.

'I think in a free nation you can do that, and prayer should not be criminalised.

'I and fellow servicemen made an oath to King and country that our freedoms are upheld and defended.

'I am a law-abiding citizen.'

The court heard that Smith-Connor first travelled to the clinic 25 miles from his home on November 11, 2022 to hold a vigil to honour Remembrance Day, including a soldier he knew who was killed in the Afghanistan war.

He returned for a second time on November 18 and on that occasion he was spoken to by police officers who he claimed told him he was doing nothing wrong.

On November 21, he received a letter from BCP Council reminding him of the requirements of the PSPO; outlining where the buffer zone was and not to approach people using the clinic.

He wrote back on November 23 to alert them that he would be in the area the next day to 'pray for his unborn son, the clinic staff and the babies whose lives would be lost that day', but said that he would not approach anyone from the clinic.

BCP Council officers were stationed there from 9.50am the following morning and Smith-Connor arrived at 10.30am.

Kuljit Bhogal KC, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant accepts he was in a restricted area by the location at the tree directly opposite the clinic.

Pictured: The buffer zone surrounding the abortion clinic which has been implemented by the council

'He accepts that he was asked to leave and he accepts that he refused to leave, all of those matters are not in dispute.

'The PSPO doesn't say you can engage in prohibited behaviour if you are out of sight, can't be heard, making it look like you are waiting for a taxi or looking in a different direction.

'This case is about Mr Smith-Connor attempting to undermine the PSPO incrementally.

'There was a fundamental unwillingness to recognise why his type of behaviour can be detrimental to service users (of the abortion clinic).'

Although Smith-Connor pointed out he had been hidden behind a tree so nobody could see him, Ms Bhogal said: 'I am not being funny, Mr Smith-Connor, you are a large gentlemen, you can be seen behind the tree.'

Smith-Connor's defence argued that Ms Brookfield had made a mistake in how she implemented the PSPO by including silent prayer.

Rosalind Comyn, defending, said to Miss Brookfield: 'I would suggest that your understanding of what was and was not in breach of the PSPO was wrong and I'm going to put to you that the content of Mr Smith-Connor's silent prayer which you have accepted was in his mind is not sufficient to make prayer an act of disapproval.'

In response, Miss Brookfield said she stood by her application of the PSPO which she said does not differentiate between audible and silent prayer.

Smith-Connor, an Afghan veteran, denies a charge of failing to comply with a PSPO and the trial continues.

He is being supported in court by the Christian charity Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) UK.

Jeremiah Igunnubole, who serves as legal counsel for ADF UK, has previously said: 'Nobody should be criminalised for what they believe - especially not when they express that belief silently, in the privacy of their own minds.'

The court case is taking place as it was revealed the government is set to enact new legislation to ban silent prayer outside abortion clinics from October 31.

This will be enforced within a buffer zone of 150 metres from a clinic or hospital providing abortion services.
Shocking security footage captured the moment a woman ran over a Porsche owner and fled in the vehicle after claiming she wanted to buy it.

The episode unfolded September 6 in Toronto, Canada, when a suspect, described as a 5'6 South Asian woman, turned up at the victim's home after seeing his SUV advertised on AutoTrader.

As she arrived at the home she can be heard in Ring camera footage telling the owner: 'Hello, I'm here for the Porsche.'

The video cuts to the driveway as she and the owner checked out the 2022 Porsche Cayenne, when she decided to make a break for it seconds after the owner left the passenger side.

Police are searching for this woman after she arrived at a home in Toronto, Canada this month to respond to an ad for a Porsche Cayenne SUV before fleeing with the vehicle

The suspect aggressively reversed while the owner was at the rear of the Porsche, sending him sprawling across the street as she made a break for it

Moments before the shocking incident, the woman had reportedly told the owner that she was waiting for her father, and cops say they are looking into another vehicle that was outside the victim's home as a possible accomplice.

The victim, who has not been named, appeared to suspect that the woman was taking off with his car as soon as he exited the vehicle, as he tried to open the driver's side door before moving to the back.

As he got to the back of the vehicle, the woman reversed aggressively out onto the street, dragging the victim along with her.

He appeared to be caught by one of the rear wheels and was left sprawling in the street.

Cops say they are also seeking another grey SUV they believe was an accomplice to the theft

Police said the woman fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, and is being sought by police along with an expensive grey SUV - a Bentley Bentayga - that cops described as an accomplice vehicle.

The victim told CTV News Toronto that he sustained injuries to his elbow, hands and legs, and required medical attention after the incident.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact the Peel Regional Police.
Some prisoners released early as part of Labour's efforts to ease overcrowding in jails have not yet been fitted with electronic tags, it has been revealed.

Several offenders released on licence told the BBC they had not been fitted with a tracking device despite it being a condition of their release.

One described the issue as a 'disaster waiting to happen', while a probation officer said it could 'potentially be dangerous'.

Some 1,700 prisoners were released early from their sentences last week in the first phase of the Government's plan to tackle prison overcrowding.

The exodus from jails across England and Wales included some convicted killers.

It came after ministers announced plans in July to cut temporarily the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent.

The measure is expected to result in 5,500 offenders being released in September and October.

It does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences.

Labour said the action was necessary as overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'.

Some 1,700 prisoners were released early from their sentences last week in the first phase of the Government's plan to tackle prison overcrowding

If released offenders are not fitted with ankle tags, they can not be monitored to ensure they are meeting their licence conditions.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood was reported to be 'furious' over the delays, which the Government has blamed on security contractor Serco

If released offenders are not fitted with ankle tags, they can not be monitored to ensure they are meeting their licence conditions.

The Ministry of Justice blamed security contractor Serco, which manages the prison tagging system, for delays in fitting ankle tags to released inmates.

It said domestic abuse offenders were being prioritised for tagging to make sure they are following their licence conditions, such as staying away from their victims.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood was reported to be 'furious' over the delays.

Serco said it was working to reduce the backlog of released prisoners waiting to be tagged.

One offender released last week, who is ordered to stay at home from 7am to 7pm, told the BBC: 'They should have tagged me but they haven't and it means I can go where I choose.

'I don't want to end up back inside so I'm sticking to the curfew, but I know people who aren't doing that because they've not been tagged. It's a disaster waiting to happen.'

A probation officer said: 'We're hearing the same story from several staff saying that people haven't been tagged yet and it's going to cause problems.

'Seems like people were released without the conditions on which they were released on being properly ready, and that could potentially be dangerous.'

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'Tagging is an important part of our strategy to keep victims safe and cut reoffending, and there are currently record numbers of offenders wearing tags.

'We are holding Serco to account to address delays in fitting some offenders with tags, and will apply financial penalties against the company if this is not resolved quickly.

'While this issue is ongoing, we have prioritised tagging domestic abuse offenders to make sure their licence conditions, such as staying away from their victims, are strictly followed.'

A Serco spokesperson said: 'Since we took over the electronic monitoring contract in May we have been working hard to reduce the number of people waiting to have a tag fitted.

'We work closely with the Ministry of Justice and the probation service to fit tags swiftly and prioritise cases based on risk profiles.

'Where an individual is not at home when we call to fit a tag the time taken can be longer.

'We prioritise making another visit so that people are tagged as soon as possible.'
A former South Australian police officer has been found guilty of sexually abusing his teenage stepdaughter.

His conviction came despite the man, who cannot be named to protect the identify of his victim, claiming the 15-year-old had made up the allegations because she fantasised about having sex with him.

The former cop had pleaded not guilty to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and one count of indecent assault, the Advertiser reported.

The girl had told her boyfriend and a school counsellor that she had been sexually abused by an older man in September or October 2021.

The court heard during the trial earlier this month that the abuse happened after the officer had been drinking with the child in their family home.

The policeman gave the victim a foot massage, prosecutor Ben Sturm told the jury. 'Then he put his hands on her leg and gradually began moving up,' he said.

Mr Sturm said the officer pulled the teenager onto his lap and kissed her.

He then 'climbed on top of her and kissed her neck, he then started feeling all over her body and then put his hands down her pants', the court was told.

A former South Australian police officer, who threatened to jump off a cliff, has been found guilty of sexually abusing his teenage stepdaughter. Stock image

The court heard the girl had a bite mark on her neck the next morning, which her stepfather told her to 'pretend was an irritation'.

After he found out the teen had told her counsellor about his abuse, the police officer called his partner, told her what he had done to her daughter and said he would kill himself, the jury heard.

The police found the man shortly afterwards on the edge of a cliff.

He made admissions about engaging in sexual conduct with the victim, Mr Sturm said.

The officer admitted on the phone to the victim's mother that he had 'f***ed up', that he kissed the teen and 'other things', but didn't want to say what those other things were, the jury was told.

He admitted to the officer who found him at the clifftop that 'it's about my stepdaughter, I f***** up', the court heard.

Mr Sturm said those admissions were 'very powerful ... they are really conclusive of his guilt of those acts'.

The prosecutor said the police officer had told the victim he 'thought it was a dream that I had, like I didn't think it actually happened' and that he had ruined her childhood.

The police officer also told the girl that if she told anyone he would kill himself, the court heard.

But his barrister, Paul Rice KC, told the jury the victim could have had a motive to lie about the allegations.

'She hated him and/or she fantasised being with him in some sexual way and he did not reciprocate and she decided it was time for him to go,' Mr Rice said, adding that it was 'a false allegation'.

The police officer told the girl that if she told anyone about the abuse he would kill himself. The police headquarters on Angas Street in Adelaide is pictured

He said the officer's 'suicide attempt ... was not an acknowledgment of guilt, but of defeat and despair.

'We suggest that you should have a reasonable doubt about the guilt of the accused and find him not guilty on all of the matters.'

The jury found the police officer guilty in relation to the two unlawful sexual intercourse charges, and not guilty of the indecent assault charge.

The man will return to court in November before sentencing submissions later in the year.

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Hundreds of residents were left in awe when they spotted a mysterious object hovering over their city.

Normally, such objects are spotted in the dead of night, but this one in the western Mexican city of Guadalajara was in broad daylight last Friday.

'Here comes my flying saucer customer,' Eduardo Chavez, the owner of a rims and tire shop, could be heard saying in the background in one video showing it hovering over his shop that's had 6.3 million views

'He's coming for rims and tires... At your service. Take a look at whatever you like.'

An object resembling a UFO was spotted floating around the western Mexican city of Guadalajara last week. A video recording went viral on the TikTok account of a rims and tire shop owner, who invited the 'aliens' over for a visit

A resident in Mexico records the moment an object, which many believed was a UFO, flew through the skies of western city of Guadalajara last week

A second video with more than 1.7 million views showed what appeared to be the same object flying at a lower altitude under a white patch of clouds.

"When I saw it I was impressed but as the minutes went by, I saw it as normal and that's when I made the video," Chavez told DailyMail.com on Thursday.

The wild videos sparked the never-ending conversation of whether life exists outside Earth.

'There is another UFO that passes very fast behind the one that is still,' one TikToker commented. 'You have to pause the video a couple of times till you see it. It's way too fast.'

'Every civilization evolves at the precipice of destruction,' another TikTok user said. 'Maybe the influx in sightings means we're either almost completely wiped out or on the verge of a species wide evolution.'

Eduardo Chavez went viral last week when he recorded what people believe to have been a flying saucer hovering in a neighborhood in the Mexican town of Guadalajara. Chavez used the sighting as a chance to promote his small business, where he sells rims and tires

'There are a few flying around in the clouds in background moving like gravity doesn't exist pulling insane maneuvers!' another person added.

Some TikTokers thought the video was a clever way to promote in his small business.

'The people studying Marketing for years and this guy blew them away,' one person quipped.

'Is he aware that if the UFO is real it made a very possibly unbeatable commercial?' another commented.

Chavez, who believes 'that there is more life beyond the Earth,' wished he would have made an appearance in the video.

"My TikTok (followers) increased but the business (activity) did not because I did not provide the location and I did not record myself," he said.

One TikToker joked: 'He said they took the wheels off the UFOs when they came to ask for directions.'

Another chimed in: 'Some of them probably live on earth with us, but in a different dimension and go to this dimension, but don't really care about us lol.'
A tourist has suffered second- and third-degree burns after hiking off-trail at Yellowstone National Park and falling through the thin geothermal crust that surrounds Old Faithful.

The woman, a 60-year-old from New Hampshire, was hospitalized after coming into contact with 'scalding water' below the surface, park officials said.

Having ignored signs warning about the off-limits thermal area, the unidentified woman was with her husband and their dog when she suffered burns to her lower leg.

The site where the ground collapsed was near Mallard Lake Trailhead, at Old Faithful.

Now under investigation, the incident is the first known thermal injury at the park this year. While rare, several have suffered similar injuries in recent years. In addition to scalding burns, off-trail travel can result in criminal charges, the park service reiterated in their statement.

A tourist suffered second- and third-degree burns after hiking off-trail at Yellowstone National Park Monday, ignoring signs such as there

The woman, a 60-year-old from New Hampshire, fell through the thin geothermal crust that surrounds Old Faithful Monday, park officials said. Pictured, tourists viewing the hot springs site from a safe distance

Park officials revealed the woman was well enough to travel to a park medical clinic to be evaluated with her husband, where she was admitted as a patient.

She was later transported, by helicopter, to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for further treatment.

Three days later, her condition remains unknown. Park officials have yet to release her identity.

'Visitors are reminded to stay on boardwalks and trails in hydrothermal areas and exercise extreme caution,' the statement adds.

'The ground in these areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface.'

She fell through the thin geothermal crust that surrounds Old Faithful, which has acid pools available for viewing from a boardwalk, as seen here

The area has a dangerous geochemistry due to being part of an actual volcano, and has claimed lives before

Such hot springs have dangerous geochemistry due to being part of an actual volcano, and have claimed lives before.

And while scientists dont expect an eruption any time soon, the area is home to around half the worlds geysers, many of which, experts say, are so astringent that a dip in one would be like swimming in battery acid.

The tenuous foothold adds to the hazard, causing about 22 deaths in national park since 1890. Scaldings people survive are even more common, with the first instance recorded in 1870, and several dozen seen since.

Around this time last year, A Michigan man was criminally charged with off-trail travel after sustaining thermal burns from the thermal pools in Yellowstone.

The August before, a man only identified as a tourist from LA was killed and almost completely dissolved after apparently falling into one. Only his foot was found, and DNA testing was needed to identify his remains.

In 2021, the Yellowstone-based federal justice system sentenced a Connecticut man to a week in jail and made him pay an $1,000 fine - to the preservation group overseeing the park.

The area is home to around half the worlds geysers, many of which, experts say, are so astringent that a dip in one would be akin to a swim in battery acid

The year before. the same court banned a Pennsylvania woman from the park for two years, along with two years' probations and nearly $500 in fines, for her trespassing onto the thinly laid thermal grounds that year as well.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the park service for information about the recent incident.
Woolworths has been encouraged to ditch Big W and separate from New Zealand operations as investors claim the two are contributing to profit losses.

The Australian Financial Review reports First Sentier Investors portfolio manager Dushko Bajic spoke at a Sydney forum this week, where he said he'd proposed the move to Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell.

Mr Bajic, whose firm has invested in Woolworths, reportedly told Ms Bardwell 'we would just love you to be a simple Australian supermarket', and claimed Woolworths profits should be higher than Coles, who unlike the Woolworths do not have retail stores.

'Reinvest back into your business, your prices, and make the most of your superior supermarket locations (this) won't be able to be matched by your competitor,' Mr Bajic said.

But a Woolworths Group spokesperson said there were no plans to sell Big W or the New Zealand Supermarkets Business.

'New Zealand Food and BIG W had a challenging year impacted by value-conscious customers cross-shopping and trading down but both businesses made good progress on their transformation plans with improved Customer scores and item growth in Q4,' the spokesperson said.

Mr Bajic also claimed Big W has 'destroyed capital'.

Blackwattle Investment Partners portfolio manager Ray David also said Woolworths should be performing better than Coles.

Woolworths has been encouraged to ditch Big W and separate from New Zealand operations as investors claim the two are contributing to profit losses

A Woolworths Group spokesperson said there were no plans to sell Big W or the New Zealand Supermarkets Business

'We are advocates of simpler leaner business, as sometimes the essence of strategy is choosing what not to do, and we would welcome any strategy that simplifies the business that brings a greater focus on the core,' Mr David told the AFR.

Woolworths has undergone a dramatic drop in profit, bringing in $108million as of August 28 according to Sky News.

This is a 93 per cent decrease from last year, and comes amid $1.5billion in losses as a result of the company's New Zealand division.
Huge spiders that can fly have been spotted in Pennsylvania, prompting warnings they should be killed on sight.

The Joro spiders are not native to the United States, and little is known about what damage they could cause local ecosystems.

They'd previously been spotted in Georgia but have now made inroads into the northeast, sparking fears they'll soon be prevalent in one of the United States' most densely-populated corners.

Pennsylvania State University spider expert Michael Skvarla told The Philadelphia Inquirer 'the best course of action is to kill them when they're found.'

But it is important, he said, to take pictures of the spider to report it to labs, who are tracking the species around the United States.

While it's important for these spiders to be killed, Skvarla said they don't pose much risk to the public.

Huge Joro spiders have been spotted in Pennsylvania, prompting warnings they should be killed on sight

'They're not very venomous at all, and they're very reluctant biters,' he said.

'Even if you pick them up, they might bite in defense if you grab one, but the fangs are so small that it's hard for them to pierce human skin despite their large size.'

Joro spiders are native to China, India, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

They were identified in Georgia in 2013, and there were concerns as early as June of this year that they'd migrated to Pennsylvania. But at that point, those spiders were identified as different species.

Joro spiders are native to China, India, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam

On September 5, the first known Joro spider was located in Bucks County.

These spiders have the ability to 'balloon' - which allows them to travel long distances by releasing silk and parachuting from one location to another.

This gives the illusion that they're 'flying' through the air.
JK Rowling has said she is considering renting a bus to run her own Harry Potter tour after becoming fed up with 'guff' being peddled on existing versions.

The bestselling author took issue with some of the tales being told on one tour of Edinburgh inspired by her book series, suggesting they need to be 'debunked'.

Scotland's capital is a hub for fans of the fantasy stories as it is where Ms Rowling wrote much of the early versions, with many locations in the city inspiring her stories, settings and characters.

The 59-year-old seems to want to refute the 'nonsense' herself by setting up an official tour in aid of charity.

She posted on X: 'Today I heard a tale of the guff claimed as fact on a "Potter tour" of Edinburgh, and now I'm considering hiring a bus and auctioning places on it for charity and spending an afternoon debunking the nonsense and pointing out bits no-one knows and then we could all go to the pub.'

JK Rowling has said she is considering renting a bus to run her own Harry Potter tour after being told of the 'guff' being peddled on a tour in Edinburgh

Scotland's capital is a hub for fans of the fantasy stories as it is where Ms Rowling wrote much of the early versions, with many locations in the city inspiring her stories. Some fans suspect Victoria Street (pictured) inspired Diagon Alley in the books

The 59-year-old posted: 'I'm considering hiring a bus and auctioning places on it for charity and spending an afternoon debunking the nonsense and pointing out bits no-one knows and then we could all go to the pub'

Rowling - who sometimes attracts controversy over her gender rights campaigning - has clearly grown sick and tired of fans' complaints about other tours' claims.

Whilst seemingly just a vague idea put forward as a joke, Rowling's hypothetical plan drew attention from fans the world over.

Racking up over 26,000 likes, her post saw more than 1,600 comments from fans clamouring for the author to bring the idea to life.

One X user responded: 'Take my money!'

Someone else said: 'This would be the most popular tour in history.'

'Pre-book me on Seat 1A please, where the champagne is served,' added another.

One fan suggested Ms Rowling dress up in disguise to go on one of the offending tours and rudely correct the guide anytime they are wrong.

'A few hidden cameras and it's a series on Netflix,' they joked.

Whilst seemingly just a vague idea put forward as a joke, Rowling's hypothetical plan drew attention from fans the world over

Another commented: 'I've fallen for the odd bit of Potter guff, especially the one about Tom Riddle's grave being in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Still, it is fun to walk around a graveyard.'

The author replied to confirm she has never seen the grave of one 'Thomas Riddell' which is touted as her inspiration for her character with a similar name, which comes from an anagram of Lord Voldemort.

However, she did tease: 'But I've never pointed out the church plaque I genuinely got the name Lockhart from.'
Tributes have been paid to a 'wonderful' couple who died after huge floods swept them away while hiking on holiday in Spain.

Sarah Jane Thompson, 26, and her boyfriend Alexander Barrett, 32, were found dead following a major search and rescue operation in Majorca earlier this month. The couple disappeared on September 3 during a hiking expedition.

Ms Thompson, who lived in Levenshulme, south Manchester, was found dead in the Torrent de Pareis region of the Tramuntana mountain range the following day.

But the search continued for Mr Barrett, who was last seen desperately trying to save his girlfriend from the sudden floods.

On September 6, a Civil Guard spokesman confirmed that the body of a young man who matched Mr Barrett's description had been found.

Sarah Jane Thompson, 26, pictured with her boyfriend Alexander Barrett, 32

Both were found dead following a major search and rescue operation in Majorca earlier this month

The area where the British hikers disappeared was affected by flash flooding (pictured above)

A total of 10 people were rescued amid the worst of the flooding which occurred on September 3.

Following the couple's deaths, Stockport rock climbing gym Awesome Walls, where Mr Barrett worked as an instructor, paid tribute to the couple.

In a post on Instagram, they said: 'Today we have to share some heartbreaking news with you. Whilst on holiday, our brilliant instructor, Alex, and his wonderful girlfriend, Sarah, were involved in a tragic accident and have unfortunately passed away.

'Alex was known for his warm smile, kind nature, and endless psych in all aspects of life. Whether it was in climbing or not, he was always keen to celebrate people's achievements with a fist bump and a good laugh.

'Sarah was an Awesome Walls regular and a welcome sight to all who she crossed paths with. She was a kind, joyful and would regularly make friends with people during her climbing sessions.

'We will miss them dearly, but even though they aren't with us any more they will always be part of the Awesome Walls family.'

Ms Thompson's former employer, The Good Rebel bar in Stockport, also paid tribute to the couple: 'We have some sad news to share. Whilst on holiday, Sarah Thompson who used to work with us, was involved in a tragic accident alongside her boyfriend Alex and sadly passed away.

'Even though she left two years ago, Sarah was and still is a very big part of The Good Rebel, being with us from day one and helping make The Good Rebel what it is. She was the heart and soul of the place and left an impression on everyone who walked through our door with her beaming smile and welcoming nature.

Helicopters were launched in the search efforts as authorities believed the man was carried away in the torrent of water while attempting to save his girlfriend

Rescue teams waded through the river water in an attempt to locate the missing British tourist

The grim discovery was made after divers joined the hunt for the missing couple, who were swept away by the flood (Pictured: Search teams wading through water)

'She was the kindest and happiest person you could ever meet and could rock a pair of dungarees like no other. We love and miss you Sarah x.'

A memorial for Alex and Sarah has been organised by friends and family. It will take place on Sunday at 7:15pm, starting at the Woodbank and Vernon Park car park, and then heading down to the big field in the lower section of the park.

Awesome Walls also announced that Alex's recent black boulder project will be left up in the bouldering room in memory of him.

It added: 'We do not want to forget these two wonderful people. Please keep talking about them and the experiences you shared with them. The laughter and sense of light they brought to the centre is something we should all strive to keep in our lives.

'Goodbye Alex and Sarah. We hope you're still climbing mountains somewhere.'
Families of four Americans detained in China have said their loved ones are suffering from human rights violations and have urged the US to bring them home.

Appearing before the Congressional-Executive Commission of China, the families of Kai Li, Mark Swidan, Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr. - all of whom have been detained in China for at least eight years - cast a spotlight on the longstanding issue that has gained new attention with the release this week of American pastor David Lin, who was behind bars for almost 20 years.

At the hearing, Harrison Li said his father had suffered a stroke and lost a tooth and that he was largely locked in a cell for three years when China imposed draconian restrictions during the Covid19 pandemic.

Kai Li is serving 10 years in a Shanghai jail on what rights groups say are trumped-up charges of spying and stealing state secrets.

'Everyday I wake up I shudder at the thought of him crammed in that tiny cell with anywhere from seven to 11 other people, no climate control, unable to sleep in the summer due to the heat, experiencing the mental and physical anguish,' Harrison Li said.

Harrison Li holds a photo of his father, Kai Li, who is serving 10 years in a Shanghai jail on what rights groups say are trumped-up charges of spying and stealing state secrets

The panel has vowed to bring to light the harrowing stories of the other Americans detained in China and keep pressure on the Biden administration to act

Harrison Li said his father (pictured) had suffered a stroke and lost a tooth and that he was largely locked in a cell for three years

He told the panel that it is time for his father to come home: 'So I ask President Biden, how much longer does he need to suffer?'

The hearing also showed a video by Katherine Swidan, mother of Mark Swidan, who said her son was suffering.

He has been jailed in China for 12 years on a drug charge and, along with Li, is considered wrongfully detained by the State Department.

In a statement, Katherine Swidan urged the US government to act: 'I am pleading for my son's life, his freedom and the chance to bring him home.'

Nelson Wells Sr. said his son, jailed in China since 2014 over what the family believes to have been unwitting drug possession, is suffering from 'debilitating chronic pain, seizures, malnutrition, internal issues, dental pain, severe depression and thoughts of self-harm.'

He expressed frustration at the lack of progress to bring his son home.

'Please help our family by creating a pathway for outright release or prisoner transfer to a home prison,' Wells Sr. said.

Tim Hunt, brother of Dawn Hunt, choked up when he asked the commission to help her.

She's serving life in prison in the southern province of Guangdong after being arrested in 2014 and charged with drug smuggling, which she denies, the family said.

Tim Hunt said his sister was tricked into believing she had won a contest that brought her to Hong Kong.

He says she was taken to mainland China, where she was given designer purses before a flight to Australia without knowing illicit drugs were sewn into the linings.

Dawn Hunt has developed ailments but has refused surgeries out of distrust, her brother said, adding that 'our citizens are being mistreated, abused - and it's coordinated.'

Mark Swidan, a Texas businessman who was arrested in China in 2012 on charges that he was trafficking methamphetamine is facing the death penalty

Tim Hunt said his sister was tricked into believing she had won a contest that brought her to Hong Kong

Katherine Swidan, mother of Mark Swudan, urged the US government to act

Nelson Wells Sr. said his son, jailed in China since 2014 over what the family believes to have been unwitting drug possession

More Americans are detained in China than in any other foreign country, according to the commission created by Congress to monitor human rights in the communist country. Pictured: Harrison Li holds a photo of his father, Kai Li

While Americans should be held liable for breaking the law in a foreign country, Beijing's legal practice and human rights records make judicial justice a far reach, said Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat and the commission's co-chair.

'We know that even one American detained as a political prisoner in China is one too many,' Merkley said.

Representative Zach Nunn, an Iowa Republican, accused China of engaging in hostage diplomacy by 'warehousing American citizens for a time that they want to gain leverage against the United States.'

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said China is ruled by law.

'The judicial authorities will handle the criminal suspects strictly in accordance with the law, treat them equally regardless of their nationality, and protect their legitimate rights and interests,' the embassy said in a statement.

The US State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to China, citing 'the risk of wrongful detentions' as a reason for its second-highest travel alert.

More Americans are detained in China than in any other foreign country, according to the commission created by Congress to monitor human rights in the communist country.

The panel has vowed to bring to light the harrowing stories of the other Americans detained in China and keep pressure on the Biden administration to act.

'This is American human rights being violated with impunity,' said Representative Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who chairs the commission.
A failed asylum seeker was freed from prison to carry out a sex attack on a vulnerable child because the Home Office probably didnt get round to deporting him.

Sam Sharma was subject to three bail orders when he drugged the 14-year-old child before sexually abusing her more than a year after completing a jail term for police assault.

The 34-year-old Indian illegal immigrant was allowed to roam free on Scotlands streets when the authorities could have deported him.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that Sharma avoided being sent home because the Home Office probably just didnt get round to it.

Sheriff Alison McKay has now jailed him for three years after a jury found him guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting a child in Dundee on 26 May last year.

Failed asylum seeker Sam Sharma drugged a child before sexually abusing her a year after completing a jail term for police assault

She said: If he doesnt have a UK passport and it is correct that he has claimed asylum and been refused then Mr Sharma will be known. They can already deport Mr Sharma if they want to.

I take the view that you are already within the sights of the Home Office and they will decide whether or not you will be deported.

Counsel Neil Beardmore, defending, told the court: There was a history of him making applications and those being refused. He originates from India.

He does not have a UK passport. He has claimed asylum and is a failed asylum seeker.

'You would expect them to deport him at the conclusion of his sentence.

You have to ask why - after his last imprisonment - the Home Office didnt deal with it? They probably just didnt get round to it.

Former shop assistant Sharma sexually abused the underage girl in Dundee after supplying her with cannabis.

Jurors convicted Sharma of sexually abusing the girl, then aged 14, during May 2023 at an address in the West End area of Dundee.

He was also found guilty of being concerned in the supply of cannabis to the girl and another woman on the same date.

Sharma, who had been working at a convenience store in Monifieth, Angus, was subject to three bail orders at the time of the offence.

A not proven verdict was returned on a charge of sexually assaulting another woman while she was asleep.

Sheriff McKay said: In relation to the sexual conduct towards the girl, I take the view she was a particularly vulnerable young person.

As well as sending Sharma to prison for 36 months, she added his details to the sex offenders register for life.

Mr Beardmore said: In custody he has experienced racial abuse. A complaint has been lodged with the governor of the prison.

On 7 January 2022, Sharma was jailed for 14 months and Dundee Sheriff Court was told that he was already being lined up for deportation at that stage.

Sharma spat and urinated at police and hurled racist abuse as he threatened to rape and kill the officers family members on 3 September 2021.

A Home Office spokesman said: It is longstanding government policy that we not comment on individual cases. We are committed to deporting foreign national offenders and aim to remove them from the UK at the earliest opportunity.

However, no action to deport an individual will be taken while there are claims or legal barriers that could prevent their removal from the UK until all outstanding representations have been considered.

ends
A teenage girl accused of murdering her mother and attempting to kill her stepdad covered her mouth and giggled in front of the court as proceedings got underway.

Carly Gregg was just 14 when she allegedly shot 40-year-old math teacher Ashley Smylie inside their family home in Mississippi in March.

She is alleged to have then baited her step-father into coming home before shooting him twice and fleeing the family home.

Police say she later called a friend over and asked them 'if she had ever seen a dead body before', before leading them to her mother's collapsed body.

Gregg was offered a plea deal of 40 years in prison, but turned it down. Instead, her legal team is pursuing an insanity defense for the teenager.

In a shocking moment on Thursday, as day four of the trial got underway, Gregg was caught on the livestream trying to fight off a bout of the giggles.

A teenage girl on trial accused of murdering her mom and attempting to kill her stepdad giggled and tried to cover her mouth as day four of proceedings got underway

On Thursday, as day four of the trial got underway, Gregg was caught on the livestream trying to fight off a bout of the giggles

Gregg was watching a member of her defense team scrawl something on a piece of paper at the time. It is unclear what the note said.

She then smiled and covered her mouth with her hand.

There was no audio available on the livestream to pick up what she said immediately following the incident.

Gregg is accused of shooting her mom and attempting to lure her stepdad back to the home with a text sent from her mother's phone on March 19.

Rebecca Kirk, a licensed professional counsellor who saw Gregg on nine occasions in the weeks leading to the alleged crime, testified on Thursday about the teenager's demeanor during their sessions.

On February 14 - just weeks before the shooting - Gregg said that she had plans to read Crime and Punishment.

The 1886 Fyodor Dostoevsky novel follows a Russian nihilist who, in Kirk's words, 'is very intelligent... and has this obsessive thinking of planning to murder a woman.'

The character comes to the conclusion that extraordinary people are entitled to kill others for the good of society, and kills a pawnbroker with an axe.

He is eventually sentenced to eight years in a Russian labor camp, declared insane.

'When he was in the camp he was unrepentant and that he did not think what he did was wrong and thought that the woman deserved it,' Kirk told the court.

The defense told the court Gregg never got around to reading the book.

Kirk expressed that Gregg was a highly gifted student and patient who 'had been affirmed a lot in her life for being intelligent.'

'She was proud of that, but she also had a genuine love for learning,' she told the court.

'She was gifted, that's a clear fact. Sometimes when you're so gifted and different from others, you might feel lonely and a little bit more isolated.'

Raskolnikov, the murderer central to Crime and Punishment, finds himself a poor student convinced of his own brilliance before developing a nihilistic moral theory that, in his view, entitles him to kill his victim.

Gregg's mother, 40-year-old math teacher Ashley Smylie was fatally shot in the face

Harrowing footage of Carly Gregg casually wandering around her kitchen has been played in court during her murder trial in Mississippi this week

The court heard on Wednesday from psychiatrist Dr Andrew Clark, who said he believes Gregg 'blacked out' for up to 90 minutes on the day of the alleged offence.

But he also accepted that someone in Gregg's position would have a motive to 'fake' a mental illness.

Dr Clark told the court Gregg reported to him that she'd had 'auditory hallucinations' for years prior to the alleged crime, but the voices in her head had never 'commanded' her to do anything.

Gregg had confided in Dr Clark that she had started smoking marijuana, several times per week and was concerned that her mother would find out, the court heard.

The court heard she had used marijuana up until at least the day prior to the alleged incident.

She had also been prescribed Lexapro and Zoloft - both medications for mood disorders.

She is charged with murder, attempted murder and evidence tampering, and faces a life sentence if found guilty.

The court previously saw footage of Gregg wandering around her kitchen and texting a friend in March, just moments after shots were fired.

Gregg is seen in the kitchen wearing a Nirvana t-shirt, pacing up and down the corridor.

She briefly disappears off camera before returning, holding something behind her back, and peering into the kitchen.

Gregg then walked off camera again in the opposite direction moments before three gunshots rang out.

After the first shot, a woman was heard screaming, and then the room fell silent.

Moments later, Gregg was again seen camera, casually taking a seat on a stool near the kitchen bench and texting on her phone as her two dogs watched on.

Gregg's mother, 40-year-old math teacher Ashley Smylie was fatally shot in the face.

Her stepfather then received a text from Smylie's phone, reading: 'When will you be home honey?'

When Heath returned home, police say Gregg shot at him, hitting him once in the shoulder.

The court heard Heath wrestled the gun from Gregg before she could shoot him again, prompting her to flee the scene.

Police say she then texted one of her friends, asking them to come over to the house due to an 'emergency'.

When the friend arrived, Gregg allegedly asked her 'if she had ever seen a dead body before' and led the witness to her mother's body.

The now 15-year-old, who was 14 at the time of her alleged crimes, turned down a 40-year plea deal and her legal team is instead pursuing an insanity defense

Prosecutors allege Gregg then used her mother's phone to text her stepfather Heath in an effort to lure him home

She walked off camera again in the opposite direction moments before three gunshots rang out

Gregg's stepfather, who survived the attack, testified in court that he had seen his wife covered in blood when he got home.

He said Gregg had once been a 'sweet little girl' but looked like 'she had seen a demon' on the day in question.

'When I opened the door to the kitchen, the gun went off in my face before the door was three or four inches wide open.

'The gun flashed in my face. It went off two more times, but my hand was on the gun after the first shot, and I twisted it from Carly,' he said.

Gregg is charged with murder, attempted murder and evidence tampering. The trial continues.
Vice President Kamala Harris continues resisting press appearances, as new details emerge of her campaign's effort to keep her away from appearances with the press or tough interviews.

After a brief interview with CNN's Dana Bash in August, Harris has shied away from traditional interviews with established news outlets in favor of friendly podcasts and live events.

Earlier this week, Harris appeared with Spanish-language podcaster Stephanie 'Chiquibaby' Himonidis and on Thursday, she will hold a live event with supporter Oprah Winfrey.

That's part of her strategy, according to her campaign, who argues she has a 'steady dose' of appearances with the media.

'She does a steady dose of media engagements because she believes speaking to a broad array of voters where they consume their news and information is important. It's how you reach people where they are,' campaign spokesman Ian Sams told CNN.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris has shied away from more traditional media interviews since seizing the Democratic nomination for president

Former President Donald Trump and JD Vance have conducted more than 70 interviews, press conferences, and print interviews in that last 59 days. Comparatively, Harris and her running mate Gov Tim Walz have only participated in seven, according to Axios.

As vice president, Harris was seen as unprepared for the position, as she struggled to answer questions in interviews and her off-the-cuff remarks frequently spiraled into word salads.

Harris has kept the press at a distance, according to reports, as the campaign is worried her remarks could be clipped or interpreted in a way that could hurt the campaign.

A recent interview with a local Pennsylvania outlet earned her more mockery than praise after she answered questions about the economy with scripted remarks about her upbringing as a middle class kid.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Kamala Harris sits for an interview with CNN's Dana Bash

Harris has leaned into her persona as a 'joyful warrior' but she still wants to emphasize her image as a 'bada**' female leader.

When one of the moderators asked her about her 'joyful warrior' brand, during an event with the Association of Black Journalists on Tuesday, Harris interrupted him.

'You didn't see that just a minute ago, though,' she quipped, recalling earlier angry comments about Trump.

After the crowd laughed, Harris continued, 'Okay. I'm back to my joyful part.'

Despite Harris' hesitancy to participate in interviews, her campaign team appears more willing to deploy Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to promote Harris and her 'bada**' brand.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff claps as Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Awards

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (L) walks alongside husband US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff

Since Harris seized the Democratic nomination for president, Emhoff has appeared on multiple long-form podcast interviews and even an interview with ABC News' Jimmy Kimmel.

Emhoff explained in a podcast interview with journalist John Heilemann in an interview released Thursday that the campaign realized Harris' problems and admitted there was a lot of workshopping behind the scenes to help her fix it.

'We've thought a lot about how to do this and bust through the caricature of her which, those of us who know her well, there was such a false view of her that was out there,' he said, referring to her first three years as vice president.

Emhoff emphasized to Heilemann and the hosts on Pod Save America that Harris was a 'bada**' who was 'ready to lead on day one' because of her experience as the vice president.

'It's like she's the most version of herself, she's the most bada** version of herself, because she's kind of just been waiting for this moment,' he said to Heilemann.

The campaign has also deployed Emhoff on the fundraising circuit, pushing him to be more outraged about the things said about his wife. During a fundraiser speech in Brooklyn, New York, Emhoff made a point of emphasizing Harris' toughness.

'You saw it yesterday  she called out the little sidekick JD Vance, for his cynical fabrication intentionally designed to terrorize a community,' he said.

Emhoff even went as far as to reenact part of Harris' debate performance, recalling the moment that Harris appeared on the debate stage and shook former President Trump's hand and introduced herself.

While some interpreted the Harris moment as awkward or goofy, Emhoff praised it as a power move, reliving some of Harris' strongest moments on the debate stage.

'Guess what, he did not look at her one time, he didn't have the courage to even look her in the eye, to all that stuff he's tweeting and Truth Socializing and saying at these rallies,' he said, referring to Trump.
Footage shows the moment a woman attacked a teenage girl with a syrup bottle at a South Florida IHOP.

The fight, which occurred around 10:15pm Monday, when the suspect, 34-year-old Precious Williams, accused the teen and her family of 'talking badly' about her four kids, who are also seen in the footage and range in age from 3 to 8.

The family denied her claims before Williams lunged at the teen while she was still seated.

The teenaged girl, who was not named, responded by fighting back - pulling the mom's hair as she tried to free herself.

The fight was eventually broken up by the victim's family and Williams' husband, but not before erupting into an all-out brawl. Cops showed up and cuffed Williams, who was later charged with abusing a child.

Scroll down for video:

The suspect, 34-year-old Precious Williams, attacked the 14-year-old girl in the footage from a North Miami Beach IHOP

It resulted in her arrest, ahead of a trial that could now see the mom-of-four jailed for five years. She remains in custody after rejecting a year of probation

'My son said one of them said something,' Williams shouted in the clip, as she stood over a booth where the victim's family was eating. She later claimed the boy told her someone at the victims table called them a 'n****r'.

A woman who appeared to be the teenage girl's mother responded by telling Williams she had her kids with her.

'OK! I got four!' the suspect shouted back, getting increasingly close as two men seemingly from her party attempted to hold her back.

Several of her kids are seen standing inches away as well, seconds before the barrage of blows broke out.

As the two groups continued to hurl insults, Williams suddenly attacked the teen.

The fight quickly escalated from there, with multiple men and women getting involved.

A parade of punches and hits ensues, with Williams seen taking a punch from what appeared to be one of the victim's family.

Several other men fought each other as well, with bottles being thrown and tables toppling over.

Williams has accused the teen and her family of 'talking badly' about her four kids, who are also seen in the footage. The family denied those statements before Williams lunged at the seated teen

The fight was eventually broken up by the victim's family and Williams' husband, but not before erupting into an all-out brawl

Cops were called and quickly arrived at the scene, leading to another filmed confrontation - this one between Williams and Miami Metro officers.

There, investigators told Williams that the girl she hit 'was a minor'.

They proceeded to handcuff her, warning her 'to not make a scene' when they walked her outside to a police car in front of her kids.

Williams agreed, going willingly with the officers.

'I love my kids,' she said before whisked off. 'I'm never a fighter or anything.'

A few days later in court, the mom continued to attest to her innocence, citing the slur she believed was launched at one of her children.

Matthew Goldkind, her attorney, cited the now viral video, claiming it 'shows somebody putting their hands on [Williams] and then [her] striking back.'

State attorneys responded by offering Williams a way out - a year of probation, mandatory anger management courses, a no-drink order, and an additional parenting course in exchange for a guilty plea.

However, Williams denied it, and demanded a trial. A date has yet to be set.

Cops were called and quickly arrive at the scene, leading to another filmed confrontation - this one between Williams and Miami Metro officers. They proceeded to handcuff her, while warning her 'to not make a scene' when they walked her outside. Williams agreed, going with them

A few days later in court, the mom continued to attest to her innocence, citing the slur she believed was launched at one of her children. Her attorney cited the now viral vide, claiming it 'shows somebody putting their hands on [Williams] and then [her] striking back.'

The incident happened at this IHOP in North Miami, at 1101 NE 163rd St, Monday night. it remains under investigation

Meanwhile, the footage appeared to show that Williams was the one who started the altercation.

Cops, moreover, noted how Williams did not check on her children after the fight - something they said raised concerns among wait staff.

Their investigation remains ongoing, and is now at the stage where authorities are reviewing evidence to determine if any more charges are warranted.

The incident happened at an IHOP in North Miami, at 1101 NE 163rd St.

Williams is charged with child abuse causing no harm - a felony that could warrant five years in prison.

She is also facing four counts of child neglect without great bodily harm, and remains in custody.
Hungary has followed the Netherlands in demanding a crisis opt-out of the EU's mandatory migration rules to try and reduce the number of refugees coming in.

Budapest has also pledged to defy EU rulings on its hardline border policies after judges said in June the country had breached refugee rights.

'Drastic action is needed to stem illegal migration,' Janos Boka, Hungary's European affairs minister, said today.

'The Hungarian government will join the Netherlands in asking for an opt-out from EU asylum and migration rules, if a treaty amendment allows it.'

Hungary and the Netherlands are expected to use any amendment to the EU's treaty to be able to opt-out of the asylum and refugee policies.

The requests come amid a deepening political crisis over the EU's common refugee system and the Schengen borderless travel zone.

Migrants walk down a street from Keleti train station in Budapest, Hungary in September 2015 (file picture)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban holds a press briefing on flood protection developments on September 19

Migrants protest outside Keleti station, Budapest, which was closed to them in September 2015 (file picture)

Today, the Netherlands become the first EU country to demand an exemption from the increasingly unpopular rules.

The Dutch government, dominated by Geert Wilders' far-Right party, said the move was justified so it can provide 'housing, health care and education' to its citizens.

'I have just informed the European Commission that I want a migration opt-out within Europe for the Netherlands,' Dutch migration minister Marjolein Faber wrote in a letter to Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs.

'We need to be in charge of our own asylum policy again.'

However, the European Commission has already criticised the plans, saying 'you cannot evade EU legislation'.

It comes as the new Dutch government, which came to power in November, is planning to declare an 'asylum crisis' to pave the way for tougher measures.

This would include a freeze on asylum applications and powers to forcibly deport people who do not have a right to be in the Netherlands.

Under the proposal, refugees would also only be able bring in family members if they have had residence status for two years, have housing and a 'stable income'.

Currently asylum seekers receive a permit to stay for an indefinite period after five years.

Asylum seekers and refugees at a registration center in Ter Apel, The Netherlands in April (file picture)

Geert Wilders, who leads a far-Right party that currently dominates the Dutch government

Signs direct new refugee arrivals in Ter Apel, The Netherlands (file picture)

Earlier this month, Germany announced it would bring in controls on all its land borders to deal with the 'continuing burden' of migration and 'Islamist terrorism'.

Interior minister Nancy Faeser told the EU that the country had no choice but to enforce proper border controls to cope with unauthorised entries.

The policy marked a U-turn from her stance just last month when she refused to extend strict controls first introduced last year on Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

These rules have already seen more than 30,000 people turned back at the borders since mid-October last year.

Concerns about immigration have been pushed to the forefront of German politics, heightened by a series of attacks carried out by Islamists, most recently in Solingen.

The German government has also been facing increased pressure to respond to migration as support for right-wing party, the AfD has rapidly gathered pace.

And at the end of last month Germany's police union announced that Schengen was making Germany's security crisis even worse and must be abandoned immediately.

Manuel Ostermann, deputy federal chairman of the Federal Police Union, has launched a fierce condemnation of Schengen, the EU's hair-brained border-free scheme, in an interview with Focus magazine.

'The crisis in Germany's security is a direct consequence of Schengen's ineffective policies. Schengen's inability to manage migration effectively has put Germany's safety at stake.'

People hold banners that read 'Direct democracy' and 'No to mass immigration, yes to remigration' as far-Right protesters march through the streets of Solingen

Nancy Faeser of the struggling Social Democrat party (SPD) is to enforce temporary border controls at all national land borders

Far-right protesters hold a banner reading 'Remigration now' as they march through the streets of Solingen, following a stabbing rampage, on August 26

Teenage girls draped in German flags attend an election campaign rally of the right-wing Alternative for Germany on May 28

'Germany must realize the current failure of Schengen and either make a concerted effort to return to the current legal situation or terminate Schengen,'

Here he pointed to the rising crime rates in Germany, exacerbated by the migration crisis, as proof that Schengen is no longer viable.

He said Schengen's open borders have made it easier for criminals to operate across Europe, impacting Germany's safety.

'Schengen has failed to protect Germany from the influx of criminals, necessitating immediate action.'

'We must continue to notify our internal borders because border controls, whose effectiveness has been proven, are no longer maintained under Schengen.

'The failure of Schengen is evident in the increased crime rates, making it clear that changes are needed.'
A British Army Major has been charged with attempted murder after his ex-wife was found fighting for life on a country lane following a frenzied knife attack.

Jonathan Creak was arrested in Cambridgeshire hours after Rhiannon Creak was repeatedly stabbed with a carpet knife in Hardwick, Norfolk.

Rhiannon, 43, a keen equestrian who split with Jonathan after moving into his barracks at Suffolk's Wattisham Airfield, was rushed to Norwich University Hospital by air ambulance with 'serious injuries'.

Afghanistan veteran Jonathan, 50, of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, has been remanded into custody after appearing at Norfolk Crown Court.

Jonathan Creak (pictured) was arrested in Cambridgeshire hours after Rhiannon Creak was repeatedly stabbed with a carpet knife in Hadwick, Norfolk

Alleged victim Rhiannon Creak (pictured), 43, was found with multiple stab wounds

He is understood to have left the Ministry of Defence three years ago after transitioning to a desk role.

An East of England Ambulance spokesman said: 'We were called at 8.07am on 6 July 2024 with reports of a person with knife wounds in Mill Lane, Hardwick.

'We sent East Anglian Air Ambulance, two ambulances and an ambulance officer vehicle.

'A woman was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for further care.'

Norfolk Constabulary added: 'Police were called to reports of an incident in Hardwick on Saturday 6 July 2024.

Creak, 50, of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, has been remanded into custody after appearing at Norfolk Crown Court

'Ambulance called police at 8.11am where a woman in her 40s was found with knife wounds on Mill Lane.

'She was taken by ambulance to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with serious injuries where she remains in a stable condition.

'Officers believe those involved were known to each other.

'Police arrested a man in Cambridgeshire and he was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

'Jonathan Creak, 50, of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, has been charged on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a knife.'
A bikie who stabbed a driver five times during a brutal road rage attack could be out of prison in a matter of months.

Rebels gang member Aleksander Mahone, then 31, used a homemade knife to repeatedly stab Issa Katoub, 26, after crashing his ute into his car in July 2023, 7News reported.

Kattoub suffered wounds to his arms and chest before Mahone threw his blade away as bystanders tried to intervene.

Kattoub had crashed his car into a power pole earlier that day, forcing him to leave the vehicle in a no stopping zone on Bartley Street in Cabramatta, south west Sydney.

When he returned later to have the car towed, Mahone crashed his ute into it.

Mahone then blamed Kattoub and went to the car to get his knife.

District Court judge Huw Baker said the attacker's blade was a pair of scissors 'fashioned into the use as a weapon'.

Mahone was jailed for three years but could be free as soon as February next year on time served.

A bikie who stabbed a driver five times during a brutal road rage attack could be out of prison in a matter of months
The British-educated Hungarian businesswoman at the centre of the exploding pager plot was described as vague about her companys activities, according to her former boyfriend.

Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, 49, set up the company bearing her initials in reverse order in May 2022, according to company records.

Despite claims published in the New York Times that the Budapest-based firm was part of a complex web of Mossad shell companies, Ms Barsony-Arcidiacono denied having any knowledge of the plot.

I don't make the beepers. I'm just the intermediary. I think you have misunderstood, she told a reporter yesterday before going to ground.

But a former boyfriend described her as less than forthcoming on business matters.

CCTV footage shows a pager being detonated in a supermarket

A radio device exploded in the city of Baalbek is seen as wireless communications device explosions across Lebanon

Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, 49, was described as vague about her companys activities, according to her former boyfriend

Whenever I asked about what her business involved, she would never actually say what she was doing, she would just say trading as usual, it was always a bit vague, he recalled.

Ms Barsony-Arcidiacono was born in Catania, Sicily and her mother Beatrice still lives in Italy, according to friends.

When Cristiana set up her company two years ago, she listed her address as that of her grandmother Borbala, who died three years ago aged 93.

A neighbour of Cristinas grandmother, retired electrician Mihaly Lovasz, 77, told MailOnline that she wasnt a regular visitor to the 85,000 8th floor flat in Ujspet, a working class district of the capital.

She would come for the occasional Sunday lunch, but not that regularly, he said.

Since her grandmother died, she comes very rarely to check on the property, but it hasnt been rented out  its been empty since her grandmother died. I think Cristina wanted to live closer to the centre than here.

Mr Lovasz said that Cristinas late grandfather, Borbalas husband, a doctor a director of one of Budapests biggest hospitals, the Peterfy Sandor Utca.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has displayed a full-scale model of GA-ASIs Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) during the Air Force Association (AFA) Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2024. The model was displayed at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers booth. GA-ASI was one of two developers selected by the center to develop and build production CCA. GA-ASI builds on its Gambit family of UAS to provide its CAA design. The second company developing CCA under the program is Anduril. Many highly capable autonomous warplanes will fly alongside and well ahead of legacy human-piloted fighters to enhance their sensing, networking, and combat capabilities.

Oshkosh Submits Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Proposal

Oshkosh Defense has officially submitted its proposal for the second phase of the U.S. Armys Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program. The companys design focuses on providing the Army with highly mobile, unmanned ground vehicles capable of performing various roles, including reconnaissance, logistics support, and direct combat engagement. Phase II consists of a base award of $118.9 million and calls for down-selected contractors to deliver nine RCV Production Representative Prototypes in early 2026.

Oshkosh delivered two RCV Platform Prototypes as part of the Phase I Ground Vehicle Systems (GVS) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) that Oshkosh was awarded in September 2023. These prototypes support platform mobility testing and Soldier touchpoints as part of the Phase II source selection. The Oshkosh team includes Pratt Miller Defense and QinetiQ US.

The U.S. Army is expected to evaluate multiple RCV prototypes before making a final selection, with Oshkosh positioning itself as a key competitor in the program. The RCV program is part of the Armys broader push to integrate unmanned systems into its force structure to reduce personnel risk and increase operational flexibility.

Kratos Introduces New Low-Cost Turbojet Engines

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has announced the immediate availability of four classes of low-cost turbojet engines from its subsidiary, Technical Directions, Inc. (TDI). These engines, ranging from 30 to 200 pounds of thrust, are designed to meet the growing demand for affordable propulsion systems for cruise missiles, loitering munitions systems, and other military applications.

Vantage Robotics Introduces a New US-Built Micro-Drone

Vantage Robotics has unveiled its latest autonomous micro drone system, TRACE. TRACE is designed to perform various surveillance and monitoring tasks without direct human intervention. Its advanced AI-driven capabilities allow it to navigate autonomously, capture high-resolution imagery, and return to base.

Vantage Robotics aims to position TRACE as a US-built, cost-effective solution for organizations seeking reliable autonomous aerial surveillance. The TRACE system has cutting-edge sensors, high-definition cameras, and obstacle-avoidance technology, making it highly adaptable to various environments. This drone is expected to find applications in commercial sectors, such as infrastructure monitoring and agriculture, and defense for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
German economics minister urges political solution to EV tariffs with China

Xinhua) 11:05, September 19, 2024

BERLIN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Economics Minister Robert Habeck has called for the European Union (EU) and China to reach a political solution to the issue of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs).

"We want to avoid a trade conflict that could escalate into a tariff spiral, ultimately harming both sides," Habeck said in a statement on Tuesday, reaffirming that his stance is clear -- a political solution is essential.

Emphasizing China's significance to the German and European economies, Habeck said fair competition conditions must be guaranteed and Germany welcomes competition with China.

"The European Commission and China should work towards a negotiated solution," he added.

Habeck's statement echoes the German government's remarks at a press conference last week. A government spokesperson said that the federal government had been skeptical about the EU's proposal of EV tariffs from the beginning, and this stance remains unchanged, mentioning that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had called on the EU member countries and the European Commission to reconsider their position on the proposal of additional tariffs on Chinese EVs.

"We are very pleased that talks between China and the EU are continuing to prevent such tariffs," the spokesperson said, adding that it would benefit all parties if other EU member countries also recognized that tariffs are not in the best interests of their industry.

The European Commission imposed provisional additional tariffs on Chinese EV makers in July, following its so-called anti-subsidy probe on Chinese EVs launched in October 2023.

The Commission's tariff plan has sparked concerns among industry experts and business insiders across Europe. Critics argue that the move may worsen the competitiveness issues of the European Union, hinder the region's green transition and escalate trade tensions with China, instead of protecting the European auto industry as intended.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Two sisters have destroyed their own lives by posting naked photos of their father's mistress on an escort website - with one facing jail and the other fired from her police job in disgrace.

Eleanor and Sophie Brown had hatched a plan to humiliate the woman with whom their father Geoff had cheated on their mother a decade earlier.

The two sisters colluded in posting private intimate pictures of the woman on an escort website, adding her husband's phone number, which resulted in him receiving calls from men.

Eleanor, 24 - known as Ellie - is now facing an 'almost inevitable' prison sentence after she admitted disclosing private photographs without consent midway through her trial at Leeds Crown Court.

In April, Sophie was barred from policing for life after resigning in disgrace at her part in the plot.

Eleanor and Sophie Brown, pictured here with their mother Sarah. The two girls posted naked photos of their father's mistress on an escort website

The girls posted the photos after finding out their father Geoff (pictured) had an affair with the woman nearly a decade ago

Yesterday at the family home in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, a shaken Geoff Brown, 61, who is still with his wife Sarah, 57, declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.

Last week the court heard Ellie Brown, of Morley, near Leeds, uploaded the photos to the website in 2022 along with the phone number of the former mistress's husband for people to contact.

Their actions affected her husband's business and caused the woman 'a deep, sickening feeling of complete panic,' a court heard.

Jurors were told her father had an affair with the woman more than 10 years ago while both of them were married.

The affair was revealed in 2015 when Sarah Brown discovered the intimate photos and videos the woman had shared with her husband during their fling.

But it was seven years later, between August and September 2022, that Ellie Brown posted 'derogatory comments' about the woman on her husband's business' website.

She then sent him the intimate images of his wife via WhatsApp and posted the photos of the woman on the escort website, which led to her husband being bombarded with calls and messages.

Prosecutors said it was 'a mean and calculated effort to cause distress in an act of revenge.'

Brown even targeted the couple's daughter - who had known nothing of her mother's infidelity - telling her: 'I will make sure your mum is never allowed to forget what she did to my family.'

From the witness box, the woman said she felt 'a deep, sickening feeling of just complete panic' when she found out sexual images of her had been posted online.

Her husband told the trial he could understand that the sisters were 'frustrated' about what happened - but added that he couldn't understand why they were 'hell-bent' on trying to damage the business he was running.

Brown had denied two counts of sharing private sexual photographs without consent, but changed her plea to guilty just before she was due to give evidence in her own defence in the second week of the trial.

Judge Alexander Menary said her admission of guilt had come at the 'eleventh hour and 59th minute'.

Adjourning the hearing ahead of sentencing next month, he said it was 'almost inevitable' she would go to prison 'because of the nature of the offending and the persistence of it'.

She was given bail ahead of the hearing and while she prepares to go to prison, her sister is trying to forge a new career after West Yorkshire police found her guilty of gross misconduct.

Sophie Brown quit her job as a patrol officer after she and her sister's actions were reported by the distressed couple they 'bullied and harassed.'

Geoff Brown is still with his wife Sarah after the affair with a married woman more than 10 years ago. Pictured: Geoff and Sarah Brown in India

Ellie and Sophie Brown, pictured here with their mother Sarah, engaged in a campaign of 'bullying and harassment', Leeds Crown Court was told

A disciplinary hearing in April found she would have been sacked had she not resigned, but a legal ruling meant the decision could not be reported until after Ellie Brown's trial.

Sophie Brown's disciplinary hearing was told she encouraged her sister to post the explicit photos in an 'act of revenge.'

The hearing was told that between August 27 and September 8, 2022, the sisters had engaged in a campaign of 'bullying and harassment.'

Messages between the sisters 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 added 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 Ellie Brown, they had been 'initiated and encouraged' by Sophie.

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 several occasions, said: 'This was not revenge. We were taking the mick out of her because of the photos she'd 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 on the force for a short period of time.

The misconduct panel ruled she would have been dismissed from the force had she still been serving.
A father-of-14 from Florida was shot and killed after trying to break up a fight involving a group of teenager girls that included his daughter.

Johnny Stevenson Jr., 47, jumped in to protect his 15-year-old daughter after she called him and said she was in a fight with a classmate on Tuesday. The fight continued off the bus and multiple other children joined in.

The situation took a fatal turn when Stevenson intervened. He was shot in the stomach at about 5.30pm by Kentarian Cross, 22, from Florida city, according to police reports.

Stevenson's daughter told CBS: 'The person who shot my dad pulled my best friend away, then he pulled my momma. That's when my dad seen him, then the boy shoved my dad. My dad shoved him back and then the boy pulled out a gun and shot him.

Johnny Stevenson, 47, was shot in the stomach on Tuesday when he tried to protect his daughter from a fight of teenage girls

Kentarian Cross, 22, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on Wednesday

'I seen my dad in the corner of my eye. I seen him fall. I wasn't really thinking. I see him on the floor, I put pressure on his stomach. My mom, she comes to put pressure on his stomach.'

The father was taken to Baptist Homestead Hospital and was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center for surgery, but did not survive.

Cross turned himself in and was arrested on Wednesday after several witnesses identified him, police said. He was charged with second-degree murder.

Before Cross turned himself in, police were offering a $5,000 reward to any tip that led to his arrest.

Stevenson fell to the ground when he was shot during the altercation near a Florida City bus stop

Stevenson's heartbroken daughter said the fight started verbally, but became physical once the girl she was fighting maced and spit on her.

Video shows that the altercation started on the bus. The girls were seen carrying out hair-pulling attacks and throwing punches.

A group of teenagers got involved in the fight as it traveled down the street away from the bus stop. The person recording the fight on their cellphone screamed when the shot was fired and Stevenson fell to the ground.

Homestead Senior High School, where the students go to school, wrote in a statement to CBS: 'The school's administration is reviewing the matter, and the students involved will be disciplined according to the Code of Student Conduct.'

Stevenson - known by loved ones as 'Bobo' - was a caring father to his 14 children. He enjoyed dirt biking and cherished his family.

Stevenson was described as an excellent father to his 14 children and was well known in his community

His cousin told Local News 10: 'We looked up to him. All his kids looked up to him  everybody, to be honest. He was just that person.'

He was a highly regarded member of his community.

His uncle, Arnold Lloyd told CBS: 'I mean, so many people loved him.'

Cross did not say anything to detectives after his arrest, according to police reports.

He went to court on Thursday and is being held without bond.
A Sky News journalist was filming live in Beirut when a huge blast echoed throughout the city this afternoon.

International correspondent John Sparks was giving analysis of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's first speech since deadly explosions rocked Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday when a loud explosion interrupted filming.

It was unclear what caused the explosion. Hezbollah has fired rockets into Israel since the attacks earlier this week, which Israel has not claimed responsibility for. Israel said last night it was at the start of a new phase in its war.

A witness in Beirut claimed this afternoon that Israeli jets were carrying out huge sonic booms over the city during Nasrallah's anticipated speech.

Lebanese residents, already on edge following this week's blasts across the country that the group blamed on Israel, were panicked fearing a major escalation.

International correspondent John Sparks turns as a loud explosion is heard in Beirut

It was unclear what caused the explosion. A witness in Beirut claimed Israel was carrying out sonic blasts during Nasrallah's speech

Mr Sparks was addressing Hezbollah secretary general Nasrallah's speech before the blast

A view of Beirut, Lebanon today as Israeli jets flew over causing terrifying sonic booms

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hit the Tyre, in southern Lebanon, this afternoon

Attacks continue in Tyre after Israel announced it was entering a new phase in its war

Nasrallah responded to attacks that have cut deep in Lebanon this week in his speech on Thursday afternoon.

A wave of blasts lasting about an hour on Tuesday afternoon targeted paging devices brought in by Hezbollah - an Iranian proxy group - after they stopped using mobile phones for security reasons.

Hezbollah responded with a limited rocket strike on Israel on Wednesday.

But by the afternoon a second wave of detonations had hit walkie-talkies also being used by militants in Lebanon, injuring some 608 people and killing 25, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment killed 37 people in total and wounded around 3,000.

Footage showed cars caught in blazing infernos and homes billowing thick black smoke across the country on Wednesday.

The group's secretary general spoke for the first time since the pager attacks on Thursday, saying Israel had crossed 'all red lines' with the attacks and warning the attacks could be seen as a declaration of war.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied being behind the attacks but multiple security sources have said they were carried out by its spy agency Mossad.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said only that 'the results are very impressive'.

Nasrallah insisted today Hezbollah would not stop fighting on the Lebanese front until the war in Gaza stops.

He said that the group has increased the readiness of all of it weapons and fighters.

Iran also offered their backing. A commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards told the head of Hezbollah that Israel would face a 'crushing response from the axis of resistance', according to state-run news agency IRNA.

But as Mr Sparks gave his analysis of the rising tensions, a huge explosion rocked the capital.

Shortly before 4pm, reports claimed Israeli fighter jets were carrying out mock air raids over the city and breaking the sound barrier.

This was the lowest jets have flown over Beirut since hostilities erupted in October 2023, The Guardian reports.

The Israeli military acknowledged that it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon shortly before the speech.

It also said the military chief of staff had approved plans for Israel's north, which borders Lebanon.

Scores of Hezbollah members were severely injured throughout southern Lebanon and Beirut when pagers exploded on Tuesday afternoon

Some 2,800 people reported injuries after the pagers exploded on Tuesday

A hand shows the destroyed pager or paging device that exploded on September 17

The military said Hezbollah had turned southern Lebanon into a combat zone.

'For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields,' it said.

'The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes, as well as to achieve all of the war goals,' it said.

A separate military statement said that the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, had recently completed approval of plans for the northern arena.
A Chicago politician is facing backlash for using a Jewish phrase for congratulations after the deadly exploding pager attacks targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria that killed dozens and wounded thousands, including civilians and children.

Alderman Brendan Reilly posted a photo to his X account on Wednesday during a council meeting of a pager displaying the words 'Mazol Tov.' The expression was spelled differently than it appears in Yiddish (Mazel Tov) and Hebrew ('Mazal Tov').

He later deleted the post about an hour later, WBEZ reported.

Despite drawing outrage from supporters of Palestine and his progressive City Council members, Reilly appeared unapologetic.

'It's a tweet. If a handful of my colleagues don't like my personal tweets, they are free to unfollow my account,' he told WBEZ.

He added that those who saw the post as a celebration of the attacks 'are incorrect.'

Alderman Brendan Reilly posted a photo to his X account of a pager displaying the words 'Mazol Tov' on Wednesday afternoon during a City Council meeting

Reilly deleted the post, saying later that if his colleagues were offended, 'they are free to unfollow my account'

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who acknowledged that he did not see the tweet himself, said it sounded 'quite horrific and beyond offensive,' and believed Reilly 'should apologize.'

Council members who have been outspoken about the war in Gaza, including progressive Aldermen Bryon Sigcho Lopez and Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, agreed that an apology was in order.

'Terrorism is always wrong, and I expect a swift apology if he has a shred of morality in his body,' Sigcho Lopez said.

'It's heartbreaking to see a member of City Council tweet something like that on a day that we have seen a cyberattack perpetrated by Israel that has caused so much death,' Rodriguez-Sanchez added.

'I don't understand why anybody would do that, regardless of where you stand, regardless of what your position is, I don't think that it merits celebration or jokes, which is, to me, what appears to be happening in that tweet.'

Hatem Abudayyeh, national chairman of the Chicago-based U.S. Palestinian Community Network, stated that Reilly's action was 'a clear example of white privilege and racism.'

'He is an elected official who feels emboldened to be a cheerleader for Israeli violence, genocide and state terrorism,' he said.

An explosion hits a vegetable market in Beirut on Tuesday

People and first responders gather at the scene of a reported device explosion in Saida in southern Lebanon on Wednesday

In a separate post, Reilly referred to Hezbollah as 'scum' when asked if he agreed with the pager attacks.

'Hezbollah scum f-d around & found out. Karma's a b*tch,' he said in the post, which has also been deleted.

Thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah fighters exploded across Lebanon this, killing more than 30 people and wounding thousands more, including civilians and children.

Lebanon's health ministry said 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured on Wednesday's attack in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured, Reuters reported.

On Wednesday, Israel's defense minister Yoav Gallant said that 'we are at the start of a new phase in the war,' but did not address the attacks on Hezbollah believed to carried out by Israel, Reuters reported.
The first people charged with rioting after the deaths of two teenagers in an e-bike crash last year have appeared in court.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died on the evening of May 22, 2023 when they crashed on an e-bike minutes after CCTV captured them being followed by a South Wales Police van in Ely, Cardiff.

Tensions between local people and police at the scene led to a riot lasting several hours, during which time dozens of officers were injured, property was damaged and cars were set alight.

Lianna Tucker, 18, from Ely, was the first person to appear before Cardiff Magistrate's Court on Thursday, charged with riot.

Tucker's case, along with everyone else's who appeared before the court charged with riot, was sent to Cardiff Crown Court.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died in May last year when they crashed on an e-bike minutes after CCTV captured them being followed by a South Wales Police van in Ely, Cardiff

Tensions between local people and police at the scene led to a riot lasting several hours. Some of the alleged rioters including Zayne Farrugia (pictured) appeared in court today

Jaydan Baston, 20, and Jayden Westcott, 20, also appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court charged with offences relating to the riots in Ely

In total, 18 people were due to appear before the court today, with more due to appear on Friday.

Those who appeared Thursday morning were: Michalea Gonzales, 26, from Ely; Jaydan Baston, 20, from Caerau; Harvey James, 18, from Fairwater; Jumana Fouad, 18, from Ely; Jordan Webster, 28, from Ely; Kieron Beccano, 25, from St Fagans; Luke Williams, 30, from Ely; Jayden Westcott 20, from Ely; Zayne Farrugia, 24, from Caerau; and Kyle Telemaque, 18, from Ely.

District Judge Stephen Harmes said: 'I send you to crown court on October 21. You have to appear in the crown court at 9am.

'If you fail to attend there will be a warrant for your arrest.

'You turned up today so there's no reason you shouldn't turn up then.'

All were released on unconditional bail.

Kyle Telemaque leaves Cardiff Magistrates Court

Ashdon O'Dare (R) leaves Cardiff Magistrates Court after being charged with offences relating to the riots in Ely

Connor O'Sullivan (left) leaves Cardiff Magistrates Court on Thursday

Jordan Webster (centre) leaves Cardiff Magistrates Court on Thursday

Jordan Bratcher (left) enters the court on Thursday

Ashdon O'Dare (centre) enters the court on Thursday

Jumana Fouad (left) leaves Cardiff Magistrates Court on Thursday

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said 31 people had been charged with offences - 27 with riot and four accused of causing or threatening to cause criminal damage.

Eight of those charged are aged between 15 and 17.

Announcing the charges, Jenny Hopkins, the CPS chief crown prosecutor for Wales, said: 'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these individuals are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial.

'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'
The grieving mother of murdered Maryland mom Rachel Morin has warned that nowhere in the country is safe from undocumented immigrants.

Patty Morin, 64, shared heartbreaking testimony in congress on Wednesday during a hearing titled, 'A Country Without Borders: How the Biden-Harris Open-Borders Policies Have Undermined Our Safety and Security.'

Rachel, a 37-year-old mother of five, was raped and murdered on a hiking trail in Maryland in August, 2023.

Suspect Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, was arrested nearly a year in Oklahoma. He is wanted for murder in his home country of El Salvador, according to police.

'If they had done the border protocols that were in place but was set aside, just a simple DNA swab, they would know that he had a INTERPOL warrant for murder in his home country,' Morin said to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

'They say that the borders are safe. We live 1,800 miles away from the southern border. Theyre not safe.'

Patty Morin, 64, shared heartbreaking testimony in congress on Wednesday during a hearing titled, 'A Country Without Borders: How the Biden-Harris Open-Borders Policies Have Undermined Our Safety and Security'

Rachel Morin, 37, was allegedly raped and murdered by Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, in August 2023, after Hernandez was let in the country despite having a criminal record

Morin has become a vocal Biden critic following her daughter's murder and last week appeared on a different congressional panel alongside the families of other victims of undocumented immigrants.

She also said on Wednesday that neither Biden or Harris have reached out to her to offer condolences about Rachel's murder.

'Since my daughters death, but also since that we learned that it was an illegal immigrant that they've accused of murdering her, the Biden-Harris administration has not reached out to our family to offer condolences,' Morin said.

Speaking to the House Committee on the Judiciary last week, Morin blamed her daughter's death on decisions made by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, saying it, was '100 percent preventable.'

'The American people need to hear, know, and understand the truth of the horrendous war zone we call the southern border,' Morin said, while pleading with the American people to hear her calls for increased security.

'President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harriss open border policy is having a devastating impact across our great nation.

'I live 1,800 miles from the southern border in a small town in northern Maryland - yet a man who was wanted for murder in El Salvador made his way to my community and ambushed my daughter on a quaint walking trail in broad daylight.

'[But] they just turned him around and allowed him to come back again and again, until he finally got through the border,' she said of Hernandez, seen in a social media photo here. He is accused of murdering another woman in El Salvador and attacking a nine-year-old girl in LA

'Im here today to make sure that my daughter is remembered as more than a victim,' she continued.

'I hope that her story will be the wake-up call that this country needs to secure its borders and protect American citizens.'

The case surrounding Rachel's death remained a mystery for months after the mom was reported missing following her failure to return home from a run.

Hernandez, meanwhile, illegally crossed the southern border months before, in February 2023 - after he allegedly murdered a woman in El Salvador a month earlier.

He has also been accused of attacking a nine-year-old girl and her mother in Los Angeles in the weeks before Rachel's murder.

'The circumstances of Rachels death compounded our grief,' Morin said, sharing her reaction to cops cuffing the alleged killer in Tulsa in June following a lengthy manhunt.

'We felt relieved when the suspect was finally caught,' she added. 'But that relief quickly turned to horror and outrage when we learned that the suspect was an illegal immigrant.

'This man was wanted for killing a woman in his home country when he walked into ours,' she went on.

Morin was among eight people invited to speak at the hearing last week to share their insight into the negative impacts of border management over the past 44 months, from drugs and human trafficking to violent crime miles away from any crossing.

Two other moms whose daughters are believed to have been killed by undocumented immigrants spoke out as well, along with the mother of a fentanyl poisoning victim, a Crime Victims' Advocate, and a California Sheriff.
The former president has been in at-home hospice care for 19 months

Jimmy Carter is turning 100 on October 1 after spending more than 19 months in hospice care and losing his beloved wife Rosalynn last year.

The former president's grandson shared a health update this week, noting he is physically diminished but still mentally and emotionally present.

Jason Carter provided the latest during a celebration of his grandfather on September 17 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

The Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song concert birthday celebration included performances and celebrity guest appearances from Renee Zellweger, Dale Murphy and Killer Mike.

Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason gave another health update on the ailing former president with just a few weeks until he turns 100

Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama joined for virtual remarks honoring their single-term Democratic predecessor.

'He's doing okay,' Jason said of the former president just two weeks before he turns 100.

'I mean he's been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished and can't do much on his own, but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,' he added.

The Centenarian birthday milestone will come just over a month before the 2024 presidential election.

Jason previously shared in June during an interview with Southern Living that the Carter family's 99-year-old patriarch is no longer awake every day.

'[He's] experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process,' Jason said at the time.

The grandkid of the former president also noted that there has 'really been no change' in health after over a year in at-home hospice care, which he first entered in February 2023.

Jimmy Carter, 99, was last seen publicly at his wife Rosalynn's funeral in November 2023 (pictured)  and he has been receiving hospice care since February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia

During this time, Carter's wife Rosalynn died at their Plains, Georgia home in November 2023 at the age of 96.

The funeral for his beloved wife was the last time Carter was seen publicly.

'After 77 years of marriage I just think none of us really understand what it's like for him right now,' Jason told Southern Living in his conversation earlier this summer.

'We have to embrace that fact, that there's things about the spirit that you just can't understand.'
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff voiced his outrage on Wednesday evening after Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders suggested that his wife was not 'humble' because she did not give birth to any children of her own.

Emhoff appeared at a fundraiser in Brooklyn with his daughter Ella Emhoff and filmmaker Spike Lee where the second gentleman escalated his rhetoric beyond his typical nice-guy demeanor.

'This one is unbelievable,' Emhoff began. 'They said that somehow because Cole and Ella aren't Kamala's quote unquote biological children that she doesn't have anything in her life to keep her humble.'

Ella Emhoff looked at her father as she smiled and clapped at his fiery response.

As if keeping women humble, whether you have children or not is something we should strive for, Emhoff said, raising his voice. It is not!

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff speaks in support of his wife, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris,

Gov. Sanders made her remark during a campaign event with former President Donald Trump in Michigan, where she spoke about her children reminding her what was really important and also keeping her humble.

'My kids keep me humble, unfortunately Kamala Harris doesnt have anything keeping her humble, Sanders said. 'You would think after four years of straight failure, she would know a little humility.'

Harris is Emhoff's second wife, and a stepmother to Emhoff's two children Ella and Cole that he had with his first wife Kerstin.

Emhoff said the remark was just one more example how Trump and his campaign surrogates were trying to gaslight female supporters of Kamala Harris.

Doug Emhoff with his two children Ella and Cole at the Democratic National Convention

Supporters of Kamala Harris were infuriated after Sanders suggested that Harris did not have any children keeping her humble

'There is nothing more important to me, Kamala, and Kirsten than our kids, our big beautiful blended family,' he said. 'We know that all parents, no matter how you become one make the same sacrifices and revel in the same joys as raising children as any parent any where.'

Harris frequently talks about her title as 'Mamala,' for her stepchildren as she jokes that thanks to Disney movies, the word stepmother has a bad connotation.

Doug Emhoff voiced his outrage at the remarks, but reassured the crowd that Harris was not phased by any of it.

None of this really affects Kamala, everything really just bounces off of her, he said.

Emhoff's daughter Ella did not speak at the fundraiser, but her father reached out and gave her a side hug during his speech as he spoke about abortion rights.

'Ella's here, I love you Ella,' he said.

Spike Lee followed up Emhoff's remarks by praising Harris.

'We're married to two strong sisters!' He said with a laugh as he gripped hands with Emhoff. 'Will you admit this? Sometimes too strong?'
An Alaska man was arrested for threatening to torture and assassinate six Supreme Court justices and their family members.

The Justice Department announced Thursday that the man, identified as 76-year-old Panos Anastasiou, sent over 464 messages through the court's public website.

The messages from between March and July 2023 contained 'violent, racist, and homophobic rhetoric,' according to the complaint. He also allegedly threatened to kill the justices through 'torture, hanging and firearms.'

The man was arrested and charged with a total of 22 counts of making threats against a federal judge and through interstate commerce. He faces over 100 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

It is unclear whether the justices targeted are the six conservative justices, whose opinions Anastasiou 'disagreed' with. According to FEC records, he donated to ActBlue, a Democratic platform, as recently as July.

'We allege that the defendant made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with,' said Attorney General Merrick Garland.

According to his Facebook page, he has no friends and hasnt posted in years.

His account simply contains a profile photo and a 2014 posting calling Supreme Court justices jack booted thugs.

The Justice Department announced Thursday that the man sent over 464 messages through the court's public website

'I'm sick of these JACK BOOTED NAZI thugs killing innocent and unarmed people,' he wrote.

'I served in Vietnam and I regret my service to the POLICE STATE we have become in large part by the rulings by the Supreme Court favoring police tactics and shredding the fourth amendment.'

Anastasiou had another post reading 'America is a POLICE STATE' from August 2014.

He went on to criticize CNN's Carol Costello for apparent 'bias.'

'Shame on CNN'S Carol Costello for appearing to be bias in favor of the cops in her questioning of the reporter who was arrested and roughed up for doing his job. That b***h needs to be fired.'

The arrest comes during a turbulent week for the high court after another bombshell New York Times hit piece.

Leaked memos revealed Chief Justice John Roberts' involvement in allowing the court to hear key cases involving Donald Trump.

According to his Facebook page, he has no friends and hasnt posted in years

His profile picture contained a single picture of a small black and white dog

The conservative judge took the lead in March's case on whether states could remove the former president from their ballots over his role in the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Roberts demanded a unanimous decision from the bench according to memos leaked to the New York Times.

He also took charge of the case concerning prosecution of the January 6 rioters himself from Justice Samuel Alito after his fellow conservative was embroiled in a row about his wife flying the Stars and Stripes upside down from their home.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts with Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor

The court's decision on presidential immunity was a hammer blow to judicial attempts at prosecuting Donald Trump over his role in the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Roberts told his colleagues they should take the case after an appellate court ruled that Trump did not enjoy presidential immunity for his alleged role in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

'As I read it, it says simply a former president can be prosecuted because he's being prosecuted,' he said of the lower court's judgment.

And he made no secret of the what he thought his colleagues should decide.

'I think it likely that we will view the separation of powers analysis differently,' he wrote in a February memo.

Some conservatives wanted to delay a decision until after November's presidential election. But Roberts demanded an early decision and then insisted on writing the opinion himself.

'In a case like this one, focusing on 'transient results' may have profound consequences for the separation of powers and for the future of our Republic,' he wrote loftily. 'Our perspective must be more farsighted.'

The decision was a hammer blow to judicial attempts at prosecuting the former president.

And Roberts failed to secure the unanimity he was demanding, prompting a scathing dissent from liberal justice Sonia Sotomayor lamenting that the judgment had given Trump 'all the immunity he asked for and more'.

Justice John Roberts, front right, with his wife Jane Sullivan, center at the memorial service for former Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor in December last year

Justice John Roberts presides over a Supreme Court with a 6-3 conservative majority

Roberts asked conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito to write the opinion on the prosecution for obstruction of January 6 rioters

But took it back and wrote it himself when the Alito was embroiled in questions of whether his wife had shown sympathy for the 'Stop the Steal' movement by flying an upside down flag.

She warned that it protected 'treasonous acts', transformed the president into 'a king above the law' and led her to 'fear for our democracy'.

But he won warm praise from conservatives on the court for his proactive work with Justice Brett Kavanaugh thanking him for his 'extraordinary opinion', and 'exceptional work'.

All nine justices had been minded to strike out Colorado's attempt to remove Trump from the ballot, the paper reported.

But he lost that unanimity when he demanded a ruling that Congressional action would be needed for the Constitutional ban on insurrectionists taking office to apply to the president.

In April Roberts asked Alito to write the opinion when the court was asked to consider whether the Department of Justice had overreached in its prosecution for obstruction of January 6 rioters.

Around 250 had been charged with 'obstructing an official proceeding', a charge that prosecutors were considering bringing against Trump himself.

Alito was soon embroiled in questions of whether his wife had shown sympathy for the 'Stop the Steal' movement with her flying of an upside down flag.

But Alito did not recuse himself from the case and Roberts took it back and put his own name on it.

The change of authorship was not reported on at the time but left Roberts writing the opinions on they key cases affecting the chances of a second Trump presidency.

'If you don't fight like hell you're not going to have a country anymore' Trump told his supporters on January 6

Roberts, who was appointed to the court by President George W Bush, had insisted that 'no one is above the law under our system and that includes the president,' at his confirmation hearing in 2005.

He had been left furious when the court's opinion on Roe vs Wade was leaked ahead of its official release in May 2022.

He called it 'absolutely appalling', and an 'egregious breach' of the court's confidentiality.

The judgement itself had left Roberts sidelined as he won support from none of his eight colleagues for his attempt to tighten without extinguishing the constitutional right to an abortion.

The latest leaks suggest he has attempted to reassert his authority with a vengeance in the two years since, but they have alarmed constitutional and legal experts.

'I had thought the Chief was politically savvy, but it's wild he thought the immunity decision would be well-received,' wrote law professor Jake Charles. 'Seems he's also in an echo chamber.'
A two-year-old boy who died when a fireplace fell on him as he was dancing with his older sister while home alone has been named and pictured.

The toddler, whose name was today confirmed by a coroners' court as Carter Walsh, was fatally injured in the accident at his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Carter was rushed to hospital with serious injuries yesterday but sadly died a short time later.

Neighbours said that Carter's mother had gone to work leaving her daughter - who is of legal age to supervise her brother - in charge.

There was a large emergency services presence near Fisher Close in Wigan as police, paramedics and an air ambulance were scrambled to the scene yesterday afternoon.

The toddler, whose name was today confirmed by a coroners' court as Carter Walsh (pictured), was fatally injured at his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester when a fireplace fell on him

Tributes have flooded in online to the toddler and the family have set up a gofundme page

Carter pictured with his mother Samantha. On Facebook Ellie Sutcliffe said: 'RIP Carter you beautiful boy what a cruel world we live in.' Vikki Taylor posted: 'My heart is broke for you all. RIP Carter.' Claire Louise added: 'RIP Little Carter'

Fisher Close in Wigan where the tragic accident took place. Neighbours said that Carter's mother had gone to work leaving her daughter - who is of legal age to supervise the child - in charge of her sibling

One resident said: 'We saw a lot of police and ambulance activity but didn't know what it was at the time.

'Now we know, it is appalling news. I feel so sorry for the family.'

Meanwhile tributes have flooded in online to the toddler and the family have set up a gofundme page.

On Facebook Ellie Sutcliffe said: 'RIP Carter you beautiful boy what a cruel world we live in.'

Vikki Taylor posted: 'My heart is broke for you all. RIP Carter.' Claire Louise added: 'RIP Little Carter.'

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told MailOnline: 'At around 2.15pm yesterday, officers were called to reports regarding a concern for welfare of a child on Fisher Close, Wigan.

'Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, a two-year-old boy died at hospital.

'Enquiries are ongoing.'

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: 'We attended an incident at a private address following a 999 call at 14.06.

'An ambulance, air ambulance, response vehicle, advanced paramedic attended.. A patient was taken to hospital by road.'
A California man who discovered he had been paying his neighbor's larger electricity bill for 15 years has revealed his power supplier's outrageous response.

Ken Wilson, 56, has lived alone at his apartment in Vacaville, between Sacramento and San Francisco in California, since 2006.

For years he could not understand why his electricity bills were so high and did everything he could to conserve power.

It was not until earlier this year that he learned his power provider PG&E had made a shocking error and was charging him for a different apartment in the complex since as far back as 2009.

But despite admitting the mistake, the company claimed it could not begin charging him the correct amount until the next billing cycle and left him stuck paying his neighbor's bill.

Ken Wilson, 56, discovered that he has been paying his neighbor's larger electricity bill for 15 years

Wilson lives alone and does everything he can to conserve power - the only thing left running after he leaves his apartment is the refrigerator

Wilson began noticing red flags after his monthly bill was consistently more expensive than expected.

'I never really paid attention to any of this because I always thought I just was using very little energy,' he told CBS13.

The only thing he leaves running when he's not home is his refrigerator.

'I've been trying to conserve electricity and lower my costs because it was getting really expensive,' Wilson said.

'There's not much more I could do to lower my energy. I was being very vigilant on this. It was a habit. Every day that I go to work, I turn the breakers off,' he added.

When his bill continued to creep up, he began to suspect there may be a leak or that the meter was faulty. He even wondered if someone was stealing his electricity.

He even went as far as purchasing a device that measures how many watts of energy his appliances draw in an attempt to calculate exactly how much energy he was really using.

'Something wasn't right,' he said.

He has been living at his apartment complex in Vacaville, California, since 2006 and believes that he may have been paying his neighbor's bill since the very beginning

The company, PG&E, said that they were working to resolve the issue but they could not begin charging him the correct amount until the next billing cycle

When he saw that the cost just didn't add up to how much power he was actually using on a daily basis, he complained to his local utility company, PG&E.

The company sent out a worker to investigate the issue and found that the meter wasn't linked to his own apartment - number 91 - but to an entirely different unit in the building - number 90.

The investigation revealed 'the meter number for the customer's apartment was being billed to another apartment since potentially 2009', KMAX/KOVR reported.

Wilson fears he in fact may have been paying the wrong bill since he moved into the apartment complex in 2006.

'I feel powerless right now because I can't control my own meter,' he said.

PG&E apologized for their error in a statement on Monday and said it was working to correct the issue.

A spokesperson of PG&E said in a statement to CBS13 a statement: 'We acknowledge an error occurred in this instance, and we are fully committed to rectifying the situation with the customer and make the customer whole.

'We sincerely apologize for the oversight and regret any inconvenience caused by the duration of the issue.'

The Utility Reform Network, or TURN - a consumer watchdog advocacy group concerning all utility companies in the state of California, gave their perspective into the situation.

Wilson believes that he may have been paying the bill for a unit occupied by multiple people or even a family

As of Tuesday, PG&E credited more than $600 to his account - the amount he has overpaid for three years

Mark Toney, the director of TURN, told CBS13 that he is shocked by the mistake, and referred to it as 'rare and inexcusable'.

'These meters are supposed to be geocoded so that the exact location is precisely matched with longitude, latitude, that's geocoding,' he said. 'It's precise location is supposed to match each address.'

Toney said that Wilson should be compensated for years of bills that were never actually his to pay.

He said that PG&E should work through all of Wilson's old bills and refund him the amount he has overpaid over the years.

As of Tuesday, PG&E had credited more than $600 to his account - the amount he has overpaid for three years, Wilson told CBS13.

'I just hope this story is going to help others,' Wilson added. 'I can't be the only one.'
The head of the powerful Michigan Teamsters joint council is vowing that 'sociopath' Donald Trump can't win in his state, hours after the national union's stunning decision to issue a non-endorsement that Donald Trump claimed as a win.

'Our phones have been blowing up all night long about what the hell did they do,' Michigan Teamsters president Kevin Moore told DailyMail.com amid intrigue about what the split could mean for one of the key electoral prizes of the election.

'This Donald Trump sociopath cannot survive in Michigan,' he said.

He said the state's 243,000 members would be working hard to elect Democrat Kamala Harris, and raised doubts about the polling cited by the national union to back up General President Sean O'Brien's move voted in by the executive committee.

Trump on Wednesday night called the move a 'great honor,' and his campaign touted 'union workers' support' for Trump.

The former president 'lies to America. He hates women. Hes a womanizer. He's only a self proclaimed billionaire and the only reason he wants to step into the Oval Office is to get himself out of all these lawsuits he put himself in. He is a disgrace to the presidents office,' said Moore, in furious langauge that reflects the divisions within the union over the presidential election.

Michigan Teamsters president Kevin Moore called Donald Trump a 'sociopath' and said state Teamsters would work to elect Kamala Harris

O'Brien spoke to the Republican National Convention. The union hasn't backed a Republican since 1988.

'I cant answer his decision,' he said of O'Brien's move. 'I just know I control Michigan with 245,000 votes in Michigan, and with all the labor in Michigan our job is to stop [Trump] in Michigan.

He didn't accept poll data released by the union, rank-and-file picked Trump over Harris by 60-34 percent. He said it was taken from too small of a sample size.

'That can be skewed any way you want,' he said. 'Here in Michigan we overwhelming polled for Kamala Harris,' he said, citing the figure 72 to 28.

Other local unions and joint councils also announced they were backing Harris, including one council president in Wisconsin and one representing southern California and southern Nevada.

'I am positive that Pennsylvania in the near future is going to do exactly what were doing here in Michigan,' Moore predicted, discussing the state that has become the key prize of 2024.

Sean O'Brien (C), general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, announced the union's stunning decision to issue no endorsement, which prompted unions in battleground states to issue their own endorsements

The Teamsters union isn't endorsing either candidate, in a political win for former President Donald Trump

Vice President Harris had sought the group's support, although the union boss did not speak at her convention after speaking at Trump's

Craig McClaine, who who repairs trucks at the GM assembly plant, said auto worker are backing both Trump and Harris

Tom, a sanitation worker at the plant, said 'something needs to change' in the economy

The plant is 'trying to get us to work as often as we can,' said Zack LaFond, a good sign about the economy. He says he will probably back Harris. 'I'll just probably, like decide on the day' of the election for certain, he said

The unions extensive member polling showed no majority support for Vice President Harris and no universal support among the membership for President Trump,' the national Teamsters union said in a statement Wednesday.

The stunning move by the national union jolted a race in a state where Harris has carved out a tiny polling lead but where Trump has a chance to end her presidential dreams with wins in 'Blue Wall' states that have switched between the parties.

Harris has garnered the support of nine of the top 10 unions, and is counting on groups like the U.A.W. with its 12.5 million members to drive turnout.

At at Flint Assembly, General Motors' longest running plant in North America, auto workers say Trump is meeting a threshold of support, which the former president tried to boost with a visit to the area Tuesday.

'The people on our side are pretty quiet about who they're voting for. On the Trump side, we've got a lot of people in here that like like him, even though I don't think he's done as well for the for the middle class as he's done for the wealthy,' said Craig McClaine, who repairs trucks and has put in nearly 30 years at the plant.

He spoke after the 7 AM shift change at the plant, which hums for 24 hours a day during most of the week, recalling how Trump got into office with an Electoral College win by prevailing in states including Michigan, even while losing the overall popular vote.

'And then Biden spanks him [in 2020], and then he's crying because the mail-in votes came during the night. Well, I work during the night. People do stuff at night, you know? A votes a vote. Well, no matter what time of day it comes in,' he said.

'There's a lot of people that he's got a lot of support with,' said Paul, a maintenance worker with 15 years at the plant who didn't want to give his last name and who tries 'not to bring politics into work.'

'I wouldn't say it's 50-50' but Trump has 'definitely got some support here, which is kind of surprising, knowing his stance with the unions, and how he's been with the unions,' he said.

Tom, a sanitation worker at the plant, has been struggling to make ends meet while caring for a special needs teenager. 'Something needs to change,' he said.

'And now, since Biden was in there  not that I'm really totally against some Democrats, but since they've been in there, I'm about to lose my f****** home of 18 years, and they want me to smile and say, Bidenomics is working?' he said.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was planning to celebrate a victory in the state with a new law allowing the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails.

Instead he suffered a great humiliation after being denied while trying to buy the adult beverages.

The 51-year-old showed up at a Rutter's convenience store in central Pennsylvania to buy liquor after recently signing a new law expanding the sale of canned cocktails at restaurants and certain stores across the state.

But the governor forgot his ID proving he was 21, so he was not allowed to make the purchase.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was unable to purchase spiked lemonade at a convenience store while celebrating a change to the state's liquor laws after forgetting his ID

Videos show the governor walking into the store all smiles as he shook hands with attendees including a state senator for the celebratory event.

He even walked into the cooler to retrieve his preferred beverages.

A local reporter in attendance observed him make his selection, Surfside Lemonade & Vodka, which is from the state.

Shapiro reportedly picked up several cases and claimed they'd be on him.

But it was not meant to be after he realized he did not have the proper identification to make the purchase.

Video shows one person jokingly asking if they were going to card him as the governor laughed.

More video shows the governor discussing that they needed to put the cases back and would have to come back.

He then proceeded to exit the store empty-handed in defeat.

The new state law signed by Shapiro expands the sale of canned cocktails to restaurants, hotels and other stores that may sell beverages to be consumed off the premise.

It comes after years of lawmakers attempting to loosen some of the state's liquor laws as the state has some of the strictest ones in the country.

But one restriction that is not going anywhere: selling liquor to someone without the proper identification, even if it is the state's governor.
Former Harrods workers have claimed Mohamed Al Fayed was sent the results of sexual health tests they were offered as a 'perk of the job'.

The BBC has published claims that Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, raped multiple members of staff who worked for him at the famous department store, and subjected them to coercive behaviour.

Multiple women have come forward to claim the late Egyptian businessman sexually abused them in the Knightsbridge store and at his properties in the UK and abroad.

Speaking to the BBC as part of its documentary, Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, several sources said they were made to undergo medical check-ups, including a sexual health test that came as 'an extra perk of the job', at the hands of a store doctor.

One woman told the broadcaster she had a smear test, and a doctor checked her ovaries.

She said: 'My results were sent directly to the chairman so quickly that by the time I had got back to my desk, he knew the results.'

The BBC has published claims that Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, (pictured) raped multiple members of staff who worked for him at the famous department store, and subjected them to coercive behaviour

Staff at the world famous department store (pictured) were allegedly raped and abused by its owner

One woman told filmmakers: 'There is no benefit to anybody knowing how my sexual health is, unless you're planning to sleep with somebody, which I find quite chilling now.'

Dozens of women have come forward to accuse Al Fayed, who rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, of horrifying attacks ranging from sexual harassment to violent rapes.

Many of the women who have spoken up describe relentless sexual harassment from the billionaire, with this often beginning almost immediately after being hired.

Gemma, who worked as Al Fayed's personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, claims she was subjected his perverted behaviour almost immediately after starting work for him.

She said this included him grabbing her breasts and demands she have sex with him, before he raped her at Villa Windsor, a former home of post-abdication King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.

Speaking the BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Gemma said she would often try to avoid the worst of his behaviour by locking herself in her room or bathroom when on trips abroad.

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

One of the women now speaking out, who says Fayed raped her at his London apartment told BBC investigators: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. 'I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over'

Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London

She claimed how on one trip to Abu Dhabi she locked herself away and ignored him knocking on the door in the middle of the night, with Al Fayed becoming 'really cross' the next morning.

Gemma recalled: 'He said: "You didn't let me in last night, why did you not let me in? I told you if you're coming on this trip you have to be nice with me." When he said "be nice with me", it meant he wanted you to please him sexually.'

She added that on one occasion she was able to 'talk my way out of it' when he came into her room wearing nothing by a silk gown and holding a tub of Vaseline in the middle of the night.

The alleged victim told host Emma Barnett she was then raped by him on a trip to Paris before callously being told to clean herself up afterwards.

Gemma said 'He directed me to go into the bathroom and clean myself. And when I got in there he'd pointed me to a bottle of Dettol, that was on the side. It was on the side of the shower. And he said: "Just clean yourself".

'And the time I thought  being the super-freakish person he was about germs  I just assumed that was the reason.

'But looking back, now I'm old and more mature, I realise that was probably to cover up any kind of evidence that would have left his trace on me. He left the room and he acted the next day like nothing had happened.'

Gemma is one of multiple women to have spoken in a new BBC documentary titled Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, with the alleged victims talking about their experiences with the tycoon.

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of raping multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1984 to 2010

Mr Al Fayed at the opening of the Egyptian Room in Harrods - which featured busts of himself and, later, a statue commemorating Diana and his son Dodi

Mohamed Al Fayed dons a Victoria emerald and diamond tiara as he launches Harrods' New Year sale in 2001

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - was a serial sex attacker

She told filmmakers 'I think Mohamed Al Fayed is a rapist - he is a serial rapist' and claimed that afterwards she felt so unsafe that she was unable to speak up until he died.

Another of his alleged victims, Rachel - not her real name - told the BBC she was raped after staying at one of Mr Al Fayed's apartments after a late shift at work.

She said: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over.

'I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.'

Harrods began settling claims with women who came forward alleging to have been sexually abused at his hands in July last year.

Following the allegations, Harrods published the following statement on its website: 'We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed.

'These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms. We also acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.

Gemma described her former boss Al Fayed to the new BBC investigation as 'a serial rapist'

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana at the charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

Gemma (pictured), who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says she was raped by Al Fayed during a work trip to Paris

'The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

'This is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved. This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.'

MailOnline has contacted Harrods for further comment.
Accused teen killer Carly Gregg chopped off her hair and cut some bangs the week before she allegedly shot her mom dead inside their home.

The drastic change prompted concern from her mom, Ashley, who asked then-14-year-old Gregg to 'promise you're not trying to be a boy.'

Pictures show Gregg with long, blonde hair prior to her decision to chop it all off on March 13, seven days before she's accused of killing her mom and attempting to kill her stepdad inside their family home in Mississippi.

On the fourth day of her murder trial, the court heard from Rebecca Kirk, the counselor Gregg was working with in the weeks before the alleged crime.

Kirk met with Gregg on the day of the makeover. She told the court Gregg had 'literally just gotten her hair cut before the session.'

Pictures show Gregg with long, blonde hair prior to her decision to chop it all off on March 13

Gregg allegedly insisted she had no intentions of becoming a boy

Kirk made it very clear that she believed her client, Gregg, loved her mom (pictured together)

'Her mom said ''promise me you're not trying to be a boy'' when she cut her hair,' Kirk told the court.

Gregg allegedly laughed off the suggestion and insisted she had no intentions of becoming a boy.

Kirk agreed that she 'never thought [Gregg] was having an identity crisis.'

This was a line of questioning Kirk explored several times during their nine sessions over the span of nine weeks. Gregg never expressed any concerns about her gender identity or sexuality, Kirk said.

At one stage, she disclosed that her friends said the new haircut 'made her look even more gay.'

When Kirk tried to determine whether this upset Gregg, she said Gregg 'laughed it off' and never appeared bothered by her friends' teasing.

Harrowing footage of Carly Gregg casually wandering around her kitchen has been played in court during her murder trial in Mississippi this week

Gregg's mother, 40-year-old math teacher Ashley Smylie was fatally shot in the face

Carly Gregg was a bright and gifted student who 'loved learning', the court heard

Over the nine weeks of sessions, Gregg's appearance did change. Kirk noticed she began exclusively wearing black clothing.

But she didn't notice any alarming behaviors or feelings that would have predicated what prosecutors allege took place on March 19.

Kirk had no doubts during her sessions with Gregg about how much she loved her mom.

Police allege Gregg shot dead her mom three times and then text her stepdad from her mother's phone in an effort to lure him home

'I got the impression that she had complex feelings about her mom, but I believe she loved her mom,' she said.

Police allege Gregg shot dead her mom three times and then text her stepdad from her mother's phone in an effort to lure him home.

She allegedly shot her stepdad in the shoulder before he was able to wrangle the gun from her hands, causing her to flee.

The court has also seen bodycam footage from the arresting officers, who placed the shaky teenager in handcuffs as they were swabbed for gunpowder residue.

She was asked 'which hand did you shoot with' and told the officer 'I can't remember.'

She asked the officers 'is my stepdad okay?' to which they told her they 'can't talk about that.'
A teenager who was involved in a 100mph 'hit-and-run' crash with a car that was being chased by police is in a coma after having his leg amputated.

The boy, who has been named locally as Kayden, 17, was rushed to hospital after the horror crash happened in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on Monday night.

A horrifying video, seen by MailOnline, showed a casualty lying in the middle of the road with their arms outstretched as a group of men gathered around. The grisly footage then showed a severed lower leg just metres away.

Family friend Michaela Petty posted on a Go Fund Me page that Kayden had gone to Tesco with friends, when a car sped through red lights at 100mph and hit him.

The fundraiser has currently gathered more than 10,500 - with a message from his mother Carole Womersley thanking everyone for their generous donations.

In a message from her to Michaela, which was shared on the page, she said: 'Will you please thank everyone from the bottom of my broken heart.

The boy, who has been named locally as Kayden, 17, was rushed to hospital after the horror crash happened in Bradford, West Yorks., on Monday night. Pictured: The scene in and around Halifax Road, Bradford

Video footage showed a grisly clip of a severed leg lying in the middle of the road following the incident

Family friend Michaela Petty posted on a Go Fund Me page that Kayden had gone to Tesco with friends, when a car sped through red lights at 100mph and hit him

'Everyone's absolutely amazing and I've no words honestly. Happy tears only.'

West Yorkshire Police say officers spotted a speeding car in Bradford at around 8.25pm, turned around to chase it but the motor was 'out of sight.'

They then came across Kayden on Halifax Road, who was believed to have been hit by the suspect vehicle, which had failed to stop at the scene.

The teenager was then taken to nearby Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), where he is currently in a 'critical condition' and in a coma, due to his injuries.

Kayden, who is autistic, also had surgery twice and one of his legs has been amputated up to his thigh.

Michaela said: 'Kayden is still in hospital, in a coma and still in a critical condition due to his injuries.

'He's been in theatre twice for major life changing operations, which one led to him having to have his leg off up to his thigh.

'Carole's family and friends all count there lucky stars Kayden is still here today.

West Yorkshire Police say officers spotted a speeding car in Bradford at around 8.25pm, turned around to chase it but the motor was 'out of sight'

The teenager was taken to nearby Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), where he is currently in a 'critical condition' and in a coma, due to his injuries

'However he will have to be in hospital for weeks until he recovers it's going to be one hell of a journey for his family and friends.'

A family friend today said Kayden's mum Carole is by his side in hospital.

They said: 'Kayden is currently in an induced coma in the LGI with his mum Carole by his side.'

Yesterday a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

Another man, also 33, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but have all been bailed pending further enquiries.

West Yorkshire Police has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
A Wyoming parole board has denied an application for a commuted sentence for one of the killers of Matthew Shepard.

The board of parole denied the petition filed by Russell Henderson, one of the two men convicted or murdering the gay man, who was 21, in 1998.

He was kidnapped, beaten and murdered by Henderson and his accomplice, Aaron McKinney, in October 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming.

Henderson has already served 25 years in prison for the heinous murder, to which he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty.

The two men are said to have lured Shepard away from a bar by pretending they were both gay.

They then drove him to a remote location, where he was pistol-whipped, tortured and tied to a fence. He died six days later in hospital after being found.

This 1989 file photo provided by the Matthew Shepard Foundation shows the young man in San Francisco

The board of parole denied a petition for a commuted sentence filed by Russell Henderson, seen here in 2018

After 18 hours tied to the fence, a cyclist stumbled across Shepard, initially mistaking him for a scarecrow.

Shepard, who was in a coma by then, was taken to the hospital. His skull was said to have been so badly smashed that doctors were unable to perform surgery.

He died six days later, on October 12, 1998. Authorities said that Henderson and McKinney had targeted Matthew, who was 5-foot-2 and 105 pounds, because he was gay.

Shepard was taken to a remote location, where he was pistol-whipped, tortured and tied to a fence. He died six days later in hospital after being found

Matthew's murder captured national headlines due to the gruesome nature of the crime, throwing a spotlight on the hatred, violence and discrimination endured by LGBTQ individuals and communities in towns and cities across America.

In the wake of his death, politicians and activists fought to extend the definition of federal hate crime legislation to include gay victims, women and people with disabilities.

Over 10 years later, in 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

It was named in memory of Shepard and Byrd, a black man who was dragged to death behind a pickup truck by white supremacists in Texas in 1998.

The law expanded existing federal hate crimes law to include crimes which had been instigated by sexual orientation and gender identity.

Confirming the decision to The Advocate, Wyoming Board of Parole Executive Director Margaret White said: 'Mr. Henderson filed a commutation petition which the Board considered in accordance with its policies.

'The Board held a hearing on Russells petition and declined to forward the petition to the Governor. This matter is now decided.'

Authorities said that Russell Henderson (left) and Aaron McKinney had targeted Matthew, who was 5-foot-2 and 105 pounds, because he was gay

Speaking with the Associated Press from behind bars in 2018, Henderson claimed that he and McKinney were not motivated by anti-gay hatred

In 2004, Henderson had sought leniency for his crimes and had his attorney file a petition for post-conviction relief.

He claimed he had not been adequately informed of his appeal options after he made his guilty plea. That petition was also unsuccessful.

Speaking with the Associated Press from behind bars in 2018, Henderson claimed that he and McKinney were not motivated by anti-gay hatred.

He said that the pair were out to rob Shepard for money and drugs when they kidnapped him.

Henderson said: 'I think about Matthew every single day of my life. I think about him and every single one of those days that I've had that he hasn't had, his family hasn't had, his friends haven't had. I'm so, so ashamed I was ever part of this.'

Since his murder, Shepard's parents, Judy and and Dennis, have been strong advocates in the fight against LGBTQIA+ hate crimes.

In May, Judy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, describing it as an 'unexpected honor.'

'If I had the power to change one thing, I can only dream of the example that Matt's life and purpose would have shown, had he lived,' she said. 'This honor reminds the world that his life, and every life, is precious.'
This is the moment a furious Ryanair passenger threateningly told a woman to 'meet me outside this aircraft.'

Phone footage shows the passenger, who has not yet been identified, screaming at a person - thought to be a member of staff: 'Go outside, let's go outside you mouthy little f***ing c***.'

Pointing at the woman, who was not caught on camera, she says: 'Look at you, she's still smirking! F***ing hold my phone, she's still smirking.'

She was then seen pushing up against several security guards, with her friend telling her to stop as she continued to swear at the staff member.

The person, believed to be a member of staff, then appears to get off the plane, with the flyer's eyes moving towards the door while telling her to 'meet me outside this aircraft, you mouthy f***ing b****.'

Phone footage shows the passenger, who has not yet been identified, screaming at someone believed to be a member of staff: 'Go outside, let's go outside you mouthy little f***ing c***'

She then points out of the plane, at the first flight attendant, and shouts in a singsong fashion: 'I'm gonna make you famous!'

Pointing at a member of staff, who was not caught on camera, the woman said: 'Look at you, she's still smirking! F***ing hold my phone, she's still smirking'

Her behaviour was remarkable similar to Bhad Bhabie, the woman who went viral in 2016 after telling audience members at a taping of Dr Phil 'Cash me outside, how 'bout that?'

Bhad Bhabie, whose real name is Danielle Bregoli, became an overnight meme sensation for her catchphrase, even earning an MTV Movie and TV Award in the 'Trending' category in 2017.

A flight attendant tried asking for the furious passenger's boarding pass, which she refused.

After being told she wouldn't be allowed on the plane without handing her boarding pass over, she was then asked whether she wanted to take her bags off the plane, which she also refused.

'No, I don't want my bags back', she said breathlessly, seemingly exhausted by her screaming fit.

She then points out of the plane and shouts in a singsong fashion: 'I'm gonna make you famous!'

Earlier this month, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary admitted that the budget airline saw a 'spike' of violent disorder among its passengers over the summer.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary admitted that the budget airline saw a 'spike' of violent disorder among its passengers over the summer

Ryanair plane is seen at the airport in Bergamo, Italy on September 2, 2024

He said he would be happy to introduce a two-drink limit on his company's flights, as long as the same rules are applied to airport bars.

He told Sky News that would be 'happy to [introduce the limit] tomorrow.'

'If the price of putting a drink limit on the airport, where the problem is being created, is putting a drink limit on board the aircraft, we've no problem with that.

'The real issue is how do we stop these people getting drunk at airports particularly as, like this summer, we've had a huge spike in air traffic control delays.

'They're getting on board with too much alcohol in their system. If we identify them as being drunk on board, we don't serve them alcohol. But that doesn't solve the problem.'

There is no suggestion the woman in the video was drunk.

MailOnline has contacted Ryanair for comment.
David Lammy tonight urged British nationals to flee Lebanon as he warned the 'situation could deteriorate rapidly'.

The Foreign Secretary revealed he had spoken to Lebanon's PM Najib Mikati and 'expressed my deep concern over rising tensions and civilian casualties'.

It came after Israel said its warplanes struck southern Lebanon overnight and sonic booms shook the country's capital Beirut.

The leader of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese movement, today said deadly Israeli attacks that blew up the group's radios and pagers crossed all red lines.

In a social media post, Mr Lammy wrote: 'My message to British nationals in Lebanon is leave while commercial options remain.

'Tensions are high and the situation could deteriorate rapidly.'

The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon.

David Lammy tonight urged British nationals to flee Lebanon as the Foreign Secretary warned the 'situation could deteriorate rapidly'

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli strike that targeted the southern Lebanese border village of Adshit

The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon

Referring to his call with Mr Mikati, he added: 'We discussed the need for a negotiated solution to restore stability and security across the Blue Line.'

The 'Blue Line', drawn by the United Nations in 2000, separates Israel from southern Lebanon.

Lebanon and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for the attacks on communications equipment that killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000.

The attacks overwhelmed Lebanese hospitals and wreaked bloody havoc on the militant group.

'There is no doubt that we have been subjected to a major security and military blow that is unprecedented in the history of the resistance and unprecedented in the history of Lebanon,' Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a TV address.

'This type of killing, targeting and crime may be unprecedented in the world... The enemy went beyond all controls, laws and morals.'

He added the attacks 'could be considered war crimes or a declaration of war.'

Israel has not directly commented on the attacks, which are said to have probably been carried out by its Mossad spy agency, which has a long history of carrying out sophisticated attacks on foreign soil.

It has deepened fears that all-out war could soon erupt between Lebanon and Israel, and across the wider Middle East.

Tensions have been high in the region ever since the October 7 terror attacks on Israel by Hamas, which has seen Israel wage war against the militants in Gaza.
A police officer in Texas and his partner, who wanted to avoid working late, made a call that cost him his job - but now he's arguing why he should be reinstated.

Officer Alexander Garza was riding with his partner on duty officer Hector Ybarra, when at 2:37 am, they were called to a domestic disturbance on October 8, 2021, the San Antonio Express News reported.

Garza, who was behind the wheel of the police car, drove in the direction of the disturbance before turning in the opposite direction, according to former SAPD Integrity Unit detective Carlos Ortiz.

Ybarra, meanwhile, asked if another officer could respond to the domestic disturbance and not long after being told no one could, according to Ortiz, the report of the stranded motorist was called in at 2:46 am.

Garza's lawyer says, 'All Officer Garza did was drive the car', claiming he had no knowledge of his partners intentions or the falsified report

The officers had claimed to have cleared the motorist by 2:51 am, but officials later determined the call was a fake report, which resulted in the pairs' suspension.

Both parties deny the allegations and requested arbitration, according to records that also alleged the pair acted 'incompetently, neglected and shirked at their duties'.

According to San Antonio Police Department officials, the fake report was made to avoid working overtime on their scheduled shift and the actions of the officers delayed police response to the domestic disturbance call.

During an arbitration hearing that began on Tuesday, it was established that the owner of the vehicle, that corresponded with the license plate that the officers ran for the falsified report, was never stranded.

During their response to the 'stranded motorist' call, there were no vehicle or body-worn camera footage recorded, which is a requirement for the officers, according to San Antonio Express News.

Former SAPD Integrity Unit detective, Carlos Ortiz, said that the officers drove in the direction of the original call before turning in the opposite direction and reporting a 'stranded motorist'

Garza's lawyer, Robert Leonard, argued that the officer's presence in the vehicle does not mean he contributed to the falsified call, as Ybarra was the one who spoke with dispatch and generated the fake report.

He said: 'At no time was Officer Garza untruthful during this incident. At no time was he a co-conspirator. At no time did he collude or come up with a plan along with Officer Ybarra to make up this false call.'

Leonard said that Garza did not enter any false information and was unaware of Ybarra's intentions at the time, and Ybarra told the dispatcher that they would resume the call shortly.

'All Officer Garza did was drive the car. He was not responsible for anything that was put into the official government record,' Leonard added.

On the stand, Garza denied the allegations and said he had 'compassion' for Ybarra at the time because the officer had a newborn baby and wanted to go home, but he did not know what his partner was typing into the report, reported San Antonio Express News.

'I wish I would have said something... I didn't know what (Ybarra) was doing until it happened,' said Garza.

However, a lawyer representing the City of San Antonio, Donna McElroy, said Garza's decision to not drive to the domestic disturbance call was a clear breach of the 'trust and integrity required by a police officer'.

She said, 'Mr. Garza was just as complicit as Mr. Ybarra in creating a fake call to avoid doing his job. Our citizens must be able to trust our police officers.'

McElroy also said that Garza had previously stated in his internal affairs investigation that Ybarra told him to drive away from the call, but with both officers holding the same rank, he was not obliged to obey.

The arbitrator for the hearing will submit their judgement within 30 days after both parties hold a post-hearing briefing.
A Texas family's house was devastated from a pipeline fire that ripped through homes on Monday and continued to burn throughout the week.

Deer Park residents Steve and Diane Hutto walked through their front door to see their house ruined, after an evacuation order was lifted more than 48 hours after an SUV crashed straight into the gas pipeline outside Houston.

The result was a blazing inferno that roared into the Texas sky, its heat shaking houses and melt property as residents ran for cover.

The Huttos' house was one of the closest to the pipeline.

According to Fox 13, water from hoses aimed at the fire was the biggest cause of damage.

Deer Park residents Steve and Diane Hutto walked through their front door to see their house ruined

The Hutto's house was one of the closest to the pipelines

Water from hoses aimed at the fire was the biggest cause of damage.

A storage shed also melted in the Huttos' backyard

Combined with the hot temperatures, the smell of mildew permeated the house, which was still hot inside, the family said.

A storage shed also melted in their backyard.

'I thought it was a nuclear bomb,' Diane told KHOU 11. 'I just fell out of the chair and the dogs were already out the door trying to get out.

'And then when I got out of the door downstairs, I knew what it was - the pipeline.'

What did survive were photos of Steve's deceased 2-year-old son, which he said was the only thing he cared about.

The car that crashed into the above-ground pipeline first went barreling through the fence that surrounded it. After it hit around 10am, a burst of flames rose up immediately.

Witness Hank Williams told ABC 13 he saw the car go 'about 8 or 10 feet in the air' after impact.

The heat surrounding the site was so severe that officers weren't able to access the car until 7am Thursday, according to a press release from the Deer Park Police Department.

The car that crashed into the above-ground pipeline first went barreling through the fence that surrounded it. After it hit around 10am Monday, a burst of flames rose up immediately

Officials recovered human remains from the vehicle that crashed into the pipeline. The heat surrounding the site was so severe that officers weren't able to access the car until 7am Thursday

Four people were injured from the event, including a firefighter with minor injuries. Of those injured, two were hospitalized and two had heat-related injuries

'Once removed, Harris County Medical Examiners were able to process the vehicle,' the release said. 'During the processing, they were able to recover and remove human remains.'

The statement also said the case had become a criminal investigation. The driver has not been identified.

Four people were injured, including a firefighter who had minor injuries. Of those injured, two were hospitalized and two had heat-related injuries, ABC 13 reported.
A Norwegian tech guru who inadvertently helped Israel source the pagers used to bomb Hezbollah militants disappeared on the day of the blasts and hasnt been heard from since, MailOnline can reveal.

Indian-born entrepreneur Rinson Jose, 39, was listed as the owner of a Bulgarian shell company that reportedly paid British-educated intermediary Cristiana Arcidiacono-Barsony 1.3million as part of a complex Mossad-orchestrated deal to obtain the pagers.

Jose, who moved to Oslo in 2015 after a two-year stint working for a London immigration advisory firm, is understood to have left on a pre-planned business trip on Tuesday.

But bosses at his primary employer, Norwegian media conglomerate NHST, have been unable to reach him since - and reportedly contacted Norways domestic intelligence service late on Wednesday night after becoming aware of his links to the attacks in Lebanon late.

Oslo Police District announced this evening that they have launched preliminary investigations into the information that has come to light.

Indian-born entrepreneur Rinson Jose, 39, was listed as the owner of a Bulgarian shell company that reportedly paid British-educated intermediary Cristiana Arcidiacono-Barsony 1.3million as part of a complex Mossad-orchestrated deal to obtain the pagers

A friend of his said she was shocked to find his name connected with the story - and described him as a man with a big heart

The pager explosions on Tuesday afternoon caused chaos across Lebanon

The second wave of explosions on Wednesday caused an additional 20 deaths

Spokesman Unni Grndal added: We are aware of the information, but have no comment on the matter as of now.

Blinds were drawn today at his flat in Mortensrud, an upmarket suburb on the outskirts of Oslo. The grass was overgrown, and neighbours claimed to have not seen him for several months.

A friend of his said she was shocked to find his name connected with the story - and described him as a man with a big heart.

My entire network liked him, she told Norwegian news site VG. He saved his hair for many years to be able to donate it to cancer patients. That's the kind of person I experienced him to be.

There is no suggestion that Norwegian citizen Mr Jose was in any way aware of the clandestine plot to lace the pagers with high explosives, or aware that the ultimate buyer

Blinds were drawn today at his flat in Mortensrud, an upmarket suburb on the outskirts of Oslo

There is no suggestion that Norwegian citizen Mr Jose was in any way aware of the clandestine plot to lace the pagers with high explosives, or aware that the ultimate buyer, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono who has denied involvement in the plot, was working with Israels security services.

The shell company, Norta Global LTD, was registered to a apartment building in Budapest that is home to nearly 200 other firms.

Text on its now-deleted website read: 'Are you looking for an agile company to help you succeed or to find that tech solution just right for you? Look no further'.

His profile on Founders Nation, a site connecting entrepreneurs with Israeli start-ups described him as an Entrepreneur minded business developer looking for a co-founder or like-minded people to start a venture.

It added: Let's have a quick chat/call and see how can we collaborate or exchange ideas and knowledge. Experience from working in world-class startups and MNCs.

Photos showed a throng of people walking down Beirut's streets mourning the boy, along with three of the other men who died

Their deaths, along with ten others who perished on Tuesday, came just a day before Israel launched a second wireless attack, this time targeting Hezbollah's walkie-talkies

Pictures purportedly showing exploded hand-held radios have been circulating online

Flames rise up a building in Lebanon amid the explosions

Local media has reports a fire breaking out in a car as a result of a device exploding

One of the site's partners is the Mamram Association, which was set up by former commanders of an elite cyber unit within the Israel Defense Forces to help find the next generation of Israeli tech talent.

For two years between 2013 and 2015, Mr Jose was employed at London-based marketing firm Levetron Ltd as business development manager.

Today a spokesman for the company said he vaguely recalled the name and believed he was now in Norway, but declined to discuss him further.

In 2016 Mr Jose founded NortaLink, a firm described as an innovative consulting, outsourcing, recruiting, and technology services company.

Multiple attempts to reach Mr Jose via phone and email went unanswered.
An elderly pedophile was found dead in his cell inside a California prison with his cellmate now under investigation for his murder.

Mark Squires, 70, was found unresponsive around 3:30 pm on Tuesday by San Quentin prison staff after an alarm was sounded, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said in a statement.

Emergency services were immediately called and 'lifesaving measures' were performed on the prisoner, who was imprisoned for lewd acts on a child under the age of 14.

Squires was transported to the prison triage area, where medical staff - who were not associated with the prison - declared him dead at 4:04 pm.

His cellmate, Gustavo Lopez, 36, was whisked away and placed in restrictive housing, where he will remain while the prison performs an investigation into the mysterious death.

Mark Squires, 70, was found unresponsive around 3:30pm on Tuesday by San Quentin prison staff after an alarm was sounded. Emergency services were immediately called and 'lifesaving measures' were performed on the prisoner, who was imprisoned for lewd acts on a child

His cellmate, Gustavo Lopez, 36, was whisked away and placed in restrictive housing, where he will remain while the prison performs an investigation into the mysterious death

Prison staff did not reveal how Squires' body was found or what injuries he suffered that led to his death in the alleged homicide.

No other inmates or officers were injured, according to CDCR.

Seventeen inmates' deaths have been ruled a homicide across the state's prisons this year from January to August, according to CDCR data.

Twenty-five inmates died in custody from various causes in August alone, with a total of nearly 250 since January.

The elderly criminal has been incarcerated at San Quentin since January 2000 and was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole.

Lopez had been at the facility since January 2020, and he is serving a 13-year sentence for kidnapping, corporal injury on specific persons resulting in traumatic condition, and false imprisonment with violence.

On all three counts, he was a 'second striker,' meaning he had to go to prison after his conviction due to state law.

Prison staff did not reveal how Squires' body was found or what injuries he pertained that lead to his death in the alleged homicide

San Quentin (pictured) is the oldest prison as it opened in 1852 and it has housed the likes of Charles Manson

A 'second striker' is someone who has been convicted of a felony before and they are not allowed to be sent to a rehab facility or placed on probation, according to San Diego County.

These prisoners must also serve at least 80 percent of their sentence.

Those who are third strikers face a minimum of 25-years-to-life in prison and cannot earn time off for good behavior or working.

California's Three Strike Law is meant to 'dramatically increase punishment for persons convicted of a felony who have previously been convicted of one or more "serious" or "violent" felonies,' the county said.

The law has been in effect since March 1994.

San Quentin is the oldest prison as it opened in 1852, and it has housed the likes of Charles Manson.

The prison houses more than 3,000 inmates from minimum to maximum facilities.
A crazed New Yorker was sentenced to 12 years behind bars after shoving a woman into the side of a subway train.

Anthonia Egegbara, 32, pushed Lenny Javier into the path of a northbound 3 train at the Times Square-42nd Street station, with disturbing footage later emerging of the incident.

Javier survived the brutal attack but suffered a broken arm, which required surgery, as well as bleeding and bruising to the face.

Egegbara had been held without bail at Rikers Island following her arrest and faced up to 25 years on an attempted murder charge.

She had been arrested at least seven times before the attack, including for biting and kicking other women on public transportation.

Three months prior to the attack on Javier, Egegbara was released without bail after assaulting Jasmine Robles, leaving her with a broken nose, a missing tooth and PTSD.

Anthonia Egegbara, seen here in court on Thursday, pushed Lenny Javier into the path of a northbound 3 train at the Times Square-42nd Street station

Lenny Javier miraculously survived the brutal attack but suffered a broken arm, which required surgery, as well as bleeding and bruising to the face

Speaking with DailyMail.com on Thursday after the sentencing, Robles said she didn't think it was enough.

She said: 'I feel like 12 years for someone with the heinous assaults, the attempted murder charges. Someone like that needs to be put away for life.

'How can you trust this person to be free and out in the world hurting innocent people, making victims in every borough.'

Robles added that she is still working on getting on the subway everyday and to not panic due to her PTSD.

Robles previously said she could only remember feeling the impact on her face as she blacked out for a few seconds when she was assaulted.

After coming to, Egegbara 'jumped' on her and hit her as Robles screamed out for help.

Another passenger came to her aid, pinning Egegbara's arms behind her back and pushing her to the ground as they awaited for police to arrive.

After Egegbara was let off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist, Robles contacted the District Attorney's office warning she would do it again.

In an impact statement Javier read in court, she described the incident as being 'like a scene from a horror movie.'

'It was always the same route and timing, as I was thinking about my day everything changed drastically,' she said.

'I found myself in some part of a nightmare. Like a scene from a horror movie that I had watched before. My life was shattered.

'The nightmare has stayed and persisted ever since that day, the fear crawled into my life like an insect.'

Jasmine Robles, seen here, told the outlet she could only remember feeling 'the impact' on her face as she blacked out for a few seconds

Robles was left with a broken nose, a missing tooth and PTSD following the assault by Egegbara

Javier described the 'physical and emotional pain' as having a lasting impact on her life and her looks.

She said that she can still see the marks left by Egegbara when she looks in the mirror.

Javier is also still struggling with trauma and lives with anxiety.

She added: 'It has taken a while for me to overcome all of these changes, I still have a long way to go but knowing you will be locked in a place where you cannot hurt anyone else helps bring some resolution.'

Addressing the court on Thursday, Egegbara said: 'I truly apologize for my actions.'

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said Egegbara 'will serve a significant state prison term for viciously shoving a woman, who was on her morning commute, into a train as it entered the station.

Robles, seen here, said that she had warned officials about Egegbara and that she would strike again

Surveillance video shows the moment when Egegbara pushed Javier into a train at the Times Square subway station

Addressing the court on Thursday, Egegbara said she 'truly apologized' for her actions

'The assault left the victim with stiffness and pain from her injuries to this day. I hope the resolution in this case can offer the victim a sense of justice.'

Just a few days after the incident in 2021, Javier's father, Vidal, spoke out, saying the footage of his daughter being shoved left him feeling 'helpless' and 'angry'.

He told Telemundo at the time: 'It's something that, in a way, I perhaps did not know how to express because you feel your hands are tied.

'She says that she believes she will not get on a train again because she believes that everyone that is next to her will hurt her.

'I think it will be very difficult to return even if life continues, but for her, she would have to go to therapy or take therapy. It is going to be a system which you regain trust in.'

Javier has since filed a lawsuit accusing both the city and state of 'negligently' failing to prevent the incident.

The suit, which is currently going through Manhattan federal court, argues that the incident wouldn't have happened if authorities had installed safety barriers.
A government worker was fired from his lucrative position after his wife busted him cheating on her at a hotel.

Wild footage recorded by a bystander captured the moment Marcelo Serra was confronted by his wife, Gabrielle Kienen, as he was about to drive away from Praia Grande Hotel in Niteroi, Brazil, on September 12.

An irate Kienen walked out of her SUV and shouted at Serra while he remained seated with his female companion in a vehicle belong to the city's Conservation and Public Services department.

Kienen hit the driver's side window and opened the door at Serra stepped out.

Marcelo Serra (left) was fired from his post as undersecretary of the Conservation and Public Services in the Brazilian city of Niteroi after his wife Gabrielle Kienen (right) caught him leaving a hotel with another women. The mayor's office said Serra broke guidelines by using 'an official vehicle for personal business,' which is not allowed

Gabrielle Kienen confronts her husband Marcelo Serra was leaving a hotel with another woman and hits the car window

The couple, who reportedly have been married for six years, briefly exchanged words as Serra got back inside the vehicle.

'You ruined my life, you bastard,' Kienen shouted at one point.

'Using the city hall car at the Praia Grande motel, the undersecretary of Conservation.'

A distraught Kienen continued to yell as Serra started to back away in the car and argued with a bystander.

Brazilian news outlet Metropoles reported that one of Serra's profile picture on one of his social media accounts had wedding ring emoji with Kienen's name on it.

Marcelo Serra pulls away in a city-owned vehicle after his wife Gabrielle Kienen (seen above) busted him outside a hotel with another woman on September 12. Two days later, Serra was fired from his job as the undersecretary of the Conservation and Public Services department after the mayor's office in the Brazilian city of Niteroi confirmed that he was using an official vehicle to for his own personal use

The video went viral on social media and eventually caught the attention of the mayor's office.

Serra was fired from his role the Conservation and Public Services' undersecretary on Saturday.

'The use of official vehicles for personal purposes is expressly prohibited,' the city said in a statement. 'The secretariat does not comment on the private lives of its employees.'
A Canadian military veteran has revealed the incredibly way his puppy Bear saved his life after he suffered a massive heart attack.

Darren Cropper, 57, said he should have died in August 2022 when he suffered the medical emergency, but Bear sprang into action and leapt up and down on his chest for hours until he was discovered.

The Siberian Husky jumped for so long that paw prints were left in Cropper's chest, reports the National Post.

Paramedics later told the father and retired Special Forces weapons specialist that the only thing that kept him from death was Bear's heroics.

Darren Cropper, 57, revealed that his beloved puppy Bear saved his life by leaping up and down on his chest for hours after he suffered a heart attack

Bear, a Siberian Husky who was one year old at the time, jumped for so long that paw prints were left in Cropper's chest

Cropper said his near-death experience came late in the summer, when he woke up in the middle of the night feeling unwell.

He said he decided to go downstairs to watch TV instead of going back to bed because 'once I'm up, I'm up.'

But after stepping into his basement, Cropper said everything went black and the next thing he knew his one-year-old dog was pouncing on his chest.

Bear went on to howl and shriek, getting the attention of Darren's wife Janice, 59, and son Matthew, 29.

They discovered Cropper lying flat on the floor, and called 911 to race him to hospital.

He was first transported from his home in Bonfield, Ontario to North Bay Regional Health Centre, before he was moved to the cardiac unit of a larger hospital as he required open heart surgery.

Medics found that Darren's heart attack was triggered by the arteries from his right lung to his heart shutting down.

Cropper was found by his wife Janice, 59 (pictured together) and son Matthew after Bear's howls for help led them to him

Cropper said Bear is now known as 'Care Bear' or 'Hero Puppy' for his life saving efforts

Cropper is a retired Special Forces weapons specialist with the Canadian military

Looking back on the incredible near-miss, Cropper told the National Post: 'If Bear hadnt jumped on my chest, I wouldnt be alive.

'Basically, he did Puppy CPR and got my blood flowing. No one taught him that, but both his parents were service dogs. I guess its in him, his instinct.'

While recovering in hospital, Cropper said he couldn't see his savior pet due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and could only communicate with video calls.

But he said despite the distance, his beloved pooch still recognized him, as 'he saw me on the video, and he just went nuts!'

Bear's lifesaving efforts have since landed him a place on the Purina Hall of Fame, alongside other canines that rescued their owners against the odds.

'My wife calls him our Care Bear. I call him my Hero Puppy,' Cropper concluded.
Some years before I was born, Peter Cook wrote one of the best known and funniest sketches of all time. It concerned a one-legged man, played by Dudley Moore, auditioning for the role of Tarzan.

Beautifully crafted, part of its humour lay in the gentle but painstaking logic deployed by the auditioner to suggest to the candidate that he may not be ideal for the part.

It was also absurd in the extreme  therefore hilarious  to imagine that a unidexter was sufficiently deluded to suppose the audition might work out for him.

The late Cook described it as one of the most perfect sketches he had acted in.

I concur, but I have lived to see things he hasnt.

Ive lived to see comedy such as this sourly characterised as ableist. It is now no longer impossible to imagine a casting director giving serious thought to offering the Tarzan role to a one-legged man  or even woman.

Howling mad as it emerged a secondary pupil in Scotland identifies as wolf and is supported by school staff

The pupil suffers from 'species dysphoria' and identifies as a wolf

It would be seen as brave, empowering, game-changing.

In the days which Cook never lived to see, the objective reality of who or what a person is has become increasingly irrelevant. It is what they identify as that counts.

In a secondary school somewhere in Scotland a school pupil has opted to identify as a wolf. Teachers are allowing the child to do it.

Your first reaction may be to guffaw. The local authority which has sanctioned this special treatment would prefer you didnt.

You may see as plain as the nose on your face that, for the role of a wolf, the child is deficient in multiple anatomical departments traditionally associated with the canis lupus subspecies.

To highlight these deficiencies in our post-absurd age would be beside the point. Cruel even. The kid identifies as a wolf. End of.

The youngster is said to suffer from species dysphoria  a condition (which may or may not exist) whereby a person feels they have been born into the wrong animal form.

Other examples of it  which you must resist the temptation to view as children pulling our chains  are kids identifying as cats, snakes, birds and even dinosaurs.

Feasibly, in this council area, which the Daily Mail is not naming, classrooms could become menageries of miaowing, hissing, chirping and roaring beasts  all encouraged by their credulous teachers to be their true selves.

How did we get here? Where are we going with this?

We have been steadily loosening the shackles of logic at least since the turn of the century, probably longer. It was around the year 2000 that people started telling me things which were clearly untrue, but remained true for them because they were my truth.

The beauty of my truth is you cannot dispute it because it is personal to its owner. An attack on it is an attack on them. My truth  a complete nonsense  allowed subjective reality to gain an upper hand on what is demonstrably the case.

We see versions of it everywhere  in a former US president whose truth is that the last election was rigged and anyone who disputes it is a fool; in a Scottish rapist who, on being apprehended, decides his truth is that he is a woman who must be held in a womens prison.

Is this really their truth or a device cynically deployed for idiots to swallow?

Dont make your minds up just yet. First consider how the use of descriptors such as progressive have ushered us along the road to the advent of wolf-kid.

This is the term  never far from SNP ministers lips  which signals to us that anything it is attached to is a step in the right direction.

A progressive policy is one which represents morality as a journey from bad to good. You disagree with one of them? Then, friend, you stand in the way of progress.

By applying progressive to your woke wheeze of choice, you instantly convince idiots to swallow it.

They are tickled by the idea of being higher moral beings than their forebears and cannot conceive that any wrong turn is possible. Like lemmings they march over the cliff onto the rocks of insanity below.

Wolf-kid is a product, too, of the imbecilic role reversal which has taken place in Scottish education over the last decade.

Suddenly the young are the visionaries, the ones who get it, and their bumbling educators the ones who must toe the line.

It is the students who vet the reading matter for their courses and, if their sensibilities are offended by any of it, they boycott it. If trigger warnings  such as an alert that the Robert Louis Stevenson novel Kidnapped may contain descriptions of a kidnap  are not present, department heads are hauled over the coals.

In schools, if abusive and violent pupils bring chaos to the classroom, teachers must engage them in restorative conversations and learn how they, as educators, can better accommodate their needs.

In the space of two generations, Scottish schools have morphed from places where teachers too often abused their power into ones where children daily abuse theirs.

You think they should be taken in hand? There you go again, opposing progress.

One might think that latter day Peter Cooks would have a field day with such material. They are largely too terrified to touch it or else completely on board with the direction of travel.

Ricky Gervaiss woke joke from last year, however, deserves an honourable mention. Bloke goes to the doctor. Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking Im a pair of curtains. And the doctor goes Well, you are then.

Months later, a secondary school pupil in Scotland identifies as a wolf and his teacher goes Well, you are then. How bewilderingly rapidly the folly of real life overtakes the fancies of comedy.

I have questions. Im sure we all do. If species dysphoria is really a thing, can we expect species reassignment to be along shortly? Will it be available on the NHS?

What period would the Scottish Government deem appropriate for a young person to live as a wolf before he or she qualified for a wolf recognition certificate?

Has consideration been given to the effect that allowing a child to identify as a wolf will have on classmates?

There may be those who are afraid of wolves. If a child of mine were sharing a classroom with a pupil who was indulged in this pursuit, I think Id be in chats with the school head.

Is snarling and teeth-baring acceptable behaviour for wolves in a classroom setting? If not, why not? How about howling at the moon?

The logical extension of permitting a child to identify as a wild animal is surely to sanction the youngsters replication of that animals characteristics.

Is grandma safe? Can we assume that Little Red Riding Hood is definitely off the approved reading list for the class?

Is there any identity the council in question would consider too ridiculous to nurture in a schoolchild? How about if a little boy suggests he was born not only in the wrong animal form but also on the wrong planet? Does he get to be an alien?

Just one more question. How are the three Rs going?
A child killer who strangled a two year-old girl to death has been granted parole two years early after officials declared he had conquered 'his triggers'.

David Leonardo, was found guilty of murdering Priscilla Rose Hernandez in Castroville, California, in December 2011.

At the time of the horrific crime, Monterey County deputies and firefighters said they saw Leonardo - the victim's mother's boyfriend - holding a heavily bruised and unconscious Hernandez.

Officials noted that while she had an open airway, the child looked pale and was lying motionless. Her extremities were also cool to the touch.

David Leonardo, was found guilty of murdering Priscilla Rose Hernandez in Castroville in December 2011

An autopsy report later revealed Hernandez had suffered blunt force trauma to her abdomen that caused tears in the lining of her abdomen and in her colon - causing internal bleeding. She died within minutes.

Facial injuries indicated that she had been smothered at some point during the 24 hours prior to her death.

The child was also found covered in bruises across her chest, abdomen, head, legs and arms.

Ultimately, Leonardo told officials during an interview that he had become angry and hit Hernandez in the stomach.

An autopsy report later revealed that Hernandez had suffered blunt force trauma to her abdomen that caused tears in the lining of her abdomen and in her colon

He claimed the toddler was throwing a tantrum about her mother leaving so he put her in a time out.

But when she urinated and defecated in her pants 'in defiance', he ragefully struck her in the stomach.

In February 2014, Judge Larry E. Hayes sentenced the murderer to 15 years of prison.

The brutal child killer was initially granted parole in October 2022 but the decision was overturned by California Governor Gavin Newsom in March 2023.

Ultimately, Leonardo told officials during an interview that he got mad and hit Hernandez in the stomach

Facial injuries indicated that she had been smothered sometime within twenty-four hours prior to her death

But on April 23, the California Board of Parole Hearings once again granted Leonardo parole, despite protests by the toddler's parents and grandmothers.

'A Board of Parole panel had asserted that their grant was based on the work the inmate had done during incarceration to transform and rehabilitate himself,' the DA's office said.

According to KSBW, the board said that he had sufficiently mitigated his risk for family violence, deepened his insight into his triggers and developed coping skills to maintain healthy relationships.

Based on the new order, he will likely be released after spending less than 13 years in jail.
A ban on woodburning stoves in new-build homes has been scrapped following a major U-turn by SNP ministers.

The Scottish Government announced it has lifted the ban after a major backlash from industry, rural communities, opposition parties and even some of its own politicians.

The controversial move quietly came into force in April, when it emerged that new building standards had been introduced which did not allow bioenergy heating systems including woodburning stoves in new developments.

Ministers yesterday wrote to local authorities to give them a direction which removes the new rules, with updated legislation to follow in the coming months.

Scottish Conservative deputy rural affairs spokesman Jamie Halcro Johnston said: This long overdue climbdown by the SNP on their deeply flawed ban is a welcome move.

The Scottish Government has scrapped plans to ban woodburning stoves in new-build homes

Sustained pressure from the Scottish Conservatives - including when I held a members debate in Parliament - as well as from our rural and island communities has now forced ministers into a humiliating U-turn.

The consequences of imposing such a ban on installing woodburning stoves in new homes would have been devastating for those that rely on them, especially when there are periods of extreme weather.

However, with the lifting of this ban still only temporary, the Scottish Conservatives will continue to urge the SNP to do the right thing and make it permanent.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie was initially responsible for the introduction of the new building standards when he was in government as minister for zero carbon buildings.

Kate Forbes, who is now Deputy First Minister, led the backlash by saying wood burners are essential for some in rural Scotland, while former Green MSP Andy Wightman said the ban was disproportionate given the benefit wood can bring as a low-carbon heat source.

Following yesterdays announcement, Stove Industry Association (SIA) chairman Andy Hill said: We commend the Scottish Government for taking this common sense and progressive step.

The SIA strongly supports this Direction as it aligns with our mission to advance the use of sustainable and renewable heating solutions.

Bioenergy heating systems, such as woodburning stoves, offer a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based heating methods.

'This Direction not only promotes the use of renewable energy sources but also provides homeowners with more options for efficient and sustainable heating.

The SIA had raised concerns that the ban left many Scottish households, especially in rural areas, vulnerable to heat loss during power cuts and exacerbates fuel poverty by limiting heating choices.

Woodburning stoves are an important heat sources, especially in the rural areas

It also warned of the damage it caused an industry which employs around 2,000 people in Scotland and contributes 60 million annually to the economy.

In his new direction to local councils issued yesterday, Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said the decision followed the outcomes of a review which will be implemented by the end of December.

He said: In advance of the legislative amendment and to ensure current concerns on the use of woodburning stoves and bioenergy are addressed promptly and with consistency, I am now issuing a Direction which temporarily disapplies the requirement for the installation of zero direct emissions heating systems to enable applicants to install a bioenergy or peat heating system or appliance.

The Direction on the building standard states: This Direction permits, for domestic buildings, the installation of bioenergy heating (biofuels and biomass) and peat heating systems.

'It is akin to the position before the NBHS (new build heat standard) came into force on 1 April 2024, where no restrictions were placed on the use of either of these fuel types.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: Ministers confirmed to parliament in May that there would be a review of the New Build Heat Standard, with the intention to adapt it to address issues of inflexibility raised by communities - particularly regarding the installation of woodburning stoves in new homes in rural areas.

The minister for climate action has now written to local authorities to temporarily relax the Standard in relation to the use of bioenergy and peat heating, pending the conclusion of that formal review.

This does not have any implications for the outcome of the review which is currently concluding - any regulatory amendments will be introduced by the end of the year.

The New Build Heat Standard only applies to new homes and buildings - there is currently no regulation of the type of heat in existing buildings.
A charity boss has refused to quit despite apologising unreservedly to rape victims who were failed by a controversial support centre led by a trans woman.

The Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre was the subject of a damning review published last week which found it had failed to provide women-only spaces.

The independent report found that its boss - trans woman Mridul Wadhwa - had not acted professionally or understood the limits of her authority.

Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, the umbrella body for rape crisis centres, who once backed Ms Wadhwa as an amazing sister, has come under pressure to quit  but yesterday refuse to step down.

She said: I would unreservedly apologise to any survivor who has either been let down by Edinburgh... or who didnt feel able to access the service at Edinburgh.

Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, refuses to step down amid controversy around its Edinburgh centre

I would also apologise if we havent been clear enough at Rape Crisis Scotland that our absolute priority is making sure that every survivor who needs a rape crisis service will get the service they need.

In an interview, Ms Brindley said she found out the Edinburgh centre was not following national standards last October and paused referrals 11 months later when the review said safeguarding was a problem.

She told BBC Scotlands Drivetime programme there was no reason why transgender people could not work in rape support centres - but that services must also provide women-only spaces.

Ms Wadhwa stood down after the review was published last week, sparking a row which led to JK Rowling calling for the SNP Government to withhold funding from Rape Crisis Scotland.

Ms Brindley stressed that Rape Crisis Scotland, which is the national charity setting service standards for member centres, had no involvement in hiring Ms Wadhwa.

But she said there had been no reason not to agree with the appointment at the time, as Ms Wadhwa had significant experience of working in the sector.

Ms Brindley said: I was not involved in that appointment or that decision.

But what I would say is that most rape crisis centres in Scotland provide support to men, women, trans people, and non-binary people.

There is no inherent reason within that, that you could not have a trans person working within a rape crisis centre.

I think what is crucial, however, is that if you do have a rape crisis service, that it is supporting all survivors is that theres dedicated women-only spaces within that.

Ms Brindley said she recognised that women-only spaces were a priority for many women using rape support services.

She added there had been significant failures in Edinburgh and she hoped to ensure that national standards are followed and that women-only spaces are provided in future.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with Mridul Wadhwa, chief executive of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, who quit amid a damning review into the centre

Earlier this week, Tory MSP Sue Webber called for Ms Brindley to stand down, saying she had championed the very policies that have been the centre of this entire caustic situation.

But yesterday Ms Brindley said she would not quit, adding: I started at 21 as a volunteer on a helpline and I turned 50 in January  I really believe in this movement.

We have achieved so much working with survivors, working with staff, working with volunteers.

I think theres still a lot to do and as long as I feel I can contribute to that, and make a difference for survivors, I will be staying.

Earlier this week, a Rape Crisis Scotland spokesman said: We apologise unreservedly to anyone who has been affected, directly or indirectly, by the failures of procedure at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre and, having acted immediately upon the publication of the report, we are committed to ensuring all crisis centres adhere to the National Service Standards.

Yesterday Ms Brindley said the controversy had led to rape survivors who supported the charity experiencing abuse online, including being told that they must be lying about being raped.

She said: It is absolutely astonishing to me that this is the position were in where rape survivors can be treated in this way in the name of womens rights, supposedly.

I think the onus is on me as chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, and on the rape crisis movement, to try and move to a place where Rape Crisis is not being weaponised in the way it has.

She stressed that rape survivors could rely on the charity and that it would meet their needs.

Earlier this week, equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said employment processes and decisions were the responsibility of individual organisations, not the Scottish Government.
A lost generation of young Scots is now jobless amid a litany of broken SNP promises.

The rising tide of idleness means a shocking one in ten youngsters under the age of 25 is no longer even looking for work, according to latest figures.

And of the 53,000 described as economically inactive and not in education, around half are classed as long-term sick.

John Swinney was yesterday blasted for breaking an SNP promise to guarantee a university or college place, apprenticeship or job for every 16 to 24-year-old.

The First Minister said he was satisfied at the number of young Scots reaching positive destinations, but appeared blindsided by his own governments statistics.

It comes after a damning report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) this week found multiple barriers to gaining better skills in Scotland.

A 'lost generation' of young Scots are no longer looking for employment

First Minister John Swinney has been accused of failing young people

The OECD described the link between SNP policies and economic development as weak.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said: Under the SNP, we have a skills strategy that does not help people to get jobs, an education reform agenda that does not lead to any reforms, colleges that are going bust and a Young Persons Guarantee that does not guarantee anything.

How is John Swinney, as First Minister, going to do a better job with any of that than he did as education secretary?

During heated exchanges at First Ministers Questions yesterday, MSPs heard Scotland was home to 553,700 people aged between 16 and 24 last year.

Around 217,000 were classed as economically inactive, meaning they had not sought work for at least four weeks or were unable to start within a fortnight.

Most were outside the workforce because they were students, leaving 52,700 who were economically inactive for other reasons, a record 9.5 per cent of the age group.

Around half, 26,300, were classed as long-term sick, potentially entitling them to the adult disability payment of up to 108 a week.

The number of youngsters on long-term sick has risen by 70 per cent since the pandemic.

Mr Ross ambushed Mr Swinney with the figures  extracted from official government data  and reminded him of the SNPs Young Persons Guarantee.

The partys 2021 Holyrood manifesto said it would ensure every Scot aged 16 to 24 had the opportunity to go to university or college, get a place on an apprenticeship, training or work experience programme, secure a job or participate in a formal volunteering programme.

Mr Ross asked how many were nevertheless economically inactive but not in education.

A floundering Mr Swinney was unable to answer, but said that much to my satisfaction... a record number of young people from deprived backgrounds are taking part in higher education.

Mr Ross let rip. He said: The First Minister said that he was satisfied with what is happening. I am not satisfied by the fact he cannot answer a simple question.

Let me tell him the answer that he should know, as First Minister and as a former education secretary, which is that 52,700 young Scots are economically inactive and not in education.

Why should the First Minister know that? Because that is one in ten 16 to 24-year-olds, and it is the highest number on record. I would have thought the First Minister would have been aware of that.

A government update on the Guarantee last year said the 175million scheme was to be focused on those most in need, rather than being offered to all.

Mr Ross also linked the large number of jobless young Scots to the SNPs failure to deliver a separate promise on skills it made on coming to power in 2007.

Mr Swinney appeared unaware the OECD report even existed when it was raised by Mr Ross, but claimed he did not agree with its conclusion.

He said: We see a record number of young people going on to positive destinations as a consequence of their participation in skills development in Scotland.
The late Queen was warned that Mohamed Al Fayed was a salacious attacker of women before Princess Dianas death, it emerged yesterday, as five women accused the former Harrods boss of rape.

As a BBC investigation revealed a slew of sexual assault allegations against the late billionaire, Scotland Yards former head of royalty protection Dai Davies disclosed that police were first made aware of such accusations against Al Fayed in the 1990s.

Mr Davies told an adviser to Queen Elizabeth II of his concerns about the Princess of Wales and her sons, William and Harry, going on holiday with Al Fayed and his son, Dodi, shortly before Dianas death in 1997, but says his advice was ignored.

Last night Sir Keir Starmer faced questions about the failure to prosecute Al Fayed, who died in 2023 aged 94, during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions as it was alleged that the tycoon preyed on staff for decades.

The Prime Minister was head of the Crown Prosecution Service in 2009 when its lawyers decided not to charge the Egyptian-born businessman over claims that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old schoolgirl the previous year.

The late Queen was warned that Mohamed Al-Fayed (pictured) was a 'salacious attacker of women' before Princess Diana 's death, it emerged today - Al-Fayed pictured at the memorial to his son Dodi and Princess Diana

Mr Davies told an adviser to Queen Elizabeth II of his concerns about the Princess of Wales and her sons, William and Harry, going on holiday with the Al-Fayed. Pictured: The late Queen with Mohammed Al-fayed At The Royal Windsor Horse Show

A BBC investigation revealed a slew of sexual assault allegations against the late billionaire and former Harrods owner

Downing Street said Sir Keir had no involvement in the decision not to to charge the Egyptian-born businessman over claims that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old schoolgirl

Downing Street said Sir Keir, who quit his role at the CPS in 2013, had no involvement in the decision and the case did not cross his desk. However the Conservatives said it was yet another instance of failure of the organisation under his watch after it also failed to prosecute paedophile Jimmy Savile.

Yesterday Mr Davies said: There are serious questions here about why these allegations were not pursued.

Why wasnt something done about it? There are clearly other victims out there.

Why was it decided that they were not worthy of prosecution?

Matt Vickers, shadow minister for crime and policing, said: Keir Starmer is always eager to take credit for other peoples work at the CPS, but whenever something went wrong under his watch it was always someone elses fault. There was a chance to prosecute Al Fayed while Starmer was DPP but it was not taken. These latest revelations show this was yet another instance of failure.

Al Fayed went on to be accused of further sexual allegations including rape, which forced Scotland Yard to seek investigative advice from the CPS another three times in 2018, 2021 and 2023.

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana at the charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of raping multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1984 to 2010

Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London

Gemma (pictured), who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says she was raped by Al Fayed during a work trip to Paris

One of the women now speaking out, who says Fayed raped her at his London apartment told BBC investigators: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. 'I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over'

Former Harrods' store owner Mohamed Al Fayed shows off a card in the form of an over-sized passport during a news conference in London

The BBC revealed testimony from more than 20 female ex-employees at the luxury London t store who claimed the tycoon sexually assaulted or raped them. They alleged that during Al Fayeds ownership, Harrods helped cover up allegations of attacks on staff at his apartments in Park Lane, the Ritz hotel in Paris and on trips to St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.

One woman who reported his sickening sexual assault to the police believes Scotland Yard were close to arresting him before he died in August 2023.

Melanie was told the Met had planned to arrest him, but that he was too unwell to be questioned.

And Mr Davies said yesterday he had previously warned the late Queen about swirling rumours.

He said: In 1997 there were already allegations he had been bribing MPs to table questions in the House and he had a salacious reputation. There were concerns about his persona as a dirty old man. There were allegations I was aware of that Al Fayed had sexually assaulted women then paid them off. I had no compunction in warning the Queen about this individual.

I advised the Queen, through Lord Fellowes [her private secretary], not to let the boys go away on holiday with him because of the allegations I was aware of  that he was a salacious attacker of women.

The BBC revealed bombshell testimony from more than 20 female ex-employees at the luxury London department store who claimed the tycoon sexually assaulted or raped them

Mr Al Fayed at the opening of the Egyptian Room in Harrods - which featured busts of himself and, later, a statue commemorating Diana and his son Dodi

Gemma described her former boss Al Fayed to the new BBC investigation as 'a serial rapist'

Mohamed Al Fayed dons a Victoria emerald and diamond tiara as he launches Harrods' New Year sale in 2001

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - was a serial sex attacker

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured during the Dodi Al Fayed and Diana Memorial unveiling at Harrods

The Crown featured the time Mohamed and Diana attended a polo match together in July 1987

The BBC has published claims that Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, (pictured) raped multiple members of staff who worked for him at the famous department store, and subjected them to coercive behaviour

'[Fellowes] said to me: 'The Palace is aware, Mr Davies.'

My job was to protect the reputation... of the Royal Family. Mr Davies added: At that time the Met were not investigating any alleged offences against women, but violence against women and girls wasnt the priority it is now.

I did have a discussion with the then commissioner, Lord Condron about my concerns. He [Al Fayed] had a reputation of being a sleazebag. Ultimately my advice was ignored. [Diana] flew off from Kensington Palace when Al Fayed sent his helicopter.

During the inquest into the death of Princess Diana, Lord Fellowes denied speaking to Mr Davies about Al Fayed.

Scotland Yard only launched a formal investigation in May 2008 when it was alleged the then 75-year-old had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl. On December 10 that year, the Met referred a file of evidence to the CPS where Sir Keir was just a month into his new job as DPP. But it was decided not to press charges as there was not a realistic prospect of conviction, based on the evidence available.

Further allegations came to light in October 2013 when another woman reported that she had been raped in his Mayfair apartment after a job interview.

Last night, the Met urged anyone assaulted by Al Fayed to come forward.
There could be hundreds more sex-abuse victims of Mohamed Al Fayed because the late Harrods boss was allowed to use the luxury department store as a sex-trafficking centre for decades, lawyers said last night.

Al Fayed, who died at 94 in August last year, has been accused of dozens of sex attacks by at least 20 women who worked at the luxury shop in Knightsbridge, west London.

It looks like something that was going on for a long time involving a prolific sexual abuser, said Richard Meeran, of the legal firm Leigh Day.

What weve seen so far is likely only the tip of the iceberg.

Weve got an iconic department store....and it appears to have been operated as a sex-trafficking centre by this man with the knowledge of Harrods.

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of raping multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1984 to 2010

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with his wife Heini Wathen

The late former boss of Harrods has been accused of dozens of sex attacks by at least 20 women who worked at the prestigious Knightsbridge department store (pictured)

Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London

The late former boss of Harrods has been accused of dozens of sex attacks by at least 20 women who worked at the prestigious Knightsbridge department store

His company is representing a victim who says she was raped and held against her will over a significant period while working at Harrods. Recruited to join its executive training programme, she claims she did not receive training, but was instead subjected to sex attacks.

The woman and her legal team believe there could be hundreds more survivors of similar abuse between 1985 and 2010, when Al Fayed sold Harrods.

Calling for victims to come forward, she said she hoped the inspiring bravery of those who spoke out in the BBC Two documentary Al Fayed: Predator At Harrods  which exposed the scandal  would embolden other survivors.

Lawyers claim Harrods organised and hid her trafficking and that of other women, which included HIV tests and gynaecological exams by doctors.

Young women were recruited, supposedly to work in executive positions, and were then transferred to various places and countries where they claim to have been subjected to depraved and prolonged sexual exploitation and abuse, Mr Meeran said.

Mohamed Al Fayed dons a Victoria emerald and diamond tiara as he launches Harrods' New Year sale in 2001

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana at the charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

They were told they were going to be on an executive management programme that appears to have been a guise for sexual exploitation by him.

It is utterly shocking that a British institution appears to have been operated in this way.

Mr Meeran, joint head of his firms international department, said the women had been dismally failed by Harrods, which had a duty of care.

The claims suggest other Harrods staff including security personnel and management either witnessed and facilitated abuse or failed to intervene or report it.

Leigh Day said it was in the early stages of examining whether there were sufficient grounds for a public inquiry and if a claim could be made against the Metropolitan Police after some survivors reported their abuse.

Emma Jones, also a partner at the firm, added: We are considering whether there should be wider inquiries to ensure that any and all agencies that might have had contact with the survivors or knowledge of this horrendous abuse, dealt with the allegations properly and thoroughly.

The BBC revealed how Al Fayed would roam Harrods looking for his next victim.

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - was a serial sex attacker

Up to nine were attacked at his Paris home, where they were taken under the guise of work trips.

One told the BBC: I had not even thought to ask where we were staying because surely Harrods would have booked us a hotel room and ensure our safety... not delivered us like lambs to the slaughter to Al Fayeds home.

Lawyer Dean Armstrong KC said the spiders web of abuse was unbelievable, adding that senior people at Harrods tried to sweep this under the carpet.

Harrods said it was appalled by the allegations, adding: These were the actions of an individual intent on abusing his power... and we condemn them in the strongest terms.

'We also acknowledge that during this time we failed employees who were his victims, and for this we apologise.
Hundreds of foreign criminals are still living in Scotland when they should have been deported, the Mail can reveal.

More than 630 people served deportation orders, after being convicted for crimes including sexual assault and violence, have not been removed by the Home Office.

The number of foreign criminals at large in the UK rocketed from 11,940 to 17,428 between 2023 and 2024, a record high. The number in Scotland now stands at 635.

It comes as a failed asylum seeker was jailed on Thursday for a sex attack on a vulnerable girl when he should have been deported after a previous attack on a police officer.

Mike Jones, Executive Director at Migration Watch UK: Mass immigration is a ticking time bomb for national security. Illegal immigrants, in particular, are a huge problem  they destroy their documents, work with criminal gangs, and dodge claiming asylum in safe countries.

More than 630 people have been served deportation orders following crime convictions but have not been removed by the Home Office

The government has failed to reform the human rights regime and fix the Home Office, letting nasty criminals walk free instead of being deported having been locked up. This isnt the time for bleeding-heart liberalism; we must put the safety of our people first and foremost.

In the last decade, the number of foreign criminals living in the community in the UK has risen by more than 13,000.

In the last full year (2023), the number of total enforced returns was 6,381  less than half of the 14,868 enforced removals carried out a decade earlier.

In another court case, a convicted sex offender was allowed to return to the community in Fife after he finished his prison term in Edinburgh - despite efforts to deport him.

Repeat offender Shahid Hassan, 50, was released from prison after serving time for two sexual assaults.

On February 1 he was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to two years behind bars although he was released because of the time he had served on remand.

The sheriff also made him the subject of a deportation order.

Hassans lawyer described him as a frequent offender and said he had been living illegally in the UK for about 20 years.

The lawyer told the court: One would hope as a member of the public that something is done about his immigration status.

Hassan had been living in Dunfermline when he carried out his offences but the court heard he had since moved to another town in the region.

A recommendation for deportation to the Home Office can be made where an accused person over the age of 17, who is not a British Citizen has been found to have committed an offence punishable by imprisonment.

Any actual decision on deportation is made by the Home Office.

Hassan was put on the Sex Offenders register for 10 years and also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years with several conditions.

This includes telling his supervising of any friendships, associations or intimate or relationships within three days of the relationship starting, not travelling on any public transport unless approved or taking alcohol or non-prescription drugs.

Any foreign national who is convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence is considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity.

Under the UK Borders Act 2007, a deportation order must be made where a foreign national has been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.

This is subject to several exceptions, including where to do so would be a breach of a persons ECHR rights or the UKs obligations under the Refugee Convention.

Many foreign criminals bring appeals against the Home Offices attempts to deport them, often slowing down or defeating the process.

Some use human rights laws - such as Article 8 of the ECHR, which protects the right to private and family life - to dodge deportation.

The ECHR was enshrined in Britains domestic law by the Human Rights Act two decades ago.

A Home Office spokesman said: We are committed to deporting foreign national offenders and aim to remove them from the UK at the earliest opportunity.

Rigorous measures are in place to manage FNOs in the community, including electronic monitoring, and we remain focused on managing cases through the legal process so we can remove any barriers to their deportation.

Under this government we have already redeployed 300 additional staff to work on removing people with no right to be here and are committed to delivering a significant increase in returns over the next six months.
The King has thanked Royal Navy submariners for their service to the country while on a visit to a base in Argyll and Bute.

Charles met dozens of serving submariners at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) at Coulport, part of HM Naval Base Clyde.

He was welcomed by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE and received the royal salute from several senior members of the Navy.

It marks the first time the King has visited the base as head of the armed forces, though he did visit in 2011 and 2013 as the Prince of Wales.

Commodore Paul Dunn OBE, of the Submarine Service, said: 'His Majesty's visit, his first here as commander-in-chief of the British armed forces, acknowledges the valuable service of our submariners.

The King meets families and friends of Subamriners at RNAD Coulport as he recognised the dedication of Royal Navy submariners

Charles met dozens of serving submariners at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) at Coulport, part of HM Naval Base Clyde

HM Naval Base Clyde holds Vanguard-class submarines (pictured) which have nuclear capability

It marks the first time the King has visited the base as head of the armed forces, though he did visit in 2011 and 2013 as the Prince of Wales

HM The King meeting with families of the Submarine Service as he visited the home of the military unit

The families of serving submariners smile as the King thanks their loved ones for their service

The King was welcomed by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE and received the royal salute from several senior members of the Navy

'The Royal Navy's unbroken 55-year record of continuous at sea deterrence is a tremendous source of pride, showcasing the skill, professionalism and dedication of our defence enterprise.

'This remarkable national endeavour, entrusted to us since 1969, has seen our submariners and their families make significant sacrifices in the defence of our country.'

The King also went aboard a Vanguard-class nuclear capable submarine, where he spoke to crew members about their roles and thanked them for their commitment.

He later met gold deterrent pin holders - submariners who have been honoured for their efforts in nuclear deterrence.

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Longhurst and his family were among the submariners who met the King.

CPO Longhurst said: 'Meeting the King with my wife and shipmates today was a truly special moment, marking the culmination of my service as a Royal Navy submariner.

'It has been a challenging but fulfilling 23 years, seven of which have been underwater.

'His Majesty's visit today not only highlights the importance of the job we do in keeping the nation safe, but it also emphasises the invaluable support of our loved ones who stand by us through every deployment.

'Our families are the unsung heroes and today recognises that at the highest level.'

HM The King saluting Commander Officer James Collie as he boards a Vanguard-class nuclear capable submarine

The geographic position of a Vanguard-class submarine on patrol is a secret not shared with the majority of the crew

One of the most important links with home on board submarines is the arrival of the 'Family Gram', a 120-word one-way message that arrives weekly

King Charles III signing the visitors book during a visit to the Royal Naval Armaments Depot, Coulport

Patrolling submariners will also receive a snapshot of local and international news stories, as well as sporting results - all of which are vetted by the commanding officer

The geographic position of a Vanguard-class submarine on patrol is a secret not shared with the majority of the crew.

While at sea, submariners have little contact with the outside world.

However, one of the most important links with home is the arrival of the 'Family Gram', a 120-word one-way message that arrives weekly.

Patrolling submariners will also receive a snapshot of local and international news stories, as well as sporting results - all of which are vetted by the commanding officer.

Commodore Sharon Malkin ADC, naval base commander Clyde, said: 'HM Naval Base Clyde has supported the UK's deterrent submarines since 1968.

'The One Clyde team on base is a collaboration of serving naval personnel, veterans, civil servants, and industry partners - many of whom are part of the local community.

'His Majesty's visit to the Clyde today is a tremendous honour for all of us involved.'
A detective who tried to bring Mohamed Al Fayed to justice over rape allegations has claimed the Harrods owner was protected by a network of powerful people.

Former police officer Mark Williams-Thomas, who helped to expose Jimmy Savile as a paedophile in 2012, was reportedly part of a police probe into the late Egyptian businessman's alleged sex crimes while he was still alive.

Writing in The Mirror, Mr Williams-Thomas claimed there were five victims who were willing to testify against Mr Al Fayed, including a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old that were allegedly 'attacked' by him.

But after five months working on the case with the Metropolitan Police, the Crown Prosecution Service decided it would not take any action.

Mr Williams-Thomas said the women 'were completely failed by the system', adding that a network of powerful people around Mr Al Fayed 'helped keep his criminality under wraps'.

Former police officer Mark Williams-Thomas claims he tried to bring Mohamed Al Fayed to justice over rape allegations but the Harrods owner was protected by a network of powerful people.

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of raping multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1984 to 2010

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana at the charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

Mr Williams-Thomas said he became aware of five different victims in 2015 who were willing to testify in court over Mr Al Fayed's alleged crimes.

'Detectives believed the victims and were really keen to prosecute. But after about five months the Crown Prosecution Service declared there was to be no action against Al-Fayed,' he added.

Mr Williams-Thomas claimed that 'members of the British establishment' were aware of one incident in the 1990s where Mr Al-Fayed allegedly attacked a girl on a boat.

He added: 'She was too scared to press charges, but after Al-Fayed applied for British citizenship, her well-connected father told government officials about the attack. He was told Al-Fayed would never get British citizenship. He never did.'

The detective said that there were several people who helped cover up Mr Al Fayed's alleged crimes including the publicist and convicted sex offender Max Clifford.

Mr Williams-Thomas believes that had he tried to bring Mr Al Fayed to court shortly after his investigation into Jimmy Savile in 2012, then 'the CPS would have gone ahead with the prosecution'.

He added he was 'very disappointed that I was unable to help bring this prolific predator to justice' but is hopeful that more victims will now come forward to reveal the 'full truth and details of Al Fayeds depravity'.

Gemma (pictured), who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says she was raped by Al Fayed during a work trip to Paris

It comes as the alleged victims of Mr Al Fayed shared their harrowing tales of abuse which they claim the billionaire former Harrods owner put them through.

Multiple women have come forward to claim the late Egyptian businessman sexually abused them in the Knightsbridge store and at his properties in the UK and abroad.

Witness have revealed the invasive medical exams that young women were coerced into undergoing and to the culture of fear Al Fayed presided over at the world's most famous department store.

One accuser even recalled the sickening moment that the tycoon ordered her to clean herself up with a 'bottle of Dettol' moments after raping her on a business trip to Paris.

In total dozens of women have come forward to accuse Al Fayed, who rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, of horrifying attacks ranging from sexual harassment to violent rapes.

Gemma, who worked as Al Fayed's personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, claims she was subjected his perverted behaviour almost immediately after starting work for him.

She said this included him grabbing her breasts and demands she have sex with him, before he raped her at Villa Windsor, a former home of post-abdication King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.

One of his alleged victims, Gemma, who worked for Al Fayed as a personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says his behaviour would turn more frightening during work trips abroad

Gemma described her former boss Al Fayed to the new BBC investigation as 'a serial rapist'

Speaking the BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Gemma said she would often try to avoid the worst of his behaviour by locking herself in her room or bathroom when on trips abroad.

She claimed how on one trip to Abu Dhabi she locked herself away and ignored him knocking on the door in the middle of the night, with Al Fayed becoming 'really cross' the next morning.

Gemma recalled: 'He said: "You didn't let me in last night, why did you not let me in? I told you if you're coming on this trip you have to be nice with me." When he said "be nice with me", it meant he wanted you to please him sexually.'

She added that on one occasion she was able to 'talk my way out of it' when he came into her room wearing nothing by a silk gown and holding a tub of Vaseline in the middle of the night.

The alleged victim told host Emma Barnett she was then raped by him on a trip to Paris before callously being told to clean herself up afterwards.

Gemma said 'He directed me to go into the bathroom and clean myself. And when I got in there he'd pointed me to a bottle of Dettol, that was on the side. It was on the side of the shower. And he said: "Just clean yourself".

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - was a serial sex attacker

Mohamed Al Fayed dons a Victoria emerald and diamond tiara as he launches Harrods' New Year sale in 2001

Mr Al Fayed at the opening of the Egyptian Room in Harrods - which featured busts of himself and, later, a statue commemorating Diana and his son Dodi

'And the time I thought  being the super-freakish person he was about germs  I just assumed that was the reason.

'But looking back, now I'm old and more mature, I realise that was probably to cover up any kind of evidence that would have left his trace on me. He left the room and he acted the next day like nothing had happened.'

Gemma is one of multiple women to have spoken in a new BBC documentary titled Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, with the alleged victims talking about their experiences with the tycoon.

She told filmmakers 'I think Mohamed Al Fayed is a rapist - he is a serial rapist' and claimed that afterwards she felt so unsafe that she was unable to speak up until he died.

Many of the women who have spoken up describe relentless sexual harassment from the billionaire, with this often beginning almost immediately after being hired.

Another of his alleged victims, Rachel - not her real name - told the BBC she was raped after staying at one of Mr Al Fayed's apartments after a late shift at work.

She said: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over.

'I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.'

Many of those who spoke in the documentary claimed they had been forced to undergo invasive medical examinations, in which they were tested for sexually transmitted diseases with the results sent to Al Fayed himself.

One woman told filmmakers: 'There is no benefit to anybody knowing how my sexual health is, unless you're planning to sleep with somebody, which I find quite chilling now.'

Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London

One of the women now speaking out, who says Fayed raped her at his London apartment told BBC investigators: 'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. 'I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over'

The current owners of luxury department store Harrods in London (pictured) have issued a statement saying: 'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future'

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

It was part of an alleged 'culture of fear' which Al Fayed presided over at the store, with staff claiming the tycoon would scare people into doing what he wanted.

Another woman told of being raped at the Mayfair address as a teenager, describing staff at Harrods as being treated as his 'playthings'.

She said: 'Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever.

'We were all so scared. He actively cultivated fear. If he said 'jump', employees would ask, 'How high?''

The BBC said it heard testimony from 13 women who say they were sexually assaulted at Al Fayed's 60 Park Lane property in London, four of whom allege they were raped there.

Harrods began settling claims with women who came forward alleging to have been sexually abused at his hands in July last year.

Harrods said in a statement to the BBC: 'The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010.

'I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over,' she said,

'I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.'

'It is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

'Since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible.

'This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.'

The Ritz hotel in Paris, formerly owned by Fayed, told the the BBC that it 'strongly condemns all forms of behaviour that do not align with the values of the establishment'.
The Uncommitted National Movement said Thursday that the group would not formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, which could impact her chances in the key state of Michigan.

In a lengthy statement, leaders made clear they didn't support former President Donald Trump and didn't want followers of the movement to vote third-party.

'[E]specially as third party votes in key swing states could help inadvertently deliver a Trump presidency given our country's broken electoral college system,' the statement said.

But after the Harris campaign blew a September 15 deadline to meet with Michigan-based Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza, Uncommitted's leaders decided not to give the Democrat a nod at this time.

Leaders of the group said they repeatedly tried engaging with the Harris-Walz campaign on certain policy demands - including enacting an arms embargo to stop Israel from bombing Gaza.

Vice President Kamala Harris (left) departs for Michigan Thursday for her event with talk show host Oprah Winfrey. The Michigan-based group, the Uncommitted National Movement, said she would not be getting their endorsement due to her Gaza policy

Members of the Uncommitted movement march at the Democratic National Convention. Leaders said Thursday they would not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris but also encouraged followers not to vote third-party as that could help ex-President Donald Trump

The group critized her 'unwillingness' to shift away from an 'unconditional weapons policy' to arm Israel and said that 'made it impossible for us to endorse her.'

'For months, we have urged Vice President Harris to shift her Gaza policy so we could mobilize voters in key swing states to save lives and our democracy,' the statement said.

'The DNC and the Vice President's campaign fumbled even a small gesture to unite our party ahead of November by rejecting the simple request for a Palestinian American speaker,' it continued.

During the Democratic National Convention last month in Chicago, organizers had Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg speak.

They are the parents of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was recently murdered by the terror group Hamas.

No Palestinian-American was chosen to address the convention, despite large pro-Palestinian demonstrations taking place outside the United Center.

'Now, the Vice President's campaign is courting Dick Cheney while sidelining disillusioned anti-war voices, pushing them to consider third-party options or to sit this important election out,' the statement went on.

Vice President Kamala Harris (left) greets Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow (center) on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, as they travel to Michigan on Thursday. Michigan is where the Uncommitted Movement's non-endorsement could have the greatest impact

The Uncommitted Movement started in Michigan - the state where it could do the most damage to Harris.

During the Democratic primaries, when President Joe Biden was still at the top of the ticket, more than 101,000 Democratic primary voters in Michigan chose 'uncommitted' over the sitting president.

Michigan was one of the three so-called 'blue wall' states that Trump won in 2016 to beat Democat Hillary Clinton - alongside Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Eight years ago, Trump won the state by around 10,000 votes.

Four years later, Biden managed to win America's high-five back by around 150,000 votes.

The Real Clear Politics polling average shows the current race in Michigan to be extraordinarily tight, with Harris leading Trump by just 1.7 percent.

Uncommitted's announcement came the same day Harris was traveling back to Michigan to hold a livestream event with legendary talk show host, Oprah Winfrey.
Mass immigration and woke culture have put Englands national identity at risk, Robert Jenrick warns today.

In a hard-hitting article for the Mail, the Tory leadership hopeful and former minister for immigration says the ties which bind the nation together are beginning to fray.

Mr Jenrick said it was a result of the influx of migrants and the sneering attitude of the metropolitan establishment toward English identity.

The combination of unprecedented migration alongside the dismantling of our national culture, non-integrating multiculturalism and the denigration of our identity has presented huge problems, he writes.

It has had a clear impact on our culture, customs and cohesion. Taken together, the attitudes and policies of our metropolitan establishment have weakened English identity. They have put the very idea of England at risk.

Robert Jenrick speaks at the launch of his bid to become the next Conservative leader. Jenrick wrote in the Mail: 'We won't be able to heal our divided nation if we refuse to confront complex issues about identity'

A small boat arrives to collect people thought to be migrants off the beach in Gravelines, France on July 29, 2024. Jenkins writes: 'A nation cannot exist without a border, but the UK has experienced record illegal migration  and England has been saddled with the brunt of the burden'

'The public have consistently voted against all of this. Those in Westminster are underestimating the depth of anger in the country.

Mr Jenrick suggests that the suppression of Englands identity was a factor in the summer riots and says it will be impossible to heal our divided nation if we refuse to confront complex issues about identity.

He says that years of inter-communal violence, radicalisation and diminishing trust in our communities... came to a head during the summer riots, adding that: As a consequence, a frank discussion is needed about the state of the nation [and] the state of England, in particular  as England is where most of the rioting occurred, and it was the St Georges flag that some misappropriated.

Mr Jenrick warns that  as elsewhere in Europe  this country could fall prey to the ugly politics of the far-Right unless action is taken to address the crisis and bring immigration under control. His intervention looks set to energise the moribund Tory leadership contest, which has so far failed to catch the publics imagination.

It also underlines Mr Jenricks political journey from party centrist to flag-bearer for the Right.

The former minister, who quit Rishi Sunaks government in protest at the failure to toughen Britains borders, says that years of mass immigration have piled pressure on public services while not making England, or any part of the UK, richer.

Hundreds of thugs attack police in Rotherham on August 4, 2024

He has proposed a tough new cap, limiting net immigration to below 100,000 a year. And he has called explicitly for Britain to leave the European Convention on Human Rights in order to make a working reality of the last governments Rwanda deportation plan to stop the boats.

Hinting at future policies, he says it is time for the Government to put its own citizens first, adding: Whether its us

giving foreign aid to parts of the world richer than parts of England or half of all social housing in London being occupied by those born abroad, its clear this isnt always happening.

In his article today, Mr Jenrick ranges far beyond his former policy brief, arguing that English identity has been deliberately suppressed by a metropolitan elite who actively disapprove of this countrys history and culture.

He argues that while high status people in Scotland and Wales are proud to be Scottish and Welsh as well as British, many of their counterparts in England are far from proud to be English.

The results of the first ballot - which saw Jenrick claim the top position and Dame Priti Patel eliminated on 14 votes

The Tory leadership battle, which began in the wake of Mr Sunaks crushing defeat at the polls in July, is entering a critical stage in the next ten days as the four remaining candidates prepare to parade themselves in a so-called beauty contest at the party conference in Birmingham.

Mr Jenrick topped the ballot of Conservative MPs ahead of Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat and has been installed as the bookmakers favourite.

After the conference, MPs will narrow the field to a final two, with the winner then chosen by a ballot of party members.
Revelations continue to drop about North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson with the reveal his email address is registered with sex cheating website Ashley Madison.

Robinson, the state's current lieutenant governor, was reported earlier today to have made a series of crude and concerning remarks on pornographic forum Nude Africa where he called himself a 'perv' and 'black Nazi.'

Now, an anonymous advisor to Robinson has revealed that an email address belonging to Robinson appears on Ashley Madison, per Politico. Robinson has been married to wife Yolanda Hill Robinson since 1990.

The dating website, which was established in 2001, drew people in with their intriguing slogan, 'life is short, have an affair' with over 37 million unfaithful spouses taking the bait - creating profiles on the site to link up and cheat on their partners.

It comes after a previous report said Robinson has an account on the dating site Adult Friend Finder with a bio that said he was 'looking to get away from life'.

Revelations continue to drop about North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson - pictured here with wife of 34 years Yolanda Hill Robinson - with the reveal his email address is registered with sex cheating website Ashley Madison

Ashley Madison, which was established in 2001, drew people in with their intriguing slogan, 'life is short, have an affair' with over 37 million unfaithful spouses taking the bait - creating profiles on the site to link up and cheat on their partners

The Robinson campaign has yet to respond to this allegation, though the candidate himself remains steadfast that he's not dropping out.

Robinson, who is still on the ballot in North Carolina but trails Democrat Josh Stein by 13 points in a poll released Thursday, denies the reports and claims they are all 'outright lies' or only 'half truths.'

CNN released a damning report earlier Thursday that could spell the end of Robinson's bid to take residence in the North Carolina governor's mansion.

Members of Trump's campaign are now urging Robinson to withdraw before it's too late to replace him with another GOP candidate, according to a Carolina Journal report.

Anonymous sources say Robinson is no longer welcome at Trump events or those of his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance.

He was slated for a speaking slot at Vance's rally in Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday, but his office announced he would no longer attend because he tested positive for COVID, according to the report.

Vance's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why Robinson was absent from the rally on Wednesday.

Robinson has previously attended Trump rallies. He spoke at one in Greensboro, North Carolina on March 2 this year.

It adds to one of the findings of the original story, which showed Robinson as having an account on the dating site Adult Friend Finder with a bio that said he was 'looking to get away from life'

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running for governor of the swing state

In denying the reports, Robinson compared himself to conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who is also black, and said he was a 'victim of high tech lynching.'

National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Richard Hudson wants to see Robinson come out with a more vehement denial with proof that he was not the one who made the posts.

'The allegations are very concerning,' Hudson said in a statement. 'He says they're not true. I think he needs to assure the people of the state in more detail that they aren't true.'

Robinson seemed almost flippant in his response to the latest blockbuster report, writing: 'Well, guys, the news media is at it again.'

'My opponent is at it again,' he continued. 'You all have seen the half truths and outright lies of Josh Stein on these ads over and over again and now a story, a story leaked by him to CNN, is appearing now, let me reassure you the things that you will see in that story.'

'You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before. Folks this race. Right now, our opponents are desperate to shift the focus here from the substantive issues and focus on what you are concerned with to salacious tabloid trash. We cannot allow that to happen, folks,' he said.

He accused Democrats and the media of wanting 'to focus on salacious tabloid lies.'

'We're not going to let them do that. We are staying in this race,' the Lt. Gov. assured.

North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, a candidate for governor in the state this November, is vehemently denying accusations he was a regular visitor to an adult video store in the 1990s

He also went on CNN on Thursday afternoon to reiterate his innocence.

'This is not us. These are not our words. And this is not anything that is characteristic of me,' Robinson said on air.

'I'm not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.'

The latest KFile investigation with CNN found that Robinson posted several concerning comments on the pornographic website Nude Africa.

This included expressing support for reinstating slavery and, unprovoked, writing: 'I'm a black NAZI!'

Posting in the forum Robinson also revealed unfiltered thoughts on issues like race, gender and abortion.

In October 2010, Robinson wrote: 'Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few.'

And in March 2012, the now-Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina wrote that he preferred former Nazi Germany leader Adolf Hitler over the leadership in Washington during the administration of President Barack Obama.

'I'd take Hitler over any of the sh*t that's in Washington right now!' he wrote.

The outrageous story comes courtesy of Louis Money, an employee at Gents Video & News (pictured under a different name in 2012) in Greensboro, who is now sensationalizing his accusations in a music video for a song called 'The Lt. Governor Owes Me Money' by his band Trailer Park Orchestra

Louis Money  real name  claimed Robinson would come to a sex store several times a week to watch videos. Money last met Robinson in November of 2022, when the lieutenant governor said hello and stopped to pose for a photo, he claims

Stein's campaign released a statement claiming the latest is further proof that 'Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor.'

And the Democratic Governors Association's Deputy Communications Director Izzi Levy provided a comment to DailyMail.com saying the bombshell report shows the candidate is 'unhinged, dangerous, and completely unfit.'

'Now, as many Republicans warn against the damage Robinson would do as governor, it's clear that the stakes have never been higher and we must keep our foot on the gas to defeat him in November,' Levy added.

Many of Robinson's comments on Nude Africa stand in contrast to his public stances on issues such as abortion and transgender rights.

Robinson has resisted calls to withdraw and denies the latest revelations after other claims  including visiting a porn shop nearly daily and running a sketchy daycare with his wife  have muddied the waters of his bid to take outgoing Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's seat.

A report earlier this month from The Assembly revealed that Robinson was a regular visitor to an adult video store in the 1990s, which the campaign has also vehemently denied.

A total of six men who worked at or frequented Gents Video & News in Greensboro remember Robinson as a jovial presence at the shop who came to watch videos about five nights a week after his shift at Papa Johns.

A former sex shop employee named Louis Money said Robinson would even bring free pizza and tell jokes in the style of '80s comic Andrew 'Dice' Clay.

A spokesman for Robinson strongly denied the claims, telling WRAL : 'It's a categorical 'no' to all the ridiculous allegations made by The Assembly based on the word of a man with a long history of drug dealing and criminal charges who will do anything for free publicity and free pizza'.

Robinson is known as a perpetuator of conspiracy theories and has made a number of anti-Semitic, homophobic and sexist comments before reports of the porn forum posts emerged on Thursday.

Even with that, the Lt. Gov. received Trump's endorsement. The former president called Robinson a 'Martin Luther King on steroids.'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been accused of ruining a young rapper's life by allegedly forcing him to take the fall for a 1999 nightclub shooting.

Moses Michael Levi Barrow, who used to perform under the name Shyne, was the only person convicted following the infamous New York City shooting.

The upcoming rapper, born Jamal Barrow, was sentenced to a decade behind bars before ultimately being deported to his native Belize.

His conviction came following a high-profile trial in which he claims his former mentor turned on him.

'When I was an 18-year-old kid, just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud and, do what all of us want to do, be recognized for our talent and take over the world,' Barrow told Belize's Channel 5.

'I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me.'

Sean 'Diddy' Combs (right) has been accused of ruining aspiring rapper Moses Michael Levi Barrow's life by allegedly forcing him to take the fall for a 1999 nightclub shooting

'He pretty much sent me to prison. That is the context by which you must always describe that relationship. Yes, I forgave. I moved on. But let us not pretend as if I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.'

Barrow was among Combs' entourage during the fateful night in December 1999. Combs was on his way to stardom in at the time, having just released his self-titled debut album, which he decided to celebrate with Barrow and Combs' then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez at Club New York.

But Combs accidentally bumped into Brooklynite Matthew 'Scar' Allen and spilled his drink, leading to a heated argument that ended with a wad of cash being thrown in Combs' face.

A scuffle ensued and gunshots rang out, leaving three people injured.

JLo, Combs and his body guard quickly fled the scene, but were pulled over for running a red light and arrested for storing a gun in the getaway car.

Combs was then charged in the shooting, but was later acquitted, while Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison on assault and weapons charges.

Barrow, performing under the name Shyne, was Combs' protege at the time of the infamous New York City shooting

But he claims his former mentor turned on him in court and he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the shooting which left three people injured

He has said he was defending himself, a stance he still maintains. Lopez did not face any charges over the scandal, but split up with Combs shortly afterwards.

By 2003, Barrow was dropped from Combs' Bad Boy Records, and one year later, Barrow publicly said Combs betrayed him.

'Let us not lose sight of what the cold, hard facts are. This is not someone who I vacationed with and who he and I enjoyed this great, intimate relationship of brotherhood,' Barrow added.

'This is someone who destroyed my life, and who I forgave, and who I moved on.'

Barrow has since become a successful politician in his home country and explained he reconnected with Combs, 'for the better interest of Belize'

'Because he was in a position at that time to give scholarships and to maybe invest,' Barrow explained.

'I would not deny attempting to bring the investment to Belize and contribution to education to Belize.'

His comments came in the wake of Combs' arrest for racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Barrow leaves Manhattan Supreme court March 1, 2001 in New York

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' arrest and jailing in connection with a federal sex trafficking case is sending shockwaves through music industry. The music mogul, 54, was pictured at the Met Gala in 2018 in NYC

'Do I take any joy with what he is going through? Absolutely not. I am different than other people  no one needs to fail for me to succeed,' Barrow added.

Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is accused of inducing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes dayslong sexual performances dubbed 'Freak Offs.'

He is currently in jail after a judge rejected his $50 million bid for bail.

Barrow became leader of the opposition in the Belize House of Representatives in 2020 and is a prominent figure in the Belize United Democratic Party.

He returned to the US in 2021 as an ambassador for Belize where he met up with Combs on August 25 of that year.

Barrow said the two had an 'understanding after speaking over the phone' in 2012 and planned to meet in the future, according to Hot 97.
His carefully crafted public image was one of outspoken billionaire tycoon and a prime-time TV regular - but those who knew Mohamed Al Fayed knew the truth that he was a serial sexual predator.

The disgraced former Harrods boss sat at the heart of a 'spider's web of corruption and abuse' with loyal acolytes covering up his abuses and highly-paid lawyers silencing victims and journalists who tried to expose him.

A new BBC documentary - Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods - released just over a year after his death spoke to female workers as young as 15 who were hand-picked from the shop floor by the sleazy billionaire to work as his personal assistants where they were groped, assaulted and raped.

Many of the women who began working directly for Fayed underwent medicals including invasive sexual health tests carried out by doctors. The results were sent directly to him.

Fayed - whose son Dodi was killed in a car crash alongside Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 - has become known to a new generation through Netflix series of The Crown where he is presented as pleasant and gregarious. But his victims remember him as 'vile'.

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of raping multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1984 to 2010

A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - was a serial sex attacker

Female Harrods workers as young as 15 who were hand-picked from the shop floor by the sleazy billionaire to work as his personal assistants where they were groped, assaulted and raped. Pictured: The Harrods department store in Knightsbridge

Security guards who protected Fayed would pass on stories of groping and non-consensual touching to other employees.

Tony Leeming, who was a manager from 1994 to 2004 said: 'It was well known, everybody knew about it and it was laughed about. Looking back on it now it was pretty repellant and I was a part of it.

'I was aware of the abuse against women when I was on the shop floor. And I think if I knew, everybody knew. Anyone who says they didn't are lying, I'm sorry.

'It was known around the whole company.'

The Egyptian-born tycoon - who died last August aged 94 - ran Harrods for 25 years from 1985 to 2010.

More than 20 former employees from that era came forward to tell the BBC Fayed sexually assaulted or raped them in Harrods' offices, in his Park Lane apartment, at the Ritz hotel in Paris, which he also owned, or his nearby Villa Windsor property.

Five women alleged they had been raped by Mr Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94.

At a press conference on Friday, a legal team involved in the investigation is expected to share more details about a claim against the luxury department store for allegedly failing to provide a safe system of work for its employees.

Mohamed Al Fayed attends the Issa show during London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015 on September 15, 2014

Mohamed Al-Fayed Mohamed Al-Fayed out and about in Saint Tropez, in August 2009

After the publication of the investigation on Thursday, a woman who the BBC is calling Melanie came forward to say she had been subjected to a 'sickening' sexual assault by the Egyptian billionaire.

The woman worked at Harrods prior to 2010, and met Mr Al Fayed at work meetings on two occasions, before being summoned to his apartment, it was reported.

Melanie, who described the businessman as a 'sleazebag' and 'slimy', said: 'He sat down next to me... He had asked that I return a couple of weeks later to stay at the apartments the night before the Harrods sale.

'And he would not really let me leave until I agreed to that.

'As I stood to leave, that's when he put his hands on my breast and said some pretty disgusting things. And I was in complete shock. I just turned around and walked out.'

Melanie decided to go to the police in 2023, and said she was later told Scotland Yard planned to arrest Mr Al Fayed that year.

But he was too unwell to be questioned, and died in August 2023, the BBC reported.

Following the new allegation, Harrods' current owners said they stood by a statement issued on Thursday which said they were 'utterly appalled' by the allegations of abuse.

The department store has also set up a page on its website inviting former employees to come forward if they have allegations.

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana at the charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

The Crown featured the time Mohamed and Diana attended a polo match together in July 1987

To protect his image, Fayed fostered a culture of fear among workers at the posh Knightsbridge department store, with women scared to talk to each other believing their phones were tapped and they were being constantly watched by hidden cameras.

The ex-deputy director of security, Eamon Coyle, confirmed the shop was bugged and it was his job to listen to the tapes of recorded calls.

He said: 'He bugged everybody that he wanted to bug.'

Fayed also used his immense wealth and power and a network of people around him who helped keep his criminality under wraps.

They included shamed PR guru Max Clifford, also a sex offender who died in jail.

Secretly recorded footage shows Clifford boasting about protecting his employer, who he called 'a randy old sod'.

When victims did come forward he used cash payoffs and legally-binding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to force their silence.

Among the women who spoke to the BBC was Gemma, who worked as one of Fayed's personal assistants between 2007-09.

She says his 'frightening' behaviour culminated in her being raped during a trip to Paris.

After she was raped, she contacted a lawyer in 2009 who told Harrods she was leaving her job on the grounds of sexual harassment. Gemma did not feel able to disclose the full extent and seriousness of Fayed's assaults at the time.

Fayed also used his immense wealth and power and a network of people around him who helped keep his criminality under wraps. They included shamed PR guru Max Clifford (pictured), also a sex offender who died in jail

Mohamed Al Fayed with the Queen in 1997. His business connections and charity work saw him mixing with high society despite his complaints about what he saw as establishment bias

Mohamed Al Fayed dons a Victoria emerald and diamond tiara as he launches Harrods' New Year sale in 2001

Harrods agreed she could leave and it would pay a sum of money in exchange for her shredding all evidence and signing an NDA. Gemma says a member of Harrods' HR team was present as the shredding took place.

The programme also claims that women were threatened and intimidated by Harrods' then-director of security, John Macnamara - who died in 2019 aged 83 - to stop them speaking out.

There were a number of attempts by reporters to expose Fayed before his death - notably by Vanity Fair in 1995 which published an article alleging racism, staff surveillance and sexual misconduct.

Fayed sued for libel but two years later after the magazine gathered further evidence of his sexual misconduct to use at trial he agreed to drop the case as long as all the further evidence was locked away. Fayed's settlement was negotiated by a senior Harrods executive.

In 1997, ITV's The Big Story reported further serious allegations including sexual harassment and groping - which is classed as sexual assault.

One of the women in the BBC investigation, Ellie was 15 in 2008 when she reported an assault to the police - the allegation was leaked to the press but did not result in any charge.

In 2017, Channel 4's Dispatches broadcast allegations of groping, assault and harassment, with one woman waving her right to anonymity for the first time.

But only now following his death have most women felt able to speak publically about his rapes and attempted rapes.

Gemma (pictured), who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says she was raped by Al Fayed during a work trip to Paris

One of his alleged victims, Gemma, who worked for Al Fayed as a personal assistant between 2007 and 2009, says his behaviour would turn more frightening during work trips abroad

A number of victims have recently brought civil claims against Harrods for damages. The shop's current owners, who are not asking women to sign NDAs, started settling these in July 2023. Many more women are also said to be considering legal action against Harrods.

Bruce Drummond, a barrister representing some of the ex-employees, said: 'The spider's web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark.

'Any place of work has a duty to ensure the safety of its employees. Without question, the company failed these ladies.

'That's why we step in. Because they just did nothing to actually prevent this. They did the opposite. They enabled it.'

In a statement Harrods said: 'Since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible. This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.'
Rachel Reeves has ordered the removal of all pictures of men from the lavish state room at 11, Downing Street.

The Chancellor announced that every painting in the room would be replaced by artworks of or by women in order to celebrate 'amazing women who have gone before us'.

The decision comes just weeks after Sir Keir removed the portrait of Margaret Thatcher from her former study in neighbouring No 10 after reportedly finding the image of Britain's first female prime minister 'unsettling'.

Ms Reeves told an all-female reception at No 11 this week: 'This is King James behind me, but next week the artwork in this room is going to change.

'Every picture in this room is either going to be of a woman or by a woman - and we're also going to have a statue in this room of (suffragist) Millicent Fawcett, who did so much for the rights of women.'

King James II, who is posing in a suit of armour, is likely to be relegated to a storage room. Most other paintings around the large room currently feature men.

Rachel Reeves has ordered the removal of all pictures of men from the lavish state room at 11, Downing Street - Reeves pictured with with the Minister of Finance for Ireland Jack Chambers in the state room

The Chancellor announced that every painting in the room would be replaced by artworks of or by women in order to celebrate 'amazing women who have gone before us'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves holds a meeting with representatives from international banks at No 11 Downing Street

A Tory source dismissed the plan as 'pathetic gesture politics'.

But Ms Reeves, who is the UK's first female chancellor, has made the promotion of women a central theme of her political career.

Last year she published a book on obscure female economists, but later had to apologise after it emerged that parts of it had been plagiarised from other sources, including Wikipedia.

She is reported to have been cheered at the reception on Wednesday evening when she boasted of 'smashing the glass ceiling' at the Treasury and vowed to end the gender pay gap.

She told the gathering: 'It's 54 years now since Barbara Castle that legislation on equal pay and yet there is still a 14 per cent gap between what men and women are paid. I want to be the chancellor who closes that gap once and for all.'

However, she has failed in her bid to remove the urinal from the Chancellor's office bathroom at the Treasury after being warned it would require listed building consent and cost thousands.
Anthony Albanese's government will fail to meet its goal of reigning in immigration amid a housing crisis, with more than 400,000 new arrivals in Australia in the last financial year.

The government in last year's May budget forecast the number of foreigners moving to the country would drop to 315,000 in the 12 months to June under new measures it introduced - though this was revised to 375,000 in December and 395,000 earlier this year.

However, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released Thursday confirmed in just the first nine months of the financial year there were 388,000 new arrivals in the country, not counting the remaining four months.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the influx of new residents vying for places to live was why property prices remain at record highs.

'This is why Australians can't afford to buy a home, it's why the rents have gone through the roof and it's why we find ourselves in a position that we do today with people living without secure accommodation,' Mr Dutton said.

Minister for Employment Murray Watt said migration had slowed under the government's measures, and the data from the remaining four months of the financial year would show it had reduced further.

'We recognise that we need to make sure that the numbers of migrants that we have coming to Australia is sustainable, and that's exactly why we've taken a range of actions to bring that number down,' he said.

'We're starting to see the results of that. The numbers that came out today are actually from March, they're a little bit lagging. And of course, a number of the measures that we've taken took effect after March, so I would expect that we'd see that number fall further.'

The Albanese government said it would reduce Australia's migrant intake to 395,000 but new data from the ABS shows new arrivals will top 400,000 for the last financial year

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the influx of immigrants was why housing was 'unaffordable' in Australia

Immigration reached a record of 528,000 new people flooding into the country in 2022-23 after travel resumed following the Covid pandemic.

The government said this was a catch-up effect as immigration plunged during the two years of international border closures.

Since then it has steadily declined but not at the rate the government had hoped as the country continues to rely on international students and foreign workers to pump up the economy.

Chair of the government's National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz argued plans to let in 53,000 fewer foreign students from 2025 would not make houses easier to access.

The federal government in August announced it would set a cap of 270,000 international students as a bid to reduce migration and ease pressure on the housing sector.

But in an address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said the cap would not solve the issue.

'It's really hard for us to see how capping international student numbers could make very much of a dent at all on the housing system,' she said.

'It would seem to be fairly damaging to our second-biggest export industry and probably has very little effect on freeing up housing.'

The government is moving to cap the number of international students being accepted into universities but one top official said this would not make much of a difference to house prices

Universities would be able to increase the number of foreign pupils they can take in, but only if they increase student housing.

It's estimated university students make up just four per cent of renters in Australia.

Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said while there might be other reasons for why the number of university students coming from overseas would need to be limited, housing was not one of them.

'It is not the case that international students are crowding out renters in our cities, that's just simply not true,' she said.

Opposition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan said foreign student numbers needed to be reduced.

'We have seen record numbers of international students ... we will wait and see what the government's measures actually lead to,' he told ABC Radio on Thursday.

According to the latest ABS figures there were 509,750 migrants to the country in the 12 months to March.

NSW received 168,148 of those, 151,740 went to Victoria, 82,794 to Queensland and 64,902 to WA.
The New South Wales government is making all train travel free this weekend to soften the blow of disruptions caused by strikes.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union members will strike on a big weekend of sport in the Harbour City, in a dispute over a key train line being shut for a year to build a high-speed Metro link to the western suburbs.

Trains to Saturday night's Wallabies versus All Blacks Bledisloe Cup test are likely to be affected, but whether trains will run to the rugby at all is unclear.

Well over 100,000 footy fans will be travelling to AFL and NRL finals matches on Friday and Saturday night as well.

'We know rail travel could be a challenge as a result of industrial action,' Transport Minister Jo Haylen posted on social media Thursday night.

'So this weekend, we're making all rail travel free.'

Transport Minister Jo Haylen has made train travel free this weekend. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray has advised fans heading to the Wallabies for the 3.45pm game on Saturday in particular to check news updates and travel apps.

As of early Friday morning, the Transport for NSW journey planner is not showing any disruptions.

Buses are replacing trains between Lindcombe, Bankstown and Campsie because of pre-scheduled track work this weekend though.

This latest strike action centres on stalled negotiations for a new enterprise agreement between the government, Sydney Trains and NSW Trains which has been hammered over since June.

'I would say to the union, don't let families be the victims here,' Ms Haylen said after a late-night meeting on Wednesday failed to get a result.

The union has a laundry list of 250 demands. A key issue is the fact the Bankstown line will be shut while it is converted to a Metro line for 12 months.

The union does not want workers' work varied during the shutdown. The first stage of the closure between Campsie and Bankstown is scheduled to begin on Saturday, and the rest of the line is expected to be shut on September 30.

The government needs the union on board for the shutdown; Any delays could blowout the project in the order of $3m a day.

The new Sydney Metro opened in August. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

The union also wants a qualified Sydney Trains driver on every metro train, the Transport Minister has said.

'I need those Sydney Trains drivers for the Sydney Trains network. Those are the kind of things that I could not agree to,' the Minister said.

Also on the union wishlist is $0.50 train fares. Across the border in Queensland the Labor government has lowered all bus, train, ferry and tram fares to 50 cents, and the Opposition says it will keep that pricing if it is elected next month.

But in New South Wales, the Transport Minister says Sydney public transport is too heavily subsidised to cut fares to $0.50.
A Kentucky sheriff has turned himself in for allegedly shooting a judge dead inside his chambers on Thursday after asking staff if he could speak with him.

Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, surrendered himself to police following the shooting death of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, at the County Courthouse at around 3pm, The Mountain Eagle reports.

The sheriff allegedly walked into the judge's outer office, told court employees and others gathered there he needed to speak to Mullins alone.

He and Mullins then entered the judge's inner office, closed the door and those outside heard gunshots, according to The Mountain Eagle.

Stines then walked out with his hands raised and surrendered to officers, who placed him in handcuffs. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder.

District Court Judge Kevin Mullins was shot dead in his chambers on Thursday

Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines reportedly surrendered himself to police following the shooting

In the aftermath, Letcher County Central High School was placed on lockdown at the request of state police because of 'an active shooting downtown,' the school said in a statement.

'Your children are safe. The shooter has been apprehended,' the statement said, adding that the students were later released.

The coroner later confirmed that one person was killed in a shooting at the courthouse, but did not identify the victim, according to WKYT.

However, Gov. Andy Beshear later posted on X that he has been informed that a district judge was killed in his chambers.

'There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow,' he wrote.

Mullins was appointed to serve as a judge in the state's 47th district under former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009.

He oversaw juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and domestic violence cases, according to a Letcher County website.

Mullins also gained recognition for his efforts to treat those with drug addiction rather than incarcerate them, starting a program in 2010 that allowed inmates with substance abuse disorders to enroll in inpatient treatment as a condition of pretrial release.

He was previously an assistant commonwealth attorney for nine and a half years, focusing on drug-related offenses.

Stines, meanwhile, was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

The sheriff reportedly told court employees he needed to speak with Mullins alone, and the two went into his inner office and closed the door before witnesses heard gunshots

A motive for the shooting remains unclear, and Kentucky State Police and Lechter County Coroner Perry Fowler were still investigating the scene as of 5pm local time.

It's 'early in the investigation' and officials are still 'trying to piece together' information and evidence, State Trooper Matt Gayheart said.

The Kentucky Court of Justice says it is also 'in contact with law enforcement agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time.

'While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way we can,' the court system said on social media.

'Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time.'

Attorney General Russell Coleman has also announced on social media his office will work with the commonwealth's attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit as special prosecutors in the case.
About 40,000 customers of a major hardware chain have had their data leaked by hackers, including credit card details, mobile numbers and email addresses.

Total Tools has fallen victim to a professional cyber attack which was first identified earlier this week when unusual activity was spotted within its IT system.

The company's chief executive Richard Murray said on Thursday they were confident the cause of the data leaked had been fixed and removed from its website.

'The data that has been illegally compromised includes customer name, email address, Total Tools password, mobile number, shipping address, and credit card details of customers who shopped or registered on our website recently,' he told The Australian.

'In addition to contacting impacted customers, Total Tools has also implemented several additional cybersecurity measures to minimise the likelihood of this occurring again.'

Total Tools has fallen victim to a cyber attack which was first identified earlier this week

Tradies whose details were leaked have been contacted by the company, which is continuing to investigate the breach with the help of a cybersecurity expert.

It's believed about 38,000 customers were impacted by the breach.

They've been told what steps they need to take to lower the risk of their information potentially being used.

Total Tools, which is owned by Metcash, has more than 120 stores across Australia.

The company has reported the hack to the Australian Cyber Security Centre and Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

The data breach comes after nearly 13 million Aussies were impacted by a cyber attack on online prescription provider MediSecure.

Optus also suffered a major data breach when the personal information of almost 10 million customers was stolen in September, 2022.
The number of single-use plastic bags sold in 2023/24 fell by 67million compared to the previous year - and has dropped by 98 per cent in a decade.

The Daily Mail led the way with our Banish the Bags campaign - and customer charges for each bag used came into force in 2014.

New figures from the Department for the Environment show how the charge - now 10 pence - has been a staggering success, making a huge impact on the amount of single use plastic bags handed out by retailers - and helping to reduce the scourge of litter and plastic pollution in the country.

In 2023/24, the total number of single-use plastic bags sold by all retailers fell to 340 million, down from 407 million in 2022/23.

In a further incredible drop, the number of single-use plastic bags sold by the main retailers (Asda, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, The Co-operative Group and Waitrose) last year was 79 million, down from 133 million in 2022/23.

The Daily Mail led the way with our Banish the Bags campaign - and customer charges for each bag used came into force in 2014

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh (pictured) said: 'These figures show the previous Government was right to introduce the plastic bag charge'

This is an incredible decrease of more than 98 per cent in the number of bags sold by the main retailers in 2014 - a reduction of around 7.56 billion bags.

The charge has also raised a significant amount for charities and other good causes.

In the past year, 35 per cent of retailers donated 4.2million to charities.

The total amount of money donated to good causes from the plastic bag charges now stands at 210million since the charges were brought in.

The 10 pence charge on bags dates from May 2021 - and was 5 pence a bag prior to that.

Defra said in a statement that the total given to good causes is likely to be higher than 210million as some retailers do not report their donation figures.

And the reduction in bags used could be higher as only large retailers are required to record and report the number of single-use carrier bags they sell in England.

A large retailer employs 250 or more full-time equivalent employees (in total and not just in retail roles) in a year.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: 'Plastic waste blights our streets, rivers and seas.

'These figures show the previous Government was right to introduce the plastic bag charge.

'However, we must do much more to move towards a zero-waste economy. That is why we are working at pace to end the throw-away society and clean up Britain.'
Labour has stood by its controversial partial arms embargo on Israel after Benjamin Netanyahu launched an astonishing broadside at the administration in the Daily Mail.

The Jewish State's leader accused the UK government of sending 'mixed messages' and 'undermining' his country's right to self-defence in an exclusive interview with this newspaper.

He hit out at their decision to suspend 30 arms licences which came just days after Hamas executed six hostages saying it sent a 'horrible message' to them.

But yesterday Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended restrictions as 'fair' and 'proportionate'.

In an interview with the Mail, Israel's prime minister attacked Sir Keir Starmer's 'misguided' administration

Benjamin Netanyahu accused the UK government of sending 'mixed messages' and 'undermining' his country's right to self-defence in an exclusive interview with this newspaper

Yesterday Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended restrictions as 'fair' and 'proportionate'

The Labour administration was accused of pandering to anti-Israel sentiment on its own backbenches when Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the move

He told LBC: 'The findings that were passed to me from the Foreign Office, from the Foreign Secretary, that there was a risk that Israel was not complying with international humanitarian law in relation to detainees and access to aid, mean that I have to act.'

Mr Reynolds said the limitations only apply to the conflict in Gaza, meaning Israel can still use the weapons in other parts of the territory, including against militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.'

The decision we took was fair, was proportionate, was consistent with international law, and fundamentally what we need, what everyone needs in the Middle East, is a ceasefire in that conflict,' he continued.

Earlier this month, the fledgling Labour administration was accused of pandering to anti-Israel sentiment on its own backbenches when Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the move.

It is said to have appalled some American policymakers and followed Labour's dropping of Britain's objections to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant being issued against Netanyahu.
Mohamed Al Fayed rose from a poverty-stricken childhood to the top of British high society and gained many loyal allies along the way.

The high profile businessman, who amassed a 1.3billion fortune before his death in August 2023 aged 94, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by more than 20 female ex-employees.

Al Fayed famously owned London's high end department store Harrods from 1985 to 2010, and had still owned the Paris Ritz - which he bought in 1979 - upon his death.

But as in the case of media puppetmaster Max Clifford, security chief John Macnamara and Harrods doctor Dr Wendy Snell - many secrets died with him.

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of raping multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1984 to 2010

Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with Princess Diana at the charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

The current owners of luxury department store Harrods in London (pictured) issued a statement saying: 'While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future'

MAX CLIFFORD

Self-styled media puppetmaster Max Clifford, fond of claiming half the biggest 'kiss and tell' stories in the tabloids came from him, represented the Harrods boss around the turn of millennium.

And he could not help boasting to an undercover documentary maker about his work for Al Fayed, bragging: 'It's like Mohamed you know, Harrods, who's 76 going on 18 when it comes to young ladies.

He's a randy old sod. If he's groping 17-year-olds who are quite willing because they're being paid a lot of money, fine... It's gone on for 15 years.'

In 2012 Clifford was exposed as a squalid predator himself.

He died in 2017, aged 74, after collapsing in prison while serving a jail sentence for sex offences against girls aged 15 to 19.

Just as Al Fayed is alleged to have done, Clifford used his status to groom and overawe victims, and he would prey on them in his own office.

Media puppetmaster Max Clifford, fond of claiming half the biggest 'kiss and tell' stories in the tabloids came from him, represented the Harrods boss around the turn of millennium

WENDY SNELL

Dr Wendy Snell worked full time as Harrods doctor  and according to new allegations monitored the production line of new girls Al Fayed selected.

According to women who have spoken to the BBC, once hired to work closely with the businessman but before his first assaults, they would be sent for a medical with the in-house GP.

One woman, named only as Cheska, claims that as a teenager in the 1990s, hired as a junior personal assistant to Al Fayed, she was told she needed a medical.

Cheska went on: 'I went to the doctor, thinking it was just going to be height, blood pressure... but it wasn't. It was much more thorough.

It was the first time I'd had a smear test. It felt a bit uncomfortable in every respect. 'I just remember the doctor saying 'how wonderful' Al Fayed was, and 'Didn't he look after his employees?' Dr Snell died two years ago, aged 64.

Dr Wendy Snell worked full time as Harrods doctor  and according to new allegations monitored the production line of new girls Al Fayed selected

JOHN MACNAMARA

Al Fayed's head of security John Macnamara, a former Met Police detective superintendent, is said to have been happy to use a gun to intimidate those who crossed his boss.

According to a former member of the tycoon's security team who spoke to the BBC, Macnamara 'was a nasty piece of work, he would threaten people and use his powers as an ex-copper. I know for a fact thathe knocked on someone's door and threatened them with a gun'.

A victim who went to the press with her allegations in 1995 said she was threatened by Macnamara when he tracked her down before anything could be published: '

He said I wasn't to be involved in the article, and if I went against his advice, he knew where my parents lived. It turned me cold.' Macnamara died five years ago aged 83.
Hannah McGuire's heartbroken family have burst into tears as the man accused of killing her denied murdering the beloved 23-year-old teacher's aid.

Ms McGuire's ex-boyfriend Lachlan Young appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday via video link where he formally entered a plea of not guilty to murder.

The court had been packed with friends and family of Ms McGuire, many of whom wore t-shirts bearing her smiling face.

There was an audible gasp as Young entered his plea from a video room within the Melbourne Assessment Prison.

Dressed in a pink t-shirt and sporting a mullet, Young showed no emotion as he sat through the hearing.

The court heard Young had declined his right to a preliminary committal hearing and instead elected to have his matter fast-tracked to the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Hannah McGuire poses outside her King Drive home with her alleged killer Lachlan young a little over a year before her death

Ms McGuires devastated parents Glenn and Debbie outside the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday

Ms McGuire's friends and family wore t-shirts bearing her image in court on Thursday

Outside court, Nicole Van Berkel - family friend of Ms McGuire  struggled to hide her emotions.

Its just a tragic loss. Its just senseless, she said.

Ms Van Berkel was among up to 100 people who crammed into the courtroom in support of Ms McGuires family.

Its just devastating, she said of Youngs plea.

We thought, do us all a favour, but.

Ms McGuires devastated parents Glenn and Debbie stormed past the media pack after the hearing.

They had been front-and-centre in court in a position that would have allowed Young to clearly see them on his video screen from prison.

A police officer was seen hugging Ms McGuires mum as she made her way into the court.

No reason was offered as to why Young elected to have the matter go directly to the Supreme Court.

Alleged mushroom killer Erin Patterson made a similar decision last month.

Like Patterson, Youngs matter will be fast tracked to the Supreme Court in an effort to get the trial underway as soon as possible.

However, the trial is unlikely to happen anytime soon and is not expected to take place until late next year at best.

Ms McGuire's mum embraced a police officer outside court before Thursday's hearing

Hannah McGuire's friends and family lined up outside court on Thursday

Hannah McGuire was allegedly murdered by her estranged partner

Lachlan Young appeared in court similar to this photo

Young told the magistrate he understood what his decision meant.

No reasons have been provided as to why or how police allege Young killed his recently estranged partner.

While the media has been granted Young's charge sheets, those reasons will now remain unknown until he stands trial.

Pictured smiling from ear-to-ear, Ms McGuire had posed next to a large 'sold' sign alongside her then-partner outside their home in Sebastopol, near Ballarat in regional Victoria, a little over a year before her alleged murder.

The snapshot of happiness was taken almost a year to the day before Young appeared in court on Tuesday to face charges of murdering Ms McGuire.

Another image obtained by Daily Mail Australia showed a beaming Young snuggled in closely to his immaculately dressed partner.

The King Drive property was sold to the then-couple on March 17 last year, with the pair moving in shortly afterwards.

Ms McGuire's body was found near State Forest Road, close to Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 1am on Friday.

Her death had initially been dismissed as a suicide after her body was found in a burnt out car.

But a coroner's report indicated she had allegedly sustained deadly injuries before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Nicole Van Berkel said she was devastated by Young's not guilty plea

Lachlan Young was arrested inside the couple's dream home on Sunday

Hannah McGuire was a beloved teacher's aid

A friend of Ms McGuire, who asked to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail Australia her friend had worked as a teacher alongside Young's sister.

'Hannah was the most caring person anyone could come across, no matter what walk of life you came from she welcomed you with open arms,' she said.

Ms McGuire had been in the process of finishing her degree while working as a teacher until her heartbreaking death.

A year earlier, the then-happy couple paid $470,000 for their first dream home which on Tuesday was sealed off with police tape as a crime scene on Tuesday.

Young's own family home, where his parents still reside, sits a mere stone's throw from the property.

The couple's house boasted three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a large double garage in the backyard.

The couple had been popular among many of their neighbours, who shared fond memories of drinking with them at the home.

Young will appear in the Supreme Court of Victoria next month.
As the wife of her beloved grandson Prince William, Kate Middleton always had a special place in the heart of Queen Elizabeth.

So it was no surprise that at the monarch's funeral two years ago today, the Princess of Wales honoured Her Late Majesty in her outfit and jewellery choices.

Her choker and earrings were wedding gifts to the late monarch, while Kate's Alexander McQueen coat dress was both effortlessly stylish and entirely appropriate for the occasion.

But Catherine was not the only royal to pay tribute to the Queen through clothing or jewellery, with the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Charlotte and Meghan Markle also paying subtle homage to her - as we reveal below.

Millions mourned the passing of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, after the announcement of her death in September 2022

Catherine, Princess of Wales

Kate's Alexander McQueen coat dress was modelled on a white version she wore during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier that year.

She accessorised with the late Queen's Japanese pearl choker and Bahrain pearl drop earrings, both of which were created from pearls gifted to Elizabeth on her wedding day in 1947.

The Princess of Wales completed the look with a Philip Treacy wide-brimmed hat and styled her brunette tresses in a chignon, which highlighted the elegance of her jewellery.

Pearls, a tradition in royal mourning dating back to Queen Victoria, were a particularly fitting choice.

The choker, which was first loaned to Kate for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's 70th wedding anniversary in 2017, was also worn by the Princess at Prince Philip's funeral in 2021.

The Princess of Wales upheld her style reputation in an Alexander McQueen coat dress, modelled on a white version she had worn during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June that same year

Kate accessorised with the late Queen's Japanese pearl choker and Bahrain pearl drop earrings, both of which were created from pearls gifted to Elizabeth on her wedding day in 1947. Above right: The Queen wearing the choker in Bangladesh in 1983

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also honoured Queen Elizabeth with thoughtfully chosen clothing.

She showcased a bespoke Suzannah London dress, embroidered with lily of the valley - the late monarch's favourite flower - as well as other blooms that Elizabeth carried in her wedding bouquet in 1947.

On her lapel, Sophie displayed a sparkling brooch, featuring two strawberries embellished with black and silver diamonds. The last time she wore it in public was alongside Queen Elizabeth at Royal Ascot in 2014.

Additionally, Sophie's hat, designed by Jane Taylor, referenced the Queen's wedding posy and her passion for horses.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, wore a Suzannah London dress, embroidered with lily of the valley, the late monarch's favourite flower, as well as blooms that she carried in her wedding bouquet in 1947

Sophie's stunning dress - and the patterns that paid tribute to the Queen - seen during its production

Princess Charlotte

Even Princess Charlotte, dressed in a similar manner to her mother, offered a subtle tribute to Queen Elizabeth.

Her traditional Ancar wool coat was adorned with a diamond horseshoe brooch, believed to have been a present from her late grandmother.

This sparkling piece was originally worn by the Queen Mother in the 1920s. It is thought that she received it as a gift from her mother-in-law, Queen Mary.

It marked the first occasion the Princess, who is third in line to the throne, has worn such symbolic jewellery.

Princess Charlotte paid subtle tribute to her grandmother, by wearing a horseshoe brooch that was a gift from Queen Elizabeth. The Queen Mother wore the same brooch in 1929

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle opted for a Stella McCartney cape dress, paired with a curvaceous hat by Stephen Jones.

She had previously worn the navy version of this distinctive dress to Queen Elizabeth's 92nd birthday celebrations in 2018.

Meghan selected a touching accessory: a pair of pearl earrings that the late monarch had given her to mark their first solo outing together in 2018.

Meghan opted for a Stella McCartney cape dress, paired with a curvaceous hat by Stephen Jones. Similar to Kate, the Duchess of Sussex accessorised with a pair of pearl earrings that the late monarch had given her to mark their first solo outing together in 2018

Queen Camilla

Camilla paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth by wearing a brooch that once belonged to Queen Victoria.

The Queen has worn the Hesse Diamond Jubilee brooch to various events since her marriage to King Charles, including Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

This brooch, gifted to Queen Victoria by her Hessian grandchildren in 1897, boasts the number 60 in Slavonic characters, encircled by a diamond heart with three sapphires.

The brooch stood out beautifully against Camilla's mid-length black coat dress by Fiona Clare.

She carried a clutch from Queen Elizabeth's favourite accessory brand, Launer.

Camilla paid tribute to Elizabeth by wearing the Hesse Diamond Jubilee brooch, which once belonged to Queen Victoria

Zara Tindall

Zara Tindall turned to her favourite designers to craft her impeccable mourning ensemble.

She wore a fit-and-flare coat by Laura Green, complete with a waist belt and duchesse-satin collar, paired with a Juliette Millinery floral hat and Emmy London suede pumps.

Her outfit was complemented by pearl drop earrings, highlighting her blonde cropped hair, styled to resemble an updo.

Zara Tindall wore a fit-and-flare coat by Laura Green, complete with a waist belt and duchesse-satin collar, paired with a Juliette Millinery floral hat and Emmy London suede pumps

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie attended the state funeral in coordinated black outfits.

Beatrice paired a Louis Vuitton knee-length dress with a cropped dinner jacket by The Kooples, completing the look with a Sarah Cant hat and Jimmy Choo pumps.

Meanwhile, Eugenie opted for a sophisticated Day Birger Et Mikkelsen coat with striking gold buttons, an Emily London boater and a Gabriela Hearst bag.

A few days before the funeral, the sisters shared a heartfelt joint statement on Instagram, reading, 'Grannie, we're so happy you're back with Grandpa,' accompanied by a photograph of the late monarch with them as children.
Bundled in a sleeping bag and sitting on a deck chair on The Mall, I was determined to have a front row view of what would be a historic but deeply sad moment.

It was the night before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and my mother and I - along with hundreds of others - were camping out on the iconic road leading to Buckingham Palace.

The passing by of her funeral procession, which would include royals led by her son King Charles, was a moment we wanted to experience first-hand, so we could properly pay our respects to the Queen who had served our country for most of her life.

Securing a spot near the corner that leads to Horse Guards Road, we prepared to brave the night with only fold-up deck chairs, sleeping bags, blankets and a thick coat.

It was a rushed decision, as the weekend had coincided with me moving to London for university.

We had to choose between joining the long queue to see the Queen lying in state in Westminster Hall, or head to The Mall.

MailOnline reporter Alesia Fiddler (right) with her mother during their time camping on The Mall ahead of the Queen's funeral

Troops salute as Queen Elizabeth's funeral procession travels down The Mall

The Queen's coffin being carried out of Westminster Abbey after the funeral service

Either choice meant dedicating hours to being outside in the cold, but we intended to pay tribute in some way.

Only a few months earlier, we had been among hundreds of thousands of people who lined the streets of London for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and now we wanted to say goodbye.

The day before, we had laid flowers at St James's Park, where I was hugely moved by the messages people - among them young children - had left.

At the gates of Buckingham Palace someone had placed myrtle between the railings - a subtle nod to the Queen's wedding bouquet.

It was heartwarming to see the way the nation had come together for the late monarch one final time.

The Mall had its own sense of unity. It was unarguably a solemn occasion but the atmosphere on the half-a-mile-long road down to Buckingham Palace felt special.

Everyone was there for the same reason; bonded together in a sense of patriotic unity.

Union Jacks of varying sizes were dotted around and people excitedly chatted to one another.

Other campers on The Mall are seen during ahead of the Queen's funeral in September 2022

MailOnline reporter Alesia Fiddler and her mother hold their floral tribute to the Queen outside Buckingham Palace

The Royal Navy procession down The Mall during the Queen's funeral

Many had never met before and my mother and I soon started talking with two women who were sitting beside us in a similar set up of camping chairs and blankets.

As the evening drew in and the sun began to set over Buckingham Palace, we were faced with the challenge of finding a meal.

Given that it was a chilly September night, we wanted something warm.

I left my mother to guard the chairs while I ventured to various pubs around Trafalgar Square to try and secure pie and mash in a takeaway box.

It was admittedly an ambitious choice, but the very British combo was what we both fancied.

The pubs were heaving and, after several slightly frazzled waiters told me, 'No, sorry', I instead returned to The Mall with McDonald's.

Toilets were another battle we had to tackle.

Fortunately, there were portable toilets, but given the number of people who were either passing by or had also set up camp, there was often a queue to use them.

The sun setting over members of the public on The Mall on the eve of the late Queen's funeral

We were treated to an elderly man's rendition of a poem he had written in tribute to the Queen

Three officers standing by the side of The Mall waiting for the procession to begin

Later in the evening, after we had wolfed down our burgers and chips, I spotted an elderly man walking down The Mall.

The intriguing figure in a long coat was purposefully holding a piece of paper.

He had caught my interest, so we walked over to see what he was doing.

To everyone's delight, the man read a poem he had written about the late Queen's 70-year reign.

In a fitting tribute, he spoke of her 'long devoted service' and how she was 'that oyster pearl who reigned along at 90 at the pace of a teenage girl'.

Afterwards, he encouraged everyone to sing the National Anthem.

It was the kind of situation that you would only find yourself in at 10pm on The Mall, the night before the Queen's funeral.

Getting sleep proved to be tricky, in large part due to the fact that we were sitting next to one of the bright street lamps that lined the road leading to Buckingham Palace.

There was also the quiet but constant buzz of conversation between other campers to contend with.

I rather unsuccessfully attempted to get some rest by putting a blanket over my head, but soon the noise of policemen and women taking their positions and metal railings scraping along the floor invaded everyone's consciousness.

Throughout the morning, more people piled onto The Mall and it was soon packed full.

Like my Mum and me, they were all waiting patiently to pay their respects to the Queen one final time.

At around 12.45pm, the Queen's funeral procession eventually marched around the corner of Horse Guards Road and onto The Mall.

Despite there being thousands of people standing trying to catch a glimpse of the State Gun Carriage bearing Queen Elizabeth's coffin, silence fell as it passed by.

The only significant sounds were the thud of members of the Naval Ratings marching in a well-practised unison and the turning wheels of the carriage.

The Queen's Guards lining up on The Mall ahead of the procession

The military procession down The Mall during the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth

I watched in awe as the late monarch's coffin passed by just a few feet away from where we were standing.

The three officers on guard directly in front of the barrier stood to attention and saluted.

Seeing the Imperial State Crown, Orb and Sceptre placed poignantly on the top was a deeply touching moment.

It felt as though everyone was holding their breath as the carriage went by. One woman to my left threw a bunch of Carnations onto the road in a personal tribute.

There were tears everywhere.

I watched the Queen's children - King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward - follow her coffin, all solemnly looking forwards.

Behind them, her grandsons, Prince William, Prince Harry and Peter Phillips, also walked while cars carrying the other family members slowly drove by.

It was a surreal but deeply moving moment that I will never forget.
At 11am two years ago today, the nation and hundreds of millions of people across the world turned on their televisions to watch the final goodbye to the woman who gave them everything.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral, which took place in the majestic Westminster Abbey, fittingly paid tribute to her extraordinary reign.

The Queen's Coffin had been lying-in-state since the evening of Wednesday, September 14.

At 6.30am on the morning of Monday, September, 19 - after hundreds of thousands of people had queued across London to pay their respects, the the lying-in-state came to an end - and the funeral proceedings began.

The service was attended by nearly every notable world leader, from US President Joe Biden to French President Emmanuel Macron.

There too were the kings and queens of Europe's royal houses, as well as those from further afield.

King Charles III and members of the royal family follow behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre, as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after her State Funeral

For the first time in history, female sailors were part of the crew that manned the State Gun Carriage that carried the Queen's coffin

Also in the congregation were holders of the George Cross and the Victoria Cross, in line with the late Queen's wishes.

Almost 200 people who were recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours earlier in 2022 attended too.

At the end of the service, the Last Post was played and two minutes silence was observed  not only in the Abbey but throughout the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty's coffin was borne to Wellington Arch, via The Mall, on the State Gun Carriage.

The carriage, made in 1896, was first used at Queen Victoria's state funeral in 1901 and it has been used for that of every monarch since, including Edward VII, George V and George VI.

The body of the only prime minister to have received a state funeral, Sir Winston Churchill in 1965, was also carried on the State Gun Carriage.

The carriage was originally manned by the Army. However, at Queen Victoria's funeral some of the horses started panicking and nearby sailors were ordered to take over.

They've been in charge ever since  and won't relinquish the honour.

Nearly 100 sailors pulled the carriage, with a further 40 behind acting as 'brakers.' They also had four officers alongside.

That year, for the first time in history, female sailors were part of the gun crew.

The King and members of the Royal Family followed the Queen's coffin in the procession.

The procession included detachments from the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth, as well as detachments of the British Armed Forces who held a special relationship with the Queen.

Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Meghan Markle and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh are seen leaving Westminster Abbey after the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

King Charles watching his mother's coffin leave Westminster Abbey to make its way to Wellington Arch

King Charles leads Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence out of Westminster Abbey after the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

Europe's kings and queens also attended the service. Above: Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece and Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece arrive at Westminster Abbey

Her Majesty's coffin was borne to Wellington Arch, via The Mall, on the State Gun Carriage

The King's Guard gave a salute as the coffin passed the Queen Victoria memorial at the end of The Mall.

Once the Queen's body reached Wellington Arch, it was placed in the state hearse.

The national anthem was played as the hearse began its journey to St George's Chapel for the committal service.

When the coffin reached Windsor, the State Hearse joined a Procession which travelled via the famous Long Walk to St George's Chapel.

Members of the Royal Family joined the Procession in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.

Minute guns were fired on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle by the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, and the Sebastopol Bell tolled throughout the procession.

Royal Navy sailors carry the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II by gun carriage through Wellington Arch from Westminster Abbey

The Royal Family watch as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is placed in the state hearse at Wellington Arch

The procession arrived at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St George's Chapel

Emma, the monarch's fell pony, stands as the Queen's funeral procession arrives at Windsor

A general view of the procession as it proceeds towards St. George's Chapel

Members of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carry Queen Elizabeth II's coffin, draped in the Royal Standard, into St George's Chapel the committal service

As the Queen's Coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, the Sovereign's Piper played a lament

Her Majesty's fell Pony, Emma and her corgis, Muick and Sandy, were movingly present as the procession passed by.

It then halted at the bottom of the west steps of St. George's Chapel, where a guard of honour was mounted.

The Queen's coffin was borne in procession into the chapel.

The committal service began at 4pm, and alongside His Majesty and members of the Royal Family, the congregation was made up of past and present members of The Queen's Household.

The Bible reading given by the Dean of Windsor, Revelation 21, verses 1-7, was the same passage read at the funerals of the Queen's grandparents, King George V in 1936 and Queen Mary in 1953, and Her Majesty's father King George VI in 1952.

The service was conducted by the Dean of Windsor, with prayers said by the Rector of Sandringham, the Minister of Crathie Kirk and the Chaplain of Windsor Great Park.

The Choir of St George's Chapel sang during the Service.

Prior to the final hymn, the Imperial State Crown, the Orb and the Sceptre were removed from the Queen's coffin, and placed on the Altar.

The King then placed the Queen's Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on Her Majesty's Coffin.

At the same time, the Lord Chamberlain 'broke' his 'Wand of Office' and placed it on the coffin.

As the Queen's Coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, the Sovereign's piper played a lament and rhe Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the blessing.

The National Anthem was sung at the conclusion of the service.

A private burial took place in the King George VI Memorial Chapel later that evening, conducted by the Dean of Windsor.

The Queen was buried together with the Duke of Edinburgh, her parents and her sister, Princess Margaret.

So ended one of the saddest days in Royal and British history.
Since I disclosed last month that Prince Harry's grandly titled chief of staff, Josh Kettler, had quit suddenly after barely three months, there has been much intrigue over why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex apparently struggle to retain employees.

This week, the Hollywood Reporter published an incendiary report claiming: 'Everyone's terrified of Meghan.' It quoted a source close to the California-based couple describing King Charles's daughter-in-law as 'Duchess Difficult'.

The source said: 'She belittles people, she doesn't take advice. She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders. I've watched her reduce grown men to tears.'

Of the couple, the source added: 'They're both poor decision-makers, they change their minds frequently. Harry is a very, very charming person  no airs at all  but he's very much an enabler. And she's just terrible.'

The former actress's treatment of two royal aides prompted Buckingham Palace to investigate her for 'bullying behaviour' in 2018, but the results of the inquiry were never made public. Meghan strenuously denied the allegations and denounced them as part of a 'calculated smear campaign'. Neither she nor Harry have commented on the fresh claims from the US.

Rumours have spread over the way the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, behave towards those in their employ

I disclosed last month that Prince Harry's grandly titled chief of staff, Josh Kettler, had quit suddenly after barely three months, Richard Eden writes

However, a friend of theirs tells me they deny the allegations made by the Hollywood Reporter, saying: 'The reporting is ill-informed and very one-sided.'

With Harry due to return to Britain next week for a charity event, and the Royal Family's willingness to mend fences demonstrated by their birthday wishes to the duke posted on social media on Sunday, there has never been a more important time for him to appoint a new right-hand man, or woman.

So here are the ten things I would do if I were appointed as Harry's new chief of staff:

1) Establish who's boss. Am I the chief of staff or will I be undermined constantly by 'Duchess Difficult'?

2) Get to the bottom of what Harry wants to achieve in life. Does he want to continue exploiting his royal connections for profit or concentrate on public service?

3) Urge Harry to write to his father and Queen Camilla, apologising for the hurt he caused them with his memoir, Spare, and his numerous interviews. Make clear that he does not plan to do anything similar again.

4) Convince Harry to write to his brother and sister-in-law, the Prince and Princess of Wales, begging forgiveness for the tawdry claims he's made about them. And offer to state this in public as well, if they so wish.

5) Encourage Harry to meet his father-in-law, Thomas Markle. Meghan's father, who's 80 and in poor health, has still not met the duke, or his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

6) Press the duke to abandon his legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security. Harry's three-year legal fight with His Majesty's Government is an acute embarrassment for the King and source of resentment for hard-pressed British taxpayers.

7) Write a code of conduct for staff and 'principals' in the Sussex household, making clear that bullying will not be tolerated. And encourage Buckingham Palace to clear the air by publishing the results of its investigation into Meghan's behaviour towards employees.

8) Encourage Harry to become involved with an anti-drugs charity. It would help make clear that the duke's use of illegal substances is confined to the past.

9) Persuade Harry to take a leaf out of his brother's book and embrace baldness. Harry's attempts at comb-overs look increasingly desperate. Go for the Jason Statham, Hollywood hardman look.

10) Finally, urge Harry to smile more, particularly when with Meghan. His sullen look makes him appear grumpy and resentful.

If Harry took my advice, I'm convinced that he would soon be embraced once more by the public who used to adore him.

Sign up for Richard Eden's Royal Newsletter. Click here.
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A foundation tint from an Australian beauty brand has proved so popular with beauty fans and experts it has been branded 'incredible' by happy customers.

In fact, Naked Sundays' BeautyScreen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint was dubbed product 'of the year' by celebrity makeup artist Max Made and a number of shades sold out just minutes after the product launched.

Fans of the tinted foundation say the formula 'blends so seamlessly' and 'melts' into their skin - leaving a 'flawless, radiant finish'.

Another fan shared: 'The BeautyScreen is a game-changer! I've been using this for a couple of weeks now and it gives you that perfect, lightweight coverage. It blurs imperfections and leaves your skin hydrated and glowy... My new go-to for an everyday glow!'

'I have been searching for this for so long! It's so easy apply as it is a silky consistency. The shade match is perfect too. It's the perfect everyday foundation,' another shared.

The mineral SPF50 tinted foundation comes in 13 different shades and claims to provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

Given the hype, I was keen to try the product for myself to see whether the compliments were warranted.

Naked Sundays' BeautyScreen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint has racked up rave reviews since it was launched a few weeks ago, but does the 'must have' product live up to the hype?

I don't like wearing foundation often as it feels too thick and heavy on my skin, but my go-to BB cream doesn't provide as much coverage as I'd like, so the BeautyScreen promised to fill this gap.

The product absolutely lived up to the expectations. The consistency is beautiful, the coverage is impressive, which normally indicates a heavier formula but the tint really is incredibly lightweight.

I opted for Shade 3, Warm Honey, which is perhaps ever so slightly darker than I would have liked but you can blend shades together to find your perfect match. I'd say if you're tossing up between shades, I'd choose the lighter option.

The formula of BeautyScreen is made up of peptides, chains of amino acids, which help to form proteins, like collagen, needed by the skin. Polyglutamic Acid, helps to hydrate the skin by attracting moisture and sealing it in and the product also contains Niacinamide, which can help to even and brighten skin tone and Squalane, which helps to lock in moisture.

I find that traditional foundations can leave my skin feeling dehydrated by the end of the day but the BeautyScreen tint doesn't dry my skin out.

The BeautyScreen is easy to apply with just fingers but I preferred using the brand's foundation buffing brush and found that a little amount of product does go a long way.

Naked Sundays offers bundles on its product - giving you more bang for your buck.

Fans of the tinted foundation say the formula 'blends so seamlessly' and 'melts' into their skin - leaving a 'flawless, radiant finish'

The tint blends into skin nicely, it covers blemishes really well and it left my skin looking dewy and despite having SPF50 in the formula there is no white cast.

Out of habit I have been applying my usual SPF50 onto my skin before using BeautyScreen but the brand advises to use at least one full 1/4 teaspoon if you're using it as full sunscreen.

My only criticism of BeautyScreen would be the size. The product is just 30ml, which is perfect to fit into any bag to take on the go, but as it is now part of my everyday routine I think I'll be going through tubes quite quickly.

Naked Sundays is the brainchild of former reporter turned entrepreneur Samantha Brett, who launched the brand in January 2021, with just two products, the SPF50+ Mist, and the SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion.

Since then the brand has grown dramatically launching a range of products and as well as building a cult following among beauty fans, Naked Sundays has also attracted celebrity admirers including Khloe Kardashian and Suki Waterhouse.

Early this month Brett was in LA, launching the BeautyScreen product to a whole host of influencers in Hollywood and the reception to the new tint was as positive Stateside as it was in Australia.

To shop Naked Sundays BeautyScreen, click here.

Use SPF as directed, reapply often, stay out of direct sunlight where possible. SPF is only one form of sun protection. Wear protective clothing when outdoors
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Is it curtains for Emilys French beau, Gabriel? Will she linger longer than expected in the Eternal City and give the Netflix show a whole new lease of life?

Whats clear is that two new episodes of Emily in Paris (featuring Emily in Rome)  now available to stream following months of speculation after Lily Collins (aka Emily) was spotted filming in the Italian capital back in May  will do the citys reputation no harm.

No sooner does she arrive than Marcello, her Italian stallion, scoops her up on the back of his Vespa and off they go.

This is a great way of discovering Rome but, sadly, I dont have Marcello at my beck and call.

Instead, I book a tour on another legendary Italian vehicle: a vintage Fiat 500.

Italy calling: Jo Kessel cruises around Rome in a vintage Fiat 500, stopping at some of the incredible landmarks featured in the new episodes of Emily in Paris (stock image)

Above, Lily Collins (aka Emily) on location in the Italian capital

A parked convoy of them is waiting on a quiet backstreet and the bright purple model proves irresistible.

I slip into the passenger seat and prepare to buckle up  if only I could find the belt.

Signora, car too old for belt, says my driver and guide Fernando, as he opens the roof and apologises for his spaghetti English. Soon, were rattling along with the wind in our hair. I feel like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

Fernando points out Michelangelos house; the gymnasium where gladiators trained before a fight and a 2,000-year-old Egyptian Pyramid. Then we approach the mighty Roman Colosseum and circle it, just as Emily does on the back of the Vespa.

Gianicolo viewpoint (seen here) is where Emily and her new love interest share their first kiss in the Netflix series. 'You can see the River Tiber, the Pantheon, the Presidents House, even the Vatican,' writes Jo

During her tour of Rome, Jo passes the city's 2,000-year-old Egyptian Pyramid (pictured)

As part of his seduction ploy, Marcello drives Emily to Romes Gianicolo viewpoint where he leans in for their first kiss.

We stop here, too. You can see the River Tiber, the Pantheon, the Presidents House, even the Vatican. The only thing missing is a romantic moment with Marcello.

My jerky Fiat 500 tour offers a contrast to my swish flight to get here. I flew with BA on one of its new A321neo planes whose interiors are the first to see the results of what will be a 7 billion overhaul of our national flag carrier.

Jo enjoys a private out-of-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (pictured), which costs from 4,000 for a small group

The one thing Marcello doesnt do is take Emily to the Vatican. Big mistake. Go on a Wednesday morning (from 9am) and youll have an audience with the Pope in St Peters Square  admittedly along with hundreds of others.

And you must visit the Sistine Chapel. Beat the crowds and go early. But if youre feeling flush you might consider a private out-of-hours tour (from 4,000 for a small group). Youll practically have Michelangelos masterpiece frescoed ceiling all to yourself.

Frankly, after my short break in Rome I wouldnt be surprised if Emily stays put in this great city  with or without Marcello.
For over two-thirds of Brits, a holiday cannot get fully underway until their bags are unpacked.

In a survey about travel preferences, 67 per cent of those polled said they immediately emptied their suitcase after arriving in their hotel room, with 27 per cent happy to leave their clothes in their case.

And what do Brits take with them while away? Seventeen per cent admitted to bringing their own tea bags and a fifth (21 per cent) their own pillow.

Do Brits keep the bed sheets tucked in tight? A quarter (25 per cent) said they do, while 64 per cent stated they prefer them loose. Come morning, half of Brits will have been woken up by an alarm they've set (50 per cent), with 32 per cent revealing they prefer to wake up naturally.

The respondents were also asked in the survey, by Graduate by Hilton, if it was acceptable to leave a hotel room wearing a dressing gown  a fifth (18 per cent) said yes, with 63 per cent saying it's not.

As part of Graduate by Hilton research, a light-hearted exchange of views on hotel etiquette took place between Simon Bird (left) and fellow comedian and Inbetweeners co-star Jessica Knappett (right)

When quizzed about elevator etiquette, 27 per cent said they like to make polite conversation with other hotel guests while riding in the lift and nearly half (48 per cent) prefer enjoying the silence.

Inside the breakfast buffet room, there is toast conveyor belt etiquette to consider. Should the settings ever be changed? Thirty-eight per cent said it's acceptable to do so, while 27 per cent regarded fiddling with them as a no-no.

Some hotel breakfast buffets have a 'to-go' section. But for 46 per cent of Brits this is best left alone, while 44 per cent are happy to plunder.

A light-hearted exchange of views about these points took place in a video titled 'The Great Travel Debate' featuring Simon Bird and fellow comedian and Inbetweeners co-star Jessica Knappett.

Jessica and Simon debated robe rules, bed sheet arrangements and more...

Simon says: 'I like it tight. I like to slide into that bed like a letter into an envelope'

Simon says: 'You absolutely must unpack as soon as you get into the room. Put in the work early doors  the rewards are obvious.'

'No way,' says Jessica. 'Unpacking cuts into quality relaxation time. Leave the clothes where they belong  in the case.'

'Let's talk bedsheets,' says Simon. 'I like it tight. I like it snug. I like to slide into that bed like a letter into an envelope.'

Jessica replies: 'I'm untucking every single inch of those sheets. I need to be free. Kick a leg out like a normal person.'

She continues: 'What about the robe, though? Surely you're wearing that slice of fluffy heaven as much as poss?'

Simon replies: 'Yeah, in the room, of course I am.'

Jessica remarks: 'I'm everywhere in mine. Down at reception. Even at the bar when I need a nightcap.'

Kevin Osterhaus, president, lifestyle brands, Hilton, said: 'I am Team Simon on this debate (sorry Jessica!).

'Partnering with Simon and Jessica to settle The Great Travel Debates has been a fantastic way to welcome Graduate into the Hilton family.'

Graduate by Hilton is a 'globally established brand' with 34 hotels routed in university towns. The two UK properties are set in Oxford and Cambridge.

Osterhaus added: 'Regardless of your travel preferences, Graduate by Hilton taps into those storied traditions that make these universities and their communities so special.'

The research was conducted by One Poll with 2,000 UK adults. The survey took place August 8-14, 2024, on behalf of Graduate by Hilton.
Joan Vassos made her debut as the star of The Golden Bachelorette on Wednesday during the series premiere of the spin-off on ABC.

The 61-year-old wide from Rockville, Maryland, shared the story of her late husband John, who died of pancreatic cancer in early 2021.

'John and I met in Ocean City, Maryland in 1983. I was 20 years old, he was 21. When John and I first fell in love, It was all about family. We had a joyous, loving household with a lot of people in it -- filled with love,' Joan said as images showed her and John enjoying family life.

Joan gushed to the camera about his special qualities.

'When you walked into a room, John made you feel like you were the only person there with him. He just had this knack. He just made life fun. He made me feel visible every day. Best 33 years ever,' she said.

Joan Vassos made her debut as the star of The Golden Bachelorette on Wednesday during the series premiere of the spin-off on ABC

Joan also recalled John's rapid decline after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and her denial.

'It's a terrible, terrible cancer. He went from 220 pounds to 120 pounds. I, for some reason, was living in a dream world. He was dying and I was pretending it wasn't happening. I just couldn't accept that he wasn't going to be here anymore,' she said

Joan then emotionally described the night John died.

'I went in at, like, 1 A.M., he was alive. I went back and I tried to get another little bit of sleep, and I came back around three, and he... He was dead. He had died and I wasn't there with him, which I felt terrible about, but once again, I thought he was going to live,' she said.

Joan after being shown leaving flowers at John's grave said that no one was going to replace John, but she had room in her heart for a new love.

'I really want to fall in love. It's a crazy feeling, but I know I'm not scared anymore. I am ready. Let this journey begin. Bring on the man, I am ready to find love,' Joan said.

Show host Jesse Palmer, 45, then met up with Joan as she was introduced to her suitors.

Joan stood outside the iconic Bachelor Mansion looking stunning in a sparkling gown as the men pulled up.

The 61-year-old wide from Rockville, Maryland , shared the story of her late husband John, who died of pancreatic cancer in early 2021

The ABC show displayed photos of John having fun with his family

Joan was showing bringing flowers to a cemetery

'I went in at, like, 1 A.M., he was alive. I went back and I tried to get another little bit of sleep, and I came back around three, and he... He was dead. He had died and I wasn't there with him, which I felt terrible about, but once again, I thought he was going to live,' she said

Pascal Ibgui, a 69-year-old charming Frenchman who lives in Chicago, impressed Joan with his accent and suave demeanor.

'Pascal makes me feel hopeful. I've been wooed tonight by a Frenchman. It's like a dream come true,' Joan said.

Kim Buike, 69, a retired Navy captain arrived in full uniform and Joan was visibly impressed.

'I do love a man in uniform, I have to say,' Joan said.

Kim shared his own story of being a widow and ready to open his heart again.

Kelsey Toussant, a former contestant from The Bachelor who is engaged to Joey Graziadei, surprised Joan when she arrived and introduced her father, Mark.

'These men are way better than I even thought they would be. I feel so lucky,' Joan said.

She added in a confessional: 'I used to feel like I was selfish, wanting more for myself. And I don't feel that way anymore. I mean, you have to be selfish sometimes. I feel like this journey was made for me now.'

Pascal Ibgui, a 69-year-old charming Frenchman who lives in Chicago, impressed Joan with his accent and suave demeanor

Kim Buike, 69, a retired Navy captain arrived in full uniform and Joan was visibly impressed

Kelsey Toussant, a former contestant from The Bachelor who is engaged to Joey Graziadei, surprised Joan when she arrived and introduced her father, Mark

Mark smiled while stepping out of the limo to meet Joan

Joan previously competed on The Golden Bachelor featuring Gerry Turner, 73, but left in week three due to a family emergency.

After getting to know the guys during the cocktail party, Joan shockingly walked away during the first rose ceremony after getting upset over having to send six of the men home.

'I really don't want to hurt people's feelings,' Joan said. ' It's going to be awful sending any one of these guys home.'

She ended up walking out of the room in the middle of the rose ceremony.

'Take your time, you are doing great,' Jesse said while said consoling her.

'I'm sorry,' Joan said when she returned to the men. 'It's harder than I thought it would be. I know that it was a lot to leave your friends and family at home and come here and pause your life.'

Joan told the men she let go that they should be proud of being brave enough to come on the show and that it would be a turning point and would help them find love in their own lives.

'If you leave you have already won,' Joan told them. 'If you leave, you have shown the world that you have heard and you have a sense of adventure and that you are looking for love and that you're doing it in your golden years.'

Joan gave out roses to Charles King, Kim, Pascal, Jack Dan, Gary, Mark, Bob, Jordan; Jonathan Tone, 61, a sales manager from Riverwoods, Illinois; Guy Gansert, 66, an ER doctor from Reno; Gil Ramirez, 60, an educator from Mission Viejo, California; Charles 'Chock' Chapple, 60, an insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas; Christopher Stallworth, 64, a contractor from West Babylon, New York; Gregg Lassen, 64, a retired university vice president from Longboat Key, Florida; Charles Ling, 66, a retired financial analyst from Philadelphia; and Michael Stevens, 65, a retired banking CEO from Denver. The rest of the men were sent home.

Joan stood outside the iconic Bachelor Mansion looking stunning in a sparkling gown as the men pulled up

Jessa Palmer hosted the two-hour series premiere on ABC

'I'm sorry,' Joan said when she returned to the men. 'It's harder than I thought it would be. I know that it was a lot to leave your friends and family at home and come here and pause your life'

The men listened to Joan ahead of the rose ceremony

Joan after composing herself started offering roses

Joan got candid with People before the series premiere about being a widow and learning to re-navigate life after her husband's tragic death.

'My husband passed away during COVID and I really didn't embrace the whole mourning thing,' she told the outlet. 'I was in charge of being strong. I just buckled down and ignored it.'

Trying to accept her devastating loss, the mother-of-four tried attending group therapy but struggled due to the pandemic. And when she found herself catching feelings for other men on the show, she knew she 'had to face it.'

She said of her grief: 'It was in my face that I was feeling really guilty, honestly, about having feelings for somebody else. I almost felt like I was cheating on John, which is crazy because he's passed away.'

Joan explained that prior to her husband's death, he told her that he didn't want her 'to be alone' and heartbreakingly suggested she find love again one day.

'I want you to find somebody. You are the greatest wife in the world. I don't want you to be alone. I want you to find somebody,' she recalled John's words.

The school administrator from Maryland told the outlet she initially felt 'uneasy' about moving on after 32 years of being in a loving marriage, but psychiatrists of The Golden Bachelorette helped her.

'They said, 'You don't have to let go of John. Picture it like this: you have two balloons, one in each hand, and John is in a balloon in this hand, and your potential person that you're going to fall in love with in this hand. You don't have to let go of him from this hand to pick this one up and have a life with this one,'' she explained.

'I really want to fall in love. It's a crazy feeling, but I know I'm not scared anymore. I am ready. Let this journey begin. Bring on the man, I am ready to find love,' Joan said

'It was such a good lesson,' the starlet added. And she found it easy to talk about her late husband with her potential suitors on the show.

She admitted: 'You're trying to establish a relationship with somebody else, you don't want to talk about your deceased spouse, but keeping his memory alive didn't seem like I was being weird.

'I felt comfortable finally doing it. I talked about how funny he was and stuff like that, and I feel like the guys really appreciated that.'

And she likes to recount her memories of her late husband to pay tribute to him.

'Putting his name on a bench or planting a tree, none of these things are good enough. So I said, you know what I think he would like the most? Is that you don't forget him. Tell me stories. It doesn't hurt me anymore; it makes me happy,' she explained.

Nonetheless, Joan feels that starring on The Golden Bachelorette 'cured' her and was her therapy.

'[The show] cured me,' she shared. 'This journey made me open to love. And I figured it out partway through the journey that I really wasn't there when I came, but I got there.'

Joan is the first Golden Bachelorette in franchise history after vying for Gerry Turner's heart on the very first season of The Golden Bachelor last year.
An award-winning BBC show will be returning to screens 10 years after its first episode aired.

The epic comeback follows a summer of scandal for the broadcasting giant and is set to be a huge boost for the corporation.

The BBC were forced to open an investigation into Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice's behaviour earlier this year and just last week The Repair Shop's Jay Blades appeared in court charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife.

Life and Death Row, which was a fan favourite when it appeared a decade ago, will crash back on to screens with three brand new episodes.

The documentary series will explore the death penalty and prison system in America and chart how it has changed over the last ten years.

An award-winning BBC show will be returning to screens 10 years after its first episode aired in an epic comeback

Life and Death Row, which was a fan favourite when it appeared a decade ago, will crash back on to screens with three brand new episodes

The documentary series will explore the death penalty and prison system in America and chart how it has changed over the last ten years according to The Sun

The series follows individual stories of young people who have been handed life sentences or capital punishment and explores how their lives have been shaped by the controversial punishment.

Included in these life stories are campaigns to get sentences changed or convictions overturned and the show will follow high-profile attempts to show how dangerous capital punishment can be.

The show will also catch up with those whose executions were botched, leaving them with life changing injuries and interview those who have been deeply affected by the controversial system.

The new show includes bombshell testimonies form jury members who say they regret past convictions and worry about the effects of their decisions.

The series follows individual stories of young people who have been handed life sentences or capital punishment as well as members of the justice system

Prison officers and members of the justice system will also weigh in on the debate which has taken America by storm.

The show will follow a series of cases and individual prisoners as they get ready to face the prospect of the death penalty.

One man who was interviewed as part of the show is working with a celebrity to prove his innocence before it's too late.

Another prisoner is on trial where a unanimous jury verdict is no longer needed to sentence someone to death, making it that much easier to be handed a capital punishment sentence and wait out your years on Death Row.
Fans of The Traitors are rejoicing at the news that a brand new series will be crashing onto screens in a surprise launch.

The BBC have announced in a shock move that a spin-off show will be launching on iPlayer in just a matter of days.

The latest instalment will be the first international edition to make its way on to the broadcaster's streaming site.

Following the success of the UK series, the latest series of The Traitors will take place in New Zealand.

The reality show, originally presented by Claudia Winkleman, has became a household name across the UK and has been rapidly expanded abroad including Australia and the US where it was hosted by actor Alan Cumming.

Fans of The Traitors are rejoicing at the news that a brand new series will be crashing onto screens in a surprise launch (Series two pictured)

Following the success of the original UK series, the new game show will take place in New Zealand (pictured series two winner Harry Clarke with host Claudia Winkleman)

The latest version of the show will hit streaming for the end of September although a specific date has not yet been revealed according to The Sun

The latest version of the show will hit streaming for the end of September although a specific date has not yet been revealed, according to The Sun.

Fans of the series are already excited for the new show and cannot wait to binge the series on BBC iPlayer.

Fans took to social media to share their excitement.

One said: 'NZS1 is good because it has different challenges than the UK/US versions as they're filmed in the same place.

'NZ also has a few celebrities in the cast mixed with regular people.'

While another person wrote: 'Amazing news, that made my day.'

And a third commented: 'Omg...I can't wait.'

The news comes as UK series two winner Harry Clark opened up about struggling with his mental health after finding fame on the BBC show.

Fans of the series are already excited for the new show and cannot wait to binge the series on BBC iPlayer, taking to X to share their joy

The reality show, originally presented by Claudia Winkleman, has became a household name across the UK and has been rapidly expanded abroad

The show has been so popular a US version launched, hosted by Alan Cumming and the cast won an Emmy at this year's award show (pictured)

The British Army engineer, 23, told the Monday Mile Podcast with Aimee Fuller last week: 'It's so weird, my life's been very 50/50, the whole way through.

'I mean, there's obviously good and bad to it. The bad probably from the four months, and that the success of the show is probably losing myself a little bit.

'Obviously, a council kid from Slough, I go to these events, you finish a drink, or you finish a glass of Prosecco, soon as you finish it, you get another one in your hand.

'And then I'm looking around to pay the bill, and there's no one to pay. So I've just been making the most out of it for four months.

'So I lost my training, and I sort of lost myself a little bit mentally, but just carried on working and now I'm sort of finding that balance.'

Harry won The Traitors' 95,000 prize in January after deceiving his fellow contestants, including Faithful runner-up Mollie Pierce.

He quickly became a fan favourite on the reality programme due to his warm and cheeky chappy personality.

However, this was a far cry from how he felt in the years leading up to the show, and Harry admitted he previously hit 'rock bottom'.

The news comes as UK series two winner Harry (pictured) opened up about struggling with his mental health after finding fame on the BBC show

He said: 'At around 21, I went through a bad time. I was in the darkest place you could possibly be.

'I had feelings of wanting to end it all. I was quite an angry kid. But the Army moulded my characteristics and made me the man I am today.

'I began facing my emotions and learned to give myself time to be angry and sad. I started to set myself time limits to process my feelings. Afterwards, I'd tell myself I couldn't waste any more time being angry or upset.

'I had a realisation that time is the most important thing and I didn't want to waste it. In the Army, I was that guy people would talk to. All I want to do is help. It's a lonely world and it's easy to be blinded by mental health.'
A Very Royal Scandal viewers complained that their 'skin was crawling' as they watched the new three-part Prime Video series when it came out on Thursday.

It follows actress Ruth Wilson, 42, who plays former Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis, 54, in a retelling of the car crash interview involving Prince Andrew back in November 2019.

He was quizzed about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein which threatened to damage the reputation of the entire royal family.

And the new series has been praised by viewers with fans saying Michael Sheen gave an incredible performance - as well as other saying it was hard to watch him squirm during the grilling.

They penned on X: 'Already watching  another great one, Michael!',

A Very Royal Scandal viewers complained that their 'skin was crawling' as they watched the new three-part Prime Video series when it came out on Thursday

It follows actress Ruth Wilson, 42, who plays former Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis, 54, in a retelling of the car crash interview involving Prince Andrew back in November 2019 (the real interview is pictured)

'Currently watching it now god you are so brilliant as always. But it defo in some parts it made my skin crawl. But absolutely incredible acting from you as always.',

'I am so scared of watching. The dychotomy between Michael and the role is giving me anxiety. Am I ready for this piece of, I'm sure, terrific acting? Gosh it's gonna be the one watched from behind a cushion...'

'I'm sure your acting in this film is incredible.',

'Currently watching and god damn you are brilliant, as always',

'I'm watching in the States right now, but I have to go to work soon, it's so good!!'

'absolutely incredible performance, as always.',

It was also praised by critics for leaving Scoop - a Netflix drama released earlier this year about the same interview - 'in the dust'.

Others publications branded it a 'thrilling' drama that Prince Andrew will 'struggle to recover from'.

Website Meaww compared it to Scoop which starred Gillian Anderson as Emily and Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew.

He was quizzed about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein which threatened to damage the reputation of the entire royal family

And the new series has been praised by viewers with fans saying Michael Sheen gave an incredible performance - as well as other saying it was hard to watch him squirm during the grilling

They penned on X: 'Already watching  another great one, Michael!'

Another said: 'I am so scared of watching. The dychotomy between Michael (seen) and the role is giving me anxiety'

Ruth Wilson is seen portraying the role of journalist Emily in the interview

Ruth (left) stars as journalist Emily (seen right)

Actor Michael (left) portrays the Duke Of York (right) in the new production yet he appeared to be absent from the screening in NYC

Their reviewer Rupali Manohar Chauhan said: 'While each version has its own merits, I'll have to be a little biased towards A Very Royal Scandal thanks to its three-part format, which provides an in-depth look at the nitty-gritty of the notorious interview.

'Move over Scoop Prime Video's A Very Royal Scandal is juicier, and better.'

The Times echoed these sentiments saying it was better than Scoop and also praised Ruth's acting as Emily.

They said: 'Is the series self-admiring? Yes, inevitably. But there is much to admire. It is also complex, touching on Maitlis's guilt at the hurt caused to Beatrice and Eugenie and the fact that the conversation wasn't about Jeffrey Epstein's victims but about dismantling the Queen's second son.

'It is not perfect, but it is highly entertaining and, in my opinion, a better piece of television than.'

Meanwhile The Spectator gave a damning verdict for Prince Andrew suggesting he will 'struggle to recover' from the show.

Of the scandal they wrote: 'Only the most generous, or blinkered, would not suggest that the wider royal family lives with the embarrassment every day.

'A Very Royal Scandal is a piquant reminder of this, and one that will resonate with its millions of viewers.'

Meanwhile The Telegraph were less complimentary of the series in their review, branding it a like a 'bad episode of The Crown'.

They penned of the new show: 'Why are we seeing this again when anyone who wants to revisit the actual interview can do so on YouTube?

'Who cares about the planning meetings and the editing and Maitlis worrying about what to wear.'

It comes as Emily reflected on her history-making interview as she appeared on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain.

Speaking on GMB Emily recounted her time doing the interview, candidly saying watching the series back reminded her of the stress of taking on the challenge.

She said: 'When I watch the drama I get palpitations - it takes me back to when I thought 'will I remember to ask the right questions? Can I do this?''

She added of her reaction to Prince Andrew's demeanour: 'I realised early on he would be candid in his responses. We never assumed guilt and it was an hour of his own words.

'It didn't matter what he said it was always going to make history. We knew we only had one shot at it to hear from the Prince. It was a document of public record if anything.

'We were building up the picture of what actually happened and it was quite forensic.'

When asked by host Richard Madeley what she thought of the Prince when the interview was done she carefully answered: 'I thought he had tried very hard to remember his lines...

'He wanted us to film extra pieces too he wanted to expand on the Pizza Express stuff and things like that. It was a dilemma as a journalist whether to add stuff he wanted at the end.

'But he was happy with the interview he gave us a tour of the Palace after the interview and he even invited us back.'

She added of the potential harm the interview could have caused: 'I do worry about the fallout from it.

'There was fallout for his family. I feel concern for him as I do for anyone that has had a drop in status. But I don't regret the interview.'

To counter balance her point she added: 'But nothing has been concluded for Epstein's victims still.'

Amazon Prime released the trailer for upcoming drama A Very Royal Scandal last Wednesday, after announcing when it will drop on the streamer.

The three part series premiered on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

It comes just five months after rival streaming platform Netflix's version, which was out on April 5.

In the trailer, Wilson's Emily can be seen pursuing the story that would make her a global household name and destroy the Prince's reputation in a pivotal moment in British history.

Before the interview, the Duke of York quips: 'I'm going to blow this out of the water.'

He adds in a voiceover: 'I've been warned about you. You have a bit of a reputation.'

Emily then cheekily responds, while sitting across from him: 'Well, for you, I'll try and behave.'

It then cuts to the interview and then its aftermath, where Emily says: 'I was only ever hoping to ask the right questions.'

The series by Amazon MGM Studios will focus far more on Emily - who serves as an executive producer, whereas Netflix's Scoop focused on Prince Andrew.

A spokesperson for Amazon confirmed the series will 'follow Emily Maitlis' professional and personal journey as a Newsnight journalist, leading up to her acclaimed interview with Prince Andrew.'

A press released added: 'A Very Royal Scandal follows the action of Emily and Prince Andrew in the lead-up to the interview, the ground-breaking event itself and the many questions left in its wake that would change their lives forever.'

The three part series premiered on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

The new series has been praised by critics for leaving Scoop - a Netflix drama released earlier this year about the same interview - 'in the dust' (Gillian Anderson seen as Emily in Scoop)

The first episode sees Prince Andrew attempt to declare his innocence as he finds himself at the centre of an international scandal while Newsnight presenter, Emily, does everything within her power to secure an interview with him.

The second instalment features the interview but the meeting takes various twists and turns that neither Emily, nor the Newsnight team, could have expected.

Finally, in the third episode Prince Andrew is left to navigate the fallout for himself, his family, and the Royal firm as Emily considers her reputation and the future of her career.

The three part series will premiere on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Loose Women's Denise Welch launched a blistering attack on 'rude, arrogant narcissist' Prince Andrew on Thursday's episode of the show.

The TV star, 66, was on the show with her fellow panelists where she was discussing the new three-part Prime Video series A Very Royal Scandal.

It follows actress Ruth Wilson, 42, who plays former Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis, 54, in a retelling of the car crash interview involving Prince Andrew back in November 2019.

He was quizzed about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein which threatened to damage the reputation of the entire royal family.

And Denise had some strong words when asked by Charlene White if she would be watching it.

Loose Women 's Denise Welch launched a blistering attack on 'rude, arrogant narcissist' Prince Andrew on Thursday's episode of the show

The TV star, 66, was on the show with her fellow panelists where she was discussing the new three-part Prime Video series A Very Royal Scandal

She said: 'Prince Andrew is a narcissist from the few times I have met him.

'And there are rumours he is having a viewing viewing party with his pals. He has been rude and arrogant to me and spoke disrespectfully about Diana in the past in my opinion.'

Linda Robson agreed that she wouldn't be watching it either as she didn't agree with his associations with Epstein.

A Very Royal Scandal viewers complained that their 'skin was crawling' as they watched the series when it came out on Thursday.

The new series was also praised with fans saying Michael Sheen gave an incredible performance - as well as other saying it was hard to watch him squirm during the grilling.

They penned on X: 'Already watching  another great one, Michael!',

'Currently watching it now god you are so brilliant as always. But it defo in some parts it made my skin crawl. But absolutely incredible acting from you as always.',

'I am so scared of watching. The dychotomy between Michael and the role is giving me anxiety. Am I ready for this piece of, I'm sure, terrific acting? Gosh it's gonna be the one watched from behind a cushion...'

It follows actress Ruth Wilson , 42, who plays former Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis, 54, in a retelling of the car crash interview involving Prince Andrew back in November 2019

He was quizzed about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein which threatened to damage the reputation of the entire royal family (the real interview is pictured)

Denise said: 'Prince Andrew is a narcissist from the few times I have met him. And there are rumours he is having a viewing viewing party with his pals. He has been rude and arrogant to me and spoke disrespectfully about Diana in the past in my opinion'

'I'm sure your acting in this film is incredible.',

'Currently watching and god damn you are brilliant, as always',

'I'm watching in the States right now, but I have to go to work soon, it's so good!!'

'absolutely incredible performance, as always.',

It was also praised by critics for leaving Scoop - a Netflix drama released earlier this year about the same interview - 'in the dust'.

Others publications branded it a 'thrilling' drama that Prince Andrew will 'struggle to recover from'.

Website Meaww compared it to Scoop which starred Gillian Anderson as Emily and Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew.

Their reviewer Rupali Manohar Chauhan said: 'While each version has its own merits, I'll have to be a little biased towards A Very Royal Scandal thanks to its three-part format, which provides an in-depth look at the nitty-gritty of the notorious interview.

'Move over Scoop Prime Video's A Very Royal Scandal is juicier, and better.'

The Times echoed these sentiments saying it was better than Scoop and also praised Ruth's acting as Emily.

They said: 'Is the series self-admiring? Yes, inevitably. But there is much to admire. It is also complex, touching on Maitlis's guilt at the hurt caused to Beatrice and Eugenie and the fact that the conversation wasn't about Jeffrey Epstein's victims but about dismantling the Queen's second son.

'It is not perfect, but it is highly entertaining and, in my opinion, a better piece of television than.'

Meanwhile The Spectator gave a damning verdict for Prince Andrew suggesting he will 'struggle to recover' from the show.

Of the scandal they wrote: 'Only the most generous, or blinkered, would not suggest that the wider royal family lives with the embarrassment every day.

'A Very Royal Scandal is a piquant reminder of this, and one that will resonate with its millions of viewers.'

Meanwhile The Telegraph were less complimentary of the series in their review, branding it a like a 'bad episode of The Crown'.

They penned of the new show: 'Why are we seeing this again when anyone who wants to revisit the actual interview can do so on YouTube?

'Who cares about the planning meetings and the editing and Maitlis worrying about what to wear.'

It comes as Emily reflected on her history-making interview as she appeared on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain.

Speaking on GMB Emily recounted her time doing the interview, candidly saying watching the series back reminded her of the stress of taking on the challenge.

She said: 'When I watch the drama I get palpitations - it takes me back to when I thought 'will I remember to ask the right questions? Can I do this?''

She added of her reaction to Prince Andrew's demeanour: 'I realised early on he would be candid in his responses. We never assumed guilt and it was an hour of his own words.

'It didn't matter what he said it was always going to make history. We knew we only had one shot at it to hear from the Prince. It was a document of public record if anything.

'We were building up the picture of what actually happened and it was quite forensic.'

When asked by host Richard Madeley what she thought of the Prince when the interview was done she carefully answered: 'I thought he had tried very hard to remember his lines...

'He wanted us to film extra pieces too he wanted to expand on the Pizza Express stuff and things like that. It was a dilemma as a journalist whether to add stuff he wanted at the end.

'But he was happy with the interview he gave us a tour of the Palace after the interview and he even invited us back.'

She added of the potential harm the interview could have caused: 'I do worry about the fallout from it.

'There was fallout for his family. I feel concern for him as I do for anyone that has had a drop in status. But I don't regret the interview.'

To counter balance her point she added: 'But nothing has been concluded for Epstein's victims still.'

Amazon Prime released the trailer for upcoming drama A Very Royal Scandal last Wednesday, after announcing when it will drop on the streamer.

The three part series premiered on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

It comes just five months after rival streaming platform Netflix's version, which was out on April 5.

In the trailer, Wilson's Emily can be seen pursuing the story that would make her a global household name and destroy the Prince's reputation in a pivotal moment in British history.

Before the interview, the Duke of York quips: 'I'm going to blow this out of the water.'

He adds in a voiceover: 'I've been warned about you. You have a bit of a reputation.'

Emily then cheekily responds, while sitting across from him: 'Well, for you, I'll try and behave.'

It then cuts to the interview and then its aftermath, where Emily says: 'I was only ever hoping to ask the right questions.'

The series by Amazon MGM Studios will focus far more on Emily - who serves as an executive producer, whereas Netflix's Scoop focused on Prince Andrew.

A spokesperson for Amazon confirmed the series will 'follow Emily Maitlis' professional and personal journey as a Newsnight journalist, leading up to her acclaimed interview with Prince Andrew.'

A press released added: 'A Very Royal Scandal follows the action of Emily and Prince Andrew in the lead-up to the interview, the ground-breaking event itself and the many questions left in its wake that would change their lives forever.'

Ruth (left) stars as journalist Emily (seen right)

Actor Michael (left) portrays the Duke Of York (right) in the new production yet he appeared to be absent from the screening in NYC

The three part series premiered on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

The first episode sees Prince Andrew attempt to declare his innocence as he finds himself at the centre of an international scandal while Newsnight presenter, Emily, does everything within her power to secure an interview with him.

The second instalment features the interview but the meeting takes various twists and turns that neither Emily, nor the Newsnight team, could have expected.

Finally, in the third episode Prince Andrew is left to navigate the fallout for himself, his family, and the Royal firm as Emily considers her reputation and the future of her career.

The three part series will premiere on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Molly Sims shared her reaction to her longtime pal Rachel Zoe's shocking split from her husband.

On Wednesday, the 51-year-old model opened up about her friend's divorce while making an appearance on Watch What Happens Live.

She said it was 'sad' that Zoe was separating from Rodger Berman after 33 years together, which includes 26 years of marriage.

However, the actress said that the three decades they spent together was 'a win.'

'Listen, 33 years, it's a win,' she said in response to a viewer's question about Zoe's split.

Molly Sims shared her reaction to her longtime pal Rachel Zoe 's shocking split from her husband. On Wednesday, the 51-year-old model opened up about her friend's divorce while making an appearance on Watch What Happens Live; pictured in May in New York City

'But it's sad, you know. I think it's sad when, you know, two kids. But I'm sad for both of them.'

This comes after Zoe, a celebrity stylist, and her husband announced their separation in a joint statement on September 9.

Sims and Zoe have been longtime friends since they started working together many years ago.

Earlier this month, Zoe and her husband made a public statement about their split via Instagram.

'After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage,' they wrote.

'We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together.'

Their announcement continued: 'Our number one priority has been and will always be our children.

She said it was 'sad' that Zoe was separating from Rodger Berman after 33 years together , which includes 26 years of marriage. However, the actress said that the three decades they spent together was 'a win'; pictured November 2022 in Los Angeles

Earlier this month, Zoe and her husband made a public statement about their split via Instagram. The couple are parents to two sons  Skyler Morrison, 13, and Kaius Jagger, 10; pictured March 18 in Beverly Hills

Sims and Zoe have been longtime friends since they started working together many years ago; pictured March 2023 in Los Angeles

Sims said it's 'sad' because the former couple have two kids involved. 'I'm sad for both of them,' she said; pictured April 28 in Beverly Hills

'We are committed to co-parent our boys and to continue to work together within the many businesses we share.'

The couple are parents to two sons  Skyler Morrison, 13, and Kaius Jagger, 10.

Concluding their statement, the former couple wrote: 'We ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this new chapter. With love and gratitude  Rachel & Rodger.'

Zoe and Berman started dating back in 1991 and dated for seven years before they tied the knot in February 1998.
Bachelor Nation will be re-introduced to a brand new star when The Golden Bachelorette debuts tonight.

Joan Vassos is the leading lady over 24 suitors will be vying for on the very-first season of The Golden Bachelorette, a spin-off of wildly popular dating show The Bachelor that focuses on a senior citizens finding love.

Fans first met Vassos, 61, on last year's debut season of The Golden Bachelor, where she competed for the heart of leading man Gerry Turner.

Despite forging a connection with Turner, she ultimately left on her own accord in week three to care for her daughter, who had just given birth.

But now it's Vassos' time for her own shot at lasting love as this year's leading star.

Meet Joann Vassos, the very-first Golden Bachelorette looking for love on the show

A private school administrator from Rockville, Maryland, Joann was married for 32 years to her husband John until his death in 2021 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

They had four children together and Joan is now a grandmother of three.

In her free time, she enjoys listening to Elton John music, cooking, and being with her dog.

Now 24 eligible bachelors will be competing for her heart - which includes a rancher, an emergency room doctor, and a familiar face who appeared on last season of The Bachelor - the father of final rose choice Kelsey Anderson, Mark.

Mark went viral as 'Kelsey's Hot Dad' last year after he appeared on his daughter's hometown date.

As for what Vassos is looking for in a partner, she's looking for an outgoing and kind man who will lend a hand with her least-favorite chores, yardwork and grocery shopping, according to WSJ.

'I grew up with a father that was the ultimate gentleman,' she told the publication.

'He never let my mom carry the heavy groceries in. He always hopped up when somebody walked in the room. He always opened doors.'

Fans first met Vassos on the debut season of The Golden Bachelor, where she competed for the heart of leading man Gerry Turner

Joann was married for 32 years to her husband John until his death in 2021 following a battle with pancreatic cancer; Joann and John pictured with their grandson in a 2020 snap

Joan is now a grandmother of three; pictured with her grandsons

She previously competed for Gerry Turner's heart on The Golden Bachelor but left on her own accord to care for her daughter

In terms of red flags, Joann won't be giving second chances to men who are rude to servers - she has experience in the service industry, having worked as a waitress while in college.

The first Golden Bachelor, Gerry, had a long-distance relationship and marriage with his final rose choice and eventual wife, Theresa Nist. They eventually filed for divorce just three months after tying the knot on television.

While Gerry and Theresa struggled to find a place to move to together, Joan, on the other hand, does not intend on relocating.

Asked how she broached the topic of location with suitors, who come from all over the country, she told WSJ: 'I think its fine to want to stay where you ar. Im not going to move. Most people this age have multigenerational responsibilities. I have a 92-year-old mother. I have an 86-year-old mother-in-law. I have kids and I have grandkids. So me moving would be very selfish and also very hard for me.

As for what Vassos is looking for in a partner, she's looking for an outgoing and kind man who will lend a hand with her least-favorite chores, yardwork and grocery shopping

Vassos wowed in a bright pink dress and gold peep-toe heels while out in NYC ahead of the premiere on Wednesday

'They are my support system as much as Im their support system. So I dont want to leave them. I love my family. I love being able to see my grandkids all the time. And I worked hard to build great friendships, and I love where I live.'

She elaborated of a potential long-distance relationship: 'I want a guy exactly like that. I want a guy who loves his family, puts them first, has a lot of friends, has worked hard to build a really great life.

'And I think we could have a lot of fun living in each others lives instead of trying to merge those lives. If I get to go to wherever he lives and do the fun things that he has planned and meet his fun friends, and he does the same thing in mine, we get to have the best of both worlds.

'I get to have two fun lives, and then eventually, if they merge at some time when its right for both families, then you do. But if you dont, you dont. You still get to be with the person  you just do it in a different way. It requires effort, but I dont think its a negative. I think its a positive, honestly.'

When Vassos first began filming The Golden Bachelorette, she initially struggled to overcome feelings of 'guilt' as she began developing feelings for new men following her husband's passing.

The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays on ABC

'Ive never had a really good romantic connection with anybody after Johns passing, so when I started feeling connected to some of the men on the show, I all of a sudden started feeling guilty,' she told E! News, adding it felt 'like I wasn't honoring his memory or that I had to let go of him in some way to allow somebody else into my heart.'

But words of wisdom from the show's psychiatrist gave her new perspective.

'They said, "You can have two balloons in your hand,"' she remembered. 'He said, "John could be this balloon, and the person that you're having a connection with could be this balloon. And you don't have to let go of this one to hold on to this one.'

'It was such good advice to know that he could always have a place in my heart and in my mind,' she added.

'I have a big heart, and I could have another person in another part of my heart and that was OK. It made the journey possible for me.'

The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays on ABC.
Tori Spelling has weighed in on Jennie Garth's recent comments about the Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot.

Days after Garth, her former 90210 costar, expressed regrets about participating in CW's 2008 reboot, Spelling, offered her own perspective, making it clear she didn't entirely share Garth's sentiments about the experience.

'The storylines and who the characters are, I feel like the fans have expressed they wished it would've gone different ways because those characters are so personal to us,' Tori told E! on Wednesday.

However, the star made it a point to say, 'I definitely enjoyed my experience.'

She added: 'It was a different cast even though we were in it as well once in a while, and Jennie was in it more, but you had to fall in love with that cast as a separate show and not compare it to 90210, the first incarnation.'

Tori Spelling has weighed in on Jennie Garth's recent comments about the Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot; (pictured April)

Days after Garth (pictured 2022), her former 90210 costar, expressed regrets about participating in CW's 2008 reboot, Spelling, offered her own perspective, making it clear she didn't entirely share Garth's sentiments about the experience.

Tori only made two guest appearances on the reboot, which aired from 2008 to 2013.

Some of the original members of the hit Fox series reunited for 90s Con 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida over the weekend.

While hanging out and greeting fans, Jennie, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering and Gabrielle Carteris took some time out to reminisce about the old days, during which they dished on The CW's reboot, simply called 90210.

Like its predecessor, the show followed the lives of several wealthy students attending West Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California, and later focuses on their lives after graduation.

During their chat, Green revealed he actually liked the show's concept, but Garth wasn't as forgiving, and let it be known she now regrets reprising her role as Kelly Taylor, as reported by People.

'I wish I hadn't done it. No offense to them,' Garth, 52, said of her role. 'The producer was a friend of a friend, and I remember he came over in my living room, sat me down, [billed it as] this chance of a lifetime. He asked me to do it and I didn't know how to say no then. But the people were very nice and all the best to them.

Producers actually offered Garth a role as a series regular, but she balked at the the opportunity, and ended up agreeing to sign on to the reboot as a recurring character.

The new version starred Shenae Grimes, AnnaLynne McCord, Lori Loughlin, Rob Estes, Tristan Wilds, Dustin Milligan, Ryan Eggold, Jessica Stroup, Michael Steger, Jessica Walter, Jessica Lowndes, Matt Lanter, Trevor Donovan and Gillian Zinser.

'The storylines and who the characters are, I feel like the fans have expressed they wished it would've gone different ways because those characters are so personal to us,' Tori told E! on Wednesday

However, Tori made it a point to say, 'I definitely enjoyed my experience'

The young main OG cast consisted of Gabrielle Carteris, Jennie Garth, the late Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Ian Ziering, Tori Spelling and Brian Austin Green

Along with Garth, some other cast members from the original show to appear in those first two seasons of the 90210 reboot included the late Shannen Doherty, Ann Gillespie, Tori, and Joe E. Tata.

Carteris, 63, chimed in, 'I never wanted to [do it]. I was so shocked they were doing a new show. I was like, is it like, they long so much you're just going to try to reinvent it over and over?'

Green maintained he was surprised to find out about the reboot, saying, 'No offense at all, it's to me, we did 10 years of that show and it's like okay, done.'

The reboot, which premiered in September 2008, ended up running for five seasons, ending with the finale in May 2013.

Most of the original cast did take part in another revival of the show, Fox's BH90210 in 2019, in which they played heightened versions of themselves in a serialized drama.

Nearly two decades after the original series ended, the group reunite, without Luke Perry, 'to get a reboot up and running, and must reconcile their new lives with the complications of their histories together.'

For this version OG cast members Garth, Carteris, Doherty, Green, Priestley, Spelling, and Ziering all took part for the one season, consisting of six episodes that aired on Fox from August 7 to September 11, 2019.

'I was pretty much the only outspoken person saying I think we should give the audience what they want: comfort food,' Ziering, 60, said of his thought process about the show.

Carteris called the short-lived experience, 'cathartic,' before adding, 'It felt full circle, to be together as adults, having had our children, being able to work together. I thought it was probably one of those most impactful moments of my life.'

The original Beverly Hills, 90210 show became a global pop culture phenomenon with its cast members, particularly, Luke Perry and Jason Priestley, who would go on to be come high-profile teen idols.

It also made the rest of the main cast household names in the U.S., Garth and Shannen Doherty, who seemed to get a lot of press over the years.

Green thinks the success of the series, in part, was due to 'a lack of the Internet' at that time.

'The '90s were a different time: no way to fact check, no one was walking around videotaping everything,' the actor explained. 'We were bringing a piece of the world that was famous that no one had really seen. Because there wasn't access to it, people really enjoyed what it is we did. I honestly don't feel now, this time it would have the same impact it did back then.'

Carteris believes the show's willingness to tackle issues that were close to the vest of young people back then such as teen sex, domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse.

Tori added: 'It was a different cast even though we were in it as well once in a while, and Jennie was in it more, but you had to fall in love with that cast as a separate show and not compare it to 90210, the first incarnation'

Beverly Hills, 90210 cast members Garth, Green, Ziering, and Carteris all paid tribute to the late Shannen Doherty at 90s Con in Florida this weekend, in the wake of her passing in July

Both Ziering and Garth admitted the show jumped the shark on more than one occasion, but they're okay with all that being part of its charm.

'We had a lot of jump the shark moments but I enjoyed them,' Garth admitted. 'Just watching the show back, we get more and more outlandish. Even I watch it and I enjoy it as a fan. Even in the jump the shark moments, I'm still so proud of the show and love it.'

The show is credited with creating or popularizing the teen soap genre that many other successful television shows followed in the years to come.

The four stars of the OG show took some time out at 90s Con in Florida this weekend to pay tribute to Shannen Doherty following her death on July 13 from cancer at the age of 53.
Carrie Bickmore's rumoured lover Tommy Little had viewers in stitches on Wednesday night when he made a surprise cameo on Channel Ten's Thank God You're Here.

The Hit Network presenter, 39, appeared on the sketch comedy show wearing a traditional Greek Toga.

'This is how I've always wanted to dress, but it's frowned upon,' Tommy quipped to host Celia Pacquola as he walked on the stage.

Viewers took to social media to gush over his brilliant performance, but also tease him over his rumoured romance with his radio co-host Carrie Bickmore.

'Hilarious debut Tommy, I hope Carrie loved your performance,' one person wrote.

'He was great. Especially as it was his first time! Loved the hair style, he looked so different,' a second added.

'This really tickled me,' another person chipped in.

Tommy has been rumoured to be involved with his colleague Carrie Bickmore since her split from partner of 11 years Chris Walker at the start of 2022.

Tommy Little was teased about his rumoured romance with Carrie Bickmore after appearing on Channel Ten 's Thank God You're Here this week

The Hit Network presenter, 39, appeared on the sketch comedy show wearing a traditional Greek Toga

The Hit Network presenter, 39, appeared on the sketch comedy show wearing a traditional Greek Toga

Tommy has reportedly been single since his split from girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021.

He 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.

The radio duo have had a hugely successful year with their drivetime show, Carrie and Tommy.

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.
Abbie Chatfield has slammed Donald Trump in a foul-mouthed rant on her podcast.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the FBoy Island host, 29, shared a very profane clip from the latest episode of It's A Lot.

The Bachelor star, who studied property economics at university, took issue with Trump's foreign import tariff policy.

Trump's trade policy has generally been referred to as 'America First,' and his use of tariffs on other country's imports is intended to give equivalent locally made goods a competitive advantage in price.

'The only policy I've heard him speak about are these tariffs,' began Abbie, before playing a clip of Trump spruiking the policy.

'Guys, I don't know if Donald Trump knows what a tariff is. A tariff is a tax on imports from another country,' Abbie began her rant.

'Let's say you're getting a computer from China. It is $1000 wholesale. If a tariff is 10%, the person who is importing, as in the American business, pays that tax.'

Abbie then began to yell as she grew increasingly frustrated.

Abbie Chatfield has slammed Donald Trump (pictured) in a foul-mouthed rant on her podcast.

The Bachelor star, who studied property economics at university, was quibbling with Trump's foreign import tariff policy on her It's A Lot podcast.

'He thinks he is charging China a tariff! But tariffs go towards the f***ing wholesaler who's importing the goods. That isn't how a tariff works!'

Later, the podcaster went on to call Trump a serial liar.

'I'm not saying you're stupid for not knowing this, but as a Presidential candidate, he repeatedly lies. And then people say "Trump's economic policy is the one thing I agree with" and I go "the c**t doesn't know what tariffs are!"' she said in the clip.

'He thinks he is charging China a tariff! But tariffs go towards the f***ing wholesaler who's importing the goods. That isn't how a tariff works!'

It comes as Abbie herself came in for criticism after sharing a sponsored post from a skincare brand with 'ties to Israel.'

Abbie took to Instagram over the weekend to reflect on the style of makeup she used to wear - and sleep in.

In a sponsored video for skincare brand CeraVe, the influencer shared a photo of herself in a 'full beat' of thick makeup back in 2016, which she said she used to wear to her hospitality job.

However the influencer's fans were less than impressed, lashing her in the comments for her association with the brand.

It comes as Abbie herself came in for criticism after sharing a sponsored post from a skincare brand with 'ties to Israel'

Many suggested the brand's parent company L'Oreal was on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) list against Israel - and also called them out for animal testing.

'Isn't this BDS? And they test on animals anyway,' the fan said.

'Love you but boycotting L'Oreal due to their ties to Israel,' another comment read.

'I remember you posted ages ago saying you're super careful about who you partner with so I'm not sure if you're aware, but being owned by L'Oreal [CeraVe] both test on animals and have ties to Israel (yuck),' said one political fan.

Others raised their ethical concerns about the brand's alleged animal testing.

At the time of writing, Abbie has not responded to any of these criticisms in her comments.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Abbie Chatfield for comment.
Adam Brody, Kristen Bell and Jackie Tohn posed together at a photocall for their upcoming Netflix series Nobody Wants This on Wednesday.

The trio, all 44, served up megawatt smiles while promoting the new comedy, hitting the streamer on September 26.

The River Wild actor was clad in tapered black trousers, a dark shirt, and a buttoned camel-colored cardigan.

For her part, Kristen  who is married to Dax Shepard  wowed in a deep purple off-the-shoulder dress with a turtleneck underlay.

Jackie turned heads in sleeveless brick red dress with a long, pleated skirt.

Adam Brody and Kristen Bell posed together at a photocall for their upcoming Netflix series Nobody Wants This on Wednesday

Kristen wowed in a deep purple off-the-shoulder dress with a turtleneck underlay

Bell  who also executive produced the series  plays Joanne, an irreverent woman who falls for a charming rabbi named Noah (Brody).

A logline for the show reads: 'He's stuck in his ways and used to playing things safe. He starts to stumble when he meets a brutally honest and provocative Joanne, totally upending his safe life plan.'

The two were spotted filming a passionate kissing scene in Los Angeles this past January.

Nobody Wants This marks Bell's second Netflix series after producing and starring in the eight-episode limited series The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window in 2022.

Justine Lupe plays Joanne's sister Morgan in the imminent television show.

The semi-autobiographical project was created and written by Erin Foster, 42, who shared a snippet with her 606,000 Instagram followers in late August.

Referencing her four-month-old daughter Noa, she wrote in the caption, 'Introducing you to my second baby! I'm a mother of 2 now But this wasn't a home birth. Nobody Wants This will be born Sept 26 only on @Netflix.'

Foster, who is married to Simon Tikhman, told Tudum, 'This show really represents how I view love now, which is so different than how I viewed it before.

'Being in a really beautiful, healthy, fun relationship, it made me soften some of my cynicism.'

The two longtime entertainers fall in love in their forthcoming romantic comedy series

Kristen pulled her dirty blonde hair into a low updo with a sleek center part. She slipped her feet into a pair of black wedge sandals

The River Wild actor was clad in tapered black trousers, a dark shirt, and a buttoned camel-colored cardigan

Erin previously co-created and starred in the reality TV parody Barely Famous, which aired for one season on VH1 between 2015-2016.

Prior to that, she was a staff writer on The New Normal, which aired for one season on NBC between 2012-2013.

She explained to Tudum about her writing style, 'I was always a very cynical writer because I was a very cynical person.

'That's where all my comedy came from and where my comedic perspective came from  failing at dating and failing at relationships and things blowing up and finding the humor in it.'

They were joined by co-star Jackie Tohn, who turned heads in sleeveless brick red dress with a long, pleated skirt

Justine Lupe, who also appears in the series, posed with her castmates

L-R Timothy Simons, Justine Lupe, Adam Brody, Kristen Bell and Jackie Tohn

The group gathered at The the aster Hotel in Los Angeles

Justine, known recently for her role on Succession, was also at the photocall.

The 35-year-old actress shared a teaser for the show via Instagram in late August, writing in the caption: 'NOBODY WANTS THIS is out September 26th on @netflix! Watch @kristenanniebell and Adam Brody serve up some smoking hot chem. I loved doing this show and all the people!'

Kristen shares two daughters  Lincoln, 11, and Delta, nine  with Armchair Expert podcast host Dax.

Brody has two young children with his The OC co-star Leighton Meester, and they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on February 15.
Luke Combs has taken to social media to confirm he will be embarking on a huge tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2025.

The country music star, 34, shared a post to Instagram on Thursday in which he revealed the exciting news and teased tour details.

'Australia and New Zealand, I told you guys we were coming back. I'm kicking off 2025 Down Under in January and February,' Luke began.

'Four cities, four stadiums, eight shows! We're doing Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

'Pre-sale starts on September 23rd, can't wait to see you guys, it's going to be fun!'

Luke will kick off his Australasian Growin' Up and Gettin' Old Tour at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on Friday, January 17, and perform another show there the following night.

He will then head to Brisbane to play two concerts at Suncorp Stadium on the 24th and 25th of January.

The Fast Car hitmaker will then play two shows at Sydney's Accor Stadium, before finishing up with two performances at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium.

Luke Combs has taken to social media to confirm he will be embarking on a huge tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2025. Pictured

General public tickets go on sale on Wednesday, September 25 through Ticketek.

The tour coincides with the recent release of his fifth studio album Fathers and Sons, in which he reflected on his experiences as a new parent.

Luke appears to love performing Down Under, as he performed across the country last August as part of his 2023 world tour.

He will be supported on stage by Australian country music star Lane Pittman, who hails from Tamworth, NSW.

The country music star, 34, shared a post to Instagram on Thursday in which he revealed the exciting news, and provided fans with some details

Many of Luke's Aussie fans took to the comment section to express their delight at the news.

'Fan-f**king-tastic! Can't wait,' one person wrote and another chipped in: 'Yesssss so excited! I'm not missing out this time!'

Australian music fans love Luke's unique style of country pop, with his 2019 album What You See Is What You Get reaching number one on the ARIA charts.
Oprah Winfrey and Riley Keough, the firstborn granddaughter of the late Elvis Presley, will chat about the battles over his Graceland estate and the death of her mother Lisa Marie, in an interview slated to air next month.

The rare special from Winfrey with Keough, 35 - titled An Oprah Special: The Presleys - Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley - comes about three years after the 70-year-old media icon made headlines for a pair of high-profile broadcasts with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry; and Adele.

The interview stemming from the famed Memphis mansion marks the first in-depth chat Keough has done since the January 12, 2023 death of her mother Lisa Marie Presley at 54, according to CBS News.

Keough, star of Daisy Jones & The Six, had been in legal clashes with her grandmother Priscilla Presley, 79, over conditions of Lisa Marie's will and estate in the nearly two years since her passing.

While they were reportedly not talking at one point, they came to a settlement in June of 2023 and reconciled earlier this year for a joint appearance at the Emmy Awards.

Oprah Winfrey, 70, and Riley Keough, 35, the firstborn granddaughter of the late Elvis Presley, will chat about the ongoing battle over his Graceland estate and the death of her mother Lisa Marie in an interview slated to air next month

An Oprah Special: The Presleys - Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley was filmed at the famed Memphis mansion marking the first in-depth chat Keough has done since the January 12, 2023 death of her mother Lisa Marie Presley at 54

Keough in recent years has also fended off fraudsters after the famed family was targeted in a high-profile scam.

A Missouri woman named Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, was arrested last month in connection with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in the scheme, officials with the Department of Justice said, NBC News reported.

Prosecutors said Findley had a checkered legal past of scams and fraud, as well as a variety of aliases.

Findley in August appeared in Springfield, Missouri at the United States Courthouse ahead of Judge David Rush, where she consented to hearings occurring in the Western District of Tennessee.

Prosecutors in the case said that Findley had incorporated the use of fake identities, post office boxes, phones and faxes in connection with the attempted flimflam. Findley denied any involvement this past June, NBC News reported.

The issue emerged after Keough sued and obtaining a temporary restraining order in May over a scheduled auction of the property.

A judge in Memphis had blocked an auction of the 13-acre estate, the AP reported after reviewing court documents, after a company named Naussany Investments and Private Lending said that Lisa Marie had used the estate against a $3.8 million she took out in 2018 for her Promenade Trust.

Keough, who inherited her mother's trust and the estate follower her death, said in legal docs that Naussany Investments and Private Lending had given her fraudulent info over the loan in September of 2023.

The interview stemming from the famed Memphis mansion marks the first in-depth chat Keough has done since the January 12, 2023 death of her mother Lisa Marie Presley at 54. Pictured two days before her passing attending the Golden Globes in LA

Keough had been in legal clashes with her grandmother Priscilla Presley, 79, over conditions of Lisa Marie's will and estate, but they came to a settlement in June of 2023 and reconciled earlier this year for a joint appearance at the Emmy Awards

Graceland initially opened to the public as a museum in 1982, five year's after Elvis's death at 42 in August of 1977

Keough's lawyer said in legal docs, 'Lisa Maria Presley never borrowed money from Naussany Investments and never gave a deed of trust to Naussany Investments.'

A notary whose name was listed on the documents named Kimberly Philbrick said she had never met Lisa Marie Presley or worked on any projects with her in the filing from Keough's team.

'Elvis Presley Enterprises can confirm that these claims are fraudulent,' Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. said in a statement May 21. 'There is no foreclosure sale. Simply put, the counter lawsuit has been filed is to stop the fraud.'

Graceland initially opened to the public as a museum in 1982, five year's after Elvis's death at 42 in August of 1977.

The special with Winfrey will also feature previously-unseen Presley family images and video, CBS said, as well as Keough expanding on 'the highs, lows and pressures of being a Presley' and 'the deep, profound relationship she had with her mother.'

Lisa Marie in her final years had recorded hours of audio amid her work on a book titled From Here to the Great Unknown, which Keough completed after her mother's death, the TV network said.

Keough pictured with famed stylist Jamie Mizrahi in NYC earlier this month

An Oprah Special: The Presleys - Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley is slated to air on CBS Tuesday, October 8 at 8/7c

In one passage, Lisa Marie said of Elvis: 'I felt my father could change the weather. He was a god to me. A chosen human being.'

An Oprah Special: The Presleys - Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley is slated to air on CBS Tuesday, October 8 at 8/7c.

It is slated to air concurrently on Paramount+ for subscribers of Paramount+ with Showtime; and will stream on-demand beginning October 9 for subscribers of Paramount+ Essentials.
Nicole Kidman is today known as one of the most glamorous and uniquely beautiful women in Hollywood.

But the Australian actress, 53, has revealed that she was often teased and bullied for her appearance as a teenager.

The Perfect Couple star opened up about her struggles with body image in the new documentary series, In Vogue: The 90s.

The show, which premiered at the weekend on Disney+, gives viewers an inside look at the fashion world during the decade of 'heroin chic' supermodels and examines its lasting impact on our perception of beauty.

In her very candid interview, Nicole admitted she didn't begin to feel confident in her own skin until the A-list fashion world came calling.

'I mean, I was a red-headed, fair-skinned girl who was almost 511 at the age of 14,' she said in the interview.

'I would get teased, and it wasnt kind.'

But her perceived disadvantage was turned on its head once Kidman began getting invites to Hollywood red carpets.

In new docuseries In Vogue In The 90s Nicole Kidman reveals that she bullied for her appearance throughout her childhood and adolescene

'Can you believe it? My whole life, I wanted to be 5'2" and curvaceous and suddenly, being 5'11" and completely sort of skinny and flat chested was like, "Great, we can dress you."

'Every time I was given access to that whole world, you feel like a little girl who's been given the chance to step into this sort of fantasy world.'

By the time 1990 rolled around, Nicole made her Hollywood debut opposite Tom Cruise in Tony Scott's auto-racing film, Days of Thunder.

In the following years, her star continued to rise as the striking red head churned out films that were - and still are - cult hits.

Kidman's first big splash in the fashion world came when iconic fashion designer du jour John Galliano dressed her in Dior for the 1997 Academy Awards.

'I mean, I was a red-headed, fair-skinned girl who was almost 511 at the age of 14,' Nicole Kidman says in the series (Pictured in Sydney in 1983)

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise at the 69th annual Academy Awards. Kidman is wearing John Galliano's famous Chartreuse Dior dress

Sharing what was going through her mind when the fashion designer reached out, Nicole unpacked some of her body image struggles from her youth and what it meant to her to have a dress designed specifically for her.

'I grew up watching Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn and Grace Kelly  all these women whose style was created with the designers that theyre affiliated with,' Nicole continued, speaking of ushering in a new era in red carpet fashion.

'They just loved fashion.

'So I remember thinking, but of course, this should be brought into Hollywood now, and we should be wearing the things that are made in these gorgeous little salons in Paris.

'Because thats what they used to do, so why arent we still doing it?'

The documentary series, which aired its first three episodes on September 13, is based on a Vogue-produced podcast of the same name.

Nicole Kidman at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024

This story is being told by the people who had powerful influence over the most turbulent and transformative decade in fashion.

This included tastemaking designers and fashion editors to the eras top models and actors.

The series features a stunning roll call of contributors that includes everyone from Tom Ford, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Linda Evangelista, to Kim Kardashian, Missy Elliott, Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tyson Beckford, Hillary Clinton, Marc Jacobs and Muccia Prada, and Marc Jacobs, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Anna Wintour, Vogue magazine's global editor Hamish Bowels, and former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enniful, who co-produced and appear in the series, hosted a special screening on September 17, the final day of London Fashion Week.
Actor Michael Madsen has filed for divorce from his estranged wife DeAnna, claiming he's been a victim of her abuse for years.

The 65-year-old Reservoir Dogs star tied the knot with DeAnna, 64, in 1996 and they share three children - Kalvin, 27, Luke, 18 and Hudson, who committed suicide at just 26 back in January 2022 while stationed in Hawaii for the U.S. Army.

Madsen filed the divorce petition on Wednesday, citing irreconcilable differences and adding that he actually has been separated since January 2022.

He claimed in the petition that he believes DeAnna's, 'neglect, drinking and alcoholism' contributed to Hudson taking his own life.

The Kill Bill star also alleged he has been in a, 'abusive, co-dependent, and toxic relationship' with DeAnna, which culminated in his domestic violence arrest last month.

Actor Michael Madsen has filed for divorce from his estranged wife DeAnna, claiming he's been a victim of her abuse for years

The 65-year-old Reservoir Dogs star tied the knot with DeAnna, 64, in 1996 and they share three children - Kalvin, 27, Luke, 18 and Hudson (left), who committed suicide at just 26 back in January 2022 while stationed in Hawaii for the U.S. Army

He claimed in the petition that he believes DeAnna's, 'neglect, drinking and alcoholism' contributed to Hudson taking his own life

Madsen is also seeking a domestic violence restraining order against his estranged wife in the petition.

The actor was arrested at his home in Malibu, California, after he allegedly 'shoved' his wife and locked her out of his home.

He was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge but was released on $20,000 bond.

His attorney Perry Wander insisted that his client was 'not guilty of domestic violence.'

He also accused DeAnna of 'breaking into' Madsen's home on Sunday, when the alleged incident occurred.

'He confronted her and asked her to leave,' Wander said, claiming that this 'has been an ongoing problem.'

'Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife. He's definitely not guilty of domestic violence,' Wander concluded.

In response, DeAnna issued her own statement, alleging that her estranged spouse is 'struggling with personal issues.'

Madsen is also seeking a domestic violence restraining order against his estranged wife in the petition

The actor was arrested at his home in Malibu, California, after he allegedly 'shoved' his wife and locked her out of his home

He was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge but was released on $20,000 bond

He also accused DeAnna of 'breaking into' Madsen's home on Sunday, when the alleged incident occurred

'Myself and our children have been supporting him to the best of our ability. We would request privacy at this time,' she said.

Just a few weeks later, the case against Madsen was tossed out by the Los Angeles District Attorney due to 'insufficient evidence.'

'We are thrilled that Michael Madsen is able to put this behind him and look forward to our continued collaboration with more great things coming from this veteran and respected actor,' his representative said in a statement.

Madsen is best known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino such as Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill.
True crime fans have slammed the upcoming Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story.

The show, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, centres around the 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez who were killed by their sons Lyle and Erik.

Starring Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny, the series is the second season in the Monster anthology.

It also stars Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as Lyle and Erik Menendez.

It was released after the success of 2020's Dahmer  Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, about the life and crimes of notorious serial killer Jeffery Dahmer.

Fans have slammed the title of the series before its September 19 global release.

Taking to Facebook, they argued that Joseph and Erik were not 'monsters', but rather victims of their father Jose's physical and sexual abuse.

'I hate that it's called Monsters,' one fan complained. 'Yes these boys did the wrong thing, but I honestly believe it was justified their parents abused, tortured, and assaulted these boys their whole life.

True crime fans have slammed the upcoming Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. Pictured are Chloe Sevigny and Javier Bardem who star in the series

'They wrongfully took away any chance these boys had at living a normal life. IMO they got what they deserved free these boys.'

One said they would reserve judgement until the series premieres.

'I just hope they do these men right and tell their story with dignified sympathy and honesty and don't paint them to be the villains to make a more compelling storyline,' the fan wrote.

Another chimed in with a similar sentiment, arguing the Monsters tag might apply to the way the media portrayed the brothers at the time of the trial.

'We will have to wait and see how they portray them in the series, but I'm wondering if it's called Monsters as in how they were labelled in the media at the time of the case, not necessarily calling them monsters,' they wrote.

Another added that while Monsters was the name of the anthology series, labelling this particular story felt 'wrong.'

Taking to Facebook , they argued that Joseph and Erik were not 'monsters', but rather victims of their father Jose's physical and sexual abuse

'I hate that it's called Monsters,' one fan complained. 'Yes these boys did the wrong thing, but I honestly believe it was justified their parents abused, tortured, and assaulted these boys their whole life

Another said they would reserve judgement until the series premieres

'Like, I get if they copied the same format as the Dahmer series...but just flat out calling it MONSTERS is wild,' they said.

'I don't know much about their case, just the basics, but it just feels wrong.'

Another fan chastised the Monster series overall calling it 'exploitative.'

'Feels a but icky and exploitative to be making these dramatic trype series about true crime, and after what happened with the Dahmer series not consulting families of victims or even letting them know, I doubt this story will be handles with grace

Another chimed in with a similar sentiment, arguing the Monsters tag might apply to the way the media portrayed the brothers at the time of the trial

We will have to wait and see how they portray them in the series,' they wrote

Another chimed in with a similar sentiment, arguing the Monsters tag might apply to the way the media portrayed the brothers at the time of the trial

Joseph and Erik Menendez were convicted in 1996 of the murders of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez.

During their trial, the brothers stated they committed the murders out of fear that their father would kill them after they threatened to expose him for years of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse.

However, the prosecution argued that they did it to inherit their father's multimillion-dollar estate.

The brothers were first tried separately with one jury for each brother. However, both juries deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial.

For the second trial, they were tried together by a single jury that found them guilty after the judge excluded the evidences of abuse for the defense.

Both brothers were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

It was also announced this week that Charlie Hunnam will star in the series next iteration, portraying notorious necrophile and murderer Ed Gein.
Lily Collins turned up the heat as she arrived to a taping of Watch What Happens Live in New York City on Wednesday.

The Emily in Paris star, 35, looked chic as ever in a grey Gucci wool romper, retailing for $2,700, that displayed her toned legs.

The actress teamed the look with knee-high black boots and a grey silk scarf around her neck.

Her jet-black tresses were styled into a sleek chin-length bob that framed her face. The star opted for delicate makeup.

Earlier this week Lily announced that her Netflix hit series, Emily in Paris, has been renewed for a fifth season.

Lily Collins, 35, turned up the heat as she arrived to a taping of Watch What Happens Live in New York City on Wednesday

And on Tuesday she wowed in a sheer black mini dress that exposed her bra as she attended an event for the show.

Despite mixed reviews from viewers about season four, which was split into two parts, the latest season ranked number one on the Netflix Global Top 10 when it premiered in August.

According to Netflix's site, Tudum, the series garnered '19.9M views in its first four days' and reached the top ten in 93 countries.

'We're thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily's adventures in Rome and Paris!' creator Darren Star told the site.

Collins excitedly confirmed Emily in Paris will be returning for season five on Netflix on Monday.

After she made the exciting announcement on Good Morning America, fans of her romantic comedy series expressed their excitement and surprise that she would be returning to her role as aspiring marketing executive Emily Cooper.

'What visa is she on?' one joked.

Another insisted: 'For my mental health there should be a new season of Emily in Paris monthly.'

The Emily in Paris star looked chic as ever in a grey Gucci wool romper, retailing for $2,700, that displayed her toned legs

The actress teamed the look with knee-high black boots and a grey silk scarf around her neck

Her jet-black tresses were styled into a sleek chin-length bob that framed her face

The star opted for delicate makeup. Earlier this week Lily announced that her Netflix hit series, Emily in Paris, has been renewed for a fifth season

According to Netflix's site, Tudum, the series garnered '19.9M views in its first four days' and reached the top ten in 93 countries

Fans of her romantic comedy series expressed their excitement and surprise that she would be returning to her role as aspiring marketing executive Emily Cooper

Emily in Paris season four part two arrived on September 12 and followed Emily as she gallivanted around the Italian capital of Rome

The latest series followed the dramatic events of the misbegotten wedding of Camille, played by Camille Razat, and Gabriel, played by Lucas Bravo

'I want to watch a new season of Emily in Paris every year until I die,' a third wrote.

'Oh yay my forever guilty pleasure,' a fourth raved.

Some viewers, however, quipped they couldn't believe some people are 'still watching this show.'

'This show is so bad. I can't stop watching it though [sobbing emoji],' another X user tweeted.

Another asked: 'Why are they making more seasons????'

Emily in Paris season four part two arrived on September 12 and followed Emily as she gallivanted around the Italian capital of Rome.

The latest series followed the dramatic events of the misbegotten wedding of Camille, played by Camille Razat, and Gabriel, played by Lucas Bravo.

In part one, Emily still had strong feelings for Gabriel and Lucien Laviscount's Alfie. But Gabriel was expecting a baby with his ex Camille, and Alfie's worst fears about Emily and Gabriel had been confirmed.

She plays Emily Cooper in the series, a young American woman who moves to Paris for a new job and navigates cultural differences and romantic adventures; seen in a still

In part two, Emily's flight back to Chicago is cancelled.

And even though there's no place like home for the holidays, she is stuck spending Christmas Eve with Gabriel and Camille's family in Megeve.

Emily's new love interest Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini, makes his arrival soon after, and, following their first date in Paris, she goes to visit him in Rome.

The finale concludes with a great new opportunity for Emily: leading a Rome based office which Sylvie encourages Emily to take, not only to stay in beautiful Italy but to be closer to her new man.
The latest season of Married At First Sight has already been rife with drama, but it's not just on-screen antics causing a stir.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal producers have imposed a strict new curfew on the 2025 cast after several participants were labelled 'disrespectful' and 'selfish' for disappearing during filming.

This decision follows an incident in which one couple went missing mid-shoot, causing chaos for the production crew.

The cast, who were initially given a curfew of 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends, are now facing even stricter rules.

According to a leaked email sent to the cast from the production team, the new curfew times have been moved up to 8pm on Fridays and Sundays, and 9pm on Saturdays.

This change comes after the couple ignored curfew, ceasing communication with production and failing to return to their apartments on Saturday night.

An insider claimed that the cast members have restricted access to the hotel they're staying in.

'Their keys don't work after a certain time, so they need to inform the house AP [Associate Producer] to let them in; otherwise, they will be stuck outside,' the insider explained.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Married At First Sight producers have imposed a strict new curfew on the 2025 cast after several participants were labelled 'disrespectful' and 'selfish' for disappearing during filming (Pictured: Awhina Rutene and Adrian Araouzou)

'It's a way of trying to keep the cast behaving and stop them from coming in and out as they please.'

The email from production expresses the frustration and disappointment with the participants' actions.

It reads, 'Unfortunately, over the weekend two participants decided to cease communication with production on Saturday night and not return to the apartments by curfew - let alone at all.'

This decision follows an incident where one couple went missing during filming, causing chaos for the production crew (Pictured: Dave Thomas and Jamie Marinos)

The couple allegedly ignored curfew, ceasing communication with production and failing to return to their apartments on Saturday night (Pictured: Billy Belcher and Sierah Swepstone)

The message goes on to detail how this 'selfish decision' impacted over 15 crew members on their Saturday evening and into the early hours of Sunday morning, with the Nine Network being informed of the breach.

The curfew is not just a measure of control but also an essential part of maintaining the production's schedule and ensuring the safety of all participants.

The production crew must keep track of the cast to avoid any unforeseen incidents and to manage the show's narrative effectively.

The cast, who were initially given a curfew of 10 pm on weeknights and 11 pm on weekends, are now facing even stricter rules (Pictured: Jeff Gobbles looking downcast after new rules)

According to a email sent to the cast from the production team, the new curfew times have been moved up to 8 pm on Fridays and Sundays, and 9 pm on Saturdays

This level of control helps to prevent any off-camera drama that could derail the storyline or result in negative publicity.

'The complete disregard to this production's guidelines to ensure all participants remain safe whilst in our care, as well as the utter disrespect to my crew and their weekend, has meant the below changes will need to be enforced,' stated the email.

The message also highlighted the lack of remorse from the participants involved, stating, 'At this stage, my team are yet to receive an apology, let alone any kind of remorse, which quite frankly is disappointing.'

A number of different brides and grooms were spotted looking glum inside their apartment just moments after the scathing email was sent to cast

The new curfew times are a clear message to the cast that they need to adhere to the guidelines they signed up for, emphasising mutual respect between the participants and the production crew.

As the email states, 'For those who do respect the rules and share a mutual respect with this crew and production, it's a shame you will be impacted by these actions taken over the weekend.'

The rest of the cast were understandably not impressed with the new restrictions, telling Daily Mail Australia it was 'complete b*****t' and 'not fair'.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.
She's the glamorous influencer set to make her reality TV debut on Paramount+ series Aussie Shore.

And Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Lexie Dyer is the youngest daughter of Big Brother star Paul Dyer, who appeared on season four of the Channel 10 show back in 2004.

Paul lasted a whopping 87 days in the house alongside Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, Bree Amer and Wes Denning.

While Paul didn't win the $1million prize money, he has gone on to build a large online fanbase, boasting over 188,800 TikTok followers as the 'Aussie Chicken Dad'.

He regularly posts about his daughters, giving fans an inside at their chaotic life.

The reality series will premiere on the streaming giant on October 3 and will see Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby take on hosting duties.

Lexi is described as a 'pocket rocket' with a huge personality.

She is pansexual (attracted to whoever she connects with) and lives by the motto 'f**k it'.

Glamorous influencer Lexie Dyer is set to make her reality TV debut on Paramount+'s upcoming series of Aussie Shore

Daily Mail Australia can reveal she is the youngest daughter of Big Brother star Paul Dyer, who appeared on season four of the Channel 10 show back in 2004. (Both pictured)

Always down for some fun, be it a vodka or a nudie run, Lexie reportedly 'does what she wants and faces the consequences of her actions later'.

Love Island's Calum Hole and social media star and model Cooper Black will also appear on the series.

The show follows a group of singletons as they live together in a house, party and get acquainted, and will no doubt launch careers like international breakout stars Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi.

Paul lasted a whopping 87 days in the house alongside Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, Bree Amer and Wes Denning

Aussie Shore is not the only adaptation in the works, with Argentina Shore and Columbia Shore also confirmed.

Aussies got a taste of what a local version would be like back in 2013, when a season of Geordie Shore was filmed Down Under.

Aussie Shore will no doubt launch careers like international breakout stars Jersey Shore's Jenni Farley, 'JWoww' and Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi (both pictured)
Brad Pitt and his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, joined George Clooney at the star-studded premiere of the upcoming film, Wolfs, in Hollywood on Wednesday.

The Fight Club actor, 60 - who recently starred in a humorous skit with the ER alum, 63, for Jimmy Kimmel Live! - was supported by Ines, 31, during the festivities which took place at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre.

Pitt and Clooney took on leading roles in the Apple TV+ comedic thriller which officially drops on the streaming site later this month on September 27.

Brad was dapper in a pair of tan trousers as well as a matching blazer that was left unfastened at the front.

He additionally wore a white button up underneath and slipped into a pair of off-white loafers.

Brad Pitt's glamorous girlfriend Ines de Ramon upstages the stars at Wolfs Hollywood premiere despite skipping red carpet on Wednesday night

The lovebirds enjoyed a dinner date following the high-profile premiere

For a finishing touch, the star also sported a pair of stylish, black shades to protect his eyes from the setting sun.

Pitt's girlfriend - whom he was first romantically linked to in 2022 - exuded Hollywood glamour as she made an appearance at the crowded event ahead of the screening.

The beauty donned a one-shoulder, tan dress that contained ruched details and clung to her toned frame.

She easily carried a dark brown, clutch bag in her hand to hold a few items she needed during the big night.

Her brunette locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in elegant waves.

Ines opted for minimal accessories to allow the outfit to be the main focal point, and added a glittering silver necklace with a blue rhinestone in the middle.

The jewelry designer opted for a classical makeup look that comprised of a layer of mascara to her lashes, as well as a dewy highlighter to cheekbones that offered a sun-kissed glow.

And for a finishing touch to the overall look for the evening, Ines added a glossy pink tint to her lips.

The couple kept close amid the chaotic scene outside Mother Wolf restaurant in Hollywood

Brad protectively held his longtime girlfriend's forearm as they exited the establishment

The beauty donned a one-shoulder, tan dress that contained ruched details and clung to her toned frame

She easily carried a dark brown, clutch bag in her hand to hold a few items she needed during the big night

At one point, Ines flashed an excited smile as she crossed paths with another individual at the premiere

Brad posed for the cameras with his pal and co-star George Clooney

Brad was dapper in a pair of tan trousers as well as a matching blazer that was left unfastened at the front

For a finishing touch, the star also sported a pair of stylish, black shades to protect his eyes from the setting sun

George Clooney also put on a dapper display as he attended the screening, and opted for an all-black outfit

The actor donned a classic, black suit as well as black dress shirt underneath which was partially unbuttoned around the collar

Both George and Brad put on dapper displays as they arrived for the premiere of their new film

George opted for a sharp black suit as she and Brad posed for snaps together

The duo were in high spirits as they attended the premiere of the new film

The duo also posed for snaps with their co-star Amy Ryan

She was spotted making her way through other guests and attendees at the event in the heart of Hollywood to support Brad. However, she chose to skip the main red carpet.

At one point, Ines flashed an excited smile as she crossed paths with another individual at the premiere.

George Clooney also put on a dapper display as he attended the screening, and opted for an all-black outfit.

The actor donned a classic, black suit as well as black dress shirt underneath which was partially unbuttoned around the collar.

Clooney completed the ensemble by slipping into a pair of sleek, black dress shoes that were secured with laces.

Although Ines didn't pause for snaps with Pitt, her boyfriend and George paused for a brief photo session together on the red carpet.

The duo also took time to greet awaiting fans that had gathered outside the venue in Hollywood.

They were seen strolling down a portion of Hollywood Boulevard that had been shut down for the premiere.

Clooney completed his ensemble by slipping into a pair of sleek, black dress shoes that were secured with laces

Although Ines didn't pause for snaps with Pitt, her boyfriend and George paused for a brief photo session together on the red carpet

Wolfs is slated to officially air on Apple TV+ on September 27 - after the film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival earlier this month

Along with becoming available on the streaming site, the comedic thriller is also set for a limited theatrical release on September 20

Brad took on the role of Pam's Man in the movie, while George portrayed the character of Margaret's Man

Other stars that were cast in the project - which was directed by Jon Watts - included Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Richard Kind and Poorna Jagannathan

The premise is, 'Two rival fixers cross paths when they're both called in to help cover up a prominent New York official's misstep'

'Over one explosive night, they'll have to set aside their petty grievances and their egos to finish the job,' per an official IMDB synopsis

Brad and George were seen strolling down a portion of Hollywood Boulevard that had been shut down for the premiere

Pitt and Clooney flashed cheerful smiles and were also spotted waving to cheering fans nearby.

Wolfs is slated to officially air on Apple TV+ on September 27 - after the film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival earlier this month.

Along with becoming available on the streaming site, the comedic thriller is also set for a limited theatrical release on September 20.

Brad took on the role of Pam's Man in the movie, while George portrayed the character of Margaret's Man.

Other stars that were cast in the $200 million project - which was directed by Jon Watts - included Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Richard Kind and Poorna Jagannathan.

The premise is, 'Two rival fixers cross paths when they're both called in to help cover up a prominent New York official's misstep.'

'Over one explosive night, they'll have to set aside their petty grievances and their egos to finish the job,' per an official IMDB synopsis.

Brad and George are no strangers to working together and notably appeared in the Ocean's Eleven franchise.

The two stars were seen greeting fans as they made their way down the road before the screening took place

Pitt and Clooney took time to spend time with fans that were waiting outside the venue

Brad was seen lifting his arm into the air as he sent a friendly wave to onlookers

At one point, the pair were seen pointing at something that caught their attention in the distance

Brad and George are no strangers to working together and notably appeared in the Ocean's Eleven franchise

IGN's Siddhant Adlakha wrote that the movie is a 'slick student film from a rich teen who's subsisted on a media diet of early Guy Ritchie...'

However, Wolfs has been slammed by critics and labeled as 'messy' and an 'unbearable comedy' ahead of its release on Apple TV+.

IGN's Siddhant Adlakha wrote that the movie is a 'slick student film from a rich teen who's subsisted on a media diet of early Guy Ritchie...'

Barry Levitt from the Daily Beast penned in a review that George and Brad are, 'delivering auto-piloted performances here...'

'Moving their mouths and churning out exhaustive dialogue because they're being paid a lot of money to do so (more than $35million a piece, according to The New York Times)...'

Other celebrities were also seen at the screening, including Christina Milian who wowed in a colorful outfit.

She donned a blue and yellow-patterned dress that clung to her frame and contained a cutout on her upper back. A smaller cutout could be seen around the bust area for a sultry flare.

The singer wore a pair of open-toed, black heels and carried a black purse with a gold-chained strap over her left shoulder.

Her dark locks were parted in the middle and pulled back into a sleek up do, easily revealing a pair of hooped, blue earrings.

Other celebrities were also seen at the screening, including Christina Milian who wowed in a colorful outfit

She donned a blue and yellow-patterned dress that clung to her frame and contained a cutout on her upper back

A smaller cutout could be seen around the bust area for a sultry flare

Her dark locks were parted in the middle and pulled back into a sleek up do, easily revealing a pair of hooped, blue earrings

Poorna Jagannathan turned heads in an elegant, strapless blue gown that flowed down towards the ground

Poorna Jagannathan turned heads in an elegant, strapless blue gown that flowed down towards the ground.

The actress donned a pair of shiny, closed-toed pumps and accessorized the look with a pair of sparkling, silver earrings.

The star's dark locks were parted in the middle, and combed back into a stylish up do at the back of her head.

Jessica Szohr put on a leggy display wearing a black minidress that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees.

The Gossip Girl alum also opted for a pair of open-toed, black heels that had bow embellishments on top.

Her hair was parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in natural waves.

Gizele Oliveira dazzled in a halter-styled, dark silver gown that was made of a shimmering material and had a thin cutout on the upper portion.

The actress donned a pair of shiny, closed-toed pumps and accessorized the look with a pair of mini earrings

Jessica Szohr put on a leggy display wearing a black minidress that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees

Gizele Oliveira dazzled in a halter-styled, dark silver gown that was made of a shimmering material and had a thin cutout on the upper portion

She slipped into a pair of open-toed, black strappy heels and allowed her dark locks to cascade down in curls past her shoulders.

Amy Ryan was dressed for the occasion in a classy, caped black dress that had a sparkling, rhinestone trim for a flashy flare.

She added a dainty bracelet on her right wrist as well as small earrings to further glam up the outfit.

Her short blonde locks were parted to the side, and fell down to nearly brush her shoulders. For a final touch, Ryan added a bold red tint to her lips.

Amy later crossed paths with her co-stars, Brad and George, and they paused for a photo session together on the red carpet.

She was also accompanied by her mother, Pam Ryan, who wore a colorful, floral-patterned dress at the event.

Sasha Pieterse opted for an all-black ensemble that comprised of a black minidress with bell sleeves as well as a belt that wrapped around her lower waist.

She slipped into a pair of open-toed, black strappy heels and allowed her dark locks to cascade down in curls past her shoulders

Amy Ryan was dressed for the occasion in a classy, caped black dress that had a sparkling, silver trim for a flashy flare

Her short blonde locks were parted to the side, and fell down to nearly brush her shoulders. For a final touch, Ryan added a bold red tint to her lips

Amy later crossed paths with her co-stars, Brad and George, and they paused for a photo session together on the red carpet

She was also accompanied by her mother, Pam Ryan, who wore a colorful, floral-patterned dress at the event

Sasha Pieterse opted for an all-black ensemble that comprised of a black minidress with bell sleeves as well as a belt that wrapped around her lower waist

The Pretty Little Liars actress also donned a pair of sheer, black tights as well as closed-toed, black heels.

Her hair was parted in the middle, and effortlessly cascaded down past her shoulders in light waves.

Katheryn Winnick was chic in a rosy pink, satin dress that contained ruffled that had a plunging neckline on the front.

She slipped into a pair of open-toed, black strappy pumps and carried a glittering, black clutch in her hand for a final touch.

Her blonde locks were parted to the side, and flowed down past her shoulders in elegant curls.

Thora Birch struck a pose wearing a shimmering, sequin top as well as a pair of black, leather pants for an edgy flare.

She wore a pair of closed-toed, black heels to coincide with the color scheme of the monochromatic outfit.

Allison Dunbar was stylish in a white minidress with a black collar and held hands with husband Ron Perlman who also stopped by the premiere.

Katheryn Winnick was chic in a rosy pink, satin dress that contained ruffled that had a plunging neckline on the front

Thora Birch struck a pose wearing a shimmering, sequin top as well as a pair of black, leather pants for an edgy flare

Allison Dunbar was stylish in a white minidress with a black collar and held hands with husband Ron Perlman who also stopped by the premiere

Richard Kind was dressed for the event wearing a brown-colored suit as well as a matching tie

Austin Abrams opted for a pair of black slacks as well as a black blazer that was left unfastened at the front. The actor wore a white shirt underneath and slipped into a pair of black, laced shoes

Nick Kroll sent a friendly wave on the red carpet while donning a pair of blue pants as well as a black polo shirt

Richard Kind was dressed for the event wearing a brown-colored suit as well as a matching tie.

He additionally wore a white button up and a pair of dark brown, leather dress shoes to complete the outfit.

Austin Abrams opted for a pair of black slacks as well as a black blazer that was left unfastened at the front. The actor wore a white shirt underneath and slipped into a pair of black, laced shoes.

Nick Kroll sent a friendly wave on the red carpet while donning a pair of blue pants as well as a black polo shirt.

He layered the outfit with a white jacket that was left unbuttoned at the front for a final touch.

Billy Zane was dapper in a dark navy suit which was paired with a light blue, dress shirt as well as an orange tie that added a pop of color

Zlatko Buric struck a fun pose while stopping for pictures in a classic, black suit as well as a white shirt and sleek, black shoes

Andy Garcia was also in attendance at the screening and sported a brown, corduroy suit as well as an off-white shirt and stylish, brown shades

Later in the evening, Pitt, Richard Kind, Poorna Jagannathan, Amy Ryan, Clooney and Zlatko Buric paused for a memorable group photo together

Billy Zane was dapper in a dark navy suit which was paired with a light blue, dress shirt as well as an orange tie that added a pop of color.

Zlatko Buric struck a fun pose while stopping for pictures in a classic, black suit as well as a white shirt and sleek, black shoes.

Andy Garcia was also in attendance at the screening and sported a brown, corduroy suit as well as an off-white shirt and stylish, brown shades.

Later in the evening, Pitt, Richard Kind, Poorna Jagannathan, Amy Ryan, Clooney and Zlatko Buric paused for a memorable group photo together.
Irina Shayk and Ashley Graham dressed to the nines at the Vogue Italia 60th Anniversary x Ray-Ban event on Wednesday evening during Milan Fashion Week.

The 38-year-old Russian model  who shares seven-year-old daughter Lea with ex-boyfriend Bradley Cooper  and 36-year-old runway regular had the same idea as they both arrived in slinky, sheer, black dresses.

Irina chose a sleeveless, low-cut, maxi-length frock with pleats along its long skirt.

For her part, Ashley sizzled in a mini dress with a turtleneck and see-through lace bodice that exposed her bra.

Both women wore their lustrous brunette locks loose, with Shayk opting for a sleek, straight style while Graham chose flirty waves.

Irina Shayk and Ashley Graham dressed to the nines at the Vogue Italia 60th Anniversary x Ray-Ban event on Wednesday evening during Milan Fashion Week

Ashley sizzled in a mini dress with a turtleneck and see-through lace bodice that exposed her bra. She wore her lustrous brunette locks in loose, flirty waves

The mother-of-three bared her toned legs in the sexy look, which she punctuated with backless, black, open-toe heels.

She displayed a pristine nude-toned pedicure, which matched her short, neutral manicure.

Ashley carried a small black clutch for the evening out and she looked typically gorgeous in a full face of makeup.

Her big, brown eyes were accentuated with cat-eye liner and fluttery lashes while she rocked a moisturizing mauve lip stain.

Irina skipped noticeable jewelry and also flaunted a nude manicure.

She wore heels with thick black straps and complemented her outfit with a makeup look that included a dark brown shade of lipstick.

The longtime fashionista has been on model duty while her ex Bradley takes care of their daughter in New York City.

Amelia Hamlin, 23, was also at the soiree, making her presence known in a red leather dress and matching gloves.

Amelia Hamlin, 23, was also at the soiree, making her presence known in a red leather dress and matching gloves

The budding model, who is the daughter of Lisa Rinna, put on a busty display in the corseted ensemble

Also at the Vogue Italia affair was revered American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, 74

The budding model, who is the daughter of Lisa Rinna, put on a busty display in the corseted ensemble.

Her long, raven locks were set in a deep, precise center part as they flowed down her back in a bone-straight style.

Thick, dark, feathered eyebrows framed her face as she drew attention to her brown eyes with dark mascara.

Her makeup look was complete with a glossy color coated on her plump pout.

Also at the Vogue Italia affair was revered American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, 74.

She looked typically fashion-forward in a long, golden yellow, patterned dress that she topped with burgundy-brown leather trench coat.

Among the star-studded crowd was Norwegian supermodel Frida Aasen, 29

She showed off her slender curves in a figure-hugging brown dress with an asymmetric neckline

Rania Benchegra, 29, left little to the imagination in a sheer black dress topped by a short coat

The two stunner teamed up for a glamorous snapshot

Sudanese-British model and designer Alek Wek, 47, wore a textured ivory dress with two side slits

Earlier that night Ashley commanded attention at Etro fashion show where she left little to the imagination in a sheer brown blouse

She flaunted her gorgeous curves as she wore a brown print mini skirt which featured a daringly high slit

The beauty appeared in top spirits for her first event of the evening as she flashed a pearly smile as she watched the Milan Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 event

Among the star-studded crowd was Norwegian supermodel Frida Aasen, 29.

She showed off her slender curves in a figure-hugging brown mini dress with an asymmetric neckline.

Rania Benchegra, 29, left little to the imagination in a sheer black dress topped by a short coat.

At one point, she and Frida teamed up for a glamorous snapshot.

And Sudanese-British model and designer Alek Wek, 47, wore a textured ivory dress with two side slits.
Queen Mary's nephew Count Nikolai of Denmark is rumoured to have split with his long-term girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup.

Nikolai, 25, and his Danish partner Benedikte, 24, have not shared to social media any photos of them together since August.

This shock move comes after they previously shared galleries of loved-up snaps which captured them attending many exclusive events together.

Neither have made any official announcement confirming a split, after not being seen together publicly for one of the longest periods since they began dating in 2018.

Benedikte, who is the founder of Danish hair beauty company BeneSoie, has posted several glamorous modelling shots to Instagram over the past month - and Nikolai has been absent from all of them.

The last time they were photographed together was when Benedikte made her catwalk debut on August 12 at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

The pair were seen posing up a storm together for the cameras in complementary monochrome outfits.

Meanwhile, Danish Royal-turned-fashion model Nikolai last month posted a gallery of snaps to social media which captured him enjoying a luxury holiday in Europe - and Benedikte did not appear in a photo with him.

Queen Mary's nephew Count Nikolai of Denmark is rumoured to have split with his long-term girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup. Both pictured

Nikolai, 25, and his Danish partner Benedikte, 24, have not shared to social media any photos of them together since August. This shock move comes after they previously shared galleries of loved-up snaps which captured them attending many exclusive events together

Daily Mail Australia has reached out for comment.

Nikolai and his blonde bombshell partner have dated for years, and were often seen attending exclusive red carpet events together.

In 2022, she accompanied him to Australia as he relocated for several months to study at the University of Technology Sydney for a semester.

Nikolai, whose father is Prince Joachim of Denmark - the younger brother of Queen Mary's husband Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark - is seventh in line to the Danish throne.

In March 2023, Count Nikolai of Denmark launched a new Instagram account to promote his modelling career after being stripped of his 'HRH' status by his grandmother, Queen Margrethe.

It was a tumultuous year for the Danish Royal Family after the monarch controversially took the title from Prince Joachim's eldest son, as well as also taking the prince and princess titles from his younger children Athena, Prince Felix and Prince Henrik.
The latest actor to play the Man of Steel honored one of the first to play him on the big screen at the premiere of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.

David Corenswet - who plays Clark Kent/Superman in Warner Bros.' highly-anticipated Superman film set for release next summer - hit the red carpet for the New York premiere on Wednesday.

He was seen posing with the children of Reeve - the first actor to play Superman in a big-budget theatrical feature in 1978's Superman - at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Reeve's children - Matthew, Alexandra and Will - appear alongside stars like Susan Sarandon and Glenn Close, with the film debuting in a limited release through Fathom Events on September 21 and 25.

Corenswet was also joined on the red carpet by his Superman director James Gunn and Gunn's DC Studios co-chairman Peter Safran.

The latest actor to play the Man of Steel honored one of the first to play him on the big screen at the premiere of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Reeve's children - Matthew (left), Alexandra (middle left) and Will (right)- appear alongside stars like Susan Sarandon and Glenn Close , with the film debuting in a limited release through Fathom Events on September 21 and 25.

Corenswet was also joined on the red carpet by his Superman director James Gunn (right) and Gunn's DC Studios co-chairman Peter Safran (left).

Corenswet stepped out in a dashing grey suit, with a white dress shirt, grey tie, grey coat and grey dress shoes.

He accessorized with a watch with a grey band, sporting a scruffy beard and completing his look with shiny black dress shoes.

Corenswet joins a long line of actors who have played the Man of Steel on the big screen, dating back to a 1948 movie serial starring Kirk Alyn.

George Reeves starred in the first Superman feature film in 1951, but Christopher Reeve played the first true big-screen/major studio Man of Steel in 1978's Superman.

He would reprise the role in Superman II, Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, before parting ways with the franchise.

Reeve's life was turned upside down in 1995 when he was paralyzed from the neck down following an equestrian accident.

He slipped into a coma and died less than a day later in October 2004 at just 52 years of age.

Since then, Brandon Routh has played Superman in 2006's Superman Returns and Henry Cavil in 2013's Man of Steel, 2016's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2017's Justice League.

Corenswet stepped out in a dashing grey suit, with a white dress shirt, grey tie, grey coat and grey dress shoes

Christopher Reeve as the iconic Superman

Corenswet becomes the next part of Superman's big-screen legacy when his new film debuts on July 11, 2025.

Unlike most Superman films, this will eschew the traditional 'origin story' and focusing on the character in his mid-20s.

The cast also includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders (a.k.a. Hawkgirl), Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El (a.k.a. Supergirl), Nicholas Hoult as the villainous Lex Luthor and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, one of the many Green Lanterns.

The film will kick off Gunn and Safran's new DC franchise, followed by Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set for release on June 26, 2026.
A major Hollywood star looked nearly unrecognizable while on set of his new film in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The actor's, 55, signature dark curly strands were transformed into a striking white mohawk.

The four-time Emmy winner's face was covered in dramatic villain makeup-up, consisting of white face paint, heavy black and red eyeshadow, and red lipstick.

The American-born star  whose role in a critically acclaimed HBO fantasy series propelled him to international stardom  wore a red robe with gold embellishments.

Can you guess who it is?

A major Hollywood star, 55, looked nearly unrecognizable while on set of his new film in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Can you guess who it is?

That's right, it's Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage.

He was pictured shooting scenes on set of the new adaptation of William Shakespeare's King Lear, dubbed Lear Rex. Dinklage plays The Fool in the film.

The Fool is a significant character in Shakespeare's play, and serves as a witty and honest advisor to the king, who, by using humor and sarcasm, can point out Lear's flaws.

Dinklage was joined by co-stars Al Pacino, 84, and Stephen Dorff, 51.

The Godfather icon was seen donning kingly attire, wearing a black tunic under an ornate purple robe with gold trim for his day on the set.

The actor's grey hair was rather unkempt as he sported a grey beard for the role as well.

Dorff wore a ratty green one-piece garment affixed to one shoulder as the makeup showcased his grimy persona.

He also sported numerous face tattoos on his arms and had a visible wound on his left leg while wearing a pair of brown sandals.

That's right, it's Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage; (L) seen on set in LA on Wednesday, (R) pictured as Tyrion Lannister in a still from Game of Thrones in 2019

He was pictured shooting scenes on set of the new Shakespearean adaptation of King Lear, dubbed Lear Rex. Dinklage plays 'The Fool' in the film

The actor's signature dark curly strands were transformed into a striking white mohawk

His face was covered in dramatic villain makeup-up, consisting of white face paint, heavy black and red eyeshadow, and red lipstick

The American-born star wore a red robe with gold embellishments

It's unclear how long filming will take place for, or if a release plan is in place for the film, written and directed by Bernard Rose

Dinklage was joined by co-stars Al Pacino, 84, and Stephen Dorff, 51

The actor was also seen smoking a cigarette between takes with a black wrap around his legs.

While not spotted on the set Wednesday, the cast also includes Jessica Chastain (Goneril), Ariana DeBose (Cordelia), Rachel Brosnahan as Regan, LaKeith Stanfield as Edmund, Chris Messina as the Duke of Cornwall, Ted Levine as the Earl of Kent, Danny Huston as Duke of Albany, Matthew Jacobs as Duke of Cornwall and Rhys Coiro as Oswald.

It's unclear how long filming will take place for, or if a release plan is in place for the film, written and directed by Bernard Rose (Anna Karenina, Candyman).

The story follows an aging King Lear who divides his kingdom between his three daughters.

Instead of trusting the one daughter who truly cares for him, Lear places his trust into her nefarious sisters.

They strip him of his power and, 'condemn him to a wretched wasteland of horror and insanity,' according to the description.

The play has been revived on and off Broadway numerous times, most recently being the 2019 Broadway gender-flipped adaptation starring Glenda Jackson as Lear, Ruth Wilson as The Fool and Pedro Pascal as Edmund.

Dinklage won four Emmys for his work on Game of Thrones, nabbing the honors for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2011.

Dinklage won four Emmys for his work on Game of Thrones, nabbing the honors for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2011; seen at the Emmys in 2019

He also won a Golden Globe in 2012 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for the role.

Dinklage has appeared in a number of films in addition to his TV efforts, including 2003's The Station Agent, 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past, 2017's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing and 2018's My Dinner with Herve.

Last year he appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, The Toxic Avenger, the short film Rumpelstiltskin and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, in which he voiced the role of Scourge.

The actor has a number of prominent projects in the works, including the films Unfrosted, Brothers and The Thicket.
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Bridgerton bosses have pulled out all the stops for its much-anticipated fourth series by recreating one of the show's biggest landmarks at a studio in west London.

In previous years the show has filmed scenes at famous hotspots such as the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath, but for its new episodes, have created a huge mock-up of the landmark at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.

Sources have also claimed that it's hoped the use of sets will make filming much easier, as it removes logistics such as closing off key locations for production.

It's also hoped that the use of sets will entice more A-List stars to join the cast, with bosses reportedly putting in the same financial backing as they did for their big-budget period drama The Crown.

A source told The Sun: 'This is a huge investment for Bridgerton which is filming its fourth series.

Bridgerton bosses have pulled out all the stops for its much-anticipated fourth series by recreating Bath's famous Royal Crescent at a studio in west London

For its new episodes, a huge mock-up of the landmark (left) has been built at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, with the crescent (right) a fixture of the show's first three series

Last week, Netflix confirmed that production was underway for Bridgerton's fourth series, which is set to focus on the romantic exploits of the second son Benedict

'The fact they have spent millions on the new set suggests there will be many more seasons of the Netflix drama to come too.

'It's a similar commitment to when the streamer was making The Crown, which saw landmarks like Downing Street and Buckingham Palace built. And that Netflix period drama went on for six series.'

Aerial images of the new set show how a life-size replica of the famous Royal Crescent has been erected, and in the series it will be used as the backdrop for the Featherington residence.

The new set also features Madame Delacroixs shop, plus several other streets and buildings that will be familiar to fans.

Last week, Netflix confirmed that production for fourth series of Bridgerton is well underway, with the news that Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich) and Hugh Sachs (Brimsley) will be part of the main cast this season.

The new series will focus on the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson) and his quest to find the mesmerizing Lady in Silver, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).

Sophie has been forced to spend much of her life working as a maid for the most demanding employer in the ton.

But the resourceful maid always finds a way to persevere through her circumstances - circumstances which will drastically change after she disguises herself to attend Violet Bridgerton's masquerade ball.

Sources have also claimed that it's hoped the use of sets will make filming much easier, as it removes logistics such as closing off key locations for production

It's also hoped that the use of sets will entice more A-List stars to join the cast, with bosses reportedly putting in the same financial backing as they did for big-budget drama The Crown

A source told said: 'This is a huge investment for Bridgerton, which is filming its fourth series'

The insider added: 'It's a similar commitment to when the streamer was making The Crown, which saw landmarks like Downing Street and Buckingham Palace built'

Aerial images of the new set show how a life-size replica of the famous Royal Crescent has been erected

The new set also features Madame Delacroixs shop, plus several other streets and buildings that will be familiar to fans

The new series will focus on the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson) and his quest to find the mesmerizing Lady in Silver, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha)

Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down - until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at the ball - little does he know that its Sophie.

Yerin is a Korean actress from Australia and revealed her character Sophie Baek was given a Korean surname out of respect for the actresses' culture.

The characters name in the original Julia Quinn book series is Sophie Beckett.

Speaking about the decision, she shared: 'A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and thats why changing a name can be so powerful.

'To make Sophies name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.

'Its a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold. Its amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me.'

After being promised the 'steamiest season yet', Bridgerton fans were left somewhat disappointed by the lack of regency romps in part one of season three

Yet show bosses have more than delivered with part two of the period drama, with episode five of the series featuring a six-minute-long sex scene

Announcing the news, Netflix released a teaser trailer showing Sophie rifling through costumes for the ball.

Yerin got her breakthrough role as Kwan Ha in the sci-fi series Halo two years ago.

Ahead of taking on this season's lead role Luke said of his character: 'Benedict has always been a little lost  or free depending on the way you want to look at it. But now he's trying to find something a bit more solid in himself.'

Creator Shonda Rhymes added: 'He's a charming man who's trying to find his way. He's very delightful and funny. I'm excited for everybody to watch him.'

Netflix also released a short video as the announcement was shared of Luke accepting Benedict's prominent future.

It shows him opening a door and being handed a suit to wear to a masquerade ball - a hint at where his journey will begin in the series.

It is not yet revealed when production will start on season four.

After being promised the 'steamiest season yet', Bridgerton fans were left somewhat disappointed by the lack of regency romps in part one of season three.

Yet show bosses have more than delivered with part two of the period drama, with episode five of the series featuring a six-minute-long sex scene between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).
Newlyweds Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson cut stylish figures in Milan on Wednesday - with Amy turning heads in a racy dress.

Amy's dress was sheer but covered with silver crystals, thus protecting her modesty.

She complemented her dress with a dark silver trench coat, which she left open, matching heels, and a small grey purse.

Amy, 32, held hands with Ed, 37, who looked dapper in a black suit and a black and white striped pocket square.

Heading out again at a different point of the night, Amy changed into a plunging feathery dark silver suit.

Newlyweds Ed Westwick, 37, and Amy Jackson, 32, cut stylish figures in Milan on Wednesday - with Amy turning heads in a racy dress

Amy's dress was sheer but covered with silver crystals, thus protecting her modesty. She paired it with a silver trench coat, bag, and heels

Amy wore the eye-catching suit with white sleeves and she again held hands with Ed who opted to keep the same outfit.

Bollywood star Amy and Gossip Girl star Ed became husband and wife in August, saying 'I do' in a stunning ceremony in Italy surrounded by their family and friends.

For her big day, Amy wore a sweeping white satin gown with a flattering strapless neckline and full princess-style skirt, teamed with a long veil with intricate lace detailing.

While Ed cut a dashing figure in a cream blazer and black trousers, teamed with a white button-up shirt and a bow tie.

The actor took to his Instagram to announce they had tied the knot and share glimpses into their nuptials at the Castello di Rocca Cilento.

The romantic photos showed the couple gazing adoringly at each other while surrounded by white roses.

Captioning the gorgeous snaps, Ed gushed: 'The journey has just begun' followed by a ring emoji.

The couple first met at Silverstone racetrack in 2021, and they went Instagram official just in time for Valentine's Day 2022.

Heading out again at a different point of the night, Amy changed into a plunging feathery dark silver suit

Amy wore the eye-catching suit with white sleeves and she again held hands with Ed who opted to keep the same outfit

Ed would later tell the Daily Mail: 'We got a new place in the countryside just outside of London. I'm decorating the house right now  I'm a bit of an interior designer.'

He got down on one knee during a romantic trip to the Swiss Alps - just in January.

Amy has been engaged once before - to George Panayiotou. George is the son of Andreas Panayiotou - who was once the UK's largest private landlord. Amy and George's son, also named Andreas, turned five on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ed has previously enjoyed a romantic encounter with Drew Barrymore, 49, and a high-profile relationship with H20: Just Add Water's Phoebe Tonkin.
As the first live show of this year's Strictly Come Dancing draws ever closer, Tasha Ghouri is feeling the excitement.

On Wednesday, the model, 26, shared a video of herself and her pro dance partner, Aljaz Skorjanec, 34, in their penultimate rehearsal before performing live on TV.

'Woo team Altash!' Tasha said in the video. 'I'm so excited for Saturday - it's going to be amazing.'

The pair will be performing their first dance of the new series together on Saturday night along with fifteen other competing couples.

'Tomorrow's the last day of rehearsals before we're in the studio on Friday!! These two weeks are flying by but we can't wait to be on that floor,' Tasha wrote.

Tasha Ghouri was put through her paces by Aljaz Skorjanec in Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals which she shared on Instagram on Wednesday

Tasha and Aljaz will be at Elstree Studios on Friday for the dress rehearsal

Tasha held baby Aljaz's daughter Lyra for a cuddle in between dance rehearsals

The former Love Island star posted some studio mirror selfies together with Aljaz ahead of the first live show of this series of Strictly

In a break between rehearsals, Tasha's boyfriend Andrew Le Page, 29, came to visit her in support.

Aljaz's wife and former Strictly professional dancer Janette Manrara, 40, also came along with their baby Lyra.

Tasha shared a photo of herself holding Lyra and giving her a cuddle.

The model, who wears a cochlear implant, is the second deaf contestant on the show after Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won with her partner Giovanni Pernice in 2021.

Pernice will not be returning as a professional this year following the bullying claims levelled against him by his celebrity partner of the 2023 series, Amanda Abington. Pernice denies the claims.

Tasha met Andrew on the 8th series of hit dating reality show Love Island in 2022 on which they came fourth place.

In February the couple became homeowners and they are documenting their home renovation on Instagram.

Aljaz and Janette met in 2010 while performing in live dance show Burn The Floor.

'I was attracted to Janette as soon as we met. I think it was because she was so hard to approach which triggered something to make me try even harder!' Aljaz told the BBC.

They married in 2017 in three beautiful wedding ceremonies, held in London, Slovenia, and Miami.

Lyra was born on 28 July 2023 at London's Portland Hospital, weighing 7lb 7oz.

Tasha and her boyfriend Andrew Le Page (far right) meet up with Aljaz's wife, former Strictly pro Janette Manrara (centre) and their baby Lyra (centre left)
Maya Jama has revealed the collection of designer bags worth at least 100,000 in her luxury closet - but said that she barely uses them.

The Love Island host, 30, has made her millions over the years through fashion and beauty campaigns and took to Instagram to share a glimpse into her own collection.

From Hermes and Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Maya shared snaps of the 'bag shelves' in her home on Wednesday - with the collection worth an estimated total of over 100,000.

However her collection included three Hermes Birkin Bags - which can range in price from anywhere from 20,000 to 200,000 - so the real total cost could be much more.

'Still a scatty Bristolian at heart tho,' Maya captioned another snap, after showing fans her extortionate collection of designer goods.

Maya Jama took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal the collection of designer bags worth at least 100,000 in her luxury closet - but said that she barely uses them

From Hermes and Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Maya shared snaps of the 'bag shelves' in her home - estimated to be worth a total of over 100,000 (Pictured are three Birkin bags, two Chanel double flap bags and a YSL denim puffer bag)

In her first snap, Maya showed shelves containing her three Birkin bags - thought to cost around 30,000 each.

Also on display were two Chanel double flap bags, one with silver detailing and another with gold. These are estimated at 6,750 and 6,950 respectively.

Completing the luxury shelf was a denim and suede Yves Saint Laurent Puffer bag worth 2,280.

Maya moved onto another shelf for her second snap as she revealed a Prada Mini Saffiano Leather Shoulder Bag, which typically goes for 1,800. There was another orange Ostrich bag seemingly from Dumelacrafts (700).

In Maya's final bag shelf there was another collection of luxury bags, including a Louis Vuitton Soul Trunk Cross-Body Bag worth almost 3,000.

Making up the shelf were two Dolce&Gabbana Small Sicily Bag (1,985 each), a couple of Alexander Wang crystal embellished clutches (around 700 each), an Yves Saint Laurent Black Small Sunset Velvet Shoulder Bag (1,500) and a Marni Trunkaroo leather backpack (1,400).

Despite the huge costs of the stunning accessories, Maya said in one of her snaps that she wears 'the same bag 99% per cent of the time'.

On Tuesday, Maya stunned as she attended the Alberta Ferretti show at Milan Fashion Week - after firmly making her mark in the fashion world.

Maya moved onto another shelf for her second snap as she revealed a Prada Mini Saffiano Leather Shoulder Bag, which typically goes for 1,800 (Pictured are a Prada leather shoulder bag and an Ostrich bag seemingly from Dumelacrafts)

In Maya's final bag shelf there was another collection of luxury bags, including a Louis Vuitton Soul Trunk Cross-Body Bag worth almost 3,000 (Pictured are two D&G Sicily bags, a Marni Trunkaroo, a YSL velvet bag, two Alexander Wang clutches and a Louis Vuitton Soul Trunk)

The Love Island host, 30, has made her millions over the years through fashion and beauty campaigns and took to Instagram to share a glimpse into her own collection

Last summer, it was revealed that Maya had been unveiled as the new face of luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana.

As the focus of its new autumn/winter 2023 campaign, Maya stunned in series of sizzling looks including a red latex coat and diamond encrusted D&G sunglasses as well as a black see-through dress.

The presenter also smouldered in an auburn wig as she pouted for the camera wearing a satin red gown costing 2,550.

Believed to be worth thousands, the Dolce & Gabbana deal catapulted the Bristol-born beauty to the forefront of fashion.

Not only was she Vogue's August cover star but Maya mingled with the likes of Kim Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Dame Helen Mirren at the brand's decadent unveiling of their latest Alta Moda collection in Puglia last month, posing for selfies with Dolce himself.

Though, not a campaign, following on from her epic new Dolce & Gabbana campaign, Maya landed the August front cover of British Vogue.

The star took to Instagram to share a series of snaps from her photoshoot for the iconic magazine, with Maya admitting that she 'burst into tears' when she got the call.

Last summer, it was revealed that Maya had been unveiled as the new face of luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana

Though, not a campaign, following on from her epic new Dolce & Gabbana campaign, Maya landed the August front cover of British Vogue

In a heartfelt post, she penned: 'Honestly. An absolute madness. We shot this months ago & it still hasn't sunk in. The cover of Vogue.. little me on my own shot by the greatest to ever do it @stevenmeiselofficial.

'I burst into tears as soon as I got the call, this was a life dream of mine that I wasn't sure would ever even happen because it just has never happened, the only other 'tv host' (if you can even call her that) that I've ever seen on a vogue cover is Oprah which makes it even more wild & coming from where I come from it is just unheard of.'

In January of this year she returned to Vogue as part of an iconic cover to mark Edward Enninful's departure - where she posed with 39 other cover stars.

Earlier that year it was announced that Maya had taken over from Kate Moss as the global brand ambassador for Rimmel London.

The presenter signed a multi-million pound deal to replace the 49-year-old supermodel, who had been the role for almost 20 years.

Showing off her model looks, Maya posed for a stunning photoshoot to debut her partnership with the brand earlier this spring.

Of joining the brand, she said: 'I grew up with this brand and have dreamed about saying the iconic 'London look' line on tv one day and now it's happening I don't even have the words, following in the footsteps of Kate Moss, Adwoa and more doesn't even make sense in my mind but I am honoured.

In April last year, it was announced that Maya had taken over from Kate Moss to be the global brand ambassador for Rimmel London

In February last year, Maya put on a racy display wearing black underwear for her brand new fashion campaign with Self Portrait

'16-year-old me who moved to London from Bristol with a bag of dreams would not have believed you if you said 12 years later I would be a part of such a legendary London staple.

'London is my home and now you can catch me living the London Look'.

The star has also had campaigns with Self Portrait, Adidas Swim, JD Sports, Gordon's Gin and Maybelline.

As well as this, Maya released two sell-out collections with PrettyLittleThing and modelled for big brands such as Steve Madden. She also released her own skincare line, MIJ Masks, in 2020.
Eamonn Holmes will be back on TV next week - as he returns to screens for the first time since going public with his new lover.

The 64-year-old GB News presenter was pictured on holiday with Katie Alexander after announcing his split from Loose Women panelist Ruth Langsford in May.

Holmes and 42-year-old relationship counsellor Alexander were snapped looking very much like an item while enjoying a romantic cruise-getaway to Spain.

Reports claimed the star had taken three weeks off. But Mail Online has learned he'll be back on Monday alongside co-presenter Isabel Webster.

A source said: 'Eamonn's had a lovely break and has enjoyed spending some time with Katie. But he's looking forward to getting back to work.

Eamonn Holmes will be back on TV next week - as he returns to GB News with Isobel Webster for the first time since going public with his new lover

The 64-year-old presenter was pictured on holiday with Katie Alexander after announcing his split from co-star Ruth Langsford in May

'Eamonn's had a tough few months with health issues and his split from Ruth. But throwing himself into work has really helped. He can't wait to get back to the day job.'

Our story comes after Holmes hit out at trolls who had criticised him for his new relationship.

Since returning to the United Kingdom, the Irish presenter has rubbed shoulders with actress Kate Beckinsale - daughter of late Porridge and Rising Damp star Richard Beckinsale - after meeting her for the first time at an event in London on Monday evening.

But Beckinsale's decision to strike a series of suggestive poses while having her picture taken alongside a receptive Holmes opened the floodgates on social media, with followers divided over his post-separation antics.

The former This Morning presenter liked a series of messages posted on Instagram which encouraged people to be kind.

Returning to Instagram on Tuesday, Holmes - evidently unhappy with the online reaction - weighed in by liking a handful of supportive messages, including one which read: 'So many nasty comments! If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all...'

Another message favourited by the presenter read: 'Everyone learns to be kind with the comments on here. Just leave him alone.'

'Not interested in the stupid comments, let's remember the amazing Richard Beckinsale,' wrote a third supporter.

Holmes married Loose Women panelist Langsford in 2010 at grade II listed Elvetham Hall in Hampshire (pictured in 2022)

Reports claimed the star had taken three weeks off. But Mail Online has learned he'll be back at GB News on Monday

As exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail, Holmes' recent cruise was in fact a 'freebie' which he was given after signing a lucrative deal to be ambassador for the giant holiday company Not Just Travel.

In return for the perk, the television anchor was obliged to film content for the firm's social media platforms while enjoying the break courtesy of its cruise arm, Virgin Voyages, on a ship called The Scarlet Lady.

'While it looked like Eamonn had whisked Katie off on a no-expense-spared trip away, it didn't actually cost him a penny,' explains a travel insider.

'It was part of his deal with Not Just Travel so, if anything, he was actually paid to go  which was very fortuitous indeed, especially because he could take a plus one with him.'

'There was an element of work,' adds the source. 'Eamonn had to film some segments to promote the company. But the fact he didn't pay certainly lessens the whole idea it was a romantic trip away.

'Katie didn't seem to mind though, it was a lovely, sunny break for her as they enjoy their first throes of love.'

Despite their generational differences, the 22-year age-gap between Holmes and new girlfriend Katie Alexander did not appear to be an issue during their recent European cruise

Social media followers flooded his Instagram platform with comments after he posed for a handful of pictures with actress Kate Beckinsale on Monday evening

Indeed that was evident, particularly when Eamonn was seen cheekily touching Katie's bottom while sitting in his wheelchair in Ibiza.

They couple were also pictured in Barcelona airport as well as when they arrived back at Heathrow.

It was a seven-day getaway, marketed as a visit to the 'Irresistible Med and Rome' and starting with Eamonn, 64, and Katie, 42, flying out to Barcelona where they boarded the ship.

From there, they sailed to Toulon on southern France's Mediterranean coast, then Marina di Carrara  a scenic spot between Tuscany and Liguria on Italy's north coast.

After a stop-off there they sailed down to Civitavecchia, 40 miles north of Rome which still has its old Roman dock, built in the second century.

Returning to Instagram on Tuesday, Holmes weighed in to the negative reaction by responding to a handful of supportive messages with a love-heart symbol

Since Langsford announced their split in May, Alexander has been visiting Holmes at his home in Kingston, Surrey, where he now lives after leaving the 2million marital home he shared with Ruth some ten miles away.

Initially, the romance was kept a secret, but their cruise together has most definitely put it on the map.

And no one will have been more pleased at the turn of events than bosses at Not Just Travel, who are said to be 'thrilled' that Alexander accompanied him.

'The deal was Eamonn, but having his new girlfriend definitely made the whole holiday far more interesting from a marketing point of view,' says an industry insider.

'Her being there will have raised the profile of the firm so much  money can't buy that kind of publicity.

'Signing Eamonn up and giving him this trip has been worth every single penny.'
Zoe Ball will return to her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Monday September 23.

Schedules published by the BBC reveal Zoe will host her show again from next week, with her temporary replacement Scott Mills returning to his afternoon slot.

Zoe hasn't been on the airwaves since August 8, with Scott and Gabby Roslin covering for her since then.

Despite a flurry of concerned messages online from fans, Scott opened Zoe's show on Monday with no mention of his absent colleague.

He previously sent a message of support to the star while standing in for her on August 12, telling listeners that he was unexpectedly taking over.

Zoe Ball will return to her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Monday September 23

Schedules published by the BBC show that Zoe will host her show again from next week, with her temporary replacement Scott Mills returning to his afternoon slot

'If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6:30am and normally Zoe comes on, please do not freak out. You have not overslept,' he told listeners, adding that he would be in the hot seat for a while.

'If you've just put us on this morning, it's Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I'm sending you all my love Zo, as are the team,' he said.

Fans and colleagues of Zoe say they are concerned for the DJ, whose annual salary of 950,000 makes her the BBC's highest-paid woman.

Before leaving her show in August, the star enjoyed a holiday to Ibiza with her son Woody and daughter Nelly and attended Brighton Pride.

She then returned to work for three days before leaving the show.

The BBC has not offered any explanation for her absence, other than a spokeswoman last week saying she will be back later this month.

Zoe, 53, has also been unusually quiet on social media with her last Instagram message posted on August 5.

It featured a picture of her with her two children saying she was 'jet lagged, Brighton pride lagged [and] Ibiza lagged'.

Zoe hasn't been on the airwaves since August 8, with Scott Mills and Gabby Roslin covering for her since then

Scott failed to address Zoe's absence from the Breakfast Show on Monday, as he stepped in for another week

One BBC insider told The Mail on Sunday: 'Nobody knows what has happened but everyone loves Zoe.

'We hope everything is okay. Zoe is so loved at the BBC so to not have her around is really noticeable.'

The Corporation is understood to have been contacted by fans concerned for her welfare.

But some listeners have taken a dim view of her taking time off without explanation.

One tweeted: 'Is this a BBC scandal, complete misuse of licence payers' funds.

'Zoe Ball gets to pick and choose her contract terms and conditions.

'She's never at work, more holidays than you can imagine. Are we mugs paying for this? No comment.'

Another added: 'Why are the BBC still paying Zoe Ball when she is still off air, just get rid of her for someone who does want to work early morning shift. '

Zoe last posted on Instagram on August 5 before disappearing. It featured a picture of her with her two children saying she was 'jet lagged, Brighton pride lagged [and] Ibiza lagged'

Fans and colleagues of Zoe say they are concerned for the DJ, whose annual salary of 950,000 makes her the BBC's highest-paid woman

In March, Zoe said she would be taking time off to care for her mother Julia Peckham, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She died in April and the host returned to work on May 13. Last year, Ms Ball took three weeks off in Corfu to host Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream for rival ITV.

Zoe has overcome a series of tragedies and heartbreak that led her to take time away from Radio 2 to focus on her family earlier this year.

The BBC icon, 53, announced in April that her mother Julia had died after a battle with pancreatic cancer following her diagnosis just a month before.

Posting a tribute to her mother on social media, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama.

'Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.'

It is the latest in a string of tragedies the beloved Radio 2 presenter has had to endure.

Her five-and-a-half year relationship with Michael Reed recently broke down, and seven years ago her partner Billy Yates took his own life in May 2017.

Mr Yates's death came after the breakdown of Ms Ball's 18-year marriage to DJ Fatboy Slim, real name Normal Cook.

In March, Zoe said she would be taking time off to care for her mother Julia Peckham, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (pictured with her mother Julia in 2010)

Julia died in April and the host returned to work on May 13

In the tribute posted to Instagram (pictured), Zoe told fans she is 'bereft'

Following her mother's cancer diagnosis, Zoe said she would be taking time away from the station to focus on her family.

At the time she said her family were going through 'tough times' but her mother was being extremely 'brave'.

At the start of March she posted a picture of Julia surrounded by family, as well as a second of her receiving chemotherapy in hospital, she wrote: 'Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer.

'As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

'My brother Jamie and I are completely in awe of the brilliant doctors, nurses and support teams looking after Mum. Thank you.

'Gratitude to our families and our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

'Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis and also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.'

The family has been bedecked by hardship for decades, with Zoe's parents Julia and Johnny Ball, a former TV presenter, splitting up in 1972 after just three years of marriage.

Mr Ball remarried his second wife, Dianne Cheryl, in 1976, with the pair remaining together today.

As Zoe's own career took off, she and her husband Fatboy Slim supported one another on their rise to fame, with Slim later describing how she kept him down to earth by 'checking him' for his behaviour.

He told the Changes podcast: 'While you've got licence to break rules, you've always got a lot of people who'll let you get away with murder.

Taking to social media, Zoe shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members

Zoe Ball and her DJ ex-husband Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, announced in 2016 that they had 'come to the end of our rainbow' after 18 years of marriage

Fatboy Slim previously told how Zoe Ball would 'check him' as he rose to fame to ensure he treated people with respect

'Zoe was really good for me for that, because she knew the fame game and we would sort of check each other.

'If I wasn't respectful to people, she'd go: ''Oi, come on, that's not how we behave! Go back and thank them for that.'''

Yet sadly their marriage came to an end in 2016, with the couple announcing they had 'come to the end of their rainbow'.

Although Ms Ball soon found love again in partner Billy Yates, their relationship was also not set to last.

After a long battle with depression, Mr Yates, 40, took his own life in May 2017, at his home in Putney, south west London.

The Radio 2 presenter previously told how she felt 'really grateful' he had said goodbye to her the last time she saw him.

Fighting back tears as she spoke about their final moments together, she said: 'He got on his bike and he cycled off and he turned round and he blew me a kiss goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him.'

She added: 'It was just that moment and that feeling of ''Oh my god I love him so much, we'll find some help and it will all be okay.'' And I wish I'd told him that.'

Zoe Ball pictured with former partner Billy Yates, who took his own life in May 2017

Zoe wore a T-shirt bearing Billy Yates' name as she returned to Radio 2 following his death

Zoe split from her long term partner Michael Reed last year after the couple's relationship broke down over 'silly things'

The couple had reportedly been arguing about very minor aspects of their life, such as Ms Ball spending time on her phone talking to friends

A year after his death, Ms Ball took part in a gruelling Sport Relief challenge to cycle 350 miles in five days in his memory and to raise awareness of mental health issues.

She has consistently marked his death each year and returned to work at Radio 2 following his death wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with his name.

Despite her loss, the presenter found the courage to love again when she began dating former construction worker Michael Reed.

But while friends said he was a 'true gent' at first, their relationship broke down after more than five years in May 2023 after Mr Reed allegedly became 'a bit demanding'.

The couple had reportedly been arguing about very minor aspects of their life, such as Zoe spending time on her phone talking to friends.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Vittoria Ceretti and Irina Shayk looked effortlessly chic as they walked the Max Mara show at Milan Fashion Week - after Leonardo DiCaprio was seen out supporting his girlfriend.

The actor, 49, has been romantically linked to Italian model Vittoria, 26, since summer 2023 and the pair sparked engagement rumours earlier this year.

Just months before the couple became an item, Leonardo was seen out partying with model Irina, 38 - but sources said the pair were instead long-time friends.

Vittoria looked sensational on the catwalk for the Max Mara Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 show in Milan on Wednesday.

One look saw the model sport a fitted brown suit with a white open shirt exposing a tiny black bra, while in another she donned a white halterneck gown.

Vittoria Ceretti and Irina Shayk looked effortlessly chic as they walked the Max Mara show at Milan Fashion Week - after Leonardo DiCaprio was seen out supporting his girlfriend

Vittoria looked sensational on the catwalk for the Max Mara Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 show in Milan on Wednesday

Vittoria's wrap dress had a plunging neckline and thin black and silver belt, with a glimpse of a black bra and slip seen underneath.

Meanwhile Irina looked striking for the show in a high-neck black bodysuit, paired with a bellowing white open-front skirt. She was seen sporting the same belt as Vittoria.

Irina and Vittoria weren't the only stars linked to the Titanic actor in attendance for the show, as model Neelam Gill also walked the runway.

The British model, 29, who was revealed to be dating Leo's best friend last year, showed off her incredible figure in a chic tan ensemble, consisting of a bralet, fitted maxi skirt and oversized cropped shirt jacket.

A host of celebrities turned out for the show in Milan, including actress Joey King - who attended with her husband Steven Piet.

Joey looked glowing for the show as she donned a grey shirt dress with a huge cut-out at the side.

The Kissing Booth star finished off the look with black stilettos, a clutch bag and chunky hoop earrings, with her brunette locks slicked behind her ears.

Meanwhile her husband Steven looked dapper in an eccentric cream, blue and green tie-dye oversized suit, paired with a white shirt.

One look saw the model sport a fitted brown suit with a white open shirt exposing a tiny black bra

Vittoria showed off her amazing figure in the tailored ensemble

Vittoria's wrap dress had a plunging neckline and thin black and silver belt, with a glimpse of a black bra and slip seen underneath

Vittoria's second look consisted of a huge open-fronted skirt

Meanwhile Irina looked striking for the show in a high-neck black bodysuit

She paired the bodysuit with a bellowing white open-front skirt

Vittoria stunned as her brunette locks were slicked into a bun

Irina showed off her chiselled features as she posed for snaps after the show

Irina and Vittoria weren't the only stars linked to the Titanic actor in attendance for the show, as model Neelam Gill also walked the runway

The British model, 29, showed off her incredible figure in a chic tan ensemble, consisting of a bralet, fitted maxi skirt and oversized cropped shirt jacket

The couple were joined on the front row by fashion industry icon Anna Wintour - who stunned in a pink and white patterned gown and a brown/red leather jacket.

Also in attendance was Norwegian model Frida Aasen who looked radiant as she donned a light pink and nude ensemble.

For the show, Friday paired a longline pale pink coat with a colour-matched plunging blouse. She finished the look with a pair of nude leather high-waisted pants.

YouTuber Ellie Thumann also made an appearance donning a high-necked black velvet blouse with a puffed skirt.

Ellie completed her chic look with a pair of sheer black tights, stilettos and a thick headband.

Meanwhile blogger and socialite Bryanboy put on a stylish display in a double-breasted black jacket with tailored trousers and a white turtleneck top. He also sported a pair of loafers.

Australian model Shanina Shaik was pictured outside the show on the cobbled streets of Milan before she headed inside.

A host of celebrities turned out for the show in Milan, including actress Joey King - who attended with her husband Steven Piet

Joey looked glowing for the show as she donned a grey shirt dress with a huge cut-out at the side

The Kissing Booth star finished off the look with black stilettos, a clutch bag and chunky hoop earrings, with her brunette locks slicked behind her ears

Meanwhile her husband Steven looked dapper in an eccentric cream, blue and green tie-dye oversized suit, paired with a white shirt

Joey and Steven were hand in hand as they exited the show in Milan on Thursday

The couple were joined on the front row by fashion industry icon Anna Wintour - who stunned in a pink and white patterned gown and a brown/red leather jacket

Also in attendance was Norwegian model Frida Aasen who looked radiant as she donned a light pink and nude ensemble

For the show, Friday paired a longline pale pink coat with a colour-matched plunging blouse

YouTuber Ellie Thumann also made an appearance donning a high-necked black velvet blouse with a puffed skirt

Ellie completed her chic look with a pair of sheer black tights, stilettos and a thick headband

She opted for casual chic as she sported a tan jersey vest and miniskirt, layered with a huge coat.

American socialite Olivia Palermo stepped out in a baggy navy satin blouse as well as a cargo-style maxi skirt as she made an appearance.

It comes after Leonardo and his fashion model partner cut sophisticated looks as they arrived separately at Vesta Restaurant during the capital's fashion week.

Hollywood legend and Oscar-winning performer Leo layered his tailored blazer over a pair of skinny-fit trousers and a black T-shirt.

Adding a hint of casualness to his look, he accessorised with a chunky gold chain, a pair of trainers and a toothpick.

As he arrived at the classy dining space, the Inception star wore a simple black cap to shield his face away from the cameras and the crowds around the establishment.

Meanwhile blogger and socialite Bryanboy put on a stylish display in a double-breasted black jacket with tailored trousers and a white turtleneck top

Australian model Shanina Shaik was pictured outside the show on the cobbled streets of Milan before she headed inside

She opted for casual chic as she sported a tan jersey vest and miniskirt, layered with a huge coat

American socialite Olivia Palermo stepped out in a baggy navy satin blouse as well as a cargo-style maxi skirt as she made an appearance

Soon after, his latest girlfriend, Vittoria, put on a very leggy display as she stepped out in a pair of sexy sheer black tights, which she layered under her oversized jacket.

Leo and Vittoria were first linked over the summer of 2023, when she had just turned 25, and have been spotted together several times since.

Within their year-long romance, the couple's relationship appears to be getting much more serious, as she was spotted with a large rock on her left finger in recent weeks.

While they flocked away on a romantic holiday in Italy during August, she was seen with a massive heart-shaped diamond ring on her engagement finger.

The couple first sparked engagement speculation earlier this year when Vittoria was seen wearing a silver diamond ring in LA.
Fans are convinced they know who will be cast the lead role in Baz Luhrmann's planned epic about Joan of Arc.

Jenna Ortega appears to have put her hand up for the part after admitting playing the real-life French martyr was her 'dream role'.

The 21-year-old American actress, who rose to fame in the Netflix series Wednesday, made the comments only days before Luhrmann officially announced he was moving ahead to make the blockbuster.

The Elvis director, 62, set Hollywood in a spin after sending out an open casting call yesterday which could see a complete unknown star in the new picture which has the working title Jehanne d'Arc.

Ortega made her comments about wanting to play Joan of Arc during an interview with the movie social platform Letterboxd.

During the chat, the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice star was full of praise for the 1928 version of the historical saga called The Passion of Joan of Arc.

'Renee Falconettis performance in that is absolutely insane,' Ortega said in the video.

'I feel like a dream character for me would be Joan Of Arc.'

Fans are convinced they know who will be cast the lead role in Baz Luhrmann's planned epic about Joan of Arc. Pictured: Baz Luhrmann at the 2024 Met Gala

Social media has since gone wild over Ortega's comments after fan site Popcrave shared a famed portrait of Joan of Arc alongside the star.

The share has now reached 75,00 likes with many fans appearing to see a resemblance between the one-time teen actress and the image of historic figure.

'She would definitely be a great fit,' gushed one fan on X.

'Anything Jenna Ortega plays in I would be interested in,' added another user.

'She is perfect for any role,' said another fan.

Jenna Ortega (left) appears to have put her hand up for the part after admitting playing the real-life French martyr was her 'dream role'

However, some fans on the X thread questioned whether it was appropriate for a non-French actor to appear in the role of a national icon.

'Any reason why Joan of Arc couldn't be French anymore?' said one fan.

'Not European, not even French ... so no thanks,' added another.

Meanwhile, others questioned whether Ortega's casting as Joan would alter history since the California-born actress has Mexican-Cuban parents.

Said one X user: 'As long as it's not to wokify Joan of Arc (beyond changing her race), I can respect any actress wanting to take this role.'

The true story of Joan of Arc centres on a peasant girl who led an army against the English in the Hundred Years War during the Middle Ages.

She was later burnt at the stake after claiming she was on a mission from God to 'save' France.

Film industry blog Deadline reported on Tuesday that Luhrmann has sent a casting call to agents describing his film as the 'ultimate Coming of Age story'.

Joan of Arc will centre on the true story of a peasant girl who led an army against the English in the Hundred Years War during the Middle Ages. Pictured: Leelee Sobieski in a scene from 1999 mini series Joan of Arc

Scholars believe that the historical Joan who died at about age 19 invited the wrath of Church leaders because she wore men's clothes, which was considered 'blasphemous' at that time.

Joan of Arc's story has been filmed many times in the last 100-years with actresses including Casablanca star Ingrid Bergman and Americans Milla Jovovich and Leelee Sobieski playing the role of France's patron saint.

No budget details have been released for the film but industry reports reveal that Luhrmann has set up the film at Warner Bros. which produced his 2022 blockbuster Elvis.

The musical biopic of Elvis Presley grossed a massive (US) $288,670,284 globally.
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was spotted filming for Strictly Come Dancing at a market in London.

The scene featured the Strictly crew setting up a vibrant, sparkly purple backdrop, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.

Jamie was seen showing off some of his dance moves for the camera, blending the iconic East End setting with the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing.

The actor got called a 'cheat' on the launch show by his castmates, Wynne Evans of the Go Compare adverts and Pete Wicks of TOWIE.

Jamie rose to fame for his portrayal as Jay Brown/Mitchell in EastEnders, which he has starred in since 2006, and is now one of the longest serving actors on the show.

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, 30, was seem shooting a segment for Strictly Come Dancing at a market in London

He stood in front of a sparkly purple backdrop to shoot the footage for the show as passers by looked on

Jamie was seen filming in among the London bystanders at a market

In 2008 his role in EastEnders earned him a British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor, he then went on to win Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards in 2023.

Jamie competed in the Strictly Christmas Special last year, being crowned champion alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu.

He said: 'I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes!

'This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say.

'I'm hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I'll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!'

A couple of Jamie's Strictly co-stars made awkward comments on the launch show on Saturday.

Host Tess Daley told Jamie: 'Jamie you had a taste of Strictly last Christmas,' to which co-star Wynne Evans interrupted and quipped: 'Cheat!' before coughing.

Elsewhere, Pete Wicks also took a dig at Jamie when he said: 'I'm in for a penny in for a pound Pete. I'm never going to be here again am I, unless I am Jamie'.

Keep dancing! Jamie struck a pose in a ballroom frame for the camera

Jamie showed off his moves as he filmed a segment for the new series of Strictly

Jamie shot some footage in an iconic East End setting ahead of the new Strictly series

Jamie was branded a 'cheat' by one of his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars during the launch show on Saturday (pictured with pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas)

His stint will mark a return to Strictly Come Dancing after he competed in the Christmas Special last year, being crowned champion alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu

Things took an awkward turn during the first episode of the series as Jamie was dubbed a 'cheat' for previously appearing on the show

Host Tess told Jamie: 'Jamie you had a taste of Strictly last Christmas,' to which co-star Wynne Evans (pictured on Saturday) interrupted and quipped: 'Cheat!' before coughing
Rachael Lee has professed her love for her new beau Evan Faulks in the most permanent way she can.

The ex-fiancee of NRL star Braith Anasta took to the beach on Thursday to carve her name into a rock right beside the name of the 'high-ranking' Bra Boy member.

She stripped down to a pink bikini and yellow skirt for the romantic gesture, writing 'Rach + Evan' in a photo shared to his Instagram page.

The bronde beauty pinned back the top layer of her wavy tresses with a banana clip as she hacked at the stone with her love declaration.

It comes just a few days after Rachael and her boyfriend were spotted packing on the PDA during a romantic fishing date in Sydney over the weekend.

At one point, Evan put his hand on the personal trainer's bottom as they relaxed on the sand.

The pair also cuddled and kissed while soaking up the warm spring sunshine.

Mother-of-two Rachael showed off her sensational figure in a blue tie-dye bikini top and mismatched high-cut floral bottoms.

Rachael Lee (left) has professed her love for her new beau Evan Faulks (right) in the most permanent way she can

Meanwhile, her heavily tattooed beau flaunted his buff and tattooed physique in pink board shorts.

The new couple have been spending most days together and recently got into meditation as Evan waits to learn if he has to go back to prison.

The accused gang member was arrested in March last year as part of an investigation into an alleged drug importation ring and won't face a hearing until next February.

The ex-fiancee of NRL star Braith Anasta took to the beach on Thursday to carve her name into a rock right beside the name of the 'high-ranking' Bra Boy member

Evan was granted $200,000 bail in November and three weeks later uploaded to Instagram a video of himself carrying a bag of belongings as he left custody jumping for joy.

The video was captioned: 'The best feeling I have ever experienced and I never want to feel it again.'

In May, Evan uploaded a black and white image of himself walking out of court which Rachael then reposted to her own social media.

Rachael and Evan, who reportedly met at Crown Plaza in Coogee over Christmas, were photographed together in public for the first time in May celebrating her 36th birthday.
Hayden Panettiere has broken her silence after sparking concerns for her health in a 'concerning' video which saw fans claim the star was 'slurring her speech' and barely able to keep her eyes open.

The actress, 35, who has publicly battled addiction to alcohol and opioids, left fans speculating she was 'clearly not sober' as she spoke about her brother Jansen's tragic passing and being a mother to her daughter.

Responding to the concerns, Hayden's representatives told Page Six: 'Speaking about her brother for the first time was very emotional for her  and it had been a long and exhausting day for her.'

They confirmed: 'She was not under the influence'.

A source also told the publication that the star 'fully cooperated' during the interview and video with People and her team 'was on set for the duration of the shoot.'

Hayden Panettiere has broken her silence over the 'slurred speech' interview with People on Wednesday that had fans fearing for her health

Responding to the concerns, Hayden's representatives told Page Six : 'Speaking about her brother for the first time was very emotional for her  and it had been a long and exhausting day for her'

The original interview saw Hayden speak about the death of her brother Jansen aged 28 in 2023 from 'an enlarged heart' and motherhood to daughter Kaya, nine.

As Hayden opened up about her only child being her 'mini- me' fans were left concerned by her slurred speech.

Hayden said of her daughter - whose father is the star's ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko, 48 - said: 'She's beautiful and she came out just like me.

'Talk about nature versus nurture. I mean this little girl literally came out not just her face resembling mine but she is my personality she just is...

'Maybe she'll be a director.'

Followers commented: 'Slurred speech eyes can barely stay open, trying to make it through long words clearly not sober. Very sad' with DWTS professional Peta Murgatroyd writing: 'This interview should be removed ASAP!'

Another fan wrote: 'This is complete exploitation. This is an addict who is clearly very unsober.'

Others wrote: 'You really didn't need to post this and do further harm this is just sad', 'I'm shocked this is postedit's uncomfortable and sad to watch' and 'Feels like someone is capitalizing on addiction, this should not have been posted.'

The actress, 35, who has publicly battled addiction to alcohol and opioids, left fans speculating she was 'clearly not sober' as she spoke about her brother Jansen's tragic passing and being a mother to her daughter

Followers commented: 'Slurred speech eyes can barely stay open, trying to make it through long words clearly not sober. Very sad' with DWTS professional Peta Murgatroyd writing: 'This interview should be removed ASAP!'

'This is so uncomfortable to watch', 'Umm drunk', 'please get help honey', 'This is terrible to watch' and 'I see I'm not the only one that ran to the comments to figure out what is going onkind of concerning.'

Some fans wrote the star was giving 'Anna Nicole Smith vibes' referring to the death of the famed Guess model who passed in 2007 from drug intoxication.

DailyMail.com contacted representatives for the star for comment.

In the interview Hayden got emotional as she opened up about her rapid weight gain after the sudden loss of her brother - admitting that she 'lived in sweatpants' and 'unflattering' T-shirts because she 'hated' the way she looked and was terrified to leave the house.

Jansen passed away in February 2023 and now the Heroes alum, 35, has spoken about how his shock death impacted her - explaining that it felt like she 'lost half of her soul'.

She also revealed that the 'stress' from his passing resulted in her body 'ballooning out', which left her in a 'really bad' and 'destructive' place.

'When my little brother passed away my body did something I've never really seen it do before,' she said.

'Within days, I basically ballooned out. I know stress and cortisol running through your body can do that.'

The star said she 'tried everything' to shed the pounds but, no matter what she did, she couldn't lose weight.

'I tried everything, everything unhealthy, everything healthy,' she continued. 'It didn't matter what I ate, it didn't matter what I did.

'My body was just like protecting itself, shielding itself from the world.'

Hayden said she began to get so self-conscious about the way that she looked she developed agoraphobia - a fear of going outside.

The actress's younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, passed away in February 2023 from 'an enlarged heart'. They're seen together in 2011

While reflecting on her brother's death, Hayden admitted that she still feels like she'll never 'get over the loss of him'. They're seen in 2013

'I lived in sweatpants and a T-shirt, things that swallowed me up and were not flattering on me,' she recalled.

'It took me so long to pick out an outfit that I felt comfortable enough in to leave the house just to go meet up with my friends.

'It became this really bad, destructive hamster wheel of like, do I feel good enough to go out? I don't feel confident enough to but if I don't go out and I don't keep moving then I'm never going to move away from looking like this.'

While reflecting on her brother's death, Hayden admitted that she still feels like she'll never 'get over the loss of him'.

'He was my only sibling, and it was my job to protect him. When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul,' she said as she held back tears.

'I remember saying to somebody, 'Don't ever, ever expect me to get over the loss of him.'

Jansen passed away in February 2023 at the age of 28 after he was found 'unresponsive' by friends in his apartment in Nyack, New York.

Afterwards, sources told DailyMail.com that he previously struggled with drug addiction, and had gone to rehab a year before his shock death.

Hayden has spoken openly about her own battles with addiction - previously revealing by the time she was 15, that someone on her team began giving her 'happy pills' so that she would be 'peppy during interviews.'

'I had no idea that this was not an appropriate thing, or what door that would open for me when it came to my addiction,' she told the outlet.

By the time she was 16 years old, she was drinking and taking opioids regularly - whenever she wasn't on set filming for Heroes.

'As I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldn't live without,' she shared, revealing that her addiction got worse as she filmed Nashville and suffered from post-partum depression.

When she entered rehab in 2015 she said it was her idea: 'I was the one who put myself in the first treatment center. I was drowning.'

She hit rock-bottom after filming for Nashville wrapped in 2018. She sent Kaya to live with her father Klitschhko, in Ukraine and was eventually hospitalized for jaundice and told my doctors that her 'liver was going to give out.'

Hayden has spoken openly about her own battles with addiction - previously revealing by the time she was 15, that someone on her team began giving her 'happy pills' so that she would be 'peppy during interviews'

Upon turning 30, the household name found herself in another 12-step program, where participants are encouraged to embrace a life of complete abstinence from all mind altering substances, including alcohol.

In 2022, she spoke publicly of her struggles for the first time, 'I'd think I hit rock bottom, but then there's that trap door that opens.'

'I was on top of the world and I ruined it,' she admitted..

In April she announced memoir Scream And Break Free: Addiction, Trauma, and How the Cheerleader Saved Herself.
Dua Lipa added more dates to the Australian leg of her 2025 Radical Optimism World Tour on Thursday due to popular demand, but fans still aren't happy.

As the popstar, 29, announces seven dates Down Under in total, compared to her original two, fans have shared their outrage over the ticket costs.

With the Grammy Award winner kicking off her tour in Melbourne, before moving on to Sydney, some have slammed Live Nation for their 'disgusting' dynamic prices.

Dua will now kick off her tour in Melbourne on March 19 at the Rod Laver Arena, where she will continue to perform on the 20th, 22nd and 23rd.

She will then jet off to Sydney to perform at the Qudos Bank Arena on March 26. 28 and 29.

They are the only Australian dates included in her massive world tour as she then leaves to perform in New Zealand on April 2 before flying across the globe.

As more dates open up, eager fans have rushed to online ticketing sites to nab a coveted seat at one of her concerts, only to be left stunned by the shock prices.

One person shared a screenshot to X which showed their tickets costing $349.90, writing: 'Nawt Dua Lipa/Ticketek turning on premium pricing for her Aus shows [sic].'

Dua Lipa, 29, (pictured) added more dates to the Australian leg of her 2025 Radical Optimism World Tour on Thursday due to popular demand, but fans still aren't happy

'Why are Dua's ticket prices so disgusting like why the fuck is it $460 EACH? That's disgusting,' another commented.

Dynamic pricing has long attracted the ire of concertgoers as ticketing platforms across the world continue to roll out the system on their websites.

The strategy sees tickets sellers adjust the cost of tickets based on demand rather than setting a fixed price, leading to exorbitant ticket prices.

As the popstar announces seven dates Down Under in total, compared to her original two, fans have kicked up a fuss on X over the ticket costs

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Live Nation for comment.

It comes have Dua enraged several of her Aussie fans after snubbing two major Australian cities in her upcoming 2025 Radical Optimism World Tour.

Live Nation announced on Friday morning the popstar will perform Down Under in Melbourne and Sydney only.

Several fans flocked to the comments section of the announcement to demand why the three-time Grammy Award winner left out Brisbane and Perth.

'Perth fallen off the Australian map,' one person wrote, while another said: 'Why is Brisbane always left out?'

With the Grammy Award winner kicking off her tour in Melbourne before moving on to Sydney, some have slammed Live Nation for their 'disgusting' dynamic prices

A third added: 'Cause F Perth am I right?'

Queensland fans were particularly angry over the snub as Brisbane is often included in international stars' tours Down Under.

'Where TF is Brisbane?' a few users said, while others commented, 'Will Brisbane get a turn too?' and, 'Could you please tell me why there is no Brisbane?'
Ashley Graham flashed her bra and flaunted her curves in a sheer form-fitting dress as she attended the Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini show for Milan Fashion Week.

The American model's long-sleeved, off-shoulder dress finished just below her knees and was sheer at the top, exposing a black strapless bra at the event on Thursday.

Ashley added a splash of uniqueness to her look with a large pair of double-bridge glasses and finished her look with silver heels.

Also at the show was Cara Delevingne's big sister Poppy, 38, who looked fantastic in high-waisted brown trousers.

Jameela Jamil, also 38, also looked great, sporting a grey double-breasted trouser suit to the Spring/Summer Womenswear show.

Ashley Graham, 36, flashed her bra and flaunted her curves in a partially sheer dress on Thursday as she attended the Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini show for Milan Fashion Week

The American model's long-sleeved, off-shoulder dress finished just below her knees and was grey and light blue with a splash of black

Ashley added a splash of uniqueness to her look with a large pair of double-bridge glasses

Ashley finished her look with silver heels and silver hooped earrings.

Poppy wore a thin grey long-sleeved shirt with a chocolate brown cape over one shoulder and a pair of brown heeled sandals.

Model and activist-turned-actress Jameela paired her suit with eye-catching silver jewellery.

She finished her look with pointed white boots and she happily posed outside the fashion show's fancy venue.

Italian actress Ludovica Coscione, 25, looked lovely in a simple short-sleeved knee-length navy dress.

American model Jacquelyn Jablonski, 33, also wore a navy dress but hers was strapless and she further showcased her long legs with black heels.

Ashley had a busy Wednesday as she also attended the Vogue Italia 60th Anniversary x Ray-Ban event.

She partied alongside Russian model Irina Shayk - the famous ex of Cristiano Ronaldo and baby mother of Bradley Cooper.

Also at the show was Cara Delevingne's big sister Poppy, 38, who looked fantastic in high-waisted brown trousers

Poppy wore a thin grey long-sleeved shirt with a chocolate brown cape over one shoulder and a pair of brown heeled sandals

Jameela Jamil, 38, also looked great, sporting a grey double-breasted trouser suit to the Spring/Summer Womenswear show

The model and activist-turned-actress paired the suit with eye-catching silver jewellery

She finished her look with pointed white boots and she happily posed outside the fashion show's fancy venue

Italian actress Ludovica Coscione, 25, looked lovely in a simple short-sleeved knee-length navy dress

She later added a pair of sunglasses - with dark orange lenses - to her look, completing her outfit with grey heels

American model Jacquelyn Jablonski, 33, also wore a navy dress but hers was strapless and she further showcased her long legs with black heels

Brazilian model Sofia Resing ensured all eyes were on her in a loose fitting pink silk double-breasted trouser suit

Sofia wore just a pink bra underneath the suit and finished her look with dark magenta open-toed heels

Internet personality Ginevra Ferro looked lovely in a sleeveless chartreuse shirt and black heeled sandals

Influencer and model Candela Pelizza looked fabulous in a pale green jumper and matching skirt with a slit

Instagram influencer Alison Toby looked lovely in a soft brown belted jacket which she wore over a slightly darker brown maxi dress

Instagram influencer Ellie Thumann looked lovely in a long-sleeved white dress which grazed her ankles

Brazilian-German influencer Ludovica Sauer stunned in a chartreuse jacket and shoes, wearing a gorgeous pink dress underneath

Anna Dello Russo, Tamu Mcpherson, Cristina Marino, and Ludovica posed together in the front row

The week before, Ashley attended Kering's Third Annual Caring For Women dinner in New York City.

Ashley look great in a tight black halter neck dress with white skirts and accessorised with huge diamond earrings.

Also at the event were Kim Kardashian, Dakota Johnson, Priyanka Chopra, and Jessica Chastain.

Kering is a French multinational corporation overseeing Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley flashed her back in a sophisticated outfit at a skincare product launch party in London on Wednesday night.

The British supermodel, 37, attended a dinner party at the Tate Modern museum to celebrate the arrival of the new Noble Panacea eye lift concentrate.

Rosie's stylish jumpsuit was backless and off the shoulder with one long elegant sleeve and a high halter neckline.

The supermodel accessorised with a cluster of sparkly bangles on her left hand, high heeled black sandals, and a simple black clutch bag.

Her hair was styled down in natural looking waves and her makeup look included a glossy lip, black mascara on her lashes and pink blush on her high cheekbones.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked dazzling in a sophisticated black jumpsuit with an open back at a launch event on Wednesday night

Rosie was one of many celebrity attendees at the party held at the Tate Modern museum in London

The former Victoria Secret Angel was joined at the dinner by British-American ballet dancer Eric Underwood, 40, and American fashion designer Connor Ives, 28.

The 280 cream, consisting of 12 doses, costs a pretty penny as the only skincare brand created by a Nobel Laureate scientist.

It promises to reduce wrinkles, treat eye bags, and combat dark circles under the eyes.

Rosie is engaged to British actor and former professional swimmer Jason Statham, 57, who is twenty years her senior.

Jason earned 32 million last year, as much as Leonardo diCaprio, and lives with Rosie in a 7.5million property in Cheslea, London.

The couple have been engaged since 2016 and together have two children - a son named Jack, 7, and a daughter named Isabella, 2.

It comes after Rosie packed on the PDA with her fiance Jason Statham as the couple posed for a slew of loved-up snaps from their family holiday in Antiparos, Greece last week

She posted this rare vacation snap of her fiance Jason and their daughter Isabella, 2

Rosie shared holiday snaps of herself and her family in Greece in early September on the island of Antiparos.

In the romantic carousel the actor and Rosie look every inch of the happy couple while taking turns to stamp a smooch on each other's cheeks.

In the radiant series of snaps from their Greek getaway, the lovebirds looked carefree struggling to contain a spontaneous laugh.

Rosie also shared a rare vacation snap with the Fast X star and their daughter Isabella , 2.
Simone Ashley looked stunning in a super chic mini dress for Prada's anticipated Milan Fashion Week show on Thursday.

The Bridgerton star led the stars as Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons unveiled their Spring/Summer 2024 collection.

Simone looked super chic in a thigh-skimming strapless mini dress, with delicate floral straps.

She accessorised with slingback heels and shades, joining Carey Mulligan on the star-studded FROW.

Simone Ashley looked stunning in a super chic mini dress as she joined Carey Mulligan for Prada's anticipated Milan Fashion Week show on Thursday

Simone looked was super chic in a thigh-skimming strapless mini dress, with delicate floral straps

Carey looked gorgeous in her classic Prada suit, teaming a blazer with a pencil skirt and heels.

Sarah Paulson added a pop of colour to the FROW with her bright yellow sweater, teamed with a full black skirt.

She threw a grey jacket around her shoulders and carried her Prada bag.

The actress accessorised with a white belt to cinch in her waist and matched Simone with her shades.

Top Boy star Letitia Wright rocked a 6,000 leather varsity jacket from the fashion house, teamed with a tiny mini skirt and lace-up boots.

Meanwhile, Stranger Things star Maya Hawke looked effortlessly stylish in a black mini dress, boasting a bejewelled neckline.

She teamed the chic look with black tights and heeled strappy shoes, toting around her essentials in a Prada handbag.

Designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons opened the show, called Infinite Present with florals before moving into metallics and feathers, accessorised with bizarre, animal-like visors.

Milan Fashion Week will run from Tuesday, September 17, to Monday, September 23, and will feature a total of 57 shows and 69 presentations.

Some of the biggest names in the industry are expected to showcase their latest looks, including Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani and Versace.

Noticeable absentees include Giorgio Armani, who instead unveiled their newest range in New York, and Tom Ford, which will hold a presentation instead of a show, following the departure of Peter Hawkings and in anticipation of new creative director Haider Ackermann's AW25 debut.

Speaking about the upcoming range of shows, Vogue Italia contributor Giorgia Feroldi told Vogue Business: 'Being in Milan during fashion week always means having very little time to rest and process what you've seen, as it's always the most packed calendar out of the ''big four''.'

'But with less big debuts ahead and a day added to the schedule in search of some relief, the mood feels slightly more relaxed compared to other seasons. I hope this can benefit younger designers.'

Moschino's Adrian Appiolaza will present his second womenswear collection for the house, after a well-received menswear show in June.

The Bridgerton star led the stars as Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons unveiled their Spring/Summer 2024 collection

Carey looked gorgeous in her classic Prada suit, teaming a blazer with a pencil skirt and heels

Sarah Paulson added a pop of colour to the FROW with her bright yellow sweater, teamed with a full black skirt

Top Boy star Letitia Wright rocked a 6,000 leather varsity jacket from the fashion house, teamed with a tiny mini skirt and lace-up boots

Letitia was in great spirits as she posed for the snappers with her classic Prada bag in hand

Charli D'Amelio turned heads in her statement skirt and leather jacket as she arrived

Meanwhile, Stranger Things star Maya Hawke looked effortlessly stylish in a black mini dress, boasting a bejewelled neckline

She teamed the chic look with black tights and heeled strappy shoes, toting around her essentials in a Prada handbag

Maya left her hotel in a Prada jumper and jeans later in the day

Designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons opened the show, called Infinite Present with florals before moving into metallics and feathers, accessorised with bizarre, animal-like visors
George Clooney played a very sneaky prank on Tom Cruise.

The movie icon pretended to be his pal Brad Pitt for the odd move, he told talk show host Jimmy Kimmel this week.

The 63-year-old actor once received a gift of fake stationery purporting to belong to his Wolfs co-star, and he has used the headed paper to fool Cruise.

George admitted his letters from 'Brad' were 'brutal.'

One note sent to Tom suggested Pitt and Cruise make a sequel to their 1994 movie Interview With The Vampire, but that they swap roles.

In the film, Brad played Louis and Tom was Lestat.

George said: 'I sent it to Tom Cruise, saying they want to do [Interview with the Vampire 2], but this time Brad wants to play Lestat.'

George Clooney played a very sneaky prank on Tom Cruise he told Jimmy Kimmel this week when on his late night show

The movie icon pretended to be his pal Brad Pitt for the odd move. The 63-year-old actor once received a gift of fake stationery purporting to belong to his Wolfs co-star, and he has used the headed paper to fool Cruise. Pitt and Clooney seen on Wednesday in LA

Jimmy laughed: 'Brad this afternoon said that Tom called him and said, "Yeah, it's cool, you can play Lestat, that's fine, I'm OK with that," and he was like, "What are you talking about?"'

Clooney also has stationary with Bill Clinton's name on it.

'Every actor I know I've sent a letter from Bill Clinton,' said Clooney.

'I try to find their worst film and I tell them, "So I was on the plane and [watching your movie]."'

And when it came to Meryl, the former E.R. star sent her a gift that 'Brad' felt would come in useful for her.

He explained: 'I sent [a letter] to Meryl Streep with a box of CDs for dialect and I said, "This guy helped me with my accent in Troy and I think it could really help you."'

The Men Who Stare At Goats actor is known for his love of pranks and admitted he deliberately 'scared the s**t' out of Wolfs director Jon Watts before he pitched the film to Brad.

He said: 'I really made him go through the pitch with me, I made him work on it. "Tell me how you're going to say it, don't do that."

One note sent to Tom suggested Pitt and Cruise make a sequel to their 1994 movie Interview With The Vampire, but that they swap roles. In the film, Brad played Louis and Tom was Lestat. Cruise seen in Jerry Maguire in 1996

George said: 'I sent it to Tom Cruise, saying they want to do [Interview with the Vampire 2], but this time Brad wants to play Lestat'

'I really just scared the absolute s*** out of him before [he called Brad].'

But George claimed most stars are too scared to prank him back.

Asked if celebrities usually figure out that any bizarre letters they receive are from him, he said: 'There's usually some guess involved with me. Usually somehow they figure it out.

(L-R) Pitt, Richard Kind, Poorna Jagannathan, Amy Ryan, Clooney and Zlatko Buria attend the premiere of the Los Angeles Premiere of the Apple Original Film Wolfs

'I will say this  once you've done a really dastardly, long-running thing, it's like having nuclear weapons.

'Everyone's so terrified that you can  you know this  somebody called Richard Kind and they wanted to do Punk'd or one of those dumba** shows.

'And they wanted to, like, punk me and they called all my friends and they were like. "No! He could put a dead body in my apartment."'
They sparked romance rumours when they were spotted getting cosy at the National Television Awards last Wednesday.

And Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal looked to be packing on the passion as they got stuck into rehearsals for their first dance on Thursday.

The couple, who will be performing the Paso Doble to The Prodigy's Breathe, were seen getting close as they practiced the moves for the Latin dance.

The professional dancer, 30, was seen with her hand in Pete's hair before they later embraced during the session.

Last night the pair were seen leaving dance rehearsals with their chaperone after the BBC introduced new anti-bullying measures.

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal put on a passionate display as they got stuck into Paso Doble training on Thursday

The couple, who will be performing to The Prodigy's Breathe, were seen getting close as they practiced the moves for the Latin dance

In wake of abuse claims made against Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, show bosses announced that all rehearsals going forward would be overseen by a third party.

Pete, 36, and Jowita seemed to be getting along well with their chaperone, as they were all seen hugging on Wednesday following a 10-hour training session.

New measures were introduced after the BBC was forced to carry out a misconduct investigation when actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October.

Months later, professional dancer Graziano was sacked after BBC staffers revealed they had seen footage of him 'kicking' celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

As a result, the BBC called in chaperones for the upcoming series to watch over the pairs - and now it has been revealed they are instructed to report anything untoward to a helpful.

A source told The Sun: 'They've been told to log positive moments in rehearsals as well as anything that could be called into question.

'However, it has been stressed that they should call the helpline immediately if anything bad happens to ensure that any wrongdoing is dealt with promptly.

'It will also be protocol for the researchers to move between different training rooms so they dont become too pally with the professional dancers and celebrities.'

The pair were revealed as each other's partners during last Saturday's grand launch

The couple were seen hugging during the training session together as Saturday night draws nearer

Jowita was seen with her hand in Pete's hair as she pulled him close

Pete looked to be cupping Jowita's face in the passionate routine

Jowita looked to be placing his arm in the correct position as she helped him with the technique

Pete wore his signature curls in a half up half down do

He wore a white vest top as he showed off his tattooed arms

Pete was certainly keen to embrace the full Strictly experience as he said during the launch: 'Im in for a penny, in for a pound. Im never going to be here again, am I?'

Meanwhile Pete's involvement in the BBC show shocked viewers given his close friendship with Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson.

Yet Pete insisted it hadn't stopped the former Love Islander supporting him as he told MailOnline: 'Zara loves the show, and shes been a massive support so she will probably be my number one fan.'

When it was suggested Zara could teach him some moves, he quipped: 'Its my partner thats going to teach me everything so Im just excited to get going.'

And Pete was certainly keen to embrace the full Strictly experience as he said of the glittering costumes: 'Im in for a penny, in for a pound. Im never going to be here again, am I?'

On whether being teamed up with the lovely Jowita makes it all worth it, Pete enthused: 'Oh, 100%! The little pocket rocket? Ive got this in the bag now, Ive changed my mind  Im going to win it.'

However, while he was sure on his partner, the TV star appeared a little puzzled over his upcoming dance after Jowita revealed they'll be doing a Paso Doble to The Prodigy's Breathe.

The pair were seen leaving the studio on Wednesday with their chaperone

Pete looked visibly tired as he wiped the sweat from his face

Jowita previously won the glitterball trophy back in 2022 with celebrity partner Hamza Yassin

The TV star appeared a little puzzled over his upcoming dance after Jowita as he asked: 'Whats a Paso Doble?' with a baffled look on his face

The couple looked to be going into hold as they practiced their first dance

With a baffled look on his face, the long-haired lothario asked: 'Whats a Paso Doble?'

The pair were spotted getting very cosy indeed at the National Television Awards last week as their intimate conversations set tongues wagging amongst fellow guests that they might just strike up a romance during this years series.

The long-haired lothario, who has previously dated Megan McKenna, Chloe Sims, and Ella Rae Wise, was seen with Jowita after in a corridor at Londons O2 Arena where the star-studded ceremony took place.

One onlooker said: Pete was admiring Jowita outfits and told her she looked stunning. They were deep in conversation, and were both leaning in close. It got people talking and wondering if there might be a Strictly romance this year after all.

There was a lot of affection between the pair. He was whispering in her ear which really made her smile.

At one point, Pete placed a protective hand on Jowitas shoulder, it all looked very lovey dovey.

Theyve clearly formed a very close bond during their time on Strictly.

Jowita, who won the glitterball trophy in 2022 with celebrity partner Hamza Yassin, has previously dated the former Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice, and has recently been linked with choreographer Arduino Bertoncello.
Petra Ecclestone has sparked concern after she shared a selfie with her head wrapped in a bandage.

The F1 heiress, 35, was makeup-free in the Instagram snap on Wednesday as she pouted down the lens while clad in her pyjamas.

Petra captioned the snap: 'Guys keep away from the sun. I wish I knew more about it when I was younger and the dangers of it. Please wear SPF daily and a hat.'

The mother-of-three did not specify what had happened. MailOnline has contacted Petra's representatives for comment.

One of the leading risks of not using SPF is overexposure to UV rays, which leads to early aging of the skin and damage that can cause skin cancer.

Petra Ecclestone sparked concern when she shared a snap with her head in bandages and warned her Instagram followers to 'keep away from the sun' on Thursday

The NHS encourages everyone to use at least SPF 30 protection.

Regular users of sun cream with SPF 15 or higher can cut their risk of melanoma  the most deadly type of skin cancer  in half, studies have also suggested.

Around 15,000 Brits and 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year, the most common form of skin cancer. t in the past decade, it still kills more than 2,000 people a year.

Melanoma is often fast growing and can quickly burrow through the skin and into the blood vessels beneath.

Once the cancer cells get into the bloodstream, the disease can spread throughout the body.

Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used.

Petra shares a daughter Millie, three, with her husband Sam Palmer and also shares daughter Lavinia, 11, and twin sons James and Andrew, eight, with her ex-husband James Stunt.

The TV personality and husband Sam tied the knot in July 2022, enjoying a lavish ceremony at Petra's 170 million London mansion, but now live together in Los Angeles.

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUN Sunburn increases a person's risk of skin cancer. It can happen abroad or in the UK. To stay sun safe, experts recommend people: Seek shade between 11am and 3pm, which is when the sun's rays are typically strongest

Wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes, and again just before, UV exposure

Opt for water-resistant sunscreen if necessary and reapply after swimming, sweating or using a towel

Cover up with protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

Be extra careful with babies and young children. Infants under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight

Do not use sunbeds or sunlamps

Checks moles and skin for any changes Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Earlier this year, Sam baffled fans when he went on a bizarre rant about cheaters in a video posted to his Instagram in April.

The property agent, 39, expressed his annoyance at people who are unfaithful but still 'make a big show' of their relationship on Instagram.

He did not reference anyone in particular who had cheated and did assure his followers: 'Don't worry, I'm not going to rat you out'.

In the post he asked his followers what their pet hates were and then gave his own answer, saying: 'Today's pet hate, people that cheat on their partners and make a big show on them on Instagram.

'You know the ones, don't worry, I'm not going to rat you out. But you know when the old Mother's Day comes up or birthdays and they out the old picture up of the old family.'

Pointing out what the captions would be on those pictures he said: 'My world, my rock, backbone of the family.'

He continued: 'I love the ones that have been caught out by their old woman even more. Make a big show of her on Instagram - 'oh look how gorgeous my wife is' - yeah cos you don't want to go through the old divorce.

'Shrewd move, bye see you.'

He captioned the post: 'Pet hate of the day - the cheats who over compensate on instagram. Just look for the comment MY (world emoji) #pethate #petpeeve #pethateoftheday #cheats #family.'
Young people in SW China's Chengdu swarm into intangible cultural heritage classes

People's Daily Online) 11:27, September 19, 2024

Following the popularity of cultural centers, senior universities and colleges, and youth night schools, young people in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, are flocking to courses on intangible cultural heritage.

Every weekend, they go to different areas and venues in the city where intangible cultural heritage classes are held to "recharge" and improve themselves.

Ge Xinyue, a woman born post-1995 who has worked in Chengdu after completing her master's degree program, has been taking a course on Peking Opera makeup at the New Jinniu Park in Chengdu's Jinniu district.

Luo Ying, chief makeup artist from the Chengdu Peking Opera research institute in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, teaches students Peking Opera makeup techniques during a class on Peking Opera makeup. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Zule)

"I am very interested in traditional Chinese culture, especially drama and traditional Chinese operas. I saw information about this course through the WeChat account of the Chengdu Municipal Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection in July, so I set a reminder and managed to secure a spot," Ge said.

On the morning of Sept. 7, Ge took the last class of the course on Peking Opera makeup. The course was taught by Luo Ying, chief makeup artist of the Chengdu Peking Opera Research Institute and Jinniu district-level representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Tian-Tsui, which is a traditional Chinese jewelry-making auxiliary craft.

From opera makeup to hairstyling, and then to wearing costumes and accessories, the two-hour class quickly passed, and the students, fully dressed, excitedly showcased their learning achievements.

"It looks really amazing," Ge exclaimed. "If I have the opportunity, I would love to delve deeper into Peking Opera dressing, not just makeup. I hope that one day, I can see Peking Opera characters dressed by me performing on stage."

Ge Xinyue (left), a post-95s woman who has been taking a course on Peking Opera makeup at the New Jinniu Park in Jinniu district, Chengdu city, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, demonstrates her learning outcomes with her classmate during the final class of the course. (Photo/Chen Zili)

"The students who come to my class are mostly born in the 1990s and 2000s. After spending nearly two months with the students, I can truly feel that they genuinely love Peking Opera makeup. Not a single person gave up halfway through the course, which touched me deeply," Luo said.

According to credible sources, this year marks the second year that Chengdu has offered courses on intangible cultural heritage.

Building on the success of last year's popular courses such as the Shu (Sichuan) School of Guqin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, and rope weaving, new courses have been launched this year, including Peking Opera makeup, health preservation with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Shu embroidery, and Chengdu lacquerware art.

These courses have been rolled out gradually since July, and each course is almost fully booked within a minute of its release.

The incredible value they offer is the primary reason for the popularity of these courses, according to Zheng Qiling, an official from the Chengdu Municipal Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection.

All the courses on intangible cultural heritage and the materials used in the classes are provided free of charge, and students don't need to bring anything, Zheng said.

Moreover, the teachers are specially invited inheritors of various intangible cultural heritage projects, Zheng noted.

Intangible cultural heritage possesses unique artistic charm and historical value, providing young people with fresh experiences and creative inspiration, pointed out Peng Yunsi, an expert in intangible cultural heritage protection and deputy head of the Chengdu Municipal Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection.

Students practice the playing techniques of the Shu (Sichuan) school of Guqin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, during a class on Guqin. (Photo/Chen Xuan)

"More and more young people are beginning to value the inheritance and protection of local culture. As an important part of traditional culture, intangible cultural heritage can enhance people's cultural identity and national pride," Peng said.

To cultivate students' long-term interest in relevant courses, the Chengdu Municipal Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage have put in a great deal of effort, from designing course content that appeals to young people to innovating teaching methods.

Wei Yuping, deputy head of the Chengdu Guqin Cultural Society and inheritor of the Shu School of Guqin in Qingyang district of Chengdu, has incorporated familiar and easy-to-learn pieces into the regular content of her course on Guqin, in a bid to help students better immerse themselves in the classes and enjoy the learning process.

To provide students with more opportunities to practice, master playing techniques, and cultivate long-term interest, Wei has also offered practice venues and instruments for students, and has set up a chat group for communication as a supplement to offline teaching.

Jiang Yue, a post-2000-born music-loving sophomore, has benefited greatly from the course on Guqin. She mentioned that initially, she just wanted to give it a try, but after attending a few classes she fell in love with this ancient instrument.

"Practicing the Guqin allows me to calm down, slowly settle, regulate my emotions, and heal my mind," Jiang said.

"If you want to practice the Guqin after class, you can make a reservation online, and it's completely free. If you don't want to come to the classroom to practice, you can rent a Guqin for a few yuan to practice at home," said a student named Lyu Qianwen.

According to Peng, the Chengdu Municipal Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection will continuously optimize and update course content to meet the needs of different age groups and interest groups, keeping the intangible cultural heritage classes fresh and attractive.

"Some students have said that after attending the courses on intangible cultural heritage, they want to continue developing in relevant fields and may consider starting a business related to intangible cultural heritage in the future, which is exactly the effect we hope to achieve," Peng said.

"The original intention of launching the courses on intangible cultural heritage is to build a bridge between inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and interested individuals," Peng noted.

Statistics show that Chengdu is home to 25 national-level representative intangible cultural heritage projects, 87 provincial-level representative intangible cultural heritage projects, and 118 municipal-level representative intangible cultural heritage projects, as of August 2024.

In addition to intangible cultural heritage classes, the Chengdu Municipal Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection has also carried out various activities in recent years to integrate intangible cultural heritage experiences into schools and the lives of citizens.

"I hope to see more youthful energy join the revitalization of intangible cultural heritage, creating new sparks between traditional crafts and contemporary young people, and bringing new vitality to traditional culture in the modern era," Peng said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Joey King beamed as she held hands with her husband Steven Piet, 40, on Thursday.

They were attending the Max Mara RTW spring 2025 fashion show at Milan Fashion Week.

The Uglies star, 25, wore a long grey dress featuring long sleeves, a collar, ruching in the bodice and a cut out on one side of her waist.

She accessorized with thick silver hoop earrings and a small black clutch handbag.

The Ramona and Beezus star wore her brown hair parted in the middle, straight and tucked behind her ears to show off her earrings.

Her husband of one year looked dapper in a white suit with subtle vertical stripes in blue and yellow on each side of his lapels.

Joey King looked elegant as she and her husband Steven Piet , 40, attended the Max Mara RTW spring 2025 fashion show at Milan Fashion Week

Joey and Steve celebrated their first wedding anniversary on September 2.

Traditionally, the gift for that milestone is paper and The Kissing Booth star got creative when it came to his anniversary gift.

'I found the newspaper one year from the day my husband was born,' Joey told E! News, 'which is super cool.'

"I read it and I was like, 'Oh, thats funny," she shared. "It's a cool thing."

She said the paper had 'really weird' headline, but it was totally in line with the couple's shared sense of humor.

'I read it and I was like, "Oh, thats funny,"' she shared. 'It's a cool thing.'

The couple married in September 2023 in Mallorca, Spain after meeting on the set of The Act in 2019 when King was 20.

Joey previously opened up about tying the knot at age 24.

'I've been in a world in which I've been exposed to adulthood. I had a mortgage by the time I was 14,' King said on the Armchair Expert podcast in April.

'Responsibility makes you grow up a little bit faster,' she added.

'And my family and everyone in my life, they adore Steven. He's the easiest person to love. They were so stoked,' the We Were the Lucky Ones star said.

The Uglies star, 25, wore a long grey dress featuring long sleeves, a collar, ruching in the bodice and a cut out on one side of her waist

Her husband of one year looked dapper in a white suit with subtle vertical stripes in blue and yellow on each side of his lapels

She accessorized with thick silver hoop earrings and a small black clutch handbag

The Ramona and Beezus star wore her brown hair parted in the middle, straight and tucked behind her ears to show off her earrings

Joey also said that the hard part about deciding to get married is that everyone has an opinion about it.

'There's never the right way to do it without someone commenting on it,' she said.

'It's either, "You're too young, You're too old, How long have you been dating each other?" or, "You don't know each other that well, You've been together too long  where's the ring?"' she said.

She continued: 'My grandmother got married at 18, and it was so normal back then. If someone got married at 24 when my grandma was 18, they'd be like, "What is taking her so long?" So it's all relative, and everyone's different."
Katherine Ryan has taken a swipe at male comics who spend months away from their families while on tour - as she reveals she will travel three hours to get home to sleep with her children.

The comedienne, 41, who has two daughters and a son, said she 'tours like a mum not like a dad' and said her children don't like her being away.

'I'm gone at 3pm every day,' she said speaking on the Dish podcast, 'I tour like a mum, not like a dad.'

'So the boys in my industry they just disappear for ten months, and I have to go back and forth and zigzag and I still sleep with the children because they wake up in the night and I just don't feel like an infant should be unattended ever.

'North of Leeds I will sleep over, but anything within three hours I am coming home.'

Katherine Ryan took aim at male comedians as she explained on the Dish podcast that she 'tours like a mum, not a dad' as her children don't like her being away

Taking a swipe at male comedians she said: 'So the boys in my industry they just disappear for ten months, and I have to go back and forth and zigzag ' (pictured with her husband Bobby Koostra and children Fred, three, and Fenna, two)

Katherine, who is currently on a sellout UK tour, said she regretted taking her family with her when she toured in 2021.

'My daughter will vomit with rage when I leave a room. They don't deal with me leaving very well.

'With my son who just turned three, that was my last tour when he was born.

'I was bringing the entire family, we were like the Osbourne's and that was a mistake.

'Because I don't think Romesh (Ranganthan) is handed a screaming infant when he comes off stage. So that was too much.'

A mum of three, Katherine and her husband Bobby Koostra were childhood sweethearts at high school and reconnected decades later before marrying and having two children together - Fenna, two, and Fred, three.

She also has a 15-year-old daughter Violet from her previous relationship with boyfriend Alex Edelman.

Joking about Violet she said: 'Have a teenage is like giving birth to your high school bully.

Katherine, who is currently on a sellout UK tour, said she regretted taking her family with her when she toured in 2021

Targeting her friend and fellow comic Romesh Ranganathan she added: 'Because I don't think Romesh (Ranganthan) is handed a screaming infant when he comes off stage'

A mum of three, Katherine and her husband Bobby Koostra were childhood sweethearts at high school and reconnected decades later before marrying and having two children together

Katherine is also mother to Violet, 15, who she has from her previous relationship with boyfriend Alex Edelman (Katherine with Violet and Bobby at the BAFTAs in May)

'She's just really beautiful and intimidating and she's British and she has rich parents. She's like all the girls who were mean to me all my life.'

Back in April, Katherine candidly admitted how her three children have 'ruined the life she had before' she became a mother.

The star confessed that since having her children, she has not been able to continue doing all the things that she had been able to do before.

Speaking to Woman magazine, she said: 'My children have enriched my life, they're such a blessing and I would never trade them for anything.

'But I would be lying if I said they didn't ruin the life I had before. But I rebuilt a better one and that's fine.

'I would be pretending if I said that I could still do all the things that I could before and I think we're selling this fantasy of what motherhood means if we aren't honest about that.'
Brad Pitt's romance with his girlfriend Ines de Ramon is getting 'serious.'

After nearly two years together, the actor, 60, is 'very committed' to the jewelry executive, 31, and the future of their relationship.

'They're super in love,' a source told Us Weekly on Thursday.

The insider also added that it was a 'big deal' that the couple made their romance red carpet official at the Venice International Film Festival premiere of his new movie Wolfs on September 1.

Another source told the outlet that the pair bonded because they are both 'hippies at heart' and also share a passion of art and music.

Brad Pitt's romance with his girlfriend Ines de Ramon is getting 'serious.' After nearly two years together, the actor, 60, is 'very committed' to the jewelry executive, 31, and the future of their relationship; pictured September 1 in Venice

'They're super in love,' a source told Us Weekly on Thursday. The insider also added that it was a 'big deal' that the couple made their romance red carpet official at the Venice International Film Festival premiere of his new movie Wolfs on September 1

'Brad loves introducing Ines to his friends because she's such a joy to be around,' the source said. 'She brings out the best in Brad.'

The insider also noted that things are 'serious between Brad and Ines.'

'He's very committed to her and their future,' the source said.

In the past years, de Ramon has shown her support for Pitt amid his messy divorce from his ex-wife Angelina Jolie.

The former couple  who were one of Hollywood's most iconic couples and were together for a decade before they tied the knot in 2014  have been entangled in a contentious legal battle over the custody of their six children and their Chateau Miraval winery since Jolie filed for divorce in 2016.

Since their legal battle began, the pair have been declared legally single in 2019 but their divorce has not yet been finalized.

'Her support has shown Brad who she really is as a partner,' the first source told the outlet about de Ramon.

The second insider said: 'It's meant so much to him and brought them close together. Brad has a lot of up and down days, and [Ines] has been his rock through it all. She has a really good heart.'

Another source told the outlet that the pair bonded because they are both 'hippies at heart' and also share a passion of art and music; pictured September 18 in Los Angeles

Brad's ex Angelina Jolie with Pax Jolie-Pitt attend the premiere of Without Blood during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

About two years ago, Pitt and de Ramon were first romantically linked back in November 2022.

At the time, it had been two months since she separated from her ex-husband, Paul Wesley, 42.

It wasn't until several months later in March when she and The Vampire Diaries actor officially finalized their divorce.

At the beginning of Pitt and de Ramon's romance, an insider confirmed to Us Weekly that they were 'officially dating.'

They really enjoy each other's company and are having a great time in the early stages of an early relationship, but are still getting to know each other.'
Lily Collins turned heads on Thursday as she was pictured out and about in New York City.

The actress, 35, cut a chic figure in a black leather single-breasted blazer.

The Emily In Paris star teamed the blazer with a pair of coffee brown flared trousers and added inches to her frame with a pair of pointed court heels.

She completed the glamorous ensemble with a pair of diamond stud earrings and sported oval-shaped black shades.

Lily seemed in high spirits as she smiled and waved at the cameras before entering her car.

Lily Collins cut a chic figure in a black leather single-breasted blazer on Thursday as she was pictured out and about in New York City

The actress, 35, teamed the blazer with a pair of coffee brown flared trousers and added inches to her frame with a pair of pointed court heels

Meanwhile, her handsome co-star Lucien Laviscount, 32, was also spotted in Times Square with Emily In Paris favourites Bruno Gouery, 49, and Samuel Arnold, 33.

The actor, who stars as Alfie in the hit Netflix drama series, cut a smart casual figure in a muscly black T-shirt and grey trousers.

He teamed a pair of black leather ankle boots with his ensemble and sported a pair of black square-framed shades.

The trio seemed in high spirits as they departed from the Good Morning America studios.

Earlier this week, Lily announced that the Netflix hit series has been renewed for a fifth season.

Despite mixed reviews from viewers about season four, which was split into two parts, the latest season ranked number one on the Netflix Global Top 10 when it premiered in August.

According to Netflix's site, Tudum, the series garnered '19.9M views in its first four days' and reached the top ten in 93 countries.

'We're thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily's adventures in Rome and Paris!' creator Darren Star told the site.

She completed the glamorous ensemble with a pair of diamond stud earrings and sported oval-shaped black shades

Lily seemed in high spirits as she exited her car

The beauty struck up a smile for the cameras as she posed up a storm in the stylish ensemble

The star has been in the city promoting her new Emily In Paris series and earlier this week she announced that the series has been renewed for a fifth season

Despite mixed reviews from viewers about season four, which was split into two parts, the latest season ranked number one on the Netflix Global Top 10 when it premiered in August

After she made the exciting announcement on Good Morning America, fans of her romantic comedy series expressed their excitement and surprise that she would be returning to her role as aspiring marketing executive Emily Cooper.

'What visa is she on?' one joked.

Another insisted: 'For my mental health there should be a new season of Emily in Paris monthly.'

'I want to watch a new season of Emily in Paris every year until I die,' a third wrote.

'Oh yay my forever guilty pleasure,' a fourth raved.

Some viewers, however, quipped they couldn't believe some people are 'still watching this show.'

'This show is so bad. I can't stop watching it though [sobbing emoji],' another X user tweeted.

According to Netflix's site, Tudum, the series garnered '19.9M views in its first four days' and reached the top ten in 93 countries

Meanwhile, her handsome co-star Lucien Laviscount, 32, was also spotted in Times Square with Emily In Paris favourites Bruno Gouery, 49, and Samuel Arnold, 33 (pictured L-R)

The actor, who stars as Alfie in the hit Netflix drama series, cut a smart casual figure in a muscly black T-shirt and grey trousers

He teamed a pair of black leather ankle boots with his ensemble and sported a pair of black square-framed shades

Lily plays Emily Cooper in the series, a young American woman who moves to Paris for a new job and navigates cultural differences and romantic adventures; seen in a still

Another asked: 'Why are they making more seasons????'

Emily in Paris Season Four Part Two arrived on September 12 and followed Emily as she gallivanted around the Italian capital of Rome.

The latest series followed the dramatic events of the misbegotten wedding of Camille, played by Camille Razat, and Gabriel, played by Lucas Bravo.

In part one, Emily still had strong feelings for Gabriel and Alfie. But Gabriel was expecting a baby with his ex Camille, and Alfie's worst fears about Emily and Gabriel had been confirmed.

In part two, Emily's flight back to Chicago is cancelled.

And even though there's no place like home for the holidays, she is stuck spending Christmas Eve with Gabriel and Camille's family in Megeve.

Emily's new love interest Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini, makes his arrival soon after, and, following their first date in Paris, she goes to visit him in Rome.

The finale concludes with a great new opportunity for Emily: leading a Rome-based office which Sylvie encourages Emily to take, not only to stay in beautiful Italy but to be closer to her new man.
Crystal Hefner has debuted her new romance with Hawaii businessman James Ward - and revealed the new relationship has 'healed' her.

Model Crystal, 38, who is Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner's widow, revealed her partner of five months 'values her feelings' and makes her feel like the 'real me' in a candid interview with People.

She said: 'With James, my feelings are valued, validated. I am seen and I am heard.

'Im nurturing the real me, my adventurous spirit, my inner child. I feel like Ive become the person I always needed when I was growing up.

'I feel accepted and more myself than ever before.'

Crystal Hefner has debuted her new romance with Hawaii businessman James Ward - and revealed the new relationship has 'healed' her

Crystal famously wed the magazine publisher in 2012 when she was 26 and he was 86. They were married until his death, aged 91, in 2017 - pictured 2010

The pair were set up by friends in April - with Ward owning his own adventure and photography tour company on Kailua-Kona since moving to Hawaii in 2013.

She told DailyMail.com: 'We are definitely looking to the future together, with James it feels different than any other relationship Ive experienced

We've shared our dreams for the future and its amazing how aligned we are on so many things.

In romantic snaps obtained by DailyMail.com Crystal looks happier than ever with James as she posed up in a stylish red dress.

The pair donned matching cream ensembles as they held hands on the beach during a tropical break.

Hugh Hefner died on September 27 2017 aged 91.

Third wife Crystal - born Crystal Harris - famously wed the magazine publisher in 2012 when she was 26 and he was 86.

They were married until his death, aged 91, in 2017 as a result of heart failure and septicemia after contracting a deadly strain of e-coli. He left a reported $43 million fortune.

Earlier this year she published her explosive memoir, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy And Finding Myself, in which she made a number of bombshell claims, including that she never loved the late magazine kingpin and she felt imprisoned in their four-year marriage.

Crystal previously told DailyMail.com that Hefner was agoraphobic and shunned most public excursions, and she shared that his seemingly luxurious Playboy mansion was in a state of decay and was infested with black mold when she lived there.

According to Hefner's wife, she had to transform herself both inside and outside in order to survive the 'cutthroat' environment that he fostered with the other women living in the mansion.

The pair shared a sweet kiss as they enjoyed a romantic break together

In romantic snaps obtained by DailyMail.com Crystal looks happier than ever with James as she posed up

The pair donned matching cream ensembles as they held hands on the beach during a tropical break

The pair were set up by friends in April - with Ward owning his own adventure and photography tour company on Kailua-Kona since moving to Hawaii in 2013

Crystal showed off her toned frame in a black wetsuit

Crystal went on to explain how he wanted her to dress and act during their time together.

'I think he wanted me to just be seen and not speak, be helpless, be small,' she explained, adding that he wanted her to 'have bleach-blond hair and stay skinny and have big, fake boobs.'

'That's part of it,' she added.

Part of their routine included the Playboy icon constantly surveying her appearance to make sure that it conformed to his expectations.

She claimed that when he spotted some of her darker roots peaking out from her dyed blond hair, he would tap her on the head to remind her to get them touched up.

Crystal also shared that she gained some weight after moving into the Playboy mansion, which Hefner allegedly couldn't get past.

She recounted how he would tap her on her thighs and tell her: 'Oh, looks like someone needs to tone up.'

The constant criticisms made her feel as if she was 'falling.'

Crystal previously told DailyMail.com that Hefner was agoraphobic and shunned most public excursions, and she shared that his seemingly luxurious Playboy mansion was in a state of decay and was infested with black mold when she lived there; pictured in 2010

For two years prior, from September 2021 until September 2023, Crystal was in a relationship with actor Ryan Malaty, 32 (pictured here in 2021)

In February 2024 DailyMail.com revealed Crystal was dating Andrew D. Corkin, who has worked with some of Hollywood's leading ladies, from Naomi Watts to Olivia Wilde - but the romance was shortlived

In February 2024 DailyMail.com revealed Crystal was dating Andrew D. Corkin, who has worked with some of Hollywood's leading ladies, from Naomi Watts to Olivia Wilde.

Her new romance was hot on the heels of her brief fling with Columbia University grad Alexander Kotzen who was 14 years her junior.

They were pictured together in October 2023, one month after she quietly split from her boyfriend of two years, 34-year-old actor Ryan Malaty.
Maya Jama set temperatures soaring in a slinky tiger-print maxi dress as she attended Gordon's Premium Pink end-of-summer brunch at Sexy Fish in London on Thursday.

The Love Island host, 30, looked incredible in the stylish satin ensemble as she was joined by a slew of her gal pals including supermodel Leomie Anderson, 31.

She teamed her dress with a pair of black strappy heels and accessorised with gold hoop earrings and a chunky chain-style bracelet.

Maya elevated her natural beauty with a glowing palette of makeup and wore her brunette tresses in bouncy curls.

The TV personality seemed to be on cloud nine and she enjoyed a drink at the brunch with her friends.

Maya Jama set temperatures soaring in a slinky tiger-print maxi dress as she attended Gordon's Premium Pink end-of-summer brunch at Sexy Fish in London on Thursday

The Love Island host, 30, looked incredible in the stylish satin ensemble as she was joined by a slew of her gal pals including supermodel Leomie Anderson, 31

She was joined by Leomie, who looked nothing short of sensational in a colourful outfit as she arrived at the brunch.

The supermodel put on a very leggy display in a micro green mini-skirt paired with a bold graphic yellow top, which featured a plunging neckline.

She completed her look with funky striped boots and glitzy gold statement earrings as she posed with Maya.

Elz the Witch, Julie Adenuga, Alyssa Traore, and a selection of Maya's other closest friends also joined the duo at the event.

The fun-filled celebration saw the group enjoy a bite to eat, before partying to send off the summer season in style.

It's been a busy week for Maya, who's just returned from Milan Fashion Week festivities in Italy's capital.

She looked effortlessly chic on Tuesday as she stepped out in an oversized white shirt dress to attend the Alberta Ferretti pring/Summer 2025 show.

Maya looked sensational for the outing as she sported a a baggy white shirt dress complete with a huge collar and a zip-front.

She teamed her dress with a pair of black strappy heels and accessorised with gold hoop earrings and a chunky chain-style bracelet

Maya elevated her natural beauty with a glowing palette of makeup and wore her brunette tresses in bouncy curls

The TV personality seemed to be on cloud nine and she enjoyed a drink at the brunch with her friends

She was joined by Leomie, who looked nothing short of sensational in a colourful outfit as she arrived at the brunch

The supermodel put on a very leggy display in a micro green mini-skirt paired with a bold graphic yellow top, which featured a plunging neckline

She completed her look with funky striped boots and glitzy gold statement earrings

Elz the Witch (LEFT), Julie Adenuga, Alyssa Traore (RIGHT), and a selection of Maya's other closest friends also joined the duo at the event

British radio host Julie Adenuga looked glam in a busty black tie-front dress for the outing

Everyone seemed to be in high spirits at the extravaganza

The dress was finished with a mini-skirt and had a huge buckled belt and matching cuffs.

The TV personality accessorised with a white leather handbag and pointed buckled sling back heels, as well as elegant silver double-hooped drop earrings.

Her brunette locks were tossed up in a loose bun with pieces of hair hanging down at the front, and she opted for a striking cat-eye make-up look with a nude lip.

Maya had Shane Cooper's Exclusive Facial Treatment to ensure her skin is glowing and camera-ready. Shan combined the facial with a body defining treatment on tum and thighs.

Maya recently revealed the collection of designer bags worth at least 100,000 in her luxury closet - but said that she barely uses them.

The Love Island host has made her millions over the years through fashion and beauty campaigns and took to Instagram to share a glimpse into her own collection.

From Hermes and Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Maya shared snaps of the 'bag shelves' in her home on Wednesday - with the collection worth an estimated total of over 100,000

However her collection included three Hermes Birkin Bags - which can range in price from anywhere from 20,000 to 200,000 - so the real total cost could be much more.

'Still a scatty Bristolian at heart tho,' Maya captioned another snap, after showing fans her extortionate collection of designer goods.

Maya had Shane Cooper's Exclusive Facial Treatment to ensure her skin is glowing and camera-ready. Shan combined the facial with a body defining treatment on tum and thighs

It's been a busy week for Maya, who's just returned from Milan Fashion Week festivities in Italy's capital

She looked effortlessly chic on Tuesday as she stepped out in an oversized white shirt dress to attend the Alberta Ferretti pring/Summer 2025 show

Maya took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal the collection of designer bags worth at least 100,000 in her luxury closet - but said that she barely uses them

From Hermes and Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Maya shared snaps of the 'bag shelves' in her home - estimated to be worth a total of over 100,000 (Pictured are three Birkin bags, two Chanel double flap bags and a YSL denim puffer bag)

In her first snap, Maya showed shelves containing her three Birkin bags - thought to cost around 30,000 each.

Also on display were two Chanel double flap bags, one with silver detailing and another with gold. These are estimated at 6,750 and 6,950 respectively.

Completing the luxury shelf was a denim and suede Yves Saint Laurent Puffer bag worth 2,280.

Maya moved onto another shelf for her second snap as she revealed a Prada Mini Saffiano Leather Shoulder Bag, which typically goes for 1,800. There was another orange Ostrich bag seemingly from Dumelacrafts (700).

In Maya's final bag shelf there was another collection of luxury bags, including a Louis Vuitton Soul Trunk Cross-Body Bag worth almost 3,000.

Making up the shelf were two Dolce&Gabbana Small Sicily Bag (1,985 each), a couple of Alexander Wang crystal embellished clutches (around 700 each), an Yves Saint Laurent Black Small Sunset Velvet Shoulder Bag (1,500) and a Marni Trunkaroo leather backpack (1,400).

Despite the huge costs of the stunning accessories, Maya said in one of her snaps that she wears 'the same bag 99% per cent of the time'.
Tori Spelling shared a rare photo with all five of her children before her debut performance on Dancing With the Stars.

The star  who is the sixth Beverly Hills, 90210 actor to join DWTS  was already dressed in her costume for the night.

She stood at the center of the photo surrounded by Liam, 17, Stella, 16, twins Hattie and Finn, 12, and Beau, seven.

And only on was shorter than her: Beau.

Tori, 51, shared a lengthy caption on the Instagram post gushing over having her kids there and saying they are her reason 'why.'

'Heres my WHY my 5 babies coming to see me perform LIVE on DWTS! Showing my kids that at any point or age you can push past your fears and believe in yourself,' she began.

'This so far has been the hardest yet one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I danced to my personal anthem Trust Fall with my amazing partner @pashapashkov.'

Tori Spelling shared a rare photo with all five of her children before her debut performance on Dancing With the Stars

Tori went on to talk about her lack of dance training before joining the popular ABC competition.

'Ive never had any dance experience, training, or lessons. I do not workout { except hustling and taking care of 5 kiddos} and I have a huge fear of performing in front of an audience. But, Im doing it!

'Im putting my heart and soul into this journey. Im finding ME! The ballroom is my therapy . Having the time of my life. So proud of that young version of myself who was shy, fearful, insecure, and didnt feel worthy. Finding your worth is POWERFUL!

She gushed, 'Thank you @dancingwiththestars for this opportunity to do this for myself, my kids, and everyone out there who has ever felt this way about themselves. I dance this season 33 for all of us.'

Tori shares her kids with her ex-husband Dean McDermott, 57.

Tori is the sixth 90210 alum to take part in DWTS after the late Shannen Doherty, Ian Ziering, Jennie Garth, Brian Austin Green and Gabrielle Carteris.

The surviving five former contestants gathered at 90s Con in Daytona Beach, Florida last week and all agreed that the competition is 'hard' and sent well wishes for their longtime friend and former co-star.

'Keep your head on, enjoy the experience,' Green said via People, adding, 'Its a seven-day-a-week job.'

Garth expressed, 'Im so excited for her I think shes going to do great,' while Carteris added that shes 'really really excited' for Spelling.

'Were all rooting for her,' Ziering said and urged the audience to support her with their votes. 'Make sure you do the same.'

During her first performance on DWTS, Spelling danced the Foxtrot with her partner Pasha Pashkov, who was formerly paired with Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix.

'I'm from the most famous zip code in America - 90210,' Tori said.

Tori said she passed on the show for 32 seasons. Pasha asked her why she said yes now.

Tori, 51, shared a lengthy caption on the Instagram post gushing over having her kids there and saying they are her reason 'why'

'Heres my WHY my 5 babies coming to see me perform LIVE on DWTS! Showing my kids that at any point or age you can push past your fears and believe in yourself,' she began

'This so far has been the hardest yet one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I danced to my personal anthem Trust Fall with my amazing partner @pashapashkov'

Tori went on to talk about her lack of dance training before joining the popular ABC competition

'Literally 50 hit and my life exploded,' Tori said. 'I'm going through a really public divorce. Everything I thought I was has been burned to the ground and I'm really trying to find myself again.'

She picked 'Trust Fall' by Pink to dance the Foxtrot. Tori kept a smile and even sang the words as Pasha spun her around the dance floor.

Derek said she seemed a little stiff while Bruno said, 'You did very well,' before admitting, 'There's a lot of work to do.'

The judges gave her a score of 17 out of 30.
Scarlett Johansson put on a sizzling display in a strapless red maxi dress as she joined Australian hunk Chris Hemsworth at the London premiere of their new film Transformers One on Thursday.

The Marvel actress, 39, looked nothing short of sensational as she stepped onto the red carpet at Cineworld Leicester Square in the ruched YSL evening gown.

Scarlett accessorised with a glitzy silver choker necklace and dainty hoop earrings from Jessica McCormack, wearing her blonde tresses down in a straight style.

The Hollywood star added inches to her height with black strappy heels and opted for a bold palette of a makeup, including a colourful lip and smoky eye.

Her co-star Chris, 41, looked dapper in an all-black tailored suit, complete with a silver chain and ring.

Scarlett Johansson put on a sizzling display in a strapless red maxi dress as she joined Chris Hemsworth at the London premiere of their new film Transformers One on Thursday

Chris, 41, looked dapper in an all-black tailored suit, complete with a silver chain and ring

The Marvel actress, 39, looked nothing short of sensational as she stepped onto the red carpet at Cineworld Leicester Square in the ruched YSL evening gown

In the movie, Chris provides the voice of Orion Pax, who later become Optimus Prime, the supreme commander of the Autobots.

Meanwhile, Scarlett steps into the role of Elita One - a devoted Autobot and powerful warrior.

The duo were joined on the red carpet by fellow cast members including Brian Tyree Henry, 42, who plays Megatron, and Keegan-Michael Key, 53, who voices Bumblebee.

Brian looked suave in a white shirt and customised leather jacket, which read 'Such heroic nonsense, Megatron 196' on the back, paying tribute to his character.

He paired the daring look with a long pleated skirt, featuring a cream stripe down the side, and a pair of chunky loafers.

American actor and comedian Keegan-Michael put on a smart display in a grey suit teamed with a funky patterned tie.

He and Scarlett seemed in high spirits as they shared a joke together on the red carpet.

The London premiere was a star-studded affair, with a host of other famous faces in attendance.

She accessorised with a glitzy silver choker necklace and dainty hoop earrings from Jessica McCormack, wearing her blonde tresses down in a straight style

The duo were joined on the red carpet by fellow cast members including Brian Tyree Henry, 42, who plays Megatron, and Keegan-Michael Key, 53, who voices Bumblebee

Brian looked suave in a white shirt and customised leather jacket, which read 'Such heroic nonsense, Megatron 196' on the back, paying tribute to his character

American actor and comedian Keegan-Michael put on a smart display in a grey suit teamed with a funky patterned tie

Chris and Scarlett seemed in high spirits as they shared a joke together on the red carpet

In the movie, Chris provides the voice of Orion Pax, who later become Optimus Prime, the supreme commander of the Autobots

The official trailer for the upcoming animated science-fiction feature was released in April

The film will follow younger versions of Optimus Prime and Megatron as they develop a close friendship before breaking away from each other to become sworn enemies

Kate Garraway looked to be having great time at the screening, following her NTA win last week.

The 57-year-old Good Morning Britain presenter looked chic in black and white pinstriped trousers teamed with a white blazer and heeled boots.

Love Islander Jessy Potts, 35 made her first solo appearance since splitting up with her former flame Joey Essex, 34, just 24 hours after the breakup was announced.

The pair said they 'tried to make their relationship work' but after leaving the Love Island villa it 'just wasn't meant to be'.

Putting her worries behind her, Jessy commanded attention in a diamante-encrusted nude evening gown with a plunging neckline.

The ITV star wore her long blonde tresses in loose curls and elevated her natural beauty with a glowing makeup look.

She was joined by fellow Season 11 Islanders Wil Anderson and Uma Jammeh, both 23, with Uma looking incredible in an asymmetrical orange dress.

Elsewhere at the event, Tallia Storm set temperatures soaring in a very racy black dress, featuring a huge cut-out along her top half.

Kate Garraway looked to be having great time at the screening, following her NTA win last week

The 57-year-old Good Morning Britain presenter looked chic in black and white pinstriped trousers teamed with a white blazer and heeled boots

Kate put on an animated display on the red carpet

Love Islander Jessy Potts, 35 made her first solo appearance since splitting up with her former flame Joey Essex, 34, just 24 hours after the breakup was announced

Putting her worries behind her, Jessy commanded attention in a diamante-encrusted nude evening gown with a plunging neckline

The ITV star wore her long blonde tresses in loose curls and elevated her natural beauty with a glowing makeup look

She was joined by fellow Season 11 Islanders Wil Anderson and Uma Jammeh, with Uma looking incredible in an asymmetrical orange dress

Elsewhere at the event, Tallia Storm set temperatures soaring in a very racy black dress, featuring a huge cut-out along her top half

The 25-year-old singer showcased her amazing figure and flashed her sideboob and midriff in the daring ensemble

Former Love Islander Kady McDermott also set pulses racing in an asymmetrical cut-out black evening dress

Kady posed for snaps on the red carpet with her new boyfriend Henry Simmons

She was joined by Olivia Hawkins, who looked glamorous in a strapless metallic silver dress, featuring a thigh-high slit

Vanessa Sam (L) wore a powder blue dress by House of Aristocrats

Cally Jane Beech wowed in a plunging animal print maxi dress

Meanwhile, presenter and DJ Kemi Rodgers stunned in a leapord-print gown teamed with a pair of platform boots

Below Deck star Daisy Kelliher put on a leggy display in a red plunging mini dress, paired with silver heels

JB Gill brought along his son Ace for his birthday

The JLS star took time out from Strictly rehearsals for some quality time with his son

Kate put on an animated display as she left the event

Model turned actor Stefan Tomlin made a very dazzling appearance on the red carpet

Love Island star Cally Jane left the premiere with boyfriend DJ O'Neal

The 25-year-old singer showcased her amazing figure and flashed her sideboob and midriff in the daring ensemble.

Former Love Islander Kady McDermott also set pulses racing in an asymmetrical cut-out black evening dress.

She was joined by Olivia Hawkins, who looked glamorous in a strapless metallic silver dress, featuring a thigh-high slit.

Olivia completed her look with glittering silver heels and dramatic eye makeup.

Meanwhile, presenter and DJ Kemi Rodgers stunned in a leapord-print gown teamed with a pair of platform boots.

Below Deck star Daisy Kelliher put on a leggy display in a red plunging mini dress, paired with silver heels.
His Three Daughters (15, 104 mins)

Verdict: Beautifully observed

Rating:

Death, it occurred to me while watching the new Netflix release His Three Daughters, has been more of a constant in cinematic story-telling than anything else, including love.

From the earliest motion pictures, death has loomed large on the silver screen, although normally, for manifest dramatic reasons, of the sudden violent kind.

Understandably, the sort of death with which most of us become familiar at least a few times in our lives, the drawn-out passing of a parent or friend, is dramatised far less often.

But when it is done well, it can be more moving, more thought-provoking, than almost anything.

That's why the new Pedro Almodovar film, The Room Next Door, won the main prize at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month. It's a compelling study, superbly acted by Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, of the ethics and manners surrounding the right of a terminally ill person to choose how and when to die.

Natasha Lyone as Rachel, Elizabeth Olsen as Christina (centre) and Carrie Koon as Katie in His Three Daughters

Carrie Koon plays Katie - the oldest daughter who is bossy, brittle and highly strung

His Three Daughters offers a different but no-less-absorbing take on the subject of death. A man, of whom we see very little, is receiving end-of-life care in his New York City apartment.

The wellspring of the dramais the relationship between the trio of women who are waiting for him to expire: his daughters Katie (Carrie Coon), Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) and Rachel (Natasha Lyonne).

Katie, the eldest, is bossy, brittle, highly strung. On the evidence of her phone calls home, she is just as uptight as a mother. Nor, though she lives elsewhere in New York, was she an especially attentive daughter. But now, with her father on his deathbed, she is trying to take charge, agonising over his obituary and a do-not-resuscitate form that needs signing, yet exuding precious little warmth or compassion.

The middle daughter, Christina, has flown in from afar so at least has an excuse for seeing little of the old man. She has a young child and a life that to the outside eye seems nigh-on perfect, although of course such lives never are, either in the movies or anywhere else.

The youngest, Rachel, is addicted to pot and her throaty voice is either that of a chain-smoker or she's preparing for a Marge Simpson sound-alike contest. Katie, with whom she clashes repeatedly, thinks she is hopelessly irresponsible. But gradually we realise that she is the only one properly grieving the impending death of their father, and indeed the one who devotedly cared for him, shared his apartment and will inherit it when he's gone.

Within this sibling dynamic there are lots more nuances, and a couple of twists I won't share. Not that it would spoil anything if I did, because the dialogue and performances need to be savoured. His Three Daughters is exquisitely acted (especially by Olsen, who somehow turns the least interesting role into the most watchable) and cleverly, wittily scripted by writer-director Azazel Jacobs (whose 2017 film The Lovers was another gem about the shifting sands within family relationships).

Elizabeth Olsen plays middle daughter Christina who has flown in from afar and therefore has an excuse for not visiting her ill father

The youngest daughter Rachel, played by Natasha Lyonee, is a chain-smoker but is the only child that devotedly cared for their father. She is set to inherit the apartment when he dies

Whether Jacobs wove this story out of personal experience or just his keen observation of other people, I don't know. Either way, he writes beautifully for women. I watched it with my wife who laughed aloud at an exchange between Rachel and Christina, who, the former suggests, will probably go on and 'pop out' more kids.

Christina bridles at this description of childbirth. 'Nothing pops,' she says, indignantly. 'There's no popping.'

His Three Daughters is on Netflix.

The Substance (18, 140 mins)

Verdict: Grisly horror-satire

Rating:

There's plenty of popping in The Substance. Popping, in fact, might be the least of it, alongside snapping, bursting, oozing and squelching, in a grotesque body-horror satire that isn't for the squeamish but might be for the ticklish, if you can find the funny side.

Demi Moore gives a bold, career-best performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-mighty Hollywood star reduced to presenting a workout show on TV, and then stripped even of that by her odious boss (Dennis Quaid), who is looking for someone younger.

So she does what anyone might in the same circumstances; she signs up fora top-secret drug  the titular 'substance'  which promisesto reproduce her in younger form in seven-day cycles. And it works. She gets a precious week as her youthful self (played by Margaret Qualley) before again becoming the unwanted 50-something version.

Writer-director Coralie Fargeat has oodles of bloody and gooey fun with this, especially the scene in which, on her bathroom floor, Sparkle mark I spawns Sparkle mark II, who is known as Sue, and duly becomes a huge TV star.

Demi Moore gives a bold, career-best performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-mighty Hollywood star reduced to presenting a workout show on TV

Dennis Quaid plays Harvey in The Substance which is playing in cinemas now

Yet for all its dystopian grisliness, Oscar Wilde would have recognised this story, which echoes The Picture Of Dorian Gray, but of course has particular resonance in today's looks-obsessed society.

As for Moore, it's always especially poignant in the movies to watch (with respect) a has-been play a has-been. She does it wonderfully.

The Substance is in cinemas now.

All rise for an enthralling French court case

The Goldman Case (12A, 115 mins)

Rating:

The winner of the Palme dOr at the Cannes Film Festival last year was Anatomy Of A Fall, a brilliant, mostly French-language whodunnit, in which the details of a dysfunctional marriage were aired, rivetingly, in a courtroom.

Well, I wouldnt compare French court-of-law dramas with London buses, because its not as though we knew we were waiting for them, but heres another one, and very good it is, too.

The Goldman Case tells a true story, that of Pierre Goldman (Arieh Worthalter), a Jewish, left-wing firebrand who was convicted of committing several armed robberies.

Two women died during one of the robberies and in 1974 he was sentenced to life imprisonment. But there was doubt about the integrity of the conviction and the taint of anti-Semitism.

Two years later, with Goldman volubly supported by the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and the actress Simone Signoret, among others, there was a highly publicised second trial.

The Goldman Case tells the true story of Pierre Goldman, played by Arieh Worthalter (Pictured)

Unlike Anatomy Of A Fall, Cedric Kahns film takes place almost entirely in court, and consists to a very large extent of French people yelling at each other.

But it is shot in a grainy documentary-style and is all the better for it, as it builds to a climax that is genuinely enthralling.

The Goldman Case is in cinemas now.
Americans planning to travel to the United Kingdom will have to pay a fee to enter the country starting next year.

The county's electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee will go into effect on January 8, 2025, according to the UK government.

US travelers will have to pay $13.05 (10) to obtain the authorization which will be digitally linked to passports.

The authorization will be valid for multiple trips over two years for stays up to six months at a time, 'or until the holder's passport expires,' the government said.

US citizens can apply for an ETA starting on November 27, 2024 and should expect a response within at least three business days. Each traveler is required to have their own ETA, including all children.

Americans planning to travel to the United Kingdom will have to pay a $13.05 (10) fee starting January 8, 2025 as part of the new electronic travel authorization (ETA) program

The authorization will be valid for multiple triple over two years for stays up to six months at a time, 'or until the holder's passport expires' (pictured: File photo of Newark Liberty Airport)

'Everyone wishing to travel to the UK  except British and Irish citizens  will need permission to travel in advance of coming here,' according to the government.

Seema Malhotra, the United Kingdom's minister for migration and citizenship, said the new changes are part of a 'worldwide expansion' of the program.

'The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system,' Malhorta said.

'Digitization enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over 32 billion to our tourism economy this year,' she added.

The country first introduced the ETA last year for visitors from seven Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.

The UK also plans to expand ETAs to citizens of other countries and territories, including Canada, Japan, Mexico and Australia.

Seema Malhotra (pictured in 2017), the United Kingdom's minister for migration and citizenship, said the new changes are part of a 'worldwide expansion of the ETA'

Each traveler is required to have their own ETA to enter the UK, including all children. (pictured: File photo of London City Airport)

In August the European Union announced that Australian citizens would have to pay a new $11.50 application fee to travel to the continent in 2025.

Previously Australians could travel visa-free to the history and culture-rich continent, but that's not the case anymore.

The program starts in the first half of 2025.

It's all part of the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) program, which is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals from 60 nations, including Australians.

ETIAS is a new travel authorization requirement for all Australians traveling to 30 countries within Europe.

The participating countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
With Florida property owners facing a looming deadline to make costly repairs following the Surfside condo collapse, Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a solution to stave off what could spiral into a catastrophic real estate crisis.

Champlain Tower South in the Miami suburb of Surfside crumbled in 2021, killing 98 people. This disaster spurred state lawmakers to pass legislation in May 2022 requiring all three story plus condo buildings that are 30 years old or older to undergo an inspection by a qualified architect or engineer.

If 'substantial structural deterioration' is found, the condo owner will be on the hook for the repairs and need to come up with substantial amounts of cash to fix their property within a year.

Devastated residents of the Mariners Bay Condos in North Miami left last summer to avoid paying $100,000 in costs tied to the new law, CBS reported.

Thousands of owners who remain are also attempting to dodge the rapidly approaching December 31 deadline, with some listing properties at 40 percent discounts in what one expert has described as 'a mass exodus driven by fear.'

DeSantis now wants to stop this rash of panic selling by offering a low or no-interest loan program for those saddled with high repair costs, Newsweek reported.

Pictured: The aftermath of the Surfside condo collapse in 2021, a disaster that killed 98 people

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing a low or no-interest loan program to help condo owners forced to pay for costly repairs by the new law

'I think there are some things that need to be done,' DeSantis said at a Miami Lakes roundtable discussion this month. 'I don't know that every single repair will prevent [another] Surfside, that's just the reality.'

He continued: 'So why would we want to be forcing people to have to make a choice to leave based on repairs that may need to be done but may not need to be done in this instant or may be able to be done over a period of time where you can absorb the cost better.'

DailyMail.com approached the governor's office for comment on his stated plans.

At the same meeting, DeSantis said he doesn't 'want to see people forced out of a unit because they have a crushing assessment.'

'The bottom line is, we want residents in Florida to have a safe but affordable place to live. And, we have an instance here where we're going to need to provide some relief,' he said.

DeSantis held another roundtable discussion with condo owners in Pinellas County Thursday morning and echoed many of his earlier sentiments.

Experts reportedly agree that a state-run assistance program is needed, especially because some 360,000 property owners in south Florida alone - the home of the condo boom - may not be able to afford the repairs necessitated by the new law.

This comes at a time when residents are already being hit with the double whammy of soaring homeowner's association fees (HOAs) and exorbitant insurance premiums following an increased number of natural disasters in the last decade.

A two-bed condo unit in this high rise building in Saint Petersburg, Florida, has been reduced from $1.2 million to $715,000 amid the mass market selloff

ISG World has reported there were a staggering 20,293 condos listed for sale in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade in the second quarter of this year (pictured: Fort Lauderdale in Broward County)

Kupchan, an agent for One Sotheby's International Realty, told DailyMail.com this month that he thinks the Florida housing market is at severe risk.

'In the worst-case scenario, a significant number of condo associations could go bankrupt due to the inability to cover the costs of necessary repairs and maintenance,' Kuplan said.

ISG World has reported there were a staggering 20,293 condos listed for sale in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade in the second quarter of this year, up from 8,353 in 2023.

Stephanie Berman-Eisenberg, president and CEO of Carrfour Supportive Housing, praised DeSantis for recognizing the severity of the problem while also stressing that any potential solution needs to be implemented fast.

'Governor DeSantis has rightly recognized the urgency of addressing the growing condominium crisis in Florida. But action is urgently needed, as without help some residents could be displaced or priced out of their homes,' Berman-Eisenberg told Newsweek.

Berman-Eisenberg the affordable housing crisis is especially pronounced in Miami, one of the highest cost of living areas in the country

DeSantis won't be able to address the real estate crisis before the end of December without the blessing of State Senate president Kathleen Passidomo (pictured). So far, she has refused calls to reconvene the legislature to amend the new condo law

She added that the affordable housing crisis is especially pronounced in Miami, one of the highest cost of living areas in the country.

'In Miami alone, the gap for affordable housing is severe, and any additional financial strain from mandatory assessments and repairs could exacerbate the housing crisis,' she said.

DeSantis is running into a major problem though.

With the legislature out of session and State Senate president Kathleen Passidomo refusing to reconvene the body before March of next year, he won't be able to amend the state's condo laws before the end of December.

'This is not something that we can put off until next March or April,' DeSantis said. 'I think there are a lot of looming deadlines, and we have to have a plan forward to keep people in their units if that is what they want to do.'
Kenya High Commission visitS Gndu

AMRITSAR: Esther Karema Mutua from the Kenya High Commission visited Guru Nanak Dev University. During her visit, Ms. Mutua met with Kenyan students and the Chairman of the International Student Cell at the Golden Jubilee Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the Guru Nanak Dev University.

REC signs MoU with RE developers

GANDHINAGAR: REC Limited has signed an MoU during the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo (RE-INVEST 2024) in Gandhinagar with RE developers aggregating about Rs 1.12 lakh crore.

Students engage in conference on Anatomy, AI &

KATTANKULATHUR: The 45th National Conference of the Association of Anatomists-Tamil Nadu at the SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, drawing participation from over 300 students.

VIT-AP University International Conference

AMRAVATI: Global South as a region signifying economic growth questions of inequality, development, sustainability take precedence in scholarly debate as witnessed in the efforts of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH), VIT-AP to highlight these issues.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved continuation of the PM-AASHA scheme, with an outlay of Rs 35,000 crore, to provide better prices to farmers and also control price volatility of essential commodities for consumers.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of schemes of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) to provide remunerative prices to farmers and to control price volatility of essential commodities for consumers, an official statement said. PM-AASHA is an umbrella scheme to ensure MSP (minimum support price) to farmers.

The total financial outgo will be Rs 35,000 crore during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26, it added. The government has converged the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) schemes in PM-AASHA to serve the farmers and consumers more efficiently.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomed the Cabinets approval to continuation of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme till 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs 35,000 crore. Welcoming the decision of subsidy on P&K nutrients, Chouhan said in a social media post on X, this will ensure availability of fertilisers to farmers at affordable rates.

The Integrated scheme of PM-AASHA will bring in more effectiveness in the implementation which would not only help in providing remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce but also control the price volatility of essential commodities by ensuring their availability at affordable prices to consumers, the government said.

PM-AASHA will now have the components of Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), Price Deficit Payment Scheme (POPS) and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Under the PSS, the procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds and copra at MSP will be 25 per cent of national production from 2024-25 season onwards. This would enable states to procure more of these crops at MSP from farmers to prevent distress sale. However, this ceiling will not be applicable in case of tur, urad and masur for 2024-25 season as there will be a 100 per cent procurement of tur, urad and masur during in 2024-25 season as decided earlier, the government said.

The Centre has renewed and enhanced the existing government guarantee to Rs 45,000 crore for procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds and copra at MSP. This will help in more procurement of pulses, oilseeds & copra whenever prices fall below MSP in the market.

The purchases will be undertaken by the Department of Agriculture from farmers at MSP including pre-registered farmers on eSamridhi portal of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and eSamyukti portal of National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF).
Money laundering poses a significant threat to society, undermines democratic institutions, and fosters criminal activities and corruption

The international community established the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to combat money laundering and terrorist financing through international standards. The FATFs 40 Recommendations provide a comprehensive framework for countries to prevent and address these financial crimes. India enacted the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in 2002, effective from July 1, 2005, in alignment with its international obligations. The PMLA aims to combat the laundering of illicit funds, including those from activities such as drug trafficking, thereby safeguarding the country's financial integrity.

The Role and Importance of the Case Diary: The case diary, as mandated under section 172 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), maintains a chronological record of the investigation process conducted by the police officer. This detailed documentation includes every step taken during the investigation, such as the date and time of receiving information about the crime, the start and finish times of the investigation, locations visited, witness statements recorded, and evidence collected.

This comprehensive record ensures continuity and transparency in the investigation, serving as a crucial handover document when different officers handle the case at various stages. The case diary is essential for maintaining continuity and transparency in the investigation process, offering a comprehensive overview of progress to courts and defence lawyers. This transparency is indispensable for maintaining procedural integrity and accountability in the investigative process.

Concerns Regarding the Absence of a Case Diary under PMLA: In contrast, the PMLA mandates thorough investigations into money laundering but does not specify the need for a detailed case diary as in the CrPC. This absence raises concerns about potential misuse by the Enforcement Directorate. Without a mandated case diary, there is no obligation for investigators to maintain a comprehensive, chronological record of their actions. This lack of documentation could reduce accountability and allow for the manipulation or selective presentation of evidence without a transparent trail of how and when it was obtained, compromising the investigations integrity.

This can lead to biased or unjust conclusions, undermining the integrity of the investigation and in cases where multiple officers are involved in different stages of the investigation, the absence of a detailed case diary can result in inconsistent handovers. Critical information might be lost or altered, impacting the continuity and coherence of the investigation. This ultimately leads to violations of individual rights and compromise on due process of law.

Case Diary Maintenance: It is important to understand that the accused under CrPC does not have an automatic right to view the case diary. Access to the case diary is at the discretion of the Court or the police officer. However, the significance of maintaining a case diary as noted above lies in its ability to keep investigating agencies diligent and accountable throughout the investigation process.

Furthermore, under the criminal law procedure, it is considered a dereliction of duty if the Magistrate does not request and review the case diary before authorizing any form of custody to the accused which means the perusal of the case diary by the magistrate is essential before any remand, whether judicial or police custody and haphazard maintenance of a case diary discredits those responsible and defeats the very purpose for which it is required. Therefore, it is suggested that similar practice needs to be followed under the PMLA cases as well. Mandating ED to maintain a case diary ensures that it adheres to the due process of law during investigations and thereafter, the court will become entitled to use the case diary during trials or inquiries as an aid in the inquiry or trial, thereby holding the ED accountable for its investigative procedures, doing this the magistrate will be getting aid and true picture of the detailed record of the investigation proceedings conducted by ED till date in a narrative form, recorded promptly, with sufficient detail, and in chronological order and thus, will be able to objectivity decide whether to remand the accused or not.

The Supreme Court is set to review 2 aspects of PMLA in July 2024, firstly, the FIR which is akin to ECIR under PMLA should be supplied to the accused or not. Secondly, the reversal of the presumption of innocence. It is to be noted that giving a case diary a statutory requirement under PMLA and thereby, mandating the ED to maintain one will be crucial in shaping the final judgement, which could fundamentally impact the legal framework for money laundering investigations in India. A ruling in favour of maintaining a case diary would enhance the fairness and transparency of PMLA proceedings, ensuring the accuseds right to a fair trial.

(The writer is a law student; views expressed are personal)
The tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata underscores the urgent need for a profound societal shift in attitudes toward women

The recent public outcry in Kolkata, sparked by the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, has transformed into a significant and sustained protest. Junior doctors gathering in front of the Health Department, alongside widespread public engagement, underscores a profound frustration with the pervasive violence against women in India. Reflecting on the August 9 incident, its evident that the protest is not merely about the individual responsible. Despite the apprehension of the perpetrator, the continuing movement raises crucial questions about why such intense outrage persists.

The root problem, as I see it, lies in the cultural context that enables such violence. Its not just about one persons actions but about a broader cultural environment. The protests highlight a growing recognition that the issue is embedded within a culture that normalizes and perpetuates violence against women.

The Kolkata demonstrations have brought to light a critical aspect of this cultural problem: the normalization of rape and the way women are perceived and treated. In Indian culture, women are often valued primarily for their reproductive roles, linking respect to their capacity as mothers. This perspective reduces women to their biological functions, overlooking their full humanity.

The culture of rape is evident in societal behaviors and attitudes that tolerate and perpetuate violence against women. This deeply ingrained culture is reflected in everyday interactions and institutional practices, indicating that the issue goes beyond individual acts.

The ongoing protests signify a crucial desire for a profound cultural shift. The movement in Bengal represents a broader call for cultural transformation. To address the problem effectively, we need to fundamentally change societal norms and practices that contribute to a pervasive culture of violence and exploitation. As long as these cultural attitudes persist, incidents of rape will continue.

The troubling normalization of sexual violence in Indian society is evident in various ways. For instance, the fact that the name of the doctor murdered and raped in Bengal was trending on porn websites for an extended period reflects a serious cultural issue. It shows how sexual violence is often sensationalized and dehumanized rather than addressed with the seriousness it deserves.

This critique extends to societal behaviors and attitudes, illustrated by the public reaction to the Ujjain incident. The fact that such a violent act occurred in a busy area, with onlookers observing and recording it, underscores the disturbing normalization of sexual violence. Such incidents are met with alarming indifference.

Examining the cultural foundations of this issue reveals how cultural norms perpetuate gender inequality and violence. There are many subtle signs of rape culture that are often overlooked, such as the objectification of women and the normalization of harmful attitudes and practices.

Addressing this issue requires a profound cultural transformation. Its not just about legal measures or punishing offenders; its about transforming the norms and values instilled from a young age. Culture is nurtured in our homes, and changing how we educate and raise our children is crucial to addressing rape culture.

In conclusion, the protests in Kolkata and similar movements across India are not just reactions to individual cases of violence but a critical response to a deep-seated cultural issue that normalizes and perpetuates sexual violence. This situation underscores the urgent need for a fundamental cultural shift. Until we address the broader culture of rape, incidents of sexual violence will continue to plague our society.

(Acharya Prashant is a Vedanta teacher and an advocate of women rights; views expressed are personal)
With traditional parties in decline and new alliances emerging, this election may spring surprises. The outcome will determine Sri Lankas capacity to address its urgent challenges

Sri Lanka faces a pivotal moment in its political history as it prepares for the presidential election this Saturday, 21 September. This election, the ninth for the executive presidency, unfolds amid severe political polarisation, sharply contrasting with the last election in November 2019. The decline of traditional political parties and the rise of various political alliances are prominent features of this election, with three main candidates competing in a manner distinct from the two-horse races of previous presidential contests. The fragmentation of political parties, the absence of anti-defection laws, and the formation of new alliances driven more by personal interests than by cohesive agendas pose significant risks to democratic stability and governance.The 2019 presidential race featured two main candidates and a notable but relatively minor third-party candidate. It saw a record voter registration of 15,992,096 and a turnout of 83.72% (13,387,951), surpassing previous highs of 81.52% in 2015 and 81.06% in 1982. Despite this high turnout, 135,452 votes were invalid, leaving 13,252,499 votes as valid. Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna won with 52.25% of the valid votes (6,924,255), while his main opponent, Sajith Premadasa of the National Democratic Front, received 41.99% (5,564,239). Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National Peoples Power secured a mere 3.16% (418,553 votes). In the subsequent general election on 5 August 2020, Premadasa and Dissanayake faced off again for parliamentary seats. Premadasa won 305,744 votes, while Dissanayake received 49,814 votes.

In the 2015 parliamentary elections, Premadasa garnered 112,645 votes from Hambantota, whereas Dissanayake, contesting from Colombo, secured 65,966 votes.Ranil Wickremesinghe, one of main three main contenders, in this years race but absent from the 2019 presidential election, leads the United National Party. His party received 249,435 votes (2.25%) in the general elections, including 30,875 from Colombo and 28,282 from Gampaha. Although his party did not win a parliamentary seat, Wickremesinghe was appointed to a national list position. Amid severe social upheaval caused by economic mismanagement, which resulted in the resignation of both the President and Prime Minister, Wickremesinghe, a seasoned politician and six-time Prime Minister, capitalised on the moment to make his comeback. After Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was forced to resign, Wickremesinghe was appointed as Prime Minister.

However, protests demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa led to his dramatic escape, first to Trincomalee by navy ship, then back to Colombo by air force chopper, and finally to the Maldives by air force cargo flight. Rajapaksa officially resigned on 14 July 2022. Subsequently, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was appointed as President by the constitutional process.Wickremesinghes appointment highlights the complexities of Sri Lankas political system.

According to the constitution, the President must appoint a Prime Minister who commands the majoritys confidence in Parliament, illustrating the considerable unchecked powers inherent in the executive role. Rajapaksas assumption that Wickremesinghe, who came to Parliament through the national list, was the candidate who earned the majoritys confidence reflects the intricate dynamics of Sri Lankan politics. However, Wickremesinghe has effectively stabilised the situation after the social upheaval. In this context, Wickremesinghe has emerged as a major candidate, yet the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has nominated its candidate, Namal Rajapaksa.

Reports suggest that Rajapaksas ambitions to secure the prime ministership were opposed, leading a faction of his party to break away from Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksas candidacy appears more focused on maintaining his familys political lineage rather than presenting a genuine bid for leadership. Nonetheless, his endorsement of supporting Sajith Premadasa, where he appeals to supporters to cast their second vote for Premadasa, could be a decisive factor in the election outcome.Meanwhile, the NPP, initially opposed to the public uprising that led to Rajapaksas removal, has become a significant political entity.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who ironically led his political party into alliances with traditional parties to secure ministerial positions over the past few decades, has skilfully capitalised on widespread dissatisfaction with corruption and the growing anger towards conventional politicians to bolster his standing. His alliances emotionally charged propaganda has infiltrated every corner of society, despite its lack of deep ideological substance.The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), his original party, has skilfully harnessed this discontent to challenge the status quo.

However, Dissanayakes path to victory remains uncertain, especially with three major candidates in the race. Voter statistics reveal additional obstacles: with 17.1 million registered voters and an anticipated 80% turnout (13.7 million), a candidate would need approximately 7 million votes to secure the presidency in the first count.

The NPPs past performance shows limited success, receiving 418,553 votes (3.16%) in 2019 and 445,950 votes (3.84%) in parliamentary elections in 2020. The party faces challenges in Tamil-majority districts like Nuwara-Eliya, Jaffna, Wanni, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee, and in areas with lower voter counts, such as Polonnaruwa and Matale. To succeed, the NPP must secure substantial votes from Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, and Kurunegala, requiring an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 additional votes.

Given these dynamics and the competition among three candidates, the NPP or JVP may struggle to achieve significant success in this election. However, the election remains crucial in determining the countrys social and governance structure.

Conversely, Sajith Premadasa appears to have significant potential to garner a majority of the votes, while Wickremesinghe has also gained substantial ground. Therefore, it is unlikely that any candidate will secure over 50% of the vote in the first round of counting, which may necessitate counting the second votes.

This uncertainty could trigger a new wave of political instability if major alliances and key candidates fail to manage the results effectively and refuse to accept the peoples verdict.Despite flashy manifestos and hefty campaign budgets, none of the candidates have provided a clear plan to tackle the staggering $100 billion national debt. They all parrot the same old IMF rhetoric, yet almost none offer a concrete strategy beyond this worn-out solution.

The situation in the island nation is dire, and theres no straightforward path for the incoming leader to steer the country out of its deepening crisis. As of 1 July 2024, about 24.8% of Sri Lankas population lives in poverty, with rates varying dramatically between districts3.5% in Colombo versus 44.2% in Nuwara-Eliya.

Poverty in rural areas has surged from 15% to 32%, while urban poverty has tripled from 6% to 18%. A recent survey revealed that 31% of the population is impoverished, with 33% skipping meals and 47% cutting back on meal sizes. Malnutrition affects nearly one-third of children under five, and over 40% of women aged 18-60 are overweight or obese, reflecting severe economic and health issues.

Regardless of the election's outcome, Sri Lanka's entrenched political divisions threaten to entrench a fragmented legislative body, where effective governance and decisive action may become increasingly elusive.

Such divisions risk entrenching a cycle of delays and inefficiencies, potentially leading to a state of perpetual gridlock that hampers national progress. Antonio Gramscis notion of passive revolution becomes pertinent here, warning of significant changes that merely preserve existing power structures. Hannah Arendts insight that The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution cautions against decisions driven by emotion over reason.

Thus, the question looms: can this election transcend emotional politics to instigate genuine reform, or will it simply entrench the status quo? Regrettably, the candidates' manifestos seem to hint at the latter.

(The writer is a journalist and author. Views expressed are personal)
A case for rash driving has been registered against a 21-year-old motorcycle rider here after he entered the police convoy accompanying Bollywood actor Salman Khan, an official said on Thursday.

The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday between Mehboob Studio and Galaxy Apartments in Bandra where Khan lives, he said.

The actor, who has received several threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and who is provided `Y-plus' security cover by Mumbai Police, was returning to his residence. Around 12.15 am, after the convoy passed Mehboob Studio, Uzair Faiz Mohiuddin (21) who was riding a motorcycle tried to get close to Khan's car, said the police official.

Security personnel tried to warn him, but he kept getting close to Khan's car, he said. After the actor reached his house, two police vehicles chased the motorcycle rider and forced him to stop, the official said. During questioning, Mohiuddin, a resident of Bandra West, told police that he was a college student. A case was registered against him at Bandra police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 125 (rash and negligent act endangering safety of others) and 281 (rash and negligent driving) but no arrest has been made, the official said.

Salman Khan had a serious security scare in April this year when two men on motorcycle, allegedly belonging to the Bishnoi gang, opened fire outside Galaxy Apartments.
Twenty-one houses were set on fire in Bihars Nawada district near the Capital city Patna. Preliminary investigation suggested that a land dispute could be the cause behind the incident that happened in Manjhi Tola in Mufassil police station area on Wednesday late evening.

Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma said the district police has arrested 15 people for allegedly torching the houses. Verma said approximately 21 houses, some of which were semi-pucca, were burned by a group in Manjhi Tola. He added that senior administrative and police officials on-site will provide a report detailing the exact number of damaged houses. A police officer said shots were also fired in the air when the houses were being torched. Investigations have revealed that out of a total of 34 houses that were set on fire, 21 were completely destroyed and 13 were damaged partially.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate further, and searches are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects. We are providing relief materials, including food packets and drinking water, to those displaced. Temporary tents have been set up for the victims, he noted. The DM refuted claims that cattle were charred, saying, No evidence has been found to support that.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the torching of 34 houses, mostly belonging to SC/ST communities, in Nawada district and asked the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to visit the site and oversee the probe.

Former Deputy CM of Bihar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, said in a social media post: Respected, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Ji, houses of Dalits have been set on fire under your double engine government in Bihar. The PM must say a few words on this Mangalraj as whatever is happening is all because of the will of almighty God and the NDA leaders have no control over this.

BSP president Mayawati demanded strict action by the Bihar government. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also called for full financial support by the government for rehabilitation of the poor victims.

Congress too slammed the NDA government in Bihar over the incident of setting ablaze of houses in Nawada, saying it is another proof of the jungle raj prevailing in the state and shows the dispensations utter indifference towards Dalits and the deprived.

Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi condemned the torching of houses in Nawada district of Bihar, and said the state government is investigating the matter and culprits will not be spared. This is a sad incident. It is condemnable and also shameful. I am in touch with the state government. First of all, it is necessary to ensure that those who have been affected should be rehabilitated and injured can be treated, Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan told reporters on the sidelines of World Food India 2024 event.
A first year college student of Delhi University died, one was grievously injured while three received minor injuries when their speeding SUV crashed into a guardrail that pierced through the middle of the vehicle near Rajghat in north Delhi on early Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as a 19 year old Aishwarya Pandey, who was sitting just behind the driver seat. He is a first-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) student at Delhi Universitys Deshbandhu College and hailed from Uttar Pradeshs Etawah. He had rented the car for a night to celebrate his birthday.

According to police, the black coloured Hyundai Venue car had five occupants, all students of Delhi University colleges, who were returning from a birthday party at a pub in neighbouring Gurugram.

Prima facie, it appears that the car was being driven at a high speed and the driver lost control leading to the crash, police said, adding that the incident occurred on the stretch of road from Shanti Van to Geeta Colony.

The car was going from Shanti Van Red light towards Geeta Colony, when it reached at ISBT Slip road at around 05.52 am where it collided with the divider, DCP North Manoj Kumar Meena said.

Continued on page 2
Taking strong objection to a US courts summons to the Indian government over Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannuns civil suit alleging a plot to murder him, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday termed it as unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations.

The US District Court for Southern District of New York named the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval(NSA) and former R&AW chief Samant Goel, in the summons.

Foreign Secretary Misri said, As weve said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged, it doesnt change our views about the underlying situation. I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known.

I would also underline the fact that the organisation so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organisation, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, he added.

Pannun heads the radical Sikhs for Justice and is known to put out incendiary speeches and threats against Indian leaders and institutions. New Delhi designated him a terrorist in 2020.

Earlier, the US District Court for Southern District of New York named the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, in the summons. The summons also named Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta and R&AW agent Vikram Yadav and seeks a reply within 21 days.

In November, the UK newspaper Financial Times reported that the US had thwarted a plot to kill Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada. Officials in the Joe Biden administration later confirmed this.

In its first response, the External Affairs Ministry had said it is a matter of concern and stressed that India has launched a high-level probe.

As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court, allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said that this is also contrary to government policy, then MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said.

In May this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India is investigating the matter, but stressed that it would not impact the upward trajectory of India-US ties.

The United States brought to our attention certain information in good faith because we also believe some of it has implications for our own system, he said in an interview to news agency PTI.

We are investigating it. But I do not think the fundamental course of the upward trajectory of India-US is impacted by this at all, he said.

Nikhil Gupta was arrested last year in the Czech Republic at the request of the US government on charges of being involved in a plot to assassinate Pannun in New York. He was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic in June this year.

In April 2024, The Washington Post reported that Vikram Yadav, an officer with Indias Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), was implicated as the official behind the plot. The report also mentioned that then R&AW chief Samant Goel approved the operation.

India, however, dismissed the report, saying it makes unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations to claim that Indian agents were involved in the plot to kill Pannun.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada, and is wanted in India on terror charges. He has been designated a terrorist by the Union Home Minister under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Get ready to explore the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Indias tribal regions like never before! Exciting plans are underway to encourage tribal communities to welcome tourists into their homes, allowing them to share their unique heritage.

Supporting this remarkable initiative, the Union Tourism Ministry plans to promote, to begin with, 1,000 Homestays at tourism-potential villages across the tribal belts of the States like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu among others. The aim is to preserve rich traditions of the tribal communities as well as enhance their incomes, thus empowering them economically and fostering sustainable development.

The Union Tourism Ministry plans to provide funding to tribal households and villages for the construction of 5 to 10 homestays in each tourism-potential tribal village under its Swadesh Darshan program.

Each household will be eligible for Rs 5 lakhs for the construction of two new rooms and upto Rs 3 lakhs for renovation of existing rooms and Rs 5 lakh for village community requirement, an official of the Ministry shared the details.

He said that the plan is the nascent phase and nitty-gritty will be worked out to ensure there is no violation of the regulations and tribals and visitors rights are protected.

The Ministrys Homestay scheme in tribal areas is part of the central flagship Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan which was cleared by the Union Cabinet Ministry, a day ago. With a total outlay of Rs.79,156 crore (Central Share: Rs.56,333 crore and State Share: Rs. 22,823 crore), the scheme aims to improve the socio-economic condition of tribal communities, by adopting saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts. Around 5 crore tribals in the 63,000 villages are expected to benefit as 549 districts and 2,740 blocks spread across all tribal majority villages in 30 States/UTs will be covered.

The Mission comprises 25 interventions/schemes which will be implemented by 17-line ministries. Each Ministry/Department would be responsible for implementation of schemes related to it in a time bound manner through funds allocated to them under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) in the next 5 years, as per the official.

India has a scheduled tribes population of 10.45 crore as per 2011 census and there are more than 705 tribal communities, spread across the country, living in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

As the Union Tourism Ministry advances plans for homestays in tribal regions, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) is already leading the way. Many tribal families have opened their homes as homestays as a part of the homestay project of the MPTB, and are now ready to host visitors. According to the MPTB officials, rural tribal communities have established over 64 new homestays across 28 villages.

Post-COVID, homestays have become a favored option for travelers seeking unique and personal experiences. They often allow guests to immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy homemade meals, and access off-the-beaten-path attractions. For homeowners, turning a property into a homestay can be financially rewarding, providing a steady income stream while allowing them to share their space and hospitality with others.

Its a win-win, creating memorable experiences for guests and fostering connections between visitors and local communities, said an official from the Ministry.

According to Cognitive Market Research, India homestay market had a market share of USD 540.44 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate(CAGR) of 11.0% during the forecast period.

Indias homestay sales will increase due to the countrys rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and the rising popularity of experiential travel among domestic and international tourists, it said.

In a study The Future of Homestays: A Study on Opportunities and Challenges in the State of Himachal Pradesh (India), published in International Journal Of Research Culture Society, authors Dr. Mamta Joshi and Dr Pooja Joshi, both Assistant Professor at Kumaun University, Nainital have a cautionary note. It is beneficial to create a homestay environment and facilitate the host community to carry out the business to the benefit of all stakeholders. There are nonetheless countless temporary challenges which can be resolved with appropriate strategies and careful planning.
Athree-year-old girl was sexually assauled in a private School of the state capital. The acued workng in technical department of school has been arested.

The girl told her parents about the incident and when the parents checked the injury marks on the private part of the victim, both were shocked and they reached the police station with the girl and lodged a complaint.

Sensing the seriousness of the matter, the police immediately registered an FIR.

The accused was identified as Qasim Rehan who is an employee of the technical department in the school. Surprisingly, employees are not even allowed to enter the class room.

Police have arrested the accused. The school principal Swati said that she was not informed about this matter. She said that the parents did not tell her anything. We were not informed at all.

However, the school administration will still fully cooperate with the police and the parents.

The principal further said that we have removed the accused Qasim Rehan from service. Besides, the teacher of the class room where this incident happened has also been suspended.

The accused looks after the IT work in the school. He is not a teacher. Now the police are investigating how a person who is not even a teacher did this to the girl. How did no one in the school came to know about the incident.

The girl waAfter the FIR was registered, the victm was medically examined and after rape was confirmed, action was taken against the accused under 74 and 75 of the BNS and sectiona of POCSO Act has also been imposed.

On this matter, School Education Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh said that such incidents will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against the accused. If the school management is guilty, action will be taken against them as well.

According to the police, the girl's mother had complained on Monday that the teacher had misbehaved with her 3-year-old daughter. Two days ago, when the girl returned home from school, there were injury marks on her private parts. She reached the school to complain about this. She also told the name of the teacher, but the school management did not pay attention to the complaint, she told police.

DCP Priyanka Shukla said that after the complaint in the police station, the police reached the school and gathered information about the accused teacher Qasim. The accused has been arrested.

School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh said, the accused has been arrested. The accused will be given severe punishment, action will also be taken against the school system. No particular person should feel that action is not being taken against them. These issues are being taken up with concern.

Madhya Pradesh Congress presdent Jitu Patwari sought time from the President Draupadi murmu to inform her about the crimes against women happening in Madhya Pradesh.

Patwari said, today the President is on a visit to Madhya Pradesh, a 3-year-old innocent girl has been raped in the state capital. I had sent a letter to the President regarding the condition of the daughters of Madhya Pradesh so that I can meet her and inform about it. I was hoping that I would get time to meet her, but I want to request the President through the media that sisters nd daughters are raped every day in the State.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his remark that the SP chief was a :leader of goons.

Meri bhi tasveer dekhlo aap aur unki bhi dekhlo, mafia kon lagega yeh bata do (You can see my picture and his too, tell me who would be considered a mafia), Akhilesh said.

The SP chief also clarified that he never referred to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in his mafia and head of mutt are the same remark.

Here the statements of the chief minister and the mahant are coming in a different way. The SP and especially I have never said anything about any saint, any of our mahant, any sanyasi. If they feel that the word is such that it is being interpreted in a certain way, then we will say that he is not our chief minister, he is a Mathadhish CM..., the SP chief said.

The comment by SP chief came a day after Uttar Pradesh minister of state Sanjay Gangwar accused Akhilesh Yadav of being a leader of mafia and criminals. Gangwar claimed that Yadav has lost his mental equilibrium following the recent Lok Sabha elections, resulting in erratic statements.

People have seen his relationship with the likes of Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari, Gangwar said, adding, a donkey will see others as donkeys.

He suggested that khilesh Yadavs perceptions are influenced by his own experiences during his time in office.

He himself is a leader of mafias and criminals, the minister asserted.

On Wednesday, Yogi Adityanath had also accused the SP of cowing down to criminals and denigrating religious leaders.

Samajwadi Party members used to rub their noses in front of notorious mafias and criminals. As per their culture, they call religious leaders mafias, Yogi Adityanath said at an event, referring to Akhilesh Yadavs controversial statement.

Akhilesh Yadav also lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party over the One Nation, One Election initiative saying if it is truly BJPs intention to avoid expenses then, why does the BJP hold so many rallies.

One fine morning the BJP will also question the need for an Election Commission in the country, saying that a lot of expenditure is made on EC officers. After the One Nation, One Election is implemented, they will point out that there is no need for the Election Commission and that a lot of money is spent on the EC officers, he said and added, If One Nation, One Election gets implemented, officers and workers will be brought through lateral entry and they will be outsourced.

The SP chief also slammed the BJP government for poor maintenance of the Taj Mahal, situated on the bank of Yamuna river in Agra.

Reacting to a media report that highlights the poor condition of the Mughal monument which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Akhilesh Yadav said the BJP government and its dormant departments have completely failed to maintain the Taj Mahal, the wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Delhi BJP on Thursday filed three police complaints against Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks over Sikhs and reservations made during his visit to America on September 10.

In a press conference, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva alleged, Despite holding an important position as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhis statements, whether in India or abroad, tend to incite social disharmony.

He claimed that Rahul Gandhi's statements in America have caused distress and anxiety not only among the Sikh community but also within the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in India. Moreover, his remarks have tarnished India's image abroad, he claimed

The Delhi BJP chief expressed regret and said that instead of apologizing to the country for his misleading statements, Gandhi is further inflaming tensions by having Congress leaders make more controversial comments. Rahul Gandhi's statements have deeply offended the Sikh community and hurt their religious sentiments, Sachdeva claimed.

Delhi BJP's Sikh Cell Sardar Charanjeet Singh Lovely filed a police complaint under sections 152, 196(1), 197(1)(c), and 197(1)(d) of the Indian Penal Code, demanding legal action while Delhi BJP's Scheduled Tribe Morcha Convenor C.L. Meena filed a complaint at the Parliament Street Police Station. Meanwhile, Scheduled Caste Morcha President Mohanlal Gihara, lodged a separate complaint at the Punjabi Bagh Police Station.

Sachdeva stated that they demand an investigation by the Delhi Police based on their complaints and legal action against Rahul Gandhi.

BJP leader Arvinder Singh Lovely claimed, This is not the Congress he once knew, as the Congress used to claim that it rose above caste-based politics. However, now Rahul Gandhi's statement appears to be a conspiracy to divide the country, which is, in a way, an anti-national activity that the people of India will never forgive. 

He also expressed his happiness at his decision to join the BJP, as he is not aligned with those who divide the country based on caste and emphasized that Gandhi should understand that the Sikhs are a fearless community.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state government's irreverence towards Tribal heroes, Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, on Wednesday suggests that the ruling party is acting contrary to its long-standing claims.

On September 18, 2023-an election year in Madhya Pradesh-Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the memorial of the martyrs and paid floral tributes. However, this year Chief Minister Mohan Yadav maintained a distance from the Jabalpur shrine of the father-son duo.

The Chief Minister's staying away from the 'Samadhi Sthal' this year has given rise to rumors that the BJP's glorification of the martyrs last year was nothing more than an effort to woo tribal votes.

The BJP has forever maintained that it does not indulge in politics over such issues and has been vocal in its criticism of the Congress, whom it blames for politicizing martyrs in a bid to appease a demographic and earn votes.

Princes of the Gond kingdom, Raja Shankar Shah and his son, Kunwar Raghunath Shah, were executed by the British on September 18, 1857. The Jabalpur memorial for the martyrs was announced in 2019.

In stark contrast to last year, only the Minister In-charge of Jabalpur, Vijay Shah, was present at a brief event commemorating the occasion in Jabalpur, while Minister of State Sampatiya Uikey attended a commemorative program at Mandla.

While the BJP maintained that the Chief Minister's absence was necessitated by protocol, which dictated the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu in the state, Congressmen say that the lackluster commemoration is evidence of the BJP's apathy towards tribals in the state.

Madhya Pradesh Congress media in-charge Mukesh Nayak, while talking to The Pioneer, said that the BJP was a party of 'thugs' and accused the ruling party of neglecting martyrs and tribals.

"They are concerned only with the votes," said Nayak, while leading the charge from the Congress side. He accused the BJP of turning its back on the sentiments of the tribal community in the state.

Nayak further sought to remind the BJP of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's vow to make the martyrdom commemoration a prominent statewide event.

The distinct difference in the event last year and this year has led BJP critics to launch accusations of only remembering tribal heroes during elections.

Tribal voters had elected 31 Congress legislators to the state assembly from the 47 segments dominated by the community in 2018.

The subsequent election for the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha saw the BJP, led by Chouhan, launch a robust tribal outreach campaign in a bid to wean tribal voters away from the Congress.

Despite intense politicking over their martyrdom, Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah remain relatively unknown in the state, as promises to include them in the school curriculum by former Chief Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Kamal Nath remain unfulfilled.
Welcoming over 150 members of the Kinnar community into the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday, state unit in-charge Mahendra Singh highlighted the virtues of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda for the nation.

Singh, accompanied by various party leaders, visited the residence of Suraiya Baji, a Kinnar community elder, in the Amangalwara area of the state capital.

The community expressed satisfaction with the BJP government at the Center and in the state while joining the party. Bhopal District President Sumit Pachauri and former MLA Dhruvanarayan Singh were also present at the induction ceremony.

Kinnar Community Pleased with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Development Work Dr. Singh informed the gathering of the ongoing nationwide service fortnight being observed by the BJP to commemorate the birthday of Prime Minister Modi.

He said that the fortnight, which commenced on Tuesday, would conclude on October 2. Party workers are reaching out to various communities and classes to encourage them to join the BJP, as part of this initiative, he said.

Underlining the contribution of the Kinnar community to the development of the nation, Dr. Singh stated that the party would benefit from the joining of community members and hoped that they would play a pivotal role in the welfare of society.

In her address, Baaji said that the community has earned significant respect under Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led state government. She noted that India is progressing toward becoming a developed nation under the Prime Ministers skilled leadership. The entire Kinnar community stands with the Prime Minister, and they wish him a long and healthy life.
Automotive giant BMW will have essential components manufactured in the State now. A new plant, to be established in Mandi Gobindgarh, will not only boost the regions industrial output but also provide thousands of job opportunities, marking a key milestone in Punjabs economic development.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, during a meeting with a delegation from Modren Automotives Limited, comprising Aditya Goyal, Suhail Goyal and Manish Bagga, on Monday, announced the governments full support for the companys expansion plans.

Modren Automotives, a leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has received approval to supply Differential Pinion Shafts to German luxury vehicles manufacturer BMW AG Munich, making them the first Indian company to achieve this. The project, valued at Rs 150 crore, will see the production of 2.5 million units for BMW at the new facility.

The new plant will house additional production lines for BMW components, bringing in fresh investments and generating more revenue for the state. The expansion will also facilitate future developments and testing of automotive parts at the same premises, further enhancing Punjabs reputation as an industrial hub.

Expressing his pride, Chief Minister Mann highlighted the importance of this partnership. Its a matter of immense pride that Punjab will now be producing parts for a world-renowned brand like BMW. This will not only promote industrial growth but will also put Punjab on the global industrial map, he said.

The plant will serve as a hub for future expansions and testing of automotive components, bringing in further investments and enhancing revenue for the state. The Chief Minister also committed to laying the foundation stone of the plant next month, ensuring the project moves forward swiftly.

Mann reiterated Punjab's commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, emphasizing the state's industrial harmony and investor-friendly policies. Punjab is a land of opportunity, and companies from around the world are eager to invest here, he added.

In addition to boosting the economy, the project will generate thousands of jobs, particularly for the youth, aligning with the states vision of fostering growth and development through large-scale industrial initiatives.
To draw a roadmap to contest all the ten assembly seats in the coming bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has called a big meeting here on Thursday. All senior leaders from divisional level to district level have been called in this meeting of the party.

Before entering the Haryana elections, the BSP chief is going to give guidelines to all the leaders after holding discussions with them.

At the same time, there can be a review in the meeting regarding the by-elections of the assembly in UP to be held in the coming days.

Sources said that guidelines could also be given in this meeting regarding Kanshi Rams Parinirvana Diwas.

To retain the status of the party as a national party, BSP is already contesting the on-going assembly elections in three states including Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir.

In Haryana, the BSP has formed an alliance with Indian National Lok Dal and Haryana Lokhit Party. The BSP has fielded candidates on 37 seats on its symbol in this election.

The BSP chief herself is going to Haryana from September 25 to campaign. She will hold four rallies beginning from Jind in Haryana followed by a second rally in Faridabad on September 27. The third rally will be held in Karnal on September 30 and the fourth in Yamunanagar on October 1.

Mayawati has also engaged her nephew Akash Anand in this election. Akash Anand will work to strengthen the cadre by holding small public meetings that started on Wednesday.
In the programme "Aapki Yojana- Aapki Sarkar- Aapke Dwar", Chief Minister Hemant Soren today gifted schemes worth Rs 875 crore to Dumka and Jamtara districts. Where various development schemes were inaugurated and assets worth about 30697.5 lakh rupees were distributed among 4,77,715 beneficiaries of both the districts. The Chief Minister directly communicated with the beneficiaries of various panchayats of both the districts through video conferencing. He inaugurated schemes worth 710 crore 57 lakh 23 thousand rupees and distributed assets among 263734 beneficiaries of Jamtara district.

The CM inaugurated schemes worth 164 crore 99 lakh rupees and distributed assets among a total of 213981 beneficiaries of Dumka district. In this, 275 schemes worth Rs 40428.98 lakh were inaugurated and foundation stone was laid under Jamtara district and 23 schemes worth Rs 95.74 lakh were inaugurated and foundation stone was laid under Dumka district. Forest patta of 66 acres of land was distributed among the beneficiaries on the occasion.

Soren said that "Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Mainiya Samman Yojana" is such a scheme for half the population of the state, it is such a step which is going to prove to be a milestone for this state in women empowerment. He said that our government is running from the village, not from Ranchi Headquarters. He was addressing people in the programme "Aapki Yojana-Aapki Sarkar-Aapke Dwar" organized at Dhanukdih ground under Kundhit block of Jamtara district today.

The CM said that 4 years ago, very few people used to get pension in the state under social security, but our government made a law that all eligible beneficiaries should be linked to pension. Today no eligible needy person is left out of the pension scheme. He said that the work done by the present government in the last 4 years was not done in the last 20 years. Despite all the challenges, the state government has done the work of continuously bringing the development schemes on the ground. In the last 4 years, our government has drawn a long line of development in every field.

The CM said that 11 lakh ration cards were deleted in the state by the previous government. The present state government made 20 lakh new green ration cards and distributed them among the poor. He said that our government also distributes ration by purchasing grains from the open market. We took a decision and now our government will provide Abua housing to the poor people of the state. Within the next 5 years, all 20 lakh poor people will be covered under Abua housing. The Chief Minister said that our government has made electricity free up to 200 units for electricity consumers in the state and has waived off the old outstanding electricity bills up to 200 units. The Chief Minister said that our government has worked to solve the problems and troubles of the employees working in various departments of the state government including Anganwadi Sahayika, Sevika, Jal Sahaiya.

On this occasion, energisation of 132/33 KV (2x50 MVA) grid sub-station Kundhit and related double path LILO transmission line was done. This grid sub-station has been constructed with the joint efforts of Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren and Assembly Speaker Shri Rabindranath Mahato. Whose energizing capacity is 2 x 50 MVA (100 MVA) through which electricity is to be supplied to many electric power sub-stations respectively 33 KV Nala, Kundhit, Bamandiha, Fatehpur etc., so that electricity supply can be ensured to the residents of the benefiting blocks Nala, Kundhit, Bamandiha and Fatehpur area, these grid sub-stations are capable of bearing the electricity load for the next 15 to 20 years.

The construction of this project has cost approximately Rs 82.37 crore. Electricity supply to this newly constructed grid will be provided from 132/33 KV grid sub-stations located at Jamtara and Madhupur. After energizing this grid, about 80 MW additional electricity will be supplied, which will directly/indirectly benefit lakhs of people of various areas of Jamtara district like Nala, Kundhit, Bamandiha and Fatehpur etc. and will get rid of the problem of low voltage. This grid sub-station has been constructed with the aim of supplying quality electricity to the respected residents in view of the 30-year vision of the government.

On this occasion, Nala MLA-cum-Assembly Speaker Ravindranath Mahato, Ministers Satyanand Bhokta, Dr. Irfan Ansari, MP Nalin Soren, District Council President Joyce Besra, Radharani Soren, Commissioner Santhal Pargana Division, DIG, besides Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Dumka and Jamtara districts and district administration officials were present.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate a floating restaurant equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and named Float at Ramgarh Tal, a scenic location in Gorakhpur, on Thursday.

In the past seven years, the Yogi government has significantly transformed the Ramgarh Tal area, making it a popular destination known as the Marine Drive of Gorakhpur. Already established as a premier tourist hotspot in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Ramgarh Tal offers attractions like the Lake Queen Cruise, and now visitors will be able to experience dining also at the floating restaurant.

The Ramgarh Tal area has emerged as a key centre for both tourism and culinary experiences, with several renowned hospitality brands already setting up in the vicinity. The introduction of Float adds another exciting element to the region, enhancing its appeal as a top tourist destination.

The Yogi government has completely transformed Ramgarh Tal, once neglected and notorious for its filth, into a stunning tourist attraction in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi, Ramgarh Tal has emerged as a vibrant hub for tourism and employment, showcasing a new model of development.

Once an eyesore, this 1,700-acre natural lake used to serve as a dumping ground for the citys waste, but is now a picturesque destination drawing visitors from far and wide, thanks to Chief Minister Yogis vision and the comprehensive development efforts undertaken.

Tourists now flock to Ramgarh Tal to enjoy the Lake Queen Cruise, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi on December 15, 2023, and they can now savour delectable meals at the newly constructed floating restaurant.

Notably, the construction of this floating restaurant began on August 17, 2022, and it is now ready to welcome guests. Designed with an attractive interior, this three-floor, 9,600 square-foot restaurant can accommodate between 100 to 150 visitors at a time.

According to Alok Aggarwal, Managing Director of the company operating Float, the restaurant boasts modern facilities, including a lift that connects all three floors. The ground floor houses a food court offering a variety of pure vegetarian dishes, while the first floor serves as a venue for musical parties.

The second floor features an open rooftop, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake while dining. The entire design ensures that visitors fully experience the beauty of Ramgarh Tal from every angle. The floating restaurant, built at a cost exceeding Rs 10 crore, meets the standards of the Indian Registrar of Shipping and is set to become a major highlight for tourists and locals alike.

The Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) is set to generate a monthly revenue of Rs 4.5 lakh from the newly constructed floating restaurant at Ramgarh Tal, with an agreement already signed with the operating company for 15 years. If the companys performance meets expectations, the contract may be extended for an additional five years.

GDA Vice-Chairman Anand Vardhan announced that the formal inauguration ceremony will take place at the jetty of Ramgarh Tal. During the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also hand over allotment certificates to the beneficiaries of GDAs prominent housing project, Greenwood Apartment, which is being developed near Ramgarh Tal.

The Greenwood Apartment project, spread across 5.20 acres, is a Rs 374.49 crore residential initiative that will offer 300 three-bedroom HIG flats and 179 four-bedroom HIG flats. The project aims to be completed by July 2027, contributing to the overall development of the Ramgarh Tal area as a modern and thriving residential and tourist hub.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that Gorakhpur, which instilled fear in people and lacked basic facilities just 15-20 years ago, is now emerging as a vibrant hub of development, employment and modern tourism.

Speaking at the jetty of Ramgarh Taal following the inauguration of the floating restaurant Float on Thursday, Yogi also presented allotment certificates to seven recipients of the Greenwood Apartment residential project of the Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA).

Reflecting on the past, the chief minister noted that Gorakhpur was once synonymous with fear and stagnation. Seven years ago, the city was distant from any semblance of development, and the area around Ramgarh Taal, where todays event took place, was infamous for filth and crime. Security had to be tightened for guests and officials, and the city faced severe traffic congestion, he remarked.

Discussing the transformative changes over the past seven years, Yogi said, Gorakhpur now boasts four- and six-lane roads, a bustling airport, improved railway connectivity, a revitalised fertiliser factory, and a BRD Medical College that has become a premier medical institution, with AIIMS also now operational.

The chief minister noted that Ramgarh Taal, once nearly desolate, has now transformed into a vibrant attraction. This expansive natural lake, covering 1,800 acres, is now drawing tourists with its renewed charm. New hotels are opening, and a cruise service has already been launched. With the inauguration of a floating restaurant, Gorakhpur now offers a unique opportunity to enjoy refreshments and dining by the lakeside, he added.

The chief minister emphasised that this modern development is not only enhancing the areas appeal but also creating new employment opportunities.

The chief minister announced that visitors to Gorakhpur will now enjoy five-star facilities. He highlighted the construction of a ring road around Ramgarh Taal that will transform the area into a full-day destination for families, guests and tourists. The experience will include exploring the lakes beauty, enjoying the cruise and floating restaurant, and visiting the zoo to connect with nature, he added..

The chief minister praised the citys nighttime allure, enhanced by excellent lighting, and expressed confidence that the floating restaurant will offer top-notch amenities to both locals and international tourists. He also mentioned upcoming developments, including a new chain of hotels and a convention centre, thanks to Gorakhpurs improved connectivity.

In his address to the allottees of Greenwood Apartment, Chief Minister Yogi urged the GDA officials to expedite the construction, aiming to complete it six months ahead of schedule while ensuring high quality.

Although the GDA has set a target for July 2027, the chief minister emphasised the goal of finishing the project before Makar Sankranti in 2027.

This will allow the allottees to celebrate the festival in their new homes and receive Makar Sankranti prasad there, Yogi pointed out.

He also highlighted that Greenwood Apartment is being developed in a favorable environment and assured that the value of the flats will appreciate significantly in the coming years.

On this occasion, Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan Shukla remarked that the transformation of Gorakhpur under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths leadership is evident to all. He noted that the citys remarkable development over the past seven years stands in stark contrast to its previous state.

Dr Manglesh Shrivastava, MLA Vipin Singh, Rajesh Tripathi, Mahendrapal Singh, Dr Vimlesh Paswan, Pradeep Shukla, GDA Board member Durgesh Bajaj, Pawan Tripathi, Radheshyam Shrivastava, Bharatiya Janata Partys city president Rajesh Gupta and others were present at the function.

GDA Vice-Chairman Anand Vardhan gave detailed information about the floating restaurant and Greenwood Apartment project.

Meanwhile, after inaugurating the floating restaurant by pressing a button on the jetty at Ramgarh Taal, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proceeded to the venue, where he cut the ribbon at the entrance and congratulated the staff on the successful launch. He then toured all the floors of the floating restaurant, reviewing the facilities and expressing his satisfaction with the arrangements.

Managing director of the floating restaurant, Alok Agarwal, briefed the chief minister on the amenities available.

During the visit, the chief minister also enjoyed some light refreshments at the restaurant.

The floating restaurant at Ramgarh Taal offers five-star amenities, and according to the GDA, it is the first of its kind in North India. Spanning a total area of 9,600 square feet across three floors, the restaurant can accommodate 100 to 150 guests at a time.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday claimed the "neglect and apathy" of the Delhi government forced residents of the city's western parts to live a life "worse than hell".

In a post on X, the lieutenant governor, after an inspection of west Delhi, said in Hindi that the people of these areas had been expressing their pain and anger on social media for several years.

Saxena also said he wanted to draw the attention of the chief minister and requested them to pay attention to these problems."Due to government neglect and the associated administrative apathy, lakhs of people in west Delhi are forced to live a life worse than hell," Saxena said in Hindi.

"Vanished roads submerged in two-feet deep potholes and sewer water, overflowing drains filled with silt due to lack of cleaning for years, knee-deep stinking water mixed with sewer, rotting garbage, backflowing sewer lines, hundreds of helpless people expressing their emotions and anger amidst poisonous insects and mosquitoes," he added.

He said these conditions were seen during an inspection of Mundka, Nangloi, Ranikheda, Ranhola, Karala, Kanjhawala and Rohtak Road areas.The failure of transferred subjects such as the public works and the irrigation and flood control departments, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Jal Board and the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation is unforgivable, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the most affected sections of this mismanagement in the national capital were poor daily-wage labourers, street vendors, women, elderly and children.

At various places during the inspection, locals, children returning from school, and the elderly shared their helplessness. The roads in this area were mostly broken and there were no streetlights, he said.

Vehicles, including buses and two-wheelers, were facing severe difficulties even to travel some distance. As a result of years of neglect, the industrial areas of the vicinity have turned into dumping grounds for municipal waste and dangerous water-filled pits, Saxena alleged.

"These generally neglected areas and their people have been expressing their suffering and anger on social media for the past several years. Following repeated requests from residents of the area, civil organisations, MP and councillor, after inspection with officials of the departments concerned on Wednesday, they were asked to provide immediate relief," he said.
'ASHVINI' to take up Nuclear Power Generation



The Government on September 11, 2024 accorded approval to the Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd. (ASHVINI), a Joint Venture (JV) of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited  NPCIL (51%) and NTPC Ltd. (49%) to Build, Own & Operate nuclear power plants in India in accordance with provisions of the Atomic Energy Act. Additionally Govt. of India has approved transfer of Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) 4x700 MW based on indigenous PHWR technology, from NPCIL to the JV Company ASHVINI.



The Govt has also approved exemption to NPCIL to invest more than Rs.500 Cr. and exemption to NTPC to invest more than Rs. 5000 Cr. in a single JV/Subsidiary Company. This will enable adequate financing for accelerated Nuclear Power capacity addition in India. In addition to MBRAPP, ASHVINI shall also pursue other Nuclear Power Projects in different parts of the country.

This will pave the way for pooling of resources from both NTPC & NPCIL, in terms of finances, technology & project expertise for the rapid expansion of nuclear power productivity in the country to meet the targets of Net Zero by 2070.



The Department of Atomic Energy formally handed over the Government approval to CMD, NPCIL and CMD, NTPC on 17.09.2024.
School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh said that now children in government schools will receive education sitting at the desk. He announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for the high school building in Gram Panchayat Rampura. School Education Minister Singh was addressing the felicitation ceremony of meritorious students at the Government Secondary School campus Rampura in Narsinghpur district on Tuesday.

Minister Singh said that the high school will be run in Rampura from the next academic session so that children from the villages do not have to travel far to study. He said that it is a misconception that a child studying in a village government school cannot progress. He said that there are many such examples when children from government schools have proved their mettle by reaching higher positions. He urged the teachers to teach the students with dedication.

The School Education Minister said that the state government is continuously working for the qualitative improvement of education in government schools. Global-level CM Rise Schools are being opened in the state. Singh distributed school bags and other prizes to the school children.

School Education Minister Singh participated in the cleanliness program organized in Janpad Panchayat Saikheda of Narsinghpur district on Tuesday. He offered Shramdaan along with the citizens.

Singh said that we all must adopt and follow clean habits. By doing this we will be able to truly participate in the cleanliness program of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that now an amount of Rs 1 lakh 50 thousand is being provided for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The first installment of houses was transferred to the accounts of 870 beneficiaries of Saikheda Janpad.

Minister Singh offered shramdan by cleaning the Dada Dhuni Darbar temple complex in Saikheda. He also planted saplings in the Tehsil office premises. Minister Singh interacted with the students of CM Rise School. The School Education Minister said that the CM Rise School building to be built here will be one of the best buildings in the district.


Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal on Wednesday said that all political parties and candidates participating in the elections must submit three copies of their election manifesto in both Hindi and English versions to the Chief Electoral Officer's office within three days of its release. He urged strict compliance with this prerequisite to ensure transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines.



Agarwal further asked all political parties to thoroughly study all aspects of the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission and adhere to it during the election process. The manifesto should also reflect the rationale for the promises and broadly indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirement for it. Voters' trust should only be sought on promises that are realistically achievable, he added.



He said that the Election Commission of India has issued detailed guidelines outlining what political parties and candidates can and cannot do during the campaign for the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024. These guidelines must be followed until the election process is complete.



Agarwal further said that all parties and candidates must be given equal access to public spaces such as grounds and helipads. Criticism during the election should only target the policies, programs, track records, and work of political parties and candidates. Local police authorities must be informed of any meetings, and proper permissions for the time and location of such meetings should be obtained well in advance, the CEO added.










In a fresh wave of Naxal violence, Maoists triggered an IED blast early Thursday morning, , in the dense forests near Vangram Kulapuburu, under the jurisdiction of Jaraikela police station in Chaibasa. The explosion occurred around 7:10 a.m., targeting security forces involved in an ongoing anti-Naxal operation. Sugumar R of the CoBRA 209 Battalion sustained injuries in the blast. His condition is reported to be stable after being airlifted to Ranchi for advanced medical treatment.



The blast is believed to have been set off by top leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist) Naxalite organization, including Misir Besra, Anmol Mochu Anal, Asim Mandal, Chaman, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, and Ashwin, who are reportedly operating with their squad members in the Saranda and Kolhan forest areas. In response to their presence, a large-scale joint operation involving Chaibasa Police, CoBRA Battalions 209 and 203, Jharkhand Jaguar, and several CRPF battalions (60, 197, 157, 174, 193, 134, and 26) had been initiated.

"Maoists continue to pose a serious threat to the peace and security of the area. However, we are committed to bringing stability to the region. Our forces are prepared and will not back down," said a senior district official overseeing the operation.



Security forces had launched the joint operation on September 16, 2024, after receiving intelligence reports that the Naxalite leaders, including Misir Besra, Anal, Anmol, Ashwin, Pintu Lohara, Chandan Lohara, and Amit Hansda alias Apatan, were moving through the Saranda-Kolhan forest region with their squads. The operation is focused on the challenging hilly terrains bordering the Chhotanagra, Jaraikela, and Manoharpur police station areas.



Despite the IED attack, the security forces responded swiftly. The injured CoBRA Battalion jawan was provided immediate first aid on-site and evacuated by helicopter to Ranchi with assistance from Police Headquarters, Jharkhand, and the CRPF Jharkhand Sector.

Chaibasa Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashutosh Shekhar issued a press communique that the injured CoBRA 209 battalion jawan is currently being airlifted to Ranchi for more advanced medical care.



The anti-Naxal operation is continuing, with security forces combing through the dense forested region in pursuit of the Maoist leaders. Authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing that the fight against insurgency will continue until peace and stability are restored in the region.



"This operation is a crucial step in dismantling the Maoist network that has been operating in the Saranda and Kolhan areas. While incidents like the IED blast show the Maoists' desperation, the coordinated response of our security forces sends a strong message that we will not allow them to regain ground," said a security expert familiar with counter-insurgency operations.
President Draupadi Murmu has called for everyone to move forward in building a Swachh Bharat, a Swasth Bharat, and a Vikasit Bharat. Only cleanliness can make the country healthy and developed. All countrymen should cooperate in this work coordinately for a developed nation. Madhya Pradesh has achieved a leading position in the field of urban and rural sanitation.

Many cities of Madhya Pradesh have been declared the best cities for cleanliness. Indore has been declared the cleanest city in the country for the 7th consecutive time. Bhopal has become the cleanest capital. The President congratulated Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and his entire team for their remarkable work in the field of cleanliness.

Murmu was addressing the felicitation ceremony of Safai Mitras in Ujjain on Thursday. He also honoured Safai Mitras Rashmi Tankle, Kiran Khode, Shobha Ghavri, Anita Chavre and Gopal Khare. The President also performed the bhoomi pujan of the Ujjain-Indore six-lane road to be built for Rs 1692 crore. At the outset, President Murmu was welcomed by Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Yadav who presented her a bouquet and a replica of Mahakal Lok. On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Deora, Minister in-charge Gautam Tetwal, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat and Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Pratima Bagri were also present.

Murmu said that Avantika is the holy and pious city of Baba Mahakal. The Gupta period was the golden age of Indian history and at that time Ujjain was an important city of India with an ancient tradition of culture and civilization here. President Murmu said that 2000 years ago, Ujjain was an excellent center of transportation system besides being the center of international trade. The great poet Kalidas has given a wonderful depiction of the vastness and grandeur of Ujjaini in his Meghdoot. The importance that Alkapuri city has in Devlok, is the same importance that Ujjain city has on earth. I bow down to Baba Mahakal, Avantika city, and the holy Kshipra river.

The President said that many efforts are being made for the integrated development of Ujjain and the state. Bhoomi-pujan of Ujjain-Indore six lane road has been performed in Ujjain today. Vikram Udyogpuri Medical Devices Park is being built here. Expressways and elevated corridors are being built in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has made commendable efforts.

Murmu said that in the last 10 years, cleanliness in India has become a nationwide campaign. In the second phase of the cleanliness campaign, we have to achieve the goal of complete cleanliness in the country by 2025. Work is in progress towards total freedom from open defecation and excellence in solid and liquid waste management in the country. We have to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi's ideal of cleanliness. I myself started my career with working for cleanliness. I was the Vice President in the Municipal Council and used to go to the wards and work for cleanliness and make people aware. Today, awareness about cleanliness has increased among the countrymen. Many cities of Madhya Pradesh have been awarded as 'Water+' and 'ODF++'.

Murmu said that sanitation workers are frontline cleanliness warriors. I feel proud to honour them today. We will protect the safety, dignity, and welfare of sanitation workers. "Manholes" are being abolished in the country and now "Machine Holes" are being made. Many schemes are being run to benefit the sanitation workers. Madhya Pradesh has done remarkable work in this field.
Ahead of the Haryana Assembly Elections, the Congress Party on Wednesday announced seven guarantees, including the promises of a legal guarantee for MSP, Rs 6000 pension to elderly, disabled and widows, OPS to employees, 2 lakh permanent jobs to youth, Rs 2000 per month to all women, gas cylinder for Rs 500, 300 units of free electricity and a caste survey, if voted to power.



Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge released the seven big guarantees of the election manifesto in the presence of party general secretary KC Venugopal, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and AICC senior observers for the Haryana polls Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken and Partap Singh Bajwa in New Delhi. The other guarantees include empowerment of women, strengthening social security, secure future for the youth, welfare of families and houses for the poor.



Addressing the journalists, Kharge said that under Saat Vaade, Pakke Irade, or 'seven promises, firm intentions', Congress has given 7 big guarantees to the people of Haryana. In this, the biggest announcement has been made for women first. The Congress promised that on formation of Congress government, all women between 18 and 60 years will be given honorarium of Rs 2000 per month. After this, they will get an old age pension of Rs. 6000. Congress has promised to give a pension of Rs 6000 to all elderly, disabled and widows. Along with this, the guarantee of implementing an old pension scheme for employees is also included in this. Congress has also promised to make permanent recruitments under the Bharti Vidhan on 2 lakh vacant posts in government departments. The party announced starting a scheme of gas cylinder for Rs 500, free treatment up to Rs. 25 lakh, free electricity up to 300 units. Free plots of 100 yards and pucca houses are also included in the 7 guarantees of Congress.



Talking about farmers, Congress has announced to make a law to guarantee MSP for farmers. Along with this, there is also a promise to give them immediate compensation in case of loss. The target has been set to make Haryana a drug-free state by curbing the increasing drug addiction in the state.



Announcing the increase in the creamy layer limit of OBC from 6 to 10 lakh, Congress has guaranteed to conduct a caste survey to find out the population of all castes. This will ensure proper participation of all castes in the system.



While releasing the 7 guarantees, Kharge also informed that the detailed manifesto of Congress includes the announcement of building a big memorial for the farmers who died during the movement and giving jobs to the families of the martyred farmers. Apart from this, Congress has included solutions to the demands of every section in its manifesto, which will soon be in front of the public.



On the occasion, Hooda said Congress is committed to fulfilling its promises. Earlier, our government fulfilled every promise of the manifesto released in 2005 and 2009 and worked even beyond that. In future also, the Congress government will fulfill every promise, while the BJP has not implemented its 2014 manifesto till date, he stated.
The only white tigress of Bhopal's Van Vihar National Park died on Thursday, 15-year-old tigress Riddhi was reportedly unwell and had not eaten for the past two days.

Riddhi was brought to Van Vihar from Indore Zoo on December 28, 2013 at the age of 4. Since then she was the center of attraction for tourists in Van Vihar. Tourists used to come especially to see the white tigress. She was kept in the display ward in Van Vihar. She was brought to Van Vihar from Indore Zoo under the exchange scheme.

Siddhi was the only white tiger in Van Vihar. Now there are 15 tigers in Van Vihar.

White tigress Riddhi died on the night of September 18. She was found lying in her house on Thursday morning. Wildlife doctor Dr. Atul Gupta examined her and she was declared dead. Earlier on Wednesday, she was in normal condition in her housing.

According to the Van Vihar management, Riddhi had not taken her regular food for the last 2 days. However, she normally does this often.

The postmortem of the tigress was done jointly by Van Vihar's wildlife doctor Dr. Atul Gupta, assistant wildlife doctor Dr. Hamza Nadeem Farooqui, Wildlife SOS Dr. Rajat Kulkarni. The cause of death was found to be internal organ failure due to old age. Samples of the dead white tigress have been collected and sent to the School of Wildlife Forensic Health Jabalpur for testing.

After postmortem, the dead tigress was cremated as per rules in Van Vihar National Park in the presence of Forest Conservator Bhopal Circle Bhopal, Director Van Vihar and other officers and employees.

Van Vihar Deputy Director SK Sinha said that there are now 15 tigers left in Van Vihar. Generally, the lifespan of a healthy tiger living in the forest is 12 to 13 years. In the zoo, their lifespan is 15-16 years. In such a situation, Riddhi lived well. However, white tigers are not very healthy. They are white due to a change in their genes.
Hitting out at the Samajwadi Party and its leader Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, said that organised crime thrived under SP rule in the past, with mafias controlling animals, forests, mining and land.

In a public meeting held at Vidya Inter College grounds in Milkipur on Thursday, Yogi remarked: The mafia essentially ran a parallel government, spreading lawlessness and terror, while Babua never stepped outside and would not even wake up before noon, leaving the public to suffer.

He criticised SP leaders, pointing out that major mafia figures and criminals from every district had ties to the party, each having a dedicated officer or follower.

Yogi also accused SP of indulging in extreme Muslim appeasement, which led to widespread unrest during festivals.

He said, They banned celebrations of Holi, Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Shivratri, Ramnavami and Janmashtami. They even prohibited the singing of bhajans during Janmashtami in police stations, police lines and jails. Some could not stand the sound of Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, so the SP banned it. They also banned the Kanwar yatra.

Recalling the Ayodhya riots during Durga Puja under SP rule, Yogi said, The idol was stolen from Devkali temple during their government. I, as an MP from Gorakhpur, had to step in and launch a movement.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, focused on his Mission Milkipur, delivered a significant development boost to Ramnagari Ayodhya on Thursday, inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 83 projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore.

The chief minister also distributed cheques, keys, certificates and sewing machines to beneficiaries of various government schemes.

Highlighting the progress in Milkipur, he announced plans for a mini stadium and the foundation of 30 new routes, along with Rs 9 crore investment for a rural stadium in Revna.

The chief minister emphasised Uttar Pradeshs transformation, noting that the state has now become the driving force behind Indias economic growth.

Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh was seen as an obstacle to the nations progress, plagued by anarchy and discrimination in development schemes, with even revered figures being disrespected, he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Partys double engine government, however, has rapidly accelerated development over the last seven and a half years. Today, villages and hamlets benefit from four-lane and two-lane roads, better connectivity, as well as improved access to electricity and water, he added.

Yogi highlighted the key achievements of the BJP government, including the provision of toilets for 2.62 crore families, housing for 56 lakh poor households, electricity to 1.20 lakh small villages and free electricity connections to over 1.56 crore families.

Under the Ujjwala scheme, 1.83 crore families received free cooking gas cylinders, with free refills now provided on Holi and Diwali since last year, he added.

Additionally, 15 crore people in Uttar Pradesh receive free ration, whereas before 2017, SP goons used to steal the rations meant for the poor" Yogi pointed out.

The chief minister accused the SP of being complicit in cow smuggling, deforestation and land grabbing. Today, we have eradicated land encroachments. Since 2017, our anti-land mafia task force has reclaimed 64,000 hectares of land from SP-affiliated mafia and goons, including in Bhadarsa, he said.

Responding to SPs allegations of a land scam in Ayodhya, Yogi said, There has been no scam here; rather, Rs 1,700 crore in compensation was distributed to farmers. Those making these allegations are defending the wrongdoings of their associates. Every rightful victim has been compensated.

He highlighted the transformation in Ayodhya, stating, In the Ayodhya where they once shed the blood of Ram devotees, over three crore pilgrims have visited Lord Ram Lalla since January 2022.

Yogi remarked that when the temples of Ayodhya are illuminated during Deepotsav, only the SP chief and Pakistan are disturbed.

They understand that each lamp lit in Ayodhya not only brightens the city, the state and the country but also holds the power to destroy Pakistan, a nation that has become a cancer for humanity. Pakistan, as Indias enemy, is naturally troubled, but so is the Samajwadi Party due to its anti-Hindu mindset, the chief minister said.

He added, The SP, accustomed to operating in darkness, relies on it to carry out their misdeeds.

Chief Minister Yogi also alleged mafia ties within SP ranks, naming criminals from Ghazipur, Ambedkar Nagar, Rampur and Prayagraj who were involved in organised crime. He added, These mafia figures were considered family by SP leaders. A person who bows to criminals and riots calls the saint tradition a mafia  this is their true character. They are influenced by the spirit of Aurangzeb, which drives their anti-Hindu behaviour.

Yogi also attacked SP for the involvement of its leaders in various atrocities committed against people. SP leader Moeed Khan in Bhadarsa, Nawab Singh Yadav in Kannauj and their leaders in Aligarh and Mau have been implicated in heinous acts. The SP MLA from Bhadohi is notorious for his misdeeds, and in Hardoi, an SP district president was involved in the murder of an advocate.Similarly, a former SP MLA in Kanpur was guilty of land grabs and violence against the poor. They have always provided shelter to anti-national elements for political gains, he remarked.

Their malicious intentions, especially toward the safety of daughters, can never be trusted  just like a dogs tail that cant be straightened. Our government is giving them the punishment they deserve. While the Chacha-Bhatija duo and their allies may think they can push the boundaries of lawlessness, the government is fully prepared to confront them with vigilance, Yogi stated.

He highlighted the extensive development work carried out in Ayodhya and Milkipur. He noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 45,664 houses have been provided in rural Ayodhya and 19,964 in urban areas. Of these, 8,195 homes were constructed in rural Milkipur alone. Additionally, 2,369 beneficiaries have been provided housing under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana. Under Har Ghar Nal Yojana, efforts are underway to ensure drinking water connections in every household across 1,184 revenue villages in Ayodhya, he added.

Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi has benefitted 4.21 lakh farmers in Ayodhya, with Rs 1,430 crore transferred to their accounts. In Milkipur, 94,549 farmers are receiving the schemes benefits, he pointed out.

The chief minister also shared that 67,014 smartphones and 26,974 tablets have been distributed to youth in Ayodhya, while 9,726 golden Ayushman Bharat cards have been issued. Additionally, 30,245 girls have benefitted from the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana.

The double-engine government is providing an annual pension of Rs 12,000 to 1,08,228 senior citizens, 54,529 destitute women, and 11,603 disabled individuals in Ayodhya. Over 12,600 cows are being cared for in 59 gaushalas across the district, and 4.32 lakh families are receiving free ration, he said.
More than 30 people were injured in Kannauj when a high tension (HT) power line fell onto rooftops, causing severe electric shocks.

The incident occurred in Simant Nagar under Gursahaiganj police station, where the current from the broken high tension line spread in seven houses, affecting both men and women.

The local residents rushed to rescue the victims, who were admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

Two individuals, who were in serious condition, were referred to a medical college hospital for further treatment.

The incident sparked panic throughout the locality, with residents immediately informing the power officials about the mishap.

It was reported that the current flowed for about 15 minutes before the power supply was finally cut off. During this time, several electrical appliances, including refrigerators and coolers, were damaged.

Following the incident, there was considerable outrage among the villagers towards the electricity department. Many residents expressed their frustration, stating that they had previously raised concerns about the dangerously positioned high tension line multiple times to department officials, but no action was taken.

The residents are now demanding that the high tension line be shifted underground to prevent future accidents. They have threatened to stage protests if their concerns are not addressed promptly, highlighting the negligence they believe contributed to this unfortunate event.
In a sharp rebuke to Bollywood actress and BJP MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut, former Union Minister Som Prakash on Wednesday urged her to refrain from making provocative comments about Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Sikh community. Ranauts recent statement, branding Bhindranwale  a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement  as a terrorist, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and unrest in Punjab.

Prakash, a senior BJP leader, took to social media to express his disapproval of Ranauts remarks. In his post on X, he urged, Kangana Ranaut must restrain from making unnecessary comments against Sant Jarnail Singh and the Sikh community. Such remarks hurt the feelings of the Sikh community. She must remain disciplined. No one should be allowed to disturb peace in Punjab.

The controversy erupted following Ranauts interview discussing her forthcoming film, Emergency. During the interview, she claimed that 99 percent of Punjabis do not view Bhindranwale as a saint, asserting, He was a terrorist. If he is considered a terrorist, then my film should be allowed to be released. Her comments have been perceived as inflammatory and have exacerbated tension in the region.

Prakash, responding to the fallout, emphasized that Ranauts statements were inappropriate and contrary to the values of peace and harmony. He added, What Kangana is doing is not right, and the party has already distanced itself from her statement.

The reaction to Ranauts statements has been swift and severe. Former IAS officer Jagmohan Singh Raju, who recently contested Punjab Assembly elections as a BJP candidate, has also urged Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) rigorously reviews Emergency. Rajus concern is that the film may contain content offensive to Sikh sentiments.

The films trailer has already sparked protests from the Sikh community, accusing Ranaut of distorting historical facts. Demonstrations have taken place outside gurudwaras in Mumbai, where protesters have demanded a complete ban on the film and called for punitive action against Ranaut. Jaspal Singh Suri, a prominent protest leader, warned of potential violence if the film is released, stating, This is an act of defiance, and it will be met with severe consequences.

Ranaut, known for her outspoken views, defended her film and criticized past governments for labeling Khalistani separatists as terrorists. She claimed that her film, which portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is historically accurate and has been vetted by historians. She expressed frustration over the backlash, arguing that her critics are attempting to censor her work.
To check the practice of boosting sales of other products by illegally tagging them with fertilizers, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has formed four teams  each overseen by officers at the Joint Director level. These teams have been tasked with combating this illegal practice.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Thursday directed the formation of these teams following a meeting with the Majha Kissan Sangarsh Committee.

The Minister assured the Majha Kissan Sangarsh Committee delegation, led by its president Balwinder Singh, that Punjab has an adequate supply of DAP (diammonium phosphate), NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), SSP (Single Super Phosphate) for the upcoming Rabi season as Punjab is receiving sufficient quantities of DAP and other phosphatic fertilizers.

On the matter of forcefully tagging of other agricultural products with fertilizers, raised by the farmers delegation, Khudian said that the Punjab Government will not tolerate any exploitation of our farmers. He emphasized that any unscrupulous individuals attempting to coerce farmers into buying additional products along with fertilizers will face legal action.

Meanwhile, the states Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture) KAP Sinha mentioned that Punjab anticipates sowing wheat over an area of about 35 lakh hectares, necessitating around 5.50 lakh metric tonnes of DAP fertilizer. He shared that he had a meeting with the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers and Union Fertiliser Secretary last month to secure sufficient supply of fertilisers for Punjab farmers for the upcoming Rabi season.

The Agriculture Minister responded to the demand for an increase in sugarcane prices by stating that the state has scheduled a meeting of the State Sugar Cane Control Board on September 27, and all mills will commence crushing on schedule. He also mentioned that the capacity of the Cooperative Sugar Mill in Batala has been raised to 3500 Ton Crushing per Day (TCD) from its previous capacity of 1500 TCD.
A day after Punjabs private hospitals stopped cashless services under Ayushman scheme alleging that the State Government failed to clear Rs 600 crore dues, the states Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday strongly refuted the claims made by the Private Hospitals and Nursing Home Association (PHANA) Punjab.

Dubbing PHANAs claims that the State Government owes over Rs 600 crore for various treatments availed under the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojna as false and misleading, Dr Balbir revealed that the total pending amount for both public and private hospitals is just Rs 364 crores.

As per the official data, the breakdown of pending payments shows that Rs 166.67 crores are owed to public hospitals, while private hospitals are due Rs 197 crores. The clarification comes a day after PHANA announced that it would stop all treatments under the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojna across empaneled private hospitals in the State.

Health Minister said that since April 1, 2024, the Government has disbursed Rs 101.66 crores to private hospitals and Rs 112 crores to public hospitals, totaling Rs 214.30 crores.

Dr Balbir explained that technical glitches arose from February 2024 after switching to new software for claim processing launched by National Health Agency (NHA), which resulted in slowing down the claim processing. However, the State Health Agency (SHA) took prompt measures including deputing more staff and working on weekends and holidays, to address the issue.

To resolve the matter, the Health Minister has called a meeting with PHANA representatives on Friday. Additionally, a meeting with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also been fixed on September 25, 2024, at 3:30 pm to address any concerns regarding payments and SHA functioning.
Punjab Police on Thursday launched a new initiative  the Saanjh Rahat Project  aimed at identifying and supporting victims of domestic violence. The project focuses on empowering women affected by domestic abuse by providing them with essential psycho-social and legal support to lead violence-free lives.

Launched in collaboration with the Indore-based NGO Nai Shuruwat, the project is a multi-agency initiative involving key partners like the Health Department, Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development, State Legal Services Authority, and District Legal Services Authority.

DGP Gaurav Yadav, speaking at the launch, said, This initiative will bridge the gap in support services for victims of domestic violence, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

The pilot phase of the project has been launched at the Civil Hospital in SAS Nagar (Mohali), where two dedicated counselors are stationed to identify and assist victims. The project will eventually expand across the state. The Saanjh Rahat Resource Centre, located at the hospital, will serve as a hub for victims, connecting them with the necessary resources and offering legal guidance whenever required.
Private hospitals in Punjab, reeling under mounting financial strain, have taken a dramatic step by halting cashless services under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The drastic measure was a result of the State Governments prolonged failure to clear dues amounting to Rs 600 crore. The suspension, announced by the Punjab Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA), marked a tipping point after six months of unresolved payments.

The PHANAs decision to suspend services under the scheme affects thousands of beneficiaries, with many now left to seek alternative healthcare options. The Associations spokesperson Dr Divanshu expressed frustration over the governments inaction despite repeated reminders. We have been providing services in good faith, but no payments have been made for months. The financial burden has become unsustainable, and we are drowning in debt, he said during a press conference in Ludhiana.

Dr Divanshu highlighted that despite sending approximately 300 e-mails to the State Health Agency (SHA), no concrete action had been taken to resolve the issue. Instead, SHA CEO Babita had recently issued orders to take action against the hospitals that have now suspended services  a move seen as retaliatory by private healthcare providers. Its unacceptable. The SHA has breached the Memorandum of Understanding, yet they have the audacity to threaten us with punitive measures for ceasing services, said Dr Divanshu.

The payment delays have severely affected the healthcare ecosystem in Punjab, with private hospitals  critical to the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme  forced to curtail their services. With claims processing delayed and financial strains increasing, healthcare providers feel abandoned by the government, despite the essential role they play in offering cashless treatments to economically disadvantaged families.

Amid growing unrest, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday convened an urgent meeting to address the crisis. The Minister directed the State Health Agency to clear pending dues to the empaneled hospitals and ordered the recruitment of additional medical professionals to streamline the claims process. We are committed to resolving these issues immediately. No one will be allowed to compromise healthcare delivery in Punjab, said Dr Balbir.

The Health Ministers intervention comes as the Punjab Government faces criticism for its handling of the healthcare scheme. Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns administration has stressed its dedication to ensure timely payments and effective healthcare services.

Issuing directions to the officers concerned to clear the pending payments to all the hospitals, empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana, the Minister claimed that the Punjab Government has settled Rs 210 crore payment under this scheme from April 1, 2024, till September 15.

As part of the governments strategy to resolve the crisis, Dr Balbir announced a recruitment drive aimed at hiring medical professionals to expedite the processing of claims. He further explained that these new recruits would undergo comprehensive training to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of claims assessments.

In addition to the recruitment efforts, the Minister emphasized the need to enroll more beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana. We are committed to ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is left out, said the Minister, adding that the scheme currently provides coverage to over 45 lakh families in Punjab, offering cashless treatment at 772 government and private hospitals.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme has been a lifeline for millions of families, covering treatments such as knee replacements, heart surgeries, and cancer treatments, among others. However, the current payment crisis threatens to undermine the schemes objectives, putting both patients and healthcare providers in a difficult position.
Family members and locals created ruckus outside Aishbagh police station after a 55-year-old PWD employee died in police custody.

The police had called him to Aishbagh police station on the complaint of his daughter-in-law. He reached the police station with his wife and son on Wednesday evening where his health deteriorated. Family alleged that he was terrified due to the misbehavior of the sub-inspector.

Wife of the deceased Rubina told that her husband was getting disturbed and was not feeling well, she also told this to the Sub Inspector. The Sub Inspector did not allow him to go to the hospital. Her husband's hands and legs started getting stiff. On this, the SI said that he is trying to fool, I will lock him in the lockup and beat him with sticks. After this, he fell unconscious. He was rushed to Hamidia Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

DCP Zone-1 Priyanka Shukla has said that a judicial investigation will be conducted in the incident. She said that Mohammad Akram (55), resident of Bagh Farhat Afza, was a class four employee in PWD. He used to work in the office located at Bharat Talkies. On Wednesday evening at 7 his 19-year-old daughter-in-law reached Aishbagh police station to register a case of dowry harassment.

On receiving the news of the death of Mohammad Akram in police custody, relatives and acquaintances gathered outside his house. During this, there was talk of gherao the police station. However, after the persuasion of the officers, no kind of demonstration was done outside the police station. As a precaution, a police force of three police stations has been deployed outside the police station.

According to the police, an argument took place between the family of the deceased Akram and the family of the daughter-in-law in the police station itself.

Meanwhile, his health started deteriorating. The family immediately took him to Hamidia Hospital. The police have denied the incident of assault in the police station. On checking the footage of CCTV cameras installed in the police station, it was also found that Akram and his family were not beaten or misbehaved with.

The deceased's wife Rubina said that the daughter-in-law starts staying at her maternal home frequently. She does not return even after persuasion. Presently she is staying at her maternal home on her own will. We do not know when she complained to the police station. On Wednesday evening at 6.30, SI Anil Srivastava of Aishbagh police station came home with the daughter-in-law's brother.

He asked the entire family to go to the police station immediately. We said that we would come to the police station in some time. He threatened that if we do not come to the police station soon, he will take us away beating us. When we reached the police station in a short while, he started misbehaving with us. The SI said that if the woman's side is strong, one-sided action will be taken.

He started pressuring her saying that you are harassing your daughter-in-law, you will all go to jail. Meanwhile, the husband's health deteriorated. He told that he is feeling nervous, allow him to sit outside in the open. On this, the SI scolded him. Meanwhile, the husband's hands and legs started getting stiff.

According to Rubina, she cried and said that let me take my husband to the hospital, the SI said that he is acting, I will lock him in the lockup and beat him. After this, the husband became unconscious. He was taken to the hospital. The doctors declared him dead. Strict action should be taken against the SI.
The mood and decision of the Scheduled Caste voters will be decisive in 17 reserved Vidhan Sabha seats out of 90 of the Haryana Assembly Elections that go for poll on October 5. About 20.2 percent of SC voters of a total of 2.03 crore, will decide the fate of 1031 candidates and which party will rule Haryana.



While the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the two major political parties in the State, get battle-ready banking largely on the Jat and non-jat (OBC) vote - bank respectively, the vote of Scheduled Castes could be the deciding factor in the Assembly poll. Additionally, the battle for the SC vote is heating up with the Bahujan Samaj Party and Chandra Shekhars Azad Samaj Party entering the poll fray.



According to the 2011 census, SCs make up 20.2 percent of the States population, with 17 assembly seats reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates. In rural areas, the SC population is even higher at 22.5 percent, compared to 15.8 percent in urban areas. Fatehabad has the highest concentration of SC population with 30.2 percent followed by Sirsa with 29.9 and Ambala with 26.3 while Mewat has the lowest with 6.9 followed by Faridabad with 12.4 and Gurugram with 13.1 percent.



Among the SC groups, the Jatavs  who account for roughly half of the Dalit population  are particularly influential in Haryana. They have a sizable population of more than 10 percent in 49 seats - 11 in Hisar, nine each in Ambala and Rohtak, eight in Gurugram, seven in Faridabad, and five in Karnal.



To woo the voters, the Bharatiya Janata Party, which recently accepted the recommendations of Haryana State Scheduled Castes Commission regarding the sub-classification of scheduled castes for the purpose of reservation in Government jobs into two categories following an August 1 Supreme Court ruling, has given tickets to nine candidates from the Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSCs) and eight tickets to Other Scheduled Castes (OSC). The OSC comprised castes such as Chamar, Jatia Chamar, Rehgar, Raigar, Ramdasi, Ravidasi, Jatav, Mochi, Ramdasia.



The Congress, on the other hand, has given party tickets to 12 candidates from Other Scheduled Castes and five from the Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC).



In the 2019 Assembly polls, the BJP won five of 17 reserved seats, the Congress seven, and the JJP four. Correspondingly, the saffron party bagged 33 percent of the reserved seat votes, the Congress 30 percent, the JJP 22 percent, the BSP 3 percent, and the INLD just 1 percent.



In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP saw a huge slip in its SC votes, which moved towards Congress. Congress created a social combination of Jats, Dalits, and Muslims accounting for roughly half of the states population. About 68 percent of SC voters backed the INDIA bloc (Congress-AAP), a jump of more than 40 percent. Only 24 percent of SC votes backed the saffron party, a drop of 34 percent.



As a result of the shift, the BJP lost five of the 10 parliamentary seats. Congress won both SC-reserved Lok Sabha seats - Ambala and Sirsa. The SCs in Haryana are believed to have voted against the ruling party in large numbers this time because of apprehensions over changes in the Constitution if the BJP-led NDA came to power with 400-plus seats.



Now, Mayawati's BSP has partnered with Abhay Chautala's Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), and Chandrasekhar Azad's Bhim Army has joined forces with Dushyant Chautala's Jannayak Janata Party (JJP). However, the BSPs influence is declining in the State, and its overall vote share went down from 6.7 percent in 2009 to 4.2 percent in 2019. While Congress emerged as the biggest beneficiary of SC support in 2024, both Mayawati and Azad could pull enough votes to upset the party's chances in what is expected to be a close contest.



Furthermore, a section of Dalits are demanding Congress name Kumari Shelja as its Chief Minister face instead of Bhupinder Hooda. The BJP hopes to gain from this factionalism. It also hopes that the BSP and the ASP along with the INLD and JJP attract a sizable section of SC voters thus negating some of the gains made by Congress in the general elections. Incidentally, both INLD and JJP represent the dominant Jat community and the BJP hopes they inflict double damage on Congress, with them attracting Jat and the BSP/ASP Dalit voters.



It remains to be seen how much of the BSPs vote share is bagged by the ASP, further weakening it in the State. However, in a tight election, the vote share bagged by these parties and the role they play could become crucial.



Recently, while addressing the gathering of SC Community, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda alleged that BJP suffers from an anti-SC mentality. This is the reason why the BJP is ending permanent government jobs through privatisation and Skill Corporation. Along with this, by closing government schools, the education system is being continuously handed over to private hands.

If government jobs and government educational institutions are abolished, then the reservation of SC will automatically end. The Congress and backward society complement each other, Hooda added.



In his recent address to the SC community, State Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Congress party is spreading the lie that if BJP is voted back to power at the Centre it will abolish reservation and scrap the Constitution. It is the Congress that insulted the Constitution on various occasions, he added.



A congress leader said that the SC voters are expected to vote on similar lines as in the Lok Sabha poll, especially with the two elections taking place within a short span of time and the mood being largely anti-BJP.



A BJP leader said that a large number of schemes were launched by the Government in the State. Under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojna, SC families are provided financial aid of Rs 71,000 for their daughters wedding. Rs 61,000 was disbursed at the time of registration itself. Under the Dr BR Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojna, financial assistance of Rs 80,000 was being provided for the repair of houses for poor families, he added.



Political Observers opined that the voting pattern for SCs in Haryana over the past decade, going by the number of reserved Assembly seats held by different parties suggests that the community voted overwhelmingly for the BJP in the 2014 Assembly poll, but remained evenly scattered in the previous election. Congress performed well in the last Lok Sabha poll in Haryana due to SCs rallying behind it in a big way with the party successfully building a narrative suggesting that the BJP would amend the Constitution and scrap reservation if it wins 400 seats. A similar narrative is unlikely to work in this assembly election. The outcome of the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana, where the ruling BJP and the Congress won five seats each, has set the stage for a tight contest in the Assembly elections, Observers added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will flag off BJPs Parivartan yatra from Bhognadih, the birthplace of the legendary brothers Sido and Kanu, who led the Santhal revolt in 1855, located in Santhal Pargana division on Friday. Shah will reach Bhognadih at 12 noon and after paying tributes to Santhal martyrs will also address a public rally. The partys upcoming Parivartan Yatra, aimed at bringing change and addressing key issues in the state.

The yatra, which will begin on September 20 and will span all six organizational divisions of Jharkhand and cover a distance of 5,400 kilometers.

The yatra will run from September 20 to October 3, passing through over 200 blocks and covering all 81 assembly constituencies. There will be 80 welcome events and 65 public rallies, with more than 50 national and state-level leaders expected to participate.

The yatra will held in Palamu divisions from September 21 to 28, Hazaribagh division from September 21 to 28, South Chotanagpur division from September 23 to October 1, Santhal Pargana from September 20 to 30, Dhanbad from September 20 to 26 and Kolhan from September 23 to October 2.

The BJP has alleged the government of allowing illegal immigration from Bangladesh and protecting Rohingya infiltrators, which has led to demographic changes in Santhal Pargana.

BJP state president Babulal Marandi has alleged that change in demography in Santhal is causing a decline in the indigenous population and a rise in the Muslim population.

He highlighted that over 1,800 acres of land have been illegally acquired, with financial deals worth more than 3,000 crore rupees, in violation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act.

Marandi claimed that Jharkhands youth and women are eager for change, and the Parivartan Yatra will give the people a platform to demand answers from the state government.

BJP hails one nation one election

BJP's state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo posted on social media platform X and said that One Nation One Election was also on the agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Now the central government has approved its proposal. Pratul said that One Nation One Election will save time and resources on a large scale and development work will also be accelerated. The committee formed under the leadership of former President Ramnath Kovind had submitted its report of thousands of pages to the central government in March itself.

The committee had held extensive discussions with the concerned people across the country on this issue. Pratul said that it is true that elections are held in some state or some region in the country all the time. Development work remains hampered due to the imposition of Model Code of Conduct. One Nation One Election will solve this problem. Pratul said that One Nation One Election will prove to be a very important step in the election reform process. It is possible that the report of the Kovind Committee will be presented and discussed in the House in the coming session. He said that this is the Modi government. Whatever it says, it definitely does it.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to embark on a Parivartan Yatra in Kolhan division, starting September 23, with the aim of mobilizing public sentiment against the state government led by Hemant Soren. The Yatra will commence at the sacred Chitreshwar Dham in the Baharagora Assembly constituency and cover all 14 constituencies in Kolhan, ultimately concluding in Chaibasa.

The theme for this 1100-kilometer-long journey, "Na Toh Sahenge, Na Kahenge, Badal Kar Rahenge" (We Will Neither Tolerate Nor Remain Silent, We Will Bring Change), encapsulates the BJPs resolve to confront the current government's alleged failures. Senior BJP leader Dr. Dineshanand Goswami, former state president, emphasized that this Parivartan Yatra symbolizes the outcry of the people who feel neglected and misgoverned over the past five years under the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) coalition.

Dr. Goswami, speaking at a press conference , highlighted various issues facing Jharkhand, including corruption, autocracy, unfulfilled promises, and unchecked infiltration by Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. He stated that the Yatra aims to expose the corruption and failure of the Hemant Soren government, which, he claimed, has tarnished Jharkhands image both nationally and globally.

The Parivartan Yatra will be inaugurated with a large public rally on September 23 in the Baharagora Assembly constituency, where Union Agriculture Minister and Jharkhand Election In-Charge Shivraj Singh Chauhan will address the crowd. According to Dr. Goswami, Chauhans presence will further bolster the BJP's campaign to bring about a political shift in Jharkhand, asserting that under the current administration, the state's natural resources have been illegally exploited, particularly in mining and forestry sectors.

The Yatra will feature public rallies, road shows, and decorated chariots traversing all 14 assembly constituencies in Kolhan. Over 11,000 kilometers will be covered in these events, where BJP leaders will engage directly with the public, village heads, and community organizations. BJP leaders, including senior figures like Subhendu Adhikari, are expected to attend. Two major Maha Jan Sabhas (large public meetings) are planned, where party leaders will present their agenda for governance and address grievances raised by citizens.

Dr. Goswami stressed that the public is frustrated by the current coalition's mismanagement and broken promises. He accused the government of shielding illegal activities, particularly in mining, and ignoring the needs of the states youth. He added that the coalition government has also failed to safeguard the integrity of the state's tribal population, with unchecked infiltration worsening the demographic situation.

Na Toh Sahenge, Na Kahenge, Badal Kar Rahenge serves as a rallying cry for the Yatra, expressing the frustration of Jharkhands people and their demand for change. This slogan encapsulates the BJPs determination to end what it describes as autocratic rule and bring forth a development-oriented government. Dr. Goswami reaffirmed that the Yatra is not just a political journey but a call for systemic reform and transparent governance in Jharkhand.
In a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party on Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the party had become a gang of those committing atrocities against women.

He also remarked that the Congress and the SP are like the Bhasmasur, as they harm the very people who grant them power.

Chief Minister Yogi made these remarks while addressing a gathering at a mega Rozgar Mela held at Ramlila grounds at Ghantaghar in Ghaziabad. During the event, he distributed appointment letters to over 10,000 youth, loans exceeding Rs 327 crore to 632 beneficiaries, and tablets/smartphones to more than 6,000 young individuals.

Chief Minister Yogi pointed out that all the individuals recently apprehended for endangering the safety of the daughters had links to the SP.

Reflecting on their values, Yogi said, SP leaders are labeling Indias religious leaders and cultural icons as mafia, suggesting that the soul of Aurangzeb has taken hold of them.

He further added that Congress and SP have become like Bhasmasur  whenever entrusted with power, they misused it to undermine the peoples faith.

The chief minister emphasised that the ongoing Rozgar Melas in the state are elevating Prime Minister Narendra Modis Mission Employment to new heights. He also reminded the gathering that the people of Uttar Pradesh still recall the misdeeds of the pre-2017 governments.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, The mafia and rioters were a primary source of income for the opposition.

He remarked that when someones income stream is threatened, their leaders lose composure and resort to irrational outbursts. Today, these political patrons are distressed by the disappearance of the mafia and rioters, he added.

He further commented that SP and Congress aim to incite class conflict under the guise of caste, giving rioters the freedom to loot. However, the double-engine government is committed to dismantling this model of the Samajwadi Party, he added.

Chief Minister Yogi emphasised that the next three years are crucial, as Uttar Pradesh must become the nations top economy within this timeframe.

Reflecting on past governance, Chief Minister Yogi said, Before 2014, the Congress-led Central government enacted laws to suppress Hindus, sought to dismantle the Ram Setu, obstructed the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and promoted terrorism in Kashmir. Congress undermined the nations security.

Similarly, before 2017, SP followed in Congress footsteps in Uttar Pradesh, fostering lawlessness and chaos. Riots were frequent, and SP leaders were seen submitting to dangerous criminals, forest mafias, animal mafias, and land mafias, he added.

Chief Minister Yogi also emphasised how previous governments exploited the states youth, resulting in widespread suffering, with farmers pushed to the brink of suicide and traders compelled to flee the state.

Due to the Samajwadi Party's actions, Hindu traders were displaced from Kairana and Kandhla, and the safety of daughters was compromised, he added.

In contrast, in the new Uttar Pradesh of a new India, daughters are now safe, traders are respected, youth have access to employment, and farmers are moving forward with dignity, the chief minister pointed out.

Chief Minister Yogi affirmed that if anyone dares to jeopardise the future of the youth, the government will take action against them, impounding their properties and distributing it among the poor. He assured that any obstacles to the dreams of the youth will be removed.

Chief Minister Yogi highlighted that under Prime Minister Modis leadership, India is on the path to becoming the worlds third-largest economy.

He noted that the double-engine government in Uttar Pradesh has provided government jobs to more than 6.5 lakh youth over the past seven and a half years. For the first time in Uttar Pradeshs history, investment proposals exceeding Rs 40 lakh crore have been received, which are expected to create employment opportunities for around 1.5 crore youth in the state, he added.

He said, Under the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Yojana, the government will offer interest-free loans of Rs 5 lakh in the first phase and Rs 10 lakh in the second phase to 10 lakh youth over the coming years.

Targeting the opposition in a poetic way, Yogi stated, Nazar nahin hain, nazaron ki baat karte hain, Jamin pe chand-sitaron ki baat karte hain. Wo haath jodkar lootne wale, bhari sabha mein sudharon ki baat karte hain (They talk of visions without sight, speak of moon and stars while standing on the ground. Those who looted the people with folded hands now speak of reforms in full gatherings).

He further remarked that Congress and SP have only exploited Uttar Pradesh. Now, a pair of boys has emerged, trying to mislead the state, but their benefits have never extended beyond their own families, he said.

Reflecting on Ghaziabad's transformation, Chief Minister Yogi said that seven and a half years ago, the city was plagued by chaos, heaps of garbage, anarchy, and mafia running a parallel government that extorted goonda tax nut today, under the double-engine government, Ghaziabad has evolved into a smart city.

It now boasts a 12-lane highway, the countrys first rapid rail system, and a metro. Soon, a satellite centre of AIIMS Delhi will also be operational here. Ghaziabad is emerging as a hub of potential in Uttar Pradesh, offering investment, employment and modern infrastructure. Even the iconic Dudheshwar Mahadev has been beautified as part of this transformation, he asserted.

In the programme, along with Chief Minister Yogi, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Sunil Kumar Sharma, Minister of State for Vocational Education (Independent Charge) Kapil Dev Agarwal, Minister of State for Public Works Department Brijesh Singh, MP Atul Garg, former Union minister General (Retired) VK Singh, district panchayat chairperson Mamta Tyagi, Mayor Sunita Dayal and other dignitaries were present.
President Draupadi Murmu will reach Ranchi on her two-day visit to Jharkhand on Thursday evening. The preparations for her visit have been completed by the police administration. Ranchi Police has made tight security arrangements for the Countrys first lady visit. Two thousand police personnel including 6 IPS have been deployed for her security.

President Draupadi Murmu on her two-day visit to Jharkhand will attend the program of Indian Council of Agricultural Research at Namkum, Ranchi on 20 September. For the President's visit the entire area from Ranchi Airport to Raj Bhavan and from Raj Bhavan to Namkum program venue has been converted into a police cantonment.

The route through which the President's convoy will pass will have three layers of security. Apart from 6 IPS, 10 DSPs, 25 inspectors, 20 sub-inspectors, more than two thousand additional soldiers have been deployed for the President's security. Bomb disposal squad, JAP, IRB, RAF and Jaguar teams will be deployed for security. Illegal parking will be prohibited around the venue. Only people with passes will be allowed to enter the venue.

President Draupadi Murmu will reach Ranchi airport at 7:00 pm on September 19 and will go straight to Raj Bhavan. The President will rest in the capital on the night of September 19. On September 20, around 10:00 am, the President will participate in the program of Indian Council of Agricultural Research at Namkum. At around 12.30 pm, the President will leave the venue at Namkum and reach Ranchi airport and then return from there.

SSP Chandan Sinha has instructed all the officers and personnel deployed for the security of the President to remain alert. The SSP has instructed the police station in-charges to conduct continuous anti-crime checking campaigns. Especially in the areas where the President's program is scheduled, the police station in-charge should also patrol those places regularly. Check hotels and lodges. The SSP said that there should be no lapse in security under any circumstances. If anyone is negligent during duty, then direct action will be taken against such policemen.

The tall buildings located on the routes through which the President's convoy will pass have been identified. Police force will be deployed in tall buildings before the President's arrival. Along with this, the police team has also verified about the people living in the building. Complete information including everyone's name and address has been obtained. The police are constantly keeping an eye on those buildings.

On September 19, from Birsa Munda Airport to Hinoo Chowk to Birsa Chowk to Argora Chowk to Raj Bhawan and on September 20, from Raj Bhawan to Argora Chowk via Kadru to Rajendra Chowk to Sadabahar Chowk, a 200-meter radius of ICAR National Institute of Secondary Agriculture located on Namkum Tata Road in Ranchi has been declared a 'No Fly Zone' in respect of drones, paragliding and hot air balloons, which will be applicable from 05:00 am to 10:00 pm on 19 and 20 September 2024.
Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) Hazaribagh celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day on Tuesday.



On this occasion, Governor cum Chancellor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, as the chief guest, congratulated everyone on the foundation day of the university and said that it is the responsibility of all of us to take VBU Hazaribagh to a higher level in the Country.



Gangwar said that he was happy that in this university run in the name of Saint Vinoba Bhave, all the activities for the students are being conducted in a better way but a lot of work is still left in higher education. He said that there are immense possibilities of development in Jharkhand. A better educational environment will have to be created here. Along with this, there is also a need to improve research. There should be 100 percent compliance of the academic calendar. There is a need to become competitive at the global level, he added.



Only technical education will not suffice, along with practical and moral education, knowledge of social responsibility and sensitivity is also necessary. Education that teaches us to discharge our duties and responsibilities towards society and nation must also be studied. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Government has come up with the National Education Policy 2020. He is happy that VBU is taking steps towards implementing it. NEP is a very flexible, inclusive, education that connects students with innovation, said the Governor.



Citing the example of the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Gangwar said that she is always concerned and working in that direction to improve educational institutions. Taking inspiration from Saint Vinoba Bhave, the pioneer of Bhudan Yagna, we have to remain determined to build a better Nation. Wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy birthday, he believes that VBU will play an important role in the target set by Modi ji for the creation of a developed India by 2047. Modi has created a different identity for India on the global stage. From an economic point of view, India is ready to establish itself at the third position today and the world is also seeing India in this form, he added.



Earlier, Vice Chancellor of VBU cum Commissioner of North Chotanagpur Division Suman Kathleen Kispotta welcomed all the scholars and officials present in Vivekanand Auditorium including Gangwar and MP Manish Jaiswal and enumerated the countless achievements of the golden journey of 33 years of the university. She informed that 19 PG, 21 constituent, 34 affiliated, 25 B.Ed, two law colleges, three homeopathic, one Ayurvedic and one engineering college are run under VBU. In vocational courses, MBA, MCA, Bio-technology, Yoga and other courses are offered. VBU has got 'B' grade in NAAC.



Presenting the annual report, Registrar Md Mokhtar Alam informed that while expanding VBU, 1.79 acres of land has been received with the help of district administration. It is the only university in Bihar-Jharkhand which has received a grant of 99.79 crores for academic research under PM Pusa, he added.
Panic prevailed at Hospital Road in Sarangpur of Rajgarh district after three bike riders shot a local journalist dead late in the evening on Tuesday.

Nine-year-old son of the deceased was with him at the time of incident.

The deceased, identified as Salman Khan (35), was sitting on a scooty near the hospital, when three people appeared at the spot and shot him near his temple.

On hearing the gunshot, a huge crowd gathered at the spot. The police were immediately informed and a police team reached the spot. The injured was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead, the police were told that the bike riders shot Salman as soon as they spotted him. Salman was also attacked last year.

The family said that the funeral prayers will be held after Zohar prayers at 2 pm on Wednesday. After this, Salman will be buried in the cemetery.

The police reached the spot and took the injured to the hospital where the doctor declared him dead. The CCTV cameras installed around the spot are being scanned.

At the time of the shooting, SDOP Arvind Singh was in his car and was nearly 50 yards away from the spot but before he could reach, the bike riders had already escaped the spot. The police have investigated the CCTV footage of the surrounding area.

Salman had been working for a daily newspaper and YouTube channel published from Indore for a long time.

According to the victim's family, the case is related to old enmity. Police station in-charge Akanksha Hada said that the police checked the CCTV footage of medical and other shops around the spot throughout the night, the attackers came from the old highway. After shooting, they turned towards Akodia Road from the next intersection and escaped from the spot.

Police station in-charge Akanksha Hada said that last year on February 9 2023, 5 miscreants attacked Salman with knife and sword due to mutual enmity. He was referred to Indore in critical condition. Salman had said that he was having a dispute with Shahrukh living in the city, due to which Shahrukh had beaten Salman's brother. After this, Salman had lodged an FIR against Shahrukh in this case.

Salman alleged that due to this dispute, Shahrukh had called youths from Bhopal for murder at that time. Salman was sitting and discussing with people in his newspaper office. At that time 4 to 5 people attacked him with knife and sword. Later the matter was settled.

Congress state president Jitu Patwari has targeted Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav by posting on X in the matter. Patwari wrote, Unbridled crime and fearless criminals are now targeting journalists as well. As the most unsuccessful Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh, your criminal silence has now become fatal.
The BJP on Thursday released its manifesto for the October 5 Haryana assembly polls, promising a monthly assistance of Rs 2,100 for women, two lakh government jobs for the youth and guaranteed government job for Agniveers hailing from the state.

Union minister and BJP president J P Nadda released the 'sankalp patra' in presence of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Ministers M L Khattar, Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishan Pal Gurjar and head of the party's poll manifesto committee, at Rohtak.

The ruling BJP in Haryana, which is eyeing to ride to power for a third consecutive term after the polls next month, also promised to purchase 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The BJP government in Haryana was already buying 14 crops at MSP. Last month after Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's announcement, the state cabinet gave approval to a proposal of buying 10 more crops at MSP.

Facing flak from opposition parties over the Agnipath scheme, which is for short-term military recruitment, Nadda said there will be a guarantee of government job for every Agniveer hailing from Haryana.

Among 20 main points in the manifesto, the BJP promised Rs 2,100 per month for all women under the Lado Lakshmi Yojna.

The ruling party said two lakh government jobs will be given to the youth without 'kharchi-parchi', a reference to the alleged corruption prevailing earlier under the Congress regime.

The ruling BJP also announced to give cooking gas cylinder at Rs 500 under the Har Ghar Grihni Yojna.

Notably, the state government is already giving cooking gas cylinder at Rs 500 under the Har Ghar Grihini scheme to BPL and antyodaya families in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadda said Haryana has marched on the path of progress during the BJP-led government.

"You will clearly see Haryana has changed and the difference is visible, " he said referring to corruption and scams which allegedly took place during previous regimes.

The BJP also promised 5 lakh houses in urban and rural areas if it is voted to power after the assembly elections besides a scooter for every college-going female student in a rural area under the Avwal Balika Yojna.

Scholarships for Haryana students belonging to the OBC and SC communities in any government medical and engineering colleges in the country will be given, the BJP manifesto stated.

While releasing the party manifesto, Nadda hit out at the Congress and accused it of reducing poll manifestos to a diluted document .

For the grand old party the manifestos are mere formality, with which they deceive the public, he charged and added that Haryana was earlier known as land of scams.

"If we look at those parties, their real manifesto was land scams, taking land at the rate of peanuts, snatching land of farmers and changing its land use. Ten years before did the government have a corrupt image or not," Nadda asked.

"Therefore, when we talk of manifesto, you should know how important it is for us," he said.

"We have talked of 'Non-Stop Haryana', a state which is now marching on path of progress under the BJP rule and the 'kharchi-parchi' system prevalent under the Congress rule has ended.

"You will clearly see Haryana has changed and the difference is visible," Nadda asserted.

Among the other promises made by the saffron party are starting new Vande Bharat trains and setting up of KMP Orbital Rail corridor with the assistance of the Centre.

The party further promised the start of inter-city express metro service between Faridabad and Gurugram.

The BJP also promised setting up of 10 industrial cities on the line of Industrial Model Township Kharkhoda, and said industrialists will be given special incentive for giving 50,000 jobs to local youths in every city.

Under the Chirayu-Ayushman scheme, each family will be given free medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh and an elderly person above 70 years of age in each family will be provided free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh.

The party also promised employment opportunities for 5 lakh youths and monthly stipend through the National Apprenticeship Promotion scheme.

According to the manifesto, the party will set up welfare boards for backward classes and a sufficient budget for their welfare.

Sports nurseries will come up in every district for the Olympic Games, the manifesto stated.

Tourism was also the focus in the manifesto with the party promising an Aravalli Jungle Safari of international level in South Haryana.

Chief Minister Saini said what the BJP promises it fulfils, like it did in 2014 and 2019.

O P Dhankar, who is also BJP's national secretary, said the party takes the budget factor and resources into account for the promises it makes whereas opposition parties manifestos make promises without working out budget for the same.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held a phone conversation with newly-appointed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha with a focus on boosting bilateral ties and finding a solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

The conversation came nearly a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high-profile trip to Kyiv.

"I spoke with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to build on Narendra Modi's historic visit to Kyiv and talks with Zelenskyy," Sybiha said.

"We agreed to take our bilateral relations forward in all promising areas of cooperation. We exchanged views ahead of UNGA and coordinated next steps in political dialogue," he said after the talks.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was looking forward to working with the Ukrainian foreign minister.

"Spoke with the new Ukrainian FM @andrii_sybiha today. Congratulated him on his appointment. Look forward to working with him," he said.

It is learnt that the Russia-Ukraine conflict figured in the talks.

In his talks with Zelenskyy, Modi said both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an "active role" to restore peace in the region.

The prime minister said India was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict and he would even like to contribute personally for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Modi's nearly nine-hour visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister since its independence in 1991, came six weeks after he held summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

India has been maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Barnwell Industries (NYSE:BRN  Free Report) in a research report released on Sunday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

Barnwell Industries Stock Down 0.5 %

BRN stock opened at $2.19 on Friday. Barnwell Industries has a 52 week low of $2.06 and a 52 week high of $3.20. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.96 million, a P/E ratio of -6.64 and a beta of 0.09.

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Barnwell Industries (NYSE:BRN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 13th. The company reported ($0.12) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $5.53 million during the quarter. Barnwell Industries had a negative return on equity of 22.12% and a negative net margin of 15.55%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Barnwell Industries

About Barnwell Industries

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Barnwell Industries stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its holdings in shares of Barnwell Industries, Inc. ( NYSE:BRN Free Report ) by 1.9% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 355,534 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,612 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned 3.55% of Barnwell Industries worth $836,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. 40.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Barnwell Industries, Inc acquires, develops, produces, and sells oil and natural gas in Canada. The company operates through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Land Investment, and Contract Drilling. It also acquires and develops crude oil and natural gas assets in the province of Alberta, as well as invests in land interests in Hawaii.

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EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,900,000 shares, an increase of 10.3% from the August 15th total of 2,630,000 shares. Currently, 3.9% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 585,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 5.0 days.

EPR Properties Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of NYSE:EPR traded up $0.14 on Wednesday, reaching $48.64. The company had a trading volume of 523,383 shares, compared to its average volume of 610,471. The company has a quick ratio of 11.12, a current ratio of 11.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.88 and a beta of 1.75. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $45.59 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.84. EPR Properties has a twelve month low of $39.65 and a twelve month high of $49.63.

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EPR Properties Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a dividend of $0.285 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $3.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.03%. EPR Propertiess payout ratio is currently 168.47%.

Insider Activity at EPR Properties

Hedge Funds Weigh In On EPR Properties

In other EPR Properties news, SVP Gwendolyn Mary Johnson sold 592 shares of EPR Properties stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.82, for a total transaction of $25,941.44. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 5,780 shares in the company, valued at approximately $253,279.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In other news, CAO Tonya L. Mater sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.00, for a total value of $46,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 42,710 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,964,660. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, SVP Gwendolyn Mary Johnson sold 592 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.82, for a total transaction of $25,941.44. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 5,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at $253,279.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 2.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of EPR Properties by 1.0% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,366,416 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $482,504,000 after buying an additional 109,144 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in EPR Properties by 290.3% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,691,029 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $81,930,000 after acquiring an additional 1,257,791 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in EPR Properties by 23.3% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,177,586 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $49,435,000 after acquiring an additional 222,800 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management boosted its holdings in EPR Properties by 0.5% during the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 1,139,494 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $47,836,000 after acquiring an additional 5,140 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in shares of EPR Properties by 5.1% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,106,593 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $46,454,000 after purchasing an additional 53,997 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.66% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

EPR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com downgraded shares of EPR Properties from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on EPR Properties from $42.50 to $47.50 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on EPR Properties from $42.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Royal Bank of Canada raised EPR Properties from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their target price for the stock from $48.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price target on EPR Properties from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $48.06.

Read Our Latest Report on EPR

EPR Properties Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) is the leading diversified experiential net lease real estate investment trust (REIT), specializing in select enduring experiential properties in the real estate industry. We focus on real estate venues that create value by facilitating out of home leisure and recreation experiences where consumers choose to spend their discretionary time and money.

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Lingotto Investment Management LLP purchased a new stake in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 13,000 shares of the CRM providers stock, valued at approximately $3,342,000.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Salesforce by 186.7% in the 1st quarter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. now owns 86 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the period. Piscataqua Savings Bank lifted its stake in shares of Salesforce by 2,400.0% in the 2nd quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 100 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the period. Red Tortoise LLC acquired a new position in shares of Salesforce in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Clear Investment Research LLC lifted its stake in shares of Salesforce by 816.7% in the 2nd quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC now owns 110 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Finally, Stephens Consulting LLC lifted its stake in shares of Salesforce by 3,125.0% in the 2nd quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 129 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.43% of the companys stock.

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Salesforce Price Performance

Shares of NYSE CRM opened at $255.32 on Wednesday. Salesforce, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $193.68 and a fifty-two week high of $318.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $247.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.92, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.29. The business has a 50-day moving average of $253.61 and a 200-day moving average of $267.11.

Salesforce Announces Dividend

Salesforce ( NYSE:CRM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 28th. The CRM provider reported $2.56 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.20. Salesforce had a return on equity of 12.01% and a net margin of 15.44%. The business had revenue of $9.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.22 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.63 earnings per share. Salesforces quarterly revenue was up 8.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Salesforce, Inc. will post 7.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.63%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 18th. Salesforces payout ratio is currently 28.78%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on CRM. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $315.00 price target on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Salesforce from $300.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on Salesforce from $285.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price objective on Salesforce from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Salesforce from $260.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six have issued a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Salesforce presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $305.55.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CRM

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Sabastian Niles sold 2,484 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $244.81, for a total transaction of $608,108.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 828 shares in the company, valued at $202,702.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Salesforce news, insider Sabastian Niles sold 2,484 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $244.81, for a total transaction of $608,108.04. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 828 shares in the company, valued at $202,702.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Parker Harris sold 4,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.97, for a total transaction of $1,104,474.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 117,581 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,920,275.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 62,376 shares of company stock worth $15,878,005. Company insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock.

About Salesforce

(Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale.

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Meridian Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 866 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. Meridian Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $441,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Wealth Alliance boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 1.3% in the second quarter. Wealth Alliance now owns 5,548 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $2,825,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the period. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 36.3% in the second quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 199,382 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $101,537,000 after purchasing an additional 53,099 shares during the period. Financial & Tax Architects LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter valued at $442,000. Lumbard & Kellner LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter valued at $1,019,000. Finally, L & S Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 31.0% in the second quarter. L & S Advisors Inc now owns 6,092 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $3,102,000 after purchasing an additional 1,441 shares during the period. 87.86% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance

NYSE UNH opened at $577.89 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52-week low of $436.38 and a 52-week high of $607.94. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $572.79 and its 200 day moving average price is $519.00. The firm has a market cap of $531.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.32, a P/E/G ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 0.58.

UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend

UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 16th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.80 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.66 by $0.14. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.55% and a net margin of 3.66%. The company had revenue of $98.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $98.73 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $6.14 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.69 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $2.10 per share. This represents a $8.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.34%.

Insider Transactions at UnitedHealth Group

In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $579.03, for a total transaction of $868,545.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,785 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,507,748.55. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other UnitedHealth Group news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total value of $1,624,727.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 29,501 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,812,029.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $579.03, for a total value of $868,545.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,785 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,507,748.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Truist Financial raised their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $600.00 to $640.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $546.00 to $559.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. UBS Group raised their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $640.00 to $680.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Argus raised their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $570.00 to $600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded UnitedHealth Group from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $481.00 to $647.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $614.17.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on UNH

UnitedHealth Group Profile

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

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Tredje AP fonden increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 6.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 730,664 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 42,000 shares during the quarter. Tredje AP fondens holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $75,923,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 29.1% in the 2nd quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. now owns 172,569 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $17,932,000 after acquiring an additional 38,878 shares during the period. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,355 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $349,000 after purchasing an additional 102 shares during the period. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 12.8% during the 2nd quarter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. now owns 12,487 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $1,298,000 after purchasing an additional 1,413 shares during the last quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 9.4% in the second quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 508,812 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $52,871,000 after buying an additional 43,764 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial & Tax Architects LLC boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 9.0% during the second quarter. Financial & Tax Architects LLC now owns 56,553 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $5,876,000 after buying an additional 4,672 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of ABT opened at $118.13 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $205.50 billion, a PE ratio of 36.80, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.72. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $89.67 and a 52-week high of $121.64. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $109.88 and a 200-day simple moving average of $108.56. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted 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 company had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.37 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.65% and a return on equity of 20.18%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.08 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CEO Robert B. Ford sold 141,679 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.41, for a total value of $16,492,852.39. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 220,059 shares in the company, valued at $25,617,068.19. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 1.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently issued reports on ABT. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $121.00 price target for the company. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Edward Jones downgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.80.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ABT

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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Shares of DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA  Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Hold from the five brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $157.00.

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on DVA shares. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of DaVita from $169.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of DaVita from $139.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. TD Cowen boosted their target price on shares of DaVita from $139.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of DaVita from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, June 8th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of DaVita from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th.

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Insider Activity at DaVita

Institutional Investors Weigh In On DaVita

In other DaVita news, insider Kathleen Alyce Waters sold 7,857 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.21, for a total value of $1,148,771.97. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 83,011 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,137,038.31. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . In other DaVita news, insider Kathleen Alyce Waters sold 7,857 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.21, for a total value of $1,148,771.97. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 83,011 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,137,038.31. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, COO Michael David Staffieri sold 9,539 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.03, for a total transaction of $1,431,136.17. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 241,945 shares in the company, valued at $36,299,008.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 173,482 shares of company stock worth $27,387,069. Insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock.

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DVA. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of DaVita in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,097,000. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of DaVita in the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. lifted its position in shares of DaVita by 2.6% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 29,566 shares of the companys stock worth $3,097,000 after purchasing an additional 740 shares during the period. Meridian Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of DaVita by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,921 shares of the companys stock worth $620,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares during the period. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund purchased a new stake in shares of DaVita in the 4th quarter worth approximately $201,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.12% of the companys stock.

DaVita Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of DVA stock opened at $163.16 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $14.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.54, a PEG ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 0.87. DaVita has a one year low of $71.51 and a one year high of $166.04. The companys fifty day moving average price is $146.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $140.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.94, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 1.12.

DaVita (NYSE:DVA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $2.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.47 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.15 billion. DaVita had a net margin of 6.86% and a return on equity of 77.00%. DaVitas revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.08 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that DaVita will post 9.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About DaVita

(Get Free Report

DaVita Inc provides kidney dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure in the United States. The company operates kidney dialysis centers and provides related lab services in outpatient dialysis centers. It also offers outpatient, hospital inpatient, and home-based hemodialysis services; operates clinical laboratories that provide routine laboratory tests for dialysis and other physician-prescribed laboratory tests for ESRD patients; and management and administrative services to outpatient dialysis centers.

Further Reading

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Shares of ECN Capital Corp. (TSE:ECN  Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Hold from the five brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$2.48.

A number of research firms have commented on ECN. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of ECN Capital from C$2.00 to C$2.35 in a report on Friday, August 9th. National Bankshares boosted their price target on shares of ECN Capital from C$2.25 to C$2.50 in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, CIBC lifted their target price on ECN Capital from C$2.00 to C$2.25 in a research note on Thursday, August 8th.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ECN Capital

ECN Capital Trading Up 1.5 %

Shares of ECN stock opened at C$2.07 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of C$581.92 million, a P/E ratio of -6.47, a PEG ratio of 0.24 and a beta of 1.35. ECN Capital has a 1-year low of C$1.60 and a 1-year high of C$3.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 383.08, a current ratio of 10.77 and a quick ratio of 3.81. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$2.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$1.97.

ECN Capital (TSE:ECN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C$0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of C$0.04. ECN Capital had a negative net margin of 55.01% and a negative return on equity of 33.69%. The company had revenue of C$79.37 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$75.42 million. As a group, equities analysts forecast that ECN Capital 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. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.01 per share. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. ECN Capitals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -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 Revvity, Inc. (NYSE:RVTY  Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eighteen brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, nine have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $126.00.

Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup increased their target price on Revvity from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Revvity from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Bank of America raised their price target on Revvity from $118.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Leerink Partners assumed coverage on Revvity in a report on Monday, July 8th. They issued an outperform rating and a $125.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on Revvity in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $130.00 price target on the stock.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on RVTY

Insider Transactions at Revvity

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Revvity

In other news, insider Joel S. Goldberg sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.86, for a total transaction of $412,510.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 33,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,936,524. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Czech National Bank raised its position in Revvity by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 21,713 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,280,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Garrison Asset Management LLC raised its position in Revvity by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Garrison Asset Management LLC now owns 21,328 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,236,000 after buying an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. TriaGen Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Revvity by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. TriaGen Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,767 shares of the companys stock valued at $500,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Guinness Asset Management LTD raised its position in Revvity by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Guinness Asset Management LTD now owns 3,587 shares of the companys stock valued at $376,000 after buying an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Inspire Investing LLC raised its position in Revvity by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 4,190 shares of the companys stock valued at $440,000 after buying an additional 117 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.65% of the companys stock.

Revvity Price Performance

Shares of RVTY stock opened at $124.59 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $118.46 and its 200-day moving average is $110.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a current ratio of 2.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.37 billion, a PE ratio of 102.97, a PEG ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 1.05. Revvity has a 52 week low of $79.50 and a 52 week high of $128.15.

Revvity (NYSE:RVTY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The company reported $1.22 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.12 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $691.70 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $690.33 million. Revvity had a return on equity of 7.34% and a net margin of 6.26%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.21 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Revvity will post 4.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Revvity Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 18th will be given a dividend of $0.07 per share. This represents a $0.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 18th. Revvitys dividend payout ratio is currently 23.14%.

About Revvity

(Get Free Report

Revvity, Inc provides health sciences solutions, technologies, and services in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and internationally. The Life Sciences segment provides instruments, reagents, informatics, software, subscriptions, detection, imaging technologies, warranties, training, and services. Its Diagnostics segment provides instruments, reagents, assay platforms, and software products for the early detection of genetic disorders, such as pregnancy and early childhood, as well as infectious disease testing in the diagnostics market.

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Skeena Resources Limited (TSE:SKE  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Buy from the six analysts that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$16.96.

A number of analysts have issued reports on SKE shares. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on Skeena Resources from C$17.00 to C$17.25 in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Skeena Resources from C$18.00 to C$20.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. Desjardins raised their price target on Skeena Resources from C$19.75 to C$20.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 26th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Skeena Resources from C$15.00 to C$17.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th. Finally, Scotiabank raised their price target on Skeena Resources from C$12.00 to C$13.50 in a research note on Monday, August 19th.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SKE

Skeena Resources Trading Up 0.6 %

Skeena Resources stock opened at C$12.22 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of C$1.30 billion, a PE ratio of -8.09 and a beta of 1.65. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$9.82 and a 200 day moving average price of C$7.63. Skeena Resources has a 52 week low of C$4.20 and a 52 week high of C$12.77. The company has a current ratio of 2.88, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.23.

Skeena Resources (TSE:SKE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported C($0.38) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C($0.08) by C($0.30). Equities research analysts predict that Skeena Resources will post -0.4862973 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, Senior Officer Justin Reed Himmelright sold 7,500 shares of Skeena Resources stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$10.99, for a total value of C$82,395.00. In related news, Senior Officer Andrew Macritchie sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$10.50, for a total transaction of C$52,500.00. Also, Senior Officer Justin Reed Himmelright sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$10.99, for a total value of C$82,395.00. Insiders have sold 45,276 shares of company stock valued at $492,271 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 1.51% of the companys stock.

Skeena Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and nine mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 4,724 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,666 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada.

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Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TYL  Get Free Report) CEO H Lynn Moore, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $576.62, for a total transaction of $2,883,100.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 75,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $43,246,500. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link.

Tyler Technologies Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:TYL opened at $579.49 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $568.26 and its 200-day moving average is $495.94. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.73 billion, a PE ratio of 131.11, a PEG ratio of 5.39 and a beta of 0.78. Tyler Technologies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $361.16 and a 1-year high of $598.93.

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Tyler Technologies (NYSE:TYL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The technology company reported $2.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.34 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $540.98 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $541.01 million. Tyler Technologies had a return on equity of 9.66% and a net margin of 10.24%. The businesss revenue was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.53 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Tyler Technologies, Inc. will post 7.21 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Analyst Ratings Changes

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Independence Bank of Kentucky bought a new stake in shares of Tyler Technologies during the second quarter worth $25,000. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda bought a new stake in Tyler Technologies during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Covestor Ltd lifted its position in Tyler Technologies by 153.6% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 71 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in shares of Tyler Technologies by 329.4% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 73 shares of the technology companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the period. Finally, Lynx Investment Advisory bought a new stake in shares of Tyler Technologies during the second quarter worth approximately $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.30% of the companys stock.

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on TYL. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $627.00 target price on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research report on Friday, September 13th. DA Davidson increased their price objective on shares of Tyler Technologies from $456.00 to $525.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of Tyler Technologies from $550.00 to $625.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. JMP Securities lifted their price target on shares of Tyler Technologies from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their target price on Tyler Technologies from $529.00 to $625.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $582.31.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on TYL

About Tyler Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Tyler Technologies, Inc provides integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector. It operates in two segments, Enterprise Software and Platform Technologies. The company offers platform and transformative technology solutions, including cybersecurity for government agencies; data and insights solutions; digital solutions that helps workers and policymakers to share, communicate, and leverage data; payments solutions, such as billing, presentment, merchant onboarding, collections, reconciliation, and disbursements; platform technologies, an application development platform that enables government workers to build solutions and applications; and outdoor recreation solutions, including campsite reservations, activity registrations, licensing sales and renewals, and real-time data for conservation and park management.

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Algorithms driving popular social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are the focus of increasing ire, drawing fierce criticism for their potential to amplify toxic content, reinforce biases, and corrode mental health and public discourse.

But while most eyes are on the worlds tech giants, Dalhousie legal scholar Dr. Elaine Craig is focused on the way similar mechanisms are driving and reshaping the consumption of mainstream pornography.

And make no mistake, Canadians are significant consumers of the content. In 2021, major global player Pornhub reported over four million discrete user sessions in Canada per day that is about 10 per cent of Canadians visiting their site daily. While its website is freely accessible in Canada, the company, which is headquartered in Montreal, is the target of regulatory action in the European Union.

With large volumes of Canadian traffic flowing to Pornhub and other online purveyors, Dr. Craig says its time to shine a bright light on how they leverage the tech of social media to engross userslearning from their visitors browsing behaviour and serving up content that caters to and potentially distorts their porn consumption patterns.

"The business model for porn has changed," explains Dr. Craig, who is a professor in Dalhousies Schulich School of Law. "Its now consumed on streaming platforms akin to YouTube or Vimeo, driven by algorithms that not only shape the content we see but also amplify its most harmful elements."

This shift is the focus of her new book, Mainstreaming Porn: Sexual Integrity and the Law Online, which explores how law, policy, and social measures can address the harmful consequences of algorithm-driven mainstream porn. Ahead of her book launch at Dalhousies Weldon Law Building on September 24, shes calling on law- and policymakers, and the public to create stronger safeguards around the propagation of pornography in our algorithm-amplified online environment.

To delve into the details, Dr. Craig did a Q&A with us about her book and how Canadas courts and policymakers can contend with an industry motivated to commodify its audience.

Your book asserts that online pornography is becoming an increasing problem. Why have developments in the industry made it something we need to contend with?

The business model for porn has changed. Mainstream porn is now consumed on streaming platforms similar to YouTube or Vimeo. This has some specific consequences, including: i) an explosion in rates of porn consumption (according to Pornhub, 4 million Canadian users are on its site every day; that is 10 per cent of our population on one platform; ii) the reality that algorithms are now shaping the porn that people consume and; iii) a more communal element to porn consumption. You can rate videos, comment on them, interact with other users, or upload your own porn. These virtual porn communities amplify the social impact of porn, including its potential harms.

How has technology exacerbated the issue?

Well, for one thing, everyone with a cellphone is now walking around with access to millions of free porn videos in their pocket. But more than this, platform companies, porn and otherwise, often generate revenue through advertising. They sell the audience. We are the product and so these businesses depend on the number of users visiting and consuming content on their platforms. This can lead to both an attention economy so to speak, in which shocking content such as misogynistic or racist titles and tags may be amplified, and a trend in which larger platforms end up squeezing out smaller, more diverse offerings.

Can you provide a sense of the scope of the problem and its broader social cost?

While there is nothing inherently wrong with pornography and not all porn is problematic, there are some real problems with mainstream corporate porn. Porn platforms are data focussed and driven by algorithms. This risks, in the context of porn, an increasingly homogenized representation of sex, bodies and sexualities. While in theory the internet offers a cornucopia of diversity, the reality in an algorithm-driven mainstream porn context may be a representation of the same bodies and sex acts underpinned by the same sexist, racist, heterosexist, transphobic biases over and over again.

The phenomena of algorithm-driven porn consumption can also result in some problematic trends such as the incredible rise in popularity of incest themed porn including content that eroticizes intra-family sexual abuse, and other depictions of non-consensual sex, violence and coercion- acts that are illegal under Canadian law. The most obvious social cost is the threat that a subset of mainstream content poses to the sexual integrity of women and girls. More broadly, the massified consumption of this type of content harms all of us.



Dr. Elaine Craig. (Danny Abriel photo)

Who should we hold most accountable?

Most importantly, we should hold large, mainstream porn companies accountable. These corporations should be held responsible for content on their sites that violates their own content moderation policies, the use of metadata (titles and tags) to create taxonomies of sex, gender and race based hatred that violate the definition of hate speech in Canada, and the creation of virtual communities which historically made it incredibly easy, indeed almost frictionless, to transmit around the world sexual images of women without their consent.

As a legal scholar, how do you see the courts and legislation playing a role in tackling this issue? What legal strategies do you think could make a difference?

There are important implications for courts and lawmakers. Most obviously, every province should adopt a civil statute like the one enacted in British Columbia to provide victims with accessible, expedited take down and deindexing orders regarding non-consensual content, especially if Bill C-63 is not passed. There are also criminal law issues. For example, the legal narrative of consensual rough sex has arisen over the same period as the rise of porn platforms. Widespread social participation in the consumption of mainstream porn which frequently includes depictions of women responding with delight to being slapped, strangled and penetrated with considerable force will require judges to understand and vigilantly protect the affirmative, communicative definition of consent in Canadian sexual assault when assessing this consensual rough sex defence.

Canadas opposition parties are poised to bring a law to the House of Commons to limit access for those 18 and younger. Do you think this could work?

No, I do not think that age verification laws such as Bill S-210 are the right approach. I devoted a good portion of the last chapter of Mainstreaming Porn to explaining why this law is unlikely to work for the very youth that access porn streaming platforms. Relying on technology rather than pedagogy will leave young people less equipped to deal with the sexually explicit material that they confront or seek out online. We need to talk to kids about porn, which means first building the porn literacy of teachers, social workers, health care providers and folks working in the legal system.

If this legislation isnt adequate, what should government policymakers be doing?

The other proposed legislation relevant to this discussion is the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63). The challenge with it is that, at least in terms of any specificity regarding sexually explicit material, it is singularly focussed on child sexual abuse material and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Everyone, including major porn platforms, agrees that this content should be prohibited. However, beyond child sexual abuse material and non-consensual content, I am not sure that the proposed Online Harms Act adequately grapples with, or offers much hope regarding, the harmful aspects of mainstream porn streaming platforms.

If there is one change your book could inspire, what do you hope it achieves?

Some mainstream porn streaming companies have very strong content moderation policies: hate speech prohibitions, depiction of non-consensual sexual activity policies, and community standards documents. If the content readily available on major mainstream porn platforms consistently reflected the guidelines articulated in their policies, much of the content addressed in my research (the depictions of intra-family sexual abuse, depictions of the sexual assault of sleeping or unconscious girls and women, and the taxonomy of hate speech reflected in some platforms use of metadata) would be removed, which would be a significant improvement.
Merritone Sound Systems Monte Blake

Merritone Sound Systems Monte Blake will be among the 13 distinguished honourees at the upcoming University of the West Indies (UWI) 2024 Graduation Ceremonies.

The events, which will take place from Thursday, October 31, to Saturday, November 2, will see Blake receive the UWIs Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for what the institution describes as his pioneering work in music.

Merritone was founded in 1950 in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, and is the worlds oldest continuously playing sound system.

He will join Beres Hammond, Rita Marley and Jimmy Cliff as music legends who have been presented with honorary degrees by the institution.

The UWI in its citation, acknowledged Monte Blake as a Jamaican cultural ambassador and credited him with preserving the rich musical legacy his father, Val Blake established.

Merritone was the first sound from Morant Bay, St. Thomas. It started in the post-World War IIs genesis era of sound systems and has pioneered Jamaicas sound system industry ever since Now it is the only sound that remains from the original era making it the oldest continuously operating system in the world  the last sound standing, the citation read.

The UWI noted that after Val Blakes passing in 1956, Monte, along with his brothers Trevor, Winston, and Tyrone, upheld the Merritone legacy, cementing its place as a cultural asset for Jamaica and a crucial subsector of the islands creative industry for over 70 years.

Merritone today has the distinction of a symposium at The University of the West Indies, Mona highlighting its impact on Jamaican music, it noted.

Merritone made its Kingston debut at the Wembley Club in 1962 and broke down stereotypes by using music to bridge socio-economic divides, playing at venues as varied as Trench Town and The UWI Mona campus.

The sound system was also the first in Jamaica to launch a website and offer online music selections. It pioneered live online music and event broadcasts long before the technology was adopted by Jamaican radio stations.

The UWI also noted that Blake also managed Kingstons renowned Turntable Club from 1973 to 2000, which became the longest-running nightclub in Jamaica, hosting high-profile guests such as Prime Ministers and global superstars. The club was also the site of Jamaicas first live recorded album, Dennis Brown Live from the Turntable Club. The club is now recognized as a National Heritage Site by the Government of Jamaica.

Following Turntables closure, Merritone continued to thrive, performing at various venues before settling into a decade-long run at the Waterfalls Club.

After Winston Blakes passing, Monte became Merritones chief selector and Director, organizing key events such as the Annual Reunion and Homecoming, First Sunday at the Deck, and Sunday at the Regency. He also expanded Merritones reach into Cuba in the 1980s.

The UWI also cited Montes dedication to music education and philanthropy, adding that his passion for photography has also made him Merritones historian and archivist, and that he remains committed to promoting Jamaican music both locally and internationally.

Monte Blake will stand alongside other distinguished figures who have made significant impacts in the fields of advocacy, medicine, tourism, sport, business, education, and science as The UWI continues its tradition of honouring the contributions of Caribbean luminaries, among them, applied scientist Dr Conrad Douglas, Grenadian sprinter Kirani James and Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dame Susan Dilys Dougan..
A Derry journalist has released a supernatural novel after 24 years in the industry.

During her time as a reporter Leona O'Neill covered everything from terror attacks and murders to presidential visits and political scandals and literally everything in between and often allowed her many newsroom experiences to flavor her fiction writing.

She is a weekly newspaper columnist, a field producer for many international news outlets, and an avid campaigner for journalism safety and better mental health in newsrooms.

A Derry Girl and a mum of four, and lives near Donegal, where she can often be found on a beach looking windswept and interesting with her husband and her dog.

READ NEXT: Derry girl Diona brings new comedy to the Forum

The much anticipated supernatural fiction novel Perdition Street has now hit shelves and will be published by American publishing house Quill and Crow.

The book revolves around Dublin Private Detective Atlas Bishop, a soul binder who binds the souls of the murdered to their murderers with a view to dragging them to Hell.

Its a nasty, violent business, but one Atlas who has many of his own issues, chief amongst them anger issues relishes.
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A man has been jailed at Derry Crown Court after admitting ramming two police vehicles and injuring seven police officers.

Kevin Daniel Derges (35) of Glenowen Park in Derry admitted two charges of dangerous driving on September 17, 2023.

He also admitted possessing cocaine and driving with excess alcohol on the same date.

The court heard that police attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Derges using lights and sirens but the vehicle made off at speed.

Police caught up with Derges who then proceeded to ram a police vehicle on three occasions injuring two officers.

The car then proceeded to the Republic of Ireland but was observed a short time later on the Groarty Road.

Police followed the vehicle which was being driven at speed and at one point turned off it's lights.

Eventually he pulled into a narrow road and rammed another police vehicle injuring five officers.

At this point an officer smashed a window in the vehicle and Derges surrendered to police.

The court heard that the defendant had been convicted when he was 17 of killing his best friend by dangerous driving.

Judge Philip Babington said 'dangerous driving is a very serious offence' and said the defendant should be well aware of that considering his record.

He said Derges had used his car as a weapon and added that following his earlier conviction it is 'hard to believe you behaved as you did on this evening.'

He imposed a sentence of 18 months in prison and disqualified Derges from driving for three years.

He was also fined 500.
Cruise passengers who have been docked in Belfast for three months have completed the Camino de Irlanda del Norte as they arrived in Derry.

Kit Cassingham and Dr Richard Namikas took on the 70-mile trek to pass the time, which they began on Friday morning, completing it six days later on September 19.

The two friends from the US met on the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey, a round-the-world cruise ship which has been docked in Belfast since May. The ocean liner has been unable to leave the cruise terminal due to repair work required to the rudders and gearbox.

Kit is no stranger to long-distance walking, having previously walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Portuguese Camino, totaling 750 miles.

She said: I trained for the Spanish walk, and so this walk here is like a walk in my training.

Im not too tired. In the Camino, in the pyrenees, it is rough. It is uphill for days and at elevation.

One of my childhood friends was going to walk the Camino. It was a dream of her husband, and he didnt live to do it, and she said, Im going to do it. She didnt end up doing it, but I was trained up for it, but I did it.

I believed doing one would be enough, but after a year I did the Portuguese Camino, from Porto up to Santiago.

A year on from her walk from Rome to Assisi, she decided to tackle the Camino de Irlanda del Norte, a walk from Belfast to Derry.

As Kit and Richard completed their walk on the Waterside of the city, she said she felt accomplished.

The pair were astounded by the hospitality and support they had from the people they met across Northern Ireland.

Dr. Namikas said: It is a beautiful, beautiful country and not just the countryside, the people.

John and Mary-Anne, a couple in Toome, wished us luck as we sat for a tea or coffee in a park. We invited them to talk, and he found that he was Irish and his wife was from Michigan in America, and they had read about our walk.

We got talking and found that he had at the age of 75 walked the length of Ireland from the bottom of the island right to the tip.

They were a kindred spirit in understanding our walk, and it turns out they had friends in the next town that we were stopping at, and they owned a Bed and Breakfast. They suggested staying there as they were enamoured with it, but it demonstrated the serendipity that happened along the way.

They then helped us massively, as we had planned to walk somewhere but it was too far, so they said, Walk as far as you can, we will pick you up, and then the next morning we will leave you back in the spot we collected you so you can continue your journey.

Kit is optimistic her time in Ireland will be over and her cruise ship is back up and running as early as next week, but she will miss the country and its people.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DerryNow (@derrynownews)

Kits husband Randy was pleased to welcome her to Derry at the Peace Bridge and was confident in her reaching the Peace Bridge.

A group of their cruise mates met them at Ebrington Square, and they will spend the night in Derry and experience the Walled City and all its charms.

The Ship People cannot wait for their journey to continue after their stint in Ireland.

Dr. Namikas said: We picked the Peace Bridge as a symbolic finish point.

It wasnt about getting here; it was about the journey, and once we get here, being done isnt done; there is always something across the bridge.

Our across the bridge is on the ship; our ship is the next bridge for the next three and a half years for me, until we get to Florida, but that is not the end. The end is when we are done.

Enjoy the journey; look at where we are; there is history here; there is beauty here; the people here. Be here, be now.

Kit and Richard's trek to Derry has been chronicled online. You can view their journey by clicking here.
Chinese envoy urges Afghan authorities to effectively protect basic rights of women, girls

Xinhua) 13:11, September 19, 2024

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged the Afghan interim government to address the legitimate concerns of the international community and take steps to effectively protect the basic rights of women and girls.

Amid the mess left by the hasty withdrawal of foreign troops, the Afghan authorities have worked hard to stabilize the security situation, improve the economy and people's livelihoods, and strengthen regional and international dialogue and cooperation, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

"This momentum is not easy to come by," said the ambassador, noting that Afghanistan continues to face multiple challenges.

Underscoring that Afghanistan's recent vice and virtue law has raised international concerns, Fu said "We must realize that women's rights and interests cannot be realized in a vacuum and that microphone diplomacy will not help solve the problem," urging the international community to take a comprehensive and objective view of the situation in Afghanistan.

He said the international community should support Afghan peaceful reconstruction and economic recovery, help it eliminate the root causes of instability and underdevelopment, and create conditions conducive to safeguarding the rights and interests of all its people, including women.

He called for maintaining the interactions with the Afghan authorities, and scaling up efforts to help Afghanistan overcome its difficulties. "Overseas assets of Afghanistan are Afghan people's life-saving money," Fu stressed, noting that the United States should "unconditionally unfreeze and return them all to the Afghan authorities."

The ambassador also called for supporting the Afghan interim government in its fight against terrorism, urging it to take vigorous actions to resolutely combat the various terrorist forces in its territory and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming an enclave for terrorist organizations again.

He added that the international community should support Afghanistan in launching alternative cultivation and drug rehabilitation programs and in combating narcotics smuggling to further consolidate achievements in the fight against narcotics.

Fu said that China, as a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, "is ready to work with regional countries and the international community to continue to provide assistance to the Afghan people to the best of its ability and to promote lasting peace, security, development, and prosperity of Afghanistan."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The families of four people killed by loyalists in Co Tyrone in 1992 have vowed never to give up after their request for a public inquiry was refused.

Kevin McKearney, 32, was shot dead by a UVF gunman inside his family-run butcher shop in the village of Moy in January 1992. His uncle Jack McKearney, 69, was wounded in the same attack and died in hospital three months later.

Later that year, Kevin McKearneys mother-in-law and father-in-law, Charlie and Teresa Fox  who were 63 and 54 respectively  were shot dead by the UVF inside their home in Moy.

Earlier this year, a coroner said he had been prevented from delivering a narrative around the events following a legal challenge from the Government to it being delivered in open court.

Judge Richard Greene KC also said he had reached a provisional view that an inquest into the four deaths could not proceed because of the withholding of sensitive files from the proceedings on national security grounds.

On Thursday, the families said Secretary of State Hilary Benn had refused their request for a public inquiry, instead recommending it be investigated by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The McKearney family has vowed they will not give up and will not accept an investigation by the body set up by the previous governments Legacy Act.

Kevin McKearneys widow Bernie said: We as a family are not giving up.

Our inquest was stopped by the coroner and a public inquiry was recommended.

We want our inquiry and are not accepting a lesser body like the ICRIR. Unfortunately, this Secretary of State is no different than those before him and now we will proceed to court to challenge him.

Kevin McKearneys sister Angela McKearney added: We will continue our campaign for justice and now move for an urgent judicial review against the decision of the Secretary of State.

Solicitor Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law challenged the Labour Government for not having repealed or replaced the Legacy Act.

It has not repealed any of the Act, still less replaced it. Instead, in this decision, the Secretary of State has expressed its full confidence in a body which is not independent, and which was expressly designed to protect state officers and agents from being held to account, he said.

This decision is a disgrace.

To be clear, the families do not accept that the ICRIR is capable of discharging the states obligation to their family.

The family has no faith in this body and no amount of window dressing will change this familys view and the view of all legacy families of the ICRIR.

The Secretary of State should now abolish the ICRIR.

Responding, a UK Government spokesperson said: The Secretary of State has today written to the families of Kevin and John McKearney and Charles and Teresa Fox to inform them of his decision to not establish a public inquiry into their deaths.

The Secretary of State carefully considered a range of factors in reaching this decision, including the families views, the coroners ruling, the Governments human rights obligations, and important public interest factors.

He expressed his enormous sympathy for the families, and encouraged them to meet with Sir Declan Morgan to hear how the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery would approach an investigation into the deaths of their loved ones.
HIGHLIGHTS LinkedIn may have been training AI models on user data without consent. In a Q&A, LinkedIn mentions, "As with most features on LinkedIn, when you engage with our platform we collect and use (or process) data about your use of the platform, including personal data." Concerns about user data being used without consent are growing.

Have you ever wondered how social media platforms use your data? If youre a LinkedIn user, you might be in for a surprise. LinkedIn may have been training AI models on user data without fully updating its terms, leaving many users in the dark about how their information is being used.

LinkedIn has an opt-out feature for users in the U.S., allowing them to control whether their data can be used to train content creation AI models. However, this option is not available for users in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, likely due to stricter data privacy laws in those regions. While this toggle isnt new, LinkedIn initially didnt update its privacy policy to reflect the data use, as first reported by 404 Media (via TechCrunch).

Also read: LinkedIns new AI features can write your cover letter, review resume & more

The terms of service have been updated, but usually, this happens before a major change, like using user data for a new purpose. This is meant to give users a chance to adjust their accounts or leave the platform if they dont agree with the changes. But this time, that doesnt seem to be the case.

So, what kinds of models are LinkedIn training? According to the company, they include models for writing suggestions and post recommendations. Additionally, generative AI models on LinkedIn might be trained by third-party providers, like Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn.

As with most features on LinkedIn, when you engage with our platform we collect and use (or process) data about your use of the platform, including personal data, the Q&A reads. This could include your use of the generative AI (AI models used to create content) or other AI features, your posts and articles, how frequently you use LinkedIn, your language preference, and any feedback you may have provided to our teams. We use this data, consistent with our privacy policy, to improve or develop the LinkedIn services.

Also read: What made LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, add games to the app?

If you want to opt out of having your data used for this purpose, go to the Data Privacy section in your LinkedIn settings. However, be aware that any opt-out action wont affect data that has already been used for training.

Concerns about user data being used without consent are growing. Recently, during an inquiry, Metas global privacy director confirmed that the company collects public data from Australian users to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Also watch:
HIGHLIGHTS A Mumbai railway official lost Rs 9 lakh in a phone call scam. The victim received a voice-recorded message on his phone. The message warned him that his number would be blocked within two hours and advised him to dial '0' for any queries.

With the rise in digital frauds, it seems like theres a new scam waiting to trap innocent victims every day. This time, a 59-year-old railway official in Mumbai became the latest target, losing Rs 9 lakh after receiving a fake call.

The victim, who works as the Principal Chief Electrical Engineer (Construction) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), received a voice-recorded message on his phone on September 16. The message warned him that his number would be blocked within two hours and advised him to dial 0 for any queries. Panicked by the situation, the railway official followed the instructions and dialled 0.

Also read: Mumbai woman lost Rs 2 lakh in KYC update scam: Heres what happened

When he dialled the number, the call turned into a video chat where the caller introduced himself as a CBI officer. The scammer falsely accused the victim of being involved in a money laundering case. He claimed that one of the victims mobile numbers was linked to a bank account used in the scam, which left the railway official in shock. Although the victim denied having a second mobile number, the fraudster insisted that his name was tied to a number that was part of a Rs 5.8 million money laundering case involving 247 accounts linked to a certain Naresh Goyal, reports PTI (via TOI).

They called him again at 2 PM that same day, pressuring him for more details. During this time, the fraudsters obtained all the details about the railway officials family background, his finance and property details from him. The accused then and the judge will decide the matter, the police official said.

Also read: Ghaziabad couple loses Rs 3 crore in Facebook-linked investment scam: Tips to stay safe

The call ended at 9:30 AM the next morning, putting the victim under digital house arrest. During the call, the fake judge instructed the official to deposit Rs 9 lakh into a specified bank account. Believing this was his only way out, the victim followed their instructions, only to realise later that he had been scammed.

This case serves as yet another warning about the dangers of online scams, reminding everyone to stay alert when answering unknown calls and responding to unknown messages.
HIGHLIGHTS SpaceX plans to launch its first Starships to Mars during the Earth-Mars transfer window that opens in 2026. Elon Musk's vision is to send uncrewed Starships to Mars during the 2026 transfer window to test the spacecraft's landing capabilities. SpaceX aims to send the first crewed flights to Mars in four years.

SpaceX, the space tech company owned by Elon Musk, is gearing up for a groundbreaking milestone in space exploration. According to Musk, SpaceX plans to launch its first Starships to Mars during the Earth-Mars transfer window that opens in 2026.

The Earth-Mars transfer window occurs approximately every 26 months when Earth and Mars are optimally aligned for travel between the two planets. Launching during this window minimises fuel usage and travel time, making it the ideal period for Mars missions.

Musks vision is to send uncrewed Starships to Mars during the 2026 transfer window to test the spacecrafts landing capabilities. These initial missions will focus on ensuring that the Starships can land safely and intact on Mars. If these tests are successful, SpaceX aims to send the first crewed missions to Mars in four years.

Also read: Elon Musks SpaceX now operates two-thirds of Earths active satellites

The first Starships to Mars will launch in 2 years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens.



These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars. If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years.



Flight rate will https://t.co/ZuiM00dpe9  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2024

The first Starships to Mars will launch in 2 years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens. These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars. If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years, Musk wrote in an X post.

Flight rate will grow exponentially from there, with the goal of building a self-sustaining city in about 20 years. Being multiplanetary will vastly increase the probable lifespan of consciousness, as we will no longer have all our eggs, literally and metabolically, on one planet, he added.

Also read: NASA selects Elon Musks SpaceX to provide launch services for JPSS-4 mission: All details here

What is SpaceX Starship?

SpaceXs Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket  collectively referred to as Starship  represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond.

According to SpaceX, Starship is the worlds most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tonnes fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes expendable.
ViewSonic showcases AI-powered displays, targets education and 2B markets

ViewSonic recently held a distributors' event highlighting four main display application scenarios. Notable products included anti-peep AI screens and foldable large-size exhibition screens. In the second quarter of 2024, the company's interactive displays captured 66% of Taiwan's education field market share, with expectations of further growth in AI applications. However, the company noted that many teachers are reluctant to incorporate AI into their teaching, making the simplification of AI applications a key focus for businesses.

The company's main software-hardware integration solution addresses four primary application scenarios: schools, meeting rooms, exhibition halls, and personal workstations. These display applications incorporate software and cloud service technology from various companies, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

ViewSonic Professional Audiovisual (ProAV) General Manager Yujen Lien reported that they have integrated OpenAI's Whisper model for speech-to-text functionality, noting improved generation accuracy. The company plans to continue monitoring technical progress made by other businesses.

ViewSonic has partnered with Nani and Kang Hsuan, two of Taiwan's three largest textbook companies, to promote "AI textbooks" aimed at enhancing student-teacher classroom interaction. The company is also exploring additional AI screen applications, with plans to implement technologies such as verbal control and meeting abstract generators.

Regarding market share, ViewSonic's interactive displays in Taiwan's education market achieved a penetration rate of 59.35% in the first quarter of 2024, which increased to 66% in the second quarter, representing over half of the market. Lien mentioned that he teaches at a university, and many of his colleagues also have teaching backgrounds, giving the team an advantage in understanding the education market's pain points.

Sources indicate that ViewSonic has its headquarters in the United States and an R&D Center in Taiwan. The company employs over 1,300 staff members globally, with about 600 based in Taiwan. It primarily uses SoCs from Qualcomm and MediaTek for its products and avoids using chips from China-based companies. Its partnered production lines are located in areas including China, Vietnam, and India, while products required by the Taiwanese military are manufactured in Taiwan.

Simplifying usage and providing education training become key aspects

ViewSonic chairman James Chu noted that more schools are replacing traditional classroom blackboards with interactive displays. He emphasized that the key to expanding usage lies in ecosystem solutions and improving user experience.

While AI can generate images and its capabilities continue to expand, Chu questioned its significance in the teaching field. He observed that many teachers are hesitant about incorporating AI into their courses. Consequently, simplifying usage and providing education training have become crucial factors.

Chu also stated that the company's displays have made significant progress in the business meeting sector, and he hopes to achieve the same market share as in the education market.

ViewSonic's anti-peek AI screen module incorporates image sensors and facial recognition algorithms. If the user's face moves a certain distance away from the screen, it will automatically darken. If the user leaves their position for a certain amount of time (which can be adjusted), the screen will turn off automatically. For large exhibition halls, the company has introduced a foldable screen to facilitate easier transport.
Samsung's smartphone market lead threatened after losing trifold race

South Korean media outlets have been drawing comparisons between Samsung Electronics (Samsung) and Huawei following the latter's release of the world's first trifold phone. Not only has Samsung missed the opportunity to claim the title of "world's first trifold phone," but its new foldable phone, the Galaxy Z6 series, has also underperformed in sales expectations.

Industry insiders suggest that Samsung's Mobile eXperience (MX) division may have prioritized cost reduction at the expense of innovation.

South Korea-based media TheElec highlighted that while Samsung has been leading the foldable phone market, it has allowed Huawei to take the initiative in the emerging trifold phone segment with the release of the "Mate XT Ultimate."

Samsung's history with trifold phone technology dates back to 2021 when the company filed trifold phone-related patents in South Korea and the United States. However, these designs differed from the Z-shaped double fold of Huawei's Mate X3.

Despite this early research, Samsung has not announced any immediate plans to release a trifold phone. According to sources, Samsung and Samsung Display (SDC) have shifted their focus towards developing rollable phones.

Rumors suggest that Samsung's rollable mobile device will feature a 12.4-inch screen with Under Display Cameras (UDCs). Speculation points to a potential release in the second half of 2025.

The public has criticized Samsung for allowing Huawei to claim the title of "world's first trifold phone." An insider revealed that Samsung's MX department, responsible for the company's mobile phone business, has recently prioritized cost reduction to improve profitability.

Another source noted that Samsung discontinued the production of prototypes for regular mobile phone sales channels in 2024, highlighting the company's intense focus on cost-cutting measures.

Galaxy S24 and Z6 series fall short of sales expectations

Samsung's new Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z6 series, both released in 2024, have failed to meet sales projections.

Initially, South Korean securities firms estimated sales of 35-36 million units for the Galaxy S24. However, according to Equity Research, the Galaxy S24 only sold 23.4 million units in the seven months following its release.

Analysts suggest that while the Galaxy S24 generated interest with its "Galaxy AI" feature, its hardware specifications were not significantly different from the previous generation.

The Galaxy Z6 series faces a similar challenge, emphasizing AI functionality but offering minimal hardware improvements over its predecessor. As a result, the Galaxy Z6 series received only 910,000 pre-orders, down from the Galaxy Z5 series' 1.2 million pre-orders in 2023.

Although market research agencies differ in their assessments, there is consensus that Samsung's dominance in the foldable phone market is under threat. A representative from Counterpoint Research stated that while Samsung is expected to maintain its lead in the global foldable phone market, the gap between Samsung and its competitors is likely to narrow significantly.
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Chinese MacBook bearing supplier hit by quality issues, orders shift to US, Taiwan

Kunshan Kersen Science Technology Co., Ltd., a crucial supplier of MacBook bearings, has reportedly suspended shipments due to quality control issues. In response, Apple has redistributed orders to alternative suppliers, including US-based Amphenol and Taiwanese firms Shin Zu Shing and Jarllytec. While none of the involved parties have issued official statements, industry experts anticipate that this order shift will impact the supply chain through the end of the year.

The MacBook Air in question is not a new model, yet production defects have emerged. Supply chain insiders explain that it's common for brand manufacturers to replace certain materials during production, which can occasionally lead to quality issues.

Even after orders are transferred to new suppliers, the effects of these defects may persist until the product reaches its end-of-life (EOL) stage. Consequently, despite the change in suppliers, the material alterations could continue to affect the product until it is no longer in production or supported.

Kersen has expanded its role in Apple's supply chain, progressing from mechanical components to bearings, while playing a crucial role in supporting local suppliers. However, the recent quality issues have also drawn attention to Apple's broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers, a shift often discussed within the context of the "red supply chain."

Despite the current quality control challenges, industry insiders believe Kersen may still have future opportunities to secure orders, as Apple continues to diversify its production network to mitigate risks and ensure product quality across its supply chain.
Samsung expands mobile phone production beyond Asian countries, says DIGITIMES Research

Samsung's strategic expansion of its global manufacturing footprint in 2023 underscores its commitment to diversifying production, mitigating risks, and bolstering its regional market presence. By increasing production diversification, Samsung aims to enhance flexibility and cost-efficiency, with India, Brazil, Argentina, and Pakistan emerging as key hubs in this strategy, according to DIGITIMES Research.

DIGITIMES Research analyst Yen Chou reports that in 2023, Samsung expanded its global manufacturing footprint. In addition to traditional production bases like India and Vietnam, Samsung has been developing manufacturing ecosystems in Brazil, Argentina, and Pakistan.

These efforts are expected to diversify Samsung's production base, minimize risks associated with supply chain disruptions, and strengthen its position in regional markets. This diversification of manufacturing operations allows Samsung to reduce its dependency on any single location while increasing flexibility and cost-efficiency in production.

India, along with Vietnam, continues to be a major hub in Samsung's mobile phone manufacturing strategy, thanks to the manufacturing facility located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The company is ramping up production across a broad spectrum of devices, from entry-level to premium models.

Chou noted that India has become an export hub for high-end models like the Galaxy S24 Plus, which are now being shipped to European markets. This shift aligns with Samsung's broader goal of leveraging local production to quickly meet regional demands while cutting down on costs related to international logistics.

Samsung's Brazilian operations have experienced substantial growth, with the local supply chain now supporting the production of mid-range to high-end devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip5 5G. Furthermore, Chou reported that Brazil has begun local manufacturing of accessories such as charging cables and manuals for the Galaxy S23 FE, further deepening the country's integration into Samsung's global supply chain.

In Pakistan, Samsung has been outsourcing smartphone assembly to Lucky Motor, a local electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, since 2021, including the assembly of the Galaxy S23 FE 5G. However, despite these advancements, Chou noted that Pakistan's local supply chain remains underdeveloped, with components such as charging cables and power adapters still being imported from Vietnam.

Phone Arena reports that in 2023, around 21 million mobile phones were produced domestically in Pakistan, with local and Chinese brands leading the charge, while 1.7 million units were imported, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The country offers incentives to mobile phone manufacturers to encourage local production.

Similarly, Samsung's manufacturing operations in Argentina have expanded with the help of a local EMS provider. Early models like the Galaxy A22 4G and Galaxy A53 5G were among the first to be assembled locally. The company has since increased its capabilities to assemble devices such as the Galaxy Z Flip5 5G. However, like Pakistan, Chou indicated that Argentina's supply chain is still evolving, relying on imported accessories from Vietnam to complement the assembly process.

Samsung's diversification of its global manufacturing network serves as a strategic response to geopolitical uncertainties and the growing demand for region-specific products. By expanding in emerging markets, Samsung is better positioned to cater to local preferences while ensuring a more resilient and adaptive supply chain across its key regions.

Samung mobile phone production update Country Features India Full range of low, mid, and high-end models, with increasing production capacity Brazil Maturing local manufacturing supply chain, increased production. Expanded product line to include mid-range and high-end models, such as Galaxy Z Flip5 5G Argentina Outsourced assembly to local EMS providers, primarily for mid-range and low-end models. Relies on imported accessories, supply chain still incomplete Pakistan Lucky Motor handles assembly, increased production capacity. Primarily produces mid-range models, relies on imported accessories

Source: DIGITIMES Research, September 2024

About the analyst

Yen Chou received a master's degree from the Graduate Program for Political Economy at National Cheng Kung University. He worked as an assistant researcher at the Institute for Physical Planning and Information and as an analyst at DIGITIMES Research. His research focuses on Samsung's global investment and operation, the electronics industry in Vietnam, and the display industry in South Korea.

Credit: DIGITIMES Research
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On Wednesday, the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people in Louth and nationwide, held a special event bringing young people face to face with members of the Oireachtas to discuss funding for youth services.

Taking place at Buswells Hotel in Dublin, the young advocates were able to speak directly to key decision makers ahead of Budget 2025. Niall Brady from Carlingford representing the Louth constituency said: I really enjoyed meeting our local representatives and sharing with them some of the amazing experiences Ive had with NYCI.

"Theres so much important work happening in our local area to support young people and I want to make sure that our local representatives carry that message to the national level, so that youth work in our area and beyond gets its fair share come budget time.

NYCI is calling for a 15 million increase in funding for youth work in order for the needs of young people to be met. The advocates present at Wednesday's event, many of whom were NYCI Local Champions, told policymakers about the vital role these services have played in their own lives and how this funding is essential to keep these supports running.

Kathryn Walsh, NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy, said The National Youth Council of Ireland is devoted to advocating for young people and youth work to receive the necessary investment and support they deserve. This event was a great opportunity for policymakers to hear about how youth work can transform young peoples lives.

"We hope that this has made its value clear and that our elected representatives will commit to increasing funding in this years budget.

According to the NYCI, this investment of an additional 15 million is needed to secure the future of crucial youth work services, which would have a significant positive impact on local communities. Enhanced funding for universal and targeted youth work would ensure that growing local demand is met, giving every young person in the community access to essential support.

Capital investment in physical youth work spaces would help maintain accessible, welcoming facilities in towns and neighbourhoods, says the NYCI, making it easier for young people to engage with these services. Furthermore, it adds, strengthening Youth Information Services would provide local communities with a vital resource to ensure young people have access to accurate and trustworthy information that can benefit their development and well-being.

To learn more about the NYCIs efforts to advocate for increased investment in youth work, please visit youth.ie
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is calling on households in Louth to take part in the Census Pilot Survey on or before Census Pilot Survey Day, which takes place this Sunday, 22 September.

This is an opportunity for householders in Louth who have been selected to take part in the Census Pilot Survey to fill out a census form online for the first time in Irish history. While this is a voluntary pilot survey that allows the CSO to test new questions and new ways of filling out your census form, the responses and feedback will provide essential information to help them prepare for Census 2027. Paper forms in both Irish and English are also available.

Letters of invitation have been sent to six selected locations around Louth, which are in parts of:

Drogheda urban

Monasterboice

They are asking all householders who received letters of invitation to take part this weekend. Even if you havent received a letter, you can take part by visiting censuspilot.ie.

Read Next: Louth schools selected for gender violence prevention programme

Eileen Murphy, Head of Census Administration, said: We greatly appreciate the forms and feedback returned so far. As we get closer to Census Pilot Survey Day which takes place this Sunday, we are asking the people of Louth to please give us your help and support by taking part. We cannot do this without you. By taking the time to complete the Survey, you will give us essential feedback on your experience of the online or paper form and whether the questions are understood.

Our phone line, 1800 202409, and website, censuspilot.ie, are available for you to contact us if you need help to take part.

Traditionally, the purpose of a pilot census has been to test new and changed questions for the next census. In the case of this Census Pilot Survey, not only will the Survey help us test new questions, it also has the added importance of testing an online option for the first time in the history of the Irish census.
A decision made by Cork City Council to refuse planning permission for a proposed 92-unit residential development at Bessborough in Blackrock has been upheld by An Bord Pleanala.

In November 2022, MWB Two Ltd sought permission for the apartment scheme, which also included proposals for a creche, to be developed in two stepped buildings, ranging in height from five to eight stories.

Cork City Council refused planning permission for the application in January 2023.

It said that the height, scale, design and relationship of the proposed development to the historic landscape in which it sits, would result in isolated residential blocks in a protected landscape and would comprise haphazard development which it said would detract from the character of the area which is designated as an Area of High Landscape Value in the Cork City Development Plan.

MWB Two Ltd subsequently lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala.

The appeal document submitted on behalf of MWB Two Ltd said that the applicants were disappointed by the decision, stating that amendments were made to the initial scheme following pre-planning talks.

Also included in the grounds for the appeal, MWB Two Ltd contended that the proposed development has full regard to the planning history of the site and the evolving character of development in the area.

However, An Bord Pleanala has decided to uphold the councils decision to refuse planning.

In its reasoning, the board cited similar concerns about the design of the scheme, considering that it would dominate the historic landscape and detract from its character.

The board also said it considers that the potential exists for the presence of human remains and/or burials at this proposed development site associated with the former use of the lands as a Mother and Baby Home over the period 1922 to 1998 and that it would be premature to grant permission for the proposed development prior to establishing the extent of human remains and/or burials, if any.
The issue of homelessness has never been as severe in Cork as it is right now, the head of the citys leading housing and homeless charity has said.

Cork Simon chief executive Dermot Kavanagh told The Echo that the past year has been the most challenging the charity has ever experienced.

At the launch of Cork Simons annual impact report for 2023, Mr Kavanagh said the past year had been very tough, with the charity supporting more people than ever before.

The number of people turning to us for help increased by 9% in just 12 months to 1,498 people, he said. We met more people sleeping rough, we supported more people in our emergency accommodation, and we responded to a growing complexity of need.

Cork Simon increased capacity at its emergency accommodation by 17% to 75 people a night in 2023, compared to 64 per night in 2022. The charitys outreach team met 577 men and women sleeping rough in 2023  a 39% increase compared to 2022, meeting an average of 30 people per night  a 135% increase.

Cork Simons soup run served 13,743 hot meals in 2023  a 102% increase on 2022.

The number of people classed as long-term homeless  with stays of more than six months in emergency accommodation over a 12-month period  at Cork Simons emergency shelter increased by 34% to 67 people in 2023.

Mr Kavanagh said it had been seven years since then taoiseach Leo Varadkar had declared a housing and homelessness emergency.

Back then, in 2017, in July, there were 8,000 people homeless and [now] there are 14,500 people homeless across the country, and similarly the number of homeless people in the South-West, mainly in Cork, has also doubled in that period, he said.

Its very concerning, and its concerning in light of the fact that a couple of years ago the Government committed to ending homelessness, as part of the Lisbon Declaration, by 2030, so its vital that goal is re-energised now.

Mr Kavanagh said the charity had responded to myriad challenges against the backdrop of addressing a 2022 deficit of well over half a million euro, and reducing it to 180,000 while working on breaking even by the end of 2024.

Some 12,497 donors gave the charity 5,203,468 last year, he said, with 88c from every euro spent directly on activities and services aimed at ending homelessness; while 400 part-time volunteers and 31 full-time volunteers from five different countries gave generously of their time and skills during 2023.

Cork Simon supported 46 people to move from homelessness to secure, affordable, supported, and independent housing in 2023, while 101 people were supported by the charitys addiction treatment and aftercare programme, representing a 23% increase.

Some 221 people engaged with Cork Simons employment and training programme over the past year.

Mr Kavanagh said the charity had never before seen such a demand for its services, with pressure increasing every year. We were up to 1,500 people last year, and I dont know how many years now Ive been coming out when weve launched our annual report and said: Weve seen more people this year than last year, and its just relentless, said Mr Kavanagh.

He said there had been a great improvement over recent years in the provision of social housing by Cork City Council, but that population pressures meant youre running to stand still and targets needed to be revisited.

Mr Kavanagh added that Cork Simon is a broad community working collaboratively to help people find a home.

We had incredible support throughout a difficult year for everyone, he said. It really is Cork at its best.
Behavioural practitioners from the National Council of Special Education have been assigned to a pilot scheme to restore therapists to a small number of special schools in Cork and Dublin, it has been confirmed.

However, a Cork principal has said that she was told that NCSE behavioural therapists  professionals with a third-level qualification in behavioural therapy  could not be sent to the schools involved until HSE-appointed therapists (speech and language and occupational therapists) are in place.

The assignment of behavioural practitioners, typically teachers with an interest in special-needs education, appears to be the first step in the implementation of the pilot scheme.

St Pauls Special School in Montenotte, Carrigaline Community Special School, Rochestown Special School, and Our Lady of Good Counsel Special School in Ballincollig are the Cork schools involved in the pilot scheme.

The NCSE confirmed yesterday that regional co-ordinators had also been appointed by the NCSE to implement the pilot scheme in Cork and Dublin and were currently in position.

These co-ordinators have convened working groups this week and all participating schools have been contacted regarding this initiative.

NCSE behavioural practitioners have been assigned to the pilot scheme and will be reaching out to the six special schools involved, including those in Cork, within the coming days to identify and address their needs.

The NCSE statement said that while its behavioural practitioners and co-ordinators were integral to this new pilot, the NCSE itself is not directly involved in the recruitment of HSE therapists for these schools, as this falls under the remit of the Department of Education and the HSE.

St Pauls Special School principal Anne Hartnett said that she had been contacted by an NCSE co-ordinator, but had been told that while behavioural therapists had been appointed, they could not be sent to the schools until the HSE therapists were in place. She said that the school did have a behavioural practitioner who had been in place since before the pilot scheme.

Last week, The Echo asked the HSE how many additional therapists were being recruited in the four Cork schools and when the schools could expect to see therapists back for the first time since early 2020.

The HSE Disability Service and the Childrens Disability Network Team lead agencies are engaging with colleagues in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to progress the pilot scheme for the four identified special schools in Cork, said a spokesperson.

Ms Hartnett, who is also co-chair of the National Association of Special School Principals, said she had finally been contacted on Friday by an interim manager of Childrens Disability Network Team who are the on-the-ground teams dealing directly with schools in the pilot scheme.

They asked her how many pupils attended St Pauls and what tasks the speech and language or occupational therapists would be carrying out at the school.

Ms Hartnett said that she was surprised at this request, as she had supplied this information repeatedly over the past few years.

The Echo has contacted the other three special schools in Cork included in the pilot scheme.
Lady Mayoress of Cork, Saoirse Hurley, has launched the Lady Mayoress Coffee Morning in aid of Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.

The annual event will take place on Thursday, September 26, at Cork City Council Chambers.

It is an honour to be able to support Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, she said. There has been help from so many kind volunteers, and I wish to thank all the performers and donors, as well as Cork City Council, who are coming together to make this Lady Mayoress coffee morning such a special event. If you are around on the morning of September 26, be sure to join us at Cork City Hall.

This year, the raffle on the day will also raise money for the Rainbow Club, Cork.

For any businesses looking to help, donations of cakes, scones, pastries, etc are still being accepted.

To get involved, call 021-4924364.
A 44-year-old man was charged with arson arising out of an investigation into damage caused by fire to a caravan in Crosshaven on Saturday morning.

Eoin Twomey of 23 Calderwood, Donnybrook, Cork, was charged by Garda Ruairc Courtney with arson by causing damage by fire to the caravan at Graball Bay, Crosshaven, County Cork, on September 14.

He is also charged with burglary at a house at that location four days earlier on September 10.

And thirdly, he is charged with causing 500 damage to the windscreen of a car at Calderwood on September 13.

Judge Philip OLeary remanded him in custody until October 1 to allow time for gardai to get instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Diocese of Cork and Ross has announced plans to sell its existing office and former bishops palace off Redemption Road to fund the construction of a new pastoral centre.

The Cork and Ross Pastoral Centre would be used to help train volunteers for leadership and ministry in the families of parishes in the years and decades ahead, the diocese said.

It would bring all diocesan functions under the one roof, including education, mission and ministry, youth ministry, safeguarding, communications and administrative functions including the bishops office and diocesan secretariat.

The diocese has also identified the "urgent need" to create a secure archive space which can be used to store important records from across the diocese into the future.

"As a community, we need to address the reality that more and more lay people will be engaged to meet the pastoral needs of our diocese in the years ahead," Bishop of Cork and Ross, Most Reverend Fintan Gavin, said.

"As of now, we do not have suitable premises in which to train and support people, who will be vital to the provision of ministry and outreach.

"The new pastoral centre will be used by the community and priests, and ensure a more efficient use of resources under one roof for both the priests and laity."

The diocese said an assessment of the existing diocesan office off Redemption Road has determined that it "no longer remains fit for purpose, and too significant an investment would be required to renovate and extend what is a listed building".

To that end, the diocese has made the decision to instead offer the site of the diocesan office for sale, with the intention that it could be included in the wider Farranferris campus.

The redevelopment of the site, it said, would allow for the provision of additional much needed homes on the northside of the city and its sale would help fund the construction of a purpose-built facility at a different location.

The Diocese of Cork and Ross is engaging with Cork City Council with a view to agreeing a master plan in conjunction with the remaining lands at Farranferris.

Separately, a site in Dennehys Cross next to the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit is being considered as one of the potential sites for the new pastoral centre.

Bishop Gavin said he has begun a wider consultation process on these potential developments.

The seat of the Bishop of Cork and Ross will always remain on the northside at the North Cathedral.

However, we feel the time is right to move all training, support and administrative functions to one location.

This will help us to secure the future for the diocese to continue supporting our parishes as we plan better for the future.

Funds from the sale of the Diocesan Office will be used to meet the costs of the new centre.

I look forward to engaging widely throughout this process, and would ask anyone who has questions about the plans to contact me or the diocesan office at their convenience," he said.
A Cork farmer set fire to furze on his own land in Kells, County Kerry, but he panicked when it got out of control. A conservation ranger encountered him trying to beat it back with a shovel.

On September 18, at Cork District Court, 44-year-old Maurice Bowler pleaded guilty to a charge, contrary to the Wildlife Act, of setting fire to uncultivated vegetation three days outside the permitted six-month period.

Mr Bowler, of The Quadrants, Ballincollig, County Cork, who inherited family farmland in Kells, County Kerry, was planning to use the land to graze sheep, but he faced the prospect of a fine up to 5,000 for the wildlife offence.

In the case, prosecuted by barrister Jeff Hitchmough on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mr Bowler was defended by solicitor Killian McCarthy, who said the part-time farmer was quite panicked and distressed when the fire took off, ultimately burning 12 hectares.

He could see there was a forest nearby and the fire had spread quite extensively at this point.

The fire took on a life of its own, Mr McCarthy said.

Conservation ranger Jean Hamilton was in the area and investigated when she saw smoke, and she contacted fire services to bring it under control, something that took several hours.

A southerly wind was blowing the fire up the hill.

The fire started on his land and blew on to commonage, Ms Hamilton said.

Mr McCarthy said Mr Bowler inherited the land in 2016 and keeps 60 sheep to have the land in use.

He would not be overly familiar with the process of burning land, Mr McCarthy said. He was of the belief that he was entitled to do this at certain times of the year. Unfortunately, he was three days out (on March 3, 2023). He is embarrassed to be here and does not intend to be here again.

Judge John King said: It was a huge error of judgement on his part. It could have had serious consequences, not just for him, but for his neighbouring farmland. He did not have control of the fire. It was his responsibility to know the time when it is permissible to be burning.

Judge King said that if Mr Bowler paid 600 to the court poor box, he would dismiss the charge under the Probation of Offenders Act.

March 1 to August 30 is when the burning of land is prohibited, as it is an important time for nesting birds and their chicks.
Thank God I never drink from the mini-bar - that was the relief expressed by a sentencing judge after hearing that drinking all of the bottles that were in one of them in a hotel room left the guest owing 448.

Efforts made by The Dean Hotel in Cork to get the 30-year-old to pay for what he drank proved unsuccessful.

Timmy Saubolle of The Green, Tir Cluain Mill Road, Midleton, County Cork, was prosecuted for a theft-related offence in respect of the matter and he pleaded guilty to that at Cork District Court.

Judge Philip OLeary said he would adjourn sentencing to give Mr Saubolle time to pay the bill, Sergeant Gearoid Davis said.

However, the 30-year-old said he would not be able to pay the bill as he was supporting four children.

Judge OLeary took into consideration previous convictions of the accused and sentenced him to four months in prison.

The defendant stayed at The Dean Hotel on July 8 and consumed the contents of the mini-bar in his room but failed to pay for them.

When Judge OLeary expressed surprise at the 448 total, the young man spoke up to the judge saying: A bottle that size is 45, gesturing a relatively small size with his hands.

That was when the judge said he was glad he did not drink from the mini-bar himself.

Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said the young man simply could not afford to make the payment now or in the future: He came here ready to go into custody.
A community mental health nurse who overcame breast cancer returned from France at the weekend after completing a self-funded, 750km charity cycle over six days from Paris to Nice.

Ber Downey, who lives in Clonakilty, undertook this journey to raise awareness around organ donation, particularly the living kidney donor programme, with all funds raised going to the Irish Kidney Association (IKA).

Bers motivation in undertaking the cycle was to support her close friend, Fiona ODonnell, who has returned to dialysis since January this year after her first kidney transplant, received seven years ago from another close friend, Grainne OKeeffe, eventually, failed.

Ber raised over 11,500 for the IKA, the charity that has been a lifeline for her friend Fiona and other kidney patients in Ireland.

Her journey began with a series of travel setbacks including her outwards flight from Cork to Paris being grounded due to technical issues, leading to an unscheduled trip to Dublin to catch an early morning flight the next morning instead.

On the third day, Ber awoke feeling unwell with a sore throat. Her autoimmune arthritis had flared up, but despite these challenges, Ber described how the support from her fellow cyclists was overwhelming.

After a quiet evening to recover, Bers immune system remained weakened, but she was determined to complete the event.

As she reached the Promenade des Anglais in Nice on the final day, the cyclists were greeted by a rousing reception from a large group of supporters who had gathered to cheer them on.

Some of us, including myself, were filled with joy while remembering loved ones who had passed away  wishing they could have witnessed our accomplishment, Ber said.

At the same time, we were reflecting on the long journey we had prepared for, hoping we had done justice to the charities we represented and honoured the support of those who stood by us.

When I crossed that finish line, it was a huge sense of relief and pride. It had been such a physical and personal challenge but knowing I did it for my friend Fiona and others facing kidney disease and organ failure made it all worthwhile, she said.

Ber's fundraiser can be found here.
A Cork man accused of punching a garda in the face allegedly wrote his own name in blood on the cell wall of a garda station when taken in for questioning.

These were the allegations made by Sergeant Dave Delea at Cork District Court in the case against Rian OLeary, aged around 30, of Hayville, Sallybrook, Glanmire, County Cork, who is charged with assaulting Garda Michael Abernethy, at Commons Road, Cork, on April 9.

He is charged with engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a source of danger on the same occasion.

In respect of Gurranabraher Garda Station, he is charged that without lawful excuse he damaged property by smearing the cell in blood and ripping the mattress inside.

Sgt Delea said the DPP directed trial summarily at Cork District Court.

Judge Philip OLeary asked for an outline of the allegations so that he could decide whether he was accepting jurisdiction on the case.

The allegations included one that he squared up to gardai who attempted to search him and punched Garda Abernethy twice in the face before attempting to run away.

In the holding cell of the Gurranabraher Garda Station, it is alleged, he smeared the cell in blood and wrote his name on the wall with his blood and ripped up the mattress, causing 280 damage.

He was subsequently brought to Mercy University Hospital by ambulance where he discharged himself, Sgt Delea said.

Before leaving garda custody, he told the member in charge, I played that well, didnt I?

Judge OLeary said the allegations were serious, however he would accept jurisdiction to deal with the case at district court level.

The case was adjourned for a copy of the prosecution statements to be sent to defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly.

This would allow that consideration could be given to whether a plea of guilty would be entered or that the case would be contested instead.

Rian OLeary was remanded on bail until October 17 for that purpose.
Ten new jobs have been announced as a Mexican-inspired food chain is set to open its third location in Cork.

Zambrero will open its newest store on Monday at Eastgate Business Park in Little Island.

The new location will open with franchisee Shane Cantillon at the helm, and will create 10 new jobs for the area.

General Manager of Zambrero in Ireland, Darragh Fanning said: Were so grateful to the people of Cork whove given us such a warm welcome since we opened our first location in Cork at Dennehy's Cross in 2017 and again when we opened our second one in Douglas Village Shopping Centre last year.

The community has embraced the brand and shown that they love our food and our ethos.

Were delighted to open our third location in Cork in partnership with our local franchisee Shane Cantillon and look forward to seeing you in Little Island.

The opening of the Little Island branch marks the 26th Zambrero location in Ireland with plans for further expansion in 2025, and also coincides with Zambreros global celebration of reaching a milestone of 300 locations in countries including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom.

In addition to serving healthy Mexican cuisine, Zambrero remains committed to its Plate 4 Plate initiative, which ensures that for every burrito or bowl purchased, a meal is donated to individuals in need through Zambrero's partner, Rise Against Hunger.

The new store in Little Island will open every day from 9am until 9 pm, Monday through Sunday.

To mark the opening, the first 300 customers on September 25 will be treated to a complimentary Chicken Chipotle burrito, which is a new addition to Zambrero's menu.
A woman was rescued in Cork today following reports of a person in difficulty on the cliff-face at a popular beach.

The incident, which happened shortly after 6pm, saw one woman brought to safety after being cut off by the tide at Garrylucas Beach near Kinsale.

The woman had gotten stuck halfway up the cliff, and a report was issued to the Valentia Coast Guard Station by members of the Kinsale Gardai.

Following the report, the Coast Guard Rescue 117 helicopter was deployed from Waterford, alongside the Old Head of Kinsale Coast Guard unit and the Courtmacsherry Lifeboat team.

Upon arrival, at approximately 6.30pm, a winchman was lowered from the helicopter and lifted the woman to the top of the cliff into the hands of the Coast Guard team.

All units were then stood down at approximately 7.50pm.

A spokesperson for the Valentia Coast Guard Station confirmed that once the casualty was brought atop the cliff, she did not require any further medical attention.

She was high and dry, and stayed where she was, she didnt panic, they said.

She didnt need any further medical assistance - she was fine.
Sean McCarthaigh

Plans for a large new school building at one of Cork's best-known private schools have been put on hold following an objection by a local property owner.

An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala against the recent decision of Cork City Council to grant planning permission to Christian Brothers College in Cork for a new post-primary school building within the colleges grounds at Sidney Hill in Cork.

The plans provide for the construction of a new part two-storey and part three-storey school building as well as an external all-weather playing pitch on a 0.3-hectare site which is currently the location for an astroturf pitch which is due for demolition under the planning application.

The facilities will include nine classrooms, specialist teaching rooms, offices and a double-height, multipurpose room as well as a kitchenette and social space and lockers for students.

CBC Cork  a fee-paying private school  said the new school building is designed to accommodate 150 pupils of the current school population of 920.

The schools board of management said there would be no increase in enrolment levels as a result of the new building, which would provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities and a multipurpose room with seating for up to 200 to cater for school assemblies and performances.

It will enhance facilities for the current student body and will also address a shortfall in the number of classrooms on the school campus, enabling the school to meet identified targets such as reducing class sizes and increasing subject offerings, it added.

According to the board of management, the proposed extension of its facilities will also provide high-quality infrastructure that befits the colleges status as one of the primary educational institutions in the city.

The development replaces a larger school building for which planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanala in July 2020 following an unsuccessful appeal by two objectors.

However, the board of management said that following a review in consultation with Edmund Rice Schools Trust, it was decided that the plans for the larger, five-storey building, which was estimated would cost 12.5 million, were not commercially viable.

The new scaled-down model for the school building with a total floor area of 1,625m is 33 per cent smaller than the previous design, but is sited in a new location higher up the hill within the campus.

The board of management claimed the new building would not result in any increase in traffic flows as there are no plans to increase student numbers.

It also pointed out that the number of parking spaces within its grounds would be reduced from 77 to 66.

However, the appellant, Con Murphy from Macroom, Co Cork, who owns three houses adjacent to the schools main entrance, said he was appealing the councils ruling with some reluctance given the fact that the proposed development relates to a school.

However, consultants acting for Mr Murphy, who also lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against the larger version of the new school building in 2020, said he felt that he had little choice.

The consultants claimed CBC Cork also had a poor track record in living up to its commitments in relation to traffic.

However, they acknowledged that the reasons why such commitments had proven very difficult to achieve was due to its almost unique catchment area and student profile.

Our client would wish to make it clear that he had no objection to the provision of improved facilities for pupils and staff. He has only one purpose in making this appeal  to prevent an already chaotic traffic situation at school peak times becoming worse, they stated.

The consultants said they could demonstrate a probable way in which overall student numbers could increase, despite the schools apparent commitment that they will stay unchanged.

They highlighted how the top floor of a building belonging to the adjacent CBC Preparatory School is used by the colleges first year students.

Mr Murphy claims the bottom line is that the new building will create a capacity within the campus for 200 more students.

The appellant claims any increase on existing numbers would worsen existing traffic problems in the area.

Consultants for Mr Murphy have urged An Bord Pleanala to adopt a very simple solution of limiting overall student numbers on the CBC campus to 1,150.
Kate Manning grew up on a farm surrounded by nature.

I was always wild in that sense, she says.

Kate, from East Cork, recalls watching her grandad working on the farm and feeling inspired by his connection with the land.

It always stuck with me, says Kate.

For a short period, she worked in the corporate sector, but knew quickly that it wasnt for her. After a trip to Australia to see the coral reefs, she felt a strong urge to travel and visit the natural wonders of the world.

Kate took off on a solo adventure across the U.S, South America, Australia, and Antarctica. When she returned to Ireland, she felt completely lost, and turned to the farm and her natural surroundings to find her way back.

The only thing that kept me grounded was going down to the chicken shed and collecting eggs.

Kate decided to turn her passion into her work. She started a podcast, wrote a book about her adventures, and began growing vegetables at home with her dad.

That really helped me to focus, she says.

During her time working on the land, it dawned on Kate that people really need to know and learn about this.

Beekeeping happened very naturally for Kate. She is self-taught, learning by spending time with other beekeepers, getting involved with the local beekeeping association, reading books, and researching online.

Kate hosting a workshop.

Although there are college courses for beekeeping these days, Kate says this wasnt always the way.

A lot of this we would have learned from our ancestors, she says.

Kate began rescuing swarms of bees from unsuitable or risky places, and people soon started contacting her to help with swarms in their sheds, attics and roofs.

I just became the bee rescue girl, she jokes.

Following her passion for educating people about the natural world, Kate began hosting Bee Wild Adventures for kids and adults.

She remembers her very first event, where attendees ate raw honey off the comb, built a hive, learned about pollination, and went into the woods to enjoy forest bathing.

It was amazing, says Kate. People really want to learn about it.

Kate at work in the hive.

Her work is about presenting an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature.

Im trying to bring people back home, she says.

Kate also holds In Hive Experiences during the summer months.

People put on [beekeeping] suits and go into the hive, she explains.

Kate observes that people are usually excited and chatty getting ready, and there is a shift in energy when they see the inside of the hive.

The minute I open the hive, I love seeing their faces turn, she says.

People are in awe when they experience the hive.

It allows people to be present with life when they witness the activity of the beehive. Kate calls it a form of stress reduction.

You cant be thinking about your stressful job when youre in the hive, says Kate. You cant be up in your head.

A special part of Kates job is introducing children to nature. In Bee Wild for Kids, children learn about seeds and sowing them, and all about bees and pollinators.

They are so present, says Kate. It always amazes me, the enthusiasm.

Kate definitely notices a desire among people to return to nature and simplicity, whether its to grow their own food or spend more time among trees.

Kate rescuing a swarm of bees from a chimney.

The amount of people who tell me they want a cabin in the woods, says Kate.

The simple life feels nourishing.

One of the big challenges with protecting nature is a change of mindset, according to Kate.

The conditioned mind thinks things need to be tidy, she says. Nature is way more intelligent that we are.

Weeds are there for a reason, to fix the soil and restore balance, she explains. We go pulling them out, mowing them down, spraying them, and it destroys it all.

We dont go into a rainforest and think Ill just tidy it up, she continues. I love when I see wildness. I dont see it as a mess.

Being a female farmer and beekeeper isnt always easy.

It can be hard, admits Kate. Its tough work. But she is used to doing physical work and grew up with it. Our bodies are built for movement, she says.

Although beekeeping can carry risks, Kate says it isnt an issue with her own bees.

My own bees, it would be rare to get a sting, she says.

However, when it comes to swarms in unusual places, Kate knows she needs to be careful.

I had to go up a chimney once, that was dangerous, she says. Ive not gotten injured, but you have to take precautions.

Details of Kates workshops and events can be found on her Instagram @beewild_with_kate.
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.

False-color view of total ozone over the Antarctic pole on Sept. 16, 2024. Purple and blue areas show the least ozone; yellow and red areas show more. NASA Ozone Watch

Earths ozone layer  damaged in the 1970s and 1980s by ozone-depleting substances  is continuing to recover well, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)s newest Ozone and UV Bulletin, released to coincide with World Ozone Day.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the planets ozone layer over Antarctica was on track for a full recovery under current policies, though additional protection measures were crucial, UN News said.

The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth, the UN said.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer celebrates the Kigali Agreement  an amendment to the Montreal Protocol  which is an international agreement that led to the end of production of ozone-depleting substances.

The Protocols Kigali Amendment, which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)  powerful climate-warming gases  can contribute to advancing climate mitigation efforts, protecting people and planet, Guterres said, as UN News reported. And that is needed more than ever, as temperature records continue to shatter.

Despite the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai volcano in early 2022, WMO said the ozone layer is on the road to long-term recovery, following the reduction of ozone-depleting chemicals, reported Reuters.

The ozone layer is currently on course to get back to 1980 levels by approximately 2040 for most of the planet, 2045 over the Arctic and 2066 over the Antarctic, WMO said.

According to Matt Tully, chair of the Scientific Advisory Group on Ozone and Solar UV Radiation at WMO, the UN organizations Global Atmosphere Watch Programme continuously provides essential support for the scientific study and monitoring of the ozone layer through observations, modeling, analysis, data stewardship and capacity-building, UN News said.

It is critical that observations of ozone, ozone-depleting substances and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are maintained with the quality, resolution and global coverage necessary to account for changes in ozone over the coming decades, Tully said. Many factors will influence the expected recovery of ozone, which must be fully measured and understood.

The WMO bulletin provides details on strategies for protecting humans and the environment from UV radiation while also exploring how weather patterns and the volcanic eruption in 2022 impacted the ozone hole over the Antarctic last year.

The report states that  total column ozone values in 2023 were within the range observed in previous years and in line with expectations, owing to the beginning of the decline of ozone-depleting chlorine and bromine in the stratosphere.

Though the changes to the ozone hole explained in the bulletin are positive, the report found that atmospheric events can have big impacts on how the hole develops periodically. There are still some gaps in the understanding of these variables, and WMO said scientists will continue detailed monitoring of the ozone layer to interpret any unforeseen changes.
(Photo:  Sean Hawkey)Crowds celebrate the anniversary of the Nicaraguan revolution on July 19, 2011, in Managua, Nicaragua.

The Spanish Evangelical Alliance has delivered a letter to the Nicaraguan embassy in Spain that expresses deep concern about the "harassment and demolition of freedoms" in the Central American country.

Evangelical Focus reported on Sept. 12 that for months, the Nicaraguan authorities have applied a repressive policy towards evangelical and Catholic organizations, NGOs, and churches, which has culminated in the disqualification of more than 1,500 independent entities in the summer of 2024 alone.

Recently, even the Nicaraguan Evangelical Alliance (Alianza Evangelica Nicaraguense) has suffered from the government's attacks, with the termination of its legal status, along with 168 other entities affected by the new measures approved by the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.

Due to the situation, the Spanish Evangelical Alliance (AEE) decided to make a formal complaint to the Nicaraguan government.

It sent a letter to the Nicaraguan consulate in Spain, in which the AEE stated its "enormous concern" about the current situation.

On Aug. 20, CNN reported that Nicaragua revoked the registration of 1,500 non-profit organizations, the latest in a years-long crackdown in the small Central American nation.

The organizations, which include hundreds of religious groups, are accused of failing to report their financial statements for a period of between one and 35 years, according to a notice published Monday in the government gazette,La Gaceta..

The AEE denounced "the persistent action of the government of your country in its progressive escalation of closure of entities, churches, associations, and evangelical missions, along with Catholic" and others, which the Spanish evangelical entity considers unfounded actions with no justification.

"The actions and activities of evangelicals in Nicaragua have contributed all kinds of wealth to the country (material, cultural, spiritual and values)," the AEE states, emphasizing that "as Evangelical Christians, we value as a fundamental principle and right of the individual their freedoms, in all their manifestations: of expression, conscience, thought and religion".

The body representing evangelical Christians in Spain expressed an "absolute rejection of your actions, which have recently culminated in the closure of the Evangelical Alliance of Nicaragua, which represents the evangelicals of your country in the Latin Evangelical Alliance, and in the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)."

The statement noted, "We ask you most respectfully and firmly not only to stop but to reverse your harassment and demolition of freedoms in Nicaragua. Although you may not realize it, the first to suffer is the government itself and the country as a whole", the EEA board said.

"We convey this rejection of ours to the European Evangelical Alliance and World Evangelical Alliance, and to the politicians of our country, in the hope that together we can bring this terrible disaster back to sanity", the letter concludes, asking the government to "come to its senses and turn away from the evil that stains its hands and actions."

Early in August, CNN reported that Earlier this month, Nicaragua canceled the legal status of the Diocese of Matagalpa's Caritas for alleged bureaucratic reasons, according to Vatican News.

The diocese is headed by Bishop Rolando Alvarez, a critic of the government who lives in exile after being convicted of charges including conspiracy and treason.
In late June and early July, Iranian hackers sent unsolicited emails to people associated with President Biden's camp. Those emails contained excerpts from materials not available to the public that had been stolen from former President Trump's campaign, according to a joint statement issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The feds clarified that there's no evidence that those recipients replied to the sender. In addition, the bad actors sent stolen materials to news publications, including The Washington Post and Politico.

The Post reported in August that the FBI was investigating Iranian hackers' attempt to infiltrate both Trump's and Biden's (now Kamala Harris') campaigns using spear-phishing techniques. Feds didn't find any evidence that anybody from the Democratic Party fell for their scheme. But the bad actors were reportedly able to take control of an email account owned by Roger Stone, a long-time Trump adviser, which they then used to send more emails with spear-phishing links to his contact list.

"As the lead for threat response, the FBI has been tracking this activity, has been in contact with the victims, and will continue to investigate and gather information in order to pursue and disrupt the threat actors responsible," the authorities said in their announcement.

The stolen materials were sent from an AOL account through emails signed with the name "Robert," according to The Post. When asked by the publication, they denied that they were connected to Iranian cyber attackers. While the feds didn't say what materials were sent out, The Post says they include the Trump campaign's research on Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, as well as internal poll results.

Trump's camp is now calling for the Harris camp to disclose what materials it received, while asking news publications not to publish the stolen information. Harris spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein said the Democratic campaign is cooperating with authorities, since some of their people were also targeted on their personal emails, but they're "not aware of any material being sent" to them directly.

Microsoft previously found evidence that a group linked to the Iranian government created a website that throws attacks and insults at former President Trump. But Iran isn't the only country that's attempting to interfere with this year's presidential election in the US. Microsoft recently reported that Kremlin-affiliated Russian troll farms are running disinformation campaigns focused on discrediting Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. These Russian troll farms have been releasing inauthentic videos showing the Democratic nominees in a bad light, including one that used a fake actor to accuse Harris of being involved in a 2011 hit-and-run incident that paralyzed a 13-year-old girl.
X is back online for many people in Brazil, more than two weeks after the service was blocked in the country. The change, though, isnt because Brazils government has reversed its stance on the Elon Musk-owned platform. Instead, it seems that X has begun using Cloudflares DNS service, which is for now helping the social network avoid the Brazilian governments restrictions, though its unclear how long that will be the case.

In a statement, a spokesperson for X described it as "an inadvertent and temporary service restoration" in the country and that is expects to become inaccessible again "soon." X has been blocked in Brazil since the end of August, when the Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered internet service providers in the country to block X following months of publicly feuding with Musk over Xs refusal to block certain accounts. The spat also affected SpaceX-owned Starlink, which had its Brazilian bank accounts frozen amid the dispute.

"When X was shut down in Brazil, our infrastructure to provide service to Latin America was no longer accessible to our team," a spokesperson X said in a statement. "To continue providing optimal service to our users, we changed network providers. This change resulted in an inadvertent and temporary service restoration to Brazilian users. While we expect the platform to be inaccessible again in Brazil soon, we continue efforts to work with the Brazilian government to return very soon for the people of Brazil.

The New York Times reported that X started to come back online for many people in Brazil Wednesday, though the service was still somewhat inconsistent. The Times reported that it was the companys move to Cloudflare that at least temporarily enabled it to come back. As it stands, Brazilian ISPs are likely figuring out how to continue to complying with the court order. Should they fail, Brazilian authorities are likely to look for new ways to enforce the block. Regulators in the country have imposed steep fines for users who attempt to get around the countrys ban by using VPNs.

Update September 18, 2024, 9:05 PM ET: This story has been updated with additional information from an X spokesperson.
In a small legal victory for Sean "Diddy" Combs, a judge has set aside a $100 million default judgment in a Michigan lawsuit, even though the rapper remains in federal custody.

The judgment stemmed from a claim by Michigan inmate Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, who alleged that Diddy drugged and sexually assaulted him during a party in Detroit back in 1997, according to 'TMZ.'

During a motion hearing on Wednesday, Diddy's attorney, David Fink, successfully argued that Cardello-Smith had failed to properly serve Diddy, 54, with the lawsuit as required under Michigan law. Because of this procedural misstep, Judge Anna Marie Anzalone agreed to vacate the hefty $100 million judgment, giving the Harlem native a momentary reprieve in his ongoing legal battles.

Additionally, Judge Anzalone lifted the temporary restraining order that had previously been in place, which prevented Diddy from selling off his assets to cover the potential damages.

The judge noted that the three time Grammy Award winner is likely to win the case based on the statute of limitations, as the alleged incident took place over 25 years ago.

With the judgment now overturned, the case will move forward in a more traditional legal process. Diddy's legal team is expected to file a motion to have the case dismissed altogether in the coming months, potentially bringing this matter to a close.

Initially, the default judgment was granted because the "Last Night" rapper did not respond to Cardello-Smith's lawsuit, which is why the judge initially ruled in the inmate's favor, awarding the enormous sum of $100 million. Now that the judgment has been set aside, Diddy can defend himself in court.

Diddy plead not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, but remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, 'TMZ' reported, after a $50 million bail bid was rejected
Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky has been named a new regular investor on "Shark Tank."

The popular investment show has presented a slate of the same well-known investors for ten years. Now, someone new is joining the mix. The panel has historically been made up of Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O'Leary. But for season 16, Cuban is departing and the founder of Kind Snacks, Daniel Lubetzky, has been named a new regular member on the show.

This will not be the first time that Lubetzky has appeared as an investor on the show overall. On season 11 through season 15, the billionaire entrepreneur has come on the show as a guest investor. During his limited appearances he has invested in several companies including FitFighter and Yellow Leaf Hammocks. Now, for season 16, he will be part of the panel on every episode.

The network is looking forward to having Lubetzky join the show in a permanent role. One of the executive producers, Clay Newbill, shared, "As a guest shark for the past five seasons, Daniel has earned his spot with the sharks... He possesses an authentic desire to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Daniel is a welcome addition to our panel."

The Kind Snacks founder is also looking forward to the new and exciting challenge. "It's an honor to be part of a production that continues to educate, entertain and unite Americans behind the spirit of building together... Most of all, I am looking forward to partnering with entrepreneurs from all walks of life as they come to 'Shark Tank' for their chance to realize the American dream."

Lubetzky has founded several companies. His claim to fame is of course his company, Kind Snacks, which he founded back in 2004. He sold this company to Mars only four years ago. However, following the sale, he held onto a financial stake in the company. He then went on to found the company Builders Movement. He founded this company alongside Liev Schreiber, Katie Couric, and Lonnie Ali. This company is a civic initiative company geared towards problem solving and making the world an all-around better place. Lubetzky also runs Camino Partners which is an investment company.

Season 16 of "Shark Tank" premieres on Oct. 18th.
Before Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, she called a $1.4 million property in Toronto her home while working as an actress in Hollywood.

The house, located in the heart of the Annex's Seaton Village neighborhood, was Markle's residence during her time filming multiple seasons of the hit legal drama "Suits" and served as a peaceful retreat for her and her two dogs, Bogart and Guy.

The property, which Markle, 43, rented for two years from stylist Elizabeth Cabral, reportedly boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a custom chef's kitchen that leads into a private backyard  ideal for both relaxing and hosting gatherings, according to Page Six.

Conveniently located near two subway stations, several grocery stores and parks, the house is a central hub in Toronto. A listing for the property on Freeman Realty also noted its proximity to schools, an ice-skating rink and a community center, making it a prime spot for urban living.

According to the listing, Markle's former home features wide plank hardwood flooring, skylight on the second floor, a renovated basement with a 3-piece bathroom, custom built-ins and a two-car garage outfitted with a Tesla charger.

RELATED: Kate Middleton Returns To Royal Duties In First Engagement Since July After Completing Cancer Treatment

Speaking of her humble abode when she was still acting, Prince Harry's wife told The Cut in a 2022 interview that her Toronto home was "calm and healing" and made her "feel free."

Interestingly, the property witnessed the early stages of Meghan's romance with the royal prince since she was still staying there when they began dating. The Duke of Sussex, who recently turned 40, would reportedly visit his then-girlfriend twice a month from London to spend time with her, according to Page Six.

In his 2023 memoir "Spare," Prince Harry revealed that his now-wife adored her simple house back then, writing: "Meg was excited to show me her life, her dogs, her little house, which she adored."

Markle's stay at her Toronto residence was cut short when she decided to move to the U.K. in 2017 to be with Prince Harry. They were scheduled to tie the knot the following year. The owners of the property then sold it for $1.6 million. Last month, the property was sold once again, but this time for $1.9 million.

Markle and Prince Harry currently reside in a sprawling $14 million, 18,000-square-foot mansion in Montecito, California, with their kids, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. The couple made the big move to the U.S. after quitting their royal duties in January 2020.

RELATED: Meghan Markle Cropped Out Of Prince Harry's Birthday Photo, Buckingham Palace Denies Edit
Florence Pugh, a British actress, has opened up about the unusual experience of shaving her head for her latest film, describing it as "really bizarre" and sharing that it caused her body to react with "a bit of trauma."

The 28-year-old had to lose her hair for her role in 'We Live in Time,' a romantic drama where she stars opposite fellow British actor Andrew Garfield.

The film spans a decade of the couple's relationship, which takes a dramatic turn after one of them receives a life-changing medical diagnosis.

Read more: Florence Pugh Gets Smacked On Face As Crowd Throws Item On Stage

In a recent interview with British 'Vogue,' Pugh explained that the drastic haircut triggered both physical and emotional reactions in her. Before going bald, Pugh, 28, had shoulder-length hair.

"In many religions, hair is the most precious thing on the body  it's where you store your memories and your dreams and your history. (Shaving) it was really bizarre," said Pugh, who is also known for her roles in films such as 'Oppenheimer,' 'Dune: Part Two,' and 'Little Women.' She added, "My head was so sensitive and so many people were trying to touch it and it was so alive. My body went into a bit of trauma from it. I was cold all the time."

Andrew Garfield, her co-star, was the one who shaved her head for the film. He admitted to 'Vogue' that while he felt honored, the task made him anxious.

"What if I somehow destroyed the head of one of the best actors of her generation? It was terrifying, but ultimately it was a very beautiful, intimate scene to shoot and thank God she has such a nicely shaped melon."

Reflecting on the role, Pugh mentioned that it arrived at an important time in her life. "I was going through so many (aesthetic) iterations when I was also going through life decisions," she shared. "I was like, 'Cool, well I don't look like me. I'm changed. I'm changing.' Looking back on that summer, I was growing into a new thing."

Pugh also hinted at a new romantic relationship but chose not to reveal her partner's identity, saying they are "figuring out" what they are as a couple.
Former Bad Boy artist Moses "Shyne" Barrow broke his silence following Diddy's recent arrest on charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking.

Shyne, who is now the Leader of the Opposition in Belize's House of Representatives, shared his feelings about his former mentor's legal issues on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

"When I was just 18, eager to make my mother and Belize proud, all I wanted was to be recognized for my talent," Shyne said to 'Channel 5,' per 'The Hollywood Reporter.' "I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me. He contributed ... he pretty much sent me to prison. That is the context by which you must always describe that [relationship]. I forgave. I moved on. But let us not pretend as if I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas."

Shyne was referencing the 1999 nightclub shooting in New York City, where both he and Diddy were present, along with Diddy's then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. Shyne was charged with assault following the incident and sentenced to 10 years in prison in June 2001. He was released in 2009 and deported to Belize.

He continued, "So, let us not lose sight of what the cold, hard facts are. This is not someone who I vacationed with and who he and I enjoyed this great, intimate relationship of brotherhood."

"This is someone who destroyed my life and who I forgave and who I moved on and for the better interest of Belize, because he was in a position at that time to give scholarships and to maybe invest, I would not deny attempting to bring the investment to Belize and contribution to education to Belize," the 45-year-old added.

Read more: Diddy Begs Cassie For Help In Newly Surfaced Text Messages After Hotel Hallway Assault

Shyne also expressed that while he's forgiven Diddy, 54, the memories of the 1999 shooting still cause pain whenever the case is brought up.

Meanwhile, Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested earlier this week on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. A federal judge denied him bail again on Wednesday (Sept. 18), citing concerns that the "I'll Be Missing You" producer could flee or intimidate witnesses. His legal team had proposed a $50 million bond, but Diddy will remain in custody at a federal prison in Brooklyn as he awaits trial.
Nicki Minaj dragged one of her former tour staffers for using her name on a food order.

On Wednesday, the "Pink Friday" rapper took to Twitter, now called X, to share a photo of a brown paper bag that had come from Outback Steakhouse. On the bag were the handwritten words: "We love you barb" with a drawn on heart.

Captioning the photo, Minaj wrote, "Thank God I don't eat the food in this place. Imagine seeing this written on a brown paper bag. Why would a person placing an order say who it's for? Odd? Or?"

Thank God I dont eat the food in this place. Imagine seeing this written on a brown paper bag. Why would a person placing an order say who its for? Odd? Or? pic.twitter.com/KBukbTZ6Ay  Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 19, 2024

Because celebrities are known to use aliases when they order food, fans suspect there's been a security breach amongst her team. One fan commented that Minaj, 41, should reevaluate her circle.

One fan wrote: "Time to reevaluate and restructure your team Queen, no shade. It's very unprofessional for anyone to even mention you while ordering food even if it was in fact for you...like common [...] sense... idk chi this is strange...this is unnecessary."

That is when the performer shared that the staffer had been fired but had somehow been re-hired. She wrote, "Oh she was fired last leg but was mysteriously hired again! Hmmmm could you guess who she works for?" She went on to say, "I didn't know she was 'still' hired until last night. Look @ GOD. ??"

In other Minaj news, the mother of one revealed she is not a U.S. citizen.

According to 'All Hip Hop,' during a TikTok live, Minaj  real name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty  said, "I'm not a citizen of America. Isn't that crazy? I was born on a beautiful island called Trinidad and Tobago. But I've been in the States for many years."

She added: "You would think that with the millions of dollars that I've paid in taxes to this country that I would have been given an honorary citizenship many, many, many thousands of years ago."
US lawmakers on Wednesday vowed to keep up pressure to free Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, whose son warned that time was running out.

Lai, the founder of the now-shuttered popular Chinese-language tabloid Apple Daily which supported mass pro-democracy protests, was detained in 2020 and is standing trial on charges including sedition and colluding with foreign forces.

At a press event held by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, his son said Lai, 76, was struggling in solitary confinement inside a cell that is 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit).

"Make no mistake -- they are killing him because of his commitment to democracy," Sebastian Lai said.

"My dad is also someone who is living out the duty of the free -- the duty to fight and protect freedom whenever and wherever it is being threatened," he said.

"I call on those who understand the same duty to act now and to save him before it's too late," he said.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi told him, "Sebastian, your father is a hero to us."

Pelosi said authoritarian states hope to convince prisoners that they are forgotten.

"We are saying to the world, to the Chinese government, to the Chinese Communist Party, that we know -- not only do we remember, we exalt, we lift up, the sacrifice of Jimmy Lai," Pelosi said.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, calling Lai a symbol of the "vibrant, free community" that Hong Kong once was, vowed to keep a spotlight to free Lai as well as less prominent people detained under a harsh new security law in Hong Kong.

Lai pleaded not guilty in the trial that began in January. He faces charges that could carry life imprisonment.

Prosecutors have sought to make a case against him by showing his media appearances and have named former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo among his foreign contacts and "agents."

China promised a separate system for Hong Kong before the financial hub's handover by Britain in 1997 but clamped down hard after the massive and occasionally violent pro-democracy protests in 2019.

sct/md
As American grocery buyers await a Federal Trade Commission verdict on Krogers 2-year-old, $24.6 billion bid to buy competitor Albertsons, the European Commission took just 35 days to give its blessing to the merger between two of the worlds largest grain merchandisers, Bunge and Viterra.

The mega-deal, valued at about $34 billion at the time of its June 2023 announcement, isnt a slam dunk, though. Canada, where both companies own substantial export facilities in Vancouver, is holding up approval as it evaluates the deals impact on western Canadas grain markets and for good reason.

Bunge, the worlds fifth-largest grain merchant, operates in 40 countries and has about $57 billion in annual revenues. Its the worlds largest oilseed processor and is globally dominant in soybeans, canola and corn, notes a recent 92-page report on the deal by SOMO, an Amsterdam-based, independent agency that examines corporate power in business, politics and culture.

Viterra is no slouch, either. Owned by mining giant Glencore, it has extensive grain processing and export facilities in 38 countries and, in 2023, had revenues of $53 billion.

Together, however, the pair would challenge industry cornerstones. The proposed transaction will create a global grain giant to rival Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland further contributing to the consolidation of the crucial commodity trading and logistics segment of the global food value chain, explains SOMO.

That type of latent market power, notes Canadas National Farmers Union, belies Viterras deep roots in the nations prairie co-operatives that built Canadas grain handling system over the course of nearly a century.

Those co-ops  founded, funded and fueled by remarkable farmer members  developed an elevator system to gain control of the [local grain] trade and operated as profitable farmer-run businesses that handled nearly 60% of Canadas grain from country elevator to port terminal.

When the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect in the mid-1990s, however, the prairie co-ops and the nations single-desk export agent, the Canadian Wheat Board, lost political favor with the newly-installed, Conservative Harper government.

Shortly thereafter, explains the NFU, the Harper government stripped the CWB of its authority which quickly led to restructuring that ultimately and controversially converted these farmer-created co-operatives into the corporation that rebranded as Viterra in 2007.

But now, If Bunge is allowed to buy Viterra, it will get billions of dollars worth of revenue potential created by and for Canadian farmers to counter the very exploitation of private grain traders like Bunge visited on them a century ago, warned NFU in a Sept. 3 press release.

Its not idle speculation. A March 2024 preliminary report on the Bunge-Viterra deal by three University of Saskatchewan ag economists showed that by any measure the grain industry in Canada is already very concentrated and will only become more concentrated with a BV merger.

The trio then tested their hypothesis. A merger simulation indicates that Vancouver export basis will increase by about 15% while canola crush margins will increase by 10%. When added together the total impact of the proposed Bunge-Viterra deal reduces grain producer income by approximately $770 million per year.

And outside of Canada, says SOMO, the merger is equally troubling. It will significantly contribute to the consolidation of the global agribusiness sector by creating the worlds largest grain trader [that can] undermine the resilience of food supply chains, economic democracy and food security and sovereignty.

Its a story almost as old as agriculture itself: Companies accumulate market power to squeeze otherwise unobtainable revenue from their markets least protected, most vulnerable players.

And whos less protected and more vulnerable to predatory global grain giants than farmers?
SALEM, Ohio  Orland Bethel knows the meaning of a hard days work. The founder of Hillandale Farms grew up on a dairy farm in Belmont County, Ohio.

He borrowed $4,000 from his parents and in-laws to get his egg company off the ground and frequently put in 18-hour days to keep it going. In the early days, he collected eggs from local farmers basements throughout southeast Ohio and hand-graded them at his plant before reselling them.

Now the company is one of the largest egg producers in the country, employing nearly 2,000 people across several states and raising nearly 20 million chickens. But if you ask him about his success, he quickly deflects any credit back onto his employees.

Good people impress me, Bethel said.

Another one of these good people is Dr. Joon Yung Lee, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, who Bethel says transformed his life.

Nearly a decade ago, Lee and his team at Pitt and UPMC helped relieve Bethel of incapacitating back and hip pain caused by spinal stenosis. Bethel had consulted with six other orthopedic surgeons before ending up with Lee, who found a less invasive option to try. The surgery and treatment restored Bethels function and movement.

Bethel was so impressed with Lee that he has now given more than $45 million through the Orland Bethel Family Foundation to support musculoskeletal care and research at the University of Pittsburgh.

I think hes on the way to make a tremendous difference, Bethel said of Lee.

The latest donation is $18.5 million to create a biological specimen repository that will be housed within the Orland Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center.

The center was created last year with a $25 million gift from the Bethel family and matching funds from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Bethel also donated $2 million in 2018 to create the Orland Bethel Professorship in Spine Surgery, a seat occupied by Lee. Combined, this is one of the largest cash gifts given to the university.

The repository, also known as a biobank, will be a first-of-its-kind facility in the U.S. It will collect, house and store surgical specimens from orthopedic-related surgeries that otherwise would have been discarded. The only other such biobanks are in the UK and Europe.

The purpose is to collect data on these specimens to eventually gather thousands of data points to be able to create better treatment options and new therapies for diseases that currently have no treatment, like arthritis or osteoporosis, Lee said.

Mr. Bethel asked me for a vision of what Id like to do and what Id like to see happen, Lee said. Im very touched by that generosity. Theres a huge obligation for me and my team to use that generosity for good. I take that obligation really really seriously.

The gift builds on last years gift that created the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center, which made musculoskeletal medicine a major focus alongside cancer and neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

The Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center recently announced its first class of fellows. The program drew 100 applicants from all over the country, and five were selected.

At 88, Bethel isnt grading eggs by hand anymore, but the life without pain that Lee gave him has enabled him to enjoy his golden years. The business Bethel built is still run by his family, with corporate offices in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and headquarters in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

The vertically integrated egg company is one of the top five egg producers in the country. It has farms throughout the Northeast and Midwest, including Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Editor:

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to debate (and possibly vote on) a bill that would prohibit ownership of U.S. agricultural land by any foreign adversary. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) spearheaded this noble effort. And its about time.

It is a travesty that our federal lawmakers have taken this long to formally address the ironic fact that an adversary like China, Russia or North Korea is allowed to purchase American farmland while those same countries strictly forbid the United States (or any other nation) from owning even one square foot of soil inside their Socialist borders.

You can be sure that Chinas grabbing up farms in America is more than just an overt attempt to alter and ultimately control our precious food supply (Smithfields takeover some years back is one example); it is that Communist countrys commitment to control land nearest U.S. military installations for purposes of infiltrating our National defense entities.

Id bet that most American farmers and ranchers who have sold land to China did so unknowingly. And Im fairly certain that China uses several layers of cover to make it appear that farms and ranches are being conveyed to legitimate business interests.

Shame on any U.S.-based realtor or other land-acquisition business group that is  or has been  involved in the conveyance of precious American agricultural ground to our chief global adversary. Double shame.

My guess is that the only way to stop dead in its tracks  and even reverse  this fire sale auctioning off of U.S. soil is to elect, come this Nov. 5th, candidates who are solidly pro-American, pro-farmer and anti-foreign ownership of U.S. ag lands. And that, my fellow farmer, means voting for the Trump-Vance ticket. Hold your nose if you must and cringe if you may, but by no means vote for the pro-China Harris-Walz duo whose combined record is clearly not in favor of American farmers and ranchers (all one needs to do is review the potential ultra-liberal Vice-Presidents decades-long coziness with China to know what hed do if given the chance).

So if U.S. voters go to the polls this Nov. 5 and fail to elect pro-American, pro-agriculture and anti-foreign investment candidates, dont be surprised if one day our grandchildren wake up to another school day where the language taught in our government classrooms is no longer English, but Mandarin.

Mark Davis

Liberty, W.Va.
The previous government's not for EU labelling scheme for meat and dairy has been postponed indefinitely following concerns from the industry.

The new Labour government said the plans have been paused and are under review after warnings that it could cause 'chaos' for producers and suppliers.

The Conservatives had committed to introduce the labelling across the whole of the UK, which would have been displayed on a range of agri-food products.

But Dairy UK, the trade body for the dairy sector, warned that the financial cost per business of changing labelling alone would've been up to 500,000, and up to 2m per business when factoring in all other costs.

And the NFU had raised concerns that the labels would have lead to consumer confusion and misconceptions about the quality of food that UK farmers produce.

There would also have been additional costs for domestic suppliers of food and products for sale across Britain, the union warned earlier this year.

The labels were brought in as part of concessions secured with the EU under the Windsor Framework Agreement, which sets out post-Brexit trade arrangements for Northern Ireland.

The labels were intended to guarantee that food sold in the province that had not undergone EU border checks did not pass into the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the EUs single market.

Meat and dairy products being sent from Britain to Northern Ireland already have to carry the stickers, but it was to be expanded from 1 October.

Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said the association and the wider dairy sector welcomed the new announcement.

Had this initiative gone ahead with new labels being required on pack by 1 October, it would have resulted in chaos for dairy and added significant unnecessary cost and a huge admin burden to businesses.

Were very pleased that the government has listened to and reflected on the concerns we raised on behalf of our members.

A spokesman for Defra said: Ministers are carefully considering the evidence provided in the recent not for EU labelling consultation.

We are committed to taking all necessary steps to protect the UK internal market and are continuing to engage with businesses to ensure the smooth flow of goods to Northern Ireland.
Calls have been made for a all livestock imports to be paused in order to protect the island of Ireland from bluetongue as infection rates rapidly rise in Britain.

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have jointly made the plea amid a 'critical time' for the farming industry.

So far, both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have managed to remain free from bluetongue 'BTV-3' to date.

However, in England, a total of 70 farms have reported an outbreak of the disease since late August, which was this summer's first case.

Seven counties - East Yorkshire, East Sussex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Lincolnshire and Kent - have recorded BTV-3, with numerous restricted zones in place.

Europe is also under increasing pressure with cases soaring, with Northern France alone confirming around 700 cases.

UFU President William Irvine warned that the threat of bluetongue was 'huge' for the island of Ireland's beef and sheep enterprises.

"Now is the time to act, and we need all livestock imports to be paused immediately," he added.

"If a BTV-3 outbreak is detected in Northern Ireland or the Republic, the impact on trade, both within the country and the import/export market, will have significant consequences for farmers and their livelihoods."

IFA President Francie Gorman added that the introduction of BTV-3 onto the island of Ireland would cause serious disruption to live trade for cattle and sheep.

"[It] would immediately stop the live sale and export of animals from within the restriction zone that would be established," he warned.

The IFA president has already highlighted to the Irish government the importance of taking all precautions to reduce the risk of the disease entering the country.

Farmers must also ensure they are 'acting responsibly' to protect animals and the island of Ireland from the introduction of bluetongue.

Most spread to date has been wind borne midges, but infected animals, infected foetuses and germinal products can also spread the disease.

Farmers have also been asked to consider the consequences of importing cattle and sheep that could be carrying the disease.

Mr Irvine said that animals were 'totally vulnerable' to this disease: "We do not want our farm families to experience the devastation of BTV-3 or for it to take hold in our livestock industry.

"We all need to be aware of how dangerous BTV-3 is to our cattle and sheep, especially when a vaccine has not yet been approved here.

"Please keep an eye on your stock for signs and symptoms of BTV-3, particularly sheep, as theyre showing more clinical signs than seen in previous years."

Farmers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland should contact their respective agricultural department - DAERA and DAFM - if they suspect BTV-3.
China launches two BeiDou navigation satellites

Xinhua) 14:01, September 19, 2024

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua)

XICHANG, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched two new satellites for the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The two satellites, the 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou family, were launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket.

They are the second group of medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites launched since BDS-3 was formally commissioned to provide satellite navigation services worldwide. After entering orbit and completing in-orbit tests, they will be connected to the BDS system.

Compared with the previous group of MEO satellites, these new satellites feature upgraded onboard atomic clocks and new inter-satellite link terminals.

They will further improve the reliability of the BDS-3 system and the performance of its positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), global short message communications and other services.

The satellites will also be used for new technology tests for the next generation BDS system, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office.

China will accelerate the construction and development of the next-generation BDS system, and increase technical research on a variety of PNT methods that do not rely on satellites, said the office.

The satellites and launch vehicles were respectively developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

This launch was the 535th mission involving Long March series carrier rockets.

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The need to boost the agriculture budget to 5.6 billion was a key issue raised at the Liberal Democrats annual conference in Brighton.

Kicking off the party conference season, the NFU hosted a farming reception for the Lib Dems where the budget, as well as ELMs, were high on the agenda.

The reception saw over 100 attendees, including MPs, councillors and stakeholders to hear about the party's plan to champion British farming.

Attendees heard speeches from NFU vice president Rachel Hallos, Liberal Democrat EFRA spokesperson Tim Farron MP and the new chair of the EFRA committee, Alistair Carmichael MP.

There was significant discussion about the industry's ask for an enhanced multi-annual agriculture budget to give farmers more confidence.

The Liberal Democrats manifesto committed to invest in UK food production, including properly funding ELMs with an extra 1 billion a year to support farming.

But the NFU used the event to call for an agriculture budget of 5.6 billion so that farmers "can continue to produce the raw ingredients that underpin our essential food and drink sector".

In her opening speech, the NFU's Rachel Hallos reiterated this to the MPs and noted the huge challenges farmers have faced over the past 18 months, leading to a collapse in farmer confidence.

Liberal Democrat Efra spokesperson Tim Farron also spoke at the event, stressing that food production and environmental protection go hand in hand.

As MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, he spoke about the challenges facing the uplands especially surrounding the impact of the agricultural transition plan.

Furthermore, he called for a Tenant Farmer Commissioner and for the Rock Review recommendations to be implemented.

Mr Farron closed his speech by saying that the Lib Dems were committed to being the party of the countryside and that its not about the red wall or the blue wall, but its about being the party for the dry stone wall.

The new chair of EFRA, Alistair Carmichael, spoke about his experiences of being at the sharp end of farming, jumping through the hoops to get into ELMs.

He noted the complexities of government funding saying how sometimes they can work against each other, as his farm is situated in an SSSI.

Government funding should not be referred to as farm subsidies, he said, stressing that subsidies are there for consumers in order to keep their food healthy and affordable.

Mr Carmichael reiterated the NFU call that food production should be a seen as a public good for which funding should be available for and was adamant that farmers were the bedrock of environmental protection.

He closed his speech by stating that his first priority as the new EFRA chair will be to look at the agriculture budget and to hold government to account on their commitment to roll over the Defra underspend into the new budget for farmers.

The NFU will also be heading to Liverpool for Labour party conference, which takes place on 22 until 25 September.
Scientists have generated a nearly complete genome assembly for an inbred domestic pig breed, enhancing the animals potential use as a biomedical model for better human and animal health.

Derived from the domestic Large White pig breed, the highly inbred Babraham pig, first developed in the UK 50 years ago, is genetically uniform across important immune-related gene complexes, allowing for greater reproducibility in immunological studies.

In addition to the genome assembly, researchers also developed a transcriptome atlas of the Babraham pig - a collection of data that provides information about gene expression patterns across different tissues within an organism.

Researchers hope the new findings will provide future insight into viral diseases that infect pigs like African swine fever and influenza.

The findings may also inform studies into zoonotic diseases, which pass from animals to humans, whilst the genetic uniformity of Babraham pigs could also be utilised for xenotransplantation studies.

Dr John Schwartz, from the UK-based Pirbright Institute, which researches viruses in farm animals, said: Once we had generated the genome assembly and assessed likely sources of error, we compared uniformity across the genome with another Babraham pig.

"Gene transcription data was then used from multiple tissues to investigate gene content and usage within several immune-related gene complexes.

This enabled us to confidently characterize and annotate genes involved in immune responses within the Babraham pig, and compare these to other genomes to gain insight into their evolution and impact on health.

The study showed the quality and completeness of the genome assembly was likely aided by the high amount of inbreeding present in Babraham pigs.

Pigs, like humans, are diploid, meaning that they have two slightly different copies of their genome  one from each parent.

In highly inbred individuals, these two copies are more similar. This genetic uniformity makes it easier to piece together because there are fewer differences to account for between the two copies.

Dr Schwartz added: We believe this new genome assembly and transcriptome atlas will further enhance the utility of the Babraham pig as a biomedical model.
Don Johnson splashed out on "several different blings" for his wife for their 25th anniversary.

Don Johnson celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary this year

The 'Miami Vice' actor celebrated the marital milestone in April this year and he was happy to spare no expense when it came to treating Kelley Phleger in honour of the occasion.

Asked about his anniversary celebrations, the 74-year-old star told People magazine: "Oh my gosh. We had a big dinner and a big party... and I bought her bling, man. Several different blings."

Don - who has Atherton, 24, Jasper, 22, and Deacon, 18, with Kelley, as well as Dakota, 34, with first wife Melanie Griffith, and Jesse, 41, with former partner Patti D'Arbanville -and his wife are "so in tune" with one another and have built a shared understanding over the years.

Asked the key to their long marriage, he gushed: "Oh, we are just so in tune with each other that there's an unspoken like trust and kindness and respect with us. And those are the keys."

While, Don's daughter Dakota is an actress, he previously admitted the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' star never asks him for career advice - and she doesn't need it either.

Speaking on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', he previously said: "She doesn't need any advice from me.

"She doesn't really call me for advice. She calls me to say, 'Gosh, I would see you, but I've got three pictures that I'm shooting at the same time.' "

Dakota was always confident in her own abilities so didn't worry when her dad took her "off the payroll" when she voiced her intention not to go to college.

Don said: "We have a rule in the family that, you know, if you stay in school, you get to stay on the payroll. So, you go to college, you get to stay on the payroll.

"Toward the end of high school, I went to [Dakota] and I said, 'So, do you want to go visit some colleges?' Or something like that. And she was like, 'Oh, no. I'm not going to college.'"

"I went, 'OK, you know what that means? You won't be on the payroll anymore.' "

The 'Knives Out' star asked his daughter how she was "going to manage", and she replied: "Don't you worry about it".

And Don's question was answered less than a month later.

He said: "Three weeks later she had nailed down that part in David Fincher's 'The Social Network'.

"And the rest is, shall we say, cinema history."
Eva Mendes admits her children "don't care" about her movies.

Eva Mendes admits her kids 'don't care' about her film roles

The 50-year-old actress and her husband Ryan Gosling have daughters Esmerelda, 10, and Amada, eight, together, and she admitted even getting her kids to watch scenes from her films has become a battle.

Asked if they have seen her movies or know what she did, she told 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon': "They haven't but they don't care.

"I tried to show them a scene from 'Hitch' that I was actually proud of because I'm scared of deep, dark water. And I had to do this physical comedy stunt thing in the Hudson."

One of her daughters was scared, and she wanted to show them the video as a way of showing their mother facing her own fears.

However, she said: "Anyway, they were not impressed at all."

However, they did take an interest in their dad's appearance in 'Barbie' last year, which Eva described as "beautiful".

She added: "That was beautiful because the girls were such a huge part of that.

"They were such a huge part of him saying yes, taking the role because there's like 30 Barbies sitting in the house and there's one Ken. So he's like, there's something here."

Eva hasn't appeared in a movie since starring in her husband's directorial debut 'Lost River' a decade ago, and she isn't sure if she'll ever be tempted back into acting.

Asked if she'd return to Hollywood, Eva told 'Good Morning America': I dont know. If theres interesting roles. I left at a time where, 10 years ago, I kind of felt like I did it, ya know, I just worked with Ryan Gosling. Hes like the best.

It was such a high off my career to work with him and what we created together that I was like, this is a good time to 'Seinfeld' it and just walk out. So, who knows?

And the 'Other Guys' actress previously insisted it was a "no-brainer" for her to step back from acting to focus on raising her daughters and other pursuits.

She told 'Today' in March: It was like a no-brainer.

Im so lucky, and I was like, if I could have this time with my children  and I still work, I just didnt act, because acting takes you on location. It takes you away.

"It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, OK, [Ryan's] going to work and Im going to work. Im just going to work here. "
Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to a new first-degree felony charge.

Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty

The 72-year-old former film producer appeared in a court in Manhattan on Wednesday (18.09.24), as he faced the accusation of sexually assaulting a woman in a New York hotel in 2006.

Asked for his plea during the hearing, Weinstein said: "Not guilty."

Manhattan's district attorney Alvin Bragg Jr confirmed that Weinstein has been charged with a criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree, both of which related to a previous New York State Supreme Court indictment.

Bragg said: "Thanks to this survivor who bravely came forward, Harvey Weinstein now stands indicted for an additional alleged violent sexual assault. This investigation is ongoing.

"If you have been sexually assaulted, I assure you that our team of dedicated prosecutors, investigators, social workers, and many more stand at the ready to support you."

The new charges were not part of the case that led to his #MeToo conviction in 2020, which has subsequently been overturned.

The new indictment charges were only announced last week, shortly after the former producer underwent emergency heart surgery at a hospital in Manhattan.

Weinstein has always insisted that any sexual activity was consensual.

Earlier this month, indecent assault charges against Weinstein in the UK were dropped.

The disgraced movie mogul - who is currently serving a 16-year sentence after being convicted on three counts of sexual assault in a Los Angeles court in 2022 and awaiting a retrial after his 2020 convictions for first degree criminal sexual assault and third degree rape were overturned in April - had been under investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service.

However, the case was recently dropped as there was not a "realistic prospect of conviction".
Jimmy Carter is still "emotionally engaged" as he approaches his 100th birthday.

Jimmy Carter, whose wife Rosalynn Carter died last year, is in hospice care

The former United States President - the longest-living US President in history - is set to celebrate the milestone on October 1, and his grandson Jason Carter has given an update on his the former politician after he entered hospice care in February 2023.

He told People magazine: "I mean hes been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished and cant do much on his own.

"But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving.

In June, Jason admitted there had "really been no change" in Jimmy's condition since he went into hospice in his native Plains, Georgia.

In November last year, Jimmy's wife and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died aged 96.

Speaking to Southern Living, Jason said his grandfather was "experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process".

He added: "After 77 years of marriage I just think none of us really understand what its like for him right now.

We have to embrace that fact, that theres things about the spirit that you just cant understand.

Although Jimmy isn't awake every day now, his family still visit frequently.

Jason recalled one visit earlier in the year when he asked his grandfather how he was getting on.

He said: "I told him, I said: Pawpaw, you know, when people ask me how youre doing I say, honestly I dont know'.

And he kind of smiled and he said I dont know, myself. It was pretty sweet."

Rosalynn died last year, months after being diagnosed with cancer.

At the time, President Joe Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden said in a joint statement: "She was a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for every person; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities.

"Time and time again, during the more than four decades of our friendship  through rigors of campaigns, through the darkness of deep and profound loss  we always felt the hope, warmth, and optimism of Rosalynn Carter. She will always be in our hearts.
Lily Collins thinks Mindy Chen is actually Emily Cooper's one true love.

Lily Collins thinks Mindy is Emily Cooper's true soulmate

The 'Emily In Paris' actress - who will once again play the title role in the recently announced fifth season of the Netflix hit - has suggested her character's soulmate isn't actually any of the men she's dated.

Asked about Emily's true love, she told E! News: "Mindy! Always! The hot roommate."

She described Ashley Park's character Mindy as "the one with the voice, the one with the heart", adding that their friendship is "everything".

However, the 35-year-old star actually hopes the storyline shifts to focus on Emily moving around the world to experience different countries.

She added: "I think she needs to take a little side trip to Tokyo at some point. That travel experience would be one for the books.

"There's a lot of locations that I would love Emily to go to."

Last month, Ashley admitted she was "so f****** lucky" to have her co-star Lily in her life aawy from the camera.

She told Cosmopolitan magazine: "We both came into each others lives at a time when we needed that exact kind of friendship.

"We came to each other at the exact right moment."

Earlier this week, Netflix confirmed the show would return for a fifth season.

Darren Star, the show's creator, told Tudum: "Were thrilled with the incredible response to this season of 'Emily in Paris' and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emilys adventures in Rome and Paris!"

In season four, Emily starts a romance with a handsome Italian man and she then opens an office for Agence Grateau in Rome.

Looking forward to the new season, Darren shared: "Emilys going to have a presence in Rome. It doesnt mean shes not going to be in Paris, but shes going to have a presence in Rome."

And he also confirmed that Emily's burgeoning romance will be a big focus of season five of the show.

He said: "I feel like they have a real spark and a real connection and a real romantic connection. A lot of thats going to continue to play out next season."
Michael Madsen has filed for divorce and accused his estranged wife of driving their son to suicide.

Michael Madsen has filed for divorce

The 'Reservoir Dogs' actor has submitted paperwork to legally end his 28-year marriage to DeAnna Madsen, and though he cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split, he also included a statement in which he alleged he had been a victim of abuse for years.

According to TMZ, he wrote that he split from DeAnna in 2022 because he believed her "neglect, drinking and alcoholism" drove their son Hudson to take his own life in January that year.

And the 66-year-old star claimed DeAnne contributed to his own problems as he ended up in an "abusive, co-dependent, and toxic relationship", which ended with his wrongful arrest on domestic violence charges last month.

The 'Hateful Eight' actor was taken into custody in Malibu, California, on 17 August and arrested on a charge of misdemeanour domestic battery but the case was thrown out less than two weeks later due to insufficient evidence.

Michael's spokesperson told TMZ at the time: "We are thrilled that Michael Madsen is able to put this behind him and look forward to our continued collaboration with more great things coming from this veteran and respected actor."

Following Michael's arrest, his lawyer insisted the veteran actor was "definitely not guilty" of domestic abuse.

The legal representative told The Hollywood Reporter Michael had confronted DeAnna and asked her to leave the house, saying the couple are facing an ongoing problem.

The attorney added: Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife.

Hes definitely not guilty of domestic violence.

DeAnna also told The Hollywood Reporter: Michael is struggling with his own personal issues. Myself and our children have been supporting him to the best of our ability. We would request privacy at this time.

The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department has said deputies responded to a call just after midnight on 17 August after they were warned a female adult had alleged her husband pushed her and locked her out of their residence.

The former couple are also parents to Luke and Kalvin, while Michael also has Christian, Max, and Jessica from previous relationships.
Nicole Kidman used to dream of being short and "curvaceous".

Nicole Kidman was thrilled to be welcomed by the fashion world

The 53-year-old actress spent years being mocked for her appearance but grew in confidence as her statuesque frame saw designers scrambling to dress her for high profile events.

Speaking on new Disney+ series 'In Vogue: The 90s', Nicole recalled: "I mean, I was a red-headed, fair-skinned girl who was almost 511 at the age of 14.

"I would get teased, and it wasnt kind."

Of becoming a fashion favourite, she added: "Can you believe it? My whole life, I wanted to be 5'2" and curvaceous and suddenly, being 5'11" and completely sort of skinny and flat chested was like, 'Great, we can dress you.'

"Every time I was given access to that whole world, you feel like a little girl who's been given the chance to step into this sort of fantasy world."

Nicole was particularly delighted when John Galliano reached out to dress her in Dior for the 1997 Academy Awards.

She recalled thinking: "I grew up watching Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn and Grace Kelly  all these women whose style was created with the designers that theyre affiliated with.

"They just loved fashion.

"So I remember thinking, but of course, this should be brought into Hollywood now, and we should be wearing the things that are made in these gorgeous little salons in Paris.

"Because thats what they used to do, so why arent we still doing it?"

In 2022, the 'Perfect Couple' actress caused a stir when she graced the cover of Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood issue in a daring ensemble featuring a super-short Miu Miu mini skirt and matching crop top with her outfit dividing fans and attracting criticism online.

Reflecting on her controversial look, she later insisted she likes to take risks when it comes to fashion and doesnt think about the consequences.

She previously told Australia's Stellar magazine: I make the most random, crazy choices. I call them teenage choices because I just dont ever think of consequences,

Part of my brain just doesnt think like that. I just go, Oh, Im going to wear that; it reminds me of my school uniform. Or, Oh my God, yeah, Id love to do that. I try to (stay) in that place because I think otherwise you get scared or worried.
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The net sales of Upland cotton in the United States for the 2024-25 season totalled 106,800 RB, with each bale weighing 226.8 kg (500 pounds). This represented a decrease of 8 per cent from the previous week and 23 per cent from the prior 4-week average.

According to the USDA's export sales report for the week ending September 12, the increases were primarily for Vietnam (51,600 RB), Pakistan (24,500 RB), India (13,400 RB), Turkiye (4,300 RB), and Malaysia (4,100 RB). These were offset by reductions for El Salvador (900 RB) and Bangladesh (300 RB).

Upland cotton net sales in US for 2024-25 season totalled 106,800 RB, down 8 per cent from previous week. Key buyers were Vietnam, Pakistan and India, while exports reached 130,000 RB, primarily to Pakistan and Vietnam. Pima cotton net sales were 14,000 RB, up 32 per cent, with India as the largest buyer. Exports of Pima cotton, however, fell 40 per cent, mainly destined for India and Vietnam.

The total net sales of 10,600 RB for 2025-26 were for Mexico. Exports of 130,000 RB were up 9 per cent from the previous week but down 13 per cent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were Pakistan (40,200 RB), Vietnam (17,600 RB), China (14,700 RB), Mexico (12,200 RB), and India (10,400 RB).

Net sales of Pima cotton totalling 14,000 RB for 2024-25 were up 32 per cent from the previous week and 11 per cent from the prior 4-week average. The increases were primarily for India (12,300 RB), Vietnam (900 RB), South Korea (300 RB), Bangladesh (300 RB), and Guatemala (200 RB).

Exports of 4,500 RB were down 40 per cent from the previous week and the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were India (1,700 RB), Vietnam (1,600 RB), China (900 RB), and Indonesia (300 RB).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Vikrant Massey and Raashii Khanna starrer The Sabarmati Report has been pushed. Instead of its previous release date, August 2, 2024, the movie will now be out on November 15, 2024 now. It is based on the unfortunate burning of the Sabarmati Express in Gujarats Godhra.



The makers and the actors, including Vikrant took to social media to announce the new release date with an intriguing poster. "The burning truth will be out on 15th November! Stay Tuned! #TheSabarmatiReport only in cinemas!", read the caption, while the poster depicted a burning microphone and a train.



Check it out below:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vikrant Massey (@vikrantmassey)

The first release date for the much-anticipated movie was May 3, 2024. However, its release date was later pushed to August and has been further pushed to November.

Alongside Vikrant and Raashii, the movie also stars Ridhi Dogra and Nazneen Patni. It is directed by Ranjan Chandel and backed by Shoba Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Amul V Mohan, and Anshul Mohan.
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / September 18, 2024 / Fortitude Gold Corp. (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") today announced it has received all regulatory approvals and permits to mine deeper in its Isabella Pearl deposit. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A. offering investors exposure to both gold production and dividend yield.

A positive decision was granted by the Bureau of Land Management and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation allowing the Company to mine approximately 80 feet deeper than previously authorized in the Pearl portion of the Isabella Pearl deposit. Deeper oxide and oxide transitional ore in the Pearl zone may now be mined and sequenced for processing along with ore from the Civit Cat portion of the Isabella Pearl deposit. The Pearl deep contains high-grade oxide, oxide-transitional, and sulphide gold ores, a portion of the former two are expected to be processed using the Company's existing heap leach operation.

About Fortitude Gold Corp.:

Fortitude Gold is a U.S. based gold producer targeting projects with low operating costs, high margins, and strong returns on capital. The Company's strategy is to grow organically, remain debt-free and distribute substantial dividends. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit consists of seven high-grade gold properties located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt and an eighth high-grade gold property in west central Nevada. The Isabella Pearl gold mine, located on the Isabella Pearl mineralized trend, is currently in production. Nevada, U.S.A. is among the world's premier mining friendly jurisdictions.

Cautionary Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. If you are risk-averse you should NOT buy shares in Fortitude Gold Corp. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding the Company's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release.

CONTACT:

Greg Patterson

719-717-9825

greg.patterson@fortitudegold.com

www.Fortitudegold.com

SOURCE: Fortitude Gold Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Nvidia, the AI chip titan, is forging powerful alliances to dominate the burgeoning artificial intelligence landscape. A landmark partnership with Microsoft and BlackRock aims to inject up to $100 billion into AI infrastructure, leveraging Nvidia's technical prowess. Simultaneously, a collaboration with Salesforce promises to revolutionize enterprise AI solutions, introducing autonomous agents and interactive avatars for enhanced customer service and crisis management. These strategic moves underscore Nvidia's commitment to expanding its AI footprint and capitalizing on the projected growth of global AI revenues to $1.27 trillion by 2028.

Investor Sentiment Remains Tempered

Despite these promising developments, investor reaction has been surprisingly muted. Nvidia's stock experienced a slight dip, with shares falling 0.74% to $114.70. This reserved response may stem from the company's already lofty valuation, which has seemingly priced in much of its positive momentum. While Nvidia continues to be a primary driver of S&P 500 gains, with its stock surging over 135% year-to-date, market experts suggest that its dominant impact may gradually wane as the magnitude of estimate revisions decelerates. The cautious investor sentiment is further influenced by pending U.S. Federal Reserve policy decisions, adding a layer of economic uncertainty to Nvidia's otherwise robust growth trajectory in the AI-driven economy.

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The latest Nvidia figures speak volumes: Urgent action required for Nvidia shareholders. Is it worth investing, or should you sell? Find out what to do now in our current free analysis from 19 September.

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Business Brokers Directory Unveils Comprehensive Online Guide to Help Small Business Owners Navigate the Business Selling Process

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 18, 2024 / Business Brokers Directory, a leading platform for connecting business owners with professional brokers, has announced the release of its latest guide, "How to Sell Your Business." This in-depth resource is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the often complex process of selling a business, providing expert insights and actionable strategies to achieve successful sales.





Business owners who are looking to exit or sell their business can get in touch with an expert.

The new guide covers every aspect of the business selling journey, including:

Preparing Your Business for Sale : Steps to ensure your business is market-ready, including financial preparation, operational streamlining, and valuation.

Finding the Right Buyer: Guidance on identifying potential buyers, marketing the business, and maintaining confidentiality during the sale process.

Negotiating and Closing the Deal: Expert tips on negotiations, managing legal aspects, and finalizing the transaction with the best possible terms.

"We created this guide to demystify the process of selling a business," said Adam Cole, Chief Editor at Business Brokers Directory. "Many business owners have questions and concerns when it comes to selling, and this guide aims to provide clear, reliable information from industry experts that will empower them to sell confidently and successfully."

"How to Sell Your Business" is crafted with the assistance of experienced business brokers who have facilitated countless transactions across various industries. The guide is designed to be user-friendly, offering practical advice, real-world examples, and step-by-step checklists to simplify the selling process for businesses of all sizes.

Business Brokers Directory has been a trusted resource for business owners and brokers alike, with a proven track record of connecting sellers with qualified buyers. With the release of this guide, Business Brokers Directory continues its mission to support business owners in achieving optimal outcomes when exiting their ventures.

The guide is now available for download on the Business Brokers Directory website. For more information and to access the guide, visit the Business Brokers Directory.

A business broker is a professional intermediary who assists business owners in navigating the complexities of selling their businesses. From preparing the business for sale to identifying potential buyers, negotiating terms, and finalizing the deal, a business broker plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.

According to Adam Cole, Chief Editor at Business Brokers Directory, "Selling a business is much more than a simple transaction. It involves multiple stages, from financial analysis and valuation to marketing and negotiations. Business brokers bring specialized expertise to make the entire process seamless for business owners."

One of the key functions of a business broker is providing an accurate valuation of the business. This involves conducting a thorough analysis of the company's financial health, reviewing market conditions, and applying industry-specific knowledge to determine a fair asking price. Setting the right price is crucial for attracting serious buyers while ensuring the seller maximizes the value of their business.

"Valuation is at the heart of what we do," said Cole. "Many business owners may either overvalue their business due to emotional attachment or undervalue it due to a lack of market knowledge. Business brokers offer an objective, data-driven approach that ensures the right price is set for a successful sale."

In addition to valuation, brokers manage the marketing of the business, utilizing their networks and industry connections to reach a broad pool of potential buyers. This increases the likelihood of finding the right buyer quickly and ensures that the sale is kept confidential, protecting the business's operations from potential disruption.

"Maintaining confidentiality is critical," Cole emphasized. "Many business owners worry about the impact a sale might have on employees, customers, or competitors. We ensure that sensitive information is only shared with pre-qualified buyers who have signed confidentiality agreements, so the business can continue to operate smoothly."

Business brokers also handle the due diligence process, filtering inquiries and assessing the financial capability and seriousness of potential buyers. This ensures that only qualified buyers are engaged, saving the business owner time and effort. Throughout the sale process, brokers guide both parties to ensure that every step, from initial interest to final negotiations, is handled professionally.

"Brokers serve as an essential buffer between the seller and buyer," Cole explained. "We bring impartiality to negotiations, ensuring that both sides are satisfied with the terms of the deal. Our goal is to secure a win-win outcome that works for everyone involved."

Finally, business brokers oversee the final stages of the sale, working with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals to ensure that the closing process goes smoothly. From legal documentation to transferring ownership, they make sure that all aspects are addressed properly, reducing stress for the seller.

"Our job is to take the complexity out of selling a business, allowing owners to focus on their operations while we manage the intricate details of the transaction," concluded Cole. "With the right guidance, business owners can achieve a smooth and rewarding exit, and that's what we're here to facilitate."

The time it takes to sell a business can vary widely, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months, though the timeline may be shorter or longer depending on several factors. One of the key elements influencing the duration is how prepared the business is for sale. Businesses that have well-organized financial records, streamlined operations, and clear market positioning are often easier to sell, which can speed up the process. On the other hand, businesses that need more preparation or adjustments before going to market may experience delays.

Market conditions also play a significant role. In a favorable market with high buyer demand, businesses may sell more quickly. Conversely, in a more challenging or competitive market, it can take longer to find the right buyer. Additionally, the industry the business operates in can affect the timeline; certain sectors may have more active buyers, while others may take longer to attract serious interest.

Finding the right buyer is often one of the lengthier parts of the process. Business brokers will market the business to potential buyers, vet inquiries, and ensure that only serious, qualified buyers are engaged. This phase can take several months, particularly for specialized or niche businesses.

Once a buyer is identified, negotiations and due diligence typically follow. These steps, where buyers review the business's financial health, legal standing, and operations, can take additional weeks or months. The complexity of the business and the thoroughness of the buyer's review will influence how long this stage lasts. After negotiations, finalizing the deal and completing the legal paperwork can add a few more weeks, depending on the specifics of the sale and any regulatory requirements.

Overall, while the average sale might take 6 to 12 months, the timeline depends on preparation, market conditions, the nature of the business, and the speed of negotiations.

About Business Brokers Directory:

Business Brokers Directory is an online platform that connects business owners with experienced, qualified brokers who specialize in buying and selling businesses across various sectors. With a commitment to providing expert guidance and resources, the Business Brokers Directory simplifies the transaction process, helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals.

Contact Information

Ryan Paulson

Chief Editor

ryan@iraempire.com

+18024878205

SOURCE: Business Brokers Directory

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus.

Korrektur als Einstiegschance

Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen.

3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential

Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten.

Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report!
HANOI, Vietnam, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (HoSE: MSB) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with TerraPay, a global money movement company. This collaboration will bring digital payment solutions and data capabilities to help MSB enhance efficiency and offer the best payment service experience to customers by bringing down costs and reducing transaction times.

According to forecasts from the Bank of England, the cross-border payment market is expected to grow by over USD 100 trillion in the next decade, reaching over USD 250 trillion by 2027. Along with the pace of digitization, the demand for real-time global payments is becoming increasingly urgent. However, unlike domestic transfers, international money transfers continue to be complex, time-consuming, and costly, even today.

In response to this reality, the new partnership between MSB and TerraPay aims to break down these barriers, enabling the use of financial services more quickly, conveniently, and reliably. According to the cooperation agreement, MSB and TerraPay will provide payment solutions, payment infrastructure, and other products and services to partners and (or) customers; simultaneously introducing each other's products and services to the partner's customers who have a need for them. Both companies will focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with global money transfer needs. Through this partnership, SMEs will benefit from quick, convenient, and cost-effective global payout solutions.

Mr. Nguy?n Th? Minh, Deputy General Director of MSB, believes that, "The cooperation between the two parties will bring numerous benefits and economic efficiencies for Vietnamese businesses in both domestic and international payments."

Sudhesh Giriyan, President - Cross border payments at TerraPay said, "Our partnership with MSB is a big step towards enhancing global payments for businesses across Vietnam. We are excited to work together, combining our strengths and expertise, to transform the broader landscape while furthering our mission of simplifying global money movement."

Along with efforts in digital transformation, MSB continues to build and seek appropriate financial solutions through reputable partners to bring superior value and experience to customers.

For more information on solutions for corporate customers, please click msb.com or contact the hotline: 18006260.

About MSB

Established in 1991, MSB has continually grown, achieving many important milestones in the financial banking industry over nearly 33 years. MSB currently has over 260 branches and transaction offices nationwide, and it transacts with over 500 correspondent banks in more than 60 countries and territories. MSB has over 6,000 staff, serving more than 5.4 million individual customers and nearly 100,000 corporate customers.

About TerraPay

TerraPay simplifies the movement of money everywhere - providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 30+ global markets and enabling payments to 140+ receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.4Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay has built the global digital wallet interoperable network and pushes the boundaries for global businesses - ranging from digital wallets, banks, fintech and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces - while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is a global company headquartered in London and comprising 42 nationalities. It has global offices in Bangalore, Dubai, Bogota, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, The Hague, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Milan, and Singapore, and is expanding rapidly. We have received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa, and Visa.

Contact:

Juveria Samrin,

juveria.n@terrapay.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/msb-and-terrapay-collaborate-to-simplify-and-enhance-cross-border-money-transfers-302251772.html


Figure 1: Striving to foster collaborative research and innovation through the co-creation of an ecosystem that transcends organizational and domain boundaries.

Kawasaki and Tokyo, Sept 19, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited (1) (Fujitsu) and Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F), a General Incorporated Association (2) have entered into a partnership focused on discovering and supporting the next generation of scientific researchers and fostering the creation of cutting-edge research topics. Through this partnership, Fujitsu will contribute funds to SS-F to support the creation of a unique scientific research ecosystem that promotes collaboration and interaction among researchers. Additionally, the partnership will support the development of young researchers by facilitating exchange between the SS-F researcher community, already engaged in innovative discoveries and inventions, and Fujitsu's researchers, engineers, and business unit. This initiative will further drive joint technological research and innovation.Since its establishment in 2019 SS-F has been actively working to build an ecosystem based on the "People-Centric" philosophy, aiming to foster connections and exchange between individual researchers across corporate, organizational, and disciplinary boundaries, continuously generating new research focuses and discoveries.Fujitsu, a global leader in advanced technological fields such as quantum computing and AI, operates Fujitsu Research, home to numerous researchers. In addition to supporting the development of Japanese researchers, Fujitsu has been promoting innovation and addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaborations, including industry-academia partnerships such as the Fujitsu Small Research Lab (3).Through this partnership, Fujitsu and SS-F aim to strengthen support for young researchers in Japan and contribute to the advancement of Japan's scientific and technological capabilities.The first collaborative venture, a retreat and networking event for the SS-F researcher community took place on August 22nd and 23rd, with researchers from Fujitsu Research participating. During the discussions and workshops at the retreat, there was an active exchange of ideas between Fujitsu and SS-F community researchers, generating new insights necessary for the societal implementation of research and innovation.This new partnership will continue to contribute to the creation of next-generation innovations through collaborative events and programs that leverage the strengths of both organizations.Partnership OverviewFujitsu's Contribution to the SS-F Fund and Support for SS-F Operations- Fujitsu will make financial contributions to the SS-F Fund. This fund will be used for building the scientific research ecosystem established by SS-F.- Fujitsu will enthusiastically support SS-F's activities as a major contributor.Planning and Implementation of Collaborative Projects- Research collaboration between the SS-F researcher community, known for its innovative discoveries and inventions, and researchers at Fujitsu Research.- Joint hosting of events for young researchers and students to learn cutting-edge research activities.- Joint hosting of events to promote cross-disciplinary exchanges among researchers and business professionals from various fields, aiming for new collaborations and joint research.- Development of a joint mentorship program between Fujitsu and SS-F to support the research and careers of young researchers.Comment from Dr. Takanori Takebe, Representative Director, SS-FWe are truly honored to announce our partnership with Fujitsu. Under our "People-Centric," philosophy where connections are born from people, and spread by people, we have been dedicated to creating an environment where individual researchers can collaborate beyond organizational and disciplinary boundaries to generate new discoveries, inventions, and innovations.With the support of Fujitsu, which possesses world-leading research and development capabilities, we are confident that this partnership will foster even greater interactions among diverse talents and lead to the emergence of new seeds of innovative. Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate the discovery and growth of the next generation of researchers, and collaboratively pave the way for disruptive inventions that transcend borders and fields.We look forward to realizing our People-Centric philosophy through upcoming collaborative projects and generating pioneering examples that will have a significant global impact.Comment from Hidenori Furuta, Non-Executive Chairman, Fujitsu LimitedWe are very pleased to announce our collaboration with SS-F. We strongly support SS-F's activities and vision, which aim to address Japan's challenge of declining scientific capabilities by powerfully supporting outstanding young researchers in making discoveries that go beyond individual imagination and generating insights that surpass collective intelligence through collaboration. We believe in the power of science and are committed to tackling significant global advancements alongside SS-F.We also view the development of new research themes and business ventures beyond the extension of our existing businesses as critically important. We hope that this collaboration will lead to solutions for societal challenges and become a cluster that fosters the creation of new business.[1] Fujitsu Limited :Headquarters: Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, JapanRepresentative Director and CEO: Takahito Tokitahttps://www.fujitsu.com/global/[2] STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION :Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JapanFounder/ Representative Director: Takanori Takebehttps://ss-f.org/en/homepage-en/[3] Fujitsu Small Research Lab :An initiative where Fujitsu researchers are stationed or reside long-term within universities to accelerate collaborative research, discover new research themes, develop talent, and build long-term relationships with universities.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.About the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F)SS-F is a Japan-based organization aimed at building a system that promotes the sustainable generation of disruptive discoveries and inventions by focusing on the power of people in science. SS-F seeks to revitalize Japan's scientific research, promoting freedom in research activities of scientists to enable them to create discoveries and inventions that will change the world and contribute to human society. Find out more: https://ss-f.org/en/homepage-en/.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Summary: Inland Mobile Welding Inc. commemorates years of excellent craftsmanship and client satisfaction in mobile welding services across Los Angeles.

Lynwood, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2024) - Inland Mobile Welding Inc. celebrates its 15th anniversary of serving the Los Angeles community with high-quality mobile welding services.

Over the years, the company has served construction companies, building contractors, businesses, transportation companies, general contractors, and homeowners. This milestone marks years of dedication, skill, growth, a client-centric approach, and a commitment to the Los Angeles community.

According to Inland Mobile Welding Inc., welding isn't just about joining metal pieces together; it's about ensuring the safety and reliability of the entire structure. Thus, poor welding can lead to catastrophic failures, particularly for systems that carry heavy loads or structures that keep properties safe.

Inland Mobile Welding Inc. celebrates its 15th anniversary of serving the Los Angeles community

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/223831_b1b37a44e44518f5_001full.jpg

With this in mind, the team of certified welders ensures each project is strong, precise, and durable, whether providing heavy haul equipment welding, trailer welding, pipe welding, structural welding and fabrication, machinery welding, or custom projects. Their services include flux core, arc, mig, aluminum, and tig welding using state-of-the-art equipment regardless of the material or the complexity.

Since welding projects can be stressful, Inland Mobile Welding Inc. makes the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Once a client contacts the company, the team works with them to ensure the structure meets their needs, whether repairs, replacements, or new installations. The team also prioritizes safety by wearing appropriate protective gear to shield from sparks and harmful UV radiation and working in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

For 15 years, the team has met clients where they are for these welding and custom fabrication services, providing flexibility and quick turnaround times for projects. Hence, they have received many glowing reviews.

Beyond technical expertise and client-centricity, Inland Mobile Welding Inc. has been active in the local community by supporting various initiatives, empowering the neighborhoods the team serves, and forging long-lasting relationships.

As Inland Mobile Welding Inc. moves into the future, the company plans to expand its services and continue leveraging the latest technology to ensure efficiency and precision in all projects. The team remains committed to meeting and exceeding clients' evolving needs while maintaining the signature safety, compassion, integrity, quality, and reliability components.

About Inland Mobile Welding Inc.:

Inland Mobile Welding Inc. is a certified, licensed company providing high-performance welding services in Southern California. As a certified welder, Juan Moreno formerly worked in a heavy-haul super-heavy fabrication company, where he gained over 28 years of experience and expertise in welding equipment. The company began in Los Angeles County but now serves Orange County, Riverside-San Bernardino County, and nearby areas.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223831

SOURCE: GetFeatured
Wesley Chapel, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2024) - Landscape Marketing Pros is celebrating seven years in business, helping landscape companies scale to new heights. The agency has worked with various clients, including companies that provide landscape design, hardscaping, outdoor living, irrigation and snow removal to attract quality leads and grow the businesses.

To mark this milestone, the company created a new, modern logo. While the logo is simple, it is more recognizable as it highlights the type of services the company offers, and the colors and topography make it pop more.

Landscape Marketing Pros intends to continue helping clients concentrate on what they do best, working with homeowners to transform the outdoor spaces. The company understands that starting and running a business, especially a landscape company, is hard. So with the addition of marketing, countless landscape contractors have been able to scale the business to heights that were previously unimaginable.

Landscape Marketing Pros is celebrating seven years in business, helping landscape companies scale to new heights

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Additionally, Landscape Marketing Pros only works with landscaping businesses. Working exclusively with outdoor service contractors has allowed the company to study the industry in detail, see what works and what does not, and, more importantly, understand consumer behavior.

This wealth of knowledge allows Landscape Marketing Pros to employ a combination of unique strategies for the landscaping industry. The goal is to help contractors create omnipresence in search engines and gain much-needed visibility in target market.

The marketing agency has also invested in cutting-edge technology to help clients stay ahead of the competition. One of these technologies is a proprietary AI-driven system. The system allows contractors to have more targeted marketing for better conversion. Furthermore, the AI system provides valuable insights into important marketing elements such as clients' behavior.

In addition to working with individual clients, the company uses different platforms to educate contractors on various issues. For example, the Landscape Marketing Pros' YouTube channel shares tips on how landscape contractors can get more landscaping clients, tried-and-tested ways to grow businesses, and SEO strategies to land big clients. Additionally, the YouTube channel is a resourceful learning platform for aspiring landscapers as it offers insights into the industry and trends and highlights available opportunities.

The company also uses its YouTube channel and social media platforms to share new discoveries in marketing and how people can leverage them to grow businesses. In one of the videos, for example, Matt Wacek, the Founder, shares reasons why Google Search is currently better than Facebook ads for landscaping and lawn care companies.

About Landscape Marketing Pros:

Landscape Marketing Pros is a team of professionals that assists landscaping, snow removal, outdoor living, and irrigation contractors in automating the process of attracting qualified leads. In addition, the company has developed a proprietary system designed to help businesses attract and engage potential clients with a high intent to purchase its services.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223830

SOURCE: GetFeatured
Summary: A Better Bail Bond celebrates a 35-year milestone, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and compassionate support to those in need.

Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2024) - A Better Bail Bond proudly announces its 35th anniversary. This marks a significant milestone for the company, which provides unparalleled, client-centered Houston 24-Hour Bail Bonds.

For over three decades, A Better Bail Bond has been a beacon of support for the community, helping clients secure prompt release from custody with integrity and professionalism. This unwavering dedication to client satisfaction has solidified the team's reputation as the premier choice for bail bond services in the region, with four Houston offices and their newest bail bonds service in Angleton-Brazoria County, TX.

A Better Bail Bond Celebrates 35 Years of Service as a Houston Leading Black-Owned Company

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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"We are thrilled to commemorate 35 years of service to the vibrant city of Houston. Our journey has been marked by a steadfast dedication to our clients, working to help ensure that each client receives exceptional customer service. We are grateful for the trust placed in us by the community and remain committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work." Kelvin Hampton, CEO.

Over the years, A Better Bail Bond has adapted to evolving legal landscapes and industry standards, ensuring services remain efficient, transparent, and accessible. This and the team's expertise and knowledge streamline the bail process, offering personalized assistance tailored to individual needs.

A Better Bail Bond offers fast and reliable bail bond services whether a client's open warrant is with the City of Houston, Harris County, or any of the Greater Houston area suburbs and throughout Texas. The company can be contacted for felony, misdemeanor, DWI/DUI, non-arrest, and traffic bail bonds.

A service that makes A Better Bail Bond stand out is Online Bail Bonds Houston where the bail can be applied for from the comfort of home.

As a 24-hour bail bondsman, A Better Bail Bond has payment plans for good credit, as well as programs for those with blemished credit.

As A Better Bail Bond celebrates 35 years of service, the team remains dedicated to providing prompt, reliable, and affordable bail bond services to the community. Looking ahead, the company seeks to continue its legacy of excellence while maintaining the core values that have earned the team the trust of countless clients.

About A Better Bail Bond:

Since its inception by Lee Hampton in 1989, A Better Bail Bond, a black-owned company, has served individuals and families facing misdemeanor and felony crimes as they navigate the complexities of the legal system in Texas. The company has five locations in the state and offers payment plans and 24/7 online bail bond service.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223834

SOURCE: GetFeatured


EQS Newswire / 19/09/2024 / 11:48 UTC+8

The commercial value of the global intelligent industry is transitioning from concept to reality. Recently, Tuya Smart ("Tuya" or the "Company") released its Q2 2024 financial results. According to the results, the total revenue for the second quarter reached US$73.3 million, a year-on-year increase of approximately 28.6%; The non-GAAP operating profit was US$7.4 million, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 10.0%, achieving quarterly non-GAAP operating profit for the first time in its history. From Q2 of 2023 to Q2 of 2024, Tuya has maintained positive net cash generated from operating activities for five consecutive quarters. The Company also declared a special cash dividend of approximately US$33 million, equivalent to its non-GAAP net profit for the first half of the year, marking the first cash dividend. A positive response was revealed to the market in the financial report: Tuya holds the ability to share long-term value, and has returned to the upward curve, driven by favorable factors such as going global. 01 Embracing Milestone Financial Results, Tuya Embarks on New Start for Smart Technology Three highlights can explain why this financial report is considered a milestone: 1. Strong Growth Momentum of Previous Quarters Continues Despite of A Relatively High Revenue Base Tuya delivered a year-on-year revenue growth of approximately 28.6% in Q2 2024, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth, with the growth rate exceeding 30% if the impact of exchange rate fluctuationsis excluded. If calculated in RMB, the Company's quarterly revenue was very close to its historical high. In 2021, benefiting from special subsidies during the epidemic period in the European and American markets, as well as optimistic expectations for the industrial chain, downstream enterprises significantly prestocked their inventory under the stimulation of a chip shortage and price increases, resulting in a concentrated outbreak of performance in the consumer electronics technology service industry and supply chain in the two quarters of 2021, with a "superficial prosperity". In contrast, these days the Company's revenue under normal conditions has approached the historical high point of the special period. In addition to approaching all-time highs in revenue, the Company's non-GAAP net profit broke records by US$20.8 million, with a non-GAAP net profit margin of 28.4%. 2. Ushering in a Profitable Era for Third-Party Intelligent Cloud Platform. During the reporting period, Tuya achieved a non-GAAP operating profit of US$7.4 million and a 10.0% non-GAAP operating margin, which is a positive financial performance. Operating profit, which refers to the net profit directly contributed by a company's core operating activities, demonstrates the Company's ability to maintain stable profitability without relying on other non-operating income. In the start-up and growth stages of the technology industry, facing the uncertainty of business models, companies often need to constantly explore to establish market positioning, optimize product iterations, diversify revenue streams, and adjust cost structures. This process is inherently challenging and unpredictable. The importance of operational profitability is self-evident as a key indicator for evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of business model execution. Tuya's achievement of operating profitability signifies that its business is proven and demonstrates its highly sustainable and stable profit-generation capability. Furthermore, a 10.0% non-GAAP operating margin indicates that Tuya can create additional economic value with its revenue fully covering its operating costs and expenses, which is not only a solid foundation for the Company's sustainability and sustained growth, but also reflects the advantages of its business model in creating market value, accurately meeting customer needs, and effectively participating in market competition. The sustainable profitability of the Company is thereby indicated. 3. First-ever Dividend, Sharing Long-term Value with the Market Thanks to its continuous improvement in profitability, Tuya realized a net cash generated from operating activities of US$11.8 million in the second quarter, marking the Company's fifth consecutive quarter of positive operating cash inflows. Also, the Company's net cash reserves reached US$1 billion as of the first half of the year, highlighting its strong financial condition and abundant cash flow. This number, however, even exceeded the Company's total market value, indicating a valuation slump in its stock price. Stable profitability and sufficient cash reserves formed a solid foundation for high dividends. Tuya announced its first-ever cash dividend of US$33 million, demonstrating the Company's determination to deliver consistent returns for its shareholders. Revenue and profit hit all-time highs, with non-GAAP operating profit and dividends of large amounts for the first time. These data indicated both the basic completion of its previously promised short-term business goals, and a qualitative leap in its development. Technological innovation is a life and death journey, and the climbing process is full of hardships and uncertainties. Even if a company shows great potential in the early stage, countless challenges and obstacles may still fall upon in the ever-changing market and competitive environment. Tuya was faced with a rapidly frozen industry environment amid a major reshuffle in the entire industry brought by the downward cycle of the past two years. The management team focused on and adjusted their strategies while steadily expanding their business, moving towards the vision of "realizing the Internet of Everything and Intelligence of Everything through technology". As a result after lots of tempering, the Company took the lead in ushering in the era of cloud platform profitability. Mr. WANG Xueji (Jerry), the founder and CEO of Tuya, noted that the Company will continue to focus on long-term revenue growth and profit margin improvement. 02 Enhancing Smart Products Capabilities, Tuya Teams up with Customers to Accelerate Success To answer whether a company's profit model is sustainable, it not only depends on its past operating conditions, but also on its foundation for future development. From a future perspective, Tuya is also well-positioned to continue innovating and growing in new directions. It can be seen based on the inherent context in this financial report that the "ecological card" in Tuya's hand is far from being played. The "Tuya Smart Ecosystem" consists of three parts: First is the IoT platform-as-a-service ("PaaS") business, a set of underlying architectures that directly serve upper level intelligence. The IoT PaaS business facilitates strong "customer stickiness" by helping them circumvent weaknesses of traditional IT infrastructure with lower requirement for programming skills and more favorable conditions for rapid development. The success of this strategy is clearly reflected in the financial report. The 12-month Dollar-based net expansion rate (DBNER) has rebounded for three consecutive quarters and climbed to 127% in Q2; Meanwhile, the number of registered IoT device and software developers on the Tuya Developer Platform has also seen significant growth, exceeding 1.192 million as of Q2, an increase of 20.1% compared to the end of last year. Although it is the earliest business area that Tuya has entered, IoT PaaS's potential is still being deeply explored and released. In Q2, the Company continued to accelerate its global layout and promote the widespread implementation of IoT PaaS business. In Europe, the Company collaborated with AX Tech Group, a renowned energy integator company in France, to explore a new chapter in smart energy; In Latin America, the benchmark project of the Company has rapidly expanded to top service provider customers in Central America, Colombia, Chile, and other regions, and has helped emerging smart home brands in Brazil jump to the forefront of market shipments. In the Asia Pacific region, the Company has partnered with Vietnam's largest telecommunications operator to further expand its market boundaries. This series of successful collaborations not only consolidates the market position of the Company as one of the world's largest smart solution cloud platforms, but also drives the IoT PaaS business to achieve a 32% year-on-year revenue growth in Q2. Beyond the IoT PaaS business, Tuya continued to broaden its business boundaries and elevate its capability circle to new heights. In 2020, the Company expanded its space intelligence business. In 2023, the Company started to focus on the development of its Smart Solution business. The Smart Solution business combines generative AI, embedded operating systems, and cloud software capabilities to create high-value smart solutions that integrate software and hardware. "We select high-value, software-intensive categories to deliver complete smart products," Wang said. In the second quarter, the revenue of the Smart Solution business increased by about 44% year-on-year, and the gross profit margin increased to nearly 27%. The Company reached cooperation agreements with 6 European brand customers, with Smart Solution cooperation orders exceeding 500,000 units valued at approximately US$5 million. The Company has also secured orders for temperature control valves, gateways, and other devices from a leading German food retailer, and signed a multi-million-dollar annual framework contract with Dutch industry leader Firefly. Wang also emphasized that IoT PaaS and Smart Solution formed a synergistic and complementary business logic loop. This ecosystem enabled the Company to not only focus on the full scenario needs of diversified customers, further explore vertical industry value maximization, but also quickly replicate successful experiences in more fields, helping customers swiftly capture the market share. At present, Tuya has served customers in over 200 countries and regions. It is expected to accelerate on its growth path with higher penetration rates, growing user base, more comprehensive customer lifecycle services, and more diverse vertical landing scenarios. 03 Comprehensive Layout of GenAI, Tuya Solidifies Intelligent Connotation Generative AI is becoming the most fundamental production tool, driven by various technology giants, accelerating the empowerment of various industries in society, and revolutionizing the improvement of production efficiency and technological level. As an industry bellwether, Tuya actively embraces AI technology, integrating GenAI with IoT platforms and the "Tuya Ecosystem" to generate new innovation sparks and lead the industry forward. Tuya released its first AI spatial model at the TUYA Global Developer Conference in Q2 2024. The AI product matrix and solutions are gradually emerging to the public. If the spatial large model aims to reshape the underlying technological power, then the AI development tools and AI mini app development base of Tuya directly help customers achieve hardware innovation. For example, the Company has launched an AI pet mini app that seamlessly integrates GenAI technology with pet hardware such as feeders and pet teasers. It also provides users with a comprehensive pet care and companionship solution. Looking ahead, the Company will continue to deliver software technology, strategic algorithms, and platform capabilities driven by GenAI, and provide smart device solutions to help partners enhance their advantages in their respective fields. 04 Conclusion Back to the perspective of investors, for every tech firm, major events such as profit breakthroughs and technological innovations will reshape the market's judgment of the company's value potential. Now the time comes for Tuya to shine. Currently, profound changes have taken place in the competitive landscape of the global third-party cloud platform market. After years of striving, only a few companies like Tuya and Amazon have stood out from competitors that were knocked cold, and the once crowded track is no longer crowded. Wang also stated that Tuya is at a new starting point in the smart sector and in the entire industry. This new starting point includes a better external competitive environment, as well as a restart of smart consumer electronics and smart business scenarios. As the industry returns to a pro-cyclical trend, the Company may make greater breakthroughs in the commercial ecosystem in the future with good cards in hand. 19/09/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com




Original-Research: Desert Gold Ventures Inc. - from GBC AG

19.09.2024 / 06:00 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.

Classification of GBC AG to Desert Gold Ventures Inc.



Company Name: Desert Gold Ventures Inc. ISIN: CA25039N4084



Reason for the research: Management interview Recommendation: BUY

Target price: 0.311 USD

Target price on sight of: 31.12.2025

Last rating change:

Analyst: Matthias Greiffenberger, Marcel Schaffer

'This is a huge opportunity for mining investors paying attention to Mali as valuations are only just starting to reflect the more positive reality on the ground.'



In this interview, GBC AG speaks with Jared Scharf, CEO of Desert Gold Ventures, a prominent gold exploration company with a focus on West Africa, particularly Mali. Recent developments in Mali's mining sector, including key government approvals for major players like Allied Gold and B2Gold, have led to a optimistic market outlook for the region. Scharf provides insight into Desert Gold Ventures' strategic position in this evolving regulatory landscape and how the company is well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum. He discusses potential synergies with neighboring mining giants such as Barrick Gold, the impact of rising gold prices on their strategy, and the company's long-term exploration and development goals. Additionally, our recently published research report assigns a target price of USD 0.311 (CAD 0.425; EUR 0.29) with a buy rating, highlighting the significant upside potential compared to the current share price (

https://www.more-ir.de/d/30341.pdf). Scharf also explains how Desert Gold Ventures plans to leverage its strategic location and improving investor sentiment to create lasting value for shareholders.



GBC AG: Mr. Scharf, with the recent announcements from Allied Gold and B2Gold regarding their mining activities in Mali and the government's support, how do you view the current regulatory environment for mining operations in the country?



Jared Scharf: These are material break throughs for both companies that cannot be understated and the market is reacting accordingly with both company's stock moving materially higher. Moving forward this provides a precedent, clear understanding and framework for mining companies and investors that even with the recent challenges of the last few years, the Malian government is supportive of the mining industry and its stake holders. This is a huge opportunity for mining investors paying attention to Mali as valuations are only just starting to reflect the more positive reality on the ground. I think the market was overly pessimistic regarding Mali. Companies like B2, Allied and ourselves have been oversold as a result in my opinion. With the recent positive news coming out of Mali, I think a lot of those concerns have been put to rest. I expect the situation will continue to improve for investors who hold positions in Mali based mining stocks.



GBC AG: The market has responded positively to these developments, as reflected in the rising stock prices. How do you believe Desert Gold Ventures is positioned to capitalize on this momentum in the Malian mining sector?



Jared Scharf: Desert Gold has been building its land position in Mali and developing its assets there since 2011. With so many geopolitical headwinds along the way, it hasn't been an easy ride for our shareholders. I suspect however that this dynamic is changing as we speak and the worst is behind us. As the mining sector in country normalizes, both our exploration and mining initiatives will become more valuable. The gold price is also helping.



GBC AG: Considering Barrick Gold's proximity to Desert Gold Ventures and their production hitting a 20-year low, do you see potential synergies or opportunities for collaboration between your companies?

Jared Scharf: Barrick, like all mature mining companies, is constantly looking for opportunities to grow their economic resource base and replace their mining reserves. They typically do this by one of two ways; either through brownfield exploration near their existing mines or via acquisitions. Often times both. Desert Gold is strategically located in the heart of West Mali's mining camp with Allied Gold bordering us to the north, Endeavour Mining bordering us to the south west and Barrick and B2 Gold along trend to the South. Given the regional size of our land package at 440 km2 and its location, I believe Desert Gold is a viable acquisition candidate for the bigger players in the region. Western Mali/Eastern Senegal has a long history of significant M&A transactions.



GBC AG: What impact do you expect the recent mining permits granted by the Malian government to have on Desert Gold Ventures' exploration and development timelines?



Jared Scharf: Generally speaking, I believe it shows a willingness on the Malian Government's part to collaborate and compromise with Western Mining companies on a productive basis to achieve positive results for all stakeholders. I suspected that this was the case all along but I believe the capital markets had a much more pessimistic view in recent years. With the recent regulatory permitting breakthroughs with Allied and B2, I believe market sentiment will gradually improve for all companies operating in Mali. Our SMSZ project is fully supported by the Mali government and I do not expect any regulatory permitting issues. I note that in our 10 years in-country we haven't had any.



GBC AG: With increasing institutional focus on electrification and base metals, many miners are pivoting towards copper and other resources. How does Desert Gold Ventures balance the focus on gold while maintaining relevance in this shifting landscape?



Jared Scharf: I'm somewhat skeptical regarding the narrative surrounding base metals and electrification. I think the market is too. Look at the lithium price for example. I do think the global economy is slowing down and could possibly even dip into recession in 2025. I'm not sure industrial metals will out-perform in that scenario. However monetary metals like gold typically do perform well in that scenario. I think in that context gold is a leading indicator for what is happening in the global economy. I don't think this time will be any different. The macro environment reminds a lot of 2000/2001.



GBC AG: Allied Gold and B2Gold have both recently received approvals for key mining phases. What lessons can Desert Gold Ventures take from their experiences to potentially expedite your own approvals and development phases?



Jared Scharf: In our case we already have a fully permitted mining license where we plan to start our initial open pit. So no issues there. In terms of lessons learned, I think the biggest one is perseverance. When macro forces are working against you the best thing to do is focus on creating value even if that value isn't yet acknowledged by the market. Have a plan and stick to it as best you can and focus on what you can control. In our case that has been continuing with our exploration initiatives and develop the mine to fast track into production.



GBC AG: How does the rise in gold price influence your overall strategy for Desert Gold Ventures, particularly with regard to attracting investors and achieving production in the short to medium term?



Jared Scharf: At the moment there is a huge disconnect between the value of our gold ounces in the ground at roughly $10 market cap per ounce and the spot price of gold at $2,500. My intention is to realize that value disconnect for our shareholders by mining those ounces. I believe as the bull market in precious metals matures, assets like ours will become more valuable which will make it much easier to attract capital in both the primary and secondary markets. From an economic perspective, a higher gold price means better margins which will no doubt positively impact the results of our mine study which will hopefully be finished before year end. The improved political situation in Mali should also help.

GBC AG: Can you provide an update on Desert Gold Ventures' exploration results and how they may contribute to the broader gold production capacity in Mali?



Jared Scharf: Even though the investment climate has been tough in Mali recently, we were still able to do a small 3,500 meter drill program in 2023. Results are still pending for roughly half the program. Initial results came out a month ago and were encouraging and supportive of our mining plan. I look forward to releases the next set of results and mine plan before year end.



GBC AG: With investor sentiment improving due to Mali's proactive stance on mining, how do you plan to leverage this optimism to secure further investment or strategic partnerships for Desert Gold Ventures?

Jared Scharf: To be honest with you I've seen many jurisdictions fall in and out of favor over the years. Mali has been out of favor for several years now, but it wasn't always that way and now this is changing again. The work we do as a company does not change regardless of sentiment. The audience just becomes more receptive to our value proposition. Investors are opportunistic and I think they are seeing the opportunity in Mali because stock prices have been hit hard. The upside is obvious in the context of the gold market and improving situation in Mali.



GBC AG: Given Desert Gold's strategic location alongside major industry players like Barrick, Endeavour, B2Gold, and Allied, how does this geographical positioning provide a competitive advantage for Desert Gold Ventures? Do you see this proximity influencing your future development plans or potential partnerships?



Jared Scharf: Yes, there are strategic advantages to our project location. There is the potential to leverage existing mining infrastructure close to us. Endeavour Mining and Allied Gold's mining infrastructure is close enough to several of our deposits to look into possible JVs like toll milling etc. M&A is always more compelling for companies already operating in the district of their target.



GBC AG: Finally, how do you see Desert Gold Ventures evolving in the next 5 to 10 years? What role do you envision your company playing in the Malian gold sector, and how will you differentiate your strategy from other players in the region?



Jared Scharf: At the moment we are sitting on 1.1 million oz resource at our SMSZ project. There are 28 gold zones on the property and only 5 of them are incorporated into the existing resource. We will be updating the resource as part of the mine study and I'm hopeful we can incorporate additional resources from a new zone called Gourbassi West North. But the point is there are obvious ways to grow our current resource base. Ultimately what I envision for our SMSZ project is an emerging mining district within the Kenieba Window of Western Mali/Eastern Senegal. Our mine study envisions the development of two initial open pits to start. With continued exploration and development over time I believe we will bring on many more. Hopefully once we start mining in this area we'll continue to do so for the next 30 years unless of course our shareholders are offered something better!

GBC AG: Thank you for the interview.



GBC conclusion from the research report: Desert Gold Ventures Inc. presents in our opinion an attractive investment opportunity due to its strategic location in a rich gold region, a significant resource base, and ongoing exploration efforts. The company's SMSZ Project in Mali covers 440 km along a prolific gold zone and contains over one million ounces of gold. The planned 30,000-meter drilling program in 2024 aims to expand resources and identify new targets.



The Kenieba Window, part of the Birimian Greenstone Belt, is known for high-quality gold resources averaging 2.22 g/t and substantial market valuations. Recent acquisitions in this area have averaged 1.81 million ounces of gold at $66 per ounce. Desert Gold Ventures' SMSZ Project, with 1.08 million ounces of gold at 1.14 g/t and valued at $9 per ounce, represents a notable opportunity. The project's current market cap is about $10 million, but it could be valued at $71.4 million based on recent acquisition prices. After accounting for warrants and options, the equity valuation is $69.5 million. Due to Desert Gold's lower average grade compared to peers, a 50% discount is applied, resulting in a valuation of $35 million, or $0.155 per share. As the grade improves, the valuation is expected to increase.



The company is also exploring the feasibility of a small heap leach mine, which could potentially generate substantial cash flow. Preliminary assessments suggest the mine could produce 15,000 to 20,000 ounces per year, with a potential annual free cash flow of $20 million. With a 70% discount applied to this project's valuation, its contribution is $0.101 per share.

Incorporating this with the overall valuation, our target price is $0.311 per share. Given the significant upside potential, we rate the stock as a BUY.



You can download the research here: http://www.more-ir.de/d/30815.pdf

Contact for questions:

GBC AG

Halderstrae 27

86150 Augsburg

0821 / 241133 0

research@gbc-ag.de

++++++++++++++++

Offenlegung moglicher Interessenskonflikte nach  85 WpHG und Art. 20 MAR Beim oben analysierten Unternehmen ist folgender moglicher Interessenkonflikt gegeben: (5a,7,11); Einen Katalog moglicher Interessenkonflikte finden Sie unter:

https://www.gbc-ag.de/de/Offenlegung

+++++++++++++++

Completion Date (Time): 18.09.2024, 9:00am

First Distribution Date (Time): 19.09.2024, 6:00am



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com



1990829 19.09.2024 CET/CEST






Data from the CENTERSTONE study shows single-dose Xofluza reduces transmission of influenza from an infected person to household members

This is the first time that any antiviral used in the treatment of a respiratory viral illness has demonstrated a transmission reduction benefit in a global phase III study

Reducing the spread of infection in the household could help limit transmission within communities and societies, easing the burden of both seasonal and pandemic influenza on healthcare systems

Basel, 19 September - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today positive topline results of the phase III CENTERSTONE study of Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), an antiviral, showing a reduction in the transmission of influenza viruses. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that a single, oral dose of Xofluza taken by people infected with influenza significantly reduced the likelihood of others in their household contracting the virus. Xofluza was well tolerated with no new safety signals identified.

CENTERSTONE is the first global phase III study to show a transmission reduction benefit with an antiviral used in the treatment of a respiratory viral illness. This new data may add to the benefits of Xofluza, which is currently approved for treating symptoms and preventing infection following virus exposure.1 The topline results will be presented at the 2024 OPTIONS XII for the Control of Influenza congress (29 September - 2 October, Brisbane, Australia).

"Building on Xofluza's established efficacy in treating and preventing influenza after exposure, this new evidence of transmission reduction represents an important advance that could help improve health outcomes at an individual and community level," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roche's Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "We look forward to discussing these data with regulatory authorities and public health organisations for influenza pandemic preparedness to bring these benefits to patients."

Influenza is one of the most common yet serious infectious diseases, representing a significant burden to public health. Every year, seasonal influenza infects an estimated one billion people and causes millions of hospitalisations and up to 650,000 deaths globally.2,3 With the co-circulation and burden of multiple respiratory viruses (including COVID-19) infecting individuals within and outside of the winter season, it is more important than ever that influenza is not underestimated.4 For the effective control of both seasonal and pandemic influenza, early diagnosis and treatment is critical.5

The CENTERSTONE study has been partially supported with federal funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Other Transaction Agreement number: HHSO100201800036C.

About CENTERSTONE6

The CENTERSTONE study [ NCT03969212 ] was a global phase III trial investigating the efficacy of single-dose Xofluza, taken within 48 hours of symptoms onset, to reduce the onward transmission of influenza within households. The study ran across 272 sites across the globe, with over 4,000 participants, and involved otherwise healthy patients from five to 64 years who had been diagnosed with influenza via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid influenza diagnostic test, known as index patients (IPs) and those within their household (known as household contacts, HHCs). The primary endpoint was the proportion of HHCs who tested positive for influenza within five days after the IP had been treated with either Xofluza or placebo. The secondary endpoint looked at the proportion of HHCs who tested positive for influenza by day five and developed influenza symptoms. The design of this randomised, placebo-controlled trial was developed with inputs from the US FDA and leading experts in influenza.

About Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil)

Xofluza is a first-in-class, single-dose oral medicine with an innovative mechanism of action designed to block viral replication by inhibiting the cap-dependent endonuclease protein, potentially reducing the duration of infectiousness and disease. Xofluza's mechanism of action has demonstrated efficacy in a wide range of influenza viruses, including in vitro activity against oseltamivir-resistant strains and avian strains (H7N9, H5N1) in non-clinical studies.7,8,9

Xofluza is approved in more than 80 countries for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza types A and B.10 In Europe, Xofluza is approved for the treatment of influenza in otherwise healthy patients and as a preventative treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis).1 Xofluza represents the first innovation in mechanism of action for an influenza antiviral approved in almost 20 years for treatment in children, adolescents and adults.11

Robust clinical evidence has demonstrated the benefit of Xofluza in several populations).15

Xofluza was discovered by Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and is being further developed and commercialised globally in collaboration with the Roche Group (which includes Genentech in the US) and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. Under the terms of this agreement, Roche holds worldwide rights to Xofluza excluding Japan and Taiwan, which will be retained exclusively by Shionogi & Co., Ltd.



About Roche in influenza

Influenza is a serious infectious disease and represents a significant burden to public health. Seasonal epidemics result in an estimated one billion cases, millions of hospitalisations and up to 650,000 deaths globally every year.2,3 Roche has a long history of developing transformative medicines that contribute to public health. We are committed to bringing innovation in the field of infectious diseases, including influenza. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) has made a significant difference in the treatment of both seasonal influenza and pandemic management, and we are proud to have brought this innovative medicine to patients. Roche is committed to addressing the unmet need in this area through its agreement with Shionogi & Co., Ltd. to develop and commercialise Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil).



About Roche

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com .

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.



References

[1] European Medicines Agency. Summary of product characteristics, Xofluza. 2021. [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/xofluzaproduct-info

[2] World Health Organization.

[3] Paget J, et al. Global and national influenza-associated hospitalisation rates: Estimates for 40 countries and administrative regions. Journal of Global Health. 2023;13:04003. Published 2023 Jan 27. doi:10.7189/jogh.13.04003

[4] WHO. Joint Statement - influenza season epidemic kicks off early in Europe as concerns over RSV rise and COVID-19 is still a threat. [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/01-12-2022-joint-statement---influenza-season-epidemic-kicks-off-early-in-europe-as-concerns-over-rsv-rise-and-covid-19-is-still-a-threat .

[5] Jones W, et al. Influenza Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Recent Innovations in Antiviral Therapy and Relevance to Primary Care Practice. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. 2021;5.

[7] Hayden F, et al. Baloxavir Marboxil for Uncomplicated Influenza in Adults and Adolescents. New England Journal of Medicine 2018;379:913-923.

[8] Noshi T, et al. In vitro characterization of baloxavir acid, a first-in-class cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor of the influenza virus polymerase PA subunit. Antiviral Research. 2018;160:109-117.

[9] Taniguchi K, et al. Inhibition of avian-origin influenza A.

[12] Baker J, et al. Baloxavir marboxil single-dose treatment in influenza-infected children: A randomized, double-blind, active controlled phase 3 safety and efficacy trial.

Roche Global Media Relations

Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com

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Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech

Phone: +41 79 935 81 48



Nathalie Altermatt

Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas

Phone: +34 620 29 25 51



Simon Goldsborough

Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine

Phone: +41 79 461 86 83



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Phone: +41 79 327 54 74 Kirti Pandey

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Yvette Petillon

Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr. Rebekka Schnell

Phone: +41 79 205 27 03

Roche Investor Relations

Dr. Bruno Eschli

Phone: +41 61 68-75284

e-mail: bruno.eschli@roche.com Dr. Sabine Borngraber

Phone: +41 61 68-88027

e-mail: sabine.borngraeber@roche.com (mailto:sabine.borngraeber@roche.com)



Dr. Birgit Masjost

Phone: +41 61 68-84814

e-mail: birgit.masjost@roche.com

Investor Relations North America

Loren Kalm

Phone: +1 650 225 3217

e-mail: kalm.loren@gene.com





Attachment
Initial funding of USD 29 million to support development of Basilea's clinical stage first-in-class antifungals, fosmanogepix and BAL2062

Multi-year Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) allows for potential funding of up to approximately USD 268 million to develop antifungal and antibacterial assets

Increasing FY 2024 financial guidance on total revenue, operating result and net profit

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Allschwil, Switzerland, September 19, 2024

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the US Department of Health and Human Services, has awarded Basilea an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), under OTA number 75A50124C00033. As a result, Basilea increases its financial guidance for the full year 2024.

David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer of Basilea, said: "Basilea has been working with BARDA since 2013. In continuing this partnership through an OTA, we will be leveraging our strong portfolio and the capabilities of our organization to develop urgently needed novel antifungals and antibacterials. We believe this long-term partnership will also lead to the successful implementation of our strategy to become a leading anti-infectives company."

Under the terms of the OTA, BARDA will support the development of designated novel, first-in-class antifungals and antibacterials in Basilea's portfolio with a total potential non-dilutive funding of up to approximately USD 268 million over up to twelve years, if all additional options to extend the contract are exercised by BARDA upon successful completion of pre-defined milestones, including clinical and regulatory activities.

With the signing of the OTA, initial BARDA funds of USD 29 million have been committed to support the development of the antifungals fosmanogepix and BAL2062. BARDA's financial contribution is assumed to be about 60% of the total costs over the term of the OTA.

Under the OTA, BARDA and Basilea can jointly decide to move candidates into and out of the portfolio based on product performance, technical risk, and programmatic need. This flexibility results in significant time, effort, and cost savings to both partners.

Increasing full-year (FY) 2024 financial guidance

Reflecting the near-term impact of the OTA, Basilea updates its financial guidance for the full year 2024. Development costs under the OTA will continue to be reported under research and development expenses. The BARDA reimbursements will be reported under other revenue, resulting in increased total revenue and unchanged operating expenses. Also, additional deferred taxes are recognized due to the expected positive effect of the OTA on the company's medium-term financial outlook. This results in a higher operating result and net profit for FY 2024.

(In CHF million) FY 2024e

(new) FY 2024e

(previous) FY 2023 Cresemba and Zevtera-related revenue ~190 ~190 150.3 of which royalty income ~92 ~92 78.9 Total revenue ~203 ~196 157.6 Cost of products sold ~40 ~40 26.8 Operating expenses ~120 ~120 111.7 Operating result ~43 ~36 19.2 Net profit ~60 ~42 10.5

About fosmanogepix

Fosmanogepix is a clinical-stage broad-spectrum antifungal. It has a novel mechanism of action and its active moiety has shown activity against common species of Candida and Aspergillus, including multi-drug-resistant strains, such as Candida auris and Candida glabrata, as well as rare difficult-to-treat molds including Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., and some fungi from the Mucorales order.1 Fosmanogepix is available in intravenous and oral formulations and has been evaluated for efficacy and safety in a phase 1 / phase 2 program, including three open-label phase 2 studies for the treatment of Candidemia, including Candida auris, and invasive mold infections.1, 2, 3, 4 Basilea will initiate shortly a double-blind non-inferiority phase 3 study in invasive yeast infections.5 Fosmanogepix has received Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations from the US Food and Drug Administration for seven separate indications, and is designated as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) for the treatment of four indications.

About BAL2062

BAL2062 is a first-in-class antifungal, derived from a natural product, and has demonstrated fungicidal activity against clinically important molds such as Aspergillus spp., including azole-resistant strains.6 Safety and tolerability have been demonstrated in a previously completed phase 1 study with single and multiple ascending intravenous (i.v.) doses.7 The drug candidate has Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP), Orphan Drug and Fast Track designation from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for invasive aspergillosis.

About invasive mold infections

Invasive aspergillosis and invasive infections with rare molds (e.g., Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., and Mucorales fungi) are life-threatening infections that predominantly affect immunocompromised patients, including patients with hematologic malignancies (blood cancer), transplant patients, or patients with other immunodeficiency disorders. These infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality.8, 9

About invasive candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis, including deep-seated tissue candidiasis and candidemia, is an increasingly important nosocomial infection, especially in patients hospitalized in intensive care units. Candida species are ranked as the fourth main cause of bloodstream infections in hospitals in the US.10 The prognosis of invasive candidiasis remains difficult, with a reported mortality rate for invasive candidiasis as high as 40%, even when patients receive antifungal therapy.11

About Basilea

Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil

Hegenheimermattweg 167b

4123 Allschwil

Switzerland



Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com (mailto:media_relations@basilea.com)

investor_relations@basilea.com (mailto:investor_relations@basilea.com)

This ad hoc announcement can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.

References

K. J. Shaw, A. S. Ibrahim. Fosmanogepix:A Review of the First-in-Class Broad Spectrum Agent for the Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections. Journal of Fungi (Basel) 2020 (6), 239 M. R. Hodges, E. Ople, P. Wedel et al. Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral Fosmanogepix, a First-in-Class Antifungal Agent, in Healthy Volunteers. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2023 (67), e01623-22 J. A. Vazquez, P. G. Pappas, K. Boffard et al. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Antifungal, Fosmanogepix, in Patients with Candidemia Caused by Candida auris: Results from a Phase 2 Trial. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy2023 (67), e01419-22 P. G. Pappas, J. A. Vazquez, I. Oren et al. Clinical safety and efficacy of novel antifungal, fosmanogepix, for the treatment of candidaemia: results from a Phase 2 trial. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2023 (78), 2471-2480 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05421858 K. J. Shaw. GR-2397: Review of the Novel Siderophore-like Antifungal Agent for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis. Journal of Fungi (Basel) 2022 (8), 909 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02956499: M. P. Mammen, D. Armas, F. H. Hughes et al. First-in-Human Phase 1 Study To Assess Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Antifungal Drug, VL-2397, in Healthy Adults. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2019 (63), e00969-19 J. Cadena, G. R. Thompson 3rd, T. F..Patterson. Aspergillosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America 2021 (35), 415-434 M. Slavin, S. van Hal, T. C. Sorrell et al. Invasive infections due to filamentous fungi other than Aspergillus: epidemiology and determinants of mortality. Clinical Microbiology and Infection 2015 (21), 490.e1-490.e10 Candidemia (Blood Infection) and Other Candida Infections. 2019 Factsheet by the American Thoracic Society: https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/candidemia.pdf (https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/candidemia.pdf) (Accessed: September 18, 2024) B. J. Kullberg, M. C. Arendrup. Invasive Candidiasis. The New England Journal of Medicine 2015 (373), 1445-1456

Attachment
Simon Hjortsberg to share expertise on AI-driven data analysis at Stockholmsmassan, Sweden, September 24-27, 2024

Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting (TAA), a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services, today announced that Simon Hjortsberg, the company's Manager of Business Intelligence, will be a keynote speaker at Europe's first-ever Microsoft Fabric Community Conference. The anticipated event will take place from September 24 to 27, 2024, at Stockholmsmassan, in Sweden.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918799017/en/

Simon Hjortsberg, Manager, Business Intelligence, Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting (Photo: Business Wire)

On Wednesday, September 25, Simon Hjortsberg will deliver a presentation on "Sharing Experiences with Fabric Copilot." As an experienced Global Senior Business Intelligence Analyst, Hjortsberg will delve into the ways generative AI features are transforming data analysis, generating insights, and creating detailed visualizations and reports in Microsoft Fabric and Power BI.

Hjortsberg brings a wealth of knowledge in Data Science, Microsoft Fabric, Data Engineering, and Business Intelligence. He will share his experiences at Wolters Kluwer, with a focus on Microsoft Fabric Copilot. Participants will gain a better understanding of the innovative solutions and strategies employed by industry leaders. Hjortsberg's insights are key to those seeking to grow their knowledge of advanced BI technologies and applications. Attendees will hear firsthand from a leading professional in the sector.

Expert Interview Opportunity

Members of the press and professionals alike who are interested in a direct conversation with Hjortsberg are invited to contact Shannon Wherry, Associate Director, External Communications, to arrange interviews.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2023 annual revenues of 5.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,400 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918799017/en/

Contacts:

Shannon Wherry

Associate Director, External Communications Tax Accounting

Wolters Kluwer

Office +1 972-209-2767

shannon.wherry@wolterskluwer.com
Presentation will feature the results of the work conducted by the National Cancer Institute on inhibition of CXCL12

Research has been conducted by NCI under an agreement established with TME Pharma in 2022

TME Pharma participates as a supporting partner at the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Annual Meeting

Regulatory News:

TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of cancer by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME), announces that an abstract highlighting NOX-A12 data from preclinical studies performed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) has been selected for poster presentation at the 2024 Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Annual Meeting, taking place in Houston, Texas, USA, November 21-24, 2024. NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health.

The research was conducted at the NCI under the material transfer agreement established with TME Pharma in June 2022 to explore the effects of TME Pharma's CXCL12 inhibitor NOX-A12 in brain tumors.1

The SNO Annual Meeting, the world's largest neuro-oncology conference, attracts researchers and clinician scientists from over 40 countries. As a premier forum for sharing knowledge and gaining insights into the future of neuro-oncology research and treatment, the meeting spans all neuro-oncology disciplines, professions, and interests. TME Pharma will participate at the annual event as a supporting partner, with its team attending the conference and available for meetings with industry leaders.

Details of the poster presentation at the 2024 SNO Annual Meeting are as follows:

Title: Potentiating the efficacy of immune check-point inhibitors in glioblastoma by inhibition of CXCL12

Presenter: Dr. Chen Cam-El Makranz, Neuro-Oncology Research Fellow, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

Session: Poster Session, Poster number EXTH12

Time and Date: 7.30-9.30 p.m. CDT, Friday, November 22, 2024

The full abstract will be published in the SNO official journal Neuro-Oncology on Friday, November 11, 2024. Both the abstract and poster presentation will be made available on the TME Pharma website following the conference.

About TME Pharma

TME Pharma is a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of the most aggressive cancers. The company's oncology-focused pipeline is designed to act on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer immunity cycle by breaking tumor protection barriers against the immune system and blocking tumor repair. By neutralizing chemokines in the TME, TME Pharma's approach works in combination with other forms of treatment to weaken tumor defenses and enable greater therapeutic impact. In the GLORIA Phase 1/2 clinical trial, TME Pharma is studying its lead drug candidate NOX-A12 in newly diagnosed brain cancer patients who will not benefit clinically from standard chemotherapy. TME Pharma has delivered top-line data from the NOX-A12 three dose-escalation cohorts combined with radiotherapy of the GLORIA clinical trial, observing consistent tumor reductions and objective tumor responses. Additionally, GLORIA expansion arms evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in other combinations where the interim results from the triple combination of NOX-A12, radiotherapy and bevacizumab suggest even deeper and more durable responses, and improved survival. US FDA has approved the design of a randomized Phase 2 trial in glioblastoma and TME Pharma was awarded fast track designation by the FDA for NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy and bevacizumab for use in the treatment of the aggressive adult brain cancer, glioblastoma. NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy had also previously received orphan drug designation (ODD) for glioblastoma in the United States and glioma in Europe. TME Pharma has delivered final top-line data with encouraging overall survival and safety profile from its NOX-A12 combination trial with Keytruda in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients, which was published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer in October 2021. The company has entered in its second collaboration with MSD/Merck for its Phase 2 study, OPTIMUS, to further evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in combination with Merck's Keytruda and two different chemotherapy regimens as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The design of the trial has been approved in France, Spain and the United States. The company's second clinical-stage drug candidate, NOX-E36, is designed to target the innate immune system. TME Pharma is considering several solid tumors for further clinical development. Further information can be found at: www.tmepharma.com.

TME Pharma and the TME Pharma logo are registered trademarks.

Keytruda is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp Dohme Corp.

Visit TME Pharma on LinkedIn and X.

About the GLORIA Study

GLORIA (NCT04121455) is TME Pharma's dose-escalation, Phase 1/2 study of NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy in first-line partially resected or unresected glioblastoma (brain cancer) patients with unmethylated MGMT promoter (resistant to standard chemotherapy). GLORIA further evaluates safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 three additional arms combining NOX-A12 with: A. radiotherapy in patients with complete tumor resection; B. radiotherapy and bevacizumab; and C. radiotherapy and pembrolizumab.

About the OPTIMUS Study

OPTIMUS (NCT04901741) is TME Pharma's planned open-label two-arm Phase 2 study of NOX-A12 combined with pembrolizumab and nanoliposomal irinotecan/5-FU/leucovorin or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in microsatellite-stable metastatic pancreatic cancer patients.

Disclaimer

Translations of any press release into languages other than English are intended solely as a convenience to the non-English-reading audience. The company has attempted to provide an accurate translation of the original text in English, but due to the nuances in translating into another language, slight differences may exist. This press release includes certain disclosures that contain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on TME Pharma's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the risks inherent in oncology drug development, including clinical trials and the timing of and TME Pharma's ability to obtain regulatory approvals for NOX-A12 as well as any other drug candidates. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and TME Pharma undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

____________________________

1 TME Pharma Press Release on June 13, 2022.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918935035/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

TME Pharma N.V.

Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D., CEO

Tel. +49 (0) 30 16637082 0

investors@tmepharma.com

Investor and Media Relations:

LifeSci Advisors

Guillaume van Renterghem

Tel. +41 (0) 76 735 01 31

gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com

NewCap

Arthur Rouille

Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 00 15

arouille@newcap.fr
ING gives update on climate action approach, accelerates efforts in client engagement

ING today published its annual Climate Progress Update. The update shows how we engage with our clients to help them in the transition to a low-carbon economy. It also includes our progress on steering the most carbon-intensive sectors in our loan portfolio towards global climate goals - our 'Terra' approach. As a bank, the most impactful way for us to contribute to the transition is through financing: working with clients on their transitions to net zero while financing the technologies and solutions needed for a sustainable future. And because the global transition needs to include everyone, we're also finding new ways to enable people to stay a step ahead on climate change.

"I am proud to see our climate approach keep on developing every year," said Steven van Rijswijk, CEO of ING. "In the past year, we've taken several important steps to sharpen the way we engage with clients on their transition towards net-zero. We assessed the sustainability disclosures of around 2,000 of our largest clients with an online tool we've developed. This gives us the foundation for more data-informed discussions with our clients about their progress and how we can support them in their transition and drive down their emissions. The urgency of climate change is becoming more evident all the time and ING wants to play a leading role in accelerating the global transition to a low-carbon economy. We all have a part to play, and we can all make the difference for present and future generations if we work together towards the same goals."

For the assessment of the disclosures of around 2,000 wholesale banking clients we used specially developed tooling called ESG.X. We intend to make this tooling externally available to help accelerate the efforts of our peers and clients. As of 2026, after two years of disclosure assessments and more strategic engagement with our clients, we'll have a more robust understanding of how they're progressing. Based on that, we will continue with business as usual or, for those that are unable or unwilling to progress, apply stricter conditions on a case by case basis or we will consider ceasing financing them altogether.

In the Progress Update we also announced new steps in our policy for energy financing. We will stop all new general financing to so-called pure-play upstream oil & gas companies that continue to develop new oil & gas fields. This policy is applicable with immediate effect. In addition, guided by the IEA World Energy Outlook 2023, we've decided to stop providing new financing for new LNG export terminals after 2025.

We've also expanded the scope of our Terra approach to the aluminium and dairy sectors, bringing the total number of sectors in scope to twelve. Eight sectors are (almost) on track to meet climate goals on time, with two sectors behind schedule and two can't yet be assessed because a new methodology is used.

To successfully fight climate change, action is needed at all levels of society. That's why advocacy and collaboration are such big parts of our approach. We're very clear about what we believe governments and policymakers need to do in order for society to meet climate goals. We will continue this advocacy work, playing an active role in climate standard-setting and directing our resources to where our contribution will have the most impact.

The Climate Progress Update 2024 is available to download here.

Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that's not. See how we're progressing on https://www.ing.com/Sustainability/Climate-action/Our-climate-approach.htm

Note for editors

For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroomor via the @ING_newsX feed. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

Press enquiries Investor enquiries Daan Wentholt ING Group Investor Relations +31 20 563 8490 +31 20 576 6396 Daan.Wentholt@ing.com (mailto:Daan.Wentholt@ing.com) Investor.Relations@ing.com (mailto:Investor.Relations@ing.com)

ING PROFILE

ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank's more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 40 countries.

ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. ING's sustainability efforts have been recognised externally by environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating agencies and other benchmarks. In 2023, Sustainalytics assessed our management of ESG material risk as 'strong'. In July 2023, ING's ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed as 'AA'. ING's shares are included in the sustainability indices of Euronext, STOXX, FTSE Russell and Morningstar.

Important legal information

Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 ('Market Abuse Regulation').

ING Group's annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS- EU'). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2023 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to di?er materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may di?er materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation:

This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information.

Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are "green" or "sustainable." Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security.

This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING's control.

Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

This document does not constitute an o?er to sell, or a solicitation of an o?er to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

Attachment


EQS Newswire / 19/09/2024 / 09:30 MSK



Solidcore Resources plc ("Solidcore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved the construction of green energy power plants at Varvara mine.

"Our path to net zero along with Kazakhstan's decarbonisation efforts underpin Solidcore's full transition to clean energy sources. Today the Board approved the construction of solar and gas power plants at Varvara, which will result in significant carbon footprint and energy cost reductions", said Vitaly Nesis, Group CEO of Solidcore Resources plc.

The Company plans to invest approximately US$ 55 million in the construction of a 23 MW solar power plant and a 40 MW gas piston power plant at Varvara. The gas piston station aims to maintain a steady power supply by balancing uneven solar energy generation. The plants are expected to be launched in Q2 2026 and will almost fully replace third-party electricity from coal power stations, reducing dependence on external power sources and mitigating the impact of rising energy tariffs.

Next year, the Board will be considering construction of a 17 MW solar power plant at Kyzyl. With its commissioning planned by the end of 2026, both of the Company's mines will switch from purchased grid to self-generated clean energy, leading to a projected 27% reduction in the Company's GHG emissions compared to 2023.

Enquiries

Investor Relations Media Evgeny Monakhov Alikhan Bissengali +44 20 7887 1475 (UK) Kirill Kuznetsov Alina Assanova +7 7172 47 66 55 (Kazakhstan) ir@solidcore-resources.com Yerkin Uderbay +7 7172 47 66 55 (Kazakhstan) media@solidcore-resources.kz

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this release. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "targets", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may", "anticipates", "would", "could" or "should" or similar expressions or, in each case their negative or other variations or by discussion of strategies, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements all include matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the company's control that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the company's present and future business strategies and the environment in which the company will operate in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. There are many factors that could cause the company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. The company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

19/09/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


Topic: NAGA recently entered into a sponsoring partnership with Borussia Dortmund for the current and upcoming Bundesliga season. In detail:

Having entered into this cooperation, NAGA is now one of the official partner of BVB. With that, NAGA received exclusive rights to use the team's BVB partner logo on multiple markets, and the rights to use club players' image in branding materials. Additionally, NAGA's brand will be present on the LED advertising boards at home matches on Borussia's stadium Signal Iduna Park. With that, NAGA intends to power-up its brand awareness in Germany, which is it most important core market and attract new target groups. As BVB is also playing Champions League, the cooperation should additionally increase brand awareness in other important global regions.

In our view, this is a sensible sponsoring partnership as BVB has not only a huge global fan community but is also enjoying high sympathy ratings from fans of other clubs. The price per year is expected to be rather moderate with below  1m (eNuW) and should be already considered in the marketing budget for this and next year.

In a bigger picture, the cooperation with BVB is just another piece that is paving the way towards the vision for 2026 of USD 250m in sales and 40% EBITDA. While we consider this vision as rather optimistic, the past has already shown that an incremental positive change in the sentiment could have an enormous effect on the P&L of NAGA. The leverage of the joint Group could even scale this effect. Still, in our base case scenario we conservatively only anticipating  90m in sales and an EBITDA of  19m (22% EBITDA margin), leaving room for positive surprises. Looking into 2024, estimated 15.9m transactions on the back of a slowly revitalizing retail brokerage space should lift sales to  71.8m, assuming an avg revenue per trade of  5.0. Synergy effects and ongoing disciplined spending are expected to additionally drive EBITDA that we see at  11.5m.

Overall, the revitalization of customer activity in the brokerage space, paired with cross-selling and synergy effects arising from the merger should fuel NAGA's growth. Details on the growth plan will be presented during our roundtable, today at 10am CEST.

BUY with an unchanged PT of  1.20 based on DCF.

ISIN: DE000A161NR7
Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der

zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial.



Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten.



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Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird.



Nutzen Sie die Chance!

Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor.

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Report highlights significant disparity between perceptions of executives and lone workers regarding safety, as the risk of violence and abuse has risen by 46% over the last 2-3 years.

LONDON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EcoOnline, a leading technology provider for EHS, ESG, and Chemical Safety, today launches its Lone Worker Landscape Report 2024. Surveying over 1,200 executives and lone workers, the report explores the risks faced by lone workers and the perspectives of executives tasked with ensuring their safety. Key areas examined include communication, risk management, policies, and incident prevention and mitigation.

Lone Working on the Rise-Is Safety Keeping Up?

Lone workers-defined as anyone who works by themselves 'without close or direct supervision', are an often undercounted and underrepresented group in the UK workforce. The report estimates that between 7 and 9 million people work alone, with 46% of executives expecting this number to grow in the coming years. However, working alone is becoming increasingly dangerous, as 64% of organisations have experienced incidents involving lone workers in the past three years.

Worker Threat Index: The Perception Gap

This year's report highlights significant discrepancies between executives' views and the actual experiences of lone workers. According to the survey, lone workers identified violence and aggression as their greatest risk, with 46% reporting an increase in incidents over the last 2-3 years. This is reflected in incident reports, which show that violence accounts for 20% of all reported incidents, a figure that has doubled since 2023. On the other hand, executives are more concerned about workers being in remote areas without a mobile signal, with 50% identifying this as the top risk, placing violence as a secondary concern.

Key Findings from the Survey:

Risk management: 46% of executives believe lone workers are adequately included in risk assessments, compared to only 30% of lone workers. While over half of the executives believe risk assessments occur regularly, only 31% of lone workers agree.

46% of executives believe lone workers are adequately included in risk assessments, compared to only 30% of lone workers. While over half of the executives believe risk assessments occur regularly, only 31% of lone workers agree. Conflicting priorities : In 2024, 50% of executives report that safety is prioritized equally to financial targets, and 18% believe it is prioritized even higher. However, 29% of lone workers feel safety is given less priority than financial goals, and 17% of executives agree with them.

: In 2024, 50% of executives report that safety is prioritized equally to financial targets, and 18% believe it is prioritized even higher. However, 29% of lone workers feel safety is given less priority than financial goals, and 17% of executives agree with them. Looking ahead: Executives are increasingly recognizing workplace violence as the top future challenge, with 67% predicting that lone worker safety will grow in importance over the coming years.

Speaking on the research, EcoOnline's Chief Customer Officer, Helen Jones, said "Lone workers are facing more risks than ever, whether it's environmental, accidental, or deliberate. There's a clear gap between how executives and workers perceive these risks, and it's important for employers to take this as an opportunity to bridge that gap. Leaders must align safety measures with the realities lone workers face by being proactive-ensuring teams are aware of policies and risk assessments, can give input on processes, and have the right support in place. With both transparency and technology, we can significantly reduce risks and keep lone workers safe."

Businesses Embracing Technology and Transparency

Considering the role of innovation in protecting lone workers, Steve White, Health and Safety, Audit and Profit Protection Manager at Tile Giant, said "EcoOnline's StaySafe solution has enabled the business to manage one of the highest risk factors in the business, lone working. The app and dashboard mean that, as an operations team, we can all monitor stores across the country and be immediately alerted on escalations. Those working alone are given panic alarms, fall detection and frequent check-ins to ensure any situation is managed effectively."

Want to better protect your lone workers? Download the Lone Worker Landscape Report 2024 for key insights, and register for EcoOnline's webinar, 'Preventing Isolation,' to explore practical strategies for safeguarding your frontline team.

Methodology

We partnered with Illuma Research to develop a questionnaire and survey over 1200 lone workers and executives responsible for safety in their organisations. The aim of this research was to identify any developing trends in lone working in 2024, more specifically:

How many organisations have policies and procedures relating to lone workers in place

The level of communication and training given to lone workers

The risks faced by lone workers

How organisations manage the risks faced by lone workers

Lone worker incident rates

About EcoOnline

EcoOnline makes it easier for you to protect your workforce and the planet. Champion worker safety and climate compliance with EcoOnline's intuitive suite of software solutions in Chemical Safety, Sustainability Reporting, and all aspects of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) including Learning and Training.

With over 25 years of experience in 90 industries, EcoOnline is trusted by more than 10,000 brands worldwide. To make a significant impact to the safety and sustainability of your business, visit www.ecoonline.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gap-in-executive-awareness-as-lone-workers-face-increased-aggression-ecoonline-research-finds-302251774.html


Original-Research: THE NAGA GROUP AG - from NuWays AG



19.09.2024 / 09:00 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.

Classification of NuWays AG to THE NAGA GROUP AG



Company Name: THE NAGA GROUP AG

ISIN: DE000A161NR7



Reason for the research: Update

Recommendation: BUY

from: 19.09.2024

Target price: EUR 1.20

Last rating change:

Analyst: Frederik Jarchow



Partnership with BVB to increase reach



Topic: NAGA recently entered into a sponsoring partnership with Borussia Dortmund for the current and upcoming Bundesliga season. In detail:

Having entered into this cooperation, NAGA is now one of the official partner of BVB. With that, NAGA received exclusive rights to use the team's BVB partner logo on multiple markets, and the rights to use club players' image in branding materials. Additionally, NAGA's brand will be present on the LED advertising boards at home matches on Borussia's stadium Signal Iduna Park. With that, NAGA intends to power-up its brand awareness in Germany, which is it most important core market and attract new target groups. As BVB is also playing Champions League, the cooperation should additionally increase brand awareness in other important global regions.

In our view, this is a sensible sponsoring partnership as BVB has not only a huge global fan community but is also enjoying high sympathy ratings from fans of other clubs. The price per year is expected to be rather moderate with below EUR 1m (eNuW) and should be already considered in the marketing budget for this and next year.



In a bigger picture, the cooperation with BVB is just another piece that is paving the way towards the vision for 2026 of USD 250m in sales and 40% EBITDA. While we consider this vision as rather optimistic, the past has already shown that an incremental positive change in the sentiment could have an enormous effect on the P&L of NAGA. The leverage of the joint Group could even scale this effect. Still, in our base case scenario we conservatively only anticipating EUR 90m in sales and an EBITDA of EUR 19m (22% EBITDA margin), leaving room for positive surprises. Looking into 2024, estimated 15.9m transactions on the back of a slowly revitalizing retail brokerage space should lift sales to EUR 71.8m, assuming an avg revenue per trade of EUR 5.0. Synergy effects and ongoing disciplined spending are expected to additionally drive EBITDA that we see at EUR 11.5m.

Overall, the revitalization of customer activity in the brokerage space, paired with cross-selling and synergy effects arising from the merger should fuel NAGAZs growth. Details on the growth plan will be presented during our roundtable, today at 10am CEST.



BUY with an unchanged PT of EUR 1.20 based on DCF



You can download the research here: http://www.more-ir.de/d/30819.pdf For additional information visit our website: www.nuways-ag.com/research

Contact for questions:

NuWays AG - Equity Research

Web: www.nuways-ag.com

Email: research@nuways-ag.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuwaysag

Adresse: Mittelweg 16-17, 20148 Hamburg, Germany

++++++++++

Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschluss bestimmter Borsengeschafte.

Offenlegung moglicher Interessenskonflikte nach  85 WpHG beim oben analysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollstandigen Analyse. ++++++++++



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com



1991057 19.09.2024 CET/CEST






Lisa Ferrara, Ph.D., brings over 30 years of experience in orthopaedic medical device innovation and regulatory strategy in the USA

Dr Ferrara will play a pivotal role in advancing Renovos' lead product RENOVITE BMP-2 through FDA regulatory approval in the USA

RENOVITE is a synthetic, biodegradable nanoclay carrier that is a novel therapeutic delivery platform for precision regenerative medicine

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Renovos Biologics (Renovos), today announces the appointment of Lisa Ferrara, Ph.D., to its Board as a Non-Executive Director.

The appointment of Dr Ferrara, who has extensive experience developing new orthopaedic devices in the USA and obtaining regulatory approval for them, comes as Renovos presses ahead with development of its lead product RENOVITE BMP-2, a next-generation precision drugs carrier.

Dr Ferrara is managing partner of Hypoid Ventures, LLC, a technology consulting firm. She previously founded OrthoKinetic Technologies and OrthoKinetic Testing Technologies, LLC - two highly successful companies specialising in medical device evaluation, strategic positioning, and regulatory success, which were later acquired.

With deep domain expertise in musculoskeletal systems and orthopaedic devices, Dr. Ferrara has over 30 years of experience in academia and industry, with expertise in innovative technology, biomaterials, nanotechnology and regulatory strategies.

She founded and directed the Spine Research Laboratory at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation, has authored over 60 journal publications and edited 26 book chapters. She also has numerous patents to her name. Dr Ferrara is a member of several healthcare advisory boards and editorial boards of leading orthopaedic and spine journals, including Neurospine.

Renovos was granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for RENOVITE BMP-2 in November 2023. RENOVITE BMP-2 offers groundbreaking retention of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2) at the target site of repair, leading to improved bone fusion, safety, and ease of use across spine procedures - including minimally invasive and endoscopic applications as the formulation is injectable.

Dr Agnieszka Janeczek, Chief Executive Officer of Renovos Biologics, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Lisa to Renovos. She brings a wealth of sector expertise in orthopaedic devices and regulatory processes, largely from the USA. I am confident she will enhance our RENOVITE orthobiologic programs. Lisa's expertise will be instrumental as we work towards first-in-human trials and further develop our pipeline of innovative therapies."

Dr Lisa Ferrara, newly appointed Non-Executive Director of Renovos Biologics, said: "Renovos' RENOVITE nanoclay technology represents a transformative platform in regenerative medicine, enabling localised delivery of therapeutic agents directly to tissue sites without unwanted migration. It's fantastic to be joining Renovos, whose technology holds the potential to usher in significant advancements in tissue regeneration, providing a promising solution not only for orthopaedic treatments but for the future of regenerative medicine."

About Renovos Biologics

Renovos is a regenerative medicine company and a specialist developer of RENOVITE synthetic nanoclay for medical use. Stemming from research at the University of Southampton, UK, Renovos' proprietary RENOVITE technology greatly improves the performance of a range of regenerative medicine products, with first targets in orthobiologics. RENOVITE presents a novel mechanism of action, offering unprecedented retention of therapeutic agents at the target site of repair, mitigating their effects to a precisely controlled area, creating a step-change improvement in their efficacy, safety, and ease of use, in biodegradable and injectable formulations, suitable for minimally-invasive applications.

Please visit www.renovos.co.uk to learn more.

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Market-leading E&C company advises on new awards categories

The world's largest dedicated ethics and compliance company, LRN Corporation, has become the exclusive headline partner of the ICA Compliance Awards 2025

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both LRN and the International Compliance Association (ICA), as they unite to celebrate excellence and innovation in the compliance sector. As part of this exclusive partnership, LRN and ICA experts have worked together to create three new categories for the awards programme:

Compliance Communication Initiative of the Year : Recognising an outstanding communication campaign that has delivered impact and increased engagement in the compliance agenda, with sustainable results.

: Recognising an outstanding communication campaign that has delivered impact and increased engagement in the compliance agenda, with sustainable results. Compliance Culture Initiative of the Year : Recognising an outstanding project or initiative that has made a positive impact within the business from front-line to board level, encouraging strong employee engagement and creating an environment of trust.

: Recognising an outstanding project or initiative that has made a positive impact within the business from front-line to board level, encouraging strong employee engagement and creating an environment of trust. Compliance Programme of the Year: Recognising ethics and compliance programmes that embrace innovation and explore new approaches to creating sets of policies, procedures and controls that align with their business' values and objectives.

The ICA Compliance Awards are the UK's only cross-sector awards recognising compliance and financial crime teams and individuals. Hosted by the International Compliance Association, they recognise and celebrate internal compliance and financial crime prevention teams who go over and above to collaborate, innovate and raise compliance standards across the globe. The awards promote best practice, champion the profession and highlight the importance of compliance and financial crime prevention in today's constantly changing regulatory, geopolitical and business environment.

"Over the last three years, the ICA Compliance Awards have provided critical benchmarking and validation for the sector, recognising outstanding work and achievements of compliance and financial crime teams and individuals," said ICA President Pekka Dare. "The expertise and support that LRN will bring to the Awards programme will mean we can do even more to recognise, promote and celebrate the finest compliance initiatives, teams and individuals."

The collaboration represents an evolving strategic partnership between LRN and the ICA, aimed at advancing the ethics compliance profession and fostering ethical cultures worldwide.

"This partnership is a natural next step in our mission to inspire principled performance in organizations around the world," Ty Francis MBE, LRN Chief Advisory Officer, said. "It's been a pleasure collaborating with the ICA team to create these new award categories, which will not only highlight vital areas within the ethics and compliance landscape but also set new benchmarks for the more than 30,000 ICA members worldwide and the industry at large."

LRN Chief Marketing Officer, Amy Hanan added, "As a leading industry body advancing the global ethics and compliance community, we welcome the opportunity to work alongside the ICA in this unique partnership. Going forward, we will be working with the ICA to advise on these awards and beyond, leveraging our experience and expertise as the world's largest dedicated ethics and compliance solutions provider for the benefit of ICA members."

Compliance practitioners from the UK and across Europe will be able to register and start preparing their entries from 14th October 2024. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 26th June 2025 at the Westminster Park Plaza in London.

About LRN:

LRN is the world's largest dedicated ethics and compliance company, educating and helping more than 30 million people each year worldwide navigate complex legal and regulatory environments and foster ethical cultures. As one of the 2024 Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies, LRN's growth and impact underscore our commitment to excellence and innovation in the advancement of ethical business practices.

Find out more: Ethics Compliance Programme Solutions LRN

About the International Compliance Association (ICA):

The International Compliance Association is the leading professional body for the global regulatory and financial crime compliance community. Since 2001, they have enhanced the knowledge, skills and behaviour of over 160,000 professionals all over the world either through our internationally-recognised portfolio of professional qualifications (awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester) or through accredited in-company training.

Find out more: International Compliance Association (ICA) Leading professional body for the global regulatory financial crime compliance community (int-comp.org)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919171016/en/

Contacts:

Scott Addison, Charlotte Hole, Jamie Rollo or Catherine Oswalt, Infinite Global (for LRN Corporation)

LRN@infiniteglobal.com
WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Camera Accessories Market by Type (Lenses, Bags and Cases, Tripods, Batteries and Chargers, and Others), and Distribution Channel (Online and Offline): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the camera accessories market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $10.7 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11% from 2024 to 2033.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A06599

Prime determinants of growth

The market for camera accessories is mostly propelled by the rising demand for excellent photography and videography. The demand for sophisticated equipment including tripods, lenses, and lighting solutions has increased due to the growth of social media and content creation. The industry is growing due to technological developments such as smart features and wireless connectivity. Furthermore, there is a greater need for appropriate accessories due to the increasing popularity of mirrorless and DSLR cameras. However, the market experiences obstacles including high costs and the presence of counterfeit products. The increase in photographs taken with smartphones presents another risk. However, possibilities present themselves as the e-commerce industry grows, providing camera accessories to a wider range of consumers.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2033 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $3.8 billion Market Size in 2033 $10.7 billion CAGR 11 % No. of Pages in Report 250 Segments Covered Type, Distribution Channel, and Region. Drivers Rise of Social Media and Content Creation

Advancements in Camera Technology

Growth in Professional Photography Opportunities Expansion of E-commerce

Innovations in Product Offerings

Emerging Markets Restraints High Costs

Market Saturation

Economic Uncertainties

Segment Highlights

The market for camera accessories is expanding significantly, especially for tripods, as more people get interested in photography as a recreational activity and as a profession. Demand is being driven mostly by growing disposable income and technological developments in cameras, particularly DSLRs and mirrorless systems. Both amateur and professional photographers are in high demand for tripods since they are necessary for maintaining stability when taking pictures. The market is competitive, with leading companies launching innovative devices like Zhiyun and more recent brands like Joby, Gitzo, and Manfrotto. The increasing number of travel photographers and vloggers is being served by the trend toward lightweight and portable tripods. The expansion of e-commerce platforms has also made it simple for customers to access a variety of tripod solutions, which is propelling market growth.

The market for offline camera accessories is still growing, driven by professionals and enthusiasts who want to experience products before they buy them. Customers may try products like tripods, lenses, and lighting equipment in physical stores since they provide a hands-on experience. For individuals in need of professional guidance and real-time troubleshooting, the advantages of personalized customer service and instant availability are noteworthy. Large electronics companies and specialty camera stores predominate in this market, frequently holding community engagement events like workshops and demos. An additional special offline benefit is the ability to compare various brands and models directly. The offline sector continues despite the growth of e-commerce since photography and videography require high-quality equipment to be considered firsthand.

Buy This Research Report (250 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/03d5e51579da9c34d83731bb0618aa0e

Regional Outlook

Global market outlooks for camera accessories vary by region. Leading manufacturers have a significant presence in the North American market, which is fueled by technological advancements and a strong culture of photography. As a result of photography's increasing popularity as a hobby and profession, Europe is seeing consistent growth. Owing to rising disposable income and a growing interest in photography and videography, the Asia Pacific region, especially China and Japan are expanding quickly. Growing consumer awareness and better economic conditions are increasing demand for camera accessories, and Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions provide unexplored opportunities. Altogether, cultural influences, economic variables, and technological advancements are reflected in the market's regional dynamics.

Players: -

Canon Inc.

Elite Brands Inc.

FUJIFILM Corp.

Hitachi Ltd.

JVCKENWOOD Corp.

Kinefinity Inc.

Miller Australia Pty Ltd.

Nikon Corp.

Olympus Corp.

Panasonic Holdings Corp.

Panavision Inc.

RED Digital Cinema LLC

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

Rollei GmbH and Co. KG.

SIGMA Corp.

Sony Group Corp.

The Vitec Group Plc

Transcend Information Inc.

Koninklijke Philips NV

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global camera accessories market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Inquiry Before Buying @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A06599

Recent Developments:

In October 2023, Manfrotto strengthened its presence in the Asia-Pacific professional photography industry by acquiring Lastolite, a firm that specializes in lighting management solutions. Manfrotto's product line and market reach?grew as a result of this purchase.

In August 2023, Fujifilm aimed to cater to the increasing demand for travel and street photographers in the Asia-Pacific region by introducing a variety of innovative camera bags and protective accessories to its product portfolio. This addition is intended to meet the unique requirements of photographers who need high-quality, fashionable camera equipment.

Explore AMR's Extensive ongoing Coverage on Consumer and Goods Domain:

Wearable Technology Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2031

Action camera Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2027

Outdoor Lighting Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031

Crawler Camera Systems Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026

Smart TV Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033

Battery Operated Lights Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2032

Wireless Stereo Headset Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033

Electric Massagers Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030

Vending Machine Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Portable Air Conditioner Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2027

Walkie Talkie Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030

Hospitality Robots Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact:

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United States

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Corporation Trust Center,

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Delaware 19801 USA.

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ANTALYA, Turkey, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Corendon Airlines , one of Turkey's leading air carriers, has entered a strategic partnership with IBS Software to revolutionise its commercial operations. By leveraging IBS Software's iFly Res commerce platform Corendon will improve revenue streams and enhance operational efficiency. This move towards efficiency is fundamental as the airline is projected to process over 37 million passengers over the duration of the partnership.

IBS Software - a leading SaaS solutions provider to the global travel industry globally - was selected after an in-depth market evaluation which took over a year to complete. Corendon Airlines chose the iFly Res Passenger Service System (PSS) as it can uniquely unify Corendon's seat-only and tour operator business under a consolidated inventory. In turn, manpower requirements are reduced, and revenue dilution is prevented.

The partnership will see the integration of IBS Software's advanced Revenue Management solution delivering improvements to Corendon's bottom line. By providing a single, unified inventory that integrates both tour operator allotments and seat-only sales, the platform will empower revenue analysts to make consistent, data-driven decisions.

The collaboration also enables dynamic optimisation of pooled allotments, seat-only inventory, and pricing, all designed to maximise revenue. Additionally, iFly Res facilitates real-time data exchange with tour operator interfaces, ensuring seamless, uninterrupted operations.

Through NDC-based distribution, Corendon Airlines will now be able to offer dynamic pricing and more personalised options, enhancing passenger satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge. These real-time dynamic and personalised pricing capabilities are a vital tool in delivering the most cost-effective fares and ensuring pricing is competitive with other regional leisure travel providers.

Speaking about the partnership, Burcu Par Guler, PSS Project Manager of Corendon Airlines, said: "At Corendon Airlines, our mission is to deliver exceptional travel experiences. By partnering with IBS Software, we are leveraging cutting-edge technology to refine our operations and elevate our service offerings. This partnership is a pivotal step in our growth strategy, and we are thrilled to be working with like-minded individuals who share our passion for innovation."

Ben Simmons, VP & Regional Head of Europe and Africa, IBS Software said: "We are delighted to welcome Corendon Airlines to our expanding family of airline partners in Turkey. The iFly Res platform is tailored to meet the unique needs of hybrid tour operators and charter airlines like Corendon. We are committed to helping Corendon Airlines achieve their goals of bringing more people to Turkish shores and drive commercial success. "

Corendon Airlines becomes the third Turkish airline, following Sun Express and Freebird, to join forces with IBS Software, reinforcing IBS Software's leadership in the VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and leisure travel markets from Central Europe to Turkey.

The first phase of the partnership is due to go live in December, with the second phase scheduled for March 2025. For more information on IBS Software's iFly Res platform and its transformative capabilities, please visit: IBS Software | Blog

About Corendon Airlines:

Founded in 1997 in the Netherlands as a tour operator, Corendon has grown into a tourism group over time by adding airlines, incoming services, and hotels in Europe, Turkey, and the Caribbean to its portfolio. Corendon Travel, one of the leading tour operators in the Netherlands and Belgium, also operates in the Danish market. Corendon, particularly known in these markets for its association with the Turkey destination, is among the pioneering tour operators offering a wide range of products and destinations to its guests. Since entering the aviation sector with the slogan "Make a Difference" from its very first day, Corendon Airlines has introduced many exemplary practices and firsts in the industry. Together with its subsidiaries Corendon Dutch Airlines, established in 2011 and registered in the Netherlands, and Corendon Airlines Europe, established in 2017, Corendon Airlines operates flights from several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the United Kingdom, to popular holiday destinations within Europe and Turkey. As of 2024, it has become an international airline flying to 165 destinations in 65 countries. Under the Corendon Hotels & Resorts brand within the Tourism Group, Corendon operates two hotels in Antalya's Kemer and Lara regions, five hotels in Amsterdam, and four hotels on the Caribbean island of Curacao.

About IBS Software:

IBS Software is a global leader in SaaS solutions for the travel industry, managing mission-critical operations for clients in aviation, hospitality, tour & cruise, and energy resources sectors. IBS's aviation solutions encompass fleet & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel, and air cargo management.

In the hospitality industry, IBS Software offers a cloud-native, unified platform for hotels and travel sellers, including central reservation (CRS), property management (PMS), revenue management (RMS), call centre, booking engine, loyalty, and distribution systems.

For the tour and cruise industry, IBS provides a comprehensive, customer-centric digital platform covering onshore, online, and onboard solutions. In the energy & resources industry, IBS offers logistics management solutions that cover planning, operations, and accommodation management.

The Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) division focuses on driving digital transformation initiatives for its clients, leveraging deep domain knowledge, cutting-edge digital technologies, and engineering excellence.

IBS Software operates from 17 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.ibsplc.com

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Bata Celebrates 130 Years with a new Brand Campaign: "Make Your Way"

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bata, one of the world's leading footwear companies, proudly celebrates its 130th anniversary with a new brand campaign named: "Make Your Way." This milestone marks a celebration of Bata's rich heritage, and an exciting evolution aimed at positioning the brand as one of the top choices worldwide.

A New Era for Bata

The "Make Your Way" campaign reflects Bata's renewed focus on style, comfort, and affordability, aiming to attract a younger, trend-conscious audience while honouring its strong heritage.

"This campaign is about inspiring self-expression and confidence. At Bata, we make shoes to accompany consumers as they create their own path in life and build their road to the future," says Sandeep Kataria, Global CEO of Bata.

Strategic Vision

The new positioning, "Stylish, comfort-enhanced, affordable shoes for every side of you to make your way" aims to connect with today's fashion-conscious consumers, to expand Bata customers base and drive further growth. It will be communicated through Bata's key labels: "Bata", "Bata Comfit," and "Bata Red Label." This strategy positions Bata as the only major high-street footwear Retailer genuinely targeting 'Every Side of You' through authentic and heritage-rich in-house brands, covering every aspect of consumer life: dress, leisure and sport.

Global Campaign Rollout

Developed with the agency &Rosas, the global campaign includes media investments, in-store storytelling, and a redesign of Bata's e-commerce and social media approach.

Special Initiatives

It will also feature do-good marketing efforts to inspire and support women across various disciplines. Starting in September in Europe, Bata will introduce a special 130th-anniversary edition of women's ballerinas, supporting women in ballet and dance, fostering participation from diverse backgrounds, and aiding women facing economic challenges. The Ballerinas are a fashionable reinterpretation of the original Batovka, an innovative shoe launched in 1897 by Bata, which embodied the company's vision about quality & affordability.

About Bata Group

Bata is one of the world's leading shoemakers, selling more than 150 million pairs of shoes annually. With comfortable fit, stylish designs, affordable prices, and responsible manufacturing, Bata customers can feel good in their shoes - from their head to their toes. Founded in 1894, the family-owned business operates in over 56 countries across five continents. Bata designs, manufactures, and retails its own footwear, constantly innovating to find the perfect fit.

About &Rosas

Founded in 2003, &Rosas is a leading advertising and communications agency based in Barcelona, known for its consistency, market awareness, and loyalty.

Press Contact

Sarah Stocchetti

Global Corporate Communications at Bata Group

E-Mail: sarah.stocchetti@bata.com

Mobile: +41 79 724 60 68

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LONDON, September 19 2024 - Carbon removals, the removal and durable storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) that has already been emitted, are starting to emerge as a viable investment opportunity, but not at a pace that will enable the world to get to net zero according to the latest research by data and analytics company Wood Mackenzie.

The report, 'Carbon removals: The 'net' in net zero' states that technical constraints make eliminating CO2 emissions exceptionally difficult, which means that carbon removals will play a vital role in the energy transition. This means that projects in this area will need to start ramping up on a massive scale.

"Only a global effort will be able to deliver removals at scale" says Mhairidh Evans, Global Head of CCUS Research. "However, trade-off with other social needs is still inevitable, given the volume of projects required."

The report states that to achieve this goal, three key things must happen. Carbon removals must be monetised, governments must set national carbon removal targets and provide sufficient incentives and stimulate demand and developers need to deliver projects at cost levels that make removals an attractive option based on expected future carbon prices.

The report adds that nature-based solutions such as afforestation and soil carbon offer the greatest potential for scale at a lower cost per tonne than engineered solutions with many deployment opportunities available below US$100/tonne of CO2. This compares favourably with engineered solutions that currently range between US$100 and US$1,000/tonne.

Furthermore, some of the world's highest emissions emitting countries such as the US, Brazil, China, Indonesia and India have land resources available to accommodate huge removals projects on a gigatonne scale.

However, the carbon removals project sector remains too risky for many investors because of inconsistent policy support from governments worldwide.

"Government policy and incentives are the driving force behind the sharp rise in planned engineered projects across North America and Europe, which host over 95% of capacity announced to date," says Evans. "To deliver on the required scale, nature-based solutions will require greater support from governments around the globe."

The report also states that the investing in carbon removals can be difficult because, unlike renewable energy or clean fuels, there is usually no "product" produced. This can make the value of a project hard to define and financial value often comes from stacking different sources of income. These include voluntary and compliance carbon markets, direct corporate buyers, government incentives and by-product sales - but values vary greatly around the world.

Carbon markets are the primary mechanism for translating emissions mitigation from removals into a monetisable commodity.

"With a carbon price, governments and companies would be able to put a monetary value on having less CO2 in the atmosphere." Says Evans. "Companies need to be willing to pay for this in the voluntary market, while governments could create a regulated mandatory market, where companies can trade removal credits. We see an increasing role for removals in compliance markets"

Wood Mackenzie forecasts show that currently committed voluntary carbon market participants will demand more than 1.7 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (BtCO2e) a year of avoidance and removal carbon offsets by 2050. Demand could more than triple if the controversial issues of market integrity, trustworthiness of monitoring, reporting and verification, and offset quality are resolved quickly.

The report also states that governments should also use their purchasing power to stimulate demand. Other initiatives along these lines also includes government-to-government trading which would achieve better global equity and encourage investment in removals projects in developing countries.

The report adds that while strong governmental support is essential to kick-start projects, developers also have to work hard to deliver the right cost levels to attract potential investors. For Direct Air Capture, one of the most promising removals technologies, this will require supply-chain optimisation, a step-change in energy consumption, larger project sizes and the application of next-generation capture technologies.

The report concludes that nature-based solutions will deliver 90% of carbon removals in Wood Mackenzie's base case. Engineered removals come at a higher cost but will be essential at gigatonne scale to help the world reach net zero.

"The promise of carbon removals is clear. What's less clear is their pathway to becoming a major lever to help meet the Paris goals and help companies to achieve their net zero targets," Evans concludes. "Nevertheless, there are no-regrets actions that can - and should - happen now."

Attachment


EQS Newswire / 19/09/2024 / 10:45 CET/CEST



LONDON, UK - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 September 2024 - Forvis Mazars, a leading global tax, audit, and advisory network, has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Central Asia.



Best Places to Work is an international certification program focused on workplace culture and employee engagement. It recognizes employers who deliver exceptional working conditions. Over 1,500 employees from 16 Forvis Mazars offices across CEE and Central Asia participated, with the firm achieving a certification score of 81%.



"Achieving this recognition across CEE and Central Asia reflects our shared values and respect for people. It's a testament to our commitment to creating a positive impact," said Peter Wundsam, CEE Board Member.



Key workplace factors rated highly included Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at 86%, Leadership at 85%, and Teamwork at 84%. Notably, 88% of employees would recommend Forvis Mazars to others. A significant strength was gender equality in growth opportunities, rated at 96%.



"Our people are at the core of our success," noted Loic Wallaert, Co-Chair of the CEE Board. "Creating an environment that fosters talent is crucial for delivering the best results for our clients."



From an HR perspective, Recognition Programs and Succession Planning were top-rated practices, with CSR and diversity also standing out.



"This certification reaffirms our commitment to people-centric practices," said Yulia Zaprudska, CEE HR Coordinator. "For years, we've empowered our professionals to lead with bold spirit, shaping a great workplace for both employees and clients."



Forvis Mazars' certification is valid until September 2025.

Hashtag: BestPlacesToWork



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars is a leading global professional services network, offering audit, tax, and advisory services across 100+ countries.



For more information, visit forvismazars.com .



About Best Places to Work

Best Places to Work is a global HR certification program recognizing top workplaces worldwide. For more information, visit bestplacestoworkfor.org .



19/09/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


FREMONT, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leopard Imaging Inc. (Leopard Imaging), a global leader in intelligent vision solutions, will launch its next-generation stereo camera, Eagle1, powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform for edge AI and robotics, at Vision Stuttgart 2024.

The Eagle1 state-of-the-art stereo camera is the latest addition to Leopard Imaging's portfolio of advanced camera solutions, marking a significant advancement in stereoscopic imaging technology. This streamlined camera is designed to meet the growing demand for high performance, high resolution and highly reliable short- to long-range day/night imaging for the computer vision mass market.

The Eagle 1 is an RGB-IR active stereo camera, meticulously designed to provide robust performance in both day and night conditions. It is powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin, which delivers high processing power and advanced AI capabilities ideal for a variety of applications including robotics and industrial automation.

At the core of the Eagle1 camera are two 5.1-megapixel BSI global shutter RGB-IR image sensors with 60 fps at full resolution. One of the standout features of the Eagle1 camera is its ability to output RAW RGB and R data simultaneously. This capability is crucial for applications that require the capture of detailed and uncompressed image data in all lighting conditions, allowing for more sophisticated image processing and analysis. The camera's design includes a Maxim GMSL2 serializer, which facilitates high-speed data transmission over long distances, ensuring the integrity of the data even in demanding environments.

Additionally, the Eagle1 camera is equipped with an IR illuminator and IR dot projector. These components enhance the camera's ability to capture clear images in low-light or no-light conditions, making it an invaluable tool for night-time operations or environments with poor lighting with high depth accuracy. The IR illuminator provides a consistent light source, while the dot projector improves depth perception, crucial for precision depth imaging.

Founded in 2008, Leopard Imaging has supported thousands of well-known companies in advanced imaging solutions with its experienced engineering teams, high-quality manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and offshore, and quality management certifications such as IATF16949 for automotive industry, and AS9100D for aerospace industry.

Leopard Imaging is showcasing a demo at Vision 2024, Hall 10, Booth 10B72 at Messe Stuttgart, Germany, Oct 8-10, 2024. The company is also partnering with Silicon Lion to showcase imaging solutions at Hall 8, Stand B31. To schedule a meeting, please contact marketing@leopardimaging.com .

About Leopard Imaging Inc.

Leopard Imaging is a global leader providing embedded cameras and AI-based imaging solutions-focusing on core technologies that improve image processing in automotive vehicles, aerospace vehicles, drones, IoT, and robotics. An Elite member of the NVIDIA Partner Network and a member of the AWS Partner Network, Leopard Imaging works closely with the most established sensor companies in producing advanced camera solutions for global customers with its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and original design manufacturer (ODM) services.

Press Contact

Cathy Zhao

marketing@leopardimaging.com

+1 408-263-0988

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Cities in Finland want to encourage cities to help preserve nature internationally. The leaders of Finland's 10 largest cities commit to concrete targets for halting the loss of biodiversity.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919977440/en/

Cities in Finland want to encourage cities to help preserve nature internationally. The leaders of Finland's 10 largest cities commit to concrete targets for halting the loss of biodiversity. Photo: Visit Tampere, summer colors in Arboretum. Drone: Laura Vanzo.

Urbanisation and increasingly dense development weaken local nature. As Finland is famous for its clean nature, its growing cities want to maintain their residents' connection with nature.

The mayors of the 10 largest cities in Finland commit to working together to stop the loss of biodiversity. City leaders promise to take care of the parks, forests and water areas in their cities. Concrete actions and targets to halt biodiversity loss will be included in city strategies alongside climate change mitigation. Of the approximately 5.6 million Finns, about 2.4 million live in the 10 biggest cities.

Finland has previously committed to halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and reversing it. Now cities have agreed to join forces to draw up an implementation plan for the EU Nature Restoration Law.

Work in Finnish cities has a global basis

Akanksha Khatri Head of Nature and Biodiversity at the World Economic Forum (WEF), challenges cities to take concrete actions for nature. Only 37% of the 500 largest cities in the world have a plan for improving the state of nature. If there are goals, they are often upper-level.

'It is vital and strategically necessary that cities take coordinated action for nature given the climate, health and infrastructure challenges in cities,' says Khatri.

According to Khatri, more than 40% of the gross domestic product of cities worldwide is threatened because of biodiversity loss.

'We have a chance if we design and build cities differently and focus on urban consumption, which also has impacts outside cities.'

Khatri spoke at the Urban Nature Forum in Tampere, organised now for the first time. The forum discussed the reconciliation of development and the biodiversity as well as the significance of nature for the well-being of city residents.

Link:

Declaration of the cities www.tampere.fi

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919977440/en/

Contacts:

City of Tampere

Development Manager, Ecologist

Kaisa Mustajarvi

Phone: +358 40 806 2294

Email: kaisa.mustajarvi@tampere.fi
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PHSC Plc - Results of AGM and Board Changes

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 19

19 September 2024

PHSC PLC

("PHSC" or the "Company")

Results of AGM and Board Changes

PHSC (AIM: PHSC), a leading provider of health, safety, hygiene and environmental consultancy services and security solutions to the public and private sectors, is pleased to announce that the resolutions proposed at its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") held earlier today, as set out in the formal Notice of AGM dated 6 August 2024, were all duly approved by shareholders.

Board Changes

In addition, the Company announces that Graham Webb MBE will be retiring and stepping down as a non-executive director of the Company with effect from 30 September 2024. The Board would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to Graham for his longstanding service and valued contribution to the Company over more than 20 years and wishes him all the best in his retirement.

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that Frank Moxon will take up office as a non-executive director effective from 1 October 2024. Frank has nearly 35 years' experience as a corporate financier and financial adviser to companies, ranging from start-ups to businesses over 3 billion in size, in a wide range of sectors.

Frank has held several senior management roles within the financial services industry and, in addition to having been Senior Independent Director at Cove Energy Plc, prior to its sale in August 2012 to PTT for 1.2 billion, has been a director of various companies listed in London, Australia and Canada. Frank is also currently the President of the East of England Co-operative Society.

Frank has a BSc in Economics and is an Honorary Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Stephen King, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PHSC, today commented:

"We are most appreciative of Graham's longstanding support and contribution to the Company's development and wish him all the best in retirement and his future endeavours. We look forward to welcoming Frank to the Board next month and working closely with him in the next phase of the Company's growth and long-term value creation for stakeholders."

For further information please contact:

PHSC plc

Stephen King Tel: 01622 717 700

Stephen.king@phsc.co.uk

www.phsc.plc.uk

Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated Adviser) Tel: 020 7409 3494

James Bellman / Matthew Chandler

Novum Securities Limited (Broker) Tel: 020 7399 9427

Colin Rowbury

Additional information on the Appointment of a Director

As required pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule Two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, Frank Moxon is, save for his planned directorship of PHSC, currently a director/partner, or has been a director/partner in the past five years, of the following companies/partnerships:

Frank Hoyt Moxon (aged 58) Current Directorships/Partnerships Past Directorships/Partnerships (last 5 years) Anglian Convenience Stores Limited Drake Energy Limited Ardencrest Limited Graves Moxon Group Limited CISI Educational Trust Harvest Minerals Ltd East of England (SLP) General Partner Limited The Brokerage Citylink East of England Co-op Travel Limited East of England Co-operative Society (Trustees) Ltd East of England Co-operative Society Limited H.L. Perfitt Limited Hoyt Moxon Ltd Jersey Oil and Gas plc The Co-operative Loan Fund Limited

Mr Moxon was a non-executive director of Silvermere Energy Plc which entered into a creditors' voluntary arrangement approved by creditors and shareholders on 16 August 2013 and completed on 20 December 2013. Total unsecured claims amounted to 1,043,532. Under the terms of the CVA creditors were issued with equity in the company (which was renamed Tern Plc and is quoted on AIM) in lieu of cash in order to settle all claims.

Mr Moxon was a non-executive director of EastCoal Inc. from October 2012 until October 2013 which entered into a form of creditors' voluntary arrangement (under Canadian law) approved by creditors on 22 April 2014 and completed in August 2014. Total secured and unsecured claims amounted to C$3,026,122 in respect of which there was a deficiency of C$2,575,154. Under the terms of the arrangement creditors each received a cash payment of approximately 15 per cent. (pre-tax) of monies owed.

Mr Moxon was a non-executive director of Whetstone Minerals Ltd until March 2013 which was voluntarily wound up without the appointment of a liquidator in December 2013 with net assets of approximately $1.4 million.

Mr Moxon was a non-executive director of Swala Energy Ltd, an ASX listed company from June 2015 until June 2017, which entered into a Voluntary arrangement in June 2016, involving a Deed of Company Arrangement. Total secured and unsecured claims amounted to A$415,000, to which there was an A$248,000 deficiency. In February 2018, priority creditors of A$176,000 were paid in full, whilst unsecured creditors were offered a cash payment of approximately 50 per cent. (pre-tax) of monies owed.

Mr Moxon holds no direct or indirect interest in the Company's issued share capital.

There is no further information to be disclosed pursuant to Schedule Two Paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

About PHSC

PHSC, through its trading subsidiaries, Personnel Health & Safety Consultants Ltd, RSA Environmental Health Ltd, QCS International Ltd, Inspection Services (UK) Ltd and Quality Leisure Management Ltd, provides a range of health, safety, hygiene, environmental and quality systems consultancy and training services to organisations across the UK. In addition, B2BSG Solutions Ltd offers innovative security solutions including tagging, labelling and CCTV.
MCF Corporate Finance ("MCF") today announced its role as the exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of SeaCross, a leading international provider of navigation software for high-speed marine operations, on its sale to Adelis Equity. This transaction marks the second investment in Adelis Equity's recently established defence technology group.

"The decision to hire MCF as financial advisors was crucial in finding the best possible partner for SeaCross and supporting the company's growth journey ahead," said Harald Nilsonne, Founder and Chairman of SeaCross. "Throughout the process, they demonstrated an exceptional understanding of our business, software, and niche within the defence technology market. MCF's strategic and steadfast advice, both before and during the process, ensured we found the right partner in Adelis."

SeaCross, renowned for its advanced high-speed marine navigation systems, is poised to enter a new phase of growth with Adelis Equity's backing. The strategic partnership will enable SeaCross to further invest in and enhance its software and cutting-edge capabilities, supporting professional high-speed vessel operators worldwide.

MCF's Advisory Role

MCF advised the shareholders of SeaCross in evaluating strategic options and ultimately securing a partnership that aligns with the company's vision and growth ambitions. This transaction reinforces MCF's strong track record in the defence and technology sectors, highlighting its expertise in advising business owners on structured sell-side transactions that deliver optimized outcomes.

About the Transaction

The acquisition of SeaCross by Adelis Equity represents the second investment in Adelis' defence technology group, which aims to support Western and democratic countries in protecting people and societies, while enabling small- to mid-sized defence companies to scale and thrive. Adelis' defence technology group focuses on building a portfolio of leading niche software and technology companies dedicated to defence and security.

About SeaCross Marine AB

Founded in Scandinavia, SeaCross has been at the forefront of high-speed marine navigation since its first product launch in 2006. The SeaCross system is known for its unique functionality, specifically designed for the most demanding environments and end users in the defence market. As a key international player in its niche, SeaCross serves a diverse customer base across the globe.

About Adelis Equity

Adelis is a growth partner for well-positioned companies in the Nordic and DACH regions. Adelis partners with management and/or owners to build businesses in growth segments and with strong market positions. Since raising its first fund in 2013, Adelis has been one of the most active investors in the Nordic middle-market, making 42 platform investments and more than 230 add-on acquisitions. Adelis manages approximately 3 billion in capital.

About MCF Corporate Finance

MCF Corporate Finance (MCF) is a leading M&A and debt advisory firm with offices in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Helsinki, London and Stockholm. Under the brand D.A. Davidson MCF International, we identify and execute transatlantic M&A transactions.

MCF has successfully structured and executed over 1,000 M&A and debt advisory transactions for multinational corporations, mid-sized companies, family offices, and private equity investors across its five core sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Industrials, Materials and Technology.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919561401/en/

Contacts:

Deal Team Contacts:

Erik Pettersson, Partner pettersson@mcfcorpfin.com

Ludvig Ahlinder, Director ahlinder@mcfcorpfin.com

Vendela Palmquist, Associate palmquits@mcfcorpfin.com



Media Contact:

Suzannah Burton, Marketing Director burton@mcfcorpfin.com

MCF Corporate Finance, Stockholm Office



This press release is intended for distribution on Business Wire and other media outlets. For additional details or to schedule interviews, please reach out to the contacts listed above.
BostonGene's Chief Scientific Officer will deliver a keynote presentation outlining key strategies for implementing integrated diagnostics, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, administrative alignment, and leveraging real-world data to enhance patient care and streamline payor negotiations

BostonGene a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven molecular and immune profiling solutions, announced today its participation in the European Federation of Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Strategic Conference 2024, to be held in Padua, Italy, from September 23 to 24. The event, titled "A Vision to the Future: Value-Based Laboratory Medicine," will focus on shaping the future of laboratory medicine through innovative value-based approaches and integrated diagnostics.

Joe Lennerz, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at BostonGene and Chair of the EFLM Integrated Diagnostics Task Group, will deliver a keynote presentation on Monday, September 23, from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. His keynote session, "Integrated Diagnostics," will explore how disease-specific diagnostic pathways can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and optimize service delivery. Dr. Lennerz will present key strategies for implementing an Integrated Diagnostics (IDx) practice, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, administrative alignment and the integration of real-world data in enhancing patient care and negotiating with payors.

BostonGene's participation in the EFLM Strategic Conference 2024 reflects the company's dedication to driving innovation in laboratory medicine and integrated diagnostics. The contributions from Dr. Lennerz and BostonGene will be featured in the Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journal, highlighting their role in this evolving field.

In addition to his keynote, Dr. Lennerz will be chairing the Integrated Diagnostics Task Group meeting on Sunday, September 22 from 5:00 PM 7:00 PM. This satellite meeting, attended by both in-person and virtual speakers, will focus on the latest advancements in integrated diagnostics, providing the ideal platform for thought leadership and collaboration.

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 visit the EFLM website.

About BostonGene Corporation

BostonGene is a 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/20240919352218/en/

Contacts:

Media:

BostonGene

Erin Keleher O'Reilly

+1-617-283-2285

Erin.Oreilly@BostonGene.com
Merger offers a unified platform that helps retailers and brands shape shopper demand.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian technology company and leader in digital merchandising, Flipp Operations Inc. ("Flipp") and MEDIA Central Group ("MEDIA Central"), European leader in drive-to-store, have joined forces. This industry-defining transaction combines the leadership and expertise of these two institutions to serve thousands of blue-chip retailers and brands across 27 global markets, reaching over 400 million head of household shoppers.

The new ownership structure will be led by majority owner Truelink Capital, and include Insight Ventures, Bregal Unternehmerkapital, and Highland Europe.

Flipp helps major retailers and brands in the US and Canada enhance digital merchandising by creating and distributing local promotions to millions of engaged shoppers. MEDIA Central, with its classic and digital businesses - the digital one combining ShopFully, Offerista, and Yagora - offers data-driven 360 solutions to major retailers and brands across Europe, Australia, and Latin America. Flipp and MEDIA Central will maintain their brands and continue serving customers in their respective markets.

"Flipp is trusted by retailers and brands to provide innovative merchandising solutions in the evolving digital landscape," says Michael Silverman, CEO of Flipp. "Shoppers expect seamless personalized experiences across their shopper journey, spanning both in-store and online touchpoints. This merger marks an exciting new chapter, enabling us to harness the combined power of Flipp and MEDIA Central to deliver cutting-edge drive-to-store solutions. This will ensure that shoppers are empowered with critical shopping content, while retailers and brands can leverage their promotions to drive shopper engagement."

Stefano Portu, CEO Digital MEDIA Central, comments: "Following the combination of MEDIA Central and ShopFully last year, this transaction presents a unique opportunity to form a global leader in Drive-to-Store Marketing. Leveraging our unique, AI-powered marketing tech platform and investing jointly into product and technology will allow us to offer even greater value to our customers worldwide."

Ingo Wienand, CEO Classic MEDIA Central, adds: "Together with Flipp, we are combining our strengths and expertise even more consistently to support retailers as a strong partner in the increasingly complex field of offer communication and to provide maximum value added."

This merger unites leadership and management of Flipp and MEDIA Central, creating unparalleled value for customers and shoppers. For over a decade, Flipp and MEDIA Central have led the analog-to-digital transition. Their combined platforms will create an advanced digital merchandising network and shopper dataset, helping retailers and brands connect with shoppers. By integrating their networks, the two companies will serve complementary audiences, extend their global reach, accelerate innovation, and enhance value for clients on a global scale.

Luke Myers, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Truelink Capital, reflected on the transaction and noted, "Through the combination of Flipp and MEDIA Central, we will form a highly attractive market leader, with complementary product offerings and global reach. The financial strength of the combined group will allow us to drive innovation and value for our high-quality customer base of international retailers and brands. We are enthusiastic about this partnership and believe there is a bright future ahead for the combined entity."

Debt financing for the transaction will be provided by Royal Bank of Canada. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Baker McKenzie serving as legal advisor and Stifel is serving as financial advisor to Truelink Capital and Flipp. Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal advisor and Houlihan Lokey is serving as financial advisor to Bregal and MEDIA Central.

The transaction is expected to close by Q4 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

ABOUT FLIPP

Founded in 2007, Flipp is a technology platform that is reinventing the way people plan their weekly shopping trips. The largest retailers and brands in North America use the Flipp Platform to create, curate and distribute digital visual merchandising experiences and savings content to over 100 million high intent shoppers. Households use Flipp as their primary weekly shopping tool to decide what to buy and where to buy. On average, Flipp helps shoppers save $45 on their weekly groceries, home improvement goods, electronics, pharmacy, apparel, pets supplies and more. For more information, visit corp.flipp.com.

ABOUT MEDIA CENTRAL

The MEDIA Central Group is a European market leader in drive-to-store marketing solutions. The Group unites the leading specialist for data-based 360 offer communication, MEDIA Central, Europe's leading drive-to-store technology platform, ShopFully, together with the experts for digital offer communication, Offerista Group, and the data science experts for the moment of purchase decision, Yagora. It is represented by over 900 employees in 21 locations across Europe, Australia, and Latin America, and currently serves top retailers and brands in 24 countries from all industries.

ABOUT TRUELINK CAPITAL?

Truelink Capital is a middle-market private equity firm based in?Los Angeles. Truelink pairs deep industry experience in the industrials and technology-enabled services sectors with a commitment to building partnerships that drive long-term value through an operationally focused strategy. Truelink partners with management, corporate sellers, and founders to accelerate growth through the execution of strategic initiatives and transformative add-on acquisitions.

ABOUT BREGAL UNTERNEHMERKAPITAL

Bregal Unternehmerkapital ("BU") is a leading investment firm with offices in Zug, Munich, and Milan. With 7.0bn in capital raised to date, BU is the largest mid-cap investor headquartered in the DACH region. The funds advised by BU invest in mid-sized companies based in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. With the mission to be the partner of choice for entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, BU seeks to partner with market leaders and "hidden champions" with strong management teams and breakout potential. Since its founding in 2015, the funds advised by BU have invested over 3.5 billion in more than 100 companies with more than 28,000 employees. Thereby, more than 8,200 jobs have been created. BU supports entrepreneurs and families as a strategic partner to develop, internationalize, and digitize their businesses, while helping them generate sustainable value on a responsible basis with the next generation in mind.

For more information, please visit https://www.bregal.ch/en/ .

Media Contacts

Gaby Hui (Flipp)

gaby@labcreo.com

Selin Castaldo (MEDIA Central Classic)

selin.castaldo@media-central.de

Laura Sassi (MEDIA Central Digital)

l.sassi@shopfully.com

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EQS Newswire / 19/09/2024 / 12:15 CET/CEST

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 September 2024 - Dusit Central Park, a complete mixed-use development in Bangkok's Super Core CBD, the newest project among Thailand's Top 5 Tallest Buildings, has made its international showcase at the CTBUH 2024 International Conference in London - Paris. The project is developed in partnership with Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, Thailand's leading hospitality and real estate development company and Central Pattana Public Company Limited, Thailand's largest and most sophisticated retail property developer. This iconic land is set to redefine Bangkok's landscape with its innovative design and luxurious lifestyle.



Dusit Central Park

Highlighting the project's significance at the conference, Ms. La-ead Kovavisaruch, CEO of Vimarn Suriya Company Limited, the developer of Dusit Central Park, discussed the transformation of the historic Dusit Thani Hotel, a Bangkok icon for over 50 years, into a modern urban landmark under the topic of "From Legend to Future: Transforming a Legacy into a Market-shaping Development". The new development showcases exceptional architectural with Thai essence and gracious hospitality, while embracing a forward-looking vision with new diverse elements, resulting in a never-seen-before mixed-use development that merges ingenious design, unrivalled connectivity and exceptionally rewarding lifestyle experiences together in one unique location.



"Dusit Central Park is more than just a property development. It represents a major leap in reestablishing the company's prominence in Bangkok's skyline, honoring the original Dusit Thani Bangkok, once the city's tallest building in 1970. Set to become an iconic global landmark, Dusit Central Park showcases modern architecture and Thai hospitality, drawing international attention to Bangkok's evolving cityscape.", Ms. Kovavisaruch emphasized.



The development features four elements: Dusit Thani Bangkok, Central Park Retail and Offices and Thai-branded Dusit Residences showcasing craftsmanship and quality materials. All impeccably designed homes include 5-star facilities and services provided by Dusit Thani. Residents enjoy peaceful privacy, stunning Lumpini Park views, and access to an expansive 11,200-square-meter Roof Park connecting all four buildings, creating a Bangkok oasis in the heart of the city.



Dusit Central Park, built on a 9.1-acre plot with an investment exceeding 46 billion baht, is poised to become a world-class landmark that will set a new standard for future mixed-use developments. It will attract global attention as it transforms the city's most historic area into a vibrant hub of modernity and tradition.



Hashtag: DusitCentralPark

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Dusit Central Park The Dusit Central Park project is a real estate development venture between Dusit Thani Public Company Limited and Central Pattana Public Company Limited. The project's total value is 46,000 million Baht, aimed at developing a 23-rai area located in the heart of Bangkok's central business district at the corner of Silom and Rama 4 Road, opposite Lumpini Park. The project includes hotels, residential buildings, office towers, and a shopping center. The rooftop park - a large 7-rai (11,200 sq.m.) green space - serves as a special green area for public use. Currently under construction, the project is expected to be completed and open the 1st phase for service in the 3rd quarter of 2024.



News Source: Vimarn Suriya Company Limited

19/09/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


To help Posti enhance customer experience and operational efficiency with an AI-first strategy leveraging Infosys Topaz

BENGALURU, India, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced it is extending its strategic collaboration with Posti, the leading delivery and logistics services provider in Finland, Sweden, and the Baltics. As part of the engagement, Infosys will help Posti enhance customer experience and operational efficiency while continuing to innovate, scale, and grow its IT operations.

Infosys will adopt an AI-driven approach powered by Infosys Topaz, an AI-first offering using generative AI technologies, to empower Posti with operational efficiencies and service quality. Additionally, Infosys Cobalt will leverage its Live Enterprise Application Management Platform (LEAP), a cloud-enabled platform, to provide NextGen Application Management Services for enterprises to accelerate their cloud journey to help drive business productivity.

In the last five years through the collaboration, Infosys has helped Posti improve the resilience of IT systems, reduce outages and disruptions, and improve Posti's ability to prevent and respond to cyber threats. Infosys has helped Posti modernize the front-end consumer-facing applications and replace legacy systems and processes.

Petteri Naulapaa, CIO & SVP, ICT and Digitalization, Posti Group, said, "We are pleased to announce the renewal of our collaboration with Infosys for another seven years. By harnessing the power of AI through Infosys Topaz and cloud capabilities through Infosys Cobalt, we aim to create a more efficient and customer centric organization. The collaboration with Infosys will accelerate our digital transformation journey and help us deliver exceptional services, optimize our operations, and strengthen our position as a leading delivery and logistics provider."

Karmesh Vaswani, EVP and Global Head Retail, Consumer Goods & Logistics, Infosys, said, "Building on our growing presence in the Nordics and proven expertise in AI-powered transformation, Infosys is thrilled to announce the renewal of our strategic collaboration with Posti. This extension demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering next-generation services and solutions specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by our clients in the Nordics. By leveraging cutting-edge Gen AI alongside our comprehensive digital suite, we aim to propel Posti's competitiveness even further within Finland, Sweden, and the Baltics. This next phase of our work will empower Posti to not only become a leader in the logistics and e-commerce sector, but a true digital frontrunner in the Nordics."

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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Securing Top 5 Position in over 20 Key Markets

HONG KONG, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, continues its upward trajectory with a fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. According to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, Infinix marked an 18.8 % increase in global smartphone shipments in Q2 2024 compared to the same period last year, further solidifying the brand's growing influence in global markets.

"Infinix's exceptional performance in Q2 2024 underscores our relentless pursuit of innovation and our deep understanding of consumer needs globally. We will continue to raise the bar with our products and services, engage in meaningful conversations with consumers, and advance technological innovation to fulfill our commitment to empowering the youth," Tony Zhao, General Manager at Infinix.

Consistent Impressive Growth

Infinix's growth continues to impress, securing top 5 market share positions in over 20 key markets globally. The brand has maintained its No. 1 position in strongholds like the Philippines and Pakistan, while high-growth regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia have reported year-over-year shipment increases ranging from 50% to an astounding 469% in Q2 2024.

This sustained momentum is driven by Infinix's consistent delivery of innovative products and its dynamic engagement with consumers. In the first half of 2024, the brand launched the feature-packed NOTE 40 series, featuring the brand's first proprietary Cheetah X1 chip, breakthrough All-Round FastCharge 2.0, and Infinix MagKit to deliver a seamless 24/7 user experience. Additionally, Infinix collaborated with BMW Group Designworks to create a sleek, high-end Racing Edition smartphone that's as stylish as powerful.

Infinix's GT 20 Pro gaming smartphone set a new standard as the first in its price segment to feature a dedicated gaming display chip. This advancement placed the GT 20 Pro among the world's first patch of smartphones to support PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings at 120FPS. Building on its technological innovations, Infinix has partnered with popular game IPs and major esports events like PMSL, PMWC, MAL, MDL. Additionally, by organizing gaming tournaments, Infinix has further solidified its strong connection with mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Underscoring its commitment to empowering younger generations, Infinix's dedication to innovation extends beyond products to impactful social initiatives. As a responsible global player, Infinix collaborates with UNESCO and Google to provide AI and robotics education to teenagers through CogLabs workshops. The brand has also forged strategic partnerships with MediaTek and Honor of Kings to push the boundaries of mobile gaming technology. Furthermore, in collaboration with Samsung's System LSI Business, Infinix introduced industry-leading features, including the world's first 108MP AI-powered deep learning algorithms.

These innovations and social initiatives have earned Infinix recognition as the sixth most innovative brand in the Asia-Pacific region by Fast Company and in the Top 50 Kantar BrandZ Chinese Global Brand Builders 2024. Leveraging its robust market growth and brand development, Infinix is committed to focusing on technology and product innovation to empower the youth globally.

About Infinix:

Founded in 2013, Infinix is a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers. With a presence in over 70 countries and regions, Infinix delivers cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and outstanding performance. Our product lineup includes smartphones, TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, and smart TVs. In 2023, Infinix was recognized in Kantar and Google's top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders Report and ranked sixth in Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024 in the Asia-Pacific sector.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2509649/PR_image.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2316423/4890791/Infinix_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infinix-achieves-5-consecutive-quarters-of-positive-yoy-growth-in-global-smartphone-shipment-with-18-8-yoy-increase-in-q2-2024--302253035.html
CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. ("EPL":TSX-V, or "Eagle Plains") is pleased to announce that partner Apogee Minerals Ltd (TSX-V-"APMI") has completed airborne geophysical surveys at Eagle Plains' 100% owned Pine Channel Property, located approximately 40km km west of Stoney Rapids. Apogee holds the exclusive option to acquire an 80% interest (less 2% NSR) in the Property, which includes both the Pine Channel and Shasko Bay projects. (details follow). The current program was comprised of helicopter-borne electromagnetic ("EM") and magnetic surveys, and was managed by Terralogic Exploration Inc. of Cranbrook, BC.

Pine Channel Property Highlights

Recently completed geophysical program at Pine Channel included a 267-line kilometre, helicopter-borne, magnetic survey at 75m line spacing,

Ten new trends have been identified at the Project, offering new adjacent and along- strike extension targeting potential,

Excellent access with existing winter road to within 1km of property boundaries, with central portions of the property accessible by boat or float plane,

Completed exploration program at Shasko Bay included 148-line kilometres of infill, high-resolution, airborne EM and magnetic data,

Exploration permit has been received at the project and provides for advanced exploration activities,

Multiple untested geophysical anomalies associated with favourable geology at the projects; targets for multiple deposit models (Orogenic Au and Unconformity-U),

Encouraging historical exploration to date including historical bonanza-grade Au mineralized drill intercepts.

Pine Channel Geophysical Survey

The northern part of the 8,878 hectare Pine Channel Property hosts numerous gold occurrences ranging from trace quantities to up to 870 g/t Au in grab samples. Shallow historical drilling has intercepted 0.6m of 63.50 g/t Au (Algold Bay, SMDI 1575), 1.75m of 5.27 g/t Au (ELA, SMDI 1574), and 0.5m of 407.96 g/t Au (North Norite Bay, SMDI 2183). The mineralization is interpreted to be closely related to northwest/southeast trending shear zones which are commonly identifiable in high resolution magnetic data.

The recently completed 2024 exploration program included a 267-line kilometre, helicopter-borne, magnetic survey at 75m line spacing over areas of the property without prior detailed magnetic coverage and geologic mapping in the vicinity of the Algold Bay occurrence. The geophysical contractor was Precision GeoSurveys of Langley, BC. Several structural trends considered important for Au have been identified, and ten new prospective trends have been located. Additional groundwork is recommended along several of the trends identified from the recently completed surveys at the Project.

Shasko Bay Geophysical Survey

The Shasko Bay uranium target is located on the south shore of Lake Athabasca. Airborne EM surveys in 2005 and 2007 identified conductive features on the property considered prospective to host unconformity and basement style uranium mineralization. A 2007 drill hole (RL-07-01) intersected anomalous uranium at the unconformity in proximity to a modelled conductive plate, with additional plates untested by drilling. The recently completed exploration program at Shasko Bay included 148-line kilometres of infill, high-resolution, airborne EM and magnetic data. The geophysical contractor was Geotech Ltd. of Aurora, Ontario. In addition, an exploration permit has been received at the project and provides for exploration activities to be conducted up until March 1st, 2026. The recent data from the survey will be used to model conductive structures to aid in future drill hole planning.

About the Pine Channel Gold Project

See Pine Channel Project Map and Webpage here

The Pine Channel property lies within the Tantato Domain which is composed of highly deformed gneisses which form the eastern margin of the Archean Rae Craton. Metamorphic rocks which have been subject to varying degrees of strain form the majority of the property area. The main deposit type that is being explored for at Pine Channel is structurally controlled vein-quartz (lode) gold deposits. Mineral occurrences on the Pine Channel Project contain predominantly gold, with rare base metal occurrences. Within the Pine Channel tenures there are eighteen historical showings reported by the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI).

Highlights from documented historical work and previously reported results include: North Norite Bay historical drill hole of 407.96 g/t Au over 0.5 m (SMDI 2183); ELA drill hole of 39.96 g/t Au over 0.55 m (SMDI 1574); Holes G-1 and G-3 which returned 3.20 g/t Au over 1 m (SMDI 2329); Occurrence No. 6 / Occurrence No. 8 trench samples which returned 90.6 g/t Au over 0.2 m (SMDI 1581); and Cole Lake Ni-Cu trench samples which returned 6.2 g/t Au, 0.01% Ni and 0.06% Cu over 3.0 m (SMDI 1583).

Government mapping in the Pine Channel area dates from 1913, with the first industry work reported in 1950. A total of 51 assessment reports have been filed within the current Pine Channel tenure area. Past operators include Golden Rule Resources Ltd. and Colchis Resources Ltd. who were both active on the project during the 1980's, the last sustained period of exploration in the area. The most recent work prior to Eagle Plains acquiring the claims in 2018 was in 2013 when the area was flown with an airborne Variable Time Domain Electromagnetic ("VTEM") survey focused on locating targets for diamond exploration. There has been a total of 6,066 metres of diamond drilling in 115 historic holes completed within the current Pine Channel property claim boundaries, with the majority of the holes completed less than 100 metres in length. Although the wide-spaced drilling did intersect significant gold mineralization in places, much of the drilling was completed using thin diameter core which is considered ineffective for assessing the high-grade "nuggety" gold shears and veins found at Pine Channel.

The first recorded systematic exploration work on the Pine Channel property was in 1950 by Goldfields Uranium Mines. The first significant program on the property was in 1980 by Golden Rule Resources which completed 246 line-km of airborne EM (INPUT) and magnetic surveying. Follow-up groundwork located 11 significant occurrences. From 1985-1988 Colchis Resources completed VLF-EM geophysics, biogeochemical surveys, prospecting, soil sampling and trenching followed by shallow diamond drill testing of selected targets.

In 2019-2020, Eagle Plains completed field programs focused on prospecting and mapping in areas of known mineral occurrences. The work confirmed the widespread occurrences of auriferous quartz veins and associated shear systems in the Pine Channel property. Analytical results from the seventy-two rock samples collected in 2020 range from 6 ppb Au to 68,400 ppb Au. Twenty-three of the samples returned greater than 1 g/t Au, and eight returned greater than 10 g/t Au. The most encouraging of the known showings are the ELA Shaft showing (SMDI 1574) and Occurrence No. 6 and No. 8 (SMDI 1581), which both demonstrate anomalous gold geochemical results and potential for extension of known mineralization along strike.

About the Shasko Bay Project

See Shasko Bay Project Map and Webpage here

The Shasko Bay Project is located along the southeast shore of Lake Athabasca in Northern Saskatchewan, 20 km southeast of Fond-du-Lac, and proximal to the Company's Pine Channel Project. The claims are accessible by boat, barge, winter road or float equipped aircraft from the village of Stony Rapids, which has all season road access to it. The Project is currently owned 100% by Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (subject to an underlying 2% NSR) and is under option to Apogee which has acquired the right to earn-in up to an 80% interest in the Project under terms of the Pine Channel agreement.

The Project was staked by Eagle Plains in early 2023 in recognition of both the gold potential (with basement-hosted auriferous quartz veins and associated shears that strike onto the property from the Pine Channel Project); and for the unconformity uranium potential that is associated with the district.

Between the late 1960's to the early 2000's the region was explored for uranium and gold by various companies. The Fond Du Lac Uranium deposit is the most significant discovery in the region to date and is located 24 km to the NW-W. Work in the area consisted of seismic reflection studies, multiple types of airborne and ground-based geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys, prospecting, mapping, trenching and four separate drill programs which intersected multi gram-per-tonne gold assays (up to 6.8 g/t Au over 2.1m) from quartz stringers in the Athabasca sediments. The underlying basement metasedimentary rocks, starting at 226m depth, also recorded mineralization in the form of disseminated pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and rare sphalerite, galena and molybdenite. The last drill program intersected anomalous uranium in the Athabasca sandstone (up to 18.4 ppm) concluding with recommendations to drill test several additional targets.

The above results were summarized from SMDI descriptions and assessment reports filed with the Saskatchewan government. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person, but form a basis for ongoing work in the Pine Channel Project area.

Pine Channel Option Agreement Details

In May 2021, Apogee entered into an option agreement (the Pine Channel Agreement) with Eagle Plains. The agreement, as amended, gives Apogee the exclusive right to earn an 80% interest in the Pine Channel Property, by completing CAD $3,000,000 in exploration expenditures, issuing 2,200,000 voting class common shares to Eagle Plains and making $150,000 in cash payments over a 5-year period. Under the terms of the agreement Eagle Plains is designated as the Operator of the projects.

Eagle Royalties Ltd. ("ER":CSE) holds a 2% NSR on the majority of claims comprising the Pine Channel Property, which may be bought down to 1% for $CDN 1,000,000, while an arms-length party holds an underlying 2% royalty (with buy down to 1%) on specific dispositions comprising the Pine Channel property. Royal Uranium Inc. holds a 2% NSR on specific dispositions comprising the Shasko Bay Project, which fall under the Pine Channel option agreement.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this News Release has been reviewed and approved by C.C. Downie, P.Geo., a director and officer of Eagle Plains, hereby identified as the "Qualified Person" under N.I. 43-101.

About Eagle Plains Resources

Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains is a well-funded, prolific project generator that continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada, with a focus on critical metals integral to an increasingly electrified, decarbonized economy.

The Company was formed in 1992 and is the ninth-oldest listed issuer on the TSX-V (and one of only three that has not seen a roll-back or restructuring of its shares). Eagle Plains has continued to deliver shareholder value over the years and through numerous spin outs has transferred over $100,000,000 in value directly to its shareholders, with Copper Canyon Resources and Taiga Gold Corp. being notable examples. Eagle Plains latest spinout; Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CSE:"ER") was listed on May 24, 2023, and holds a diverse portfolio of royalty assets throughout western Canada.

Eagle Plains' core business is acquiring grassroots critical- and precious-metal exploration properties. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team.

Expenditures from 2010-2023 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $38M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 50,000m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development.

Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Eagle Plains

"C.C. (Chuck) Downie, P.Geo"

President and CEO



For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at

1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673)

Email: mgl@eagleplains.com or visit our website at https://www.eagleplains.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Quebec Precious Metals Corporation (TSXV:QPM)(FSE:YXEP)(OTCQB:CJCFF) (" QPM " or the " Corporation ") congratulates Harfang Exploration Inc. " Harfang ") on five (5) high-grade gold discoveries at its Serpent-Radisson property in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec (see Harfang's press release of September 18, 2024). The discoveries are hosted in quartz veins systems associated with shear zones in underexplored areas. Grab samples returned assay results up to 72.4 g/t Au.

Harfang's discoveries are located adjacent to QPM's Sakami project. The discoveries have highlighted a new structural gold trend in a previously underexplored area, expanding the gold footprint and reinforcing the high gold prospectivity of their property and of the area covered by the Sakami project.

"Harfang's discoveries further reinforce the high gold exploration potential of our potential Sakami project where QPM has been drilling and prospecting since 2018 with the objective of identifying a large mineral resource." commented Normand Champigny, CEO.

QPM's gold and lithium exploration initiatives

Sakami (100% owned), gold and lithium

Drill untested gold targets, at the La Pointe Extension deposit. To date, encouraging results from metallurgical testing, induced polarization survey and drilling programs have been received and indicate the presence of a significant mineral resource including many higher-grade areas;

Carry out a field inspection in other areas of the project on the priority gold and lithium targets including three high-priority targets that can be drill-ready; and

Continue close collaboration, exchange of information and camp facility sharing with Harfang Exploration Inc. (see press release of April 3, 2024 ). This contributed to better understand to the exploration potential while reducing exploration costs.

Elmer East (100% owned), lithium

Perform, this fall, a diamond drilling program (up to 1,250 m, 16 holes, PQ or HQ core size) to: 1) test the down-dip extent of the sill of the discovery outcrop and the presence of potential stacked sills, and 2) carry out preliminary geometallurgical studies (see photo below and press release of January 18, 2024 ). Authorization for impact-causing exploration work has been received. In addition, geological mapping is planned in and around the discovery outcrop as well as the collection additional structural measurements. Geometallurgical studies will be performed by Impact Global Solutions based in Delson, Quebec.

Received financial assistance up to a maximum of $333,306 from the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des forets (MRNF). This financial support was granted as part of the fourth call for projects of the Mineral Exploration Support Program for Critical and Strategic Minerals; and

Congratulated Ophir Metals Corp. on their discovery announced on June 25, 2024, of lithium-bearing pegmatites at Pilipas located approximately 3.7 km northwest and along the trend of QPM's Ninaaskuwumin spodumene pegmatite discovery outcrop where grab sample showed a range from 1.10% to 3.92% Li 2 O.

To date, QPM has exploration claims over a surface area of 697 km 2 including a 23-km long gold-bearing contact between the La Grande geological sub-province the Opinaca geological sub-province. At Sakami, 29 showings have been discovered with up to 62.92 g/t Au (grab sample), up to 48.93 g/t Au over 1.0 m (channel sample), and up to 120.4 g/t Au over 0.45 m (drillhole) along a 23-km mineralized corridor, and including more than 50,000 m of drilling on two well-defined deposits (La Pointe and La Pointe Extension) with intercepts up to 1.15 g/t Au over 80.1 m including 2.21 g/t Au over 24.85 m.

Upcoming events

XPLOR Convention - October 28-31, 2024, in Montreal, QC https://xplor.aemq.org/en/

Quebec Mines + Energie - November 18-21, 2024 in Quebec City, QC

https://mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/quebec-mines/

An updated corporate presentation is available on the Corporation's web site www.qpmcorp.ca

Qualified Person

Normand Champigny, Eng., Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Qualified Person under NI 43-101 on standards of disclosure for mineral projects, has prepared and reviewed the content of this press release.

About Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

QPM has a large land position in the highly prospective Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory, Quebec, near Newmont Corporation's Eleonore gold mine. The Corporation focuses on advancing its Sakami gold project and its newly discovered, drill-ready Ninaaskuwin lithium showing on the Elmer East project. In addition, the Corporation holds a 68% interest in the Kipawa rare earths project located near Temiscaming, Quebec.

For more information please contact:

Normand Champigny

Chief Executive Officer

Tel.: 514 979-4746

nchampigny@qpmcorp.ca

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.

Ninaaskuwumin spodumene pegmatite discovery outcrop, August 14, 2024.

SOURCE: Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - (Block Height: 861,930) - Cathedra Bitcoin Inc. (TSXV: CBIT) (OTC Pink: CBTTF) ("Cathedra" or the "Company"), a bitcoin company that develops and operates digital infrastructure assets with the goal of maximizing its per-share bitcoin holdings, is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing (the "LIFE Offering") of 25,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.10 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,500,000, with an option to upsize the offering by an additional C$2,500,000 (the "Offering") on the same terms.

Offering Details

In the non-brokered Offering, the Company will issue 25,000,000 Units at a price of C$0.10 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$2,500,000, with an option to upsize the Offering by an additional C$2,500,000 on the same terms. Each Unit will consist of one subordinate voting share in the capital of the company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). The Warrants shall have an expiry date of five (5) years from the date of issue, and tiered exercise prices such that, of the Warrants underlying the Units subscribed for by each purchaser, 25% shall have an exercise price of C$0.12, 25% shall have an exercise price of C$0.14, 25% shall have an exercise price of C$0.16 and 25% shall have an exercise price of C$0.20.

The Units to be issued under the Offering will be offered to purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption (the "LIFE") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), in all the provinces of Canada, except Quebec. The Units may also be offered in the United States pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and all applicable U.S. as well as outside Canada and the United States on a basis which does not require the qualification or registration of any of the Company's securities or require the Company to be subject to any ongoing disclosure requirements under any domestic securities laws.

There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.cathedra.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for infrastructure expansion, bitcoin acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

The closing date of the Offering is expected to occur on or about October 9, 2024 (the "Closing Date"), or such later date or dates as the Company may determine, and are subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

In consideration of the services to be rendered by one or more finders (the "Finders") in connection with the Offering, the Company may pay to a Finder a commission consisting of: (i) a cash fee of 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering raised from subscribers introduced to the Corporation by such Finder, payable on the Closing Date, and (ii) such number of finders' warrants bearing the same terms as the Warrants, to such Finder as is equal to 6.0% of the number of Units subscriber for by subscribers introduced to the Company by such Finder.

The securities to be offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Background

In July 2024, the Company completed a strategic business combination with privately held data center company, Kungsleden, Inc. (see the press release of the Company dated July 23, 2024, for more information). With a market capitalization of approximately C$86.3 million at time of publication, the combined Company has grown its owned data center capacity at a 127% CAGR since 2022.

Cathedra now owns and operates a portfolio of three data centers (30 megawatts total) in Tennessee and Kentucky. Additionally, Cathedra is a 25% partner in a joint venture that is developing a 60-megawatt data center in North Dakota, with expected completion in the coming weeks. Cathedra also operates a fleet of proprietary bitcoin mining machines at its own and third-party data centers, producing approximately 400 PH/s of hash rate.

On September 16, 2024, Company management issued a memo to shareholders establishing a corporate objective of maximizing shareholders' per-share bitcoin holdings. The Company may employ a variety of tactics in pursuit of this objective, including, but not limited to, acquiring more bitcoin with cash flow generated by its data center operations and with the proceeds from the Offering and other securities offerings. The full memo can be read here on the Company's website.

About Cathedra Bitcoin

Cathedra Bitcoin Inc. develops and operates digital infrastructure assets across North America with the goal of maximizing its per-share bitcoin holdings. The Company hosts bitcoin mining clients across its portfolio of three data centers (30 megawatts total) in Tennessee and Kentucky. Additionally, Cathedra is a 25% partner in a joint venture that is developing a 60-megawatt data center in North Dakota which will also host bitcoin miners upon its expected completion. Cathedra also operates a fleet of proprietary bitcoin mining machines at its own and third-party data centers, producing approximately 400 PH/s of hash rate. Cathedra is headquartered in Vancouver and its shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol CBIT.

For more information about Cathedra, visit cathedra.com or follow Company news on Twitter at @CathedraBitcoin or on Telegram at @CathedraBitcoin.

Cautionary Statement

Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this release about future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking information. Other forward-looking information includes but is not limited to information concerning: the future objectives of the Company, the completion of the Offering, the Company's intentions with respect to the use of proceeds of the Offering, the proposed timing of the completion of the Offering, and the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of its normal course of business.

Additionally, these forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Cathedra and general market conditions. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Cathedra's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Cathedra believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws and regulations both locally and in foreign jurisdictions; compliance with extensive government regulation and the costs associated with compliance; unanticipated costs; changes in market conditions impacting the average revenue per MWh, and the risks and uncertainties associated with foreign markets. Additionally, the forward-looking statements contained herein may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Cathedra and general market conditions. Please see the Company's management information circular dated June 18, 2024 which is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile on www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223846

SOURCE: Cathedra Bitcoin Inc.
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. ("Newron") (SIX: NWRN, XETRA: NP5), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for patients with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, today announced its financial results and operational highlights for the half year ended June 30, 2024, and provided an update on its business activities.

Highlights H1 2024:

Evenamide

Reported positive final one-year results from study 014/015, a Phase II open label trial evaluating evenamide as an add-on therapy to a single antipsychotic in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS): The study demonstrated significant, clinically important, progressive, sustained, and long-lasting improvement on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Total, Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S), the mean rating of change for the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C) and Level of Functioning (LOF) More than 70% of patients experienced a clinically important reduction in disease severity 25% of all patients achieved "remission," never described before in TRS patients





Reported compelling results from study 008A, a potentially pivotal, four-week randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of evenamide as an add-on therapy in patients with chronic schizophrenia demonstrating inadequate benefit to their current second-generation antipsychotic: Study analysis revealed statistically significant multi-domain benefits in PANSS and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C) ratings Benefit on efficacy measures increased over time, suggesting larger and enduring patient effects to be expected during long-term treatment





Together, these studies: Confirm evenamide's favorable safety and tolerability profile Demonstrate evenamide's efficacy on multiple measures of psychopathology in TRS and chronic schizophrenia Add to the growing evidence that the glutamatergic inhibition mechanism of action offers an innovative therapeutic option to schizophrenia patients not benefitting from current antipsychotic treatments





Company is working towards the initiation of a potentially pivotal, multinational, randomized, double-blind, one-year, placebo-controlled study, assessing the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of evenamide as an add-on treatment in patients with TRS



Company is currently running a structured process of securing the most attractive, value creating transaction around evenamide, and several indications of interest have been received. Board and Management are prioritizing and negotiating offers according to their potential to increase shareholder value, with the expectation of closing a transaction in the coming months

Corporate

Company entered into an agreement for the subscription of up to 2.05 million newly issued shares, up to a value of EUR 15 million, with an institutional investor focused on investing in high-growth firms across sectors including biotech and healthcare

An agreement was entered into with the European Investment Bank to extend the near-term tranche repayment dates of its 2018 financing agreement until the end of 2025 and into 2026, after potentially significant milestones

Chairman and CEO increased their holdings in Newron, underlining their commitment to the Company

Stefan Weber, CEO of Newron, commented:

"It has been a busy and exciting six months for Newron where we have delivered two positive clinical milestones in the development of our novel drug evenamide. We reported exceptional data demonstrating positive clinical results from both study 014/15 and study 008A, which evaluated evenamide as an add-on treatment for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and chronic schizophrenia, respectively. We were also delighted to host a successful Investor Day in June in New York City, featuring presentations from leading KOLs on the unmet medical needs for patients with schizophrenia, underscoring the potentially pivotal role of evenamide for these patients. We believe our new chemical entity has blockbuster potential and could bring enormous benefits to patients who are insufficiently served by the existing treatments available. Newron, with the help of a leading healthcare investment bank, is currently exploring potential partnership agreements and opportunities for collaboration that will enable us to progress evenamide into Phase III clinical development for the potential treatment of patients with TRS and create value for our shareholders."

Evenamide (Schizophrenia)

During Q1 2024, Newron reported final one-year results from study 014/015, a Phase II open label trial evaluating evenamide as an add-on therapy to a single antipsychotic in treatment-resistant patients. The data demonstrated that evenamide as an add-on treatment for patients with TRS was associated with sustained, clinically significant benefits that increased throughout the one-year course of treatment, with more than 70% of patients experiencing a clinically important reduction in disease severity.

Overall, data from study 014 has demonstrated that evenamide was safe and well-tolerated at all doses, with 97% of patients completing six weeks of treatment. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was very low, and more than 90% of the completers chose to continue with evenamide treatment into the long-term extension study (study 015).

In Q2, the Company announced two sets of data from study 008A, a potentially pivotal four-week randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of evenamide as an add-on therapy in patients with chronic schizophrenia demonstrating inadequate benefit to their current second-generation antipsychotic. Topline data announced in April confirmed evenamide's favorable safety and tolerability profile, followed by compelling data from additional analyses reported in May.

The study met the primary endpoint (improvement of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Total Score) and key secondary endpoint (improvement of the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S)), with a high rate of study completion (96%). No new or specific concerns were raised in the study; only 25% of the patients in the study experienced at least one adverse event (evenamide 25% versus placebo 25.8%).

Newron will be presenting the results of study 008A at the upcoming 37th ECNP Congress (September 21-24, 2024) in Milan, Italy.

The totality of these results validated evenamide as the first glutamate modulator to demonstrate efficacy in inadequately responding patients with schizophrenia in a placebo-controlled study.

Following results from both study 008A and study 014/015, Newron's key focus is now on initiating a Phase III randomized, double-blind, one-year clinical trial. The trial is expected to start in the first half of 2025 and will compare evenamide to placebo as an add-on treatment in at least 400 patients with TRS. Participants will be evaluated at three timepoints, 12 weeks, 26 weeks, and one year, to assess the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of evenamide. The study design has received regulatory approval in all relevant territories, final discussion is ongoing with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the dosing regimen.

Several indications of interest were received in a structured process of securing the most attractive, value creating transaction for Newron's shareholders, be it a regional or global license or an M&A transaction; with the process supported by one of the world's leading full-service investment banking and capital markets firms. The Board and Management will prioritize and negotiate the offers according to their potential to increase shareholder value, with the expectation to close a transaction in the coming months, enabling progression of the Phase III clinical development of evenamide in TRS patients.

Xadago/safinamide (Parkinson's disease)

In partnership with Zambon and Supernus, Newron continues to further develop and market its product, Xadago/safinamide.

In reference to the receipt of several Paragraph IV Notice Letters in May 2021 regarding the submission by some generic manufacturers of an Abbreviated New Drug Application ANDA to the US FDA, seeking approval to engage in the commercial manufacture, use or sale of safinamide mesylate drug product in the US before expiration of the three US patents listed in the FDA Orange Book for Xadago, Newron and its partners Zambon and Supernus have reached settlement agreements with said generic manufacturers, thus resolving the legal action. All three patents remain valid and in force. Under the agreement, the generic manufacturers will be allowed to enter the US market with a safinamide mesylate drug product no earlier than December 1, 2027.

In the EU, Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) have already been approved in most territories of relevance; Newron and Zambon are confident that upon completion of the still ongoing procedures and targeted activities, the SPCs will be granted in all key territories.

Corporate

In April, Margarita Chavez, US-based, was elected as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of Newron following the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Margarita Chavez has been an advisor to Newron's Board since October 2023, and the Company continues to benefit from her more than 20 years of strategic transaction expertise in the US and internationally and her leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. She is heading the Business Development Committee of Newron's Board of Directors.

During the first half of 2024, Newron announced an agreement with the European Investment Bank to extend the near-term tranche repayment dates of the 2018 financing agreement until the end of 2025 and into 2026, after potentially significant milestones.

Furthermore, the Company entered into an agreement for the subscription of up to 2.05 million newly issued shares with an institutional investor focused on investing in high-growth firms across sectors including biotech and healthcare. Under the agreement, the fund subscribed to an initial 750,000 newly issued shares at a subscription price of EUR 7.33 per share, which corresponds to gross proceeds of approximately EUR 5.5 million and had the right to subscribe to an additional up to 1,300,000 newly issued shares until no later than January 31, 2025. The funds raised enable Newron to focus its attention on progressing evenamide into Phase III clinical development in TRS patients and support activities beyond immediate inflection points. At the time of this report, 1,350,000 newly issued shares have been subscribed to by the investor, under the rules of the agreement, generating proceeds of EUR 9.9 million. For further detail, please refer to https://www.ser-ag.com/en/resources/notifications-market-participants/significant-shareholders.html#/

In June 2024, Dr. Ulrich Kostlin, Chairman of Newron's Board of Directors, and Stefan Weber, CEO demonstrated their commitment to Newron and its future by buying shares via the SIX Swiss Exchange and Xetra.

ESG commitment and reporting

The Company has worked diligently to further implement its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and reporting framework as disclosed in the Annual Report 2023. The ESG goals and projects for 2024 are well on track and management hopes that this will ensure Newron operates as a sustainable and conscious employer, business, and provider of innovative therapeutics. The Company will provide a further update in our 2024 Annual Report.

Financial Summary (IFRS) H1 2024 and H1 2023 In thousand EUR (except per share information) H1 2024 H1 2023 Licence income/Royalties/Other income 3,407 5,494 Research and development expenses (6,453 (5,685 General and administrative expenses (4,579 (4,062 Net loss (9,557 (6,950 Loss per share (0.51 (0.39 Cash used in operating activities (8,828 (5,603 As of June 30, 2024 As of December 31, 2023 Cash and Other current financial assets 12,188 12,599 Total assets 24,937 25,866 Including one-time payments of EUR 2,284

Outlook

Following positive results from the pivotal study 008A and unprecedented results from study 014/015, Newron expects to enter into a value-creating transaction around evenamide in the coming months, enabling progression of the Phase III clinical development of the compound. The Company is convinced about the blockbuster potential of evenamide and the benefits it can bring to patients who are currently underserved by the current treatments on the market. Newron also continues to assess the market for opportunities to expand its CNS pipeline. The Company looks forward to providing an update on its evenamide partnership discussions and any pipeline developments as they may occur. Newron's total available cash resources will fund the Company's planned development programs and operations well into 2025.

Newron's Half-Report 2024 is available for download on https://www.newron.com/investors/reports-and-presentation/year/2024

About Newron Pharmaceuticals

Newron (SIX: NWRN, XETRA: NP5) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for patients with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. The Company is headquartered in Bresso near Milan, Italy. Xadago/safinamide has received marketing authorization for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in the European Union, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, Latin America, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and South Korea, and is commercialized by Newron's Partner Zambon. Supernus Pharmaceuticals holds the commercialization rights in the USA. Meiji Seika has the rights to develop and commercialize the compound in Japan and other key Asian territories. Newron is also developing evenamide as the potential first add-on therapy for the treatment of patients with symptoms of schizophrenia. For more information, please visit: www.newron.com

Important Notices

This document contains forward-looking statements, including (without limitation) about (1) Newron's ability to develop and expand its business, successfully complete development of its current product candidates, the timing of commencement of various clinical trials and receipt of data and current and future collaborations for the development and commercialization of its product candidates, (2) the market for drugs to treat CNS diseases and pain conditions, (3) Newron's financial resources, and (4) assumptions underlying any such statements. In some cases, these statements and assumptions can be identified by the fact that they use words such as "will", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "project", "intend", "plan", "believe", "target", and other words and terms of similar meaning. All statements, other than historical facts, contained herein regarding Newron's strategy, goals, plans, future financial position, projected revenues and costs and prospects are forward-looking statements. By their very nature, such statements and assumptions involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections and other outcomes described, assumed or implied therein will not be achieved. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set out in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors. These factors include (without limitation) (1) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of products, including without limitation difficulties in enrolling clinical trials, negative results of clinical trials or research projects or unexpected side effects, (2) delay or inability in obtaining regulatory approvals or bringing products to market, (3) future market acceptance of products, (4) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights, (5) inability to raise additional funds, (6) success of existing and entry into future collaborations and licensing agreements, (7) litigation, (8) loss of key executive or other employees, (9) adverse publicity and news coverage, and (10) competition, regulatory, legislative and judicial developments or changes in market and/or overall economic conditions. Newron may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements and assumptions underlying any such statements may prove wrong. Investors should therefore not place undue reliance on them. There can be no assurance that actual results of Newron's research programs, development activities, commercialization plans, collaborations and operations will not differ materially from the expectations set out in such forward-looking statements or underlying assumptions. Newron does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable regulations of the SIX Swiss Exchange or the Dusseldorf Stock Exchange where the shares of Newron are listed. This document does not contain or constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities of Newron and no part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919982611/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

Newron

Stefan Weber CEO, +39 02 6103 46 26, pr@newron.com

UK/Europe

Simon Conway Ciara Martin Natalie Garland-Collins, FTI Consulting, +44 20 3727 1000, SCnewron@fticonsulting.com

Switzerland

Valentin Handschin, IRF, +41 43 244 81 54, handschin@irf-reputation.ch

Germany/Europe

Anne Hennecke Caroline Bergmann, MC Services, +49 211 52925222, newron@mc-services.eu

USA

Paul Sagan, LaVoieHealthScience, +1 617 374 8800, Ext. 112, psagan@lavoiehealthscience.com
Industry-first, 'off-the-beaten-path' travel documentary series focused on junior mining, celebrating the spirit of ingenuity and resilience that drives the industry

Episode 2 Live on YouTube - Subscribe & Watch NOW

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0) ("EarthLabs" or the "Company") proudly announces the release of Episode 2 of EarthLabs Expeditions, a bold reality documentary series revolutionizing how audiences experience the junior mining and exploration industry. This episode features Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00), offering an in-depth, unfiltered, and behind-the-scenes look at their groundbreaking projects and the broader world of mineral exploration.

EarthLabs Expeditions is an industry-first, 'off-the-beaten-path' travel documentary meets junior mining, exploration video series. It's an epic journey into the unknown, where:

Adventure has no script.

Discovery has no limits.

The truth is raw, real, and riveting.

Episode 2 - Goldshore Resources

The second episode of EarthLabs Expeditions features a visit to Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00), a gold exploration company advancing the Moss Gold Project in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - a region with a rich mining history. Led by a highly experienced management and technical team and backed by strategic investors (Brian Paes-Braga & SAF Group), Goldshore is advancing this large-scale gold project located in a tier-one jurisdiction. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including access to the Trans-Canada Highway, CPR, and port access via Thunder Bay to the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway, and nearby hydroelectric power. As Global demand for gold continues and gold prices reach new all-time highs, Goldshore Resources is at the forefront with exploration, permitting, PEA, and environmental studies in progress.

WATCH THE EPISODE NOW

Limited to just 10 Expeditions per year, EarthLabs Expeditions spotlights companies with significant discoveries, impactful projects, and compelling stories. Hosted by the charismatic and fearless Jonathan Brazeau, the show takes viewers on a journey that goes beyond boardrooms and polished presentations to explore the real, gritty work of the junior mining industry. Jonathan travels the world, getting his boots on the ground, meeting with industry leaders, workers, and the people who make up this dynamic sector.

EarthLabs Expeditions highlights not just the challenges but also the pride and dedication of those whose work is essential yet often goes unnoticed.

Join the Journey

Interested in becoming a part of this groundbreaking series? Contact Jonathan Brazeau, Host of EarthLabs Expeditions, to learn more about how your company's story could be the next chapter in this exciting adventure.

Follow Us and Stay Connected

Don't miss out on any of the action! Make sure to follow and subscribe to our social media channels for the latest updates, exclusive content, and more exciting adventures.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EarthLabsExpeditions

Twitter: https://x.com/EL_Expeditions

CEO.CA: https://ceo.ca/@earthlabs.expeditions

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The episode linked in this news release (the "video") is a paid advertisement for Goldshore Resources Inc. ("Goldshore") to enhance public awareness of Goldshore, its products, its industry and as a potential investment opportunity. EarthLabs Media Inc., and their owners, managers, employees, and assigns were paid by Goldshore to create, produce and distribute this advertisement. This compensation should be viewed as a major conflict with EarthLabs Media's ability to be unbiased.

The video is not intended as, and should not be construed to be, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Neither the video nor Goldshore purport to provide a complete analysis of Goldshore or its financial position. Goldshore is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser. The video is not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about Goldshore. Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in Gold shore's SEDAR+ and/or other government filings. Investing in securities is speculative and carries a high degree of risk.

About EarthLabs

EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0) is a mining investment, technology, and media company that aims to provide strategic leverage to the metals and mining sector through investments, royalties and a full suite of data-driven media SaaS tools and services including CEO.CA, The Northern Miner, MINING.COM, Canadian Mining Journal and DigiGeoData.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), OTC Best Market "(OTCQX") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Contained in this News Release

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. 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, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Disclaimer: The information in this video is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind. EarthLabs Inc. and its affiliates are not liable for any damages arising from the use of this video. This video was produced by EarthLabs, which has a paid marketing agreement with the featured company. This is not financial advice. This video does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation to purchase securities of the company or any other issuer. All statements and/or opinions expressed by third parties are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Contained in Episode

The video contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" regarding Goldshore. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Goldshore's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Forward-looking statements in this video include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project, the completion and release of a pre-feasibility study in respect of the Moss Gold Project, the development of a mine and the size of the mine once developed, the positive impact the Moss Gold Project will have on the region of Thunder Bay, the development of a mining hub in Northern Ontario, the economic success of Goldshore and the Moss Gold Project, the potential creation of careers for geologists, and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the foregoing exploration, development and economic goals of Goldshore may not occur on the timetable anticipated or at all; a pre-feasibility study may not be completed on the timetable expected or at all; the development of a mine may not be completed on the timetable expected or at all; the Moss Gold Project will not have a positive impact on the region of Thunder Bay or contribute to the development of a mining hub in Northern Ontario; Goldshore may not experience economic success through development of the Moss Gold Project; Goldshore may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions; risks related to compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect Goldshore's business and results of operations; and volatility in the stock markets that may adversely affect the price of Goldshore's securities, regardless of its operating performance. The forward-looking information in this video is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions, including that Goldshore's business and financial position and general economic conditions will not be adversely affected and that the pre-feasibility study will be completed on the timetable anticipated.

The forward-looking information contained in this video represents the expectations of Goldshore as of the date of this video and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Viewers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Goldshore undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223861

SOURCE: EarthLabs Inc.
Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus.



Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential.



In diesem kostenlosen Report geben wir Ihnen Favoriten an die Hand, die aufgrund von Sondersituation die Chance auf eine Kursvervielfachung besitzen.



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The world of tech startups is one of unparalleled innovation, disruption, and rapid growth. Entrepreneurs entering this space know that they are part of a dynamic ecosystem, where cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and cybersecurity are shaping the future. However, alongside the excitement of technological advancement comes the daunting task of securing capital, scaling operations, and ultimately preparing for a successful exit, whether through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a private sale.

Having worked extensively in the defense and intelligence sectors, advising governments and providing technological solutions on a global scale, I have seen how critical it is for tech startups to align their business models with investor expectations, especially when dealing with disruptive technologies. Companies that focus on emerging fields such as AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity must not only develop groundbreaking solutions but also navigate the complex path of capital raising and preparing for exponential growth.

The Importance of Capital Injection for Tech Startups

One of the most important lessons for any startup founder is understanding the power of capital injection. The early stages of a startup often determine its long-term success. Fearing shareholder dilution, many entrepreneurs are hesitant to part with equity in exchange for investment. However, this is a shortsighted view. The world's most successful companies, like those founded in Silicon Valley, have followed an aggressive path of raising capital through multiple funding rounds, accelerating their growth, and increasing their market valuation.

In my book, "How to Get Your Startup Funded in 6 Months or Less" I break down the fundamentals of raising capital and scaling your business through a structured financial roadmap. One of the most critical aspects of this journey is the realization that securing funds isn't just about immediate survival-it's about building a foundation for long-term exponential growth.

A well-timed and well-planned capital injection allows tech startups to focus on their core competencies, expand their market reach, and continually innovate. Whether you are targeting a $100 million valuation, or an IPO valued at $1 billion, the ability to raise funds strategically is the secret formula that can propel your startup into the league of industry disruptors.

Disruptive Technologies and Investor Confidence

In the fast-evolving world of tech startups, the technologies you are developing-whether it's quantum computing, blockchain, AI, or cybersecurity-are not only game-changers in the marketplace but also key drivers fueling investor confidence. Disruptive technologies present unique investment opportunities, and venture capitalists are increasingly looking for companies that can demonstrate how these innovations will shape the future while solving major world problems.

Drawing from my own experience working with military leaders like General (Ret) Wesley K. Clark, the former Supreme Commander of NATO and General Ronald Fogleman, the former Chief of Staff for the United States Airforce, I understand the strategic importance of these emerging technologies to the future of national security. Having had the privilege of engaging the most incredible minds in cybersecurity and post quantum cryptography, and specialists in strategic wargaming initiatives at the highest levels of government, it has provided strategic insights into the key critical need for leading edge technological advancement. Governments rely heavily on technology entrepreneurs who develop cutting edge solutions that solve national security problems that protects the nation against foreign aggressors.

Startups that can effectively articulate the market potential of these technologies, along with their specific application to global challenges, have a distinct advantage when approaching investors. Venture capitalists are not just looking for innovative products-they are looking for startups that can provide scalable, real-world solutions with the potential for massive returns. Primary areas of focus include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, machine learning, robotics, autonomous vehicle systems, big data, and blockchain, among others.

Navigating the Path to IPO

Preparing for an IPO is one of the most significant milestones a tech startup can achieve. While it signals a moment of maturity for the company, it also requires intense preparation and an understanding of the market levers and disrupters. One of the key insights from my book is the importance of creating a clear and detailed financial roadmap. Whether you plan to IPO, or exponentially grow your business valuation, it is critical to design your business with an exit strategy. The Financial Roadmap provides the information you need to pitch to investors with confidence and details key information that sets a clear direction for your organization. It outlines how much capital you can raise during each funding round, your shareholder dilution path, EBITDA multiples, projected investor returns, and it keeps your management team on-point with clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs).

By way of its design, it establishes an outcome where your startup always has free cash-flow and a fresh capital injection. These important factors ensure that your team has funds for market and product development, more importantly it provides for a scenario where you experience growth through all seasons and cycles. All of this is achieved with a clear dividend policy enabling you and your stakeholders to enjoy profits along the way. To secure investor interest and confidence, it's crucial for tech startups to present a clear vision for their exit strategy. Whether through an IPO or a private sale, investors need to see a well-structured plan that outlines how their capital will be multiplied over time.

Planning for success requires that we begin with the end in mind - we start with a target valuation, and reverse engineer the financials to the present day - in other words we bring aspirational clarity to your brand-new startup. We do this through models and formulas considered industry best practice in the venture capital community. These are secrets I learnt over the past 10 years from one of my mentors in finance, Dr Jeh Shyan Wong, a renowned venture capitalist in Malaysia. Dr. Wong has trained well over 6000 entrepreneurs on over 10 continents on how to IPO their companies in his Miracles of Capital IPO Training Program. I have personally attended numerous startup pitching events in Singapore, Malaysia, China, South Africa, and Poland (MOC Poland) where I served as a judge and panel member for startup pitching events. Dr. Wong is also active in Brunei, Cambodia, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and with plans to come to the United States in the near future.

In "How to Get Your Startup Funded in 6 Months or Less", I explain how to navigate the complexities of raising funds through multiple rounds and scaling toward a major exit. I also share the secret formulas and strategies used by successful startups in Silicon Valley and other global innovation hubs. These tools are invaluable for any entrepreneur looking to build a billion-dollar business.

Final Thoughts

For tech startups, the journey from concept to successful exit is filled with both challenges and opportunities. The rapid pace of innovation, particularly in fields like cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum computing, and AI, presents incredible opportunities for those who have designed their startup for success. "Everything is by design, nothing is by chance", Dr. Jeh Shyan Wong.

In my book "How to Get Your Startup Funded in 6 Months or Less", I offer a step-by-step guide to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenging startup funding landscape. From mastering the intricacies of term sheets and understanding shareholder dilution to creating an irresistible pitch deck that grabs investor attention, this book provides actionable insights to set your venture on the path to success. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, these strategies will empower you to secure the funding you need and take your startup to new heights.

Don't wait-take control of your startup's future today. Order your copy on Amazon and unlock the key to scaling your business while enjoying the exciting journey of entrepreneurship!

Media Contact Details:

Johann Marx

johannmarx369@outlook.com

SOURCE: Johann Marx

View the original press release on accesswire.com
LONDON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 90,000 students and 18,000 colleagues and parents across more than 100 Cognita schools around the world are taking part in the group's sixth annual Global Be Well Day on Friday 27 September, which highlights the vital link between education and wellbeing. This coincides with world leaders gathering in New York for United Nations General Assembly Week. They will convene at the Summit of the Future to explore strategies for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including the third Sustainable Development Goal: ensuring good health and wellbeing for all.

Now in its sixth year, Global Be Well Day, a Cognita initiative, showcases a wide array of activities and events centred around Cognita's Be Well Charter - a six-step formula for lifelong wellbeing based on global research. This year's theme is 'Giving', which will see students, teachers, support teams and parents around the world take part in a 'Be Well Impact Hour'. By donating their time to benefit others, Cognita's school communities are hoping to connect, support, and inspire change within their communities.

Dr Simon Camby, Group Chief Education Officer for Cognita, said:

"While every Cognita school focuses on wellbeing year-round, when our global community comes together, our impact grows even stronger.

"In today's increasingly fast-paced and stressful world, our focus on 'Giving' has proven emotional and psychological benefits for both the giver and receiver, fostering a sense of connection and fulfilment. This initiative helps build more compassionate and grateful communities, which is why, as a global family, we are committed to giving our time and inspiring positive change."

For Global Be Well Day, students are encouraged to take part in activities that benefit communities, the environment, sustainability and more. These could include spending an hour litter-picking, cleaning a beach or local playground; school choirs performing in care homes; or organising a food drive for local food banks. Students could also donate books or art supplies to a homeless shelter, or spend an hour planting trees in the local community.

About Cognita

Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of schools that span 16 countries and share one common purpose: to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Europe and the US, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, Cognita employs over 18,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 90,000 students. Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, to develop all-round academic excellence - equipping young people with the agency, adaptability and positive attitudes that prepares them to grow, thrive and find their success in a rapidly evolving world.

www.cognita.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-be-well-day-over-90-000-cognita-students-unite-worldwide-to-give-back-for-positive-change-302253121.html
Presentations Include New Data from the TAK-861-2001 Phase 2b Trial in Narcolepsy Type 1 Highlighting Impact on Daily Functioning Including Cognition and Sleep Quality

Data from Long-Term Extension Study will also be Presented

Phase 3 Trial of an Orexin Agonist for Narcolepsy Type 1 Now Enrolling Patients Globally

TakedaTSE:4502/NYSE:TAKwill present additional data from the Phase 2b trials (TAK-861-2001,TAK-861-2002) and long-term extension (LTE) study (TAK-861-2003) of TAK-861 in narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and narcolepsy type 2 (NT2) at Sleep Europe 2024, the 27th Congress of the European Sleep Research Society (ESRS), being held September 24-27, 2024 in Seville, Spain. TAK-861 is an investigational oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) selective-agonist designed to address the orexin deficiency in NT1 by selectively stimulating the orexin receptor 2. TAK-861 has the potential to be the first treatment to address the underlying pathophysiology of NT1. Based on the positive Phase 2b trial results, Takeda has initiated the FirstLight Study, a global Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of TAK-861 in adults with NT1.

Takeda's scientific presentations will include a podium presentation highlighting the effect of TAK-861 on cognitive impairment (Abstract No: 781) along with several poster presentations from additional exploratory endpoints including impacts on quality of nocturnal sleep and sustained attention. An interim analysis of safety and efficacy from the ongoing LTE study (Poster No: P1291) will also be presented.

"People living with narcolepsy suffer from debilitating symptoms that significantly impact their daily life beyond excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy," said Elena Koundourakis, head, orexin franchise development neuroscience programs and portfolio strategy at Takeda. "As leaders in orexin science, we continue to develop one of the most extensive clinical datasets of orexin agonists, with some patients reaching one year of treatment within our clinical studies. The data we are presenting at Sleep Europe add to the body of orexin agonist data we are building to improve our understanding of orexin biology and the potential of our investigative study drug TAK-861 towards establishing a new standard of care for the NT1 community."

These data presentations add to the scientific community's growing understanding of the potential of OX2R agonists in redefining treatment outcomes for patients with NT1. Takeda is continuing the development of tailored assets to address the needs of people living with sleep-wake disorders including narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia.

More information on the FirstLight Study, which is currently enrolling, can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT06470828) and www.firstlightstudy.com (for U.S. Audiences only). Takeda does not have any approved therapies for narcolepsy.

About Takeda's Orexin Agonists for Sleep-Wake Disorders

Takeda is advancing the field of orexin therapeutics with a multi-asset franchise offering tailored treatments to unlock the full potential of orexin science. Orexin is a key regulator of the sleep-wake cycle and is involved in other essential functions, including respiration and metabolism. TAK-861 is the leading program in this franchise and received Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy type 1 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company is also progressing orexin agonists in patient populations with normal levels of orexin neuropeptides and other indications where orexin biology is implicated. This includes TAK-360, an oral OX2R agonist being investigated for narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia, which recently initiated a Phase 1 trial and received Fast Track designation from the FDA.

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, "press release" means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.

The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, "Takeda" is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda's future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as "targets", "plans", "believes", "hopes", "continues", "expects", "aims", "intends", "ensures", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", "anticipates", "estimates", "projects" or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda's global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda's operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda's other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda's website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings-and-security-reports/ or at https://www.sec.gov/. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda's future results.

Medical Information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919392083/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Japanese Media

Jun Saito

jun.saito@takeda.com

U.S. and International Media

Rachel Wallace

rachel.wallace2@takeda.com
Preliminary finding of stable disease in two out of three patients at 6 months in the first subject cohort

Combination of Ampligen and Imfinzi continues to be generally well-tolerated with no severe adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities

OCALA, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM") today announced positive preliminary data from the Phase 1b/2 study ("DURIPANC") evaluating the combination of AIM's Ampligen (rintatolimod) and AstraZeneca's anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor Imfinzi (durvalumab) in the treatment of late-stage pancreatic cancer.

DURIPANC is an investigator-initiated, exploratory, open-label, single-center study. AIM previously announcedthat investigators at Erasmus Medical Center ("Erasmus MC") in the Netherlands had completed the safety evaluation of subjects enrolled in the first dose level of the dose escalation design, finding the combination therapy to be generally well-tolerated with no severe adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities. That first cohort has now reached the pre-determined 6-month stability assessment timepoint and AIM is pleased to announce that two of the three subjects remain stable. The subjects will continue to be treated and receive formal assessment of progression every three months. The standard for calculating median progression-free survival ("PFS") requires that 50% or more of the subjects have seen disease progression. Because 67% of the patients in the cohort evaluated at 6 months have remained stable, AIM cannot yet report on PFS.

Two of the three subjects in the higher-dose second cohort of subjects also have stable disease, although they have not yet reached the 6-month stability assessment timepoint. Investigators continue to treat and monitor these subjects.

Prof. Casper H.J. van Eijck, MD, PhD, Pancreato-biliary Surgeon at Erasmus MC and Coordinating Investigator for the DURIPANC study, commented: "First of all, we have observed improvements in quality of life and we saw no toxicity at all - with 'quality of life' recognized as an indicator of stable disease. As a comparison, approximately 80% of patients at Erasmus with similar disease, but who did not receive the treatment, showed disease progression after only three months. While this new data is extremely preliminary, it is also highly encouraging. To have multiple patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who still have stable disease after six or seven months of maintenance therapy is remarkable - as is having stable disease for 15 or more months after starting FOLFIRINOX. Based on the changes we have seen in immune infiltration into metastatic lesions, I am optimistic that there is a chance that these patients could still have partial or complete responses to this therapy."

"Ampligen continues to demonstrate its synergistic potential as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors and these data - following the positive data from the Dutch-government approved Early Access Program- underscore Ampligen's potential for the treatment of late-stage pancreatic cancer, where there remains a significant and lethal unmet need," commented AIM Chief Executive Officer Thomas K. Equels.

Read more at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05927142- "Combining anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab with TLR-3 agonist rintatolimod in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma for therapy effect"

Learn more about the clinical collaborationbetween AIM, AstraZeneca and Erasmus MC.

About AIM ImmunoTech Inc.

AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is an immuno-pharma company focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders and viral diseases, including COVID-19. The Company's lead product is a first-in-class investigational drug called Ampligen (rintatolimod), a dsRNA and highly selective TLR3 agonist immuno-modulator with broad spectrum activity in clinical trials for globally important cancers, viral diseases and disorders of the immune system.

For more information, please visit aimimmuno.comand connect with the Company on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA"). Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "continue," "believe," "potential," "upcoming" and other variations thereon and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Many of these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Data, pre-clinical success and clinical success seen to date does not guarantee that Ampligen will be approved as a combination therapy for late-stage pancreatic cancer. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form 10-K, and any risk factors or cautionary statements included in any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 8-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Among other things, for those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof.
Turin, Italy / Friedrichshafen, Germany, 19h September 2024. IVECO BUS, the urban, intercity and tourist bus brand of Iveco Group N.V. (EXM: IVG), and ZF, a global technology leader supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, chose the international stage of IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany, to advance their collaboration on deploying innovative e-mobility solutions for the decarbonisation of passenger transport.

IVECO BUS and ZF share the same commitment to transforming the transport sector and leading the change to a more sustainable future, combining solid technological expertise in alternative energy propulsion solutions, such as electrification. The commercial collaboration with ZF will support the IVECO BUS overarching electrification strategy and the development of a new zero-emission-born architecture that will equip the next-generation of vehicles, complementing the technological capabilities.

"This new partnership demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with innovative players who are driven to push the boundaries of technological innovation in support of the energy transition", commented Domenico Nucera, President Bus Business Unit, Iveco Group. "Electrification is an essential enabler for achieving the decarbonisation objectives of the bus industry. By enhancing our collaboration with ZF, a global technology leader in advanced mobility products and systems, we will accelerate the development of the next generation of our e-mobility solutions."

"This next step in our relationship with IVECO BUS focusing on our innovative e-mobility solutions underlines how our strategic investments in decarbonisation technologies are paying off. " says Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the ZF Board of Management and responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Solutions division. "We are honoured by the trust that IVECO BUS has placed in us as a partner for the strategic development of e-mobility solutions. We look forward to further deepening our relationship as we work together to deliver more sustainable passenger transport solutions."

Iveco Group N.V.

Media Contacts:

Francesco Polsinelli, Tel: +39 335 1776091

Fabio Lepore, Tel: +39 335 7469007

E-mail: mediarelations@ivecogroup.com

About ZF

ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector - passenger cars and commercial vehicles - ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.

With some 168,700 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of 46.6 billion in fiscal 2023. The company operates 162 production locations in 31 countries.

For further press information and photos, please visit www.zf.com

Press contacts:

Frank Discher, Head of News, Content & Media, Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Phone: +49 7541 77960770, e-mail: frank.discher@zf.com

Florian Laudan, Head of Communications, Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Phone: +49 151 20000276, email: florian.laudan@zf.com

Attachments
Enhancing EV battery safety with superior resistance to flames and particle blasts

The Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei is introducing a new material solution for enhanced EV battery safety. A flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric, LASTAN is an outstanding alternative to conventional materials for thermal runaway protection. It can be utilized in top covers, busbar protection sleeves, and other applications within the EV battery pack.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919387874/en/

New grade of LASTAN (Photo: Business Wire)

Although electric vehicles are becoming more common worldwide, battery safety is still a major concern for many car users. According to the latest "Asahi Kasei Automotive Consumer Survey," 34% of non-EV owners in China see improved safety as a primary consideration in buying an electric vehicle. Against this background, global OEMs seek to further raise the safety of EV batteries, and the market for materials to prevent thermal runaway is expected to grow by some 15% annually from 2024 onward, with even further expansion of demand in the future (IDTechEX: "Fire Protection Materials for Electric Vehicle Batteries 2024-2034").

In this context, there is increasing demand for materials in EV battery cover applications having excellent resistance against flames and particle blasts, as well as good electrical insulation properties. While mineral-based materials are generally used as protection against thermal runaway at present, such materials tend to be heavy and brittle. Being stiff, these materials are difficult to adapt to complex shapes, making processability an issue for automotive OEMs.

LASTAN is a non-mineral flame-resistant fabric made by air baking a special acrylic fiber at 200-300C. It is characterized by high flame resistance and good electrical insulation, which are further improved by a special coating process that also augments abrasion resistance. This allows the material to provide effective protection against particle bombardment from venting gas. With these exceptional characteristics, LASTAN has been used for many years as an optimal material for failure prevention and safety in various industries.

Withstanding 1,300C flames and impact of 200-500 m particles

Even when a 1,300C flame is applied, the temperature on the opposite side of LASTAN remains below 400C. While a "limiting oxygen index" (LOI) value of 27 or higher is generally considered to indicate flame retardance, this material has an LOI value of 50 or higher. In UL94 flame retardance testing, LASTAN has obtained the highest rating of 5VA. No holes are formed in LASTAN even when it is exposed to a flame of 1,300C for one minute.

In addition to its high flame resistance, LASTAN is resistant to high-pressure impact by particles of 200-500 m. It also provides electrical insulating capacity of up to 3.5 kV at a thickness of 1 mm. LASTAN also features outstanding processability, being highly flexible while maintaining its performance characteristics in sheets as thin as 0.8 mm. This makes it easily processed with ordinary tools, contributing to a simplified manufacturing process.

Having integrated production of LASTAN currently in Japan, Asahi Kasei is considering production in the United States and other countries in the future. The company will exhibit the new LASTAN grade at the North American Battery Show from October 7 to 10, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its founding in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon-neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919387874/en/

Contacts:

North America Contact:

Asahi Kasei America Inc.

Christian OKeefe

christian.okeefe@ak-america.com

Europe Contact:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
As a vetted Alzheimer's Moonshot Community member, NeuroEM has collaborative access to a network of organizations contributing science and resources toward finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / NeuroEM Therapeutics, a leading clinical-stage biotechnology research company focused on commercializing its proprietary Transcranial Electromagnetic Treatment leveraging Radio Frequencies (TEMT-RF) technologies against Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, announced today it has been accepted as a member of StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot Community. The invitation came following a rigorous evaluation of NeuroEM, the management team, and its technology innovation, research, and clinical data.

The Alzheimer's Moonshot initiative was established in January 2024 with support from Gates Ventures and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation's (ADDF) Diagnostic Accelerator (DxA). Powered by StartUp Health, it seeks to accelerate innovation around Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) by carefully curating the expertise and innovation from companies that span the full spectrum of Alzheimer's care, from awareness and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and support.

"We are honored to join such a transformative community and align with visionaries who are redefining the future of Alzheimer's care. Being part of the Moonshot Community lets us collaborate not only with a powerful network of top innovators across scientific disciplines, but also Moonshot Champions who are dedicating the resources necessary to move the needle on Alzheimer's research," says Chuck Papageorgiou, CEO, NeuroEM Therapeutics, pointing to the involvement of ADDF and Gates Ventures.

He adds: "The Alzheimer's Moonshot Community is on the leading edge of research into the early detection and treatment of this devastating disease, and NeuroEM shares their commitment to advancing this mission. Together, we will accelerate the journey toward unlocking the secrets to a treatment and, one day, prevention and cure."

"For too long, Alzheimer's disease has seemed like a fate worse than death to those who receive this devastating diagnosis and for their families and caregivers, the 'invisible second patients' of the disease," says Lauren Schafer, Director of Admissions, StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot. "By bringing together companies like NeuroEM Therapeutics within the health innovation community, we intend to break down silos, foster meaningful collaboration between mission-aligned founders, funders, and partners, and accelerate progress toward the prevention and management of and cure for ADRD through the support of entrepreneurial innovation."

NeuroEM Therapeutics is committed to developing, clinically testing, and marketing TEMT-RF products to effectively prevent and treat cognitive decline caused by aging or Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Its first product, a pioneering head cap, is designed to be comfortably worn to administer TEMT-RF during daily in-home treatment, and has shown extraordinary promise in all completed preclinical and clinical studies.

The NeuroEM head cap directly attacks the disease process with electromagnetic waves that separate toxic protein oligomers - which are increasingly believed to be the root cause of Alzheimer's disease - throughout the brain, including inside neurons. Its patented TEMT-RF also re-balances the immune system in both the brain and blood and increases energy production in brain cells.

About StartUp Health

Since 2011, StartUp Health has been on a mission to solve the biggest health challenges of our time by creating and sustaining a global ecosystem of health moonshot communities. StartUp Health has provided support to more than 1,000 founders and contributed to the development of more than 500 health innovation companies. Our valued partners include The Helmsley Charitable Trust, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and Gates Ventures in addition to nearly 100 families and mission-aligned organizations. Visit startuphealth.com.

About NeuroEM Therapeutics

NeuroEM Therapeutics is leading the way in the development and clinical testing of bioengineered technology to reverse the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Built upon a decade of groundbreaking research conducted at Tampa-based research facilities at the University of South Florida (USF), the company received the first Breakthrough Device status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Alzheimer's disease. NeuroEM's continued dedication to cutting-edge research is bringing to market a first-in-class wearable device designed for in-home use to extend healthy longevity using patented Transcranial Electromagnetic Treatment leveraging Radio Frequencies (TEMT-RF) technology. To learn more, visit neuroem.com.

Media Contact:

Liz Goar

NPC Creative Services

liz@npccs.com

SOURCE: NeuroEM Therapeutics

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG) (OTCQX: MMRGF) (FSE: 78M) ("Minaurum" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the results of the first 5 holes of the 2024 drill program to establish an initial mineral resource at its 100% owned and production permitted Alamos silver project ("Alamos") in Sonora, Mexico. The most significant results include: AL24-105 that intersected 0.70 m of 2,976 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq") (Figure 1), AL24-107 that returned 5.60 m of 368 g/t AgEq and 2.55 m of 621 g/t AgEq and AL24-108 that returned 8.45 m of 336 g/t AgEq.

"Our resource drilling program has started off with significant high-grade silver results showcasing the mineral continuity of our 1 km-long high-grade Promontorio vein zone," stated Darrell Rader, President and CEO of Minaurum Gold. "Infill and step-out drilling continues at Promontorio, one of three core resource drilling targets for 2024. We anticipate testing the second target at Promontorio Sur vein zone next with step-out holes."

Promontorio and Promontorio Sur Vein Zones

The 1 km-long Promontorio vein zone consists of multiple veins including the Veta Grande, Veta del 100, and Veta Las Guijas veins (Figure 2) (see Minaurum news release dated February 6, 2020). The individual veins are hosted in faulted volcanics, altered limestone, and intrusive rocks.

The West Promontorio vein zone is an underexplored vein zone located 100 m west of the Veta del 100 that was intersected in the 2024 drill program. The Promontorio Sur is the faulted-off, down-dropped, and underexplored southern extension of the Las Guijas vein.

The first 5 holes totaled 1,286 m (Table 1, Figure 2) and were drilled on two fences across the Promontorio vein zone. Holes AL24-105 and AL24-106 tested the newly discovered West Promontorio vein on one fence, and holes AL24-107, -108, and -109 tested the Veta del 100/Veta Grande portion of the Promontorio zone on another fence.

Prior to 2024, Minaurum drilled 29 holes totaling 9,258 m at Promontorio and Promontorio Sur. Minaurum's 2024 program includes infill drilling to establish 75 to 100 m spacings between vein intersections, as well as step-out drilling.

Table 1. Assay highlights to date, Promontorio infill drilling, 2024. Weight-averaged silver-equivalent grades are based on May 1, 2024, Kitco.com metal prices: Ag $26.90/oz, Au $2,303.00/oz, Cu $4.52/lb, Pb $1.09/lb, Zn $1.43/lb.

Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Ag

g/t Au

g/t Cu

% Pb % Zn

% AgEq

g/t Vein AL24-

105 153.00 154.25 1.25 151 0.03 0.91 1.55 0.63 309 West

Vein including 153.00 153.80 0.80 189 0.04 1.26 1.86 0.85 401 183.35 184.05 0.70 2431 0.26 1.29 7.41 6.06 2976 AL24-

106 167.70 168.80 1.10 48 0.00 0.06 0.96 1.42 127 AL24-

107 134.80 135.00 0.20 130 0.77 0.50 2.22 8.18 576 Veta Grande/ Veta del 100 136.10 136.55 0.45 103 0.98 0.29 2.50 3.61 400 141.90 142.95 1.05 196 0.37 0.47 0.15 1.86 342 including 142.50 142.95 0.45 362 0.05 0.78 0.03 0.09 453 160.20 165.80 5.60 200 0.48 0.35 1.46 1.64 368 including 160.95 161.45 0.50 259 0.32 0.50 0.10 0.36 354 and 163.25 165.80 2.55 350 0.78 0.52 3.06 2.19 621 which includes 164.35 165.80 1.45 545 1.08 0.70 5.25 2.92 940 which includes 164.35 165.00 0.65 735 1.48 1.11 7.06 3.02 1256 AL24-

108 119.35 120.00 0.65 16 0.75 0.10 0.07 6.62 313 including 119.75 120.00 0.25 36 1.69 0.15 0.12 13.45 647 144.25 145.00 0.75 216 1.81 0.39 3.54 4.52 651 175.80 176.35 0.55 643 1.38 1.43 0.26 0.21 925 183.45 191.90 8.45 78 0.37 0.24 2.64 4.07 336 including 186.30 188.05 1.75 211 0.61 0.53 7.36 10.89 865 which includes 186.60 187.25 0.65 388 0.83 0.67 13.39 21.49 1580 AL24-

109 no significant values

Highlights of Minaurum's previous drilling at Promontorio include:

20.2 m of 455 g/t AgEq or 154 g/t Ag, 0.5% Cu, 2.3% Pb, 6.8% Zn (Hole AL17-004)

or 154 g/t Ag, 0.5% Cu, 2.3% Pb, 6.8% Zn (Hole AL17-004) 3.8 m of 1,309 g/t AqEq or 415 g/t Ag, 2.68 g/t Au, 1.37% Cu, 6.20% Pb, 9.19% Zn incl. 0.95 m of 3,282 g/t AgEq or 1,566 g/t Ag, 6.72 g/t Au, 4.48% Cu, 9.27% Pb, 10.08% Zn (Hole AL19-025)

or 415 g/t Ag, 2.68 g/t Au, 1.37% Cu, 6.20% Pb, 9.19% Zn incl. or 1,566 g/t Ag, 6.72 g/t Au, 4.48% Cu, 9.27% Pb, 10.08% Zn (Hole AL19-025) 7.6 m of 461 g/t AgEq or 266 g/t Ag, 0.27 g/t Au, 0.57% Cu, 1.60% Pb, 3.17% Zn , incl. 2.9 m of 1,204 g/t AgEq or 636 g/t Ag, 1.36% Cu, 3.9% Pb, 7.17% Zn (Hole 20-044)

or 266 g/t Ag, 0.27 g/t Au, 0.57% Cu, 1.60% Pb, 3.17% Zn incl. or 636 g/t Ag, 1.36% Cu, 3.9% Pb, 7.17% Zn (Hole 20-044) 3.1 m of 1,334 g/t AgEq or 1,197 g/t Ag, 1.38% Cu (Hole AL20-046)

or 1,197 g/t Ag, 1.38% Cu (Hole AL20-046) 3.7 m of 761 g/t AgEq or 528 g/t Ag, 0.83% Cu, 2.43% Pb, 1.47% Zn (Hole AL20-064)

or 528 g/t Ag, 0.83% Cu, 2.43% Pb, 1.47% Zn (Hole AL20-064) 1.25 m of 1,309 g/t AqEq or 415 g/t Ag, 2.68 g/t Au, 1.37% Cu, 6.20% Pb, 9.19% Zn incl. 0.95 m of 3,282 g/t AgEq or 1566 g/t Ag, 6.72 g/t Au, 4.48% Cu, 9.27% Pb, 10.08% Zn (Hole AL19-025)

or 415 g/t Ag, 2.68 g/t Au, 1.37% Cu, 6.20% Pb, 9.19% Zn incl. or 1566 g/t Ag, 6.72 g/t Au, 4.48% Cu, 9.27% Pb, 10.08% Zn (Hole AL19-025) 5.1 m of 870 g/t AgEq or 769 g/t Ag, 0.76% Cu; incl. 3.1 m of 1,334 g/t AgEq or 1197 g/t Ag, 1.38% Cu (Hole AL20-046)

or 769 g/t Ag, 0.76% Cu; incl. or 1197 g/t Ag, 1.38% Cu (Hole AL20-046) 1.10 m of 1,186 g/t AgEq or 729 g/t Ag, 1.73 g/t Au, 0.13% Cu, 3.05% Pb and 5.73% Zn (Hole AL19-034)





Figure 1. Drill core photo of Hole AL24-105: 182.80 m - 185.10 m, intersected 1.25 m of 309 g/t AgEq including 0.70-m interval (183.35 - 184.05 m) that assayed 2,976 g/t Ag Equivalent or 2,431 g/t Ag, 0.266 g/t Au, 1.29% Cu, 7.41% Pb, and 6.06% Zn. Host rock is skarn-altered limestone.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3455/223762_10e8c48b44c13a73_003full.jpg





Figure 2. Promontorio vein zone, showing status of 2024 drilling. Click to image to enlarge.

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3455/223762_10e8c48b44c13a73_004full.jpg

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Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG) (OTCQX: MMRGF) (FSE: 78M) is a Mexico-focused explorer concentrating on the high-grade 100% owned fully production permitted Alamos silver project in southern Sonora. Minaurum is managed by one of the strongest technical and finance teams and will continue its founders' legacy of creating shareholder value to develop and acquire a pipeline of potential Tier One precious and base metals projects.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

___________________________________________________________________________

1570- 200 Burrard Street

Telephone: 1 778 330-0994

Vancouver, BC V6C 3L6

www.minaurum.com

info@minaurum.com

Data review and verification: Stephen R. Maynard, Vice President of Exploration of Minaurum and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101, reviewed and verified the assay data, and has approved the disclosure in this News Release. Verification was done by visual inspection of core samples and comparison to assay results. Assay results have not been checked by re-analysis. No factors were identified that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data presented in this news release.

Analytical Procedures and Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Preparation and assaying of drilling samples from Minaurum's Alamos project are done with strict adherence to a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol. Core samples from the 2024 program are sawed in half and then bagged in a secure facility near the site, and then shipped by a licensed courier to ActLabs preparation facility in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico. ActLabs prepares the samples, crushing them to 70% less than 2mm, splitting off 250g, and pulverizing the split to more than 85% passing 75 microns. The resulting sample pulps are prepared in Zacatecas, and then shipped to Vancouver for chemical analysis by ActLabs. The pulps are analyzed for gold by fire assay and ICP/AES on a 50-gram charge. In addition, analyses are done for a 48-element suite using 4-acid digestion and ICP analysis. Samples with silver values greater than 100 g/t; and copper, lead, or zinc values greater than 10,000 ppm (1%) are re-analyzed using 4-acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).

Quality-control (QC) samples are inserted in the sample stream every 20 samples, and thus represent 5% of the total samples. QC samples include standards, blanks, and duplicate samples. Standards are pulps that have been prepared by a third-party laboratory; they have gold, silver, and base-metal values that are established by an extensive analytical process in which several commercial labs (including ActLabs) participate. Standards test the calibration of the analytical equipment. Blanks are rock material known from prior sampling to contain less than 0.005 ppm gold; they test the sample preparation procedure for cross-sample contamination. In the case of duplicates, the sample interval is cut in half, and then quartered. The first quarter is the original sample, the second becomes the duplicate. Duplicate samples provide a test of the reproducibility of assays in the same drilled interval.

When final assays are received, QC sample results are inspected for deviation from accepted values by the QP. To date, QC sample analytical results have fallen in acceptable ranges on the Alamos project.

ActLabs is independent of Minaurum Gold and is independent of the Qualified Person.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

In making the forward-looking information in this release, Minaurum has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on Minaurum's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Minaurum. Although Minaurum considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Minaurum does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223762

SOURCE: Minaurum Gold Inc.
Summerland, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - Ve Oh Lay Acres has announced expansion into the educational realm with the new initiative: Club Boozy. It is an innovative online platform designed to make wine education accessible, engaging, and entertaining. Founded by wine visionaries Maddi and Laurent Violet, Club Boozy aims to transform the wine learning experience for enthusiasts across the globe.

Maddi Violet

With a rich history that spans over a century, Laurent Violet brings to Club Boozy a profound knowledge passed down through generations since 1866. His approach combines time-honored techniques with modern-day practices to provide a comprehensive understanding of winemaking. Maddi Violet, celebrated for her global winemaking experiences, infuses the platform with diverse insights and methods from around the world, making it a unique resource for wine education.

"Club Boozy is more than just an educational platform; it's a community where wine lovers, from novices to connoisseurs, can come together to learn, explore, and share their passion for wine," said Maddi Violet. Laurent added, "We aim to demystify the wine world, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience."

Club Boozy offers a variety of resources tailored to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Members can access a wide range of learning materials, including interactive courses, expert-led seminars, and exclusive content, all designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of wine.

About Ve Oh Lay Acres

Founded by seasoned winemakers Maddison and Laurent Violet, Ve Oh Lay Acres is an award-winning honey winery and farm. Known for its dedication to quality and sustainability, Ve Oh Lay Roastery is aiming to bring back mead with a new touch. Being voted the Best Winery in Summerland by Canadian Business Review, Ve Oh Lay Acres has also won the Canadian Choice Award in 2024. Ve Oh Lay's several beverages have won gold, double gold, and bronze medals at Canadian and international competitions, testifying to the unique approach of its founders.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223863

SOURCE: SMG Media Group
Ideal for close teamwork in video production, filmmaking, outdoor events, and marine operations

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hollyland Technology is happy to announce the availability of the Solidcom SE Global Version. Ideal for video production, filmmaking, and similar activities, it takes small production team communication to the next level, enabling clear and reliable communication for effortless workflow, at long ranges up to 1,100ft (350m).

Engineered for affordability without compromising quality, this lightweight full-duplex communication system boasts advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology and water and wind noise resistance, helping team members to collaborate effectively in commercial video production and outdoor events in any weather conditions.

Five headsets: Perfect for coordinated teamwork

Hollyland's Solidcom SE Global Version can support up to five headsets, thus meeting user requirements and making the system highly empowering and effective for dynamic small to medium-sized teams. The intercom system's frequency hopping technology automatically avoids radio interference, for stable and reliable voice communications, even in crowded, radio-noisy environments. The Solidcom SE Global Version supports full-duplex communications, so team members can speak simultaneously, saving valuable time and enhancing work efficiency.

Noise-canceling and high-fidelity vocals

The advanced dual microphone Environmental Noise Cancellation technology in Solidcom SE Global Version eliminates unwanted noise, supporting a signal-to-noise ratio of 71dB, and ensuring that voices come through loud and clear in noisy surroundings.

Light, clean, comfortable

Crafted from lighter, more durable materials, the Solidcom SE Global Version headset is lightweight, weighing no more than an apple. With the Solidcom SE Global Version, professional users can finally wave goodbye to discomfort during extended wear on demanding job sites. The replaceable over-ear pad comes in handy, especially in summer, ensuring users have a clean and comfortable experience.

Continuous power, endless creativity

The Solidcom SE Global Version headsets' detachable batteries make sure they keep running with minimal downtime. As is standard with Hollyland intercom systems, the headsets come with battery charging stations for maximized efficiency while shooting. The headset also supports USB-C charging, so with a power bank on hand, communications are uninterrupted, and creativity never ends.

Pricing and availability

The Solidcom SE Global Version (2S-5S) will be released on September 19th, 2024, and you can get it from local distributors or at https://hollyland.info/46IWT6s

Solidcom SE Global Version 2S $229

Solidcom SE Global Version 4S $459

Solidcom SE Global Version 5S $579

For more information, please visit Hollyland's official website: https://www.hollyland.com/product/solidcom-se

About Hollyland Technology

Shenzhen Hollyland Technology Co., Ltd. (Hollyland) has been empowering global customers with professional solutions for wireless data, audio and video transmission, and wireless intercom since 2013. Hollyland serves many markets, including film-making, television shooting, video production, broadcast, live events, theaters, houses of worship, and rental houses. Visit https://www.hollyland.com/, Hollyland Facebook, Hollyland Instagram.

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Exclusive collaboration enhances wealth management services with cutting-edge data aggregation and performance reporting tools

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Itau Private, a leading provider of private banking services, has announced an exclusive partnership with Addepar , a global leader in technology and data solutions for investment professionals. This strategic collaboration grants Itau Private exclusive access to Addepar's comprehensive data aggregation and performance reporting platform in Brazil, enhancing the bank's ability to deliver superior service and investment solutions to its advisors and clients.

Through this partnership, Itau Private clients will gain access to powerful tools and detailed reports that provide insights into their global wealth-both onshore and offshore-including returns, transactions, historical data, and balances. These capabilities will enable a fully automated and personalized evaluation of each client's unique financial interests and needs.

"The partnership with Addepar brings a new level of sophistication to the services we offer, allowing us to better align our solutions with each client's distinct goals," said Fernando Beyruti, Global Head of Itau Private Bank. "This initiative also enables us to introduce an advisory model that evaluates clients' total assets, deepening our relationships and reinforcing our commitment to client-centric services."

Addepar serves a global client base, providing advanced financial technology solutions to investment professionals across more than 45 countries. The platform currently supports over $6 trillion in assets under management, offering robust data aggregation and performance reporting tools that empower clients to make better decisions and deliver more informed advice.

"We are excited to collaborate with a market leader like Itau Private, enabling us to bring our advanced financial technology solutions to one of the most dynamic and innovative private banks in the world," said Peter O'Brien, Global Head of Sales and Partnerships at Addepar. "Together, we are committed to empowering Itau Private's advisors with state-of-the-art tools that drive efficiency and deliver exceptional value to clients."

About Addepar

Addepar is a global technology and data company that empowers investment professionals to deliver precise and informed guidance to their clients. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, Addepar's platform aggregates portfolio, market, and client data for over $6 trillion in assets. The platform integrates with more than 100 software, data, and service partners, providing a comprehensive solution for a diverse range of firms and use cases. Addepar has a global presence, with offices in Silicon Valley, New York City, Salt Lake City, Chicago, London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Pune.

About Itau Private

Itau Private is a market leader with approximately R$ 880 billion in allocated capital-R$660 billion onshore and R$162 billion offshore (as of March 2024)-and holds around 30% market share in its segment in Brazil, according to data from Anbima. With a team of around 800 employees, including 350 professionals across its international offices in the United States, Portugal, Switzerland, and the Bahamas. Miami is Itau Private's international hub that provides clients with wealth management and banking products and services, including portfolio management and personalized advice by experienced investment professionals. In Switzerland, the conglomerate has a bank, and in the Bahamas, a trust management company, which helps to serve clients who have to set up investment structures abroad.

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Swiss Fintech commended for secure custody, asset tokenization services, and its marketplace for digital assets

LONDON, UK and GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Taurus , the Swiss-regulated global leader in digital asset infrastructure for banks, has been named "Best Digital Assets Solution" at the prestigious Global BankTech Awards 2024 - the premier awards programme for the fintech industry.

Taurus has been recognized for its comprehensive and modular infrastructure that enables financial institutions to issue, custody, and trade digital assets, including tokenized assets, cryptos, NFTs, and digital currencies.

"Taurus offers enterprise-level digital asset infrastructure for the issuance, custody, and trading of all digital assets, encompassing cryptocurrencies, tokenized securities, and digital currencies," said Mobasher Kazmi, Head of Research for The Digital Banker. "Commendably, its suite of products comprising Taurus-PROTECT for secure custody, Taurus-CAPITAL for asset tokenization and management, Taurus-EXPLORER for blockchain node infrastructure, and TDX, a marketplace for digital assets, allowing users to capture any digital asset opportunity under one, unified platform."

"Digital assets and tokenization represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the financial industry, but a lack of enterprise-grade digital infrastructure initially prevented many institutions from jumping on board the revolution," said Juergen Hofbauer, global head of Strategic Partnerships at Taurus . "Taurus is solving the challenges of security, compliance, and interoperability for some of the biggest banks on the planet, so we're delighted that our hard work has been recognized by Global BankTech Awards."

Taurus' infrastructure is backed by major financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank, UBS, and numerous others. In the past 12 months, Taurus has played a leading role in developing new asset classes, including SMEs equity and debt, which are tokenized leveraging the Taurus infrastructure and admitted for trading on the TDX marketplace. Most recently, Taurus announced a partnership with State Street - the global provider of financial services to institutional investors, with $44.3 trillion in assets under custody - to streamline the creation and management of tokenized assets throughout their lifecycle.

Taurus' product portfolio is composed of Taurus-PROTECT, the leading secure storage solution for banks, which is currently used by more than 30 financial institutions. Taurus-CAPITAL allows clients to issue and manage tokenized assets on public and private blockchains, as well as interact with any smart contract. The marketplace for digital assets, TDX, is connected to Taurus-PROTECT and Taurus-CAPITAL. All products leverage Taurus' blockchain node infrastructure, Taurus-EXPLORER, which provides a unified API and reliable broadcasting algorithms to interface securely with over 20 blockchain networks.

-ends-

Contact

CLPR

taurus@clpr.agency

About Taurus SA

Taurus SA is a Swiss company, founded in April 2018, that provides enterprise-grade digital asset infrastructure to issue, custody and trade any digital assets: cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, NFTs and digital currencies. With more than 50% market share in Switzerland, it is also the European leader in the banking segment, entrusted by the full spectrum of financial institutions: systemic banks, universal banks, online banks, crypto-banks, private banks, and broker-dealers. Taurus also operates a marketplace for private assets and tokenized securities.

For more information, please visit: https://taurushq.com/

About Global BankTech Awards

The Global BankTech Awards, organised by The Digital Banker, exist to honour and celebrate the world's preeminent and ground-breaking technology companies and their contribution to technology-based enhancements, initiatives and innovations within the financial services industry that are streamlining operational processes, automating workflow and re-engineering business models, while materially driving productivity gains

The Digital Banker Awards are accolades of excellence and distinction, attributed to outstanding players; and provides unbiased and objective benchmarks for the global industry. The Global BankTech Awards is the world's premier assessment program dedicated to recognising innovative vendor companies that have introduced out of the box solutions for financial institutions to address competing business challenges by deploying best-in-class solutions across the financial services landscape.

For more information, please visit:

https://thedigitalbanker.com/awards/global-bank-tech-awards/

SOURCE: Taurus

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Elko, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - Lithium Corporation (OTCQB: LTUM) ("LTUM" or "the Company"), a mineral exploration company focused on energy metals for the North American battery supply chain, is pleased to update investors on exploration activities undertaken over the past several months on the Company's new Las Pilas prospect.

Earlier in 2024, Lithium Corporation introduced the newly staked Las Pilas property that is prospective for hosting fluorspar mineralization. Fluorspar is critical to a low carbon future as a result of its use in all three main parts of an electric battery: cathode, electrolyte and anode. It is also essential to processing silicon for solar panels.

Since April, the Las Pilas property has more than doubled in size to over 11,000 acres (4,450 hectares) of highly prospective mining lands. As Lithium Corporation's understanding of controls on mineralization on the property evolved, it became obvious a number of local settings are favorable for hosting mineralization similar to that seen at the nearby past producing Rock Candy fluorspar mine.

Geochemical work has been ongoing and an historic geochemical database was found that augments the work currently being performed in the area. This database was recently digitized and is presently being combined with data generated by Lithium Corporation, along with historic Government Geological Survey data. Combined these data resources are expediting Lithium Corporation's exploration progress on Las Pilas. Stream sediment data to-date indicates several areas on the property may be prospective for hosting Floride mineralization possibly in association with Nickel/Chromium +/- Rare Earth Elements (REE). This may indicate Floride mineralization hosted in fluorcarbonates similar to that seen at the Mountain Pass REE mine on the border of California and Nevada.

Lithium Corporation is extremely heartened by the results of the Company's exploration work to-date and looking forward to finishing before the onset of winter. Should Fall 2024 results warrant, a potentially expanded exploration program will be planned for the next field season.

Considered essential to electrification and a low-carbon future, fluorine and its source material fluorspar are classified as 'critical minerals' by Governments in both the United States and Canada. Fluorinated compounds have an increasing role in next generation lithium-ion batteries where their presence significantly improves thermal stability in tandem with safety. Similarly, fluorinated compounds have been demonstrated to improve battery performance in sub-zero temperatures. Leading battery industry market intelligence firm Benchmark Minerals reports, "fluorspar demand from the lithium-ion battery sector is expected to exceed 1.6 million tonnes by 2030".

Learn more about Lithium Corporation's complete portfolio of lithium, graphite, titanium/rare earth elements and fluorspar prospects:

https://lithiumcorporation.com/projects/

About Lithium Corporation

Lithium Corporation is a Nevada based mineral exploration company devoted to exploring for energy storage related resources throughout North America. The Company is one of only a handful of Project Generators in the critical minerals space in North America. Lithium Corporation's dual operational focus covers exploration activities on several lithium prospects in Nevada, USA, as well as titanium, rare earth elements, graphite and fluorspar properties in British Columbia, Canada. Both Nevada and British Columbia are worldclass mining jurisdictions.

Lithium Corporation concentrates its exploration expertise on the energy metals supply chain to help secure a sustainable future through renewable energy. The Company's newly staked fluorspar prospect is evidence of Lithium Corporation's dynamic approach to maintaining an evolving portfolio growing through new prospects and broadening mineral scope. In Nevada, Lithium Corporation's Fish Lake Valley prospect is in the immediate vicinity of the longest running, large-scale producing lithium-mine in the United States.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tom Lewis"

Tom Lewis,

President & CEO

Website: www.lithiumcorporation.com

Contact Info

Tom Lewis, CEO

775-410-5287

info@lithiumcorporation.com

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This current report contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of minerals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our most recent annual report for our last fiscal year, our quarterly reports, and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Lithium Corporation (OTCQB: LTUM) 1031 Railroad St. Ste 102B Elko NV 89801 (775) 410-5287 www.lithiumcorporation.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223853

SOURCE: Lithium Corporation
Shang Haifeng from Huawei Cloud: Building a Resilient, Intelligent Hybrid Cloud and Taking an Intelligence Leap

More Resilient and Smarter! Huawei Cloud Stack 8.5 Leads Hybrid Cloud to a New Horizon

SHANGHAI, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hybrid Cloud Infra Forum 2024, with the theme, "Dive into Cloud and Leap to a New Horizon", convened at HUAWEI CONNECT 2024 today. At the event, Shang Haifeng, CEO of Huawei Mainframe Modernization BU and President of Huawei Hybrid Cloud, announced the launch of Huawei Cloud Stack 8.5. The new version introduces a new solution, Mainframe-to-Cloud Solution, and includes more use cases for Hybrid Cloud for Large AI Models.

Jacqueline Shi, President of Huawei Cloud Global Marketing and Sales Service, stated in her opening speech: "Thanks to the strong support from our customers, Huawei Cloud's hybrid cloud business has been continuously expanding in the global market. An increasing number of customers from sectors, such as government, finance, education, healthcare, transportation, mining, and power have joined forces with Huawei Cloud to drive innovation. Huawei Cloud Stack synchronizes a wide array of services from the Huawei public cloud and can be deployed on-premises, breaking through technological barriers and meeting customer demands. With leading technologies, a mature platform, and a robust local ecosystem, we provide our customers with cutting-edge, scenario-specific solutions. Looking ahead, Huawei Cloud looks forward to continuing our collaboration with customers to develop superior hybrid cloud solutions and embark on the digital transformation journey together."

Today, hybrid cloud has become the preferred foundation for digital transformation of government organizations and large enterprises. Huawei Cloud has been continuously investing in R&D, committed to providing government and enterprise customers with a sustainable and optimal hybrid cloud foundation.

Shang Haifeng said: "Cloud transformation of core systems and intelligent production have become the twin pillars for government and enterprise customers diving into cloud. Huawei Cloud Stack will innovate in resilience and intelligence, elevating the hybrid cloud to a new horizon and helping customers move faster to take a smart, digital leap."

A New Horizon of Resilience: Creating a New Mainframe-to-Cloud Benchmark

As industries have been accelerating cloud adoption, the migration of core systems to the cloud represents the final piece of the all-cloud puzzle. It is a gateway to comprehensive intelligence. However, this migration poses many challenges, spanning hardware, software, security, O&M, optimization, and tools. It is an end-to-end comprehensive project that requires software-hardware synergy.

This year, Huawei established a Mainframe Modernization BU, consolidating core R&D strengths across compute, storage, network, cloud, and the Central Research Institute to drive systematic innovation. This initiative aims to fully exploit the power of software-hardware synergy to overcome the world-class challenge of mainframe migration to cloud. They have been persistent in developing an independent and innovative technology system to ensure an ongoing supply of core technologies. The team has been stepping up efforts to develop comprehensive system engineering capabilities, from infrastructure and implementation processes to O&M, aiming to establish new core systems on the cloud.

The Mainframe-to-Cloud Solution from Huawei provides comprehensive disaster recovery (DR) for all scenarios, supports modular application deployment, and enables multi-site multi-active DR, satisfying a spectrum of availability requirements. It supports hardware fault detection in seconds, which makes O&M for large-scale clusters more efficient. The application-centric end-to-end visibility speeds up fault identification and troubleshooting. Seamless cloud OS upgrades enable the parallel upgrade of hundreds of nodes without VM migration, and without any service interruptions.

Huawei maximizes the synergy between software and hardware. Hardware NIC virtualization passthrough and the multi-core lock-free design reduce the latency of a single forward for load balancing by 83% and increase the forwarding bandwidth of a single cluster to 400 Gbit/s. Passthrough networking simplifies the network from two layers to just one, which reduces latency by 40%. Moreover, the fusion of the RoCE network and NoF+ protocol slashes end-to-end storage latency by 50%. All of these enable unparalleled performance and superior experiences.

In terms of security, GaussDB, a fully-encrypted database, and Kunpeng Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) safeguard against data breaches and minimize performance degradation, keeping it within 20%.

Shang Haifeng expressed that Huawei aspires to set new trustworthiness standards for mainframe-to-cloud migration through innovation in foundational technologies and experience consolidation. Huawei aims to take the resilience of core systems to a new horizon and provide a better choice for the world.

A New Horizon of Intelligence: Launch of Top Use Cases of Hybrid Cloud for Large AI Models

The past two years have witnessed fast development in large models. An increasing number of industries are exploring and adopting large models, forging new business models and substantially expanding market demands. New technologies and new use cases are key to the adoption of large models across industries.

In 2023, Huawei Cloud Stack launched the industry's first Hybrid Cloud for Large AI Models, empowering enterprises to build their own large AI models in one stop. In June this year, Huawei Cloud Stack introduced 10 new technologies for Hybrid Cloud for Large AI Models, making them easier to deploy using different infrastructures, algorithms, and engineering capabilities. Additionally, Huawei Cloud Stack curates high-quality datasets, consolidates model application experience, and is fully integrated into industry ecosystems, making the use cases easier.

Huawei Cloud Stack also uses the innovative ModelArts engineering tool suite that consists of three modules: data, model, and application. It is designed to expedite AI engineering adoption, simplifying the creation, training, and deployment of large models.

At the forum, Huawei Cloud unveiled the top use cases for Hybrid Cloud for Large AI Models, targeting five major industries. 20 domain-specific and over 80 industry scenario-specific use case baselines were launched. Shang Haifeng highlighted that these use case baselines are rooted in delivered projects, covering solutions, services, and partners. They are ready for broad promotion and replication. In the future, Huawei Cloud Stack will update use cases twice a year, always delivering more use cases and superior solutions to customers.

Leveraging the powerful capabilities and experience of Huawei Cloud Stack and Pangu Models, Huawei Cloud will elevate intelligence to a new horizon, enabling every enterprise to create their own large model.

At the forum, the 2024 Global "Dive into Cloud Polaris" Awards Ceremony was held to honor global benchmark customers and partners who have made outstanding contributions to cutting-edge technologies, scenarios, and model exploration with Huawei Cloud. A total of 18 government organizations and enterprises around the world from diverse sectors, such as government, finance, oil and gas, and transportation, earned the awards.

The journey ahead is still filled with challenges. Moving forward, Huawei Cloud Stack will persist in innovating and breaking new ground, continuously refining technical solutions, optimizing product portfolios, and diving into industry scenarios. The intelligent world is just around the corner. Huawei Cloud Stack looks forward to joining hands with government and enterprise customers to leap to a new horizon and embrace a better future.

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According to the Capital Raising Report in Bogota - First Half of 2024 from Invest in Bogota, the city's investment promotion agency, Bogota led with 96.9% of the total capital raised in Colombia.

Through 27 investment rounds, companies raised USD 452 million, close to the USD 486 million raised in 2023, which involved 88 rounds.

"Entrepreneurship is transforming our economy and disrupting all sectors. According to this new report, Bogota remains leading capital raising, reinforcing the city's position as the third largest platform for entrepreneurial investment in Latin America, behind Sao Paulo and Mexico City," said Isabella Munoz, Executive Director of Invest in Bogota.

To view the complete report, click here.

A significant report on capital raising during the first half of 2024 was released on Monday by Invest in Bogota, the city's investment promotion agency. The document reveals that Bogota accounted for 96.9% of the capital raised in Colombia from January to June -and hosted 77% of the investment rounds.

"This gives us some reassurance and confidence, because if the entrepreneurship ecosystem continues to evolve in this way during the second half of the year, we expect those amounts to potentially double," highlighted Isabella Munoz.

Isabella Munoz. CEO, Invest in Bogota.

In just six months, Bogota raised 93% of the total investment compared to 2023, when USD 486 million was captured across various rounds. The report shows that while there are fewer rounds, companies secured larger investments per round, reflecting a more mature market.

The Fintech sector led the growth, attracting estimated investments of USD 405.4 million through 16 rounds, with startups like Nu Colombia and Simetrik standing out. The Proptech and Foodtech sectors also secured significant investments, highlighting the diverse potential of Bogota's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Regarding the source of investment, the United States remained the leading investor in Bogota's startups, contributing over 38% of the total investment in the city, reflecting strong international investor confidence in Bogota's ecosystem.

Bogota Capital Raising Report. 2024-I

"The city offers an outstanding, efficient, and skilled workforce, and with Bogota's 11 million residents, there's a large local market for these business models. We also have a strategic location, and the best cargo airport in Latin America," added Munoz, emphasizing the city's appeal to investors.

For the report's methodology, researchers mapped tech startups headquartered in Colombia and analyzed those that raised capital from January 2021 to June 2024.

Panoramic view of Bogota.

Contact:

Phone number: (+57) 317 780 5168

Email: info@investinbogota.org

SOURCE: Invest in Bogota

View the original press release on accesswire.com
MVA-BN approved for use against mpox and smallpox in adolescents 12-17 years of age after expedited review with EMA

Represents the second EMA approval of an MVA-BN-based vaccine for a younger population

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, September 19, 2024 - Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) announced today that the European Commission has adopted the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommendation for the approval of a type II variation for IMVANEX (MVA-BN) smallpox and mpox vaccine, extending the current marketing authorization to include adolescents 12 to 17 years of age.

The CHMP recommendation follows the submission last month to EMA of data from a clinical study), sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), in 315 adolescents 12-17 years of age and 211 adults aged 18 years and older, demonstrating non-inferiority of the immune responses as well as a similar safety profile between both age groups after vaccination with two standard doses of the MVA-BN vaccine.

While this represents the first approval of MVA-BN as a smallpox/mpox vaccine for adolescents, a recombinant version of MVA-BN (Mvabea) was approved by EMA in 2020 as part of a prime-boost vaccine regimen1 for the prevention of disease caused by Ebola virus in individuals =1 year of age. Clinical studies supporting this approval encompass more than 3,300 individuals across Europe, USA, and Africa including over 800 children and adolescents 1-17 years of age in Africa2. The safety profile of Mvabea in children 1-17 years of age was generally similar to that observed in adults and similar to the safety profile of MVA-BN in individuals 12 years and older.

Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, said: "We applaud EMA for their expedited review and decision to recommend approval of MVA-BN for adolescents. This represents an important milestone in our efforts to make our vaccine available for all populations and will help improve access for some of the most vulnerable individuals mostly impacted by the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa."

Bavarian Nordic is preparing for a clinical trial) to assess the immunogenicity and safety of MVA-BN in children 2-12 years of age, aiming to further extend the indication of the vaccine into younger populations. The trial, partially funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), is expected to start next month.

CEPI has also co-funded a clinical study), led by McMaster University in Canada, to assess post-exposure vaccination with MVA-BN, i.e. if the vaccine helps reduce the risk of secondary mpox cases, or, in case of mpox infection, can reduce the severity of illness. The study will include over 1.500 participants including children in households with a laboratory-confirmed mpox infection at sites in the DRC, Uganda and Nigeria. Results of the study could provide important findings to inform vaccination strategies in areas impacted by the mpox outbreak.

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, Singapore and Mexico (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.

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







1 Mvabea was licensed in 2014 to Johnson & Johnson as part of a prime-boost vaccine regimen.

2 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/mvabea-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf





Attachment
Funding will boost environmental sustainability education globally

PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced a two-year partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a leader in promoting environmental education and sustainable development in schools worldwide. PPG will provide a $150,000 community engagement grant to help expand FEE's programs, which focus on climate change education through UNESCO's Greening Education Partnership (GEP). The partnership is part of PPG's global commitment to invest $5 million in environmental sustainability education by 2030.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919608721/en/

PPG has announced a partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a leader in promoting environmental education and sustainable development in schools worldwide. (Photo: Business Wire)

"We are proud to partner with FEE to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle climate change," said Peter Votruba-Drzal, PPG vice president, Global Sustainability. Through this collaboration, we aim to support the development and dissemination of high-quality educational resources that will reach students across the globe, inspiring them to become the environmental stewards of tomorrow."

The funding provided by PPG will support the creation and release of new educational materials, including a comprehensive "Eco-Schools" handbook, instructional videos, online courses and training materials for teachers. These resources will be available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and French, to ensure broad accessibility.

Copenhagen-based FEE, as the coordinator of the Greening Education Partnership, is committed to achieving UNESCO's ambitious goal of accrediting 50% of all schools to a green school scheme by 2030 and doubling the number of countries that include climate education in their school curricula.

"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and education plays a pivotal role in addressing it," said Daniel Schaffer, FEE's chief executive officer. "With the support of PPG, we will use the best experience and approaches from our global Eco-Schools network in the creation of new tools and materials in multiple languages. These will enable schools, young people and their communities worldwide to learn about and address immediate climate change challenges and develop long-term environmental stewardship and sustainability practices."

This partnership represents PPG's first global support initiative in environmental education, with the potential to impact 30,000 schools, 75,000 teachers, and 1 million students worldwide, ensuring a lasting legacy in the fight against climate change.

Visit PPG's 2023 ESG Report to learn more about the company's commitment to sustainability.

PPG's global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested more than $17.5 million in 2023, supporting hundreds of organizations across nearly 40 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow tomorrow's STEM innovators and skilled workforce in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at communities.ppg.com.

About Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

Founded in 1981, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) stands as one of the world's largest environmental education networks with over 100 member organisations across 81 countries. As a non-governmental, non-profit entity, FEE champions sustainable development through comprehensive environmental education. Their mission is to engage and empower individuals globally, working in close collaboration with members and partners. To learn more, visit fee.global.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers' biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $18.2 billion in 2023. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

The PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

CATEGORY Community Affairs

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919608721/en/

Contacts:

PG Media Contact:

Andrew Wood

Corporate Communications, EMEA

+31 6 5121 6579

awood@ppg.com

www.ppg.com
Shareholders approve name change and rebranding to Centenara Labs AG ("Centenara")



Rebrand positions business for strategic initiatives designed to support development of therapies for regenerative medicine and age-related disorders

Company also reports encouraging preliminary clinical results on novel blindness treatment, EA-2353 for Retinitis Pigmentosa



SCHLIEREN, Switzerland, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centenara Labs AG ("Centenara" or the "Company") (formerly Rejuveron Life Sciences AG), a Zurich-based biotechnology company focused on pioneering therapies to promote healthy aging, is pleased to announce that at the Company's Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") on August 23, 2024, shareholders approved a name change to Centenara Labs AG. This strategic name change and wider rebranding initiative is designed to ensure the Company's ongoing differentiation in the marketplace, enhance awareness and improve Centenara's positioning for future growth.

The Company's new name embodies Centenara's mission to help individuals maintain their functional independence, physical and mental fitness, and sensory abilities throughout their lifespan, empowering them to live better and longer in emulation of the quality of life so often expressed in discussing centenarians. By focusing on advancing novel therapeutic approach through targeting the root cause of age-related diseases, Centenara aims to extend health span - ensuring that individuals not only live longer but also maintain a high quality of life throughout their extended years.

"Our transition to Centenara is a bold and forward-thinking step that aligns with our strategic vision and represents more than just a new name; it underscores a renewed focus on working together to build a business that can successfully develop therapies for regenerative medicine and age-related disorders," said Aksana Labokha, CEO of Centenara. "Our updated visual identity demonstrates our evolution and sets us apart within the biotechnology sector putting a focus on the drivers of an extended quality of life. As we move forward, operating as Centenara will not only support our strategic goals, including exploring public market opportunities and potential pharma partnerships, but will also enhance our efforts to build a pipeline of breakthrough therapeutics that target the hallmarks of aging."

The Company's innovative approach is currently focused on identifying and transforming the most promising discoveries in ophthalmology and senescence research into novel therapies that extend independence and well-being, contributing to a longer, healthier life. In concert with the rebrand, Centenara encourages investors and other interested parties to review the updated website and corporate presentation at https://centenara.com.

Clinical Update on EA-2353: Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa

In concert with the above-mentioned rebranding efforts, Centenara is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the lead EA-2353 program for the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa ("RP") which causes progressive retinal degeneration and loss of vision. EA-2353 is a small molecule directed endogenous stem cell treatment, which triggers quiescent retinal stem and progenitor cells to preserve or restore visual function. RP is a rare, inherited retinal disease that onsets at a young age, with most patients legally blind by age 40. A Phase 1/2a first-in-human clinical trial on EA-2353 has been completed with encouraging preliminary results that indicate EA-2353 was safe and well-tolerated. The exploratory efficacy data demonstrated positive trends in visual function, retinal sensitivity, and retinal structure in treated eyes. The Company believes that these results yield an exciting development in the understanding of stem cell focused therapies.

Given the lack of current treatment options for most patients with RP, EA-2353 represents a novel, gene-independent treatment approach, which offers significant advantages given the multiple genetic causes of RP. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted EA-2353 orphan drug designation in May 2021.

About Centenara

Centenara is a clinical-stage biotechnology company creating therapies to improve healthy aging. Its experienced drug discovery and development team applies a deep understanding of the biology of aging, alongside technological advances in biopharmaceutical R&D, to progress a new generation of medicines that will help people to age better and live longer.

Through its programs, each uniquely focused on preventing, repairing, or reversing the hallmarks of aging, Centenara is advancing a therapeutic pipeline that ranges from drug discovery to the clinic. The current portfolio is diversified across modalities, stages, as well as aging hallmarks, and includes a revolutionary small molecule approach to regenerate endogenous stem cells, currently in a Phase 1/2a in the USA in RP patients.

In addition, the current product pipeline includes therapies targeting dry age-related macular degeneration in pre-clinical phase; novel therapies for diseases driven by senescence such as age-related diseases associated with fibrosis and cancer; a telomere program focused on restoring and reversing damaged or shortened telomeres; and programs targeting neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders.

Centenara was co-founded in 2019 by entrepreneurial scientist Matthias Steger, and visionary investor Christian Angermayer.

Aksana Labokha, CEO info@centenara.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A reading on Philadelphia-area manufacturing activity returned to positive territory in the month of September, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia revealed in a report released on Thursday.



The report said the diffusion index for current general activity jumped to a positive 1.7 in September from a negative 7.0 in August, with a positive reading indicating growth. Economists had expected the index to surge to a positive 2.0.



However, the Philly Fed described regional manufacturing activity as 'mixed overall,' as the indexes for new orders and shipments declined and turned negative.



The new orders index tumbled to a negative 1.5 in September from a positive 14.6 in August, while the shipments index plunged to a negative 14.3 in September from a positive 14.6 in August.



At the same time, the number of employees index soared to a positive 10.7 in September from a negative 5.7 in August, suggesting a turnaround by employment.



The report also said the prices paid index jumped to 34.0 in September from 24.0 in August, while the prices received index surged to 24.6 in September from 13.7 in August.



Looking ahead, the Philly Fed said firms continue to expect growth over the next six months, with the diffusion index for future general activity inching up to 15.8 in September from 15.4 in August.



The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a separate report on Monday showing regional manufacturing grew for the first time in nearly a year in the month of September.



The New York Fed said its general business conditions index surged to a positive 11.5 in September from a negative 4.7 in August, with a positive reading indicating growth. Economists had expected the index to inch up to a negative 3.9.



With the sharp increase, the index returned to positive territory for the first time since hitting a positive 9.1 last November.



The report also said firms grew more optimistic that conditions would improve in the months ahead, as the index for future business activity climbed to 30.6 in September from 22.9 in August.



Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2024 AFX News
Increase in prevalence of chronic diseases, surge in technological advancements, and rise in R&D activities in the healthcare sector are the major factors which drive the global market growth.

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Autoradiography Films Market by Product (Nuclear Emulsion, X-Ray Film and Others), by Application (Blotting, Sequencing and Others), End User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Hospitals and Clinics and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the autoradiography films market was valued at $130.0 million in 2023, and is estimated to reach $174.9 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3% from 2024 to 2033.

Prime determinants of growth

Increase in prevalence of chronic diseases, surge in technological advancements, and rise in R&D activities in the healthcare sector are the major factors that drive the growth of the autoradiography films market growth. However, high initial costs and maintenance expenses associated with autoradiography equipment poses a significant restraint on the growth of the autoradiography films market. Moreover, growth opportunities in emerging markets offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the global autoradiography films market.

Request Sample of the Report on Autoradiography Films Market Forecast 2033: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A324089

Segment Highlights

Widespread use of X-ray film in autoradiography films market

By product, the X-ray film segment is driven by its versatile applications across various fields such as medical diagnostics, industrial testing, and scientific research. In addition, advancements in imaging technologies enhance the sensitivity and resolution of X-ray films, making them indispensable in both analog and digital radiography thus driving the segment growth. Moreover, the widespread use of X-ray films in healthcare for diagnosing fractures, tumors, and other medical conditions drives segment growth.

Rise in demand for blotting in autoradiography films

By application, the blotting segment is primarily driven by its critical role in molecular biology research and diagnostics. Blotting techniques, including Southern, Northern, and Western blotting, rely on autoradiography films to detect and visualize specific nucleic acids or proteins. These techniques are essential for studying gene expression, identifying mutations, and characterizing protein interactions. In addition, rise in advancements in blotting protocols and the integration of automated imaging systems enhance workflow efficiency and reproducibility, further boosting segment growth.

Have a Question? Connect to our Analyst - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/A324089

Rise in adoption of autoradiography films in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

By end user, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment is poised for significant growth in the autoradiography films market due to these companies heavily rely on autoradiography films for various applications in drug discovery, molecular biology research, and clinical diagnostics. Their need for accurate and sensitive imaging techniques, such as those provided by autoradiography films in blotting applications, drives consistent demand. In addition, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies utilize autoradiography films to study drug interactions, screen potential drug candidates, and conduct molecular analyses critical to their research and development processes thereby supporting the segment growth.

Regional Outlook

North America to Dominate by 2033

North America is poised to lead the growth in the autoradiography films market owing to high healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending, and a strong emphasis on technological advancements. In addition, the presence of leading healthcare and pharmaceutical companies fosters innovation and adoption of advanced medical technologies which further supports the market growth.

Procure Complete Report (228 Pages PDF with In-depth Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/autoradiography-films-market-A324089

Players

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

FUJIFILM Corporation

Carestream

LabScientific

Danaher Corporation

Advansta INC

PerkinElmer

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc

Merck KGaA

Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global autoradiography films market. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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.

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" 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 domains. AMR offers its services across 11 industry verticals including Life Sciences, Consumer Goods, Materials & Chemicals, Construction & Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Semiconductor & Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, ICT & Media, Aerospace & Defense, and BFSI.

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/autoradiography-films-market-to-reach-174-9-million-globally-by-2033-at-3-cagr-allied-market-research-302253052.html
Pure Harvest and Trane join to install the first sustainable, electrified cooling and heating plant in the UAE inside a desert greenhouse.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Trane Technologies



We're helping solve our customers' big challenges by innovating and delivering solutions that are better for their business-and for the environment.

Project At-a-Glance:

The opportunity: Support UAE-based Pure Harvest Smart Farms to create a controlled environment suitable for agricultural production while utilizing as little energy and as few natural resources as possible.

The solution: A sustainable electrified thermal management system that alternately heats and cools the high-tech greenhouse, utilizing:

Trane heat pumps

Trane centrifugal chillers using near-zero GWP R-1233zd refrigerant

Chiller and heat pump control and optimizing systems

Sustainability outcomes: All metrics are based on prior year (2022) comparisons unless otherwise stated.

Expected reduction of 8293 metric tons of carbon (mtCO2e) per year

Lower system water usage

Reduced food loss and transportation pollution

Growing tomatoes in the desert

Pure Harvest Smart Farms, a sustainability-focused, controlled environment agriculture company based in the United Arab Emirates, is now doing what many thought was impossible: growing strawberries, lettuce and melons in one of the most challenging environments on Earth: the desert of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

One of the most technologically advanced indoor agriculture companies, Pure Harvest looked to Trane to install the high-performance thermal management systems needed to grow delicate produce in such extreme environments.

"We're talking about a country that's 80% desert, with very limited agricultural resources," said Adnan Javed, General Manager, Trane EMEA. "All the non-arable land means that the UAE must import about 90% of its food. The UAE government has been trying to change that by encouraging local food production, which it hopes will increase food security, particularly in cases of natural disaster or emergency."

High-tech greenhouses

Pure Harvest believes its high-tech greenhouses can be part of that solution. Small yet very high-producing oases of arable land, these state-of-the-art installations are similar to other forms of indoor agriculture, except that they leverage natural light. Inside, every aspect of the growing environment is carefully monitored and maintained, from temperature to humidity, air movement and carbon dioxide levels.

That level of control requires an extremely sophisticated system. The cooling and heating solution must not only be highly precise, it must be able to maintain a steady indoor environment as outside temperatures fluctuate between 60 F by night to well over 120 F by day.

To help them construct such a system, Pure Harvest looked to Trane for a solution: a modular electric thermal management array comprised of Trane heat pumps and centrifugal chillers using R-1233zd refrigerant. An efficient and sustainable electric solution, the Trane system was designed to not only to meet the combined heating and cooling requirements of the greenhouse, but to do so using minimum power and water, as high efficiency is central to Pure Harvest's economic model.

"Reliability and efficiency correlate directly to production, and therefore the cost of the agricultural produce coming from the greenhouse," said Majed Halawi, VP Engineering & Construction, Pure Harvest Smart Farms. "It's our ability to grow high quality food intensively and close to where it's consumed that allows us to deliver fruits and vegetables at comparable prices to imports. But we must also achieve that in a way that's sustainable, and that utilizes less in the way of natural resources. That's a very important part of the Pure Harvest concept."

Thinking globally, acting locally

Growing food close to where it's sold and consumed has other very important benefits that relate to Trane Technologies' environmental goals. One of those goals is reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation cold chain, which in addition to the built environment is one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitting parts of the global infrastructure.

The Pure Harvest project in the UAE brings the world a step closer to achieving that aim and is a demonstration of what can be achieved when a manufacturer and a customer set out to create new, innovative, sustainable solutions. Encouraged by this success, Pure Harvest has begun building similar installations in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

"We feel privileged to be a part of this project," said Javed. "We're committed to supporting public initiatives that improve food security, water conservation, skilled job creation and economic diversification. We're proud to have helped a local company in its drive to increase the UAE's food security, reduce its dependence on food imports, lower food miles and reduce carbon footprints."

Learn more about this project on the Healthy Spaces Podcast.

Discover more about our sustainable innovation in our 2023 ESG Report.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Trane Technologies

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Trane Technologies

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Verified Market Research proudly announce the development and release of our latest market research report, focusing on the rapidly evolving Language Service Market. With globalization accelerating at an unprecedented rate, businesses are under increasing pressure to communicate effectively across linguistic and cultural barriers. Our report provides the industry's decision-makers, investors, and strategists with critical insights into this dynamic sector, equipping them to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

LEWES, Del., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Language Service Market Size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.41% from 2024 to 2031, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 77.06 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 129.64 Billion by the end of the forecast period.

Key Highlights of the Report:

Market Forecast & Growth Trends: A detailed analysis of the Language Service Market's projected growth, providing a roadmap for businesses to navigate this thriving industry.

Technological Disruption: Explore how AI-driven translation tools, machine learning, and automation are reshaping the language service landscape.

Regional Market Insights: Comprehensive breakdowns of regional demand in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other key markets.

Competitive Landscape: Profiles of major players, emerging firms, and key M&A activities shaping the competitive environment.

Tailored Solutions for Enterprises: How leading businesses are leveraging language services to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Why This Report Matters to Industry Leaders: In a globalized business ecosystem, access to accurate and timely language services is no longer optional-it's a competitive advantage. From multinational corporations to tech start-ups, companies that invest in language solutions can expand their market presence, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure regulatory compliance across borders.

This report is an essential tool for industry executives seeking to:

Identify high-growth opportunities in translation, localization, and interpretation services.

Optimize their global communication strategy using cutting-edge language technologies.

Stay ahead of the competition by aligning with future market trends.

The Language Service Market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by increasing demand for multilingual content, international business expansion, and the rise of digital-first communication strategies. Now is the time for businesses to refine their global communication plans and ensure they are equipped to meet the challenges of an interconnected world.

Secure Your Competitive Edge Today

For those looking to lead in this high-demand market, our report offers the actionable intelligence needed to make data-driven decisions and achieve sustainable growth. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in a market that is shaping the future of global business.

For more information or to purchase the report, please contact us at: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=10719

Browse in-depth TOC on "Global Language Service Market Size"

202 - Pages

126 - Tables

37 - Figures

Report Scope

REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2021-2031 GROWTH RATE CAGR of ~7.41% from 2024 to 2031 BASE FOR VALUATION 2024 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2021-2023 FORECAST PERIOD 2024-2031 QUANTITATIVE UNITS Value in USD Billion REPORT COVERAGE Historical and Forecast Revenue Forecast, Historical and Forecast Volume, Growth Factors, Trends, Competitive Landscape, Key Players, Segmentation Analysis SEGMENTS COVERED Service

End-User REGIONS COVERED North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa KEY PLAYERS Acolad Group, Appen Limited, ATAP Co., Welocalize Inc., RWS Holdings PLC, Semantix AB, SDL PLC, STAR Group Worldwide, Thebigword, TransPerfect, Translate Plus, LanguageWire, Lionbridge Technologies, Honyaku Center, Bureau Van Dijk, Moravia IT, LanguageLine Solutions, GuidingStar CUSTOMIZATION Report customization along with purchase available upon request

Global Language Service Market Overview

Globalization and Cross-Border Business Expansion: The increasing trend of globalization has intensified the demand for translation services as enterprises enter foreign markets. The Language Service Market is set for significant expansion as organizations endeavor to localize content for diverse areas. Proficient communication in several languages is increasingly crucial for sustaining brand credibility, ensuring compliance, and augmenting client engagement across diverse areas.

Advancements in AI and Machine Translation: Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine translation technologies are transforming the Language Service Market. These innovations have markedly diminished translation durations, allowing firms to function more effectively. As artificial intelligence progressively improves the precision and efficiency of language services, corporations will increasingly allocate resources to these technologies, resulting in heightened adoption and expansion within the sector.

Rise of Digital-First Communication: The digital transformation in various industries has intensified the demand for real-time language services. Organizations depend on digital platforms for international communication, hence augmenting the demand for translation and interpretation services. This transition is especially vital for industries such as e-commerce, legal, and healthcare, where precise and prompt communication is essential. The Language Service Market is poised for growth as enterprises allocate resources to digital language solutions to maintain competitiveness.

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High Costs Associated with Quality Services: Notwithstanding the progress in AI and automation, superior language services continue to necessitate proficient humans. The expense associated with human translators and interpreters poses a significant challenge, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This constraint may impede market growth, as enterprises might be reluctant to spend in premium services, favoring more economical yet less precise alternatives, which could obstruct overall market progress.

Data Security and Privacy Concerns: The growing dependence on cloud-based translation services and digital platforms presents substantial issues with data security and privacy. In sectors like legal, banking, and healthcare, the necessity to safeguard sensitive information may impede the adoption of language services without stringent security protocols. As enterprises emphasize data safety, the Language Service Market may experience decelerated growth if these issues remain unaddressed.

Dependence on Technology and Lack of Human Touch: Although AI and machine learning have enhanced efficiency, numerous language services lack the sophisticated comprehension of context and cultural subtleties that human translators provide. This constraint can impact the accuracy of translations, especially in sectors demanding precision, such as legal and medical domains. The dependence on technology devoid of human supervision may hinder the expansion of the Language Service Market as enterprises pursue solutions that integrate automation with human proficiency.

Geographical Dominance

North America dominates the Language Service Market owing to its robust business environment and the necessity for multilingual communication in industries such as technology, healthcare, and legal services. Europe quickly follows, propelled by the region's linguistic diversity and regulatory frameworks. The Asia-Pacific region is fast advancing due to the growth of cross-border trade. This geographical preeminence facilitates market expansion as enterprises prioritize worldwide outreach, hence amplifying the demand for localization services.

Key Players

The "Global Language Service Market" study report will provide a valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Acolad Group, Appen Limited, ATAP Co., Welocalize Inc., RWS Holdings PLC, Semantix AB, SDL PLC, STAR Group Worldwide, Thebigword, TransPerfect, Translate Plus, LanguageWire, Lionbridge Technologies, Honyaku Center, Bureau Van Dijk, Moravia IT, LanguageLine Solutions, GuidingStar.

Language Service Market Segment Analysis

Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Language Service Market into Service, End-User and Geography.

Language Service Market, by Service: Translation Interpretation Others

Language Service Market, by End-User: Healthcare IT and Telecom Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Government Others

Language Service Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa Latin America



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Represents the first commercial deal for REC's silane in the EV battery market and ensures US-supply of silane for production of Sila's Titan Silicon anode material.

Sila Nanotechnologies, Inc. ("Sila"), a next-generation battery materials company, today announced a multi-year supply agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Silicon ASA ("REC"), a leading innovator in solar-grade silicon and silicon materials.

Under the terms of the agreement, REC will supply Sila with high-quality, US-produced silane for use in the production of Sila's breakthrough nano-composite silicon anode material, Titan Silicon. The agreement also ensures a reliable supply of silane through 2031, supporting Sila's commitments to deliver Titan Silicon to customers, including Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic, as well as additional companies yet to be publicly disclosed.

Additionally, this agreement marks a significant milestone for both companies. It represents the first commercial agreement for REC's high-purity Signature Silane for use in the automotive segment and ensures domestic supply of a critical component to anode materials production for Sila.

"Our agreement with REC Silicon is a critical step in securing the raw materials needed to deliver Titan Silicon to our auto customers for the long-haul," said Gene Berdichevsky, Co-founder and CEO at Sila. "It also marks the importance of ensuring domestic production and supply of a critical next-generation material to support US manufacturing leadership in clean energy."

"We appreciate the opportunity to support Sila and their production of next-generation battery materials," said Kurt Levens, CEO at REC Silicon. "This agreement demonstrates the increasing demand for high-purity silicon materials in the clean energy sector, and we are confident that our collaboration will play a key role in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and highlighting the benefits of working with an experienced, reliable and consistent silane producer."

About Sila

Founded in 2011, Sila is a next-generation battery materials company with the mission to power the world's transition to clean energy. Sila shipped the world's first commercially available silicon anode for lithium-ion batteries in 2021, and has since enabled battery performance enhancements in multiple consumer electronics devices. Sila's Titan Silicon anode will next power electric vehicles, including an upcoming version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and will be used within Panasonic Energy's next-generation lithium-ion batteries, which will also serve the automotive industry. Committed to American leadership in clean energy production, Sila is scaling its technology at its manufacturing facility in Moses Lake, Washington. Major financial investors include 8VC, Bessemer Venture Partners, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Coatue, Matrix Partners, Sutter Hill Ventures, and funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

About REC Silicon

REC Silicon is a global leader in silane based high purity silicon materials. We combine 40 years of experience and best-in-class proprietary technology to deliver on customer expectations. Our two U.S. based plants have a combined production capacity of more than 30,000 MT of high purity silane gas. Our Signature Silane based products are used in everyday quality of life technologies, emerging technologies, cutting edge power and memory devices, high-voltage transmission, as well as renewables. REC Silicon is headquartered in Lysaker, Norway and listed on the Oslo stock exchange under the ticker: RECSI.

For more information, go to: www.recsilicon.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919866246/en/

Contacts:

Maia Gryskiewicz

SutherlandGold for Sila

sila@sutherlandgold.com
The optical fiber polarizer market is driven by the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission and advancements in telecommunications technology. Growing applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, and medical devices also boost market growth. However, the market faces restraints due to the high cost of polarizer materials and the complexity involved in manufacturing these components. Additionally, competition from alternative technologies and economic fluctuations can impact market stability. The need for ongoing research and development to enhance performance and reduce costs remains a significant challenge.

LEWES, Del., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Optical Fiber Polarizer Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Reports. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 8.4 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 14.5 Billion by the end of the forecast period.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=729948

Browse in-depth TOC on Optical Fiber Polarizer Market

202 - Pages

126 - Tables

37 - Figures

Scope of The Report

REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2021-2030 BASE YEAR 2023 FORECAST PERIOD 2024-2030 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2021-2022 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED Thorlabs, OZ Optics, Chiral Photonics, Corning, Fujikura Ltd, Timbercon SEGMENTS COVERED By Type, By Application, By Geography. CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope

Global Optical Fiber Polarizer Market Overview

Market Drivers Fueling Growth in the Optical Fiber Polarizer Market

Increasing Demand for High-Speed Data Transmission

The rapid growth of internet traffic and the need for high-speed data transmission are significant drivers in the optical fiber polarizer market. Optical fiber polarizers are crucial for enhancing the performance and reliability of communication systems, particularly in the telecommunications sector. As data consumption continues to rise with the proliferation of digital services, the demand for advanced optical components like polarizers is expected to increase. This trend is further accelerated by the expansion of 5G networks and advancements in fiber optic technology, necessitating more efficient and high-performance polarizers.

Advancements in Optical Fiber Technology

Technological innovations in optical fiber technology are fueling the growth of the optical fiber polarizer market. Recent developments, such as improved fiber designs and new manufacturing techniques, have enhanced the performance of optical components, including polarizers. These advancements lead to better signal quality, reduced attenuation, and increased bandwidth capabilities. As researchers and manufacturers push the boundaries of optical technology, the demand for sophisticated polarizers that can meet the stringent requirements of modern communication systems continues to rise, driving market growth.

Growing Adoption in Emerging Applications

The expanding use of optical fiber polarizers in emerging applications is another key factor driving market growth. Beyond traditional telecommunications, polarizers are increasingly being utilized in areas such as medical imaging, aerospace, and industrial sensing. For instance, in medical imaging, polarizers enhance the clarity and precision of diagnostic equipment. In aerospace and defense, they are used for advanced optical systems that require high-performance components. The diversification of applications and the need for specialized polarizers in these fields contribute to the overall growth of the optical fiber polarizer market.

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Market Restraints Limiting Expansion in the Optical Fiber Polarizer Market

High Manufacturing Costs

One of the primary restraints on the optical fiber polarizer market is the high cost of manufacturing these components. The production of optical fiber polarizers requires advanced materials and precise manufacturing processes, which can be expensive. These high costs are often passed on to end-users, making optical fiber systems costlier compared to alternative technologies. This can limit the adoption of optical fiber polarizers in cost-sensitive applications and slow down market expansion, especially in emerging markets where budget constraints are more significant.

Technological Limitations

Technological limitations present another challenge to the growth of the optical fiber polarizer market. Despite advancements in optical fiber technology, there are still constraints related to the performance and efficiency of polarizers. Issues such as limited wavelength ranges, polarization-dependent loss, and environmental sensitivity can affect the reliability and effectiveness of polarizers. These limitations can hinder the development of new applications and the integration of optical fiber polarizers into existing systems, restraining market growth.

Competition from Alternative Technologies

Competition from alternative technologies is a significant restraint on the optical fiber polarizer market. Technologies such as wireless communication and copper-based systems offer lower-cost solutions for certain applications. In some cases, these alternatives provide sufficient performance for specific use cases, reducing the need for optical fiber polarizers. As a result, the presence of competing technologies can limit the market share of optical fiber polarizers and slow their adoption, particularly in regions where budget and infrastructure constraints are more pronounced.

Geographic Dominance

The Optical Fiber Polarizer Market demonstrates significant geographic dominance, with key regions such as North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia playing pivotal roles in its development. North America, with its advanced technological infrastructure and high demand for cutting-edge optical technologies, leads in market innovation and application. Europe follows closely, driven by robust research and development initiatives and a strong presence of leading optical technology companies. Africa, though emerging, is experiencing growth due to increased investment in telecommunications and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Asia, with its rapidly expanding technology sector and substantial manufacturing capabilities, is a major player, contributing significantly to the global market's expansion and diversification. This diverse geographic presence underscores the widespread adoption and critical importance of optical fiber polarizers across various global regions.

Optical Fiber Polarizer Market Key Players Shaping the Future

Major players, including Thorlabs, OZ Optics, Chiral Photonics, Corning, Fujikura Ltd, Timbercon. and more, play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Optical Fiber Polarizer Market. Financial statements, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis provide valuable insights into the industry's key players.

Optical Fiber Polarizer Market Segment Analysis

Based on the research, Verified Market Reports has segmented the global Optical Fiber Polarizer Market into Type, Application and Geography.

To get market data, market insights, and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Optical Fiber Polarizer Market, please Contact Verified Market Reports.

Optical Fiber Polarizer Market, By Type

PM-PM Fiber



SM-PM Fiber



M-SM Fiber

Optical Fiber Polarizer Market, By Application

Automotive



Aerospace



Electronics

Optical Fiber Polarizer Market, By Geography

North America



U.S





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





France





U.K





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India





Rest of Asia Pacific



ROW



Middle East & Africa





Latin America

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With a team of 500+ Analysts and subject matter experts, Verified Market Reports leverages internationally recognized research methodologies for data collection and analyses, covering over 15,000 high impact and niche markets. This robust team ensures data integrity and offers insights that are both informative and actionable, tailored to the strategic needs of businesses across various industries.

Verified Market Reports' domain expertise is recognized across 14 key industries, including Semiconductor & Electronics, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Technology, Automobiles, Defense, Mining, Manufacturing, Retail, and Agriculture & Food. In-depth market analysis cover over 52 countries, with advanced data collection methods and sophisticated research techniques being utilized. This approach allows for actionable insights to be furnished by seasoned analysts, equipping clients with the essential knowledge necessary for critical revenue decisions across these varied and vital industries.

Verified Market Reports is also a member of ESOMAR, an organization renowned for setting the benchmark in ethical and professional standards in market research. This affiliation highlights Verified Market Reports' dedication to conducting research with integrity and reliability, ensuring that the insights offered are not only valuable but also ethically sourced and respected worldwide.

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With dedicated resources for businesses big and small, Quick Electricity is doing its part to streamline corporate energy plans and keep commercial electricity costs in check

FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Quick Electricity, an energy broker based in Fort Worth, Texas, is making it easier than ever for Texas businesses to search, compare, and select energy plans that meet their budget and operational needs.

Since its founding in 2013, Quick Electricity has remained at the forefront of brokering energy plans for residential clientele, as well as business and commercial units. This includes professional guidance on selecting an optimal energy plan for office buildings, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more. "As a proud Texan myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the state's free energy market," said Mary Pressler, founder of Quick Electricity. "Our goal is to make this process easier for not just everyday consumers but businesses as well."

Key to optimizing the search for businesses is providing resources that acknowledge the distinct difference between residential and commercial electricity plans. For example, large businesses that don't qualify to choose an energy plan online can request custom quotes directly via Quick Electricity's website. Businesses can also work one-on-one with the company's energy plan experts to identify key cost-saving opportunities.

Some of the additional benefits that Quick Electricity offers its business clients include:

Comprehensive energy assessments to determine past and current energy needs, identify places to cut back on costs, and hone in on past billing mistakes

Access to information and tools that allow for the rapid comparison of energy plan prices across different suppliers

Expert support navigating the nuances of Texas's energy market, including statewide price trends, seasonal changes, and regulatory shifts

Personalized advice for businesses on the best times to buy or switch their plans, as well as on how to structure energy contracts to make the most of current market conditions

For businesses, particularly those with significant energy needs, Quick Electricity acts as a trusted partner in managing energy contracts and consumption. The company's brokers also provide additional value-adding services such as ongoing energy consumption analyses, bill auditing, and renewal negotiations to save businesses time and stress.

"Our goal is to help businesses identify the most cost-effective plans without sacrificing any of their energy needs. We offer a lot of custom services to make this happen, including access to Texas's best standard and renewable energy plans," Pressler said.

With more than two decades of energy brokering experience, Quick Electricity understands the challenges that Texas businesses face when choosing an electricity plan. For that reason, the company prioritizes efforts to simplify the process of comparing large, medium, and small business electricity rates.

Once plans are locked in, Quick Electricity acts as an ongoing advocate for its business clients, lending additional support as needed to keep things running smoothly. If issues arise with a supplier, the company uses its industry contacts and extensive knowledge to resolve disputes and handle problems in the most efficient manner possible. This minimizes the risk of energy disruptions and ensures constant oversight of the business-supplier relationship.

Texas business owners who would like to learn more about Quick Electricity and its electricity brokering services are invited to visit QuickElectricity.com for on-demand insights and a custom quote based on unique energy usage.

About Quick Electricity

Quick Electricity is a Texas-based electricity broker that helps individuals and businesses find the best electricity plans at the lowest rates. The company was founded in 2013 by Texan Mary Pressler and has since established itself as a trusted resource for Texans and residents of other deregulated energy states, providing individual guidance and ensuring that everyone gets the plan that makes the most sense for them.

For more information, please visit www.QuickElectricity.com.

Contact:

Mary Pressler

mary@quickelectricity.com

Contact Information

Mary Pressler

Owner

mary@quickelectricity.com

SOURCE: Quick Electricity

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Owner Jose Barrios 'makes friends, not customers' at his breakfast spot and creamery

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / U.S. Bank



Jose Barrios, right, owner of the Odessa Creamery in the Kansas City area, and Steve Sickmeyer, U.S. Bank small business banker, at the creamery.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

From working in sales in Mexico to being in construction in the Kansas City area, every job Jose Barrios has held has propelled him closer to his dream of opening his own restaurant.

"If you don't have a dream, you don't have a purpose," said Barrios, who, with his wife, owns Royal Biscuit, a breakfast hotspot in Blue Springs, Missouri. "I visited a couple of different banks, but they didn't guide me. They just told me, 'You need this' and that's it."

That's where Jessica Jordan came in, prepared to support Barrios and provide options as he grew his business. Barrios was one of Jordan's first customers as branch manager at the U.S. Bank Blue Springs North location outside of Kansas City. Over the years, Jordan and her team helped Barrios with everything from consumer checking accounts for Barrios' employees to planning the expansion of his business.

"I was looking for a building to create another Royal Biscuit," Barrios said. "Instead, I got the opportunity to buy a creamery. So, I was like, 'Why not?' It's something new, and it's supporting community."

Barrios purchased Odessa Creamery, about 30 minutes from Royal Biscuit, which dishes up ice cream cones and hamburgers in Odessa. Prior to Barrios purchasing the business, the creamery had been open for more than 50 years.

"We were his very first stop to get his new business account set up, as well as establish credit card processing for the creamery through U.S. Bank's Elavon ," Jordan said. "He has this saying that he makes friends, not customers. That's how we feel every time that he walks into the building. We are not only his bankers, but we are his friends here to help them every step of the way."

To get where he is today, Barrios pointed at his past and the people who have supported him. For years, he worked two jobs - starting at 5 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. Fast food and construction, as well as working at a breakfast and Mexican restaurant, were on his resume before taking the plunge and opening Royal Biscuit.

"I really love being able to support business owners like Jose," said Steve Sickmeyer, the Small Business Banking specialist who works with Barrios. "Having that opportunity to watch the business grow, you get to see the community begin to flourish. You get to see people get energized and get to come together to bring unity in our communities."

Barrios' drive to grow his businesses is ongoing, he said, and he is actively looking to open a second Royal Biscuit location.

"(U.S. Bank) helped me to keep growing," Barrios said. "You can't do anything by yourself. It takes a community of support to find success, to take care of people and to make dreams real."

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from U.S. Bank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: U.S. Bank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/us-bank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: U.S. Bank

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Enriching journey filled with infinite inspiration

14:42, September 19, 2024 By Maurizio Vrenna ( People's Daily

It has been 10 years since I first came to China, and my experiences living here have been an incredibly inspiring and enriching journey.

Maurizio Vrenna is awarded "Envoy of Picturesque Zhejiang" by the Zhejiang Culture and Arts Exchange Association, December 2022. (Photo provided by Maurizio Vrenna)

In 2014, I enrolled in a dual-degree program between a Chinese and an Italian university, beginning my studies at Tongji University's College of Design and Innovation in Shanghai. Here I encountered many outstanding professors and classmates from China and around the world. As a newcomer to a foreign land, I found everything around me interesting and novel. I began learning Chinese and immersing myself in Chinese culture. Subsequently, I returned to Italy to work on my PhD at Politecnico di Torino, but still aspired to teach at a university in China.

In August 2020, I embarked on a new journey by joining Wenzhou-Kean University in east China's Zhejiang Province to teach design. The blend of ancient customs and vibrant fashion in Wenzhou constantly stimulated my imagination and creativity. I dedicate myself to research, education, practice and communication activities, wholeheartedly unleashing my academic passion. I also cherished every opportunity to interact with the local people and collaborated with relevant departments to explore environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability.

Over the past few years, my main research interest has been exploring ways to integrate traditional Chinese craftsmanship with new design elements to revitalize ancient techniques. I collaborated with well-known local footwear brands to develop a series of sneakers using innovative materials, with the theme of Chinese wuxing (known as "five phases" - wood, fire, earth, metal and water) to interpret the concepts and values behind this fivefold conceptual scheme that is found throughout traditional Chinese thought. I also led students to collaborate with a local ceramic center to design innovative 3D ceramic tiles with a unique aesthetic that embodies the essence of island culture.

In 2021, I went on a field investigation in Zeya township, located in the western part of Ouhai district, Wenzhou. I was deeply fascinated by Zeya Pingzhi, a type of traditional Chinese paper. The craftsmanship of the paper has well preserved and inherited the art of papermaking, which is one of the four great inventions of ancient China. It is hailed as a living fossil of ancient Chinese papermaking and has been included in the state-level intangible cultural heritage protection list in China. It used to be an economic pillar of the local community in Zeya.

A lamp featuring Zeya traditional paper as part of the Zeya Paper Reborn Project. Devised by Maurizio Vrenna, the project highlights traditional Zeya paper in its series of modern Chinese lamp designs. (Photo provided by Maurizio Vrenna)

However, due to the impact of modern lifestyles and rapid changes in consumer patterns, traditional papermaking was struggling to maintain its appeal and market competitiveness.

In order to breathe new life into this "living fossil," I devised the Zeya Paper Reborn Project. Combining traditional papermaking techniques with modern aesthetics, I collaborated with students to create five exquisite lamps, which showcased the beautiful natural scenery of Zeya and highlighted the region's ancient architectural features. These lamps were not just artistic creations  they could also be manufactured in large quantities as cultural and creative products, contributing to local economic development.

In 2022, our creations were exhibited at Longxi Art Museum in Zeya, once again bringing attention to the exquisite traditional papermaking techniques.

Currently, I am working in collaboration with the only remaining artist in Wenzhou who is still engaged in bamboo silk inlay artwork. Together, we are conducting research on a modern bamboo inlay project, aiming to introduce new materials, colors, shapes, patterns and production techniques to traditional bamboo silk inlay to deepen people's understanding of this ancient cultural heritage.

To enhance the global presence of Chinese culture and intangible cultural heritage, I have worked closely with local communities, studios and factories. Together, we have launched many successful design projects. At the same time, I have been dedicated to facilitating artistic design exchanges between Italy and China. This year, I am designing a tea and coffee set, aiming to showcase the similarities and differences between Italian and Chinese cultures. I hope that users can learn from each other's cultures while sipping a delicious cup of coffee or tea.

Throughout my stay in China, I have found love, made many good friends and increasingly felt the inclusiveness of Chinese civilization, which values diversity and openness. Extensive and convenient communication has been made possible by economic globalization, enriching our lives and propelling us toward a more vibrant future. I hope that my experiences in China can inspire more people to open their hearts and embrace one another, making cross-cultural exchanges an important force for fostering friendship among people from different countries.

(Maurizio Vrenna is an assistant professor of Design and the Industrial Design Program Coordinator at the Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design, Wenzhou-Kean University)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Volta Finance Limited (VTA/VTAS)

Dividend Declaration

NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION,

IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

Guernsey, 19 September 2024

Volta Finance Limited ("the Company") hereby announces that it has declared a quarterly interim dividend of 0.145 per share payable on 22 October 2024 amounting to approximately 5.30 million, approximately equating to an annualised 8% of net asset value. The ex-dividend date is 26 September 2024 with a record date of 27 September 2024.

The Company has arranged for its shareholders to be able to elect to receive their dividends in either Euros or Pounds Sterling. Shareholders will, by default, receive their dividends in Euros, unless they have instructed the Company's Registrar, Computershare Investor Serviceswithin the "Investors - Other Documents" section. The deadline for receipt of currency elections is 12:00 (midday) on 30 September 2024.

CONTACTS

For the Investment Manager

AXA Investment Managers Paris

Francois Touati

francois.touati@axa-im.com

+33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

Olivier Pons

Olivier.pons@axa-im.com

+33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

Company Secretary and Administrator

BNP Paribas S.A., Guernsey Branch

guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com

+44 (0) 1481 750 853

Corporate Broker

Cavendish Securities plc

Andrew Worne

Daniel Balabanoff

+44 (0) 20 7397 8900

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ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange's Main Market for listed securities. Volta's home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

Volta's Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO's and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialized in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

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ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS

AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,700 professionals and 844 billion in assets under management as of the end of December 2023.

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This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris ("AXA IM"), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the "AIFM Directive") of Volta Finance Limited (the "Volta Finance") whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are "U.S. persons" for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

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This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

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This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "anticipated", "expects", "intends", "is/are expected", "may", "will" or "should". They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance's investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance's actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM's belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide - 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorite des Marches Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

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EQS Newswire / 19/09/2024 / 17:45 CET/CEST

ABIDJAN, COTE D'IVOIRE - African Media Agency(AMA) - 19 September 2024 - AFG Holding SA has acquired a controlling stake in Access Microfinance Holding AG (AccessHolding) and indirectly its African subsidiaries. The former investor group behind AccessHolding included BII, EIB, IFC, KfW, two responsAbility-managed funds, Omidyar-Tufts Active Citizen Trust, and Triodos Investment Management (through Triodos Fair Share Fund and Triodos Microfinance Fund) as well as the founding partner, LFS Advisory GmbH, which will remain involved in AccessHolding for a transition period. Likewise, the management teams of AccessHolding and its subsidiaries will remain unchanged during this transition.





Dr. Bernd Zattler, partner of LFS, said: "Our involvement will help to ensure smooth transition of ownership and continued support to micro and small enterprises." The scope of the operation involves five African subsidiaries, namely:

Access Bank Liberia

AccesBanque Madagascar

AB Microfinance Bank Nigeria

AB Rwanda

AB Bank Zambia The combined assets exceed EUR 150 million with a loan portfolio of EUR 135 million as of December 2023. AFG Holding was able to obtain all banking approvals and all regulatory authorizations for this large-scale operation from the competent central banks, and the green light from the competition authority (antitrust), COMESA.



This testifies to the scale of the AFG Group and its good reputation throughout Africa (West Africa, Central Africa, Indian Ocean, East Africa and Southern Africa). "This acquisition is a major step in our ambition to build a pan-African banking group offering cutting-edge, fully digital services. With our expertise in telecommunications, IT, and financial services, AFG is ideally positioned to develop innovative digital financial solutions. On the other hand, Access Microfinance Holding has acquired solid expertise in risk management and the establishment of digital channels tailored to the needs of microfinance clients. We are confident that the synergy of our skills will generate significant impact, benefiting our clients and partners. With this acquisition of a key player in African microfinance, AFG is now equipped to fully contribute to financial inclusion across the continent, covering all levels of financing needs." said Mr. Leon Konan KOFFI, Chairman of the Board, AFG Holding SA.



On behalf of the management team, Mr. Thomas Engelhardt, CEO of AccessHolding, commented: "Since its foundation in 2006, the Access Group has disbursed more than 9 million loans totalling EUR 16 billion and has set a shining example for how responsible finance, financial inclusion and financial innovation can positively impact the lives of micro and small entrepreneurs and their local economies. By handing over the baton to AFG Holding, a private African investor, the founding investors have accomplished their mission of initiating sustainable development."



Firms advising AFG on this transaction: Groupe FINACTU as exclusive financial advisor, Mazars (France) as audit firm and Willkie Farr & Gallagher (France) as law firm. Firms advising the selling shareholders on this transaction: Norton Rose Fulbright (Germany) and Dentons Europe (Germany) as law firms.Hashtag: AFGHolding

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About AFG Holding Based in Ivory Coast, AFG Holding is the banking arm of Atlantic Group, active in Africa for more than 40 years in the banking and insurance sector. By acquiring Access Holding AFG Group expands its banking network with subsidiaries in Central, West Africa and the Indian Ocean and pursues its ambition as an integrated pan-African banking group, offering innovative financial services through banking entities, and microfinance with sustainable impact.





News Source: AFG Holding

19/09/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" (Excellent) of Solunion Seguros, Compania Internacional de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A. (Solunion) (Spain). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

Solunion is the operating holding company of the Solunion group of companies, a 50-50 joint venture between the MAPFRE group and Allianz Trade. Allianz SE is the ultimate parent of Allianz Trade.

The ratings reflect Solunion's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also consider the strategic and operational support Solunion receives from its joint shareholders, including significant reinsurance support in the form of quota share arrangements and excess of loss protection.

Solunion's balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which remained at the strongest level as at year-end 2023, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The balance sheet strength assessment is also supported by Solunion's prudent reserving approach and conservative investment strategy. Solunion is highly dependent on reinsurance, but the associated risk is considered limited, as reinsurance arrangements are solely with the company's shareholders.

Solunion has achieved positive net results consistently over recent years, reporting a return on equity of 9.0% as at year-end 2023, as calculated by AM Best. In 2023, Solunion reported a profit before tax of EUR 16.7 million driven by solid technical profits. Solunion has continued to report good results as at the end of June 2024. An offsetting factor is the uncertainty around the sustainability of the trade credit results in light of competitive and challenging market and economic conditions. However, AM Best notes the company's ability to take prompt risk-mitigating actions on non-performing business when required.

Solunion has a growing position as a trade credit and surety specialist in its selected operating markets. Although the portfolio is concentrated in Spain, Solunion's expansion in Latin America provides increasing geographic diversification. Positive business profile factors include the company's ability to leverage the trade credit expertise and capabilities of Allianz Trade, whilst accessing MAPFRE's widespread and well-established distribution channels in its target markets.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com

Copyright 2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919816839/en/

Contacts:

Juan A. Villaescusa Prades

Financial Analyst

+31 20 808 1162

juan.villaescusa@ambest.com



Dr. Mathilde Jakobsen

Senior Director, Analytics

+31 20 808 3118

mathilde.jakobsen@ambest.com



Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com



Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

al.slavin@ambest.com
Novotech, a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO), is proud to announce that it has been certified as a Great Place to Work in the United States. This award reflects Novotech's commitment to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and innovative work environment where employees feel supported and empowered to contribute to the future of medical research.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919886365/en/

Novotech is a Great Place to Work Certified in the USA (Graphic: Business Wire)

The certification is based on direct feedback from employees and highlights the supportive and collaborative culture Novotech has built in its U.S. offices. It underscores the company's dedication to ensuring that its team members thrive, both professionally and personally.

What makes Novotech a Great Place to Work?

A welcoming and inclusive work culture where diversity is celebrated.

Opportunities for career growth, development, and learning.

A strong emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance.

A solutions-focused approached to teamwork to ensure high quality outcomes for our clients.

Recognition and appreciation of individual and team contributions to the company's success.

"Our employees are the heart of Novotech, and their satisfaction is our top priority," said Angela Edwardson, Chief People Officer of Novotech. "This certification is a testament to the environment we've worked hard to create, one where innovation thrives, and our people feel valued and supported."

The certification, while focusing on Novotech's U.S. operations, mirrors the company's global commitment to creating a positive workplace culture across all its locations. Novotech is now planning to expand this certification process to additional regions, reinforcing its dedication to making Novotech a great workplace for all employees worldwide.

"We're grateful to our U.S. team for their participation in this certification process, and to all Novotech employees for their hard work and dedication," continued Edwardson. "We look forward to celebrating many more achievements together as we continue to grow and innovate globally."

About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com

Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech and small to mid-sized pharma companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase.

Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Global Biotech CRO Company of the Year Award 2024, CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award 2023.

The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919886365/en/

Contacts:

Media

Toyna Chin

mediacontact@novotech-cro.com

USA: +1 415 364 8135
Positive efficacy and safety data of MaaT013 in aGvHD in the Early Access Program presented at the EBMT 2024 annual meeting with 63% GI-ORR at D28, a 49% one year and 42% 18 months Overall Survival (OS) in patients similar to those included in the ongoing Phase 3 ARES trial.

Completion of patients' recruitment for the Phase 2b PICASSO trial sponsored by AP-HP evaluating MaaT013 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in metastatic melanoma.

MaaT013 batches manufactured and ready to be distributed for clinical supply in the US and in Europe and advancement of the readiness phase for the initiation of clinical activities.

Positive review by an independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) of the Phase 2b PHOEBUS trial evaluating MaaT033 for patients with blood cancers undergoing allo-HSCT, which recommended that the trial proceeds as planned without modification.

Successful raise of 17.3 million in net proceeds upon completing an offering in May 2024.

As of June 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were 31.2 million, anticipated cash runway extended into Q2 2025 after prioritization of resources around the delivery of Phase 3 topline results for MaaT013 in Europe.

Revenues of 1.7 million in H1 2024, compared to 1.4 million in H1 2023, linked to a continuous increase in demand for MaaT013 in the Early Access Program.

Regulatory News:

MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and a leader in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem TherapiesTM (MET) dedicated to enhancing survival for patients with cancer through immune modulation, today announced its half year financial results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, and provided a business overview.

"Building on the positive data for MaaT013 in April 2024 presented at the EBMT Congress, and the success of our recent fundraising, we have dedicated the first half of 2024 to pursuing recruitment and preparing for the topline results of our ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial for MaaT013. This trial is designed to address the urgent unmet medical need of patients with acute graft-versus-host disease not responding to current treatments. Currently, patients requiring third-line treatment options face an 85% mortality rate within one year. Furthermore, by extending our cash runway by an additional quarter, we are well-positioned to deliver on our short-term milestones," stated Sian Crouzet, Chief Financial Officer of MaaT Pharma.

Pipeline Highlights

MET-N platform

MaaT013

In hemato-oncology: In March 2024, the Company announced the launch of a retrospective multicenter trial called CHRONOS in Europe. Its primary objective is to provide the Company efficacy data for 3rd-line therapies for aGvHD patients not receiving MaaT013 or any microbiome intervention. This retrospective study does not impact cash projections as funding is already secured. In April 2024, at the 50th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), the Company presented promising extended survival data from the Early Access Program in Europe, involving 140 patients with steroid-refractory (SR) or steroid-dependent (SD) acute graft-versus-host disease with gastrointestinal involvement (GI-aGvHD) treated with MaaT013. Data highlighted a high response rate (Complete Response and Very Good Partial Response) to MaaT013, demonstrating a clear reduction in disease burden and improved Overall Survival (OS) at 18 months compared to published data.

In immuno-oncology: In March 2024, the Company informed on the completion of patient recruitment for the Phase 2a randomized clinical trial (NCT04988841) (PICASSO) sponsored by AP-HP and in collaboration with INRAE and Institut Gustave Roussy, evaluating MaaT013 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), ipilimumab (Yervoy ) and nivolumab (Opdivo ), in metastatic melanoma patients. A total of 70 patients have been enrolled since April 2022. The Company provided its MaaT013 drug candidate and placebo and will contribute to the microbiome profiling of patients using its proprietary gutPrint AI research engine. As previously announced, data readout is expected in Q4 2024/Q1 2025.



MaaT033

In hemato-oncology: In May 2024, the Company announced its participation in the IMMUNOLIFE RHU program, a consortium including academic partners, such as Institut Gustave Roussy (IGR), a world-renowned center in the field of cancer treatment, and biotech companies. MaaT033, an oral, pooled fecal microbiotherapy, developed by MaaT Pharma will be tested as a concomitant treatment to cemiplimab (Regeneron), an anti-PD1 therapy, to assess the potential increase in response rate in patients having received antibiotics. This randomized multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial will include advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The related costs for MaaT Pharma are limited to clinical product supply in line with previous cash projections. The trial is expected to start in H1 2025. As a post-period event, in July 2024, the Company announced first DSMB positive review of the Phase 2b trial PHOEBUS and recommended continuation of the trial without modification. The DSMB concluded that the safety profile was acceptable and the treatment well-tolerated. The trial is an international, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, testing MaaT033, in patient receiving HSCT, an oral freeze-dried formulation against placebo, set to be conducted in up to 56 clinical investigation sites and is expected to enroll 387 patients (NCT05762211). Recruitment for PHOEBUS trial is ongoing in France, Germany, Spain, and Belgium, with the trial already approved in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Upcoming milestones include a second safety assessment by the DSMB expected in early Q1 2025. The interim analysis following the recruitment of 60 patients, is expected in H1 2025, instead of H2 2024. This slight delay is due to the strategic option taken by the Company's management in early 2024 to prioritize resources for the Phase 3 ARES trial and open new trial sites in countries outside France and Germany in a more sedate manner than originally planned.

In neurodegenerative diseases: In February 2024, the Company announced a positive review by the DSMB on the Phase 1 clinical trial (IASO) evaluating MaaT033 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for the first 8 patients. The DSMB recommended that the trial proceed without modification. In May 2024, the Company announced the completion of patient recruitment for IASO.



MET-C platform

MaaT034

In combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors In April 2024, the Company presented new in vitro data characterizing the metabolites produced by MaaT034 and their impact on immune modulation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 in San Diego, California. MaaT034, the first product from MaaT Pharma's MET-C platform, is a ground-breaking full ecosystem synthetic microbiota product being developed for patients with solid tumors to improve responses to immunotherapy in combination with an ICI treatment, which represents a potentially large market. In today's challenging economic environment, the Company has prioritized resources to focus on MaaT013, specifically preparing marketing authorization activities in Europe and the upcoming Phase 3 topline results in Europe. This approach aimed at optimizing both short-term validation and clinical validation, has resulted in a deferral of activities related to MaaT034. Thus, clinical activities for MaaT034 are now expected to begin in 2026 and not 2025, as previously announced.



Corporate updates

In March 2024, the Company announced the appointment of Jonathan Chriqui, PharmD, as Chief Business Officer and member of the executive management team. Jonathan Chriqui will be responsible for MaaT Pharma's business development and partnering strategies.

In May 2024, the Company announced the successful completion of its offering of 18.2 million euros. The net proceeds from the Primary Offering were 17.3 million.

In May 2024, the Company announced the production of MaaT013 batches for clinical supply in the US, while advancing the readiness phase to initiate clinical activities. This includes ongoing discussions with prominent US clinicians in stem cell transplantation.

In June 2024, the Company announced the appointment of Gianfranco Pittari, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Pittari brings over 15 years of international experience in clinical research and drug development in hematology, oncology, and immunology. The Company also welcomed Carole Ifi, as head of Regulatory Affairs. Former Senior director, global regulatory lead at UCB, Carole Ifi brings over 25 years of expertise in regulatory affairs and will be instrumental in leading MaaT013 submission.

Key Financial Results

The key unaudited financial results for the first half of 2024 are as follows:

Income Statement

In thousands of euros 2024.06 2023.06 Revenue 1 721 1 378 Cost of Goods Sold (537) (284) Gross Margin 1 184 1 095 Other Income 1 935 2 659 Sales and distribution costs (308) (541) General and administrative costs (2 872) (2 097) Research and development costs (12 695) (9 650) Operating Income (loss) (12 756) (8 534) Financial Income 161 258 Financial Expense (262) (159) Net financial income (expense) (101) 99 Income (loss) before income tax (12 856) (8 435) Income tax expense Net Income (loss) for the period (12 856) (8 435) Prepared in accordance with international standards, IFRS

Revenues totaled 1.7 million as of June 30, 2024, compared with 1.4 million on June 30, 2023, an uplift almost 25%%. While these figures reflect the continued increase in demand from healthcare professionals in France (where invoicing is possible), we confirm an increased uptake in other European countries.

Operating loss amounted to 12.8 million in the first half of 2024 compared with 8.5 million in the first half of 2023, an increase of 4.3 million. This increase reflects primarily the growth of research and development costs which have risen from 9.7 million in the first half of 2023 to 12.7 million in 2024, consistent with the advancement of the Company's research programs, in particular the late-stage clinical programs for MaaT013 and MaaT033. Other Income, including the R&D tax credit of 1.6 million decreased by 0.7 million in 2024 principally due to public funding received over the first half of 2024 offsetting expenses eligible for the R&D tax credit. The net loss amounts to 12.9 million as of June 30, 2024, compared with 8.4 million as of June 30, 2023, reflecting the advancement of the Company's late-stage assets and increased investment in R&D.

The average number of employees has increased from 47 over the first half of 2023 to 50 for the same period of 2024. As of June 30, 2024, there were 54 employees, of which 43 were dedicated to research and development.

Cash Position

As of June 30, 2024, total cash and cash equivalents were 31.2 million, as compared to 24.3 million as of December 31, 2023.

Over the first half of 2024, the net increase in cash position amounted to 6.9 million compared with the decrease by 0.2 million in the first half of 2023. This is driven by cash used to finance operations of 12.6 million in line with the increase in operating expenses, particularly for R&D and to a lesser extent G&A, offset by cash inflows related to financing activities of 19.5 million. Net cash inflows from financing activities include the share capital increase of 17.2 million in May 2024, financing of the 2023 R&D tax credit for a total of 3.5 million, receipt of lump sums from public reimbursable loans in connection with development of MaaT033 and MaaT034 for an amount of 2.7million, offset by loan repayments totaling 1.8 million.

Total financial debt (including lease liabilities) totaled 17.2 million as of June 30, 2024, of which 3.5 million relates to financing of 2023 R&D Tax Credit.

Based on the development plans and corresponding cash needs, the Company believes it has sufficient cash to finance its activities into the second quarter of 2025, extending the cash runway by at least three months compared to prior communications as a result of prioritization and focusing resources on the delivery of the Phase 3 topline results for MaaT013 in aGvHD that is expected in mid-Q4 2024, deferral of certain industrialization activities related to MaaT034, and stability of headcount. The Company is in active ongoing discussions to finance operations beyond the second quarter of 2025 and remains confident in extending its cash runway.

The Company has updated its corporate presentation, which can be downloaded here: https://www.maatpharma.com/investors/

Upcoming financial communication and conferences

September 24, 2024: Lyon Pole Bourse Forum

September 26, 2024: KBC Securities' Life Sciences Conference

October 8-9, 2024: Portzamparc Conference

October 15-16, 2924: Investor Access Event

November 4-6, 2024: Bio-Europe

November 5, 2024: Publication of revenues for Q3 2024

*Indicative calendar that may be subject to change.

About MaaT Pharma

MaaT Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company, has established a complete approach to restoring patient-microbiome symbiosis in oncology. Committed to treating cancer and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a serious complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, MaaT Pharma launched, in March 2022, an open-label, single arm, phase 3 clinical trial in patients with acute GvHD (aGvHD), following the achievement of its proof of concept in a phase 2 trial. Its powerful discovery and analysis platform, gutPrint, enables the identification of novel disease targets, evaluation of drug candidates, and identification of biomarkers for microbiome-related conditions. The company's Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies are produced through a standardized cGMP manufacturing and quality control process to safely deliver the full diversity of the microbiome, in liquid and oral formulations. MaaT Pharma benefits from the commitment of world-leading scientists and established relationships with regulators to support the integration of the use of microbiome therapies in clinical practice. MaaT Pharma is listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT).

Forward-looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by, or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim", "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919453629/en/

Contacts:

MaaT Pharma Investor Relations

Guilhaume DEBROAS, Ph.D.

Head of Investor Relations

+33 6 16 48 92 50

invest@maat-pharma.com

MaaT Pharma Media Relations

Pauline RICHAUD

Senior PR Corporate Communications Manager

+33 6 14 06 45 92

media@maat-pharma.com

Trophic Communications

Jacob VERGHESE or

Desmond JAMES

+49 151 7441 6179

maat@trophic.eu
Cash position of 10.3 million as of June 30, 2024

Net loss of 8.9 million as of June 30, 2024, comparable to the same period in 2023

Debt limited to a state-guaranteed loan amounting to 5.7 million

M1Pram: partnership discussions with Sanofi still ongoing

Phase 3 BioChaperone Lispro: completion of the first study expected in December 2024, associated with a $10 million milestone payment

Lispro: completion of the first study expected in December 2024, associated with a $10 million milestone payment AdoShell Islets: preparation of the first clinical trial

Regulatory News:

Adocia (Euronext Paris: FR0011184241 ADOC, the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of innovative therapeutic solutions for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, announces today its financial results for the six months period ended June 30th, 2024, and provides a business update.

Half-year consolidated financial statements of the Company, expressed according to IFRS guidelines, underwent limited review by the statutory auditors and subsequently have been approved at the Board of Director's meeting held on September 18h, 2024.

"Metabolic disorders have become one of the most active pharma spaces for innovation and partnering. Most recently, many presentations at the EASD congress highlighted the medical importance of amylin, characterizing M1Pram, and the need to improve drug delivery for obesity treatments", said Olivier Soula, CEO of Adocia. "In this context, our products and technologies are gaining increasing industry traction. Our business activity is intense, and we are very confident in our commercial prospects

"We have maintained the rigorous management of our operational expenses as we wait for the signing of one or more of the partnerships currently under discussion. Our cash runway provides us with visibility into Q3 2025, not including the $10 million milestone payment expected from Tonghua Dongbao for BC Lispro, and any additional payments related to new strategic partnerships", added Valerie Danaguezian, Chief Financial Officer of Adocia.

Key financial results of first half 2024

The table below compares the condensed consolidated financial statements prepared for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2023, respectively:

In thousands euros, consolidated financial statements 06/30/2024

(6 months) 06/30/2023

(6 months) Operating revenue 1 445 3 901 Revenue 0 1 627 Grants, research tax credits and others 1 445 2 274 Operating expenses excluding additions and reversals (9 430) (10 961) Additions to and reversals of depreciation, amortization and provisions (288) (238) CURRENT OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (8 274) (7 298) Other operating revenue and expenses 0 0 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (8 274) (7 298) Financial income 28 63 Financial expense (700) (2 155) FINANCIAL INCOME (LOSS) (672) (2 092) PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAX (8 945) (9 389) Tax expense 0 (2) NET PROFIT (LOSS) (8 945) (9 392)

The Company's results as of June 30, 2024, are characterized by the following key elements:

Adocia did not record any revenue in the first half of 2024. In 2023, during the same period, revenue of 1.6 million reflected income from the feasibility studies on AdOral as well as services provided by Adocia under the collaboration agreement with Tonghua Dongbao for the conduct of three clinical studies in Europe on the BioChaperone Combo project.

in the first half of 2024. In 2023, during the same period, revenue of 1.6 million reflected income from the feasibility studies on AdOral as well as services provided by Adocia under the collaboration agreement with Tonghua Dongbao for the conduct of three clinical studies in Europe on the BioChaperone Combo project. Other current operating income amounted to 1.4 million, a decrease of 0.8 million compared to the first six months of 2023. This decline is explained by a 0.3 million reduction in the Credit d'Impot Recherche (Research Tax Credit) due to lower eligible expenses, as well as the recognition in 2023 of a 0.5 million debt forgiveness from Bpifrance related to the HinsBet program initiated in 2012 and subsequently discontinued.

amounted to 1.4 million, a decrease of 0.8 million compared to the first six months of 2023. This decline is explained by a 0.3 million reduction in the Credit d'Impot Recherche (Research Tax Credit) due to lower eligible expenses, as well as the recognition in 2023 of a 0.5 million debt forgiveness from Bpifrance related to the HinsBet program initiated in 2012 and subsequently discontinued. Operating expenses amounted to 9.7 million, a decrease of 1.5 million compared to the first six months of 2023. This decrease is mainly due to lower external R&D expenses following the completion of preclinical and clinical studies on BioChaperone Combo under the collaboration agreement with THDB, a reduction in fees, and a 7% decrease in the payroll.

amounted to 9.7 million, a decrease of 1.5 million compared to the first six months of 2023. This decrease is mainly due to lower external R&D expenses following the completion of preclinical and clinical studies on BioChaperone Combo under the collaboration agreement with THDB, a reduction in fees, and a 7% decrease in the payroll. Financial expenses amounted to 0.7 million, mainly related to lease contract charges. The 1.5 million decrease compared to the first six months of 2023 is due to the reduction in debt (senior debt and convertible bonds) during the second half of 2023.

amounted to 0.7 million, mainly related to lease contract charges. The 1.5 million decrease compared to the first six months of 2023 is due to the reduction in debt (senior debt and convertible bonds) during the second half of 2023. A before-tax deficit , considering the above factors, stands at 8.9 million, in line with the previous year's loss for the same period (9.4 million).

, considering the above factors, stands at 8.9 million, in line with the previous year's loss for the same period (9.4 million). A cash position of 10.3 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to 13.0 million as of December 31, 2023. This includes 2 million raised during a private placement in March 2024 and 5.9 million from the use of the equity financing line (through the issuance of 745,000 shares out of a maximum of 1.7 million shares planned under the contract). Cash burn related to activities for the first six months of the year amounted to 10.6 million, similar to the previous year over the same period and on a comparable basis (adjusting 2023 for the receipt of the Research Tax Credit).

The cash position as of June 30, 2024, of 10.3 million allows the Company to fund its activities until the third quarter of 2025, without taking into account potential revenues from existing or future partnerships, but considering the full use of the equity financing line signed in March 2024 with Vester Finance1

Net financial debt (excluding IFRS 16 impacts) stood at 5.7 million at the end of June 2024, remaining stable compared to December 31, 2023. This debt is solely composed of loans under the State-Guaranteed Loans (Prets garantis par l'Etat or PGE), with quarterly repayments resuming in August 2024 following the restructuring of the repayment schedule.

First Half 2024 Business Update

During the first half of 2024, discussions with Sanofi continued to structure an agreement regarding M1Pram, a combination of prandial insulin and an amylin analog. The Phase 3 BioChaperone Lispro (ultra-rapid insulin) program being conducted in China by partner Tonghua Dongbao is ongoing, with the last patient visit (LPLV) expected in December 2024. Additionally, Adocia has regained full rights to BioChaperone Combo (a combination of basal and prandial insulin) following Tonghua Dongbao's strategic decision to terminate the program after reevaluating its R&D projects and considering changes in the regulatory and competitive environment. The R&D teams remain primarily dedicated to advancing the breakthrough AdoShell Islets technology (cell therapy) and preparing for its clinical entry.

M1Pram

Following the option agreement signed in July 2023 between Sanofi and Adocia, negotiations continue to structure a global partnership. The exclusivity agreement remains in effect.

M1Pram is a fixed combination of insulin and amylin analogs aimed at addressing the unmet medical need of obesity in insulin-dependent individuals. Preparation for the Phase 2b clinical program in the United States, which plans to include 140 patients with type 1 diabetes and a BMI 30 kg/m, is ongoing, and clinical batches have been manufactured.

BioChaperone Lispro Partnership with Tonghua Dongbao

BioChaperone Lispro, currently in Phase 3, holds an important position in Tonghua Dongbao's pipeline. The large-scale clinical program in China, involving 1,500 individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, is progressing, with the last patient visit (LPLV) expected in December 2024. Reaching this milestone would trigger the process for a $10 million payment as per the licensing agreement entered into between the Company and Tonghua Dongbao. This agreement also includes an additional $20 million payment upon obtaining the first marketing authorization for BioChaperone Lispro, as well as double-digit royalties on sales.

AdoShell Islets

The AdoShell platform, an immunoprotective biomaterial for cell therapy, is attracting interest from potential pharmaceutical partners with whom discussions are ongoing.

In 2024, the Adocia's teams attended several international conferences to present our latest results: the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Orlando, the European Islet Study Group 2024 (EISG) in Helsinki, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid.

Adocia is engaging with regulatory authorities to prepare for a first human study, scheduled for 2025.

AdoGel

Designed for the long-term delivery of peptides, AdoGel is currently being studied for semaglutide (GLP-1). GLP-1, a market which generated more than $37 billion worldwide revenue in 20232, is currently almost exclusively formulated for weekly injections. AdoGel's unique technology could potentially enable monthly or even quarterly injections.

The promising preclinical results were presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference in June, the Controlled Release Society (CRS) in July in Bologna, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in September in Madrid.

AdOral

Adocia has developed a peptide oral delivery technology, which allows injectable forms to be transitioned into oral forms. This program was also highlighted at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference with preclinical results obtained on semaglutide (GLP-1). The only GLP-1 commercialized in oral form to date, Rybelsus, achieved $2.7 billion worldwide in 20233. Oral delivery is a key factor in increasing adherence among patients with diabetes and/or obesity.

The AdOral technology was being studied on peptides from two pharmaceutical partners. The encouraging results obtained are enabling discussions to move forward to determine the next steps in these collaborations.

Post-period Event

BioChaperone Combo

On July 10, 2024, Tonghua Dongbao announced its decision to terminate the BioChaperone Combo program after reassessing its R&D projects and considering recent changes in the regulatory and competitive environment4. As a result, Adocia regains full ownership of the rights to BioChaperone Combo at no cost. The program had shown positive results in three clinical trials (CT046, CT047, CT048)5. The $40 million received by the Company upon signing the licensing agreement on April 26, 2018, is non-refundable.

Governance

At the beginning of June, Adocia announced the appointment of Mathieu-William Gilbert as Chief Operating Officer. Mathieu-William previously held Vice President and General Management positions at Novo Nordisk. He strengthens Adocia's leadership team as part of the company's strategic transformation project. He oversees Adocia's operations and contributes to accelerating its development and growth.

The term of office of Claudia Mitchell, independent board member, ended following the shareholders' general meeting held on June 13, 2024. In addition, Katherine Bowdish resigned from her office as of September 16, 2024. The Board of Directors, which met on September 18, 2024, acknowledged Claudia Mitchell's term of office and the resignation of Katherine Bowdish. It warmly thanks Claudia Mitchell and Katherine Bowdish for their commitment and contributions, particularly within the committees. As a replacement of the office held by Katherine Bowdish, the Board of Directors co-opted Valerie Moumdjian as a director, considered as an independent director, and appointed her as a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Her co-optation as director will be submitted for shareholders' ratification at the next Annual shareholders' meeting of Adocia.

The Board of Directors is now composed of 6 members, 4 men and 2 women. Among these members, 4 directors are independent.

Participation in Investor Events

Adocia will be participating in several investor events in the coming months:

HealthTech Innovation Days (September 17-18, 2024, Paris)

(September 17-18, 2024, Paris) Lyon Pole Bourse (September 24, 2024, Lyon)

(September 24, 2024, Lyon) Portzamparc Biotech Health Seminar (October 8-9, 2024, virtual)

(October 8-9, 2024, virtual) Investor Access (October 15-16, 2024, Paris)

(October 15-16, 2024, Paris) BIO-Europe Fall (November 4-6, 2024, Stockholm)

(November 4-6, 2024, Stockholm) Investir Day (November 26, 2024, Paris)

(November 26, 2024, Paris) ODDO BHF Forum (January 15-16, 2025, Virtual)

(January 15-16, 2025, Virtual) JPM 2025 43rd Annual Healthcare Meeting (January 13-16, 2025, San Francisco)

During these professional meetings with the financial community, through "one-to-one" formats or plenary presentations, Adocia's management will review the latest updates and future prospects for the company.

Availability of the 2024 half-year financial report

The 2024 half-year financial report of Adocia will be filed with the French Financial markets authority (Autorite des marches financiers). It will be available to the public and consultable on the www.adocia.com website in the Investors Regulated information section.

About Adocia

Adocia is a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of therapeutic solutions in the field of metabolic diseases, primarily diabetes and obesity.

The company has a broad portfolio of drug candidates based on four proprietary technology platforms: 1) The BioChaperone technology for the development of new generation insulins and products combining different hormones; 2) AdOral, an oral peptide delivery technology; 3) AdoShell, an immunoprotective biomaterial for cell transplantation, with an initial application in pancreatic cells transplantation; and 4) AdoGel, a long-acting drug delivery platform.

Adocia holds more than 25 patent families. Based in Lyon, the company has about 80 employees. Adocia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Euronext: ADOC; ISIN: FR0011184241).

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Adocia and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Adocia considers as being reasonable. However, there can be no guarantee that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved, as such estimates are subject to numerous risks including those set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the universal registration document that was filed with the French Autorite des marches financiers on April 29, 2024, as updated in the Company's 2024 Half-year financial statements, both available at www.adocia.com Those risks include uncertainties inherent in Adocia's short- or medium-term working capital requirements, in research and development, future clinical data, analyses and the evolution of economic conditions, the financial markets and the markets in which Adocia operates, which could impact the Company's short-term financing requirements and its ability to raise additional funds.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Adocia or not considered as material by Adocia at this time. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause the actual results, financial conditions, performances, or achievements of Adocia be materially different from those mentioned in the forward-looking statements.

_________________________________

1 Calculated on the basis of a theoretical share price of 7 applied to all remaining shares under the equity financing line (see Adocia's press release dated July 24, 2024).

2 Source: Global Data, based on consolidated sales

3 Source: Global Data, based on consolidated sales

4 P. Release, July 10, 2024, ADOCIA Announces that Tonghua Dongbao is Discontinuing one of the two Partnership Programs: BioChaperone Combo

5 Press Release, October 23, 2023, ADOCIA's Partner Tonghua Dongbao Announces Positive Results of Three Clinical Trials on BioChaperone Combo

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919971162/en/

Contacts:

Adocia

Olivier Soula

CEO

contactinvestisseurs@adocia.com

+33 (0)4 72 610 610

www.adocia.com

Ulysse Communication

Adocia Press Investor Relations

Bruno Arabian

Nicolas Entz

adocia@ulysse-communication.com

+ 33 (0)6 87 88 47 26
Chartres, September 19, 2024 - OSMOSUN, a leading provider of solar-powered seawater and brackish water desalination solutions, announces the commissioning of 6 new OSMOSUN 0.2 SW units in the Republic of Vanuatu. Nearly 5,000 inhabitants on 4 islands will now have secured, sustainable access to fresh, potable, low-carbon water.

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the Republic of Vanuatu is an archipelago-state of 83 islands, most of which are volcanic in origin. Water insecurity is exacerbated by rainfall patterns that have become unpredictable because of climate change. The freshwater resources traditionally used - rainwater harvesting and wells - can no longer guarantee year-round access to drinking water. Desalination units have already been installed in the past, but these, operating via fossil-fuel powered generators, are proving unsatisfactory from an environmental point of view and very energy-intensive, with prohibitive costs for the community.

While OSMOSUN solutions were presented to address water stress challenges in the Pacific communities, the Department of Water Resources of Vanuatu was impressed by the flexibility of implementation, autonomy and particularly low environmental impact of Osmosun reverse osmosis desalination solutions.

Four OSMOSUN 0.2 SW units connected to solar panels were installed on 4 islands selected by the Department of Water Resources of Vanuatu for the urgency of the situation: Wala, Rano, Vao and Atchin. The units now supply water kiosks and produce 1.5m3/day. Two other mobile units have also been made available for rapid deployment in the event of temporary needs or emergencies. The community's technical services, assisted by Vanuatu's national water agency, both trained by OSMOSUN at the time of commissioning, will manage and maintain the units. Recurrent visits by OSMOSUN experts are planned to provide long-term support, facilitating local ownership of the equipment.

"The Vanuatu archipelago has a large number of isolated communities with a shortage of fresh water and fragile electricity grids, which makes the installation of desalination units all the more complex," explains Martin Bourillet, Developer at OSMOSUN. "With our low-carbon, battery-free solutions we tick all the boxes: we can provide fresh, pure water, without impacting the existing network and with no fossil fuel consumption."

This installation marks a successful first step demonstrating the relevance of OSMOSUN solutions in complex and isolated areas. We have already begun the process of scaling up in the Vanuatu archipelago, and more widely in the remote islands of the South Pacific.

"The needs are immense and are now well known to our teams thanks to our Kori Odyssey operation last year," concludes Quentin Ragetly, CEO of OSMOSUN. "We're delighted to be reaping the rewards of the investments we've made, and to be bringing much-needed fresh water to local populations."

ABOUT OSMOSUN

Founded in 2014, OSMOSUN 's ambition is to become a leading player in the low-carbon water market in order to make drinking water accessible to all.

OSMOSUN has developed a unique, patented, cost-effective, clean and sustainable solution for solar-powered battery-free seawater and brackish water desalination. This innovation makes OSMOSUN units among the most energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions in the world. The water production capacities of its units range from 1 m3 to 50,000 m3 per day.

At 31 December 2023, 69 desalination units have been sold in 27 countries.

More information: OSMOSUN | Create water where life is

CONTACTS

SPECIALIZED PRESS FINANCIAL PRESS INVESTOR RELATIONS Nadege Chapelin Deborah Schwartz Helene de Watteville n.chapelin@nc-2.com dschwartz@actus.fr osmosun@actus.fr +33 6 52 50 33 58 +33 1 53 67 36 35 +33 1 53 67 36 33

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Regulatory News:

GeNeuro (Euronext Paris: CH0308403085 GNRO), a biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing the factors driving the progression of neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), today announced that new findings on the anti-neurodegenerative effect of Temelimab in an MS model were presented as a poster at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2024 Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. The presentation was delivered by Dr. Joel Gruchot from Prof. Patrick Kury's group at the Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University Dusseldorf, Germany, in collaboration with the Department of Neurology at the University of Bern, Switzerland, and the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

The new data presented now evidence that Temelimab rescues HERV-W ENV mediated effects in mice expressing the envelope protein HERV-W ENV. When transgenic animals are treated with an anti HERV-W ENV antibody (mAb ENV01, the mouse equivalent of Temelimab), demyelination, neurodegeneration as well as microglial and astroglial polarization are rescued. These treatment effects were already observed after a single application of the compound. Anti HERV-W ENV therapy is therefore suggested to address consequences of smoldering neurodegenerative processes.

These results build on previous studies using a transgenic model of mice expressing HERV-W ENV which showed that HERV-W ENV expression is associated with and triggers smoldering neurodegenerative pathological mechanisms in MS. In a model of demyelination using cuprizone, these HERV-W ENV expressing mice show a diminished remyelination capacity affecting multiple oligodendroglial stages. In addition, signs of HERV-W ENV dependent axon degeneration are detected in this non-inflammatory model, while microglia and astroglia develop neurotoxic phenotypes upon cuprizone-mediated demyelination. This new model closely replicates the neurodegenerative mechanisms observed in MS, which are believed to be key drivers of long-term disability progression.

"We congratulate Prof. Patrick Kury and his team for this exciting new data that provides the capping stone for the concept of the anti-neurodegenerative effect of Temelimab in a MS model", said Jesus Martin Garcia, CEO of GeNeuro. "These results validate the mechanism of action that explains the promising clinical data GeNeuro has generated regarding key MRI and liquid biomarkers of neurodegeneration in over 300 MS patients. Despite the challenging circumstances the company is currently facing, we remain committed to securing partnerships to continue the development of Temelimab in MS, with a focus on addressing disease progression-the primary unmet medical need in MS today

About GeNeuro

GeNeuro's mission is to develop safe and effective treatments against neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, by neutralizing causal factors encoded by HERVs, which represent 8% of human DNA. GeNeuro is based in Geneva, Switzerland and has R&D facilities in Lyon, France.

For more information, visit: www.geneuro.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward looking statements and estimates concerning GeNeuro's financial condition, operating results, strategy, projects and future performance and the markets in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements and estimates may be identified by words, such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is designed to," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "objective," "should," or the negative of these and similar expressions. They incorporate all topics that are not historical facts. Forward looking statements, forecasts and estimates are based on management's current assumptions and assessment of risks, uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, which were deemed to be reasonable at the time they were made but which may turn out to be incorrect. Events and outcomes are difficult to predict and depend on factors beyond the company's control. Consequently, the actual results, financial condition, performances and/or achievements of GeNeuro or of the industry may turn out to differ materially from the future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by these statements, forecasts and estimates. Owing to these uncertainties, no representation is made as to the correctness or fairness of these forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and GeNeuro undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919118224/en/

Contacts:

Contacts GeNeuro

Jesus Martin-Garcia

Chairman and CEO

+41 22 552 48 00

investors@geneuro.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Enbridge

VETLIFE's new Battle Buddy app connects Michigan Veterans to support services and benefits, and explores the needs of Tribal Veterans

Joshua Parish knows the tragedy that can befall Veterans who don't get the help they need.

His cousin, a Vietnam War Veteran, was never able to adjust to life back home. More than 50 years later, he struggles with alcoholism.

Parish hopes Battle Buddy, a new app launching in September, will connect Michigan Veterans like his cousin with services and benefits, helping guide them to healthy, fulfilling civilian lives.

"Veterans don't like to ask for help," the Iraq vet explains. "A large majority of Veterans struggle with a loss of sense of purpose and a loss of sense of identity. But navigating the benefit process is really difficult. We created Battle Buddy to help automate services and bring resources to the Veteran."

Battle Buddy is an extension of the services provided through VETLIFE, the Michigan-based non-profit Parish and his wife founded in 2018, after he returned from serving in Iraq. From day one, the organization has helped connect Veterans with the support, services and benefits that can help them readjust to civilian life.

The Battle Buddy app is designed as a chatbot that asks the Veteran questions about where they live and where they served and then helps connect them with services and benefits they're eligible for. It has been specifically designed for Michigan vets, but Parish hopes to expand it across the United States.

Feedback on the beta version is "phenomenal. Veterans don't like to talk about their feelings to another person, but now, you're just talking to an automated chat bot," Parish notes. "Veterans are telling me they feel more at ease, and they're more open to gaining access to their benefits because they don't feel judged."

Enbridge has been a VETLIFE supporter since the organization's early days. Last year, we awarded the non-profit $12,000 in Fueling Futures grants to help put on Vet Fest, an annual event that attracts 4,000 Veterans and helps celebrate their service and get them connected to support.

This year, we were proud to contribute $27,000 to help develop Battle Buddy and improve life for Veterans in Michigan. We believe taking care of Veterans is essential for a safe and vibrant community.

The app will serve an important secondary function-to collect data on Native American Veterans.

"Ninety per cent of able-bodied Native American males have served in the military," Parish says.

Statistics on Tribal Veterans in Michigan, though, are wildly inaccurate - potentially as far off as 20,000 people, he adds. Further, the percentage of Native American Veterans who are not accessing their military benefits is higher than any other demographic group.

"What I'm trying to do with this app is gain a better understanding of how many Tribal Veterans are currently living in Michigan or are currently enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe," explains Parish, who grew up on a reservation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The app's focus on helping Indigenous people aligns with Enbridge's Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan and shows a commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation.

"Veterans volunteered for a higher calling to serve their country and to preserve our freedom. I believe we owe them personally a debt of gratitude," Parish says. "If somebody volunteers for a job that less than 1% of the population has volunteered to do, and they honorably served their country, they should be taken care of when they come home.

"By providing access to these benefits, we are improving the quality of life of the Veterans."

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Enbridge

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Guillermo Guereque makes a difference every day through his work for Henkel's Joico brand and volunteerism to increase a sense of belonging  all informed by his lifelong commitment to multicultural representation and sustainability.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Our purpose is what unites us at Henkel North America: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. Our pioneering spirit is reflective of the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of our employees and partners. They dare to make an impact on the world by collaborating to tackle challenges, find solutions and open new perspectives.

Their contributions allow us to deliver products, services and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life. We invite you to "meet" our pioneers in our series, "Pioneers for Good."

Introducing Guillermo

As Senior Communications Manager for Joico - one of Henkel's professional haircare brands - Guillermo's impact expands beyond his day-to-day responsibilities of guiding creative strategy for digital marketing and communications.

What Guillermo brings to his work is a deep passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and understanding of the importance of integrating sustainability. He has become a leading voice within Henkel's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), an advocate for embracing sustainable practices, and a mentor for the next generation.

Making a Difference Through Leadership

At Henkel, ERGs help create a culture that values and elevates different perspectives and backgrounds. Guillermo volunteers his time to build a strong network and promote leadership development. He co-founded Unidos!, the Latinx/Hispanic ERG, and is an active member of the PRIDE ERG.

Just being exposed to those conversations and topics on a regular basis helps me keep diversity in my paradigm of thinking, and I'll bring it back to my work, whether it's a fully fleshed-out idea or just a kernel. Guillermo Guereque, Senior Communications Manager, Joico

Guillermo understands how sharing his own experiences can support others. It's why he represents the company at recruitment events like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers' (SHPE) National Convention and the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Conference where he's connecting with Hispanic STEM students and LGBTQ+ business students, encouraging them in their own professional journeys.

The first time I went to SHPE," he says, "I was emotionally impacted. I had never seen so many people like me in a room like that. We need to see representation of others like us at all levels."

Laying the Groundwork for Diverse Representation

Guillermo's work is an extension of his commitment to DEI and multicultural representation, drawing inspiration from his own diverse background. "I was born in Mexico and raised in Southern California from age four. I think the duality of those cultures has influenced a lot of my decisions."

Culture and inclusion are at the heart of Guillermo's work to ensure Joico's brand content and messaging - as well as the models and artists the brand hires - represent the diversity of the consumers who use their products.

He has engaged Henkel interns in an annual audit process that analyzes the company's social media presence and seeks ways to constantly optimize content for representation, diversity, and inclusivity. These audits have grown tremendously, from reviews of Joico's Instagram page to full assessments of the brand's online presence. It is just one example of Guillermo's impact - not only for the brand, but also for the interns who learn the value of representation.

Empowering the Next Generation

Guillermo believes in empowering the next generation and has helped bring the Henkel Researchers' World curriculum to life for students attending events like STEM Day at Henkel.

When you invite students to learn about what we do, you encourage them to ask more and to think, 'maybe I want to do that.' That can be very powerful in expanding their possibilities. Guillermo Guereque, Senior Communications Manager, Joico

Guillermo's family has been a particular inspiration for him - especially his sister, who opened his eyes to wider possibilities for the future. He has watched her excel in aerospace engineering, a male-dominated field, which helped transform his own perception of being a leader.

"My sister did not have an example in her industry - she was one of only three women in her graduating class, and the only Latina. Had she not gone on to graduate school, would I have seen myself doing the same?" It's questions like these that have driven Guillermo in his own career and to be a role model to others.

He is an advocate for early-in-career colleagues at Henkel, who he encourages to get involved in ERGs to find community and unique leadership opportunities. "Putting yourself out there can help you build your network, pull you out of your comfort zone, and open doors by introducing you to new tools and experiences that can impact your career in the long term."

Embodying a Pioneer's Spirit

Throughout his work, Guillermo has found endless opportunities to be a pioneer for good. He understands the voices we bring to the table and the choices we make contribute to innovating for the future. In addition to being an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, he serves as Regional Sustainability Manager for the professional haircare business and sits on the company's Evergreen Council - a cross-functional team exploring how Henkel Consumer Brands can track progress and achieve Henkel's sustainability goals.

"Sustainable business practices have been at the heart of our culture for decades." he says of Henkel, "We continue to lead in sustainability. Those aren't just words - they really are the focus of the company, and we all have a part in that."

When asked what it means to be a Pioneer for Good, Guillermo reflects on the importance of understanding your power and impact as a leader. "We know our decisions don't only affect the here and now - they will carry into the next generation and beyond."





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Henkel on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Henkel

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/henkel

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Henkel

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Each year, the CDC estimates that around 385,000 healthcare workers in the United States suffer from needlestick and sharps-related injuries.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / With a surge in needlestick injuries becoming a pressing issue, BioMedical Waste Solutions, a top medical waste disposal company, with locations in San Francisco, CA, is actively informing the public about the dangers of improper medical waste disposal, including needles.

San Francisco Biomedical Waste

San Francisco Biomedical Waste

The CDC estimates that around 385,000 needlestick and sharps-related injuries occur per year among U.S. healthcare workers. This number is likely understated due to underreporting, especially in private residences where elderly individuals and the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes rely on needle usage daily.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the risks of sharps injuries in transmitting severe diseases, with global annual infection rates among healthcare workers as follows:

Nearly 2,005,000 cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

66,000 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV)

16,000 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV)

These infections can lead to fatal outcomes or long-term health complications, including disabilities.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that one-third of sharps injuries occur at the point of disposal, emphasizing the necessity of stringent medical waste disposal practices to protect healthcare workers and the general public.

To tackle this critical issue, the San Francisco medical waste disposal company BioMedical Waste Solutions publicly released The Definitive Guide to Medical Waste Disposal in 2024. This guide offers essential information on the safe disposal of needles, syringes, and other sharp objects, reflecting the company's commitment to improving safety and preventing the spread of infections through proper waste management.

The guide features five essential tips for preventing needlestick injuries:

Make use of FDA-approved sharps disposal containers.

Ensure disposal containers are not overfilled.

Do not insert your hand into disposal containers.

Avoid trying to recap needles.

Store sharp objects and disposal containers away from children.

JP Richards, Director of Communications at BioMedical Waste Solutions, said, "The increasing rate of needlestick injuries and their serious repercussions on healthcare workers and the community are of great concern. Our guide is crucial for preventing these injuries and ensuring the safety of healthcare providers and individuals handling needles at home. We are committed to providing reliable San Francisco medical waste disposal solutions. Together, we can reduce the risks associated with needlestick injuries."

BioMedical Waste Solutions is a prominent San Francisco medical waste disposal company that encourages healthcare facilities, professionals, and needle users to check out its guide for effective sharps and medical waste disposal. The company's expertise and advanced technology guarantee the secure handling, transport, and disposal of medical waste, complying with the highest national, state, and local standards.

For further details on safe medical waste disposal or to view the guide from BioMedical Waste Solutions, please visit their website at https://www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com/medical-waste-disposal/ or reach out directly at 346-660-4994 or JPRichards@BioMedicalWasteSolutions.com. To learn more about this San Francisco medical waste disposal company, visit: https://www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com/locations/california/san-francisco-medical-waste-disposal/.

About BioMedical Waste Solutions:

BioMedical Waste Solutions is a leading medical waste disposal company dedicated to providing safe and reliable solutions for the management and disposal of medical waste. With a commitment to environmental responsibility and public health, the company serves healthcare facilities, private practices, dental offices, veterinarians and laboratories across America. BioMedical Waste Solutions offers comprehensive services to ensure the proper collection, transportation, and disposal of medical waste, including sharps, in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Contact Information

JP Richards

Director of Communications

releases@drakedigital.com

(346) 660-4994

SOURCE: Biomedical Waste Solutions

View the original press release on newswire.com.
By: Csilla Szegedi

Starting every May, people who work at Viatris' facility in Komarom, Hungary, are serenaded by a chorus of chirping sounds from above while walking from the car park to the building. These familiar sounds signal the annual return of the site's winged residents, the birds.

Home to a vibrant and diverse birdlife, the Komarom site is near the Danube River and encompasses an undisturbed area of about 4 hectares (about 9.8 acres). The sandy grassland is interspersed with clumps of trees and intermittent waterlogged areas, making the land a paradise for many species of birds and insects.

In addition to packaging operations, Viatris' Komarom site is also home to the European Center of Excellence, the company's largest Quality organization in the region. The location has a long history of commitment to advancing sustainability.

This year, the site's lush space gained new enhancements when Viatris partnered with the Hungarian Ornithological Society to join its Bird-Friendly Workplace Program. The idea was first suggested by Robert Klinga, a Quality Control Support Manager at the site, who has been a bird lover since childhood. Growing up on the edge of a forest, watching and later photographing birds became one of his favorite pastimes. His hope is that the initiative will make a positive impact on many colleagues' interest in nature conservation.

"We are working in an industrial environment where it is particularly important to manage well the natural assets that surround us. At Viatris in Komarom, we do our part to contribute to Viatris' deep commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact," Robert said. (Click here to see video of the site.)

The bird-friendly workplace idea was fully supported by both Raymond Keeling, the former site head, and Mihaly Regi, the current site manager. During the preparation and planning phases it became clear that the employee population in Komarom includes several bird lovers, amateur ornithologists, bird photographers and keen conservationists.

In February 2024, the Viatris Komarom team, in collaboration with the Hundred Valley Nature Conservation Society - the local branch of the Hungarian Ornithological Society -- installed 50 bird houses of various types in the area, helping the species already living there to breed and new species to settle in. About 40 different bird species are expected to find a home in this green oasis.

As part of the program, the bird houses will be regularly monitored by experts, with Viatris colleagues joining in. In addition, a breeding wall was established in the spring which has already been taken over by several pairs of birds.

To raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity in providing a sustainable future, the Komarom site organized a Bird-Friendly Family Day for employees at the end of June. About 80 participants took part in bird ringing, burrow checks and a five-station tour where they could solve activities related to environmental protection and knowledge of plants and animals at each station.

"Every day we see the colorful bird life that surrounds us here," said Robert. "Preserving and trying to enhance the biodiversity of our green area is a worthy initiative not only for our site, but for Viatris as a whole."

For more detail about the company's efforts to advance responsible practices and operations, read Building Sustainable Access at Scale.

Connecting People With Medicines, Around the World

In Business, as in Life, Success is Powered by Authenticity

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Viatris on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Viatris

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/viatris

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Viatris

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Mastering credit is like having a financial safety net. It helps individuals weather economic storms and propels them toward their financial aspirations. While the ever-changing economic landscape may present challenges, it's important to remember that everyone has the potential to improve their credit journey. It all begins with making informed choices today that pave the way for a secure tomorrow.

While navigating the complexities of credit management can be challenging, Alex Kleyner , CEO and co-founder of National Debt Relief , believes everyone has the potential to improve their financial well-being. In this article, Alex Kleyner shares National Debt Relief's insights on how to manage credit wisely, avoid the pitfalls of debt, and pave the way for a secure financial future.

The Challenges of Debt

Before one can manage their credit and debt, it's important to understand the reality of debt. As of 2024, the total household debt in the U.S. reached a staggering $17.3 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This alarming figure highlights the pervasive nature of debt and its far-reaching consequences.

"Debt isn't just a number on a balance sheet; it's a weight that can hold individuals back from achieving their financial goals and living their best lives," says Alex Kleyner .

The impact of debt extends far beyond immediate financial concerns. It can significantly limit individuals' ability to save, invest, and give charitably - three crucial components of a healthy financial life.

Saving for the Future: Debt payments can erode individuals' ability to build a financial safety net for emergencies and retirement . When a significant portion of income is allocated towards servicing debt, it leaves little room for saving . This can create a precarious situation where individuals are vulnerable to unexpected financial shocks and may struggle to achieve long-term goals like retirement.

Investing for Growth: The demands of debt repayment can leave individuals with limited resources to invest in assets that can generate wealth over time. Investing in stocks , real estate, or other assets can be a powerful way to build wealth and secure a comfortable future. However, high levels of debt can make it difficult to allocate funds towards these investments, potentially hindering long-term financial growth.

Giving Back: The financial strain of debt can also limit individuals' ability to support causes they care about. Charitable giving is an important aspect of many people's lives, providing a sense of purpose and contributing to the betterment of society. However, when individuals are burdened by debt, they may have to prioritize immediate financial needs over philanthropic endeavors.

"Debt creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the immediate financial burden. It can hinder individuals' ability to save for the future, invest in their growth, and contribute to causes they believe in," says Alex Kleyner . "Breaking free from debt is not just about financial relief, it's about unlocking opportunities for a more fulfilling and impactful life."

Turning the Tide: Steps Toward Financial Stability and Credit Management

While the challenges of debt are undeniable, there is hope for those seeking financial stability. Consistent and strategic actions can pave the way to financial wellness. These actions might include budgeting, prioritizing debt repayment, and seeking professional financial advice.

Below, is a suggested multi-faceted approach to credit management:

Timely Payments: Consistently making on-time payments is essential for maintaining a good credit score and avoiding late fees.

Emergency Fund: Building an emergency fund can provide a crucial buffer against unexpected expenses and help prevent individuals from falling deeper into debt.

Expense Tracking: Carefully monitoring spending habits can reveal areas where individuals can cut back and free up funds for debt repayment and savings.

Strategic Credit Use: Credit can be a valuable tool when used responsibly. Using credit cards for rewards or to build a credit history can be beneficial, as long as individuals pay off the balance in full each month.

Getting Help with Debt

For individuals struggling with overwhelming debt, debt relief programs can offer a potential solution. Companies like National Debt Relief offer strategies to help individuals negotiate with creditors and potentially reduce their overall debt burden. It's important to understand that these programs can have both benefits and drawbacks, including potential impacts on credit scores.

"Credit management and financial stability are within reach for everyone. By making informed choices and taking proactive steps to manage debt, individuals can create a more secure and prosperous future for themselves and their families," says Alex Kleyner .

CONTACT:

Andrew Mitchell

media@cambridgeglobal.com

SOURCE: National Debt Relief

View the original press release on accesswire.com




PARIS, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Omar Harfouch's "Concerto for Peace", which took place on September 18, is being hailed as a resounding success across the music sphere. The historic event brought together classical and oriental music and a call for global harmony. Following its gala performance at the prestigious Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris, France, the initiative has garnered international attention as the bearer of a message of peace during difficult times.



Composer, soloist pianist and award-winning peace champion Omar Harfouch greeted many of the VIP and other guests in the impressive lobby as they arrived. They included diplomats, politicians, media personalities, artists, and peace activists from different religious communities. Notable amongst the celebrities attending was iconic French actress and film producer Catherine Deneuve.

Harfouch walked onto the stage to welcome a capacity audience of over 1900, before presenting the 60-piece Orchestre Beziers Mediterranee, maestro Mathieu Bonnin, composer and co-orchestrator Houtaf Khoury, and violinist Anne Gravoin.

Strikingly, all the orchestra donned sunglasses throughout the entire recital. Harfouch, who is widely known for wearing sunglasses as a matter of course, explained as he introduced the first piece, that there was a good reason for this symbolic gesture: he wanted to draw attention to the necessity of light as the antidote to the darkness of hatred, since light and dark cannot coexist. He wanted his audience to bathe in the sunlight of hope.

The evening opened with a beautiful and resounding 'Fantaisie Orientale' featuring Western and Eastern instruments. Inspired by Harfouch's infectious zest and sparkle, the audience clapped along. It was so well received that it was immediately reprised, much to everyone's delight.

This was followed by 'Tripoli,' a heartfelt affectionate love letter to his hometown in Lebanon, where, as he described, east meets west. A video accompanied the piece, showcasing the city's diverse architecture and featuring his beloved wife, Yulia, to whom the love letter was undoubtedly also addressed.

The penultimate arrangement was 'You save one life, you save humanity,' which he premiered last year at the European Commission in Brussels. The title, he explained, was from the Talmud and the Qur'an, expressing how each human life is worth the same, none more than others, none less.

The final piece was the much-anticipated concerto. Harfouch told the audience that we wanted them to listen carefully to each movement and hear its message. He joked that some people had phoned him to ask who would be attending, saying, "If X is coming, then I am not!" Clearly, he said gracefully, peace is a concept that has to apply to everyone, even here.

While earlier in the performance Harfouch wore a beaming smile, exuding warmth and joie de vivre, the complex and intricate structure of the concerto, with its interplay of anxiety and anticipation, drew from him an entire spectrum of human emotions. The pain and horror of conflict - something he experienced firsthand in his childhood and which are all too evident today - were often etched on his face. Yet, at other moments, as discordant tones transformed into harmony, there was a palpable sense of relief and resolution, reflecting the concerto's message: peace is the fruit of transformative work.

The concerto's conclusion unfolded in a powerful resolution, where the lingering tension of conflict was gradually dissolved into a triumphant, yet fragile, harmony-expressing both the lingering anxiety of past strife and a profound hope for a peaceful future. The final notes resonated with a bittersweet sense of relief, leaving the audience with a reminder that peace, though hard-won, is within reach.

Following a standing ovation, Harfouch stood alone before the audience, raised his arms, and said, "Now it is time for you to respond to the call for peace." They stood as a 30-strong chorale lined the aisles and sang a thrilling, exquisite harmony on their behalf, serving as a call to action, to commitment to change.

Speaking about the importance of the initiative, Harfouch notes, "This event has shown me just how powerful music can be in bringing people together. I hope 'Concerto for Peace' keeps inspiring a world united in harmony. We hope to contribute to a global conversation that emphasizes understanding and unity over division."

Later this year, the ensemble is slated to expand the concerto's reach with performances scheduled at the United Nations office in Switzerland, the Vatican, the Italian Parliament, and other key locations across Europe and Asia. Each concert will be tailored to address local issues while reinforcing the profound message of peace and unity. The initiative is expected to attract even more attention in the coming months, as it aligns with broader efforts to bring cultural diplomacy into the mainstream of international relations.

"Peace is not an abstract concept; it's something we must actively pursue," Harfouch remarks. "By using music as our vehicle, we hope to inspire individuals, communities, and leaders to come together in the spirit of cooperation. This is just the beginning of a long journey toward harmony."

For more information on the "Concerto for Peace", visit Omar Harfouch's official website .

About Concerto for Peace

The "Concerto for Peace" is a global initiative founded by Omar Harfouch, a celebrated pianist, composer, and humanitarian. Through a series of concerts, the initiative seeks to promote peace, unity, and dialogue in regions impacted by conflict and division. By utilising the universal language of music, the initiative aims to mend cultural divides and foster international cooperation. The initiative has been recognised by the United Nations, the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism (LICRA), and other leading organisations for its contributions to global peace efforts.

Contact Details:

Contact: Concert for Peace Team

Organisation: Concerto Pour La Paix

Email address: team@concertopourlapaix.org

Website: omarharfouch.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ffe0fe8e-2fd7-455b-9e54-817a08af8222
New World Solutions Inc. (CSE:NEWS)(OTC Pink:REGRF)(FSE:RT5) ("New World" or the "Company") at the request of CIRO, the Company would like to provide additional clarification regarding its September 18, 2024, press release titled: New World Solutions Enters $31 Billion Global Watch Market With Acquisition of Majority Stake in dialMKT.

In addressing the pre-owned watch market, the Company wishes to clarify that the market is a growing sector expected to reach $29 to $32 billion by 2025, according to a recent report from Polaris Market Research & Consulting Inc. The Company in no way was forecasting or implying its revenue but only wanted to highlight the large global market it is targeting.

Source quote:

"Driven by younger consumers in addition to collectors and cost-conscious shoppers, as well as an increasingly trustworthy and transparent supply by digital marketplaces, the pre-owned watch market is set to become the industry's fastest-growing segment, reaching $29 to $32 billion in sales by 2025. With digital pre-owned marketplaces currently dominating"

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

"...In an uncertain world, consumer discretionary spend will be weighted toward trusted categories and brands. Hard luxury goods-jewelry, watches, and leather-will likely be in demand, reflecting their potential investment value in tough economic times "

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion-watches-and-jewellery

The Company included the names of several of several recognizable watch brand names in the press release. The brands are licensed trademarks of their respective owners. The Company did not intend to imply that it has a relationship with these brands. The Company is not an authorized dealer of any watch brand, and does not intend to be an authorized retail dealer in the future. These are popular brands that are driving the growth in this market that the Company plans to focus on when it launches its ecommerce platform which is expected to launch in the next 30 days.

The Company also highlighted several influencers and investors in the press release. The Company did not intend to imply that it has any relationship with these influencers or investors. The Company was highlighting some of the social and demographic trends driving the growth of this market and that certain investors were entering this market.

Going forward the Company will ensure better transparency in its press releases. The Company only intended to provide a full overview and understanding of the social and demographic market trends.

About New World

New World Solutions is an innovative technology company, driving innovative solutions to new world problems. Through our blockchain and technology experience, we are leveraging solutions in the decentralized finance space as well as the electric vehicle area. We look to acquire and launch a balanced spectrum of solutions to become a leader in this dynamic tech landscape.

For additional information on New World and other corporate information, please visit the company website at https://www.newworldinc.io/.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.Dir

Chief Executive Officer

New World Solutions Inc.

Phone: (416) 318- 6501

Email: phaber@newworldinc.io

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements.

Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the blockchain in general, the risk that the Transaction will not be completed as contemplated or at all. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

The Canadian Stock Exchange (the "CSE") does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: New World Solutions Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
TechnipFMC (NYSE: FTI) has been awarded two subsea contracts by Petrobras for the pre-salt fields offshore Brazil.

The first award is a substantial(1) contract to design, engineer, and manufacture riser flexible pipe. TechnipFMC will also supply associated services including packing and storage.

The second award, which followed a competitive tender, is a significant(2) contract to design, engineer, and manufacture subsea production systems to be deployed on the Atapu 2, Sepia 2, and Roncador projects. The contract also covers installation support and life-of-field services, as well as the option for additional equipment and services.

All equipment and products will be manufactured and serviced locally, leveraging core capabilities in Brazil that enable continued development of pre-salt reserves.

Jonathan Landes, President, Subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: "These awards underscore our leadership position in flexible pipe technology, and the proven success of our standardized equipment platform that was effectively deployed for Petrobras on the Buzios 6-9 fields. Our nearly 70-year legacy in Brazil reflects our deep commitment to the region and highlights our continuing support of Petrobras's strategic vision. We will draw on our extensive in-country operations to deliver on these contracts."

(1) For TechnipFMC, a "substantial" contract is between $250 million and $500 million. This award will be included in inbound orders in the third quarter of 2024.

(2) For TechnipFMC, a "significant" contract is between $75 million and $250 million. This award will be included in inbound orders in the third quarter of 2024.

Important Information for Investors and Securityholders

Forward-Looking Statement

This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words "expect," "believe," "estimated," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. For information regarding known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results, including our assumptions and projections regarding the expected benefits of the awarded contracts, please see our risk factors set forth in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

About TechnipFMC

TechnipFMC is a leading technology provider to the traditional and new energy industries, delivering fully integrated projects, products, and services.

With our proprietary technologies and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients' project economics, helping them unlock new possibilities to develop energy resources while reducing carbon intensity and supporting their energy transition ambitions.

Organized in two business segments Subsea and Surface Technologies we will continue to advance the industry with our pioneering integrated ecosystems (such as iEPCI, iFEED and iComplete), technology leadership and digital innovation.

Each of our approximately 21,000 employees is driven by a commitment to our clients' success, and a culture of strong execution, purposeful innovation, and challenging industry conventions.

TechnipFMC uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. To learn more about how we are driving change in the industry, go to www.TechnipFMC.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @TechnipFMC.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240917110310/en/

Contacts:

Investor relations

Matt Seinsheimer

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development

Tel: +1 281 260 3665

Email: Matt Seinsheimer

James Davis

Director, Investor Relations

Tel: +1 281 260 3665

Email: James Davis

Media relations

David Willis

Senior Manager, Public Relations

Tel: +44 7841 492988

Email: David Willis
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - Monika Ille, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, ("APTN" or the "Company") and her team joined David Clarke, Head of Government Affairs, TMX Group, to celebrate APTN's remarkable 25-year journey in Indigenous broadcasting. This milestone celebrates not only APTN's dedication to providing a platform for indigenous voices but also the vital role it has played in enriching Canada's media landscape.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA0GGt6GQ1Q

Launched in 1999 as the world's first national Indigenous broadcaster, APTN has grown into a global leader in showcasing the vibrant diversity of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island and beyond.

APTN is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the launch of APTN Languages September 1st, a second national network offering diverse programming all in Indigenous languages. This achievement represents the culmination of 25 years of innovative work in Indigenous media, providing viewers across the country with unprecedented access to Indigenous content.

For the very first time, a fully Indigenous language channel will be available to all Canadians. APTN Languages offers a rich variety of content, including dramas, documentaries, news broadcasts, traditional and cultural programs all dedicated to preserving, revitalizing and honouring the linguistic diversity of Indigenous cultures through high-quality, culturally resonant programming.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223954

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - Deveron Corp. (TSXV: FARM) ("Deveron" or the "Company"), a leading agriculture services and data company in North America, announces that further it its press release of August 15, 2024, the Company has satisfied the conditions precedent (the "Conditions Precedent") to the settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") dated August 14, 2024, between the Company and certain parties (the "Settlement Parties").

In accordance with the Settlement Agreement, each of Bill Linton, Chris Irwin, Joelle Faulkner and Tim Close have resigned as directors of the Company. The Company wishes to thank each of them for their valuable contributions to the Company.

Ron Patterson and Albert Contardi have been appointed as directors of the Company, which has been fixed at five directors. Ron Patterson has been appointed the Chair of the board of directors of the Company.

Brief biographies of the newly appointed directors of the Company are as follows:

Ron Patterson, Chairman and Director - Mr. Patterson is a technology and financial services entrepreneur with 30+ years experience. He has wide ranging experience working with growth stage companies as either an operator, investor, or lender. He is co-founder of Accur8 Software Solutions, a software development company based in the United States and is an active Special Advisor to the Technology Lending Group of a Schedule I Canadian Bank. Ron previously co-founded MMV Financial, a specialty finance company that provided debt financing to technology companies across North America.

Albert Contardi, Director - Mr. Contardi is a consultant/adviser with over 15 years of legal, investment and capital markets experience. He is currently President of Generic Capital Corporation, a Toronto based exempt market dealer. Mr. Contardi's expertise involves advising and structuring corporate finance transactions in the mining, tech and bio-tech sectors to maximize the value of projects/assets. He has been called to the Ontario Bar and is a graduate of Queen's University Law School.

The board of directors is now comprised of Messrs. Ron Patterson, Albert Contardi, David MacMillan, Roger Dent and Greg Patterson. Notwithstanding the Settlement Agreement, the annual and special shareholder meeting of the Company is expected to be held as planned on October 25, 2024, to, among other things, elect the directors of the Company.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Deveron: Deveron is an agriculture technology company that uses data and insights to help farmers and large agriculture enterprises increase yields, reduce costs and improve farm outcomes. The company employs a digital process that leverages data collected on farms across North America to drive unbiased interpretation of production decisions, ultimately recommending how to optimize input use. Our team of agronomists and data scientists build products that recommend ways to better manage fertilizer, seed, fungicide, and other farm inputs. Additionally, we have a national network of data technicians that are deployed to collect various types of farm data, from soil to drones, that build a basis of our best-in-class data layers. Our focus is the US and Canada where 1 billion acres of farmland are actively farmed annually.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under Canadian securities laws. Without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current views with respect to possible future events and conditions and, by their nature, are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of agricultural commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in agriculture, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. Additional information regarding the material factors and assumptions that were applied in making these forward looking statements as well as the various risks and uncertainties we face are described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of our annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis of our financial results and other continuous disclosure documents and financial statements we file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update this forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223894

SOURCE: Deveron Corp.
Toronto, Ontario and Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - September 19, 2024) - Medexus Pharmaceuticals (TSX: MDP) (OTCQX: MEDXF) today held its virtual annual meeting of shareholders. Medexus shareholders elected all nominees listed in Medexus's management information circular dated August 7, 2024 as directors through the next annual meeting. Shareholders also voted in favor of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the company's auditors.

Detailed voting results for the election of directors are set out in the table below.

Name



For Against Ken d'Entremont



99.02% (7,892,141) 0.98% (77,869) Harmony Garges



98.69% (7,865,796) 1.31% (104,214) Benoit Gravel



98.70% (7,866,796) 1.30% (103,214) Michael Mueller



99.01% (7,890,796) 0.99% (79,214) Stephen Nelson



99.01% (7,890,929) 0.99% (79,081) Nancy Phelan



98.66% (7,862,929) 1.34% (107,081) Menassie Taddese



98.69% (7,865,929) 1.31% (104,081)

Shareholders also cast 8,922,492 (99.32%) votes for and withheld 61,521 (0.68%) votes from the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the company's auditors. All proposals were therefore approved.

A report of the voting results on all matters voted on at the annual meeting will be filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.com.

About Medexus

Medexus is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company with a strong North American commercial platform and a growing portfolio of innovative and rare disease treatment solutions. Medexus's current focus is on the therapeutic areas of oncology, hematology, rheumatology, auto-immune diseases, allergy, and dermatology. For more information about Medexus and its product portfolio, please see the company's corporate website at www.medexus.com and its filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking statements

Certain statements made in this news release contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, also known and/or referred to as "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements". The words "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "will", "plans", "potential", and similar words, phrases, or expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words, phrases, or expressions. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on regulatory guidelines, historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Medexus cautions that, although the assumptions are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties mean that actual results could differ, and could differ materially, from the expectations contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors include, but are not limited to, those set out in Medexus's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including Medexus's most recent annual information form and management's discussion and analysis. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this news release. Other than as specifically required by law, Medexus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223941

SOURCE: Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc.
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Phoenix's most iconic mall is on its way to becoming the largest mall redevelopment project in Arizona's history. Concord Wilshire Capital and TLG Investment Partners (Developer) announced today that (i) the Abatement and Demolition of the Metrocenter Mall, including the Dillard's and U-Haul Buildings (formerly Macy's), have commenced, and (ii) it has formed a partnership with Diversified Partners, LLC, a Scottsdale-headquartered national real estate firm, to develop and construct the 140,000-square-foot retail component located at the center of the $850 million mixed-use development.





Rendering of Planned Redevelopment Metrocenter Mall

The Village will feature an anchoring park and plaza in Phoenix.





"The redevelopment of Metrocenter has been long-awaited by our residents, who are eager to welcome a new walkable, urban gathering place in their neighborhood. Though we will reminisce about fond memories over the years at Metrocenter, we are excited to witness the transformation of this iconic landmark into a modern and dynamic space to live, shop, eat, and enjoy," Mayor Kate Gallego said.

After several months of survey and analysis of the materials inside the building to ensure the protection of the public during demolition, Resource Environmental, Inc., a Los Angeles-based company, will first abate and remove the asbestos from the buildings and then proceed with the demolition of all of the buildings.

The Developer has formed a strategic alliance with Hines, an international real estate firm, to redevelop and repurpose the site, and Hines has taken over the oversight of the site.

"We are delighted to team up with Concord Wilshire on our shared vision for reimagining Metrocenter," said Walt Brown, CEO of Diversified Partners. "We envision this prime property becoming one of the top destinations in Arizona. We will announce the new name along with some of the exciting features in the near future."

"We are excited to partner with Diversified Partners to bring the core of this mixed-use development to life, through the development of an eclectic retail and F&B mix, where every resident and visitor can feel a connection," said Nate Sirang, President of Concord Wilshire. "Our vision includes integrating state-of-the-art public safety solutions into a comfortable and fun first-class destination for families while contributing meaningfully to the City of Phoenix, the local community, and its economy."

Councilwoman Ann O'Brien also shared her thoughts on the project, saying, "This redevelopment is not only about bringing new businesses and opportunities to our City but also about creating an ownership product for our constituents that wasn't available before."

The Village has been designed as a transit-oriented, self-contained community encompassing the City's new Light Rail Station that was completed as of January of 2024. The City of Phoenix has invested approximately $150 million to build this Light Rail Station, which will serve as one of the major focal points of the development and will provide direct connectivity to Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, ASU, and communities to the east.

Contact Information

Athena Sanchez

City of Phoenix Media Contact

athena.sanchez@phoenix.gov

602-621-0507

SOURCE: Concord Wilshire Capital

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Cercle, a San Francisco, CA-based AI womens healthcare data company, raised $6M in Seed funding.

The round was led by Outsiders Fund, with participation from FemHealth Ventures, CGHealth Ventures, and Rogue Womens Fund. They joined existing investors Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthals SBVP fund, and a small number of individual angel investors.

The company intends to use the funds to widen its application beyond the fertility market, expand its global presence, and accelerate its engineering and product development efforts, including advancement of its LLM offerings.

Led by CEO Juan Carlos Riveiro, and COO Ashley Finch, Cercle is an AI company that gives access to womens healthcare data at scale. Its platform, the Cercle Biomedical Graph, ingests and transforms raw healthcare data into real-time insights that womens healthcare providers use to run more efficient businesses and provide more personalized care.

Since its introduction in November 2023, the Cercle Biomedical Graph has been used by US Fertility, Boston IVF, and Eurofins Genoma, Cercles European-based distributor, among others, to drive efficiency for clinics and inform personalized treatments for fertility patients.

FinSMEs

19/09/2024
CropX, a San Francisco, CA-based company which specializes in digital agronomic solutions, acquired EnGeniousAg, an Ames, IA-based startup focused on advanced nitrogen sensing applications for agriculture.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

CropX will integrate EnGeniousAgs technology into its agronomic farm management system, enhancing its capabilities in agricultural nutrient management.

founded by Michael Castellano (ISU), Liang Dong (ISU), James Schnable (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and Patrick Schnable (ISU), EnGeniousAg designs, manufactures, and deploys instant readout, high-performance, field-based nutrient sensors for crops, soils and water, thereby improving agronomic management practices, increasing grower profitability and sustaining the environment. A spinout from Iowa State University (ISU) based on research conducted with funding from the Department of Energys ARPA-Es ROOTS program.

Led by CEO Tomer Tzach, CropX is a provider of agribusiness farm management solutions deployed in over 70 countries and across all arable continents. Its flagship product, the CropX agronomic farm management system, synthesizes data from the soil to sky to offer advanced soil and crop intelligence and a suite of digital agronomic decision and planning tools, all on an app capable of tracking multiple farms and fields.

FinSMEs

19/09/2024
Toronto, Canada, September 19th, 2024, FinanceWire

Pushing the boundary of blockchain usage in Enterprise Business

Morpheus.Network, the leading supply chain middleware, has announced that it has over 5000 nodes staked since it launched its innovative Trust.Supply Network. The program has already seen over 11.2 million MNW tokens bridged to Polygon Network.

The uptake of token staking by the Morpheus.Network community points to a real understanding of blockchain tech in the supply chain. This is just one example and is mirrored by others such as the Californias Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) digitization of 42 million car titles using blockchain to modernize the states title transfer process, says Dan Weinberger, Co-founder and CEO of Morpheus.Network.

By leveraging blockchain technology Morpheus.Network is able to provide a seamless and automated supply chain middleware solution that addresses some of the most pressing challenges faced by businesses today from DePIN hardware logistics to food provenance.

In a note to their community the enterprise driven blockchain company announced that its masternode network, available at Trust.Supply is nearing full stake capacity.

Morpheus.Networks vision to fix the worlds leading supply chain complications has attracted the attention of governments and private enterprises hoping to add an extra layer of efficiency to their operations.

The Power of Masternodes

Masternodes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and performance of the network. They provide critical services such as transaction validation, network security, and governance, ensuring that the platform remains reliable and efficient. The high level of participation is a clear indication of the trust the community has in Morpheus.Networks technology and its future prospects.

Roadmap

In the months to come, Morpheus.Network has a robust roadmap with many announcements, including a planned roll out of their customizable SME solution that will provide blockchain and automation to a whole new layer of the supply chain market.

By joining trust.supply, users can view all of the details in the Morpheus Network customized dashboard. Users can learn more about Morpheus Network in their weekly spaces where the team regularly meets with the community.

About Morpheus.Network

Morpheus.Network is intensely focused on helping companies and government organizations eliminate inefficiencies and remove barriers to optimize and automate enterprise supply chain operations. Their multi-award winning supply chain middleware platform leverages transformational digital technologies such as ML/AI, IoT and Blockchain and has over 150 integrations with leading companies, including SAP, DHL, Fedex, Cargowise, Dimitra, Telefonica, Marsh, Swift and more. Morpheus.Network helps clients to potentially maximize revenue through digitization and process automation, protecting sensitive data, and untangling complex issues with the legacy supply chain system while delivering effective, equitable, and efficient global trade solutions.

Website | X

Contact

James Toland

Morpheus Network

[email protected]


Satim, a Krakow, Poland-based AI technology company specializing in object detection and classification using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery, secured funding in an internal funding round of undisclosed amount.

The round was led by Balnord with participation from Cultivation Capital, Verissimo Ventures, and Techstars.

The company intends to use the funds to advance its AI-augmented SAR solutions and secure its position as a global leader in the field.

Led by CEO Jacek Strzelczyk, Satim is an AI technology platform for object detection and classification using SAR satellite imagery. With a dedicated team of data scientists, remote sensing experts, AI and SAR specialists, and marine situational awareness experts, the company delivers solutions to military, government, and commercial sectors.

In the first years of its existence, the company worked closely with the European Space Agency to develop new algorithms for information extraction from SAR data, securing 1.5M EUR in non-dilutive grants. The team went through top European and US space industry accelerators, Space3ac and Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator, which were drivers for building the companys overall strategy and achieving accuracy in object detection and classification. Today, the team includes data scientists, remote sensing experts, AI and SAR specialists, and ex-military personnel with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The companys AI-based software transforms complex satellite data into actionable insights by automatically providing information on objects detected and classified with a 90% accuracy rate, cementing its position as a critical player in the defense, government, and commercial maritime sectors.

Satim has become a Certified Analytics Partner of Capella Space, and is working closely with other SAR providers including ICEYE, MDA, Umbra and Synspective. Since its last funding, the company has also expanded its catalog of vessels that could be automatically classified on SAR images from 28 to 110 classes and launched new models for aircraft and vehicle detection and classification establishing SATIM as a leader on the market.

FinSMEs

19/09/2024
According to the results of Global Business & Finance Magazines traditional awards, Strifor Broker received three significant and prestigious awards at once.

The platform was recognized as the Best Independent And Impartial Forex Firm in the Philippines and India, and by the end of 2024, the broker was named the Best CFD Broker Firm in Malaysia.

Recall that Global Business & Finance Magazine is an independent international publication that studies, covers, and analyzes financial and business world markets. On the magazines online platform, many articles are researched on investments, corporate finance and fiscal policy, and trading.

Experienced experts select nominees for the award, first paying attention to the quality of services provided, honesty and transparency of cooperation, and fulfillment of brokers obligations to clients. They also evaluate the companies contribution to the development of business and the financial sector in general.

Strifor always pays

This is the motto of the broker, and receiving an award from the magazine only confirms this principle. The platform steadily pays remuneration to its clients, and withdrawal of money, as a rule, takes no more than a day. For example, in July alone, over $300,000 was paid out under the affiliate program:

In July 2024, the platforms fund turnover almost reached $3 billion, with about 70% of all transactions becoming profitable.

When working with Strifor, the account can be funded in two ways:

1. With the help of cryptocurrency. Available currencies for funding: USDt TRC-20, USDt ERC-20, BTC, ETH. There are minimum deposit amounts for cryptocurrencies:

Cryptocurrency Fee USDt TRC-20 20 USDt USDt ERC20 25 USDt BTC 0.0001 BTC ETH 0.002 ETH

The term of crediting funds to the trading account depends on the blockchain.

2. Through the Va/et system (Advacash). However, clients from Russia and Kazakhstan cannot use this method, while traders from other countries are not restricted.

Trading conditions

Compared to competitors, Strifor also stands out with favorable conditions of cooperation, particularly low spreads and commissions. The broker offers four types of accounts, one of which is Islamic.

Beginning traders or new clients usually choose the Basic account to get acquainted with the platform. Its main advantage is the absence of a minimum entry threshold, i.e., to start trading, it is enough to enter any amount, for example, $200 or $300.

Trading conditions will be as follows:

Term Details Spread from 0.1 pips Commissions FX Pairs and Metals $8 Indices 0.004% Cryptocurrency 0.4% Leverage Size 9:20

The other two accounts  Advanced and Professional  have more favorable conditions, but to open them, you must deposit $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. In return, Strifor clients get more attractive trading conditions:

Terms/Commissions Advanced Professional Spread from 0 from 0 Leverage 9:20 4:20 FX Pairs 7 5 Metals 7 5 Indices 0.003% 0.002% Cryptocurrencies 0.3% 0.25% Raw Materials 0.1% 0.008% Shares 0.15% 0.05%

When connecting an Islamic account, the trader will not be charged interest for rolling over positions to the next day but will have to pay higher commissions in return:

Instrument Commission FX Pairs $12 Metals $12 Indices 0.006%

At the same time, a deposit of $2000 or more is enough to open an Islamic account.

Loyalty and partnership programs

Every registered and verified user can join Strifor Brokers affiliate program. After that, a unique referral link will appear in his personal profile.

The reward amount depends on the number of lots closed by the traders referrals. There are three levels in total:

Bronze. The number of lots is 0  500. In this case, the trader will receive 40% of the commission paid by the referral when making a transaction.

The number of lots is 0  500. In this case, the trader will receive 40% of the commission paid by the referral when making a transaction. Silver. The number of lots  501  2000. The amount of remuneration is equal to 50%.

The number of lots  501  2000. The amount of remuneration is equal to 50%. Gold. To achieve it, referrals need to close more than 2000 lots. In this case, the reward will be 60% of the commission.

To become a participant in the loyalty program, a traders deposit must be $10,000. In this case, Strifor provides clients with more favorable trading conditions. Traders can earn up to 18% per annum on funds not involved in trading. The accumulated interest is summarized and credited to the clients account every month, and it can be withdrawn from the deposit in the future.

Client feedback about Strifor

Numerous reviews of real clients confirm that the broker receiving a prestigious award is fair. In their comments, they emphasize that Strifor always pays and strictly complies with the terms of cooperation.

Moreover, in 2024, to enhance the safety of its clients and protect their rights, the broker joined the Financial Commission, an independent international arbitrator. Through the platform, traders and brokers regulate disputes between them.

However, the main advantage for traders is the possibility of receiving monetary compensation of up to 20,000 euros if, as a result of the proceedings, the broker violates the terms of the contract.

As you can see, Strifor Broker is open to its clients and always ready to meet their needs. The platforms support team works 24/7 and can be contacted via the website and messengers such as Telegram and WhatsApp.
Ahead of Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal and Malavika Mohanan starrer Yudhra release, director Ravi Udyawar speaks about the casting process, comparisons with Hollywood films and others things in an exclusive interview with Firstpost. read more

Filmmaker Ravi Udyawar made a sensational directorial debut with Sridevi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna starrer Mom. He is now back in action after seven years with Yudhra featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan and Raghav Juyal.

The film has garnered curiosity among cinegoers with its stylish trailer. Ahead of the release, the director spoke about the casting process, comparisons with Hollywood films and others things in an exclusive interview with Firstpost.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

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The trailer has garnered appreciation for its stylish action. Apart from that, the technical aspects including the editing skills of Anand Subaya and the camera work of Jay Oza look top-notch. Were you personally involved in the selection of these technicians?

Yeah. Thats how you do it as a director. There are 2 editors in fact and in every aspect of it, as a director, you must bring all of them together to get to your vision, what you want out of for your film. So, yeah, thats what they did.

Not just even our direction and action. What kind of action? How raw? How real? How are you gonna make those unbelievable actions to look real?

You have to bring all that together to bring your A-game in and good team in the entire star cast, even makeup and everything. You have to handpick all of them, and thats when you get what you want. And thats the only way to get it done. And, I also designed my own actions.

Im an artist, so I make my own, visual art, and I had done a previous where you do the entire action even before you go on to shooting. So I had done that. So everybody knew when they looked at that. This is what we were supposed to achieve and did it.

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On impeccable supporting-ensemble

So I make a sketch of that. I write down all on paper, and I draw images. I bring all that character to life on paper first. Then I say, okay. Lets find this character.

And thats with each and every character, including the smallest character in the prison you meet. And,, all the other character you actually visualize them, you see them, then you start looking for them because theres already a picture of what he looks like, then you start finding. And to me, casting is also about bringing in, actors who can emotionally play their part. So that action yeah. It is style, but, there is no action without emotion.

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So action is actually the thrilling aspect of it, and emotion is actually youre experiencing these characters going through the story. And, like honestly, we wouldnt have expected to go all out and do this free cash action.

On Siddhants casting

Actually, a lot Yudhras character is very internal. He carries all this anger, and its so much bottled up. And I thought you need a character who can play that energy.

And, Siddhants, first movie ( Gully Boy), he portrayed, that as the rapper. He felt like none of us knew him, but it felt like hes a rapper. And he took that character. So Ive realized that he has this ease about the way he plays characters, but its not easy.

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Thats a good sign of an actor who can play that character as well. Thats his second nature. Thats who he is. So I wanted, somebody who can internalize this characters emotion.

And I felt Siddhant would be the right because, obviously, he brought in a younger, character for this film, young villain, young hero. And its mainly designed for the young audience for action and the way weve designed it. So I think Siddhant fit that bill so well because theres something about him. His intensity is crazy, how he projects himself on screen. And, I knew that I would easily mould him into this Yudhras character, and hes done a commendable job here.

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Casting of Raghav Juyal in a negative character

This was done even before Kill came in. We had shot with Raghva even before Kill. So Beauty is weve casted him. I like I loved him because hes not, like, when you see him and compare, as a dancer, and the character that he played before he played, I thought he had it in him to play a crazy, wilder character while looking, a really cool guy and the way Ive designed him. The way hes tied to his character is very unique. This character is full of himself and, hes very territorial. A drug lord son. I thought he will easily project that in an interesting way.

On fresh and strong casting of Malavika Mohanan

Yeah. She worked hard, and I knew who this character was. And like I said, we had this space and I so this character is a very strong, women character weve written. Even though you always think that in an action film, we need a soft actress. Yeah, she is that soft and beautiful girl, but shes very strong minded. And, she knows what she wants, and thats the character Ive written.

And also, her character shifts from being a young girl to a really smart, confident. And, also, I wanted an emotional maturity in that character. And, its very difficult to bring those two elements, mature enough yet, glamorous enough. So I think she creates that part really well and she has that personality.

And, with Siddhant, they look great as a couple as characters. And, shes literally compliments him as she does her personality is really like an Yin and Yang to Siddhants character. So thats how Ive casted her, and shes done a good job.

On comparison with John Wick & Kill, Mission Impossible

So this was shot before Kill and this was shot much in advance. This we had finished shooting. All the actions were shot then only. So, if you make a flick film, unfortunately, we dont have a reference point. When it looks cool, then we always go and say yeh bahar ka lag raha hai. But, most of the scenes, whats important, it looks because its shot really well. Its designed really well. Then if all aspects come together, like, if you have a really good technician working for you, youre making it look beautiful. I wanted to make a slick film because Im a very stylized visual filmmaker.

So, Im very special about what colour, what colour and emotion in action and how we can use all that to create this, you keep saying fresh. So theres a reason why it feels like that because its designed like that. Because otherwise, youre doing the same action and so youre making it more rooted by this, having those dialogues and action, which more physical and, weve not seen that. So thats why when you see it and say uski tarah lag raha hai

Technically, they do it right. Thats why we always, reference compare it to Western film. But I think this is on its own. Its our film. We are very good.

We have great technicians there. We have good technicians, and we can do good products. And, unfortunately, our lesson is only international to compare to that.

I draw my frames, and I see the design before I go on to shoot. So whats important is, yeah, we will never get those budgets. But within the limited resources, how well you can make it? And, weve shot in Mumbai. Mumbais location looks beautiful because todays Mumbai is very different.

Ive used what I did. I consciously designed Mumbai as a new age. Like, Bombay has changed a lot in these 5 years. Bombay is very cool with those high-sky skyscrapers and flyovers, and Ive used all that if you see all the biking scenes. And, if you showed it well and if how we can tell the story in a stylish way, and get a good DoP and art you have to bring in good guys and within the limited time.

And, they are really tight on shooting time. Sometimes you cant stretch it. You have only that many hours to shoot within one location. So you bring in, your A-team and you just go in and do it. And, when what you want, when you design, like, I previous the action because weve done the entire action even before the action guys came in.

Im designing it. This is what I want. This is how I want the sequence to feel, which you storyboard it and you tell them, okay Lets achieve this, and you go on and do it. And, yeah, technically, thats well made.
Based on true story infamous Nithari serial killings of 2006, cops recall how the expressions never changed of the monstrous Surinder Koli who was accused of cannibalism, rape and murder despite third degree. The film stars Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal. read more

Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal starrer Netflixs Sector 36 which released on 13 September is inspired from the true story of Nithari serial killings. According to reports, the murders of children and women from Nithari village came to public attention and created a scary picture in December 2006.

Surinder Koli used to work as a domestic help in businessman named Moninder Singh Pandhers house. Moninder Singh Pandher was also the co-accused in the case. In Netflixs Sector 36, Deepak Dobriyal plays the cop who was in charge of the case and Vikrant Massey plays the role of the domestic help. In an interview with Aaj Tak recently about the infamous case, Ex DSP of the UP Police, Gajendra Singh recalled how unaffected he was about the whole case. Even in Netflixs Sector 36, we see Vikrant Massey who plays the role of Koli narrates the whole incident and how he killed and raped the dead bodies and eaten on the flesh in a very cool manner as if nothing has happened. And to rape, kill and eat is a very normal thing.

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Documentary The Karma Killings based on Nithari serial killings

In the documentary The Karma Killings also we see Koli having absolutely no sense of regret or fear about the heinous crime committed by him. In the documentary we see Kolii saying how he used to eat the chest and arms of woman after killing them. He used to have sex with the dead bodies and then chop them into three pieces. He disposed of the heads of the bodies in a drain behind the co-accused Moninder Singh Pandhers house.

In the story published in the Indian Express the cop mentioned that he cracked only when he came face to face with a rickshaw puller who had key evidence tying him to the alleged crimes. This is when Koli opened up about killing a girl named Payal, and then shared details of the other murders that he was accused of having committed.

Ex DSP of the UP Police, Gajendra Singh on interrogating Surinder Koli

According to the Aaj Tak interview, Ex DSP of the UP Police, Gajendra Singh said in Hindi, The entire force in Noida didnt even have time to eat There were seven of us in the task force, three of us in the interrogation team, and our job was to make sure that no harm falls on Koli and Pandher, because crowds had gathered outside the bungalow. We had to protect them and interrogate them. He didnt say anything for a couple of days, but when we brought the rickshaw driver in front of him, thats when he opened up about Payal. He confessed to killing her.

The Indian Express story further said about Koli as per Gajendra Singhs interview that he had a poker face throughout the interrogation. Nothing would draw any emotion out of him. He wouldnt laugh, he wouldnt cry. We even used the third degree on him, but even then, his expression wouldnt change even in the slightest. We couldnt read his face at all. It was only after the rickshaw driver came that he broke down and gave details about each of the 16 murders that he had committed.

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(With added inputs from agencies)

WATCH the trailer of Vikrant Massey starrer Netflixs starrer Sector 36 here:
Best-selling novelist John Grisham is joining a long list of politicians, advocates, scientists and medical professionals to save an autistic man from an execution. Robert Roberson has spent more than 20 years in prison for the death of his daughter in a tragedy blamed on shaken baby syndrome, a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking a toddler read more

Not only Grisham, but other well-known people, including several autism advocacy groups, 84 Texas politicians from both parties, over 30 well-known doctors and scientists, and 70 attorneys, have supported his case. Image Courtesy: @ johngrisham/Instagram

Best-selling novelist John Grisham is joining a long list of politicians, advocates, scientists and medical professionals to save an autistic man from an execution because of a wrongful conviction.

The renowned writer whose legal thrillers have been adapted into popular Hollywood films discussed Robert Robersons, 57, case on Tuesday.

Roberson is scheduled to be executed on October 17 in connection with the 2002 death of his two-year-old daughter Nikki.

Heres what we know about the case.

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The case

Roberson has spent more than 20 years on death row in Texas for fatally shaking his two-year-old daughter Nikki. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected his petition last week.

If his execution by lethal injection goes through, he will be the first person executed in the United States based on the medical theory known as shaken baby syndrome.

Robersons attorneys requested that his death sentence be commuted in a 62-page clemency petition submitted to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. In the audacious petition, Robersons innocence is asserted, arguing that the offence for which he was charged never even occurred, not that the wrong guy was wrongfully convicted.

Death row inmate Robert Roberson is seen in an undated photo provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Texas Department of Criminal Justice/Handout. Reuters

It says, No offence occurred Roberson is actually innocent of the offence for which he was convicted and sentenced to death based on pseudo-science that has since been discredited.

The prisoners fate now rests with the courts or Texas Governor Greg Abbott, to whom the board reports.

This petition, thus, is making a last-ditch effort to save him.

Not only Grisham, but other well-known people, including several autism advocacy groups, 84 Texas politicians from both parties, over 30 well-known doctors and scientists, and 70 attorneys, have supported his case.

Key lapses in investigation

Robersons conviction, according to the clemency petition, was founded on three grave errors:

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Medical staff believed Nikki had been severely shaken when she was brought to the hospital in a vegetative state in February 2002, but they did not consult her medical file. Medical professionals and law enforcement declined to look into the matter further. The girl had undiagnosed pneumonia, had been taking medications that have since been determined to be life-threatening for children, and had a fever of 40.3 degrees Celsius just before she passed out. All of these symptoms could have contributed to her dire situation, but they were overlooked. The petition contends that when medical professionals and investigators who interacted with Robersonwho was not aware of his autismtook his reserved manner and mistook it for the actions of a cold-blooded murderer rather than a sign of his illness.

The cases main detective, Brian Wharton, who testified against Roberson during the trial, now feels that the prosecutions whole theory was flawed.

He told The Guardian last year that there was neither a crime scene nor forensic evidence. Three simple words summed it up: shaken baby syndrome. He would be free today if it werent for them.

Grishams support

Whats amazing about Roberts case is that there was no crime, Grisham told reporters. In most death conviction cases, youve got a murder and somebody did it, but in Roberts case there was no crime and yet were about to kill somebody for it in Texas. Its so infuriating.

I just have a real anger at these cases. I cant let them go, I think about them all the time. Especially a case like Roberts where we are a month away, the clock is ticking, and yet we have clear scientific proof that he didnt kill Nikki," he said.

Grisham compared Robersons case to that of Cameron Todd Willingham, a man who killed his three young children and was put to death by Texas in 2004. On the basis of forensic arson ideas that turned out to be pseudoscience, Willingham was charged with starting the fire in the family home.

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Twenty years ago Texas executed a guy for a crime that never occurred, Grisham said. Now here we are 20 years later and were down to another execution where there was no crime and where the science has been debunked. Texas is about to execute another innocent man.

The former lawyer in criminal cases in Mississippi wrote his first novel, A Time to Kill, in 1989. The book went on to become one of his bestsellers. In 2006, he penned his first non-fiction book, The Innocent Man, which traced the life of a man wrongly convicted of rape and murder. After that, Grisham joined the boards of the Innocence Project and Centurion Ministries, organisations that over the last 50 years had assisted in the release of at least 200 Americans on death row.

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Two days before Robersons scheduled execution, his next book, Framed, will be published. The non-fiction book tells the true tales of ten people who were wrongfully convicted by a system that was tainted by racism, corruption, and faulty testimony.

He said, Im up to my ears in wrongful convictions.

About shaken baby syndrome

The idea of child maltreatment known as shattered baby syndrome, or SBS for short, first surfaced in the early 1970s. It garnered attention as an explanation for why certain kids showed up sick, sometimes fatally sick, showing evidence of internal head trauma but little to no exterior harm.

Norman Guthkelch, a British paediatric neurosurgeon, was one of the first to support the hypothesis. In 1971, he suggested that the childs severe shaking might be the reason.

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However, some eminent scientists were sceptical of SBSs credibility as a medical diagnostic and as a forensic technique applied in criminal cases. There are more than 80 different non-violent explanations for the symptoms, such as illness and falls, both of which Nikkis case clearly proved.

Thousands of parents have been prosecuted for child abuse using the hypothesis, and Guthkelch has expressed concern that it is no longer credible, as per The Guardian.

Doubts surrounding the syndrome have evolved to such an extent that many authorities reject it.

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, 32 people who were convicted on the grounds of SBS have been cleared since 1993, indicating that concern has grown throughout the criminal judicial system.

With inputs from agencies
Hundreds of pagers and numerous walkie-talkies reportedly used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon, killing more than a dozen people and injuring over 3,000. The blasts have raised alarming questions about whether smartphones, which also rely on lithium-ion batteries, could face a similar fate. Experts warn that tampering with smartphones isnt entirely out of the question read more

Lebanese soldiers and firefighters gather outside a mobile shop after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, September 18, 2024. File Image/AP

Hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkie radios reportedly used by Hezbollah exploded simultaneously across Lebanon on September 18, killing more than a dozen people and injuring over 3,000.

The explosions caused widespread chaos and confusion, sparking fears about the security of communication devices. As the investigation into this attack unfolds, a critical question arises: can smartphones, the omnipresent devices of our digital age, also be weaponised to the same deadly effect?

What happened to the pagers in Lebanon?

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On Tuesday in Lebanon, video footage captured one of the explosions inside a grocery store, where a shoppers pager suddenly detonated, throwing him to the ground.

Such widespread detonations of pagers point to a highly coordinated and possibly external operation. Initial investigations suggest the involvement of explosives embedded in the devices, though the exact mechanics remain unclear.

A significant theory links these explosions to tampered devices, with some reports claiming that Israeli intelligence, in a covert operation, inserted explosives into pagers produced by Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo.

An image of a damaged pager circulating on social media. File Image/X

Although Gold Apollo has denied these claims, T__he New York Times reported that Israel remotely detonated the devices by embedding a switch. Whether this is confirmed or not, the question on everyones mind is whether smartphones, widely used and similarly reliant on lithium-ion batteries, could be exploited in the same manner.

Could smartphones explode too?

Lithium-ion batteries, present in most smartphones, have been known to overheat and, in rare cases, explode. Overcharging, extreme heat, and physical damage to the battery can lead to these failures.

The infamous recall of Samsungs Galaxy Note 7 in 2016, when multiple phones caught fire due to faulty batteries, is a prime example of how even modern devices can suffer from these risks. However, such cases are almost always isolated incidents caused by manufacturing defects or misuse.

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The explosions in Lebanon raise the concern of whether such events could be orchestrated on a mass scale through smartphones. Experts argue that, while technically possible, executing such an attack would be far more complex and challenging than tampering with pagers.

Smartphones are equipped with sophisticated software and hardware protections, making them harder to exploit remotely.

According to a former British Army bomb disposal officer, pagers inherently contain components like batteries, which can be easily modified with detonators and explosives.

A pager already has three of these components. You would only need to add the detonator and charge, he told AP. This relatively simple structure makes pagers easier to weaponise compared to smartphones, which are packed with layers of security features.

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What safety features do smartphones have?

Modern smartphones are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, the same technology found in the pagers that exploded. However, smartphones use advanced safety measures that significantly reduce the risk of overheating and explosion.

Many smartphones come with cooling systems, such as vapour chambers and graphite layers, designed to dissipate heat evenly across the device. In an iPhone, for example, if the device overheats, its software triggers a shutdown to prevent further damage, cutting off charging in extreme temperatures.

Even if a hacker attempted to manipulate a smartphones battery, it is unlikely that the phone would explode. Instead, the device might overheat, causing swelling or minor fires, but mass detonation remains highly improbable.

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The phones dont explode on their own, even if manipulated to increase battery heat. Safety circuitry in modern smartphones prevents such outcomes by stopping current flow during overheating.

What does Israels history tell us?

While the idea of smartphones being turned into explosive devices may seem far-fetched, Israels intelligence agencies have a long history of using mundane objects as weapons. In the 1990s, Israeli operatives killed Hamas bombmaker Yahya Ayyash by rigging his mobile phone to explode.

Similarly, a car headrest packed with explosives killed Hezbollahs Imad Mughniyeh in 2008. More recently, in 2020, Irans nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated by a remotely controlled machine gun mounted on a pickup truck, highlighting how far intelligence services have come in weaponising technology.

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This video grab, shows a walkie-talkie that was exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon, September 18, 2024. File Image/AP

However, modern smartphones present a much more challenging target for such attacks due to their complex structure. According to The Independent, while the Hezbollah pager explosions were an impressive feat, smartphones intricate hardware makes them far less susceptible to such modifications.

Could smartphones be the next target?

While it seems highly unlikely that smartphones could be weaponised in the same manner as pagers, experts are not ruling out the potential for future attacks on connected devices.

As Mark Almond, Director of the Crisis Research Institute in Oxford, asked, while speaking to Daily Mail: How long before Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping works out how to make millions of iPhones around the world burst into flames in the pockets of their foes? While this remains a hypothetical scenario, the growing complexity of cyber warfare means that no device is entirely safe.

The possibility of hacking into a connected car, baby monitor, or even wireless headphones has been a growing concern. According to Kaspersky, although iPhone viruses are rare, they are not unheard of. The Pegasus spyware, for instance, was able to compromise iPhones via text message. These incidents remind us that, as technology becomes more advanced, so too do the methods of exploiting it.

Should we be worried?

In the wake of the explosions in Lebanon, fears about smartphone safety have been on the rise. However, experts agree that the chances of your smartphone exploding due to external tampering are minimal.

While isolated incidents of battery malfunctions have occurred, they are mostly due to manufacturing defects or mishandling rather than a coordinated attack.

The explosions in Lebanon were likely the result of a specific operation targeting Hezbollah and using older, more easily tampered devices. Smartphones, with their advanced security features and intricate designs, remain relatively secure from similar exploitation.

Nevertheless, it is always wise to be vigilant and follow basic safety protocols, such as using official chargers and avoiding extreme temperatures.

With inputs from agencies
One of the Big Four accounting and consulting firms, Ernst & Young (EY), is in the spotlight after a 26-year-old employee in Pune died due to an overwhelming workload. The mother of the young woman has now written to EY India Chairperson Rajiv Memani flagging the glorification of overwork at the firm read more

Anna Sebastian Perayil had worked at EY's Pune office for four months before she succumbed due to work stress. Representational Image/Reuters

In India, the culture of overwork is often glorified.

But the practice can be fatal.

One of the Big Four accounting and consulting firms, Ernst & Young (EY) is in the spotlight after a 26-year-old employee in Pune died due to an overwhelming workload.

Anna Sebastian Perayil had worked at EYs Pune office for four months before she succumbed due to work stress.

The mother of the young woman has now written a letter to EY India Chairperson Rajiv Memani flagging the glorification of overwork at the firm.

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Woman dies of work stress

Annas mother, Anita Augustine, sent a letter to EY India chairperson Rajiv Memani saying that her heart was heavy and her soul was shattered. Still, the letter was necessary in the hope that no other family has to endure what hers went through.

Anna joined EY Pune on March 19 after passing her chartered accountant (CA) examinations on November 23 of last year, according to Augustine. She was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global.

She was full of life, dreams, and excitement for the future. EY was her first job, and she was thrilled to be part of such a prestigious company. But, four months later, on July 20, 2024, my world collapsed when I received the devastating news that Anna had passed away. She was just 26 years old, she wrote.

She added that Anna passed her CA exams with distinction and did exceptionally well in extracurricular activities and academics. She worked as an audit assistant for G Joseph & Associates for more than two years, from 2020 to 2022, before joining EY, as per News18. Perayil, who graduated from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), had over three years of expertise in the fields of internal, statutory, and tax auditing. She was also a national-level debater.

One of the biggest four accounting firms, Ernst and Young (EY) is currently under fire after a 26-year-old employee in Pune died due to overwhelming workload. File Image

When Anna first started working at EY Pune, she was informed that her manager had personally asked her to stay on the team to counter the image that her team had seen a lot of staff quit due to an overwhelming workload. A senior leader also joked at an office party that she would have a tough time working under that colleague.

She worked tirelessly at EY, giving her all to meet the demands placed on her. However, the workload, new environment, and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally. She began experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress soon after joining, but she kept pushing herself, believing that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success, Augustine recounted.

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In observance of Annas professional legacy, her LinkedIn account has been memorialised.

How overwork took a toll on her health

Augustine explained how Anna had complained of chest constriction and needed to be hospitalised while she and her husband were in Pune for Annas CA convocation. When we brought her to a Pune hospital, the cardiologist informed the family that she was eating too late and not getting enough sleep, but her echocardiograms (ECG) was normal. She said that her daughter had then been prescribed antacids.

Though we had come all the way from Kochi, she insisted on going to work after seeing the doctor, saying there was a lot of work to be done and she wouldnt get leave. That night, she returned to her PG late again. On Sunday, July 7, the day of her convocation, she joined us in the morning, but she was working from home even that day until the afternoon, and we reached the convocation venue late, she said, pointing out that it was Annas dream to pay for her parents to attend the convocation and she had booked their flight tickets.

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It breaks my heart to tell you that even during those two days, which were the last we would spend with our child, she couldnt enjoy them because of the work pressure, she said in the letter.

Working for long hours means longer sitting periods. And science has shown us that being seated for elongated periods is bad for our health Represenational image/Pixabay

She claimed that assignments were verbally given that went beyond required duties. She said that she would advise her daughter not to accept them, but her managers persisted.

She worked late into the night, even on weekends, with no opportunity to catch her breath. Her assistant manager once called her at night with a task that needed to be completed by the next morning, leaving her with barely any time to rest or recover. When she voiced her concerns, she was met with the dismissive response, You can work at night, thats what we all do, she wrote.

Anna would return to her too utterly exhausted, sometimes collapsing on the bed without even changing her clothes, only to be bombarded with messages asking for more reports. She was putting in her best efforts, working very hard to meet the deadlines. She was a fighter to the core, not someone to give up easily. We told her to quit, but she wanted to learn and gain new exposure. However, the overwhelming pressure proved too much even for her, Augustine despair.

Because Anna was just starting her work, the mother claimed that she lacked the experience or the agency to set boundaries or refuse irrational demands. She claimed that Anna went over her limits in her quest to prove herself. I wish I had been able to protect her, to tell her that her health and well-being mattered more than anything else. But it is too later for my Anna, she wrote.

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No colleagues attended the funeral

The family found it quite hurtful that no one from EY showed up for Annas funeral, according to Augustine.

She added that she contacted Annas supervisors following the funeral, but received no response, emphasising that this indicates a lack of empathy.

I dont know if anyone can truly understand a mothers emotions when she lays to rest her child  the child she held in her arms, watched grow, play, cry, and shared dreams with  unless they have experienced the same pain. I hope my childs experience leads to real change so that no other family has to endure the grief and trauma we are going through. My Anna is no longer with us, but her story can still make a difference, she said.

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Calls for change

Augustine asked Memani to look into the work culture of the business, labelling what transpired with Anna as a systematic problem.

She wrote, Burdening newcomers with such backbreaking work, making them work day and night, even on Sundays, has no justification whatsoever You should show some consideration to new employees. Instead, the management took full advantage of the fact that she was new and overwhelmed her with both assigned and unassigned work."

Annas experience sheds light on a work culture that seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human beings behind the roles. This is not just about my daughter, its about every young professional, who joins EY filled with hopes and dreams, only to be crushed under the weight of unrealistic expectations Annas death should serve as a wake-up call for EY.

It is time to reflect on the work culture within your organisation and take meaningful steps to prioritise the health and wellness of your employees, she said, adding that an environment should be created where employees feel safe to speak up, get support to manage their workload and where their mental and physical well-being is not sacrificed for the sake of productivity.

EY issues statement

EY issued a statement, calling the 26-year-olds untimely death an irreparable loss.

We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastians tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family. Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us.

While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so, the statement said.

We are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 1,00,000 people across EY member firms in India, the company added.

Report on Indians at the workplace

India, known for its vibrant startup culture and burgeoning corporate workforce, faces a grim reality.

A report published in June revealed that a staggering 86 per cent of Indians feel they are suffering or struggling at their workplace.

While only a mere 14 per cent of Indians feel that they are thriving at their workplace, the 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace report revealed.

The concerning figure is significantly lower than the global average of 34 per cent.

On the other hand, those with uncertain or negative beliefs about their present and future life situations, potentially including stress and financial worries, were classified as struggling or suffering."

Centres probe

The Union Labour Ministry has taken up a complaint and will be investigating the circumstances that led to Annas death.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint.@mansukhmandviya https://t.co/1apsOm594d  Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 19, 2024

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice and @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint. @mansukhmandviya, Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje said in a post on X.

With inputs from agencies
The death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant, allegedly due to work stress, just four months after she joined Ernst & Young in Pune has sparked widespread outrage. The Labour Ministry has said it is investigating the matter. The tragic incident has shed light on the open secret of the notorious work culture at these Big 4 companies  PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG read more

The work culture at EY has come under scanner after its employee's death in India. Representational Image/AFP

The death of a young Ernst & Young (EY) India employee allegedly due to work pressure has put a spotlight on the toxic culture at the Big 4 companies. A 26-year-old chartered accountant had passed away just four months after joining the global accounting firm in Pune.

The tragic incident came to light after a letter by Anna Sebastian Perayils mother went viral on social media recently. It has triggered a huge outrage and sparked a conversation about the exploitative work environment pervasive at these major accounting companies in India.

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Lets take a closer look.

What happened?

The viral letter by Annas grieving mother, Anita Augustine, blamed the work stress and long working hours at EY that allegedly claimed the young womans life in July.

In a letter to Ernst & Young India chairman Rajiv Memani, Anita called on the company to change the work culture that seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human being behind the role.

She wrote that the family was deeply hurt as no one from the organisation attended Annas funeral.

After the letter caused uproar on social media, the Union Labour Ministry said it is investigating the matter. Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway, Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje wrote on X.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint.@mansukhmandviya https://t.co/1apsOm594d  Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 19, 2024

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She was replying to former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhars post seeking a probe into the allegations of Annas family of exploitative work environment at Ernst & Young India.

The company has also responded to the viral letter, saying it was deeply saddened by the employees death and that it will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace.

Toxic work culture at Big 4 in India

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Annas untimely death has shed light on the missing work-life balance for those working at the Big 4 accounting and consulting firms  PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte, EY, and KPMG.

Several social media users opened up about their experiences of alleged toxic work culture at these firms.

My sister (working with one of the Big 4) faced the issues. She was at the dentist and [the] senior messaged and said at least reply immediately and do work after a few hours and got irritated when she said that she wont be able to respond the entire day (on non-working day), a user tweeted.

Another X user wrote about the foundational beliefs of managers at the Big 4 companies. He said they believe in not referring to people by name as they are a resource, undeserving of any empathy or humanity. The user alleged people leaving the workplace on time by 6 or 7 pm are mocked as serving half-day.

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The user claimed managers deploy a culture of fear at the workplace.

Foundational Beliefs of Big4 Managers:



1. Dont discuss people by names. They are a resource. Hence they arent deserving of any empathy or humanity.



2. If a project requires 10 people, 4 should be allotted on it so profitability can be increased. If resources have to work https://t.co/aUH1R5MSc2  Hardik Rajgor (@Hardism) September 18, 2024

Long work hours and high work pressure define these consultancy firms, which pay high salaries even at junior levels. As per a Mint report, there is an expectation from employees to work 16 hours a week, attend frequent meetings, and spend weekends preparing client pitches.

However, this trend is now leading to young professionals quitting their jobs in just a few years. Consultants told Mint that attrition in junior ranks in Indias consulting industry was believed to be 20-22 per cent last year, and 10 per cent at the middle and senior levels.

I had to go to clients site six days a week and travel 2-3 hours a day, return at night, and get back on my laptop. Work spilled over during weekends as I was in the risk and compliance team and worked for a telecom client, and escalations came in almost every day." a former employee of one of the firms who quit the job in three years told the financial newspaper.

A senior partner at one of the Big Four firms admitted that younger employees getting hospitalised were not unusual as they were expected to work 14-16 hours a day in their initial years.

After Annas death, an employee who has worked with EY for four years in Pune told Indian Express, All of a sudden we cant use the broad term work culture. We have to look for policy level changes and make basic changes, like the work day shouldnt extend beyond nine hours maximum twice or thrice a month. What happens at the manager and team level too makes a difference. The team has to understand what employees are going through. Somehow I have been lucky and got to work with a good team.

A representative of Deloitte India told Mint in an email that the firm offers hybrid working to its employees. We have introduced well-being as a component of goals too. The requirement is to take at least two days off every quarter and this is reflected in a burnout dashboard.

KPMG said that it has several measures in place, including counselling for its employees and their families and periodic health check-ups, as part of its wellness initiatives, according to the financial newspaper.

Some social media users have pointed out that the culture of overwork is prevalent at most multinational corporations (MNCs) in India, which has the second-most overworked people, as per the International Labour Organization (ILO).

A problem beyond India

The problem of toxic work culture at the Big 4 companies exists beyond India. Last September, Spain decided to impose a fine of 1.4 million on the Big 4 companies after employees complained of working up to 16 hours per day at work.

This came after the Spanish Labour Ministry started probing the working practices and conditions at these consultancies. A former employee at PwC consultancy in Madrid told Euronews at the time that he used to work 12 hours a day, barely getting any free time after work. He said he did not even have time to buy groceries and would end up eating fast food for every meal.

The long work hours at these firms seem to have become an accepted norm. Four women alumni of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, who graduated in 2015, revealed working over 45 hours a week at their respective Big 4 companies. The EY and Deloitte employees reported spending an average of over 50 hours per week working and the one at PwC said she worked 70-80 hours a week during the busy season. The KPMG employee said she usually worked 40 hours a week, which could extend to 50-70 hours during the busy season, as per the Indiana University Women in Business website.

The work culture at these Big 4 firms has come under scanner before. A 27-year-old Indian employee working at EY Australia fell to her death from the terrace of the firms Sydney building in 2022. As per Daily Mail Australia, she had complained to her friends of her colleagues at EY being mean and racist.

Her death had led to accusations of racism and a toxic work environment at the company.

In 2011, a young Chinese woman employed at PwCs Shanghai office died from acute meningitis. While there was no evidence to confirm her death was linked to work-related fatigue, several people blamed overwork for her death, reported China Daily.

Employees in China said that while the Big Four companies paid well, they were infamous for overworking employees. Working overtime is normal at the Big 4. Its like a culture. They will give you a project and set a deadline, but its impossible to finish it without working overtime, a junior auditor at Ernst & Young had said at the time.

Big 4 in India

Big 4 companies started as accounting and auditing firms. Today, they have expanded into technology services. With this, their presence has increased in India.

Deloitte and EY have employed about 1 lakh people each in the South Asian country. PwC has about 50,000 employees and KPMG has over 40,000.

Deloitte has 18 offices across seven major Indian cities. The other three Big 4 companies also have more than 10 offices in India.

With inputs from agencies
The pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon were targeting Hezbollah fighters. Whats this militant group that Israel is going after? read more

Several people gather outside a hospital after the arrival of men injured in pager explosions in Lebanon.AP

Lebanon has been rocked by two days of device attacks. On Tuesday, pagers detonated across the country; on Wednesday, walkie-talkies started blowing up.

At least 32 have been killed and thousands injured because of the exploding devices, largely used by Hezbollah fighters. Although no one has taken responsibility for the attacks, the militant group has accused Israel and vowed retaliation against what it labels the biggest security breach it has faced.

These attacks have raised concerns that the long-standing tension between Hezbollah and Israel could escalate into a full-scale war. Meanwhile, the United States has urged all parties in West Asia to avoid further escalation, and the UN Security Council is set to discuss the explosions on Friday.

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The ongoing strife between Hezbollah and Israel has been escalating since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October. Like Hamas, Hezbollah is part of the Axis of Resistance, a coalition of Iran-backed extremist groups.

With West Asia once again staring at the possibility of a wider conflict, we take a look at the origins of Hezbollah and their fight with Israel.
Greece reported an over 30 per cent hike in Indian investors seeking to buy property in recent months. This came ahead of the changes to the European Union countrys Golden Visa programme read more

Greece emerged as a go-to destination for wealthy Indians to buy property in recent months. The European Union (EU) country saw an over 30 per cent surge in demand from Indian investors before the new rules of its Golden Visa programme came into force on September 1.

Launched in 2013, the initiative has helped to attract foreign investment to Greece. However, the country has tweaked the programme amid rising property prices.

Lets take a closer look.

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What is Greeces Golden Visa programme?

Greeces Golden Visa offers residency permits to those making significant property investments in the country. Under the programme, applicants can obtain a five-year residency in Greece and access to travel across the Schengen Zone without a visa.

Foreigners can avail of the visa by making a real estate investment, buying government bonds, or through a direct capital transfer into a Greek enterprise.

To get residency, people needed to make a minimum real estate investment of 250,000 (Rs 2.3 crore). This was one of the lowest thresholds in Europe, making Greece an appealing choice for foreign investors.

The programme helped boost Greeces real estate market, with key regions including Athens witnessing an upswing in development, as per an Economic Times (ET) report.

However, the rise in demand led to a sharp increase in property prices, particularly in highly sought-after areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. This made housing unaffordable for local residents, fanning the housing crisis in these regions.

To keep prices under check, the Greek government decided to raise the minimum investment requirement.

Changes to Golden Visa scheme

Earlier this year, Greece announced significant changes to the Golden Visa programme, increasing the minimum investment. For areas like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and the islands with a population of more than 3,100, the bar has been raised to 800,000 (Rs 7.5 crore).

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Property investors will have to spend at least 400,000 (Rs 3.7 crore) in other regions of Greece under the new rules. These changes were enforced in September.

Notably, the Greek government has made room for a transitional phase. The investors who sign a pre-contract or private purchase agreement for a property by September 30 can benefit from the old threshold, provided they complete the purchase by December 31, 2024.

The Golden Visa programme boosted Greeces real estate market. Representational Image/AFP

The new rules are a part of the wider plans to make housing affordable for Greek citizens and promote more equitable development.

The government hopes this will encourage investment in less crowded areas while addressing local housing needs, Greeces finance minister Kostis Hatzidakis said in April.

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Indians rush to buy Greece properties

Indians reportedly sped up efforts to snap up properties in Greece before the changes to the Golden Visa came into force in September.

The EU nation recorded a 37 per cent jump in Indian buyers between July and August, as per a Moneycontrol report. We saw a rush of Indian homebuyers in recent months, to the point where we sold out our available residential stock in Greece. Many investors purchased under-construction projects with handover periods of six-twelve months, Sanjay Sachdev, Global Marketing Director of property development firm Leptos Estates, told the outlet.

The Golden Visa programme has appealed to Indias rich who want to set up second homes in Europe, seeking a change in lifestyle, high-quality healthcare and education and decent rental income.

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In Greece, rental yields usually range from 3-5 per cent every year, with property values appreciating by 10 per cent year-on-year, noted Moneycontrol.

Greece and Cyprus remain top real estate choices for Indian investors, especially after countries like Portugal, Spain and Ireland closed their permanent residency programmes, Sachdev said.

The change in Greeces Golden Visa rules could drive investors to other alternatives like Portugal or Spain. It remains to be seen whether wealthy Indians will ditch Greece for more favourable options.

With inputs from agencies
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved four big space projects, including a mission to Venus. Known as the Earths twin sister, the planet is the hottest in our solar system. Heres why studying it is important read more

After the Moon and the Sun, India is now aiming for Venus, the Earths twin sister. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (September 18) green-lit four major space projects, including the next phase of the lunar mission and a mission to the planet Venus.

The mission to Venus would be the Indian Space Research Organisations (Isro) second mission to a planet, after 2014s Mars Orbiter Mission. India will aim to launch the ambitious Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) by March 2028.

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But why does India want to study the planet? Lets understand.

What is VOM?

With the Venus Orbiter Mission, Isro will place a scientific spacecraft in orbit of the planet to study it and conduct scientific experiments.

The mission will examine the Venusian surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes and the influence of the Sun on Venus atmosphere.

The VOM will cost Rs 1236 crore, of which Rs 824 crore will be spent on the spacecraft.

Glad that the Cabinet has cleared the Venus Orbiter Mission. This will ensure more in-depth research to understand the planet and will provide more opportunities for those working in the space sector.https://t.co/nyYeQQS0zA  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2024

Hours after the Union Cabinet approved the Venus mission, senior officials from the Isro told ThePrint that the design of the spacecraft was ready.

As it is an orbiter mission, the spacecraft will be put in Venus orbit. In this current plan, we do not plan to land a spacecraft on Venus. The spacecraft will be designed to hover over Venuss atmosphere, from where we will take our measurements and conduct our experiments, an Isro official was quoted as saying by the news outlet.

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Informally known as Shukrayaan-1, the Venus mission will be a big push to Indias space programme.

Why India wants to study Venus

Studying Venus will help in a better understanding of the Earth. The hottest planet in our solar system was once habitable.

The study of the underlying causes of [the] transformation of Venus, which is believed to be once habitable and quite similar to Earth would be an invaluable aid in understanding the evolution of the sister planets, both Venus and Earth, the Department of Space said in a statement.

Venus is similar to the Earth in size, mass, density and volume. The second planet from the Sun has a thick atmosphere and clouds made of sulfuric acid. The atmospheric pressure at the surface of Venus is over 90 times of the Earth at sea level.

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Isro officials say the Venus mission could help India discover key and unique findings about the planet. This mission will showcase our technology development capabilities and scientific prowess, the official from the Indian space agency told ThePrint.

Speaking about the Venus mission last year, Isro chief S Somanath had said, It is important to understand the evolution of planetary bodies. Only if you look at Venus and Mars, one can actually study what effects are there in your activities on the Earth that actually makes it habitable or non-habitable. All this will depend on your understanding of it and the ability to act on it.

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Calling Venus an interesting planet, he had said that Earth could become Venus one day. Maybe 10,000 years later we (Earth) change our characteristics. Earth was never like this. It was not a habitable place long back, Somanath told media persons.

ALSO READ: Once covered in oceans, now Venus has almost no water. Heres why

More Venus missions

Mariner 2 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) was the first spacecraft to fly past Venus in December 1962.

The European Space Agencys (ESA) Venus Express has analysed the planets ionosphere and atmosphere.

Japans Akatsuki spacecraft is currently studying Venus from its orbit.

The US space agency has planned two new missions to the planet  VERITAS and DAVINCI.

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Other future missions to study Venus include Rocket Lab and Massachusetts Institute of Technologys (MIT) Venus Life Finder and ESAs EnVision.

Other space projects in Indias pipeline

Besides the Venus mission, the Union Cabinet gave a nod to Chandrayaan-4, Isros next mission to the Moon. It will include launching spacecraft to land on the lunar surface, collecting samples and bringing them back to the Earth.

The government also aims to set up a Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), the Indian space station for scientific research. The Gaganyaan mission will be revised to include this development. Isro has set a deadline of December 2029 to complete the launches and operations of the first unit of BAS. The project will have eight missions, including four to build the Indian space station.

The Cabinet has also green-lit the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle, which will enhance Isros launch capability from the current 10 tonnes to the low earth orbit to 30 tonnes. Dubbed Soorya, the launch vehicle will cost Rs 8,239 crore and is expected to be completed in 96 months.

With inputs from agencies
After thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies blew up in Lebanon, killing over 32 people and injuring more than 3,000 others, many questions are being asked about Israels hand. But what could be its game plan? What does the timing of this covert operation say? read more

Mourners carry the coffin of Mohammed Mahdi, son of Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar, who was killed Tuesday after his handheld pager exploded, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. AP

On Tuesday (September 17), hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah simultaneously exploded in different parts of Lebanon, killing 12 people, including two children, and injuring about 2,800. While no group claimed responsibility for the chilling and audacious attack, Hezbollah placed the blame at Israels feet and vowed revenge.

While people across the world kept discussing the pager explosions  asking questions about it the attack was carried out to the repercussions of the act  on Wednesday (September 18), Lebanon was rocked once again when thousands of two-way radios used by the group blew up in Beirut, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 450 others.

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The attacks, which many believe imperils the region, has led to many unanswered questions. But none as interesting as  why. Why have the pager and walkie-talkie explosions occurred now? Is there a significance to the timing of the attacks?

We take a closer look and try to solve this mystery.

First pagers, then walkie-talkies

Hezbollah, the Lebanese-based militant group, was stunned on Tuesday after a simultaneous detonation of pagers took place, killing 12 people and wounding nearly 3,000 more. The group took no time to point fingers at Israel for the attack, saying it would get justice for it.

As Lebanon was reeling from the pager explosions, the country was struck by a second deadly wave of explosions. This time, it was walkie-talkies used by its members, which detonated in Beirut, killing 20 people and injuring more than 450 others.

A walkie-talkie that exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon. AP

Visuals surfacing on social media showed people running for cover when an explosion went off during a funeral for Hezbollah members in south Beirut in the afternoon.

In the case of the pagers, most suspect that an infiltration in the supply chain was the way the attack was carried out. Reports said that small amounts of explosive had been inserted into the low-tech devices, which detonated when it was activated via a radio signal, as simple as the paging system itself.

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When it comes to the walkie-talkies, few details have emerged, but a security source told Reuters that Hezbollah had bought them five months ago, about the same time that the pagers were bought.

Lebanese Red Cross ambulance passes next to the families of victims who were injured by their exploding handheld pagers, at the emergency entrance of the American University hospital, in Beirut, Lebanon. AP

Use it or lose it

Following the attacks, the biggest question that people have been asking is why now. There are a number of theories to the timing of the attack and the first one that emerged little after the pager explosions is that Israel went ahead with the plan over worries that the terror group might have uncovered their plot.

Reports by multiple outlets stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his top officials reportedly greenlit the coordinated attack sooner rather than later when intelligence briefings in recent days suggested Hezbollah might have detected the explosives allegedly placed inside their pagers.

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Moreover, the walkie-talkie explosions was also sped up over concerns that the terrorists would ditch the devices following the previous days surprise attack.

A US official speaking to Axios on the attack  Washington has denied having any involvement in the explosions  said that it was a use it or lose it moment for Israel.

What this means is that Israel wanted to go ahead with its plan before it was uncovered by Hezbollah, which would result in their previous planning going to waste.

Lebanese security officers stand next of a partly damaged car after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. AP

Domestic morale boost

Another possible reason for the double wave of attacks against Hezbollah would be to serve as a morale booster.

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A day before the pagers started exploding in Lebanon, the discussion on the ongoing war  which began last October  was over whether Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu would remove his Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant. However, the focus has now shifted back to the actual war and not the politics surrounding it.

Moreover, some experts note that it may serve as a morale booster for Netanyahu, who has been struggling with lower approval ratings; until July, the Israeli PM only had 32 per cent of approval from his countrymen. Some believe that the detonations may bolster his image and reinstate his image of being a strongman.

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A young boy holds a candle in front of the Lebanese Embassy in Tehran, Iran following a series of pager and walkie-talkie explosions. AP

The pager and walkie-talkie explosions also serve as a much-needed image-burnishing for the countrys security establishment. Mossad and other intelligence agencies in Israel lost fact after Hamas terrorists carried out an audacious attack on October 7 last year, killing hundreds and taking several people hostage.

The pager explosions have caught the imagination of people, with some likening it to a spy novel or movie. Others note that such an operation is highly complicated and requires meticulous planning and with Mossad having been able to pull it off, it seems the agency has found favour.

French defence and strategy consultant Pierre Servent had another theory. He noted that as the wars first anniversary  October 7  draws nearer, the attacks have been able to deliver the message that Israel is here. He told AFP that the explosions allow Israels security officials to send a message: We messed up, but were not dead.

A further escalation

Some others believe that the attacks serve as an explicit message that Israel has the technology and the willingness to go against the group.

It also could be a message that Israel is escalating the war. After all, the Israel war Cabinet added a new goal to its war on Wednesday. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told troops yesterday, We are at the start of a new phase in the war. The centre of gravity is moving northward.

A newsstand shows headlines following pager detonations across Lebanon on Tuesday, in Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters

Prime Minister Netanyahu also said on Wednesday that he vowed return tens of thousands of residents evacuated from northern border areas to their homes. I have said it before, we will return to the citizens of the north to their homes in security and thats exactly what we are going to do, he said in a brief video statement, giving no further details.

But others argued that the detonations were an act of deterrence. This is because countrys security service just revealed that it had foiled an attempt by Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior Israeli security official using a remotely detonated explosive device.

And retired Israeli Navy commander Eyal Pinko agreed with this theory. Speaking at a briefing of Jerusalem Press Club he was quoted by CNN as saying, I think this kind of operation is setting some kind of alert or deterrence. The intention is to say, We have penetrated you, you have already been penetrated, we know where you are, what you do, and look what we can do in one single shot.

We dont know what happens next  the future seems uncertain, Israels motives remain a mystery. All we can do is sit back and wait until the next move is made in what is appearing to be a game of very interesting chess.

With inputs from agencies
Lebanon has been rocked after several pagers and walkie-talkies blew up over two days. Following the attacks, investigations and theories have begun into who supplied these exploding devices to Hezbollah members. A global trail has emerged  from Taiwan to Hungary and Japan. Heres what we found out read more

Lebanese army members outside the American University of Beirut Medical Center, in Beirut, Lebanon after a series of pagers and walkie-talkies blew up over two days. Reuters

Lebanon is living in fear and everyday communication devices have become a source of their anxiety. Why? This dread comes following the two days of deadly pager and walkie-talkie blasts, which have killed at least 32 people and injured another 3,250.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Hezbollah, which was the main target, has blamed Israel for the explosions and vowed retribution. The Jewish nation has remained mum, but experts and media reports are assuming it was responsible.

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A day after the second attack, targeting walkie-talkies, questions continue to be asked: How did Israel tamper with the devices, whats Israels motive for the attacks, and what happens next?

In this explainer, we try to uncover how these exploding devices  both the pagers and the walkie-talkies  make their way into Hezbollahs hands.

Tale of Taiwan and the pagers

Shortly after hundreds of pagers blew up across Lebanon on Tuesday (September 17), all eyes turned towards Gold Apollo, a nondescript, small company based in a shabby Taipei suburb. Thats because the exploding pagers were identified to be manufactured by this company. Pictures on social media showed the exploded pagers to be the Gold Apollo AR924 model, billed as a compact waterproof device, which uses a rechargeable lithium battery.

Lebanese soldiers and firefighters gather outside a mobile shop after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. AP

A Lebanese official was also quoted as saying that Hezbollah had ordered 5,000 pagers by the Taiwan-based company Gold Apollo, and it was these new devices that blew up. Other sources said that these pagers had been brought into the country in the northern hemisphere spring.

Analysts at the open-source intelligence group Bellingcat also identified the pagers as coming from Gold Apollo.

As the news spread like wildfire, journalists stormed Gold Apollos office, seeking answers. The companys founder and president, Hsu Ching-Kuang, and his team offered many explanations in the hours to come.

A police member arrives at the Gold Apollo office in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Reuters

At first, a sales manager told the Financial Times that Gold Apollo had been selling to Lebanon for years.

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But this changed shortly after. Hsu Ching-kuang in a press conference offered another explanation; he told reporters that the pagers were made by another company licensed to use its brand. There is an agent in Europe whom we have cooperated with for three years, they are the agent for all of our products, Hsu said.

We are not a big company, but we are a responsible company that cares about our products, he added.

A company statement stated later, According to the agreement, we authorise BAC to use our brand trademark for product sales in specific regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are entirely handled by BAC.

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We only provide brand trademark authorisation and have no involvement in the design manufacturing of this product.

Hsu Ching-kuang, founder and president of Gold Apollo speaks to the media at their office in New Taipei City, Taiwan following the pager explosions in Lebanon. Reuters

Even with Gold Apollo attempting to steer responsibility away from the incident, it has left the island nation wary owing to the implications of being involved in a global conflict. Keeping that in mind, Taiwans Economic Affairs Ministry said that Gold Apollo had exported 260,000 pagers from 2022 to August 2024, and none of them had exploded so far.

Was this batch of goods actually modified?  Did another manufacturer produce them and simply label them with the Apollo brand? This part is still under investigation by the authorities, a ministry spokesperson told NBC News.

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Moreover, Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said the government was closely watching developments. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Taiwan Cabinet spokesperson Lee Hui-chih also reiterated that pagers exported from the island do not have a problem with exploding.

Hungary and BAC

Gold Apollos Hsu identified the other company in Hungary to be BAC Consulting. As per Hsus statement, he entered into a deal with BAC almost three years ago. The contract signed by both said that Gold Apollo would sell its pagers to BAC and additionally also allow BAC to use Gold Apollos trademark on his own products.

BAC Consulting Chief Executive Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono has confirmed that her company worked with Gold Apollo. However, when asked about the exploding pagers, she said, I dont make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong.

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Elod Novak, member of the Committee on Defence and Law Enforcement tries to get into the office building where BAC Consulting KFT is said to be registered, in Budapest, Hungary. Taiwans Gold Apollo said in a statement that BAC has a licence to use its brand and made the model of pagers used in the detonations in Lebanon. Reuters

Later, Hungarys government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs also waded into the issue, when he wrote on X that BAC is a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary. It has one manager registered at its declared address, and the referenced devices have never been in Hungary.

Many point out that the message was Hungarys way of trying to brush off any responsibility or involvement in the exploding pagers incident.

However, New York Times has dropped a bombshell. In a new report, the US media outlet states that BAC Consulting is part of an Israeli front.

Japan and the case of exploding walkie-talkies

A day after the pager explosions shocked Lebanon, came the walkie-talkie detonations. Initial investigations show that the exploding devices bore the brand Icom, a Japanese company.

The company almost immediately issued a statement that it was investigating if the exploding devices were actually theirs or counterfeits. In a statement, the firm said, Earlier today in worldwide media, there have been reports that two-way radio devices bearing the Icom logo have exploded in Lebanon.

We are currently investigating the facts surrounding this matter. We will release updated information as it becomes available on our website.

Japanese radio equipment maker Icom Inc director Yoshiki Enomoto shows the hologram on its model IC-V82 device, which the company said they stopped production in 2014, during an interview at its headquarters in Osaka, Japan. Reuters

The Japanese firm further added that production of model IC-V82, which appeared to be the one that exploded, was phased out in 2014.

The Osaka-based firm, which began in 1954, also pointed out that the images of the exploded devices didnt bear the hologram sticker that Icom normally puts on each of their devices, which points to the fact that they may not actually be theirs.

Icom is known for manufacturing communication receivers and they are sold in more than 80 countries around the world, having subsidiaries in the United States, Australia, Germany, Spain and China.

And it seems that Icom is confident that the exploding devices are not theirs. An official from the companys US subsidiary told AP, I can guarantee you they were not our products.

The Japanese government is also closely monitoring the reports. We are currently gathering information, Yoshimasa Hayashi, chief cabinet secretary, told reporters in Tokyo Thursday morning.

With inputs from agencies
A 23-year-old woman is facing a critical health crisis after a severe reaction due to vaccines administered at the UCI Medical Centre in Californias Orange County. Alexis Lorenze was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) in January and subsequently received Tetanus, Pneumococcal, and Meningitis vaccines at the hospital for her condition. Heres what happened next read more

Alexis Lorenze, 23, from Florida, first sought treatment at the hospital for a blood disorder and underwent a blood transfusion. Image Courtesy: @arianammasters/X

Any vaccine can cause side effects. In the majority of cases, these reactions are mild and may go away in a few days.

However, thats not always the case.

In the US, a 23-year-old woman is facing a critical health crisis after a severe reaction due to vaccines administered at the UCI Medical Centre in Californias Orange County.

The woman, identified as Alexis Lorenze, was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) in January and is currently fighting for her life.

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It doesnt make sense why would you give someone a vaccines



This is Alexis Lorenze at a medical centre in California - her disposition is a direct immediate consequence of being given Vaccines.



The World continues to awaken to the dangers of vaccination. pic.twitter.com/ZrlL0InTFu  Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) September 17, 2024

Heres all we know about the case.

What happened?

Alexis Lorenze, 23, from Florida, first sought treatment at the hospital for a blood disorder and underwent a blood transfusion.

While the procedure was effective initially, doctors reportedly advised her to update her vaccinations to fully recover.

The Vaccine Safety Research Foundation (VSRF) report and other several reports say the young woman subsequently received Tetanus, Pneumococcal, and Meningitis vaccines at the hospital for her condition.

After receiving the vaccines, Lorenze claimed she experienced severe reactions. Within ten minutes, she experienced a series of alarming symptoms, including temporary blindness, a locked jaw and vomiting.

Lorenze and her dad Todd have been posting updates about her illness on Facebook and TikTok, among other social media sites. this girls ongoing case is one of the most disturbing heartbreaking things ive seen happen - in a place where she should feel safe in the hands of doctors, she is having her life taken every second. shes already had to accept her soon death because of the mistreatment. share pic.twitter.com/BUB04dXfED  matty  (@hisdrivee) September 17, 2024

The disturbing photos and videos that Lorenze posted highlight the seriousness of her alleged vaccine reaction. Her face and body are covered in significant black-purple bruises, and her skin is red and irritated. Her eyes and forehead are swollen.

Needs prayerspic.twitter.com/ftlG9sxmWx  Scenes & title in replies. (@badgirlyoyo01) September 18, 2024

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Update from Alexis Lorenzes father: Today has been highly difficult but she is getting through it. Pain is rough without medication.



Todd has asked everyone to please keep praying  pic.twitter.com/PGCLRWoWza  Died Suddenly (@DiedSuddenly_) September 18, 2024

The incident has provoked a wave of criticism with the hospital failing to issue an official statement. Many of Lorenzes supporters offered their prayers and concerns to her on social media.

This poor girl is fighting for her life after an adverse reaction to the Dtap, meningitis, and a pneumonia vaccine. Right now, you are not allowed to mention her name on Instagram. How evil!!!!! Share her story and pray for this young girl. pic.twitter.com/LhzM226ecA  Rajan Singh (@1Rajansingh) September 17, 2024

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Since her health is declining, VSRF has dispatched Registered Nurse Angela Wulbrecht along with a group of reliable medical professionals to help with her care.

The hospitals actions, according to Lorenzes family, are to blame for her healths rapid decline. She stated in one of her videos that she had spoken with a lawyer and was recording the entire situation.

The father-daughter team has further claimed that the hospital transferred her to a tiny room without a bed for her sister, who is taking care of her after she started posting updates. Todd Lorenze announced on Facebook on Tuesday that Alexis would be moving to a new hospital the next day.

Lorenze does not have health insurance in California and a fundraising campaign has been set up to collect funds for her care.

Alexiss example serves as a painful reminder of the complex nature underlying vaccination reactions.

With inputs from agencies
If Kejriwal was really keen to leave his official residence at the Civil Lines area, he should have vacated it immediately after he quit as the CM without creating a big drama to mislead the people, Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav alleged. read more

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav Thursday termed former chief minister Arvind Kejriwals promise to leave his official residence a big drama staged to mislead people, and said he should have left the house as soon as he quit. Yadav claimed that Kejriwal quit as CM because he knew that he would face a rout in the Assembly elections in early 2025.

If Kejriwal was really keen to leave his official residence at the Civil Lines area, he should have vacated it immediately after he quit as the CM without creating a big drama to mislead the people, Yadav alleged.

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He visited the building collapse site in Karol Baghs Bapa Nagar area where four people died and 14 others sustained injuries after the structure housing a slipper factory and residential accommodation collapsed.

The Delhi government should pay suitable compensation to the families of the victims, though no amount can compensate for the loss of a dear one, he stated.

He demanded a probe to fix responsibility, and to prevent recurrence of such mishaps.

Several buildings in Delhi are in a dangerous state due to illegal and faulty construction, and the government should take prompt action to prevent such mishaps, he added.

The incident took place on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (central) M Harsha Vardhan said they have questioned some people, including the building owner.

We have also recorded the statements of some witnesses, in addition to forensic processing of the place of incident. We have also seized a record from the MCD office in Karol Bagh regarding their dangerous buildings survey. Further investigation is in progress, the DCP said.
Reacting on death of 26-year-old EY employee in Pune, Ernst & Youngs India chairman Rajiv Memani said, Anna Sebastian Perayil worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee read more

Ernst & Young's India chairman Rajiv Memani said EY has around one lakh employees and 'each one has to work hard.' Source REUTERS.

The death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant with Ernst & Young India, allegedly due to work pressure has created massive outrage with the company, considered to be one of the Big Four accounting firms, facing backlash on social media.

Anna joined EYs audit and assurance team in Pune in March this year. She was employed at SR Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global in Punes Yerawada.

The young woman passed away four months later on July 20 while undergoing treatment at a city hospital where she was admitted after she felt uneasy and complained of exhaustion.

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Reports mentioned Annas colleagues claiming that they were told she died of a heart attack.

Annas mother, Anita Augustine, wrote a letter to Ernst & Youngs India chairman Rajiv Memani where she alleged that her daughter had worked tirelessly at the company and the workload, new environment and long hours took a toll on her physically, mentally and emotionally.

She also appealed for better working conditions for the employees at EY.

Annas mothers letter went viral on social media and was shared multiple times on LinkedIn, including by the former employees of the company.

Dont believe work pressure could have claimed Annas life

Speaking about the issue, Memani said EY has around one lakh employees and each one has to work hard."

Anna worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee. We dont believe that work pressure could have claimed her life, Memani was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

EY provided all assistance as it always do

Mermani further said that Annas promising career was abruptly ended in this tragic way is an irreparable loss for EY.

While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so, the report quoted EYs India chairman as saying.

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Committed to implementing measures bettering existing system

Memani further said that he had received a letter from Annas mother and he had addressed it, assuring her of his full support. He also emphasised that apart from providing immediate assistance, he is committed to implementing further measures aimed at bettering the existing systems."

Modi govt to investigate circumstances that led to Annas death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre has taken up a complaint and will be investigating the circumstances that led to Annas death.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint, Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje said in a post on X on Thursday.

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Anna was burdened with backbreaking work

In her letter, Annas mother said that her young daughter was burdened with backbreaking work and she received no weekends.

Her mother further said that Anna often reached her PG late at night utterly exhausted, collapsing into bed without even changing.

I am writing to you now, Rajiv, because I believe EY has a profound responsibility to ensure the well-being of its employees. Annas experience sheds light on a work culture that seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human beings behind the roles, Annas mother said in the letter addressed to the EY India chairman.

No one from EY attended Annas funeral

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She went on to highlight that no one from EY attended Annas funeral.

Annas mother also mentioned in the letter that after her funeral when she reached out to the manager, her daughter was reporting to, even they did not respond to her.

After the rage over the incident on social media following the letter of Annas mother which went viral, Memani had sent an email to his staff with a do not forward directive.

However, his email got leaked on social media and was widely circulated on various platforms.

In his email to staff with the subject line News in media, Memani acknowledged that he had received an anguished email from Annas mother and that he had taken note of her message with utmost seriousness and humility.

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In the mail, Memani added links to forums where EY employees could share feedback and said that anyone facing a challenging time at the company should reach out to their team leaders, members of the talent team.
On July 6, when her parents were in Pune to attend her CA convocation ceremony, Anna complained of chest pain at night and was taken to a hospital in Pune. However, her cardiologist said that her ECG was normal and that she was not getting enough sleep and was eating late read more

The death of a 26-year-old woman in Pune owing to work stress while working at Ernst and Young (EY) has sparked massive outrage prompting the central government to probe the case.

MoS for Labour Ministry Shobha Karandlaje announced on Thursday that the government had launched into the allegations after officially filing a complaint.

The news of Anna Sebastian Perayils death came after a letter written by her mother Anita Augustine to EY Indias chairman Rajiv Memani became viral.

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Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint, Karandlaje said on X.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint.@mansukhmandviya https://t.co/1apsOm594d  Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 19, 2024

What happened to Anna?

In the letter, Annas mother said it had been only four months since the 26-year-old joined EY after completing her Chartered Accountancy Course.

I am writing this letter as a grieving mother who has lost her precious child, Anna Sebastian Perayil. My heart is heavy, and my soul is shattered as I pen these words, but I believe it is necessary to share our story in the hope that no other family will have to endure the pain we are going through, Anita Augustine wrote.

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She recalled her daughters determination for her first job and said that she had been an excellent student who cleared her CA exam with distinction.

EY was her first job, and she was thrilled to be part of such a prestigious company. But four months later, on July 20th, 2024, my world collapsed when I received the devastating news that Anna had passed away. She was just 26 years old, the mother said.

However, things were not alright with Anna as she was overworked and had to work through nights sometimes and even on weekends.

Annas mother said, Her assistant manager once called her at night with a task that needed to be completed by the next morning, leaving her with barely any time to rest or recover. When she voiced her concerns, she was met with the dismissive response, You can work at night, thats what we all do.

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On July 6, when her parents were in Pune to attend her CA convocation ceremony, Anna complained of chest pain at night and was taken to a hospital in Pune. However, her cardiologist said that her ECG was normal and that she was not getting enough sleep and was eating late.

Though we had come all the way from Kochi, she insisted on going to work after seeing the doctor, saying there was a lot of work to be done and she wouldnt get leave. That night, she returned to her PG late again On Sunday, July 7th, the day of her convocation, she joined us in the morning, but she was working from home even that day until the afternoon, and we reached the convocation venue late.

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Her mother went on to say that Anna did not have time to even catch her breath and used to sleep without changing her clothes at times.

After her death, no one from her organisation came to attend her funeral. This absence at such a critical moment, for an employee who gave her all to your organization until her last breath, is deeply hurtful. Anna deserved better, Augustine said.

Anna was allotted work like any other employee

Meanwhile, Rajiv Memani told Indian Express, We have around one lakh employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard. Anna worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee. We dont believe that work pressure could have claimed her life.

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In an official statement, EY India offered condolences to the family and said Annas untimely passing is deeply saddening.

We are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 1,00,000 people across EY member firms in India, the company said.
In its exclusive report on Thursday Reuters claimed that artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine read more

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said, 'India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual use items.'

New Delhi on Thursday slammed Reuters report on diversion of Indian defence exports to Ukraine, terming it inaccurate and mischievous.

We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

In an exclusive report, Reuters had claimed that artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine.

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It further alleged that India has not intervened to stop the trade despite protests from Russia.

Reacting to the report, the MEA spokesperson said, India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual use items. India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end user obligations and certifications.

Our response to media queries on Reuters report on diversion of Indian Defence Exports to Ukraine:https://t.co/uvfgB8gF3f pic.twitter.com/3qIVU0W9YW  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 19, 2024

Reuters report claims

Reuters alleged that its report was based on eleven Indian and European government and defence industry officials, as well as its analysis of commercially available customs data.

It mentioned its sources claiming that the transfer of munitions to support Ukraines defence against Russia has occurred for more than a year.

Reuters even claimed that two of its Indian government and two defence industry sources as saying that New Delhi produced only a very small amount of the ammunition being used by Ukraine. The report further alleged one of the officials estimating that it was under 1 per cent of the total arms imported by Kyiv since the war.

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Among the European countries sending Indian munitions to Ukraine are Italy and the Czech Republic, which is leading an initiative to supply Kyiv with artillery shells from outside the European Union, the Reuters report quoted a Spanish and a senior Indian official as claiming.

Reuters claimed that all the sources quoted in its article spoke on condition of anonymity.

Read the entire Reuters report here: Indian artillery shells diverted to Ukraine by European buyers, New Delhi ignores Russias protest
the Sri Lankan president said that Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is certainly more friendly with India now that the election campaigning phase is much behind him read more

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke to Firstpost's Palki Sharma about his conversations with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on India.

In an exclusive interview with Firstposts Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe touched upon Maldives and President Mohamed Muizzus relationship with India.

He hinted at Muizzu having taken an anti-India stance in the island country to edge ahead in the elections.

In 2023, speaking of Muizzus rise to power on the back of an India Out campaign, Wickremesinghe, had told Firstpost that the Maldivian president should go slow on his approach towards India.

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When asked if he thinks Muizzu has heeded to his advice, the Sri Lankan president said, He is certainly more friendly with India now.

Wickremesinghe further said that Muizzu told him after the polls that regarding India he had to make some promises in the election. Thats what he had to do.

Commenting on the current relationship between Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, I was there in person when Mr Modi was sworn in and I found the chemistry between them having really improved.

He did not speculate on why such a change had occurred, though.

India-Maldives relations

The relationship between long-time allies New Delhi and Male had hit a bump when Mohamed Muizzu took the office of President in the country. He had, during his election campaigning, vowed to remove a contingent of dozens of Indian military personnel from the island country. After he came to power, India withdrew the troops from Maldives.

The Indian troops operated and maintained two helicopters and Dornier aircraft gifted previously by India to the Maldives.

However, it qasnt long before Muizzu made a U-turn on his previous remarks and hailed India as a friend of Maldives.

After all, India has always been a first responder to the Maldives in times of crisis. From development projects to financial assistance packages, New Delhi has a big stake in the island nation
Hundreds of workers have set up a makeshift protest camp near the Samsung plant. The employees, who earn an average of Rs 25,000 ($300) per month, are seeking a raise to Rs 36,000 ($430) over three years read more

Workers of a Samsung facility speak with their union leader E. Muthukumar during a strike to demand higher wages at its Sriperumbudur plant near the city of Chennai, India, September 11, 2024. Reuters

The workers strike at Samsungs plant in Tamil Nadu has been going on for 11 days now. In this time frame, the state government, the police, as well as a court has become involved.

A resolution to the problem, however, is still missing.

Samsungs Indian unit has sued members of a labour union leading the indefinite strike at its home appliances plant in Tamil Nadu.

District court involved

According to Reuters, the lawsuit, dated September 12, sought a temporary injunction from a district court in Kancheepuram to prevent the union from engaging in protests near the factory.

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In the court filing, the company said that union activities such as sloganeering and speeches could disrupt the factorys operations and prevent willing employees from fulfilling their duties, potentially escalating into a safety risk for the workforce.

During a court hearing on Thursday (September 19), Samsungs legal counsel argued that the union was preventing other employees from returning to work. The companys lawyer also suggested that the dispute should be resolved through direct mediation with workers.

The unions attorney countered that management was unwilling to meet the workers demands. The presiding judge, A. Saravanakumar, urged both parties to reach a settlement soon.

Tamil Nadu governments involvement requested

Just a day before the court hearing, The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), a national labour group backing the workers, had called for government intervention, urging the Tamil Nadu Labour Department to officially recognise the Samsung India Workers Union.

CITU said that that request has gone unanswered for 90 days, although the law stipulates a timeframe of 45 days for decisions, According to CITU state president A. Soundararajan

Samsung is reluctant to recognise any union affiliated with a national body like CITU, complicating negotiations.

The strike, which began on September 9, has disrupted production at the plant, which accounts for nearly one-third of Samsungs $12 billion in annual revenue from India.

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Polices involvement in the strike

Prior to CITUs plea to the government on Wednesday (September 17), the state police had detained over 100 protesters planning an unauthorised march on Monday (September 15).

Despite this, the protests continue, with other CITU-affiliated unions expressing solidarity with the striking workers.

The ongoing strike has drawn in hundreds of workers, who have set up a makeshift protest camp near the plant. Their demands include higher wages and formal recognition of the Samsung India Workers Union. The workers, who earn an average of Rs 25,000 ($300) per month, are seeking a raise to Rs 36,000 ($430) over three years.

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Resolution still pending

Despite attempts at mediation, this labour unrest one of the biggest in India in recent years has yet to be resolved. More than 1,000 workers, out of the 1,800 employed at the Sriperumbudur plant, have participated in the strike, which is the first of its kind in the factorys 16-year history.

The factory, located near Chennai, produces refrigerators, TVs, and washing machines. While the unrest has disrupted the production of home appliances, Samsungs smartphone manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh remains unaffected.

With inputs from agencies
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier transferred Kolkata Police chief Vineet Goyal and appointed Manoj Kumar Verma in his place, while also removing the directors of medical education and health services. read more

Ending the logjam persisting for the last 41 days, agitating junior doctors announced the withdrawal of their sit-in before Swasthya Bhawan on Friday and partial resumption of duties entailing the attending essential services in state-run hospitals from Saturday.

The medics also announced the setting up of Abhaya medical camps, in memory of the brutally murdered RG Kar trainee doctor, at flood-affected regions of the state from Friday.

To mark the withdrawal of their 10-day dharna before Swasthya Bhawan, the stirring doctors gave a call to march to the CBI office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake at 3 pm on Friday seeking justice for the RG Kar victim and a quick wrap up of investigations.

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Given the flood situation in West Bengal and the state government agreeing to certain demands of ours, we will be rejoining emergency and essential services partially from Saturday, an agitating doctor said on Thursday after their general body meeting.

The protesting doctors said they would not work in the Outpatient Department (OPD) but would partially work in emergency and essential services.

We will wait for a week for the West Bengal government to implement all its promises and if unfulfilled, we will resume cease work, the doctors said.

The announcements came shortly after Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, following up on issues discussed in Wednesdays meeting between the agitating junior doctors and the state task force, issued a list of directives on the safety, security and conducive environment for healthcare professionals, saying those orders need to be implemented immediately.

The directives issued today reflects partial acceptance of our demands in terms of ensuring safety and security at campuses. We consider that a limited victory given that previously the state also acceded to our demands of removing the Kolkata police commissioner and senior health department officials.

The arrests of ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh and Tala PS OC were also shots in the arm of our movement. We will, hence, end our stir here and return to essential services. But our fight is far from over, said Aniket Mahato, one of the agitating doctors.

It is the doctors humane responsibility to aid people in distress in the inundated regions of the state given the threatening flood situation, he added.

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In its directive, the government has carefully avoided addressing the issue of persisting threat culture in medical colleges and ways and means to restore democratic atmosphere in campuses. There is no effective direction to end the climate of fear among junior doctors and there is no assurance that a repeat of the RG Kar incident will never take place in future, added Debasish Halder, another junior medic.

Halder confirmed that doctors would continue with their demonstrations at their respective colleges.

We will draw up a Standard Operating Procedure detailing the nature of essential services which junior doctors would attend, This SOP would vary from hospital to hospital depending on the nature of emergencies they cater to, he said.

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The medics clarified their intentions to continue hitting the streets and fighting it out at the Supreme Court till justice for Abhaya is received.

The directives from the chief secretary had come hours after the junior doctors submitted to Pant a draft of the key points of their meeting with the government on Wednesday night which remained inconclusive on account of the states alleged refusal to sign the minutes of meeting (MoM).

Pant, in a two-page communication to Principal Secretary (Health) NS Nigam, issued 10 directives including the need for adequate availability of on-duty rooms, washrooms, CCTVs and drinking water facilities in the healthcare facilities. Works in this connection must be completed as early as possible, the communication said.

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It also stated that the state has appointed former DGP Surajit Kar Purkayastha to conduct security audits of all medical colleges and hospitals.

The directive included instructions to fully functionalise all hospital committees, including the Internal Complaints Committees, deployment details of security personnel on campuses, setting up of a centralised helpline number in healthcare facilities and a panic call button alarm system.

Earlier, the protesting doctors had sent to the chief secretary a draft of the key takeaways of the talks which took place between them and the government late Wednesday night, detailing the points which were discussed and agreed upon by the two sides.

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The draft contained 15 points as suggestions for the directives to be issued by the state which included setting up of separate central and college-level inquiry committees to identify and initiate departmental proceedings against those responsible for perpetrating threat culture on medical campuses.

A cursory comparison between the draft issued by the stirring doctors and the CS directive showed that the state had issued corresponding instructions to implement nine of those 15 demands.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Medical Council cancelled the registration of RG Kar Medical Colleges former principal Sandip Ghosh. Ghosh, an orthopaedic surgeon currently in CBI custody, has been removed from the list of registered medical practitioners maintained by the WBMC.
The former principal is no longer listed under Registered Medical Practitioners maintained by the WBMC read more

Former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh was arrested for alleged financial misconduct at the establishment. (Image: PTI/File)

The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) on Thursday withdrew the registration of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Ghosh is currently under CBIs custody over the rape and murder case of the 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar last month.

The former principal is no longer listed under Registered Medical Practitioners maintained by the WBMC.

His licence was cancelled under various provisions of the Bengal Medical Act, of 1914.

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Ghosh, along with police officer Abhijit Mondal, has been accused of tampering with evidence. A remand note by the Central Bureau of Investigation notes that the ex-principal hurried the doctors cremation despite her parents demand for a second autopsy.

Ghosh was taking orders from someone

The probe body, on Wednesday, said that it has reasons to believe that Ghosh was deliberately missing from the crime scene and that he only arrived at the hospital after the police went.

CBI said that he had called Mondal multiple times and an analysis of his phone calls revealed that he was taking orders from someone.

During interrogation, the former RG Kar principal said that he had spoken to a number of officials following which he formed a three-member board of doctors. He then forwarded the details to West Bengals health department.

Sandip Ghoshs involvement in corruption inside the hospital is not new. The victims father, earlier this week, said that his daughter would have been alive if Mamata Banerjee had taken action against Ghosh in 2021.

In fact, a junior doctor protesting in Kolkata told Firstpost that RG Kar has long been the hub of corruption.

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Dr Anustup Mukherjee from Kolkata Medical College and a representative of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, said, There is nothing to deny the fact that the amount of financial scam that was going around in RGK for the last 3-4 years was huge.
As weve said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesnt change our views about the underlying situation, said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri read more

After Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun initiated a lawsuit against India over assassination attempt, India on Thursday dismissed the charges as completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations.

Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, As weve said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesnt change our views about the underlying situation."

#WATCH | On designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun filed lawsuit against Indian govt in US over 'assassination' attempt, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular pic.twitter.com/qAbYrc177C  ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

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Referring to Pannun, Misri said that the antecedents of the person behind this particular case are well known and the organisation this person represents is unlawful.

I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known. I would also underline the fact that the organisation so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organisation, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, added the foreign secretary.

Pannun, the general counsel for pro-Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice, has filed a civil lawsuit in a US federal district court against the Government of India seeking damages for an alleged assassination plot that took place on US soil last year.

The lawsuit filed on Tuesday also lists National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, senior R&AW officer Vikram Yadav, and Nikhil Gupta as defendants in the Civil action suit.

According to a Wion report, citing a post by Pannun on X, a summon has been sent to the Indian Consulate General in New York, giving the Indian government and other defendants 21 days to respond to the complaint.

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Reports indicate that India has yet to reply to the summons.

The lawsuit seeks to hold the Indian government accountable for its alleged involvement in assassination plots against Pannun, a dual citizen of the US and Canada of Indian descent who reportedly survived a murder attempt in June 2023.

Previously, the US expressed concerns about an Indian officials involvement in the plot, issuing a diplomatic warning last December. The official is said to have collaborated with Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, to arrange a $15,000 upfront payment to a hitman to carry out the assassination.

With inputs from agencies
The Quad, which has covered significant ground over the last seven years since it was revived, has its task cut out read more

With the United States all set to host the fourth in-person Quad Summit in Delaware, the home state of President Joe Biden, on September 21, this has come as a huge shot in the arm for the supporters of this initiative  and also as a dampener to all those who thought this grouping did not have much of a future because of lack of interest amongst its members to take it forward. They based this assessment on the fact that no Summit of the Quad had taken place for more than a year since the last one in Hiroshima, Japan, in May 2023.

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It is to the credit of the Quad leadership that an innovative solution has been found by proposing to host the 2024 Summit in the US and pushing the Summit in India to next year in 2025. A similar innovative approach was adopted last year when it was decided to host the Summit, scheduled to be held in Sydney, Australia, in May, 2023, in Hiroshima, Japan on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, as President Joe Biden cancelled his visit to Australia from Japan at the last minute on account of some urgent negotiations in Washington DC.

Absence of a Summit in 2024 would have sent out a demoralising message that the Quad members are not fully invested in the objectives of this body and lack the commitment and mind space to advance it. By their decision to host the Summit in the US, the member countries have clearly demonstrated that they are keen and determined to take their cooperation to ensure peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific forward.

Rise of the Quad

The Quad has made significant progress since it was revived on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Manila, the Philippines in November 2017, exactly a decade after the Confluence of the Two Seas Speech delivered by the Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to the Joint Session of the Indian Parliament in August 2007. The Quad meetings took place at Senior Official level till September 2019, when the first meeting at foreign minister level was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2019, followed by an independent, self-standing meeting of Quad foreign ministers in Tokyo on October 6, 2020.

A significant impetus was provided soon after President Biden assumed office in January 2021 with a virtual Summit amongst the four leaders in April 2021, followed by the first in-person Summit in Washington DC in September 2021. These were followed by subsequent Summits in Tokyo in May 2022 and Hiroshima in May 2023. The Delaware Summit will be the 4th in-person Summit and the one in India in 2025, the fifth one.

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The Delaware Summit can be expected to build upon and take significant decisions on the several themes that have been discussed in the past Quad Summits and foreign ministers meetings.

Forthcoming Summit

As in the past meetings, the China factor can be expected to loom large over deliberations and decisions at the Summit. Although the name of China is not mentioned explicitly in any of the Joint Declarations that have been issued by the Summits starting in September 2021, most significant decisions point a finger at Chinas expansionist activities in the Indo-Pacific region. It can be safely presumed that if China had not conducted itself in the assertive and imperialist manner it has done over the last 15 years, particularly since Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012, there would have been no need to revitalise the Quad in 2017.

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In the Joint Statement issued after the meeting amongst the Quad foreign ministers in Tokyo on July 29, 2024, the ministers reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive and resilient, andto upholding the free and open rules-based international order, with its strong support for the principle of freedom, human rights, rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes and prohibition on the threat or use of force in accordance with the UN Charter.

With the aggressive behaviour of China in the South and East China Seas in mind and its violation of the international maritime law as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the statement reads: We emphasise the importance of adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order, including with respect to maritime claims, and in the South and East China Seas. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We continue to express our serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea.

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The statement adds: We also express our serious concern about the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, the increasing use of various kinds of dangerous maneuvers, and efforts to disrupt other countries offshore resource exploitation activities We emphasise the importance of maintaining and upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international lawWe reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016, is a significant milestone, and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties.

All references in the above para including the award by the Arbitral Tribunal in July, 2016, serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea, dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vesselsand efforts to disrupt other countries offshore resource exploitation activities and several more, point to only one countrys belligerent actionsa China!

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The spectrum of interest of Quad countries has gone beyond the maritime domain to include cyber and space domains. Over the past four years, several initiatives have been identified for taking forward cooperation in these spheres as well as others like critical and emergent technologies; healthcare; education and skill development; infrastructure; connectivity; terrorism including concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and their proxy groups; climate change; commitment to protecting the information environment by supporting media freedom as well as addressing foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation; unwavering support for ASEANs unity and centrality, and the ASEAN-led regional architecture; need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace (in Ukraine) in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; crisis in Myanmar and grave humanitarian suffering and challenges to regional stability posed by it; complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and condemnation of North Koreas destabilising launches using ballistic missile technology and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons; deep concern at the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including in Rakhine; great interest in achieving peace and stability in West Asia, etc.

While reference to peace and security in Ukraine has found mention in an earlier Joint Declaration by the Quad leaders, it is for the first time that reference has been made in any Quad declaration, as in the ministerial statement issued in Tokyo in July 2024 to the award by the permanent court of arbitration at The Hague in July 2016 against Chinese claims in the South China Sea, and also, to action to be taken by Pakistan against LeT and JeM. This sends out a clear signal that the Quad countries are getting bolder in pushing back against China, as also its protege Pakistan, for its terrorist activities.

The foreign ministers in Tokyo also announced a plan to expand its ambitious Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) programme to the Indian Ocean region that would facilitate monitoring the strategic waters.

Conclusion

Acceptance of the Quad is increasing among the neighboring ASEAN countries. It was for the first time that a reference to the Quad found mention in the bilateral Joint Statement issued after the recent visit by PM Modi to Singapore. It is likely that acceptability of the Quad will grow amongst countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and possibly some others who find themselves at the receiving end of Chinas aggressive actions. It would be essential to keep the ASEAN and Pacific Islands countries fully informed and appreciative of the benefits of the several initiatives of the Quad countries. To strengthen ties with ASEAN, more tangible, visible projects for the public good will be needed, especially in health and infrastructure sectors.

In the Quad foreign ministers Declaration of July 2024, it is stated: Through the Quad, we are supporting the region through practical cooperation on challenges such as maritime security, critical and emerging technologies, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, health security, climate change, counterterrorism, infrastructure and connectivity, and addressing the debt crisis through sustainable, transparent and fair lending and financing practices. We will continue to cooperate with regional partners to address shared challenges in our region.

The biggest challenge that confronts the countries in the Indo-Pacific, particularly developing ones, is the shortage of finance for creating infrastructure and ensuring that they dont succumb to the debt trap under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. These are the areas that the Quad will need to focus on in the coming years.

The Quad has to work assiduously to generate benefits in all the above spheres identified by it for the common people of the Indo-Pacific to garner their support for this initiative.

The Quad has covered significant ground over the last seven years since it was revived. In the current situation of geo-political flux, it has its task cut out for itself. Experience over the last four years gives reason for hope and confidence.

The writer is executive council member, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, president, Institute of Global Studies, Distinguished Fellow, Ananta Aspen Centre, and former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The findings, presented at a Capitol Hill event, have raised concerns among US policymakers about the growing technological prowess of China, particularly in areas like nuclear power and electric vehicles read more

The ITIF report also challenges the notion that Chinas innovation is primarily based on stolen technology from the West. Instead, it highlights the hard work and significant investments made by Chinese companies in developing their capabilities. Image Credit: Reuters

A recent 20-month investigation into the innovation performance of Chinese companies across key technologies has revealed that China is advancing at a much faster pace than previously anticipated by the United States.

The study, conducted by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a Washington-based think tank, evaluated 44 Chinese firms involved in sectors such as nuclear power, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and materials science.

The findings, presented at a Capitol Hill event, have raised concerns among US policymakers about the growing technological prowess of China, particularly in areas like nuclear power and electric vehicles.

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Chinas innovation outpaces expectations

The ITIF report highlighted that while Chinas innovation system is not without its flaws, it is significantly stronger than many in the West had assumed. Although China has not yet overtaken the United States in all areas of technology, it has made considerable progress in certain fields, with Chinese firms expected to match or surpass their Western counterparts within the next decade.

In the realm of nuclear power, China is leading the way, deploying fourth-generation nuclear reactors at a scale that is unmatched globally. The report notes that China is likely 10 to 15 years ahead of the US in this area, having built more nuclear reactors in the past decade than the US has in the last 30 years. By 2030, China is projected to surpass the US in nuclear power generation, having already operationalised advanced reactors with new designs and safety systems.

In the automotive industry, Chinas rapid growth has been nothing short of remarkable. From producing just 5,200 cars in 1985, China is expected to manufacture 26.8 million vehicles this year, capturing 21 per cent of the global market share, with projections to reach 30 per cent by the end of the decade. Notably, China now manufactures 62 per cent of the worlds electric vehicles and 77 per cent of the worlds EV batteries, positioning itself as a dominant player in the global EV market.

Challenges in semiconductor innovation

Despite these advances, the report also identifies areas where China still lags behind, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Chinese companies are currently two to five years behind global leaders in advanced chip production, a gap that has been exacerbated by US sanctions. However, China has made strides, as evidenced by Huaweis recent launch of a new smartphone powered by a domestically produced advanced semiconductor, surprising many in Washington.

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The US has responded to Chinas progress in semiconductors with a series of export controls aimed at limiting Chinas access to critical technologies. These measures, including new restrictions on quantum computing and advanced chipmaking tools, are intended to protect American technological superiority. However, the report warns that Chinas ability to innovate in legacy chips, which are crucial for a wide range of technologies, remains a significant concern for US policymakers.

US strategy

The findings have sparked a renewed debate in Washington about how to counter Chinas growing technological influence. US officials, including Congressman John Moolenaar, have emphasised the importance of export controls and restrictions on outbound capital to curb Chinas advancements. In August 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning American investments in Chinese firms involved in advanced technology sectors, reflecting the increasing focus on safeguarding US technological leadership.

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The ITIF report also challenges the notion that Chinas innovation is primarily based on stolen technology from the West. Instead, it highlights the hard work and significant investments made by Chinese companies in developing their capabilities. This shift has led to increased competition for US firms, with Chinese companies like BYD emerging as global leaders in the EV market, outpacing even giants like Tesla.

As China continues to push forward in key technological fields, the United States faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge. The ongoing rivalry between the two nations underscores the need for strategic investments in innovation and a coherent industrial policy that can match Chinas focused approach. The coming years will be critical in determining which country will lead the next wave of technological breakthroughs and how this will reshape the global economic and geopolitical landscape.
Musk has publicly criticised the Brazilian Supreme Court actions, framing them as an overreach of state power and a threat to free speech. Meanwhile, supporters of Justice de Moraes argue that the measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of online discourse read more

Before the update, X operated on specific IP addresses, which made it easier for Brazilian internet companies to block access to the platform. However, the new system implemented by X now shares IP addresses with other legitimate services, including banks and large internet platforms. Image Credit: Reuters

Elon Musks social media platform, X, has managed to circumvent a ban imposed by Brazils Supreme Court through an automatic software update, according to a statement from the Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Providers (ABRINT).

The platform, which had been blocked last month following a judicial order, abruptly became accessible again across Brazil, sparking widespread speculation among users about whether the ban had been lifted.

Technical manoeuver

ABRINT later clarified that the unexpected reactivation of X in Brazil was due to a structural change in the platforms network architecture. X reportedly altered its system to route traffic through IP addresses associated with Cloudflare, a prominent cybersecurity company based in San Francisco. Cloudflare supports millions of websites by routing their traffic, making it challenging for internet service providers to block specific platforms without also affecting other services.

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Before the update, X operated on specific IP addresses, which made it easier for Brazilian internet companies to block access to the platform. However, the new system implemented by X now shares IP addresses with other legitimate services, including banks and large internet platforms. This change has made it nearly impossible to block X without also disrupting access to these critical services, according to ABRINT.

What next?

The unexpected return of X has prompted Brazils Supreme Court to request an explanation from the countrys telecommunications regulator, Anatel. Local media reports indicate that Anatel is continuing to monitor the situation and is reporting its findings directly to the Supreme Court. The regulator confirmed that there has been no change in the courts decision to ban X, despite the platforms continued operation in the country.

The original ban was ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes as part of a broader effort to combat fake news and hate speech in Brazil. The ruling came after Musk refused to appoint a legal representative in the country and to restrict certain accounts.

Musk has publicly criticised the courts actions, framing them as an overreach of state power and a threat to free speech. Meanwhile, supporters of Justice de Moraes argue that the measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of online discourse and to curb the spread of harmful content.

Tension Between X and Brazilian Authorities

The situation in Brazil highlights the ongoing tension between Musks platform and the countrys legal system. While the Supreme Court remains firm in its stance against X, the platforms technical workaround has complicated enforcement efforts.

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As the Brazilian authorities continue to monitor the situation, it remains to be seen how the legal battle between X and the Brazilian judiciary will unfold. For now, X continues to operate in the country, albeit under a cloud of legal uncertainty.
This latest incident follows a series of cyber-attacks that have plagued Indonesia in recent months. In June, a ransomware attack crippled several government services, including immigration and major airport operations, affecting over 280 government agencies read more

Among the exposed data were the details of President Jokowi, his son Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and other cabinet members, where it was sold for $10,000. Image Credit: Reuters

Indonesias tax agency has launched an investigation into a significant data breach that reportedly exposed the personal information of 6 million taxpayers, including President Joko Jokowi Widodo and several high-ranking government officials.

The breach, which has raised serious concerns about the countrys cybersecurity measures, comes amid a series of cyber-attacks that have targeted both Indonesian companies and government agencies in recent years.

Indonesias data exposure

The breach was first brought to public attention by cybersecurity expert Teguh Aprianto, who shared a screenshot on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, showing samples of national identity numbers and taxpayer identification numbers belonging to millions of Indonesians.

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Among the exposed data were the details of President Jokowi, his son Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and other cabinet members. The leaked information reportedly appeared on the hacking site BreachForums, where it was being sold for 150 million rupiah (approximately $10,000).

Dwi Astuti, a spokesperson for Indonesias tax agency, confirmed that their technical team is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged leak. While the agency has not yet provided specific details about the breach, they acknowledged the circulating information and the seriousness of the situation.

Indonesias cybersecurity nightmare

This latest incident follows a series of cyber-attacks that have plagued Indonesia in recent months. In June, a ransomware attack crippled several government services, including immigration and major airport operations, affecting over 280 government agencies.

These repeated breaches have highlighted the vulnerabilities in Indonesias cybersecurity infrastructure, which experts have attributed to inadequate protection measures for personal data.

President Jokowi addressed the issue on Thursday, acknowledging that data breaches are a global problem but emphasising the need for immediate action. He urged the relevant ministries to mitigate the impact of the breach and to strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents.

Cybersecurity experts, including Teguh Aprianto, have warned that the exposure of taxpayer data could lead to targeted attacks by scam operations, potentially resulting in both material and immaterial losses for those affected. The breach could also reveal sensitive information about individuals earnings and financial transactions, further compounding the risks associated with the leak.

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How did Indonesias government respond

In response to the breach, the Indonesian government has been urged to conduct a comprehensive audit of its cybersecurity systems and to implement stronger protections for personal data.

The repeated attacks have underscored the need for more robust measures to safeguard sensitive information and to ensure that government agencies are better prepared to defend against cyber threats.

As the investigation continues, the Indonesian tax agency, along with other relevant authorities, will need to address the immediate fallout from the breach and take steps to restore public trust in the countrys digital security framework.

The outcome of this investigation could also have broader implications for Indonesias approach to data privacy and cybersecurity, potentially leading to new regulations or reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

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This breach serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cyber-attacks and the importance of maintaining strong cybersecurity protocols in an increasingly digital world.
Austin Mann, a world renowned professional photographer Austin noted that while Apples Camera Control feature might not revolutionise photography, it certainly makes capturing images faster and more efficient. He also pointed out a few issues read more

Manns evaluation suggests that while the updates might seem minor, they contribute to a more refined and versatile photographic experience. Image credit: Apple

Renowned professional photographer Austin Mann recently took the iPhone 16 Pro on a photographic journey across Kenya, offering insights into the capabilities of the new 48MP Ultra Wide Camera and the updated Camera Control feature.

Although Mann skipped the iPhone 15 lineup, his exploration of the iPhone 16 Pro reveals a deep appreciation for the subtle yet significant upgrades that Apple has made.

While some may lament the absence of groundbreaking hardware advancements, Mann emphasised that professional photographers and filmmakers continue to benefit from the ongoing improvements, even if they appear incremental.

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Enhancing the photographic experience

Austin Manns detailed review of the iPhone 16 Pros camera can be found on his website, where he shares a collection of stunning example photos and real-world use cases.

Although some of these scenarios may exceed what the average user might encounter, they demonstrate the iPhone 16 Pros potential in professional photography.

Mann highlighted the new Camera Control feature, noting that while it might not revolutionise photography, it certainly makes capturing images faster and more efficient. However, he did mention a minor drawback: during bumpy rides in trucks or flights in helicopters, he occasionally found himself inadvertently altering zoom levels or other settings, a challenge that some users might experience in similar situations.

Despite this, Mann expressed strong appreciation for the Photographic Styles feature, which he described as incredibly powerful. These styles allow users to significantly enhance their photos, regardless of whether they are professionals or casual photographers.

The ability to reverse a style and apply a new one adds flexibility, even though these styles are more complex than traditional filters. Manns evaluation suggests that while the updates might seem minor, they contribute to a more refined and versatile photographic experience.

Is the upgrade worth it?

As with other early reviews, Manns assessment aligns with the notion that the updates in the iPhone 16 Pro are largely incremental. For most users, this might mean that upgrading from the iPhone 15 Pro Max or other recent models may not be necessary.

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However, for those moving from older models, especially those transitioning from Lightning to USB-C or experiencing the 48MP camera capabilities for the first time, the changes could be significant. These users will likely notice a substantial improvement in their photographic workflows, thanks to the enhanced features that the iPhone 16 Pro offers.

While not a game changer for everyone, the iPhone 16 Pro continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography, providing valuable tools for both professionals and enthusiasts.
While the EUs robust data privacy laws and new AI regulations are designed to protect consumers and ensure ethical practices, Big Tech argues that the current approach may stifle innovation and competitiveness in the global AI race read more

In addition to the stringent data privacy rules, the EU has also been at the forefront of regulating AI technologies. The AI Act, which was introduced earlier this year, represents a significant legislative effort to prevent abuses and ensure ethical AI development within the region. Composite image

Several major technology companies, including Meta, Google, and Spotify, have voiced strong objections to the European Unions (EU) data privacy regulations, particularly concerning their impact on artificial intelligence (AI) development.

In a recent open letter, these firms, alongside researchers and industry groups, warned that Europe risks falling behind in the rapidly advancing field of AI due to what they describe as fragmented and unpredictable regulatory decisions.

Concerns over GDPR and AI training

The letter specifically targets recent decisions made recently that were added to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), initially introduced in 2018. The signatories argue that the current regulatory environment creates significant uncertainty about the types of data that can be legally used for training AI models. This uncertainty, they claim, is hampering innovation and competitiveness within the European market.

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has been particularly affected by these regulations. The company recently suspended plans to utilise data from European users to train its AI models following pressure from privacy regulators.

The open letter highlights this situation as an example of the challenges companies face when attempting to comply with varying interpretations of data privacy laws across different EU member states.

The letter calls for harmonised, consistent, quick and clear decisions from data privacy regulators to allow the use of European data in AI training. The tech giants argue that clearer and more unified regulations are necessary to foster innovation and ensure that AI developments benefit Europeans.

Ongoing legal and regulatory challenges

The European Commission responded to the concerns by reiterating that all companies operating within the EU are expected to adhere to the established data privacy rules. The EU has shown a strong commitment to enforcing these regulations, with Meta facing significant penalties for past violations, including a record fine exceeding one billion euros under GDPR.

In addition to the stringent data privacy rules, the EU has also been at the forefront of regulating AI technologies. The AI Act, which was introduced earlier this year, represents a significant legislative effort to prevent abuses and ensure ethical AI development within the region. However, this regulatory landscape has led some tech companies to delay the introduction of new products in the European market as they seek legal clarity.

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Meta, for instance, delayed the EU-wide launch of its Twitter alternative, Threads, by several months last year due to concerns over compliance with EU regulations. Similarly, Google has postponed the release of certain AI tools within the EU, further illustrating the tension between innovation and regulation.

Future of AI in Europe

The open letter from Meta, Google, Spotify, and other industry players underscores the growing concern among tech giants about the future of AI development in Europe. While the EUs robust data privacy laws and new AI regulations are designed to protect consumers and ensure ethical practices, these companies argue that the current approach may stifle innovation and competitiveness in the global AI race.

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As the debate continues, the balance between safeguarding privacy and fostering technological advancement remains a critical issue for policymakers and industry leaders alike. The outcome of this ongoing dialogue will likely shape the future of AI development in Europe and determine the regions role in the broader global technology landscape.
The non-binding resolution adopted on Thursday calls for EU countries to immediately lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against legitimate military targets on Russian territory, according to a report read more

The resolution also demands that EU countries increase financing for Ukraine. AFP File

Lawmakers in the European Parliament are urging all EU capitals to allow Ukraines military to deploy long-range missiles against targets within Russia.

According to a Politico report, the non-binding resolution adopted on Thursday, calls for EU countries to immediately lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against legitimate military targets on Russian territory.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have said that a failure by governments to agree on allowing Kyiv to use donated long-range missiles jeopardizes Ukraines ability to safeguard its cities and infrastructure.

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The consensus was reached with a vote of 425 in favour, 131 against, and 63 abstentions, reported Politico.

While Germany has so far declined to supply its Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, both France and Italy have provided their Scalp missiles.

According to Politico, the United States is negotiating with the United Kingdom to authorise the use of its Storm Shadow missiles within Russia.

The resolution further calls on EU countries to enhance financial support for Ukraine, increase humanitarian aid, and take more measures to protect airspace around the nations borders.

Ukraine should have a right to use Western weapons against legitimate targets on Russian territory, The Politico quoted German Green Sergey Lagodinsky, one of the resolutions authors, as saying.

Just like international law allows it to, Lagodinsky added.

With inputs from agencies
The officials stated that seven Armenians were recruited to undergo a three-month-long training in Russia. These insurgents were paid monthly salaries of 220,000 rubles ($2,377) and underwent thorough background checks and polygraph tests before they were sent to Arbat military base in Rostov-on-Don, southern Russia read more

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told POLITICO in September 2023 that a Russian peacekeeping mission in Azerbaijan's breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region had failed to do its job. AFP

Armenia accuses Russia of hiring and training a ring of insurgents in a bid to overthrow the countrys pro-Western government. The allegations were hurled by the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia on Wednesday. The authorities noted that seven people were charged with preparing to usurp power  using violence and the threat of violence to take over the powers of government.

The officials stated that six Armenians were recruited to undergo a three-month-long training in Russia. These insurgents were paid monthly salaries of 220,000 rubles ($2,377) and underwent thorough background checks and polygraph tests before they were sent to Arbat military base in Rostov-on-Don, southern Russia.

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The Russian authorities are yet to respond to the accusations.

The deteriorating relations between Armenia and Russia

The two nations shared strong ties for decades before Armenia expressed discontent over Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response to Russias invasion of Ukraine, Armenia froze its membership in the Moscow-led CSTO military alliance, dispatching humanitarian aid to Kyiv and staging joint drills with US forces.

Amid all this, Moscow forged closer ties with Armenias longtime rival Azerbaijan. Last month, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev held friendly talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Baku.

A major dent in Russia-Armenia ties came after Russian border guards, who had been stationed in Armenia since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, were asked to withdraw from their posts earlier this year. In September last year, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told Politico that a Russian peacekeeping mission in Azerbaijans breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region had failed to do its job, after Russian forces stood aside when Azerbaijan launched a new offensive in the enclave.

On Wednesday, the Armenian premier made it clear that the country would continue to pivot towards the West. If we see a more or less realistic possibility of becoming a full member of the European Union, he said, we will not miss that moment".

With inputs from agencies.
In an exclusive interview to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the economic recovery process would take three years read more

Sri Lanka is going to the polls on Saturday. Two days before the 17 million eligible voters decide who will be the next president of Sri Lanka, incumbent and election candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe in an interview with Firstposts Managing Editor Palki Sharma defended measures he took to deal with the countrys economic collapse two years ago.

Wickremesinghe took charge of the Sri Lanka government after the then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced out of power by a youth agitation that built up against rising cost of living in the Indian Ocean island. Sri Lanka, once a bright spot in South Asias economic and social development, was on the brink of an economic and social collapse.

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When asked how he reflects on the two-year period and whether his government has achieved what he set out to when he took reins of power in those times of chaos and confusion, he said, Yes, I wanted to establish stability, have a stable Sri Lanka, where law and order is maintained, the democratic system moved ahead and, of course, to put the economy back on track. Ive done that, I think.

He said, This morning, we finalised the last part of our negotiations [with the International Monetary Fund] regarding debt sustainability and bankruptcy after Sri Lanka was declared bankrupt in 2022. With the measures we have taken, I have come to an agreement with the IMF, with the 80 creditor countries and with the official creditors committee

We came to an agreement with the China Development Bank and finally weve come to an agreement with the private bank bondholders, those who represent a block or the majority of the private bank bondholders, he said.

So, the next stage will be to declare that Sri Lanka has a debt sustainability and we will be moved out of the bankruptcy stage. Thats what I wanted to do in two years. I have done that, the Sri Lankan president said.

Wickremesinghe dismissed criticism that he used excessive force to dismantle the protest sites or put the common Lankan people to much discomfort with his economic reforms that significantly pushed up taxes.

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Was the bitter pill too bitter? Wickremesinghe dismissed these charges, saying, I dont think the bitter pill was too bitter. We had to take a pill at some time and someone had to take a decision. No one was willing to take that decision. And I didnt want it to be another Greece taking ten years. We are coming out of it [economic turmoil]. We had to raise our own revenue. We could no longer be printing money on borrowing money.

He said, At that time, we had to raise VAT [value-added tax]. I know the difficulties people went through, but I was so confident the rupee will be strengthened. The rupee has strengthened certainly [and] we have more revenue. Weve been able to increase the rate of our benefit. We are now increasing the salary of government servants as well as allowances.

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With Wickremesinghe aiming a return to the presidential office, he said, We still have a gap which I will in 2025 be able to bridge so that people feel that life is back to normal.

He, however, said that the economic recovery process would take three years. When asked does he think that the average Sri Lankan voter voting on Saturday would have understood the message of his economic recovery process, Wickremesinghe said, They have been given the message and many of them have got it that this is a process and by [the time] we finish it in three years, they would have also got the message that those who are trying to help them and also also those who were not willing to help them in 2022 and ran away.

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Locally called Aragalaya, meaning struggle in Sinhalese the language of Sri Lanka, the movement emerged in March 2022 with thousands of people taking to the streets. It was led by the youth of Sri Lanka, who began their protest over long power cuts, acute shortages of fuel, food, and medicine and rising prices of daily household needs.

It was the first time that Sri Lanka saw such a mass movement with citizens from diverse ethnicities, religions, generations, and social classes coming together with one objective  to overthrow the Gotabaya Rajapaksa-led government, which was deemed corrupt and inefficient.

The agitation remained largely non-violent and succeeded in removing the Rajapaksa family from power. Gotabaya Rajapksas brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was the prime minister, who resigned first in May 2022. But protesters didnt go home. Ultimately Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned as president in July 2022. Incidentally, Namal Rajapaksa, the son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, will be competing with Ranil Wickremsinghe for presidential votes on Saturday.
In an exclusive interview to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, President Ranil Wickremesinghe defended his tough austerity measures arguing that the necessary but painful decisions were essential for Sri Lankas economic recovery read more

In an exclusive interview to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined his accomplishments since taking charge during a period of extreme economic and social turmoil. His tenure has been marked by significant austerity measures aimed at stabilising the economy and restructuring the nations debt. Yet, these measures have not come without their share of controversy and public discontent.

Path to economic stability

President Wickremesinghes tenure began under dire circumstances. Sri Lanka faced an unprecedented economic crisis with the nation declared bankrupt in 2022. To address this, President Wickremesinghe emphasised the need for stability, law and order and economic reform. I wanted to establish stability, have a stable Sri Lanka, law and order being maintained, he said. The democratic system to go ahead and, of course, to put the economy back on track.

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Central to this reform agenda was a series of austerity measures designed to manage the countrys massive debt and stabilise its financial position. The negotiations with the IMF and various creditor countries were complex, but Wickremesinghe reported progress: Yesterday, today morning, we finalised the last part of our negotiations regarding debt sustainability and bankruptcy, said President Wickremesinghe. This included agreements with the IMF, the official creditors committee and private bank bondholders.

Social cost of reform

Despite the strides made, the implementation of these measures has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that the economic reforms have come at a high social cost. The administrations approach involved increasing taxes, including higher VAT rates and raising electricity bills. Such moves have exacerbated the financial burden on ordinary citizens prompting discontent.

President Wickremesinghe defended the necessity of these measures, asserting that, I dont think the bitter pill was too bitter. We had to take a pill at some time and someone had to take that decision. He explained that Sri Lanka could no longer rely on borrowing or printing money and needed to generate its own revenue. However, this has led to tangible difficulties for the public: I know the difficulties people went through, but I was so confident the rupee will be strengthened.

The president highlighted efforts to mitigate the impact on citizens, such as increasing social welfare awards and government salaries. Weve increased the salaries and allowances of the government service, he said. Nevertheless, the question remains whether these measures adequately offset the increased cost of living and whether they are sufficient to win back public support.

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Public sentiment and the upcoming elections

As the elections approach, public sentiment remains a critical factor. Wickremesinghe acknowledged the challenges. We still have a gap which I will in 2025 be able to bridge so that people will feel that life is back to normal, he said. His administration has sought to communicate the long-term benefits of these reforms, hoping that voters will understand the necessity of short-term sacrifices for long-term stability.

The president also addressed criticisms related to the handling of protests and the perception of excessive force. Critics argue that the administrations approach to dismantling protest sites was heavy-handed, contributing to a sense of disenfranchisement among some segments of the population.

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Navigating the future

I want to finish the job, President Wickremesinghe asserted. We are now trained with it. Then get sustainability and we get the bankruptcy we need the export-oriented economy.
In an exclusive interview to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said stability has to come quickly in Bangladesh and people should decide how they want the country to be run read more

In an exclusive interview to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should remain in India. Hasina fled Bangladesh in early August in the wake of over a month-long youth agitation that demanded her ouster from power, barely seven months after she won the parliamentary election.

As far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned, many leaders leave their country and go live abroad, if she is out of the country  let her be out of the country. We all want Bangladesh to focus on normalcy, Wickremesinghe said when asked to comment on demands to extradite Hasina from India to Bangladesh.

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Sheikh Hasinas stay in India has become a point of contention between New Delhi and Dhaka. Some of the advisors of the interim government of Bangladesh headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus have spoken in public about extraditing Hasina.

The issue has become emotive in Bangladesh especially when the country has seen a rise in anti-India sentiments in recent months.

When Wikremesinghe was asked about what advice he would give to India and Bangladesh to navigate this period, he said, First is to get stability into Bangladesh  first give people confidence  as far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned, these are political issues. It has to be decided in such a manner Many leaders leave their country and go abroad. They then live abroad. What I would give priority to is [to ensure] Bangladesh remains stable.

If Sheikh Hasina is out of the country, let her be out of the country. I think stability has to come quickly. The army may be necessary. We all want Bangladesh [to] focus on normalcy and on getting people to decide how [they] should lead the country, he said.

Wickremesinghe became Sri Lankas president under a similar situation when the then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced to quit by a peoples agitation in 2022. Wickremesinghe became the president as a compromise and to pave the path for an economically secure Sri Lanka. He faces an electoral test on Saturday, when Sri Lanka votes in the presidential election.
Germany had already earmarked around 7.5 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2024, but this new allocation is necessary to meet Ukraines immediate needs on the battlefield read more

Germany, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. AFP

Germany is set to provide nearly 400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine in 2024

The additional funding is expected to go towards drones, air defence equipment, and other military supplies that are required without delay, according to a finance ministry document addressed to the parliamentary budget committee and seen by AFP.

The document mentioned the urgent need to boost Ukraines defense capabilities amid intensified fighting with Russian forces.

Berlin has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the start of the conflict. In fact, it is the second-largest contributor of military aid to Kyiv after the United States.

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Germany had already earmarked around 7.5 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2024, but this new allocation is necessary to meet Ukraines immediate needs on the battlefield.

Germanys commitment despite budget cuts

The finance ministrys document said that recent Russian advances in eastern Ukraine have led to heavy material losses for Ukrainian forces, according to the AFP report. It warned that without a significant increase in support, Ukraine could face serious setbacks in its defence struggle.

The document notes that the additional funds are essential to ensure that the provided military equipment can have an immediate impact on the battlefield.

The German government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.

Domestic pressure mounting

This increased commitment, however, is serving to increase the pressure on German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. The timing of the action is also politically sensitive.

Recent regional elections in September saw significant gains by parties opposed to Berlins continued support for Ukraine, placing Scholz under domestic pressure to justify further aid amid economic challenges at home.

Despite these plans for additional aid, Berlin is also preparing to reduce its budget for Ukraine in 2024 to around 4.4 billion as part of broader cost-cutting measures.

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With inputs from AFP
A day after pagers exploded in Lebanon, walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members detonated on Wednesday evening, killing 20 people and injuring 450 others read more

A man holding a walkie-talkie after removing the battery at a funeral in Lebanon on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Hezbollah on Thursday claimed that the communication devices attack allegedly orchestrated by Israel has claimed the lives of five more of its members, according to a report by Times of Israel.

A day after pagers exploded in Lebanon, walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members detonated on Wednesday evening, killing 20 people and injuring 450 others.

However, it is not clear whether the five members were killed in the pager attack or the walkie-talkie explosion.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have not commented on both the blasts, but security sources said Israels spy agency Mossad was responsible. One Hezbollah official said the episode was the biggest security breach in the groups history.

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After a second wave of attack, Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the United Nations to oppose Israels technological war.

The US, which denied any involvement in the blasts, said it was pursuing intensive diplomacy to avert an escalation of the conflict. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel told Washington on Tuesday it was going to do something in Lebanon. But Israel did not provide details and the operation itself was a surprise to Washington, the official said.

Hezbollah, which has pledged to strike back against Israel, announced on Wednesday that it launched rocket attacks on Israeli artillery positions. This marks the groups first assault on its longtime adversary since the explosions. The Israeli military reported no damage or casualties from the attack.

With inputs from Reuters
The walkie-talkies of Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which exploded across the nation a day after pagers similarly exploded, are said to be made by Japanese company Icom read more

The Japanese companies named as the manufacturer of exploding walkie-talkies used by Lebanon-based Hezbollah has said the devices were discontinued in 2014.

A day after pagers used by Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah exploded simultaneously across Lebanon, walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah terrorists exploded in a similar manner on Wednesday. Lebanese officials have said at least 20 people were killed and 450 were wounded in the attacks. Hezbollah blamed Israel for both the blasts, but Israel has not commented on the matter so far.

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Following the explosions, The New York Times reported that that photographs and videos showed the devices as the IC-V82 walkie-talkies made by Japanese company Icom. Now, the company has said the devices were discontinued in 2014.

In a statement carried by AFP, Icom said the IC-V82 model of walkie-talkies was manufactured and exported, including to the Middle East, during 2014-14, but was discontinued in 2014 and no shipment of the model has been shipped since then.

The Icon further said, The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company.

The Icom further said that all overseas sales are exclusively through authorised distributors and exports are based on Japanese security trade regulations.

The statement further said, All of our radios are manufactured at our production subsidiary, Wakayama Icom Inc., in Wakayama Prefecture, under a strict management system so no parts other than those specified by our company are used in a product. In addition, all of our radios are manufactured at the same factory, and we do not manufacture them overseas.

Following two waves of strikes that together killed more than 30 and injured over 3,200, The Times reported that Israel carried out both the operations.

Regarding the pager explosions, the newspaper Israel inserted explosives into the pagers made by Taiwanese company Gold Appolo before they reached Lebanon. The company refused making the devices. Two officials told the paper that explosive material was implanted next to the battery and a switch was also embedded that could be remotely triggered to detonate the explosives.

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As for the walkie-talkie explosions, Axios reported that Israel had rigged the devices before they were delivered to Hezbollah. The terrorist group was supposed to use these walkie-talkies as an emergency communication system in case of a war with Israel.

The report further said that both the attacks were part of a single Israeli intelligence operation against Hezbollah.

Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and triggered the war in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah has clashed with Israel on a nearly-daily basis. Several thousands of Israel in the countrys north along the Lebanese border have been displaced from frequent Hezbollah attacks. In recent days, as fighting has slowed in Gaza and peace talks have stalled over Israeli demands, the focus has shifted to the countrys north where a full-scale war with Hezbollah appears to be highly probable.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged that the Iran-backed group has suffered a major and unprecedented blow in the targeted attacks largely blamed on Israel read more

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a widely-anticipated speech, on Thurday (September 19), addressed the recent pager and walkie-talkie attacks that took place in Lebanon.

He called the attacks widely believed to have been carried out by Israel a terrorist act and said that it was a declaration of war against the people of Lebanon and the countrys sovereignty, according to Al Jazeera.

Holding Israel accountable for the attacks, Nasrallah said that the Benjamin Netanyahu-led country has crossed all red lines in carrying out the pager attacks and walkie-talkie blasts. He stressed that it was Israels willful intent to kill no fewer than 5,000 people within moments.

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In his first televised address since the blasts rocked Lebanon, the Hezbollah chief warned Israel that it would face tough retribution and just punishment for device blasts.

Despite this, Nasrallah said that Hezbollah wouldnt jump to conclusions and announced that there would be an internal investigation into the device blasts.

We cannot be broken

Although Nasrallah acknowledged that the Iran-backed group has suffered a major and unprecedented blow in the targeted attacks, he went on to say that there are ebbs and flows in a war, and that Hezbollah will brave this challenging moment with its head held high.

We cannot be broken by this blow, no matter how big or strong it is. And I can assure you faithfully and with confidence, this hard, unprecedented blow did not bring us to our knees  and it will not, he added.

These are lessons to learn, Nasrallah stated, promising that Hezbollah will become more robust.

Hezbollah to keep fighting Israel

The groups leader also said that Hezbollah will not stop fighting Israel until the Gaza war is over. The Lebanese resistance will not stop until the aggression on Gaza stops despite all this blood spilt, he said.

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While he spoke, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Lebanons capital city and Hezbollah stronghold, Beirut, according to the countrys state-run National News Agency.

With inputs from agencies
Israels chief negotiator Gal Hirsch has presented a proposal for a hostage deal to American officials that would see the release of all the Israeli captives at once and the end of war in Gaza read more

Israeli soldiers take up position next to buildings destroyed by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip on Friday. AP

Israels chief negotiator Gal Hirsch has presented a proposal for a hostage deal to American officials that would see the release of all the Israeli captives at once and the end of war in Gaza.

According to a Times of Israel report, citing an Israeli official, Americans are expected to pass on the proposal to unspecified Arab officials.

The outline of the proposal was first reported by KAN, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC), added the report.

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According to report, citing KAN, Hirsch told the families of hostages that the proposal was presented in a meeting with US officials from the White House and State Department last week.

The proposed framework for the new deal outlines a plan to end hostilities in the Gaza Strip and provide safe passage for the groups leader Yahya Sinwar and his associates, contingent upon the simultaneous release of all hostages.

Additionally, the plan includes provisions for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, the demilitarisation of Gaza, and the establishment of a new governance structure for the enclave, added the report.

Meanwhile, an anonymous Israeli official told KAN that the plan has been proposed as Plan B.

In light of the difficulties in the negotiations and the ticking clock on the lives of the hostages, we would like to propose a secondary plan that would shorten the stages, and allow for a faster deal, the official was quoted as saying.

This will happen if Sinwar leaves (Gaza) and brings about an end to the war. This will allow us to meet the goals of the war, and for the leadership of Hamas in Gaza to leave to a safe place, the official added.

With inputs from agencies
According to Israeli police, 73-year-old Moti Maman of Ashkelon was a businessman who lived in Turkey for an extended period read more

Israeli citizen Moti Maman stands in a courtroom after he was accused by Israeli security services of involvement in an Iranian-backed assassination plot targeting prominent people including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Beersheba District Court in southern Israel, September 19, 2024. Source: REUTERS.

An Israeli citizen has been arrested on suspicion of having been recruited by Iran to plot the assassinations of top officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli police, in a joint statement with the Shin Bet domestic security service, on Thursday, said: An Israeli citizen was recruited by Iranian intelligence to promote assassinations of Israeli figures. He was smuggled twice into Iran and received payment for carrying out missions.

As per reports, the Israeli citizen had been in custody since August 29.

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Who were the targets?

The joint statement further stated that among the alleged targets were PM Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.

About Israeli citizen arrested in alleged Iran plot to kill Netanyahu

1 - The man has been identified as 73-year-old Moti Maman of Ashkelon.

2 - According to the joint statement, the man was a businessman who lived in Turkey for an extended period.

How the alleged assassination attempt of Netanyahu was plotted

The joint statement mentioned that the suspect maintained connections with Turks and Iranians who introduced him by phone to an Iranian businessman called Eddie.

He then visited Iran for the first time on May 20 to meet Eddie after the latter had difficulty leaving Iran.

Apart from Eddie, the suspect also met someone called Hajjah, who was introduced as an Iranian security operative

As per the statement, during his Iran trip, the suspect was asked to carry out security missions in Israel, including transferring money or a gun, clicking pictures of crowded public places and threatening other Israelis recruited by Tehran.

The man was smuggled to Iran by lorry for a second visit. This time, he met with additional Iranian intelligence agents who asked him to carry out terrorist activities for Iran on Israeli soil, including promoting assassination attacks, the statement alleged.

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Man tasked to recruit members for Mossad

As per the statement, the suspect was also asked to perform a host of additional tasks, including recruiting members of Israels Mossad spy agency to be double agents.

The suspect had asked for a $1 million advance but was given 5,000 euros for taking part in the meetings. He was then told that he would be contacted in the future, the statement alleged.

Proposed assassinations were characterised as revenge for killing of Haniyeh

The joint statement further mentioned that some of the proposed assassinations were characterised as revenge for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July.

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Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of being behind Haniyehs death. Israel has not commented on the killing.

With inputs from AFP.
Mandatory chemical castration is allowed in countries like Russia, Poland, and some US states for specific crimes. However, its effectiveness in preventing repeat offenses is questioned. Experts argue that the procedure can lead to significant physical and psychological side effects. Feminist groups emphasise that the root causes of violent sex crimes but often stem from deeper cultural and societal issues. read more

Italy moved towards a significant step towards legalising chemical castration on Wednesday, as lawmakers approved the formation of a committee to draft legislation on utilising androgen-blocking drugs to treat violent sex offenders. This move is taken considering that it will help in reducing reoffending, with treatment being consensual and reversible.

According to reports, the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis right-wing administration has been pushing for tougher law and order measures since taking power in 2022. This includes introducing dozens of new crimes and increased penalties as she prioritised security, particularly in disadvantaged areas like Caivano, which gained notoriety after a gang rape incident.

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The far-right League, part of Melonis coalition, proposed the chemical castration motion. Under their plan, convicted sex offenders could receive suspended sentences in exchange for hormone-blocking treatment. League chief Matteo Salvini celebrated the news, calling it a victory for their historic battle for justice and common sense.

However, opposition groups strongly criticised the proposals, labeling them extremist and inhumane. MP Simona Bonafe argued that the proposal undermines Italys legal system, which has long abandoned corporal punishment. Others, like Enrico Borghi, expressed concerns about the potential consequences, asking if the next step would be tar and feathers, or rope and soap? .

Chemical castration involves administering drugs that decrease libido by inhibiting testosterone production. While permitted in some countries and US states, its effectiveness and potential physical and psychological side effects are debated. Feminist groups emphasize that cultural factors, not unstoppable sexual urges, drive violent sex crimes .

Victory for the League!  Good. Another important step forward for our historic battle for justice and common sense: zero tolerance for rapists and pedophiles. But opposition groups called the proposals extremist and in violation of humanity and justice, League chief Matteo Salvini wrote in a post on X.

The Leagues proposal was unconstitutional  undermining the foundation of our legal system that has overcome the use of corporal punishment for centuries, Politico quoted MP Simona Bonafe of the opposition center-left Democratic Party as saying.
Calling the attack extremely despicable, Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday demanded an explanation from China about the incident which has inflamed tensions between the neighbouring countries read more

Chinese authorities inspect the scene of a stabbing at the Shenzhen Japanese School in Shenzhen, China on Wednesday, after a 10-year-old Japanese student was attacked by a man. AP

Moments after officials in Tokyo said that a 10-year-old Japanese student, who was stabbed outside a Japanese school in southern China on Wednesday, has succumbed to his injuries, Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday demanded an explanation from Beijing about the incident which has inflamed tensions between the neighbouring countries.

For now, we will strongly urge China to provide an explanation about the facts of what happened. Since its been more than a day since the incident happened, we expect them to offer an explanation as soon as possible, AFP quoted PM Kishida as saying, calling the attack extremely despicable.

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China, meanwhile, expressed regret and sadness over the incident and said that an investigation had been launched.

China expresses its regret and sadness that this kind of unfortunate incident occurred, AFP quoted foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian as saying at a regular press conference.

We mourn the passing of the boy and express our condolences to his family, added Lin.

Lin said that the boy was a Japanese national whose parents are Japanese and Chinese citizens.

After the attack, the boy was immediately rushed to hospital, and Guangdong authorities organised for some specialists to go all out to rescue him, he said.

China will provide all necessary assistance to his parents in (handling) the aftermath (of his death), Lin added.

The Japanese schoolboy was stabbed in the southern city of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Wednesday morning, police said.

The suspect, a 44-year-old man, was seized, The Associated Press quoted the police as saying.

Expressing condolences to the boys family, Japans Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said it was extremely regrettable the student died despite requests for caution and enhanced safety around the time of the anniversary of the start of Japans invasion of China in the 1930s.

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Kamikawa said she also instructed Japanese schools in China to review their safety measures, and requested China to provide details of the attack and do its utmost to prevent a recurrence of similar attacks on the Japanese.

In an email to Japanese citizens in China, the Japanese Embassy had urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautions due to recent knife attacks. The Japanese Consulate in Guangzhou, which oversees Shenzhen, also called for preventive measures.

This was not the first case of knife attack that targeted Japanese citizens and outsiders.

On June 24, a knife attack at a school bus stop for a Japanese school in Suzhou resulted in the death of a Chinese national who tried to stop the attacker, and injuries to a Japanese mother and her child.

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Earlier that month, a Chinese man stabbed four US university instructors in Jilin while also injuring a Chinese bystander. The instructors, from Cornell College, were teaching at Beihua University, and their injuries were not life-threatening.

With inputs from agencies
At least 37 people were killed and more than 3,000 wounded when pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded in two waves of attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday read more

Civil Defense first-responders carry a man who was wounded after his handheld pager exploded, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.- AP

Lebanese authorities on Thursday banned walkie-talkies and pagers from being taken on flights from Beirut airport, the National News Agency reported, after thousands of such devices exploded during a deadly attack on Hezbollah this week.

The Lebanese civilian aviation directorate asked airlines operating from Beirut to tell passengers that walkie-talkies and pagers were banned until further notice. The Lebanese state news agency reported that such devices were also banned from being shipped by air.

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The explosions came a day after thousands of pagers carried by Hezbollah members exploded nearly simultaneously, killing at least 37 people and wounding more than more than 3,000.

The pager blasts, described by a source close to Hezbollah as a major blow, came hours after Israel said it was broadening the aims of the Gaza war to include its fight against Hezbollah on its northern border.

Hezbollah blamed the attacks on Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Tuesdays explosions.

The recent complex attacks follow weeks of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. Both sides have exchanged fire across Israels northern border since Hamas Oct. 7 assault, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. These hostilities have added another layer to the already volatile situation, as Israel confronts threats on multiple fronts.

The Lebanese army said on Thursday it was blowing up pagers and suspicious telecom devices in controlled blasts in different areas. It called on citizens to report any suspicious devices.

Hezbollah and Israel have been trading fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border for almost a year, in a conflict triggered by the Gaza war.

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With inputs from agencies.
Before appointing Barnier, Macron rejected the left-wing alliances proposed candidate for prime minister, Lucie Castets. Barniers cabinet, if approved, would mark a shift to the right from the previous centrist administration read more

Newsly-appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Thursday (September 19) submitted a proposed new cabinet to President Emmanuel Macron in an effort to end months of political stalemate. The proposed lineup, featuring new faces in key government positions, suggests a shift to the right from the previous centrist administration.

The proposal includes the promotion of Europe Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to the position of foreign minister, according to sources close to Macrons political faction.

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The 41-year-old Barrot has impressed observers with his media appearances, but he faces the challenge of bolstering Frances global influence.

Additionally, Bruno Retailleau, leader of the right-wing Les Republicans (LR) in the Senate, is expected to take over the interior ministry, which oversees domestic security, in a significant win for the right-wing faction.

One key figure expected to remain in the cabinet is Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who enjoys a close relationship with Macron.

Cabinet shake-up to address ongoing deadlock

The reshuffle comes as France continues to grapple with a hung parliament following snap legislative elections in July, which have stalled Macrons legislative agenda.

Barnier, a former EU Brexit negotiator and a prominent right-wing figure, was appointed prime minister earlier this month to break the deadlock.

During consultations on Thursday, Barnier reportedly discussed a cabinet lineup of 16 ministers, including figures from both right-wing and centrist factions.

His predecessor, Gabriel Attal, now the leader of Macrons Renaissance party in parliament, indicated that 10 names from their centrist alliance are included in the proposed cabinet.

France has faced ongoing budgetary challenges, with Barnier warning that the countrys financial situation is very serious. As the Bank of France cast doubt on the feasibility of meeting EU deficit rules by 2027, Barniers cabinet reshuffle is seen as an attempt to address both political and fiscal issues.

Macrons struggle for majority

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Macrons attempt to reassert his majority in parliament by calling for early elections backfired, leaving him with a centrist faction that now holds the second-largest bloc in the National Assembly.

A left-wing alliance holds the most seats but lacks a working majority, while the far-right National Rally emerged from the elections as the single largest party.

Before appointing Barnier, Macron rejected the left-wing alliances proposed candidate for prime minister, Lucie Castets. Barniers cabinet, if approved, could offer a path forward in a deeply divided political landscape.

With inputs from AFP
The vaccine alliance Gavi has announced a deal with the Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic for 500,000 doses of its MVA-BN mpox vaccine for Africa read more

Sania Nishtar, a former health minister of Pakistan who is currently the chief of vaccine alliance Gavi (Photo: Reuters)

Lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic have made the world better prepared for the ongoing mpox outbreak, said Sania Nishtar, the chief of the vaccine alliance Gavi, which aims to aid poorer nations with critical vaccines.

Mpox is a disease caused by the mpox virus. Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global health emergency. Though the outbreak has been reported in Asia and Europe as well, it is primarily concentrated in Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the worst-affected country so far.

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In an interview with AFP, Nishtar said that the Covid-19 pandemic brought with it important learnings, and those learnings were drawn upon.

Those learnings cascaded into specific instruments that are now coming into play against mpox, said Nishtar, a former Pakistani health minister.

The world was caught unprepared when the Covid-19 outbreak was first reported in late 2019. It took several weeks for the WHO to declare it a global health emergency and it took more time to ascertain how it spread. The Global North versus Global South differences also came to the fore as the developed nations hoarded most of the vaccines even as developing nations scrambled to arrange for bare minimum doses.

Learning from the experiences, Nishtar said Gavi did not wait for a global agreement to put in place measures to better position it to respond to emergencies.

Instead, the Gavi set up a $500-million First Response Fund in June to make cash rapidly available for vaccines during health emergencies  such as mpox. Nishtar said that Gavi was drawing $50 million from the fund to arrange vaccine doses for Africa and also partially cover delivery and logistics costs.

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We are doing all we can

Nishtar told AFP that the Gavi was doing all we can to mount as early response to mpox as possible.

Gavi on Wednesday announced a deal with the Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic for 500,000 doses of its MVA-BN mpox vaccine for Africa.

Nishtar further said that Gavi was very glad to have moved very quickly and pointed out that just 35 days had passed between WHOs emergency declaration and Gavis deal with Bavarian Nordic. She added the deal came as fast as you can get.

Even as Nishtar hails the vaccine supplies, the commitments so far dwarf Africas needs. While the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said the continent needs 10 million doses, only 3.6 million doses have been committed so far, according to AFP.

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The current mpox is different from the one in 2022. While the 2022 outbreak was linked to a rave and sexual contact among men, the current outbreak is said to be largely concentrated in children. This time, the lesions are also occurring mostly on genitals which makes them harder to spot than lesions on chest, hands, and feet in previous outbreaks.
German airline Lufthansa on Thursday announced that flights will be suspended in Tel Aviv and Tehran till September 24 while flights to Beirut will stand cancelled till October 26 read more

The latest skirmishes in Israel and Lebanon have prompted international flight carriers to suspend their services in Tel Aviv, Beirut and Tehran.

German airline Lufthansa on Thursday announced that flights will be suspended in Tel Aviv and Tehran till September 24 while flights to Beirut will stand cancelled till October 26.

The safety of our passengers and crews is always our top priority, Lufthansa said, adding that it would reassess the situation in the coming days.

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Meanwhile, Air France has also suspended flights to the Israeli city and Lebanese capital until September 20. Frances main carrier had initially suspended flights on Tuesday, after a wave of deadly explosions of Hezbollah pagers.

Pager, walkie-talkie attacks sweep Lebanon

First pagers were detonated then came the explosion of walkie-talkies, both used by Hezbollah members for communication purposes. The device explosions have left many dead while others are undergoing treatment for grave injuries.

Israeli officials have not commented on both the blasts, but security sources said Israels spy agency Mossad was responsible. One Hezbollah official said the episode was the biggest security breach in the groups history.

The US, which denied any involvement in the blasts, said it was pursuing intensive diplomacy to avert an escalation of the conflict. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel told Washington on Tuesday it was going to do something in Lebanon. But Israel did not provide details and the operation itself was a surprise to Washington, the official said.

Hezbollah, which has pledged to strike back against Israel, announced on Wednesday that it launched rocket attacks on Israeli artillery positions. This marks the groups first assault on its longtime adversary since the explosions. The Israeli military reported no damage or casualties from the attack.

With inputs from agencies
US President Joe Biden is hosting prime ministers of India, Japan, and Australia for the Quad Summit later this week read more

Ahead of the leaders summit later this week, the White House has said Quad is now more strategic and relevant than ever.

The Quad is a grouping comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. US President Joe Biden is hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, PM Fumio Kishida of Japan, and PM Anthony Albanese of Australia on Saturday (September 21) for the Quad Leaders Summit.

Speaking to the media, White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby on Wednesday said that Quad members are now more aligned than ever.

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We believe youll see that the Quad is more strategically aligned and more relevant than ever before, said Kirby, according to PTI.

Quads main area of focus is the Indo-Pacific where the group advances a rules-based order, freedom of the seas, and inclusive development. Even though they never mention China by name and specify Quad is not a formal alliance, the group is united against Chinese expansionism and hegemonic designs in the region.

Kirby said that Biden was very excited to host the Quad leaders in his hometown of Wilmington in Delaware  his hometown.

Hes very excited about that, about showing them a place and a community that shapes so much of the public servant and the leader that he became. Its also a reflection of his belief that like politics, foreign policy is also personal, said Kirby.

This year, it was Indias turn to host the Quad Summit, but the United States requested to swap the turn with India. Now, India will host the summit next year.

Kirby framed the promotion of Quad as part of Bidens broader attempts to strengthen alliances and partnerships in the four years of Biden administration. In the first 100 days of his term, he hosted a virtual summit and the leaders summits since then have been an annual feature on rotation basis. The Quad members also engage at other levels, including at the level of foreign ministers, throughout the year.

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Modi will visit the United States during Sept. 21-24. The government has confirmed that he will attend the Quad Summit and address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). A bilateral meeting with Biden is also expected. While the government has not confirmed it, former US President and Republican nominee Donald Trump has said that Modi will also meet him. It is not known if a meeting with Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is also scheduled.
To meet the challenge from China in multiple spheres like military, technology, and influence, the United States need to step up the game across the board, said Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell read more

The US-China competition is far greater than the Cold War, according to a top US diplomat (Photo: Reuters)

China has emerged as the biggest challenge in the history of the United States, according to top US diplomat Kurt Campbell.

Appearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Campbell said that China presents the most significant challenge ever to the United States which far surpasses the challenge that the Soviet Union posed during the Cold War.

There is a recognition that this is the most significant challenge in our history. Frankly, the Cold War pales in comparison to the multifaceted challenges that China presents, said Deputy Secretary of State Campbell, as per AFP.

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Campbell said China poses not just a military challenge, but across all domains.

Its not just a military challenge; its across the board. It is in the Global South. It is in technology. We need to step up our game across the board, said Campbell, who has been central to reorienting the US foreign policy towards Asia in the past 15 years to counter the competition from China.

On its part, China responds Campbells comments by saying that US officials disregard facts, openly and wantonly exaggerate the China threat, and clamour for camp confrontations, according to the news agency.

China further said that the United States should abandon Cold War zero-sum thinking, stop spreading the China threat theory, and stop distorting Chinas strategic intentions.

We need more support

Regarding US sanctions on a Chinese firm, Campbell said that the United States needed more support from allies and partners in the matter, as per AFP.

In recent years, even as the Biden administration has continued to engage with China, it has also cracked down by imposing tariffs and export control and blocking China from the most advanced semiconductor technology.

Campbell noted that many of the partner nations are already reeling from the huge shock of cutting energy imports from Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said that for many of these countries, doing business with China has been a big deal for 15 or 20 years.

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After already acting on Russia, taking actions against China could feel like kind of a one-two punch.

You can understand leaders in Europe have some anxieties, said Campbell.

China argues that, unlike the United States, it is not providing weapons to either Russia or Ukraine, but Washington says Beijing is providing support that has military uses.
The previous death toll in Myanmar reported by state TV was 226, with 77 people missing. Meanwhile, the junta has made a rare appeal for foreign aid to help cope with the disaster read more

The UN has warned that as many as 630,000 people could be in need of assistance in Myanmar in the wake of Typhoon Yagi. Source: AFP.

In Myanmar, the death toll in floods triggered by typhoon Yagi has risen to 268. The state media reported the junta as saying that 88 people still remain missing.

Over a week ago, Yagi swept across northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering floods and landslides that have killed 588 people across the region, according to official figures.

In Myanmar, the floods in 56 townships had resulted in 268 deaths and 88 people missing, the juntas information team said in a statement.

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The previous death toll reported by state TV was 226, with 77 people missing.

The junta further informed that nearly 270,000 hectares (more than 660,000 acres) of rice and other crops had been submerged, and more than 100,000 farm animals killed.

The UN has already warned that as many as 630,000 people in Myanmar could be in need of assistance in the wake of Typhoon Yagi.

Last weekend, the junta made a rare appeal for foreign aid to help cope with the disaster.

As per a report in the state-run Global New Ligh of Myanmae, an Indian navy ship on Wednesday delivered aid including dried food, clothes, medicine and tents at Thilawa port in commercial hub Yangon.

On Thursday, the newspaper reported that Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has ordered all to carry out rehabilitation tasks to return to normality within six months.

Floods in Myanmar have added to the woes of the country where already millions have been displaced by more than three years in conflict unleashed by the 2021 military coup.

With inputs from AFP.
China said on Thursday its Liaoning aircraft carrier had been on a routine training mission in the western Pacific and dismissed charges by Tokyo that the vessel and its escorts had entered Japanese waters read more

Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning sails through the Miyako Strait near Okinawa on its way to the Pacific in this handout photo taken by Japan Self-Defense Forces and released by the Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan on April 4, 2021. Reuters

China said on Thursday its Liaoning aircraft carrier had been on a routine training mission in the western Pacific and dismissed charges by Tokyo that the vessel and its escorts had entered Japanese waters.

In the latest incident in a drawn-out dispute between Beijing and Tokyo over maritime activities, Japans defence ministry said on Wednesday the carrier and two accompanying destroyers had sailed between Japans southern Yonaguni and Iriomote islands in waters where Japan can exert control.

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Chinas defence ministry responded on Thursday by saying the vessels were on a training exercise that was in line with relevant international laws. It did not give an exact location for the flotilla.

There is no need for relevant parties to over-interpret it, the defence ministry said in a statement.

Japans Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Moriya said on Wednesday that Tokyo had conveyed its serious concerns to Beijing, describing the incident as utterly unacceptable.

Japan would continue to closely monitor Chinese naval vessels activities in the surrounding waters, Moriya said.

An increase in Chinese military activity near Japan and around the island of Taiwan in recent years has worried Tokyo. Japan has responded with a defence buildup it says aims to deter China from using military force to push its territorial claims in the region.

Last month, Japan lodged a protest with Beijing after a Chinese navy survey vessel entered Japanese waters. It also accused a Chinese spyplane of breaching its airspace.
Leader Kim Jong Un guided the test-fires", the official Korean Central News Agency said, of the new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 and an improved strategic cruise missile read more

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (C) test-firing a sniper weapon developed by the Academy of Defence Sciences, at an undisclosed location in North Korea. AFP

North Korea claimed Thursday that its latest weapons test had been of a tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a super-large warhead, and a strategic cruise missile, state media reported.

Leader Kim Jong Un guided the test-fires, the official Korean Central News Agency said, of the new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 and an improved strategic cruise missile.

Kim has staged dozens of launches this year, part of a testing spree that experts say could be linked to North Koreas alleged illicit supplying of weapons to ally Russia for use in Ukraine.

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The new-type tactical ballistic missile was tipped with a 4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead according to design, KCNA said.

The North also conducted a test-fire of strategic cruise missile whose performance has been highly upgraded for its combat use, it added.

Seouls military had described the Wednesday launches as a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles, which it said had flown about 400 kilometres east of the Korean peninsula.

The launch was aimed at verifying the accuracy of the hit at a medium range of 320 km and the explosive power of the super-large warhead, the KCNA said.

Kim said such a test was necessary for the state security environment of the country.

The military and political situation in the region indicates that the work for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence should be the most important affair, he said, KCNA reported.

The North 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.

It has also 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.

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Kim received Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang last weekend and sent the Norths foreign minister to Russia earlier this week.

The North is also preparing for a parliamentary meeting in October that is expected to approve measures likely to escalate tensions with South Korea, including incorporating the hostile relationship between the two Koreas into its constitution.
People gather outside the American University hospital after the arrival of several men who were wounded by exploded handheld pagers, in Beirut, Lebanon o September 17, 2024. AP

In all probability, the Israeli intelligences recent sabotage of Hezbollahs communication infrastructure represents a profound challenge for both Hezbollah and its principal backer, Iran. This operation not only exposes significant vulnerabilities within Hezbollahs operational security but also casts a shadow on Irans ability to effectively support and manage its regional proxies. The implications of this sabotage extend far beyond the immediate impact on Hezbollah revealing critical weaknesses in Irans strategic apparatus and influencing the broader geopolitical landscape of West Asia.

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On September 18, a second series of deadly explosions rocked Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, killing 20 and injuring over 450. The blasts, caused by rigged walkie-talkies, occurred just a day after a separate attack involving exploding pagers left 12 dead and more than 2,800 injured. Both attacks, largely blamed on Israel, have heightened concerns of a looming war between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite diplomatic efforts by the US and UN to defuse the situation, fears of an all-out conflict are mounting, with world leaders voicing alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation.

A strategic defeat

The sabotage operation, which involved planting explosives inside Hezbollahs two-way radios and pagers, had devastating effects. These attacks represent a significant breach in Hezbollahs operational security undermining their ability to coordinate and execute military strategies effectively. The loss of these communication tools disrupts Hezbollahs ability to relay commands, coordinate field units and manage tactical responses leading to operational paralysis and a long-term challenge in rebuilding a secure communication network.

Irans oversight and technological shortcomings

The operation highlights a critical vulnerability in Irans oversight of Hezbollahs security and technological capabilities. As Hezbollahs primary backer, Iran has provided the group with advanced weaponry, training and intelligence support. The ease with which Israeli operatives infiltrated and rigged Hezbollahs communication devices is a tight slap on Irans support towards the terror organisation and revealed gaps in the security protocols and technological standards that Iran in general might adhere to.

The success in these operations showcase the technological and intelligence advantage of the country that orchestrated it over Iran. There is no official confirmation so far although the very nature and intensity points out to Israel but the ability of a foreign intelligence agency to remotely detonate communication devices displays a level of sophistication that not only outstrips Iranian technology and support exposing a significant technological gap and but also undermines Irans image as a regional power.

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Proxy weaknesses and regional influence

Hezbollahs reliance on Iranian support and its role as a key proxy force in the region make the sabotage operations significant blow to Irans broader regional strategy. The effectiveness of Irans network of militias and proxy forces is deeply intertwined with Hezbollahs operational capabilities. In this scenario, the substantial setback that Hezbollah suffered within such a short time could have far-reaching implications for Irans influence and strategic positioning in West Asia.

The exposure of Hezbollahs vulnerabilities highlights potential weaknesses in Irans network of allied militias. Groups supported by Iran, such as Hamas and the Houthis, might perceive these events as indicative of broader vulnerabilities in Tehrans ability to protect and manage its proxies. This perception could erode confidence among Irans regional allies impacting Tehrans ability to project power and maintain its influence.

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Irans prestige and ability to project power are now at stake, potentially prompting Tehran to reassess its support and management of Hezbollah and other proxy forces. Going ahead, Iran would naturally invest in more secure and advanced communication systems, enhance cybersecurity measures and improve oversight of its military support operations in response to these setbacks and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Whatever may be its rhetoric in front of the world, Tehran is definitely worried that the successful disruption of Hezbollahs communication infrastructure could shift regional dynamics and influence the behaviour of other regional actors. The perception of Israeli superiority in intelligence and cyber capabilities might affect the strategic calculations of countries and groups interacting with Iran and its proxies irrespective of whether there is an official confirmation or not. This shift could lead to realignments and new strategies among regional players highlighting the growing importance of cyber and electronic warfare in modern military strategy.

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A complex fallout

The sabotage of Hezbollahs communication infrastructure represents a multifaceted challenge for both Hezbollah and Iran. The immediate operational disruptions for Hezbollah combined with the broader implications for Irans strategic standing and reputation reflect the complexity of the situation. As both Hezbollah and Iran grapple with the consequences of these operations, the geopolitical landscape in West Asia will continue to evolve. The double blow to Irans support and Hezbollahs capabilities illustrates the intricate interplay of military strategy, technological advancement and regional power dynamics in contemporary conflict.
In an exclusive interview to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that addressed the issue of Chinese research vessels docking in Sri Lanka. read more

Nothing adverse to Indias security, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe while responding to whether Chinese research ships are espionage missions.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Wickremesinghe said that he addressed New Delhis concerns about Chinese research vessels docking in Sri Lanka.

We are not doing anything secretive, he said.

When asked about whether these research ships might have other purposes, such as espionage, the President said, I dont know. We havent looked into that. We recommend the research.

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Sri Lanka decided this year to lift its ban on foreign research vessels visiting its ports starting in 2025. The ban was initially imposed due to security concerns raised by India and the United States, following frequent docking requests from advanced Chinese surveillance ships, according to media reports.
It is pertinent to note that the allegations hurled by the general counsel for the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice, have not been proven in court as of now read more

Canadian pro-Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has initiated a lawsuit against the government of India. According to Canadian news outlet CBC News, the civil lawsuit was initiated in a US federal district court against the Indian government, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and others, claiming damages for an alleged assassination attempt against him which was foiled by the US in 2023.

The lawsuit also alleged Indias involvement in the death of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. It is pertinent to note that the allegations hurled by the general counsel for the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice, have not been proven in court and the Indian Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request from CBC News.

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In November last year, the US announced that the Indian national Nikhil Gupta was charged after an alleged murder-for-hire plot against Pannun in New York, which was eventually foiled.

What the lawsuit states

In the latest lawsuit, Pannun alleged that the gunmen involved in the Nijjar assassination, shot the pro-Khalistani terrorist 34 times at point blank range before fleeing, and a video of Nijjars bloody body was sent to Gupta as a message to move forward with the murder plot against Pannun, CBC News reported.

They were successful in killing Nijjar, Pannuns lawyer Matthew Borden told the Canadian news outlet. And the same thing would have happened to Pannun but for the fact that the person that Gupta tried to hire was an undercover US agent, the lawyer furthered.

The courtroom document also alleged that Gupta instructed the undercover agents to put everyone down if Pannun was not alone at the time of the planned attack. It is important to note that Gupta has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh gurdwara where he was president on June 18, 2023. Following this, four Indian nationals have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the killing. The assassination set off a major diplomatic row between India and Canada.

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Things escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament in 2023 that credible intelligence linked the murder to Indias government. India denied any sort of involvement in both the Nijjar and Pannun cases and called the Canadian premiers accusations absurd. New Delhi also set up its own high-level inquiry into the Pannun case after being notified by the US authorities about the assassination plot.

Interestingly, the lawsuit came at a time when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to visit the United States for the Quad Summit. Pannun said that the lawsuit aims to send a message to pro-Khalistani groups overseas.

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This is about the rule of law, in which no individual and no government  including Prime Minister Narendra Modis government  is above the law, he averred. Holding Modis government  accountable before the US court will establish the principle of rule of law, he added.

With inputs from agencies.
Russia has led a huge crackdown at home as its troops fight in Ukraine, regularly arresting its citizens for criticism of the Kremlins offensive read more

A Russian court jailed a student in the countrys Far East for almost two months Thursday for making positive statements about a Ukrainian paramilitary unit that Moscow classifies as a terrorist group.

Russia has led a huge crackdown at home as its troops fight in Ukraine, regularly arresting its citizens for criticism of the Kremlins offensive.

Russian media reported that a 19-year-old male student from a local university in the far eastern Primorye region was arrested.

The RIA Novosti news agency reported he was accused of publicly justifying terrorism and has been placed in detention for one month and 28 days.

According to investigators, he was accused of posting statements on social media justifying the activities of an unnamed Ukrainian paramilitary unit banned in Russia.

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He risks up to seven years in prison.

Thousands of Russians have been punished  either by prison terms or fines  for criticising the Ukraine offensive since it was launched in February 2022.

Moscow has banned criticism of the military operation.
With his grip on power slipping, Trudeau risks deeper rifts with India, playing the Khalistani card in a desperate bid for survival read more

Justin Trudeaus tenure as Canadian Prime Minister is unravelling in dramatic fashion. Despite his efforts to cling to power, his leadership has been plagued by a series of blunders, both domestically and internationally, that have eroded his credibility and influence.

Reckless foreign policy

Trudeaus foreign policy decisions have been marked by a series of missteps that have alienated crucial allies. His governments confrontations with China over trade issues have resulted in retaliatory tariffs and a deterioration of economic relations between the two nations. Trudeaus misguided engagement with Khalistani terrorists including his governments leniency towards separatist groups, has further strained relations with Indiaa key ally and a major trading partner.

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A narrow escape and a return to failed tactics

This week, Trudeau narrowly avoided a political crisis when opposition parties chose not to support an attempt to topple his beleaguered minority government. The Conservative opposition, which has gained significant traction in recent polls, was prepared to challenge Trudeau over his controversial carbon tax hike, which has been criticised for its economic impact and lack of clarity on how it will address environmental concerns.

Trudeaus survival in office, at this point, is largely a matter of political luck. The Conservative Partys decision to hold off on a no-confidence vote provides him with a temporary reprieve, but his return to previous failed strategies suggests that he has learned little from his recent setbacks. His attempts to revive his previous policy approaches, such as doubling down on his climate agenda, are unlikely to quell the growing dissatisfaction among voters and critics.

Desperate distractions and baseless allegations

In a bid to deflect attention from his domestic failures, Trudeau has turned to external distractions. A new Canadian Security Intelligence Service(CSIS) report called Country Summaries, revealed during a public inquiry into foreign interference on Wednesday, accuses both India and China of attempting to influence Canadian politics through their diaspora communities and by supporting sympathetic MPs through illicit means. However, these claims have been widely criticised and dismissed as baseless by both India and China.

Trudeaus effort to use these allegations as a smokescreen highlights his desperation and political ineptitude. Unlike leaders such as Indias Narendra Modi or Chinas Xi Jinping, who are known for their strategic acumen and administrative capabilities, Trudeaus attempts to deflect blame reveal a lack of effective leadership and a reliance on unfounded claims to salvage his administration.

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The CSIS report makes the extraordinary claim that India is attempting to weaken support for the Khalistan movement within Canada. This accusation is not only audacious but also fundamentally flawed. Indias primary concern remains the suppression of Khalistani separatism, which it views as a threat to its national security. The notion that India would engage in such activities within Canadas borders is a gross misrepresentation of the facts.

Furthermore, the reports comparison of India to China in terms of spreading false narratives about Canadian officials is both misleading and provocative. India has flatly denied these allegations, labelling them as a diversion from the real issues facing Canada. Trudeaus attempt to position Canada as a victim of Indian interference only serves to highlight his administrations failure to address its own internal problems.

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The CSIS report, which includes input from various Canadian security and intelligence agencies, reflects an ongoing effort by Trudeau to deflect criticism by targeting external actors. The reports claims against India are not only outrageous but also reflect a broader trend of producing dubious reports based on flimsy evidence. The document downplays the extent of violent extremism among Canadian Sikhs while simultaneously suggesting that New Delhi views any support for Khalistani separatism as a threat, even when such support is legally permissible in Canada.

This report represents a blatant infringement on Indias sovereignty and implicitly endorses terrorism. Canadas attempts to cast itself as a victim of Indian interference are an attempt to obscure its own failures and deflect attention from its role in fostering a permissive environment for extremist activities.

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Demand for evidence and hypocrisy exposed

Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma has demanded that Canada provide concrete evidence of Indias alleged interference, highlighting Ottawas failure to substantiate its claims regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Globe and Mail has reported that Canada has not been able to offer credible proof to support these serious allegations.

Additionally, the CSIS reports naming of other nationssuch as China, Russia, Iran and Pakistanas involved in foreign interference within Canada further exposes the hypocrisy of Canadas allegations against India. This broader context reveals that Trudeaus administration is using accusations of foreign interference as a convenient distraction from its own failures.

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Trudeaus leadership is increasingly characterised by a series of strategic and diplomatic failures. His attempts to deflect blame onto external actors, particularly India, not only fail to address the real issues facing his administration but also reveal a deep-seated inability to manage both domestic and international challenges effectively.
Zelenskyy pledged last month to present his plan to U.S. President Joe Biden, presumably next week when he attends sessions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly read more

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that his Victory Plan, intended to bring peace to Ukraine while keeping the country strong and avoiding all frozen conflicts, was now complete after much consultation.

Zelenskyy pledged last month to present his plan to U.S. President Joe Biden, presumably next week when he attends sessions of the U.N. Security Council and General Assembly.

While providing daily updates on the plans preparation, Zelenskyy has given few clues about the contents, indicating only that it aims to create terms acceptable to Ukraine, now locked in conflict with Russia for more than 2 1/2 years.

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Today, it can be said that our victory plan is fully prepared. All the points, all key focus areas and all necessary detailed additions of the plan have been defined, Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.

The most important thing is the determination to implement it.

There was, Zelenskyy said, no alternative to peace, no freezing of the war or any other manipulations that would simply postpone Russian aggression to another stage.

On Tuesday, the president said a meeting with top commanders had produced good and strong content in military terms, precisely the kind that can significantly strengthen Ukraine.

Zelenskyy has used as the basis for negotiations a peace plan he presented in late 2022 calling for a withdrawal of all Russian troops, the restoration of Ukraines post-Soviet borders and a means to bring Russia to account for its invasion.

The plan was the focal point of a peace summit hosted by Switzerland in June with participants pledging to convene a second summit later this year. Russia was not invited to the June summit and branded it as meaningless, though Ukraine and its allies say Moscow could attend the next gathering.

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Zelenskyy has rejected any notion of negotiations while Russian troops occupy nearly 20% of the countrys territory.

Russia has repeatedly said it is willing to negotiate but rules out discussions while Ukrainian forces remain in its Kursk region after it launched an incursion into the area last month.
Studies show that illegal voting by non-citizens is infrequent. In the 2016 election, just 30 incidents were identified out of 23.5 million ballots. A study of voter rolls in 2020 found isolated incidents of illegal voting, far too few to affect the outcome of the election read more

Former president Donald Trump and his allies have filed multiple lawsuits in swing states regarding non-citizen voting. AP

Former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies have escalated claims that the November 5 US presidential election could be influenced by non-citizen voting, filing multiple lawsuits across key swing states.

Democracy advocates warn the legal challenges are part of a broader effort to undermine confidence in the election process.

Lawsuits across swing states

At least eight lawsuits have been filed challenging voter registration procedures in four of the seven battleground states expected to decide the contest between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The lawsuits primarily target state voter registration systems, alleging insufficient safeguards to prevent non-citizens from registering or remaining on voter rolls.

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A lawsuit in North Carolina claims that nearly 225,000 voters were registered without sufficient documentation, though state officials have contested that figure.

In Arizona, a lawsuit seeks to force counties to investigate around 44,000 voters who were allowed to register without providing proof of citizenship, exploiting a two-tiered system that requires such proof for state but not federal elections.

The Republicsn narrative

Trumps campaign insists the lawsuits are aimed at protecting election integrity. We believe our lawsuits will stop non-citizen voting, which threatens American votes, said a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee.

The former president is doing what hes done in past elections, setting up a narrative that says if he wins, the election is fair, but if he loses, its rigged, said New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat.

Democracy advocates argue that Trumps legal strategy is aimed at laying the groundwork for challenging results in crucial states if he loses.

While national polls show Harris with a slight edge over Trump, the race is tight in swing states like Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, where legal challenges have already been filed. If the final results in these states are close, a successful legal challenge could have significant consequences.

Evidence of non-citizen voting

Studies show that illegal voting by non-citizens is infrequent. In the 2016 election, just 30 incidents were identified out of 23.5 million ballots, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University. Similarly, a study of voter rolls in 2020 found only isolated incidents of illegal voting, far too few to affect the outcome of the election.

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Trump and his allies previously filed over 60 lawsuits attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss, most of which were dismissed due to lack of evidence. Legal experts say the current wave of lawsuits may follow a similar trajectory.

While Trumps lawsuits focus on potential voting irregularities, experts say there is no substantial evidence to support the notion that non-citizens could swing a US presidential election.

Its not happening, said Chuck Coughlin, a Phoenix-based political strategist who ended his lifelong Republican registration in 2017 and is now an independent. Its a MAGA narrative intended to gaslight Republicans about election integrity.

With inputs from Reuters
The emails were received before the hack of the Trump campaign was publicly acknowledged, and theres no evidence the recipients of the emails knew their origin. read more

Iranian hackers sought to interest President Joe Bidens campaign in information stolen from rival Donald Trumps campaign, sending unsolicited emails to people associated with the then-Democratic candidate in an effort to interfere in the 2024 election, the FBI and other federal agencies said Wednesday.

Theres no indication that any of the recipients responded, officials said, and several media organizations approached over the summer with leaked stolen information have also said they did not respond. Kamala Harriss presidential campaign called the emails from Iran unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity that were received by only a few people who regarded them as spam or phishing attempts.

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The emails were received before the hack of the Trump campaign was publicly acknowledged, and theres no evidence the recipients of the emails knew their origin.

The announcement is the latest U.S. government effort to call out what officials say is Irans brazen, ongoing work to interfere in the election, including a hack-and-leak campaign that the FBI and other federal agencies linked last month to Tehran.

U.S. officials in recent months have used criminal charges, sanctions and public advisories to detail actions taken by foreign adversaries to influence the election, including an indictment targeting a covert Russian effort to spread pro-Russia content to U.S. audiences.

Its a stark turnabout from the governments response in 2016 when Obama administration officials were criticized for not being forthcoming about the Russian interference they were seeing on Trumps behalf as he ran against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

In this case, the hackers sent emails in late June and early July to people who were associated with Bidens campaign before he dropped out. The emails contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trumps campaign as text in the emails, according to a statement released by the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

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The agencies have said the Trump campaign hack and an attempted breach of the Biden-Harris campaign are part of an effort to undermine voters faith in the election and to stoke discord.

The FBI informed Trump aides within the last 48 hours that information hacked by Iran had been sent to the Biden campaign, according to a senior campaign official granted anonymity to speak because of the sensitive nature of the investigation.

The Trump campaign disclosed on Aug. 10 that it had been hacked and said Iranian actors had stolen and distributed sensitive internal documents. At least three news outlets  Politico, The New York Times and The Washington Post  leaked confidential material from inside the Trump campaign. So far, each has refused to reveal any details about what it received.

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Politico reported that it began receiving emails on 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 had apparently 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.

In a statement, Harris campaign spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein said the campaign has cooperated with law enforcement since learning that people associated with Bidens team were among the recipients of the emails.

Were not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign; a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt, Finkelstein said. We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in U.S. elections including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity.

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Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the effort to dangle stolen information to the Biden campaign further proof the Iranians are actively interfering in the election to help Harris.

Intelligence officials have said Iran opposes Trumps reelection, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge.

Irans intrusion on the Trump campaign was cited as just one of the cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns identified by tech companies and national security officials at a hearing Wednesday of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Executives from Meta, Google and Microsoft briefed lawmakers on their plans for safeguarding the election, and the attacks theyd seen so far.

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The most perilous time I think will come 48 hours before the election, Microsoft President Brad Smith told lawmakers during the hearing, which focused on American tech companies efforts to safeguard the election from foreign disinformation and cyberattacks.
The polls conducted by the American news outlet indicated that more voters see Harris as the candidate who will help the middle class, and Hispanics and independents are expected to swing in her direction read more

In a major blow to former US President Donald Trumps bid to the White House, the Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee has gained a 2-point lead in a head-to-head matchup against her Republican rival. Why the figure can be concerning for the Trump campaign because it was published in the latest polls conducted by Fox News, which is touted to lean towards the former president.

The polls conducted by the American news outlet indicated that more voters see Harris as the candidate who will help the middle class, and Hispanics and independents are expected to swing in her direction. The Fox News national survey found a 3 percentage-point shift among registered voters in the 2024 presidential contest since mid-August.

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Trump loses his advantage

In the survey conducted in August, the former President had a 1-point advantage. However, in the latest poll, Harris is ahead by 2 points with 50 per cent of the respondents favour her while Trump got support from only 48 per cent of the participants.

In July, the Fox News survey gave a one-point lead to Trump in his match-up against US President Joe Biden. This also marked the first time Harris garnered 50 per cent support in a Fox News poll which came after the first intense presidential debate between the two candidates.

However, the news outlet warned that the Harris campaign should not start celebrating the polls. Back in 2016, then-Democratic presidential nominee and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton had a 2-point popular vote margin over Trump. However, she lost the Electoral College by 304-227. Meanwhile, Bidens 4-point popular vote win in 2020 translated to a 306-232 Electoral College victory.

Harris gains support from Hispanics

The Fox News survey indicated that the biggest change in the voting behaviour witnessed since last month is the fact that independents and Hispanics have swung Harris way. In August, Hispanics favoured Trump by 6 points. But in the latest survey, the electorate went for Harris by a whopping 12-point margin.

Independents went for Trump by 8 points last month, but now prefer Harris by 12 as well. Trump retained the lead among non-college White men, rural voters and men. Harris backing, on the other hand, came from Black voters, urban voters, those under age 30, voters 65 and over, college graduates and women. Shes narrowly ahead in union households, a group that Biden won by low double-digits.

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Overall, the survey indicated excitement among the voters. Roughly 7 in 10 Harris and Trump supporters say they are extremely motivated to vote in this years presidential race. More voters also think Harris (53 per cent) has the temperament to serve effectively as president than Trump (47 per cent). Hence, it will be interesting to see how the race will eventually turn out.
The former president appeared on stage for the event which was moderated by his former White House press secretary and current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders read more

Former US President Donald Trump faced a barrage of jokes and mockery after he confused the names of an Alaskan wildlife refuge and an air base in Afghanistan. Trumps latest gaffe came while he was participating in a town hall in Michigan on Tuesday.

The former president appeared on stage for the event which was moderated by his former White House press secretary and current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The business-mogul-turned-politician did not stop there. Trump went on to claim that only consequential presidents get shot at," referring to the two assassination attempts against him.

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BREAKING: In a stunningly senile moment, Donald Trump attempted to show off how much he knew about the Air Force by suggesting Bagram Airfield was in Alaska. Its in Afghanistan. Retweet to make sure all Americans see this failure and know hes senile. pic.twitter.com/UA4iG3ygpR  Kamalas Wins (@harris_wins) September 18, 2024

Trump made the blunder while he was boasting about his administration getting drilling approval in Alaskas oil-rich Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). However, instead of taking the name of the swathe of mountains and forest in the Last Frontier, he took the name of Bagram Airfield, the former largest US air base in Afghanistan, which is now in the hands of the Taliban.

Check that one out. Bagram. Check that one. ANW its, its no, think about this, Trump said, tripping over his words. Between Bagram, between you go to ANWR It is still not clear how and why Trump mixed up the two locations which are phonetically different and are on separate continents.

Trump pledges to regain control over the Bagram airbase

After the gaffe, Trump also pledged to regain control of the Afghan air base, if he comes back to power.

You take a look at the kind of things that weve given up, uh, we should be, we should have that air base we should have that oil, we should have, we would have had a whole different country, but to give up  to give up the biggest airbase military airbase in the world, and they left it  behind but we would have been, we would have been, we would have been a much different country right now but were going to get it back and I promise you were going to get it back, he said.

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While addressing the town hall, the former president also overinflated the size of the Alaskan wildlife refuge before claiming his controversial oil-drilling deal secured just days before the end of his presidency in 2021  a deal that was swiftly culled by the Biden administration.

We were energy independent, we were soon going to be energy dominant, and we wouldve been now having so much money coming out of the energy, Trump averred. We just have the best. We have Bagram in Alaska, he added.

He went boast about how former US President Ronald Reagan couldnt get the deal he got. They say it might be as big it might be bigger than all of Saudi Arabia. I got it approved. Ronald Reagan couldnt do it, nobody could do it. I got it done, Trump bragged.

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While Trump claimed that ANWR is bigger than Saudi Arabia, the refuge spans across approximately 78,000 sq km. The Middle Eastern country, on the other hand, covers about 2,150,000 sq km.

The backlash that followed

The former president became the butt of the joke soon after his blunder. They say it might be bigger than Saudi Arabia, they also say its in Afghanistan, not Alaska, former professor at the US Naval War College-turned staff writer at The Atlantic Tom Nichols quipped, as he shared a clip of Trump speaking at the town hall on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Bagram was the airbase he [Trump] had in Afghanistan  the same base where we kept hundreds of Taliban and ISIS prisoners that Trump released back out into Afghanistan in his final year in office, Amy McGrath, the former Marine fighter pilot and founder of the Democratic Majority Action PAC, wrote in her post.

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Bagram was the airbase he had in Afghanistan- the same base where we kept hundreds of Taliban and ISIS prisoners that Trump released back out into Afghanistan in his final year in office.



He is CLUELESS folks. https://t.co/adHc5a7hy7  Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) September 18, 2024

Trumps gaffe was also trolled by the hosts of MSNBCs Morning Joe on TV. Check it out, Willie. You got your Google machine? anchor Joe Scarborough teased. Bagram, Alaska. I hear there is some of the best moose hunting in all of the world in Bagram.

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Not a slip of the tongue either, co-host Willie Geist chimed in. He said it five or six times and then closed it with check it, Google it, find it, look it up, take it to the bank," he added.

Zac Petkanas, a former senior adviser for Hillary Clinton, Trumps 2016 opponent, also took jabs at the former president. Looking forward to the dozen NYT stories about Trumps age and mental acuity. Oh, wait. Thats just reserved for Democrats.

Looking forward to the dozen NYT stories about Trumps age and mental acuity.



Oh wait. Thats just reserved for Democrats. https://t.co/vE66r5Icim  Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) September 18, 2024

The latest gaffe from Trump triggered renewed concerns about his age. There were questions if the 78-year-old was too old to run for the presidency and lacked the cognitive ability for office. While recalling how Trump used to refer to US President Joe Biden as sleepy Joe, many referred to the former reality TV star as sleepy don.

With inputs from agencies.
Microsoft has said that while Russia was primarily targeting Kamala Harris, Iran was mainly targeting Donald Trump in foreign election interference operations read more

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (Photo: AP)

Microsoft President Brad Smith has warned that the worst kind of foreign election interference is expected in the last 48 hours of the election.

The 2024 US presidential election is taking place amid active foreign interference activities where adversarial regimes in Iran and Russia are peddling disinformation and mounting cyberattacks to harm specific campaigns.

At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Wednesday, Smith said that the most perilous moment regarding foreign interference activities will come 48 hours before the election, according to Bloomberg.

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Americans will vote to elect the 47th President of the United States on November 5. Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party is in contesting against Republican Partys nominee Donald Trump.

Besides Smith of Microsoft, Google parent Alphabets President and Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker and Metas President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg also testified during the hearing. X (formerly Twitter), which is owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk, refused to send a representative to the hearing.

The hearing came a day after Microsoft published a report flagging Iranian and Russian foreign interference activities in the election. The report said that while Russia was primarily targeting Harris, Iran was mainly targeting Trump in various ways such as disseminating fake videos or hacking their campaigns.

Top tech executives flag AI dangers

Flagging the danger of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, Smith said that there was a lesson to be learnt from the Slovakian election last year in which a fake audio of one of the candidates was made viral on the internet in the run-up to voting.

In the report released just a day before Smiths testimony, Microsoft highlighted three incidents of Russian interference via disinformation via videos designed to discredit Harris and stoke controversy around her campaign.

In the first instance, a fake video showed an attack by Harris supporters on a Trump rally attendee. In the second instance, a video peddled false claims about Harris involvement in a hit-and-run case. In the third instance, several videos were published to discredit the Harris campaign through false content, such as circulating images of a fake billboard advancing fake claims about Harris policies.

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Separately, Googles Walker flagged the usage of generative AI in foreign election interference.

We are seeing some foreign state actors experimenting with generative AI to improve existing cyber attacks, like probing for vulnerabilities or creating spear phishing emails. We see generative AI being used to more efficiently create fake websites, misleading news articles and robot social media posts, said Walker, as per Bloomberg.
Hezbollah militants have traded near-daily fire with Israeli troops across the Lebanese border since Hamass October 7 attacks on Israel sparked war in Gaza. For nearly a year the focus of Israels firepower has been on Gaza but in recent days senior officials have said the focus has shifted north to Lebanon. read more

Israelis take cover next to a shelter as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.- AP

The United States said Thursday warned Hezbollah to stop its attacks against Israel if it wants to ease tensions in the region.

Addressing the media, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah could stop the terrorist attacks across Israel, and I guarantee you, if he did that, we would be impressing upon Israel the need to maintain calm on their end. Bottom line is, he hasnt stopped those terrorist attacks,

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The statement comes after the leader of Lebanons Hezbollah announced retaliation for deadly attacks on its communication devices after Israels defense minister announced a new phase of the war.

Hezbollah and the Israeli military traded new strikes over the border on Thursday. Fears are increasing that 11 months of exchanges of fire between the two sides will escalate into an all-out war.

Lebanon and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for attacks on Hezbollahs communications equipment that killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the militant group.

Hezbollah started striking Israel almost immediately after Hamas Oct. 7 attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war. They have come close to a full-blown war on several occasions.

Israels army hit some 30 Hezbollah rocket launchers along with other infrastructure in air strikes carried out in Lebanon on Thursday. With the direction of IDF (military) intelligence, the IAF (air force) struck approximately 30 Hezbollah launchers and terrorist infrastructure sites, containing approximately 150 launcher barrels that were ready to fire projectiles toward Israeli territory, the military said in a statement.

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Israels defense minister said Thursday that Hezbollah will pay an increasing price as Israel seeks to make conditions near its border with Lebanon safe enough for residents to return to their homes.

Yoav Gallants comments came as Israel and Hezbollah exchanged strikes and the groups leader, Hassan Nasrallah, vowed retaliation against Israel for a mass bombing attack in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hamas said Thursday it highly appreciates Hezbollahs support after the Lebanese groups leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed to keep fighting Israel until a ceasefire has been reached in Gaza.

The Palestinian militants said Nasrallahs stance frustrated plans to undermine the support front of our people and resistance in the Gaza Strip with deadly communications device explosions in Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon.

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Speaking Thursday, Nasrallah acknowledged that Hezbollah had suffered an unprecedented blow from the blasts, which killed 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000 across two days, but vowed that Hezbollahs operations against Israel would continue.

Hezbollah militants have traded near-daily fire with Israeli troops across the Lebanese border since Hamass October 7 attacks on Israel sparked war in Gaza.

For nearly a year the focus of Israels firepower has been on Gaza but in recent days senior officials have said the focus has shifted north to Lebanon.

With inputs from agencies.
The opposition leader insisted that assent was pushed as a condition for letting him flee to Spain, where he is currently in exile read more

The opposition's presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez shows his ballot as he votes in the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Venezuelas opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, said that he was forced to sign a letter acknowledging the countrys President Nicolas Maduros victory in the July 28 presidential polls. The opposition leader insisted that assent was pushed as a condition for letting him flee to Spain, where he is currently in exile.

The revelation came as Maduro crackdown on voices of dissent following the countrys highly disputed polls. I had to either sign it or deal with the consequences, Gonzalez said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming to deal with the whole truth of what happened with his departure from Venezuela. Gonzalez insisted that he faced very tense hours of coercion, blackmail and pressure.

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The Venezuelan opposition leader noted that Maduro and his allies brought him the document when he was in the Spanish embassy in Caracas before fleeing to Spain to request asylum. At that point I considered I could be of more use free than if I were imprisoned and prevented from fulfilling the tasks entrusted to me by me, he furthered.

#Comunicado a los venezolanos para informarles toda la verdad de lo que ocurrio con mi salida de Venezuela pic.twitter.com/SULvChfo9n  Edmundo Gonzalez (@EdmundoGU) September 18, 2024

The document which was paraded by Maduros allies

In the post, Gonzalez said that the document was supposed to remain confidential. However, Jorge Rodriguez, head of the national assembly and Maduros chief negotiator, paraded it during a press briefing. Before the presser, parts of the document were also published in local Venezuelan news outlets, The Guardian reported.

Rodriguez told reporters that Gonzalez signed the letter of his own volition. However, in the video, the opposition leader rejected the claims. They showed up with a document that I would have to sign to allow my departure from the country, Gonzalez said.

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Meanwhile, when Rodriguez was questioned about Gonzalezs latest proclamation, the Venezuelan official threatened to reveal audio of his conversations with Gonzalez if he did not take back his assertions.

Following the highly contentious July election, Venezuelas national electoral council, which is known to be loyal to Maduro, declared the draconian Venezuelan leader to be the winner of the race. What makes the matter suspicious is the fact that, unlike previous presidential elections, the countrys electoral authorities did not provide detailed vote counts.

However, the opposition coalition led by Gonzalez collected the tally sheets from 80 per cent of the nations electronic voting machines and posted them online. Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said the voting records showed the former diplomat won the election with twice as many votes as Maduro. The Maduro regime addressed the claims by issuing an arrest warrant against Gonzalez over the publishing of the tally sheets.

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Later, countries like the US, Brazil and other Latin American nations came in the opposition leaders support which prompted Venezulas Supreme Court to reaffirm Maduros victory. However, the court is also believed to be aligned with the Venezuelan president. The South American nations next presidential term will commence on January 10 and will last for six years.

With inputs from agencies.
The remarks from Kirby came after reports emerged that the US was notified by Israel about the attacks; however, the details of the plan were kept behind the curtain read more

White House warned all sides against escalation in the Middle East conflict after two waves of device explosions jolted Lebanon, especially its militant group Hezbollah. The attacks were attributed to Israel as the Jewish nation claimed that it is entering the new phase of the conflict.

We still dont want to see an escalation of any kind. We dont believe that the way to solve where were at in this crisis is by additional military operations at all, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters when asked about the situation in the Middle East.

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We still believe that the best way to prevent escalation, to prevent another front from opening up in Lebanon, is through diplomacy, he added. The remarks from Kirby came after reports emerged that the US was notified by Israel about the attacks; however, the details of the plan were kept behind the curtain.

US comes to Israels defence

When asked if Israel was adhering to International humanitarian laws, if it conducts such attacks, Kirby reiterated that the Jewish nation has the right to defend itself.

As we have said from the very beginning, Israel has a right to defend itself. How they do so matters to us, and we dont shy away from having those kinds of conversations with the Israelis as appropriate," he added without confirming Israels involvement. Meanwhile, the US official made it clear that the White House was not involved in the incident. We were not involved in yesterdays incidents or todays in any way," he emphasised.

Reports say otherwise

While Kirby tries to take the US out of the situation, three sources close to the matter told CNN that Israeli officials notified the US that the country was going to carry out an operation in Lebanon on Tuesday. However, the Jewish nation did not give any details about what they were planning.

The sources stated that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a telephone conversation on Tuesday morning. At least 20 people lost their lives and over 450 were injured in Lebanon on Wednesday after walkie-talkies detonated in a fresh wave of explosions, one day after the pager blasts killed at least 12 people.

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The explosions came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was travelling from Washington to Cairo. However, this is not the first time Israel has taken provocative action while Blinken is on a visit to the Middle East. Following the incident, Blinken clarified that the US did not know about nor was it involved in these incidents. The US confirmed the same to Iran, urging Tehran to not escalate the ongoing crisis.

With inputs from agencies.
Vyacheslav Volodin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, suggested that if Ukraine used Western weapons to strike Russian territory, Moscow would use nuclear weapons read more

In this April 22, 1952 file photo, a gigantic pillar of smoke with the familiar mushroom top climbs above Yucca Flat, Nev., during nuclear test detonation. Image used for representative purpose/AP

A senior Russian lawmaker warned Thursday (September 19) that Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles would lead to a global war with the use of nuclear weapons.

Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Duma, Russias lower house of parliament, said Moscow would respond with more powerful weapons if the West authorised such attacks.

Russia will give a tough response using more powerful weapons, he said, adding that a strike with the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, known as Satan II, could reach Strasbourg, a French city located close to the countrys border with Germany, in just over three minutes.

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Volodins comments come amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine, which has led to the most serious confrontation between the two sides since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. That Cold War standoff brought the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear conflict.

But that was not the immediate context of his threat. Volodin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, was reacting to a European Parliament vote supporting Ukraines right to target Russian military positions with Western weapons.

The status quo hinders Ukraines ability to fully exercise its right to self-defence under international public law and leaves Ukraine exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure, the resolution read.

The resolution was adopted on Thursday just hours after Volodins comments with 425 votes in favour, 131 against and 63 abstentions.

Kyiv has been pleading with its allies to allow it to use donated arms to strike legitimate military targets deep in Russian territory, like the air bases used by Russian planes in their relentless bombardment of Ukraine.

On the Ukrainian side, newly appointed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybia welcomed the resolution which he said showed decisiveness and leadership from the European Parliament.

With inputs from agencies
Extreme weather events are making headlines at an increased frequency. Storms, floods and landslides have killed hundreds of people this season across continents from East Asia to Africa to Europe and Americas read more

A drone view shows a flooded area in Piszkowice, Poland, in this still image from a social media video taken on September 15, 2024. Mariusz Kula/via REUTERS

Nations across the world are battling severe weather conditions. Death toll due to weather-related incidents over the past few weeks has run into hundreds if not thousands. Typhoons, storms, floods and landslides have rendered millions of people homeless from Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar in Asia to Nigeria, DR Congo and Central African Republic in Africa and Romania, Poland and Czech Republic in Europe, with storms causing heavy damage in the USs Florida and North Carolina, where officials have called flash floods a once in a century event.

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Scientists have attributed such severe weather events to global warming-induced climate change. They say this pattern of natural calamities are likely to intensify in coming years if urgent steps are not taken by countries in a coordinated manner.

Storm Boris batters Europe

Mass flooding has been reported from Europe, where central and eastern parts are battling with severe floods. Storm Boris that made landfall last week barrelled the region so hard that thousands have fled their homes to escape the flood. Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala has called it a once-in-a-century flood.

At least 16 people lost their lives in the Storm Boris-induced rains and floods. It has caused heavy loss to infrastructure, cutting electricity supply to large areas.

In Romania, a mayor called the floods caused by Storm Boris a catastrophe of epic proportions. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared a 30-day state of natural disaster in the affected areas at an emergency meeting of the cabinet that he convened on Monday.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cancelled all international engagements to focus on the storm. Hungary is facing a massive challenge in protecting a critical dam breach on the Danube. Hungarian media reports say that the national defence team is helping water specialists who are working round the clock to strengthen the embankments.

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And in Austria, Chancellor Karl Nehammer has kept 2,400 soldiers on standby for relief and rescue operations. Around 1,000 troops have been especially earmarked for Lower Austria province, which the government has declared a disaster area.

Across central Europe, authorities expect the impact of Storm Boris to ease by the middle of this week. But the flood situation is likely to remain grim for several European cities. Authorities are still maintaining that the worst is not behind us yet.

Over 1,000 dead in Africa

Africa is reeling under massive floods that have wreaked havoc across west and central parts of the continent in recent weeks. Nearly 5 million people have been affected by flooding this year in central and west Africa, and over a million have been rendered homeless or displaced, with hundreds of thousands homes destroyed due to extreme weather events.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed several mobile health teams each comprising 20 medical personnel with essential drugs and medical supplies in some of the affected areas  with particular focus on Nigeria, which is the worst-affected country in Africa.

The WHO is working to provide treatment for minor ailments, routine immunisation, antenatal and postnatal services as well as mental health care and coordinating medical referrals to larger hospitals. It fears that water-borne diseases could create serious health crises in flood-affected areas once waters recede.

Officials from across countries in this region have reported rising waters sweeping deadly animals out of zoos and into human habitation. In Nigeria, flooding brought down walls of a jail, allowing 281 prisoners to escape.

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Climate scientists have said that such devastating scale of floods in Africa is yet another manifestation of climate change. This calls for improved flood risk management and climate adaptation.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) that works extensively in Africa said in a statement this week that heavy floods have exacerbated existing humanitarian crises across the Sahel and Lake Chad region, particularly impacting in countries such as Cameroon, Mali and Niger. It called for increased international support to provide relief to the most vulnerable.

The situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad region is increasingly dire, as the compounding effects of conflict, displacement, and climate change take a severe toll on vulnerable populations, said Hassane Hamadou, NRCs Central and West Africa regional director.

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Our immediate priority is to ensure affected people across the region receive essential support such as shelter, food, and hygiene supplies. Longer-term solutions including the improvement of existing infrastructures must be coordinated with local governments to build resilience against future disasters, Hamadou said.

These severe floods are a stark reminder of the Sahel and Lake Chad regions vulnerability to climate change, which may only worsen in the nearby future. Fragile communities already living in crisis cannot face these challenges alone, said Hamadou.

Strong storms in East Asia

Typhoon Yagi and other storms have recently impacted several countries in Asia-Pacific. Categorised as a super typhoon, Yagi has been assessed as one of the strongest typhoons to hit Southeast Asia in decades. It has left a trail of destruction in multiple countries, with severe flooding, landslides, and widespread infrastructural damage, said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The typhoon severely affected the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, triggering both immediate humanitarian responses and long-term recovery efforts. The combined death toll in Southeast Asia has crossed 600  at least 344 in Vietnam, 226 in Myanmar, 42 in Thailand and four in Laos. Unicef says that more than 6 million children have been affected by typhoon Yagi.

Meanwhile, Shanghai endured the battering by typhoon Bebinca, found to be the strongest storm to hit the commercial capital of China in the past 75 years  practically the strongest under the communist regime in the country. It made landfall on Monday and forced more than 400,000 people to evacuate the financial centre.

Shanghai had to suspend flight operations, shut train routes and close highways  more than 1,600 flights were cancelled across the region and several high-speed train routes were temporarily shut down. All of this came during Chinas three-day mid-autumn festival holiday.

Hurricanes hitting America hard

Hurricane Beryl hit Texas and Louisiana in August, leaving more than 2 million people without electricity supply. It brought excessive rainfall and flooding inland. Media reports said hurricane Beryl created a deadly storm surge that reached 4-7 ft in places along the coast. At least 36 people were reported dead in Texas and Louisiana, and 33 across the Caribbean, with Venezuela, Jamaica and others reporting fatalities.

The hurricane is estimated to have caused economic loss in the range of $28-32 billion in the US. Hurricane Beryl was a Category 5 storm, with winds of 165 mph, marking an early start to the hurricane season. It, in fact, became the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded.

To some, this came as an anomaly but the fact is that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had issued a warning in May itself for an above average hurricane season in the North Atlantic. And the World Meteorological Organization had already said that 2024 would make the ninth consecutive year of above average hurricane seasons in the North Atlantic.

This week, North Carolina is facing the wrath of the weather god. Parts of the state have received what local officials termed as the life-threatening flash flooding. Some of the North Carolina towns received more than a foot of rain in the first 12 hours of Monday  described by the National Weather Services office as the type of deluge that happens once every 200 years.

Weather scientists see a bigger pattern in climate change. Data shows that most ocean basins  except the South Atlantic and North Indian Ocean  experience around 10 hurricanes a decade. As of May 2024, most basins have recorded approximately 5 hurricanes.

The worry is that the oceans indicate an alarming shift in recent years  the emergence of Category 6 hurricanes. There was none in recorded history before 2013  a category researchers proposed for those with winds blowing at over 309 kmph. Only one storm has breached that level but weather offices report that there has been an increased frequency of storms with increasing wind speeds.

What weather scientists point at is the rate at which extreme weather events linked to global warming-induced climate change is increasing by every season. Billionaire-turned-philanthropist Bill Gates, who runs a climate fund, this week called for investing in nutrition  proposing that this is the best way to fight climate change. Else, he warned, 40 million more children will suffer by 2040 due to climate change.

Even the massive Amazon river system is facing its most severe droughts with some of the navigable channels of tributaries have gone dry at places, with riverbeds exposed to the ground. The Amazon basin has reported its lowest ever water level this week. This comes at a time when Brazil, Venezuela and other countries of the Latin America region are battling severe wildfires. The world climate is calling for more serious attention than it has received.
The White House said Zelensky will have separate talks on September 26 with President Biden and with Vice President Harris, who is the Democratic nominee against Republican former president Trump. read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Joe Biden and Kamala Harris next week, and plans to see Donald Trump as he visits the United States to shore up support before Novembers crucial presidential election.

Zelensky will be covering all the political bases in what could be his last such visit before an election that could upend Washingtons policy of support for Ukraine against Russias invasion.

Zelensky has said he will share a victory plan with the US leaders to end the war with Russia.

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The president and vice president will emphasize their unshakeable commitment to stand with Ukraine until it prevails in this war, Bidens Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Biden said separately that he was looking forward to hosting my friend President Zelensky.

During his visit, Ill reaffirm Americas commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence, Biden said.

The Ukrainian presidency said separately that Zelensky plans to meet the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

There was no immediate confirmation from Trumps camp.

Both Ukraine and NATO allies have been fretting that Trump could loosen US support for Kyiv.

Trump has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, and refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris last week, saying only: I want the war to stop.

Zelensky has meanwhile been pressuring the Biden administration to let it fire Western-made long-range weapons into Russian territory.

Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer put off a decision on the issue last week, with Starmer saying they would discuss it further when they meet at the UN General Assembly in New York next week

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The Ukrainian leader said last week that he planned to discuss his victory plan with Biden this month, and added on Wednesday that the plan was now fully prepared.

Zelensky has also said he aims to host another international peace summit outlining his vision to end the war in November, to which Russia will be invited.

Russias invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for more than 30 months, with Ukraine now controling parts of Russias Kursk region while Moscow presses an advance into eastern Ukraine.
Xiaomi has confirmed the launch of Redmi Note 14 series smartphones in China next week, after several rumours. The image reveals a new camera design for the phones.

The Note 14 Pro+ in green shows a 50MP camera with OIS and f/1.6 aperture for the main camera. There is a 60mm f/2.2 mid-focus lens, according to the image.

The other phone, which should be the Note 14 Pro, shows a 50MP AI camera with OIS, without revealing exact specs. These are not expected to pack a telephoto lens, so the third camera will likely be a macro or a depth sensor.

The company says that the next generation Redmi series phones feature a major upgrade in quality that include a new level of drop resistance, and new level of waterproofness, achieving stronger waterproofness for the entire device.

Xiaomi also said that the Redmi Note 14 Pro series has passed a number of rigorous tests and has officially been selected as the official mobile phone of the Blue Sky Rescue Team, Chinas largest private rescue team. With the quality requirements of the rescue front line, it started a major quality upgrade, it added.

This should be IP68 ratings for both the phones. To remind you, the Redmi Note 13 Pro only featured IP54 ratings. The company also promises a new level of guarantee, a rare service guarantee in the industry. The phone will retain the plastic middle frame, according to rumours.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro used the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, and the Note 14 Pro is said to be powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC, and the phone is expected to get a 1.5K dual-curved screen, and up the benchmarks revealed 16GB of RAM. These should still run Android 14 with Hyper OS on top.

Source
motorola launched the razr 50, the companys latest foldable razr series smartphone, in India earlier this month. The successor to last years razr 40 get a bigger outer screen, faster processor, faster wireless charging and improved waterproof ratings. It this a good foldable phone for the price? Let us dive into the review to find out.

Box Contents

motorola razr 50 8GB + 256GB model in Sand Beach colour

33W turbo charger

USB Type-A to Type-C cable

SIM Ejector tool

Protective case

User manual

Display, Hardware and Design

Starting with the display, the moto razr 50 features a large 6.9-inch Full HD+ 120Hz LTPO pOLED screen with a pixel resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels, 22:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of about 413 PPI.

The display is bright, since it has up to 3000 nits peak brightness, and the sunlight legibility is good as well. The colours are vibrant as well since it has 120% DCI-P3 color gamut. Even with a foldable screen, the crease is hardly visible, thanks to the enhanced hinge. During set up, motorola shows an alert asking not to remove the pre-installed screen protector or install third-party screen protector to the screen, doing so make the warranty void. This is also mentioned in a sticker on the phone.

The 1-120Hz LPTO variable refresh rate compared to 144Hz variable refresh rate in the razr 40 offers a fluid user experience. It has 220Hz/300Hz touch sampling rate in gaming mode. It also has HDR+ support, which works for YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, but not for Netflix.

Under the display options there are different options to adjust colours from Natural, Radiant and Vivid colors. There is flicker prevention option in the settings. It doesnt have notification LED, but there is Always on display.

The razr 50 has a 6000 series aluminum frame that is premium in looks and feel, and is solid to hold. The phone has a matte finish, and might be slipper at times. The volume rockers and the power button that houses the fingerprint scanner is present on the right side. The SIM slot is present on the left side. This has a single physical SIM and the secondary SIM is an eSIM.

The phone is just 7.25mm thick when open, compared to 7.35mm in the predecessor. It weighs 188 grams, same as the razr 40.

When closed, the phone is 15.85mm thick. The hinge feels sturdy and can be used in several angles, and the company says that it has been successfully tested for over 4 lakh folds. The phone has IPX8 ratings for water resistance. There are no gaps when closed.

The screen can stay stable at different angles, which is good. However, the hinge is sturdier in the Samsung Z Flip phones.

The front screen has been upgraded to 3.6-inches (1056 x 1066 pixel), making it way larger than the 1.47 screen in the razr 40, and the pOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate is now brighter offering up to 1700 nits peak brightness compared to 1000 nits in the predecessor. This has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

Unlike other flip phones, you can use any app on the outer screen, but all the apps might not be optimized. You can add Stocks, Spotify, and more widgets, in addition to the existing widgets like Calendar, weather and contacts.

There are also playable mini-games for the outer screen. You can also access notifications, and directly reply to them and also access the quick settings panel from the outer screen. You can even use the speakerphone to attend a call. Overall, the razr 50s screen has seen a major improvement.

All the models of the razr 50 features a vegan leather finish. In addition to Sand Beach colour that we have, the phone also comes in Spritz Orange, Sand Beach and Koala Grey colours.

Camera

50MP main camera, f/1.7 aperture, OIS

13MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture

32MP front camera with f/2.4 aperture

The camera UI is familiar with most Motorola smartphones that include a quick toggles between main camera and macro camera on the bottom, quick toggles for flash, timer, aspect ratio, and more.

Other camera features include Night Vision, Portrait, Spot Colour, Panorama, Scan, Dual Capture, Ultra -res, Photo Booth, Slow motion, Time lapse and Dual capture. There is camcorder mode that lets you use the phone in 90 so it is more stable.

Coming to the image quality, daylight shots came out well with good dynamic range, thanks to Quad Pixel technology that gives you get 12.5MP output. HDR shots are better with improved dynamic range, and it is recommended to enable auto HDR.

The 13MP ultra-wide is decent, and the macro option with the ultra-wide is good as well, since this is an autofocus camera. The edge detection in portrait shots is good as well. The 32MP front camera does a good job. You can also use the front camera to shoot

Check out the camera samples.

The razr 50 offers 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps rear or FHD at 60 fps using main, ultra-wide and front cameras. There is slow motion 120 fps at 1080p and 240 fps at 720p resolution. Stabilization is decent.

Software, UI and Apps

Coming to the software, the phone runs on Android 14 with August 2024 security patch. On the top of Android 14, it has Hello UI, which is stock with added moto features. The company has promised 3 years OS updates, and 4 years security updates for the phone.

Google Gemini can be used directly from the outer screen. razr users will also receive Gemini Advanced for 3 months with access to Googles most capable AI models, at no extra cost. Theyll also get 2 TB of cloud storage and Gemini in their favorite Google apps like Gmail, Docs, and moreall included in the Google One AI Premium plan  worth approximately Rs. 1950/month.

As usual, it is stock with added Moto features. There is nothing to mention regarding the software in specific, since it offers stock Android 14 experience with added features. There is Smart Connect, gestures such as Quick capture, Fast flashlight, Three-finger screenshot, Sidebar, Double press power key, Press and hold power button.

Apart from the usual set of utility apps, Google apps, there are some apps such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Spotify, but you can install them easily. It has 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, out of which 7.45GB of RAM is free. It also has a RAM booster option to add up to 8GB of virtual RAM, and the AI auto RAM boost option is enabled by default. Out of 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, 214.5GB is usable.

Fingerprint sensor

The phone has a fingerprint sensor on the side. It immediately unlocks the phone just by keeping your finger so that you dont have to press it, and it is obviously faster than the in-display fingerprint scanner. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. You can also use the fingerprint for app local and payments in apps. The phone also has face unlock, but it is not as secure as fingerprint.

Music Player, and Multimedia

YouTube Music is the default music player. It also has Dolby Atmos. Audio through earphones, is good as well. It has Widevine L1 support, so you can play HD content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming apps without any issues. HDR works for YouTube and Amazon Prime Video, but doesnt work with Netflix.

Dual SIM and Connectivity

It has the usual set of connectivity features such as 5G with several (N1/2/3/5/7/8/20/26/28/38/40/41/66/71/77/78) bands. Jio and Airtel 5G work out of the box. It also has dual 4G VoLTE, 4G carrier aggregation or 4G+, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4 + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.4 and GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO and QZSS and NFC. Since the secondary SIM is eSIM, which it between devices is not an easy task.

The moto razr 50s body SAR is 1.17W/Kg, and the head SAR is at 1.09W/Kg, well under the limit in India which is 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g).

Performance and Benchmarks

This is the first flip phone to be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC, which is the optimized version of the Dimensity 7300 for foldables with dual screens. Otherwise, the specifications are similar, including 4X Arm Cortex-A78 cores at up to 2.5GHz paired with 4X Arm Cortex-A55 cores. There is MediaTek NPU 655.

There is no mention of cooling. It has Arm Mali-G615 GPU and MediaTek HyperEngine for gaming. It can handle graphic-intensive games like COD, BGMI and Genshin Impact, but not in max graphics. In 3D Mark wild life stress test, it scored 98.9% which is good. The temperature increased from 30 to 33 degrees, which is not much. That said, check out some synthetic benchmark scores below.

This is not a powerful SoC, so compared to other foldables the scores are less. Even compared to other phones powered by the same chip, the scores are less in AnTuTu, but it manages decent scores in Geekbench.

Battery life

Coming to the battery life, the phone packs the same, 4200mAh (typical) built-in battery as the razr 40. It lasts for a whole day with 5G and heavy multimedia use. I got over 4 and half hours of screen on time with one and half days of use with mostly on Wi-Fi, and occasional 5G use in 120Hz, which is good for the flip phone.

It still has the 33W fast charging. It takes one hour to charge the phone fully using a bundled 33W charger, and 0 to 50% takes less than 30 minutes. The razr 50 has faster 15W wireless charging compared to 5W in the razr 40. There is also reverse wireless charging.

Conclusion

Overall, the motorola razr 50 is a good upgrade to the razr 40, thanks to the improved inner and outer screens, better hinge design, even though there is not much change in the camera or the battery. Even though the SoC upgrade is decent, wish it had a faster SoC for a better gaming experience. It is a stylish flip phone with a more versatile cover screen compared to the competitors.

Alternatives

motorolas own razr 40 Ultra with a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC is now available for under Rs. 45,000. Older Galaxy Z Flip5 in second hand is also a good alternative since the first hand units are still costly.

Pricing and availability

The motorola razr 50 is priced at Rs. 64,999 for the single 8GB + 256GB model. With all the offers, the effective price of the phone is Rs. 49,999.

It will be available from Amazon.in, Reliance Digital, Motorola.in and leading retail stores across India starting from September 20th.

Pros

Large LTPO internal and versatile outer OLED displays

Good build quality, IPX8 ratings

Capable cameras

Excellent battery life

Clean UI experience

Cons

Average performance

No HDR for Netflix
Madagascars president lauds China's resolute commitment to Africas development

People's Daily Online) 15:04, September 19, 2024

China has demonstrated a resolute commitment to promoting Africa's development through the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), said Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina in a recent interview.

Rajoelina told People's Daily that FOCAC is key to strengthening ties between China and African nations and enhancing friendly cooperation with Madagascar.

China has consistently followed principles of sincerity, real results, amity, good faith, and of pursuing the greater good and shared interests in its cooperation with Africa, said Rajoelina, who was in Beijing for the 2024 FOCAC Summit. He noted that China has made important contributions to African countries, including Madagascar, through concrete cooperation projects.

The president said FOCAC provides opportunities to explore further Africa-China cooperation. Madagascar hopes to strengthen exchanges with China in industrialization, agricultural modernization, and science and technology to boost its diversified economic development.

Deepening Africa-China cooperation will boost the continent's integration and modernization, accelerate Madagascar's economic transformation and sustainable development, and enhance people's well-being, Rajoelina said.

He thanked China for its support in technology and experience, noting that Chinese assistance has helped Madagascar upgrade its hybrid rice technology.

Rajoelina expressed hope to learn from China's successful experiences. He aims to promote Madagascar's national development and rejuvenation by deepening cooperation with China, working towards the Malagasy people's goal of agricultural modernization and industrialization.

Madagascar was among the first African countries to sign a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation agreement with China.

Rajoelina said that Madagascar and China's Belt and Road cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes. He noted that the two countries have implemented several infrastructure projects, supporting local economic and social development and improving people's livelihoods.

The president highlighted strengthened communication and coordination on major global issues between the two countries. He also noted that rich and diverse people-to-people exchanges have built stronger bonds between the two peoples.

Rajoelina said Madagascar will continue to align its development strategy with the BRI and expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as agricultural modernization, renewable energy, and the digital economy.

He expressed hope that closer cooperation would lead to common development and prosperity for both countries.

Rajoelina commended China's significant role in promoting South-South cooperation. He noted that Africa-China cooperation exemplifies how partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests can yield benefits for all involved parties.

The president addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposal to elevate China-Africa relations to strategic partnerships and establish an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Rajoelina emphasized that China has consistently been a strategic partner for Madagascar.

He highlighted sincerity, friendship, mutual respect, trust, and support as key features of the solid and promising relations between the two countries.

Rajoelina expressed confidence that continued collaboration between Madagascar and China would promote greater development and contribute to building a more prosperous world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
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Joint ODNI, FBI, and CISA Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ODNI News Release No. 22-24

September 18, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the following statement:

"Since the 19 August 2024 joint ODNI, FBI, and CISA public statement on Iranian Election Influence Efforts, the FBI has learned additional details about Iran's efforts to sow discord and shape the outcome of U.S. elections.

Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Biden's campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trump's campaign as text in the emails. There is currently no information indicating those recipients replied. Furthermore, Iranian malicious cyber actors have continued their efforts since June to send stolen, non-public material associated with former President Trump's campaign to U.S. media organizations.

This malicious cyber activity is the latest example of Iran's multi-pronged approach, as noted in the joint August statement, to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our electoral process. As the lead for threat response, the FBI has been tracking this activity, has been in contact with the victims, and will continue to investigate and gather information in order to pursue and disrupt the threat actors responsible. Foreign actors are increasing their election influence activities as we approach November. In particular, Russia, Iran, and China are trying by some measure to exacerbate divisions in U.S. society for their own benefit, and see election periods as moments of vulnerability. Efforts by these, or other foreign actors, to undermine our democratic institutions are a direct threat to the U.S. and will not be tolerated.

The FBI and CISA encourage campaigns and election infrastructure stakeholders to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to their local Election Crimes Coordinators via FBI field office (https://www.fbi.gov/fieldoffices), by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or online at https://www.ic3.gov. Cyber incidents impacting election infrastructure can also be reported to CISA by calling 1-844-SAY-CISA (1-844-729-2472), emailing report@cisa.dhs.gov, or reporting online at https://www.cisa.gov/report. Election infrastructure stakeholders and the public can find additional resources about how to protect against cyber and physical threats at CISA's #PROTECT2024 (https://www.cisa.gov/topics/election-security/protect2024)."

###

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Mossad behind pager explosions in Lebanon: Media

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Western media have concluded that the Israeli spy agency Mossad planted explosives in the batteries of pagers that exploded in Lebanon, resulting in deaths and injuries on Tuesday's evening.

British Sky News channel, quoting exclusive sources, reported that communication devices fell into the hands of Mossad before reaching Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement.

Mossad succeeded in modifying Hezbollah's communication devices before they were handed over to this group, the sources said, adding that Mossad "embedded some highly explosive material known as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in the batteries of the devices, which exploded when temperature increased."

This terrorist act of the Zionist regime has left 9 martyrs and 2,750 wounded.

Meanwhile, the American television network ABC reported on Tuesday night that Hezbollah may take retaliatory action against Israel following the explosion of "Pager" communication devices in different areas of Lebanon.

ABC quoted a US official on the condition of anonymity that both Iran and Hezbollah will probably retaliate against the cyberattack, but while they are evaluating the incident, it is possible that their retaliatory action will take time.

4399

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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Russian Ambassador today following Russia's malicious and deliberate public campaign of aggression against the UK.

18 September 2024

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The UK condemns in the strongest terms Russia's unprecedented and unfounded public campaign of aggression against the UK, including the malicious and completely baseless accusations made against Foreign Office staff last week. This behaviour is in direct contravention to Russia's obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

This pattern of behaviour is completely unacceptable, deeply unprofessional, and beneath the standards of conduct between states.

This is the latest development in a deliberate campaign by Russia to undermine and threaten UK security and democracy and deter our support for Ukraine, through disinformation, acts of sabotage in Europe and direct harassment and restrictions against our diplomatic missions in Russia. This campaign will not succeed.

Russia must stop this activity immediately.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the Situation in the Kosovo Region

People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated: September 16, 2024 17:15

Q: It's reported the police of the temporary institutions in Pristina forcibly raided and controlled institutions of ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo. The Kosovo police arrested four Serbs and confiscated Serbian currency in the National Bank of Serbia located in northern Kosovo. The situation in the Kosovo region again experienced tension. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic made a strong response in a televised address. What's your comment?

A: On the Kosovo issue, China respects Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and believes that the security and lawful rights and interests of ethnic Serbs in the Kosovo region should be upheld. Unilateral moves do not help address the issue and disrupt regional security and stability. Relevant parties need to continue practical and constructive dialogue, and actively look for a lasting solution to the Kosovo issue.

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United Arab Emirates: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after the visit

European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.09.2024

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Good afternoon.

I am finishing my short, but intense, stay in [the United Arab] Emirates, in Abu Dhabi [and] now in Dubai.

It is clear that [the United Arab] Emirates is an important partner for the European Union. More than that, it is an active broker in international affairs - not only in the region, [but] worldwide.

As the European Union, we value the role and influence of [the United Arab] Emirates. Certainly, we have a lot to learn from each other. That is what we did during these intense hours where I had exchanges - about the Middle East in particular, with regard to the situation in Gaza especially.

I discussed with my colleague and friend, [Emirati] Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah [bin Zayed], and many others.

I am coming from the humanitarian hub [in the International Humanitarian City], where humanitarian support is being stockpiled before being distributed all around the world.

In particular we discussed about the implementation of the Biden plan. Unfortunately, we are still not there, after weeks and weeks of discussions. But, one day or another the ceasefire will come and then we have to start discussing the 'Day After'.

We agreed with the Emirati colleagues that we have to start discussing about the 'Day After' - even if the 'Day After' is, unhappily, not tomorrow.

But it will happen. And when it happens, we will have to work together. The sooner the better.

For that, I think we have to stick to basic principles, and accommodate our concerns and the concerns of all parties, and introduce some creative ideas.

Allow me to say that [the United Arab] Emirates is playing a very important role on providing humanitarian support to Gaza. Maybe the most effective support that anyone is providing in Gaza - not only in quantity - but on the capacity to reach people inside Gaza -also in the evacuation of the wounded to the Emirati hospitals, from here to other places in the world.

Yes, I am very happy for having had the possibility of coming to [the United Arab] Emirates, as part of my visit to the region because [the United Arab] Emirates is a key country. It is playing an international role - and it will continue playing an international role in order to look for peace in the Middle East and worldwide.

Instead of giving a long speech, I prefer to be able to answer some questions.

Thank you.

Q&A

Q. We just saw almost an hour ago an incident happened in Beirut where pagers exploded and injured members of Hezbollah. So, do you think Israel is pushing towards a war with Lebanon? How do you see this escalation happening? How do you see it play out?

As you say, this news came [in] minutes ago. It is impossible for me to comment because I got the news - also thanks to you - but it is impossible for me to comment. I am trying to get in touch with [partners in] Beirut in order to get more information and clarification. But certainly, everything that puts trouble in the region is bad news. So, I cannot comment.

Q. Do you see escalation potentially happened in Lebanon with the ongoing situation?

I was in Lebanon before coming to [the] Emirates. I was visiting the United Nations' troops in the border [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon]. When I went there, the level of danger was increasing, and I saw the troops go into their barracks. Certainly, there is a possibility of the war spilling over not only to Lebanon, but also, it is already an important fire in the Red Sea where we - the European Union - have deployed a Navy mission [EUNAVFOR ASPIDES] in order to protect the freedom of navigation. The risk of a spill-over is not from yesterday, it is from the beginning. And we have to put all our efforts in order to try to avoid the 'regionalisation' of the war in Gaza.

Q. I have a couple questions; did you discuss with your Emirati counterparts and interlocutors the upcoming GCC-EU summit? Any comment on what the Foreign Minister of Israel said about you calling you "behaving like the worst antisemites" and he accused you of leading an antisemitic hate filled campaign against Israel?

Yes, I have been discussing with the Emirati authorities [on] the issue that you refer [to]. It is an important moment for the relationship between Europe and the Gulf countries. This summit has been pending for many years. And finally, it will take place, and it will take place before the end of my mandate, because I put all of my political will and preparation on this summit. We are even considering the possibility of holding a ministerial meeting before the summit in order to make it a success. I know that there are issues in which [the United Arab] Emirates is particularly sensitive - which is a trade issue - and I hope that the summit will open the door to go deeper on the issue of part of our relationship, and the issue of trade.

On the Israeli Foreign Minister's comment, I am not going to comment this kind of attack.

Q. Can you just say a bit more on the issue of trade? What are you referring to?

Well, we have been talking for quite long about the trade relationship between the European Union and the Gulf. This can be considered as a region-to-region [relationship], who can be considered through bilateral agreements. The experience shows that region-to-region [cooperation] is maybe more difficult - maybe to go step by step and doing particular agreements with some Gulf countries who could be more interested would be a better way. But I cannot anticipate. The only thing I am saying is that we will do everything in order to accommodate the concerns and to requests of the Emirate government in order to go deeper in our relationship - in particular on the trade side.

Q. You mentioned earlier the Red Sea being on fire and the EU response to that. I ask the EU High Representative on foreign policy: do you see a way for these attacks by the Houthis to stop? Is there any communication or anything that can be offered to the Houthis to get them to stop other than the end of the war in Gaza? And just given sort of what we have seen from the Houthis' behaviour in regards to the arrest of NGO staff and everywhere else: can they be a legitimate partner for negotiations, given sort of their response to the wider international community that we have seen?

Many questions in a single question. It is like a Russian puppet; you open the puppet and you [get] one after the other; you go deeper into the subject. Well, I was in Djibouti, and I went to pay a visit to the two warships. I was embarked in an Italian destroyer and then in a Greek frigate with an anti-aerial capacity. And I saw them working, escorting ships. You know that now we have a deep problem with an oil tanker; 150,000 tons of oil that could spill over and create a strong environmental impact. We are working to take it out. Our ships can do whatever they can do inside the mandate they have, which is - how military people would say - non-executive mandate. Which means they are not going to perform attacks, [it is] only defensive - protecting ships and protecting themselves, because they are also being attacked. But we will not respond by attacking the sources of the fire. It is just a defensive mission and a protecting mission, for the ships and for trade. You know that [the attacks], from the Egyptian's financial capacity, are being very costly. Every ship that has to go to the Horn of Africa means less money for the Egyptians and more time, and it means more cost, and it means more price for the European consumers. So, it is not against Israel, it is against freedom of navigation and about the economy of Egypt and the Europeans. So, we have to protect it. We will continue doing that in the limits of the mandate: non-executive, defensive and not attacking. Just before the war in Gaza, the prospects were good for the situation in Yemen. The United Nations Special Envoy [Hans Grundberg] - who has all of our support - was working in order to have a starting agreement. Unhappily, the war in Gaza came and everything became stalled, and it is still stalled. This is one of the examples of the spill-over effect of the war. But in the meantime, we have to do what we can do; it is to protect the ships in the defensive mission.

Q. Two things you said that, one way or the other, a ceasefire will come. Prime Minister Netanyahu is contemplating whether to fire his Defence minister, Yoav Gallant, and replace him with a right-wing politician who is opposed to a ceasefire. If he does that, what does that mean for European policy towards Israel? What does that mean to you? What is your opinion on that? What is your reaction to that - Netanyahu firing his Defence Minister and replacing him with Gideon Sa'ar? When you say you are discussing the day after with the Emiratis, what sort of role do you want to see the Emiratis play in Gaza? Do they want to play that role?

I am not going to say what Emiratis want to do or they are willing to do. The circumstances are still very dire, and it is difficult to say what we can do the 'Day After', but the 'Day After' will come. And, at the United Nations at the end of the month, at the United Nations General Assembly, we will try, together with the Arabs and the Norwegians, to hold - I am not going to call it a conference but - a meeting in order to gather every people, all people, all members of the United Nations that could contribute to bring the ceasefire. To look after [it], in order to make the situation more stable and to avoid the cycle of violence. So many people, generation after generation, are being killed, on one side and the other in the Middle East. But first things first. The first thing we need is a ceasefire, freedom of hostages and free entrance for humanitarian support. That is something which is more urgent than others. Keeping in mind that, yes, this is the most urgent thing, but then it is the political solution. If there is not a political project, the war is just a repetition, one after another, always the same story. This is what I think everybody that could do something has to do [something]. [The United Arab] Emirates is doing a lot for diplomatic point of view, for humanitarian point of view. I am sure that for any solution for the day after, they can continue playing an important role. But at that moment it is not for me to precise it.

Q. What about the targeted sanctions, the EU sanctions on the Israeli? Any update on this? What is it?

The last news about sanctions is about Iran. I think it is important to mention it because some voices have been saying that the European Union is doing nothing in order to respond to the alleged supply of weapons to Russia in the war against Ukraine. Yes, we are doing, we have been doing [work]. Last week we presented another package of sanctions. And by the way, the Iranian government protested about this proposal of these sanctions regime - sanctions proposal. So, I use this opportunity to say that that is not true, that the European Union is not acting with the tools that we have. We have been imposing sanctions against Hamas leaders, against some violence settlers and some organisations of the violence settlers in the West Bank. And now against Iran. And certainly, there is a proposal on the table for the member states to consider about some messages of hate against the Palestinians. But it is for the Member States to decide.

Q. On the back of the Madrid meeting, what do you think is a likely possible clear schedule for the establishment of the Palestinian state? What do you think the likelihood of that happening is, given Israel's opposition to it?

I understand that you want to [have] explain[ed] everything about future events. But I cannot anticipate what you are asking me for. I repeat, once again, that the first thing that we have to reach is a ceasefire, to free hostages, to provide humanitarian support and to look at the basis of the basic principles that have to accommodate the concerns of all parties. And the basic principles we know. They are there - it is part of international law, in United Nations resolutions. But it has to be the will from both parts - and more than the two parts, [of] the international community - to engage in looking for a political solution.

Q. When do you expect the 'Day After'? Is it coming soon, in days, weeks, months?

When President [of the United States, Joseph] Biden announced a plan for the ceasefire, everybody was expecting it to be agreed quickly. Unhappily, one day after another, the agreement is not there. So, I cannot foresee what can happen in the next few days or weeks. The only thing I can say is that all actors involved have to continue putting pressure on both parties to reach this agreement that is coming late. Every day that the agreement is not being reached, it means more day for the hostages to be retained prisoner and more people being killed in the war. So, [it] is not a matter of waiting for tomorrow. Tomorrow is already too late.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260926

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Israel/Gaza: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the ongoing conflict

European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.09.2024

Strasbourg

EEAS Press Team

Speech delivered by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell

Check against delivery!

Madame President, Honourable Members [of the European Parliament],

The last European Parliament Plenary to discuss this desperate humanitarian crisis took place in April. Since then, the situation has continued to deteriorate dramatically. So far, more than 41,000 people have been killed and a further 94,000 have been injured in Gaza. Almost 2 million people are internally displaced. 495,000 are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, while 745,000 face emergency levels of food insecurity. And 86% of Gaza Strip remains under Israeli evacuation orders.

I could go on with these harrowing statistics.

It is nearly a year now since the brutal and indiscriminate Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel and the beginning of the war in Gaza. For many months, we have remained steadfast in our call to reach an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages, and protection of civilians. Today, this call is more urgent than ever.

In Gaza, the collapse of the sanitation, waste management and health systems, coupled with summer heat and overcrowded conditions in the camps, has led to severe and widespread disease outbreaks including hepatitis A, polio, and skin and respiratory infections, affecting children in particular.

Violence and obstruction continue to impede humanitarian workers efforts to support those in need.

Despite extremely dangerous conditions and severely constrained humanitarian access both into and within Gaza, our humanitarian partners are working around the clock alongside local Palestinian organisations risking their lives, trying to deliver critical support to Palestinians in need.

Sadly, and absolutely unacceptable, the Gaza Strip has seen a globally unprecedented death toll among UN personnel and other aid workers since October.

Humanitarian access must be granted as according to international humanitarian law; and must not be used as a political tool. Israel has a legal responsibility to ensure [that] humanitarian organisations have safe access to those in need, as recalled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its advisory opinion, and in line with several UN Security Council resolutions.

We, therefore, reiterate our call to all parties to abide by international law and, in particular, international humanitarian law.

The United Nations, and in particular UNRWA, are irreplaceable when it comes to the humanitarian response in Gaza. Their mandate must be respected, and we will continue to support them.

On a rare positive note, I am glad that the World Health Organisation with its anti-polio vaccination campaign has exceeded its target. The first round of campaign has now concluded across Gaza, successfully. And the round two for administering the second dose of vaccine is set to begin in four weeks' time.

It is significant that the parties have understood the crucial necessity of this campaign. And this anti-polio vaccination campaign is a good example of how political will - when it is there - can enable such operations, and the proof that the constructive dialogue is possible.

Since we last discussed this tragedy back in April, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has also seen a surge in violence. Demolitions, construction of illegal settlements, and forced displacement of resident Palestinians and refugees; all of this is on the rise, as are terrorist attacks against Israelis. There have been over 600 Palestinian killed, including more than 100 children, this year alone in the West Bank.

The European Union has already imposed sanctions on some of the leaders of the extremist settlers and relevant entities. Furthermore, discussions are currently ongoing in the Council following High Representative [Josep] Borrell's proposal to impose sanctions against violent settler enablers, including two ministers for their public incitement to violence against Palestinians civilians.

While we strive to solve the immediate problems, we must also continue our outreach in favour of the two-state solution. Next week, During the UN General Assembly high-level week, High Representative Borrell, alongside the Arab League/OIC conference contact group and Norway, will co-host a high-level meeting to revive a political process. A process that includes all stakeholders and aims for the peaceful and secure coexistence of two states, Israel and Palestine.

As part of our efforts in favour of the two-state solution, we need to continue to support the Palestinian Authority, including through its reform process. The European Union is the biggest provider of external assistance to the Palestinian Authority. In a sign of our commitment, the [European] Commission has adopted an emergency package of 400 million for 2024, of which over 272.5 million has already been disbursed.

We strongly believe that the return of the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza is the only viable solution.

Finally, the risk of regional escalation from Iran, or its affiliated groups in the region, further highlights the importance of reaching a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, and the importance of working on the resumption of a political process. The European Union is ready to work with all relevant actors towards this goal.

Thank you.

Link to the video (starting at 1:50) : https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260551

Closing remarks

President, Honourable Members,

Thank you for this very useful exchange.

I would like to avoid repeating what I already said in my introduction, but I would like to underline what are our immediate priorities. They are full and safe humanitarian access to all those who need humanitarian aid within Gaza; ceasefire; release of hostages, and preparations for the day after.

And the European Commission and the High Representative have been active on all these issues. The European Commission is the leading humanitarian donor to Palestinians.

We support the ongoing efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to reach a long overdue a deal on ceasefire and hostage and we are preparing for the Day After.

And we are also calling on our Arab and other international partners to assume their share of the responsibilities on all these issues. And as I said already, the Palestinian Authority, despite its difficult financial situation and its demanding work on reforms, is the only viable solution for the future of Gaza. We will do our best to support the Palestinian Authority in this path.

And again, the European Union and its member states are the leading supporters financially and politically of the Palestinian Authority.

It is also important to continue our diplomatic outreach towards de-escalation in the wider region, engaging with all our key partners there. And we are doing that.

And finally, we also are trying to restart difficult discussions on a sustainable, just, and comprehensive solution for Israel and Palestine. And as many of you said today, the only solution is the two-state solution.

Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260553



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Venezuela: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on developments after presidential elections

European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.09.2024

Strasbourg, France

EEAS Press Team

Speech delivered by Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell.

Check against delivery!

Thank you, President, Honourable Members [of the European Parliament],

These are, indeed, sad days for democracy in Venezuela.

On 28 July, 20 millions of Venezuelans turned up in large numbers to peacefully exercise their political right to vote. In doing so, they sent a forceful message that the Venezuelan people want to bring about change, despite the shortcomings of the electoral process, as denounced by the United Nations Panel of Experts on the presidential elections.

The candidate backed by the opposition, Edmundo Gonzalez, appears to have won the elections by a significant majority, according to the publicly available copies of the electoral records. Faced with repression, political persecution and direct threats to his safety and freedom, after receiving hospitality at the residence of The Netherlands in Caracas, Mr Edmundo Gonzalez had to request political asylum and accept the protection offered by Spain.

I salute Mr Gonzalez's determination and convey my full solidarity to him and to his family. In a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek asylum in another country.

A month and a half after the elections, the Venezuelan authorities have failed to publish the official voting records of the Presidential elections. The position of the European Union, as reiterated by the High Representative Borrell after the Informal Foreign Affairs Council of 29 August, is clear and shared unanimously by all 27 Member States. In the absence of independently verifiable voting records, the European Union cannot recognise the democratic character of the announced results and, therefore, will not recognise the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro as a democratically elected president. Maduro has blatantly disregarded the will of the Venezuelan people and intensified the repression of all dissenting voices. The long process of erosion of democracy in Venezuela has reached a new low in recent days.

The European Union remains committed to the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. We will continue to support the efforts of the democratic opposition, as the only way for Venezuela to get out of a long social and political crisis. The unity of the opposition has been key to their electoral success. Throughout this period, High Representative Borrell has remained in close contact with Presidential candidate, Mr Edmundo Gonzalez, who was invited to address the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the EU. High Representative Borrell has also been in contact with opposition leader Ms Maria Corina Machado.

The European Union will continue to fight for the respect of human rights in Venezuela. Venezuelan authorities must put an end to repression, arbitrary arrests and harassment against members of the opposition and civil society. We call for the release of all political prisoners and for the immediate return of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner [OHCR] for Human Rights to Caracas.

Only a Venezuelan-led, peaceful and inclusive solution can make a democratic transition possible in Venezuela. This requires meaningful dialogue that initiates a democratic transition, provides guarantees to both sides and leads to the restoration of democracy. In this regard, I commend the ongoing mediation initiatives led by regional partners, notably Brazil and Colombia.

The will of Venezuelan voters must be respected.

Thank you for your attention.

Link to the video (starting at 0:26): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260554

Closing remarks

Thank you, President, Honourable Members,

The European Union will stand up for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. The debate today proves that we collectively remain committed to the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people. And we need to do so by firmly supporting a united democratic opposition leading the way for a transition towards freedom in the country.

I have taken good note of our exchange and will convey to High Representative [Josep] Borrell the different positions expressed today. As European Union, we will use our foreign policy toolbox to bolster efforts leading towards a peaceful and democratic Venezuelan-led solution after many years of political, economic and humanitarian crises. Respect for freedom and human rights in Venezuela is our priority.

It is high time Venezuela builds a future defined by peace and democracy, without repression or fear.

Mr. Gonzalez [Urrutia] can count on the unwavering support of the European Union.

The European Union demands that the voice of Venezuelans is listened to. Their democratic will must be respected.

Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260556





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State Secretary Gabric in Chisinau pledges continued political and development support for Moldova

Republic of Slovenia - Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

17. 9. 2024

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabric participated in the fifth edition of the Ministerial Conference of the Moldova Partnership Platform in Chisinau, aimed at securing and coordinating international assistance to help Moldova tackle key political and social challenges. On the sidelines of the Conference, State Secretary Gabric met with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov and addressed participants at an event co-organised by the Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF).

In her address as Minister for Development Cooperation, State Secretary Gabric underlined the need to support countries whose future is based on the values of freedom, democracy and human rights. "Slovenia remains a staunch supporter of Moldova's European path," assured Dr Gabric, expressing her commitment to continue supporting the Moldovan authorities in their efforts to build a modern, successful and resilient society.

She highlighted the key role of development cooperation, in which Slovenia and Moldova have developed a strong partnership over the past decade. This partnership is based on existing development projects such as the institutional transformation of the National Bank of Moldova implemented by the CEF, the ITF Enhancing Human Security project providing healthcare and psychosocial support to Ukrainian refugee children in Moldova, and the empowerment of women in the agricultural sector in cooperation with Caritas Moldova. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs plans to further increase development funding for Moldova over the next two years.

Co-hosted by Moldova, France, Germany and Romania since 2022, the Conference was attended by representatives from more than 30 countries and 10 international organisations. Its main objective is to express support for Moldova, identify the main reform and development priorities for the country in the coming period and ensure a coordinated international response.

On the sidelines of the Conference, State Secretary Gabric held talks with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Office for EU Integration, Cristina Gherasimov. During their meeting, she reiterated Slovenia's support for Moldova's European aspirations and pledged assistance in the form of knowledge transfer and experience in the areas of EU accession negotiations and European policies.

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Poland is first stop for ASC commanding general on his first site visit to Europe

By Cameron Porter, 405th AFSB Public Affairs Officer September 18, 2024

POZNAN, Poland -- During his first site visit to Europe, the commanding general of U.S. Army Sustainment Command's first stop was the 405th Army Field Support Brigade's Logistics Readiness Center Poland at Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan and Army Field Support Battalion-Poland at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Powidz, Poland.

Army Brig. Gen. John 'Brad' Hinson, who took command of ASC two months ago, traveled to Poland with his senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Escobedo, to conduct a site visit of the two key locations and speak to leaders from LRC Poland, AFSBn-Poland and the 405th AFSB headquarters.

Hinson and Escobedo first traveled to Poznan and met with LRC Poland staff Sept. 16 at their cluster of offices inside the V Corps headquarters on Camp Kosciuszko. There, the ASC command team received a capabilities briefing from LRC Poland and went office to office to meet some of the key members of LRC Poland in their work areas.

That afternoon, a briefing for the ASC command team headed by 405th AFSB Commander Col. Ernest Lane II was presented to Hinson and Escobedo in the hotel conference room where they were staying. Present at the briefing were three of the four battalion commanders under the 405th AFSB and directors or deputy directors from seven of the eight 405th AFSB LRCs. Also present was the director of Base Support Operations Maintenance.

Not only did each of the battalion commanders and the LRC leaders brief the ASC commanding general and command sergeant major. They also took the opportunity to raise concerns and issues they believed needed Hinson's and Escobedo's attention. Lane said he wanted the ASC command team to hear it directly from the battalions and LRCs and not from him.

Hinson said the reason why he conducts site visits like this is to hear from the battalion and LRC leaders on "what we can do as a higher headquarters to make your lives easier."

"That's really what Jorge's and my job is - to make your lives easier, as the higher headquarters, so that you can do your jobs better," said Hinson. "If you don't bring anything up to us then we'll just think 'okay, you all are 100 percent - you all have everything you need.' But so far you've brought some stuff up this morning. This is the forum to do that so please let us know what help you need from the two of us."

"I will say this - probably 50 percent of my time and what I bring to our higher headquarters [U.S. Army Materiel Command] are things that you all do. Everything that's going on right now with Europe is the number one priority, and everything that you all are doing right now is just incredible," said Hinson.

The ASC command team also traveled to Powidz, Poland, to visit the Army's newest, most modern APS worksite. Upon arriving at the Powidz APS-2 worksite, Hinson and Escobedo were greeted by Lt. Col. Omar McKen, the commander of AFSBn-Poland, who has mission command of the APS-2 site. McKen and Site Director George Palmer escorted the ASC command team through the worksite, visiting an APS-2 storage warehouse, the maintenance facility, the area where the Polish Provided Logistics Services personnel are being trained on APS-2 maintenance and to other areas at the Powidz APS-2 worksite.

The state-of-the-art APS-2 worksite encompasses 650,000 square feet of humidity-controlled warehouse space, a vehicle maintenance facility, and various supporting structures. It stores and maintains an entire modernized armored brigade combat team's worth of equipment. Also, located nearby the new APS site is a new 58,000 square foot munitions storage area.

"Thank you for everything you do to support our great Soldiers and Families," said Escobedo. "I really enjoy every time I have the opportunity to interact with all you guys. You guys are amazing, and I'm just very proud to be a part of this organization and serve with you."

"Keep doing what you are all doing. You are just knocking it out of the park. This is the brigade that is the priority with everything you're doing. We're here for you," Hinson added.

The 405th AFSB is assigned to ASC and headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The brigade provides materiel enterprise support to U.S. forces throughout Europe and Africa - providing theater sustainment logistics; synchronizing acquisition, logistics and technology; and leveraging U.S. Army Materiel Command's materiel enterprise to support joint forces.

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Canada imposes third round of sanctions on perpetrators of extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians in West Bank

Global Affairs Canada

News release

September 18, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations. This round of sanctions lists four individuals and two entities for their roles in participating in or facilitating acts of harassment and violence, including attacks on humanitarian convoys, dispossession of property and displacement of Palestinian communities.

Extremist settler violence has resulted in loss of life and damage to Palestinian property and farming lands. These attacks have also resulted in the forced displacement of Palestinian communities.

Attacks by extremist Israeli settlersa long-standing source of tension and conflict in the regionundermine the human rights of Palestinians, prospects for a two-state solution and pose significant risks to regional security.

The four individuals are the following:

Neria Ben Pazi

Noam Federman

Eden Levi

Shlomo Sarid

The two entities are the following:

Mount Hebron Fund

Shlom Asiraich

Canada continues to oppose the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and is committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. As referred to in UN Security Council resolutions 446 (1979) and 465 (1980), Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Quotes

"Extremist settler violence against Palestinians and their property is unacceptable and has a significant impact on the lives of Palestinians, undermining prospects for peace. We call on Israeli authorities to ensure the protection of civilians and hold perpetrators of such violence accountable." - Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

The United Nations reported that since October 7, 2023, there have been approximately 1,350 attacks by settlers against Palestinians.

Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over the territories occupied in 1967.

The 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (Fourth Geneva Convention) applies in the occupied territories and establishes Israel's obligations as an occupying power, particularly with respect to the humane treatment of the inhabitants of the occupied territories.

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Canada imposes third round of sanctions on perpetrators of extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians in West Bank

Global Affairs Canada

Backgrounder

Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against four individuals and two entities in response to the grave breach of international peace and security posed by their violent and destabilizing actions against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank.

Canadian measures

The Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations imposes a prohibition on dealings related to the listed individuals and entities, effectively freezing any assets they may have in Canada. Persons in Canada and Canadians outside the country are prohibited from dealing with the listed individuals and entities. Additionally, the listed individuals are rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The specific prohibitions are set out in the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations.

The names of the individuals added to the schedule of these regulations are the following:

Neria Ben Pazi

Noam Federman

Eden Levi

Shlomo Sarid

The names of the entities added to the schedule of these regulations are the following:

Mount Hebron Fund

Shlom Asiraich

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Canada imposes additional sanctions in response to Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel

Global Affairs Canada

News release

September 18, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Hamas Terrorist Attacks) Regulations. These sanctions build on Canada's efforts to countering Hamas and its acts of terror, as well as its affiliates and financial networks.

Today's sanctions apply to eleven individuals and two entities with roles in Hamas' financial network. They have directly or indirectly participated in facilitating, supporting and providing funding assessed as integral to the planning and execution of the attacks on Israel that began on October 7, 2023.

The eleven individuals are the following:

Musa Muhammad Salim Dudin

Amer Kamal Sharif Alshawa

Ahmed Sadu Jahleb

Walid Mohammed Mustafa Jadallah

Zuhair Shamlakh

Alaa Shamlakh

Ahmed Shamlakh

Imad Shamlakh

Nabil Khaled Halil Chouman

Khaled Chouman

Reda Ali Khamis

The two entities are the following:

Al-Markaziya Li-Siarafa (Al-Markaziya)

Nabil Chouman & Co.

Canada unequivocally condemns the brutal terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas and its affiliates on October 7, 2023. These horrific attacks included the killing, maiming and abduction of innocent civilians, including children.

Today's sanctions represent a further step in Canada's response to the ongoing violence in the region. Canada remains deeply concerned by the impact that the conflict is having on Israeli and Palestinian civilians and is committed to promoting peace and security in the Middle East.

Quotes

"Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas' brutal terrorist attack on October 7. The hostages that were kidnapped on that day and who have remained in Hamas captivity for more than 300 days must be immediately released. Today's measures are another step that Canada is taking to counter Hamas' acts of terror, as well as its financial networks." - Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

Canada listed Hamas as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code in November 2002. This is the fourth round of sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Hamas Terrorist Attacks) Regulations since February 2024. It is a criminal offence to knowingly participate in or contribute to any activity of Hamas.

Canada has also listed the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and other groups as terrorist organizations under Canadian legislation, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001). The Government of Canada has no contact with these groups.

Individuals who are members of a listed terrorist entity are inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In addition, property owned by listed terrorist entities in Canada may be subject to seizure, restraint or forfeiture.

Israel has a right under international law to take the necessary measures, in accordance with human rights and international humanitarian law, to protect the security of its citizens from attacks by terrorist groups.

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Taiwan company denies manufacturing exploding Hezbollah pagers

ROC Central News Agency

09/18/2024 05:50 PM

Taipei, Sept. 18 (CNA) A Taiwanese company which reportedly has exported the pagers that exploded and killed Hezbollah members in Lebanon denied the allegation on Wednesday, saying the pagers in question were manufactured by a firm licensing its brand.

Gold Apollo, the Taiwanese company that foreign media alleged to be the company from which militant group Hezbollah had ordered their pagers, said that it did not make the pagers that exploded.

Hsu Ching-kuang (), chairman of the company, told the media that the batch of pagers that exploded in Lebanon on Tuesday was not manufactured by Gold Apollo.

He explained that a foreign company became Gold Apollo's agency to distribute its products in certain areas three years ago.

"Less than two years ago," the foreign company, which Hsu called "BAC company," started to manufacture the pagers themselves while continuing to use Gold Apollo's brand.

Hsu said he asked BAC the reason it wished to self-manufacture the pagers, which Hsu believed were less usable and looked bad, BAC replied at the time that it had its own engineers.

Gold Apollo released a statement on the same day saying that the company only provided brand trademark authorization for BAC Consulting KFT, based in Hungary's capital, to sell the products in certain regions, with Gold Apollo's brand on them.

Still, BAC was solely responsible for designing and manufacturing the products, Gold Apollo said.

The pagers that exploded were AR-924s, which Gold Apollo in the statement reiterated was of the kind that BAC manufactures and sells.

Gold Apollo emphasized that it was "not involved in the design or manufacturing of this product."

Meanwhile, Hsu said he is considering legal action against BAC as he "has been doing the business for years and does not wish [the brand] to be tainted."

He initially declined to respond to questions concerning BAC's location and exactly which company it is. But in a later statement, Gold Apollo said the company, BAC Consulting KFT, was based in Budapest, Hungary.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Gold Apollo had no record of directly exporting its products to Lebanon in recent years.

Gold Apollo manufactures and assembles its products in Taiwan, and the destinations of the exported products are mainly Europe and North America, MOEA said.

The pagers made in Taiwan are only capable of receiving signals and use AA batteries, which are unlikely to cause fatal explosions, the ministry cited the company as saying.

According to MOEA export data, the company exported around 260,000 sets of pagers between 2022 and August 2024. This year alone as of the end of August, 40,929 sets were exported, mainly to Europe and North America.

(By Kao Hua-chien and Alison Hsiao)

Enditem/ASG

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September 18, 2024

Release

DOD Chief Digital and AI Office Introduces New Advana at Industry Day: Conference Spurs Industry Involvement in the Expansion of DOD's Largest Big-Data Platform

Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) hosted the Advana Industry Day. During the one-day event, industry and government participated in side-by-side in sessions, learning more about DoD's next steps to mature Advana  the Department's enterprise data and analytics environment. Advana provides DoD users with data from more than 400 DoD business systems, along with tools, services, and analytics to enable data-driven decision making across DoD.

Advana, which stands for "advancing analytics," is the DoD's largest enterprise data system and is moving from its current contracting vehicle to a new model via recompete. In line with CDAO's Open Data and Applications Government-owned Interoperable Repositories (Open DAGIR) approach, the recompete will: drive interoperability; increase vendor competition; and infuse best-of-breed industry solutions into the Advana ecosystem.

This change will help the increasingly popular platform scale, meeting a broader and more varied population of users and needs. The Advana recompete signifies an opportunity for the largest possible cross-section of industry to access government data and contribute their solutions for solving DoD's toughest problems.

"The Advana Industry Day is an unprecedented opportunity for industry to get involved in the largest acquisition of digital and AI enabling capabilities in the history of the Department of Defense. This acquisition will support development and scaling of cutting-edge software and AI capabilities from the boardroom to the battlefield," stated Dr. Radha Plumb, CDAO.

The Advana Industry Day featured plenary/educational sessions, focused breakout meetings, and networking opportunities, creating a dynamic and interactive environment for government and industry leaders to discuss the Advana platform's continuous improvement. Industry Day speakers highlighted Advana's origin and its relationship to the Open DAGIR approach to scaling data, analytics, and AI capabilities; ways for traditional and nontraditional contractors to participate in ongoing Advana development activities; and the acquisition strategy for participating in Advana development.

CDAO "Industry Days" strengthen partnerships and enhance understanding of the DoD's technology needs. The Advana Industry Day followed the recent GIDE Industry Insights Forum (hosted this past July) and is the second of such Industry Days the CDAO has offered this year.

About the CDAO

The CDAO became operational in June 2022 and is dedicated to integrating and optimizing AI capabilities across the DoD. The office is responsible for accelerating the DoD's adoption of data, analytics, and AI, enabling the Department's digital infrastructure and policy adoption to deliver scalable AI-driven solutions for enterprise and joint use cases, safeguarding the nation against current and emerging threats.

For more information about the CDAO, please visit our website at ai.mil. You can also connect with the CDAO on LinkedIn (@ DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office) and X, formally known as Twitter (@dodcdao). Additional updates and news can be found on the CDAO Unit Page on DVIDS.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3839865/

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Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative on the new series of explosions across the country

European External Action Service (EEAS)

18.09.2024

EEAS Press Team

I firmly condemn today's new attack via the explosion of a high number of electronic devices across Lebanon, which has caused several casualties and a high number of injuries. Once again, the indiscriminate method used is unacceptable due to the inevitable and heavy collateral damages among civilians, and the broader consequences for the entire population, including fear and terror, and the collapse of hospitals.

Whoever is behind these attacks aims to spread terror in Lebanon. I join UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk's assessment of the incident and the call for an independent investigation.

The risk of military escalation, with devastating consequences for the entire region, requires an urgent mobilisation. The European Union will continue to do its utmost to support the voices of peace and reason.







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Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative on the series of explosions across the country

European External Action Service (EEAS)

18.09.2024

EEAS Press Team

Following yesterday's series of explosions in Lebanon, I called the Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. He briefed me on the explosion of a high number of electronic devices in many areas across the country. Thousands of people were injured - hundreds in critical condition - hospitals are collapsing.

Even if the attacks seem to have been targeted, they had heavy, indiscriminate collateral damages among civilians: several children are among the victims

I consider this situation extremely worrying. I can only condemn these attacks that endanger the security and stability of Lebanon, and increase the risk of escalation in the region.

The European Union calls on all stakeholders to avert an all-out war, which would have heavy consequences for the entire region and beyond.











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U.S., Adriatic Charter military leaders discuss collective deterrence amid chronic Russian threat

Military leaders from the Adriatic Charter nations and observer states discussed security challenges and opportunities in the western Balkans and reaffirmed their steadfast support to Ukraine in its fight for democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

By U.S. European Command Public Affairs , United States European Command Stuttgart, Germany Sep 18, 2024

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-chaired the 2024 U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Maj. Gen. Arben Kingji, chief of the Albanian Armed Forces General Staff, in Tirana, Albania, Sept. 17-19, 2024.

The event included chiefs of defense from the Adriatic Charter nations of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Delegations from Kosovo and Slovenia also attended as observer nations.

"Regional security is a shared responsibility. It requires close, sustained coordination. For 21 years now, the Adriatic Charter members have worked together towards a common goal of peace and prosperity in Europe. This annual conference is an important venue to continue our strategic dialogue," said Cavoli. "The nations assembled here today, however, represent more than just a commitment to security, they represent the choice to embrace shared values. In these historic times, it's more important than ever that we collaborate with like-minded partners and our Allies."

During the conference, military leaders from the Adriatic Charter nations and observer states discussed security challenges and opportunities in the western Balkans and reaffirmed their steadfast support to Ukraine in its fight for democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additional topics focused on the collective efforts for enhanced cyber defense, improved and resilient logistics, and cooperation toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

"The current security situation brings to our attention the fragility of our region, especially in the face of trends for malign interference from state and non-state actors. Peace today should not be taken for granted," said Kingji. "The defense of the country and the preservation of sovereignty beyond the armed forces requires a comprehensive approach involving all actors, institutions, and society. Efforts to defend the homeland can never be excessive. Furthermore, joint efforts with allies and partner countries, both in the region and beyond, are necessary."

Additional attendees included senior leaders from each of the charter and observer nations' U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program states, including Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont.

In advance of the conference, Cavoli met with Albanian heads of state, including President Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Defense Minister Piroo Vengu to further Albania's partnership and security cooperation efforts with the U.S. and NATO.

Regularly hosted by Allies throughout Europe, Chiefs of Defense conferences are a key component of USEUCOM's comprehensive approach to regional security. Through continuous engagement, USEUCOM and its Allies foster enduring partnerships and strengthen cooperation among Allied nations.

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Norway's statement at the UN Emergency Special Session on The International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation.

Government of Norway

United Nations General Assembly

News story | Date: 18/09/2024

The statement was delivered by Norway's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Ambassador Merete Brattested on September 17, 2024.

The Advisory Opinion of 19 July by the International Court of Justice [on the "Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem"], is a highly important ruling from the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

The Court's message could hardly have been any clearer: Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character. This has been brought about by Israel's violations of the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force and the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Consequently, the Court states that Israel has an obligation to bring to an end this unlawful presence, as rapidly as possible.

The Court also reaffirms that Israel's settlement activity violates international law, and furthermore, concludes that Israel must immediately stop all new settlement activity, evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, repeal all legislation and measures creating or maintaining the unlawful situation and provide full compensation to all affected Palestinians.

This is an unequivocal message which Israel must comply with without delay.

The Court further emphasizes that all other states are required to not assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel. It urges the UN General Assembly and the Security Council to consider measures to help put an end to the illegal presence.

This places a responsibility on all of us.

Tomorrow, a resolution building on ICJ's Advisory Opinion, will be put to a vote. It is aligned with the Court's opinion and aims at ensuring that the latter is upheld. Norway will therefore vote in favour. And we encourage everyone to do the same. Respect for international law is a prerequisite for maintaining global peace and security.

Mr. President,

Turning to the dramatic situation on the ground: Norway continues to call for an immediate ceasefire. And the release of all remaining hostages, who remain in captivity after Hamas' terror attack on 7 October - which we have condemned in the strongest possible terms.

After more than 11 months of war, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The scale of destruction, the massive number of casualties, and the extreme humanitarian needs, are unprecedented. The living hell that the civilians in Gaza are going through - every single day - is happening on our watch. No one can claim that we do not understand the extent of the ongoing violence and destruction. Still, we have been unable to prevent it. That is unforgivable.

In the occupied West Bank, the rapidly deteriorating situation is highly dangerous. And could have serious implications for a region already on the brink of full-scale war. The dire economic situation, recent large-scale Israeli military operations, and unabated settler violence continue to inflict severe harm on the local Palestinian population. And all contribute to the escalation of an already tense situation.

Mr. President,

The Palestinian people have a right to self-determination, as reaffirmed by the Court in its Advisory Opinion. According to the Court, Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising this right to self-determination. This includes the right to an independent and sovereign State, over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Israel's continued occupation and unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is not compatible with the realisation of a strong Palestinian state - and ultimately a two-state solution.

There is no way to provide lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis without the establishment of a Palestinian state. A two-state solution requires an Israeli and a Palestinian state. Norway's recent recognition of the State of Palestine reaffirms Norway's long-standing commitment to the two-state solution, through the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side with the State of Israel, in peace and within secure and recognized borders. Through this recognition, Norway affirms its support for the Palestinian leadership who is committed to the two-state solution, to diplomacy and abstention from violence in its efforts to achieve peace.



Norway is of the view that the great majority of all states supports the realisation of the two-state solution. Let us therefore also commit to taking concrete and irreversible steps towards this end. It is more urgent than ever.

Mr. President,

The current trajectory is not sustainable. A change of course is urgently needed. The Court has provided a framework to remedy the situation. It deserves all our attention.



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Norwegian support to strengthen Moldova's resilience

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 18/09/2024

The Norwegian support to Moldova announced during the state visit of Moldovan President Maja Sandu to Norway in the spring has now been distributed. Approximately NOK 275 million of the total NOK 350 million in funding announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre during the state visit will be used in areas relating to energy and the environment, education, elections, and efforts to combat disinformation.

- The funding from Norway is targeted towards measures that have a rapid effect and improve the situation for Moldova's vulnerable population. Norway is also pleased to support democratic processes and bolster Moldova's ability to withstand attempts to undermine national stability,' said State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson.

Support for the energy sector

Norway is giving high priority to energy in its support to Moldova. Moldova has traditionally been highly dependent on Russian gas and in 2023 the country received funding from Norway to purchase gas under more favourable conditions to alleviate the immediate crisis. Energy prices in Moldova have risen sharply as a result of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Moldova is now seeking to diversify its energy supply and implement measures to curb the country's dependence on Russian gas and to ensure sustainable development of the energy sector. Moldova uses more than three times as much energy as the EU average to achieve the same output. Increasing energy efficiency is one of the most effective and easiest means of strengthening the country's security of supply, minimising adverse environmental impacts and reducing energy poverty. In May, The Norwegian and Moldovan Ministers of Energy signed an agreement on energy cooperation.

In 2024, Norway is providing a total of NOK 170 million to support energy efficiency measures. Some NOK 105 million and NOK 35 million are being channelled through Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), respectively. The funding will enable Moldovans to enhance home energy efficiency, for example by replacing appliances that have a higher energy consumption with those that are more energy efficient. This is a measure that can be implemented rapidly with immediate results.

Support channelled through the EBRD will also be used to establish a loan scheme for similar types of home energy-saving measures. The aim is to reduce home energy consumption.

In addition, Norway will provide NOK 30 million to Moldova's municipal sector via the EBRD's Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) Fund in Moldova. The fund supports energy-efficient solutions and green technology in areas such as district heating, renewable energy, and increased energy efficiency in pre-school day-care centres, schools and hospitals.

Support for the education sector

Education will remain a priority sector for Norway's support to Moldova in the years ahead. The funding provided by Norway will be used to renovate five school buildings in five different districts in Moldova. The schools will be upgraded to become more energy efficient, with modern infrastructure and new outdoor areas. The World Bank and the EU are providing support for similar renovations of a number of other schools. This is part of a larger project to restructure and reform the education sector in Moldova to address problems such as a lack of teachers, a steady decline in the number of pupils, and the poor condition of many school buildings.

Norwegian funding will also be used to support Moldova's efforts to develop new curriculums, improve teacher training, and enhance the quality of education in various other ways. These efforts are in part a response to the most recent report on Moldova from the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which shows that student performance in reading, writing and mathematics is below average compared to other OECD countries. Norwegian assistance to Moldova's education sector will total NOK 65 million in 2024, channelled through UNDP.

Countering disinformation

Moldova will be holding a number of crucial elections and a referendum over the next year. Norway is providing NOK 18 million in 2024 to support Moldova's election institutions through a UNDP project to improve oversight of political financing, political parties and election campaigns in order to strengthen and make electoral institutions more resilient against cyber and information challenges, and to boost civic engagement.

Moldova is regularly subjected to large-scale propaganda and disinformation campaigns from Russia and pro-Russian actors seeking to undermine its stability. In 2023, the Moldovan authorities established the independent Centre for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation (Stratcom). Norway is providing close to NOK 10 million in 2024 to support coordinated efforts to promote neutral and factual information. This funding is being channelled through International Media Support (IMS) and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), and their local partners from independent media and civil society.

Gender equality and climate change

This year, Norway is also providing approximately NOK 12 million in funding for efforts to integrate gender perspectives into local climate adaptation plans and climate-smart solutions for sustainable development at the local level in Moldova.

The distribution of the remaining funds is under consideration and will be announced.





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'Iran to follow up on Israeli attack against its ambassador in Lebanon'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani says his country will follow up on the attack against its ambassador in Lebanon, demanding the UN chief and the Security Council condemn Israel's terrorist action against the ambassador as well as targeting of Lebanese civilians.

Iravani made the comment on Wednesday in similar letters to the UN chief as well as presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly, a day after Iran's ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani was injured in an explosion of an electronic pager, which was part of blasts caused by such devices in multiple locations in Lebanon.

Iravani said that Iran reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond to such a heinous crime and violation.

The following is the full text of the Iranian UN representative's letters.

Excellency,

I am writing to bring to Your Excellency's attention the cowardly and vicious terrorist attacks against Lebanon civilians and the act of aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, carried out by the Israeli regime, which also targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon. According to reports from the Lebanese authorities, on the afternoon of Tuesday, 17 September 2024, at approximately around 3:30 p.m. (local time), in a premeditated and provocative act aimed at the mass killing and murder of Lebanese civilians, the Israeli regime detonated handheld communication devices in Beirut. These criminal and terrorist attacks resulted in the killing of at least 11 civilians and injured thousands more, including Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, who sustained injuries.

The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns this act of sabotage and terrorism by the rogue regime of Israel. In this regard, I draw the attention of the members of the Security Council to the following points:

The internationally wrongful acts committed by the Zionist regime are of a terrorist nature, aimed at escalating tensions in the region and further threatening regional peace and security. Undoubtedly, the Israeli regime bears full responsibility for such perpetration of such horrific crimes.

These terrorist actions are a flagrant violation of the basic principles and rules of international law, including the UN Charter, international law, particularly international humanitarian law and international human rights law as well as the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents.

The continued terrorist actions and violations of international law by the Israeli regime pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Western countries, especially the United States as a strategic ally, by their unwavering so-called ironclad support for this regime, bear international responsibility for all the internationally wrongful acts by the occupying regime.

The Islamic Republic of Iran will duly follow up on the attack against its ambassador in Lebanon, which resulted in his injury, and reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond to such a heinous crime and violation.

This heinous crime which was widespread, systematic and aimed at killing, murdering, and causing great suffering and serious injuring to the civilian population constitutes a crime against humanity. It demonstrates that the Zionist regime, beyond committing atrocious crimes, including war crimes and genocide against Palestinians, poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security. Addressing these illegal actions is urgently necessary and the international community must act swiftly to end the impunity of the Zionist regime's officials.

The UN Secretary-General and the Security Council must condemn unequivocally Israel's terrorist action and heinous crime against the head of Iran's diplomatic mission in Lebanon, as well as violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and attacks and targeting of Lebanese civilians. The Security Council must also strongly condemn Israel for its malevolent activities in the region and take decisive action to force this terrorist regime to end and cease all acts of aggression and acts of terrorism against Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine and stop the ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinian people.

I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council and the General Assembly under agenda items 82 titled "Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security, and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives" and 110 titled "Measures to eliminate international terrorism."

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

4194

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UN General Assembly passes resolution, urging Israel to end its occupation

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

New York, IRNA -- The UN General Assembly has approved a Palestinian resolution Wednesday calling on Israel to end its "unlawful presence" in the occupied territories within a year.

The vote in the 193-member world body was 124-14, with 43 abstentions. Israel itself and its ally the United States were among those voting against the resolution.

The resolution also urges the withdrawal of all Israeli forces and the evacuation of settlers from the occupied Palestinian territories "without delay".

It comes in response to a ruling by the top UN court - the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - in July that said Israel's presence in the Palestinian territories is unlawful and must end.

During the UN General Assembly session, Iran strongly supported the resolution, condemning the apartheid policies of the Tel Aviv regime.

Iran has stressed that the regime must allow the Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland and give back their properties. It also says that all those affected by the Israeli policies have to be paid damages.

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UN rights chief terms Lebanon explosions violation of international law

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

New York, IRNA -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has described the recent explosion of radio communication devices (pagers) in various parts of Lebanon as a violation of international law.

Turk said in a statement on Wednesday that targeting thousands of individuals simultaneously, whether civilians or armed group members, without knowing who was in possession of the targeted devices, their location, and their surroundings breaches international human rights law and, where relevant, international humanitarian law.

Those responsible for a deadly wave of explosions across Lebanon, targeting paging devices used by members of the Lebanese Hezbollah, must be held to account, he added.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that, according to preliminary statistics, nine people were martyred and more than 300 were injured as a result of the explosion of wireless devices in the country.

Some media outlets reported that the devices that exploded in various parts of Lebanon today were of the ICOM V82 type. It was reported that explosives similar to detonating pagers were planted by the Mossad.

The mass explosion of pagers came amid an exchange of cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and the Zionist regime against the backdrop of a brutal Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 41,200 victims, mostly women, and children, following a Hamas retaliatory attack last October.

On the eve of the 79th General Assembly of Heads of State at the United Nations, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the countries of the world to embrace a spirit of compromise to address international challenges and crises.

"We are currently witnessing geopolitical divisions and uncontrollable conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and beyond," he stated.

Guterres emphasized that global institutions and frameworks are insufficient to tackle these complex challenges, many of which did not exist 80 years ago when multilateral institutions were established.

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Hezbollah launches combined attacks on Zionist settlements

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Local media has reported that Hezbollah of Lebanon has conducted missile and drone attacks against Zionist settlements in the northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories.

According to a report by Shahab news, the sirens were heard in different parts of the northern occupied lands, especially in Qiryat Shemona.

Images have also been published in local media about fire in Qiryat Shemona following the Hezbollah attacks.

The attacks came a day after a Zionist electronic attack in which the pagers used by staff members working for Hezbollah units and institutions were exploded. The attack has claimed the lives of at least 12 people, with some 2,800 others being injured.

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Fresh explosions reported in Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Media sources have reported new explosions in southern Dahieh of Beirut and other parts of Lebanon.

According to some sources, the recent explosions in Beirut were caused by blasts in pager messaging devices, similar to those that occurred on Tuesday. There were also reports of explosions in wireless devices, as reported by the Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news network on Wednesday.

Photos have been published showing fires in houses and cars in various parts of the country.

Lebanese health and relief agencies are on high alert and are transporting the wounded to hospitals.

Local sources have reported injuries in Beirut, Baalbek, and other Lebanese cities due to the explosion of pagers.

Additionally, there are reports of explosions on computers and other wireless communication devices.

Reuters news agency quoted sources saying that the explosions involved mobile phones and were different from the previous day's incidents.

Some sources also mentioned that mobile phones, including several iPhones, exploded inside a shop in the city of Sidon.

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IRGC says no casualties among its forces in Lebanon pager blasts

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has dismissed media reports claiming that members of Iran's elite force were among the casualties of Tuesday's pager explosions in Lebanon.

Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini said on Wednesday that none of the IRGC forces were martyred in the Israeli terrorist attack targeting pagers used by Hezbollah and civil servants in Lebanon.

On Tuesday, thousands of wireless communications devices, known as pagers, used by Hezbollah members and others exploded simultaneously across Lebanon, an attack that both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials said was caused by a remote Israeli cyber attack.

At least 12 people, inducing members of the Hezbollah resistance movement, were killed in the blasts and around 3,000 others wounded.

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Israeli pager attacks in Lebanon 'source of shame' for West: Pezeshkian

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has condemned the mass pager explosions in Lebanon, describing the terror attack by the Israeli regime as a "source of shame" for Western countries, not least the United States.

During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the president underscored the moral failures of those that exploit tools that have been designed for human comfort as instruments of terror.

On Tuesday, thousands of wireless communications devices, known as pagers, used by Hezbollah members and others exploded simultaneously across Lebanon. Both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials blamed the Israeli regime for the attack, which left at least 12 people, inducing members of the Hezbollah resistance movement, dead and around 3,000 others wounded.

Pezeshkian noted that the use of technology as a means of assassination and destruction is a testament to the decline of humanity and the dominance of "barbarism and criminality".

The president further criticized Western nations, asserting that despite their public claims of seeking a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, they actively support the killings and indiscriminate terror perpetrated by the Israeli regime.

He called for unity among Muslims to confront the Israeli aggression against Palestinian people and the broader Islamic world.

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Hamas planted bombs in 14K buildings in Rafah to kill Israeli soldiers: Report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's radio claims that Hamas has planted bombs in more than 14,000 buildings in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip to kill Israeli soldiers.

The building that exploded on Tuesday when the Israeli soldiers were inside is one of thousands of buildings in which Hamas has planted bombs, it claimed on Wednesday.

The Israeli army in a statement announced that four Zionist soldiers, including an officer, were killed on Tuesday evening in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.

9376**4354



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Israeli army admits 4 troops killed in Gaza; total deaths top 714

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's army has admitted that four military personnel were killed in an ambush in the city of Rafah, located in the south of the Gaza Strip.

The regime's army issued in a statement, admitting that four Israeli troopers, including an officer, were killed in an ambush in Rafah on Tuesday evening, according to the Al-Jazeera news network's Wednesday report.

The statement explained that one of the dead was the deputy commander of the Givati Brigade's Shaked Battalion.

The Israeli army declared that with the deaths of these four troops, the number of its fatalities since October 7 last month has reached 714.

The statement also said that during the bombing of a building in the southern Gaza Strip, five personnel of the Israeli army, including an officer, were wounded.

Two other Zionist military personnel were injured during the recent clashes in Rafah city.

Media outlets announced on Tuesday that four Israeli troops were killed in an ambush of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in Rafah.

The 401st "Iron Tracks" Brigade of the regime's army transported the bodies of the dead troopers into the occupied territories.

This comes as a member of the regime's Knesset (parliament) recently admitted that the military operations of the Israeli regime's army in the Gaza Strip are doomed to failure.

Amit Halevi also said that the Israeli army has not defeated a Hamas battalion or even a Hamas group in the city of Rafah, and that the army's claim over the killing of 2,000 Hamas fighters in the city is an exaggeration.

4208**4354





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Hezbollah: Israel will pay 'heavy price' for its crime

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has warned that the Zionist regime will pay a heavy price for its pager terrorist attack across the Arab country.

According to Al-Manar, Hezbollah in a statement announced on Wednesday morning that the crime will "double our determination for Jihad."

The group also expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

"We will continue to support Gaza and its resistance and defend Lebanon, its nation, and its sovereignty," the statement read.

On Tuesday evening, the Zionist regime carried out a terrorist attack that caused communication devices known as pagers to explode in several areas of Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of several people and injuries of over 2,000 others.

Iran's ambassador, Mojtaba Amani, was among the injured.

9376**4354





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Lebanon health minister says 3,000 people injured in Israeli pager attack

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese minister of health announced that some 3,000 people injured in the Israeli regime's pager attack on Tuesday have been hospitalized, thanking Iran, Iraq and Egypt for their assistance.

According to Lebanon's Al-Mayadeen TV network, Firas Abiad said on Wednesday morning that there are about 3,000 wounded in hospitals, and some of them have to be transferred to specialized hospitals abroad for treatment.

Abiad said on Wednesday that the death toll from the pager explosions has risen to 12 people, including two children.

The Lebanese health minister further said that two-thirds of the wounded were hospitalized, adding that the attack, adding that around 300 people were in critical condition.

He said that so far about 460 surgeries had been conducted, most related to injuries to the eyes and faces of patients.

The Lebanese minister visited some hospitals and the wounded of the Israeli regime's crimes for the second time at 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday. He also visited hospitals and the wounded last night.

He underlined that Lebanon received the first shipment of aid from the Iraqi government after the aggression and crime committed by the Israeli regime against the Lebanese people. He emphasized that 20 medics, plus more than 15 tons of medical aid from Iraq, arrived at Beirut airport.

Al-Abyad also expressed gratitude to all the countries, including Egypt, Iran and Syria, who offered to help and will send aid shipments to Lebanon.

Al-Abyad is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Ministry of Health building at 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday to announce the latest statistics on the Israeli crime.

In a criminal act, the Tel Aviv regime blew up a great number of wireless telecommunications devices (pagers) in Lebanon.

4208**4353**4354





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Iraqi resistance says countdown to target Zionist settlements started

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Secretary-General of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba Akram al-Kaabi has vowed to target all Zionist settlements.

In response to the Zionist cyber attack on Lebanon, Akram al-Kaabi said late on Tuesday that the movement would open fire on all Zionist settlements throughout occupied Palestine.

The Iraqi resistance is ready to use the latest weapons, missiles, and drones, he added.

Meanwhile, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba's office in Tehran in a statement announced that terrorist attacks have no effect other than strengthening the stability and honor of resistance fighters.

Expressing its full support for the freedom of the Arab nations, al-Nujaba emphasized supporting Hezbollah against the Zionists, the US, and their allies.

Western media have concluded that the Israeli spy agency Mossad planted explosives in the batteries of pagers that exploded in Lebanon, resulting in deaths and injuries on Tuesday evening.

Mossad succeeded in modifying Hezbollah's communication devices before they were handed over to this group, the sources said, adding that Mossad "embedded some highly explosive material known as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in the batteries of the devices, which exploded when temperature increased."

This terrorist act of the Zionist regime has left 11 martyrs and more than 2,000 wounded.

9376**9417

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Prime Minister's Office Statement

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Press Releases

The 37th Government

18.09.2024

The Prime Minister's Office, this evening:

The fact that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acceded to every American proposal for releasing the hostages despite the ultimatum from elements in the coalition completely refutes the claim that he has torpedoed any deal whatsoever due to political considerations.

On April 27th, the Prime Minister conveyed to the mediator a framework for releasing the hostages, which Secretary of State Blinken defined as being a very generous proposal. On May 31st, the Prime Minister agreed to the US proposal, and on August 16th, he agreed to the American "final bridging proposal."

On June 12th, Secretary of State Blinken said that Israel had agreed to the proposal while Hamas had not. On August 28th, the Deputy Director of the CIA said that Israel was showing a seriousness in the negotiations that the leader of Hamas would have to respond to. On September 9th, US Special Envoy to the Middle East McGurk said that there was no hostage release deal only because of Hamas's refusal. On September 9th, even Benny Gantz admitted that, "Hamas has not accepted the framework for months and the world is expected to back Israel."

The false claims in the media against Prime Minister Netanyahu echo the propaganda of the Hamas terrorist organization and invert reality. Prime Minister Netanyahu has already brought about the release of 154 hostages, 117 of whom are alive, and will continue to utilize all means to release the hostages.

Whoever wants to assist in the effort to release our hostages needs to pressure the murderer Sinwar and not the Prime Minister of Israel.

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A look at the Defence news 9 - 15 September

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 18-09-2024 | 16:47

The first Ukrainian military personnel to be trained as F-16 pilots started their training in Romania this month. They are currently taking a theory course at the European F-16 training centre at Fetesti Air Base.

The Netherlands was one of the countries to set up the initiative and also makes F-16s available for pilot training. As it stands, 14 out of a total of 18 F-16s have arrived at the air base.

Minister Brekelmans: "Artificial intelligence agreements in the military domain are both necessary and in our interest"

At last week's summit on Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) in Seoul, Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans said that the use of artificial intelligence in the military domain must be brought into line with international law and regulations. The Minister added that, at the same time, this must not stand in the way of innovation, and that we should be realistic about compliance with agreements.

HNLMS Holland makes two drugs hauls

On 6 September, HNLMS Holland twice intercepted large drugs caches in the Caribbean, amounting to a total of 3,700 kilos. On both occasions, military personnel fired at the engine of the suspect boats to force the smugglers to stop.

Minehunter joins NATO fleet straight after exercise

At the start of this month, HNLMS Willemstad, the diving vessel HNLMS Hydra and the Defence Diving Group searched for sea mines off the Belgian coast for 10 days. They did this together with NATO allies during the Sandy Coast 24 mine countermeasures exercise. Immediately after the exercise, HNLMS Willemstad set course for the Baltic Sea to join NATO's SNMCMG1.

Relatives updated on expedition to WWII shipwrecks in Malaysia

During a meeting last week, relatives of the crew members of two sunken Dutch submarines were told that the Netherlands is making every effort to protect the wreck sites in Malaysian waters as the last resting place of the crews. The submarines in question are HNLMS 020 and HNLMS KXVI, which were both lost in 1941 in the fighting with Japan in the Second World War.

Defence personnel find human remains in wreck of British bomber

On 13 September, Defence personnel found human remains during the recovery of Vickers Wellington HE346. The Royal Air Force aircraft crashed near the town of Holwert in the province of Friesland on 26 June 1943. The remains were transferred for identification to the laboratory of the Royal Netherlands Army Recovery and Identification Service in Soesterberg.

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Senate resolution commending crew of BRP Teresa Magbanua filed

Philippine News Agency

September 18, 2024, 6:16 pm

MANILA -- Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a resolution commending the crew of the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua enduring harassment and hardships while maintaining the country's presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"The crucial and immeasurable contribution of the officers and crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua should be recognized and commended," he said in the Senate Resolution No. 1202 he filed Tuesday evening.

In April 2024, the PCG deployed the Magbanua to monitor China's reclamation activities in the WPS, particularly in the Escoda Shoal, and to maintain the Philippines' presence within the 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone.

Despite harassment and intimidation attempts by Chinese vessels - including an intentional ramming by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua did not leave the area.

As part of its harassment efforts, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) even blocked rotation and reprovisioning missions, forcing the crew to settle for lugaw (porridge), boiled rainwater, and droplets from the vessel's airconditioning system.

BRP Teresa Magbanua was forced to leave Escoda Shoal last Sept. 15 and return to Puerto Princesa Port due to weather conditions, depleted supplies, and damage to the vessel - aside from the medical condition of some of its crew.

"Resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that the Senate of the Philippines commends and lauds the brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard on board the BRP Teresa Magbanua for their dedication and commitment to protect the sovereign rights of the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea," Padilla said in the SRN 1202.

German naval commander visits PH Navy

Highlighting the growing military ties between the Philippines and Germany, the commander of the German Flotilla 2 visited the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Sept. 16.

Rear Adm. Axel Schultz and his delegation paid a courtesy call to the PN and was welcomed by Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Renato David, PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said in a statement Wednesday.

"We are glad that you are here. It is a testament to your commitment to an open Indo-Pacific. It is our pleasure to welcome you," David told the German naval delegation.

During their meeting, the two officials discussed future engagements, modernization efforts, and training opportunities between the Philippine and German naval forces.

"It is important to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends, allies, and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region, especially with the Philippines. We are very keen to support you in terms of training. I always see that as an exchange of experience, and I'm sure that we can learn a lot from the Philippine Navy as well," Schultz said.

The PN said the goodwill visit of the German Navy marks another step toward enhancing defense cooperation and stronger bilateral relations, especially in addressing common maritime challenges and advancing mutual defense capabilities. (Leonel Abasola & Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

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Hamas wining despite Israel's upper hand on tactical level: Israeli general

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 6:28 PM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas is wining in the besieged Gaza Strip and cannot be defeated despite Israel's upper hand on a tactical level, says a senior Israeli general.

In an interview with The New York Times published on Tuesday, Major General Gadi Shamni, a former commander of the Israeli military's Gaza division, stressed that Hamas is winning the war, while the Tel Aviv regime is losing, "and in a big way."

He added that while Hamas's military capabilities have diminished, the movement continues to hold authority over Gaza, stressing that Hamas fighters have been retaking towns across the blockaded territory "15 minutes" after Israeli troops withdrew from them.

According to the Time's report, Shamni is not alone in this assessment, which is shared by some current and former Israeli military officials who do not see the defeat of Hamas as a possibility.

They stress that the Tel Aviv regime is losing the war, deterrence and its captives.

Separately on Tuesday, the American broadcaster ABC News, quoted an unnamed senior military official as saying that Israel "is losing the war."

The official also warned against launching a war on Lebanon, saying war there "is easy to start, but very hard to end."

ABC News also cited other unnamed Israeli military officials as saying that Israel is "stuck" in Gaza and unable to achieve its war objectives.

Israel waged its brutal US-backed war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

However, nearly a year into the genocidal aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its declared objectives of "destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives despite killing at least 41,252 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 95,497 others.

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UN overwhelmingly demands Israel end occupation of Palestinian territories

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 6:10 PM

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution that demands Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within a year.

A total of 124 countries voted in favor, while 14, including the US, opposed the resolution. Britain, Switzerland, Ukraine, India and Germany were among the 43 countries to abstain.

The resolution welcomes a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice that said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn.

The advisory opinion - by the highest United Nations court said this should be done "as rapidly as possible."

The measure calls for Israel to pay reparations to Palestinians "for the damage caused to all the natural and legal persons concerned in the occupied Palestinian territory".

The resolution also demands sanctions and an arms embargo against Israel.

The 193-member Assembly also calls on states to "take steps towards ceasing the importation of any products originating in the Israeli settlements, as well as the provision or transfer of arms, munitions and related equipment to Israel ... where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they may be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory."

Riyad Mansour, Palestine's UN ambassador who opened the Assembly meeting on Tuesday, said no occupying power can have a veto right over the inalienable rights of the people under its occupation.

"Those who think the Palestinian people will accept a life of servitude, a life of apartheid, are the ones who are not being realistic," Mansour said.

"Those who imagine the Palestinian people will disappear or surrender are the ones who are not being realistic. Those who claim that peace is possible in our region without a just resolution for the question of Palestine are the ones who are not being realistic.

"Each country has a vote, and the world is watching us," Mansour said.

"Please stand on the right side of history. With international law. With freedom. With peace."

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged countries to vote no on Wednesday. Washington, an arms supplier to and ally of Israel, has long opposed any resolution at the world body in favor of Palestine.

Unlike the Security Council, no country in the General Assembly has veto power.

The action isolates Israel days before world leaders travel to New York for their annual UN gathering.

In May, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of reconsidering Palestine's full membership. It is now recognized by 145 of the 193 member states.

Several countries, including Spain, Norway, and Ireland, recognized Palestine as a state in late May amid mounting criticism of Israel's genocidal campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip.

While the 15-member council is largely paralyzed on the ongoing Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza, with the United States repeatedly vetoing censures of its ally Israel, the General Assembly has adopted several texts in support of Palestinian civilians.

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Lebanon pager blasts disgrace to the West: Iranian president

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 2:09 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Israel's pager detonations in Lebanon are a shame for the regime's Western backers, not least the United States.

The Western supporters of Israel, the Iranian president said, feel unbound to any principle in pursuing their inhumane agenda.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, Pezeshkian said the September 17 pager explosions are another proof of the fall of humanity in the West and that they do not want a ceasefire in Gaza.

"Using tools usually made to enhance the welfare of humans as a means of terror and destruction against those whose views do not align with us is proof of the fall of humanity and of the dominance of savagery and criminality," he said.

"This event once again showed that although the Western states and Americans claim they want a ceasefire, they practically offer full support for blind crimes, killings and assassinations."

The Iranian president said Muslim nations must join hands to break the chain of Israeli massacres.

"The cure for this situation and breaking the chain of oppression and crimes of the Zionist regime and its supporters against the oppressed Palestinians and the Muslim world lies in the unity and cohesion of Muslims and Islamic countries," he said.

The explosions of thousands of pagers widely used by resistance factions and also public service workers left at least a dozen dead and around 3,000 people injured.

The Lebanese government has blamed Israel and vowed to file a complaint with the United Nations over the attack.

Hezbollah has promised the Israeli regime will receive 'just punishment' for the attack.

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Egypt's Sisi discusses Gaza ceasefire talks with Blinken in Cairo

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 2:06 PM

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt says his country will step up efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, during talks with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Sisi hosted Blinken in Cairo on Wednesday.

The two "exchanged views on ways to intensify joint efforts between Egypt, the US and Qatar to make progress on ceasefire negotiations and the exchange of hostages and detainees," the president's office said in a statement.

The president's office said Sisi called for "decisive intervention to remove obstacles to the entry of huge amounts of aid" to Gaza and "ending Israeli violations in the West Bank."

On his 10th trip to West Asia since the start of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza in October 2023, Secretary Blinken admitted at a press conference that a ceasefire in Gaza is the best way to contain violence across the region.

"We discussed the importance of getting this deal across the finish line, something we'll continue to pursue with our Qatari counterparts."

"We all know that a ceasefire is the best chance to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, to address risks to regional stability," he said.

No other regional stops, including Israel, were on Blinken's itinerary this time.

Senior officials of Joe Biden's administration believe that the president's national security advisers have no imminent plans to present him with an updated proposal in the ceasefire negotiations, CNN cited two official.

Almost one year into Israel's bloodiest-ever campaign in Gaza, observers say they doubt that a ceasefire deal can be agreed to before Biden leaves the White House.

The 46th president of the United States has funded and armed the regime's war machine, which has claimed the lives of more than 41,270 people, including over 16,000 children in Gaza since October.

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India-controlled Kashmir votes in first regional poll after special status scrapped

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 11:31 AM

People in the Indian-controlled Kashmir have gone to the polls to cast their ballots in the first local elections since the 2019 cancellation of the Muslim-majority territory's special semi-autonomous status by the government in New Delhi.

Some 8.7 million registered voters queued outside polling stations across the disputed Himalayan region on Wednesday to choose members for its 90-seat legislature under heavy security in the three-phased elections.

The mountainous territory is witnessing first assembly election in ten years, with the first phase being currently held for 24 seats in six districts. The other two phases will be held on September 25 and October 1.

"We have been waiting for this for the last 10 years because there are a lot of problems here in terms of healthcare, education and development. We will now be able to choose a good representative," local resident Shahnawat was quoted as saying by AFP, who did not provide his last name.

"Voting is everyone's right and if people are getting this great opportunity after 10 years to select an elected body or representative, someone who listens to your problems and issues, help you and the state progress, I think it is a good moment, good opportunity," said another voter, Subhash.

About 500,000 Indian troops are deployed in the region, which has witnessed a 35-year violence that has killed tens of thousands, including civilians and soldiers.

A federally appointed governor has controlled the disputed territory since August 2019 when the Hindu-nationalist government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered the abrogation of the region's special status under Article 370.

Modi urged people in all constituencies in a post on X to vote in large numbers and strengthen what he claimed to be the "festival of democracy."

"I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise," he added.

The turnout is projected by analysts to be high but key decisions will remain in New Delhi's hands, including security and appointment of Kashmir's governor. Modi's government will also have the power to override legislation passed by the 90-seat assembly.

Votes will be counted on October 8 and the results are expected to be released on the same day.

Anger rises among Kashmiris over the restrictions on civil liberties imposed after 2019, and as Modi's BJP is only fielding candidates in a minority of seats concentrated in Hindu-majority areas in order o split the vote.

Unemployment is also skyrocketing in the region, which has a jobless rate of 18.3 percent, more than double the national average.

"My biggest concern is unemployment," said Madiha, 27, a jobless graduate who gave only one name. "The cost of living has reached the sky."

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947. Both countries claim all of Kashmir in its entirety and have fought at least three wars over the territory.

New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting pro-independence fighters, an allegation rejected by the Pakistani government. Islamabad, in turn, is critical of India's heavy military deployment to Kashmir and its crackdown on the region's Muslim population.

Pakistan has described the move by the government in New Delhi to revoke the self-autonomy of Kashmir as illegal. Since the revocation, India has imposed more internet shutdowns and other restrictions in the region.

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Israeli military confirms 4 troopers killed in Rafah; regime's Gaza death toll at 348

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 7:17 AM

The Israeli regime has announced the death of four of its occupation forces and the injury of several others in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, amid the nearly year-long genocidal war on the blockaded Palestinian territory.

The Israeli occupation army spokesman said on Wednesday that four troopers were killed and seven others wounded, three of them seriously, in reprisal attacks by resistance fighters in Rafah.

Media reports related to the resistance front said the casualties took place as a result of an improvised explosive device (IED) in the southern Gaza Strip city.

The latest deaths bring Israel's toll in Gaza to 348 since October last year, when the occupation launched a deadly onslaught on the besieged coastal enclave.

On Tuesday morning, the Israeli military committed a new massacre against Palestinians in Gaza by killing at least 23 people and injuring over 50 others after airstrikes on the al-Bureij refugee camp.

Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups strongly condemned the mass killing, saying the massacre comes amidst "a reprehensible international silence and a state of complete paralysis of the international system from playing its role in activating the laws of protecting civilians in wars."

Israel unleashed its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023 after Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Since the start of the aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 41,252 Palestinians and injured 95,497 others, with most of the victims being women and children.

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Iran condemns Lebanon's deadly pager explosions as Israeli 'mass murder'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 6:12 AM

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has vehemently denounced the pager explosions across Lebanon, which killed at least nine people and wounded some 3,000 others, describing the tragedy as an act of mass murder perpetrated by the occupying Israeli regime.

"Today's terrorist attack in Lebanon is a continuation of hybrid operations being conducted by the Zionist regime and their mercenaries, runs counter to all moral and humanitarian principles as well as international laws, particularly the international humanitarian law, and deserves international criminal prosecution, trial and punishment," Nasser Kan'ani said in a statement late on Tuesday.

He went on to term the act of terror as a clear example of mass murder, stating that the incident clearly proves that the Zionist regime has exposed regional and international peace and security to serious threats at the same time as it is committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinian people.

Kan'ani then called upon the international community to take immediate actions against the impunity of criminal Israeli authorities.

The Iranian diplomat offered condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He also voiced the Islamic Republic's readiness to provide any assistance needed by the Lebanese government and nation.

Lebanon's caretaker health minister has said at least nine people, including an eight-year-old girl, were killed and 2,750 others wounded by handheld pagers exploded across Lebanon.

Firass Abiad said more than 200 people are in critical condition after the communication devices exploded on Tuesday, with injuries mostly reported to the face, hands and stomach.

A Hezbollah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the son of a member of the resistance group's bloc in Lebanon's Parliament is among those killed. The sons of two other senior officials are also wounded.

"This is a new Israeli aggression against Lebanon. The resistance will retaliate in a suitable way at the suitable time," prominent Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar told The Associated Press after his son, Mahdi, was killed.

The Hezbollah official said the wounded include the son of Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah, and the son of senior security official Wafiq Safa.

Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, is also among those injured by the pager explosions.

The Lebanese Red Cross says it has provided 150 units to hospitals across Lebanon through its blood banks, and said centers are accommodating those who still wish to donate.

The humanitarian organization noted that it responded with "130 ambulances and more than 500 EMTs" (emergency medical technicians), shortly after the simultaneous explosions of pagers across the Arab nation.

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Iraq's Nujaba says will target all Israeli settlements after Lebanon terrorist attacks

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 5:46 AM

A major Iraqi resistance group has vowed to open fire on all Israeli settlements throughout the occupied Palestinian territories in response to the occupying regime's recent terrorist attacks in Lebanon that left at least 9 people dead and nearly 3,000 others injured.

Akram al-Kaabi, secretary general of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, made the remarks in a statement on Wednesday, stressing that the Iraqi resistance is fully prepared to use the latest weapons, missiles and drones in its anti-regime attacks.

The Nujba movement, which operates under the umbrella organization of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), also condemned the Israeli regime's "criminal act," emphasizing that terrorist attacks have no effect other than they will strengthen the resistance's resolve.

The Iraqi resistance group further voiced its full support for the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah in confronting "the Zionists, the Americans and their allies."

On Tuesday, thousands of people, including Hezbollah members as well as civilians, were injured and several others were killed after wireless communication devices, known as pagers, exploded in different locations across Lebanon.

Based on preliminary investigation, officials were quoted as saying that the blasts appear to have been caused by a remote cyberattack orchestrated by the Israeli regime amid heightened tensions.

Condemnations have poured in following Tuesday's mass pager explosions in Lebanon, with Palestinian resistance groups as well as Yemen's Ansarullah strongly condemning the attacks.

Israel has been regularly exchanging fire with Hezbollah since last October, shortly after the regime launched its genocidal war on Gaza after the Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in retaliation for the relentless atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Experts believe the Israeli regime, after being militarily defeated, is resorting to desperate attacks against ordinary people in both Lebanon and Gaza, which will only hasten its demise.

More than 41,200 Palestinians have been killed by the occupying regime in the besieged Gaza Strip in the past 11 months, most of them children and women.

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Hezbollah vows to continue pro-Gaza ops as death toll from pager blasts rises to 12

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 4:45 AM

Hezbollah vows to continue its anti-Israeli strikes in support of the Gaza Strip, which is subject to a genocidal Israeli war, asserting that the recent Israeli atrocity that caused casualties in Lebanon will only strengthen its resolve to continue the path of struggle and resistance.

"We are absolutely certain of victory," said a Wednesday statement by the movement.

The Hezbollah statement came after deadly simultaneous explosions across Lebanon on Tuesday.

According to reports, devices planted in wireless communication devices, known as pagers, were detonated in different locations.

Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad said at least 12 people, including two children, had been killed in the Israeli terrorist attack.

He made the remarks in a press conference on Wednesday, saying that around 3,000 others were also injured in the aggression. The casualties include members of the resistance movement as well as civilians.

Earlier, Hezbollah said that after examining all facts and available information about the attacks, it holds the Israeli regime "fully responsible for this criminal aggression."

"The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon will continue, today as in all the past days, its blessed operations in support of Gaza, its people, and its resistance," the group further said in its Wednesday statement.

The operations would also serve to "defend Lebanon, its people, and its sovereignty," it added.

'Reckoning coming'

The group also asserted that its ongoing pro-Gaza operations are "separate from the severe reckoning that the criminal enemy must face for the massacre it committed on Tuesday."

"That reckoning is another matter and it is surely coming," it said, besides condoling with the survivors of the blasts.

The Israeli regime launched the war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 in response to a retaliatory operation staged by Gaza's resistance groups. The brutal military onslaught has so far claimed the lives of at least 41,252 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 95,497 others.

Hezbollah has been staging hundreds of strikes both in support of the war-hit Gazans and in retaliation for intensified Israeli attacks that have been targeting the Lebanese soil since the launch of the war on the Palestinian territory

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Sept. 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 3:27 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 41,300 Palestinians so far, the majority of them children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Tuesday, September 17, are as follows:

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Sept 17:

Targeted an Israeli military Merkava tank that had penetrated the area around the Adnan Abu Taha intersection in Rafah city, southern Gaza Strip, by detonating a highly explosive Thaqib [piercing] directional bomb.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces and their military vehicles in the axes of clashes in Balata Camp, occupied West Bank.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Sept. 17:

Confronted and targeted Israeli forces storming Balata camp in the occupied West Bank with a heavy hail of bullets.

Hezbollah's operations on Sept. 17:

Targeted Israeli forces at the Al-Abad site with appropriate weapons.

Targeted buildings housing Israeli forces in the "Manara" settlement.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces at Al-Karantina Hill with appropriate weapons.

Targeted artillery positions of Israeli forces at the "Zaoura" site with rockets.

Launched an aerial attack with squadrons of attack drones on newly established headquarters for a reconnaissance force from the 631st Golani Brigade in the "Ramot Naftali" barracks.

Targeted the "Al-Rahib" site with artillery shells.

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How far can Vietnam's To Lam push his 'palace coup' before meeting resistance?

A key October vote for state president will gauge the former top cop's power.

A commentary by David Hutt 2024.09.18 -- Unlike China under paramount ruler Xi Jinping, the fellow Communist nation of Vietnam is not ruled by a single leader.

For the past four decades, Vietnam has been governed by a "four pillars" system, comprising the Communist Party general secretary, president, prime minister, and the chair of the National Assembly.

This structure  designed to prevent a strongman takeover - has served the one-party state well. Up until now, when the phrase "palace coup" is buzzing around Hanoi.

To Lam, the former public security minister, was elected state president in April after forcing the resignation of his two predecessors, Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vo Van Thuong, within two years.

He then became general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in August, following the death of Nguyen Phu Trong, who had held the post since 2012.

As security minister, Lam rose quickly as the enforcer of Trong's vast anti-corruption campaigns, which have taken down tens of thousands of officials, including much of the senior party hierarchy.

Lam marshaled the "dirty dossiers" on other senior party members; he was given a free hand by Trong to clean up the party, but spent much of his time clearing the path for his own takeover.

He entered the leadership struggle armed with something Trong lacked: control over a formidable institution, the public security ministry. Without such institutional control, Trong depended on persuasion.

Unlike Trong, who was deeply concerned with socialist ethics and personal morality, Lam's focus has been more on regime stability and personal power.

Opportunistic anti-corruption fighter

For Lam, anti-corruption efforts are a tool, not a moral crusade. The Economist recently dubbed him a "hardman, capitalist, hedonist," referring to an infamous incident in which To Lam was filmed eating gold-leaf-flecked steak at a high-end London restaurant.

However, a more fitting term might be "protean," or even "opportunistic."

It was telling that former prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung showed up for a private get-together of grandees to celebrate Lam's appointment as party chief.

For Trong's circles, Dung is the bete noire, the rent-seeker-in-chief who allowed corruption to run riot and ideology to fall by the wayside.

Trong's victory over Dung in the 2016 power struggle marked a turning point, allowing him to launch his anti-corruption and ideological campaigns.

Nonetheless, there's more of Dung than Trong in Lam.

Dung, like Lam a former policeman, was a pragmatist on foreign and economic affairs and opportunistically saw allowing corruption as a way of strengthening a fractured ruling party.

Officials up and down the hierarchy would be bound together by a shared motive of personal enrichment; the central party apparatus could cajole the provinces through patronage chains.

Conversely, Trong proved that anti-corruption was a better way of binding the party, through fear and moral example.

But whereas Trong was respected for living a simple and honest life - living under the conditions he forced on others - the same cannot be said of Lam.

Lam promises that the anti-graft campaign will continue, but without Trong's moral rectitude, all that's left is fear.

Systematic purge

As Trong's health worsened in late 2022, Lam began purging rivals, removing half of the Politburo members selected in 2021. Even Trong's own proteges were expelled.

Vuong Dinh Hue, who might have succeeded Trong, was discharged as chair of the National Assembly in May. Vo Van Thuong, another contender, was ousted as president in March, replaced by Lam.

Lam's accumulation of power gained pace thereafter. Now, six of the 15 members of the Politburo, the party's top decision-making body, come from the public security apparatus.

In June, Lam installed Luong Tam Quang, his protege and Hung Yen province ally, as the new public security minister and then got him a seat on the Politburo.

Le Minh Hung, now head of the Central Committee's Organisation Commission and also on the Politburo, is the son of a former public security minister who nurtured Lam's rise.

Nguyen Duy Ngoc, one of Lam's public security deputies, became head of the Central Committee Office and was voted onto the Secretariat, a body in charge of the party's day-to-day affairs.

Other promotions went to family or his "Hung Yen faction" of connections from the northern Red River Delta province near Hanoi. Quang's father reportedly served as the personal bodyguard to Lam's father during the Vietnam War.

There has been some pushback against Lam, albeit not successful.

After being appointed president but before becoming party chief, Lam sought to remain public security minister. In response, some party figures tried, but failed, to have Tran Quoc To, the younger brother of former president Tran Dai Quang, a factional leader, installed instead.

Key U.S. trip

The kerfuffle showed Lam that he still must appease other factions of the Communist Party.

On his visit to China in August, before heading to Beijing, Lam paid a pilgrimage to Guangzhou, where a century ago Ho Chi Minh launched the forerunner of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This no doubt pleased the party's ideologues.

Lam will also visit the U.S. later this month, appeasing the wing of the party that favors closer ties to Washington.

In his first meeting as party chief, he told apparatchiks in the economic ministries and commissions that the anti-graft campaign won't impact economic development, which it has in recent years.

For all the talk of a "palace coup," Lam still has rivals, especially from other institutions.

One is the Central Inspection Commission, led by Tran Cam Tu.

Some analysts reckon there is "bad blood" between Lam and Tu and believe that Lam's recent installation of Vu Hong Van, a police major general who also hails from Hung Yen province, as Tu's deputy to be his eyes within the institution.

Another institutional rival is the central government apparatus, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is himself a former public security official.

Before Trong's death, Chinh was thought to be Lam's main rival to take over the party chief role at the next National Congress in early 2026. It's hard to see anyone dislodging Lam now, but the economic ministries will push back if the "securocrat" takeover of the party hurts the economy.

Eyes on the military

Perhaps the strongest institutional check on Lam's power is the military, which has long been in competition with his public security ministry.

The military is now the single largest bloc on the Central Committee, accounting for around 13 percent of its members.

This suggests that we might see a new power struggle between the Politburo and Central Committee, as there was when Trong and Dung duked it out a decade ago.

Lam has recently installed some of his Hung Yen faction into key military posts in the north, but there is talk that the military is already testing his resolve.

Earlier this month, allegations began circling that the U.S.-funded Fulbright University Vietnam was teaching courses on regime change.

The allegations started with a military news outlet and were propagated by Force 47, the military's vast social media troll farm.

The gossip in Hanoi is that the military was trying to whip up anti-U.S. sentiment ahead of Lam's expected visit to attend the UN General Assembly New York this month. In bilateral meetings there, U.S. officials are expected to push for stronger security cooperation, which not everyone in the military wants.

The first major test of Lam's power will come next month, when the National Assembly is expected to choose a new state president.

It remains unclear whether Lam has been pressured to relinquish one of his two top posts - or if he is willing to give up the largely ceremonial presidential role that requires him to travel abroad, at the expense of working to consolidate his power at home.

Allowing the restoration of the party's cherished "four pillars" system could be a strategic concession that costs him little but gains favor within the party. Remaining party chief, not president, after 2026 is Lam's main goal.

Suggestions have been made that retired Gen. Luong Cuong, a permanent member of the Secretariat since May, could be a contender for the presidency.

Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, who received the most "high confidence" votes in the National Assembly's October 2023 ballot, could also be backed by the military.

Ceding the presidency to the military could serve as a clever way for Lam to appease this powerful institution, but it's also possible that he has his own candidate in mind to maintain his hold on power.

The dynamics of Lam's power grab will become clearer once the National Assembly makes its decision in October.

David Hutt is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) and the Southeast Asia Columnist at the Diplomat. He writes the Watching Europe In Southeast Asia newsletter. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of RFA.

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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Israel's Suspected Attack On Electronic Devices In Lebanon Marks New Phase In Hizballah Hostilities

By Frud Bezhan September 18, 2024

A suspected Israeli attack targeting electronic devices used by members of the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hizballah appears to mark a new phase in the escalating hostilities between the longtime foes.

Israel and Hizballah have been engaged in deadly tit-for-tat cross-border attacks since the devastating war in the Gaza Strip erupted in October 2023.

Experts say the coordinated September 17 attack in Lebanon that targeted pagers and killed at least 12 people and wounded thousands of others, many of them believed to be Hizballah fighters, was a significant escalation that could make a full-scale war between Israel and Hizballah inevitable.

Hizballah's leadership and rank-and-file turned to hand-held pagers to skirt Israeli surveillance on mobile-phone networks in Lebanon.

A new deadly wave of explosions hit Hizballah strongholds in southern Lebanon on September 18. Walkie-talkies used by Hizballah fighters were targeted.

Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said there had been a "pattern of incremental escalation" between Israel and Hizballah in recent months.

Hizballah has been striking deeper into northern Israel and displacing tens of thousands of Israeli citizens. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its assassination campaign against Hizballah inside Lebanon.

"At some point, this will get out of hand and explode into an all-out war," Azizi said.

The explosions in Lebanon came after Israel on September 16 said it was expanding the focus of its almost yearlong campaign against EU- and U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Gaza to confront Hizballah on its northern border with Lebanon. Israel also added the safe return of its citizens to the north as a new goal in the war.

Ali Sardarzadeh, a Middle East analyst based in Germany, said the Lebanon attack was intended to send a "clear message to Hizballah to stop the power display they are engaging in."

Israel is "pressuring Hizballah both through warfare and diplomacy," Sardarzadeh told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

Ali Mohtadi, a Britain-based regional expert, said the "explosion of pagers could mark a new phase of a [Israel-Hizballah] war that has been ongoing for nearly a year."

Mohdati told Radio Farda that a full-scale war was against the interests of both Israel and Hizballah but added that hostilities had "reached a stage where it could spiral out of control at any moment."

Hizballah has blamed Israel for the explosions and vowed to retaliate. The Israeli military has not commented.

Lina Khatib, director of the Middle East Institute at the London-based School of Oriental and African Studies, said the explosions were an embarrassment and major security breach for Hizballah. But she said a full-blown conflict was not inevitable.

"With Hizballah rendered vulnerable, Israel is continuing its military campaign in southern Lebanon," Khatib said. "But it will not necessarily escalate its military engagement into full-scale war as the pagers attack itself is a deterrent for Hizballah."

A direct conflict between Israel and Hizballah could trigger a wider regional war that would draw in Iran, Hizballah's key backer and Israel's archenemy.

Iran's proxies, including Hizballah, have launched attacks against Israel in support of Palestinians since the Gaza war erupted.

Iran and Israel have come to the brink of war on several occasions, including after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran in July. Tehran blamed Israel and pledged to retaliate, although there has been no direct military response by Iran.

Among those wounded in the September 17 attack in Lebanon was Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. Iranian media reported that he suffered injuries "to the hand and the face."

Experts said that it was unlikely that the attack in Lebanon would trigger direct Iranian retaliation against Israel.

"I think Iran will consider this primarily a Hizballah issue despite the injuries suffered by the Iranian ambassador," said Raz Zimmt, senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv.

"We will probably see discussions and consultations between Iran and Hizballah concerning a possible retaliation, but my sense is that Iran prefers the response to come from Hizballah."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/israel-hizballah-iran-pager- war/33124954.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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Did A Budapest-Based Company Make Pagers Used In Attack On Hizballah In Lebanon?

By RFE/RL's Hungarian Service September 18, 2024

BUDAPEST -- A Budapest-based company alleged to have made the pagers used in the deadly attack on Hizballah in Lebanon appears to have only one employee working from an empty office that offers a range of services but not pager manufacturing.

At least 12 people were killed and nearly 3,000 wounded when pagers used by members of Hizballah, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, detonated simultaneously across Lebanon on September 17.

One official from Hizballah, Iran's most powerful proxy in the Middle East, called the attack the group's "biggest security breach" in its history.

In a second wave of attacks, walkie-talkies used by Hizballah detonated on September 18 across Lebanon's south. The country's Health Ministry said at least 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured.

Images of pagers destroyed in the September 17 simultaneous detonations indicated they were consistent with pagers made by Gold Apollo, a Taiwan-based company.

Gold Apollo founder Hsu Ching-Kuang said the pagers used in the explosion were made by a company in Europe that Gold Apollo named in a statement as BAC Consulting KFT.

The statement added that according to a cooperation agreement, BAC is authorized to "use our brand trademark for product sales in designated regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are solely the responsibility of BAC."

"The product was not ours. It was only that it had our brand on it," Hsu told reporters at the company's offices in the northern Taiwanese city of New Taipei on September 18.

However, the head of the Budapest-based company BAC Consulting KFT later told NBC News that her company did not make the pagers.

"I don't make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong," a person who identified themselves as Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono told the U.S. broadcaster.

According to RFE/RL's Hungarian Service, Barsony-Arcidacono, 49, has an apartment in Ujpest, a central district of Budapest, and had been engaged in business activities there since 2021.

Efforts to contact Barsony-Arcidiancono by RFE/RL were unsuccessful. The Hungarian Interior Ministry did not response to queries from RFE/RL on whether authorities planned to open a probe on the matter.

The stated address for BAC Consulting in Budapest is a peach-colored building on a mostly residential street in an outer suburb.

A person at the building who asked not to be named told RFE/RL's Hungarian Service he had never met any employees from BAC Consulting and only mail was forwarded to that address once a month.

The official register described the company as a "leadership consulting" business that was established in 2022.

The company's LinkedIn page boasts of having "over a decade of consulting experience."

"With over a decade of consulting experience, we are on an exciting and rewarding journey with our network of passionate experts with a hunger for innovation and discovery for the Environment, Innovation & Development, and International Affairs. We work internationally as agents of change with a network of consultants who put their knowledge, experience, and humanity into our projects in a connecting and authentic journey," it reads.

Besides consulting, its registered business activities also included everything from broadcast equipment production to hairdressing and even oil extraction. The company's website makes no reference to pager manufacturing. Revenue for 2022 was the equivalent of $700,000, with that figure dipping to a reported $565,000.

Barsony-Arcidiacono is listed as the CEO and sole employee of BAC Consulting KFT. On her LinkedIn page profile, she claims to have worked as an adviser for several organizations, including the European Commission, the EU's top executive body, and UNESCO, the UN's cultural organization.

Under education, she lists the London School of Economics and the SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) University in London.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/budapest-lebanon- pagers-attack-hizballah/33125029.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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Tajiks Skeptical That Attack On Top Islamic Leader Was 'Hooliganism'

By Farangis Najibullah and RFE/RL's Tajik Service September 18, 2024

Tajikistan's top Islamic leader has not been seen in public since an unprecedented stabbing attack last week that witnesses say left him with a knife wound on his forehead.

Police seem to be downplaying the September 11 assault on Saidmukarram Abdulqodirzoda, head of the state-backed Ulema Council of the Islamic Center -- the highest Islamic authority in the predominantly Muslim country -- describing it as an act of "hooliganism."

The police said in a statement that he was "lightly wounded" in the attack and was discharged from hospital on the same day after being examined by doctors.

But many Tajiks doubt the attack in Dushanbe's central mosque shortly after the afternoon prayers was a random act of hooliganism.

Critics suspect the assault is linked to the Ulema Council's role in supporting the staunchly secular government's increasingly restrictive policies on religion.

Authorities said the perpetrator is in custody but have not released any details about him or his motives or any affiliations. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Eyewitnesses told RFE/RL that a knife-wielding young man stabbed Abdulqodirzoda in the courtyard of the packed mosque as he was speaking to mosque-goers after the prayers.

"Abdulqodirzoda sustained a knife wound on his forehead. Mosque-goers immediately subdued the attacker. Police were on the scene very quickly because the district police headquarters are located nearby," an eyewitness said on condition of anonymity.

A source close to the matter said the attacker is a resident of the Dushanbe suburbs but did not give further details.

Contacted by RFE/RL late on September 11, Abdulqodirzoda, 61, said in the brief phone call that he was "doing fine" and that there was "nothing to worry about."

Police and other government officials declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Independent In Name Only

The absence of official information has led to speculation about reasons behind the attack on Abdulqodirzoda, who has led the council since 2010. He is also referred to as the mufti, a term used in Central Asia for a country's top religious leader.

Many Tajiks believe Abdulqodirzoda may have been targeted for his and the council's unequivocal support for government policies that are widely criticized for restricting religious freedom.

In a recent move, Abdulqodirzoda angered many Muslims -- both in Tajikistan and internationally -- by backing the authorities' long-standing and unpopular campaign against "clothes alien to Tajik culture," a term used by officials to describe Islamic clothing.

In July, the council issued a fatwa -- a religious edict -- against "black clothing," a Tajik euphemism for the Islamic hijab.

The fatwa came just days after parliament officially outlawed "alien garments" following nearly two decades of an unofficial ban on the hijab in schools and the workplace.

Muhamadjon Kabirov, chief editor of the Tajik-language news website AzdaTV, which is based in Poland, said he believes the motive behind the attack on Abdulqodirzoda reflects a discontent in society with the council and its chief.

"Tajik society sees the mufti as a government official, not a religious leader," Kabirov said. "People believe that his aim is not to defend citizens' religious liberty. On the contrary, they believe his mission is to promote the government's policies, which include undermining people's religious traditions."

In the northern province of Sughd, a schoolteacher who requested anonymity told RFE/RL the attack may have been carried out "by someone who is angry with the mufti's work, but it does not mean all people support such acts."

"Personally, I don't trust the mufti or the Islamic Council, but I don't believe that violence is the answer," the teacher said. "People are condemning this attack even if they are unhappy with him."

The Ulema Council is, legally, an independent body. But like the other official religious bodies in Central Asian countries it operates under strict government control.

Tajik authorities also tightly control the operation of all mosques. Imams are appointed with the tacit agreement of local government officials.

The council and government officials often conduct tests they say are aimed at evaluating the imams' knowledge of religious and state matters.

All recommendations and edicts by the council -- the only fatwa-issuing body in Tajikistan -- reflect the government's policies. The religious edicts are nonbinding but have symbolic significance.

In 2018, the council recommended the workers at the construction site of the Roghun hydropower plant "postpone" their fasting during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

The council said the dawn-to-dusk fasting puts a strain on the well-being of the workers engaged in tough physical labor. The massive Roghun is an important strategic project for the government.

In 2014, the council announced that revolting against authorities and cooperating with domestic or foreign organizations -- including media outlets whose goal is to "destabilize" the country is considered a "major sin."

Abdulqodirzoda has said the "the duty of Islamic figures is to promote moderate Islam that wishes peace and stability for all."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-islam- mufti-stabbing-attack-hijab/33123834.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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Second Wave Of Remote Detonations Kills At Least 20 People In Lebanon

By RFE/RL September 18, 2024

A second wave of device explosions killed at least 20 people and wounded hundreds more in Lebanon, officials said on September 18, stoking fears of an all-out war in the region.

A security source and a witness said Hizballah, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, said walkie-talkies used by its members blew up in its Beirut stronghold. State media reported similar blasts in southern and eastern Lebanon.

At least one of the blasts took place near a funeral for people killed the previous day when thousands of pagers used by the group exploded. The number of dead in those attacks was 12, with more than 2,700 people wounded, including many Hizballah fighters.

The Lebanese Health Ministry described the devices targeted in the September 18 attack as walkie-talkies. Late on September 18, it revised the number of dead from 14 to 20 in a statement that also said more than 450 were wounded.

Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU, accused Israel of being behind the latest blasts, saying the action threatened stability in the region.

Hizballah and the Lebanese government also blamed Israel for what appeared to be a sophisticated remote attack. Israel, which has not commented, announced prior to the September 17 attack that it was broadening the aims of its war in Gaza against Hamas to include Hizballah, Hamas's ally in Lebanon.

Speaking to Israeli troops on September 18, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "We are at the start of a new phase in the war -- it requires courage, determination and perseverance." He made no mention of the exploding devices but praised the work of Israel's army and security agencies, saying "the results are very impressive."

Hizballah said on September 18 that it attacked Israeli artillery positions with rockets in the first strike since the pager blasts.

The White House warned all sides against escalation.

"We don't believe that the way to solve where we're at in this crisis is by additional military operations at all," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

"We still believe that the best way to prevent escalation, to prevent another front from opening up in Lebanon, is through diplomacy," Kirby said.

Human Rights Watch's former executive director, Kenneth Roth, commented on the attacks on X, saying that international humanitarian law prohibits the use of booby traps -- objects that civilians are likely to use -- "precisely to avoid putting civilians at grave risk."

The Iranian envoy to the United Nations said in a letter that Tehran will follow up on the pager detonation attack in which its ambassador to Lebanon was injured. It added that it "reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond."

The pagers were reportedly ordered from Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo, which said they had been produced by BAC Consulting in Hungary and had no parts that could be related to Gold Apollo.

"According to the cooperation agreement, we authorize BAC to use our brand trademark for product sales in designated regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are solely the responsibility of BAC," the statement said.

The Taiwanese company also described BAC Consulting's payment method from a Middle Eastern bank account as strange.

A Hungarian government spokesman said the company was "a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary."

BAC Consulting was registered as a limited liability company in May 2022, the Associated Press reported. It is a one-person business registered to its owner, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, who describes herself on the social media platform LinkedIn as a strategic adviser and business developer.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that the United States knew nothing about the attacks.

"We're still gathering the information and gathering the facts," Blinken said at a news conference in Cairo. "Broadly speaking, we've been very clear and we remain very clear about the importance of all parties avoiding any steps that could further escalate the conflict that we're trying to resolve in Gaza to see it spread to other fronts."

The UN Security Council will meet on September 20 to discuss the pager blasts, said Slovenia's UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar, president of the 15-member council for September.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned earlier on September 18 that the pager blasts indicate "a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon and everything must be done to avoid that escalation."

"Obviously the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a preemptive strike before a major military operation," he told reporters in New York.

He also said that it was very important not to weaponize civilian objects.

Guterres "urges all concerned actors to exercise maximum restraint to avert any further escalation," said Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a statement.

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/lebanon-israel-hizballah- hamas-pagers-walkie-talkies-killed/33125373.html

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U.S. Envoy Calls Out Hungary For Actions Leading Toward 'Democratic Crisis'

By RFE/RL September 18, 2024

The U.S. ambassador to Hungary said a troubling trend in Hungary over the past six months threatens to put it on a path toward a "democratic crisis" and raises the possibility that the United States would consider reviewing U.S.-Hungarian relations.

Ambassador David Pressman said the trend includes actions by Hungary's political leaders and the Sovereignty Protection Office as well as negative rhetoric toward the National Judicial Council.

In a speech on September 18 at the Budapest Forum, Pressman spoke about the recent political actions and its relationship to the United States, pointing out how the governing Fidesz party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's "control of the media" and its "attacks on civil society" have created an "atmosphere of fear."

Concerning the media, Pressman highlighted the recent actions taken by Hungary's Sovereignty Protection Office, including its announcement of investigations of Transparency International, Atlatszo, and an environmental citizens' group.

Transparency International has ranked Hungary as the most corrupt country in Europe for the past two years. Similarly, Atlatszo, an independent media outlet, focuses on exposing corruption and has published articles relating to Orban's son's extraordinary wealth.

The ambassador, who took up the post in 2022, said the recent actions go beyond the media and civil society to include the judiciary. He said that, when he first arrived in Hungary, he met with the National Judicial Council, and the meeting resulted in "one of the government's most vitriolic campaigns, targeting the judges, labeling them as traitors, for meeting with the United States ambassador."

These attacks, Pressman said, were strewn across every media outlet for three consecutive months and affected more than just the judges on the National Judicial Council. "Every judge in Hungary" was taught a lesson that any criticism of the government, even apolitical, was betrayal and would come with consequences.

The perpetuation of "fear and silence" seeks to marginalize and even eliminate independent voices in media and civil society, he said, adding that these actions could lead to the United States pursuing "a different kind of relationship" with Hungary.

"I continue to hope that the relationship will be a closer more honest and candid one," Pressman said.

Hungary's membership within both the EU and NATO has led to the United States calling for a relationship based on, "transparency, dialogue, nonpartisanship, and a commitment to democracy." He said he believes that, specifically in the last six months, Hungary has "made clear its choice" on what the relationship will look like.

As Hungary's relationship with the United States shifts, so too does its relationship with Russia. In July, after Hungary took over the EU's six-month rotating presidency, Orban went to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin performing as an unsanctioned "peacemaker." Pressman noted that a day after the "peace mission" Russia launched missiles into Ukraine's largest children's hospital.

As Hungary's rhetoric becomes increasingly anti-EU and anti-NATO, Pressman called out the hypocrisy of its actions, saying that, while Budapest continues to signal that it wants to distance itself from its allies, Europe, and the United States, it also still enjoys the benefits of the NATO security umbrella and the EU's economic benefits.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hungary-pressman-ambassador- orban-democracy/33125255.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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Top EU Diplomat Warns Georgia Over Law Restricting LGBT Rights

By RFE/RL September 18, 2024

The European Union's top diplomat has called on Georgia to scrap legislation approved by lawmakers that curbs LGBT rights and allows for bans on cultural events such as Pride marches.

The so-called Family Values bill was pushed through parliament by the ruling Georgian Dream party on September 17. Opposition members boycotted the vote and protesters rallied against it outside parliament, underscoring the dramatically polarized political landscape in the Caucasus nation ahead of national elections in October.

"The Georgian Parliament adopted laws on 'family values and protection of minors' which will undermine the fundamental rights of the people and increase discrimination & stigmatization,"Josep Borrell, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs, wrote in a post on X on September 18.

"I call on Georgia to withdraw this legislation, further derailing the country from its EU path."

The package of legal changes, which came under the title On Family Values And Protection Of Minors, amends 18 current laws, including on free speech and expression, as well as broadcasting.

It allows for bans on gatherings that promote the notion of a person identifying as a gender other than "his or her biological sex" or same-sex orientation or relationships.

The initiative passed by a vote of 84-0 in a chamber that most of the opposition has boycotted since May.

That's when Georgian Dream lawmakers approved a "foreign influence" bill that Georgians and Western governments liken to the decade-old "foreign agent" law used by Russian authorities to clamp down on dissent with broad discretion.

They ended up overriding a presidential veto of the legislation to enact it.

The United States and other Western states have expressed concern about the law, which requires organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as "agents of foreign influence."

On September 16, the United States slapped sanctions on more than 60 Georgians, including two members of the government, who it said had "undermined" democracy and human rights in the country.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met on September 17 with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan and warned that Georgia might revise ties with the United States in response to the new sanctions.

"If one more such step is taken, this might lead to a revision of Georgia's stance on U.S.-Georgian relations," Kobakhidze said in the meeting with Dunnigan, according to a statement by the prime minister's office.

Tens of thousands of Georgians demonstrated against the bill despite a brutal crackdown and violent retaliation. Most protesters referred to the bill as "the Russian law" because of its similarity to decade-old legislation in Russia that has contributed to a fierce clampdown on independent media and public dissent there.

The European Union reacted to the enactment of the bill by pausing EU accession negotiations, while the United States opted to launch a "comprehensive review" of relations with Georgia.

In setting election day for October 26, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called the vote a choice between "being Russia's slave or cooperation with Europe."

Opinion polls show that Georgian Dream remains the country's single most popular party ahead of the election.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/top-eu-diplomat-warns-georgia- over-law-restricting-lgbtq-rights/33124700.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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Lebanon Pager Blasts Could Be Preemptive Strike Before Major Military Operation - UN Chief

Sputnik News

20240918

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that the pager detonations in Lebanon could be a preemptive action ahead of a major military operation which has to be avoided at all costs.

"Obviously, the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a preemptive strike before a major military operation. So as important as the event in itself is, the indication that this event confirms that there is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon, and everything must be done to avoid that escalation." Guterres told journalists in a press briefing.

Guterres added that civilian objects should not be weaponized as was the case yesterday with thousands of pagers exploding in Lebanon.

"I think it's very important that there is an effective control of civilian objects, not to weaponize civilian objects," he said. "That should be a rule everywhere in the world that governments should be able to implement."

On Tuesday, several thousand pagers detonated in different parts of Lebanon. The pagers were used by members of the Hezbollah movement but also by others and their weaponization into explosive devices has been attributed to Israel, according to media reports.

The Lebanese authorities said 11 people have died and some 2,800 have been injured by the detonation of the pagers.

 Sputnik

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Israeli Defense Minister Says New Phase of War Begins, Military Efforts Shifted to North

Sputnik News

20240918

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday that a new phase of the war has begun and that the center of gravity of the military effort has shifted to the northern front.

"We are at the beginning of a new phase of the war. We are transferring forces, resources and energy to the north ... The operation [in the north] is being carried out by all bodies, and it has a clear and simple task  to return the residents of the settlements in the north safely to their homes," Gallant said as broadcast by Israeli broadcasters.

The minister also noted the "impressive results" the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Security Agency and Israeli intelligence agency Mossad have achieved.

On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid.

The IDF launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. The enclave's health ministry says that the death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 41,000.

 Sputnik

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Three People Killed as Result of Explosion of Devices in Eastern Lebanon - Reports

Sputnik News

20240918

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Sounds of explosions similar to recent ones of the detonation of pagers are heard in several areas of Lebanon, the Lebanese Al Jadeed broadcaster reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

Three people were killed when devices exploded in Bekaa in eastern Lebanon, Lebanon's NNA news agency reported on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, a Lebanese source told Sputnik that communication devices other than pagers had exploded in different parts of Lebanon.

"Communication devices used by Hezbollah members exploded in different parts of Lebanon, different from the pagers that detonated less than 24 hours ago," the source said.

More than 20 people injured as a result of detonation of communication devices in several Lebanese neighborhoods, Qatar's Al Jazeera broadcaster reported.

Al Hadath TV channel in turn reported that at least 100 people were injured in new explosions of communication devices in Lebanon.

Videos of fires in homes and cars in the southern suburbs of Beirut and in a number of settlements in southern Lebanon have appeared on social media. It is reported that the fires were caused by explosions of communication devices.

Local media report that walkie-talkies detonated in Lebanon on Wednesday were purchased by the Hezbollah movement around the same time as the pagers - about five months ago.

On Tuesday, pagers detonated in different parts of Lebanon. According to a number of media reports, pagers are used by members of the Hezbollah movement as a closed communication system, the least susceptible to hacking and wiretapping. Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad said that some 2,700-2,800 people were injured by the detonation of pagers.

 Sputnik

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Switzerland Dumps Neutrality as Senate Rejects Ban on Joining NATO Drills

Sputnik News

20240918

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Swiss Council of States, the upper house of the parliament, said on Wednesday that it had voted against a ban on the participation of its military in joint NATO drills.

"The participation of Switzerland in joint defense exercises with NATO must not be banned. The Council of States rejected a motion from the National Council to this effect on Wednesday by 29 votes to 12 and after a lively debate," the upper house said in a statement.

Swiss senators believe that in case of an attack on the country, its neutral status will disappear, so Switzerland's army needs to be ready to defend itself.

Switzerland is neither an EU or a NATO member, but Bern has joined almost all European sanctions against Russia since February 24, 2022. In 2024, the Swiss military will take part in 20 exercises outside its territory and four drills on its territory, all of them with the participation of NATO countries.

 Sputnik

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Lebanese Labor Minister Slams Pager Explosions as Terrorist Attack by Israel

Sputnik News

20240918

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - The explosion of pagers of thousands of Lebanese citizens was a terrorist attack committed by Israel, Lebanese Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"The attack in Lebanon is a deliberate crime and a terrorist act. Israel committed it after it failed militarily, so it was forced to resort to intimidation of the civilian population through psychological warfare, but it struck the wrong chord," Bayram said.

On Tuesday, pagers detonated in different parts of Lebanon. According to a number of media reports, pagers are used by members of the Hezbollah movement as a closed communication system, the least susceptible to hacking and wiretapping.

Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad said that some 2,700-2,800 people were injured by the detonation of pagers.

 Sputnik

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Hezbollah Warns Israel to Expect Response for Wave of Lebanon Pager Blasts

Sputnik News

20240918

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based Shiite movement, said on Wednesday that it would respond to Israel for the mass detonation of pagers that left thousands of Lebanese maimed and injured.

"The Islamic resistance in Lebanon will continue its operations in support of Gaza as before  this is not a continuous process, but separate from the harsh response that the enemy must expect in response to the massacre it inflicted on the Lebanese people on Tuesday. Paying the bill is inevitable," the movement said in a statement.

More than 4,000 people were injured and at least 11, including a child, died on Tuesday as a result of the mass detonation of pagers in different parts of Lebanon, according to the country's health minister, Firass Abiad. The Lebanese government and the Hezbollah movement blamed the explosions on Israel. The media reported that pagers were used by Hezbollah as a closed communication system least susceptible to hacking and eavesdropping.

Israel has not yet commented on the pager explosions.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty At a Joint Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Tahrir Palace

Cairo, Egypt

September 18, 2024

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDELATTY: (Via interpreter) Welcome, everybody. At the outset, I'd like to warmly welcome His Excellency Mr. Tony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the U.S., and his accompanying delegation. The - this visit is very important. He has come in Cairo and this visit comes amidst many, many visits, shuttle visits made by His Excellency Mr. Blinken to the region, and we - as always and for always, we are warmly welcoming him as a dear friend here in Egypt.

The American Secretary of State at the very beginning of the day, in the morning, has met with our president, and it was a very long interview and it was very frank. Mr. President has discussed and has handled all of the developments of the bilateral relations between Egypt and the U.S., and with this the strategic partnership, the existing partnership between the friendly states. We are talking about strong relations, accepting that for many, many decades from the joint work and joint interests and mutual understanding.

Mr. President has highlighted at the very beginning of the interview about the strong relations, and our both countries are very keen to work to develop and to instill this relation. And as you may know, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Blinken, we have met (inaudible) and we have launched the working group on the joint work between Egypt and the U.S. in the sectors of tourism and higher education, education and culture as well with the attendance of a number of Egyptian ministries - the minister of higher education and minister of antiquities and tourism and the minister of education.

And before launching this meeting, we have a prolonged meeting between myself and His Excellency Mr. Blinken and with the two delegations. We have talked about the bilateral relations and to further develop these relations about some regional and international files of the shared interests for both countries.

And as I have just mentioned, the bilateral relations are very strong, and we have talked today in a very detailed manner about more and more development of this relation and the strategic nature of this relation, and the joint keenness and joint due attention from the two countries to work on developing this relation amidst the framework of mutual respect and the mutual benefits.

Egypt is a big regional country and it is a major country, and the U.S. is a major power - a major international power. So naturally speaking, we have to have a detailed dialogue and strong relations and also very continuous, deep consultations among others around some regional and international files.

Today we have talked in detail about cooperation in economy and investment, and there are mutual understanding and mutual keenness to further develop this - these economic relations. And at its heart, the American investment, the U.S. investments, and to forthrightly encourage the American companies to work here in the Egyptian market and to get the best benefits of the regular opportunities offered by the Egyptian economy through these companies. And soon we will talk the - during the first quarter of the next year about holding the joint U.S.-Egyptian business conference, especially after the holding of the conferences in Washington a couple of days ago. And also we have talked about the trade relations and the importance of further development of the relations, economic relations, and to increase the trade volume and exports and imports.

And also we have talked about the education and higher education, and today we - this - signed memorandum of - memoranda of understandings will be signed about the integration of three branches of American universities here in Egypt. Three universities will be integrated here in Egypt in addition to the other international universities like Japan, Canada, Germany, or other international and other countries that are very keen to integrate their premises and their headquarters in Egypt in order to further develop the education here in Egypt. We have also talked about the strong existing relations in the field of education and building of schools, and we are evaluating and we are - very evaluating the development of education in this regard.

And also we talked about the tourism sector, which is very important in our bilateral relations. We have talked about the destination, being Egypt is considered a destination for the American citizen, either for the (inaudible) tourism or the environmental tourism or the cultural investment or for the coastal tourism. So we have in Egypt many, many destinations as tourism and as touristic destinations. And also we have talked about culture considering Egypt as the "Hollywood of Orient," and like the cinema and the film industries and also the importance of intensifying the relations between the two countries in the cultural arena considering that the upcoming - and the upcoming generations in Egypt and the U.S. do not know too much about the other country, and that's why we hold the responsibility in organizing some and many cultural events that are making the two people are closing.

Certainly we have talked as well about the relations in the - in the different files, especially the fields - the cooperation in energy and renewable energy, and also the clean energy and the transport, and also the communication. All these files have been opened and also I have agreed with my dear friend Mr. Tony Blinken that we will have a schedule or a timetable to hold the other working groups in the framework of the Strategic Dialogue in the upcoming period. And also we have talked about the joint commitment and also the joint direction from Mr. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and also Mr. President Joe Biden to develop and to further develop the economic and cultural relations and social ones as well between the two friendly countries. And we have talked as well about different other bilateral files.

We have talked about the Egyptian and African and Arab candidates for the UNESCO position and the importance of lifting the injustice targeted at the Arabic and the Egyptian civilization to have the director-general of UNESCO from Egypt and from the Arab countries. And we have talked about some other regional files and international files, the dangerous challenges that threaten the safety and stability of the Middle East and in the African continent and in the Mediterranean, and also - and facing the whole world, which pulls two big countries like the U.S. and Egypt to have open, continuous dialogue.

And we have - from my own side I have talked about the national strategy for human rights and the Egyptian achievements, and also the Egyptian efforts exerted in implementing this strategy, because on behalf of myself as the chairperson of the Supreme - Supreme Committee of Human Rights, not for the satisfaction of any external party but for the very benefits of the Egyptian people, and also because the Mr. President of Egypt is very keen to launch this national strategy within the comprehensive concept of human rights, which focuses on the civil political rights, and also the economic rights, and the social rights, and the cultural rights as well.

We have talked about the crisis in - the dangerous crisis in Gaza Strip, and we have - we did (inaudible) harmonize and agreed upon points especially with regarding to the immediate ceasefire, and also to stop killing of the civilians, and also the necessity to reach an agreement to host all the hostages and the prisoners, and also the immediate access and the comprehensive, unconditional access to the humanitarian and medical aids to the people of Gaza Strip. We have talked in detail about the most - the importance of the de-escalation, and also the region is about to be on the edge of a regional war.

We have - and also we have shared the views and also we have talked in detail about the situation in Sudan and the crisis in Sudan, and the importance of achieving a ceasefire and the importance of providing the humanitarian aid to all of the Sudanese people. And I have talked about the importance of not putting the Sudanese army in the same equation of any other party, and the importance of working on activating the rule of the Sudanese institutions in order for the Sudanese state to maintain the sovereignty of Sudan.

We have talked about the Libyan crisis and the importance of making the presidential and parliamentary elections and the importance of moving towards - in this regard in order to maintain the Libyan territory. And we have talked as well about the issue of water, considering this issue as an existential issue for Egypt. And also we have talked about the importance of coming into terms regarding to the Ethiopian dams. And I have talked from my own side about the maximum importance of a binding legal agreement in - for operating this dam, and the importance of not achieving any harm with the downstream countries, the two downstream countries, especially this river as considering a crossing river for the borders.

We have talked as well about the Horn of Africa, and the Horn of Africa is suffering from some kind of turbulence. And I have highlighted the importance of maintaining the sovereignty of Somalia. And also we have talked in detail about the countering terrorism, because for sure there is joint cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt in the field of countering and facing terrorism. There is a joint interest and benefits, and Egypt has a leading experience in countering terrorism, as there - a very comprehensive proposal which is focusing on all the dimensions of the crisis, including the social and economic welfare, and the stopping on funding of the terrorist activities and terrorist groups; and also to combat the extremism (inaudible) especially we have many, many religious institutions - good leading religious institutions - and the very top, the Al-Azhar and the Al-Iftaa.

And also we have talked about the stabilizations in the Middle East through the importance - through the importance of evacuating this region from the mass destructing weapons, especially the nuclear weapons. And we will continue our consultations and our cooperations, and this is a very strong strategic solid relations that achieve the benefits of the two countries, based on the mutual respect and based on the respect of the sovereignty of the states. And we have the joint responsibilities to achieve stability in this important region.

Again and again, I'd like to warmly welcome Mr. Secretary of State, Mr. Blinken, in Egypt, and his accompanying delegation. And over to you. The floor is yours, sir. Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you very much. And I think as you can tell from my friend the foreign minister, we covered the waterfront, and it's a large waterfront indeed. And that speaks to the fact that for the United States and Egypt, more than ever there is so much that we're doing together, and so much that we both benefit from the fact that we're doing it together. I want to thank you, my friend, and also thank President El-Sisi for the very warm welcome here in Cairo, but also just for the very high quality of the exchanges that we've had today - both with the president, with my colleagues, with our Strategic Dialogue partners.

We have this opportunity today to kick off the Strategic Dialogue. And that really underscores the commitment that both of our countries have to work to continuously strengthen what's been a century-long relationship, and strengthen it in a way that's focused on delivering for our people. That's what it's all about. And I really - to you, Badr, I want to thank you, and thank your entire team, for hosting this dialogue and for getting it off to a very good start.

We made progress on many of our priorities today, including Egypt's development, its growth, its governance. And I'm announcing $129 million in new funding to support these efforts - from providing hundreds of higher education scholarships, to encouraging entrepreneurship among young people, to improving rural health.

Together, we are enhancing economic cooperation. We're advancing broad-based opportunity for Egyptians and Americans. We're helping women-owned small businesses get greater access to financing. We're expanding foreign direct investment beyond the more than 1,000 American companies already present in Egypt.

The United States is supporting Egypt as it continues to reform its economy to become even more dynamic, even more competitive.

In Washington earlier this month, we hosted the second U.S.-Egypt Joint Economic Commission to grow our economic cooperation - for instance, making progress on a bilateral agreement that will help unlock greater private sector participation and investment here in Egypt.

Next month, the United States Trade Representative will host talks between our countries to identify additional steps, like fostering an open and predictable trade environment, that will further boost commercial ties and help Egypt attract more trade and more investment.

Building on Egypt's leadership on climate and its hosting of COP27, our two countries are continuing to accelerate the clean energy transition. A team from the United States International Development Finance Corporation will be here later this week, looking at green hydrogen projects, visiting a solar park near Aswan, as we work to harness Egypt's tremendous potential for renewable technologies.

And as the foreign minister noted, President El-Sisi and I also discussed the existential nature of Egypt's growing water needs and the importance of the Nile to the Egyptian people.

We're also investing together in education, and maybe this is one of the most important things that we're doing for the future of our people, for the future of our countries, and for the connections between our countries. These investments are really essential to fully unleashing Egypt's potential.

The education and cultural working group we launched today will help establish nine new state-of-the-art multidisciplinary labs at STEM high schools that the United States has stood up in Egypt.

We'll also support 19 career centers - covering nearly every Egyptian public and national university - so that young Egyptians can prepare for and get the jobs of the future.

A little bit later today, we have representatives of three United States universities who will sign agreements to open international campuses here in Egypt - adding to two projects already underway, giving Egyptian students the chance to receive an American education here in Egypt.

We'll also strengthen our work to preserve Egypt's archaeological heritage - including a new effort to list the Great Temple of Abydos as a UNESCO World Heritage site - growing the tourism sector that contributes so much to Egypt's economy.

The United States welcomes steps that Egypt has taken this past year on human rights - releasing detainees, advancing efforts to reform pre-trial detention, resolving cases involving travel bans and asset freezes for NGO employees. And as the foreign minister said, these are steps that Egypt is taking because it's in Egypt's interest to do so.

We both acknowledged additional steps that Egypt intends to take, including adopting and implementing penal code reforms, continuing to pardon and release prisoners, detainees, and ensuring that journalists, human rights defenders, and all Egyptians can voice any disagreements freely.

There is strong bipartisan interest in the United States Congress to seeing Egypt continue to make progress. And respecting and safeguarding fundamental freedoms can only strengthen the partnership between our countries, and as the foreign minister himself says, benefit the Egyptian people. That's why Egypt is engaging in this course.

We discussed how we can enhance longstanding security cooperation - whether that's Egypt's major peacekeeping contributions in places like South Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo, or, as the minister mentioned, the fight against ISIS and other extremists in the Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt continues to be an indispensable partner in pursuing a ceasefire in Gaza - one that brings the hostages home, that relieves the suffering of the people of Gaza and creates the foundation for an enduring peace.

I thanked the president and the foreign minister and other colleagues for Egypt's commitment to this work, and we discussed the importance of getting this deal across the finish line - something we'll continue to pursue along with our Qatari counterparts.

We all know that a ceasefire is the best chance to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, to address the risks to regional stability - risks that I know are felt viscerally here in Egypt. In particular, the Houthis' continued attacks on global commerce in the Red Sea - aided and abetted by Iran - are reducing traffic in the Suez Canal, and that's cost Egypt a projected $5 billion in lost revenue.

Egypt has been instrumental in addressing the conflict in Sudan - the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Along with our diplomatic partners - Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Switzerland, the African Union, the United Nations, and others - we made progress in Switzerland last month, opening new crossings to allow humanitarian assistance to get to people who need it, and getting the Rapid Support Forces to agree to a Code of Conduct for its fighters.

That progress, however, is now threatened by a new RSF offensive in El Fasher, already resulting in the deaths and displacement of thousands of vulnerable people.

The RSF must take every step to protect the lives of innocents and respect its commitment to protect civilians. The Sudanese Armed Forces have to halt indiscriminate bombing. Both must come together and come to the table to agree on implementing agreements that were reached in Jeddah and to stop this brutal war.

Next week, at the UN General Assembly in New York, I'll be bringing together our partners to align around the next steps to expand humanitarian access, to protect civilians, and to push for a cessation of hostilities.

The United States is grateful for Egypt's continued partnership and leadership in this work, as well, I have to say, for the generosity of the Egyptian people welcoming hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees.

We are also continuing to consult with Egypt on bringing greater stability to Libya, including supporting the UN in its efforts to shore up the Central Bank and working toward a longer-term political settlement.

So, as you've heard from both of us, these are some - not all - of the subjects that we discussed today. And I think again, at this challenging moment, the importance of our partnership, the partnership between Egypt and the United States, is on full display. And that's why today's dialogue is so important and timely - reminding not only what's at stake, but also what's possible for our people and people throughout the region.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) So let's take two questions.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) To His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs in Egypt, my name is Samir Omar of Sky News. I am asking Dr. Badr Abdelatty. Yesterday you have made phone calls with the foreign minister of Lebanon in order to declare the supporting of Lebanon. So with regarding to your statement yesterday and regarding to what has happened yesterday in Lebanon is considered a great aggression against Lebanon, what has happened yesterday, is considering a continuation of Israel (inaudible), and that this can affect the relations of the negotiational stance.

And the question to Mr. Blinken: Don't you think that Israel, while enlarging their actions in Lebanon and in the West Bank and in other regions, aren't considering your own guidance and your own directions, and Israel are not following the path of a ceasefire? What about the American stance regarding to Netanyahu's (inaudible)?

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDELATTY: (Via interpreter) Thank you. With regarding to the Egyptian stance, it is very clear Egypt is against any unilateral actions that can attack the sovereignty of Lebanon. We are in a full solidarity with the Government of Lebanon and the people of Lebanon. We have condemned and we will condemn any targeting of the Lebanese sovereignty, and certainly any unilateral actions towards the escalation must be condemned and is totally rejected and it does not encourage any stability. Accordingly and certainly, such escalation, such dangerous escalation, can lead to what we have learned from before, which is moving to the edge of a comprehensive regional war that can kill everybody.

So Egypt as - Egypt as a basic regional power, as an international power, is very concerned with stopping the escalation and to refuse such unilateral policies in order to focus on the ultimate goal and not those capturing our attention, which is the access to have an immediate ceasefire. And we are totally trust and we are totally confident that the keyword here and the real problem and the heart of this crisis is the continuation of the Israeli aggression in Gaza.

So if we stop this aggression and if we can reach to an immediate ceasefire, so certainly this will lead to the decrease of the escalation in the region and that this will stop the edging to the brink and just not providing any pretext to any other partner or (inaudible), the many stakeholders, to (inaudible) the suffering of the Palestinian people. So we are - we have said it clear. The goal is very clear. It is a must to focus on the stopping of the aggression and to reach an immediate ceasefire, so this is the (inaudible) of peace and safe and security in the region.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So with regard to Lebanon, the United States did not know about, nor was it involved, in these incidents, and we're still gathering the information and gathering the facts. Broadly speaking, we've been very clear and we remain very clear about the importance of all parties avoiding any steps that could further escalate the conflict that we're trying to resolve in Gaza to see it spread to other fronts. It's clearly not in the interest of anyone involved to see that happen. And that's why, again, it's imperative that all parties refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict.

We're focused on getting this ceasefire over the finish line. That would also, I think, materially improve the prospects of actually defusing the situation in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, particularly creating an environment in which people have the confidence to return to their homes - the tens of thousands of displaced people in Israel as well as in southern Lebanon. Getting the ceasefire would facilitate getting to that kind of agreement, and that's clearly the best path forward for everyone involved. So again, it's imperative that everyone avoid taking steps that could further escalate or spread the conflict.

MODERATOR: Leon Bruneau from AFP.

QUESTION: Sorry. Hi. Thank you for doing this and thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Foreign Minister.

Mr. Secretary, I'd like to - I'll try and be short for once. I'm sure you'll be happy about that. In your meetings today, did you submit any new ideas to bridge the remaining gaps to get to that elusive ceasefire in Gaza? And what are your expectations now?

And also, this is your tenth time, tenth trip to the region since October 7th and you have always gone to Israel, but you won't be going this time. So why is that? Is it because of tensions with the Government of Israel?

And to you, Foreign Minister: One of the issues - remaining sticking points, if you will, according to U.S. officials - is this issue of the Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor. Would you - as Egypt, of course - accept any extended Israeli presence in the corridor or not? Is that a definitive no? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, Leon. So first with regard to the travel here, this trip was focused on the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Egypt. This is something that we were determined to do, and that I was determined, at the President's direction, to help launch. And I'm very glad we had an opportunity to do that.

Of course, it also comes at a time when we're working as closely as possible on getting the ceasefire. And so we had a detailed conversation with President El-Sisi as well as with senior colleagues from the Egyptian Government working directly on the ceasefire about the status of these efforts and the way forward.

And look, what I can tell you is this, and as we've said before: We've made a tremendous amount of progress over the last month, month and a half. There are, I think, in the agreement, 18 paragraphs; 15 of them are agreed. But the remaining issues need to be resolved. We put - we've put forward with the Egyptians and the Qataris ideas for resolving them.

The bottom line is this: The resolution is less a question of substance and more a question of political will. And for both parties, it's important to demonstrate that political will to get this agreement concluded.

For Israel at this point, just last week the IDF announced that the Rafah brigades have been dismantled. Hamas is not in a position to repeat the horrific attacks of October 7th. Concluding a ceasefire agreement would bring the hostages home and, as I mentioned a moment ago, would also open important prospects for resolving other high-tension areas, including in northern Israel and southern Lebanon with Hizballah, the Red Sea, and other places, all of which is in Israel's interest, as well as opening up opportunities to move in a very different direction in terms of strengthening Israel's security in place in the region far into the future.

For Hamas, it can't continue not only to hold hostages but to hold all of the people of Gaza hostage. Getting to the ceasefire would result in a totally different environment for the people of Gaza, ending the conflict for an initial period and one we would work to make enduring, resulting in an immediate massive infusion of humanitarian assistance for people who desperately need it, and clearly bettering the lives of people that they purport to represent.

So the most important thing in this moment is seeing a demonstration of political will to finally conclude this agreement, and that's what we discussed.

We also discussed in some detail what would be necessary arrangements if an agreement is finally reached in terms of the so-called day after - what happens in Gaza in terms of its governance, its security, its reconstruction. And here, as well, Egypt is and will be a critical partner, and I think we had a very useful conversation about that today as well.

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDELATTY: (Via interpreter) So I want to at least add to what has been mentioned by the Secretary of State. And naturally speaking and as a matter of fact, Egypt will continue in exerting each and every sincere efforts though the collaboration with the France and the U.S. and also with (inaudible) and Qatar. We will not stop to exert these sincere efforts in order to stop the killing of the Palestinians and to achieve the ceasefire and to stop the Israeli aggression.

I second and I totally agree with what has been mentioned by Mr. Secretary, Mr. Blinken, because the absence of the political will, this is very clear. In order to - we have to face the fact in order to reach to an agreement. So some details and some justifications are been falsified and are been created in order to shatter and distract us. So this is the real problem.

With regarding to your question about the Philadelphi Corridor, we have a very frank and clear stance, and we have repeated it many times. Egypt will not accept any changes to the rules of the war, the existing rules before the 7th of October, especially with regarding to the rules of the operation of Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side and the total rejection of any military power on the cross - the crossing of borders. And this is a very frank and clear Egyptian stance. Thank you.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Basant Mostafa, Middle East News Agency.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) My question to Mr. Badr Abdelatty: Your Excellency, you have discussed today the situation in Gaza. To what extent you have reached, especially with regarding to the Egyptian/Qatari mediation touching the ceasefire and to put an end to the humanitarian suffering of almost one year?

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDELATTY: (Via interpreter) As you may know and as all of you may know, the efforts are still exerted, and there's intensifying the communications. And again and again the problem - as mentioned by the U.S. Secretary of State, the problem is not in the content or in the essence; the problem is in the absence of the political will to reach to this important binding agreement.

So we cannot bet on the future of the stability of this important region in the Middle East as a reason or as a justification for the absence of the political will for any partners. So we will continue in the exerting of our efforts, and we will continue the communication with our friends in the U.S. in order to continue the achieving pressure and exerting the efforts in this regard in order to be able to reach to this agreement, which is - will be very decisive and will be important in order to arrange for the next day afterward and to talk further around this within the region, and also to talk about the political horizon, and also to talk about the necessity as a region in order to build the Palestinian state, and also to talk about the providing of (inaudible) humanitarian aid.

It's not acceptable to use the hungry as a tool against the Gaza people. This - can you imagine that this is happening in the 21st century under the ears and under the eyes of all the people? So we will continue in our sincere efforts side by side with the U.S. and also with our brothers in Qatar in order to be able to reach to this point and to guarantee the stability and the welfare of this vital region.

MODERATOR: Kylie Atwood, CNN.

QUESTION: Thank you. Just one minute here. Okay. First, to our Egyptian host, Minister Abdelatty: Do you believe that Hamas is still committed to the ceasefire and hostage talks? And if yes, how do you know that?

This is a question for both of you following up on the explosion of hundreds of the pagers by Hizballah fighters in Lebanon that we're learned about in the last 24 hours. You both spoke about the need not to escalate the situation in the region. But does this specific attack make efforts to get to a ceasefire and a hostage deal harder to accomplish?

And then Secretary Blinken, two for you. I will not be as short as Leon. How much do you expect this attack by Hizballah - sorry - this attack on the Hizballah pagers could impact their operations, given that they now have a communication system that's down, they have at least nine people dead and thousands injured?

And you said that the remaining issues are yet to be resolved between Israel and Hamas when it comes to the hostage and ceasefire talks. But what has changed for us? Can you help us understand? Earlier this month, U.S. officials are saying that the U.S. was going to put a new proposal on the table within days, and we haven't seen that. Do you need to see a demonstration of political will from both sides that you just spoke to before putting that new proposal on the table? Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDELATTY: (Via interpreter) Many thanks. With regarding to your first question, Egypt is dealing with Hamas as a national partner, national Palestinian partner, and we are in continuous communication with Hamas, as we are highlighting and also agree they are fully commitment towards the agreement and also the initial agreement that had been reached in the 27 of May, and also with regarding to the amendments mentioned in the 2nd of July. So Hamas is committed with what has been achieved and what has been agreed upon in these two documents in the 27 of May and in the 2nd of July. And this is what - these are the messages we received from Hamas. Hamas has committed with these agreed points.

And with regarding to what has happened yesterday in Lebanon, and as a matter of fact any escalation including what has happened yesterday, is hindering and is limiting the achieving of a ceasefire agreement and the hostages of - the prisoners and the release of the hostages. Certainly this is what happened. And what happened did not hinder only the continuous dialogue but is considering threaten we are on the brink of a comprehensive war. There is any possibility for committing any mistake because any mistake can lead us into a comprehensive war in the region, and this is very dangerous stance.

So we are talking about the importance of de-escalation and the importance of stopping any unilateral positions and the stopping of following the assassination policies; all these policies are totally condemned.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So Kylie, we're still gathering information. We're still gathering the facts. I can't tell you in this moment what impact this will have. I certainly can't speak to what impact it might have on Hizballah and its operations. That would demand other expertise. And again, it's also necessary to fully understand what's happened, and we're still in the process of doing that.

One of the hallmarks - if that's the right word - of this effort, this extensive effort by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to get to a ceasefire, to be the mediators, and to get it across the finish line - one of the hallmarks has been that it's a complicated process. And even the communications involved are complicated for obvious reasons, so things take time. And time and again, we've seen that in the intervening time, you might have an event, an incident, something that makes the process more difficult, that threatens to slow it, stop (inaudible). Anything of that nature, by definition, is probably not good in terms of achieving the result that we want, which is the ceasefire.

Just a few weeks ago we had just had a very productive session on (inaudible) important but discrete issues that need to be resolved. We've put forward different ideas for how to resolve them. They are clearly resolvable. But the key ingredient to getting a resolution of these outstanding issues is political will. That's what we're both looking for going forward. That's what's so imperative if we're going to get the ceasefire across the finish line.

QUESTION: Before you put a new proposal on the table, you have to see political will demonstrated in some way?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: No, no, we put - we've put our ideas on the table. And again, there's a process in going back and forth, getting reactions, getting responses, or sometimes not getting responses. But I think we're - as we - well, I don't want to speak for my friend. But I think as we see it, the - what's missing in this moment to get this across the finish line is clear political will. If that will is present, this agreement gets done. If this agreement gets done, it has immediate and incredible benefits for everyone involved, starting with the hostages coming home and the people in Gaza getting immediate relief, and then opening much broader prospects for peace, for security, not only in Gaza but throughout the region.

So the interests I believe are clear, and now the question is getting that final bit of political will to get this done and get us all moving forward. Thank you very much.

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 18, 2024

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today in Cairo on the margins of the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue. Secretary Blinken underscored that the strategic dialogue will continue to expand the multi-faceted relationship between our two countries. The two discussed the existential nature of Egypt's growing water needs and how vital the Nile River is to the Egyptian people.

On regional security, the Secretary discussed efforts to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza that would alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The Secretary thanked the President for Egypt's ongoing efforts as a mediator in this effort.

Secretary Blinken also lauded Egypt for hosting Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict, for their efforts to increase humanitarian access, and for Egypt's work to bring the warring parties together to achieve a cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace in Sudan.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty Before the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Tahrir Palace

Cairo, Egypt

September 18, 2024

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDELATTY: (Inaudible.) Thank you so much, Tony, for being here. It's a great pleasure to have you here with your delegation. You are always welcome here in Egypt. I would like also to acknowledge and welcome the presence of the Egyptian delegation: His Excellency, the Minister of Higher Education; and His Excellency, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; His Excellency, the Minister of Education; and also dear colleagues from the different apparatus in Egypt from the different ministries. We are here to welcome you and to engage in the initiation of this important Strategic Dialogue.

I believe that we have a very strong relationship. And as the president announced in the morning, it's a strategic relationship, and we are - care about it and we are convinced that you care about it. We have to work more and more in order to further enhance our cooperation in everything. The United States is a superpower, and Egypt is a super-regional power, so communications, consultations between us mostly on bilateral relations is of great importance to Egypt and to the United States.

Of course, we spoke today about the different areas of our cooperation in economic, tourism, education, security, defense, IT. So this is the important - and the delegation, multidimensional delegation, relationship between our two great countries. And we have a very strong spiritual basis and foundation, and we have to build on that to do more and to further enhance our cooperation.

Also, on the other hand, the two great countries, of course, we have this responsibilities to bring peace and stability to our turbulent region. So this Strategic Dialogue is of great importance for the two countries to consult and work together in order to bring about political solutions to very difficult and complicated conflicts and crisis in our neighborhood because we are sharing the same view that there is no military solution to the current crisis and the different problems. We are working together with the Qataris in order to reach an immediate ceasefire within a deal which will secure the release of all the hostages and the prisoners from the Palestinian side, and also to allow important deliveries of humanitarian and medical aid to the people in Gaza and to (inaudible).

We spoke also of the crisis in Ethiopia, in Sudan. We spoke and engaged about the urgency of having a ceasefire in Sudan, and of course the safe delivery and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid in Sudan. We also will talk about the Horn of Africa, of the importance of keeping stability in this region, and of course supporting the territorial integrity of Somalia, and of course respecting the sovereignties of - the sovereignty of all countries. And finally, of course the issue of water, which is an existential issue for Egypt.

So we will continue our dialogue, and we have to do more and more to further deepening our friendship, our partnership. And we value this partnership, and we believe that you value it, of course. And it's a win-win relationship based on mutual confidence and mutual respect of course, with no interference in the internal affairs of the different countries.

So again, Tony, a great pleasure to have you here. Welcome here to Egypt and wish you a very pleasant stay for you and for your nice delegation, and back to you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Badr, thank you so very much. Thank you for the very warm hospitality. Thank you for the very, very good meetings we've already had. I especially want to thank President El-Sisi for what was a very, very, I think, productive and timely exchange. But I'm very, very pleased to be here for this particular occasion, which is the next iteration of our Strategic Dialogue. We're building on the prior Strategic Dialogue that we held back in 2021. But I think in so many ways, the timing and the importance of the dialogue could not be clearer and more important.

President Biden, Vice President Harris are committed to deepen and strengthen what is already a vitally important partnership for us, a strategic partnership between our two countries. As you said, a long history, but I think the present demands that we do even more and do even better together because we face so many shared challenges, and when are countries are working closely together, we're more effective in meeting those challenges.

It's very good that today, as part of the Strategic Dialogue, we're launching one of the working groups on education and culture. We'll be launching more working groups in the weeks ahead on regional issues, on security cooperation, on economic development, on assistance, and on human rights. All of those will be meeting in the coming months. I particularly want to thank the ministers who are here with us today as well as the ambassadors for all the work that they're doing and that our colleagues are doing to really make these - make the Strategic Dialogue, make the working groups, make all this work, focus on delivering concrete results because that's what we both want.

We've just had recently the meetings of the Joint Economic Commission, and we'll soon have a meeting of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement group. All of this shows that we're working together to address urgent priorities, priorities that affect the lives of people in both of our countries.

And I'll just say very quickly I know we have an opportunity to speak to the colleagues of the press later. Just to emphasize again what a critical partner Egypt has been and remains for regional peace, regional stability, regional security, no more so than in the effort to get a ceasefire across the finish line. And we're really grateful for that partnership. Egypt plays an essential, essential role.

I'd just say as well that we recognize so many of the challenges that Egypt faces. The Red Sea, where what the Houthis are doing in targeting the maritime assets of so many countries, creating great difficulties in the Suez Canal, which has resulted in a lot of lost revenues for Egypt. We know that burden. We deeply appreciate what you've done in hosting so many who've had to flee Sudan because of the horrific conflict there, and the generosity that Egypt is showing. The generosity of the Egyptian people is greatly appreciated.

But so, too, is the role that Egypt is playing in trying to bring the parties together so that we can get a ceasefire, get moving on the political track, and meanwhile to try to get some humanitarian assistance to people who so desperately need it. In these and so many other areas, Egypt is playing a central role and has a lot of responsibility.

We will continue to work intensely on economic development, and I think that work today is more crucial than ever. We've been working with the Egyptian people, the Egyptian Government to promote economic and trade relations, as I mentioned. We'll have more through the Strategic Dialogue.

In each of these endeavors, it does come back to what you said at the outset. We're partners. We're strategic partners. And I think we see a mutual interest in deepening that partnership and making it as effective as it can be for the people that we have the privilege of representing. So thank you, and good to be with all of you today.

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDELATTY: Thank you so much, Tony, for your attention. And if you allow me just gratefully to give the floor to the three ministers to join me in welcoming you and then to start our session.

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China's homegrown C919 aircraft arrives in Xizang for first time

Xinhua) 15:31, September 19, 2024

SHANGHAI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's homegrown C919 jetliner, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), completed a flight from southwest China's Sichuan Province to the neighboring Xizang Autonomous Region on Thursday, marking the aircraft's first landing in Xizang.

The destination of this trial flight, Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, is located in the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley, at an elevation of 3,569 meters. Surrounded by steep mountains, the local complex and variable meteorological environment places high demands on the high-altitude operational performance of aircraft.

The C919 aircraft will now conduct research and development test flights for some key systems such as environmental control, avionics and propulsion that are critical for high-altitude operations, as well as adaptability checks for high-plateau airports. This is expected to lay the foundation for meeting the operational needs of high-altitude air routes and the development of high-altitude aircraft variants in the future, said the COMAC.

Airports with an elevation of over 2,438 meters above sea level are referred to as high-plateau airports, according to industry insiders.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
No: 194, 18 September 2024, Regarding the Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League Contact Group on Gaza in Amman

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye met with the other members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League Contact Group on Gaza in Amman on 18 September 2024. The Contact Group on Gaza was also received by the King of Jordan.

During the meetings, efforts to stop the Israeli genocide in Gaza, ceasefire negotiations and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the increasing occupation of the West Bank, provocations against the historical status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem were discussed.

The ongoing genocide in Gaza as well as settler violence against Palestinians and Israeli military attacks in the West Bank are alarming. The international community must act as soon as possible to stop the Israeli attacks, which threaten the stability of our region and the international order, and to reduce tensions.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League Contact Group on Gaza will continue its efforts for the immediate implementation of the two-state solution for the establishment of lasting peace in Palestine, and for the recognition of Palestine by more countries and its full membership in the United Nations in the first stage of this process.

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The RSF must halt its siege of El Fasher: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

18 September 2024

The UK requested this Council meeting following alarming reports of escalation around El Fasher. I would like to make three points.

First, we strongly condemn the Rapid Support Forces' assault on El Fasher. We call on the RSF to halt its siege of the area and for an immediate end to the fighting. Aerial bombardments, shelling and other combat activity by the warring parties have resulted in yet further displacement and destruction of critical infrastructure.

We also call on states to refrain from enhancing either side's fighting capability. All Member States have a responsibility to uphold the arms embargo which this Council renewed just last week.

Second, it is imperative that the warring parties uphold their obligations under international law and that there is accountability for violations. The escalation around El Fasher clearly contravenes resolution 2736 agreed by this Council in June.

We must continue to send a clear message to the warring parties that we are watching closely. We also note the work underway by the Secretary-General to produce recommendations for the protection of civilians. Events in El Fasher emphasise the importance of this work.

Third, President, we underscore our concern at the humanitarian impact of the violence across Sudan and its destabilising effect on the region. Over 10 million people have already been displaced. A new wave of violence, as we've heard, will exacerbate this even further.

The recent re-opening of the Adre border crossing is an important step, but humanitarian access still desperately needs to be scaled up - both cross-border and across conflict lines.

We must also ensure that access is not slowed down by bureaucratic impediments. President, we once again call on both warring parties to return to negotiations in good faith and to stop this senseless violence now.

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The UK's explanation of vote on the UN General Assembly resolution on the ICJ's Advisory Opinion on Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, on the UN General Assembly resolution on the ICJ's Advisory Opinion on Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories - Wednesday 18 September 2024.

18 September 2024

The United Kingdom has abstained on today's resolution.

The United Kingdom has done so not because we do not support the central findings of the ICJ's Advisory Opinion but rather because the resolution does not provide sufficient clarity to effectively advance our shared aim of a peace premised on a negotiated two-state solution: a safe and secure Israel alongside a safe and secure Palestinian state.

As a state committed to the international rule of law, we respect the Court and call for states to unite around renewed efforts towards a negotiated settlement, in accordance with international law and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We stand ready to work with other Member States on future resolutions before the General Assembly and in the Security Council, seeking to fashion a broad consensus on the way forward, with re-energised determination to accelerate the path to peace.

While our abstention reflects our unwavering determination to focus on efforts to bring about a peaceful and negotiated two-state solution, the United Kingdom aims, by this statement, to indicate our clear view that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as rapidly as possible. And every effort must be made to create the conditions for negotiations which provide for a sovereign, viable and free Palestine, alongside a safe, secure and free Israel, recognising the security concerns and right to self-defence of each one. We must also work towards the reunification of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza in line with 1967 borders and under the effective control of the Palestinian Authority, as a fundamental step towards a two-state solution.

Turning now to address settlements in particular, the United Kingdom is gravely concerned by Israel's continued actions which undermine prospects for peace. Expansion of settlements, in clear violation of international law, must cease immediately. There have been unprecedented levels of violence by extremist settlers over the past year.

We have witnessed with grave concern how an increasing number of residents of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts have systematically used harassment, intimidation and violence to put pressure on Palestinian communities to leave their land. We call on Israel to hold those responsible to account.

Alongside our partners, the UK has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for these acts. We continue to track closely these acts of violence and where appropriate the UK will seek to extend sanctions. We are clear. Any efforts to change the geographic or demographic make-up of the Occupied Palestinian Territories through force and outside a negotiated settlement are illegal.

President, the situation in Gaza continues to subject Palestinian civilians to horrendous suffering, and over 100 hostages remain held by Hamas in abhorrent conditions. We need to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages.

We will continue to work urgently to help bring peace and galvanise a political process towards a two-state solution which provides long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike. I thank you.

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The Taliban must reverse its abhorrent policies against Afghan women and girls: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

18 September 2024

First and foremost, the UK unequivocally condemns the so-called "vice and virtue" law issued by the Taliban. As my Foreign Secretary said, this law marks another tragic setback for the country, and for its people.

The international community must speak in one voice in our total opposition to the Taliban's continued assault on human rights. We call on the Taliban to immediately reverse these abhorrent policies and ensure the fundamental freedoms of all Afghans.

The UK is unwavering in our support to Afghan women, and to providing platforms for their voices to be heard. We are pleased to co-host a UN General Assembly side event later today that will shine a spotlight on Afghan women and girls in the fight against food insecurity.

Second, we call on the UN to drive forward progress on Security Council Resolution 2721. This includes the urgent appointment of a Special Envoy.

But let us be clear, the Taliban cannot expect the international community to move forward on the UN process without first meeting their international obligations on the fundamental freedoms of women and girls, political inclusion, and counter terrorism.

Finally, the international community needs to step up the humanitarian response in Afghanistan, which remains only 30% funded.

As the latest Secretary General report set out, 23.7 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2024. 12.4 million people are acutely food insecure and 6.6 million people remain internally displaced. The recent Taliban restrictions will only make this appalling situation worse for Afghanistan's most marginalised and most vulnerable.

Since 2021, the UK has provided over $800 million to address the humanitarian crisis. We urge others to take similar steps to alleviate the suffering of Afghan people.

We remain committed to working constructively with parties inside and outside of Afghanistan for an Afghanistan at peace with itself, its neighbours, and the international community.

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Sudan: UN urges immediate action to stop fighting in El Fasher

By Vibhu Mishra

18 September 2024 - A sharp escalation in fighting in Sudan's El Fasher, along with ongoing clashes between rival military factions across the country, is heightening the risk of atrocities, including violence against women, and worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis, senior UN officials warned on Wednesday.

Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their allied militias, continue to flout international humanitarian and human rights laws, said Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa at the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), while addressing the Security Council.

"Violations include summary executions, abductions and enforced disappearances, arbitrary and incommunicado detention of civilians by both parties, subjecting many to torture and other human rights violations," she said.

She also raised deep concern over the shrinking civic space, ethnically motivated attacks and hate speech, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, calling for immediate action to halt the fighting.

"A dangerous new reality has now emerged in the wake of the El Fasher escalation with grave and unpredictable ramifications. It risks a widening and entrenchment of the conflict, an even deeper ethnic polarization of Sudanese society and a further destabilization of the region," she warned.

Situation in El Fasher

El Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur and a city of nearly one million people, has been a focal point of Sudan's conflict. Despite repeated calls from the Security Council for a halt to the fighting, intense shelling and airstrikes have continued, devastating hospitals and civilian infrastructure.

The humanitarian situation there has steadily worsened, with over 700,000 internally displaced persons at immediate risk. Civilians, particularly women and children, face grave threats amid deteriorating access to health care and widespread food insecurity affecting 1.7 million people in the region.

Famine has been declared in the Zamzam camp, a site hosting around half a million people, on the outskirts of El Fasher, and there are 13 other localities identified at risk of famine in North Darfur.

It is only getting worse

Also briefing, Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, recalled that in February, the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported that a child was dying in the Zamzam camp every two hours.

"Latest screening by MSF and the Ministry of Health between 1 and 5 September indicates that the situation is only getting worse," she said, noting that about 34 per cent of the children are malnourished, including 10 per cent severely malnourished

"The situation is being compounded by almost impassable obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian relief. Since May, roads into Zamzam and El Fasher have been rendered inaccessible by fighting around the city, and more recently by damage caused by heavy rains and floods," she added.

We are not giving up

Despite the dire conditions, humanitarian efforts have not ceased.

"We have far from given up," Ms. Msuya said, expressing hope that as floodwaters subside, supplies could finally reach El Fasher and other areas at risk of famine.

However, she stressed that de-escalation in the fighting remains critical.

"Without safe, predictable access and a steady supply of food and humanitarian supplies, we will witness a dramatic spike in mortality - including among children - in Zamzam and other areas around El Fasher," she warned.

UN efforts continues

In parallel with humanitarian efforts, the UN has been actively engaged on the political front to halt the violence and protect civilians across Sudan.

"The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, has been directly engaging the belligerent parties," Ms. Pobee said, adding that this included participation in proximity talks in Geneva in July and support for mediation efforts led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in August, in addition to visiting Port Sudan alongside the UN Deputy Secretary-General to further these efforts.

Additionally, Security Council resolution 2736 (2024) called for further recommendations on protecting civilians, which are currently being developed and will be presented in October.

Ms. Pobee emphasized that while the Sudanese Government bears the primary responsibility for protecting civilians, "it is incumbent upon all warring parties to respect and uphold their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law."

Stating that during the Geneva talks, the RSF submitted unilateral commitments to the Secretary-General to strengthen civilian protection, she underscored that "the RSF must live up to their own commitments and take steps to implement them without delay."

"An agreement on a ceasefire would be the single-most effective way to strengthen civilian protection. This is true for El Fasher and all of the Sudan."

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World News in Brief: Yemen detainee appeal, Typhoon Yagi impacts, ease asylum seekers' plight, mpox cash boost

18 September 2024 - Regional directors from six UN agencies and three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) called on Wednesday for the immediate and unconditional release of scores of colleagues who have been arbitrarily detained in Yemen for 100 days.

More than 50 personnel from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions, are being held by the de facto Houthi authorities in the capital, Sana'a.

In addition, four UN staff members have been detained since 2021 and 2023.

Protect aid workers

"Attacks on humanitarian workers, including detentions and false accusations, violate international law, endanger safety, and severely hinder the support we provide to the Yemeni people and mediation efforts crucial for advancing the peace process in Yemen," the officials said in a statement marking the solemn milestone.

They stressed that in the meantime, all detained colleagues must be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights, including being allowed to contact their families, legal representatives, and organizations.

"We also call for the protection of humanitarian workers, ensuring safe humanitarian space and access to communities we serve," they added.

The statement was issued by regional directors for CARE, Oxfam and Save the Children, alongside their counterparts from the UN human rights office, OHCHR; the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN refugee agency, UNHCR; the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Typhoon Yagi impacts millions in SE Asia: UNICEF

Nearly six million children have been affected by floods and landslides triggered by Typhoon Yagi in Viet Nam, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, UN humanitarians said on Wednesday.

The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, said in an update that the emergency had compromised access to clean water, education, healthcare, food and shelter - and pushed already marginalized communities "deeper into crisis".

June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and Pacific, said that the immediate priority was to restore the essential services that children and families rely on.

Surge in extreme weather

She highlighted the "surge" in extreme weather events in Southeast Asia that had been made worse by climate change; and she noted that when disasters hit, vulnerable children "often pay the highest price".

Typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to hit Asia so far this year.

It has brought torrential rain on top of existing seasonal rainfall, causing damage to more than 850 schools and at least 550 health centres - the vast majority in Viet Nam.

Humanitarian assessments in the region are still ongoing.

Refugee agency urges end to arbitrary detention of asylum-seekers

The detention of asylum-seekers around the world is harmful and contrary to their fundamental right to seek protection - which is why the practice should stop - the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Wednesday.

In a new policy brief for border authorities highlighting best practices in some countries, the UN agency noted that in many others, "asylum-seekers and refugees are often arrested and detained, unable to challenge their situation".

The UNHCR cited the experience of one Iraqi asylum-seeker who spent two years in a Hungarian transit zone, where his movements were "severely restricted" and he and others faced constant surveillance.

His detention was deemed to be arbitrary by top independent human rights experts meeting at the UN in Geneva, the agency said.

UNHCR also cited a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights which found that four Tunisian nationals who were rescued at sea and brought to a reception facility on the Italian island of Lampedusa "did not have the opportunity to apply for asylum" before their "summary removal" from Italy.

Conditions in the centre were "inhuman and degrading", according to the court, the agency explained.

Some countries have seen limits imposed on how long asylum-seekers can be detained such as the Republic of South Korea, UNHCR said.

It noted that in March 2023, a South Korean court ruled it unconstitutional to detain asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants indefinitely, while also offering guidance on how long people should be held, as well as alternatives to detention.

Global Fund Provides Nearly $10 Million for DR Congo mpox response

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) is supporting the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a $9.5 million cash injection to boost its emergency response to the latest deadly mpox outbreak.

The funding will boost the Government's response across six of the highest transmission provinces: Equateur, Sud-Ubangui, Sankuru, Tshopo, Sud-Kivu, Nord-Kivu, as well as in and around the capital Kinshasa - home to 17 million people.

DRC is currently battling the largest mpox epidemic in the world, with 5,160 confirmed cases and 25 deaths since the beginning of this year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the ability to test in DRC remains low due to limited capacity and availability, and the number of suspected cases is around five times the number of laboratory-confirmed cases.

The Global Fund's contribution will help enhance disease surveillance systems, with special emphasis on strengthening early warning capabilities; strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostics; help community mobilization and communications; strengthen primary care; and implement infection prevention and control measures.

'Proven track record'

"Our partnership with the Global Fund and other health partners has a proven track record in reducing infectious diseases," said Dr. Roger Kamba, Minister of Health and Social Welfare for the DRC.

"People living in areas of conflict and crises often face significant barriers to accessing health services due to damaged infrastructure, insecurity and a shortage of trained health personnel and supplies," said Peter Sands, the Fund's Executive Director.

"When a disease outbreak occurs in these places, the challenges are compounded. Strong systems of trusted community health workers, health educators and other local responders are essential for stopping disease spread."

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UNRWA Situation Report #137 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information from 13 - 16 September 2024, valid as of 16 September 2024 at 22:30 (local time)

UNRWA

18 Sep 2024

The Gaza Strip

Ongoing strikes by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continue, with aerial, land and maritime bombardments across the Gaza Strip, resulting in civilian casualties, displacement and the destruction of residential structures and public infrastructure.

Humanitarian pauses across specific areas of the Gaza Strip have enabled the first round of the emergency polio vaccination campaign. The Polio vaccination campaign was rolled out in phases, focusing on one zone at a time - starting in the Middle Areas, shifting to the south, and finally to the northern governorates. Between 1-13 September, nearly 560,000 children were reached in the middle, southern and northern areas of the Gaza Strip according to WHO.

As winter approaches, WFP as the logistics cluster lead agency warns that worsening conditions and damaged roads in Gaza will complicate the delivery of food, water, medicine, and hygiene supplies to areas where they are critical for the survival of communities.

According to the Health and WASH Clusters, there remains a critical shortage of essential hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, and detergents. Families are struggling to maintain basic hygiene in overcrowded shelters, which increases the risk of health conditions like infectious diarrhea. Handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal diseases by 40 per cent and respiratory infections by 20 per cent, yet soap and detergents are now either unavailable or priced beyond what families can afford. For example, a 75 gram piece of soap costs up to US$ 10, forcing families to make the hard choice between essential food or hygiene.

On 14 September, the Israeli military issued yet another evacuation order affecting three neighbourhoods in central Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza. According to the Site Management Working Group, this order affects two internally displaced collective centres and one makeshift site, hosting a total of 850 people. The ongoing issuance of mass evacuation orders without ensuring that those displaced have safe and adequate places to stay, is worsening the humanitarian crisis for hundreds of thousands of people, especially those who are repeatedly and forcibly displaced. As of 16 September, according to OCHA, more than 55 evacuation orders remain in effect, covering about 86 per cent of Gaza.

According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people (or nine in ten people) across the Gaza Strip are internally displaced, including people who have been repeatedly displaced (some, up to 10 times or more).

As of 17 September, the total number of UNRWA team members killed since 7 October is 220 .

. Several challenges stand in the way of collecting much needed humanitarian supplies from the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing point in southern Gaza. These include deteriorating law and order, war and insecurity, damaged infrastructure, fuel shortages and access restrictions. According to OCHA, between 1 and 9 September 2024, an average of only 62 humanitarian trucks entered the Gaza Strip per day. This is well below the pre-crisis average of 500 trucks per working day.

The latest information on supplies entering Gaza can be accessed through the below link:

Gaza Supplies and Dispatch Tracking | UNRWA

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem update is now once a week.

According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 9 September 2024, 674 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Separately, UNICEF confirmed that over 150 children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the period, 7 October 2023 to July 2024.

On 10 September, ISF resumed operations in northern West Bank (following their last withdrawal on 6 September), targeting Tulkarm, Nur Shams, and El Far'a camps. On 12 September, the ISF withdrew from Tulkarm Camp, and on 13 September from El Far'a Camp. The operation left extensive destruction, including damage to roads, residential and commercial buildings, and led to the interruption of basic services including water supply, electricity and sewerage networks.

As a result of the resumed operations, 12 Palestinians were killed, including one UNRWA staff member shot and killed by live ammunition fire while on the roof of his house in El Far'a Camp early on 12 September. Two drone strikes were reported during the operations, both on 11 September: one targeting a vehicle in Iktaba, killing three Palestinians; and one in the vicinity of a mosque in Tubas, resulting in six Palestinians killed.

Furthermore, on 15 September, a Palestinian assailant was shot dead after allegedly stabbing and injuring an ISF personnel in Jerusalem's Old City.

Movement restrictions remained in place across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. On 15 September, at least 23 Palestinians were detained at a checkpoint near Ramallah while attempting to reach their workplaces inside Israel.

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Sanctions, Travel Bans on Taliban Resulting in Afghanistan Being 'Ruptured from International Community', Special Representative Warns Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9726th Meeting (AM)

SC/15824

18 September 2024

World Must Not Turn 'a Blind Eye from Afghan Women, Girls Disappearing from Public Life', Stresses Minister

The Security Council today examined the impacts of the Taliban's new morality law on women and girls in Afghanistan, with speakers calling on the de facto authorities to reverse course and strengthen their engagement with the international community.

"While much of the law was already in place in prior decrees or edicts of the de facto authorities, this law introduces a new deterioration where we thought there was nowhere lower to go," said Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women).

The law  made public on 21 August by the de facto Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice  requires women and girls to cover their entire bodies and faces everywhere outside their homes, she said, adding that it also forbids their speaking in public, using public transportation alone, or even looking at men to whom they are not related by blood or marriage.

Citing surveys that 64 per cent of women felt completely unsafe leaving their house by themselves, she said that 70 per cent of those attributed their insecurity to harassment by the de facto authorities. The Afghan economy will lose 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) annually by excluding women from the workforce, and the equivalent of two thirds of today's GDP by 2066 if the suspension of women's access to higher education remains in place.

Against this backdrop, Ms. Bahous urged greater long-term, flexible funding to support women-led civil society organizations, and commitment to devote at least 30 per cent of all funding for Afghanistan to initiatives that directly target gender equality and women's rights. "No more gender-blind interventions," she said, adding that the international community must also stop sending all-male delegations to meet with the Taliban.

Ms. Mina, a young Afghan woman, speaking via audio link, shared her experience after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, including her journey to escape Afghanistan  leaving behind her family, friends, home and memories. "Staying was not an option" because it would mean she could not go to school, she said, recalling that she spent more than two weeks "crying, weeping and mourning" as freedom was taken away from her. "Why do I have to live then, if I am just like a robot controlled by others?", she asked.

The "chaos" she escaped continues to impact millions of Afghan girls, whose education is now banned, she said. "No young person should have to choose between those two fears," she stressed, citing her "fear of going to school under the constant threat of violence" and her "greater fear of not attending school" and recalling a traumatic attack on her school, where 24 students were killed in front of her eyes.

She further warned that, without action, the next generation of girls "will lack any concept of what it means to go to school, to have rights and to live in freedom", urging States and the United Nations to help enable girls and women to realize their basic right to education.

Also briefing the Council was Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who cautioned that the country "is ruptured from the international community", with many of Taliban de facto ministers under sanctions and travel bans. Afghanistan's Central Bank assets are frozen, limiting the development potential of the private sector, and the de facto authorities have no representation in multilateral institutions, she added.

The United Nations invited Taliban representatives to the third meeting in the Doha format in July, she said, noting that it allowed Member States and international organizations to engage directly with the de facto authorities on various concerns, including human rights.

"The delegation from Kabul heard loud and clear the international community's concerns and were given a chance to respond," she said. In many ways, the de facto authorities are correct that their achievements have been underappreciated and that ongoing international restrictions on Afghanistan have made governance more difficult, she added.

However, "unnecessarily harsh policies and allocation of resources that appear heavily skewed towards security concerns rather than the needs of the people undermine these achievements and the well-being of the Afghan people", she said, pledging to implement UNAMA's mandate, which includes deepening the international consensus on Afghanistan, establishing agreed-upon working groups, maintaining all channels of engagement, advocating that Kabul fulfils its international obligations, and providing all possible support to the Afghan people.

In the ensuing discussion, many delegates urged the Taliban to abandon its new morality law and other discriminatory practices against women, while others explored the best ways to support the peace process and development efforts in Afghanistan.

"We cannot and will not stay silent in the face of this institutionalized system of gender discrimination, segregation and oppression," said Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs. "We don't expect quick solutions," she said, adding, however, that "the international community, particularly the Security Council, should not turn a blind eye from Afghan women and girls disappearing from public life".

Similarly, Ecuador's delegate said that it was "impossible to talk about national unity and reconciliation when women and girls, half of the Afghan population, are marginalized and rendered invisible". The representative of the United Kingdom voiced her unequivocal condemnation of the so-called "vice and virtue" law issued by the Taliban, calling on the de facto authorities to immediately reverse these abhorrent policies and ensure the fundamental freedoms of all Afghans.

However, the Western approach of pinning all responsibility on the Taliban is "a road to nowhere", warned the Russian Federation's delegate, noting that, despite unprecedented unilateral sanctions and predictions from Western countries following the Taliban's rise to power, Afghanistan has managed to avoid a civil war and "has not turned into a black hole". Commending the Taliban's efforts to "focus on strengthening regional cooperation and rebuilding social economic capacity", he stressed the need for "patient dialogue without any blackmail or pressure".

On that, China's diplomat asked the Council to reactivate "the package of exceptions" to the travel ban on the interim Government members and adjust the 1988 sanctions regime. With 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, he urged relevant States "to immediately end illegal unilateral sanctions and respect Afghanistan's indigenous right to development".

However, the representative of the United States cautioned that the worsening human rights situation in Afghanistan is "increasingly raising questions about the merits of engaging the Taliban", adding that "meaningful steps towards normalization" with the Taliban "will be based on their own actions, including respecting the rights of all Afghans" and fulfilling their counter-terrorism commitments.

Yet, the third Doha meeting was "a crucial and potentially transformative first-time opportunity" for the Taliban to engage directly with the international community and key stakeholders, said the representative of Guyana, speaking also for Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone. She therefore urged the Taliban to build on this momentum. The speaker for France also joined others in supporting the international efforts to foster stability through the Doha process, stating: "All dialogue with the Taliban must be rooted in a unified strategy which benefits all of the Afghan population, regardless of gender or ethnicity."

For its part, Japan will continue its engagement with Afghanistan and its support for the people on the ground. In July, Tokyo announced new assistance worth $10 million to "build on the significant reduction of poppy production achieved by the Taliban, and hopefully improve the environment for women as an important element of empowering local communities".

Also participating in today's debate was a diplomat representing the previous Government in Kabul overthrown by the Taliban. "Afghanistan was not perfect before the Taliban's takeover," he observed, pointing out, however, that now it is "the only country where girls are not allowed to study beyond sixth grade".

With over 70 decrees aimed at excluding women from public life, "a systematic erasure has led to a gender apartheid regime", he said. Further, the crisis has fuelled a migration emergency induced by violence and economic collapse. The Taliban has "distorted Islamic laws to enforce a harsh ideology, effectively holding the Afghan people hostage", he said, urging the appointment of a Special Envoy to spearhead efforts towards a genuine national dialogue to establish a legitimate governance system that reflects the people's will, upholds the rule of law and ensures women's full and meaningful participation.

Some of Afghanistan's neighbours, meanwhile, took the floor to detail their engagement with Kabul. India's representative said that his country has been committed to rebuilding Afghanistan, having delivered 27 tons of relief material and has granted fresh admission to 2,260 Afghan students  "including 300 girls" since August 2021. The representative of Turkmenistan underscored that "key solutions should be found by regional players", stressing that the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects in Afghanistan is necessary for political stabilization and socioeconomic revival  "and its successful engagement in regional and global relations".

Others, however, detailed the challenges they are facing. Iran's representative pointed to an influx of illegal migrants that places "a heavy burden on our country, already strained by unlawful unilateral sanctions". Over 6 million Afghans currently live in Iran, with an annual cost exceeding $10 billion. "But, the international community has shown little concern for this pressing issue," he stressed, urging sustained support to countries, like his own and Pakistan  whose delegate said that there will be no normalization "until the fundamental issues that trouble Afghanistan are addressed  terrorism, human rights, political inclusion, illegal Afghan migration and the problem of Afghan refugees". Adding that the Taliban has "doubled down on misogyny", he said: "Engagement cannot be pursued for its own sake  if we don't know where we are going, we will never get there."

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Hecker gives update to five Operational Focus Areas

Published Sept. 18, 2024

U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Commander Gen. James Hecker stressed the importance of advancing joint and combined military capabilities, readiness, capacity and integration during a media round table at the 2024 Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 17.

Hecker, who also serves as the commander of NATO Allied Air Command, provided an update to his five Operational Focus Areas: Counter Anti-Access Area Denial, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Agile Combat Employment, Command and Control, and Intel and Information Sharing.

Counter Anti-Access Area Denial (C-A2AD)

The use of Integrated Air and Missile Defense Systems has resulted in the loss of aircraft for both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war. In future conflicts, air superiority may come in pulses, requiring a shift in how military operations are conducted.

"We have to make sure that we can get rid of [Russia's] surface-to-air missile systems that would be a threat to us," Hecker said.

Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD)

Iran and North Korea have supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, and Russia is accelerating its production of cruise missiles. As these threats evolve, NATO must develop new ways to detect low-altitude threats and counter them with both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions.

Industry partners are already working on cost-effective solutions to address this challenge, Hecker said.

Agile Combat Employment (ACE)

Dispersing aircraft across multiple bases has become a necessary tactic in the face of advanced, precision-guided threats. While traditional strategies, like sandbagging aircraft at a single base, were effective in the past, modern threats require broader, more dynamic methods to ensure survival and operational readiness.

Command and Control (C2)

In an era of technological warfare, the ability to maintain operations without direct headquarters contact for extended periods can make or break a mission. Forces must be prepared to operate independently and make informed decisions on the ground, the general said.

"When you start dispersing aircraft at different bases, we need a way to command and control them, so we're coming up with clever solutions to do that," Hecker said. "We have to make sure we don't have point of failure and that we add redundancy in our communications."

Intel and Information Sharing (I&I)

I&I between the U.S. and its allies is critical, as the ability to share real-time intelligence and combat data enhances operational efficiency, Hecker said.

"The cheapest, quickest way to get combat capability is to share information with our allies, and it can't be a one-way street - our allies need to share information with us," Hecker said. "Sometimes it costs a little bit, but not near as much as a new weapon system. It's a policy decision...it's a stroke of a pen. We change the policy, we share information, and we become more combat capable in minimum time."

The round table was held ahead of the conference's "Deterring Russia in the Arctic" panel, where Hecker was joined by Alaskan Command Commander Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham, Air Chief of the Swedish Air Force Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, and Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Maj. Gen. ivind Gunnerud.

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Nunez voices mission value of Reserve families at Air, Space, Cyber Conference panel

Published Sept. 18, 2024

By Andrew Biscoe

Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. Israel Nunez highlighted the value of the 800,000-strong reserve forces population across the Department of Defense and its families during the "United Forces and Families: Shaping the Guardian Experience" panel at the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Sept. 17.

Nunez, dual-hatted as the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the Air Force Reserve and AFRC command chief, was among four featured speakers on the panel. Discussion centered on the critical importance of quality care for military children, particularly in the case of the reserve forces, since a majority of the latter are traditional weekend military members.

The chief is a father himself with two daughters,

"Childcare matters to all of us," Nunez said. "This subject is near and dear to my heart. Family readiness is mission readiness. Childcare is a whole nation issue."

He spoke about opportunities has to engage with Congressional leaders often with Lt. Gen. John Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve Command.

"I talk with (Headquarters Air Force) and Department of Defense leadership, so that they understand our challenges at formation level," he said.

Among Nunez's most significant challenges: Communicating the various roles that reserve members fill. They don't always revolve around weekend duty.

"The reserve has multiple statuses, like active guard and reserve, part-time, and Title 5," Nunez said, adding that the reserve command has set up some successful examples of weekend childcare at a pair of reserve-owned installations: Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.

There's more that needs to be done, and Nunez repeated his "whole nation" need for quality care of children that ultimately lends itself to core areas of the military like mission, readiness and recruiting and retention.

"We need a DoD solution for contracted, quality, and accessible day care," he said.

"Childcare starts with leadership. We urge our leadership to increase the top line and put your money where your mouth is. Childcare is personal."

Other panel members included Lt. Col. Maria Quinn, military child advocate; Leslie Janaros, Five and Thrive co-founder; and Lesley Smith, Air Force Services Center chief of Air Force Child and Youth Programs.

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20 killed, 450 injured in Lebanon walkie-talkie explosions targeting Hezbollah

By VOA News September 18, 2024

At least 20 people were killed and 450 were injured Wednesday in a new round of explosions in Lebanon, with the latest blasts from remotely detonated walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah militants.

At least one of the blasts occurred near one of the funerals organized by Iran-backed Hezbollah for three Hezbollah members and a child, who were among the 12 killed on Tuesday when thousands of pagers used by the group exploded across the country, wounding nearly 3,000 people.

Hezbollah blamed the attacks on Israel, which has not commented even as security experts in the Mideast and the U.S. told U.S. media outlets that Tuesday's pager attacks were the work of Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency.

On Wednesday, Hezbollah said that in retaliation it had attacked Israeli artillery positions with rockets, the first strike targeting its archenemy and raising the prospect of a wider Middle East war.

A security source said that the walkie-talkies were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, about the same time that the pagers were bought. A senior Lebanese security source and another source told Reuters that Mossad, which has a long history of sophisticated operations on foreign soil, planted explosives inside the pagers months before Tuesday's detonations.

Hezbollah officials and Lebanon's state media said Wednesday's explosions went off in Beirut and several parts of Lebanon. In addition, Lebanon's official news agency reported that solar energy systems exploded in homes in several areas of Beirut and in southern Lebanon, wounding at least one girl.

Dr. Tania Baban, a physician in Lebanon working for the U.S.-based medical charity MedGlobal, told VOA that her group performed more than 460 surgeries related to the pager blasts on Tuesday, including finger and hand amputations.

She said people carrying the pagers heard them beep, supposedly with messages from Hezbollah leaders, and were reading the messages when the devices exploded. Because they held them close to their faces to read, they sustained hand, eye, neck and facial injuries, while others suffered abdominal and other injuries if they still had the pagers attached to their waistlines.

"Now this comes after obviously a stressful period of 11 months of Lebanon's southern border going into war with northern Israel," Baban said. "So, there has always been the threat of the possibility of an escalation nationwide."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday in Egypt the U.S. is assessing how the attacks could affect efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, now in its 12th month.

Sources in the Israeli government anonymously said Wednesday the country is moving more troops to its border with Lebanon as a precautionary measure.

Through a spokesman, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply alarmed" by the remotely detonated explosions. He urged "all concerned actors to exercise maximum restraint to avert any further escalation."

In Cairo, Blinken told reporters that the United States was neither aware of nor involved in Tuesday's pager-blast incidents, while also expressing concerns about regional escalation.

"We remain very clear about the importance of all parties avoiding any steps that could further escalate the conflict," Blinken said during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. "It's imperative that all parties refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict."

Before the Wednesday attacks, Abdelatty condemned the detonations of the pagers and any unilateral actions that violate "the sovereignty of Lebanon."

Speaking through a translator, he said, "We are on the brink of a comprehensive war," he said trough a translator.

The Tuesday pager attacks came hours after the Israeli government announced a broadening of its goals in the war against Hamas militants in Gaza to include the securing of northern Israel from Hezbollah rocket attacks.

But some former intelligence officials argue the detonation of Hezbollah pagers, two-way radios and other devices may be part of an Israeli effort to achieve its goals without having to fight.

"What Israel is trying to do is take this far enough so they can deter Hezbollah from launching 50-60 rocket attacks a day ... without risking a wider war," said Daniel Hoffman, a retired U.S. clandestine services officer and former chief of station with the CIA.

Hoffman told VOA the suspected Israeli operation could also serve to weaken Hezbollah's standing in Lebanon.

"It seeks to drive a wedge between regular folks and Hezbollah," he said. "The message is, 'You don't want to be around them [Hezbollah].'"

And Hoffman said, given Israel's intelligence capabilities, it is not impossible that it could target more Hezbollah devices in the future.

Other former intelligence officials have suggested that the operation to blow up pagers and other communication devices also gives Israel an advantage should tensions with Hezbollah escalate.

Notably, they said, the explosions have at least debilitated Hezbollah's ability to communicate in a crisis while at the same time removing key militants from the battlefield.

Hezbollah began using the pagers, in particular, after the group's leader ordered members to stop using cellphones amid concerns that Israeli intelligence could intercept and track their communications.

Security experts in the Mideast and the United States told U.S. media outlets they believe that somehow Israeli agents intercepted the shipment of the pagers to add the explosives to the devices before they arrived in Lebanon and were handed out by Hezbollah.

Hsu Ching-Kuang, founder of Taiwan-based manufacturer Gold Apollo, told reporters Wednesday his company did not manufacture the pagers, even though its corporate markings were on them when the remains of the exploded devices were examined Tuesday.

He said Gold Apollo had authorized its brand to be used on devices produced and sold by a company called BAC in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.

Iranian state media reported the country's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was among those wounded by an exploding pager, reportedly losing an eye.

Iran's envoy to the United Nations on Wednesday said in a letter that Tehran is considering its options.

Iran "reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond," the letter said.

Iran's support for Hezbollah and Hamas, and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and along the Israel-Lebanon border, had already raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the situation "extremely worrying," and said he discussed it in a call with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.

"Even if the attacks seem to have been targeted, they had heavy, indiscriminate collateral damages among civilians, including children among the victims," Borrell said.

Jeff Seldin, Nike Ching contributed to this report.

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Blinken visits Egypt for talks on securing Gaza cease-fire

By VOA News September 18, 2024

Progress has been made on a Gaza cease-fire deal over the past month and a half, but now Israel and Hamas must show "political will" to get an agreement concluded, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

"There are, I think, in the agreement, 18 paragraphs, 15 of them are agreed. But the remaining issues need to be resolved," Blinken said during a joint press conference in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Abdelatty told reporters via a translator that Hamas has confirmed its full commitment to the cease-fire agreement reached on May 27 and to the amendments made on July 2.

On Wednesday, Blinken and Abdelatty held talks in which they discussed the urgent need for cease-fires in Gaza and Sudan.

While in Cairo, Blinken also held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.

Months of talks with United States, Egyptian and Qatari officials mediating have yet to bring a deal suitable to Israel and Hamas. The negotiations have focused on an outline that includes a halt in fighting and the release of hostages still being held by Hamas militants in Gaza.

The U.S. has not provided a timetable for the revised proposal, although officials have indicated that it would be presented soon.

The U.S. continues to engage with countries in the region, particularly Egypt and Qatar, regarding the proposal's contents to ensure it can lead Israel and Hamas to "an ultimate agreement," according to the State Department.

The push for a cease-fire could be complicated by a series of deadly explosions involving pagers used by members of the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.

The explosions this week came hours after Israel announced the expansion of its war against Hamas to include the goal of making it possible for residents of northern Israel to return to homes they evacuated because of clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern about the attack, which has been widely attributed to Israel.

"Because obviously, the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a preemptive strike before a major military operation," he told reporters in New York. "So as important as the event in itself, is the indication that this event confirms that there is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon, and everything must be done to avoid that escalation."

Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, began its near-daily attacks shortly after the war in Gaza began, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Hezbollah, which like Hamas is supported by Iran, has said it would halt the attacks if there were a cease-fire deal for Gaza.

Hezbollah is a U.S.-designated terrorist group. Hamas has been designated a terror group by the U.S., the U.K., EU and other Western nations.

On Thursday, Blinken will travel from Cairo to Paris for a meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Italy and Britain to discuss topics that include the Middle East and Ukraine. While in Paris, he also will meet with President Emmanuel Macron.

Blinken's 10th trip to the Middle East marks the first time he has not visited Israel, Washington's closest regional ally, since the start of the Gaza war nearly a year ago.

UN meeting

At the United Nations, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday calling on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian lands within a year. The text also proposes sanctions and steps towards ending arms shipments to Israel if they could be used in Palestinian areas.

The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor and 14 against, with 43 abstentions.

The Palestinian-drafted resolution is trying to build on momentum from an advisory opinion issued in July by the U.N.'s top court, the International Court of Justice. The court said that the annexation and occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful and Israel's discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians "are tantamount to the crime of apartheid."

"We are committed to the rule of international law and to just and lasting peace in our region," Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said at the start of the two-day meeting on Monday. "This requires ensuring that the same rules apply to all. No bias. No double standards. No exceptionalism. And no exception.

Israel rejected the court's opinion, and their ambassador urged countries not to support the proposed resolution.

"This is a shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic terrorism," Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement after the vote.

The United States voted against the measure.

"There is no path forward or hope offered through this resolution today," Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the assembly on Monday. "Its adoption will not save Palestinian lives, bring the hostages home, end Israeli settlements or reinvigorate the peace process."

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they carry the weight of the international community.

Hamas triggered the Gaza conflict with its October 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 41,200 Palestinians, a death toll Israel says includes thousands of militant fighters.

VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching, U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer, Kim Lewis and Natasha Mozgovaya contributed to this report.

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UN: 'Immediate action' needed to halt fighting in Sudan's Darfur

By Margaret Besheer September 18, 2024

A senior United Nations official warned Wednesday that "immediate action" is needed to halt the fighting in the capital of Sudan's North Darfur region, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are at risk.

"We urge members of the Security Council to employ their collective leverage to help protect the population caught in the crossfire," Martha Pobee, U.N. assistant secretary-general for Africa, told council members.

A round of large-scale fighting erupted on September 12 between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who advanced on the capital of El Fasher from multiple directions, and the Sudanese Armed Forces, who are positioned inside the city.

El Fasher is the only capital in the Darfur region that has not yet fallen to the rebel paramilitary.

Civilians inside the large city, including an estimated 700,000 people displaced from other parts of Sudan, have been under siege for months with little outside assistance.

Pobee urged exploring the possibility of local cease-fires.

"Prior to the deterioration of the situation in El Fasher, a local cease-fire protected the city's population for close to a year," she said. "A return to such an arrangement in El Fasher and similar short-term solutions in other locations must continue to be pursued."

War causes humanitarian crisis

Sudan is experiencing a massive humanitarian crisis because of the war between two rival generals that began in April 2023. More than 10 million people have fled their homes in search of safety, and last month, international monitors confirmed famine in North Darfur. According to the United Nations, 26 million people are in crisis levels of hunger across the country.

In June, the 15-nation Security Council adopted a resolution calling for "an immediate halt to the fighting and for de-escalation in and around El Fasher," but it has been totally ignored.

During a news conference Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his frustration with the intransigence of Sudan's warring generals.

"I mean, the truth is that you have two generals, and you have two groups, one army and one paramilitary institution, that are fighting each other, without any consideration for the needs and the dramatic impacts of their people," he said. "The level of hunger is spreading terribly in Sudan. The number of people killed and maimed is increasing dramatically. And as a matter of fact, all this is done with total impunity."

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement that both sides must pull back their forces, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access and re-engage in negotiations to end the war.

The United States, Saudi Arabia and other partners have pressed for peace for months. While the U.S. and its partners have been successful in opening up some routes for humanitarian relief into Sudan, they so far have failed to silence the guns.

Diplomats continue seeking solutions

Next week, the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces and chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah Burhan, will be in New York for the annual U.N. General Assembly meetings.

Diplomats say there will be multiple meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly gathering to discuss the situation in Sudan, including a ministerial-level meeting to be hosted by the United States, France, Germany and the European Union.

Burhan said Wednesday that the government "remains resolute and fully committed to ending the suffering of our citizens" and is open to all constructive efforts aimed at ending the war. He said he looks forward to discussing it further during his trip to New York.

Rapid Support Forces leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo expressed a similar commitment Thursday, saying on X that his side is "willing to go anywhere in the world in search of peace."

"We reaffirm our commitment to cease-fire negotiations. We believe that the path to peace lies in dialogue, not random violence, and we will continue to engage in peace processes to secure a future free from fear and suffering for all Sudanese civilians," Dagalo said.

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Western diplomats to discuss Middle East tensions

By VOA News September 19, 2024

Top Western diplomats are set to meet Thursday in Paris amid efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza and prevent tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border from spiraling into a larger conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is participating in the talks with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and Italy after traveling to Egypt for discussions on how to push forward the Gaza negotiations.

Blinken said Wednesday that progress has been made on a cease-fire deal over the past month and a half, but now both Israel and Hamas must show "political will" to get an agreement concluded.

"There are, I think, in the agreement, 18 paragraphs, 15 of them are agreed. But the remaining issues need to be resolved," Blinken said during a joint press conference in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Abdelatty told reporters through a translator that Hamas has confirmed its full commitment to the cease-fire agreement reached on May 27 and to the amendments made on July 2.

Months of talks with U.S., Egyptian and Qatari officials mediating have yet to bring a deal suitable to both Israel and Hamas. The negotiations have focused on an outline that includes a halt in fighting and the release of hostages still being held by Hamas militants in Gaza.

The U.S. has not provided a timetable for the revised proposal, though officials have indicated that it would be presented soon.

The push for a cease-fire could be complicated by a series of deadly explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by members of the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.

The explosions this week came shortly after Israel announced the expansion of its war against Hamas to include the goal of making it possible for residents of northern Israel to return to homes they evacuated because of clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern about the attack, which has been widely attributed to Israel.

"Because obviously, the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a preemptive strike before a major military operation," he told reporters in New York. "So as important as the event in itself, is the indication that this event confirms that there is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon, and everything must be done to avoid that escalation."

Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, began its near-daily attacks shortly after the war in Gaza began, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Hezbollah, which like Hamas is supported by Iran, has said it would halt the attacks if there were a cease-fire deal for Gaza.

Hezbollah is a U.S.-designated terrorist group. Hamas has been designated a terror group by the U.S., the U.K., EU and other Western nations.

UN meeting

At the United Nations, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday calling on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian lands within a year. The text also proposes sanctions and steps toward ending arms shipments to Israel if they could be used in Palestinian areas.

The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor and 14 against, with 43 abstentions.

The Palestinian-drafted resolution is trying to build on momentum from an advisory opinion issued in July by the U.N.'s top court, the International Court of Justice. The court said that the annexation and occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful and Israel's discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians "are tantamount to the crime of apartheid."

"We are committed to the rule of international law and to just and lasting peace in our region," Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said at the start of the two-day meeting on Monday. "This requires ensuring that the same rules apply to all. No bias. No double standards. No exceptionalism. And no exception."

Israel rejected the court's opinion, and its ambassador urged countries not to support the proposed resolution.

"This is a shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic terrorism," Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement after the vote.

The United States voted against the measure.

"There is no path forward or hope offered through this resolution today," Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the assembly on Monday. "Its adoption will not save Palestinian lives, bring the hostages home, end Israeli settlements or reinvigorate the peace process."

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they carry the weight of the international community.

Hamas triggered the conflict with its October 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 41,200 Palestinians, a death toll Israel says includes thousands of militant fighters.

VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching, U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer, Kim Lewis and Natasha Mozgovaya contributed to this report.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 18 September 2024 - Day 938

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 153 combat encounters. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance into the depths of Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. More than 50% of the total number of fights took place in Pokrovsky and Kurakhivsky directions.

Russian invaders launched one missile strike on the territory of Ukraine using one missile, 59 air strikes, dropping 79 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, 532 kamikaze drones were recruited and carried out almost 3,300 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces twice stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the area of vovcanska and tihogo. One battle is still going on.

In the direction of Kupyansky, Russian forces carried out offensive actions near synkivka, kruglyakivka, stelmakhivka and sand. Ukrainian defenders stopped all 15 enemy attacks.

In the Lyman direction Russian invaders 18 times stormed the positions of Defense Forces near Druzhelyubivka, Cherneshchyna, Nevsky, Makiyivka, Bilogorivka and Novosadovoye. Two clashes are still ongoing.

In the Siversky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled three offensive actions of the Russian ccupation troops in the areas of Verkhnyokamiansky and Ivano-Daryivka. At this time, one combat is still going on.

In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces with the support of aviation stormed Ukrainian positions near the Time Yar, Stupochok and White Mountain. The Defense Forces stopped all four attacks of the zombies.

12 boezitknen  took place in the Torets komu direction. Russians stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near Toretsk, Dachny, Scherbinivka and Nelipivka. All the Russian aggressor's attacks have been repelled.

On the Pokrovsky direction, from the beginning of this day, Russian forces attacked 39 times in the areas of Novooleksandrivka, Novotoretska, Hrodivki, Novogrodivki, Nikolaivki, Krasnogo Yaru, Vozdvizhenki, Mirolubivki and Marinivki. Ukrainian defenders have repelled 37 attacks, two more clashes continue.

Today, according to preliminary data, 310 Russian occupants were defecated in this direction, 120 of them - irrevocably. Three tanks, three combat armored vehicles and seven units of automotive equipment were also destroyed. Five more tanks, one BBM, two artillery systems and 15 cars were damaged.

In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces made 40 attempts to break through Ukrainian defense near the Zelany First, Ukrainian, Tsukurinyo, Dalny, Georgiyivka and Konstantinivka. Thirty-eight clashes completed, two more to go.

In this direction, according to preliminary data, the Russian casualties were irreversible and 70 wounded. One tank and a combat armored vehicle were also destroyed.

In the Time Direction, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian units near Katerinivka and Epiphany six times. There are still four attacks of the invaders.

In other directions - without much change.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Sever Group of Forces In Liptsy and Volchansk directions inflicted damage on formations of 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 36th Marine Brigade, and 5th Border Security detachment of the Ukrainian Border Guard near Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU lost over 170 troops and a U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved tactical situation, engaged manpower, and military hardware of 14th, 30th, 44th, and 53rd mechanised brigades of the AFU, 1st National Guard Brigade near Petropavlovka, Glushkovka (Kharkov region), Zhovtnevoye (Lugansk People's Republic), and Serebryansky Forestry. Four counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 63rd and 67th mechanised brigades were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 610 troops, a Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, a U.S.-made M113 APC, nine motor vehicles, a U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, three 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, a UK-made 105-mm L-119 gun, and four Anklav-N EW stations. Four field ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Yug Group of Forces seized more favourable lines and engaged the 23rd, 24th, 28th,and 54th mechanised brigades, 30th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 72nd Airmobile Brigade of the AFU, 109th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 21st National Guard Brigade near Kalinina, Chasov Yar, Minkovka, Grigorovka, Seversk, Dyleyevka, Predtechino, and Yelizavetovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 56th Motorised Infantry Brigade were repelled.

The enemy lost up to 640 troops, eight motor vehicles, a U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, a U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and an EW station.

The Tsentr Group of Forces continued to advance into the enemy's defence, struck formations of 53rd, 59th, 96th, 118th, 151st mechanised brigades, 78th Air Assault Regiment of the AFU, 119th Territorial Defence Brigade near Shcherbinovka, Krasnoarmeysk, Petrovka, Mirolyubovka, Rozovka, Kurdyumovka, Kurakhovo, Selidovo, and Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic).

The Russian units repelled ten counter-attacks of 425th Assault Battalion, 32nd and 100th mechanised brigades, 25th Airborne Brigade of the AFU, 5th Special Operations Brigade, Lyut Assault Brigade of the Ukraine national police, 3rd, 12th national guard brigades.

The enemy's losses amounted to over 500 troops, a German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle, two Kozak armoured fighting vehicles, two pickups, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, a 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun.

The Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions as well as inflicted losses on formations of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 118th Territorial Defence Brigade near Ugledar, Dobrovolye, Shakhterskoye, and Zolotaya Niva (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 72th Territorial Defence Brigade was repelled.

The enemy lost over 100 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, and five motor vehicles.

The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the AFU 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, 35th Marine Brigade, 108th, 123rd and 124th territorial defence brigades near Belogorye, Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region), Tokarevka, Kamyshany, and Lvovo (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops and three motor vehicles. One ammunition depot was destroyed.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces delivered strikes at power facilities supporting the enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry, airbase infrastructure, an unmanned aerial vehicle assembly workshop, and clusters of manpower and materiel in 138 areas.



Air defence units shot down 13 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 66 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, 646 airplanes, 283 helicopters, 31,724 unmanned aerial vehicles, 579 SAM systems, 18,163 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,454 MLRS combat vehicles, 14,753 field artillery guns and mortars, 26,175 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 Sever Group of Forces carrying on offensive actions inflicted damage on the 22nd, 4th,and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade, 1st National Guard Brigade, 129th Territorial Defence Brigade of the AFU near Lyubimovka, Daryino, Nikolo-Daryino, Tolsty Lug, and Plekhovo.

For the last 24 hours, Russian units repelled four counter-attacks of the enemy in the direction of Bolshaya Obukhobka, Malaya Loknya, and Lyubimovka, as well as disrupted attempts to attack in direction of Olgovka and Borki.

The AFU lost up to 40 troops killed and wounde; eight servicemen were taken prisoners; two infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, and a motor vehicle were destroyed.

With support of army aviation and artillery, the Group's units repelled four attempts of the AFU to break through the border of the Russian Federation towards Vesyoloye and Medvezhye.

The AFU sustained losses of up to 70 troops killed and wounded, two tanks, including a Leopard tank, two Swedish-made CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles, eight armoured fighting vehicles, an artillery gun, and a motor vehicle.

Air strikes, artillery fire, and actions of the troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware clusters of the 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 1004th Security Brigade, 112th and 129th territorial defence brigades near Guyevo, Daryino, Kurilovka, Kruglenkoye, Lyubimovka, Mirny, Martynovka, Malaya Loknya, Nikolo-Daryino, Novy Put, Novoya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Orlovka, Plekhovo, Russkoye Porechnoye, Serdlikovo, Tolsty Lug, and Yuzhny.

Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops launched strikes against concentration areas and reserves in Sumy region of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 82nd Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 1st National Guard Brigade, 103rd,106th, 107th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Belovody, Glukhov, Kondratovka, Katerinovka, Malushino, Mogritsa, Mazevka, Novoivanovka, Obody, Pavlovka, Rechki, Rudnevo, Sumy, Stepnoye, Shalygino, Khoten, and Yunakovka.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 400 troops and 23 units of armoured vehicles, including two tanks, including a Leopard tank, five infantry fighting vehicles, with two CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles of them, an APC, and four artillery guns, two mortars, and 12 motor vehicles.

??Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more than 14,600 troops, 121 tanks, 50 infantry fighting vehicles, 92 armoured personnel carriers, 758 armoured fighting vehicles, 457 motor vehicles, 107 artillery guns, 28 MLRS launchers, including seven of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, eight SAM launchers, four transport-loading vehicles, 26 electronic warfare stations, seven counter-battery radars, two air defence radars, 14 engineering vehicles, including eight counterobstacle vehicles, and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.





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Court-Authorized Operation Disrupts Worldwide Botnet Used by People's Republic of China State-Sponsored Hackers

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Actors Unsuccessfully Sought to Prevent FBI's Disruption of Botnet

Note: View the affidavit here.

The Justice Department today announced a court-authorized law enforcement operation that disrupted a botnet consisting of more than 200,000 consumer devices in the United States and worldwide. As described in court documents unsealed in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the botnet devices were infected by People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored hackers working for Integrity Technology Group, a company based in Beijing, and known to the private sector as "Flax Typhoon."

The botnet malware infected numerous types of consumer devices, including small-office/home-office (SOHO) routers, internet protocol (IP) cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs), and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The malware connected these thousands of infected devices into a botnet, controlled by Integrity Technology Group, which was used to conduct malicious cyber activity disguised as routine internet traffic from the infected consumer devices. The court-authorized operation took control of the hackers' computer infrastructure and, among other steps, sent disabling commands through that infrastructure to the malware on the infected devices. During the course of the operation, there was an attempt to interfere with the FBI's remediation efforts through a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack targeting the operational infrastructure that the FBI was utilizing to effectuate the court's orders. That attack was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the FBI's disruption of the botnet.

"The Justice Department is zeroing in on the Chinese government backed hacking groups that target the devices of innocent Americans and pose a serious threat to our national security," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "As we did earlier this year, the Justice Department has again destroyed a botnet used by PRC-backed hackers to infiltrate consumer devices here in the United States and around the world. We will continue to aggressively counter the threat that China's state- sponsored hacking groups pose to the American people."

"Our takedown of this state-sponsored botnet reflects the Department's all-tools approach to disrupting cyber criminals. This network, managed by a PRC government contractor, hijacked hundreds of thousands of private routers, cameras, and other consumer devices to create a malicious system for the PRC to exploit," said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. "Today should serve as a warning to cybercriminals preying on Americans - if you continue to come for us, we will come for you."

"This dynamic operation demonstrates, once again, the Justice Department's resolve in countering the threats posed by PRC state-sponsored hackers," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division. "For the second time this year, we have disrupted a botnet used by PRC proxies to conceal their efforts to hack into networks in the U.S. and around the world to steal information and hold our infrastructure at risk. Our message to these hackers is clear: if you build it, we will bust it."

"The disruption of this worldwide botnet is part of the FBI's commitment to using technical operations to help protect victims, expose publicly the scope of these criminal hacking campaigns, and to use the adversary's tools against them to remove malicious infrastructure from the virtual battlefield," said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. "The FBI's unique legal authorities allowed it to lead an international operation with partners that collectively disconnected this botnet from its China-based hackers at Integrity Technology Group."

"The targeted hacking of hundreds of thousands of innocent victims in the United States and around the world shows the breadth and aggressiveness of PRC state-sponsored hackers," said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. "This court-authorized operation disrupted a sophisticated botnet designed to steal sensitive information and launch disruptive cyber attacks. We will continue to work with our partners inside and outside government, using every tool at our disposal, to defend and maintain global cybersecurity."

"The FBI's investigation revealed that a publicly-traded, China-based company is openly selling its customers the ability to hack into and control thousands of consumer devices worldwide. This operation sends a clear message to the PRC that the United States will not tolerate this shameless criminal conduct," said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI San Diego Field Office.

According to the court documents, the botnet was developed and controlled by Integrity Technology Group, a publicly-traded company headquartered in Beijing. The company built an online application allowing its customers to log in and control specified infected victim devices, including with a menu of malicious cyber commands using a tool called "vulnerability-arsenal." The online application was prominently labelled "KRLab," one of the main public brands used by Integrity Technology Group.

The FBI assesses that Integrity Technology Group, in addition to developing and controlling the botnet, is responsible for computer intrusion activities attributed to China-based hackers known by the private sector as "Flax Typhoon." Microsoft Threat Intelligence described Flax Typhoon

as nation-state actors based out of China, active since 2021, who have targeted government agencies and education, critical manufacturing, and information technology organizations in Taiwan, and elsewhere. The FBI's investigation has corroborated Microsoft's conclusions, finding that Flax Typhoon has successfully attacked multiple U.S. and foreign corporations, universities, government agencies, telecommunications providers, and media organizations.

A cybersecurity advisory describing Integrity Technology Group tactics, techniques and procedures was also published today by the FBI, the National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command's Cyber National Mission Force, and partner agencies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The government's malware disabling commands, which interacted with the malware's native functionality, were extensively tested prior to the operation. As expected, the operation did not affect the legitimate functions of, or collect content information from, the infected devices. The FBI is providing notice to U.S. owners of devices that were affected by this court-authorized operation. The FBI is contacting those victims through their internet service provider, who will provide notice to their customers.

The FBI's San Diego Field Office and Cyber Division, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the National Security Cyber Section of the Justice Department's National Security Division led the domestic disruption effort. Assistance was also provided by the Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. These efforts would not have been successful without the collaboration of partners, including French authorities, and Lumen Technologies' threat intelligence group, Black Lotus Labs, which first identified and described this botnet, which it named Raptor Train, in July 2023.

If you believe you have a compromised computer or device, please visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or report online to CISA

. You may also contact your local FBI field office directly.

The FBI continues to investigate Integrity Technology Group's and Flax Typhoon's computer intrusion activities.

Topic: National Security

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

Office of the Deputy Attorney General

USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

Press Release Number: 24-1173

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Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

September 18, 2024

17:20

The discussion focused on current issues relating to the further growth of the Russian-Brazilian strategic partnership. The two leaders reaffirmed their mutual interest in building up political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy and industrial cooperation.

Vladimir Putin said Russia was ready to provide Brazil with disaster relief to cope with the wildfires raging in several regions of Brazil

They also touched upon several international issues. Vladimir Putin thanked our Brazilian partners for supporting the priorities of Russia's BRICS chairmanship and briefed the other party on preparations for the BRICS summit in Kazan scheduled for October 22-24. Both sides underscored their commitment to continuing joint work in key areas of cooperation within BRICS, including in the financial sector. They also emphasised readiness to deepen coordination both in the G20, which Brazil chairs this year, and on other multilateral platforms.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reaffirmed Brazil's interest in helping find solutions to resolve the Ukraine conflict, and Vladimir Putin laid out Russia's principled assessments on this matter.

The leaders discussed bilateral contact schedule and agreed to meet during the Kazan BRICS summit.

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His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar concludes visit to Canada

Global Affairs Canada

News release

September 18, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, along with the Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and other senior officials welcomed His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to Canada, from September 17 to 18.

The visit was an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of strong diplomatic relations between Canada and Qatar. The two countries are advancing co-operation on artificial intelligence, clean energy, agribusiness, and critical minerals as well as growing trade and investment, promoting sustainable development, creating opportunities for businesses, and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Collaborating on international development initiatives was a key focus of the Emir's visit. Canada and Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to strengthen Canada-Qatar cooperation on social and economic progress in developing countries. In addition, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Qatar's Education Above All Foundation (EAA) signed a framework for cooperation that includes the co-funding of development projects in the education sector. As part of this framework, UNICEF's Generation Unlimited will receive $40 million from GAC and $40M USD from the EAA Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable communities.

Canada and Qatar also committed to working together to address global issues of mutual concern, including the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians, the situation in Afghanistan and efforts toward a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Qatar will collaborate with Canada in providing treatment and psychological support to Gazans evacuated to Qatar as part of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's initiative to treat 1,500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Both countries acknowledged the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations, signed in Doha in May 2024, as a valuable mechanism for exchanging views and deepening cooperation.

Quotes

"As we mark 50 years of Canada's strong relationship with Qatar, we continue to work together for the benefit and prosperity of the people of our countries. Together, we will continue advancing our cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, human rights and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as strengthening regional and global security. We look forward to celebrating the next 50 years of our two countries' strategic partnership and people-to-people ties." - MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

"Canada is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our prosperous relationship with Qatar. Workers, businesses and industries in both countries benefit greatly from our robust economic cooperation and our nations' people-to-people ties. We are committed to advancing mutual trade interests with our Qatari partners for the benefit of our workers, our businesses and our economies." - Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

"In today's interconnected world, no one country can address our shared challenges alone. Collaboration is key to driving positive change, and by working together, Canada and Qatar can empower communities, improve education, and promote socio-economic growth around the world." - Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to Canada, was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Minister of Trade and Commerce; and Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation.

Canada and Qatar have enjoyed uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1974.

Qatar is an important partner in security and diplomacy efforts, contributing to the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

In 2023, Qatar was Canada's 9th most important partner in the MENA region with a bilateral merchandise trade total of about $427 million.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

September 18, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario

On September 17 and 18, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Canada.

During their meetings, the Prime Minister and the Emir discussed their concern with the situation in the Middle East, including the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, and the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians. Prime Minister Trudeau unequivocally condemned Hamas' actions and underscored that Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately. The Prime Minister noted that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, nor their legitimate aspirations. He also expressed his appreciation for Qatar's ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and ensure the exit of foreign nationals from Gaza.

Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada's enduring support for a two-state solution and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.

The two leaders discussed the regional security implications of the conflict and efforts toward de-escalation. The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern over the risk of an expanded conflict between Israel and Iran as well as Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups.

The Prime Minister and the Emir discussed efforts toward a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine as well as the situation in Afghanistan, and the Prime Minister thanked the Emir for Qatar's support in ensuring the safe passage of Canadian citizens and vulnerable Afghans out of Afghanistan. They also discussed other pressing geopolitical challenges, including the conflict in Sudan, the ongoing humanitarian, security, and political crises in Haiti, and the situation in Venezuela following last July's election.

As Canada and Qatar celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, the two leaders agreed to further deepen bilateral relations and work together to advance shared priorities. This includes advancing co-operation on artificial intelligence, clean energy, agribusiness, and critical minerals as well as growing trade and investment, promoting sustainable development, creating opportunities for businesses, and strengthening people-to-people ties.

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Nigeria, China share common interests, aspirations as Global South nations: Foreign Minister Tuggar

Global Times

By Liu Caiyu and Li Meng Published: Sep 18, 2024 08:02 PM

The heads of state of China and Nigeria recently decided to elevate their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future. Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the Global Times in a recent interview that the elevated ties will bring more long-term and in-depth cooperation between the two countries.

Nigeria is a major economy in Africa and is China's third-largest trading partner and a key destination for investment in the continent. The bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has achieved fruitful results.

Tuggar said that Nigeria has engaged in trade of agricultural products such as peanuts and sesame with China. Nigeria and China will continue to deepen cooperation in many other areas, such as the construction of key infrastructure like natural gas pipelines, light rail, railways, and fiber optic cables.

With the increase in its young population, Nigeria is expected to become an important market for electric vehicles, and the country looks forward to further deepening cooperation with China in this field, he said.

Tuggar stated that infrastructure construction is an important support for driving development, as it creates jobs, improves the business environment, and is also significant for enhancing the industrial and supply chains. To achieve national development, Nigeria needs to build infrastructure such as roads, railways, power networks, and fiber optic cables.

China has been supporting Nigeria in improving its infrastructure and promoting regional connectivity, which contributes to the construction of the African continental free trade area, the foreign minister said. "Nigeria is willing to learn from China's experiences in poverty alleviation and hopes to engage in closer cooperation with China to achieve further development."

Tuggar believes Nigeria and China possess significant cooperation potential in the field of artificial intelligence. With a large pool of software engineers and an efficient banking settlement system, Nigeria enjoys a solid foundation for the development of fintech. The two countries can strengthen collaboration in this regard, he said.

The Global South, represented by China and Africa, is thriving and profoundly influencing the course of world history. Tuggar told the Global Times that Nigeria and China are both countries of the Global South, sharing common interests and aspirations. Nigeria also hopes to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism, he said.

He believes the voices of Global South countries need to be heard. Nigeria promotes the voices of Global South countries in the international community, advocating for improved global governance to better meet the needs of all nations.

In addition, the Nigerian Foreign Minister said his country and China can increase communications and exchanges on culture, and educational sectors as well. Many Chinese students are learning Hausa, and many Nigerian students are studying in China.

He looks forward to more students studying in each other's countries to enhance understanding and friendship between the people of both nations and to contribute to the development of bilateral relations.

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Mutual respect the foundation for DRC and China to conduct cooperation: Foreign Minister Wagner

Global Times

By Liu Caiyu and Li Meng Published: Sep 18, 2024 07:57 PM

"Mutual respect is the foundation for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and China to conduct cooperation." Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, DRC state minister for Foreign Affairs, told the Global Times in a recent interview that the tangible impacts of the bilateral cooperation has driven development of infrastructure and other key sectors of DRC.

On the morning of September 2, President Xi Jinping met with President of the DRC Felix Tshisekedi, who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperationa(FOCAC) in Beijing. This was the second time that President Tshisekedi visited China.

When President Tshisekedi paid a state visit in May last year, the two heads of state jointlyaelevated the China-DRC relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, embarking on a new chapter of China-DRC relation.

In the eyes of Wagner, upgraded ties have brought DRC-China cooperation closer, leading to a series of successful collaborations in areas like infrastructure construction and energy. Efforts are also being made in other sectors, including agriculture.

"The FOCAC has positive significance for the development of relations between Africa and China, same on helping strengthen the development of relations between the DRC and China," she said.

In January 2021, the DRC signed a memorandum of understanding with China to jointly build the Belt and Road initiative, accelerating cooperation between the two countries. In the first half of 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and the DRC reached $12.34 billion, and the DRC is China's largest investment destination in Africa.

From projects such as the completed Busanga hydropower plant and the Kinsuka Substation, as well as the recently launched Kinshasa's ring roads project, Wagner stated that the practical cooperation between the DRC and China has demonstrated how the Belt and Road initiative effectively supports infrastructure connectivity in the DRC, accelerates the movement of people and the flow of goods, and speeds up economic development, which is crucial for the country's future growth.

Wagner hopes her country will sign cooperation agreements with China in more areas and further promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment

China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. Significant potential for cooperation between China and Africa is lying ahead in emerging fields such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

"Artificial intelligence is an important technological tool to leverage and accelerate development and prosperity in today's era," said Wagner. As China has made considerable progress in these emerging areas, she expressed her eagerness for the DRC to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in these fields.

Similar historical experiences and a shared historical mission have closely connected China and Africa. Wagner said "The world cannot function without the other. It's very important to have a greater coordination of efforts and a more unified voice to convey messages."

As an important force of the "Global South," China and Africa have long maintained close cooperation in international affairs, jointly safeguarding the interests and development space of emerging market countries and developing nations, the minister said.

Looking ahead, Wagner told the Global Times that both sides can further deepen exchanges in diplomatic and cultural areas, further learning from each other. "I aim to strengthen cooperation and seek common development with my Chinese friends."

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Exclusive: FOCAC promotes solidarity of Global South, boost modernization: South Africa FM

Global Times

By Fan Anqi and Bai Yunyi Published: Sep 18, 2024 07:26 PM

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ran from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, with the highest attendance of foreign leaders. In a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said he believes China and Africa will take this forum as an opportunity to carry out more practical cooperation, promote solidarity and boost the modernization of the Global South.

As for China-South Africa relations, Lamola believes the two countries are at a "golden era," as manifested during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent visit to Beijing, when the two sides upgraded their relationship into an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

"This is a clear indication of the deep trust between the two nations," Lamola said.

"The collaboration [with China] is groundbreaking, and is transforming the economic landscape in our country," the foreign minister said, noting that China is South Africa's largest trading partner, and South Africa is China's largest trading partner on the African continent.

Lamola emphasized that China has opened its market to South African products such as avocados and beef, and Chinese investment has created thousands of jobs annually in South Africa.

"South Africa is looking forward to increasing value addition in its economy, particularly in the cooperation on electric vehicles, clean technology, and green energy with China," the South African top diplomat said.

China and South Africa have in recent years explored a variety of new areas of collaboration. Lamola hailed the two sides' people-to-people exchanges, with a significant number of South African students coming to China to attend Chinese universities, while others for vocational training to learn skills related to digital economy among others. These talents will have an immense positive influence on the future development of his country, Lamola noted.

There is also significant potential for cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, green economy, and the management of harbors across various parts of South Africa, he said.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world's largest free-trade area, started trading on 1 January 2021, which has by then witnessed the steady advancement of economic integration of the continent. China and Africa's cooperation in infrastructure is also contributing to the development of the AfCFTA, by facilitating the smooth movement of goods within and beyond borders, acting as a key economic enabler, the foreign minister said.

Lamola expressed interest in learning from China's successful modernization experience. "It's a good lesson for us to move our own people out of poverty and to be able to prosper, which is one of the cooperation agreements that we've signed with China, to land that experience so that we can alleviate poverty and to accelerate our own pace of modernization," he said.

Speaking of his view on a fair and just international order, Lamola told the Global Times that "multilateralism is the cornerstone of the world where world powers coexist in a peaceful way and cooperate, allowing diversity and also other countries to emerge." As China and South Africa are both key members of the Global South, the two sides should join hand and continue to promote the development of the international order and global governance in a fairer and more just direction, he said.

The more complex the international situation, the more the countries of the Global South need to adhere to independence and autonomy, unite and cooperate, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice. Lamola stated that South Africa will continue to engage in global platforms like the United Nations, the African Union and FOCAC to support the modernization of the Global South in alignment with their national conditions.

"We are glad that the role of China in our country has been one of non-interference with our domestic politics, and the work that we engaged with China is mutually beneficial," noted Lamola.

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Chinese FM responds to Japanese claim on PLA aircraft carrier activities

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Sep 18, 2024 09:52 PM

The aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has reportedly launched an exercise in the West Pacific, with the island of Taiwan and Japan sensationalizing the voyage which experts said is normal and legitimate.

PLA Navy vessels led by Liaoning sailed through the waters northeast of the island of Taiwan and continued toward the southeast of Yonaguni Island, Japan, the defense authority on the island of Taiwan said in a press release on Wednesday.

Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff said in a press release on Wednesday that it spotted the aircraft carrier Liaoning, together with two Type 052D destroyers, sailing in waters near Diaoyu Dao on Tuesday, before sailing through waters between Yonaguni and Iriomote islands, entering the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday.

It is the first time a PLA Navy aircraft carrier has sailed in the region, according to the Japanese press release.

Reuters quoted Japan's defense ministry as saying that the Chinese carrier entered Japan's contiguous waters for the first time.

When asked about Liaoning's voyage into Okinawa's contiguous zone on Wednesday, Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referred media to the relevant Chinese authority for more information , but stressed that the Chinese activities conformed to China's domestic law and the international law.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the waters between Yonaguni and Iriomote islands, despite being narrow, remain a strait used for international navigation, and it is legitimate for the PLA Navy ships to sail through the strait.

The transit also showed that, in addition to the Miyako Strait, the PLA Navy has multiple passages in breaking the first island chain into the West Pacific, Fu said.

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Macao's electoral authority accepts Sam as candidate for chief executive election

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:06, September 18, 2024

MACAO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Macao's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election issued a notice on Wednesday announcing Sam Hou Fai as the only accepted candidate for the chief executive election.

According to the commission, it had completed an eligibility review on Tuesday of the only application received to become a candidate for the post of chief executive. The review was concluded after the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) assessed and affirmed the nominated individual, namely in terms of his sincere support for the Macao SAR Basic Law and his loyalty to the People's Republic of China and its Macao SAR.

The notice included a list of 386 members of the Chief Executive Election Committee that had nominated Sam.

According to Macao SAR's Chief Executive Election Law, nominated candidates and members of the election committee may lodge appeals within one day of the notice. If no objections are received, the electoral commission will issue a notice announcing the final list of the accepted candidates for the chief executive election on Friday.

The election is due to be held on October 13.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on September 18, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 18, 2024 23:58

CCTV: Can you give us more details on the program of King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's visit to China? How does China view the current China-Malaysia relationship and what's China's expectation for the visit?

Lin Jian: China and Malaysia share time-honored friendship and are good neighbors and good partners who have always supported each other and pursued win-win cooperation. In March last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reached important common understandings on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, charting the course for the growth of bilateral relations in the new era. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, and Premier Li Qiang paid a successful official visit to Malaysia in June, injecting new impetus to the growth of China-Malaysia relations.

King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's upcoming visit is his first visit to a non-ASEAN country after he swore in. President Xi Jinping will hold a welcoming ceremony and a banquet for him, and the two heads of state will hold talks. Premier Li Qiang will meet with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim. China stands ready to work with Malaysia to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen the synergy of development strategies and expand mutually beneficial cooperation through this visit, in order to further enrich the China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership and strive for new progress in building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

Kyodo News: According to information released by the Japanese government, a student at a Japanese school in Shenzhen was stabbed by a man this morning and taken to hospital. Can you provide more details about the incident? This is the second attack against Japanese student in China this year. How does China view this kind of incident?a

Lin Jian: Asaweahavealearned,aon the morning of September 18, a ten-year-old student from theaShenzhen JapaneseaSchoolawas stabbed by a man at a spot about 200 meters from the school gate. The wounded student was immediately sent to hospital and is being rescued with all-out efforts. The perpetrator was caught at the scene. The case is under investigation,aandarelevantaauthoritiesaofaChinaawillahandleatheacase inaaccordanceawithalaw.a

TASS: The US army chief said earlier that the US is considering the possibility of deploying medium and short-range missiles in Japan. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment? If the US decides to do so, what joint measures can Russia and China take to ensure their own security?

Lin Jian: In recent years, the US has been hellbent on advancing military deployment, including Mid-Range Capability missile system, in the Asia-Pacific to pursue absolute military advantages. This move will heighten arms race, exacerbate regional tensions, threaten peace and security in this region, and disrupt global strategic balance and stability. China has made clear its opposition more than once.

We urge the US to give up its deployment plan, and call on relevant country to have a clear understanding of the real intention of the US, act prudently in fields related to military and security and take concrete actions to uphold regional and international peace and stability. China will keep a close eye on relevant developments, and firmly safeguard its security, rights and interests.

China News Service: It's reported that in a statement issued on September 17, US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that the US State Department approved a military sale to Taiwan of return, repair, and reshipment of spare parts for aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost totaling US$ 228 million. What's China's comments?

Lin Jian: The US's arms sale to China's Taiwan region seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, especially the August 17 CommuniquA of 1982. The sale severely undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, harms China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and sends a wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this, and has lodged strong protests to the US side. As a firm countermeasure, China has announced sanctions against nine US military companies.

The US's frequent arms sales to Taiwan embolden Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities as they cling to the stance of "Taiwan independence" and make deliberate provocations on the one-China principle. This once again shows that the separatist moves for "Taiwan independence" and connivance and support for such moves from US-led external forces are the biggest threat facing cross-Strait peace and stability and cause the greatest disruption to the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Let me be clear, the DPP authorities' attempt to seek independence through military buildup and what the US has done to assist that agenda will only backfire and lead nowhere.

The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. No one should underestimate China's firm determination and ability to oppose "Taiwan independence" and safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. China urges the US to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, immediately stop the dangerous trend of arming Taiwan, stop conniving at and supporting "Taiwan independence" forces, and stop endangering cross-Strait peace and stability. We will take strong and resolute measures to firmly defend our national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

AFP: Japan's Defense Ministry said today that China's Liaoning aircraft carrier entered the contiguous zone in Japan's Okinawa region. Can you confirm this? What is China's comment?

Lin Jian: I'd refer you to competent authorities for your question. Let me stress that relevant activities of China are consistent with China's domestic law and international law.

Beijing Youth Daily: The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) was held in Beijing from September 12 to 16. World leading companies as well as SMEs exhibited their latest outcomes, technologies and applications at CIFTIS and explored cooperation with potential partners. As global free trade faces both opportunities and challenges, how does China view the significance of such platforms to expanding high-standard opening up?

Lin Jian: It has been 12 years since CIFTIS was launched in 2012. Over the past decade and more, CIFTIS has attracted more than 900,000 exhibitors and audience from 197 countries and regions. In the same period of time, China's trade in services grew at an annual rate of 6.2 percent, higher than the global average. As President Xi Jinping noted in his congratulatory letter, CIFTIS 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.

CIFTIS is an epitome of China's commitment to high-standard opening up. On the one hand, China has opened its door wider to the world. We have set up 22 Pilot Free Trade Zones, established the Hainan Free Trade Port, and worked vigorously for the signing and entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. On the other hand, China has eased access for foreign businesses. We have cut short the negative list for foreign investment several times, and worked to eliminate all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector. We have also hosted a number of fairs, including the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo, contributing to global development through Chinese modernization.a

Openness makes China's super-sized market a strong magnet in global trade, and turns Chinese modernization into new opportunities for the world development. Since the founding of New China 75 years ago, especially the reform and opening up, China has explored paths of opening up to the wider world and actively engaged in international trade and economic cooperation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has been pursuing a more proactive strategy of opening up and working to build an open world economy. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China this year spelled out in detail the next steps in improving the institutions and mechanisms for high-standard opening up. We stand ready to continue working with other countries to ride on economic globalization, share opportunities, explore cooperation and promote development through opening up, and contribute our part to global modernization.

Bloomberg: An indictment announced recently by the US attorney claims that the employee of one of China's state-owned defense contractors tried to hack NASA, the US military and other targets to obtain computer software and source code. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Lin Jian: I'm not aware of the specifics.

Bloomberg: Chinese officials will be speaking with EU officials in Brussels and US officials here in Beijing about Chinese industrial capacity and export tariffs. What messages does China hope to convey and what is China hoping to achieve with the talks?

Lin Jian: I'd refer you to competent authorities for the specifics. Let me stress more broadly that this probe is a typical protectionist and politically-motivated move. It disrespects facts, ignores WTO rules, contravenes the trend of history, and undermines the EU's green transition process and global response to climate change. China has, since the very beginning, shown utmost sincerity, been committed to settling the issue through dialogue and consultation, and made flexible proposals. The EU, however, has on the one hand, claimed it is willing to resolve differences through dialogue, while on the other, turned down the Chinese side's offers time and again without putting any meaningful counter offer on the table. We hope the EU will show sincerity and take actions, and take a serious look at the Chinese EV sector's legitimate concerns and proposals. If the European Commission is bent on the wrong decision, China will take what is necessary to firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of our companies and the EV sector.

Regarding the dialogue between the Chinese and US economic authorities, I'd refer you to them.

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Too many Americans 'unjustly' jailed in China, lawmakers say

David Lin, 68, was released from a Chinese prison this week after 18 years. But many more remain.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.09.18 -- U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday urged the Biden administration to do more to bring home Americans unjustly imprisoned in China, as family members of the prisoners begged for help to secure their release.

The appeals were made at a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which came just three days after China's government released one American prisoner who had been imprisoned for almost two decades - the 68-year-old pastor David Lin.

"We're overjoyed for the Lin family," said the chair of the commission, Rep. Chris Smith, who is a Republican from New Jersey, before noting estimates there are some 300 more Americans in Chinese prisons.

"This is absolutely unacceptable," he said. "If the Chinese government wants to improve relations with the United States, they should release Americans who are wrongfully imprisoned without condition, and end the use of exit bans, a form of de facto hostage taking."

The commission heard from family members of those still imprisoned in China, each of whom said they felt "joy" upon hearing of the release of Lin on Sunday, even if it ultimately left them with a bittersweet feeling.

"Each time we get this news, it's a really complex mix of emotions," said Harrison Li, the son of Kai Li, a Chinese-born naturalized U.S. citizen from Long Island, New York, who was arrested in Shanghai in 2016 for "espionage" on a trip to mark his mother's death.

Li pointed to the recent release of Britney Griner and Paul Whelan from Russian prisons - as well as lower-profile cases of U.S. citizens being brought home from prisons in Afghanistan, Iran, Niger and Venezuela

"Of course, we're just so thrilled for these families," he said. "We know, of course, what it's like to have a loved one unjustly missing for so long, and to know that the family is finally being made whole."

"But at the same time," Li told the hearing, "it begs the question for us, 'What about my dad? When will it be his turn?'"

Lin's release 'not a coincidence'

Others told the hearing they believed American officials were not always doing enough to secure the release of their loved ones.

Peter Humphrey, a British former journalist and private investigator imprisoned in China from 2013 to 2015 for obtaining the private data of elite business people in China, said it was clear Beijing cared about its reputation and could be persuaded to release unjustly held Americans.

Lin was released by China on Sunday, he explained, "probably because of this imminent hearing on the calendar, which China was very well aware of," calling the timing "not a coincidence at all."

If U.S. officials more forcefully called out Beijing for arresting Americans for political, business or other illegitimate reasons, he said, Beijing could be forced to release more people.

"The U.S. government must end its policy of non-intervention in these judicial cases in China, and should intervene in them all," Humphrey said, adding Washington alone could hold such sway over Beijing.

"It has a duty of care to protect its citizens against abusive dictatorships, and their so-called judicial systems," he said. "It can lead the world in this pushback like no other country can."

Fake contest

The commission also heard from Tim Hunt, the brother of Dawn Michelle Hunt, who said his 53-year-old sister was tricked both into thinking she won a contest to visit China and then into agreeing to take luggage out of the country that was lined with methamphetamine.

The scam started, he said, when she received an email that said she had won an "all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong." After traveling to Hong Kong and enjoying the trip, she was invited to mainland China. There, she was asked if she wanted to extend her trip to Australia.

"She was told that she had also won some designer purses," he said, noting the purses were lined with drugs. "It was at the airport, waiting to board her Australian flight, that she was called by airport security."

"This could happen to a lot of people," said Hunt, a retired Chicago police officer. "She was duped, she was scammed. She trusted the wrong people, but she doesn't deserve this. My sister is trusting and believes people are good."

Through tears, Hunt, whose father last week told The New York Times that he believed his daughter had been mistreated and raped in the prison, said the case "isn't political."

"I'm just asking, as a brother, just bring my sister home," he said.

A similar case was detailed by Nelson Wells Sr., the father of Nelson Wells Jr., who was sentenced to 22 years in prison after being caught trying to leave China in 2014 with baked goods containing drugs.

Wells Sr. said his son agreed to take the baked goods out of China as a favor for a friend, who asked him to relay them to another friend.

"For that one mistake - that one betrayal - none of our lives will ever be the same," Wells Sr. said, adding he had not seen his son since.

"We are asking, we are pleading, with this commission, with Congress, with the administration and with the Chinese government, to work together on behalf of our son to create a pathway for outright release, or prisoner transfer to a home prison," he said.

High priority

Smith, the chair of the commission, said the cases of the prisoners should be made a priority for the Biden administration in its dealings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials in Beijing.

"The release of American citizens should be the first thing President Biden says to ... Xi Jinping whenever they talk," Smith said. "Their names should be said so often that Xi Jinping memorizes them."

Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Massachusetts Democrat who co-chairs the commision, said he hoped for more good news in the near future.

"We're joyful that David Lin has been released," Merkley told the hearing, "but we want a celebration for each of your families."

Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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North Korea launches multiple short-range ballistic missiles: Seoul

Missile tests come after the North unveiled a uranium enrichment facility last week.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.17 -- North Korea test fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles in a northeastern direction on Wednesday, South Korea's military said, just days after the North unveiled a uranium enrichment facility.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff, or JCS, said it detected the launches at about 6:50 a.m. from the North's Kaechon area in South Pyongan Province, north of the capital Pyongyang. It said they traveled about 400 kilometers (250 miles), without providing further details. North Korea had not confirmed the launches at time of publication.

Japan's Ministry of Defense also confirmed that North Korea launched an object that could be a ballistic missile, and said it was believed to have landed in the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

"While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance against additional launches, our military will share North Korean ballistic missile information with the U.S. and Japanese sides and maintain a full readiness posture," said the South Korean JCS.

The missiles fired by North Korea are believed to be a similar variant to the modified version of the SRBM KN-23 series that it launched on July 1, according to a military source.

At the time, North Korea said the two launches were tests of the "new tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpo-11Da-4.5".

Last week, the North unveiled details of its uranium enrichment facility for the first time, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for increasing the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment so it can increase its nuclear arsenal for self-defense.

A uranium enrichment facility produces highly enriched uranium by spinning it in centrifuges at high speeds. This enriched uranium is a critical component in the production of nuclear warheads.

The North did not reveal the location of the facility, but South Korea and the United States believe it operates uranium enrichment facilities at the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang and at the Yongbyon nuclear site.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Following North Korea's ballistic missile launches on 18 September, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson gave a statement.

18 September 2024

An FCDO spokesperson said:

North Korea's ballistic missile launches on 18 September are another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges North Korea to stop such provocations, to engage in meaningful diplomacy and accept offers of dialogue.
DPRK Missile Administration and Academy of Defence Sciences Make Public Important Scientific Research Achievements

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, September 19 (KCNA) -- The Missile Administration of the DPRK successfully conducted test-fires of the new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 and an improved strategic cruise missile on Wednesday.

The new-type tactical ballistic missile was tipped with a 4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead according to design.

Its test-fire was aimed at verifying the accuracy of hit at medium range of 320 km and explosive power of the super-large warhead with a missile loaded with such a warhead.

The administration also conducted a test-fire of strategic cruise missile whose performance has been highly upgraded for its combat use.

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, guided the test-fires.

He expressed great satisfaction over the test results.

He said that such tests and steady improvement of performance of weapons and equipment through them are directly related to the grave threat of outside forces to the state security environment of the DPRK.

The military and political situation in the region threatening the present state security environment indicates that the work for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence should be the most important affair of the country, he said.

Our military superiority proved once again today is enough to judge the speed of development of the DPRK's armed forces, he said, stressing the need to continue to bolster up the nuclear force and have the strongest military technical capability and overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional weapons, too.

Only when we have strong power, can we contain and frustrate the enemies' strategic misjudgment and will to use armed forces, he said, adding this is a true deterrent for defending peace and stability.

He also oversaw several kinds of small arms including a 7.62 mm sniper rifle and a 5.56 mm automatic rifle developed by the Academy of Defence Sciences and set forth the orientation of production and the important tasks for further increasing technical foundation of the factory.

Accompanying him were Pak Jong Chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK and secretary of the C.C., WPK, Jo Chun Ryong, secretary of the C.C., WPK, Kim Jong Sik, first vice department director of the C.C., WPK, Jang Chang Ha, director general of the Missile Administration of the DPRK, Ri Chang Ho, deputy chief of the General Staff and director of the General Reconnaissance Bureau of the Korean People's Army, Kim Yong Bok, deputy chief of the KPA General Staff, Kim Kang Il, vice-minister of National Defence of the DPRK, and Kim Yong Hwan, president of the Academy of Defence Sciences. -0-

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Germany Federal Foreign Office

18.09.2024 - Press release

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued the following statement on Germany's Arctic policy guidelines, adopted by Cabinet today (18 September).

The Arctic is the natural barometer for measuring global climate change - and so much more. When the ice melts in the Arctic, sea levels rise in EckernfArde, St. Peter-Ording and WarnemAnde. The potential consequences are dramatic: flooding, environmental damage, vast tracts of land made uninhabitable. The climate crisis is particularly evident in the Arctic, since the region is warming at up to four times the pace of other world regions, and this has a significant global impact.

At the same time, the Arctic is of key importance for our security here in Europe. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has also changed the geopolitical environment in the High North on a permanent basis. Russia is reinforcing its strategic presence in the region and is behaving increasingly aggressively towards the NATO states that border the Arctic. China, too, is investing ever more economic and scientific resources in the Arctic, whilst developing capabilities that could be put to military use.

For these reasons, we are now adapting our Arctic policy to bring it into alignment with our National Security Strategy. We choose close cooperation with our NATO allies and partners in the region who share our values, in order to respond to the increased security challenges and to defend the international rules-based order in the Arctic as we do elsewhere. We are committed to a systematic climate and environmental protection policy in the Arctic with the aim of keeping the 1.5 degree target within reach. We call for clear rules on the environmentally responsible extraction of raw materials. And we support the indigenous peoples who live in the Arctic.

In the Arctic in particular, scientific cooperation is of singular importance, be it on research into the atmosphere, the ice, the sea or the coasts. The Alfred Wegner Institute is a true flagship of Germany's Arctic research. It provides vital findings on the changes occurring in this unique environment and links up international partners worldwide. For what happens in the Arctic concerns us all.

It is clear to us that security and stability in the Arctic make themselves felt far beyond the region, whose unique environment is something we want to develop sustainably and protect as best we can.
Germany's Arctic policy guidelines: Germany and the Arctic in the context of climate change and the Zeitenwende

Germany Federal Foreign Office

18.09.2024 - Article

On 18 September 2024, the federal cabinet adopted the new interministerial Arctic policy guidelines. Their clear aim is to safeguard security and stability in the Arctic.

The guidelines determine the direction of German Arctic policy in international negotiating platforms, especially as an observer state in the Arctic Council. Furthermore, they offer clear orientation for future research activities with German involvement and for economic activities by German companies in the Arctic.

The content of Germany's new Arctic policy guidelines at a glance:

Safeguarding of security and stability in the Arctic and strengthening of security policy engagement within the NATO and EU frameworks

Defence of the rules-based international order and strengthening of resilience in the Arctic

Commitment to systematic climate and environmental protection in line with the Paris Agreement

Preservation and expansion of responsible research as the basis for political action

Sustainable development of the Arctic in line with the precautionary and polluter-pays principles

Consistent involvement of the indigenous population and the safeguarding of their rights to freedom, good health and self-determination in their habitat.

Info

Germany's new Arctic policy guidelines focus on regional and international security; defence of the international rules-based order and international cooperation; climate action and environmental protection; science and research; sustainable development; and the safeguarding of the rights of the indigenous population in the Arctic.

Developments in the Arctic have a global impact

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the resulting Zeitenwende have fundamentally altered the geopolitical environment for Germany's and Europe's Arctic policy. At the same time, China is increasing its strategic presence and its cooperation with Russia in the Arctic. This makes it all the more urgent to consider the questions arising from climate change and the accelerated melting of ice in relation to new sea routes and access to raw materials in the Arctic.

It is in Germany's interest to safeguard security and stability in the Arctic. To this end, Germany must defend the rules-based order in the Arctic. This is the basis for Germany's contribution to the best possible protection for the Arctic ecosystem and to the sustainable development of the region. When implementing measures, the interests of the people living in the Arctic region must be taken into consideration and the rights of indigenous peoples protected.



Info

Germany's new Arctic policy guidelines were drawn up at interministerial level under the auspices of the Federal Foreign Office. They bring together the Arctic policies of the different ministries and set out the German Government's strategic goals in the Arctic.

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Canada imposes further sanctions against Iran

Global Affairs Canada

News release

September 18, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

Today's announcement follows the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman, who died while in the custody of Iran's so-called morality police on September 16, 2022. Iranian authorities had detained her for allegedly violating the country's strict dress code.

The sanctions apply to five Iranian political figures responsible for the design and implementation of repressive policies, including the violent repression of protesters.

The five individuals are:

Mohammad Mokhber

Gholam Hossein Esmaili

Seyyed Masoud Mirkazemi

Siamak Rahpeik

Ahmad-Reza Radan

Canada is imposing these sanctions in coordination with Australia and the United States. The three countries are taking similar action this week in response to the acceleration of Iran's repressive measures against women and its brutal crackdown on citizen demonstrations, as well as its ongoing grave breach of international peace and security.

Canada will continue to increase pressure on Iran and implement further measures for as long as Iran continues its abhorrent conduct. Canada's measures includes designating Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism under the State Immunity Act, listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code and implementing sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act and the United Nations Act to impose dealing restrictions and freeze assets held in Canada.

Quotes

"Today's sanctions send another clear message to Iran: We cannot and will not remain silent while Iran continues its disregard for the human rights of its people. Canada and its allies will not hesitate to take action against Iran's repressive and discriminatory laws and policies targeted at women, girls and minorities." - MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

With these new measures, Canada has sanctioned a total of 205 Iranian individuals and 250 Iranian entities.

In 2012, Canada designated Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. Along with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, this listing allows victims to bring civil action against Iran for losses or damages from acts of terrorism with links to Iran committed anywhere in the world.

In November 2022, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has engaged in terrorism and systematic and gross human rights violations pursuant to subparagraph 35(1)(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This means that tens of thousands of senior members of the Iranian regime, including many members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), are inadmissible to Canada.

In June 2024, Canada listed the IRGC as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code in response to its terrorist acts both on its own and in knowing association with listed terrorist entities, such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

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Canada imposes further sanctions against Iran

Global Affairs Canada

Backgrounder

Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against Iran by listing 5 Iranian individuals directly responsible for the implementation of Iran's repressive and discriminatory laws and policies targeted at women, girls and minorities.

Canadian measures

The Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations impose a prohibition on dealings related to the listed individuals, effectively freezing any assets they may have in Canada. Persons in Canada and Canadians outside the country are prohibited from dealing in the property of the listed individuals, and the listed individuals are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The specific prohibitions are set out in the regulations.

The names of the individuals added to the schedule of these regulations are the following:

Mohammad Mokhber, former first vice president and former caretaker president

Gholam Hossein Esmaili, former chief of staff of the president

Seyyed Masoud Mirkazemi, former vice president and head of budget and planning organization

Siamak Rahpeik, Deputy Secretary of the Guardian Council

Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Radan, Chief of Law Enforcement Command

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Some JCPOA parties fail to live up to their commitments: Iranian official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi has said that some of the parties to the Iran nuclear deal called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) continue to fail to fulfill their promises and live up to their commitments.

Kamalvandi made the comment on Wednesday in a meeting with a senior official of the Italian foreign ministry in Vienna, on the sidelines of the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Iranian official said that the friendly country of Italy is expected to elaborate on Iran's stance during meetings by European states.

He also said Iran is subject to most of regular inspections by the IAEA, adding that the country's nuclear program is transparent.

The Italian official said on his part that ties between Tehran and Rome are historical, and that Italy's policy is based on dAtente. Therefore, he added, Italy will make efforts to bring forward Iran's stance at European meetings.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kamalvandi also met with representatives of Russia's Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, discussing scientific and technical cooperation.

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US reacts to Iranian president's call for end to hostile approach

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 18, 2024

New York, IRNA -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's remarks about Washington's vicious policies in the Wes Asia region and his call for Americans "to end their hostility since the Iranian nation is not hostile to them" have prompted reactions from the US State Department spokesman.

According to IRNA, Matthew Miller, in response to Pezeshkian's statements, said on Tuesday local time that the United States judges the performance of the Iranian government, not their statements.

We definitely have extensive relations with the Iranian people and a large community of Iranians live in America, which we think is a very big event," the spokesperson replied but reiterated old anti-Iran rhetoric: "if they want to show brotherhood with America or other world countries, they should stop supporting terrorist groups and intensifying nuclear activities, prevent the transfer of missiles to Russia, and respect human rights".

Miller reacted to a journalist's question about the words of the Iranian president that "we [Iranians] are not hostile toward the US, they should end their hostility toward us by showing their goodwill in practice, we are brothers".

Pezeshkian also highlighted how the US imposed all sort of problems on Iran under the pretext of protecting Israel. "They established the Zionist regime in the region and armed it to the teeth, then they tell us that you should not have any weapons so that the Zionists can bomb us whenever they want."

The Iranian president made the comments during his first press conference ahead of his upcoming trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where, he will "defend the rights of Iranians" who he said have always been "peace lovers" not "warmongers".

In response to a question about the possibility of a meeting with his American counterpart, Pezeshkian said that they must first prove their brotherhood.

4399

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U.S. Imposes Fresh Sanctions On 12 Individuals Over Violent Repression In Iran

By RFE/RL September 18, 2024

The United States on September 18 issued a new round of sanctions on 12 individuals who it said were tied to Iran's "ongoing, violent repression" inside and outside the country.

Both the Treasury Department and the State Department noted that the sanctions come two years after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody and a crackdown on the protests that followed.

Amini had been detained by Iran's "morality police" for allegedly improperly wearing her hijab, or head scarf. Within hours of her detention, she was hospitalized in a coma and died a few days later.

Since Amini's "senseless killing in the custody of Iran's so-called Morality Police, the Iranian regime has continued to systematically violate the human rights of the Iranian people," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in a statement.

The protest that followed her death against the regime's mandatory hijab laws sparked the Women, Life, Freedom movement, which the government responded to "with brutal suppression, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and other acts of repression," Miller said.

Bradley T. Smith, acting undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement that despite the Iranian people's peaceful calls for reform, Iran's leaders have "doubled down on the regime's well-worn tactics of violence and coercion."

The sanctions target members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Iranian prison officials, "and those responsible for lethal operations overseas," the statement said.

Iran's security forces, including the IRGC and its Basij paramilitary force, led the crackdown on protests in cities all over Iran, the department said. It added that IRGC units used lethal force against protesters, arrested people for political expression, and attempted to intimidate the Iranian people through violence.

Among the 12 targeted by the new sanctions are Hamid Khorramdel, who serves as the commander of the IRGC's Fatah Corps of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, which the Treasury Department said suppressed demontrations in 2019 and 2022 by arresting and detaining protesters.

Also named is Mustafa Bazvand, commander of the IRGC and Basij Resistance Force in Mazandaran Province's Babolsar county. Forces under Bazvand's command led the regime's crackdown in Babolsar in October 2022, killing at least one individual and arresting several journalists covering the violence, the department said.

The Treasury Department designated the IRGC, Basij, and Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) for sanctions in June 2011 in connection with human rights abuses and violent actions in the wake of Iran's disputed 2009 presidential election.

The sanctions freeze any assets the individuals hold in U.S. jurisdiction and bar U.S. persons from dealing with them.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-amini-women-sanctions- treasury-state-repression/33125241.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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Iranian-American Freed In Prisoner Exchange Accuses Iran Of 'Selling' Its Own People

By Hannah Kaviani September 18, 2024

Siamak Namazi, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arbitrarily arrested while visiting his native country of Iran for a memorial service in 2015.

Subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison for "collaborating with a foreign government," unclear charges he denied, Namazi ended up being the longest-held Iranian-American prisoner until his release along with four other Americans last year in a controversial prisoner exchange.

In a rare interview with RFE/RL's Radio Farda ahead of the anniversary of his September 18, 2023, release, Namazi described the ill-treatment and interrogations he endured at Tehran's Evin prison during his eight years of incarceration and his mixed feelings upon being freed after being held "hostage" by Iran.

"I was in disbelief. I was both very happy to be released and deeply troubled that I was being traded like a slave," Namazi said. "I consider myself a child of Iran and an adopted child of the United States. I love both countries and tried to be a good citizen to both."

Incredible Yet Sad

Namazi said that while the feeling of being freed "was incredible," he was also stepping into a world that "no longer felt familiar."

"There was also a deep sadness that it ended this way," he said of a process in which he felt he was denied justice by a system trying to profit from his imprisonment.

"I served eight out of a 10-year sentence before being exchanged. I lost Iran in the process. Eight years of prison, filled with harsh treatments," Namazi recalled, describing his incarceration in one of the most notoriously harsh wards of Evin prison.

"It wasn't normal. I spent 27 months in ward '2A,' where those who were detained and interrogated [know what it's like]. I was interrogated for more than two years."

He initially struggled to convince his guards and some of his fellow inmates that he was a "real" Iranian and that his treatment was unjust.

About six weeks prior to being flown out of Iran, Namazi was released from Evin prison and taken to a highly secured hotel in central Tehran.

Under constant watch by members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Namazi and the four other U.S. citizens who would be part of a prisoner swap awaited their fate under what he described as ridiculous circumstances.

"Some of their actions, you don't know whether to laugh or cry," he said of his IRGC guards.

The guards would not tell the prisoners where they were, and made it clear that "if anyone found out where we were, they'd move us," Namazi said.

Iran's judiciary had ordered that the prisoners be fitted with ankle monitors and allowed to move within a 1-kilometer radius, but the IRGC was wary that hackers would be able to determine their location.

And while the IRGC wanted no attention paid to the prisoners, when they were eventually allowed to move around, they were followed closely by IRGC members whose distinctive presence drew public attention, Namazi says.

Controversial Exchange

Namazi and the four other Americans -- Morad Tahbaz, an environmental activist detained in 2018; Emad Shargi, arrested while visiting Iran in 2018, and two others not publicly named -- were ultimately freed in exchange for the release of around $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets.

The funds were transferred to Qatar where they were to be closely supervised and released only on condition that they be used for humanitarian purposes.

After Hamas -- a U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist group with ties to Iran -- carried out a deadly assault on Israel on October 7, the deal came under heavy criticism that it was aiding Iran's regional ambitions. Shortly afterward, the United States and Qatar agreed to deny Iran access to the $6 billion.

Under the deal that led to the release of the five Americans, clemency was also granted to five Iranians or Iranian-Americans who had been charged or convicted in the United States of violating sanctions against Iran. Some with U.S. citizenship were allowed the possibility of remaining in the United States.

"From the perspective of the Islamic republic, we were like $6 billion walking on two legs," Namazi said. "That's why there was such bizarre protection over us. It's kind of funny; there's always some comedy and absurdity in their system. On one hand, they play these spy games, and on the other, we had to eat in the hotel lobby. Where else could we go?"

After being denied the right to leave the hotel for weeks, Nazami was eventually allowed two nights a week to visit Saei Park, which abuts Tehran's Valiasr Street, the scene of unprecedented antiestablishment protests that had erupted in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.

On the anniversary of Amini's September 16 death in police custody for allegedly improperly wearing her hijab, Namazi saw ordinary Iranians singing protest songs and got to see the reactions of his IRGC guards.

"We had a guard who was twice my size, a true giant," Namazi recalled. "He said: 'Siamak, can people in your country protest and not get told off?'"

Namazi was incredulous at the idea that he was not considered to be an Iranian by his captors.

"I said, let's start from here; what do you mean by 'your country'? You weren't even born when I grew up in this park," Namazi said he told the guard. "I truly grew up in Saei Park. I have childhood memories of every inch of this park since before you even existed. I was born in Apadana Hospital. What do you mean?"

Namazi said he demanded that the guard declare that "this place belongs to Siamak" or he would begin shouting. "You need to understand that you are selling out a child of Iran," he told the guard, who declared his innocence.

"You're responsible for protection, for transport. You have a role in this ugly historical act," Namazi responded.

While on a trip to Iran to see his imprisoned son in 2016, Siamak's father, Baquer, was also arbitrarily detained, sentenced, and imprisoned for allegedly cooperating with U.S. intelligence agencies to spy on Iran. Baquer, at the age of 85, was released in October 2022 for medical treatment as the antiestablishment protests were spreading across Iran.

'Us And Them'

The younger Namazi, who just turned 53, says that he had been accustomed to being seen as an outsider while living in Africa in his youth with his father, a former provincial governor in Iran prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and a representative for UNICEF who worked in Kenya, Somalia, and Egypt.

"This philosophy of 'us and them' gets so thick that it enables you to bring calamity upon another human being," Namazi said. "To do these things to another human, you have to strip them of their humanity. They don't see him as a human. And in the Islamic republic, what happens is that we have these circles of 'us and them.' The interrogators certainly saw us as 'them.'"

It did not matter if "you were Iranian or not," Namazi said, adding that his interrogator "knew that at least 99 percent of what he was saying was completely fabricated."

Since his release, Namazi has strongly advocated for the release of other prisoners, including the Swedish-Iranian physician Ahmadreza Djalali, held by the Iranian authorities. His year out of prison has left Namazi with a message for Tehran, which he said had made the "selling" of its own people, like himself, "routine."

"Don't trade them. Don't barter them," Namazi said of Iranians with foreign citizenship who remain imprisoned under false pretexts in Iran.

"Release them using the laws of the Islamic republic, then we can sit down and talk, and in my opinion, this is a very reasonable starting point."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-prisoner-swap- united-states-namazi/33123793.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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Sanctioning Iranian Officials in Connection with Human Rights Violations

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

September 18, 2024

The United States is today designating 12 individuals in connection with Iran's violent and coercive tactics, both inside and outside Iran. We are taking these actions in coordination with Australia and Canada, who are each also rolling out new sanctions this week against those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran.

Today's actions target members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, officials of Iran's Prisons Organization, and those responsible for lethal operations overseas. Certain individuals sanctioned today were responsible for human rights abuses, including those involving the deaths and violent repression of prisoners protesting their conditions, the use of torture and sexual assault against prisoners, the denial of medical care to political prisoners, and the kidnapping of regime critics abroad.

In the two years since Mahsa Zhina Amini's senseless killing in the custody of Iran's so-called Morality Police, the Iranian regime has continued to systematically violate the human rights of the Iranian people. Mahsa's arrest and death for challenging the regime's mandatory hijab laws sparked a nationwide movement and call: "Woman, Life, Freedom". The Iranian government responded to this movement with brutal suppression, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and other acts of repression. The United States remains committed to exposing and sanctioning Iranian officials responsible for human rights abuses.

Our sanctions actions are just one of the many ways the United States supports the human rights of the Iranian people. This past year, the United States led the effort to renew the mandates of the UN Special Rapporteur and Fact-Finding Mission on the human rights situation in Iran, ensuring documentation and future accountability for the Iranian regimes' crimes against its people. We also continue to ensure millions of Iranians have access to the global internet through support for anti-censorship tools, which enable the Iranian people to exercise their fundamental freedoms of expression and speech.

The voices of the Iranian people demanding basic freedoms deserve to be heard. The United States will continue to work with our allies and partners to promote accountability for the regime's human rights abuses.

The Department of the Treasury sanctions actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13553 . For more information, see Treasury's press release.

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Treasury Sanctions Iranian Officials Connected to Human Rights Violations

U.S. Department of the Treasury

September 18, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating 12 individuals in connection with the Iranian regime's ongoing, violent repression of the Iranian people, both within Iran's borders and abroad. These designations target members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), officials of Iran's Prisons Organization, and those responsible for lethal operations overseas. Today's action is being taken in coordination with Canada and Australia, which have also unveiled new sanctions against those connected to human rights abuses in Iran.

"Two years have now passed since Mahsa Amini's tragic death in the custody of Iran's so-called 'Morality Police,' and, despite the Iranian people's peaceful calls for reform, Iran's leaders have doubled down on the regime's well-worn tactics of violence and coercion," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States, along with our allies and partners, will continue to take action to expose and hold accountable those responsible for carrying out the Iranian regime's cruel agenda."

Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13553, which imposes sanctions on certain persons with respect to serious human rights abuses by the Government of Iran.

Security forces

Iran's security forces, including the IRGC and its Basij paramilitary force, have led the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests. In cities all over Iran, IRGC units have used lethal force against protestors, arrested people for political expression, and attempted to intimidate the Iranian people through violence. Treasury designated the IRGC, Basij, and Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) pursuant to E.O. 13553 on June 9, 2011 in connection with the security forces' human rights abuses, including violent actions taken by them in the wake of Iran's disputed 2009 presidential election.

Hamid Khorramdel (Khorramdel) serves as the commander of the IRGC's Fatah Corps of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, which, under his leadership and in coordination with the LEF and the Basij, suppressed protests in 2019 and 2022 by arresting and detaining protesters. During the 2022 crackdown, IRGC forces under Khorramdel's command were responsible for arresting and coercing confessions from activists.

Mustafa Bazvand (Bazvand) serves as the commander of the IRGC and Basij Resistance Force in Mazandaran province's Babolsar county. During nationwide protests in October 2022, forces under Bazvand's command led the regime's crackdown in Babolsar, killing at least one individual and arresting several journalists covering the violence.

Ali Malek-Shahkoui (Malek-Shahkoui) serves as the commander of the IRGC's Golestan Corps of Golestan province. Malek-Shakhoui orchestrated the IRGC's response to the 2022 protests in Golestan, where troops under his command violently suppressed protests and arrested demonstrators.

Saeed Beheshti-Rad (Beheshti-Rad) serves as the deputy coordinator of the IRGC's Hazrat Nabi Akram Corps in Kermanshah province. Forces under Beheshti-Rad's command were responsible for the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors during nationwide protests in both 2019 and 2022. Beheshti-Rad's forces were responsible for the arrest of many protestors, who Behesthi-Rad falsely accused of being "foreign spies" or members of "anti-revolutionary" groups.

Khorramdel, Bazvand, Malek-Shahkoui, and Beheshti-Rad are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13553 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the IRGC.

SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN IRANIAN PRISONS

Many of those who protested against the Iranian regime in 2019 and 2022 found themselves ensnared in Iran's prison system, which is notorious for its cruelty and wanton disregard for the welfare of its charges.

Ali Abdi (Abdi) has served as the Director-General of South Khorasan Province Prisons since July 2022. During Abdi's tenure, numerous prisoners at Birjand Central Prison in South Khorasan Province have been executed for drug offenses other than those that would allow the death penalty. Consistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the death penalty may only be imposed for the most serious crimes and can only be carried out pursuant to a final judgment rendered by a competent court. Others have died due to lack of medical care. A disproportionately high number of those executed belong to Iran's oppressed Baluch minority group.

Reports from South Khorasan prisons indicate that prison officials have executed prisoners without proper due process of law, and without prior notification to the prisoners' legal counsel or family. In one case, a Baluchi prisoner was executed by Birjand Central Prison officials despite a recommendation by Iran's Revolutionary Court for the inmate's case to be referred for commutation of the death penalty.

Alireza Babaei Farsani (Farsani) has acted as the Director-General of Isfahan Province Prisons since June 2021. In December 2022, it was revealed the Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi had been subjected to torture or other ill-treatment for weeks in Isfahan Central Prison with the goal of forcing him into a televised confession.

In Dolatabad Women's Prison, also in Isfahan province, prison officials have tasked inmates with torturing and harassing other prisoners, particularly those incarcerated for political offenses. Prison leadership has similarly engaged in systematic corruption and sexual violence, including the prostituting of inmates.

Ahmad Reza Azadeh (Azadeh) serves as the head of Sepidar Prison and between 2019 and 2023 served as the head of Shiban Prison, both of which are located in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province. Inmates under Azadeh's administration include those who were arrested during the late 2022 nationwide protests following Mahsa Zhina Amini's death. At least one is facing imminent execution for participating in these protests under spurious charges, including being responsible for the death of a child, which eyewitnesses attributed to Iranian security forces.

During Azadeh's time as head of Shiban Prison, prison guards on several occasions used live ammunition and tear gas on prisoners protesting inadequate conditions in the prison. Prisoners in Shiban Prison were subject to torture and other ill-treatment, denied medical care, and blamed for the deaths of prisoners killed by security forces.

Gholamreza Roshan (Roshan) has acted as the Director-General of Khuzestan Province Prisons since July 2022. In prisons under Roshan's oversight, including Shiban Prison in Ahvaz, political prisoners have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment and denied necessary medical treatment. Prisons officials in Shiban Prison have profited from the sale of addictive drugs to inmates, particularly those convicted under political offenses.

Abdi, Farsani, Azadeh, and Roshan are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13553 for being a person acting on behalf of the Government of Iran (including members of paramilitary organizations) who is responsible for or complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights abuses against persons in Iran or Iranian citizens or residents, or the family members of the foregoing, on or after June 12, 2009, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Iran.

EXTERNAL PLOTTING

Yahya Hosseini Panjaki (Panjaki) serves as the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) deputy intelligence minister for internal security affairs, where he oversees the Iranian regime's efforts to assassinate Iranian dissidents abroad. Panjaki has been linked to multiple MOIS-sponsored plots carried out in coordination with narcotics traffickers and terrorist groups, including Hizballah. Panjaki played a role in the attempted bombing of a gathering of Iranian dissidents in Paris, among other operations in Europe.

Panjaki is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13553 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the MOIS. MOIS was designated pursuant to E.O. 13553 on February 16, 2012 for its central role in perpetrating human rights abuses against the citizens of Iran on or after June 12, 2009. MOIS officials have previously been designated for their role in in kidnapping and assassination plots against U.S. citizens and Iranian dissidents who have fled Iran.

Javad Ghaffarhaddadi (Ghaffarhaddadi), known also as Javad Ghaffari,serves the head of the IRGC-Intelligence Organization's Special Operations division, a position he has held since at least early 2022. The IRGC-IO has played a key role in targeting critics of the Iranian regime abroad, including the 2019 kidnapping of France-based journalist and political refugee Ruhollah Zam, which ultimately led to his execution in Iran. The IRGC-IO has played a similar role at home, detaining and interrogating Iranians that have taken part in protests against the regime. An IRGC-IO operative who had been working with the U.S.-designated, Iran-backed terrorist organization Harakat al-Nujaba was arrested in Iraq recently in connection with the November 2022 murder in Baghdad of a U.S. citizen, educator Stephen Troell.

Ghaffarhaddadi is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13553 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the IRGC. The IRGC-IO was designated pursuant to E.O. 14078 on April 27, 2023 for its role in the hostage-taking or wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Iran.

Hamid Zareikajosangi (Zareikajosangi), known also as Hamid Zera'ati or Hamid Zera'i, is a field operative who is part of the IRGC-QF's infamous Department 840. He has been involved in recruiting for the IRGC-QF since at least 2021, including recruitment of a known cyber activist and recruiting Department 840 assets outside of Iran.

Zareikajosangiis being designated pursuant to E.O. 13553 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the IRGC-QF.

Mahmud Baghlani (Baghlani) is an IRGC affiliate who is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13553 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the IRGC.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the individuals and entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFAC's sanctions generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within the United States (including transactions transiting the United States) that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated persons.

Non-U.S. persons are prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the individuals or entities designated today may themselves be exposed to designation. Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or provides significant financial services for any of the individuals or entities designated today could be subject to U.S. correspondent or payable-through account sanctions.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for identifying information on the individuals and entities designated today.

###

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US urged to abandon its missile system deployment plan in Japan, 'will seriously heighten regional tensions'

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 19, 2024 12:37 AM

China urged the US to abandon its plan to deploy intermediate-range and short-range missile systems in Japan and called on relevant countries to recognize the US' true intentions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

The Japan Times reported in early September that the US has expressed an interest in deploying a midrange missile system to Japan for joint military drills.

In recent years, the US has been pursuing absolute military superiority, advancing military deployments in the Asia-Pacific region, including the intermediate-range missile system. The move will exacerbate an arms race, seriously heighten regional tensions, threaten peace and security in the region, and undermine global strategic balance and stability, Lin said at the routine press briefing.

The spokesperson said that China has repeatedly made clear its firm opposition on this. China urged relevant countries to act with caution and prudence concerning the issues of military security, taking concrete actions to maintain regional and international peace and stability, Lin said.

China will closely monitor the relevant developments and resolutely safeguard its own security interests, Lin noted.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, in July urged the US and the Philippines to immediately withdraw the Typhon missile system and never deploy it again, Xinhua reported.

The system is "a strategic offensive weapon reminiscent of the Cold War," and should never have been deployed in this region, said Zhang at a press conference on July 12, noting that "forcing its allies and partners onto the US war chariot will only lead to tensions and confrontation."

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Myanmar rebels kill 12 women from pro-military village: report

The women were ambushed as they were going to work in their fields, pro-military media said.

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.18 -- Rebel forces in central Myanmar ambushed a vehicle near a junta stronghold killing 12 women on their way to work in nearby fields, military-controlled media reported on Wednesday.

No group claimed responsibility for the Tuesday attack in the Sagaing region but anti-junta activists there have set up groups, known as People's Defense Forces, or PDFs, that launch ambushes and raids on military posts in their campaign against the junta that seized power in 2021.

The women were on their way to work near Kywei Pon village when attackers opened fire with guns and a rocket launcher, the Myanmar Alin newspaper reported. Three wounded women were being treated in hospital.

Armed people in the women's vehicle returned fire before soldiers arrived, said one Kywei Pon resident, who declined to be identified for safety reasons.

"Not long after the junta army arrived and took the injured away with emergency vehicles," said the resident.

There was no information about any casualties among the attackers.

Many supporters of the junta, including members of militias that help the military, live in Kywei Pon so PDFs attack it often, the resident added.

One PDF member in Sagaing, who also declined to be identified for safety reasons, told Radio Free Asia that anti-junta forces were not involved in the attack although he acknowledged he did not know details of the incident.

The military was mounting security operations in response, the Myanmar Alin reported. Residents said the military fired artillery into Taung Kyar village nearby in the belief that PDF members were stationed there. There were no reports of casualties.

Residents of other villages in the vicinity fled from their homes late on Tuesday in fear of more attacks by junta forces, residents said.

Sagaing has seen some of Myanmar's worst violence since the military took power three years ago, with clashes and airstrikes killing hundreds. Thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting.

Seven of Sagaing's PDFs, which are loosely organized under a civilian shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, are under investigation by the NUG for alleged human rights violations.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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UN report describes torture and death of hundreds in custody since Myanmar coup

Freed detainees report being raped, beaten with motorcycle chains, electrocuted and scalded with boiling water.

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.18 -- At least 1,853 people have died in military custody, including 88 children and 125 women, since Myanmar's military coup - many after being tortured - according to a new U.N. report on the situation of human rights in the country.

Released detainees described a litany of abuses, from being beaten with iron poles and motorcycle chains and being forced to kneel on sharp objects to being raped or getting their fingernails ripped out.

The violence is yet another example of atrocities committed by the junta since taking over the country in a February 2021 coup d'etat, in addition to those perpetrated on civilians across the country.

The number of deaths in custody amounts to an average of four people dying every day for over three years, representing 35% of 5,350 total verified civilian deaths since the coup, said the report, published Tuesday by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The report found that, within the context of raids or ground operations, killings generally occurred within the initial 48 hours of detention, listing "point-blank headshots, executions of handcuffed individuals, and burning of people" as the most common causes of deaths.

A lack of access, communications restrictions and possible military attempts at concealing deaths mean that the number could be higher, it added.

In formal places of detention, most deaths resulted from ill-treatment or lack of adequate healthcare, it said, adding that numerous interviews confirmed deaths of detainees during interrogation, and noted that officials had cremated bodies, "which could conceal the fact of death and destroy other evidence."

Gruesome list

The U.N. Human Rights Office found that torture and ill-treatment in military custody "has continued to be pervasive," including both physical and psychological abuse, by officials attempting to obtain information or as punishment.

"Detainees interviewed by our Office described methods, such as being suspended from the ceiling without food or water; being forced to kneel or crawl on hard or sharp objects; use of snakes and insects to instill fear; beatings with iron poles, bamboo sticks, batons, rifle butts, leather strips, electric wires and motorcycle chains; asphyxiation, mock executions; electrocution and burning with tasers, lighters, cigarettes, and boiling water; spraying of methylated substances on open wounds; cutting of body parts and pulling of fingernails," the report said.

RFA Burmese spoke with Ah Hla Lay Thuzar, a freelance journalist who was arrested and imprisoned for two years after the coup, who detailed his own torture in detention at the hands of his junta captors.

"I was beaten five times on both thighs with bamboo sticks," he said. "The pain from the beatings was so intense that I can't even recall their threats. The strikes with the bamboo sticks still hurt, as my thighs have become too swollen and stiff to touch."

Sexual violence is also common in detention, the U.N. report said, "including rape, and sexualized torture or ill-treatment, including forced nudity in front of others."

"Vaginal and anal rape, whether committed by an individual or multiple perpetrators, penetration with foreign objects, invasive vaginal searches of women detainees, threats of sexual violence, and sexual humiliation were commonly reported," it said.

RFA reached out to the junta spokesman for comment but he did not respond.

Brutal conditions

In addition to the daily threat of abuse, released prisoners regularly reported "deteriorating conditions and deplorable treatment" in detention centers.

Interviewees released from 12 prisons across nine states and regions described poorly ventilated cells, often at double capacity with no space to lie down or move around.

Detainees were denied the ability to maintain personal hygiene, physical exercise or religious observance.

"Numerous interviewees described having to eat rotten or half-cooked food, and drink contaminated water, including from toilets containing feces and insects," the report said.

Additionally, prisons lacked medical supplies, qualified medical staff, and only stocked basic medicines, "which often could only be obtained through payments or bribes to guards."

Zu Zu May Yoon, the founder of the Women's Organization of Political Prisoners, told RFA that during the COVID-19 pandemic her elderly aunt died in a prison hospital from a heart attack "because she did not receive the timely and effective treatment she urgently needed, especially oxygen."

Another woman, suffering from kidney disease, died in the hospital ward of the same prison "because she was denied proper treatment, even though she showed symptoms requiring an urgent CT scan."

And in another case, she said, a pregnant political prisoner "lost her baby in the womb due to delayed care after her water broke during labor."

Call for accountability

In a statement accompanying its report, the U.N. Human Rights Office called for those responsible for gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law to be held accountable.

"The lack of any form of accountability for perpetrators is an enabler for the repetition of violations, abuses and crimes," the statement said. "It is essential that such behavior be clearly identified and deterred. Accountability for such violations must apply to all perpetrators."

Based on the findings in the report, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker TArk renewed his recommendation to the U.N. Security Council to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained.

Translated by RFA Burmese. 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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Airbus investing in Chinese firm that supplies Myanmar military: report

By Tommy Walker September 19, 2024

A new report from Burmese activist groups is calling on French-based airline manufacturer Airbus to use its influence with Aviation Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, to pressure the Chinese firm to end its arms sales to the Myanmar junta.

AVIC is one of the world's biggest defense contractors, and the Chinese aviation firm supplies aircraft and weapons to Myanmar's military junta that are being used in airstrikes in the war-torn country.

The report, which was released Monday, says Airbus has not only maintained but increased investment in companies controlled by the Chinese firm.

According to the report, Airbus is "heavily" invested in AVIC's Hong Kong-listed holding company, AviChina, a strategic partner of AVIC China.

An Airbus spokesperson denies allegations that the company could be in violation of international sanctions.

In its report titled #AIRBUSTED How Airbus' close partner AVIC is supplying arms to the Myanmar military and what Airbus should do about it, Justice for Myanmar, and Info Birmanie, a non-profit organization in Paris that focuses on Myanmar, say they have uncovered evidence that AVIC is continuing to supply aircraft and weapons to the Myanmar military, which they say have been used to commit war crimes throughout the country.

The report's authors have called on Airbus to "use its leverage over AVIC and its subsidiaries so they halt all ongoing and planned transfers of military aircraft, arms and associated equipment to the Myanmar military," as well as maintenance, training and technical support for the country's air force.

"Because of these known risks, Airbus should conduct heightened due diligence on any current and future partnerships with AVIC and its subsidiaries and make that due diligence public," the report said.

The report also called on Airbus to divest and end its relationship with AVIC if the company refuses to end its relationship and all business with Myanmar's military.

Philippe Gmerek, a spokesperson for Airbus, told VOA in an email that the French airline manufacturer is compliant with sanctions on Myanmar and within international law with its relationship with AVIC.

"Airbus has not supplied defence products to Myanmar or its armed forces. Airbus is committed to conducting its business ethically and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes the delivery of defence products in accordance with export control laws and in full transparency and alignment with authorities and relevant stakeholders," Gmerek said in the emailed statement.

He added that "Airbus' relationship with Chinese companies, including AVIC, is fully compliant with all European and international laws and regulations, notably with regards to the existing arms embargo on China. As such, Airbus' industrial and technology partnerships in China are exclusively focused on civil aerospace and services."

AVIC, one of the world's largest military contractors, has been under U.S. sanctions since 2020 and is listed by Washington as a potential national security threat because of its links to the Chinese military. Those sanctions prohibit any American organization or individuals from dealing with firms that have links to the Chinese PLA.

Myanmar has been in chaos since military leader General Min Aung Hlaing and his military forces overthrew the democratically elected government in February 2021.

The coup sparked widespread armed resistance to military rule, led by ethnic armed groups and forces loyal to a civilian-led shadow government. Upwards of 5,600 people have been killed by the military and millions displaced since the coup, according to rights groups.

In a joint statement at the U.N. Security Council in February, France joined Britain, Ecuador, Japan, Malta, South Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland and the United States in strongly condemning the military's violent attacks on civilians in Myanmar, including its "continued use of indiscriminate airstrikes."

The governments of France, Germany and Spain all hold major shares in Airbus through holding companies.

VOA reached out to Christian Lechervy, France's ambassador to Myanmar, and AVIC for comment but has yet to receive a reply.

Johanna Chardonnieras, coordinator for Info Burmie, said the French government, among others, should act.

"The French, Spanish and German governments have a responsibility and a duty to act when Airbus' partner and investee is linked to war crimes," Chardonnieras said. "Today they have the opportunity to show their capacity for action, in line with their statements, values and sanctions."

Yadanar Maung, the Justice for Myanmar spokesperson, called for the U.S. to take action should Airbus continue its business ties with AVIC.

"We call on the U.S. government to conduct due diligence on any business activities and links it currently has with Airbus and encourage U.S. citizens and entities to do the same. Airbus' decision to continue its business relationship with AviChina should be subject to consequences, including restricting market opportunities in the U.S.," she told VOA.

Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who focuses on Southeast Asia politics and security, says the report could tarnish Airbus' reputation, though it is unclear how much of an impact it could have beyond that.

"Airbus will obviously try to make the case that they only partner with AVIC in the commercial aircraft, but obviously there's a lot of dual use technology," Abuza said.

"The biggest hit to the firm is reputational damage. I am not sure Myanmar is a large enough issue, or it's a priority for European leaders, or there's a significant and politically powerful diaspora to demand changes," he told VOA.

The U.S., Canada, Britain and the EU have all imposed a variety of sanctions on Myanmar's military regime and its entities in recent years in a bid to end its violent crackdown.

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Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister holds talks with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar today held delegation-level talks with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk.

The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the last two decades. They agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar expressed Pakistan's desire to intensify bilateral, political, economic and defence dialogue with the Russian Federation.

The two sides also agreed to continue coordination on multilateral fora including at the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Deputy Prime Minister Dar thanked the Russian side for its support to Pakistan's bid for the membership of BRICS.

The two Deputy Prime Ministers agreed to maintain close cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk's visit is taking place in pursuance of the vision of Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Vladimir Putin on transforming bilateral relations into a solid, mutually beneficial economic partnership.



Islamabad

18 September 2024

165/2024

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Russia pledges to back Pakistan's BRICS membership

By Ayaz Gul September 18, 2024

Russia expressed support Wednesday for Pakistan's entry into the BRICS intergovernmental group of major emerging economies from the Global South.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk made the pledge after holding delegation-level talks in Islamabad with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is also the deputy prime minister.

Pakistan announced last November that it had formally requested to join BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

"We are happy that Pakistan has applied ... and we would be supportive of that," said the Russian deputy prime minister during a joint news conference with Dar when asked about Moscow's position on Pakistan's bid to join BRICS.

"At the same time, there is a consensus that needs to be built within the organization to make those decisions," Overchuk said, noting that "we have shared a very good relationship with Pakistan."

Moscow initially launched BRICS in 2009 to provide members with a conduit for challenging the world order dominated by the U.S. and its Western allies. South Africa joined in 2010, and the group expanded this year with new members from the Middle East and Africa.

The Russian deputy prime minister said Wednesday that the organization acts as a platform for discussions "based on quality, mutual respect and consensus" among member countries. "It's actually what is attracting many countries from throughout the world to BRICS," he stated.

Russia will host the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22-24.

Overchuk said that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin would attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, or SCO, heads of government meeting in the Pakistani capital next month.

The SCO is a security, political and economic grouping launched by China, Russia and Central Asian states in 2001 as a counterweight to Western alliances. It expanded to nine countries after archrivals Pakistan and India joined in 2017 and Iran in 2023.

In a post-talks statement Wednesday, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry quoted Dar as conveying to Overchuk Islamabad's "desire to intensify bilateral, political, economic and defense dialogue" with Moscow.

The statement said the two sides "agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation" in trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.

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Pakistan, Russia expand economic ties amid Western sanctions

By Iftikhar Hussain, Malik Waqar Ahmed September 18, 2024

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk met with Pakistani officials in Islamabad on Wednesday to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation "across multiple sectors," as Moscow grapples with U.S. and EU economic sanctions over its war against Ukraine.

Overchuk's visit comes after two days of meetings between John Bass, U.S. acting undersecretary of state for political affairs, and Pakistani army chief General Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.

During a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Wednesday in Islamabad, Dar said discussions centered on expanding economic ties between the two countries.

Pakistan's bilateral trade with Russia reached an unprecedented $1 billion last year. The countries are committed to expanding trade ties by addressing logistical and related issues, Dar said.

According to Dar, Pakistan and Russia are expanding ties in many fields, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases. However, sanctions against Russia restrict cooperation between the two countries.

"Even today, we looked at how to expand our relationship, and overcome this constraint of the banking system, which you know are facing sanctions, which obviously constrains our relationship, the volume of our relationship could have been much bigger," Dar said

Dar said Pakistan and the U.S. Department of State had detailed discussions in October 2023, and American officials agreed to Pakistan's request to purchase Russian LNG, as long as a committee of U.S. trade officials determines the price.

According to Dar, Pakistan views Russia as an important player in West, South and Central Asia. He said Pakistan aims to work with Moscow toward peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's army media wing said in a statement on Wednesday that Russia's Overchuk spoke with General Syed Asim Munir, chief of the army staff (COAS), in Rawalpindi.

"Both reiterated Pakistan's commitment to fostering traditional defense ties with Russia. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen security and defense cooperation in multiple domains," the statement says.

Analysts say the Russian deputy prime minister's visit and the expansion of cooperation shows Moscow is expanding its influence in the region.

"In my view, a vacuum has emerged after the U.S. exit from Afghanistan, and Russia is positioning itself to fill that void. China is also making efforts in this direction. As a result, Pakistan is working under this policy framework to improve its relations with regional countries, including Russia," professor Manzoor Afridi, a Pakistani academic on international relations, told VOA.

Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan, a Pakistani international affairs expert at Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, told VOA, "The primary goal during this period is to enhance trade, strengthen diplomatic ties, and develop infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. However, the United States has restricted certain aspects of Pakistan's ballistic missile program, while tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated. In this context, Pakistan's relationship with Russia holds significance."

Pakistan received its first shipment of Russian liquefied petroleum gas in 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the possibility of liquefied natural gas supplies earlier in July on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit at Astana, Kazakhstan.

This story originated in VOA's Deewa service.

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Russia's president approves proposal for signing strategic partnership agreement with Iran

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 9:48 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved of a proposal forwarded by the country's foreign ministry for signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Iran.

Putin expressed his approval through a decree that was issued on Wednesday.

The decree stated that signing of such an agreement would be "expedient," without specifying the timing of its expected conclusion.

The development came a day after Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited the Iranian capital Tehran, meeting with senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Meeting with the chief executive, Shoigu emphasized that Putin had asked him to convey the message to the Iranian officials that Russia's position on cooperation with Iran on regional issues had not changed.

Pezeshkian, meanwhile, assured the Russian security chief that the Russo-Iranian relations would continue to expand along a permanent and lasting path. He asserted that boosting cooperation between the countries would undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions and unjust actions that had been imposed on both the nations.

The countries signed a 10-year deal, dubbed the Treaty on the Basis of Mutual Relations and Principles of Cooperation between Iran and Russia, in 2001. Upon the conclusion of its period, the agreement was extended for two five-year terms, extending its expiration date until 2026.

Negotiations about potential conclusion of another long-term agreement were initiated under the administration of Hassan Rouhani, the Islamic Republic's seventh president.

In January 2022, late president Ebrahim Raeisi, head of the succeeding Iranian administration, visited Moscow and said he had presented Putin with draft documents on strategic cooperation that would cement collaboration between the two sides for the following two decades.

On September 12, Putin said he planned to meet and hold talks with Pezeshkian on the fringes of the upcoming meeting of the BRICS group of countries, which is scheduled to be held in the western Russian city of Kazan next month.

He added that Russia expected a separate trip by the Iranian president for conclusion of a joint comprehensive cooperation agreement between the countries.

Earlier in September, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had also said his country would finalize a comprehensive interstate agreement with Iran "in the very near future."

Iran and China signed such an agreement in March 2021.

Titled the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, the deal sets the outlines of Sino-Iranian cooperation in political, cultural, security, defense, regional, and international domains for the period in question.

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North Korea 'modifying' Russian jet as early warning aircraft: think tank

Experts said the possibility of Russian help could not be ruled out.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.18 -- North Korea is "making progress" in modifying a Russian aircraft to become its first airborne early warning, or AEW, platform, a British think tank said.

An AEW aircraft is an airborne radar system generally used to detect incoming aircraft, ships, vehicles and missiles to provide guidance to defending forces to take them on.

Work on converting one of the three Ilyushin IL-76 Candid aircraft that Russia delivered in the early 1990s is being carried out at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, said the International Institute for Strategic Studies on Monday, based on analysis of satellite images.

In late 2023, one of the three aircraft was moved to a separate maintenance area at the airport with a new fenced area around it, the IISS said, adding that an obvious possibility was that the aircraft was being converted for an AEW role or at least as an AEW radar testbed.

While the IL-76 airframe offers a good, well-tested basis for such a conversion, it may also present some challenges for North Korea's limited aviation industry, it explained.

"Whether North Korea has sought to develop such a system wholly domestically or is utilizing external assistance, possibly as part of its renewed relationship with Russia, is unknown," it noted.

"There is much that remains to be determined regarding North Korea's IL-76 modification program. But the extent of the regime's ambitions in terms of military capability are considerable, as has been its ability on occasion to spring development surprises."

Radio Free Asia reported in January that North Korea had demolished or repurposed nine runways or airfields, which experts said could signal a shift away from manned aircraft in favor of missiles and drones.

At that time Cho Han Bum, a senior researcher at the South Korea-based Korea Institute for National Unification, said that the institute detected evidence at Pyongyang International Airport that the IL-76 aircraft were being converted into early warning aircraft, but that would be impossible without Russia's help.

Separately, Yang Uk, a research Fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in South Korea, also said there was a possibility of the North introducing additional aircraft and Russia's help couldn't be ruled out.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un in June when they announced a partnership treaty, agreeing to offer each other military assistance "without delay" if either were attacked. They also underscored their shared defiance of Western sanctions and expanded cooperation in various sectors.

Russia has been cozying up to North Korea since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The United States says North Korea has supplied Russia with large amounts of weapons for the war in Ukraine, in particular artillery rounds and ballistic missiles, although both Russia and North Korea deny that.

In exchange for its weapons, North Korea is suspected of getting Russian technological assistance for its space program.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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CIS Air Defence Coordination Committee holds session in Minsk

18.09.2024

On 18 September 2024, the 59th meeting of the CIS Air Defence Coordination Committee was held in Minsk (Belarus).

Delegations from the Ministries of Defence of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee, the Secretariat of the CIS Council of Defence Ministers, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, defence industrial enterprises of the CIS countries, basic organisations of the CIS member states in the field of air defence research and military training took part in the session of the CIS Air Defence Coordination Committee.

At the end of the meeting of the Coordination Committee, the heads of the delegations of the armed forces of the CIS member States were meeting to discuss how to conduct operational and combat training activities, how to conduct joint combat air defence duty within the framework of the Joint Regional Air Defence System of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, how to put into practice the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Creation of a Unified Regional Air Defence System of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and how to put into practice the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic on the Creation of a Joint Regional Air Defence System of the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Coordination Committee meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Russia and Laos commence Laros 2024 joint military drills in Primorsky region

18.09.2024

The ceremonial opening of the Laros 2024 joint Russian-Lao military exercise was held at the Russian Eastern Military District's military training ground.

Representatives from the command of the Eastern Military District, the combined-arms formation stationed in the Primorsky region, and servicemen from both countries attended the opening ceremony.

Major General Sergey Bobrov, representing the command, wished the participants success and efficient implementation of all scheduled combat training activities. Colonel Vyacheslav Babaak, the manoeuvre commander from the Russian side, also congratulated the servicemen of both countries on this important event.

The national flags of Russia and Laos, along with the flag for the joint exercise, were hoisted in a solemn ceremony and the national anthems of the participating countries were played on the training ground. Servicemen from the Eastern Military District and the Lao People's Army marched in unison across the field.

During the exercise, servicemen of the Lao People's Army will practise all stages of operations in unified combat formation with units of the Eastern Military District.

The Laros 2024 joint Russia-Laos drills takes from 18 to 26 September 2024.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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China sanctions US military firms over arms sales to Taiwan

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 4:36 PM

China has imposed sanctions on nine US military contractors in retaliation for Washington's approval of weapons sales to the country's Taiwan region this week.

On Monday, the US State Department had approved the possible sale to Taipei's military of spare parts valued at about $228 million.

Taiwan's defense ministry said the sales package would "become effective" within a month.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference that Washington has to "stop conniving and supporting Taiwan independence, and stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

He said that weapon sales to "China's Taiwan region" had "seriously violated the one-China principle ... infringed upon China's sovereignty and security interests" and "damaged China-US relations."

In response, Beijing imposes a legal "freeze" on the nine companies' properties on the mainland, Lin said.

The contactors, including aerospace firm Sierra Nevada Corporation, will have their assets in China frozen and all transactions with China-based people and entities will be prohibited, according to Lin.

China has sovereignty over the self-ruled island. Under the "One China" policy, almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty, meaning that they would not establish diplomatic contact with Taipei.

The US does not formally recognize Taiwan but continues to back its secessionist government, support its anti-China position, and supplies it with billions of dollars in weapons.

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US Navy flies maritime patrol aircraft through Taiwan Strait

China responded to US flight by scrambling aircraft to 'safeguard sovereignty.'

By RFA Staff 2024.09.18 -- The U.S. Navy has flown a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft through the Taiwan Strait to demonstrate what it calls "freedom of navigation" through the waterway claimed by China.

The transit was carried out on Tuesday in international air space "in accordance with international law," the Navy's 7th Fleet said in a statement, adding that it "demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The U.S. military and allies have been conducting so-called freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea where regional countries face increased aggression from China.

This is the second such overflight by a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon, designated for maritime patrol and reconnaissance, since April and the sixth U.S. FONOP since the beginning of the year.

Taiwan's defense ministry confirmed that the aircraft "flew from south to north through the Taiwan Strait" on Tuesday morning and described the situation as normal.

The Chinese military responded by scrambling warplanes to "follow, monitor and deal with the U.S. aircraft according to the law and regulations," the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, responsible for the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, said in a statement.

The Command's spokesperson, Senior Captain Li Xi, said that Chinese troops "remain on high alert at all times and are resolutely safeguarding China's national sovereignty as well as regional peace and stability."

Freedom of navigation

Last Friday, two German warships carried out a rare transit through the Taiwan Strait, the first by Germany's navy in more than 20 years.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the passage of the frigate Baden-WArttemberg and replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main, saying "international waters are international waters."

"It's the shortest and, given the weather conditions, the safest route. So we are passing through," Pistorius said.

Germany said it considered the transit "completely normal," and did not inform China in advance.

China's foreign ministry accused Germany of "provoking and endangering China's sovereignty and security under the guise of freedom of navigation."

Beijing considers Taiwan a Chinese province and the Taiwan Strait its territorial waters. The PLA regularly sends ships and aircraft to the waters around Taiwan.

Chinese flotilla heads for Pacific

Taipei's ministry of defense said a Chinese navy flotilla led by the aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed through waters northeast of Taiwan and continued toward the southeast of Japan's Yonaguni Island on Wednesday.

It is the first time this year the Liaoning - China's first of three aircraft carriers - has entered the Western Pacific.

Chinese state media reported that the PLA has started trials of China's next-generation carrier-borne fighter jet, the J-35, on the Liaoning.

The J-35, also known as Shenyang FC-31, is a mid-size stealth multirole fighter developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Once deployed it can greatly strengthen the carrier's capabilities.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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China sanctions 9 US firms over military sales to Taiwan

The U.S. announced on Monday the sale of aircraft spare parts to Taiwan.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.18 -- China imposed sanctions on Wednesday on nine U.S. military-linked firms for their sale of equipment to Taiwan and it denounced what it called the "dangerous trend" of U.S. military support for the democratic island.

On Monday, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the sale of aircraft spare parts and related logistics and support worth about US$228 million to Taiwan, adding that the spare parts would boost the island's "ability to meet current and future threats."

The sale included both classified and unclassified components for the aircraft, as well as related engineering, technical and logistics support services.

Washington's arms sales to Taipei "seriously interfered in China's internal affairs, and seriously damaged China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that should be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. The democratic island has been self-governing since it effectively separated from mainland China in 1949 after the Chinese civil war.

Despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties, the U.S. has long been a key supplier of arms to Taiwan. Washington is bound by U.S. legislation, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, to provide Taiwan with arms for its defense.

A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry on Wednesday, however, urged the U.S. to immediately stop the "dangerous trend" of arming Taiwan.

"Stop conniving and supporting Taiwan independence, and stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," said Lin Jian at a regular press briefing.

While the U.S. maintains strong informal ties with Taiwan, it has not declared support for the island's independence.

China's steps taken against the firms, including Sierra Nevada Corporation and Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC, come into effect on Wednesday and will freeze their property within China, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

It described the sanctions as countermeasures and said they also applied to Cubic Corporation, S3 Aerospace, TCOM Ltd Partnership, TextOre, Planate Management Group, ACT1 Federal and Exovera.

Organizations and individuals within China are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the firms, the ministry added.

China previously sanctioned and banned firms, including units of Lockheed Martin, for selling arms to Taiwan.

The latest sales were the 16th military sale to Taiwan authorized by the administration of President Joe Biden.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry expressed its appreciation for the U.S. support for Taiwan's security while its Ministry of National Defense highlighted the strategic importance of the sale, noting that China's gray zone tactics - a tactic using the threat of force to create fear and intimidation - had affected Taiwan's training and operational readiness.

The aviation-related equipment would enhance the combat readiness and security of Taiwan's air force, the ministry said.

Updated to add background about U.S. ties to Taiwan.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/09/18

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1. Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Tuesday to Wednesday, Sep. 17-18

2.PLA activitiesis

9 PLA aircraft, 13 PLAN vessels and 1 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.

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Taiwan's coastal defenses questioned after Chinese man's illegal entry attempt

By William Yang September 18, 2024

A recent attempt by a Chinese man to illegally enter Taiwan after crossing the 180-kilometer-wide Taiwan Strait in a rubber boat is raising concerns on the island about its coastal defense capabilities and overall preparedness amid rising tensions between Beijing and Taipei.

Last Saturday, a 30-year-old Chinese man surnamed Wang was spotted in a dinghy about 100 meters offshore near Taiwan's northern Linkou District in New Taipei City at about 6:30 in the morning.

After being treated for severe dehydration at a nearby hospital, Wang was detained by local authorities for illegally entering Taiwan. Wang told authorities that he was in debt in China and wanted to start a new life in Taiwan.

Wang is one of 18 Chinese nationals who have tried to illegally enter Taiwan since July of last year. When reached for comment on the cases, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration declined to share how many of them were able to reach Taiwan's shores, like Wang.

In June, a former Chinese naval captain was able to reach the Tamsui ferry pier in Northern Taiwan on a speedboat, shocking many because of how far he was able to get before being detected. At the time, a Chinese man surnamed Ruan said he was fleeing to Taiwan seeking freedom after being threatened by Chinese police for sharing articles critical of the Chinese government.

On Wednesday, however, a court in Taipei sentenced Ruan to eight months in prison for illegally entering Taiwan. He confessed to the crime but claimed his deep knowledge of the Chinese military could help Taiwan cope with threats posed by Beijing.

Some experts say the two Chinese men's attempts to illegally enter Taiwan expose loopholes in Taiwan's coastal defense capabilities.

"Even though Taiwan's defense ministry has highlighted the strategic importance of defending coastal areas in northern Taiwan, Taiwan's coast guard, which is in charge of coastal defense, has not prioritized setting up advanced surveillance technologies, such as infrared thermal cameras, in these areas, which lead to their failure of detecting the two Chinese men before they reach Taiwanese shores," said Chieh Chung, a military researcher at the National Policy Foundation in Taiwan.

Some lawmakers from Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang, who favor friendly relations with China, say the two incidents show the Taiwanese government has failed to provide the coast guard with adequate funding and the right equipment to monitor attempted illegal entry.

In response to opposition lawmakers' criticism of underfunding the coast guard, Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai vowed to accelerate the review of the recent incidents and determine whether the coast guard needs more advanced technologies or personnel to support their work.

Apart from accelerating the installation of advanced surveillance technologies along coastal areas in northern Taiwan, Chieh said Taiwan's coast guard should consider strengthening coastal patrols by purchasing commercial drones and increasing coordination with Taiwanese fishermen.

"Taiwan's coast guard can use commercial drones to help conduct patrols along coastal areas during the day and Taiwanese fishermen could immediately inform the coast guard if they spot any unusual vessels in waters near Taiwanese shores," he told VOA in a phone interview.

Growing gray zone challenges

Intrusions into Taiwanese waters by Chinese coast guard vessels also are posing a problem for Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration and raising questions about preparedness. This is particularly true in waters off Taiwan's outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands, which are just a few kilometers from China's coast.

Late last week, Taiwan said four Chinese coast guard vessels entered restricted waters near Kinmen, prompting Taipei to deploy four coast guard vessels to drive away the Chinese vessels. The incident was the 39th incursion carried out by Chinese coast guard vessels this year, officials said.

While Beijing describes the incursions, which include boarding Taiwanese vessels, as being part of "law enforcement patrols," analysts in Taiwan say they challenge Taipei's territorial claims around its outlying islands and are unilaterally seeking to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

Chieh said since the Taiwanese government has focused on enhancing wartime coordination between the coast guard and the navy over the last few years, it has overlooked the need to strengthen the Taiwanese coast guard's maritime law enforcement capabilities and upgrade its vessels and training.

"Some of the coast guard vessels that Taiwan purchased in previous years are not suitable to engage in close-range encounters with Chinese coast guard vessels because the structure of those vessels is not solid enough," he told VOA.

Some analysts suggest Taiwan should carry out a series of reforms to rapidly enhance the coast guard's capabilities.

"The Taiwanese government should enhance the coast guard's budget, increase their manpower, and strengthen their law enforcement capabilities by arranging exchanges with other countries' coast guard," Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told VOA by phone.

Military analysts say China likely will maintain high-level pressure on Taiwan through repeated coast guard incursions in the coming months, and Taipei should ensure its coast guard has enough support to cope with the wide range of challenges that Beijing poses.

"Instead of letting the coast guard oversee both Taiwan's maritime defense and coastal defense, the Taiwanese government should consider assigning some of the responsibilities to the army or the navy," Lin Ying-yu, a military expert at Tamkang University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone.

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China slaps countermeasures to US firms over Taiwan arms sale

Global Times

Transactions with Chinese organizations, individuals prohibited

By Wang Qi and Li Yawei Published: Sep 19, 2024 12:12 AM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday to impose countermeasures against nine US companies for arms sale to China's Taiwan region, as the arms sales "seriously undermined the one-China principle and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

According to a release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the nine companies include Sierra Nevada Corporation, Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC, Cubic Corporation, S3 AeroDefense, TCOM, Limited Partnership, TextOre, Planate Management Group, ACT1 Federal and Exovera.

Analysts said the countermeasures showcased that the US should not be under illusion that China will sit idle after Washington provoked over Beijing's core interests. Despite the recent resumption of China-US military communication, there is still a strong sense of irresponsibility in the way the US handles bilateral ties.

China's latest countermeasures came after the US State Department said on Monday that it has approved a possible foreign military sale to Taiwan region of spare parts valued at about $228 million. It said that return, repair and reshipment of spare parts will be transferred from US government stock, which will make Taiwan authorities "have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces," per a Reuters report.

Movable, immovable and all other types of properties in China belonging to these nine companies will be frozen. Organizations and individuals in China are prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation and other activities with the above-mentioned enterprises, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry, noting that the sanctions are effective immediately on Wednesday.

To further elaborate on China's stance, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Wednesday that the latest US arms sale has sent "a wrong message" to Taiwan secessionists.

US arms sale to China's Taiwan region seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982, severely undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, and harms China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Lin said.

"This fact once again proves that the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits are the separatist moves of Taiwan secessionists and and connivance and support for such moves from US-led external forces," the spokesperson said.

Before the latest countermeasures, China announced countermeasures against US military enterprises and related individuals for three consecutive months in May, June and July, regarding US arms sales and other proactive moves that seriously interfered in China's internal affairs and undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe said that compared with previous measures, these sanctions are mainly on US companies that produce parts for weapons and equipment or provide after-sales maintenance services, which shows that China's countermeasures are now more precise and targeted.

One of the nine companies, S3 AeroDefense, provides aircraft spares distribution, repair and overhaul services and program management solutions to military operators around the world, according to the company's website.

Another company, Sierra Nevada Corporation, specializes in aircraft modification, integration and other space technologies. It has won a US Army contract to serve as the lead system integrator for the service's future long-range spy plane, according to defensenews.com

According to another Chinese military expert Song Zhongping, China's reciprocal countermeasures may become a new normal, given that the US government is increasing its interference in the Taiwan question.

The increasing arms sales to Taiwan in terms of both scale and frequency enables more American arms dealers to seek benefits from "interference in China's internal affairs," said Song. "Therefore, the Chinese side has increasingly taken countermeasures against them."

By taking countermeasures, China hopes to make the US government and US companies realize that if they interfere in China's internal affairs and keep making trouble over the Taiwan question, the benefits of the Chinese market will be closed to the relevant US companies, Song noted.

No illusion

China's countermeasures came after a US Navy P-8A anti-submarine patrol aircraft flew through the Taiwan Straits on Tuesday.

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said that China has organized warplanes to follow, monitor and deal with the US aircraft according to the law and regulations.

"When it comes to China's core interests, the US should not harbor any illusion that Beijing will swallow its pride and do nothing after harming China's interests," Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

Regarding other provocations on the Taiwan question, China will definitely retaliate, and its countermeasures will be firm and thorough, the expert added.

Previous to that, the US Pentagon sent Michael Chase, deputy assistant secretary of defense, to attend the Beijing Xiangshan Forum last week. The theater commanders of the Chinese and US militaries also had a video teleconference earlier this month.

Despite the recent resumption of high-level military communication between China and the US, tensions remain over the Taiwan question, analysts said.

According to Li, the US intends to strengthen exchanges with China. However, there is also the intention to exert pressure on China through communication.

Dialogue between China and the US should be constructive to avoid miscalculation and unexpected friction and serve to ease tensions, Li said, adding that US' China policy is based on a position of strength, dominated by competition, and characterized by exerting pressure. Washington still has a strong sense of irresponsibility in its handling of China-US relations, and there are still deep-rooted flaws in its strategic understanding of China, the expert noted.

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State-of-the-art armoured vehicle fleet supported under new contract

Thousands of UK military land vehicles will be maintained under a new A71 million contract, supporting the government's growth mission by creating hundreds of jobs.

18 September 2024

The contract award to NP Aerospace was announced during the British Army's Defence Vehicle Dynamic (DVD) event taking place at the vehicle testing grounds at Millbrook.

Called the Conventional Vehicle Systems Spares and Post Design Services (CVSSP), the contract will be for spares and post design services for a range of legacy utility and combat vehicles and ancillary equipment, helping to create and sustain around 100 skilled jobs in Coventry.

The contract will help to extend the life of the entire Land Rover fleet; Pinzgauer fleet; protected Land Rover; RWMIK and the Lightweight Trailer fleet. This will deliver greater value for money and fill the gaps of new vehicle programmes being delivered, maintaining capability in the interim.

The contract will help to maintain a fleet of more than 15,000 land vehicles for the next 4 years by consolidating former individual contracts, providing a new single point of contact. The CVSSP contract will ensure that vehicle fleet availability is maintained at the required levels to meet operational and training needs.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said:

We will deliver a state-of-the-art combat vehicle fleet, ensuring our soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge firepower, protection, and mobility. This new contract will help to secure the future of these crucial capabilities, streamlining the processes involved in repairs and upgrades, while boosting UK economic growth at the same time.

Also at DVD, the British Army's future fleet of modern armoured vehicles - Ajax, Boxer and Challenger 3 - have been pictured together side-by-side for the first time. With more than 1,300 of the vehicles due for delivery before the end of the decade, they will provide world-leading reconnaissance, secured armoured transport, and the UK's most lethal ever tank.

The three types of armoured vehicles on display today will make up the Brigade Combat Teams of the future, providing the British Army with enhanced fighting power.

With more than A11 billion investment, the pipeline of new armoured fighting vehicles is creating jobs, with Boxer alone protecting 400 jobs in the West Midlands, North East Wales and sustaining up to 1,000 nationally.

Brigadier Matt Wilkinson from the Vehicle Support Team at Defence, Equipment and Support, said:

We have a long-standing relationship with NP Aerospace, and I'm delighted that we are able to continue this partnership. Not only does it provide the best possible service to the Armed Forces, but it also aligns with the MOD's future Land Industrial Strategy initiatives, including an evolution to Land Integrated Operating Services.

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Tsahkna to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: the humanitarian situation in Ukraine must stay in our focus

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

18.09.2024

Today 18 September, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Tallinn, discussing ways to advance bilateral cooperation, including in Ukraine, and the global humanitarian situation in general.

At the meeting, Foreign Minister Tsahkna underlined the continued need to support Ukraine in light of the increasingly complicated humanitarian situation in the world. "Russia continues its daily destruction of Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. Since Russia has destroyed more than 80% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, our winterisation assistance must include helping Ukraine restore its energy infrastructure, as well as humanitarian demining and coping with the impact of the war," Tsahkna said.

Speaking about providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine and other conflict zones, Tsahkna said Estonia would continue its contributions as a global humanitarian donor. "Estonia has admitted more than 30 000 war refugees from Ukraine, and supported them with education and employment. Estonia has also been an important partner in upholding humanitarian principles," he added. For his part, High Commissioner Grandi thanked Estonia for its continued assistance and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The meeting also covered the good cooperation between Estonia and the UNHCR. In addition to excellent cooperation spanning years, discussions explored ways of boosting the partnership between Estonia and the UNHCR and expanding joint activities mainly in Ukraine but also on digital affairs.

It was the first visit to Estonia by the High Commissioner.

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Zelenskiy Says 'Victory Plan' Ready As Drone Attack Targets Arms Depot In Russia

By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's North.Realities September 18, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on September 18 that Kyiv has "fully prepared" its "victory plan" to end the war with Russia and the most important thing now is the determination to implement it.

All points of the plan have been "worked out," Zelenskiy said in his evening address.

"There is and cannot be any alternative to peace, any freezing of the war or any other manipulations that will simply move Russian aggression to another stage. We need reliable and long-term security for Ukraine, and therefore for all of Europe," the president said.

The Ukrainian leader said last week that he planned to discuss the plan with U.S. President Joe Biden this month. He also said he would present it to U.S. presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Zelenskiy is expected to be in the United States next week for the UN General Assembly meeting.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for more than 30 months, and Zelenskiy's announcement came as Ukraine controls parts of Russia's Kursk region and as Moscow has pressed an advance into eastern Ukraine.

Zelenskiy added that "there cannot be any alternative to peace, any freezing of the war or any other manipulations that will simply move the Russian aggression to another stage. We need reliable and lasting security for Ukraine, and therefore for the whole of Europe."

Zelenskiy has said he aims to host another international peace summit outlining his vision to end the war in November, and that Russia is to be invited.

His comments came after a suspected Ukrainian strike reportedly involving more than 100 drones rocked Russia's Tver region after an arms depot was hit and set off a string of violent explosions and caused a fire 6 kilometers wide.

Emergency services launched a partial evacuation of local residents on September 18 hours after the overnight strike that appeared to target Toropets, a town about 400 kilometers west of Moscow that hosts two Russian military units and an arms depot.

The Astra Telegram channel and other social media published videos that showed massive explosions and flames erupting into the night sky near the town of Toropets, located in the west of the Tver region. Other footage posted on social media showed rows of apartment buildings in the town with windows blown out from blast waves.

Footage later posted on social media showed large plumes of smoke rising from the scene and rows of apartment buildings in Toropets with windows blown out from blast waves.

RFE/RL's Schemes project received satellite images from Planet Labs showing smoke over the territory of Toropets.

Earlier, satellite imagery from NASA showed multiple heat sources from the location and earthquake monitoring stations picked up seismic waves equal to a minor earthquake.

Tver regional Governor Igor Rudenya was quoted by the local government as saying in the afternoon that no deaths or serious injuries had been reported as a result of the incident, which he earlier said was caused when debris from a downed drone sparked a fire. He also said evacuated residents were being allowed to return home and all public services and infrastructure were operational.

"The air-defense system worked, the UAVs were shot down, and a fire occurred when they fell," Rudenya wrote on Telegram around 3:30 a.m. local time, without saying what was burning. Rudenya said Russian air defenses were working to repel a "massive drone attack."

Reports indicated that the town is home to two Russian military units, one of which has been targeted by drone strikes twice in the past six months. Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti reported in 2018 that an arms depot was being constructed in Toropets, which has a population of around 11,000 people.

While Kyiv has not officially commented on the incident, a source in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service on condition of anonymity that the SBU in cooperation with Ukraine's Intelligence and Special Operations Force launched the attack and "wiped the depot off the face of the Earth." The source said the depot stored Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems, antiaircraft missiles, and artillery ammunition.

"The SBU, together with its counterparts from the Defense Forces, continues to methodically reduce the enemy's missile potential, which it uses to destroy Ukrainian cities," the source said.

Other reports cited Ukrainian intelligence sources saying the arms depot held significant stocks of ballistic missiles obtained by Russia from North Korea as well as glide bombs, and that an area 6 kilometers wide was engulfed in flames.

Russian state media reported early in the morning that kindergartens and schools were temporarily closed in the Zapadnodvinsk district, which borders the Toropetsk district in the Tver region, without indicating why.

Residents of the village of Tsikarevo, which is located along a lake to the east of Toropets and only 200 meters from the arms depot, were initially experiencing difficulties being evacuated and were awaiting help. RFE/RL's North Realities reported that locals had written on local chat groups that safe access was only possible by boat and that "there was nothing left of the village."

One local wrote that people were stranded on the water waiting for help, and described seeing minor damage to homes in neighboring villages. Another, however, said that he had become "homeless."

Russia's Defense Ministry has not specifically commented on the incident, saying only that 54 Ukrainian drones had targeted five western Russian regions overnight and that all of the drones had been destroyed.

The Defense Ministry, without mentioning the Tver region, said half the drones had been shot down over the Kursk region, where Russian forces have launched a counterattack to push out Ukrainian forces that entered the region and took control of large swaths of Russian territory in a surprise incursion in August.

The rest of the drones, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, were shot down over the Bryansk, Smolensk, Oryol, and Belgorod regions.

Regional authorities in the western Smolensk region bordering Belarus and in the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine also said drones had been shot down.

Kyiv has previously said its strikes against Russia are intended to hit military, energy, and transportation infrastructure that are key to Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine.

Meanwhile in Ukraine, Russian drone and missile strikes targeted energy facilities in the northeastern city of Sumy. One person was killed in Kropyvnytskiy, the capital of the Kirovohrad region in central Ukraine.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-drone- evacuation-tver/33124415.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Defence Ministry report on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (18 September 2024)

18.09.2024

The Sever Group of Forces carrying on offensive actions inflicted damage on the 22nd, 4th,and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade, 1st National Guard Brigade, 129th Territorial Defence Brigade of the AFU near Lyubimovka, Daryino, Nikolo-Daryino, Tolsty Lug, and Plekhovo.

For the last 24 hours, Russian units repelled four counter-attacks of the enemy in the direction of Bolshaya Obukhobka, Malaya Loknya, and Lyubimovka, as well as disrupted attempts to attack in direction of Olgovka and Borki.

The AFU lost up to 40 troops killed and wounde; eight servicemen were taken prisoners; two infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, and a motor vehicle were destroyed.

With support of army aviation and artillery, the Group's units repelled four attempts of the AFU to break through the border of the Russian Federation towards Vesyoloye and Medvezhye.

The AFU sustained losses of up to 70 troops killed and wounded, two tanks, including a Leopard tank, two Swedish-made CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles, eight armoured fighting vehicles, an artillery gun, and a motor vehicle.

Air strikes, artillery fire, and actions of the troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware clusters of the 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 1004th Security Brigade, 112th and 129th territorial defence brigades near Guyevo, Daryino, Kurilovka, Kruglenkoye, Lyubimovka, Mirny, Martynovka, Malaya Loknya, Nikolo-Daryino, Novy Put, Novoya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Orlovka, Plekhovo, Russkoye Porechnoye, Serdlikovo, Tolsty Lug, and Yuzhny.

Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops launched strikes against concentration areas and reserves in Sumy region of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 82nd Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 1st National Guard Brigade, 103rd,106th, 107th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Belovody, Glukhov, Kondratovka, Katerinovka, Malushino, Mogritsa, Mazevka, Novoivanovka, Obody, Pavlovka, Rechki, Rudnevo, Sumy, Stepnoye, Shalygino, Khoten, and Yunakovka.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 400 troops and 23 units of armoured vehicles, including two tanks, including a Leopard tank, five infantry fighting vehicles, with two CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles of them, an APC, and four artillery guns, two mortars, and 12 motor vehicles.

??Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more than 14,600 troops, 121 tanks, 50 infantry fighting vehicles, 92 armoured personnel carriers, 758 armoured fighting vehicles, 457 motor vehicles, 107 artillery guns, 28 MLRS launchers, including seven of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, eight SAM launchers, four transport-loading vehicles, 26 electronic warfare stations, seven counter-battery radars, two air defence radars, 14 engineering vehicles, including eight 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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Russian National Guard Destroys Ukraine's Starlink Station in Chernigov Region Strike

Sputnik News

20240918

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A Starlink satellite communication station used by the armed forces of Ukraine militants in the Chernigov Region has been destroyed, the Russian National Guard said on Wednesday.

"The Russian Guards destroyed the Starlink satellite communication station used by the armed forces of Ukraine militants in the Chernigov region," the statement read.

UAV operators carried out a targeted strike using a drone with incendiary ammunition, the National Guard said, adding that as a result of a direct hit, the stronghold of the Ukrainian nationalists caught fire, and then further complete burning out of the enemy's territory and the Starlink satellite communication station.

A Sputnik

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Russia Slams NATO's 'Reckless' Rejection of Putin's Red Line on Ukraine Attacks

Sputnik News

20240918

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that dismissing Russian President Vladimir Putin's warnings about the dangers of Ukraine using Western weapons to attack Russian territory is both provocative and perilous.

"Such a ostentatious desire not to take seriously the statements of the Russian president is an absolutely short-sighted and unprofessional step," Peskov told reporters.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg denied in an interview out on Tuesday that allowing Ukraine to use long-range Western weapons to strike deep into Russia would cross country's "red line" despite warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"There have been many red lines declared by him [Putin] before, and he has not escalated, meaning also involving Nato allies directly in the conflict," Stoltenberg told The Times newspaper.

Stoltenberg said that he supported the United Kingdom and France in their decision to lift restrictions on Kiev's use of long-range weapons against Russia. He argued that their use by Ukraine would not draw the alliance into conflict with Russia.

Putin said that NATO countries were essentially deciding whether to get directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict. He warned that direct participation of Western countries in the conflict would change its nature, forcing Russia to respond to emerging threats.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated on Wednesday that Hungary is concerned about the potential use of long-range arms to strike Russia, as this would contradict Europe's security interests and heighten the risk of escalation. He emphasized that "Hungary is interested in peace, and every step that threatens escalation makes us concerned," adding that the use of long-range missiles against targets deep in Russia would "increase the threat of escalation," which runs counter to European security interests.

A Sputnik

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Air Defense Repelling Massive Drones Attack Over Russia's Toropets - Authorities

Sputnik News

20240918

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Air defense repels a massive drone attack in the Russian town of Toropets, located in the Tver Region, with the local authorities deciding to partially evacuate the population from affected areas, the regional government said on Wednesday.

Earlier on Wednesday, the regional government said that a fire broke out in Toropets after air defense forces shot down drones.

"In Toropets, the Tver Region, the process of extinguishing a fire is underway at the site of the drone debris fall, air defense forces continue to repel a massive drone attack in the skies above the city," the government said on Telegram.

In addition, it was decided to partially evacuate the population from areas where the air defense is working and firefighting is underway.

A Sputnik

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Russia's illegal war continues to be a military disaster: UK statement to the OSCE

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia's illegal war suffers further setbacks as casualties mount, and it loses its first submarine in combat since the second world war.

18 September 2024

Thank you, Mr Chair. As we meet for the first regular session of this trimester, I want to reflect on the current military situation regarding Russia's illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. It is now 2 years and 212 days since Russia conducted its full-scale invasion, a military action which Russia envisaged would be over in a matter of days. In that context, the current predicament can be construed as nothing less than a military disaster for the Kremlin.

Since we last convened in a regular FSC session, Ukraine now controls up to 900 square kilometres of Russian territory in the Kursk Oblast. Ukraine has a clear right of self-defence against Russia's illegal, unprovoked and barbaric invasion, and its actions are demonstrative of the ability of Ukraine's armed forces to achieve strategic surprise and expose Russian weaknesses.

At the military level, Ukraine's effective use of manoeuvre warfare stands in stark contrast to Russia's 'meat grinder' tactics. Russian casualties averaged 1187 a day in August. Contrast this to the daily rate of 544 Russian casualties in August last year, and 236 for the same month in 2022 and it paints a bleak picture for Russia's military. Even more starkly, Russia has now lost more than 610,000 casualties (killed and wounded) in the prosecution of its illegal campaign.

In the maritime domain, the campaign is faring little better for Russia. Despite having a considerably smaller maritime component, Ukraine has pushed much of the Russian navy eastwards from Crimea. Ukraine has damaged or destroyed a quarter of the Russian black sea fleet. This includes the destruction of the 'Rostov-on-Don', a $300M Russian submarine which was lost to Ukrainian action on 3 August, marking the first combat loss of a Russian submarine since the second world war. As in the land domain, this loss is a stunning Russian military failure.

Russia's illegal campaign was instigated without justification. This forum met repeatedly, prior to the full-scale invasion, in an effort to avert this deliberate act of aggression. As expected, the consequences of these actions have been a tragedy, but perhaps less expected, for none more so than Russia itself.

Russia's response so far has been to double down. It has turned to Iran and North Korea for the provision of weaponry as its own economy adopts a war footing, increasingly twisting it out of shape. Russia's continued negotiation of deals for significant quantities of weapons from DPRK violates many UN Security Council resolutions, including ones that Russia itself voted for. Russia has also now procured ballistic missiles from Iran for the first time, representing a significant escalation that will only increase the suffering of Ukrainian civilians. Russia continues to issue threats, constructing a false narrative against NATO and the EU to suggest they are in some way responsible for Russia's own illegal choices. Nobody compelled Russia to start this war and most participating states in this forum went to extraordinary efforts to try and prevent such a catastrophic course of action.

If Russia wants peace, there is a simple way to end this ongoing pattern of destruction. Russia must cease hostilities in Ukraine and remove its forces from Ukraine's internationally recognised territory. The United Kingdom, alongside its partners, will continue in its enduring support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thank you.

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Our Plan for Victory Is Already Fully Prepared; the Most Important Thing Now Is the Determination to Implement It - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

18 September 2024 - 20:05

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

First of all, today, I want to thank our warriors who ensure our Ukrainian long-range capability. There is a significant outcome from last night on the territory of Russia, and this is the type of action that weakens the enemy. I thank all those involved. Such inspiring precision. Our special services: the Security Service, the Defense Intelligence, the Special Operations Forces - thank you!

Today, there were two reports by the Commander-in-Chief - first, a long report on all directions of our actions. Our defense, our offensive steps. General Syrskyi reported on the changes in the situation in the Kursk region and our response to them. A strong response. Each of our units there performed admirably! We are managing the situation at our foothold within the limits of our expectations. Maximum attention is also paid to the directions in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions - our entire east. Pokrovsk, Toretsk, Kurakhove. We are working on reinforcements, both in terms of weapons and personnel.

Today, I also spoke with the Minister of Finance of Ukraine and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council regarding funds for key state needs, for defense. We must provide everything Ukraine requires.

Today there was a lot of work with our team of international experts - we are preparing meetings with partners, negotiations. The priority is not only to implement everything we have already agreed upon, and which is still being hindered at the logistics stage, but also more strategic things. We have clear tasks for manning the brigades - this includes equipment and training. All the promises made at the Washington Summit regarding air defense have not yet been fully realized. And it is crucial to achieve more results for our air shield right now, in early fall.

And today, we can already say that our Plan for Victory is fully prepared - all points, all key emphases, the necessary appendices with details to the Plan have been identified. Everything has been worked out. The most important thing now is the determination to implement it.

There is, and can be, no alternative to peace, no freezing of the war, or any other manipulations that will simply shift Russian aggression to another stage. We need reliable and long-term security for Ukraine, and, therefore, for all of Europe.

This is what we are working for.

I thank everyone who helps! Glory to all our warriors, glory to our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

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We Have Made an Important Step Towards the Creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression - Iryna Mudra

President of Ukraine

18 September 2024 - 14:27

In Vienna, a Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Mudra held the 11th meeting of the Core Group focused on establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

As a result, the participants reached an agreement on the general concept for the creation of the special tribunal.

The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that this meeting was pivotal in determining the model of the tribunal, which will be established through an agreement with the Council of Europe. The Core Group moved from general discussions about the tribunal's format to the talks on the draft Statute.

"Ukrainians are waiting for justice to be restored. We cannot afford a delay. The creation of this special tribunal is a moral obligation for the entire world. It's not just about Ukraine; it's about the future of international law, the rule of law, and global peace," emphasized Iryna Mudra.

The meeting included 41 delegations, all of which confirmed that those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine will be held accountable and outlined the next steps toward establishing the special tribunal.

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We Appreciate Iceland's Significant Contribution to Creating International Mechanisms for Holding Russia Accountable for Its Crimes in Ukraine - Ihor Zhovkva

President of Ukraine

18 September 2024 - 10:53

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a videoconference with Andri LAthersson, the newly appointed Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iceland.

Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude to Iceland for its assistance to Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion. He emphasized the importance of effectively implementing the bilateral security agreement and highlighted efforts in establishing a special tribunal and an International Register of Damages.

"We appreciate Iceland's significant contribution to the creation of international mechanisms for holding Russia accountable for its crimes in Ukraine," said the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office.

Ihor Zhovkva and Andri LAthersson discussed international efforts to implement the Peace Formula and agreed on actions to engage more countries from the Global South.

The conversation also touched upon cooperation within international initiatives, particularly within the Ukraine - Northern Europe format.

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Ukrainian drone attack sparks large fire in Russia's Tver region

By VOA News September 18, 2024

A Ukrainian drone attack Wednesday on a Russian warehouse sparked an earthquake-like blast and fire that forced the evacuation of a town in Russia's Tver region.

"The enemy hit an ammunition depot in the area of Toropets," said Yuri Podolyaka, a Ukrainian-born, pro-Russian military blogger, Reuters reported. "Everything that can burn is already burning there (and exploding)."

Earthquake monitors picked up what was thought to be a small earthquake, and NASA satellites noted a huge heat source in the same area.

Igor Rudenya, governor of the Tver region, said on Telegram that the drones had been shot down and a fire was burning, but the situation was "under control."

Reuters showed what it said was unverified video of the warehouse explosion to George William Herbert of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies who said the footage was consistent with 200 to 240 tons of explosives detonating.

In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not mention the blast specifically.

"A very important result was achieved last night on Russian territory and such actions weaken the enemy," he said. "I thank everyone involved. Such precision is truly inspiring."

Ukraine's state security service earlier said the warehouse held missiles, guided bombs and artillery ammunition. Previously, Russian media had called the site a major conventional arms arsenal.

Earlier, Russia's Defense Ministry said Wednesday it destroyed 54 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 27 over the Kursk region, 16 over Bryansk, seven over Smolensk, three over Belgorod and one over Oryol. Officials in those regions did not report any serious damage or casualties.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted border regions such as Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod. The attack on Tver, about 500 kilometers from the border, is not as common, but is an example of what Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said they want to do in order to hit Russian military infrastructure that could be used to attack Ukraine.

Ukraine's military said Wednesday that Russia's latest round of overnight attacks included three guided missiles and 52 aerial drones.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 46 of the 52 drones, with intercepts taking place over the Cherkasy, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy and Vinnytsia regions, the military said.

Some information for this report was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters

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US official: China's support for Russia's war effort in Ukraine 'comes from very top'

By Nike Ching September 18, 2024

A senior U.S. State Department official said Wednesday that Beijing's support for Moscow's defense industry comes directly from the top leadership of the People's Republic of China, or PRC. The official also pointed out that chips supplied by China have significantly bolstered Russia's battlefield capabilities in its war against Ukraine.

For months, U.S. officials have accused the PRC of actively aiding Russia's war effort. Washington has sanctioned Chinese firms providing crucial components to Russia's defense industry.

On Wednesday, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told lawmakers that the U.S. had been slow to fully grasp the "absolute intensity of engagement" between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The most worrisome thing is that it [China's support for Russia] comes from the very top," Campbell said during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.

He added that "chips, some design features, some capacities associated with the making of explosives" have been enhancing Russia's battlefield operations.

"We see the role of UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones] and other capacities that are penetrating the Ukrainian airspace. Much of that has been supported surreptitiously by China, and it raises real concerns."

Chinese officials rejected Washington's accusations, asserting that the U.S. should not "smear or attack the normal relations between China and Russia" or infringe upon "the legitimate rights and interests" of China and its companies.

Beijing also continues to call for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine leading to a political settlement, more than two and a half years into the war.

Some members of Congress have urged President Joe Biden's administration to sanction Chinese banks for supporting Russia's war on Ukraine.

"We've put many of their [PRC] financial institutions on watch. ... We've got to have Europeans with us. I think we're beginning to make headway," said Campbell.

The State Department's second-ranking diplomat said the challenges posed to the U.S. by the PRC exceed those of the Cold War, following a large-scale joint military exercise between China and Russia.

Dubbed "Ocean-2024," the massive naval and air drills spanned a huge swath of ocean and involved more than 400 naval vessels, at least 120 military aircraft and upward of 90,000 troops, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Without naming specific countries, Chinese officials said that the military exercise between the two allies, which concluded Monday, was intended to address joint threats.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elaborated during a recent briefing in Beijing, saying, "China and Russia [held] this joint exercise in order to deepen their mil-to-mil strategic coordination and strengthen the capacity to jointly address security threats."

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PROVO, Utah, Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union partnered with Operation Warm for an event on Sept. 18, 2024, at Franklin Elementary School in Provo, Utah. Over 400 students received brand-new winter coats, ensuring students will be prepared for cold weather before winter. The items were distributed to children throughout the school day by representatives from Franklin Elementary, the Provo School District, and Mountain America Credit Union.



Partnering with organizations like Operation Warm allows us to directly address the needs of children in our community, ensuring they receive the warmth and care they deserve, said Nathan Anderson, chief operating officer at Mountain America Credit Union. These efforts highlight our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Operation Warm is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing warmth, confidence, and hope for children in need through the gift of coats and shoes. Since 2019, Mountain America has partnered with Operation Warm to provide over 6,000 coats and 2,000 pairs of shoes to children. Having a warm coat allows them to comfortably participate in outdoor activities, promoting physical activity, and social development.

We are thrilled to partner with Mountain America, said Michael Andrews, senior partnership manager at Operation Warm. Collaborations like this are vital in ensuring that kids who may not have access to essential winter clothing can stay warm and comfortable as the colder months approach. Together, were making sure these children have one less thing to worry about, so they can focus on learning.

About Mountain America Credit Union

With more than 1 million members and $19 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across six states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain Americaguiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com .


NEWARK, Del, Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global oil accumulator market is set to experience substantial growth, with an anticipated valuation of USD 51.2 billion by 2024. The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, reaching an estimated USD 112 billion by the end of 2034.



The increasing demand for oil accumulators is helping to reduce environmental pollutants emitted during oil and gas drilling. The global exploration efforts for oil and gas are driving market expansion, as the need for these accumulators grows.

Rising Capacitor Demand: As global crude oil needs rise, so does the demand for capacitors used in oil and gas accumulators. The growth of the oil accumulator market is supported by the increasing demand from end-use sectors.

Key Growth Drivers: Significant factors contributing to market expansion include heightened exploration activities in the oil and gas sector and growing concerns over environmental and health impacts of oil and gas production, which drive the need for oil accumulators.

Market Value CAGR of Oil Accumulator Market

Countries Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) China 8.90% United States 8.40% Japan 6.30% United Kingdom 9.50% South Korea 10.50%

With the oil and gas industry's continuous evolution, oil accumulators have become indispensable. Their role in enhancing system performance and adhering to environmental regulations is driving significant market growth.  Commented Nikhil Kaitwade - Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.

Key Takeaways:

South Koreas oil accumulator market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2024 to 2034.

The UK market is projected to develop at a CAGR of 9.5% during the same period.

Chinas sales of oil accumulators are forecasted to rise at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2034.

The US market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% through 2034.

The bladder accumulator segment is expected to register a CAGR of 7.9%.

The blowout preventer and wellhead control segment is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.7%.

Japans market is likely to show a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period.



Prominent Drivers of the Oil Accumulator Market:

Rising Exploration Activities: Increased oil and gas exploration globally is boosting demand for oil accumulators. Environmental Regulations: The need to reduce pollutants from drilling operations drives the adoption of oil accumulators. Growth in End-Use Sectors: Higher demand in industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing supports market expansion. Technological Advancements: Innovations in hydraulic systems and accumulator design enhance performance and efficiency. Infrastructure Investments: Increased funding for infrastructure projects propels the use of oil accumulators. Health and Safety Concerns: Rising awareness of environmental and safety issues related to oil and gas production fuels market growth.

Gain Full Access: Find the Complete Report here

Challenges of the Oil Accumulator Market:

Rising Production Costs: Increased expenses in production are creating challenges for the market. Shift Towards Sustainable Energy: A global transition to renewable energy sources is impacting the demand for traditional oil products. Focus on Renewable Energy: Growing emphasis on renewable energy sources is affecting the oil industry. Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts to combat climate change are leading to reduced demand for crude oil. Challenges for Oil Accumulators: The overall decline in crude oil demand is impacting the market for oil accumulators.



Key Players of the Oil Accumulator Market:

Hydac

Parker Hannifin

Bosch Rexroth AG

NIPPON ACCUMULATOR CO. LTD.

Technetics Group

Eaton Corporation PLC

Hannon Hydraulics



Regional Analysis:

Asia Pacific: Market growth in this region is fueled by increased investments in offshore oil exploration and advanced hydraulic systems across industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing.

Market growth in this region is fueled by increased investments in offshore oil exploration and advanced hydraulic systems across industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing. Europe: The focus on renewable energy sources is leading to the integration of oil accumulators into hydraulic systems for storing excess energy from solar and wind power. Technological advancements in design and manufacturing are also driving market expansion.

The focus on renewable energy sources is leading to the integration of oil accumulators into hydraulic systems for storing excess energy from solar and wind power. Technological advancements in design and manufacturing are also driving market expansion. North America: The growth in infrastructure projects and the demand for high-performance hydraulic systems, along with increased factory automation, are propelling the adoption of oil accumulators in this region.



Key Segments of the Oil Accumulator Market

By Type:

Bladder Accumulator

Piston Accumulator

Diaphragm Accumulator



By Application:

Blow Out Preventer and Well Head Control

Offshore Rigs

Mud Pumps



By Region:

Asia Pacific

Europe

North America

Middle East

Africa

South America

Dive into FMIs up-to-date coverage and insights into the Oil Accumulator industry

The global expansion valve market size is projected to reach USD 11.5 billion in 2024. It is estimated to surge at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period ranging from 2024 to 2034.

The industrial valve market size is expected to be valued at around USD 81.55 billion in 2024. Due to the increasing usage of industrial valves to control the flow of materials, the demand is expected to develop at a moderate CAGR of 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, reaching a worth of USD 123.05 billion by 2034.

The aerospace valves market value is expected to be worth USD 10.8 billion in 2023. The revenue from sales of aerospace valves is likely to account for nearly USD 17.6 billion by 2033.

The North America market for Residential Ball Valves will grow at a CAGR of 5.6%, reaching a valuation of USD 554.1 Million in 2032.

The global thermostatic radiator valves market share is projected to amass a revenue of around USD 413.1 million by 2033, up from USD 271.2 million in 2023 moving forward with a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.

The North America market for Pressure Regulating Valves will grow at a CAGR of 5.1%, reaching a valuation of USD 1,293.5 Million in 2032.

The valve remote control systems industry is likely to soar at 6.7 % CAGR over the forecast period 2023 and 2033.

The global valve positioner market share is estimated to advance at a moderate CAGR of 5.5%, helping it reach USD 3.3 billion by 2034. The market was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2024, and the previous year recorded a market valuation of USD 1.8 billion.

The global lead acid battery market share valued at USD 59.7 billion in 2023. It is further projected to witness a 4.8% y-o-y growth in 2024 and reach USD 62.6 billion in the same year.

The global power quality equipment market size is projected to reach USD 41.1 billion in 2024. It is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 6% during the assessment period and is projected to reach a value of USD 73.7 billion by 2034.

Author by:

Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.

His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.

Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

Join us as we commemorate 10 years of delivering trusted market insights. Reflecting on a decade of achievements, we continue to lead with integrity, innovation, and expertise.

Contact Us:

Future Market Insights Inc.

Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,

Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA

T: +1-845-579-5705

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Der globale Markt fur Olakkumulatoren wird voraussichtlich ein betrachtliches Wachstum verzeichnen und bis 2024 einen erwarteten Wert von 51,2 Milliarden USD erreichen. Der Markt wird voraussichtlich von 2024 bis 2034 mit einer durchschnittlichen jahrlichen Wachstumsrate (CAGR) von 8,1 % wachsen und bis Ende 2034 einen geschatzten Wert von 112 Milliarden USD erreichen.

Die steigende Nachfrage nach Olakkumulatoren tragt dazu bei, die Umweltschadstoffe zu reduzieren, die bei der Ol- und Gasforderung freigesetzt werden. Die weltweiten Explorationsbemuhungen fur Ol und Gas treiben die Marktexpansion voran, da der Bedarf an diesen Akkumulatoren wachst.

Steigende Nachfrage nach Kondensatoren: Mit dem steigenden weltweiten Bedarf an Rohol steigt auch die Nachfrage nach Kondensatoren, die in Ol- und Gasakkumulatoren verwendet werden. Das Wachstum des Olakkumulatormarktes wird durch die steigende Nachfrage aus den Endverbrauchssektoren unterstutzt.

Wichtige Wachstumstreiber: Wichtige Faktoren, die zur Marktexpansion beitragen, sind verstarkte Explorationsaktivitaten im Ol- und Gassektor und wachsende Bedenken hinsichtlich der Umwelt- und Gesundheitsauswirkungen der Ol- und Gasproduktion, die den Bedarf an Olspeichern erhohen.

Wichtige Erkenntnisse:

 Der sudkoreanische Markt fur Olspeicher wird voraussichtlich von 2024 bis 2034 mit einer durchschnittlichen jahrlichen Wachstumsrate von 10,5 % wachsen.

 Der britische Markt wird im selben Zeitraum voraussichtlich eine durchschnittliche jahrliche Wachstumsrate von 9,5 % aufweisen.

 Die chinesischen Verkaufe von Olspeichern werden von 2024 bis 2034 voraussichtlich mit einer durchschnittlichen jahrlichen Wachstumsrate von 8,9 % steigen.

 Der US-Markt wird voraussichtlich bis 2034 mit einer durchschnittlichen jahrlichen Wachstumsrate von 8,4 % wachsen.

 Das Segment der Blasenspeicher wird voraussichtlich eine durchschnittliche jahrliche Wachstumsrate von 7,9 % verzeichnen.

 Das Segment der Blowout-Preventer und Bohrlochkopfsteuerung wird voraussichtlich eine durchschnittliche jahrliche Wachstumsrate von 7,7 % aufweisen.

 Der japanische Markt wird im Prognosezeitraum voraussichtlich eine durchschnittliche jahrliche Wachstumsrate (CAGR) von 6,3 % aufweisen.

Wichtige Treiber des Olspeichermarktes:

1. Steigende Explorationsaktivitaten: Die weltweit zunehmende Ol- und Gasexploration steigert die Nachfrage nach Olspeichern.

2. Umweltvorschriften: Die Notwendigkeit, Schadstoffe aus Bohrarbeiten zu reduzieren, treibt die Einfuhrung von Olspeichern voran.

3. Wachstum in Endverbrauchssektoren: Eine hohere Nachfrage in Branchen wie Bauwesen, Bergbau und Fertigung unterstutzt die Marktexpansion.

4. Technologische Fortschritte: Innovationen bei Hydrauliksystemen und Akkumulatordesign verbessern Leistung und Effizienz.

5. Infrastrukturinvestitionen: Erhohte Finanzierung von Infrastrukturprojekten treibt die Verwendung von Olspeichern voran.

6. Gesundheits- und Sicherheitsbedenken: Das zunehmende Bewusstsein fur Umwelt- und Sicherheitsprobleme im Zusammenhang mit der Ol- und Gasproduktion treibt das Marktwachstum an.

Herausforderungen des Olspeichermarktes:

1. Steigende Produktionskosten: Erhohte Produktionskosten schaffen Herausforderungen fur den Markt.

2. Umstellung auf nachhaltige Energie: Ein globaler Ubergang zu erneuerbaren Energiequellen wirkt sich auf die Nachfrage nach traditionellen Olprodukten aus.

3. Fokus auf erneuerbare Energie: Die zunehmende Betonung erneuerbarer Energiequellen wirkt sich auf die Olindustrie aus.

4. Klimaschutz: Bemuhungen zur Bekampfung des Klimawandels fuhren zu einer geringeren Nachfrage nach Rohol.

5. Herausforderungen fur Olspeicher: Der allgemeine Ruckgang der Nachfrage nach Rohol wirkt sich auf den Markt fur Olspeicher aus.
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 15, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA), if they purchased the Companys 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.



Get Help

Stellantis investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-stla/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Stellantis 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 ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 25, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), if they purchased the Companys shares between June 23, 2022 and March 6, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.



Get Help

Methode Electronics investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-mei/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Methode and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On March 7, 2024, the Company announced its financial results for 3Q2024, disclosing that its Automotive Segment generated only $139.7 million in net sales for the quarter and suffered an $11 million loss from operations, and that it was withdrawing its prior guidance due in substantial part to the operational challenges at its Monterrey facility and that its prior statements regarding the guidance should no longer be relied upon. On this news, the price of Methodes shares fell 31%, from $21.04 per share when the market closed on March 6, 2024 to $14.49 per share when the market closed on March 7, 2024, on abnormally high volume.

The case is Salem v. Methode Electronics, Inc., No. 24-cv-07696.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central Iron Ore Limited (CIO  TSX.V) (CIO or the Company) is pleased to announce this Drilling Update.

Central Iron Ore is pleased to announce that the results for the 2024 Phase 1 RC drilling campaign have been finalised.





Figure 1. The sun sets after the first day's drilling of the 2024 Phase 1 RC campaign at British King (M37/30)

Highlights:

Assay results for the 75-hole, 5 911-meter 2024 Phase 1 RC program has been received and processed.

Multiple significant intercepts exceeding has been intercepted across the target area (Table 1) some notable intercepts include; 24BKRC_004: 5m @ 20.52g/t from 110 meters 24BKRC_007: 3m @ 28.26g/t from 96 meters 24BKRC_010: 2m @ 24.02g/t from 75 meters 24BKRC_015: 3m @ 35.61g/t from 58 meters 24BKRC_028: 7m @ 8.53g/t from 61 meters 24BKRC_017: 2m @ 2.44g/t from 80 meters

And: 1m @ 6.24g/t from 84 meters

And: 2m @ 26.7g/t from 93 meters 24BKRC_028: 7m @ 8.53g/t from 61 meters



Commencing in late September, 321 metres of Diamond Drilling (6 drillholes) will twin selected RC drillholes the showed exceptional gold endowment. The diamond drillhole core will provide invaluable structural, mineralogical and metallurgical information

The British King Mineral Resource is currently being updated to include the results of the recent drilling



Drilling Results

Interpretation of the RC drilling assay results has confirmed high grade gold mineralisation across the prospect area (Figure 3). A clear geological understanding of the ore body has been developed with gold mineralisation associated with a primary laminated bucky quartz lode with continuity for the entire 840m of strike targeted by the drilling campaign (Figure 3 to Figure 6). Mineralisation is open down dip and along strike.





Figure 2. Section plan for the 2024 Phase 1 and historical drilling





Figure 3. Pierce Point Long section of the 2024 RC results





Figure 4. Section A-A': multiple significant high grade intercepts across multiple auriferous lodes have been identified





Figure 5. Section B-B': multiple significant high grade intercepts have been identified





Figure 6. Section C-C': multiple significant high grade intercepts across multiple auriferous lodes have been identified

Table 1. Significant Intercepts for the 2024 Phase 1 RC Campaign

Target

Hole ID

Hole Depth

Dip

Azi

Collar Position Significant Mineralised Intercepts Comments

Easting Northing ARL From To Interval Avg. Grade

(Au g/t) Metal (g*m) British King - M37/30

24BKRC_001 58 -60 357 6908256 326841 445 46 47 1 1.29 1.29 1m @ 1.29g/t from 46 meters and 51 53 2 7.13 14.26 2m @ 7.13g/t from 51 meters 24BKRC_002 86 -60 357 6908239 326842 445 64 70 6 1.30 7.80 6m @ 1.3g/t from 64 meters 24BKRC_003 19 -60 357 6908218 326841 445 - - - - - NSI - abandoned before lode intercepted 24BKRC_004 118 -60 357 6908198 326840 445 110 115 5 20.52 102.60 5m @ 20.52g/t from 110 meters inc. 110 112 2 48.00 96.00 2m @ 48g/t from 110 meters 24BKRC_005 60 -60 357 6908256 326860 445 56 59 3 5.51 16.53 3m @ 5.51g/t from 56 meters inc. 56 57 1 11.55 11.55 1m @ 11.55g/t from 56 meters 24BKRC_006 89 -60 357 6908239 326860 445 71 74 3 6.36 19.08 3m @ 6.36g/t from 71 meters inc. 71 72 1 11.70 11.70 1m @ 11.7g/t from 71 meters 24BKRC_007 110 -60 357 6908217 326860 445 96 99 3 28.26 84.78 3m @ 28.26g/t from 96 meters inc. 96 98 2 40.20 80.40 2m @ 40.2g/t from 96 meters 24BKRC_008 119 -60 357 6908197 326859 445 112 113 1 6.03 6.03 1m @ 6.03g/t from 112 meters 24BKRC_009 60 -60 357 6908256 326877 445 49 50 1 8.35 8.35 1m @ 8.35g/t from 49 meters 24BKRC_010 85 -60 357 6908241 326877 445 75 77 2 24.02 48.04 2m @ 24.02g/t from 75 meters inc. 76 77 1 45.60 45.60 1m @ 45.6g/t from 76 meters 24BKRC_011 110 -60 357 6908220 326875 445 90 94 4 12.87 51.48 4m @ 12.87g/t from 90 meters inc. 90 92 2 24.94 49.88 2m @ 24.94g/t from 90 meters 24BKRC_012 104 -60 357 6908237 326896 445 77 79 2 8.65 17.30 2m @ 8.65g/t from 77 meters inc. 77 78 1 16.25 16.25 1m @ 16.25g/t from 77 meters 24BKRC_013 110 -60 357 6908220 326896 445 94 96 2 15.44 30.88 2m @ 15.44g/t from 94 meters inc. 94 95 1 28.00 28.00 1m @ 28g/t from 94 meters 24BKRC_014 131 -60 357 6908202 326897 445 109 110 1 1.27 1.27 1m @ 1.27g/t from 109 meters and 114 115 1 4.17 4.17 1m @ 4.17g/t from 114 meters 24BKRC_015 83 -60 357 6908260 326917 445 50 51 1 1.43 1.43 1m @ 1.43g/t from 50 meters and 58 61 3 35.61 106.83 3m @ 35.61g/t from 58 meters inc. 59 60 1 100.00 100.00 1m @ 100g/t from 59 meters 24BKRC_016 90 -60 357 6908239 326916 445 68 69 1 5.99 5.99 1m @ 5.99g/t from 68 meters and 77 79 2 24.95 49.90 2m @ 24.95g/t from 77 meters inc. 77 78 1 48.30 48.30 1m @ 48.3g/t from 77 meters and 87 90 3 15.19 45.57 3m @ 15.19g/t from 87 meters inc. 87 88 1 37.20 37.20 1m @ 37.2g/t from 87 meters 24BKRC_017 107 -60 357 6908220 326915 445 80 82 2 2.44 4.88 2m @ 2.44g/t from 80 meters and 84 85 1 6.24 6.24 1m @ 6.24g/t from 84 meters and 93 95 2 26.70 53.40 2m @ 26.7g/t from 93 meters and 96 98 2 2.09 4.18 2m @ 2.09g/t from 96 meters 24BKRC_018 134 -60 357 6908200 326917 445 105 106 1 8.86 8.86 1m @ 8.86g/t from 105 meters and 114 117 3 1.16 3.48 3m @ 1.16g/t from 114 meters 24BKRC_019 66 -60 357 6908277 326939 445 36 38 2 6.62 13.24 2m @ 6.62g/t from 36 meters and 62 63 1 3.50 3.50 1m @ 3.5g/t from 62 meters 24BKRC_020 86 -60 357 6908258 326939 445 56 60 4 2.63 10.52 4m @ 2.63g/t from 56 meters and 76 80 4 1.34 5.36 4m @ 1.34g/t from 76 meters 24BKRC_021 90 -60 357 6908240 326940 445 69 74 5 3.56 17.80 5m @ 3.56g/t from 69 meters 24BKRC_023 128 -60 357 6908200 326938 445 109 113 4 3.41 13.64 4m @ 3.41g/t from 109 meters 122 123 1 6.16 6.16 1m @ 6.16g/t from 122 meters 24BKRC_024 80 -60 357 6908258 326957 445 54 56 2 13.98 27.96 2m @ 13.98g/t from 54 meters and 73 76 3 9.47 28.41 3m @ 9.47g/t from 73 meters inc. 73 74 1 33.00 33.00 1m @ 33g/t from 73 meters 24BKRC_025 98 -60 357 6908239 326957 445 74 77 3 6.45 19.35 3m @ 6.45g/t from 74 meters and 90 92 2 4.07 8.14 2m @ 4.07g/t from 90 meters 24BKRC_026 78 -60 357 6908260 326976 445 53 56 3 6.97 20.91 3m @ 6.97g/t from 53 meters 24BKRC_027 83 -60 357 6908239 326978 445 78 79 1 1.76 1.76 Abandoned - flooded stoping intersected. 79m to 82m 24BKRC_028 80 -60 357 6908259 326997 445 61 68 7 8.53 59.71 7m @ 8.53g/t from 61 meters inc. 61 62 1 49.20 49.20 1m @ 49.2g/t from 61 meters and 72 73 1 3.07 3.07 1m @ 3.07g/t from 72 meters 24BKRC_029 80 -60 357 6908276 327179 445 - - - - - NSI 24BKRC_030 74 -60 357 6908276 327195 445 51 52 1 3.73 3.73 1m @ 3.73g/t from 51 meters 24BKRC_031 95 -60 357 6908256 327199 445 86 89 3 0.75 2.25 3m @ 0.75g/t from 86 meters 24BKRC_032 74 -60 357 6908298 327224 445 0 0.00 0m @ g/t from meters 24BKRC_033 95 -60 357 6908256 327218 445 88 89 1 0.89 0.89 1m @ 0.89g/t from 88 meters 24BKRC_034 77 -60 357 6908275 327240 445 70 72 2 2.02 4.04 2m @ 2.02g/t from 70 meters 24BKRC_035 95 -60 357 6908256 327241 445 85 86 1 1.09 1.09 1m @ 1.09g/t from 85 meters 24BKRC_040 69 -60 357 6908256 327021 445 - - - - - NSI, Abandoned - flooded stoping intersected. 69m 24BKRC_045 98 -60 357 6908238 327060 445 96 98 2 1.60 3.20 Abandoned after lode intersected 24BKRC_049 104 -60 357 6908238 327101 445 95 96 1 9.51 9.51 1m @ 9.51g/t from 95 meters 24BKRC_058 110 -60 357 6908239 327181 445 - - - - - NSI 24BKRC_062 65 -60 357 6908238 327219 445 - - - - - NSI, abandoned before lode intercepted British King Extension - M37/631

24BKERC_001 36 -60 357 6908219 326735 444 25 27 2 2.31 4.62 2m @ 2.31g/t from 25 meters 24BKERC_002 56 -60 357 6908200 326736 445 46 47 1 1.05 1.05 1m @ 1.05g/t from 46 meters 24BKERC_003 30 -60 357 6908239 326755 445 20 22 2 11.72 23.44 2m @ 11.72g/t from 20 meters inc. 20 21 1 21.40 21.40 1m @ 21.4g/t from 20 meters 24BKERC_004 53 -60 357 6908219 326755 445 44 45 1 2.56 2.56 1m @ 2.56g/t from 44 meters 24BKERC_005 35 -60 357 6908259 326776 445 18 19 1 3.39 3.39 1m @ 3.39g/t from 18 meters 24BKERC_006 53 -60 357 6908240 326776 445 36 40 4 1.69 6.76 4m @ 1.69g/t from 36 meters 24BKERC_007 89 -60 357 6908202 326778 445 66 68 2 4.01 8.02 2m @ 4.01g/t from 66 meters and 74 76 2 4.55 9.10 2m @ 4.55g/t from 74 meters 24BKERC_008 44 -60 357 6908258 326795 445 33 36 3 4.84 14.52 3m @ 4.84g/t from 33 meters inc. 34 35 1 11.35 11.35 1m @ 11.35g/t from 34 meters 24BKERC_009 60 -60 357 6908239 326796 445 50 51 1 3.54 3.54 1m @ 3.54g/t from 50 meters 24BKERC_010 80 -60 357 6908220 326797 445 68 69 1 7.69 7.69 1m @ 7.69g/t from 68 meters 24BKERC_011 47 -60 357 6908259 326815 445 27 30 3 1.19 3.57 3m @ 1.19g/t from 27 meters and 40 42 2 2.13 4.26 2m @ 2.13g/t from 40 meters 24BKERC_012 65 -60 357 6908287 327252 445 - - - - - NSI 24BKERC_013 65 -60 357 6908289 327272 445 58 59 1 3.13 3.13 1m @ 3.13g/t from 58 meters 24BKERC_014 89 -60 357 6908267 327272 445 73 76 3 3.96 11.88 3m @ 3.96g/t from 73 meters 24BKERC_015 65 -60 357 6908289 327291 445 58 59 1 3.02 3.02 1m @ 3.02g/t from 58 meters 24BKERC_039 89 -60 357 6908268 327293 445 71 74 3 2.02 6.06 3m @ 2.02g/t from 71 meters 24BKERC_016 68 -60 357 6908283 327331 445 62 64 2 1.08 2.16 2m @ 1.08g/t from 62 meters 24BKERC_018 71 -60 357 6908288 327351 445 - - - - - NSI 24BKERC_019 68 -60 357 6908286 327370 445 - - - - - NSI 24BKERC_020 89 -60 357 6908267 327371 445 72 74 3 1.84 5.52 3m @ 1.84g/t from 72 meters 24BKERC_021 65 -60 357 6908287 327389 445 60 62 2 1.27 2.54 2m @ 1.27g/t from 60 meters 24BKERC_022 68 -60 357 6908288 327408 446 59 60 1 2.85 2.85 1m @ 2.85g/t from 59 meters 24BKERC_023 83 -60 357 6908270 327433 446 73 74 1 9.28 9.28 1m @ 9.28g/t from 73 meters 24BKERC_024 54 -60 357 6908287 327452 446 - - - - - NSI, abandoned before lode intercepted 24BKERC_025 62 -60 357 6908266 327453 446 - - - - - NSI, abandoned before lode intercepted 24BKERC_026 74 -60 357 6908285 327479 446 67 68 1 2.33 2.33 1m @ 2.33g/t from 67 meters 24BKERC_027 68 -60 357 6908289 327496 446 52 53 1 3.00 3.00 1m @ 3g/t from 52 meters 24BKERC_028 89 -60 357 6908268 327495 446 - - - - - NSI 24BKERC_029 56 -60 357 6908308 327514 446 35 36 1 2.09 2.09 1m @ 2.09g/t from 35 meters and 40 41 1 10.45 10.45 1m @ 10.45g/t from 40 meters 24BKERC_030 68 -60 357 6908286 327514 446 59 60 1 53.30 53.30 1m @ 53.3g/t from 59 meters 24BKERC_031 89 -60 357 6908265 327534 446 77 80 3 6.34 19.02 3m @ 6.34g/t from 77 meters inc. 79 80 1 17.45 17.45 1m @ 17.45g/t from 79 meters 24BKERC_032 74 -60 357 6908284 327553 446 - - - - - NSI 24BKERC_033 74 -60 357 6908286 327573 446 52 53 1 1.16 1.16 1m @ 1.16g/t from 52 meters and 57 58 1 5.03 5.03 1m @ 5.03g/t from 57 meters 24BKERC_034 68 -60 357 6908220 326776 445 57 58 1 4.49 4.49 1m @ 4.49g/t from 57 meters 24BKERC_036 86 -60 357 6908221 326815 445 75 77 2 12.70 25.40 2m @ 12.7g/t from 75 meters 24BKERC_039 89 -60 357 6908268 327293 445 71 74 3 2.02 6.06 3m @ 2.02g/t from 71 meters 24BKERC_044 83 -60 357 6908266 327389 446 73 74 1 1.68 1.68 1m @ 1.68g/t from 73 meters



Diamond Drilling Commencing Soon

Twinning diamond drilling of 6 selected high-grade interceptions will commence towards end September 2024 to obtain large volume, representative samples for structural, metallurgical and petrographic test work.

British King Resource Update

The British King Mineral Resource is currently being updated to include the results of the recent RC drilling. The Companys 100% owned British King Mine Area has a NI43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource of 105,000 tonnes at 6.35 g/t Au for a total of 22,400 ounces.

The British King Extensions, 100% owned by the South Darlot Joint Venture in which the Company owns a 70% interest, has an NI43-101 Inferred Resource 71,000 tonnes at 5.64 g/t Au for 12,830 ounces at a gold price of $AUD 3,000/ounce. Both Inferred Resources have a top cut of 35 g/t Au (as per NI 43-101 report dated 18/5/2023 entitled NI43-101 Technical Report South Darlot Gold Project Updated for the 2022-2023 Exploration Western Australia).





Figure 7. British King Mine Area and Extensions

British King Project (Western Australia)

The Companys British King Project is located across the British King Mine situated on the M37/30 Mining Tenement, approximately 320km northwest of Kalgoorlie and 60km east of Leinster in Western Australia (Figure 8).





Figure 8. British King Project Location

QUALIFIED PERSON

Mr Andrew Bewsher who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has compiled the information within this report relating to the RC drilling programme. Mr Bewsher has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity currently being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in NI 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

CENTRAL IRON ORE LIMITED

David Deitz

____________________________

David Deitz, Director/CEO

For further information, please contact:

www.centralironorelimited.com

Investor and Media Inquiries:

Direct: +61 2 9397 7521

Email: info@centralironorelimited.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Companys equity securities, the state of the market for iron ore or other minerals that may be produced generally, recent market volatility; variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties. The reader is referred to the Company's disclosure documents for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Companys page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6e3e72f0-454a-43fc-a650-778ebbcb199b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29419020-fa7e-4a26-8e79-ad78cfac3dcf

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd8605ea-9290-45ce-bc2b-d39a00a6b45c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bb2f8ed-3e3e-4979-ae9d-4684a0f27bad

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9f4590d-0957-47a6-b60a-0a7e7aec3c7b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f272b219-e017-40c6-99e9-2c5cc22c7986

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d55181d-29ba-4a0b-9265-92c5fb138333

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/782b7252-f03d-4a90-843f-83eb38dfec04

ABN: 32 072 871 133
Data from the CENTERSTONE study shows single-dose Xofluza reduces transmission of influenza from an infected person to household members

This is the first time that any antiviral used in the treatment of a respiratory viral illness has demonstrated a transmission reduction benefit in a global phase III study

Reducing the spread of infection in the household could help limit transmission within communities and societies, easing the burden of both seasonal and pandemic influenza on healthcare systems

Basel, 19 September - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today positive topline results of the phase III CENTERSTONE study of Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), an antiviral, showing a reduction in the transmission of influenza viruses. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that a single, oral dose of Xofluza taken by people infected with influenza significantly reduced the likelihood of others in their household contracting the virus. Xofluza was well tolerated with no new safety signals identified.

CENTERSTONE is the first global phase III study to show a transmission reduction benefit with an antiviral used in the treatment of a respiratory viral illness. This new data may add to the benefits of Xofluza, which is currently approved for treating symptoms and preventing infection following virus exposure.1 The topline results will be presented at the 2024 OPTIONS XII for the Control of Influenza congress (29 September - 2 October, Brisbane, Australia).

Building on Xofluzas established efficacy in treating and preventing influenza after exposure, this new evidence of transmission reduction represents an important advance that could help improve health outcomes at an individual and community level, said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roches Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. We look forward to discussing these data with regulatory authorities and public health organisations for influenza pandemic preparedness to bring these benefits to patients.

Influenza is one of the most common yet serious infectious diseases, representing a significant burden to public health. Every year, seasonal influenza infects an estimated one billion people and causes millions of hospitalisations and up to 650,000 deaths globally.2,3 With the co-circulation and burden of multiple respiratory viruses (including COVID-19) infecting individuals within and outside of the winter season, it is more important than ever that influenza is not underestimated.4 For the effective control of both seasonal and pandemic influenza, early diagnosis and treatment is critical.5

The CENTERSTONE study has been partially supported with federal funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Other Transaction Agreement number: HHSO100201800036C.

About CENTERSTONE6

The CENTERSTONE study [ NCT03969212 ] was a global phase III trial investigating the efficacy of single-dose Xofluza, taken within 48 hours of symptoms onset, to reduce the onward transmission of influenza within households. The study ran across 272 sites across the globe, with over 4,000 participants, and involved otherwise healthy patients from five to 64 years who had been diagnosed with influenza via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid influenza diagnostic test, known as index patients (IPs) and those within their household (known as household contacts, HHCs). The primary endpoint was the proportion of HHCs who tested positive for influenza within five days after the IP had been treated with either Xofluza or placebo. The secondary endpoint looked at the proportion of HHCs who tested positive for influenza by day five and developed influenza symptoms. The design of this randomised, placebo-controlled trial was developed with inputs from the US FDA and leading experts in influenza.

About Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil)

Xofluza is a first-in-class, single-dose oral medicine with an innovative mechanism of action designed to block viral replication by inhibiting the cap-dependent endonuclease protein, potentially reducing the duration of infectiousness and disease. Xofluzas mechanism of action has demonstrated efficacy in a wide range of influenza viruses, including in vitro activity against oseltamivir-resistant strains and avian strains (H7N9, H5N1) in non-clinical studies.7,8,9

Xofluza is approved in more than 80 countries for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza types A and B.10 In Europe, Xofluza is approved for the treatment of influenza in otherwise healthy patients and as a preventative treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis).1 Xofluza represents the first innovation in mechanism of action for an influenza antiviral approved in almost 20 years for treatment in children, adolescents and adults.11

Robust clinical evidence has demonstrated the benefit of Xofluza in several populations (otherwise healthy, children and post-exposure prophylaxis in individuals aged one year and above).9,12,13,14 Xofluza was also studied in a phase III development programme in children under the age of one ( NCT03653364 ).15

Xofluza was discovered by Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and is being further developed and commercialised globally in collaboration with the Roche Group (which includes Genentech in the US) and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. Under the terms of this agreement, Roche holds worldwide rights to Xofluza excluding Japan and Taiwan, which will be retained exclusively by Shionogi & Co., Ltd.



About Roche in influenza

Influenza is a serious infectious disease and represents a significant burden to public health. Seasonal epidemics result in an estimated one billion cases, millions of hospitalisations and up to 650,000 deaths globally every year.2,3 Roche has a long history of developing transformative medicines that contribute to public health. We are committed to bringing innovation in the field of infectious diseases, including influenza. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) has made a significant difference in the treatment of both seasonal influenza and pandemic management, and we are proud to have brought this innovative medicine to patients. Roche is committed to addressing the unmet need in this area through its agreement with Shionogi & Co., Ltd. to develop and commercialise Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil).



About Roche

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the worlds largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roches business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com .

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.



References

[1] European Medicines Agency. Summary of product characteristics, Xofluza. 2021. [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/xofluza#product-info

[2] World Health Organization (WHO). 2023. Influenza (Seasonal). [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal) .

[3] Paget J, et al. Global and national influenza-associated hospitalisation rates: Estimates for 40 countries and administrative regions. Journal of Global Health. 2023;13:04003. Published 2023 Jan 27. doi:10.7189/jogh.13.04003

[4] WHO. Joint Statement - influenza season epidemic kicks off early in Europe as concerns over RSV rise and COVID-19 is still a threat. [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/01-12-2022-joint-statement---influenza-season-epidemic-kicks-off-early-in-europe-as-concerns-over-rsv-rise-and-covid-19-is-still-a-threat .

[5] Jones W, et al. Influenza Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Recent Innovations in Antiviral Therapy and Relevance to Primary Care Practice. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. 2021;5(6):974-991.

[6] Clinical Trials.gov. Study to assess the efficacy of baloxavir marboxil versus placebo to reduce onward transmission of Influenza A or B in households [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03969212 .

[7] Hayden F, et al. Baloxavir Marboxil for Uncomplicated Influenza in Adults and Adolescents. New England Journal of Medicine 2018;379:913923.

[8] Noshi T, et al. In vitro characterization of baloxavir acid, a first-in-class cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor of the influenza virus polymerase PA subunit. Antiviral Research. 2018;160:109-117.

[9] Taniguchi K, et al. Inhibition of avian-origin influenza A(H7N9) virus by the novel cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir marboxil. Scientific Reports. 2019;9:3466.

[10] Roche data on file.

[11] Roche.com. Roches Xofluza approved by the European Commission for the treatment of influenza, the first new influenza antiviral for patients in almost 20 years. [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2021-01-11 .

[12] Baker J, et al. Baloxavir marboxil single-dose treatment in influenza-infected children: A randomized, double-blind, active controlled phase 3 safety and efficacy trial (miniSTONE-2). The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2020;39(8):700-705.

[13] Ikematsu H, et al. Baloxavir marboxil for Prophylaxis against Influenza in Household Contacts. New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;383:309-320.

[14] Ison,M et al. Early treatment with baloxavir marboxil in high-risk adolescent and adult outpatients with uncomplicated influenza (CAPSTONE-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Infect Dis 2020;20(10):120414.

[15] Clinicaltrials.gov. Study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of baloxavir marboxil in healthy pediatric participants from birth to < 1 year with influenza-like symptoms. [Internet; cited September 2024]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03653364 .

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKX Explorer, a leading blockchain search engine and Web3 analytics platform, has issued updates for September 19, 2024.



OKX Explorer Now Supports DuckChain

OKX Explorer now supports DuckChain, the first EVM-compatible TON Layer 2 solution. This integration aligns with OKX Explorer's commitment to providing comprehensive coverage and advanced tools for the onchain community and developers, particularly in emerging blockchain ecosystems.

Key highlights of this integration:

Enhanced multi-chain interoperability: DuckChain connects multiple blockchain ecosystems, including TON, EVM, and Bitcoin, aiming to be at the forefront of driving large-scale Web3 adoption, further enhanced by OKX Explorers robust multi-chain support. This synergy provides users with seamless access to detailed, real-time data insights across various blockchains, enhancing both user and developer experiences.

DuckChain connects multiple blockchain ecosystems, including TON, EVM, and Bitcoin, aiming to be at the forefront of driving large-scale Web3 adoption, further enhanced by OKX Explorers robust multi-chain support. This synergy provides users with seamless access to detailed, real-time data insights across various blockchains, enhancing both user and developer experiences. Innovative explorer-as-a-service model: The collaboration introduces an explorer-as-a-service model, making blockchain exploration tools more accessible and cost-effective. OKX Explorer's comprehensive data indexing capabilities support this model, enabling users to access detailed transaction data and analytics across different ecosystems effortlessly.

The collaboration introduces an explorer-as-a-service model, making blockchain exploration tools more accessible and cost-effective. OKX Explorer's comprehensive data indexing capabilities support this model, enabling users to access detailed transaction data and analytics across different ecosystems effortlessly. Facilitating liquidity and user adoption: DuckChain's goal of bringing billions in liquidity and real users to the TON ecosystem is supported by OKX Explorer's advanced tracking capabilities. This integration ensures that users can easily monitor and interact with DuckChain, fostering growth and innovation within the TON ecosystem.

DuckChain's goal of bringing billions in liquidity and real users to the TON ecosystem is supported by OKX Explorer's advanced tracking capabilities. This integration ensures that users can easily monitor and interact with DuckChain, fostering growth and innovation within the TON ecosystem. User-centric features and developer tools: The collaboration focuses on providing intuitive features for users and advanced tools for developers. OKX Explorer's comprehensive data insights and support for multiple blockchains empower developers to build and deploy applications efficiently, while users benefit from a seamless and informative experience.

DuckChain's integration with OKX Explorer marks a significant step in enhancing blockchain interoperability and user experience. By leveraging OKX Explorer's robust infrastructure and multi-chain support, DuckChain users can now access detailed transaction data and analytics across different ecosystems seamlessly, eliminating the need for multiple blockchain explorer solutions.



To learn more, visit OKX's Support Center.

For further information, please contact:

Media@okx.com

About OKX

OKX is a technology company with a mission to organize the world's blockchains and make them more accessible and useful.

We want to create a future that makes our world more efficient, transparent and connected.

OKX began as a crypto exchange giving millions of people access to trading and over time became among the largest platforms in the world. In recent years, we have developed one of the most connected onchain wallets used by millions to access decentralized applications (dApps).

OKX is a brand trusted by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets on a reliable platform that seamlessly connects with global banking and payments.

OKX is committed to transparency and security, and publishes its Proof of Reserves monthly to build trust. OKX also regularly publishes educational articles, accessible via OKX Learn. These articles provide readers with in-depth analyses of all cryptocurrencies, including factors influencing Bitcoin prices and Ethereum prices.

Our most well-known products include: The OKX Exchange, OKX Wallet, OKX Marketplace, OKX Explorer, OKX Chain and OS for developers, OKX Ventures and OKX Institutional Services. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com



Disclaimer
Stellantis to Participate in the 2024 Bank of America European Autos and Future Car Virtual Conference

AMSTERDAM, September 19, 2024  Natalie Knight, Stellantis Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a fireside chat on Monday, September 23 at 4 p.m. CEST / 10 a.m. EDT at the 2024 Bank of America European Autos and Future Car Virtual Conference.

To watch the live session, visit the following webcast link: https://bofa.veracast.com/webcasts/bofa/euautos2024/4Z7ac1.cfm

Details for watching the fireside chat are also available under the Investors section of the Stellantis corporate website. For those unable to attend the live session, a recorded replay will be accessible following the event.

# # #

About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the worlds leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. Its best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep  , Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

@Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis



For more information, contact:



Fernao SILVEIRA +31 6 43 25 43 41  fernao.silveira@stellantis.com



Nathalie ROUSSEL +33 6 87 77 41 82  nathalie.roussel@stellantis.com







communications@stellantis.com

www.stellantis.com

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VIENNA, Austria , Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) , a global cross-industry initiative of the Linux Foundation that focuses on sustainably securing open source software (OSS), is excited to announce new members from leading technology, security, and research firms. The OpenSSF is further pleased to host Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Community Day at Open Source Summit EU 2024 , which brings together community members, maintainers, and contributors from around the world.



This round of commitments is led by new premier member Datadog, who will join the OpenSSF Governing Board. New general member commitments come from G-Research, HeroDevs, Keyfactor, Protect AI, and SIGHUP. With support from these new organizations, the OpenSSF heads into the latter part of 2024 with 121 members that together recognize the importance of backing, maintaining, and promoting a strong, vibrant, and secure open source software ecosystem.

Welcoming our newest members to the OpenSSF is a testament to the growing recognition of the critical importance of securing open source software, said Arun Gupta, Vice President and General Manager of Open Ecosystem Initiatives at Intel and OpenSSF Governing Board Chair. By working together, we can address the challenges of open source security, foster innovation, and ensure that the software powering our digital world is secure and trustworthy. Collaboration is key, and with the support of our new members, we are one step closer to achieving our shared mission.

To celebrate its growing community, the OpenSSF is hosting Secure Open Source Software Community Day at Open Source Summit Europe 2024 in Vienna. SOSS Community Day EU 2024, with over 350 registrants, is an opportunity for community members from across the open source security ecosystem to get together and share ideas. Featuring a packed schedule with sessions led by 36 experts on topics like education, innovation, tooling, vulnerabilities, threats, and more, SOSS Community Day will showcase the work the OpenSSF community is doing to drive improvements in open source software security. Further highlighting the organizations commitment to security education, SOSS Community Day EU will feature a 90-minute interactive tabletop exercise (TTX), designed to engage the open source community on security practices.

Premier Member Quote

Datadog

At Datadog, we firmly believe in the power of community and open source. Joining the OpenSSF underscores our commitment to advancing secure software for everyone. We're eager to collaborate on creating a future where open source software, which has become critical to modern development, is universally trusted, secure, and reliable."  Jeremy Garcia, VP Technical Community and Open Source, Datadog

General Member Quotes

G-Research

At G-Research, we are committed to supporting and securing the open source software that powers critical advancements in technology globally. We believe in the work the OpenSSF is doing to address the growing complexities of open source software supply chain security, and in fostering collaboration that benefits the entire open source ecosystem. We are excited to join OpenSSF, work alongside industry leaders and contribute to the collective effort to make open source more secure."  Alex Scammon, Director of Open Source, G-Research

HeroDevs

At HeroDevs, were all about keeping the web sustainable and secure, even when software reaches its end-of-life. Joining OpenSSF was a natural fit because it lets us focus on what we care about mostensuring the tools developers rely on remain safe, even after theyre no longer actively supported. We're dedicated to maintaining the security of these projects so the open-source community can keep building with confidence.  Aaron Frost, CEO, HeroDevs

Keyfactor

Keyfactor's decision to join OpenSSF underscores our commitment to advancing open source security with a focus on PKI, cryptography, and signing practices. As the industry confronts the challenges of quantum readiness and securing software supply chains, fostering collaboration and driving innovation across the software ecosystem are more essential than ever to ensure resilience and future readiness.  Malin Ridelius, VP Community Open Source Products, Keyfactor

Protect AI

At Protect AI, our mission is to help build a safer, AI-powered world. Open source software serves as the backbone of many artificial intelligence and machine learning systems across the enterprise, making its security critical to the future of AI. We are strong advocates of the open source community, with five AI security open source projects and our Huntr community dedicated to identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in AI/ML OSS. It is vital that we continue to secure OSS in order to safeguard AI. Today, we are excited to join the Open Source Security Foundation. We are aligned with the OpenSSF mission and fully support its initiatives alongside the growing list of partners.  Ian Swanson, CEO and Founder, Protect AI

SIGHUP

We are thrilled to join the Open Source Security Foundation and officially support its incredible work and mission. SIGHUP a ReeVo Company, is an active member of the CNCF and the Linux Foundation and a dynamic supporter of many community-driven initiatives; this new membership underscores our belief in the power of collaboration to enhance the security of open source software and foster a community where security is not an afterthought but a fundamental part of development from the very beginning. In the last year, our DevSecOps team actively contributed to several OpenSSF initiatives, and we look forward to further contributions supporting the future developments of the open source security standards and best practices.  Jacopo Nardiello, Founder, SIGHUP, and Head of Cloud Native Services, ReeVo

Golden Egg Award Recipient

The OpenSSF continues to shine a light on those who go above and beyond in our community with the Golden Egg Awards . The Golden Egg symbolizes gratitude for awardees selfless dedication to securing open source projects through community engagement, engineering, innovation, and thoughtful leadership. Today, we recognize Paolo Mainardi, CTO of SparkFabrik, for his outstanding commitment to enhancing software supply chain security. Paolo has contributed to key OpenSSF initiatives, from technical leadership in the Open Source Consumption Manifesto to advocacy for frameworks like SLSA . His community outreach and technical insights have made a lasting impact on the open source security landscape.

Additional Resources

View the complete list of OpenSSF members .

. To learn more about the OpenSSF community, including information about membership, contribution, project participation, and more, contact us here .

About the OpenSSF

The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) is a cross-industry initiative by the Linux Foundation that brings together the industrys most important open source security initiatives and the individuals and companies that support them. The OpenSSF is committed to collaboration and working both upstream and with existing communities to advance open source security for all. For more information, please visit us at openssf.org .

About the Linux Foundation

The Linux Foundation is the worlds leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the worlds infrastructure, including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, OpenChain, OpenSSF, PyTorch, RISC-V, SPDX, Zephyr, and more. The Linux Foundation focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Media Contact

Jennifer Tanner

Look Left Marketing

openssf@lookleftmarketing.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (West Red Lake Gold or the Company) (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to report that a test mining and bulk sample program (the Program) is now underway at the Madsen Mine, adding a key derisking component to the efforts being made to prepare the mine for a targeted restart in 2025.



Data and experience are invaluable in mining, said Shane Williams, President and CEO of West Red Lake Gold. Test mining will provide data on how best to mine at Madsen, bulk samples will allow us to compare modeled and actual mine resources, and the process will give our team another layer of operational experience. As we continue to push towards restarting the Madsen Mine in 2025, I am very excited this program is underway.

Overall Approach

Test mining has already begun. Crews are currently developing top and bottom access (sills) ahead of long hole stoping in the Austin 1099/1100 area. The process has already been informative, and the Company expects to report on stoping progress in the next mine site update in early October.

The Program is expected to run for four months. Bulk samples will be batch stockpiled on site. The Company expects to process these bulk sample stockpiles soon after restarting the mill.

The test mining and bulk sample program is designed around three goals.

To understand, prior to restart, the best methods to mine safely and efficiently in the various underground environments at Madsen. To inform mineability decisions for mineralization near old stopes. Historic stopes are currently wrapped in 2-metre, null-resource buffers that could potentially be reduced or removed if trial mining demonstrates these buffer areas are mineable. This represents potential upside to the overall mineable inventory. To create bulk samples that the Company can batch process on mill startup to complete reconciliation calculations between expected and actual tonnes, grade, and ounces of mined material.



The Company chose four target areas in the Madsen resource that represent the range of mining environments, average gold grades, definition drilling density, and assumed mining methods. Trial mining across these variables will inform a confident and safe plan for mining the high-grade gold resources at Madsen.

Figure 1: A section view of the Madsen project with the four target areas for the test mining and bulk sample program noted. Green shapes are planned stopes, blue lines are planned sills, red, green and orange lines are future development of varying sizes, and grey shapes are historic stopes.

The four test mining target areas collectively host 114,600 tonnes of total material with an average grade of 5.98 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au). The Company expects to bulk sample approximately 5,000 tonnes from each area in this test mining program.

Mining will be a mixture of Long Hole Stoping (LHS) and Mechanized Cut and Fill (MCF).

LHS will be used wherever resource shape and geometry allow and will ideally include 3-metre by 3-metre overcuts and undercuts (sills). Maximum level spacing will be 20 metres vertical. Production drilling will be done with Boart Stopemate drills; mucking will be completed with a 2.5-yard Scooptram.

MCF will be used in remnant mining areas. MCF stopes will have a minimum size of 3 metres by 3 metres, slashed wider in places for selective mining. MCF will be accomplished with either Long Tom drills or a single-boom Jumbo combined with a 2-yard Scooptram.

Test Mining Areas

The Company plans to mine, stockpile, and batch process approximately 5,000 tonnes from each of the four areas described below as part of the Program.

McVeigh Lenses 1453 and 1406

Lenses 1453 and 1406 are a near-surface part of the McVeigh resource block. This area has an overall expected 26,300 tonnes at 7.15 g/t gold grade and will be mined exclusively with LHS. The sill levels are 18 metres vertically spaced, which leaves 15 metres for stoping.

This area was selected to add information to the resource model in the McVeigh area, which has higher geologic complexity than other parts of the Madsen resource, and to bulk sample a higher-grade part of the resource.

South Austin Lens 1155

The 1155 mining area is near the midpoint of the current mine, approximately 400 metres vertical below surface. This area has an overall expected 73,300 tonnes at 5.66 g/t gold grade. This complex is a fresh mining area with no historical workings and will be mined via LHS.

This test area will confirm geological modelling practices and the reliability of the sill engineering process. Drilling is currently ongoing in this area; results are expected to refine the total targeted tonnes and grade before test mining begins.

Austin Lens 1099/1100

The Austin Lens 1099/1100 is in an area of remnant mining. It has an overall expected 6,700 tonnes at 5.39 g/t gold grade. This area will be mined with a mixture of MCF and LHS.

This area will be test-mined to establish remnant mining procedures, partly by confirming the geotechnical competence of historical backfill, and to confirm historical data.

Figure 2: An orthogonal view of the Austin 1099/1100 mining area showing planned sills (blue), stopes (light green), and access (dark green).

South Austin Lenses 1136 and 1148

This test mining area has an overall expected 8,300 tonnes at 5.60 g/t gold grade.

This area is being targeted to determine the accuracy of previous resource models and drilled areas, including understanding how best to assess sills that previous operators started in this area but did not complete.

QUALIFIED PERSON

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Maurice Mostert, P.Eng., Vice President of Technical Services for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for Reserves at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES

West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the worlds richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines  Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit.

ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD.

Shane Williams

Shane Williams

President & Chief Executive Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Investor Relations

Tel: (604) 609-6132

Email: investors@wrlgold.com or visit the Companys website at https://www.westredlakegold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The decision to continue with the advancement of the Madsen Mine restart and the Companys operations and plans with respect thereto, as described herein (the Madsen Mine Restart), are based on economic models prepared by the Company in conjunction with managements knowledge of the property and the existing estimate of indicated and inferred mineral resources on the property set out in the report entitled, Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, with an effective date of July 31, 2022, as amended on April 24, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Madsen Mine Restart is not based on a preliminary economic assessment, a pre-feasibility study or a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the Madsen Mine Restart, in particular: the risk that mineral grades will be lower than expected; the risk that additional ongoing mining operations are more difficult or more expensive than expected; and the risk that production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a detailed economic and technical analysis undertaken in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as anticipate, expect, estimate, forecast, planned, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to plans for the potential restart of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential of the Madsen Mine; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Companys future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Companys securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Companys business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the year ended November 30, 2023, and the Companys annual information form for the year ended November 30, 2023, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects managements current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Companys continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d75b5f1a-bdea-4e93-b3b3-5818e68e34d1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f714b684-3bfb-41d9-8fc1-1949494c10be

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8aaf80c3-b417-4667-a0bf-bea01948995c
LONDON, September 19 2024  Carbon removals, the removal and durable storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) that has already been emitted, are starting to emerge as a viable investment opportunity, but not at a pace that will enable the world to get to net zero according to the latest research by data and analytics company Wood Mackenzie.

The report, Carbon removals: The net in net zero states that technical constraints make eliminating CO2 emissions exceptionally difficult, which means that carbon removals will play a vital role in the energy transition. This means that projects in this area will need to start ramping up on a massive scale.

Only a global effort will be able to deliver removals at scale says Mhairidh Evans, Global Head of CCUS Research. However, trade-off with other social needs is still inevitable, given the volume of projects required.

The report states that to achieve this goal, three key things must happen. Carbon removals must be monetised, governments must set national carbon removal targets and provide sufficient incentives and stimulate demand and developers need to deliver projects at cost levels that make removals an attractive option based on expected future carbon prices.

The report adds that nature-based solutions such as afforestation and soil carbon offer the greatest potential for scale at a lower cost per tonne than engineered solutions with many deployment opportunities available below US$100/tonne of CO2. This compares favourably with engineered solutions that currently range between US$100 and US$1,000/tonne.

Furthermore, some of the worlds highest emissions emitting countries such as the US, Brazil, China, Indonesia and India have land resources available to accommodate huge removals projects on a gigatonne scale.

However, the carbon removals project sector remains too risky for many investors because of inconsistent policy support from governments worldwide.

Government policy and incentives are the driving force behind the sharp rise in planned engineered projects across North America and Europe, which host over 95% of capacity announced to date, says Evans. To deliver on the required scale, nature-based solutions will require greater support from governments around the globe.

The report also states that the investing in carbon removals can be difficult because, unlike renewable energy or clean fuels, there is usually no product produced. This can make the value of a project hard to define and financial value often comes from stacking different sources of income. These include voluntary and compliance carbon markets, direct corporate buyers, government incentives and by-product sales - but values vary greatly around the world.

Carbon markets are the primary mechanism for translating emissions mitigation from removals into a monetisable commodity.

With a carbon price, governments and companies would be able to put a monetary value on having less CO2 in the atmosphere. Says Evans. Companies need to be willing to pay for this in the voluntary market, while governments could create a regulated mandatory market, where companies can trade removal credits. We see an increasing role for removals in compliance markets

Wood Mackenzie forecasts show that currently committed voluntary carbon market participants will demand more than 1.7 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (BtCO2e) a year of avoidance and removal carbon offsets by 2050. Demand could more than triple if the controversial issues of market integrity, trustworthiness of monitoring, reporting and verification, and offset quality are resolved quickly.

The report also states that governments should also use their purchasing power to stimulate demand. Other initiatives along these lines also includes government-to-government trading which would achieve better global equity and encourage investment in removals projects in developing countries.

The report adds that while strong governmental support is essential to kick-start projects, developers also have to work hard to deliver the right cost levels to attract potential investors. For Direct Air Capture, one of the most promising removals technologies, this will require supply-chain optimisation, a step-change in energy consumption, larger project sizes and the application of next-generation capture technologies.

The report concludes that nature-based solutions will deliver 90% of carbon removals in Wood Mackenzies base case. Engineered removals come at a higher cost but will be essential at gigatonne scale to help the world reach net zero.

The promise of carbon removals is clear. Whats less clear is their pathway to becoming a major lever to help meet the Paris goals and help companies to achieve their net zero targets, Evans concludes. Nevertheless, there are no-regrets actions that can  and should  happen now.

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Dublin, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Polymer Bearing Market: Market Size, Trends, Opportunities and Forecast by Material Type, Application, Load Capacity, Region, By Country: 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This report highlights different factors and opportunities prevailing in the Global Polymer Bearing Market. According to the report, the Global Polymer Bearing Market was valued at USD 10.30 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.43% during 2025-2030.



The market is growing due to the increasing demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and maintenance-free bearing solutions across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.



Key drivers of the market include the growing adoption of lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace applications, the increasing demand for cost-effective and maintenance-free solutions, and advancements in polymer technology. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is also driving demand for polymer bearings, as they offer noise reduction and energy efficiency benefits.



Technological innovations in polymer materials, including enhanced strength, durability, and resistance to wear, are expanding the application areas for polymer bearings. Manufacturers are focusing on developing customized solutions to meet the specific requirements of different industries.



Europe leads the Polymer Bearing market, with strong demand from the automotive and aerospace sectors in countries such as Germany and France. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth, particularly in China and Japan, due to the increasing adoption of polymer bearings in manufacturing and transportation.



Market Segmentation

By Material Type:

Nylon

Phenolics

Acetal

Teflon

Other Material Types

By Application:

Automobile

Packaging

Medical & Pharmaceutical

Other Applications

By Product Type:

Low & Medium Load Capacity

High Load Capacity

By Geography

Americas (The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Americas)

Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Rest of Asia Pacific)

Middle East and Africa (GCC, Israel, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa)

Key Companies



The report assesses the competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development and market share portfolio of top 15 companies. Key companies in the Global Polymer Bearing include:

SKF

Dotmar Engineering Plastics

Igus Bearings Inc.

KMS Bearings, Inc.

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

OILES CORPORATION

Kashima Bearings, Inc.

Saint-Gobain

ISB Industries

Waukesha Bearings Corporation

Other Leading Companies

Reasons to buy this report:

In-Depth Comparative Assessment of Top 20 Markets in the Polymer Bearing Market Application: Comparative assessment of 20 leading countries highlighting the total addressable market, opportunities, lucrative segments and competitive positioning of leading companies.

Comprehensive Historical, Present, and Future Analytics of the Polymer Bearing Market: A deep dive in the historical (2020-2023), current (2024) and forecast (2025-2030) market analytics of Polymer Bearing Market.

Detailed Analysis of Polymer Bearing Market By Material Type, Application, and Load Capacity Across 20 Countries.

Gain insights specific to new entrants or new market areas to tap: The study provides detailed market entry strategies, including analysis of barriers to entry, pricing strategies, opportunities, trends, drivers, and challenges and product positioning using the Opportunity Portfolio Matrix (OPM).

Strategic Application Movements: Tracking Competitive Developments and Key Players in the Market: The report covers competitive strategies, mergers & acquisitions, new developments, future plans and market share analysis of ~15 top companies.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pfjmm5

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.
HOUSTON, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) (the Company or W&T) today announced that the Company has issued its 2023 Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, which is now available on W&Ts website, www.wtoffshore.com, under the Corporate Responsibility tab.

Tracy W. Krohn, Chairman and CEO, commented, We continue to demonstrate our commitment to a high quality, comprehensive ESG effort by issuing our 2023 ESG report. This is our fourth sustainability report and we continue to make strides regarding shareholder rights, board structure and oversight, human rights, labor, health and safety and environmental initiatives. We are constantly improving our capabilities to better allow us to report on an increasing number of SASB standards and GRI standards for the oil and gas sector. W&Ts culture of success and sustainability is built on environmental stewardship, sound corporate governance, and contributing positively to our employees and the communities where we work and operate. In 2023, we added a new Board member, Dr. Nancy Chang, who is the chair of our Environmental, Safety and Governance committee that oversees our ESG efforts. We believe that Dr. Chang will help guide our continuous improvement and assist us in our commitment to the highest standards of ESG and corporate governance. We invite you to review this report to learn more about our sustainability program and our plans for improvement in the future.

The 2023 ESG report provides detailed information about W&Ts sustainability initiatives and provides important ESG performance data for the five year period from 2019 through 2023.

Highlights of the report include:

Decreased total Scope 1 GHG emissions 26% from over 435,000 metric tons of CO 2 -e in 2019 to 325,000 metric tons of CO 2 -e in 2023;

-e in 2019 to 325,000 metric tons of CO -e in 2023; Decreased scope 1 GHG production intensity by 42% across the past five years;

Maintained detailed efforts and procedures in place to estimate and track all waste management that is recycled, injected, or sent to landfills;

Continued reaching out and engaging directly with W&Ts largest shareholders, affirming our commitment to shareholders and ensuring alignment over the long-term; and

Established an ESG Committee, chaired by Dr. Nancy Chang, which will assist in setting the Companys general strategy relating to ESG matters and in developing, implementing, and monitoring initiatives and policies based on that strategy.



About W&T Offshore

W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had working interests in 63 fields in federal and state waters (which include 55 fields in federal waters and eight in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 678,100 gross acres (520,400 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 519,000 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 153,500 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,600 gross acres in Alabama state waters. A majority of the Companys daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T, please visit the Companys website at www.wtoffshore.com.
Dublin, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Saudi Arabia's Medical Alert System Market was valued at USD 9.5 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.11% through 2029.

The market's growth is primarily driven by the increasing elderly population in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to rise due to improved healthcare services and higher life expectancy. Furthermore, there is a growing awareness and acceptance of medical alert systems among the population, influenced by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Technological advancements, such as the integration of GPS tracking, fall detection, and mobile connectivity, are enhancing the functionality and appeal of these systems. The Saudi government's initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and promote digital health solutions also play a significant role in the market's expansion.

Increased investment by private companies and partnerships with healthcare providers to offer comprehensive medical alert services are also contributing to market growth. As urbanization continues and more people live independently, the need for reliable and efficient medical alert systems is expected to rise. The market is also benefiting from a cultural shift towards prioritizing health and safety, with families more willing to invest in such systems to ensure the well-being of their loved ones.

Overall, the Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System market is poised for significant growth, driven by demographic changes, technological advancements, government support, and an increasing focus on health and safety.







Key Market Trends

Integration of Advanced Technologies



A prominent trend in the Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System Market is the integration of advanced technologies to enhance the functionality and user experience of these systems. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) are being increasingly incorporated into medical alert devices. These technologies enable more accurate monitoring and predictive analytics, allowing for proactive health management.

For instance, AI algorithms can analyze patterns in a user's daily activities and health metrics to predict potential emergencies before they occur. The inclusion of IoT facilitates seamless connectivity between various devices, enabling comprehensive monitoring through smart home systems and mobile applications. This trend not only improves the effectiveness of medical alert systems but also makes them more appealing to tech-savvy consumers. As technology continues to evolve, the market is expected to witness the introduction of even more sophisticated features, further driving the adoption of medical alert systems in Saudi Arabia.



Expansion of Telehealth Services



The expansion of telehealth services is another significant trend influencing the Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System Market. Telehealth has gained considerable traction, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it offers a convenient and efficient way to provide medical care remotely. Medical alert systems are increasingly being integrated with telehealth platforms, allowing users to connect with healthcare professionals instantly during emergencies. This integration provides a holistic approach to health management, combining emergency response with routine medical consultations and remote monitoring.

The Saudi government's support for telehealth initiatives, as part of its Vision 2030 plan, is further propelling this trend. By leveraging telehealth, medical alert systems can offer enhanced value to users, ensuring timely medical intervention and continuous health monitoring, which is crucial for managing chronic conditions and preventing severe health incidents. The synergy between telehealth services and medical alert systems is expected to significantly boost market growth and adoption in the coming years.



Increasing Customization and Personalization



Increasing customization and personalization is an emerging trend in the Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System Market, reflecting the growing demand for tailored health solutions. Manufacturers are focusing on developing customizable medical alert systems that cater to the specific needs and preferences of individual users. This trend includes offering a range of device options, from wearable pendants and wristbands to mobile-based applications, allowing users to choose the format that best suits their lifestyle.

Additionally, personalization extends to the functionalities of the systems, with options to customize alert settings, emergency contact lists, and monitoring preferences. This user-centric approach enhances the overall user experience, ensuring that the systems are not only effective but also convenient and comfortable to use. As consumers become more discerning and demand greater control over their health management tools, the trend of customization and personalization is expected to gain momentum. This focus on tailored solutions is likely to drive higher adoption rates and customer satisfaction, contributing to the sustained growth of the medical alert system market in Saudi Arabia.



Segmental Insights

Type Insights



In 2023, the Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) segment dominated the Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System Market, and this segment is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The prominence of PERS can be attributed to its widespread acceptance and effectiveness in providing immediate assistance during medical emergencies. These systems, typically comprising wearable devices with emergency buttons, are particularly popular among the elderly and individuals with chronic health conditions, who benefit significantly from their ease of use and reliability. The increasing elderly population in Saudi Arabia, coupled with the rising incidence of chronic diseases, has driven the demand for PERS, as these systems offer peace of mind to users and their families by ensuring quick response in case of emergencies. The advancements in PERS technology, such as the integration of GPS tracking, fall detection, and mobile connectivity, have further enhanced their functionality, making them even more attractive to consumers.

Additionally, the Saudi government's initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and promote digital health solutions have supported the growth of this segment. Nurse Calling Systems (NCS), Smart Belts, and other medical alert devices, while also experiencing growth, have not achieved the same level of market penetration as PERS. NCS are primarily used in healthcare facilities, limiting their market scope, whereas Smart Belts and other innovative devices are still in the early stages of adoption. The comprehensive features, proven reliability, and user-friendly nature of PERS position this segment as the preferred choice for emergency response solutions in Saudi Arabia. As the market continues to evolve, the PERS segment is expected to leverage ongoing technological advancements and growing consumer awareness to maintain its leading position, driving the overall growth of the medical alert system market in the country.



Regional Insights



In 2023, the Riyadh region dominated the Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System Market and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This leadership can be attributed to several key factors that position Riyadh as the epicenter of market activity. Riyadh, being the capital and the most populous city of Saudi Arabia, hosts a significant portion of the country's healthcare infrastructure, including top-tier hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions. The region's advanced healthcare facilities and higher concentration of medical professionals make it a prime market for medical alert systems. Additionally, Riyadh's residents generally have higher disposable incomes compared to other regions, enabling greater affordability and adoption of advanced medical technologies, including personal emergency response systems and other medical alert devices.

The region also benefits from the Saudi government's focused initiatives to enhance digital health solutions and healthcare services as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to improve the overall quality of life and healthcare standards. Furthermore, the increasing awareness about health and safety among the population, driven by public health campaigns and educational programs, has significantly boosted the demand for medical alert systems in Riyadh. The urbanization and modern lifestyle in Riyadh contribute to a growing need for reliable emergency response systems, especially among the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions who prefer living independently.

The technological infrastructure in Riyadh, which includes robust telecommunications networks and widespread internet connectivity, supports the seamless operation of sophisticated medical alert systems, enhancing their appeal and functionality. As these factors continue to drive demand, Riyadh is poised to sustain its dominant position in the medical alert system market, leading the way in adoption and innovation while influencing trends across the rest of Saudi Arabia.

Report Scope



In this report, the Saudi Arabia Medical Alert System Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends, which have also been detailed below:



By Type:

Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

Nurse Calling System (NCS)

Smart Belt

Others

By Technology:

Two-way Voice Systems

Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems

Medical Alert Alarm (Button) System

IP-based Systems

By Application:

Pharmacies

Online Sales

Hypermarkets

By Region:

Riyadh

Makkah

Eastern Province

Rest of Saudi Arabia

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 85 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $9.5 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $14.47 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.1% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia

Key Market Players Profiled in the Report

ConnectAmerica, LLC

Tunstall Healthcare Group

Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.

Medical Guardian LLC

Nortek Air Solutions, LLC

Chubb Group Holdings Inc

Vigil Health Solutions Inc

Vital Connect Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3s3jd4

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madison Metals Inc. (Madison or the Company) (CSE: GREN) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0) is pleased to announce that Star Minerals Limited (Star Minerals) (ASX: SMS), a well managed Australian public company, has entered into a binding agreement with Madison to earn into Exclusive Prospecting Licence 8531 (the Cobra Uranium Project) at Madison North near the world-renowned Rossing Uranium Mine in the Erongo Uranium Province, Namibia.



Under the terms of the agreement, Star Minerals has the opportunity to earn up to a 51% interest in the Cobra Uranium Project through staged cash payments, issuance of common shares to Madison, and performing exploration expenditures over a three-year period. If all earn-in options are exercised by Star Minerals, Madison would be entitled to cash, stock and work expenditures valued at approximately US$4.4 million. Additionally, Star Minerals will issue performance shares to Madison upon achieving specific exploration milestones. Upon successful completion of the earn-in, Madison and Star Minerals will form a joint venture to further explore and potentially develop the Cobra Uranium Project licence, with future contributions to be made on a pro-rata basis.

We are excited to welcome Star Minerals as a partner in the development of the Cobra Uranium Project, said Duane Parnham, Executive Chairman and CEO of Madison Metals. This agreement strengthens Madisons operational footprint in Namibia, as we now have active exploration efforts underway on two uranium projects in one of the worlds premier uranium mining jurisdictions. We believe this partnership will unlock significant value for both companies and our respective shareholders, and we look forward to advancing our mutual goal of driving sustainable uranium production to meet global energy demands.

The Cobra Uranium Project is strategically located in Namibia, a leading global jurisdiction for uranium mining, known for its favorable regulatory environment and long history of supporting the uranium industry. This collaboration with Star Minerals aligns with Madisons strategy of leveraging partnerships to accelerate exploration and development, while maintaining focus on creating long-term value for its shareholders.

In connection with the execution of the above-noted earn-in agreement, the Company is obligated to issue 450,000 common shares of Madison in two equal tranches to a non-arms-length individual, with the first half on execution and the remaining half upon Star Minerals completing its first earn-in milestone.

About Madison Metals Inc.

Madison Metals Inc. (CSE: GREN) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0) is an upstream mining and exploration company focused on sustainable uranium production in Namibia and Canada. With over 50 years of mining experience, including 22 years in Namibia, its management team has geological and financial expertise and a track record of creating shareholder value.

Additional information about Madison Metals Inc. can be found at madisonmetals.ca and on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

For further information, please contact:

Duane Parnham

Executive Chairman & CEO

Madison Metals Inc.

+1 (416) 489-0092

ir@madisonmetals.ca

Media inquiries:

Adam Bello

Manager, Media & Analyst Relations

Primoris Group Inc.

+1 (416) 489-0092

media@primorisgroup.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor CIRO accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding the proposed future exploration and drilling by Madison.

Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, schedule, estimates, forecasts, intends, continue, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future.

Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others: the global economic climate; competition; labour shortages, and unanticipated expenses of the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: failure of the Company or its contractual partners to fulfil their respective obligations under agreements; unanticipated delays in drilling as described in this press release; the impact the COVID 19 pandemic may have on the Companys activities and the economy in general; the impact of the recovery post COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on precious metals; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental risks; and other risks of the mining industry.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities that are available on the Companys SEDAR+ profile page at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.
Dublin, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Exhaust System Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Vehicle Type, Sales Channel, Fuel Type, Component, After-treatment Device, Original Equipment, Aftermarket, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Exhaust system market is evaluated at a valuation of $34.22 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.28% to reach $47.26 billion by 2034.

The exhaust system market is a critical segment of the automotive industry, focusing on technologies and components designed to manage and reduce vehicle emissions while enhancing overall performance. This market plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and meeting consumer demands for cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

The market's diversity is reflected in its broad application areas, which include passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, agricultural tractors, construction equipment, and mining equipment. Each of these applications has specific requirements for exhaust systems, driven by factors such as engine type, vehicle size, and operational conditions. Passenger vehicles, being the largest segment, drive substantial demand for advanced exhaust technologies due to their high production volumes and the need to meet rigorous emission standards.

Similarly, commercial vehicles, including light commercial vehicles (LCVs), buses, and trucks, require specialized exhaust solutions to handle the unique demands of their heavier loads and extended usage. Additionally, exhaust systems for agricultural and construction machinery, as well as mining equipment, must be robust enough to perform effectively in challenging environments.

The exhaust system market is further categorized by product types, including manifolds, downpipes, catalytic converters, mufflers, tailpipes, and various sensors such as NOx, oxygen, temperature, and particulate matter sensors. Each component plays a specific role in the exhaust system, contributing to the overall effectiveness of emission control and vehicle performance. The market also distinguishes between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products and aftermarket solutions, with OEM components being integrated during the vehicle's initial production and aftermarket parts catering to replacements and upgrades.

Fuel type is another significant factor in the exhaust system market, with separate considerations for diesel and gasoline engines. Each fuel type presents unique challenges and requirements for emission control, influencing the design and functionality of exhaust components and after-treatment devices.

The market for after-treatment devices is segmented into original equipment and aftermarket categories. Original equipment includes advanced technologies such as diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs), diesel particulate filters (DPFs), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), lean NOx traps (LNTs), and gasoline particulate filters (GPFs). These devices are critical for meeting emission standards and improving vehicle efficiency. The aftermarket segment mirrors these technologies, providing replacement and enhancement options to extend the lifespan and performance of existing exhaust systems.

The regional segmentation of the exhaust system market includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest-of-the-World. Asia-Pacific stands out as the largest regional market, driven by its rapidly growing automotive industry, increasing vehicle production, and expanding infrastructure. This region's substantial market size is supported by major automotive manufacturing hubs in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Europe and North America follow, with significant demand driven by stringent environmental regulations and high vehicle ownership rates.

Overall, the exhaust system market is characterized by its dynamic nature, driven by evolving regulatory standards, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. As the industry continues to innovate and adapt, the market is expected to see ongoing development and growth, reflecting the broader trends toward cleaner and more efficient automotive solutions.

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: This report provides a comprehensive product/innovation strategy for the global exhaust system market, identifying opportunities for market entry, technology adoption, and sustainable growth. It offers actionable insights, helping organizations gain a competitive edge, and capitalize on the increasing demand.

Growth/Marketing Strategy: This report offers a comprehensive growth and marketing strategy designed specifically for the exhaust system market. It presents a targeted approach to identifying specialized market segments, establishing a competitive advantage, and implementing creative marketing initiatives aimed at optimizing market share and financial performance. By harnessing these strategic recommendations, organizations can elevate their market presence, seize emerging prospects, and efficiently propel revenue expansion.

Competitive Strategy: This report crafts a strong competitive strategy tailored to the exhaust system market. It evaluates market rivals, suggests methods to stand out, and offers guidance for maintaining a competitive edge. By adhering to these strategic directives, companies can position themselves effectively in the face of market competition, ensuring sustained prosperity and profitability.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

Forvia

Tenneco Inc.

Continental AG

Eberspacher

Futaba Industrial Co. Ltd.

Sango Co. Ltd.

Friedrich Boysen GmbH & Co. KG

Yutaka Giken

Sejong Industrial Co. Ltd.

BOSAL

Johnson Matthey

Klarius Products Ltd.

Benteler International AG

MagnaFlow

Borla Performance Industries Inc.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 100 Forecast Period 2024 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $34.22 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $47.26 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.3% Regions Covered Global



Key Topics Covered:

1. Markets: Industry Outlook

1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.2 Supply Chain Overview

1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis

1.2.2 Pricing Forecast

1.3 R&D Review

1.3.1 Patent Filing Trend by Country, by Company

1.4 Regulatory Landscape

1.5 Stakeholder Analysis

1.5.1 Use Case

1.5.2 End User and Buying Criteria

1.6 Impact Analysis for Key Global Events

1.7 Market Dynamics Overview

1.7.1 Market Drivers

1.7.2 Market Restraints

1.7.3 Market Opportunities

2. Exhaust System Market (by Application)

2.1 Application Segmentation

2.2 Application Summary

2.3 Exhaust System Market (by Vehicle Type)

2.3.1 Passenger Vehicles

2.3.2 Commercial Vehicles

2.3.2.1 Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

2.3.2.2 Buses

2.3.2.3 Trucks

2.3.3 Agricultural tractor

2.3.4 Construction Equipment

2.3.5 Mining Equipment

3. Exhaust System Market (by Product)

3.1 Product Segmentation

3.2 Product Summary

3.3 Exhaust System Market (by Sales Channel)

3.3.1 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

3.3.2 Aftermarket

3.4 Exhaust System Market (by Fuel Type)

3.4.1 Diesel

3.4.2 Gasoline

3.4.3 Others

3.5 Exhaust System Market (by Component)

3.5.1 Manifolds

3.5.2 Downpipes

3.5.3 Catalytic Converter

3.5.4 Mufflers

3.5.5 Tailpipes

3.5.6 Sensors

3.5.6.1 NOx Sensors

3.5.6.2 Oxygen Sensors

3.5.6.3 Temperature Sensors

3.5.6.4 Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors

3.5.7 Hangers

3.5.8 Others

3.6 Exhaust System Original Equipment (OE) Market (by After-treatment Device)

3.6.1 Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)

3.6.2 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

3.6.3 Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

3.6.4 Lean NOx Trap (LNT)

3.6.5 Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)

3.7 Exhaust System Aftermarket (by After-treatment Device)

3.7.1 Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)

3.7.2 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

3.7.3 Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)

3.7.4 Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

4. Exhaust System Market (by Region)

4.1 Exhaust System Market (by Region)

4.2 North America

4.2.1 Regional Overview

4.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth

4.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market

4.2.4 Application

4.2.5 Product

4.2.5.1 U.S.

4.2.5.1.1 Market by Application

4.2.5.1.2 Market by Product

4.2.5.2 Canada

4.2.5.2.1 Market by Application

4.2.5.2.2 Market by Product

4.2.5.3 Mexico

4.2.5.3.1 Market by Application

4.2.5.3.2 Market by Product

4.3 Europe

4.4 Asia-Pacific

4.5 Rest-of-the-World

5. Companies Profiled

5.1 Next Frontiers

5.2 Geographic Assessment

5.3 Company Profiles

5.3.1 Overview

5.3.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

5.3.3 Top Competitors

5.3.4 Target Customers

5.3.5 Key Personnel

5.3.6 Analyst View

5.3.7 Market Share

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uaro9y

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Singapore, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unless youve been living under a rock, you may have noticed that two Neiro tokens were listed on Binance this week. Its the first time a T1 exchange has ever listed two of the same token, and over the last couple months since the passing of the original DOGE, Kabosu and the announcement from the Sato family that they adopted a new family member the sister of Dogs, Neiro, inspiring the conception of Neirochain to carry on the spirit of Kabosu through his family.





Many in the novel blockchain tech space may remember the popularity of Dogechain. Now, meme communities anticipate the launch of Neirochain, with a variety of things to look forward to such as near gasless trading, huge grant schemes and cash injections into live meme markets as well as a pump fun style launchpad available on launch (Neiros.meme).

A countdown to the launch of Neirochain confirms that they plan to release the token, alongside the chain on September 19th. The website suggests a 12pm EST launch time, but this remains unconfirmed throughout our conversations with the team. Its worth noting, you can already explore the blockchain and add it to your Metamask. As the bridge isnt live yet though, you cant use Neiros.meme or trade any live markets until thats enabled.

Neirochain comes after the phenomenal success of a completely community owned token, setting the standard for what we want in our space. Neiros.meme will make it near costless to mint a meme, and the team is putting a focus on cash injections into new markets as well as connecting new and prospective developers with the best services and incubators in the industry, to create a different quality of tokens on the chain. The Neirochain Foundation claims inspiration from Justin Suns Sunpump and execution of memes on Tron, and as a blockchain they want to replicate that success and redistribute it to the community.

With so many platforms and extensive documentation, the Neirochain Foundation has put together a handy linktree where you can find everything you need regarding the $NC launch and new chain:

Linktr.ee/Neirochain

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
Cambridge, MA, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Online marketplace platforms often prioritize top-selling or well-known products in their item displays. Such favoritism, however, can limit content diversity and raise concerns about fair competition. From the users perspective, platforms aimed at maximizing revenue may not align with their preferences. This focus can lead to an emphasis on highly lucrative products or social influencers with large followings, rather than catering to many users' genuine interests  particularly those that fall outside the mainstream  which may reduce platform loyalty.

Researchers at MIT Sloan School of Management have created two new algorithms to help solve these issues.

In one research paper, Fair Assortment Planning, Negin Golrezaei, MIT Sloan associate professor of operations management, MIT Sloan PhD candidate Qinyi Chen, and MIT PhD Fransisca Susan focused on item display fairness. Algorithms typically display items based on a score that calculates how likely an item is to be relevant to a particular user; however, only a small selection of available items typically pops up.



Most assortment planning algorithms prioritize platform revenue at the expense of fairness, leading to a rich get richer phenomenon where popular items continue to dominate, said Golrezaei. By using the researchers algorithm, the platform can randomize over a small number of assortments, ensuring the platform revenue remains high while items are treated more fairly.

In a another research paper, "Interpolating Item and User Fairness in Recommendation Systems," Golrezaei and Chen along with MIT PhD Jason Cheuk Nam Liang and Dajallel Bouneffouf with IBM Research, expanded on their research with a focus on algorithmic recommendations for bolstering user engagement and driving revenue. Recommendations, the authors noted, can impact multiple stakeholders simultaneously  the platform, sellers and customers  each with their unique objectives, making it difficult to find the right middle ground that accommodates all stakeholders. To address this, they have proposed a novel fair recommendation framework that aims to sustain platform revenue while aligning with user preferences, thereby ensuring fairness for both items and users.

Existing methods often fail to balance fairness of display with learning user preferences and frequently overlook the platform's objectives. Our algorithm is the first to address all three factors simultaneously, said Golrezaei.



Navigating the complex landscape of fairness in recommendation systems requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the interests of all stakeholders and finds an appropriate middle ground, said Golrezaei. With food delivery apps, for instance, drives can also be taken into consideration as well as the restaurant, user, and the app itself.

Our framework, which is freely available to platform companies, is general enough to be extended to include other stakeholders of interest, such as service providers, said Gonrezaei. The platform can choose any fairness notion that best suits each group of stakeholders needs and circumstances.

Notably, some companies have just begun to address these issues. For example, LinkedIns initial recommendation algorithms favored users with more connections/activities, overlooking newer or less active members with relevant skills. In response, LinkedIn recently rolled out fairness toolkits to provide equal opportunities to equally qualified members.

Putting legislative issues aside, being fair to users and items while keeping short-term costs low by considering the platform's objectives is an investment in long-term growth, said Golrezaei. She stresses that this approach attracts more users with potentially niche tastes and encourages more items to join the platform. In short, it provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for all the parties involved.

Assuming there is no regulation in place, platforms can continue to ignore fairness, Golrezaei said. But in the long run they will suffer from this neglect. Our research shows that the price of fairness can be small and benefits for the entire system can be huge.









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Dubai , Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kabosu, a new meme coin named after the world-famous Shiba Inu featured in the original Doge meme, has taken the crypto market by storm with its strong fundamentals and a thriving community. In just three days since its launch, Kabosu boasts a remarkable $823K liquidity and a MarketCap nearing $1 million, capturing the attention of investors and meme enthusiasts alike. The project is quickly gaining momentum as one of the most promising meme coins on the Ethereum blockchain, fueled by its unique branding, high liquidity, and a locked supply of 21 million tokens.



The Birth of Kabosu Coin: A Tribute to the Internets Favorite Shiba Inu

Kabosu, the Shiba Inu from Japan, captured the hearts of millions around the globe as the face of the viral Doge meme. Adopted in 2008 by kindergarten teacher Atsuko Sato, Kabosu's image became synonymous with internet culture and later inspired Dogecoin, one of the most well-known cryptocurrencies in the world. Now, Kabosu is back as the muse of a new project on Ethereum  the Kabosu meme coin  an homage to her legacy and an opportunity for investors to take part in whats being called "the next big meme coin explosion."

With a fixed total supply of 21,000,000 $KABOSU, this new token is designed to offer both scarcity and value stability while tapping into the nostalgic love for Kabosu and the original Doge meme. The limited supply mirrors that of Bitcoin, creating an attractive tokenomics structure for both meme coin lovers and serious crypto investors.

Unmatched Liquidity and Strong Market Presence

Kabosus stunning performance out of the gate is no coincidence. The project boasts $823K liquidity within three days of launch, a testament to its robust liquidity pool and strategic planning. High liquidity ensures smooth trading and minimizes price volatility, making it easier for investors to enter and exit positions without major price fluctuations.

This thick liquidity layer is essential for any cryptocurrency project, especially in the meme coin space, where liquidity issues can often lead to wild price swings. The Kabosu team has locked this liquidity, providing an added layer of security and stability for early adopters and new investors alike. The fact that liquidity is locked signals a long-term commitment to the project and establishes trust within the community.

Moreover, the MarketCap of $1 million in just three days demonstrates Kabosus strong potential for continued growth. Investors are not only drawn to the novelty and nostalgia of Kabosu as the inspiration for the Doge meme but are also intrigued by the soundness of the projects tokenomics and its rapidly expanding community.

No Taxes, No Strings Attached: A Truly Investor-Friendly Coin

Another feature that has set Kabosu apart from the crowded field of meme coins is its NO TAXES FOREVER policy. Many meme coins impose taxes on every transaction, which can discourage day trading and reduce the tokens liquidity over time. Kabosu has eliminated this obstacle, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade their tokens without any hidden fees or tax penalties.

The absence of taxes is a significant selling point for the Kabosu token, allowing it to stand out in a space where other projects often nickel and dime their investors through transaction fees. Kabosus no-tax policy ensures that every trade is fully transparent and fair, with no added costs, creating a frictionless trading environment for all participants.

Community-Driven and Secure: Liquidity Locked and Transparency Ensured

Kabosus foundation is built on transparency and security. One of the most compelling aspects of the project is that the liquidity is locked, ensuring that the development team cannot withdraw funds from the liquidity pool and leave investors stranded. This is an important safeguard, especially for early investors who want to ensure that their investments are secure.

Additionally, the Kabosu project is actively engaging with its growing community on platforms like Twitter and Telegram. These channels serve as a hub for real-time updates, community discussion, and interaction with the development team. With an ever-expanding fanbase and a team that is committed to transparency and community engagement, Kabosu has quickly become a favorite among both experienced crypto investors and newcomers to the meme coin space.

Why Kabosu is Poised to Be the Next Big Meme Coin

Kabosu is not just another meme coin riding on the coattails of Dogecoin. It represents the perfect blend of internet culture nostalgia and solid cryptocurrency fundamentals. While the token is inspired by the legendary Shiba Inu Kabosu, its high liquidity, no-tax structure, locked liquidity, and limited supply make it a standout in the meme coin category.

Meme coins have become a powerful force in the crypto world, often gaining massive followings and exponential growth due to community support and viral marketing. Kabosu has all the ingredients to become the next viral sensation: an iconic mascot, a growing community, and a financial structure that is both transparent and investor-friendly.

How to Get Involved with Kabosu

Interested investors can learn more about the Kabosu project by visiting the official website at https://kabosueth.vip/. The website provides essential information about the tokenomics, team, and how to purchase $KABOSU.

Community members are encouraged to join Kabosus Twitter at https://x.com/KABOSUonETHX and Telegram group at https://t.me/KabosuEntryPortal for the latest updates and to participate in the growing conversation surrounding this exciting new project.

About $NEIRO

Kabosu is a meme coin launched on the Ethereum blockchain inspired by the Shiba Inu dog featured in the famous Doge meme. With a total supply of 21 million tokens, Kabosu aims to create a strong, secure, and community-driven ecosystem that offers investors the chance to be part of the next big meme coin revolution. With no taxes, locked liquidity, and a dedicated community, Kabosu is poised for continued growth in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency.

Website | Twitter | Telegram | DEXScreener | DEXTools | Uniswap





Disclaimer:

The information provided in this release is not investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor) before investing or trading securities and cryptocurrency.




Dublin, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market (2024 Edition): Analysis By Product Type (Apparel, Perfume & Cosmetics, Watches, Shoes, Jewellery, and Others), By Sales Channel, By End-User, By Region, By Country: Market Insights and Forecast (2020-2030)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Second-Hand Luxury Goods market showcased growth at a CAGR of 8.89% during 2020-2023. The market was valued at USD 40.51 Billion in 2023 which is expected to reach USD 85.04 Billion in 2030.

The research report provides a complete analysis for the historical period of 2020-2023, the estimates of 2024 and the forecast period of 2025-2030.

The second-hand luxury goods market is evolving rapidly, underpinned by a convergence of key factors that drive its growth and operational dynamics. One major factor is the shift in consumer behavior towards sustainable and circular fashion, which has prompted a significant rise in the popularity of pre-owned luxury items. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and buying second-hand luxury goods aligns with their desire to reduce waste and promote sustainability. This shift is particularly pronounced among millennials and Gen Z, who are leading the charge in sustainable consumption.



Technology has revolutionized the market by making it easier for consumers to buy and sell pre-owned luxury goods. Online platforms like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Poshmark have streamlined the process through user-friendly interfaces, advanced search functionalities, and robust authentication systems to combat counterfeiting. These platforms use AI and machine learning to enhance customer experiences, offering personalized recommendations and ensuring the authenticity of products, which is a critical concern for luxury buyers.



Moreover, the market is becoming more sophisticated with the entry of established luxury brands. Brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Stella McCartney are launching their own resale programs or partnering with existing resale platforms. This move not only validates the second-hand market but also helps brands tap into a new revenue stream while maintaining control over their brand image and product lifecycle.



Physical retail is also adapting, with high-end consignment stores and pop-up shops providing spaces where consumers can personally inspect and purchase pre-owned luxury items. These stores offer a tactile shopping experience and the assurance of authenticity that many consumers seek.



Economic factors also play a crucial role. The affordability of second-hand luxury goods allows consumers to access high-end brands at a lower price point, making luxury more accessible. This affordability, coupled with the perception of luxury items as investment pieces that retain or even appreciate in value, drives market demand.



Lastly, social media and influencer culture significantly impact the second-hand luxury market. Influencers and fashion bloggers frequently showcase pre-owned luxury items, normalizing and glamorizing the purchase of second-hand goods. Social media platforms serve as powerful marketing tools, driving traffic to resale websites and fostering a community around sustainable and stylish luxury consumption.



Scope of the Report

The report analyses the Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market by Value (USD Billion).

The report analyses the Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market by Region (Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa) and 10 Countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, South Korea, and India).

The report presents the analysis of Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market for the historical period of 2020-2023, the estimated year 2024 and the forecast period of 2025-2030.

The report analyses the Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market By Product Type (Apparel, Perfume & Cosmetics, Watches, Shoes, Jewellery, and Others)

The report analyses the Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market By Sales Channel (Offline, and Online)

The report analyses the Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market By End-User (Gen Z (9-24), Gen Y (25-40), Gen X (Above 40))

The key insights of the report have been presented through the frameworks of SWOT and Porter's Five Forces Analysis. Also, the attractiveness of the market has been presented by region, By Product Type, By Sales Channel & By End-User.

Also, the major opportunities, trends, drivers, and challenges of the industry has been analyzed in the report.

The report tracks competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development.

Analyst Recommendations

Invest in Authentication and Quality Assurance

Enhance Online Presence and Omnichannel Capabilities

Competitive Positioning

Companies' Service Positioning

Market Position Matrix

Market Share Analysis of Second-Hand Luxury Goods Market

Company Profiles

The RealReal, Inc.

Vestiaire Collective

Fashionphile

Rebag

The Luxury Closet

Chrono24

Yoogi's Closet

StockX

Hardly Ever Worn It

LuxeDH

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4c9ynl

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.
Dublin, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam Laser Processing Machines Import Research Report 2024-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The main sources of laser processing machine imports for Vietnam include China, Japan, and South Korea. The key companies exporting these products to Vietnam are Samsung, LG Electronics Inc., and Setsuyo Astec Corporation. The primary importers of laser processing machines in Vietnam are companies and distributors in downstream industries such as electronics and automotive manufacturing. Major importers include foreign enterprises such as Samsung Electro-Mechanics Vietnam, Ket Thai Nguyen Company Limited, and LG Display Vietnam Hai Phong Company.







These machines can process various materials, such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites, without causing mechanical stress or deformation to the workpiece due to their non-contact processing nature. The laser beam's small diameter allows for the precise cutting and engraving of intricate patterns and fine structures. These machines are well-suited for mass production and the rapid manufacturing of complex machinery parts.



With the rapid development of Vietnam's manufacturing industry, the market size for laser processing machines in Vietnam is also growing. Globally, the leading producers and exporters of laser processing machines include Germany's Trumpf, Japan's Amada, the United States' Coherent, and China's HGLASER and Han's Laser. These companies hold leading positions in laser technology and equipment manufacturing, offering high-performance and reliable laser processing equipment.



In Vietnam, as industrialization and manufacturing continue to advance, the demand for high-precision and high-efficiency laser processing machines is increasing. The publisher has analyzed that due to the limited local machine tool manufacturing capacity in Vietnam, the market for laser processing machines mainly relies on imported products. These imported machines are essential for enhancing the overall level and competitiveness of Vietnam's manufacturing industry.



Specifically, the upstream industries related to laser processing machines in Vietnam involve the production of optical components, lasers, precision mechanical parts, and CNC systems. The downstream industries include various manufacturing and precision processing enterprises. Laser processing machines are widely used in many industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, mold manufacturing, advertising signage, handicrafts, etc.



In recent years, Vietnam's processing and manufacturing sectors, such as automotive and machinery manufacturing, have developed rapidly, often achieving double-digit growth rates. This growth has contributed to the expansion of Vietnam's laser processing machine market.



Based on the data from the publisher, the total import value of laser processing machines in Vietnam reached approximately USD 300 million in 2023. From January to May 2024, the cumulative import value was around USD 150 million, and the market is expected to continue growing steadily in the coming years.



Overall, with Vietnam's economic development, rising per capita income, and ongoing industrialization and modernization, the Vietnamese government is strongly supporting the growth of the processing and manufacturing sectors. As a result, the demand for laser processing machines in Vietnam is expected to continue increasing. The publisher forecasts that the import of laser processing machines in Vietnam is likely to maintain a growth trend in the coming years.



Topics covered:

The Import Volume and Value of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Total Import Volume and Percentage Change of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Total Import Value and Percentage Change of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Total Import Volume and Percentage Change of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (January-May 2024)

Total Import Value and Percentage Change of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (January-May 2024)

Average Import Price of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Top 10 Sources of Laser Processing Machines Imports in Vietnam and Their Supply Volume

Top 10 Suppliers in the Import Market of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam and Their Supply Volume

Top 10 Importers of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam and Their Import Volume

How to Find Distributors and End Users of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam

How Foreign Enterprises Enter the Laser Processing Machines Market of Vietnam

Forecast for the Import of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (2024-2033)

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $360 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $756.43 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.6% Regions Covered Vietnam





Key Topics Covered:



1 Overview of Vietnam

1.1 Geography of Vietnam

1.2 Economic Condition of Vietnam

1.3 Demographics of Vietnam

1.4 Domestic Market of Vietnam

1.5 Recommendations for Foreign Enterprises Entering the Vietnam Laser Processing Machines Products Market



2 Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Imports in Vietnam (2021-2024)

2.1 Import Scale of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam

2.1.1 Import Value and Volume of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam

2.1.2 Import Prices of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam

2.1.3 Apparent Consumption of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam

2.1.4 Import Dependency of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam

2.2 Major Sources of Laser Processing Machines Imports in Vietnam



3 Analysis of Major Sources of Laser Processing Machines Imports in Vietnam (2021-2024)

3.1 China

3.1.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.1.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.2 South Korea

3.2.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.2.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.3 Japan

3.3.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.3.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.4 Hong Kong

3.5 Singapore

3.6 Taiwan



4 Analysis of Major Suppliers in the Import Market of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (2021-2024)

4.1 SAMSUNG

4.1.1 Company Introduction

4.1.2 Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Exports to Vietnam

4.2 LG ELECTRONICS INC

4.2.1 Company Introduction

4.2.2 Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Exports to Vietnam

4.3 SETSUYO ASTEC CORPORATION

4.3.1 Company Introduction

4.3.2 Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Exports to Vietnam



5 Analysis of Major Importers in the Import Market of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam (2021-2024)

5.1 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS VIETNAM

5.1.1 Company Introduction

5.1.2 Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Imports

5.2 KET THAI NGUYEN COMPANY LIMITED

5.2.1 Company Introduction

5.2.2 Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Imports

5.3 LG DISPLAY VIETNAM HAI PHONG COMPANY

5.3.1 Company Introduction

5.3.2 Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Imports



6. Monthly Analysis of Laser Processing Machines Imports in Vietnam from 2021 to 2024

6.1 Analysis of Monthly Import Value and Volume

6.2 Forecast of Monthly Average Import Prices



7. Key Factors Affecting Laser Processing Machines Imports in Vietnam

7.1 Policy

7.1.1 Current Import Policies

7.1.2 Trend Predictions for Import Policies

7.2 Economic

7.2.1 Market Prices

7.2.2 Growth Trends of Laser Processing Machines Production Capacity in Vietnam

7.3 Technology



8. Forecast for the Import of Laser Processing Machines in Vietnam, 2024-2033

Companies Featured

Samsung

Lg Electronics

Setsuyo Astec Corporation

Samsung Electro Mechanics Vietnam

Ket Thai Nguyen Company Limited

Lg Display Vietnam

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ohkjzn

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
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Gold Bull Resources Corp. (TSX-V: GBRC) (Gold Bull or the Company) is pleased to report results of ongoing exploration targeting field work completed at its Sandman project, located in Nevada, USA.

New silver target emerges at K8 Prospect

New prospect and drill target defined at "Abel Knoll South"

A new drill target has been identified via a surface lag sampling geochemical anomaly, located south of the Abel Knoll diatreme breccia where the Sandman North-West and North Trends intersect, at a new prospect referred to as "Abel Knoll - South". The drill target is located 120m south of the Abel Knoll diatreme breccia deposit and coincides with a geophysical anomaly. The target has never been drilled.

At the K8 prospect, surface rock chip sampling returned encouraging results of high-grade gold (Au) and silver (Ag) with grades up to 1.11g/t Au and 210g/t Ag (sample 6R) and a cluster of anomalous surface rock chip samples spaced 150m apart. In this area there are sparce historical soil samples and drill holes which require further assessment at K8 to determine if the sampling is adequate given the high amount of unconsolidated sand at surface and compelling new data.

Gold Bulls CEO, Cherie Leeden said:

"While the capital markets remain difficult, our geology team is working on defining new drill targets at Sandman, to be tested when the capital markets improve. This is being achieved via a combination of boots on ground field work combined with reviewing the extensive historical data base that we acquired with Sandman (valued at circa US$30 million if we were to re-do the work at the current costs).

At the newly identified Abel Knoll South prospect the coincident lag geochemical anomaly with the geophysical anomaly gives us confidence in needing to drill test this new target. Given Sandman's Mineral Resources were not closed off when Gold Bull conducted its Preliminary Economic Study (PEA), the possibility of a further mineralized diatreme breccias located around the Abel Knoll resource is an exciting possibility, especially with nearby historical holes logged as containing portions of breccia.

At the K8 prospect, rock chip samples have returned high very high silver results of up to 210g/t Ag with high gold grades of up to 1.11g/t gold from surface rock chip sampling of a granodiorite! Further evaluation work of historical soil and auger work is required to define drill targets at this compelling North-West Trend location.

In parallel to our exploration targeting work, we are extensively evaluating inbound M&A interest."

Figure 1. Sandman location map showing the location of the four Sandman deposits with geochemical dispersed gold contouring relative to the recent results of lag sampling at Abel Knoll and rock chip sampling from K8 prospect.

Figure 2. Location of the Abel Knoll deposit and lag sampling lines and location of the rock chip samples taken at K8 prospect. The lag samples were taken west and south of the Abel Knoll deposit as an orientation survey to determine if anomalous coarse rock existed surrounding the deposit which has not had step-out nor sterilization drilling conducted.

Abel Knoll South - New Drill Target

Orientation lag sample testing was conducted west and south of the Abel Knoll deposit in search of path finder elements as a cheaper method of near surface testing to yield drill targets which are expensive to conduct. Lag sampling is designed to confirm if further gold anomalism can be found within the coarse fraction of alluvium which is roughly approximate to the sample location point and is used to test larger areas for submerged deposits represented by dispersed anomalism. The key to lag sampling is understanding the substratum and classifying as near situ or transported alluvium. Using the location of lag anomalies is a good additional geochemical exploration tool when targeting drill testing holes from processed geophysics, it basically gives more confidence to warrant drill testing which is expensive to conduct.

Lag samples were taken as coarse sieved fractions over the three lines whereby the fine sand fraction was discarded, and the coarse fraction was analyzed. Analysis was conducted initially using a field portable XRF machine which yielded elevated arsenic levels, and these samples were then sent to the laboratory for testing and confirmed the high arsenic anomalous area immediately south of the Abel Knoll diatreme breccia. The gold and arsenic values reported in this announcement are certified laboratory results. A single lag sample returned elevated gold with 0.50ppm (sample 53) however is interpreted as a single outlier and not an anomaly due low arsenic 11ppm, no repeat of results in surrounding samples, the presence of quartz float in the sample, and located in the deeper basin area where coarse fraction return was poor so likely transported quartz mineralized piece.

The results of the lag arsenic analysis is anomalous as the arsenic levels were consistent over multiple samples, and altered coarse rock pieces logged in the sample, and arsenic is associated with gold at the Sandman project i.e. there is a consistent association with gold and arsenic at Sandman. The arsenic target area coincides with the intersection of the 11.5km North-West and 10km North Trends and shows a separate geophysical anomaly in the processed gradient array apparent resistivity geophysical imagery (figure 5).

Drill holes are sparse surrounding the Abel Knoll deposit which has no step-out drilling, nor has had sterilization drilling conducted surrounding the deposit so there is prospectivity to discover more mineralized diatreme breccias near to the existing Abel Knoll breccia and this is why the lag orientation sampling was planned and conducted as the diatreme breccia hosts high grade gold up to 2ppm in drill results. Figures 4 and 5 show the lack of drill testing surrounding the Abel Knoll deposit due to the lack of outcrop surrounding the deposit.

Figure 3. Sandman TEM (transient/time-domain electromagnetics) processed image (-50m) showing the 11.5km North-West Trend connecting K8 prospect along strike with the Abel Knoll deposit and a structure connecting the K8 prospect to the Southeast Pediment deposits along a north-east trending structure, a similar parallel northeast structure also exists at Abel Knoll but not shown on the draft. And finally, the 10km North Trend which is a range front fault connecting Abel Knoll to Southeast Pediment deposit. Historical drill holes and recent lag and rock chip samples locations are shown.

Figure 4. Plan showing Abel Knoll deposit Mineral Resource outline relative to the three lines of orientation lag samples to the west and south of the Abel Knoll deposit. Background TEM (transient/time-domain electromagnetics) image and interpreted 11.5km North-West Trend and 10km North Trend are shown and both intersect in the location of the Abel Knoll deposit. Curiously the 11.5km North-West Trend dissects the western Abel Knoll breccia from the eastern Tertiary basalt and sedimentary succession gold mineralization (the eastern larger portion of the deposit). The lag sampling is anomalous in arsenic which is characteristically associated with gold mineralization at Sandman. The location of sample 53 (0.50ppm Au) is the 4th sample from the west on the second lag sample line.

Figure 5. Map showing a TEM (-50m) processed image with lag sampling coinciding with geophysical anomalies along the 10km North-Trend (range front fault) and intersection with the 11.5km North-West Trend at the Abel Knoll deposit. Another target exists to the north of Abel Knoll which also requires future lag sample testing. The depth of basin to the west gets deeper in the green-blue area and this area was not successful for lag sample testing as it was difficult to obtain sufficient coarse sample for analysis as sample becomes mostly transported fines, this is when the geologist knows the area has not been successful for lag sample testing.

K8 Prospect - new silver target within the North-West Trend

Surface rock chip samples were taken at the K8 prospect, and the best grade returned from a certified laboratory was 1.11ppm Au and 210ppm Ag from a surface rock chip sample (ID 6R) containing iron altered granodiorite (hornblende) rock and massive quartz veining. Numerous elevated gold and silver rock chip samples returned from the laboratory include: 0.81ppm Au and 45.1ppm Ag (ID 5R), 0.84ppm Au and 5.9ppm Ag (ID 1R) and 0.19ppm Au and 30.2 ppm Ag (ID 7R) and 0.14ppm Au and 20.4ppm Ag(ID 9R). The rock chip samples were taken from an outcrop which exhibited jarosite iron staining with liesegang banding after sulfide (most likely pyrite) with some iron-stained quartz veining within a granodiorite rock. The iron alteration was evident with alteration along the conjugate joint sets and banding reminiscent of liesegang after sulfide. The silver is considered very high grade for Sandman returning up to 210ppm silver (ID 6R with GRAVAg30 analysis) and there is also widespread elevated silver values noted in the historical soil samples which need further evaluation as to the grade potential. Silver is known to exist at the Sandman project in association with the gold mineralization, however, silver has not been included in the previously reported Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) due to inconsistent and incomplete collection of laboratory silver analysis by previous explorers during their drill analytical work. No high-grade silver has previously been reported, possibly due to a lack of historical analysis of silver at Sandman. The host rock at K8 Prospect is altered granodiorite and contains sparse historical drill holes.

Elements Au Ag Ag As K Method IO-FAAu30 GRAVAg30 IO-4ABEx IO-4ABEx IO-4ABEx Detection limit 0.003 10 0.3 2 300 Measurement ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm Sample ID



































1R 0.843 5.9 308 16302 2R 0.005 -0.3 8 5783 3R 0.003 -0.3 17 31536 4R 0.039 1.8 155 4391 5R 0.756 42.6 888 9512 5R-X 0.811 45.1 1044 10189 6R 1.11 210 >100 1337 17837 7R 0.193 30.2 688 19147 8R 0.138 14.1 163 13637 9R 0.137 20.4 382 19042

Table 1. Rock chip sample results taken from K8 Prospect outcropping rocks. Analysis includes gold, silver, arsenic and potassium. The highest-grade silver result returned 210ppm silver and 1.11ppm gold from sample 6R.

Figure 6. Plan showing K8 Prospect rock chip sample locations and results relative to historical drill holes with background TEM electromagnetic processed image. Sample R6 returned the highest-grade gold 1.11ppm and silver 210ppm result from outcropping jarosite altered granodiorite (hornblende).

Photo 1 and 2. Photos of K8 surface outcrop showing liesegang concentric iron staining after sulphide (LHS) and iron alteration along joint fractures (RHS). Liesegang banding is observed on outcropping gold mineralisation at North Hill, Silica Ridge and associated with the mineralised breccias.

Photo 3. K8 prospect showing subcropping quartz vein, a portion included in sample 6R, which returned 1.11ppm gold and 210ppm silver.

The rock chip samples were taken from an area previously tested with soil and auger sampling, however, field observation yielded interesting rocks which had not been previously rock chip sampled. The historical soil sampling identified an anomalous area measuring 1.5km length within the North-West Trend defined by >0.01ppm gold from soil and auger samples. Only four historical drill holes were drilled within a 217m diameter cluster and intersected Cretaceous granodiorite in hole K804-0001 which averaged highly anomalous 0.15ppm gold for the entire hole for 103.6m, hole K804-0002 averaged 0.21ppm gold over the entire hole 121.9m, hole K804-0003 averaged 0.11ppm gold over the entire hole 120.4m and hole NSM-00379 averaged 0.15ppm gold over the entire hole 146.3m. Best historical gold intersections include NSM-00379 48.7m @ 0.32ppm Au from 28.9m including 7.62m @ 0.80ppm Au from 33.5m, from hole K804-0001 18.3m @ 0.45ppm Au from 85.3m (to end of hole) including 4.5m @ 1.12ppm Au from 94m, from hole K804-0003 15.2m @ 0.33ppm gold from 12.2m.

The K8 prospect has previously been downgraded due to the cluster of drilling intersecting low grade gold in granodiorite within a 217m radius, however the soil geochemical strike length is 1.5km and lies within the North West Trend which extends to the Abel Knoll deposit in the southwest and all the way to the North Hill deposit to the northwest, the total strike length of the Northwest Trend at the Sandman project is 11.5km. The high-grade silver returned from samples 6R warrants further evaluation of this prospect particularly detailed evaluation of the surface geochemistry and its silver potential.

Further detailed assessment of the historical soil and auger sampling and some older ground VLF-EM (very low frequency electromagnetic) surveys need orientation to confirm if the new targets warrant drill testing, in the previously interpreted large low grade K8 gold prospect.

Photo 4. Photo facing west along the 11.5km North-West Trend showing the K8 prospect area in red broken line. The target area includes the upper slope area where the jarositic altered granodiorite with quartz veining is outcropping and the downslope area has fine sands at surface. This area is likely very suitable for lag surface sampling and analysis for arsenic with a field portable XRF machine as a first pass low-cost assessment.

Sandman Drill Targets

Sandman now has two new drill ready targets, the first being at Abel Knoll South which was defined by the recent lag sample orientation test work which returned a consistent arsenic anomaly which coincides with a gradient array apparent resistivity anomaly. Further lag sampling is also warranted on a similar target to the north and another area of geophysical interest located northwest of the Abel Knoll breccia.

A former target previously reported, that requires further ground geophysical surveying for drill targeting is the Silica Valley target which is located immediately northeast of the Silica Ridge deposit. Multiple targets warrant further exploration follow-up work to discover additional gold ounces. In addition, the Sandman Mineral Resource Estimates has not been completely closed off, nor has step-out and sterilization drilling been conducted as is normally the case prior to reporting Preliminary Economic Assessments.

Figure 7. Sandman Project location map of Northern Nevada relative to the surrounding operating gold mines and mineral resources. Reference to the nearby projects is for information purposes only and there are no assurances the Company will achieve the same results.

NEXT STEPS

Further evaluation of the historical soil and auger sampling at the K8 prospect is required to conclude potential drill targets and to evaluate the potential of high silver within the granodiorite host rock. Evaluation of historical soil and other ground geophysical surveys at Abel Knoll, Silica Valley and the southern area of North Hill is required to conclude a list of high-quality drill targets aimed at a new gold deposit discovery within the Sandman tenure.

ABOUT SLEEPER 23kms NORTH OF SANDMAN

The Sleeper-Sandman corridor is a highly endowed and underexplored terrain given the Sleeper Mine mined circa 2 million ounces of gold (plus 2.3 million ounces of silver) and had an approximate Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 3 million gold equivalent ounces at the time of mining. The mine is located circa 23 kilometers north of Sandmans North Hill deposit along the same Nevada gold trend. The Sleeper deposit measures 500m wide by 2km in strike length and was one of the highest-grade gold deposits mined in Nevada at 0.48opt (15ppm) gold. Sleeper had a reportable resource of 2.27 million ounces of gold in 1997 at the time of mine closure. The deposit was obscured by cover because it was partially covered by alluvium to the west and was not all outcropping. This highly prospective corridor has been massively underexplored and under drilled given the prolific known gold mineralization at or near surface in the district.

It should be noted, it took Sleeper thirty-four (34) step-out drill holes to discover the high-grade gold vein system with the discovery hole returning 102m of silicified breccia that averaged 28 ppm gold and 62 ppm silver. A very persistent exploration methodology was applied by Gold Bulls current Technical Advisor, John Wood, who is credited to discovering the high-grade Sleeper deposit (Wood pit named after him) which was surrounded by lower grade disseminated gold. The Sleeper anomaly had an initial surface geochemical expression 50-300m wide and 1,000m long, surface samples ran 0.2ppm gold and mineralization remains below the historical pit. A similar narrow surface expression also exists at the Sandman Southeast Pediment deposit and therefore it is considered possible to discover an additional deposit outside the existing Sandman orebodies.

ABOUT SANDMAN

In December 2020, Gold Bull purchased the Sandman Project from Newmont. Gold mineralization was first discovered at Sandman in 1987 by Kennecott and the project has been intermittently explored since then. There are four known pit constrained gold resources located within the Sandman Project, consisting of 21.8Mt at 0.7ppm gold for 494,000 ounces of gold; comprising of an Indicated Resource of 18,550kt at 0.73ppm gold for 433kozs of gold plus an Inferred Resource of 3,246kt at 0.58ppm gold for 61kozs of gold. Several of the resources remain open in multiple directions and the bulk of the historical drilling has been conducted to a depth of less than 100m. Sandman is conveniently located circa 25-30 km northwest of the mining town of Winnemucca, Nevada.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Cherie Leeden, B.Sc Applied Geology (Honours), MAIG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved all technical and scientific information contained in this news release. Ms. Leeden is the Companys Chief Executive Officer.

ABOUT GOLD BULL RESOURCES CORP.

Gold Bulls mission is to grow into a US-focused mid-tier gold development Company via rapidly discovering and acquiring additional ounces. The Companys exploration hub is based in Nevada, USA, a top-tier mineral district that contains significant historical production, existing mining infrastructure and an established mining culture. Gold Bull is led by a Board and Management team with a track record of exploration and acquisition success.

Gold Bulls core asset is the Sandman Project, located in Nevada which has a 494,000 oz gold resource as per 2022 43-101 Resource Estimate. Sandman is located 23 km south of the Sleeper Mine and boasts excellent large-scale exploration potential.

Gold Bull is driven by its core values and purpose which includes a commitment to safety, communication & transparency, environmental responsibility, community, and integrity.

Cherie Leeden

President and CEO, Gold Bull Resources Corp.

For further information regarding Gold Bull Resources Corp., please visit our website at www.goldbull.ca or email admin@goldbull.ca or phone 778.401.8545.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential, indicates, opportunity, possible and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although Gold Bull believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Companys ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the Sandman Project; the timing and costs of future activities on the Companys properties; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop its projects, to repay its debt and for general working capital purposes; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of copper and other metals, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the potential for new discoveries, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Companys plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Companys operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76b7f590-1613-4057-99c3-a5120fd7d6e0

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VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As celebrates its 7th anniversary, KuCoin is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to its Futures trading platform with the launch of the Cross Margin Mode. This major enhancement is designed to optimize the trading experience by allowing more flexible and efficient management of funds, representing a pivotal development in KuCoins Futures offerings.



Cross-Margin Mode offers a holistic approach to margin management, differing markedly from the traditional Isolated Margin Mode. In Isolated Margin Mode, each position's margin is managed separately, restricting traders from leveraging profits across multiple trades without first closing positions or withdrawing. In contrast, Cross Margin Mode consolidates margins, simplifying the trading process and increasing operational efficiency. This mode allows for higher leverage, enabling traders to maximize their potential with the same capital outlay.

KuCoin's Cross Margin Mode offers several key advantages that significantly enhance trading efficiency and security. This mode utilizes a sophisticated algorithm that eliminates the need for frequent adjustments to restrict risk limits and enables traders to scale their positions more effectively. Additionally, the Initial Margin Rate (IMR) and Maintenance Margin Rate (MMR) in Cross Margin Mode are calculated with a finer granularity, using continuous variables rather than discrete risk levels, resulting in more stable and predictable margin requirements that protect against unexpected liquidations. Lastly, KuCoin's approach in calculating risk rates in this mode prevents rapid increases in account risk and considers the worst-case scenario for both long and short orders, promoting a balanced and secure trading environment.

KuCoin continues prioritizing security and user satisfaction, ensuring that all participants, from novices to seasoned traders, can leverage the full potential of their crypto investments securely and efficiently.

Embrace the future of trading with KuCoins Cross Margin Modewhere flexibility meets efficiency. Trust KuCoin, own your future. For more details, please visit KuCoins Help Center .

About KuCoin

Launched in September 2017, KuCoin is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with its operational headquarters in Seychelles. As a user-oriented platform with a focus on inclusiveness and community engagement. It offers over 900 digital assets across Spot trading, Margin trading, P2P Fiat trading, Futures trading, and Staking to its 34 million users in more than 200 countries and regions. KuCoin ranks as one of the top 5 crypto exchanges. KuCoin was acclaimed as "One of the Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges of June & September 2024" by Forbes Advisor and has been included as one of the top 50 companies in the "2023 & 2024 Hurun Global Unicorn List". Learn more at https://www.kucoin.com/ .

Contact:

Eden Gao

eden.gao@kucoin.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by KuCoin. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6392920c-cd0a-4159-a84d-6619d8b1f80b
Pune, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SNS Insider report indicates that, The Solid State Battery Market size was valued at USD 83.20 Million in 2023 and is expected to grow at USD 1953.07 Million and grow at a CAGR of 42% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

Transforming Energy Storage the Emergence of Solid-State Batteries

The Solid-State Battery Market is advancing rapidly, driven by the technology's ability to overcome the limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Unlike their predecessors, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, offering benefits such as higher energy density, faster charging, longer lifespan, and enhanced safety with minimized fire risk. This makes them highly attractive for electric vehicles (EVs), where extending range, reducing charging times, and ensuring safety are vital. Leading automotive brands like Toyota, BMW, and Volkswagen are investing heavily in solid-state technology for EVs. Additionally, the consumer electronics sector and renewable energy storage systems are increasingly adopting solid-state batteries for their reliability and resilience.





Download PDF Sample of Solid State Battery Market @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/1344

Key Companies:

Altairnano (Lithium Titanate Batteries)

(Lithium Titanate Batteries) Beijing Weilan New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (Sodium-Ion Solid-State Batteries)

(Sodium-Ion Solid-State Batteries) BrightVolt Solid State Batteries (Thin-Film Solid-State Batteries)

(Thin-Film Solid-State Batteries) Cymbet (Solid-State Energy Storage Systems)

(Solid-State Energy Storage Systems) Hitachi Zosen Corporation (Sulfide-Based Solid-State Batteries)

(Sulfide-Based Solid-State Batteries) Ilika Ltd. (Stereax Solid-State Batteries)

(Stereax Solid-State Batteries) Ion Storage Systems (Solid-State Lithium Batteries)

(Solid-State Lithium Batteries) ITEN (Rechargeable Solid-State Batteries)

(Rechargeable Solid-State Batteries) Johnson Energy Storage, Inc. (Lithium Metal Solid-State Batteries)

(Lithium Metal Solid-State Batteries) Prieto Battery Inc (3D Solid-State Batteries)

(3D Solid-State Batteries) QuantumScape Corporation (Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries)

(Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries) Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. (Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries)

(Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries) Solid Power (High-Energy Solid-State Batteries)

(High-Energy Solid-State Batteries) STMicroelectronics (Solid-State Lithium Batteries for Electronics)

(Solid-State Lithium Batteries for Electronics) Toyota (Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries for EVs)

(Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries for EVs) Others

Solid State Battery Market Report Scope:

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 USD 83.20 Million Market Size by 2032 USD 1953.07 Million CAGR CAGR of 42% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Report Scope & Coverage Market Size, Segments Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Regional Analysis, DROC & SWOT Analysis, Forecast Outlook Key Segments  By Type (Thin Film, Portable, Single-cell Battery, Multi-cell Battery)

 By Application(Consumer & Portable Electronics ,Electric Vehicles , Energy Harvesting ,Wearable & Medical Devices ,Others)

 By Rechargeability (Primary Battery ,Secondary Battery)

By Capacity(< 20 mAh ,Between 20 mAh and 500 mAh,> 500 mAh) Key Drivers  The Importance of Solid-State Batteries in Addressing Increasing EV Needs

 Overcoming Limits in Range through Next-Gen Battery Tech

If You Need Any Customization on Solid State Battery Market Report, Enquire Now @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/1344

The Rise of New Solid-State Battery Technology in Energy Storage

The Solid-State Battery Market is set for remarkable growth due to its superior attributes compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing solid electrolytes, solid-state batteries offer improved energy density, faster charging, longer lifespan, and enhanced safetykey advantages for electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and renewable energy storage. Major automakers like Toyota, BMW, and Volkswagen are heavily investing in this technology to enhance EV range and safety. Challenges such as high production costs and technical complexities persist, but government and industry efforts are addressing these issues. In Europe, the European Battery Alliance (EBA) is pivotal, with EUR 100 billion invested to boost battery innovation and reduce reliance on external suppliers. Similarly, the U.S. Li-Bridge initiative aims to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain, potentially generating significant economic benefits and job growth by 2030.

Solid-state batteries in the high-capacity and consumer electronics sectors.

By Capacity: The segment with capacities exceeding 500 mAh captured the largest share of the Solid State Battery Market, holding 46% of the revenue in 2023. This dominance reflects the rising demand for high-capacity batteries that support longer range and improved performance in applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics, and advanced wearables. Companies like QuantumScape and Solid Power are leading innovations in this space, creating high-capacity battery cells with enhanced safety and energy density. Toyota's recent prototype solid-state battery with a capacity over 500 mAh highlights the ongoing efforts to improve driving range and efficiency for EVs.

By Application: The Consumer & Portable Electronics segment led the market with a 38% revenue share in 2023. Solid-state batteries are well-suited for this sector due to their higher energy density, improved safety, and compact size compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Companies such as Samsung SDI and BASF are at the forefront, developing advanced solid-state battery prototypes to enhance the efficiency of smartphones and wearable devices. Toyotas latest prototype also demonstrates significant advancements in energy storage and safety for portable electronics.

Leadership in the solid-state battery market in Asia-Pacific and Europe on a regional level.

In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region dominated the Solid-State Battery Market, commanding 52% of the revenue. The regions advanced electronic manufacturing, rapid technological progress, and substantial investments in energy storage drive this leadership. Japan, South Korea, and China are at the forefront, with Toyota and Sony in Japan developing prototypes, while Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution in South Korea integrate these batteries into smartphones and EVs. Chinas CATL is also investing heavily in solid-state technology, underscoring the regions pivotal role.

Europe, as the second fastest-growing market, benefits from strong innovation, stringent environmental policies, and rising demand for EVs and sustainable storage. Germanys Volkswagen and BMW are heavily investing in solid-state batteries, with Volkswagen collaborating with QuantumScape and BMW incorporating these batteries into their EVs. The UKs Ilika is also advancing innovations to boost energy density and safety.

Buy Full Research Report on Solid State Battery Market 2024-2032 @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/1344

Recent Development

On September 10, 2024, Mercedes-Benz and U.S. battery startup Factorial announced a collaboration to develop the Solstice solid-state battery. This new battery aims to boost EV range by approximately 80% over current averages, with an energy density of 450 Watt-hours per kilogram, and is expected to be ready for production by the end of the decade.

In July 2023, ProLogium Technology Co, Ltd. and MAHLE GmbH agreed to collaborate on creating the initial thermal management system for ProLogium's upcoming solid-state batteries. This deal will facilitate the marketability of solid-state battery solutions with higher energy density, enhanced safety, and longer lifespan.

In May 2023, Sakuu Corporation unveiled the Li-Metal Cypress Battery Cell Chemistry for licensing in manufacturing. Moreover, this Li-Metal chemistry can provide a high-power density and high energy density, while prioritizing safety.

Key Takeaways

The Solid State Battery Market is set for exponential growth, driven by technological advancements and increased demand for efficient energy storage solutions.

Asia-Pacific leads the market, reflecting its role as a major hub for innovation and production.

Europes growth is fueled by strong investments and regulatory support for sustainable energy technologies.

Recent product launches and technological developments underscore the dynamic progress and competitive landscape of the solid-state battery industry.

Table of Contents  Major Key Points

1. Introduction

1.1 Market Definition

1.2 Scope (Inclusion and Exclusions)

1.3 Research Assumptions

2. Executive Summary

2.1 Market Overview

2.2 Regional Synopsis

2.3 Competitive Summary

3. Research Methodology

3.1 Top-Down Approach

3.2 Bottom-up Approach

3.3. Data Validation

3.4 Primary Interviews

4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis

4.1 Market Driving Factors Analysis

4.1.1 Drivers

4.1.2 Restraints

4.1.3 Opportunities

4.1.4 Challenges

4.2 PESTLE Analysis

4.3 Porters Five Forces Model

5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting

5.1 Production Volumes by Region (2023)

5.2 Technology Development Trends (Historic and Future)

5.3 Capacity Utilization (2023)

5.4 Supply Chain Metrics

6. Competitive Landscape

6.1 List of Major Companies, By Region

6.2 Market Share Analysis, By Region

6.3 Product Benchmarking

6.3.1 Product specifications and features

6.3.2 Pricing

6.4 Strategic Initiatives

6.4.1 Marketing and promotional activities

6.4.2 Distribution and supply chain strategies

6.4.3 Expansion plans and new product launches

6.4.4 Strategic partnerships and collaborations

6.5 Technological Advancements

6.6 Market Positioning and Branding

7. Solid State Battery Market Segmentation, by Type

7.1 Chapter Overview

7.2 Thin Film

7.3 Portable

7.4 Single-cell Battery

7.5 Multi-cell Battery

8. Solid State Battery Market Segmentation, by Application

8.1 Chapter Overview

8.2 Consumer & Portable Electronics

8.3 Electric Vehicles

8.4 Energy Harvesting

8.5 Wearable & Medical Devices

8.6 Others

9. Solid State Battery Market Segmentation, by Rechargeability

9.1 Chapter Overview

9.2 Primary Battery

9.3 Secondary Battery

10. Solid State Battery Market Segmentation, by Capacity

10.1 Chapter Overview

10.2 < 20 mAh

10.3 Between 20 mAh and 500 mAh

10.4 > 500 mAh

11. Regional Analysis

12. Company Profiles

13. Use Cases and Best Practices

14. Conclusion

Access Complete Report Description of Solid State Battery Market Report 2024-2032 @ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/solid-state-battery-market-1344

[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.
BATAVIA, Ill., Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- High Wire Networks, Inc. (OTCQB: HWNI), a leading global provider of managed cybersecurity, has appointed Edward Vasko, CISSP, as chief operations officer. He succeeds Stephen LaMarche, who will remain on the companys board of directors. Vasko will also continue to serve as chief executive officer of the companys Overwatch managed cybersecurity services division.



Vasko brings to High Wire more than 33 years of accomplishment in the cybersecurity industry, including extensive experience in business formation, development and driving rapid growth. He has also led several strategic M&As and exits. As a highly respected industry thought leader, he has addressed the national cybersecurity workforce development requirements for protecting the United States and its allies.



High Wire CEO, Mark Porter, commented: Given Eds strong background and record of achievement, we expect his appointment as COO to accelerate our overall growth and development. Thanks to the strong foundation Stephen has laid, he inherits a profitable Secure Voice business, with Overwatch on track for profitability before the end of the year based upon its growing recurring revenue streams.





Prior to joining High Wire, Vasko served as the director of Boise State Universitys Institute of Pervasive Cybersecurity, a leader in cybersecurity research and host of the competency development hub known as the Cyberdome.

In his new position as chief operations officer, Vasko brings to High Wire a wealth of knowledge and experience, having founded and led several cybersecurity organizations into becoming global industry leaders.

Over the last several months as CEO of Overwatch, Ive come to understand the exceptional potential of the companys cybersecurity ecosystem, stated Vasko. Composed of U.S.-based security analysts and practitioners, innovative AI-powered platform, and customer-focused processes, Overwatch enables its channel partners to provide the most effective cyber solutions available on the market today.

Porter added: We want to extend our deep appreciation to Stephen for his strong contributions as COO and look forward to his continued service as director. He stepped up to take on the COO role at a time when we very much needed his help. He has been instrumental in the turnaround on our balance sheet and cap table, as well as in implementing the automation technology that drives us forward with true scalability.

Edward Vasko Bio

Prior to Boise State University, Vasko served as senior vice president at a top 50 national managed security and consulting provider. He was previously the co-founder and CEO of Terra Verde (now Avertium), where he helped grow the firm into one of the nation's largest providers of cybersecurity advisory and managed security services with thousands of clients around the world. He negotiated the sale of Terra Verde to Sunstone Partners, a leading growth equity firm.

Appointed by Arizonas governor, Vasko served as a commissioner in Arizonas Commission for Post-Secondary Education from 2015 to 2019. He was also appointed as the co-chair of Arizonas Cyber Team (ACT) Workforce Development Committee and served as the industry co-chair for the 2019 NICE Conference.

As part of his active involvement in cybersecurity workforce development, Vasko sits on several advisory councils, working with universities to develop curriculum that enables a highly needed cybersecurity workforce that is "ready-to-work" to defend the nations critical data and assets.

A believer in lifelong learning, Vasko studied Applied Politics at The University of Akron and Educational Technology at Boise State University. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from Arizona State University, and has been a multi-year recipient of the universitys Sun Devil 100 business leadership award.



About Overwatch Managed Cybersecurity

Overwatchs cybersecurity pipeline continues to strengthen, driven by the growth of the companys global portfolio of channel partners, including 23 new partners in the first half of the year. Many of these new partners are substantially larger, with more clients and wider industry reach.

Operating at the core of High Wires security operation center is Overwatch SOAR, a proprietary security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) technology. The unique AI embedded in Overwatch SOAR automatically consolidates alerts from various threat prevention and detection-and-response platforms. It processes these alerts with intelligence-based rules that provide enhanced visibility, improved correlation, and faster remediation.

High Wires SOAR technology serves as an exponential force multiplier for its dedicated teams of professional security experts, empowering them to deliver the most secure and cost-effective cybersecurity solutions available on the market today.

High Wire offers its Overwatch managed security services exclusively through a global network of managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers totaling more than 200 worldwide.

Reflecting High Wires preferred go-to status for these global channel partners, Frost & Sullivan ranks High Wire as a Top 12 Managed Security Service Provider in the Americas in the categories of growth and innovation. Overwatch addresses a global cybersecurity market that is expected to grow at a 14.3% CAGR to reach $563 billion by 2032.

The company was recently awarded a major new contract to deliver High Wires Overwatch OT/IoT Security for a U.S. health system comprised of more than 25 hospitals and clinics.

To learn more about High Wire and its award-winning managed cybersecurity services, visit HighWireNetworks.com or view the companys free video series on YouTube.

About High Wire Networks

High Wire Networks, Inc. (OTCQB: HWNI) is a fast-growing, award-winning global provider of managed cybersecurity. Through over 200 channel partners, it delivers trusted managed services for more than 1,100 managed security customers worldwide. End-customers include Fortune 500 companies and many of the nations largest government agencies. Its U.S. based 24/7 Network Operations Center and Security Operations Center is located in Chicago.

High Wire was ranked by Frost & Sullivan as a Top 12 Managed Security Service Provider in the Americas for 2023. It was also named to CRNs MSP 500 and Elite 150 lists of the nations top IT managed service providers for 2023 and 2024.

Learn more at HighWireNetworks.com. Follow the company on X, view its extensive video series on YouTube or connect on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

The above news release contains forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this document that are not statements of historical fact, including but not limited to, statements identified by the use of terms such as "anticipate," "appear," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "hope," "indicate," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," and other variations or negative expressions of these terms, including statements related to expected market trends and the Company's performance, are all "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable based on currently available information, and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performances and are subject to a wide range of external factors, uncertainties, business risks, and other risks identified in filings made by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any statement is based except as required by applicable law and regulations.



High Wire Contact

Susanna Song

Chief Marketing Officer

High Wire Networks

Tel +1 (952) 974-4000

Email contact

Investor & Media Relations:

Ronald Both or Grant Stude

CMA Investor & Media Relations

Tel +1 (949) 432-7557

Email contact



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf0c6b9b-133e-4040-bfbc-9379d24df9e4
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Endava plc (NYSE: DAVA) securities between May 23, 2023 and February 28, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period), have until October 25, 2024 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Endava class action lawsuit. Captioned Mueller v. Endava, plc, No. 24-cv-06423 (S.D.N.Y.), the Endava class action lawsuit charges Endava as well as certain of Endavas top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Endava class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-endava-plc-class-action-lawsuit-dava.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Endava provides technology services for clients in consumer products, healthcare, mobility, and retail verticals.

The Endava class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) demand for Endavas services was declining; (ii) Endavas clients delayed or cancelled projects; and (iii) as a result, Endavas fiscal 2023 and 2024 revenue and earnings would be adversely affected.

The Endava class action lawsuit further alleges that on February 29, 2024, Endava reported its financial results for the second quarter 2024, revealing quarterly revenue of 183.6 million, a decrease of 10.6% compared to the same period in the prior year, and full fiscal year 2024 expected revenue in the range of 722.0 million to 735.0 million. On this news, the price of Endava American Depositary Shares fell nearly 42%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Endava securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Endava class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Endava class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Endava class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Endava class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

info@rgrdlaw.com
MONTREAL, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc. (CSE: CDPR) (Frankfurt: N8HP) (CDPR, or the Corporation) is pleased to announce the results of its annual meeting of shareholders held on September 17, 2024 (the Meeting).



AGM Results

All resolutions put to vote at the Meeting passed with 99% or higher approval from the votes cast. The Corporation elected eight directors to its board, namely, John Booth, Frank Hodgson, Manuel Lizandro Rodriguez, Steven Zadka, Eduardo Loret de Mola, Rene Branchaud, Guy Goulet and John Carr.

Prior to the Meeting, Keith Brill informed the Corporation that he would not seek re-election at the Meeting. To fill the vacancy thus created, the board of directors proposed and the shareholders approved the election of John Carr as a director.

John Carr is a chemical engineer and was co-founder of New Century Resources, which acquired and restarted the Century Zinc Mine, Australia. As Chief Development Officer, John was responsible for developing the large-scale brownfield base metal mine re-start and expansion at Century, now a top-15 global zinc producer and Australia's largest tailings reprocessing operation. John is also co-founder of Future Element, a private company established to develop commercial ventures for tailings reprocessing and rehabilitation globally and co-founder of Broken Hill Mines, who acquired the Rasp and Pinnacles Zinc-Lead-Silver projects. John is also a Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed Future Metals NL (ASX:FME).

The Corporation wishes to express its appreciation for Keiths contribution to the board of directors of the Corporation. Keith remains as a special advisor to the board.

At the Meeting, the shareholders of the Corporation also approved the appointment of Davidson and Company LLP as auditors of the Corporation.

Investor Relations Consultant Appointment

The Corporation is also pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Donna Yoshimatsu as independent senior strategic advisor for investor relations effective immediately. She will work closely with senior management to broaden the Corporations investor outreach with particular focus on enhancing institutional awareness and strengthening the foundation of a growing shareholder base. In addition to spearheading the first investor and shareholder relations programs for Franco- and Euro-Nevada Mining Corps, Ms. Yoshimatsu has held senior positions with SNC-Lavalin Group and a number of precious and base metal mid-tier and junior mining companies over her 30-year career.

Guy Goulet, President and CEO of Cerro de Pasco Resources added, We are thrilled to be working with Donna  an expert in her profession with a strong background in the capital markets  she comes with decades of experience and institutional relationships. Since the historical granting of the Land Easement in May, to the authorization for the initiation of exploration activities from the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines in late August, the first ever drilling authorization granted for a new mining exploration project over tailings in the history of Peru, the timing cannot be more appropriate as we execute on our developing growth strategy.

Pursuant to her agreement with the Corporation, Ms. Yoshimatsu was granted 250,000 stock options in accordance with the Corporations stock option plan and a monthly fee of $6,500 plus applicable GST over an initial period of twelve months. The agreement may be terminated by either party by providing 60-days prior written notice to the other party.

Stock Options Grant

CDPR also announces that it has granted a total of 12,400,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation. Each option is exercisable to purchase one common share (a Common Share) of the Corporation at an exercise price of $0.20 per Common Share for a period of five year.

About Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc.

Cerro de Pasco Resources is focused on the development of its principal 100% owned asset, the El Metalurgista mining concession, comprising silver-rich mineral tailings and stockpiles extracted over a century of operation from the Cerro de Pasco open pit mine in Central Peru. The Corporations approach at El Metalurgista entails the reprocessing and environmental remediation of mining waste and the creation of numerous opportunities in a circular economy. The asset is one of the worlds largest above-ground resources.

Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimer

Certain information contained herein may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "should", "could", "will", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations including negative variations thereof of such words and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, occur or be taken or achieved. Such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to expected development and operations of the Corporation, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the exercise of any termination rights under the above-mentioned agreements, risks related to the exploration, development and mining operations; impacts of macroeconomic developments; and any material adverse effect on the business, properties and assets of the Corporation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Corporation will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Contact Information

Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc.

Guy Goulet, President and CEO

Tel.: 579 476-7000

Email: ggoulet@pascoresources.com

Ms. Donna Yoshimatsu

Senior strategic advisor , Investor Relations

Tel. : 416 722-2456

Email : dyoshi@pascoresources.com
Visit aequum Booth 102, September 22-24, 2024 | Phoenix, AZ







CLEVELAND, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- aequum LLC, a tech-driven, cost containment company serving more than 425 self-insured health plans and their participants in all 50 states, today announces its participation at the upcoming SIIA National Conference, September 22-24, 2024, Phoenix. Attendees are invited to visit Booth 102 and meet personally with Christine Cooper, founder & CEO, aequum, and her team to learn about aequums innovative solutions: on average, aequum has defended more than 10,000+ claims against plan participants in over 400 different health plans - resolving claims in an average of 244 days while achieving a remarkable 97.2% savings off disputed charges.

When aequum advocates, health plan members benefit, and we are excited to return to SIIA, connect with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions for self-insured employers, states Cooper, who serves as co-chair of SIIAs Price Transparency Committee. aequum protects, advocates for and supports the plans members and dependents and we look forward to sharing our insights on healthcare pricing and transparency challenges, reference-based pricing, strategies for navigating regulatory landscapes and opportunities to implement cost-effective, compliant solutions.

Over the past year, Cooper has led the SIIA Price Transparency Forum and presented at the SIIA Spring Forum. SIIAs National Conference gathers thousands of thought leaders to discuss pivotal topics, including artificial intelligence, surprise billing and the latest legislative updates.

"I look forward to engaging with peers and sharing our expertise, especially for successfully overcoming the challenges regarding disputes for out-of-network care under the No Surprises Act, states Cooper. "As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, its becoming increasingly important for self-insured plans to stay ahead of the curve. aequum provides the tools and strategies needed to achieve compliance."

SIIA participants can also schedule a private meeting with Brandon Heusey, national director of sales, in advance of the event or introduce themselves at aequum booth 102. Contact: bheusey@aequumhealth.com

The annual SIIA meeting gives self-insured companies of all sizes the opportunity to explore aequum capabilities for handling specific challenges that are relevant to their organization, says Heusey.

About aequum, LLC

Founded in 2020, aequum LLC serves third-party administrators, medical cost management companies, stop-loss carriers, employer-sponsored health plans and brokers nationwide to protect plan participants, improve employee satisfaction with their health care plans, and generate plan and participant cost savings. aequum LLC helps patients defend medical balance bills and brings savings to employer-sponsored health plans by providing administrative and other services to its partners. In addition, its sister organization, Koehler Fitzgerald LLC, provides legal advocacy to plan participants. Visit aequumhealth.com.

Media Contact

Esther Jin

ejin@cpronline.com

201.641.1911 x 10

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce7c0e35-1ecf-4746-b08e-f4acb56f7873
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CMC Metals Ltd. (TSX-V: CMB) (Frankfurt:ZM5P) (CMC or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has completed a significant reclamation program on its Silver Hart and Blue Heaven claims in Yukon Canada. While supervising the reclamation effort, the Companys Chief Geologist and President discovered three manto zones within the Main Zone at Silver Hart and identified additional areas of interest on the Blue Heaven claims all of which merit further investigation. Several grab samples were collected and have been sent for assaying.



The program completed reclamation of trenches, historical and recent access roads, drill pads in both claim areas (i.e. Silver Hart and Blue Heaven) of the Silver Hart Project. It is also important as it serves to ensure that the surety bond with Yukon is at a sufficient level.

Kevin Brewer, P.Geo, President and CEO noted that This reclamation work is of considerable importance in meeting permit requirements and demonstrating social responsibility in our work programs. Every year we have completed progressive reclamation of historical work areas dating back to the mid 1980s and recent activities. While supervising the effort I had some time to scout around and as a result identified three new manto zones which have never been drill investigated. We now have several drill target areas including (i) within the Main Zone on the Silver Hart claims that require infill drilling that could result in extensions of known mineralization; (ii) the Golden Cross area on the Blue Heaven claims which had highly positive trench results that appear to indicate the existence of staked manto horizons in that area, and (iii) recent discoveries of new mantos on surface.

Mr. Brewer added that This indicates that to me that clearly the full potential for CRD mineralization at this project is yet to be fully identified.

As recently announced, the Company has selected MICON International to complete a new 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate of the Main Zone on the Silver Hart claims which currently has mineralization identified in several zones that may be amenable to open pit mining.

In addition, the Blue Heaven Property comprises of 118 claims (1,975 hectares) that are contiguous to the Companys Silver Hart claims and is characterized with 13 mineralized areas and 36 showings many of which are yet to be evaluated by the Company.

A brief program in 2022 extended previous trenching at the Desire Showing (subsequently renamed as the Golden Cross Zone) with highly positive results including:

8.0 meters grading 13.39% lead, 1.57% zinc, 359.25 g/t silver and 1.17% manganese including 1.0 meter of 10% lead, 5.1% zinc, 1,500 g/t silver and 2.3% manganese

13.0 meters grading 8.25% lead, 4.22% zinc, 151.57 g/t silver and 9.16% manganese including 1.0 meter of 23.86% lead, 0.9% zinc, 623 g/t silver and 2.3% manganese

A 14.0 meter mineralized area including 1.0 meter samples containing: 3.61% lead, 3.1% zinc, 199 g/t silver, 12.6% manganese 10% lead, 2.5% zinc, 360 g/t silver and 3.7% manganese 10% lead, 8.5% zinc, 459 g/t silver, and 1.6% manganese

Several other 1.0 meter length individual samples containing: 49.8% lead, 3.7% zinc, 857 g/t silver and 5.7% manganese 13.4% lead, 5.6% zinc, 167 g/t silver and 10.5% manganese 59.46% lead, 1.8% zinc, 1,076 g/t silver and 3.2% manganese 21.01% lead, 1.1% zinc, 820 g/t silver and 1.4% manganese 16.53% lead, 0.3% zinc, 425 g/t silver and 0.7% manganese 64.56% lead, 5.6% zinc, >1,500g/t silver and 2.3% manganese 29.26% lead, 0.7% zinc, 1,295 g/t silver and 0.5% manganese



The area around the Golden Cross Zone is also characterized by several outcrops with extensive manganese which has been found to be indicative of silver-lead-zinc CRD-style mineralization on the Silver Hart property. These areas will be further evaluated with trenching and detailed mapping once an exploration permit has been secured for the property

In addition, a bulk sample collected by Nordac Resources Ltd. in 1999 from the Blue and H zones within the Blue Heaven claims comprised of 51.47 dry tonnes grading 8,563 g/t silver, 56.2% lead, 9.5% zinc and 1.2 g/t gold.

A recent in-depth analysis completed by Ronacher-McKenzie Geosciences on the 2021 SkyTEM airborne electromagnetic survey identified four areas of exploration prospectivity within the Silver Hart Project areas that were deemed to merit detailed evaluation.

A permit application including a renewal for exploration on the Silver Hart and Blue Heaven claims submitted to the Yukon Environmental and Assessment Board has reached the final review stage. The Company is optimistic that a permit will be acquired prior to the 2025 field season. CMC wholly owns (100%) the Silver Hart claims and has recently acquired an 80% interest in the Blue Heaven claims with the remaining 20% owned by Strategic Metals Ltd.

Qualified Person

Qualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Companys President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.

About CMC Metals Ltd.

CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in Yukon, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Our polymetallic silver-lead-zinc CRD prospects in the Rancheria Silver District include the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (Yukon), Amy and Silverknife claims (British Columbia). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil (central Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon).

On behalf of the Board:

Kevin Brewer

Kevin Brewer, President, CEO and Director

CMC Metals Ltd.

For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:

Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. Mine Eng.

President, CEO and Director

Tel: (+52) 669 198 8503

kbrewer80@hotmail.com

Suite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2

To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email to info@cmcmetals.ca or contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as described herein or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, the impact of the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are referred to the Companys filings with the Canadian securities regulators for information on these and other risk factors, available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.
Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Needing gas for the lawn mower, Brandy Pullin decided to make a quick trip to the store, less than a mile from her home. She brushed off a slight headache and continued the short drive  but she blacked out.

Thanks to immediate action taken at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, she survived a massive stroke. And now, the mother of three, who also serves as a Texas Health Business Systems analyst, is grateful to be back fulfilling her passion  helping others.

At just 47, Pullin survived a stroke.

Pullin spent two days at Texas Health Fort Worth, including an overnight stay in the ICU, and underwent an emergency brain procedure.

As a Texas Health employee, I never knew we had so many resources available for stroke patients until I became one myself, Pullin said. God placed me where I needed to be.

Receiving care at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

After blacking out on a two-lane road in Bosque County, Pullin regained consciousness, waking up with a searing headache and throbbing pressure behind her eye.

I was in pain, I was scared, and I didnt know my way home, she said.

Pullin called her adult son, and he located her via the phone.

After visiting a local hospital, Pullin returned home with a prescription for cluster headaches. Three days later  and still in pain  Pullin thought she might be battling a stroke. She made the decision to go to Texas Health Stephenville.

After tests administered in the hospitals Emergency Department confirmed Pullins stroke, paramedics transferred her to Texas Health Fort Worth, one of fewer than 50 comprehensive stroke facilities in the state. Its also the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Tarrant County with advanced certification from The Joint Commission.

In fact, Texas Health Fort Worth cares for the highest number of stroke patients* in North Texas.

According to Yinn Cher Ooi, M.D., a Texas Health Physicians Group* open vascular and endovascular neurosurgeon on the medical staff at Texas Health Fort Worth, the cause of Pullins stroke was a severe right cervical carotid artery dissection causing critical stenosis or narrowing of her carotid artery.

Ms. Pullins right artery was so severely pinched in her neck, the remaining opening was the size of a pinhole (around 0.5 mm in diameter), jeopardizing oxygenated blood flow to the brain through her neck, Ooi said.

Ooi emphasized the urgency of addressing Pullins dissection.

Without treatment, the strokes would worsen and possibly result in permanent blindness or paralysis, Ooi said. Worst-case scenario, a large stroke could be fatal.

Ooi and the care team performed an emergency minimally invasive endovascular procedure to repair Pullins damaged artery and help prevent further strokes.

Using a thin catheter inserted through a small incision in Pullin's thigh, a diagnostic cerebral angiogram provided video imaging of the exact location and the nature of the carotid dissection. Ooi then maneuvered the catheter, with a small balloon on its tip, through the artery to the dissection site. As the final step, Ooi inflated the balloon to open Pullins artery and inserted a stent to shore up the dissection in an intricate procedure known as carotid angioplasty and stenting.

Understanding the stroke recovery process

Although her pounding headache disappeared, the stroke did impair Pullins vision.

It felt like a line down the middle of my right eye blocked half my vision, and I struggled to see through my left eye, as if I wore a pirates patch.

A few days after her brain procedures, Pullin returned to Texas Health Fort Worth for vision therapy.

Eye exercises that involve reading and mobility tasks, along with driving simulations, help neurological patients increase their visual processing speed, depth perception and their hand-to-eye coordination, said Robin Milroy, OT, an occupational therapist at Texas Health Fort Worth.

According to Milroy, Pullins partial vision loss included eye weakness and double vision. After Pullin completed vision therapy, Milroy referred her to an optometrist who prescribed prism lenses, which bend light, alleviate double vision, and strengthen the eyes.

The end goal is to get individuals back to enjoying life independently, whether theyre participating in leisure activities with loved ones or getting back to work.

Fulfilling her passions, once again

Less than two weeks after having her stroke, Pullin returned to work.

In her administrative role at Texas Health Pullin analyzes and submits extensive healthcare data to the Department of State Health Services.

I absolutely love my job and being able to help others, Pullin said.

That selfless spirit extends outside of work as well.

When shes not spending time with family, Pullin volunteers with nonprofit organizations and local food pantries.

As a stroke survivor, I witnessed Gods hands at work the moment I arrived at Texas Health Stephenville and throughout the process at Texas Health Fort Worth, Pullin said.

I am beyond grateful and blessed beyond measure.

* Source: Statistical information provided by Texas Health Care Information Collection.

*Physicians employed by Texas Health Physicians Group practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health Resources hospitals.

 END 

For additional images, please contact Chandra Caradine.

About Texas Health Resources:

Texas Health Resources is a faith-based, nonprofit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider. With a service area that consists of 16 counties and more than 7 million people, the system is committed to providing quality, coordinated care through its Texas Health Physicians Group and 29 hospital locations under the banners of Texas Health Presbyterian, Texas Health Arlington Memorial, Texas Health Harris Methodist and Texas Health Huguley. Texas Health access points and services, ranging from acute-care hospitals and trauma centers to outpatient facilities and home health and preventive services, provide the full continuum of care for all stages of life. The system has more than 4,100 licensed hospital beds, 6,400 physicians with active staff privileges and nearly 29,000 employees. For more information about Texas Health, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org .

Attachments
Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LBMC, a top accounting and business consulting firm in the nation, is pleased to announce the launch of its Family Law Support Services practice with the addition of two shareholders, Cheryl Panther and Scott Womack. This strategic expansion adds to LBMCs robust Litigation Support and Valuation Practice and comes just two months after the firm announced the expansion of its Consulting and Business Intelligence practice. Part of LBMCs rapidly growing Advisory practice, Family Law Support Services provides expertise and specialized support for litigated divorce and family law matters, as well as collaborative and mediation processes.

Comprehensive Services for Complex Family Law Matters

"With the addition of the Family Law Support Services practice, LBMC further enhances our commitment to providing comprehensive and personalized financial and advisory solutions to our clients. The expertise Cheryl Panther and Scott Womack bring to this practice allows us to support our clients with the highest level of professionalism and insight in the complicated areas related to family law. Their combined experience in financial planning, business valuation, and litigation support enhances our ability to guide clients through complex financial disputes, ensuring their personal and financial interests are safeguarded throughout the entire process, said Jim Meade, CEO and Managing Shareholder of LBMC.

LBMCs Family Law Support Services practice specializes in assisting clients in family law matters and disputes, providing financial and advisory services to divorcing spouses, their attorneys, courts, and family offices and other related entities. Services include:

Valuation Services : Valuation of businesses, professional practices, executive compensation, stock options, pensions, and other assets. Additional valuation services include identification, categorization and tracing of marital vs. separate assets, identification and allocation of personal and enterprise goodwill, and active vs. passive appreciation analyses.

: Valuation of businesses, professional practices, executive compensation, stock options, pensions, and other assets. Additional valuation services include identification, categorization and tracing of marital vs. separate assets, identification and allocation of personal and enterprise goodwill, and active vs. passive appreciation analyses. Forensic Services: Tax analysis, lifestyle analysis, dissipation analysis and asset tracing.

Tax analysis, lifestyle analysis, dissipation analysis and asset tracing. Litigation Support: Expert testimony, discovery assistance, deposition preparation, and trial preparation.

Expert testimony, discovery assistance, deposition preparation, and trial preparation. Collaborative Divorce and Mediation: Serving as financial neutral in collaborative cases and as a mediator under Tennessee Rule 31, and providing business valuation services.

Serving as financial neutral in collaborative cases and as a mediator under Tennessee Rule 31, and providing business valuation services. Post-Divorce Support: Financial implementation, ongoing education and post-divorce support.

Cheryl Panther joins LBMC as co-leader of the practice area for expert financial services to family law and estate attorneys and their clients, bringing more than 30 years of experience to her role. Prior to joining LBMC, Panther served as Founder of Panther Financial Planning, LLC, and Panther Financial Divorce Solutions, LLC, where she provided financial solutions to clients navigating divorce settlements and estate strategies.

A Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator, Panther specializes in creative analytical solutions for the complex financial and taxation issues in divorce cases and settlements, providing a variety of specialized financial services to clients and their attorneys as a neutral financial expert. She brings that same level of expertise to forensic, tax, and financial analyses as a consulting or testifying expert in complex litigated divorce matters. In addition to family law expertise, Panther offers comprehensive financial planning that complements LBMC's tax strategies, providing a holistic approach to help individuals and families navigate financial transitions while staying aligned with their values.

Panthers additional designations include Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist, Advanced Divorce Financial Analyst, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. Panther is a member of numerous organizations, including the American Institute of CPAs, Tennessee Society of CPAs, Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She holds her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and her Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Belmont University.

"We are pleased to welcome Cheryl Panther to co-lead LBMCs Family Law Support Services practice, said Meade. Cheryls unique skill set and unmatched experience enhances LBMCs ability to provide clients with the financial clarity and strategic advice needed during some of lifes most challenging transitions, ensuring we continue to deliver the highest level of expertise and support to protect their financial interests.

Scott Womack returns to LBMC after serving as Senior Vice President at Mercer Capital, bringing more than 25 years of experience in business valuation and litigation support, with a focus on family law litigation, including traditional litigated divorce and collaborative divorce. Womack works closely with family law attorneys in divorce matters including valuation of assets, forensic accounting, and expert testimony.

Womack also joins as Practice Leader for LBMCs Auto Dealership industry, further expanding the firms national reach in the auto industry space. As the auto dealership industry expert, Womack provides valuation services to dealerships throughout the U.S. related to corporate planning and reorganization, transactions, employee stock ownership plans, litigation support, and tax issues.

Womack is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Foundation, Forensic and Business Valuation Division, American Society of Appraisers (ASA), National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA), National Association of Dealer Counsel (NADC) and National Independent Auto Dealer Association (NIADA). An Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) and a Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (NACVA), Womack holds his bachelors degree from Baylor University.

We are thrilled to welcome Scott Womack back to LBMC. His extensive experience in providing expert testimony in family law litigation as well as his expertise in the auto dealership industry make him an invaluable asset to LBMC and our evolving client base. His leadership will strengthen our ability to offer specialized valuation services and strategic support, particularly in addressing complex legal matters and the unique needs of auto dealerships across the country, said Meade.

To learn more about LBMCs Family Law Support Services practice, click here.

About LBMC

LBMC is a 2024 USA Today Top Recommended Firm, one of the Southeasts largest accounting and business consulting firms, and an Accounting Today Top Firm in the Nation serving approximately 11,000 clients with diverse needs across a spectrum of industries. Primary client groups include privately-owned and private-equity-backed middle market companies in the healthcare, manufacturing/distribution, real estate, and technology spaces. At the forefront of innovation, LBMC leverages advanced business intelligence and AI technologies to drive growth, efficiency, and strategic insights for our clients. Founded in 1984 as a traditional accounting firm, LBMC today is an industry leader in audit, tax, advisory, technology, human resources, and wealth advisory services for businesses and individuals. LBMC has more than 900 team members, with offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; and Charlotte, North Carolina. A four-time national certified Great Place to Work, LBMC was also named a Best Workplace in Consulting & Professional Services. For more information on LBMCs experts and comprehensive services, visit our website or call 615.377.4600. LBMC is growing, and job opportunities can be found on our careers page.

Attachment
Chinese vice president attends opening ceremony of International Peace Day event

Xinhua) 15:49, September 19, 2024

JINAN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the opening ceremony of the Commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2024 in Jinan in east China's Shandong Province on Thursday.

Han noted that in the face of unprecedented global challenges, China's vision of building a community with a shared future for humankind, along with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, has injected confidence and momentum into advancing world peace, development and common prosperity.

He called on all parties to follow the right direction of the historical trend and work together to build a strong synergy toward creating a community with a shared future for humankind.

He also urged joint efforts to implement the three major global initiatives, pursue common development, adhere to peaceful coexistence, and foster exchanges and mutual learning.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important member of the "Global South," China will actively promote an orderly, multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, Han said, noting that China will work with other countries to promote peace and development and build a better world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video speech at the meeting. Vice President of the National Assembly of Laos and Chairman of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, Sommad Pholsena, former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe, former Colombian President Ernesto Samper, former President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer and other speakers addressed the meeting.

They spoke highly of China's long-term efforts and contributions to promoting world peace, security and development, noting that they would work with China to continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, promote the implementation of the three major global initiatives, and jointly safeguard peace to achieve better development.

About 180 representatives from foreign political parties, peace and friendship organizations, security think tanks and relevant domestic departments attended the event.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Seminar/webinar during 2024 Climate Week NYC on Thursday, September 26

Event to take place at 1411 Broadway and virtually beginning from 9:30-11:30 a.m. EDT

Forum designed to help U.S. companies doing business in the EU



NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Offering a critical opportunity for U.S. companies to learn about a disruptive trend, one that is leaving many businesses unprepared in the wake of stringent new European Union laws, disruptive European sustainability expert Glimpact will host a live/online forum on Thursday, September 26. The event, titled:

How the CSRD and ESPR regulations of the European Green Deal will disrupt industrial practices in the USA by revealing the real challenges of the ecological transition

This event is a part of Climate Week NYC , the largest annual climate forum of its kind, bringing together global business executives, political leaders, eco activists and other stakeholders.

Led by environmental, business, and technology experts Christophe Girardier , CEO of Glimpact, and JR Beaudoin , CTO of the digital solutions company Theodo, this timely event will focus on the EUs recent adoption of two new major pieces of legislation in the context of the European Green Deal: the Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), mandating strict design and labeling for all companies seeking to sell to EU consumers, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), requiring all international businesses to report specific social and environmental information.

This seminar will explore:

The significance of the new CSRD and ESPR regulations and their implication for industrial practices.

How these regulations represent a shift toward a holistic understanding of environmental impact.

The Product/Organization Environmental Footprint (PEF/OEF) Methodology as a framework for assessing environmental impact, including climate and going beyond to include all anthropogenic effects on the planet.

The role of Scope 3 emissions, covering the environmental impact of the entire value chain  from raw material sourcing to product use and end-of-life.

Challenges in collecting and managing Scope 3 data, and solutions and strategies for overcoming these data-related challenges.



Christophe Girardier is the CEO and co-founder of Glimpact, the first digital platform to fully evaluate the global environmental impact of products and organizations by modeling the PEF/OEF standards adopted by the EU as part of the European Green Deal. Christophe was notably a member of the European Commissions steering committee for the initiative titled Single Market for Green Products, which is at the origin of the PEF/OEF methodology. JR Beaudoin is the New York City-based CTO of Theodo, a global design & software engineering consultancy that delivers expertise in lean methodology, cloud-native technologies and product development.

The new reality is that U.S. companies who want continued access to the lucrative European market, a 27-country coalition thats home to nearly 450 million people, must comply with ESPR and CSRD, stated Girardier. Glimpact provides the expertise to demystify the PEF/OEF methodology and help companies collect the required data to be part of the ecological transition to a sustainable world.

Interested in-person/online attendees and media can pre-register for the event here .

About Glimpact

Glimpact, a sustainability startup with operations in New York, France and Belgium, is the first digital platform enabling the assessment of the overall environmental impact of products and organizations based on the new scientific doctrine of the EU. It provides access to the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, developed by the European scientific community and adopted by the EU in 2021. Glimpact allows all stakeholders to not only measure the environmental footprint of their products or organizations but more importantly, to identify effective actions to reduce it.

The French government has selected Glimpact as the coordinator for one of the methods considered in the government experiment on environmental labeling of food and textile products. The company is a member of the technical committee assisting the Ministry of Ecological Transition in defining the modalities of environmental labeling mandated by the Climate and Resilience Law. Glimpact has been chosen by the European Commission, following a global tender, to implement legislation for the battery and photovoltaic solar panel sectors. This legislation will require these actors to display the environmental footprint of their products measured using the PEF methodology.

Glimpact already boasts solid expertise and experience with major players in the industry and distribution, including Lacoste, Decathlon, Mars, Gant, Carrefour, Puratos, Manutan, Spadel, Adeo, Lyreco, Pimkie, Chantelle, Celio, Aigle, Galler, and Bewital.

For more information, visit https://www.glimpact.com/ .

Media Contact

Olivia Ludington

Firecracker PR

olivia@firecrackerpr.com

1-888-317-4687 ext. 702

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Washington, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Star Families is proud to announce the launch of the Do Your Part: State Leadership to Support Military Families initiative in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA). Governor Wes Moore (Maryland) is the first governor to be announced as an honorary chair of this work.

Blue Star Families and the NGA have joined forces to create a roadmap for states and territories, recognizing that community support for military families is crucial to military recruiting and readiness. Together with the NGA Center for Best Practices, they will develop a toolkit designed to help states identify, prioritize, and implement the most effective policies and programs, providing a clear path to enhancing the well-being of military communities across the country.

The DYP State Initiative is a collaboration between Blue Star Families and the NGA, with foundational support from craig newmark philanthropies. Over the next year, input will be gathered from all 50 states and territories to identify the most innovative, low-cost, and high-impact solutions that address the unique challenges military families face. The toolkit will provide a guide for states to adopt and implement these best practices.

Governor Wes Moore leads the way as a change-maker, developing policies and initiatives to support the military-connected community in Maryland, including declaring 2024 as the Year for Military Families in the state. Maryland is the first state to sign on to the Blue Star Families-NGA initiative. Some of the actions Governor Moore has taken to better the lives of military and Veteran families include:

Changing the name of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Department of Veterans and Military Families and appointing a Deputy Secretary of Military Family Programs and Policy to better reflect our long-standing priorities of serving the Veteran and military family communities.

and appointing a to better reflect our long-standing priorities of serving the Veteran and military family communities. Becoming the first state to pass the Healthcare for Heroes Act , providing members of the Maryland National Guard access to free health and dental care.

, providing members of the Maryland National Guard access to free health and dental care. Enacted the Keep our Heroes Home Act , increasing the state tax exemption on military retirement pay.

, increasing the state tax exemption on military retirement pay. Expanded benefits for Maryland National Guard service members by extending the full benefit of the Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program to family members.

service members by extending the full benefit of the Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program to family members. Enacted the Families Serve Act to create pathways to employment for military spouses in both the public and private sectors.

to create pathways to employment for military spouses in both the public and private sectors. Enacted the Time to Serve Act to double military leave available to state employees who serve in the National Guard or military reserves and ensuring they can use PTO to spend time with family.

to double military leave available to state employees who serve in the National Guard or military reserves and ensuring they can use PTO to spend time with family. Enacted interstate licensure compacts for military members and their spouses to ensure stability in employment when orders move the family to a new location.

for military members and their spouses to ensure stability in employment when orders move the family to a new location. Became the first state to join the Department of Defenses Military Spouse Employment Partnership to enable Maryland state government to actively recruit military spouses and promote job opportunities to them directly, ensuring they have access to rewarding careers.

to enable Maryland state government to actively recruit military spouses and promote job opportunities to them directly, ensuring they have access to rewarding careers. Signed an Executive Order in November 2023 reaffirming the Administrations commitment to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Governors Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Families and to continue our work to improve the overall health of our Veterans and military families.

Governor Moore and his wife Dawn know about military life first-hand, and Governor Moore recognizes that military families are both assets to the local community and a linchpin to our national security, said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and co-founder of Blue Star Families. The security our military provides us enables stability, which enables prosperity, and that leads to freedom. The Do Your Part State Initiative is an opportunity for state governments to provide real solutions that support military families and allow them to both serve our nation and thrive.

The State Toolkit Supporting Military Families: A Key Resource

The State Toolkit Supporting Military Families will offer practical, actionable policies and best practices that states and territories can easily replicate and implement to better support military families. By identifying innovative solutions already working in various states, this toolkit will help spread impactful policies nationwide.

Key Objectives of the Toolkit:

Promote Innovation and Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among states, organizations, and communities to create and share effective policies and programs.

Centralized Resource: Provide a collection of best practices proven to improve military families' lives.

Facilitate Easy Policy Adoption: Offer clear, practical steps for states to adopt these policies with minimal cost and maximum impact.

Strengthen Community Support: Foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment for military families at the community level.

Encourage Policy Changes: Advocate for necessary changes in state and federal policies that support military families.

"The NGA is excited to partner with Blue Star Families on this critical initiative," said Bill McBride, Executive Director of the National Governors Association. "This toolkit will serve as an important resource for states and territories to improve the support systems for military families across the nation."

The Process: Gathering the Best Ideas

The NGA will survey governors in all 50 states and ask them to submit their states most successful policies and practices for supporting military families. These policies will be evaluated based on their cost-effectiveness and overall impact.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said: "Supporting our military families is not just the right thing to do  it's essential to our nation's security and future. By providing them with the resources and community support they need, we are ensuring that those who serve can focus on their mission, knowing that their families are taken care of. I'm proud to chair this initiative and partner with Blue Star Families to ensure that every state has the tools to uplift and empower our military families."

Blue Star Families will also gather input from military service organizations (MSOs), Veteran service organizations (VSOs), and corporate partners to ensure a comprehensive, community-driven approach. The combined findings will inform the final toolkit.

Join the Do Your Part Effort

As honorary chair, Governor Moore will help raise awareness of the State Toolkit and encourage states to adopt these proven policies. The Do Your Part campaign calls on all levels of government and society  governors, legislators, businesses, and individuals  to take action in support of military families to support the common defense.

Governor Moores leadership in elevating military family support as a state-level priority has been exemplary, and were thrilled to have him as an honorary chair, added Roth-Douquet. Together, we can build a stronger future for our military families and nation.

This initiative is made possible in part by the generosity of craig newmark philanthropies, whose support has been essential to the development and execution of the State Toolkit Supporting Military Families.

###

ABOUT BLUE STAR FAMILIES: Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nations largest Chapter-based military and Veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $200 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually. For more information, click here.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palcoin , an ERC20 token built on Ethereum is setting a new standard for venture capital in the crypto world. With a focus on AI-driven project evaluation, responsible investing, and decentralised community involvement, Its mission is clear: to provide stakeholders with access to new cryptocurrency projects and rewards while upholding ethical, responsible investment principles.







By combining the power of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, Palcoin offers its holders the chance to receive rewards from new projects in the form of tokens, all while keeping ethical investing at the forefront.

Palcoin is about giving everyone a fair chance to invest in high-potential crypto projects, says Mohammed AbuTaha, Co-Founder and CEO of Palcoin. Were building a platform where investors are not only participants but also decision-makers, and we do so with a focus on responsible investment strategies.

One of Palcoin's standout features is its ongoing development of an AI engine designed to evaluate new cryptocurrency projects. Unlike traditional venture capital models, where access to investment opportunities is often limited to well-connected insiders, Palcoins future AI engine aims to level the playing field. This engine, currently under development, will assess the potential of new blockchain ventures using data-driven analysis.





The AI will consider factors such as market dynamics, project roadmaps, team backgrounds, and risk profiles. Once completed, the engine will generate detailed evaluation reports for the Palcoin investment team to review. Only projects that pass this stringent review process will be presented to the Palcoin community for voting.

AI is central to our long-term vision, but were taking the time to build it right, explains AbuTaha. Were developing a tool that will not only analyse projects more efficiently but will also help reduce the risk of investing in unproven ventures."

One of Palcoins key value propositions is its staking rewards program. Token holders who stake their Palcoin tokens are eligible to receive tokens from the new projects Palcoin invests in. This reward mechanism allows Palcoin holders to diversify their portfolios without additional investment.





In addition to staking rewards, Palcoin encourages community governance. Token holders have voting rights on the platform, allowing them to weigh in on which projects receive funding. This decentralised approach ensures that every token holder has a voice in the platforms decision-making process.

Our staking and voting systems are at the core of how we engage our community, AbuTaha adds. We want our investors to not only earn rewards but also have a say in the future of the platform.

Palcoin distinguishes itself further by adhering to Islamic Sharia principles, making it an attractive option for investors seeking socially responsible and ethically sound investment opportunities. The platform integrates principles of Islamic finance, ensuring that investments align with ethical values, such as avoiding speculative or harmful ventures.

Sharia compliance is not just an additional feature, its a core part of Palcoins identity, says Dr. Abdelkader Amor, Palcoins Islamic Sharia Advisor. By focusing on ethical investment strategies, were not only appealing to Muslim investors but also to those who prioritise sustainable and responsible investing.

The rise of Sharia-compliant financial products in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries reflects the increasing demand for ethical financial services. Palcoins dual focus on Islamic finance and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles aligns it with global trends toward responsible investing.

For smaller investors, gaining access to early-stage crypto ventures can be difficult due to a lack of reliable information and high entry costs. Palcoin solves these problems by offering its holders exposure to vetted projects without the need for significant upfront capital. Through its token distribution system, investors are rewarded with tokens from new projects at no extra cost.

On the flip side, startups often struggle to secure funding and support in a highly competitive market. Palcoin addresses this by offering both financial backing and resources through its Palcoin Creative Corner (PCC). As an incubator for innovative blockchain ideas, the PCC provides mentorship, technical resources, and connections to strategic partners, helping young companies succeed.

Were giving startups more than just money. Were providing them with the tools, guidance, and network they need to thrive, says Saed Majdalawi, Co-Founder and CTO of Palcoin. Through our incubator program, were able to nurture innovation in ways that traditional venture capital firms cant.

Looking ahead, Palcoin has an ambitious roadmap that includes major exchange listings, the rollout of decentralised applications (dApps), and the completion of its AI engine. Currently listed on CoinStore, Palcoin plans to expand to MEXC Global and other exchanges, increasing liquidity and accessibility for investors. By 2030, Palcoin aims to reach a market cap of 10 billion USDT, making it a leading player in the venture capital and blockchain sectors.

Our vision for 2030 is clear, says AbuTaha. We aim to create a thriving ecosystem where investors are rewarded for their participation, and startups get the funding and support they need to succeed. Were building something sustainable, and were excited about what lies ahead.

Palcoin is more than just a token; its a community-driven investment platform that seeks to revolutionise the way venture capital is used in the crypto space. By developing advanced AI tools, adhering to ethical investment principles, and providing direct rewards to its holders, Palcoin is set to become a major force in the blockchain ecosystem.

For more information about Palcoin, visit their Website or connect with them via X , LinkedIn , and Discord

In case of any queries, please contact

Contact person: Mohammed ABUTAHA

Position: CEO

Email: Newsletter@palcoin.cash

About Palcoin

Welcome to PALCOIN TOKEN, where a technological breakthrough in the VC industry is going to begin. Our team is on the brink of a breakthrough in the world of venture capital investment. Weve been tirelessly developing an AI engine and complex algorithm that will revolutionise the way we identify and evaluate potential investments. The power of data and machine learning is at our fingertips, allowing us to analyse trends, patterns, and market dynamics with unparalleled precision. This technology will not only streamline our decision-making process but also enhance our ability to predict success and mitigate risks. The future of venture capital is evolving, and we are at the forefront, ready to embrace this new era of innovation and opportunity.

Disclaimer: This content is provided by sponsor. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

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TAMPA, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA), representing those providing solutions as a safety valve for Florida's insurance industry, installed its new leadership team for the 2024-2025 term during its Annual Convention held in Tampa, Fla.

FSLAs 2024-2025 Board Board of Directors:

President: Virginia Clancy, ASLI, CIIP, TAPCO Underwriters, Inc.

President-Elect: Albert Geraci, ARM, ASLI, Risk Placement Services, Inc.

Treasurer: Tonya Rivera, Johnson & Johnson, Inc., CMGA

Secretary: Bresch McCarthy, Hull & Company, LLC

Director: Chris Siegel, RPLU, CIC, CRIS, ARM, AAI, Burns & Wilcox

Director: Darren Marsh, SLB Insurance Group

Director: Amanda Ruppel, CRC Group

Insurance Company Representative: Joshua Baron, Navigators, A Brand of The Hartford

Insurance Company Representative: Ana Daves, Nautilus Insurance Company

Young Agents Representative: Marianne Correa, RT Specialty

Young Agents Representative: Ricky Kopec, Johnson and Johnson

Retail Agents Representative: John Vratsinas, Atlantic Specialty Risk

Past President's Representative: Erin OLeary, Shelly, Middlebrooks & OLeary

Reflecting on her long standing involvement with FSLA, newly appointed President Virginia Clancy expressed her enthusiasm for the role.

When I opened the Florida office for Tapco almost 30 years ago, one of the best pieces of advice I received was to join the Florida Surplus Lines Association, said Virginia Clancy, ASLI, CIIP, FSLA President. I have had the privilege of watching this association grow and evolve over the years and I am excited and honored to serve this wonderful association during this next chapter.

Expanding Professional Development and Student Engagement

In addition to installing its new leadership, FSLA remains committed to enhancing the professional development of its members. The association continues to offer free Continuing Education courses for all members and will expand its offerings in 2025. This includes the introduction of a mentorship and internship program aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders in the surplus lines industry.

FSLA is also strengthening its support for risk management students. Recently, the association announced a partnership with the Florida Surplus Lines Services Office to launch the Florida Surplus Lines Speaker Series at Florida State University. This initiative complements FSLAs existing scholarship at the University of South Florida, furthering its commitment to engaging and supporting students pursuing careers in risk management and insurance.

Learn more at www.myFSLA.com.

About FSLA:

The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) represents excess and surplus lines agency member firms and associate members in Florida. Over the past 60 years, FSLA has advocated for the regulatory and legislative interests of its members and the Florida surplus lines industry, focusing on supporting opportunities and insuring risks throughout Florida. FSLA is recognized as one of the most active surplus lines associations in the nation. Learn more at www.myFSLA.com.

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Attachments
CHICAGO, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 161 North Clark, an iconic, 50-story skyscraper with a recognizable asymmetrical silhouette in the Chicago skyline, is turning the page and starting a new chapter. With 75,000 square feet of leases signed in 2024, a refreshed lobby and a Veteran Roasters coffee shop opening, the propertys ownership group has a message for Chicago: 161 North Clark is open for business and ready to welcome Google into the neighborhood.



The property recently emerged from receivership into 161 North Clark Newco LLC with a new basis and capacity bring the property back to its pre-Covid performance levels. The ownership group, with Telos Group overseeing leasing, CBRE as property manager and Xroads Real Estate Advisors as the asset manager, have signed numerous leases in 2024 to-date. The team is actively shaping a dynamic lobby environment with new, versatile soft seating, creating a dynamic third place for tenants and Central Loop neighbors. Visitors will also enjoy a multimedia art exhibit from renowned local artist Tom Rossiter.

Established in 2017, the veteran-owned Veteran Roasters is opening in the retail space formerly occupied by Freshii, a component of the main lobby. Veterans is a non-profit coffee producer; their profits go toward providing at-risk veterans a place to work as well as sending funds to homeless veterans around the country in need of assistance. Beyond the lobby, tenant amenities at the property include a conference center, 12th floor outdoor roof terrace, fitness center and tenant lounge. The new ownership is working on plans to expand and update the amenity and conference center floor as well.

Its a new day at 161 North Clark. The property has turned a page, weve gotten a handful of deals completed and we are working with Telos Group on more announcements coming soon, said David Camins, principal of Xroads Real Estate Advisors. The building has always had an excellent reputation in the city, particularly for law firms with its location across from City Hall and the court houses. With Google moving in across the street and planning to make their new headquarters welcoming to the community, along with a renovated Clark/Lake L-station, a new nucleus within the Central Loop submarket will be emerging, he added.

Googles design choices also benefit 161 North Clark. By maintaining the original height of the building, the Google renovation also preserves the views enjoyed by the tenants of 161 North Clark. Additionally, the offset of the Google headquarters from the street preserves 161 North Clarks highly visible and sundrenched lobby.

Five law firm leases signed in 2024 with some of Chicagos leading firms

Since early 2024, the property has signed leases with five law firms, demonstrating that the ownership group is committed to closing deals. Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLC signed a new lease, while Beermann LLP, one of the citys most prominent groups of divorce and family law attorneys, extended their lease for 24,239 square feet. With a dramatic reception area featuring a view over Lake Michigan framed by the asymmetrical portion of the propertys top floors, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. not only extended their 18,026-square-foot lease, but also added another 8,158 square feet for a total of 26,184 square feet. Additional law firm lease renewals included Phillips Law Offices and Cavanagh Sorich Law Group.

Leading a Central Loop revival: The intersection of technology, legal and financial services

Chicagos Central Loop neighborhood, located just south of the Chicago Riverwalk and Wacker Drive, is experiencing a renaissance. Offering proximity to the citys courthouses, the new Google center and the financial services artery of Chicago on LaSalle Street, the neighborhood surrounding 161 North Clark is becoming a new center of gravity for technology firms, financial services and law firms and their service providers. Google, with 2,000 employees set to come to work next door to 161 North Clark in 2026, is becoming a prolific next-door neighbor to 161 North Clark. Leading the high-profile renovation of the former Helmut Jahn-designed Thompson Center, Google is driving a soup-to-nuts transformation of the building to a new, 21st Century design from the original architects legacy firm, Jahn/. At the same time, Central Loop momentum is also driven by Chase Tower renovation plans and rising interest from new and renewing tenants in the market.

About 161 North Clark

Built in 1992, 161 North Clark is an iconic, 50-story skyscraper located in the Central Loop area of downtown Chicago, just south of the Chicago River. Offering 1,068,877 rentable square feet of office space and ground floor retail, the property is LEED Gold certified, Energy Star certified, Green Globe certified and is a recipient of the BOMA Earth Award. The property is home to marquee tenants including Grant Thornton, Travelers Insurance and many Chicago based law firms.

For leasing information, please contact:

Jack OBrien (jobrien@telosgroupllc.com), Matt Whipple (mwhipple@telosgroupllc.com), or JD Parcheta (jdparcheta@telosgroupllc.com) at Telos Group.

About Xroads Real Estate Advisors

Xroads Real Estate Advisors, Inc. is a full-service asset management and advisory firm that offers tailored options including property management, agency leasing, receivership, capital market strategies and back-office accounting services. With authentic expertise and a focus on intentional and intuitive solutions, its mission is to use its collective skills from ownership, lending and management experiences to become a trusted partner for lenders and owners, maximizing value and minimizing losses. For more information, please visit www.xroadsadvisors.com .

Media Contacts

Jennifer Little, Akrete Communications

949-235-7690 or Jennifer.Little@akrete.com



Aimee Val, Akrete Communications

847-942-1458 or Aimee.Val@akrete.com



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SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a world leader in data integration solutions and Gaming Dynamics, today announced a revolutionary Linked Jackpots solution which is a central part of nearly all games in Australia. Together, they developed specialized tooling for optimization of these products. The experience there, provides them with the tooling for this style of game and is continuing to increase their share in the market. The collaboration continues to strengthen QCI's position in the Australasian market, reflecting its increasing global expansion and consistent reputation for delivering superior solutions.



Tony Toohey, Managing Director of Gaming Dynamics, said "We saw the need for a linked jackpot optimization tool, and through our partnership with QCI their data scientists were able to provide one of the most important datasets in the industry in a well curated form. This combined with QCI's new data visualization tooling is another example of their continued market leadership and further strengthens our business relationship in Australia.

Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, echoed the enthusiasm, saying, "Linked jackpots present a unique data challenge that we were able to solve with our partnership with Tony Toohey and his team at Gaming Dynamics. Accelerated adoption of this QCI tooling in the Australian market place further validates the business need for this capability.

ABOUT Gaming Dynamics

Gaming Dynamics is a premier Australian distributor of gaming technology, offering advanced gaming solutions to businesses across the country. Through strategic partnerships with global leaders in the gaming industry, Gaming Dynamics is committed to staying at the forefront of technology and ensuring their clients have access to the best tools and insights to drive growth and success.

ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 175 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Denver. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

ABOUT Andrew Cardno

Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications.



Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

Contact:

Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence

Phone: 858-349-8354
Smithtown, New York, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Americas VetDogs is proud to announce that Sully H.W. Bush, former service dog to President George H.W. Bush, will be honored at the 2nd Annual Purple Poppy Awards hosted by the National Service Animals Memorial (NSAM) on September 28 in Sausalito, California. This prestigious award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of service animals and their handlers to the nations safety, security, and independence.

Sully, an 8-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, served as President Bushs service dog in the final months of his life, offering companionship and unwavering support. Since then, Sully has continued to represent the mission of Americas VetDogs, now serving as a facility dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His dedication to improving the lives of veterans and active-duty service members is a testament to the profound impact service dogs have on those they assist.

"We are honored that Sully H.W. Bush is being recognized at the Purple Poppy Awards," said John Miller, president & CEO of Americas VetDogs. "Americas VetDogs has been proud to collaborate with Susan Bahary and the National Service Animals Memorial since we partnered with her on two remarkable statues of Sully H.W. Bush. Sullys legacy, both during and after his time with President Bush, shows the strong bond between humans and animals, and the life-changing help these remarkable dogs give to our nations heroes."

The event, hosted by longtime NBC National Dog Show commentator David Frei, will celebrate service animals from various fields, including guide dogs, military working dogs, and other assistance animals. Alongside the awards, the event will raise funds for NSAMs mission to establish a national memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring the service and sacrifice of animals throughout American history.

This years event also celebrates the passage of a bill authorizing the creation of the National Service Animals Memorial, which was signed into law in December 2022. The memorial will be a place of inspiration, education, and healing, recognizing the countless animals who have served humankind, including those who continue to do so today.

For more information and tickets, visit NSAM Purple Poppy Awards .

Attachments




TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EON Medical + Wellness , a pioneering force in healthcare, is making waves in the Hispanic and Latino communities just four months after its launch. This telehealth facility is redefining healthcare accessibility for Spanish-speaking patients across Florida and the United States.

Founded by Italo Pignano , a visionary Italian-Peruvian entrepreneur with deep roots in finance and healthcare, EON Medical & Wellness leverages a fully telehealth model to provide tailored medical care. Pignano, who grew up in Peru and studied in Tampa, combines his background in banking with Bank of America and Wells Fargo and his experience founding and selling Eat Right Meal Plans to fuel his dedication to health and wellness. Alongside Dr. Victor Cruz, the esteemed Medical Director of EON Espanol, and Dr. Gavin Sigle, a respected surgeon and expert in medical weight loss, Pignano has positioned EON Medical & Wellness at the forefront of the industry.

Since opening on April 1, 2024, EON Medical & Wellness has rapidly grown, now serving over 400 patients nationwide with around 100 new patients each week. The clinic's success stems from its comprehensive approach to medical weight loss, incorporating advanced GLP-1 treatments like Ozempic and semaglutide, coupled with personalized nutritional counseling.

EON Medical & Wellness stands out by blending medical expertise with cultural sensitivity. Its team of 15 professionals, including bilingual doctors and support staff, ensures that Hispanic patients receive care in their native language, enhancing their understanding of treatments and overall wellness.

There is a lot of competition in our field, but the educational process of being able to explain the medication is often lost in translation, said Pignano. Ive seen my parents struggle with the language barrier while being treated by doctors. Speaking to a doctor in your own language makes a huge difference.

Beyond its success in Florida, EON Medical & Wellness has tested its strategies in New York City, California, North Carolina, and Alabama, with encouraging results. The clinic is now focusing on expanding its footprint in Florida and New York.

EON Medical & Wellness is committed to advancing healthcare accessibility and quality for the Hispanic community. Its innovative approach and patient-focused model set a new benchmark in telehealth services.

Contact

Italo Pignano

Itato@eonmedicalcenter.com

Media Contact:

Dave Jordan

Omni Public

Phone: (405) 706-4855

Email: dj@omnipublic.global

Disclaimer: This article is provided by EON Medical & Wellness. This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Treatments mentioned may not be suitable for everyone, and results may vary.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05e610b2-ce69-47ad-bb8f-ad8e2d4de9bd
First time TASS has been re-awarded to an incumbent

Five-year agreement, from 2024 through 2029

Supports Coast Guardsmen during their entire time of service



ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metris Global (Metris), a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business specializing in advanced human performance technology solutions for government agencies, announces it has been selected by the United States Coast Guard to provide Training and Analysis Support Services (TASS) to support its workforce and mission within the Department of Homeland Security.

The five-year contract, which runs from 2024 through 2029 and represents a value of more than $100 million, provides the U.S. Coast Guard with a broad array of the training, education and development programs required to meet the unique needs of its active duty, reserve, and civilian workforce. Metris Global was the incumbent going into the bidding process for the contract and has been providing TASS to the Coast Guard since 2016.

With the new agreement, Metris Global will continue to provide instructional design and development, training, and training analysis services across the USCG, from boat and aircraft operation to maritime law and emergency & disaster management. Metris services include performance analysis, instructional systems development (analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation), training support services and training delivery.

We believe this is the first time TASS has been re-awarded to an incumbent, which is something were both proud about and grateful for, said Thomas Heckens, CEO of Metris Global. Our partnership with the Coast Guard has produced outstanding results thus far in meeting the national security mission, and their decision to continue with Metris Global validates our experience and credibility. By awakening the extraordinary in human performance, Metris helps ensure our Coast Guard is prepared to execute the full range of its responsibilities and confront the threats of tomorrow.

Metris Global will provide its support with hundreds of employees based in multiple locations across the United States. The Metris team is located in 47 different states and stands ready to continue meeting the USCGs needs.

For more information about Metris Global and its offerings, please visit metrisglobal.com.

About Metris Global

Founded on the core values of: WISDOM, CRAFT, HUMILITY & HONESTY and focused on serving others through optimization of Human Performance, Metris Global, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, has provided contracted performance solutions to a robust portfolio of customers including the uniformed services of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of State clients since 2011.

A Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business employing more than 70% Veterans, Metris Global is committed to helping its clients achieve an extraordinary level of individual and organizational excellence. By pairing proven Human Performance Technology methodologies with Advanced Agile Performance Improvement to enhance the proven ADDIE model, Metris delivers customizable and scalable intervention and delivery solutions that ensure improved work performance and outcomes  no matter how complex the environment, or mundane the task.

To learn more about Metris Global, visit metrisglobal.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Scott Worden

sworden@lambert.com

248.825.9343
ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a distinguished event at the Greek Parliament, Almas Jiwani was honored with the prestigious Alexander the Great Coin by MP Dr. Dionysia Avgerinopoulou.

The Alexander the Great Coin is a symbol of the highest distinction, awarded for extraordinary contributions and achievements. It represents the recipients influence and unwavering dedication to driving meaningful impact on a global scale.

Dr. Dionysia Avgerinopoulou, MP of Athens, remarked:

Almas Jiwani embodies the essence of excellence and dedication that this award seeks to recognize. Her work has left an indelible mark on the global stage, and it is a privilege to present her with the Alexander the Great Coin. This accolade not only honors her significant contributions but also reflects the deep connections between Greece and international leaders who are driving positive change. Almas Jiwanis achievements are a testament to her relentless commitment to empowering women and children worldwide. The Alexander Great Coin serves as a fitting tribute to her influence and the lasting impact she continues to make. I am proud to share this moment of recognition with her."

This honor celebrates Jiwani's pioneering efforts in advancing gender equality and sustainable development. It acknowledges her outstanding leadership and innovative work in promoting womens social, economic, and political empowerment.

"Receiving the Alexander the Great Coin at the Greek Parliament, in such a prestigious setting and in the presence of MPs and distinguished guests, is both deeply humbling and an immense honor," said Dr. Almas Jiwani. "This historic recognition strengthens my commitment to advancing gender equality and sustainable development. I am profoundly grateful to Member of Parliament Dr. Avgerinopoulou for this extraordinary honor and to Greece, a nation whose rich history and values I deeply admire. I also wish to express my deepest gratitude to Loula Loi Alafoyiannis, President of EAWC, whose unwavering dedication, vision, and relentless efforts were instrumental in making this recognition a reality. Without her steadfast support and belief in my work, this honor would not have been possible."

About Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Member of Parliament, Greece

Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, MP, is a leading politician in Environmental and Climate Law and Policy. She currently serves as the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection and the Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. She has served as the Vice Chair of the Global Water Partnership Organization representing the Mediterranean Region and the Chair of the Circle of the Parliamentarians for Sustainable Development. In 2024, she was appointed as the Greek Prime Minister's Envoy for the Ocean and the Coordinator of the international Our Ocean Conference 9.

About the Almas Jiwani Foundation

The Almas Jiwani Foundation, a charitable organization established by Almas Jiwani, President Emeritus of UN Women Canada NC and CEO of the Foundation, is dedicated to empowering young women and girls through impactful social initiatives. While committed to global efforts, the Foundation places a strong emphasis on creating transformative change within Canada. AJF focuses on four key pillars: equality, education, entrepreneurship, and energy independence, all of which are aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, the Foundation engages youth, particularly young women, in these critical areas to drive progress in Canada and beyond toward achieving sustainable development.

About Euro-American Womens Council (EAWC)

Under the visionary leadership of Loula Loi Alafoyiannis, the Euro-American Womens Council (EAWC) is a non-profit organization founded by accomplished, high-ranking professional women from across the globe. These women have excelled in their careers while balancing the demands of family life, showcasing their ability to thrive in both professional and personal spheres.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Greece Parliament

Eftychia Argyropoulou

Communication Manager

Tel: (+30) 2110132816

Mobile: (+30) 6944.124014

Email: eftargyr@gmail.com

Soniya Menon

Communications

Almas Jiwani Foundation

communications@almasjiwanifoundation.org
Charlottesville, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Charlottesville, Virginia -

Piedmont Paint & Finish has just launched a new initiative to improve safety in the homes and businesses it serves. As a Lead Safe Certified Contractor in Virginia, the company is now offering comprehensive lead remediation services to help create healthier and safer environments for its customers.

Charles Davis of Piedmont Paint & Finish shared, "Our commitment to safety and well-being is at the heart of this new initiative. By offering lead remediation services, we aim to tackle one of the crucial issues affecting many older buildings in our area."

Lead contamination is a serious problem in buildings, especially those built before 1978. Exposure to lead can cause significant health issues, particularly for young children and pregnant women. Recognizing this, Piedmont Paint & Finish has stepped up to provide a much-needed solution.

The company's lead remediation services include thorough inspections, risk assessments, and the safe removal of lead-based paint and materials. These services are designed to minimize disruption and ensure that homes and businesses are free from hazardous lead exposure. The team at Piedmont Paint & Finish is trained in the latest safety protocols and uses advanced techniques to handle lead safely.

Lead remediation is not just about removing the immediate hazard. It also involves educating property owners on how to prevent future lead exposure. Piedmont Paint & Finish provides valuable information on maintaining a lead-safe environment, from regular cleaning tips to guidelines for safely renovating older properties.

"Our goal is to work collaboratively with our clients to achieve lasting safety and peace of mind," Davis added. "By educating our community and offering thorough lead remediation services, we hope to make a substantial impact on public health."

As a Lead Safe Certified Contractor in Virginia, Piedmont Paint & Finish ensures that all its remediation practices comply with strict regulatory standards. This certification shows the company's dedication to the highest level of safety and quality in its services.

The introduction of lead remediation services marks a significant expansion of Piedmont Paint & Finish's service offerings. Known for its high-quality painting and finishing services, including residential painting, commercial painting, shop painting, and power washing, the company is now set to provide even more comprehensive support to the communities it serves.

"Adding lead remediation services was a natural progression for us," said Davis. "We have always focused on delivering excellent workmanship and customer satisfaction. Now, we are enhancing our commitment by addressing environmental health issues that directly impact our clients' well-being."

Piedmont Paint & Finish understands that lead remediation can be a complex process. The company's specialists are good at identifying potential sources of lead and using the most effective methods for its removal. From old window frames to contaminated soil, no aspect is overlooked in their approach to safety. They also offer services like shop painting, which includes refinishing and spray painting, and operate their own paint store called Pigment Paint Supply, where customers can buy their favorite paint brands.

For more information about Piedmont Paint & Finish lead remediation services, visit their website or contact their office directly. The company is ready to help property owners create safer living and working spaces.

###

For more information about Piedmont Paint & Finish, contact the company here:



Piedmont Paint & Finish

Charles Davis

(434) 296-0900

estimating@piedmontpaint.com

Piedmont Paint & Finish

1144 E Market St #2

Charlottesville, VA 22902
Hartsville, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hartsville, South Carolina -

Hogge Precision Parts Co, Inc. is celebrating their 35th anniversary by announcing the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with the addition of two new CNC machines. These machines are set to improve production efficiency and precision, catering to the growing demand for high-quality machined parts.

The new CNC equipment will enable Hogge Precision to offer a wider range of services to clients. This addition strengthens the company's commitment to delivering reliable, high-precision components. The machines will also boost production capacity and shorten turnaround times for customer orders.

Danny Hogge Jr., the CEO of Hogge Precision, expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "We've grown over the past 35 years from humble beginnings to become an industry leader. I feel honored and grateful to have been involved in the success of Hogge Precision over the decades."

This acquisition is part of Hogge Precision's ongoing efforts to modernize its production facilities. By adding state-of-the-art technology, the company aims to improve quality control and ensure consistent products. These enhancements are expected to benefit both existing and new clients, providing better products in shorter timeframes. The company's advanced CNC milling and turning services are particularly set to benefit from these upgrades, facilitating the production of even more precise and complex components.

Danny Hogge Jr. shared his excitement, "Our team is thrilled about the new opportunities these machines bring. With these enhanced capabilities, we can take on more complex projects and deliver even greater precision. This upgrade shows our commitment to excellence."

More information about Hogge Precision and its capabilities can be found on their LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hogge-precision-parts-co-inc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hogge-precision-parts-co-inc/. The company looks forward to serving its customers with the same level of dedication that has defined its history.

Hogge Precision's dedication to innovation is evident in its efforts to upgrade equipment and processes. The new CNC machines are expected to increase productivity and ensure the company meets the high standards expected by its clients. This move highlights the importance of investing in advanced technology to stay competitive in the manufacturing industry.

The company's history reflects a tradition of excellence and customer satisfaction. Over the years, Hogge Precision has built a strong reputation for quality and reliability. The new CNC machines are a testament to this ongoing commitment to meet the changing needs of the market.

Through continuous investment in technology and infrastructure, Hogge Precision aims to maintain its position as a leader in the precision parts industry. The company remains focused on delivering top-quality products and services while adapting to the evolving demands of the industry.

Hogge Precision continues to prioritize customer satisfaction and product quality. The acquisition of the new CNC machines supports the company's high standards and fosters the growth of a diverse client base. This strategic move is expected to positively impact the company's ability to deliver precise and timely solutions. Additionally, their services in Swiss machining and screw machining will undoubtedly benefit from these technological advancements, allowing the company to serve industries such as medical, aerospace, and electronics even more effectively.

Hogge Precision Parts Co, Inc. shows its commitment to staying ahead in the precision manufacturing sector with the integration of new CNC technology. This investment reflects the company's dedication to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. With these advancements, Hogge Precision is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of its clients and continue its tradition of excellence. Check out their "our history" page for more information.

###

For more information about Hogge Precision Parts Co, Inc., contact the company here:



Hogge Precision Parts Co, Inc.

Danny Hogge Jr.

843-332-3566

info@hoggeprecision.com

3046 North Center Road

Hartsville, SC 29550
Mississauga, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mississauga, Ontario -

Little Canadian, a premier retailer of high-end baby products in Canada, is excited to announce the arrival of the innovative Nuna PIPA urbn infant car seat to its extensive Nuna collection. This groundbreaking addition represents a significant advancement in infant car seat technology, seamlessly blending safety, convenience, and style.

The Nuna PIPA urbn infant car seat, now available at Little Canadian, showcases Nuna's commitment to innovation and parent-friendly features. This one-of-a-kind ultra-lightweight infant car seat weighs only 7 pounds (without canopy and insert) and installs using the advanced pipaFIX rigid latch. The remarkably light design makes it an ideal choice for parents who are always on the move, offering unparalleled ease of transport without compromising on safety or comfort.

One of the standout features of the Nuna PIPA urbn is its groundbreaking baseless installation system. The advanced pipaFIX rigid latch is integrated into the car seat, allowing for super secure installs in seconds when moving from car to taxi or rideshare. This innovative feature offers a new generation of journeys, making it perfect for navigating urban environments and various modes of transportation.

Safety remains paramount in Nuna's design philosophy, and the PIPA urbn is no exception. The car seat incorporates Side Impact Protection (SIP) for ultimate baby safekeeping. Additionally, the seat features Aeroflex foam, which is cleverly lightweight and resilient, minimizing force transferred to the baby by absorbing and diffusing energy.

The Nuna PIPA urbn also boasts the brand's iconic Sky drape, an innovative feature that provides ultimate privacy for infants, shielding them from the elements and creating a cozy environment for naps on the go. This thoughtful addition exemplifies Nuna's attention to detail and commitment to enhancing the overall experience for both parents and babies.

Nolan Desjardins, CMO of Little Canadian, expressed his enthusiasm about the new addition to their Nuna lineup: "We are thrilled to introduce the Nuna PIPA urbn infant car seat to our customers. This product truly embodies the innovation and quality that Nuna is known for, and we believe it will quickly become a favorite among Canadian parents. The PIPA urbn's ultra-lightweight design and advanced pipaFIX rigid latch installation system make it an excellent choice for families navigating busy urban lifestyles."

The introduction of the Nuna PIPA urbn infant car seat further solidifies Little Canadian's position as a premier destination for top-tier baby products in Canada. The retailer has long been recognized for its curated selection of high-quality brands, with Nuna consistently ranking among the most popular choices for discerning parents.

Little Canadian's commitment to providing exceptional customer service extends to this new product launch. The company's knowledgeable staff is prepared to assist customers in understanding the features and benefits of the Nuna PIPA urbn, ensuring that parents can make informed decisions about their baby gear purchases.

In addition to its lightweight design and advanced installation system, the Nuna PIPA urbn offers a range of comfort features for babies. The headrest's patented Tailor tech memory foam provides a comfortable custom fit, while the harness with comfy shoulder and lower buckle covers tightens with one easy pull. The removable, full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy with two positions, a flip-out eyeshade, and an XL peek-a-boo window further enhance the car seat's functionality and comfort.

The arrival of the Nuna PIPA urbn infant car seat at Little Canadian comes at an opportune time, as more parents are seeking products that can keep up with their active lifestyles while prioritizing their children's safety and comfort. This latest offering from Nuna is expected to meet and exceed these expectations, further cementing the brand's reputation as a leader in the baby product industry.

Little Canadian invites parents and caregivers to explore the new Nuna PIPA urbn infant car seat, along with their full range of Nuna products, both online and in-store. The company's commitment to competitive pricing and free expedited shipping on Nuna items makes it easier than ever for Canadian families to access these premium baby products.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVoROOf8WSc&t=1s

As a leading retailer of the Nuna PIPA urbn infant car seat in Canada, Little Canadian is poised to meet the growing demand for innovative, safe, and stylish baby gear. With this latest addition to their product lineup, the company continues to demonstrate its dedication to providing Canadian families with the very best in baby products and exceptional customer service.

###

For more information about Little Canadian, contact the company here:



Little Canadian

Nolan Desjardins

888-221-4423

customerservice@littlecanadian.ca

3029 Argentia Rd, Unit101A

Mississauga, ON
Ottawa, ON, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Metis Nation has the right to self-determination, and with that so does each Metis government. We learned today that the Metis NationSaskatchewan (MN-S) has decided to withdraw from the Metis National Council to refocus its priorities solely on the pursuit of self-government and treaty for Saskatchewan Metis citizens.

While the MNC was created to bring together the Metis Nation to work together in unity to achieve greater opportunity for Metis citizens, we respect the decision of the MN-S.

Since 1983, the MNC has been the national and international voice for the Metis Nation, receiving its mandate and direction from the MNC Governing Members. With these recent developments, President Caron will be meeting with MNCs Governing Members to discuss next steps. We will share more information as it arises. We look forward to future collaboration with Metis Governments across the Homeland.

The MNC is committed to continuing the work to advance the aspirations of our ancestors, building a prosperous future for now and for the next generation of Metis.

-30-

Since 1983, the Metis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Metis Nation within Canada. Through the Canada-Metis Nation Accord, the MNC advocates on behalf of its Governing Membersthe democratically elected Metis Governments of Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbiato advance Metis rights and interests within their respective jurisdictions, including the implementation of the Metis Nations inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with MNC Governing Members. Cassidy Caron is the President of the Metis National Council.
Toronto, Ontario, September 18, 2024 - TheNewswire: Leopard Lake Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Leopard Lake") (CSE: LP) wishes to announce the completion of a shares for debt transaction. On September 17, 2024 the Company issued 1,922,711 common shares at a price of $0.045 per share for a total consideration of $86,522.10 of which three vendors received 698,401 common shares against $31,428.10 of debt and three insiders received 1,224,310 common shares against $55,094.00 of debt.

The three insiders included the CEO for $25,000. of debt, a director for $2,500. of debt, and a company managed by the Chairman for $27,594. of debt.

The shares have a restricted legend date of January18, 2025.

There are now 44,544,269 common shares issued and outstanding.

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.
Vancouver - Green Bridge Metals Corp. (CNSX: GRBM, OTCQB: GBMCF, FWB: J48, WKN: A3EW4S) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ajeet Milliard as the Company's Chief Geologist. Dr. Milliard, an accomplished exploration geologist with over 14 years of experience in metals exploration, will bring her extensive expertise and innovative approach to the role. She holds a PhD in Economic Geology from the University of Nevada, Reno, where she conducted pioneering research on sediment-hosted gold deposits. Dr. Milliard also earned an M.Sc. in Structural Geology from Oregon State University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Milliard has made significant contributions to the field, starting in the oil and gas sector before making impactful strides at Newmont Mining, where she played a key role in the exploration and development of the Long Canyon Mine in Nevada. In her recent role within the junior mining sector, she excelled in project generation, management, and evaluation, demonstrating a strong ability to drive projects from concept to realization. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen Green Bridge's technical capabilities and strategic direction. Dr. Milliard is known for her forward-thinking methods and her dedication to advancing exploration techniques, which aligns with Green Bridge's mission to push the boundaries of exploration and discovery.

In discussing her new role, Dr. Milliard expressed her enthusiasm for Green Bridge's projects: "The South Contact Zone is a unique and promising opportunity with multiple metal commodities within the properties. It is very rare to stumble on a property with significant copper and nickel credits that hasn't been already well explored and has such potential to be expanded. In addition, the SCZ contains a deposit of titanium and vanadium mineralization which adds value to the land package and commodities it contains. It is quite an honor to work with Green Bridge on exploration and development of the South Contact Zone.

The Chrome Puddy project shows promise to deliver significant value for Green Bridge as a nickel resource with the potential to grow through targeted exploration drilling. With a handful of historic drill holes piercing the edges of a larger geophysical anomaly, it is possible that more of a deposit exists than has currently been discovered. The Chrome Puddy deposit is attractive as nickel is considered one of the critical minerals necessary in technology and the EV industry, and therefore developing a new deposit to contribute to the energy transition is exciting."

Green Bridge CEO, David Suda, welcomed Dr. Milliard to the team, noting: "Dr. Milliard's wealth of experience, particularly in gold and metals exploration, aligns perfectly with our ongoing projects and growth strategy. Her deep understanding of complex geological systems and her proven track record in project management will be instrumental as we advance our exploration initiatives. We believe that her leadership will greatly enhance our ability to discover and develop high-value mineral assets, driving our Company forward into a new phase of growth and success."

Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated June 19, 2024 and March 14, 2024, that it has extended its engagement of MIC Market Information & Content Publishing (business address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-Str. 49B, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany; email: contact@micpublishing.de; telephone: +49 2171-7766628; and website: www.micpublishing.de) ("MIC") for the provision of a range of online marketing services encompassing campaign creation, production of marketing materials, as well as research and analytics (the "Services"). The Services are expected to continue until March 18, 2025, or until budget exhaustion; provided, however, that the Services may be extended or shortened at the discretion of the Company depending on, among other things, the efficacy of the Services. The Company has agreed to pay to MIC $379,384.50 in consideration for the extension of Services. The Company has not provided any securities to MIC or its principals as compensation for the Services.

About Green Bridge Metals

Green Bridge Metals Corporation (formerly Mich Resources Ltd.) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring 'battery metal' rich mineral assets and the development of the South Contact Zone (the "Property") along the basal contact of the Duluth Intrusion, north of Duluth, Minnesota.

ON BEHALF OF GREEN BRIDGE METALS

"David Suda"

President and Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please contact:

David Suda

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 604.928-3101

investors@greenbridgemetals.com

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future exploration work on the properties of the Company and upcoming surface exploration and airborne geophysical surveys and potential results therefrom. Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (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.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Toronto, September 19, 2024 - Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. (TSXV: PNRL) ("PNRL" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Paul Martin to the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Martin was appointed to the Board effective immediately, to fill a vacancy resulting from the retirement from the Board of Mr. John Hick.

Mr. Martin is a mining executive with over thirty years' experience at the CEO, CFO and director levels, in challenging and changing corporate environments. He has gained significant experience through his various roles at multi-operational mining, royalty and exploration companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Red Pine Exploration and as a director of Osisko Bermuda Limited. Mr. Martin was interim CEO at Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. from July to December 2023 and at Red Pine Exploration from March to August 2024, in each case during CEO transition periods. He was previously President and CEO at Detour Gold Corporation from 2013 to 2018 and, prior to that, CFO at Detour from 2008 until 2013. He played a significant role on the senior executive team that permitted, completed a bankable feasibility study, financed, constructed and brought into operation the large-scale Detour Lake gold mine. Mr. Martin has worked in various senior financial roles at New Gold Inc., Gabriel Resources Ltd. and TVX Gold Inc. He has significant experience in governance matters related to publicly listed companies and holds the designation of CPA, CA.

John Hick has been a director of the Company since August, 2022, and prior to that Mr. Hick was a director of the Company's predecessor, North American Nickel, Inc., from February 2021. Mr. Hick has served at various times as the Lead Director of the Company, the Chair of its Audit Committee and the Chair of its Compensation Committee.

With Mr. Hick's retirement from the Board, and the appointment of Mr. Martin as a director, the Board now consists of eight directors, namely James Gowans (Chair), Mark Christensen, Jason LeBlanc, Norman MacDonald, Paul Martin, Keith Morrison, Don Newberry and William O'Reilly.

Keith Morrison, CEO of PNRL, commented: "I welcome Paul to PNRL. Paul brings to the Board the benefit of his many years of direct relevant experience in international mining finance, strategic planning, project development and operations, and governance. He has important contributions to make as we move forward with our plans for the redevelopment of the Company's Botswana mines. I want to acknowledge and thank John Hick for his contributions to the growth and development of the Company during his tenure as a Director of PNRL and of North American Nickel, and in particular for his leadership in various roles at the Board level and for his continuing support and commitment to the success of the Company."

About Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.

PNRL is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on the redevelopment of the previously producing nickel, copper and cobalt resources mines owned by the Company in the Republic of Botswana.

PNRL is committed to governance through transparent accountability and open communication within our team and our stakeholders. Our skilled team has worked over 100 projects collectively, accumulating over 400 years of resource discoveries, mine development and mine re-engineering experience on projects like the Company's Selebi and Selkirk mines. PNRL's senior team members have on average more than 20 years of experience in every single aspect of mine discovery and development, from geology to operations.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Keith Morrison

Director and Chief Executive Officer

Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this news release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including: the intention to add new directors to the Board, anticipated key qualifications of such new directors, the intention to appoint an independent Chair of the Board and the intention to advance the Company's Botswana assets. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require the Company to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forwardlooking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "continue", or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and the conditional, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking statements reflects assumptions that management believes to be appropriate in the circumstances. The Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available but cautions the reader that their assumptions regarding future events, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, may ultimately prove to be incorrect since they are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect the Company and its businesses.

The forward-looking statements set forth herein concerning the Company reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Follow Us

X (formally Twitter): https://twitter.com/PremiumNickel

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/premium-nickel-resources

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremiumNickel

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223845
Vancouver, B.C., - September 19, 2024 - TheNewswire: Gitennes Exploration Inc. ("Gitennes" or the "Company") - (TSXV - GIT) announces a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to: (i) 8,300,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, an "HD Share") at a price of $0.05 per HD Share; (ii) 2,000,000 flow-through common shares in the capital of the Company (each, an "FT Share") at a price of $0.05 per FT Share; and (iii) 1,700,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.05 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $600,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.065 per common share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering.

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units comprising part of the Offering will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under Part 5A.2 of NI 45-106 (the "LIFE Exemption"). The securities issued pursuant to the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

There is an offering document related to the Units being offered pursuant to the LIFE Exemption that can be accessed under the issuer's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.gitennes.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

The net proceeds from the sale of the HD Shares and the Units are intended to be used for general and administrative expenses and working capital purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares are expected to be used to incur Canadian Exploration Expenses that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) in relation to the Company's mineral projects. The Offering is expected to close on or about October 3, 2024 or such other date as may be determined by the Company and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities regulatory authorities. The HD Shares and the FT Shares will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period in Canada.

This news release does not constitute an offer of sale of any of the foregoing securities in the United States. None of the foregoing securities have been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Gitennes Exploration Inc.

Gitennes is in the business of exploring for and advancing mineral properties. The Company currently has two properties in the Sept Iles region of Quebec where the Company is exploring for nickel, niobium and tantalum and three gold properties in the Chapais-Chibougamau area of Quebec: New Mosher, JMW and Maxwell. All properties are 100% owned by Gitennes except for New Mosher which is under option and Gitennes can earn an initial 70% and has the right to increase its ownership to 85%.

For further information on the Company, readers are referred to the Company's website at www.gitennes.com and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Gitennes Exploration Inc.

"Ken Booth"

Ken Booth

President

For further information, please contact: Ken Booth

Phone: 604-682-7970

Email: info@gitennes.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

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 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 anticipated business plans, direction 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 TSX Venture Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, 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.sedarplus.ca 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.
VANCOUVER, Sept. 19, 2024 - CMC Metals Ltd. (TSX-V: CMB) (Frankfurt:ZM5P) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed a significant reclamation program on its Silver Hart and Blue Heaven claims in Yukon Canada. While supervising the reclamation effort, the Company's Chief Geologist and President discovered three manto zones within the Main Zone at Silver Hart and identified additional areas of interest on the Blue Heaven claims all of which merit further investigation. Several grab samples were collected and have been sent for assaying.



The program completed reclamation of trenches, historical and recent access roads, drill pads in both claim areas (i.e. Silver Hart and Blue Heaven) of the Silver Hart Project. It is also important as it serves to ensure that the surety bond with Yukon is at a sufficient level.

Kevin Brewer, P.Geo, President and CEO noted that "This reclamation work is of considerable importance in meeting permit requirements and demonstrating social responsibility in our work programs. Every year we have completed progressive reclamation of historical work areas dating back to the mid 1980's and recent activities. While supervising the effort I had some time to scout around and as a result identified three new manto zones which have never been drill investigated. We now have several drill target areas including (i) within the Main Zone on the Silver Hart claims that require infill drilling that could result in extensions of known mineralization; (ii) the "Golden Cross" area on the Blue Heaven claims which had highly positive trench results that appear to indicate the existence of staked manto horizons in that area, and (iii) recent discoveries of new mantos on surface."

Mr. Brewer added that "This indicates that to me that clearly the full potential for CRD mineralization at this project is yet to be fully identified."

As recently announced, the Company has selected MICON International to complete a new 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate of the Main Zone on the Silver Hart claims which currently has mineralization identified in several zones that may be amenable to open pit mining.

In addition, the Blue Heaven Property comprises of 118 claims (1,975 hectares) that are contiguous to the Company's Silver Hart claims and is characterized with 13 mineralized areas and 36 showings many of which are yet to be evaluated by the Company.

A brief program in 2022 extended previous trenching at the Desire Showing (subsequently renamed as the Golden Cross Zone) with highly positive results including:

8.0 meters grading 13.39% lead, 1.57% zinc, 359.25 g/t silver and 1.17% manganese including 1.0 meter of 10% lead, 5.1% zinc, 1,500 g/t silver and 2.3% manganese

13.0 meters grading 8.25% lead, 4.22% zinc, 151.57 g/t silver and 9.16% manganese including 1.0 meter of 23.86% lead, 0.9% zinc, 623 g/t silver and 2.3% manganese

A 14.0 meter mineralized area including 1.0 meter samples containing: 3.61% lead, 3.1% zinc, 199 g/t silver, 12.6% manganese 10% lead, 2.5% zinc, 360 g/t silver and 3.7% manganese 10% lead, 8.5% zinc, 459 g/t silver, and 1.6% manganese

Several other 1.0 meter length individual samples containing: 49.8% lead, 3.7% zinc, 857 g/t silver and 5.7% manganese 13.4% lead, 5.6% zinc, 167 g/t silver and 10.5% manganese 59.46% lead, 1.8% zinc, 1,076 g/t silver and 3.2% manganese 21.01% lead, 1.1% zinc, 820 g/t silver and 1.4% manganese 16.53% lead, 0.3% zinc, 425 g/t silver and 0.7% manganese 64.56% lead, 5.6% zinc, >1,500g/t silver and 2.3% manganese 29.26% lead, 0.7% zinc, 1,295 g/t silver and 0.5% manganese



The area around the Golden Cross Zone is also characterized by several outcrops with extensive manganese which has been found to be indicative of silver-lead-zinc CRD-style mineralization on the Silver Hart property. These areas will be further evaluated with trenching and detailed mapping once an exploration permit has been secured for the property

In addition, a bulk sample collected by Nordac Resources Ltd. in 1999 from the Blue and H zones within the Blue Heaven claims comprised of 51.47 dry tonnes grading 8,563 g/t silver, 56.2% lead, 9.5% zinc and 1.2 g/t gold.

A recent in-depth analysis completed by Ronacher-McKenzie Geosciences on the 2021 SkyTEM airborne electromagnetic survey identified four areas of exploration prospectivity within the Silver Hart Project areas that were deemed to merit detailed evaluation.

A permit application including a renewal for exploration on the Silver Hart and Blue Heaven claims submitted to the Yukon Environmental and Assessment Board has reached the final review stage. The Company is optimistic that a permit will be acquired prior to the 2025 field season. CMC wholly owns (100%) the Silver Hart claims and has recently acquired an 80% interest in the Blue Heaven claims with the remaining 20% owned by Strategic Metals Ltd.

Qualified Person

Qualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Company's President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.

About CMC Metals Ltd.

CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in Yukon, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Our polymetallic silver-lead-zinc CRD prospects in the Rancheria Silver District include the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (Yukon), Amy and Silverknife claims (British Columbia). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil (central Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon).

On behalf of the Board:

"Kevin Brewer"

Kevin Brewer, President, CEO and Director

CMC Metals Ltd.

For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:

Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. Mine Eng.

President, CEO and Director

Tel: (+52) 669 198 8503

kbrewer80@hotmail.com

Suite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2

To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email to info@cmcmetals.ca or contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

"This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as described herein or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, the impact of the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators for information on these and other risk factors, available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation."
Vancouver - Molten Metals Corp. (the "Company") (CSE: MOLT) (FSE: Y44) (ISIN: CA60872A1066), announces the resignation of Rana Vig from the Board of Directors. The Board expresses its sincere gratitude for the valuable contributions made by Mr. Vig during his tenure with the company.

Concurrently, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Smith as the newest member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Smith, PGeo, BSc, is a registered professional geologist with over 15 years' experience working in mineral exploration industries who sits on the boards of multiple public issuers. Mr. Smith graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in geology, and has been a member of the Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. since 2008.

The changes in the Board composition are effective September 19, 2024.

For Additional Information Please Contact

Brooklyn Reed

Corporate Secretary

Molten Metals Corp.

778.918.2261

Email: brooklyn@moltenmetalscorp.com

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
MONTREAL, Sept. 19, 2024 - Auxico Resources Canada Inc. (CSE: AUAG) ("Auxico" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Melissa Sanderson and Byron King from the Board of Directors of Auxico, effective immediately.

Auxico thanks Ms. Sanderson and Mr. King for their valuable contributions to the Board over the past years and wishes them success in their future endeavors.

The Board is currently evaluating alternatives with respect to the appointment of independent directors to fill the vacancies.

About Auxico Resources Canada Inc.

Auxico Resources Canada Inc. ("Auxico") is a Canadian company that was founded in 2014 and based in Montreal, trading on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) under symbol AUAG. Auxico is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in Colombia and Bolivia.

Additional information on Auxico can be found on the Company's website (www.auxicoresources.com) or on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under "Auxico Resources Canada Inc."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 signed.   signed.  Pierre Gauthier Mark Billings CEO & President, Auxico Resources Canada Inc Chairman, Auxico Resources Canada Inc. pg@auxicoresources.com mb@auxicoresources.com Cell: +1 514 299 0881 Cell: +1 514 296 1641

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. 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 press release.

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the planned studies, drill program and the development of the Minastyc, El Bento/Monte Verde or other Projects, its sampling programs, indications and other mining projects and prospects thereof, related to the Company's operations in Colombia and/or Bolivia. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various risk factors. These factors include, among others, uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors, and their potential effects, which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Except as required by securities law, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

SOURCE Auxico Resources Canada Inc.
Singapore is Ricciardo's last race in F1 says Ralf

The Singapore GP this weekend really could be Daniel Ricciardo's last-ever Formula 1 race.

Daniel Ricciardo, Azerbaijan GP 2024

 Red Bull

Rumours that have been swirling all season are now becoming concrete, with multiple sources reporting that Red Bull has taken up the expiring 2025 'option' on Liam Lawson's current contract.

That option - apparently expiring at the end of September - appears to be a guarantee of at least five grands prix within the 2024 season for the 22-year-old rookie reserve driver from New Zealand.

It was probably part of the contract, commented former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, speaking to Sky Deutschland, otherwise they would have lost Lawson.

When asked about the driver lineup at the junior team RB, Red Bull's top F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Viaplay at Baku last weekend: "It is still September, but from Singapore, we will have a precise idea.

It will be quite clear as to what will happen with the second seat.

Schumacher believes team owner Red Bull will announce in Singapore not only that Lawson is replacing Ricciardo full-time in 2025, but that the youngster will also be racing in the Australian's seat from Austin onwards.

It has not yet been officially confirmed, but unfortunately it seems to be Daniel Ricciardo's last race in Singapore and from then on Liam Lawson will drive, he said.

RB is a junior team, that's what the management has always said and supported - 'We will rely on young drivers'. And that's why it makes sense, Schumacher added.

It is of course a great pity for Daniel, because we will be missing a driver who is super likeable and a pleasure to meet when you see him in the paddock.

As for Ricciardo, CNN posted an interview with the 35-year-old this week, and he sounds resigned to the notion that his F1 career could be ending.

If it ended today, I would be proud of what I've done, said the 8-time grand prix winner.

But on the same note, you're never fully satisfied because the reason I got into Formula 1 was to try to become world champion. That's something I'll obviously still try and achieve until the day I retire.

(GMM)
Verstappen losing a million per race at present

One former F1 driver has a theory as to why Max Verstappen's mood may have dipped over the course of the past weeks and months.

Max Verstappen, Azerbaijan GP 2024

 Red Bull

1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve said after Baku that Verstappen's feisty demeanour appears to have gone missing, replaced by a downbeat mood.

I believe he loses a million dollars for every race he doesn't win, another ex-F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher, told Sky Deutschland, referring to the sorts of bonus incentives typical of Red Bull contracts.

That's an unbelievable amount, the German added. Last year he was so successful so that's a lot of money he's missing out on now, on top of the fact that things are no longer going well in sporting terms.

Red Bull is feverishly retracing its development steps, all the way back to mid-2023, to get to the bottom of how to cure the 2024 car's current handling woes.

A big complication for the energy drink-owned team is that while the Dutch driver is under contract through 2028, several exit clauses exist in that deal - and Mercedes and Aston Martin are already openly courting him.

Max has a strong connection to Red Bull and is very loyal, team advisor and Verstappen mentor Dr Helmut Marko told Bild newspaper. "We put our trust in him when he was 17 and gave him a cockpit. He hasn't forgotten that.

But he won't be driving in Formula 1 like Fernando Alonso when he's over 40. That's why he wants to be as successful as possible right now.

Marko openly admits that Verstappen, 26, may theoretically be about to squeeze out of his Red Bull contract. Every driver's contract has performance-related exit clauses, the 81-year-old Austrian confirms.

It is up to us to build him a car that is so good that he cannot and does not want to activate them. In Azerbaijan we were again much closer to McLaren and Ferrari.

(GMM)
Over several weeks, wildfires have ravaged northeastern Wyoming, burning nearly half a million acres of land in the Cowboy State and Montana. State firefighters have made progress containing the flames, but the risk of new fires continues as summer rolls on. Data from the National Integrated Drought Information System as early as August 13, 2024, shows that more than half of Wyoming is feeling the effects of abnormally dry to severe drought conditions, making the conditions ideal for fires to spread quickly.

Once the flames are extinguished, scorched areas will need time to recover and regrow wildlife. That period of healing, according to the Wyoming Weed & Pest Council (WWPC), is actually one of the most dangerous times for the states local plants.

A lot of times, we can see whole fields of native plants burned away, says Lindsay Wheat, Albany County Weed and Pest District Supervisor. Those plants need time to regrow naturally, however, there are stronger invasive weeds that move in and establish themselves as the dominant species in that burn area.

Canada thistle is a particular problem in Wyoming, often spreading across large swaths of burned soil. The plant is considered one of the worst invasive weeds in the world, given its ability to adapt to its environment more efficiently than native plants. The roots of Canada thistle are extensive and allow the weed to outcompete the local plant life for soil, water and sunlight.

Plants like Canada thistle are ruderal species, meaning they are the first to move in on disturbed land, Wheat explains. They are so resilient that they have no problem regrowing in burned fields and forests before any other plant. This is a huge problem for native species, but also for our states livestock.

Most animals will not eat the invasive weed due to its prickly features. This allows the plant to spread even further through seeding and pollination, depleting the already devastated natural food sources for livestock and wild animals. Beyond areas affected by wildfires, Canada thistle also impacts crop yields and severely hinders farmers productivity.

To help stop the spread of plants like Canada thistle, the WWPC often partners with the Wyoming State Forestry Division to help asses any damage done by wildfires and identify the potential threat of invasive species hindering the growth of native plants.

When a fire burns through a particular area, we are often called to help eradicate the noxious weeds that rush in to take up space and soil, Wheat says. Its one of many examples of how different state agencies work together to help keep Wyoming wild and beautiful.

According to Wheat, spraying affected areas with herbicide is the preferred method the WWPC uses to eradicate Canada thistle. An article posted by The University of Wyoming recommends thoroughly cleaning boots and equipment when leaving an area with thistles to help prevent the spreading of seeds. Use a hoe or shovel to remove isolated weeds before they reproduce in higher numbers.

Overall, prevention remains the best way to stop noxious weeds that impede the growth of native species. If you notice weeds on your property that seem out of place or chemical intervention is needed to remove noxious species, contact your local weed and pest district for assistance. A list of all the district offices can be found on wyoweed.org.

Practicing fire safety also helps protect the Wyoming wild. Always be sure to properly dispose of litter rather than burning it, avoid activities that involve fire during dry conditions and always properly extinguish any campfire or open flame when you have finished using it.

Drought conditions are something we have been regularly dealing with since the early 2000s, says Erika Edmiston, Supervisor of the Teton County Weed and Pest District. This year hasnt been much of an improvement, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of potential forest fires. Maintaining a healthy population of native plants is critical for the health of our wildlife, livestock and Wyoming as a whole.
Bridges 9 Chatham Sq., at Doyers St. Comte tart with chanterelles. Photo: Eric Helgas

The chef Sam Lawrence has been thinking about pastry crust. The Melbourne native had worked in Paris and Hong Kong before ultimately landing a job as chef de cuisine at Estela. He left in 2022 to launch his own project, Bridges, and hes spent a good portion of that time perfecting a recipe for a savory tart that will, at last, be on the menu when his restaurant opens on September 25. Lawrence starts with a short-crust-inspired pastry made from malted barley for a toasted, caramelized flavor and a softer-than-expected texture that matches the filling, a custard with 24-month-aged Comte cheese blended into the egg yolks. Its salty, toasty, hazelnutty, Lawrence says. (It may look familiar to anyone who has eaten at Planque in London, a neo-bistro run by Lawrences friend Seb Myers, who has had his own Comte tart on the menu. I was texting with him about my tart in 2019, and he said, Oh, I was making a tart and I thought of you, Lawrence recalls, smiling. Im like, I cant take mine off my menu  Ive been trying to do this for a couple of years.) Lawrence tops each of his slices with chanterelles sauteed in butter and a pan sauce made of oxidative Vin Jaune, cultured cream, and anise hyssop: I want the tart to feel pretty elegant.

The same can be said for the rest of the food, such as grilled king crab with bearnaise sauce, steamed turbot with rice and clams, and smoked-eel dumplings with preserved cherry-tree leaves. You cant really shy away from the experiences youve had, and I think it would be a mistake to blindly try and say, I want my cooking to be so different from Estelas, Lawrence explains.

It was while working for Ignacio Mattos that he met his now-business partners Josey Stuart, who managed openings for Mattoss restaurant group, and Nicolas Mouchel, a regular customer who worked at the Nomad. The three had been talking about opening a restaurant for a couple of years and had checked out more than a dozen different locations. Eventually, they returned to the first spot they saw: 9 Chatham Square, formerly the home of the dim-sum restaurant Hop Sing. (The restaurant, which had been open since 1973, closed in 2020.)

Theyve spent the past six months building out the restaurant, peeling back layers of walls, which led them to some old murals that were unfortunately too damaged to recover, and removing old equipment. To design the space, they brought on interior designer Billy Cotton, who has worked for clients including Cindy Sherman. This was Cottons first restaurant project, which was appealing for Stuart, since it was the groups first opening as well.

Sardine toast, and the dining room. Bridges opens on September 25. Eric Helgas. Sardine toast, and the dining room. Bridges opens on September 25. Eric Helgas.

Theres a 12-seat bar up front, with a couple of tables reserved for walk-ins, that gives way to the main seating area. There are, the group says, seven cozy corners, by which they mean snug banquettes in quiet corners. The dining room is long and narrow, yet Cotton was able to, as Lawrence put it, make it not feel like train tracks. (They did this, in part, by putting service stations in the middle.) And in putting the space together, they sought to avoid creating a Siberia at all. I think we did an okay job of creating a lot of good tables, Stuart says. And I do feel like this dining room is going to be very dynamic in terms of having a lot of people feel like theyre in really good seats, which is exactly how you want to feel.

Theres an austerity to the room  We got inspiration from Chatham Towers, which is pretty brutalist in the architecture, Mouchel says  thanks to the chrome light fixtures, glass bricks, and concrete floor. Maroon rectangles on the floor match the paint in the private dining room, made of marble.

After two years without a kitchen of his own, Lawrence is mostly just happy to be cooking again. Hes been testing recipes like grilled sweetbreads brushed like yakitori with a sticky-sweet glaze, a salad of Kabocha squash and dandelion with Brabander cheese. Other ideas will roll out as the weather cools down, like celery root with a smoked-eel broth. The menu closes out with a trio of cheeses, and a handful of desserts including plum sorbet with halva, and Vin Jaune gelato that Lawrence says tastes like peach skins. Theres another tart, as well, made with chocolate and buckwheat, and one dish on the menu that nods back to Australia: toasted meringue with coffee, lemon, and fig-leaf oil. This is our Australian toasted meringue that we grew up eating, Lawrence says. Its everywhere there. And before you even ask, yes, Myers has a similar dessert at Planque, too.

Steamed turbot, and grilled crab. Photo: Eric Helgas
Google has already sent the Android 15 code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), but it hasn't released an update for its supported Pixels yet. That has been rumored to arrive next month, and today we finally have a purported release date.

According to a new report, Google will start the over-the-air rollout of the Android 15 update for Pixels on October 15. This report also comes with the caveat that things could still change from now until then, especially if some show-stopping bugs are found in the meantime.

Android 15 will be available for the Pixel 6 and newer devices. Hopefully with the delayed release (compared to AOSP), what comes out will be fully baked and devoid of any glaring issues.

Android 15 will also roll out to the new Pixel 9 devices, which were announced in August, breaking with the tradition of unveiling new Pixels in October. Thus, the Pixel 9 models came with Android 14 on board on day one and will get Android 15 on October 15 (how fitting) just like every other supported Pixel.

Source
The iQOO Z9 series arrived in April with Qualcomm chipsets, and now another phone is about to join the family. It is called iQOO Z9 Turbo+ and it will run on Dimensity 9300+.

The new phone will be introduced on September 24 with the biggest battery in an iQOO smartphone ever.



vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo+

The iQOO Z9 Turbo+ appears to look exactly like the iQOO Z9 and iQOO Z9 Turbo with its dual camera setup and flat frame. It does come with a Desert Moon color option, which looks neat in the promo images. We do know it will have a 1220p screen with 72 fps support for some games, as well as a vapor chamber for cooling.



vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo+

The battery inside this phone will have 6,400 mAh capacity, and we're likely to learn the charging rate in the following days; surely iQOO will not miss the opportunity to tease this detail as well. More information should come soon, ahead of the launch on Tuesday.

Source (in Chinese)
Xiaomi claimed the number two spot in Counterpoint Researchs global monthly sell-through volumes for August. The Chinese brand outpaced Apple which came in third place while Samsung retained the leading spot.

Xiaomis shipment figures in August remained flat but Apples seasonal decline in shipments ahead of the iPhone 16 series launch played a pivotal role that led to its declining market share.



Redmi Note 13: Pro 4G, Pro 5G, Pro+ 5G

On the other side, Xiaomi has been growing rapidly in 2024 with 22% year over year growth in sales volume. Counterpoint analyst point out Xiaomis success in the sub-$200 price range with the Redmi 13 and the Note 13 series devices being key growth drivers across key markets such as India, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa.

Source
The Redmi Note 14 is coming next week, revealed the Xiaomi sub-brand on its Weibo page. The post literally says "see you next week", so we don't know the specific announcement day.

We are promised two phones that will have improved shock resistance, waterproofing, and extended software support.

The phones pictured align with a previous leak we spotted  a squircle camera island with three shooters and one LED flash. There are clearly two different designs, and we will likely see a Redmi Note 14 and Redmi Note 14 Pro, both with 5G connectivity.

There are undoubtedly more models in the pipeline - Xiaomi is known to deliver very diverse Redmi Note lineups. We also expect Redmi to confirm the actual date in the following days.

Source (in Chinese) | Via
The University of Guams civil engineering degree program is now accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez announced Wednesday.

With accreditation in hand, UOG is now looking to launch other engineering programs, said Hiroshan Hettiarachchi, new dean of the School of Engineering.

Accreditation is big news for UOG engineering students. A professional engineer license, the gold-standard in the industry, requires students to graduate from accredited engineering programs, according to the National Society of Professional Engineers.

You no longer need to leave island and Micronesia to complete your studies and earn, ultimately, your PE license, and accreditation is a testament to the quality of education of our School of Engineering and to the hard work of the faculty and staff, Borja Enriquez said at a press conference hosted at the UOG campus.

The UOG president said the accreditation will last for six years, the maximum term that ABET provides accreditation for.

Hettiarachchi said there are only 402 accredited civil engineering programs in the entire world, and called the six-year term a miracle for UOG.

Basically, between Hawaii and the Philippines, we are the only...accredited engineering program, Hettiarachchi said.

According to Borja Enriquez, none of those other programs offers the same quality education at the price UOG can offer.

UOG regent Pete Diaz, himself an engineer and graduate of the pre-engineering program, said it was a full circle moment for graduates of the program.

Homegrown engineers needed

Guams university for years has recognized the need for homegrown engineers, Borja Enriquez said, with a pre-engineering program launching back in 1989.

But the two-year program still required students to go off-island to finish schooling at an accredited program, she said.

Former UOG President Robert Underwood, who launched the initiative for a full school of engineering back in 2009, said the engineering program has changed the landscape of what courses students take.

It used to be hard to get two students into a calculus class, Underwood said.

Now, all the math wizards, they have a place to go, he said.

There have been 32 graduates of the UOG civil engineering program since it launched in 2019, with 205 students currently enrolled, according to Borja Enriquez.

Demand for those graduates in both the public and private sector has been strong, she added.

And that demand goes beyond civil engineering, with a desire in the community to expand UOGs program offering, Hettiarchchi said.

We are a small island. Our capacity is limited, but we have to follow the demand, he said.

Statistics show the biggest desire for local engineers is in the construction management sector, with some demand in the disciplines of electrical and mechanical engineering.

We will get there eventually, one step at a time, but for now, I will focus on construction management and electrical engineering. Its happening as we speak, Hettiarachchi said.

Mechanical engineering, a broader field with more responsibility, would come later.

More funding needed

What is missing? We need a financier. We need someone to invest in that. I think that is the most important part, he said.

Hettiarachchi said he wants to speak to the Legislature and the board of regents about more support for the program. He said hed like to have more faculty immediately, if not by next year, though he acknowledged that might be difficult.

I think if this is a priority for the entire island, Im pretty sure we can make it, he said.
Women have the power to influence the future, and the time to use it is now, according to Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, who specializes in political and nonprofit fundraising and political training for nearly 30 years.

Mielke, the keynote speaker at the Guam Womens Chamber of Commerces signature women in business summit on Thursday, shared valuable insights on the representation of women and minorities in leadership positions amid the challenges they face, and gave pointers to breaking barriers.

When women stand together, when women work together, when women uplift each other, we accomplish things we didnt think were possible, Mielke, the Washington, D.C.-based president of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, told the crowd gathered at Dusit Thani Guam Resort.

But solidarity alone, she said, is not sufficient.

We must always have a clear sense of self and optimistic vision of who we are that is resistant to societal pressures because we cannot deny that there are those out there who believe that women cant lead and who will do everything in their power to prevent women from leading, she told the crowd at the Fanachu Famalaoan, or Women Rising, business summit.

Stay the course

In todays business and politics, unqualified criticisms of more than qualified women are too often heard, she said.

We must never accept or internalize these external critics. We must stay the course and remember that we are leaders. And its not just about ignoring outside pressures, its also about ensuring that outside pressures dont define who we are because women too often find themselves defined by outside forces, she said.

A disheartening example, Mielke said, was what happened to former South Carolina governor and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, when she ran for president.

As we all saw, it was often suggested that a woman cannot win Republican primary. Governor Haley had to deal with constant questions about her appearance, her husband and her gender. They even sent a birdcage to her hotel room door to mock her, and this dynamic group is destructive, Mielke said.

To help solve this problem, Mielke said women must actively and affirmatively shape their own identities and lives.

This includes making a conscious choice to assert womens own vision and values.

We are our own voices. We claim our identity and our responsibilities. We dictate our own future and every single woman here will play a vital role in fighting for our future. Why? Because you all have power and influence and the time to use it is now, she said.

Keep the doors open

Mielke recently received the Transforming Community Award at the Annual Power Idea Awards for the work she has done throughout her career to mentor women, women of color, and Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific islanders, AANHPI, enter the political arena.

I want to keep the doors open and if they are closed, we have to knock the door down or at the very least, find the window, Mielke said.

Samantha Taitano, president of the Guam Womens Chamber of Commerce, said while the summit celebrates progress made, there must also be acknowledgement of the challenges that still exist.

Women on Guam continue to face gaps in representation and pay, she said.

Despite making up about 44% of Guams workforce, we are still underrepresented in leadership roles across many sectors, Taitano said. And for every dollar earned by a man in Guam, a woman earns only about 80 cents.

Driving change

Mielke emphasized the importance of mentoring the next generation, supporting each other through ones networks, and lifting each other up through advocacy for the change we desperately need.

Let us embrace solidarity, self-definition and collective action, she said. Through solidarity, we strengthen our voices, through self-definition, we break barriers. Through collective action, we drive change.

Mielke, whos visiting Guam for the first time but has known some of the members of the audience for years, noted the energy, dedication and potential she saw.

Lets continue to uplift, leverage, lead. Together, we can achieve incredible things and build a brighter, more inclusive future, she said.

In her remarks, Mielke cited several women trailblazers, including Guams first female governor, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

We have never been closer to having our first woman, first Asian American, and the first Black woman of the United States, Mielke said, referring to Harris, whos running for president.

ElevateHER

The business summit brought together hundreds of women and other community members to hear from inspiring speakers and trailblazers, take part in masterclasses, engage in panel discussions, and gave lots of opportunities to network.

A large portion of the summit venue transformed into a vibrant female-owned vendor marketplace, as well as a space where people could pitch their business idea.

Mielkes remarks lived up to the theme of this years women in business summit, ElevateHER, which seeks to inspire, educate, and empower women entrepreneurs and professionals across Guam.

Michaela Pangelinan-Gogue, 29, said shes inspired by what she heard from Meilke on womens representation and the value of women standing together and supporting each other.

And that we need to get out there and get active in the community, and...to come together and be collaborative because at the end of the day, we are all in this together, she said.

Taitano, of the Guam Womens Chamber of Commerce, said the summit is not just about sharing ideas but also a celebration of the strength, resilience and leadership that women bring to every aspect of life, whether in business, in homes and in the community.

It is about recognizing the unique power we hold as women and using that power to create real and lasting change, she said. As women of Guam, we are part of a rich legacy of powerful female leadership that stretches back centuries...Today the legacy lives on as women continue to lead in business, education, government and beyond.

Carisse Vendiola, senior director of business operations and products with IT&E, said listening to the speakers remarks made her realize even more what people can do when they work together, and what women in business and politics can bring to the table.

Clarissa Patague, with Larkin Family Chiropractic, said she felt more empowered and inspired, and lauded the organizers of the summit.
Ready to find out which Florida grocery chain will stretch your dollar further? With Aldi taking over numerous Winn-Dixie locations across the state, shoppers may be left wondering if the switch will mean savings.

With a low-cost product mix thats more than 90% private label, along with a healthy amount of German goods, you may not find your standard brands at Aldi, but the company claims its specialty brands, including Simply Nature Organic, Live G Free and Specially Selected, will cost you up to 50% less.

However, over at Winn-Dixie, the grocery chain offers its own discount brands through the SE Grocers (SE Essentials) label.

So, in our admittedly amateur experiment, we compared 10 everyday staples  milk, eggs, bread and more  between Aldi and Winn-Dixie in Central Florida today, to see which store delivers the best bang for your buck. For each selection, we picked the store brand or the least expensive option.

Keep in mind, these prices were good as of this articles publish date, with some items currently on sale. There are some size variations due to availability and actual prices may vary, depending on location.

Milk: 1 gallon, whole

Aldis Friendly Farms whole milk is priced at $3.39.

Winn-Dixies Pure Value whole mile is currently on sale at $3.79 and regularly priced at $4.69.

(40 cents savings with Aldi).

Eggs: One dozen, large

Aldis Goldhen brand is priced at $4.15

Winn-Dixies Crystal Spring brand is $4.49.

(34 cents savings with Aldi)

White bread: One loaf

Aldis Loven Fresh (20 ounce) loaf is priced at $1.55.

Winn-Dixies SE Essentials (16 ounce) loaf is sale priced at $1.49 and regularly priced at $1.99.

(6 cents savings for smaller Winn-Dixie loaf).

Potatoes: 5 pound bag

Aldis Farmers Promise brand is $4.39.

Winn-Dixies SE Grocers brand is $5.99.

($1.60 savings with Aldi).

Boneless chicken tenderloins: per pound

Aldis Sanderson Farms chicken is priced at $2.29.

Winn-Dixies store brand chicken is sale priced at $4.49. Its regularly priced at $6.99.

($2.20 savings with Aldi).

Ground beef: 80% lean, per pound, no name brand

Aldis price is $4.39.

Winn-Dixies sale price is $5.39. Its regularly priced at $6.49.

($1 savings with Aldi).

Bananas: per pound

Aldis price is 49 cents.

Winn-Dixies price is 69 cents.

(20 cents savings with Aldi).

Cheddar Cheese: 8 ounce block

Aldis Happy Farms brand is priced at $2.15.

Winn Dixies SE Grocers brand is sale priced at two for $4. Its regularly priced at $3.29.

(30 cents savings with Winn-Dixie when item is on sale and you purchase two).

Creamy Peanut Butter

Aldis Peanut Delight brand (18 ounces) is priced at $2.35.

Winn-Dixies SE Grocers brand (16 ounces) is priced at $2.99.

(64 cents savings with Aldi).

Spaghetti: 1 pound pack

Aldis Reggano brand (32 ounces) is priced at $1.05.

Winn-Dixies SE Grocers brand (16 ounces) is priced at $1.79.

(74 cents savings on larger size at Aldi).

Aldi vs. Winn-Dixie: Which saves you more?

Aldi didnt offer a 16 ounce loaf of white bread at the time of this comparison, so Winn-Dixies smaller loaf came out 6 cents less than Aldis 20 ounce loaf  and Winn-Dixies buy one, get one free (BOGO) special on cheese would save a shopper 30 cents if they purchase two over Aldis price.

However, overall, in our amateur appraisal, it appears that today, shoppers would save about $7.72 on eight of these items by shopping at Aldi.




Haiti - Politic : 5 new orders, shower of appointments





Yesterday, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, during the Council of Ministers, meeting in regular session under the chairmanship of the President of the Council President of Transition, Edgard Leblanc Fils, accompanied by the Councilors-Presidents, Smith AUGUSTIN, Louis Gerald Gilles, Fritz Alphonse Jean, Lesly Voltaire, Frinel Joseph and Emmanuel Vertilaire, and the Prime Minister, Garry CONILLE, as well as members of the Government, the following five Orders were adopted :



1) Order establishing the creation, organization and operation of the Truth, Justice, Reparation Commission (CVJR)



The CVJR is composed of the following personalities :



- Mr. Gardy MAISONNEUVE, President;

- Mrs. Marie Esther FELIX, Member;

- Mr. Renan HEDOUVILLE, Member;

- Mrs. Marie Elise Brisson GELIN, Member;

- Mr. Ocinjac BENJAMIN, Member;

- Mrs. Marie Yanick Mezile LHERISSON, Member;

- Mr. Paul Rachel A. CADET, Member.



2) Order appointing the members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and setting their mandate. These are the following citizens :



- Mrs. Schnaida ADELY, Representative of the Vodou Communities;

- Mr. Patrick SAINT-HILAIRE, Representative of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti;

- Mr. Peterson PIERRE-LOUIS, Representative of the Reformed Faiths;

- Mrs. Marie Florence MATHIEU, Representative of the University Council;

- Mr. Jacques DESROSIERS, Representative of the Journalists' Associations;

- Mr. Jacceus JOSEPH, Representative of the Peasants' Associations; and

- Mr. Nemrod SANON, Representative of the Unions.



The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), to be composed of nine (9) members, will be completed with the designation of the two (2) remaining members by Human Rights Defense Organizations and Women's Rights Defense Associations.



3) Order appointing citizen Jean Francois THOMAS as Director General of the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP);



4) Order appointing citizen Mr. Guy Romero LATRY as Director General of the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation (MPCE);



5) Order declaring Monday, September 23, Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25, 2024, days of national mourning, in memory of the people who died following the explosion of a tanker truck carrying gasoline, in Miragoane, on the morning of Saturday, September 14, 2024.



The Presidential Transitional Council and the Government are determined to take all necessary measures to promote the rule of law, restore national dignity, hold democratic, free and credible elections, and ensure the functioning of the institutions of the Republic.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Sunrise Airways : Baggage delay, the company explains





In a note, the Haitian private airline Sunrise Airways explains that it "pays particular attention to the recent difficulties encountered by its passengers regarding delays in baggage delivery and regrets the inconvenience that these delays may have caused, particularly for travelers arriving from abroad with several pieces of baggage."



"As with all airlines, and for safety reasons, the number of bags is strictly limited per flight. In the event of an unforeseen surplus, baggage must therefore be distributed to other flights.



"Operating in an unstable environment for several years, Sunrise Airways is making considerable efforts to continue to provide essential flights to the population.



However, the company has been facing a particularly difficult situation since the events of February 2024 at Port-au-Prince airport, which caused significant damage to several of its aircraft and irreparable damage to one of them.



Despite the temporary reduction in the company's capacity, Sunrise Airways would like to assure its passengers that it is doing everything possible to transport the baggage of all passengers as quickly as possible and resolve this complex situation.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Elections : Finally a Provisional Electoral Council to prepare the first elections





The Council of Ministers validated yesterday Wednesday a Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), long demanded by the international community, to prepare the country for its first general elections since 2016, to supervise them and to guarantee the transparency of the upcoming electoral processes.



Smith Augustin, a member of the country's transitional presidential council, confirmed that the electoral council had been created, although it is composed of only seven members out of the nine that the law provides.



The 7 members :



- Mrs. Schnaida ADELY, Representative of the Vodou Communities;

- Mr. Patrick SAINT-HILAIRE, Representative of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti;

- Mr. Peterson PIERRE-LOUIS, Representative of the Reformed Faiths;

- Mrs. Marie Florence MATHIEU, Representative of the University Council;

- Mr. Jacques DESROSIERS, Representative of the Journalists' Associations;

- Mr. Jacceus JOSEPH, Representative of Peasant Associations; and

- Mr. Nemrod SANON, Representative of Trade Unions.



Mr. Augustin stated that the other two members (Human Rights Organizations and Women's Rights Associations) would probably be announced in the coming days.



Gedeon Jean, who was expected for the Human Rights sector, has not obtained the validation of the Council of Ministers at this stage. While for the Women's sector, the name of Yves Marie Edouard has been mentioned, but without official confirmation for the moment.



The electoral council, which represents groups such as farmers, journalists, human rights activists and the voodoo community, is responsible for organizing the elections and helping to create the legal framework to organize them.



It should be recalled that the previous electoral council was dissolved in September 2021 by former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who had accused it of being "partisan". His decision delayed elections scheduled for November 2021 and prompted critics to accuse Henry of clinging to power, charges he has rejected.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Army : Leslie Voltaire at the FAD'H Headquarters, towards the strengthening of the Army





This Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) visited the Grand Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD'H). Strategic discussions were initiated with Lieutenant General Derby Guerrier, Commander-in-Chief of the FAD'H, on the functioning of the army and its strengthening.



With reference to Article 136 of the Constitution (The President of the Republic, Head of State, ensures compliance with and execution of the Constitution and the stability of institutions. He ensures the regular functioning of public authorities as well as the continuity of the State), Leslie Voltaire underlined the unwavering will of the presidency for the optimal functioning of this institution and requested the specifications of the needs of the army so that the authorities at the highest level of the State can address them in view, in particular, of the security crisis situation that the Nation is experiencing.



Lieutenant General Guerrier expressed his deep gratitude for the support of CP Voltaire for the effective strengthening of the military institution. He also reaffirmed the constitutional, historical and strategic role of the army in the protection of the territory and intervention in the event of disasters, while requesting the support of the Presidency for the continuity of ongoing projects, in particular the 25 farms managed by agricultural officers.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Regional Director of Migration shot dead

The Regional Director of the National Office of Migration (ONM) in Cap-Haitien, Kerwin Augustin was killed on Wednesday. Kerwin Augustin, who supervised the northern region of Haiti, was shot dead near his home and died in hospital. Augustin was shot dead by unknown assailants who were riding a motorcycle. The motive for the crime is unknown.



FAD'H soldiers trained by France

The training of around fifty officers and soldiers of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD'H) will soon be taken over by France. Antoine Michon, Ambassador of France to Haiti after his meeting with the Minister of Defense of Haiti declared "We will engage these FAD'H trainings with the French Armed Forces in the Antilles to strengthen them in their security mission for the benefit of the population."



The government is committed to a modern, better-equipped army...

Jean Marc Berthier Antoine, Minister of Defense accompanied by the French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon, revisited the FAD'H military base in Clercine. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille, the government is committed to a modern, better-equipped army, at the service of the population.



Miragoane : Explosion, the death toll rises

The death toll from the explosion of the tanker truck transporting fuel on September 14 in Miragoane has risen to 31. 4 of the injured admitted to hospitals in Fonds-des-blancs and Les Cayes have died. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43207-haiti-flash-tanker-truck-explosion-at-least-64-victims-video.html



September 20, "Dessalines Day", a public holiday in Haiti

With reference to the decree of September 17, 2020 declaring September 20 "Dessalines Day", the Prime Minister's Office reminds the general public, the private sector, and educational institutions that the public administration, schools, commerce, and industry will be closed on September 20, 2024.



The Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal advises the general public and the Haitian community in particular that its offices will be closed on Friday, September 20, 2024, on the occasion of Dessalines Day. Services will resume on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To learn more about our services, it is not recommended to call the phone, as the lines are often congested, but to consult the Consulate's website : www.consulat-haiti-montreal.org



The Consulate General of Haiti in Santiago, Dominican Republic informs the general public and the Haitian Community in particular that on the occasion of "Dessalines Day" on Friday, September 20, 2024, its premises will be closed. Services will resume at regular times on Monday, September 23, 2024. On the occasion of the birthday of the Father of the Patriarch, Jean Jacques Dessalines, the Consulate General of Haiti in Santiago, informs everyone that services will be interrupted on Friday, September 20, 2024. Services will resume on Monday, September 23, 2024.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Wang Yi to attend UN Summit of Future, general debate of 79th session of UN General Assembly

Xinhua) 16:36, September 19, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will attend the UN Summit of the Future and the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly as the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping from September 22 to 28, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced Thursday.

During that week, Wang will attend events hosted by China, including events to promote the Global Development Initiative and enhance international cooperation on AI, and multilateral events including the Security Council High Level Open Debate, the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting and the G20 foreign ministers' meeting, Lin said.

Wang will also meet with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, and foreign ministers or heads of delegation of relevant countries, the spokesperson added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Helsingin Sanomat on Sunday reported that labour market organisations have discussed, in hush-hush fashion, the possibility of allowing pension funds to utilise gearing  that is, borrowing to make investments  as part of their talks about how to reform the pension system in Finland.

The reform is necessitated by demographic developments. The total fertility rate has fallen from 1.9 to 1.3 in the past 15 years, meaning fundamentally that about a third of the children who were expected to pay for the pensions of the current working-age population will not be born.

A rate of 2.1 would be required to maintain the current population, assuming a balance between emigrants and immigrants.

Given the unease associated with slashing pensions or raising pension contributions, thus far one of the few solutions discussed in public is to allow earnings-related pension funds to take on greater equity risks in pursuit of higher returns on investment.

Vesa Puttonen, a professor of finance at Aalto University, stated to the daily newspaper that he is confused by the prospect of allowing gearing.

It sounds like trickery thats used to steer attention away from the truly important development needs in the pension system, he said, arguing that it would be more important to rein in the costs of pension investments and increase the freedom of choice for individual pension savers similarly to Sweden.

Swedish wage earners are allowed to decide how a small share of their pension savings are invested. In Finland, pension funds use about one per cent of their assets to cover the cost of their investment activities.

Puttonen added that borrowing is not the answer also because the liabilities of the pension system are three times higher than its assets, about 750 billion euros.

Instead of gearing, he estimated that it would be better to increase the percentage of shares in the portfolios of pension funds to or at least close to 100 per cent. Reducing the percentage of bonds would be rational due to the lower expected returns and outright necessary if gearing was allowed for funds.

Finnish pension funds have currently invested about half of their assets in shares. Their exposure to shares is regulated under prudential rules because shares not only offer higher potential returns, but also carry higher risks.

Given that gearing is understood to intensify stock market fluctuations by forcing investors to sell when shares fall, it would also be necessary to allow pension funds to take on greater risks and ease the prudential rules to ensure they are not forced to sell when the market stumbles, emphasised Puttonen.

Risto Murto, the CEO of Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company, declined to comment on an individual proposal but reminded that gearing is rarely used in pension investments globally. One of the few pension systems that utilises gearing, he added, is the lifelong pension system in Denmark, ATP.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
He told the bank about the issue and showed how [infiltration] was possible, but for one reason or another the matter didnt move forward at the bank, Klaus Geiger , a detective inspector at Western Uusimaa Police Department, stated to the newspaper on Tuesday.

S BANK failed to take action when a 16-year-old boy notified it about a vulnerability that had enabled him to access the account of another client, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

As he was going back home, he thought that this is an easy way to make money. Opportunity makes the thief.

The events he described occurred in May 2022.

Geiger revealed that the teenager stumbled on the critical vulnerability by chance as he was logging into the account of a relative at their request but entered the wrong authentication code, granting him access to the account of another client. After informing the so-called supermarket bank of the vulnerability, he went on a crime spree with a grown-up he recruited to help him set up accounts.

The duo transferred funds to online casinos using an overseas payment service before transferring the winnings to their accounts. They also used the illicitly obtained money to travel, buy drugs and luxury items and pay off the debts of relatives.

Later they applied for loans worth up to 60,000 euros using mobile authentication and income and occupational details found on the online bank accounts.

Clients of S Bank are estimated to have lost about 1.3 million euros in the series of frauds. Police managed to cancel one 500,000-euro transfer, while the rest of the losses were compensated for by S Bank.

Police have received 231 criminal complaints linked to the events, including 71 from people who lost funds from their accounts at S Bank. The two perpetrators are also believed to have accessed the accounts of 149 other people, but  for reasons unknown to investigators  opted not to make any transactions.

The duo are suspected of aggravated means of payment frauds and aggravated money laundering.

Also 12 others are suspected of criminal offences in the case, for helping to launder the illicitly obtained funds by making transfers between foreign banking services, online casinos and cryptocurrency exchanges.

The investigators have determined that the victims did not facilitate the offences in any way, such as clicking on phishing links.

S Bank remedied the vulnerability in its online banking system in early August 2022, following a report from another client who had noticed it, Geiger revealed to Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday. The two main suspects were taken into police custody between August and September of 2022.

Police also looked into the response of S Bank, ultimately concluding that the inaction did not warrant a pre-trial investigation.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Carolina Village offers $700,000 for Opp House

Participants in an online hearing on the sale of the Opportunity House included, clockwise, from top left, receiver John D. Noor, Superior Court Judge Peter Knight, attorney Abbie N. Hornberger and Carolina Village President Kevin Parries.

Resurrection of the Opportunity House to serve the community once again as a senior center  and a provider of many other services  made a stride forward last week during a Superior Court hearing.

No one raised objections to a receivers recommendation that the court authorize the sale of the property to Carolina Village for $700,000. Chief Resident Superior Court Judge Peter Knight told the court-appointed receiver, John Noor, that he wanted to review creditors claims against the Opportunity House before ruling on the motion. Otherwise, the judge raised no objections. Certainly, Carolina Village has a good reputation in the community as far as how its run and the services it provides, he said.

Knight asked Carolina Village President/CEO Kevin Parries to submit board minutes or a board-adopted resolution detailing a business plan for the services the retirement facility board would like to provide.

No senior center

After plan to sell the property to the Hendersonville Connections Center for use as a clearinghouse for homeless services fell through later last year, We went out and solicited new offers to purchase the property, Noor, an Asheville attorney, said. One of the opportunities that came forward was to work with Carolina Village on a purchase that would do similar services to what had been previously done on the property related to the aging population here in Henderson County.

Noor called on Parries to describe Carolina Villages vision for the Opp House.

One of the things that we have been doing here at Carolina Village is looking at what services are not available in the community at large and see how Carolina Village can fit with that as a part of our community outreach, Parries said. Theres a lack of a senior center. Were one of only three counties in the entire state that doesnt have a senior center since the Samuel Williams Center closed several years ago.

Potential partners include Mountain Care Adult Day, the Henderson County Council on Aging and the Henderson County Children and Family Resource Center. One proposal is to provide daycare. Parries thanked the nonprofits for coming to the table to collaborate on how we can provide services from newborns all the way to seniors in our community.

In his motion, Noor said Carolina Village leaders had indicated they had plans to use the building as a community center offering a range of services to Henderson County residents and employees through collaborations with one or more local nonprofit organizations, including senior care, adult day services, memory care, mental health clinics, therapy services and childcare facilities, as well as specialized programs and facilities addressing unmet needs in the county, particularly in areas such as Alzheimers and dementia services.

Foundation supports proposal

Among those watching the hearing remotely were leaders of the Community Foundation of Henderson County, which brought the lawsuit in 2018 that led ultimately to the dissolution of the Opp House.

We are in support of this plan, and feel like it even goes further than previously discussed plans of being able to offer services to the community and to the varied age groups that Opportunity House was originally established to do, McCray Benson, the foundations president and CEO, told Judge Knight. I think Carolina Village offers the stability and the capacity to be able to pull this off in a way that our community would be able to participate in and enjoy at many different levels  from employees and staff that may have childcare needs, from the interactions with seniors to young people, the ability to have day programming, the Council on Aging discussions  The variety of services just would be a great boon and asset to this community.

Jamie Weiner, executive director of the Children Family Resource Center, also endorsed the Carolina Village purchase.

We are very excited about this potential opportunity, she said. We know that child care is a huge gap in our community. We have a lot of folks who cant find slots, we have a lot of local businesses who are trying to think of creative solutions to try and get their staff to work and support their staff in this way.

Lawyers cash in

Opportunity Houses liabilities total $503,306, Noor said in the court filing. Those include:

Henderson County and Hendersonville property taxes, $185,424.

ASG Strategies (Graham Mew, business consulting services), $108,057.

Brian Turner, NAI Beverly Hanks, sales commission, $51,030.

Noor, the receiver, and his firm, Roberts & Stevens, $64,869 at court-authorized rate of $300/hour for partners, $225 for associates and $100 for administrative assistants.

Ferikes Bleynat & Cannon PLLC, attorneys for Opportunity House, $27,692.

Wimer Snider P.C., attorneys for Opportunity House, $20,028.

United Federal Credit Union, Opportunity House credit card used by executive director Ken Rhoads, $25,763.

Internal Revenue Service, past due taxes for 2017 and 2018, $10,976.

Pye Barker, water line repairs after December 2022 freeze, $5,266.

ACE Appraisals Inc., court-ordered appraisal, $4,200.

Although a payment of $700,000 would cover the liabilities Noor has documented, Judge Knight was not ready to OK the sale without more scrutiny of the claims. He and Noor planned a conference after the hearing closed to discuss that and other topics.

Appraised at $1,890,000 in November 2022, the land and buildings at 1411 Asheville Highway are valued for tax purposes at $2,117,900.
Farm City Day set for Oct. 5

Farm City Day, featuring agricultural educational displays, a farm animal petting zoo, antique and modern farm equipment and crafters from many generations, takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Jackson Park.

Founded in 1955, the free event focuses on agricultural awareness.

"The goal is to teach kids where their food comes from and who produces it," Agriculture Extension agent Steve Pettis said. "It is important that people understand that the food they eat is produced by farmers who care about providing wholesome nutritious food to their community. The Farm City Day event celebrates Henderson County's rural farming traditions and introduces the urban population to some common farming activities of today and even some from the past."



Farm City Day is presented by Henderson County's N.C. State Cooperative Extension office, Hendersonville Kiwanis Club, Animals R Us Veterinary Clinic, Henderson County Parks and Recreation, FFA and the N.C. Department of Agriculture. Sponsors include Henderson County Farm Bureau, the Community Foundation, Pepsi, North River Farms, Turf Mountain Sod, Kole Kole Ice, Cason Co., Epperson Tree Service, Wild Birds Unlimited, Carolina Specialties Construction, Mills River Partnership, S&L Windows and Doors, Freeman Farm Insurance, Blue Ridge Apple Growers, Morrow Insurance and Tri-Hishtil Greenhouses.






THOUSANDS of spectators lined the banks of the River Thames in Henley to watch the towns third annual Illuminated Boat Parade.

Motorboats of different sizes, paddleboarders, kayakers, sailing boats and pedalos were all decorated with lights for the display on Saturday night.

They travelled on the water from Fawley Meadows to Henley Bridge as darkness fell, completing two circuits as the crowds looked on.

Many boats were decorated with different themes, including Yellow Brick Road, Jurassic Park, Ratatouille and Popeye.

Houses in Wharfe Lane, where parade founders Chris Taylor and Penny Palmano live, were also lit up to help lines the parade route and add extra colour. The judges were based at Leander Club, which was open to the public for food and drink.

Once the parade had ended, many of the participants went to the club to celebrate and this was where the list of winners were announced.

Winner Luke Breen, who lives on Friday Street, won best in parade with his Popeye-themed boat, which was the idea of his son, Rupert, five.

He said: Hes quite into the Popeye cartoon so it was his idea to theme the boat along those lines. He also has a picture of a traditional sailing boat that we were trying to replicate.

Mr Breen and his sons mother, Emma Breen, had teamed up with friends Alan Bell, Lydia Sayers, Sam Starr and Fionnula Welsh to illuminate their boat the E133 Shirley Ann.

He said: A friend and I got more than 1,200 lights and built a series of wooden structures to make the sails and then covered those with all the lights. We had to go and find the masts from the boat builder who originally built our boat and we put that up. We had some other electrically controlled lights on the outside of the boat as well, so it was a bit of a project. It was probably two solid days to put it together and then half a day to pull it all apart again.

We entered last year with something similar but not quite as big and we managed to get a runner-up prize, so that gave us the motivation to go a bit bigger this year. Especially because its something that our son really loves and wanted to do again.

He managed to stay up with us until about 9pm and then it was off to bed but he was very happy dancing in front of all of the crowds and waving his little glow sticks. Yeah, he loved it.

Down on the towpath crowds cheered and danced along to the songs including Greased Lightnin' and Youre the One That I Want as the Grease musical-themed boat sailed past, throwing glowsticks out to the crowd.

On board the Henley Pearl were Dawn and Trevor Greenaway, Sabre Barron-Johnston, Nicki and Tim OHare, Dee Hind and Caro Sims-Beggin, who dressed as Grease characters Danny Zuko, Sandra Dee and the Pink Ladies.

Mrs Greenaway said it was her first year entering the contest with their own boat after entering previous years on a friends boat.

I just thought it would be fun to do something that everybody loves, its just such a feelgood movie. I did it with some friends a few years ago and we did ABBA, you need a theme that everybody knows.

Mrs Barron-Johnston said: Its amazing how many people come out to watch it, its quite a popular thing. Its a big effort to come out on a cold evening as well.

Mrs OHare said: The lights are a lot harder than they look, they get all tangled up. Being a small day boat, its hard to decorate, if you havent got the height. They worked so hard to get that boat organised and I hope we get some recognition.

They came runners-up to an Alice in Wonderland boat for the best fancy dress prize.

The award for best lit spectator went to Ali St John Taylor, who posed for photos on the Leander deck with her illuminated butterfly cape.

The judging panel comprised Mayor Rory Hunt, television presenter Edd China, musician Dhani Harrison and Al Heathcote, the general manager of Leander.

They viewed the parade from the judges panel on the deck, deliberating on the evening's prizes which included best in parade, best fancy dress, best unpowered and a judges special award, given for the judges favourite.

Councillor Hunt said: I was looking for quality of lighting, originality, inventiveness and costumes and themes. There were many worthy entries but the ones that won prizes were deserved winners.

There was a splendid community spirit throughout the evening. I think my highlight was seeing the size of the crowd in attendance. We also had lovely weather and the atmosphere was excellent.

China said that the task was not easy. He said: It is really good fun and theres some difficult competition. I love the amount of effort thats gone into this and the sheer number of boats this year was brilliant. It certainly felt like there were more people than last year, it just felt like there was lots more, so I think thats a good sign. Its just trying to find some people who really put some mad effort into it.

Mr Taylor introduced the show to Henley after he moved here, having first started the parade in Bourne End in 2015.

He said: It was an amazing evening, I think we had more than 40 boats and it was just joyous, it was a magical evening, everyone who took part loved it.

The level of competition was much better this year, the boats were better decorated but thats really not the point, the point is you just show up, put some lights on your boat and just have fun, it doesnt matter if you win a prize or not.

Its a really silly event because all of the competitors make an enormous effort.

Its celebratory of the river, and Henley, so I think everyone loved it. What everyone says when we get feedback is, that its so nice to have a free event in Henley where we can bring our kids to celebrate the town.
$240 million in funding will launch and expand behavioral health care services in 400 Community Health Centers that provide primary care to more than 10 million patients  advancing President Bidens Unity Agenda

The Administration has called on Congress to make behavioral health a required

service in all health centers

Today, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced $240 million in awards to launch and expand mental health and substance use disorder services in more than 400 community health centers across the country that care for more than 10 million people. Health centers are trusted community providers and a primary source of care for individuals across the country who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid  making them well-positioned to respond to the urgent need for behavioral health services that are high quality, stigma-free, culturally competent and readily accessible. These grants will help expand access to needed care to help tackle the nations mental health and opioid crises  two pillars of the Biden-Harris Administrations Unity Agenda for the nation.

HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson made the announcement today at the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C. attended by thousands of advocates, clinical leaders, people with lived experience, and their families. Mental Health Americas The State of Mental Health in America 2024 report demonstrates the need for this important expansion of services, finding that the vast majority of people with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment, 1 in 5 youth had at least one major depressive episode in the last yearwith over half not receiving treatment, and 10 percent of adults with a mental illness are uninsured.

Access to behavioral health care is critical for communities of color and underserved groups, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. HRSA-funded health centers have a proven record of success in reaching underserved communities. This funding expands their access to essential behavioral health services that will benefit entire communities.

In the Biden-Harris Administration, more people now have health care coverage than at any point in our nations history. With todays announcement to establish and expand behavioral health care in hundreds of community health centers, we are further demonstrating our commitment not only to health coverage but to access to care, said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. Mental health and substance use disorder treatment are essential elements of primary care, and there should be no wrong door for families to get the behavioral health care they need.

The Biden-Harris Administration has called for requiring and funding mental health and substance use disorder services in all 1,400 HRSA-supported health centers nationwide that together serve more than 31 million people. Today, health centers are only able to meet about 27% of the demand for mental health services and 6% of the substance use disorder treatment demand among their patients. Last year, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee passed bipartisan legislation to enact the Administrations proposal to make behavioral health a core health center service. The Administration looks forward to further congressional action to secure this critical expansion of mental health and substance use disorder treatment as part of a multiyear extension of community health center funding.

HRSA has made expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder services a top priority. In addition to todays announcement, recent HRSA activities include:

For the first time, making mental health a required component of HRSAs initiative to expand school-based community health centers;

Funding partnerships between pediatricians and psychiatrists to allow for mental health tele-consultation, giving pediatricians real-time mental health clinical support in caring for their patients behavioral health needs;

Expanding HRSAs primary care/psychiatric care teleconsultation partnerships to schools and emergency departments;

Training thousands of new mental health providers including psychologists, psychiatric nurses, licensed clinical social workers, and counselors;

Securing Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding to integrate mental health into primary care physician residency training programs;

Supporting rural communities in creating new rural access points for opioid use disorder treatment including providing medications to treat opioid use disorder;

Building behavioral health care services for children in rural communities;

Providing loan repayment for unprecedented numbers of mental health providers in return for their practice in high need communities;

Launching the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-TLC-MAMA to support the mental and emotional health of expectant and new moms; Training community health workers, peer support specialists and others with lived experience in supporting patients with behavioral health needs; and

Proposing an innovative new peer-to-peer program in the Presidents Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to train young people to support one anothers mental health needs while building an early pathway into the behavioral health workforce.

To hear from two incredible patients who are sharing their personal behavioral health stories, visit https://www.hrsa.gov/health-center-patient-stories.

For a list of todays awardees, visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/funding/funding-opportunities/behavioral-health-service-expansion-fy-2024-awards.

To find a health center, visit: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
As part of the Administrations efforts, for the first time in the programs nearly 40-year history, HRSA has awarded separate contracts to reform the organ procurement and transplant network. Multiple vendors will support improving quality and patient safety, modernizing IT, bolstering communications with patients, and more

Today, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the first ever multi-vendor contract awards to modernize the nations organ transplant system to improve transparency, performance, governance, and efficiency of the organ donation and transplantation system for the more than 100,000 people on the organ transplant waitlist.

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) has long faced critiques about lack of transparency, potential for conflicts of interest, IT reliability issues and other structural challenges. As part of the Administrations transformation of the OPTN, for the first time in 40 years, multiple contractors will provide their expertise and proven experience to improve the national organ transplant system. This transition from a single vendor to multiple vendors to support OPTN operations is a critical step in advancing innovation in the transplant system to better serve patients and their families and implements the bipartisan Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act signed by the President in September 2023.

With the life of more than 100,000 Americans at stake, no organ donated for transplantation should go to waste, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. For too long, our organ transplant system has fallen short, mired in monopoly. The Biden-Harris Administration has reformed OPTN to require accountability in the operation of organ procurement that our transplant patients and their families demand.

One person is added to the waitlist every 10 minutes. Each one relies on and deserves the best care possible, said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. Todays action marks a significant advancement in the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to doing what it takes to make sure the nations organ matching system works for patients, donors, and the families who depend on the OPTN for that life-saving call.

HRSA is announcing multiple OPTN modernization awards to support critical actions, including:

Improving Patient Safety - Arbor Research Collaborative for Health will provide support on patient safety and the policy compliance systems and processes overseen by the OPTN Board of Directors and the Membership and Professional Standards Committee to improve oversight of the multiple entities in the OPTN. Supporting OPTN IT Modernization - General Dynamic Information Technology (GDIT) will focus on the opportunities to improve the OPTN organ matching IT system and inform HRSAs Next Generation IT procurement and development work. Increasing Transparency and Public Engagement in OPTN Policy Development - Maximus Federal will advance opportunities to improve public visibility and engagement in the OPTN policy making process, including improving transparency around OPTN policy making committees deliberations and actions. Strengthening Patient-Centered Communications - Deloitte will focus on improvements in communications from the OPTN, within the OPTN and, importantly, with patients and families. Improving OPTN Financial Management - Guidehouse Digital will address improvements for OPTNs budget development and management systems and processes.

In August 2024, HRSA announced that the OPTN Board of Directorsthe governing board that develops national organ allocation policyis now separately incorporated and independent from the Board of longtime OPTN contractor, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). HRSA awarded an OPTN Board Support contract to a new vendor, American Institutes for Research, to support the newly incorporated OPTN Board of Directors.

HRSA launched the OPTN Modernization Initiative in March 2023, including making proposals to reform the decades old OPTN statute and increase funding for the program to better serve patients and families. Within a year, HRSA worked closely with bipartisan leaders in Congress to secure passage of the Securing the U.S. OPTN Act and substantially boost funding to support modernization efforts. Todays awards represent a key step forward in this work.
The Indian Health Service is announcing the award of an additional $1.19 million through six cooperative agreements to enhance tribal and urban Indian health system local capacity to provide dementia care and services. The total commitment for the new three-year awards is nearly $3.6 million. This new round of funding builds on early work and lessons learned from awards offered in 2022and 2023, with an eye for creating sustainable and replicable models of dementia care.

Alzheimers can deprive people of their precious memories, thoughts, and identity. Its often painful for the patients and everyone who lovingly care for them, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. The steps we are taking today will enhance care quality and expand support for American Indians and Alaska Natives living with Alzheimers disease and dementias.

These awards will advance the HHS work to fulfill the National Plan to Address Alzheimers Disease by enhancing care quality and efficiency, expanding support for people with Alzheimers disease and related dementias and their families, and enhancing public awareness and engagement.

There continues to be a great need for access to more timely and accurate diagnosis, as well as culturally appropriate education and management of care for people living with dementia, as regrettably, many American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer from cognitive decline, said IHS Director Roselyn Tso. Clinicians at IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health facilities are using these funds to identify and build new and improved approaches to care. This new round of funding will bring additional much-needed resources to local communities, people living with dementia, their caregivers, and families."

The 2024 awardees include two brand-new recipients and four awardees who received previous two-year funding. The 2024 awardees include:

Indian Health Board (IHB) of Minneapolis Inc. (Minnesota)  $200,000  IHB will shift focus with this award to improving access to earlier diagnosis of dementia and connection to support earlier in the disease process. It anticipates improvements in the quality of health and general well-being of patients who receive interdisciplinary assessment and care planning, as well as similar positive impacts on the health of caregivers who participate in their caregiver support programming.

IHB will shift focus with this award to improving access to earlier diagnosis of dementia and connection to support earlier in the disease process. It anticipates improvements in the quality of health and general well-being of patients who receive interdisciplinary assessment and care planning, as well as similar positive impacts on the health of caregivers who participate in their caregiver support programming. Indian Health Council Inc. (California)  $200,000  As a health care consortium of nine California tribes, the Indian Health Council will continue its work building an integrated care model to address dementia affecting American Indian and Alaska Native people 55 and older in its service area. Their Cognitive Health & Wellness Program aligns with the five primary drivers identified by IHS that are integral to timely screening and patient care plan development and compliance, including support for caregivers.

As a health care consortium of nine California tribes, the Indian Health Council will continue its work building an integrated care model to address dementia affecting American Indian and Alaska Native people 55 and older in its service area. Their Cognitive Health & Wellness Program aligns with the five primary drivers identified by IHS that are integral to timely screening and patient care plan development and compliance, including support for caregivers. Nez Perce Tribe (Idaho)  $199,383  The established Memory Care Program, in collaboration with the Nez Perce Tribes Nimiipuu Health primary care clinic, will enhance and expand its comprehensive and culturally sensitive dementia care program. It will provide education, elevate awareness, improve screening and diagnosis, create comprehensive care plans and case management, and provide culturally sensitive resources to support caregivers.

The established Memory Care Program, in collaboration with the Nez Perce Tribes Nimiipuu Health primary care clinic, will enhance and expand its comprehensive and culturally sensitive dementia care program. It will provide education, elevate awareness, improve screening and diagnosis, create comprehensive care plans and case management, and provide culturally sensitive resources to support caregivers. Northern Valley Indian Health Inc. (California)  $200,000  The Northern Valley Indian Health: Stronger Together Dementia Awareness Program will continue its work to enhance the quality of life for American Indian and Alaska Native patients living with dementia and their caregivers through comprehensive support services, caregiver training, community resources, and improved care coordination over the next three years.

The Northern Valley Indian Health: Stronger Together Dementia Awareness Program will continue its work to enhance the quality of life for American Indian and Alaska Native patients living with dementia and their caregivers through comprehensive support services, caregiver training, community resources, and improved care coordination over the next three years. Santo Domingo Pueblo (New Mexico)  $199,716  A first-time Alzheimers program grant recipient, its project aims to bridge cognitive service gaps by enhancing awareness, improving diagnosis and screening, implementing person-centered care models, providing comprehensive caregiver support, fostering community collaboration, and promoting knowledge exchange. It will improve dementia care in tribal and urban Indian communities by addressing service disparities, fostering community collaboration, and promoting sustainability.

A first-time Alzheimers program grant recipient, its project aims to bridge cognitive service gaps by enhancing awareness, improving diagnosis and screening, implementing person-centered care models, providing comprehensive caregiver support, fostering community collaboration, and promoting knowledge exchange. It will improve dementia care in tribal and urban Indian communities by addressing service disparities, fostering community collaboration, and promoting sustainability. Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) (Arizona)  $200,000  TCRHCC, another first-time Alzheimers program grant recipient, is a nonprofit, tribal 638 organization in Coconino County. It is the sole health care provider in a region of over 33,000 Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiutes. The TCRHCC Neurology department currently provides various dementia-related care. This project will focus on building community-clinical linkages, increasing community awareness, supporting caregivers, and enhancing primary care providers capacity to screen patients for dementia.

The prevalence rates for dementia and cognitive impairment among American Indian and Alaska Native people are as high, or even higher, than those in other U.S. populations. In a more than 30-year study of 11 tribes released this spring, investigators reported that 54 percent of American Indians between the ages of 70 and 95 had cognitive impairment, with mild cognitive impairment affecting about 35 percent, and dementia another 10 percent.

These findings clearly support the need for increased investment in care and services for American Indian and Alaska Native people living with dementia and for those who care for them, according to Dr. Bruce Finke, an IHS family physician and geriatrician.

The IHS, an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 574 federally recognized tribes in 37 states. Follow the agency via social media on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
New Delhi, India, 19 September - Australias La Trobe University and Indias Biotechnology Industry Research Association Council (BIRAC) have today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI)to establish a Bio Innovation Corridor to support the development of research and innovation.

La Trobe University is ranked in the top one per cent of the worlds universities. It has a proud and successful history in India, partnering with tertiary institutions and organisations on projects that benefit both countries, and helping develop Indias brightest minds through joint education opportunities.

The Bio Innovation Corridor between India and the Australian state of Victoria will open access and provide landing pad opportunities to entrepreneurs, startups and researchers from both countries.

The LOI will enable La Trobe and BIRAC to scale up and foster collaboration with knowledge-based technologies and ideas leveraging biotechnology, with applications in agtech, food tech, med-tech, and for human health and wellness purposes.

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the University was delighted to announce the creation of the Bio Innovation Corridor.

This exciting new partnership will offer the skills, infrastructure and capabilities of La Trobe University to Indian startups, entrepreneurs and researchers that have ideas and technologies that can be scaled up for applications and commercialisation in Indian and Australian markets, Professor Farrell said.

It is part of our vision to develop an ecosystem of research and innovation through co-location opportunities, including at our University City of the Future at our Melbourne campus in Bundoora and our four Victorian regional campuses.

Here, promising start ups, entrepreneurs and corporates from India can establish their R&D, innovation, product development and commercialisation facilities in conjunction with La Trobe through a range of innovative business partnership models.

The LOI was signed by Prof Farrell and Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, during the Victoria Connect event, which was attended by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

Premier Allan said Victoria was a prime location for both international students and collaboration on important research and innovation.

The agreement between La Trobe University and BIRAC offers immense opportunities to entrepreneurs and researchers from India through access to La Trobes world-class facilities at its campuses in regional Victoria and Melbourne, the Premier said.

Dr Jitender Kumar from BIRAC said: Todays signing of the Letter of Intent between India and La Trobe University represents a significant milestone in the realm of biotechnological advancement. This formalizes our commitment to fostering collaborative research and innovation at the global level. The Bio Innovation Corridor will open new avenues for entrepreneurs by fostering cross-border collaboration and leveraging our collective expertise. This partnership exemplifies the potential of international synergy in advancing cutting-edge solutions for global scientific progress.

La Trobe recently launched a purpose-built Bio Innovation Hub (BIH) that will help startup companies develop new technologies in med tech and drug delivery.

Facilities like the Bio Innovation Hub and our Digital Innovation Hub are opportunities where Karnataka-based startups and new technology players will be encouraged to co-locate and work in a vibrant biotechnology-based ecosystem for building their businesses, Professor Farrell said.

The Victoria Connect event in Delhi organised on 17 September 2024, is showcasing the opportunities between Victoria and India in the higher education and value-adding technology sectors.

Contact:

Amit Malhotra

Megan Fisher, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Industry Engagement, La Trobe University (+61 9479 2070) Sid Jain, Director of Precinct Development & Operations, La Trobe University (+61 408 764 036) Bio-Innovation-Hub-April-24-WEB-.pdf (latrobe.edu.au)

About the Biotechnology Industry Research Association Council (BIRAC)

Biotechnology IndustryResearch Assistance Council(BIRAC) is a Not-for-profit, Section8, Public Sector Enterprise set up by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministryof Science and Technology, Government of India. BIRACs mandate is to strengthen and empower emerging Biotech enterprises. The organization is committed to promoting, nurturing and enabling the Biotech InnovationEcosystem to develop globally competitive affordable products to address the unmet needs of society at large. BIRAC through Public Private Partnership has taken up a multitude of activities from providing funds for high-risk translational research, supporting nascent ideas, capacity building through creating bio incubation center as shared infrastructure, handholding through mentoring and training, to policy advocacy for empowering the biotech ecosystem in India.

About La Trobe University

For more than 50 years, La Trobe University has been transforming people and societies. Located in Melbourne, Australia, the University works collaboratively across disciplines and with partners to develop fresh ways of thinking and conducting research  constantly seeking new ways to engage with and better serve its partners and communities, to build relationships and develop solutions for the issues facing society. Along with holding its top 300 ranking in Times Higher Educations World University Rankings 2024, La Trobe earned the prestigious Most Improved  Oceania Award in the QS World University Rankings 2025, rising 183 placesover the past five years to claim its new spot at 217 of the 1,500 universities evaluated. Read more about La Trobe here.

La Trobe University media enquiries

Charisse Ede

c.ede@latrobe.edu.au, 0404030698, media@latrobe.edu.au

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
India, September 19, 2024: In todays dynamic business environment, most CEOs are acknowledging and anticipating the CFO's role within the business to become more central soon. Only a CFO has the capability to gather and analyze data for an organisation that is reliable to create a profitable growth in the business. These days, their role and responsibilities have become more critical than ever.

The Chief Financial Officer Programme from ISB Executive Education, in collaboration with Imarticus Learning, stands out with its unique features designed to develop business leaders. These include a cutting-edge curriculum, distinguished faculty, and forward-thinking leadership skills. The programme offers an opportunity for CFOs to become strategic partners to the CEO. In todays evolving, data-driven market, this programme is designed for professionals aiming to master the dynamic and expanding role of a CFO.

The programme aims to prepare the CFOs for policy changes by the government and global regulatory bodies, offering strategic insights critical to navigating complex financial landscapes. The programme blends ISB's leadership education expertise with Imarticus's competence in providing learners with future-focused, outcome-oriented learning experiences.

Rapid technological advancements and geopolitical shifts across the globe leads to financial uncertainties. The programme will prepare new-age CFOs to have a strategic approach to deal with such unpredictable market dynamics while combating the challenges of an ever-changing economic environment.

The in-depth curriculum is built to develop leadership in managing teams of professionals, quantifying business objectives in an organisation, and serving as a trusted partner to the CEO. Participants will gain access to a blend of pre-recorded lectures, immersive industry case studies, live interactive sessions with ISB faculty, and masterclasses by marquee CXOs, providing a transformative learning journey.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs recently reported a significant milestone, with 1,85,312 companies registered in FY 2023-24a 7.4% increase from the total of 24,77,704 companies registered by FY 2022-23. This rapid growth reflects Indias dynamic business landscape and the increasing need for skilled financial leadership.

As businesses expand, the demand for modern-age Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) has surged. Todays CFOs are no longer just financial gatekeepers; they are strategic partners, driving innovation and navigating the complexities of a fast-evolving global economy. This presents a golden opportunity for ambitious professionals to step into C-suite roles and lead organizations through financial transformation.

In this context, programs like the ISB Executive Educations CFO Programme become pivotal. Designed for finance professionals looking to elevate their careers, the programme equips participants with cutting-edge skills in leadership, strategy, and financial management, enabling them to master the nuances of the CFO role. For those aspiring to lead in this era of unprecedented growth, this is the ideal time to invest in financial leadership excellence.

Nikhil Barshikar, founder and managing director of Imarticus Learning, added, This association with ISB Executive Education is our attempt to reshape the financial leadership in India and significantly transform the traditional responsibilities of CFOs towards a more future-focused, strategic framework. Modern CFOs deal with strategy-driven trajectories and leveraging data to make informed decisions. Together, we aim to foster the values of financial leadership that prepare the professionals to prosper and lead in a competitive market.

Learners with two years of Master's Degree or its equivalent from a prestigious institution are eligible for this programme, ensuring academic rigor and recognition. At least ten years of work experience post-completion of the qualifying education is mandatory.

After completing the programme, participants will receive a certificate for the Chief Financial Officer Programme from ISB Executive Education and attain ISB Executive Alumni status. It also provides access to the exclusive Executive Alumni Portal, facilitates high-value networking opportunities, and offers continued support from the ISB Executive Education team. Additionally, alums will receive invitations to select online and in-person events, and benefit from a distinguished set of financial leaders.

About ISB Executive Education

ISB Executive Education empowers participants with the skills, mindsets, and networks required to manage and lead in this evolving landscape, enabling them to achieve their distinct personal and professional goals. Recognised as #1 in India for the third consecutive year and #26 globally in the Financial Times (FT) Executive Education Custom Rankings 2024 and #3 in India, #65 globally in the FT Executive Education Open Ranking 2023, ISB Executive Education is committed to prepare working professionals to excel in the new global business environment. This is achieved through fostering engaging exchanges between renowned industry leaders and academia and drawing globally renowned faculty from the world's top business schools. Through meticulously designed programmes, participants gain from both advanced management research and the vast experiences of their peers, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.

About Imarticus Learning

Imarticus Learning is a leading education company in India, offering high-quality, industry-specific education via innovative technology, specialised training, career assistance, and mentorship from industry professionals. It has impacted over 1,000,000 careers within a decade through leading-edge curriculums, highly experienced faculty, and over 500 global partnerships with leading institutions and corporations. Imarticus Learning seeks to upskill current and future workers to fulfil various industries' job market demands. Its objective is to provide learners with valuable learning experiences, educate them with industry-specific skills, and prepare them to take on multiple job roles in their sector.

Imarticus Learning is renowned for its unique teaching methodology. It includes immersive live lectures (online and offline), peer-to-peer discussions, hybrid learning modules, industry-focused seminars, capstone projects, guest lectures, and soft skills training. It offers courses that prepare learners for successful careers in data science, analytics, finance, banking, and technology.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
Saudis national tourism brand, 'Saudi Welcome to Arabia' will be hosting its first-ever immersive consumer event Spectacular Saudi, from September 25 to October 2, from 2:00 pm- 10:30 pm at R2 Ground in BKC, Mumbai. Slated to transport visitors straight to the Heart of Arabia, the 8-day extravaganza promises a sneak peek into Saudis many wonders and iconic experiences, all while extending the warm Saudi welcome.

Visitors can expect unique immersive experiencesincluding exhibits, culinary delights, Ardah dancers, Saudi coffee, traditional scents, and fashionall under one roof. Each experience will offer an interactive element, starting with traditional coffee, dates and Bakhour. Next, visitors will be guided through the mountains and mirrors display, evocative of the iconic Maraya Hall in Alula. With many Instagram-worthy moments, visitors can start at the 360 Selfie Corner and choose from a selection of backdrops showcasing the many seasons, and natural wonders Saudi has to offer, such as the wild lavender fields in Al Jouf!

Sunset View at the Marayah Concert Hall, AlUla

A must for fashion enthusiaststhe Sadu Art Installationis bound to impress. Surrounded by colossal pieces of Sadu weaves, the display dwells into the history of this ancient craft that has been preserved by Bedouin women and is recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage practice. Gastronomy buffs can enjoy Saudi delicacies at the Al Balad-inspired culinary corner.

Featuring exclusive giveaways and discounts tailored for Indian travellers, the Spectacular Saudi event is making it even easier for Indian travellers to apply for their Saudi visa! A true one-of-a-kind offering, all one has to do is present a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card at one of the 8 dedicated Tasheer kiosks, ensure the name on the credit card matches the passport and have sufficient funds available on the card. After that, sit back and relax as your visa will be in hand within 48 hours.

Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lit up at night

On the travel front, SAUDIA Airlines is offering special deals, including a buy one get 50% off on the second ticket if travelling business class. Additionally, all economy class tickets will be available at 15% off. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in daily giveaways for free flight tickets for two to Saudi. With over 50+ travel trade offers, visitors can access incredible cashback and discounts on Saudi travel packages. Additionally, those booking Saudi packages will enjoy complimentary cultural city tours. Group tour packages to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam will be available exclusively at the event, starting at Rs. 99,999 for 5 nights.

These exciting offers, discounts, immersive experiences and more, are designed to ensure that Indian travellers are ready to indulge in the very best Saudi has on offer. So dont miss out and register here to experience a piece of Saudi, right in the heart of Mumbai.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. plans to add to the $13 billion it has already invested in Indian infrastructure, describing it as the brightest spot in emerging markets. Brookfields local team of 15 investment and operations professionals has faith in Indias growth prospects and demographics, it said.

Theres no reason why we cant keep up with that trajectory, Arpit Agrawal, head of the Canadian investment firms India infrastructure business, said in an interview. Brookfield has ramped up spending in the sector across India from just $100 million eight years ago.

Brookfields wider themes for infrastructure that focus on digitalization, decarbonization and deglobalization play well in India, according to Agrawal. The firm will explore investments in fiber optics, where demand is projected to increase as more data shifts to the cloud, he said.

It may also partner with semiconductor manufacturers and increase investment in gas pipelines, Agrawal said. The firm has already invested in telecom towers, pipelines and data centers, and is looking at smart meters, he added.

Brookfields local team of 15 investment and operations professionals has faith in Indias growth prospects and demographics, while predictable depreciation in the rupee makes it easier to factor in returns, and currency hedges are easier to put into place, Agrawal said.

Toronto-based Brookfield has nearly $29 billion of assets across infrastructure, real estate, renewable and private equity investments in India. Towers account for between $10 billion and $11 billion of the infrastructure assets, followed by pipelines at $2 billion. The rest is in data centers that are being built.

The Indian government has made a push to upgrade poor infrastructure, and private capital has been crucial to that strategy. A World Bank report in 2022 estimated that the country needed to spend $840 billion over the following 15 years on urban infrastructure.

Regulatory and policy changes have eased infrastructure investment and are leading to a deeper pool of players in securities like infrastructure investment trusts. Brookfields InvITs command a third of the roughly 1.8 trillion rupees ($21.5 billion) market value of the asset class, Agrawal said. InvITs are designed to support funding for costly infrastructure projects.

Moving Forward

Brookfield didnt need permission from the telecom department for its recent $2.2 billion acquisition of American Tower Corp.s portfolio in India thanks to a regulatory change in 2021, Agrawal said.

Incrementally, its becoming better, he said. We see India just going forward. Theres really no turning back.

The firm is also dipping into its global investments to build out opportunities in India. Two years ago, Brookfield invested in Triton International Ltd., a freight container company that gives it access to data on the movement of goods around the world, Agrawal said.

Brookfield will also evaluate opportunities in airports, which are enjoying double-digit growth, depending on which ones the government decides to privatize and the kind of investors theyre targeting, Agrawal said. Roads will also be considered.

Demand is never really an issue in India, he said.
Ernst and Young faced severe social media backlash after Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant who was employed at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, passed away on July 20. Her mother penned a letter to the EY India Chairman appealing for better working condition of the employees. A sign for Ernst and Young, also known as EY. The death of EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil sparked outrage over company work conditions. Her mothers plea for change prompted EY Chairman Rajiv Memani to acknowledge the loss and vow to improve employee welfare while providing support to the grieving family.(Bloomberg)

She said that he daughter had worked tirelessly at the company and workload, new environment and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Responding to the Anna Sebastian Perayil's death, EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani said that the company employs approximately 1 lakh people and everyone has to work hard. He said, We have around one lakh employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard. Anna worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee. We dont believe that work pressure could have claimed her life.

Rajiv Mermani also said that Anna Sebastian Perayils promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for the company. He said, While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so."

He also said that he has addressed the letter sent to him by Anna Sebastian Perayil's mother assuring her of his full support. In addition to providing immediate assistance, he is committed to implementing further measures aimed at bettering the existing systems, he said.
Flight bookings surged 85% around this year's Diwali compared to last year, according to a Business Standard report which cited data released by World on Holiday, the travel insights centre of RateGain Travel Technologies, which shows a major recovery in domestic aviation. Airfares, a week prior to last year's Diwali, Chhatt Puja and Govardhan Puja almost doubled on certain routes.(Representational Image/Unsplash)

Also Read: Microsoft president warns of increased US election meddling risk in final 48 hours

The top destinations for this year's Diwali travel included New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Port Blair, Kochi, and Patna, according to the report.

Guwahati saw the biggest jump in bookings with a 386% increase, Jaipur saw a 306% rise, and Patna saw a 271% rise, with other cities like Chennai, Amritsar, and Lucknow also experiencing significant increase in travel.

Also Read: Microsoft president warns of increased US election meddling risk in final 48 hours

Travelers are booking flights well in advance for Diwali, with an average booking window of 27 days, according to the report which added that a key factor to this is a desire to reunite with family.

This came after MakeMyTrip sent a flyer in August, encouraging customers to book flights early since prices could rise closer to Diwali, with Cleartrip also saying prices already rose 15%.

Airfares, a week prior to last year's Diwali, Chhatt Puja and Govardhan Puja almost doubled on certain routes.

Also Read: Supreme Court rejects telcos' plea to recalculate dues owed to government: Report
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers marked two years of his tenure with the airline and his time in India with a heartfelt post on LinkedIn. Pieter Elbers has been at the helm of India's largest airline since 20222. Reflecting on his professional and personal experience in India, Pieter Elbers said that the country is now his home. Indian airline IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers gestures as he addresses a gathering at a company event in New Delhi, India. Pieter Elbers marked two years at the airline, calling India his home. He praised the airlines extensive operations and shared personal experiences, reflecting on India's diversity and his connection to the country.(Reuters)

Acknowledging Indigo's rapid growth, Pieter Elbers highlighted the airlines daily operations of over 2,000 flights, servicing more than 430 domestic and 100 international routes. He wrote, On our 18th IndiGo birthday last month, we celebrated many wonderful milestones and unveiled our ambitious plans for coming years. Our story has just started. I am grateful and proud to be a part of this incredible IndiGo journey with my colleagues - giving wings to the nation with over 2,000 daily flights, 430+ domestic and 100+ international routes, and growing every day.

Pieter Elbers also said that he feels a personal connection with India, sharing, Being a part of IndiGo and now living now in India for two years....IndiGo and this beautiful country India have indeed become a part of me. Bharat ab ghar jaisa lagta hai.

Talking about his travel experiences in the country, he wrote, "India's essence is captured in its beautiful diversity. Of our 88 domestic cities, I had the pleasure of visiting our great teams in 30. From Thiruvananthapuram in the south to Leh in the north. My most recent visit was to Leh, where walking with my son at 18,000 feet at the Khardung La Pass was very special considering my roots are from a country where the highest "hill" is some 300 metres only and around 25% of the land is below sea level."

His post received reactions from several industry leaders including Shaadi.coms founder and CEO Anupam Mittal who wrote, Aap bhi ab ghar wale jaise lagte ho (You too have become like family now).
Microsoft Corp. President Brad Smith warned the danger of foreign interference in the US election will surge in the final two days of the presidential campaign. Brad Smith, president of Microsoft Corp., during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. The hearing is expected to cover tech companies' efforts to combat disinformation and misinformation spread online about the upcoming November 5 election.(Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg)

The most perilous moment will come, I think, 48 hours before the election, Smith told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.

Also Read: Supreme Court rejects telcos' plea to recalculate dues owed to government: Report

Smith said that was the lesson to be learned from the Slovakian election last fall, in which fake audio of one of the top candidates circulated online days before the election.

Foreign actors already have been spreading manipulated videos and false posts to sow discord around the US presidential election, Smith and other executives with the countrys largest tech companies testified.

Smith said Microsoft earlier Wednesday had identified an AI-enhanced video from a Russian group showing Vice President Kamala Harris saying words she didnt say at a recent rally.

Groups from adversarial nations including Russia, China and Iran have spread false information and news reports about both Harris and Donald Trumps campaigns, the executives said.

The hearing featured testimony from Smith, Google parent Alphabet Inc.s president and chief legal officer Kent Walker, and Nick Clegg, Meta Platforms Inc.s president of global affairs.

Those attacks are being shaped in part by new developments in artificial intelligence, Walker said.

Also Read: EY India boss on employee Anna Sebastian Perayil's death: 'Dont believe work pressure claimed her life'

We are seeing some foreign state actors experimenting with generative AI to improve existing cyber attacks, like probing for vulnerabilities or creating spear phishing emails, Walker said. We see generative AI being used to more efficiently create fake websites, misleading news articles and robot social media posts.

The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, focused on foreign interference in US elections, comes on the heels of a Microsoft report that found Russian efforts to influence the US election have shifted to smearing Harris with doctored and misleading videos. Meta on Tuesday also announced it was banning Russian state media outlet Russia Today due to foreign interference.

The Biden administration and the top tech companies stopped communicating about online threats to US elections over the past year as they waited for a ruling in Murthy v. Missouri, a case centered on whether it is constitutional for government officials to ask social media companies to take down certain posts.

The US Supreme Court in June cleared the Biden administration to communicate freely with social media companies, an election-year ruling that bolstered the governments ability to seek removal of what officials see as misinformation. The justices, voting 6-3, tossed out court-imposed restrictions on contacts by the White House and several federal agencies.

Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, several times expressed frustration that Elon Musks X Corp. declined to send a representative to testify at the hearing.

Also Read: Mohamed Al-Fayed, ex-Harrods owner whose son died with Princess Diana, raped 5 women: He was vile
Samsung Electronics' Indian unit has sued members of a labour union that has led a strike for 11 days at its only India home appliances plant in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, escalating tensions with its workers, legal papers show. 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)

Samsung's lawsuit dated Sept. 12, which Reuters is the first to report, asks a district court in the state for a temporary injunction to restrain the union and its members from agitating, sloganeering and making speeches in and around the factory located near Chennai.

Lawyers were gathered in a court, near Chennai, in Kancheepuram district, where the case was expected to be heard on Thursday.

Also Read: Government may raise EPFO wage ceiling to 21,000, allowing you to retire with 1 crore: Report

Hundreds of Samsung workers have since Sept. 9 disrupted work and protested in a nearby makeshift tent, demanding higher wages and recognition of a union at the plant that contributes roughly a third of Samsung's annual India revenue of $12 billion.

The Samsung protests have cast a shadow over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to court foreign investors to "Make in India" and to triple electronics production to $500 billion in six years.

Samsung's 14-page court filing, which is not public, said the union's actions "could disrupt the factory's operations and prevent willing employees from fulfilling their duties".

Such activities "are likely to escalate, endangering the smooth functioning of the factory and the safety of its employees," Samsung said.

Samsung did not respond to a request for comment. Last week, it told Reuters in a statement it had initiated discussions with workers at the plant "to resolve all issues at the earliest".

The labour unrest is among the biggest such strikes in recent years in India.

In its lawsuit, Samsung has sued top officials of the influential labour group, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), which has mobilised the company's workers. Samsung is not keen to recognise any union backed by a national labour group, and talks with workers and state officials have not yielded a resolution.

Also Read: ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023 generated 11,637 crore for India's economy, created 48,000 jobs: Report

CITU leader E. Muthukumar told Reuters the workers are "lawfully striking", adding they will challenge Samsung's assertions in court.

Indian police briefly detained more than 100 protesting workers as they were planning a march on Monday without permission.

The strike adds to Samsung's challenges in India.

Samsung is planning job cuts of up to 30% of its overseas staff in some divisions, including in India. And India's antitrust body has found Samsung and other smartphone companies colluded with e-commerce giants to launch devices exclusively, violating competition laws, Reuters has reported.

The Samsung plant employs roughly 1,800 workers and more than 1,000 of them have been on strike. The factory makes appliances such as refrigerators, TVs and washing machines. Another Samsung plant that makes smartphones in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh has had no unrest.

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A Bengaluru cloth merchant was stabbed by his former employees boyfriend at KEB Park in BTM Layout, just a day after he proposed to her. Representational image

According to an Indian Express report, the victim, identified as Hitendra Kumar, is currently recovering in a private hospital in Bengaluru and is reportedly out of danger.

The accused, Siddu, 27, and his girlfriend have been arrested by the Suddagunte Palya police on charges of attempted murder, the report added.

(Also Read: Bengaluru company's IT admin steals 50 laptops after failed tomato farming, caught on CCTV: Report)

The police said the incident happened around 9 pm on Sunday when Siddu approached Kumar, who was with the woman in the park, and tried to stab him in the neck. Kumar dodged the attack, but Siddu managed to stab him in the stomach before fleeing with the woman. the Indian Express reported.

Preliminary probe highlights

Initial investigations suggest that the woman had worked at Kumars cloth shop in Jayanagar for a few months before leaving the job due to personal reasons. Kumar reportedly developed feelings for her and called her on Saturday to confess his love. The two agreed to meet at the park, where Kumar proposed, claiming that the woman accepted his proposal.

The following day, Kumar arranged to meet her again at the same park. Upon learning of the proposal, Siddu, in a fit of rage, confronted Kumar and attacked him with a sharp object.

The investigation is underway.

(Also Read: Bengaluru woman, her lover arrested for killing mother to hide secret relationship: Report)

In another case, Bengaluru Police recently arrested 29-year-old Pavitra Suresh and her 20-year-old boyfriend, Lovlish, for conspiring to murder her mother, Jayalakshmi, and fabricating a story to make it appear as though her death was accidental.

(Also Read: Open rape threats: Bengaluru woman reports yet another road rage incident, claims social media post)
In an unexpected development, a fire broke out at the M S Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday afternoon, triggering panic among authorities as well as patients, but fortunately resulting in no injuries. The blaze ignited at around 1 pm in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) area on the first floor and quickly spread, leading to a chaotic situation within the hospital and causing significant damage, Times Now reported. Quick action by staff and firefighters ensured no casualties, with investigations pointing to a possible short circuit. (representative image)(AP)

Hospital staff responded promptly, evacuating patients from the affected area to prevent any harm. A total of 12 patients were relocated to a different ward for their safety. Emergency responders, including three fire trucks, arrived at the scene swiftly and managed to bring the fire under control in a short period, the report noted.

Videos from the incident, obtained by the publication, show the panic and confusion that unfolded as staff and patients scrambled to safety. Despite the initial chaos, hospital officials spoke to reporters and confirmed that no one was hurt.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, though initial reports suggest it may have been triggered by a short circuit. "The patients are safe. The fire didnt cause any injuries to anyone. Its the first time something like this happened. I think it was a short circuit," a hospital representative stated, as quoted in the publication.

Though the fire has raised concerns about safety protocols, the hospital emphasized that immediate action by staff and firefighters helped prevent a more serious outcome. Authorities are in the midst of reviewing the exact cause for the fire.

Further details are expected shortly as investigation is in progress.

In other news, Bengaluru city is seeing increasing cases of hoax bomb threats being reported in several public places, including schools, railway stations and the international airport. The police department on Wednesday said the Army Public School in Bengaluru received a hoax bomb threat via email, triggering panic among teachers as well as students.
The Karnataka government has resolved to make drug peddling a non-bailable offence attracting a maximum punishment of life-imprisonment, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday. Karnataka govt resolves to make drug peddling a non-bailable offence

Also Read - You went to US and: Mohandas Pai slams DK Shivakumar for his pothole-free Bengaluru promise within 15 days

Siddaramaiah also announced formation of a Ministerial task force, as he underscored the government's "zero tolerance" policy towards drug abuse and said it would make all honest efforts to get rid of this "social menace". The Chief Minister chaired a meeting on drug abuse that was attended by Home Minister G Parameshwara, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, and top officials including from the police department.

"The drug menace in Karnataka has come to the notice of the government from various sections of the society and the media, so I have held a meeting with Ministers and senior officials," Siddaramaiah told reporters later. Bengaluru accounts for 50 percent of drug cases reported in Karnataka, and Mangaluru 22 per cent, he said. The Chief Minister said there is already a committee headed by the Chief Secretary at the state level and by Deputy Commissioners at the district level to tackle drug menace, and experts have stressed on greater awareness and strengthening enforcement. "It has been decided today to constitute a task force headed by Home Minister, above the state level and district level committees.

Also Read - Stories of toxic workplaces flood social media after death of 26-year-old EY employee

It will have Health Minister, Primary and Higher Education Ministers, Social Welfare Minister, Medical Education Minister as members. They will hold meetings from time to time and review, along with directing measures," he said. He also expressed concern over availability synthetic drugs in the form of tablets. Noting that drug peddling cannot happen without it coming to the notice of police Station House Officers (SHOs), Siddaramaiah said responsibilities will be fixed on SHOs, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Assistant Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police. It will also be considered as to what needs to be done to strengthen the laws, he said, adding, "we will bring in amendments if needed, and in case new laws have to be brought in we will do it."

Drug offences should be non-bailable, from minimum ten years to maximum life imprisonment for those indulging in drug peddling, depending on the gravity of the offence, he said. "We have thought about it and decided on it." It has also been decided to form "student police" by drawing those from National Cadet Corps (NCC), Scouts and Guides, and National Service Scheme (NSS), he said, adding, residents associations and NGOs, will be involved to tackle the drug menace. Further noting that special courts will be set up to deal with drug peddling cases, the Chief Minister said deaddiction and rehabilitation centres will also be strengthened. Criminal activities are increasing under the influence of drugs, he said.
A case of alleged sexual harassment has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and former minister Munirathna and six others in the Ramnagar district of Karnataka. The case was registered at Kaggalipura police station in the Ramnagar district on Wednesday night. HT Image

The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under IPC Sections 354A, 354C, 376, 506, 504, 120(b), 149, 384, 406, 308. Apart from the BJP MLA Munirathna, six other individuals have been charged in the case, including Vijay Kumar, Sudhakara, Kiran Kumar, Lohit Gowda, Manjunath and Loki.

As per the complaint, the incident was happened at a private resort under the limits of Kaggalipura police station.

(Also Read: Karnataka BJP MLA Munirathna sent to police custody in harassment, bribery case)

Munirathna is currently in the custody of Bengaluru police for allegedly threatening a contractor. The Special Court of People's Representatives will hear his bail plea in this regard today.

Current custody status and legal proceedings

Munirathna is likely to be detained near the jail if bail is granted, as he is in judicial custody. However, if the bail is denied, the Kaggalipura police will file a body warrant and take him into custody as per the procedure.

Munirathna was taken into custody on September 14 night by Bengaluru police for allegedly threatening a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor.

According to Kolar Superintendent of Police (SP) B Nikhil, Munirathna was taken into custody by Bengaluru police with the help of Kolar Police while he was travelling to Andhra Pradesh. He was taken into custody near Kolar.

Police has registered two FIRs at the Vyalikaval police station against Munirathna. The cases stem from complaints lodged by contractor Chelvaraju, who has accused Munirathna of harassment and threats. The first case involves issuing a death threat, with four individuals named in the FIR including Munirathna, VG Kumar, Abhishek, Vasanth Kumar. The FIRs include charges under sections 37, 506, 505, 385, 420, and 323.

Contractors allegations and demand for bribe

Chaluvaraju has alleged that Munirathna threatened him by saying, "What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you." He claimed that the MLA had demanded a commission in connection with a contract. According to the contractor, he offered 1 lakh, but Munirathna refused and insisted on the full amount.

The contractor further alleged, "MLA Munirathna has threatened me to pay 20 lakhs. If I don't pay, he said the same fate as Renukaswamy will happen to me." He also accused Munirathna's elder sister's son of being involved in the murder of Renukaswamy.

An audio clip had also gone viral, allegedly featuring Munirathna using abusive language and threatening a Dalit person, the contractor, and his wife.

(Also Read: Karnataka BJP MLA held for harassing contractor, using casteist slur)
A young girl from Mangaluru has been lauded by the city police for her incredible bravery in rescuing her mother from beneath a speeding autorickshaw. Mangaluru Police Commissioner honors young girl for her bravery .(X/Bhaskar Rao)

The incident, captured on video, shows the girl lifting the overturned vehicle to save her mother, who was struck by the autorickshaw in a tragic accident.

In recognition of her heroism, the Mangaluru Police Commissioner personally met with the girl, presenting her with a shawl and a garland in a felicitation ceremony at his office.

(Also Read: Karnataka teens quick thinking saves mothers life as speeding auto runs over her, CM Siddaramaiah lauds her)

Watch the Twitter video here:

The accident occurred when the autorickshaw collided with a woman crossing the street, reportedly on her way to pick up her daughter from tuition classes. The vehicle also hit a man at a nearby petrol pump before crashing into the woman.

The schoolgirl rushed to the scene and managed to raise the autorickshaw, rescuing her mother and another passenger trapped underneath. The video highlights her swift actions and the immediate assistance provided by passersby.

(Also Read: Dashcam video from Bengaluru exposes woman faking accident by jumping in front of car)

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiahs reaction

Earlier, Karnaraka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too appreciated the girl in an X post. He shared about the incident and said, Recently, I have seen many times in the media that people who were supposed to rush to the aid of the victims were standing around and making videos on mobile phones at the accident sites, which made me worried about the future days. The action of this little girl seems to send a message to the entire society. Every second is precious for the victims of an accident, fire or heart attack. Don't forget humanity.

(Also Read: Instagrammer mocks Kannada activism with viral reel, Bengaluru Police responds. Video)
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday expressed his condolence over the death of Kempanna, the President of the Karnataka State Contractors' Association. Kempanna had brought to light the alleged 40 percent commission scam, which gained nationwide attention during the previous BJP government's rule. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.(PTI)

Siddaramaiah via a post on X said, "Saddened by the death of Kempanna, President of the State Contractors Association. He had brought out the 40% commission scam that had made headlines across the country during the previous government's tenure and had taken a stand against corruption in contract works."

In 2023, the Congress government in Karnataka ordered a judicial probe into allegations of contractors allegedly being forced to pay a 40 percent commission on state projects during the previous Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government. This investigation was prompted by claims made by Kempanna, who accused the previous government of corruption in public contracts.

A committee, led by retired High Court Judge Nagmohan Das, has been formed to investigate these allegations. An official order from the state's Public Works Department stated that the committee should thoroughly examine all relevant locations and documents. The investigation committee had been instructed to submit a complete report within 30 days. Officials from the concerned departments were also directed to provide all necessary documents and cooperate fully during the site inspections.

The controversy surrounding the 40 percent commission first surfaced in April 2022, following the death of Belagavi-based contractor Santosh Patil, who died by suicide. In his suicide note, Patil accused BJP leader and then-state minister KS Eshwarappa of demanding a 40 percent commission to clear a government project.

Kempanna had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, highlighting that contractors were being forced to pay 40 percent commissions for public projects. This became a key issue in the Congress's campaign against the BJP during the Karnataka elections.

Siddaramaiah then met with the delegation from the Contractors' Association and promised action to end the commission system and ensured his government was committed to stopping corruption in contract works.
Federal systems face the unique challenge of balancing national coherence with state autonomy. This challenge is intensified these days due to evolving governance imperatives and diverse regional demands. While evident in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, this balancing act is particularly complex in India, where a vast array of cultures and economic conditions coexist. Identity politics often intersect with federalism, particularly in regions marked by ethnic, linguistic, or cultural diversity. In these contexts, federalism can help preserve regional identities while maintaining national cohesion. (HT file photo for representational purpose)

Federalism is not just a structural arrangement; it embodies political values surrounding governance, autonomy, and authority. Different political ideologies shape the design and operation of federal systems. Liberalism typically favours decentralised governance to protect individual freedoms and prevent the concentration of power, while conservatism emphasises national unity and social order. Socialist ideologies advocate for centralised control to promote equity but may also support preserving regional identities in culturally diverse nations. Neoliberal federalism, driven by globalisation, presents both opportunities and challenges, as economic competition between states can deepen inequalities. In India, the rise of right-wing politics has reinforced centralisation trends, reminiscent of previous periods of socialist dominance.

Unity in diversity

Identity politics often intersect with federalism, particularly in regions marked by ethnic, linguistic, or cultural diversity. In these contexts, federalism can help preserve regional identities while maintaining national cohesion. Indias federal structure, with state boundaries drawn along linguistic lines, reflects a commitment to recognising these identities within a unified nation-state. This model balances the countrys rich cultural diversity with the imperative of national integrity.

Indias transition from a centrally planned economy to a liberalised framework exemplifies the ideological evolution of its federalism. Earlier, socialist policies favoured strong central control, whereas the economic liberalisation of the 1990s empowered states with greater autonomy in economic and industrial matters. This shift has sparked tensions between central authority and state autonomy, particularly in sectors like education and agriculture. Some scholars argue that federalism was more vibrant during the coalition governments of the late 20th century, despite concerns about governance quality during that era.

Robust coordination

Effective federal systems are adaptable, responsive, and grounded in decentralisation and autonomy. Evidence-based policymaking is crucial for developing strategies that respect the diverse needs of both national and state governments. However, effective policymaking in federal systems requires robust coordination between central and regional governments. Stakeholder consultations and participatory institutions are essential for crafting policies that reflect the varying needs of different governance levels. Mechanisms, such as the comptroller and auditor general (CAG), ensure accountability by monitoring and evaluating policy implementation, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements. Such institutions help keep policies relevant and responsive to evolving challenges.

The tension between centralisation and state autonomy recurs throughout federal systems. Indias adoption of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 is a glaring example. While the GST replaced numerous state-level taxes with a unified tax regime, the GST Council, comprising representatives from both central and state governments, provides a platform for states to participate in taxation policy. Nonetheless, concerns over revenue-sharing persist, with some states arguing that the central governments control over tax distribution undermines their fiscal independence.

Tracking federal drift

A growing concern in Indiaand in other federal systems like the United Statesis the phenomenon of federal drift, where power gradually shifts from states to the central government. In the US, federal encroachment into traditionally state-controlled areas, such as education and healthcare, has drawn criticism. Supreme Court rulings on issues such as abortion and voting rights exemplify this trend, as does the expansion of federal regulation under the Joe Biden administration in areas such as climate policy and healthcare. Australia has similarly raised concerns regarding GST revenue distribution and the influence of the national cabinet in decision-making.

In India, the introduction of new farm laws, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 sparked debates over federal drift. While significant federal drift was seen during the internal Emergency of 1975, the current drift  marked by increasing intervention from central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in state affairs  is persistently debated and critiqued. Political scientists argue that these interventions undermine state autonomy in critical areas such as education and governance.

However, another school of thought maintains that these actions aim at conserving resources, improving governance quality, and fostering cohesive governance. Proponents of this view also support the idea of One Nation, One Election, which many others believe reflects a unitary governance approach.

Evolve and adapt

Federal systems must continually evolve and adapt to new governance imperatives, such as demands for transparency, public participation, and efficiency. The GST reform in India, for example, aimed to streamline tax collection and promote economic integration across states. The formation of the GST Council exemplifies a federal approach to balancing national and regional fiscal concerns. Similarly, Australias evolving GST system illustrates how fiscal policies can be adjusted to address the specific needs of individual states while maintaining overall national coherence.

Effective policy making in federal systems requires a nuanced balance between central authority and regional autonomy. This balance can be achieved through data-driven decision-making, collaborative governance, and the inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives. However, the increasing trend of federal drift threatens to disrupt this equilibrium as central governments seek to enhance national coherence, sometimes at the expense of regional diversity.

To preserve the fundamental principle of state autonomy, federal systems must remain vigilant against centralisation. Successful policymaking fosters collaboration between central and state governments, respects regional variations, and remains flexible in the face of emerging governance challenges. The ongoing balance between autonomy and centralisation will continue to shape the future of federalism. Maintaining this equilibrium is essential for the resilience of federal systems in an increasingly complex global landscape. If this balance is not preserved, coalition politics  with smaller, assertive regional players may once again dominate national governance, reshaping the political discourse and potentially altering the future of federalism itself. sureshkumarnangia@gmail.com

Suresh Kumar (HT file photo)

(The writer is a retired Punjab-cadre IAS officer. Views expressed are personal).
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, two of the states premier research institutions, are grappling with acute shortage of funds to maintain adequate staff and conduct quality research, according to the Punjab Agriculture Policy draft. Policy draft points out that universities not getting enough funds for salaries of the existing staff. (HT File)

The draft of the agriculture policy was circulated to the stakeholders on Monday.

According to the draft, 538 of the 1,062 sanctioned teaching posts (scientists) at the PAU are vacant, accounting for 50.6%.

For the support staff, the agriculture university has a sanctioned strength of 3,723 and only 1,304 seats are filled.

The policy draft notes that in the fiscal year 2023-24, PAU needed 547 crore to cover the salary expenses for the exiting staff. However, it received only 422 crore from the state government. The draft adds that if the university was running on adequate staff with all vacancies filled, it would need 1,000 crore a year to cover the salary expenses alone.

According to the draft, PAU requires an additional 100 crore to meet the expenses for research, education and extension activities. It also called for a one-time grant of 700 crore for infrastructure, maintenance and upgrading laboratories.

Need additional grants to ensure quality research: V-C Gosal

PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal said the state despite having just 1.5% of area in the country, Punjab contributed around 30 to 40% of the paddy and wheat produced nationwide.

He added that after the heatwave in 2022, the wheat productivity in north India took a 20% hit and the Centre asked the state to chip in with as much as possible to make up for the losses elsewhere.

We contributed 51% of the wheat that year, he said.

Punjab plays a central role in ensuring food safety across the country. So, the Centre and the state should ensure sure the university gets the funds it needs to hire adequate staff and carry on the research work, Gosal said.

He said the PAU was eyeing projects on spectroscopy, imaging, geographical intelligence systems and a School of Artificial Intelligence.

The school of artificial intelligence, which is going to be a crucial field in the coming times, will require 10 crore. Similarly, there are a lot of other projects that we have in mind and will require a lot of funding for, he added.

At the veterinary university, 41% of the teaching (scientists) posts lay vacant, the draft said. Of the 426 teaching positions, only 250 are filled. For the supporting staff, 61% posts were yet to be filled as the university employs a staff of 481 against a sanctioned strength of 1,218.

The veterinary university needed 113 crore to cover salaries of the existing staff in the fiscal year 2023-24.

However, it only received 81 crore from the state government. To manage salaries of staff at full strength, the veterinary university will need 258 crore for the year.

To meet the expenses for research, education and extension activities, the university needed 40 crore, the draft added.

It pointed out that to build new infrastructure, maintenance and upgrading laboratories and faculty facilities, the university needed a one-time grant of 300 crore.

The policy recommended that the budgetary allocation and its release to the agriculture and veterinary university should come directly from the department of finance, rather than the departments of agriculture and farmers welfare, and animal husbandry, the departments concerned for the two universities, respectively.

Need more staff immediately: Vet varsity V-C

Veterinary varsity vice-chancellor Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill said the university needed more staff immediately to balance academics, research and extension activities.

Academic activities, research and extension events are all equally important. What good is research if we cant get it to the farmers and the beneficiaries? he said.

He added that with the available staff, the university was burdened to even keep the academic and research activities running. He said it was hard to spare faculty for the extension activities.

We must have enough staff so that we can spare a couple of professors from each department for extension activities, he pointed out.

The dairy farm at the university is outdated and requires mechanisation. The farmers have a long-standing demand for a high-tech feed testing centre.

Around 60 to 70% of the cost in dairy farming comes from feed. It is crucial that the farmers get the feed they buy tested to ensure that it doesnt have aflatoxins produced by fungus, he said.

He emphasised that this lab will cost around 10 crore and will need additional funds to cover human resources.

The veterinary hospital at the university, which the V-C was the biggest in north India, did not have MRI and CT scan facilities.

It is not usually used in the treatment of animals but can go a long way in treatment, he said.

He also highlighted that at present, the university has to prepare proposals for specific research projects to get funding from various agencies. If a specific amount is earmarked every year, it will smoothen research, he said.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile during its eighth session, which ended on Thursday, expressed concern over the alleged use of Xizang and not Tibet on certain museum catalogues in France, viewing it as a capitulation to Chinese pressure. The Tibet Museum has written a letter to the concerned French museums, urging them to restore the proper representation of Tibet. (File)

The move is being viewed as the issue of Chinas Sinicisation of Tibet and part of Chinas campaign to reshape the worlds understanding of the region.

Taking note of the matter, The Tibet Museum has written a letter to the concerned French museums, urging them to restore the proper representation of Tibet.

We are writing to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent decision taken by the Musee du quai Branly and the Musee Guimet in France, which have replaced the term Tibet with Xizang Autonomous Region in their catalogues and exhibitions. This decision, reportedly made under the influence of Chinese state pressures, is an alarming distortion of history and a denial of Tibets cultural and historical identity, a letter written by The Tibet Museum mentioned.

The letter shared by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on its official X handle outlined that by adopting the Chinese term Xizang, these respected French museums not only rewrite Tibetan history but also align themselves with an ongoing propaganda campaign designed to legitimise Chinas claim over Tibet.

This renaming is part of a broader effort seen at the 7th International Seminar on Tibetan Studies in Beijing, where scholars such as Wang Linping pushed for the adoption of Xizang as a way to reframe Tibets identity on the global stage. This is not merely a linguistic preference but a political tactic, part of Chinas long-standing campaign to reshape the worlds understanding of Tibet, just as it has done with other occupied regions like East Turkestan (rebranded as Xinjiang), the letter stated.

Tibet Museum director Tenzin Topdhen said such interference undermines the integrity of cultural institutions, which should stand as guardians of truth and history not as tools for geopolitical agendas. As a museum dedicated to preserving Tibets rich heritage, we urge the Musee du quai Branly and the Musee Guimet to reverse these decisions immediately and restore the proper representation of Tibetan culture and identity in their exhibitions, he added.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi will on Saturday take oath as the Delhi chief minister along with her Cabinet ministers, the ruling party announced on Thursday. AAP leader Atishi. (AFP)

The party is likely to announce the list of ministers on Thursday. A major reshuffle was expected. Atishi handled finance, the public works department, education, power, women and child development, etc in Arvind Kejriwals ministry. Kejriwal did not have any portfolio.

Saurabh Bhardwaj, Kailash Gahlot, Gopal Rai, and Imraan Hussain are likely to be retained in the new Cabinet. There was a vacancy in the previous Cabinet following the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand in May. The Delhi assembly has 70 members and the Cabinet can have a maximum of seven ministers, including the chief minister.

AAP leaders said the Atishi-led Cabinet is likely to have full strength. The new Cabinet is likely to have two new members, including one from the Dalit community.

The previous Cabinet will be dissolved as soon as Kejriwals resignation is accepted. The President appoints the Delhi chief minister under the Constitutions Article 239AA (5). The ministers are appointed on the chief ministers advice.

Lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday sent the file on the appointment of the chief minister to the President for approval, proposing Saturday for the swearing-in ceremony. AAP chief Kejriwal resigned as the chief minister after Atishi was nominated as his successor.
The escalating war of words between chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav has become a daily affair in the run-up to the bypolls to 10 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. (FILE PHOTOS)

The use of words like Aurangzeb, Mathadheesh-Mafia, Bhasmasur, Kutey Ki Poonch, Sargana-Sardaar, Aaka or Babua has spiced up the sharp verbal exchange between the two leaders.

The latest bout of barbs took place Thursday. While Yogi Adityanath addressed an event in Ayodhya district, Akhilesh expressed his views at a press conference around the same time in Lucknow.

Kuttey ki dum ki tarah Sapa ke gunday seedhey nahin ho saktey, en se lad kar he enhey seedha kiya ja sakta hai (The SP goons, like a dogs tail, cant be straightened; they can be set right by fighting against them), Adityanath said in Milkipur assembly constituency (in Ayodhya) that will go to bypolls along with nine other U.P. seats. The announcement of the bypoll date is likely anytime after the Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assembly polls.

Shortly after Yogis remark, Akhilesh posted a remark in Hindi on X: Now, someone is busy in making a world record of uttering abuses. A mans mindset spills out as words.

Shortly before that, Akhilesh said at the press conference: One who gets angry cant be a Yogi, this is a mathadheesh mukhyamantri. You see my picture and his picture, who looks like a mafia?

The mathadheesh narrative has continued since last Thursday (September 12) when Yadav, at a press conference in Lucknow, had alleged fake encounters. In a veiled attack on Adityanath, the SP chief had also said: There is not much difference between a mathadheesh and a mafia.

Yogi, in turn, invoked Sanskaar (upbringing). On Wednesday, Yogi counter-attacked Akhilesh in Ghaziabad (another bypoll seat) : It is his upbringing that prompts him to call Indias Sant tradition mafia.

It looks like that Aurangzebs spirit has entered him (SP chief), Adityanath claimed, reviving memories of the run-up to the 2017 UP assembly polls when some BJP leaders had called Akhilesh Aurangzeb.

In the same Ghaziabad event, Adityanath also said: The SP and the Congress have become like Bhasmasur--whenever entrusted with power, they misused it.

Last week, Yogi, emphasising his governments tough stance on criminals said: The gang leader (Sargana) gets troubled when gang members are in trouble.

On Thursday, Akhilesh countered Yogis Bhasmasur remark: There cant be two Bhasmasurs. They (BJP) will lose Haryana and Maharashtra as well; BJP should look for their own Bhasmasur first.

Before this, Yogi said at an event in Lucknow on Tuesday: General public is safe, but dangaaiyon ke aaka (the chieftain of rioters) are troubled.

Digging out another word from U.P.s political lexicon, Yogi on Thursday referred to the previous Akhilesh Yadav regime and said: Mafia sarkaar chalatey thay; Babua baarah bajey tak sota tha (Mafia used to run the government, while Babua used to sleep till noon).

Babua is a term which Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati used to refer to Akhilesh some elections ago.

As the bypolls are approaching, there seems to be no let up in the word-rage.

The 10 assembly seats for which bypolls will be held are: Karhal (Mainpuri), Khair (Aligarh ), Kundarki (Moradabad), Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Phulpur (Prayagraj), Ghaziabad (Ghaziabad), Majhawan (Mirzapur), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Milkipur (Ayodhya) and Sisamau (Kanpur).
At least people will not be served "rotis with spit" or "Hapur-wala juice" here, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Thursday while inaugurating a floating restaurant in the Ramgarh Tal. Gorakhpur: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the inauguration of the floating restaurant at Ramgarh Taal, in Gorakhpur, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (PTI)

He was referring to recent food safety controversies in the state, including vendors allegedly spitting on food or mixing urine in fruit juice.

"It is good that people here will at least not be served Hapur-wala juice or rotis with spit. Whatever served here will be pure," Adityanath said.

The floating restaurant, named Float, spans 9,600 square feet and features a modern design with three floors. It can host between 100 and 150 visitors at a time. Construction began on August 17, 2022, and it is now open to the public, offering what the government assures will be pure and hygienic dining experiences.

A viral video showed a teenager in Saharanpur allegedly spitting on rotis, which led to the arrest of the eatery's owner. Last week, a juice vendor in Ghaziabad was also arrested for allegedly mixing urine in the juices he served.

Similar incidents have surfaced in Noida, where two men were detained for contaminating juice with their spit earlier this year.

Earlier this year, the state government introduced regulations requiring food vendors, especially along the Kanwar Yatra route, to display their names. While the directive faced some criticism, the government said it aimed to ensure transparency and allow customers to make informed choices about the food they consume.

The Supreme Court, however, stayed the directives issued by the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh that mandated eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names, addresses and mobile numbers of their owners and staff.

The court also clarified that its order would not prevent any shopkeeper from voluntarily displaying the information.

Our order does not stop anybody from disclosing their names and identities. We are only saying that they should not be forced to do it, said a bench of justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti while refusing to entertain several applications filed by Kanwar Yatra pilgrims who supported the directives by claiming that it protected their religious customs.
Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed the transport department to amend regulations, paving the way for Bharat Gogawale, a discontented MLA from Mahad, to be appointed as chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). This marks the fourth such appointment of dissatisfied MLAs by Shinde's party, occurring just days before the anticipated announcement of Assembly elections. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. (PTI)

Shinde has been promising political appointments or cabinet induction to MLAs and leaders who supported him during the party split in June 2022. With cabinet expansion stalled for over two years, Shinde recently appointed Sanjay Shirsat, the party's Sambhaji Nagar MLA, as chairman of CIDCO. Former MP Anand Adsul was named chairman of the SC/ST commission, while another ex-MP, Hemant Patil, now heads the Turmeric Research and Development Centre.

Gogawale's proposed appointment faced a hurdle in existing regulations, which stipulate that only the transport minister can chair the MSRTC. "After we wrote to the transport department, they cited the Road Transport Corporation Act, which designates the transport minister as ex-officio chairman of the MSRTC. The CM has now directed the department to amend the rules to facilitate Gogawale's appointment," an official from the Chief Minister's Office explained.

The official added that once the CM signs the department's proposal, the formal order will be issued within two days.

In 2015, the Fadnavis government amended section 3(2) of the Act's rules, mandating that the minister would be ex-officio chairman. Previously, the government could appoint political leaders to chair the state transport corporation, with Congress leader Jivan Gore being the last such appointee.

Gogawale, who had been a frontrunner for a cabinet position, had publicly expressed expectations of a ministerial role and even claimed the post of guardian minister for Raigad. Discontent has been growing within the party as MLAs and MPs await political positions following the split.

"The distribution of corporations and boards has been agreed upon between the three parties, with BJP overseeing SRA and other corporations, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP manages the textiles corporation and similar boards. The BJP is reluctant to make appointments to these state-run boards for just a few weeks," a BJP leader commented.
Mumbai: Retired IPS officer and former Mumbai police chief Sanjay Pandey entered state politics by joining the Congress party. He is expected to contest the upcoming state assembly elections from Mumbai, with the party considering fielding him from a constituency with a significant north Indian population. Former Mumbai police chief Sanjay Pandey. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/ HT Photo) (HT PHOTO)

Sachin Sawant, general secretary of the state Congress, said, "He is an honest and upright officer who has set an example for the force. He is joining the party in the presence of Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala and Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad today."

Pandey has long harboured political ambitions. Previously, he announced plans to contest from the Versova assembly seat in Mumbai and had formed his own political outfit, the Rashtriya Janhit Party. He had also contemplated running in the recent Lok Sabha elections, considering the Mumbai North Central and Mumbai North West constituencies, but later changed his plans.

An alumnus of IIT-Kanpur and a 1986 batch IPS officer, Pandey was appointed Mumbai Police Commissioner on 18 February 2022. Despite being regarded as an upright officer, his career has not been without controversy.

During his tenure as Mumbai police commissioner, Pandey faced scrutiny. In June 2022, he was arrested by central agencies in connection with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) phone-tapping case. He currently faces two FIRs filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). One pertains to the illegal interception of NSE employees' phones by iSec Services Private Ltd, a company he founded, while the other concerns violations of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) guidelines in conducting NSE's system audit.

Following his arrest, Pandey spent nearly five months in custody. On 8 December 2022, the Delhi High Court granted him bail in the ED's money-laundering case. In its bail order, the court noted that although the CBI had charged Pandey with cheating, criminal breach of trust, and bribery, none of these offences' elements were found in the case. The bribery charges were deemed inapplicable as there were no allegations of anyone demanding or accepting a bribe.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) has expanded its investigative committee probing the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue following a directive from the union government. A 35-foot statue of Shivaji Maharaj collapsed in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg (HT/Yogesh Naik)

Last week, the union government contacted state chief secretary Sujata Saunik, recommending the inclusion of two additional members to the committee. In response, PWD additional chief secretary Manisha Mhaiskar promptly added Pradeep Kumar, director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Central Building Research Institute, and Rajesh Khaire, chief engineer (establishment) of Central Public Works Department in Chennai, to ensure a thorough investigation.

The expanded committee, now operational, is led by Commodore Pawan Dhingra. Other members include Sanjay Dashpute, Secretary PWD (buildings); Vikas Ramgude, former chief engineer of PWD and a structural engineer; RS Jangid from IIT Mumbai's civil engineering department; and S Parida from IIT Mumbai's metallurgical sciences department.

Concurrently, a second committee under Mhaiskar's supervision is in the process of finalising the tender for a new statue. "It will be taller than the earlier statue, and the entire cost will be borne by the state. We aim to finalise the tender by the end of this month," an official stated.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapsed on 26 August, causing significant embarrassment to the state government. The statue had been unveiled on 4 December by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of Navy Day.
Mumbai: The Bandra police have detained a motorcyclist for allegedly threatening Salim Khan, father of actor Salman Khan and renowned scriptwriter, by invoking the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. However, authorities suspect the incident may have been a prank. Salim Khan and Salman Khan live in Galaxy Apartments.

According to police reports, on Wednesday morning, whilst Salim Khan was seated at the promenade on Carter Road, a man on a scooter, accompanied by a woman passenger, halted near him. The rider reportedly said in a menacing tone, "Lawrence Bishnoi ko bheju kya?" (Shall I send Lawrence Bishnoi?) before hastily departing.

Khan later recounted to the police that he had been resting on a bench near Windmere Building when the incident occurred. He noted that the woman passenger was clad in a burka, concealing her face.

The scriptwriter promptly alerted the authorities, leading to a case being registered against the scooter rider. A police officer from Bandra station stated, "Khan was able to discern only four digits of the number plate7444which enabled us to identify and apprehend the man."

The Bandra police have charged the man and woman under sections 353(2) (inciting enmity between different groups), 292 (public nuisance), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. Sanjay Marathe, senior police inspector of Bandra police station, commented, "We are tracing the couple through CCTV recordings, although we presume it was mischief."

This incident follows a series of security concerns for the Khan family. Two days prior, police arrested a motorcyclist for reckless driving after attempting to infiltrate Salman Khan's convoy. Additionally, the actor's father had previously received a threatening note at Bandstand.

These events unfold against a backdrop of heightened security measures for the actor and his family, following a shooting incident outside their residence. In the early hours of 14 April, two assailants on a motorcycle fired five or six rounds at the actor's house before fleeing the city. The Khan family was present at their Galaxy Apartment residence in Bandra West during the attack.

In a 1,735-page charge sheet filed before the special MCOCA court, police have named nine individuals, including Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol, believed to be in Canada, claimed responsibility for the attack via a Facebook post. The charge sheet alleges that he instructed Vicky Gupta to fire shots outside the actor's residence to intimidate Khan.

Other arrested individuals include Sagarkumar Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohd Rafiq Choudhary, and Harpal Singh. Anujkumar Thapan, another suspect, died by suicide while in police custody. The remaining accused are currently in judicial custody.

The police have booked the suspects under various sections, with charges amounting to 50,000 for causing public nuisance and common intention.
At least 80 homes, belonging to families mostly from the Dalit community, were set on fire by unidentified people on Wednesday night in Bihars Nawada district, police said. Out of these homes, 21 homes were completely burnt to ashes. A group of atleast 100 people surrounded the homes in Krishna Nagar area and set them on fire. (HT photo)

A group of atleast 100 people surrounded the homes in Krishna Nagar area and set them on fire.

Villagers residing here are mostly from the Manjhi and Ravidas communities.

According to police, the incident took place around 7:30pm. They said that there was a heated altercation between the alleged assailants and the villagers after which the former opened fire. On hearing the gunshots, both men and women of the area along with their children, rushed out of their respective homes.

The unidentified people then torched their homes.

Nine fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the fire was extinguished around 11:30pm.

District magistrate (DM) Ashutosh Kumar Verma said that an investigation is underway to ascertain reasons behind the violence.

Our primary focus is to rehabilitation of the victims. Fortunately, there have been no reports of live casualties in the incident, said Verma, adding that only 21 houses were completely burnt to ashes.

Superintendent of police (SP) in Nawada Abhinav Dheeman told HT on Thursday that 15 accused including the main accused Nandu Paswan, a resident of Pranpur village, has been arrested in this connection. The incident is related to a land dispute between two groups, adding that the matter is sub-judice. The situation is now under control and a large contingent of police personnel was deployed in the area to prevent any flare-up. Search was underway to nab the other accused persons, the SP added.

Expressing concerns over the incident, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar took stock of the situation after following up with state home secretary and Director General of Police (DGP). He asked them to send an additional director general of police (ADG) to the spot to take over the investigation.

Opposition political party leaders including former UP CM Mayawati, and the leader of opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav condemned it.

The incident of burning down many houses of poor Dalits in Bihars Nawada by the goons and ruining their lives is extremely sad and serious. The government should take strict legal action against the culprits and also provide full financial help for the rehabilitation of the victims, Mayawati wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Tejashwi said atrocities on people from the Dalit community will not be tolerated.

More than 100 houses of Dalits were set on fire in Nawada. There is fire all over Bihar under the rule of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is carefree, NDA allies are unaware! The poor are burnt, die  what do they care? Atrocities on Dalits will not be tolerated, Yadav wrote in a post on X.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the incident raising concerns over the safety of Dalits.

The incident is yet another proof of the jungle raj of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) double engine government, Kharge said.

Assuring people of speedy justice, Bihars SC/ST and welfare minister Janak Ram said those involved in the crime will not be spared.

Under the NDA regime, entire Dalit community is safe, he said.
PURNEA: A senior Bihar police officer Shivdeep Wamanrao Lande on Thursday announced that he has resigned from service, the second Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the state to opt for voluntary retirement in two months. Shivdeep Wamanrao Lande said he decided to resign after discussing the move with his wife and mother (Facebook/shivdeeplandeofficial)

Lande, a 2006 batch IPS officer, announced on Facebook that he had resigned on Thursday but underlined that he would continue to stay in Bihar and work in the state. The officer did not clarify his plans after the formalities of his exit were completed.

I have served in Bihar for 18 years and to me, Bihar is like my family and more. If I have made a mistake during my stint, I would seek forgiveness from the people of Bihar. Today I have resigned from IPS but I will be in Bihar and continue to serve Bihar, he said in a post.

Lande, who is currently inspector general of police (Purnea range), was from Maharashtra and was allotted the Bihar cadre nearly two decades ago.

In August, a 2019-batch IPS officer Kamya Mishra put in her papers. She was superintendent of police (SP) in rural Darbhanga.

Like Mishra, Lande has cited personal reasons in his resignation letter. But a senior police officer said Lande, who never made any compromises, had been unhappy with the functioning of the police administration in Bihar, particularly after he returned after serving for five years in Mumbai.

Lande was the district police chief of several districts such as Munger and Araria apart from a stint as Patnas City SP before going on a five-year deputation to Maharashtra where he served as deputy commissioner of police (DCP) of Mumbais anti-narcotics cell. He returned to Bihar in 2022 and joined as deputy inspector general (DIG) of Kosi range. Later he was promoted to IG in Tirhut range and on September 6, he was transferred to Purnea as IG Purnea range.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at five locations in Bihar including the residence of former Janata Dal- (United) MLC Manorama Devi in Gaya in connection with its probe against the banned outfit CPI (Maoist), officials said. Out of five locations being raided, three are in Gaya and one each at Rohtas and Aurangabad. (PTI photo)

According to officials familiar with the matter, the NIA raids were underway at the JD-U leaders residence in Gayas AP Colony area since 4am.

Speaking to media persons, Gaya SSP Ashish Bharti said, The NIA had requested the district police for security personnel for carrying out a search which was provided to the probe agency.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh: NIA raids 6 places in attack on poll party during 2023 state polls

The raids are part of the case, which was initially registered on August 7, 2023, and re-registered by the agency on September 26, 2023.

These raids are a part of NIAs probe into the unlawful activities by the banned outfit members in Aurangabad district.

The NIA is investigating the alleged conspiracy by Maoists to revive and strengthen the organisation in the Mahadh region.

Out of five locations being raided, three are in Gaya and one each at Rohtas and Aurangabad.

According to people aware of the details, Devis Bodh Gaya construction company plant was also being searched.

A comment from Devi is awaited and the copy will be updated whenever it is received.
Amid two big political alliances -Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)- discussing seat sharing ahead of assembly elections in Maharashtra, smaller parties, claiming to be part of the third front, met in the city on Thursday. Leaders from Prahar Janshakti, Swaraj Party and Swabhimani Paksha meet in the city on Thursday to discuss forming a united front for the upcoming assembly polls. (HT PHOTO)

During the meeting, leaders from Prahar Janshakti, Swaraj Party and Swabhimani Paksha discussed forming a united front. However, MVA leaders, including Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) state unit chief Jayant Patil, have urged these parties to join the MVA to avoid splitting the vote, which could inadvertently benefit the ruling alliance.

This was the second meeting held in the city, and it was attended by Prahar Janshakti leader Bacchu Kadu, Swaraj founder Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, and Swabhimani Pakshas Raju Shetti. The first meeting was held on September 11.

Farmers leaders including former MLA Vamanrao Chatap, Shankar Dhondge, Rajratna Ambedkar of the Buddhist Society, and Narayan Ankushe of the Bhartiya Jawan Kisan Party also attended the meeting.

Shetti, whose base is primarily in Kolhapur and Sangli, emphasised the unity among the leaders. We all come from an agricultural background. Many of us followed the late Sharad Joshis agrarian movement but took different paths. Now, we aim to reunite like-minded leaders to present a strong alternative for the voters, he said.

Each leader commands influence in specific regionsKadu in Amravati district, Shetti in western Maharashtra, and Sambhajiraje in parts of Kolhapur. They plan to use this influence to rally rural voters, particularly farmers, under a common platform.

While the third front is mostly rooted in rural areas, they are also exploring opportunities to expand their urban base. Shetti mentioned efforts to bring Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil into the alliance. Additionally, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackerays announcement to contest the elections separately has opened up discussions about his possible inclusion in the third front.

If MNS joins us, it will strengthen our presence in urban areas where they have considerable support, said Shetti.

Bacchu Kadu, who previously supported the Mahayuti government, did not hold back in his criticism of both, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, stating, Its time to keep both these parties away from power. If given the chance, we will work across all sectors for the peoples benefit.

His recent meeting with Sharad Pawar and MP Supriya Sule raised speculation about his political alignment, but Kadu remains committed to the third fronts cause.

Responding to the developments, NCP (SP) state president Patil expressed hope that Kadu would reconsider and align with the MVA rather than helping the BJP indirectly.

We are working to unite all parties that oppose the current governments misguided policies under the MVA umbrella, Patil remarked, hinting at the possibility of further discussions with third-front leaders.

Despite calls for unity, the third front is selective about its alliances. While they are keen on bringing the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), led by Prakash Ambedkar, on board, Ambedkar has shown little interest in joining forces.

At the same time, the third front is reluctant to include All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, citing concerns about religion-based politics. We do not want parties involved in communal politics, Kadu said earlier this week.

With the election drawing closer, the formation of a credible third front could shake up the political dynamics in Maharashtra, offering voters an alternative to the two major coalitions.
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board has released the WBJEE BPharm 2024 Counselling Schedule. Candidates who want to apply for B.Pharma courses can check the schedule on the official website of WBJEEB at wbjeeb.in. WBJEE BPharm 2024 Counselling: Schedule out, registration begins today

The registration process and payment of the registration fee will begin today, September 19, and will end on September 23, 2024. The choice filling, including choice locking, will be done from September 22 to September 23, 2024.

NEET UG 2024 Round 2 seat allotment result releasing today at mcc.nic.in, heres how to check

The round 1 seat allotment result will be released on September 25. Payment of the seat acceptance fee, reporting to the allotted institutes for document verification, and admission can be done from September 25 to September 28, 2024.

WBJEE BPharm 2024 Counselling: How to apply

To apply for the counselling round, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of WBJEEB at wbjeeb.in.

Click on WBJEE BPharm 2024 Counselling registration link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will have to register themselves.

Once done, login to the account and fill the application form.

Make the payment of application fee.

Click on submit and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

WBJEE B.Pharm has two rounds of counselling: Allotment and Upgrade. Candidates are allowed to register at the beginning of Round I. Registration for counselling is required to secure a seat. Unregistered candidates will not be considered for seat allocation in any round.

Also Read: AIAPGET 2024 final seat allotment result for Round 1 releasing today at aaccc.gov.in, heres how to check

The registration fee for Round-1 counselling is Rs. 500/-, which is non-refundable under any circumstance. The payment should be made online.

This counselling round is held for admission to the Pharmacy course (B.Pharm.) of various self-financing Institutions/colleges/Universities in West Bengal based on the valid rank. For more related details candidates can check the official website of WBJEEB.
Every year, most students from India travel to Canada to pursue their higher studies and eventually start their professional lives. A recent article by Forbes quoted an NFAP report as claiming that many Indian students have decided to attend Canadian universities rather than US universities since Canadas immigration policies are better at attracting and retaining talent. The IRCC has announced a further 10 percent reduction in study permits for international students in 2025. (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

The NFAP report further stated that Indians immigrating to Canada rose from 32,828 to 139,715, indicating an increase of 326%.

Also read: OTET 2024 Answer Key released at bseodisha.ac.in, download link here

However, the latest notice by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC may likely affect many Indian students wanting to study in Canada.

The IRCC notice, released on September 18, 2024, announced a further 10 per cent reduction in study permits for international students in 2025. The reduction has been made from the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued.

The move is aimed at stabilising the intake cap for 2026 such that the number of study permits issued remains the same as in 2025, which is 437,000.

Also read: Puja Khedkar row: HC issues notice on UPSC plea seeking perjury proceedings, to hear Khedkars response on Sept 26

Apart from this, the IRCC has also introduced other measures which are as follows:

Updating the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program from fall this year to better align with immigration goals and labour market needs.

Limit work permit eligibility, later this year, to spouses of masters degree students to only those whose program is at least 16 months in duration.

Limit work permit eligibility later this year to spouses of foreign workers in management or professional occupations or sectors with labour shortagesunder Canadas work permit programs (TFWP and IMP).

The official notice read, Earlier this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a decrease in the number of temporary residentsfrom 6.5% of Canadas total population down to 5% by 2026. To achieve this goal, the federal government is taking action to manage the increase of temporary residents and hold employers misusing the system accountable. We are reforming the International Student Program, tightening eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers, enforcing employer compliance more strictly, and making labour market impact assessments more rigorous to mitigate fraud, and more.

It further added, The proposed reduction of temporary residents from 6.5% of Canadas total population to 5% will be reflected in the 20252027 Immigration Levels Plan, which will be released by November 1, 2024.

Also read: NEET UG 2024 Round 2 seat allotment result releasing today at mcc.nic.in, heres how to check

Furthermore, graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years if they graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage, the notice stated.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to X (formerly Twitter) wherein he wrote, Were granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that numbers going down by another 10%.

For more information, check the IRCC notice here.
IIM Bangalore (IIMB) and Kings College London (KCL), in collaboration with their non-academic partner, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), hosted a conference titled, UK-India Trade: Small Firms and Global Ambitions in New Delhi. The workshop highlighted key findings and explored themes such as UK-India trade, global value chains, social networks and the role of small firms in the global market (HT file)

Held at the India International Centre, the event unveiled key insights from a three-year collaborative research project. The conference saw the presence of policymakers and stakeholders from academia, government and industry, who engaged in an in-depth discussion on the future of MSMEs, particularly in the handicrafts sector, and their global growth potential.

The three-year research project, Enablers and Obstacles to UK-India Trade (2021-2024), has been funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

Also Read: Puja Khedkar row: HC issues notice on UPSC plea seeking perjury proceedings, to hear Khedkars response on Sept 26

Led by principal investigators Prof Kamini Gupta and Prof Sunil Mitra Kumar of Kings College London, and Prof Prateek Raj from the Strategy area at IIM Bangalore, the research stresses upon the challenges and opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in bilateral trade between the UK and India.

Our research reveals that India's handwoven carpet industry is composed of small firms with truly global ambitions. While we found that market linkages and demand-side factors are more pressing concerns than credit access, there is significant potential for growth. Kashmir, for instance, could boost its luxury carpet exports with better export assistance and innovation support. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan could benefit from exploring new export destinations and focusing on higher-quality products. Importantly, this traditional yet innovative industry has the potential to become a major source of job creation, particularly for women, which could have a transformative impact on regions like Bhadohi, Srinagar and Jaipur', said Prof Prateek Raj from IIM Bangalore.

Also Read: Canada to further reduce study permits for international students, know motive behind the move and latest updates

Unlocking the potential of India's handwoven carpet industry requires addressing two critical factors: access to credit and social networks. Our research reveals that small firms prefer inter-firm credit from suppliers or customers to formal options, highlighting the importance of relationships in facilitating global trade. By understanding the specific needs of each cluster, such as export assistance in Kashmir or quality upgradation in UP and Rajasthan, we can enhance the industry's global competitiveness and boost MSME participation in international trade," said Prof Kamini Gupta of Kings College London.

'India-UK trade presents immense potential, especially in services, investment and key sectors like handicrafts and textiles. With renewed focus on a free trade agreement, we anticipate significant opportunities for growth and collaboration. This partnership will drive innovation, bolster exports and strengthen economic ties between two global powerhouses', said Prof Sunil Mitra of Kings College London.

The project examined supply chains and access to bank credit for MSMEs, focusing on carpet-weaving handicrafts clusters in Kashmir, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The workshop highlighted key findings and explored themes such as UK-India trade, global value chains, social networks and the role of small firms in the global market, mentioned the press release.

Also Read: BITS Pilani Alumni couple pledges 8.40 crore for institutional development
India remains a major partner for Maldives and also a major contributor to the development, especially in the education sector, Maldives Education, Labour & Skills Minister Ahmed Shafeeu has said. India major contributor to development of education sector: Maldives Minister

He was addressing education and skilling resources exhibition and conference DIDAC INDIA, on Wednesday.

Canada to further reduce study permits for international students, know motive behind the move and latest updates

"India has been a leader in many ways, not only in the region but also globally. When we consider India's economic and technological development, as well as its contributions to education and skill development, it's important to recognize its significance," Shafeeu said at the three-event that began on September 18 here.

The event is being organised by Messe Stuttgart India in collaboration with India Didactics Association (IDA).

Also read: Puja Khedkar row: HC issues notice on UPSC plea seeking perjury proceedings, to hear Khedkars response on Sept 26

It was inaugurated by renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the presence of Shafeeu and Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria.

Ravi Shankar said educational institutions should prioritize addressing the mental health issues of teachers, students, and parents. It is crucial to establish a platform to help students develop mental resilience for their intellectual growth.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said there are 200 academic and research collaborations between Victoria and India. Victoria stands as the number one destination for Indian international students and "we see transnational education as the greatest opportunity for growth."

Check This: Odisha govt introduces new policy to provide safer workplace for medics

Aditya Gupta, CEO, of IDA said that to support Government of Indias vision and to further boost Indias education system, DIDAC INDIA 2024 convenes thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and industry officials from all around the world for in-depth exploration and global showcase.

India is witnessing a massive shift in the education and skilling sector with the introduction of AI and tech-driven solutions, he added.

Addressing this need of the hour, DIDAC INDIA's 14th edition will showcase a diverse array of futuristic solutions and resources to bolster the sector.

DIDAC INDIA opened new doors for foreign investments, tech innovation and collaborations to fuel Indias education and skill sector.

The participating countries include Maldives, Germany, Finland, the State of Victoria, the State of New South Wales and the UK.

Over 300 brands from 20 countries including Google, Apple, HP, Samsung, IBO, BenQ, Janatics, Pearson, and Roombr are showcasing over 5,000 products and technologies including AI, drones, educational supplies, IoT, robotics.
The once-glamorous life of Hip-Hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs came crashing down when he was incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. This notorious federal jail is infamous for its harsh conditions and high-profile inmates. The MDC, which had previously housed figures like R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, was a far cry from the star-studded parties and lavish mansions that had defined Combs' career for decades. 2017 Billboard Music Awards  Photo Room - Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., 21/05/2017 - Sean Diddy Combs./File Photo(REUTERS)

The 54-year-olds attorney has been pleading with the judge for his release, vowing that Combs will never have a woman at his home again following the sickening sex crime charges leveled against him.

Sean Diddy Combs locked up in Brooklyn Jail

Following Diddy's arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, he was detained without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, NY. This concrete facility, known for its harsh and barbaric conditions, houses over 1,200 individuals. Reports from the New York Times indicate a history of violence, food safety issues, and tragic incidents such as murders and suicides.

People locked up often complain about violent fighting, dirty living areas, not enough staff, and workers helping with illegal things like drug smuggling and other banned items. According to AP, they impose frequent lockdowns and restrictions on leaving their cells for essential activities like visits, calls, showers, and exercise.

Also read: Sean Diddy Combs attorney appears to blame Cassie Ventura for 2016 caught-on-camera beating: She has left him in

Over the past five years, more than six MDC Brooklyn staff members have been charged with crimes. According to an Associated Press analysis of agency-related arrests, some of these staff members were accused of accepting bribes or dealing with drugs and other illegal activities.

In addition to problematic staff, the building has long dealt with problems like week-long power outage that once left the inmates freezing in cold without any heat supply. It's handling of infrastructure breakdowns and the COVID-19 pandemic. Has also remained in criticism.

Brooklyn Jail popular for high profile inmates

The infamous facility has housed numerous high-profile inmates, including R. Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell, Michael Cohen, cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried, and rapper Fetty Wap. Sean Combss entry is just another glittering addition to the jails other notable detainees including Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli, NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere, former Mexican official Genaro Garcia Luna, and ex-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez Alvarado.

Also read: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' $50mn bond proposal to get out of jail rejected; Internet reacts with shock and memes

In June, 37-year-old Uriel Whyte was killed after being brutally stabbed. Just a month later, 36-year-old Edwin Cordero died from injuries sustained in a brawl. Cordero's lawyer, Andrew Dalack, told The New York Times that his client was trapped in an overcrowded, understaffed, and neglected jail that was a terrible place to be. Over the last three years, at least four people at the jail have died by suicide.
Jennifer Lopez reportedly plans to embarrass and take revenge on her estranged husband, Ben Affleck, by revealing his prowess in the bedroom. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were recently spotted together

In Touch Weekly reported Lopez is not prepared to forgive Affleck following their recent split. When they were together, J. Lo put Ben on a pedestal, particularly when it came to their bedroom life, the insider said. But now, she's telling people he wasn't as impressive as she once thought.

However, since their separation, Lopez's view of Affleck has changed. But her rose-colored glasses are off and shes telling people he was actually a pretty selfish and basic lover, the source added.

ALSO READ| Ben Affleck could not keep his hands off Jennifer Lopez at brunch amid divorce

Lopez aims to hit Ben where it hurts

For readers and those unfamiliar, Lopez had previously written songs celebrating her passionate romance with Affleck. Her album This Is Me Now: A Love Story, released in February 2024, was a tribute to their rekindled love, and even featured songs inspired by their private life.

However, now that their relationship has come to an end, Lopez reportedly regrets creating such intimate tributes. She's frustrated that she wrote all those romantic lyrics about him, the insider told In Touch.

Missing your body / Climbing on top of me / Slipping inside of me / Way that I ride it, JLo wrote in her song.

However, since their split in April, Lopezs feelings have reportedly changed drastically. Now, she is rumoured to be working on a follow-up song that will take a much different tone.

Now the Atlast star is ready to release a breakup song that will hit him where it hurts, especially in terms of his bedroom skills.

ALSO READ| Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck still moving forward with divorce despite recent kissing: Report

Despite his apparent hesitation in the album and its accompanying documentary, sources indicated that Affleck was initially supportive of the project. Ben was very much the driving force behind the project, the source explained, adding that he encouraged Lopez to move forward with the album and film, even if he later appeared surprised by the final product.
Actor Dulquer Salmaan was once asked to address the stereotype of Malayalis being very smart in an interview. Talking to Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast in 2023, the actor admitted that the perception exists because of the literacy rate in Kerala. (Also Read: Kaantha: Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati, Bhagyashri Borse team up for a retro film set in 1950s Madras. See pics) Dulquer Salmaan was last seen in King of Kotha and Kalki 2898 AD.

We flourish outside the state

Dulquer was asked if all Malayalis are good at math and as smart as theyre perceived to be, to which the actor admitted that many of them will agree they arent but that the perception also exists because of the literacy rate in Kerala.

He said, Its because we have 100% literacy in our state, I think education is something that is almost guaranteed that you have to do. But a lot of times, Ive noticed that we flourish outside the state. Look at all of the best content writers, editors, there will be Malayalis in all publications of India. Or all the nurses everywhere will be Malayalis.

Dulquer also stated that because of the size of the state where everyone kind of knows everyone similar values are distilled. He also spoke in the same interview about how Malayalis love pop culture references from the 90s and food when asked what they talk about and if its all intellectual. You meet another Malayali; you ask where you are from back home. Its almost become a joke to break ice like this, he said.

Upcoming work

Dulquer was last seen in the Malayalam film King of Kotha and he played a cameo in the Telugu film Kalki 2898 AD. He will soon be seen in Lucky Baskhar directed by Venky Atluri, Aakasam Lo Oka Tara, directed by Pavan Sadineni in Telugu and Kaantha, directed by Selvamani Selvaraj in Tamil. The first season of the web series Guns & Gulaabs starred Dulquer, it remains to be seen if he returns for the second season.
Led by Rajinikanth, Coolie is one of the most anticipated Tamil films of 2025. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has spoken out against the recent leak of a Coolie scene featuring Nagarjuna Akkineni. He shared that because of the leak, two months of hard work' was wasted. The filmmaker took to X to 'humbly request everyone not to engage in such practices'. Also read | Rajinikanth celebrates Onam with swag, grooves to Vettaiyan song on the sets of Coolie. Watch Director Lokesh Kanagaraj requests not to leak videos from Coolie shoot; Nagarjuna on a poster of Coolie (right).

I humbly request not to engage in such practices

He tweeted, "Two months of hard work by many people have gone in vain because of one recording. I humbly request everyone not to engage in such practices, as they spoil the overall experience. Thank you."

In reaction, an X user said, "Yes absolutely..." Another tweeted, We believe in you don't worry Loki (Lokesh Kanagaraj). Sure Coolie will set a new benchmark.... concentrate on your work...

What exactly happened

Nagarjuna's scene from the sets of Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie recently leaked on social media. The actor, who plays a character named Simon in the film, can be seen shooting for a violent scene. In a video doing rounds on X (formerly Twitter), Nagarjuna can be seen dressed in a white suit and beating up a man with a hammer.

One video seems to have been shot from far, which sees the actor in action. Another video taken from much closer sees him threaten a man before beating him up with a hammer. In the video, a crew member narrates some Tamil lines with proper pronunciation to Nagarjuna before he says them.

More about the film

Coolie is expected to hit theatres in 2025. The team of Coolie welcomed Nagarjuna onboard the film on the occasion of his birthday in August 2024. Welcoming him, Lokesh had tweeted, "Kicked to have King @iamnagarjuna sir joining the cast of Coolie as Simon. Welcome on board and wishing you a very happy birthday sir."

Apart from Nagarjuna, the film stars Soubin Shahir as Dayal, Shruti Haasan as Preethi, Sathyaraj as Rajasekar, and Upendra as Kaleesha. Rajinikanth will play Deva.
Actor Allu Arjuns father, producer Allu Aravind, analysed the pan-Indian appreciation for south Indian films at the South Indian Film Festival in March, a video of which was shared now by his OTT platform Aha. Talking about his controversial take on Bollywood, the filmmaker got candid about what south India is doing right that the north isnt. (Also Read: Pushpa producer reacts to Pawan Kalyan's comment on portrayal of heroes as smugglers) Allu Arjun's father Allu Aravind spoke about Bollywood at South India Film Festival.

Allu Aravind on Bollywood

The producer was asked what was different between the pan-Indian films being made now, like Pushpa: The Rise, and those made in the 80s. He responded, The gates are opened now. The material is now being received well all over India, including our (south Indian) dubbed films. I have a slightly controversial answer for why their (Hindi) content isnt working similarly.

Aravind added that while he has great respect for Bombay filmmakers, they seem stuck with a particular kind of stories. He said, Their level of thinking is too good. At the same time, they are somewhere locked between Bandra and Juhu. Theyre brought up in Bandra and Juhu, their culture and vision is like that. They need to realise UP and Bihar is also there. Why are films made in Telugu or Tamil being liked in Bihar?

However, Aravind believes its all changing, and the recognition south has will no longer hold because the Hindi filmmakers have realised they need to cast a wider net. Now, I spoke to a couple of people (in the Hindi film industry). I dont want to name them. They have realised and are trying to make (films for a wider audience). This specific recognition of the south will soon disappear as our Bombay filmmakers also make. I think all-India films will be made by all industries now, whenever they pick up a content and a budget to that regard, he said.

Allu Aravinds career

Aravind founded Geetha Arts, a film production and distribution company in 1972. At the same event, he spoke about how his first film was in black and white with live recording, but he soon dabbled in colour with dubbing. His first film was 1974s Bantrotu Bharya and through the years, he has produced hit films such as Subhalekha, Pelli Sandadi, Master, Jalsa and Magadheera. Hes also the producer of his sons film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and its Hindi remake with Kartik Aaryan, Shehzada. Arjun will soon star in Sukumars Pushpa: The Rule with Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil.
Dia Mirza recently responded to the controversy surrounding the use of aliases for terrorists in Anubhav Sinha's IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. In the crime-thriller-drama series, the actor plays the role of a journalist and addressed objections to the use of aliases such as Bhola and Shankar. Dia, in an interview with Galatta Plus, mentioned that anyone with concerns can verify the information as the show is based on facts. (Also read: IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack review: Avengers of Indian acting assemble for Anubhav Sinha's gripping, nuanced thriller) Dia Mirza recently reacted to the controversy over names of terrorists in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

Dia Mirza on controversy over her new show

While reacting to the mixed opinions and online backlash, Dia said, I think what matters is the intention. I dont think the intention of the show is to cause any disharmony. Thats the most important thing. And thats our truth. The second thing is that I think everything that is being questioned is verifiable, and factual. How do you debate that?

When Dia's co-star Vijay Varma who joined her in the interview mentioned how the media backed the show, she pointed out, Because they can verify the information.

About IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

Dia plays the character of Shalini aka Sha Chandra, Editor of India Headlines in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series is based on the real-life events of 1999 when Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked by five men after it took off from Kathmandu. The flight first landed in Amritsar, then in Lahore, and then in Dubai where 27 passengers were freed in exchange for fuel. The plane was then taken to Kandahar, and the standoff lasted for a week.

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack also features Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swamy, Manoj Pahwa, Patralekha Paul, Kumud Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, Amrita Puri, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pooja Gor, Kanwaljit Singh, Yashpal Sharma, Sushant Singh, Rajiv Thakur and others in crucial characters.

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is available for streaming on Netflix.

Dia Mirza's acting career

Dia's debut film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001), recently re-released in theatres. The movie also features R Madhavan and Saif Ali Khan in pivotal roles. Her last theatrical release was Dhak Dhak (2023). She has also acted in web shows such as Kaafir (2019) and Made in Heaven (2023).
When it comes to sexism, actor Kritika Kamra feels men have a huge responsibility towards addressing it and solving it. And she said that the first step is to call it out in their own circle. Also read: Don't want to be a wallflower in films or shows, says actor Kritika Kamra Kritika Kamra was most recently seen in web series Gyaarah Gyaarah. (Instagram)

What she said

Recently when speaking at Prime Videos Maitri: Female First Collective, Kritika emphasised on the importance of men taking responsibility for fighting sexism in men-only spaces. She feels men have a huge role to play in eradicating sexism from society.

I think it's up to men to call out sexism, objectification, and vulgar jokes in their male-only spaces boys' locker room talk, casual banter when its just the guys hanging out, or even how they perceive women on-screen and off, she said.

The actor added, Theres a fine line between a compliment and objectification, and if men can call out their friends without hesitation, it would make a real difference."

About Kritika

Kritika is known for her versatile roles and impactful performances. She has become a popular name for her work in television, OTT space as well as films. From Hush Hush to Bambai Meri Jaan, she has opted for versatile roles to proven her mettle in acting.

Kritika was most recently seen in ZEE5 series, Gyaarah Gyaarah, which is a remake of hit South Korean drama, Signal. Next, she will be seen in Nagraj Manjules debut OTT series. Matka King. She is excited about working with the director, known for Marathi hits such as Fandry, Sairat and Hindi film Jhund with Amitabh Bachchan.

I had never thought Id ever get to work with him . Before Jhund, he was making more Marathi films, and I couldnt speak Marathi so it was not a thing that I thought would happen. But when I got this chance, I jumped at it because if he is doing something in Hindi, I want to be part of it, the actor said sometime back.
A 26-year-old employee of the multinational consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune died due to overwhelming workload, her mother has claimed. Anna Sebastian Perayil had joined EY as a chartered accountant just four months before she succumbed to work pressure, her mother Anita Augustine said in a letter. "Burnout occurs when stress becomes chronic and exceeds individual resilience. It results in a deeper sense of hopelessness and disconnection, marked by a lack of motivation, energy, and purpose that persists despite taking breaks." explains Dr. Sneha Sharma, Consultant-Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.

This tragic incident highlights a growing concern in the modern workplace: chronic burnout. If you ever feel like your to-do list never ends, no matter how hard you work? Do you dread Monday mornings more than ever? If you answered yes, you might be dealing with chronic burnout, and its important to know when its time to take action.

Recognizing the red flags early

While occasional stress is normal, chronic burnout can be a sign of a toxic work place. Recognizing the red flags early is essential to protecting your health and productivity. Some common warning signs are poor communication, unclear job expectations, excessive workloads, and lack of recognition.

A high turnover rate and poor work-life balance also contribute to workplace stress, leading to burnout. Employees in such environments often feel overworked and unsupported, says Pulkit Sharma, Clinical Psychologist.

So why does it happen? unclear job expectations could be the reason why. In professional settings, burnout is commonly triggered by factors such as unclear job expectations which leads to excessive work load followed by no lack of recognition or support." explains Sharma.



Chronic burnout vs. General stress

According to Dr. Pooja Anand, Associate Consultant at Paras Health, Gurugram, "Burnout manifests through emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Unlike temporary exhaustion, which can be remedied with rest, burnout persists over time and leads to feelings of helplessness and detachment."



"Burnout occurs when stress becomes chronic and exceeds individual resilience. It results in a deeper sense of hopelessness and disconnection, marked by a lack of motivation, energy, and purpose that persists despite taking breaks." explains Dr. Sneha Sharma, Consultant-Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.



What the early signs of burn out?

Early warning signs of burnout include reduced enthusiasm for work, chronic exhaustion, and irritability. It persists over time and leads to feelings of helplessness and detachment from work or personal responsibilities. explains Anand.

Physical symptoms of burnout can range from constant fatigue to sleep disturbances and weight gain, explains Dr. Santosh Chavan, Psychiatrist Jupiter Hospital, Pune. Emotional symptoms such as feeling helpless, irritable, or emotionally numb, often accompany burnout. he adds.

Dr. Chavan points out that missing work more often, avoiding social interactions, and having trouble focusing can be also be early signs of burnout. "If you ignore these signs, they can get worse," he warns. Spotting these symptoms early gives people a chance to act before burnout becomes more serious.



When to seek help?

If burnout starts affecting your daily life, it might be time to get professional help. Dr. Chavan advises that if emotional or physical symptoms continue without a clear medical cause, or if functioning deteriorates, it's time to seek assistance.

Dr. Sharma suggests seeking assistance when symptoms get worsen. One should seek professional help if burnout symptoms become severe, such as persistent anxiety or a low mood that disrupts daily functioning.

Dr. Anand further stresses that addressing burnout early through therapy or workplace adjustments is important. Effective interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), counseling, and stress management techniques can help, she adds

"In more serious cases, taking a break from work or personal responsibilities may be necessary for recovery, Dr. Anand concludes.


















An armed group of men torched 44 homes in a Dalit-dominated settlement in Bihars Nawada district over a land dispute, police said on Thursday, adding that 15 people were arrested for the incident. Burnt houses in Nawada district of Bihar on Thursday. (HT Photo)

The sensational crime, which happened on Wednesday evening at Krishna Nagar village in Dedaur panchayat, also triggered a political controversy with the Opposition blaming the Nitish Kumar government of ignoring Dalits, and the government dismissing the charges.

Hundreds of people surrounded Krishna Nagar area, a Dalit hamlet, and first opened fire before setting the huts ablaze around 7.15pm on Wednesday, police said. Villagers residing here are mostly from the Manjhi and Ravidas communities.

Rekha Devi, one of the victims, pointed out that her familys belongings were set ablaze. Our goats were burnt. All utensils and stoves have been damaged, he said. They want us to leave the place, but how can we. My great grand father and grand father all lived here and they lived and died here.

Read more: NIA raids 5 locations in Bihar including residence of ex-JDU MLC Manorama Devi

At least 21 houses were fully gutted while another 23 were partially damaged in the fire, police said. There were no casualties.

Nawada Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhinav Dheeman said that 15 accused were arrested,

The incident is related to a land dispute between two groups, which is subjudice. The situation is now under control and a large contingent of police personnel has been deployed in the area to prevent any flare-up. A search is underway to nab the other accused persons, the SP added.

The police have registered a first information report (FIR) against 28 named and unidentified accused under sections 191 (2) (punishment for rioting),191(3) (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 190(1) (rioting), 109(1)(attempt to murder), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 351(2)(3) (punishment for criminal intimidation), 326(G) (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc), 303(2) (punishment for theft), 111(3) (organised crime), 61(2)(a) (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), section 27 of the Arms Act and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Read more: Primary teacher from Bihar arrested in Bavdhan murder case

The SP said that a special investigation team was constituted to probe the incident and nab the accused Three firearms, three misfired cartridges, two empty cartridges, a pellet and six motorcycles were recovered from the possession of those arrested, said Dheeman.

Police said nine fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the fire was extinguished around 11.30 pm, but by then there was not much to be saved. District magistrate (DM) Ashutosh Kumar Verma said that an investigation was underway to ascertain the reasons behind the violence.

Our primary focus is to rehabilitate the victims. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties in the incident, he said.

Those allegedly involved in the incident have been identified as Nandu Paswan, Pannu Paswan, Shibu Paswan, Shrawan Paswan (all from Pranbigha village) Yamuna Chouhan, Somar Chouhan, Nunu Prasad, Devan Yadav (all from Lohani Bigha of Muffasil police station area of Nawada), Dasrath Chouhan, Badri Chouhan, Ramsaran Chouhan, Mithlesh Chouhan and Yadunandan Chouhan (all from Rahui police station area of Nalanda district).

Some of the accused were Dalit while almost all of the victims were Dalit.

Investigations have also revealed that most of the houses set on fire belonged to people belonging to the SC/ST community. It is also suspected that the accused initially fired in the air before setting the houses ablaze, the DM added.

Verma further noted the land on which the settlement has been built has been embroiled in an ownership dispute since 1995. In May 29, 2023, the Nawada district court had ordered the inspection of the land, he said.

Rekha Devi said that despite the Muffasil police station being only two kilometres away, a brutal attack took place in the settlement she was living in. The attackers wanted to evict us and seize our land, she said. She further alleged Nandu Paswan of orchestrating the attacks to try and claim the land the settlement was built on.

Another victim, Ram Briksha Das (60), said that they dont want to leave the land he and his family have lived for years. We cannot go. We have been living here peacefully for decades with no trouble to anyone. We have developed the area green with our blood and sweat. We know that this is sarkari jameen (government land). We dont know who is fighting whom, as we have been tilling this land for generations. But, we cannot go, he said.

The incident also triggered a political row in a state where caste fault lines run deep.

The government condemned the incident and asked for law-and-order to be strengthened.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar ordered the additional director general of police (law and order) to monitor the probe on-site. He also emphasised the need to apprehend all suspects as quickly as possible.

The CM stressed that those who take the law into their own hands must be caught and punished. He directed all district magistrates and superintendents of police across the state to ensure that the rule of law prevails, a senior official from the Chief Ministers office said.

But the Opposition was not impressed

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav demanded slammed the state government and demanded strict action against the accused. It is clear that such incidents are continuously taking place in the double engine government. The people who have set these houses on fire should be arrested and strict action should be taken against them, he said.

In response, Union minister Jitin Ram Manjhi alleged that Opposition leaders were indulging in theatrics over the incident. The Opposition people first get the Dalits tortured and then question the working style of the government. Around 90% of the people arrested in the Nawada incident belong to a particular caste and are RJD supporters. Will Rahul Gandhi now say something on this or remain silent? Manjhi asked.

I spoke to Nawadas DM and SP in connection with the incident. Its a highly condemnable incident. Most of the criminals involved in the incident have been arrested and those who are absconding will soon be put behind bars. Manjhi further said adding that he would visit the settlement on Sunday.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party on Thursday claimed that a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory has confirmed the presence of "beef tallow", "lard" (relating to pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee used for the preparation of the world-renowned Tirupati laddu. The report cited by Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu indicated that the ghee contained traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard, the latter being a semi-solid white fat derived from pig fatty tissue.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy displayed the purported lab report at a press conference. The sample receipt date was July 9, 2024, and the lab report was dated July 16.

On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that there was a usage of animal fat instead of ghee in the laddus offered as prasad at Tirupati's shrine of Lord Venkateswara during the previous YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader cited a report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) at the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat, alleging the presence of animal fat in the ghee used to make the renowned Tirupati laddus during the YSRCP administration. It report indicated that the ghee contained traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard, the latter being a semi-solid white fat derived from pig fatty tissue.

The lab reports of the samples certify that beef tallow, animal fat  lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee supplied to Tirumala, and the S value is only 19.7, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy was quoted as saying by ANI. He also shared a copy of the lab report.

On Thursday, the Karnataka Milk Federation said the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has not purchased ghee from them in the past four years, according to News18. The board clarified that since the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Chandrababu Naidu, came into power in Andhra Pradesh, it has been supplying Nandhini Ghee.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have descended to earth to help humanity overcome the challenges of the Kali Yuga. Consequently, the temple is known as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, and the deity is called Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam.

Political row over animal fat in Tirupati laddu

During an NDA legislative party meeting on Wednesday, TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government had even compromised the Sri Venkateswara temple by using substandard ingredients and animal fat in the laddus.

Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh shared a video clip of his father, CM Naidu, addressing the issue on X, saying, The Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the Y. S. Jagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam.

State Congress chief Y S Sharmila, sister of YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has called for a CBI investigation to verify Naidu's allegations. She criticised the CM and YSRCP for engaging in heinous politics over the preparation of Tirupati laddus.

Earlier, senior YSRCP leader B Karunakar Reddy accused Chandrababu Naidu of making allegations about the quality of the famous Tirupati laddus to gain political advantage. Reddy, who has served twice as the chairman of TTD, the official custodian of the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, claimed that Naidu's accusations of animal fat in the laddus during the YSRCP administration were intended to politically target the opposition party and its leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday described Chandrababu Naidus accusation about the Tirupati laddu as a serious issue and called for strict action against those responsible.

Everybody knows about the anti-Hindu acts and deeds of the previous YSR government in Andhra Pradesh, but nobody could have expected it to stoop to this level, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"This is a very serious issue, raised by none other than Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. Punish those who used animal fat in Tirupati laddu prasadam," he said, urging for quick stern action against the culprits.
The junior doctors protesting over the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case have decided to call off their strike on Friday. They will return to work on Saturday and resume emergency services. However, OPD services will remain suspended for the time being. Kolkata: Doctors stage a protest in front of West Bengal Medical Council office over the R G Kar Hospital incident, in Kolkata, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI09_19_2024_000440B)(PTI)

"Will rejoin emergency, essential services partially at state-run hospitals in Bengal from Saturday. Will take necessary steps to provide medical relief to flood-affected people in Bengal, said the agitating doctors.

"Our fight for justice has not ended," they added.

ALSO READ- Kolkata rape-murder: What Mamata Banerjee-doctors' minutes of meeting recorded

Doctors had stopped work in protest after the rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate medical student in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. A breakthrough came after their meeting with chief minister Mamata Banerjee, where most of their demands were accepted, though the government refused to remove the principal secretary.

ALSO READ- New Quad initiatives, Ukraine and Gaza conflicts on PM Modis agenda on US visit

We achieved a lot during our agitation, but many things remain unachieved

Dr Aqeeb, one of the protesting doctors, said they would take the protest in different way. On the 41st day of the protest, West Bengal Junior Doctors Front wants to say that we achieved a lot during our agitation, but many things remain unachieved... We made the Kolkata Commissioner of Police resign and the DME, DHS resign. But this doesn't mean the agitation is over. We will take it forward in a new way, he said.

"We still demand that the principal secretary be removed and action be taken on threat culture," Aqeeb said.

The doctors have planned a rally from Swasthya Bhawan to the CGO Complex to conclude.

ALSO READ- India rejects report on alleged arms diversion to Ukraine as 'mischievous'

Essential services would resume from Saturday, but OPD and OT services would remain suspended until security measures for female staff were improved, said Dr Aqeeb.

"Our agitation will continue. Justice for Abhaya will always be our priority and our eyes are on the Supreme Court hearing and on the steps taken by the government," he said.

(Inputs from PTI, ANI)
The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) on Thursday cancelled the registration of Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a rape-murder case and allegations of financial irregularities. Kolkata: Arrested former Principal Sandip Ghosh (back) being taken by the CBI officials to a court in connection with R G Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, in Kolkata, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.(PTI)

Ghosh, who is in CBI custody, has been removed from the list of Registered Medical Practitioners maintained by the WBMC, PTI reported quoting an official.

His licence was cancelled under various provisions of the Bengal Medical Act, 1914.

Also Read | Why round 2 talks between junior doctors, Bengal government remained inconclusive

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal chapter had earlier urged the WBMC to revoke Ghosh's medical registration. The WBMC had issued a show-cause notice to Ghosh on September 7, asking him to explain within three days why his registration should not be cancelled. Ghosh, currently in CBI custody, did not respond to the notice, according to the PTI report.

Ghosh was arrested on September 2, alongside police officer Abhijit Mondal, for allegedly tampering with evidence related to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The CBI's remand note stated that both Ghosh and Mondal facilitated the hurried cremation of the doctors body, despite the family's demand for a second autopsy.

Also Read | CBI points to lapse, says Sanjay Roy's clothes not seized for 2 days after crime

The IMA, in a letter to WBMC president and TMC MLA Sudipto Roy, questioned why Ghosh's medical registration had not been revoked, despite the councils provisions for such actions. The IMA called for Roy to set aside his personal relationship with Ghosh and ensure swift action.

Ghosh and Mondal were also accused of delaying the filing of the First Information Report (FIR). The CBI said that Ghosh remained "willfully absent" from the crime scene on the day the doctors body was found.

Also Read | TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee to Kolkata junior doctors: Should now consider calling of strike

The trainee doctors body was discovered in a semi-nude condition in a seminar room at the hospital.

The sole accused in the murder, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested shortly after the incident.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar ordered the additional director general of police (ADG) law and order to visit Nawada to inspect Nawada where around 21 homes of Dalits were set on fire on Wednesday over an alleged land dispute. Shots were also fired in the air as miscreants went on to torch homes one after the other. **EDS: GRAB VIA PTI VIDEOS** Nawada: Charred remains are seen after multiple houses were allegedly set on fire, in Nawada district, Bihar, late Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI09_19_2024_000009B)(PTI)

The incident happened in Manjhi Tola in Mufassil Police station area and no injuries have been reported so far. Police said a case has been registered and investigation is underway. 15 people have been detained so far and search operations have been launched to nab other accused persons.

A call was received around 7.30 pm that some houses were set on fire in Manjhi Tola. Police immediately reached the spot along with fire engines. It took some time to douse the blaze. According to villagers, a group of people started setting the houses on fire around 7 pm, Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman said after visiting the area.

Also read | Bihar government plans to rank its schools on quantifiable parameters in a bid to improve quality

The official claimed that the situation is under control and a large contingent of police has been deployed to prevent any potential flare-up over the incident.

"We are providing relief materials, including food packets and drinking water, to those displaced. Temporary tents have been set up for the victims," said Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma. He also refuted claims that cattle were charred, saying, No evidence has been found to support that.

Mayawati, Kharge react

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the crime against Dalits and alleged that the BJP and its NDA allies remain indifferent to such crimes.

The terror of the bullies on the Mahadalit colony in Nawada, Bihar is another proof of the jungle raj of the NDA double engine government. It is extremely condemnable that around 100 Dalit houses were set on fire, firing was done and everything of the poor families was snatched away in the darkness of the night. The BJP and its allies' utter indifference towards the Dalits and the deprived, criminal neglect and promotion of anti-social elements is now at its peak. Prime Minister Modi is silent as usual, Nitish is carefree in his greed for power and the NDA allies are speechless, Kharge wrote in a post on X.

BSP chief Mayawati said the incident is extremely sad and serious and called for rehabilitation of victims. The incident of burning down many houses of poor Dalits in Bihar's Nawada by the goons and ruining their lives is extremely sad and serious. The government should take strict legal action against the culprits and also provide full financial help for the rehabilitation of the victims, she posted on X.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda on Thursday released the party's manifesto for the Haryana assembly polls, promising two lakh government jobs in the state. BJP national JP Nadda released manifesto for Haryana assembly election on Thursday in Rohtak. (HT File)

Nadda said the party's manifesto is a serious document, saying that the BJP has always fulfilled its promises and even achieved what was not promised during elections.

Haryana has changed under BJP's leadership. In 2014, the state's per capita income was 1.37 lakh, which has increased to 3 lakh rupees. In terms of export, Haryana export was only 68,000 crore, which has gone up to 2.5 lakh crore, said Nadda.

In its manifesto, the party has promised promised 2,100 per month for women under the Lado Lakshmi Yojna and cooking gas cylinders at 500 under the Har Ghar Grihini Yojna for the Haryana polls.

What was the image of Haryana 10 years back? Jobs used to be given on paper. Actions were taken against people. Haryana used to be known for land scams, so while discussing their manifesto, then we should look into these facts. Hence, when we talk manifesto, I want to say that we are doing non-stop work, said Nadda.

The BJP also promised scholarships for Haryana students from OBC and SC communities to study in any government medical or engineering college across the country.

Nadda also said that the BJP government is committed to establishing up to 10 industrial cities modeled after the industrial model township in Kharkhoda.

The 'sankalp patra' (manifesto), which was released in Rohtak by Nadda along with Union minister ML Khattar and chief minister Nayab Singh Saini mentions that every Agniveer hailing from Haryana will get a guaranteed government job.

The Election Commission has deferred the polling date for Haryana assembly elections to October 5. Earlier, voting was scheduled to be held on October 1.

The Congress on Wednesday promised a law on minimum support prices (MSPs), a caste survey and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Haryana, as it rolled out seven guarantees and underlined plans for farmers, women and young people in the northern state if voted to power in the October 5 assembly elections.


The Union Cabinet on Wednesday green-lit four important space endeavours for launches by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in the near future  the first of which is the fourth iteration of Indias lunar mission Chandrayaan-4; the second, the development of Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM); the third, the building of first unit of Indias indigenous space station, dubbed Bharatiya Anatriksh Station (BAS), by extending the scope of Gaganyaan programme; and finally, the development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). Cabinet approves funds for four space missions, including Chandrayaan-4, Venus orbiter mission

In total, the Cabinet cleared funds of more than 22,750 crore for the developmental costs of these four programmes.

Indias fourth mission to the Moon, for which a budget of 2,104.06 crore was cleared, will build on the success of Chandrayaan-3 , with which India became the first country to land a probe on the lunar south pole, and till date remains the standout mission among all of Isros achievements on the global stage.

Chandrayaan-4 will be a remote mission seeking to retrieve samples of the lunar surface. The mission, which will aim to bring rock samples from the lunar surface back to Earth after a soft landing, is slated for launch in 2027 and will expand on the technology developed in Chandrayaan-3 by adding elements like lunar docking, precision landing, sample collection and a safe journey back to Earth.

It would make everyone proud that Chandrayaan-4 has been cleared by the Cabinet! This would have multiple benefits, including making India even more self-reliant in space technologies, boosting innovation and supporting academia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

This mission will achieve the foundational technologies capabilities eventually for an Indian landing on the Moon (planned by year 2040) and return safely back to Earth, according to a government statement, which added that the mission is expected to be completed in 36 months of approval.

Read more: Chandrayaan 4-5 design complete; 70 satellites likely to be launched in five years: ISRO chief

The approved cost for the mission includes spacecraft development and realisation, two launches of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), external deep space network support, and conducting special tests for design validation, finally the mission of landing on Moon and safe return to Earth along with the collected lunar sample.

The second major approval of 1,236 crore was for VOM  Indias first scientific mission to Venus, which aims to enable scientists to better understand the Venusian atmosphere, and geology and generate data that gives information into the planets thick atmosphere.

The mission, which has set a target of March 2028, involves sending an orbital spacecraft to study the planet closest to Earth. Venus is believed to have formed in conditions similar to Earth, but the planet deviated due to a runaway greenhouse effect, making it uninhabitable for life. It offers a unique opportunity to understand how planetary environments can evolve very differently, the statement said.

The third approval was for the Gaganyaan follow-on missions and the building of Bharatiya Antariksh Station, or BAS.

Perhaps Indias most ambitious space project, BAS, aims to establish an Indian space station that will orbit 400km above the Earths surface. The 52-tonne behemoth will serve as a research platform for Indian astronauts and scientists to conduct experiments in microgravity, astronomy, and Earth observation, and will allow astronauts to stay in orbit for 15-20 days. Wednesdays approval was for the first module of the project (dubbed BAS-1), which targets a launch in 2028. The target to complete the entire project is for 2035, according to Isro.

The project, which saw a net additional funding of 11,170 crore, expands the coverage of the Gaganyaan mission (slated to kick off next year).

Revision in Gaganyaan programme to include the scope of development and precursor missions for BAS, and factoring one additional uncrewed mission and additional hardware requirement for the developments of ongoing Gaganyaan programme. Now the human spaceflight programme is through eight missions to be completed by December 2028 by launching the first unit of BAS-1, the statement said.

Also approved by the Union Cabinet was the development of the NGLV , a new launch vehicle that is capable of high payload, and will be cost-effective, reusable, and has the potential to be commercially viable.

According to the government, NGLV will have three times the present payload capability with 1.5 times the cost compared to LVM-3. It will also have reusability resulting in low-cost access to space and modular green propulsion systems. In total, 8,240 crore was approved for NGLV, which includes development costs, three developmental flights, essential facility establishment, programme management and launch campaign, the statement said.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a high-level committees recommendation on implementing simultaneous national, state and local polls across India, laying the ground for the far-reaching but controversial reform that can reshape the worlds largest democracy. The panel suggested an amendment to the Constitution to introduce synchronised polls to elect the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step. (ANI)

The proposal to align elections was a part of the Bharatiya Janata Partys 2024 poll manifesto and has the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi but is fiercely opposed by a raft of political parties and activists who allege that it will hurt democratic accountability.

Cabinet has accepted the recommendations by the high-level committee on one nation, one election, Union minister for information & broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters at a briefing after the Cabinet meeting.

He said an implementation group will be formed to execute the recommendations of the committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind that submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu on March 14.

We will seek to create a consensus over the next few months... Our government believes in creating a consensus on items which affect democracy and the nation in the long run. This is a subject, a topic that will strengthen our nation, Vaishnaw said.

To be sure, such a move would require a constitutional amendment, and would need to be endorsed in Parliament by a two-thirds majority and then ratified by state assemblies. It is not clear if the government, which is in power with a reduced majority, can muster up the required numbers.

Read more: Union Cabinet approves Kovind panels report on one nation, one election

The 18,000-page Kovind panel report outlined a phased approach to synchronise elections, beginning first with Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, and following up with local body polls within 100 days. Modi has repeatedly pitched for simultaneous polls to bring down expenses and cut down on restrictions imposed on policymaking.

BJP leaders said the Cabinet approval is an indication that its decision-making has not been restricted by pressure from allies or the coalition of 14 parties that comprise the ruling National Democratic Alliance. This is an important step towards making our democracy even more vibrant and participative, Modi wrote on X.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the move. It is not practical or sustainable; BJP is doing it to deviate from issues during elections, he said.

Vaishnaw hit back. The Opposition might start feeling internal pressure... as more than 80% of respondents, particularly the youth have responded positively to this, he said.

From the first elections in Independent India in 1952 until 1967, elections were held simultaneously across the country. But since the Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be dissolved before their tenures end, the state and national elections came to be held at different times after that.

Several committees, including a parliamentary panel, the Niti Aayog and the Election Commission of India, have studied simultaneous polls in the past, backing the idea but flagging logistical concerns.

The Kovind panel  set up by the Union government on September 2, 2023  received responses from 47 political parties, with 32 favouring simultaneous elections. These parties  which include the BJP, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Janata Dal United (JDU) and the Shiv Sena  said the proposal will save scarce resources, protect social harmony, and stimulate economic development. However, 13 political parties opposed simultaneous elections  including Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI(M)  expressing concerns that it could violate the basic structure of the Constitution, be anti-democratic and anti-federal, marginalise regional parties, encourage the dominance of national parties, and lead to a presidential form of government.

Four former Chief Justices of India  Dipak Misra, Ranjan Gogoi, Sharad Arvind Bobde and UU Lalit  and a former judge of the top court unequivocally endorsed simultaneous elections in the report.

The panel finally suggested an amendment to the Constitution to introduce synchronised polls to elect the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step. It also suggested synchronising the elections to municipalities and panchayats with the Lok Sabha and assemblies at a later stage.

National and state elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and local body polls are conducted by state election commissions.

Indicating that 2029 might be the year to start with the first step, the panel recommended that terms of some of the state assemblies will have to be cut to hold simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state legislatures after the five-year term of the next Lok Sabha ends.

The panel proposed a new legal regime, requiring certain amendments to enable simultaneous polls, even as it remained emphatic that the suggested changes are not anti-federal, violate the basic structure of the Constitution, or will result in a presidential form of government.

For holding the Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls together, the panel recommended amendments in Articles 83 (duration of Lok Sabha) and Article 172 (duration of state legislatures), which provide that their term will be of five years unless sooner dissolved by the President and the state governors respectively.

The committee suggested a one-time transitory measure to synchronise all elections and proposed when Lok Sabha is constituted after the general elections, the President would by notification on the same date as that of the first sitting bring into force the provisions for transition. This date would be called the appointed date.

Irrespective of whether a state assembly has completed its five-year term or not, a clause under proposed Article 82A stated that all the state assemblies constituted in any general election held after the appointed date shall come to an end on the expiry of the full term of the Lok Sabha. The effect of this provision can be understood with an example. The next assembly elections in West Bengal (2026) and Karnataka (2028) would conclude these assemblies terms in May or June 2029, coinciding with the next Lok Sabhas term.

A senior functionary of the BJP said the government is confident of eliciting support of various parties, including some regional ones, for the proposal as it is not an ideological issue, but governance issue.

There will be deliberations and discussions on the issue. We are confident that the concerns that some parties have will be addressed... this is in the larger benefit of all parties as it will bring down expenses incurred on frequent elections and reduce the span of the model code of conduct that prevents governments from announcing new projects, said the party functionary.

Allies such as the Janata Dal (United), the Telugu Desam Party, the Apna Dal and the Shiv Sena have backed the proposal. JD(U) working president, Sanjay Jha said the party supported the proposal. Our leader Nitish Kumar has already spoken in favour of the exercise. The only suggestion that we have made is that panchayat polls should not be clubbed with the general and state elections, Jha said.

Union minister Chirag Paswan said the cabinet nod was a significant step in the interest of the nation. One nation, one election will not only strengthen our democratic process but also reduce election-related expenses and accelerate developmental activities. Additionally, it will enhance transparency in elections and reduce the financial burden on the government, he said on X.

The BSP, which had initially opposed the move, extended support on Wednesday. Our partys stand on the approval given today by the Union Cabinet to the proposal to hold simultaneous elections of Lok Sabha, assembly and local bodies in the country under the system of One Country, One Election is positive, but its objective must be in the national and public interest, party chief Mayawati said.

A number of opposition parties, however, criticised the move.

Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha lawmaker Derek OBrien referred to the proposal as a cheap stunt from the anti-democratic BJP.

Why were Maharashtra elections not announced along with elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir? Heres why. The Maharashtra government announced the Ladki Bahin scheme in the budget this June. The first tranche reached the bank accounts of women in August and the second tranche will reach beneficiaries in October. You cant do three states in one go and you talk about ONOE, he said.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asadudddin Owaisi also attacked the move. I have consistently opposed One Nation One Elections because it is a solution in search of a problem. It destroys federalism and compromises democracy, which are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, he said.
NEW DELHI: China expects India to take positive measures for resuming direct flights and visas for Chinese citizens, and to provide a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises, Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong said on Thursday. Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong was speaking at a public event that focused on the theme of India and China contributing to each others success. (X/China_Amb_India)

Xus remarks came against the backdrop of the dragging military standoff between the two countries in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has taken bilateral ties to their lowest point in more than six decades. The Indian side has consistently said the overall relationship cannot be normalised without peace and tranquillity on the border.

The Chinese envoy made no direct reference to the face-off on the LAC, currently into its fifth year, but only said the two sides should prevent their cooperation being disrupted by a single incident. There was no immediate response from the Indian side to Xus remarks, made at a public event that focused on the theme of India and China contributing to each others success.

Also Read: Real thaw with China is still far | HT Editorial

We are willing to advance exchanges and cooperation with India in science and technology, education, culture and tourism. We also expect positive measures from India in resuming direct flights and facilitating visas for Chinese citizens, Xu said.

We welcome more Indian [commodities] to enter the Chinese market, and more Indian enterprises to invest in China. It is hoped that the Indian side could provide [a] sound business environment for the Chinese enterprises in India, he said.

Since the start of the standoff on the LAC in April-May 2020, India has taken steps to effectively restrict new Chinese investments and banned more than 400 Chinese apps, including TikTok. Restrictions were imposed on visas for Chinese citizens and direct flights from the Indian side were ended amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Chinese firms have also faced greater scrutiny of their operations in India.

In recent months, Indian businesses have pushed for visas to be issued to Chinese experts needed to install equipment and train personnel at manufacturing units.

However, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said last month that India has a special China problem and the standoff on the LAC and the state of bilateral relations underline the need for precautions, such as scrutiny of Chinese investments.

India-China trade ballooned to $136.2 billion in 2023, though the balance was in Beijings favour, with Chinese exports accounting for more than $100 billion. New Delhi has also complained about the lack of market access for Indian goods.

Xu, however, pitched investment opportunities in his country and said India and China should jointly advance the modernisation of the Global South. He also pointed to Chinese firms creating jobs in India and more than 400,000 visas issued to Indians since last year.

Pointing to the need to firmly steer ties in the right direction and to accommodate each others major concerns, Xu said: We need to properly handle differences through dialogue, steadily promote exchanges and cooperation...in various fields, prevent our cooperation from being disrupted by a single incident, and jointly usher in a new chapter in China-India relations.

Xu contended bilateral relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development and noted that Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met Jaishankar twice in the past two months and also met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently. This meetings had resulted in important consensus on the improvement of bilateral relations, he said without giving details.
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday strongly reacted to Pakistan's defence minister Khwaja Asif's remark that Article 370 can make a comeback in Jammu and Kashmir if the National Conference and Congress form a government in the erstwhile state, saying the alliance and India's estranged neighbour have the same intentions and agendas. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah(PTI file photo)

Pakistan's Defence Minister's statement about Congress and JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda, Amit Shah wrote on X in Hindi.

Amit Shah said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had been siding with every anti-India force over the past few years, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen.

"Be it asking for proof of air strikes and surgical strikes or saying objectionable things about the Indian Army, the tune of Rahul Gandhi's Congress Party and Pakistan has always been the same and Congress has always been hand in glove with anti-national forces," Shah added.

He said the Congress and Pakistan forget that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is at the Centre.

What Khwaja Asif said

Speaking to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show called Capital Talk, Khwaja Asif claimed Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. He said their demands were the same.

"I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif said.

BJP leader Amit Malviya said Rahul Gandhi and Congress were always seen on the side of India's enemies.

"Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conference's position on Kashmir. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mir's Capital Talk on Geo News, says, "Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A". How is it that, from Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress, are always seen on the side of those inimical to India's interest?" he wrote on X.

The controversy erupted amid the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

In 2019, the Narendra Modi government scrapped Article 370, which used to accord a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The government also divided the state into two union territories  Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Pakistan had opposed the move. India, however, called the mega decisions India's internal matter.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Reacting to the tragic death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant of Ernst & Young (EY), Pune, due to excessive workload, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi wondered whether companies could escape legal scrutiny in the US or Europe for imposing long working hours. Leaders continued to demand the Centre to investigate the death of young, chartered accountant of EY Pune.(X)

Will @EYnews get away with this kind of a work environment for employees with crushing work hours, toxic environment in countries like USA and Europe? No, they very well know they cant, Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on social platform X.

She also attributed such workplace suicides to human resource (HR) policies of Indian companies that do not provide for a work-life balance.

In India, we glorify 72-hour work week, we glorify the idea of not having a work life balance, we glorify not taking a holiday, a vacation, a break thats why most company HR teams do away with that aspect of employee life & its own responsibility, her post added.

Leaders demand action

Former Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajeev Chandrasekar said the incident is disturbing at many levels.

I request Govt of India @mansukhmandviya @ShobhaBJP to investigate these allegations made by the mother of unsafe and exploitative work environment that claimed the life of young, full of future Anna Sebastian Perayil, he wrote on X.

Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale wrote to the union labour secretary to investigate working conditions at EY. The victim, along with every other employee suffering from callous and toxic atmosphere deserves justice, he said in a post on X.

Victim's mother flags 'overwork'

The victim, Anna Sebastian Perayil passed her CA exams in 2023 and worked at EY for four months as part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune. Her promising career was cut short as she passed away due to what her mother claimed as glorification of overwork.

In her letter, Annas mother claimed that it was her daughters first job, and she was excited about joining the company. Within just four months, however, she succumbed to excessive workload. The victim also worked late into the night and on weekends, returned to her PG accommodation completely exhausted on most days. She was also burdened with backbreaking work as a newcomer, the letter claimed, noting that nobody from the company attended her funeral.
In an extra judicial killing, police shot a 40-year-old gangster Kakkathope Balaji in Chennais Vyasarpadi on Tuesday morning. The gangster fired two rounds with his gun aimed at the police who shot back in self-defence, the Chennai police said. Gangster shot dead in Chennai; 10kg drugs, sickle seized from car

While police personnel were conducting a routine vehicle inspection on September 18, at 4.32am they stopped a car with two men inside with a bag. When police asked them to come out, both the driver and the passenger initially hesitated. When police insisted, the passenger came down with a bag when the driver whom police would learn later is gangster Balaji sped off. Police immediately alerted it to the control room in the city.

Balaji who was driving the car suddenly sped in an attempt to escape and police personnel chased them, a police officer said. Around 4.50am, when the route was blocked, Balaji had to stop the car. When the inspector who was behind him tried to get out of the police vehicle, immediately, Balaji got down from the car and fired his handgun aiming for the inspector. But the bullet pierced the front windshield. The police warned him not to shoot. But, he fired for the second and it hit the front door of the police vehicle. In self defence, a police inspector shot at Balaji who fell down immediately. The bullet had pierced Balajis left chest. No police personnel was injured in the incident. The policemen took the gangster in the police vehicle to the Stanley government hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Balaji is a history sheeter. He has 58 cases against him including six murder cases and 17 attempted murder cases and a ganja case, said Pravesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, North Zone, Chennai. When police searched the car later, they found 10 kg of ganja inside the bag and a sickle in the backseat. An FIR has been registered at the Vyasarpadi police station for the magisterial enquiry. Balaji had come out of jail last month while his accomplice in the car was identified as Sathyamoorthy. He is in custody now. We have to investigate him, said the deputy commissioner.

Balajis mother Kanmani alleged that the killing was premeditated by the police. He was returning from Tirupathi temple Police wanted to close the cases, so my son is dead, his mother told reporters. Police dismissed the allegation. It is not true. However, a judicial enquiry will bring out the truth, said the deputy commissioner.
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Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday slammed Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his remarks on Article 370 and asserted the neighbouring country has no right to comment on India's affairs. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh (File Photo)

Asif has said the Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan and the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370.

"They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A," Asif was quoted as saying in an interview. "He has no right to make such comments. We condemn it," Singh told reporters.

He alleged the Centre's 'one nation, one election' initiative was a gimmick that was being raised to cover up the Narendra Modi government's failures and discord in the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"The central government has failed on all counts. The country's economy and social harmony has worsened, which throws a challenge to Modi's leadership. The internal discord in BJP has come to the fore," he said.

If the system of simultaneous polls comes into force, a government will not be ousted before the end of its five-year term even if it does not have a majority, which will be completely against the federal structure and parliamentary politics of the country, he claimed.

Singh also said threatening remarks made by BJP leaders against Rahul Gandhi were being done at the behest of Modi and the ruling party's leadership.
Jammu & Kashmirs voters turned up in unprecedented numbers to exercise their franchise on Wednesday as 24 of the UTs 90 constituencies went to vote in its first assembly elections in a decade, marking a historic turnout in a region otherwise marred by terrorism and violent poll boycotts. Voters wait for their turn in Shopian on Wednesday. (ANI)

The Election Commission announced that the seats in Phase 1  16 in Kashmir and eight in Jammu recorded an overall turnout of 60.65% by 11.15pm. This number will likely be revised upwards.

An improvement in the ground situation and no security concerns among the voters are the reasons for an increase in turnout. People have understood that for peace and development, ballot is the solution, J&K chief electoral officer Pandurang K Pole said.

The turnout carried forward the momentum recorded during this summers Lok Sabha polls, when a turnout of 58.46% was recorded, the highest in 35 years. To be sure, a seat-by-seat comparison is not possible with previous assembly or Lok Sabha polls as the boundaries of the constituencies were changed in a delimitation exercise in 2022.

These are the first assembly polls in the restive region since its special status and statehood were scrapped five years ago, and are likely to be the last step before the Union territorys statehood is restored.

I used to boycott the elections but now I have decided to vote as it is the need of the hour. We need honest people to represent us, who not only work on the development front but also put forth our point of view in the assembly and across the country, Mansoor Ahmad, a government employee, said after voting in Kulgam

Read more: Jammu & Kashmir sees 61% voter turnout in Phase 1 of polls; highest in Kishtwar

The highest turnout was recorded from Padder Nagseni in Kishtwar, which reported 80.67 polling percentage. The lowest was recorded from Tral in Pulwama with 43.21% turnout till 11.15pm.

J&K recorded its highest overall turnout of 75% in 1987.

As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X in the morning, shortly after voting began.

A total of 219 candidates, including 90 independents, are in the fray for the first leg of the three-phase poll contest, a contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Congress-National Conference combine, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A last-minute alliance between Engineer Rashids Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and politico-religious outfit Jamaat-e-Islami  their candidates will contest as Independentsand a host of local parties such as the Peoples Conference, the Apni Party, and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party are likely to make inroads and skew the electoral arithmetic.

PDP chief Mehbooba Muftis daughter Iltija Mufti, Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami are among the key candidates in the first phase.

Many of the people here are unemployed. It is always better that their faith in democracy is revived. I am happy that many women are also coming out to vote. Old women and young college-going women, they are all participating, and it gives me immense joy, Iltija said after voting from Bijbehara in Anantnag district. Her mother and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also voted on Wednesday.

Traigami said the UTs people were struggling due to an electoral vacuum and hoped that the elections will help pave the way to meet their demands.

In the absence of polls, peoples troubles were increasing. Now, we are hoping for a change and looking forward to better days, he said.

Issues of statehood, the impact of Article 370s abrogation, a spike in terror strikes, and development worries are among the rallying points in the high-stakes polls.

The more we talk about the importance of these polls, the less it is. They are happening after 10 years, and a lot has changed in that timeWe have not forgotten what happened with Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, so it is a very important election in all respects, NC vice president Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal seats, said.

The other two phases of voting will be on September 25 and October 1, with the verdict scheduled for October 8.

The elections are taking place against the backdrop of a string of terror attacks in Jammu, prompting authorities to step up deployment. This year, 14 security personnel and 11 civilians have died in separate attacks in Jammu. Security forces have gunned down 10 terrorists in the region. In Kashmir, five personnel and seven civilians have died in terror strikes, with forces killing 27 terrorists in the same period.

I migrated with my family to Jammu during the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of the 1990s. Ive voted today with the hope that the new government will resolve the longpending issues of the Pandit community help return our property, orchards, and land back to us, said PL Tickoo, 83, originally a resident of Batmaloo in Shopian district, after voting at CRPF Group Centre in Ban Talab area of Jammu .

These are also the first assembly polls in J&K since a controversial delimitation exercise earmarked 47 assembly seats for Kashmir and 43 for Jammu in its final order. The delimitation panel gave Jammu six additional seats and Kashmir one, sparking allegations from the Opposition that the balance was tilting in favour of Hindu-majority Jammu. It also reserved nine seats for Scheduled Tribes, renamed some assembly constituencies, and redrew some others.

In 2014, the Peoples Democratic Party emerged as the single-largest party with 28 seats and formed an alliance of ideological extremes with the BJP, which had 25 seats. But the coalition collapsed early in 2018 after the BJP withdrew support and Governors Rule was imposed in June that year under controversial circumstances. On August 5, 2019, the Union government revoked Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated the erstwhile state .
India is facing threats of terrorist financing from groups active in Jammu & Kashmir, according to a report by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released on Thursday. FATF warns India of terror financing threats from groups active in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Paris-headquartered body said, India's main sources of money laundering originate from within, from illegal activities committed within country. It added that the country faced "disparate" range of terror threats, most significantly from ISIL (Islamic State or ISIS) or AQ-linked groups (Al Qaeda) active in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

The global watchdog in its latest report rated India "moderately" effective on its parameter of "money laundering investigation and prosecution".

ALSO READ- PM Modi lambasts Rahul Gandhi over 'Devta' remark: 'Naxal mindset imported from other religions'

'Money laundering convictions affected by constitutional challenges'

The FATF report said that money laundering convictions in India over the past five years have been affected by constitutional challenges and an overwhelmed court system. India's courts face huge backlogs, leaving many cases pending for years, it said.

The Enforcement Directorate seized assets worth 9.3 billion ($10.4 billion) from suspected financial criminals over the past five years, the report said, but confiscations following convictions amounted to less than $5 million. "It is critical India addresses these issues in view of accused persons waiting for cases to be tried and prosecutions to be concluded," it said.

ALSO READ- J&K terror attacks: MHA lists steps being taken to contain terrorism

Indian laws effected against money laundering but prosecution needs improvements

The FATF report acknowledged that India has implemented an effective anti-money laundering (AML) and combating financing of terror (CFT) system. However, it called for "major improvements" in prosecuting money laundering and terror financing cases.

The report also said that there is need for better protection of the non-profit sector from terror abuse.

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 368-page report, adopted at FATFs June plenary, is the first review of Indias anti-money laundering and terror financing efforts since 2010. Following an on-site visit last November, India has been placed in the "regular follow-up" category, along with the only four other G20 nations. The next evaluation is set for 2031.

(Inputs from agencies)
India faces a disparate range of terrorism threats particularly associated with ISIL or Al-Qaeda linked extremist groups active in and around Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday said in its evaluation report that certified Indias robust compliance system. FATF, the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing, was formed in 1989. (AP photo)

India faces a disparate range of terrorism threats, categorised into six different theatres. These can be summarised as theatres associated with ISIL or AQ linked extremist groups active in and around Jammu and Kashmir, whether directly or via proxies or affiliates, as well as other separatist movements in the region; other ISIL and AQ cells, their affiliates, or radicalised individuals in India; regional insurgencies in the Northeast and North of India; and left-wing extremist groups seeking to overthrow the government, it said in its latest report released on September 19.

Also Read: India to join exclusive FATF club on Sept 19 for maintaining higher standards

Out of the 40 stringent evaluation parameters required to check financial crimes (including money laundering and terror financing), India was found fully compliant or largely compliant in 37 of them. It voluntarily needs to scale up in three areas where it is found partially compliant.

The three areas are -- non-profit organisations (NPOs), politically exposed persons (PEPs), and regulation and supervision of designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs).

As FATFs mutual evaluation physically conducted last year has placed India in the top category of regular follow-up tightening norms for the three partially compliant areas is voluntary. The government will, however, take necessary action for full compliance, one official directly aware of the development said requesting anonymity.

The report summarises anti-money laundering and anti-terror funding measures of India as at the date of the onsite visit from November 6-24, 2023, so it does not contain several recent measures such as reforms undertaken by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

HT on September 11 reported that India would join FATFs exclusive club of top performers on September 19, surpassing the US, China, Germany, Japan, and Canada for maintaining higher standards in curbing financial crimes.

The report on India gave the thumbs-up on 37 of 40 parameters, a feat so far achieved by just three members of the G20  the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

India has achieved strong results in its technical compliance with the FATF Standards. The remaining areas requiring significant improvement are risk-based measures to protect NPOs, establishing due diligence requirements on domestic PEPs and supervision of DNFBPs, the report said.

The non-profit organisations (NPOs)  first among the three areas falling under partially compliant  the report said NPOs that often registered under as charitable organisations enjoying tax exemptions. The report said the system should have adequate measures to address terror funding risks associated with vulnerable NPOs. On PEPs, the report wants the government to address certain ambiguities related to source of wealth, source of funds and beneficial owners.

On the regulation and supervision of DNFBPs, it found some gaps in regulating and monitoring their activities to check potential money laundering and terror funding activities.

The size of the DNFBP sector in India is relatively large compared to many countries (around 14% of GDP), largely due to the demand for and services relating to precious metals and stones (7% of GDP) and real estate (5% of GDP), it said.

FATF, the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing, was formed in 1989. It is the apex standards-making body to prevent financial crimes. It makes countries comply to its standards through a rigorous process called mutual evaluation.

Its members are 38 countries and two regional bodies  European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Most of the other countries are its part through nine associate member groups. Several multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations enjoy observer status.
India has served a formal notice to Pakistan on 30 August 2024 seeking its review and modification of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a move that indicates its growing frustration with the working of the agreement, especially Islamabads intransigent approach towards handling disputes related to cross-border rivers. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, and it was brokered by the World Bank, which too is a signatory. (HT PHOTO)

Article XII (3) of the Treaty allows for its provisions to be modified by a duly ratified agreement between the two governments.

This follows a notification for modification of the treaty that was conveyed by the Indian side on January 25, 2023, people familiar with the matter said.

With this notice, India has called on Pakistan to begin government-to-government negotiations to review the treaty under the provisions of Article XII (3), the people added.

The concerns that have driven India to seek changes reflect altered circumstances. The people said there are three specific concerns that India has expressed to drive home the point that the 1960 understanding is no longer tenable: the new population demographics; the need to accelerate the development of clean energy to meet Indias emission targets; the impact of persistent cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir which has impeded the smooth implementation of the agreement and undermined the full utilization of Indias rights.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, and it was brokered by the World Bank, which too is a signatory. It is considered the most durable treaty between the two countries but has come under considerable pressure in recent years as bilateral ties plunged to an all-time low due to tensions related to terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir.

The move to seek changes also comes amid a prolonged controversy regarding the 330-MW Kishanganga and 850-MW Ratle hydropower projects. The World Bank has simultaneously activated both the neutral expert mechanism and the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the same set of issues.

The Indian side has also sought the reconsideration of the dispute resolution mechanism under the Indus Waters Treaty, the people said.

In 2015, Pakistan sought the appointment of a neutral expert to handle its objections to the two hydropower projects, but it unilaterally retracted this in 2016 and sought a court of arbitration. In 2016, the World Bank appointed both a neutral expert and the chair of the court of arbitration. Though the World Bank put a pause on both processes the same year, this was lifted in March 2022 at Pakistans insistence and both processes resumed.

Read more: Big story: India demands modification of INDUS WATERS TREATY

India has been attending meetings convened by the neutral expert but has stayed away from the proceedings of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The Indian side said earlier that two simultaneous processes on the same dispute can result in inconsistent and contradictory rulings, create a legally untenable situation, and even put a question mark on the working and integrity of the Indus Waters Treaty.

The treaty has not been amended since it was signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960, by then Pakistan president Mohammad Ayub Khan, then Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and WAB Illif of the World Bank.

The World Bank will have no role in the proposed negotiations, which will be open ended and cover all aspects of the treaty.

At the time of independence in 1947, the India-Pakistan boundary was drawn across the Indus Basin, leaving Pakistan as the lower riparian state. A dispute arose because some key irrigation works, including one at Madhopur on the Ravi river and another at Ferozepur on the Sutlej river, on which irrigation canals in Pakistans Punjab province were completely dependent, were in Indian territory.

The Indus Waters Treaty allocated the western rivers  Indus, Jhelum, Chenab  to Pakistan, and the eastern rivers  Ravi, Beas and Sutlej  to India. It allowed each country certain uses on the rivers allocated to the other. The World Banks role is largely procedural and limited to designating neutral experts or the chair of the court of arbitration.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Thursday denounced a media report that implied violations by India in its defence exports as speculative and misleading. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (File Photo)

A Reuters report alleged that Indian-made artillery shells sold to European customers had found their way to Ukraine, where they have been used in the ongoing conflict against Russia. Citing government officials and defence industry sources from both India and Europe, the report claimed that New Delhi had not intervened to prevent the resale of these arms, despite multiple protests from Moscow.

We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an official statement.

He said India has a robust legal and regulatory framework governing its defence exports, which ensures strict compliance with international obligations on non-proliferation.

Also Read | New Quad initiatives, Ukraine and Gaza conflicts on PM Modis agenda on US visit

India, he reiterated, has an impeccable track record regarding the export of military and dual-use items.

India has been carrying out its defence exports, taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end user obligations and certifications, Jaiswal added.

According to the report, the diversion of these munitions to Ukraine has occurred for more than a year, and customs data reportedly corroborated the transfers. However, the news agency acknowledged that it could not determine whether the munitions had been resold or donated to Kyiv by European buyers.

Also Read | Ukraines fighting against time and the clock is ticking

Russia, a long-standing defence partner of India and its primary arms supplier, is reportedly unhappy with the transfers. According to Reuters, Moscow raised concerns about the issue on at least two occasions, including during a meeting in July between Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Italy, Czech Republic identified in report

The Reuters report identified Italy and the Czech Republic as among the European nations that have been supplying Indian artillery shells to Ukraine. It cited a Spanish and a senior Indian official, as well as a former executive of Yantra India, one of the Indian companies implicated in the ammunition transfers.

Yantra India, Munitions India, and Kalyani Strategic Systems are the primary Indian ammunition makers involved, according to Reuters. The investigation revealed that Indias arms exports to European countries, including Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Slovenia, had surged significantly since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022.

While Indian arms export regulations limit the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser, the Reuters report suggested that some violations of these end-user agreements may have occurred during the rapid expansion of Indias defence exports. Arzan Tarapore, a defence expert from Stanford University, was quoted in the report, saying, Probably in the sudden recent expansion, some instances of end-user violations have occurred.
India on Thursday strongly rejected a lawsuit filed by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, calling it unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations aimed at the Indian government. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. (AP File)

Pannun, an India-designated terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organisation, filed the lawsuit in a US federal district court, accusing the Indian government of orchestrating an assassination attempt against him.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, said the lawsuit does not alter Indias position regarding Pannun or his organization.

As weve said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations, Misri said. Now that this particular case has been lodged, it doesnt change our views about the underlying situation.

Also Read | Khalistani terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's Sikh remark in US: Existential threat

Misri went on to highlight Pannuns background and his links to a group designated as a terrorist organization in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). "I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known," he said, referring to Pannun.

What Pannun claimed in his lawsuit

The lawsuit comes just days before Modi is set to visit the United States for a high-profile diplomatic engagement. It accuses several Indian officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Samant Goel, of involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate Pannun in New York last year, according to a report by The Times of India.

The US Justice Department had previously unsealed an indictment in November against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accusing him of contracting hitmen to carry out the murder. The hitmen, however, turned out to be undercover US law enforcement agents.

Pannun is now seeking financial compensation in the civil suit, claiming that his life remains under threat. His lawsuit alleges that the plot was orchestrated by top Indian intelligence officials, with approval from Doval and Goel, and that Prime Minister Modi was aware of the operation. The complaint, however, does not name Modi as a defendant, citing his immunity as head of a foreign state.

India has long accused Pannun and his SFJ group of promoting separatist activities aimed at destabilising the country. Misri reiterated that the organization Pannun represents is considered unlawful under Indian law for its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.
The fresh round of talks between the protesting junior doctors and the West Bengal government to end cease-work protests remained inconclusive on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported. The junior doctor delegation alleged that the chief secretary agreed to most of their demands but refused to hand over a signed copy of minutes from the meeting or give any concrete assurances on its implementation. Kolkata: A delegation of junior doctors leave for Nabanna (State Secretariat) by bus to meet West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant for a discussion on certain 'key unresolved issues' like security in hospitals, from their 'dharna' site outside Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (PTI Photo)(PTI09_18_2024_000315A)(PTI)

The doctors said they will send an email with a list of their demands on Thursday, based on which the government is expected to issue some directives. We will continue our agitation and take a call on it if and when those directives are issued, Dr Aniket Mahato told news agency PTI.

Why were the issues raised?

The state government refused to agree on their core demand to initiate departmental inquiry against health secretary NS Nigam to fix accountability over the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate doctor inside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

An un-signed copy of minutes released by the state government said the delegation demanded formation of an inquiry committee against Nigam for alleged misconduct over the past 4 to 5 years, that includes allegations of fostering a health syndicate.

In addition to action against Nigam, the doctors also demanded broader representation from medical colleges on the state task force formed to implement measures on doctor's safety and security. They also wanted to know the details on formulation and functions of the promised task force. The government proposed to have only 4 to 5 representatives from the junior doctors.

The doctors also raised issues of safety inside public hospitals and an end to threat culture on medical college campuses. "Both parties agreed to implement a central directive for deploying female police officers for night patrols, installing panic buttons by department, and establishing helplines for prompt intervention," the minutes read.

The 30-member delegation also demanded broader representation of students on unions, hostels and decision-making bodies in hospitals, in addition to forming college-level task forces and holding of college council and resident doctors' association elections.

The protesting junior doctors claimed these demands are "inextricably linked" in ensuring that another gruesome crime against doctors never takes place again.

Cease-work sit-in protests continue

The junior doctors expressed unhappiness over the outcome of talks and said their sit-in protests outside health department headquarters Swasthya Bhavan would continue.

Today when we went in, we were very hopeful...for 41 days we have been on streets demanding for basic human rights, justice, and a threat culture to end. We not only demanded our own healthcare facility to improve but also for patient care to improve. When we asked for the meeting, we were told that we needed to email them whatever our needs are and based on that, they would verify that email and will circle back to us with certain central directors. We right now feel very hopeless. We were very hopeful when we walked in...we want the protest to end...we are forced to continue this protest...protest will continue until all our demands are met, Dr Shaintini told ANI.

(With inputs from agencies)
Now global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has also warned that the left-wing extremist groups are seeking to overthrow the government. While these groups have been successful in some places  either fully or partially, such misadventure is nearly impossible in India because of the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But, this latest FATF report must be taken seriously by all democratic forces globally. File Photo of a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh.

Lets reproduce the paragraph for convenience. India faces a disparate range of terrorism threats, categorised into six different theatres. These can be summarised as theatres associated with ISIL or AQ-linked extremist groups active in and around Jammu and Kashmir, whether directly or via proxies or affiliates, as well as other separatist movements in the region; other ISIL and AQ cells, their affiliates, or radicalised individuals in India; regional insurgencies in the Northeast and North of India; and left-wing extremist groups seeking to overthrow the government. The most significant terrorism threats appear to relate to ISIL or AQ-linked groups active in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

This is not a narrative of a layperson, it is an assessment of the world's premier body through research and field survey. Established in 1989, the 40-member FATF is an inter-governmental body that sets international standards to prevent illegal activities and save global society. As a policy-making body, it works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas. Over 200 countries and jurisdictions have committed to implementing the FATFs Standards as part of a coordinated global response to preventing organised crime, corruption and terrorism.

It is not just about India. Even a covert attack on India would harm the global community, create food insecurity and threaten democracy. Hence, the global community must take its latest report (released on September 19) seriously, particularly the 40 members such as Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Gulf Cooperation Council, Hong Kong, China, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia (membership suspended on February 24, 2023), Saudi Arabia Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Subversive elements, as mentioned in the second para are not just housed in India, but their tentacles are spread across the globe. Divisive and destructive forces are also concentrated in developed countries such as the US, Canada and certain European safehouses. In fact, they are flourishing there under the patronage of respective deep states under the garb of liberalism, freedom of expression and so-called persecution in their countries of birth. But, by harbouring such elements for narrow political gain such countries are harming their citizens and creating impossible situations for their future generation.

The report, which gave full marks to the Modi government for tackling money launderers and terror financiers, cites an example  the Hurriyat case.

NIA registered a case in 2017 based on information that terrorist organisations, Lashkar-eTayyiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), and Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) with the support of members of the All Party Hurriyat Conference and other cross border support, were involved in terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir. Although 16 persons were arrested, the money trail relating to Mr Z uncovered funding from outside India from an overseas account, identified using EGMONT channels as well as information from FIU-IND. It was found that Mr Z floated several companies in India and abroad.

The overseas account opened by Mr Z received money with the assistance of his business partner, Mr Y, from other off-shore locations through hawala as well as offshore shell companies. Mr Z acted as the main financial conduit and Mr X transferred money to Mr Z to be brought into India on the pretext of a fake land purchase. The money trail from documents seized from Mr Zs chartered accountant showed that the money has been diverted to terrorists and proscribed terrorist groups as well as to Mr Y who was a leading figure in the Hurriyat Conference, having close connections with designated terrorists in the region and used funds to support their activity, it said.

Mr Z, Mr X and Mr Y were arrested in August 2017, July 2018 and April 2019 respectively. Other suspects were also arrested. The first set of chargesheets were filed in January 2018 and supplementary chargesheets were filed in October 2019. Charges were framed against all three March 2022. Mr Y was convicted in May 2022 on TF and other charges and sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of INR 1 million. The trial against Mr X and Mr Z is ongoing. NIA has obtained attachment orders against the assets of the offenders, including property of Mr Z which included 20 plots of land, residential premises and offices, out of which attachment orders have been issued against 17 of them INR 60 million (EUR 630 000), it said in the report.

There is zero tolerance against all such illegal and anti-national activities under the Modi government, It is because the Government has abandoned the erstwhile regimes policy of Minority (the so-called minority which has the second largest population in the world) Appeasement. But so-called liberals, left-leaning intellectuals and urban naxals are desperately working overtime to bring back the old regime. Global leaders must get warned after reading this report and work in unison to thwart the evil design of left-wing extremist groups seeking to overthrow the government.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday took a swipe at Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adithyanath, doubling down on his recent remark that there is not much difference between a mathadheesh (head of a mutt) and a mafia. UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.(File)

When asked about his comment, Akhilesh Yadav said, Meri bhi tasveer dekhlo aap aur unki bhi dekhlo, mafia kon lagega yeh bata do (You can look at my photograph and his too, tell me who would be considered a mafia), drawing laughter from other SP leaders present at the press conference.

Also Read | Akhilesh is leader of mafia, criminals, says U.P minister

The comment came a day after Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Gangwar accused Akhilesh Yadav of being a leader of mafia and criminals. Gangwar claimed that Yadav has lost his mental equilibrium following the recent Lok Sabha elections, resulting in erratic statements.

People have seen his relationship with the likes of Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari, he said, adding, a donkey will see others as donkeys. He suggested that Yadavs perceptions are influenced by his own experiences during his time in office. He himself is a leader of mafias and criminals, the minister asserted.

On Wednesday, Adityanath also accused the SP of cowing down to criminals and denigrating religious leaders.

Samajwadi Party members used to rub their noses in front of notorious mafias and criminals. As per their culture, they call religious leaders mafias, Adityanath said at an event, referring to Yadavs controversial statement.

They exploited the youth, forced farmers to commit suicide and traders were forced to migrate and incidents like the Kairana (exodus) happened because of them. Hindu traders had to move out of Kairana because of them, he added.

Also Read | Former Faizabad MP objects to mafia presence, leaves BJP press meet in Ayodhya

Without naming Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, Yogi Adityanath criticised Congress and Samajwadi Party, saying "Do ladkon ki jodi" (two boys) is talking about development in Uttar Pradesh and they have forgotten the history of the last 10 years when 'gunda' and 'mafia raj' were prevailing in the state.

VHP condemns Akhilesh Yadav's statement

Yadav's comments equating mathadheesh with mafias have also drawn the ire of Hindu outfits. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) strongly condemned his remark and demanded an apology from the SP chief, calling his statement highly condemnable and objectionable.

This is not the first time Akhilesh Yadav has insulted Hindu beliefs and saints to please his vote bank. He should apologize to the entire Hindu society, including the revered saints, VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain said.

He also accused the INDIA alliance, of which SP is a part, of remaining silent on the issue.

It seems the Sanatan Hindu society is being insulted under a well-thought out conspiracy, he said.

Akhilesh Yadav and the leaders of his alliance should apologise to the entire Hindu society, including the revered saints, for his anti-Hindu statement, else the Hindu society will not tolerate this insult and will give a befitting reply through every democratic means, the VHP functionary added.
The Congress on Wednesday promised a law on minimum support prices (MSPs), a caste survey and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Haryana, as it rolled out seven guarantees and underlined plans for farmers, women and young people in the northern state if voted to power in the October 5 assembly elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge releases the party's manifesto of seven guarantees for the Haryana elections on Wednesday. (AICC)

A legislation on MSP has been among the key demands of farmers camping at the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13. On July 24, a delegation of the cultivators met Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who assured the support of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to pressure the Centre over the key demand.

We will implement these guarantees and that is why we have named it Saat Vaade, Pakke Irade, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, as he launched the poll manifesto at the party headquarters in Delhi.

The way the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ruined Haryana in 10 years, the Congress party will work to rectify it. Today, Haryana is surrounded by corruption, unemployment, deteriorating law and order and anarchy. Rahul Gandhi ji met the people during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to understand their problems. But (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji does not go among the public; he only meets selected people, he added.

Polling in Haryana will take place on October 5 while the votes will be counted on October 8. The ruling BJP is hoping to win a third consecutive term while the Congress is hoping to ride on its momentum from the Lok Sabha elections  it won five of the 10 seats in the state and prevented a BJP sweep after a decade  to a rare assembly win.

Read more: Haryana election: Congress promises legal MSP, 6,000 pension in 7 guarantees

Kharge said the guarantees pertain to women, social security, youth, farmers, families and the poor.

The party announced an increase in the limit of creamy layer for OBCs from 8 lakh to 10 lakh. The creamy layer establishes a cut-off, below which people from OBC groups can avail reservations.

For women, the Congress promised gas cylinders for 500 and a monthly financial assistance of 2,000 to every woman between 18-60 years.

To strengthen social security, the party promised a 6,000 monthly pension for the elderly, disabled, and widows, and reinstating OPS.

The Congress promised to provide 300 units of free electricity and free medical treatment of up to 25 lakh. Besides, it said it will provide plots of around 900 sq ft and build two bedroom houses at a cost of 3.5 lakh for the poor.

The party also promised to fill 200,000 vacancies and offer jobs to young people.

Under farmers welfare, the Congress promised a legal guarantee for MSPs. It also said that it will erect a memorial for farmers who lost their lives during the protests against the now-withdrawn three agricultural laws. All the farmers, who gave their lives and were martyred, we have promised to give jobs to their children, Kharge said.

The contentious agricultural laws, which were passed in September 2020, were rolled back by the Centre in December 2021, after months of widespread protests by peasants, including in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

A farmers uprising has also gripped the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13, with the cultivators seeking legal guarantees for higher crop prices, relaxation of strict environmental regulations, pensions and withdrawal of police cases filed against them during the 2020-21 farmers protests against the now-repealed laws.

The latest round of protests are likely to be one of the key issues in the Haryana polls.

Promising a caste survey in Haryana, Kharge said such an exercise is necessary so that every community knows where they stand in welfare schemes, education and job opportunities.

Kharge said the welfare of journalists is also on the Congresss agenda and it promises a cashless treatment facility for them in Haryana and increasing their pension.

Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and AICC senior observers for Haryana polls, Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken and Partap Singh Bajwa were also present at the event.

The upcoming elections are likely to be fought on a host of issues ranging from anti-incumbency against the BJP government to discontent around the Agnipath recruitment scheme and the farmers protest. The wrestlers protest against former MP and former Wrestling India Foundation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, and caste fault lines are likely to be other issues.
Union health minister and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda on Thursday slammed the Congress for overlooking the misdeeds of its leaders including Rahul Gandhi, whom he accused of having a history of abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). BJP chief JP Nadda said Rahul Gandhi has a history of calling the entire OBCs, including the PM, a thief and using extremely indecent words against Modi. (HT Photo)

Nadda made the comments in a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who earlier this week had written to PM Modi to raise the issue of extremely objectionable and violent statements by the members of the ruling NDA targeting the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and urged him to discipline his leaders.

You have written a letter to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi in an attempt to polish your failed product, which has been repeatedly rejected by the public, and bring it to the market due to political compulsion. Your comments are far from truth. It appears from your letter that you have either forgotten the misdeeds of your leaders including Rahul Gandhi or have deliberately ignored them, Nadda wrote in the letter to Kharge.

The BJP chief said Gandhi has a history of calling the entire OBCs, including the PM, a thief and using extremely indecent words against Modi. Under what compulsion are you trying to justify Rahul Gandhi, he asked Kharge in a three-page letter written in Hindi.

In the last 10 years, Congress leaders have abused Modi 110 times, Nadda claimed, accusing the opposition party of double standards. He also alleged no leader in the history of independent India was insulted as much as Modi was by Congress leaders, citing several objectionable remarks used for the prime minister over the years.

Taking a swipe at Gandhi, Nadda wrote: What is the Congress taking pride in him for... for talking to people who have an anti-India stance or for attendance at events in support of terrorists.

Read more: Bangla bandh call today over Nabanna Abhijan clashes; JP Nadda slams Mamata Banerjee | 10 updates

The Congress was quick to hit back, calling Naddas reply to Kharge intemperate and juvenile.

The Congress is shocked that the letter written by our president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge ji to the Prime Minister was passed on to you to respond. The silence of the prime minister on a matter as grave as a threat to the life of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is very disturbing, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote to Nadda.

Your response to Mallikarjun Kharges letter to the prime minister is both juvenile and shallow, and a shameful attempt to distract from the serious threats to Rahul Gandhis life, the Congress leader added.

In his letter to Modi on Tuesday, Kharge flagged violent remarks made by leaders of the BJP and its allies against Rahul Gandhi.

I have to say with sadness that the violent language used by the leaders of the BJP and your allies is harmful for the future. The world is shocked that the Minister of State for Railways in the central government, a minister from BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, is calling the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha number one terrorist, Kharge had said in an apparent reference to the remarks by MoS Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu and UP minister Raghuraj Singh.

On Wednesday, Congress leader Ajay Maken lodged a police complaint in Delhi, citing the remarks of BJP leaders Tarvinder Singh Marwah, Bittu and Singh as well as those of Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad, and sought registration of FIRs against them.

On September 11, Marwah in a BJP event openly issued an assassination threat against Rahul Gandhi, wherein he said Rahul Gandhi baaz aaja, nahi toh aanewale time mein tera bhi wohi haal hoga jo teri dadi ka hua (you better behave yourself or you will meet the same fate as that of your grandmother), the complaint said.

It also cited Gaikwads announcement of a bounty of 11 lakh for anyone who will cut Gandhis tongue as well as Union minister of state (MoS) for Railways Ravneet Bittus remarks, calling Gandhi the number one terrorist in the country.

Bittu deliberately made the statement to provoke public hatred and outrage against Gandhi, with the aim to incite violence and breach of peace. The said statement was widely publicised on television channels and social media, Maken said in the complaint.

It cited Uttar Pradesh minister Raghuraj Singhs remarks that Gandhi is the number one terrorist in India.
History recalled to cherish present

16:37, September 19, 2024 By Zhou Huiying and Tian Xuefei ( China Daily

Veterans, officials, and local residents attend a bell-tolling and siren-sounding ceremony on Wednesday at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, Liaoning province, to commemorate the September 18 Incident in 1931. The ceremony was held to mark the 93rd anniversary of the incident, in which Japanese troops began the bloody invasion of China. (LI GANG/XINHUA)

A 1939 map of Japan's agricultural emigration to northeastern China, which is a national first-class cultural relic, was displayed to the public for the first time on Wednesday, the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident, at the Northeast China Revolutionary Martyrs' Memorial Hall in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.

The map serves as solid evidence of Japanese aggressors seizing farmland in northeastern China and harming the Chinese people during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), according to the hall.

Wednesday marked the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident in 1931, in which Japanese troops began the bloody invasion of China, foreshadowing World War II and making the country the first to resist fascism.

The immigration map, published in Japan in 1939, is printed in red, black, and light blue and is 76 cm by 54 cm. It was acquired by the hall in 1996 and is well preserved.

"From the map, it is clear to see the organized and large-scale immigration policy implemented by Japanese aggressors after occupying northeastern China," said Li Anyang, a guide at the hall. "The locations and data marked on the map were part of their '1 million household immigration plan in 20 years', which is also evidence of Japan's aggressive large-scale immigration."

More than 80 students from colleges and primary schools in Harbin visited the hall on Wednesday to cherish the memory of the country's revolutionary martyrs.

"The September 18 Incident is not just a period of humiliating history but also a poignant heroic epic," said Zhang Xin, a teacher from Tieling Primary School. "Our students in the new era must remember history and cherish the present.

"I hope the visit can bring them more strength, which can help them strive to learn scientific and cultural knowledge and contribute to constructing our country into a strong modern socialist nation," she added.

Also on Wednesday, the Museum of Evidence of War Crimes by the Japanese Army Unit 731 in Harbin and Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese historian, jointly released new evidence of atrocities during the war.

The 267-page document provides detailed information on 100 technicians of the germ warfare detachments of the Imperial Japanese Army from February 1944 to August 1945.

Technicians refer to specialized technical professionals who were appointed as high-ranking officials, technical officers, or core researchers during the war, according to the museum.

They were included in the Japanese army's official hierarchy, often serving as heads of various research departments and primarily engaging in various bacteriological experiments and medical research.

"Among them, there were 57 from Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base established in Harbin in 1935," said Jin Shicheng, a researcher at the museum. "The document records detailed information, including their dates of appointment, promotion history, alma maters and achievements.

"The information well presents the overall structure and composition of Unit 731," Jin added. "It is crucial evidence for deepening the study of Japan's bacteriological warfare units and holds significant importance for fully exposing Japan's bacteriological warfare crimes."

Furthermore, the information "is also an attempt at joint Sino-Japanese disclosure of the crimes", he said. "We hope more forces can unite to jointly expose Japan's atrocities in bacteriological warfare, helping people remember history and safeguard peace."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Jagat Prakash Nadda has written to his Congress counterpart, Mallikarjun Kharge, slamming the opposition party for overlooking the misdeeds of its leaders including lawmaker Rahul Gandhi who allegedly insulted the Other Backward Class (OBC) communities. BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda. (X)

Nadda referred to Kharges letter to Prime Narendra Modi on Wednesday about the comments of BJP leaders against Gandhi and attacked the Congress. He added that Kharge wrote to Modi to polish your failed product, which has been repeatedly rejected by the public, and bring it to the market due to political compulsion.

Nadda cited Kharges letter and said the things the Congress chief said were far from reality. It seems that in the letter you have either forgotten the misdeeds of your leaders including Rahul Gandhi or have deliberately ignored them...

Kharge wrote to Modi complaining against phrases such as number one terrorist Union minister Ravneet Bittu used against Gandhi and a former BJP lawmakers death threat to the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha.

Nadda slammed Gandhi for allegedly making statements to stain Modis image. Who transgressed the decorum then... Nadda asked. What is the Congress taking pride in him [Gandhi] for... for talking to people who have an anti-India stance or for attendance at events in support of terrorists. He drew attention to the inappropriate words Congress members have used against Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress, National Conference and PDP of putting stones in the hands of the youths of Jammu and Kashmir and ruining their future for political benefits. Addressing a poll rally in Srinagar, he vowed that he would not allow the three families of Jammu and Kashmir to destroy another generation of the erstwhile state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium (Waseem Andrabi/Hindustan Times)

"Our youth were away from studies outside the schools and colleges and these three families (Congress, NC and PDP) were happy by putting stones in their hands. These people have ruined the future of our children for their benefit... Every force conspiring against Jammu and Kashmir must be defeated. Providing employment opportunities to the youth here is Modi's intention, Modi's promise," PM Modi said.

The BJP claims the three parties  Congress, NC and PDP  practice dynasty politics.

"I will not let another generation of ours be destroyed at the hands of these 3 families. That's why I am sincerely working towards restoring peace here. Today, schools and colleges are running smoothly throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Children have pens, books and laptops in their hands. Today, there are no reports of fires in schools; instead, there are reports of new schools, new colleges, AIIMS, medical colleges and IITs being built," PM Modi added.

He said the three families think that it is their birthright to capture power by any means. He accused them of spreading fear and anarchy in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Their political agenda has been to deprive the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their legitimate rights. They have given only fear and anarchy to Jammu and Kashmir but now Jammu and Kashmir will no longer be in the grip of these three families...Now our youth here is challenging them. The youth whom they did not allow to progress have come out against them. The suffering that the youth of J&K have faced in the rule of these three families is often not able to come out," he added.

PM Modi claimed the youths of the union territory were deprived of education and employment.

"This did not happen because our youth of Jammu and Kashmir failed, but this happened because the three families of Congress, NC and PDP had failed," he added.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are taking place after a massive gap of 10 years. The first phase of voting was held on September 18, and the other two rounds will be held on September 25 and October 1. Counting will take place on October 8.

With inputs from ANI
A day after the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election saw a 59 per cent voter turnout, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address a public rally in Srinagar on Thursday, September 19.



The rally is part of the BJP's campaign to garner support for its candidates in the Valley, where the party has never won a seat before. Of the 47 seats in Kashmir, the BJP has fielded candidates in 19 constituencies, which is less than one-third of the total and fewer than in the last assembly elections held in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a BJP rally for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections in Doda. (ANI)

I look forward to being among the people of Jammu and Kashmir today. Will address a rally in Srinagar and Katra. Yesterdays turnout has shown that the people of J&K are very enthusiastic about the elections and are keen to make the poll process vibrant. I will speak about our development agenda and seek peoples blessings, PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

The BJP said that the rally is scheduled to take place at Srinagar's Sher-e-Kashmir Park, with an expected attendance of 30,000 party workers and supporters.



Security forces in Srinagar and across Kashmir have been placed on heightened alert. Enhanced patrols and several checkpoints have been established to ensure there are no security lapses, said police officials.

Following the abrogation of Article 370, three BJP candidates won in the DDC elections, one each from Srinagar, Pulwama, and Kupwara districts, giving the party hope of improving its prospects in the region.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi held a rally in Doda, Jammu region, marking the first visit by a PM to the area in 42 years. The upcoming rally in Srinagar will be the second during the ongoing assembly polls.



On September 18, a voter turnout of about 59 percent, the highest in the past seven elections was recorded in the first phase of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Over 2.3 million voters were eligible to cast the ballot to determine the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 independents. Kishtwar district recorded the highest 77 percent turnout, while Pulwama district witnessed the lowest 46 percent.

There are reports of some minor incidents of scuffle or argument from a few polling stations but "no serious incident" occurred that could have forced a repoll, he said.

Doda district recorded a turnout of 69.33 percent, Ramban district 67.71 percent, Kulgam district 61.57 percent, Anantnag district 54.17 percent and Shopian district 53.64 percent.

In the 2014 assembly elections, the district wise poll percentage was: Pulwama 44 percent, Shopian 48 percent, Kulgam 59 percent, Anantnag 60 percent, Ramban 70 percent, Doda 73 percent and Kishtwar 76 percent.

In Kishtwar district, Padder-Nagseni segment recorded the highest 80.67 percent voting followed by Inderwal (80.06 percent) and Kishtwar (78.11 percent).

In the nearby Doda district, Doda west segment recorded 75.98 percent, Doda (70.21 percent) and Bhaderwah (65.27 percent).

In Ramban district, Banihal segment recorded 71.28 percent and Ramban 67.34 percent, he said.

The polling was held across 3,276 Polling Stations in the seven districts and 24 special polling stations set up for migrant pandits in Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi.

With PTI inputs
NEW DELHI: New initiatives by the Quad to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific, the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and reform of global governance structures will be part of the agenda for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US this week. Vikram Misri said the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are expected to figure at both the Quad Summit and bilateral meetings in New York (Screengrab/MEA YouTube)

Modi will begin the three-day visit by participating in the Quad Summit in US President Joe Bidens hometown of Wilmington in Delaware and holding bilateral meetings with other leaders of the grouping  Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japans Premier Fumio Kishida  on September 21.

He will then travel to New York to participate in an interaction with the Indian diaspora at Long Island on September 22, and the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly the following day. There will also be bilateral meetings with world leaders on the margins of the General Assembly and a roundtable with CEOs of American firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors.

Pressing global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, escalating tensions in West Asia, and the situation in the Indo-Pacific are set to figure at the Quad Leaders Summit to be hosted by Biden, foreign secretary Vikram Misri told a media briefing on Thursday. India was to host the summit this year, before it agreed to a request from the American side to take on the responsibility in 2025.

The Quad Summit will have a substantive and constructive agenda, including work by the partners on development priorities of the Indo-Pacific, implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and delivering public goods. There will be a strong focus on peace, progress and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and the leaders will discuss health security, climate change, emerging technologies, infrastructure, connectivity, maritime security, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance, Misri said.

At an event on the margins of the Quad Summit, the four partners will launch the Cancer Moonshot, a special initiative to prevent, detect and treat cancer across the Indo-Pacific. There will also be new initiatives and commitments by the partners in different sectors, including investments and capacity building.

Also Read: Quad to unveil new initiative to prevent and treat cancer

At the bilateral meeting between Modi and Biden, the two sides will unveil agreements on India joining two of the four pillars of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on an India-US drug framework. India had earlier signed on for the supply chains pillar of IPEF and it will now become part of the pillars on clean economy and fair economy. India has so far stayed away from the trade pillar of IPEF, which was launched by the US and partners in the Indo-Pacific region in 2022.

Work and discussion on the trade pillar continue at this point of time, Misri told the media briefing.

Misri acknowledged that the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are expected to figure at both the Quad Summit and bilateral meetings in New York, but refused to be drawn out on the issue of whether the Indian side will present a specific proposals to end the Russia-Ukraine war following Modis visits to the warring countries in the past two months.

Noting that Modi had spoken to Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin following his visit to Kyiv last month, and that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval too met Putin during a recent visit to Russia, Misri said: I can only say that talks are continuing between the leaders and as far as the question of making a proposal is concerned, we have to see how much consensus is built and if we can reach a stage where a proposal can be put before a larger audience.

Misri reiterated Indias long-standing position on the situation in West Asia by saying that New Delhi has always stood for a ceasefire in Gaza. India also wants a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of aid to Gaza and the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas last October so that work can begin on a more sustainable and broad-based settlement.

Indias long-term approach favours a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living at peace with each other within stable and secure borders, he said.

At the Summit of the Future in New York, which is aimed at bringing together world leaders to enhance multilateral cooperation to tackle the most pressing global challenges, Modi will outline Indias priorities such as inclusive, equitable and sustainable development, South-South cooperation, and the concerns of the Global South.

The Indian side will also emphasise at the summit, which is being held amid conflicts and divisions across the world, that there is an obvious deficit of development and a risk of the Global South being left behind. The Indian side will also signal its willingness to step forward to tackle challenges related to global peace and security, Misri said.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday slammed chief minister Nitish Kumar after 34 homes of Dalit people were allegedly set on fire in Bihar's Nawada, saying the JD(U) leader failed as the CM. He claimed there is now law and order in the state under Kumar. Nawada: Charred remains are seen after multiple houses were allegedly set on fire. (PTI)

"This is very wrong. There is no law and order in Bihar. Nitish Kumar has failed," Yadav said.

Reacting to Jitan Ram Manjhi's remark that 90 per cent of those arrested in the incident were RJD supporters and were from a particular caste, Lalu Prasad Yadav said the former was completely misled.

"Jitan Ram Manjhi is completely misled and he is trying to mislead the people of the country. I will find out what has happened there (Nawada)," he added.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar condemned the incident and directed the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to visit the site.

Police arrested 15 people.

Early probe suggested that the crime took place over a land dispute.

Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma told PTI, The district police has arrested 15 people for allegedly torching the houses. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to further investigate the matter, and searches are ongoing to apprehend any remaining suspects.

Verma said around 21 houses, some semi-pucca, were destroyed by a group in Manjhi Tola. 13 houses were partially damaged.

Lalu Yadav's son, Tejashwi Yadav, attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident.

"Respected, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Ji, houses of Dalits have been set on fire under your double-engine government in Bihar. The PM must say a few words on this Mangalraj as whatever is happening is all because of the will of almighty God and the NDA leaders have no control over this," he said.

Nitish Kumar has said the culprits will not be spared.

"The CM stressed that those who take the law into their hands must be caught and punished. He directed all district magistrates and superintendents of police across the state to ensure that the rule of law prevails," a senior CMO official said.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
No significant rainfall activity was likely in any part of the country during the next four to five days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. Rainfall was expected from September 26 to October 10, according to the extended range model guidance. There has been 7% excess rainfall since June 1. (HT PHOTO)

In the next four to five days, wind direction may change to westerly but that does not mean rainfall will stop everywhere. A fresh cyclonic circulation is expected to develop over east India around September 22. It is likely to intensify into a cyclonic circulation and travel towards central India and cross Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, etc, said private forecaster Skymet Weather vice president (climate and meteorology) Mahesh Palawat. So it will rain and [monsoon] withdrawal may be delayed. It has stopped raining in west Rajasthan.

IMD forecast last week that monsoon may begin withdrawal from parts of northwest India around September 22. If that happens, it will be the earliest the monsoon withdraws from the region in eight years. In 2023, it started withdrawing around 25 September.

IMD announced on September 30 in 2022 that monsoon has withdrawn from Punjab, Chandigarh Delhi, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. But it continued raining and experts said IMD announced the commencement of withdrawal prematurely. The monsoon normally commences withdrawal on September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15.

IMD considers some major synoptic features after September 1 before declaring monsoon withdrawal from the western parts. These include cessation of rainfall activity for continuous five days, the establishment of anticyclones in the lower troposphere, and considerable reduction in moisture content as inferred from satellite water vapour imageries. Further monsoon withdrawal is declared keeping the spatial continuity, reduction in moisture as seen in the water vapour imageries, and prevalence of dry weather for five days.

The monsoon withdraws from the southern peninsula only after October 1, when the circulation pattern indicates a change over from the southwesterly wind regime.

A cyclonic circulation was lying over southeast Rajasthan and neighbourhood in lower and middle tropospheric levels. Isolated places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, western Uttar Pradesh received heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall was reported from isolated places in West Madhya Pradesh. The western end of the monsoon trough was north of its normal position and the eastern end was south of its normal position.

There has been 7% excess rainfall since June 1. Central India has received 18%, peninsular India 17% and northeastern India 7% excess rainfall. There has been a 14% rain deficiency in east and northeast India.
The Union cabinet has accepted a high-level committee's recommendations on One Nation, One Election for holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies in a phased manner after a countrywide consensus-building exercise. President Droupadi Murmu being presented a report on simultaneous elections in the country by former president Ram Nath Kovind who heads high-level committee (HLC) on 'One Nation, One Election', and home minister Amit Shah, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The issue of simultaneous polls has been on the Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifestoes as part of electoral reforms.

Information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said an implementation group would be formed to take forward the recommendations of the panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind and detailed discussions would be held on various for across the country over the next few months.

Ashwini Vaishnaw said the move to simultaneous elections would be effected in two phases  in the first phase, Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be aligned and in the second phase, which will be held within 100 days of the first, local body elections will be covered.

The Ram Nath Kovind committee has recommended 18 constitutional amendments, most of which will not need ratification by state assemblies. However, these would require certain Constitution amendment bills that would have to be passed by Parliament.

Some proposed changes regarding the single electoral roll and single voter ID card would need ratification by at least half of the states.

Separately, the law commission is also likely to come up soon with its own report on simultaneous elections, of which Prime Minister Modi has been a strong votary.

News agency PTI reported citing unnamed sources that the law commission is likely to recommend holding simultaneous polls for all three tiers of the government  the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats  starting 2029 and a provision for a unity government in cases like a hung house.

Simultaneous elections in the past

India had simultaneous elections between 1951 and 1967. The peak occurred in 1967, with elections in 20 states coinciding with the national elections for the Lower House of Parliament. In 1977, this number was 17, while in 1980 and 1985, 14 states held simultaneous elections.

Thereafter, polls started getting dispersed due to various reasons, including mid-term elections.

Differing tenures of various state assemblies

Holding all elections simultaneously will require a lot of manoeuvring, including advancing some polls and delaying some others.

While the Lok Sabha polls were held in May-June this year, states such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh also went to polls along with the parliamentary election.

The assembly election process for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana is currently underway, while Maharashtra and Jharkhand are also scheduled to go to polls later this year.

Delhi and Bihar are among the states that are scheduled to go to polls in 2025.

The terms of the current assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry will end in 2026, while the terms of the Goa, Gujarat, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assemblies will end in 2027.

The terms of the state assemblies in Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Telangana will end in 2028.

The terms of the current Lok Sabha and the state assemblies that went to polls together this year will end in 2029.

What comes next?

The success of the One Nation, One Election initiative depends on Parliament passing two Constitution Amendment Bills, which will require broad support from various political parties. Since the BJP doesn't have a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha, it will need to engage not only its NDA allies but also opposition parties.

Key NDA constituent Janata Dal (United) welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision, saying such a measure will rid the country of frequent polls, obviate the drain on public exchequer and result in policy continuity.

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said 'One Nation, One Election; will have long-term consequences and bring the country comprehensive benefits.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said simultaneous elections are not practical and alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes up with such things to divert attention from real issues when polls approach.

One way to build the necessary consensus is by referring the Amendment Bills to a parliamentary committee, such as a standing committee or a joint parliamentary committee. These panels include opposition members, and discussions there could lead to a consensus, The Indian Express reported.

The Centre will also need to involve the states. For local bodies to be part of the simultaneous elections plan, at least half of the states must ratify the required Constitutional amendment, it added.

Although the BJP currently governs over a dozen states, the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand may shift the political balance.

Amendments in Articles 83 and Article 172 recommended

To ensure that simultaneous elections do not conflict with the Constitution, the Kovind committee has proposed amendments to Article 83, which governs the term of the Lok Sabha, and Article 172, which covers the tenure of state assemblies.

The committee suggested a one-time transitory measure to synchronise all elections and proposed when Lok Sabha is constituted after the general elections, the President would by notification on the same date as that of the first sitting bring into force the provisions for transition. This date would be called the appointed date.

Irrespective of whether a state assembly has completed its five-year term or not, a clause under proposed Article 82A stated that all the state assemblies constituted in any general election held after the appointed date shall come to an end on the expiry of the full term of the Lok Sabha.

Effect of the provision

The effect of this provision can be understood with an example. The next assembly elections in West Bengal (2026) and Karnataka (2028) would conclude these assemblies terms in May or June 2029, coinciding with the next Lok Sabhas term.

If the One Nation, One Election policy becomes a reality, potentially by 2029, and either the Lok Sabha or a state assembly is dissolved before its five-year term due to a loss of majority after the appointed date, the committee has recommended holding fresh elections. These would be considered midterm elections, and the new government would serve only the remaining portion of the term, referred to as the unexpired term.

The transition to simultaneous elections could also discourage no-confidence motions, as opposition parties may see little benefit in toppling a government, given that the next government would not serve a full five-year term.

(With inputs from agencies)
NEW DELHI: Agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the answer to farmers issues was dialogue, for which he would start an initiative named Samvad Se Samadhan (solution through discussions) to interact with farm organisations directly. Union minister for agriculture and farmers welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses a press conference on achievements of the ministry in the first 100 days of the government on Sept 19 (PTI)

The minister said he would set aside the first half of every Tuesday for meetings with farmers, who can sit across the table with prior notice. Chouhan urged farm groups and organisations to come forward and raise their issues with him.

Direct talks with farmersseveral issues can be resolved through it. So, I am trying to visit fields and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. But I have decided that every Tuesday from morning till lunch will be the time to meet farmers and farmers organisations, Chouhan told reporters.

Once an appointment is fixed, we will talk to whoever and whichever organisation comes, the minister said, in what appears to be a gesture also aimed at farmers groups protesting for a legal guarantee on floor prices for farm produce.

In 2020, thousands of agriculturists set up camps outside the national capital and staged a year-long protest against three agricultural laws aimed at opening up the sector. In November 2021, the government decided to scrap the three legislation, giving in to the farmers demand, which ended the agitation.

Several farmers associations in Haryana, where Assembly polls will be held early next month, have been protesting since February for a legal assurance that no crops will be sold below minimum support prices, a federally fixed floor rate.

Recently, the Supreme Court set up a committee chaired by former Punjab and Haryana high court judge, Justice Nawab Singh, to resolve the grievances of the protesting farmers.

The minister said the Digital Krishi Mission launched recently will be transformative for the agriculture sector, which offers livelihoods to nearly half of the population. We have signed agreements with 19 states so far to create digital public infrastructure in the farm sector, Chouhan said.

On September 2, the Modi Cabinet approved the digital agriculture initiative with an outlay of 2817 crore, including a central government share of 1940 crore to digitise land holdings, offer quicker app-based crop solutions and provide online access to markets.

Chouhan also announced a plan to set up Kisan Choupals, which will be centres dedicated to speedy diffusion of technologies to farmers.
Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asifs statement on the Congress and the National Conference (NC)s support for Article 370 and 35A in Jammu & Kashmir triggered a political row on Thursday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the two parties for being on the same page with the neighbouring country. Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif(AFP File Photo)

The Congress and the NC are in alliance for the ongoing assembly elections in the Union Territory.

Speaking in Katra, Modi accused the coalition of pursuing the neighbouring countrys agenda. You must stay vigilant. You have to be cautious. Every vote for the Congress facilitates the implementation of the manifestos of the NC and the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party). What are they announcing? They will restore Article 370 and bring back the era of violence and bloodshed, he said.

Maybe there is no enthusiasm about the alliance of the NC and Congress here (in J&K), but the neighbouring country is very excited. Unki balle balle Pakistan mein ho rahi hai (They are being celebrated in Pakistan), he added.

Union home minister Amit Shah said Asifs statement once again made it clear that the Congress and Pakistan share the same intentions and agenda, and reiterated that Article 370 will not be restored in Kashmir under the Narendra Modi-led government.

The attack came even as the Congress and the NC distanced themselves from the Pakistan ministers remarks and warned Pakistan against interfering in Indias internal matters.

In an interview, Asif said the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-NC alliance for the Jammu & Kashmir elections were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370. They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A, he said.

Read more: 'Congress, Pakistan have the same agenda': Amit Shah slams Pak defence minister's Article 370 remark

He also said that there are good chances that this coalition will form the government.

Article 370, which gave special status to J&K, and Article 35A that ensured accorded special rights and privileges to local residents, were abrogated by the Centre in 2019.

The NC has promised restoration of Article 370 in J&K and efforts to facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan in its manifesto. The Congress, on the other hand, has assured restoration of statehood of the region.

Hitting out at the Congress over Asifs comments, Shah said on X, Pakistans defence ministers statement about Congress and NCs support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed the Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen.

The post, which was written in Hindi, added: Be it asking for proof of air strikes and surgical strikes or saying objectionable things about the Indian Army, the tune of Rahul Gandhis Congress party and Pakistan has always been the same and Congress has always been hand in glove with the anti-national forces.

The Union minister also said that the Congress and Pakistan forget that there is the Modi government at the Centre, hence, neither Article 370 nor terrorism is going to return to Kashmir.

Besides Shah, several BJP leaders hit out at the two allies.

BJP election in-charge for J&K Ram Madhav posted on X: A clear challenge to people of J&K. NC-Congress alliance is on same page with Pakistan, declares Pak Defence Minister Khwaja Asif. People will teach a big lesson to this treasonous alliance in the elections. J&K will stand with those who stand with Hindustan, not those on same page with Pakistan.

The Congress and the NC dismissed Asifs comments.

We warn Pakistan against interfering in Indias internal matters. Instead of giving such statements, ministers of Pakistan should focus on protecting their citizens from starvation and poverty, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said.

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha also criticised the BJP for talking about Asifs statement in the election campaign. It appears that the BJP and Pakistans establishment are reciprocating each others interests, he said.

Both NC president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah also distanced themselves from the Pakistan ministers remarks.

I dont know what Pakistan says. I am not a Pakistani; I am an Indian citizen, Farooq said.

Speaking on similar lines, Omar said: What has Pakistan to do with us? We are not part of Pakistan. They should take care of their own country and let us take care of our own. Their interference in our elections or commenting on our election process is not appropriate. Let them save their democracy and let us participate in our democracy.
West Bengal Assembly Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari hit out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the government did not work at all on pre-monsoon work and infrastructure in the last three years adding that the precautionary measures ahead of monsoons were not taken. Kolkata: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari addresses a press meet. (PTI Photo)(PTI)

Suvendu Adhikari said, "Pre-monsoon work has not been done for the last three years. This is a flood-prone area. The government did not work at all on infrastructure in the last 3-4 years. The government is busy with only two things- appeasing the 30 per cent population for vote bank, and poll distribution (distributing money during the election). Mamata Banerjee government has finished irrigation in the state, which has affected nearly 15-20 lakh people. Mamata Banerjee has failed as the CM. Our embankments are breaking one after the other. Precautionary measures ahead of monsoons were not taken."

He further said that when the excess water is released from Jharkhand then there is a committee called Damodar Valley River Regulation Committee DVRRC.

"In DVRRC there are representatives from the West Bengal government. The water release has been going on for the last 100 years. Before water is discharged from DVC there is a protocol such as taking permission from the West Bengal government and evicting people to safe places. DVC did all these activities. CM is roaming in affected areas for photo op. People do not have clean drinking water." he added.

He said that part of Bankura, Hoogly rural, Part of West Midnapore, a small part of East Midnapore, and a part of Howrah are affected by floods.

Adhikari further said, "The only solution is that Mamata Banerjee should step down. The priority to tackle the flood situation is the involvement of the NDRF and providing relief to the victims. She has stopped all relief work and is roaming around for photographs."

Earlier West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visited the flood-affected areas in Howrah and Panskura in Medinipur on Thursday and put the blame on the Centre's negligence for failing to carry out dredging at DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation), which she said released water resulting in floods in several districts of the State.

She said that the DVC released more than 5 lakhs of water despite her request.

Banerjee said, This has never happened before. We conduct meetings from time to time. I personally called the DVC chairman. I requested them not to release too much water. Our state is boat-shaped. In North Bengal floods occur due to water from Nepal and Bhutan. And here floods occur due water from Jharkhand. In Malda, floods occur due to water from Bihar and dredging not taking place in the river Ganga. DVC has released more than 5 lakh cusecs of water.
An inquiry has been ordered following the death of Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Priyanka Bishnoi in Jodhpur on Wednesday while undergoing treatment in a private hospital, with her relatives alleging that a surgery performed on her was botched. Bishnoi's relatives accused the hospital of making medical errors during the procedure. (Pic used for representation)

Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed his condolences on X, saying, The demise of Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Priyanka Bishnoi ji is extremely sad. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and give strength to the family members to bear this grief, according to a rough translation of his tweet.

According to a report by The Indian Express, Priyanka Bishnoi, 33, a 2016 batch officer from Bikaner, underwent surgery at a private hospital in Jodhpur two weeks ago.

Her condition later deteriorated, and her relatives accused the hospital of making medical errors during the procedure. In response, Jodhpur district collector Gaurav Agrawal ordered an investigation led by a five-member team, headed by Bharti Saraswat, principal of Sampurnanand Medical College (SNMC) in Jodhpur.

Bishnoi, who was serving as Assistant Collector in Jodhpur, had recently been transferred to the role of Deputy Commissioner with Jodhpur North Municipal Corporation but had not yet assumed the position, the report said.

Similar incidents of botched surgeries

In a May incident in Kerala's Kozhikode, a four-year-old girl was taken to the operating room at the Government Medical College Hospital for the removal of an extra finger. However, after the surgery, it was discovered that the operation had mistakenly been performed on her tongue, news agency PTI reported. The family realised the error when they noticed cotton stuffed in the childs mouth, leading them to investigate and find that the surgery had been conducted on her tongue instead of her hand.

In another case, police in Punjab's Ludhiana charged a surgeon with negligence in April following a patient's complaint. The patient, who had undergone kidney stone surgery two years ago, revealed that despite a stone being diagnosed in his right kidney, the doctor operated on his left kidney. He also reported severe complications post-surgery, which had left him bedridden for the past two years.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, general counsel for the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice, has initiated a civil lawsuit in a US federal district court against the Indian government, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and others, claiming damages for an alleged assassination attempt against him that took place on United States soil last year.



In June 2023, a murder plot against Pannun, a US-Canadian dual citizen of Indian origin and designated terrorist by India, was thwarted, allowing him to evade the attempt on his life, The Times of India reported. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun(HT_PRINT)

The lawsuit filed on Tuesday in the southern district of New York also lists former R&AW chief Samant Goel, senior R&AW officer Vikram Yadav, and Nikhil Gupta, who is an Indian national in a New York jail on murder-for-hire charges.

Nikhil Gupta is accused of attempting to hire hitmen to kill Pannun. The civil case includes possible defendants whose identities are not yet known.



Local media, The Globe and Mail quoting Pannun, reported that the civil lawsuit in the US district court aims to hold the Indian government accountable for its alleged role in the assassination plots. Pannun's lawyers have acknowledged that pursuing justice through criminal courts would be challenging, the report mentioned.

Pannun is seeking financial compensation for assault, which includes the attempt to cause physical harm and for extreme emotional distress. He asserts that his life remains under threat.

The lawsuit alleges that Yadav, who was directed by R&AW recruited Gupta to arrange a murder attempt on Pannun, which was approved by Goel and Doval.



The plot was stopped because the hitmen were undercover US agents. Although the complaint suggests PM Modi was aware of the plot, he is not included in the lawsuit due to his diplomatic immunity.

The Indian government has already established a high-level inquiry committee to examine the allegations.

In the complaint Pannun says that it was not a rogue operative behind the plot and alleges that India has been traced to over 20 recent international murders carried out by R&AW.

This lawsuit seeks to hold the GOI and a number of high-ranking officials there accountable under US tort law, said Pannuns counsel, Matthew Borden of Braun Hagey & Borden LLP.

This is a civil claim for compensation to Pannun for the damages he has incurred, Borden said. The amount of damages we are going to seek will be proven at trial. It will be based on all the security he has had to engage, he added.

In the complaint, Pannun has also alleged that he is being targeted due to his efforts to promote Khalistan and organise an unofficial Khalistan referendum.
Junior doctors protesting in front of Swasthya Bhawan, the West Bengal health departments headquarters, reportedly alleged on Thursday that "external pressure" forced decorators to remove tents, pedestal fans, and bamboo sticks from their protest site, installed to provide some relief during their prolonged agitation. Kolkata: Junior doctors continue their 'dharna' against the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident, near Swasthya bhawan in Kolkata, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.(PTI)

The decorators, who had set up the amenities, were seen dismantling them late on Wednesday night, according to The Indian Express.

Protesters expressed suspicion that the move was intended to weaken their morale.

It could be an effort to demoralise us, a junior doctor was quoted as saying by Express. but we would like to clearly say that for a protest, we dont need all this. We can protest from anywhere and in any way possible.

Also Read | TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee to Kolkata junior doctors: Should now consider calling of strike

The protest was sparked by the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, as well as accusations of corruption and administrative misconduct in the states healthcare system.

The junior doctors have been demanding a safer work environment and action against senior officials they claim are responsible for fostering a corrupt system that has endangered healthcare workers.

Also Read | CBI points to lapse, says Sanjay Roy's clothes not seized for 2 days after crime

2nd round of talks fail

The second round of talks between the junior doctors and West Bengal government officials on Wednesday night ended in a deadlock after the state refused to issue written minutes of the discussion.

Dr Aniket Mahato, one of the leading voices of the protest, expressed disappointment with the government's refusal to provide a formal record of the meeting. The talks went smoothly, but we are feeling let down by the governments refusal to hand over signed and written minutes of the issues discussed. We will continue our agitation until written directives on our safety are issued.

Also Read | Bengal Medical Council cancels registration of RG Kar's ex-principal Sandip Ghosh

While an unsigned summary of the meeting, released by the government, acknowledged the need for reforms, the junior doctors said they would not end their cease work movement until their demands were met in writing.

The deadlock followed an earlier round of talks with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who urged the doctors to return to work. Despite some concessions, including the removal of senior health officials and the transfer of the Kolkata police chief, the doctors remain firm in their demand for written assurances.
A recent statement by Karnataka high court judge, justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, referring a Muslim-dominated locality in Bengaluru as Pakistan has sparked massive outrage on social media, with many users alleging the remarks foster religious hatred and discrimination against the minority community. The Gori Palya neighbourhood, which has a majority Muslim population, was at the centre of this controversial statement. The judges comments have fuelled widespread backlash in the social media.t (File photo)

In a purpoted video that has been widely circulated on social media, the judge could be heard saying, Go to the Mysore Road flyover and see, there are 10 people in every autorickshaw. The law does not apply here. The Mysore flyover from Gori Palya to the market to the left. It is in Pakistan, not in India.

The judge made the observations during a hearing on August 28 pertaining to the Rent Control Act. The judge was discussing a lease agreement and the powers of a land owner under Section 27 (2)(o) of the Act.

The full video from the days hearing revealed that the court went on to discuss some amendments required in several laws, including the Rent Control Act and the Motor Vehicles Act.

HT could not independently verify the veracity of the video.

Read more: He has no right..: Congress slams Pakistan minister for remarks on Article 370

The Gori Palya neighbourhood, which has a Muslim-majority population, was at the centre of the controversial remarks. The judges comments received backlash on social media.

Social activist Muneer Katipalla told HT: If a person sitting on the bench had a sense of justice, he would not have seen Pakistan when he went to Gori Palya and Market Roads. Instead, he would have seen the poverty, hunger, unemployment, and diseases of the Muslims living in those slums. The way the government is treating the Muslims of India gives a rough picture of their economic and social conditions.

However, a senior advocate, K Vittala, based in Vijayanagara, said thar judge Srishanandas comments were allegedly made in reference to the chaotic traffic and law enforcement issues in Gori Palya. The judge reportedly remarked that no matter how strict a police officer is appointed, the area remains neglected, drawing a comparison to the governance of Pakistan, but not specifically targeting Muslims, he added.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the Karnataka high court has not yet issued an official statement regarding the judges remarks.
The Supreme Court has urged the Union government and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to adopt a more empathetic approach towards disabled candidates aspiring to pursue careers in medicine. It directed the admission of a candidate with 44% speech and language disability, highlighting that individuals with physical impairments should not be denied opportunities based on rigid regulations. The ruling aligns with the Supreme Courts progressive stance on disability rights in recent years. (HT PHOTO)

A bench led by Justice Bhushan R Gavai on Tuesday expressed concern over the stringent and outdated categorisation of disabilities that governs medical admissions, stressing that authorities must consider such cases with greater sensitivity. You should be more sensitive towards these issues. If they are capable of pursuing the course, they should not be forced to approach this court, said the bench also comprising justices Aravind Kumar and KV Viswanathan. The court implored the authorities not to rely solely on strict cut-off criteria to bar capable candidates from pursuing their dreams.

The candidate with 44% speech and language disability was denied admission due to a rigid NMC rule that prevents candidates with more than 40% speech and language disability from being eligible for medical courses. The Supreme Court constituted a medical board to evaluate the suitability in response to the candidates petition. The boards report to the court confirmed the candidates capability to pursue the course. The bench took on record the boards report and allowed the petitioner admission to the MBBS programme.

The bench told NMC counsel, senior advocate Gaurav Sharma, and the lawyer representing the Union government that denying admissions to disabled candidates based on inflexible regulations may not stand the test of constitutionality and justness.

Justice Viswanathan recalled a similar case involving a candidate barred from medical school due to colour-blindness. In that instance, too, the court overruled the rigid bar, allowing the candidate to pursue medical education.

...all the senior doctors on the panel determining whether colour-blindness should be an absolute bar were very considerate and accommodative. You have to be more sensitive, remarked Justice Viswanathan, recounting his role as amicus curiae in that case when he was practising as a senior advocate.

Sharma responded that NMC follows the health ministrys rules. He added there remains a conflict between the ministries of health and social justice. Sharma pointed out that the social justice ministry often supports disabled candidates. He said the health ministry tends to impose stricter rules. Let the two ministries talk and come up with a solution in the larger interest of the candidates, Sharma suggested.

The bench then asked the Union governments counsel to address this issue and coordinate between the two ministries to consider creating regulations that better serve the interests of disabled candidates.

The ruling aligns with the Supreme Courts progressive stance on disability rights in recent years. Several landmark judgments have opened doors for individuals with disabilities to pursue careers in fields previously deemed inaccessible.

In April 2023, another bench of the Supreme Court allowed a candidate with a 55% speech and language disability to secure admission to a medical course, setting a strong precedent.

The court has made significant interventions in education for visually impaired and colour-blind individuals.

In a 2017 ruling, the court allowed colour-blind candidates to pursue medical courses, overturning outdated regulations that imposed an absolute bar. The court in 2022 allowed admissions to the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India for colour-blind candidates, noting that arts and filmmaking must have the widest canvas instead of being boxed in conformist mores. It has allowed visually impaired candidates to appear for judicial examinations and other professional courses, reinforcing the idea that disabilities should not be seen as barriers to intellectual and professional competence.

The court rulings are in line with the broader goals of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which emphasises the need to promote inclusive education and professional opportunities for individuals with disabilities. They also highlight the need for more comprehensive reforms in Indias educational and professional frameworks to accommodate disabled candidates.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has dismissed curative petitions by telecom companies such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea against an October 2019 verdict that requires them to pay over 1 lakh crore towards adjusted gross revenue dues (AGR) to the department of telecommunications (DoT). The curative petition was decided on August 30 and the decision uploaded to the Supreme Court website on Thursday. (HT Photo/Vipin Kumar)

In an order dated August 30 and uploaded to the top courts website on Thursday, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud said, We have gone through the Curative Petitions and the connected documents. In our opinion, no case is made out within the parameters indicated in the decision of this Court in Rupa Ashok Hurra v Ashok Hurra (2002). The 2002 decision lays down the parameters for entertaining a review or curative petition against the top courts order if the decision carries any apparent error or causes manifest injustice.

The bench, also comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, decided the matter in chambers and rejected the applications of the telecom companies for an open court hearing.

The curative petition challenged the courts October 24, 2019 judgment that ruled in favour of the government, permitting DoT to include all non-telecom revenue in calculations of AGR.

As per the figures originally placed before the court, companies such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea were required to pay 43,980 crore and 58,254 crore, respectively. Other firms included Reliance Telecom ( 25,199 crore), Tata group ( 16,798 crore) and Aircel ( 12,389 crore). Review petitions filed by the companies against the verdict were dismissed in January 2020.

Saddled with a huge liability that threatened their business and with insolvency proceedings pending against some of the companies  Aircel, Reliance Telecom, Sistema Shyam and Videocon Telecommunications  the Centre proposed to the court in March 2020 to permit the AGR dues to be paid by way of 20 equal instalments.

The Centres application was partly allowed on September 1, 2020. The court allowed the telcos to pay annual instalments for 10 years, from April 2021 to March 31, 2031. Companies were directed to pay a penalty and penal interest in case of default besides being liable for contempt of court proceedings.

Since this order effectively modified the October 2019 judgment, the effective challenge in the curative petition was against this decision.

During proceedings in the top court in 2020, the Centre said some of the AGR dues stood paid and revised the total outstanding dues to roughly over 1.43 lakh crore. The Bharti Airtel group deposited 18,000 crore bringing its outstanding balance to 25,976 crore while Vodafone Idea deposited 3,500 crore swelling its unpaid corpus to 54,754 crore. Even Tata had dues worth over 12,600 crore. Even government telecom providers BSNL and MTNL had accumulated dues to the tune of 5835 crore and 4352 crore respectively.

The consolidated dues as of date are not known.

To be sure, the concept of AGR is a revenue-sharing agreement which arose in the light of the policy framed by the government under provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act which gives the Centre exclusive privilege of establishing, maintaining and working telegraphs. The October 2019 judgment upheld the Governments interpretation that revenues from various heads will be included in calculating AGR.

Most telecom companies in the past self-assessed the AGR dues and submitted figures to the court that were less than half the amount calculated by DoT. The September 2020 judgment ended any future possibility of re-assessment as it held, For the demand raised by the DoT in respect of the AGR dues based on the judgment of this court, there shall not be any dispute raised by any of the telecom operators and there shall not be any re-assessment.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday made it clear that it will decide the legality of the immunity granted to husbands from prosecution for marital rape solely on legal principles, even if the Union government does not take a stand on the issue. The Supreme Court of India. (File Photo)

Its a matter of law. They will have to argue on the point of law if they have chosen not to file an affidavit, said a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud.

The courts statement came after senior counsel Indira Jaising, representing one of the petitioners, urged the bench to ensure an early hearing of the matter. During the proceedings, another lawyer pointed out that despite several opportunities, the Centre had yet to file its affidavit, clarifying its position on the issue.

Responding to this, the bench, which also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated that the case, which challenges a legal provision of the penal code, would proceed as a question of law.

The case figured in the courts list of business on Wednesday but it could not be heard due to the day-long hearing in another matter relating to customs appeals.

The Supreme Court is currently dealing with a batch of petitions challenging the constitutionality of Exception 2 under Section 375 of the IPC, which exempts a husband from being prosecuted for raping his wife. These public interest litigations (PILs) argue that the exception is discriminatory against married women who are sexually assaulted by their spouses.

Read more: Supreme Court indicates hearing on marital rape pleas would commence on August 13

The issue also includes the Delhi high courts split verdict from May 2022, which remains pending for the Supreme Courts final judgment. In that verdict, one judge declared the marital rape exception as morally repugnant, while the other judge ruled that the exception was valid and could continue to exist without violating the law.

Among the pending cases is an appeal by a man whose trial for raping his wife was upheld by the Karnataka High Court in March 2022. The Supreme Court stayed this trial in July 2022. The then BJP-led Karnataka government had filed an affidavit in November 2022, supporting the prosecution of the husband, stating that the IPC allows for the criminal trial of a husband for raping his wife. However, the new government in Karnataka has not clarified whether it supports this position.

In January 2023, the Supreme Court appointed advocates Pooja Dhar and Jaikriti S Jadeja as nodal counsel to streamline the proceedings by compiling a common document of relevant materials from all parties.

The Union government has yet to finalise its stance on the matter. Last year, it informed the court that criminalising marital rape would have significant social ramifications, and it has since initiated consultations with states and stakeholders. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta argued that the issue cannot be viewed solely through the lens of legal principles but must also consider the wider social consequences. Despite this, no affidavit has been filed by the Centre to clarify its final position.

This case has significant legal and social implications. In September 2022, while delivering a judgment on the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling that forcible sex by a husband can be considered rape under that statute, marking the first legal recognition of marital rape in India.

The Supreme Court has previously interfered with Exception 2 of Section 375 of the IPC, although in a limited manner. In 2017, the court read down the provision to restrict the immunity to marriages where the wife is over 18 years of age, as opposed to the previous threshold of 15 years. However, at that time, the court did not deliver an opinion on the broader issue of marital rape.

In May this year, the CJI-led bench had also admitted a fresh petition contesting the exception for marital rape under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)  the new criminal code that replaced the IPC from July 1. This petition by the All India Democratic Womens Association (AIDWA) has also been tagged with the older batch of petitions raising the same issue.
A 19-year-old food delivery boy died allegedly by suicide at his home in Chennai's Kolathur on Tuesday. In his purported suicide note, he mentioned feeling deeply dejected after being scolded by a woman customer during a grocery delivery. Teen food delivery boy in Chennai dies by suicide. (Representative file photo)

ALSO READ- India rejects report on alleged arms diversion to Ukraine as 'mischievous'

Why the food delivery boy took his life?

The teenager, a BCom student, worked part-time for a food delivery service. On September 11, he delivered groceries to a house in Korattur but was delayed as he had trouble locating the address. The woman customer aruged over not reaching on time. Later, she even complained about the delay and asked the company not to send him again, a report from TOI said.

Two days later, the teenager threw a stone at the womans house, breaking a window. The woman filed a police complaint. Police warned him in the presence of his parents and let him go.

ALSO READ- India faces disparate range of terror threats from ISIS, Al Qaeda groups, warns FATF report

Boy took his life after the incident

However, after five days of this incident, the boy took his life on Tuesday. Police have registered a case and are investigating further.

ALSO READ- Andhra CM Naidu cites lab report alleging animal fat in Tirupati laddus during YSRCP rule

In another news, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, allegedly died due to extreme work pressure at Ernst & Young (EY).

Anna, a Keralite who cleared her CA exams in 2023, had been working at EYs Pune office for four months before passing away on July 21. Her mother wrote to EY India chairman, Rajiv Memani, accusing the firm of 'glorifying' overwork.

Annas father, Siby Joseph, said that she had to work late into the night which left her stressed out. Despite raising the issue with company officials, no action was taken, he added.

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 (Secunderabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000,

ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290
Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched Margdarshika, an action plan for the formation and strengthening of 200,000 new multipurpose primary agricultural cooperatives, or MPACs, apart from a set of initiatives to usher in a second White Revolution in the dairy sector. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah(PTI file photo)

The action plan will largely foster new cooperatives in panchayats that dont have one for agricultural, fisheries and dairy-related activities, a high priority area for the Union government.

Cooperatives are business entities where all members contribute to create a fund and they equally share profits and losses among themselves. Indias biggest dairy brand, Amul, runs on a cooperative model. The countrys largest fertilizer manufacturer, Iffco, and a large number of rural and urban banks are also based on the cooperative model.

A series of transformational initiatives has been taken in the 100 days of the ministry of cooperation, Shah said, addressing a national-level conference.

The minister said PM Narendra Modi had created a separate ministry for cooperation to give rebirth to the cooperative sector in all villages and districts. The government is providing new impetus to the rural economy through cooperatives, he said.

To ensure effective establishment of new cooperatives, the action plan Margdarshika has been prepared by the ministry of cooperation in collaboration with Nabard, the state-run rural development bank and National Dairy Development Board.

The White Revolution 2.0 initiative aims to expand cooperative coverage to include more dairies. According to the governments projections, dairy cooperatives will procure 100 million kilograms of milk a day by the end of the fifth year of the initiative. This will significantly enhance the livelihoods of rural producers, Shah said.

Read more: 'Congress, Pakistan have the same agenda': Amit Shah slams Pak defence minister's Article 370 remark

Maximum women are engaged in the dairy sector, with some generating business worth 60,000 crore in Gujarat alone. This new initiative will focus on empowering women and further strengthening the fight against malnutrition, Shah said.

The plan will leverage the benefits of existing programmes, including the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), as well as proposed schemes NPDD 2.0 of Department of Animal Husbandry& Dairying to achieve its objective.

The cooperation ministry has targeted 70,000 new multipurpose cooperatives over the next five years, including 22,752 by 2026; 47,248 by 2029; and 56,500 in the remaining period.

The minister also launched the nationwide rollout of RuPay Kisan Credit Cards for dairy farmers and the installation of micro-ATMs at dairy cooperative societies.
New Delhi It would be a travesty of justice if individuals who have been granted bail continue to languish in jail simply because they are financially incapable of meeting certain conditions such as securing a local surety, the Supreme Court held on Wednesday, adding that such instances would trample upon the constitutional right to liberty. Travesty of justice if a jailed person is not freed due to local surety requirement: SC

In a significant decision reinforcing the right to liberty, a bench led by justice Hrishikesh Roy addressed the long-standing issue of indigent convicts being unable to avail themselves of bail due to their inability to furnish local surety.

The bench, also comprising justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and SVN Bhatti, expressed grave concern over the fact that the justice system, which is meant to safeguard liberty, could be hamstrung by a persons inability to meet a technical condition -- securing a local surety.

The justice delivery mechanism cannot be oblivious of the plight of the indigent convicts who are unable to provide local surety, emphasised the court, underscoring the idea that the justice system must be equitable and accessible, regardless of an individuals socioeconomic status.

The order has come days after another Supreme Court bench led by justice Bhushan R Gavai underscored the need for courts to exercise caution while imposing bail conditions, noting that excessively onerous requirements could undermine the very purpose of granting bail. In its judgment on August 22, the court acknowledged the difficulties individuals face in finding sureties, especially in criminal proceedings, imploring the courts to balance the requirement of sureties with the fundamental rights of the accused under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

The courts observation on Wednesday came as it ordered the release of a convict, who was in jail for over seven years despite being granted bail nearly four months earlier. The inability to furnish local surety left the petitioner imprisoned even though the top court had already granted him bail on May 3.

The petitioners counsel, Neha Rathi, highlighted the circumstance before the bench, pointing out that the petitioner continued to be denied his freedom because of his indigence. A custody certificate issued by the Kolhapur Central Prison on November 9, 2023 confirmed that the petitioner had spent over seven years behind bars, more than half of his ten-year sentence.

According to the petition, filed through advocate Pranav Sachdeva, the petitioner was convicted of charges under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act by a trial court in Greater Mumbai in 2019, and sentenced to 10 years in jail. The trial court, however, acquitted the man of the charges of rape since he and the minor girl were married to each other, though the relationship was not legally valid. The punishment under the Pocso Act was upheld by the Bombay high court in June 2022, and the man approached the Supreme Court in appeal.

Rathi submitted that the top court had on May 3 granted bail to the petitioner, but despite this order he remained incarcerated in Kolhapur Central Prison because he was unable to furnish a local surety, as required by the bail terms imposed by the trial court concerned.

Taking a grim view of the situation, the bench pointed out that the inability to afford a surety should not be a reason for prolonged detention, especially after a judicial order has already granted bail.

It would be a travesty of justice if the petitioner is unable to secure the benefit of the bail order for his inability to furnish local surety. This will infringe the rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution for the person, who continues to be detained despite a bail order in his favour, held the bench.

In its order, the court emphasised that keeping the petitioner incarcerated just because he could not furnish local surety would be inconsistent with the principles of justice.

Notably, in Satender Kumar Antil Vs Central Bureau of Investigation & Anr (2022), the top court had held that imposing a condition which is impossible of compliance would be defeating the very object of release. Again, in Re Policy Strategy for Grant of Bail (2023), the Supreme Court endorsed the suggestion that courts should not insist on local sureties and should consider modifying or relaxing bail conditions if the bonds are not furnished within a month from the date of the bail order.
It would be a travesty of justice if individuals granted bail continue to languish in jails simply because they are financially incapable of meeting certain conditions like securing a local surety, the Supreme Court has said. The court added such instances would trample upon the constitutional right to liberty. The court said the justice system is meant to safeguard liberty. (HT PHOTO)

In a significant decision reinforcing the right to liberty, a bench led by Justice Hrishikesh Roy on Wednesday addressed the long-standing issue of indigent convicts unable to secure bail due to their inability to furnish local surety.

The bench, also comprising justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and SVN Bhatti, expressed concern over the fact that the justice system, which is meant to safeguard liberty, could be hamstrung by a persons inability to meet a technical condition of securing a local surety.

The justice delivery mechanism cannot be oblivious of the plight of the indigent convicts who are unable to provide local surety, said the court, underscoring that the justice system must be equitable and accessible, regardless of an individuals socio-economic status.

The order came days after another Supreme Court bench led by Justice Bhushan R Gavai underscored the need for courts to exercise caution while imposing bail conditions, noting that excessively onerous requirements could undermine the purpose of granting bail.

In this judgment on August 22, the court acknowledged the difficulties individuals face in finding sureties, especially in criminal proceedings. It implored the courts to balance the requirement of sureties with the fundamental rights of the accused under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The courts observation on Wednesday came as it ordered the release of a convict, who had been in jail for over seven years despite being granted bail nearly four months earlier. The inability to furnish local surety left the petitioner imprisoned, even though the court granted him bail on May 3.

The petitioners counsel, Neha Rathi, highlighted the circumstance before the bench, pointing out that the petitioner continued to be denied his freedom because of his indigence. A custody certificate issued by the Kolhapur Central Prison in November 2023 confirmed the petitioner had spent over seven years behind bars, over half of his 10-year sentence.

The petition, filed through advocate Pranav Sachdeva, said a trial court in Greater Mumbai in 2019 convicted the petitioner under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and sentenced him to 10 years in jail. The trial court acquitted the man of the charges of rape since he and the minor girl were married though the relationship was not legally valid. The Bombay high court upheld the punishment under the POCSO Act in June 2022 and the man approached the Supreme Court in appeal.

Rathi submitted that the Supreme Court on May 3 granted bail to the petitioner but he remained incarcerated because he was unable to furnish a local surety as required by the bail terms the trial court imposed.

The Supreme Court pointed out that the inability to afford a surety should not be a reason for prolonged detention, especially after a judicial order has granted bail.

It would be a travesty of justice if the petitioner is unable to secure the benefit of the bail order for his inability to furnish local surety. This will infringe the rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution for the person, who continues to be detained despite a bail order in his favour. .

The court emphasised that keeping the petitioner incarcerated merely because he could not furnish local surety would be inconsistent with the principles of justice. It ordered that the petitioner be released on bail on his personal bond without insisting on local surety to ensure that the bail order issued in May 2024 is effectively complied with.

Notably, in Satender Kumar Antil Vs Central Bureau of Investigation & Anr (2022), the court held that imposing a condition which is impossible of compliance would be defeating the very object of release. In Re Policy Strategy for Grant of Bail (2023), the Supreme Court endorsed the suggestion that courts should not insist on local sureties and should consider modifying or relaxing bail conditions if the bonds are not furnished within a month from the date of the bail order.
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday dismissed as unwarranted a civil lawsuit filed in a US court by pro-Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun that claimed the government and senior officials were involved in a plot to assassinate him on American soil. Pro-Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun filed a civil lawsuit, claiming that the Indian government and senior officials were involved in a plot to assassinate him on American soil.

The so-called murder for hire plot came to light when US prosecutors filed an indictment in a federal court in Manhattan last November against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, alleging he worked with an unnamed Indian official on a move to assassinate Pannun, already declared a terrorist by India.

The Indian side has set up a high-level inquiry committee to investigate inputs provided by the US on the matter, though its findings havent been made public. Several officials were removed from their positions in Indias external intelligence agency in connection with the matter.

When foreign secretary Vikram Misri was asked at a media briefing about the civil lawsuit filed in the US by Pannun, the general counsel of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), he said the allegations made by the pro-Khalistan activist were unwarranted and unsubstantiated.

As we have said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged, it doesnt change our views about the underlying situation, he said, referring to the activities of Khalistani elements in the US and other countries.

Without naming Pannun, Misri pointed out that the antecedents of the person behind the lawsuit are well known. He said: I would also underline the fact that the organisation...that this person represents is an unlawful organisation, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.

The SFJ, he said, was outlawed because of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. He added: I dont want to say anything more than that at this point in time. I think that speaks for itself.

Pannun named the Indian government, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Samant Goel, former RAW officer Vikram Yadav and Nikhil Gupta in the lawsuit filed in the district court of the southern district of New York and sought financial compensation.

The Indian side has repeatedly flagged the activities of Pannun and other pro-Khalistan leaders to the governments of Canada and the US, including actions inciting violence against Indian diplomats and diplomatic missions in those countries.

Responding to a separate question on whether the Indian side will raise the activities of pro-Khalistan elements during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US this week, Misri said the two sides will discuss all mutual concerns.
Bathrobes as dresses? You heard it right! Fashion is embracing the bathrobe gown as a bold and stylish statement. These cosy pieces are not only comfy and daring but also incredibly stylish, making you look like you've just stepped out of the shower and straight into the spotlight. Bathrobe dresses are the latest fashion twist, and celebrities are leading the way.(Instagram)

From Isabelle Huppert's elegant bathrobe gown at the Cannes red carpet to Rihanna's glamorous furry white robe, celebrities are showcasing how this once-ordinary garment can be reimagined for fashion. Here's how the trend is taking over runways and wardrobes alike. (Also read: Rihannas bathrobe look in furry white teddy coat shows she can rock anything with style. See pics )

Isabelle Huppert in Balenciaga

Isabelle Huppert graced the Cannes Film Festival 2024 in a custom Balenciaga wrap dress that resembled a chic bathrobe, complete with a belted waist and thigh-high slit. The standout feature was a regal, structured collar that highlighted her decollete. Huppert elevated the look with nude pointed-toe boots, multiple diamond necklaces, and chunky earrings and rings, transforming the bathrobe-inspired dress into a glamorous red carpet-statement.

Rihanna in Jacquemus

Only Rihanna could make a bathrobe look this chic! At the launch of Fenty Hair at Selfridges in London on September 16, the 36-year-old beauty mogul stepped out in a custom, robe-inspired Jacquemus dress. Styled by Jahleel Weaver, Rihanna looked both cosy and high-fashion in a fuzzy, off-the-shoulder design in butter yellow featuring a thigh-high slit and a tie belt.

Kylie Jenner in furry black robe

Kylie Jenner rocks a black bralette top and a matching robe.(Instagram)

Kylie Jenner turned heads at Paris Haute Couture Week 2024 in a chic and minimal ensemblea long robe paired with a black velvet bralette and matching undergarments. The robe draped off her shoulders, highlighting the bralette as it was loosely fastened at the waist. She elevated the look with red-bottom Christian Louboutin pumps and styled her hair with a wet-look gel to maintain the 'fresh out of the shower' vibe.

Mouni Roy in Erdem

Mouni Roy recently caught attention at London Fashion Week in a chic grey and white ensemble from Erdem. Her outfit featured an off-shoulder top and a matching skirt with bathrobe aesthetics. However, fans weren't impressed, comparing the look to a dressing gown, blanket, or even a towel.
Kareena Kapoor Khan recently attended an event celebrating her 25th anniversary in cinema. For the occasion, Kareena wore a custom pre-owned vintage Banarasi saree dress by Amit Aggarwal. While repurposing old Banarasi sarees has been a tradition and trend in Indian households for ages, Kareena's ensemble offers a new way to make a heritage saree evergreen without cutting it up. Kareena Kapoor in an upcycled Banarasi saree gown by Amit Aggarwal.

Forget skirts or kurtas; this is how you should re-wear your mom's Banarasi saree

Often, when we decide to repurpose a saree from our mother's or grandmother's wardrobe, we get it stitched at the tailor's into a skirt, kurta, dress, or gown. However, Kareena Kapoor and Amit Aggarwal offer a new way to repurpose a Banarasi saree that doesn't involve cutting the fabric with the actor's look in a saree dress from the designer's latest collection, Antevorta.

In a post on Instagram, Amit Aggarwal explained the technique that went into creating the unique yet beautiful ensemble. The designer said the saree gown was restored through meticulous pleating and innovative restoration techniques, preserving the original textile without cutting it. He added, Reimagined as a contemporary saree drape, it maintains the integrity and essence of the traditional fabric while crafting it with modern design elements.

Decoding the pleated saree gown

Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the saree gown features a drop-shoulder neck with a pleated pallu supporting the bodice in a fitted silhouette. The asymmetric pleats on the front and the pallu cascading on the back to form a long train preserve the original beauty of traditional saree draping. Meanwhile, the figure-hugging silhouette compliments Kareena's enviable frame.

Kareena accessorised the ensemble with sheer black Opera gloves, golden embellished Jimmy Choo pumps, and precious jewels, including a diamond crescent medallion necklace, matching earrings, and a ruby and emerald Polki ring. Lastly, feathered brows, a messy bun, winged eyeliner, pink lips, shimmery eye shadow, rouge-tinted cheeks, and a crystal bindi rounded off the glam picks.
Relais & Chateaux Sujan Jawai is the only Indian hotel on the list of the Worlds 50 Best Hotels 2024, ranking 43rd. The list was unveiled in Londons prestigious Guildhall, with the whos who of the travel and hospitality industry in attendance. This is their second annual list of top hotels around the globe. Sujan Jawai ranked 43rd on the list of Worlds 50 Best Hotels 2024.

ALSO READ: Travelling to Athens? Here's how new rental rules in Greece could affect your vacation

Sujan Jawai redefined luxury

The luxury hotel is located in Jawai Bandh, Rajasthan, and offers an up-close experience of nature and out heritage. Designed as a wilderness camp tent in the sprawling outdoors, Sujan Jawai reimagines luxury and provides the opportunity to unwind and enjoy nature. The camp ticks all luxury checkmarks like elaborate spa provisions. But it also keeps the gritty and rustic nature close with its wall-wide windows and several nature expeditions.

Chefs and servers at work at Sujan Jawai.

The rates for their different camps are listed as follows on the website:

Sujan Jawai rates.

ALSO READ: Mans Masai Mara stay goes viral on X: How to use credit card points for luxurious travel experience

Sujan Jawai experiences

Exploring the wild: Jawai is teeming with an ecological diversity. Nestled in a green, hilly terrain with lakes, the exploration of the region is thrilling. From leopards to migratory birds, Sujan Jawai offers a close experience with wildlife.

A view of a room at the hotel.

Horse rides: Sujan Jawai offers horse rides, taking wilderness adventure to the next level. New trails are ventured, and terrains inaccessible to the jeeps. Or simply bond with these gentle animals at the stable. Sujan Jawai has several horse breeds for horseback adventures.

Sujan Jawai offers horse rides, taking wilderness adventure to the next level. New trails are ventured, and terrains inaccessible to the jeeps. Or simply bond with these gentle animals at the stable. Sujan Jawai has several horse breeds for horseback adventures. Rabari walks: No exploration is complete without travelling on foot. It is exhilarating to track the wild animal tracks with the help of the locals. The local tribe, the Rabari tribe, acts as the guide. It is a holistic experience to travel by foot with the Rabari tribe guiding in their traditional garment. The campsite has temples nearby, where daily pujas are conducted.

Sujan has similar luxury camps in Ranthambore and Jaisalmer, seamlessly integrating nature expeditions and local culture with luxury.

ALSO READ: The ultimate excuse: New study finds traveling slows down ageing
India requires around 55 million square feet of Grade A mall space over the next four years to keep pace with the market and align with other south Asian economies such as Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam on the basis of Retail Space Per Capita (RSPC), a report by Cushman & Wakefield has said. Around 55 million square feet of Grade-A mall space is required by 2027 to meet growing retail demand (Picture for representational purposes only)(Reuters)

RSPC is Grade A mall space divided by the total population.

The report - Resurgent Retail: Powered by Rising Retail Consumption, unveiled at MAPIC India 2024 in Mumbai noted that the need of the hour is to upgrade the pace of quality retail developments, the delivery of which has been very slow so far.

Over the last eight years, Indias retail sector has witnessed an average of a mere 2.5 msf of Grade-A mall developments commence operations. This means, merely 20 msf of Grade-A malls got added in the last eight years, despite consumer demand consistently growing stronger during the same period.

Also Read: Lulu Group scouting for a land parcel in Mumbai, may develop a shopping mall or a hypermarket

The first half of 2024 saw no new mall supply enter the market. Indias total Grade-A mall inventory, currently stands at 61 msf across top 8 cities, translating to a mere 0.5 SF of RSPC, which is much lower even when compared with smaller countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. This low mall penetration is the reason why vacancies in existing Grade-A malls are at its lowest level across top real estate markets.

To reach a 1.0 RSPC by 2027, comparable to Indonesia- the closest relevant comparison owing to relatively similar per capita incomes, there is a need to construct approximately 55 million square feet of mall space over the next four years, the report noted.

At present, the forecasted pipeline of Grade-A retail mall projects adds up to merely 18 msf through 2024-27 period. It will be pertinent to note that Indias per-capita income is likely to equal that of Indonesias current income over the next 4-5 years.

Thus, there is an opportunity for Indian mall developers to deliver this quantity in approximately 4-5 years i.e. 9 to 11 msf per annum. That is nearly 3.5-4.5X of the capacity addition seen over the last eight years. This could vary across different cities, with some cities where the under-penetration is severe, wanting to add supply heavily, the report showed.

International brands eyeing Indias retail growth

The report also highlights the increasing attractiveness of the Indian market for international retailers, many of whom are planning to enter the market.

According to the report, the average number of global brands entering India has surged from a pre-COVID yearly average of 12 to 25 as of 2024, signifying a growing confidence in the countrys retail potential. This influx of international brands is further driving the demand for premium retail spaces and contributing to the overall dynamism of the sector, it noted.

Also Read: One-fifth of indoor amusement centres occupy larger than 50,000 sq ft retail space: JLL

High Streets and Office Retail Complexes (ORC) witnessing sustained growth

The report notes that office-retail complexes (ORCs) and prominent high streets across Indian cities have risen to prominence owing to the constraints w.r.t availability of space within the Grade A mall universe across top 8 cities. This has provided some relief by offering high visibility and proximity to customers, leading to peak rental premiums in these areas.

The top eight real estate markets in the country have witnessed a strong emergence of office-retail complexes over the last 7-8 years, until 1H-2024. Notably, more than 70 prominent ORC projects have been delivered during this period, and most of them have been successful in attracting quality retail tenants, it notes.

Also Read: South Indian cities have maximum number of indoor amusement centres at 2.3 mn sq ft, Bengaluru takes the top spot

Prominent highstreets meanwhile across major cities have seen rental premiums overshoot the pre-Covid peaks (mostly in the year 2019).

Indias retail sector is at a pivotal moment. The rising consumer confidence and increasing discretionary spending are clear indicators of the sectors potential. To capitalize on this growth, it is imperative to address the supply-side challenges and ensure the availability of quality retail spaces. The addition of 55 million square feet of Grade-A retail space will be crucial in meeting the demands of this dynamic market. This calls for a concerted effort from all industry stakeholders to chart a sustainable path forward, ensuring the Indian retail sector reaches its full potential, said Saurabh Shatdal, Managing Director, Capital Markets, and Head Retail, Cushman & Wakefield.

Shift in consumer spending patterns

There is a significant shift in consumer spending patterns, with a growing emphasis on discretionary items and experiential retail. This trend is evident in recent data, showing an increase in urban Indias spending on discretionary items - from 27% in FY2011-12 to about one-third in FY2022-23, while spending on essentials has decreased.

Additionally, monthly spending on food delivery and credit card usage have surged, reflecting higher consumer confidence and discretionary spending. Gradually, Indians are seen spending more on travel, vehicles and premium consumer durables, states the report.
Reflecting a shifting trend in Indias commercial real estate segment, domestic firms are expected to lease 60-65 million square feet of office space in 2024-25, thus challenging the historical dominance of global corporations, particularly from the US, a report by property consultancy CBRE noted. Domestic firms are projected to lease 60-65 million square feet of office in 2024-25 (Representational photo)(Unsplash)

The report credited government initiatives, increased profitability, a well-capitalized banking sector, talent pool and a burgeoning startup ecosystem in the country for the feat.

According to the report, between 2022 to H1 2024, domestic companies accounted for nearly 47% of overall office leasing activity in the country.

Also Read: Bengaluru to dominate India's commercial real estate market with 330-340 mn sq feet office stock by 2030: Report

During 2022-23, domestic firms witnessed a 60% increase in office space absorption compared to the two pre-pandemic years of 2018-2019, it said.



Major occupier groups acquired substantial spaces in prime locations across key cities, with Delhi-NCR leading the way, followed by Bengaluru and Mumbai, the report highlighted.

Meanwhile Bengaluru and Hyderabad saw increased occupancy by e-commerce and life sciences firms, respectively. Mumbai on the other hand bagged a 43% share of domestic BFSI leasing, bolstered by substantial contributions from Delhi-NCR and Chennai during 2018  H1 2024, the report said.

Also Read: Office market touches 34.7 mn sq ft transactions in H1 2024; may double by year end on the back of demand from IT firms

As Indias major urban centers continue to grow and diversify, the demand for premium office spaces will shape the future of the commercial real estate market, setting new standards for innovation and excellence. India's top nine cities are poised to see an impressive addition of approximately 185 million square feet of premium office space by 2026, said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE.

Key drivers: Flexible space operators, technology and BFSI sectors

The report highlighted that in recent years, the office leasing landscape in India has been predominantly driven by three key sectors: Flexible space operators, BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), and technology firms. They have collectively accounted for two-thirds of all domestic office leasing activity, per the report.

Going forward, this trend is expected to sustain alongside the increasing contribution of other sectors such as research, consulting and analytics with services spanning across legal, taxation, HR and media domains, among others.

Also Read: Bengaluru leads in large office space leasing, transaction volumes touch 4.5 mn sq ft in H1 2024

Meanwhile, Indian engineering and manufacturing firms, which currently represent 7-8% of domestic office leasing, are anticipated to expand their footprint, including into Tier-II and Tier-III cities that are emerging as new manufacturing hubs. Similarly, homegrown retail and FMCG companies, currently accounting for 1-2% of domestic office leasing, are expected to increase their office space take up as well.

The report further stated that about 86% of the domestic occupiers would pursue flight-to-quality leasing over the next two years, spawning the need for such quality spaces.

Meanwhile about 57% of the domestic firms intend to use flexible spaces over the next two years, providing an impetus for flexible space operators to further expand their reach. The flexible space stock is expected to touch 80 million square feet in 2024.
In a viral video, an Indian professional in Canada claims that work experience from India is mostly overlooked by Canadian employers. Digital creator Piyush Monga interviews the young professional in Canada.(Instagram/Pitush Monga)

In the video, Piyush Monga, an Indian-origin digital creator and the person behind the popular Instagram page 'Salary Scale', is seen interviewing a professional who has been working as a Process Inventory Associate in Canada for the past year.

The young professional, who previously worked at Google India for over three years, has expressed dissatisfaction with his current salary in Canada. Earning $17,500 annually, he mentioned that he can hardly survive on such a low income.

(Also Read: Ex-Wipro employee from Bihar gets placed in Google with 60 lakh package: Report)

Canada not looking for Indian candidates

In the video, the Indian expat explains that he's downplaying his Indian work experience in Canada. "Ever since I moved here, I've been reducing my experience on my resume because recruiters arent counting my work in India. It just doesnt make any sense," he adds.

The professional who is on a job hunt currently also says that recruiters in Canada are looking for Canadian candidates and not for Indian Candidates.

(Also Read: India expresses displeasure to Canada over interference allegations)

India-Canada relations

Public opinion in Canada towards India has worsened over the past year, influenced by the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar and foreign interference allegations.

A recent Angus Reid Institute survey shows a 11-point drop in positive views since March 2023, with only 33 per cent of Canadians viewing India favorably compared to 54 per cent who do not.

The positive rating for India in 2019 was at 56 per cent.

Another country accused of foreign interference also suffers in public perception, with 79% having a negative view of China.

(Also Read: Is Canada reducing foreign workers and students? 'It's about math, not immigration', leader says)
EY issued a statement following the tragic death of a 26-year-old employee at the company's Pune office. The multinational Big Four accounting firm stated that they are deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely passing and offered their deepest condolences to the bereaved family. However, the statement didnt sit well with people, and they slammed it as a typical corporate response. EY said in a statement that the company is deeply saddened by the death of a 26-year-old Pune employee. (Unsplash/lucabravo)

Social media is angry:

Typical corporate response by EY. The company would not improve its work culture, but check the health of employees to make sure they are fit enough to be exploited, an X user wrote as the statement went viral.

Another person added, EY has lost its reputation due to this. This is not the sole case and EY needs to take this seriously. They cannot play with the lives of the people due to the inefficiency of their managers or the top management. End the inefficiency of EY.

A third expressed, EYs response is a classic lesson on how to say nothing will change without saying nothing will change. A fourth wrote, While EY admitted their failure in providing a healthy workplace environment, they should be heavily punished. Companies like EY are squeezing the blood of their employees only to satisfy their clients. Managers face an almost 24-hour schedule to meet timelines.

Complete statement by EY on the tragic death of Anna Sebastian:

Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us. While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so, the statement read.

We are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India, it further stated.

The incident came to light when the CA's mother wrote a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani about her daughter's death. In her heartbreaking letter, she also claimed that no one from EY attended the funeral.
A vlogger visited India six years after his last visit to see how the country has progressed. A video from his trip captures a few places from Delhi and some from Kolkata. It also shows him travelling to Kolkata by train. What has irked most people is how he shows dirty roads, broken train compartments, crowded roads, and unhygienic places in his video. The image shows the UK man who recorded various parts of India for his YouTube vlog. (YouTube/@baldandbankrupt)

India, it's a bit mental isn't it! I returned to there country after six years away to see how it had progressed ( or not ). Join me in the most frustrating place to travel in the world, he wrote in the videos caption.

Warning: Do not attempt to do this trip yourself unless you are a professional traveller, he sarcastically added.

Take a look at the video here:

The video has generated mixed reactions from viewers and created quite a lot of chatter on YouTube. Some viewers judged India solely based on the vloggers video, while others accused him of deliberately portraying the country in a bad light. This controversy has sparked a heated debate about cultural representation and the responsibilities of travel vloggers.

What did YouTube users say?

I've never seen a travel video that made me want to leave a place I'll never visit, posted a YouTube user. Another person added, An Indian palm reader telling foreigners they're gonna have stomach problems is next-level comedy.

A third commented, Racism is bad unless it's against Indians is the new trend. This video is specifically made in a manner to invoke and garner both racist and rage-bait views. India is one of the most diverse nations in the world, if not the most in all aspects, be it culturally, geographically, or economically. Extreme ends and everything in between are present throughout the nation's vast landscape. Showing, for lack of a better word, the worst parts and then generalising the 7th largest by land, 2nd by population, 5th by GDP, 4th by Military strength, 3rd by energy production, 4th in global influence, 6th in technological advancements, 8th by natural resources, 2nd in agriculture Country in the world shows your desperation to invoke hate and racism. And for anyone wondering, book a bloody five-star trip (India is affordable), and you won't see any of this, just luxury. And for however it is, people in India don't have to worry every day if their child is going to get shot in the school.

A fourth wrote, After gaining a lot of views and subscribers from Indian audiences, Baldy is reacting exactly like a British hypocrite sounds.

Who is behind Bald and Bankrupt?

UK-based Benjamin Rich runs the YouTube channel Bald and Bankrupt. Reportedly, his vlogging journey started in India. He visited the country after filing for bankruptcy in the UK due to failed business ventures.

He is also the author of The Burning Edge: Travels Through Irradiated Belarus, which documents his journey through Belarus. On his journey through the irradiated borderlands, he meets an assortment of characters struggling to make sense of a life in the shadows of the Chernobyl tragedy, reads a part of his books synopsis on Amazon.
Billionaire Harsh Goenka is being criticised for suggesting that 600 is a reasonable sum to save every day - and people who cannot afford to do so are not well paid. Harsh Goenka's suggestion of saving  600 per day is being criticised online(Pexels)

The chairman of RPG Group yesterday shared a post on the social media platform X suggesting that people start saving 600, reading 20 pages, and walking 10,000 steps every day to cultivate good habits. The message he wanted to impart: Never underestimate the power of small habits.

However, a section of the internet focussed on the proposed amount rather than the message and asked Mr Goenka how an average Indian could save 600 every day - which comes up to roughly 18,000 per month.

90% of Indians failed to earn 600 rupees per day (after tax). So where is the point of saving, one X user pointed out.

Wealth disparity at its finest. Wherein India's 76th richest man due to generational wealth, gives advice to other Indians to save more than India's average income is, another said.

Corporate employees were quick to dismiss the suggestion

Tell that to a labourer with four mouths to support with a daily wage of Rs. 600-700, HK Maheshwari suggested in response to Harsh Goenkas statement.

Dozens of social media users accused Harsh Goenka of being disconnected from reality. Many even questioned how much the employees of his own company are paid, writing: Sir you need to check the salaries of your CEAT employees!

Harsh Goenka responds

Harsh Goenka responded to the criticism levelled against him with an attempt at humour that felt flat.

When journalist and author Man Aman Singh Chhina asked how many Indians could afford to save 18,000 per month, the billionaire replied: Obviously you are not well paid with a smiley face emoji.

The response, predictably, did not go over well on social media. Obviously HE is well paid and assumes everyone else is, sir. Mary Antoinette complex. Sad, wrote X user Nimish Dubey, while another person said: That's so insulting, but it's exactly what they think about all of us in private.
A 37-year-old Indian construction worker was fined S$400 (approximately 25,000) for defecating outside the entrance of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore last year. Ramu Chinnarasa appeared in jail on Thursday, and pleaded guilty to one charge under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations. The Indian worker defecated outside the entrance of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. (AFP)

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Adelle Tai stated that the incident occurred on October 30, 2023. Chinnarasa had previously drank three bottles of strong liquor and was gambling at the Marina Bay Sands casino. He departed the casino at around 5:00 am. At 7:01 am, when he needed to use a washroom, he removed his pants, squatted, and defecated on the floor outside a restaurant at the entrance of Marina Bay Sands. Later he left the building and slept on one of the stone benches outside Marina Bay Sands until about 11:00 am, before returning to his dormitory in Kranji, reported Malay Mail.

A video of Chinnarasa committing the act went viral last year on social media platforms. (Also Read: Panic at Marina Bay Sands casino as man collapses and suffers medical emergency)

Chinnarasa was arrested on June 4 this year after he tried to enter the same casino and was detected as an "undesirable guest". As per Malay Mail, upon being presented in the court, Chinnarasa asked for the lowest fine. To this, the judge responded by saying, "Do you know how to get the lowest fine? Don't do this in public. Better still, don't get yourself so drunk that this happens. I want you to know if this happens again  I hope not  the fine will be higher than today." (Also Read: EY Pune employees tragic death reminds people of Narayana Murthy's controversial 70-hour work week remark)

DPP Kiera Yu called for a fine of S$400 to S$500, noting that he defecated in public for about 10 minutes. The outlet also informed that the prosecutor said, "The offender did not make any attempts to clean up after himself, nor did he inform any cleaners of the act. "If not for the fact that his offence was filmed by a member of the public and subsequently discovered by the MBS security team, the offender's faeces would have been left in the open for an extended period of time in a public shopping mall with heavy foot traffic."
Social media users were so touched by the story of a Bengaluru cobbler who shares his tiny shop with three dogs and a kitten that they banded together to raise funds for him. Ramayya Uncle, as the cobbler is affectionately known, sits out of a tiny shop in the tech capital of India where he looks after at least three stray dogs and a kitten. A Bengaluru cobbler who shares his tiny shop with stray animals has received help from the internet(Instagram/@leia_the_golden_indie)

His story first gained wider public attention in December last year after a popular Instagram account called Leia the Golden Indie shared his video online. The account is run by Susan Sunita Kuruvilla, who told HT.com that 60 people contributed to the fundraiser for Ramayya Uncle.

This sweet old cobbler has a tiny shop outside Decathlon in Whitefield, Bangalore, Kuruvilla captioned the video that inspired the fundraising effort.

If you ever pass by there, I hope you'll take a second to look at what real love, kindness and generosity look like. In that tiny space where he works to repair old shoes, you will always find at least 3 dogs sleeping warmly and a little kitten playing.

The account, and hundreds of viewers thereafter, praised Ramayya Uncle for sharing his little space and food with stray animals, noting that lack of means did not stop him from being generous. In fact, people were so moved by the kind-hearted cobbler that several viewers asked how they could help him.

Susan Sunita Kuruvilla then oragnised a fundraiser for the Bengaluru cobbler. The fundraising page noted how Ramayya Uncle not only fed the strays but even took them to the hospital when they were sick or injured. Dozens of people contributed to the fundraiser and the funds were delivered to the cobbler last week, who was moved to tears by the gesture.

The money raised was delivered to him with a card containing the names of all those who contributed to the fundraiser.

On receiving the funds, Ramayya Uncle explained that his wife had died four months ago and he had been struggling to raise his daughter alone.

The woman behind the Instagram account explained that half the money raised would be transferred to Ramayya Uncles bank account so he can use it for anything he needs or wants. The other half would be used to sponsor food for stray dogs in the area.
The business responsible for creating Tupperware, the iconic plastic tableware that transformed food storage following World War II, has declared bankruptcy. As per reports, after failing to secure a viable acquisition offer and battling to revive its core business, Tupperware Brands, the consumer goods firm based in Orlando, Florida and maker of the well-known container line, announced that it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Founded in 1946 by Earl Tupper, Tupperware revolutionized food storage with its airtight seal, becoming a staple in American households through independent sales parties.

Soon after the company announced bankruptcy, numerous people on the internet took to X and poured in their thoughts. Some took the route of hilarity while reacting to it. (Also Read: Your beloved Tupperware is bankrupt. Why? Company couldn't think out of the box)

Here's how people reacted to the news:

In its bankruptcy petition, the firm stated that it had been severely impacted by consumers moving away from direct sales, which account for the great bulk of its revenue more than 25 years after the first Tupperware parties. The company also attributed its financial difficulties to the "challenging microeconomic environment" of recent years, internal inefficiencies that made it difficult for it to operate internationally, and increased public health and environmental worries over plastic, reported PTI.

The news outlet also informed that Tupperware declared that the company would carry on with business as usual throughout the bankruptcy process and would request court permission for a sale to safeguard the brand.

More about Tupperware:

The history of Tupperware begins in 1946. According to the firm, Earl Tupper, a chemist, was inspired while working at a plastics plant making moulds. In an effort to save families money on food waste, he set out to design an airtight top seal for a plastic container that would resemble the one on a paint can. Midway through the 20th century, the brand saw phenomenal expansion, especially with the advent of direct sales through Tupperware parties. The parties, which began in 1948, were marketed as a means for women to make extra money by peddling the covered bowls for storing leftovers for friends and neighbours.
Even without Donald Trump on the ballot, American elections tend to create conflict. America is the only proper presidential democracy in which the person who wins the most votes does not necessarily win power. The two-month gap between voting and election certification in Congress is the most drawn-out anywhere. Complexity invites legal challenges, which add to the complexity. For all those reasons, American elections demand patience and trust. Unfortunately, the country comes joint last among the G7 on trust in the judiciary and dead last on belief that its elections are honest. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Supporters of Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, hold signs during a campaign rally at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas on September 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. With 53 days before election day, Former President Trump continues to campaign. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

And then there is Mr Trump. At the debate in Philadelphia this week the former president was angry and aggrieved. He repeated his false and outrageous claim that the election in 2020 was stolenan assertion that nearly 70% of Republican voters say they endorse. He and his party are gearing up to wage the post-election war a second time. Both parties argue that victory for the other side would threaten American democracy. For Mr Trump personally the stakes are even higher: if he loses he could go to prison. If the election is not close, perhaps America might avoid another toxic transfer of power. Unfortunately for Americas increasingly beleaguered democracy, by our reckoning this presidential race is tighter today than any since polling began.

More on this

How messy will it get? There are three possible outcomes. Start with the extremely unlikely one, which is a vote so close that Kamala Harris and Mr Trump tie in the electoral college. Were this to happen, the next president would be picked by the House of Representatives, with each state wielding one vote. Even if Ms Harris won the popular vote on November 5th, Mr Trump would almost certainly become president. That would be fair in the sense that it would follow the rules, but Democrats would be furious.

The second outcome is a Trump win. Democrats could bring legal challenges in close states where Ms Harris lost. Some of these might end up at the Supreme Court, where three justices appointed by Mr Trump would have to adjudicate their merits. Three of the conservative justices worked on George W. Bushs legal team back in 2000 on Bush v Gore. That would make it hard to persuade Ms Harriss supporters that decisions favouring the Trump campaign were impartial. After the courts rulings on abortion and presidential immunity, Democrats have come to view the justices as Republican politicians in robes. Nevertheless, most elected Democrats would probably accept the rulings, if more grudgingly than in 2000.

However, if enough Democratic lawmakers were really convinced the courts had acted unfairly, they could try to block certification of the result in Congress, following the precedent set by Republicans in 2021. Then, 139 House members and eight senators (all Republicans) voted to reject the results. A reform of the Electoral Count Act, passed two years ago, raises the threshold, so that 20 senators and 87 members of the House would have to object. In the unlikely scenario that those preliminary votes passed, Democrats would probably lose the subsequent full votes of both chambers. All this is possible, but the most probable outcome, if Mr Trump were to win the election, is that Ms Harris would concede, taking the wind out of any Democratic challenge to the result.

If Ms Harris wins, Mr Trump will not be so gracious. In that third scenario, the complexity of Americas voting system collides with the MAGA conspiracy machine. The Republican National Committee has pre-emptively filed more than 100 election lawsuits in the states to create a paper trail in preparation to fight the result. As a legal strategy this would probably fail again, as it did in 2020. Fortunately, the governors of key swing states are not election-deniers. Lawyers who might be tempted to bring conspiracy theories to court ought to be deterred by the example of Rudy Giuliani, a Trump bagman who was bombarded by lawsuits. If some cases do get to the Supreme Court, John Roberts and the three Trump-appointed justices may well be keen to demonstrate their independence by rejecting weak challenges. Democrats might yet come to see the Supreme Court as a guarantor of democracy.

Yet a new stop the steal movement could fail legally while succeeding politically. In the last election a shocking number of House Republicans voted to reject the result. Since then the party has only become more beholden to Mr Trump. Members either sincerely believe the other side wins only when it steals elections, or go along with that idea in public. Those who refuseLiz Cheney, Mitch McConnell, Mike Pence, Mitt Romneyhave been sidelined. If congressional Republicans did indeed secure a vote to overturn the election, they would probably lose. But the retailing of conspiracies could make the stolen-election myth even stronger.

One possible consequence of this myth is political violence. The Capitol will be so well policed in January 2025 that there will be no repeat of the riots on January 6th. But local police, the Secret Service and the FBI will have to prepare for protesters descending on statehouses, and for the risk of assassination attempts against lawmakers. About 20% of American adults say that they are open to the possibility of using violence for a political end. In a large, well-armed country you do not need many of them to mean it for that threat to be scary.

Cheater-in-chief

The other consequence of the stolen-election myth is the continuing degradation of American democracy. To be clear, America will still see a peaceful transfer of power in January 2025. Neither side will be able to install a president who lost by the rules. But that is a minimal definition of democratic success. In the broader sense, elections are meant to generate the consent of the people to be governed, even by a president for whom they did not vote. That requires voters to believe that the process is fair and can be trusted, so that their side has a decent shot in four years. Each time people feel that an election lacks legitimacy, the day draws closer when one side or the other breaks the system rather than accept the result.

For subscribers only: to see how we design each weeks cover, sign up to our weekly Cover Story newsletter.
Hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon in a series of unprecedented attacks this week, killing 32 people and injuring more than 3,000. The blasts, occurring over two days, have delivered a significant blow to the Iran-backed militant group, which accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks and vowed retaliation. Hashim Safieddine, a Shia Muslim cleric and the head of Hezbollah's executive council, speaks during the funeral of persons killed after hundreds of paging devices exploded in a deadly wave across Lebanon, in Beirut's southern suburbs on September 18.(AFP)

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to address the nation later on Thursday, with many anticipating his speech for potential insights into the groups response.

As Israels defence minister announced a new phase of the conflict and explosions in Lebanon linked to an Israeli attack on electronic devices, the prospect of full-scale warfare between Israel and Hezbollah seems more imminent than ever.

Also Read | Lebanon serial explosions: Israel says 'centre of gravity' moving north, calls it new phase in Gaza war

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are rapidly dwindling as Israel appears determined to alter the situation in the country's north, where it has exchanged cross-border fire with Hezbollah since the militant group began attacks on October 8, following Hamass initial strikes.

Watch: Lebanon LIVE | Hezbollah Walkie-Talkies, Pagers Turn Into Bombs

In recent days, Israel has deployed substantial military forces to the northern border, ramped up its rhetoric, and identified the return of tens of thousands of displaced northern residents as an official war objective.

Also Read | Why Israeli attack on Hezbollahs communication was a tipping point

Troops drawn from Gaza to the northern border

While the daily fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated on several occasions, the bitter enemies have been careful to avoid an all-out war.

That appears to be changing  especially after pagers, walkie-talkies and other devices exploded in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least 20 and wounding thousands in a sophisticated attack Hezbollah blamed on Israel.

You dont do something like that, hit thousands of people, and think war is not coming, said retired Israeli Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, who leads Israel Defense and Security Forum, a group of hawkish former military commanders. Why didn't we do it for 11 months? Because we were not willing to go to war yet. Whats happening now? Israel is ready for war."

As fighting in Gaza has slowed, Israel has fortified forces along the border with Lebanon, including the arrival this week of a powerful army division that took part in some of the heaviest fighting in Gaza.

The 98th Division is believed to include thousands of troops, including paratrooper infantry units and artillery and elite commando forces specially trained for operations behind enemy lines. Their deployment was confirmed by an official with knowledge of the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements.

The division played a key role in Gaza, spearheading the army's operations in the southern city of Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold. The offensive inflicted heavy losses on Hamas fighters and tunnels, but also wreaked massive damage, sent thousands of Palestinians fleeing and resulted in scores of civilian deaths. Israel says Hamas endangers civilians by hiding in residential areas.

The military also said it staged a series of drills this week along the border.

"The mission is clear," said Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, who heads Israel's Northern Command. We are determined to change the security reality as soon as possible.

A 'new phase of war

The military movements have been accompanied by heightened rhetoric from Israel's leaders, who say their patience is running thin.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday night declared the start of a  new phase of the war as Israel turns its focus toward Hezbollah. "The center of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces, he said.

He spoke a day after Israel's Cabinet made the return of displaced residents to their homes in northern Israel a formal goal of the war. The move was largely symbolic  Israeli leaders have long pledged to bring those residents home. But elevating the significance of the aim signaled a tougher stance.

After meeting Wednesday with top security officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: We will return the residents of the north securely to their homes.

Netanyahu delivered a similarly tough message with a top U.S. envoy sent to the region this week to soothe tensions.

An official with knowledge of the encounter told The Associated Press that the envoy, Amos Hochstein, told Netanyahu that intensifying the conflict with Hezbollah would not help return evacuated Israelis back home.

Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office, told Hochstein that residents cannot return without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north." The statement said that while Netanyahu appreciates and respects U.S. support, Israel will do what is necessary to safeguard its security.

Is war inevitable?

Israeli media reported Wednesday that the government has not yet decided whether to launch a major offensive in Lebanon.

Much, it seems, will depend on Hezbollah's response. The group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is expected to deliver a major speech on Thursday.

But public sentiment in Israel seems to be supportive of tougher action against Hezbollah.

A poll in late August by the Israeli Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank, found that 67% of Jewish respondents thought Israel should intensify its response to Hezbollah. That includes 46% of Jewish respondents who believed Israel should launch a deep offensive striking Lebanese infrastructure, and 21% who seek an intensified response that avoids striking Hezbollah infrastructure.

Theres a lot of pressure from the society to go to war and win, said Avivi, the retired general. Unless Hezbollah tomorrow morning says, OK, we got the message. Were pulling out of south Lebanon,' war is imminent.

Such a war would almost certainly prove devastating to both sides.

Already, 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, at least 23 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed by strikes from Lebanon.

Israel inflicted heavy damage on Lebanon during a monthlong war against Hezbollah in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Israeli leaders have threatened even tougher action this time around, vowing to repeat the scenes of destruction from Gaza in Lebanon.

But Hezbollah also has built up its capabilities since 2006. Hezbollah has an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles, some believed to have guidance systems that could threaten sensitive targets in Israel. It has also developed an increasingly sophisticated fleet of drones.

Capable of striking all parts of Israel, Hezbollah could bring life in Israel to a standstill and send hundreds of thousands of Israelis fleeing.

Walkie-talkies in Lebanon blasts were discontinued: Japans Icom Inc

Japans Icom Inc., whose brand appears on walkie-talkies that exploded in Lebanon, said it halted production a decade ago of the model allegedly used in the attacks and is still investigating the situation.

Icom exported its IC-V82 two-way radio to regions, including the Middle East until October 2014, when it stopped making and selling the devices, the Osaka-based company said in a statement on Thursday. It has also discontinued production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit, it said. The company earlier had warned customers that almost all IC-V82s on the market are counterfeit.

Among the many outstanding questions is how explosive materials were planted in the devices. If the Icom walkie-talkies are genuine and manufactured a decade ago, its likely they were modified well after sale to their original customers. The company cant determine if the walkie-talkies are its own, but said the exploded devices appear to lack the hologram labels attached to its products.

The company said all its radios are produced at a factory in Wakayama Prefecture in Western Japan. It said it follows safety protocols outlined by government regulations and does not outsource manufacturing overseas.

(With inputs from AP, Bloomberg)
Toronto: Amid ongoing political challenges partly linked to a rise in temporary immigration, the Canadian government announced on Wednesday that it will reduce the intake of international students by 10 per cent in 2025 compared to this years numbers. Police stand by as protesters holds up signs at McGill University in Montreal, on July 10. (AP)

In a release, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the cap for issuing study permits will be at 437,000, down from the target of 485,000 for this year. The stabilising 2025 figure will also apply for 2026.

It also announced further restrictions in other categories including temporary foreign workers and asylum claims. These measures came even as a cost-of-living crisis, shelter affordability problems and stress on health and transport infrastructure are being partly attributed to the influx of newcomers.

The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able tojust like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to. We are taking action to strengthen our temporary residence programmes and roll out a more comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of todays changing landscape, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said.

That announcement will be unwelcome news to stakeholders like Canadian higher education institutions. The outlet Global News reported earlier this month that Universities Canada, the industry group, predicted a 45 per cent fall in the number of international students arriving in the country for the new term beginning in September.

Theres every possibility that its going to be even worse than we fear, he told the outlet, adding, But its important to note that were already in territory that no one anticipated and that needs to set off a big alarm bell in Ottawa that we need to start turning this around right away.

The IRCC decision is the opposite of what it sought and driven by the electoral fortunes of the ruling Liberal Party which appears to be in free fall after losing two Federal by-elections in strongholds in the cities of Toronto and Montreal within the space of three months.

The Conservative Party also has a lead of nearly 20 points over the incumbents in all recent surveys, and its leader, and prospective Prime Minister, Pierre Poilievre has bene clear his Government, if formed, will scale back immigration.

The numbers that matter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government are those thrown up by a recent poll by the agency Angus Reid Institute or ARI, which noted that nearly half or 48 per cent of those sampled believe it would be a good thing if Canada closed its borders to immigrants.

For the time being, the various announcements from Ottawa with regard to international students havent appeared to have made a real dent in their numbers. According to the latest IRCC data, the number of study permits issued between January and June this year rose to 246580 from 238640, for the same period in 2023.

For India-specific permits, the numbers again rose for that six-month period from 96080 to 100355. Before the Trudeau government started crafting immigration policy, the total study permits issued in 2015 was at 219035 and Indians accounted for just 31920.

Canadian officials have warned that the results of the decisions taken will become evident later this year. That may be reflecting in the data, as the figures for study permits issued between April and June this year dropped to 125020 from 148140 in 2023. For India, the decrease was from 70340 to 55940. But that number is still nearly double to the total intake for 2015.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been blasted over their latest statement asking people to register to be able to vote in the upcoming US presidential election. While the couple called for people to vote, they did not publicly endorse either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. Harry and Meghan blasted over statement urging people to register to vote (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool, File)(AP)

Following their statement, Meghan and Harry have been criticised by the Chairman of the Republican movement in the UK. "They can't help themselves, Greg Swenson told the Mail.

"By encouraging people to vote they are essentially ballot harvesting for Kamala, Swenson added. "You don't have to say it...you don't need a bumper sticker, we know who you voted for.

Harry and Meghans statement

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement posted to their Archewell Foundation website, "In honor of National Voter Registration Day, The Archewell Foundation team came together for a meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities.

"Using Vote Forwards impactful letter-writing tool, our team wrote personalised letters encouraging unregistered voters to take a crucial step: registering to vote, they further said. "Voting is not just a right; its a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities.

They added, "At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter ones political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters."

Although the couple did not publicly endorse any candidate, it is worth noting that Trumps son, Eric Trump, once branded them "spoiled apples. Eric made the statement during an interview with GB News earlier this year.

In recent days, several celebrities have publicly endorsed candidates. Most notably, Taylor Swift endorsed Harris in an Instagram post. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas also revealed they will vote for the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket over Trump.
Deadly Israeli attacks that blew up Hezbollah radios and pagers crossed all red lines, the leader of the heavily armed Iran-backed Lebanese movement said on Thursday, as the United States called for restraint and urgent de-escalation. Men smoke waterpipes as they attend a televised speech by the leader of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah at a cafe in the Jabal Mehsen neighbourhood of Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli. (Photo by Fathi AL-MASRI / AFP)(AFP)

Lebanon and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment that killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the militant group.

Israel has not directly commented on the attacks, which security sources say were probably carried out by its Mossad spy agency, which has a long history of carrying out sophisticated attacks on foreign soil.

"There is no doubt that we have been subjected to a major security and military blow that is unprecedented in the history of the resistance and unprecedented in the history of Lebanon," Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in his TV address, filmed at an undisclosed location.

"This type of killing, targeting and crime may be unprecedented in the world," he said, appearing in front of a featureless red background in his customary black turban.

The attacks "crossed all red lines", he said. "The enemy went beyond all controls, laws and morals," he said, adding the attacks "could be considered war crimes or a declaration of war."

As the broadcast was aired, deafening sonic booms from Israeli warplanes shook Beirut, a sound that has become common in recent months but has taken on a greater significance as the threat of all-out war has steadily ramped up. Hezbollah reported that airstrikes resumed in the border area in the afternoon.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said late on Thursday that Israel will keep up military action against Hezbollah.

"In the new phase of the war there are significant opportunities but also significant risks. Hezbollah feels that it is being persecuted and the sequence of military actions will continue," Gallant said in a statement.

"Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price," Gallant said.

The Israeli military said late on Thursday it struck dozens of Hezbollah targets, including rocket launchers and weapon depots in southern Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his close circle of ministers for consultations, Israel's Channel 13 News reported.

Big harsh blow

Nasrallah said Hezbollah hoped Israeli troops would enter southern Lebanon because that would create a "historic opportunity" for the Iran-backed group.

No military escalation, killing, assassinations or all-out war would return Israeli residents to the border area, he added.

Whilst Nasrallah described the attacks as unprecedented, accusing Israel of trying to kill 5,000 people, he also played down the impact on Hezbollah, saying the group's structure had not been shaken.

"Yes, we received a big and harsh blow, but this is also the nature of war," Nasrallah said. "We know that our enemy has superiority on the technological level and we have never said otherwise."

Israel will face "a crushing response from the axis of resistance", Iran's Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami told Nasrallah on Thursday according to state media.

Speaking in Paris, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged restraint, adding he did not want to see any escalatory actions by any party that make a Gaza ceasefire deal even more difficult.

The attacks on Hezbollah communications equipment sowed fear across Lebanon, with people abandoning electronic devices for fear of carrying bombs in their pockets.

Army destroys pagers in controlled blasts

Nasrallah said thousands of pagers had been targeted simultaneously, with some of the explosions happening in hospitals, pharmacies, markets, shops and streets busy with civilians, women and children. "With this operation, the enemy violated all laws and red lines," he said.

Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on the day after the Oct. 7 cross-border attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas which triggered the Gaza war, and since then constant exchanges of fire have occurred. Although neither side has allowed this to escalate into a full-scale war, it has led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the border area on both sides.

"The Hezbollah terrorist organization has turned southern Lebanon into a combat zone. For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields," Israel's military said.

Hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon, killing 25 people and wounding hundreds.

The previous day, hundreds of pagers - used by Hezbollah to evade mobile phone surveillance - exploded at once, killing 12 people including at least two children, and injuring more than 2,300.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the United Nations Security Council to take a firm stand to stop what he called Israel's "aggression" and "technological war".

Israel says its conflict with Hezbollah, like its war in Gaza against Hamas, is part of a wider regional confrontation with Iran, which sponsors both groups as well as armed movements in Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

Also on Thursday, Israeli security forces said that an Israeli businessman had been arrested last month after attending at least two meetings in Iran where he discussed assassinating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the defence minister or the head of the Shin Bet spy agency.

Israel has been accused of assassinations including a blast in Tehran that killed the leader of Hamas and another in a Beirut suburb that killed a senior Hezbollah commander within hours of each other in July.
A second deadly wave of unprecedented explosions in the strongholds of Lebanon's Hezbollah left it in disarray on Thursday, hours before a major speech by its beleaguered leader Hassan Nasrallah. Lebanese army soldiers sit on their armoured vehicle as mourners carry the coffin of Mohammed Mahdi, son of Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar, who was killed Tuesday after his handheld pager exploded.(AP)

The latest batch of device explosions killed 20 people and wounded more than 450 others on Wednesday, officials said, stoking fears of a full-blown war with Israel.

The blasts came a day after the simultaneous detonation of pagers used by Hezbollah killed 12 people, including two children, and wounded up to 2,800 others across Lebanon, in an unprecedented attack blamed on Israel.

Walkie-talkies used by its members exploded in the latest blasts at Hezbollah's Beirut stronghold, a source close to the group said, with state media reporting similar detonations in south and east Lebanon.

AFPTV footage showed people running for cover when an explosion went off during a funeral for Hezbollah militants in south Beirut in the afternoon.

"The wave of enemy explosions that targeted walkie talkies... killed 20 people and wounded more than 450," Lebanon's health ministry said in a statement.

There was no comment from Israel, which only hours before Tuesday's explosions had announced it was broadening the aims of its war in Gaza to include its fight against Hamas's ally Hezbollah.

"The centre of gravity is moving northward," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said during a visit to an air base on Wednesday. "We are at the start of a new phase in the war."

Amos Harel of the left-leaning Haaretz newspaper said the pager and walkie-talkie blasts had put "Israel and Hezbollah on the brink of all-out war".

Out of this world

With tensions in the Middle East spiralling, senior diplomats from the United States, Britain, Germany, France and Italy will meet on Thursday in Paris, sources said, ahead of a UN Security Council meeting planned for Friday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will join his counterparts in the French capital after discussing the possibility of a Gaza war truce in Cairo.

Follow Lebanon news Live updates:

The White House warned all sides against "an escalation of any kind".

"We don't believe that the way to solve where we're at in this crisis is by additional military operations at all," US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Iran-backed Hezbollah has traded near-daily cross-border fire with Israel since Hamas's October 7 attacks sparked the war in Gaza.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib warned that the "blatant assault on Lebanon's sovereignty and security" was a dangerous development that could "signal a wider war".

Hezbollah said Israel was "fully responsible for this criminal aggression" and vowed revenge.

Iran's envoy to the UN said the country "reserves the right to take retaliatory measures" after its ambassador in Beirut was wounded.

The influx of so many casualties all at once overwhelmed medics.

At a Beirut hospital, doctor Joelle Khadra said "the injuries were mainly to the eyes and hands, with finger amputations, shrapnel in the eyes -- some people lost their sight."

A doctor at another hospital in the Lebanese capital said he had worked through the night and that the injuries were "out of this world -- never seen anything like it".

Among the dead was the 10-year-old daughter of a Hezbollah member, killed in east Lebanon's Bekaa Valley when her father's pager exploded, the family and a source close to the group said.

Heavy blow

Analysts said operatives had likely planted explosives on the pagers before they were delivered to Hezbollah.

"A small plastic explosive was almost certainly concealed alongside the battery, for remote detonation via a call or page," said Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute.

The preliminary findings of a Lebanese investigation into the blasts found the pagers had been booby-trapped, a security official said.

"Data indicates the devices were pre-programmed to detonate and contained explosive materials planted next to the battery," the official said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

A source close to Hezbollah, asking not to be identified, said the pagers were "recently imported" and appeared to have been "sabotaged at source".

After The New York Times reported that the pagers had been ordered from Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo, the company said they had been produced by its Hungarian partner BAC Consulting KFT.

A government spokesman in Budapest said the company was "a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary".

The attack dealt a heavy blow to Hezbollah, which already had concerns about the security of its communications after losing several commanders to targeted strikes in recent months.

As fears surged of a regional conflagration nearly a year into the Gaza war, Lufthansa and Air France announced the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran and Beirut until Thursday.

Extremely volatile

Since October, the exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah have killed hundreds of people, mostly fighters, in Lebanon, and dozens including soldiers on the Israeli side.

They have also forced tens of thousands of people on both sides to flee their homes.

United Nations rights chief Volker Turk said Tuesday's attack had come at an "extremely volatile time", calling the blasts "shocking" and their impact on civilians "unacceptable".

UN chief Antonio Guterres urged governments "not to weaponise civilian objects".

The October 7 attacks that sparked the war in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, on the Israeli side, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Out of 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,272 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to data provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has acknowledged these figures as reliable.

In Gaza on Wednesday, the civil defence agency said an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter killed five people, while the Israeli military said it targeted Hamas militants.
Israeli police on Thursday arrested its citizen who was allegedly recruited by Iranian intelligence to plan the assassinations of high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, news agency AFP reported, citing a joint statement from the police and Shin Bet, one of the main branches of the Israeli intelligence community. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. (File)(via REUTERS)

An Israeli citizen was recruited by Iranian intelligence to promote assassinations of Israeli figures. He was smuggled twice into Iran and received payment for carrying out missions, the statement said.

The statement revealed that Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and other senior officials were among the intended targets.

These accusations follow a series of unprecedented attacks this week, where hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon, resulting in 32 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.

Who is the arrested Israeli citizen?

According to police, the Israeli citizen, described as a businessman who lived in Turkey for an extended period, had connections with Turkish and Iranian contacts who introduced him by phone to an Iranian businessman named Eddie.

The individual, identified by local media as a Jewish resident of Ashkelon, first travelled to Iran in May 2024 to meet Eddie but encountered difficulties leaving the country. During this visit, he also met an Iranian security operative known as Hajjah.

The police said that during this trip, he was tasked with various security missions in Israel, including transferring money or a gun photographing crowded public areas, and threatening other Israelis recruited by Tehran.

Also Read | Why Israeli attack on Hezbollahs communication was a tipping point

In August, the investigation revealed that the arrested man was smuggled into Iran in a truck. While in Iran, he met with additional Iranian intelligence agents, who instructed him to carry out terrorist activities on Israeli soil, including facilitating assassination attacks.

Rise in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah

Israel bombed southern Lebanon on Thursday, claiming it had thwarted an Iran-backed assassination plot, according to Reuters. This followed explosions involving Hezbollah radios and booby-trapped pagers, escalating tensions between the two adversaries and bringing them closer to war.

The sophisticated attacks on communications equipment used by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah have caused disruption in Lebanon and are raising concerns about a possible return to all-out conflict, last seen 18 years ago.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to address the nation later on Thursday, with many watching closely for insights into the group's response.

With Israels defence minister declaring a new phase in the conflict and recent explosions in Lebanon tied to an Israeli strike on electronic devices, the likelihood of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah appears increasingly imminent.

(With inputs from agencies)
At least 20 people were killed and over 450 injured in Lebanon after hand-held radios or walkie talkies used by militant group Hezbollah exploded in multiple parts of the country. The highly sophisticated attack comes a day after a suspected Israeli attack targeting pagers used by the group for communication between its members. This video grab, shows a walkie-talkie that was exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. AP/PTI(AP09_18_2024_000399A)(AP)

While civilians have also been hurt in these attacks, at least 32 people have been killed and over 3000 have been injured in two back-to-back attacks that can add new complexities to peace efforts in a region torn by the Gaza war.

10 updates on Hezbollah device blasts in Lebanon:

1. Firefighters were deployed across several homes in Lebanon to douse fires that engulfed 60 homes, 15 cars and dozens of two wheelers as a result of serial explosions.

2. According to Gold Apollo Co, the Taiwanese company whose brand was on the exploding devices, the manufacturer of these pagers is BAC Consulting Kft, which produced them under a commercial agreement. But Budapest government said the company is only a trading intermediary with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary. Gold Apollos chairman in Taiwan, said he was puzzled when BAC asked to license production of its AR-924 pager two years ago but went ahead with what seemed a routine deal.

3. Lebanon's Information Minister Ziyad Makari told Al-Jazeera TV that his country didnt fear Hezbollahs response, but Israel and its crimes. What happened is a new kind of warfare, and investigations are ongoing by the state and Hezbollah, he said. There will certainly be coordination between the state and the group to investigate, because the attack is on Lebanese sovereignty as a whole.

4. Lebanon also pointed fingers at Israel's top spy agency Mossad for what experts called one of the most audacious supply-chain operations in the history of intelligence.

5. Israeli said troops will be diverted to the country's northern border with Lebanon where both sides have been exchanging fire on a daily basis since Gaza war broke out on October 7.

6. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's statement added to fears that war might escalate between the two sides. The centre of gravity is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources and energy for the northern arena. We are at the start of a new phase in the war, and we must adapt.

7. Israel did not officially comment on the attack but has made it clear in recent weeks that gaining upper hand over Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is one of its top priority. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah both blamed Israel for the attack, while the latter vowed to retaliate.

8. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said, "We will return the residents of the north securely to their homes," he said in a brief video statement, giving no further details. Returning the evacuees home was made a formal objective of the war, with Israel adding that war might be the only way to stop Hezbollah's rocket attacks in the north and enable its civilians to return to their homes there.

9. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon was seriously injured in one of the explosions and said it will respond. The country's envoy to the United Nations said in a letter to the Security Council that Iran reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond to such a heinous crime and violation.

10. The US is trying to calm the situation. Amos Hochstein, Washingtons top envoy to avoid all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, told Netanyahu that a deeper conflict is not in Israels interest and would only risk a regionwide war.

(With inputs from agencies)
Sep 19, 2024 9:01 PM IST

Hezbollah-Israel tensions live updates: Two Israeli soldiers were killed in combat on Thursday in northern Israel, according to a report from the Associated Press citing the Israeli military.

Israel's N12 News reported that one soldier was killed by a drone strike, while the other died after an anti-tank missile was fired by Hezbollah from across the Lebanese border.
Israel on Wednesday said the centre of gravity of the Gaza war is moving towards its northern border with Lebanon, and resources are being allocated in anticipation of any potential escalation of the conflict, news agency AFP reported. Mourners carry the coffins of victims who were killed Tuesday after their handheld pagers exploded, during their funeral procession in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)(AP)

More than 11 months into the war that killed 41,272 people and injured as many as 95,551, two serial explosions of pagers and radio devices used by militant group Hezbollah inside Lebanon marks another dangerous escalation that threatens to push the region into an all-out war. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah both blamed Israel for the attack, while the latter vowed to retaliate.

Also read | Hezbollah rattled by fresh explosions in Lebanon

At least 32 people have been killed and over 3000 have been injured in two back-to-back attacks inside Lebanon that targeted electronic devices used by Hezbollah members. Lebanon blamed Israel's spy agency Mossad for what experts describe as the most sophisticated supply chain operations ever in the history of intelligence operations.

Israel did not officially comment on the attack but has made it clear in recent weeks that gaining upper hand over Hezbollah is one of its top priority. The Jewish state also indicated that an all-out war might be they only way to stop Hezbollah's daily attacks on its northern borders.

Also read | Israeli spies flex muscles after October 7 fiasco with Lebanon blasts

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the events mark the start of new phase of the country's war against Hamas militants in the Gaza strip. "We are at the start of a new phase in the war -- it requires courage, determination and perseverance on our part. We have not forgotten the hostages and we have not forgotten our missions in the south," he said according to a statement by his office.

Also read | Pager bombs: The theories and the science behind them

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on Wednesday promised to return the residents of the north securely to their homes, giving no further details. Returning the evacuees home was made a formal objective of the war. Gallant also said that it was now time to ensure that those displaced from the north would be able to return to their homes.

Israeli armed forces chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi also echoed similar remarks. "We are very determined to create the security conditions that will return the residents (of the north) to their homes, to the communities, with a high level of security," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)
Artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade despite protests from Moscow, according to eleven Indian and European government and defence industry officials, as well as a Reuters analysis of commercially available customs data. FILE PHOTO: A war crimes prosecutor works at a site of a Russian drone attack, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Lviv, Ukraine June 19, 2024. REUTERS/Roman Baluk/File Photo(REUTERS)

The transfer of munitions to support Ukraine's defence against Russia has occurred for more than a year, according to the sources and the customs data. Indian arms export regulations limit the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser, who risks future sales being terminated if unauthorised transfers occur.

Also read | Ukraine suffering high losses due to slow arms supplies, says Zelenskiy

The Kremlin has raised the issue on at least two occasions, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart, three Indian officials said.

Details of the ammunition transfers are reported by Reuters for the first time.

The foreign and defence ministries of Russia and India did not respond to questions. In January, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a news conference that India had not sent or sold artillery shells to Ukraine.

Two Indian government and two defence industry sources told Reuters that Delhi produced only a very small amount of the ammunition being used by Ukraine, with one official estimating that it was under 1% of the total arms imported by Kyiv since the war. The news agency couldn't determine if the munitions were resold or donated to Kyiv by the European customers.

Among the European countries sending Indian munitions to Ukraine are Italy and the Czech Republic, which is leading an initiative to supply Kyiv with artillery shells from outside the European Union, according to a Spanish and a senior Indian official, as well as a former top executive at Yantra India, a state-owned company whose munitions are being used by Ukraine.

Also read | Russia says Putin has sent clear message to the West on long-range missiles for Ukraine

The Indian official said that Delhi was monitoring the situation. But, along with a defence industry executive with direct knowledge of the transfers, he said India had not taken any action to throttle the supply to Europe. Like most of the 20 people interviewed by Reuters, they spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The Ukrainian, Italian, Spanish and Czech defence ministries did not respond to requests for comment.

Delhi and Washington, Ukraine's main security backer, have recently strengthened defence and diplomatic cooperation against the backdrop of a rising China, which both regard as their main rival.

India also has warm ties with Russia, its primary arms supplier for decades, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has refused to join the Western-led sanctions regime against Moscow.

But Delhi, long the world's largest weapons importer, also sees the lengthy war in Europe as an opportunity to develop its nascent arms export sector, according to six Indian sources familiar with official thinking.

Ukraine, which is battling to contain a Russian offensive toward the eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk, has a dire shortage of artillery ammunition.

The White House declined to comment and the U.S. State Department referred questions on Delhi's arms exports to the Indian government.

India exported just over $3 billion of arms between 2018 and 2023, according to data compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute think-tank.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at an Aug. 30 conference that defence exports surpassed $2.5 billion in the last fiscal year and that Delhi wanted to increase that to about $6 billion by 2029.

Commercially available customs records show that in the two years before the February 2022 invasion, three major Indian ammunition makers - Yantra, Munitions India and Kalyani Strategic Systems - exported just $2.8 million in munitions components to Italy and the Czech Republic, as well as Spain and Slovenia, where defence contractors have invested heavily in supply chains for Ukraine.

Between February 2022 and July 2024, the figure had increased to $135.25 million, the data show, including completed munitions, which India began exporting to the four nations.

Arzan Tarapore, an India defence expert at Stanford University, said that Delhi's push to expand its arms exports was a major factor in the transfer of its arms to Ukraine.

"Probably in the sudden recent expansion, some instances of end-user violations have occurred."

DISCREET DELIVERIES

Unlisted Italian defence contractor Meccanica per l'Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES) was among the companies sending Indian-made shells to Ukraine, said the former top Yantra official.

MES is Yantra's biggest foreign client. The executive said the Rome-based company buys empty shells from India and fills them with explosives.

Several Western firms had explosive filling capabilities but lack the manufacturing capacity to mass produce artillery shells, the executive said.

Yantra said in its 2022-23 annual report that it had agreed a deal with an unnamed Italian client to set up a manufacturing line for L15A1 shells, which the former Yantra executive identified as MES.

MES and Yantra India did not respond to emails seeking comment.

Customs data indicate that Yantra shipped $35 million worth of empty 155mm L15A1 shells to MES between February 2022 and July 2024.

Customs records also show that in February 2024, U.K.-based arms company Dince Hill - whose board includes a top MES executive - exported $6.7 million in ammunition from Italy to Ukraine.

Among the exports were 155mm L15A1 shells, which the customs declaration said were manufactured by MES for Ukraine's Defence Ministry and supplied for "promoting the defense capability and mobilization readiness of Ukraine."

Dince Hill did not respond to an email seeking comment. Its new owner, Rome-based Effequattro Consulting, could not be reached.

In another instance, Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente shared on social media in May an end user agreement signed by a Czech defence official that authorised the transfer of 120mm and 125mm ammunition shells from Munitions India to arms dealer Czech Defence Systems.

Pro-Palestinian activists had alleged that the Borkum, a vessel carrying Indian-made arms which had stopped in a Spanish port, was carrying the weapons to Israel.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported in May the final destination was actually Ukraine. A Spanish official and another source familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that Kyiv was the end user. Munitions India and CDS did not respond to questions.

Customs records dated March 27 show Munitions India had shipped 10,000 rounds of 120mm and 125mm mortar shells, worth more than $9 million, from Chennai to CDS.

FRIENDLY FIRE

Russia, which supplies more than 60% of Delhi's arms imports, is a valued partner for India. In July, Modi chose Moscow for his first bilateral international trip since being elected to a third term.

At another meeting that month in Kazakhstan between top Indian diplomat Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Lavrov, the Russian minister pressed his counterpart about Indian munitions being used by Ukrainians and complained that some were made by state-owned Indian companies, according to an Indian official with direct knowledge of the encounter.

The official did not share Jaishankar's response.

Walter Ladwig, a South Asia security expert at King's College London, said the diversion of a relatively small amount of ammunition was geopolitically useful for Delhi.

"It allows India to show partners in the West that it is not 'on Russia's side' in the Russia-Ukraine conflict," he said, adding that Moscow held little leverage over Delhi's decisions.
Two former OceanGate employees are testifying at the US Coast Guards hearing into the journey to the Titanic wreckage that led to the implosion of the Titan submersible, which resulted in the deaths for all four on board  OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul Henry Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman. One of the people testifying is Renata Rojas, the mission specialist from the US submersible company that operated the expedition. Titan tragedy: Ex-OceanGate employee dismisses shocking allegations (OceanGate Expeditions/Handout via REUTERS)(via REUTERS)

I never at any point felt unsafe by the operation

Addressing the Titan Marine Board of Investigations panel, Rojas disagreed with former OceanGate employee David Lochridges account of one of the dives in 2016. Lochridges comments echoed many others  he, too, spoke out about safety concerns about the sub.

Earlier this week, Lochridge testified that Rush threw the vessels controller at him during a voyage after a passenger started to cry because the CEO was driving recklessly. He hit me on the side of my head, Lochridge said.

However, Rojas said she was part of the voyage too but never witnessed anything like that. He must have gone on a different dive, she said. Nobody was panicking. Nobody was crying. There was definitely no swearing or yelling.

Rojas also said she never felt unsafe on the OceanGate vessel. I knew what I was doing was very risky, she said. I never at any point felt unsafe by the operation.

Lochridge, OceanGate's former director of marine operations, previously said that the company "wanted to be able to qualify a pilot in a day, somebody that had never sat in a submersible. He alleged that the sub was operated using a PlayStation controller, and accused Rush of being unprofessional in the journey. He also revealed that he told "every director within the organisation" about his safety concerns.
Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government is expected to survive a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons next week as the third largest formation in the chamber announced it will not support the motion. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (REUTERS)

The opposition Conservative Party moved the motion on Wednesday. It simply states, The House has no confidence in the Prime Minister and the government.

The Liberal Party government has been reduced to minority status in the House, which currently has a strength of 336. Earlier this month, the New Democratic Party (NDP) pulled out of the Supply and Confidence Agreement, signed in March 2022, which had given the government a working majority.

The Liberals have 154 MPs while the Conservatives have 119. The latter moved the motion on Wednesday for a vote next week, but it now appears that the immediate survival of the Trudeau government will be guaranteed by the separatist party, Bloc Quebecois.

Bloc leader Yves-Francois Blanchet told the media on Wednesday that his party will oppose the motion. Speaking in French, he said, Will the Bloc vote in favour of the Conservative motion next week? The answer is no.

The motion contains absolutely nothing. It essentially says: Do you want to replace Justin Trudeau with Pierre Poilievre? The answer is no, he added.

The Bloc, which supports independence for the Francophone province of Quebec, has already indicated it will extract benefits from the government in exchange for its support. With that stance and its 33 MPs, the position will make the motion is defeated and renders moot the option chosen by the NDP.

While Federal elections are scheduled for October 2025, the Conservatives are clearly focused on forcing them earlier. That stands to reason as, according to the voter tracker of the public polling agency Angus Reid Institute (ARI), it has 43 per cent support, a whopping 22 point lead over the Liberals.
Nassau County police responded to concerns of a suspicious occurrence near the rally site of former President Donald Trumps Wednesday night rally in Long Island, but no explosives were found. Nassau County Police scan buildings surrounding Nassau Coliseum before the start of a rally featuring Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)(AP)

Nassau County police, however, were quick to shoot down the bogus explosives found news. We did respond to a suspicious occurrence in the vicinity of the Nassau Coliseum, however there was no validity of an explosive device being found. Were unsure where this information originated, but we can confirm that no explosives were discovered, the officer told Newsweek.

On Wednesday night, Elon Musk reposted an unverified claim about explosives at the rally location on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with the caption Wow. The original post has since been removed.

ALSO READ| Trump admits skipping wife Melanias new book: 'If she says bad things about me then get rid...'

What we know so far about Trump's rally explosive found news

New York State Police also posted on X to debunk the circulating rumours, stating that reports of explosives were unfounded. They confirmed they were working with Nassau County police and the U.S. Secret Service to ensure security at the rally. Reports of explosives being found at the site are unfounded, assau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said, and clarified, The individual with the bomb dog falsely reported explosives being found and that individual is currently being detained by police.

Trump's rally, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, comes just days after a second attempted assassination on Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida, where suspect Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service also told Newsweek that there were no reports of incidents related to the Nassau rally. We coordinate with local, state, and other federal entities for these types of visits, the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ| Iranian hackers target Biden Campaign with stolen Trump materials

Ryder issued a security update to reporters earlier that day, assuring, This will be the safest place in the country on Wednesday.

Nobody will be in the Coliseum. We do a complete sweep that night. We do a complete sweep again in the morning, he said.
Donald Trumps campaign trail appearance at a popular Brooklyn kosher deli had to be cancelled on Thursday, September 19, after the owner died aged 76. Gottliebs owner, Shalom Yoseph Gottelib, died of a heart attack. Donald Trumps appearance at Brooklyn kosher deli cancelled due to shocking reason (REUTERS/Piroschka Van de Wouw/File Photo)(REUTERS)

The former president was expected to stop by the mom-and-pop restaurant before heading to Washington, DC, to speak at a Combating Antisemitism event. Shalom, who was hospitalised earlier this week with pneumonia, died on Thursday, according to friends and religious leaders.

He was a real old-time gentleman

Everybodys in shock. He was a good person, and he was an icon because of the iconic restaurant he ran for a very long time, said Rabbi Abe Friedman, a friend of Gottlieb, according to New York Post. Going from welcoming Trump to a funeral is quite shocking.

Shaloms Hungarian-born father, Shlomo Zelka, had survived the Holocaust and later founded the deli in 1962. Shalom worked every day and often helped poor people, said Rabbi Moshe Indig, a Jewish community leader.

Lets say someone came and told him their mother was sick, had to go to the hospital. Hed say, How many portions do you need? Take it, Indig said. Every Friday before closing hed take all the leftovers and pack them up and send them to families.

He was a real old-time gentleman, Indig added. This is a great loss for the community.

Before falling ill, Gottlieb attended a granddaughters wedding last week. He was a very good person, very charitable, always with a smile, always with a good word, said Borough Park Jewish community leader Rabbi Bernard Frelich.

Shalom was generally apolitical. He was surprised when Trumps team decided to visit his shop, Indig revealed.

He was never involved in any politics, but somebody  I dont know why, I dont know who  picked this location for [Trumps] visit, Indig said.. It was good PR, but they had nothing to do with politics.
A former CIA officer was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting dozens of women at a Wednesday hearing. Brian Jeffrey Raymond was found guilty of drugging and assaulting multiple women in numerous countries over a span of 14 years. At the time of his sentencing, the judge called the 48-year-old a predator who exploited his position as a government employee to cause immeasurable harm. Former CIA officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting dozens of women

Ex-CIA officer gets 30 years for sexually assaulting multiple women

In November 2023, Raymond pleaded guilty to sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, coercion and enticement, and transportation of obscene material, according to the Department of Justice. He also admitted to drugging unsuspecting women and then engaging in sexual acts with them. Raymond further pleaded guilty to creating obscene material depicting 28 women without their knowledge or permission and drugging two other women.

ALSO READ: Trump reveals Walz once asked him to put out a word saying they were friends

The San Diego native served over 20 years in the CIA after completing White House and congressional internships and was stationed overseas between 2006 and 2020. For 14 years, Raymond exploited his trusted position as a U.S. government representative to lure women into his confidence, said Assistant Director in Charge Sundberg. He then drugged and sexually assaulted them and took explicit photos and videos of them without their consent. Raymond was found with over 500 disturbing images and videos of his victims.

ALSO READ: Nintendo, Pokemon sue Palworld developer Pocketpair for patent infringement

During the emotional hearing, some of Raymond's victims came forward, recounting their trauma. My body looks like a corpse on his bed. Now I have these nightmares of seeing myself dead, said one victim, per the New York Post. I hope he is haunted by the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life, said a second victim, while a third revealed that he looked like a perfect gentleman when she met him in Mexico in 2020.
A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Oregon was forced to make an emergency landing over the weekend due to cabin pressure issues that left multiple passengers with ear and nose bleeds. The Boeing 737-900ER aircraft was travelling to Portland on Sunday morning when it became unable to pressurise above 10,000 feet. This prompted the pilots to declare an emergency and return to Salt Lake City International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now investigating the matter. FILE PHOTO: Delta Air Lines planes are seen at John F. Kennedy International Airport on the July 4th weekend in Queens, New York City, U.S., July 2, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo(REUTERS)

FAA investigating Delta flight over emergency landing in Salt Lake City

The five-year-old Delta Flight 1203, with 140 passengers on board, landed around 8:30 am in Utah. Paramedics met passengers at the gate and identified at least 10 people who required medical attention. They recommended that anyone who was bleeding go to the hospital for further evaluation, and Delta offered to cover those transportation costs, according to the Associated Press.

ALSO READ: Hugh Hefner's widow Crystal feels valued by new boyfriend after toxic marriage to Playboy founder

We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on Sept. 15. The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs, the airline said in a statement, per the outlet. Delta also noted that the flight resumed its service on Monday after the technicians resolved the issue that rendered it unable to pressurise above 10,000 feet.

Passenger Caryn Allen recalled the harrowing experience in an interview with KSL, saying, I looked over at my husband, and he had both of his hands over his ears, you know, kind of leaning forward. I looked about a row behind me, over on the other side of the aisle, and there was a gentleman that clearly had a very bad bloody nose, and people were trying to help him. Another passenger, Jaci Purser, faced a similar experience. I grabbed my ear, and I pulled my hand back, and there was blood on it, Purser told the network.

ALSO READ: Ex-CIA officer gets 30 years in prison for drugging, sexually abusing multiple women

Meanwhile, the FAA said in a statement, The crew of Delta Air Lines Flight 1203, a Boeing 737-900, returned to Salt Lake City International Airport after reporting a possible pressurization issue. The flight landed without incident at around 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. The flight's original destination was Portland International Airport in Oregon. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline for further details.
Kamala Harris has blamed the death of a 28-year-old woman from an infection on Trump abortion bans. Amber Nicole Thurman died in 2022 after waiting for 20 hours for doctors to treat an infection she was suffering from after taking an abortion pill. Kamala Harris blames Donald Trump for Georgia woman's death due to delayed abortion care (AP)

Thurmans death is being discussed again after a report from ProPublica that was recently released concluded that her death was "preventable." This week, Harris issued a statement on what happened to the mother of a six-year-old boy. She spoke about Thurmans story during an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists.

These are the consequences of Donald Trumps actions

This young mother should be alive, raising her son, and pursuing her dream of attending nursing school, Harris said in a statement, according to Independent. This is exactly what we feared when Roe was struck down. In more than 20 states, Trump Abortion Bans are preventing doctors from providing basic medical care.

Women are bleeding out in parking lots, turned away from emergency rooms, losing their ability to ever have children again, she continued. Survivors of rape and incest are being told they cannot make decisions about what happens next to their bodies.

And now women are dying. These are the consequences of Donald Trumps actions, she added.

Trump, during his presidency, nominated three justices to create the Supreme Courts 6-3 conservative majority. The justices were Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. This conservative majority ended up enabling the court to overturn Roe v Wade back in 2022.

When Thurman was taken to the hospital, she needed a procedure called dilation and curettage. However, at that time, Georgia had passed a law that made the procedure a felony with few exceptions.

Thurmans care was delayed, and doctors finally performed an operation 20 hours after she arrived at the hospital, ProPublica reported. Thurman died on the hospital table.
Crystal Hefner has moved on from her emotionally abusive marriage to Hugh Hefner. In a Wednesday interview with People, the 38-year-old gushed over her new boyfriend, James Ward, saying she feels seen and heard with him. The former Playmate was famously married to the Playboy founder for five years until his death at 91 in 2017. Crystal Hefner gushes over her new boyfriend, James Ward, a marine biologist(Instagram)

Crystal Hefner gushes over new boyfriend, recalls toxic marriage to Hugh Hefner

With James, my feelings are valued, validated, said Crystal, who released her memoir Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself earlier this year. Im nurturing the real me, my adventurous spirit, my inner child, she continued, adding, I feel like Ive become the person I always needed when I was growing up.

ALSO READ: Ex-CIA officer gets 30 years in prison for drugging, sexually abusing multiple women

Following Hugh's death, Crystal spent seven years healing from the emotional wounds her five-year marriage left her with. I feel accepted and more myself than ever before, she said while talking about this new chapter of her life that she shares with Ward. Crystal began dating the 41-year-old in April after being set up by mutual friends, reported Us Weekly.

Ward relocated to Hawaii in 2013, where he graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a business degree. The marine biologist owns SeeThrough Sea on Kailua-Kona and runs photography and wildlife safari tours, according to his website. Ward moved out of Indiana to pursue his adventure dreams in Hawaii.

ALSO READ: Trump reveals Walz once asked him to put out a word saying they were friends

Crsytal's praise of Ward comes shortly after she shared an Instagram post detailing their recent trip to the Cook Islands. The former Playboy model, who received her real estate license in 2008, told People earlier this year that she had been spending a lot of time in Hawaii. Its challenging, creative and I really enjoy it, she said of buying and flipping houses.
Vice President Kamala Harris is facing mockery on social media for allegedly switching into a fake Latina accent. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) leadership conference, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)(AP)

On Wednesday, Harris was accused of adopting a Latina accent during her address to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

As Harris addressed the crowd, an attendee yelled, I love you! to which Harris replied, I love you back! to which some noticed a slightly altered tone.

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Netizens quickly latched onto this moment to mock Harris

The former US President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign account, Trump War Room, took to X, saying, Kamala debuts her fake Hispanic accent while speaking to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Former Republican Representative George Santos chimed in, asking mockingly, When did she become Latina??? Santos laughed at the incident, quipping, Oh, Kamala, stop killing me here!

Former Trump campaign adviser Steve Cortes also reacted, Will she call them the 'Latinx' community?

One user wrote, I want to hear her old East Coast grandmother voice next. So I says to Martha, I says, while another quipped, So how many accents has she done since campaigning? I lost count at this point

Harris accused of using fake accents to connect with voters

Just weeks earlier, during a Labor Day campaign stop in Detroit, netizens noted that Harris modified her voice with an accent as she shouted, You better thank a union member!

back in August, she appeared to use a Southern accent while addressing a crowd in Georgia. Even in Detroit, she spoke differently than she did while in Pittsburgh the same day.

Even on Saturday, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations Phoenix Awards Dinner, she again seemed to alter her tone, addressing the crowd with, Hello to all my divine nine brothers and sisters, before switching back to her usual speech pattern.

ALSO READ| Donald Trump's surprising Kamala Harris appreciation gets booed

Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy questioned during a White House press briefing in September, asking Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent? Jean-Pierre dismissed the question, saying, Im not even going to entertain some question about  its just, hearing it sounds so ridiculous.
King Charles III reportedly made an effort to reach out to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday. Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl has shared that sources close to the monarch insist that Charles called Harry, aiming to keep their relationship to be back on track. Report reveals rift between Prince Harry-Meghan Markle and King Charles over security and funding(AP)

Nicholl cited a royal insider who told Vanity Fair, It was always the kings intention to publicly acknowledge his sons 40th, and I am sure that the king will have spoken to Harry on his birthday.

While King Charles has had a packed schedulespending much of August and part of September in Scotland, followed by planned trips to Australia and Somalia in Octoberhe is said to have hopes of mending relations with his youngest son.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry and Jill Biden set to join forces ahead of US election, here's where

Despite these efforts, tension remains between Harry and his older and difficult brother, Prince William. The royal insider noted, Its going to take more than Harry turning 40 to soften the rift between the two of them.

King Charles finds Prince Harry's antics exhausting after public feuds

King Charles reportedly has faced ongoing strain in his relationship with Harry, especially since the Duke of Sussex and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States. Since then, Harrys visits to the UK have done little to ease the tensions between him, his father, and his brother.

Emily Andrews, a royal expert, wrote in Woman Magazine told the Mirror UK, After the brickbats, truth bombs and accusations of Oprah, Netflix and Harrys Spare, he lost his older brother, strained his relationship with various members of the royal family to breaking point and left many old friends and trusted staff behind.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share important statement on US presidential election: We aim to amplify

Now, even his own father is not taking his calls. Im told that when courtiers bring the phone to the king, he waves them away in irritation. Although the monarch does not own a personal phone, he is said to find the matter exhausting. Those close to Harry say the king no longer even answers his letters, Andrews added.
Melania Trump remains tight-lipped about Donald Trumps recent assassination scare, but her promotional efforts are anything but subtle. While the former First Lady and her office have yet to address the alarming incident where Trump narrowly avoided a second assassination attempt at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Melania has been busy thrusting her deeply personal project into the spotlight while defending her past career choices, including her decision to model nude. Former President Donald Trump, right, stands with Melania Trump as they arrive for a GOP fundraiser, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)(AP)

Melania Trump stays silent on Trumps shooting incident

Unlike in July, when Melania Trump denounced the monsters targeting her husband and highlighted his personal virtuescalling him generous and caring despite the political personashe has remained silent following his recent close call with death.

The recent Florida incident, involving Hawaiian resident Ryan Routh who has been charged after a foiled assassination attempt, has led to heightened security for the former first family. Even though there haven't been any clear threats to Melania, police sources say their security has been beefed up while they are in NYC.

Also read: Trump admits skipping wife Melanias new book: 'If she says bad things about me then get rid...'

According to the POST, Trumps increased security in NYC exceeds the standard protection afforded to former presidents and their families, with the added measures largely coming from the NYPD, sources disclosed. Meanwhile, Trump and Melanias only son Barron also remains surrounded by secret service agents as he begins his college in NYU.

Melania Trump promote her new book, defends nude modelling

Unlike Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the U.S., who remains by VP Kamala Harriss side as she campaigns for president against Trump, Melania has largely stayed away from the political spotlight. She has made a few appearances at charity and low-key events, but her social media activity has remained primarily focused on promoting her book.

While many expected a statement from her following Trumps recent shooting incident, she only addressed the matter in the context of her book promotion. In a first for a former First Lady, Melania Trump defended her past work as a nude model, describing it as an artistic celebration of the human form and blaming the media for its scrutiny.

She earlier blasted the FBI and US government for the invasion of privacy when a search was conducted in their Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022. In a 45-second video posted to her social media accounts on Wednesday, Mrs. Trump, 54, offered some of her most detailed comments on the subject since leaving the White House in January 2021.

Also read: Inside Sean Diddys vicious Brooklyn jail, plagued by murders and suicides; once held R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell

Are we no longer able to appreciate the beauty of the human body? Melania asks in the video. In the backdrop featuring John Colliers Lady Godiva and Michelangelos David, across the screen, she continues, We should honour our bodies and embrace the timeless tradition of using art as a powerful means of self-expression.

Now, Trump fans and netizens alike are piling on Melania for her oh-so-timely response, which conveniently arrived right in the thick of election season and just after two assassination attempts on her husband. Lately, shes been churning out a series of videos that seem to highlight what she values most: a deep love for her family, a lot of respect for keeping things private, a knack for getting into conspiracies and growing doubts about big organizations.
Former President Donald Trump held his first post-debate rally last week in Tucson, Arizona, at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, per local station News4. Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at an evening rally in Uniondale on Long Island on September 18, 2024 in Uniondale, Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP (Getty Images via AFP)

While the rally drew a large crowd of enthusiastic Trump supporters, the event took a mysterious turn after its conclusion. Approximately 20 attendees, primarily members of the Latinos for Trump group who had been onstage, began experiencing mysterious Eye injuries and symptoms like swelling, dizzying.

The group, seated on the side of the stage where Trump entered, reported feeling unwell shortly after the rally ended.

ALSO READ| Donald Trump's surprising Kamala Harris appreciation gets booed

Mysterious case of the Trump rally illnesses

Among those affected was Pastor Eli Moreno, who had opened the rally with a prayer, and his wife, Francesca Moreno. While Pastor Moreno reported mild discomfort, his wife experienced much more severe symptoms.

On their drive home, Mrs. Morenos nose began to run, her vision blurred, and her face swelled. They stopped at a Walgreens, where they encountered another rallygoer with similar issues. Mrs. Moreno later sought medical treatment, and five days after the rally, she was only beginning to recover.

Another attendee, Mayra Rodriguez, also fell ill roughly 30 minutes after leaving the event. She experienced burning eyes and a severe headache, eventually requiring emergency medical care. At the hospital, doctors informed her that she had suffered a chemical burn. Days later, Rodriguez continued to struggle with blurry vision and light sensitivity.

Many other rally attendees shared similar stories with The Arizona Globe, describing symptoms such as severe eye pain, facial swelling, and blurred vision that appeared about 30 minutes after the rally. Some attendees attempted to ease the burning with home remedies like milk, while others sought emergency room care.

ALSO READ| Did cops actually find explosive device in a car near Trump's rally? Here's what we know so far

One attendee reported that hospital staff informed them that several patients from the rally had come in with similar complaints.

Danielle Alvarez, Senior Advisor to the Trump campaign, acknowledged the situation and assured, The Trump campaign has been collecting information. We remain committed to the countless patriots that attend our high-energy, high-impact rallies across the country.
Prince Harry, who once shared a beautiful bond with his estranged brother Prince William's spouse Kate Middleton and their three kids, moved to the United States to start a new life with Meghan Markle after stepping down from royal duties. Prince Harry shared a heart-touching moment with his niece, Princess Charlotte, when all the members of the royal family attended Queen Elizabeth's State Funeral at Westminster Abbey in September 2022.

The Duke shared a heart-touching moment with his niece, Princess Charlotte, when all the members of the royal family attended Queen Elizabeth's State Funeral at Westminster Abbey in September 2022. They all came together to say a final goodbye to the Queen in an emotional committal service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Queen's cherished great-grandchildren, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, who is second in line for the throne, were among the youngest mourners at both the events. They arrived at the chapel with Kate and Queen Camilla to pay tribute to the UK's longest-reigning monarch, while King Charles and his son Prince William followed the late monarch's coffin.

Charlotte, the only daughter of Kate and William, was caught on camera fixing her cap before looking at Harry's face, The Mirror reported.

The princess received a quick smile from Harry when he looked up and met her gaze. Prince Harry hasn't spent much time with William and his family since he resigned from his position as a working royal and relocated to California.

Also Read: King Charles III reportedly called Prince Harry on Duke's 40th birthday to

Another Charlotte moment

In another moment, Charlotte was seen whispering to her elder brother.

She seemed to advise George, You need to bow, as the Queen's coffin passed by.

George heeded his sister's instruction, as he was seen bending his head to pay homage to the Queen as her coffin moved away.

The Queen's death certificate states that she died peacefully in Scotland's Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, at 3:10 p.m. local time. The reason of her demise was old age.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace stated that the Queen's death was announced after she was placed under medical supervision because her doctors were concerned about her health.
Donald Trump, known for his reluctance to dive into books, has admitted that he hasnt read the upcoming memoir by his wife, which is soon to hit the shelves. During a campaign speech, the former President humorously acknowledged his lack of knowledge about the content of Melanias deeply personal book. However, that didnt stop him from promoting it and urging his rally-goers to buy it, though he added a cautionary note. In other news, Trump also announced plans to visit two towns currently in the spotlight over their migrant issues. Former US President Donald Trump, left, and former First Lady Melania Trump during the Republican National Convention (RNC) (Bloomberg)

Trump less bothered to read Melania

Melania Trump's memoir, aptly titled Melania, is set to hit shelves on October 8. While the former First Lady has largely stayed out of the spotlight of Donald Trumps campaign, shes been diligently promoting her new book. Meanwhile, Trump flaunting his disinterest in reading was heard saying, Go out and get her book. She just wrote a book. I hope she said good things about meI dont know, I didnt. So busy.

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During a campaign speech in Uniondale, New York, Trump, fresh off dodging another assassination attempt just days earlier, was seen out and about with his fans and MAGA supporters. He quipped, She just wrote a book called Melania. Go out and buy it. Its great. And if she says bad things about me, Ill call you all up and say, Dont buy it. Get rid of it.

Melania Trump defends modelling nude

For the cover of GQ magazine in 2000, Melania posed nude on a jet owned by Donald Trump. This followed her earlier nude appearance in 1995 for a French adult magazine alongside a few others as part of her modelling job. In a promotional video, Melania defended her decision to model nude, arguing that society should continue to appreciate the beauty of the human body.

The Slovenian-born first lady, who started her modelling career after being discovered while waiting for a friend after a fashion show, was only the second foreign-born first lady after Louisa Adams. Can we no longer appreciate the human form? she asked, referencing classical sculptures like Michelangelos David. We should celebrate our bodies and honour the tradition of using art as a means of self-expression.

Also read: Lady Gaga breaks silence on she is a man claims on Bill Gates show: I didnt feel like victim

Melania has largely stayed out of the public eye since Trumps second presidential campaign began. Multiple sources have suggested that she is more focused on their son Barrons college start at NYU this season, where he is surrounded by Secret Service agents.

Trump to visit Springfield

On Wednesday, Donald Trump revealed plans to visit two towns that are on the current trending list in the US due to concerns about their migrant populations. "I'm going to Springfield [Ohio] and Aurora [Colorado]," Trump announced during a rally in Long Island.

This announcement follows recent, questionable claims by Trump and some Republicans, including his running mate JD Vance, alleging that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, have been involved in eating Dogs, cats and locals pets. Additionally, Trump stated that if elected president, he would designate Ground Zero as a national monument.
Donald Trump shared an anecdote about Tim Walz in his recent appearance on Fox News Gutfeld!. The former president revealed that he received a panicked phone call from the Minnesota governor years ago when MAGA people surrounded his house. The conversation marked the only time they spoke, Trump told host Greg Gutfeld on Wednesday. Donald Trump shared an anecdote about Tim Walz on his Wednesday appearance on Fox News' Gutfield(X)

Trump recalls his first conversation with Walz

The Republican presidential nominee shared the anecdote in agreement with Gutfield's remark on Walz. Yeah, he's a strange guy, Trump said. Recalling his conversation with the Democratic vice presidential nominee, the former president said, "You know, he called up years ago. I was in the White House, and he said, My house is being surrounded by people with American flags.

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I said, Is that a good thing or a bad thing? He said, I think theyre going to attack me, Trump continued as he explained that this was during the riots and everything. The ex-prez went on, They were MAGA people. You know, they like the American flag. Trump pointed out that it was the only time he ever spoke with Walz, who, at the time, requested the then-president to issue a statement about his apparent friendship with him.

He [Walz] said, Could you put out a word, like, that, I am your friend? I don't even know him. That's the only time I ever spoke to him, Trump said. And if you look back long ago tweets long ago, I put out a statement, He's a good man and a governor, he's on our side. The GOP nominee reiterated that he didn't know him. He explained that the only reason why he conveyed the message to the public was because he didn't want him [Walz] to get hurt.
Haitian immigrants residing in Springfield, Ohio, were accused of stealing, killing and eating pets ahead of the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on September 10. Trump reignited the baseless claim during the face-off, despite being corrected by the ABC moderator that no such reports were received by Ohio Police. Trump supporter Anna Kilgore garnered national attention after filing a police report about her missing cat -- Miss Sassy.(Anna Kilgore/X)

In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. They're eating the cats. They're eating people's pets. This is what's happening in our country, the former President stated.

Meanwhile, a Trump supporter filed a complaint with police and blamed her Haitian neighbour for her cat's disappearance in late August, alleging that they had killed and eaten the feline. Despite all her accusations, she recently found her cat lurking in her basement.

Anna Kilgore and her complaint against Haitian neighbour

Anna Kilgore garnered national attention after filing a police report about her missing cat -- Miss Sassy.

She later found her cat hiding in her basement. She eventually realised her mistake and apologised to her neighbours using a translation software, reported The Wall Street Journal.

Kilgore, donning a Trump T-shirt and hat, acknowledged to reporters that the situation was spiraling out of control and said, It was a mistake.

The Haitian community in Springfield was already experiencing fear and harm, and the apology didn't do anything to ease. In fact, several members were thinking about leaving.

Kilgore's report served as the primary proof for the rumors propagated by Trump and his vice-presidential candidate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, against Haitians.

Also Read: Trump To Deport Even Legal Immigrants? Republican Leader Warns Haitians Amid Springfield Tensions

Internet fumes over Kilgore's false complaint

Reacting to the report, X users blasted Trump and Vance for propagating false claims about Haitian immigrants.

Sure would be nice if Ms. Kilgore's own Senator, JD Vance, would now admit he was wrong and apologize for spreading a false rumor, one X user wrote.

The Power of Assumption with Racism, another commented.

While a third user suggested Kilgore to attend a town govt hearing and apologize to the entire community on public record, one more said, Cats go missing all the time. But I'm sure MAGA is going to assume immigrants have eating every single one.

Ohio authorities reject baseless claims

Vance has maintained that 20,000 people were residing illegally in the city, claiming that lifelong inhabitants feel scared. Scooping up on these reports, he and other Republican legislators have used them to support the Trump campaign's argument that the border measures of the Joe Biden administration are collapsing.

If Kamala Harris waves a wand, illegally, and says these people are now here legally, I'm still going to call them illegal aliens, Vance stated.

False claims against Haitians are still circulating online despite the fact that local law enforcement, municipal authorities, and Ohio's Republican governor have all publicly refuted claims that Haitian migrants are consuming anyone's pets.
Almost a week after the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump ahead of the November 5 elections, a top science magazine in the US has entered the political arena by announcing its support for a candidate for the second time in its 179-year history. Scientific American magazine has endorsed Kamala Harris against Donald Trump in the 2024 White House race, highlighting her intentions to advance reproductive rights, combat climate change, and enhance the country's healthcare system.(REUTERS)

Scientific American magazine, which has worldwide readership of six million, has endorsed Harris in the 2024 White House race, highlighting her intentions to advance reproductive rights, combat climate change, and enhance the country's healthcare system.

It made its first-ever endorsement in 2020, when it backed Joe Biden against Donald Trump.

Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environment, the publication announced in an op-ed.

The editors of the magazine stated that Harris offers the US with greater opportunities by relying on facts, logic, and a readiness to learn from experience.

The US VP, who embraces technology and clean energy, advocates for policies that boost great employment across the country, the editors noted while praising her for considering the climate crisis as the emergency.

They further called her the promoter for reproductive rights, public health, and education.

Also Read: Donald Trump's surprising Kamala Harris appreciation gets booed

Scientific American magazine draws sharp comparison between Trump and Harris

The magazine editors blasted Trump's disastrous record during his term in office.

The editors then compared the policies and records of Harris and Trump in the areas of technology, health care, reproductive rights, climate change, and gun safety.

While Trump recommended reducing Medicare and Medicaid during his presidency, Harris intends to increase insurance access by extending the Affordable Care Act and paying for it with taxes on the rich.

Trump has disseminated misinformation about abortion and backed the removal of federal protections for the practice, but Harris has pledged to increase accessibility, as per the magazine.

While Trump believes climate change is a hoax and his government abandoned more than 100 environmental policies and rules, Harris would continue on the Biden administration's efforts to lower power plant emissions and boost tax credits for clean energy.

Harris has received support from many prominent individuals, most notably Taylor Swift, whose endorsement of Harris enraged Trump.

In the op-ed, the editors also spoke about the debate between the two candidates. They said it appears that many people from different political backgrounds, including some of Trump's closest allies, agree that Harris prevailed.

The article refers to Trump's irrational assertion made during the debate that some states permit abortions up until the ninth month of pregnancy, calling it as execution after birth.
New Delhi: Till the time that pagers and hand-held radios of Iranian terror proxy Hezbollah started exploding, surprise was the element always in favor of the terrorists. After the pin-pointed assassination of Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, another proxy of Iran, through covert action by Israel, on July 31, the exploding pagers and radio receivers in Lebanon construe a new chapter in counter-terrorism. The Israeli intelligence has virtually redeemed itself after the humongous failure on October 7, 2023 by humiliating Iran and its terror proxies in the Middle-East. A man's bag explodes in a supermarket in Beirut, Lebanon, September 17, 2024 in this screen grab from a video obtained from social media.(via REUTERS)

That the Israeli intelligence was able to breach the supply chain of Hezbollah and perhaps other adversaries makes a strong case why nations should focus on domestic manufacturing and not be vulnerable to third country imports. While intelligence agencies all over the world would study the Israeli operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the exploding electronic devices have made the world more vulnerable with growing demands of totally secure hardware supply chains. Clearly, the future war will not be hand to hand combat but cyberattack designed at crippling the capacities and capabilities of the adversary. It is also quite evident that communication networks of Iranian proxies have been infiltrated by Israel and the jihadist terror network is crippled to that extent.

Given that India has been on cross-sights of Pakistan based Islamist terror groups for the past three decades, the Indian intelligence agencies need to wake up to the possibility of a Lebanon scenario being played out in the country as a large number of Indians use mobile phones that are made by Pakistans iron brother China. The Israeli counter-terror action has also a message for Indian armed forces to secure their communications rather than use phone and hand-held devices made in the western countries. Unless the supply chain is secure and monitored 24X7, Indian armed or security forces could also be crippled by the adversaries through proxy attack.

The counter-terror action by Israel against Hezbollah clearly demoralized the cadre of the Shia terrorist group and their handlers as terrorists will now think 50 times before even touching a communication device as it could explode. The CT action by Israel was surgical, unlike the Indian intelligence agencies who were not only tipped off by the Americans before the 26/11 attack but also the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists were using SIMs that were both planted and monitored by Indian agencies.

While Iran is expected to retaliate to the Israeli escalation in Lebanon and Tehran, both sides cannot afford an all-out war and hence the Ayatollahs in Persia may also covertly respond to the latest aggravation by Tel Aviv. The Iranian reaction would be beside usual missile attacks and bombardment by its proxies like Hamas, Houthis, Kaitab Hezbollah and Hezbollah itself from Lebanon.

The exploding pager and hand held devices will also be an urgent subject for aviation security as there is a possibility of terrorists triggering off attacks on board the aircraft using VOIP communications. It is quite evident that the Israeli CT action will make life more difficult for a normal air traveler, who was already facing harassment since the 9/11 attacks.
A Hong Kong man was sentenced to 14 months in jail on Thursday for wearing a T-shirt with protest slogans found to be "seditious" under the city's new national security law.

Chu Kai-pong, 27, had pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of "doing acts with seditious intention", and is the city's first conviction under the new, tougher law, known colloquially as "Article 23".

He was arrested for wearing a T-shirt and a mask bearing protest phrases on June 12 -- a date associated with the city's huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Chief Magistrate Victor So -- a judge handpicked by the government to hear national security cases -- said on Thursday the court must "fully reflect the legislature's stance on the seriousness of the offence".

"The accused took advantage of a symbolic day with the intention to reignite the ideas behind the unrest," said So, referring to the 2019 protests.

One of the offending slogans, "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times", was previously found to be "capable of inciting secession" -- another national security offence -- in a separate court case.

According to court documents, Chu had told police he believed the slogan called for the return of Hong Kong to British rule.

He was said to have chosen the outfit to remind the public of the 2019 protests, when the phrase was a rallying cry of pro-democracy demonstrators.

The magistrate described Chu as "clearly unrepentant" as he had already served a three-month prison term under an older sedition law, also for wearing and possessing clothes and flags with protest slogans.

Amnesty International's China director Sarah Brooks said Chu's jailing over his clothing choice was "a blatant attack on the right to freedom of expression", and urged the abolition of the offence.

In a separate case Thursday, the same magistrate sentenced a former bank clerk to 10 months behind bars after he pleaded guilty to writing "seditious" protest slogans on bus seats.

Chung Man-kit, 29, was arrested in June and admitted to police he had penned slogans including "a self-reliant nation, an independent Hong Kong" and "liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" during bus rides.

Magistrate So said the sentence must "sufficiently reflect the legislative intent to prevent offences before they are committed".

The sedition offence was created under British colonial rule, which ended in 1997, and was seldom used until Hong Kong authorities revived it in 2020 in the wake of the protests, charging more than 50 people and four companies.

After the protests were quashed, Beijing imposed a national security law on the city in 2020 to quell dissent, and Article 23 was enacted in March.

The revised law beefed up the offence of sedition to include inciting hatred against China's communist leadership, and upped its maximum jail sentence from two years to seven.

The new security law also punishes five other categories of crime: treason, insurrection, sabotage, espionage and external interference.

Critics, including Western nations such as the United States, say Article 23 will further erode freedoms and silence dissent in Hong Kong -- a finance hub once considered one of the freest territories in China.

Authorities have defended the law as necessary to fulfil a "constitutional responsibility", comparing it to a "reliable lock to prevent someone from breaking into (our) home".

As of this month, 303 people have been arrested under the two security laws, with 176 prosecuted and 160 convicted.
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale announces that Mali Carow is appointed General Manager, bringing two decades worth of world-class experience to the vibrant shores of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Since joining Four Seasons in 2000, the Minnesota native has garnered international expertise in both the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East, Africa regions before returning home to the Americas where she most recently led the opening of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans during her first term as General Manager.

Celebrated for its rich food culture, the "Big Easy" is no stranger to exceptional dining concepts, however under Mali's leadership, the team at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans was named "Best Hotel for Foodies" by Food & Wine for two consecutive years and was quoted by Esquire for housing the best martini in the country. The successful opening in New Orleans earned a reputable report as the property quickly achieved AAA Five Diamond recognition, being the first in the state of Louisiana with the title.

With a robust roster of award-winning Four Seasons properties, Mali boasts hotelier experience from Four Seasons Chicago, Washington DC, Four Seasons Hotel Amman, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, where she celebrated the Forbes 5-star hotel's 50th anniversary as Hotel Manager before returning state-side to New Orleans.

Carow's career with Four Seasons is a testament to the global company's commitment to nurture the next generation of hospitality talent as she represents one of many female leaders shaping the industry today. Her in-depth experience across diverse cities, cultures, and areas of focus have revealed new dimensions of hospitality that deepened her love for the industry.

Now arriving to one of the world's top yachting locales, Mali is thrilled to be back by the ocean, contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the team at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, owning the distinction of being the city's first and only Five Diamond hotel. With a husband who is an avid diver, and a young son who loves the beach, the family is looking forward to enjoying everything this next-generational city has to offer.
Leif R. Evensen, affectionately known as Mr. Cornell in Europe, and a deeply respected figure in the hotel industry, passed away on September 6, 2024, at the age of 89, after a long illness. He spent his final weeks at Ullern Health Centre.

Born in Grimstad, Norway, Leif lived a long and remarkable life filled with passion for hospitality and service. He began his career as a purser with SAS Airlines but soon developed an early passion for the international hotel industry, recognising that a solid educational foundation was essential for success. He pursued studies in hotel management at the Norwegian Hotel School in Stavanger, the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, and the Cornell School of Hotel Administration in the United States.

Leifs connection with Cornell was lifelong. After graduating from Cornell in 1966, Leif became an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society, the alumni association for former students. In 2005, he was honoured with the role of Global President and held an instrumental role in the leadership of the Norway Chapter for many years and was strongly engaged in the establishment of several chapters across Europe.

Leifs international career took him to leadership roles in hotels in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago. Upon his return to Norway, he worked with SAS Catering and SAS International Hotels. His final position was as Director of Hotel Europa in Oslo. However, his greatest legacy lies in his dedication to nurturing talent and advancing education within the hospitality and tourism sectors. In recognition of his contributions, a Cornell scholarship titled "Master of Management in Hospitality" was named in his honour. Driven by his passion for supporting young professionals, Leif initiated several scholarships to help promising talents advance their education.

As a former board member and later an active member of HSMAI in Norway, he initiated several prestigious awards through HSMAI, including "Young Hotelier of the Year" and "Young Leader of the Year in the Travel Industry," which were first awarded in 2003. In 2010, the "Hotelier of the Year" award was introduced together with HSMAI, recognizing experienced leaders. Each winner had the opportunity to attend Cornells renowned General Managers Program, which significantly shaped their future careers.

Leif was also an active member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, an organisation celebrating the art of fine dining, where he shared his passion for food, wine, and exceptional culinary experiences with fellow enthusiasts. He served on the board and played a significant role in the organisation's development. His involvement extended internationally as a member of the Conseil dMagistral in Paris.

Despite being widely respected for his extensive knowledge and vast network of contacts within the international hotel industry, Leif was known for his humility. He never sought the spotlight, always prioritising the growth of the industry and the success of those around him. Leif had a unique gift for recognising and mentoring young talent, warmly welcoming them into his network and guiding them with kindness and generosity.

To those of us who were fortunate to know him, Leif was a deeply kind, generous, and supportive friend, whose presence enriched our lives in countless ways. His influence will be felt for years to come.

Ingunn Hofseth, Tarje Hellebust, Rolf Brnd, Deiv Salutskij, Michael Nowlis, Adne Skurdal and Robert Holan
The Middle East hospitality industry is at the brink of transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and an increasing focus on sustainability.

With more than US$4.5 trillion worth of assets represented at the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit World 2024, prominent investors have shared their insights on the trends and strategies that are shaping the hospitality and tourism sector.

With input from Adeeb Ahamed, MD, LuLu Financial Holdings; Jamie Odgers, Director of Real Estate Advisory, Standard Chartered Bank; Dr Peter Ebertz, MD/Head of Hotels, Art-Invest Real Estate Management GmbH & Co. KG; Johann Kerkhofs, Head of Business Development, 12.18. Investment Management GmbH; Andreas Locher, Head of Department Investment Management Operational, Union Investment Real Estate GmbH; Danil Alex, Business Development Manager, Aldau Development, Nabil Nazer, CEO, MSA Capital Limited, and Mitra Ghamsari, Chief Executive Officer, Persepolis Investments.

Hospitality investors have several trends and markets on their radar for 2024 and beyond, with sustainability, stability and technology among the key top-of-mind factors. Markets to watch for investment include India, Egypt and the GCC.

What market trends are you currently most excited about?

Mitra Ghamsari, CEO, Persepolis Investments says one of the most exciting trends is the growing demand for branded residences and luxury real estate integrated with hospitality services.

This is evident in projects like SLS Madrid Infantas Residences, Padilla 32, and Sagasta 27, where we are transforming historic properties into ultra-luxury homes. This hybrid model between residential and hospitality sectors offers clients the prestige of luxury brands with the convenience of five-star hotel services, meeting the rising demand for exclusivity, privacy and tailored experiences. I also see increasing investor focus on sustainable developments and technology integration, which adds long-term value, she said.

Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, LuLu Financial Holdings, says hes eyeing South East Asia and India.

Indias huge growth potential is key. The country is planning to increase travel spending from US$18 billion in 2023 to US$50 billion by 2030, so there will be considerable growth there over the next decade. The domestic market is particularly exciting, and its one of the new markets we are looking at investing in. In addition, the GCC, where news of the single visa programme will encourage more travel in the region, is of interest to us, he said.

Jamie Odgers, Director of Real Estate Advisory, Standard Chartered Bank, said: Increased penetration into the market from international brands and investors will provide a more diverse offering to end users, backed by support from government to provide access to land, assets and funding.

In the words of Dr Peter Ebertz, Managing Director | Head of Hotels, Art-Invest Real Estate Management GmbH & Co. KG: Looking at the European Hotel investment market, its exciting to see which drivers are fueling the new investment cycle that is about to begin. With the lifestyle and luxury segment very much evolving and so many new brands on the market, it will be more important than ever to develop superior operational business models.

Johann Kerkhofs, Head of Business Development, 12.18. Investment Management GmbH says several trends are in the spotlight, driven by regulatory developments and market dynamics.

ESG, rising capital costs, meaningful and luxury travel, and succession planning in family businesses are all exciting trends in our sector, he said. ESG has moved beyond being just a trend; its now a crucial driver of sustainable value creation and competitiveness in the hotel industry, especially in Europe. The growing demand for ESG-compliant properties, fueled by strict regulatory requirements, presents investors with attractive long-term returns.

Stabilising capital costs have renewed interest in hotel investments, particularly in properties that were previously less attractive due to financing conditions. An increasing focus on 'meaningful travel,' where travellers seek sustainable, authentic experiences, opens up significant investment opportunities in boutique hotels and luxury resorts. Plus, the upcoming generational shift in family-run hotels, especially in Europe, creates investment opportunities, added Kerkhofs.

Andreas Locher, Head of Department Investment Management Operational, Union Investment Real Estate GmbH, believes new trends have emerged in the budget and design hotel sector in Europe and the US.

Lifestyle elements, such as the leisure-like, stylish design of common areas to create an optimal connection between work and life are becoming increasingly important. Rooms tend to become smaller, but expectation of the quality of furnishings is rising. Were seeing saturation in many markets for classic 4-star hotels, which are increasingly having to reinvent themselves.

Danil Alex, Business Development Manager, Aldau Development says that Egypts tourism sector has made a remarkable recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic records for annual visitors. The government has been instrumental in this success, offering strong support and incentives for the development of tourism infrastructure and the expansion of hotel supply.

In Cairo, there are significant opportunities in the leisure-driven Giza Governorate and the business-oriented Greater Cairo area. The market is experiencing an increase in supply of upper-upscale and luxury hotels, particularly as part of mixed-use and branded residence projects. This trend will potentially reshape the city's hospitality landscape, presenting excellent investment opportunities.

In the southern Red Sea resorts, luxury hotel brands have had a profound impact. We've observed a steady increase in ADR, demonstrating a market for higher-income, luxury-seeking guests. Meanwhile, on the North Coast, luxurious boutique properties are performing remarkably, he added.

For Nabil Nazer, CEO, MSA Capital Limited, one of the most exciting trends is how AI will disrupt the hospitality landscape and the guest experience.

So far, technological advances in hospitality have predominantly been contained to the back office and, aside from a few gimmicks, there has been minimal innovation for guests. Substituting a key with a plastic card or a phone app hardly qualifies as an experience leap! But AI could be a real transformational force across all guest touchpoints, from choosing a hotel, booking and checking in, to the continuous engagement and customization of the guest experience inside their rooms and across the entire hotel. The possibilities are limitless.

What is your outlook for hospitality investment in 2025 and beyond?

Jamie Odgers of Standard Chartered Bank points out that, globally, 75 per cent of the hospitality market is still domestic or close locality travels.

Dubai has seen exponential growth over the last three years since COVID, driven by population growth and buoyant perception of Dubai from a growing number of countries globally. We predict stable RevPARs and profitability in the next 18 to 24 months, while additional keys coming online are a testament to the maturity of the market, he said.

Johann Kerkhofs, Head of Business Development, 12.18. Investment Management GmbH predicts several promising developments.

Many family businesses may sell due to succession issues and rising capital costs, providing excellent opportunities for value-add investors like us. These situations allow us to acquire distressed properties in prime locations, update them through systematic renovations, and reposition them in the upscale segment with a strong focus on ESG.

The market is expected to stabilize, with investors increasingly focusing on both established and emerging markets. We anticipate significant growth in hotel property investment from the end of 2025, particularly in the leisure hotel industry, he added.

Danil Alex of Aldau Development is positive about hospitality investment in the short and medium term.

The global hospitality industry is expected to continue its recovery and growth trajectory, driven by increasing travel demand. In Egypt in particular, the market is poised for significant investment opportunities. While the full potential for growth in demand is currently being tempered by geopolitical challenges in the region, I believe that the country is on the brink of unlocking substantial value, he said.

The anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum will serve as a catalyst for leisure tourism, drawing both regional and international visitors. Alongside this ongoing improvements in touristic infrastructure across Egypt, from upgraded airports to enhanced transportation networks, will further support demand. New regional business hubs, particularly in Greater Cairo, are also expected to attract more business travellers, adding to demand for upscale and luxury accommodation.

According to Mitra Ghamsari, Persepolis Investments, the outlook in Spain and Southern Europe is very promising, with the branded residence model continuing to grow making cities like Madrid and Lisbon highly attractive due to their cultural richness and strategic locations.

What makes this region unique is the limited supply of such properties, while demand is surging among international investors who are drawn to the lifestyle and favourable real estate dynamics. For instance, in Madrid, the luxury real estate market is thriving, but there's a clear shortage of properties that offer both high-end amenities and hotel services. By 2025, we expect Spain to remain a top destination for luxury real estate and hospitality investment, particularly given the regions strong post-pandemic recovery and increasing international interest, she said.

Where are the hot-spots for hospitality investments in the next 3 to 5 years?

For Standard Chartered Banks Jamie Odgers, conversion of office assets in prime locations and gateway cities, such as New York, London and cities in China, will be a key theme as work-from-home is here to stay.

Dr Peter Ebertz, Art-Invest Real Estate Management, believes that leisure destinations and well-focused products below the luxury segment will become very attractive. Art-Invest will continue to execute our ongoing developments and expand into the European leisure segment with a repositioning strategy.

Mitra Ghamsari, Persepolis Investments expects Madrid to remain a hot spots for luxury hospitality investments, particularly in prestigious neighborhoods like Chamberi (where Sagasta 27 is located) and Salamanca.

These areas have become prime targets for high-net-worth individuals looking for branded residences. Cultural significance combined with modern luxury is incredibly appealing. Besides Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Dubai are gaining momentum as they offer high growth potential in the luxury residential and hospitality sectors. Geographically, the focus will be on high-end urban developments, particularly in established global cities where demand outpaces supply, she said.

Andreas Locher, Union Investment Real Estate GmbH says that southern US markets like as California and Florida are well above the pre-coronavirus pandemic RevPAR level, due to a strong bleisure trend. In Europe countries such as France, Spain and resorts in Scandinavia are key.

Danil Alex, Business Development Manager, Aldau Development believes that Egypt is well positioned to become a central destination for hospitality investments in the region over the next three to five years.

The New Administrative Capital in Cairo is a prime investment candidate. Its designed as a strategic business hub for the African region, and is expected to attract multinational corporations, governmental bodies, and international organizations, leading to a rise in demand for upscale hotels, serviced apartments and mixed-use developments. In addition, the Giza Plateau in Cairo, part of the government's Vision Giza 2030, is undergoing extensive redevelopment to establish itself as a premier cultural and tourism destination, creating a robust demand for hotels. The North Coast of Egypt, with areas like Ras El Hekma, is also emerging as a significant investment destination.

Nabil Nazer, MSA Capital Limited, predicts a lot of investment at major attraction destinations such as Ras Al Khaimahs Marjan Island and the Red Sea coast.

In terms of asset class, boutique hotels are attractive, regardless of geography, because they stand out by catering to a niche market while providing an exclusive experience, he said.

What are your development plans for 2024 and 2025  and are you entering new markets?

12.18. Investment Management GmbH will focus on targeted growth for its 7Pines Brand in top European destinations, particularly in the Mediterranean and Alpine regions.

Johann Kerkhofs said: These areas hold great potential, appealing to both leisure and sophisticated travellers. Despite the challenges posed by high capital costs, we have already announced a deal this year and expect to be even more active in these markets in the medium term. Were also planning expansion in Middle East and Africa, particularly in the luxury segment, and Asia and the Caribbean could be attractive for our 7Pines brand, as they align perfectly with our brands philosophy.

Meanwhile, MSA Capital Limited is focusing inwards not outwards: upgrading existing hotel offering including soft and hard refurbishments, said Nabil Nazer. In addition, we dont look at our restaurants simply as an addendum to the hotel, but rather as standalone destinations that are vying to attract outside guests. For this reason, we have launched new home-grown F&B concepts, starting last year with new beach concepts, and the re-opening of an existing restaurant this year. Were now looking to replicate these successes across our other outlets.

For Persepolis Investments, the focus will be on delivering high-end branded residences in Madrid, with the completion of SLS Madrid Infantas Residences, Padilla 32, and Sagasta 27: historic buildings that are being meticulously restored to offer state-of-the-art amenities and ultra-luxury homes, according to Mitra Ghamsari, who said that the company aims to set new standards for branded residences in Madrid, blending modern convenience with historic charm.

Our approach will continue to target urban luxury markets, as we believe there is significant growth potential in the intersection of high-end real estate and hospitality services. We are also exploring new opportunities across Southern Europe, where the demand for branded luxury homes continues to grow. In terms of new markets, we are looking to expand into other major European cities, as well as select locations in the Middle East, said Ghamsari.

What sort of hospitality product would you choose if you were to invest privately?

For Dr Peter Ebertz, it would be a serviced apartment product in a leisure destination with a long season; Mitra Ghamsari would opt for branded residences that combine luxury living with full service hospitality; and Johann Kerkhofs would choose a smaller, mid-sized charming hotel  either a traditional country house in Tuscany or an exclusive lodge in Namibia  where he could apply his personal skills and passion as a host.

What excites you most? A new development, a new purchase, a new opening, or a sale?

Adeeb Ahamed is excited by new projects and acquisitions.

New projects mean an open canvas, and acquisitions bring the chance to look at how to use the history behind the asset. We successfully did this with Scotland Yard in London, which has been very well received by guests, he said.

Dr Peter Ebertz, Art-Invest Real Estate Management, said: We are currently actively purchasing and selling existing hotels, and its exciting to see which strategies are applied to these opportunities.

For Mitra Ghamsari, its new new developments. In her words: There is something incredibly rewarding about taking historic buildingslike Sagasta 27and transforming them into luxurious modern residences while preserving their architectural heritage. Creating something new and seeing it come to life through high-quality craftsmanship and design is deeply fulfilling.

Johann Kerkhofs at 12.18. Investment Management, says that every location, concept, and market situation is unique, requiring tailored solutions.

This diversity is what makes working in hotel investment so exciting, he said. New developments bring the creative freedom; acquisitions present the potential to optimise and add value; new openings bring the excitement of launching a new property and writing its first chapter; and sales mean the culmination of a project and the chance to explore new opportunities, he said.

FHS World takes place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, with an action-packed, three-day agenda from 30 September until 2 October

About The Bench

The Benchhas established a legacy for delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these platforms has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way business connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meeting spaces for the industry.

For over two decades - government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups and consultants  have been participating in The Bench's events for their respective objectives. These include AHIC, AHIF, FHS, AHF, IDEEA, AviaDev and RENEW where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right opportunities and knowledge.

Learn more on thebench.com

About FHS World

Dates: 30 September  2 October 2024

Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Sponsors:

Jumeirah as Host Sponsor; Italia Hospitality, Maldives Fund Management Corporation, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development-SMIT and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as Country Pavilion Sponsors; Aseer Development Authority, Hilton, NEOM, New Murabba, Radisson Hotel Group and Taiba Investments as Platinum sponsors; Accor, Club Med, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels, Red Sea Global and Rotana Hotels and Resorts as Emerald Sponsors; Action Hotels, Adyen, Aleph Hospitality, ARC International Design Consultants, Ark People Solutions, AtkinsRealis, Barriere Group, CBRE, Colliers, Compass Project Consulting, Dusit International, Elaf Group, Emaar Hospitality Group, Enterprise Greece, HVS, Hyatt, IHCL, JLL, JT+Partners, Kearney, Knight Frank, LEVA Hotels, Livit Consulting & Design, Louvre Hotels Group, Prologic First, PwC, Quo, Rikas Hospitality Group, roboSculptor, Rove Hotels, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sommet Education, The Ascott Limited, TUI Hotels & Resorts, United Hospitality Management, Unox and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as Gold Sponsors; Aldar, Conran Business Group, COREcruitment, EHL, H World International, Shaza Hotels, STR, and Time Hotels as Silver Sponsors; SOHO Hospitality as Gold Sponsor - Restaurant Invest; Forsite Creative as Data Partner - Restaurant Invest; Lokalee as Start-up Exhibitor; Lock Stock & Barrel as After Party Host; BE WTR as Water Station Sponsor; Considerate Group, HAMA, Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, The Emirates Culinary Guild, UAE Restaurants Group, UN Tourism and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as Supporters.

.

Anne Bleeker

In2 Consulting

+971 56 603 0886

The Bench
Even though artificial intelligence has been a part of our lexicon for more than seventy years, artificial intelligence remains the latest bright shiny thing. Businesses large and small feel compelled to incorporate artificial intelligence into their company descriptions even with a limited understanding of what artificial intelligence is, or how it could help their business. Hotels and hotel companies are no different; just take a look at the online newsletters and announcements hitting your mailbox; its a rare day that a hotel company doesnt announce that it is incorporating artificial intelligence into their business, whether to increase guest satisfaction, offer new services, improve reservations, or any of a variety of reasons.

While artificial intelligence can clearly help, jumping on the AI bandwagon can have unintended consequences.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Most of us have an imperfect concept of artificial intelligence: we think that the title is descriptive of the product. However, artificial intelligence is not necessarily what it sounds like. IBM defines artificial intelligence as technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy. But what most people think of as artificial intelligence is generative AI, technology that can create original text, images, video, and other content without human intervention.

Underlying this is a hard fact: artificial intelligence is highly technical and very difficult. As an expert in the field, Joseph Greenberg of Maryman and Associates told me, To understand artificial intelligence, you understand neural networks. I dont understand neural networks  do you?

What are the risks of Artificial Intelligence?

Some of the risks in artificial intelligence  or, more accurately, AI systems and tools  are well publicized. For example, AI hallucinations, occurring when a generative AI tool that creates responses to prompts that have little or no basis in fact, have become legendary. Biased or inaccurate responses are a common issue, and certain AI models have design flaws that can magnify those issues. Additionally, because of the complexity of AI systems, artificial intelligence cannot be treated simply as another form of software  different and more intensive vetting of AI systems are required.

An AI system is not like a car, or a computer, or a lot of things we use but dont understand. Or, more accurately, its like having a car without understanding what the steering wheel, accelerator and brake do. You are bound to have an accident.

The National Institute for Standards and Technology recently published a Risk Management Framework that identifies several risks that are inherent in AI systems. Among other things:

Difficulty in Measurement. The risk in using AI systems is difficult to measure, making it challenging to implement a safe system.

Adapting and Evolving. AI systems are, by their nature, continually adapting and evolving, which may make a risk analysis at one stage in the AI lifecycle inapplicable to a later stage.

Lack of Transparency. AI systems are often opaque, lacking in documentation or explanation.

Moreover, a functioning AI system raises risks of inadequate compliance with laws, inadvertent disclosure of personal and business information, and a variety of ethical dilemmas. The takeaway here is that if you cannot identify or measure the risk, you might be unable to manage it.

Managing the Risk.

While eliminating risk might be impossible, it can be managed. Some of the steps a company can take to control the risk in AI systems include:

Understand the system and how you plan to use it. Make sure that you understand the purpose of the AI system and how it will address your needs.

Consider compliance. There are a variety of laws and regulations that impact the legal uses of artificial intelligence. Currently, the European Union AI Act, Utah AI Policy Act, and Colorado AI Act all stand out as specific laws geared toward artificial intelligence, but the nature of artificial intelligence is that it can trigger virtually all privacy laws as well as scrutiny by the FTC and state attorneys general. And, just as legislatures and regulators are focusing on privacy rights, they are moving into artificial intelligence regulation as well (even without fully understanding the concepts). Since hotel companies often cross state and international borders, recognizing all of the potentially applicable laws is essential.

Hot button Issues. Recognize that some applications of artificial intelligence are particularly sensitive, such as:

Employment decisions;

Credit Scoring;

Training with protected or unlawfully obtained data; and

For those in the federal supply chain, the Biden Administrations AI Executive Order.

There are also actions you can take to limit your risk exposure:

Risk Analysis: Despite the challenge, understand how the AI system might create risks to your hotel or hotel company. The risks can range from violation of specific artificial intelligence and privacy laws, intellectual property infringement, loss of trade secrets, and reputational harm.

Vendor Assessment: Learn as much as you can about who will provide or develop the AI System  its experience, reputation, past projects, and personnel.

Training Materials: Define the data that will train the AI system and where it came from. Does it include personal information, copyrighted materials, or trade secrets? Did the developer have the right to use the data? Remember that hotels rightfully collect a lot of personal information; will that information and take steps to protect it.

Review your Vendor Agreement Carefully: As noted above, artificial intelligence systems are different from other software. A careful review of the representations and warranties, indemnification provisions and limitations on liability are essential.

Dont skimp on the Statement of Work: The statement of work (the actual description of what the AI system will do) is key. That is challenging because its often the case that an AI system is developed with broad initial goals, making a continuing review of system requirements and goals essential. Keeping your eye on the purpose, goal, and guardrails will help keep your firm on solid ground.

Have an AI Governance Committee and Policy: Establish a group with meaningful authority, and with technical and legal expertise, to oversee the use of AI systems and tools.

Artificial Intelligence tools are expected to transform the way we work. They have the potential to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and provide valuable insights into our operations. However, the use of AI tools also presents new challenges in terms of information security and data protection. Adopting AI systems and tools requires preparation and careful thought  dont just reach for the brightest new penny!
Groundbreaking ceremony for Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok - Image Credit Nobu Hospitality

Nobu Bangkok together with Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real-estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC), celebrated its grand opening with a sake ceremony, symbolizing good fortune and the beginning of this exciting new chapter.

Located on the 57th and 58th floors and rooftop of The Empire at the heart of Bangkok's CBD, Nobu Bangkok delivers an extraordinary dining experience, blending the luxurious aesthetics of Thai and Japanese design. Conceptualized by the world-renowned Rockwell Group, the restaurant's design incorporates intricate carvings and golden hues inspired by Thai temples, juxtaposed with the minimalist elegance of Japanese design, creating a truly unique culinary setting.

In an ongoing collaboration with Asset World Corporation, luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality announced its first service residential project in ThailandNobu Residences Bangkok. This development follows the announcements of Nobu Hotel Bangkok and The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok, as well as the official opening of Nobu Bangkok at The Empire. Together, these ventures reinforce Nobu's expanding presence in the city. Nobu Residences Bangkok will feature 60 exclusive units, available as part of the hotel's inventory, rather than for individual sale.

Strategically located near the Chao Phraya River, Nobu Residences Bangkok offers unparalleled access to the best the city has to offer. Available for both short and long-term stays, residents will enjoy world-class amenities, including 24/7 concierge service. Residents can also access the hotel's premium facilities, such as the Nobu Restaurant, a rooftop bar lounge boasting panoramic views of Bangkok's skyline, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an exclusive residents' lounge. The residences are designed with Nobu's signature attention to detail, blending purposeful design with elevated living.

Adding to the significance of the day, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok at its future location, the East Asiatic Heritage Site. This iconic development will be situated in the historic East Asiatic Company (EAC) building, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The building, dating back to 1884, was founded by Danish mariner and entrepreneur Captain Hans Niels Andersen. The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will be twinned with the Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel & Spa New York, which is currently undergoing renovations to its 145 rooms. Located on 64th Street and Park Avenue in the Upper East Side, New York, this area is renowned for its proximity to Central Park, museums, consulates, and luxury shopping.

Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corporation (AWC) commented, "We really appreciate the friendship and partnership we share with the Nobu family and AWC. The celebration of the grand opening of Nobu Bangkok at 'EA' Rooftop at The Empire, the new landmark destination of Thailand, brings great happiness to both Thai and international guests to enjoy contemporary Japanese cuisine crafted by legendary Chef Nobu in a spectacular three-story venue, including the rooftop level with breathtaking views of Bangkok. It reinforces our commitment to making Bangkok a sustainable global destination for world-class food, beverage, and lifestyle experiences.

Additionally, AWC is thrilled to deepen our long-term partnership with Nobu Hospitality through the launch of Nobu Hotel Bangkok, the first Nobu hotel with a residential concept in Thailand. Located near the Chao Phraya River, this development offers guests unparalleled luxury, featuring world-class amenities and services. The groundbreaking ceremony for The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok at the historic East Asiatic Company building also marks a momentous occasion in our shared journey to create iconic properties that redefine luxury living and enhance Bangkok's reputation as a premier global destination."

Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, commented, "We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Asset World Corporation and introduce Nobu Residences to Bangkok. With its prime location near the Chao Phraya River, this development offers residents an exceptional lifestyle experience in one of the world's most dynamic cities. We are excited to operate all elements of the Nobu brandresidences, hotels, and restaurantsin this vibrant market."
Renderings: Top left - Hotel Indigo Gandia  Beach, Bottom left - Vignette Collection Mallorca  Finca Banyols, Right - Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian - Errenteria - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced the signing of four hotels: Vignette Collection Mallorca  Finca Banyols, Vignette Collection Jerez, Hotel Indigo Gandia  Beach, and Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian  Errenteria.

This builds on the 500 rooms added to IHGs Spanish portfolio earlier in the year, taking the total of open and signed rooms to nearly 13,000 in the country.

Hotel Indigo Gandia  Beach and Vignette Collection Jerez expand the companys Luxury & Lifestyle presence in the market, with the latter becoming the second Vignette Collection property in Spain following the signing of Vignette Collection Mallorca  Finca Banyols earlier this month.

Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian  Errenteria builds on the strong tradition of IHGs much-loved Holiday Inn brand family in Spain and demonstrates the enduring confidence owners and investors have in its renowned selection of Essentials brands.

Spanish signings snapshot:

Vignette Collection Mallorca  Finca Banyols: Owned by Prevario Banyols and managed by Hotel Collection International  HCI, the 45-guestroom property with its facilities spread over a local Mallorcan finca, will be the first Vignette Collection in Spain, opening the first half of 2025. Located on the picturesque island of Mallorca, the hotel will offer a one-of-a-kind stay as guests will be in the midst of vineyards and olive trees.

Vignette Collection Jerez: A stunning boutique, 34-room hotel with Senator Hotels & Resorts, will now be turned into the second Vignette Collection property in Spain. Located in the middle of the picturesque city centre of Jerez and a short walk from the main square of the old town, the region of Andalusia is widely known for its history, food, wine, and flamenco music, the hotel will offer guests a one-of-a-kind luxury experience when it opens in the second half of 2025.

Hotel Indigo Gandia  Beach: Also signed with Senator Hotels & Resorts, this 40-room beachfront property will offer guests unforgettable views of the Mediterranean Sea. Located in the popular coastal city of Gandia, it will provide a stylish addition to the sights, sounds and flavours of its neighbourhood when it welcomes guests in mid-2025. Hotel Indigo Gandia  Beach will feature a beach club, pool, bar and restaurant incorporating local ingredients in its menu.

Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian  Errenteria: This 82-room hotel is the second signing in this announcement with Hotel Collection International  HCI, taking our partnership to seven open and signed hotels. The hotel is set to open in mid-2026 as a new property located just outside San Sebastian, in the Errenteria neighbourhood, in Spain's mountainous Basque Country, near to the airport of San Sebastian and the French border.

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(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: As one of IHGs priority markets, its wonderful to grow our footprint so substantially in Spain, where weve signed nearly 700 rooms in the first nine months of this year. This significant expansion demonstrates the continued trust our owners have in our brands to provide strong returns on their investments, and our commitment to support them to capture demand and drive performance through our powerful enterprise.

We have ambitious plans to accelerate the presence of both our powerhouse mainstream segment and our distinctive Luxury & Lifestyle collection in Spains key urban and leisure destinations with it being a key growth market for the company. It is truly a privilege to be able to deliver on these ambitions alongside so many of our longstanding and new growth partners. It is thanks to their trust in IHG and our talented teams that we can bring amazing new hotels right across our diverse brand portfolio to the market.

IHG has 55* hotels operating under eight* brands in Spain: Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Holiday Inn. As well as 22 open Iberostar properties, with a further 12 in the development pipeline, boosting IHGs footprint in the resort and all-inclusive segment.

So far in 2024, IHG has announced the development of five new hotels across three brand collections, Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium and Essentials  Hotel Indigo in Jerez de la Frontera, Vignette Collection Mallorca  Finca Banyols, voco Granada, Holiday Inn Express Seville  City and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sabadell.

*Numbers as of 30 June 2024
Over 3,000 pagers and hundreds of two-way radios exploded this week, causing about 40 fatalities and wounding thousands of Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and Syria. The pagers exploded after receiving a coded message in Arabic that triggered the explosion after a short delay, thus maximizing the damage when users picked up the devices to read the messages appearing to come from Hezbollah leadership. The operation was executed on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and was followed by the activation of hundreds of booby-trapped walkie-talkies the next day.

A senior Lebanese source said the devices had been modified at the production level. Such compromise could involve integrating an electronic board with explosive material that receives a code that triggers an explosive device hidden in the pager, integration of a primer mechanism activated by a similar code, triggering the batteries energetic lithium compound to explode, or replacing one or more of the batteries powering the device with alternative batteries containing PETN sheet explosives. The devastating effect requires a minute amount of explosives weighing only a few grams per device. Such action leaves no signature and can only be detected with a chemical or forensic lab examination.

Hezbollah imported the pagers from a supplier in Hungary five months ago. The compromised devices included pagers from several countries, including Brazil and Taiwan. At least one of the manufacturers indicated that the actual supplier of its branded devices was another company called B.A.C. Consulting. Operating from Budapest, Hungary, they allegedly produced the AR-924 pager model used by Hezbollah under license from Gold Apollo. This agreement allowed BAC to use Gold Apollos brand trademark for product sales in certain regions. The partnership had been in place for three years. Israel allegedly began shipping these pagers to Lebanon in small numbers in the summer of 2022 and then ramped up production with the growing demand. Shipments of pagers increased over the summer, with thousands distributed among Hezbollah officers and allies.

A day after the pagers attack, more communications devices and electronic devices also exploded in Lebanon. This time, they were ICOMs IC-V82 two-way hand-held radios used by Hezbollah operatives, including the elite Radwan Unit members.

Unlike the newly delivered pagers, these radios have been used for years, and their production ceased a decade ago. This has required attackers to employ different attack vectors for renewable elements in the supply chain. According to Icom, production of the batteries needed to operate the radio has also been discontinued, requiring users to turn to alternative suppliers. Since compromised rechargeable batteries seem to be the perpetrator of all attacks, this vector appears to be the most likely attack vector used in this operation.

This isnt the first time foreign powers have exploited Iranian supply chain vulnerabilities. In 2023, Iran announced it had successfully thwarted a significant sabotage operation orchestrated by Mossad to infiltrate defective components into its missile production supply chain. The plan involved introducing faulty parts into the production lines, which could have turned operational missiles into dangerous explosives targeting industrial facilities and personnel.

Whatever vector was used, it achieved the goal of eliminating a substantial part of the organizations command network by physically hitting on personnel and denying the use of communications channels at a critical time, as an Israeli attack seemed imminent.
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre - Image Credit Hilton



A summary of European hotel transactions provided by HVS

Pandox acquires DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh from Starwood

Swedish hotel owner Pandox has entered an agreement to acquire the four-star, 138-room DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, from American private equity firm Starwood Capital Group, for 49 million (355,000 per room). The hotel is located just to the south of Edinburgh Castle, around 10-minutes' walk from the Royal Mile. London-based operator Axiom Hospitality is set to manage the property under a management agreement. Pandox plans to evaluate the hotel's brand strategy and operating model, with the current franchise agreement with Hilton due to expire in 2027. The hotel is expected to generate an initial yield of some 7.5%, growing to a potential 9% in the future "through active operational improvements and targeted investments". HVS provided advisory services in relation to the transaction.

MNK Partners acquires the Premier Inn Aberdeen Airport in Scotland

French portfolio manager MNK Partners, on behalf of its pan-European fund MNK Europe+, has reportedly acquired the three-star, 100-room Premier Inn Aberdeen Airport (Dyce) hotel in Aberdeen, Scotland, for 6 million (60,000 per room). Built in 2013, the asset is held on a long-leasehold basis until 2180. It is managed by Premier Inn Hotels under an operating lease that is set to mature in July 2038, with a break option in July 2033. A purchase at this level reportedly reflects a net initial yield of 9%. This is the eighth and final asset acquired under the MNK Europe+ fund, which has a seven-year lifetime.

Inwood Hotels acquires Five Seas Hotel Cannes from Dona Bertarelli

Inwood Hotels, a French boutique hotel operator, has acquired the five-star, 45-room Five Seas Hotel Cannes on France's Cote d'Azur, from Swiss billionaire Dona Bertarelli. The hotel is located just two-minutes' walk from Cannes' famous shorefront promenade, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and very close to the city's Palace of Festivals and Congresses. Opened in 2011, the hotel is affiliated with Marriott's Design Hotels, a boutique luxury collection brand with over 300 properties worldwide. This marks the third acquisition for Inwood Hotels on the Cote d'Azur, following their 2023 acquisitions of the four-star, 46-room La Malmaison in Nice, and the Imperial Garoupe in Cap d'Antibes, a 34-room five-star hotel affiliated with Relais & Chateaux.



HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
Pittsfield Selects BCC Internship Program to Be Profiled

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The City of Pittsfield has selected the internship program at Berkshire Community College (BCC) as one of the next American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded community partners to be profiled through city social media and other publicity outlets.

Over the past several months, the city has been using its platforms to highlight ARPA-funded work being done in the community. Additionally, the profiles are intended to raise awareness about how these funds are helping city residents and/or small businesses who were negatively impacted by the pandemic.

The BCC Internship Program is available for BCC students who are residents of Pittsfield. Interns gain valuable knowledge, skills and professional experience by working outside the classroom with a Pittsfield employer. Interns work 10 to 15 hours per week for one semester and are paid a stipend following the completion of the internship, which is supplemented by an ARPA grant.

"The ARPA funds and support have made a great impact on our students, with strong internships here in Pittsfield," said Dean of Students Celia Norcross. "The connections interns make with local companies looking to fill workforce needs are invaluable. We are

delighted to be selected for ARPA profiles, which will give recognition to the wonderful interns here."

The paid internship program is yet another financial incentive at the College, complementing free tuition for eligible students through the Commonwealth's MassReconnect and MassEducate programs.

ARPA funding was instrumental to BCC students in 2023, when the College was awarded a multi-year Community College Campus Hunger Program Grant. The ARPA grant was designed to increase access to academic opportunities for students of color and students experiencing food insecurity.

ARPA Community Partner Profiles can be viewed on the city's website.
Greylock School Building Committee Hopes for Positive on Vote

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  School Building Committee members are hoping their next meeting will move the Greylock School project forward.

"Right now, we're kind of in the holding pattern for the MSBA," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey. "They're waiting for the results of our vote."

Tuesday's meeting had to be one of the shortest for the committee  approval of some invoices and minutes, and a reminder of the consequential vote on Oct. 8.

That's when voters will be asked to authorize the $65 million school project that would see the construction of a new Greylock School, the demolition of the old school and the closure of Brayton Elementary.

The deadline to register to vote is Sept. 28, the same day early voting starts. The polls will be open on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Elizabeth's Parish Center.

School officials say the 30-year-old Brayton is no longer conducive to a modern education program and the many updates it will need cost millions to repair or refit. The old Greylock has already closed because of fears its outdated heating system wouldn't make it through the winter.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority has approved plans for new building, which will hold kindergarten through Grade 2 as well as nearly 100 prekindergarten students.

The MSBA is picking up $42 million of the cost and the federal government more than $3 million for a contemporary geothermal system. The city will be on the hook for about $20 million, which is expected to cost the average taxpayer $270 in property taxes at the highest year.

Voters will be deciding on a debt exclusion, a mechanism to remove the borrowing from the limitations of Proposition 2 .

Opponents have raised concerns about the costs to taxpayers over the life of the bond and whether a new school is needed with projections showing decline in student enrollment in future years. There have been two forums on the issues, with some calling for repairs to be made to Brayton to keep it functioning.

These repairs, the mayor cautioned, would not be reimbursed by the MSBA and would have to come out of operating budget. Rough estimates put replacing the outdated heating and ventilation system at $11 million. Opponents have called this fear tactic, feeling that this changes can be done in a less costly manner or through grants or the MSBA's accelerated repair program, though the MSBA has not seemed inclined to put money into buildings it's determined are unsuitable.

So far, the project has been under budget with the feasibility study costing $943,000 of the $1.1 million allocated.

Timothy Alix of owner's project manager Colliers International, said the biggest milestone will be the vote.

"Once we get through that and get approval to move forward, we'll be meeting with the MSBA to enter into a project funding agreement, and then get their approval to enter into the next phase, which is the detailed design," he said. "So at the next meeting, we'll have a schedule that would bring us through detailed design, the construction document phases that Jesse [Saylor] and his team will be working to finalize documents, to get them ready for bidding, and then the construction phase, and followed by closeout."

Macksey said she'd expected the schedule so for to have been adjusted several times but the project had stayed on track. She thanked the consultants and the professional and leadership teams for doing "a great job."

Saylor, of TSKP Studios, the project designer, said the consultant team has been asking for proposals for the geothermal well.

"We need to drill a test well for geotechnical services, looking ahead, anticipating that the project may move forward, and we'll have those proposals ready for you," he said.

All of this will depend on a positive vote on Oct. 8.

"Please be sure to vote. I'd like to say 100 other things that I can't but you can read it by the smile on my face," said the mayor. "We will have a school building meeting on Oct. 15 at 4:30, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.

"Again, hopefully we'll be working toward our project, our construction project timeline, and things like that."
Griffin Dunne to Visit Triplex Cinema for Double Screening, Talkback

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. The Triplex Cinema will host a special program of events with actor, writer, producer and director Griffin Dunne, on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Dunne will visit the Triplex to screen "The Center Will Not Hold," his award-winning documentary about his aunt, Joan Didion; to sign copies of his critically acclaimed new memoir "The Friday Afternoon Club," and to present "An American Werewolf in London," directed by John Landis and starring Dunne and David Naughton." The Center Will Not Hold" will screen at 4:30 PM and "An American Werewolf in London" will screen at 8:00 PM. In between, Dunne and WKZE radio host Adam Schartoff will have a talkback, and Dunne will introduce "An American Werewolf in London."

Tickets are available for all of the events at the Triplex website, and books will be available to be purchased and signed at the Cinema.

"The Center Will Not Hold" was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. The film incorporates archival footage and conversations with Didion about the eras she covered in essays, novels and screenplays. The documentary also touches on key events in Didion's personal life. Appearing in the documentary are Tom Brokaw, John Gregory Dunne, Harrison Ford, Patty Hearst, Vanessa Redgrave and Anna Wintour, among many others. Dunne's father, writer Dominick Dunne, was the brother of Didion's husband, John Gregory Dunne.

"An American Werewolf in London," released in 1981, is a comedy horror film written and directed by John Landis. The film tells the story of two American backpackers, played by Dunne and David Naughton, who are attacked by a werewolf while traveling in the English countryside. The film follows the two Americans as they head to London, and deal with the effects of the attack. "Werewolf" was Landis' followup to his gigantic hits "National Lampoon's Animal House," and the "Blues Brothers," and was both a critical and commercial success. "It was Dunne's first starring role. At the 1982 Academy Awards, Rick Baker was given the first ever Award for Best Makeup for his work on the film; Baker has gone on to win six additional Academy Awards for Best Makeup.

"The Friday Afternoon Club" is Dunne's memoir of growing up among larger-than-life characters in Hollywood and Manhattan. Covering his childhood growing up in an around Hollywood royalty in an unconventional family, the book has received acclaim.

Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors said: "We are so excited to have Griffin Dunne joining us at the Triplex for this multipart event. His memoir is wonderful, and both films we are showing are special in their own way," said Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors. "Thank you to WKZE's Adam Schartoff for joining us for what I know will be a lively and well-informed conversation."
Letter: The Children of North Adams Deserve New Greylock

To the Editor:



The City of North Adams has an incredible opportunity on Oct. 8. As a community, we not only have the chance to say "yes" to being the recipient of the largest grant in the City's history, at over $42 million. We not only have the chance to move forward with building a state-of-the-art energy efficient building that is projected to save the city $100K-plus per year in expenses. We not only have the chance to avoid dumping tens of millions of dollars into Band-Aids on our existing deficient building (Brayton) with systems at the end of their serviceable life, and we not only have the chance to invest in a project that could drive over $100 million in local economic impact.



In fact, right now we have the rare, monumental chance to show the children, educators and families of today's and future North Adams that we are committed to the wellbeing, education, and support that our youngest learners and their educators deserve.



For many of us with children in the city, the choice is crystal clear. For those with infants or that are soon expecting, the chance for their preK to second graders to attend a brand-new school is exciting and inspiring. For those of us with children who have recently gone through the doors of old Greylock or Brayton, the reality of the deficiencies of those schools shines a bright light on why we need this new school. For those who are adults in the community that grew up here and benefited from the generational investments in school infrastructure that came before, the opportunity and duty to pay it forward so that future generations can thrive is immense. In all cases, the weight of this decision is ours to make, and the opportunity is now ours to take hold of, or squander.



As a resident and taxpayer in this City of North Adams, a community I choose to call home and the place I have built my life and family in, I am honored to have the chance to vote YES on Oct. 8 for the debt exclusion to fund the city's share ($19.6 million) of the full $65.4 million new Greylock School Project. Furthermore, I ask and urge my fellow residents, committed to our community's youth and the prospect of a bright future ahead, to please do the same.

Benjamin Lamb

North Adams, Mass.

Ben Lamb is a member of the School Building Committee and a parent of two children currently attending Brayton Elementary School.
Letter: Leigh Davis Is the Leader Our Future Deserves

To the Editor:



I first had the opportunity to meet Leigh Davis at a small gathering in April. I was immediately impressed with her intelligence, authenticity, and genuine interest in what others in the room had to say. I felt a deep sense of excitement that night, over the idea that this person could actually be my state representative.



As a millennial, I am part of a hollowed-out demographic in Berkshire County. It is not an unreasonable argument to make that population decline is responsible, directly or indirectly, for nearly all other issues we face.



In the race for Berkshire 3rd District House seat, Leigh Davis embodies the kind of leadership that I believe will be most conducive to attracting and retaining folks from my generation  not only because of her position on issues like affordable housing, but because of the participatory, inclusive, and empathic culture she will foster.



Research shows that, more so than our generational elders, millennials value experiences. We desire meaningful opportunities for professional and personal development. We seek a healthy work-life balance and care about our mental health (and yours, too). Many of us are anxious about what the world will look like for our children. We also yearn for an enhanced sense of community in the wake of a pandemic that made life a matter of survival  including for mothers of young children, like me. Many of us want our leaders to be more curious about what we think, and invite us to the table when it comes to developing solutions.



Julia Thomas

Monterey, Mass.
Clarksburg World War II Casualty Returns Home for Burial

Marine Pvt. Erwin King

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  Marine Pvt. First Class Erwin S. King returns home on Friday, more than eight decades after he marched to war.

King, who grew up on West Road, was killed in action during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. He remains had been buried temporarily with nine of his comrades on the island. There were several unsuccessful attempt to recover the bodies and it was not until 2018 that King's gravesite was uncovered.

His family was notified in May that his remains had finally been identified.

The 18-year-old had enlisted only six weeks after Pearl Harbor and never returned home. On Friday, his body will be escorted by veterans organizations and police from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut to Clarksburg Town Hall, where a wreath-laying will be observed at approximately 3 p.m.

The procession will then proceed to Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home on West Main Street, passing Veterans Memorial Park at Center and Eagle Street. Those wishing to pay respects should be there between 3 and 3:15 p.m.

The wake will be held at Flynn & Dagnoli's West Chapels on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.

King will be buried next to his parents, Erwin C. and Emelia LaFountain King, in Southview Cemetery on Tuesday, 82 years to the day he was killed.

A group including King's family members will be at the airport when he arrives from Hawai'i around 1 p.m. The wake on Monday will be open to the public and a funeral service will be held Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

A graveside service will include full military honors beginning at noon at the cemetery.
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A shadow has fallen across Demi Moores face. Were in a hotel room in London thats been converted into a makeshift press junket, and the big, black poster for her new film The Substance is wreaking havoc with the lighting. Flustered men, who probably had pictures of the star on their bedroom walls decades ago, swirl around her with tool belts and boxes. The woman in question is unbothered. Its just reflecting, Moore tells one of the men, between sips of water from an enormous tumbler. She points to a pile of camera detritus in front of her. If we put it in front of the pole just there, but behind the sign, itll absorb the light. The man, far too awed to even think of challenging her, does exactly what he is told. A shuffle, a switch and a loud clang later, the shadows are gone. Moore takes another sip of her water.

The 61-year-old, it should be said, didnt ask for and certainly doesnt need artificial lighting. This is a woman who was built in a movie star factory 40 years ago, giving her an almost supernatural ability to appear lit from within. It also lends her a slight uncanniness. Moore has always been so famous, so photographed and so debated  and thats before we even mention culture-rattling work such as Ghost, Indecent Proposal and A Few Good Men  that youre forced to do a double take in her presence. Yes, it is her, you find yourself thinking. My god its actually, really her.

The French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat knew she needed a woman like Moore for The Substance to work: someone who hasnt just known fame intimately, but someone who could accurately embody its fickleness. Few can speak better to the dizzying highs and lows of celebrity than Moore, whose body, sex life and sky-high salaries have long been about as talked-about as her movies. I had to find an actress who symbolises stardom, Fargeat says. Someone who knows what its like to receive love from the people who look at you, but who also knows what its like to lose those eyes.

In a very metatextual bit of casting, Moore plays Elisabeth, a fading movie star and fitness guru who is dropped from her hit workout show after turning 50. Desperate, she agrees to take part in a surreal experiment: if she injects herself with the mystery toxin of the films title, a younger, shinier version of herself (who names herself Sue and is played by an eerily poreless Margaret Qualley) will quite literally hatch from her body.

The experiment requires both women to trade places every seven days, but the agreement between them rapidly breaks down. Sue craves more of the attention and success thats inevitably foisted upon her. Elisabeth, meanwhile, begins to physically erode. The result is one of 2024s biggest cinematic conversation-starters, a gloopy, grimy, day-glo flesh-fest; Eric Prydzs Call on Me video with added intestines and skin rot. Ive seen it twice now and am still unsure whether its actually any good  but its sheer ambition is undeniable, along with the haunting brilliance of its two central performances.

On paper, this could have been a disaster, Moore tells me with a laugh. She is dressed in a knee-length polka dot dress, her hair pitch-black, her face taut yet warm. Next to her is 29-year-old Qualley, dressed in a cyborgian leather one-piece. Moore speaks huskily and briskly, talking around many of the obvious parallels between herself and Elisabeth. Qualley, of Netflixs Maid and memorable supporting turns in Poor Things and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is the quieter of the two, possibly because shes jet-lagged, possibly because The Substance  both in content and in conversation about it  feels very much like The Demi Show. Still, the pair were a united front while making the film.

I walked away from The Substance with a certain sense of liberation within myself

We created a real sense of safety, Moore remembers. Even when we werent in scenes together, we were often together on the set  there was comfort in knowing we had each other. When it comes to nudity, The Substance isnt Moore nor Qualleys first time at the rodeo, but here their nude scenes feel particularly frank and exposing: Qualley is asked to play a character who happily participates in her own sexual exploitation, while Moores nude scenes are arrestingly clinical. At one point she stands in front of her bathroom mirror under garish white lights, poking hatefully at her sixtysomething flesh. Well, Hollywood sixtysomething, anyway. Its not a glamour role, Moore says. I knew going in that I had to be vulnerable and raw. She and Qualley look at one another, appreciatively. We kind of held each others hands as we walked through the fire, Qualley adds.

Moore has been deservedly lauded for her work in The Substance  New York magazine dubbed it the best performance of her career. But its also not as radical a departure as some corners of the media insist it is. Yes, many of Moores most famous roles have been nakedly commercial endeavours, but risk has been baked into far more of her career than you might at first think. Remember the (unfairly) lambasted GI Jane, in which she shaved her head and underwent arduous military training? Or how she followed up the elegant fantasy of Ghost by playing a blue-collar murderess in Mortal Thoughts? Remember how she almost admirably miscast herself in an adaptation of The Scarlet Letter? At the peak of her Nineties fame, Moore regularly chose parts that were ballsy and dangerous, parts that  whether they worked or not  consistently put a target on her back.

open image in gallery Split personality: Qualley and Moore in The Substance ( Mubi )

Shes been doing things like this her whole career, Qualley says. But to me, GI Jane is just the ultimate. Moore herself is reluctant to look back and complain. Perhaps everything has to find its right time? she suggests. But GI Jane certainly was not appreciated, and it actually really holds up if you watch it today.

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Fargeat admits that she didnt realise the extent of Moores trailblazing until she read her 2019 memoir, Inside Out. She was very feminist and ahead of her time and made really bold choices, she says. It was a whole side of her personality that I didnt know. She has that iconic status, but also this toughness, this risky state of mind.

That said, she didnt anticipate that Moore would be interested in the role. When her name was first suggested for it, I doubted she would ever want to do it. I knew it would be something quite sensitive for an actress. Im asking someone to confront their own phobias, you know?

I felt like it found me, says Moore, who has a slight tendency to speak in opaque, therapeutic terms. Im not Elisabeth, but I could find pieces of her that connected with me, and I knew that if I tried her on for a few months and went on this journey with her, it would lead to something greater for myself.

open image in gallery Her director: Moore and the French filmmaker Fargeat ( Getty )

Fargeat thinks that Moore was fated to make The Substance at this particular moment in time. Inside Out saw Moore write about, in often heartbreaking detail, her childhood sexual abuse, her struggles with addiction and the pain of divorce in the spotlight  she was married to Bruce Willis, with whom she has three daughters, from 1987 to 2000, and then Ashton Kutcher from 2005 to 2013. Shes gone through so much, and has done a lot of work on herself to overcome the violence of [her past] and feel good about herself again. Shes gained the strength to confront all of those things.

If Inside Out was an exorcism of Moores history, then The Substance is an arresting step into her possible future. For a start, its drawing her Oscar buzz  a first for her. But she also thinks its helped her in other ways, too. Some of the most painful segments of Inside Out saw Moore writing about her own body, her experiences of disordered eating, and how she spent much of her major movie career fixated on her weight. Working on The Substance, though, felt different.

I walked away from it with a certain sense of liberation within myself, Moore says. I knew there were going to be shots that highlighted my flaws, but those allowed me to find acceptance and appreciation in myself. She shakes her head. It was about surrendering. I had to let go of any parts of me that value perfection.

How is that process going, I ask. Its ongoing, she laughs, softly. But Im getting better.

I believe her. She really didnt seem to care about those shadows.

The Substance is in cinemas from 20 September
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Michael Madsen has filed for divorce from his wife of 28 years, accusing her of driving their son to suicide by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.

The Reservoir Dogs star, 66, has been married to DeAnna Madsen, 64, since April 15, 1996.

As People reports, he filed divorce documents on Tuesday, September 17 citing irreconcilable differences.

Madsen states in the documents that the couple have been separated since shortly after their 26-year-old son Hudson died by suicide on January 25, 2022.

In a statement attached to the divorce petition and signed by Madsen, he goes on to state that the irreconcilable differences listed do not adequately describe the divorce filing.

He accuses his estranged wife of driving their son to die by suicide by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.

open image in gallery DeAnna and Michael Madsen attend the actors hand and footprint ceremony at Hollywoods Chinese Theatre in 2020 ( Getty Images )

Madsen also claims that the couples relationship became abusive and toxic.

He writes: Respondent also significantly contributed to my personal issues as well. I am a victim in an abusive, co-dependent, and toxic relationship that culminated in the Respondent breaking into my residence and having me wrongfully arrested for DV.

Madsen has also requested a domestic violence prevention restraining order against his wife that covers both him and their 18-year-old son Luke, who is listed in the filing under other protected people.

The Independent has contacted Madsens representatives for further comment. A representative for DeAnna was not immediately available.

Last month, Madsen was arrested in Malibu on domestic violence charges.

At the time it was reported he had been taken into custody following a disagreement with his wife.

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Shortly after midnight on August 17, officers from the Lost Hill Sheriffs Station in Malibu responded to a call and subsequently arrested Madsen for a domestic battery misdemeanor.

The actor was booked at 1:40am, and was later released after posting a $20,000 bond.

In a statement to Variety, a representative for Madsen said: It was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope resolves positively for them both.

Madsen is best known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, which include Reservoir Dogs, both volumes of Kill Bill and The Hateful Eight. He also made a cameo appearance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Speaking to The Independent in 2020, Madsen revealed that Harvey Weinstein tried to have him removed from the casts of Tarantinos films.

Harvey never liked me, he said. I dont know if he ever liked anybody, but I know for a fact he didnt like me. He never wanted me in any of Quentins movies. I think Im only in them because Quentin stood up for me every single time and said Im going to use Michael whether you like it or not.
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Monty Python actor John Cleese has responded to comments made by his co-star Eric Idle in which he claimed that Cleese fired their ex-manager Jim Beach to replace him with Terry Gilliams daughter.

Speaking with fans on X/Twitter back in February, Idle admitted he hadnt seen Cleese in seven years and told fans their relationship was over when they put Gilliams daughter in as manager and Cleese fired Jim Beach.

On Wednesday (18 September), months after Idles initial post, Cleese chimed back into the thread to call the narrative an invention before sharing his own version of events  and clarifying that he didnt fire Beach.

Jim, who was an old friend of mine from Cambridge days, became Python manager after the O2 show, said Cleese.

About four years ago he suffered a bad stroke and subsequently resigned as our manager. His number 2, Holly Gilliam, automatically took over as Python manager.

At the height of the pairs X/Twitter spat in February, Cleese said he and Idle have always loathed and despised each other.

He also defended their manager Holly, daughter of their fellow Python star Terry Gilliam, who Idle blamed for why he has to continue to work and make money at the age of 80.

I have worked with Holly for the last 10 years, and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with, the Fawlty Towers star said in response to Idles comments at the time.

open image in gallery Cleese accused Idle of invention during ongoing row online ( Getty Images )

Michael Palin has asked me to make it clear that he shares this opinion. Terry Gilliam is also in agreement with this.

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When asked about his views on Idle, Cleese wrote on X/Twitter: We always loathed and despised each other, but its only recently that the truth has begun to emerge. He later clarified in a follow-up post he meant this as a joke.

When a fan chimed in and said the revelation made them sad, Idle said: Why. It makes me happy, and added: I havent seen Cleese in seven years.

open image in gallery Idle and Cleese seen at rehearsals together in 2014 ( PA )

At the time, Idle complained that he still had to work for his living at the age of 80 and criticised the groups management for its dwindling finances, blaming the Gilliams.

He said: We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously.

But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.

In May, Monty Python stars Cleese, Palin and Gilliam reunited to celebrate Palins 81st birthday, all without Idle there.

Cleese shared a dinner table picture on X/Twitter of himself smiling alongside the pair, with Palin holding up a plate of dessert that had Happy Birthday written in chocolate sauce.

Cleese jokingly captioned the photo: An 18 foot Python celebrates Pallins 181st Birthday and 195th Travel Book. Photo taken at cafe on peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Radio listeners have applauded James OBrien for his savage takedown of Nigel Farage.

The LBC presenter, 52, who hosts a much-lauded show on the political live debate channel every weekday, unleashed a scathing appraisal of the Reform UK leader, 60, who had been interviewed by his colleague Nick Ferrari moments earlier.

During the on-air onslaught, which OBrien delivered while Farage was still in the same room as him, the radio presenter referenced accusations claiming the MP for Clacton had incited UK race riots this summer with his claims the Southport attacker had been known to the police.

The MP later said he was referring to incorrect claims made by the influencer Andrew Tate  who is currently under house arrest in Romania. Former head of counter-terrorism policing Neil Basu advised Farage to think very carefully about the power of his words.

When taking over Ferraris show, OBrien said: Well, theres a lot to get through today. For example, have you ever had violent race riots named after you or indeed been accused by the head of the Met of emboldening the racist thugs responsible?

He continued: Have you ever cited a self-described misogynist facing rape and people trafficking charges in Romania as a trustworthy news source for events in the UK or described yourself as part of a similar phenomenon to him?

Days after Farage had been elected MP for Clacton, he left the UK to visit Donald Trump in Milwaukee at the Republican National Convention (RNC) rather than represent his constituents by debating the Kings Speech in the House of Commons.

OBrien alluded to the controversy, saying: Have any newly-elected MPs spent more time in America getting binned off by Donald Trump than they have in their own constituency? And what would you call someone who answers yes to all those questions?

The Independent has contacted Farages representatives for comment.

Prior to OBriens takeover, Ferrari grilled Farage over his remarks claiming the police hadnt told the truth about the Stockport attacks.

I asked a question  was he known to the security services? Farage responded.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage on LBC ( PA )

They still havent told us the truth. What I thought vindicated me wholly was Jonathan Hall KC who is the tsar for terrorism and rioting backed up by Lord Carlisle both said that the government and police need to level with the public.

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If theyd levelled with the public I dont think those riots would have been anything like the scale they were.

In a statement on 5 August, Farage criticised the race riots, saying: I have been totally appalled by the levels of violence seen in the last couple of days. The levels of intimidation and threat to life have no place in a functioning democracy.

That so many police officers have been injured trying to keep the peace is shocking, and we should not discount the use of the army if the situation were to deteriorate further.

Elsewhere in the interview, Farage claimed there was some truth in Trumps claim that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Ohio.

The MP said: Whenever he says something like this that is absoluley crackers in the end there is always some truth in it.

Ill have a tenner with you that within the next month we find some evidence of it.
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Taiwan said Thursday that China's ban on imports of its fruit, vegetables, seafood and other goods violates trade rules, in the latest escalation of tensions between the self-governing island republic and its massive neighbor, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to annex it by military means.

The Taiwanese governments Mainland Affairs Council said the ban, which takes effect next week, ignores rules laid out by the World Trade Organization, of which both sides are members.

The move comes amid growing military, political and economic pressure on Taiwans government to concede to Beijings control. Taiwans semi-tropical climate and fertile soil have nurtured an agricultural industry valued at around $500 billion dollars, alongside high-tech corporations that produce the worlds most cutting-edge computer chips.

( Getty Images )

China's move harms the interests of farmers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and does nothing to improve relations between the two, the council said. China and Taiwan should seek dialogue through the WTO to resolve their differences, it added.

The WTO is one of the few forums through which discussion is possible between the two sides, which divided amid civil war in 1949. Chinese diplomatic pressure has barred Taiwan from the United Nations and reduced its number of official diplomatic allies to 12.

The Chinese ban appears to target rural Taiwanese, who for the past two decades have largely voted for pro-independence candidates but whose local officials have been courted by China with all-expense vacations and other enticements.

China has used trade pressure on countries such as Australia, South Korea and Norway over perceived political slights, using its market for resources and consumer goods as leverage, with mixed results.
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Indias methane emissions from coal mining could more than double by the end of this decade, new research warns, calling for urgent action that could potentially also reduce its reliance on imported gas.

A report by global energy think tank Ember released on Thursday projects that by 2029, methane emissions from Indias coal mines could exceed 1.6 million tonnes annually, more than twice the levels recorded in 2019.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, capable of trapping over 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide in the short term, making it a major cause of the climate crisis.

India plans to ramp up coal production to meet growing energy demand as the pace of electricity consumption outstrips the growth in renewables.

Though solar and wind are projected to drive two-thirds of Indias power generation growth by 2032, according to Ember, the country is pushing to expand coal mining, including a tripling of underground operations.

The underground mines are a major source of methane emissions, with the gas escaping through ventilation systems, cracks, and open pits during extraction.

The planned expansion could result in a sharp increase in emissions, the report says. If mitigated, however, it could potentially open economic opportunities for India.

Embers analysis shows that with the right technologies, India could reduce methane emissions from coal mines by up to 35 per cent a year by 2030. Additionally, it could reduce its reliance on costly imported gas, saving over $1bn (756m) per year by 2029.

Graph shows projected rise in the share of methane emissions from underground mining in India ( Ember )

Techniques like pre-mine drainage, which involves extracting methane from coal seams before mining starts; ventilation air methane oxidation, which captures methane from mine ventilation systems; and flaring, which burns off methane and turns it into less harmful carbon dioxide, can help capture methane and convert it into a useful energy source, according to Ember.

The captured methane could be used to generate energy, replacing around 1.5 billion cubic metres of natural gas that India currently imports to meet its energy needs.

Gas is gas. Methane emitted from a coal mine can be captured proactively through wells and at a ventilation shaft in an underground mine. From there its just a matter of finding the best use case for that gas, said Chris Wright, Embers climate strategy advisor for coal mine methane.

This shift could result in substantial savings, the report estimates, potentially up to $980m (741m) over the next five years, by offsetting the need for foreign gas purchases and turning wasted methane into an energy resource that the country can use locally.

Chart shows the estimated financial benefits India could gain from capturing and using methane emissions from coal mines. ( Ember )

This is the low-hanging opportunity we have to slow climate change, reduce surface ozone, and complement efforts to cut carbon dioxide, said Rajasekhar Modadugu, Embers analyst for climate and energy in India. He said there is a need for policies that incentivise the capture and use of methane before it escapes into the air.

India is the worlds third-largest methane emitter. While much of its methane emissions come from livestock, coal mining is becoming an increasingly critical source. Despite this, the Indian government has not yet signed global pacts like the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.

Coal picker burns raw coal at a mine in Jharia on the outskirts of Dhanbad in Indias Jharkhand state ( AFP via Getty )

With Indias coal production goals set to increase through 2030, capturing and utilising methane emissions from both active and abandoned mines is critical. The necessary technologies and international support are available for India to take immediate action, Felicia Ruiz, director of International Methane Partnerships and Outreach at the Clean Air Task Force, told The Independent.

The Ember report notes that mitigating methane emissions also addresses safety concerns for coal miners, as methane explosions in underground mines pose significant risks.

Methane-related incidents have accounted for more than half of all coal mining deaths in India since 1980. By capturing methane, India could improve safety for its mining workforce.

Declining underground coal production in India led to fewer accidents ( Ember )

As India continues to expand coal mining, experts warn that the country is at a critical point.

Methane is like an electric blanket on our climate. It also creates ground-level ozone pollution. Reducing methane is one of the best ways to avoid additional heating in the next decade, and decrease air pollution at the same time, Mr Wright told The Independent.

A recent report from the Global Carbon Project shows that methane emissions are rising at the fastest rate in recorded history, despite global pledges. The report warns that if these emissions are not cut, it will be almost impossible for the world to meet its climate goals.

The Independent will be revealing its Climate100 List on 25 September and hosting an event in New York, which can be attended online.
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Ngangbam Ingos life fell apart earlier this month when his wife was shot and killed in an attack by a tribal militia in northeastern India, part of the escalating ethnic conflict that has riven the state of Manipur in two.

While sporadic clashes between two ethnic communities in the state have led to a steady trickle of deaths since the conflict began 18 months ago, a new and worrying escalation emerged this month with the first use of weaponised drones  until now both sides have been wielding basic firearms such as hunting rifles and improvised weapons.

On 1 September, Ingos wife Ngangbam Surbala, 36, and their 11-year-old daughter Ngangom Rojiya were on their way back from visiting their son, Mahesh, 14, at his boarding school when they found themselves in the crossfire of an attack by suspected Kuki militia.

My daughter wanted to visit her grandmother, and thats when they were attacked, Ingo tells The Independent. At 1.50pm that day, Ingo received a frantic call from his wife.

She told me there was heavy gunfire. I was worried and told them to take cover, to just hide, he recalls while speaking in local Manipuri language as his voice shakes with emotion. Just three minutes later, he received another call  this time, with devastating news. My wife had been shot, and my daughter was injured, a local told me, calling from their phone, he says, choking back tears.

Police and residents near the remains of a missile after it struck the town of Moirang in Manipur earlier this month ( Reuters )

The latest outbreak of violence this month reportedly claimed at least 11 lives, adding to the mounting toll of arond 225 from fighting between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities that began in May last year. Death tolls are pieced together from media reports as the Indian government, which has come under sustained criticism for its failure to restore peace to the region, does not maintain a tally that is publicly available.

The 1 September attacks killed two, while subsequent rocket strikes on 6 September left one dead and six injured, including a teenager.

Villager Laishangthem Romen alleges that state law enforcement abandoned their posts as soon as the shooting began on 1 September in Koutruk.

The firing went on non-stop for about 20 to 25 minutes, starting at around 2pm, when the woman was killed, he says, referring to Surbala. As volunteers tasked with defending the village took position in bunkers they dug themselves, the first bombs started dropping.

Manipur Conflict: Key Points The Manipur conflict began in May 2023, sparked by the proposed extension of minority status to the Meitei community  Ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki communities have resulted in at least 225 deaths and 60,000 displacements  Armed militias control territories, setting up checkpoints and bunkers  Recent drone attacks have escalated violence  The government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the violent incidents

He does not remember how many drones were dropping bombs but he claims there were more than one, adding: Because when the volunteers gathered in my house to take shelter, we heard simultaneous bomb-dropping sounds from every corner of the village.

We are used to defending the village using mortar shells, but were not prepared that Kukis would use this much technology to attack us.

He alleges that Indias paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF), permanently stationed to protect the village, also abandoned it as the bombs started dropping. That was the most shocking, he says. I was worried that today our village would be completely burned down and we would have no option but to run away.

BSF did not respond to The Independents requests for comment.

Police use teargas to disperse students protesting against a fresh wave of ethnic violence in Imphal ( AP )

While at least five homes in the village were burnt down in the sporadic attacks that started at around 3pm, going on till 8.30pm, he is grateful that his home is only partially damaged and he was able to send his wife, children, and mother away soon after the firing began.

Romen lambasts the federal and state governments over their inability to contain the violence. They have totally failed to control this conflict, even though they could do it, he says.

Another villager, Thangminlun Mate, is still waiting to receive the body of his father, Limlal Mate.

Limlal Mate was beaten to death after going out a short distance from his home to buy hardware ( Supplied by Thangminlun Mate )

A resident of Kangpokpi, the 21-year-old learnt about the killing of his father on 8 September through a disturbing video circulating on social media. He says: My father had ventured out to buy hardware for their home in Motbung, just 100-200 metres away in the afternoon. When he did not return by 6pm, I began looking for him.

It was around 5.30am in the morning, I received a video in one of the groups showing his bleeding body. He was clearly beaten to death.

A police investigation suggests the 64-year-old former serviceman was abducted by the armed Meitei group Arambai Tenggol after he unintentionally crossed the buffer zone between the two communities, entering into a Meitei-controlled area, reported The Print.

It has left me sad and shocked, Mate says as he waits to receive his fathers body which remains at a hospital morgue in state capital Imphal. Though the hospital is only 43 kilometres from his home, as a Kuki he is forbidden to enter  knowing he would be killed for crossing into the Meitei-dominated territory.

Officials from the state forensic department investigate a missile strike in Moirang ( Reuters )

The Manipur police say they are investigating the new use of drones, and say it points to the involvement of trained professionals. A high-level government committee has also been formed that is racing to understand the unprecedented development, calling it a significant escalation.

Delhi is pushing to resolve the longstanding tensions between the two communities, home minister Amit Shah announced, after days of violent student protests and internet suspensions in some areas of the state.

We hope that we will be able to bring the situation under control, Shah said at an event this week discussing the first 100 days of Narendra Modis third term in power, adding: If both [ethnic groups] do not come to an understanding, there wont be a resolution to the matter.

Protesters gather as security personnel block their way along a street during a curfew in Imphal ( AFP via Getty Images )

More than two weeks on, Ingo still struggles to come to terms with the loss of his wife. Every time I come home, I expect her to call out to me, to greet me, he says.

I miss her simple words: Dinner will be ready. She was the one who got our children ready for school every morning. I miss her terribly, especially in the mornings and evenings. The silence is deafening, and not hearing her voice is unbearable.

Ingos daughter was shielded from the news of her mothers death for 10 days. When she finally learned the news, she was devastated, he says. Shes been crying incessantly, struggling to eat, and grappling with the loss. Were trying to console her, explaining that her mother sacrificed her life for Manipur, that shes a martyr. We want her to find strength in that.
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Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the main city in Himalayan Kashmir on Thursday to campaign for his party in the local election, the first such vote since New Delhi stripped the disputed regions semi-autonomy in 2019.

Modis visit to Srinagar city in the Kashmir Valley, the heartland of decades of anti-India rebellion, comes amid strong public opposition there to New Delhis changes five years back. That move revoked the regions semi-autonomous status, annulled its separate constitution, downgraded and split the former state into two centrally governed union territories Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir  and removed inherited protections on land and jobs.

Authorities laid razor wires and erected road checkpoints to close the roads leading to the venue of Modis election rally in Srinagars main commercial center. Armed paramilitary troops and police in flak jackets patrolled the area, snipers and sharpshooters were positioned atop buildings near the venue.

India Kashmir Election ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

We have said in the parliament that we will restore (the regions) statehood. Only BJP will fulfill this commitment, Modi said to a cheering crowd at the rally while referring to his Bharatiya Janata Party.

Since 1947, Kashmir has been at the heart of conflict between India and Pakistan after British rule of the subcontinent ended with the creation of the two rival countries. Both administer part of it but claim the territory in its entirety.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Most Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the insurgency is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, a charge Islamabad denies. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the fighting, which most Kashmiri Muslims consider a legitimate freedom struggle.

India Kashmir Election ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

India Kashmir Election ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

( AP )

India Kashmir Election ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Thursdays visit was Modis second to the Muslim-majority region to campaign for his party candidates in the ongoing election. Voting began on Wednesday, with a brisk turnout in the first phase.

The vote is the first in a decade, and the first since his Hindu nationalist governments 2019 move. Kashmirs pro-India political parties have promised to fight to undo those changes.

Last week, Modi addressed a similar rally in southern Doda district.

The second and third phases of the polling are scheduled for Sept. 25 and Oct. 1. The process is staggered for logistical reasons and to allow troops to move around to stop potential violence in the Himalayan region. Votes will be counted on Oct. 8, with results expected that day.
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A 10-year-old schoolboy from Japan was fatally stabbed near his school in Shenzhen in southern China on Wednesday in the second knife attack near a Japanese school in recent months.

A 44-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene, police in the city said in a statement.

The boy was attacked by the man about 200m from the gates of the school in Shenzhen, according to Chinas foreign ministry.

The boys father is Japanese, while his mother is a Chinese citizen, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing, adding that the attack was an individual case.

The attack took place on the anniversary of an incident on 18 September 1931 that triggered war between China and Japan, a sensitive date at a time when diplomatic relations are in danger of deteriorating.

The 1931 Mukden Incident, also known as 918, was the beginning of the invasion of Manchuria which ignited the long-standing conflict between the two countries.

The fact that such a despicable act was committed against a child on his way to school is truly regrettable, Japans foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa told reporters on Thursday.

We take this incident extremely seriously, and we have once again requested that the Chinese side ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

The victim died in the early hours of 19 September, Ms Kamikawa told reporters. Japan has requested China to provide a comprehensive account of the facts and to implement robust safety measures, she added.

open image in gallery Japans foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa speaks to journalists in Tokyo Thursday, 19 September 2024, about an incident that a 10-year-old Japanese student was attacked by a man at a Japanese school in Shenzhen, southern China ( AP )

While Chinese authorities did not specify a motive, reports suggest that anti-Japanese sentiment in the country has been rising. A similar attack occurred in June when a Japanese mother and child were stabbed in Suzhou.

Ahead of the 918 anniversary, Japans foreign minister said we had just made a request to the Chinese foreign ministry to take thorough measures to ensure the safety of Japanese schools, so we are extremely disappointed that this incident occurred in this situation.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said they were investigating the case. China will continue to take effective measures to protect the safety of all foreigners in China.
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The Japanese maker of the brand of walkie-talkies thought to have exploded in Lebanon has denied making the detonating devices  but has given its take on what could have been used.

Hand-held radios used by armed group Hezbollah detonated across Lebanon's south on Wednesday, stoking tensions after similar explosions of pagers the day before.

Lebanon's health ministry said 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured on the second attack in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured.

( EPA )

Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts, but security sources said Israel's spy agency Mossad was responsible.

The Japanese communication equipment company ICOM is believed to be the maker of the brand of walkie-talkies linked to the explosions  but it insisted it could not have made the hand-held radios.

Theres no way a bomb could have been integrated into one of our devices during manufacturing. The process is highly automated and fast-paced, so theres no time for such things, Yoshiki Enomoto, a director at ICOM, told Reuters outside the company's headquarters in Osaka, Japan on Thursday.

Images circulating widely online purportedly show walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah that exploded in Lebanon, although The Independent has been unable to verify the source of these images ( Unverified )

ICOM has said it halted production of the radio models identified in the attack a decade ago and that most of those still on sale were counterfeit.

If it turns out to be counterfeit, then well have to investigate how someone created a bomb that looks like our product. If its genuine, well have to trace its distribution to figure out how it ended up there, Mr Enomoto said.

Panic in southern Lebanon on Wednesday after a second wave of explosions, including some that hit mourners at funerals for those killed in Tuesdays blasts ( AFP via Getty Images )

Mr Enomoto did suggest the devices used in the attacks could have been a discontinued model containing modified batteries.

We cant rule out the possibility that they are fakes, but there is also a chance the products are our IC-V82 model, the Guardian reported Enomoto said, according to the Kyodo news agency.

Enomoto pointed to images showing damage to the battery area of the devices used, suggesting the power packs could have been replaced with those that had been modified to explode.

The company sold roughly 160,000 units of the model in Japan and overseas before it halted production and sales in 2014. The firm said the IC-V82 handheld radio had been exported overseas between 2004 and 2014, including to the Middle East.
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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 four-metre-long (13ft) python coiled around a 64-year-old woman in Thailand for about two hours in her home before help arrived.

The snake bit her multiple times and wrapped itself around her, squeezing tighter as Arom Arunroj struggled to free herself, according to Thai media reports.

Despite her attempts to grab the snakes head, it didnt let go, Ms Arunroj said.

She was washing up after dinner around 8.30pm local time in her home in Samut Prakan, a province south of Bangkok, when she first felt the bite.

I looked at it and it was a snake, she was quoted as saying by Koha News. Ms Arunroj said that she tried to fight the snake and called for help, but no one heard her.

She tried to grab the snakes head in an attempt to free herself, but, she said, it kept strangling me.

After about two hours, a neighbour heard her faint cries and called for help.

She had probably been strangled for a while because her skin was pale, Sgt Maj Anusorn Wongmali Anusorn said.

It was a python, a big one. I saw a bite mark on her leg but knew there might be some elsewhere too.

The snake reportedly weighed around 20kg.

Police were assisted by members of the She Poh Tek Tung Foundation, a rescue organisation, and Ms Arunroj was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Khaosod English reported that everyone was shocked to find the woman with a giant python wrapped tightly around her midsection.

It took over 30 minutes of intense effort to free her from the snakes grip. Once the python was pulled off, it swiftly slithered into a nearby forest, escaping capture as rescuers prioritised giving Ms Arunroj first aid and rushing her to the hospital.

Arom Arunroj was washing up after dinner in her home in Samut Prakan province when she first felt the snake bite ( Mail News/YouTube )

I tried calling out to my neighbours and anyone nearby, but no one heard me. I thought I wouldnt survive and would surely become the snakes meal. In a final attempt, I shouted as loud as I could until someone passing by heard me and quickly called the police and rescue unit for help. Ive never experienced anything like this in my life, Ms Arunroj told Khaosod English.

While pythons are not venomous, their bite can lead to infection. They kill their prey by coiling around and suffocating it. These massive snakes can grow over 10m long.

Ms Arunroj is a housekeeper at a childrens hospital in Bangkok and has been renting a room in Samut Prakan where the incident occurred. Her husband died in November last year and she has been living alone since then.

Behind her room is a bamboo forest with a pond.

About 12,000 people in Thailand received treatment for venomous snake and animal bites in 2023, as reported by the national health security office. Government data shows at least 26 people died from snake bites through the year.

Last month, a python bit a mans testicle as he was sitting on the toilet.

He reportedly grabbed the snake to stop it from escaping into his home and tried to pull it out, hitting its head with his hand and a toilet brush, until a neighbour came to help.
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The second trial for Vietnamese real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, who was sentenced to death for financial fraud in April, started on Thursday, state media reported.

The 67-year-old chair of the real estate company Van Thinh Phat was convicted for orchestrating Vietnam's biggest ever financial fraud case, amounting to $12.5 billion  nearly 3% of the countrys 2022 GDP and for illegally controlling a major bank allowing loans that resulted in losses of $27 billion, state media said.

Her arrest and conviction was one of the highest profile cases in an anti-corruption drive that has intensified since 2022. The so-called blazing furnace campaign has also singed the highest echelons of Vietnamese politics and led to the resignation of a former president who was implicated in it.

( AP )

Lan is being tried on fresh charges of appropriating property fraudulently and money laundering. According to a police investigation, she raised $1.2 billion from nearly 36,000 investors by issuing bonds illegally through four companies, state media reports say.

Investigators found 21 companies controlled by Lan's Van Thinh Phat that illegally transferred over $4.5 billion in and out of Vietnam between 2012-2022.

She is also accused of siphoning off $18 billion obtained through fraud.

The case also involves 33 other defendants. It is expected to last a month.

Vietnam Tycoon Trial ( VnExpress )

Lan and her family established the Van Thing Phat company in 1992 after Vietnam shifted from a state-run economy to a more market-oriented approach that was open to foreign investors. She started out helping her mother, a Chinese entrepreneur, sell cosmetics in Ho Chi Minh Citys oldest market, according to the state media outlet Tien Phong.

Van Thinh Phat became one of Vietnams richest real estate firms, with projects including luxury residential buildings, offices, hotels and shopping centers. This made her a key player in the countrys financial industry.

Lans first trial shocked many Vietnamese. Analysts said the scale of the scam raised questions about whether other banks or businesses had similarly erred, dampening Vietnams economic outlook and making foreign investors jittery at a time when Vietnam is trying to position itself as the ideal home for businesses trying to diversify supply chains away from China.
Europe has seen a record number of hours this year where electricity prices dropped below zero  a sign of progress in renewable energy generation but also a growing challenge that has lessons for other countries.

A surge in clean energy production, particularly from wind and solar, has created moments where the grid is overwhelmed with more electricity than it can handle, pushing prices into negative territory.

In the first eight months of this year, Europe saw a total of 7,841 hours of negative electricity prices in various countries, according to consultancy ICIS, the longest time so far for negative electricity prices.

Negative prices occur when excess electricity is generated. This means energy suppliers are paying to offload power they cant store or use.

While this might sound like a good deal for consumers, the reality is more complex. Most households do not directly benefit from negative prices, as they pay fixed rates for electricity. Instead, it highlights the growing pains of a system trying to transition to renewable energy without the infrastructure in place to fully support it.

Electricity generation and consumption must match at every point in time, Dr Femke Nijsse, a lecturer in innovation, energy, and climate at the University of Exeter, told The Independent.

With higher shares of variable renewables, its more challenging to get this match.

On days when a strong wind or a bright sun produces excess renewable energy, prices can fall rapidly, especially if demand is low.

However, the grid isnt always prepared to handle this surplus, and storage options remain limited.

Some dispatchable generation like nuclear cannot turn on and off rapidly, Dr Nijsse said, meaning they may have to pay to keep generating electricity even when its not needed.

Flamanville nuclear power plant in northern France ( Getty )

While negative prices reflect the success of Europes clean energy push, they are also an example of a complex economic challenge in the transition process. Renewable energy companies rely on profits from selling power, and persistent negative prices could reduce profitability.

"Over the long term, low or negative prices may reduce the profitability of renewables," Dr Iain Soutar, senior lecturer in energy policy at the university, said.

"We need to ensure that electricity markets support investment in renewables rather than fossil fuels," Dr Soutar said.

Despite these challenges, negative prices can push the energy market towards better solutions, experts say. The situation calls for more flexible technologies such as batteries that can store excess energy and release it when demand rises.

Negative prices are not only a problem, they are also an opportunity," said Dr Nijsse.

Storage solutions, however, have lagged behind the rapid growth of renewable energy. Europes grid wasnt designed to handle such large amounts of variable energy, and this mismatch has made it harder to balance the system.

"Storage solutions, apart from lithium-ion and pumped hydro, are still relatively new, and countries havent always put in place successful support mechanisms, Dr Nijsse said.

Negative electricity prices have been seen in the United States as well. In the UK, the first half of 2024 saw 3.5 times more instances of negative prices compared to last year, with negative prices now averaging close to one hour per day.

Moving forward, the focus must be on building a more flexible grid  one that can manage the ups and downs of renewable energy production without forcing prices into negative territory.

This includes building more interconnectors between countries, improving energy storage capacity, and encouraging innovation in demand-side management, such as shifting electricity use to times when supply is high.

Workers install solar panels on the roof of a house in Rivas Vaciamadrid, Spain ( AP )

Dr Soutar noted that "investment in storage and flexibility will help" balance the grid. Solutions like electric vehicle batteries, heat pumps and smart appliances could help consumers use electricity when its cheapest, potentially absorbing some of the surplus energy that currently pushes prices into the negative.

More countries are moving away from the volatile fossil fuel market towards a green electricity infrastructure. The UK will close down its last coal power plant in October as part of its commitment to net-zero emissions.

Renewables also form a rapidly increasing share of electricity supply in countries like India and China.

Experts say government policies need to focus on expanding storage infrastructure to avoid negative pricing.

The market underinvests in innovation," Dr Nijsse said, calling for policies to replicate the success of wind and solar in making storage technologies more affordable.

This is not something that can be rapidly fixed, though. As renewable energy production continues to rise, experts agree that negative prices are likely to stick around for a while. But in the long run, the right investments in grid infrastructure and innovation could turn these moments from a challenge into an opportunity to optimise the energy system.

Low or negative prices are a feature of low-carbon electricity markets, said Dr Soutar, adding that investment in storage and grid flexibility will be key for the long-term viability of renewables.

Read more on solar panels
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Eric Roberts has shared how his previous drug addiction impacted his relationship with his daughter, Emma Roberts.

The 68-year-old actor spoke candidly about his recovery after years of drug use in his new memoir, Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far. Back in 1991, Eric and his then-partner, Kelly Cunningham, welcomed their first and only daughter together, Emma Roberts. When the former couple broke up, back when Emma was just a baby, Eric lost custody of her, and he addressed the custody battle in his memoir.

Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma, he wrote, as reported by People.

He acknowledged that during the custody battle his sister, Julia Roberts, ultimately supported Cunningham, since Eric was struggling with a cocaine addiction at the time. While Eric didnt detail how Julia sided with his ex in the legal case, he wrote that the Pretty Woman star made the right call.

I imagine I will remain as Julias brother and Emma Roberts dad for the rest of my life, he wrote. Id like to make good on that, to move aside proudly and with grace. Thats part of the reason for writing the book.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Emma for comment.

While Emma has remained private about her relationship with her father, he has previously spoken about her. During an appearance on Steve Kmetkos Still Here Hollywood podcast in July, Eric claimed that he wasnt allowed to publicly speak about his sister or daughter  who recently got engaged to partner Cody John.

open image in gallery Eric Roberts and Emma Roberts ( Getty Images )

I love my sister, but I cant talk about her. She doesnt want to talk about it, he said at the time. And also, my daughters told me also not to talk about her, but I stumble and do. Im not supposed to talk about either of them, but I do.

However, he didnt hesitate to gush about his daughters acting career and everything shes achieved. I am in love with my daughters work these days, like I cant believe how great shes become, he said. Im so proud of her I cant see straight."

Eric shared similar sentiments about Emma during a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, describing how its so much fun for him to see her succeed. And shes never had any training, so shes been on the job training her whole career, and its been lovely for me to watch her become an actor... I love her work, he said.

In his new memoir, Eric also issued a public apology to his sister for a remark he made to Vanity Fair in 2018, which was when he claimed: If it wasnt for me, there would be no Julia Roberts. He also alleged that before Julias success, he was the one who walked into New York talent agency William Morris in 1985 and asked: Which one of you is going to sign my sister Julia?

I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to say, he wrote in the memoir. The pair have had a rocky relationship since becoming estranged in 2005.

Eric  who has been married to wife Eliza Roberts since 1992  went on to discuss how his years-long drug addiction wrecked his relationship with his younger sisters, Julia, Maid in Manhattan actor Lisa Roberts Gillan, and half-sister Nancy Motes, who died in 2014.

I wouldnt be surprised if they suffered from PTSD from when it was dangerous to be around me, he wrote. Lisa and Julia needed love and protection  instead they got fear and uncertainty.

If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here. In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
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Hayden Panettieres representative has spoken out after fans expressed concern about a recent interview she gave.

On Wednesday, September 19, People released their September cover story alongside a video interview posted to the publications Instagram account where Panettiere spoke about her brothers death.

However, many people in the comments section noted that her speech was slurred and her eyes could barely stay open.

Panettiere has been open in the past about her struggles with substance abuse and alcohol addiction.

However, a representative for the actor maintained her sobriety in a statement to Page Six: Speaking about her brother for the first time was very emotional for her  and it had been a long and exhausting day for her. She was not under the influence.

The Independent has reached out to Panettieres representatives for further comment.

Other commenters on Peoples post felt that the interview should be taken down. Can someone please take this video down. Hayden clearly is struggling here. This is exploitation. Remove this video immediately, one person wrote.

This interview should be removed asap!! a second added.

Take this video down please. Have some respect and compassion, a third wrote.

open image in gallery Panettieres team said the actress had, had a long day ( Getty Images )

Please do the respectful thing and delete this, a fourth commenter urged.

The Heroes actor has previously spoken out about her history of addiction to opioids and alcohol, explaining in an interview with People in 2022 that she was only 15 years old when someone first started offering her pills.

They were to make me peppy during interviews, the actress told the outlet. I had no idea that this was not an appropriate thing, or what door that would open for me when it came to my addiction.

Panettiere continued, mentioning that although she couldnt be messy while filming, she continued to consume alcohol and use opioids in her free time.

But things kept getting out of control [off set]. And as I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldnt live without, she said.

The actor became a mother in 2014. She shares daughter Kaya, nine, with former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko. While she remained sober during her pregnancy, she started drinking again after giving birth.

He didnt want to be around me, she said of Klitschko at the time.

I didnt want to be around me. But with the opiates and alcohol, I was doing anything to make me feel happy for a moment. Then Id feel worse than I did before. I was in a cycle of self-destruction.

The turning point for her was when she was admitted to the hospital for jaundice and received news about the state of her liver.

Doctors told me my liver was going to give out, she said. I was no longer a 20-year-old who could just bounce right back.

She entered rehab for eight months which allowed her to get over the hump of her addiction.

Its an everyday choice, and Im checking in with myself all the time, Panettiere said. But Im just so grateful to be part of this world again, and I will never take it for granted again.
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Jeff Bezoss fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, has been sued by her former yoga instructor over the concept of her childrens book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, which was released on September 10.

In a complaint obtained by Page Six, author Alanna Zabel alleges that she came up with the book idea. Zabel, who privately worked with Sanchez from 2007 to 2011, claims that she and the former reporter engaged in oral and written discussions for the book for 16 years.

Zabel reportedly states that in 2002, she created a concept about a cat who flies to Mars, with the childrens book title: Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars. Zabel released her book of that name in March 2023. It is currently available on Amazon for $16.95.

Sanchezs book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, is centered on a fly named Flynn who follows her dream of becoming an astronaut and makes her way to a rocketship. The book is also inspired by Sanchezs experience with dyslexia as a child and her love for flying.

In the complaint, Zabel claims that during those 16 years of communication about her book ideas, she even contacted Bezsos about giving proceeds of sales from the book to Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy.

The actions of defendant constitute intentional infliction of emotional distress as they were extreme and outrageous, carried out with the intent to harm the plaintiff, driven by personal jealousy, Zabel claims. Page Six reports that she filed the document without an attorney.

open image in gallery Zabel accuses Sanchez (pictured) of intentional infliction of emotional distress ( Invision )

The Independent has contacted representatives for Sanchez and Zabel for comment.

In March, Sanchez first announced that she was releasing her childrens book. Im beyond grateful b/c this story holds a piece of my heart. Its a celebration of overcoming challenges, the joy of learning, and dreaming beyond the stars. And Im so thankful to @RaleighStewart for his amazing illustrations, they are pure magic, she wrote on Instagram at the time.

Throughout the press tour for the book, she noted how personal the story was to her. This book is for my eight-year-old self who really felt dumb, she said during an appearance on Good Morning America on September 10. And I did, I sat in the back of the class, I was just quiet, so they kind of pushed me along in public school.

Sanchez later attended community college where a teacher encouraged her to write for the school paper.

Although Sanchez was hesitant at first, she wrote a piece and gave it to her teacher, who helped her realize she had dyslexia.

So this book is for all those little kids out there who feel out of place. They dont think theyre smart enough. But Im here to tell you its going to be OK, she said.
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Mark Zuckerberg revealed his daughter told him she wanted to be like Taylor Swift one day.

The 40-year-old Meta CEO, who shares three daughters with his wife Priscilla Chan, said he was forced to bring his seven-year-old kid back to reality when she told him her life aspiration.

Speaking on the Acquired Podcast, Zuckerberg recounted the interaction he had with his second eldest daughter, August. The Facebook founder was thinking about the advice hed give to anyone looking to start and grow their own business. For him, this topic sparked the memory of August telling him how she wanted to be exactly like her favorite popstar.

One day, my daughter. We took her to a Taylor Swift concert and she was like, You know Dad, I kind of want to be like Taylor Swift when I grow up, Zuckerberg explained during the episode filmed on September 10. I was like, But you cant. Thats not available to you.

She thought about it and shes like, Alright when I grow up I want people to want to be like August Chan Zuckerberg, he told podcast hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal. And I was like, Hell yeah. Hell yeah.

open image in gallery Mark Zuckerberg admits he told his daughter she cant be like Taylor Swift ( Getty )

Zuckerberg has been a fan of Swift for some time now. He even accompanied his daughters  Maxima, eight, August, and Aurelia, 17 months  to the Grammy winners Eras Tour concert in California last July.

Like the rest of Swifts screaming fans, Zuckerberg arrived bedazzled and decked out in friendship bracelets, capturing the night dancing with his children alongside Chan, his wife of 12 years.

The multi-billionaire tied the knot with the 39-year-old philanthropist in 2012. The duo met during their years at Harvard University together. In 2003, Zuckerberg and Chan were standing in line for the bathroom at a party for the media moguls fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi.

At the time, Zuckerberg had just been caught for launching Facemash, the online site that ranked students on campus by their level of attraction. Thinking he was going to get kicked out of school, Zuckerberg opened with a line that would make it impossible for Chan to say no to.

He told her: Im going to get kicked out in three days, so we need to go on a date quickly. Zuckerberg admitted this fact during his 2017 commencement speech at Harvard.

Though Zuckerberg wasnt exactly praised for the creation of Facemash, he considers it to be the reason why hes with his wife. In the commencement address, he noted: Shes the most important person in my life, so you could say it was the most important thing I built in my time here.
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Martha Stewart has revealed why she and her longtime friend Ina Garten lost touch when she went to prison.

In October 2004, the 83-year-old recipe wiz was sent to a minimum-security prison in Alderson, West Virginia, after being found guilty of obstruction, conspiracy, and lying to federal investigators. During her five-month sentence in the correctional facility, Stewarts bond with the Barefoot Contessa creator, which had formed many years prior, fizzled out.

Speaking to The New Yorker for a September 2 article, Stewart opened up about her time behind bars and the impact it had on her relationship with Garten.

When I was sent off to Alderson Prison, she stopped talking to me, the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder said. I found that extremely distressing and extremely unfriendly.

That said, Stewart isnt holding a grudge against Garten. Her publicist told the magazine there is no feud between the two food connoisseurs, and Martha isnt bitter about that time.

open image in gallery Martha Stewart claims Ina Garten stopped talking to her when she was in prison ( Getty )

However, according to Garten, Stewarts version of what happened isnt entirely true. The 76-year-old Food Network host told The New Yorker that she and Stewart grew apart due to distance. According to Gartens memory, Stewart stopped spending time in the Hamptons to stay at her upstate escape in Bedford, New York.

The Independent has contacted Gartens representatives for further comment.

Stewart and Garten first crossed paths in Gartens gourmet food shop in East Hampton. The two then worked together catering events at Stewarts house. A 2017 Time article states that Stewart played a hand in catalyzing Gartens career, introducing her to an editor while she was writing the proposal for her first cookbook. After that, the two remained close friends for years.

In the Time interview, Garten praised Stewart for her influence and celebrated brand. I think she did something really important, which is that she took something that wasnt valued, which is home arts, and raised it to a level that people were proud to do it and that completely changed the landscape, Garten remarked.

I then took it in my own direction, which is that Im not a trained professional chef, cooking is really heard for me  here I am 40 years in the food business, its still hard for me, she added. Now, Garten has just published her first memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. In her book, she takes readers through her life, detailing intimate aspects of her relationships and her marriage to Jeffrey.

When Stewart was released from prison, she was sent back to Bedford to spend five months on house arrest. Before heading up to her home, the candid cook published a statement on her website the same day she was released.

The experience of the last five months in Alderson, West Virginia, has been life-altering and life-affirming, she wrote. Someday, I hope to have the chance to talk more about all that has happened, the extraordinary people I have met here, and all that I have learned.

Right now, as you can imagine, I am thrilled to be returning to my more familiar life, Stewart continued. My heart is filled with joy at the prospect of the warm embraces of my family, friends, and colleagues. Certainly, there is no place like home.
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Health authorities have struggled to contain outbreaks of mpox in Congo, a huge central African country where a myriad of existing problems makes stemming the spread particularly hard.

Last month, the World Health Organization declared the outbreaks in Congo and about a dozen other African countries a global health emergency. And in Congo, scientists have identified a new strain of mpox that may spread more easily. It has reached areas where conflict and the displacement of a large number of people have already put health services under pressure.

Overall, Congo has more than 21,000 of the 25,093 confirmed and suspected mpox cases in Africa this year, according to WHO's most recent count.

Has Congo seen cases of mpox before?

Yes, Congo is one of the African countries where mpox has been endemic for decades.

Mpox, once known as monkeypox, comes from the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms such as fever. People with more serious cases can develop skin lesions. More than 720 people in Africa have died in the latest outbreaks, mostly in Congo.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to humans from infected animals. In the global mpox outbreak of 2022, the virus spread between people primarily through sex and close physical contact.

What changed in Congo?

In September 2023, mpox spread to Congo's eastern province of South Kivu; it had previously been seen in the center and far west. Scientists then identified a new form of mpox in South Kivu that may be more infectious.

The WHO said that from the outbreak in South Kivu, the virus spread among people elsewhere in the country, arriving in neighboring province North Kivu. Those two provinces  some 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) from the capital, Kinshasa  face escalating violence, a humanitarian crisis and other issues.

What are the problems in eastern Congo?

More than 120 armed groups have been fighting each other and the Congolese army for years in the eastern part of the country over the control of minerals. That has forced millions of people fleeing violence into refugee camps or nearby towns.

That means mpox is hitting already-stretched health facilities. Dr. Musole Mulambamunva Robert, medical director of the Kavumu hospital in eastern Congo, said it is truly a challenge  sometimes treating as many as four times the facility's capacity for patients.

With more than 6 million displaced people in the east, authorities and aid agencies were already struggling to provide food and healthcare, while fighting other diseases such as cholera. Many people have no access to soap, clean water or other basics.

Some eastern Congo communities are out of reach of health clinics  roads are unreliable, and hourslong risky boat trips are sometimes the only means of transport, said Mercy Muthee Lake of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.

People can be more susceptible to severe mpox cases because of malnutrition and undiagnosed HIV, she said.

She also said health workers in eastern Congo have requested more mpox training as medications to treat fever and ease pain run out.

Health authorities "are up against it because its such a complex area, said Chris Beyrer, of Duke Universitys Global Health Institute.

What about vaccines?

Africa has no capacity to produce mpox vaccines. Around 250,000 doses have arrived in Congo from the European Union and the United States, and more are expected. Congolese authorities say they need around 3 million vaccines. It will likely be weeks before any vaccines reach people in eastern Congo.

For now, the vaccine is approved only for adults. There's limited evidence of how it works in children.

Vaccines are desperately needed, but they're just an additional tool, said Emmanuel Lampaert, the Congo representative for Doctors Without Borders. The key, Lampaert said, is still identifying cases, isolating patients, and executing grassroots health and education campaigns.

Local conditions make that trying  Lampaert noted it's almost impossible to isolate cases among poor, displaced people.

Families with six to eight children are living in a hut, which is maybe the space of the bed we are sleeping in, he said. So, this is the reality.

Why are critics blasting the mpox response?

Unlike the millions of dollars that poured into Congo for Ebola and COVID aid, the response to mpox has been sluggish, many critics say.

Health experts say the sharp contrast is due to a lack of both funds and international interest.

Ebola is the most dangerous virus in the world, and COVID wiped out the world economy, said professor Ali Bulabula, who works on infectious diseases in the medical department at Congos University of Kindu. While mpox is a public health emergency of international concern, there is a lack of in-depth research and interest in the virus, as its still seen as a tropical disease, localized to Africa with no major impact on Western economies.

___

Asadu reported from Abuja, Nigeria, and Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa. AP reporter Sam Mednick contributed from Kamituga, Congo.

___

For more news on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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The oldest known tombstone in the US belonged to an English knight and likely came from Belgium, according to a new study that sheds more light on trade routes linked to colonial America.

Archeologists have known the tombstone belonged to a knight and was set up in 1627 in Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. But it was unclear where exactly in Europe the slab made of black limestone came from.

The new study, published recently in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, assessed the carvings and inlays of the tombstone to trace its origins.

Scientists found that it had a carved depression that once likely held brass inlays of a shield, an unfurled scroll, and a depiction of an armoured man.

Scientists find oldest tombstone in America likely originated in Belgium ( International Journal of Historical Archaeology )

Historical records indicate that two knights died in Jamestown during the 17th century  Sir Thomas West, in 1618, and Sir George Yeardley.

Sir Yeardleys step-grandson ordered a tombstone for himself in the 1680s with the same inscription as the black limestone one.

This led researchers to suspect that the 1627 tombstone belonged to Sir George Yeardley.

Archaeologists uncover 'unique' clearance trench at Waterloo battlefield site

Sir Yeardley was born in Southwark, England, in 1588 and arrived at Jamestown in 1610 after surviving a shipwreck near Bermuda.

King James I knighted him when he went back to England in 1617. He returned to Jamestown in 1621 and died there in 1627.

Scientists analysed fragments of the tombstone and found tiny fossil microbes, many of which did not co-occur in North America. The microbe fossils, researchers said, co-occurred in what is now Belgium and Ireland.

They further narrowed down the tombstones source to Belgium, which was known at the time as the most common source of this type of limestone rock.

Therefore, the knights tombstone had to be imported from Europe. Historical evidence suggests Belgium, from where it was transshipped in London and on to Jamestown, scientists wrote.

We hypothesise it was quarried and cut to size in Belgium, shipped down the Meuse River, across the English Channel to London where it was carved and the brass inlays installed, and finally shipped on to Jamestown.

Jamestown archaeological site in Virginia ( Marcus Key et al International Journal of Historical Archaeology )

The findings point to the extent of trade networks connecting Europe and Jamestown during colonial times.

These jet-black stones were the most in-demand and expensive in Europe at the time, according to the study.

Successful Virginia colonists who had lived in London would have been familiar with the latest English fashions and tried to replicate these in the colonies, researchers said.

The findings highlight the effort some colonists were willing to put in to commemorate themselves even during some of the harshest periods in the history of early American colonies.
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Scientists have stored the full human genome on a 5D memory crystal which they hope could provide a blueprint to bring humanity back from extinction thousands, if not millions, of years in the future.

The team from the University of Southamptons Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) also said the revolutionary data storage format that can survive for billions of years can be used to record the genomes of endangered plant and animal species that are faced with extinction.

A university spokesman explained that unlike other data storage formats that degrade over time, 5D memory crystals can store up to 360 terabytes of information (in the largest size) without loss for billions of years, even at high temperatures.

It was awarded the Guinness World Record for the most durable data storage material in 2014.

The visual key inscribed on the crystal gives the finder knowledge of what data is stored inside and how it could be used Prof Peter Kazansky

The spokesman said: The crystal is equivalent to fused quartz, one of the most chemically and thermally durable materials on Earth.

It can withstand the high and low extremes of freezing, fire and temperatures of up to 1,000C. The crystal can also withstand direct impact force of up to 10 ton per cm2 and is unchanged by long exposure to cosmic radiation.

The team at Southampton, led by Professor Peter Kazansky, used ultra-fast lasers to precisely inscribe data into nano-structured voids orientated within silica  with feature sizes as small as 20 nanometres.

The spokesman said: Unlike marking only on the surface of a 2D piece of paper or magnetic tape, this method of encoding uses two optical dimensions and three spatial co-ordinates to write throughout the material  hence the 5D in its name.

Prof Kazansky said that although it is not currently possible to synthetically create humans, plants and animals using genetic information alone, the longevity of the 5D crystal meant the information would be available if these advances were ever made.

He pointed to the creation of a synthetic bacterium by Dr Craig Venters team in 2010.

Prof Kazansky said: We know from the work of others that genetic material of simple organisms can be synthesised and used in an existing cell to create a viable living specimen in a lab.

The 5D memory crystal opens up possibilities for other researchers to build an everlasting repository of genomic information from which complex organisms like plants and animals might be restored should science in the future allow.

The crystal has been stored in the Memory of Mankind archive  a special time capsule within a salt cave in Hallstatt, Austria.

The university spokesman added: When designing the crystal, the team considered if the data held within it might be retrieved by an intelligence (species or machine) which comes after us in the distant future. Indeed, it might be found so far into the future that no frame of reference exists.

The key shows the universal elements (hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen); the four bases of the DNA molecule (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine) with their molecular structure; their placement in the double helix structure of DNA; and how genes position into a chromosome, which can then be inserted into a cell.

Prof Kazansky explained: The visual key inscribed on the crystal gives the finder knowledge of what data is stored inside and how it could be used.
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Two emergency medical technicians just stood around for minutes, providing no medical aid to a seriously injured Tyre Nichols who was slumped on the ground after being kicked and punched by five Memphis police officers, according to video shown Thursday at the trial of three of the officers charged in the fatal beating.

The video from officers body-worn cameras shows EMTs Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge standing and walking near Nichols while he sits then rolls onto his left side on the ground.

After about five minutes, the EMTs approach Nichols. Long says: Hey man. Hey. Talk to me. Nichols does not respond.

Former officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith are charged with acting with deliberate indifference while Nichols was on the ground, struggling with his injuries. An indictment says the former officers willfully disregarded Nichols medical needs by failing to give him medical care, and not telling a police dispatcher and emergency medical personnel that Nichols had been hit repeatedly. They are also charged with using excessive force and witness tampering. They have pleaded not guilty.

Video shows the officers milling about and talking as Nichols struggles with his injuries. Smiths defense attorney played the video in an effort to show the fire department personnel also failed to help.

Long and Sandridge were fired for violating fire department policies in Nichols' death but they have not been criminally charged.

Nichols finally received medical care when paramedic Jesse Guy and his partner arrived at the scene. In the meantime, officers who beat Nichols can be heard on the video talking among themselves.

Nichols, who was Black, was pepper sprayed and hit with a stun gun during a traffic stop, but ran away, police video shows. The five former officers, who also are Black, then beat him about a block from his home, as he called out for his mother.

Nichols died Jan. 10, 2023, three days after the beating.

The Memphis Police Department fired the three officers, along with Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., and all five were indicted on the federal charges. Martin and Mills have taken plea deals.

The Associated Press analyzed what the officers claimed happened on the night of the beating compared to video of the incident. The AP sifted through hundreds of pages of evidence and hours of video from the scene, including officer body cameras.

Guy testified Wednesday that he was working as a paramedic for the Memphis Fire Department the night of the beating. He arrived at the scene after Long and Sandridge.

He found Nichols injured, unresponsive and on the ground. Nichols had no pulse and was not breathing, and it felt like he was lifeless, Guy said.

Guy said Long and Sandridge did not say if they had checked Nichols pulse and heart rate, and they did not report if they had given him oxygen. When asked by one of Beans lawyers whether that information would have been helpful in treating Nichols, Guy said yes.

In the ambulance, Guy performed CPR and provided mechanical ventilation, and Nichols had a pulse by the time he arrived at the hospital, the paramedic said.

An autopsy report shows Nichols  the father of a boy who is now 7  died from blows to the head. The report describes brain injuries, and cuts and bruises on his head and elsewhere on his body.

The five officers also have been charged with second-degree murder in state court, where they pleaded not guilty. Mills and Martin are expected to change their pleas. A trial date in state court has not been set.
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A woman has been charged with the murder of a compassionate man as his grieving family said their lives will never be the same again.

Alfred James Corbett, 34, was found suffering serious injuries at a property in Coventry on Tuesday.

Laura Shanley, 35, was arrested on Wednesday and remanded to appear before magistrates in Coventry on Thursday.

Laura Shanley was arrested in Edmund Road, Coventry (file photo) ( Google Maps )

West Midlands Police are still appealing for witnesses and any information surrounding the killing of Mr Corbett, known as Jamie to his friends.

Mr Corbetts family released a tribute to him, saying: Jamie, a wonderful and caring soul, was 34-years-old and lived and worked in Coventry.

He was a loyal, compassionate, loving person whose life was taken too soon. His loss is felt so deeply by all who knew him.

His family are left devastated by his tragic passing and know life will never be the same again.The family request privacy at this difficult time as we try to come to terms with what has happened.

One relative said on Facebook: My little cousin, how everyone will miss you so much I love you Jay, sleep tight.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: We are continuing to ask the public for any information which could help our investigation.

Contact us via 101 or Live Chat quoting log 357 of 17 September.
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A cruel former doctor used a rusty medical instrument to carry out circumcisions on young boys and failed to give them sufficient pain relief, a court has heard.

Mohammad Siddiqui, 58, is accused of failing to properly sterilise his medical toolkit, with police finding a number of medical items in his car, including one with a hook and serrated wheel showing signs of rust and skin on it

Southwark Crown Court heard that he was a practising doctor when he started visiting homes by appointment to carry out circumcisions within the Muslim community.

He was suspended and later struck off by the General Medical Council (GMC), but continued to carry out circumcisions anyway, with one boy left needing to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

Siddiqui, from Birmingham, carried out his procedures as quickly as possible to maximise profits, prosecutor Ben Douglas-Jones KC said.

He cut corners and caused unnecessary pain, suffering, cruelty and risk.

The former doctor is currently on trial at Southwark Crown Court (PA) ( PA Archive )

Police also found a circumcision immobiliser in the back of his Toyota car, a device used to hold children in place during circumcisions and considered unacceptable in NHS practice.

Subsequent testing revealed many of Siddiquis instruments had not been properly sterilised, Mr Douglas-Jones said.

Siddiqui used anaesthetic cream on some of his patients but often began procedures just a few minutes after administering it, jurors were told.

A boy who was 15 when he was circumcised by Siddiqui was left with a lot of bleeding and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance for surgery, the court heard.

In a pre-recorded police interview played to the court, the boy, who cannot be named, said the bleeding started about 20-30 minutes after the former doctor had left his home.

The boys mother tried to call Siddiqui for help, but he wouldnt pick up, the court heard.

Siddiqui was booked to circumcise the boy as well as his younger brothers, then aged six and three, for religious reasons, jurors heard.

He arrived with medical equipment and sheets, and carried out the procedures on a table after applying an anaesthetic cream, the court heard.

The boy told officers Siddiqui had charged about 150 to 200 to circumcise his brothers, and 300 plus for him because he was older.

The children were advised by Siddiqui to use Vaseline if they were sore after, the court heard.

The boy, who was left needing stitches, said: I trusted that he was a proper doctor, so I didnt have any worries.

When interviewed by police in 2019, Siddiqui, who specialised in circumcisions when he was a practising doctor, said he had carried out 1,200 to 1,500 such procedures since 2012, the court heard.

He told police it was sometimes difficult to know if anaesthetic cream was working because babies might cry for a number of reasons.

Siddiqui, who is representing himself, asked the judge if he could address the jury after Mr Douglas-Jones had finished delivering his opening.

Judge Noel Lucas KC told the former doctor he had no right to do so at this time before jurors were asked to leave the courtroom.

Siddiqui carried his laptop and document bundles in a carboard box to bring them in and out of the courtroom, and was accompanied by a prison guard.

He denies 39 charges including 17 counts of actual bodily harm, 14 of child cruelty and eight of administering a prescription-only medicine between 2014 and 2019.

The charges relate to 23 incidents against as many complainants.

The trial continues.
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More than 20 women have accused former Harrods boss Mohamed al-Fayed of sexual assault, including rape.

The female ex-employees alleged they were sexually assaulted by the billionaire while they were working at the luxury department store in London, with five of them claiming they were raped by him.

One woman who said Fayed raped her at his apartment on Park Lane when she was a teenager branded him a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever, describing the staff at Harrods as his playthings. She said: We were all so scared. He actively cultivated fear. If he said jump, employees would ask how high?.

The BBCs documentary and podcast Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods gathered evidence from the more than 20 women against Fayed, who died last year aged 94, with incidents said to have happened in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.

The broadcaster has alleged Harrods failed to intervene and even helped to cover up the abuse accusations.

The department stores current owners sincerely apologised, saying they are utterly appalled by the allegations and that Fayeds alleged victims had been failed.

The spiders web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark, said barrister Bruce Drummond, who works for a firm representing a number of the women.

Fayed faced accusations of sexual assault when he was alive but the BBC report includes fresh allegations and more alleged victims.

In a statement, the department store said: We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed al-Fayed. These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms. We also acknowledge that during this time as a business, we failed our employees who were his victims and for this, we sincerely apologise.

The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by al-Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do. This is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by al-Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved. This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.
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Tributes have flooded in for a kind and calm doctor killed on a morning cycle who had previously treated thousands of patients.

Cardiologist Dr Robert Sapsford, 59, was hit by a van as he cycled along the Great North Road dual carriageway in Castleford, in West Yorkshire, at around 6.30am on Monday. He died at the scene.

A 29-year-old driver of a white Ford Transit van was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Dr Robert Sapsford was killed on a morning cycle along the Great North Road in Castleford ( Google Maps )

Dr Sapsfords family have asked for their privacy following the tragedy.

A Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson said Dr Sapsford had worked for the trust for 30 years, adding he will be keenly missed.

They said in a statement: Over his career he touched the lives of thousands; not just his very many patients who loved him, but also countless colleagues and generations of young doctors.

Rob was a truly remarkable physician. His knowledge and commitment to his speciality was unequalled, becoming the go-to source of advice for even the rarest clinical conditions.

Rob will be remembered for all of these things, but also for his love of coffee, biscuits and chocolate tiffin  which he would always share.

Dr Magnus Harrison, chief medical officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, added: It is with immense sadness we share the news of Dr Robert Sapsfords sudden and unexpected death.

Rob has been such an important part of our team at Leeds for nearly 30 years, and his loss will be felt throughout his team and the wider organisation.

We will remember Rob for his kindness, his calm manner and his immense dedication to his patients.

Our thoughts are with Robs wife, his children, family and friends, and our colleagues who have enjoyed working with him for very many years.
 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 former paratrooper used his skills to survive the gruelling Scottish Highlands for seven days after going missing searching for Britains most remote pub.

Paul Conway, 67, embarked on a solo mission for the free pint on offer to those brave enough to trek through the craggy terrain towards the Old Forge pub in a secluded peninsula of Invernie within the region of Lochaber.

After failing to sign in on the second checkpoint on the 30-mile hike over 3,000-foot peaks, his family sounded the alarm.

Pauls son Chris Conway put out a heartfelt plea on Facebook asking his fathers former paratrooper buddies to help find him dead or alive.

He said: My dad was due to walk from Glenfinnan viaduct to Inverie for a free pint in The Forge, which is the most remote pub in the UK.

The dafty is 67 but still thinks he is 21 and can do anything. Which he cant.

Dozens of volunteers answered the call to find the retired policeman joining the search alongside mountain rescue dogs and Police Scotland.

The area where Mr Conway was found ( Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team )

In a heartwarming update, Chris said he was found halfway through the trek to the south of Loch Morar. He posted: On behalf of the whole family I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in searches for our father over the past few days.

He is in good health and good spirits after this experience and again I would like to thank everyone who has helped find him and bring him to safety.

His daughter Claire said on Facebook: Well where to start? Weve had the worst week ever, not much sleep, full of worry and thinking of the worst situations imaginable.

But amazingly our dad was found and then taken to hospital to be checked over.

Weve had messages from people we dont even know, including dads ex-army and police mates.

Thanks to all of the Police, Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team , Search & Rescue Dog Association (Scotland), RAF Lossiemouth MRT, Police Scotland MRT, Royal Air Force, all the volunteers and the 4 rescue dogs Mac, Pippa, Rona and Alfie.

Police Scotland said he was taken to hospital as a precaution given the extensive time spent outdoors but was otherwise uninjured.

William ONeill manager of the Old Forge pub, told The Independent: I was so relieved to hear he was found we were so worried.

We launched the search when his son phoned us asking if he had arrived. We had posters up everywhere. Its quite amazing anyone survived that but his military background obviously helped him.

Hes had quite a strongman test- its a gruelling walk with lots of weirs and peaks.

We will welcome him with open arms and a free pint if he comes in safely next time - as we would anyone. We like to think our pub is worth the trip.

Inspector Ross McCartney from the Fort William police station said: We are delighted that Paul has been found and reunited safe and well with his family. This was a challenging and protracted search involving a number of partner agencies and specialist police resources.

Iain Murray, leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, called it a brilliant result for him and for all the many people who looked for him.

He added: It is also a tribute to Pauls survival skills for he had faced some challenging weather to say the least - as did the people who searched for him.
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Lie-ins and three-day weekends every two weeks have been offered to teachers in England as some schools seek to address the recruitment and retention crisis.

Schools have been forced to take on new ways to make the teaching profession more attractive as teachers highlight the lack of flexibility in the industry.

The government wants teachers to have the option to do planning at home to improve their work-life balance, as part of its push to recruit 6,500 new teachers.

But it has been warned that far stronger measures are needed for the sector to catch up with other professions in terms of flexibility and pay.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is leading plans to recruit 6,500 new teachers ( PA Wire )

Charity Teach First has now called for flexibility entitlements, to allow short secondments away from school and unpaid career breaks to allow teachers to work in other sectors.

Schools around the country have taken on parts of the initiative to create a more inviting environment for prospective teachers, the Guardian reported.

Dixons Academies Trust has introduced a nine-day fortnight for their teachers across 16 schools and one college. It means teachers get an extra day off every two weeks.

The trusts lead, Luke Sparkes, said one of the ultimate goals is to try and improve outcomes for children as well as to tackle the retention crisis. Sparkes emphasised that the policy creates no detriment to families or children.

All Saints Catholic College, a state secondary school in west London, is offering a double period off one morning each week, allowing teachers to come into school at 10:30am.

Head teacher Andrew ONeill told the Guardian that the school wants to treat teachers like elite athletes to ensure they are sufficiently cared for.

The Teach First report finds that 42 per cent of 18-24-year-olds see teaching as a stressful job, 36 per cent regard it as poorly paid, and 32 per cent believe the sector is inadequately funded.

But the survey of 3,000 young adults also found that 73 per cent see teaching as a job with purpose.

The polling showed that 61 per cent would consider working as a teacher in future.

Teach First CEO Russell Hobby said: Recruitment is falling, and many teachers are turning to industrial action, or leaving the profession, due to concerns over pay and conditions.

The Governments pledge to recruit 6,500 more teachers is a welcome step in the right direction. But given the scale of the challenge, action to realise this must begin now.

The untapped potential of our young people is vast; failing to invest in their education could cost the UK economy around 38 billion.

Last year the UK saw a net increase of just 480 teachers, with 44,002 joining in the year to November 2023 while 43,522 teachers left, according to data published by the Department for Education.

Mr Hobby hopes their proposal will help set a fresh agenda for the new government, one which makes teaching a top choice for graduates, offers competitive benefits, and rewards expertise fairly.
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Young women and teenagers are paying out for taxis due to fears they will be harassed if they walk home or use public transport, according to new research.

The study, by Plan International UK, warns they are effectively facing a safety tax as it revealed around six in 10 young women take cabs home at least once a month due to anxiety about taking another route, especially at night.

Researchers at the global children and girls rights charity found young women aged between 14 and 21 are spending an average of 44 per month on taxis  or 528 a year  while 16 per cent reported paying more than 900 per year.

Jennifer, who did not provide her surname, told The Independent she uses taxis frequently when she is at home in London or at university.

I spend 100 to 150 a month on cabs, the 20-year-old added. I generally take cabs after it gets dark. I have had quite a lot of bad experiences with harassment at university or in London.

One 20-year-old says she spends 100-150 a month on cabs to avoid potential harassment ( Getty/iStock )

She voiced frustration at feeling like she has to pay to be driven home, explaining she endured a lot more harassment on the street as a young teenager than she does now.

When I was with my mum at 13 or 14, we were walking hand in hand doing shopping and I had verbal harassment, unwanted comments or jokes men made, and whistling, Jennifer said.

They would comment on my breasts. Or ask why are you wearing that?, Why are you not smiling? They were quite a lot older.

The report found around three-quarters of the 1,000 young women polled admitted to sometimes or always choosing a lengthier route home in a bid to feel safe  with one in five lengthening their journey by more than 30 minutes each week.

Rose Caldwell, chief executive of Plan International UK, said: Our survey highlights the enormous toll that sexual harassment and fear of violence is having on women and girls in the UK, forcing them to sacrifice time and money just to feel safer on their way home.

We welcome the governments ambitious pledge to halve violence against women and girls, but achieving this in the next 10 years will require tackling the issue across all parts of society.

I spend 100 to 150 a month on cabs. I generally take cabs after it gets dark. I have had quite a lot of bad experiences with harassment at university or in London. Jennifer

She called for ministers to roll out the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 and effectively promote the legislation so everyone in society knows harassment is unacceptable.

Ms Caldwell added: Alongside this, it is vital that we tackle misogyny early in our schools. Women and girls deserve no less.

Researchers found almost six in 10 young women and girls talk to someone on the phone to feel safer when walking in public spaces, while around a third hold their keys in their hands, and a third wear only one earphone.

Almost half said they avoid making eye contact with anyone they encounter, and a quarter wear shoes they can easily run in, such as swapping heels for trainers. Almost half share their location with friends or family.

Serena, a 17-year-old from Buckinghamshire, said: Its frustrating having to always turn my music down or not wear earphones at night  sacrifices I know lots of girls make just to feel safe.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Through our unprecedented mission to halve the level of violence against women and girls within the next decade, we will overhaul every aspect of societys response to these appalling crimes.

This begins with improving policing and the criminal justice system, relentlessly pursuing dangerous offenders and providing sustained support for victims.
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Sir Keir Starmer insists that he is in complete control of his government as he heads to his party conference on Sunday mired in controversy over the salary of his chief of staff and the acceptance of luxury gifts by himself and his wife.

The PM gave a round of interviews on Thursday with regional broadcasters ahead of the Labour Party conference in Liverpool with questions over his decision to accept more than 100,000 in gifts, the role of Sue Gray and a continued row about the cutting of winter fuel payments to pensioners.

Pay rise conflicts: Sue Gray and Keir Starmer ( PA/Getty )

Concerns over the power of Ms Gray in government were raised again this week when it was revealed she is paid more as chief of staff than the prime minister.

On Wednesday, the BBC revealed it had been told that Ms Gray asked for and was given a salary of 170,000 after Julys election, about 3,000 more than Sir Keir.

Starmer sidestepped many of the tough questions, blaming the previous government ( PA )

Already there had been surprise over her influence in making appointments to senior jobs and her presence on his trip to Washington DC last week to discuss the war in Ukraine and Middle East with Joe Biden.

Pressed on Ms Grays pay by BBC South Easts political editor Charlotte Wright, the prime minister said he was not going to get into discussions about individual salaries.

But when he was asked about the anonymous briefings and whether he was in control of his team, he said: Im completely in control. Im focused and every day the message from me to the team is exactly the same, which is we have to deliver.

The prime minister was also questioned over Arsenals gift of a private box, worth more than 8,000 a match, for him to watch home games. Sir Keir described the move as common sense because for security reasons he is no longer able to use his season tickets in the stands.

Asked by BBC Yorkshires political editor James Vincent how relatable it was for him to get access to a corporate area, he said: Since Ive been prime minister the security advice is dont go in the stands, not least because itll cost a fortune to the taxpayer in security police officers if you choose to go in the stands.

He continued: Ive taken that advice, Ive been offered a ticket somewhere else. Frankly Id rather be in the stands but Im not going to ask the taxpayer to indulge me to be in the stands when I could go and sit somewhere else where the club and the security say its safer for me to be. That is for me a common sense situation.

Im a life-long Arsenal fan. Ive been going for years and years and years and its a real passion of mine and I can go with my boy.

Gray, a former civil servant, earns significantly more than the PM ( PA )

But following the row over a donation by Labour peer Waheed Alli for his wife Victoria to buy 5,000 of dresses, the PM appeared to sidestep questions over whether he bought his own suits.

Lord Alli, who has made a number of other donations, was given a temporary security pass to Downing Street after the election and has been allowed to attend cabinet meetings.

Sir Keir was asked by the BBC Northern Irelands political editor Enda McCafferty: Why don't you buy your own suits? Some people are asking out there, why the does the prime minister need to get his wardrobe sponsored?

He responded: The important thing in all of this is that we follow the rules, which is really important to me and make the declarations so that everything is transparent. I'm utterly focussed day in day out actually on how we make the economy work for everyone, how do we get the health service in the place that we need it.

Asked by BBC Wests David Garmston if mud is being thrown over donations and freebies, the prime minister batted back: I want to tell you what my focus is because were now 11 weeks or so into the new government.

Sir Keir was also interrogated over his decision to cut winter fuel payments to pensioners but continued to blame the 22bn black hole in the finances he says the Tories left behind.
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Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of handing gold-plated pensions to his top team while pensioners across the UK brace for the consequences of a cut to winter fuel payments.

On Wednesday, it emerged that Sue Gray was awarded a salary of 170,000, around 3,000 more than the prime minister and more than any cabinet minister or her Conservative predecessor.

The Conservative Party claimed Sir Keir had snatched away support for the vulnerable, while handing large pensions to his senior officials.

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of handling gold plated pensions to his top team

Its one rule for Labour and their trade union paymasters, another for everyone else, a Tory party spokesperson said. No wonder Labour has shown no restraint in axing winter fuel payments for suffering pensioners, as Keir Starmer and his top apparatchik have gold-plated pensions at taxpayers expense.

Starmer must come clean on how much taxpayers are being billed for Labours pensions, while he snatches away support for the vulnerable.

In July, Rachel Reeves announced that older people not in receipt of pension credits or other means-tested benefits will no longer receive winter fuel payments from this year onwards - a change that will impact around 10 million pensioners across the UK.

On Wednesday, it emerged that Sue Gray was awarded a salary of 170,000 ( PA Archive )

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said ministers have no political input in the pay of their advisers.

He said there was a long-standing process for determining earnings for aides and dismissed suggestions that the prime minister had personally intervened to increase Ms Grays pay.

Mr Reynolds told Sky News: I think its important people understand that the pay bands for any official, any adviser, are not set by politicians. Theres an official process that does that.

Ms Gray herself had no involvement in any decision on her pay, a government spokesperson said.

But suggesting Ms Gray had asked for the higher salary, one source told the BBC: It was suggested that she might want to go for a few thousand pounds less than the prime minister to avoid this very story. She declined. But a government spokesperson said the allegation is categorically untrue.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson told The Independent: It is false to suggest that political appointees have made any decisions on their own pay bands or determining their own pay. Any decision on special-adviser pay is made by officials, not political appointees.
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Nigel Farage is at the centre of a row after he claimed security concerns had prevented him from holding surgeries in his Essex constituency.

Before he was elected to Westminster, the Reform UK leader famously asked: Do I want to be an MP? Do I want to spend every Friday for the next five years in Clacton?

Now he has said he was told not to hold the face-to-face meetings with voters, traditionally held on the last day of the week, for safety reasons.

But parliaments security services have disputed the suggestion he was given that advice, which would interfere with his democratic duties as an MP.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farages claim that he was told not to hold constituency surgeries in person has been disputed ( PA )

The row erupted after the ex-Ukip leader was asked during a phone-in on LBC whether he had held any surgeries in his seat.

Mr Farage replied not yet, but that he would when parliament allows me.

On whether he had been advised for his own security not to hold the meetings with voters, he said: I would have thought that would make sense, wouldnt you?

The guidance had come from the speakers office, and beneath the speakers office there is a security team who give advice and say you should do some things and not do others, he added.

So were not in a fit state to do the old-style surgeries, but do you know what, if youve got something to say to me as a Clacton resident, zoom is not the end of the world, Mr Farage added.

He also suggested that he was at risk of being killed, when pressed on his activity in his constituency.

"Do I have an office in Clacton? Yes. Am I allowing the public to flow through the door with their knives in their pockets? No, no Im not," he said.

Clacton-on-Sea in Essex ( Getty )

Asked why residents would want to arrive with knives, he said: Well they did in Southend. They murdered David Amess, and he was a far less controversial figure than me.

Conservative MP Amess was fatally stabbed during a surgery in his Southend constituency in October 2021 by an Isis-supporting terrorist.

Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: As a constituency MP in Chorley, I hold regular surgeries myself with constituents - and whenever a Member asks for my advice on this matter, I always say that if you are going to hold constituency surgeries, make sure you take advice from the Parliamentary Security Department  and do so safely.

It is not the first time Mr Farage has been accused of neglecting his role as an MP. He was criticised for travelling to the US, where he endorsed Donald Trumps presidential campaign, following the 4 July election.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: The ability for MPs to perform their parliamentary duties safely, both on and off the estate, is fundamental to our democracy.

The Parliamentary Security Department, working closely with the police, offer all MPs a range of security measures for those with offices or surgeries in their constituencies  helping to ensure a safe working environment.

We do not comment on individual MPs security arrangements or advice because we would not wish to compromise the safety of MPs, parliamentary staff or members of the public, but these are kept under continuous review.

A spokesperson for Mr Farage said: Nigel has been advised against holding in-person surgeries by the Parliamentary Security Department and the Home Office until physical measures have been put in place that ensure the safety of him, his staff and the general public.
Reform UK opens its annual conference in Birmingham sporting its first elected members of parliament, a much-expanded membership, and plenty of enthusiasm. Its leader, Nigel Farage, who has been knocking around at the top of politics for longer than all his many rivals combined, has made it into the Commons, on his eighth attempt. He has pledged to spearhead the real opposition to the Labour government...

Whats the mood?

Pretty upbeat. Theyve broken into the British parliament at last, and are, as they put it, relishing being foxes in the hen house. The rebellious vibe worked well for Farage and the gang in the European parliament, but the Commons is different, and so far none of Reforms new MPs  Farage (Clacton), Richard Tice (Boston and Skegness), Lee Anderson (Ashfield), Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth) and James McMurdock (South Basildon and East Thurrock)  has made much of an impact; instead they have been schooled by the government front bench.

Even so, the party came third in the popular vote at the general election, harvested 4 million votes (14.3 per cent), and now has the status and platform that the Commons provides. Party membership is claimed to stand at about 80,000 (against, say, 140,000 for the Tories), and some money is coming in. Meanwhile the Tory party is in disarray, and the Labour government is slipping in the polls.

Farage and his allies have spotted an opportunity to push their far-right populist agenda, and believe they can retake, on behalf of the populist right, the red wall seats won by Johnson in 2019 that reverted to Labour in July.

Whats the conference about?

Three things. First, the aim is to create a more conventional, democratic party structure. Reform UK Party Limited is basically a renaming of The Brexit Party Limited, both majority-owned by Farage. The reason for this is that Farage found the executive committee and the democratic ways of his first vehicle, Ukip, intolerable. Theres no draft constitution yet, just a commitment by Farage to hand his shares in the company over to the membership (so it may still have a corporate structure).

Second, and in tandem with that, Reform wants to build a national network of branches and activists to take the party forward  it had very little in the way of a ground campaign at the general election.

A distant third seems to be serious policy formulation. The manifesto for the last election, styled as a contract, had an eccentric and provisional air to it, and Farage freely ditched bits of it that he didnt like. At the moment, the approach is to blame immigration, woke culture, net zero and a supposedly incomplete Brexit for everything from not getting a GP appointment to two-tier justice to the gas bill. Its a clear proposition, but essentially the same old facile, fraudulent nonsense that lumbered the UK with Brexit.

Will Reform UK be the real opposition to the Starmer administration?

Itll have competition. Ed Davey, who did far more damage to Tory representation in the Commons than Farage, also lays claim to the title, albeit with a more constructive edge. And of course we have yet to see the mettle of the woman or man the Conservatives choose to lead them back from the wilderness.

Farage wont be short of empty promises, but hell not go unchallenged. Of course, Farage has the great advantage that he can never be outflanked on the right by any Conservative leader, as has been apparent in recent years.

What are Reforms challenges?

First, it is very much a one-man band, heavily dependent on Farage. Second, the main downside of nationalist populism is that, to the extent that Brexit and Boris Johnson put it into practice, it has visibly failed  and the arguments dont withstand scrutiny. The other downside of nationalist populism is that it doesnt really have a unifying ideology beyond mild racism, which means that the party is prone to splits, and that its policies lack credibility.

This was the case with Ukip, which is actually still staggering on, and Reform UK, led by Farage, may well fall prey to the same sort of factionalism and backbiting that debilitated its predecessor. Fissures are already visible. Some of the troops, for example, want to ally themselves with Tommy Robinson and the likes of Britain First, and smash the Tories for ever; others would rather merge with the Conservatives (if theyd agree to  its a divisive issue in that party too).

There are also big differences on support for Ukraine, and potentially on whether the party should adopt an anti-vaccination stance and embrace other conspiracy theories (eg chemtrails).

Farages interventions in the recent Farage riots also highlighted how hazardous it can be to swim in the waters of the British extreme right; the riots were not popular and didnt spark some kind of revolutionary moment, as some on the far right seemed to hope they would.

Whats the next step?

Just as the European elections often gave Ukip a boost with their system of proportional representation, so the relatively small ward sizes will help Reform UK win some seats in the county council elections next year (there are 2,300 seats up for election). However, the party will need to vet its candidates rather better than in the past if its to avoid embarrassment and links to neo-Nazis.

Will Farage ever become prime minister?

That depends on the next leader of the Conservative Party.
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Journalists at a news site that covers the Haitian community in the United States say they've been harassed and intimidated with racist messages for covering a fake story about immigrants eating the pets of people in an Ohio town.

One editor at the Haitian Times, a 25-year-old online publication, was swatted this week with police turning up at her home to investigate a false report of a gruesome crime. The news site canceled a community forum it had planned for Springfield, Ohio and has shut down public comments on its stories about the issue because of threats and vile posts.

The Times, which had the Committee to Protect Journalists conduct safety training for its journalists in Haiti, has now asked for advice on how to protect staff in the United States, said Garry Pierre-Pierre, founder and publisher.

We've never faced anything like this, Pierre-Pierre said Wednesday.

The site says it isn't backing down

The Times has debunked and aggressively covered the aftermath of the story about immigrants supposedly eating the dogs and cats of other Springfield residents, as it was spread by Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump's Republican running mate in the presidential election, and Trump himself in his debate with Democrat Kamala Harris.

Despite receiving hundreds of these messages, the site isn't backing down, said Pierre-Pierre, a former reporter at The New York Times who echoed a mission statement from his old employer in making that promise.

We do not want to hibernate, he said. We're taking the precautions that are necessary. But our first duty is to tell the truth without fear or favor, and we have no fear.

Pierre-Pierre, who emigrated to the United States in 1975, started the Haitian Times to cover issues involving first- and second-generation Haitians in the United States, along with reporting on what is happening in their ancestral home. It started as a print publication that went online only in 2012 and now averages 10,000 to 15,000 visitors a day, although its readership has expanded in recent weeks.

Macollvie Neel, the New York-based special projects editor, was the staff member who had police officers show up at her doorstep on Monday.

It was triggered when a Haitian advocacy group received an email about a crime at Neel's address. They, in turn, notified police who showed up to investigate. Not only did the instigators know where Neel lived, they covered their tracks by funneling the report through another organization, she said.

Neel said she had a premonition something like this might happen, based on hateful messages she received. But it's still intimidating, made more so because the police who responded were not aware of the concept of doxxing, or tracing people online for the purpose of harassment. She said police searched her home and left.

She was always aware that journalism, by its nature, can make people unhappy with you. This takes the threat to an entirely new level. Racist hate groups who are ready to seize on any issue are sophisticated and well-funded, she said.

This is a new form of domestic terrorism, she said, and we have to treat it as such."

They're receiving some backup

Katherine Jacobsen, the Committee to Protect Journalists U.S., Canada and Caribbean program coordinator, said its a particularly acute case of journalists being harassed in retaliation for their coverage of a story. Its outrageous, she said. We should not be having this conversation. Yet we are.

Even before Springfield received national attention in recent weeks, the Haitian Times had been covering the influx of immigrants to the Midwest in search of jobs and a lower cost of living, Pierre-Pierre said. A story currently on its site about Springfield details how the furor reflects America's age-old battle with newcomers it desperately needs to survive.

Another article on the site talks about the NAACP, Haitian-American groups and other activists from across the country coming to the aid of Springfield residents caught in the middle of the story.

Similarly, the Times has heard from several other journalists  including from Pierre-Pierre's old employer  who have offered support. I'm deeply touched, he said.

___

David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder.
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Israel warned U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a call Tuesday that a military operation was going to take place in Lebanon but gave no details, U.S. officials said Thursday. The same day of the call, in an attack widely blamed on Israel, thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah militants exploded.

The call was one of four between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant this week as attacks have spiked between Israel and Hezbollah, fueling worries that they could escalate into a wider regional war.

The two spoke again later Tuesday, and the U.S. has acknowledged being briefed following the attack. There was another call Wednesday, and they also spoke Sunday, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private talks.

The officials said the U.S. did not get advance warning of the second wave of attacks, with walkie-talkie radios targeted Wednesday. At least 37 people were killed, including two children, and some 3,000 wounded in the two days of explosions.

The officials stressed that the U.S. played no role in the attacks and said they were surprised by the specifics of the operations.

The attacks on electronic devices this week appeared to be the culmination of a monthslong operation by Israel to target as many Hezbollah members as possible all at once  but civilians were also hit.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh on Thursday acknowledged the four calls but did not provide timelines of when they happened. She said the U.S. has not made any changes in its force posture in the region as a result of the recent surge in attacks.

During a call Wednesday with Gallant, Austin spoke about regional security developments and reiterated Americas unwavering support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies in the region, Singh said.

Austin emphasized the U.S. commitment to deterring regional adversaries, deescalating tensions across the region, and reaffirmed the priority of reaching a cease-fire deal that would bring home hostages held by Hamas, she said.

He also pushed for a diplomatic solution that would allow civilians on both sides of Israel's northern border with Lebanon to return to their homes, Singh said.

Asked about the potential for a U.S. military evacuation of American citizens in Lebanon, Singh said the Pentagon has not gotten a request from the State Department to do that. State did urge U.S. citizens in Lebanon to maintain a low profile and review their security awareness in alerts this week.

State Department and White House officials say there are longstanding contingency plans for the potential evacuation of Americans in Lebanon but they have no information to suggest that those will become operational anytime soon.

We have evacuation plans available for places all over the world, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Wednesday. But I wouldnt lead that to believe that were in a moment now where we think we need to imminently call for that or act on that right now.

Other officials said U.S. Navy ships with Marines on board are already well-positioned in the Mediterranean Sea to assist if asked.

___

AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed from Washington.
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The six-year-old criminal case of Greg Kelly, an American ensnared in the scandal of Nissans former boss Carlos Ghosn, turned a page in a Japanese court Thursday, with his lawyer demanding justice with a verdict of total innocence.

Kelly, a former Nissan executive vice president, was arrested in 2018, on charges related to under-reporting the compensation of Ghosn, who led Nissan Motor Corp. for two decades. In 2022, Kelly was cleared of almost all counts and given a suspended sentence, which meant he didnt serve time. He was found guilty for just one of the eight years for which the compensation allegedly was under-reported.

The news traveled around the world, and Kellys reputation was tarnished literally on a global level, defense lawyer Yoichi Kitamura told the Tokyo High Court.

In his final arguments, Kitamura denounced the lower court verdict as unreasonable, saying it didnt make sense for Kelly to be part of a conspiracy for just the last year.

I close my arguments by demanding the court carefully consider the evidence presented, come to judgment based on law and evidence to hand down the verdict of totally not guilty, restoring Kellys reputation and realizing justice, Kitamura said, using the English word justice.

Presiding Judge Kazunori Karei promised a verdict on Feb. 4.

Kelly asserted his innocence from the start, as has Ghosn. Kelly returned to his home in Tennessee during the appeal and was not present in the courtroom.

Ghosn was also arrested and charged but fled to Lebanon while out on bail in 2019. He says he is innocent. Ghosn is unlikely to be ever tried as Japan has no extradition agreement with Lebanon.

Top Japanese executives tend to get far smaller salaries than their Western counterparts. When Japan began requiring top executives to disclose their compensation in 2010, Ghosns annual pay was cut by about half, or 1 billion yen ($10 million).

Testimony and documents presented during the trial showed Kelly tried to compensate Ghosn through possible post-retirement consultancy fees and paying him not to leave for a rival company, known as a non-compete agreement.

Kelly, a lawyer, says he was merely trying to retain Ghosn for Nissans best interests, using legal means, and the issues could have been sorted out in a board room, not a courtroom.

Prosecutors say theyre confident about their case, which alleges that Ghosns compensation was under-reported by 9 billion yen ($63 million) in filings over eight years through 2018.

___

Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://x.com/yurikageyama
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The families of four Americans detained in China said Wednesday that their loved ones are suffering both physically and mentally, urging the U.S. government to take action to bring them home.

Appearing before the Congressional-Executive Commission of China, the families of Kai Li, Mark Swidan, Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr.  all of whom have been detained in China for at least eight years  cast a spotlight on the longstanding issue that has gained new attention with the release this week of American pastor David Lin, who was behind bars for almost 20 years.

More Americans are detained in China than in any other foreign country, according to the commission created by Congress to monitor human rights in the communist country. The panel has vowed to bring to light the harrowing stories of the other Americans detained in China and keep pressure on the Biden administration to act.

This is American human rights being violated with impunity, said Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who chairs the commission.

At the hearing, Harrison Li said his father had suffered a stroke and lost a tooth and that he was largely locked in a cell for three years when China imposed draconian restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kai Li is serving 10 years in a Shanghai jail on what rights groups say are trumped-up charges of spying and stealing state secrets.

Everyday I wake up I shudder at the thought of him crammed in that tiny cell with anywhere from seven to 11 other people, no climate control, unable to sleep in the summer due to the heat, experiencing the mental and physical anguish, Harrison Li said.

He told the panel that it is time for his father to come home: So I ask President Biden, how much longer does he need to suffer?

Nelson Wells Sr. said his son, jailed in China since 2014 over what the family believes to have been unwitting drug possession, is suffering from debilitating chronic pain, seizures, malnutrition, internal issues, dental pain, severe depression and thoughts of self-harm.

He expressed frustration at the lack of progress to bring his son home. Please help our family by creating a pathway for outright release or prisoner transfer to a home prison, Wells Sr. said.

Tim Hunt, brother of Dawn Hunt, choked up when he asked the commission to help her. She's serving life in prison in the southern province of Guangdong after being arrested in 2014 and charged with drug smuggling, which she denies, the family said.

Tim Hunt said his sister was tricked into believing she had won a contest that brought her to Hong Kong. He says she was taken to mainland China, where she was given designer purses before a flight to Australia without knowing illicit drugs were sewn into the linings.

Dawn Hunt has developed ailments but has refused surgeries out of distrust, her brother said, adding that our citizens are being mistreated, abused  and its coordinated.

While Americans should be held liable for breaking the law in a foreign country, Beijing's legal practice and human rights records make judicial justice a far reach, said Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat and the commission's co-chair.

We know that even one American detained as a political prisoner in China is one too many, Merkley said.

Rep. Zach Nunn, an Iowa Republican, accused China of engaging in hostage diplomacy by "warehousing American citizens for a time that they want to gain leverage against the United States.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said China is ruled by law.

The judicial authorities will handle the criminal suspects strictly in accordance with the law, treat them equally regardless of their nationality, and protect their legitimate rights and interests, the embassy said in a statement.

The U.S. State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to China, citing the risk of wrongful detentions as a reason for its second-highest travel alert.

The hearing also showed a video by Katherine Swidan, mother of Mark Swidan, who said her son was suffering. He has been jailed in China for 12 years on a drug charge and, along with Li, is considered wrongfully detained by the State Department.

In a statement, Katherine Swidan urged the U.S. government to act: I am pleading for my sons life, his freedom and the chance to bring him home.

___

AP writer Elsie Chen contributed from Washington.
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The man who defended late Boston mobster-turned-FBI informant James Whitey Bulger has been tapped to lead the prosecution at Karen Reads upcoming retrial.

Attorney Hank Brennan, who represented Bulger, will serve as special assistant district attorney when Reads retrial begins on January 27.

Read, 44, is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, by backing her SUV over him after a night of drinking in January 2022. She faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Attorney Brennan is a highly respected and skilled former prosecutor and long-time defense attorney with over 25 years of experience in state and federal courts and has expertise handling complex law enforcement matters, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey said Wednesday.

Brennan worked to defend Bulger, who was captured in 2011 after spending 16 years on the run. In 2013 he went to trial in federal court on 32 counts of racketeering and firearms possession. The racketeering charges linked him to 19 murders, and Bulger was ultimately found guilty on 31 of the 32 charges and was sentenced to two life sentences plus five years.

The FBI said at the time that Bulger had been an informant for them on occassion  a claim Bulger denied  and the mob boss was eventually murdered shortly after he was transfered to the US Pentientiary in Hazelton, West Virginia in 2018.

Brennan  now back in service to the state  will join the prosecutors who worked Reads first trial earlier this year.

Lally and McLaughlin helmed the prosecution during Reads first trial, which ended in a mistrial in July after a jury could not reach a verdict.

Reads defense team has alleged that she was framed and that the true culprits were others at a house party that OKeefe attended on the night of his death, according to Boston.com. Her defense has alleged that OKeefe was severely beaten and killed inside the home of Brian Albert, a fellow police officer, and was then dragged outside into the snow, where he was discovered the following morning.

Karen Read departs Norfolk Superior Court following a hearing in April. Her retrial is scheduled for January 2025 and will be prosecuted by special district attorney Hank Brennan, who formerly defended late Boston mob boss James Whitey Bulger ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Reads defense attorneys are attempting to have the second-degree murder charge, and the charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, dismissed. Her defense has said that the first, deadlocked jury had internally agreed to acquit her of those charges, had they reached a conclusion regarding the vehicular manslaughter charge.

Judge Beverly Cannone ruled in August that Reads retrial would not consider the jurys alleged internal agreement, but her attorneys are appealing the ruling.

Read is represented by attorneys Alan Jackson and David Yannetti. Jackson said he believes that the District Attorneys decision to bring in an outside prosecutor is evidence that they have a weak case.

This booking photo provided by the U.S. Marshals Service shows James "Whitey" Bulger on June 23, 2011. Hank Brennan, who will lead the prosecution for Karen Reads retrial, represented Bulger during his federal murder trial

The news that Michael Morrissey has decided to use taxpayer funds to hire an outside lawyer to prosecute this case speaks volumes about his confidence in his own team, Jackson told NBC10 Boston on Wednesday. They can bring anyone they want to court. We will beat this unjust prosecution, just like we did the last time. Like weve said to Mr Morrissey previously, do your worst, well see you in court.

In addition to serving as Bulgers defense attorney, Brennan was a prosecutor in both Essex and Suffolk counties, and now works as an adjunct professor at Suffolk University Law School.

I assume full responsibility and all obligations for prosecuting this case and will do so meticulously, ethically, and zealously, without compromise, he said in a statement following his appointment.
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A manhunt is underway for a man suspected of fatally shooting his sisters estranged husband during an argument the couple were having about their childrens bath times, authorities said.

The shooting happened around 9 p.m. on Wednesday at a Houston apartment when the husband came to collect his belongings, as the couple was in the middle of a divorce, Officer Ronnie Willkens with the Houston Police Department told KHOU-11.

An argument broke out. He (the husband) was upset and yelling about the kids not having their bath yet, Willkens said Thats what we are being told he was upset they hadnt had their bath yet. So he started arguing and started getting into it with the brother who was in his room in the apartment.

The argument escalated to a physical fight between the husband and brother, and punches were exchanged in front of the wife and the couples children, ages 6, 9, and 14.

When the wife tried to break up the fight, both men pulled out guns, and she was caught in the crossfire. She was shot in the leg and transported to the hospital where she is expected to be OK.

She started physically breaking them up. Thats when both presented pistols and they both started shooting, Willkens said. The husband was shot several times and he died on the scene.

Police said the brother, who had been living in the apartment, fled the scene after the shooting. Its not known if he was injured. The children, who were in the home at the time, were not hurt. Police have not yet named the suspect or the victims.
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Police believe a body found Wednesday in the woods of Laurel County, Kentucky, is a likely match for Joseph A Couch, 32, whos accused of opening fire on the nearby I-75 highway and wounding five earlier this month.

The body, found Wednesday near exit 49 by a team of troopers and civilians, had items associated with Couch, Kentucky State Police Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. said in a press conference on Wednesday.

With the discovery, police said they were "very confident this brings the closure in the search for Joseph Couch, local news station Lex18 reports.

Police have spent the past 12 days hunting for Couch, after he allegedly opened fire on drivers on September 7 using an AR-15-style assault rifle, wounding five.

DNA testing is underway to confirm if the remains match the suspected gunman.

Joseph A Couch was named a person of interest in the shooting along a highway in Laurel County, southern Kentucky ( Laurel County Sheriff's Office/A )

One of the individuals who located the body was Fred McCoy. He told Lex18 he was drawn to the area by numerous circling vultures.

"The community needed some relief," McCoy said. "Its just not us, theres several people out here thats been looking...but we just kept coming back."

A $25,000 reward was offered for information leading to the capture or arrest of Couch.

The search for Couch reportedly generated hundreds of tips to law enforcement and covered 28,000 acres of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

When Couch was thought to be at large, several Kentucky school districts closed for in-person learning.

The 32-year-old sent a text vowing to kill a lot of people less than 30 minutes before he opened fire, according to his arrest warrant.

Im going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least, Couch wrote in messages to an unidentified woman, then said he would kill himself afterwards.

One of Counchs neighbors in Knox County told WYMT that the 32-year-old once pointed a gun at him and threw a rock at his dog, all in front of the neighbors nine-year-old child.

I tried reasoning with him but of course there was no reasoning with him, the neighbor said. I went and had a warrant for his arrest. After they picked him up I figure they would notify me. Never did notify me of a court date or nothing. Wasnt even notified of his release, after this man pointed a gun and threatened my life and my childs life.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
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Days after a shooter attacked an interstate and disappeared, leaving a Kentucky community scared and on guard, Fred and Sheila McCoy decided to lace up their boots for the first time in a long time and spend days in rugged terrain searching until, finally, they found a body.

Kentucky State Police credited Fred and Sheila McCoy, who typically spend their retired days creating YouTube videos about the Hatfield-McCoy feud, with helping investigators find what they believe are the remains of Joseph Couch. Couch, 32, is suspected of firing randomly at vehicles on Interstate 75 on September 7, wounding five people.

Teams of local, state and federal law enforcement had searched tens of thousands of acres of woods since the shooting. Authorities warned residents to be extra vigilant and some schools temporarily shifted to virtual learning.

For one week we turned into bounty hunters, Fred McCoy told The Associated Press on Thursday. The more we was watching the news and saw lockdowns and school closings, the more we were compelled to search for him.

The discovery of the remains calmed fears in the eastern Kentucky community of London, just a few miles from where the shooter perched above the highway and opened fire with an AR-15. State police said Wednesday night that the McCoys would receive a $25,000 reward for the find.

Joseph A. Couch, the main suspect in the September 7 shootings on Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky ( London Police Department )

Once the identification is fully confirmed, it will bring to a close a pretty scary time in that community and the surrounding communities, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday.

We have every reason to believe that this is Joseph Couch, Beshear told reporters at the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort. But a final and determinative identification has not yet been possible. There is DNA testing going on right now.

In a 30-minute YouTube livestream Wednesday, the McCoys are filming in dense woods after they see vultures in the air, and Sheila McCoy says she can smell a foul odor.

Oh, Lord, this is nasty. Oh, my goodness, this is gross, Sheila says while warning her husband to watch out for snakes.

At the end of the video, they discover the remains. Hey, guys, you wont believe it, we found him, oh, my goodness gracious, Sheila McCoy says in the video.

Police were also searching the area, and the couple identified themselves to officers about 12 minutes before they found the remains. Theyd also warned police and friends theyd be there, and were livestreaming on YouTube in case something went wrong, Fred McCoy said.

Traffic stopped during the highway shooting on Interstate 75 north of London, Kentucky on September 7 ( Mount Vernon Fire Department )

We didnt know we was going to find him like that, he said. We couldve found him with a gun pointed at us.

The McCoys live a couple of counties away from where the shooter attacked. They hadnt gone on a hike in the woods in a long time  Sheila, 59, had previously had back surgery and her husband, 66, had knee surgery  but they decided after a Friday night date to help in the search, said Fred McCoy, himself a retired police officer.

We were just a crippled old man and crippled old woman walking in the woods, he said Thursday. Fred McCoy said he is a descendant of a Hatfield-McCoy marriage and they run a small museum related to the history of the feud.

He estimated the remains were about a mile away from where the shooter opened fire. Nearby, police found Couchs vehicle and an AR-15 last week.

The discovery of the body put nearby residents at ease after more than a week of tension with a gunman on the loose near their homes.

Wooded areas alongside Interstate 75 near Livingston, Kentucky, where law enforcement searched for days for the shooter ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. )

I feel a huge sense of relief, said Heather Blankenship, a mother of three who lives near London. She saw the body in the McCoys video, which has grown to nearly a half-million views in less than 24 hours, and even though her anxiety is gone and her sense of normalcy has returned, its still sad, she said.

Im over here relieved that to me this monster is dead, but meanwhile, the suspects family is grieving, Blankenship said.

Authorities said the shooter fired 20 to 30 rounds, creating chaos. The five victims survived, but some suffered serious injuries.

Authorities said Couch purchased the AR-15 weapon and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition at a London gun store hours before the shooting.

Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield sensed a collective sigh of relief among residents.

They feel like they can go back to their normal lifestyle, he said.
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A feud between neighbors quickly boiled over into violence when a Michigan man shot his neighbor and stabbed his own dog to death on Wednesday, authorities said.

It started off over loud music. One neighbor didnt like the music from across the street, Joe Marsh, the director of Southgate Public Safety, told Fox2 Detroit. It goes from zero to 100 real quick.

Police in Southgate  a city southwest of central Detroit  received a call around 10 p.m. on Wednesday evening that a shooting had occurred. When they arrived at the scene, they found the dead dog and a man in his 20s who had been shot three times. The wounded man was taken to a hospital and is currently listed in stable condition.

When police went to confront the suspected shooter, a man in his 60s who has not been identified, he allegedly barricaded himself in his home across the street from the victims house. An hours-long standoff ensued, but the man eventually surrendered to police early on Thursday morning.

At one point he had come out and was taunting the cops, Marsh said. He had a pistol in his hand but the slide was racked back.

Police said the suspect was drunk when the shooting occured, and hed allegedly pulled a gun on his wife earlier in the night.

Allegedly he pulled a firearm out on her, and then she fled the home and then went to the city of Dearborn, where another felonious assault had occurred, Marsh said.
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By the age of 30, Tabitha Haugh still hadnt been to the movies, had a first date, gotten a haircut or graduated from high school.

Most of her very sheltered existence had been spent in Homestead Heritage, a religious community in Waco, Texas, which she left last year.

I just cant stress enough how bleak life was there, she told The Independent.

Around 1,200 people make up the conservative Christian group, some of whom live on a 500-acre compound of crop fields and small homesteads near the Brazos River, surrounded by other farmland. Women have long hair and wear modest ankle-length dresses. Tourists visit Homestead Heritages handicraft shops and farm-to-table restaurant, and school children come by on field trips for horse drawn hayrides.

But those whove exiled themselves from the community say life inside is far more sinister, with a lack of education, adequate medical care and life options leaving them traumatized.The Independent spoke to six former members, four women and two men, who were born into Homestead Heritage and left the church as adults. Two of the women later filed a complaint with the state against the communitys midwife, who they say is unlicensed, practicing medicine illegally and left one of them with long term debilitating birth injuries.

The community midwife, Amanda Lancaster, told The Independent: I am deeply sorry that these individuals feel this way and that theyve chosen to involve the media without ever raising their concerns and grievances to me or others involved in their care.

A screenshot from a video about life at Homestead Heritage ( Homestead Heritage )

The former Homestead Heritage members described the church as a cult that limits peoples autonomy and controls nearly every aspect of their lives under the threat of salvation. The former members say questioning the leaders authority wouldve been equivalent to questioning God.

The fact that you would even think of having autonomy means that you are in direct rebellion against God, said Tabitha.

When asked about the claims in this story, Josiah Wheeler, a spokesperson with Homestead Heritage, said in a statement that: "There is absolutely no truth to these allegations, and the assertion that we are anything other than an open, thriving church family is false.

As a child, Tabitha dreamed of becoming a doctor. Instead, her mother homeschooled her.

I learned the ABCs but that was pretty much it, Tabitha said during a recent phone call. There was no history, math, science, nothing.

At Homestead Heritage, women are expected to get married and reproduce. Instead of a high school education, former members say they were instructed to read thousands of pages of the churchs literature and write essays on it.

Tabitha Haugh, 31, while she was in Homestead Heritage, a conservative Christian community she calls a cult ( Tabitha Haugh )

While we have found homeschooling to be very effective, each family is free to choose its own curriculum and teaching, Wheeler, the community spokesperson, said in a statement.

At 13, Tabitha had two jobs: as a dishwasher at Cafe Homestead and working at the organizations bakery. She worked four days a week, but claims she didnt get paid until she turned 19, as children in the community do not receive an income.

Her brother began working in a mechanic shop at age 12.

After seven years of washing dishes, Tabitha was promoted to server, a highly-regarded position for women. She kept the job for around a decade before she left the church last year.

Another was working with the midwifery team. Former Homestead members say the team delivered babies, looked after postpartum women, and also cared for older and dying members of the community.

Tabithas sister-in-law, Noa Haugh, 32, gave birth to her son at home with the groups midwives  just as her mother and sisters had done before her. Noa had never been to a doctor when she got pregnant at 25 in 2017. Noa was curious about the process and met with the churchs lead midwife, Amanda Lancaster, to discuss the upcoming birth.

I learned the ABCs but that was pretty much it. Tabitha on her homeschooling experience

Noa says she asked Lancaster if she was licensed to practice midwifery. According to Noa, Lancaster replied that she was not, but reassured her that what she was doing was legal. Throughout Noas pregnancy, Lancaster performed cervical exams, used an ultrasound machine and provided prenatal care, Noa says.

Midwifery is an important part of Texass cultural heritage, and the regulation of midwifery, to ensure better oversight and continuing education, began in the state in 1983. Practicing midwifery without a license is prohibited in Texas. Anyone found to be practicing midwifery without a license can be charged with the unlicensed practice of medicine.

All mothers in my care sign informed consent forms, clearly acknowledging that I am not a state licensed midwife and that they are seeking personal support, not professional medical care, Lancaster told The Independent.

Lancaster says she is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). NARM certification does not require a college degree but involves training, clinical practice and an exam. Lancaster says she is also a licensed paramedic, and online Texas records confirm that.

For Lancaster to deliver the baby, Noa says, the couple had to agree not to sue the midwife if something went wrong.

In the event that mother, baby, or both should die or suffer permanent injury, the husband must ensure that it is clearly understood that he and his wife stood solely responsible for this birth and for all decisions and that the sisters attending were there as nothing more than family or friends, a copy of the churchs birth form given out when women fall pregnant, excerpts of which were reviewed by The Independent, said at the time.

We respect every womans right to give birth in the place and manner of her choosing, and there is no requirement for any particular healthcare choice, Wheeler, the spokesperson, said in a statement.

On the day she gave birth, Noa labored for seven hours, pushing for three of them. She says she did not receive pain medication, nor did she ask for it, because it went against church policy. Homestead denied this, claiming in a statement that it has no policy whatsoever on the use of pain medication.

As she struggled to push out her baby, Noa and two others in the room with her say that Lancaster considered performing an episiotomy, a surgical incision in the perineum and vaginal wall to make the opening larger for childbirth.

But then Noa gave birth to her son, and for a minute, everything was fine.

He was beautiful, she said. I had this amazing moment. And then I started hemorrhaging.

Noa had suffered at least a third-degree tear during the birth. Lancaster administered local anesthesia and sewed the area back together.

Noa Haugh, 32, with her husband and two children ( Noa Haugh )

In cases of hemorrhage, my paramedic training allows me to handle these emergencies, Lancaster told The Independent. Suturing is included in our training, and we refer mothers to specialists for postpartum complications such as incontinence or prolapse.

Noa says she did not see any other medical professionals in the days and months following her birth and says the procedure left her with permanent injuries to her pelvic floor.

Noa and her husband left the church nearly a year later.

Youre so scared of stepping outside of the covering of God. Like if you step out of that covering, he could kill your child just to teach you a lesson Morning Alexander on the fear of speaking out while in Homestead Heritage

When she became pregnant with her second child in 2021, she scheduled an appointment with a midwife at a birth center in their new home of San Antonio.

During the exam, Noa says the midwife told her that she had been improperly sewn up during her first birth, which led to her tissue not healing correctly. The midwife encouraged her to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the agency that enforces administrative rules and laws, and wrote a statement to accompany the complaint.

TDLR responded in September 2021 that since the incidents had occurred outside the departments two year statute of limitations, the complaint against Lancaster could not be investigated.

According to Noas medical records, her injuries were serious  they suggest she had suffered a rectocele, meaning a vaginal prolapse where the rectum bulges into the vaginal wall. Her rectocele results in an inability to move her bowels without placing digits in the vagina, the midwife wrote in a 2021 statement submitted to the TDLR. Had the repair following birth been done correctly, the pelvic floor muscles would have been joined together preventing the rectocele and resulting in a stronger pelvic floor.

Noa says as a result of her first birth, she spent her second pregnancy in significant pain. Every movement caused shooting pain down the inside of my thighs, Noa wrote in her own statement as part of the complaint. Intercourse became increasingly painful and then impossible.

A second woman, Morning Alexander, 32, joined the complaint against Lancaster filed in July 2021. She had two children while in the church and Lancaster served as her midwife both times.

Morning was just 20 when she fell pregnant for the first time in 2012. About 30 weeks in, she says she woke up in a pool of blood. Terrified, Morning called Lancaster.

Morning Alexander, 32, used to be part of a conservative Christian community she called a cult ( Morning Alexander )

When Lancaster arrived, she rang the groups medical doctor  a physician who joined the church as an adult  and asked if Morning should go to the hospital.

He said yes, but Morning says he suggested church leaders pray about the matter first. After praying, the leaders gave their permission.

Morning says she went to a hospital in Temple, a 45-minute drive away, rather than the Waco hospital down the road because Heritage leaders told her the head of the NICU was a former abortion doctor. Weeks later, she returned to the same hospital to deliver her son.

Two years later, Morning went into labor at just 35 weeks pregnant with her daughter. Her baby was breech. She says that Lancaster manually turned her daughter out of the breech position and then broke her water using an amnicot, a medical glove with a pricked fingertip.

Shortly afterwards, the umbilical cord prolapsed, restricting oxygen to the baby. Morning pushed her daughter out quickly, and says Lancaster administered life-saving oxygen to the baby.

Afterward, she would not stop crowing about how she had always wanted to deliver a premature baby and this was her first time to do it, Morning said.

A representative for the TDLR told The Independent that unlicensed midwives cannot perform cervical exams, provide prenatal care, perform an episiotomy, administer anesthesia, suture third or fourth-degree tearing, manually turn a breech baby or break a pregnant persons water.

The allegations you sent me appear to stem from a misunderstanding and/or misrepresentation of the roles and practices within our community and its standard of care regarding childbirth and healthcare, Lancaster told The Independent. These allegations have only surfaced years after the births in question, after these individuals left our community.

She also shared a wider letter to The Independent about her experience which can be read in full below.

Amanda Lancasters response to The Independent ( Amanda Lancaster )

Amanda Lancasters response to The Independent ( Amanda Lancaster )

But the women involved say that they felt unable to speak up earlier.

The mindset that youre under is she knows whats best, Morning said. And youre so terrified of herYoure so scared of stepping outside of the covering of God. Like if you step out of that covering, he could kill your child just to teach you a lesson.

Occasionally family members or friends would leave Homestead Heritage and guide others on how to do it. The former members say it felt like giving up their entire lives, both Noa and Tabitha lost their homes.

For a while, its hard to deal with the ostracization, Morning said. You go to town and you see someone in the store and you want to just make a beeline for a different aisleMost of these people truly believe that you are the devil.

Morning Alexander, 32, with her son. She left a conservative Christian community she calls a cult ( Morning Alexander )

Morning left Homestead Heritage in 2018, a decision she made as her son became a toddler and she disagreed with the churchs use of corporal punishment. She then started questioning the groups theology.

Once you start to pull on the thread, the whole thing comes out, she said.

Morning used the trauma she says she suffered during her pregnancies to propel her into becoming a doula and getting a nursing degree. She had gotten her GED when she turned 17 because her parents, who had previously left the church, wanted her to have some level of education, making it easier for her to go to nursing school once she left the church.

She recently graduated and landed her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse, at the hospital in Waco where she wanted to deliver her son.

Morning Alexander, 32, is in the process of obtaining her nursing degree after leaving a conservative Christian community she called a cult ( Morning Alexander )

About a week after Noas son was born, she held him and realized she could not bring him up in the church. I cannot do what was done to me to him, she said.

They left October 2018, before his first birthday.

It was the most painful experience of my life, Noa said. I couldnt get out of bed for three days.

The couple managed to scrape together the funds needed for a deposit on an apartment in Waco, encouraged by friends who had already left the church.

Neither Noa nor her husband had high school diplomas, although he eventually found work at a damage restoration company in Austin. They put practically everything on credit cards at first.

The first time I went into Ulta Beauty I almost had a panic attack. Noa Haugh on what it was like to leave the community

Their new life came with a lot of firsts for Noa: her first haircut, lipstick, manicure, and pair of jeans.

The first time I went into Ulta Beauty I almost had a panic attack, she recalled.

Noa felt like Homestead Heritage had stolen her life. I had no idea who I was or what I wanted, she said. They didnt prepare me for the world so that if I wanted to do something  anything  I could have. And I dont really have that option anymore.

We recognize the value of higher education and have doctors, lawyers, engineers, and a significant number of executive professionals, some in Fortune 500 companies, said spokesperson Wheeler in a statement.

For now, Noa is content raising her two young children, who are six and three, and seizing new opportunities, like when she saw Christian pop star Amy Grant in concert.

Tabitha stayed for another five years.

When she turned 30, she started questioning her life. She says church leaders hadnt allowed her to get married, with one telling her, as she explained, I was not worthy of being a wife at the moment because I was not showing wife character traits.

She drove to an overlook on the churchs property on a cold February night in 2023 and broke down crying. She remembers looking up at the stars and asking herself why everything felt so vast, yet her life felt shrunk down to nothing.

The next day, she went to work and told her boss she needed to take a step back from the church. Her manager fired her, she said.

Homestead denies that Tabitha lost her home and was fired after leaving the church, saying in a statement that the church member whose property she built her home on said she could remain living there as long as she wanted to and she did for a time.

When she decided to move, she told him she wanted $100,000 for the small house and he immediately paid her the asking price, the church says.

But Tabitha said she spent the next several months couch surfing or sleeping in her car. She moved to Dallas in June 2023, picking up a job at a steakhouse after she pretended she was there for an interview.

She graduated as valedictorian of her EMT certification class and is now studying to become a paramedic firefighter.

Shes also fallen in love, which she said is the best thing shes accomplished so far. Im so freaking happy, she said.

Tabitha Haugh, 31, skydiving in 2023 ( Tabitha Haugh )

Last year, she tried skydiving.

After she jumped out of a plane for the first time, she felt the wind whipping her face. The parachute deployed and as she floated in the sky, hovering over Texas, she thought: Im in heaven.

Editors Note: This story has been updated with Homestead Heritages response to claims made by Tabitha and Noa Haugh.
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A shocked daughter says that San Francisco officials have admitted that her father is still alive three years after he was mistakenly declared dead and the family had a body cremated.

Kylie Robinson was told on May 9 2021 by the San Francisco medical examiner that her father, James Robinson, had overdosed in a hotel room in the citys Tenderloin neighborhood, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.

She organized for what she thought was her fathers body to be cremated, along with a funeral, and even posted a GoFundMe to celebrate his life and all the wonderful memories.

However, in an updated GoFundMe , Kylie shared the massive error made by the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

In her post on Tuesday Kylie said: They told me I only had a certain amount of days to come up with the money to cremate or set up burial services.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in San Francisco (pictured) misidentified Kylie Robinsons father ( Google Street View )

I set up cremation services for him and we held a funeral a couple of weeks later.

We spent 3 years grieving and mourning the loss of our dad. Taking his ashes with us everywhere.

Kylie only discovered her dad was alive after a friend spotted him alive on the street  while the identity of the man who overdosed in the hotel room in 2021 remains unknown.

Upon searching for her father she shared that he was in very very poor health as his monthly disability checks had been halted due to being marked as dead by authorities.

She disclosed to The Chronicle that her father had become addicted to fentanyl.

Describing her traumatic ordeal, she said authorities informed her that her father had not had his fingerprints taken, so they sent her a picture of a body to confirm whether it was James Robinson.

And it in fact. was not my dad, she said.

We are trying to raise money to get our dad off the street. He needs housing and rehabilitation. He needs clothes and personal hygiene items. He has nothing.. we are trying to help with what we can, but being very young we dont have a lot to offer.

San Francisco police are alleged to have made errors after The Chronicle reported James Robinson had been arrested by mistake in 2022 but was released when records indicated he was dead said the paper.

In a statement issued to NBC , The San Francisco City Administrator said: This does not reflect the high standards of our office.

Upon learning the facts, we promptly submitted the subjects DNA to the State to assist in the correct identification of the decedent. The City is investigating and working with the family to address the situation.

Kylie hoped authorities would seek to rectify the error but had to post a desperate donation page due to not having the money to defend her family in an attorney case.

The Independent contacted The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the San Francisco City Administrators Office, and the San Francisco Police Department for comment.
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A 12-year-old boy shot and killed a 200-pound bear as it mauled his father during an attack on a hunting trip.

Owen Beierman saved his father Ryans life with his hunting rifle after the wounded black bear pinned 43-year-old Ryan Beierman in thick woodland.

Owen was a hero. He shot that bear and killed it on top of me, said Beierman, who was bitten on the forehead, arm and leg by the bear. He also required stitches after his cheek was ripped open during the attack.

The September 6 incident took place after the pair spotted the black bear and shot it, but the animal ran away wounded.

Beierman says that he and his son went back out into the woods later in the evening to look for the bear and spotted it in a semi-clearing.

But when they were only feet away from the animal it charged the pair.

A 12-year-old boy shot a black bear in Wisconsin to stop it from mauling his father ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

He was in a stance like a cat about to pounce, Beierman told The Minnesota Star Tribune. The next thing I know, he was on me. He charged and knocked me down.

Beierman said he felt the animal dig its fangs into his forehead as he tried to pistol whip it. He tried to raise his right arm to block the animal as he started fighting for his life.

All I could see were his claws and teeth, he said. I lifted my right arm to block him. I remember the first bite. I heard a crunch. The bear was still attacking. He wasnt going to leave me.

The bear was fighting for its life, and I was fighting for mine, he added. Im punching and kicking and flailing around. Thats when I saw a flash from the muzzle of Owens rifle.

As he watched his father pinned under the bear, Owen took hold of his 350 Legend hunting rifle and shot the animal. Beierman then pushed the bear off of him.

We heard the bears final moans, Beierman said.

A neighbor helped Beierman and Owen out of the woods and he was taken to the hospital for treatment where his cheek was reattached using 23 stitches.

When we returned home to River Falls, I told my wife I was done bear hunting, Beierman said.

A conservation officer with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources told The Associated Press that their hunt was legal.
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The mayor of Springfield, Ohio, issued a proclamation Thursday giving himself temporary emergency powers as the city faces multiple threats of violence following false claims about Haitian immigrants in the community.

We are addressing these threats with the seriousness they warrant and are taking immediate steps to ensure the security of both our community and our employees, Mayor Rob Rue said in a statement. Our commitment to preventing harm is unwavering.

For the last two weeks, the small Ohio city has been hit with multiple bomb threats on schools, government buildings and residences, forcing evacuations and closures.

The political turmoil arrives after former president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance amplified false claims that immigrants in Springfield were abducting and eating peoples pets as a way to promote their anti-immigration policies.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue issued a proclamation to seize emergency powers in the city amid threats after Republicans false claims about migrants ( Forbes/YouTube )

Local and state officials, including Governor Mike DeWine, have all said those claims that immigrants are eating pets are not true but the city is still facing an increasing number of threats.

Mayor Rues proclamation will allow him to take command of Springfields police and other resources in order to address ongoing issues.

Under Springfields bylaws, the mayor is the sole determiner of what constitutes public danger or emergency. After making a proclamation, the mayor can temporarily govern the city.

This will enable departments to respond more efficiently to emerging risks, including civil unrest, cyber threats, and potential acts of violence, the proclamation states.

The Independent has asked the mayors office for further comment.

The proclamation will last until public safety risks cease.

A mural in Springfield, Ohio. Donald Trump and his running mate claim, without evidence, that Haitian immigrants are eating residents pets ( Getty Images )

Over the last few years, Springfield has seen an influx of Haitian immigrants. They have been granted temporary protected status in the United States as Haiti faces a violent political crisis.

Despite this, Trump and Vance have called them illegal and used Springfield as an example of a city that is in shambles due to the increase in immigrant residents.

That all came to a head during the second presidential debate, when Trump said he saw and heard on television that immigrants were eating cats and dogs.

Before the debate, Vance amplified the false claims on social media. He has defended his statement, claiming his constituents filed reports. But he acknowledged that it doesnt mean the claims are necessarily true.

Already, officials have been redirecting resources to Springfield as they face a growing number of threats. DeWine announced on Monday he would send state troopers to schools that have faced bomb threats.

Resources in the city are stretched, DeWine and Rue have said.

The former president has indicated he would like to visit Springfield but officials have warned that it would be a strain on the city that is already working around the clock to negate threats.
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Donald Trump is doubling down on his bizarre and aggressive rhetoric against Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, saying that theyre destroying the country.

The former president promised his rally crowd in Uniondale, New York on Long Island that he would visit the small city which suddenly found itself in the midst of a vicious news cycle as Trump and his running mate JD Vance pushed false claims circulated online that Haitian migrants were stealing and eating domestic pets.

During the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on September 10, Trump said the Biden-Harris administration has been allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country.

A lot of towns don't want to talk about it because they're so embarrassed by it, he added. In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in. They're eating the cats ... They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame.

Both the Wall Street Journal and ABC News have reported that a staffer working for JD Vance was told by a Springfield official that the rumor wasnt true but that the Republican vice presidential hopeful still chose to spread the outlandish claim, which has led to bomb threats against schools and city buildings and feelings of fear in Haitian communities throughout the US.

On the morning of September 9, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck took a call from the Vance staffer.

Donald Trump said during his New York rally that he would visit Springfield, Ohio ( AP )

He asked point-blank, Are the rumors true of pets being taken and eaten? Heck told the Journal. I told him no. There was no verifiable evidence or reports to show this was true. I told them these claims were baseless.

Vance had already tweeted about the rumor that morning. He kept the post up and pushed a more aggressive version of the claim the following morning, the day of the debate between Trump and Harris.

On Wednesday night on Long Island, Trump yet again went after the Haitian community in Springfield. Trump said he would visit the town as he continued to make false claims about the migrants in the city.

How about in Springfield, Ohio, they had 32,000  this is a little beautiful town, no crime, no problem  32,000 illegal immigrants come into the town, Trump said. So they almost double their population in a period of a few weeks. Can you believe it? And you know what? Theyve got to get much tougher. Im going to go there in the next two weeks. Im going to Springfield.

You may never see me again, but thats okay, he added. Whatever happened to Trump? Well, he never got out of Springfield.

The city of Springfield states on its website that YES, Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program. Once here, immigrants are then eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Haiti is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security for TPS. Current TPS is granted through February 3, 2026.

So the mayor of Springfield, and I think hes a very nice person, Trump continued. But instead of saying were getting them all out ... he says, very simply, were hiring teachers to teach them English.

Could you believe it? We are hiring interpreters. So when they go to school and take the place of our children in school, we have an interpreter. Each one will have a private interpreter. What the hell is wrong with our country? he asked.

Ohio state police have been called in to help protect schools, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Monday. Local officials also canceled an annual celebration of cultural diversity. This comes after Springfield City Hall, several schools, and state motor vehicle offices were evacuated last week following bomb threats. DeWine added on Monday that at least 33 bomb threats were made, none of them real.

The former president said on Wednesday night, Were getting them out of our country. They came in illegally. Theyre destroying our country. Were getting them out. Theyre going to be brought back to the country from which they came.

Republican Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said during a press conference at City Hall on Tuesday that a visit from the former president would be an extreme strain on our resources. So itd be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit.

I have to state the reality, though, that resources are really, really stretched here, DeWine added, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, Vance doubled down on Wednesday on calling the Haitian migrants in Springfield illegal even as theyre here legally.

The media loves to say that the Haitian migrants hundreds of thousands of them, by the way, 20,000 in Springfield, but hundreds of thousands of them all across the country, they are here legally, Vance said. And what they mean is that Kamala Harris used two separate programs, mass parole, and temporary protective status ... to wave a wand and to say, Were not going to deport those people here.

He added: Well, if Kamala Harris waves the wand illegally and says these people are now here legally, Im still going to call them an illegal alien. And illegal action from Kamala Harris does not make an alien legal. That is not how this works.
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Donald Trump has gone after Howard Stern for turning on the former president in recent years, something Trump has blamed on the radio show host becoming woke.

Trump appeared on the Fox News late-night show Gutfeld! on Wednesday evening where he was shown a clip of the radio host and several other celebrities lambasting the former president.

I don't hate the guy, Stern said of Trump. I hate the people who vote for him. I think they're stupid. I do. I'll be honest with you, I have no respect for you.

I was on Howard Sterns show as much as anybody, the former president said on the Fox program. He was great at that time, and then he went woke. And since hes gone woke his ratings have gone down the tubes. And he sort of went anti-Trump for a couple of reasons.

I was on his show a lot, Trump told host Greg Gutfeld. Did you ever see the ... Best of Howard Stern? I don't want to promote it necessarily, but I was there for just about all of them ... We had good shows. It was good, but he's changed. And, you know, he doesn't do the ratings anymore.

During the early onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2020, Stern blasted Trump for suggesting that Americans inject bleach to deal with the disease.

Howard Stern said he didnt hate Trump but hated the people who vote for him ( Getty Images )

I would love it if Donald would get on TV and take an injection of Clorox and lets see if his theory works, Stern said at the time. Hold a big rally, say f*** this coronavirus, with all of his followers, and let them hug each other and kiss each other and have a big rally.

A big cocktail of disinfectant, co-host Robin Quivers said.

Yeah, and all take disinfectant and all drop dead, Stern replied.

Trump was asked on Gutfeld! on Wednesday night if he would ever return to television, and he proceeded to brag about The Apprentice.

I had The Apprentice for 12 years, 14 seasons ... they wanted to renew me for five years ... I said I wanted to run for president, Trump said.

Trump claimed that NBC staff came to see him and attempted to convince him not to run.

They said, it's not possible to win. Nobody's ever done that, Trump said.

Nobody ever gives up prime time show, he added.

The former president went on to say It was so successful. The big question is, did it make a difference? Would I have been president?

You know, a lot of people say they created this guy from The Apprentice, and I don't know if that's true, because they chose me because of the ... success, he added.

Trump was reportedly so bad at picking who to fire during his stint hosting The Apprentice that the producers of the show would retroactively edit the show to make him look better.

Our job then was to reverse-engineer the show and to make him not look like a complete moron, a member of the production team told the authors of the new book Lucky Loser, New York Times journalists Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig.

The producers of the program would have to go back and edit the show to make the person who Trump chose to fire look bad, even if they had performed quite well during the tasks at hand.
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Donald Trump has revealed he will be visiting Springfield, Ohio in the next two weeks after spreading a baseless rumor that Haitian residents are eating pets.

The former president made the announcement at a rally in Uniondale, New York on Wednesday night.

Earlier that day, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, a Republican, revealed he would be fine if Trump skipped a visit as it would be an extreme strain on our resources. Mayor Rue, City Manager Bryan Heck and Ohios Republican Governor Mike DeWine have all repeatedly debunked the claim.

Springfield residents lives continue to be disrupted as Trump and his running mate JD Vance have doubled down on the baseless conspiracy theory. Haitian residents have said theyre afraid for their safety, and at least 33 bomb threats have been made in Springfield since the rumors hit the national stage, DeWine said this week. Some threats included hateful language targeting the Haitian community, local officials said.

Donald Trump speaks to supporters in Uniondale, New York on Wednesday night. Trump revealed he will visit Springfield, Ohio, the town where he falsely claimed Haitian immigrants are eating reisdents pets ( REUTERS )

At his rally on Wednesday, Trump said: Im going to go there in the next two weeks, Im going to Springfield and Im going to Aurora. You may never see me again, but thats OK. I gotta do what I gotta do.

The former president was also referring to Aurora, Colorado, a city he has falsely claimed was being taken over by Venezuelans.

You look at Aurora in Colorado, Trump said during his September 10 presidential debate against Kamala Harris. They are taking over the towns. Theyre taking over buildings. Theyre going in violently.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue (left) speaks to City manager Bryan Heck. Both city officials have debunked Trumps claim that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in the city ( REUTERS )

Last month, rumors began flying on social media that a Venezuelan criminal gang had taken over The Edge at Lowry Apartments in the city after surveillance video emerged showing armed men roaming the halls and entering a unit.

Interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris addressed the rumors, clarifying that the complex was not taken over by Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization.

Weve been talking to the residents here and learning from them to find out what exactly is going on, and theres definitely a different picture, Morris said on August 30.

Last week, officers arrested 10 people connected to Tren de Aragua, according to the Aurora Police Department. The group was arrested on various charges related to alleged assaults, shootings and hit-and-runs.

A Springfield police officer speaks with a community member following a church service in support of the Haitian community. As Trump and his allies spread untrue rumors about the city, Haitian residents say theyre afraid for their safety ( AP )

Tren de Aragua has not taken over the city, despite recent overstated claims, according to Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member and Public Safety Chair Danielle Jurinsky.

[Tren de Araguas] presence in Aurora is limited to specific properties, all of which the city has been addressing in various ways for months, the officials said in a joint statement, according to USA Today.

Venezuelan residents of Aurora are afraid for their safety following the rumors. Moises Didenot, a Venezuelan migrant and resident of The Edge at Lowry Aparemnts, told local outlet Westword hes afraid for his life.

I go to work at five in the morning, and Im already afraid for my life that someone is going to do something  because Im Venezuelan, theyre going to do something, Didenot said. Weve all already been threatened with a flier saying were all criminals. Im afraid someone is going to do something out of hate.
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A group of more than 100 prominent former officials who served in Republican administrations have endorsed Kamala Harris, in a scathing letter that claims Donald Trump is unfit to serve again as President, or indeed in any office of public trust.

The letter, obtained by The New York Times, counts signatories including former defense secretaries Chuck Hagel and William Cohen; former C.I.A. directors Michael Hayden and William Webster; and former Trump administration officials Miles Taylor and Olivia Troye, among others.

The signatories admit they probably disagree with Harris on a number of issues but argue that Donald Trumps affinity for strongmen and behavior on January 6 disqualifies him from serving again.

As President, he promoted daily chaos in government, praised our enemies and undermined our allies, politicized the military and disparaged our veterans, prioritized his personal interest above American interests, and betrayed our values, democracy, and this countrys founding documents, the letter reads.

The GOP officials praised Harris for stated positions on defending Israel, supporting NATO, and sending more agents to the US-Mexico border.

Prominent Republicans warned of Trumps affinity for strongmen and actions of January 6 in letter ( Getty Images )

These are the same people who got our country into endless foreign wars and profited off of them while the American people suffered, Trump campaign official Steven Cheung told The Independent via email. President Trump is the only President in the modern era not to get our country into any new wars.

Many prominent anti-Trump Republicans have thrown their support behind the Harris campaign.

Former U.S. representative Liz Cheney, one of Trumps sharpest (and only) GOP critics in Congress, announced earlier this month shed be voting for Harris  as would her father, former Bush administration vice president Dick Cheney.

Adam Kinzinger to GOP voters: Stop being used

As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this, she told a crowd in North Carolina. Because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris.

Others have taken the Harris support a step further, with figures like former Illinois GOP congressman Adam Kinzinger appearing at the Democratic National Convention.

Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong, Kinzinger said during the D.N.C. He is a small man pretending to be big. Hes a faithless man pretending to be righteous. Hes a perpetrator who cant stop playing the victim.

The Harris campaign is likely hoping some of these endorsements will win them support from independents and moderate Republicans.

A recent USA Today-Suffolk University poll found that Harris retains a 43-38 lead with independents in the key swing state of Pennsylvania, mirroring her projected lead in the overall presidential race thus far.
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This summer, Iranian hackers sent materials stolen from the Trump campaign to people associated with the Biden campaign as well as media outlets, according to U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Bidens campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trumps campaign as text in the emails, according to a joint statement from the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), obtained by The Hill.

There is currently no information indicating those recipients replied, the agencies added.

We have cooperated with the appropriate law enforcement authorities since we were made aware that individuals associated with the then-Biden campaign were among the intended victims of this foreign influence operation, Harris campaign spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein said in a statement to The Washington Post. Were not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign; a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt. We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in U.S. elections including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

At a rally in Long Island, New York, on Wednesday, Trump accused Joe Biden of working with Iran.

They gave them all of their materials because Biden is working with Iran, and Iran doesnt exactly like me, Trump said.

The Trump campaign condemned the hack.

This is further proof the Iranians are actively interfering in the election to help Kamala Harris and Joe Biden because they know President Trump will restore his tough sanctions and stand against their reign of terror, Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Independent. Kamala and Biden must come clean on whether they used the hacked material given to them by the Iranians to hurt President Trump. What did they know and when did they know it?

The Iranian government has denied it hacked the Trump campaign.

Last month, the Trump campaign said some of its internal communications had been hacked after Politico began receiving emails from an anonymous account that included internal campaign documents.

The campaign pointed to a Microsoft report that suggested Iranian hackers sent a spear phishing email in June to a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign.

The FBI is reportedly preparing criminal charges in connection with the hack, the Associated Press reported last week.

The hack comes as foreign powers are allegedly stepping up attempts to interfere in the 2024 presidential election.

A report from Microsoft earlier this week alleged that Kremlin-aligned troll farms spread false news stories to damage the Kamala Harris campaign.

The Independent has contacted the Russian Embassy in the U.S. for coment.

Earlier this month, law enforcement agencies seized 32 Russian-backed websites prosecutors say were designed to sow disinformation and discord ahead of 2024 elections and boost Donald Trumps campaign.

Two employees of Russias state RT network were also charged with launching $10m propaganda campaign enlisting popular right-wing social media influencers.

September also saw federal officials indict Dimitri Simes, a foreign policy expert and former Trump campaign adviser, for allegedly breaking sanctions by working with a Russian state TV channel. He denies wrongdoing.
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JD Vance has suggested that he will continue to call Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio illegal aliens despite knowing that theyre here legally.

During a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday, Vance was asked by Politico what would happen to migrants in the country under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, such as many of those in Springfield, during a possible second Trump administration. The Republican vice presidential nominee was also asked how the administration would go about deporting migrants in the country legally.

The media loves to say that the Haitian migrants hundreds of thousands of them, by the way, 20,000 in Springfield, but hundreds of thousands of them all across the country, they are here legally, Vance said. And what they mean is that Kamala Harris used two separate programs, mass parole and temporary protective status ... to wave a wand and to say, We're not going to deport those people here.

He added: Well, if Kamala Harris waves the wand illegally and says these people are now here legally, I'm still going to call them an illegal alien. And illegal action from Kamala Harris does not make an alien legal. That is not how this works.

Many of the Haitian migrants currently in the US came to the country under the Biden administrations TPS and Humanitarian parole program, which allows migrants from Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela to come to the US legally if they have a sponsor and meet certain requirements. Some who are eligible can wait in the country as their permanent immigration status is ironed out.

JD Vance said he would keep referring to migrants in Ohio as illegal aliens ( AP )

The city of Springfield states on its website that YES, Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program. Once here, immigrants are then eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Haiti is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security for TPS. Current TPS is granted through February 3, 2026.

Several reports have now confirmed that an aide to Vance was told by a Springfield official previously this month that the claims about Haitian migrants stealing and eating domestic pets were baseless but that former President Donald Trumps running mate went ahead and spread the claims anyway, according to the Wall Street Journal and ABC News. On September 9, city manager Bryan Heck told a Vance staffer in a call that the claims were baseless.

But Vance chose not to remove a post on X that he shared that very same morning claiming that reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

The following day, Trump made the same claim during the presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump says he will have the 'largest deportation' in US history beginning with Ohio

The Vance campaign handed The Journal a police report to try to back up their claims, but the report turned out to have been based on a mistake. The woman who filed the report, Anna Kilgore, had lost her cat and believed her Haitian neighbors may be to blame. But her cat came back home unscathed several days later, and Kilgore apologized to her neighbors. She told ABC News that she believed that her neighbors could have been behind her cats disappearance because of rumors being spread on Facebook and TikTok.

I wish I could take it all back, she told ABC News.

Appearing on CNN over the weekend, Vance said he had to create stories to make the US media focus on immigration.

If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then thats what Im going to do because you guys are completely letting Kamala Harris coast, he said.

He then claimed that the rumors come from firsthand accounts from my constituents. I say that were creating a story, meaning were creating the American media focusing on it.

I didnt create 20,000 illegal migrants coming into Springfield thanks to Kamala Harriss policies. Her policies did that, he added on Sunday.
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Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert tried to articulate her opposition to a government spending package bill by comparing it to freak offs  the alleged sex acts where Sean Diddy Combs coerced and drugged women to get them to participate for his pleasure.

This CR, this continuing resolution, that were going to vote on today, its going to screw our country more times over than a Diddy freak off Boebert said on Steve Bannons War Room podcast Wednesday.

The resolution the far-right congresswoman was referring to, is a piece of legislation that would prevent a fast-approaching government shutdown by continuing to fund the federal government at current spending levels.

She called the governments current funding chaos and madness while escalating it to the height of the allegations against Diddy.

Lauren Bobert appears on War Room where she discussed her dislike of the government spending bill because of opposition to a voting measure in it . She compared the proposal to a forced sex act that rapper Sean Diddy Combs made victims participate in ( Real American Voices / War Room )

Combs, a music mogul, was charged with three federal crimes, including sex trafficking and racketeering, for allegedly running a criminal enterprise that aided him in abusing women physically, sexually and emotionally for more than a decade.

Federal prosecutors say the rapper directed freak off which allegedly included forcing women to participate in recorded sexual activities, often with male commercial sex workers, while under the influence of substances.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the counts and his lawyer insists he is an innocent man with nothing to hide. He is currently being held without bail while awaiting trial.

A courtroom sketch shows Combs appearing before a judge where he pleaded not guilty to three federal crimes ( REUTERS )

Boebert invoked the reference to freak off seemingly to illustrate how dire she believes the continuing resolution would hurt the U.S.

That continuing resolution includes a measure called the SAVE Act which would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in national elections. Republicans in the House have already passed the measure but the Democratic-controlled Senate and President Joe Biden oppose it.

Boebert joined 13 of her Republican colleagues in voting against the spending bill on Wednesday evening in an effort to keep the SAVE Act alive  after former president Donald Trump insisted Republicans should vote against the continuing resolution.

I love the SAVE Act, Bobert said. I believe that President Trump was absolutely right that we should not fund the federal government without ensuring our elections are secure.

Non-citizens cannot vote in federal U.S. elections and have not been permitted to since 1924.

Despite this, Boebert said she is willing to shut down the federal government to secure elections  a reference to widespread false claims of election fraud.

Congress has until September 30 to come up with a plan to keep the government funded or operations would shut down on October 1  approximately a month before the November presidential election.
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Stephen Colbert made his bewilderment clear to audience members and viewers on the latest episode of his talk show after Melania Trump posted a video bizarrely highlighting her nude photos from her modeling days.

Trumps struggling campaign needs all the help it can get to stay on message these days, explained The Late Show with Stephen Colbert host on Wednesday.

Thankfully, Melania Trump - who has been notably absent from her husbands side - pitched in with this video, he added, before playing a segment of a clip posted by the former first lady to X on Wednesday.

With a background of dramatic string music, the former model asked, Why do I stand proudly behind my nude modeling work?

Im sorry? Colbert asked while trying not to laugh. Im sorry, whats happening? Why would you ask that?

No one- absolutely no one is talking about your nude modeling! he exclaimed.

Making reference to her self-titled book set to hit shelves on September 24, he added I know you got a new memoir coming out and youre trying to get attention but America is facing a far more pressing question!

Cutting back to the video, Melania continues:

The more pressing question is why has the media chosen to scrutinize my celebration of the human form in a fashion photo shoot?

Ah yes, Colbert said as his audience laughed, the thing the media is definitely scrutinizing - the 24-year-old naked photo shoot of Melania on Trumps plane.

Stephen Colbert was left baffled after Melania brought up her own nude modelling photos in an X post on Wednesday ( The Late Show with Stephen Colbert )

After cracking a play-on-words about her Be Best campaign when her husband, Donald Trump, was president, Colbert says, Melanias courage to bring up her old nudes, when absolutely no one was talking about them has inspired me to come forward with my own titillating photoshoot.

Melania Trump (then Knauss) with her now-husband Donald Trump at the 2001 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, the year after her nude photos were in British GQ ( Chris Weeks/Getty )

Holding up his recipe book, which came out on Tuesday, he says, Its in my book, Does this Taste Funny?, written with my wife Eve.

I want to warn everyone - if there are children at home I want to warn you: it contains full frontal feet. Okay?

Wikifeet, youre welcome, he added.

Melania posed for the photos (taken by French photographer Antoine Verglas) in 2000 on the private jet of her then-boyfriend, Trump.

The photos appeared in British GQ, with Verglas telling ABC News during the 2016 presidential campaign that he had rejected offers worth tens of thousands of dollars to license his work to other magazines.

Drawing a comparison between her photographs and famous nude art, such as Michelangelos David and John Colliers Lady Godiva, the clip is dotted with iconic paintings and sculptures as Melania said, We should honor our bodies and embrace the timeless tradition of using art as a powerful means of self-expression.

Melania has been making very few public appearances this year as her husband campaigns to be re-elected to the White House, instead mostly making headlines for her slightly odd social media posts
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A Russian troll farm was behind false claims Kamala Harris was involved in a 2011 hit-and-run accident and other inflammatory stories that spread online, according to a report from the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center.

A Kremlin-aligned group, dubbed Storm-1516 in the report, created a fake San Francisco-area website in August to publish a video featuring a paid actor talking about the alleged incident.

In the video, a young Black woman claimed she cannot remain silent anymore.

The site was taken down shortly after being created, and a CBS News fact-check found no public records, news reports, or police information to back up the 2011 story, but that didnt stop millions of people from seeing it on social media, according to the report.

As the election approaches, people get more heated, Clint Watts, general manager of the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center told The Associated Press on Tuesday. People tend to take in information from sources they dont really know or wouldnt even know to evaluate.

Russian troll farms have reportedly been targeting the Harris campaign by spreading inflammatory false stories ( AFP via Getty Images )

The troll farm also posted a fake video showing two Black men beating up a bloodied white woman at a Trump rally.

Another Russian group, meanwhile, allegedly spread online claims about Harriss stance on gender-affirming surgeries, using images of a fake Times Square billboard.

The Independent has contacted the Harris campaign and the Russian Embassy in the U.S. for comment.

On Monday, Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta said it was banning Russian state media organization from its platforms.

After careful consideration, we expanded our ongoing enforcement against Russian state media outlets: Rossiya Segodnya, RT and other related entities are now banned from our apps globally for foreign interference activity, Meta said in a statement.

Russian officials told the AP Such selective actions against Russian media are unacceptable.

Earlier this month, Dimitri Simes, a Russia expert and former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, was indicted for allegedly breaking U.S. sanctions by working for Russian state TV.

He denies wrongdoing.
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An Alaska man has been arrested after he threatened to torture and kill six Supreme Court justices and their families, federal authorities say.

Panos Anastasiou, 76, is accused of sending more than 456 messages through the Supreme Courts online portal between March 2023 and July 2024, according to the indictment.

He now faces 22 charges including 13 counts of making threats in interstate commerce and nine counts of making threats against a federal judge.

It is not clear which six justices that Anastasiou is charged with threatening. The 76-year-old pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday.

The messages had violent, racist, and homophobic rhetoric alongside threats of assassination via torture, hanging, and firearms, according to the indictment. The threats also encouraged others to participate in the acts of violence.

Authorities also claimed at Anastasious arraignment that he has previously threatened public officials, including a governor, The Washington Post reports.

We allege that the defendant made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Our justice system depends on the ability of judges to make their decisions based on the law, and not on fear, he continued. Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin called the threats unacceptable. Public officials, including those who work in the judiciary, must be able to do their jobs without fear for their lives or the safety of their families, Durbin told the Post.

The Independent has contacted the Supreme Courts public information office for comment.

Last month, a federal judge set a trial date for a California man charged with trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his Washington, DC home.

Nicholas John Roskes trial will begin in June 2025 after his arrest three years earlier. In June 2022, officials say he was dressed in black, armed with a knife, gun and zipties when he arrived in Kavanaughs neighborhood around 1 am. The 26-year-old pleaded not guilty.
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In an effort to prevent migrant crossings from the southern border, Texas installed a razor wire along its border with New Mexico, not Mexico  upsetting the southwestern states governor.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on September 14 that his state would be TRIPLING our razor wire border barriers to deny illegal entry into our state and our country. However, rather than installing the razor wire along the Rio Grande river bank that faces Mexico, KTSM on Tuesday captured footage of Texas Army National Guard troops installing it along a bank that faces New Mexico.

This newly-laid barrier extends from West Paisano Drive to the Texas side of the Anapra, New Mexico, according to the outlet.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, told The Independent in a statement that Republican Abbotts latest move was a political stunt that will have will have no meaningful impact on our nations broken immigration system.

Texas National Guard installs concertina wire along Rio Grande river banks facing New Mexico ( KTSM )

The Texas governor seems to be pushing to make Texas its own country without regard for his neighbors or the fact that Texas is already part of a great nationthe United States, Lujan Grisham said.

She continued: If he doesnt think that New Mexico is important to the overall well-being of Texas, then he must be forgetting about the Permian Basin and the oil industry that straddles our two states. I dont see him laying concertina wire there. The New Mexico governor then urged Congressional Republicans to stop holding up the carefully negotiated, bipartisan agreement they are deliberately stalling in Washington at the expense of our entire nation.

A bipartisan border bill designed to help deal with immigration failed in May after Donald Trump pleaded with his Republican allies in Congress to oppose it. Trump frequently blasts the Biden-Harris administrations border record, but he reportedly called his GOP loyalists to kill the legislation to prevent his Democratic 2024 rivals from getting a victory in a key election issue, a source told HuffPost at the time.

The Independent has emailed a representative for Lujan Grisham.

When asked about the new razor wire, Abbotts press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told The Independent in a statement: Texas has been so successful in securing our southern border, migrants are now illegally crossing into New Mexico, and then into Texas.

Mahaleris noted this isnt the first time that Abbott has directed the Texas National Guard to install a barrier along its neighboring state. Last October, Abbott announced on X that Texas was installing fencing along NEW Mexico border because our barriers around El Paso forced the migrants crossing illegally to enter into New Mexico. They then entered into El Paso from there.

This barrier has proven to be effective in deterring migrants who illegally crossed into the United States, Mahaleris continued. Under Operation Lone Star, Texas has allocated more than $11 billion of Texas taxpayer money for border security, deploying thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and DPS troopers, transporting migrants to self-declared sanctuary cities, installing strategic barriers, and building our own border wall. Texas will continue utilizing every tool and strategy to respond to the border crisis and protect Texans.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham blasted Texas Governor Greg Abbott clear after he called for a razor wire to be installed to face New Mexico ( Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP )

Abbotts aggressive campaign to curb the migrant crisis is not new.

This expansion of the razor wire comes two years after he began busing tens of thousands of migrants across the country, installing a buoy barrier, and reports last year that border agents were ordered to push the people back into the water to go to Mexico. At the time a spokesperson for the governor denied the reports of orders to push migrants into the river.

The Justice Department even sued Texas in January over Senate Bill 4, which permits Texas law enforcement officers to arrest migrants for illegal entry and authorizes judges to order migrants to leave the country. Then-US Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta called the law clearly unconstitutional.

It was originally set to go into effect in March, but was blocked by a federal district court judge in February.
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Vice President Kamala Harris will go head-to-head with Donald Trump in less than a month as Americans cast their votes in the 2024 election.

There have been a scarcity of national polls released since last weeks debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, but on average, Harris continues to lead Trump by a hairline; which hasnt changed substantially since mid-August.

Yet a polling twist in Trumps home state of Florida shows a dwindling lead for the former president, according to a Republican pollster; particularly among young Floridians.

Another noteworthy change in the polls came with Vance riding the wave of success from the vice presidential debate against Walz, to see a significant boost in his favorability, previously at record-low levels.

While one new poll suggests that many Republicans may vote Democrat next month, how will Harris and Trump fare in November?

Harris has a 2.6-point lead over Trump in the latest average of national polls, collated by FiveThirtyEight. On average, Harris has been marginally ahead of Trump in national polls for several weeks.

Meanwhile, Trumps lead in Florida  home to Mar-a-Lago, and several key Republicans  has shrunk to just 2 percent.

New figures from historically Republican pollster RMG Research show Trump with 50 percent of the vote and Harris with 48 percent, including those who are uncommitted but lean one way.

In August, separate polls showed a shrinking lead in the sunshine state, but a still-substantial 5-point lead for Trump.

This is a far cry from the reported 8-point lead for Trump over Biden in July.

Vance wins the VP debate and a popularity boost

Last weeks debate between Ohio senator Vance and Minnesota Governor Walz turned expectations on its head; with betting markets and pre-polls eyeing Walz as the presumed winner.

Not only did Vance win the debate, but his performance appears to have done wonders for his public perception, which had been suffering for months.

Our analysis before the debate found that Walz led Trump, Vance, and even Harris in terms of favorability.

Vance received an +11 point boost in favorability from last weeks debate, according to the latest poll from YouGov.

This leaves Vance in a neutral position, while voters had an overall -11 percent unfavorable opinion of him before the debate.

Most interestingly, Vance improved his favorability by an astonishing +19 points among Democrats. Although, overall, he is still at a net -52 percent negative score among this group.

Walz also received a more modest 3-point boost, reaching 15 percent favorability in YouGovs poll.

Although Walzs performance was not debate-winning, he is still the most-liked candidate, and he even improved his favorability among independent voters following the debate.

Among his own party, though, he lost approval from 7 percent of voters, still ending up at a net-positive position of 72 percent favorability with Democrats.

Snap polls following the debate show that viewers were split on both candidates and Vance came out a few points ahead.

A CBS/YouGov poll found that 42 percent of viewers considered Vance the debate winner, compared to 41 percent for Walz.

However, Walz did emerge as more in touch with the average American, and more likely to share voters vision for America.

For the full post-debate polling analysis, click here.

Key issues for voters

Regardless of political affiliation, the economy is the most important issue impacting how people will vote in this election.

A poll from Redfield & Wilton Strategies, of 2,500 US adults up to September 26, shows that abortion is considered the second most important issue, for 37 percent of voters, followed by immigration at 34 percent.

For Trump voters, however, these priorities are flipped.

Over half (57 percent) of Trump voters view immigration as one of the biggest issues, amid border security tensions and recently debunked claims from Trump and Republicans about Haitian migrants.

Interestingly, healthcare and abortion are tied as the next most important issues for Trump voters  at 23 percent each.

Though Trump has advocated for overhauling Obamacare, with unsuccessful attempts during his presidency, he was unable to outline an alternative healthcare policy at the September presidential debate.

Meanwhile, abortion is front and center for Harris voters (55 percent), with Harris herself critical of abortion bans, following the overturning of Roe v Wade.

Healthcare is also a top priority for Harris voters (40 percent), followed by housing (23 percent).

Battleground states

Recent polls from the swing states by Bloomberg/Morning Consult have Harris ahead by +3 points on average, ranging from neck-and-neck with Trump to a +7 point lead.

The poll of more than 6,000 registered voters in the swing states was conducted from September 19-25, with margins of error ranging from 1 to 4 percent in each state.

In Pennsylvania, which hosted the first Harris-Trump presidential debate, Harris has seen her lead increase from +4 points to +5 points since August.

The state had previously been leaning towards Trump when President Joe Biden was on the Democratic ticket.

Harris has the strongest 7-point lead over Trump in Nevada, with 52 percent of the vote to 45 percent.

In Georgia, the two candidates are tied at 49 percent each, while Harriss 5-point lead in Wisconsin has shrunk to 3 points ahead of Trump.

Harris is also 3 points ahead in Michigan and Arizona and 2 points ahead in North Carolina.

While the economy remains the top issue for swing-state voters, the perceived competency gap is shrinking: 45 percent of swing-state voters think Harris can better handle the economy, slightly behind Trump at 49 percent.

It is worth noting that separate New York Times polls earlier this month showed a lead for Trump in Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia. This variation indicates that the swing states are still open to change before November.

Who will vote?

A YouGov/Economist poll has Harris with a three-point lead among registered voters, at 47 percent and Trump at 44 percent. The poll shows a wide 25-point margin for Harris among young voters, aged 29 and under.

However, according to the same poll, the younger generations are also the least committed to voting, with 13 percent of the 18-29-year-olds surveyed saying they will maybe vote, while 3 percent will not vote or are still unsure.

This amounts to 16 percent who are on the fence or not voting, higher than any other age group, and higher than the average of 9 percent. Just 65 percent of the 18 to 29-year-olds polled said they would definitely vote in November.

This is in comparison to 77 percent of 30 to 44-year-olds, 85 percent of 45 to 64-year-olds, and 94 percent of the 65+ age group.

Though the numbers may seem dismal, and represent a degree of hesitancy among younger voters, the overall picture is significantly more engaged than in 2020.

The same YouGov/Economist poll at this stage in the 2020 presidential election showed that nearly a third of young people (27 percent) were not committed to voting in November, with 10 percent maybe voting and 17 percent definitely/probably not voting.

Arizona: key issues

In Arizona  a historically Republican state that has 11 electoral college votes and flipped for Biden in 2020  polls have shown inconsistent leads for both Harris and Trump.

The Trump campaign has made frequent stops in the state over the summer.

In a state that borders Mexico, one in five (19 percent) of Arizona voters say that immigration is the most important issue affecting their vote, according to the same poll.

This is second to the economy, which is the number one issue impacting voters statewide and nationwide.

The majority (51 percent) of Arizona voters believe that Trump is better equipped to handle the top issues, which has flipped since August when Harris was slightly more trusted.

This indicates that, despite the overall enthusiasm for Harriss debate performance, Arizona voters may favor Trump and his approach to key issues. As a generally Republican state, this is unsurprising.

Demographics

A separate poll from The New York Times and Siena College in September has Trump and Harris in a national deadlock, each at 47 percent of the vote among likely voters.

This is a slight shift from the same poll in early September, which had Trump at +2 points ahead of Harris in a surprise result.

The new poll, taken after the September debate and with 2,437 likely voters, had 67 percent of respondents saying that Harris performed well in the debate, compared to 40 percent who thought the same about Trump.

Harris retains a strong lead among women (12 points ahead), while Trump enjoys a 14-point lead among men.

In particular, Harris has improved her vote share among under-34s following the debate, with a 7 percent increase to 58 percent of the vote and a 21-point lead over Trump.

Meanwhile, her lead within the 30-44 age bracket has shrunk, with Trump just 4 points behind; though Trumps margin in the 45-64 age bracket has also decreased to just 2 points.

Make sense of the US election with The Independents experts in our exclusive virtual event Harris vs. Trump: who will make history? Reserve your space here.

Among white, college-educated voters, the early September poll showed a 12-point preference for Harris. Following the debate, this group has seen the most substantial jump, with a 25-point lead for Harris at 61 percent of the vote.

Interestingly, a pre-debate poll from The New York Times showed that nearly a third of voters (28 percent) felt they needed to learn more about Harris, compared to 9 percent who would say the same about Trump.

However, the debate was helpful for Harris in that regard, as half of voters (50 percent) feel that they learned a lot about her during the debate, with just a third saying the same about Trump, according to The New York Times poll.

CNNs snap poll following the first Trump-Harris debate showed that Harris managed to turn the tide with some voters.

In the wake of the debate, more voters now believe Harris better understands the issues of people like them (44 percent) compared to Trump (40 percent). Before the debate, the opposite was true.

Make sense of the US election with The Independents experts in our exclusive virtual event Harris vs. Trump: who will make history? Reserve your space here.
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The 2024 US presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump looks set to be an extremely close contest, with the next occupant of the White House all but certain to be chosen by a few thousand swing voters in key battleground states.

The conventional wisdom asserts that there are seven all-important swing states  Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina and Georgia  and that Harris can emerge victorious on November 5 if she wins at least the first three to the north.

But, drilling down even further, theres a case to be made that just three of the seven battlegrounds will actually decide the outcome: Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.

As Politico columnist Jonathan Martin argues, Harris, the vice president and Democratic presidential nominee, must win Pennsylvania and its 19 Electoral College votes if she is to clear her path to 270, but, should she fail, she could still take the Oval Office if she can secure either North Carolina or Georgia (worth 16 EC votes each) in its stead  provided, that is, that she still takes Michigan and Wisconsin (15 and 10 respectively).

It comes down to seven battleground states, you got to win four of them in order to carry it, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley told the magazine.

Except if you win Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, then thats going to get you over the hump.

The good news for Harris is that she is currently a cool six points ahead of Trump in Pennsylvania in the latest Quinnipiac University poll, with 51 percent of the vote to 45 percent, and is in front by four points, three points and one point in new surveys from The New York Times, Franklin & Marshall and The Washington Post respectively

Only Marists most recent poll finds her tied with Trump and none put the Republican nominee in the lead.

The Californian has certainly focused plenty of campaign energy on the Keystone State, unveiling her running mate Tim Walz in Philadelphia on August 6, touring its western towns with him en route to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and subsequently returning to Philly to triumph over Trump on the NBC News debate stage on September 10, all of which will have caught the eye of local voters.

But Pennsylvania remains a notoriously tricky state for Democrats to tie up, with Joe Biden winning it by just 80,000 votes four years ago, despite hailing from industrial Scranton and maintaining close ties there throughout his career.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump ( AP )

The pundits advised Harris to choose popular state Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate to help seal the deal before she opted for Walz, and the former remains a powerful advocate for her campaign, speaking impressively on her behalf at the Minnesota governors unveiling and again at the party convention last month.

Should Trump ultimately get the better of her, Harris still has a path to the presidency by winning either North Carolina or Georgia, two right-leaning states that Democrats have only won once each so far this century, with Barack Obama picking up the Tar Heel State in 2008 and Biden the Peach State in 2020.

Harris has influential advocates like Governor Roy Cooper in North Carolina and Raphael Warnock and Stacey Abrams in Georgia but even more crucial to her success will be picking up the support of Black men and more moderate conservatives unsettled by Trump.

The vice president addressed Black voters during her panel interview with the National Association of Black Journalists, again in Philadelphia, on Thursday, pointing to her Economic Opportunity Plan encouraging entrepreneurship and acknowledging the need to avoid complacency by assuming any one groups support, commenting: Black men are like any other voting group. You got to earn their vote.

The Republican ticket is, naturally, making its own calculations along similar lines and Pennsylvania and Georgia are the top two states into which Team Trump has invested its TV advertising efforts, also ploughing $17 million into North Carolina last week.

While Trumps running mate JD Vance, who shot to fame as the author of Hillbilly Elegy (2016), has been energetically touring the southern states, the nominee himself has not visited Georgia since August 3.

He has also created bad blood there by challenging its 2020 election results and publicly feuding with its officials like Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both Republicans, not to mention Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who indicted him and his allies on racketeering charges.

Trumps support for the controversial Mark Robinson in the North Carolina gubernatorial race could likewise cost him vital support in such a sensitively poised state.
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Watch a view of the scene at the swollen Oder River in Wroclaw on Thursday 19 September as severe flooding causes devastation in Poland.

Central Europe is experiencing the worst floods in at least two decades, with a trail of destruction from Romania to Poland and the deaths of at least 23 people so far.

The Polish defence ministry said more than 14,000 soldiers had been deployed to flood-hit regions, as well as thousands of policemen and equipment.

One of scores of towns across central Europe to be hit, Glucholazy, has been left with residents possessions strewn across the roads among piles of mud and other debris.

Residents of Glucholazy struggled to salvage what they could from their flood-ravaged homes on Wednesday, as they praised friends, family and rescue workers for their help, but wondered if authorities could have done more.

Maria Ciesla looked at the devastated remains of her home and reflected on what she had lost.

I have grandchildren... toys that cant be saved, she said.

I dont know, these little things are sometimes more important than the big things.

However, amid the devastation, she spoke warmly of the help she had received in the local community.

I see there is hope, she said.

They serve dinners here... they provide water.
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Hezbollah fired a new barrage into northern Israel on Thursday, continuing its drumbeat of exchanges with the Israeli military as fears of a greater war rise after hundreds of electronic devices exploded in Lebanon, killing at least 32 people and wounding more than 3,000 others.

The device explosions appeared to be the culmination of a monthslong operation by Israel to target as many Hezbollah members as possible all at once. Over two days, pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah detonated, wounding and even crippling some fighters, but also maiming civilians connected to the groups social branches and killing at least two children.

It was unclear how the attack fit into warnings by Israeli leaders in recent weeks that they could launch a stepped-up military operation against Hezbollah, Lebanons strongest armed force. The Israeli government has called it a war aim to end the Iranian-backed groups crossborder fire in order to allow tens of thousands of Israelis to return to homes near the border.

Speaking to Israeli troops on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, We are at the start of a new phase in the war  it requires courage, determination and perseverance. He made no mention of the exploding devices but praised the work of Israels army and security agencies, saying the results are very impressive.

Gallant said that after months of fighting Hamas in Gaza, the center of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces.

Hezbollah said early Thursday it had targeted military positions in northern Israel, without specifying what weapons it used. Israeli hospitals reported that they treated at least eight patients injured in the attacks. The military said early Thursday that it had struck several militant sites in southern Lebanon overnight.

The volley of strikes was a signal by Hezbollah that it would continue its near daily fire, which it says is a show of support for Hamas amid Israels 11-month-old campaign in Gaza in retaliation for the Palestinian militants Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Israel has responded to Hezbollahs fire with strikes in southern Lebanon, and has struck senior figures from the group in the capital Beirut. The exchanges have killed hundreds in Lebanon and dozens in Israel and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents on each side of the border.

Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly pulled back from an all-out war under heavy pressure from the United States, France and other countries.

But in their recent warnings, Israeli leaders have said they are determined to change the status quo dramatically.

Israeli began moving more troops to its border with Lebanon on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, Israeli officials said. Israels army chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said plans have been drawn up for additional action against Hezbollah, though media reported the government has not yet decided whether to launch a major offensive in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanon was still reeling from the unprecedented mass bombings of Tuesday and Wednesday.

The explosions have rattled anxious Lebanese fearing a full-scale war. The Lebanese Army said it has been locating and detonating suspicious pagers and communication devices, while the countrys civil aviation authorities banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all airplanes departing from Beiruts international airport until further notice.

The attack was likely to severely disrupt Hezbollahs internal communication as it scrambles to determine safe means to talk to each other. Hezbollah announced the death of five combatants today, but didnt specify if they were killed in the explosions or on the front lines.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was scheduled to speak later Thursday as the group vowed to retaliate against Israel.

The blasts went off wherever the holders of the pagers or walkie-talkies happened to be in multiple parts of Beirut and eastern and southern Lebanon  in homes and cars, grocery stores and cafes and on the street, even at a funeral for some killed in the bombings, often with family and other bystanders nearby.

Many suffered gaping wounds on their legs, abdomens and faces or were maimed in the hand. Tuesdays pager blasts killed 12 people, including two children, and wounded some 2,800 others. The following days explosion killed 20 and wounded more than 450.

Health Minister Firas Abiad praised Lebanons hospitals, saying they had managed to deal with the flood of wounded within hours. It was an indiscriminate attack. It was a war crime, he said.

Mary Ellen OConnell, a professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, said booby-traps are banned under international law. Weaponizing an object used by civilians is strictly prohibited, she said.
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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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A British-Russian dissident and opponent of Vladimir Putin, freed in the most high-profile prison swap since the end of the Cold War, has described the brutal treatment he suffered during 11 months of solitary confinement in Siberia.

Vladimir Kara-Murza spent 23-and-a-half hours a day in a tiny cell as part of his 25-year sentence for speaking out against Russias war of aggression in Ukraine.

The 43-year-old, who served two-and-a-half years of his total sentence before being released in August, spoke of talking to walls and willing away the days no longer understanding whats real and whats imaginary.

In an exclusive interview with The Independent hours after touching down in Britain for the first time since the historic US-brokered prison deal with the Kremlin, the Cambridge-educated activist relived his horrifying experience in unflinching detail.

Kara-Murza said the exchange was not merely a swap but a life-saving mission. The death in prison in February of fellow dissident Alexei Navalny, which he described as a Kremlin-orchestrated murder, underscored the danger he was in.

Mentally, psychologically, emotionally, just to be locked up in a cupboard day after day, week after week, month after month, without as much as saying hello to anybody, its really, really not easy, he said at a hotel near the House of Commons.

After about two or three weeks, your mind really starts playing tricks on you. You start forgetting words. You start forgetting names. You start speaking to walls. You stop understanding whats real and whats imaginary.

Kara-Murza was arrested in Moscow in April 2022, two months after Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, for giving speeches around the world about the war crimes Russias forces were committing against civilians.

His court hearing, which he compared to Stalins show trials during the dictators brutal reign, was a sham. He was sentenced to 25 years in a Siberian prison, the longest sentence handed down to a political prisoner since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Kara-Murza during a hearing at the Basmanny District Court in Moscow in October 2022 ( AFP/Getty )

It was not the first time Kara-Murza had been targeted by the Putin regime after the Kremlin allegedly tried to poison him first in 2015 and then again in 2017, prompting his wife Evgenia and their three young children to flee to the US.

On both occasions, the Russian opposition figure was comatose and nearly died. It left him with a debilitating nerve condition called polyneuropathy that affects his ability to feel his fingers and toes.

When a prison doctor in Moscow examined him during his pretrial detention, they said he needed constant fresh air, walks and medical treatment to stave off the worsening condition. They gave him three years to live, according to his lawyer Vadim Prokhorov.

But by April last year, he had been sentenced and sent to a prison in Omsk, Siberia. Within months, he was shoved into a tiny punishment cell. His only walk was for half an hour in a circle over and over again in an enclosed courtyard with bars overhead. During this time, his wife told The Independent he would die if he was not rescued from prison.

Kara-Murza was equally blunt on Thursday about his fate had he remained incarcerated. No one can survive 25 years in a Russian gulag, especially after the two poisonings Ive been through, he said. It was a death sentence.

Talking about the prisoner swap  which also included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was falsely accused of espionage and sentenced to 16 years imprisonment  Kara-Murza described it as not an exchange but a life-saving operation.

They were among 16 prisoners set free from Russia. The Kremlin received eight Russians in return, including FSB hitman Vadim Krasikov, convicted in Germany of murdering Chechen Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in 2019.

Despite the cruelty of his first months in solitary, Kara-Murza said his psychological torture got worse as his detention dragged on. Prison guards, his only contact with the outside world, punished him for minor infractions such as undoing his top button or taking his hat off while outside. They kept a record of his so-called unruliness.

In other instances, his prison handlers tricked him into breaking ridiculously stringent rules.

Vladimir Kara-Murza speaks to The Independent in central London ( Liam James/The Independent )

In his first Siberian prison, penal colony IK-6, he was punished one day for failing to get up at 6am, the time at which prisoners are required to start their day. But guards had turned off the alarm and prisoners were not allowed clocks in their rooms.

In January, Kara-Murza disappeared from IK-6 and reappeared days later in the nearby IK-7 penal colony  one of the most restrictive prisons in the country.

Authorities claimed at the time it was punishment for Kara-Murzas consistent violation of the rules of serving his sentence.

Up to that point, he had already suffered reduced phone rights and prevented from speaking to the outside world. His last call with his family had been in December 2023, limited to 15 minutes. Forfeiting her chance to hear her husbands voice, his wife gave each of their three children five minutes each. She used a stopwatch to make sure each child  the oldest just a teenager  got the same amount of time to speak to their father. He spoke to them on just three occasions in 2023.

When he was moved to IK-7, his phone rights were completely removed. Visibly angry, Kara-Murza, recalled the cruelty of that move, directed not only against him but his family.

My family, my wife and my children, were made to suffer only because they bear the same name as me, only because theyre my family, he said.

He did not speak to his wife or children again until the middle of July this year, by which time he had missed his daughters graduation day and his 20th wedding anniversary.

Freed Russian prisoners Ilya Yashin, Andrei Pivovarov and Kara-Murza at a news conference in Bonn, Germany, last month ( AP )

By this point, he was forced to wake up at 5am each day and push his bed up against the wall, where it would stay until 9pm when lights went out. They didnt want the prisoners to be able to lie down, he said.

He was given 90 minutes a day with a pen and paper, when he could do court correspondence and write heavily censored letters to his lawyers and wife. The rest of the time, he read one of the two books he was allowed in his room at any one time.

He chose a Spanish language textbook  learning a language was a tip suggested by his idol, Soviet dissident Vladimir Bukovsky  or the Bible, which he described as vital to his survival.

He was also forced to confront the end date of his sentence every day. Every time you had to write a request, for what you wanted with your tea, for example, you had to write your name, your cell number, and the date of the end of your sentence, he said.

In my case that was 21 April 2047. I will never forget that day. At some point, it started getting to me, writing and saying this date day after day.

Then in mid-July, Kara-Murza disappeared again. The authorities said he had been moved to hospital; in fact, they transferred him to IK-11, an even stricter colony, removing his final right, his access to his lawyers.

The hospital was only that by name, he said. When people hear the word hospital, they imagine beds, doctors walking around. No, it was nothing like that. It was actually the harshest prison I had been to, in all my two years and three months, which was some achievement.

Kara-Murza described his survival after so much psychological torture as a miracle. His faith, his determination to learn Spanish, and his wife passionately fighting for his release were all that kept him from giving up.

Also his conviction that a peaceful Russia without Putin at the helm would one day emerge. All the time he was held in solitary confinement, deprived of human contact, he kept telling himself: I know I am right.
 Close Moment the super yacht sank amid a freak storm

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Divers searching British tech tycoon Mike Lynchs sunken superyacht off Sicily have found safes holding potentially sensitive intelligence data, sources have claimed.

Local law enforcement reportedly now fear that foreign governments such as China and Russia may become interested in the boat - and have asked for extra surveillance to protect it, CNN reports.

Through Lynchs companies, he was associated with multiple intelligence services - including British and American - particularly through his cyber security company, Darktrace.

The Bayesian boat is believed to have watertight safes with two super-encrypted hard drives containing confidential intelligence information, an official within the recovery team told the US new outlet.

Lying at a 50-metre depth, the wreckage is expected to be raised in the following weeks as part of a criminal investigation into its sinking on 19 August.

Francesco Venuto, of the Sicilian Civil Protection Agency, told CNN: A formal request has been accepted and implemented for additional security of the wreckage until it can be raised.

Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among eight people to die when the yacht sank last month.
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A British-educated businesswoman has denied allegations of manufacturing the pagers used in an audacious attack against Hezbollah.

The handheld devices killed at least 12 people and injured 3,000 after they simultaneously detonated across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday afternoon in a suspected Israeli operation.

The Taiwanese company whose branding was on the technology claimed Budapest-based firm BAC Consultancy made the devices under a three-year brand licensing agreement.

Follow the latest updates here

But University College London (UCL) graduate Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, the CEO of BAC Consultancy, said she was just a link in the supply chain and did not make the pagers.

The handheld devices killed at least 12 people and injured 3,000 ( Balkis Press/ABACA/Shutterstock )

I do not make the pagers. I am just the intermediary. I think you got it wrong, Ms Barsony-Arcidiacono told NBC News.

Around three grams of explosives are reported to have been placed into the AR-924 pagers in a sophisticated supply chain infiltration.

A Lebanese security source claimed Israels spy agency Mossad planted explosives in thousands of the devices months before they exploded, and one US official told Axios news the Israeli military moved to detonate the devices because it feared the sabotage plot had been exposed.

The Iran-backed militant group has vowed to retaliate against Israel, whose military declined to comment on the blasts.

Medics collect blood donations in Beiruts southern suburb after the explosions ( AFP/Getty )

Ms Barsony-Arcidiacono studied for a physics PhD at UCL between 2002 and 2006, according to her LinkedIn page.

She then went on to study at the London School of Economics and the University of London for various postgraduate qualifications between 2009 and 2017.

She also recently worked with the European Commission as an evaluation expert and as a groundwater resource manager for Unesco.

On her companys website  which went offline on Wednesday morning  her work was described as bridging technology and innovation from Asia. The firms address was registered to a residential-looking two-storey building in Budapest, with its name posted on the glass door on an A4 sheet.

A man is rushed to hospital after the attack ( AP )

Hezbollah, which controls southern Lebanon, forms part of Irans so-called axis of resistance, which opposes Western and Israeli influence in the region.

A Hezbollah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the detonation of the pagers was the biggest security breach the group had been subjected to in nearly a year of war with Israel.

The group opened a second front against Israel a day after the war in the Gaza Strip began, triggered by a Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October.

Hamas, also backed by Tehran, killed around 1,200 people, with another 251 taken hostage. In response, Israel has bombarded Gaza from the air and ground.

More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the offensive, health officials in Gaza have said. It has displaced nearly 90 per cent of the territorys 2.3 million population.
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Shut it off, bury it, put it in an iron chest and lock it up," the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared in February, talking about the mobile phones belonging to members and their families.

"The collaborator [with the Israelis] is the cell phone in your hands, and those of your wife and your children. This cell phone is the collaborator and the killer," he added. "Do it for the sake of security and to protect the blood and dignity of people."

After months of near-daily fire across the Israel-Lebanon border, Hezbollah were concerned about Israeli location and tracking and spyware via mobile phones  which could allow for targeted strikes or disruptions to operations.

Pagers became the norm, with the low-tech boxes  which detect messages sent out via its radio frequency from a transmitter  used to display phone numbers for Hamas members to call back on an internal line. The use of the mostly obscure technology, that had its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, was supposed to bring security. But the very public way Hezbollah ditched mobile phones would reach a bloody conclusion.

At 3.45pm on Tuesday afternoon, these same pagers began to explode  sounding like gunshots or fireworks. For the next hour, they would continue to detonate across Lebanon and parts of Syria. According to Lebanon's health minister, at least 12 people were killed, including two children, and around 2,800 were injured. By Wednesday afternoon, most were still in hospital, which were overwhelmed by the influx of patients. Injuries to the face and hands were the predominant wounds, with CCTV footage showing explosions in supermarkets and on the street.

The pagers are said to have started to receive a message, appearing to come from Hezbollah's leadership. They were programmed to beep for several seconds before exploding, US officials told The New York Times.

It did not stop there. More explosions were reported in the countrys south, in Beirut and in the eastern Bekaa Valley on Wednesday afternoon, this time said to be fromwalkie-talkies detonating. At least 25 more people were reported dead and more than 600 injured, the Lebanese health ministry said. Hospitals were once again flooded with patients.

Ambulances are surrounded by people at the entrance of the American University of Beirut Medical Center after the explosions on Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

Sources told Axios that the second attack was probably driven by the risk that Hezbollahs investigations following the first attack would discover the security breach in the walkie-talkies.

The threat of an all-out war between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel had spiked in the weeks before this unprecedented attack, after nearly a year of clashes sparked by the Israeli war against another Tehran ally, Hamas, in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israel's internal security agency, Shin Bet, said it had foiled a plot by Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior Israeli security official using a remotely-detonated explosive device. Hours later, pagers started exploding across Beirut.

Hezbollah swiftly blamed Israel, with security sources saying that Israel's spy agency, Mossad  which has a long history of pulling off sophisticated attacks on foreign soil  planted explosives inside pagers imported by Hezbollah.

Israel has so far refused to comment - not unusual for actions outside of its borders  with the search now on for answers as to how the operation was carried out. It is a trail that runs to Beirut, via Hungary, Bulgaria with a dash of Japan and Taiwan.

Anonymous officials from the US, Lebanon and Hezbollah have painted a picture of an operation months in the planning and execution, that tore a hole in Hezbollah's security apparatus in what one member told Reuters was the biggest such breach in their history. The number of pagers ordered by Hezbollah was between 3,000 and 5,000, and believed to have been delivered to Lebanon some months back. They were distributed to Hezbollah members, with most being centred around Beirut. Some made it to Hezbollah allies in Syria and Iran. Those that blew were the ones switched on and set to receive messages.

The walkie-talkies were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, around the same time that the pagers were bought, a security source said.

Damaged pagers showed the branding of Gold Apollo, a company in Taiwan. In a strange twist, the founder of the company, Hsu Ching-Kuang, addressed reporters outside their offices in Taipei to declare that they had nothing to do with the manufacture of the pagers  and instead a company in Europe had used their name under license. "The product was not ours. It was only that it had our brand on it," Mr Hsu said. We may not be a large company but we are a responsible one, he added. This is very embarrassing.

The remains of exploded pagers on display ( AFP via Getty Images )

In a statement, Gold Apollo named that company as BAC Consulting, which has an address in Budapest. The company is authorised to used Gold Apollos logo for product sales in certain regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are entirely handled by BAC, the statement said.

That address in Budapest is a peach coloured building situated on a mostly residential street in an outer suburb. The company name was posted on the glass door on an A4 sheet. When reporters spoke to a person inside, they said BAC Consulting was registered there but did not have a physical presence.

Mr Hsu said his company was a victim of the incident, that he planned to sue BAC and that he did not know how the pagers could be rigged to explode. He also claimed there had been problems with remittances from the firm.

The remittance was very strange, he said, adding that payments had come through the Middle East but did not say more.

Mr Hsu said the firm has had a licensing agreement with BAC for the past three years. BAC Consulting KFT, a limited liability company, was registered in May 2022, according to company records, although the website appears to have been active longer..

Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono ( Facebook )

Reached by NBC News, BAC Consulting chief executive Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono confirmed that her company worked with Gold Apollo. But when asked about the pagers and the explosions, she said, I dont make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong.

On BAC Consulting's website, which was live early on Wednesday but later became unavailable, there are notes about its activities but they are vague.

With over a decade of consulting experience, we are on an exciting and rewarding journey with our network of passionate experts with a hunger for innovation and discovery for the Environment, Innovation & Development, and International Affairs, according to the companys LinkedIn page.

Ms Barsony-Arcidiacono says on her LinkedIn profile that she has worked as an adviser for various organisations including Unesco. BAC's registered activities are wide ranging, from computer game publishing to IT consulting to crude oil extraction.

On Thursday, Bulgaria said it will investigate a company linked to the sale of pagers to Lebanons Hezbollah. Bulgaria's state security agency, DANS, said in a statement that it is working with the interior ministry to probe the role of a company registered in Bulgaria, without naming it. Hungarian media reports suggested the company was based in Sofia.

As for the walkie-talkies, they were marked made in Japan and traced to a company called ICOM. The company said it halted production of the radio models identified in the attack a decade ago and that most of those still on sale were counterfeit.

Men carry the coffin of Mohammad Mahdi Ammar, son of Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament, Ali Ammar, who was killed amid the detonation of pagers across Lebanon ( REUTERS )

"Theres no way a bomb could have been integrated into one of our devices during manufacturing. The process is highly automated and fast-paced, so theres no time for such things," Yoshiki Enomoto a director at ICOM said outside the company's headquarters in Osaka, Japan on Thursday.

"If it turns out to be counterfeit, then we'll have to investigate how someone created a bomb that looks like our product. If it's genuine, we'll have to trace its distribution to figure out how it ended up there," Mr Enomoto said

With the manufacturing blame game continuing, focus has settled on exactly when the pagers and walkie-talkies were modified. A senior Lebanese source told Reuters that the pager devices had been tampered with by Israel's spy service "at the production level."

"The Mossad injected a board inside of the device that has explosive material that receives a code. It's very hard to detect it through any means," the source said.

Another security source said that up to three grams of explosives were hidden in the pagers and had gone "undetected" by Hezbollah for months. Other officials suggested the explosive was placed next to the battery, alongside a switch that could then be triggered remotely.

Israel's military evacuate injured people by helicopter after an anti-tank missile was fired into Israel from Lebanon ( REUTERS )

As for the timing of the explosions, Israeli and US officials have said that Israeli intelligence services wanted the explosions to mark the first act of an all-out war with Hezbollah, but acted early after Hezbollah became suspicious  with more than one member believing the devices may have been tampered with.

"It was a use it or lose it moment," one US official told Axios, describing the reasoning Israel gave the US for the timing of the attack, although officials said Washington was not told of the specifics of the attack.

On Wednesday, in a press conference during a trip to Egypt, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken said that the US "did not know about" and "nor was it involved" i the pager attack and that Washington has been clear about the importance of avoiding steps which could escalate the conflict in the Middle East region.

As for what happens next, there is sure to be some kind of response from Hezbollah, which has vowed "revenge". Israels defence minister said on Wednesday that the military is turning its attention towards the Lebanon border. Yoav Gallant made no mention of the explosions, but praised the work of Israels army and security agencies, saying the results are very impressive.

After nearly a year of war against Hamas in Gaza, the centre of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces, he said. We are at the start of a new phase in the war  it requires courage, determination and perseverance.

Israels army chief, Herzi Halevi, added that his country has many capabilities that have not yet been activated.

Western nations and Middle East states will be hoping this unprecedented attack will not be the trigger for an all out Hezbollah-Israel war.
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At least twelve people have been killed and 3,000 were injured after handheld pager devices used by Hezbollah simultaneously exploded across Lebanon and Syria.

The attack - described by Hezbollah as its largest security breach in nearly a year of near-daily cross-border fire with Israel - has heightened tensions in the Middle East as Hezbollah vowed revenge.

On Wednesday, more explosions have been heard in Beirut and other cities with reports walkie-talkie devices had been detonated.

The group claimed the operation, carried out at 3.30pm local time, was perpetrated by Israel, an allegation that Israel refused to address, in keeping with its policy on assaults happening outside of its own territory.

However, a Lebanese security official told Reuters that Israels spy agency, Mossad, planted up to three grammes of explosives into around 5,000 of the beepers months before they went off on Tuesday.

The blasts were mainly in areas where the group has a strong presence, particularly a southern Beirut suburb and in the Beqaa region of eastern Lebanon, as well as in Damascus, officials said.

The explosions continued for around an hour, with people starting to pour into hospitals. Lebanese Public Health Minister Firass Abiad said damage to the hands and face made up the majority of injuries.

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and allied to Hamas, controls southern Lebanon, where they have been exchanging rocket fire with Israel across the border for nearly a year, connected to the war in Gaza.

Thousands were injured after the blasts went off across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

That was triggered when Hamas launched a bloody act of terror in Israel on 7 October, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza, which is run by Hamas.

A day later, after Israel began its aerial and later ground attack in the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians according to the local health ministry, Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel. They have vowed not to stop firing rockets until Israel ends its war in Gaza.

The explosions of hundreds, if not thousands of electronic pagers used by Hezbollah to communicate to one another could spell the latest iteration of this ongoing conflict. It also threatens to escalate the conflict yet again.
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An Israeli man has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a plot to assassinate prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu or other senior officials after being recruited by Iran, Israels internal security service has said.

The suspect  who was arrested in August  is a 73-year-old businessman with links to Turkey who had been smuggled into Iran for two meetings to discuss assassinating either Mr Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant or the head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, it was alleged in a joint statement from the Israeli police and Shin Bet.

The allegations date back to April, when when the Israeli man  named as Moti Maman  agreed to meet a wealthy businessman living in Iran for business purposes.

After being told by representatives that the Iranian businessman, identified only as Adi, could not leave Iran, the Israeli man was smuggled into Iran from eastern Turkey, where he met Adi and others, including a man identified as an Iranian security official, the statement claimed. It is unclear why Adi could not leave Iran.

The Iranians proposed that he carry out tasks for Iran, including transferring money or a gun, photographing crowded places or threatening other Israeli civilians operating on behalf of Iran who did not carry out the requested missions.

After returning to Israel, Mr Maman was allegedly smuggled back into Iran in a vehicle in August. During this visit, Iranian officials asked him to carry out terrorist attacks for Iran and made proposals for assassinating Mr Netanyahu, Mr Gallant or Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, as well as other operations.

The Israeli man is alleged to have asked for a payment of $1m before carrying out the tasks but Iranian officials refused the request, saying instead that they would remain in touch and paying him 5,000 for joining the meetings.

There was panic in Lebanon on Wednesday after a second wave of explosions, including some that hit mourners at funerals for those killed in blasts the previous day ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Maman was indicted on Thursday. Eyal Besserglick, Mr Mammans lawyer, said his client made an error of judgement and is cooperating with Israels intelligence agencies.

It can already be said that this is a person who has greatly assisted the security services of the state of Israel, whose children serve in the security forces, Mr Besserglick added.

Shin Bet claimed the plot was seen by the Iranian officials as revenge for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, after which their efforts intensified. Israel was widely viewed as responsible for that attack, which came a day after Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed by an Israeli strike in Beirut.

Shin Bet claimed the latest arrest showed the efforts Iran was making to recruit Israelis to gather intelligence and carry out terrorist missions in Israel, including by using individuals with criminal backgrounds.

The allegations of the assassination plot come just days after Shin Bet uncovered what it said was a plot by Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior defence official, who was subsequently identified as the former army chief and defence minister Moshe Yaalon.

Mr Gallant declared his country was entering a new phase of war on Israels northern border on Wednesday, as Hezbollah was struck by the second attack in two days which caused thousands of walkie-talkies and pagers used by the group to explode.

At least 20 people were killed and 450 injured by the detonations on Wednesday, Lebanons health ministry said, just a day after 12 people died and nearly 3,000 were wounded by pager explosions in an unprecedented attack that Hezbollah has blamed on Israel.

Israel has not commented directly on those attacks but multiple security sources have said Israels spy agency Mossad was responsible.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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Hezbollah has accused Israel of crossing all red lines with its deadly detonation of walkie-talkies and pagers, as Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of strikes across Lebanon.

Sonic booms from low-flying Israeli jets shook the buildings in Beirut during a televised speech by the militant groups leader Hassan Nasrallah in which he warned this weeks unprecedented action could be called a declaration of war.

Israel has yet to confirm or deny it was behind the remote explosions which killed at least 37 people, including two children. More than 3,000 people were also wounded, according to the Lebanese health ministry, whose top medics told The Independent that they were struggling to treat such a huge influx of critical injuries.

The events have pushed an already simmering region to the brink of full-scale war, with concerns the attack might be a precursor to an Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon.

In this operation, the enemy violated all laws and red lines, Nasrallah said, from an unknown location. This type of killing, targeting and crime may be unprecedented in the world, he added.

He said that thousands of pagers used by Iran-backed Hezbollah had been targeted simultaneously, with some of the explosions happening in hospitals, pharmacies, markets, shops and streets busy with civilians, women and children.

The threat of an all-out war between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel had spiked in the weeks before this unprecedented attack, after nearly a year of clashes sparked by the Israeli war against another Tehran ally, Hamas, in Gaza.

Nasrallah admitted the attacks dealt a painful and severe blow but would not deter Lebanons armed factions who will not stop before an end to the aggression on Gaza.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah ( via Reuters )

What happened  will only increase our strength, determination and presence, he added, warning his forces will strike back from where [Israel] does not expect.

It echoed statements made by Irans Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami who, according to Iranian state media, told Nasrallah on Thursday that Israel will face a crushing response from the axis of resistance. Irans envoy to Beirut was injured in the pager attack.

Starting on Tuesday, Lebanon was shaken by explosions as hundreds  if not thousands  of pager communication devices spontaneously exploded, injuring thousands of people and killing many, including civilians. A day later, hundreds of walkie-talkies mostly used by Hezbollah members also suddenly detonated. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the combined attacks killed at least 37 people, the youngest an eight-year-old girl.

The attacks sparked a slew of criticism, with Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati calling on the United Nations Security Council to take a firm stand to stop Israels aggression and technological war.

The UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, appealed for calm, warning the blasts were an extremely concerning escalation in what is an already unacceptably volatile context.

It echoed a statement by the European Unions top diplomat Josep Borrell who called on European countries in particular to help avert an all-out war.

Mourners carry the coffin of one of the people who died the communication devices blasts ( EPA )

Israel began moving more troops to its border with Lebanon on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, Israeli officials said. Army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said plans have been drawn up for additional action against Hezbollah, although media reported the government has not yet decided whether to launch a major offensive in Lebanon.

Hezbollah fired a new barrage into northern Israel on Thursday. Lebanons health minister, Firass al-Abiad, told The Independent that the countrys hospitals had prepared for mass casualty events because of the conflict but could not possibly have predicted so many similar critical wounds at the same time. Since 2020, Lebanon has been in the grip of one of the worlds worst economic collapses. impacting its ability to get medical supplies.

Dr Jihad Saade, director of Lebanons largest governmental facility, the Rafic Hariri University Hospital in Beirut, said most of the casualties were to the face, hands and eyes.

We had back-to-back surgeries in four operation rooms all of them functioning at the same time through the night, he told The Independent. We were prepared for, for example, shelling but not mass casualties all to the same specific area of the body.

He said doctors were not sure how many of their patients will ever be able to see again and they are worried that now the situation will escalate.

The number and severity of injuries, especially as some will lose their vision, will mean this will not pass lightly, he warned.

At the American University of Beirut, family members anxiously waited for news of their loved ones. A 21-year-old man said he was waiting for his brother-in-law who sustained injuries to his hands and eyes during the first wave of explosions on Tuesday. Because of Israel, there are civilians in the hospitals now. We dont know what will happen, he added.

Israel's military evacuates injured people by helicopter after an anti-tank missile was fired into Israel from Lebanon on Thursday ( Reuters )

Saleh Zeineldine, the hospitals chief medical officer said the attacks posed a huge challenge.

Our capacity was stretched too thin. We received close to 200 patients yesterday, he told The Independent. We have 12 operating rooms that are working constantly. We cancelled all elective procedures and cases for today and tomorrow to keep up with the injuries.

In the southern neighbourhood of Chiya, right beside the Hezbollah stronghold in Dahieh, witnesses to Wednesdays explosions in handheld radios said people were now afraid to use any devices.

I was standing near a hospital, then all of a sudden I heard people scream and I saw some men lying on the ground, said Bashar al-Hassan, a Syrian employee of a bakery in the area. I was very afraid, also for my own phone and other devices. Now its too risky to be in those areas.

The owner of the store, Simone Aboud, questioned the point of the conflict. Gaza is destroyed, just like the south in Lebanon. Thousands of their [Hezbollah] people are wounded. Theyve lost the war.
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At least 12 people  including two children  have been killed and thousands wounded after electronic pagers belonging to Hezbollah simultaneously exploded in Lebanon and Syria.

The majority of the explosions took place in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Additional explosions were recorded in the Syrian capital of Damascus, where Hezbollah members are based.

On Wednesday, more explosions have been heard in Beirut and other cities with reports walkie-talkie devices had been detonated.

Tuesdays blasts began in Beirut about 3.30pm local time. Witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from people's pockets, before seeing small explosions that sounded like fireworks. In one clip, CCTV footage appeared to show an explosion in a mans trouser pocket as he stood at a shop till. The explosions continued for around an hour, with people starting to pour into hospitals. Lebanese Public Health Minister Firass Abiad said damage to the hands and face made up the majority of injuries.

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and allied to Hamas, controls southern Lebanon, where they have been exchanging rocket fire with Israel across the border for nearly a year, connected to the war in Gaza.

That was triggered when Hamas launched a bloody act of terror in Israel on 7 October, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza, which is run by Hamas.

A day later, after Israel began its aerial and later ground attack in the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians according to the local health ministry, Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel. They have vowed not to stop firing rockets until Israel ends its war in Gaza.

The explosions of hundreds, if not thousands of electronic pagers used by Hezbollah to communicate to one another could spell the latest iteration of this ongoing conflict. It also threatens to escalate the conflict yet again.

Who is responsible?

Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar, whose son was reportedly one of those killed in the attack on Tuesday, was pictured being consoled by fellow officials ( AP )

Both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government - they are separate authorities - quickly blamed Israel for the attack.

The Israeli military, in keeping with its policy of not remarking on attacks outside of its own territory, told The Independent that it is refraining from commenting.

After initially releasing a statement saying they were investigating the explosions, Hezbollah issued a second comment saying they held Israel fully responsible for the attack, though they provided no evidence to substantiate this claim.

After examining all the facts, current data, and available information about the sinful attack that took place this afternoon, we hold the Israeli enemy fully responsible for this criminal aggression that targeted civilians too, the group said. They vowed to punish Israel by way of response.

Lebanons foreign ministry condemned what it called an Israeli cyber attack. The ministry said in a statement that it is preparing to submit a complaint to the United Nations Security Council.

This dangerous and deliberate Israeli escalation is accompanied by Israeli threats to expand the scope of the war against Lebanon on a large scale, and by the intransigence of Israelis positions calling for more bloodshed, destruction and devastation, it said.

How has this happened?

Lebanese army soldiers stand guard at the entrance of a hospital (background) in Beirut ( AFP via Getty Images )

Sources claimed to Reuters that Israel's Mossad spy agency planted explosives inside 5,000 pagers imported by Hezbollah.

A senior Lebanese source said the devices had been modified by Israel's spy service "at the production level"  meaning somwhere along the supply chain during manufacture or transit. Attacks using this method to hack software are known, but modifying hardware is rarer, as it will involve a bigger plan to get their hands on all the devices.

"The Mossad injected a board inside of the device that has explosive material that receives a code. It's very hard to detect it through any means. Even with any device or scanner," the source said.

The source said 3,000 of the pagers exploded when a coded message was sent to them, simultaneously activating the explosives.

Another security source told Reuters that up to three grams of explosives were hidden in the new pagers and had gone "undetected" by Hezbollah for months. Another Hezbollah security source added that the new pagers that Hezbollah members were carrying had lithium batteries that apparently exploded.

A Hezbollah official told the Associated Press the pagers were a new brand, but declined to say how long they had been in use  but it is believed they were brought into the Lebanon earlier this year.

Taiwanese company Gold Apollo said it authorised its brand on the pagers that exploded in Lebanon and Syria, but they were manufactured by a company based in Budapest.

The AR-924 pagers were manufactured by BAC Consulting KFT, based in Hungary's capital, according to a statement by Gold Apollo.

It said: "According to the co-operation agreement, we authorise BAC to use our brand trademark for product sales in designated regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are solely the responsibility of BAC."

Other Hezbollah officials speculated that the devices may have been contaminated with malware that caused the pagers to overheat and explode.

Independent intelligence analysts have suggested the explosions looked like the type of sophisticated operation characteristic of Mossad, the Israeli intelligence services.

Attackers would have needed to know at least the make and models of the individual pagers to do this. That the attacks were coordinated suggests the attackers may have also known the serial numbers of the devices.

However the attack was coordinated, it represents a serious security breach for Hezbollah.

What does this mean for tensions in the area?

This photo taken from a position in northern Israel shows a Hezbollah UAV intercepted by Israeli air forces over north Israel on 25 August 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Fears that Israels war in the Gaza Strip could escalate to a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon have abounded for months.

At various points this year, Hezbollah officials, including top commander Fuad Shukr, were killed by what appeared to be Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Hezbollah vowed to respond to each attack - and they have done the same with this latest incident. How that could manifest itself is unclear but previous responses have involved firing volleys of rockets and missiles into northern Israel.

The area has been evacuated while these attacks are ongoing but Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday officially included the safe relocation of the displaced civilians back to northern Israel as one of their main war aims.

What does whoever is behind this get out of it?

Most clearly, the assault has significantly destroyed Hezbollahs communication systems  and will have hit morale given the scale of the security breach. If it is Israel, sowing such confiusion and discord could be a prelude to a wider attack on the Israeli-Lebanon border, although there have been few signs of the required military build-up.

Beyond that, intelligence analysts have suggested that the culprit may be signalling to Hezbollah that it has access to its deliveries, which would be a major setback for the group. It will make Hamas question its entire security apparatus.

On Tuesday, before the cascading expolsions of pagers, Israels Shin Bet domestic security service claimed they had foiled a plan by Hezbollah to kill a former Israeli security official by remotely detonating an explosive device from Lebanon. So a case of whatever you can do, we can do better may also have been a factor.

What is a pager and why do Hezbollah use them?

Pagers pre-date mobile phones, having been widely used in the 1980s and 1990s. They are a one-way communications device, allowing people to send a short message via radio signal to the pager. Often it would be a number to call back.

Hezbollah has been very cautious with its communications. Previous airstrikes targeting their private meetings have highlighted the strenth of Israeli intelligence.

Aware that mobile phone conversations could easily be hacked and traced, they are likely to have switched to the lo-fi pager alternative to make it harder to be watched by the Israeli intelligence services. The dangers of mobile phones have long been clear to Hezbollah. In 1996, Israels assassination of the Hamas bomb-maker Yahya Ayyash was conducted by his phone exploding in his hand.

It is reported that senior Hamas officials, including the groups leader Yahya Sinwar, who is hiding out in tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip, has resorted to using handwritten notes to communicate with his fellow Hamas personnel for this same reason.

Who has said what about it?

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly blamed the attack on Israel ( AP )

Responses across the world have varied. A source at the British foreign office said they were monitoring the situation closely.

We are particularly concerned by reports of civilian casualties, they said. The US expressed a similar sentiment, as did the United Nations.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the developments in Lebanon as extremely concerning, adding: We deplore the civilian casualties that we have seen. We cannot underscore enough the risks of escalation in Lebanon and in the region.

Iranian state-run IRNA news agency said that the country's ambassador, Mojtaba Amani, was superficially wounded by an exploding pager and was being treated at a hospital. Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned what he and other officials also claimed was an Israeli attack. Iran state media reported that Mr Araghchi made the comments in a phone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib.

Hamas issued a statement on the Telegram messenger app saying they strongly condemned what they also believed was an Israeli attack.

The Houthis, another Iran-backed militia based in Yemen, described the incident as a heinous crime and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

We are certain that Lebanon is capable of facing all challenges, and has a resistance movement capable of deterring [Israel] and making it pay a heavy price for any escalation it may undertake against Lebanon, spokesperson Mohammed Abdelsalam wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
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The Polaris Dawn crew has revealed what it was like to go further in space than any human for 50 years during their historic spacewalk.

Billionaire Jared Isaacman, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Kidd Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, launched onboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule into low-Earth orbit on September 10. Hundreds of miles above Earth, they conducted the first private spacewalk, taking the crew further than any human has traveled in more than 50 years.

They aimed to test the Elon Musk-owned agencys new extra-vehicular activity astronaut suits, which have been designed to take astronauts to the Moon and Mars. The crew returned from the five-day mission this past weekend, splashing down off the Florida coast.

Its a heck of a ride downhill for sure, Isaacman told NBC News on Tuesday, referring to the high gravitational forces they experienced upon re-entry.

Billionaire Jared Isaacman is seen above the Earth during the first private spacewalk performed by the crew of the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission. Isaacman helped fund the historic mission in space, and spent minutes outside the Dragon capsule to test new SpaceX astronaut suits. ( Polaris Program/AFP via Getty Im )

When youre launching, thats nothing but cheers, excitement, enthusiasm, because you have a lot of options available to get out of a bad situation, should it come to be, he explained. But on the way down, its all the heat shield ... Theres no plan B. You know that is going to be your higher blood pressure moment.

While Isaacman and Gillis were the only two to exit the capsule - each spending about 10 minutes outside to conduct mobility tests - Poteet and Menon were also exposed to vacuum conditions because the Dragon does not have an airlock.

The perfection of what youre looking at is just awe-inspiring, Poteet said, noting the sunrises and sunsets out the window of the spacecraft. Its so mesmerizing because its such a beautiful planet.

But, despite the beauty, Isaacman also said he experienced a sensory overload during the spacewalk.

The Polaris Dawn crew sit, strapped into their Dragon capsule, wearing their spacesuits. More missions are planned, but it is unclear when they could happen. ( (SpaceX via AP) )

Its not just the visual stimulus of seeing Earth right in front of you, he said. There are pressure changes, there are big temperature transients. It gets gets colder. Theres the physical exertion of moving the hatch, so it was rather intense.

Isaacman funded the mission for an undisclosed amount with SpaceX, but crew members also raised money for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Now, the team is focused on two other missions although, there is currently no public timeline for those venture.

We were taking all sorts of data to be able to learn more through science and research about the human response to that environment, Menon said. We will take all of this back, learn from it, and then be able to go further based on this.
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Pagers across Lebanon have exploded in what appears to be a highly advanced and unexpected deadly attack.

At least 12 people are dead and thousands have been injured in the incident. Both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government blamed Israel, while the country refused to comment.

The attack began on Tuesday, when thousands of communications pagers used by Hezbollah members rang out and then exploded. It appears that the devices had been rigged to be remotely detonated, injuring the people around them.

The particularly novel and surprising nature of the attack has led some to worry that it could represent a new front in warfare. And many have asked whether that might mean that all of our consumer devices could really be considered safe.

The simple answer is: yes, they are. There is nothing at all to indicate that the attacks suggest there is any danger to the smartphones and other technology that most people carry around every day.

The attack might be a sign of things to come  once it is used as it has done by Israel, then other states might look at copying it. But, even in that case, there is no reason to suggest that it could ever be used on the consumer tech devices that many people around with them each day.

It remains unclear exactly how the pager attacks were able to happen. Security sources suggested that small amounts of explosive were placed inside the pager, and then remotely detonated by using the pagers connection itself.

Without knowing exactly how the attackers modified the pagers, it is hard to know for sure that our consumer devices are safe. But experts advise that there is no need to worry.

The average person doesnt need to worry about potential risks like plastic explosives from a supply chain attack aimed at a specific group of people. While such events are unsettling, there is no known threat to everyday people, Daniel Card, fellow of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Mobile phones and electronic devices are generally very safe, and the likelihood of being affected by explosives is exceedingly rare, applying only to a tiny fraction of the global population that may be of interest to nation-states or terrorist groups.

There are of course plenty of straightforward practical problems with rigging our consumer devices in the same way. The pagers in the attack were relatively old and large models with plenty of space inside and the ability to straightforwardly take them apart.

Todays smartphones are precisely designed and engineered to minimise space; if Apple had space to find in an iPhone, they would use it to make it smaller or to add more components. Other technological devices such as earbuds are even more dramatically shrunken, and would show any possible tampering even more clearly.

At a broader level, it would require any attacker to break into the supply chain and either indiscriminately plant the devices or somehow find a way to ensure that a particular product was delivered to a particular user. Modern supply chains are so vast and well-protected that it would be almost impossible to do either.

None of this is to say that the devices in our pockets are infallibly secure. Security agencies and other private organisations are constantly trying to break into our devices  although, more often than not, through the software they run rather than physically into the hardware.

That has led the companies that make our smartphones to constantly work to secure any possible holes. And Apple, for instance, has in recent years rolled out Lockdown Mode, a special very limited setting for the iPhone that makes it even more secure, aimed at the lawyers, activists and others who might be at risk of precise hacking by a foreign government.
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Gardai are to brief the Government on challenges in the online safety space during a summit on Thursday.

Taoiseach Simon Harris is to chair a summit at Government Buildings, designed to create a collective focus across Government on implementing the new Online Safety Framework.

Ministers will be briefed by regulators and gardai on implementation plans, challenges, and how the Government can support their work in Ireland and at EU level.

Coimisiun na Mean, the Data Protection Commission, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, ComReg and An Comisiun Toghchain will be in attendance.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the Taoiseach said: We find ourselves at an important juncture in terms of regulating the digital world.

We have an opportunity now to make a difference and ensure we get this right, in particular, for more vulnerable users such as children and young people.

I want to make sure that theres a very clear legal understanding in Ireland and across the European Union that the online world does not operate in some sort of parallel universe.

The obligations that apply offline in terms of abiding by the laws of the land also need to apply online.

With the upcoming new Online Safety Code and the Digital Services Act, we have significant tools at our disposal. We must now make sure we are using these effectively.

We are committed to discharging our regulatory obligations in a consistent, coherent and timely manner to deliver appropriate protections for individuals and society, and to provide certainty for industry.

I look forward to hearing from the Regulators on their plans for continued implementation and enforcement of these important and ground-breaking regulations.

Mr Harris also plans to meet with wider stakeholders including representing the views of users of online digital services, including children and vulnerable groups.
George Clooney has revealed he enjoys pranking Hollywood A-listers, including Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday 17 September, the actor said that he likes to send people letters that appear to be written by someone else, including former president Bill Clinton and close friend Brad Pitt.

Every actor I know Ive sent a letter from Bill Clinton, Clooney explained, noting that it was Kimmel who once gifted him the fake stationery to do it.

He then revealed that he sent other letters - pretending to be Pitt - to Don Cheadle, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep.

The Brad Pitt one was brutal, he joked.
Diane Abbott has opened up on her bizarre date with Jeremy Corbyn and finding love at 70.

The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington spoke about how Mr Corbyn took her to see Karl Marxs tomb in Highgate Cemetery, during an interview on ITVs Lorraine show on Wednesday (18 September).

She explained how the romance fizzled away, adding: There is no bad feeling. Jeremy is not like that and we are still friends.

Ms Abbott also revealed she is open to dating again at the age of 70.

She said: I believe Prince Charming is around the corner.
Donald Trump claimed he is greater than Elvis Presley as he boasted about drawing crowds during a rally in Uniondale, New York, on Wednesday 18 September.

The Republican nominee has been mocked in recent weeks by rival Kamala Harris and her campaign, with Barack Obama claiming he is obsessed with the size of his crowds in a recent advert.

During a speech on Wednesday, Mr Trump once again discussed the topic.

Nobody can draw crowds like me... Im the greatest of all time, he told cheering supporters.

Maybe greater even than Elvis. Elvis had a guitar, I dont have a guitar. I dont have the privilege of a guitar.
Nigel Farage clashed with Richard Madeley over his loyalty to Donald Trump after the former president peddled a conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants are eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio, and God spared his life from two failed assassination attempts.

Whenever Donald Trump makes a comment that is ridiculed, it always turns out to be true, the Reform UK MP said on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, 19 September.

Farage told Madeley: Your line of attacking those who believe that there are sometimes divine interventions that actually, there are people out there that believe in God, and believe that sometimes they get spared... I find that line of yours very cynical.
A Republican senator accused an Arab-American advocate of supporting Hamas during a Senate hearing on hate-related incidents on Tuesday, 17 September.

John Kennedy was questioning Maya Berry of the Arab American Institute when he began shouting at her that she support[ed] Hamas and Hezbollah.

His comments came during a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which met to discuss rising rates of incidents motivated by antisemitic and Islamophobic hatreds around the United States, which have risen sharply since the conflict in Gaza began last October.

You support Hamas, do you not? Mr Kennedy said.

You asking the executive director of the Arab American Institute that question very much puts the focus on the issue of hate in our country, Ms Berry responded.
Nigel Farage believes there is some truth in Donald Trumps claim that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Ohio.

The former US president made the claim during a live ABC debate with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this month.

The Reform MP said he believes there is some truth to Trumps comments.

Appearing on LBC on Thursday (19 September), Mr Farage said: Whenever he says something like this that is absoluley crackers in the end there is always some truth in it.

Ill have a tenner with you that within the next month we find some evidence of it.
Dalata Hotel Group is selling the Maldron Hotel Wexford to The Neville Park Hotel Group and is also in discussions with a preferred bidder for the sale of Clayton Hotel Whites Wexford.

However, the firm said there is no certainty a transaction will be completed for the four-star 160-bedroom Whites, one of the towns best-known hotels.

The Neville Park Hotel Group is owned by local man Colm Neville and the group owns two properties in Wexford, the Riverside Park Hotel and Crown Quarter, as well as the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

The sale price was not disclosed but based on the 85,300 per bedroom seen in the sale of the Crowne Plaza Dundalk a year ago, the 108-bedroom Maldron may have fetched around 8m to 9m.

The largest hotel operator in Ireland, Dalata has exchanged contracts for the sale of the three-star Maldron and the deal is scheduled to complete by November 5. It has commenced a process of employee engagement to ensure a seamless transition.

Whites Hotel, Wexford

Explaining the reason for the sale, Dalata said it was an opportunity to capitalise on an attractive valuation and recycle capital through Dalatas business to drive further growth.

This refers to the strong demand for hotel businesses seen both in Ireland and Europe in recent times as hotels are considered one of the strongest sectors of the property market with demand from both operators and investors.

Asked if Dalata had plans to sell any other Irish hotels, the company said: Ireland remains a key strategic location for Dalata, and our focus is continuing to deliver industry-leading hospitality for our guests across all of our locations.

It is understood that it does not have any other Irish hotels on the market.

Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata, commented: This is an excellent, well-run hotel, with a strong team in place, and I have no doubt it will continue to perform strongly as part of The Neville Park Hotel Group. Our immediate priority is to continue engaging with our employees as we assist them with the transition.

Colm Neville said: The Maldrons strategic location and the loyalty of its team, some of whom have been with the hotel for over 15 years, make it a fantastic addition. We see great potential to grow the bar and restaurant business within the local market.
Investors back 10m fund to buy up Irish dental clinics and build chain

Private equity group plans to acquire 30 practices within five years

There are about 1,200 general dental practices in Ireland. Photo: Getty

John Mulligan Thu 19 Sep 2024 at 03:30

UK private equity group Lonsdale Capital Partners has tapped well-heeled Irish investors to back what is understood to be about a 10m fund that will be used to acquire as many as 30 general dental practices in Ireland over the next five years.
The benefits of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are not fully understood, with negative perceptions about prefabs and rapid-build houses among consumers, developers, funders and insurers, according to a new report.

A promotional campaign to show the quality of MMC as a housing solution is recommended in the report from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).

MMC refers to technological advances in building, most usually offsite manufacturing of houses in a factory, which are then transported to sites for assembly and installation.

There is a low take-up of MMC in Ireland, with only 7pc of firms saying offsite manufacturing is their main activity. Experts say a greater use of MMC will be needed if Ireland is to meet its housing demand over the next decade.

In order to reduce the labour-market pressures holding back housing delivery, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council is among the bodies that have called for the accelerated use of MMC.

Among the benefits are reduced construction costs, more efficient scheduling of projects, a time saving of between 30pc and 50pc, and increased sustainability.

The NESC report says that more use of MMC for residential development could be a game changer for the housing system, as it can drive productivity gains, substantially increase supply, and help meet the environmental goals of decarbonisation.

One obstacle is the image of MMC, however, which could be enhanced, both to improve how it is understood and to increase its attractiveness to potential employees.

Recent housing schemes delivered by Dublin City Council that used MMC, at Bonham Street and Chapelizod, have been well received, the report points out.

A promotion campaign to demonstrate the quality of these housing solutions and communicate the role of MMC in housing and placemaking for communities requires greater collaboration and leadership among the key actors involved, it says. Examples of quality MMC housing typologies need to be showcased as attractive residences and spaces for sustainable communities.

NESC says there should be a well-funded programme of exhibitions and knowledge exchanges, using in-person training, to close the gaps in knowledge about MMC in housing.

These gaps remain significant among public agencies, the construction industry and professional practitioner networks; for example in design; architecture; engineering; planning and development; finance and insurance; and regulation and standards, it says.

In conclusion, NESC recommends an expanded programme of promoting MMC in housing in order to increase understanding and acceptance across Irish society and in key sectors, such as insurance, finance, regulation, design, engineering and planning.

Industry stakeholders quoted in the report say that the market for MMC in housing is fragmented and under-capitalised. This could change quickly if the State committed to scale up the building of social and affordable housing using MMC.

Declan Wallace, CEO of Evolusion Innovation Ltd, and chair of MMC Ireland, has suggested that companies using modern techniques and offsite manufacturing have the capacity quickly to increase housing output by 25,000 units a year.

In a statement responding to the report, the Government said it was committed to delivering more housing over the coming years and increasing the adoption of MMC will be an important contributor.

It added: The forthcoming Housing for All action plan update will set out how we plan to build momentum around MMC and will include actions which build on the achievements to date.
Alex Chisholm was chair of telecoms regulator ComReg from 2010 to 2013. Photo: Bloomberg

Former ComReg chairman Alex Chisholm has been appointed to the board of UK telecoms giant BT Group, following a lengthy stint as a senior British civil servant.

Alex Chisholm served as chief operating officer of the UKs civil service and permanent secretary for the cabinet office until earlier this year.

He joined BTs board as a non-executive director this week where his newly-created position includes overseeing the telcos relationship with regulator Ofcom.

The Irish arm of BT had been flagged for possible disposal earlier this year

In Ireland, the UK-born executive and administrator was chair of telecoms regulator ComReg from 2010 to 2013. He had been a member of the Irish regulatory authority from 2007.

He left ComReg initially to take up a post as chief executive of the UK Competition and Markets Authority, before holding a number of senior roles in the UK civil service. He stepped down from the civil service earlier this year and was named UK chairman of energy giant EDF in June.

The news comes as BT Group is reported to have revived plans to sell its Irish business, with the Irish Times reporting that UBS has been hired to advise on a possible deal.

The Irish arm had been flagged for possible disposal earlier this year. Four years ago, the business was understood to have been close to a deal which would have valued the arm at 300m.

BT Ireland is the second-largest fixed- line wholesaler in the Republic

A spokesman for BT said no decision had been made.

At BT we continually review our operations to ensure they align with our global strategy. We have an excellent business in Ireland and no decisions have been taken.

BT Ireland, headed by Shay Walsh, is the second-largest fixed- line wholesaler in the Republic after Eir, with wholesale customers including Vodafone, Sky and Three. The business has around 650 staff here.

Meanwhile in the UK, Ofcom has kicked off a major review of the wholesale broadband market and is preparing to reset regulations for the next five years.

The Telecoms Access Review, as it is known, is expected to examine the fees BT charges to internet service providers such as Sky and TalkTalk for the use of its network.

Rivals have previously hit out at wholesale price cuts by Openreach, BTs network division, accusing the incumbent of trying to undercut them by locking customers into cheaper deals.
Speaking at the 20th anniversary of Amazons industrial presence in Ireland, senior executives spoke about the launch of Amazon.ie, Amazons five-day return-to-work mandate and how Ireland is currently missing out on billions in data centre investment

Amazon says that Ireland is missing out on billions in data centre investment compared to other European countries.

Speaking at an event to mark Amazons 20th anniversary in Ireland today, Amazon Web Services [AWS] country lead for Ireland, Neil Morris. said that the company had announced more than 30bn of investment in other European locations, including Spain, Germany, France and most recently, in the UK.

"The next wave of data centre infrastructure investment is happening all around us, he said.

"We want to continue growing and expanding here, if conditions allow. We in AWS hope that opportunities for Irish cloud infrastructure firms will not just be limited to overseas this year. I'm on record as to what we as a nation need to deliver. If we get the delivery of offshore wind right and a correct energy policy framework in place, then Ireland will be well positioned to win substantial investment from multinationals like Amazon.

Speaking at the same event, Dublins Lord Mayor, James Geoghegan, launched an attack on planning refusals for data centres in Ireland.

Planning authorities in this city are refusing applications for new data centres, citing the existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data center as reasons, he said.

Data centres are indispensable for the AI revolution. We can't afford a narrow worldview as to their role in delivering an infrastructure that maintains, develops and grows an economy to meet the technological advancements of the 21st century. The answer to the inevitable expansion of data centres across the globe is not for Ireland to shut its doors.

Also speaking at the event, Enterprise Ireland CEO, Leo Clancy, said that 18,000 people in Ireland are employed by companies for whom a large of their business is constructing data centres.

Last week, AWS said it plans to invest 8bn (9.47bn) in the UK over the next five years on building, operating, and maintaining data centres. Data centres in the UK are to be classified as critical national infrastructure alongside the likes of emergency services, finance and healthcare systems, and energy and water supplies, putting them in line for government support in the event of a major incident, such as a cyber attack or extreme weather.

Meanwhile, the launch of Amazon.ie next year is expected to increase demand for vans, deliveries and overall sales for the tech giant in Ireland, according to country manager for UK and Ireland, John Boumphrey.

There will be more Irish products, Mr Boumphrey said.

We expect to see [sales] volume growing. grow volume. And that will result more deliveries and more growth in the country.

Mr Boumphrey declined to say whether the switch would be in the first or second half of 2025.

He said that he was unable to say whether Amazon Prime Video accounts and other associated customer memberships would also switch from Amazon.co.uk to Amazon.ie. He said that the details around those decisions would be revealed closer to the launch date.

Mr Boumphrey declined to say whether pricing would increase once Amazon.ie is introduced, saying only that pricing will be localised and that Amazon hopes it will be a better experience.

Earlier this week, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that staff will be required to return to the office five days a week.

In Ireland, 39pc of Irish workers have hybrid arrangements working at least one day per week outside the office, according to recent Linkedin survey.

Amazon employs 6,500 people around Ireland. Asked whether the company feared that some staff might leave as a result of the return-to-office order, Mr Boumphrey said that he believed Amazons work culture would prevail.

The culture that Amazon has always had has been one of trying to invent at scale for customers, he said.

And if you want to do that, you've got to move fast, because often you're in a race. It also means that you want to make decisions fast. You need to collaborate with lots of different teams. The level of energy that I see in the office and the level of passion and water cooler conversations is fantastic. What we're now saying is that we're going back to a baseline of what it was like before Covid, which means the expectation is that people are in five days a week.

Asked about staff who had set up their lives away from Amazon offices due to the cost of housing or other factors, Mr Boumphrey said that they would have to return to the office, but that there might be exceptions.

There are two types of corporate employee, some who are coming to the office three days a week and others for whom there's an exception. And we'll have conversations with those people, but those exceptions might continue to apply.

Despite the return-to-work mandate, Mr Boumphrey said that Amazon would continue to be a really flexible employer.

If I need to go to a doctor's appointment or my son's not well, thats okay. We're still going to be a really flexible employer, but we're really passionate about making sure we make customers lives better and easier.

Separately, one of Amazons most senior executives said that Ireland should lead efforts against putting up trade barriers in the EU.

Russell Grandinetti, senior vice president for international stores at Amazon, said that the excoriating criticism about the EUs industrial policies from former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi this week should be considered.

I think that those are important and timely, Mr Grandinetti said of the Draghi Reports recommendations, which labelled the EU as overregulated and said that the bloc risks falling behind the US in industrial growth and open trade.

Europe could really benefit from relatively less focus on putting up trade barriers in a focus on how to actually grow, he said.

Ireland sits in a unique position to foster what I hope would be an increasingly constructive dialog about trade across the Atlantic Ocean.
Stripe co-founder Patrick Collison and other senior tech and industry figures  including people from Meta and Spotify  have warned that the EU risks economic decline if it doesnt get on top of artificial intelligence regulation.

In an open letter to regulators and policy makers, published today in multiple European media outlets, dozens of giant European and US firms say that Europe will lose out on as much as 10pc of GDP if it does not get to grips with how to handle AI rules.

Europe faces a choice that will impact the region for decades the tech firms warn

The reality is Europe has become less competitive and less innovative compared to other regions, and it now risks falling further behind in the AI era due to inconsistent regulatory decision making, says the open letter.

It is also signed by fashion firms Prada and EssilorLuxottica, engineering companies Ericsson, Pirelli and Thyssenkrupp, and by a group of senior researchers and trade organisations.

It comes after a major report from former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi said over-regulation was strangling EU industry.

This week, Apples iPhone 16 launched without its main Apple Intelligence feature being available to customers in the EU. Apple said it could not release the technology here because of regulatory uncertainty over AI.

The Data Protection Commission is not taking a lead on privacy-related AI regulatory issues

Similarly, Meta said it cannot release its next batch of multi-modal AI in the European Union, because of uncertainty over who is in charge of AI or how rules will be interpreted.

One pinch point, companies say, is that the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) is no longer taking a lead on privacy-related AI regulatory issues, but is instead referring questions to a pan-European committee for drawn-out discussions.

This approach, which differs sharply from the DPCs previous one-stop-shop approach under GDPR, means companies no longer have clarity over who is likely to interpret GDPR in relation to emerging AI issues.

Europe faces a choice that will impact the region for decades, the open letter warns.

It can choose to reassert the principle of harmonisation enshrined in regulatory frameworks like the GDPR, and offer a modern interpretation of GDPR provisions that still respects its underlying values, so that AI innovation happens here at the same scale and speed as elsewhere.

Or it can continue to reject progress, contradict the ambitions of the single market and watch as the rest of the world builds on technologies that Europeans will not have access to.
Iron Maiden have announced they will play Dublins Malahide Castle in 2025.

The British metal legends will bring their Run for Your Lives World Tour to the venue on Wednesday, June 25 next year, subject to licence.

The tour comes as part of Iron Maidens 50th anniversary and their Irish date will be supported by American rock band Halestorm and fellow British heavy metal act The Raven Age.

George Harris, one of the guitarists in the Raven Age, is the son of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris.

Tickets priced from 83.75 to 88.75 including booking fees will go on general sale from 12pm on Friday, September 27 via Ticketmaster. A pre-sale will be held for members of the Iron Maiden Fan Club and Mastercard holders.

Fans have been promised Iron Maidens greatest show ever featuring a setlist taking songs from their first nine studio albums, from their self-titled debut to Fear of the Dark.

"Next year is a very special one for Iron Maiden and we're going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson said.

"This is a tour that's gonna put a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat. If you've seen us before, then get ready to take that experience to a whole new level.

"If you've never seen us before, then what the hell have you been waiting for? Now's your chance to find out what you've been missing. Iron Maiden's definitely gonna get ya.

Iron Maiden last came to Dublin in June 2023, playing to a sold-out 3Arena.
Town Hall Theatre, Galway until Sept 21; then Gaiety Theatre, Dublin from Sept 26Oct 6

This fascinating Druid revival of Tom Murphys The House repurposes the playwright for a more uncertain age. Premiered in 2000, and set in the 1950s, this is a typical Murphy picture of the Ireland of his youth, with its curse of emigration, its savage poverty, its stratified society of the haves and have-nots. He was a realist, a merciless and sensitive chronicler of small-town life. That was his box. But this production casts the Tuam playwright in a different, more expressionist, light.
A total of 22 people were arrested after anti-immigration protesters blocked the OConnell Bridge in central Dublin leading to travel chaos for commuters on Thursday.

Those arrested included 14 adult males and eight adult females, ranging in age from their 20s to 60s.

16 individuals have been charged, primarily with public order offences, along with charges of assault, criminal damage, and possession of a knife.

Among those arrested, one man has already been charged and appeared before the courts.

Three people were due to appear before Dublin District Court on Friday morning.

13 others have been charged and released, due to appear in court over the coming weeks.

The protesters had marched from the Dail where anti-immigration and rival anti-racism protests took place on Thursday.

In order to ensure the safety of all protestors and the general public, gardai implemented a graduated policing response, a garda spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday evening.

Throughout the day, gardai engaged with protestors and directions were given to those that had gathered at OConnell Bridge to disperse from the area within the hour.

This direction was not adhered to and two Garda Public Order Units were subsequently deployed.

Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters walked through Dublin city on Thursday afternoon towards the Dail after gathering outside the GPO on O'Connell Street for a demonstration carrying Tricolours, Erin Go Bragh banners and You'll Never Beat the Irish flags.

"We should be like Germany, close the borders," one protester said. The group broke out in chants of "Whose streets? Our streets" and "Get them out, get them out".

Gardai detain a man at the protest (Pic: Collins Photos)

They assembled halfway down Molesworth Street facing Leinster House, with garda barriers preventing them getting close to the gates.

More than 100 anti-racism counter-demonstrators gathered close by at the junction of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street. Participants loudly chanted "far right loyalists, get off our streets".

Those protests largely passed off without incident but a sit-down protest from anti-immigration protesters from 4pm onwards led to commuter disruption with Dublin Bus and Luas services effected, while traffic backed up along the quays in Dublin well into the evening.

Eventually normal traffic was restored after gardai cleared the bridge and the protesters went up OConnell Street.
Far-right activist Philip Dwyer acquitted of breach of the peace after confronting creche owner over rainbow flag drawings

A garda told the court that he found the creche owner very frightened and upset by the incident after the matter was reported to gardaiFormer election candidate and citizen journalist filmed the encounter and claimed the rainbow represented homosexuals and added that homosexuals are paedophiles, court hears

Philip Dwyer at Tallaght District Court. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Sean McCarthaigh Thu 19 Sep 2024 at 19:05







A prominent anti-immigration activist who a court heard accused a creche owner of promoting paedophilia and child molestation for placing childrens drawings of a rainbow flag in a window has been acquitted of breach of the peace.
I am deeply concerned  Enoch Burkes brother Simeon claims he is being shut out of barristers body

Simeon Burke says he is being treated differently to others in apprenticeship application

Simeon Burke says he has not been able to find an experienced barrister to act as his mentor

Shane Phelan Thu 19 Sep 2024 at 03:30

Lawyer Simeon Burke, a brother of controversial schoolteacher Enoch Burke, has complained he faces being shut out of the professional body for barristers and practice in the courts.
The infiltration of an encrypted communication tool used for criminal activities worldwide has led to the seizure of 16 million euro of illicit drugs and 11 arrests in Ireland. The platform, known as Ghost, was used to facilitate criminal activity including drug trafficking, money laundering and instances of extreme violence, authorities said. Europol, along with law enforcement agencies from nine countries, dismantled the tool, described as a lifeline for serious organised crime.
NO REPRO FEE 19/9/2024 Pictured at an event today at the launch a new report by Ruhama showing a 30 per cent increase last year in women engaging with its services who have been impacted by prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation were Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD, centre, CEO of Ruhama Barbara Condon, left, and New Ruhama Charity Ambassador, former Tanaiste, Minister for Justice and MEP Frances Fitzgerald. The report shows that in 2023, Ruhama saw a 29 per cent increase in new victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Ruhama also launched its new strategic plan today, which sets out ambitious key objectives for the organisation for the next five years, including to further expand the geographical reach of its services by adding to its current locations in Dublin, Limerick Mid-West, the Midlands, and the Cork/Kerry region. Former Tanaiste, Minister for Justice and MEP Frances Fitzgerald was announced as new Charity Ambassador with Ruhama. PHOTO: Mark Stedman

Gardai may need more powers to arrest and convict men who are paying for sex, ahead of a long delayed review of Irelands anti-prostitution law being published.

Ruhama, the charity for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation, said that it hopes that An Garda Siochana will be given more powers to increase the number of people convicted under a 2017 law.

Helen McEntee has confirmed that a government-promised review of the law, which is now four years late, will be ready in the coming weeks.

Former justice minister Frances Fitzgerald passed a law in 2017 which made it illegal to pay for sex, as part of a plan to end demand for prostitution in Ireland.

Supporters of the law said that it would help reduce sexual exploitation by disrupting the market. But others claimed that the legislation would drive sex work underground, and make prostitution more dangerous. The government was also criticised for using the law to double the penalty for brothel keeping, as the measure would punish sex workers living together for safety reasons.

The justice minister confirmed on Thursday that a review of the law, which was initially promised before the end of 2020, is with her Department and it will be ready in the coming weeks.

Ms McEntee said that there had been twists and turns and bumps in that review.

Last year, the Irish Independent revealed that a high-profile and celebrated solicitor had her contract terminated by Ms McEntees department after the report she was tasked with writing within three months was delayed by three years.

Officials had told Maura Butler, who received fees of more than 300,000 doing reports for the Government since 2020, that they had been forced to watch with increasing dismay as the deadlines for the report were repeatedly pushed back, while they claimed no real progress had been made.

Last year, Ms McEntee tasked her own officials with finishing Ms Butlers review of the law.

Barbara Condon, the chief executive of Ruhama, said that the charity was waiting to see what the report recommended.

I think thats whats currently under review, so were waiting for the recommendations of that and we would hope that the Guards would have increased powers so that we would increase convictions, she said.

Speaking at the launch of Ruhamas annual report in Dublins Mansion House on Thursday, Ms Fitzgerald said that she hoped the review of the law that she passed would strengthen it, not diminish it in any way.

And I hope that we will learn from the experiences of an Garda Siochana trying to implement the legislation. And look, the legislation needs to be changed, it should be changed. And to make the work of AGS easier and to make sure that we get more convictions, she said.

The Ruhama launch yesterday heard from a woman who had been trafficked into Ireland for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The woman, who does not want to be identified, said that she had been raped multiple times.

The series of trauma and pain I experienced was next to none, as my rights as a woman were violated in the most inappropriate ways. I was so frightened and unable to speak. I was voiceless, I was helpless, I was friendless. I contemplated suicide many times, because I felt like I had lost every reason to live, she said.

The woman, who received a standing ovation, now works in the healthcare sector as a carer. I came into Ireland very sadly, and not by my choice. And now I can say that I now live in Ireland very happily, because of all you wonderful people, she said.
A Czech woman has told of her "really terrible" experience working undercover as a hotel cleaner in Ireland.

Writing in The Guardian newspaper, journalist Sasa Uhlova said the week of work had been "hell" filled with "tears of rage and exhaustion".

Ms Uhlova said she worked an 11-hour shift one day where she barely had time for a bathroom break.

She worked in a hotel located in a small town roughly 50km from Dublin and got the job through an agency based in the Czech Republic, her home country.

On her first day, she worked with two other female colleagues, who are Slovakian. Later it was revealed that previously five housekeeping staff had previously been employed to complete the same amount of work.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 19th September 2024

The women were required to keep in constant contact with their manager on WhatsApp. They were also shouted at by management to converse with each other in English, despite this not being their first language.

The journalist. who works for Czech newspaper Denik Alarm, said: As shifts go, today is terrible, really terrible.

For 11 hours she hardly stopped with less than 10 minutes for us to eat lunch and was being constantly messaged on WhatsApp by her colleague to hurry up.

Later in the day, Ms Uhlova realised her hours were not being tracked and that she had been working two hours extra for free to finish all assigned tasks.

A colleague later shouted at Ms Uhlova that she was completely stupid for forgetting to clean a room, a symptom of the pressure the hotel had put the staff under.

Lack of contracts, issues with pay and tracking hours was experienced by all workers in the hotel, according to Ms Uhlova.

The underlying system is clear to everyone: they pay for as few hours as they can get away with, Ms Uhlova said.

She also said that for two and a half months, another worker did not receive a PPS number due to the hotel allegedly withholding a contract from her.

This meant that the hotel kept taking 40pc of her earnings [in tax]. This worker was also promised more than minimum wage to return to her job with the hotel after leaving, but this promise was broken. And the workload didnt get better, it got worse, she told the journalist.

Another Slovakian worker told Ms Uhlova that she and her boyfriend were stuck working in Ireland to pay off their debt.

The woman also shared that she believed she should have stayed in Slovakia and worked for 4 an hour there, rather than put up with what she has to do here in Ireland.

Confusion regarding payslips also emerged in the journalists own case and she was told by colleagues that if she left the job early she wouldnt be paid at all.

In her piece, she wrote: "Every employee has a right to one day off a week. But because there arent enough staff, some havent had a day off in weeks. In the schedule sent out, the hours change all the time, but the underlying system is clear to everyone: they pay for as few hours as they can get away with. Sometimes people work only from early morning until 11am, and then again late at night. The hours in between are completely unpaid.

Several days after Ms Uhlova notified the duty manager that she was leaving, she was contacted suddenly by the manager for her bank details and asked whether she had received a PPS number.

I assume the hotel has found out that I am a journalist because I told some of my colleagues before I left.

"I was told when I took the job that it paid the Irish minimum wage, then 10.50 an hour, before deductions of 62.40 a week for board and lodgings and 3 a week for use of the laundry facilities. I dont know how much I should have earned, because after I left I couldnt get a PPS number so too much tax was deducted. Eventually I got sent 369 for eight days work.
Jason and Molly were married in 2011, three years after he advertised for a nanny/au pair to help him with his children

The daughter of slain Irishman Jason Corbett has vowed to tell her story in a new memoir after many years in which she says her truth was distorted and twisted".

A Time for Truth: A Daughters Search for Justice and Healing by Sarah Corbett Lynch will be published by Hachette Books Ireland in February 2025.

In August 2015, Mr Corbett was killed at his home in North Carolina by his wife Molly Martens and her father Tom. Ms Corbett Lynch, then aged eight, and her brother Jack were asleep in the house upstairs the night their father was killed.

They were left orphaned when the Martenses killed their father. Their mother Mags Fitzpatrick Corbett had died in 2006.

Her memoir has been described as inspiring, courageous and powerful. The publisher says she tell her story for the first time and share memories of her life with her father and her account leading up to the night the Martenses killed him.

Since 2015, I've always had someone else tell my story, Ms Corbett Lynch said.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 19th September 2024

"There are podcasts, documentaries, magazine articles and forums dedicated to uncovering the truth about my fathers killing, with so many front pages over the years that I lost count. All of which attempted to tell my story but without my words.

I've had my truth distorted, twisted and changed because I was a child but the truth will always force its way into the light.

Read more Tom and Molly Martens walk free from jail after serving just over four years for killing Jason Corbett

"My brother and I had our words weaponised against us by the people we had trusted and loved so they could mitigate their crime of killing the most important person in my life. They betrayed our trust to avoid consequences for their actions.

In telling my story, I relive the emotion I felt sitting in courtrooms as our family fought for justice and the heartbreak at every email sent to my family from across the world to deliver yet more disappointing news.

Jason and Molly were married in 2011, three years after he advertised for a nanny/au pair to help him with his children

Every teardrop that fell as I asked myself, Why me?'. But this story will also explore what I discovered inside myself to keep fighting for justice for my dad. I am not the victim in my story nor am I the hero.

I am the survivor and I want this book to show that anyone who has experienced trauma can survive too.

Sarah Corbett Lynch (in white) with Tracey Corbett Lynch (right) at court.

In November 2023, Molly and Tom Martens had convictions for second-degree murder overturned and accepted a plea deal of voluntary manslaughter. This June, they were released from prison in North Carolina.

Ms Corbett Lynchs memoir will look back to the aftermath of her fathers death and how her words were weaponised amidst lies and deception during her family's gruelling nine year battle for justice.

It will also explore the familys devastation following the Martenses being released from prison after serving just three-and-a-half years.

Ciara Doorley, publishing director of Hachette Books Ireland, said: Sarah is a remarkable young woman. Her story is one of unimaginable loss and grief but its also one of courage, strength and love. We are proud to be working with Sarah to help her tell her story.
A Co Antrim pensioner has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a schoolgirl by careless driving last year.

John Noble Lindsay, of Prince Andrew Way, Carrickfergus, was brought into Belfast Crown Court in a wheelchair for Wednesdays hearing.

The 92-year-old originally faced the charge of causing the death of eight-year-old Scarlett Rossborough by dangerous driving on High Street in Carrickfergus shortly before noon on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.

At the request of the prosecution, a second charge  causing Scarlett Rossboroughs death by careless driving  was added to the bill of indictment.

When the fresh charge was put to him, Lindsay, who was allowed to remain outside the dock, replied: I plead guilty.

He pleaded not guilty to causing the schoolgirls death by dangerous driving.

Defence counsel Frank ODonoghue KC said that by entering his plea the defendant was not challenging the fact that his driving caused the death of the schoolgirl.

The only issue is whether his driving is to be properly labelled in law as dangerous or careless, Mr ODonoghue told Belfast Recorder Judge Patricia Smyth.

We have a report from a consultant geriatrician who comments and reports about pedal misapplication.

Pedal misapplication is where an elderly person presses the accelerator rather than the brake, thinking they are pressing the brake. And in this case there are features of that.

It is my intention to serve that on the Crown in the next seven days and make that part of the evidence in this case.

Prosecution counsel David Russell KC said that, in light of Lindsays guilty plea, he was making a formal application to have the defendant disqualified from driving.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 19th September 2024

Setting the trial date for the charge of causing death by dangerous driving for November 4, 2024, Judge Smyth formally disqualified Lindsay from getting behind the wheel.

The case will be reviewed early next month.

Scarlett, from Larne, attended Linn Primary School.

Following her death, teachers at the school paid tribute, saying she was a much-loved pupil who would always be remembered for her infectious giggles and sense of fun.

The school added that Scarlett was very popular with both staff and pupils and that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She and other children are understood to have been out walking while on a community centres summer scheme trip when the collision occurred.
The Government is reviewing the 800 payment made to people who host Ukrainian refugees.

The payment was previously 400 per month and was upped to 800 to accommodate Ukrainians in any spare rooms or empty properties owned by members of the public.

However, Housing Minister Darragh OBrien told the Dail the payment was now being reviewed after Sinn Fein said it was unfair to other renters.

Mr OBrien said the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was being looked at in the context of the EU Temporary Protection directive, which grants Ukrainian refugees EU protection.

We do not want to see a situation where properties which were previously on the rental market thats being looked at," he said.

Mr Doherty said the 800 was paid to people housing Ukrainians, regardless of whether the refugee is working or their income.

He said it provided an advantage to Ukrainians that isnt available to other renters out there.

It is pricing ordinary renters out of the market. It is not fair, he said. Will you end the scheme in the way that Sinn Fein proposed earlier this year?

In February, the party put down an amendment to the scheme, which was voted down by the Government.

What our amendment dealt with is the 800 tax-free payment which is made available to landlords and host families who make properties available to Ukrainians and the extension of this scheme for another year, Mr Doherty said at the time.

The Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme was brought in two years ago at a time of great uncertainty, but we now need to look at its impact and fairness.

Mr Doherty said that in his constituency of Donegal, where the average rent is close to 800, a landlord could either rent out a property to a private renter for 800, subject to tax, or take 800 tax-free and rent it out to a beneficiary of temporary protection.

This would leave the landlord hundreds of euros better off.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the situation seen in Lebanon over the last 48 hours is extraordinarily distressing and the world has failed when in comes to the conflict in the Middle East.
Working asylum-seekers could be asked to make contributions of up to 238 a week to pay for state accommodation and services under measures being considered by the Government.

People seeking international protection who gain employment, but are still housed by the State, could also be charged for wifi, food and other services as part of a new government plan to secure financial contributions from asylum-seekers.

A senior group of officials prepared a report for the Coalition on a range of options. The group said it would take between one and two years to introduce a contributions system because new technology and protocols would be required. Similar contribution mechanisms have been rolled out in France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Hungary.

However, the group said income limits varied by country and wages were mainly self-declared by asylum-seekers. Taoiseach Simon Harris said last week he would want asylum-seekers earning an income to make a contribution to their state-provided accommodation.
Working asylum-seekers could be charged for using state accommodationTaoiseach wants to see contribution from those who are earning

Working asylum-seekers could be asked to make contributions of up to 238 a week

Working asylum-seekers could be asked to make contributions of up to 238 a week to pay for state accommodation and services under measures being considered by the Government.

People seeking international protection who gain employment, but are still housed by the State, could also be charged for wifi, food and other services as part of a new government plan to secure financial contributions from asylum-seekers.

A senior group of officials prepared a report for the Coalition on a range of options. The group said it would take between one and two years to introduce a contributions system because new technology and protocols would be required.

Similar contribution mechanisms have been rolled out in France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Hungary.

However, the group said income limits varied by country and wages were mainly self-declared by asylum-seekers.

Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois today, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Government has not yet received formal proposals on the issue but believes there is serious merit in considering it.

Mr Harris said he would want asylum-seekers earning an income to make a contribution to their state-provided accommodation.

This is a compassionate country, we are a better people for migration. Immigration is a good thing so let me be very clear about that. Supporting people who come here in a vulnerable situation is not just an important thing to do, its an international obligation," he said.

There are laws and rules around this and Ireland will always abide by that but we do need to keep this issue under review and alongside compassion.

"There does need to be common sense and there are people who are in our asylum systems who have a right to work  many of them do work  and we thank them for that and they make a contribution to society as well.

"But I think Irish people believe that if youre working and earning a decent wage and its means tested that its not unreasonable to ask you to contribute to some of the services you receive from Ireland.

He said he believes that fairness and a common sense approach to the issue is important to maintain social cohesion, to continue to ensure the centre holds on this issue.

I believe it would be common sense to make sure that if you are earning money, if you have an income above and beyond the 38 per week of an income and that income is means tested, you should be asked to contribute something.

I do think its fair, though, that if youre working and earning an income that you make some kind of contribution towards the services the State is providing, he added.

Mr Harris said he expected the Government to make a decision in the coming weeks on how people in the international protection system could contribute.

EU states are allowed to seek 15 a week from asylum-seekers earning between 97 and 150 a week

Group proposals outline how EU directives allow member states to seek a financial contribution from people seeking international protection, based on how much money they are earning while in the asylum process.

The 2018 European Communities Regulations, which have never been implemented by the Irish Government, allow EU states to seek a contribution of 15 a week from asylum-seekers earning between 97 and 150 a week.

An increasing scale of contributions goes as high as 238 for an international protection applicant earning more than 600 a week.

The group also suggested a licensing agreement could be introduced to secure payment from asylum-seekers who are receiving services such as free wifi or food from the State.

There are concerns about charging asylum-seekers rent for accommodation due to complexities around the State becoming a landlord.

The senior officials told the Government that asylum-seekers who are granted status in Ireland stay in state accommodation far longer than they do in other EU member states.

The report said that in most EU countries people who were granted asylum would leave state-provide accommodation after between two and four months.

In Ireland, people who are granted status to stay are not technically entitled to remain in International Protection Accommodation Service (Ipas) accommodation.

However, Ipas allows families to remain in its accommodation for two years and single people can stay for nine months.

After those periods, they are moved to emergency accommodation and have the same entitlements as Irish citizens when it comes to housing. This includes access to the Housing Assistant Payment, and they can also put their name on local authority housing lists.
The 22 countries on Irelands Do Not Travel list  a trip will invalidate your insurance policy

The Department of Foreign Affairs has four security ratings, ranging from Normal Precautions to Do Not Travel

Photo: Dublin Airport

Pol O Conghaile Thu 19 Sep 2024 at 03:30

There are currently 212 destinations listed on the Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice website. Its a literal A to Z of travel possibilities, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
Hezbollah's Ali Ammar whose son was killed by one of the pager bombs. Photo: AP

Women in Beirut attend the funerals of four people killed amid the detonation of pagers across Lebanon. Photo: Reuters

A new development in the catalogue of terror, horror and misery afflicting long-suffering people in several countries across the Middle East has emerged. Thousands of tiny bombs in paging devices exploding at much the same time in Lebanon and Syria have again brought this deeply conflicted region to the brink of all-out war.

The devices were being used by Hezbollah fighters, the Iranian-backed Shia militia that has been firing rockets at Israel since last October. Some months ago, the militia leaders told activists to ditch their mobile phones, warning that Israel could hack them for spying and killing.

Hezbollah leaders made a wrong assumption that pagers were a safe alternative as they were wrongly believed to be too low-tech to be penetrated. The death count in Lebanon from pagers exploding on Tuesday was put at 12. The dead included the son of Ali Ammar, who has served in the Lebanese parliament for Hezbollah since 1992. Then yesterday there were reports of walkie-talkies exploding, causing at least a dozen more deaths.

Lebanons health department said around 2,800 others were wounded, including the Iranian ambassador in Beirut, who is believed to have been close to a pager. Medical personnel at various hospitals were advised to dump their pagers as another potentially lethal threat was added to the list.

Israel, as it usually does in such situations, remained silent, but across the globe, the reasonable assumption was being made  including here in Ireland by Tanaiste Micheal Martin  that it was the orchestrator.

The longer-term consequences for the region and the wider world risk being calamitous

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for some time been talking up a planned operation against Hezbollah, stressing the need to restore deterrence against the group and other Iranian-backed militias. Hezbollah leaders spoke about a cyber attack, apparently to talk down the widely held suspicion that their security had been seriously breached. The fallout put the focus on tech firms in Taiwan, and other places, again emphasising the international threats associated with the Middle Easts pernicious conflicts.

Security authorities were pondering what form the Hezbollah reprisals might take, and many could not discount a return to attacks on Jewish communities beyond Israel in Europe and elsewhere.

People who have devoted a chunk of their lifetime to observing the Middle East also pondered whether these pager bombs were the opening act for a bigger Israeli offensive in Lebanon  a prelude to an all-out invasion.

Soundings from Tel Aviv suggest Israels generals and politicians are split on whether the timing is right for such an action.

However, the next few days will be extremely tense. By military assessments, this pager and walkie-talkie offensive has been a tactical win for Israel, but its longer-term consequences for the region and the wider world risk being calamitous.

The escalating crisis is crying out for significant intervention.
She presented herself with a wound infection, bleeding and symptoms of nausea and was looking for urgent medical care. She claims multiple doctors refused to see her and she says she was left hysterical and upset. She says she was advised to make her own way to the city's Holles Street hospital despite worsening symptoms.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 19th September 2024

Dubliner Paige is a 26-year-old trans woman who recently underwent, in her own words, life-saving sexual reassignment surgery in Munich this year. This surgery was referred by the HSE, yet she believes she was denied correct and compassionate medical care by the health service on her return.

She told The Indo Daily: The HSE have failed to train doctors in a lifesaving surgery. They had to send me abroad. It was partially funded for me to go abroad by the HSE to have this surgery. To come home and not be able to receive the standard basic of care for a wound infection, I think is absolutely shocking.

Today on the Indo Daily Tessa Fleming is joined by Paige Behan to discuss Paige's years of struggle for the "life-saving" procedure and why she is now an accidental advocate for trans healthcare in Ireland.
Bernadette Gallagher from Lissarda will launch The Risen Tree, her first Poetry Collection, at Macroom Library in the Briery Gap on Saturday, September 28th at 3.30pm. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Award-winning writer Bernadette Gallagher from Lissarda will launch The Risen Tree, her first Poetry Collection, at Macroom Library in the Briery Gap on Saturday, September 28th. Bernadette, originally from Donegal, but living in Lissarda since 1986, will read some of her Poems at the event and the Book will be launched by Poet and Author Mary Noonan.

Bernadette invites her co-writers from the First Friday Writers Group at Macroom Library as well as neighbours, friends and everyone in the locality to join in this celebration which will begin at 3.30pm.

Bernadette will be heading to her home County of Donegal in October to read excerpts from The Risen Tree at the Frances Browne Literary Festival in Stranorlar. This event will be introduced by Annemarie Ni Churreain and supported by Poetry Ireland. After spending a few days at home in Burtonport, she will be reading on the evening of Saturday19th October at Dillons Hotel, Letterkenny, as part of the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival.

Bernadette has received awards from the Arts Council of Ireland and Cork County Council for her work. An essay by Bernadette on Dorothea Herbert (1767-1829) is published by Cork University Press in Irish Women Poets Rediscovered: Readings in poetry from the eighteenthtwentieth century edited by Maria Johnston and Conor Linnie. Dorotheas aunt lived in Macroom Castle; her name was Helena (nee Herbert) married to Richard Hedge Eyre.

The Risen Tree which was published earlier this year can be purchased online from Revival Press and from Bookshops across Ireland.

Bernadette extends her gratitude to Cork County Council Library & Arts Service for their continued support.
Ballyhoura Development met with the Regional Stakeholders Group at Coote Hall in Kilmallock, Co Limerick on Wednesday, September 11.

The meeting was held to provide an overview of the INSPIRE Project and its implications for communities, individuals, and enterprises in the Ballyhoura region.

The meeting brought together representatives from local government, statutory bodies, social partners, and community organisations to advance the Smart Villages concept and promote digital inclusion through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

With participation from Cork County Council, Limerick City and County Council, Teagasc, the Irish Farmers Association, various social enterprises, and representatives from community and voluntary organisations, the event fostered a collaborative exchange of ideas.

Amanda Slattery, Development Manager at Ballyhoura Development, said: "Utilising the Smart Villages rationale, specifically through digitisation, will go a long way toward lessening the urban-rural divide within the framework of community-led development."

The meeting underscored the growing importance of digital solutions for rural communities and laid the foundation for future policy changes to drive local development.

Key discussions focused on improving policy instruments, particularly SICAP, to foster digital inclusion across communities.

The Regional Stakeholder Group welcomed the opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange, exploring and identifying examples of good practice from local, regional, national, and international perspectives.

The group examined the needs within local communities, community organisations, and individuals to leverage smart and digital improvements, as well as potential changes to the Policy Instrument, SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) across the lifetime of the programme.
CRITICAL, the emergency medical charity with a base in the Duhallow area of Cork, is gearing up for its third annual Camino trip later this month, offering limited spots for participants to hike or bike in support of its life-saving work.

The event, which runs from September 29 to October 6, 2024, aims to raise crucial funds for expanding the charitys network of volunteer emergency responders across Ireland.

With a headquarters in Croom, County Limerick, and bases in other corners of the island, CRITICALs responders, including doctors, medical professionals, and local volunteers, provide vital assistance in cities, towns, and villages.

The responders attend serious incidents such as cardiac arrests and road traffic collisions. This year alone, volunteers have responded to over 828 emergency calls.

Corks 96FM radio presenter Isabel Bartak-Healy, known as Izzy Showbizzy, has been named the ambassador for this years Camino fundraiser. CRITICAL provides an invaluable service to local communities, and public support is essential to keep expanding the volunteer network, Bartak-Healy said. Im excited to join the Camino challenge and help raise awareness of the fantastic work being done. Anyone who wants to join or donate can still get involved.

Participants in the Camino trip can choose between a 300km bike ride or a 120km walk, both led by tour guides and CRITICAL representatives. The walking group will travel through the Spanish countryside from Logrono to Burgos, while the cyclists will start in Leon and finish in Santiago, with varied routes tailored to different skill levels.

CRITICALs Head of Fundraising, Jeppe Rasmussen, said: It costs 1,500 to equip a responder with vital medical gear, and 120,000 to launch a new Critical Care response vehicle. This event brings us closer to our supporters and helps us continue saving lives.

For more information on how to participate or donate, visit CRITICALs website.
The councillor said the current lack of multi-annual funding for roads is putting areas outside of Dublin at a disadvantage

There are serious concerns about the progression of the Mallow Relief Road, according to Cllr John Paul O'Shea.

A Kanturk councillor has called for the Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to provide multi-annual funding for Transport Infrastructure Ireland so that important road projects can be completed.

Cllr John Paul OShea said that the Minister Ryan confirmed he has no plans to provide multi-annual funding to TII in his response on Wednesday to a parliamentary question from Cork East TD David Stanton.

Cllr OShea, who is a Fine Gael General Election candidate for Cork North-West, said the Transport Ministers decision is extremely short-sighted and puts numerous critical infrastructure projects at risk.

In my own area, there were already serious concerns about the progression of roads such as the M20 Cork-Limerick motorway, the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road, and the N72 Mallow Relief Road, he said.

In making this decision, the Minister is putting our economic growth, regional connectivity, and road safety at risk. There is no doubt that it will disproportionately impact regions outside Dublin and stifle economic opportunities for these regions.

An efficient road network is relied upon by businesses, commuters, and tourists alike, and Cork business groups have already expressed fears that a failure to progress these roads projects could have a detrimental impact on businesses and livelihoods.

The Kanturk representative said the likes of the N72 Mallow relief road needing a supplementary allocation of funds from the Transport Department is not a sustainable approach.

Long-term stability of capital in the form of multi-annual funding is critical to ensure the progression of these important projects. There are many projects contained in the latter half of the National Development Plan, of which planning needs to begin urgently, but a lack of long-term funding now regrettably puts these roads at risk, he said.

This decision will force a situation where we may have to choose between equally critical projects, and where large projects will be consistently put on the long finger.

Efforts to improve road safety and reduce fatalities on our roads could be in vain if we do not make an appropriate investment in a reliable, safe road network. A reliable road network is an absolute necessity alongside adequate public transport and active travel routes as we transition to more a carbon-friendly transport system.

The councillor said continued economic growth for Cork and regions across the country are heavily reliant on planned roads projects.

The Minister must reverse this decision and invest in the future of Irelands road network, Cllr OShea stated.
Householders in several areas of Cork who have been invited to take part in the survey will be the amongst the first people in Irish history to fill out a census form online

The Census Pilot Survey 2024 is testing a new online form for the next census in selected areas of the country. Pictured at the announcement earlier this year were Brendan Murphy , senior statistician and Eileen Murphy, head of census administration and CSO staff.

Households in Cork are being called on to take part in the Census Pilot Survey on or before Census Pilot Survey Day, which takes place on Sunday, September 22.

Householders in the Cork areas of Ballincollig, Bishopstown/Curraheen, Douglas Road, Magazine Road, Turners Cross and Wilton who have been invited to take part in the survey will be the amongst the first people in Irish history to fill out a census form online.

While filling out the form is voluntary, all householders who received letters of invitation to participate in the survey this weekend are being encouraged to do so. Even if you havent received a letter, you can take part by visiting censuspilot.ie.

The pilot survey will allow the Central Statistics Office to test new questions and ways of filling out the census form. The CSO said the responses and feedback the form receives will provide essential information that will help it prepare for Census 2027.

So far, forms and feedback for the pilot survey have been completed on mobile phones and laptops/desktops, with an almost 50/50 split between the devices. A smaller number of people have used a tablet. The range of devices used to complete the form will help the CSO evaluate the online option more widely ahead of the upcoming Census. Paper forms have also been returned.

Eileen Murphy, head of census administration, said the CSO greatly appreciates the forms and feedback which has been returned to it.

As we get closer to Census Pilot Survey Day which takes place this Sunday, we are asking the people of Cork to please give us your help and support by taking part. We cannot do this without you. By taking the time to complete the Survey, you will give us essential feedback on your experience of the online or paper form and whether the questions are understood, Eileen said.

Our phone line, 1800 202409, and website, censuspilot.ie, are available for you to contact us if you need help to take part.

Traditionally, the purpose of a pilot census has been to test new and changed questions for the next census. In the case of this Census Pilot Survey, not only will the Survey help us test new questions, it also has the added importance of testing an online option for the first time in history of the Irish census.

New questions on this Census Pilot Survey include where a households car/s is/are parked overnight to gather insights on potential placement of electric chargers, whether your gender is the same or different to the sex recorded at birth, sexual orientation and how you would self-report your mental health.

The Census Pilot Survey is currently taking place in 44 locations across six counties, Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Mayo, and Offaly. These were selected as they broadly represent the people living in Ireland and are a mix of urban and rural locations. Maps of the areas selected to take part are available to view on censuspilot.ie.
Limerick Food Group has announced that one of the highlights of the annual Pigtown Festival  the big parade  will not take place this year.

In a statement released this Tuesday, the group cited resource challenges and a reduced volunteer committee as the reasons behind their decision to step back from the festival, which has celebrated the countys rich food and cultural heritage over the past seven years,.

According to the statement, Limerick Food Group informed Limerick City and County Council and Failte Ireland in March 2023 that they would be unable to continue hosting the festival.

"In the Spring of this year, we contacted the Festivals and Events Office of Limerick City and County Council reminding them that we would not be in a position to run Pigtown 2024 and offered our availability to discuss and assist in a handover.

Less than two weeks out from the festival weekend, the Council informed us that the street theatre company in discussion to run the Pigtown Parade had withdrawn, so the parade would not be going ahead on Culture Night. Resource issues were cited, with resources being diverted elsewhere in the preceding period.

The statement continued: We're disappointed to hear this, especially after delivering Pigtown through challenging circumstances, including during the pandemic.

Despite the cancellation of the broader festival, some events with a Pigtown theme will still take place this weekend.

On Friday, September 20, Limericks Milk Market will host its annual Culture Night party from 5-8pm, featuring Little Pigtown at the Milk Market, while Saturday, September 21, will see a cooking demonstration by Chef George Casey at 10:30am.

Additionally, on Sunday, September 22, the Art of Pigtown art fair will run from 11am to 4pm, showcasing 35 stalls by local artists and crafters.

Treaty City Brewery will also hold a Culture Night event from 6-10pm, featuring Chef Keith Pigott and Dan Sykes from Springfield Castle, using local ingredients from the Limerick Food & Drinks Producer Directory.
Sligo Bay RNLI volunteers brought five swimmers to safety on Wednesday evening after they got into difficulty due to the high spring tides off Rosses Point.

The lifeboat crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 4.51pm by Malin Head Coast Guard following reports that a swimmer was in difficulty off Deadman's Point.

The lifeboat helmed by David Bradley and with crew members Ross Palmer, Owen McLoughlin and Chiara Conway onboard, launched and was on scene within minutes.

The casualty had got caught by the spring tides and as they were in the water for approximately 20 minutes, the crew while doing their routine casualty care checks decided as a precaution, to bring the swimmer onboard and back to the station for a medical assessment.

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo Airport in Strandhill was also tasked and landed close to the station where their paramedic proceeded to examine the swimmer who was found to be ok. The National Ambulance Service and Gardai also responded.

Just as the crew were washing down the lifeboat and making it ready for the next service, they received a further request from Malin Head Coast Guard to go to the aid of another swimmer in difficulty in the same place. The crew immediately launched the lifeboat again with Conor McShane replacing Owen on the crew, and assisted two swimmers and brought them safely back to shore. Two more swimmers were assisted by a volunteer crew member who was out on his own boat fishing at the time.

All swimmers were found to be fine and didnt require any medical treatment.

Chiara Conway and Ross Palmer, two of the crew aboard the lifeboat, the Sheila and Dennis Tongue, had just returned from the RNLI Lifeboat College having completed a training course in Crew Emergency Procedures. Shore crew were Liz Leydon and Jan Canham.

Dermot Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: At the moment there are extremely high tides, known as spring tides, coupled with the beautiful weather which is attracting a lot of swimmers to Deadman's Point. There is always a current just off the swimming area and the signage in place directs swimmers to the safe place to go.

" As the high tides and good weather is due to continue for the next few days, we could encourage people to please read and follow the advice on the signage to ensure ones safety. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dont delay, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help to or swim to safety if you can.

Gardai in Sligo have also issued a warning about high tides at Deadmans Point in Rosses Point for the next few days.

Gardai would urge people to be cautious while entering the water as there are very strong currents which has resulted in a number of people being rescued by emergency services today (Wednesday), said a post on the Sligo/Leitrim Garda Facebook page.
Sligo had a record 1723 wild deer culled in a 12 month period up to February 28th 2023, according to new data released by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The report released to the Irish Deer Commission shows that the number of deer culled in Sligo was up by 54 per cent from the previous record set in 2022 when 1114 deer were culled.

Other county figures are: Leitrim (549); Donegal (2,704); Roscommon (958) and Mayo (2,399).

The cull numbers nationwide at 78,175 also set a new record surpassing the previous one by 41 per cent when 55,008 deer were culled in a year up 28th February 2022.

The highest number of deer culls have been recorded in county Wicklow where 25,727 deer were culled in a year followed by Tipperary with 8278 culls, Waterford with 6668 culls, Galway with 5,930 culls and Kerry with 4528 deer culls between March 2022 and February 2023.

On the other hand, the lowest number of deer culls were recorded in Louth 231 culls, Longford 243 culls, Westmeath 326 culls and Cavan with 367 deer culled in one year.

There may be several factors behind the increasing number of deer culls, one of which can be the significant increase in number of hunters licensed to cull deer. There were 6,486 licenses issued in 2023, up by 4 per cent from the previous year when 6,232 licenses were issued to cull deer during the open culling season from 1st September to 28th February.

The average number of deer culled per hunter has also increased significantly from 6 to 8 deer annually since 1999 to 10 deer culled per hunter during the 2022/23 culling season.

The Irish Deer Commission believe restrictions around the management of deer during the Covid-19 pandemic, combined with a worldwide crash in venison prices, delays by NPWS in the issuing of deer culling permits, poor forestry design for the management of deer, and a rapid expansion afforestation in Ireland, all have created the perfect storm for deer numbers to increase.

The commission says that most people are not aware the management of wild deer has become an increasingly emotive topic with polarised views from those in farming, forestry, rewilding, tourism, photographers, hunting and conservationists.

Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue recently announced a tender for 3.4m (excluding VAT) to appoint a programme manager for the establishment of 15 deer management units in areas the department believe have high deer populations.

In correspondence with the Minister, the Irish Deer Commission was informed there was no scientific basis or evidence for the proposed deer management units which would include large scale culling of wild deer, including County Kerry where the last remaining herd of native Irish Red deer can be found.

The Irish Deer Commission have the asked the Minister to suspend the tender process pending an investigation into the justification in spending 3.4m (excluding VAT) of taxpayers money on a task which is already undertaken free of charge to the state by licensed deer hunters.

The Irish Deer Commission have also written to Minister Malcolm Noonan, the Minister with responsibility for wildlife and our wild deer, regarding his duty of care to wildlife management and the unintended consequences of allowing the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine take the lead on the management of a protected species under the Wildlife Acts, a development that has caused considerable concern among those involved in deer management and conservation.
Speaking to Minister for Children Roderic OGorman during a Dail debate on childcare, Deputy Harkin said: Minister, while you tell us that more services are open now than previously, let me tell you that this September seven services, seven, closed in Sligo. Yes, one moved to community childcare in my home village of Ballintogher but six closed. These were mainly smaller services located in rural areas or on the outskirts of towns where they were run by local women for local communities.

"Last year one multinational corporation opened a service in Sligo but today we are five down on last year with no geographical spread.

Deputy Harkin said she met many of the owners of these services that are now closed and they're devastated, because they had to freeze their fees at 2017 or 2020 levels in order to access core funding.

"Yet, the new service in Sligo, run by a multinational chain, can access core funding and charge higher fees. That's just so unfair and it's a business model that you have forced on providers.

Just today many of us met with representatives of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation in Buswells. One of the issues they raised was childcare.

Yes, they said costs are less than previously, but they have huge difficulty in accessing childcare because some of the smaller services are closing since their businesses are not viable.

Furthermore, your department is refusing to accept the annual accounts presented by these smaller childcare providers, accounts that satisfy the Revenue, yet what is good enough for the Revenue isn't good enough for your department.

"You also insist on a different accounting timeframe to Revenue. Is it any wonder that childcare providers are closing their doors, driven out by an unfair business model and unreasonable bureaucracy.

I believe, Minister, you are due to meet the Early Childcare Federation. I would ask you to do so as soon as possible to try and stabilize the sector, Deputy Harkin concluded.
SLIGO native and Celtic Tenor James Nelson is bringing his lauded solo show, which he debuted in the Hawks Well last September, back to the same venue this Sunday night.

The show, titled Singing for his Supper is inspired by James stories, both emotional, humorous, witty and poignant as he looks back on growing up in Sligo to more recent times, intertwined with beautiful, emotive songs.

James family ran the famous Nelsons store in Castle St for many years and in the show he accompanies himself on the piano, just him and a microphone.

He was inspired by Phil Coulter to do his own show, which he has since gone on tour with to much acclaim since he introduced it in Sligo.

James got a standing ovation after his solo show last September and there is no doubt it will the same again this Sunday (show starts at 8pm).

James said audiences can expect a slightly longer show with a couple of new songs. He told The Sligo Champion: I have changed it a wee bit, there are two new songs added and it is slightly longer and I describe a bit more about Sligo too.

The show is 80minutes now and a new section Ive added is about my time in London, I spent years in London and I also talk about working with the Kenya Orphanage.

James, who lives in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, also performed his show at the Boyle Arts Festival this summer and he is also bringing it to Kenmare and the National Opera House in Wexford, where he has already performed it. Hes also looking to add a couple more locations and said the reception from people has been great.

The reception has been brilliant! To get a double ovation is mad. I suppose before the show in Sligo I was nervous as backstage its normally Daryl, Matthew and myself (from the Celtic Tenors) and Im not normally all alone backstage before a show. My partner came to sit with me before the show in Wexford and I had a friend in Boyle which was great. I know the show now so Ill be fine in Sligo.

It meant so much to me having it in my hometown and I talk about the Model school, my old teacher, my parents, walks around Sligo and Yeats as well.

I know a few people are coming so Im looking forward to it.

James has been extremely busy also with a packed schedule of tours with the Celtic Tenors, who are known throughout the world.

We have shows in the Gaiety, Cork Opera, Gleneagle INEC in Killarney, Savoy to name a few before we go on tour in Canada and North America before Christmas.

So we have a nice bit before Christmas which is good. We are away at the end of February for the entire month of March, which is really good.

Somehow, despite all the touring and travelling, James also finds time to teach music a few days a week in the Carlow College of Music.

James, who recently celebrated a significant birthday said he is looking forward to meeting up with old friends and family in his hometown.

He celebrated his big day with his niece Claire in Dublin and will also celebrate with his partner, whom he also mentions in the show.

The Gaiety was where the Celtic Tenors first met and he said its nice that they will be back where they met on November 10.

Tickets to Sundays show are priced at 15. Sure theyre 400 cheaper than the Oasis tickets!, James quipped.

He explained the songs in his show are very much linked to the stories, including his mother, Frieda, singing a French song which Celine Dion sang at the recent opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.

He also poignantly speaks about his father, Drummond, who had dementia and a song he loved.

Ive extended the Sligo descriptions a bit, memories of Sligo and of growing up here.

I really hope people will come along and enjoy the show now in Sligo and I hope they enjoy both the songs and the stories, James added.

Tickets for the show on Sunday, September 22 are priced at 15. boxoffice@hawkswell.com or 071 9161518
Parkinsons Irelands flagship fundraiser, A Walk in the Park for Parkinsons will be taking place in less than two weeks in Enniscorthys Orchard Peace Park on Saturday September 21.

Parkinsons Ireland is a nationwide charity which aims to assist people with Parkinsons, their families, and their carers. There are approximately 18,000 people living with PD in Ireland and this is projected to double by 2040. Parkinsons is a progressive neurological condition which causes a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms, with currently no cure for the condition.

The event, sponsored by Home Instead, will begin at 11 a.m. in Orchard Park as well as similar locations across the country. Home Instead is Irelands leading provider of home care services, committed to their mission to enhance the lives of ageing adults and their families, with a focus on retaining the patients independence.

Speaking on the initiative, CEO of Parkinsons Ireland Shane OBrien said: We are delighted to launch our new annual fundraising event A Walk in the Park for Parkinsons. We are very grateful to Home Instead for their sponsorship and support of this event. In addition to raising much-needed funds for the services that Parkinsons Ireland provides, the event will be an opportunity for the Parkinsons community across Ireland to come together in a show of unity and support.

"We hope that this event will raise awareness of the fact that an estimated 18,000 people in Ireland have Parkinsons and that its the fastest growing neurological condition, he added.

Danette Connolly, National Clinical Lead at Home Instead Ireland, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: Parkinsons is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimers. By partnering with Parkinsons Ireland on their flagship Walk in the Park for Parkinsons, we aim to raise awareness and foster a caring society that supports people living with Parkinsons and their families. We encourage all Home Instead staff to participate and urge the public to join us.

The annual event promises to be a fun day out for their members, their loved ones, and the public. They hope that people will rally around in support to raise awareness about a condition that affects many.

Individuals and families interested in taking part in the walk can register for the event on the official Parkinson's Ireland website.
With culture night fast approaching on Friday, September 20, a wide variety of talks and events will be taking place across the county with one such event exploring a well-known north Wexford familys ties to the Normans.

The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association are set to host a talk by John Nangle on the Esmonde family and their connection to Normandy from the 12th century. The event will take place in The Wine Buff in Gorey at 7p.m. on Friday, September 20. Following the talk, a glass of French wine will be served to those in attendance.

Chairman of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association Leo Coy said that this talk offers people an opportunity to explore ties between a well-known north Wexford family and their Norman connections.

"Were constantly amazed at how many connections there are between Normandy and Wexford. We encourage people to come along on Culture Night, hear the talk and afterwards, over a glass of French wine, discuss the many connections between Wexford and Normandy, said Leo.

The Esmondes of Ballynastragh are a family of renown in the north Wexford area. Their lineage ties them to characters and events which changed the course of Irish history.

John is a historian who has a wide knowledge of the Esmonde family. His interest stems from the fact that they were a prominent family in north Wexford who were different to other landlords of the time as they were catholic and were able to maintain their lands after the Restoration of Charles ll.

While some branches of the family enlisted and fought in the British forces down through the years, other family members took a more nationalist view. The duality continued to more modern times when in the 20th century, Sir Thomas, the 11th Baron, supported the nationalist cause while his son fought with the British and died at the Battle of Jutland.

The Esmonde family origins can be linked to the arrival of the Normans who landed at Bannow in south Wexford in the 12th century. This talk is an ideal way of exploring connections, past and present, between north Wexford and Normandy.

The talk is being hosted by the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association  a countywide association whose aims are to strengthen existing and develop new connections between Wexford and Normandy. The Association believes in the importance of culture, arts, heritage and education as a way of bringing people together and exploring their shared history.
The fifth annual Alzheimers Memory Walk takes on Sunday, September 22, with Tintern Trails near Saltmills and Courtown Woods  the Wexford venues.

Set to be the largest memory walks to date, Mary Conroy Thomas from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland in Riverchapel, is urging the people of Wexford to register now at www.memorywalk.ie. The memory walk at Courtown Woods is led by Mary Conroy Thomas and another walk is taking place at Tintern Abbey, led by Verona Murphy TD. Both walks start at 11 a.m.

Speaking ahead of Alzheimers Memory Walk, Mary said: "Wexford Alzheimer Society of Ireland Team are gearing up once again for another groundbreaking memory walk. Last year, despite the weather, we received outstanding support from our local community and it is due to the strong community bond that we have since opened our Gorey Day Care service in Riverchapel. Here in Wexford our ASI Team are looking forward to hosting two memorable events.

This years Alzheimers Memory Walk is supported by Payzone. The walks will help raise awareness and funds to help those living with dementia. Everyone who registers will receive an Alzheimers Memory Walk Participant Pack including your t-shirt and a special pack of Forget Me Not flower seeds to sow at home to help create an annual memory each time the flowers bloom. Adult registration costs 20 and a childs pack is 5.

Memory Walk honours, remembers, and celebrates the 64,000 people in Ireland living with dementia, along with their families and carers. It also cherishes the memory of those who are no longer with us.

The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over 1.69 billion per annum; 48pc of this is attributable to family care; 43pc is by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9pc to the total cost.

In 2023, 3,500 walkers participated in memory walks and raised over 120,000 which helped fund vital services for people with dementia, including day care, day care at Home, family carer training, social clubs, cafes, and a national helpline.

You can share your memory walk experience on social media using #ASIMakingMemories #ASIMemoryWalk2024 #LetsWalkTogether.
He is the beloved son of the late Paul Murphy and will be sadly missed by his loving mum Catherine (Kay) Murphy, sister Marilyn, niece Hannah and by all his dear friends in Ballymoney, Gorey.

Mark was living at Sea Pink House, Camphill Village in Ballymoney, before his passing and is formerly of Newcastle, Crossabeg in Wexford. He had previously involved with the Special Olympics.

CEO of Camphill Communities of Ireland Louise Gorman expressed her condolences on behalf of the organisation which works with people with intellectual disabilities and other kinds of special needs.

"On behalf of the CCoI Board, Senior Management Team and all Camphill staff we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Mark's family and friends. Mark will be missed by all community members and staff of Camphill Ballymoney. May he rest in peace.

Many of Marks friends also left tributes on RIP.ie. I am so sorry to hear of Marks passing. He was a such a great character with a heart of gold and an infectious smile. Condolences to his family at this very sad time. I will treasure the time I spend with you Mark and I will always remember you. Hope you are having a big cappuccino up there and listening to your favourite music. RIP to a beautiful soul.

It has been a true pleasure to work with Mark over the last year, I have had many fond moments with Mark, with his Cappuccinos, his haircuts, bursting into song, playing with my hair and dancing with me at random times! Mark was sunshine in human form and it has been wonderful.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mark. I met Mark through Special Olympics he always had a special place in my heart. His bubbly nature his affectionate smile. We always had a chat. Mark will be missed by his many friends.

"It was such a pleasure knowing you, Mark. I will always remember your love for music, your humour and kindness, cooking scrambled eggs on Sunday mornings and dancing together in Sea Pink House. My deepest sympathies to Mark's family, friends and everyone in Ballymoney.
The Gardai, Civil Defence and Coast Guard all took part in the search at Raven Point/Curracloe in Wexford. Pic: Jim Campbell.

The body of a man aged in his early 50s has been recovered from a Wexford beach following a large multi-agency search operation in the Curracloe area over the past 24 hours.

The man, a 53 year-old Wexford native, was declared missing yesterday afternoon and it was confirmed that a body had been recovered in the sand dunes at the beach around midday.

The cause of death has not yet been established and the man's remains are to be taken to University Hospital Waterford for a full post mortem examination.

The alarm was raised when the man failed to turn up to work on Wednesday morning, something considered very unusual, sparking grave concerns among his family.

His car was later discovered in the car park of the Raven Nature Reserve and Wexford gardai believed that he may have parked there between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. He was subsequently declared a missing person at 1 p.m.

Yesterday evening, gardai cordoned off large parts of the Raven Nature Reserve as the Rescue 117 helicopter hovered above, performing large sweeps of Curracloe beach right down around Raven Point.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 19th September 2024

Wexford Gardai liaised with other rescue services including the Coast Guard and Civil Defence as they cover a large area including the woods at Raven Point and the entire beach from Curracloe south.

Thermal imaging cameras were used as officers combed the woods for the missing man.

Beachgoers reported that gardai were diverting traffic away from the area on Wednesday evening and that a large number of people had gathered at the Raven Point car park park. Members were also carrying out patrols of the beach road connecting the car parks at Curracloe and Raven Point beaches.

On foot of a request from gardai, sniffer dogs from the K9 Search and Rescue team were also deployed to search the woods and beach areas and they are expected to return today to continue the search.

As darkness descended on the picturesque Wexford beach last night, the search was stood down and the rescue helicopter returned to base in Waterford. However, gardai confirmed that the operation had resumed this morning as they have serious concerns for the welfare of the missing man.

Shortly after noon, the grim discovery was made and gardai had to deliver the devastating news to the man's heartbroken family.

All emergency services who took part in the search were praised for their role in the operation, despite the tragic outcome.
A Wexford shop owner is appealing for information after thieves snatched a brand new iPhone worth over 500 and fled from her store.

Meimei Lin of the Phone Surgery Shop on Selskar Street shared CCTV footage of the pair which shows them snatch the phone from her employees hand and run straight out the door on Tuesday afternoon.

"I wasnt there myself, Meimei said. They robbed from my employee. He says that the two boys came into the shop and were looking for a bargain price for an iPhone 13.

"They left the shop and came back two or three minutes later and asked my employee to put the phone and case together so they could send a picture to their family to see.

A still from the CCTV footage, which shows the two males speaking with a staff member before snatching the iPhone and running from the Wexford shop.

"You can see the boy in the yellow was pretending to take a photo when the other one snatches the phone and they run away. My employee ran after them but he didn't catch them.

The matter was reported to Gardai and Ms Lin says she is awaiting a call back.

A Chinese native, Ms Lin feels that petty crime of this nature is not taken seriously in Ireland.

"If this happened in China it would be considered a serious crime, she said. But I don't think it looks that way in Ireland. It looks like licence to steal.

Since going public, Ms Lin says she has been contacted by another electrical shop on the Main Street who believe they may have been targeted by the same duo.
Fianna Fail councillor Pat Kennedy has welcomed progress on upgrades to two local garda stations in Tinahely and Shillelagh, saying that the works are important for rural law and order.

Last month, the government announced that 1.5m in funding would be made available to upgrade six Wicklow garda stations in before the end of 2025.

The 1.5m is being used to carry out refurbishments and upgrades of stations in Tinahely, Shillelagh, Bray, Baltinglass, Wicklow town and Greystones, with the work aiming to deliver modern facilities which can be enjoyed by Garda members, staff and Garda Reserve members, while also making access to garda stations easier for the public.

Welcoming the upgrades to the south Wicklow stations, which are currently in progress and should be completed in the near future, Cllr Kennedy said the works are essential for both stations to protect law and order in rural Ireland.

I am delighted to hear of the upgrades to both Tinahely and Shillelagh Garda Stations, he said.

Law and order is of the upmost important right across the country, and it is no different in Wicklow. Rural law and order is essential for protection of the constituents we represent.

The upgrades made to Tinahely Garda Station is nearing its completion. I very much welcome the universal access upgrades, the new showers, and the upgrade to the reception to make it wheelchair accessible.

The upgrades to the Shillelagh Garda Station comprise of upgrades to the structure of the building including repointing the lime mortar internally to make the building weatherproof and a complete re-wiring.

I am committed to law and order. I am thrilled with these upgrades to both garda stations and will seek to work for more funding and upgrades across Wicklow, he continued.

Garda stations like these are crucial for rural Ireland. Ongoing support must be given to them, so that they can carry out their duty and protect our constituents.
The Department of Education has said that work on a new school campus in Arklow for Gaelcholaiste na Mara and Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir is currently in the architectural design process.

Initial discussion between the two schools, the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), Wicklow County Council and the Department of Education began in 2017, with funding secured, a co-sharing campus site earmarked in Kilbride and planning permission granted by August 2022.

The plans for Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir  which was established in 1998 and operates, for the most part, out of a series of prefabs  comprise a two-storey, 16-classroom primary school building, with two special needs rooms and ancillary spaces capable of accommodating more than 480 pupils.

For Gaelcholaiste na Mara, which has been limiting its intake for years and is in dire need of another chemistry lab, cooking room, woodwork room and a school hall, the project will deliver a three-storey school building with two special needs rooms and a PE hall aimed at serving more than 400 students.

To the dismay of the Arklow community, the sorely needed projects were put on hold last year when the Department of Education announced they had hit the pause button on 58 school building projects around Ireland due to funding pressures.

With construction yet to begin on the campus and Arklows population set to explode with the impending delivery of the towns Wastewater Treatment Plant, Senator Malcolm Byrne  who broached the issue at a Seanad debate in May  recently asked the Department of Education for an update on the project.

The project referred to has been devolved for delivery, and is being managed by Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board on behalf of the school authority, a reply from the Department reads.

This project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. Once the revised Stage 2b report is received from the ETB, it will be reviewed and approved by the Department before progressing to tender.

The Department will continue to engage with Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board in regards to progressing this important project.

Raising his concerns at the Seanad debate about the level of urgency being shown by the Department in progressing the educational campus, and that it is the second year of the planning permission granted for five years, Senator Byrne pressed home the dire need to invest in the Arklow project.

Having played a critical role in the delivery of Creagh College and Gorey Educate Together Secondary School, Senator Byrne, who will contest the next general election in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency, said that delivering the educational infrastructure for the gaelscoil/gaelcholaiste in Arklow is one of his top priorities.

The condition of buildings at the Gaelscoil is unacceptable, he said.

The staff and students deserve much better. I have been continually raising this in the Seanad and with the Department. The delays and apparent standoff need to end.

Every student has a right to be taught in decent conditions. I will continue to work with schools to ensure that this is the case."
A Wicklow TD has highlighted an anomaly that is impacting carers in Bray who are being assessed for social housing, and has pointed to a lack of parity which has resulted in those carers paying higher rents.

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore is now calling on the council to introduce uniformity in assessment across the county and to end what one of her partys councillors has called a postcode lottery.

She explained that currently, when being assessed for social housing rents, carers allowance is not counted as income (except in cases where the allowance is the sole income) in most of Wicklow.

However, in Bray, those in receipt of carers allowance are assessed differently, whereby their payment is counted as additional income when in excess of basic social welfare, which results in a higher rent for carers in the Bray area.

This discrepancy was raised with Deputy Whitmore at a recently meeting with Family Carers Ireland, which was also attended by Social Democrats councillor for Bray West Caroline Winstanley.

Cllr Winstanley said she will also be raising the issue with Wicklow County Council.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Whitmore said the situation for carers in Bray who found themselves in this situation was unacceptable.

It is unacceptable that carers who receive carers allowance in the Bray area are treated differently to all other carers in the county when assessed for how much they must pay in rent to Wicklow County Council, she said.

As it stands right now, in every other town in Wicklow, the carers allowance is disregarded when being assessed for rent due to the council. This is not the case in Bray.

This means that if you are a caregiving family in Bray, working hard to assist your family member in the home, your carers allowance could tip you over the income limits, and you will pay more rent to the council simply because of where you live.

We can all agree that this practice in Bray is unfair. This legacy issue has been practised for far too long, and I very much hope that Wicklow County Council will take action to remedy the matter urgently, concluded Deputy Whitmore.

Cllr Winstanley, who is a speech and language therapist and works with autistic people and disabled adults, compared the situation to a postcode lottery. It is very unfair that Bray family carers are assessed differently to those in other parts of the county. No other county in Ireland operates with this variation and, in effect, creates a postcode lottery, she said.

Explaining the variations in rents, Catherine Cox, head of communications and policy for Family Carers Ireland, said: For many years, we have been aware of the differences in how people in receipt of carers allowance are assessed under the Differential Rent Scheme across different local authorities. This has resulted in significant variations in the rent charged to caring households depending on where they live.

Family Carers Ireland is calling for the scheme to be standardised across the country to ensure fairness and geographic equity for all family carers who are the invisible backbone of our healthcare system and deserve to be recognised, valued and protected, she concluded. 
A Loreto nun, who has spent the last 18 years in South Sudan, returned to her Bray home, on Wednesday, September 11 to visit St Patricks Loreto together with colleagues from Loreto Rumbek to highlight her work and to help raise awareness for the campaign she is driving to build a new school in the country.

Sr Orla Treacy arrived in Rumbek in 2006 with just two other Loreto nuns from Ireland, where they were greeted by what she described as ground zero, after the country had suffered two decades of civil war.

Sr Orla (51) now serves as the director of the Loreto Rumbek Mission, overseeing a secondary school for 385 girls, a primary school for over 1,200 boys and a primary healthcare facility.

More than 500 girls have graduated from the boarding school since 2008. It continues to be a womens refuge of sorts, as child marriage remains pervasive.

It took two years to get a school-building programme to the point where Loreto Rumbek could open its doors to the first 35 girls. Sr Orla is back home with two graduates of Loreto Rumbek  Elizabeth Adak, who is a lawyer, and Mary Nyanarop, an education officer with an NGO  to launch a fundraising campaign for a new mission in South Sudan.

We came over with two of the graduates and the principal of the school and we are just on a big fundraising campaign going around Ireland, she said.

"This is a very unique trip, because I brought two of the graduates with me to Ireland. It's the first time any of our graduates have come to Ireland, and to meet the sister schools of Loreto, and to meet some of the partners that have been supporting us over the years as well.

And we're also trying to get young people involved in it, just in terms of sensitizing young people to the reality of education globally. That not everybody gets a chance to be in school and, you know, not every girl has this opportunity."

Her plea is to ask people for help to further develop the mission in the country, and the donations can start from as little as 10, where individuals can sponsor one brick to get them to fairly daunting goal of 10m.

We're asking all the students around to try and find 10 to help us to build the school. And then we're trying to get parents or companies or community groups or whatever, classes, to sponsor students in the school as well. So that's our big agenda at the moment.

It took us two years to get the school up and running. We've had nearly 500 graduates at this stage. So now the graduates have come back and said: Are you ready to do it again? And we're saying: Well, are we? And we're asking everybody: Are we? And everybody's saying: Yes, we are. So, let's see what we can do.

To sponsor a brick for Loreto Rumbek, go to: loretorumbek.ie/donate/
Seal Rescue Ireland reports the presence of seal pups in Greystones, urging onlookers to keep their distance and avoid disturbing the animals during the early weeks of their development.

A resident of Greystones managed to take some wonderful shots of one of the seal pups, with mum, on the north beach recently after Seal Rescue Ireland alerted the town to the presence of at least two seal pubs that were "on watch and doing well. The pups only stay with their mums for about three weeks, so while it is a rare opportunity to see them, the organisation is also advising onlookers to be sensitive.

In a post on social media last weekend, Seal Rescue Ireland two pups had been spotted, with their mums, throughout the week, and both have been feeding and steadily gaining weight. One pup looked to be around one week old, the other two weeks old.

"Grey seal pups stay with mum for approximately three weeks, the organisation explained, during which time the pup ideally triples in weight. Once they reach three weeks, the mum departs, the pup begins to moult its fluffy coat down to its waterproof coat, the pup then fends for itself from this point on.

"If mum and pup have remained together during the first thee weeks, hopefully pup will have decent blubber reserves to see it through this transition period. It is still early days and a critical time for both pups so the best thing we can do to safeguard these mums and pups is to not approach them and to give them some space to ensure they can stay together.

If you do see a seal pup one of our beaches, the advice is:

Do not try to put a seal in the water, they are on land for a reason.

Do not touch pups: Seals are wild animals and will bite if stressed. Human presence may lead to mothers abandoning otherwise healthy pups

Do not disturb seals: Watch from a distance, ideally 100 metres. If a mother is close by watching, she may abandon her pup out of fear.

Mothers leave their young on land, this is normal. It is also normal for the mother to leave them alone for 3-4 hours, she is usually nearby and will return to nurse them if they are left undisturbed

Please keep dogs on leads on seal pupping beaches, as dogs can cause stress and harm to mums and pups and scare little pups on land into the sea.

The resident who took the photos, has assured that the images were taken using a telescopic lens from behind the harbour wall, well beyond the 100-metre recommended distance.
IFAC, Irelands farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, is advising Wicklow farmers to carefully plan and consult with their tax advisor about the forthcoming changes to retirement relief.

Retirement relief is a relief from capital gains tax (CGT) on the disposal of qualifying business assets, such as farmland.

To qualify for this relief, the individual must have owned the asset for at least 10 years before the date of transfer, the asset must have been a business asset for at least 10 years and, for farmland, the individual must have continued farming the land up until the date of transfer.

Before the changes introduced by Budget 2024, those who had reached the age of 55 but not yet 66 could transfer qualifying business assets to their children without any CGT liability.

Once an individual reached 66, a lifetime threshold of 3 million was applied, with any excess over this amount subject to CGT. For disposals to non-children, the thresholds were set at 750,000 for those aged 55-65 and 500,000 for those 66 and over.

Starting this January, there will be an increased age limit for higher thresholds. The age at which the reduced lifetime threshold of 3 million applies for transfers to children has increased from 66 to 70 years. This change gives farmers more time to plan their retirement and transfer assets under more favourable conditions.

A new 10 million threshold for transfers to children will also be applied.

For farmers aged 55 to 69, the lifetime threshold of 10 million for transferring qualifying business assets to children has been introduced. Once a farmer reaches the age of 70, the reduced threshold of 3 million will still apply.

Finally, there will be unchanged thresholds for disposals to non-children.

The thresholds for disposals to individuals other than children remain unchanged: 750,000 for those aged 55 to 69 and 500,000 for those aged 70 and over. However, the age limit before moving to the reduced threshold has been increased to 70.

Tom Doyle, IFAC partner at the firms Wicklow office said: Retirement relief has long been a vital tool for Irish farmers looking to pass on the family farm or sell off land as they approach retirement.

The recent changes announced in Budget 2024, set to take effect from 1 January 2025, have brought some welcome adjustments to this important relief but farmers should also be mindful of the reduced thresholds that apply after reaching 70 years of age and for disposals to non-children.

The changes to retirement relief in Budget 2024 are generally positive for farmers, particularly those planning to pass on their farms to their children, an IFAC spokesperson added.

The increased age limit provides more flexibility and greater potential savings. However, farmers should be mindful of the reduced thresholds that apply after reaching 70 years of age and for disposal to non-children.

As always, careful planning and consultation with a tax advisor are essential to maximise the benefits of these changes.

For farmers looking to secure their legacy and ensure a smooth transition of their farm to the next generation, these new rules provide both opportunities and considerations that should not be overlooked.
Our beauty guru takes a look at simple changes that make a big difference and reviews Dysons new styling range

If you watched the Paralympics this year, Im sure you were blown away just like me. Theres something incredibly moving about seeing peoples years of work and dedication come to fruition, just like in the Olympics. But each Paralympian also has an impairment in a world that doesnt cater too well for those who have impairments.

At the Paralympics, the events have been altered in a variety of ways to allow for each athletes needs. I found it amazing to see how little it often took to make things that might otherwise be impossible, possible. I also found it quite confronting in terms of how frequently these efforts are not made in wider society to support the lives of people with disabilities.

Many industries have work to do to improve accessibility, and the beauty industry is no exception. There are simple ways to make products work for a variety of needs, as demonstrated by some of the existing brands below:

Rare Beauty

1. Rare Beauty (via spacenk.com)  Selena Gomezs lupus diagnosis means she sometimes struggles to use her hands in the way others do. As a result, her beauty brands packaging was designed specifically with ease-of-use in mind. Simple, easy-to-hold lids mean the products are easily opened, while applicators require little pressure to achieve great impact, no matter the users hand strength or dexterity. This has not led to any dilution of Rare Beautys success  the brand generated an estimated $350m in revenue last year.

Kohl Kreatives

2. Kohl Kreatives (kohlkreatives.com)  This brand specialises in beauty tools for people with motor disabilities, such as make-up stencils and brushes. Make-up stencils are hugely helpful to anyone who struggles with a steady hand, while flexible make-up brushes which stand on their own assist in a multitude of ways. There are many videos and testimonies online demonstrating the significant difference these can make in peoples lives.

Guide Beauty

3. Guide Beauty (guidebeauty.com)  Make-up artist Terri Bryant struggled to use the make-up tools she was familiar with when her body began to behave differently just over a decade ago (she was ultimately diagnosed with Parkinsons). She viewed this as an opportunity to create tools which could assist people who found themselves in the same boat. Thus, Guide Beauty was born. The brand now makes a wide range of products, from a wand which makes it easier to apply eyeliner, to Lash Wrap mascara in an easy-to-grip tube which steadies the hand during application.

Herbal Essences

4. Herbal Essences (via boots.ie)  While brands specifically designed for people with disabilities are great, it would be even better if the full range of peoples needs could be considered in all product design. Herbal Essences is an enormously popular brand and, in 2019, it launched innovative packaging to assist those who are visually impaired. Tactile bottle design means each bottle of product has a series of raised lines or dots on it, which help shoppers to distinguish between the brands shampoos and conditioners.

Benefit

5. Benefit (via cultbeauty.com)  There are simple things beauty brands can do to make consumers lives easier, and Benefits packaging and fragrances are examples. Products are packaged in unique shapes or with individual fragrances (as it does with its blushes and bronzer), which is helpful for visually impaired consumers.

Buying Irish

InvisiBelle

Nancy Costello has made a real name for herself in the Irish hair business. It started with her salon in Galway, which is known for hair extensions. Then she created a range of hair brushes, designed to be gentle on extensions. Now shes putting something else into the world. InvisiBelle is Costellos new line of clip-in extensions, designed with special events in mind. These extensions can be easily added to your natural hair, whether its up or down, to give it added length or thickness for a special occasion. InvisiBelle extensions are available now via bellehair.ie and priced from 125.

Something old...

Alfaparfs Style Stories Blow-Dry Cream

Alfaparfs Style Stories Blow-Dry Cream (12.72 via millies.ie) has been a staple of my hair product wardrobe for some time now. I noticed a difference in my hair the very first time I used it. It felt softer and smoother and generally improved the quality of my blow-dry. As someone who doesnt have the patience to do much more than blast-dry my hair, this was significant. I find that some pre-styling products really weigh the hair down or leave it feeling stiff or unnatural, but this does neither. Aside from that, it somehow speeds up the drying time. Im not a scientist, in case you havent noticed, and truly this blows my mind. How can putting something liquidy on your hair make drying it faster? I do not know, but I know that it does. Simply work it through damp hair before combing to ensure it coats each strand, then blow-dry as usual.

... Something new

The Dyson Chitosan styling range

Dyson has firmly placed itself into the beauty industry via its innovative hair tools, but only now is the brand releasing a range of accompanying styling products. The Dyson Chitosan styling range (full-size 100ml, 59; refill, 54; travel-size 15ml, 19; via dyson.ie), is named after a complex molecule derived from oyster mushrooms. According to the brand, chitosan is what gives the fungi its shape, which translates into your hair retaining flexible hold when you use the products. I love mushrooms as much as the next person, but what we all want to know is are they any use? In my opinion, yes. The packaging is predictably beautiful from a company built around design. Its refillable and ergonomic and makes it harder to overuse or waste product. The products themselves  a pre-style cream (available in two formulations for straight-to-wavy and curly-to-coily texture) and post-style serum  noticeably extended the life of my hairstyle and left it feeling soft and flexible.
The cast and crew of Joan (left to right) Gershwyn Eustache Jr, Kirsty J. Curtis, Sophie Turner, Ruth Kenley-Letts, Anna Symon, Richard Laxton, Laura Aikman and Frank Dillane attend the launch of new ITV series (James Manning/PA)

Actress Sophie Turner was joined by jewel thief Joan Hannington at the launch of ITV drama Joan in London.

Turner, 28, wore a cream jacket and trousers at the event for the new series, which is inspired by the real life story of the thief.

Hannington, who will be played by Turner, wore a yellow, red and blue outfit, with a light blue necklace.

The launch was also attended by Joan Hannington, whose life the series is based on (James Manning/PA)

Joining the pair in the capitals Jack Solomons Club were fellow cast members Gershwyn Eustache Jr, Kirsty J Curtis, Laura Aikman and Frank Dillane, along with producer Ruth Kenley-Letts, writer Anna Symon, and director Richard Laxton.

Joan will follow Hanningtons multifaceted life in the 1980s as a mother, lover, liar, and one of Britains most notorious thieves.

The six-part series was written by Symon from Hanningtons memoirs and the thief was consulted during the writing process.

Sophie Turner at the shows London launch event (James Manning/PA)

Turner is best known for playing Sansa Stark in Game Of Thrones and has also starred in 2022s The Staircase starring Colin Firth and Netflix film Do Revenge, as well as superhero film Dark Phoenix in 2019.

The first episode of Joan will air on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Sunday, September 29, with the second episode airing on Monday, September 30 at the same time.
He has played an office nerd in Channel 4 series The I.T. Crowd, an American cop in rom-com Bridesmaids, a gangster in the remake of Get Shorty and an imaginary friend in Moone Boy - but Chris ODowds next TV role may be his most unorthodox yet.

The Roscommon-born actor has been announced among the cast of Netflixs dystopian sci-fi series Black Mirror, which will debut on the streaming titan in 2025.

ODowd joins the likes of Awkwafina (Oceans 8), Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who, The Thick of It), Rashida Jones (Parks & Recreation), Issa Rae (Barbie), Holdovers star Paul Giamatti, House of the Dragon actor Emma Corrin, Successions Harriet Walter and Tracee Ellis Ross, best known for her role in sitcom Black-ish. The other actors who will feature amongst the series six episodes include Cristin Miliotti, Milanka Brooks and Lewis Gribben.

Netflix are keeping schtum on the plotlines for the hugely successful anthology series, which was created by Charlie Brooker and first debuted to critical acclaim in 2011 - only to say that additional information about specific episodes and characters is under wraps. The series is currently filming and will be returning to Netflix in 2025.

However, it has been revealed that one of the episodes in the forthcoming series will be a sequel to Season 4 episode USS Callister. That episode also starred the aforementioned Miliotti and featured Jesse Plemons as a disgruntled online game programmer who clones his co-workers DNA to create sentient digital clones of them in a Star Trek-like simulated game.

Black Mirror has been a huge hit for Netflix, and was previously described as a hybrid of The Twilight Zone and Tales of the Unexpected which taps into our contemporary unease about our modern world". Previous seasons have starred several big names, including Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, Aaron Paul, Salma Hayek and Michael Cera. Brooker, who also writes many of the episodes, remains an executive producer on the show, alongside Jessica Rhoades and Annabel Jones.

Previous sci-fi related roles for ODowd include a role in an episode of the Jordan Peele-helmed reboot of The Twilight Zone, as well as a role in 2018s The Cloverfield Paradox. Last year, he wrote and directed forthcoming dramedy series Small Town, Big Story on location in Ireland, which stars Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine. Speaking about the series, he said: I bloody love television, and am most engrossed by stories that bring the remarkable to the everyday. I hope weve made a beautiful show that an audience will find funny and will keep people on the edge of their seats and beyond." He has not yet commented on his forthcoming Black Mirror role.

The 44-year-old ODowd, who lives in London with wife Dawn OPorter and their two children, joins previous Irish Black Mirror stars Domhnall Gleeson, Andrew Scott and Allen Leech amongst the shows alumni.

The seventh series of Black Mirror will debut on a date to be confirmed in 2025.
Michel Barnier has become Frances favourite political figure, according to a surprise new poll, in a boost to the EUs former chief Brexit negotiator two weeks after president Emmanuel Macron appointed him prime minister.

The poll comes as the 73-year-old conservative is struggling to cobble together a new government in the wake of snap elections in July, which left France with a hung parliament.
Portuguese PM declares state of calamity as wildfires spread

Police told to catch arsonists as area home to 210,000 is exposed to blazes

People leave their houses as a wildfire approaches in Veiga, Agueda, Portugal. Photo: Reuters

Helena Alves Thu 19 Sep 2024 at 03:30







More than 100 wildfires stretched thousands of firefighters to the limit in northern Portugal yesterday, with seven deaths since the worst spate of fires in recent years spread out of control over the weekend.
Pelicot trial: Husband accused of drugging wife and letting 50 men rape her, says he ultimately hopes to win her back

Alleged victim Gisele Pelicot tells court: Forgiveness does not existShe has become symbol of fight against sexual violenceDozens of men accused of raping Pelicot while she was druggedMan accused of copying Dominique Pelicot to drug, rape own wifeJean-Pierre Marechal also allowed Pelicot to abuse his partner

A courtroom sketch of Dominique Pelicot, who had admitted orchestrating the mass rape of his ex-wife. Photo: Reuters

Marc Leras Thu 19 Sep 2024 at 03:30







Gisele Pelicot, who was drugged and raped by dozens of men recruited by her husband, yesterday called the men standing trial degenerates, while attempts from some defence lawyers to question her credibility caused outrage in the courtroom.
A British-Russian dissident and high-profile opponent of Vladimir Putin, freed in the most high-profile prison swap since the end of the Cold War, has described the brutal treatment he suffered during 11 months of solitary confinement in Siberia.
LATEST | New wave of blasts in Hezbollahs hand-held radios kills at least 20 and maims hundreds more

Walkie talkies explode in latest attackHezbollah rattled by blasts20 killed and over 450 injured, Lebanon health ministry saysIsrael's Mossad has long history of sophisticated attacks

Hezbollah fighters in Beirut, Lebanon, carry one of the coffins of four fallen comrades who were killed on Tuesday after their hand-held pagers exploded. Photo: AP

Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily Thu 19 Sep 2024 at 03:30







Hand-held radios used by armed group Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon's south in the country's deadliest day since cross-border fighting erupted between the militants and Israel nearly a year ago, stoking tensions after similar explosions of the group's pagers the day before.
Declan Power: Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon have been in situations like this before, and pulling out by ourselves is not an option
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
India-ASEAN Bilateral and Trade Relations

We profile the progress in India-ASEAN bilateral and trade relations, as economic and strategic engagement continues to strengthen between the two regions.

With Indias rising diplomatic influence and its leadership in the Global South, a deeper partnership with ASEAN offers mutual benefits and fosters regional stability. Since May 2024, India has significantly increased its engagement with Southeast Asia. This outreach started with the visit of Thailands Foreign Minister to India in July 2024, followed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims visit in August.

Brief on ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand. Its primary aim is to promote political, economic, and social cooperation and stability among its member countries. The founding members include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Over time, the group expanded to include other countries totaling ten member states.

Viet Nam Thailand Singapore Philippines Myanmar Malaysia Lao PDR Indonesia Cambodia Brunei Darussalam

ASEAN operates through consensus-based decision-making, which emphasizes diplomacy, negotiation, and non-interference in internal affairs. Its key initiatives include fostering economic growth, regional peace, and cultural collaboration, alongside efforts toward building a free trade area and enhancing integration through the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The organization also engages with global powers like China, the U.S., and the European Union through dialogue partnerships.

Significance of India-ASEAN relations

India-ASEAN cooperation began in the 1990s, driven by shared economic and strategic interests, particularly in response to Chinas growing influence. Indias Look East Policy, launched in 2014, marks a more action-oriented approach of the country to deepening relations with ASEAN. The collaboration started with India becoming a Sectoral Partner of ASEAN in 1992 and progressed to Dialogue Partner status in 1996, Summit Level Partner in 2002, Strategic Partnership in 2012, and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

Over the past three decades, the India-ASEAN partnership has expanded, with seven ministerial meetings and various official-level interactions. Indias participation in ASEAN meetings since 1992 has helped develop several action plans, the latest of which was adopted in 2020, emphasizing political, security, and economic cooperation.

In early September, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brunei and Singapore, enhancing ties with these nations. Additionally, in late August, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented India at the Pacific Islands Forum. Earlier, from July 25 to 27, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Laos, participating in ASEAN-related meetings, including the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summit (EAS). He then attended the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tokyo on July 29, where Quad members reinforced support for ASEANs central role in regional architecture.

As a member of the Quad, Indias commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific reassures ASEAN countries and contributes to regional stability.

India and ASEAN collaboration

India and ASEAN collaborate across a broad range of areas, with ASEAN being a key element in Indias Act East Policy. The cooperation spans the following sectors:

Annual summits: India and ASEAN hold annual summits, which began as a Sectoral Dialogue Partnership in 1992 and became a full Dialogue Partnership in 1996. In 2002, this relationship was elevated to the summit level. Trade and investment: India and ASEAN have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), significantly boosting trade and investment. ASEAN is Indias 4th largest trading partner, with total trade reaching US$110.4 billion in 2021-22. Regional connectivity: India is working to improve connectivity with ASEAN through projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project. Defense and security: Defense ties between India and ASEAN have deepened through joint military exercises such as the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise and participation in the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+). India also places ASEAN at the heart of its Indo-Pacific vision for regional security and growth (SAGAR  Security and Growth for All in the Region). Socio-cultural cooperation: To strengthen people-to-people connections, India and ASEAN have promoted various cultural exchanges, such as the ASEAN Students Exchange Programme, training courses for ASEAN diplomats, and the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks. Education and research: India has established the ASEAN-India Centre at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) to facilitate studies on ASEAN-India relations. The Delhi Dialogue initiated in 2009, serves as an annual platform to discuss political, security, economic, and socio-cultural issues. Funding and financial assistance: India has supported ASEAN countries through various funds like the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, the ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund, and the ASEAN-India Green Fund, aimed at enhancing cooperation in different sectors.

India-ASEAN FTA

The Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and India was signed in October 2003, establishing the legal foundation for subsequent agreements. These agreements include the trade in goods agreement, trade in services agreement, and investment agreement, which together form the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA).

The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement was signed and came into effect on January 1, 2010. Under this agreement, ASEAN member states and India committed to gradually open their markets by reducing and eliminating tariffs on 76.4 percent of goods.

The ASEAN-India Trade in Services Agreement, signed in November 2014, includes provisions on transparency, domestic regulations, market access, national treatment, recognition, and dispute settlement.

Additionally, the ASEAN-India Investment Agreement, also signed in November 2014, ensures protection of investments, including fair and equitable treatment for investors, non-discriminatory practices in cases of expropriation or nationalization, and guarantees of fair compensation.

Vietnams Tariff Reduction under AIFTA Vietnams Prime Minister endorsed the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) in 2009, which became effective in June 2010, leading to scheduled tariff reductions to be completed by 2024. From 2022, all tariff lines in Vietnams Normal Track were reduced to 0 percent, with further reductions on Sensitive Track items were expected by the end of 2023. Vietnam has aligned its customs regulations with AIFTA, including Decree No. 122/2022/ND-CP, which applies special preferential import tariffs for the 20222027 period, ensuring compliance with ASEAN and World Customs Organization standards.

Under the AIFTA, economic cooperation spans various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, services, mining, energy, science and technology, transport, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Other areas of collaboration include human resource development, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), competition policy, Laos Mekong Basin development, intellectual property rights, and government procurement.

Indias trade relation with the ASEAN bloc

Indias Trade with ASEAN Countries (Value in US$ Million) Trade 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 Indias export to ASEAN 31,546.58 31,485.58 42,327.58 44,000.42 41,207.67 Growth % -0.19 34.43 3.95 -6.35 Indias import from ASEAN 55,369.87 47,420.63 68,081.43 87,577.42 79,664.31 Growth % -14.36 43.57 28.64 -9.04 Total 86,916.45 78,906.21 110,409.01 131,577.84 120,871.98

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Indias Trade with ASEAN Countries (Value in US$ Million) Country Trade 2022-2023 2023-2024 Growth% Brunei Export 69.48 67.44 -2.94 Import 303.99 218.76 -28.04 Cambodia Export 220.43 185.39 -15.90 Import 146.02 218.40 49.57 Indonesia Export 10,024.30 5,988.88 -40.26 Import 28,820.41 23,410.61 -18.77 Lao PR RP Export 16.98 12.88 -24.15 Import 74.30 99.73 34.24 Malaysia Export 7,156.16 7,262.15 1.48 Import 12,734.94 12,754.01 0.15 Myanmar Export 807.00 670.37 -16.93 Import 954.74 1,075.65 12.66 Philippines Export 2,094.15 2,097.17 0.14 Import 959.59 1,433.60 49.40 Singapore Export 11,992.94 14,414.27 20.19 Import 23,595.35 21,199.25 -10.15 Thailand Export 5,709.81 5,038.97 -11.75 Import 11,193.36 9,909.23 -11.47 Vietnam Soc Rep Export 5,909.16 5,470.15 -7.43 Import 8,794.73 9,345.07 6.26 Total Export 44,000.42 41,207.67 -6.35 Import 87,577.42 79,664.31 -9.04

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Indias Exports to ASEAN Countries (Value in US$ Million) Commodity 2022-2023 2023-2024 Growth % Aluminium and articles thereof. 1,357.85 1,571.47 15.73 Articles of iron or steel 553.73 430.26 -22.30 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts. 1,392.60 1,378.44 -1.02 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertabrates. 931.29 698.58 -24.99 Lead and articles thereof. 114.40 407.71 256.39 Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes. 10,693.46 10,101.70 -5.53 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. 3,648.04 3,697.29 1.35 Organic chemicals 2,004.59 2,930.76 46.20 Pharmaceutical products 1,163.56 1,222.42 5.06 Coffee, tea, mate and spices. 465.48 505.96 8.70 Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones, pre.metals, clad with pre.metal and artcls thereof;imit.jewlry;coin. 2,625.32 1,565.26 -40.38 Ships, boats and floating structures. 2,028.43 1,846.78 -8.96

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Indias Imports from ASEAN Countries (Value in US$ Million) Commodity 2022-2023 2023-2024 Growth % Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; pre. Edible fats; animal or vegetable waxex. 11,270.60 8,100.64 -28.13 Articles of iron or steel 689.27 776.95 12.72 Copper and articles thereof. 1,401.55 1,486.30 6.05 Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes. 21,191.10 16,606.05 -21.64 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. 7,122.44 6,974.03 -2.08 Plastic and articles thereof. 3,825.91 3,627.88 -5.18 Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. 1,001.99 1,096.30 9.41 Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal. 566.47 693.65 22.45 Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, or radi. Elem. Or of isotopes. 1,729.99 1,274.92 -26.30 Glass and glassware. 422.84 362.24 -14.33 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles. 407.98 304.82 -25.29 Aluminium and articles thereof. 845.82 805.39 -4.78

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Increasing engagement with ASEAN members

With Indias rising diplomatic influence and its leadership in the Global South, a deeper partnership with ASEAN offers mutual benefits and fosters regional stability. Since May 2024, India has significantly increased its engagement with Southeast Asia. This outreach started with the visit of Thailands Foreign Minister to India in July 2024, followed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims visit in August.

Emerging ties with ASEAN members

India-Brunei relations

Prime Minister Modis visit to Brunei in September 2024, at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. As a significant exporter of fossil fuels to India and a host to Indias ISRO Telemetry Tracking Station, Brunei holds strategic importance. Both leaders discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, space, health, and trade, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

India-Singapore relations

Since their relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2015, both nations have expanded cooperation in areas such as sustainability, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing.

During Prime Minister Modis visit to Singapore this year, the focus was on implementing the ASEAN-India Action Plan adopted in 2023, and discussions included the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on semiconductors. Singapore has been a significant investor in India, contributing over US$11.77 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023-24. Further, Singapore is Indias largest trade partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade growing from US$6.7 billion in 2004-05 to US$35.6 billion in 2023-24. In terms of commercial and business ties, approximately 9,000 Indian companies are registered in Singapore.

Conclusion

Indias frequent high-level engagements with ASEAN countries underscore the central role of ASEAN in Indias Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. Indias steadfast support for ASEANs unity and centrality highlights its recognition of ASEANs strategic importance in economic, territorial, and cultural domains. Over time, India has solidified its position as a reliable partner in the region, with ASEAN viewing India as a crucial ally in both security and trade matters.
A groundbreaking initiative is set to expedite the Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) landscape with the launch of a new collaborative group aimed at building a Safe Super Intelligence (SSI)

This is an invite-only group designed to bring together a diverse community of academicians, developers, startups, enterprises, and venture capitalists (VCs) to ideate, break, build, and nurture the future of safe AGI globally.

Vinay Kumar Sankarapu, CEO & Founder of Arya.ai and a prominent figure in the AI community, explained the groups vision: Our goal is to build and grow an open-source research community that can crowdsource ideas and solve multiple critical problems, laying the foundation for achieving Safe Super Intelligence. While the world is focused on building AGI, the real adoption and use of AI happens only when it is acceptable by all stakeholdersexplainable, stable, and reliable.

The SSI group will devote two-thirds of its energies to research and one-third to applied machine learning and will have its presence in the USA, India, Singapore and UK. Key areas where SSI Club focuses the research are ML Explainability, ML Alignment, ML Safety, Model Compression and New learning architectures. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among enterprises, academia, VCs, and the developer community to contribute to creating a sustainable SSI ecosystem.

While the members focus on solving these critical issues, they will benefit from access to real-world data sets, problem statements, research grants, VC connections to scale the ideas and collaborations. They will also have opportunities to contribute to research papers, open-source projects, and gain free compute credits along with ML tools. The connections with enterprises could open doors for internships or jobs, while fundable startup ideas will gain visibility among VCs.

The SSI Club initiative is spearheaded by Vinay Kumar, an AI innovator who was named to the Forbes Asia  Consumer Tech 30 Under 30 list in 2016. Arya.ai was named among Top 4 Next Generation Startup by Silicon Valley Forum in 2015.

His expertise also led to his inclusion in the then Commerce and Industry Minister Mrs Nirmala Sitharamans Task Force on Artificial Intelligence for Economic Transformation in August 2017.

Vinays leadership in AI was further cemented with Arya.ais strategic acquisition by Aurionpro Solutions in April 2024, a strategic move that significantly expanded Arya.ais capabilities and reach. Vinay is currently working on the new product called AryaXAI, where the team is redesigning the ML platform for mission critical AI use cases in enterprises. A lot of time is spent on fundamental rethinking of core ML components like ML explainability, ML Alignment and ML Safety for highly regulated industries like Banks, Insurers, Healthcare, Government etc.

SSI Clubs next major first event is a hackathon scheduled for September 28, 2024, focusing on building a production-ready ML setup for enterprises. This hands-on event will begin with a workshop on deploying ML in enterprises, configuring key ML observability components like explainability, monitoring, and risk. Soon to be launched, AryaXAIs ML observability tool will be utilised during the hackathon.

This initiative is a joint effort by Arya.ai, represented by Vinay Kumar, Nayyan Mujadiya (Organizer @FutureGPT, Lead Member of Consulting Staff, Siemens EDA), and Nikhil Agarwal (Co-organizer @FutureGPT, Product Security Architect at Ethos, Cybersecurity Consultant).

AryaXAI and FutureGPT are the key partners driving this initiative forward with more partners joining soon.
The 26-yr-old employee was sleep deprived. Photo credit: Unsplash

Pune/IBNS: Ernst & Young India has responded after a 26-year-old employee in Pune died due to "work stress" as claimed by her family, media reports said.

After the death of her daughter, Anna Sebastian Perayil's mother Anita Augustine wrote an email to the company head Rajiv Memani slamming the firm for "glorifying overwork".

Perayil's mother claimed that while several employees of Ernst & Young quit over "excessive workload", her daughter was told by her boss to "stick around and change everyones opinion about the team".

"Her assistant manager once called her at night with a task that needed to be completed by the next morning, leaving her with barely any time to rest or recover. When she voiced her concerns, she was met with the dismissive response: You can work at night; thats what we all do," Augustine wrote in the email.

In response, the company has shown deep sadness for the death of Perayil, who was a Chartered Accountant from Kerala.

"While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so. We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastians tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family," the firm, which is one of the largest professional services networks in the world, said in a statement.

Anita wrote in her email to EY India that her daughter's death is a "wake-up call" for the company and now it should take steps to "prioritise health and wellness" of its employees.

The company, which is headquartered in London, has tried to accept the grieving mother's suggestion as it says in its response, "We are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India."

EY has responded to the death expressing "deep sadness" saying "we are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility". Photo credit: LinkedIn Screenshot.

EY has responded to the death expressing "deep sadness" saying "we are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility". Photo credit: LinkedIn Screenshot.



Weeks before her death, Perayil was complaining of 'chest constriction' following which she was taken to a hospital in Pune.

The concerned cardiologist had said Perayil, who died on July 20, was sleep deprived and eating late leading to the complications.

Augustine has also claimed none from the company had attended the funeral of her daughter.
Representational image by Tony Webster on Flickr via Wikimedia Commons

Hyderabad/IBNS: A former software engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS) has claimed that the companys recent mandate requiring employees to return to the office by January 2 is less about "inventing and collaborating," as stated by CEO Andy Jassy, and more about reducing headcount while avoiding significant tax liabilities.

John McBride, who worked at Amazon for a year until June 2023, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his views, asserting that Jassy's announcement shouldn't have surprised those familiar with the company's operations.

"Ultimately, it comes down to taxes and economics," he wrote.

McBride outlined what he perceives as Amazon's five-phase plan.

The first phase involved laying off 30,000 employees, while the second phase introduced the return-to-office mandate, requiring employees to work from an office near their home two to three days a week.

"I went into the Denver office near me, a 20-minute commute," he noted.

In Phase 3, dubbed return to team, employees had to relocate to offices where their teams were based.

For McBride, this meant moving to Seattle.

"Many people left during this phase; I personally left in 2023 because I wouldnt relocate," he said.

Phase 4, which McBride refers to as silent sacking, involved making the work environment increasingly unsatisfying for those who remained.

He described how employees would be excluded from in-person meetings, receive little support from management, and be assigned unengaging work.

Finally, Phase 5 marked the "death of remote," requiring everyone to work from the office where their team is located.

McBrides claims resonate with at least two other former Amazon employees who reported being pressured to resign under similar conditions.

One, Robert Lacis, was required to move to a different city for office work despite being hired as a remote worker.

McBride characterized Amazon's return-to-office policy as a tactic to lower headcount, sidestep large tax liabilities, and boost profit margins in an economically tight environment.

He argued that the policy is not merely about promoting innovation but is strategically driven by economic factors, and by consolidating their workforce in physical offices, Amazon aims to maximize tax incentives and minimize operational costs.

He further explained that the company benefits from significant tax breaks in cities where its offices are located.

Allowing hybrid or remote work would leave many offices empty, reducing the incentive for tax exemptions.

"If Amazon continued to enable a remote workforce, the tax man would come knocking, and they'd be liable for hundreds of millions of dollars," McBride stated.

"In the end, Amazon's strict return-to-office policy is about strategic economics, not just fostering innovation or collaboration," the techie added.
Kolkata/IBNS: The third edition of the prestigious Chitra Devi Music & Dance Festival was recently held at Rotary Sadan.

It was organized by the Sanchita Dance Foundation in association with Techno India University and the Rotary Club of Calcutta Metro City.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the event showcased a stunning fusion of music and dance performances by globally acclaimed artists, captivating the audience.

The festival began with a performance by Sangeet Natak Akademy award-winning flautist Pt. Ronu Majumder, accompanied by Pt. Prosenjit Poddar. This was followed by an enchanting Bharatanatyam performance by the distinguished Padmashree Guru Prathibha Prahlad.

The event further honored Guru Poushali Mukherjee and Guru Sutapa Talukdar for their outstanding contributions to Odissi classical dance.

A special recognition was given to PP Rtn Subhojit Roy by the Sanchita Dance Foundation and Guru Sanchita Bhattacharya for his tireless efforts in promoting art and culture across India and globally, through his work as a columnist and Public Relations specialist.

The festival concluded with a captivating Mahari dance presentation by Guru Rupashree Mohapatra, a recipient of the Mahari Award and Debadasi National Award.

The programme was presented by Guru Sanchita Bhattacharya and PP Rtn Subhojit Roy, who, in his closing remarks referring to the people's movement over the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder victim, said, "We shall carry back the prayer in our heart for 'Abhaya' and our resolve that we demand justice."

The Chitra Devi Music & Dance Festival continues to be a significant cultural platform, celebrating the rich heritage of Indian classical music and dance.
Screengrab of Mamata visiting flood areas in South Bengal | courtesy: X/AITC

Kolkata/IBNS: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday visited flood-hit areas in Hooghly and other parts of South Bengal which is facing a severe flood situation following the release of water from dams upstream in Jharkhand.

Banerjee accused the Damodar Valley Corporation of being responsible for the flood situation.

"The Central government's DVC and Jharkhand's Tenughat and Panchet released water into Bengal to save their state," Banerjee said.

Stating that lakhs of people have been affected by floods, the CM told reporters: "Look at the flow and speed of the water. Everything will go underwater at any time."

Smt. @MamataOfficial takes account of the situation in the face of severe flooding across Bengal.



In an unfortunate turn of events, DVC released a very high amount of water into Bengal causing this disaster.



GoWB stands to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in pic.twitter.com/Jx0bjJPgUO  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) September 18, 2024

Ten districts in Bengal including Howrah, Hooghly, Birbhum, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, West Burdwan, and East Burdwan are facing the flood situation.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister is expected to visit the affected areas in West Midnapore district.

A deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal has led to heavy rains in southern parts of the state over the weekend and on Monday. Jharkhand also received heavy rains on Monday that prompted them to release excess water from dams.

The DVC released 90,000 cusecs of water on Monday night and 2.1 lakh cusecs on Tuesday.

Banerjee said she spoke to her Jharkhand counterpart on Monday.

"The DVC has released huge amounts of water this time. This was never seen before. Whenever Jharkhand receives heavy rainfall, the DVC always releases water to save Jharkhand. This is a man-made disaster," she told reporters.

In Bengal, district administrations have been asked to prepare flood shelters and stock adequate drinking water, medicines, and dry food.

"Flood-like situations may occur in the lower basin area of the Damodar valley due to heavy rains and release of excess water from dams and barrages... Senior officers have been posted in the districts to handle the situation... People from low-lying areas have been ordered," said Alapan Bandopadhyay, advisor to the Chief Minister.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari hit out at Mamata Banerjee and described her visit to the affected areas as a PR stunt.

In a post on social media platform X, he said, "CM Mamata Banerjee your ploy and strategy to shift blame is getting old and repetitive".
Videograb of protesting junior doctors from Facebook

Kolkata/IBNS: The marathon second round of talks between agitating junior doctors and the Bengal government officials failed to see any resolution to the ongoing impasse with the medics stating they would continue their ceasework as no written assurance was provided to them on their demands regarding safety at the hospital.

"While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee agreed to some of our demands and there were clear minutes of the meeting about the agreements and disagreements, today we were not given any written assurance. The chief secretary provided us with oral assurance about the directives they would take to provide security at hospitals and end the threat culture but he was not ready to sign the minutes of the meeting," said Debsish Halder, one of the protesting junior doctors.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Junior doctors of WB Junior Doctors Front come out after meeting the Chief Secretary at Nabanna. https://t.co/3pxJdmXStA pic.twitter.com/FH6nSXfBcx  ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2024

"Following the last meeting and the outcomes of the Supreme Court hearing, we were eager to return to work but we are disappointed with today's meeting. We do understand changes are not possible overnight. We only asked them to sign the minutes of the meeting stating clearly what measures they would take to improve the infrastructure and provide our safety," he said.

"Therefore unless we are given written assurance from the government we will continue our protest. We are eager to return to work but would wait for the government's guidelines regarding the safety measures and will take our decision thereafter. We have been told to draft our demands and email it to the chief secretary," he said.

The meeting took place between a delegation of 30 medics and Chief Secretary Manoj Pant at Nabanna which started at 7:30 PM.

The West Bengal government earlier in the day invited the junior doctors agitating over the RG Kar rape-murder incident for a second round of meetings at the state secretariat at 6.30 pm, responding to their request for fresh talks.

The meeting at Nabanna had a clear objective.



A written order by the government regarding the implementation of points 4 and 5 of our demands.



These demands form the long term goal of our protest. To ensure safety and security in colleges, to break the evil nexus and threat pic.twitter.com/2Ustba8AjJ  Dr. Sohini (@deardiary1812) September 18, 2024

Earlier, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front said they wouldn't quit ceasework until their other demands including the removal of Principal Health Secretary, Narayan Nigam were met.

The formation of Resident Doctors' Associations and junior doctors' union in every college is also demanded by the protesters to dispel the atmosphere of fear amid 'threat culture' in the hospitals.

The last meeting between protesting junior doctors and Mamata Banerjee at the latter's Kalighat residence on Monday saw the removal of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, DC North Abhishek Gupta and two other health officials.

Supreme Court slams Bengal govt over night duty diktat

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rapped the West Bengal government over its decision to not allot night shifts to women doctors for safety issues in the wake of the RG Kar incident where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered in the state-run hospital last month.

A top court bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said as quoted by Live Law, "How can you say women cannot work at night? Why limit the women doctors? They don't want a concession...women are ready to work at exactly the same time shift."

In a directive, the CJI told Sibal that it is the responsibility of the state government to provide security and not dictate women's working hours.

"Mr.Sibal, you have to look at it. The answer to it is that you must give security. West Bengal should correct the notification, your duty is to provide security, you cannot say that women (doctors) cannot work at night! pilots, the army etc all work at night," the CJI said.

Supreme Court on women's security at hospitals

The Supreme Court has questioned the West Bengal government's 'Rattirer Sathi' app, which is aimed at providing security to women at night hours, lashing out at the intent to hire contractual employees for the job.

"The culprit behind the RG Kar case is a civic volunteer," Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud reminded advocate Kapil Sibal, who was representing the State in the top court.

"The civic volunteer could roam around the hospital due to lack of security. Will you again hire contractual employees for security purposes?"

The top court made the remark during the hearing on the RG Kar case. The Kolkata Police had arrested civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy for allegedly raping and murdering a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Though the state counsel assured the CJI of appropriate steps on behalf of the local government, the CJI again posed questions over the appointment of contractual employees for safety and security of women.

The top court has suggested the State to deploy police officials for security of women at hospitals highlighting the posting of contractual employees will raise questions over the security.
India designated Pannun as a terrorist in 2020. Photo: IBNS file

New York: A US court has summoned the Indian government after Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun filed a civil lawsuit, alleging a plot to murder him, according to an NDTV report.

The report said the summons by the US District Court for Southern District of New York names the Government of India, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta.

Pannun is seeking damages for the alleged assassination attempt against him.

The summons asks New Delhi and those named to file a reply within 21 days, the report said.

Pannun, who is a US-Canadian dual citizen of Indian origin, is designated by India as a terrorist. Last year he indirectly threatened to blow up an Air India plane flying on Nov 19 urging Sikhs not to fly on that day by the airline.

The background

Murder-for-hire allegations were slapped against Indian national Nikhil Gupta on the US soil whom the United States claims to have conspired with another Indian to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Gupta, 53, was arrested by Czech officials in June last year and extradited to the US this year in June.

The US has claimed they have material that shows an Indian staffer asked Gupta to plan the killing.

Gupta was arrested and detained in the Czech Republic on June 30, 2023, and extradited pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

Gupta arrived in the United States on June 14 and was presented with the charges in court.

Gupta was produced before a New York federal court and entered a 'not guilty' plea. He has not, so far, requested consular access that is the right of any Indian in his position.

Federal prosecutors in the USA said a senior Indian government intelligence employee ordered the assassination of Pannun in May last year and hired Gupta to arrange the hit. The U.S. authorities allegedly broke up the plot last June before it could be carried out, according to an US media report.

India, which has designated Pannun a terrorist, dissociated itself from the plot.

In November last year, the External Affairs Ministry acknowledged the charges are a "matter of concern", and stressed the government had launched a high-level probe into the matter. "We have said this (the act of ordering Pannun's murder) is contrary to government policy," the ministry said.

Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?

Pannun works as the general counsel for the New York-based Sikhs for Justice, which is banned in India.

The group seeks to carve out an independent Sikh state from Punjab named Khalistan.

India designated Pannun as a terrorist in 2020.

Pannun had released a video asking Sikhs not to fly in Air India aircraft on November 19, 2023 as their lives could be under threat. He claimed that Air India would not be allowed to operate on that day. He effectively threatened to blow up Air India flight on Nov 19, 2023.
Photo courtesy: Atishi X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: Four current Delhi ministers will continue to retain their posts in the government after the change of guard that is scheduled to take place this week.

Top Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi will take oath as the Chief Minister on September 21, succeeding her party boss Arvind Kejriwal.

The four ministers, who will retain their posts, are Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kailash Gahlot, Gopal Rai and Imran Hussain, NDTV reported.

Additionally, Dalit leader and an MLA from Sultan Pur Majra, Mukesh Ahlawat, will be incorporated.

Two days after announcing her decision to quit, Kejriwal on Tuesday formally stepped down handing over his resignation letter to Governor Vinay Saxena.

Atishi, who presently holds the portfolios of Education, Women and Child Welfare, Culture, Tourism and Public Works Development, will become the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.

Kejriwal announced the stepping down from the Chief Minister's post dramatically after walking out of jail securing a bail in the excise policy case.

As a Chief Minister, Kerjiwal was barred by the Supreme Court from signing any document and entering into his office.

He demanded the polls in Delhi, which are scheduled to be held in February, should be hosted in November along with elections in Maharashtra.

"I am here to ask people whether they consider Kejriwal to be guilty or innocent?" he said.

Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said the political outfit put him behind bars since it was scared of his performance. "The only thing I have is honesty," he said.

The Supreme Court last week granted bail to Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the excise policy case.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in June when he was already in Tihar Jail in connection with the same case.

The AAP 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.
The 26-year-old CA employed by Ernst & Young India died allegedly due to excessive work pressure. (Photo courtesy: linkedin.com/in/anna-sebastian-perayil-34a78b218)

New Delhi: The Centre said on Thursday that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant employed by Ernst & Young India, alleged due to excessive work pressure.

The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media after a heart-wrenching letter from the womans mother to the head of Ernst & Young India went viral.

Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje stated that a thorough investigation into claims of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is currently in progress.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. We are committed to ensuring justice and the Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint," Shobha Karandlaje said in a post on X.

The minister was addressing a post by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who described the woman's death as "very sad" and "disturbing at many levels."

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint.@mansukhmandviya https://t.co/1apsOm594d  Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 19, 2024

Chandrasekhar, a former Union Minister, also called for an investigation into the familys allegations of an exploitative work environment at Ernst & Young India. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the increasing number of young people dying due to stress warrants serious attention.

"I hope Ernst and Young India will take corrective steps," he tweeted.

Anna Sebastian Perayil, who began working at Ernst & Young (E&Y) in March, passed away on July 20 while receiving treatment at a Pune hospital after complaining of exhaustion.

The incident gained widespread attention earlier this week when a letter written by her mother, Anita Augustine, to E&Y Indias head went viral. In the letter, Augustine expressed concerns over the extreme work pressure her daughter allegedly faced, which she claimed had severely impacted her health, ultimately leading to her death.

She also pointed out that no representatives from E&Y attended her daughters funeral and accused her daughters managers of being "relentless," with the demanding work hours taking a toll on her well-being.

E&Y India issued a statement, assuring that the company is committed to fostering a healthy workplace environment.

"We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India," the statement said.
Kolkata: The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) on Thursday revoked the registration of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a rape-murder case and alleged financial irregularities.

Ghosh, now in CBI custody, has been removed from the list of Registered Medical Practitioners.

His medical licence was cancelled under provisions of the Bengal Medical Act, 1914.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal chapter had earlier called on the WBMC to revoke Ghosh's registration.

Following this, the council issued a show-cause notice on September 7, giving Ghosh three days to explain why his registration should not be cancelled. However, Ghosh did not respond.

Ghosh was arrested on September 2, along with police officer Abhijit Mondal, for allegedly tampering with evidence related to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9.

The CBI's investigation revealed that both Ghosh and Mondal facilitated the rapid cremation of the doctors body, despite the familys request for a second autopsy.

The IMA, in a letter to WBMC president and TMC MLA Sudipto Roy, questioned why Ghoshs registration had not yet been revoked, asking Roy to set aside any personal relationship and take swift action.

Ghosh and Mondal were accused of delaying the filing of the First Information Report (FIR) and Ghosh was reported to be "willfully absent" from the crime scene when the doctor's body was discovered.

The victims body was found in a semi-nude state in a seminar room at the hospital, with Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, arrested shortly after as the sole suspect in the murder.
Thursday's tree drama is the latest spat to emerge between Aussies and councils over trees  a topic causing problems all over the country.

Alexandria locals in Sydney questioned why occupants of Belmont Street weren't given notice that the huge tree was being trimmed over the top of their cars. Source: Facebook

Inner-city locals have taken aim at their council for what they said was an "absolutely terrible" idea  having contractors prune a large tree while "making no effort to protect the residents' cars" parked beneath. It's the latest issue involving councils and trees to make waves among Aussies, following a whole host of similar complaints earlier this year.

Sydneysiders living in Alexandria, just south of the city's CBD, took to social media on Thursday to question why occupants of Belmont Street weren't given notice that the huge tree was due to be trimmed. "FYI...council is trimming branches above people's cars. Suggest you move your car if you don't want it damaged," one local warned.

"No cones, no letter drop, and no real effort to protect cars other than a bloke waving a rake around," they claimed.

Council responds to residents' anger

Locals responding promptly condemned the act, arguing they thought the sight "surely" went against standard procedure. "That is absolutely terrible. Hope the cars don't get too damaged," a woman said.

"No notification? I'm sure that's in breach of protocol," said another.

"Can I suggest reporting to City of Sydney? We have provided some constructive feedback about pruning... on streets, it would be good to log this as another issue. We have been assured council do take it seriously," commented a third.

Speaking to Yahoo News, a City of Sydney spokesperson said crews were "pruning street trees in Alexandria as part of our regular tree maintenance program".

"This work helps keep our trees in the best condition while maintaining necessary clearances from buildings and vehicles that are parking or using the road," the spokesperson told Yahoo.

"Qualified arborists work as a team and take care not to cause any damage. If any has accidentally occurred it can be reported here. We do not notify the community prior to performing this work."

Aussie councils battle with residents over trees

Thursday's tree drama is the latest spat to emerge between Aussies and councils over trees  a topic causing problems in LGAs all over the country. Just days ago an Aussie mayor called on her community to keep an eye out for "dodgy tree sales" after thieves managed to steal nearly $1,200 worth of established trees from a local park over the weekend.

On Saturday, a Sydney council has followed through with threats to block prized waterside views after almost 300 trees were illegally felled. The huge double-sided red banner was installed on the foreshore in Longueville, stating trees shouldnt die for a view.

Late last month, a developer was fined tens of thousands of dollars for "destroying" a tree the company was supposed to protect. Images supplied to Yahoo News showed the 80-year-old English oak tree behind exclusion fencing with several branches hacked off.

In August, in one of the more unique scenarios to emerge, a homeowner said he's worried a sick gum tree in his backyard might "fall onto someone and kill them". But because it's located half on his property and half on council-owned land, the two parties were locked in a battle over who's responsible for it.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
India designated Pannun as a terrorist in 2020. Photo: IBNS file

New Delhi: The Centre has responded strongly to a US court issuing summons to the Indian government and top officials in the case of attempted assassination on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice.

In a statement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged, it doesn't change our views about the underlying situation. I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known."

"I would also underline the fact that the organisation so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organisation, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India," he added.

Pannun is seeking damages for the alleged assassination attempt against him.

The US District Court for the Southern District of New York has issued summons to the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Samant Goel in connection with the assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice.

Two people, Nikhil Gupta and Vikram Yadav, who have been accused in the case, were also summoned.

Nikhil Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic last year at the request of the US government for his alleged involvement in the plot to assassinate Pannun in New York.

He was extradited to the US in June 2024. Earlier, in April, The Washington Post reported that Vikram Yadav, an officer with R&AW, was implicated as the official behind the assassination plot, with former R&AW chief Samant Goel reportedly approving the operation.

The Indian government has dismissed these claims, calling them "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" and denying any involvement of Indian agents in the plot to kill Pannun.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terrorism charges and has been designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act by the Union Home Ministry.

Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?

Pannun works as the general counsel for the New York-based Sikhs for Justice, which is banned in India.

The group seeks to carve out an independent Sikh state from Punjab named Khalistan.

India designated Pannun as a terrorist in 2020.

Pannun had released a video asking Sikhs not to fly in Air India aircraft on November 19, 2023 as their lives could be under threat. He claimed that Air India would not be allowed to operate on that day. He effectively threatened to blow up Air India flight on Nov 19, 2023.

Pannun, who is a US-Canadian dual citizen of Indian origin, is designated by India as a terrorist. Last year he indirectly threatened to blow up an Air India plane flying on Nov 19 urging Sikhs not to fly on that day by the airline.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Chandrababu Naidu/YSR Jagan Mohan Reddy

Hyderabad/IBNS: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has slammed his arch-rival YSR Congress and its chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy over a lab report showing animal fats in ghee used to make laddoos offered as prasad, or devotional offerings, at the temple town of Tirupati.

According to a July 17 report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) lab at the center-run National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat, released Wednesday, it was found that animal fat was used in ghee, which is one of the ingredients, to make the famous Tirupati laddoos when the YSRCP was in power.

The report stated that the ghee contained traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard, the latter of which is a semi-solid white fat product obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of a pig.

"Even Tirupati laddoo was made with substandard ingredients... they used animal fat instead of ghee," the Chief Minister said at a legislature party meeting in Amravati on Wednesday.

He declared his government was making sure that a higher quality of ingredients was being used, including that of ghee, and that all food offerings at the iconic temple were now of improved quality.

Naidu's son and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh also joined the attack.

"The Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the Jagan Mohan Reddy administration used animal fat instead of ghee... shame on them... (their) government could not respect the religious sentiments of crores of devotees," he slammed.

The lord venkateswara swamy temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the @ysjagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the tirupati Prasadam. Shame on @ysjagan and the @ysrcparty government that couldnt respect the religious pic.twitter.com/UDFC2WsoLP  Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) September 18, 2024

Countering the attacks, YSRCP's YV Subba Reddy wrote on X: "It has been proved once again that Chandrababu (Naidu) will not hesitate to do anything bad for the benefit of politics".

The YSRCP leader also declared himself ready "to take an oath as witnesses... in (this) case" and asked, "Is he also ready to take oath?"

The Congress, meanwhile, has slammed the YSR Congress, with the former Chief Minister's sister, who is now the chief of the Congress' state unit, demanding a high-level CBI inquiry.

The claim, she said on X, is "damaging to the sanctity of the deity worshipped by millions of Hindus".

"If there are no political angles to your allegations... if you have no intention of playing politics on this issue... form a high-level committee or call for a CBI inquiry. Find out who is responsible," she said.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Kalatan Dasgupta

Kolkata/IBNS: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted bail to Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader Kalatan Dasgupta, who was arrested over an audio clip, brought to the fore by Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh alleging a conspiracy to attack the junior doctors protesting against the ruling regime and the police over the RG Kar rape and murder.

After a long hearing during the day, a bench of Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj granted bail to the youth leader on a personal bond of Rs. 500.

According to the bail order, Kalatan cannot be arrested in connection with the case without the permission of the court.

The court also reprimanded Bidhannagar Police and asked them about the source of the audio clip.

The bail is a blow to the Trinamool Congress government in the audio-clip case amid allegations that they are trying to defame the opposition forces in the RG Kar protest movement.

The judge also asked how a politician (Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh) could circulate the audio clip to the media before police took action against Kalatan.

The audio clip, which was not been verified by IBNS independently, captured a purported conversation between two people allegedly planning an attack on thousands of junior doctors, who are camped outside the state Health and Family Welfare office Swasthya Bhavan in the Salt Lake area demanding justice for the RG Kar rape-murder case.

The viral audio referred to two people whose names start with the letters S' and 'A' respectively.

One person- named Sanjib Das- was arrested last Friday. Kalatan, who has been accused of being the person in the conversation, was arrested by the Bidhannagar Police on Saturday.

Reacting to his arrest, Kalatan had told the media, "It is a tactic to divert people's attention from the movement demanding justice for the RG Kar incident."

Meanwhile, the agitating junior doctors Thursday announced to call off their strike Friday after 41 days of protest over the gruesome rape and murder of a PGT in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and announced that the medics would "partially" return to work from Saturday, especially at the essential services department given the flood situation in Bengal.

However, the doctors said they will continue their protests unless justice is delivered in the RG Kar rape and murder case.

The junior doctors also announced a massive rally to be held from Swasthya Bhawan to the CGO Complex, where the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) operates, at 3 PM on Friday.
Photo courtesy: File image/UNI

Srinagar: After Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif claimed that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance shared the same stance on the restoration of Article 370, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah distanced himself from the remarks.

"I don't know what Pakistan says. I am not a Pakistani; I am an Indian citizen," he told ANI on Thursday.

Abdullah said that the situation would become clear to the public on October 8 when the results of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be announced.

"Wait till October 8, everything will be clear. The first thing I will do is bring back the Darbar Move. We have both been caused a loss because of the Darbar Move. People used to go there in the winter in the Darbar Move. There was a relationship between Jammu and Kashmir. In summer, they used to come here to finish the work. You can go and ask the people how much loss they have suffered because of the Darbar Move," he said.

Earlier, the BJP criticized the Congress-National Conference alliance following comments by Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, who claimed that Pakistan and the alliance were aligned on the issue of restoring Article 370 in the Union Territory.

BJP leader Amit Malviya in a post on X said, "Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conference's position on Kashmir. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mir's Capital Talk on Geo News says, 'Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A.'

"How is it that, from Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress, are always seen on the side of those inimical to India's interest?"

Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conferences position on Kashmir.



Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mirs Capital Talk on Geo News says, Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to pic.twitter.com/In8SOJKHBZ  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 19, 2024

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, "The question is what is this relation of Congress party & NC with Pakistan called?... We can see how the Congress Party National Conference and INDIA Alliance are continuously trying to join hands with Pakistan..."

Earlier, the BJP criticized the Congress-National Conference alliance following comments by Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, who claimed that Pakistan and the alliance were aligned on the issue of restoring Article 370 in the Union Territory.

In an earlier interview on Geo News with senior journalist Hamid Mir on the show Capital Talk, Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif was asked if Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance shared a common stance on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Asif responded affirmatively, stating, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..."

He also asserted that Article 370 could be reinstated if the NC-Congress alliance were to come to power in Jammu and Kashmir.
Photo courtesy: X/BJP

Jammu/IBNS: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) top leadership including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah Thursday slammed the Congress and National Conference for trying "to implement the agenda of Pakistan, following a TV interview of the neighbouring country's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif where he said that Islamabad and the Congress-NC alliance were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370.

The Pakistan Defence Minister in an interview with the countrys Geo News TV, said there is a high chance that the Congress-NC alliance would win the Assembly polls banking on Articles 370 and 35A as an election issue.

Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Articles 370 and 35A, Asif said.

While the restoration of Article 370 is part of the NCs manifesto, Congress has kept mum on the issue.

The alliance government, however, said that if voted to power, would function based on a Common Minimum Programme.

Targeting the NC-Congress alliance, PM Modi addressing an election rally in Jammu said: "There may be no enthusiasm for the Congress and NC in Jammu and Kashmir, but the neighbouring country is very enthusiastic about them"

"The Congress-NC alliance is being praised in Pakistan. Pakistan seems to be very happy with their manifesto Pakistan itself has exposed the Congress and NC. They want to implement here the agenda of Pakistan that destroyed generations in J&K and spilled our blood. For decades, the Congress and NC did here what suited Pakistan, the master of terrorism, he said.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir might not be enthused by the manifesto of Congress and NC, but Pakistan seems to be celebrating it.



The Defence Minister of Pakistan has endorsed these parties.



- PM Shri @narendramodi



Watch full video: https://t.co/Dw24TjeCkQ pic.twitter.com/12mOas6Cbc  BJP (@BJP4India) September 19, 2024

Amit Shah too did not leave a chance to slam these parties and said: Pakistan's Defence Minister's statement about Congress and JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda.

"For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen."

      370  35A    JKNC                                              Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 19, 2024

Meanwhile, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah distanced himself from the remarks.

In a conversation with ANI, on Thursday, stating, "I don't know what Pakistan says. I am not a Pakistani; I am an Indian citizen."

Abdullah said that the situation would become clear to the public on October 8 when the results of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be announced.

"Wait till October 8, everything will be clear. The first thing I will do is bring back the Darbar Move. We have both been caused a loss because of the Darbar Move. People used to go there in the winter in the Darbar Move. There was a relationship between Jammu and Kashmir. In summer, they used to come here to finish the work. You can go and ask the people how much loss they have suffered because of the Darbar Move," he said.

Earlier, the BJP criticized the Congress-National Conference alliance following comments by Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, who claimed that Pakistan and the alliance were aligned on the issue of restoring Article 370 in the Union Territory.

BJP leader Amit Malviya in a post on X said, "Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conference's position on Kashmir. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mir's Capital Talk on Geo News says, "Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A.

Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conferences position on Kashmir.



Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mirs Capital Talk on Geo News says, Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to pic.twitter.com/In8SOJKHBZ  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 19, 2024

"How is it that, from Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress, are always seen on the side of those inimical to India's interest?"

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, "The question is what is this relation of Congress party & NC with Pakistan called?... We can see how the Congress Party National Conference and INDIA Alliance are continuously trying to join hands with Pakistan..."
Image: Special arrangements via X

Beirut/IBNS: On Wednesday, hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated across southern Lebanon, marking the deadliest day in the country since cross-border hostilities began between Hezbollah and Israel nearly a year ago.

This followed a similar explosion of the group's pagers the previous day, escalating tensions.

Lebanons health ministry reported that Wednesday's blasts claimed at least 20 lives and injured over 450 in Beiruts suburbs and the Bekaa Valley.

The death toll from Tuesdays explosions mounted to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 others wounded.

While Israeli officials have yet to comment, security sources pointed to Israels intelligence agency Mossad as the force behind the blasts, according to a Reuters report.

A Hezbollah official described the event as the group's most significant security breach to date.

The chaos unfolded against the backdrop of Israels ongoing war in Gaza, sparking fears of an escalation along the Lebanese border and a broader regional conflict.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signaled that a new phase of the war was beginning, requiring resilience.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of driving the region toward war with multiple escalations.

The United States, denying involvement, said it was engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.

According to a US official, Israel informed Washington about a potential action in Lebanon but did not provide specific details.

One of Wednesdays explosions occurred near a Hezbollah-organized funeral for victims of Tuesdays blasts, where thousands of pagers exploded, injuring many Hezbollah members.

Hezbollah scrambled to deactivate other communication devices, tossing the components into metal containers.

Lebanons Red Cross said on X (formerly Twitter) that they had responded with 30 ambulance teams across the south and Bekaa Valley.

The radios involved in the blasts were identified as resembling ICOM's discontinued IC-V82 model, and the company has launched an investigation, according to Reuters.

The radios, along with the pagers that detonated the day before, were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago.

Reuters reported, citing sources, that Israeli operatives remotely triggered explosives they planted in 5,000 pagers before those devices entered Lebanon.

The United Nations (UN) Security Council is set to meet on Friday to discuss the blasts at the request of Arab states.

Irans envoy to Lebanon sustained injuries during Tuesdays explosions, with conflicting reports on the severity. Iran has signaled it may take action in response to the attacks.

Meanwhile, in a retaliatory action, Hezbollah launched rocket strikes on Israeli artillery positions following the blasts, though no casualties were reported.

Despite growing tensions, Hezbollah appears to be trying to avoid full-scale war, though pressure for a stronger response is mounting, as per reports.

The ongoing cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel, triggered by the Gaza conflict, have raised fears of a larger regional war involving the US and Iran.

Israel has redeployed troops to its northern border, preparing for potential conflict with Hezbollah.

In the midst of these tensions, mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to secure a Gaza ceasefire have struggled to make headway.

The White House stated it was too early to gauge the impact of the recent explosions on ceasefire talks.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has vowed continued support for Hamas and hinted at further retaliation against Israel, reports Reuters.

As the situation escalates, Lebanon faces the grim prospect of deeper instability, compounded by existing economic and political crises.
UN General Assembly. File photo by Yuryi Abramochkin for RIA Novosti via Wikimedia Commons

New York/IBNS: India on Wednesday (Sept. 18) abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence" in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months.

The resolution was adopted by the 193-member assembly, with 124 countries voting in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, including India.

Other countries that abstained included Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Israel and the United States were among those who opposed the resolution, titled "Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Legal Consequences Arising from Israel's Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem."

The resolution calls for Israel to "bring to an end without delay its unlawful presence," which is described as an ongoing wrongful act that incurs international responsibility, with a deadline set for 12 months from the resolution's adoption.

Today the General Assembly adopted a resolution welcoming the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israels policy and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.



The resolution was adopted pic.twitter.com/yxzLKO2RmR  UN GA President (@UN_PGA) September 18, 2024

Drafted by the Palestinians, the resolution also condemned Israel's ongoing violations of its obligations under the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions, stating that these breaches pose serious threats to regional and international peace and security.

It emphasizes the need for accountability, asserting that Israel must face legal consequences for violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including making reparations for any resulting harm.
Bollywood actress Neha Sharma, who was last seen in Bad Newz in a cameo role, is out vacationing in Thailand. Posting holiday pictures, Neha is seen living the ideal island life. In her recent photo-series, Neha can be seen in a pool wearing black and white bikini with a big hat.

In another set of Instagram photo-series, Neha can be seen in the swimsuit with a white sarong posing alongside a bike. She was accompanied by her sister Aisha Sharma. The two are currently staying at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas and living life king size. She wrote, ""Bikes, besties, and breathtaking viewsliving the island dream.

Take a look.

During her vacay, Neha is one of the few celebrities, who takes her workout very seriously. Even in the middle of her relaxing break, Neha took out time to work out. Check it out.

Credit: Neha Sharma/Instagram

Infact, in one of the earlier interviews on Koffee With Karan, Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan praised her intense gym pictures. During the rapid fire segment when Karan Johar asked about who he stalks at the gym, Varun instantly took Neha and her sister Aisha's names. He called them, "Pretty hot."

Neha made her Bollywood debut with Crook in 2010 with Emraan Hashmi and since then has been popular for various reasons. Whether it's her intense workout videos, her posing session with her sister Aisha Sharma The actress who has over 21 million followers loves to give a sneak peek into her private life.

On the work front, Neha recently appeared in web shows Illegal and 36 Days.

For more such stories on celebs and fashion, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle.
Minister of State for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, on Thursday said that an investigation is underway into the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old CA who used to work with audit firm EY. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice, and the Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint," Karandlaje said on X.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint.@mansukhmandviya https://t.co/1apsOm594d  Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 19, 2024

BJP leader seeks probe

The minister was responding to former BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who sought an investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment that Anna's mother had raised against EY.

CREDIT: EY

The 26-year-old from Kerala, who had joined EY just a few months ago, died in July due to a cardiac arrest.

Also read: Indian entrepreneurs who believe employees don't deserve work-life balance

Letter of Anna Sebastian Perayil's mother goes viral

In an open letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, Anna's mother had blamed work pressure for her death.

"She worked tirelessly at EY, giving her all to meet the demands placed on her. However, the workload, new environment, and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally," Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, wrote in her letter.

"Anna confided in us about the overwhelming workload, especially the additional tasks assigned verbally, beyond the official work. I would tell her not to take on such tasks, but the managers were relentless," she added.

CREDIT: BCCL

The mother also claimed that no one from EY attended Anna's funeral and that her attempts to reach out to her daughter's manager were unsuccessful.

Irreparable loss, says EY

Responding to the letter, which went viral, EY, in a statement, called Anna's death an "irreparable loss" for the company.

While acknowledging that no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, EY said it has provided all the assistance to them and promised to address the concerns raised by them.

CREDIT: EY

"We are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India," the statement said.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The City of Canning is looking into the possibility of offering residents a discount on their rates in exchange for tree protection.

The City of Canning has been asked to look into the possibility of providing homeowners with financial incentives to protect significant trees. Source: GoogleMaps/Facebook

An Aussie council is looking into the possibility of providing homeowners with a financial incentive to protect trees on their property. Like many LGAs across Australia, the City of Canning  located in Perths southeast  is struggling with a lack of canopy cover on its roads.

Concerned about a phenomenon known as Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE), which raises the temperature of a suburb due to insufficient tree coverage and causes heat-related illnesses, Canning implemented a significant tree register in 2021.

However, only two applications have since been received, prompting Councillor Ben Kunze to urge the city council to look into the possibility of providing financial incentives during a council meeting on Tuesday night, PerthNow reports.

Kunze said it was patently clear the city needed to do more to encourage residents to nominate exceptional trees to be assessed to receive added protections. Any person can nominate a tree or group of trees on any public or private land for no fee.

In late August, Cr Kunze said on Facebook the City of Canning was seeking information about 'the sudden demise' of a mature tree in Riverton. Source: Facebook

We know that the City of Canning ranks in the bottom three with respect to the level of tree canopy cover in the Perth metropolitan area, he said, the publication reports.

According to the council meeting's minutes, Kunze argued private property owners are hesitant to register trees due to a perception that the value of their property will be negatively impacted  pointing to a Fremantle homeowners recent request to remove a 130-year-old Moreton Bay Fig tree because they believed it was putting off buyers.

Councillor suggests rate reductions for tree protection

Therefore, the councillor suggested Canning specifically consider potential rate reductions or discounts, which would particularly resolve any issue of potential financial loss when the property went to the market.

Any future council would have the benefit to be able to point to the quantum of rate discounts the ratepayer received should there ever be a request to remove the tree from the register, he added, adding some of trees are worth tens of thousands of dollars and are important to the environment.

Council staff planted more than 5,000 new trees last year as part of its plan to increase canopy cover by more than 22 per cent in the next 20 years, but local Stephen Johnston told PerthNow the city still faced enormous handicaps.

We have a drying, hotter climate, which killed many established and newly planted trees last summer, he told councillors, also noting the threatening presence of polyphagous shot-hole borer  an invasive beetle that tunnels into trees and plants.

A report about financial incentives for the register will be presented to the council in March.

In May, a bitter debate erupted over a gum tree after 11 residents in Perths Alexander Heights requested the local council have the 15-metre tree removed from their street. Source: Google Maps

Canopy trees spark debates across Australia

LGAs across the country have introduced proposals to address the serious problem of urban heat in the suburbs. In April, the Glen Eira City Council announced it was working to change local laws so residents cannot prune or chop down canopy trees without explicit approval. If they do so without permission, they could reportedly cop a $2,000 fine.

In May, a bitter debate erupted over a gum tree after 11 residents in Perths Alexander Heights requested the local council have the 15-metre tree removed from their street.

In late August, Cr Kunze said on Facebook the City of Canning was seeking information about the sudden demise of a mature tree in Riverton. The decades-old tree valued at $18,500 was poisoned, he claimed.

These mature trees are disappearing from private properties with infill, especially in Riverton, and its gutting to see them disappear from our verges like this.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young CA who used to work with Ernst & Young (EY) in its Pune office, in July after she suffered a cardiac arrest due to alleged work pressure has rekindled the debate over the lack of work-life balance in the corporate world.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Debate over work-life balance

Many have argued that the corporate culture, which encourages employees to work long hours without necessary rest, the rat race to meet deadlines, and the perception that leaving offices on time signifies a lack of commitment, has made workplaces a living hell for young employees.

While many companies and countries, especially in the West, are actively taking steps and even making rules to ensure that employees have a healthy work-life balance, the concept is being scorned in India.

Also read: 'Manager's priority is flaunting IPL final ticket on Insta': Anna Sebastian's EY colleague alleges in new letter

Narayana Murthy

The most notable such comment came from Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of tech giant Infosys. In October 2023, while speaking to former Infosys CEO Mohandas Pai, Murthy suggested that Indian youth should work for 70 hours a week to boost the country's economy.

CREDIT: BCCL

Despite widespread criticism, Murthy has doubled down on his comments and even said that he would be open to taking feedback from someone more successful than him.

Shantanu Deshpande

Before Murthy, Shantanu Deshpande, the founder and chief executive officer of Bombay Shaving Company, had landed in trouble for suggesting that young professionals should devote 18 hours a day to their jobs.

CREDIT: Shantanu Deshpande

When you are 22 and new in your job, throw yourself into it. Eat well and stay fit, but put in the 18-hour days for at least 4-5 years. I see a LOT of youngsters who watch random content all over and convince themselves that 'work-life balance, spending time with family, rejuvenation bla bla' is important. It is, but not that early. That early, worship your work Don't do random rona-dhona. Take it on the chin and be relentless. You will be way better for it, Deshpande had said.

After much criticism on social media, Deshpande issued an apology and said his message was taken out of context.

Kunal Shah

Fintech start-up founder Kunal Shah has also advocated against maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In a 2023 podcast, Shah claimed that pursuing a work-life balance will not lead to significant achievements for India.

CREDIT: BCCL

According to him, India has embraced Western notions of a 'chill life' before reaching developed nation status. He, however, added that work-life balance was a personal choice.

Bhavish Aggarwal

Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, who is at war with Western tech companies for their 'woke' policies, also said that he is not a supporter of work-life balance.

CREDIT: BCCL

I dont agree with the work-life balance concept because if you are enjoying your work, you will find happiness in life also and work also, and both of them will be in harmony, Aggarwal had said.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution that demanded that Israel bring an end to its occupation of Palestinian Territory within 12 months. The resolution, which was submitted by Palestine  a permanent observer state at the UN  called on Israel to end, "without delay", its unlawful presence in Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

CREDIT: AP

US voted against, India abstains

This resolution, which is non-binding, was passed by the UNGA with a 124-12 vote, with 43 countries abstaining.

While the US was one of the countries that voted against the resolution, India, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom were among those who abstained.

What the resolution said

The resolution, titled Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, strongly deplored the continued and total disregard and breaches by the Government of Israel of its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the relevant United Nations resolutions, and stressed that such breaches seriously threaten regional and international peace and security.

CREDIT: REUTERS

'Israel must be held to account'

It recognised that Israel must be held to account for any violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that it must bear the legal consequences of all its internationally wrongful acts, including by making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.

CREDIT: REUTERS

In July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had found that Israels presence in the Palestinian territories is unlawful and must end.

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The world is witnessing a new kind of asymmetric warfare where simple communication devices are being turned into weapons of war. Just a day after pagers used by Hezbollah exploded, killing nine and injuring close to 3,000 others, another wave of explosions rocked Lebanon and Syria on Wednesday.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Hezbollah walkie-talkies explode

In the second wave, walkie-talkies used by the Iran-backed Shia militia group exploded, in what appeared to be a coordinated strike similar to what happened a day earlier. The walkie-talkie explosions killed 20 people and wounded more than 450 others in Hezbollah's Beirut stronghold.

Laptops, phones, doorbells, mopeds, and walkie-talkies are exploding in Lebanon, creating absolute terror among civilians. https://t.co/6KvVhWuICr pic.twitter.com/SDN2LVXC3C  Russian Market (@runews) September 18, 2024

The walkie-talkies that exploded on Wednesday were manufactured by the Japanese firm Icom, which said it was investigating the matter.

CREDIT: REUTERS

More bad news for Hezbollah

The two serial blasts that have killed dozens and injured thousands of its fighters have put the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been involved in near-daily cross-border fire with Israel since Hamas's October 7 attacks sparked the war in Gaza, on the back foot.

BREAKING:



All types of electric devices owned by Hezbollah operatives are now blowing up in Lebanon and the region.



Apart from pagers and walkie-talkies, other devices such as fingerprint devices, solar power systems and radios are now exploding too pic.twitter.com/JLjsK2w7co  Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) September 18, 2024

Hezbollah has been using low-tech devices like pagers and walkie-talkies for their communication, due to fears that Israel could use more sophisticated devices like smartphones to spy on them. However, this move has now backfired, with Hezbollah's internal communication lines being effectively crippled due to the twin serial explosions.

Also read: How Mossad turned the outdated pager into a weapon against Hezbollah

CREDIT: REUTERS

New phase of war: Israel

Though Israel has not officially acknowledged that it was behind the two serial blasts, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday declared the start of a "new phase" in the war.

We are at the start of a new phase in the war - we are allocating resources and forces to the northern arena and our mission is clear: ensuring the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. To do so, the security situation must be changed. pic.twitter.com/Hy2sD1jnq9    - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) September 18, 2024

"We are at the start of a new phase in the warwe are allocating resources and forces to the northern arena, and our mission is clear: ensuring the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. To do so, the security situation must be changed," Gallant said on X.

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As the tragic death of 26-year-old EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil reverberates across the nation, shedding light on the severe pressures of overwork, a fellow Chartered Accountant has issued a provocative statement: "Do not enter competitive male spaces thinking you can handle the brutal reality like men."

In the wake of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil's tragic death, which has sparked widespread calls for an end to toxic work cultures, CA Ahamed Najeeb has stirred controversy with his remarks.



In a provocative Instagram rant, Najeeb defends the high-pressure nature of the corporate world and lays blame on Perayil, stating, "You voluntarily choose to be a chartered accountant, you voluntarily chose to work in a Big 4. If you can't handle the pressure, stay home no one forced you to work."

Najeeb further advises women to avoid competitive male-dominated fields, suggesting they should "marry a good, rich guy and live happily," or opt for less competitive careers.

He links women's increased societal participation to the decline of societal values, claiming, "The day we started considering women our intellectual equal and started allowing unrestricted access of female opinion into the public scphere, our society began it's journey into self-doom."

Revealing data: How work stress contributes to fatal health issues

A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that long working hours led to 745,000 deaths from stroke and heart disease in 2016, marking a 29% increase since 2000.



A 2018 Lancet study further exposes stark differences in premature death rates linked to work stress. It shows that men are disproportionately affected, with job strain and effort-reward imbalance having no significant impact on women's death rates.

Credit: Unsplash

Dr. Steptoe suggests this discrepancy may be due to biological differences, such as varying levels of stress hormones like cortisol or different inflammatory responses.



The Guardian quotes Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, as saying, "Everyone can be affected by job-related stress which can have an effect on your heart health.

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Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four accounting firm's India head sent an email to employees, which has now caught the light of the internet, following the untimely death of a 26-year-old Pune employee. Anna Sebastian Perayil, who died of work-related stress, as her mother alleged in an email to EY India CEO Rajiv Memani, was a Chartered Accountant (CA) from Kerala.

According to the accounting company, Anna Sebastian Perayil was a member of the audit team at S R Batliboi. The organization expressed sincere regret for the "irreparable loss" of the young employee and emphasized that they "assisted the family during this tragic time."

What did the EY India head write in the mail?

In the mail, which is posted anonymously on Reddit, Memani writes about Anna's time on the Pune assurance team and how it was "short-lived."

He wrote, " While we acknowledge that no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress, respecting the family's privacy and preferences."

"I would like to reaffirm to all of you that our firm places the highest importance on the health and well-being of our people, and we will recommit ourselves to providing a supportive, healthy, and balanced work environment to you all," he adds further.

Ending the mail with: " I would like to personally assure you that when you speak up, you will be heard with empathy and understanding. If there are any suggestions that you have, please don't hesitate to let me know. In the meantime, l urge you to handle this information with the utmost compassion and sensitivity."

How did people on the internet react?

People on the internet called out the mail as a bit insensitive, some suggested that the India head is only upset. Some people also pointed out how anything he said in the mail was not going to make any change. Here's what some people wrote.

Comment

byu/behenkayoda1 from discussion

inrecruitinghell

Comment

byu/behenkayoda1 from discussion

inrecruitinghell

Comment

byu/behenkayoda1 from discussion

inrecruitinghell

Comment

byu/behenkayoda1 from discussion

inrecruitinghell

Comment

byu/behenkayoda1 from discussion

inrecruitinghell

Also read: After EY employee's death, techie reveals his wife quit earlier over 18-hour workdays: 'MNCs wouldn't dare do this outside India'

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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Bhai Dooj, also called Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta, Bhai Tika, or Yamadvitiya, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar. This joyous occasion marks the end of the Diwali celebrations and is filled with traditional rituals and love between siblings.



Bhai Dooj 2024: Date and Timings

Bhai Dooj 2024 will take place on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha, Kartik month. In 2024, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Sunday, November 3rd. Here are the important timings:

Dwitiya Tithi Begins: November 2, 2024, at 08:21 PM

November 2, 2024, at 08:21 PM Dwitiya Tithi Ends: November 3, 2024, at 10:05 PM

November 3, 2024, at 10:05 PM Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time: November 3, 2024, from 01:17 PM to 03:38 PM

Make sure to perform the Bhai Dooj rituals during the Aparahna time to reap the maximum blessings.

Bhai Dooj 2024 Rituals and Traditions

Credit: Canva | Happy Bhai Dooj images, cards, posters, and gifs |

The rituals of Bhai Dooj are similar across different regions, but each state brings its unique cultural twist. On this day, sisters invite their brothers for a grand meal and perform a special ritual called tilak.



Sisters prepare a seat for their brothers using rice flour. Once the brother is seated, a paste made of vermillion (sindoor), yogurt (dahi), and rice is applied on his forehead as a symbolic tika. Then, the sister places betel leaves, betel nuts, coins, and a flower in the brothers palm and pours water over them while chanting sacred mantras.

After this, the sister ties a sacred thread called Kalawa on her brothers wrist and performs an aarti to bless him. Finally, brothers and sisters exchange gifts, followed by a delicious meal. This ritual signifies the sisters prayers for her brothers long life and well-being, while the brother vows to protect her from harm.

Significance of Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj holds deep cultural significance. It strengthens the bond of love and trust between siblings. Sisters pray for their brothers' prosperity and long life, while brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters. This day celebrates family ties and the importance of sibling relationships, making it a cherished festival across the country.

How Bhai Dooj is Celebrated in Different Regions

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Goa, has different names and customs across India.

In West Bengal, it is called Bhai Phonta, where sisters fast until they perform the tilak ceremony for their brothers. After the tilak, the brothers present gifts to their sisters as a token of their love.

In Maharashtra and Goa, sisters finish the tilak ceremony in the evening and offer prayers for their brothers' well-being. In Uttar Pradesh, sisters give their brothers a dried coconut after applying tilak. In Nepal, Bhai Dooj is known as Bhai Tihar, and the celebration involves similar customs with added cultural elements.

Stories Behind Bhai Dooj

The origins of Bhai Dooj are rooted in two popular stories:

Lord Krishna and Subhadra: After defeating the demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. She welcomed him with sweets, flowers, and performed a tilak ceremony to express her affection and blessings. This event is believed to have inspired the Bhai Dooj celebration.

Yama and Yamuna: According to legend, Yama, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna on the day of Bhai Dooj. She performed a tilak on him, offered special dishes, and they exchanged gifts. Touched by his sister's love, Yama granted her a boon, promising to visit her every year on this day. He also declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on Bhai Dooj would be blessed with a long and prosperous life. This is why Bhai Dooj is also known as Yamadvitiya in southern India.

Bhai Dooj 2024: A Celebration of Sibling Love

Bhai Dooj 2024 will be an opportunity for brothers and sisters to come together and strengthen their bond. The celebration not only involves rituals but also signifies mutual love, respect, and protection. Sisters across India will perform the tilak ceremony, wishing their brothers well, while brothers will give their sisters heartfelt gifts in return.

Best Happy Bhai Dooj 2024 wishes, messages and quotes to share on WhatsApp

Happy Bhai Dooj 2024! May this special day bring you and your sibling closer together. Cherish every moment spent together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family.

Wishing you a joyful Bhai Dooj 2024! May the bond between you and your brother/sister grow stronger with each passing year. May this day be filled with delightful moments and the promise of a lifetime of support and affection.

Happy Bhai Dooj to my dear sibling! On this special day, I pray that our bond of love continues to thrive. May we always stand by each other, support one another, and share countless happy moments together.

To my wonderful brother/sister, Happy Bhai Dooj 2024! May this festival bring you all the joy and happiness in the world. Heres to celebrating the special bond we share and looking forward to many more beautiful moments together.

On this Bhai Dooj, I want to express how grateful I am for having you in my life. You are not just a sibling but a true friend and confidant. May our relationship continue to grow stronger, and may we always support and love each other.

Happy Bhai Dooj! May this day be a reminder of the unique and beautiful bond we share. As we celebrate this festival, lets cherish our memories and look forward to creating many more together. Sending you lots of love and best wishes.

Wishing you a wonderful Bhai Dooj 2024! May the love and affection between us always be as strong as it is today. Lets celebrate this day with joy and gratitude for the special connection we have.

Happy Bhai Dooj to my dearest sibling! As we observe this beautiful festival, I want you to know how much you mean to me. May our bond of love and support continue to shine brightly, today and always.

On Bhai Dooj 2024, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have you as my brother/sister. Your presence in my life is a blessing, and I look forward to celebrating many more festivals together with you. Wishing you a day filled with joy and love.

Happy Bhai Dooj! May this special day be filled with the joy of our bond and the happiness of being together. Lets make the most of every moment and create lasting memories that we will cherish forever.

This festive day is a reminder of the unbreakable connection between siblings and the special place they hold in each other's hearts. Dont forget to mark your calendars for November 3rd, 2024, and celebrate this beautiful festival with your loved ones.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)



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Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, symbolising the victory of good over evil. This day celebrates Lord Rama's triumph over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Let's explore the Dussehra 2024 date, rituals, timings, and significance and more about the auspicious day.



Dussehra 2024: Date and Timings

In 2024, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 12, 2024. The festival is observed on the tenth day, or Dashami Tithi, of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina. For Dussehra 2024, Dashami Tithi starts at 10:58 AM on October 12, 2024 and ends at 09:08 AM on October 13, 2024.

Key timings to note for the Dussehra 2024 celebration are:

Vijayadashami 2024: Date and Time Dashami Tithi Begins October 12, 2024 10:58 AM Dashami Tithi Ends October 13, 2024 09:08 AM Shravana Nakshatra Begins October 12, 2024 05:25 AM Shravana Nakshatra Ends October 13, 2024 04:27 AM Vijaya Muhurat October 12, 2024 02:08 PM to 02:56 PM Apaharan Muhurat October 12, 2024 01:20 PM to 03:44 PM

In West Bengal, Vijayadashami will be celebrated on October 13, 2024, marking the conclusion of Durga Puja with grand celebrations and rituals.

Significance of Dussehra

Dussehra holds deep religious importance, as it represents the ultimate victory of righteousness. The term Dussehra comes from two Sanskrit words: Dasha, meaning "ten," and Hara, meaning "defeat." This signifies the defeat of the ten-headed demon Ravana by Lord Rama. Each of Ravana's ten heads symbolises a different human vice, including Mada (Pride), Ghrina (Hate), Kama (Lust), Bhaye (Fear), Moha (Attachment), Krodha (Anger), Ahankar (Ego), Lobha (Greed), Jaddata (Insensibility), and Irshya (Envy). Dussehra reminds us of the importance of overcoming these vices to lead a virtuous life.

The festival also celebrates the end of Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to worshipping the goddess Durga. In many regions, it is also associated with Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil forces.

Dussehra 2024 Rituals

Dussehra rituals vary across different regions, but common traditions include:

Prayers and Offerings: Devotees offer prayers to Lord Rama and other deities, seeking their blessings.

Ramlila Performances: Communities stage dramatic reenactments of the Ramayana, showcasing the life and struggles of Lord Rama.

Burning of Effigies: The festival is marked by the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnada, and Kumbhakarna to symbolise the victory of good.

Shastra Puja: Many families perform a traditional ritual called Shastra Puja, where tools, weapons, and implements are worshipped.

Pandal Decorations: Pandals are set up and beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, especially during Durga Puja in West Bengal.

Idol Immersion: In regions like Kolkata, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies, marking the conclusion of Durga Puja.

These rituals reflect the essence of Dussehra celebrations, bringing together communities and families in joyous harmony.

Dussehra 2024 Celebrations Across India

Dussehra celebrations vary across India, with each region adding its unique cultural flavor to the festival.

Delhi: The capital city witnesses grand Dussehra 2024 celebrations, with large fairs, Ramleela performances, and the burning of Ravanas effigy. It is a time of joyous gatherings and festivities for families.

The capital city witnesses grand Dussehra 2024 celebrations, with large fairs, Ramleela performances, and the burning of Ravanas effigy. It is a time of joyous gatherings and festivities for families. Mysore: Known for its royal grandeur, Mysore Dasara is a spectacular celebration with the palace lit up and grand processions through the city streets.

Known for its royal grandeur, Mysore Dasara is a spectacular celebration with the palace lit up and grand processions through the city streets. Kullu: In the picturesque town of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra 2024 will be marked by vibrant fairs, cultural performances, and markets selling local handicrafts.

In the picturesque town of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra 2024 will be marked by vibrant fairs, cultural performances, and markets selling local handicrafts. Kolkata: In West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with the end of Durga Puja. The last day, known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated with the Sindoor Khela tradition and the immersion of Goddess Durgas idols in rivers.

Why Dussehra is Celebrated

The story behind Dussehra dates back to the Ramayana. It celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, marking the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). In another tale, it celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, representing the power of divine forces against evil.

Dussehra history

The Story of Dussehra: Lord Rama and the Defeat of Ravana

In Hindu mythology, Dussehra is closely linked to the story of Lord Rama. Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, coveted Lord Ramas wife, Sita, and kidnapped her. He took her to his kingdom, Lanka, where she was held captive. Determined to rescue Sita, Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshman, and an army of monkeys led by Lord Hanuman, traveled to Lanka. After a fierce battle lasting ten days, Lord Rama defeated and killed Ravana on the tenth day. This day is celebrated as Dussehra, marking the victory of good over evil. The first nine days, known as Navratri, lead up to this event, and on the tenth day, large effigies of Ravana are burned to symbolise the triumph of righteousness.

The Story of Vijayadashami: Goddess Durgas Victory Over Mahishasura

In another significant tale, particularly in the eastern and northern regions of India, Dussehra is celebrated as Vijayadashami, commemorating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura was a powerful demon who terrorised the Earth, and the gods sought the help of Goddess Durga to defeat him. After a battle lasting nine days, on the tenth day, Durga slayed Mahishasura, bringing peace to the world. This day is celebrated as Vijayadashami, which means "the victory on the tenth day." In Northern and Western India, people fast during Navratri to honour the nine forms of Durga. However, in Eastern India, especially during Durga Puja, it is a time of grand celebrations, and on the tenth day, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water, marking the end of the festival.

Dussehra 2024: A Time for Celebration and Togetherness

Apart from its mythological importance, Dussehra in 2024 will be a time for families to come together and enjoy the festivities. People will take part in various rituals, cultural performances, and celebrate the core values of courage, unity, and righteousness. This festival continues to remind everyone of the ultimate victory of good over evil, bringing hope and positivity to all.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)



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Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries and among the richest person in Asia, is known for his luxurious lifestyle. With a huge net worth of Rs 9.2 lakh crore, as of today according to Forbes, Ambani enjoys a collection of luxurious possessions, including private jets, cars, houses and helicopters. Adding to this collection, Mukesh Ambani has now purchased Indias first Boeing 737 MAX 9, a business jet that stands as the most expensive private aircraft owned by any Indian business tycoon.



Summary of Mukesh Ambani's Boeing 737 MAX 9 Specifications:

Mukesh Ambani's Boeing 737 MAX 9 overview Model: Boeing 737 MAX 9 Engines: Two CFMI LEAP-1B engines Range: 6,355 nautical miles (11,770 kilometers) Cost: Over Rs 1,000 crore (including modifications) Arrival in India: August 27, 2024 Current Location: Delhi Airport, awaiting transfer to Mumbai

The Cost of Mukesh Ambani's Boeing 737 MAX 9

The Boeing 737 MAX 9, which Ambani recently purchased, has a base price of $118.5 million (Approx Rs 987 crore). However, this price does not include the custom modifications and cabin retrofitting, which add a significant amount to the overall cost. The Ambani family spent over Rs 1,000 crore on this ultra-long-range business jet, reported in Times Now, making it one of the most expensive aircraft in the country.

Features of the Boeing 737 MAX 9

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 is known for its spacious cabin and larger cargo space when compared to its predecessor, the Boeing MAX 8. Powered by two CFMI LEAP-1B engines, this impressive jet MSN 8401 can cover 6,355 nautical miles (11,770 km) in a single journey, reported India.com. It is considered one of the top private jets globally, offering comfort, speed, and luxury for its passengers.

Mukesh Ambanis Private Jet Collection

Aside from the newly acquired Boeing 737 MAX 9, Mukesh Ambani already owns a fleet of nine other private jets. His collection includes aircraft like the Bombardier Global 6000, two Dassault Falcon 900s, and an Embraer ERJ-135. Ambanis love for high-end aviation is well known, and the purchase of this Boeing 737 MAX 9 only adds to his prestigious collection.

Boeing 737 MAX 9 Arrives in India

After extensive modifications at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in Switzerland, Mukesh Ambanis Boeing 737 MAX 9 finally arrived in India. The aircraft underwent cabin enhancements and multiple test flights in Switzerland before making its journey. Reports state that the jet completed six test flights at Basel, Geneva, and London Luton airports to ensure everything was functioning perfectly.

The plane took its final flight from Basel to Delhi on August 27, 2024, covering a distance of 6,234 kilometers in over nine hours. Currently, the aircraft is parked at the maintenance apron near the cargo terminal at Delhi Airport and is expected to arrive in Mumbai, the home of Reliance Industries, soon.

Why Mukesh Ambani Chose the Boeing 737 MAX 9

Ambanis decision to buy the Boeing 737 MAX 9 is in line with his taste for luxury and high performance. This aircraft offers unmatched range, comfort, and space, making it perfect for long-distance travel. The Boeing 737 MAX 9 is also known for its cutting-edge technology and safety features, which likely influenced Ambani's decision.

Mukesh Ambani's Rs 1,000 Crore Private Jet

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 is not just any private jet. With a price tag exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, it is an investment that reflects Ambanis passion for owning the best of the best. The advanced modifications and retrofitting further elevate its status as a symbol of ultimate luxury.

Mukesh Ambanis purchase of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 showcases his love for exclusivity and high-end technology. This ultra-luxurious jet is a testament to his immense wealth and status, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and affluent individuals in the world.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
Greece will begin negotiations for the procurement of a fourth Belharra-type frigate, in addition to the three built by France's Naval Group, National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced during the launch of the second such frigate in France on Thursday.

During the launch of the second

of three Belharra-type frigates at the shipyards in Laurient ('Nearchos'),added that Greece will also initiate a program to upgrade series of Hellenic Navy ships. The Nearchos is the second frigate to be launched after 'Kimon', and will be followed by the construction of 'Formion'.

Specifically, Dendias anounced that the four Belharra-type frigates, the programs to upgrade the multi-purpose combination (MEKO) frigates, the Roussen attack missile boats, and the submarines that will begin shortly in Greece, will help create an unassailable missile surface wall in the Aegean Sea. This will be achieved also with the procurement of four Island-class patrol boats (to be incorporated shortly), the future participation of Greece in the design and launching of the new Constellation-class frigate, and Greece's participation in the European corvette program. The government also hopes to expand number of Greek companies contributing to frigate construction rising from the current 12% to 15%, he added.

Stronger presence

The launch of 'Nearchos' is another significant step for the Hellenic Navy and the Greek Armed Forces, as well as a step further for the implementation of 'Agenda 2030', Dendias noted. It also confirms the strong commitment of the Mitsotakis government to strengthening national defense and promoting conditions of security and prosperity of the Greek people.

"We are strengthening our presence in the East Mediterranean, protecting the borders and interests of the European Union at the same time, never questioning the legal rights of other regional countries, and always observing International Law rules and the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ," he underlined.

Speaking of Greek-French relations, the defense minister said they had a long past and were very close, with common values and goals - especially in defense and security - as confirmed by the defense pact they signed that calls for help between them in case of an external threat. Dendias had signed the treaty on September 28, 2021.

Among other issues, the Greek minister also spoke of extending collaboration with French companies in the long term, especially Naval Group, and of opening the Greek defense industry to global defense initiatives. One such initiative, Dendias said, is the preparation of the first Greece-France Innovation Symposium, with the help of the recently founded Hellenic Innovation Center.

The minister was accompanied by the chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis, and Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff.

Frigate specs

The "Nearchos" frigate has a displacement of 4,500 tons, a length of approximately 122 meters, a maximum speed of 27 knots, a crew of 120 people and incorporates advanced digital technologies.

These include, among others, the integrated sensor network PSIM (Panoramic Sensor Intelligence Module), where almost all of the warship's sensor systems are gathered, the advanced anti-submarine warfare sonar, type CAPTAS-4 and the full digital Sea Fire radar.

   iefimerida.gr
A 33-year-old female tourist was tragically killed by falling rocks in the Samaria Gorge on Crete following a sudden rain storm.

The Ukrainian national, residing in Germany, was nearing the southern exit of the gorge at Agia Roumeli when a landslide triggered by the storm struck. She succumbed to her injuries on the scene.

Emergency rescue teams were immediately dispatched to evacuate other tourists hiking through the gorge. The National Park of Samaria supervisor, Alkiviadis Pentarakis, confirmed that a strong downpour caused the landslide and that the incident was not due to a lack of warning.

The Samaria Gorge is a popular tourist attraction, with hundreds of people hiking the narrow canyon daily. Rescue operations are currently focused on evacuating the remaining hikers.

   iefimerida.gr
The young roo was filmed jumping over tables as it tried to escape the fast food store in WA on the weekend.

The kangaroo found its way inside the KFC store in Busselton, WA. Source: TikTok/torriebolton

It's not every day you walk into a fast food store and be greeted by a kangaroo, but that's a scenario that played out this week in front of stunned customers.

A WA man captured the unlikely scene at KFC in Busselton on Sunday before sharing it on social media  and it doesn't get any more Aussie than this, according to the thousands who watched the clip.

Filmed from the car park, the man captured the young roo through the store window as it hopped around dodging tables. At least two customers were inside the store who appeared rather unbothered by the native visitor.

A follow-up clip shows the animal finally escaping through the door before bouncing across the car park to freedom.

Speaking of the incident, a KFC spokesperson confirmed with Yahoo News Australia the kangaroo "hopped its way into KFC Busselton on Sunday".

"After roaming the restaurant for a bit, it then decided it was time to bounce. We can confirm no customers, team members or marsupials were injured as a result," they said.

Viewers stunned by 'very Aussie' kangaroo scene

The "very Aussie" scenes caught the attention of those overseas who were amazed to see a kangaroo attending through the store.

"That is the most Australian thing I've ever seen come from Australia," one said. Another agreed, "That's Australia for ya".

Others joked the little roo was just after a feed. "Skippy wants his zinger box," someone joked.

"Bro was sitting there like it's normal," another added, baffled by how calm the customers inside the store were.

Sad reality for kangaroos in Aussie towns

Its not uncommon for Australias wildlife to be spotted in unlikely places. Just this week a koala walked into an IGA in the tiny Victorian town of Meeniyan. And in November last year a kangaroo was photographed hopping through the streets of Campbelltown, southwest of Sydney.

While native animals have been taken for granted as a fixture in our backyards, abundant species are increasingly being squeezed out as developers build housing thats needed for the human population.

If you spot a sick or injured native animal in your state there are volunteer wildlife services available to help 24/7. In Busselton you can call FAWNA on 0438 526 660

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, have arrested 25 miscreants, suspected to be drugs peddlers in the Lekki-Ajah area of the state.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the arrest was made in the early hour of Thursday, when the officers of KAI stormed their hideouts, during the operation zero tolerance.

This was contained in a statement shared by the Lagos states Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his Facebook page.

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Tokunbo stated that illicit items was also recovered from the miscreants, adding that they have been detained and legal action will be taken as soon as possible.

READ MORE: 30 Miscreants Caught In Lagos Raid, 12 Sentenced To Three Weeks Jail

The statement reads: During the early morning raid of Lekki  Ajah axis, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI). @LAGESCOfficial arrested 25 miscreants inside Lekki.

Substances suspected to be hard drugs were also found on them. They have been detained and appropriate legal action will be taken.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/906104908047586/?app=fbl
Chidimma Adetshina, the 2024 winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, has paid a courtesy visit to the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Abuja on Tuesday.

This was revealed in a statement and photos posted on the Miss Universe Nigeria organizers official X account on Wednesday.

The statement reads, Pictures from Miss Universe Nigeria @chichi_vanessa visit the Karamajiji IDP camp in Abuja yesterday.

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READ MORE: Brodashaggi Celebrates Birthday With Gratitude After Near-Death Experience

On August 31, Adetshina, representing Taraba State, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

Her journey to the crown has been nothing short of incredible, reflecting the resilience and grace that she demonstrated throughout the Miss Universe South Africa event, in which she was disqualified.

SEE BELOW:
51.25 kilogrammes of indica cannabis worth N256 million have been seized in September, according to the Nigeria Customs Service at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal

Joy Edeldouk, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, revealed this in a statement made on Thursday, while turning over the recovered hard drugs to agents of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the command in Apapa, Lagos.

According to Edeldouk, the act breaches Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, sub-sections 1C and 1F.

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She underlined that the interception demonstrated the commands ongoing dedication and commitment to protecting the countrys borders from the importation of illegal and hazardous drugs.

READ MORE: 30 Miscreants Caught In Lagos Raid, 12 Sentenced To Three Weeks Jail

In line with the CGCs policy thrust of collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, on Wednesday 11th of September, our vigilant officers, working in conjunction with the NDLEA, intercepted a consignment of cannabis indica weighing 51.25kg valued at N256m, Edeldouk said.

She asserted that the detrimental effects of drugs, including cannabis indica, on people, families, and society as a whole range from the destruction of lives to the escalation of crime and the incitement of violence.

Edeldouk maintained that by keeping these dangerous substances out of the communities, we are preventing untold harm and helping secure a safer future for our citizens, particularly our youths who are most vulnerable to the allure of these harmful substances,

However, the KLT Customs boss noted that the recovered drugs, as well as the suspects, were handed over to NDLEA investigators for further investigation and prosecution.

She pledged that the suspects would face the full wrath of the law, and that the command will continue to deal with anyone caught up in the same crime.

Edeldouk urged any unethical importers against challenging the determination of the Nigeria Customs Service.

She emphasised that the service is firm in its commitment to protecting the integrity of the borders and will not hesitate to bring those involved in illegal importation to justice.

She stated that the NCS, in partnership with other agencies, would continue to increase efforts to rid the country of deadly contraband.

She promised legitimate traders that the service remained committed to ensuring that the facilitation of legitimate trade is unhindered, but for those seeking to engage in illegal activities, our message is simple, there is no room for criminality in NCS anyone who dares to breach the law of the country would be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.


A former prominent ally of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Charles Idahosa, says false is the claim by the Governor that members of the Peoples Democratic Party are being intimidated.

He stated that the Governor is feeling the pressure of being alone after 90 per cent of party leaders who worked for his re-election left him, noting that his predicament is self inflicted.

The former member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (South-South) while addressing journalists in Benin City on Wednesday said the governor was under pressure because this is the first time he would be running an election on his own.

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He said: There was nothing to the alarm being raised by the governor because the state had always won election from the opposition stand different from the government at the centre.

All the four previous elections held in the state right from when Comrade Adams Oshiomhole became governor have been elections held when Edo State is in opposition to the government at the centre.

We need to remind Obaseki that he won his first election in 2016 under the APC when the PDP was in power at the centre. He won his second term election in 2020 under the PDP, when the APC was the party in power at the centre. So, what is the difference this time around?

READ ALSO: Prioritize Peoples Interest  Deji Adeyanju To INEC Amid Alleged Plot To Rig Edo Election For APC

Idahosa further stated, The truth now is that this is the first time Obaseki will be on his own. This is the first time he will be conducting an election without all the leaders that supported him in the past in his party today and it is obvious that he will lose.

Obaseki is only shouting of intimidation because he has no single leader in his party. Over 90 per cent of the leaders that brought him to power have left him. That is what you suffer when you are a serial betrayer.

His political woes today is self-inflicted. Obaseki is like an apprentice tailor, who his master has taught how to hold the scissors, only to decide that he knows the job and declare himself a fashion designer.

The former Commissioner for Information under the Lucky Igbinedion government and Special Adviser, Political, to Oshiomhole, assured that in spite of the alarms raised by the Edo State Government and the PDP, the election would be free, fair and nobody will be intimidated

Idahosa added that Governor Obaseki would not have had any headaches about the election if he had accorded all those who assisted him politically their due respect.

But, here we have Obaseki who will leave his comfort zone and will be looking for trouble where there is none.

During his reelection in 2020, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State was from Bayelsa, who was a governorship aspirant under APC. Is it today that he just realised that the REC in this election is a relation of Wike?  Idahosa queried.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, has debunked claim, saying that the group is intending to force Igbo people out from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

IPOB on Wednesday, also denied the Nigerias millitarys allegations that its members abducted and assaulted a soldier sent to the South-East to spy on the Biafra movement.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, claimed in a press statement over the weekend that Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of IPOB, circulated a video showing the torture of retired Corporal Toriola Adewale.

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Reacting to the development in a statement released to the public on Wednesday, IPOBs spokesman, Emma Powerful, described Armys claims as propaganda and a self-staged crime by the militarys leadership.

According to him, Biafras Directorate of State, distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, but the Nigerian Army continues to link IPOB with Ekpa to tarnish the groups reputation.

He said: The Directorate of State of IPOB wishes to debunk the Nigerian Armys concocted propaganda that peaceful and unarmed IPOB activists abducted a Nigerian soldier sent to Biafra land to spy on the Biafra movement and forced him to call for the resignation of Biafran soldiers in the Nigerian Army.

The propaganda from the Nigerian Army spokesperson claiming that IPOB captured a spying Nigerian soldier and forced him to deliver a message to Biafran soldiers to resign is a self-staged crime by the Nigerian Armys leadership.

Although IPOB has called for Biafrans serving in Nigerian security agencies to resign, IPOB has never and will never force our brothers and sisters in the Nigerian security agencies to resign under duress.

IPOB can only appeal to the conscience of Biafrans but will never impose anything on anyone at gunpoint.

The Biafra Nation IPOB is championing, which is a nation where rights are guaranteed and respected, guides our people through reasoning.

The so-called video of an abducted spying soldier is another false flag operation by the Nigerian Army and their provocateurs to continue their murderous onslaught against Ndigbo.

READ MORE: Police Raid IPOB Camp, Nab Four Suspects In Anambra

The Nigerian Army has reduced itself to mere social media gossip.

IPOB did not abduct any Nigerian soldier. The Army spokesperson should stop linking IPOB to their criminal agents in their efforts to destabilize the South-East.

IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have no relationship with the so-called Biafra Liberation Army.

These institutions also understand that IPOB is non-violent and that IPOB members are persecuted by the corrupt Nigerian government and its murderous security agencies.

The Nigerian government and its security agencies should stop blackmailing IPOB. Our non-violent approach should not be mistaken for weakness.


The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has called on members of the Julius Abure-led dissolved National Working Committee, to sheath their swords.

Obi, represented by Datti Baba-Ahmed, stated this at the inaugural meeting of LPs caretaker committee held in Abuja on Wednesday

While urging them to join hands with the National Caretaker Committee to rebuild the party, he stated that nobody but LPs constitution unseated former Chairman Abure after the expiration of his tenure.

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He said: Listen, my friend, no governor unseated Abure, the constitution unseated him. Abures time elapsed. Nobody unseated him. As of today, Abure is our good friend and a loyal member. We want him back in the fold; we have roles for him to play.

READ ALSO: Nenadi Usman Still PDP Member  LPs Abure Alleges

We didnt have crisis. We managed a transition that was a bit bumpy and that was it. I tell you, no other political party of our size could do that in the time and manner that we did.

We are a political party who went all the way to the Supreme Court claiming our 10 million votes. They were only able to give us six million votes. So we are a force to contend with in Africa. What weve done has never been done before. When PDP came, they had the military. We had nothing.

According to him, the Party is ready to repeat and surpass the feat recorded during the 2023 elections in 2027 by producing a majority in the National Assembly and winning the presidential seat.
The Julius Abures faction of the Labour Party, has accused Independent National Electoral Commission, for punishing it, for defending the partys Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, during the 2023 elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, made this disclosure at a press conference held in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Ifoh lamented that, rather than supporting the opposition party during its difficult time, the two leaders betrayed their trust by publicly aligning with INEC.

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He said: The party is dismayed by the actions of our leaders, including our former presidential candidate and our only governor, who should be defending the party at this challenging moment.

They should know that the LP is going through difficult times due to its role in supporting both leaders during the 2023 general election. Our leadership stood by Obi, canvassing through every corner for votes.

READ MORE: Nenadi Usman Still PDP Member  LPs Abure Alleges

For the sake of context, many Nigerians will remember how we accommodated some of these leaders when they were denied tickets in their previous parties.

Many who are now demanding the removal of Julius Abure were previously begging for tickets and couldnt even afford the nomination forms.

The same LP leadership supported our governorship candidate in Abia through thick and thin, resisting all pressures and overcoming political and judicial challenges to ensure victory. Now, these leaders are aligning with INEC. Its a betrayal.

Everyone knows the role INEC played in the 2023 general election and how the electoral will of the people was undermined.

For these leaders, there is no hesitation in leveraging INECs stance on illegality to seize control of the party.

We advise these leaders that INEC should not be the model for their annexation agenda. The 2023 saga is still fresh.

Where was this loyalty when INEC failed to protect the peoples will in 2023? Let us not be deceived. INEC has not changed, and in 2027, it will serve you the same dish.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sokoto State chapter, has weighed in on the alleged diversion of N16.1 billion shares under the administration of former Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

In a Wednesday statement, signed by Hassan Sahabi, its Publicity Secretary, the Party said all officials of the former government were ready and willing to report to the commission.

All officials of the former government are ready and willing to report to the commission to lay the facts bare on the orchestrated and attention diverting matter of the states shares in question.

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Aminu Waziri Tambuwal ran the most accountable and transparent government in the history of Sokoto State, a fact acknowledged by global assessment agencies, and thus none of its operatives will be found to evade lawful inquiry.

The reverse is, however, proving to be the case with the current administration of Ahmed Aliyu, whose expenditure profile is the most controversial and procurement standards the most scandalous in the history of leadership in Sokoto State.

READ ALSO: Sokoto Probes N16.1bn Diversion Under Tambuwal Govt

The party, however, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to probe the street fencing project by the state government.

Recall that counsel for the Sokoto State Commission of inquiry in an interview said the commission was asked to investigate the sales of N16.1 billion shares of the state which money was not accounted for.

Sometime in 2018, the Accountant General transfered all the government shares through a letter to the Sokoto state Investment Limited.

And between the period of 2022 to 2023 these shares were sold and unaccounted for. So the commission has been called upon to investigate into the sales of these shares and whereabout of the money.

Based on the content of the memo, a total of N16.1 billion Naira is alleged to be unaccounted for. And N4 billion out of the money was said to be distributed to private and corporate accounts for just no cause, he alleged.
BudgIT, a civic-tech non-profit organization, has exposed a questionable allocation in the 2024 budget, sparking widespread outrage.

According to BudgIT, the Federal Polytechnic in Edo State has been awarded N900 million to construct a road in Cross River State.

This raised eyebrows, especially considering the polytechnics location in Edo State, far from the project site in Cross River.

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Additionally, the polytechnic was also allocated N300 million to renovate traditional palaces and N100 million to supply motorcycles to traders in Katsina and Bayelsa States, supposedly to ease the effects of subsidy removal.

READ MORE: Customs Intercepts 51.25kg Cannabis Indica In Lagos

BudgIT took to its X platform on Tuesday to express their concerns.

Just look at this, Nigerians! A Federal Polytechnic (NICTM, @Admissions67005) in Edo has an allocation of N900 million to construct a road in Cross River. How na?

The same Polytechnic is renovating traditional palaces for N300 million and supplying motorcycles to Katsina and Bayelsa traders for N100 million to ease the effect of subsidy removal.

Nigerians, these insertions cannot continue. #TheBudgetisaMess, BudgiT wrote.

This controversy comes on the heels of Senator Abdul Ningis allegations in March that the 2024 budget was padded with N3 trillion in the National Assembly.

SEE POST:
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The Federal Government has urged the private sector to adhere to the payment of N70,000 minimum wage.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju, stated this on Wednesday, while warning that any deviation would not be tolerated.

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According to the FG, the new minimum wage is necessary to address the current economic reality, emphasising that no Nigerian worker, whether in government or private employment, should be paid less than the minimum wage.

READ ALSO: NASS Swiftly Passes 70,000 Minimum Wage Bill

Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, held in Ikeja, Lagos, Daju, represented by the Director of Employment and Wages of the Ministry, John Nyamali, said, The minimum wage is now a law, and as a result, it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any of its workers.

The private employment agencies should make it compulsory in any contract they take from their principal that their workers should not earn less than the minimum wage. The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, and I think that should be after all deductions.

The minimum wage is a law, and you can be jailed if you fail to implement it. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the least paid worker goes home with N70,000, Daju said.
The Rivers State Police Command has announced that its officers have rescued a 16 years old girl, who was kidnapped, in Enugu and transported to Port Harcourt in a Ghana-Must-Gos bag.

Disclosing this to the public, on Wednesday, the states commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, in Port Harcourt, said that the crime was uncovered when the security operatives in Abuloma Police Station received credible intelligence regarding the suspicious movement of one of the suspects.

He said: Upon receiving the information, operatives were swiftly dispatched to the area, and they arrested one male suspect.

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READ MORE: Rivers Police Storm Fake Job Syndicate, Rescue 16 Victims

Officers rescued the teenage girl (name withheld) who had been held against her will by the suspect.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect lured the teenager from her residence in Garki, Enugu, placed her in a Ghana-Must-Go bag and transported her from Enugu to Port Harcourt.

The victim has undergone medical examination and treatment, while the suspects are in our custody.
The Accord Partys (AP) National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem has expressed confidence the Party will emerge victorious in Edo States governorship election.

According to him, the minor distraction the party had recently in its leadership is now over, adding that Iyere Kennedy, its standard-bearer in Edo, will win the September 21 poll.

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He spoke while addressing journalists during the partys National Working Committee meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

We are determined to build a better Nigeria. The future of Accord is bright. We shall make it brighter and glorious. Let us move forward together and make Nigeria great again.

This will start with the Edo state governorship election coming up this weekend. Accord is prepared for the poll and commends political parties that have endorsed the partys governorship candidate.

READ ALSO: Edo PDP Never Said It Wont Sign Peace Accord  Odigie

The party is optimistic to win the Edo gubernatorial election this Saturday and urges eligible voters in the state to come out en masse and vote for Accord.

The party also urges INEC to provide a level playing field to all the political parties and their candidates participating in the election, he said

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to provide a level playing field to all the political parties and their candidates participating in the election.

Nigerians demand a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful governorship election. INEC must ensure that its BVAS and IReV portals are functional.

Every vote must be counted and should count in the overall result. The mandate of the people must be respected by all stakeholders.

In one accord, we shall build and deepen democracy in Nigeria and foster sustainable development that will boost citizens standards of living. A vote for Accord will transform this nation. Join us to build a prosperous Nigeria, he added.
Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman grew up around the 600 block of West Bristol Street in Hunting Park, in the center of the Police Departments 25th District, long one of the busiest and most violent sections of the city.

And yet years later, after Roman had grown up and joined the police force himself, he was presented with a choice on where he wanted to serve  and he did not hesitate, Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.

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Roman asked to be assigned to the 25th District.

He chose to come back to serve his community where he once was a child, Bethel said. He embodied what service meant, and what we wear on our badge each and every day.

The 31-year-old Roman was laid to rest Thursday, nine days after he died from injuries he suffered while being shot in the line of duty in his district earlier this summer. Bethels emotional eulogy came during a Funeral Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul that was packed with public officials, police officers, and Romans friends and family.

At the end of his remarks, Bethel announced that Roman would be posthumously promoted to sergeant, and that his badge numbers would be retired  never to be worn by another Philadelphia officer.

Roman was also awarded a Purple Heart and the citys Medal of Valor, which is named after slain Sgt. Robert Wilson III, and Romans family would receive the citys Medal of Honor in his memory, Bethel said.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had spoken with Romans wife, Jazmin Hernandez, about her husbands dedication not only to policing but also to their two children, Evelina, 7, and Jaime, 4.

We owe [fallen officers] a debt we can never repay, and we will never leave your side, Shapiro said to Romans relatives.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker added: Now well all have to be a part of their extended family.

A proud moment to honor Officer Jaime Roman

The ceremony capped a series of events honoring Roman that began Wednesday night  with a viewing and Commanders March in Northeast Philadelphia  and continued before dawn Thursday.

Around 5 a.m., the hearse carrying his casket was escorted from a Northeast Philadelphia funeral home to Police Headquarters on North Broad Street, where rows of bagpipers and fellow officers in their dress uniforms lined up to escort Roman to the basilica.

As his casket was guided through Center City, about a dozen Highway Patrol officers on motorcycles formed a protective cocoon around the hearse, and helicopters thundered above.

Bethel said the procession was a mark of respect and recognition for a man who lost his life while serving the city. Parker said 355 officers have been killed in the line of duty in Philadelphia since the 1800s, a fact she said reinforces the notion that law enforcement deserves the publics support.

We recognize the sorrow, but we also give honor to Jaime, Bethel said. Its a proud moment for us when we walk.

Police have said Roman, 31, was shot on June 22 by Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, during a traffic stop in Kensington. The officer and his partner had pulled Vazquez over on the 3500 block of F Street for lacking proper registration for his Toyota sedan, and subsequently discovered that Vazquez did not have a drivers license.

While waiting for a tow truck to haul the car away, police said, the officers searched the car and discovered a gun holster tucked beneath a seat. When they attempted to confront Vazquez about it, police said, he ran away, then turned back and started shooting at them with a gun he had in his waistband.

Roman was struck in the neck and fell to the ground, police said. His partner returned fire but didnt hit Vazquez, police said, then put Roman into his patrol car and sped to Temple University Hospital.

Roman was admitted in critical condition and remained hospitalized until he died last week.

Vazquez, meanwhile, was ultimately apprehended inside a Kensington home where he had attempted to barricade himself. He has been jailed since then, and his charges were updated after Romans death to include murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, and illegal gun possession.

He coincidentally was scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Thursday morning, but his next court appearance was pushed back until at least sometime later this month.

A great loss for the city

Romans family did not speak at Thursdays Mass, and they had remained intensely private during the nearly three-month battle Roman waged while fighting for his life.

But Bethel said he was overwhelmed by the love Romans relatives had displayed for him. Evelina, Romans daughter, now carries a stuffed animal that plays a recording of her father being sworn in as an officer when she squeezes its paw, the commissioner said.

And Romans son, also named Jaime, attended a Phillies game with police brass over the summer. Bethel described the younger Roman as a ball of energy.

The fallen officer would have turned 32 on Sunday  something that became more poignant due to a scene outside the church. There, on a screen a few feet away from Romans parked patrol car on 18th Street, an old home video clip of Roman holding his son began to play.

A womans voice behind the camera could be heard singing to Roman, as his son joined in and wished his father, in uniform, happy birthday.

Sgt. Angel Ortiz, a colleague of Romans, was among those who attended Thursdays proceedings. He said Roman was always willing to help colleagues and was sincere in his desire to improve life in the community where he grew up.

Its going to be a great loss to his family, Ortiz said outside the basilica. Its going to be a great loss to the city of Philadelphia. Its going to be a great loss to the 25th District.

Bethel encouraged those in the audience to mourn Romans loss  but also honor his legacy, one the commissioner said was rooted in family, community, and service.

If we all honor Jaimes legacy of what he stood for, Bethel said, then Jaimes death will not be in vain.
James Henry, 19 and a sophomore, sits in his dorm room at the Best Western at Widener University. The college replaced the standard-issue hotel beds with twin XLs, though the abstract hotel art remains. Read more

Jaime Suero wrote that he was a flexible person when he applied to be a resident adviser at Widener University. Thats how he came to be the RA on the third floor of the Best Western.

Widener had its largest freshman class in history last year, at 892, and beat that record this year by 20 students. The all-out effort to retain students there has proven so successful that the on-campus dorms cannot house all of them. Instead, 80 returning students, including Suero, are living at the Best Western Plus on the edge of the Chester campus, next to the bookstore and across from an Uno Pizzeria.

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Widener isnt the only school with a housing shortage: Holy Family University, a small Catholic school in Northeast Philadelphia, and Delaware Valley University in Doylestown also are housing some students in hotels this year.

After years of declining student populations, consolidation, and closures, some Philly-area colleges are reporting gains  albeit unofficial until after the add/drop period  in overall and first-year enrollment, according to an Inquirer survey of about two dozen schools. Among schools surveyed with more than a 50% acceptance rate, Rowan and Eastern both stand out for their expanding student body, with overall enrollment increasing by 7.4% and 20%, respectively.

Overall enrollment at Widener is up, too, by about 2%. Suero, a junior studying early childhood education, said his friends who still live on campus believe he got the better deal. His room came with a TV, a microwave, and a king-size bed. (Before students moved in, Widener hired an outside cleaning company and purchased new mattresses, the school said.) In another hotel-room-turned-dorm down the hall, Widener replaced the standard-issue beds with twin XLs.

For schools, if not for parents and students, the problem of overflowing dorms is a good one. Its a bright spot in a grimmer picture.

In most schools nationwide, excluding the highly selective ones, enrollment is down, budgets are tight, and a long-feared enrollment cliff is finally arriving, when the number of students graduating from high school will be lower than in years past. Coupled with the aftermath of the pandemic and a botched federal student aid rollout last year, schools across the country are struggling to fill seats and fund classes, said Angel Perez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The implications are bigger than the sustainability of any one institution.

This is about the future of a nation, said Perez. The future of the economy, the future of the tax base, the future of civic engagement  all the things we know higher education gives students access to.

Enrollments still struggling to rebound

In the 10 years between 2012 and 2022, fewer students overall enrolled in college in Pennsylvania, declining from fall enrollments of nearly 800,000 in 2012 to just over 645,000 in 2022.

So far locally, overall enrollment at Gwynedd Mercy is slightly down this year, as it is at Temple University, La Salle University, and Rosemont College. All but Rosemont, though, saw large increases in the number of first-year students who enrolled.

Temples first-year enrollment rose nearly 30% to 4,926 students and, notably, among that boost is a 71% uptick in Black students, raising the number to 1,456. Thats a 605-student increase from last year. Temple, one of four state-related universities in Pennsylvania, in recent years had faced criticism for enrolling smaller percentages of Black students.

Overall, Temples enrollment just cleared 30,000, which is down by 1.7% from last year. University officials are heartened that the dip is much lower than last year, when enrollment had dropped by 9.2%. Still, Temples enrollment has fallen dramatically from its all-time high of 40,240 in fall 2017.

More than a half-dozen schools, including Chestnut Hill College, Arcadia University, and Drexel University, which will start classes Monday, declined to answer The Inquirers questions about enrollment.

Nationwide, roughly one million high school seniors who would have otherwise attended college were lost because of the pandemic, said Perez. He estimated that an additional 500,000 students may be lost this year because of the FAFSA debacle, during which technical glitches prevented hundreds of thousands of students from being able to access the federal aid system for months. Some gave up, saying they would try again next year  an aspiration that many will not follow through on, Perez said.

Success at Rowan, Eastern, and St. Josephs

There are some standout successes, though. Rowan, which is the third-fastest-growing public doctoral university in the country, reported a whopping 50% increase in its first-year class, which exceeds 3,500 students. Overall, the universitys enrollment this fall stands at 19,609, up 7.4% over last year.

Were at 97% housing capacity, said Joe Cardona, a university spokesperson. Its a big bounce back from what we have seen since the pandemic.

Other triumphant schools included St. Josephs, which merged with Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in January, and saw a nearly 20% increase in overall enrollment this year. Moore College of Art and Design, a tiny school with just 396 students last year, saw fall enrollment increase by nearly 40%, partly because it is absorbing more than 100 University of the Arts students.

When it comes to the job market, degrees are in demand.

Jobs that require college-level education continue to be growing, said Hironao Okahana of the American Council on Education. He said that even while traditional college-age students  18 to 22  might be tapering off, the number of people who are older and do not have degrees is large, a potential market for schools.

At Widener, freshmen increased 67% last year, which university officials largely attributed to Wideners remake of its on-campus experiences for prospective students, an expansion in recruitment areas, and president Stacey M. Robertsons emphasis on making students feel comfortable and at home. She invites all freshmen to her house for dinner over the course of multiple nights at the beginning of the semester.

This year, the university also cited recruitment success in Philadelphia, noting a 51% uptick in undergraduate applications from the city.

We are grateful the Best Western, at the edge of campus and above the university bookstore, made it possible for us to extend housing to everyone who wanted it, a spokesperson said.
Many Philadelphia teachers are struggling with a new English curriculum. Read more

Standardizing the curriculum was a priority when Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. came to Philadelphia, and he allocated millions in federal stimulus funds to purchase new, research-based programs: Math rolled out last school year, and English late last month.

The district spent $25 million on two sets of English Language Arts materials: Expeditionary Learning for grades K-8, and Study Sync for 9-12, which adopt the so-called science of reading approach.

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The stakes are high: Just 35% of district students read at grade level.

While some Philadelphia School District teachers called the curriculum evidence-based and wonderful, others have been vocal about their struggles with the new material. They say they had inadequate preparation to teach it and find it overly prescriptive, and, in some cases, uninteresting for students.

Both elementary and secondary teachers have said they are overwhelmed:

This is not a resource, a high school teacher said. This is a burden.

In response to the concerns, a district spokesperson said both curricula were rated highly by external research and also reviewed internally.

While teachers are learning the program, it is common that they will encounter pacing challenges that we take into account when studying implementation, Christina Clark said in a statement.  We understand that teachers are learning, and we are providing supports at the system level and school level to support effective implementation.

Grant funding from the William Penn Foundation will continue to support teacher training on the new materials, Clark said. The districts own ELA team has also developed support materials for the curriculum, she said.

The Inquirer talked with dozens of teachers from schools around the city about the new curriculum. Heres what some of them said.

A wonderful program

Mark Macyk was evangelical about the districts former ELA curriculum, implemented just two years ago and written by district teachers to be more culturally responsive. People visited his classroom  he teaches sixth and eighth graders at Steel Elementary in Nicetown  to observe his teaching.

But when Macyk, a Lindback Award winner, saw his students scores on state tests last year, he was downcast. Kids showed growth, but nowhere near the gains he had expected. Macyk then began delving into research about the science of reading and stronger writing instruction.

The curriculum is quite scripted, and his eighth-grade students have said they liked the old way better, Macyk said, but, its rigorous and evidence-based.

Though the prior curriculum transformed who I was as a teacher, it felt like we were building a house without a foundation, Macyk said. Now, were building the foundation. In the whole first unit, were spending time on [sentences]. Then we move on to paragraphs, then essays.  Its the fourth week of school, but I see gaps being closed so much quicker.

Kathryn Melnick, a first-grade teacher at Childs Elementary in Point Breeze, agrees. She knows shes a good teacher, but with the prior curriculum, I just felt like I wasnt reaching enough kids.

She has critiques about the new curriculum: Her students have seemed bored at points, but part of that is me trying to figure it out. As I get used to it, I can go faster and be more entertaining.

Jamie Goldberg, a school-based teacher leader at McDaniel Elementary in South Philadelphia, is unequivocal: I actually think its a wonderful program; I think it will be really beneficial to children, she said. Goldberg likes the extra time dedicated to literacy, skills, and small group work, which makes for more individualized attention.

But theres a caveat  it wasnt properly rolled out, Goldberg said. Teachers werent provided enough time to get to know the curriculum, the components. People are overwhelmed, and I totally get it.

Most teachers gained access to the new English curriculum in the spring, with paid summer training sessions offered but not mandated. When staff returned to work the week before students reported to class on Aug. 26, teachers got less than a full day of training on the curriculum and were told that it was a two-day training condensed into a few hours.

Hours and hours of prep

Cristina Gutierrez teaches kindergartners in a dual-language program. Shes working with a new Spanish curriculum and the new English curriculum and finds it extremely tough.

Its a lot. I am exhausted in planning and implementing, and its a constant cognitive demand on the children  they have 15 minutes of recess; its a rush all day long, said Gutierrez. Some of her students have never been to school. Some cannot even hold a pencil.

Her kindergartners arent taking to the curriculum, Gutierrez said.

They check out, and theres no way to bring them back, she said. And as for Gutierrez? Im sure this is going to cause an amazing exodus of teachers, she said. If I could find something else doing whatever that pays me the same, I would leave.

Another elementary school teacher who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal echoed Gutierrezs complaint of exhaustion, confounded by a platform thats cumbersome and a lot of moving pieces  a ton of preparation. My kids are very active, and its hard to keep their attention, and there are some things I cant go over; I just dont have the time. Its been a rough go.

One veteran elementary teacher called it unsustainable, hours and hours of prep, 25 extra hours of work a week on our own time, and was particularly frustrated by what she described as a combined 1,000 pages of teacher guides per unit. (Each school year includes multiple units.)

I dont think they understand how were supposed to make this work, said the veteran teacher, who also feared repercussions for speaking out.

Some of the provided slides are incorrect, the veteran said.

I have to tell the kids, Cross that out, the definition is wrong, the teacher said. And we were told explicitly were not allowed to leave anything out. Maybe Im not seeing the forest for the trees here, but if teachers and kids cant follow it, it doesnt matter if its the science of reading. Its impossible to follow.

The union concern

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is gathering feedback and data about the new English curriculum after hearing about widespread teacher frustration, said Arthur Steinberg, PFT president.

Concerns raised include the large numbers of hours of prep needed to prepare lessons, and the requirements for teachers to make many anchor charts  visual aids to help students remember key concepts  and bring in their own equipment to teach lessons. (One recent lesson asked for teachers to distribute dolls to help understand a concept; another asked for spatulas.) Teachers are also making many more copies, a potential issue in schools that dont always have adequate copy paper.

Theyre spending hours at night making these charts, and then they have to bring in things from home, like kitchen equipment. They dont have the materials they need for the program, said LeShawna Coleman, PFTs chief of staff.

(Clark said the extras like dolls and kitchen equipment are optional.)

A number of veteran teachers say its difficult  folks have worked there for years, and theyre saying theyre frustrated and talking about leaving, said Steinberg.

After a member survey is complete and data gathered, Steinberg and Coleman say, they plan to present information to the district and advocate for changes to help improve teacher and student experiences.
Kayla Woods of North Philadelphia is part of a 71% increase in Black students in Temple University's freshman class this year. Read more

As a high school student in North Philadelphia, Kayla Woods took college classes at Temple University as part of a dual-enrollment program.

The 18-year-old, who aspires to become a teacher and, one day, a professor, said she wanted to see if she could be Temple Made, as the school slogan goes.

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She learned the answer was a resounding yes. Convincing her were professors who showed they cared and fellow students who shared her goals. But she also found confirmation within herself.

The way I persevered through it showed me Im really made for Temple, she said on campus this week, the fourth of the semester. When I saw the challenge, I didnt stop. I just kept going. That just told me that I belong here.

Woods is one of more than 1,450 Black students in Temples first-year class  thats an increase of more than 600 students over last year, or 71%. Its one of the largest one-year jumps the university has seen and is part of a larger picture of growing diversity at the 30,000-student school in North Philadelphia.

Growth, even with a more competitive class

For the third consecutive year, Temples first-year class comprises more than 50% students of color, with this year being the record at 62.3%. Within that jump, Latino students grew by nearly 45%, or 193 students.

Overall, Temples first-year enrollment stands at 4,926, a nearly 30% increase; white students by comparison, though, increased only 2%. And white students made up a slightly smaller proportion of the class than Black students.

The boom in freshmen occurred even as the school became a bit more selective  it accepted 78.9% of applicants, a two-percentage-point decline from last year  and as the average grade point average increased to 3.42.

Nationally, as more students of color go to college, other schools in recent years also have reported growth, though some of the elite institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and Haverford College, saw a decline in those from underrepresented groups, following the U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that banned race-conscious admissions.

 READ MORE: Philly-area colleges see dips in Black, Latino students post Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions

Temple officials attributed the growth to more in-person recruitment efforts, including a 90% increase in high school visits, new software that enables the school to better stay in touch with prospective candidates, and new financial aid efforts targeted to students who most need it. This is the inaugural year of the Temple Promise program, which makes tuition and fees free for first-time, full-time college students from low-income families who live in the city of Philadelphia.

Nearly 500 students received Temple Promise aid this year, the university said.

The university also is talking to the Philadelphia School District about working with younger students, possibly as early as seventh grade, to broaden the pipeline to Temple, said Jose Aviles, Temples vice provost for enrollment management.

There are so many students here with tremendous talent that we would love to have at Temple, he said.

 READ MORE: Temple aid to help make tuition free for low-income Philadelphia families

Some of the effort is just in convincing students they belong. Gregory N. Mandel, provost, cited the case of a city school student with a 4.0 GPA who didnt think it was possible to go to Temple.

Its incumbent upon us to not only make sure the opportunities are available but to get out the word so that the pipeline becomes a reality, Mandel said.

Back to its historic roots

Temple, in recent years, had come under criticism for a declining percentage of Black students as the university expanded its enrollment and strove for a higher academic profile. In the mid-1990s, Black students made up 28.4% of Temples undergraduates. By 2016-17, though, the African American share had bottomed out at 12.6%.

 READ MORE: A million miles away Temple, Philadelphias diversity university, has seen a plummeting share of Black students over the last 25 years, even as it rapidly expanded enrollment.

Since then, it has been climbing slowly. This year, 18% of Temple students identify as Black, the school said.

Sean Vereen, president of Heights Philadelphia, an organization that helps students from city schools get to and through college, said Temples recent efforts to bring in more public school students from the city  including the Promise program  is notable and welcomed.

The first-year class includes 1,101 students from Philadelphia, a 68% increase from last year.

That strategy that goes back to its historic roots, he said, is not exclusivity but actually how do we create as much opportunity as we can for the people who are here in the city and the region and for populations that have been historically excluded from higher education.

But Temples Black students arent just coming from Philadelphia. In fact, 55% of them are from other states, part of a record percentage of out-of-state students this year making up 43.5% of the class. Maryland, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Delaware were among the biggest contributors.

Woods, who is one of Heights students, received Temples Cecil B. Moore Scholarship, which covers full tuition at Temple for public school students in eight zip codes in North Philadelphia.

Since beginning classes, she said, she has enjoyed making friends from other states but is still adjusting to the heavy workload while having to commute to campus.

My analytical reading and writing class is killing me right now, but I feel like I can get through it, she said.

Shes aware of the teacher shortage and especially the shortage of Black teachers and wants to be part of the solution, she said. One day, she said, she would like to become a professor  and so far she likes Temple so much that shed like to teach there.

Efforts to retain the students its gained

Bringing the students in isnt the only challenge. Colleges also must retain them. Temples overall retention rate and its rates for Black and Latino students are above the national average, but like many schools during and since the pandemic, they have lost some ground in recent years.

In 2019, 83% of Black students at Temple made it to their sophomore year; in 2023, the percentage had dropped seven points, to 76%. Retention rates for white and Hispanic students also dropped, but not by as much, university data shows.

Mandel said Temple recognizes that more students are coming to college with greater needs. The percentage of students who qualify for federal Pell grants geared toward low-income families increased this year to a record 46%, up from 38%.

And the school is preparing for that. A task force with representatives from across the university has been meeting since the spring semester, looking at not only providing academic support but also paying greater attention to mental health and well-being, Mandel said.

Were looking at doing a better job of gathering all sorts of data to identify students who are at risk  earlier and deliver stronger support, he said. We feel confident that the model we are implementing now is going to help bring our retention rates back to where they were pre-COVID.

Aviles said the university wants to get students connected to staff members before they have a problem.

Its incumbent upon us to get out in front of them, he said.

Many students are already strong supporters, Mandel said. More than half of the 530 students in Temples competitive honors program are students of color, he said.

Faith Swan, 18, of Philadelphia, said she chose Temple in part because of the opportunity to participate in the Fox Business Schools honors program. She also liked the walkable campus environment, and it was familiar. Her sister is a Temple senior, and her mother and aunt also went to Temple, she said.

 READ MORE: A record number of students from this Philly high school are going to Temple. For many, this police officer is the reason why.

And, like Woods, she took dual-enrollment classes at Temple when she was a student at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, which is near the universitys campus. She is one of a record-setting 42 Carver students who opted for Temple this year.

Overall, Temples enrollment this year declined 1.7%, a much smaller drop than last year, possibly signaling that the school might be turning a corner from multiyear decreases. Mandel noted that the university graduated 8,850 students in May, one of its largest classes in history, which meant that even such a large freshmen class wasnt enough to counter an overall reduction this year.

He anticipates overall enrollment will begin to increase again, possibly next year.

We think that comes from the hard work weve been doing, Mandel said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro with a case of Stateside cocktails at a Rutter's store in Duncannon, Pa., on Tuesday. Read more

You know the rules: No ID, no booze.

That applies even to 51-year-old Josh Shapiro.

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On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania governor couldnt buy ready-to-drink cocktails because he had not brought identification to a Rutters convenience store in Duncannon, Pa., for a photo op celebrating the expansion of state liquor law. Shapiro also apparently was considering purchasing more than the legal limit, according to an onlooker.

Shapiro was seen on video from Harrisburgs News 21 carrying cases of Surfside iced tea and lemonade as legislative leaders and members of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board stood by in the store, a 25-minute drive from Harrisburg.

Shapiro grabbed like four cases and said they'd be on him, though state law wouldn't allow someone to purchase that many at once.  Stephen Caruso (@StephenJ_Caruso) September 17, 2024

Reporter Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA tweeted that Shapiro had grabbed like four cases and said theyd be on him, but realized that would have exceeded the limit of 192 ounces in one purchase. He also realized that he had no identification.

Laughing, Shapiro handed back the booze, made by Stateside Vodka in Philadelphia.

Everybodys been there, said Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder. Follow the law and get your canned cocktails.

Under bipartisan support, sales of premixed spirits have been extended in Pennsylvania beyond the Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores to include gas stations, supermarkets, beer distributors, and other retail liquor licensees.

Act 86 of 2024, which went into effect this week, created a permit authorizing the sale of premixed spirits of up to 12.5% ABV in sealed containers up to 16 ounces. The PLCB, which said it had received 1,595 applications and issued 1,416 permits by Monday, said it would raise $137 million in tax revenue over the next five years if all the states 12,439 licensed establishments obtain the permit.
Bernadette Creedon holds a picture of Chase, the pit bull she rescued and took to the Montgomery County SPCA. She was furious when she learned that Chase had been euthanized. Read more

The puppy appeared in Bernadette Creedons neighborhood in late June, befriending the dogs of Huntingdon Valley with his goofy pit bull charm. It took three days to catch the stray, so she named him Chase.

She figured he would be safe at the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals until she could find a temporary foster home  and then, she promised him, a forever home.

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I would go almost every single day to check on him, she said, coming to know the Abington branchs staff on a first-name basis. I wanted to do anything I could do to get him out.

Creedon, 65, returned one day to discover Chase was dead.

She was told the 6-month-old dog became aggressive, biting his leash and growling when a manager used a dogcatcher pole to corral him back into his kennel. Chase was deemed unadoptable, and euthanized.

Creedon, furious, asked why no one bothered to call her, the dogs advocate. How could a puppy that was licking the faces of her pugs two weeks ago have been put down so quickly?

The contested euthanasia was not an isolated incident  but part of a pattern at the wealthiest animal shelter in the state, The Inquirer has found.

Nine current and former employees and seven volunteers at the nonprofit Montgomery County SPCA told The Inquirer that chronic understaffing, squalid kennel conditions, and casual euthanasia have become the norm, with little intervention from its executive director and the nonprofits board. (Some staffers and volunteers asked that their names not be used to protect against being dismissed.)

The Montco rescue has the lowest save rate among 11 shelters in the Philadelphia region. It euthanized nearly one in five animals that passed through its main Conshohocken shelter, according to an Inquirer analysis of available shelter data. That rate was more than double the rate of Brandywine Valley SPCA in Chester County.

The Montco SPCAs high euthanasia rate cannot be blamed on lack of funds. The Montco shelter had more than $67 million in unrestricted investment accounts at the end of last year, according to its most recent nonprofit tax filing  more than double the assets of the second-wealthiest SPCA in the commonwealth. Yet the Montco shelter spends only about $3 million annually.

[Management] is very trigger-happy to put any animal down for any reason, which chills me because part of the job is saving these animals, said Bobbie-Jean Brown, 27, a former kennel technician.

Open to all and worse than prison

Unlike most modern shelters, Montco does not have a foster program, hold adoption events, or work with other rescues for temporary placement. And despite tens of millions in assets, the main shelter is dangerously run-down, The Inquirer found.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration notified management in July that it received complaints about black mold in the cat isolation room, broken kennel runs, and improperly working kennel drains  conditions that staff and volunteers documented with photos and videos.

Dogs often escape through the unlockable kennel gates, some gashing their eyes and coats on frayed metal. Photos showed dogs that appeared to have burns on their paws, which staff attributed to the animals standing in their own urine. Conditions are made worse by understaffing and inconsistent cleaning, staff and volunteers said.

Its worse than prison, the way these animals are kept, said Allie Biehl, 29, a volunteer at the main shelter in Conshohocken. These dogs are eating, sleeping, and playing in their own s and pee for days on end.

Carmen Ronio, 79, the shelters executive director, declined an interview. Its board of directors, in a statement, said it takes such allegations very seriously but declined to answer detailed questions about animal treatment, finances, or shelter practices. Its sole full-time veterinarian, Corey McCann, did not respond to a request for comment and, according to three current staffers, resigned on Tuesday.

The Montco SPCA provides an essential public service as an open-door shelter, said operations manager Edward Davies, who said Ronio gave him permission to speak. It saves droves of elderly, disabled, and high-risk animals that selective no-kill shelters in the region might turn away.

Montco SPCA rejects the no-kill philosophy adopted by thousands of shelters nationwide  a misnomer that actually means those shelters strive to save 90% of all animals that come through their doors.

There are animals that are alive today that, if it werent for having an open-door shelter, they would have had nowhere to go, Davies said.

Shelter employees and volunteers contend that Ronio is part of the problem: He has worked at the shelter for 52 years, and he is stuck in the past.

Davies said the claims are exaggerated.

He said he hired a mold remediation company to address the OSHA complaint. The shelters veterinarian ruled the paw burns on dogs came from a fungal infection, or walking on the hot blacktop parking lot. The shelter is too crowded to clear out for major building upgrades right now.

He acknowledged disagreements among staff over euthanasia but said he trusts himself and other managers to make the right call.

We dont make snap decisions, Davies said. We hold onto animals that are difficult to place. But how would you feel if I adopted out a pit bull next to you that hates cats, and you do have a cat that wanders around your property? Im gonna have to weigh the safety of everybody.

Davies denied that the shelter, which has about 40 workers among its three locations, is short-staffed. He said the SPCA reintroduced its volunteer program last year, and touted a professional dog trainer who now donates her time to the shelter.

But that trainer, Dayna Villa, is among the whistle-blowers.

There are staff who have worked there for decades who know nothing about animal behavior, said Villa, 43, who runs a certified dog training business. When you euthanize a dog for growling at someone within 48 hours of arrival  that is not done at any credible shelter.

There has been little overall accountability as well. Each SPCA operates independently, without national or state oversight. Dog wardens from the state Department of Agriculture, which does oversee kennel licenses, passed the Montco shelters three branches (Conshohocken, Abington, and Perkiomenville) on all inspections in the last two years.

A spokesperson for the department said the agency is investigating multiple complaints it had received from shelter volunteers in recent weeks.

Concerned staff and volunteers blame the board, where Ronio holds a seat, for the current situation.

Ronio and his team have not replaced the chronically broken kennels. Yet they recently spent $10,000 on new faux-leather chairs for the boardroom, several staffers said.

They lodged numerous complaints about kennel conditions, instances of alleged animal cruelty, and mismanagement  with no apparent follow-through from board leaders, according to emails provided to The Inquirer.

Board president April Lownes-Hostler, 57, a former real estate professional who has been on the board since 2004, said in a statement that the board recently hired a firm to investigate.

We are prepared to take any and all necessary actions based on their findings, she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, problems continue in the kennels. On Aug. 30, two dogs at Conshohocken escaped through their broken kennel gates and got into a fight, causing widespread distress for staff and volunteers. They urged managers not to flag the two dogs for euthanasia.

Shoddy records, dead kittens

Villa, the trainer, started volunteering at the Montco SPCA in September 2023, shortly after the shelter restarted its volunteer program. Within months, the certified dog specialist saw red flags.

Ice, a 3-year-old pit bull with a brown-and-white coat, was so docile that staff gave him a green tag, reserved for the safest dogs to handle. The abandoned pit had been at the shelter three months as staff tried to track down its owner.

One night, Villa took Ice out of the kennels for a walk. The next day, she said, she learned he was dead. She didnt get a straight answer when she asked who signed off on it. There were no behavioral notes in his medical file.

Its not on anybodys radar that Ice was a problem, Villa said.

Animal case files reviewed by The Inquirer show that, over the last two years, dozens of dogs and cats were euthanized at Montco SPCA without clear documentation explaining the behavioral or medical issues behind the orders. Sometimes, the written assessments were sparse and subjective: Dog is mean, read one unsigned note in a euthanized dogs file.

Inconsistent record-keeping is a problem at shelters nationwide, animal welfare experts said, and few shelters have the resources to employ trained animal behaviorists to make assessments.

Carolyn Fitzgerald, a strategist with Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal welfare nonprofit based in Utah that tracks shelter euthanasia rates nationwide, said poor note-taking and unilateral decisions can be a recipe for disaster.

Its a hard industry, but you want to come from it objectively, she said.

Nine current and former staffers said veterinarian McCann, 41, the only full-time animal doctor for the countys three shelters, is behind many of the euthanasia recommendations, along with Abington and Conshohocken kennel manager Ronda Thomas, who is Davies sister.

Two staff members said they saw McCann rattle kennels or pretend to lunge at dogs to gauge their reactions. According to two former employees, Thomas moved a nursing cat between shelters for a vaccination, separating her from her four newborn kittens, who then were euthanized before they were a day old, even though Montco has a foster program for infant cats.

In February, Villa alerted board members that Thomas had kicked at a kennel door with a dog right on the other side, yelling at the dog. In another instance, she yanked a cat off a ledge with a control pole, causing it to slam seven feet to the ground. It was horrifying, said a staffer.

Thomas did not respond to a request for comment.

Villa has recommended hiring a full-time, licensed behavioral specialist. Davies said that would only lead to more disputes among staff about whether an animal can be rehabilitated.

Cracks in the family-run system

Ronio began working at the Montgomery County shelter in the early 1970s, when one in four dogs in America lived on the streets, before spay and neuter programs became widespread.

Ronio climbed the ladder to assistant administrator, and around 2000, the board named him to lead the nonprofit, where he now makes over $250,000 a year.

Over the decades, he has been quoted as an authority in newspaper stories about animal cruelty cases, notorious cat hoarders, and fireworks-fearing dogs that go missing on July Fourth each year.

Ronio has promoted long-term shelter employees like Davies and his sister Thomas into top jobs. Davies started as a kennel tech in 1987 straight out of high school. Davies said the decadeslong employees are an asset.

Its a select number of people who can work in [shelters] long term, Davies said.

But the challenges of recent years have exposed cracks in the system.

The family-business-style environment has caused strain, staff and volunteers said. When staff members have complaints about Thomas, they have to bring them to her brother. (Davies denied this, and said complaints about Thomas go to Ronio.)

Problems have compounded since the pandemic, Davies acknowledged, as the shelter has seen a steady increase in animals. Montcos workload rose from 4,103 animals in 2021 to nearly 4,900 animals among three shelters last year, according to intake data.

Davies said he and other managers have not considered bringing in consultants to improve operations. The SPCA does not need adoption and foster programs because the shelter is over a century old, he said, and local families have been adopting from there for generations.

Other regional shelter leaders said Ronio rebuffed offers to help Montco.

When animal welfare leader Rick Matelsky came to Providence Animal Center, then known as the Delaware County SPCA, in 2007, the shelter faced complaints similar to Montcos. He oversaw the shelters turnaround, with modern adoption programs and a partnership with the University of Pennsylvanias veterinary school.

Ronio often criticized the changes happening in Delco, Matelsky said.

Carmen runs a shelter like its back in the 60s, which is to bring animals in, hold them for three days, and then euthanize, Matelsky said. He makes no effort with adoptions.

One Montco staffer, who requested anonymity to speak freely about Ronio and other managers, said the ignorance was willful.

The more crowded it is, the more cracks in the system show up, the staffer said. They just dont know to go on the internet and search how is a modern shelter supposed to run?

Jonathan Segal, 63, an attorney and former board member who now volunteers at the shelter, said more staff and building upgrades are sorely needed. Still, he defended the overworked veterinary staff, including McCann.

I have seen the SPCA and their vets go through heroic efforts to save older, disabled, high-risk cats and dogs, sometimes performing multiple surgeries, Segal said. I dont think another shelter would have saved them.

The unspent millions

Why the wealthy nonprofit hasnt modernized the shelter and added staff has baffled both employees and outside observers. Some blame its entrenched board.

Five of its 11 members have served for a decade or more, according to federal tax filings, and three of those five hold the top three officer positions. Except for Ronio, they are unpaid.

Shelters nationwide rely on donors, and Montco has been blessed on this front: The shelter draws more than $1.7 million per year in donations, including estates left by animal lovers in Pennsylvanias richest county.

But much of the $67 million has come from investment growth. Nonprofit filings show the shelter has nearly doubled its assets over the last decade, amassing over $50 million into a trio of investment accounts.

As of 2022, nearly half of that amount was held by boutique wealth management firm Glenmede, where the board treasurer, Stanley Broadbent, worked for over two decades, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The board said in a statement that Broadbent had no involvement with the long-standing account. Broadbent did not reply to a request for comment.

Nonprofit filings show the shelter increased its annual spending from $2.6 million to $3.3 million last year, including $336,000 in investment management fees.

Matelsky, who has consulted for shelters nationwide, said Montcos financial position is unheard of. Most nonprofits strive to keep three years worth of operating revenue in savings; Montcos rainy day fund could carry the shelter for more than 20 years.

Segal, the former board member-turned-volunteer, said he hopes the board members will change course.

Staff and volunteers doubt change will come without a complete overhaul.

Jennifer Tucker, 54, a volunteer since last year, said its beyond shameful.

There is no way you could walk into that shelter and not see the effects of mismanagement and dysfunction on the animals and the staff, she said. The buck stops  and starts  with the board.
Police investigate the scene at a home on the 2800 block of North Bailey Street, where a 13-year-old girl was fatally shot on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. Read more

A 13-year-old girl was fatally shot inside a home Wednesday night in North Philadelphia, police said.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., police responding to a report of a shooting on the 2800 block of North Bailey Street found the girl on the second floor.

Police said she had been shot in the chest and no gun was located at the scene.

The girl was transported by police to Temple University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 8 p.m.

No arrests were reported.
Move to Amend holds a rally at the U.S. Supreme Court Building to "Occupy the Courts" and mark the second anniversary of the "Citizens United v. FEC" decision, on Friday, Jan. 20. 2012. Read more

Theres always been a missing link to what a lot of political buffs think is the biggest conspiracy theory of the last half-century.

In early 1971, a then-obscure Richmond, Va., lawyer named Lewis F. Powell Jr. sent a memo to an influential friend at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, outlining how capitalists should defend the free market against the convulsions of the 1960s. Powell did become famous less than a year later when Richard Nixon named him to the U.S. Supreme Court, and over a much longer period of time, so did the Powell Memo. Thats because almost everything Powell proposed  a network of conservative media, think tanks, and academic centers, as well as financial support for conservative candidates  has not only come to pass but now dominates American politics.

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Indeed, liberals blaming the once-unknown Powell Memo for everything they see wrong in modern America eventually triggered a backlash. What proof was there, critics asked, that important people even read the memo or acted upon it? Even leading foes of big money in politics like Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse admitted that piece of the puzzle was missing.

Until now.

Over the last couple of years, journalists for an investigative reporting site called the Lever, led by Philadelphia-area native David Sirota, visited out-of-the-way libraries, sifted through boxes that have been unopened for decades, and found proof that the Powell Memo was indeed the blueprint for modern conservatism. Top U.S. business executives set up task forces on how to carry out the memos key recommendations and held meetings. One, at Walt Disney Worlds Polynesian Village, attracted the top Republican on Capitol Hill and future president, Gerald Ford, while other gatherings were attended by the Koch Brothers or Roger Ailes, who later served as the founding CEO of Fox News. Inspired by the Powell Memo, radio commentaries, public service ads, and even a film narrated by Jimmy Stewart resold capitalism to the masses.

Sirota told me by phone this week from his adopted home of Denver that the Lever project aimed to answer a question that had vexed him since a stint as a young congressional aide in the early 2000s: How did it become legal to purchase the entire political system?

A lot of the answers, it turned out, were hiding in plain sight  or at the bottom of cardboard boxes. The result is a must-listen audio series called Master Plan that has been topping the political podcast charts since it was launched in August. Now five free episodes in, Master Plan looks at how early efforts to clean up campaign financing in America, inspired, in part, by Watergate, were undermined by Big Businesss scheme, a Supreme Court  led by memo author Powell  that turned corporations into people, and by the spigot of Big Money that was opened up.

But while the history lessons are fascinating, the real purpose of Sirota and the Master Plan podcast is to contemplate the mess America finds itself in today  with billionaire donors and their unlimited contributions setting the agenda for what issues get addressed, or more often not addressed  and to scream out that it doesnt have to be this way.

And yet, while the corrupting influence of Big Money is a disease that affects both parties, and the current 2024 election is on track to shatter all records with more than $10 billion in campaign spending, few people besides Sirota and his Lever reporters are talking about the problem. Some of that is surely due to the tribal nature of a campaign that both parties have portrayed as do-or-die for the future of the American Experiment, which has partisans determined to crush the other side without caring where the money is coming from.

There are definitely real stakes in this election, for sure, said Sirota, who worked on the 2020 presidential campaign of progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders. But when you talk about this election as being a fight for the survival of democracy, I see it more as a fight for the survival of whats left of democracy. In other words, Donald Trumps authoritarianism is dangerous, but the system he threatens has already ceded power to wealthy donors on key issues from health care to taxes.

Yet, in the recent debate between the GOPs Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, neither was asked what they would do to reduce the influence of Big Money in American politics. This despite months of headlines about corruption at the Supreme Court, where pro-business justices got luxury vacations and other gifts from billionaires, and in the Senate, where former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez was convicted of bribery after agents found gold bars in his house.

Thus, it hasnt been a major issue in the election that Trump told a room full of Big Oil millionaires and billionaires hed eliminate climate regulations if they agreed to raise $1 billion for his campaign, or that he flip-flopped his position on banning TikTok when he was wooing the social media apps biggest U.S. investor, Jeff Yass, or that the worlds richest man, government contractor Elon Musk, has thrown in behind the GOP nominee. Even a credible allegation that Egypt, in 2017, sent the incoming president a $10 million bribe barely dented the news cycle.

 READ MORE: The giant U.S. scandal we dont talk about | Will Bunch Newsletter

The debates over Trumps dictatorial tendencies laid out by his backers Project 2025, or the racism of the blatant lies from the candidate and his running mate Sen. JD Vance about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, seem to matter a lot less to Americas billionaires than the fundamentals of low taxes on their wealth and minimal regulation of their businesses. Kathy Wylde, who heads a New York City business group, told Politico that Republicans have told her the threat to capitalism from the Democrats is more concerning than the threat to democracy from Trump.

Yet, Harris and the Democrats are no angels, either, when it comes to wooing campaign cash from corporate political committees or billionaire CEOs, as evidenced at the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where lobbyists fittingly packed the lobbies of the swank Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons hotels hoping to encounter top Harris aides. The Democrats biggest billionaire backers have reportedly pressed Harris to go after monopolies less aggressively than President Joe Biden and his appointees have. The vice president recently announced that her plan to raise taxes on capital gains is also less aggressive than Bidens proposal, which would surely please the donor class.

Watchdogs on campaign spending say that if you look hard enough, you can see how large donors affect what issues get a disproportionate amount of attention  such as a proposed tax on wealth  and which issues that affect millions of middle-class Americans are getting short shrift, such as the high cost of health insurance and the persistence of medical bankruptcy, a problem that exists in no other developed nation in the world.

Sirota continues to believe that change is possible. He said that despite the decades-long run of Supreme Court rulings  capped by the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC decision that allowed corporations or other groups to spend unlimited funds on elections  he still believes there is enough legal leeway for Congress to enact tougher proposals like Whitehouses DISCLOSE Act that would require so-called super-PACs or dark money groups to reveal their large donors. But given Republicans reluctance for any campaign finance reform, its hard to see how such bills get around a GOP filibuster.

The crusading journalist also acknowledged that  thanks to Trumps three appointees  the current high court is probably even more conservative than the Roberts court that signed off on Citizens United, and that even modest reforms could get struck down. The ultimate solution of a constitutional amendment that would end corporate personhood and allow for campaign donation and spending limits faces even more hurdles than congressional legislation.

And yet, until such a reversal happens, Americas elections will remain a kind of shell game where the candidates fight over a handful of important issues like abortion rights while the things that truly matter to the oligarchy  low marginal tax rates, friendly regulators, tepid climate action, and avoidance of radical but needed solutions like single-payer health care or affordable public universities  are kept out of the political conversation altogether.

We now know it took 53 years, a ruthless vision, and a lot of hard work to create the network of news outlets and think tanks and to appoint the hundreds of like-minded judges that have entrenched an American kleptocracy. It may take at least that long to undo the rights master plan.

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Gov. Josh Shapiro headlines a reproductive rights rally for Vice President Harris at the Independence Visitor Center Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, before the campaigns national Fighting for Reproductive Freedom bus departs on a tour across Pennsylvania. Read more

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro remains the most popular government official in the critical battleground state, receiving a higher favorability rating than Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump  and even Pennsylvanias own superstar Taylor Swift, according to a new poll of likely voters published Thursday by The Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, and Siena College.

Shapiro remains an unusually popular first-term Democratic governor in one of the most important states in the presidential election, who has been making a national brand for himself as a moderate willing to work across the aisle. And his popularity helped make him a top contender for Harris running mate before she ultimately chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her No. 2.

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Approximately 59% of likely Pennsylvania voters strongly approve or somewhat approve of Shapiros leadership as the commonwealths governor in the months since he was a front-runner to be Harris vice presidential pick.

Shapiros high approval ratings outpace the favorability ratings of Harris (51%), Trump (45%), and Swift (46%), who endorsed Harris following last weeks presidential debate in Philadelphia. Job approval ratings are usually lower than favorability ratings, meaning the number of voters who like Shapiro personally could be higher than those who approve of the job hes doing as governor.

A third of likely Trump voters still hold a favorable view of Shapiro, according to the poll conducted by phone of 1,082 likely voters from Sept. 11 through Sept. 16. Shapiro held a similar approval rating among Trump supporters in a May poll by The Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times and Siena College.

Swift, for her part, is not a politician. But she was a divisive figure in the poll, and her political impact is widely watched. (Shapiro is a Swiftie and he said last year after Swift performed her Eras Tour in Pittsburgh that his favorite song is Never Grow Up.)

After Harris selected Walz as her vice presidential pick, some pundits questioned whether she should have chosen Shapiro because of his bipartisan appeal and his position as the top official in one of the most important swing states.

Pennsylvania last voted for a Republican presidential candidate in 2016. Meanwhile, its been more than 50 years since deep-blue Minnesota voted for one. Even in 1984, when 49 states voted for former President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, Minnesota still voted blue (albeit for Minnesota native Walter Mondale).

Nate Silver, who founded political polling publication FiveThirtyEight, wrote on his Substack earlier this month that Harris blew one big opportunity to tack the center with her selection of Tim Walz rather than Josh Shapiro. And local Republicans celebrated after Harris passed over Shapiro for the job.

Thursdays Philadelphia Inquirer/New York Times/Siena College poll shows Shapiro remains well-liked in Pennsylvania, despite his weeks in the national spotlight that made him the most-scrutinized veepstakes contender.

Stephen Sutton, 78, a registered Republican who lives in Upper Bucks County and participated in the poll, is supporting Trump in the upcoming election, but said he believes Shapiro is doing an OK job as governor.

Hes doing a decent job, Sutton said. Hes working across the aisle. I was pleased with the way he handled the I-95 situation. He got in there and cut the red tape. And so you know, I know it can be done.

If Harris had chosen Shapiro as her running mate, it wouldnt have changed Suttons mind about voting for Trump, he added, because any vice president would be a smoke screen.

If I really thought she was picking somebody that was going to do some good and have input, then I might have a different take, he added.

Lisa Crosier, 58, of Washington, said she plans to support Trump in November, but said she thinks Shapiro is doing a good job leading the state.

Kamala Harris missed an opportunity, Crosier added. She should have picked him... Shapiro is much more of an impressive person.

But even if Harris picked Shapiro for her vice president, Crosier also said it would not have changed her mind about who she will vote for in November.

I dont think shes the right person for the job, she added.

The Harris campaign has not been shy about leveraging the governors popularity as a campaign surrogate. Shapiro was tapped to kick off a reproductive freedom bus tour across Pennsylvania, and has made the rounds on CNNs State of the Union and Fox News Sunday. He also made a prime time speech before the Democratic National Convention last month, was one of Harris supporters in the spin room following the debate, and is expected to be a key surrogate here in the remaining weeks of the presidential campaign.

However, Shapiro maintains that Walz is the right guy for this job, and has frequently said a running mate is a deeply personal decision for Harris and himself. He loves his job as governor, and has always wanted to be an executive, he added.

I love what I do, Shapiro said after the conclusion of the veepstakes. I love that I get to do it on my terms.

Camille Baker of the New York Times contributed to this article.
Former President Donald Trump talks with the media in the spin room at the Convention Center following his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Read more

Former President Donald Trump canceled his visit to a Polish Catholic shrine in Doylestown, a representative of his campaign confirmed Thursday.

Trumps campaign announced Tuesday the former president would visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa on Sunday, the same day Polish President Andrzej Duda was scheduled to visit the holy site significant to Polish Catholics.

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But just two days later, a representative from Trumps campaign said Thursday the former president would no longer be attending the Sunday event.

Duda, the right-wing leader of Poland, is scheduled to attend a Roman Catholic Mass at the shrine before the unveiling of a monument honoring the anticommunist Solidarity movement. Dudas staff told the Associated Press that they expected Trump to be in attendance as well, and that the two men would meet if they both attended.

Sundays visit was not slated to be a campaign rally. Trump had planned to pray at the church and attend the monuments unveiling outside the shrine, a spokesperson for the shrine said.

Michael Blichasz, the president of the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia, said Trump and Duda have been friends for years, predating Trumps rise to the presidency. Trump has also supported the Polish American community throughout the years, he added.

But after Trump was the target of another apparent assassination attempt earlier this week, there had been some concern about the former president being out in the open, Blichasz said.

Maybe this is OK for everybodys benefit, Blichasz added. In todays world, you never know what kind of characters are out there. It might be better to be careful.

However, Trumps presence likely would have been a message to Polish American voters. Pennsylvania is home to more than 700,000 people with Polish ancestry  5% of the commonwealths population.

During the presidential debate in Philadelphia last week, Vice President Kamala Harris made mention of Polish American Pennsylvanians  a historically reliable voting bloc for Democrats that has moved to the right in recent years as Republicans have also lobbied for their support.

The visit would have been Trumps second visit this year to Bucks County, a battleground county where Republicans now outnumber Democrats. Earlier this year he hosted a private fundraiser in the county, and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, is expected to visit Newtown on Sept. 28.

Trump narrowly lost Bucks County in 2016 and President Joe Biden expanded Democrats lead in the county in 2020. The county, however, remains one of the former presidents best chances at regaining support in Philadelphias suburbs.

This summer, Bucks County became the only county in the area where registered Republicans outnumbered registered Democrats. While Democrats control county government, voters have kept U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican with a reputation as a moderate, in office.

Trump is still scheduled to visit the commonwealth next week, with a rally set for Monday in Indiana County in Western Pennsylvania.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff appear at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Read more

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff will visit Bucks County on Sunday to meet with volunteers for Vice President Kamala Harris campaign for the presidency.

Emhoff will hype up volunteers at a neighborhood canvass launch in support of his wifes campaign, which has three offices in Bucks County and 50 across Pennsylvania.

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Former President Donald Trump was previously planning to visit a Polish Catholic shrine in Doylestown on the same day, but he has since canceled his visit.

Emhoffs visit this weekend underscores the importance of Bucks County volunteers, who are tasked with reaching voters in Philadelphias swing suburb. The Philadelphia suburbs played a crucial role in President Joe Bidens 2020 election win, and any shifts can have an impact on the election.

A Philadelphia Inquirer/New York Times/Siena College poll taken shortly after the presidential debate this month shows Harris with a narrow 4-point lead over Trump within the polls margin of error. Both candidates have spent the most time and money in Pennsylvania.

Emhoff was just in Philadelphia earlier this month on debate night. He joined Harris on stage in a surprise appearance immediately after at the campaigns watch party on Cherry Street Pier.

He also appeared in Philadelphia with Harris and her vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in their first rally together last month. They were joined by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Emhoff has proven to be able to energize crowds of his wifes supporters.

I told you she was ready! he shouted to a Philly crowd after the debate.

You won that debate, he said to Harris.

But we havent won anything yet, right? he added.   She showed everyone, especially Donald Trump, what a real leader is. And now were going to take this momentum to the next 55 days so I can call my wife the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris!

He was met with cheers throughout.
On Sept. 11, the Federal Court issued orders to preserve the assets of four companies linked to McWilliams: ALAMMC Developments Pty Ltd, SDAMF Pty Ltd, Harvey Madison Capital Pty Ltd, and Coral Coast Mutual Pty Ltd. The court also ordered the preservation of assets belonging to McWilliams and his partner, Laura Fullarton, and imposed a travel restraint on McWilliams, prohibiting him from leaving Australia.
The food sector saw the largest rise in recall events, with a 25.8% increase from H2 2023.The pharmaceutical and medical device sectors also reported significant increases in recall activity, up by 17.5% and 5.3%, respectively. In contrast, the automotive and consumer product sectors saw a decline in recall events, with reductions of 6.2% and 6.0%.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 17, 2024, at the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 in Hannover, U POWER Tech and Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. ("King Long") officially signed a strategic cooperation and project implementation agreement, according to a post on U POWER Tech's WeChat account. This partnership is set to explore further possibilities based on U POWER Tech's innovative UP Super Board technology, marking a significant step forward for both companies in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Photo credit: UP POWER Tech

Paul Li, Founder and CEO of U POWER Tech, commented: "From the initial concept to today's achievement, our partnership with King Long has faced multiple challenges and tests. We firmly believe in the limitless potential of EVs, while also recognizing the difficulties along the path of innovation. We are grateful to King Long for their trust and support, which has led us to this successful launch of the 'Powered by U POWER' business model in China. Earlier this year, in January, we also entered a collaboration with U.S.-based startup Olympian Motors for our skateboard chassis, and we look forward to working with more partners in the future to drive the growth of the global new energy vehicle industry."

"Powered by U POWER" is an innovative business model introduced by U POWER Tech. It offers advanced skateboard chassis technology and intelligent electric vehicle solutions, helping automakers rapidly develop EV models tailored to market demand. This approach can reduce product development cycles by 12 to 18 months, providing manufacturers with a competitive edge.

U POWER Tech has also made significant strides in the global market recently. In August, the electric urban logistics vehicle developed in collaboration with King Long received Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) from the European Union, officially entering the European market. Additionally, U POWER Tech has delivered its customized Class 3 chassis products to customers in the U.S., marking a new chapter in overseas sales. These high-performance electric vehicle platforms offer U POWER's global clients a wider range of options, accelerating the company's expansion in international markets.
We should recognise the tremendous value that these cyber cat models have been delivering to the insurance industry to help them understand exposure aggregation, and help them figure out how much risk they want to bear and how much capital they want to deploy on cyber, she said. As we know, SMB is a huge area of potential growth for companies looking to enter this emerging risk space. [Thats why] its so important for cyber writers to get it right when it comes to exposure management strategy for SMBs.
If you try and move these things after they're in situ and have all their equipment attached on, it's incredibly difficult to redesign, he said. For example, in a project that I'm working on at the moment, they're looking at different ways that they can build a battery unit, whether the inverter is external or internal to the battery unit and the implications of that.
Founded in 2005, Catalyst Benefits Group has built its business around a culture that emphasizes employee care and accountability. The firm operates under a mission statement that stresses being selfless and accountable in all aspects of its operations, which it says reflects a commitment to its clients and the community.
The Archdiocese has acknowledged many of the plaintiffs allegations that it concealed, tolerated, and abetted child molestation, which continued for decades because of the Archdioceses cover-up and its unconscionable failure to stop the abuse when it had the knowledge and opportunity to do so.
The management liability insurance segment has attracted a lot of new capacity in the last few years, and the increased competition has pushed rates down significantly. But the segment faces growing risks from regulatory and technology-related exposures, making the quality of coverage and carrier, not the price, even more important.

There are several concerning trends that need to be carefully monitored within the directors and officers (D&O), employment practices (EPL) and fiduciary liability coverage lines, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), corporate governance policies, ever-increasing defense costs and excessive fee litigation.

Clients may understandably opt for less expensive management liability policies without realizing the critical differences that exist between them, or how the companys exposures are evolving.

Its up to agents and brokers to ensure their clients are getting the best coverage for their needs, but first they need to understand the changing management liability landscape.

Directors and Officers Liability

D&O is perhaps the segment within the management liability space under the most pressure, as evidenced by AM Bests decision in March to assign the U.S. D&O market a negative outlook.

Best said growing competition is fueling a supply versus demand problem for favorable risks, and there is concern over rising legal expenses and growing exposures from new technologies, and regulatory pressures around environmental, social and governance costs.

Directors and officers of private companies are under pressure to respond to global issues in a socially responsible way, particularly those related to climate change and artificial intelligence. Companies that dont respond may face consumer backlash or class action litigation.

Antitrust is another area of concern based on increased enforcement of the law after years of a more lenient approach. Individual directors and officers may be liable for antitrust violations so it is important to know how your clients D&O policy responds. Some policies may have a specific exclusion while others remain silent.

Traditionally, claims frequency is higher for EPL than D&O, but D&O claims tend to be more severe, which is the reason underpricing coverage now can create major market disruptions later on.

Employment Practices Liability

The business world has changed dramatically over the last five years, thanks in no small part to a shift to remote work necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the societal spotlight on employee harassment and discrimination.

While these trends are still of concern, the underwriting community is also now monitoring how the emergence of artificial intelligence could impact employment claims as more employers look to AI technology for recruitment and hiring.

Research by the Society for Human Resource Management in 2022 found that nearly one in four organizations were using automation or AI to support HR-related activities, including recruitment and hiring. Although 30% of employers said AI improves their ability to reduce potential bias in hiring decisions, according to SHRM, lawmakers and regulators are concerned AI-tools are having the opposite effect.

Employers may use these tools in an attempt to save time and effort, increase objectivity and decrease bias, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in a 2022 guidance to employers. However, the use of the tools may disadvantage job applicants and employees with disabilities.

New York became the first state to pass a law regulating automated employment decision tools, with other states expected to follow suit.

Another challenge for employers is the ever-evolving legislative environment of employment law. There has been increased litigation in wage and hour claims, which includes misclassification of employees, failure to pay overtime, policing of rest breaks and meal breaks, among other violations. It is critical to understand wage and hour exposures, especially in states such as California, New York and Illinois, to name a few. Ensure your clients EPL policies include appropriate limits and coverage, if available, and focus on risk management strategies to help mitigate potential claims.

Fiduciary Liability

Theres been a significant uptick in excessive-fee litigation against fiduciary administrators of company retirement and benefit plans. The plaintiffs bar and the U.S. Department of Labor have brought many actions in this area, and in some cases reached historical settlements. As of 2020, an estimated $1 billion in settlements and more than $250 million in attorney fees had been paid by fiduciary liability insurance companies, a report from Euclid Specialty found.

Fiduciary liability has historically been a profitable line of business, so this trend is particularly concerning and worth watching closely. It is important to be aware of how much is being charged per plan participant as a way to gauge excessive fee exposure.

Coverage, Claims and Risk Management

Agents and brokers should ensure they are staying abreast of the many factors impacting their clients, closely scrutinize the quality of coverage offerings available, and be aware of what tools are available to help their clients mitigate risk.

In the overly competitive management liability market, agents will find the most success and provide the best service when they focus on coverage, claims expertise and risk management best practices over price.

Top tier companies often provide value-added services including complimentary or discounted risk management tools and access to experts for pre-claims assistance. For example, insureds can call a hotline for advice regarding employment questions, such as harassment or termination issues, and access tools such as state-required trainings or employee handbook templates. Understanding these additional services can help guide your client to make informed decisions about the support they need to mitigate potential lawsuits.

Lastly, ensure your clients are with a financially strong carrier with focused expertise in management liability and a solid history of paying claims. In this challenging marketplace, partnering with experts who understand the complexities of coverage will serve your clients well in the long-term.

Topics Liability Talent Human Resources
A fire suppression system at a Brunswick Executive Airport hangar showed deficiencies about a year before it discharged gallons of firefighting foam containing harmful chemicals in Maines biggest accidental spill of the fire suppressant on record, according to a recently released report.

Its not known, however, if those deficiencies, which included some non-functioning sensors, led to what happened on Aug. 19 i n Hangar 4. The system released 1,450 gallons (5,490 liters) of firefighting foam concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters) of water at the former Navy base.

An investigation is underway into why the fire suppression system discharged. The foam, which contains chemicals known as PFAS, was removed and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention had advised the public not to consume or to limit consumption of freshwater fish from four nearby bodies of water.

The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which is overseeing redevelopment of the property, recently released a fire suppression inspection and testing report from July 2023. The authority was actively trying to get a technician out to address any deficiencies following the report, Kristine Logan, the groups executive director, told The Associated Press in an email on Friday. She said no one was able to be scheduled.

Logan also said the group also was working on finding alternatives to having an active foam system in the hangar.

We were not ignoring the issue, she said.

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are found in everything from food packaging to clothing and are associated with health problems including several types of cancer. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency, for the first time, proposed limits on the chemicals in drinking water.

Brunswick Naval Air Station officially closed in 2011, and automated fire suppression is mandated in large hangars. The hangars once housed P-3 Orion subhunters and other aircraft.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Aviation
Families of immigrant construction workers killed when Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after it was hit by the cargo ship Dali plan to challenge the attempt by the ship owner and operator to limit their liability for the tragedy.

The workers survivors have joined with CASA, a working class community, human services and immigrant support organization, and will be represented in court by the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Gupta Wessler LLP. The lawyers are expected to file the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Baltimore by a September 24 deadline.

The families announced their intention to sue Wednesday, the same day that the US Justice Department filed suit against Grace Ocean, owner of the Dali ship, and Synergy Marine, the ships operator. The US is seeking more than $100 million to cover the costs to remove the ship, clear debris and restore marine operations after the destruction of the bridge halted operations at the Port of Baltimore.

The families suing include those of Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, Jose Mynor Lopez and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, who were three of the six workers of a predominantly Latin American immigrant work crew killed in the March 26 crash.

What should have been a normal day at work turned into a devastating event because the ships owner, Grace Ocean Private, failed to do its job in ensuring that the ship was safe and ready to leave port, not least because the ship had lost power multiple times before even leaving port. Our forthcoming filing will lay out the negligence and culpability of Grace Ocean Private for the loss of these young men, said attorney Matthew Wessler, principal at Gupta Wessler LLP and counsel for the plaintiffs, in a statement at a press conference announcing the families plan to sue.

I dont want any wife to lose her husband the way I did. I dont want any child to be left without their father because of a tragedy that could have been prevented, said Carmen, the wife of Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, at the press conference.

Dali lost electrical power and propulsion as it was departing Baltimore Harbor, causing it to collide with a pier supporting the Key Bridge. The Dali had experienced blackouts the day before yet the ship was cleared to leave the harbor.

Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine have petitioned the court to limit their legal liability for the disaster to about $43.7 million, citing maritime law that in some cases caps liability of ship owners if they were not aware that the vessel causing the loss was in unseaworthy condition.

Grace Ocean and Synergy claim that the collapse of the bridge was not due to any fault, neglect, or want of care on their part and thus they should not be held liable for the tragedy. They also argue alternatively that if they are held liable, under the maritime law their liability should be limited to no more than the current value of the ship and its cargo after the crash, or $43.7 million. Before the crash, the value of the ship was about $90 million.

However, the parties suing over the tragedy maintain the ship owner and operator are at fault.

The Justice Department argues that out of negligence, mismanagement, and, at times, a desire to cut costs, they configured the ships electrical and mechanical systems in a way that prevented those systems from being able to quickly restore propulsion and steering after a power outage. As a result, when the Dali lost power, a cascading set of failures led to disaster.

The US lawsuit specifically asserts that none of the four means that should have been available to help steer the Dali  the propeller, rudder, anchor, or bow thruster  worked when they were needed to avert or even mitigate this disaster.

The families and federal government are not alone in challenging the cargo ship owners bid for limited liability.

The city of Baltimore has also gone to court. In no way should their liability be limited, argue the Baltimore mayor and City Council in a court document charging the Dali owner and operator with gross and potentially criminal negligence for allegedly putting a clearly unseaworthy vessel into the water. The bridges collapse killed six individuals, destroyed Baltimore property, interrupted traffic routes, and brought the regions primary economic engine to a halt, the city asserts.

In addition, a small publishing business owner has filed a class action on behalf of businesses affected by the port closure.

Neither the city nor the small business owners have specified the amounts of damages they are seeking.

A criminal probe of the crash is underway by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which issued a preliminary report, is conducting a deeper investigation.

Photo: The collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge lay on top of the container ship Dali, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Baltimore. The FBI confirmed that agents were aboard the Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Topics Lawsuits Construction
Firefighters are battling blazes in the region of Aveiro and other areas of northern Portugal for a fourth day after temperatures increased earlier this week.

About 4,000 firefighters as well as 22 aircraft were facing active wildfires as of 9 a.m. in Lisbon, according to the website of Portugals civil protection authority. Cooler weather is forecast for Thursday. (Editors note: This article was originally published by Bloomberg on Sept. 18).

Four firefighters have died since Sunday, the government said. Access to some highways in the north of the country remains cut.

The government declared a situation of calamity in the affected municipalities and will help provide accommodation for those who dont have a home due to the fires, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on Tuesday night after an extraordinary cabinet meeting.

Temperatures in Aveiro are forecast to reach highs of 30C (86F) on Wednesday and just 23C on Thursday, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere. The government has restricted access to forest areas due to the increased risk of fires.

About 20,000 hectares have been burnt since Sunday in the region of Aveiro, news agency Lusa reported.

Top photograph: Residents protect their homes from a wildfire in Agueda, in the Aveiro region of Portugal, on Sept. 17, 2024. Photo credit: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
From the moment pagers began exploding across Lebanon Tuesday, theories began to circulate on how devices considered outmoded in much of the world were turned into dangerous weapons that killed several people and wounded almost 3,000.

As Lebanon accused Israel of engineering the attack aimed at Hezbollah militants, much of the debate centered on the possibility that the supply chain for the retro devices had been compromised. One prevailing idea was that the pagers had been engineered so that their batteries would heat up until the devices exploded.

Overheating of the batteries indicated foul play, Lebanons Telecommunications Minister Johnny Corm told Bloomberg.

But one cybersecurity expert, Robert Graham, dismissed that theory. He said on X that making batteries do anything more than burn is very hard and implausible. Far more plausible is that somebody bribed the factory to insert the explosives.

Japans Icom Investigates Radio Devices Carrying its Logo After Lebanon Blasts

Among the other theories was that an electronic signal triggered the explosions.

If true, I suspect it was an intentional physical defect enabled by cyber or a radio frequency signal, said Mark Montgomery, a retired admiral and executive director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.

Hezbollahs Al-Manar television showed what it said were images of Motorola pagers that were being used before the attack. These pagers were detonated with high-tech by the Israeli enemy, Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Mousawi told the groups TV network.

Gold Apollo Co., a small closely held Taiwanese company identified in some media reports as the manufacturer of the pagers that exploded, denied that it made the devices.

Those devices arent ours, said a company official, asking not to be named before a formal statement. The person added that Gold Apollo licenses its brand to at least one other company, without providing more details.

Motorola Solutions Inc. didnt immediately respond to Bloombergs requests for comment.

Supply-Chain Deployment

Deepa Kundur, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Toronto, said she suspects it was a supply chain deployment. In such an attack, she said, the perpetrator would infiltrate the pagers upstream supply chain to manufacture a critical component with a built-in explosive charge, without the final vendor knowing. The explosive component could sit in a pager for months or years before being detonated on receipt of a message that triggers the modified part.

Pagers have been supplanted by mobile phones in much of the world, although NPR recently reported that doctors in US hospitals continue to favor their no-nonsense messaging. Pagers are also routinely used in medical facilities in Lebanon.

Hezbollah operatives use low-tech devices such as pagers and walkie-talkies to avoid interceptions of their communications by Israeli intelligence. They can send encrypted messages without giving away their location.

Israel neither confirmed nor denied it was behind the attacks. But Matthew Levitt of the Washington Institute said, It is by any definition a pretty significant intelligence coup for Israel, signifying that they penetrated Hezbollahs security channels.

Israel is ratcheting things up in some ways, but theyre actually trying to send a message to Hezbollah through something short of full-scale war, he said.

US officials said they had no advance knowledge of the exploding pagers.

Israeli Intelligence

Israeli intelligence is considered masterful at engineering such covert sabotage while never acknowledging its role.

Most famously, the Stuxnet attack, which was discovered in 2010, involved planting computer code that destroyed as many as 1,000 nuclear centrifuges in Iran by making them spin out of control. It was widely considered a joint effort by Israel and the US.

In 1996, Hamas bomb maker Yahya Ayyash was killed in Gaza City when his mobile phone exploded during a weekly phone call to his father in the West Bank. Shin Bet, Israels security service, was believed to be behind the killing. In 2001, Israel was blamed for booby-trapping a public telephone in the center of the Palestinian city of Nablus, which exploded when Osama Jawabri, a member of a Palestinian militant group, went to use it.

In July, Ismail Haniyeh, political chief of the militant group Hamas, was killed by an explosion while staying in a guest house in Tehran. As usual, Israel neither confirmed nor denied it was behind the attack, which was believed to have occurred when a bomb planted in the guest house was triggered remotely.

Photograph: Ambulances are surrounded by people at the entrance of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, on Sept. 17, 2024. Photo credit: Anwar Amro/AFP/Getty Images

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at the Bermuda-based re/insurer Vantage Group Holdings and the insurance broker Miller.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Vantage Promotes Granda to Head of Political Risk and Credit

Vantage Group Holdings Ltd., the Bermuda-based re/insurer, announced the promotion of Lila Granda as head of Political Risk and Credit (PRC).

Effective immediately, she joins the groups Insurance leadership team and reports to Alex Blanco, insurance chief executive.

As head of PRC, Granda will assume leadership responsibilities for the respective team and oversee the groups PRC portfolio, ensuring discipline, diversification, and consistent application of PRC underwriting strategy and risk appetite. She is also the senior risk manager of Political Risk and Credit.

Granda joined Vantage in 2021 as a Political Risk & Credit  senior risk manager. She has more than 20 years of experience in underwriting and managing risks in the credit and political risk insurance industry. She has held senior positions at Zurich and the US Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC), now known as the US International Development Finance Corp. (DFC).

At Zurich, Granda served as the technical underwriting director for Credit and Political Risk, where she played a crucial role in risk appetite and underwriting strategy development, portfolio monitoring and analysis, and expanding regional offices. At OPIC, Granda held several roles, including international economist; insurance officer for Eastern Europe & Former Soviet Union; insurance officer for Latin America & Caribbean, and regional manager of Latin America & Caribbean. In early 2024, she was nominated to become the chair of the Medium/Long-Term export credit panel at the Berne Union, the leading global association of the export credit and investment insurance industry.

Were delighted to announce Lilas promotion to head of Political Risk and Credit, Blanco stated. She has been a valuable team member, and her extensive experience and deep understanding of the global political landscape have been instrumental to our success. Were confident that she will lead our team to new heights, continue to help our clients navigate todays dynamic risk environment, and further build our momentum toward sustained profitability.

Established in late 2020, Vantages operating subsidiaries are Vantage Risk Ltd., Vantage Risk Assurance Co., and Vantage Risk Specialty Insurance Co.  all rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best (as of February 2024).

***

Miller Taps Rance From Price Forbes Re to Lead Reinsurance Strategy and Innovation

Miller, the London-based independent specialist re/insurance broker, announced two appointments to its growing reinsurance practice, with Steven Rance joining as head of Reinsurance Strategy & Innovation, and Charlotte Lowe joining as an account handler.

Rance joins from Price Forbes Re, where he led its specialty division (Inver Re), bringing more than 35 years experience in the global financial services arena. He spent six years as a managing partner at Gallagher Re, which he joined in 2017 (then Capsicum Re) to establish and lead its global mortgage risk reinsurance division. With particular specialisms in credit-risk related services such as portfolio structuring, insurance and regulatory capital relief (SRT) generation, Rance has held a number of senior roles across mortgage and credit risk insuring, broking and consulting  working with banking, lending, housebuilder, and government clients across the US, Europe, Asia, Africa & South America.

In 2012, Rance developed and implemented the UKs first government-backed mortgage insurance scheme, called NewBuy, reaching over 80% of UK mortgage lenders and more than 100 housebuilders. Rances unique experience and relationships resulting from NewBuy led directly to his creation and delivery of Deposit Unlock, a nationwide mortgage insurance scheme for over 90 UK housebuilders.

In his role at Miller, Rance reports to Shaun Sinniah, Millers head of Reinsurance and Capital, and will work with the global team to support the expansion and shape the strategy of the brokers rapidly growing reinsurance offering.

Rance is the latest in a series of senior Miller reinsurance appointments across London, Bermuda and APAC over the past two years, including the buildout of a dedicated APAC treaty reinsurance team.

Joining Rance on Millers reinsurance team is Charlotte Lowe, who also joins from Price Forbes Re where she was a broker. With specialty experience across housebuilders and captives, Lowe previously worked for Gallagher Re.

Topics InsurTech Reinsurance
BRUSSELSEuropean Union civil society groups submitted an open letter Monday to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, urging the bloc to encourage member states to refrain from adopting age verification laws. The letter features signatures of over 60 major civil society groups.

"Children and young people are some of the most at-risk users of online services, and they deserve age-appropriate online environments that safeguard their well-being," reads a statement announcing the letter from an NGO civil liberties organization called European Digital Rights (EDRi). "However, as policymakers across the European Union push for EU-wide rules to mandate age verification tools on social media, civil societys concerns are growing about the impact on fundamental rights."

The letter urges the European Union and its member states to take a "holistic approach that prioritizes child safety and ensures our privacy." Organizations that signed the letter include the Wikimedia Foundation, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Fight for the Future, Civil Liberties Union of Europe, and sex workers' rights groups, among others.

The sex workers' rights groups that signed onto the open letter include the European Sex Workers Rights Alliance, the SekswerkExpertise group of The Netherlands, the Sex Workers Empowerment Network of Greece, and Red Umbrella Sweden. Privacy rights groups also signed in support, including the Privacy & Access Council of Canada.

"There is a legitimate and crucial need to keep children safe online," the letter reads.

"At the same time, there is a lack of evidence that existing online age verification tools are able to achieve this goal. Instead, we have seen how age verification tools undermine the fundamental rights of all users, exacerbate structural discrimination, and create a false sense of security."

The organizations added, "By pursuing age verification as a silver bullet to the complex challenge of addressing childrens needs online, policymakers risk undermining the fundamental rights of children and adults alike while failing to improve their safety and wellbeing."

Here, the coalition of groups refers to determinations made by the governments of E.U. member states, like France, that highlight the existing limitations of age verification.

Note, they point to the French data protection authority Commission Nationale de lInformatique et des Libertes having found that most commercially-available age verification approaches are "circumventable and disproportionately intrusive of peoples privacy."

The Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA), led by Iain Corby, has remained confident that E.U. authorities are doing the right thing by adopting digital identification provisions in the various benchmark online privacy laws adopted by the Parliament in recent years.

For example, the AVPA is involved in E.U.-funded efforts to develop interoperability for age verification and parental consent processes for E.U.-regulated digital spaces.

AVPA remains active in lobbying for age verification laws in the United States alongside far-right organizations who have voiced interest in banning pornography. Adult industry trade group the Free Speech Coalition has challenged a Texas age verification law before the U.S. Supreme Court.
The latest trial over claims that the discontinued heartburn drug Zantac causes cancer ended with a hung jury on Wednesday, as jurors in Chicago were unable to agree on whether Boehringer Ingelheim must pay damages to an Illinois man who said he developed prostate cancer as a result of taking the drug, according to the mans lawyer.

It was the second time a jury failed to reach a verdict at trial during the ongoing wave of litigation over the now-discontinued drug.

We appreciate the jurys careful consideration, Eric Olson, a lawyer for plaintiff Ronald Kimbrow, said in an email. Boehringer Ingelheim has now twice failed to convince a jury that Zantac was safe.

He said the case would go to trial again. Boehringer Ingelheim did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The privately held German drugmaker was the only defendant at the trial in Cook County Circuit Court, after plaintiff Ronald Kimbrow settled with others including GSK, which originally developed the drug, and Pfizer.

Kimbrow, 73, said he took Zantac from 1995 to 2019.

Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Pfizer and Sanofi SASY.PA all sold brand name Zantac at various times since it was approved in 1983, and have been named in tens of thousands of lawsuits over the alleged cancer link.

The litigation began after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020 asked manufacturers to pull the drug off the market over concerns that its active ingredient, ranitidine, could degrade into NDMA, a carcinogen, over time or when exposed to heat.

Three lawsuits over Zantac had previously gone to trial, all in Illinois, with two ending in verdicts for the defense and one with a hung jury.

The drugmakers won a significant victory in 2022, when a federal judge in Florida rejected the plaintiffs expert witnesses for about 50,000 cases that had been centralized in her court on the grounds that they did not use reliable scientific methods. Without those witnesses, the cases could not go forward, though some plaintiffs are appealing.

The Delaware Supreme Court last month said it would consider drugmakers bid to keep similar expert testimony out of court in that state, where more than 70,000 lawsuits  the vast majority of the remaining litigation  have been brought. A lower court judge refused to exclude the experts, allowing the cases to go forward.

Sanofi has agreed to settle about 4,000 cases against it, while Pfizer has reportedly agreed to settle more than 10,000.

Photo: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
The oil and gas industry is zeroing in on the Biden administrations moratorium on new liquefied natural gas export permits as the key policy they want changed under the next US president.

Chevron Corp. Chief Executive Officer Mike Wirth called on the administration to reverse the pause, labeling the policy as a failure that elevates politics over progress. The permitting halt, which went into effect earlier this year, will raise energy costs, threaten supplies for Americas European allies and increase emissions by slowing the transition from coal to gas, Wirth said in a speech at the GasTech conference in Houston Tuesday.

When it comes to advancing economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection, an LNG permitting pause fails on all three, he said. The administration should stop the attacks on natural gas and embrace the benefits its already delivering around the world.

The White House in January halted new licenses to export LNG, citing the need to more heavily scrutinize how the shipments affect the environment and national security. The ruling sent shockwaves through the industry, threatening to end a construction boom in terminals along the Gulf Coast that turned the US into the worlds biggest exporter of the super-chilled fuel.

In Australia and the US, were seeing quite a bit of wobbliness around support for the industry, said Meg ONeill, CEO of Woodside Energy Group Ltd. I do worry theres going to be a long-lasting ripple of concern from key LNG-buying nations caused by the pause, even if the pause is short-lived.

The industry has pushed back on the policy as it struggles with a surplus of natural gas, much of it a by-product of shale oil production. A federal judge in Louisiana lifted the temporary moratorium in July after several states sued. While the Energy Department is appealing the ruling, it also has granted an LNG export license following the decision.

We can double down on the either/or approach that dominates todays discourse, which too often pits people and solutions against each other, Wirth said. Or we can evolve toward an all-in approach that recognizes many solutions are needed.

Both US presidential candidates have voiced their support for fracking, which makes up the majority of US oil and gas production. But some executives are still concerned about what Democratic nominee Kamala Harris may do in the White House, given her current role as Bidens vice president. She hasnt yet weighed in on whether she would reverse the LNG ban.

We hope cooler heads do prevail, and maybe shes sincere, on her support for fracking, said Jack Fusco, chief executive officer of Cheniere Energy Inc., an LNG exporter. I have to trust until I dont.

Wirth said the LNG pause was self-defeating because natural gas replaces more heavily polluting coal in power generation in many cases. In recent years, environmental groups have cast doubt on the claim, citing often-undocumented methane emissions in gas-gathering systems and the amount of power need to chill LNG.

The CEO said the emissions the US avoided by switching to gas from coal are more than double the reductions from all the wind and solar power added in the past 15 years, citing data from McKinsey & Co.

Making the switch to gas from coal globally could represent the single greatest carbon reduction initiative in history, he said.

It will also be vital for the development of artificial intelligence, he said.

AIs advance will depend not only on the design labs of Silicon Valley, but also on the gas fields of the Permian Basin, Wirth said.

Even with the permit pause, the US is on track to double LNG export capacity by 2030, ensuring plenty of supply for allies thereafter, said Brad Crabtree, of the Department of Energy.

It is not sufficient to assert that natural gas will displace more greenhouse-gas-intensive fuels like coal and oil, he said. The industry must demonstrate through concrete actions, a credible pathway that puts natural gas firmly on the trajectory to net zero emissions by 2050.

Last year, participants in the United Nations Climate Change Conference agreed to phase down fossil fuels for the first time while also leaving room for natural gas as a transition fuel.

Even so, Wirth called for a more balanced conversation about the future of energy.

These choices should be informed by realistic science and impartial data, untainted by advocacy agendas, he said.

Photo: Mike Wirth, chairman and chief executive officer of Chevron Corp., speaks during the 2024 CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, Texas, US, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
The storm that swamped parts of the Carolinas this week wasnt organized enough to be named but it still has caused $7 billion in damage, according to a preliminary estimate from AccuWeather. That was approaching the $9 billion in damage left by Category 2 Hurricane Francine, which hit Louisiana Sept. 11.

The level of insured losses from the unnamed system was not available from AccuWeather, a forecasting and storm tracking service. But other reports suggest that most of the losses will come from flooding, only partially covered by the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance.

The storm dumped as much as 20 inches of rain in southeast North Carolina, in what the National Weather Service said was a 1-in-1,000 event.

While there was some wind damage, it was the flooding that was catastrophic from this storm. People there are saying while it wasnt named, it was a storm they will never forget, AccuWeathers Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said in a statement.

AccuWeather storm chasers Tony Laubach and Aaron Jayjack described the rainband near Wilmington as the worst they have ever experienced. Others called it a firehose storm that drenched local areas, including Carolina Beach. S

The long-used Saffir-Simpson wind scale rates hurricanes by wind speed, with Category 5 considered the most intense. AccuWeather said it has developed a RealImpact Scale that includes wind, flooding, storm surge and overall impact. It ranks storms from less than 1 to 5.

The unnamed Carolina storm was rated a 1 on that scale, the second level, AccuWeather explained in an email.

Related: Hundreds of Thousands of Properties Have Filed Repeated NFIP Flood Claims

Topics Windstorm
A crash of a plane roughly a half-mile from a runway near the southwest Alaska community of St. Marys killed all four occupants on board the aircraft, authorities said.

Alaska State Troopers said they received a report of an overdue aircraft around 11:15 p.m. Sunday from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. Troopers responding to the planes last known location found the wreckage and the bodies of four men, the agency said. The names of the dead were not immediately released.

Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Boards Alaska region, said the plane, which had left from Bethel, was operated by Yute Commuter Service and was believed to be carrying at least two employees of the company. An NTSB investigator was expected to arrive in Anchorage Monday and head to the crash site Tuesday, weather permitting, Johnson said.

The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment from Yute Commuter Service through its online messaging system.

The company provides scheduled passenger and cargo service and charter flights and operates throughout Alaskas Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The company was involved in a crash near Tuntutuliak in 2020 that left five dead, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Alaska
A Washington man who claimed he was too injured to work while operating a metal fabrication shop faces a felony charge in an alleged $340,000 workers compensation scam.

Travis Lee Johnson, 52, of Spokane Valley, pleaded not guilty recently to first-degree theft in Spokane County Superior Court.

Johnson is accused of fabricating and selling metal products for more than four years while collecting wage-replacement payments from the state fund set aside for injured workers. At the same time, he was reportedly telling the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries he couldnt work due to an on-the-job injury.

An L&I investigation reportedly determined Johnson collected more than $340,000 in wage-replacement payments and $25,000 worth of vocational services from March 2018 through October 2022.

Johnson injured his lower back, right arm and hand when he slipped on ice while working as a truck driver in January 2018. Based partly on Johnsons statements, his physician determined Johnson could not work because of the injury, according to charging papers.

The doctors determination was one of the requirements allowing him to receive payments to replace part of his lost wages. To keep receiving the benefits, Johnson submitted 57 official forms to L&I over more than four years, declaring he wasnt working because of his on-the-job injury, charging papers said.

L&I began investigating Johnson in May 2022 after suspecting he was doing more physical activity than his doctor recommended.

The investigation reportedly found that two weeks after his injury, Johnson opened a business account with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Using two trade names, Bad Ass Fab and TLJ Fabrication, Johnson reportedly made and sold a variety of metal products, including mirror extensions built to attach to semi-trucks carrying wide load

An investigator video-recorded Johnson at his shop on multiple days manually lifting heavy items such as sofas and a pickup tailgate, using a hammer and other tools, driving a forklift, and performing other physical, work-related tasks.

After watching investigators surveillance videos, Johnsons doctor said his patient had misrepresented his physical condition and abilities, according to charging papers. The doctor concluded that Johnson was actually capable of returning to work on Jan. 22, 2018, the day he opened his business account with the Revenue department.

The Washington State Attorney Generals Office is prosecuting the case based on the investigation. He is scheduled for trial on Nov.12.

Topics Workers' Compensation Washington Manufacturing
She's the US actress whose Marvel star status has led to numerous other roles  including a forthcoming rom-com with an Irish filmmaker.

But when shes not using her superpowers as Wanda Maximoff, Elizabeth Olsen has always had a knack for picking strong dramatic roles.

His Three Daughters sees her joining forces with Natasha Lyonne and Carrie Coon in a powerful and moving drama thats set to feature in critics best-of 2024 lists.

By turns funny and bittersweet, it centres on three very different sisters who return to the family home to care for their father, who is approaching the end of his life.

For Olsen, who had previously worked with writer-director Azazel Jacobs ( The Lovers) on the series Sorry For Your Loss, signing up was a no-brainer  not least because of Jacobs planned unconventional approach to the project. The movie was shot in sequence which is unusual, shot on film, and written with its three female leads in mind.

That already felt like an absurd dream coming true, because nothing works like that, says Olsen. I already felt like we were doing something that was just not a part of the system, that it was all going to reveal itself as each character is introduced.

His Three Daughters focuses on three siblings who gather at the family home of their father, who is terminally ill. Though the women have vowed to support each other and put their fathers care first, there are family differences and issues that are revealed through the course of the film.

Elizabeth Olsen (centre) with her sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 2016. Picture: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

In many ways, Olsens free-spirited Christina plays referee between the bossy and talkative Katie (Coon) and the sports-betting Rachel (a very funny Lyonne), who is fond of her weed. I think being a caretaker is something that I've had to do in different stages in my life in different ways, not connected to parents passing but in other ways, and Aza knows that about me, observes Olsen. I think that's why he thought of me for Christina, because he knows me personally. That was something maybe personal and specific on the page.

The scenes for the movie were also shot in the order we see them in the film. Its unusual in a process where scenes are filmed to accommodate schedules and availability  and the Californian found it a revelation. I forgot how helpful it could be. It's so simple and so complicated to shoot that way because of schedules and locations and other actors that come in and out.

Before I start any job, I create as much of an understanding of an arc that I think would be helpful pillars so that if we do shoot out of order, I've already made certain choices and pivots that I know at least what pillars I'm jumping between.

I didn't need it, because the prior days and the days leading up to were informing the present and the actual experiences that we got to share together.

Olsen was familiar with showbusiness from an early age, as her siblings the Olsen twins  Mary-Kate and Ashley  became TV stars while they were infants. They went on to become preteen icons with a huge fanbase, becoming among the wealthiest women at a young age. Elizabeth would go on to forge her own acting career and delivered a remarkable movie debut in the highly regarded thriller Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011.

She went on to star in the fine thriller Wind River and the dramedy Ingrid Goes West before joining the Marvel Universe as Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff. The huge success of the spin-off series WandaVision came at a time when Olsen was considering where she wanted to go creatively.

I think a huge turning point for me was a show I did called Sorry For Your Loss. It's a hard show to watch, but I got to produce it from the earliest conception in a pitch room to the colour correcting and sound mixing.

His Three Daughters: Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen

Shows are different to films, because there are actually more steps, but getting to see that and spend all those hours putting that show together reawakened something that made me fall so deeply in love with the doing and the making and then wanting more from this job.

I also luckily got to have WandaVision have its cultural moment the way it did, because that put me in a position again, of being considered for things in a different way.

Those were like two different turning points  one was more like a creative, intentional one, and then the other one created this opportunity.

She feels that growing up in the industry and in LA made her feel an acting career was possible  but also left her with no illusions as to the work involved. It wasn't about stardust, it was something that you went to work to do. And so I think while it seemed tangible, it actually felt like a grounded reality. It didn't seem like it needed to be something with photographers and billboards and things like that. I thought of it as much more of a job.

This summer, Olsen has been working with a rising Irish filmmaker. Following from his debut thriller The Cured and the well-received coming-of-age dramedy Dating Amber, David Freyne cast Olsen and Whiplash actor Miles Teller in his forthcoming rom-com Eternity. The movies premise revolves around a world where you have a week after dying to decide who you want to spend eternity with. She is looking forward to the prospect of seeing the finished film.

I know David is still working on his edit, and I'm really excited to see it. It was really a joy getting to say the lines he wrote and be in the world that he built.

The draft David put together of this script had this timeless humour, this Billy Wilder-esque humour. The world building that he made with his references  A Matter of Life and Death being a big one for us  so many, like The Apartment, then even these comedies from the 90s, like Day Trippers. It was so specific, his humour, and visually, what he wanted to do.

His Three Daughters is on Netflix from September 20

Cork Cine Club

The Crime is Mine is a French film on the programme for Cork Cine Club

Cork Cine Club returns from September 26, with a new season returning to its regular home at Cork College of FET Douglas Street Campus over the coming months.

In the weeks ahead CCC will bring audiences films from around the world.

This autumns screenings kick off on Thursday, September 26, at 8pm with The Teachers Lounge [Germany], followed by Thursday, October 3, Monster [Japan]; Thursday, October 10, Slow [Lithuania]; Thursday, October 17, Shayda [Iran/Australia]; Thursday, October 24, Ama Gloria [France/Cape Verde]. Advance booking is recommended.
Music: Clonakilty International Guitar Festival

September 20-22

Celebrating 20 years fretting, Clon Guitar Fest is a more stripped back affair this year, but is no less packed with events  most of which are free. Preston Reed and Niamh Regan are some of the bigger names there this weekend, but from new local supergroup the Kates to Dublins latest hyped guitar band Search Results, theres a wide range of music on offer. But its the encouraging local community who always leave the biggest impression. See clonguitarfest.com

Literary Festival: Crosstown Drift

September 20-22

Crosstown Drift returns to Garinish Island after its inaugural outing last year with an expanded programme. On Friday, theres basket weaving and a music walking tour, among other events. Saturday features talks on the Atlas Of The Irish Civil War and a poetry walking tour, while theres a walking tour with novelists on Sunday. Alongside all that are gigs by Cormac Begley and Lisa Hannigan. See thegoodroompresents.com

Streaming: The Penguin

From September 20, Sky Atlantic/Now TV

We enjoyed spotting an unrecognisable Colin Farrell in Joker in 2019. Ahead of that film's sequel in a couple weeks, Farrell reprises his role as Oz Cobb/The Penguin in this eight-part TV series.

Colin Farrell in The Penguin (2024)

Farrell says it inhabits a similar world to the Sopranos  there are heavy mafia overtones  and it looks and feels dark and murky.

Film: The Substance

Friday, September 20

The reviews have been glowing and the star ratings flowing in for this 2.20-hour body horror/dark satirical comedy. Starring Demi Moore as a fading celebrity, she decides to use a black-market drug  the Substance  to temporarily create a younger, better version of herself.

Demi Moore stars in The Substance

Also starring Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid, its the second feature by the French auteur Coralie Fargeat and is reportedly incredibly gory. We cant wait.

Gig: The Libertines

September 22, Cyprus Avenue

What became of the likely lads? Well, Carl Barat and Pete Doherty grew up, matured even, and in a coup for Cork, their band the Libertines play a relatively intimate show on Sunday.

The Libertines play Cyprus Avenue this weekend. Picture: Laura Lean/PA Wire

Its over 20 years since they first made their name, but the debut album still sounds like a drunken thrill ride. It may not be Oasis levels of hysteria that greet them, but therell be a lot of love in the room.

Book: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

September 24

Sally Rooney's fourth book is released on Tuesday. Picture: Erik Voake/Getty

The fourth novel by the Irish writer, Intermezzo is about brothers Peter, a lawyer in his thirties, and Ivan, a competitive chess player. It centres on love stories with a significant age gap, but with Rooneys typical ruminations: On religion and belief, our cultural life, and of course Dublin. At around 450 pages, Intermezzo is also Rooneys biggest book to date. One to sink into as autumn takes hold.
'Esther' fled Cameroon while pregnant when her in-laws insisted they would kill her baby.

A man promised to help the 22-year-old psychology graduate and her husband get to Europe, where their baby could be safe and she could study for a masters degree.

But they were trafficked to Ireland and locked in a room, from which she was frequently removed to be raped by multiple men. Even when she started bleeding heavily her violent trafficker refused to bring her to hospital.

Fearing for her life, her husband smashed the door to their prison apartment, pulled her outside and begged a passerby for help.

Esther was rushed to hospital where she had emergency surgery, but lost her baby.

That night, I lost my child. I lost my dignity as a woman; I lost my everything. I felt like I had nothing left until I was brought to Ruhama. This is where I started receiving support while trying to restore my dignity. Little by little, I started seeing light.

Esther is one of 155 victims of human trafficking who engaged with Ruhama last year, according to the charitys new annual report for 2023, launched in Dublin today.

It found a 30% spike in demand for support services for women impacted by prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation in 2023 compared to 2022.

It also saw a 29% increase in new victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Some 108 people accessed Ruhamas trauma and counselling service in 2023 for healing and recovery from sexual violence  a 31% rise on the previous year. Some 646 people engaged with its services from 51 nationalities.

Ireland and Zimbabwe were the nationalities that most engaged with Ruhama having been impacted by prostitution, with 37 people from each country seeking help.

Brazil was the country with the next highest number seeking help from prostitution at 25, followed by Nigeria (21), South Africa (12), and Romania (11).

Nigeria had by far the most victims of trafficking who engaged with Ruhama last year with 82 people. Zimbabwe (16) had the second-highest number of trafficking victims seeking help, followed by South Africa (13).

Ciara from Ireland has been engaging with Ruhamas services for two-and-a-half years.

I lost my place in my degree, became homeless for a second time, faced suicidal tendencies, and the shame of engaging in behaviour that would eventually lead me to Ruhamas services.

"Therapy helped me overcome a lot of emotional pain. I was supported while becoming a functioning member of society again. Education services supported me as I got back into education and finished my degree.

Ruhama CEO Barbara Condon said: Prostitution and human trafficking are exploitative, inherently violent and demeaning to women. We are witnessing daily the impact of sexual violence and sexual exploitation from which recovery is lifelong."

Former Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, now an MEP, is to be announced today as new Charity Ambassador with Ruhama at the launch of its latest annual report and roadmap for the next five years.

Its important to raise awareness about the reality of sexual exploitation in our society and the impact that its having on countless women and girls every day," she said.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is to launch the reports.

Human trafficking for sexual exploitation and the purchase of sex are crimes that prey on some of the most vulnerable. They are committed with no regard for life, dignity or for the most basic of human rights," Ms McEntee said.
A Dutch airliner with 41 passengers and crew on board had to declare an emergency within three minutes of taking off from Dublin Airport after its 35-year-old pilot collapsed in his seat.

A new report by the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) also revealed that the KLM flight destined for Amsterdam sustained a bird strike as it made an emergency landing at Dublin Airport a short time later.

The AAIU investigation outlined details about the "serious incident which occurred on October 19, 2022. The emergency involved an Embraer E175-200 STD aircraft with 37 passengers and four crew members on board.

The AAIU report detailed how the first officer indicated to the commander that he was not feeling well shortly after take-off at 8.22am before collapsing in his seat and becoming rapidly incapacitated.

The commander of the flight tried unsuccessfully to revive his colleague by speaking loudly and shaking him by the shoulder. The incident occurred just three minutes into the flight when the aircraft had reached an altitude of 10,000 feet.

AAIU investigators confirmed that the autopilot was engaged at the time. The aircraft commander took over all flying duties and issued a Mayday alert to air traffic controllers to request clearance to return to Dublin Airport and to notify the airport authorities that medical assistance would be required.

He also immediately requested assistance from cabin crew staff through the emergency call button and knocking on the cockpit door. Although the flight officer regained consciousness and appeared stable, the commander determined that he was unable to be part of an active cockpit crew.

Cabin crew helped to secure the flight officer to his seat which was moved away from the cockpits controls and to put an oxygen mask on him. Passengers were notified by the aircrafts public address system that the aircraft had to return to Dublin and they would be briefed further by the commander on landing.

AAIU investigators reported that the aircraft encountered a flock of birds at approximately 100 feet on its approach and sustained a bird strike to the left side of its nose section. The report said the bird strike did not cause any problems although it had the potential to add significantly to the workload of the remaining pilot.

A normal landing was performed at 8.40am although the pilot reported that weather conditions at the time had deteriorated. A medical assessment of the unwell pilot concluded he had low blood pressure with his condition due to a possible lack of water and food in combination with a rising cabin altitude after departure.

KLM informed Irish investigators that initial and recurrent training it carries out in a simulator includes the actions to be taken if a pilot becomes incapacitated. The AAIU observed that the incident occurred with minimal warning shortly after take-off which is a phase of the flight that involves a high workload for flight crews.
Schoolchildren are to be asked for their views on life today as part of a new folklore initiative, almost 90 years after the original project.

Similar to the ground-breaking Irish Folklore Commission project, students will be asked to gather information about their locality, speak to elderly relatives about their lives, and record their own experiences of life today.

The original schools project gathered 500,000 pages of handwritten oral history, folktales and legends, riddles and proverbs, games and pastimes, trades and crafts from more than 50,000 pupils in 5,000 schools across the State between 1937 and 1939.

Announcing the project, Education Minister Norma Foley said schools and students would be able to use modern technology, such as audio or video as part of the project. However, children will also be encouraged to provide handwritten documents, just like the original scheme.

The project will be carried out with the National Folklore Collection and UCD Library and will be open to all of the country's 4,000 primary, post-primary and special schools.

The aim of the project will be to give children the opportunity to play an active and leading role in capturing and preserving the rich stories, traditions and histories of their communities for generations to come, Ms Foley said.

In so doing, they will follow in the footsteps of previous generations in building on the work of the ground-breaking Duchas project undertaken by more than 50,000 children across the State in the 1930s.

The full details of the project have yet to be agreed with schools, but it is intended it will begin in early 2025.

"Following consultation with schools and teachers, it is intended that the project would see students in every part of the country gather stories and insights into local traditions from their areas for hosting in a national archive which will allow us as a society to continue sharing cultural values, knowledge and collective memory from one generation to another," Ms Foley said.

Turning her attention to the budget, Ms Foley said an extension of the free books scheme would be one of her key priorities.
Photo credit: Max

Earlier this year, Stephen A. Smith agreed with former president Donald Trumps claim that he appeals to Black Americans because of his legal issues. And with the 2024 presidential election rapidly approaching, CNNs Chris Wallace asked Smith to weigh in on the topic again.

Smith joined this weeks edition of the Max series Whos Talking to Chris Wallace. In a preview clip obtained by Mediaite, Wallace asks Smith to explain why Trump does relatively well with young Black men.

CNNs Chris Wallace Asks Stephen A. Smith Why Trump Does Relatively Well With Young Black Men  And Who Will Win https://t.co/SCSXohSe5E via @mediaite pic.twitter.com/JiaaDL27p4  Tommy moderna-vaX-Topher (@tommyxtopher) September 19, 2024



I think that its a combination of the disgust and the absence of trust that an abundance of people, not just Black males, but an abundance of people in America have with Capitol Hill, Smith said. And thats what I keep telling folks. Ive been telling folks this for the longest time.

Listen, when it comes to Donald Trump, he speaks a lot of folks language. They dont care as much about the message. They care about how hes delivering the message because he delivers it in a way that they want to deliver it to Capitol Hill.

Its notable that Smith didnt mention Trumps legal issues this time around.

In February, Trump claimed Black Americans relate to him being discriminated against, citing his criminal indictments. Smith later went on Fox News with Sean Hannity and said, Black folks find him relatable because of what he is going through is similar to what Black Americans have gone through; he wasnt lying! He was telling the truth.

Naturally, Smiths assessment drew significant backlash, particularly from the Black community, prompting the ESPN host to issue an apology and claim his comments were misconstrued despite his quote seeming rather direct. Pressed on the issue again by Wallace, Smiths answer as to why Trump is doing well with young Black men featured more generalities.

[Max, via Mediaite]
The countrys GPs and pharmacists favour keeping the possession of drugs illegal  but strongly support the removal of criminal sanctions for drug users, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

Both the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Pharmacy Union said this form of decriminalisation must be implemented in parallel with a massive investment in drug treatment as well as mental health and community services.

The professional bodies were addressing the Oireachtas committee on drugs use, which was set up to examine the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drugs Use and compile a report for the Government.

Among its recommendations, the assembly recommended the decriminalisation of drugs  specifically an Irish-type model where drug possession would remain illegal but no criminal sanctions could be applied.

The assembly said people caught in possession of drugs should be referred by gardai to a health intervention and, depending on their needs, further referral to services.

Irish Pharmacy Union president Tom Murray said they favoured decriminalisation of the users, not of the product.

He said the drug would remain illegal and said this was in line with international evidence of the best approach. He stressed the assemblys related recommendations on health and social services must be fully resourced at the same time.

Director of addiction management at the Irish College of General Practitioners Bernard Kenny said criminalisation of drug use further marginalises people in disadvantaged communities.

He said criminalisation created barriers to treatment through social stigma, fear of punishment, and fear of criminal conviction.

He said he was not in favour of a limited number of strikes caught in possession, after which a person was referred back to the courts and away from the health services.

Mr Murray said only 100 pharmacies were currently part of the needle exchange programme, which he said was 'limited', given there are 1,800 pharmacies. Picture: Getty

He said the college supported the recommendation of the Citizens Assembly and said a properly resourced system should proceed in parallel with decriminalisation.

Both organisations said they believed drug addiction caused profound and lasting effects on individuals, families and communities.

Mr Murray said addiction could cause acute and chronic health problems, including the risk of overdose and death, and could exacerbate problems of homelessness, the management of psychiatric illness and increase the feelings of unsafety in communities.

Families 'devastated by preventable drug-related deaths'

Mr Kenny said Ireland had the highest drug-related deaths in the EU and the most recent figures from the Health Research Board found the country had its highest ever numbers in treatment in 2023.

GPs see families and loved ones devastated by preventable drug-related deaths, he said, adding that to address this, significant and targeted investment was required.

Both bodies said their work on drug treatment and education could be expanded.

Mr Murray said only 100 pharmacies were currently part of the needle exchange programme, which he said was limited, given there are 1,800 pharmacies.

He said this was due to funding and lack of training.

Academic director of addiction management at the Irish College of General Practitioners Des Crowley said GPs had limited time or space to provide comprehensive drug assessments of patients or provide proper mental health care.

He said the country needed good primary care and specialist drug services, including a national cocaine programme, as well as far more clinical psychologists and residential beds.

The Irish Pharmacy Union's Denis ODriscoll, who is independent chair of the Naloxone Advisory Group for the HSE, said naloxone, an antidote to opioid overdoses, should not be a prescription-only medication, but said the hold-up was because of both domestic and EU legislation.

Mr Kenny agreed with Limerick Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan that crack cocaine was a huge problem in Limerick and said more of it was being seen across the country.

Meanwhile, drugs strategy minister Colm Burke announced the allocation of 2.3m under the National Drugs Strategy to sustain community-based drugs services and to support people in recovery from drug dependency.
A 1,500 designer handbag was stolen from the staff quarters of an Italian restaurant and now the Cork woman who snatched it has been jailed for seven months.

Margaret Foley, of Grenville Court, Grenville Place, Cork, was arrested by Garda Cian Hennessy and charged with burglary on March 19.

She was identified on CCTV entering Bella Napoli on Academy Street and going into a staff-only area and stealing the handbag.

A member of staff followed the accused to South Main Street and later pointed her out to gardai, who found her in a highly intoxicated state.

Ms Foley, 37, was represented by solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher.

She also admitted shoplifting on May 9 at Herlihys Centra, Cork City, where a small amount of alcohol was stolen.

On June 10, on Clontarf Street, she was seen pushing and pulling another female in an aggressive manner. Sergeant John Kelleher said the defendant got on top of the injured party and tried to continue the assault while shouting insulting comments.

Sgt Kelleher said the defendant had 32 convictions for being intoxicated, 14 for threatening behaviour, 50 for theft and two for burglary.

Mr Kelleher said the accused was serving a circuit court sentence but was out on temporary release when she committed these new offences.

She would have been out on temporary release and brought back into prison again. She is on remand since July 11, Mr Kelleher said.

Judge Philip OLeary said as well as the victim being at a financial loss, she was also at a loss of documentation and had the fear of it recurring.

The judge imposed a seven-month sentence on her for burglary.
A prominent anti-immigration activist, who a court heard accused a creche owner of promoting paedophilia and child molestation when childrens drawings of a rainbow flag were placed in a window, has been acquitted of committing a breach of the peace over the incident.

Philip Dwyer, a self-styled citizen journalist who has been a regular attendant at anti-immigration protests around the country in recent years, was found not guilty of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the Daisy Chain Creche, Eden Centre, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 on June 30, 2021.

Mr Dwyer (56), a father of three from Tallaght Cross West, Tallaght, Dublin 24, denied committing a breach of the peace contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 at a sitting of Tallaght District Court on Thursday.

Creche owner testimony

The creche owner, Lucy Madigan, gave evidence that she spotted Mr Dwyer filming with his mobile phone while sitting in his car outside the creche as she arrived at her business after getting a call about an incident.

She recalled that Mr Dwyer reacted by clapping his hands and stating: Lets go. Lets do this when she confirmed to him that she was the creches owner.

When she asked Mr Dwyer to delete the video, Ms Madigan said he responded by asking her if she was responsible for the rainbow flags in the window of the creche and accusing her of promoting paedophilia and child molestation.

She said Mr Dwyer claimed the rainbow represented homosexuals and that he added that homosexuals are paedophiles. The witness said he also accused her of indoctrinating four-year-olds to welcome paedophiles into their life.

Ms Madigan said she asked the defendant who was moving towards her to stay one metre away as it was during the time of covid-19 restrictions. She gave evidence that Mr Dwyer told her to remove her mask and asked if she was ashamed to show her face.

Ms Madigan said the defendant kept coming towards her and was getting louder when she just wanted Mr Dwyer to delete his video as she thought the creche and children had been recorded.

However, she claimed that he replied he would put the video online and make you famous but would delete the faces of any children. She told solicitor for the DPP, Tom Conlon, that she was quite shook and quite upset by the incident.

Ms Madigan agreed with counsel for the accused, Ciara Ni Gabhann BL, that Mr Dwyer had identified himself to her but she could not recall that he had asked for a comment or interview or had identified himself as a journalist.

She recalled trying to tell Mr Dwyer how the creche operated a curriculum on diversity and inclusion but that he kept shouting at me and shouting over me. Ms Madigan said she could not process how a stranger could walk up to her and accuse her of promoting paedophilia.

The court was shown videos recorded by the defendant which showed him telling the creche owner that he would expose her for putting LGBTQ+ ideology into the minds of young children which was absolutely disgraceful.

When told by Ms Ni Gabhann that Mr Dwyer vehemently denied making any reference to paedophilia or child molestation, Ms Madigan replied: One hundred per cent he told me that all homosexuals are paedophiles and that they are child molesters. She accepted that no children were recorded in the videos shown in court.

Witness testimonies

Garda Trevor Timpson told the court that he found Ms Madigan very frightened and upset by the incident after the matter was reported to gardai. He recalled that the businesswoman was extremely worried that the accused would return and attack them while out in a public place.

The garda said Ms Madigan, who owned a number of creches, was also concerned that he would also appear at other locations.

A childcare assistant at the creche, Danielle Cramp, said she was approached by the defendant as she returned from a walk with two young children.

Ms Cramp said she felt intimidated by Mr Dwyer shouting at her from about 20 feet away if she was responsible for the rainbow flag and accusing her of inciting paedophilia and incriminating young peoples minds. In response to the suggestion by Ms Ni Gabhann that the accused had no engagement with her, Ms Cramp replied: Thats not true.

Philip Dwyer testimony

In evidence, Mr Dwyer explained that he had been delivering a package while working as a contract courier for Pony Express when he noticed the rainbow drawing in the window of the creche promoting Gay Pride 2021.

The accused, who described himself as both a citizen journalist and trainee journalist, said he wanted to ask the owner of the creche why they were doing that to children.

My intention was to make a story. I felt strongly that parents need to be made aware if it is happening in a creche, he added.

The defendant admitted he became mildly irritated and had raised his voice because he felt children were being groomed as well as being quite annoyed about what was happening in the creche. He repeatedly denied having used the word paedophilia when speaking to creche staff.

Mr Dwyer said his intention was to give them a fair opportunity to explain what was going on, while he was very conscious of not filming any children. As a journalist, he said he asked difficult questions and had a robust conversation.

Mr Dwyer, who unsuccessfully contested this years local and euro elections for the far-right party, Ireland First, told the court he had become active as a citizen journalist after the 2020 general election.

He understood a video of the creche incident that he had posted online had been removed by YouTube. The defendant disagreed with the suggestion by the prosecution that his reckless behaviour had caused a breach of the peace.

In a closing submission, Ms Ni Gabhann said journalism would be seriously undermined if a journalist asking uncomfortable questions constituted a breach of the peace.

Mr Conlon argued that the defendant had been threatening, abusive and insulting. In essence he was a nuisance, the solicitor added.

Dismissing the charge, Judge Patricia McNamara said she found that the accused did not intend to commit a breach of the peace on the day.

The judge said she did not believe the threshold to find him guilty of the offence had been met and he was entitled to the benefit of the doubt. Judge McNamara remarked that she was not making a judgement on anything else.
The Diocese of Cork and Ross plans to sell its historic office and former bishops palace on the northside of Cork City to help fund construction of a new pastoral centre where lay people will be trained to support the dwindling number of priests.

The imposing 1930s-built property off Redemption Road, with landscaped gardens, sandwiched between the North Monastery and Farranferris campuses, could fetch several hundred thousand euro on the open market.

But the architectural and heritage status of the former bishops palace building will dictate the sites development potential, a property source said.

Bishop of Cork and Ross, Most Reverend Fintan Gavin, said surveys have shown the property, which hasnt been used as a residence for over 20 years, no longer remains fit for purpose, and too significant an investment would be required to renovate and extend it.

It was re-purposed over 20 years ago and has served our needs but as we look at our needs going into the future, it is just not suitable, he said.

"The seat of the Bishop of Cork and Ross will always remain on the northside at the North Cathedral. However, we feel the time is right to move all training, support and administrative functions to one location. This will help us to secure the future for the diocese to continue supporting our parishes as we plan better for the future.

Funds from the sale of the Diocesan Office will be used to meet the costs of the new centre.

The former bishop's palace for the Diocese of Cork and Ross was built around 1930 to a design by architect Samuel F Hynes.

According to its listing on the National Built Heritage Service catalogue the detached, U-plan, three-bay, two-storey, over basement property displays many characteristics of early 20th century architecture.

It features projecting end bays, it has a seven-bay side elevation to the south, a full-height central canted bay, a canted bay to west and a single-storey return to north.

The advanced bays to the main elevation and canted bay to south elevation enliven the building's symmetrical form, with the skilful use of brick and clay tile detailing adding further embellishment, the entry says.

The Celtic-influenced door lintel to the main entrance adds artistic interest, while also subtly reflecting the continued promotion of a national identity within the emergent independent state at this time.

Bishop Fintan Gavin said surveys have shown the property, which hasnt been used as a residence for over 20-years, no longer remains fit for purpose. Picture: Denis Minihane

The proposed new Cork and Ross Pastoral Centre will bring all diocesan functions under one roof, including education, mission and ministry, youth ministry, safeguarding, communications and administrative functions, including the bishops office and diocesan secretariat, and will offer a secure archive space to store important records from across the diocese.

But it will also be used to help train volunteers for leadership and ministry in the dioceses families of parishes in the years ahead.

A site next to the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Dennehys Cross is being considered as one of the potential sites for the new centre.

Bishop Gavin said: "As a community, we need to address the reality that more and more lay people will be engaged to meet the pastoral needs of our diocese in the years ahead.

As of now, we do not have suitable premises in which to train and support people, who will be vital to the provision of ministry and outreach.

The new pastoral centre will be used by the community and priests, will and ensure a more efficient use of resources under one roof for both the priests and laity.

The diocese is engaging with Cork City Council on a master plan for the site in conjunction with the remaining lands at Farranferris.

Bishop Gavin said he has also begun a wider consultation process on the potential developments.

Independent northside Cllr Ken O'Flynn called last night for the bishop to scrap the sale plan and instead consider donating the building to the city "to serve the most vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly".
Plans for a large new school building at one of Cork's best-known private schools have been put on hold following an objection by a local property owner.

An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala against the recent decision of Cork City Council to grant planning permission to Christian Brothers College in Cork for a new post-primary school building within the colleges grounds at Sidney Hill.

The plans provide for the construction of a new part two-storey and part three-storey school building as well as an external all-weather playing pitch on a 0.3-hectare site which is currently the location for an astroturf pitch which is due for demolition under the planning application.

The facilities will include nine classrooms, specialist teaching rooms, offices and a double-height, multi-purpose room as well as a kitchenette and social space and lockers for students.

CBC Cork  a fee-paying private school  said the new school building is designed to accommodate 150 pupils of the current school population of 920.

The schools board of management said there would be no increase in enrolment levels as a result of the new building which would provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities and a multi-purpose room with seating for up to 200 to cater for school assemblies and performances.

It will enhance facilities for the current student body and will also address a shortfall in the number of classrooms on the school campus, enabling the school to meet identified targets such as reducing class sizes and increasing subject offerings, it added.

According to the board of management, the proposed extension of its facilities will also provide high-quality infrastructure that befits the colleges status as one of the primary educational institutions in the city.

The development replaces a larger school building for which planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanala in July 2020 following an unsuccessful appeal by two objectors.

However, the board of management said that following a review in consultation with Edmund Rice Schools Trust, it was decided that the plans for the larger, five-storey building, which was estimated would cost 12.5m, were not commercially viable.

The new scaled-down model for the school building is 33% smaller than the previous design but is sited on a new location higher up the hill within the campus.

The board of management claimed the new building would not result in any increase in traffic flows as there are no plans to increase student numbers.

It also pointed out that the number of parking spaces within its grounds would be reduced from 77 to 66.

Traffic concerns

However, the appellant, Con Murphy from Macroom, Co Cork who owns three houses adjacent to the schools main entrance, said he was appealing the councils ruling with some reluctance given the fact that the proposed development relates to a school.

However, consultants acting for Mr Murphy, who also lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against the larger version of the new school building in 2020, said he felt that he had little choice.

The consultants claimed CBC Cork also had a poor track record in living up to its commitments in relation to traffic.

However, they acknowledged that the reasons why such commitments had proven very difficult to achieve was due to its almost unique catchment area and student profile.

Our client would wish to make it clear that he had no objection to the provision of improved facilities for pupils and staff. He has only one purpose in making this appeal  to prevent an already chaotic traffic situation at school peak times becoming worse, they stated.

The consultants said they could demonstrate a probable way in which overall student numbers could increase, despite the schools apparent commitment that they will stay unchanged.

They highlighted how the top floor of a building belonging to the adjacent CBC Preparatory School is used by the colleges 1st Year students.

Mr Murphy claims the bottom line is that the new building will create a capacity within the campus for 200 more students.

The appellant claims any increase on existing numbers would worsen existing traffic problems in the area.

Consultants for Mr Murphy have urged An Bord Pleanala to adopt a very simple solution of limiting overall student numbers on the CBC campus to 1,150.
The explosions which killed at least 26 people and wounded thousands in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday represent an "unacceptable escalation of violence" which increases "the risk of a wider conflict" in the Middle East, the Tanaiste has said.

At least 12 people were killed, and about 2,800 people were wounded as hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members began exploding across Lebanon on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, an apparent second wave of detonations of electronic devices - mostly walkie-talkies - killed a further 14 people, and injured hundreds more, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

A security source told Reuters that Israel's spy agency Mossad, which has a long history of sophisticated operations on foreign soil, planted explosives inside the pagers imported by Hezbollah months before Tuesday's detonations. Israel has not commented on the explosions.

Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the Gaza conflict erupted last October, fuelling fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin said the "indiscriminate attacks" demonstrated "a blatant disregard for the lives of innocent civilians".

"They are also in violation of international humanitarian law," he said.

Mr Martin said the detonations risked inflaming an already tense situation in the Middle East, increasing "the risk of a wider conflict in the region", which he said would be "disastrous for everyone".

I call for calm and restraint, and for de-escalation on all sides. It is time for the killing and the bombardment in the Middle East to stop.

Referring to negotiations around the conflict in Gaza, Mr Martin called for "renewed efforts to reach agreement in mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal".

"I urge Hamas and Israel to engage positively and flexibly in this process. We also need to see humanitarian access to Gaza at scale," he said.

Mr Martin said he remained convinced that "implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine".

UN General Assembly calls for end of Israeli occupation

Also on Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on Israel to end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories within a year.

The resolution backed a July 2024 Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which found that Israels presence in the Palestinian territories is unlawful.

Mr Martin said he welcomed the adoption of the resolution.

The findings of the Advisory Opinion is that Israels occupation of the Palestinian territories is unlawful and should be brought to an end as rapidly as possible.

Mr Martin said the opinion of the court largely confirms the Governments own legal analysis.

"Ireland co-sponsored and voted in favour of this Resolution. We, as the international community, must now turn our minds to implementation.

"I have already made it clear that the implications of the Advisory Opinion require careful consideration at both national and EU level. This Resolution provides a firm basis for these reflections," he said.

Mr Martin added that the European Union needed to be "consistent in upholding the rules-based international order" and that he would be raising this point with his EU counterparts at an upcoming UN meeting in New York.

"I am under no illusions as to the complexity and the challenges that this will entail. We must not shy away from the need to ensure compliance with international law," he said.

"The occupation must be brought to an end."
There is no one at reception when I arrive at the hotel in a small town about 50km from Dublin, so I go to the bar and, as instructed, ask for the duty manager.

Misa, do you know where James is? the young waiter calls to a passing colleague  in Slovak.

I had been interviewed online for the hotel cleaning job I applied for through an agency back in my home country, the Czech Republic.

Did I mind that the hotel was in a secluded location with nothing to do in the evening, theyd asked me in the interview.

Id said no, that I like solitude.

Now I am being shown around the hotel and the kitchen, where I meet the cook and two other guys  all of them Slovaks.

Just as I was surrounded by Poles while on the farm in Germany, here I feel I could be in Slovakia.

The cook, taking a break, tells me that it is his last day. I ask if he is leaving because of the low pay.

He breathes in slowly and says that hes leaving because of the stress.

Speak English!

At 8.30am the following day, I am teamed up with two female colleagues, Nina, 19, and Veronika, 20, to start work on the bedrooms.

I go to the second floor to help Veronika, who is also my roommate in the cramped staff hostel. Veronika tells me more than once not to spend so much time on bed-making, that the beds look nice already.

Its not your bed. Its good enough, she says.

At one point during our shift, I manage to lose both Nina and Veronika. On finding them again I blurt out, in Slovak: I couldnt find you!.

In English! one of the managers, who is in the vicinity, shouts so loudly that I jump.

Considering Veronika knows even less English than I do, it seems completely absurd to communicate in English.

In the back yard, after her shift, Veronika sighs: I shouldnt have come back here.

She worked at the hotel for five months last year, and she got talked into returning.

The hotel promised to pay her more than the minimum wage, but that promise was broken.

And the workload didnt get better, it got worse.

There used to be five people in housekeeping here, we could handle it, but you cant do it with two people, she complains.

She says she came back because of the money as she cant make any in Slovakia and doesnt want to be a burden on her parents.

I work for 11 hours, but it feels like 20

I ask my colleagues about contracts.

They wont give you a contract. I had to pressure them for two and a half months to give me one. And I couldnt get a PPS number the entire time, so they kept taking 40% of my earnings [in tax]. The first pay cheque was 315! Veronika says.

Until a worker has a personal public service (PPS) number, the state takes emergency tax and social insurance, which you claim back later. But you cant get a PPS without a contract.

I meet Sara in the backyard. She is a quiet 21-year-old from central Slovakia. She had wanted to work in the kitchen, but the management put her on reception because her English is good.

As shifts go, today is terrible, really terrible. Nina is off so I end up working for 11 hours, but it feels like 20. I barely stop for a second, I dont go to the bathroom, I dont have time for a drink of water, nothing

Before now, I never would have believed it was possible to create such a hell in which we feel compelled to work as hard as this the entire day, even without a supervisor watching us.

Veronika tells me more than once not to spend so much time on bed-making, that the beds look nice already.

From 9am we are going: cleaning the toilets next to reception, then we each get our bedroom lists. I start on the first of my rooms: clean the bathroom; change the beds; dust the furniture; refill the soap, body wash and shampoos, tea, coffee, milk; wash the cups. Veronika, working on the second floor, keeps texting me on WhatsApp, which we are supposed to monitor all the time: come on, come on, just do it, we have a lot to do.

Theres less than 10 minutes for us to eat lunch.

Back on duty, Veronika is yelling at me for not going fast enough or making mistakes in the rush.

Lifting the heavy mattresses, I cry tears of rage and exhaustion. She is totally stressed that we arent keeping up, and she curses the hotel for putting us under such pressure

When we eventually finish the bedrooms we are told to clean the dining room, then set the tables for breakfast.

Suddenly, Sara comes running over to say a guest has complained: his room has not been cleaned. I missed one. When I get back to the uncleaned room I find an angry Veronika, already on the case. She screams at me that I am completely stupid.

Later, I go back to the dining area, realising that as my hours are not recorded anywhere (I am not yet logged in to the hotels fingerprint-based ID system) I am basically working for free. I finish after 8pm  two hours later than my official finishing time.

I am so tired that I dont eat and instead of dinner, I walk to the petrol station 2km away for a can of beer.

Later, Veronika sends a WhatsApp: Sorry about today. Im really sorry, I was just overworked. I hope you understand. I dont want us to fall out.

And a smiley face.

If they want to screw me, theyll screw me

I start to get used to the routine. But I do something to my shoulder lifting those heavy mattresses.

Maybe I really am too old for this job, as the woman at the Slovak-run job agency had hinted when I was looking for hotel work. Im 45.

I could handle it if there was more time, but things are organised in such a way that it is impossible.

When it looks as if there wont be much work on a given day, staff are told they can have it off. Not everyone is happy with that as we are only paid for the hours worked.

Theres a lot of ambiguity about payslips, and colleagues say if I leave the job early I wont get paid at all.

Nina has been crying because she got paid so little in the last round. She is exhausted but hasnt kept track of her hours.

No one here seems to keep a record of the actual hours worked.

Mikulas, a nice young waiter whose ambition is to have an organic farm, says: Why would I? If they want to screw me, theyll screw me.

The next evening, I meet Sara in the backyard. She is totally down, saying she should have stayed in Slovakia and worked for 4 an hour there, rather than put up with what she has to do here in Ireland.

Every employee has a right to one day off a week. But because there arent enough staff, some havent had a day off in weeks.

In the schedule sent out, the hours change all the time, but the underlying system is clear to everyone: they pay for as few hours as they can get away with

My days off

I get a text to say I will have Monday and Tuesday off. On Monday morning, I sleep until 10am, have a coffee, and walk to the petrol station shop with Barbara. On the way, she recalls how when she was working in Slovakia, they had a Ukrainian who worked every day and never had a day off, and yet he earned less than she, a part-timer did. For them, we are something like the Ukrainians are for us, she said about the relationship Irish people have with Slovakian workers.

After a week, I text the duty manager a polite message to tell him that Im leaving. I enjoy the last few evenings in the backyard and Im very sad to leave this great group of people.

On the following Monday, he suddenly texts me, asking what my bank details are and wondering if I managed to get a PPS number. I assume the hotel has found out that I am a journalist because I told some of my colleagues before I left.

In a group chat on WhatsApp, the manager writes: Hi all, please let me know if you did not receive a payment in your bank last week or if you have never received payment. Also, let me know if you are not receiving your payslip.

Payslips had not gone to anyone that I spoke to previously. I was told when I took the job that it paid the Irish minimum wage, then 10.50 an hour, before deductions of 62.40 a week for board and lodgings and 3 a week for use of the laundry facilities. I dont know how much I should have earned, because after I left I couldnt get a PPS number so too much tax was deducted. Eventually, I got sent 369 for eight days work.

After leaving, I hear from Sara that she and Sebastian went back to Slovakia and planned to stay there. But they couldnt find another job so they returned to Ireland. She writes: It will be better now that we know what we are getting into. We have lower expectations.

The Guardian
Germany has put a hold on new exports of weapons of war to Israel while it deals with legal challenges, according to a Reuters analysis of data and a source close to the Economy Ministry.

A source close to the ministry cited a senior government official as saying it had stopped work on approving export licences for arms to Israel due to legal and political pressure from legal cases arguing that such exports from Germany breached humanitarian law.

The Economy Ministry has not responded to requests for comment. However, the German government did issue a statement after the Reuters story was published.

"There is no German arms export boycott against Israel," government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said.

Last year, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth 326.5m, including military equipment and war weapons, a 10-fold increase from 2022, according to data from the Economy Ministry, which approves export licences.

However approvals have dropped this year, with only 14.5m worth granted from January to August 21, according to data provided by the Economy Ministry in response to a parliamentary question.

Of this, the weapons of war category accounted for only 32,449.

In its defence of two cases, one before the International Court of Justice and one in Berlin brought by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, the government has said no weapons of war have been exported under any licence issued since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, apart from spares for long-term contracts, the source added.

Israel's assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians since October 7, according to the local Hamas-controlled health ministry. It has also displaced most of the population of 2.3 million, caused a hunger crisis and led to genocide allegations at the World Court, which Israel denies.

No case challenging German arms exports to Israel has yet succeeded, including a case brought by Nicaragua at the ICJ.

Disagreement on arms exports

But the issue has created friction within the government as the Chancellery maintains its support for Israel while the Greens-led Economy and Foreign ministries, sensitive to criticism from party members, have increasingly criticised the Netanyahu administration.

Legal challenges across Europe have also led other allies of Israel to pause or suspend arms exports.

Britain this month suspended 30 out of 350 licences for arms exports to Israel due to concerns that Israel could be violating international humanitarian law.

In February, a Dutch court ordered the Netherlands to halt all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel over concerns about their use in attacks on civilian targets in Gaza.

President Joe Biden's administration this year paused - but then resumed - shipments of some bombs to Israel after US concerns about their use in densely populated Gaza.

Approvals and shipments of other types of weapons, in more precise systems, continued as US officials maintained that Israel needed the capacity to defend itself.

Alexander Schwarz, a lawyer at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, which has filed five lawsuits against Berlin, suggested that the significant decline in approvals for 2024 indicated a genuine, though possibly temporary, reluctance to supply weapons to Israel.

"However, I would not interpret this as a conscious change in policy," Schwarz added.

- Reuters
Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a new sex crime charge in New York, as he awaits retrial in his landmark #MeToo case.

A new indictment charged the jailed ex-movie mogul with committing a criminal sex act, accusing him of forcing oral sex on a woman at some point between April 29 2006 and May 6 of that year.

No details about the accuser involved in the new charge were released.

Thanks to this survivor who bravely came forward, Harvey Weinstein now stands indicted for an additional alleged violent sexual assault, Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. He added that the investigation continues.

Prosecutors revealed last week that Weinstein had been indicted on additional sex crime charges that were not part of the case that led to his now-overturned 2020 conviction. But the new indictment had been sealed.

Prosecutors have previously said the grand jury heard evidence of up to three alleged incidents dating back to the mid-2000s.

Harvey Weinstein appears in criminal court in New York (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool)

In April, New Yorks highest court overturned Weinsteins 2020 conviction on rape and sexual assault charges involving two women.

That court ordered a new trial, and it is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 12.

The Court of Appeals ruled that the then-trial judge unfairly allowed testimony against him based on allegations that were not part of the case. That judges term expired in 2022, and he is no longer on the bench.

Prosecutors have said they will seek to fold the new charges into the retrial, but Weinsteins lawyers say it should be a separate case.

Weinstein, who also was convicted in 2022 in a Los Angeles rape case, remains behind bars while awaiting his New York retrial.

The 72-year-old has maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.

The jailed ex-movie mogul, who recently had emergency surgery, arrived at the Manhattan court in a wheelchair.

A judge agreed last week to let Weinstein remain indefinitely in the prison ward at Bellevue Hospital instead of being transferred back to the infirmary ward at New Yorks Rikers Island jail complex.

Once one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, Weinstein co-founded the film and television production companies Miramax and the Weinstein Company and produced films such as Shakespeare in Love and The Crying Game.
The US House of Representatives has rejected Speaker Mike Johnsons proposal to temporarily fund the government.

The legislation would have linked temporary funding for the federal government with a mandate that states require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.

The next steps on government funding are uncertain with work on the dozen annual appropriations bills that will fund federal agencies not due to be completed during the next fiscal year, meaning they will need to approve a stop-gap measure to prevent a partial shutdown when that budget year begins on October 1.

The vote was 220-202 with 14 Republicans and all but three Democrats opposing the bill.

We'll draw up another play and we'll come up with a solution.

Mr Johnson, who said after the vote he was disappointed, is likely to pursue a Plan B to avoid a partial shutdown, although he was not yet ready to share details.

Well draw up another play and well come up with a solution, he said. Im already talking to colleagues about their many ideas. We have time to fix the situation and well get right to it.

Mr Johnson had pulled the bill from consideration last week because it lacked the votes to pass.

He worked through the weekend to win support from fellow Republicans but was unable to overcome objections about spending levels from some members, while others said they do not favour any continuing resolutions, insisting that Congress return to passing the dozen annual appropriations bills on time and one at a time. Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the measure.

Requiring new voters to provide proof of citizenship has become a leading election-year priority for Republicans.

Opponents say that such a requirement would disenfranchise millions of Americans who do not have a birth certificate or passport readily available when they get a chance to register at their school, church or other venues when voter registration drives occur.

But Mr Johnson said it is a serious problem because even if a tiny percentage of noncitizens do vote, it could determine the outcome of an extremely close race.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump (Frank Franklin II/AP)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump weighed in just hours before the vote. seemingly encouraging House Republicans to let a partial government shutdown begin at the end of the month unless they get the proof of citizenship mandate, referred to in the House as the SAVE Act.

If Republicans dont get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form, Mr Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social.

House Democrats said the proof of citizenship mandate should not be part of a bill to keep the government funded and urged Mr Johnson to work with them on a measure that can pass both chambers.

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has predicted Mr Johnsons effort was doomed to fail.

The only thing that will accomplish is make clear that hes running into a dead end, Mr Schumer said. We must have a bipartisan plan instead.

The legislation would fund agencies generally at current levels until March 28 while politicians work out their differences on a full-year spending agreement.

Democrats, and some Republicans, are pushing for a shorter extension. A temporary fix would allow the current Congress to hammer out a final bill after the election and get it to Democratic President Joe Bidens desk for his signature.

But Mr Johnson and some of the more conservative members of his conference are pushing for a six-month extension in the hopes Mr Trump will win and give them more leverage when crafting the full-year bill.
Hand-held radios used by armed group Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon's south in the country's deadliest day since cross-border fighting erupted between the militants and Israel nearly a year ago, stoking tensions after similar explosions of the group's pagers the day before.

Lebanon's health ministry said 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured.

Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts, but security sources said Israel's spy agency Mossad was responsible. One Hezbollah official said the episode was the biggest security breach in the group's history.

The operations, which appeared to throw Hezbollah into disarray, played out alongside Israel's 11-month-old war in Gaza and heightened fears of an escalation on its Lebanese border and the risk of a full-blown regional war.

"We are opening a new phase in the war. It requires courage, determination and perseverance from us," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in remarks at an air force base.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of pushing the Middle East to the brink of a regional war by orchestrating a dangerous escalation on many fronts.

The US, which denied any involvement in the blasts, said it was pursuing intensive diplomacy to avert an escalation of the conflict. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel told Washington on Tuesday it was going to do something in Lebanon. But Israel did not provide details and the operation itself was a surprise to Washington, the official said.

At least one of Wednesday's blasts in Lebanon took place near a funeral organised by Iran-backed Hezbollah for those killed the previous day when thousands of the group's pagers exploded across the country and wounded many of its fighters.

Hezbollah fighters carry one of the coffins of four fallen comrades who were killed Tuesday after their handheld pagers exploded, during their funeral procession in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Picture: AP Photo/Bilal Hussein

A Reuters reporter in the southern suburbs of Beirut said he saw Hezbollah members frantically taking batteries out of any walkie-talkies that had not exploded, tossing the parts in metal barrels. Hezbollah turned to pagers and other low-tech communication devices in an attempt to evade Israeli surveillance of mobile phones.

Lebanon's Red Cross said on X that it responded with 30 ambulance teams to multiple explosions in different areas, including the south of Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.

Images of the exploded walkie-talkies showed labels bearing the name of Japanese radio communications and telephone company ICOM (6208.T), opens new tab and resembled the firm's model IC-V82 device.

Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed ICOM said on Thursday it was investigating news reports two-way radio devices bearing its logo exploded in Lebanon and would release updated information as it becomes available on its website.

The company, which says it manufactures all of its radios in Japan, could not confirm whether it had shipped the device, in part because that model had been discontinued 10 years ago.

The Osaka-based firm said its products for overseas markets are sold exclusively through authorised distributors and it vets exports in accordance with Japan's security trade control regulations.

Lebanese soldiers gather outside a damaged mobile shop after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. Picture: AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari

The company has previously warned about counterfeit versions of its devices circulating in the market, especially discontinued models.

The hand-held radios were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, around the same time as the pagers, a security source said.

In Tuesday's explosions, sources said Israeli spies remotely detonated explosives they planted in a Hezbollah order of 5,000 pagers before they entered the country.

The United Nations Security Council will meet on Friday about the pager blasts after a request by Arab states.

Tehran's ambassador in Lebanon was superficially injured in Tuesday's blasts, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported then. But the New York Times on Wednesday said he lost one eye and the other was severely injured when a pager he was carrying exploded, citing two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Iran's envoy to the UN said in a letter on Wednesday that it "reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond" to the attack.

Hezbollah launches rockets

Hezbollah, which has vowed to retaliate against Israel, said on Wednesday it attacked Israeli artillery positions with rockets, the first strike at its arch-foe since the blasts. The Israeli military said there were no reports of any damage or casualties.

"Hezbollah wants to avoid an all-out war," said Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director of research at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. "But given the scale ... there will be pressure for a stronger response."

The two sides have been fighting across the Lebanese border since the Gaza conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, fuelling fears of a wider Middle East war that could drag in the United States and Iran. The previous highest daily Lebanese death toll was 11 who died in Israeli shelling last month, according to official counts.

Gallant said Israel, which has vowed to return evacuated residents to their homes in the north, was transferring troops and resources to the Lebanon border region. Israeli sources said this included the army's 98th Division, which has commando and paratrooper formations, moving from Gaza to the north.

"The 'centre of gravity' is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources and energy for the northern arena," Gallant said in remarks released by his office.

Families of victims who were injured Tuesday by their exploded handheld pagers, wait at the emergency entrance of the American University hospital, in Beirut, Lebanon. Picture: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

A full-blown war with Israel could devastate Lebanon, which has lurched from one crisis to another, including a 2019 financial collapse and the 2020 Beirut port blast.

Rising tensions may also complicate so far unsuccessful efforts by mediators Egypt, Qatar and the US to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and militant group Hamas, a Hezbollah ally also backed by Iran.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday it was too soon to assess the impact of the blasts on ceasefire talks.

Hezbollah, Iran's most powerful proxy in the Middle East, said in a statement it would continue to support Hamas in Gaza and Israel should await a response to the pager "massacre."

A Hamas delegation visited people wounded in the blasts in Lebanese hospitals on Wednesday, Lebanese state news agency NNA said.

The explosions followed a series of assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas commanders and leaders ascribed to Israel since the start of the Gaza war.

- Reuters
Multiple ex-Harrods employees have accused Mohamed Al Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire who owned the luxury department store for more than 25 years, of rape and sexual assault.

More than 20 women have spoken to the BBC as part of a special investigation, coming forward with allegations of assault and physical violence at properties in London and Paris.

Five women alleged they had been raped by Mr Al Fayed, the broadcaster reported.

Mr Al Fayed, who died in 2023, had previously been accused of sexually assaulting and groping multiple women.

We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed. These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms

A 2015 police investigation did not lead to any charges.

Harrods current owners said they are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by the late billionaire, adding: As a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.

In July 2023, Harrods began settling claims with women who came forward with claims of sexual abuse at the hands of Mr Al Fayed.

Rachel, not her real name, told the BBC she was raped after staying at one of Mr Al Fayeds apartments after a late shift at work.

I made it obvious that I didnt want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over, she said,

I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.

Harrods was owned by Mohamed Al Fayed for 25 years (Jonathan Brady/PA)

In a statement, Harrods said: We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed.

These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms.

We also acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims, and for this we sincerely apologise.

The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

This is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved.

This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future.
A 10-year-old Japanese student attending a Japanese school in southern China has died in a stabbing, officials in Tokyo have said.

The Japanese government asked Beijing to provide details of the attack and take preventive measures.

A suspect is in custody.

People walk past the Shenzhen Japanese School in Shenzhen, China after the attack (Kyodo News/AP)

Japans Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa expressed condolences and said it was extremely regrettable the student died despite requests for caution and enhanced safety around the time of the anniversary of the start of Japans invasion of China in the 1930s.

Ms Kamikawa said she also instructed Japanese schools in China to review their safety measures, and requested China to provide details of the attack and do its utmost to prevent a recurrence of similar attacks on the Japanese.

The student was stabbed by a man about 200 metres from the gate of the Shenzhen Japanese School, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian said in a daily briefing.

The attacker was arrested on site. The case is still being further investigated, Mr Lin said.

The motive for the attack in the city of Shenzhen is not yet clear.

In an email sent to Japanese citizens living in China, the Japanese Embassy warned residents to be vigilant and take precautions, citing knife attacks in recent months.

Japans Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa speaks to journalists in Tokyo (Kyodo News/AP)

The Japanese Consulate in Guangzhou, which is responsible for Shenzhen, called for measures to prevent such incidents.

On June 24th, a knife attack at a school bus stop for a Japanese school in the south-eastern city of Suzhou killed a Chinese national who was trying to stop the attacker and injured a Japanese mother and her child.

Earlier in June, a Chinese man stabbed four US university instructors at a public park in Jilin in the north-east as well as a Chinese person who tried to intervene.

The four instructors from Cornell College were teaching at Beihua University.

Their injuries were not critical.
The second trial for Vietnamese real estate typcoon Truong My Lan who was sentenced to death for financial fraud in April started on Thursday, state media reported.

The 67-year-old chair of the real estate company Van Thinh Phat was convicted for orchestrating Vietnams biggest ever financial fraud case, amounting to 12.5 billion dollars (9.4 billion)  nearly 3% of the countrys 2022 GDP and for illegally controlling a major bank allowing loans that resulted in losses of 27 billion dollars (20.3 billion), state media said.

Her arrest and conviction was one of the highest profile cases in an anti-corruption drive that has intensified since 2022.

Truong My Lan attends her second trial in Vietnams largest fraud case in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Thanh Tung/AP)

The so-called blazing furnace campaign has also singed the highest echelons of Vietnamese politics and led to the resignation of a former president who was implicated in it.

Lan is being tried on fresh charges of appropriating property fraudulently and money laundering.

According to a police investigation, she raised 1.2 billion dollars (905.7 million) from nearly 36,000 investors by issuing bonds illegally through four companies, state media reports say.

Investigators found 21 companies controlled by Lans Van Thinh Phat that illegally transferred over 4.5 billion dollars (3.3 billion) in and out of Vietnam between 2012-2022.

She is also accused of siphoning off 18 billion dollars (13.5 billion) obtained through fraud.

The case also involves 33 other defendants. It is expected to last a month.

Business woman Truong My Lan, centre, attends her second trial in Vietnams largest fraud case in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Thanh Tung/AP)

Lan and her family established the Van Thing Phat company in 1992 after Vietnam shifted from a state-run economy to a more market-oriented approach that was open to foreign investors.

She started out helping her mother, a Chinese entrepreneur, sell cosmetics in Ho Chi Minh Citys oldest market, according to the state media outlet Tien Phong.

Van Thinh Phat became one of Vietnams richest real estate firms, with projects including luxury residential buildings, offices, hotels and shopping centres.

This made her a key player in the countrys financial industry.

Lans first trial shocked many Vietnamese.

Analysts said the scale of the scam raised questions about whether other banks or businesses had similarly erred, dampening Vietnams economic outlook and making foreign investors jittery at a time when Vietnam is trying to position itself as the ideal home for businesses trying to diversify supply chains away from China.
Security has tightened at Oktoberfest in the wake of last months deadly knife attack in Solingen in western Germany.

Officials also warned revellers to expect longer lines at entry points as metal detectors will be deployed for the first time in the Bavarian beer festivals 189-year history.

Authorities say there are no specific threats to the worlds largest folk festival, which begins on Saturday with the traditional keg-tapping in Munich and runs through to October 6.

Flowers and candles are laid near the scene of a deadly knife attack during a festival, in Solingen, Germany (Federico Gambarini/AP)

Some six million participants, many wearing traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses, are expected over the course of the event.

The stepped-up security comes after an August 23 attack in Solingen that left three dead and eight wounded.

A 26-year-old Syrian suspect was arrested.

He was an asylum-seeker who was supposed to be deported to Bulgaria last year but reportedly disappeared for a time and avoided deportation.

The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the violence, without providing evidence.

The violence left Germany shaken and pushed immigration back to the top of the countrys political agenda.

In response, the Interior Ministry extended temporary border controls to all nine of its frontiers this week.

The closures are set to last six months and are threatening to test European unity.

The effects of the Solingen attack  and other recent violence across Germany  will also be felt at Oktoberfest.

Hand-held metal detectors will be used for the first time, with police and security staff using them on a random basis or following suspicious activity.

We have had to react to the fact that attacks with knives have increased in recent weeks and months, Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter told The Associated Press.

We will do everything we can to ensure that nobody comes to Oktoberfest with a knife or other dangerous weapons.

In addition to some 600 police officers and 2,000 security staff, more than 50 cameras will be spread across the grounds of the festival  which will be fenced off as well.

Festival-goers also are prohibited from bringing knives, glass bottles and backpacks.

Oktoberfest is no stranger to increased security throughout its history.

In 2016, authorities implemented tighter measures in response to a series of attacks, including when a German teenager fatally shot nine people at a Munich mall before killing himself.

The festivals organiser, Clemens Baumgartner, promised a safe public space, possibly the safest place in Germany during the 16 days of Oktoberfest.
Both major US presidential candidates are making appearances on Thursday meant to fire up their core supporters.

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to participate in a livestream with Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump will attend an event with prominent Jewish donors before addressing a gathering of the Israeli-American Council.

Ms Winfrey, who has endorsed Ms Harris and spoke at the Democratic convention in August, is set to host a two-hour Unite for America night-time streaming session in Michigan that organisers say aims to highlight dozens of grassroots groups backing the vice president.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he arrives to speak at a campaign event at Nassau Coliseum (Alex Brandon/AP)

Meanwhile, Mr Trump will be in Washington to address a Fighting Anti-Semitism in America evening event with Miriam Adelson, a co-owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks and widow of billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who founded the Las Vegas Sands casino and was one of the Republican Partys largest donors.

Mr Trump will also speak before the Israeli-American Council, a non-profit long backed by Mr Adelson as well as Haim Saban, a major donor to President Joe Biden and Democratic causes.

The council is holding its national convention in the weeks before the first anniversary of Hamas October 7 attacks on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.

On Friday, Ms Harris has campaign stops planned in swing states Wisconsin and Georgia as she calls attention to the case of a young mother who died after waiting 20 hours for a hospital to treat her complications from an abortion pill.

Ms Harris contends that outcome shows the consequences of Mr Trumps actions.

Amber Thurmans death, first reported on Monday by ProPublica, came two weeks after Georgias strict abortion ban was enacted in 2022 after the Supreme Courts decision to overturn nationwide abortion rights.

Oprah Winfrey speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Erin Hooley/AP)

Mr Trump nominated three of the justices who made that decision. He has a Saturday rally set in battleground North Carolina.

Thursdays campaign stops follow the Federal Reserve cutting its benchmark interest rate by an unusually large half-point.

That marked a dramatic shift after more than two years of high rates that helped tame inflation but also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers.

With the presidential election less than seven weeks away, the move has the potential to scramble the economic landscape just as Americans prepare to vote.

Campaigning in New York on Wednesday, Mr Trump said: I guess it shows the economy is very bad to cut it by that much, assuming theyre not just playing politics.

Asked about potential political influence of a rate cut so close to Election Day, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Biden administration has been very clear about this and very respectful of the independence of the Federal Reserve.

Unlike other administrations, weve been, I think, pretty steadfast about that, and have been continuous in making that clear, she added, without naming Mr Trump and his past public criticism of the Fed or his suggestions during the campaign that presidents should have more authority over the central bank.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington next Thursday for talks with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as he presses for the US to allow Ukraine to use Western-provided weapons to strike deeper into Russia.

Im looking forward to hosting my friend President Zelenskyy of Ukraine next week at the White House, Mr Biden said in message posted on X, formerly Twitter.

During his visit, Ill reaffirm Americas commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence.

The Biden administration is still not convinced that it should give Ukraine the authority to launch long-range missiles deeper into Russia, and US officials say they are seeking more detailed information about how Kyiv would use the weapons and how they fit into the broader strategy for the war.

Mr Zelensky will meet US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

US officials said they have asked Ukraine to spell out more clearly its combat objectives should the administration green light loosening restrictions on long-range weaponry.

Administration officials are concerned that loosening restrictions would have limited impact and come with great risk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week warned that Russia would be at war with the United States and its Nato allies if they allow Ukraine to use the long-range weapons.

US defence officials have repeatedly argued that the long-range missiles are limited in number and that Ukraine is already using its own long-range drones to hit targets farther into Russia.

Mr Zelenskyy is notably meeting separately with Ms Harris, who is looking to succeed Mr Biden.

She last met the Ukrainian president in July at an international gathering in Switzerland to discuss the war, shortly before Mr Biden announced he was abandoning his bid for re-election and endorsed Ms Harris.

Former US president Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he would move quickly to end the war should he win the November election.

His running mate, Senator JD Vance, said in a recent interview with the Shawn Ryan Show that Mr Trumps plan would include establishing a demilitarised zone, and Ukraine would not reclaim territory that Russia occupies and would agree not to join Nato.
1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
The scientific director for the company that owned the Titan submersible that imploded last year while on its way to the Titanic wreckage testified that the sub had malfunctioned just prior to the fatal dive
KATHMANDU, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- A poetry reading was held in the Nepali captial on Tuesday on the occasion of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

Learners of the Chinese language and local teachers from the China Cultural Center in Kathmandu recited in Chinese eight classical Chinese poems themed on the festival, while a 17-year-old student penned a poem on Nepal-China friendship to mark the occasion when families gather together, share mooncakes and view the full moon.

Dr. Sarbottam Shrestha, first vice president of the executive committee of the Arniko Society comprising scholars and experts who graduated from China, gave a brief introduction to Chinese literature and poetry in general and the poems recited in particular.

Bimala Tumkhewa and Momila Joshi, Nepali female poets who had poetry anthologies published, recited Nepali poems on the occasion.
By Arie Perliger, UMass Lowell | 

(The Conversation)  The increase in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank over the past year has been unprecedented. Since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack and the start of the war, there have been more than 1,000 attacks, according to a new report from the International Crisis Group.

The spike, which has raised international alarm, is often blamed on the permissive policies of Israels right-wing government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a U.N. investigation, nearly half of all settler attacks documented in October 2023 were conducted in collaboration with, or in the presence of, Israeli military forces.

I have studied Jewish violent extremism for more than 20 years. I would argue these developments result from long processes tied to the erosion of Israels democratic foundations  that the seeds were planted long before Netanyahu came to power.

Since the late 1970s, the future of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank has been the countrys most divisive debate. Yet the once-fringe settler movement has arguably become the most influential actor in Israeli politics.

Ideological origins

Israel took over the West Bank, then ruled by Jordan, during the 1967 Six-Day War against its Arab-majority neighboring countries.

Afterward, Israel imposed martial law in the region, yet Jewish settlement in the occupied area began immediately afterward. The first settlements were erected illegally and were allowed to stay on a temporary basis. Eventually, after the right-wing Likud party came to power in 1977, the settlements gained legal status and their number expanded rapidly. Most countries, however, consider them a violation of international law.

The first groups of settlers, and still the majority of them, are part of the larger religious Zionist movement, which aspires to combine dedication to a Jewish nation-state with religious orthodoxy. These Israelis consider the emergence of the Zionist movement, the establishment of the state of Israel and its subsequent military victories as phases in a holy redemption, which will end with the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of a Jewish kingdom.

Many believe this process can be expedited by restoring a Jewish presence in the West Bank, which is part of the biblical kingdoms of Judea and Israel.

In 1989, West Bank settlers made up less than 2% of Israels total population. Today, they constitute close to 6%, despite the fact that the countrys population has doubled.

About 150 settlements are scattered throughout the West Bank, in addition to unauthorized outposts  undermining the possibility of a viable Palestinian state with an undivided, continuous territory. As the government intensified efforts to promote settlement via various subsidies and the development of infrastructure, a growing number of Israelis have moved to the West Bank to improve their quality of life and for financial reasons rather than ideological ones.

Gaining influence

Settlers traditionally had limited representation in Israels Parliament. But that changed, thanks to a combination of several strategies.

Historically, the majority of the secular Israeli public was not willing to support Israels control over the West Bank for religious reasons. The lefts position is that settlements are an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians and are morally problematic.



Squatters, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2024

In order to build support, the settlers movement adopted a complementary narrative, focusing on their communities contribution to national security. Activists magnified the settlements role as a buffer zone between the Palestinian population living under occupation and the main Israeli population centers. Today, nearly half of Jewish Israelis believe they help strengthen national security.

In addition, the movement likened West Bank settlers to the Zionist pioneers who arrived in Palestine at the turn of the 20th century and founded modern Israel  although many of those original Zionists were staunchly secular. Thus, settlers legitimized their cause by portraying themselves as followers of Israels founding fathers.

Simultaneously, the settlers gained power within influential Israeli institutions, including the military. Today, settlers hold prominent positions in the armys leadership, which may partially explain the often weak response to settlers illegal activities.

Settlers political standing also rose as a result of their ability to gain positions within the government. They achieved this with the help of sympathetic ministers, by using party primaries to extract appointments and by winning existing officeholders to their cause. As right-wing governments became more the norm, some settler leaders became cabinet members.

A case in point is Uri Ariel. After leading the Yesha Council  a forum of mayors of West Bank settlements  Ariel became minister of construction, as well as minister of agriculture and rural development. Before stepping down in 2019, he promoted the expansion of settlements, as well as initiatives to specifically serve the Jewish population in the region, such as roads, tourist sites and industry.

Legitimizing violence

In the past decade, a militant stream gained increasing popularity within the settlers movement.

Known as Hardalim  a combination of the words ultra-Orthodox and nationalist in Hebrew  this group adopts a more Orthodox religious lifestyle. Adherents are less committed to Israels liberal and democratic traditions, prioritizing religious and nationalist values.

Furthermore, its leaders have embraced the followers of Kahanism, a racist ideology promoted by Rabbi Meir Kahane in the 1970s and 80s. Kahane proposed extreme policies to promote Jewish supremacy in Israel and the West Bank, such as calls to expel all Arabs from the country or prohibit marriage between Jews and Muslims.

Kahanes followers also justified violence against Palestinians, teaching that harm to a Jew is a desecration of Gods name and must be avenged.

Today, some settler leaders  including past and current Parliament members such as Michael Ben Ari and Zvi Sukkot  have also promoted support for extreme policies to secure Israels ongoing control and eventual annexation of the West Bank and Gaza. These include population transfer  a form of ethnic cleansing  as well as mass punishment of Palestinian communities.

Ultimate victory

Following 2022 elections, Prime Minister Netanyahu included extremist settler leaders in his cabinet, which signaled to many settlers that violent and illegal acts against Palestinians would be considered legitimate.

In addition, the appointments have further politicized government bureaucracy. The minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir  a former member of the Kahanist movement  has transformed the police force, employing aggressive measures against Palestinians and demonstrators opposing Netanyahus government.

Bezalel Smotrich, the political leader of the Hardali stream of the settler movement, now serves as minister of the treasury. Smotrich has pushed to direct more funding to settlements, approve expansions and legalize unauthorized outposts.

Both ministers and their parties have pressured the government to escalate the military campaign in Gaza. Meanwhile, they have expanded restrictions on West Bank Palestinians, such as limiting permits to work in Israel and increasing limitations on movement  reflecting how far Israel must go to restore its democratic ethos.

Arie Perliger, Director of Security Studies and Professor of Criminology and Justice Studies, UMass Lowell

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
A Bismarck man facing 10 felony charges after he allegedly assaulted the mother of his child, police and a neighbor pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

Jeremy Krueger-Grinnell is charged with 10 felonies, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, assault on an officer and child neglect, as well as two misdemeanors. A conviction on the most serious charge, attempted murder, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

All of the charges stem from an incident that took place at Krueger-Grinnell's residence on Volk Drive during the evening of Aug. 15, roughly four hours after he was bailed out of jail by the woman he is accused of assaulting, according to an affidavit.

During Wednesday's hearing, Bismarck police detective Dillon Marquis testified about the incident in which Krueger-Grinnell allegedly assaulted, beat and choked Kaylee Parisien, the mother of his 2-year-old son. Krueger-Grinnell allegedly choked Parisien until she lost consciousness three times and threatened to kill her on multiple instances, according to the detective's testimony.

The assault on Parisien started while she was holding the 2-year-old in her arms and continued after she placed the toddler in a high chair, Marquis testified. He added that the child witnessed the assault and "was screaming and crying" throughout repeated assaults on his mother.

Parisien escaped through a back door of the residence, but Krueger-Grinnell was allegedly able to catch her, at one point dragging her by her hair across a concrete patio while she screamed for help.

Marquis said audio and video of that incident was captured by a camera mounted on the outside of the home, and the incident, once outside, was witnessed by two other children. One of those children ran for help to neighbors Marco and Dayna Parado, who came to the scene.

Dayna Parado called police, which prompted Krueger-Grinnell to try to stop her, saying he'd done "nothing wrong," Marquis said. Marco Parada then told Krueger-Grinnell to leave Dayna alone, at which time Krueger-Grinnell "body slammed" Marco Parada to the street, then began striking him repeatedly with a closed fist and elbow, authorities allege.

Krueger-Grinnell allegedly told police who responded to the scene that Parada initiated the fight, but wounds observed on Krueger-Grinnell's right hand were consistent with offensive blows, Marquis testified.

When asked by Assistant Burleigh County State's Attorney Britta Joyce to describe injuries Parisien suffered, Marquis testified she exhibited cuts, bruising, swelling to her face and marks around her neck consistent with being choked.

"Did you find any of her hair?" Joyce asked.

"Yes," Marquis replied, relaying Parisien's account of being dragged by the head during the assault. The detective also testified to the presence of blood found inside the house.

When asked by Joyce about any other evidence of the alleged assault on Parisien, Marquis said a Ring doorbell camera pointed outside of the home recorded audio from inside that allegedly contains sounds consistent with the assault Parisien described.

Defense Attorney Guy Womack asked how such a recording was possible. Marquis said he couldn't say how the camera was activated, only that it was and the audio was recorded.

After officers determined that Krueger-Grinnell should be arrested, attempts to take him into custody were resisted to the point that several officers were needed to put him into the back seat of a patrol car, Marquis testified. Krueger-Grinnell then attempted to push on a door and security divider, which caused the glass to crack and metal bars to bend, the detective testified. Krueger-Grinnell was ultimately removed as a safety precaution.

Once removed, Krueger-Grinnell resisted attempts to place him in a restraining wrap and helmet, Marquis testified. That resistance included kicking one officer in the testicles, attempting to kick other officers and making threats to another officer and his wife, according to the detective. After Krueger-Grinnell was restrained, he was taken to jail.

Womack asked if police did anything to determine if Krueger-Grinnell had been drinking. Marquis replied "No," based largely on the amount of resistance they received taking him into custody.

Probable cause

Womack told South Central District Judge Lindsey Nieuwsma that the attempted murder charge was inappropriate.

"There was no intent," Womack said. "If he had intended to kill her it would have happened."

"He told her three times," State's Attorney Joyce replied. "There was no guessing as to his intent."

Nieuwsma agreed with Joyce's position and found probable cause for Krueger-Grinnell to be tried on all 12 counts.

Following that finding, Krueger-Grinnell pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial is scheduled to begin in late February.

Krueger-Grinnell remains in custody at the Burleigh Morton Detention Center on a $500,000 cash bond.

Nieuwsma then extended orders preventing any contact between Krueger-Grinnell and Parisien, over an objection by Womack, who said Parisien had contacted him by phone and email about being able to have a video call, accompanied by the couple's young son.

"I'm not going to allow that," Nieuwsma said.

Request for stiffer penalties

At Wednesday's hearing, Joyce formally notified Krueger-Grinnell and the court that the state intends to seek an extended sentence under the state's habitual offender statute if he is convicted.

Womack said he and Krueger-Grinnell had received the notification via paperwork filed earlier.

Under the statute, a person can be declared a habitual offender if they are convicted of two or more felonies carrying maximum sentences of five years or more. The offenses must be committed at different times. Offenses may have been committed in any state.

A review of Krueger-Grinnell's criminal history in North Dakota shows four previous felony convictions, three of which stem from cases in Ward County in 2019, with the fourth conviction in Morton County in 2020.

Under the habitual offender statute, a conviction on the attempted murder charge in Krueger-Grinnell's latest case could result in a sentence of life in prison.

Parada update

Marco Parada was taken to a hospital where he spent "nearly a month," including time in intensive care, receiving treatment for multiple head injuries that included orbital fractures and a broken jaw, Marquis testified.

The detective reported that Parada has recently been released from the hospital but continues to have cognitive issues and difficulties with the left side of his body. Following Parada's admission to the hospital, a GoFundMe campaign was established to help with medical expenses. To date, the campaign has raised nearly $60,000.
Human Rights Watch  (Beirut)  Thousands of pagers simultaneously exploded across Lebanon and parts of Syria on September 17, 2024, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including at least two children and two health workers, and at least 2,800 injuries, according to Lebanons Ministry of Health.

Photographs and videos filmed by victims and witnesses to the incident and reviewed by Human Rights Watch showed pagers exploding in various locales, such as grocery stores. Other videos that appear to be linked to the incident show adults and children in emergency rooms with severe penetrating traumatic injuries to their heads, torsos. and limbs, and other injuries consistent with the detonation of high explosives.

Hezbollah, in a statement, said that the pagers belonged to employees of various Hezbollah units and institutions and blamed the Israeli government. US and former Israeli officials speaking to the media said that Israel was responsible for the attack. The Israeli military has not commented.

Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, said:
Greenfield, Mass. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  In late 2020, a report titled Saving Gaza Begins with its Water stated:

The water crisis in Gaza is a problem of daunting proportions, with grave implications for the more than 2 million inhabitants of the Palestinian enclave. The Coastal Aquifer from which Gaza pumps water is diminishing; but more dangerously, it is experiencing significant deterioration from seawater and highly saline groundwater intrusion, as well as sewage pollution.

Fast forward to 2024: Gazas water scarcity pollution is severely worsened by its forced closure of water and wastewater treatment plants due to Israels blockade of fuel to Gaza to run the plants in its 2023-2024 war.

The authors of the Saving Gaza Begins with Its Water end in a cautiously positive note. The crisis of water in Gaza also holds promise, they wrote because Gazas water problem will require cooperation between antagonists, to their mutual benefit. There is no solution that can be achieved by Gaza or Israel in isolation because one of Israels water sources is the same Coastal Aquifer.

But this affirmative conclusion presumes that the people of Gaza have not been annihilated by Israeli bombing, inflicting a daily death rate greater than any major war of the 21st century, combined with the induced famine across all of Gaza by Israels blockades of food aid, and rampant disease including the recent polio virus. At the current rate of killing and death, 15 to 20% of Gazas people could be dead by the end of the year, a UN expert stated and almost entirely exterminated within a few years.



Ground Water, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2024

Prior to the current war, Gaza had 150 small-scale desalination plants to produce potable water. By mid-October 2023, Israeli missile attacks destroyed the drinking water desalination plants; and its almost total blockade cut off fuel to run the other water treatment plants, as well as metal parts to repair them. Gazas drinking water production capacity dropped to just 5 percent of typical levels,

With no power to run Gazas five wastewater treatment plants, sewage has flowed freely through the streets, causing a record increase in cases of diarrheal illnesses. By December 2023, cases of diarrhea among children under 5 in Gaza jumped 2000%, because of which children under five are over 20 times more likely to die than from Israeli military violence.

More than three quarters of Gazas 2.2 million people are internally displaced to southern Gaza and, even there, continually forced to re-locate because of Israeli bombing. In some of the most overcrowded shelters in southern Gaza there is one toilet per 600 internally displaced persons and little to no running water.

Every human being in Gaza suffers soul-shattering existence from this war variably described as genocide, ecocide, domicide (destruction of homes) and scholasticide (destruction of schools and universities). Indeed, two American trauma surgeons who have volunteered for surgical missions in crisis situations all over the world, stated that they have never seen cruelty like Israels genocide in Gaza. Women and their children are its gravest victims: 70% of those killed are women and children. Daily in Gaza children are having one of both legs amputated without anesthesia. More than 17,000 children have lost 1 or both parents.

Recently American doctors who volunteered in Gaza and spoke at a press conference during the Democratic National Convention accused the Biden administration of hypocritical action in saying they are working on cease-fire while providing the weapons massacring Gazans. They pleaded with Kamala Harris to embrace an arms embargo on Israel and immediate cease-fire. The doctors attested that the killing and suffering is on an entirely unprecedented scale. None has seen anything so horrific, so egregious, so inhumane.

Impacts of war on women

As of early 2024, The U.N. estimated that some 700,000 women and girls in Gaza experience menstrual cycles but lack adequate access to basic hygiene products like pads, toilet paper, soap, running water and toilets because of the war nor privacy to manage menstrual hygiene. These conditions put women and girls in Gaza at grave risk of reproductive and urinary tract infections. The challenge of trying to find an available bathroom is especially difficult for pregnant women who have pressure on their bladder, and women who have just given birth and are going through weeks of postpartum bleeding.

By early March 2024 Relief/Web reported: there has been a steep rise in malnutrition among the more than 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women. Every day about 180 women give birth in unimaginable conditions, no longer having health-care facilities to deliver their babies. Many mothers who have given birth since the beginning of Israels war are too malnourished to produce milk for their newborns.

Although mothers and adult women are tasked with sourcing food, they are the ones who eat last, less, and least .

What can be done? Nothing without Israel and the United States agreeing to end their totalistic war. Dima Nazzal, a systems engineer at the Georgia Institute of Technology believes that while rebuilding Gaza is a daunting prospect, with cooperation, coordination and courage, it is achievable. But the war must be ended.

Israel has sought security through militaristic means since its founding: expelling 750,000 Palestinians in 1948 (the Nakba  catastrophe in Arabic), claiming Palestinian land by force, apartheid conditions for Palestinians in Israel, establishing colonizing settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and now omnicide in Gaza. The only way for Israel to live in security is through a political compromise, in the spirit of Isaiah 59:8, that guarantees the human and political rights of the Palestinians who have lived on the land of Palestine for thousands of years. Without justice  the US ending its criminal trafficking of weapons to Israel, a permanent ceasefire, the UN recognizing Palestine as a state and then organizing the rebuilding of Gaza with supportive countries  there can be no peace.

Pat Hynes gave a talk on the plight of women in water-starved Gaza during a conference on Memorial Day weekend sponsored by the Womens International League for Peace and Freedom entitled Water on the Frontlines for Peace. This piece is a much abbreviated and updated version.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - First Mining Gold Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX: FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters co-led by Cormark Securities Inc. and Haywood Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters") under which the Underwriters have agreed to buy on a bought deal basis, 51,852,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.135 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $7 million (the "Bought Deal Offering"). The Underwriters have been granted an option (an "Over-Allotment Option") to purchase up to an additional 15% of the number of Units issuable under the Bought Deal Offering, exercisable in whole or in part, up to 30 days following the closing of the Bought Deal Offering.

In addition, the Company intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of Units (the "Non-Brokered Offering" and together with the Bought Deal Offering, the "Offering") for gross proceeds of up to $5 million.

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Unit Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 per share at any time prior to the date which is 36 months following the applicable closing date.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to advance First Mining's Springpole and Duparquet gold projects, as well as for general working capital and corporate purposes, as to be disclosed in the Supplement (as defined below).

The Units issuable under the Bought Deal Offering will be offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement (the "Supplement") to the Company's base shelf prospectus dated January 23, 2024. The terms of the Bought Deal Offering will be described in the Supplement which will be filed with the securities regulators in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, excluding Quebec, and the Units may also be offered by way of private placement in the United States and in offshore jurisdictions in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The Bought Deal Offering is expected to close on or before September 26, 2024 and the Non-Brokered Offering is expected to close on or before October 10, 2024. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to, the Company receiving the approval of the TSX.

The Units 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 Units in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About First Mining Gold Corp.

First Mining is a gold developer advancing two of the largest gold projects in Canada, the Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario, where we have commenced a Feasibility Study and permitting activities are on-going with a draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for the project published in June 2022, and the Duparquet Project in Quebec, a PEA-stage development project located on the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone in the prolific Abitibi region. First Mining also owns the Cameron Gold Project in Ontario and a portfolio of gold project interests including the Pickle Crow Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Firefly Metals Ltd.) and the Hope Brook Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Big Ridge Gold Corp.).

First Mining was established in 2015 by Mr. Keith Neumeyer, founding President and CEO of First Majestic Silver Corp.

ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING GOLD CORP.

Daniel W. Wilton

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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 the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "intends", "estimates", "envisages", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "opportunities", "objectives", 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.

Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the closing of the Offering and the timing of same, the use of the proceeds of the Offering, the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, and the Company's intention to complete the Non-Brokered Offering. All forward-looking statements are based on First Mining's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such factors include, without limitation, the Company's ability to obtain all approvals required in connection with the Offering, demand for the Units, the Company's business, operations and financial condition potentially being materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, and by reactions by government and private actors to such outbreaks; risks to employee health and safety as a result of the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, that may result in a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company's mineral properties as well as its head office; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities, indigenous populations and other stakeholders; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; title to properties.; and the additional risks described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on EDGAR.

First Mining cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to First Mining, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. First Mining does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on our behalf, except as required by law.
Vancouver, B.C.  September 19, 2024  TheNewswire  Bolt Metals Corp. (Bolt or the Company) (CSE: BOLT) (FRANKFURT: A2QEUB) (OTCQB: PCRCF) is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the LOI) with 1436060 B.C. Ltd. (143 BC) dated September 17, 2024, contemplating an acquisition by the Company of 143 BC, which holds the Silver Switchback property (the Property), located in the Omineca Mining Division of British Columbia, from the shareholders of 143 BC (the Proposed Transaction).

Property Highlights

recent surface sampling returned 1,975 g/t silver (Ag), 17.01 % copper (Cu) and 0.48 g/t Au

high-grade surface showings never drilled; existing drill permit good to 2027

significant road building and logging, provides for vehicle access to the entire property

mineralized zones of massive to semi-massive sulphides

geochemical target 1km by 3km in size

"The acquisition of the Silver Switchback Property is an important step forward in the transformation of Bolt Metals, positioning the company for future growth," said Branden Haynes, Bolts President and CEO. "Silver Switchback fits well with our long-term strategy of acquiring highly prospective exploration and development-stage projects, in mining friendly jurisdictions that may be advanced quickly and efficiently. We believe that there are excellent opportunities to discover significant additional copper and silver mineralization at Silver Switchback, and are planning a comprehensive exploration program to follow up on these targets".

The Silver Switchback Property is an exploration stage property located 55 kilometres east of Terrace, British Columbia via forest service roads. The Property consists of eight contiguous mineral claims totalling 2,560 hectares and is prospective for volcanic redbed copper and polymetallic Cu - Ag  Pb  Zn deposits. Exploration to date, including mapping, sampling, and drilling has outlined significant anomalous areas and prospective targets. The property was the subject of a recent C$500,000 work program and a 43-101 technical report dated September 1, 20231.

Transaction Terms

Under the terms of the LOI, at closing of the Proposed Transaction, the Company will issue an aggregate of 4,000,000 common shares in the Company (the Consideration Shares) to the shareholders of 143 BC (the Shareholders) pro rata to their respective shareholdings in 143 BC. The Company will also make a cash payment of CAD$20,000 on execution of a definitive agreement (the Definitive Agreement) to the Shareholders, or a nominee thereof. The Proposed Transaction arm's length and there are no finder's fees payable in connection therewith.

The Proposed Transaction is subject to a range of conditions, including, but not limited to, the parties entering into the Definitive Agreement containing terms and conditions, including representations and warranties customary for transactions of this nature and receipt of all required shareholder and regulatory approvals, including but not limited to approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE).

The entering into of the Definitive Agreement is subject to, among other things, completion of the parties respective due diligence and approval of the boards of the Company and 143 BC. There is no certainty that the parties will be able to conclude the Proposed Transaction. The LOI is non-binding and neither the Company nor 143 BC is under any obligation to enter into, or continue negotiations regarding, the Definitive Agreement or to proceed with the Proposed Transaction. There can be no assurances that any component of the Proposed Transaction will proceed, nor can there be any assurance as to the final definitive terms thereof.

Private Placement

The Company is also pleased to announce its intention to complete a non-brokered private placement offering of units (Units) for a total target amount of up to C$600,000. The offering will consist of up to 1,500,000 Units priced at C$0.40 per Unit (the Private Placement). Each Unit will be comprised one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a Common Share) and one common share purchase warrant (each, a Warrant), with each Warrant exercisable for a period of two (2) years at a price of C$0.75 per Warrant.

The net proceeds from the Private Placement are expected to be used for exploration expenditures, working capital and general corporate purposes. The Units, including all underlying securities, issued as part of this offering will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period from the date of issue. The Company may close the Private Placement in one or more tranches. The Company may pay finders fees in connection with the Private Placement. Insider participation in the Private Placement is not anticipated at this time.

Qualified Person

Mr. Garry Clark, P. Geo., a member of the Company's Board of Directors, a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101, has reviewed the technical contents of this news release and has approved the disclosure of the technical information contained herein.

1 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Silver Switchback Property, Northwest, British Columbia, Canada; Jeremy Hanson, P.Geo.; September 1, 2023

Bolt Metals Corp.

Branden Haynes  Director and CEO

(604) 817-1595

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute forwardlooking information. The words may, potential, should, would, could, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forwardlooking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forwardlooking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Companys future business activities may differ materially from those in the forwardlooking statements. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved or disapproved this news release.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced bought deal public offering of 25,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of C$2.60 per Common Share (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$65,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering was led by Canaccord Genuity as sole bookrunner and lead underwriter on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters that included CIBC Capital Markets, Ventum Financial Corp., Raymond James Ltd., Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., and BMO Capital Markets (collectively, the "Underwriters"). The Company has granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option, exercisable at the Offering Price for a period of 30 days after and including the closing date of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 3,750,000 Common Shares. In consideration for the services provided by the Underwriters in connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Underwriters a cash commission equal to C$3,228,000.10.

The Common Shares were offered pursuant to a final prospectus supplement of the Company dated September 16, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the short form base shelf prospectus of the Company dated March 31, 2023 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus"), in all of the provinces and territories of Canada, except Quebec, and in the United States pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated September 16, 2024 (the "US Prospectus Supplement") filed as part of an effective registration statement on Form F-10 filed under the Canada/U.S. multi-jurisdictional disclosure system. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V").

The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used to advance the exploration, drilling and development of the Company's Panuco Project, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes as set out in the Prospectus Supplement.

Copies of the applicable offering documents can be obtained free of charge under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Delivery of the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement and any amendments thereto will be satisfied in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation. An electronic or paper copy of Prospectus Supplement, the US Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Registration Statement may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity by phone at 416-869-3052 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by providing Canaccord Genuity with an email address or address, as applicable.

This news 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 jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Vizsla Silver Corp.

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 380,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2024, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +45,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

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.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements and information regarding the expected use of proceeds of the Offering, which ultimately remains the subject of the Company's discretion, receipt of the final approval of the TSX-V related to the Offering, and future drilling and exploration activities at the Panuco Project. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information.

Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla Silver's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Vizsla Silver's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla Silver has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus and the US Prospectus Supplement and Vizsla Silver's management discussion and analysis. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla Silver 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 anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla Silver does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Vancouver, Canada  September 19, 2024  TheNewswire  Green Bridge Metals Corporation (CNSX: GRBM, OTCQB: GBMCF, FWB: J48, WKN: A3EW4S) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ajeet Milliard as the Companys Chief Geologist. Dr. Milliard, an accomplished exploration geologist with over 14 years of experience in metals exploration, will bring her extensive expertise and innovative approach to the role. She holds a PhD in Economic Geology from the University of Nevada, Reno, where she conducted pioneering research on sediment-hosted gold deposits. Dr. Milliard also earned an M.Sc. in Structural Geology from Oregon State University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Milliard has made significant contributions to the field, starting in the oil and gas sector before making impactful strides at Newmont Mining, where she played a key role in the exploration and development of the Long Canyon Mine in Nevada. In her recent role within the junior mining sector, she excelled in project generation, management, and evaluation, demonstrating a strong ability to drive projects from concept to realization. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen Green Bridges technical capabilities and strategic direction. Dr. Milliard is known for her forward-thinking methods and her dedication to advancing exploration techniques, which aligns with Green Bridge's mission to push the boundaries of exploration and discovery.

In discussing her new role, Dr. Milliard expressed her enthusiasm for Green Bridge's projects: The South Contact Zone is a unique and promising opportunity with multiple metal commodities within the properties. It is very rare to stumble on a property with significant copper and nickel credits that hasn't been already well explored and has such potential to be expanded. In addition, the SCZ contains a deposit of titanium and vanadium mineralization which adds value to the land package and commodities it contains. It is quite an honor to work with Green Bridge on exploration and development of the South Contact Zone.

The Chrome Puddy project shows promise to deliver significant value for Green Bridge as a nickel resource with the potential to grow through targeted exploration drilling. With a handful of historic drill holes piercing the edges of a larger geophysical anomaly, it is possible that more of a deposit exists than has currently been discovered. The Chrome Puddy deposit is attractive as nickel is considered one of the critical minerals necessary in technology and the EV industry, and therefore developing a new deposit to contribute to the energy transition is exciting.

Green Bridge CEO, David Suda, welcomed Dr. Milliard to the team, noting: Dr. Milliards wealth of experience, particularly in gold and metals exploration, aligns perfectly with our ongoing projects and growth strategy. Her deep understanding of complex geological systems and her proven track record in project management will be instrumental as we advance our exploration initiatives. We believe that her leadership will greatly enhance our ability to discover and develop high-value mineral assets, driving our Company forward into a new phase of growth and success."

Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated June 19, 2024 and March 14, 2024, that it has extended its engagement of MIC Market Information & Content Publishing (business address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-Str. 49B, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; telephone: +49 2171-7766628; and website: www.micpublishing.de) ("MIC") for the provision of a range of online marketing services encompassing campaign creation, production of marketing materials, as well as research and analytics (the "Services"). The Services are expected to continue until March 18, 2025, or until budget exhaustion; provided, however, that the Services may be extended or shortened at the discretion of the Company depending on, among other things, the efficacy of the Services. The Company has agreed to pay to MIC $379,384.50 in consideration for the extension of Services. The Company has not provided any securities to MIC or its principals as compensation for the Services.

About Green Bridge Metals

Green Bridge Metals Corporation (formerly Mich Resources Ltd.) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring battery metal rich mineral assets and the development of the South Contact Zone (the Property) along the basal contact of the Duluth Intrusion, north of Duluth, Minnesota.

ON BEHALF OF GREEN BRIDGE METALS

David Suda

President and Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please contact:

David Suda

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 604.928-3101

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future exploration work on the properties of the Company and upcoming surface exploration and airborne geophysical surveys and potential results therefrom. Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (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.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ValOre Metals Corp. (ValOre or the Company) (TSX-V: VO; OTCQB: KVLQF; FRANKFURT: KEQ0) today announced a non-brokered private placement whereby the Company will issue up to 47,500,000 units (the "Units") at a price of CDN$0.075 per Unit (the Offering Price) for total gross proceeds of up to CDN$3,562,500 (the Offering).

Each Unit will consist of one common share (a Share) in the capital of the Company and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant being a Warrant). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Share at a price of CDN$0.10 per Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance subject to an acceleration clause.

If the 20-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares as quoted on the TSX-V is equal to or greater than $0.15 at the close of any trading day, then the Company may, at its option, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by issuing a press release (a Warrant Acceleration Press Release) announcing that the expiry date of the Warrants shall be deemed to be on the 30th day following the issuance of the Warrant Acceleration Press Release (the Accelerated Expiry Date). All Warrants that remain unexercised following the Accelerated Expiry Date shall immediately expire and all rights of holders of such Warrants shall be terminated without any compensation to such holder.

ValOre intends to use the net proceeds raised from the Offering for exploration on ValOres 100% owned Pedra Branca Platinum Group Elements Project in northeastern Brazil, as well as for general working capital.

The Company may pay finders fees on a portion of the Offering, subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities legislation.

The closing of the Offering is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. There are no material facts or material changes regarding the Company that have not been generally disclosed.

About ValOre Metals Corp.

ValOre Metals Corp. (TSXV: VO) is a Canadian company with a team aiming to deploy capital and knowledge on projects which benefit from substantial prior investment by previous owners, existence of high-value mineralization on a large scale, and the possibility of adding tangible value through exploration and innovation.

ValOres Pedra Branca Platinum Group Elements Project comprises 45 exploration licenses covering a total area of 51,096 hectares (126,260 acres) in northeastern Brazil. At Pedra Branca, 7 distinct PGE+Au deposit areas host, in aggregate, a 2022 NI 43-101 inferred resource of 2.198 Moz 2PGE+Au contained in 63.6 Mt grading 1.08 g/t 2PGE+Au. ValOres team believes the Pedra Branca project has significant exploration discovery and resource expansion potential. (CLICK HERE to download 2022 technical report* and CLICK HERE for news release dated March 24, 2022).

*The 2022 Technical Report is entitled Independent Technical Report Mineral Resource Update on the Pedra Branca PGE Project, Ceara State, Brazil was prepared as a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on behalf of ValOre Metals Corp. with an effective date of March 08, 2022. The 2022 Technical Report by Independent qualified persons, Fabio Valerio (P.Geo.) and Porfirio Cabaleiro (P.Eng.), of GE21, commissioned to complete the mineral resource estimate while Chris Kaye of Mine and Quarry Engineering Services Inc. (MQes), was commissioned to review the metallurgical information. The Mineral Resource estimates were prepared in accordance with the CIM Standards, and the CIM Guidelines, using geostatistical, plus economic and mining parameters appropriate to the deposit. Mineral Resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability, and may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, and other relevant issues. Mineral Resources are based upon a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t PGE+Au, correlated to Pd_eq grade of 0.35 g/t, and were limited by an economic pit built in Geovia Whittle 4.3 software and following the geometric and economic parameters as disclosed in the 2022 NI 43-101 Technical Report.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Jim Paterson

James R. Paterson, Chairman and CEO

ValOre Metals Corp.

For further information about ValOre Metals Corp., please visit www.valoremetals.com or contact Investor Relations by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ValOre Metals Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. http://www.discoverygroup.ca/

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although ValOre believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements have been based on factors and assumptions concerning future events that may prove to be inaccurate. These factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information to ValOre. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors including those set forth in other public filings could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the future operations of ValOre and economic factors. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and, except as required by applicable law, ValOre does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ValOre undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of ValOre, or its financial or operating results or (as applicable), their securities.
Armed jihadist groups in Burkina Faso have stepped up their attacks on civilians in recent months, "massacring villagers, displaced people, and Christian worshippers", Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.

Since February 2024, HRW said that jihadists had carried out seven attacks, which killed at least 128 civilians and "violated international humanitarian law".

"We are witnessing a incredibly concerning surge in Islamist violence in Burkina Faso. The Islamist armed groups' massacres of villagers, worshippers, and displaced people are not only war crimes, but a cruel affront to human decency," said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at HRW.

In a report full of eyewitness accounts, the rights group documented gruesome atrocities including door-to-door executions, throat-slitting, the dismemberment of bodies and the rape of women.

One attack on church worshippers in February in Essakane left 12 dead.

"I saw a huge pool of blood and traces of blood all over the church, as well as bullet marks on the benches," said one survivor who lost his 49-year-old brother, a teacher, at the hands of the assailants.

"At the cemetery, I saw 12 bodies, including my brother's body, with bullet wounds in the chest and in the back, and his mouth covered with blood."

- Tens of thousands killed -

Quoted in the report, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) has counted more than 26,000 people killed -- including soldiers, militiamen and civilians -- in Burkina Faso since the start of the conflict in 2016.

In the first eight months of this year, ACLED recorded more than 6,000 deaths, including around 1,000 civilians killed by Islamist armed groups.

HRW said that the figures did not include the 100 to 400 civilians killed in an attack on August 24 in Barsalogho, in the centre of the country.

"We are caught between a rock and a hard place," said a resident of Niamana, in the far west of the country.

"On the one hand the authorities are pushing us to return to villages where security is not guaranteed, and on the other, the jihadists attack us when we return to our fields and homes", said the resident, in an account echoed by others.

When questioned by HRW about the allegations of forced returns, the country's justice minister, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, said that the return of displaced persons is voluntary and "preceded by actions to secure localities and reopen basic social services".

The Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen operates in 11 out of 13 regions of Burkina Faso, according to ACLED.

The group also regularly carries out attacks in neighbouring Niger and Mali -- where it claimed an attack on Tuesday in the Malian capital Bamako against the military airport and a police training camp.

The HRW report illustrates the difficulties Captain Ibrahim Traore's military junta faces in trying to contain this escalation in jihadist violence in Burkina Faso.

When Traore took power in a September 2022 coup, the army leader promised to regain control of the country in "six months", promising to make the fight against "terrorism" his "priority".

Local sources said on Tuesday that numerous residents of the key northern town of Djibo had fled their homes since September 14 after jihadists ordered them to leave their districts or face execution.

Some approached a military camp in the town to beg for protection, one local resident told AFP.

Djibo is home to tens of thousands of people who have fled their villages to escape jihadists over recent years.
Colonel Claude Pivi, Guinea's most wanted fugitive after his August conviction of crimes against humanity for involvement in a 2009 massacre, has been arrested in Liberia, his lawyer told AFP on Wednesday.

"In view of the information we have received and some information we have had from the country where he was arrested, we can now confirm he is in the hands of the Liberian authorities," Abdourahmane Dabo told AFP.

Little else has emerged over the conditions and date of Pivi's arrest by Liberian police with no formal notice issued by the Liberian or Guinean authorities.

However, Dansa Kourouma, who presides the National Transitional Council in Guinea, the legislative body of the junta in power since 2021, told French broadcaster RFI on Wednesday the colonel had indeed been arrested in Liberia.

"I have not had direct communication with the colonel," Dabo added, asking the authorities to "ensure that his rights are respected", saying he is "sick".

For 10 months after his escape last November from the Conakry central jail, former minister of presidential security Pivi had been nowhere to be seen, leaving a potential threat hanging over survivors and families of the victims of the September 28, 2009 massacre.

"I'm overjoyed. I pray that he will remain in prison forever," Fatoumata Diariou Camara, who was caught up in the violence that day, told AFP.

At least 156 people were killed by gunfire, knives, machetes, or bayonets in the massacre at the Conakry stadium, with hundreds more injured in a crackdown on an opposition rally, according to the report into the incident by a UN-mandated international commission of inquiry.

At least 109 women were raped while abuses carried on for days afterwards against more women who were kidnapped with detainees tortured in what is considered one of the darkest pages in the West African nation's history.

In August, Pivi was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life in prison.

A trial of suspects behind the massacre which opened in 2022 saw former military junta head Moussa Dadis Camara and two other men who escaped from prison along with Pivi present alongside several other former government officials.

On November 4, 2023, Pivi escaped along with three other detainees, including Camara, during a commando operation. His fellow escapees were recaptured the same day but he had remained at large.

Authorities have offered a sizeable reward for his capture.

Camara was in July found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
A decade after their children vanished, the parents of 43 Mexican students presumed to have been massacred hope that a new president will finally reveal the truth about the tragedy.

"We'll keep fighting until we get truth and justice," vowed Maria de Jesus Tlatempa, whose son Jose Eduardo was 19 when he disappeared.

The case of the students from the Ayotzinapa teacher training college in the southern state of Guerrero is considered one of the worst human rights atrocities in Mexico, where a spiral of drug-related violence has left more than 100,000 people missing.

After their disappearance shocked the nation, "people started approaching us to tell us that they had also been looking for a missing person, a daughter or a son, for years," Tlatempa told AFP.

She hopes that president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum will take up outgoing leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's pledge to uncover the facts about what happened on the night of September 26-27, 2014 in the city of Iguala.

"If a man couldn't do it, let a woman," said Tlatempa, who along with other relatives was preparing to mobilize on Wednesday for the start of events marking the sombre anniversary.

Their anger is expected to peak on September 26 with an annual protest march in Mexico City -- days before Sheinbaum takes oath as Mexico's first woman president on October 1.

The students from the Ayotzinapa college -- whose members have a history of political activism -- had commandeered buses to travel to a demonstration in Mexico City when they went missing.

Investigators believe they were kidnapped by a drug cartel in collusion with corrupt police, although exactly what happened to them is unclear.

"Alive they took them! Alive we want them!" the families and their supporters regularly chant at protests.

But 10 years later, the focus has turned to finding the remains as well as the truth about who was responsible, in a country where criminal violence has claimed more than 450,000 lives since 2006.

So far, the remains of only three of the victims have been identified through genetic testing of bone fragments.

- 'The army knew' -

In 2022, a truth commission set up by the government branded the Ayotzinapa case a "state crime" and said the military shared responsibility, either directly or through negligence.

One theory it put forward was that cartel members targeted the students because they had unknowingly taken a bus with drugs hidden inside.

Lopez Obrador says progress has been made by his government, while promising relatives that he will continue working on the case until the final day of his presidency.

Last year, the commission found that the army was aware of what was happening and had real-time information about the kidnapping and disappearance.

"We know that the army knew. They know where our children are," said Tlatempa, lamenting the army's failure to hand over all the documents it has on the case.

Arrest warrants have been issued for dozens of suspects, including military personnel and a former attorney general who led a controversial investigation into the mass disappearance.

Since attendance at the Ayotzinapa college is free, the tragedy struck families from modest backgrounds without enough money to put their children through private education.

"My son wanted to study engineering. But since I had cancer at the time, I told him to choose a school where he can finish his studies, because I'm not going to be able to help you with your education," Tlatempa said.

"We are people with low incomes," she added.

Such free teacher training colleges have always been considered by the authorities as a "nest of guerrillas" and "activists," said former student Manuel Vazquez Arellano, now a ruling party lawmaker.

They could not know it when their children were born, but the victims' relatives have also become activists over the years.

"We had never spoken in public. I never imagined that one day I would go to the government palace," said Estanislao Mendoza, who remembers his son Miguel Angel as a fun-loving 33-year-old.

"He wanted to be a teacher after working for years as a hairdresser," he said.

Mendoza recognizes progress has been made under Lopez Obrador, including the detention of soldiers in connection with the case.

"But they don't tell us where our children are," he said.
US President Joe Biden will welcome UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday for talks on Gaza and Sudan, the White House said, despite concern over the Gulf power's role in Sudan.

The visit will be the first ever in Washington by a UAE president and he will also meet separately with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running to succeed Biden.

Biden and Harris "will discuss with President Mohamed, obviously, the crisis in Gaza, the UAE's essential role in addressing the humanitarian crisis there, and the crisis in Sudan," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Wednesday.

On Sudan, "we all must increase efforts to open routes for humanitarian assistance and ultimately to secure a ceasefire," Kirby said.

The trip announcement comes a day after Biden issued a statement urging the renewal of negotiations in Sudan's brutal civil war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudanese army has repeatedly accused the UAE of backing the RSF, which the United States accuses of carrying out crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing centered in the war-scarred Darfur region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a visit Wednesday to Cairo, warned the RSF over its months-long siege of North Darfur state's capital El-Fasher, where a UN-backed assessment found famine in a nearby displacement camp.

A recent RSF commitment during US-backed talks in Switzerland to a code of conduct for its fighters "is now threatened by a new RSF offensive in El-Fasher, already resulting in the deaths and displacement of thousands of vulnerable people," Blinken said.

"The RSF must take every step to protect the lives of innocents and respect its commitment to protect civilians," he said, as he also urged the army to "halt indiscriminate bombing."

The UAE has denied backing the RSF. The wealthy Gulf nation had tapped Sudanese paramilitary forces during its operations in Yemen against Iranian-backed Huthi insurgents.
The controversial documentary "Russians at War" will be shown at the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) next month despite harsh criticism from Kyiv, the event's director said Thursday.

The documentary has sparked outrage since it was first shown at the major Venice film festival earlier this month, with some calling it a pro-Kremlin film that seeks to whitewash and justify Moscow's assault on its neighbour.

Ukraine added Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, who directed the documentary, to a national security blacklist on Monday, saying it spread "Russian propaganda" about Moscow's invasion.

The documentary was listed on the programme for the Swiss festival, which was sent out to media on Thursday, as a film portraying "Russian frontline soldiers in Ukraine (dealing) with the fragility of democracy".

"We understand that Ukrainians are unhappy," but the film will be screened as scheduled, ZFF director Christian Jungen told a press conference in Zurich, according to the Keystone-ATS news agency.

He stressed that "films should incite discussion", adding that he considered the documentary an "anti-war film".

A spokesman for the Ukrainian foreign ministry warned the ZFF organisers Thursday that they risked ruining the festival's reputation by going ahead with the screening.

"This is a propaganda film that whitewashes war crimes, not a documentary," Georgil Tykhyi said on X, formerly Twitter.

"Real Russians at war are invaders, war criminals, and rapists. Covering them up makes you complicit."

Before those comments, the Ukrainian foreign ministry had already said on X on Wednesday that it was "outraged" by the ZFF decision.

According to Trofimova's website, she has previously made documentaries in Syria, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo that have been broadcast on Russia's state-run RT television, which has been hit by sanctions from the European Union and the United States.

Jungen acknowledged that the director was "not unproblematic", stressing that the "Russians at War" documentary would be discussed at a roundtable event during the festival.

A number of stars are set to attend the ZFF, which this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary during a 10-day film bonanza from October 3 to 13, including Kate Winslet, Richard Gere and Jude Law.

apo/nl/vog/rlp

X
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged Thursday his powerful group had suffered an "unprecedented" blow when thousands of operatives' communication devices exploded in attacks it blamed on Israel.

Israel has not commented on the attacks that killed 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000 across Lebanon over two days but has said it will widen the scope of its war in Gaza to include the Lebanon front.

Delivering a speech after the attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, which plunged Lebanon into panic, Nasrallah struck a defiant tone and warned of retaliation.

Describing the attacks as a possible "act of war", he said Israel would face "tough retribution and just punishment, where it expects it and where it does not".

The attacks were a "massacre" that "could be a war crime or a declaration of war," he said, accusing Israel of having wanted to "kill no less than 5,000 people in two minutes".

Nasrallah also vowed to keep up Hezbollah's fight against Israel until a ceasefire in Gaza is reached.

"The Lebanese front will not stop until the aggression on Gaza stops" despite "all this blood spilt," he said.

- 'Stop' Gaza war -

Nasrallah addressed Israeli officials' promises to return to their homes thousands of Israelis displaced by exchanges of fire across the border with Lebanon.

"You will not be able to return the people of the north to the north," he said, warning that "no military escalation, no killings, no assassinations and no all-out war can return residents to the border".

The "only way" to return the displaced to the north is to "stop the war on Gaza," he said.

Hezbollah is an ally of Palestinian militant group Hamas, which on October 7 launched an unprecedented attack on Israel that sparked Gaza's deadliest ever war.

Up until now, the focus of Israel's firepower had been on Gaza.

But Israel's northern border with Lebanon has seen exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants almost every day since October 8.

The violence has killed hundreds of people, mostly fighters, on the Lebanese side, and dozens on the Israeli side.

Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut as Nasrallah spoke, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said, with AFP correspondents in Beirut reporting loud booms.

Nasrallah announced the launch of an internal probe into the attacks, which experts and some Israeli media have said bear all the hallmarks of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.
Swedish prosecutors said Thursday they have brought genocide charges against a woman in the country's first court case over crimes committed by the Islamic State group against the Yazidi minority.

A prosecutor told AFP the 52-year-old woman was accused of keeping Yazidi women and children as slaves at her home in Syria between 2014 and 2016.

She was charged with "genocide, crimes against humanity and serious war crimes" on the grounds that her actions formed part of a broader campaign by the group (IS) against the Kurdish-speaking Yazidi minority.

The woman, who is a Swedish citizen, is in jail having already been sentenced by a Swedish court to six years in prison in 2022 for allowing her 12-year-old son to be recruited as a child soldier for IS.

Senior prosecutor Reena Devgun told AFP that while investigating that case, authorities had received witness reports "that told us that she had kept slaves in Raqqa," the former stronghold of the Islamic State group in northern Syria, prompting further investigations.

"If you take in Yazidis into your household when you are an IS member or the wife of an IS member and treat them this way, I argue that you are participating" in the broader campaign against them, Devgun said.

Devgun said the woman had kept nine people, three women and six children, in her home "as slaves," in her home.

The women and children -- who were kept in the house for between 20 days and seven months -- were among other things made to perform household tasks.

Devgun said they had also been photographed, which the prosecutor argued "was done with the intention that they would be sold off".

Evidence had mainly been gathered through witness accounts, from the victims and others that had visited the home at the time.

The crimes, which the woman denies, can carry a life sentence in Sweden.

Stockholm's District Court said in a statement that the trial was scheduled to start on October 7 and was expected to last two months.

Around 300 Swedes or Swedish residents, a quarter of them women, joined IS in Syria and Iraq, mostly in 2013 and 2014, according to Sweden's intelligence service Sapo.
Water pollution, like cloudiness or turbidity in water, is a big deal for both our health and the environment. When pollution hits, sometimes the only way to fix things is through legal action. Getting a handle on water pollution lawsuits can make a huge difference if youre dealing with these issues.

Here are 3 key things you need to know to make sense of it all.

Understanding Legal Standing

Legal standing is a must-have for filing a lawsuit. It means you have to show that youre directly affected by the pollution. Without it, your case might get tossed out, no matter how valid your concerns are.

Primarily, you want to:

Document direct harm: Start by gathering evidence showing how the pollution has hit you personally. This could be health records showing issues related to the pollution or property assessments that show a drop in value.

Show a clear link: Prove that the pollution is directly causing the harm youre experiencing. This means connecting the dots between the source of the pollution and the damages youre facing.

Get expert input: Talk to environmental experts to back up your claims. They can help explain how the pollution affects you and provide the necessary proof to support your case.

Regulations and Compliance

Understanding the rules is crucial because they set the standards for whats acceptable and whats not. If you know these rules, you can figure out if and how theyve been broken, which is essential for building a solid case.

Primarily, you want to:

Check the regulations: Look into the environmental laws that apply to your situation. For example, in the U.S., the Clean Water Act deals with pollutant discharges.

Compare the numbers: Get the data on whats being discharged and compare it to the legal limits. This might involve checking permit details and discharge reports.

Consult with experts: Again, work with environmental consultants or lawyers who specialize in this area. They can help interpret the rules and assess whether theres been a violation based on the evidence.

Potential Outcomes and Remedies

Knowing what to expect from a lawsuit helps you set realistic goals and prepare for different scenarios. It also helps you decide whether to settle or push for a trial.

Primarily, you want to:

Look at similar cases: Check out previous cases with similar issues to see what kind of outcomes were possible. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.

Talk to your lawyer: Discuss potential remedies with your attorney. They can give you an idea of possible outcomes, like financial compensation or cleanup orders, based on your case.

Consider settling: Sometimes, settling out of court can be a good option. This usually involves negotiating a financial settlement or agreeing on corrective actions to avoid going to trial.

Dealing with water pollution lawsuits can seem overwhelming, but getting a handle on a few key areas can make a big difference. Understanding how to prove youre affected, figuring out if any regulations have been broken, and knowing what possible outcomes might look like are all important steps.

Whether youre personally impacted by pollution or just getting involved in a case, having a clear idea of these aspects helps you approach things with more confidence. It means you can make better decisions and push for the best outcome. With the right information and support, you can tackle water pollution issues more effectively and work towards getting the justice and cleanup needed.
Popular Thai actor James Su faced backlash after his recent musical cover went viral.

The star of "Oxygen" and "Bed Friend" posted a cover of "You?" by Two Feet on YouTube. The short clip was viewed nearly 2 million times on social media.

However, the reviews were mostly negative, as the overwhelming majority of viewers accused the actor of singing terribly.

Y'all aren't being honest with him and setting him up to get dragged, singing and dancing isn't his forte, your duty as his company should have been advising him to just work on his acting and modeling career and let singing be a side job just like everyone else https://t.co/DHnI4Q4l3h  WOWZeeJimmySeaSing (@noda19911) September 16, 2024

Some fans also showed their support for the actor, as they liked his new cover.

SEE: Ahn Se Ha's Agency Responds to School Bullying Accusations

I support all creatives desire to create & I dont say this to discourage but, I think the issue is that everyone wants to be an artist but no one wants to do those 5-6 years in the basement training like an artist. He needs training, vocal & dance. https://t.co/sekA6up9QF  Wyn in the Fictitious (@WynSheWrites) September 16, 2024

Fan translations of his statements also show that the actor did not take the reviews of his singing talent in the best way, although he noted that he is ready for constructive criticism.

He said that the comments are more like bullying and only hurt him without being helpful. The actor seems to be positive even after facing so much negativity, as he said he would come back stronger from this and no longer wants to let it get to him.

James Su has now taken a step back and is looking to make the most of a bad situation, probably becoming stronger and learning something from it.

The young actor had an epiphany when his cover of the song "You?" went viral- he saw that there is a very thin line between criticism and bullying, even in the acting industry.

SEE: Kim Hieoras Agency Delivers Update Regarding The Glory Actress Bullying Scandal

What can you say about the story? Share your comments below.





Kdramastars own this.





This article was written by:





Rovelyn Barba
Park Shin Hye plays a demon spirit possessing the body of a human judge in the new series "The Judge From Hell.' This villain role is a drastic change from her previous good girl and positive protagonist characters in romantic comedies. During a recent press conference for the fantasy series, Park Shin Hye describes her feelings about character Kang Bit Na.

"The villains we usually think of harm others or commit serious crimes against society. Rather than a villain, Bit-na is more like a devil - a playful, manipulative being that enjoys twisting situations. She's more like a mischievous imp than a villain," she said in a report by 'The Korea Times.'

See: Park Shin Hye Is Excited for Villain Role in 'The Judge From Hell'

'The Judge From Hell' follows the story of a devil who travels from the netherworld to inhabit the body of a judge. Her mission is to murder evil people and take them to hell.

She added, "The script was so fun to read and scenes unfolded in my head as I read. I was more curious about the audience's reaction (to the drama) than about transforming my acting. I've always enjoyed my previous roles, but this one offered a unique opportunity to explore different facets of my personality. The Bit-na character felt multifaceted and I was eager to bring my accumulated experience to this role."

See: First Time Moms Honey Lee, Park Shin Hye Return With Sucessful K-dramas

Director Park Jin Pyo, who is from 'Voice of a Murderer' and 'Brave Citizen' movie fame, hopes viewers enjoy the show fully 'as a fantasy action drama where good and evil coexist.'

"We focused on the victims and their families who have had their entire lives taken away. Rather than being a typical legal drama, I hope viewers will watch it as a fantasy action drama where good and evil coexist and find the series to be cathartic."

'The Judge From Hell,' which co-stars Kim Jae Young, Kim In Kwon and Kim Hye Hwa, premieres on September 21 at 10PM KST on SBS TV. It's scheduled to air every Friday and Saturday. The fantasy series will be available for streaming on Disney Plus.

Will you be watching the premiere next week? Are you excited to see her in a new role?
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - The South Gauteng High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, has sentenced a 21-year-old man, Sifiso Mkhwanazi to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of six Zimbabwean sex workers in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mkhwanazi was sentenced on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after he was convicted of six counts of m8rder, six counts of rape, six counts of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Judge Cassim Moosa declared Mkhwanazi a dangerous criminal who was arrogant and threatened the well-being of other people in society.

The plethora of charges against Mkhwanazi emanates from the discovery of six female bodies at the premises of his father's panel beating business in Rosettenville, Joburg, in October 2022.

During the course of the trial, Mkhwanazi admitted to his father, Mark Khumalo, that he had killed the six women, but denied the murders were planned or premeditated.

The cases leading investigating officer, Bongani Mbonambi, told the court that all victims had been bound, gagged, and strangled to death, pointing to an elaborate plan proving his theory that all the murders were premeditated.

Mbonambi said based on the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the six deaths, Mkhwanazi was executing revenge against the women because of an earlier case of rape levelled against him.

However, Mkhwanazis defence counsel, Vuyo Maqetuka, argued that he killed the sex workers after they raised the prices they had initially agreed upon, and out of fear that he would be arrested.

However, Judge Moosa differed, saying: Six times, why didnt he stay away from the sex workers?"

The accused was triggered in all six times that he might be arrested for r@pe again. When they wanted more money, thats when he was angered, Maqetuka said at the time.

In delivering judgment, Judge Moosa emphasised that, despite the accuseds age at the time of the murders, he remained a dangerous criminal.

I have carefully considered the relative age of the accused when he committed his crimes and the argument that he should be regarded as relatively youthful when considering a suitable sentence to be imposed upon him," Mossa said.





Having done so and accepting that he was 19 years old at the time of the commission of the crimes, I am compelled to conclude that the supposed relative youthfulness simply pales into the background having due regard into the horrendous nature of his actions,

The judge stated that the crimes Mkhwanazi was convicted of, along with the condition of the victims bodies, clearly demonstrated a high level of violence against them.

"There was an extremely great degree of premeditation involved on the part of the accused over a period of time in the commission of the crimes.

Moosa expressed the view that Mkhwanazi showed no remorse for his actions.

The accused acknowledged that he committed the crimes. However, despite this, he does not seem to have insight into his criminality or the impact the crimes had on the victims.

The accused has proved that he has a very poor prognosis for rehabilitation and will most likely remain a threat to society as long as he is alive. Government has identified violence against women as a national scourge.

Mkhwanazi was sentenced to life imprisonment, along with an additional 10 years for obstructing the course of justice and 15 years for rape.

The accused is sentenced to undergo imprisonment for an indeterminate period and it is directed that the accused shall be brought before this court upon exploration of 30 years to enable this court to reconsider his sentence, the judge ruled.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower on the controversial deal between Adani Group and President William Rutos government for the takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), has confirmed that the contract remains unsigned due to the public uproar following his leak.

This deal has not been signed yet because of course after I exposed it things slowed down. If I did not expose it, it would have already been signed, Amenya said during an interview.

He went on to add that the deal was shrouded in secrecy and this was the reason why Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir took time to appear before the Senate.

According to Amenya, Chirchir did not reveal everything that was included in the initial proposal while making his submissions on the floor of the house.

The whistleblower went on to dare the government to provide documents to prove what he is saying is not factual.

He attributed JKIA's sorry state to mismanagement, revealing that a Chinese firm had been contracted in 2020 to repair the leaking roofs at the national airport even though the problem persists to date.

Do you know that there was a tender of Ksh1 billion that was issued to a Chinese firm for them to repair the roof?

The first time they were given this tender was 2020 I believe and then when CS Murkomen was in power they were called again, Amenya claimed.

However, despite the shoddy job done by the Chinese firm, Amenya claimed the Chinese firm was still contracted to finish the project.

He stated that even in light of all these facts, work was still not done despite the firm being paid a whopping Ksh1 billion.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Germany has begun implementing new controls at all its land borders as part of a crackdown on migration.

The new controls mean that the German government is restricting free movement in the Schengen zone.

This comes after Germany and Kenya signed a deal on controlled migration to enable Berlin to open its doors to 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers.

Consequently, beginning Monday, September 16, apart from the existing border controls with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland, Germany will also have internal border controls with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

In a statement, Germanys Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that the new rules will be in place for six months initially.

While making the announcement on the border control, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that it was an attempt to tackle irregular migration and protect the public from threats such as Islamist extremism.

Additionally, he noted that the country has also taken other strict migration measures following a surge in arrivals, especially of people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East.

The German government has also designed a scheme enabling authorities to reject more migrants directly at German borders.

President William Ruto promised Kenyans jobs in Germany after the two countries signed a Comprehensive Agreement on Sharing of Labour, Talent and Mobility in Berlin.

Under the deal, Germany agreed to open the doors to skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers in a controlled and targeted labor migration deal.

Further, Germany agreed to ease some of its immigration laws to enable Kenyans to find employment in Europes biggest economy.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Flamboyant city businesswoman and Bishop Ben Kiengeis jilted ex-girlfriend, Damaris Dama has flaunted her palatial home in Kahawa Sukari.

The mother of two, who runs one of the biggest mobile spare parts shops in Nairobi CBD, lives in a multi-million house that is well-furnished to match her financial muscles.

She revealed in a leaked audio that Bishop Ben Kiengei used to camp in her palatial house for six days a week when they were dating, leaving his wife Reverend Joy to battle cold nights.

Watch the video.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Cardi B and Offset are facing a lawsuit over the use of a luxury Beverly Hills mansion featured in their music video for Cardis song Like What, which Offset directed.

The lawsuit, filed by the property owner, claims the couple misrepresented their plans to shoot a TikTok video, rather than a full-fledged music video, in order to avoid paying the usual rental fees.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the homeowner allowed Cardi, Offset, and their team to use the property for free, believing it was for a brief TikTok video. The owner alleges that had he known the property was being used for a high-production music video, which has since amassed over 27 million views on YouTube, he would have charged the appropriate rental fees. The homeowner is now seeking damages in excess of $35,000.

The property, which had previously been rented by Justin Bieber and featured in a Logan Paul video, plays a significant role in the Like What music video. The lawsuit claims that Cardi B and Offset have profited from the use of the mansion without properly compensating the homeowner.

In response, Cardi B has denied the allegations and is fighting back. She took to social media to address the lawsuit, claiming she paid $10,000 in cash for 24-hour use of the mansion and paid additional fees for going over the allotted time. Cardi insists the property owner was present throughout the entire shoot, along with realtors, and that they were aware a full music video was being filmed, not just a TikTok clip.

Cardi tweeted, "We paid those people $10,000 IN CASH to rent the property for a whole 24 hours... Now they wanna finesse us trying to say we told them it was a TikTok video... IRON YOUR BEST SUIT BITCH Ill see you in court!!!!"

The lawsuit comes at a challenging time for the couple, who recently welcomed their third child together amid ongoing divorce proceedings. Despite the legal drama, Cardi B remains adamant about proving her case in court.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - A JKIA court has sentenced two foreign Nationals Ilo Ebuka Titus and Kanu Arinze to pay a fine of Kshs 30 million each and in default to serve 12 months in prison for trafficking in narcotics drugs.

The arrest of the two convicts on 13th March 2024 emanated from an intelligence-led operation where they were nabbed at the Nyamakima area by a team of detectives drawn from the Transnational Organized Crimes Unit augmented by their Anti-Narcotics Unit counterparts.

Upon arrest, the duo led the detectives to their places of abode at Umoja and Sunton where they were found with 39.04 gms of heroin and 25.71 gms of cannabis.

The two were later processed and arraigned where they pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently sentenced accordingly.

The court has further ordered that the two be repatriated back to their country of origin upon completion of the sentence or payment of the fine.

Additionally, the court also gave orders for the destruction of exhibits found to be narcotics drugs.

The Kenya DAILY POST.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - DCI detectives drawn from Coast Regional Headquarters have arrested two individuals believed to be behind a spate of robberies while wielding pangas and using a motorcycle as their mode of transport.

Mohammed Ibrahim Shaban, 22 years, and Abdulaziz Ali Ogutu, 19 years were smoked out of their hideout at Utange village from where they were planning their next attack.

The duo is believed to be behind a series of panga attacks including a violent robbery resulting in a fatal incident on July 18, 2024.

They are also linked to three separate robberies on September 14, 2024, in Majengo, Makupa and Tononoka.

A search of their residence resulted in the recovery of several items including 1 panga, 3 knives, 2 assorted mobile phones, two backpacks, and an ID card belonging to Yusuf Amani Yusuf among other items.

The Director of Criminal Investigations extends his sincere appreciation to members of the public for their unwavering support in the fight against crime and sends a stern warning to would-be criminals that no resources will be spared in the fight against their unlawful ways.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, and according to a former warden, he could be a prime target for violence behind bars.

Cameron Lindsay, a former warden of MDC Brooklyn, told TMZ that Diddy's celebrity status and the nature of the allegations against him make him vulnerable in prison, where some inmates could see killing him as a "badge of honour."

Diddy is being held without bail in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), away from the general population. Lindsay noted that this placement is crucial to minimize the risk of harm to the star. "Prison officials want to minimize access to the star," Lindsay said, as his high profile makes him a potential target.

While in the SHU, Diddy's day-to-day life will be heavily regulated. According to Lindsay, Diddy will only be allowed one hour of recreational time per day, and three showers a week, and he will need to adhere to strict routines, including a 6 AM wake-up call where he'll be required to clean his cell. He will also receive three pre-prepared meals daily, which will likely not be fresh, as they will wait in a warming box.

Despite being isolated, Diddy still has access to a commissary where he can purchase small items like candy, coffee, and tea, as well as larger items like sweatpants and sneakers. However, James Kousouros, attorney for rapper Casanovawho also spent time at MDC Brooklyntold TMZ that conditions in the prison are even harsher than they sound. Kousouros described regular fights and assaults breaking out within the prison and stated that Diddy will have very limited access to the library and phone in the SHU.

Visitation for those in the SHU is also more complicated, with long wait times for visitors to get through security. Even though Diddy will be allowed visitors, it is unlikely he will see much of his family due to the logistical challenges.

Diddy's time at MDC Brooklyn is shaping up to be a difficult chapter in his life, with both physical dangers and isolation looming over his time behind bars.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has blasted Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over their ongoing wrangles.

The tension between Ichung'wah and Gachagua has escalated recently, centered around issues of leadership and regional politics within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

In a statement on X, Ole Kina asked the two leaders to stop fighting and instead channel their energy towards service delivery to Kenyans.

According to the ODM Senator, the leaders should prioritize working for Kenyans instead of the wrangles.

"The prosperity of the Kenyan people should be the priority of every Kenyan leader not a shouting match between the majority leader and the deputy president. Just shut up and work for Kenyans.

"We do not want a competition of how much each of you is worth or misappropriated," the Narok Senator said via X platform.

Ichung'wah has publicly criticized Gachagua for his perceived abrasive leadership style and alleged failure to support government policies.

According to the Kikuyu MP, his fallout with Gachagua started following the DP's advocacy for the "one man, one shilling, one vote" campaign.

Meanwhile, Gachagua has warned dissenting leaders from the Mt. Kenya region of potential repercussions if they do not align with his vision for the region's political future.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli may regret disregarding court orders.

This is after his request to appear before Justice Lawrence Mugambi on Thursday was rejected since he was engaged in another matter.

Masengeli, through his lawyers Steve Ogolla and Cecil Miller, had petitioned the court asking to be allowed to appear in court today between 12 pm and 2 pm as his six-month sentence was slated to kick off on Friday for failing to appear in court to reveal the whereabouts of three Kenyans who were abducted by the police during Gen Z protests.

The lawyers acting on behalf of Masengeli had presented their prayers before High Court presiding judge Chacha Mwita who declined to grant his request to appear before Lawrence Mugambi.

Instead, Mwita directed that his application be placed before Judge Mugambi on Friday for further directions.

As a result, Masengeli is slated to appear before Mugambi tomorrow for directions on lifting his six-month prison sentence after he got convicted for snubbing court summons seven times.

Masengeli's woes were compounded when he decided to withdraw security officers offering protection to Justice Mugambi, maintaining that the officers had been recalled for advanced training.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - In a tragic incident in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, four young children, aged between three and six, suffocated after being trapped in an unused freezer.

The heartbreaking event occurred in the densely populated area of the northeastern Zambezi Region.

According to Namibian police, preliminary investigations suggest that the children were playing inside the old deep freezer when they became accidentally trapped. The freezers latch, which could only be opened from the outside, left the children stuck inside for approximately an hour and a half.

Two of the children were found dead at the scene, while the other two were rushed to the Katima Mulilo State Hospital but were declared dead upon arrival.

Aranges Shoro, one of the fathers of the victims, recounted the moment the children were discovered, saying, I am told that one of the other parents came looking for the children and saw their shoes next to the fridge. When they opened it, they found the children inside the freezer.

Zambezi regional police commander Andreas Shilelo confirmed that the children suffocated after being locked inside. "There was a hook on the freezer that could only be opened from the outside. They were stuck for about an hour and a half and suffocated," he said.

The unused freezer, which had been left outside one of the affected families' homes, had not been secured or removed, raising questions about why the non-functional appliance was left accessible. Namibian authorities are continuing their investigation into the tragedy.
The Australian healthcare industry faces challenges like data security breaches, regulatory compliance, system interoperability, and the need for patient-centric care. To address these, healthcare IT spending is projected to grow, driven by digital transformation needs.

This white paper explores how Australian healthcare organizations can leverage SD-WAN and high-speed fiber connectivity from TPG Telecom to build a resilient, secure, and scalable network. Key benefits include:

Faster network performance

Simplified network management

Integrated security features

High-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity

Read the full white paper to learn more about TPG Telecom's solutions.
How QNET Endures Amid Scam Allegations





The lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company QNET continues to show its resilience and maintain its status as a legitimate company despite persistent allegations of fraudulent practices. QNET has sustained its operations and reputation amid scrutiny and scam misconceptions

Founded in 1998, QNET offers products in health, wellness, and lifestyle categories. The company's approach, which relies heavily on independent representatives to market and sell products, has often been mischaracterized as a pyramid scheme or scam. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced reality.

At the core of QNET's resilience is its adherence to legal and ethical business practices . The company complies with direct selling regulations in over 25 countries, demonstrating its commitment to operating within established legal frameworks. QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Associations in several countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. In Turkey, the Direct Selling Association is affiliated with both the European Direct Selling Association and the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations.

The companys product portfolio is diverse, encompassing wellness supplements, cosmetics, home care products, and luxury items. The company invests in research and development, partnering with manufacturers and experts to create products that meet quality standards. This focus on tangible, marketable products distinguishes QNET from fraudulent schemes that lack legitimate offerings.

The company's compensation plan is based on product sales rather than just recruitment. Independent representatives earn commissions on personal sales and those made by their sales team, but the emphasis remains on product movement. While often misunderstood, this structure fundamentally differs from illegal pyramid schemes where income is primarily derived from recruiting new members.

Proactive Steps To Address Scam Allegations and Misconceptions

The company maintains a transparent approach to its business model, providing detailed information about products, compensation plan, and policies on its website and through various communication channels. Regular training programs are conducted to educate representatives about ethical business practices and the importance of accurate product representation.

In response to regulatory scrutiny, the lifestyle and wellness company has cooperated with investigations and taken corrective actions when necessary. In India, where the company has faced significant challenges, QNET has engaged in legal proceedings to defend its business model and address allegations. The company has obtained favorable rulings in several cases, which have helped to legitimize its operations in the eyes of the law.

QNET's longevity in the market speaks to its resilience. Operating for 26 years, the company has expanded its presence globally, with a significant footprint in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This sustained growth and international expansion would be challenging to achieve for a fraudulent enterprise operating outside legal boundaries.

The company's commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives has also contributed to its positive image. QNET supports various philanthropic projects, including education programs, disaster relief efforts, and environmental conservation.

Despite these efforts, the company continues to face challenges in public perception. The direct selling industry often grapples with negative stereotypes and misconceptions. The grassroots nature of its business model can sometimes lead to misrepresentation or overzealous marketing tactics by a minority of participants. QNET has addressed this by implementing strict policies and a code of conduct for its representatives, with penalties for those who violate these guidelines.

Many countries have implemented more stringent rules to protect consumers and legitimate businesses. QNET's ability to adapt to these changing regulations while maintaining its core business model demonstrates its commitment to operating within legal frameworks.

QNET Establishes Realistic Expectations

Many individuals join direct selling companies with unrealistic expectations of quick and easy profits. When these expectations are unmet, they may become disillusioned. QNET addresses this by providing more realistic income expectations and emphasizing the effort required to build a successful direct selling business. CEO Malou Caluza said, We have always maintained that QNET is not for those who are looking for overnight success.

Every top leader admired within the company started with nothing and gradually built their business over many years. They serve as the best ambassadors for the message that success at QNET requires hard work and consistent effort over time.

The company uses social media channels extensively to communicate the realities of achieving success. It has developed numerous campaigns and videos to help aspiring representatives understand that QNET is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Instead, it is for those committed to building a long-term business, which comes with many initial challenges. However, those who follow QNETs best practices and put in the necessary effort will find the work rewarding. It may take time, but its worth the wait.

Caluza said, Direct selling is truly an industry where gender or background does not dictate ones success; hard work and a passion for building relationships with people is the most integral part of our distributors success stories.

The company's use of e-commerce platforms and digital tools has helped it stay relevant in the changing retail landscape. By embracing technology, the company provides representatives with more efficient ways to manage their businesses and reach customers, adapting to modern consumer preferences.

QNET has so many moving stories of people who came from nothing and went on to achieve financial and personal goals beyond their wildest dreams, said Caluza. With hard work and consistency, distributors can make exponential strides in growing their direct selling business.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas spokesman has called for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is accused of sabotaging the government he is serving in and also disrespecting President William Ruto.

Since the Gen Z protests in June and July, Gachagua has relentlessly criticized Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders, accusing them of deceiving Kenyans.

Gachagua has also been accused of being a tribal bigot for calling for the Mt Kenya electorate to unite ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Some leaders close to President William Ruto have drafted an impeachment motion against Gachagua, the self-declared political kingpin of the Mt. Kenya region.

To avoid reprisals, Ruto has kept the mover of Gachaguas impeachment motion a closely guarded secret, fearing serious ramifications, especially if the initiator is from the Mt. Kenya region.

Commenting on the looming impeachment of Gachagua, Raila Odinga's spokesman, Prof. Makau Mutua, urged Ruto and his allies to proceed with impeaching the deputy president so the country can move forward.

IMPEACH  lets get it over with! I am tired of the endless drama, Makau Mutua wrote on X on Wednesday.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to advance another Ksh464 billion loan to President William Rutos government.

This is after Ruto and his government agreed to its harsh demands which Kenyans had rejected forcing the Gen Zs to go to the streets.

The decision was made after IMF concluded a six-day visit to Kenya where it held discussions on the recent developments in the country.

In a statement issued by the Bretton Woods Institution, the discussions were centered on policies and reforms to address the emerging economic and fiscal challenges.

According to the IMF team leader Haimanot Teferra, during the meeting, Ruto's administration expressed its commitment to making economic and governance reforms to fit the Fund's recommendations.

"The Kenyan authorities and IMF staff had productive discussions on the authorities' policies and reforms to address the evolving economic and fiscal challenges, read part of the statement by IMF.

During the discussions, the IMF on the other hand pledged to support the country in its efforts to identify a set of policies that would accelerate the completion of the reviews under the ongoing programs.

In 2023, Kenya began discussions with the Fund for additional lending of Ksh464 billion ($3.6 billion) to support climate change measures.

After several months of deliberations, the IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Kenya in June this year for the disbursement of the multi-billion funds.

In a statement shared by the IMF in June, the multilateral lender noted that the agreement was reached after Kenya nodded to the Fund's fiscal recommendations.

However, Kenya's access to the multi-billion loan was hampered following the anti-government demonstrations that took place in mid-June which forced Ruto to drop the Finance Bill 2024, consequently impacting the disbursement of the Ksh464 billion loan.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Embattled hip-hop mogul, Sean Diddy Combs was remanded in federal custody on Tuesday afternoon, September 17, after a judge denied him bail as his s3x abuse case proceeds to trial.

Diddy pleaded not guilty to charges of s3x trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prstitution, and will be housed in pretrial detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The MDC holds around 1,600 inmates, all but a few dozen awaiting trial.

It has been New York Citys primary federal detention center since 2021, when the Bureau of Prisons shuttered Manhattans Metropolitan Correctional Center, where Jeffrey Epstein died over the appalling conditions inside.

Combs' lawyers even acknowledged the deplorable conditions in a motion for bail on Tuesday, noting that 'several courts in this District have recognized that the conditions at Metropolitan Detention Center are not fit for pre-trial detention.'

'Just earlier this summer, an inmate was murdered,' the hip hop mogul's defense attorneys wrote, according to the Daily Beast.

'At least four inmates have died by suicide there in the past three years.'

The attorneys were referencing the June 7 death of Uriel Whyte, who had been awaiting trial on gun charges for more than two years when he was stabbed to death.

The prison was put into a lockdown in the aftermath, 'where essentially, we come out of our cell every three days for a 15-minute shower,' one inmate told NY 1 at the time.

'You're literally in solitary confinement when you shouldn't be,' he said.

But just over one month later, another inmate, Edwin Cordero, died after being injured in a prison fight.

His attorney called his death 'senseless and completely preventable' and said Cordero was 'another victim of MDC Brooklyn, an overcrowded, understaffed and neglected federal jail that is Hell on Earth,' according to the New York Times.

Inmates and their lawyers have also claimed they found cockroaches on their food and mold in the showers, and in a number of recent legal cases, conditions at the prison were describes as 'dreadful,' 'longstanding,' 'dirty,' 'inhuman' and an 'ongoing tragedy,' Combs' attorneys argued.

Diddy has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges, and following the hearing on Tuesday, his attorney promised to appeal Tarnofsky's decision to deny bail.

'Mr Combs is a fighter - he will fight this until the end. He is innocent. He came to New York to establish his innocence. He is not afraid - he is not afraid of the charges,' Agnifilo said.

'He has been looking forward to clearing his name and he is going to clear his name. We believe in him wholeheartedly. He didn't do these things.'

If convicted on the racketeering charges, Combs faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a sex trafficking conviction would carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years behind bars.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Popular Gen Z activist, Kasmuel McOure has spoken after he was spotted hanging out with South Mugirango Member of Parliament, Sylvanus Osoro.

Many Kenyans could not fathom why Kasmuel, a fierce critic of the Kenya Kwanza Government, would meet with MP Osoro, who was caught on camera calling for the killing of Gen Z protesters during the height of anti-government protests in June and July.

Some even started speculating that maybe Kasmuel had jumped ship and started working with the very government he was against.

But in a long post on his X handle, Kasmuel has explained why he met with the MP.

I go to that members club often and meet plenty of Kenyans there. The Majority Whip of Parliament is one of the many members, Kasmuel wrote.

It was my first time meeting him, and I took the opportunity to say to his face what Ive always said online: Their government has failed us in fundamental ways.

"Extrajudicial killings, false promises on service delivery, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. Kasmuel wrote.





The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Kenyans have reacted to reports that Gen Z activists Mercy Tarus, Morara Kebaso, and Kasmuel Mcoure are allegedly being used by the government to manipulate the youth, keeping them docile and preventing them from organizing further protests.

Tarus, Morara, and Kasmuel came to the public limelight during the Gen Z protests in June and July, initially advocating effectively for their cause.

However, reports suggest that state operatives later approached them, and they allegedly chose money and fame over their activism.

For the past two days, Morara and Tarus have been engaged in an online battle over the Kenya Ni Home slogan.

Tarus, who is believed to be on the State House payroll, and Morara, also reportedly on the state payroll, both claimed ownership of the "Kenya Ni Home" slogan.

Kasamuel on his part was spotted dining with South Mugirango Member of Parliament Sylvanus Osoro who is among those who were calling for the killing of Gen Z protestors in June and July.

Here are some reactions from Kenyans after details emerged that Tarus, Morara, and Kasmuel are frauds currently on the states payroll to confuse the youths.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - A British man accidentally stabbed himself to d3ath when he tried to separate two frozen burgers with a knife, an inquest has heard.

Barry Griffiths, 57, died in his flat in Wales, UK, after throttling a knife through his stomach when preparing a burger meal.

Police say his body was not discovered until several days later and when his body was found, it was fully clothed on his bed.

It had to take a post-mortem examination, to show that Griffiths, who had restricted use of one arm after suffering a stroke, died of a stab wound.

Concerns had been raised about Mr Griffiths' welfare after he had not been seen for more than a week, the inquest was told.

Griffiths, who was described as a 'very private man', was found fully clothed with his mobile phone, wallet, and computer according to reports.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Vaughan attended the flat and said he was satisfied that his death was not suicide but 'more of an unexplained death'.

There was no indication that he had been assaulted, he told the inquest.

Detective chief inspector, Jonathan Rees told Pontypridd coroner's court on Monday: 'My thought process favoured the wound had been caused by an accident solely involving Mr Griffiths.

'The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items.

'On the work surface in the kitchen adjacent to the fridge freezer were two uncooked burgers, a knife and a tea towel.

'The wound to the abdomen would have been approximately the height of the work surface. My hypothesis at that stage was that Mr Griffiths was attempting to separate frozen burgers using a knife.'






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - A judge has ordered a homeowner in Kentucky, USA to vacate his home after a fight with alleged squatters who refused to leave the property.

Across the US, reports of squatters are rising as many homeowners feel their rights have been limited since the covid pandemic and a surge of tenant protections.

A man who offered his visiting friends his garage to work on their car after it broke down, has now been forced out of his house after they refused to leave.

Homeowner, Daniel Toma said the pair of friends were visiting him during the summer when their car broke down. He offered his garage as a place for them to stay while they worked on it.

"I just want this nightmare to end. I've been homeless the last few days," Toma told WSAZ 3.

The reported squatters were Toma's friends Amy Davis and her boyfriend, Tyler Sencuk.

'Working on the car for days in the driveway, I didn't want to throw them out on the street. I was trying to be kind,' he said.

But in mid-July, the couple brought a mattress into the garage, set up a Spectrum box and then changed the locks. They eventually started getting mail and refused to leave, telling Toma they had 'squatter' rights.

Toma said he didn't want them to be there and he didn't receive any rent payments.

'I asked them to go, my roommates asked them to go, they wouldn't leave.'

'We tried to tell them to leave.'

Around US Labor Day, Toma put up a 30-day eviction notice which further escalated tensions and prompted the squatters to get more angry

Sencuk and one of Toma's roommates then got into a fight, resulting in Sencuk filing for an emergency protective order against Toma.

According to Fox 19 news, once the protective order was granted, Toma was forced to stay 500 feet away from them or his house.

The protective order claimed Toma was Sencuk's roommate. He had told the judge he did pay rent in the form of 'maintenance' and the judge took his word for it.

'I feel like I have no power. I feel like I have no rights,' said Toma, who has an upcoming court date to challenge the protective order, 'I just want to sleep in my own bed.'

Ryan McCall, principal with McCall Sweeney & Silva, PC and an expert in eviction law, told Newsweek;

"Unfortunately, what is occurring here is all too common when it comes to squatters in the United States,"

"Almost every state has its own individual laws regarding Squatters. Unfortunately, once a squatter is able to assert their rights, they often can resort to filing criminal reports against the actual Homeowner to temporarily remove them from the property.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Lawyer Miguna Miguna has intervened in the ongoing social media spat between Gen Z Lawyer Morara Kebaso and human rights defender Mercy Tarus.

This is after Tarus accused Kebaso of not being genuine about the Gen Z movement.

The 24-year-old also took issue with Kebaso for using her slogan, Kenya ni Home, for his civic education campaign.

Kenyans on X took sides in the fight with a majority siding with Kebaso who has been running the civic education campaign across the country.

However, Miguna took a different opinion, saying Mercy Tarus was right to call out Kebaso for using her slogan.

He said that he had spoken with Tarus over the matter, further urging Kebaso to choose another slogan as Tarus had adopted the slogan way before he started his civic education.

"I have spoken Mercy Tarus. I have also sent a message to Morara Kebaso and asked to speak with him. The issues she has raised about my comrade Morara Kebaso's unauthorized appropriation of her organizations name/slogan are legitimate.

"I ask Morara Kebaso to find and use another name or slogan for whatever he is doing or intends to do. Let us avoid unnecessary distractions. We cannot afford any distractions.

"Remember that our collective and individual focus should be Ruto," Miguna wrote on X.

In her rant, Tarus had also accused Kebaso of fishing ideas from other revolutionaries and presenting them in public as his own ideas.

Additionally, Tarus insinuated that Kebaso was being funded to sabotage the revolution, claiming that he had been slowly moving away from the true cause of the movement.

In a rejoinder, Kebaso stated, "No one can own a movement you can only be part of one. Let all Kenyans print Kenya ni Home and hang it on their walls."

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - The family of the Multimedia University student, who was caught on camera being assaulted by police on Tuesday, has spoken out.

Anti-riot police were captured on camera roughing up Trevor Muriithi during the protests.

The most disturbing moment came when an officer was filmed casually dropping a detonated tear gas canister next to a helpless Trevor who was lying on the ground injured and unable to stand to walk to safety.

Trevor's mother, Mureithi Ikinya, expressed deep anguish over the incident, revealing that her son is set to undergo surgery following the assault.

Ikinya expressed disappointment with the police over the incident, stating that she lacked the energy to report the incident to the security agencies.

As a normal Kenyan these days, what can you do? Go to the police station and again try and complain to the same people. We can't stop them.

"They can always do the same thing again. They can do that to anybody else," she lamented.

She expressed concern over her sons mental state, noting that he may need counselling after the traumatic incident.

"I just look forward to him getting well and back to school. He's frightened but we hope to get some counselling sessions after that," she added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Center-right governments in Britain and Germany do it. So do the center-left governments in France and Italy. Obama and the Republicans do it, too. They all impose "austerity" programs on their economies as necessary to exit the crisis afflicting them all since 2007. Politicians and economists impose austerity now much as doctors once stuck mustard plasters on the skins of the sick.

Austerity policies presume that the chief economic problems today are government budget deficits that increase national debts. Austerity policies solve those problems mainly by cutting government spending, and secondarily, by limited tax increases. Reducing expenditures while raising revenues does cut governments' deficits and their needs to borrow.

National debts grow less or drop depending on how much each government's expenditures decrease and its taxes increase. Obama's austerity policies during 2013 started 1 January, when he raised payroll taxes on everyone's annual incomes up to $113,700. Then, on 1 March, the "sequester" lowered federal expenditures. Thus, 2013's US deficit will drop sharply from 2012's.

Obama will likely impose more austerity: cutting social security and Medicare benefits to compromise with Republicans. Similarly, European governments maintain their "austerity" programs. Even France's government, officially "anti-austerity" and "socialist", has a new budget with typical austerity cuts in social expenditures.

The accumulated evidence shows that austerity programs usually make economic downturns worse. Why, then, do they remain the preferred policy for most capitalist governments?

When capitalist economies crash, most capitalists request  and governments provide  credit market bailouts and economic stimuli. However, corporations and the rich oppose new taxes on them to pay for stimulus and bailout programs. They insist, instead, that governments should borrow the necessary funds. Since 2007, capitalist governments everywhere borrowed massively for those costly programs. They thus ran large budget deficits and their national debts soared.

Heavy borrowing was thus capitalists' preferred first policy to deal with their system's latest crisis. It served them well.

Borrowing paid for government rescues of banks, other financial companies, and selected other major corporations. Borrowing enabled stimulus expenditures that revived demand for goods and services. Borrowing enabled government outlays on unemployment compensation, food stamps, and other offsets to crisis-induced suffering.

In these ways, borrowing helped reduce the criticism, resentment, anger, and anti-system tendencies among those fired from jobs, evicted from homes, deprived of job security and benefits, etc. Government borrowing had these positive results for capitalists  while saving them from paying taxes to get those results.

Nor is that all. Corporations and the rich used the money they saved by keeping governments from taxing them to provide the huge loans governments therefore needed. Middle- and lower-income people could lend little if anything to their governments. Corporations and the rich, in effect, substituted loans to the government instead of paying more in taxes. For those loans, governments must pay interest and eventually repay them.

Government borrowing rewards corporations and the rich quite nicely. It amounts to a very sweet deal for capitalists.

Yet, that sweet deal raises a new problem. Where will governments find funds, first, to pay interest on all the borrowing, and second, to pay back the lenders? Corporations and the rich worry that they might still be taxed to provide those funds. They are determined to avoid such taxes  just as they avoided being taxed to pay for stimulus and bailout programs in the first place.

Austerity is thus capitalists' preferred second policy, a second way to avoid higher taxes as governments struggle with economic crises. Corporations and the rich promote austerity by loudly insisting that today's key economic problems are not unemployment, lost job security and benefits, home foreclosures, and record-breaking inequalities of income and wealth. Rather, the key problems are government deficits and rising national debt. They must be cut.

To do that, taxes should be raised modestly or not at all (to avoid "hurting" the economy). The key solution is thus to cut government outlays on jobs, social benefits, and providing social services. Money saved by those cuts should be used instead to pay interest on the national debt and reduce it.

Capitalism's way of dealing with its recurring crises is thus a remarkable two-step hustle. In step one, massive borrowing funds stimulus and bailout programs. In step two, austerity pays for the borrowing.

This hustle shifts most of the costs of capitalist crises onto the backs of middle- and lower-income people. The shift occurs through the higher unemployment, lower wages, and reduced government services achieved by austerity programs. It occurs as well in the sustained minimization of tax increases  especially on corporations and the rich.

With few exceptions, major political parties everywhere have imposed capitalism's two-step hustle. Only when mass opposition from middle- and lower-income people is sufficiently organized to possibly threaten capitalism itself do capitalists waver and split over borrowing and austerity. Some capitalists then collaborate with that opposition to support "New Deals", instead of austerity.

Even then, once past the immediate crisis, capitalists revert to their preferred policies of borrowing and austerity. US history from 1929 to the present teaches that lesson well.

Capitalists know their system is unstable. They have never yet prevented recurring crises. They rely instead on policies to "manage" them. The two-step hustle  borrowing for stimulus and bailouts and then austerity  usually does the job. Keynesians promote the borrowing and then seem surprised, even outraged, when austerity follows.

Corporations and the rich should not have escaped taxation in the first place because they helped to cause the crisis; they enriched themselves the most in the decades before the crisis; and they can best afford to pay to overcome the crisis. Had they been taxed to pay for stimulus and bailout, no need would have arisen for borrowing or austerity.

Taxing corporations and the rich would have consequences too, but they would generate far fewer social costs and fall mostly on those best able to cope with them.

But any organized opposition strong enough to make corporations and the rich pay for capitalism's crises would likely also question capitalism itself. Emerging from nearly six years of crisis, the question "can't we do better than capitalism?" pushes forward, demanding discussion, debate, and democratic decision.






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - A pregnant mother and her husband have drowned while on vacation in Hawaii, leaving their 18-month-old son orphaned.

Ilya, 25, and Sophia, 26, Tsaruk, of Snohomish, Washington, were believed to be at the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Maui when they ran into difficulty on Saturday, September 14.

The Maui Fire Department was dispatched to the area after a report of 'swimmers/snorkelers in distress,' according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

When rescuers arrived at the scene at midday, they found the 26-year-old woman unresponsive and pulled her from the water approximately 100 to 150 yards offshore.





CPR was administered to both victims, but rescue crews' efforts were unsuccessful and they were pronounced dead by Emergency Medical Services.

As at the time of her unfortunate death, Sophia was pregnant with a baby girl, according to Andrey Tupikov, who set up a GoFundMe for the family.

A search of her Instagram showed the would-be mother-of-two cradling her pregnant stomach.

The couple leave behind baby Logan, who was staying with his aunt and uncle when the tragedy occurred.




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - President William Ruto has today appointed Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS).

This follows approval by the National Assembly on Wednesday.

He had earlier on been approved by the Senate after vetting.

Kanja will take over from Japhet Koome who resigned in July.

"I William Ruto appoint Douglas Kanja Kirocho to be the Inspector General of the National Police Service for a term of 4 years," a gazette notice reads.

Kanja is the immediate former Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police.

Prior to his nomination by the President to become IG, he served as Acting IG after Koome's resignation.

Upon nomination, Deputy IG (Administration Police) Gilbert Masengeli was appointed Acting IG.

This is a big blow to Masengeli, who was sentenced to six months in prison for disobeying seven court orders during his tenure as acting IG.

Masengeli was sentenced to six months last Friday after he failed to appear in court to explain how 3 activists disappeared after they were abducted by police in Kitengela last month.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - The political fallout between President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, played out yesterday after the Head of State met MPs from Nyeri behind the DPs back.

The State House meeting in Nairobi revealed the true extent of the deepening political standoff between the president and his deputy.

According to sources at State House, the meeting was held after an invitation from the President to discuss development projects among other issues.

"Met Nyeri MPs, State House Nairobi, and discussed the government's road, stadia, fresh produce markets and water programmes in the county, Ruto shared after the meeting.

During the meeting, Ruto announced that Othaya Hospital in Nyeri, which in the past had been an annex of Kenyatta National Hospital, would be elevated to the level of a parastatal.

Gachaguas absence from the meeting was suspect considering that he is not only the Mt. Kenya kingpin but also hails from Nyeri.

Gachaguas position in the government has in the recent past been hounded by perceived political differences that have placed him at odds with his boss.

This came in the wake of an extensive tour by the Deputy President around the Mt Kenya region to rally support as the regional kingpin.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - President William Ruto is burning the midnight oil trying to come up with strategies to divide the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region, which he perceives as a potential threat to his re-election bid in 2027.

Mt Kenya region which has around 5 million active voters is tilting away from Ruto due to bad governance, fake promises, corruption, and looting by Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders.

If Mt Kenya region slips away from the President, his re-election in 2027 will be as 'hard as milking a donkey' and this has forced him to start coming up with ideas of dividing the region.

Ruto has tasked Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki to use the money set for the countrys development to divide the region into two, Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.

On Wednesday, Kindiki allegedly used over Sh 20 million of taxpayers' money to mobilise over 2000 Njuri Ncheke elders to declare him as the Mt Kenya East region political kingpin.

The same day, Kindiki allegedly used over Sh 30 million to organise an MCA convention in Muranga County that endorsed him as Mt Kenya region spokesman.

Ruto hopes that if he manages to create divisions in the Mt Kenya region, he will have an easy ride during 2027 since Nyanza, Western, and Coast leaders, and the electorate are already in his pockets.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Fast-rising political activist Morara Kebaso almost brought business to a standstill in Githurai after he made an impromptu visit to the area.

A video shared on social media shows the residents lining up at Githurai 45 roundabout to give him a heroic welcome.

They cheered him as he made a grand entrance into the area being driven in his Prado.

He made a stop at the roundabout and addressed a roadside rally where he criticized Rutos regime.

Morara is becoming a force to reckon with in the political scene.

He came into the limelight after he started moving around the country exposing stalled government projects.

Watch the video.

Morara Kebaso Githurai 45 entrance....

Kenya ni Home...

Kenya ni kwetu pic.twitter.com/QZqAw6NAdN  JusticeSeeker  (@NaksLfcRed) September 18, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Ghislaine Maxwell's 2021 conviction for helping the late financier Jeffrey Epstein s3xually abuse teenage girls has been upheld by a US appeals court.

The decision was issued by the Manhattan-based 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, September 17.

Maxwell, 62, has been serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on five charges for having recruited and groomed four underage girls for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 2004.

During her trial, jurors were told details of how she helped entice vulnerable teenagers to Epstein's various properties.

Judge Alison Nathan said at sentencing that Maxwell was 'central' to Epstein's heinous crimes, not a 'proxy.'

'Ms Maxwell worked with Epstein to select young victims who were vulnerable and played a pivotal role in facilitating sexual abuse,' the judge said.

The disgraced socialite has been incarcerated since July 2020, despite numerous attempts from her defence counsel to have her released on bail.

Maxwell's appeal focused on a 2007 non-prosecution agreement between Epstein and federal prosecutors in southern Florida, which she said barred her from being prosecuted in Manhattan 13 years later.

Her lawyer argued that references in Epstein's agreement to the 'United States' signalled the government's intent to bar prosecutions nationwide of 'potential co-conspirators' including four named in the agreement. Maxwell was not among them.

A prosecutor countered that mentioning the United States was a throwaway reference, and Epstein's agreement was intended to bind only prosecutors in southern Florida.

In addition, Maxwell argued in her appeal that prosecutors scapegoated her because Epstein was dead and the public demanded that someone else be held accountable.

She also said her trial was tainted because one juror did not disclose that he had been sexually abused as a child.

In January, it was revealed that Maxwell had been telling her fellow inmates in prison to ignore reports on the case and instead promised she would write a memoir giving 'the truth.

A source claimed that Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein for years, claimed 'the documents in the news are all false or misinformation' and 'the truth will only come out when her book does.'

The insider said: 'She's bragging about how great it will be but it sounds like the same old lies she has told a thousand times.

'She really thinks she hasn't done anything wrong and that her charges will be dropped when people read it.'

In a self-serving prison interview last year, she denied knowledge of the dead financier's crimes, insisting she regretted ever meeting him and had no idea he was 'capable of evil.'

Epstein died by suicide at age 66 in 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell, five weeks after being arrested and charged with sex trafficking. He pleaded guilty in 2008 to a Florida state prosecution charge and served 13 months in jail, an arrangement now widely considered too lenient.

His victims have since recouped hundreds of millions of dollars from his estate and from banks accused of handling transactions that financed his sexual misconduct.
The Judiciary is still searching for the remains of the first Ugandan Chief Justice, Benedicto Kiwanuka Kajimu, who was allegedly killed in 1972. This was revealed by Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, on September 19, 2024, during a press conference held to commemorate the 7th annual Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture.

The event, originally scheduled for September 21, has been moved to September 20 to accommodate working guests who may not be able to attend on a Saturday. The theme of the lecture is Promoting a People-Centered Approach to Justice, with Dr. Zahara Nampewo from the School of Law at Makerere University serving as the keynote speaker.

The lecture and the discussions that follow will continue to be an occasion for all people engaged in the administration of justice to have inspiration and motivation in what they do, Buteera told journalists on September 19, 2024.

The annual memorial is a platform for stakeholders in the law and justice sector to celebrate the life and contributions of Chief Justice Kiwanuka to the rule of law and administration of justice. This years Benedicto Kiwanuka Life Achievement Award will be bestowed upon Justice Seith Manyondo, a retired Deputy Chief Justice, and Justice James Ogoola, a retired Principal Judge, for their unwavering commitment to the rule of law and justice in Uganda.

Benedicto Kiwanuka served as the first black Chief Justice of Uganda from June 27, 1971, until September 21, 1962. He was forcibly removed from his chambers at the High Court by soldiers under the regime of President Idi Amin and has not been seen since.
A section of Members of Parliament (MPs) has called on the government to implement long-term solutions to address recurring natural disasters in Uganda, with particular concern over the frequent flooding of the River Nyamwamba in Kasese District, which overflows its banks at least three times annually, resulting in loss of life and property damage.

Kasese District Woman MP, Florence Kabugho, expressed frustration over the recurring flooding and urged the government to dispatch experts to the region to develop sustainable solutions.

We know the government has released a lot of money to desilt that river, but we are not seeing what the money is being used for. The people of Kasese think the government has neglected them, Kabugho said.

Meanwhile, Pakwach District Woman MP, Jane Avur, highlighted the plight of her constituents, who are affected by the flooding of the River Nile. The rising water levels have disrupted education in the area as schools become inaccessible.
The Ugandan government has received a substantial grant of USD 600 million (approximately Shs2 trillion) from the Global Fund to combat communicable diseases over the next three years. This funding will support efforts to treat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria from 2024 to 2026.

According to Ms Allen Kuteesa, a representative of TB-affected communities on the Uganda Country Coordinating Mechanism (UCCM), a portion of the grant will be allocated for drugs and other essential commodities. She also noted that a portion of the funds will be used for software activities and other related initiatives.

Grant cycle 7 is heavily commoditized, meaning too much of the investment is going to drugs and other commodities. Part of the grant is going to what we call software activities, where we have community awareness and media engagements in order to facilitate our work, Ms Kuteesa told KFM on Wednesday.

In May of this year, Peter Sands, the executive director of the Global Fund, met with President Museveni at State House Entebbe. During the meeting, Sands emphasized the Global Funds commitment to partnering with Ugandas Ministry of Health to accelerate the elimination of AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria epidemics.

The Global Fund, established in 2002, is an international organization dedicated to raising and distributing funds for programs that address the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in low- and middle-income countries.
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Col. Rathore interacts with Non-Resident Rajasthani (NRR) community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi



khaskhabar.com : Thu, 19 Sept 2024 7:11 PM

Jaipur, September 18, 2024. A day after hosting the investors meet in Dubai, Honble Industries and Commerce Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore-led high-level delegation of Government of Rajasthan held meetings with key investment, energy and petrochemical firms from the government and private sector based out of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi today and rolled the red carpet to do business in Rajasthan. This includes holding meetings with top officials of TAQA, an UAE-based international energy and water company, TAZIZ, which is a global petrochemical firm based out of UAE, as well as investment firms like Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

he delegation shared about the business prospects and opportunities available in Rajasthan, particularly in the focus sectors like Renewable, Education and Skilling, Auto and EV, Infrastructure, Chemical and Petrochemical, Tourism, Startups, Mining and ESDM/IT and ITeS etc. during these meetings and invited the representatives of TAQA, TAZIZ, ADIA, ADIC and Mubadala to Jaipur to partake in the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024.

Col. Rathore-led delegation also interacted with the members of Indian Business & Professional Group (IBPG), most of which were of Rajasthan-origin, and praised them for earning fame and name in UAE by dint of their hard work and talent. He also urged the members of the community to explore the possibility of bringing investment in Rajasthan. Earlier on Tuesday, Col. Rathore-led delegation had also attended a session with the Non-Resident Rajasthani (NRR) community and urged its members to become a bridge between Rajasthan and the UAE-based business community.

The Minister-led delegation paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador of India to UAE, Shri Sunjay Sudhir earlier in the day deliberated on ways to bring investors to Rajasthan. The delegation will also attend the dinner hosted by the Indian Embassy tonight.

With this, the UAE-leg of international outreach of Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 has come to an end and now, the Minister-led delegation will proceed to Doha, Qatar to invite the investor and business community of Qatar to do business in Rajasthan. Besides the Minister, the delegation members include Shri Sidharth Sihag, Joint Secretary to Honble Chief Minister, Shri Sourabh Swami, Additional Commissioner, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), and other senior officials of the state government.



It is to be noted that Government of Rajasthan is undertaking an extensive outreach across the key commercial centers across India and around the world as part of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024. Recently, a high-level delegation led by Honble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma visited South Korea and Japan, during which several companies and associations expressed interest in doing business in Rajasthan.

About the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024:

The Government of Rajasthan, led by Honble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, will be hosting the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 on 9th, 10th, and 11th December 2024 in the capital, Jaipur. The 3-day mega summit, which aims to attract and facilitate global investment, innovation, and partnerships in the state, is organized with the support of the Industry and Commerce Department, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), and RIICO, with BIP serving as the nodal department for this summit. During the summit, special plenary sessions will be organised on different focus sectors, including Agriculture, Renewable, Education and Skilling, Auto and EV, Infrastructure, Chemical and Petro-chemical, Tourism, Startups, Mining and ESDM/IT and ITeS and others.

The UAE & Qatar leg of the investor roadshows are being organised in association with Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), which is the summit partner of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024. PwC India is the knowledge partner of the summit.
The recent announcement from the European Court of Justice that Apple has to pay the Irish Government 13 billion in back taxes could be the opportunity that we have been waiting for to turn the tide for on our homeless fiasco.

Thats according to well-known Kildare businessman and the Chairman of non-profit organisation Tiglin, Aubrey Mc Carthy.

Such a windfall presents the state with a remarkable opportunity to tackle the homeless crisis once and for all. This opportunity must not be missed and without further delay a task force should be assembled with a defined budget, clear KPIs and let us make the difference that our citizens have been calling for, he said.

It is vital that it is not seen that money will simply solve this issue. Leadership, defined direction and accountability is needed first and foremost. It is too simplistic to say that money will build houses. In an Irish context, we have been weighed in the balance and found wanting when it comes to addressing the housing needs of our nation.

We see repetitious uses of the phrase homeless crisis. The evidence of this is record numbers of people within emergency accommodation, expanding housing lists and a housing market that is struggling to meet demands. The issue here is our response is not a crisis response. In a crisis people move quickly, policies change and collective action occurs to address the problems.

In establishing a task force that is charged with looking at removing blockages within the system and getting experts around a table, barriers can be removed and the process can be expedited.

In recent years we have seen Irelands track record in crisis response. During COVID we witnessed unity and the power of multi agency responses. Legislation was changed quickly to restrict peoples movements and while lives were still lost, the spread was lessened therefore buffering the health services somewhat at critical times.

During the commencement of the invasion of Ukraine, again we witnessed government agencies, NGOs and volunteers come together, legislation was again altered to make our country flexible to the needs of our displaced neighbours. These responses happen quickly, we worked in less then perfect scenarios and used what was in our hand at the time to respond. This was crisis response.

Currently, we are not seeing this response or leadership to our housing crisis. The Government now has a substantial amount of money available to be carefully allocated to housing initiatives that will provide lasting benefits for Irish families. Aubrey, a Punchestown native, recalled that in 2016 he and their CEO Phil Thompson (from Newbridge) addressed the Joint Houses of the Oireachtas outlining proposals to help solve the housing crisis.

Back then, we were assured by the then Minister for Housing Simon Coveney stated that the Government would eradicate homelessness by 2020. Since then, we have witnessed record growth in homeless figures and an Irish public that feels cheated and let down, he said. The rescue boat has arrived. This money must not simply be assigned to a cause, we need to see impact and not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Kilkenny will be on the silver screen after a ghostly feature film was shot around the Castlecomer area.

Brian Stynes at Hard Bargain Pictures, with the help of Cloghs own Willie Joe Meally, were shooting an award-winning Irish ghost tale screenplay, titled A New Landlord, which is set in 1903 rural Ireland.

It is very much a labour of love for both men whose paths first crossed many years ago. Part of the film was shot in recent weeks and it is hoped that the remaining scenes will be shot early next year.

Brian produced 72 Miles - a short film written by the legendary Willie Joe Meally - in 2019 after he was sent on a clipping of a story written by Meally on a memorable first journey to his All-Ireland in 1963. The two men have fond memories of working together on that project so it is fitting that their paths have reconnected.

Back to the present time and when Stynes, who writes, produces and directs films as a hobby, decided to make his latest film, A New Landlord, he enlisted the help of Willie Joe.

I heard that Brian was looking for an old house to use in a shoot in his new film, said Willie Joe, who immediately went in search of a suitable property.

Initially he had his eye on an old ruin in North Kilkenny before realising that Betty Owens house in Crutt in Castlecomer would be the perfect fit.

The house has ivy on the walls and cobblestone walls, I knew it would work, said Willie Joe.

Cast and crew were on site in North Kilkenny earlier this month to shoot the first five sequences of the film.

Using the political backdrop of the era, where tenant farmers were finally allowed to buy the land they had worked all their lives with the passing of the 1903 Land Act, into this world, we meet Albert, an heir to one of the many big houses that dotted the countryside, with rents and businesses to run and a dying wish that he must not sell the family's land, a promise that is upsetting locals to the point of insurrection.

Albert, a man with an already debilitating physical condition, a very bad drug habit - and now, the heir to a home with a destructive spirit - will have to face a terrifying truth about his own lineage.

Shooting in Stradbally and Crutt, A New Landlord was penned by Brian Stynes with additional material by Emmett OBrien and has earned high praise from industry entities such as WeScreenplay (Los Angeles) PaperScreenplay (London) where it won Best Character Arc 2024, Industrial Scripts and Unsolicited Scripts (five stars for Concept and Marketability).

A New Landlord is very much a labour of love for Brian Stynes who has funded the first five sequences of the film from his own savings.

Passion

Brian works in IT in a hospital and describes his passion for film production as a hobby.

I wanted to make a horror film, something gothic from the turn of the last century with an interesting story and backdrop, he said. I decided to set in around the time of The Land Act in 1903 when people could finally buy their own land.

I have always been interested in film and I tried my hand at acting before becoming ensconced by the whole process of film making and that became my long form hobby.

I love coming up with an idea and then writing a script, he said adding that he always sends his scripts to industry professionals to test the waters so to speak.

We have received really positive feedback on this project even from the early drafts, he said, which is a good thing especially when one remembers that this creative uses his own funds to make his magic happen.

Willie Joe has been great and just jumped on board. There has been a huge amount of goodwill shown to us from the people of Kilkenny so hopefully we will be back early in the New Year to continue filming in North Kilkenny, he added.
Searches will commence tomorrow (Friday) of a ravine close to where a Kilkenny man, Dean Roche, was last seen alive in March 2015.

Dean Roche from Hebron Park went missing on the night of March 22, 2015 when he went to buy a car in the Ballyfoyle area.

A short time later after purchasing the car it was found crashed down the road and Dean vanished that night, never to be seen again. He was wearing a zip up tracksuit top, tracksuit bottoms and was wearing a red, beanie-style hat.

Family and friends of Dean Roche and Councillor Joe Malone met with senior gardai, including the Deputy Garda Commissioner, Shauna Coxon, Assistant Commissioner of the Eastern Region, Paul Cleary, Superintendent at Kilkenny Garda Station, Sean OMeara. A review of the investigation is now taking place with a senior garda inspector overseeing the review.

A drone has been used to help map and survey where Dean was last sighted and searching is expecting to start tomorrow (Friday). Approximately thirty members of The Civil Defence and twenty gardai have been deployed to carry out the searches.

Approximately 300 statements which were made to gardai that they are been re-examined at the moment and gardai will be speaking to a number of people in relation to Dean's disappearance over the coming days.

"We will be calling back to some witnesses to see if there is anything that they might have overlooked or forgotton about. There might be information that someone has that they consider to be insignificant but that might be of interest. We are asking anyone with information, no matter how trivial they might think it is, to contact us," said Superintendent Sean O'Meara.

The superintendent also pointed out that Kilkenny played Clare on the date Dean Roche was last seen alive beating them by a point and added that the two teams met the following week at the same venue in a regulation playoff.

"We are asking people to jog their memories back to that time and anyone who has information to contact us," he said adding that gardai are not ruling anything in or out at the time.

"We are taking a fresh look at all possibilities. We are going back to some of the people that we spoke to at the time and see if there is anything there that might lead us in a further direction," he said.

Cllr Malone has been advocating on behalf of the Roche family since Dean's disappearance and described the recent meeting between the family and senior gardai as 'a positive meeting'.

Inspector James O'Brien, who is heading up the review said that gardai will be assisted both by members of the local Civil Defence and the Wicklow Civil Defence along with Molly, a Cavader dog.

"We have used a sophisticated drone from Wicklow Civil Defence which we used to map out the heights and distances of the areas that we are going to search. They have given us expert advice and we have been mapping and gridding the areas," he said.

The searches could last up to three weeks and gardai are committed to leaving no stone unturned.

"There are no guarantees but will be use every bit of our resources to try and find Dean. We have huge sympathy for the Roche family, Dean will be missing ten years next March and we would love for Dean's family and friends to get the answers they need.

"We also want to let the people living in the Ballyfoyle area that people will be getting a knock on the door or a phone call from gardai over the coming days. We just want to make sure nothing was missed and we are appealing to anyone with information on the disappearance of Dean Roche to contact us, no matter how insignificant they might feel it is it could be crucial for us in solving what happened to him," said Supt O'Meara.
It is understood that animators in Kilkenny, along with the rest of the animation workforce in Ireland, are genuinely concerned for their futures.

Theyve issued a pre-Budget submission, through Animation Ireland, calling on Government to take action for the industry here in Kilkenny and across the regions.

One of the key issues being brought to Government is the fact that a hugely successful Regional Film Development Uplift initiative was created in 2019, with the aim of supporting broader regional development of the audio-visual sector in Ireland.

The initiative worked by enhancing the standard Section 481 Tax Credit by 5% initially, before reducing it down to 2% up until December 2023, when it came to an end.

According to sources in the industry, there has been little to no talk about it being relaunched and that losing such a vital investment, entirely focused on regional development with Kilkenny as a core part of it, makes little sense at a time when a strategic all-island plan is needed to ensure the successful future of a sustainable and thriving animation industry in Ireland.

READ NEXT: Director praises community in North Kilkenny for support during filming

The Animation Ireland pre-Budget 2025 submission to Government asks for investment to uplift the animation sector here, so it can thrive and grow.

Key to this is that Government take steps to re-imagine and re-launch the Regional Film Development Uplift at 8% ring fenced for a minimum of 10 years.

The reintroduction of a regional tax incentive may take time to implement, so in the meantime Animation Ireland and their members would like to see the establishment of an Interim Regional Audiovisual Development Fund of 10 million and the funding of a Regional Department within Screen Ireland.

Claire Finn, CEO at Lighthouse Studios in Kilkenny explained that Lighthouse Studios specifically based itself in Kilkenny to help create an animation hub with Cartoon Saloon.

"Situated in the beautiful Kieran's College, it not only gives this iconic old building a totally modern purpose," she said.

"It brings talent from all over Ireland, and indeed the world, to create and execute some of the worlds most well-known series, for providers like Netflix, Apple, Amazon and others, winning multiple awards including a BAFTA.

"It also now is developing multiple projects of its own IP. Animation is a slow process and it involves large numbers of artists. It is vital to attract talent to the studios who will consider staying in Kilkenny and creating a life and home here, to train and mentor young upcoming talent, and indeed many of our crew have done that.

"Creating a hub allows the studios to offer more consistent work to crew and ensure the sustainability of talent and employment in the region.

"As all creative industries are subject to the foibles of the content market, and considering how much has changed with the introduction of the streamers and now AI, it is imperative that we be able to survive the down periods as well as the up times.

"We must be competitive with our foreign friends in the industry and having extra incentives to help innovate new pipelines will promote sustainable and new ways of working to keep us known as a centre for excellence in animation and enable us to thrive in Kilkenny long into the future."

Focused on Kilkenny, Galway, Clare, Louth and Roscommon, the Regional Film Development Uplift proved to be of enormous benefit in driving the Irish animation industry forward, and some of those benefits are listed below:

It enabled the animation industry to expand studio presence into regions across the island of Ireland;

It created jobs in animation beyond the greater Dublin area;

It drove regional talent bases, creating work opportunities for animation professionals;

It grew regional skills, creating learning opportunities for students in those regions;

It provided long-term continuous employment in the regions;

It delivered an understanding of Irelands regions as highly viable locations for remote and hybrid work in animation;

It brought people from all over the world to live, work and lay down roots in the regions;

It increased opportunities for participation;

It helped revitalise local communities and uplift local economies;

It fed into other domestic and European strategies such as the Smart Specialisation Strategy for the Digital Creative; Industries, the National Broadband Strategy and Regions of Enterprise initiatives.

See the full Animation Ireland pre-Budget 2025 Submission at animationireland.com

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HONG KONG, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rabbits, moon cakes, red lanterns, fire dragon...a drone show was staged above Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on Tuesday evening, with 1,000 drones weaving multi-screen Mid-Autumn festival scenes to convey holiday blessings.

"Hong Kong has a rich festive atmosphere! It's very special to see traditional Chinese cultural elements appeared in the sky," said a tourist from Beijing surnamed Ji, who came to Hong Kong with her family for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

A variety of celebrations have already started leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance began on Monday, drawing a large crowd to witness the time-honored custom in Hong Kong.

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is a local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) item selected as one of the Remarkable Examples of Good Practice for Safeguarding the National ICH Items in 2019.

This year's event featured a 67-meter fire dragon made of incense sticks led by 300 performers and accompanied for the first time by a 20-meter LED version carried by around 100 children. They paraded through the streets of Tai Hang, a neighborhood in the vicinity of Hong Kong's Victoria Park.

Large-scale lantern carnivals were being held in Hong Kong. The one held in Victoria Park showcased lanterns on four major aspects of daily life: clothing, eating, living and traveling.

This year's lantern displays featured numerous highlights including Chinese traditional clothing, local cuisine, and giant pandas, attracting people to take photos in front of them.

The festive atmosphere in Hong Kong will continue as the National Day draws near. John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said over 400 activities will be held in Hong Kong in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Highlight activities included a flag-raising ceremony and National Day reception on the morning of Oct. 1, and a fireworks display that evening. The HKSAR government will also introduce a rich array of special offers covering areas including public transport, culture, arts and leisure to encourage public participation to share the joy of National Day.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 42F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 42F. Winds light and variable.
Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,527,952 shares of the retailers stock after purchasing an additional 29,857 shares during the quarter. Blair William & Co. ILs holdings in Walmart were worth $171,168,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Walmart by 199.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 411,745,334 shares of the retailers stock valued at $24,774,717,000 after purchasing an additional 274,229,968 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in shares of Walmart by 181.0% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,861,234 shares of the retailers stock valued at $3,421,342,000 after buying an additional 36,625,314 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Walmart by 183.0% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,172,985 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,755,339,000 after acquiring an additional 18,865,484 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank raised its stake in Walmart by 187.4% in the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 13,303,200 shares of the retailers stock worth $800,454,000 after acquiring an additional 8,674,100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board lifted its position in Walmart by 284.0% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 11,122,273 shares of the retailers stock worth $669,227,000 after acquiring an additional 8,225,552 shares during the period. 26.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Walmart Stock Down 2.4 %

Shares of WMT opened at $78.62 on Wednesday. Walmart Inc. has a 52-week low of $49.85 and a 52-week high of $81.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $72.90 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $66.48. The company has a market capitalization of $631.97 billion, a PE ratio of 33.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.03 and a beta of 0.51.

Insider Activity

Walmart ( NYSE:WMT Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 15th. The retailer reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.65 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $169.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $168.56 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 2.34% and a return on equity of 21.72%. Walmarts quarterly revenue was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.61 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Walmart Inc. will post 2.44 EPS for the current year.

In related news, major shareholder S Robson Walton sold 4,057,369 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.20, for a total value of $313,228,886.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 611,988,318 shares in the company, valued at $47,245,498,149.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, major shareholder S Robson Walton sold 4,057,369 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.20, for a total value of $313,228,886.80. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 611,988,318 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $47,245,498,149.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 29,124 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.39, for a total value of $1,991,790.36. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 3,960,402 shares of the companys stock, valued at $270,851,892.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 10,203,360 shares of company stock valued at $788,678,803. 45.58% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

WMT has been the topic of a number of research reports. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on Walmart from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Oppenheimer increased their price target on shares of Walmart from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Guggenheim lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $75.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Walmart from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Walmart from $75.00 to $81.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong 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 $78.99.

Read Our Latest Research Report on WMT

Walmart Company Profile

(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.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report).

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American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AXL  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,690,000 shares, a drop of 7.3% from the August 15th total of 3,980,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,450,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.5 days. Approximately 3.3% 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 business. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its position in American Axle & Manufacturing by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 102,451 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $754,000 after buying an additional 1,370 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC grew its stake in American Axle & Manufacturing by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 23,084 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $170,000 after purchasing an additional 1,582 shares in the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in American Axle & Manufacturing by 13.5% during the 2nd quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 14,037 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $98,000 after purchasing an additional 1,665 shares in the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in American Axle & Manufacturing by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 84,592 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $591,000 after purchasing an additional 2,066 shares during the period. Finally, Xponance Inc. raised its position in American Axle & Manufacturing by 18.2% in the 2nd quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 18,225 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $127,000 after purchasing an additional 2,800 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.41% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and issued a $6.00 target price on shares of American Axle & Manufacturing in a report on Tuesday, September 10th. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of American Axle & Manufacturing from $7.00 to $7.50 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, Wolfe Research raised shares of American Axle & Manufacturing to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $7.58.

American Axle & Manufacturing Stock Down 0.9 %

American Axle & Manufacturing stock opened at $6.08 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.42, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.68. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $6.52 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.98. American Axle & Manufacturing has a fifty-two week low of $5.43 and a fifty-two week high of $8.99. The company has a market capitalization of $714.13 million, a PE ratio of -86.79 and a beta of 1.95.

American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE:AXL  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, August 9th. The auto parts company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.11 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $1.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.59 billion. American Axle & Manufacturing had a return on equity of 3.47% and a net margin of 0.04%. American Axle & Manufacturings revenue was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.12 EPS. Research analysts expect that American Axle & Manufacturing will post 0.34 earnings per share for the current year.

About American Axle & Manufacturing

(Get Free Report)

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. It operates through two segments, Driveline and Metal Forming segments. The Driveline segment offers front and rear axles, driveshafts, differential assemblies, clutch modules, balance shaft systems, disconnecting driveline technology, and electric and hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated their overweight rating on shares of AstraZeneca (LON:AZN  Free Report) in a report released on Monday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on AZN. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating and issued a 110 ($145.31) target price on shares of AstraZeneca in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on AstraZeneca from GBX 71 ($0.94) to GBX 74 ($0.98) and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and set a 150 ($198.15) price objective on shares of AstraZeneca in a research note on Monday, September 2nd. Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of AstraZeneca in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of AstraZeneca in a research note on Tuesday, May 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, AstraZeneca presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of 105.53 ($139.41).

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AstraZeneca Trading Down 0.9 %

AstraZeneca Cuts Dividend

Shares of AZN opened at 118.56 ($156.62) on Monday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of 125.78 and a two-hundred day moving average price of 119.31. The company has a market cap of 183.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3,800.00, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.17. AstraZeneca has a 52-week low of GBX 9,461 ($124.98) and a 52-week high of 133.88 ($176.86). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 84.97, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.89.

The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 8th were issued a dividend of GBX 77.60 ($1.03) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 8th. This represents a yield of 0.64%. AstraZenecas payout ratio is presently 7,500.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Michel Demare bought 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 118 ($1.56) per share, for a total transaction of 2,360 ($3,117.57). 0.04% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

AstraZeneca Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company's marketed products include Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Lynparza, Calquence, Enhertu, Orpathys, Truqap, Zoladex, Faslodex, Farxiga, Brilinta, Lokelma, Roxadustat, Andexxa, Crestor, Seloken, Onglyza, Bydureon, Fasenra, Breztri, Symbicort, Saphnelo, Tezspire, Pulmicort, Bevespi, and Daliresp for cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and oncology.

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Shares of Newmont Co. (TSE:NGT  Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Strong Buy from the six research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is C$68.00.

A number of brokerages have issued reports on NGT. Cibc World Mkts raised Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. National Bankshares upped their price objective on Newmont from C$67.00 to C$68.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, June 10th. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Argus upgraded shares of Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Newmont to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, June 21st.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on NGT

Newmont Price Performance

Shares of TSE NGT opened at C$72.29 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$68.12 and its 200-day moving average is C$59.07. The firm has a market cap of C$83.13 billion, a P/E ratio of -19.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 0.51. Newmont has a 1-year low of C$39.96 and a 1-year high of C$74.47. The company has a current ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 31.20.

Newmont (TSE:NGT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported C$0.99 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.72 by C$0.27. Newmont had a negative net margin of 13.29% and a negative return on equity of 8.09%. The business had revenue of C$6.02 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$4.79 billion. Equities research analysts predict that Newmont will post 6.8487562 earnings per share for the current year.

Newmont Increases Dividend

The company 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 dividend of $0.342 per share. This is an increase from Newmonts previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 5th. This represents a $1.37 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.89%. Newmonts payout ratio is currently -36.29%.

Newmont Company Profile

(Get Free Report

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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Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd (CUPR) plans to raise $16 million in an IPO on the week of September 23rd, IPO Scoop reports. The company will issue 3,800,000 shares at $4.00-$4.50 per share.

In the last 12 months, Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd generated $80,000 in revenue and had a net loss of $890,000. The company has a market-cap of $30.7 million.

Network 1 Financial Securities acted as the underwriter for the IPO.

Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd provided the following description of their company for its IPO: We manufacture and distribute chronic wound care products  medical grade bio-dressing products made from sterile blowfly larvae and sold under the MEDIFLY brand  mostly in Singapore since February 2020 and in Hong Kong since March 2023. (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands) From the Prospectus: Looking ahead, we have strategic plans in place for the second half of 2024 and 2025 to expand our sales and establish physical operations in several key regions, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East (in particular, the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC), and mainland China. These expansion initiatives will further enable us to cater to the growing demand for our products in these promising markets, cementing our position as a trusted player in the field of chronic wound care and treatment. We are a Singapore-based biomedical and biotechnology company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative products for the management of chronic wounds, as well as operating in the health and beauty sectors. Our expertise in biomedical research allows us to identify and utilize materials derived from natural sources to develop wound care products in the form of medical devices which meet international standards. We believe we will be able to build upon and leverage such expertise to develop innovative cosmeceutical products in the future. As of Dec. 31, 2023, we manufactured and distributed a line of medical grade sterile blowfly larvae bio-dressing products marketed under the MEDIFLY brand name, or the MEDIFLY products. The MEDIFLY products are used as a biological debridement tool for chronic wounds, in a procedure known as Maggot Debridement Therapy, or MDT, which is an effective alternative to surgical debridement. In addition to our commercialized MEDIFLY products, we have two lines of chronic wound care products in our pipeline: *Collagen dressings, including sponges, particles and hydrogels, using bullfrog collagen derived from the valorization of abattoir waste streams of American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) and *Products using medical leeches for wound treatment. We expect development of such products to take place over the course of 2024 and 2025 and to become commercially available subject to regulatory approval.A We believe what sets us apart is our focus on developing functionally specific chronic wound care products designed to address the major stages of the wound healing process from chronic to closure. Our chronic wound care products, including both our existing commercialized products and forthcoming products in our pipeline, are poised to benefit from escalating global market demand. This demand is primarily fueled by the demographic shift towards an aging population and the concurrent rise in comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular ailments and peripheral vascular diseases.A For our cosmeceuticals business, we introduced three products in 2023, including a hydrating balm product, a muscle energy cream and a pain relief muscle patch. For our commercialized cosmeceutical products, we have commissioned original equipment manufacturers of skincare products to develop the formulation and manufacture the substantially finished and finished products. In addition, we plan to explore the possibility of developing a range of potential cosmeceutical product candidates incorporating bullfrog collagen with a view to making them commercially available between 2024 and 2028, subject to the progress of the relevant R&D work. We offer our chronic wound care products to both public and private hospitals and clinics, where patients can obtain them through prescription from a physician. Our customers primarily include major public and private hospitals and clinics in Singapore. Our commercialized cosmeceutical products can be purchased directly by individual customers through a variety of channels, including retailers and gyms in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, as well as online shopping platforms such as Shopee. Note: Net loss and revenue figures are in U.S. dollars for the year that ended Dec. 31, 2023. Note from the Prospectus: Our independent registered public accounting firm expressed substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern requires that we obtain sufficient funding to finance our operations. (Note: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd. filed an F-1/A on Sept. 3, 2024, disclosing that its IPOs price range is $4.00 to $4.50  a change from its IPO price of $4.00  and keeping the IPOs size at 3.75 million Class A ordinary shares  to raise $15.94 million. Background: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd increased the number of shares to 3.75 million  up from 2.5 million shares initially  without disclosing the IPO price  in an F-1/A filing dated June 20, 2024.) (More Background: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd filedA an F-1/A dated May 16, 2024, disclosing that it will offer 2.5 million Class A ordinary shares  without stating the IPO price. More Background: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd. filed its F-1 on March 7, 2024, without disclosing terms; estimated IPO proceeds were $10 million. Previously: The Cayman Islands-incorporated holding company submitted its confidential filing to the SEC on Oct. 13, 2023.) .

Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd was founded in 2019 and has 14 employees. The company is located at c/o Blk 1090 Lower Delta Road #06-08 Singapore 169201 and can be reached via phone at +65 8512 7275 or on the web at https://www.cuprina.com/.

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O Brien Greene & Co. Inc raised its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 76.3% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 730 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 316 shares during the period. O Brien Greene & Co. Incs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $372,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in UNH. Swedbank AB purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,117,462,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 107.8% during the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,306,729 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,141,113,000 after buying an additional 1,196,758 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 30.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,816,254 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,942,956,000 after buying an additional 880,183 shares in the last quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. boosted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 1,125.4% in the second quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 894,006 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $455,281,000 after acquiring an additional 821,050 shares during the period. Finally, Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado raised its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 3,464.9% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 825,311 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $434,501,000 after purchasing an additional 802,160 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 87.86% of the companys stock.

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UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance

UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $577.89 on Wednesday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $436.38 and a fifty-two week high of $607.94. The company has a market capitalization of $531.88 billion, a PE ratio of 35.32, a P/E/G ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $572.79 and a 200-day moving average price of $519.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.88.

UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend

UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.66 by $0.14. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.55% and a net margin of 3.66%. The business had revenue of $98.86 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $98.73 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $6.14 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.69 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $2.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $8.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.45%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.34%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

UNH has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $640.00 to $680.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $481.00 to $647.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. StockNews.com upgraded UnitedHealth Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $525.00 to $630.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, HSBC upped their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $610.00 in a report on Thursday, July 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $614.17.

Read Our Latest Report on UNH

Insider Activity

In related news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total transaction of $1,624,727.88. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 29,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,812,029.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total value of $1,624,727.88. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 29,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,812,029.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $579.03, for a total value of $868,545.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,785 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,507,748.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

About UnitedHealth Group

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report).

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,850,000 shares, a decline of 8.4% from the August 15th total of 2,020,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 836,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.2 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Honda Motor from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on HMC

Honda Motor Price Performance

Shares of NYSE HMC opened at $31.73 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $54.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.72, a PEG ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 0.67. Honda Motor has a one year low of $27.69 and a one year high of $37.90. The companys fifty day moving average is $31.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is $33.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.37.

Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.38. The company had revenue of $34.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $33.75 billion. Honda Motor had a net margin of 5.34% and a return on equity of 8.72%. Analysts forecast that Honda Motor will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Honda Motor

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. RFP Financial Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Honda Motor by 91.3% in the 1st quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC now owns 662 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 316 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Honda Motor in the 1st quarter worth about $27,000. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Honda Motor in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. LRI Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Honda Motor by 1,263.6% in the 2nd quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 900 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 834 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Family Firm Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Honda Motor in the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. 5.32% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Honda Motor Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Honda Motor Co, Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, power, and other products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Motorcycle Business, Automobile Business, Financial Services Business, and Power Product and Other Businesses.

Further Reading

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By Yoon Ja-young

Hana Bank opened a branch in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, specifically for foreign customers, the lender announced Thursday.

Located in Pyeongtaek-dong in Pyeongtaek City, the branch aims to improve access to financial services for foreign workers and residents in Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, Anseong, and other areas in southern Gyeonggi Province, where many expatriates live, the bank noted.

The lender emphasized that customers will receive specialized financial services tailored for foreigners from Hana Bank, the country's leading institution in foreign exchange services.

Operating exclusively for foreign customers, the branch features a real-time AI-based multilingual translation system, digital devices that provide banking guidance, and multilingual assistance programs for completing various banking forms.

Additionally, foreign staff have been assigned to assist expat clients.

The real-time multilingual translation service currently supports 38 languages, including English, Thai, and Malay. When a foreign client and bank staff communicate in their native languages, a transparent screen will display the conversation in the other persons language through the device.

This allows foreign customers to complete banking transactions easily and conveniently in their native language without the challenges of language barriers.

The branch is also open every Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM to accommodate foreign workers who find it difficult to visit the bank during weekdays.

The branch also includes a separate community space for expat clients, offering room for various educational programs such as Korean language classes and social networking, in collaboration with local organizations that support foreign residents.

"Hana Bank has been leading financial services specialized for foreigners, including remittance and Sunday banking operations. The Pyeongtaek center for foreigners, which comes as the result of Hana Bank's sincere efforts for foreign customers, will continue to develop as a global financial service window in our community, Rep. Kim Hyun-jung of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea said, attending the opening ceremony of the branch, Thursday.

"I hope the Pyeongtaek center will not only provide customized financial services to foreign customers but also become a global communication space where they can obtain various information needed for life in Korea. Hana Bank will continue to innovate services to ensure that foreign customers who make Korea their home can easily and conveniently use financial services, Hana Bank CEO Lee Seung-lyul said.

Hana Bank is now operating on Sundays at 16 branches in areas with high concentrations of foreign workers, including Uijeongbu, Ansan, Gimhae, and Cheonan, to better serve those who have difficulty visiting banks during weekdays. The bank also provides a range of tailored services for international clients, such as free accident insurance for overseas remittance customers and financial education and account opening services for foreign students.
By Park Han-sol

MILAN, Italy  At first glance, leather and sustainability may seem like an unlikely pairing. But, in recent decades, the leather industry has been striving to redefine the material within an environmental context, adopting strategies to further minimize its ecological footprint.

At its core, leather is a byproduct of the meat industry. Tanneries repurpose raw cattle and sheep hides  byproducts of food production that would otherwise end up in landfills  into fibers used for handbags, shoes, upholstery and automotive interiors. Even the waste and scraps from leather manufacturing find new life afterward in agriculture as fertilizers and in cosmetics as collagen.

In Italy, which produces a quarter of the worlds leather by value, sustainability in tanneries hinges on full supply chain traceability. The Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector (ICEC) certification requires that tanneries track everything from the country of origin of the hides to the specific farms and slaughterhouses involved, ensuring ethical and transparent management of raw materials.

Meanwhile, some suppliers are even moving beyond traditional animal hides altogether, exploring innovative alternatives like mushroom roots.

And it is in the city of Milan that one can catch a glimpse of the world's latest trends and the future of greener leather production and processing.

Twice a year, in February and September, Italys fashion capital hosts Lineapelle, a prominent trade show that brings together tanneries, producers of accessories, fabrics and synthetic materials  all key players in the global supply chain for fashion, luxury and design.

The current 104th edition, running from Sept. 17 to 19, features 1,259 exhibitors from 43 countries at the Fiera Milano exhibition center.

Among the family-run Italian tanneries that have sustainability at the heart of their philosophy is Gruppo Dani. Founded in 1950 by Angelo Dani in Veneto, the company processes leather for apparel, footwear, upholstery, saddlery and smart devices.

A highlight of its presence at Lineapelle is the Olivae Collection, launched last year.

All of these leathers here come from two kinds of waste  raw hides, which are leftovers of the food industry, and olive mill wastewater, Alessia Zaramella, Gruppo Danis senior marketing and communication officer, told The Korea Times. Italy is well-known for both leather and olive oil and we like to give a second life to these wastes.

Gruppo Dani is one of Italys few remaining full-cycle tanneries, she added, meaning that every step  from sourcing fresh raw hides from Europe to the final finishing  is done within the Veneto Leather District. This allows the company to closely monitor its CO2 emissions and energy consumption.

In another corner of the fair, Milan-based R&D center D-house Laboratorio Urbano showcased how leather production waste that cannot be recycled as fertilizer or collagen supplements can gain a new lease on life via its patent-pending technology.

In collaboration with chemical manufacturer LOfficina Chimica and Italy's Solofra Tanning District, the laboratory has reimagined leather scraps and waste powder from the shaving process into 3D-printed earrings, decorative interior tiles and embroidered fibers.

The scraps produced during the tanning process all have different characteristics depending on the chemical treatments they go through. While some residual parts can be reused (in traditional ways) there are still others that cannot be repurposed like that, explained Eva Monachini, D-House coordinator, noting that the teams goal is to transform these byproducts into a new raw material instead of unusable waste.

Concurrently, more alternatives to animal leather, often marketed as vegan leather, are gaining traction in the fashion industry. What many may not realize, however, is that most of these materials rely heavily on plastics or polyurethanes in their production. Even plant-based leathers made from shredded agricultural waste like pineapple leaves or apple peels need plastic backing for structure.

In contrast, California-headquartered MycoWorks has pioneered a more environmentally sound approach to animal leather alternatives.

The company cultivates mycelium, the root-like network of mushroom fungi, from sawdust, allowing it to naturally form into thin, entangled sheets within four to five weeks. To improve structure and strength, fibers like cotton can be added for the mushroom spores to feed on as they grow. Once the mycelium sheet is fully developed, it undergoes finishing processes in external tanneries.

It's not an animal hide, so it doesnt have residual proteins like collagen that you normally need to remove in tanneries to prevent rotting. As a result, we dont use chromium (one of the most polluting chemicals in leather manufacturing), or large amounts of water, said Frederick Martel, MycoWorks senior vice president of sales and business development, adding that the companys clients include luxury brands like Hermes and automotive giant General Motors.
The United States will not accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed country, a senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday, after Pyongyang made a rare disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility last week.

During a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell reiterated the U.S. position, reaffirming America's "durable" and "evolving" deterrence commitment to South Korea, and stressing that Washington "will not accept any kind of threat" to the Asian ally.

On Friday last week, the North's state media reported that leader Kim Jong-un had visited a uranium enrichment facility, in the first disclosure of such a site since the regime invited Siegfried Hecker, a U.S. nuclear scientist, to its uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon, north of Pyongyang, in 2010.

"I will just say diplomatically, we're prepared to sit down and engage with North Koreans," Campbell said. "We do have some conditions. We will not accept North Korea as a nuclear state."

Expressing concerns that deepening cooperation between the North and Russia would embolden them to take more provocative steps, Campbell highlighted that the "best answer" is deeper trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan.

"We've undertaken (trilateral cooperation efforts). Also, we've undertaken steps to make clear that our extended deterrence is strong, it's durable and evolving to make clear that we will not accept any kind of threat to the ROK and the people living on the peninsula," he said, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.

Extended deterrence refers to America's commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally.

"So I think the steps of deterrence, of forward deployment, of engagement, working with allies and partners ... that message of determination is unmistakable in Pyongyang," he added.

Regarding a question over whether Washington will enter negotiations only after the North's abandonment of its nuclear program, Campbell underscored Pyongyang's unwillingness to talk.

"I will tell you all of our engagements are attempts. We wanted to help, to assist during COVID. We wanted to open the door," he said. "For the last six years, we've had virtually no communication with North Korea. They have chosen not to engage with us directly."

The hearing came as Pyongyang has ratcheted up tensions with a set of weapons tests, a disclosure of a nuclear facility and continued tough rhetoric, with the U.S. presidential election less than seven weeks away.

The North's saber-rattling has added to concerns that the recalcitrant regime could engage in major provocations near the U.S. general election to bolster its leverage.

Asked if the North Korean leader has a malign influence on U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific, Campbell agreed.

"I would say clearly, Kim Jong-un is undertaking deeply malign steps against American strategic interests, against our closest partners in Japan and South Korea," he said. "I do not believe there are any redeeming features about their role on the global stage."

Campbell reiterated concerns about North Korea's arms support for Russia as well as China's support for Russia's defense industrial base.

"Almost every weapon system that the Russians have utilized on the battlefield in their illegal war have component pieces or chips or other things that have come from foreign sources, many from China. We see signs of North Korean weapons systems  artillery rounds, larger-range missiles  that are collected on the battlefields of Ukraine," he said.

"North Korea is about the most heavily sanctioned country in the world. We've still added on a few sanctions as a result."

He noted the need for more European countries to speak out against China's steps in support of Russia. (Yonhap)
North Korea claimed Thursday it has successfully test-fired a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a super-large warhead, a day after South Korea said Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles.

The new missile, named the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, was tipped with a 4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead in the test-firing conducted Wednesday by the North's Missile Administration, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"Its test-fire was aimed at verifying the accuracy of hit at medium range of 320 kilometers and explosive power of the super-large warhead with a missile loaded with such a warhead," the KCNA said.

The KCNA said the missile administration also conducted a test-fire of a strategic cruise missile whose performance has been highly upgraded for its combat use.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided the test-fires and expressed great satisfaction, it said.

"The military and political situation in the region threatening the present state security environment indicates that the work for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence should be the most important affair of the country," he said.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Wednesday it detected multiple short-range ballistic missile launches at about 6:50 a.m. from the North's Kaechon area in South Phyongan Province, north of Pyongyang, and the missiles flew about 400 kilometers.

The launches came after the North claimed to have test-fired the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 with a simulated warhead on July 1 to verify its performance at its maximum and minimum ranges.

It said it would conduct another test at its medium range the same month, but it apparently did not take place at the time.

The JCS said Thursday it had detected both the ballistic and cruise missile launches the previous day, and the missiles disclosed by the North's state media landed in a mountainous area in North Korea's northeastern province of North Hamgyong.

Photos released by the KCNA showed a missile hitting an apparent inland target, marking the first public disclosure of its kind by the North, which has usually fired missiles into waters off its eastern and western coasts.

South Korea's military has immediately notified the media of North Korean ballistic missile launches, which are in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, but has disclosed cruise missile launches depending on the threat they pose to the South.

When asked about the North's report of the missile's range of 320 km compared with its assessment of about 400 km, the JCS stood by its analysis, clarifying it is based on the trajectory of the missile that covered the longer distance.

"North Korea revealed that it flew some 320 km, but we believe there is a possibility of deception," Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson of the JCS, told a regular briefing.

A super-large warhead is among a list of high-tech weapons that Kim had vowed to develop at a party congress in 2021, including a spy military satellite and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

In June, the North claimed it had successfully conducted a multiple warhead missile test, but South Korea's military at the time dismissed it as "deception," saying the launch ended in failure as the missile exploded in midair. (Yonhap)
No. of medical tourists visiting Korea could hit record high in 2024: gov't officials

By Jung Min-ho

A collective walkout by junior doctors across Korea has disrupted the operations of major hospitals over the past seven months. This has led to some observers wondering what impact this turmoil will have on the country's efforts to become a medical tourism powerhouse.

According to officials from the government and medical institutions, it probably won't have any significant impact.

"We think the number of medical tourists to Seoul could reach as many as 500,000 this year, more than last year's 470,000," an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government's tourism division told The Korea Times. "We have been told that the protest has primarily affected certain services of general hospitals (such as emergency care) but not the ones that most travelers come here for, such as skin treatment and plastic surgery."

A PR official at a hospital in Incheon said there have been "no noticeable changes in the number of foreign patients" since the walkout began in February.

In 2023, a total of 605,768 foreign nationals visited Korea to receive medical services, a record high and a significant increase from the previous record of 497,000 in 2019, just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, more than 35 percent of them sought skin treatments, followed by cosmetic surgery (16.8 percent), internal medicine (13.4 percent) and general health checkups (7.4 percent).

Most of those treatments are carried out by doctors at clinics, which have not been affected by the protests, a ministry official said.

"Nearly 70 percent of such treatments are conducted at clinics," a director at the ministry's health care industry division said. "Many medical tourists have come. It may be premature to predict this year's total number. But it would probably be around the same as last year."

If they prefer, they can also receive these services at general hospitals, which typically offer most services during daylight hours.

When asked whether a foreigner could make a reservation for a skin treatment, a receptionist at a general hospital in Seoul confirmed that it would be possible. The websites of major hospitals suggest that their service centers for foreign patients are operating normally.

All this shows that the walkout by trainee physicians, in protest of the government's decision to hike medical school admission quotas, is not expected to have a substantial impact on medical tourism.

Amid the ongoing protest by doctors and news reports about the ongoing chaotic situation at emergency rooms, the Korea Tourism Organization has been promoting and reassuring medical tourists that they will have no problem receiving the treatment they need in Korea.

"In recent months, we have strengthened the promotion of services offered by clinics," said an official at the state-run organization tasked with promoting the nation's tourism industry. "Many clinics say they have treated more foreign patients this year than last year."

In 2023, the ministry announced a plan to attract more than 700,000 tourists for medical purposes by the end of 2027.

As part of this effort, the ministry said it would introduce a series of new policies to make it more convenient for foreigners, including a plan to increase the number of Justice Ministry-authorized medical institutions from 27 to 50 to allow them to enter Korea on medical visas.
The presidential office on Thursday urged the medical community to come forward for dialogue to end a monthslong walkout but maintained its stance that the government's plan to raise the medical school admissions quota for 2025 is non-negotiable.

Jang Sang-yoon, senior presidential secretary for social policy, made the remark during a briefing at the presidential office, saying the government is open to readjusting the admissions quota for 2026 but not for next year.

"The medical community should not put off resolving the issue by presenting preconditions to the proposal on the consultative body, including a change in the government's stance," he said, stressing that doctors have a "duty" to the public.

The government and the ruling party earlier proposed the medical community join a consultative body to discuss the government's medical reform plan that centers on raising the medical school admissions quota to around 2,000 annually for the next five years or so.

Jang also said the government "remains flexible" on the quota for 2026 and forward, and is open to discussing "scientifically grounded and reasonable proposals brought forward by the medical community."

A majority of trainee doctors have left their workplaces since February in protest of the government's plan to drastically increase the medical school admissions quota beginning next year. (Yonhap)
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will fly to New York next week to attend the annual U.N. General Assembly, where he is expected to discuss key international issues and highlight South Korea's efforts toward sustainable peace, his office said Thursday.

During the six-day visit starting Monday, Cho will deliver a keynote speech at the general debate of the high-level gathering to reaffirm South Korea's commitment to ensuring global peace and prosperity, foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said in a press briefing.

Cho will also attend the general debate session of the U.N. Security Council and the ministerial conference of the U.N. peacebuilding committee.

Cho will also attend a foreign ministerial meeting of the Group of 20 member states and a separate gathering of MIKTA members, consisting of Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey and Australia, to discuss cooperation among middle-power nations.

Cho will be present at the Minerals Security Partnership meeting to give a speech highlighting the need for stronger cooperation in the supply of critical minerals, such as lithium and nickel.

Cho also plans to use the U.N. sessions to seek the international community's support for the new unification vision unveiled by President Yoon Suk Yeol last month, Lee said.

The new doctrine calls for expanding North Koreans' access to outside information and proposes opening an official dialogue channel between the two Koreas to discuss any issues.

Arrangements are being made for Cho's bilateral talks with his counterparts of other countries on the sidelines of the U.N. sessions, Lee added, without giving further details. (Yonhap)
Yoon vows to closely oversee Czech nuclear plant deal until finalization

By Lee Hyo-jin, Anna J. Park

PRAGUE, SEOUL  President Yoon Suk Yeol said his government will closely monitor a landmark 24 trillion won ($17.4 billion) nuclear power plant deal with the Czech Republic through to its final stages, emphasizing its significance as a major achievement in joint economic development.

He added that beyond the nuclear power plant project, the partnership between the two countries will extend to energy security and the development of related high technologies.

Yoon made the remarks in Prague, Thursday (local time), during a summit with Czech President Petr Pavel, where they focused on enhancing economic and energy cooperation.

"I told President Pavel that the new Dukovany nuclear power plant, which companies from both countries will build together, will be a milestone in our joint economic growth and energy cooperation, and an important opportunity to strengthen our strategic partnership," Yoon said during a joint press conference following the summit.

Yoon also emphasized that his government will closely monitor the process until the final contract is signed in the first half of next year to ensure a successful execution.

The visit, the first by a South Korean president in nine years, followed the Czech governments selection of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) as the preferred bidder for the Dukovany nuclear power plant project in July.

The project involves constructing two nuclear reactors in Dukovany, with the Czech government also contemplating the addition of two more reactors in Temelin at a later stage. Contracts are anticipated to be finalized in March 2025, with construction scheduled to commence in 2029.

However, the advancement of the project has faced potential setbacks following an appeal in August by U.S. nuclear energy firm Westinghouse Electric and French company EDF to the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition. These companies argued that KHNPs selection violated tender principles.

Regarding the concerns that their complaints might strain the nuclear energy alliance between Seoul and Prague, Yoon and his Czech counterpart both expressed confidence that the issue would be smoothly solved. The South Korean leaders trip to Prague was seen as an effort to ensure the deal remains on track despite these challenges.

"While the governments of Korea and the U.S. both share a strong consensus on nuclear energy cooperation, the South Korean government is supporting the smooth resolution of issues between Korean and U.S. companies. Additionally, KHNP is ensuring various measures to guarantee the participation of Czech companies. I am confident that, just like with the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, this will be resolved successfully," President Yoon explained during the press conference.

A senior presidential official reaffirmed the president's comment in Prague, Thursday evening, stating that there is "a deep consensus that Korea and the U.S. should cooperate to establish a joint partnership, and both governments are actively working toward this goal at this point."



During the press conference, Yoon also emphasized that South Korea and the Czech Republic will further enhance their collaboration in science, technology, biotechnology and digital innovation, as next year will mark the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic cooperation.

"If the contract for the nuclear power plant is finalized and construction begins, we will work together with the Czech Republic on every step of the design and construction process ... Building a nuclear power plant together signifies a strategic partnership between our two nations taking a step forward. I am confident that cooperation in advanced industries and cutting-edge science and technology will also expand," President Yoon said.

Czech President Pavel emphasized that to achieve its net-zero goals, his country has no choice but to develop nuclear power plants. He also highlighted the broader potential for nuclear cooperation with Korea across Europe.



"Countries such as the Netherlands, Slovenia, Slovakia and Poland have plans to further develop nuclear power, offering significant opportunities for collaboration with Korea. We can jointly explore third-country markets, and if our cooperation in the Czech Republic proves successful, expanding into other nations would be a logical next step," Pavel said during the joint press conference.



Agreement on regional security cooperation

The two countries also voiced a shared stance on the importance of security cooperation, highlighting that the leaders agreed to work together to address threats from North Korea's growing aggression. The Czech Republic, as a member of both the European Union and NATO, is a key security partner for South Korea in Central Europe, according to Yoons office.

"We agreed to closely cooperate on the North's threats, as we reaffirm that North Korea has nothing to gain from reckless and irrational provocations that undermine peace and stability," Yoon said during the press conference.

Yoon's comments come, as lately, North Korea has been intensifing its provocations through both conventional and unconventional methods. Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, marking its 11th launch of the year. Additionally, the regime has dispatched thousands of balloons filled with trash toward South Korea on 21 occasions since late May.

"The illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which violates U.N. Security Council resolutions, poses a serious threat to international peace and security," the South Korean president stressed.



Collaborating on effective measures to help the Ukrainian people regain peace was another important issue discussed during the summit talks. As the conflict with Russia continues, South Korea has committed to supporting Kyiv in its eventual post-war recovery efforts, with both the government and local companies dedicated to advancing these initiatives.

President Yoon explained that both countries will actively support companies from each nation that wish to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction. This support will include facilitating concrete cooperation through sharing business information, jointly developing projects and attracting joint investments.



The two leaders were present when the foreign ministers from the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on collaboration in reconstruction projects and humanitarian aid for Ukraine at Prague Castle, Thursday.

On Friday, Yoon will visit the industrial city of Plzen to inspect nuclear energy companies and attend a business forum. He will also hold separate meetings with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Parliamentary Speaker Marketa Pekarova Adamova and Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil later in the afternoon.
By Kim Hyun-bin

Bhajan Lal Sharma, chief minister of the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan, has highlighted the state's considerable potential for attracting foreign investment, with POSCO's notable interest in setting up a major asphalt plant in the region taking center stage. This development is part of ongoing high-level discussions with Korean firms, reflecting Rajasthan's proactive strategy to nurture international economic partnerships.

In a recent interview with The Korea Times in Seoul on Sept. 9, Sharma elaborated on the discussions with Korean companies. "Our meeting with POSCO and a startup from the Jeonbuk region focused on asphalt production," he said.

Sharma confirmed that the state has pledged to provide land in Rajasthan for POSCO's proposed factory, calling it a "proactive approach to attract foreign investment."

The chief minister says POSCO has requested approximately 1 square kilometer of land for the advanced asphalt plant. The scale of the investment remains under evaluation, contingent on market research and demand assessment for road construction, as Rajasthan plans to build numerous roads and highways in the near future.

"We are committed to meeting all of POSCO's requirements for their project, which shows our strong commitment to cooperation," Sharma said.

In addition to POSCO International, Sharma detailed meetings with other large corporations, including Hanwha Chemical and LX. He said they have been exploring various areas of potential collaboration emphasizing "Rising Rajasthan," the state's ambitious economic transformation roadmap which aims to nearly double the state's economy from its current $180 billion to $350 billion within the next five years.

"Rajasthan is rich in resources such as oil, metals and minerals, and we also have a thriving tourism sector," he said. The transport infrastructure in the state is well-developed, with its close proximity to the national capital and key trade routes such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.

Sharma acknowledged that there are not many Korean companies in the region but expressed a willingness to establish an industrial complex tailored to help them facilitate their operations.

"Currently, there aren't many Korean companies operating in Rajasthan, with about 12 to 15 present," Sharma said. He noted that the state has already set up an industrial complex for Japanese firms and suggested that a similar industrial complex could be created for Korean companies, too.

"Compared to other regions in India, Rajasthan offers vast land and abundant solar energy. Our 2022 investment policy is being improved for 2024 to be the best in India, streamlining the approval process for foreign investors," Sharma said, with an official announcement on these policy improvements expected in the coming weeks. "With a large, educated and skilled workforce available at a comparatively lower cost than in other emerging economies, investors stand to gain from a fully supportive business environment in Rajasthan, including relevant fiscal incentives, tax exemptions, affordable land and single-window online approval systems."

Renewable energy, particularly solar power, is a key area of potential collaboration between Korea and Rajasthan. Sharma highlighted Rajasthan's leadership in solar energy capacity, boasting 325 days of sunshine per year.

"During our meeting with Hanwha, there was interest in collaboration, especially given our top-tier solar power capabilities. However, it's still in the early stages," he said.

Looking ahead, the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10 in Jaipur, India, is set to be a landmark event, attracting investors from 25 countries, including Korea, the U.S., U.K., Germany and Japan.

"This will be the first global event of its kind in Rajasthan, providing a platform to discuss further collaboration," Sharma said.
Korea's top Army officer has discussed ways to broaden defense and arms industry cooperation during a trip to Poland and Romania, his office said Thursday, amid Korea's ongoing push to boost arms exports.

During the nine-day visit that ended Wednesday, Gen. Park An-su first visited Poland for talks with Wieslaw Kukula, chief of the Polish General Staff, where they shared their assessment of the security situation and concurred on bolstering cooperation as nations that use the same weapons systems.

In 2022, Poland signed major deals with Korean defense companies to buy various weapons systems, including K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers.

Park then headed to Romania for talks with key military officials, including Lt. Gen. Ciprian Marin, chief of staff of the Romanian Land Forces. It marked the first official visit to Romania by Korea's top Army officer.

During their talks, Romanian officials stressed that the country's decision to buy K9 self-propelled howitzers marked the first arms acquisition from a non-member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and expressed interest in various Korea-made weapons, while Park vowed to closely cooperate with the Romanian military's modernization plan, according to the Army.

In July, Korea's Hanwha Aerospace clinched a $1 billion deal to supply Romania with 54 K9s and 36 K10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles. (Yonhap)
Police have decided not to refer actor Yoo Ah-in to prosecutors over rape accusations a man filed against him, citing insufficient evidence, officials said Thursday.

A man in his 30s filed a complaint with the police in July, accusing the actor of raping him while he was asleep at a studio apartment in Seoul's central district of Yongsan earlier in the month.

Yoo was subsequently booked on charges of imitative rape, which applies to cases of rape involving same-sex individuals.

The Yongsan Police Station determined last week that there was insufficient evidence to support the accusation and decided not to refer the case to the prosecution for further investigation, officials said.

Earlier in September, Yoo was sentenced to one year in prison for habitually abusing illegal drugs between 2020 and 2022 and was immediately put under detention.

Yoo tested negative in a drug test conducted in connection with the rape accusation. (Yonhap)
The state human rights watchdog on Thursday called on police to provide appropriate communication tools to the visually impaired or have them be accompanied by guardians during police questioning.

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) said it has made the recommendation in response to a petition filed by a blind person who claimed to have been discriminated against during police questioning after falling victim to a traffic accident.

The petitioner was hit while walking along a road in Seoul when a car coming from behind brushed against the petitioner's arm with its right side-view mirror in March last year.

When the petitioner appeared for an interview with police, the officer in charge did not elaborate on the rights of the victims of traffic accidents or ask whether to call in guardians who could help with the testifying process.

The officer reportedly handed out printouts despite knowing the petitioner was visually impaired and shared the personal information of the petitioner with the perpetrator's insurance company, prompting the petitioner to file a complaint with the rights watchdog.

Police claimed the handout explained the rights of victims under criminal proceedings, and that they had only given the petitioner's name and phone number to the insurance company to make a claim for compensation.

The police officer also said they would have arranged for someone who could help with the testimony if such a request was made.

The human rights watchdog said police should have explained in detail how they could help and that giving out personal information of the petitioner without consent is a violation of the right to self-determination of personal information.

The NHRCK urged the National Police Agency chief to have police officers provide pertinent communication tools for the blind and to have a helper stand by to help them testify during questioning. (Yonhap)
President Yoon Suk Yeol left for the Czech Republic on Thursday for a trip focused on ensuring Korea's bid to win a major nuclear energy project and deepen economic ties with the European nation.

During his four-day visit, Yoon will hold talks with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, trade, investment, technology and other areas.

It comes two months after a consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was selected as a preferred bidder to build two nuclear power units at the Dukovany site.

Yoon's trip aims to reaffirm Seoul's commitment to the successful implementation of the Czech nuclear project and lay the groundwork for forging a "nuclear energy alliance" between the two nations, according to his office.

The trip comes at a time when the project faces a legal challenge as U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric filed an appeal with Czech authorities last month, arguing that KHNP's reactor designs are based on its technology.

During an interview with Reuters, Yoon said his trip is aimed at ensuring the seamless conclusion of the final contract, adding Seoul and Washington were working to create an "amicable atmosphere" among businesses in the nuclear energy sector to resolve differences over intellectual property rights.

The deal, estimated at around 24 trillion won ($18.03 billion), will mark Korea's second nuclear power plant export, following its 2009 project in the United Arab Emirates. It is expected to be finalized by the first quarter of next year.

Accompanied by a delegation of business leaders from Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, SK Group and LG Group, as well as 50 other companies, Yoon will also visit the industrial city of Plzen to inspect nuclear energy companies and attend a business forum. (Yonhap)
President Yoon Suk Yeol will hold a dinner meeting with ruling People Power Party (PPP) chief Han Dong-hoon and other PPP leaders next week to discuss the government's medical reform plan, his office said Thursday.

The meeting, set for Tuesday, had originally been planned for late August but was postponed after Han openly called for holding off the planned hike in the medical school admissions quota for 2026 to help resolve the protracted doctors' walkout in a departure from Yoon's stance.

Next week's meeting will also be attended by PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho and other members of the PPP's Supreme Council, as well as the presidential chief of staff and other senior officials, according to presidential spokesperson Jeong Hye-jeon.

"This meeting will be an occasion for broad communication where the presidential office and the party's leadership get together to ... discuss reform agenda, including the medical reform, and other livelihood issues," Jeong said.

Han had been considered one of Yoon's closest confidants during their times as prosecutors, but their relationship has soured due mostly to differences over how to handle first lady Kim Keon Hee's acceptance of a luxury handbag and other sensitive issues. (Yonhap)
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea unilaterally passed three contentious bills Thursday, including one calling for a special investigation into allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee, despite fierce opposition from the ruling party.

Lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) refused to attend Thursday's parliamentary plenary session in boycott of the vote and held a rally in front of the main hall condemning the opposition's move.

PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho said the PPP will request President Yoon Suk Yeol exercise his veto power against the bills, as the long-running cycle has repeated over and over again of the opposition-controlled National Assembly unilaterally passing contentious legislation and Yoon rejecting it.

The special counsel bill, which passed in a 167-0 vote, calls for an independent probe into Kim's stock manipulation allegations, as well as her receipt of a luxury bag and her alleged interference with the ruling party's candidate nominations ahead of the April 10 general elections.

A similar special probe bill targeting the first lady passed through the Assembly but was vetoed by Yoon in January and was later scrapped in a revote.

The opposition-controlled Assembly also passed a bill mandating a special counsel probe into allegations that the presidential office and the defense ministry inappropriately interfered in the military's investigation into the death of a Marine killed during a search mission for victims of heavy downpours in July 2023.

It marks the opposition's fourth time passing a special probe bill on the Marine's death.

The latest bill mandates that the Supreme Court chief justice recommend four candidates to the special counsel. They will be narrowed down by the opposition parties to two, from which the president will make the final appointment.

It is similar to the "third party" bill proposed by PPP leader Han Dong-hoon but gives opposition parties more authority to choose among the recommended special prosecutors.

The third bill that calls for promoting the use of local currency vouchers to boost the economy passed in a 166-3 vote, with three members of the minor New Reform Party voting against the bill. (Yonhap)
By Kwak Yeon-soo

The leadership of Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), is being tested as he tries to resolve a standoff between the government and doctors.

Han has been making all-out efforts to launch a four-way consultative body, comprising major political parties, the government and doctors groups, to find a breakthrough in the conflict over the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations medical reform plan introduced in late February. The plan, which seeks to increase medical school quotas, has led to strikes by trainee doctors, causing substantial disruptions in essential services at major hospitals such as emergency care.

Doctors have been insisting that they will not join the consultative body unless the government withdraws its plan to increase the medical school admissions quota for the 2025 academic year. The government, however, argues it cannot retract its plan for next year because universities have already begun accepting admissions for medical schools. Instead, it said it is open to discussion regarding the size of the quota for 2026, but only if doctors can provide a reasonable basis for the number they come up with.

At Thursday's meeting, Han once again urged doctors to engage in talks to resolve the prolonged medical crisis and find common ground on the necessity of the medical reform.

Without the four-way consultative body, its difficult to find a starting point to address the medical crisis. Distrust of the government remains, but medical professionals that Ive met over the Chuseok holiday agreed that the medical crisis must be resolved quickly for the sake of public health. We will wait for the doctors to join the framework, Han said during a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly.

How Han navigates the medical crisis could be pivotal not just for the president but also for the PPP. According to a Gallup Korea survey released last Friday, the approval rating for PPP has dropped to 28 percent, the lowest since Yoon took office in May 2022.

Next week, Han and other PPP leaders will have a dinner meeting with Yoon to further discuss the medical reform issues. The meeting, set for Tuesday, had originally been planned for Aug. 30 but was postponed by the presidential office after Han proposed deferring the medical school quota hike for 2026 to help break the impasse between the government and groups representing doctors.

The meeting will be an opportunity for the presidential office and the ruling partys leadership to get together, gauge public sentiment during Chuseok holiday and discuss the Yoon administrations reform efforts, including the medical reform, and other livelihood issues, presidential spokesperson Jeong Hye-jeon said in a release.
By Kim Sun-ae

Recently I read Rush-hour Subway by Park Kyoung-seok, a representative of Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination. The book taught me the history of protests for the rights of persons with disabilities.

In Korea, protests for disabled peoples mobility rights began in 2001. It was difficult for the students of the Nodeul School for the Disabled to go to school due to a lack of elevators at subway stations and low-floor buses. People with disabilities were injured or died falling from wheelchair lifts at subway stations. So the students and teachers of the school started fighting for the mobility rights of the disabled.

In 2002, a disabled person died in a fall using a wheelchair lift at Balsan Station. Park and other activists went on a hunger strike against the Seoul Metropolitan Government, calling for installing elevators at subway stations and for introducing low-floor buses that wheelchair users can take. The Seoul Metropolitan Government finally accepted the demand.

However, not all subway stations in the city have elevators yet, even after over 20 years have passed. At stations without elevators, disabled people still have to use a wheelchair lift with a risk of falling accidents.

Low-floor buses are still insufficient too. Seouls introduction rate of these buses is about 63 percent, although the city has the highest introduction rate of them in Korea. In Incheon, low-floor buses account for only 16 percent.

If persons with disabilities cannot go to school and be educated because they are deprived of mobility rights, how can they work? The highest level of schooling of about 38 percent of the disabled is still elementary school or lower. Although Korea has a high literacy rate, many people with disabilities did not have an opportunity to receive literacy education.

As a result, about 62 percent of the countrys disabled people are economically inactive, while approximately 35 percent of the total population is economically inactive. Particularly, the labor force participation rate of disabled women is only about 24 percent, while that of disabled men is approximately 48 percent.

Article 11 of Koreas Constitution says, All citizens shall be equal before law. All of us, including persons with disabilities, have a right not to be discriminated just because of difference. To eliminate discrimination against the disabled, it is necessary to increase the budget for them. Currently, Koreas budget for them is only one-third of the OECD average.

After disabled peoples protests for mobility rights, elevators were added to subway stations and low-floor buses were adopted. These changes have benefited various people including older adults. To guarantee mobility rights is good for the whole community including people pushing a stroller, patients and older adults.

Only when persons with disabilities can move freely, can they study, work and build a meaningful relationship with other people, thereby living a life worthy of human dignity. Guaranteeing mobility rights is the starting point for guaranteeing other basic human rights.

Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/everythingchanges) wrote "Old Potato, New Potato" and translated "Little Lord Fauntleroy."
Yoon faces grave task of recovering approval ratings

Back from the recent Chuseok holiday, President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a critical challenge in reversing his sharply declining approval ratings, which have hit record lows since he took office. The ongoing medical crisis has significantly contributed to the drop in support, compounded by negative public sentiment regarding first lady Kim Keon Hees alleged involvement in candidate nominations for the general elections.

Moreover, both Yoons approval ratings and those of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) are declining simultaneously, worsening the downward spiral. This has led to increasing difficulties in managing state administration. The presidential office and the PPP are at odds over how to address the ongoing medical gridlock. Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has been intensifying its attacks on the first lady, adding to the growing sense of crisis.

A recent Gallup Korea poll released on Sept. 13 revealed a striking result: Yoon's approval rating had dropped to just 20 percent, while his disapproval rating surged to 70 percent. The support rate for the PPP was at 28 percent, the lowest since the beginning of the Yoon administration.

More recently, a survey conducted by Realmeter and released on Sept. 16 indicated that 27.0 percent of the 2,500 respondents rated Yoons presidential performance positively, down 2.9 percentage points from the previous week. Despite increasing slightly from the Gallup poll, the declining rate still alarms the ruling party. Realmeter attributed the drop to reduced support from conservatives, Yoon's core base, signaling trouble ahead for his future administration.

Given Korea's parliamentary power structure, where the opposition currently holds a majority, Yoon urgently needs to boost his public support. If he fails to rebuild this support, his approval rating could drop below 10 percent. In such a scenario, Yoon would face significant challenges in achieving his administrations key objectives as head of state.

Yoon and the political parties should focus on addressing pressing issues related to people's livelihoods to maintain public support. The 22nd National Assembly began its activities in full swing on Monday. As anticipated, the two main rival parties immediately clashed, locking horns over matters such as special counsel investigations into first lady Kim Keon Hee, the death of a Marine and a controversial financial bill.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and DPK chief Rep. Lee Jae-myung agreed to work together to improve the livelihoods of the people during their meeting earlier this month. However, the two main parties have failed to establish even a consultative body to make progress on agreements reached during their meeting. The two leaders also agreed to double down on efforts to proactively address other pressing issues related to the semiconductor industry, AI sector and stock market promotion. However, the parties have remained inactive in these areas so far.

The inaction and lack of sincerity from the two main parties in addressing urgent issues is deeply disappointing. They should have carefully considered the publics opinions expressed during the Chuseok holidays and put into practice the agreements reached by Han and Lee.

The DPK is pushing for the passage of the contentious special counsel bills, despite strong opposition from the PPP. Instead of solely launching political offensives, it should focus on addressing issues related to peoples livelihoods.

The president should intensify efforts to improve his approval rating while strengthening cooperation between the presidential office and the PPP. They should refrain from causing further confusion and conflict concerning major issues, including the medical reform issue. In this context, it is encouraging that Yoon and PPP leaders, including Han, will soon meet to repair their strained relations and discuss a variety of issues.
By Lee Min-hyung

NAMYANGJU, Gyeonggi Province  Chevrolet's brand-new Colorado pickup truck has arrived in Korea, featuring enhanced off-road performance and a host of state-of-the-art safety features.

The Colorado is Chevrolets flagship premium mid-size truck, favored primarily by camping and off-road driving enthusiasts.

The third-generation All New Colorado aims to attract discerning Korean customers with its versatility for both city and off-road driving. Its predecessor, launched in 2019, saw moderate success, with accumulated sales exceeding 14,800 units by the end of August this year.

GM Korea hopes to continue its winning streak with the new model by equipping it with a range of cutting-edge, safety-focused infotainment features. The carmaker believes these innovations will enable more drivers to enjoy powerful and robust driving, even in challenging and rocky terrain across the nation.

When this reporter test-drove the vehicle in a mountainous camping area, it showed itself to be a highly reliable off-road vehicle, perfect for those who enjoy navigating unpaved roads.

The vehicle dispelled this reporters preconceptions about pickup trucks lacking smart driving features. Its smart features were somewhat distinct from those typically found in sedans or SUVs designed for city driving.

One noteworthy feature was its underbody camera, which displays the road conditions around the tires. This allows drivers to monitor obstacles in advance and assess the roughness of the terrain.

When the vehicles much-touted Hill Descent Control was engaged on downhill roads, it assisted in maintaining a consistent speed while navigating unpaved and rocky terrain.

The All New Colorado also features an upgraded powertrain, delivering a maximum output of 314.3 horsepower. This enhancement provides a more dynamic driving experience on paved roads.

Another key upside of the new vehicle is its bigger exterior compared to its predecessor. It made a strong impression at first glance, with its exterior design becoming more masculine and refined. The vehicle's straight lines and rectangular shapes highlight its bold identity.

The newest Colorado received a stronger-than-expected initial response, with all 400 pre-reserved models selling out in just one day in July.

However, the price remains a significant drawback for the vehicle. It is priced at 72.79 million won ($54,600) in Korea, which is more than 20 million won higher than the previous model.
Private equity firm MBK Partners on Thursday criticized Korea Zinc for allegedly investing in distressed firms and the deteriorating financial health of the world's largest zinc smelter, while expressing confidence that its tender offer to buy a stake in Korea Zinc will not fail.

MBK Partners Vice Chairman Kim Kwang-il made the remarks less than a week after the private equity firm launched a 2 trillion-won ($1.5 billion) tender offer to buy a maximum 14.6 percent stake in Korea Zinc.

Korea Zinc's liabilities had stood at 1.4 trillion won as of June this year, compared with 41 billion won in 2019, Kim told reporters.

Kim blamed Korea Zinc for making inappropriate investments in opaque firms, including OneAsia Partners, which has been accused of allegedly inflating stock prices of SM Entertainment.

"Plainly speaking, it spends cash like water," Kim said.

Asked about whether the tender offer would succeed or not, Kim replied, "I don't think that it will fail."

However, Kim hinted that MBK Partners would not increase the offer price.

Kim also defended the tender offer for Korea Zinc, saying it is not a hostile takeover bid.

"We are making a tender offer to boost our stake as the largest shareholder, not to engage in a hostile takeover or merger," Kim said.

"This tender offer is part of a management buyout agreed upon with the current majority shareholder," he added.

The tender offer has sent Korea Zinc's stock to a record high. At one point during Thursday trading, shares of Korea Zinc jumped 7.36 percent to 715,000 won.

The firm reached an agreement with Young Poong, Korea Zinc's largest shareholder, which currently holds a 33 percent stake. Korea Zinc itself holds 2.4 percent, while its owner family has 15.5 percent.

Korea Zinc has strongly opposed MBK Partners' share purchase, calling it a hostile takeover bid.

Kim said Young Poong has agreed to transfer its position as the largest shareholder to MBK Partners, prompting the tender offer to increase the equity firm's stake.

Meanwhile, unionized workers at Korea Zinc expressed concerns that the world's largest nonferrous metals manufacturer is at risk of being taken over by a corporate raider, urging the government to intervene.

"We will not tolerate a predatory tender offer that threatens our stable jobs and family livelihoods," the workers said. "MBK Partners should immediately withdraw the tender offer, and the government should take action to prevent the sale of Korea Zinc, a key national industry, to foreign entities."

Korea Zinc and Young Poong have a long-standing partnership, dating back to when the former was co-founded in 1974 by Chang Byung-hee and Choi Ki-ho. Over the years, the Choi family has managed Korea Zinc, while the Chang family oversees Young Poong Group and its affiliates.

However, a management dispute has strained the relationship between the two companies since 2022. (Yonhap)
Companies seek more tax incentives for hiring elderly

By Lee Min-hyung

Major business conglomerates in Korea are facing increasing pressure to extend the retirement age of their workers in response to demographic changes caused by a declining birthrate and an aging population.

Debate on the topic is gaining momentum after the government decided to consider extending the compulsory subscription period for the national pension by five years, raising it to 64, due to longer life spans.

Most conglomerates set the retirement age at 60, so they are beginning discussions on whether to increase it in line with the government's initiative.

Experts argue that companies have no choice but to follow suit due to the sharply declining birthrate. However, they also urge the government to provide more corporate tax benefits in exchange for extending the retirement age or reemploying workers on a contract basis.

Reflecting on the demographic changes, companies will have to extend the retirement age of their workers in the end, said Kim Dae-jong, a professor of business administration at Sejong University.

But the decision can also be viewed as a measure for creating jobs for the elderly, so the government needs to provide more tax incentives to companies, especially as their corporate tax burden is higher compared to other countries.

As of 2024, Koreas corporate tax rate stands at 24 percent, higher than the OECD average of 22 percent.

Unionized workers and management at Hyundai Motor recently reached an agreement allowing skilled workers to be reemployed for up to two years after reaching retirement age.

General Motors (GM) Korea is also optimistic about reemploying retired workers. The carmakers labor and management decided to seek measures to let retired workers continue to work from 2025.

Other labor experts suggest that more companies will follow the example set by Hyundai Motor and GM.

Given the potential side effects of extending the retirement age, large companies are likely to adopt similar measures by reemploying some skilled workers for a few additional years, said Lim Young-tae, director of the employment and social policy department at the Korea Enterprises Federation.

The side effects include increased labor costs for companies and a potential decline in employment opportunities for younger workers, according to Lim.

Unionized workers at other major conglomerates are also bringing this issue to the negotiating table with management. SK hynix, POSCO, and HD Hyundai are calling for an extension of the retirement age to up to 65.

The demand arises because workers will be eligible to receive their national pension at the age of 65 starting in 2033, up from the current age of 63.

According to data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 19 percent of Korea's population is aged 65 or older. When more than 20 percent of the population is 65 years or older, international organizations classify it as a super-aged society, according to the United Nations.

However, officials at major conglomerates expressed concerns that extending the retirement age could lead to increased labor costs.

The extension of the retirement age is socially desirable amid the aging society, but companies cannot push ahead with the drive unless the government offers a concrete set of tax incentives, an official at one conglomerate said.

Additionally, companies may be less inclined to hire younger workers due to the cost burden associated with employing elderly workers.
Smaller franchises turn to dual pricing amid cost issues

By Ko Dong-hwan

Independent and franchise restaurants are adding extra charges to delivery orders without notifying customers, raising concerns about transparency among consumer advocates and industry experts.

The backlash against the practice followed delivery fee rate hikes by major online food delivery platforms in the country, such as Baedal Minjok, Coupang Eats, and Yogiyo. In response, independent and franchise restaurants have chosen to pass on these costs to consumers by raising the prices of their menu items.

Major quick service restaurant (QSR) franchise firms have been using dual pricing for years. For example, McDonalds Korea raised the price of its Big Mac set by 300 won ($0.23) to 7,200 won in May, but this increase only applied to in-store customers. Delivery orders for the same menu items were priced higher at 8,500 won.

Burger King charges even more for delivery. Those ordering a Whopper set menu for delivery must pay 1,400 won more. Popeyes introduced dual pricing in April and KFC revived the policy in March after two years.

The practice is also used by major coffee and beverage franchise companies in the country, as well as smaller franchise operations.

Mega MGC Coffee, the country's biggest low-cost coffee franchise firm, is charging 500 won more for delivery orders. Frank Burger charges 700 won more and fried chicken firm Hosigi last month raised prices for delivery by 500 won to 2,000 won. Even non-franchise restaurants have started adopting this practice by charging delivery customers several hundred won more.

The restaurant operators said that dual pricing is inevitable to cover the costs generated due to the hiked online platform fees. Furthermore, to prevent their store-visiting customers from having to pay more for the hiked operational costs, restaurants are passing on the costs to delivery customers.

Were setting up prices for delivery menus differently, a McDonalds Korea official said. We didnt want our store visitors to burden our additional costs which come from the hiked delivery operation costs.

For non-major franchise companies that have a smaller network of stores than major firms, dual pricing is more of a desperate measure to deal with the same problem.

A Hosigi official said that the increased platform fees are posing a serious threat to our revenue structures. A Frank Burger representative noted that an increasing number of franchisees are urging the company to raise product prices to offset the increased fees from online platforms.

Last month Baedal Minjok raised its platform usage fees for member restaurants to 9.8 percent from 6.8 percent for each delivery order. Coupang Eats and Yogiyo have already raised their fees to the same figure. The increase in fee rates angered franchisees and other restaurateurs, leading them to protest against the platform operators' challenging policies.

The Korea Consumer Agency said that, in addition to the businesses choosing to run dual pricing, many of them have failed to inform consumers about such price gaps. The authority has found that only a few businesses, including Burger King, have notified customers that delivery menu prices may be different from those at stores.

The agency said that in 2021, it advised food businesses to make dual pricing more transparent to customers, but these recommendations have not been fully implemented. It also recommended that online platforms clearly display delivery fees separately to keep consumers better informed.

Even when customers see free delivery on their online food ordering apps, the service fees are often hidden inside the menu prices shown online, a trick used by businesses to transfer the burden to customers, an agency official said.

Menu item prices and delivery fees need to be separately stated so that customers dont misunderstand their receipts.
Hand-held radios used by armed group Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon's south in the country's deadliest day since cross-border fighting erupted between the militants and Israel nearly a year ago, stoking tensions after similar explosions of the group's pagers the day before.

Lebanon's health ministry said 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured.

Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts, but security sources said Israel's spy agency Mossad was responsible. One Hezbollah official said the episode was the biggest security breach in the group's history.

The operations, which appeared to throw Hezbollah into disarray, played out alongside Israel's 11-month-old war in Gaza and heightened fears of an escalation on its Lebanese border and the risk of a full-blown regional war.

"We are opening a new phase in the war. It requires courage, determination and perseverance from us," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in remarks at an air force base.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of pushing the Middle East to the brink of a regional war by orchestrating a dangerous escalation on many fronts.

The U.S., which denied any involvement in the blasts, said it was pursuing intensive diplomacy to avert an escalation of the conflict. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel told Washington on Tuesday it was going to do something in Lebanon. But Israel did not provide details and the operation itself was a surprise to Washington, the official said.

At least one of Wednesday's blasts in Lebanon took place near a funeral organized by Iran-backed Hezbollah for those killed the previous day when thousands of the group's pagers exploded across the country and wounded many of its fighters.

A Reuters reporter in the southern suburbs of Beirut said he saw Hezbollah members frantically taking batteries out of any walkie-talkies that had not exploded, tossing the parts in metal barrels. Hezbollah turned to pagers and other low-tech communication devices in an attempt to evade Israeli surveillance of mobile phones.

Lebanon's Red Cross said on X that it responded with 30 ambulance teams to multiple explosions in different areas, including the south of Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.

Images of the exploded walkie-talkies showed labels with "ICOM" and "made in Japan." According to its website, ICOM, which did not immediately reply to a request for comment, is a Japan-based radio communications and telephone company.

The company has said that production of model IC-V82, which appeared to be the model in the images, was phased out in 2014.

The hand-held radios were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, around the same time as the pagers, a security source said.

In Tuesday's explosions, sources said Israeli spies remotely detonated explosives they planted in a Hezbollah order of 5,000 pagers before they entered the country.

The United Nations Security Council will meet on Friday about the pager blasts after a request by Arab states.

Tehran's ambassador in Lebanon was superficially injured in Tuesday's blasts, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported then. But the New York Times on Wednesday said he lost one eye and the other was severely injured when a pager he was carrying exploded, citing two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Iran's envoy to the U.N. said in a letter on Wednesday that it "reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond" to the attack.

Hezbollah launches rockets

Hezbollah, which has vowed to retaliate against Israel, said on Wednesday it attacked Israeli artillery positions with rockets, the first strike at its arch-foe since the blasts. The Israeli military said there were no reports of any damage or casualties. "Hezbollah wants to avoid an all-out war," said Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director of research at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. "But given the scale ... there will be pressure for a stronger response."

The two sides have been fighting across the Lebanese border since the Gaza conflict erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, fuelling fears of a wider Middle East war that could drag in the United States and Iran. The previous highest daily Lebanese death toll was 11 who died in Israeli shelling last month, according to official counts.

Gallant said Israel, which has vowed to return evacuated residents to their homes in the north, was transferring troops and resources to the Lebanon border region. Israeli sources said this included the army's 98th Division, which has commando and paratrooper formations, moving from Gaza to the north.

"The 'center of gravity' is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources and energy for the northern arena," Gallant said in remarks released by his office.

A full-blown war with Israel could devastate Lebanon, which has lurched from one crisis to another, including a 2019 financial collapse and the 2020 Beirut port blast.

Rising tensions may also complicate so far unsuccessful efforts by mediators Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and militant group Hamas, a Hezbollah ally also backed by Iran.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday it was too soon to assess the impact of the blasts on ceasefire talks. Hezbollah, Iran's most powerful proxy in the Middle East, said in a statement it would continue to support Hamas in Gaza and Israel should await a response to the pager "massacre."

A Hamas delegation visited people wounded in the blasts in Lebanese hospitals on Wednesday, Lebanese state news agency NNA said.

The explosions followed a series of assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas commanders and leaders ascribed to Israel since the start of the Gaza war. (Reuters)
Kamala Harris spent a second straight day Wednesday courting minority voters, especially Latinos, as fresh polling showed the Democrat receiving a post-debate bump over Donald Trump in two of the swing states likely to decide the U.S. presidency.

With the candidates effectively tied less than seven weeks before Election Day, the U.S. Federal Reserve made news that may well impact the race, cutting its key lending rate by half a percentage point in its first reduction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move, which sharply lowers borrowing costs for Americans, was well-received by Vice President Harris, who has looked to highlight her and President Joe Biden's economic record in her race against Trump.

She called it "welcome news for Americans who have borne the brunt of high prices," while Biden's White House said the rate cut marked a "moment of progress" for the U.S. economy.

But in a potential setback for the Harris camp ahead of November's election, the influential Teamsters union announced it would not endorse a presidential candidate in 2024.

"Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business," Teamsters general president Sean O'Brien said in a statement.

The group had endorsed Democrats for president in every election since 2000.

The powerful union's decision came minutes after Harris told the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute of her commitment to working Americans.

"We have to put the middle class first. We have to put the working class first, understanding their dreams and their desires and their ambitions," she told the group in Washington.

Harris had already benefitted from the endorsement this year of other major unions including United Auto Workers and the AFL-CIO.

'Red flag' for Trump?

The Democratic nominee said the United States must "reform our broken immigration system and protect our Dreamers," referring to the roughly half million undocumented immigrant youth currently protected by law.

"Understand we can do both, create an earned pathway to citizenship and ensure our border is secure," she said.

Trump and Republicans have savaged Harris as a "border czar" who has failed to curb undocumented migration to the United States.

Trump was set to host a public rally Wednesday night on Long Island, New York.

Meanwhile, a new poll showed Harris with significant leads over Trump in swing-states Pennsylvania and Michigan, two "blue wall" battlegrounds key to victory in November.

The surveys, conducted after the candidates' September 10 televised debate, suggest a post-showdown boost for Harris, who is widely perceived as having outperformed Trump on stage.

In the latest poll of likely voters by Quinnipiac University, Harris leads ex-president Trump 51 percent to 45 percent in Pennsylvania, and tops him 50-45 percent in Michigan. A third Rust Belt state, Wisconsin, has Harris one percentage point ahead.

"Three crucial swing states wave a red flag at the Trump campaign," Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy said in a statement.

Trump leads narrowly in the so-called Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, according to an amalgam of polls on survey tracker RealClearPolitics.com. It shows Harris barely ahead in the fourth Sun Belt state of Nevada.

'Earn the vote'

Harris only became the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in July, after Biden ended his reelection bid following a disastrous debate performance against Trump.

The candidates were campaigning Wednesday in the aftermath of yet another tense moment in an already restive race, three days after a gunman apparently tried to assassinate the former president in Florida.

Trump held a town hall event Tuesday before fervent supporters in the beleaguered industrial city of Flint, Michigan, where he boasted that "only consequential presidents get shot at." He also praised Harris for calling to check on him after Sunday's assassination scare.

Trump has said the would-be shooter was a follower of what he called Biden's and Harris's rhetoric that he is a threat to U.S. democracy.

Harris, who is half Black and half Indian-American, was interviewed for an hour Tuesday by the National Association of Black Journalists in battleground Pennsylvania, where she said she was "working to earn the vote" of African American men, and not just assuming they would cast ballots for her because she is Black. (AFP)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that his "Victory Plan," intended to bring peace to Ukraine while keeping the country strong and avoiding all "frozen conflicts," was now complete after much consultation.

Zelenskyy pledged last month to present his plan to U.S. President Joe Biden, presumably next week when he attends sessions of the U.N. Security Council and General Assembly. While providing daily updates on the plan's preparation, Zelenskyy has given few clues of the contents, indicating only that it aims to create terms acceptable to Ukraine, now locked in conflict with Russia for more than two and a half years.

"Today, it can be said that our victory plan is fully prepared. All the points, all key focus areas and all necessary detailed additions of the plan have been defined," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.

"The most important thing is the determination to implement it.

There was, Zelenskyy said, no alternative to peace, "no freezing of the war or any other manipulations that would simply postpone Russian aggression to another stage."

On Tuesday, the president said a meeting with top commanders had produced "good and strong content" in military terms, "precisely the kind that can significantly strengthen Ukraine."

Zelenskyy has used as the basis for negotiations a peace plan he presented in late 2022 calling for a withdrawal of all Russian troops, the restoration of Ukraine's post-Soviet borders and a means to bring Russia to account for its invasion.

The plan was the focal point of a "peace summit" hosted by Switzerland in June with participants pledging to convene a second summit later this year. Russia was not invited to the June summit and branded it as meaningless, though Ukraine and its allies say Moscow could attend the next gathering.

Zelenskyy has rejected any notion of negotiations while Russian troops occupy nearly 20 percent of the country's territory.

Russia has repeatedly said it is willing to negotiate, but rules out discussions while Ukrainian forces remain in its Kursk region after it launched an incursion into the area last month. (Reuters)
The challenges to the U.S. posed by China exceed those of the Cold War, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Wednesday, charging that Beijing's support for Russia's defense industry came directly from China's leadership.

President Joe Biden's administration has been explicit that it is not seeking a cold war with China, but increasingly analysts and members of the U.S. Congress have said escalating global competition between the two superpowers resembled a different but new style of cold war.

Campbell told a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that Washington needed to maintain a bipartisan focus on China and step up the speed of U.S. naval shipbuilding and the capacity of the U.S. defense manufacturing base.

"Frankly, the Cold War pales in comparison to the multifaceted challenges that China presents. It's not just the military challenges. It's across the board. It's in the Global South. It is in technology," Campbell said.

Foreign crises, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict, have created distractions for Biden's efforts to focus on China and the Indo-Pacific region. Biden vowed early in his administration to not let China surpass the United States as global leader.

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin, the leaders of the United States' two most powerful rivals, in May pledged a "new era" of partnership, and cast Washington as an aggressive Cold War hegemon.

Campbell, the State Department's No. 2 diplomat, said increasing the speed of U.S. warship output should be of the highest priority over the next decade.

"This is a naval time," Campbell said, calling increasing the speed with which U.S. Navy ships are designed and built "the most important thing that we need to do over the course of the next 10 years."

"The Navy has to step up. We have to step up with them," he said.

Campbell, who met with NATO and EU officials earlier this month to provide allies with details of China's "substantial support" to Russia's military industrial base, has said Russia was in return supporting Beijing with submarine and missile technology.

"The most worrisome thing is that it comes from the very top," Campbell said, referring to senior Chinese leaders' support for Moscow. He added that China has been supporting Russia's drone activity in Ukraine.

The Republican chair of the committee, Michael McCaul, was critical of the extent of the so-called excluded technologies list for the AUKUS defense project with Australia and Britain that is part of efforts to stand up to China, including restrictions covering unmanned underwater vehicles.

Campbell called relaxing U.S. curbs on technology sharing vital for AUKUS, but said the list did not ban sharing particular technologies, just that each case would have to be reviewed.

At the same time, he said, "we need to make this usable for defense planners and others that are making billion-dollar investments."

Campbell said a summit of the Quad countries  Australia, India, Japan and the United  that Biden will host on Saturday would include "big announcements" showing substantial progress to help Pacific and Southeast Asian nations track illegal fishing fleets, most of which were Chinese.

He also mentioned plans for discussions on stepped-up security cooperation in the Indian Ocean involving India and other countries. He said U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo had been asked to help "fuse together our national military approach, security approach" there.

"This is the new frontier, working more closely with a partner like India in the Indian Ocean," he said. (Reuters)
Gisele Pelicot, who was drugged and raped by dozens of men recruited by her husband, on Wednesday called the men standing trial "degenerates" while attempts from some defense lawyers to question her credibility caused outrage in the courtroom.

The trial in the southern French town of Avignon of Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men accused of raping his wife has shocked the world. The case has also triggered protests across France in support of Gisele Pelicot, who has become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence.

"These men are degenerates. They committed rape," Gisele Pelicot, 72, told the court after her now ex-husband Dominique and one of his presumed chief accomplices, Jean-Pierre Marechal, gave testimony on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

"When they see a woman sleeping on her bed, no one thought to ask themselves a question? They don't have brains?", she said, adding: "Forgiveness does not exist".

Dominique Pelicot, 71, was seen crying during the all-day court session, saying, "I am asking for forgiveness, even though I don't know if it can be forgiven."

He is also accused of having raped Marechal's wife at her home after drugging her, with the collaboration of her husband.

Gisele Pelicot insisted on a public trial in an attempt to expose her former husband and the 50 men he is accused of inviting to rape her in a small village in southern France.

The court told attendees not to boo the suspects in the case, telling them they were innocent until proven guilty in response to a skirmish between supporters of the victim and some of the accused on the day before. Tensions still increased during Wednesday's hearing.

Causing the day's most heated exchanges, two of the defense lawyers representing men Pelicot invited to his family home to commit abuse asked the court to display photos which they said raised doubts whether the victim was aware of what happened to her.

Gisele Pelicot fiercely rejected the claims. "They're trying to trap me with these photos", she said, reiterating she never agreed to any sexual activity. Her former husband said he took all the images while his wife was knocked out.

"I have felt humiliated while I've been in this courtroom. I have been called an alcoholic, a conspirator of Mr. Pelicot," she said, adding her life had been "destroyed" for 10 years.

"In the state I was in, I absolutely could not respond. I was in a comatose state; the videos show that."

The Pelicots' daughter Caroline was on the verge of tears in the courtroom as her mother spoke. She later left the room when visual evidence was displayed.

Dominique Pelicot has denied drugging or sexually abusing Caroline, but photographs of her were found on her father's devices along with images of her mother being raped. She has told French media that she started publicly campaigning to fight drug-induced sexual assault to cope with the shock following her father's arrest.

Dominique Pelicot on Tuesday admitted orchestrating the mass rape of his then-wife. He asked for forgiveness and said he ultimately hoped to win back his former partner, who filed for divorce after learning of the rapes from investigators.

But the court also said it was not a problem if supporters applauded Gisele Pelicot when she emerged from the courtroom, as some have been doing.

Copycat crime

Earlier on Wednesday, Marechal, 63, admitted to working with Dominique Pelicot to drug and both rape Marechal's wife Cilia after the men met on a now-shuttered website. Marechal blamed his mentor and a troubled childhood for his actions. Marechal is not among those accused of raping Gisele Pelicot.

He said he met Dominique Pelicot on a website called Coco, where Pelicot shared with him images of the rapes of his wife by the men he had recruited, describing how he had drugged her.

Prosecutors say Pelicot drugged Marechal's wife and raped her while Marechal watched.

Dominique Pelicot acknowledged his guilt in raping Marechal's wife and said he regretted his actions, adding that he cut contact with them after she woke up during one of the assaults while he was in her room. (Reuters)
Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the main city in Himalayan Kashmir on Thursday to campaign for his party in the local election, the first such vote since New Delhi stripped the disputed regions semi-autonomy in 2019.

Modis visit to Srinagar city in the Kashmir Valley  the heartland of decades of anti-India rebellion  comes amid strong public opposition there to New Delhis changes five years back. That move revoked the regions semi-autonomous status, annulled its separate constitution, downgraded and split the former state into two centrally governed union territories Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir  and removed inherited protections on land and jobs.

The region has since remained on edge with civil liberties curbed and media freedoms gagged .

Authorities laid razor wires and erected road checkpoints to close the roads leading to the venue of Modis election rally in Srinagars main commercial center. Armed paramilitary troops and police in flak jackets patrolled the area, snipers and sharpshooters were positioned atop buildings near the venue.

The multistage election will allow Kashmir to have its own truncated government and a local legislature, called an assembly, instead of remaining under New Delhis direct rule.

However, there will be a limited transition of power from New Delhi to the local assembly as Kashmir will continue to be a Union Territory  directly controlled by the federal government  with Indias Parliament remaining its main legislator. Kashmirs statehood must be restored for the new government to have powers similar to other states of India.

We have said in the parliament that we will restore (the regions) statehood. Only BJP will fulfill this commitment, Modi said to a cheering crowd at the rally while referring to his Bharatiya Janata Party, without specifying any timeline for the return of statehood.

He called the ongoing election the festival of democracy in the region. Jammu and Kashmir is strengthening the democracy of India and I congratulate the people for this, he said.

Kashmir has been at the heart of a conflict between India and Pakistan after British rule of the subcontinent ended in 1947 with the creation of the two rival countries. Both administer part of it but claim the territory in its entirety.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the insurgency is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, a charge Islamabad denies. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the fighting, which many Kashmiri Muslims consider a legitimate freedom struggle.

Kashmir has remained an important part of a muscular rhetoric by Modi and his party colleagues in their outreach to the Hindu support base in India where few issues reach as broad a consensus as that the region must remain a part of the country at any cost.

Modis government has repeatedly said the changes would spur investment, bring more development and root out separatism in Kashmir. But critics and many Kashmiris fear this could dilute the regions demographics.

It seemed odd to claim that this place is celebrating democracy," said Siddiq Wahid, historian and former vice chancellor of a university in Kashmir. "For the past five years, it has been led by an unelected administration unfamiliar with the regions idiosyncrasies, it has been dismantled as a state, and unspecified executive powers of its Chief Minister and assembly transferred to New Delhi appointed administrators, he added.

New Delhi's centralization of power has increased public frustration over political stasis here, Wahid said.

Thursdays visit was Modis second to the Muslim-majority region to campaign for his party candidates in the ongoing election. Voting began on Wednesday, with a brisk turnout in the first phase.

The vote is the first in a decade, and the first since his Hindu nationalist governments 2019 move. Kashmirs pro-India political parties have promised to fight to undo those changes.

Last week, Modi addressed a similar rally in southern Doda district.

The second and third phases of the polling are scheduled for Sept. 25 and Oct. 1. The process is staggered for logistical reasons and to allow troops to move around to stop potential violence in the Himalayan region. Votes will be counted on Oct. 8, with results expected that day.

At the rally in Srinagar, Modi launched a scathing attack on Indias main opposition Congress party and the regional parties, the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, calling them three families responsible for destruction and bringing nothing but chaos and fear to the region.

I am sincerely working towards restoring peace here, he said.

Indias ruling BJP has a strong political base in the regions Hindu-dominated areas of Jammu that largely favor the 2019 changes and has won multiple seats from there in the past elections. But it is weak in the Kashmir Valley where the BJP has never won a seat.

The party has fielded only 19 candidates for the 47 seats in the valley while it is contesting all 43 seats in Jammu.

Modis party is not officially aligned with any local group, but many politicians believe it is tacitly supporting some parties and independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley who privately agree with it.

The regions main pro-India political parties accused the BJP of trying to manipulate the election and fragment the valleys vote through independents. About 43 percent of 503 candidates contesting in the Kashmir Valley are independents, in contrast to 35 percent in Jammu. (AP)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Vice President Kembo Mohadi has affirmed that President Mnangagwa, in his role as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), will be guided by the resolutions of the 44th SADC Summit in determining the necessary actions for the region. Speaking at the official opening of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments yesterday, VP Mohadi, representing President Mnangagwa, outlined Zimbabwe's responsibilities in its new leadership role within SADC.As SADC Chairperson, President Mnangagwa will focus on completing regional programmes initiated by immediate past Chairperson, President Joao Lourenco of Angola, while also identifying priority areas for development in Southern Africa."The SADC Summit emerged with firm resolutions to consolidate cooperation and sustainable development in the region to significantly improve the lives and livelihoods of people," said VP Mohadi. He highlighted one of the key decisions, the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into the SADC Parliament, which will provide a legislative framework for regional programmes and projects.The creation of the SADC Parliament, Mohadi added, will complement the work of regional bodies like the PAP and enhance their oversight roles, ensuring more robust governance across the region.The 12th Annual Conference focused on the African Union's 2024 theme, "Educate an African fit for the 21st century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa." VP Mohadi emphasized that Africa's education systems need significant reform, grounded in research, innovation, science, and technology, to fully develop the continent."Our collective desire for the 'Africa We Want' can come to fruition with the sustained and focused involvement of this august House, the Pan-African Parliament," he said.He further stressed the need for the empowerment of women and youth through inclusive policies, noting that they form a dynamic force for Africa's development. The exploitation of natural resources, Mohadi said, should yield maximum returns to benefit the continent's populations.VP Mohadi reiterated the vision of Africa's founding fathers, who endorsed the Pan-African Parliament as a vehicle to promote the full participation of people in Africa's integration and development. He called on PAP members to defend the shared values enshrined in the Charter of the African Union and engage in regional consultations to strengthen cooperation across the continent's five AU-defined regions.Mohadi also encouraged debate on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he said would transform Africa's economic landscape and enhance trade among African nations."May you, the leaders of our parliaments, provide the guidance to eradicate poverty and initiate such policies as to spur the development of our countries in a comprehensive manner. Our people deserve that and much more," he stated.VP Mohadi concluded by emphasizing the need for strategic interventions to address Africa's political and economic challenges, urging the continent to seize global opportunities in trade, industrialisation, and development. He expressed confidence in Africa's potential to lead on the world stage, encouraging PAP members to transform discussions into actions that will shape the future of the continent.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Residents of Bulawayo's suburbs have expressed growing concerns over the state of the city's drainage system, urging the Bulawayo City Council to address the issue before the onset of the 2024-2025 rainy season. The calls for action were voiced during a recent Ward 25 meeting, with residents of Nketa 9 particularly highlighting the drainage problems at a local school.One resident, speaking at the meeting, detailed the challenges faced by children at Mgiqika Primary School during the rainy season. "My greatest plea for the area of Nketa is the road that leads to Mgiqika Primary School. During past rainy seasons, I noticed that children struggled to enter the school premises due to water blocking the entrance," the resident said. "We need a tarred road at the school and at the entrance of the clinic."In response, Ward 25 councillor Aleck Ndlovu acknowledged the problem and pledged to consult with the relevant city departments to explore possible solutions. However, he cautioned that tarring the road might be difficult due to financial constraints. "Maybe there may be a need for drainage, but as for the road being tarred, it may be challenging given the current financial limitations," Ndlovu said.Bulawayo Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube emphasized that the issue of clogged drains has been a long-standing concern for the city's residents. "This is a very urgent issue that must be looked at. The question now is: What is the council doing to fix the ever-clogged drains?" he said, stressing the importance of taking action before the rainy season leads to property damage from flash floods.Dube also called for the inclusion of the drainage issue in the ongoing budget consultation meetings, even though these discussions are focused on the next year's budget.Bulawayo has historically been prone to flash floods during the rainy season, largely due to its inadequate drainage systems. The city's central business district, along with suburbs such as Sizinda, Tshabalala, and other western areas, are particularly vulnerable to flooding.Residents are hoping for swift action to avoid a repeat of the damage caused by poor drainage in previous years.
SOUTH East Technological University (SETU) is set to award honorary doctorates to five distinguished individuals in recognition of their exceptional and outstanding contributions to society.

Honorary doctorates are to be conferred on Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA), leading horse trainer Willie Mullins, educator and humanitarian Sr Brigid Reynolds, former director of Waterford Museum of Treasures, Eamonn McEneaney and Griffin Hotel Group director Liam Griffin.

With this honorary degree, SETU acknowledges Anna May McHughs significant contribution to the advancement of agriculture in Ireland through her leadership of the NPA. In addition, the Laois womans success in a male-dominated industry and her advocacy for women in agriculture have been pivotal in empowering women in the sector.

Willie Mullins has been a leading force in horse training for decades and continues to set the standard for excellence in horse training. A former jockey with over 100 wins, he has been selected for an honorary doctorate for his legacy in horse racing, innovative training approach and lasting impact on the sport.

Sr Brigid Reynolds, an educator and humanitarian from Mohill, Co Leitrim, has dedicated her life to empowering marginalised communities and championing social justice.

Eamonn McEneaney, with 25 years as director of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, will receive an honorary doctorate for his key role in preserving Waterfords heritage.

Liam Griffin from Rosslare, Co Wexford is being honoured for his entrepreneurship in scaling The Griffin Hotel Group into a multi-million-euro company, operating three flagship hotels in the southeast the Monart Spa, Ferrycarrig Hotel and Hotel Kilkenny. As a former hurler and manager, he notably led the Wexford senior team to All-Ireland success in 1996. Liam is also recognised for his philanthropic support of community organisations and charities.

By conferring honorary doctorates, the university acknowledges the remarkable achievements of these individuals, who have made a significant impact on society in the southeast through leadership, culture, advocacy, social activities, sports, business and other areas. The candidates nomination followed a rigorous process of selection by students, staff and alumni of SETU, with the final decision made by the SETU governing body.
On 18 September Venezuelas exiled opposition candidatesaid that a statement in which he conceded the disputed 28 July election to Presidentwas void as it was signed under duress.

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The EU's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, intended to protect the bloc's auto industry, may instead stifle growth and restrict European consumers' access to more affordable Chinese EV models. FRANKFURT, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The EU has ignored fresh proposals from Chinese automakers aimed at resolving the dispute over Chinese EVs in the European market, undermining efforts to ease tensions through dialogue. The decision to impose tariffs on China-made EVs, despite several offers from Chinese manufacturers, has sparked a new wave of outcry within the bloc. GROWING OPPOSITION Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, during a recent visit to China, voiced his opposition to the proposed EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, urging the EU to reconsider and seek a compromise with China to avoid a trade war. His concerns were echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who also criticized the tariff plan. In May, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned against levying tariffs on Chinese EVs, saying that "a wider trade war where we block each other's products is not the way to go for industrial nations such as Germany and Sweden." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban described the tariffs as a "brutal" punishment against Chinese automakers and called for open competition. These dissenting voices suggest that the decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs lacks unanimous support among all EU member states. "Many believe that this is a step towards a trade war between Europe and China, which will ultimately harm the European economy," said Croatian political analyst Mladen Plese. German automotive expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Bochum, said that such a protectionist approach might push EU automakers to increase investments in China, the world's largest car market and a leader in the rapidly growing EV industry. He warned that protectionism and tariffs are misguided strategies and would result in losses for Germany and the EU. "The European Commission's punitive tariffs hit German companies and their top products. Cars become cheaper through more competition, open markets, and significantly better business conditions in the EU, not through trade war and market isolation," said German Transport Minister Volker Wissing in a message posted on X. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store openly opposed punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs. In a recent interview with Chinese media, he emphasized that as a non-EU member, Norway is not bound by EU policies. "Consumers in Norway should have access to the cars they want to buy," he stated. IMPACT ON AUTOMAKERS, CONSUMERS The EU's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, intended to protect the bloc's auto industry, may instead stifle growth and restrict European consumers' access to more affordable Chinese EV models, analysts said. Germany's auto industry has long thrived in an open market. However, these tariffs are expected to drive up prices, reducing competitive pressure on European automakers to develop more affordable EV models, which are currently in limited supply. "The European manufacturers do need to be challenged," noted Rico Luman, a senior economist at ING focusing on transport, logistics, and the automotive industry. Chinese EV makers have gained a competitive edge in the global market through rapid production growth, advanced technology, and cutting-edge innovations, noted Luman. Sjors ten Tije, manager of the Dutch Association of Electric Drivers, said that European manufacturers rely heavily on Chinese parts and additional tariffs would hamper Europe's automotive development. Higher tariffs will result in higher EV prices, making it harder for consumers seeking clean transportation to find affordable models, he added. "The transition to electric driving may be delayed. This could ultimately lead to less available funds for research and development," said Maarten Steinbuch, professor in Systems and Control at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. SLOWING DOWN GREEN TRANSFORMATION Experts warn that in addition to disrupting trade and collaboration between the EU and China, the tariffs on Chinese EVs could jeopardize the EU's planned transition to a greener economy. Piotr Gadzinowski, former editor-in-chief of the Polish newspaper Trybuna, emphasized that cooperation with China in the EV industry is crucial for the EU to meet its climate goals. Gadzinowski noted that tariffs on Chinese EVs would impede the promotion of electric vehicles in the EU, especially in countries with low EV adoption. Supply chain disruptions and the breakdown of collaborative research efforts could negatively impact both European and Chinese manufacturers, further straining EU-China relations, he said. Eric De Keuleneer, executive director of the Brussels-based University Foundation and Emeritus Professor at the ULB Solvay Brussels School, urged EU policymakers to consider the tariffs' impact on Europe's green transition and industrial development, emphasizing the importance of Chinese support in providing affordable batteries, which would benefit both European consumers and automakers. Dick Roche, former Irish minister for European affairs, questioned the logic of imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs, given the EU's green transition goals. "Technological change will be a key driver of the green and digital transition in Europe. Like it or not, China happens to be a leader in technologies vital for Europe's progress towards carbon neutrality," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is facing a deepening internal crisis as self-imposed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu maneuvers to wrest full control of the party from its founding leaders. Tshabangu, who dramatically declared himself interim secretary-general, is now engaged in a power struggle with the old guard, threatening to destabilize Zimbabwe's main opposition party.Tshabangu's rise came at the expense of Nelson Chamisa, the CCC's founding leader, who was reportedly forced to step down in January this year due to internal frustrations. Chamisa had launched the party in January 2022 following a split from the MDC Alliance.In an effort to maintain stability, the CCC named Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, and Lynette Karenyi-Kore as rotating acting presidents in April this year, reverting to party structures last used in 2019. However, Tshabangu, backed by legal advice, is now pushing to take full control of the party and bypass the acting presidents. His move has sparked fierce resistance within the CCC.Tensions have escalated further after Tshabangu allegedly received US$1.6 million from the Treasury under the Political Parties (Finance) Act, a development that has added to the infighting. The CCC's official spokesperson, Willias Madzimure, dismissed Tshabangu's claim to leadership and reassured members that the party remains united."We reject the delusional and self-serving legal opinions from individuals outside our party structures. These opinions do not and never have constituted our leadership or its authority," Madzimure said. "The CCC is united and focused on the challenges ahead, and we will continue to work diligently for the interests of our constituents."However, Tshabangu's spokesperson, Khaliphani Phugeni, defended the interim secretary-general's stance, stating that the legal advice was clear and supported Tshabangu's mandate to lead the party towards the next congress."According to the legal opinion, he [Tshabangu] is the only one with a valid mandate to organise the party towards the next congress," Phugeni said.The internal rift has led to a broader debate on the constitutional crisis within the CCC. Former party spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo acknowledged that the party is grappling with issues of legitimacy, particularly after failing to hold its congress within the required five-year timeframe."We are sitting with a potential constitutional crisis, which says that the party has failed to hold its congress as mandatorily required by the party constitution," Mlilo explained.Adding to the turbulence, reports have surfaced of high-profile CCC members contemplating joining the ruling Zanu-PF party due to growing dissatisfaction with the opposition's internal divisions and perceived lack of direction. This disillusionment culminated yesterday when former Gutu Central legislator Oliver Chirume (CCC) defected to Zanu-PF, following a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House.Chirume expressed his admiration for the ruling party, saying, "I was convinced by Lovemore Matuke [Zanu-PF security secretary] to join Zanu-PF so that we all work for the development of the country."As CCC's internal crisis deepens, the party faces mounting pressure to resolve its leadership battle and restore stability ahead of future political contests.
After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, yoga instructor J. Brown spent time in his backyard reflecting on how to proceed in his career.

He said it was a time of uncertainty for him, as for many in his field. He sat in his backyard, praying and reflecting, all while observing his birdhouse. Its a birdhouse his father-in-law made, frequented by house sparrows.

As the birds worked and reared their young, Brown said everything they were doing lined up perfectly. It gave him a realization about his profession.

I just thought, oh, were gonna make a birdhouse. Brown said.

Thats what inspired the name of his soon-to-be yoga center in Easton  The Birdhouse Yoga Center.

On Sept. 30, Brown will begin yoga classes at The Birdhouse Yoga Center in Easton. Located at 327 Cattell St. on College Hill, the center will offer a gentle and therapeutic approach to yoga called Gentle Flow. Its adaptable based on individual needs, including chronic or acute conditions.

It will be $15 for a class, and class schedules are posted on the centers website.

J. Brown is opening a yoga studio on Cattell Street, Easton. Photographed on Sept. 13, 2024. Max Blease | lehighvalleylive.com contributorMax Blease | lehighvalleylive.com

Brown has been a yoga instructor for more than 25 years. His interest in yoga followed the death of his mother from leukemia when he was 16. He said the deathbed experience with her shaped him as a person, and he reached a low point in his life.

Things got bad for me, and then I managed to pull myself out of those depths through yoga practice, because of a promise I made to her, he said.

That promise he made to her was that he would do great things and make her proud of him in his life.

He said yoga allowed him solace and healing, and he found spirituality through yoga practice. He entered the profession in the 1990s when it wasnt mainstream yet. His career took off once yoga became more popular, and he began teaching yoga independently at different studios.

He owned his own studio for 10 years in Brooklyn, New York, but it closed in 2017 due to rising rents, he said.

The Lehigh Valley piqued his interest, because of its proximity to major cities like Philly and New York. When he visited Easton, he enjoyed its vibe, especially Downtown.

He moved with his wife, Audrey Brown, and two daughters to Easton later that year, and they live on College Hill today.

J. Brown is opening a yoga studio on Cattell Street, Easton. Photographed on Sept. 13, 2024. Max Blease | lehighvalleylive.com contributorMax Blease | lehighvalleylive.com

Brown, who hosts a podcast called J. Brown Yoga Talks, said the business models for yoga centers started to evolve before the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, yoga centers had a simpler model where students paid per class, and profits were directly tied to the individual classes and teachers.

Over time, yoga centers adopted corporate, gym-like business models with memberships and class packs, he said. This separated the money from instructors, leading to instructors receiving smaller compensation instead of an equal cut.

Brown tried to maintain the original model at the center in Brooklyn, but eventually felt pressured to adopt the new business models. He shifted towards more intimate, community-based yoga experiences instead of relying on large yoga centers.

Instead of going to big yoga centers, I could rent a place on Airbnb and have eight people come and just move some furniture, and I would make more money from those eight people than 30 people at a center ... so it was kind of like, this space doesnt matter anymore, he said. Its just about the teacher and the student relationship.

This teacher-student relationship that he valued was affected by the pandemic, and having an in-person space felt more important post-pandemic. That is why he chose to open a center in Easton.

I want to make a place for the people of this neighborhood to leave their homes, go to a place off screens, and do a thing that is helpful to them  that helps them be themselves in a more fulfilling way that feels like theres renewed purpose, Brown said.

Many yoga and fitness instructors, once the pandemic hit, took an online approach to their yoga instructions, including Brown. He hosted live versions of his yoga classes, and still does today.

J. Brown is opening a yoga studio on Cattell Street, Easton. Photographed on Sept. 13, 2024. Max Blease | lehighvalleylive.com contributorMax Blease | lehighvalleylive.com

But despite trying to adapt, the pandemic still affected Browns income, and he faced financial challenges with his plans to open in Easton.

When the rental space on Cattell Street became available, he was reluctant to accept.

Some part of me was gripped with fear, because, Im really not financially able to do this, right? This is like, the stupidest thing that I could do. I could just end up in more debt and really screw myself. Why would I do that?, he said. And then some other part of me was like, If you dont do this, youre gonna regret it your whole life.

Though he doesnt like asking for help due to his lifelong independence, he decided to launch a fundraiser titled Keeping the Dream Alive. He published the fundraiser to his personal website, explaining his financial situation and his desire to open a yoga center. He raised $20,479 from 238 donations.

Ive just been so grateful, Brown said. When you pray for something and the prayer gets answered, its like a really fantastic feeling.

Since the beginning of August, he has been preparing the studio with the help of his wife. Prior to Sept. 30, he will host a grand opening/open house from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 28.

Brown hopes to eventually bring on other yoga instructors to lead classes in his center, especially those who have different approaches to yoga.

Outside of yoga, he hopes for it to be a place to host other community events.

I think theres potential for lots of different things, like drum classes or whatever. I have a friend who teaches people drumming, and I think there might be some cool things that could happen here, and Im very open to that. Brown said.

Brown believes this can be more than a yoga center.

Easton has really become like my home in a very deep way, and Ive come to love it, Brown said. This is my attempt to contribute what might be of value to the people who live here, so its a true heart project.
J.D. Vance, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps running mate, will appear in Berks County on Saturday afternoon to campaign for the Trump-Vance ticket.

Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio, will be at the Berks County Fair, 2326 Hilltop Road, Leesport, at 3 p.m., the campaign announced. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

Persons interested in going must register in advance on Trumps campaign website.

Pennsylvania, with 19 Electoral College votes up for grabs, is a critical win for both parties in the Nov. 5 presidential election.

Gov. Tim Walz, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris running mate, will make a campaign stop in the Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

The exact time and location have not been announced, but Walz is expected to be in the Allentown/Bethlehem area sometime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., according to a post by PA Dems Harris for President.

Meanwhile, Trump is expected to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Bucks County on Sunday, according to media reports.
The Laois owner of the reigning Puppy of the Year has urged dog owners to enter their pets in the completion for Ireland's most adorable pups.

Entries are open again for the coveted title of Petmania's Puppy of the Year 2024, something the sponsors say is a celebration of the nations much loved pets that will culminate in a grand, furry finale ceremony.

Now in its 9th year, this beloved annual competition has grown in popularity, with last year's event attracting a record-breaking 1,600 entries from proud pet parents across Ireland.

Petmania, which has a shop in Portlaoise, say last year's champion, Donut the English Mastiff from Mountrath, captured hearts nationwide. Her owner, Jacinta Parkinson, fondly recalls the experience.

"Winning Puppy of the Year was an unforgettable experience for Donut and me," says Jacinta. "It was a wonderful way to celebrate his adorable personality and connect with other dog lovers across Ireland. We encourage everyone to enter their puppy this year - it's a truly special experience!"

Petmanias spokesperson Emily Miller, spoke about the launch of this years Puppy of the Year competition.

"Over the past eight years, we've cherished meeting countless wonderful dogs and their devoted owners. This competition goes beyond just winning; it's a heartwarming celebration of the unconditional love and companionship dogs bring to our lives.

"It's also a chance for Petmania to unite our customers and communities in a fun, light-hearted event that offers a break from the everyday. We're excited for this year's competition and wish all participants the very best, said Emily. MORE ON HOW TO ENTER BELOW PICTURE.

Puppies up to 12 months old can enter and entries are open up to September 22. Every entrant receives a free puppy pack, courtesy of BETA. The grand prize, valued at 1,500, includes 12 months grooming at Petmania Grooming Studios, a year's supply of Beta dog food, a two-night dog-friendly hotel stay from Blue Book, a professional photoshoot, and a brand ambassador contract.

Petmania say the winning pup will be selected based on a combination of their personality, coat and appearance, obedience, and any special talents. In the initial rounds, communities and customers will vote for their favourite puppy to advance to the final stages.

Full details on how to enter HERE.
Rainsford Hendy, former member of Kildare County Council and Mayor of the Country will be laid to rest on Friday.

Mr Hendy, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, 14th September 2024 at Naas General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

His remains will be reposing at his home in Timolin (R14 AR28) on Thursday from 3pm - 8pm, concluding with prayers.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, 20th September at 2pm at St. Mullin's Church, Timolin (R14 VP71) after which he will be laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard.

House is strictly private on Friday morning.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The Friends of Naas Hospital.

Mr Hendy is predeceased by his wife Hazel and brother Robert.

He is the much loved father of Robert, Elizabeth, Jill and Sandra and is forever remembered by his sister Freda, brother Lambert and dear friend June.

He was the proud grandfather of Sarah, Kate, Ava, Samuel, Ella and Charlotte.

Also sadly missed by his daughters-in-law Suzanne and Grainne, sons-in-law Stephen and Jeremy and a wide circle of relatives, friends and the community he loved.

Rainsford was first elected to Kildare County Council in 1991 serving almost two decades representing the Athy electoral area up to 2009 when he retired.

He held the position of Mayor of the County and also contested two general elections.

Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon said: "During Rainsford's time as a member of KCC, he delivered locally for individuals, local businesses and community groups.

"He was passionate about public service and continued to highlight local issues and campaign long after his own career in local government had ended."

He added: "Rainsford was a great friend, mentor and supporter of mine, encouraging me to go into politics when he decided to retire in 2009.

"Ever since he has been a constant support to me in my political career."

Mr Hendy was a proud supporter of the Irish Cancer Societys Daffodil Day in memory of his wife Hazel and sold Daffodils in the area for 44 years up to 2024.

Mr Hendy will be sadly missed by his children Robert, Elizabeth, Sandra, Jill and their families.

The Piers Cafe in Moone, where Mr Hendy was a regular, also paid tribute.

A post on its Facebook page said: "We are saddened to know of the passing of Rainsford Hendy  a loyal patron and friend to the Piers Cafe.

"He had a favourite seat where he enjoyed a chat, a small cappuccino and a browse of the Irish Times every day for several years now.

"May you rest well Rainsford. Sincere condolences to your daughters Elizebeth, Jill and Sandra, son Robert, your partner and constant companion June and all of their families."
The issue of delayed payments to farmers from the Department of Agriculture was discussed at Septembers Manorhamilton municipal district meeting.

Cllr Padraig Fallon asked the municipal to write to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and the Department of Agriculture to ensure there are no delays with the Department payments to farmers in the municipal.

Many are awaiting ACRES payments from last year and its been raised with me by a number of farmers.

The importance of these payments cannot be overstated, Cllr Fallon said.

Payments from the Areas of National Constraints Scheme are scheduled for September 18, BISS and CRISS scheme payments set for October 16, and the remainder balance payments due in December.

Cllr Gilmartin seconded the motion.

You have bills to pay as a farmer and farmers are very anxious to pay their bills - livestock, creameries, vets and all the rest.

It really is a Department issue when it comes to payments and it needs to get sorted as it is a yearly thing, Cllr Gilmartin added.

There are 2,300 farmers in Leitrim, what theyre worth to the economy in Leitrim has always been undervalued. They need to be valued and looked after, Cllr Warnock commented.

Cllr Fallons motion was unanimously supported across the meeting.

READ NEXT - PICTURES: Leitrim author Seamus O'Rourke launches his latest novel
News / National

by Staff reporter

Former Eskom CEO Matshela Koko has launched a court bid to challenge a settlement deal between the Investigating Directorate ID) and multi-national company ABB relating to bribery at the power utility.The Directorate is part of South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA).It's a particularly complicated legal matter, as investigative journalist Kyle Cowan reports for News24.The settlement is part of a deal ABB struck with prosecutors in South Africa, the US, Germany and Switzerland for a company admission that it violated corruption laws by paying bribes to a senior Eskom official - Koko - in securing a contract to install control and instrumentation at the Kusile power station.As part of the deal, writes Cowan, ABB paid more than R5 billion back to South Africa and agreed to provide its full cooperation.This included sharing the findings of a huge internal investigation, which made current and former employees available for interviews.Without this cooperation from ABB, the case could be in jeopardy.The case was withdrawn in November 2023 after the then-acting magistrate of the Middelburg Regional Court struck the case from the roll, ruling there had been unreasonable delays on the part of the prosecution.The magistrate, Stanley Jacobs, had failed to declare he had done business with Eskom in the past.The ID wants the case re-enrolled.In conversation with John Perlman, Cowan says this turn of events provided Koko with a window of opportunity."If the criminal case was still going on it would be a very simple argument - the argument is in fact made by the Investigating Directorate and ABB, that all of these issues that Mr Koko's raising in his application to have this agreement set aside is that, in effect, he will have an opportunity to do this in the criminal trial... He can attack the agreement and the evidence..."Cowan acknowledges that looking at the case from the outside, it does appear that things are taking too long.He emphasizes however, that it is a very complex matter which required 'months and months' of forensic work because of the sheer amount of evidence that was seized.Both the Investigating Directorate and ABB are opposing the application by Koko, who continues maintaining his innocence.
Brady Insurance of Carrick-on-Shannon have warmly welcomed Trish OHagan as their new Operations Director.

Trish has a wealth of knowledge in the insurance industry with almost 30 years experience, most of which was spent developing positive customer experiences for the brokerages in which she worked.

Trish has had an illustrious career in insurance broking, having started in JJ McNicholas in Swinford back in 1995 and then went on to work for Hastings for 20 years.

She more recently held a national personal lines role in Campion PIB.

Trish is former President of the Insurance Institute of Sligo, and has always focused on developing professionalism in Insurance, such as advocating the Insurance Apprenticeship Programme for new entrants in the industry.

Im delighted to be joining Brady Insurance as Operations Director at such an exciting time in their journey, Trish remarked.

Brady Insurance is a long standing family brokerage, demonstrating excellence in both service and underwriting. I look forward to focusing on the operations and contributing to their strategy and continued growth.

The insurance market is changing rapidly in Ireland and here at Bradys we have an unwavering focus on the customer experience and building close relationships with our valued clients, she concluded.

Jane Brady, Managing Director of Brady Insurance, has congratulated Trish on her new position.

I am thrilled to be working with Trish who I have known and admired for many years. She is such a positive addition to our management team and, with me, is determined to grow and develop Brady Insurance into a leading broker nationally, said Jane Brady.

Our team are true professionals and our clients will see a renewed focus on improving our efficiency and service levels, with the work Trish is doing behind the scenes. It is onwards and upwards for us, she added.

Trish is contactable directly via Trish@bradyinsurance.ie and by phone at 087 9940021 or check out the company website at www.bradyinsurance.ie

READ NEXT - Labour catchment trends in Leitrim: Dramatic changes revealed
CONCORDIA PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES SECURE HYBRID WORK





MONTREAL, le 19 sept. 2024 /CNW/ - After seven days of strike, the 600 members of Concordia University's Professional Employees Union (CUPEU-CSN) adopted an Agreement in Principle at 91% during a general meeting yesterday. After a year-long tug-of-war with the employer over the inclusion of hybrid work guidelines in the collective agreement, the union secured a significant improvement to their hybrid work conditions.

"This achievement is the outcome of relentless mobilization from our members, who fought not only for a better work-life balance but also to leave a legacy for future generations of professionals graduating from our university," explains Shoshana Kalfon, president of the Concordia University Professional Employees Union-CSN (CUPEU-CSN).

In June 2023, half of the union members were affected by an arbitrary decision from their employer to bring them to one day of hybrid work per week. An outcome of the negotiations now ensures that the members affected by that decision have a minimum of 30% remote work over a two-week period. For employees that already benefited from more remote days, the new collective agreement also secures an end to arbitrary management decisions.

"For a year, Concordia University maintained an anachronistic posture that prevented the union from broaching the subject of hybrid work in their negotiations. The CSN is glad the management has come to its senses as hybrid work is here to stay in professional workplaces," explains Caroline Senneville, president of the Confederation des syndicats nationaux (CSN).

"The union's mobilization allowed them to make gains they would otherwise have had to forgo. The members can be proud of having stood their ground and exercised their right to strike for the first time in their union's history," concludes Dominique Daigneault, president of the Conseil central du Montreal metropolitain-CSN (CCMM-CSN).

"Let's not forget that the framing of hybrid work in the collective agreement is a foundation on which to build in future negotiations. The union opened a door that won't be closed any time soon," explains Jessica Goldschleger, president of the Federation des professionneles-CSN (FP-CSN).

About the CSN

Comprising more than 1,600 unions, the CSN represents nearly 330,000 workers in eight federations and thirteen regional central councils, mainly in Quebec.

The Federation des professionneles (FP-CSN) has some 8,000 members across Quebec, working in a wide range of sectors. The Conseil central du Montreal metropolitain-CSN brings together all CSN members in the Greater Montreal region, Laval, Nunavik and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.

SOURCE CSN - Confederation des syndicats nationaux

19 septembre 2024 a 09:42

Communique envoye leet diffuse par :
Dfns Wallet Infrastructure Now Available on Temenos Exchange





Dfns, a leading provider of wallets-as-a-service (WaaS) solutions, today announced Dfns Wallet Infrastructure is available on Temenos Exchange, the partner ecosystem of integrated fintech solutions. This partnership makes Dfns the first European digital asset infrastructure provider to integrate with Temenos, joining a select group that includes Wyden, Fireblocks, and Taurus.

The Dfns Wallet Infrastructure delivers critical business benefits tailored to the needs of institutional finance and banks. By integrating with Temenos, our solution offers services such as key, authentication, identity and access, blockchain, wallet and transaction management. This partnership differentiates our offering by connecting our secure and compliant wallets with the rigorous standards and business logics of financial institutions. Our platform ensures bank-grade security, flexible key deployment options, and seamless integration with existing financial systems, making it an ideal choice for decision-makers in purchasing, procurement, and compliance teams.

Temenos Exchange brings innovation to market faster, and at scale. The ecosystem offers pre-integrated and approved fintech solutions that can be easily deployed on top of Temenos open platform for composable banking, enabling banks to accelerate the creation of new financial services, while reducing the costs of development.

Martin Bailey, Director of Innovation and Ecosystems, Temenos, said: "Temenos Exchange acts as an accelerator for fintechs and software developers, helping them develop, validate and monetize new banking solutions. The integration with Temenos and joining Temenos Exchange means Dfns can write once and be readily available to the thousands of banks globally that run on our platform."

"Dfns' availability on Temenos Exchange addresses the critical need for secure, scalable, and programmable wallet solutions within the banking sector," said Clarisse Hagege, CEO, Dfns. "Our presence on Temenos Exchange underscores our commitment to providing financial institutions with the development tools they need to enhance their security posture, streamline operations, and ensure compliance with digital assets. We are excited to leverage the power of the Temenos platform to support our clients in achieving their strategic objectives."

To learn more about the benefits and features of Dfns, visit Temenos Exchange.

19 september 2024 at 01:40

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CoinEx at Token 2049: Shaping the Future of Crypto Innovation and Community Building





HONG KONG, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinEx , a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, recently made a significant impact at Token 2049 Singapore, one of the most anticipated blockchain events of the year. Through its active participation at the event and its hosting of the exclusive Token Rooftop Unwinding Night, CoinEx captivated both attendees and industry leaders, reinforcing its presence as a global powerhouse in the crypto space.

CoinEx's Participation at Token 2049: A Hub of Innovation

CoinEx's booth at Token 2049 Singapore was a focal point for attendees, offering an immersive experience into the platform's diverse ecosystem. Visitors were treated to live demonstrations of CoinEx's trading tools, giving them hands-on insights into the products and services that are shaping the future of crypto trading and blockchain technology.

The booth saw an influx of visitors, including crypto enthusiasts, developers, and blockchain visionaries, keen to connect with CoinEx representatives. These interactions were more than just product showcases?they facilitated meaningful discussions on the latest trends in DeFi, blockchain development, and the growing role of Web3. CoinEx's user-first philosophy resonated with the audience, with many expressing enthusiasm over the platform's secure, accessible, and innovative features.

Token Rooftop Unwinding Night: A Celebration of Crypto Innovation

On the evening of September 17, 2024, CoinEx and ViaBTC Capital hosted an unforgettable party?the Token Rooftop Unwinding Night, at the stunning Las Palmas Rooftop Bar. This exclusive event brought together hundreds of industry leaders, blockchain innovators, and influencers under the twinkling lights of the Singapore skyline. It was an evening that perfectly blended relaxation, inspiration, and collaboration.

This served as more than just a celebration; it became a platform for new ideas and partnerships. The event encouraged attendees to unwind while engaging in active discussions about the future of cryptocurrency. The relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere fostered networking opportunities, with many participants expressing excitement about future collaborations.

CoinEx's Vision for the Future

CoinEx's participation in Token 2049 and the Rooftop Unwinding Night highlights its commitment to community engagement. Vivian Chan, the host from CoinEx's Co-marketing BD team, stated that 2024 has marked a pivotal year for CoinEx, it was rated by the media as one of the Top Crypto Exchanges in 2024, showcasing a shared vision of fostering innovation and expanding the cryptocurrency landscape. Looking ahead, CoinEx remains dedicated to advancing blockchain technology and driving the next wave of Web3 innovation. The company launched new features, CoinEx Mining, CoinEx Staling and Dock and expanded its ecosystem, making cryptocurrency more accessible, secure, and engaging for users around the world.

About CoinEx

Established in 2017, CoinEx is a global cryptocurrency exchange committed to making trading easier. The platform provides a range of services,including spot and futures trading, margin trading, swap, automated market maker (AMM), and financial management services for over 10 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Since its establishment, CoinEx has steadfastly adhered to a "user-first" service principle. With the sincere intention of nurturing an equitable, respectful and secure crypto trading environment, CoinEx enables individuals with varying levels of experience to effortlessly access the world of cryptocurrency by offering easy-to-use products.

To learn more about CoinEx, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

SOURCE CoinEx Global

19 september 2024 at 03:22

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Corendon Airlines Partners with IBS Software to Maximise Operational Efficiency





ANTALYA, Turkey, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Corendon Airlines , one of Turkey's leading air carriers, has entered a strategic partnership with IBS Software to revolutionise its commercial operations. By leveraging IBS Software's iFly Res commerce platform Corendon will improve revenue streams and enhance operational efficiency. This move towards efficiency is fundamental as the airline is projected to process over 37 million passengers over the duration of the partnership.

IBS Software - a leading SaaS solutions provider to the global travel industry globally - was selected after an in-depth market evaluation which took over a year to complete. Corendon Airlines chose the iFly Res Passenger Service System (PSS) as it can uniquely unify Corendon's seat-only and tour operator business under a consolidated inventory. In turn, manpower requirements are reduced, and revenue dilution is prevented.

The partnership will see the integration of IBS Software's advanced Revenue Management solution delivering improvements to Corendon's bottom line. By providing a single, unified inventory that integrates both tour operator allotments and seat-only sales, the platform will empower revenue analysts to make consistent, data-driven decisions.

The collaboration also enables dynamic optimisation of pooled allotments, seat-only inventory, and pricing, all designed to maximise revenue. Additionally, iFly Res facilitates real-time data exchange with tour operator interfaces, ensuring seamless, uninterrupted operations.

Through NDC-based distribution, Corendon Airlines will now be able to offer dynamic pricing and more personalised options, enhancing passenger satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge. These real-time dynamic and personalised pricing capabilities are a vital tool in delivering the most cost-effective fares and ensuring pricing is competitive with other regional leisure travel providers.

Speaking about the partnership, Burcu Par Guler, PSS Project Manager of Corendon Airlines, said: "At Corendon Airlines, our mission is to deliver exceptional travel experiences. By partnering with IBS Software, we are leveraging cutting-edge technology to refine our operations and elevate our service offerings. This partnership is a pivotal step in our growth strategy, and we are thrilled to be working with like-minded individuals who share our passion for innovation."

Ben Simmons, VP & Regional Head of Europe and Africa, IBS Software said: "We are delighted to welcome Corendon Airlines to our expanding family of airline partners in Turkey. The iFly Res platform is tailored to meet the unique needs of hybrid tour operators and charter airlines like Corendon. We are committed to helping Corendon Airlines achieve their goals of bringing more people to Turkish shores and drive commercial success. "

Corendon Airlines becomes the third Turkish airline, following Sun Express and Freebird, to join forces with IBS Software, reinforcing IBS Software's leadership in the VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and leisure travel markets from Central Europe to Turkey.

The first phase of the partnership is due to go live in December, with the second phase scheduled for March 2025. For more information on IBS Software's iFly Res platform and its transformative capabilities, please visit: IBS Software | Blog

About Corendon Airlines:

Founded in 1997 in the Netherlands as a tour operator, Corendon has grown into a tourism group over time by adding airlines, incoming services, and hotels in Europe, Turkey, and the Caribbean to its portfolio. Corendon Travel, one of the leading tour operators in the Netherlands and Belgium, also operates in the Danish market. Corendon, particularly known in these markets for its association with the Turkey destination, is among the pioneering tour operators offering a wide range of products and destinations to its guests. Since entering the aviation sector with the slogan "Make a Difference" from its very first day, Corendon Airlines has introduced many exemplary practices and firsts in the industry. Together with its subsidiaries Corendon Dutch Airlines, established in 2011 and registered in the Netherlands, and Corendon Airlines Europe, established in 2017, Corendon Airlines operates flights from several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the United Kingdom, to popular holiday destinations within Europe and Turkey. As of 2024, it has become an international airline flying to 165 destinations in 65 countries. Under the Corendon Hotels & Resorts brand within the Tourism Group, Corendon operates two hotels in Antalya's Kemer and Lara regions, five hotels in Amsterdam, and four hotels on the Caribbean island of Curacao.

About IBS Software:

IBS Software is a global leader in SaaS solutions for the travel industry, managing mission-critical operations for clients in aviation, hospitality, tour & cruise, and energy resources sectors. IBS's aviation solutions encompass fleet & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel, and air cargo management.

In the hospitality industry, IBS Software offers a cloud-native, unified platform for hotels and travel sellers, including central reservation (CRS), property management (PMS), revenue management (RMS), call centre, booking engine, loyalty, and distribution systems.

For the tour and cruise industry, IBS provides a comprehensive, customer-centric digital platform covering onshore, online, and onboard solutions. In the energy & resources industry, IBS offers logistics management solutions that cover planning, operations, and accommodation management.

The Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) division focuses on driving digital transformation initiatives for its clients, leveraging deep domain knowledge, cutting-edge digital technologies, and engineering excellence.

IBS Software operates from 17 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.ibsplc.com

Follow us: Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2508649/Corendon_Airlines_IBS_Software.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1169353/IBS_Software_Logo.jpg

SOURCE IBS Software

19 september 2024 at 04:00

News published onand distributed by:
Flipp and MEDIA Central are joining forces to become the global leader in "drive-to-store" marketing





Merger offers a unified platform that helps retailers and brands shape shopper demand.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian technology company and leader in digital merchandising, Flipp Operations Inc. ("Flipp") and MEDIA Central Group ("MEDIA Central"), European leader in drive-to-store, have joined forces. This industry-defining transaction combines the leadership and expertise of these two institutions to serve thousands of blue-chip retailers and brands across 27 global markets, reaching over 400 million head of household shoppers.

The new ownership structure will be led by majority owner Truelink Capital, and include Insight Ventures, Bregal Unternehmerkapital, and Highland Europe.

Flipp helps major retailers and brands in the US and Canada enhance digital merchandising by creating and distributing local promotions to millions of engaged shoppers. MEDIA Central, with its classic and digital businesses - the digital one combining ShopFully, Offerista, and Yagora - offers data-driven 360 solutions to major retailers and brands across Europe, Australia, and Latin America. Flipp and MEDIA Central will maintain their brands and continue serving customers in their respective markets.

"Flipp is trusted by retailers and brands to provide innovative merchandising solutions in the evolving digital landscape," says Michael Silverman, CEO of Flipp. "Shoppers expect seamless personalized experiences across their shopper journey, spanning both in-store and online touchpoints. This merger marks an exciting new chapter, enabling us to harness the combined power of Flipp and MEDIA Central to deliver cutting-edge drive-to-store solutions. This will ensure that shoppers are empowered with critical shopping content, while retailers and brands can leverage their promotions to drive shopper engagement."

Stefano Portu, CEO Digital MEDIA Central, comments: "Following the combination of MEDIA Central and ShopFully last year, this transaction presents a unique opportunity to form a global leader in Drive-to-Store Marketing. Leveraging our unique, AI-powered marketing tech platform and investing jointly into product and technology will allow us to offer even greater value to our customers worldwide."

Ingo Wienand, CEO Classic MEDIA Central, adds: "Together with Flipp, we are combining our strengths and expertise even more consistently to support retailers as a strong partner in the increasingly complex field of offer communication and to provide maximum value added."

This merger unites leadership and management of Flipp and MEDIA Central, creating unparalleled value for customers and shoppers. For over a decade, Flipp and MEDIA Central have led the analog-to-digital transition. Their combined platforms will create an advanced digital merchandising network and shopper dataset, helping retailers and brands connect with shoppers. By integrating their networks, the two companies will serve complementary audiences, extend their global reach, accelerate innovation, and enhance value for clients on a global scale.

Luke Myers, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Truelink Capital, reflected on the transaction and noted, "Through the combination of Flipp and MEDIA Central, we will form a highly attractive market leader, with complementary product offerings and global reach. The financial strength of the combined group will allow us to drive innovation and value for our high-quality customer base of international retailers and brands. We are enthusiastic about this partnership and believe there is a bright future ahead for the combined entity."

Debt financing for the transaction will be provided by Royal Bank of Canada. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Baker McKenzie serving as legal advisor and Stifel is serving as financial advisor to Truelink Capital and Flipp. Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal advisor and Houlihan Lokey is serving as financial advisor to Bregal and MEDIA Central.

The transaction is expected to close by Q4 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

ABOUT FLIPP

Founded in 2007, Flipp is a technology platform that is reinventing the way people plan their weekly shopping trips. The largest retailers and brands in North America use the Flipp Platform to create, curate and distribute digital visual merchandising experiences and savings content to over 100 million high intent shoppers. Households use Flipp as their primary weekly shopping tool to decide what to buy and where to buy. On average, Flipp helps shoppers save $45 on their weekly groceries, home improvement goods, electronics, pharmacy, apparel, pets supplies and more. For more information, visit corp.flipp.com.

ABOUT MEDIA CENTRAL

The MEDIA Central Group is a European market leader in drive-to-store marketing solutions. The Group unites the leading specialist for data-based 360 offer communication, MEDIA Central, Europe's leading drive-to-store technology platform, ShopFully, together with the experts for digital offer communication, Offerista Group, and the data science experts for the moment of purchase decision, Yagora. It is represented by over 900 employees in 21 locations across Europe, Australia, and Latin America, and currently serves top retailers and brands in 24 countries from all industries.

ABOUT TRUELINK CAPITAL?

Truelink Capital is a middle-market private equity firm based in?Los Angeles. Truelink pairs deep industry experience in the industrials and technology-enabled services sectors with a commitment to building partnerships that drive long-term value through an operationally focused strategy. Truelink partners with management, corporate sellers, and founders to accelerate growth through the execution of strategic initiatives and transformative add-on acquisitions.

ABOUT BREGAL UNTERNEHMERKAPITAL

Bregal Unternehmerkapital ("BU") is a leading investment firm with offices in Zug, Munich, and Milan. With ?7.0bn in capital raised to date, BU is the largest mid-cap investor headquartered in the DACH region. The funds advised by BU invest in mid-sized companies based in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. With the mission to be the partner of choice for entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, BU seeks to partner with market leaders and "hidden champions" with strong management teams and breakout potential. Since its founding in 2015, the funds advised by BU have invested over ?3.5 billion in more than 100 companies with more than 28,000 employees. Thereby, more than 8,200 jobs have been created. BU supports entrepreneurs and families as a strategic partner to develop, internationalize, and digitize their businesses, while helping them generate sustainable value on a responsible basis with the next generation in mind.

For more information, please visit https://www.bregal.ch/en/ .

Media Contacts

Gaby Hui (Flipp)

[email protected]

Selin Castaldo (MEDIA Central Classic)

[email protected]

Laura Sassi (MEDIA Central Digital)

[email protected]

SOURCE Truelink Capital

19 september 2024 at 06:00

News published onand distributed by:
Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize Winner, Joins GHIT Fund Board of Directors





First Board Member from Africa

TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund is pleased to announce that Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim was elected and appointed to the Director of the GHIT Fund Board at the Council Meeting held on September 9, 2024. Dr. Abdool Karim, an esteemed infectious diseases epidemiologist, was awarded the 4th Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize (in the field of medical research) in 2022 and will be the first GHIT board member from Africa.

Dr. Abdool Karim serves as co-founder and Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and holds professorships in Clinical Epidemiology at Columbia University in the United States and in Public Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Her groundbreaking research on HIV in South Africa, particularly among adolescent girls, and her leadership in numerous global health initiatives underscore her significant contributions to the field. She has authored over 330 peer-reviewed publications and played a pivotal role in the CAPRISA 004 trial for an antiretroviral vaginal gel, a major milestone in HIV prevention research, which was highlighted by Science as a top 10 scientific breakthrough in 2010.

Dr. Hiroki Nakatani, Chair & Representative Director of the GHIT Fund, says, "Dr. Abdool Karim's outstanding achievements and dedicated efforts in addressing public health challenges began with her passion to save African women from HIV/AIDS, a disease deemed untreatable 35 years ago. We are confident that her enthusiasm will be invaluable in addressing the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) targeted by our fund. As a board member, we expect Dr. Abdool Karim to significantly contribute to accelerating product development for these diseases and enhancing our investment impact."

Dr. Abdool Karim's appointment marks an important milestone for GHIT as it continues to foster diverse and inclusive leadership to drive forward its mission of fighting neglected infectious diseases through investing in research and development and promoting global partnerships.

Biography of Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim

Dr. Abdool Karim is co-founder and Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). She holds professorships in Clinical Epidemiology at Columbia University in the United States and in Public Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Over the past 30 years, she has contributed to the understanding of the HIV epidemic in South Africa, the identification of factors influencing HIV transmission among adolescent girls and young women, and the implementation of groundbreaking research and programs to prevent HIV infection.

For more information on the Board of Directors, please visit the link below.

https://www.ghitfund.org/leadership/boardofdirectors/en

About the 4th Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize

https://www.cao.go.jp/noguchisho/english/award/04/index.html

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

https://www.ghitfund.org/en

For more information, contact:

Katy Lenard at +1-301-280-5719 or [email protected]

Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or [email protected]

SOURCE Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund)

19 september 2024 at 08:19

News published onand distributed by:
The Official Opening of Nobu Bangkok at 'EA' Rooftop at The Empire, the Announcement of Nobu Residences Bangkok, and the Groundbreaking of The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok Were Celebrated with a Special Sake Ceremony





NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nobu Bangkok together with Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real-estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC), celebrated its grand opening with a sake ceremony, symbolizing good fortune and the beginning of this exciting new chapter. Located on the 57th and 58th floors and rooftop of The Empire at the heart of Bangkok's CBD, Nobu Bangkok delivers an extraordinary dining experience, blending the luxurious aesthetics of Thai and Japanese design. Conceptualized by the world-renowned Rockwell Group, the restaurant's design incorporates intricate carvings and golden hues inspired by Thai temples, juxtaposed with the minimalist elegance of Japanese design, creating a truly unique culinary setting

In an ongoing collaboration with Asset World Corporation, luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality is proud to announce its first service residential project in Thailand?Nobu Residences Bangkok. This exciting development follows the announcements of Nobu Hotel Bangkok and The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok, as well as the official opening of Nobu Bangkok at The Empire. Together, these ventures reinforce Nobu's expanding presence in the city. Nobu Residences Bangkok will feature 60 exclusive units, available as part of the hotel's inventory, rather than for individual sale.

Strategically located near the Chao Phraya River, Nobu Residences Bangkok offers unparalleled access to the best the city has to offer. Available for both short and long-term stays, residents will enjoy world-class amenities, including 24/7 concierge service. Residents can also access the hotel's premium facilities, such as the Nobu Restaurant, a rooftop bar lounge boasting panoramic views of Bangkok's skyline, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an exclusive residents' lounge. The residences are designed with Nobu's signature attention to detail, blending purposeful design with elevated living.

Adding to the significance of the day, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok at its future location, the East Asiatic Heritage Site. This iconic development will be situated in the historic East Asiatic Company (EAC) building, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The building, dating back to 1884, was founded by Danish mariner and entrepreneur Captain Hans Niels Andersen. The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will be twinned with the Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel & Spa New York, which is currently undergoing renovations to its 145 rooms. Located on 64th Street and Park Avenue in the Upper East Side, New York, this area is renowned for its proximity to Central Park, museums, consulates, and luxury shopping.

Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corporation (AWC) commented, "We really appreciate the friendship and partnership we share with the Nobu family and AWC. The celebration of the grand opening of Nobu Bangkok at 'EA' Rooftop at The Empire, the new landmark destination of Thailand, brings great happiness to both Thai and international guests to enjoy contemporary Japanese cuisine crafted by legendary Chef Nobu in a spectacular three-story venue, including the rooftop level with breathtaking views of Bangkok. It reinforces our commitment to making Bangkok a sustainable global destination for world-class food, beverage, and lifestyle experiences.

Additionally, AWC is thrilled to deepen our long-term partnership with Nobu Hospitality through the launch of Nobu Hotel Bangkok, the first Nobu hotel with a residential concept in Thailand. Located near the Chao Phraya River, this development offers guests unparalleled luxury, featuring world-class amenities and services. The groundbreaking ceremony for The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok at the historic East Asiatic Company building also marks a momentous occasion in our shared journey to create iconic properties that redefine luxury living and enhance Bangkok's reputation as a premier global destination."

Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, commented, "We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Asset World Corporation and introduce Nobu Residences to Bangkok. With its prime location near the Chao Phraya River, this development offers residents an exceptional lifestyle experience in one of the world's most dynamic cities. We are excited to operate all elements of the Nobu brand?residences, hotels, and restaurants?in this vibrant market."

SOURCE NOBU HOSPITALITY

19 september 2024 at 08:45

News published onand distributed by:
First Publication of Canada's Intelligence Priorities





OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada's first priority is to protect the security and prosperity of our country and our people. It's important that Canadians be informed of the Government's work to protect national interests and understand why this work is necessary.

Today, the ministers responsible for Canada's intelligence community, the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc; the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Melanie Joly published Canada's first-ever public Intelligence Priorities .

The document provides an overview of the priorities which direct the work of the Canadian intelligence community through 2025. It also provides a consolidated look at the Canadian intelligence community and a summary of how Canada's intelligence priorities are set. Canada's core intelligence organizations gather and share various types of intelligence across government and partners act when appropriate, mandated, and authorized.

While the majority of intelligence work must remain classified to protect valuable and sensitive information, as well as sources and methods of gathering such intel, the intelligence community has worked diligently to increase the amount of national security-related information available to the public without compromising Canada's security or the safety of Canadians.

As part of this important work, the Government is publishing its unclassified Intelligence Priorities, which balances providing necessary information to Canadians while protecting operational integrity and national security.

The Government of Canada will continue working closely with Canadians, as well as review and oversight bodies, to increase public knowledge, awareness, and understanding of intelligence priorities.

Quotes

"Awareness can play a big role in better protecting Canadians from national security threats. Whether it's knowing who the biggest strategic cyber threats to Canada are or understanding the intent of our adversaries, the national security community is working to ensure Canadians know what to watch for. Publishing our Intelligence Priorities will lead to a better overall understanding of the threat environment, and that's a vital part of protecting the country.

? The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

"We live in an uncertain world, challenged by complex national security issues. The release of Canada's Intelligence Priorities is an important step that will allow Canadians to be better informed about the Government's work in the protection of our national security."

? The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

"Every day, our national security departments and agencies work tirelessly to protect our country and those who live here. While this work often includes sensitive and classified information, it is critical that we are transparent about how we do this work and why it is necessary, so that Canadians better understand the national security issues that impact them the most."

? The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs

"The release of Canada's Intelligence Priorities is consistent with the Government of Canada's commitment to transparency in national security and intelligence. It's also an important step in addressing recommendations, from Canadian security and intelligence stakeholders and review bodies, about the importance of communicating about the intelligence community and the processes by which it is governed."

? Nathalie G. Drouin, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister

Quick Facts

For over 60 years, Cabinet has set Canada's Intelligence Priorities.

Intelligence Priorities. This allows for the Government to indicate where the intelligence community should direct its focus, in accordance with their respective mandates and legal frameworks. In increasingly complex global and threat environments, the Priorities ensure that Canada's intelligence resources are put to best use on issues of the highest interest and need.

intelligence resources are put to best use on issues of the highest interest and need. The Government renews its Intelligence Priorities every two years, based on recommendations from the National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and the intelligence community.

Canada's core intelligence organizations include the Canada Border Services Agency; the Canadian Security Intelligence Service; the Communications Security Establishment; the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces; the Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada ; Global Affairs Canada; the Privy Council Office, under the National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister; the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre; and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

core intelligence organizations include the Canada Border Services Agency; the Canadian Security Intelligence Service; the Communications Security Establishment; the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces; the Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of ; Global Affairs Canada; the Privy Council Office, under the National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister; the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre; and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Canada has a robust framework for national security and intelligence oversight and review. This includes activities reviews conducted by the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA), the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the Intelligence Commissioner.

Associated Links

Stay Connected

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/nationalsecurity.html

Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP

Like us on Facebook: Canada's foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada

SOURCE Privy Council Office

19 september 2024 at 12:23

News published onand distributed by:
Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelle (left) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (right) at the opening of the 37th African Union summit, in Addis Ababa, February 17, 2024. AMANUEL SILESHI / AFP

Abiy Ahmed usually takes advantage of speeches to his army to distill subtle messages for his rivals in the region. However, there was no need to read between the lines on Sunday, September 8, when he presided over a military tribute in Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian prime minister reiterated that his country "won't negotiate with anyone on Ethiopia's sovereignty and dignity" and demanded "nationalist patriotism" from its population in order to resist the "foreign powers" he accuses of wanting to "destabilize the region." It was a martial and threatening statement in line with the war of words being waged in the Horn of Africa.

The region has been in turmoil since the announcement of the maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland, on January 1, 2024, which would give Addis Ababa direct access to the Red Sea. The treaty is stirring up tension because it tramples on Somalia's sovereignty  Somaliland is not recognized as independent by the international community. In formalizing this agreement, did the Ethiopian head of state realize the extent of the regional upheaval it would provoke? Nine months later, a cold war began in the Horn.

"We're seeing a rapid realignment of regional alliances and the intervention of foreign powers," said Cameron Hudson, CIA veteran and security specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. This is in addition to an ongoing invective between neighbors and a proliferation of military cooperation agreements.

Was this escalation avoidable? Obsessed by the maritime question, Addis Ababa has turned it into an "existential issue" in defiance of international law and regional stability. Back in October 2023, during a military parade, Ahmed spoke of his country's "natural right" to access the sea to free Ethiopians from their "geographical prison." In his view, the country of some 120 million inhabitants has been the victim of "historical injustices" since losing its Red Sea ports following independence from Eritrea in 1993.

Somalia looks for allies

Under the terms of the agreement with Somaliland, Ethiopia would benefit from a 20-kilometer strip of land for 50 years in order to set up a commercial port and naval base. In exchange, Ethiopia would undertake to recognize the self-proclaimed republic, which unilaterally seceded from Somalia in 1991. This was a red line for Mogadishu.

"The maritime agreement set things off, and we're currently feeling the tremors," said a European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, who worries about "the multiplication of hotbeds of tension" in this area already destabilized by the civil war in Sudan and attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by Yemeni Houthi rebels. Proof of Western chancelleries' fears, the US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, just completed a 10-day trip to the area on Friday, September 13.

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by Staff reporter

South Africa is ramping up efforts to tackle illegal immigration with a renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants, implementing a series of measures that include roadblocks, house searches, restaurant raids, and random checks on individuals.The Department of Home Affairs reports that it deports between 15,000 to 20,000 illegal immigrants annually, a costly exercise that has sparked significant debate within the country. This latest campaign is part of the government's broader strategy to enforce immigration laws, targeting workplaces, residential areas, and public spaces to identify and deport undocumented migrants.Concerns among South Africans have risen over national border security, competition for jobs, and rising crime rates, with many blaming immigrants for issues such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. Public sentiment has increasingly viewed immigrants as scapegoats for high crime rates, unemployment, and social cohesion challenges.The crackdown has ignited discussions around its implications for human rights, with critics arguing that the measures may be fueled by xenophobic and afrophobic sentiments. While some citizens believe these actions are essential for maintaining national security and law and order, others fear that they may exacerbate tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals.Estimates of the number of undocumented migrants in South Africa vary significantly, with some sources suggesting there could be as many as five million, including at least one million from Zimbabwe alone. The Department of Home Affairs has reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring compliance among foreign nationals.Despite the government's stance, the effectiveness and humanity of these measures are contentious issues, raising questions about the balance between national security and the treatment of vulnerable populations. As the crackdown continues, the country grapples with the complexities of immigration policy and public perception in a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape.
A former CIA officer was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Wednesday, September 18, for drugging and sexually abusing more than two dozen women in several countries. Brian Jeffrey Raymond, 48, of La Mesa, California, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to one count of abusive sexual contact and other charges.

"When this predator was a government employee, he lured unsuspecting women to his government-leased housing and drugged them," Matthew Graves, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, said. "After drugging these women, he stripped, sexually abused, and photographed them," Graves added in a statement.

Nicole Argentieri, a senior Justice Department official, said Raymond "sexually exploited dozens of women over the course of 14 years." According to court documents, Raymond's last posting was Mexico City, where he drugged and sexually assaulted several women.

The FBI, in an October 2021 appeal to the public for information, said the investigation into Raymond began on May 31, 2020, when a naked woman was seen screaming for help from the balcony of his residence in Mexico City.

It said hundreds of photographs and videos were recovered from Raymond's electronic devices depicting at least 24 unconscious and nude or partially nude women.

Raymond worked for many years at the Central Intelligence Agency, the FBI said, had lived in numerous countries, including Peru, and was fluent in Spanish and Mandarin. He worked at the US embassy in Mexico from August 2018 until May 2020.
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MAYOR John Moran has revealed he left his role at the Department of Finance over prying into his private life - including the taking of photos at the back of his home.

Limericks first directly elected mayor served alongside former Finance Minister Michael Noonan as director general between 2012 and 2014.

With Ireland fighting a recession, his role as one of the countrys most senior civil servants put him under intense scrutiny.

Now, as part of an in-depth interview with Limerick Live as he reaches his 100th day in office, Mayor Moran has lifted the lid on his departure.

READ MORE: Discover your perfect wedding venue at Limerick Strand Hotel's Open Day

Although Mr Moran is now openly gay - and in a long-term relationship - at the time he was not out, and said then his departure was related to Irelands exit from the bailout.

People had started to pry into my private life. Not particularly knowing what they were prying into. I had a photograph taken at the back of my house because I had commented on housing policy. It was clear one of the newspapers had been given a file or had a file to try and work out what they could find out about John Moran, he said.

He said he wanted to manage the process of coming out in his own way, and was concerned this would not have been possible had he remained at the Department.

Mayor Moran admitted he underestimated the level of interrogation around his private life which he says is irrelevant in terms of my ability to do the job or not to do the job.

Following his election as mayor, The Ditch website published information around the income he is making from rental developments in Ireland and abroad.

He said while he was saddened by the coverage, he was heartened by the reaction from many in Limerick.

People of Limerick basically said - we know, and we voted him in. We want someone who knows how to do property, who has experience in banking and all these other areas, he said, pointing out information on his financial background was published on his own website before polling day.

I think they thought they had some kind of scoop, said Mayor Moran.

He acknowledges he has been fortunate in life. With this in mind, he feels a duty to pay to Limerick through his work as mayor.
LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive survey aimed at understanding and improving Limerick's Tourism offering. As part of their five-year plan, they're inviting residents, visitors, students, and workers to share their insights and experiences.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is encouraging people to participate, saying:

A thriving tourism economy and ecosystem is a strong indicator of a good quality of life and more liveable and healthier Limerick. It is essential for Limerick to be vibrant, dynamic and safe, a desirable place to visit, explore and stay instead of traveling through to reach another destination. By listening to our communities, we can create a strategy that reflects the true needs and desires of all. This survey provides a very important opportunity for anyone with an interest in our city and county to have their say and to share their insights and experience.

Senior Executive Officer for Tourism, Festivals & Events at Limerick City and County Council, Eileen Coleman commented:

Limerick City and County Council is committed to enhancing the tourism offering in Limerick for all communities. Working together, we can add to what Limerick currently offers and transform our county into a dynamic destination that has something for everyone, making Limerick a top location of choice for tourists. I encourage everyone to participate in our survey and help shape the future of Limerick.

The new Tourism Strategy will strive to encompass all policies, strategies, brands, attractions and activities that fall under the remit of LCCC and plug the gaps that currently exist. This includes, but is not limited to:

Limericks Wild Atlantic Way Gateway City Status.

Limerick City as a Tourism Hub.

Limericks involvement in Irelands Hidden Heartlands.

Evolution of the brand of Limerick.

Georgian Limerick.

Discover Limerick DAC.

Food Offering & Restaurants.

Festivals and Events Unit  Riverfest, St Patricks Festival, Christmas in Limerick, Halloween in Limerick, Culture Night and more.

Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) being commenced by Irelands Hidden Heartlands in the next few months. LCCC will be on this steering group committee.

Key Challenges.

Limericks Music Industry.

Sporting Facilities.

Our current and intended attractions like Limerick Greenway, Lough Gur, International Rugby Experience, Game Cube and medieval heritage in Kilmallock, Askeaton and Mungret.

Key Opportunities  Temperate climate, regional brands, increased overseas capacity, Ryder Cup 2027.

Guiding Principles  Great place to live; sustainability; climate action; collaboration; innovation; new technologies.

LCCC's goal is to broaden the current tourism offering that Limerick has. They want heritage assets and amenities to work better for locals and visitors. They acknowledge that they need to maintain and improve what they currently offer. This fosters a secure and inviting atmosphere making Limerick an attractive destination for all.

Purpose of the Survey

The purpose of this survey is to understand the tourism offering from the viewpoint of residents and the broader community.

They aim to understand the experiences of those who engage with Limericks current tourism offering and those who do not. This will help to determine what enhancements can be made to make Limericks tourism offering more inclusive and enticing.

Survey Participation and Incentive

The survey is open until 12pm on Monday, September 30. As an added incentive, survey participants who wish to be included will be entered into a draw to win a 200, 100 or 50 One4all Gift Card.

Call for Participation

Limerick City and County Council urges all residents, visitors, students and workers to participate in this survey. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of Limericks tourism offering. Together, we can create a thriving, dynamic city and county that offers something for everyone.

To participate in this survey, please click here
21 new seminarians have commenced their 2024-2025 academic programme and priestly formation for Irish dioceses

Welcoming the new student intake, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Bishops Council for Vocations, said, It is really heartening that twenty-one men have started as seminarians in various locations to study on propaedeutic courses. This brings the number of men training for the priesthood for Irish dioceses to 74 in total. We thank God for each of them.



Over the last year, in a special way, the Bishops Conference promoted vocations to Diocesan priesthood. All around the country people prayed that the call to priesthood would be heard. Thanks to efforts in parishes, and via traditional media as well as on social, the vocation of priesthood was discussed in family settings, parishes and in communities. In addition, and based on feedback, faith-filled encounters with priests and committed lay people encouraged the idea that God is still calling men to priesthood. Such a positive notion was firmly planted in minds and hearts.



So, today, I thank God to those who have responded to His call. We are all well aware that we need many more to respond. Therefore, there can never be any sense of complacency. The example of good priests up and down the country who walk with and lead their people to worship God, and care for their neighbours in good times and in bad, continues to inspire. Let us pray that all those who have chosen the path of priesthood will find fulfilment and bring the truth and the healing of Christ to our broken world, Bishop Cullinan said.

READ NEXT: How the Government will spend 14 billion Apple tax revenue to be outlined on Budget day

Also welcoming the new seminarians Father Willie Purcell, National Diocesan Vocations Coordinator, said, The 21 men who are beginning their vocational journey by entering the propaedeutic year demonstrates to the world that God never ceases to call men to diocesan priesthood. While todays number is good news, I pray that vocations to the priesthood will continue in the coming years. The Church and the faithful need priests.



As the faithful in Ireland and around the world continue to journey together on the Synodal Pathway, the generosity of these men calls us to reflect on our own vocation story as we take our part in the renewal of the Church in our respective dioceses and parishes. I wish to especially thank all the vocations directors across the country for their work in accompanying those who are discerning a vocation to diocesan priesthood, Father Purcell said.

The 21 new students are currently undertaking their Propaedeutic Programme in: the Redemptoris Mater Seminary Dundalk, Archdiocese of Armagh; Royal English College Valladolid, Spain; Royal Scots College Salamanca, Spain; and, the International Seminary of Ars, France. These 21 bring the total number of seminarians studying for the priesthood for Irish dioceses to 74.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Prominent civil society activist Nicholas Ngqabutho Mabhena, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, has provided insights into obtaining a general work visa, a crucial pathway for foreign nationals looking to work and reside legally in South Africa. This guidance comes in the wake of a comprehensive campaign by the South African government to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.The general work visa allows foreign nationals to be employed by a specific employer in any position that, theoretically, cannot be filled by a South African citizen or permanent resident. This process is particularly relevant as millions of Zimbabweans seek work opportunities in South Africa, driven by ongoing political instability, economic collapse, and social decay at home.To qualify for a general work visa, the employer must demonstrate that they have exhausted all avenues in searching for suitably qualified local candidates. Unlike other work visas, the general work visa mandates that employers provide proof of their efforts to hire South African citizens or permanent residents for the vacant position.Mabhena emphasizes that general work permits are valid for the duration of the employment contract. However, it is crucial for holders of these permits to submit satisfactory proof of continued employment within six months of issuance and annually thereafter. Failure to do so could result in the lapse of the visa.Applications for a general work visa must be made at the embassy or consulate in the applicants home country, although renewals can be processed within South Africa.The backdrop of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants has heightened the urgency for legal pathways to employment, underscoring the significant role that legal migration plays for Zimbabweans and others seeking a better life in South Africa. Mabhena's insights aim to equip aspiring applicants with the necessary knowledge to navigate this challenging landscape amidst the complexities of immigration policies and public sentiment.
Mumbai: Aditya Birla Capital is banking on three digital platforms to drive growth, as it looks to stand out in a space marked by stiff competition.

The financial services arm of the Aditya Birla conglomerate has already launched two of these platforms. While Udyog Plus for small businesses was launched in May 2023, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform ABCD was launched in April. The third platform, meant for distributors and channel partners, will be launched in the next two-three months, said Pankaj Gadgil, chief executive of Aditya Birla Housing Finance, and head of digital platforms and payments strategy for Aditya Birla Capital.

The third platform is the B2D (business to distributor) platform. Aditya Birlas strength also lies in the over 200,000 channel partners," said Gadgil, adding that these are mutual fund distributors, independent financial advisors and others. He said that the new platform would make onboarding simpler and faster.

There are over a million customers registered on Udyog Plus and ABCD saw 800,000 registrations, as per information presented to analysts on 1 August. Mint reported on 16 April how the group is banking on ABCD, built at a cost of 100 crore, to nearly double its customer base in three years and keep pace with the expected growth in Indias financial services industry. Aditya Birla Capital is looking to add 30 million customers to its current base of 35 million over three years on the back of the ABCD platform.

Experience across segments

Gadgil, who worked at private sector lender ICICI Bank for close to two decades before joining Aditya Birla Capital in 2022, has experience across retail and business banking, small and medium enterprises, and payments.

A couple of years back when all of us joined and we crafted our strategy of one customer, one experience, one team strategy, there were three important pillars to achieve that. These are data, digital and technology," said Gadgil. We also saw that in the elements of digital, data and technology, we were under-invested both in terms of the people and architecture, and infra platforms."

Also read | Aditya Birla Capital to invest  900 crore in two subsidiaries on rights basis

The company then decided to create digital platforms and focus on specific customer segments. First is the MSME segment. We all know the kind of unmet credit demand in that industry. Second, we picked up a segment where we feel that the inertia of trying out things is less."

Gadgil said the company chose to look at the so-called first-income to first-kid segment within retail individuals, estimated at 100-120 million in India.

So, a customer who started to earn more recently, and a customer who just got settled in his life and has a kid and is typically within the age group of 28 to 40 is what we looked at," he said.

Great expectations

Aditya Birla Group is not the only conglomerate with great expectations from the financial services business. Enthused by the pace at which Indian consumers are devouring credit, the Godrej group and Reliance Industries group have also tried to muscle their way into the non-banking financial services market and embark on a digital lending journey.

Also read | Aditya Birla Capital, subsidiary Aditya Birla Finance to merge

Earlier this year, Aditya Birla Capital decided to merge Aditya Birla Finance Ltd with itself, helping its unlisted subsidiary skip the public-listing requirement ordered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Aditya Birla Capital is listed, while its wholly-owned arm Aditya Birla Finance is among the 15 upper-layer non-bank lenders mandated by the RBI to go public by September 2025. Merging with the listed parent averts the need for the subsidiary to be separately listed.

Aditya Birla Capital said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday that the Reserve Bank of India has accorded its no objection" to the merger.
Organisations today must continuously adapt to thrive in a fast-changing world. As highlighted in Deloittes 2023 Global Human Capital Trends Report, companies are facing increasing disruption, with 87% of executives reporting they experience frequent and unpredictable changes to their businesses.

Confronted with this disruptive market landscape that is increasingly marked by shorter and more volatile growth cycles, its no surprise that the role of the CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is being rewritten for the era of continuous change. With an emphasis on both sustained business growth and future-readiness, HR leaders are expected to get the right people in the right roles for the next market cycle and be in-charge of the larger organisational transformation.

To dive deeper into how CHROs are paving the way for their organisations success, Mint, in partnership with Deloitte, brings you the CHRO Vantage Series, drawing critical learnings from conversations with the top CHROs across India. In this edition, we unlock four key action steps to thrive in the future of work.

Know your business in and out People strategies must be an extension of and add value to the business strategy. As a key player in guiding the organisation through dramatic shifts and upheavals, understanding the business you are in is critical to the CHROs success. While the CEO is still leading the process of reinventing the business model, organisations have understood that the CHROs capabilities are even more fundamental to long-term growth than access to funding.

No longer limited to compliance and employee management, CHROs are recognised as strategic business partners. Todays CHROs, therefore, have a strong say in the organisations business models, growth strategies and how to influence customer experience.

Raymond is a conglomerate of 3 businesses, and as its CHRO, Ive been immersing myself across these domains. From ensuring the organisation becomes more customer-centric, improving time to delivery by consolidating supply chains to strategising the production of more affordable products in response to market competition, Ive been partnering with business heads in these areas. Im also working with them as well as the Chairman on building a strong leadership pipeline and enabling a high-performance culture to meet business targets. Since Covid-19, Ive been part of the business front and was even a member of the Strategic Task Force back then running the business to some extent, and gaining a deeper understanding, says K A Narayan, President-HR, Raymond Ltd.

Our key business priorities have been driving industry-leading growth and building our presence in emerging technologies, which required a strong talent pipeline and an engaged workforce. To achieve this, we strengthened our employer brand, improved employee engagement, and focused on talent acquisition and skill management. We built a dedicated TA team for emerging technologies and upskilled employees through initiatives like TechVarsity for technical training and Leaderbridge for leadership development. Additionally, we increased fresher intake, supported by a robust training engine, and implemented an AI-based chatbot to gather continuous employee feedback. These efforts have been essential in achieving our strategic goals, says Pawan Bhageria, President Global HR, IT, Admin & Education, Tata Technologies.

Talent strategy is your growth engine Strengthening and future-proofing business models calls for robust capability-building exercises. Over 80% of surveyed leaders in Deloittes 2024 Human Capital Trends report stated that reskilling and upskilling are central to preparing their organisations for future disruptions.

Tata Motors has transformed into a learning organisation, focusing on key areas like CESS and Industry 4.0. About 50% of its workforce is already certified in these areas, with a target to reach 100%. Over 15,000 employees are part of the Kaushalya programme, earning diplomas in manufacturing technology, while more experienced operators pursue diplomas in electrical engineering. Additionally, 300 employees are enrolled in MTech programs in EV technology, AI, and ML. The company is also fostering expertise in customer excellence, EV, and ESG, with 600 employees participating in these learning initiatives. On-site ITI-like institutes at Tata Motors' facilities also support workforce development through specialised training in core technologies like mechatronics, says Sitaram Kandi, CHRO, Tata Motors.

Sitaram Kandi, CHRO, Tata Motors

CHROs undoubtedly must play a critical role in building and strengthening a learning organisation that can adapt to changing skill demands. This also calls for reimagining the hiring model as one that embraces growing productivity, internal mobility, and most importantly, future readiness. More than filling in vacancies, the larger picture should be about championing growth and skills agility.

One of our priorities is to strengthen agile organisational structures that promote rapid decision-making and empower teams to respond to technological disruptions and market changes. To ensure this, we have championed a continuous learning environment offering opportunities to employees to build on their skills with an internal learning platform as well as a reverse mentoring programme, where GenZs mentor employees on technology capabilities. Simultaneously, we are trying to build a flexible workforce that can quickly adapt to changes, including gig workers, freelancers, and contingent labour, allowing for greater scalability and agility in response to market shifts, says Sandeep Girotra, CHRO, DCM Shriram.

Sandeep Girotra, CHRO, DCM Shriram

Embracing the AI-era

The discussion around capability building and reinforcing agility is incomplete if we dont stress on how integral it is to build an AI-ready workforce. This feeds directly into both accelerating business growth and ensuring the workforce is all set to hit the ground running when faced with digital disruptions, even in the future.

At Tech Mahindra, our skilling practices enable TechMighties to be 'Fit for the Future' by transforming themselves into the next generation of business-ready associates. Our approach focuses on equipping employees with cutting-edge digital skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Through structured programmes such as our flagship SMART initiative, we train talent in next-gen technologies, empowering individuals from diverse regions to stay ahead of industry demands. Our AI proficiency framework has enabled over 50,000 employees to develop advanced competencies, while specialised training in AI and GenAI has reached over 15,000 professionals. We also plan to train 100% of our IT talent in AI in FY'25, says Richard Lobo, Chief People Officer, Tech Mahindra.

On the other hand, CHROs must also link technological insights and business decisions, by building their own digital acumen. A more robust understanding of technology will become crucial as their role evolves and expands. For instance, moving beyond traditional productivity metrics to assess worker performance in a more human-centred way, or leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance both business and human outcomes. With the rapid evolution of HR technologies, data has become an invaluable currency for CHROs navigating the business world, from marking out potential growth opportunities to managing risk.

Strengthening competitive edge with culture

Even as enablers for business growth, the transformation of the CHRO role boils down to recognizing the workforces needs, wants and motivations. Culture-building inevitably will always remain integral to driving performance in the face of accelerated and unexpected change.

Aligning business processes with people strategies to reflect the culture, the larger purpose of the organisation and the pivots it will make is crucial to any transformation process. This is also the space that the CHRO will lead in, having a decisive role to play in how culture is

communicated and percolated across the various levels and domains of the organisation. When this is done by keeping the workforce at the centre and not just the customer, profits will follow as engagement levels will remain high, making way to a high-performance, purpose-led culture.

As CHRO of Grasim Chemicals, I have aligned talent and business strategy to create a purpose-driven organisation that empowers employees and drives growth. Through engagement and development initiatives, weve fostered a culture where employees connect with the companys mission, leading to higher retention, productivity, and collaboration. Weve also promoted inclusivity by empowering diverse voices and creating new opportunities in different markets. Specifically for women, we launched an Employee Resource Group, introduced night shifts with full support, and are building womens hostels at our plants to ensure their safety and well-being, says Shefali Kohli, CHRO - Chemicals, Filament Yarn & Insulators, Aditya Birla Group.

Shefali Kohli, CHRO - Chemicals, Filament Yarn & Insulators, Aditya Birla Group

At AIL, we prioritise building a strong, agile, and future-ready culture through strategic initiatives like Aayam and Metamorphosis. These programmes focus on empowering employees as leaders fostering integrity, alignment, and high performance. Aayam develops leadership by embedding our core valuesCare, Integrity, and Excellencewhile Metamorphosis nurtures emerging leaders through belonging, belief, and empowerment. Our culture-driven approach has yielded impressive business metrics, including a highly engaged workforce (70th percentile in Gallup), 75% internal talent fulfilment, low leadership attrition, a strong safety culture, productivity gains, cost optimization, and consistent stakeholder value creation, says Manoj Sharma, CHRO, Aarti Industries.

Manoj Sharma, CHRO, Aarti Industries

Future of businesses is employee-centric

While the emphasis on customer-centricity is going nowhere, employees are at the heart of building agile, resilient and future-proof business models. This growing awakening is making the role of the CHRO more and more critical to business, and theyre gaining a strong foothold as a strategic powerhouse in the boardrooms.

Every organisations growth and success do indeed rest on the knowledge and capabilities of the CHROs, who must keep one eye on the present and one on the future.
AM Green Ammonia B.V., backed by Greenko Group's founders, has tied up with RWE Supply & Trading of Germany to supply green ammonia, and it's expected to start deliveries from its India plants by 2027, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

AM Green would supply 250,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year, according to the memorandum of understanding (MoU). The ammonia will be sourced from AM Green's production sites in Kakinada and Tuticorin, India. Initially, 50,000 tonnes of green ammonia will be produced at the Kakinada site, with the remaining volume of up to 200,000 tonnes to be sourced from the Tuticorin facility.

Deliveries of green ammonia from AM Greens sites are expected to start by 2027. A subsequent offtake agreement between RWE and AM Green will detail the contractual provisions, it said.

Also Read: AM Green plans $1 billion foray into biofuels The offtake agreement comes when the demand for green ammonia and green hydrogen has not been as robust as it was initially expected. Only a few offtake agreements have been signed by companies producing green ammonia and green hydrogen in the country so far. In June Sembcorp Green Hydrogen Pte Ltd, an arm of Singapore-headquartered Sembcorp Industries, tied up with two Japanese companies for green ammonia offtake from India.

Similarly, Avaada Group has also signed an MoU with Mysore Ammonia, an ammonia distributor and trader in India, for green ammonia offtake.

"AMG is a subsidiary of the AM Green Group. AM Green's ammonia manufacturing facilities will be powered entirely by carbon-free energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. The produced ammonia will meet European Union standards for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) as defined in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). AM Greens facility in Kakinada has already been pre-certified for RFNBO compliance. Pre-certification for other facilities is underway,' said the AM Green statement.

Also Read: Grey to green: Emission-free hydrogen remains elusive Costas Papamantellos, head of international hydrogen investments at RWE Supply & Trading said: "RWE is committed to investing in hydrogen and its low-carbon derivatives to help industries achieve their climate goals. To this end, we are building strong supply chains with partners globally. Partnering with AM Green allows us to secure green ammonia capacities at an early stage.

AM Green, incorporated by the founders of Hyderabad-based Greenko Group, Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, aims to become a cost-competitive producer of green hydrogen, green ammonia, and other green molecules in the world. In India, AM Green is developing production capabilities for green molecules, including green hydrogen, green ammonia, biofuels, e-methanol, sustainable aviation fuels, and various downstream high-value chemicals, for decarbonization in hard-to-abate industries.

We are delighted to partner with RWE to propel the transformation of various industries and several OECD economies. This agreement emphasizes AM Greens ability to align itself with an innovative and flexible contracting stru,ture in line with commodity trading practices. Continuous focus on innovation combined with execution reinforces AM Greens leadership position as a global clean energy transition solutions platform for low-cost green molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, fuels and other chemicals, said Mahesh Kolli, group president of AM Green.
Mumbai-based Wondrlab, a marketing-technology agency, has acquired its second influencer marketing platform OPA. The company, which has raised $13 million from investors, said this is its sixth acquisition and second in the influencer marketing sector. The acquisition will expand its offerings and role in the creator economy. OPA, it said, works with about 300,000 influencers across companies like beauty businesses Nykaa, Purplle, Sugar, and Plum and clothing company Vero Moda, among others. The company handles 40,000 influencer campaigns each month using its technology to simplify the process for large campaigns.

Wondrlab was founded by Saurabh Varma, who is its CEO. Prior to launching this in 2020, Varma had extensive experience in marketing and advertising, having worked in leadership roles at companies like Leo Burnett and Publicis Communications. With this acquisition, Wondrlab, through OPA and its existing influencer marketing company, Opportune, aims to become a consolidated player in the influencer marketing industry.

Also Read: Brand hopping may no longer be an option for social media influencers



We hope to supercharge our influencer offering. We remain extremely bullish about the creator economy and believe that mid-funnel and driving engagement will be critical for every brand, said Varma. Mid-funnel marketing focuses on engaging potential customers who are considering a brand but are not yet ready to buy.

Global reach The marketing tech agency also acquired Whats Your Problem (WYP) and Opportune to enhance its digital services. Its other more recent acquisition was WebTalk, a marketing agency in Poland, to expand internationally. It will also establish offices in Vietnam, the US, and West Asia.

Varma had told Mint earlier that the company would look at an aggressive expansion strategy with plans for about 25 acquisitions in the next three years.

The company invests in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to improve client services and operational efficiency. Its platform, Hector, assists brands in managing their expenditure on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart. Wondrlab has secured over $13 million in funding and plans to raise additional capital to support its expansion. Varma aims to build a technology-based marketing network that meets the needs of its clients.

Also Read: Why influencers are tapping into parallel sources of income Influencer marketing will become increasingly important for brands. It helps build trust and reach people effectively because followers often trust micro and small influencers more than celebrities. Data suggests that influencers can drive 6-7 times more purchases and at a lower cost compared to traditional production methods or through celebrities, he said.

"Larger brands often struggle with engaging people at different stages and miss opportunities in the middle phase of marketing. On the other hand, direct-to-consumer brands excel at engaging prospects and converting them but still need influencer marketing to build awareness at the top of the funnel. So both types of companies need this service," Varma added.

Raising tech edge In the past, he said, legacy ad agency networks had been created by acquiring creative and media agencies. Today, modern marketing technology networks will be built by using new tools and competencies like these. "We have a great tech stack and we will keep adding more influencer platforms wherever needed," he added.

Rupansh Goyal, co-founder of OPA, added, Wondrlab is a team of heavy hitters in the marketing landscape. We are incredibly excited to join forces with them. Chandan Routray is the company's other co-founder.

Also Read: What's it like to come out at work as a social media influencer In February this year, GroupM reported that digital media advertising is set to grow by 13% in 2024, reaching 88,502 crore and accounting for 57% of total ad spending. The report also projected that overall advertising expenditure in India will grow by 10.2%, slightly lower than the 11.3% growth seen last year. Despite the slower pace, India will remain one of the fastest-growing ad markets globally.
IIFL Finance Ltd, on Thursday, announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has removed the restrictions previously placed on its gold loan business.

"RBI, through its communication dated September 19, 2024, has lifted the restrictions imposed on the gold loan business of the company. The RBI's decision is effective immediately and allows the Company to resume the sanctioning, disbursal, assignment, securitisation, and sale of gold loans in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations," said IIFL Finance in a stock exchange filing.

On September 19, IIFL Finance's shares on the NSE ended the trading day down by 6 percent, closing at 497 each.

"The Company is committed to upholding the highest standards of compliance and will continue to ensure that the remedial actions taken are sustained," added IIFL Finance.

The RBI implemented the restrictions on March 4, 2024.

In March, IIFL came under regulatory scrutiny amid a crackdown on financial firms. The RBI instructed it to halt new gold-backed lending due to "material supervisory concerns." Consequently, three local rating agenciesICRA Ltd, Crisil Ltd, and Care Ratings Ltdplaced it on a rating watch with negative or developing implications following the ban.

Fitch Ratings, an international credit assessor, has placed its B+ rating on negative watch.

According to financial reports cited by Bloomberg on September 19, the number of employees in gold loan branches has decreased from 15,000 in March to 12,000 in June.

The assets under management in its gold loan business have decreased by over 50% to 12,162 crore as of August 5, following the March ban.

In March, the RBI conducted an inspection of the company to review IIFLs financial status as of March 31, 2023.

Also Read | RBI completes special audit of IIFL Finance to address regulatory concerns

Certain material supervisory concerns were observed in the gold loan portfolio of the company, including serious deviations in assaying and certifying purity and net weight of the gold at the time of sanction of loans and at the time of auction upon default, it noted.
Mumbai: Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure Ltd on Thursday announced its plan to raise up to 6,014 crore through sale of shares and convertible warrants, a day after the company settled its arbitration battle with Adani Group over power distribution and a loan dispute with CFM Asset Reconstruction.

In a late evening release, following a board meeting, Reliance Infrastructure said its board has approved a plan to raise 3,014 crore through a preferential issue of up to 125.6 million equity shares or warrants (convertible into equivalent number of equity shares) for cash, at a price of 240 per share.

Following the news of the company's dispute settlements and claims to have turned debt-free on Wednesday, Reliance Infrastructure's stock was trading in the green and closed higher at 284.75 per share on BSE.

On Thursday, the company said its board has also approved a plan to raise up to 3,000 crore via a qualified institutional placement (QIP).

For this the company will seek shareholders' approval soon.

Reliance Infrastructure, which is primarily engaged in the business of power distribution in Delhi and providing EPC services. The company also operates certain projects in defence sector and maintains the infrastructural aspects of certain Metro services, toll roads and airports through its special purpose vehicles.

Following the Thursday board meeting, Reliance Infrastructure said it will use the proceeds of the proposed preferential issue for expansion of business operations either directly or through investment in subsidiaries and joint ventures.

The money may also be utilized to meet the company's long-term working capital needs, said the firm.

The shares in the proposed preferential issue will be alloted to a promoter group company called Risee Infinity Pvt. Ltd, and to a few other investors namely Florintree Innovation LLP and Fortune Financial & Equities Services Pvt. Ltd, said the company, adding that the preferential issue will increase the promoter's effective holding in Reliance Infrastructure.

Also read | 3 trillion power distribution scheme may get extension

Further, the preferential issue will enhance Reliance Infrastructure's networth from 9,000 crore to over 12,000 crore, said the company.

"The company has near zero debt. The enhanced capital will support the companys participation in high growth sectors to aid the governments vision of Make In India and Viksit Bharat," added the company.
Cutting emissions from aircraft is one of the toughest challenges in the energy transition. A small group of startups say they have an answer, and investors are racing to give them cash.

The latest is a company called Twelve, which raised $645 million from backers including the private-equity firm TPG and Alaska Airlines in one of the largest investments ever for clean jet fuel.

The investment values Twelve at more than $1 billion. It is one of several startups using a chemical process that mimics photosynthesis to produce jet fuel with far lower emissions than fossil fuels. They are raising significant amounts of cash in the midst of a rush of funding deals.

Last week, Brookfield Asset Management said it would invest more than $200 million into a company called Infinium that has a generally similar approach. Brookfield might put in up to $850 million more. A few years ago, Prometheus Fuels, a startup with a deal to sell fuel to American Airlines that has a comparable process, hit a $1 billion valuation. A competitor called HIF Global is also a unicorn after raking in investment.

Investors are shifting their bets in clean fuels to companies that use chemistry to turn carbon dioxide, water and renewable electricity into energy. Known as eFuels, synthetic fuels or power to liquids technologies, they offer the tantalizing possibility of producing limitless amounts if given enough cheap renewable power.

This actually has a shot at eventually replacing fossil fuels," said Zachary Bogue, co-managing partner at the venture-capital firm DCVC. It was one of Twelves first investors and is putting money in again in the new fundraising.

Such approaches are seen as the most practical long-term fuel source. Airlines are currently using some biofuels, which are made from fats, oils and greases; trash; or plants. The supply of these will likely be constrained eventually by the availability of feedstock material and land.

Many clean fuels projects are facing high costs and failures, contributing to Air New Zealands recent shelving of a 2030 emissions target.

The wave of investment into eFuels backs a trend in the energy transition under which companies with cash and the backing of big companies emerge as potential winners.

Were trying to move as quickly as we can to bring supply to the market," Nicholas Flanders, Twelves chief executive officer, said in an interview. Alaska Airlines and a group of European carriers including British Airways have agreed to buy Twelves fuel, which can have emissions up to 90% lower than conventional jet fuel.

Twelves first plant, located in Moses Lake, Wash., will make about 50,000 gallons annually when it starts operating next year. Production of the new fuel wont make a dent in the 100 billion gallon a year jet-fuel market for at least another decade, but capacity is growing across the industry.

The list of industry unicorns is short. Twelve joins Prometheus, HIF and a rival startup called LanzaJet, which is backed by Southwest Airlines and makes fuel from ethanol.

TPG committed $400 million to future Twelve plants and invested in a roughly $200 million fundraising for the company as a whole. The rest of the funding is small loans from banks including Japans Sumitomo Mitsui.

Flanders co-founded Twelve in 2015 at Stanford Universitys business school with a pair of students getting doctorates in mechanical engineering and chemistry. The companys name refers to the most abundant form of carbon on earth, the isotope carbon-12.

Twelves process uses devices that run on renewable power called electrolyzers. They bring carbon dioxide and water into contact with metal catalysts. Removing an oxygen atom from CO2 yields carbon monoxide, which is combined with hydrogen from the water to make synthetic gas. That synthetic gas can be processed into fuel.

While many companies use electrolyzers to make hydrogen, Twelve is one of the few adding carbon in an integrated process, which it says can work at much lower temperatures. Its technology also makes a hydrocarbon product that can be used to make everything from plastics to laundry detergents. Procter & Gamble and Mercedes-Benz are among the companies talking to it about its applications.

Flanders is the son-in-law of Carlos Ghosn and says he talks to the former CEO of Nissan about managing Twelves suppliers. Supply-chain and construction kinks have contributed to delays at Twelves initial plant and pushed up costs across the industry.

Subsidies from the 2022 climate law and state incentives help producers close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, as can government grants and loans.

One constraint on the burgeoning industry is the supply of green power. Twelves Washington project runs on hydropower, giving it an edge over its rivals. Power availability will be a key factor dictating where Twelve locates subsequent plants, Flanders said.

Write to Amrith Ramkumar at amrith.ramkumar@wsj.com
Singapore's Temasek Holdings is close to buying Peak XV's 18-20% stake in Bengaluru-based Cloudnine Hospitals for around $125 million, three people aware of the development said.

The deal, which has been in the works for more than a year and a half, may value the specialist mother and baby care hospital at around $600 million, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. It will also mark Peak XV's exit from the company after 11 yearsIn 2013, Cloudnine had raised $16 million in a round led by Peak XV, then called Sequoia Capital India.

Temasek's $600 million stake purchase includes a small primary round that happened earlier this year, as well as the upcoming share purchase from Peak XV, one of the two people cited above said. Cloudnine is realigning its cap table ahead of a public listing expected next year, the person added.

This would be Cloudnine's second attempt at an initial public offering (IPO). In 2022, the company had filed draft papers for a 1,200 crore IPO.

Cloudnine does not need fresh capital; this is more like a pre-IPO round," the second person added. In the March quarter, the company raised 359 crore from Temasek and TPG Newquest in a primary round.

Peak XV and Temasek spokespersons declined to comment. Queries sent to a company spokesperson remained unanswered.

Revenue growing

An Icra report in April said Cloudnine's consolidated revenue grew 26.3% to 946.7 crore during the first nine months of FY24.

On a standalone basis, the companys revenues stood at 837.2 crore during 9M FY2024. The companys operating margins stood at 13.8% in 9M FY2024 against 14.3% in FY2023 on account of losses from new centres opened in Q4 FY2023 and 9M FY2024. Going forward, the margins are expected to moderate in FY2025 due to OPBDITA losses from new centres that commenced in FY2024 and new centres that are expected to commence operations from FY2025," it said.

Founded in 2006 by Dr. R Kishore Kumar, Rohit M.A., M. Ramachandra and Vidya Kumar, Cloudnine is a chain of super-specialty hospitals catering to mother and baby care, including fertility, maternity care, gynaecology, paediatrics, neonatology, baby care and stem cell banking. Currently, it has 34 centres across India in locations including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Gurgaon, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. Twelve of the centres are in Bengaluru.

Capex plans

Cloudnine plans to set up more units across metros and tier I cities, the Icra release said. The company has capex plans to incur capex of approximately 280-300 crore in FY2025."

Cloudnine competes with hospital chains such as Motherhood, Indira IVF, Apollo Cradle and LifeSpring in a growing motherhood and childcare healthcare market.

According to a Pew Research report in xx month/year, Indiais estimated to have more than 1.4 billion people  greater than the population of Europe (744 million) or the Americas (1.04 billion). China, too, has more than 1.4 billion people, but whileChinas population is declining, Indias continues to grow. In this backdrop, mother and child healthcare market is expected to grow at a faster clip as Indians spend more on health and wellbeing.
Samsung Workers' Strike: The ongoing strike by employees at electronics giant Samsung's Sriperumbudur factory near Chennai entered its tenth day, with the Confederation of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) calling for government intervention to resolve the dispute, on September 18, PTI reported.

Workers at the electronics giant's facility have been on an indefinite strike since September 9, demanding improved wages, union recognition, and better working conditions. This is the first stir in the factory's 16-year history, according to CITU Tamil Nadu unit chief A Soundararajan.

The protest has gained momentum, with CITU-affiliated trade unions joining in solidarity. Soundararajan expressed the CITU's frustration over delays in union recognition.

Why are Samsung workers protesting in India? We have written to the Labour Department to recognise the Samsung India Workers Union. It has been 90 days since we have given our application but so far there has been no response. As per the Law, it should have been done within 45 days, as quoted by PTI.

Tensions escalated on September 16 when police reportedly detained approximately 120 employees, including a CITU district secretary. Soundararajan criticized the police action and subsequent warnings against protests in Chennai.

Even today, police personnel said the employees should not come (near Valluvar Kottam in Chennai city), and leaders of CITU affiliated unions should not take part in the protests. This kind of attitude by the police personnel is not acceptable. The employees are only demanding their basic rights and they should not be treated like this, as quoted by PTI.

The CITU is urging the Tamil Nadu government to intervene, facilitate union registration, and mediate a resolution. Soundararajan added that CITU-affiliated unions may consider expanding protests across the state and called for support from other political parties and organizations.

Samsung India issued a statement on the strike earlier.
SSC MTS Admit Card 2024: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released the admit card for the Multi-Tasking Staff Exam on the official website of the North Western Region i.e. sscnwr.org.

The admit card, including those for SSC MTS Havaldar Paper 1, can be downloaded from the website of the commission or directly through the link here.

Meanwhile, SSC MTS Application Status 2024 was reportedly released by the Staff Selection Commission of North Western Region, Southern Region, Eastern Region, and Kerala Karnataka Region. The status can be checked at sscnwr.org, sscsr.gov.in, sscer.org and ssckkr.kar.nic.in respectively.

The multi tasking (non-technical) staff, and havaldar (cbic & cbn) examination, 2024 will be held from September 30 to November 14. Candidates will find their exam date on the admit cards.

SSC MTS Admit Card 2024: How to download? The candidates can follow these steps to download the admit card through the official website:

Step 1: Visit the website of the commission. For example SSC NWR - www.sscnwr.org

Step 2: Click on 'STATUS / DOWNLOAD ADMIT CARD FOR MULTI TASKING (NON-TECHNICAL) STAFF, AND HAVALDAR (CBIC & CBN) EXAMINATION, 2024 TO BE HELD FROM 30/09/2024 TO 14/11/2024'

Step 3: Enter your registration number or roll number and date of birth

Step 4: Take the printout of the admit card

Candidates must carry an original photo identity card or an official government certificate, with the same date of birth as printed in the entry certificate, during the examination, Jagran Josh reported.

If the date of birth mentioned in the original photo identity card/official certificate issued as proof of admission certificate does not match with the date of birth, then the candidate will not be allowed to appear in the examination.

Also Read | SSC Combined Graduate Level exam 2024 admit card released. How to download

SSC MTS Exam 2024 It will be a computer-based examination (CBE) that will involve two sessions of 45 minutes each. Both sessions will be mandatory and will be held on the same day, the Hindustan Times reported.

The exam will consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions. There will be no negative marking in session 1 but questions asked in the second session will have negative marking.

After the CBE, the commission will conduct Physical Efficiency Test (PET)/ Physical Standard Test (PST) for Havaldar vacancies.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Harare regional magistrate Mr. Stanford Mambanje has postponed his ruling in the fraud case involving Clark Clever Makoni and Beverly Aisha Ndonda Makoni, who are accused of illicitly transferring property belonging to former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr. Gideon Gono into their names.The trial is set to resume tomorrow, when Mr. Mambanje will decide whether the State can introduce a deed of settlement allegedly signed by the parties involved.The couple stands accused of prejudicing Dr. Gono's company, Galwex Investments, to the tune of ZWL137,736,500 through unauthorized withdrawals.During the proceedings, prosecutor Ms. Heather Muwokoto called upon the first witness, Mr. George Mashonganyika, the special projects executive at Galwex Investments. He testified that the Makonis were initially appointed to manage Valley Lodge, a property owned by Galwex, but they corruptly altered its directorship and unlawfully withdrew funds from the company's bank account in 2017.Mashonganyika revealed that a routine check in October 2023 uncovered that the accused had fraudulently changed the directorship of Valley Lodge without the knowledge or approval of Galwex, subsequently appointing themselves as signatories. He also noted that while the Makonis were only supposed to receive commissions for their management role, they began receiving salaries directly from Valley Lodge's funds.At one point, the Makonis attempted to negotiate with Galwex to return the lodge's directorship to its rightful owners and proposed a compensation package of US$50,000 through a deed of settlement.However, Ms. Muwokoto's application to submit a certified copy of this deed was met with resistance from the defense lawyer, Mr. Admire Rubaya, who argued that the document could be prejudicial to his clients.The court awaits Mr. Mambanje's ruling, which will determine the next steps in this high-profile case involving significant allegations of fraud and mismanagement.
BEIRUTAt 3:25 p.m. Tuesday, two members of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah were eating lunch at a shopping mall in the Lebanese capital when the pager one of the men was carrying exploded, leaving him severely injured and bleeding from the arms and eyes.

Across town at 3:34 p.m., another blast tore through a Hezbollah office. A pager used for internal communications received a text message consisting of a series of numbers, then beeped for five seconds before detonating, throwing one man from his chair and destroying his desk, a witness said.

Within minutes, hundreds of pagers issued to Hezbollah officials in Beirut and around the country exploded, killing 12 people and injuring more than 2,800, Lebanese authorities said. Emergency rooms were flooded with blast victims. Hezbollahs leaders blamed Israel and pledged to retaliate.

Then, on Wednesday, it happened again. This time walkie-talkies and other electronics used by the Shiite militant group began blowing up, sending a second wave of casualties into overcrowded hospitals and further undermining the Shiite militants ability to communicate.

By the end of the day, 20 more people were dead and 450 more injured. The attacks also exposed the identities of thousands of Hezbollah operatives, many of whom worked covertlya coup for Israeli intelligence and a likely surprise for some Hezbollah members relatives and neighbors.

The blasts appeared to have been one of Israels most ambitious covert operations, aimed at disrupting a foe that has amassed a formidable arsenal and that, since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, has regularly exchanged fire with Israeli forces across the countrys northern border.

On Wednesday, the countrys defense minister said Israel was starting a new phase of the war in the north. Its top general said, We have many capabilities that we havent yet activated."

Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, struggled to come to grips with the likelihood that Israeli spies had managed to covertly insert explosives into a batch of pagers and also into a set of batteries that were used to power the portable radiosand then to detonate them remotely.

One explosion at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday happened at a funeral in Beiruts southern suburbs for Hezbollah members killed by Tuesdays pager blasts. It sent a plume of black smoke skyward near a stage erected for speeches.

Within moments, news spread that another round of explosive attacks was under way, and some mourners panicked and fled.

A Hezbollah member who took an injured colleague for medical attention on Tuesday said he thought the mans pager explosion was an isolated event, and said he was shocked when he arrived at the hospital.

The entrance was swamped with people, and a fellow member told me the hospital was at capacity," he said. It was only then that I understood this was a large-scale attack," he said.

Details emerging from investigations into the massive attacks pointed to a highly complex plan carried out by Israel, in which explosives were planted in thousands of devices distributed to Hezbollah members.

But it also drew condemnation from some international observers and health officials as an imprecise and widespread attack that put civilians at risk for little clear military purpose.

Explosions happened on streets and in markets. At least two children were among the dead. A Lebanese army officer said one radio exploded Wednesday in a car parked at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, or AUBMC, across the street from the emergency-room entrance.

Lebanese Health Minister Dr. Firass Abiad told The Wall Street Journal that many of the pagers blew up in the faces of people who grabbed them after they received a message. And it happened everywhere.

Some of the injuries were because people were on their bikes, or some people were in their cars," he said. Some people were with their families. Thats why their children were affected."

He said it was difficult for him to determine how many of the dead and wounded were Hezbollah members and how many were civilians. Many of those who were injured were working in regular jobs when the pagers exploded, he said.

Whoever planned this didnt know where those pagers were going to end up," he said. There is a lot of indiscriminate nature in this attack."

Israels government has come under increasing pressure from voters to push Hezbollah back from the Israeli border. Since Hezbollah began firing into Israel after Oct. 7, tens of thousands of Israelis have fled their homes in the north and have lived as displaced persons in other parts of the country.

Israeli leaders have vowed to make it safe for them to return home and have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with militants in Lebanon. Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of Hezbollah operatives and prompted tens of thousands of people to flee southern Lebanon.

Israels military hasnt commented directly on the effects of this weeks attacks.

Bassem Badran waited outside AUBMCs emergency room, where one of his friends was in critical condition and two others were being treated for lesser wounds.

The friend with the worst injuries had been shopping in a supermarket when his pager exploded, blowing off his hand.

The attacks brought Lebanon to a standstill, a significant achievement for a country that has suffered for decades from assassinations, large bombings and Israeli airstrikes, including a 15-year civil war, the 1982 Israeli invasion and repeated wars since then between Israel and Hezbollah.

Lebanons health minister said that more than 2,000 wounded people had arrived at hospitals within the first half-hour after the pager attack and that by midday Wednesday, hospitals had performed some 500 operations including on peoples faces, eyes and hands.

Ghassan Abu Sitta, a plastic surgeon at AUBMC, said: Basically you have thousands of young men with almost identical injuries leading to permanent disabilities. These injuries are affecting the hands and one or both eyes."

It took some time for the scale of the attack to dawn on people. Much of the country first learned what was happening online, where videos spilled out showing pagers erupting and then ghastly scenes from hospitals of mangled hands, missing eyes and bloodied torsos.

In the initial moments after the blasts began, some people said they panicked and unplugged their routers and even television sets, fearing that the attack could be more widespread.

Ambulances wailed through Beiruts crowded streets, and hundreds of people gathered outside emergency rooms at hospitals across the city. At AUBMC, ambulances pulled up every few minutes to unload victims.

Dr. Georges Ghanem, crisis unit director at the Lebanese American University Medical Center, said more than 40 patients were with complex injuries, including some missing eyes and limbs.

Because eyes require advanced surgery, supplies and specialists were strained, and operations had to be delayed hours.

The limited doctors, equipment and space in comparison to all the casualties happening at the same time across the country made the response very difficult," Ghanem said. Now we are working on securing prosthetics for those who lost their limbs."
A wave of deadly explosions of pagers and other electronic devices carried by militants in Lebanon has sharply heightened Pentagon concern about a potential ground war erupting in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

Even before the hundreds of widely dispersed detonations Tuesday and Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told senior Pentagon aides in a Monday meeting at the Pentagon that he feared Israel could soon launch an offensive, after months of back-and-forth rocket and air attacks with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia group that controls much of southern Lebanon.

U.S. alarm about a possible invasion has intensified since the brazen attacks in Lebanon. I am very concerned about this spiraling out of control," a senior defense official said, echoing comments since Tuesday by other Pentagon aides.

Israels military moved a division of commando and paratrooper soldiers to the north in recent days from the southern part of the country, after it had operated for months in Gaza, according to a person familiar with the matter. The division consists of thousands of soldiers.

Since the Gaza war broke out last October, the Biden administration has worried about a full-scale conflict on Israels northern frontier that could draw in the U.S. and even Iran.

U.S. officials stressed that they havent yet seen any indicators such as calling up reserves to indicate an imminent invasion. Even once a decision is made, it could take weeks before Israeli forces are in position to launch a major offensive. But Israel could order a smaller operation more quickly, without other major military moves, U.S. defense officials said.

Israeli officials said Wednesday that they were beginning a new stage in Israels clash with Hezbollah, unless Hezbollah pulls back its forces from southern Lebanon and halts cross-border rocket and mortar attacks, which have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis from the north.

We are at the start of a new phase in the warwe are allocating resources and forces to the northern arena and our mission is clear: ensuring the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted Wednesday on X. To do so, the security situation must be changed."

John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council spokesman, told reporters Wednesday that there was still a way to end the crisis through diplomacy, not war. Nothing is inevitable," he said of a potential conflict.

Hezbollah promised to retaliate against Israel for the covert attacks on its communications. Israeli officials have made no public comments about the explosions. The attacks Wednesday killed 20 people and injured more than 450, after Tuesdays attacks killed 12 and injured more than 2,800 people, said Lebanons government, which blamed Israel.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at a news conference in Cairo Wednesday, said it was imperative that all parties refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict."

Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets at northern Israel, mostly at military targets, and most have been intercepted by Israels defense systems. Hezbollah has targeted residential areas as well. Hezbollah said it would halt attacks when Israel ceases its assault on Hamas in Gaza.

Both sides have hesitated to escalate the conflict, fearing consequences that would likely be devastating to both sides.

The sharpening tensions between Israel and Hezbollah came less than a month after the two adversaries pulled back from a looming clash following Israels killing of a senior Hezbollah leader in Beirut and the assassination of a leader of the militant group Hamas in Tehran.

Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel on Aug. 25 as around 100 Israeli warplanes struck targets in Lebanon, a move Israel said was intended to pre-empt a Hezbollah attack. The exchange appeared to result in few casualties and limited damage. Afterward, Hezbollah said its retaliatory operation had concluded.

It still has a formidable arsenal of weaponry that includes 150,000 missiles that can reach any city in Israel, as well as 30,000 full-time fighters, many of whom are battle-hardened from a decade of fighting in Syrias civil war. Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy leader, said Saturday in Beirut that a full-scale war with Israel would result in large losses on both sides."

Gallant told U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein Monday in Tel Aviv that the only way left to return the residents of the North to their homes is via military action," according to a statement from the ministers office.

The Israeli defense minister, who has clashed repeatedly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on war strategy, had just the day before delivered the same message to Austin over the phone. Austins response was to urge Israel to give diplomatic negotiations time to succeed," according to Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder.

A U.S. defense official said the secretarys impression was that Israel was considering new military options for Lebanon.

You would do this as shaping one before doing something else," a former defense official said, referring to the timing of the detonations of pagers, walkie-talkies and other electronic devices.

Hochstein met Monday with Netanyahu and implored him not to authorize a war against the Lebanese group, a senior administration official said. Israel hasnt given up entirely on U.S.-brokered attempts to get Hezbollah to pull its forces back to the Litani River in Lebanon, 18 miles from the Israel-Lebanon border, but an Israeli official said, It cant go on forever."

Shortly before the pagers detonated across Lebanon Tuesday, Gallant again called Austin to warn him about an imminent operation without divulging details, U.S. officials said. The U.S. had no involvement in Tuesday or Wednesdays attacks, the White House said.

The region is headed for chaos," a Middle East official said Wednesday.

The U.S. has an aircraft carrier in the region, the USS Abraham Lincoln, and positioned an amphibious assault ship carrying Marines and helicopters in Greece, along with other ships and a missile-carrying submarine, the USS Georgia. In addition, the U.S. has sent a squadron of F-22 jet fighters and expanded its air defenses around the region to protect ground forces based there.

The Biden administration has warned Americans for months to leave Lebanon because of the risks of intensified fighting. A State Department warning in late July urged Americans not to travel to Lebanon and for those living in the countrys south to depart by any means available.

The U.S. has formulated plans to evacuate Americans and other noncombatants from Lebanon. One contingency involves evacuating roughly 50,000 U.S. citizens, residents and their families to Cyprus, defense officials said. In 2022, the State Department estimated that 86,000 Americans lived in the Middle Eastern country.

The plan calls for civilian ships to carry evacuees roughly 160 nautical miles across the Mediterranean from Lebanon to Cyprus.

Theodoros Gotsis, a spokesman for Cypruss Foreign Ministry, said in an interview that Washington would have to officially request the use of an evacuation facility on the island. Meanwhile, he said, coordination continues for contingencies and for all possibilities."
New Delhi: The government is planning to compensate farmers for the losses they suffer when the prices of produce fall substantially below the minimum support price, or MSP.

The scheme will cover all crops and include vegetables, which currently do not have a floor price because they are classed as perishables.

According to the scheme, when the market price of a farm producewhether grains, pulses or vegetablesfalls below the MSP, the Union government will cover up to 15% of the price difference. This will be paid to the loss-making farmer.

Also read | A new  4,500-cr water scheme for farms teases a bonus: 24/7 supply for homes For this purpose, the government has come out with a model price. This will be applicable only to vegetables tomato, onion and potato (TOP) and will act like a base price for vegetables.

To be sure, if the price of a crop or vegetable falls below the 15% threshold set by the government, the loss will be borne by the farmer.

States given choice States have been asked to choose between the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and BBY to ensure remunerative price of agricultural crops in the event of a price crash, said Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday while briefing the media on the agriculture ministrys achievements in the first 100 days of the Modi governments third term.

Also read | India strengthens global agricultural partnerships as G20 farm ministers meet PSS is yet another scheme, under which the central government buys produce at above the market rate to ensure farmers receive fair compensation. Under PSS, the Central and state governments buy the produce that is being sold below the MSP, while under BBY the government will pay the difference directly to farmers.

We are holding discussions with all the state ministers and working on finalising the scheme. Its the states that should take the final call, Chouhan said, adding that the compensation for the difference between MSP and model price to be borne by the Central government is limited to 15% of the MSP.

On MP's footsteps The scheme, called the Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana (BBY), was first launched in Madhya Pradesh in October 2017 when Chouhan was the Chief Minister of the state but was withdrawn in March 2018, just before the start of the rabi marketing season.

This cap will ensure that traders and farmers cannot manipulate prices. A model pricing mechanism will be created to directly transfer the difference in price to farmers' accounts, Chouhan told Mint.

Also read | Water must be at the centre of any efforts to uplift rural India In the case of vegetables, which are perishable and not covered by a traditional MSP, the government will set a model price based on the average market price. This model price will be determined by assessing factors such as the cost of production, supply and demand, and market trends, the minister said.

The changes will be part of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), with coverage increased from 20% to 25% of production. The changed MIS scheme allows the government to make direct payments to farmers instead of buying the produce physically.

Transport, storage covered Additionally, the government will cover transportation and storage costs to help balance prices between producing and consuming states during peak harvesting for TOP crops. This will ensure fair prices for farmers and help keep consumer prices stable.

To encourage broader participation, the Centre has changed the 25% procurement limit from a state level to a national level. This allows states to procure up to 25% of the national production of notified crops, rather than being restricted to 25% of their own production, Chouhan said.

This will allow states to procure more crops at MSP from farmers to ensure remunerative prices and prevent distress sales. However, this ceiling will not be applicable in the case of tur, urad, and masur for the 2024-25 season, as there will be a 100% procurement of pulses.

Also read | Raising farmer income is a key priority for India Haryana was the first state to launch BBY for vegetables in December 2017.

The government has also increased the ceiling for oilseeds procurement for states from the earlier 25% to 40%.
By Dharamraj Dhutia

MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's largest private lender HDFC Bank hopes to complete a planned sale of loans worth more than 90 billion rupees ($1.08 billion) - its largest to date - by the end of September, three sources aware of the matter said on Thursday.

The sources requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to media.

Also Read | HDFC Bank in talks with global lenders to offload 84 billion in loans

HDFC Bank did not immediately reply to a Reuters query.

HDFC Bank merged with parent Housing Development Finance Corp in July 2023, adding a large pool of mortgage loans to the bank's portfolio but a much smaller amount of deposits. This has put it under pressure to increase the pace at which it raises deposits or to slow loan growth.

The bank is in the process of issuing pass through certificates that are backed by a pool of car loans.

Also Read | Q2 Results 2024: HDFC Bank to announce Q2FY25 earnings report on October 19

India Ratings has assigned a provisional AAA(SO) rating to these instruments and said the collateral pool had an outstanding of 90.62 billion rupees as on Aug. 31.

The provisional ratings are based on the origination, servicing, collection and recovery capabilities of HDFC Bank, the rating agency said.

"The bank has already tied up with investors that include mutual funds, some corporates as well as some non-banking finance companies who would be subscribing to these instruments," one of the sources said.

The pass through certificates, divided in three parts, will mature in September 2026, July 2027 and September 2030, and will have loans worth 35 billion rupees, 18 billion rupees and 37.62 billion rupees, respectively.

($1 = 83.6180 Indian rupees)
For gig workers, earnings could spike this festival season as online retailers and quick commerce platforms to delivery firms go beyond usual incentives to bolster workforce to meet the rush. On offer: daily bonuses, overnight payouts, additional reward for 100% attendance, and mobile phones to motorbikes for top performers.

Companies including BigBasket, Zepto, Flipkart, Amazon, Delhivery, and Ecom Express are ramping up hiring during the auspicious period when Indians love to buy everything from mobile phones and washing machines to cars.

Special allowances are planned largely for the delivery staff on third-party payrolls. According to staffing firm Teamlease Services, a worker on an average could earn up to 40,000 a month during the period, a 10-15% jump over the previous year.

Tata-owned BigBasket is offering additional benefits such as loan and education incentives for workers to support their families in addition to daily and weekly bonuses, said Tanuja Tewari, chief human resources officer at the e-commerce company. As demand grows, the company is willing to increase payouts proportionately.

Festive season sales are expected to jump about 35% this year, according to a report by Teamlease, helped by the rise of quick commerce and an increase in consumer spending. NLB Services, a digital talent solutions provider, estimates that more than 10 lakh jobs could be created, with a notable surge in gig and female workforce participation.

Also read |

Delhivery, a listed logistics company, has launched a rider incentive scheme to boost daily, weekly and monthly earnings, co-founder and chief people's officer Suraj Saharan told Mint.

Its Delhi-based peer Ecom Express has rolled out a special referral programme for the festive season, allowing workers to earn as much as 1,500 a month for referring a new partner to join the platform, said chief operating officer Vishwachetan Nadamani.

Both the companies are going beyond monetary incentives. Delhivery will reward its top performers with Apples iPhones, Macbooks and two-wheelers. Ecom Express, too, will hand out motorbikes and appliances, including mixer-grinders, to those hitting milestones like most deliveries in a day.

We have observed that these incentives result in a 30-40% increase in productivity of workers," Ecoms Nadamani said.

Quick commerce boom

Facing competition from quick commerce, online retailers are preparing to cut delivery times.

Walmart Inc-backed Flipkart, which is set to kick off its Big Billion Days sale on 26 September, has strengthened its pan-India supply-chain network with the launch of 11 fulfilment centres in anticipation of growing demand.

It promises same-day delivery for over 2 lakh stock keeping units across 20 cities this festive season. That means the company will need to deploy more delivery fleets.

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Rival Amazon opened three new fulfilment centresone each in Delhi-NCR, Guwahati, and Patna--and has created more than 110,000 seasonal jobs across its operations.

Madhav Krishna, founder and chief executive of blue-collar recruitment platform Vahan.ai, expects the number of quick commerce workers to spike twofold thanks to the festival demand.

Companies are offering 20-30% higher earnings than usual depending on the platform, Krishna said, adding that this is over and above the benefits workers get on completing milestones and working late hours.

Beyond metros

Smaller cities and towns are expected to boost demand even more.

Even though cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad experience the highest number of orders, the largest growth comes from tier 2 cities like Raipur, Nagpur, and Jaipur, according to a September report by Delhivery.

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Zepto also anticipates greater demand for seasonal workers as it scales up its operations, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities. To address this, we are proactively ramping up our efforts with targeted campaigns and attractive incentives for new gig workers," said chief operating officer Vikas Sharma. Additionally, we have streamlined our training processes to ensure that new members are quickly and effectively integrated."

Offline sales

The festival period sees pitched battles between brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms, who offer bigger discounts to lure buyers.

As retailers and consumer goods makers grapple with an inventory pile-up, electronics companies will reward sales teams if they manage to sell select products.

Haier India changes fee and incentive structures on demand and market priorities, said president NS Satish. The local arm of Chinese electronics maker is training its top 1,000 shop sellers ahead of the festive season. The company has 8,000 sales staff deployed across thousands of electronics shops.

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Teamlease is even looking to shift workers between regions to meet the growing demand for additional hands.

"The push is to get dark store workers from the northern and eastern regions to west and south. Companies are willing to pay 3,000 along with minimum wages to get their manpower," said Balasubramanian Anantha Narayanan, senior vice president at the company. Its delivery teams will get incentives depending on the volume and time slots.
New Delhi: The Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas is planning to hold the next round of bidding for oil and gas assets under the open acreage licensing programme (OALP) early next year, an official aware of the development said.

The official said that the Oil (Regulations and Development) Amendment Bill, aimed at bringing reforms in the oil and gas exploration space, is expected to be passed in the upcoming winter session of the parliament and the new rules are likely to come into effect for the 10th round. In the 10th round, the government would offer blocks in erstwhile no-go areas, where exploration and production of hydrocarbons were barred due to strategic reasons.

Further, the reformed contractual terms may also be incorporated in the contracts to be signed for the ongoing 9th round of OALP.

The ninth OALP round was launched in January and will close on Saturday (21 September). Of the 28 blocks being offered, nine are onshore blocks, eight shallow-water blocks and 11 ultra-deepwater blocks across eight sedimentary basins, with an area of 136,596.45 square kilometers.

Also Read: Can the drop in crude oil prices spoil the party for MCX? OALP round nine closes day after tomorrow. So, we are already in advanced stages for preparations of OALP round 10. We are hoping to see passage of ORD Act in the winter session which therefore makes it easier for us. If we are successful then it opens the way for making changes in our contracting framework for round 10. And OALP round 10, therefore, early next year we are targeting, will be focussed on all the no go areas, the official said on the condition of anonymity.

Increase production In a bid to increase Indias oil and gas production, the Centre has already made available more than 1 million square kilometre in recent past for exploration and production (E&P) operations which were earlier so called no-go areas. India is the third-largest importer of oil and gas, and purchases about 85% of its energy requirement and has been making efforts to increase its domestic production to ensure energy security. In FY24, it imported 233.1 million tonne (mt) of crude oil, compared to 232.7 mt in the previous fiscal (FY23).

The contracts for the bids selected for round nine would probably get signed early next year. So we have assured (the bidders) that the government would factor in all the impact of the ORD bill in our contracting for round nine, the official added.

Russian oil The official further said that Indian companies continue to discuss as a consortium with Russian oil and gas companies for a long-term oil deal. In July, Mint reported that India's state-run companies are scouting the globe for long-term energy supplies and are jointly negotiating as a consortium.

Also Read: Reduce oil and gas production, dont just make it leak less methane Earlier, Mint had reported that with discounts on Russian crude oil dwindling, India has assembled state-owned and private oil refiners to jointly negotiate for higher discounts and better terms with Russian suppliers, including Russias largest oil company Rosneft PJSC.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday offered full support to Modern Automotives' plan to expand its project in the state to manufacture parts for luxury car maker BMW, PTI reported on Thursday.

CM Mann held a meeting with Modern Automotives representatives Aditya Goyal, Suhail Goyal and Manish Bagga. Mann was told during the meeting that Modern Automotives was the first Indian company to receive approval for deliveries of differential pinion shafts to German automaker BMW AG Munich.

The order for 2.50 million units, valued at 150 crore, has been confirmed, according to the report.

The Punjab CM assured his support to the company and accepted the invitation to lay the foundation stone of its upcoming plant next month at Mandi Gobindgarh.

Chief Minister Mann said Punjab has an industry-friendly government with a real single-window system for investors. The state has communal harmony and a congenial atmosphere for industrial growth, according to the chief minister.

Mann said the expansion plan of Modern Automotives would give impetus to the state's industrial growth and highlight Punjab on the international map.

About Modern Automotives Modern Automotives is a solution provider focusing on special steel, precision forging, expertise machining, and customised assemblies for two-wheeler and four-wheeler OEMs in India for forging and manufacturing automotive components. The company has 1,300 employees and has a track record of developing 170 new products and 12 new product lines in the last three years, according to its website.

For an automotive brand like BMW which sets the industry-leading benchmark in mobility, developing pinion shaft matching its precise quality standard is a feather in the cap of our company and a milestone for the Make in India campaign, said Aditya Goyal, managing director of Modern Automotives.
Stellantis and Volkswagen posted significant drops in August new-car registrations in the European Union, contributing to a sharp overall decline as demand weakened in key markets and electric-vehicle sales fell.

Consumers in core markets of Germany, France, Italy and Spain drove an 18% on-year drop in the blocs monthly registrations, which reflect sales, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association said Thursday. EU registrations came to around 643,600 for the month, with every major European carmaker posting declines.

Stellantis, the multinational company behind European brands like Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, posted a nearly 30% drop-off in registrations compared with last year. The carmaker, which also owns Jeep and Dodge, said in July that it would consider cutting prices to attract consumers and offload inventory after disappointing earnings. Back then, company executives pointed to new model launches to buoy its performance the rest of the year.

Registrations for Volkswagen, Europes largest carmaker, fell 15%, ACEA said. The decline came as the company considers closing factories in Germany and Belgium amid cost-cutting efforts and low demand for EVs.

German luxury brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz experienced drops of 16% and 13%, respectively. Frances Renault saw new-car registrations fall 14%.

The EU recorded a steep monthly decline in new fully-electric vehicle sales amid a transition for an industry that has invested heavily in their production. EV registrations plunged 44% to about 92,600, the industry group said. Their market share slipped to 14% from 21% the year prior.

Traditional hybrid cars were the only vehicle type that had growth in August, with registrations rising 6.6%, according to ACEA. Sales of conventional gas-burning cars and plug-in hybrids both declined.

Write to David Sachs at david.sachs@wsj.com
Shares of logistics service provider Delhivery have faced significant selling pressure from investors since August 2022, trading below its IPO price of 487. The stock dropped by 14.23 percent in May, and although it partially rebounded in the following months, it has yet to surpass its May highs.

Domestic brokerage firm ICICI Securities identified several key factors contributing to the stocks underperformance. These include a slowdown in the third-party logistics (3PL) market, exacerbated by increasing in-sourcing at Meesho; rapid growth in quick commerce within the e-commerce, where logistics are typically managed in-house; and rising market share among some competitors within the 3PL space.

Despite these challenges, the brokerage notes that Delhivery is consolidating its leadership position in the express parcel market through cost control and service quality improvements. In the Part Truckload (PTL) segment, Delhivery has gradually approached 90 percent of the combined volumes of Delhivery and Spoton and has achieved profitability at the service EBITDA level starting Q4 FY24.

Therefore, the brokerage maintains a 'buy' rating on the stock, with a target price of 600 apiece, suggesting an upside potential of 42 percent from the latest closing price of 423.

Market dynamics favour Delhivery The brokerage recently met with the companys management, who shared insights on the market dynamics. Management informed that Meeshos ongoing insourcing could create significant challenges for some competitors, potentially leading to market consolidation that could benefit Delhivery.

They explained that disaggregation benefits only when partnering with firms with lower cost structures in specific parts of the value chain. As Delhivery considers itself a cost leader across all segments, it does not intend to list its services on platforms like Valmo.

Also Read | Delhivery to launch dark store network for rapid e-commerce deliveries

The brokerage, citing management, noted that Delhiverys value proposition in the Part Truckload (PTL) sector lies in its broad and fast reach with high-quality service. While most PTL companies limit their networks to 4,000-5,000 pin codes due to density requirements, Delhiverys e-commerce operations reach nearly 19,000 pin codes across the country daily.

Management also informed the brokerage that Delhivery is exploring opportunities in quick commerce (QC) by leveraging its strengths in warehousing, distribution, and last-mile logistics for online brands. However, the company does not plan to compete in the 15-minute delivery ecosystem. According to management, clarity on the monetisation of its SaaS business is expected in FY26.

As of March 31, 2024, Delhivery operated 29 automated sortation centres equipped with 41 sorters, handling a monthly sortation capacity of approximately 213 million shipments. This figure does not include an additional 20 smaller sorters. The efficiency of a logistics network is measured by its sortation capacity, not just the number of sorters or centres.
The initial public offering (IPO) of Manba Finance is scheduled to open for bidding on Monday, September 23, and will remain open until Wednesday, September 25.

The company aims to raise 150.84 crore through this offering, which is entirely a fresh issue of 1.26 crore shares. The IPO price band is set between 114 and 120 per share, with a lot size of 125 shares for retail investors. At the upper end of the price band, the cost for one lot is 15000. Retail investors can apply for a maximum of 13 lots.

The net offer is allocated as follows: 50 percent reserved for qualified institutional buyers, 15 percent for non-institutional investors, and 35 percent for retail investors.

In this article, we break down key highlights from the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP), offering crucial details to help make an informed decision about this IPO.

Overview of the company The company is a Non-Banking Financial Company-Base Layer (NBFC-BL) offering financial solutions across various vehicle categories and personal lending. It provides financing for new two-wheelers (2W), three-wheelers (3W), electric two-wheelers (EV2Ws), electric three-wheelers (EV3Ws), used cars, small business loans, and personal loans.

Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, the company operates through 66 locations connected to 29 branches across six states in western, central, and northern India. Approximately 97.90% of its loan portfolio is dedicated to new vehicle loans, with an average ticket size (ATS) of 80,000 for two-wheelers and 1,40,000 for three-wheelers.

Utilization of net proceeds The company plans to use the net proceeds to strengthen its capital base, addressing future capital needs. Additionally, the listing of our equity shares on the stock exchanges is expected to enhance the companys brand presence and establish a public market for our shares in India.

Dealer network and strategic relationships The company has built a strong network of over 1,100 dealers, including more than 190 EV dealers, across six key states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

The company employees are present at these dealers' premises to assist potential customers looking to purchase two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or electric vehicles. This dealer network plays a crucial role in the company's business model, acting as a point of sale for its financial products.

Growth in AUM and business model The companys AUM has grown significantly, from 49,582.62 lakh in Fiscal 2022 to 93,685.54 lakh in Fiscal 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 37.46%. This growth has been primarily driven by volume, with consistent ATS and steady yields.

It attributes its success in new vehicle loans to its customer- and dealer-centric business model. Through special incentives and schemes, it addresses issues faced by both dealers and customers, offering tailored solutions. The company has also developed robust systems and processes that enable it to identify local opportunities, ensure careful customer selection, approve loans quickly, and monitor collections in real time.

Diversification into new loan products In a bid to diversify its portfolio, the company is expanding into used car loans, small business loans, and personal loans. For used car loans, the ticket size will range from 2.00 lakh to 6.00 lakh, targeting existing 2W/EV2W customers who are looking to upgrade or add a vehicle.

By leveraging its existing customer database and relationships, the company expects to rapidly expand this product offering. Additionally, the company is forming tie-ups with used car dealers to finance their customers.

The company has also recently introduced small business loans under the "MANBA Vyaapaar" brand in Maharashtra. These loans will have a ticket size ranging from 0.75 lakh to 10.00 lakh, while personal loans will be offered up to 1.00 lakh.

Also Read | Upcoming IPO: Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases files DRHP for IPO with SEBI

These products are initially being offered to existing vehicle finance customers, leveraging the company's in-depth knowledge of their financial needs, borrowing capacity, and repayment history. To ensure success, the company has hired experienced professionals with extensive expertise in MSME lending and personal loans.

Funding Sources The company secures its funding from a diversified range of sources, including term loans and cash credit facilities from public and private sector banks, small finance banks, other financial institutions, and the issuance of privately placed listed and unlisted NCDs.

This funding strategy helps meet its capital requirements. As of Fiscals 2024, 2023, and 2022, the companys total borrowings amounted to 75,227.24 lakh, 59,593.01 lakh, and 39,439.73 lakh, respectively.

The average cost of borrowings over these years stood at 11.98%, 11.19%, and 11.61%. Additionally, the company uses the PTC (pass-through certificates) mechanism to securitize its loan assets. These loans are bundled into portfolios, transferred to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for securitization, which then issues PTCs against the cash flows generated by the underlying pool of loans.

Financials The company's revenue from operations rose by 43.71%, reaching 19,158.61 lakhs for Fiscal 2024, up from 13,331.64 lakhs in Fiscal 2023. This growth was driven primarily by a 34.73% increase in interest income, which grew to 16,835.76 lakhs in Fiscal 2024 from 12,496.17 lakhs in Fiscal 2023.

Additionally, profit after tax for the year surged by 89.50%, climbing to 3,141.97 lakhs in Fiscal 2024, compared to 1,658.01 lakhs in Fiscal 2023.

Key risks Geographical Concentration Risk: The company's operations are concentrated in six states across western, central, and northern India. Any adverse developments in these regions could negatively impact the business and its results of operations.

Competitive Market Environment: The company operates in highly competitive markets with continuously evolving customer needs. If it does not compete effectively with established companies and new market entrants, it could face challenges that may affect its business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Operational Risks from Cash Recoveries: A small portion of the company's aggregate recoveries is received in cash from dispersed locations. This exposes it to operational risks, including employee negligence, fraud, petty theft, burglary, and embezzlement, which could negatively impact its results of operations and financial position.

Listing and allotment details The allotment for the Manba Finance IPO is expected to be finalised on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The shares are scheduled to be listed on both the NSE and BSE, with a tentative listing date of September 30, 2024.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Late former minister Pravin Gordhan will be cremated in Durban on Thursday.Gordhan died on September 13, at the age of 75, following a period of illness.President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a Special Official Funeral, Category 2 which will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Thursday.The Presidency said the funeral would encompass ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).Gordhan served as minister of finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.He also served as minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as minister of public enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement.Gordhan was appointed as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (Sars) in 1999, after a period as deputy commissioner.The National Flag was flown at half-mast from Saturday morning, until the evening of the funeral.The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal are expected to host a memorial service for Gordhan on Wednesday.ANC provincial secretary, Bheki Mtolo said the the memorial service will take place at the Kendra Hall from 5pm and will be attended by ANC rank and file, alliance partners, deployees of the ANC across all spheres of government, progressive forces, diplomats, captains of industry diplomats, community leaders, and members of the public at large.
F&O ban list:The National Stock Exchange (NSE) banned trading in ten stocks on Thursday, September 19, 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.

F&O ban list today Aarti Industries, Balrampur Chini Mills, Biocon, Birlasoft, GNFC, Granules India, LIC Housing Finance, Oracle Financial Services Software, PNB, and RBL Bank are the ten stocks on the NSE's F&O ban list on September 19.

The NSE said the derivative contracts in these securities crossed 95% of the market-wide position limit and have been placed in the stock exchange's ban period.

All clients/members shall trade in the derivative contracts of said security only to decrease their positions through offsetting positions. Any increase in open positions shall attract appropriate penal and disciplinary action, the NSE statement said.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

No new positions are allowed when the stock exchanges place F&O contracts in a particular stock in the ban period.

On September 18, benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty hit fresh lifetime intra-day highs before closing lower due to profit booking in IT shares.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped by 131.43 points or 0.16 per cent to settle at 82,948.23 in a volatile trade. The index opened lower but cut short losses in late morning trade, climbing 246.72 points or 0.29 per cent to scale a new all-time intra-day peak of 83,326.38.

The NSE Nifty declined by 41 points or 0.16 per cent to close at 25,377.55. During the day, it advanced 63.65 points or 0.25 per cent to hit a fresh intra-day lifetime high of 25,482.20.
Vodafone Idea share price cracked 15% after the Supreme Court rejected a plea by telecom companies on re-computation of adjusted gross revenues (AGR) dues.

Telcos, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had filed curative petitions citing arithmetic errors in computation of the AGR demand by the government.

However, in a setback for telcos, the apex court bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai on Thursday rejected the batch of pleas on re-computation of AGR dues.

Also Read | Reliance Power share price rises 5%: Hits upper circuit

The curative petitions by the telcos urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2019 judgement in favour of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) order seeking AGR and other non-revenue related dues.

Telcos claimed that DoT made a grave error in the calculation of AGR dues and thus imposed arbitrary penalty amounts.

Vodafone Idea share price Vodafone Idea shares have already been trading weak after a global brokerage recently gave a Sell call on the telecom stock, giving a downside target of 2.50 to 2.0 per share, noted Seema Srivastava, Senior Equity Analyst at SMC Global Securities.

Now, the Supreme Court rejecting the telecom companys plea to re-compute the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) has further damaged the chances of recovery in Vodafone Idea shares. That's why the telecom stock is nosediving today, Srivastava added.

Earlier this month, foreign brokerage firm Goldman Sachs maintained a Sell rating on Vodafone Idea shares and predicted a target price of 2.5 apiece for the stock. The brokerages target on Vodafone Idea stock implied a sharp downfall of 83% from the prevailing price at that time.

Vodafone Idea has large AGR/spectrum related payments starting in FY26; while the government has the option of converting some dues into equity, we estimate ARPUs would have to rise by 200-270 (120%-150% under different scenarios) versus December 2024E levels for Vodafone Idea to be sustainably free cash flow neutral, a low probability in the medium term in our view, Goldman Sachs said in a report.

Excluding the impact from any such potential conversion, it expects FCF to be negative at least until FY31.

However, brokerages seem to be divided on Vodafone Idea shares as the target prices range from as low as 1.50 by Deutsche Bank, to as high as 23 per share from Ambit Capital.

What should investors do with Vodafone Idea shares? According to Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securities, Vodafone Idea share price has immediate support placed at 11.50 apiece.

So, those who own Vodafone Idea shares are advised to maintain a strict stop loss below the 11.50 per share mark and try to exit the stock if there is any relief rally. However, if the stock breaks down below 11.50 on a closing basis, we may see the stock touching 5.90 to 5.70 apiece in the short to medium term, Jain said.

At 12:00 pm, Vodafone Idea shares were locked in at 15% lower circuit at 10.96 apiece, while Bharti Airtel shares were trading 0.65% higher at 1,665.65 apiece on NSE.
Youre too enthusiastic," Basel Adra, a weary Palestinian lawyer-turned-activist tells his filmmaking partner Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist. The two embarked on their joint documentary project, No Other Land , along with two other co-directors, Palestinian photographer Hamdan Ballal and Israeli cinematographer and editor Rachel Szor, in 2019. Abraham is filing stories in real time throughout the shoot (which was completed in 2023 right around the time of the Hamas attack in October) but is dejected by their failure to generate any interest or sympathy among the Israeli public.

You want the occupation to end in 10 days," chides Adra with a chuckle that belies the bone-deep exhaustion etched into his face. You have to have patience." The word he uses is sabr, an Arabic and Urdu word that means something a bit deeper, more spiritual  it connotes endurance and perseverance; a belief in the righteousness of the long battle youre fighting.

Its moments like these that make No Other Land so powerful. The film, which screened this week at TIFF after premiering at Berlinale, where it won the Best Documentary award, uses Adra and his family as the anchor in its exploration of the decades-long Israeli assault on Masafer Yatta, a mountainous rural village in the West Bank. The film begins with some of his earliest memories, immortalized in grainy video footage, of his parents and grandparents engaged in stand-offs with Israeli soldiers destroying parts of their village. The film cuts from archival footage to present-day, where nothing has changed. By court-approved order, one of the largest expulsions in the West Bank is underway, with the goal of razing the village to set up a training ground for the military. Nothing is spared, not even portable toilets or pigeon coops. Houses are bulldozed in the blink of an eye, with entire families forced to take refuge in nearby caves, with nowhere else to go.

We have no other land," says a Palestinian woman whose son, Harun, was shot by an IOF soldier in a horrifying moment caught on video. Paralyzed from the shoulders down, he has no access to medical care or even a proper place to recover. His bed is a pile of blankets on a damp cave floor and he catches frequent infections that weaken his already compromised body.

While some Israeli soldiers are particularly vicious and aggressive, emboldened by the support (both tacit and explicit) of the worlds superpowers, its the impassivity of the rest as they inflict and observe pain that truly gets the skin crawling. In one devastating scene, Israeli forces surround a school filled with children, locking them within the building as they prepare it for demolition. The frantic children escape through a window, aided by their teachers, and moments later the building comes down.

Adra was once a student at this school, which his parents helped build with their own hands. Another video flashback, with Adra narrating: the IOF is preventing construction from taking place so Adras mother has the idea for the school to be built by women and children (whom soldiers are less likely to brutalize) during the day, with the men taking over the work by stealth during the night. This is how that modest one-storey school, now in ruins, came to be.

Abraham, who refused mandatory Israeli military service, watches all this unfold in shock and anger. Adra has vouched for him so he is welcomed into the village, where a resident asks if hes one of the rare human rights Israelis" that is against the occupation of Palestine. Yes, its a crime, he says. Hes outraged at what is being done in his name but at the end of the day, he gets to leave. His Israeli passport and yellow license plates mean he can enter and leave the West Bank as he wishes, a basic right not afforded to the Palestinians who live there. During one of their late-night conversations over hookah, he asks Adra why he never worked as a lawyer, having been trained in the field. Because there are no opportunities here, responds Adra plainly. Theres nowhere for Palestinians to work except Israel, where the only jobs available are in construction. So he became an activist and a documentarian instead. What else is there for him to do but pick up his phone and relentlessly document (as his forefathers did before him) the million injustices, big and small, his community has to live with? In a world where the Israeli military gets away with murder, a camera has long been the Palestinians only weapon.

The stark disparities between Abraham and Adra are apparent in these quiet moments as they reflect on their different realities, and also in their interactions with Israeli soldiers. Abraham quickly switches to Hebrew, which offers him a degree of protection. Adra, meanwhile, is frequently threatened and attacked. Yet he remains resolute, despite moments of despair and a mounting, near-overwhelming emotional toll.

No Other Land has much to recommend it on grounds of subject matter alone, but it delivers on the filmmaking front as well. Camera phone recordings of the incessant demolitions and violence create a sense of urgency while archival footage reinforces the repetitive nature of these land grabs, establishing an agonizing and infuriating throughline (and providing an oft-necessary reminder that this conflict did not begin on October 7). Meanwhile, Szors cinematography captures the landscape in all its beauty and brutality, at times giving the film the air of a pastoral fable. In the most harrowing moments caught on camera, the filmmakers let the footage speak for itself  no commentary or narration is needed when extreme acts of cruelty, including cold-blooded murder, take place in broad daylight.

Condensing four years of footage into 95 minutes was surely a daunting task, but the result is a tightly and masterfully edited film. For Palestinians, the political and the personal are indistinguishable, and the film gets that across with various tableaus of daily life in the occupied region from the quiet dignity of villagers trying to make the best of their makeshift homes to the protests organized by locals on rural roads, from lighthearted dinners with Adras family, even as the threat of arrest looms large, to conversations about an uncertain future between Abraham and Adra (who are often filmed in profile or side by side in a single frame, perhaps to underscore the growing intimacy yet stark divide between these two young men of similar ages).

As Israeli intrusions ramp up in the aftermath of October 7, particularly by armed settlers, the Palestinian spirit of sabr is tested. To endure or to leave becomes the impossible choice faced by the residents of Masafer Yatta but if the video message Adra recorded for the TIFF audiencestanding next to Abraham in the near-darkness of his villageis an indication, they shall endure.
A special anniversary pop-up Mumbais Masque, voted as the best restaurant in India by Asias 50 Best Restaurants 2024, completes eight years this month. To mark a milestone anniversary, they planned special pop-ups every week in September. On Friday (September 20), they will host a home-style coastal menu for lunch and dinner. The food experience is in collaboration with the non-profit organisation The Heritage Project, who started the initiative Chefs of Koliwada to spotlight the cuisine of Mumbais indigenous Koli community and empower its home chefs. They will work alongside Masques chef Varun Totlani for a one-of-a-kind, flavour-filled affair with local flair. The price per person is 5320 and all proceeds will go towards the Chefs of Koliwada initiative.

Also read: Food meets art therapy at this retreat in the Himalayas To Oktoberfest Oktoberfest begins early this year with the multi-chain pub, The Beer Cafe. They will launch a new food and beer menu on Saturday (September 21) that will be available till October 31. The beers include the traditional German specialities, like the mildly malty Marzen Lager, refreshing Hefeweizen and Radler (a cocktail style drink with beer and lemonade or lemon soda). The food matches the German theme with Bratwurst and Frankfurter Wurstchen platters paired with spiced corncob, mashed potatoes and red cabbage coleslaw salad. The menu will be available across its outlets in in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Mumbai and Punjab. The price for the Oktoberfest beers starts at 395 and platters at 495 onwards.

Sichuan flavours in Bengaluru Bengalurus The Lotus Oriental, the pan-Asian restaurant at The Leela Bharatiya City will be curating a Sichuan menu every weekend starting tomorrow. It will feature dishes like wood ear mushroom soup, pan-fried mock meat bao, and crispy fried fish with sichuan pepper. The vegetarian set menu is priced at 2500 plus taxes and the non-vegetarian set menu is available for 3200 plus taxes.
For more than six decades, 85-year-old Ghulam Muhammad Zaz has been diligently crafting classical music instruments like the santoor and rabab by hand in his small workshop on the second floor of a building adjacent to his ancestral home on the banks of the Jhelum in Siraj Bazar of Zaina Kadal in Srinagars old city. Having learned the craft from his father, grandfather and uncle in the 1950s, Zaz is now the last surviving member and the eighth generation of a family associated with making these musical instruments.

Famous santoor players including Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Pandit Bhajan Sopori, whose framed photos adorn the workshop walls, have played santoors made by the Zaz family. Both the legendary santoor players went on to popularize the Kashmiri musical instrument across India.

Wearing a white prayer cap and a ready smile on his face, the octogenarian walks up a wooden staircase everyday to open the door of his workshop filled with tools and wood to make santoors, rababs, and sitars. A small window opens onto the Jhelum below as he sits on a wooden seat. Theres no cushion behind his back, just another wooden plank. He works six hours a day to carve santoors and rababs by hand, taking short breaks. A rabab or a santoor can take two to four months to complete, he says, sometimes even six months, depending on the requirements of musicians. He knows he is done when he is satisfied with the final tuning.

Zaz doesnt use any machines and likes to work with his hands and his trusted tools. Some of them are over 100 years old and were used by his father and grandfather. Everything is carved by hand and no nails are used in making santoors," he emphasizes. I do some carpentry work as well to shape the wood required for making santoors and rababs." Zaz was awarded the Padma Shri last year for his contribution to classical Indian and Kashmiri musical instruments.

Whatever I have achieved or earned in my life is all because of this small workshop and all these small tools and wooden pieces you see scattered here," the bespectacled octogenarian says. Zaz says when his father, grandfather and uncle were making the instruments through the 1950s and 60s, they had a bigger workshop on the second floor and a shop on the ground floor that displayed finished musical instruments for customers. The Zaz family was well known for musical instruments such as sitar, santoor, dilruba, tanpura, rabab, sarod and sarangi. The shop was eventually closed in the early 1990s after his father passed away and the situation deteriorated in the valley.

View Full Image Santoor maker Ghulam Muhammad Zaz says his workshop in Srinagar is his happy place and has no plans to retire. (Adil Abass/Mint Lounge)

Zaz says they had loyal customers in Kashmir as well as from other states. Many artists and musicians from Mumbai and Kolkata would often visit the workshop and place orders," he says. Rabab has come here from Afghanistan but the santoor is purely a Kashmiri musical instrument," claims Zaz. The traditional Kashmiri santoor has 100 strings." After his father died in the early 1990s, Zaz says he was the only one left in the family to carry forward the family legacy of making musical instruments. His three daughters live elsewhere with their children.

The new generation is not interested in learning this craft," he rues. There is a lot of hard work needed to learn this craft," he says. Not many have the patience to sit for hours to craft a small musical instrument."

Despite being the lone member from his family still making these instruments, Zaz has not thought of retiring or closing his workshop. This messy workshop is my happy space. It gives me sukoon, peace, like nothing else can."

Majid Maqbool is an independent journalist based in Srinagar.

Also read: Art meets food at this retreat in the Himalayas
Every year, countless Indians find themselves entangled in the complexities of third-party motor insurance claims. Unfortunately, the current system relies heavily on the judicial process for settlement and cases often drag on for at least four years on average before they are resolved in a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). This prolonged process not only delays justice but also exacerbates the challenges faced by victims and their families.

Understanding the root causes

A significant reason is the legal proceedings where the advocates of both parties present their cases before the MACT. The sheer volume of cases exacerbates the delays, creating a massive backlog that the judicial system, with its limited resources, struggles to manage.

At its core, a third-party loss aims to compensate affected parties for property damage or bodily injury, and in many tragic cases, the loss of life. If the fault and liability are clearly established, the assessment becomes more straightforward, especially for death claims where the Supreme Court has already provided clear guidelines. However, injury claims are more complex as they depend on the nature of the injuries, treatment, recovery periods, and other factors.

Reducing the burden on courts

The courts often get cases solely for the assessment of compensationa task that is more mathematical than legal. Why should courts, already burdened with a heavy caseload, be tasked with what is essentially accounting work?

The delay is compounded by the non-availability of the required documents, a common issue that leads to prolonged proceedings. Comparatively, other countries have more efficient systems in place, with judicial resources allocated in proportion to the population and caseload. In India, however, 95% of third-party motor insurance cases are filed against insurance companies, creating an overwhelming load for both the courts and insurers.

As an insurance company, we face the challenge of not receiving early intimation of claims and non-availability of documents, which add to the delays. Despite these challenges, the insurance industry has settled 55% to 60% of the cases through amicable negotiations, reducing the burden on MACT. Yet, there is potential to do more.

The 2019 Motor Vehicles Act

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which came into force on 1 April 2022, offers a legal framework that allows claimants to approach insurance companies directly. If the claimant is not satisfied with the insurers offer, they can escalate the matter to the MACT. This process, upheld by the Supreme Court, provides a more streamlined approach to handling claims, reserving the courts for disputes where there is no agreement on compensation.

A key element of this new process is the Detailed Accident Report (DAR), incorporated under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The DAR process places the responsibility of document collection on the police, who are required to provide a complete report within 90 days. This helps insurers review and settle claims faster. In fact, some claims were settled within a few hours.

Faster settlements

The new Motor Vehicles Act represents a significant step forward. By enabling claimants to directly approach insurers with a DAR, we can expedite the settlement process, reducing the load on the judiciary and providing quicker relief to victims.

This approach benefits everyonethe claimants, who receive compensation faster; the judiciary, which can focus on more complex cases; and the insurance companies, which can manage their resources more effectively.

The precedent is already set. We have seen instances of third-party claims settled within days, or even hours. By empowering insurers to handle the calculation and compensation process, we can significantly reduce the time frame for settling claims. This not only makes the process fairer but also restores hope to the claimants who might otherwise lose faith in the system.

In conclusion, this reform is beneficial for everyone involved. The judiciary can focus on cases that truly require their expertise, while insurers can leverage their extensive experience and resources to expedite the settlement process.

For the victims, the benefit is clearfaster compensation means quicker relief and justice. The time has come to make this change and ensure that justice is not just served but served swiftly. Let us work together to make our citizens lives easier, reduce the judiciarys workload, and ensure that justice delayed is no longer justice denied.

(The author is MD & CEO at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance)
The status of being a non-resident in India is determined under two different laws: income tax laws and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

The first law impacts the taxability of income earned in India and outside India. The second one regulates investments and banking transactions in India.

In this article, we will discuss what you need to do when you become a non-resident.

Under the income tax laws An individual's non-resident status under the income tax laws. It depends on their physical stay in India during the financial year. Generally, this status is determined after the end of the year.

As a non-resident, you should update your income tax e-filing website profile and state your residential status when filing your income tax return (ITR). You must also file an income tax return if your Indian income exceeds the basic exemption limit.

Also Read | Should I choose NRE or NRO fixed deposit?

Under FEMA laws Under FEMA, non-residency is based on intention rather than physical stay. You become non-resident when you leave India for employment, business or an indefinite period. Technically, you become a non-resident as soon as your flight departs. Although it is impossible to comply immediately, you should complete the following steps quickly.

Notify your bankers about your non-resident status. Your existing bank accounts will be designated as Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts. This applies to all existing bank accounts, including savings, fixed deposits and recurring deposits. Once bank accounts have been designated as NRO accounts, the bank will deduct tax at source on interest at the applicable non-resident rates (currently 30 per cent). TDS will be deducted from savings accounts even if the interest is credited to your NRO savings bank account without a basic threshold. An NRI is not allowed to open a new PPF account but can continue subscribing to an existing one for up to 15 years. If you hold a PPF account before becoming an NRI, inform your bank to ensure it does not extend beyond the initial 15-year term or after the end of a 5-year extension block. Once you become an NRI, separate your Indian earnings from foreign income by opening a Non-Resident External (NRE) account. Funds deposited into this account can be freely transferred abroad. If you use your NRO account for foreign income, you must follow procedures to transfer it abroad within prescribed limits. So, in case you have your NRE account, the money lying to the credit of this account can freely be transferred back aboard. For investments in shares, bonds, etc., you must either redesignate your existing demat account as a non-resident or open a new demat account with non-resident status and transfer all your existing investments to the non-resident demat account. There is no restriction as to the limit upto which you can invest in Indian companies, but once you become an NRI, the specific limits become applicable. The sale proceeds from such accounts cannot be fully repatriated outside India, so opening an NRE demat account for repatriable investments is advisable. Inform mutual fund houses and insurance companies of your new status and update your Know Your Customer (KYC) records. If you have systematic investment plans (SIPs), you may need to discontinue some if your new country of residence restricts investments in these schemes. Consider appointing a power of attorney holder in India to operate your bank accounts and certain transactions on your behalf in your absence.

Also Read | Income tax benefits for resident vs non-resident taxpayers explained

You do not require any RBI permission to earn income outside India.

Read all our personal finance stories here

Balwant Jain is a tax and investment expert and can be reached on jainbalwant@gmail.com and @jainbalwant on his X handle.
NPS Vatsalya is a new initiative within the National Pension System dedicated to securing the financial future of children. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the NPS Vatsalya Yojana, which was announced in the July Budget 2024, on Wednesday, September 18. It will be managed under the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

"Through this route, parents/guardians can build a retirement corpus for their children from their childhood upto the age of 18. The account is opened in the name of the minor and operated by Guardian, and the minor is the sole beneficiary of the same," said Kurian Jose, CEO, of Tata Pension Management

NPS Vatsalya Eligibility All minors (individuals up to 18 years of age) are eligible to participate in the NPS Vatsalya scheme.

NPS Vatsalya Contribution To open a Vatsalya account, you must make a minimum initial contribution of 1,000, followed by annual contributions of 1,000.

How to open an NPS Vatsalya Account Parents can open the account at registered points of presence, such as banks, post offices, and pension funds, either online or in person. The process can also be completed through the NPS Trust's eNPS platform. Several banks, including ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, have partnered with the PFRDA to facilitate the NPS Vatsalya initiative.

Transition After Turning 18 According to the PFRDA, once the child turns 18, the account will automatically convert to a regular NPS Tier I account. This transition allows for a seamless shift to the NPS Tier I (All Citizen) plan, enabling all investment features, including Auto Choice and Active Choice. By promoting early investment and structured savings, NPS Vatsalya aims to create a solid financial foundation for young individuals. Kurian Jose, CEO of Tata Pension Management, emphasizes that this approach instils disciplined saving and compounding benefits and nurtures financial responsibility from an early age.

Returns on NPS Nirmala Sitharaman noted that NPS has yielded returns of 14% in equity, 9.1% in corporate debt, and 8.8% in government securities.

NPS Vatsalya Calculator If parents make an annual contribution of 10,000 for 18 years. By the end of this period, at an expected rate of return (RoR) of 10%, the investment is projected to grow into a corpus of approximately 5 lakh. If the investment continues until the investor reaches the age of 60, the expected corpus can vary significantly based on different rates of return. At 10% RoR, the corpus could reach around 2.75 crore.

If the returns improve to an average of 11.59%based on a typical NPS allocation of 50% in equity, 30% in corporate debt, and 20% in government securitiesthe expected amount could rise to about 5.97 crore. Furthermore, with a higher average return of 12.86% (derived from a portfolio allocation of 75% in equity and 25% in government securities), the corpus could reach 11.05 crore. It is important to note that these figures are for illustrative purposes only, based on historical data, and actual returns may vary.

Read all our personal finance stories here
To study at a British university, you need to show some money in your bank account as living expenses that you will need when you are there. The money needs to be deposited in a bank account for a 28-day period before you can apply for a UK visa.

The money, as of now, stands at 1,334 per month for the courses in London and 1,023 per month for the courses outside London. This is done for nine months. The limit has now been raised, and it will come into force from next year onwards.

The new limits are as follows: I. Visa applicants who want to study in London must now show that they have 1,483 a month for up to nine months, an increase of 11.2 per cent from the previous amount of 1,334.

II. Students who opt to study outside London must show that they have 1,136 per month for up to nine months, which is an increase of 11.1 per cent from the previous amount of 1,023.

How will it impact the students from India? Students who want to apply for a student visa must have an amount equivalent to the fee plus living expenses in their bank account for a period of 28 days.

For instance, if a London-based university has a fee equivalent to 20,000, then the student must have 20,000 + 1483 X 9 = 33,347 in the bank account for a period of 28 days before applying for the visa within 30 days from the last day of the bank statement.

Likewise, if a non-London-based university has a fee equivalent to 20,000, then the student must show 20,000 + 1,136 X 9 = 30,224 in the bank account for a 28-day period before applying for the visa within 30 days from the last day of the bank statement.

Also Read | How Indian students can get work visas after studying abroad

Meanwhile, if the student avails some scholarship, then the equivalent amount is deducted from this total sum. At the same time, if s/he has made an advance payment, then the same amount is deducted from the total sum.

Besides, UK Visas and Immigration has developed a digital immigration system which is replacing physical documents. The documents that are being replaced are as follows:

A. Biometric residence permits (BRP).

B. Biometric residence cards (BRC).

C. Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps.
Raids by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday, September 19, in Gaya and Kaimur districts of Bihar uncovered a massive haul of arms, cash and incriminating digital devices in the CPI (Maoist) Magadh Zone revival case. According to a press release, the investigation agency searched a total of five locations in Gaya and Kaimur in connection with the CPI (Maoist) Magadh revival case.

The NIA raids were aimed at foiling the CPI (Maoist) conspiracy to revive and strengthen the banned outfit in Magadh Zone. The searches covered the houses and office premises of three suspects in the conspiracy case, with NIA investigations finding the trio involved in providing funds and logistics support to leaders of CPI (Maoist) to revive their Naxal activities in the Magadh region, NIA said in a statement.

What did the NIA seize? According to the investigation agency, the seizures included 10 weapons of different bores, 4.03 crore in cash, incriminating documents along with various digital devices.

The case originated from the arrest of two cadres of CPI (Maoist) from Goh police station area of district Aurangabad on 7th August 2023. The accused, Rohit Rai and Pramod Yadav, were found in possession of arms and ammunition, as well as booklets pertaining to the CPI (Maoist) Magadh Zonal Sangathnic Committee, the agency said. Also Read | NIA raids in Punjab over Khalistani attacks on Indian High Commission in Ottawa

The NIA, which had taken over the probe in September 2023, found that both Rohit and Pramod were involved in making attempts to revive the CPI (Maoists) movement in the region.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 43-year-old man from Fairbridge, Bulawayo, appeared in court on Wednesday facing charges of attempted murder after allegedly striking a police officer with an axe. The accused, Dumisani Lindani Mpofu, was brought before Bulawayo regional magistrate Matthew Mutiro, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was remanded to September 20 for trial.According to the State's case, Mpofu is accused of attempting to kill police officer Lungelo Sibanda (28) by striking him once on the forehead with an axe during a dispute over the closure of a local beer outlet.The incident occurred on April 18 at Juluka bottle store in Fairbridge, where Sibanda was patrolling to monitor the enforcement of operating regulations for bars and bottle stores. Upon arriving at Juluka, Sibanda ordered the closure of the establishment for violating the set operating hours. Mpofu, reportedly angered by the closure order, approached Sibanda and began insulting him before allegedly pulling out an axe hidden in his trousers and striking the officer.Sibanda sustained a laceration on his forehead and later reported the incident, leading to Mpofu's arrest. The case will resume on September 20.
Rajiv Memani, Chairman and Regional Managing Partner of Ernst & Young India, responded to an emotional letter from Anita Augustine, mother of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, who tragically died allegedly due to work pressure on July 20.

Memani stated that EY employs nearly 1,00,000 people, all of whom work hard.

We have around one lakh employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard, Memani said while responding to Indian Express.

Days after the letter went viral on social media, the Union Labour Ministry announced Thursday that it would probe the incident.

Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us. While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so, Indian Express quoted Memani.

Memani said they were taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility and placing the highest importance on the well-being of all employees.

We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian's tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, EY said in a statement.

According to Anita Augustines letter, Anna worked very hard at EY. The workload and long working hours took a physical, emotional, and mental toll on her. Augustine also noted that Anna continued to push herself despite suffering from immense stress and anxiety.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint. @mansukhmandviya [sic], Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje wrote on X while responding to BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

This is very sad but also disturbing at many levels. I rqst Govt of India @mansukhmandviya @ShobhaBJP to investigate these allegations made by the mother of unsafe and exploitative work environment that claimed the life of young, full of future Anna Sebastian Perayil [sic], Chandrasekhar wrote on X.

What EY said in a statement We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian's tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family.

Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us. While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so.
New Delhi: Global terror financing global watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday placed India in the regular follow-up category, a distinction it now shares with only three other G20 countriesthe UK, France and Italy.

FATF said India has achieved a high level of technical compliance across the agency's spectrum of recommendations while taking significant steps to implement measures to tackle illicit finance.

However, the Paris-headquartered body, founded by the G7, said India needs to address a backlog in money laundering cases pending the conclusion of court processes.

FATF also said India has to improve the implementation of cash restrictions by dealers in precious metals and stones as a priority, given the importance of the sector.

Also read | India shares distinction with four G20 nations in FATF report for fighting money laundering, terrorism financing

"India faces serious terrorism and terrorist financing threats, including related to ISIL or Al Qaeda. India has a strong emphasis on disruption and prevention and has demonstrated its ability to conduct complex financial investigations. However, India needs to focus on concluding the prosecutions and convict and appropriately sanction terrorist financiers," FATF's Mutual Evaluation Report: September 2024 said.

"The country needs to ensure that measures aimed at preventing the non-profit sector from being abused for terrorist financing are implemented in line with the risk-based approach, including by conducting outreach to non-profit organisations on their terrorist financing risks," the report added.

India became a member of FATF in 2010 to help fight money laundering and terrorism financing and to secure a more stable and transparent financial system.

In its latest report, FATF said India was "compliant" and "largely compliant" on 37 out of 40 parameters evaluated as part of its assessment.

"India has made significant steps in financial inclusion, more than doubling the proportion of the population with bank accounts, encouraging greater reliance on digital payment systems, and making use of simplified due diligence for small accounts. These efforts have supported financial transparency, which in turn contribute to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts," the report said.

Also read | RBI tightens norms for investments in NBFCs from non-FATF nations

"Despite the size and institutional complexity of the Indian system, Indian authorities cooperate and coordinate effectively on matters dealing with illicit financial flows, including the use of financial intelligence. India also achieved positive results in international cooperation, asset recovery and implementing targeted financial sanctions for proliferation financing," it added.

The report noted that the number of money laundering convictions has been significantly impacted by a series of constitutional challenges with many cases pending trial and the saturation of the court system observed.

"Although numbers of prosecutions and convictions have started to increase, the backlog of pending cases remains considerable, with a large number of accused persons awaiting the conclusion of their trials," the report said.

"This also impacts the extent to which confiscation of criminal proceeds is carried out, in particular, the ML (money laundering) cases that the ED is responsible for, although India has confiscated proceeds via non-conviction-based confiscation including in some significant cases," it added.

A senior finance ministry official, who spoke to the media after the release of the latest FATF report, said while the government is working on speeding up the prosecution and conviction processes, key measures taken by it in the past helped it get better ratings from the FATF.

Also read | Paytm says company, founder not being probed by ED for money laundering

"We are inducting more prosecutors to expedite the trials," said Vivek Aggarwal, additional secretary at the department of revenue.

Aggarwal said the government is hopeful of getting fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, who have been accused of money laundering, back to the country. "In the case of Mallya, it is a political decision which the government of the UK has to take," he said.

I am hopeful that these fugitives will be brought back to India soon.

Aggarwal said India plans to carry out a risk assessment every three years and regularly follow up with the FATF.
India on Thursday, September 19, dismissed designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's lawsuit against the Indian government over his alleged assassination attempt, terming them as unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Rejecting the allegations, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the lawsuit does not change India's views on the underlying situation.

As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesn't change our views about the underlying situation. I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known," he said.

I would also underline the fact that the organization so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organization, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, the foreign secretary added.

India earlier received summons from a US court following a civil lawsuit filed by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun over his alleged assassination attempt. The summons names the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and businessman Nikhil Gupta. The summons demand a response from New Delhi and the mentioned officials within 21 days.

Financial Times had earlier reported that the United States had thwarted an attempt to kill Khalistani terrorist Pannun on its soil. The report also named an Indian official involved in the assassination plot. Pannun, wanted in India on terror charges, holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

Following the report, India said it made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" imputations on a serious matter and that investigation into the case was underway.
Depression is one of the prime reasons for youth committing suicide in India. Sometimes youth are under pressure over studies, while some cases are related to love affairs. Some feel too much pressurised in the toxic work culture. In a recent incident, a 19-year-old man committed suicide in Chennai after a customer allegedly scolded him following he was late for food delivery, reported India Today.

According to the report, the incident took place on 11 December in Chennai when Pavithran, a B.Com student, was found dead at his residence. He was allegedly depressed after a customer's harsh treatment towards him.

Before committing suicide, Pavithran even wrote a suicide note accusing the customer of making him so depressed that he took the step.

On 11 December, when Pavithran delivered food in the Korattur area, he reached the customer's house late as he struggled to locate the address. The delay led to a heated argument, following which the customer reprimanded him and filed a formal complaint about the service.

After two days, the tension rose with Pavithran allegedly hurling a stone at the customers residence and breaking the window, too. This tension was further aggravated when the customer filed a police lodged a police complaint against him.

Also Read | Atlas Cycles ex-president Salil Kapoor shoots himself dead at Delhi home

Soon after this, Pavithran went into depression and was found hanging from the ceiling of his home on Wednesday.

Suicide note: On being informed, police reached Pavithran's home, recovered the body, and sent it to Kilpauk Government Hospital for an autopsy. They also recovered a suicide note  purportedly written by Pavithran.

In the note, Pavithran expressed his distress and said, as India Today quoted, "The reason for my death  I went into depression after being scolded by the person during the delivery. More deaths will occur as long as such women exist".
In a shocking incident, a suitcase with a womans severed body parts was recovered by the police in Thoraipakkam area of Chennai on Thursday.

The incident came to light after a local noticed blood dripping from the suitcase and informed the police around 5.30 am.

Also Read | How best to stop sexual violence in India isnt obvious

The police have arrested a man named Manikandan of Sivaganga district in connection with the murder.

His residence was 100 metres away from the spot where the suitcase was found.

The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Deepa alias Vellaiammal from Madhavaram district.

According to the police, during the interrogation, Manikandan revealed that he murdered Deepa using a hammer after a quarrel broke out as she was demanding more money from him.

Later, he chopped her body into pieces and dumped them in a suitcase and ran away.

Police said Manikandan had met Deepa, a sex worker, through a pimp and she went to Thoraipakkam on Wednesday.

As Deepa didn't come back home, her brother tried to reach her on her mobile phone, which was switched off.

After tracking her sisters mobile phone using the find my device option he found that she was last spotted near Thoraipakkam.

Based on the inputs, Deepas brother informed the Thoraipakkam police station on Wednesday night.

The police are trying to locate the pimp who introduced Deepa to the murderer.

The chopped body has been sent for post-mortem.

The police have also recovered the CCTV footage of the area and are further investigating the matter.

Last month, a 28-year-old woman was strangled to death by a man inside a hotel room in the Triplicane area of Chennai.

In 2023, a 20-year-old nursing student was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend at a hotel in Chennai.

After killing her, the boyfriend posted a photo of the dead body as his WhatsApp status.
Dozens of houses belonging to members of the Dalit community were set ablaze in the Nawada region of Bihar late on Wednesday night. The police have arrested 15 including the main accused and an investigation remains underway to ascertain the reasons behind the violence. The incident has also sparked widespread condemnation with Opposition leaders accusing the ruling NDA of sheltering the anarchists.

A call was received around 7:30 pm that some houses were set on fire in Manjhi Tola. Police immediately reached the spot along with fire engines. It took some time to douse the blaze. According to villagers, a group of people started setting the houses on fire around 7:00 pm. Preliminary investigation suggests that land dispute is the reason for the incident. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway, said SP Abhinav Dhiman.

Multiple gunshots were also heard amidst the heated altercation between the alleged assailants and the villagers.

Also Read | Newborn baby stolen from Bihars Begusarai hospital 20 hours after birth

According to reports quoting the police, the attackers had set fire to around 80 houses in the locality during the altercation on Wednesday evening. Out of these 21 houses were burnt down to ashes with no live casualties being reported till date. A large contingent of police personnel have since been deployed in the area and officials are working to rehabilitate the displaced victims.

The district police has arrested 15 people for allegedly torching the houses. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate further, and searches are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma told PTI.

Burning down an entire colony of Mahadalits in Nawada and destroying the houses of more than 80 families is highlighting the horrifying picture of injustice against the Bahujans in Bihar. The cries of the Dalit families who had lost their homes and property and the terror created in the deprived society by the echo of the fierce firing were also not successful in waking up the sleeping government of Bihar, Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.

It is clear that such incidents are continuously taking place in the double engine government. The people who have set these houses on fire should be arrested and strict action should be taken against them. Jitan Ram Manjhi has been a CM and is currently a Union Minister, but whatever he is saying is not even close to facts...From Delhi to Bihar, they are in power, they should arrest the people responsible for this, said RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Also Read | Prashant Kishor vows to end Bihar liquor ban if Jan Suraaj party wins polls
Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four accounting firms, has issued a statement following the tragic death of their 26-year-old employee, Anna Sebastian Perayil, from Pune.

A Chartered Accountant (CA) from Kerala, Anna was part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi. Perayil had worked at the EY Pune office for four months before she succumbed. The mother of the deceased young woman had sent a mail to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani flagging the glorification of overwork at the multinational consulting firm.

The comapny's statement read, Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us. While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so.

Typical corporate response Meanwhile, the reactions have garnered social media reactions. A user wrote in a post on X, The news coming from Pune of EY employee is so shattering. But getting an idea of toxicity one face at big 4 is not surprising to me. Senior professionals makes the culture so bad and difficult. You give your days and nights and still they will be unsatisfied.

Another one said, 26-year-old EY Pune employee succumbs to 'work stress' 4 months after joining. Mother writes to Firm's India boss. We need laws which protect people from Narayana Murthy kind of bosses who think that employees are slaves.

Also Read: Finding your calm in a toxic work environment

A user pointed out, Capitalism lives because the workers die. EY Pune employee, 26, died due to work stress. No one from company attended her funeral.

Netizens reacted to EY Pune's incident on X.

Typical corporate response for EY episode would be not to improve its work culture, but to check health of employees to make sure they are fit enough to be exploited, said a user.

Another user commented, EY PUNE or any other company should focus towards creating a comfortable environment and not a toxic environment, the government should bring some changes to the policies, like 8 working hours, employees should take at least two days off in a week.

EY Pune employee died due to work-related stress. This is a wake-up call for all companies and the government to prioritize mental health and work-life balance. No job is worth more than a life, wrote a user.

The incident was brought to attention when the CA's mother wrote a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani regarding her daughter's death. In her poignant message, she also noted that no representatives from EY attended the funeral.

Steps to address toxic work culture in India In India, there are several ways to report a toxic work culture:

1. Report to the Employer or Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): If your company has an ICC, you can report the issue directly to them. If harassment persists or if the employer fails to take action, you can submit a formal complaint with the ICC.

2. File a Complaint with the Ministry of Labour & Employment: You can file a complaint either online through the CPGRAMS Portal or in person.

3. File a Police Complaint: If you have sufficient evidence, you can lodge a complaint with the police. In severe cases, you may also file a civil suit or a criminal complaint under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

What EY said in a statement on employee's death We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian's tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family.

Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us. While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so.
A man and a burqa-clad woman allegedly threatened noted screenwriter Salim Khan, father of Bollywood actor Salman Khan, in Mumbai's Bandra area.

The incident occurred while Khan was at the Bandra Bandstand promenade after his morning walk. The accused mentioned jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's name during the investigation. Following the incident, the police detained the suspects for further investigation.

During their investigation, they told the police that they were playing mischief with Khan, he said.

A man and a burqa-clad woman going on a two-wheeler spotted Salim Khan sitting at the Bandstand promenade and came near him after taking a U-turn. They stopped close to him and asked him 'Lawrence Bishnoi ko bheju kya?' (Should we send Lawrence Bishnoi to you?), the official said.

After threatening him, the couple fled from the spot, he said. Salim Khan's bodyguard later lodged a complaint at the Bandra police station on Wednesday, based on which an case was registered, PTI reported.

We launched a probe and detained both the accused persons. During their investigation, they told us that they were playing mischief, he said.

Moreover, police said that the incident appeared to be a prank. It occurred while Salim Khan was seated at a promenade after his morning walk, the report said.

Earlier on April 14, two individuals on a motorcycle fired shots outside Salman Khan's home in the upscale Bandra suburb before fleeing the scene. They were later arrested in Gujarat and charged alongside Lawrence Bishnoi and his key gang member, Rohit Godhara.

According to police reports, Anmol Vishnoi, Bishnoi's brother, played a significant role in orchestrating the attack. He is believed to have received the weapons delivery in Panvel a month prior to the incident and provided the shooters with detailed instructions. The planned shooting reportedly earned the shooters a total of 3 lakh.

Meanwhile, an accused in the firing incident outside Salman Khan's residence has claimed that a prison doctor requested money to treat his fractured finger, PTI reported. Harpal Singh, arrested for his alleged involvement in the April incident, made the allegation during a video appearance before Judge B.D. Shelke at a special court for the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

The court has instructed the chief medical officer (CMO) of Taloja jail, where Singh is currently held, to submit a report and ensure that the accused receives the necessary medical treatment.
NEW DELHI : The Union law ministry has sought details of all arbitration proceedings involving the Centre over the last 24 years from all ministries as part of its efforts to streamline Indias arbitration system.

In a communication reviewed by Mint, the ministry sought details like legal costs, number of advocates engaged for the government, arbitration results, and subsequent appeals starting from 2000.

The governmentthe country's biggest litiganthas been working on amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, one of the key out-of-court dispute resolution laws, to reduce the pendency of cases and legal costs.

The department of legal affairs is in the process of considering further amendments in the (Arbitration) Act to inter alia ensure further strengthening of the arbitration ecosystem," read the 2 September letter.

The government is collecting the data to undertake a holistic overview of arbitration cases and related court litigation before considering policy amendments, the letter added.

An email query seeking comments from the law and justice ministry and its secretary, who heads the department of legal affairs, didn't elicit any response till press time.

The litigation burden

Arjun Ram Meghwal told Mint in an interviewpublished on 18 Septemberthat the law ministry was drafting changes to the Arbitration Act.

The request follows the Union finance ministry's June advisory asking all government arms, including state governments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), to opt out of arbitrations if the disputed value is over 10 crore.

The advisory urged all government stakeholders to consider mediation instead of arbitration as the latter was too expensive and time-consuming. It even asked government parties to litigate matters in courts instead of choosing arbitration. To be specific, the advisory is concerned only with public procurement contracts.

"A timely and periodic legislative review of arbitration law and process, which is a dynamic space and continuously the subject matter of judge-made law, is a welcome initiative. The recent government notification, published in June, to move away from arbitration in contracts pertaining to domestic public procurement would also benefit from a data-driven assessment," said Amita Gupta Katragadda, partner (deputy head-disputes), Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

But, there is a risk in collecting government data for amendments. Collecting data on government-related arbitration can help identify inefficiencies, streamline processes and reduce delays," said Shruti Khanijow, partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas. (But) there's a risk that amendments could disproportionately favour the government, especially if data highlights frequent unfavourable outcomes for public entities," she added.

The finance ministry informed the Lok Sabha in July that the advisory was issued because more than 60% of all arbitration matters involving PSUs, such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and NTPC Ltd, were challenged in courts.

In all these cases, the government is compelled to spend both on arbitration and litigation," it said in a written reply.

Series of amendments

The Arbitration Act was passed in 1996 and amended in 2015, 2019 and 2021, which led to major changes in the ecosystem.

For instance, after the 2015 amendment, all tribunals had to award arbitration within 12 months from the conclusion of hearings, with a six-month extension option if agreed by the parties. The amendment gave financial incentives to arbitrators in the form of extra fees if they declared the award within six months and had provisions to cut fees for delays.

The 2019 amendment created the Arbitration Council of India. However, it has not been constituted yet. The amendment also relaxed the time limits set for arbitral awards in the 2015 amendment, but only for international commercial arbitrations. International commercial arbitrations are those where at least one party is not domiciled in India but where the arbitration takes place according to Indian laws.

The law ministry will also take into consideration the recommendations of an expert panel led by former law secretary T.K. Viswanathan, which submitted its suggestions in February 2024, according to two officials aware of the matter.

The T.K. Viswanathan committee suggestions include amendments to the provisions that allow parties to appoint arbitrators and enforce arbitral awards in courts.

A 2022 office report by the Supreme Court showed that most Indian high courts were burdened with the task of appointing arbitrators, with the Karnataka High Court handling 922 matters of arbitrator appointments, the most among high courts. The Punjab and Haryana High Court handled 813 matters, the Delhi High Court 689 matters, and the Bombay High Court 649 matters.

According to practitioners, a key issue in the existing arbitration ecosystem is the lack of direction in formulating arbitral awards. The standard of reasoning required for arbitral awards is unclear, leading to inconsistent judicial decisions and unnecessary litigation," said Khanijow of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas.

The Act does not provide a clear standard, leading to divergent judicial interpretations. While some awards with minimal reasoning have been upheld, others have been struck down for insufficient explanation, leading to inconsistent outcomes and unnecessary litigation. A potential solution is to establish a more defined standard in Section 31(3) of the A&C Act for the reasoning required in arbitral awards. A clearer framework could prevent inconsistent decisions and uphold the integrity of the arbitration process," she added.

Mint reported on 15 August that the law ministry had commissioned a study of the legal frameworks in top international commercial centres.
Junior doctors in Kolkata have partially lifted their ongoing cease-work agitation following assurances from the West Bengal government. The protesting medicos indicated on Thursday evening that emergency services would resume from Saturday.

The doctors will end their agitation with a rally from their recent protest site in front of the health department headquarters to the CBI office at CGO Complex in Kolkata. The decision was also taken in light of the flood situation in West Bengal.

The protesters have however indicated that they will not work in the out patient department or the OT at present. The cease-work movement will only be lifted partially for emergency and essential services.

Also Read | West Bengal Medical Council scraps registration of arrested RG Kar ex-principal

We will keep a close watch on the administration after we resume our duties. We will come back stronger if we find anything out of placeWe will wait for a week for implementation of all the promises made by the West Bengal government. If it remains unfulfilled we will resume our cease-work agitation, the doctors warned.

This decision was announced hours after the state government issued several directives regarding safety and security and conducive environment at hospitals and medical colleges. The administration said the list would be implemented immediately.

"We achieved a lot during our agitationbut many things remain unachieved. We made the Kolkata Commissioner of Police resign and the DME, DHS resign. But this doesn't mean the agitation is over. We will take it forward in a new way. We have received a directive from Nabanna after our meeting with the Chief Secretary yesterday. In the directive, we have been assured that safety and security implementations will be made, but it has not been specified when," one of the agitating doctors noted.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had transferred Kolkata Police Chief Vineet Goyal and appointed Manoj Kumar Verma as his replacement in response to the doctors' earlier demands. Two senior health department officials were also removed from their posts.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 37-year-old woman from Bulawayo's Entumbane suburb, Priscilla Dlakama, has been sentenced to 315 hours of community service after being convicted of assaulting her neighbor, Mrs. Tendai Mushure. The sentence was handed down by West Commonage Magistrate Ms. Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, who found Dlakama guilty of assault, though the charge of attempted murder was dismissed.The incident took place on March 30, when Dlakama and Mushure got into a physical altercation following a disagreement over how the complainant had reprimanded Dlakama's children. Feeling that Mushure had overstepped, Dlakama confronted her, accompanied by her sister, Abbie Dlakama. The court heard that Dlakama insulted Mushure and threatened her, saying she "smelled blood" and intended to kill her.According to the prosecution, the confrontation escalated when Dlakama forcefully advanced towards Mushure at her home, leading to a fight. During the altercation, Mushure sustained a head injury, initially reported as a knife wound. However, the court determined that the injury was caused by Mushure falling onto stones after being pushed by Dlakama, as the accused had claimed in her defense.Magistrate Mnkandla sentenced Dlakama to 12 months in prison, with three months suspended on condition of good behavior. The remaining nine months were suspended on the condition that Dlakama completes 315 hours of community service.This case highlights the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, especially among neighbors, and serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of resorting to violence.
The medical registration of former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh was cancelled on Thursday amid an ongoing CBI probe. The West Bengal Medical Council had previously issued a show cause notice seeking a response from the arrested doctor about why his medical registration had not been cancelled. The development also came days after a similar request was raised by the West Bengal chapter of the Indian Medical Association.

Officials confirmed the former principal's name had been removed from the list of Registered Medical Practitioners maintained by the WBMC on September 19. His licence was cancelled under various provisions of the Bengal Medical Act.

Ghosh is currently in CBI custody following his arrest in the Kolkata rape-murder case. He was arrested alongside Abhijit Mondal  the officer in charge of Tala Police Station  over the weekend for his alleged involvement in the rape and murder of an on-duty woman medic at RG Kar hospital. The Kolkata Police suspended the arrested cop on Wednesday.

Meanwhile WBMC president Sudipto Roy (also a TMC MLA) appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in a related case on Thursday. The agency is probing a money laundering case linked to alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Roy (who also holds charge of the RG Kar Patients' Welfare Committee) was earlier questioned by the CBI over the alleged irregularities.

Earlier on Tuesday, IMA Bengal had written to Roy to ask why the medical registration of Ghosh was yet to be cancelled. The missive also urged the TMC MLA who is considered close to the former principal to keep your personal relationship with Dr Sandip Ghosh apart and cancel his medical registration immediately. The letter was written by the state president of the IMA Bengal unit Dilip Kumar and former national president Santanu Sen.
The Karnataka government is planning to provide six days of paid menstrual leave per year for working women in the private and government sectors, Moneycontrol reported on Thursday.

The government has formed an 18-member committee to draft a bill on the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products.

"We are considering the suggestions and have called for a meeting with the committee members. This initiative supports the female workforce, as women experience significant ups and downs in life. The leave will be flexible, allowing women to choose when they want to take time off," Karnataka's Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, said.

Also Read | Odisha govt announces one-day menstrual leave for women in all jobs

It's not just about being progressive. Women face many challenges, especially after marriage or when they have children. There are many factors to consider, Lad said.

Last month, the Odisha government announced one day of menstrual leave for women. In 1992, Bihar started providing women with two days of paid menstrual leave per month. Kerala started giving menstrual leave to female students in all state universities in 2023.

Arunachal Pradesh MP Ninong Ering introduced the Menstruation Benefit Bill in 2017, which aims to provide women with two days of paid menstrual leave every month. The bill has not yet been passed.

In December 2023, the then Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said that menstruation is not a handicap and is natural for women. Granting menstrual leave will hamper equal opportunities for women.

Also Read | Menstrual leave can lift womens labour participation

Private companies such as Zomato and Swiggy provide menstrual leave for women delivery partners. Food delivery giant Zomato provides ten days of paid menstrual leave every year, whereas its competitor Swiggy provides two days of menstrual leave every month.
Following walkie-talkie blasts in Lebanon that killed at least 20, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday said that it was entering "a new phase" of war. "We are opening a new phase in the war - it requires courage, determination and perseverance from us," Reuters quoted Yoav Gallant as saying at an air force base.

The development points to the prospects of a full-scale war between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel which was preceded by peace efforts in a strife-torn region. It is important to note that after the Israel-Hamas war began in October last year, Hezbollah had warned its operatives against using mobile phones to prevent Israeli breaches and instructed its members to rely on its own telecommunications system.
Priyanka Bishnoi, a 33-year-old RAS officer from the 2016 batch, passed away following surgery at a Jodhpur hospital. Her family has accused the doctors of negligence, claiming she was administered an excessive dose of anesthesia.

The bureaucrat, who was posted as sub-divisional magistrate, was admitted to Vasundhara Hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan earlier this month. Her family alleged that the RAS officer went into a coma after the surgery and she was shifted to a Ahmedabad hospital where she died, triggering anger among the Bishnoi community members.

Her family has also alleged that Priyanka Bishnoi was administered an excess amount of anesthesia and her surgery was botched, according to an NDTV report. Jodhpur District Collector Gaurav Agrawal has ordered an enquiry into her death.

Bishnoi community leader Devendra Budia has demanded a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the death of the RAS officer.

Reacting to her death, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said, I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and give strength to the family members to bear this grief.
Omar Abdullah has hit back sharply at Pakistan after its Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance were on the same page on the restoration of Article 370. The rejoinder to Pakistan has come amid a severe backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has accused the National Conference and the Congress of being hand in glove with the anti-national forces, following the Pakistan minister's statements.

Speaking with news agency ANI amid campaigning for the J&K Assembly elections 2024 that are being held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A five years ago, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said Pakistan should not interfere in India's elections but instead, save their democracy.

Omar Abdullah said, What does Pakistan have to do with us? We are not even a part of Pakistan, let them take care of their country. I don't think they should interfere in our elections or comment on our elections. They should save their democracy, we are participating in ours.

His father and NC leader Farooq Abdullah also responded to the Pakistan defence minister's statement on NC-Congress alliance and its stand on Article 370, saying he does not know what Pakistan says. I don't know what Pakistan says. I am not a Pakistani; I am an Indian citizen, he said.

Following suit, Home Minister Amit Shah also attacked the two Opposition parties contesting the J&K polls in alliance, saying they were always on the same page as Pakistan. Amit Shah said the statement of Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif proved that the neighbouring country and the Congress have the same intentions and agenda.

Pakistan defence minister's statement about the Congress and the JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed the Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that the Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen, Amit Shah wrote on X in Hindi.

Article 370 gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 35A gave special rights and privileges to its permanent residents. On August 5, 2019, these two provisions of the Constitution were abrogated by the Narendra Modi government and the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Telugu choreographer Jani Master, known for his work in films like Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise, was arrested in Goa by the Cyberabad police where he will be produced before a local court, a senior police official told PTI.

The choreographer, whose real name is Shaik Jani, will be brought to Hyderabad after obtaining a transit warrant from the Goa court.

Also Read | How LinkedIns safety feature may prevent sexual harassment

He was arrested following accusations of sexual harassment by a 21-year-old woman. She claims the harassment spanned several years, beginning when she was a minor. Jain Master received the national award for best choreography for Thiruchitrambalam.

The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and a workers' union have suspended Jani Master. He was taken into custody in Bengaluru and will be transferred to Hyderabad, according to multiple media reports shared on September 19.

Actor Jhansi, the Chairperson of the Chamber's panel investigating the allegations, stated that the charges of rape and criminal intimidation could lead to action under the strict Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. PTI has now confirmed that a case under the POCSO Act has been registered against the accused.

Two years after meeting her, he offered her a job as an assistant choreographer, which she accepted. According to her claims, the sexual assaults happened after this, including an incident at a hotel in Mumbai where they were staying for a show with two other male dancers.

The woman has also accused the national award winner of threatening her with violence if she reported the matter and mentally harassing her during photoshoots and rehearsals.

She further alleged that he pressured her to convert and 'marry' him, even though he was already married. On one occasion, she claimed that both he and his wife entered her room and slapped her.

Jani Master has choreographed in a number of Bollywood movies like Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Stree 2 and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. In Stree 2, he choreographed Aaj ki Raat, featuring Tamannaah Bhatia.
Canada revealed plans on September 18 to substantially reduce international student permits for the coming year and implement stricter regulations for foreign workers. The move is part of a broader strategy to manage the country's rapidly growing temporary resident population, as per AFP.

Were granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that numbers going down by another 10%. Immigration is an advantage for our economy  but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X.

The announcement follows several recent measures aimed at controlling Canada's record-high immigration levels, which have contributed to pushing the nation's population beyond 41 million earlier this year. The government, led by Trudeau, has cited concerns about the impact of high immigration on housing availability, employment, and social services.

Were reducing the number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers and shortening the duration of their work terms. We adjusted the program after the pandemic, but the labour markets changed. We need businesses to invest in Canadian workers, Trudeau added.

During a news conference, Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasised, It is a privilege to come to Canada. It is not a right, as quoted by AFP.

The government plans to issue 437,000 study permits to international students in 2025, a significant decrease from 485,000 this year and over 500,000 in 2023. Additionally, new restrictions will be placed on work permits for spouses of certain international students and foreign workers.

Also Read | How likely is an Air Canada strike and what impact would it have?

To address a rise in fraudulent or rejected asylum claims, the government will also enhance scrutiny in the travel visa issuance process. Ottawa has previously stated its intention to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from 6.8% of the population (as of April) to 5%.

What will be the impact? According to a report by CIC News, master's and doctoral students will now be required to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), a requirement previously limited to college and undergraduate students. The immigration department has stated it will reserve approximately 12% of allocation spaces for these advanced degree students.

The CIC News report also details changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, including new language proficiency requirements. University graduates will need to demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates must achieve a CLB of 5 for applications submitted after November 1.

According to the report, Immigration Minister Miller anticipates these changes to lead to a reduction of 175,000 PGWPs issued over the next three years.
Buckingham Palace has clarified that a photo shared by King Charles and Prince William for Prince Harrys 40th birthday wasnt edited to exclude Meghan Markle.

Also Read | Kate Middleton returns to work after cancer treatment

The picture, originally taken during Harry and Meghans 2018 trip to Dublin, shows a smiling close-up of Harry. The Royal Family, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, shared the photo to celebrate Harrys milestone birthday on Sunday.

Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today! said the post's caption.

Royal observers noticed that Prince Harry's photo, taken while he was still a working Royal, originally included his wife, the Duchess of Sussex. This sparked rumours online, with some suggesting that the Royal Family intentionally cropped her out of the image.

Also Read | Prince Harry would be happier if King Charles

However, it has now been clarified that both the cropped version of Harry alone and the full picture featuring his wife were uploaded by the Press Association to Getty Images on the same day back in 2018.

A Palace spokesperson has confirmed to The Independent that the image was not altered. It was used in the format it was received, according to Palace.

Also Read | Royal Family fans not impressed as William, Kate wish Harry on birthday

Harry-Meghans relationship with the Royal Family has worsened since they stepped down from Royal duties in 2020. This strain increased after Harry released his memoir, Spare, where he made serious claims, including an incident where William allegedly attacked him during a disagreement about Meghan.

Peace gesture? Some see the Royal Family's recent sharing of Harrys birthday image as a peace gesture. Others believe it simply follows the tradition set by Queen Elizabeth II, who ensured birthdays of non-working Royals were acknowledged on official platforms for milestone years ending in zero. Harry turned 40 this year on September 15.
US-based Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not endorse either Presidential candidate for the upcoming polls. The couple who have previously aimed thinly veiled swipes at Donald Trump will reportedly steer clear of any political insinuations this time around. The Duke and Duchess however urged unregistered voters to cast their ballots in a recent statement via their Archewell foundation.

According to a report by The Telegraph, the royals "will remain publicly neutral" for the upcoming elections following the public spat with Trump in 2020. The development came even as polls showed Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump deadlocked with less than seven weeks to go for the elections.

The Sussexes also released a statement marking National Voter Registration Day earlier this month without indicating their personal preferences. As members of the British royal family both Meghan and Harry are expected to remain neutral during elections.

Voting is not just a rightits a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities. At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter ones political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world, read their statement released earlier in September.

Neither Meghan nor Harry appear to be fans of the billionaire businessman based on past comments. Meghan had been vocal in her criticism of Trump before joining the royal family  calling him a misogynistic and divisive personality during one TV interview.

The duo had released a video message in the run-up to the 2020 polls urging people to reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity without naming either candidate. The message also prompted a sharp rebuttal from Trump  with the Republican leader insisting that he was not a fan of the duo.

Trump has also suggested that he would deport Prince Harry and Meghan if he was elected to power.
After Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist, filed a civil lawsuit in US court alleging the Indian government of hatching a conspiracy to assassinate him, the District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a summons to the Indian government, NDTV reported. The summons demands a response from the Indian government within 21 days.

Apart from the Indian government, the lawsuit names India's foreign intelligence agency personnel and others, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Samant Goel, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta.

Also Read | Khalistani leader Pannun supports Rahuls remark on Sikh community

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who heads the radical outfit Sikhs for Justice, shared a copy of the summons on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which has been withheld. The centre's response to the summons is awaited.

Mint could not independently confirm the development of the news.

According to a Financial Times report, last year, the US had thwarted a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada. US President Joe Biden's administration later confirmed the development.

Responding to the critical issue, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that it is a "matter of concern" and asserted that India has launched a high-level probe. Former MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said, As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court, allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said that this is also contrary to government policy, the NDTV report said.

Also Read | NIA raids in Punjab over Khalistani attacks on Indian High Commission in Ottawa

Noting that the matter would not impact the "upward trajectory" of India-US ties, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in May this year emphasised that India is investigating. He suggested that the United States sought India's attention to this issue in good faith because we also believe some of it has implications for our own system.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

In a chilling escalation of legal and criminal misconduct, convicted Italian mafia boss Francesco Marconati has become the focal point of an international scandal involving the persecution of a prominent Chinese investor and her family in Zimbabwe. This comes as Marconati, a known fraudster with a history of shady dealings, was recently sentenced to two years in jail for defrauding his business partner in the Eagle Italian Shoes company.

The Harare magistrate, Mr. Donald Ndirowei, handed down a five-year sentence to Marconati, with three years suspended on condition of good behavior. In his ruling, the magistrate condemned Marconati's conduct, citing his deliberate decision to bypass due process in removing his long-time partner from the directorship of their joint venture. The magistrate noted the severe emotional and financial toll Marconati's actions had on the victim, who suffered a breakdown due to the betrayal. Ndirowei emphasized that Marconati's two prior convictions underscore his status as a serial offender, engaging in criminal enterprises with impunity.However, this is just the tip of the iceberg in a broader conspiracy allegedly spearheaded by Marconati. Sources close to the case now suggest that Marconati has been using his underworld connections to hound Chinese national Li Song and her son, Haoxuan Song. The pair have been targeted in a campaign of intimidation and legal manipulation, as Marconati reportedly sought to sabotage their investments in Zimbabwe's lucrative mining sector, which has seen a surge in Chinese involvement.Li Song, a key investor in Zimbabwe since 1995, recently expanded her operations, investing millions in technical services and exploration. But her son's sudden arrest in February 2024, and the subsequent bureaucratic delays that hindered the issuance of an investment permit, have all the hallmarks of a coordinated attack orchestrated by Marconati. It is now being alleged that Marconati, leveraging his influence with certain corrupt officials, orchestrated Haoxuan's detention and sought to derail the Song family's business efforts to consolidate his own interests.The situation took a darker turn this week when Miss Li Song and her son seemingly vanished, leaving their lawyer, Oliver Marwa, and the public scrambling for answers. According to Marwa, both Li Song and her son were denied their legal right to appear before a court, as is mandated in deportation cases. Even more concerning is the fact that Miss Song was refused access to her lawyer as recently as September 18, 2024, before both she and her son were mysteriously deported.Marwa expressed deep concern, stating, "There's been no due process. Neither Miss Song nor her son were brought before a court, and their whereabouts are unknown. Immigration authorities have not issued any official communication, and we fear they've been forcibly removed from the country without following the legal channels."This growing mystery is compounded by the fact that Marconati, even while facing a jail term, continues to wield influence behind the scenes. His known criminal affiliations, paired with his corrupting reach within Zimbabwe's administrative apparatus, suggest that the Song family may have been caught in the crossfire of a mafia power play.The Chinese Embassy has already lodged a diplomatic complaint regarding the victimization of Chinese nationals and investors in Zimbabwe, further highlighting the deteriorating investment climate. While Zimbabwe has long been reliant on Chinese capital to fuel key sectors such as mining, incidents like these could cast a long shadow over its reputation as a safe haven for foreign investors.Observers are now questioning how deep the rot goes. Is this a rogue mafia boss operating unchecked in Zimbabwe's economic sectors, or are there systemic issues allowing foreign criminals like Marconati to manipulate the legal system to their advantage? The legal persecution of the Song family could set a dangerous precedent, scaring off vital Chinese investment at a time when Zimbabwe needs it most.As of now, no official statement has been issued by Zimbabwean authorities concerning the deportation or the allegations surrounding Marconati's involvement. The fate of Li Song and her son remains shrouded in secrecy, and many are left wondering how a nation so reliant on foreign investment could let such a situation spiral out of control. This saga will undoubtedly continue to unfold, with all eyes now on Zimbabwe's government and its next move. Will they protect their international investors, or will mafia-style tactics continue to thrive unchecked in the shadows?
Al Mason, a close aide of Former US President Donald Trump, said early Thursday that the Indian-American community in the United States "largely credit Trump for deepening the ties between the two countries".

Mason said US presidential candidate Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have enjoyed "very warm relations and a strong bond between each other while the former president was in office".

"They [Indian American community] still recollect Trump's outreach during his presidency, to bolster the historic relationship between the United States and India, and to reach out to Indian American communities within the United States on a more personal level during his tenure as a president," Mason told news agency ANI.

Mason claimed that during Trumps presidency, "one trend became overwhelmingly clear [that] Indian Americans, perhaps for the first time ever, felt both acknowledged and respected by the president of the United States."

"Therefore, a meeting between Trump and PM Modi next week in New York will further cement the bond between both the leaders," Al Mason said.

His comments came a day after Trump said he will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week. He also called the Indian Prime Minister "fantastic".

Trump said on Tuesday that India was a "very big abuser" of the US-India trade relationship. The Republican candidate for the US presidential election in November was speaking in Flint, Michigan.

PM Modi will be in the US this weekend to attend the Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. Then on September 23, Modi will address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Trump and Modi have had warm relations when the former was US president and he also visited India in 2020. During his rally, audience members wore Namaste Trump hats to welcome Trump, the Reuters report added.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the probe into the Kolkata doctor's rape case on August 14 following an order from the Calcutta High Court, has suspected that former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh may have been taking orders from somebody else on the phone, a Times of India report said.

The investigation agency, which has analysed his call details, say Sandip Ghosh had spoken to Tala Police station officer in-charge Abhijit Mondal and hospital officials before reaching the scene of the crime.

The CBI officials have said that Sandip Ghosh remained wilfully absent from the crime scene instead of closely monitoring the proceedings and taking necessary steps for its preservation and registration of FIR at the earliest. In fact, Sandip Ghosh reached RG Kar hospital after the police.

The CBI will certify details of "each and every phone call" to verify versions with a view to explore the possibility of criminal conspiracy hatched among main accused and co-accused persons, if any, an official said. The agency will confront the two with the CCTV footage from the Tala police station, the scene of the crime, the medical college and also examine mobile data extracted from their phones to unearth the conspiracy/nexus, if any and attempt to hush up the matter, an official said.

Sandip Ghosh was arrested by the CBI on September 14 for allegedly tampering with evidence in connection with the rape and murder case of the 31-year-old trainee doctor of RG Kar. Sandip Ghosh was already in the CBI custody and being probed for financial irregularities at the hospital. The agency is now probing criminal conspiracy, if any, between Sanjay Roy (the prime accused), Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Medical Council has cancelled the registration of Sandip Ghosh.
Just a day after pagers used by the militant group Hezbollah members exploded, more electronic devices detonated in Lebanon on Wednesday, marking a second wave of deadly attacks.

Both attacks are widely suspected to have been carried out by Israel, raising fears that the ongoing conflict between the two sides could escalate into full-scale war.

Two waves of attack Earlier on Tuesday, pagers utilised by hundreds of Hezbollah members detonated in various locations in Lebanon and Syria. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including two young children, and left thousands more injured.

The Lebanese government and Iran-backed Hezbollah have also attributed the deadly explosions to Israel.

Just one day after these incidents, additional detonations occurred in Beirut and other areas of Lebanon on Wednesday, including several blasts during a funeral in Beirut for three Hezbollah members and a child who lost their life in Tuesday's explosions, according to Associated Press.

At least 20 people were killed, and another 450 were wounded, the Health Ministry said, in this apparent second attack.

The picture of a child is placed amidt flowers at the site of a memorial set up outside Lebanon's embassy in Tehran, on September 18, 2024. Exploding pagers claimed the lives of 12 people in Lebanon, including two children, the country's health minister said on September 18, updating the toll a day after the blasts blamed on Israel. Hundreds of the wireless devices exploded simultaneously across Lebanon on September 17, hours after Israel said it was broadening the aims of the Gaza war to include its fight against Hamas ally Hezbollah. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Pagers were discontinued in 2014 Mobile phones became the primary communication tool worldwide; pagersoften referred to as beepers due to the sound they emit to signal incoming messageshave largely fallen out of favour, with demand plummeting from its peak in the 1990s.

FILE - Three women hold the pager 'Quix' as they present it at CeBIT '97 in Hannover, Germany, Tuesday March 18, 1997. The beep-beep-beep of a small black box on your belt or in your pocket was something of a status symbol decades before the smartphone wiped it from popular culture. (AP Photo/Fabian Bimmer, File)

For many years, Hezbollah has relied on pagers for communication.

Recently, the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, cautioned members against using cellphones, stating that Israel could potentially use them to track their movements. Pagers operate on a different wireless network than mobile phones, making them generally more resilient during emergencies.

A photo taken on September 18, 2024, in Beirut's southern suburbs shows the remains of exploded pagers on display at an undisclosed location. Hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on September 17, killing at least nine people and wounding around 2,800 in blasts the Iran-backed militant group blamed on Israel. (Photo by AFP)

For Hezbollah, pagers offer a way to circumvent what is believed to be extensive Israeli electronic surveillance on mobile phone networks in Lebanon. The simpler technology of pagers carries lower risks of intercepted communications, providing a more secure option for the group.

Japanese firm Icom said Thursday that it had stopped producing the model of radios reportedly used in recent blasts in Lebanon around 10 years ago, AFP reported.

The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company, Icom said in a statement.

What do analysts say? Elijah J. Magnier, a Brussels-based veteran and senior political risk analyst, told the AP that the newer model of pagers used in Tuesdays explosions was acquired more than six months ago, though how they reached Lebanon remains unclear.

Taiwanese company Gold Apollo confirmed on Wednesday that it authorized the use of its brand for the AR-924 pager model. However, it noted that the devices were produced and sold by a Budapest-based company called BAC Consulting KFT.

Taiwans Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that it had no records of direct exports of Gold Apollo pagers to Lebanon.

Mechanics of sabotage Experts to the Associated Press suggested that Tuesday's explosions were likely the result of supply-chain interference. They meant that small explosive devices might have been integrated into the pages before they were delivered to Hezbollah, potentially triggered simultaneously via a remote radio signal.

As reported by AP, a former British Army bomb disposal officer detailed that an explosive device typically consists of five main components: a container, a battery, a triggering device, a detonator, and an explosive charge.

A pager has three of those already, said the ex-officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he now works as a consultant with clients on the Middle East. You would only need to add the detonator and the charge.

Sean Moorhouse, a former British Army officer and explosives expert, noted that Israels foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, is the most likely suspect to possess the resources for such an operation, given its history of executing similar attacks.

While the details of Wednesday's explosions remain unclear, reports of additional electronic devices detonating suggest a deeper level of infiltration and boobytrap-like interference within Lebanons supply chain. This situation heightens concerns about the uncertainty surrounding who may have these rigged devices.

Mossad tracked the movements of Hezbollah members? Experts told AP that the timeline for such preparations could range from several months to as long as two years.

Nicholas Reese, an adjunct instructor at NYU's School of Professional Studies, explained that executing an operation of this scale necessitates building relationships to gain physical access to the pagers before their sale, developing the embedded technology, and securing sources to verify that the intended targets were using the devices.

According to conversations with Hezbollah contacts, Elijah J. Magnier reported that the group is investigating the type of explosives used in the devices, suspecting either RDX or PETNhighly explosive materials capable of causing significant damage with as little as 3 to 5 grams. They are also exploring the possibility that the devices contained GPS systems, which could allow Israel to track the movements of group members.

N.R. Jenzen-Jones, an expert in military arms and director of the Australian-based Armament Research Services, added that such a large-scale operation also raises questions of targeting"  stressing the number of causalities and enormous impact reported so far, reported Associated Press.

How can the party initiating the explosive be sure that a targets child, for example, is not playing with the pager at the time it functions? he said.

Is war with Hezbollah imminent as Israel's patience runs thin? Hezbollah, promising to retaliate against Israel, said on Wednesday that it targeted Israeli artillery positions with rockets. This marked its first offensive action against Israel since the recent explosions. The Israeli military reported no damage or casualties from the attack.

Hezbollah seeks to avoid an all-out war, noted Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director of research at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. However, given the scale of the situation, there will be pressure for a stronger response.

The military movements have been accompanied by heightened rhetoric from Israel's leaders, who say their patience is running thin.
New Delhi is inviting Moscow's wrath as ammunition sold by Indian weapons manufacturers is diverted by European customers, including Italy and the Czech Republic, to Ukraine, news agency Reuters reported citing Indian and European government officials.

The transfer of ammunition to support Ukraine's defence against Russia has occurred for more than a year, according to the report.

India had not taken any action to throttle the supply to Europe, it added.

Russia has raised the issue with India on at least two occasions, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, the report added.

Earlier this year, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that India had not sent or sold artillery shells to Ukraine.

According to the report, only a very small amount of India-made ammunition, under 1 per cent, was being used by Ukraine against Russia.

Also Read | Russia Sharing Nuclear Secrets With Iran Fuels US, UK Worries

State-owned Yantra India is one of the companies whose munitions were being used by Ukraine, it also said.

India sees the lengthy (Ukraine) war in Europe as an opportunity to develop its nascent arms export sector, said the report.

India exported more than $3 billion of arms between 2018 and 2023, according to data from think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

On August 30, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that defence exports surpassed $2.5 billion in the fiscal year 2024 and that Delhi wanted to increase that to about $6 billion by 2029.

In the two years before the February 2022 invasion, three major Indian ammunition makers - Yantra, Munitions India and Kalyani Strategic Systems - exported just $2.8 million in munitions components to Italy and the Czech Republic, as well as Spain and Slovenia, where defence contractors have invested heavily in supply chains for Ukraine.
Thailand's new tourism minister, Sorawong Thienthong, plans to start collecting 300 baht (around 750) as tourism tax, a proposal which was put on hold by the previous Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin-led administration.

According to a Bangkok Post report, the minister has pledged to increase tourism income to at least 3 trillion baht this year.

I believe the collection of tourism fees benefits the tourism industry since the revenue can be used for the development of infrastructure and attractions, as well as to ensure tourist safety, said Sorawong, as per the report.

The tourism levy approved by the cabinet in 2022 has yet to be enforced as there is a lack of official endorsement from the Royal Gazette. The plans to introduce it earlier were reportedly shelved due to the opposing views from the private sector.

Sorawong said the ministry needs more time to access the system before moving forward. There is no confirmation from the ministry whether or not collection will begin from the final quarter of the year.

Also Read | Travelling to New Zealand to get more expensive: Fees now nearly 3 times more

The fee structure has remained the same since it was proposed five years ago, which is 300 baht (nearly 750) for air travellers, and 150 baht (nearly 378) for land and sea visitors, according to the report.

Thailand generated nearly $22.42 billion in revenues from tourists arriving from India, China, and Malaysia, with India being its largest market, according to a Reuters report.

Also Read | Viral baby hippo from Thailand is facing harassment from visitors

Who will be exempted from this tourism tax? There are certain categories of tourists who are not required to pay the fees:

1. Children under two

2. Transit passengers

3. Diplomatic passport holders

4. Individuals with work permits

Also Read | Bali launches tourism tax for foreigners on Valentines Day to preserve culture

The global trend of taxing tourists While Thailand is working on implementing a tourism tax, cities such as Edinburgh, Barcelona, Paris and Venice have similar charges. The rate depends on the location and the accommodation type.

In Barcelona, tourists pay both a regional tax and a city surcharge, which can come up to many euros per night, depending on the location one stays. Similarly, in Paris, the tourist tax is based on the accommodation type and its star rating, so luxury stays gain more tax, according to the report.

Also Read | Living in paradise: The great Goa realty rush

In popular destinations in Austria, the charge can be approximately 3.02 per cent of the hotel bill per person. Belgium follows a similar pattern, where visitors pay more tax depending on the size or rating of a hotel or which city the hotel is in.
OMAHA, Neb.In Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District, where one potentially critical presidential electoral vote will be awarded after Novembers election, many eyes are on Warren Buffetts front yard. Neighbors are watching to see whether a sign with a blue dot appears outside the relatively modest home the billionaire investor has owned in this citys Dundee neighborhood for more than six decades.

The signs, a grassroots effort started recently in the Berkshire Hathaway chairmans neighborhood, have no words. Just dots. They ooze Midwestern understatement and have emerged as a symbol of solidarity for Democrats living amid a sea of Nebraskas Republican red.

Buffetts past backing of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have made his Democratic neighbors hopeful, even a bit zealous. One went so far as to send Buffett a handwritten letter to ask him to display one of the signs. His more politically active daughter, Omaha philanthropist Susan Buffett, had two put in her yard last weekend.

Jason Brown, who lives mere blocks from Buffett, is the mastermind behind the blue-dot signs. He said watching the Democratic National Convention on television sparked the idea. What started out as a single sign has proliferated into thousands across Omaha and beyond.

The blue dots are heavily concentrated in Buffetts neighborhood, an upscale area west of downtown filled with older homes. Initially, some residents were perplexed, thinking the signs were baby boy birth announcements or something more mundane.

I thought it had to do with the pipes," said Sherry Mead, who at first took them for some kind of utility marking, perhaps related to a lead-pipe replacement project. The retired healthcare professional now has a blue dot in her yard. Its a way to talk to your neighbors," she added. This is an important eventthis electionand we need to get people to unite and do it in a nonaggressive way."

Brown, who owns rental properties and runs a workplace-consulting business with his wife, said he wanted to educate neighbors on their votes potential power in a close presidential election. Nebraska and Maine are the only two states that award electoral votes by congressional district, rather than statewide winner-take-all.

While Nebraska hasnt backed a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964, the 2nd District has proven more competitive, largely due to Omahas independent streak. Democrats optimistically call the area the blue dot."

Connecting the dots

This single electoral vote could potentially clinch the presidency for Harris, if she triumphs in the battlegrounds of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, while holding all reliable Democratic states. Democrats won the districts vote in 2008 and 2020, while Republicans did in 2012 and 2016.More than 5,000 blue-dot signs have been distributed so far, Brown and his wife, Ruth Huebner-Brown, said during an interview at their dining room table. They were surrounded by blue-dot stickers, blue balls and other related items.

They ask for a contribution of $10 to cover expenses and have vowed to donate any profits. Brown has hand painted the signs, along with two neighbors down the block and others who watched videos on how to make them. Overwhelmed by demand, they recently commissioned a commercial printer to produce 5,000 more signs.

Karen Conn, a retired real-estate agent and longtime neighborhood resident, was among the first sign-making volunteers. She wrote to Buffett: I told him we would be honored if he would consider putting a sign in his yard."

Huebner-Brown concedes that is likely a pie in the sky wish." Yet given Buffetts past criticism of former President Donald Trump, and the potential significance of his congressional district, the activists remain hopeful.

Neighborhood Republicans and independents seem to be mostly taking the blue-dot invasion in stride.

She told me not to be an A-hole

I told my wife I might put a red dot out to see what kind of reception Id get, but she told me not to be an A-hole," said Stan Corbin, a retired Air Force translator and military contractor who considers himself an independent.

Whitney Taylor, a Republican who lives near Buffett, displays a Trump sign and a photo of the former presidents head in her yard. While she considers her famous neighbor very liberal," she suspects he wont place a blue-dot sign in his yard because he wont want to offend his financial followers. Through an assistant, Buffett declined to comment.

Buffett, 94, hasnt donated to any federal candidate or committee since 2019, records show. Neighbors occasionally see Buffett, whose Republican father represented the area in Congress, coming and going. His presence goes mostly unnoticed, except during the annual Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting when thousands descend on Omaha, and some fans stop by to snap photos of the Wall Street wizards home. Republicans have sought to change Nebraska law and implement statewide winner-take-all rules, but those efforts have failed and seem less likely the closer the election gets. Trump benefited in 2016 and 2020 from having Maine, a blue state, distribute its electoral votes by congressional district.

Huebner-Brown said the signs minimalist design is helping lower the political temperature. You cant be too angry at a happy little dot," she said.

Write to John McCormick at mccormick.john@wsj.com
I wrote a speculative article in 2000 on what I called the political trilemma of the world economy." My claim was that advanced forms of globalization, the nation-state and mass politics could not coexist. Societies would eventually settle on (at most) two out of three.

I suggested that it would be the nation-state that would give way in the long run. But not without a struggle. In the short term, the more likely consequence was that governments would seek to reassert national sovereignty, to address the distributive and governance challenges posed by globalization.

To my surprise, the trilemma proved to have long legs. My book The Globalization Paradox, published a decade later, developed the idea further. The concept of the trilemma has become a handy way to understand the backlash against hyper-globalization, Britains exit from the European Union, the rise of the far right and the future of democracy in the EU, among other issues.

Lately, another trilemma has preoccupied me. This one is the disturbing possibility that it may be impossible simultaneously to combat climate change, boost the middle class in advanced economies and reduce global poverty. Under current policy trajectories, any combination of two goals appears to come at the expense of the third.

During the early post-war decades, policies in the developed and developing world alike emphasized economic growth and domestic social stability. The advanced economies built extensive welfare states, but also progressively opened their markets to poorer countries exports, so long as the distributional and social consequences were manageable. The result was inclusive growth in rich countries, as well as significant poverty reduction in those developing countries that were pursuing the right policies.

Successful as this strategy was, it side-stepped the risks of climate change. Over time, the consequences of economic growth powered by fossil fuels have become increasingly difficult to ignore.

The post-war Keynesian-social democratic bargain in advanced economies was further undone by the internal contradictions generated by my original trilemma.

As hyper-globalization replaced the earlier Bretton Woods model, labour markets in the advanced economies experienced greater disruption, undermining the middle class and democracy itself. Both of these developments required new strategies.

In the United States, President Joe Bidens administration has tackled these new realities head-on. It has broken new ground by promoting substantial investment in renewables and green industries to combat climate change.

And it also deliberately aims to restore the middle class by promoting labours bargaining power, re-shoring manufacturing and creating jobs in regions that were badly hit by imports from China.

This new focus on climate and the middle class is long overdue. But what US and European policymakers see as a necessary response to the failures of neoliberalism looks, to poor countries, like an assault on their development prospects. The recent crop of industrial policies and other regulations are often discriminatory and threaten to keep out manufactured goods from developing countries.

Green subsidies in the US incentivize the use of domestic over imported inputs. The EUs carbon-pricing mechanism will soon require dirty exporters from developing countries to pay additional tariffs. Governments in poor countries believe that such measures will sabotage their efforts to replicate East Asian nations export-oriented industrialization.

We can imagine an alternative combination of policies that focus on poor countries and the climate. This would entail a large transfer of resourcesfinancial and technologicalfrom the North to the South, to ensure the requisite investments in climate adaptation and mitigation in the latter.

It would also require significantly greater access in the Norths markets to goods, services and workers from the poor countries of the South, to enhance these workers economic opportunities. This policy configuration is morally appealing; it would effectively apply the philosopher John Rawls principles of justice on a global scale.

Also read: We need better information on the impact of climate change

But here, too, the trilemma rears its ugly head. Such an approach would work at cross purposes with the imperative of rebuilding the middle class in advanced economies. It would create much greater competition for workers without college or professional degrees, driving down their wages. It would also reduce the fiscal resources available for investment in their human capital and physical infrastructure.

Fortunately, some of these conflicts are more apparent than real. In particular, policymakers in advanced economies and poor countries alike need to understand that the vast majority of the remunerative middle-class jobs of the future will have to come from services, not manufacturing. And economic growth and poverty reduction in developing economies will be fuelled mainly by the creation of more productive jobs in their service sectors.

Labour-absorbing sectors such as care, retail, education and other personal services are non-traded for the most part. Promoting them does not create trade tensions in the same way as in manufacturing industries. This means that the conflict between the middle-class imperative in rich economies and poor countries growth imperative is less severe than meets the eye.

Similarly, it will be virtually impossible to address climate change without significant cooperation from developing countries. While emissions from the US and Europe have been declining, developing-country emissions are still rising, in some cases rapidly, and their contribution to global emissions (excluding China) will soon exceed 50%.

Hence it is in rich countries self-interest to promote green-transition policies that poor countries regard as part of their own growth strategies, not just as pure cost.

Climate change is an existential threat. A large and stable middle class is the foundation of liberal democracies. And reducing global poverty is a moral imperative. It would be alarming if we had to abandon any of these three goals.

Also read: Why India needs a new method to count its poor

Yet our current policy framework imposes, implicitly but forcefully, a trilemma that appears difficult to overcome. A successful post-neoliberal transition requires us to formulate new policies that put these trade-offs behind us. 2024/project syndicate
Are we looking at the Indian micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector through the wrong lens? According to government data, there were over 63 million MSMEs in 2015, of which over 60 million were micro enterprises. Of these micro enterprises, though, how many would be nano businesses?

The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for 2023 offers a contemporary indication. It puts the total number of unincorporated enterprises at 65 million, of which 55.3 million are own account enterprises (OAEs) and 9.7 million are hired worker enterprises (HWEs). The survey data indicates that 95% of Indian MSMEs are not incorporated.

The term business means something very different to this cohort, and so improving their ease of doing business demands a dedicated approach. Unfortunately, policy biases and misconceptions seem to have resulted in this large group of entrepreneurs going underserved, perhaps even ignored.

So what characterizes nano businesses? According to the ASUSE survey, unincorporated enterprises are mostly sole proprietorships operating from their homes or from temporary work places. They work long hours and have marginal access to credit.

Only 6.4% have audited accounts, but a little over 36% have registered themselves under some authority or Act; 7% have contributed to manufacturing and other services through contractual work. They employ as many as 110 million people and their outstanding loans average around 50,000.

Nano businesses represent a large chunk of Indias employment base. They each employ an average of 1.5 to 2 people. They are largely informal, using cash transactions primarily, and are generally not registered on the goods and services tax (GST) portal.

Scant data has kept policymakers back from studying the challenges that hinder their livelihoods and make it difficult for them to scale up. Consider the local street chaat seller or vegetable vendor outside a suburban railway station. They are entrepreneurs. They work hard, probably harder than many of us, to make an honest living.

Unfortunately, not only do we lack data on them, we barely recognize them as a separate category of business for targeted policy intervention. Nano businesses should not be clubbed with other MSMEs in this broad category because they have very different needs and challenges.

Many studies have examined MSMEs, but none that we could find has specifically analysed nano enterprises over a sustained period to track changes in their business performance over loan cycles.

Estimates suggest that nano entrepreneur credit could add up to a sum as large as 3.25 trillion, making it the biggest potential credit segment within the larger MSME category, with demand estimated to be growing at a compounded rate of over 35% annually.

However, the supply of finance has not kept pace. Only a fraction have access to loans through formal sources, while a vast majority bootstrap their businesses through their savings or rely on financial support from family and friends.

Operating in the informal economy, most of these nano-entrepreneurs work with minimal paperwork, thin margins and even thinner hopes. Some of them depend for earnings on larger enterprises, with which they have little to no bargaining power.

As they do not maintain proper financial records, lenders find it challenging to assess their creditworthiness. Their inability to provide collateral for loans also acts as a major obstacle. All this is compounded by inadequate financial knowledge.

The new account aggregator network, plus the expected rollout of the Unified Lending Interface, which will collate data from various sources to allow assessments of creditworthiness, could conceivably be of help. But the need of the hour is for the government to classify nano businesses as a separate group for policy attention.

Their potential to drive inclusive growth remains untapped, and given sufficient credit and other support, they could be sources of innovation too.

We need a comprehensive cross-ministerial approach to nano businesses, with efforts ranging from financial inclusion and skill development to technology adoption and regulatory simplification.

If the ministry of MSMEs and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (under the commerce ministry) cannot coordinate such an agenda, then maybe it is time to create a separate ministry altogether.
Pakistani defence minister, Khawaja Asif, sparked a political row by saying that the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government and the Congress-National Conference's pre-poll alliance were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asif's controversial remarks come amid the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the first since the Modi government scrapped the erstwhile state's special status in 2019.

Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370, Asif said during an interview with Geo News, adding that there is a high chance that the alliance would win the Assembly polls and come to power in Jammu and Kashmir.

The first phase of Assembly polls in the Union Territory was held on Wednesday. Two more phases will be held on September 25 and October 1, and the votes will be counted on October 8.

The Congress and National Conference (NC) are contesting the elections in alliance. The Congress is fighting 32 seats, while the NC has fielded candidates for 51 seats.

The NC, in its manifesto, has promised to make efforts to bring back Article 370. However, there is no such mention in the Congress manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir.

The remarks by the Pakistani politician elicited a strong response from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which is also contesting the Jammu and Kashmir elections. Modi is addressing two ralliesone in Srinagar and another in Katraas part of BJP's campaign for the elections.

Party's IT cell head Amit Malviya slammed the Congress-NC alliance after Asif's comments. Malviya questioned why Rahul Gandhi and his Congress are always seen on the side of those inimical to Indias interest.

Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conferences position on Kashmir. Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in Hamid Mirs Capital Talk on Geo News, says, Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A. How is it that, from Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress, are always seen on the side of those inimical to Indias interest?, Malviya said in a post on X sharing the clip of Asif's interview with Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir.

The cat is out of the bag for Modi Virodh; they can even stand with Pakistan.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also reacted by saying the cat is out of the bag for those who oppose Modi.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president on Thursday responded to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over remarks by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) against Rahul Gandhi

Kharge wrote to Modi on Tuesday, expressing his concern and disappointment over remarks made against Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha.

You have written a letter to PM Modi in an attempt to polish your failed product (Rahul Gandhi), which has been repeatedly rejected by the public, and bring it to the market due to political compulsion, reads Nadda's letter in Hindi.

Kharge's letter had said that phrases such as Number one terrorist used by union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and a former BJP MLA's death threat to Rahul Gandhi, were deeply disturbing.

It seems that in the letter you have either forgotten the misdeeds of your leaders including Rahul Gandhi or have deliberately ignored them.

"After reading that letter, I felt that the things said by you are far from reality. It seems that in the letter you have either forgotten the misdeeds of your leaders including Rahul Gandhi or have deliberately ignored them, so I felt that it is important to bring those things to your notice in detail. It is sad that the oldest political party of the country has now become a 'copy & paste' party under the pressure of its famous prince." Nadda responded in the letter.

Ravneet Singh Bittu sparks row Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday stoked a controversy after he called Rahul Gandhi, as number 1 terrorist and biggest enemy of the country. Bittu made the remark while reacting to Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on various issues, including related to Sikh Community.

Also Read | Congress workers protest over BJP leaders threats to Rahul Gandhi

During his recent visit to the US, while addressing a gathering of Indian Americans, Gandhi asked one of the Sikh attendees to give his name and said, The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions.
Opinion / Columnist

In the tumultuous landscape of Zimbabwean politics, the recent defection of Dzikamai Mavhaire back to ZANU-PF has served as a wake-up call for the opposition. This unsettling trend highlights the structural flaws in the opposition's strategy of courting former ZANU-PF members at the expense of supporting their own homegrown talent. The ramifications of this approach are becoming painfully evident, as the opposition is left grappling with questions about their ability to retain high-profile recruits while nurturing their own dedicated members.Mavhaire's return to ZANU-PF is a vivid reminder of the pitfalls associated with prioritizing defectors over the party's grassroots supporters. The opposition's historical pattern of embracing former ZANU-PF members has not only backfired but has also led to a cycle of disillusionment. The examples are striking. Paddington Japapa, after voicing concerns about opposition leadership, faced similar ostracism as other former members like Joyce Mukuru among others. Meanwhile, Killer Zivhu, who remained with ZANU-PF, ironically found favor among opposition supporters for his social media savvy. These narratives must raise alarm bells for opposition leaders who continue to celebrate defectors at the cost of their internal cohesion.The stark contrast between the experiences of former ZANU-PF defectors and homegrown opposition talent is troubling. Individuals like Obert Gutu, Lilian Timveous, Blessing Chebundo among others have surfaced in ZANU-PF with aspirations of impacting change but have struggled to find solid ground in their new environment. This indicates a troubling trend: the opposition's failure to establish a strategic foundation for integration that values loyalty, commitment, and a shared vision.Dr. Pedzisai Ruhanya, a respected political analyst, encapsulates the danger of this approach succinctly when he states, "By prioritizing ZANU-PF defectors over homegrown talent, the opposition risks creating a culture of entitlement and disloyalty." The implications of such a culture are detrimental, fostering internal conflict that undercuts morale and efficacy among loyal members who have weathered the trials of opposition politics.Historically, the opposition's embrace of former ZANU-PF members has sown discord and fragmentation within their ranks. The MDC Alliance's efforts in 2018 to integrate defectors led to significant internal strife, emphasizing the delicate balance required when building coalitions in Zimbabwes politically charged environment. Research by Mugobo (2019) underscores the need for cohesion and the perils of destabilizing existing structures through the influx of external personalities.To reverse the tide, the opposition must undertake a rigorous reevaluation of their strategy. This includes investing in leadership development programs that empower loyal members, reserving key positions for those who have demonstrated commitment, and instituting stringent vetting processes for new recruits. By fostering a culture that prioritizes growth from within, the opposition can cultivate a steadfast leadership base capable of rallying support and presenting a unified front against ZANU-PF.The alternative is a continued reliance on figures with questionable loyalties and divergent ideologies, which only serves to dilute the party's message and resolve. As Dr. Ruhanya aptly points out, "The opposition needs to focus on building its own institutional capacity, rather than relying on imports from ZANU-PF." This means redefining what it means to be an effective opposition party, one that values authenticity, dedication, and a shared commitment to Zimbabwe's future.In conclusion, the lessons from Mavhaires recent defection are clear: the time has come for the Zimbabwean opposition to prioritize homegrown talent over fleeting alliances with former rivals. By nurturing its own cadre of dedicated leaders, the opposition can forge a sustainable path forward, transforming disillusionment into determination and laying the groundwork for a credible challenge to the ruling partys dominance. The power lies within their ranksit's time to harness it.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over a viral video showing a Pakistan minister supporting their stance on Article 370.

In a post on X, Amit Shah said, "Pakistan's Defence Minister's statement about Congress and JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed the Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda."

The Union home minister said that for the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen.

"Be it asking for proof of air strikes and surgical strikes or saying objectionable things about the Indian Army, the tune of Rahul Gandhi's Congress Party and Pakistan has always been the same and Congress has always been hand in glove with the anti-national forces," Shah said.

He further cautioned the Congress and Pakistan, saying that as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is in the Centre, neither Article 370 nor terrorism can return to Kashmir.

What did Pakistan minister say? A short clip from a Geo News interview with Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif went viral on Thursday. In the video, the minister was asked whether Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page regarding the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.

Khwaja Asif replied, Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same...

"I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif told Geo News.
Mukesh Ahlawat has been appointed as the new face of the Delhi Cabinet. At the same time, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has retained four ministers: Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Imran Hussain. The Delhi government's Council of Ministers comprises seven members, including the Chief Minister. The terms of the new Chief Minister and the newly appointed member will be short-lived, as assembly elections are scheduled for February next year. The identity of the seventh member has not yet been revealed.

Also Read | Atishi to take oath as Delhi Chief Minister on September 21

Who is Mukesh Kumar Ahlawat? AAPs Mukesh Kumar Ahlawat won the Sultanpur Majra Assembly seat by 48,000 votes in 2020. He has been inducted to fill the vacancy created by social welfare minister Raaj Kumar Anand's resignation.

On Thursday, AAP announced that Rajya Sabha MP Atishi will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 21, alongside other ministers. Expressing her gratitude, Atishi acknowledged the trust placed in her by outgoing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, though she also expressed sadness over his resignation. She is committed to working towards bringing Kejriwal back as Chief Minister after the upcoming assembly elections.

I want to thank our popular Chief Minister and my mentor, Arvind Kejriwal, for this significant responsibility. This opportunity highlights AAPs inclusive nature, allowing a first-time politician like me to become Chief Minister. Coming from an ordinary background, I doubt I would have received even a ticket in another party, she stated.

Atishi was appointed to the Delhi cabinet in March 2023 during a challenging time for AAP, following Manish Sisodia's arrest in the excise policy case. He has since been released on bail.

As AAP gears up for the assembly elections, Atishi is set to be a central figure in the partys strategy to regain power in the national capital. The party has called for early elections, with the last assembly polls held in early 2020.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kejriwal, who is also the national convenor of AAP, announced his resignation as Chief Minister of Delhi.
Following a 59 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a public rally in Srinagar and Katra on Thursday.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, I look forward to being among the people of Jammu and Kashmir today. Will address a rally in Srinagar and Katra. Yesterdays turnout has shown that the people of J&K are very enthusiastic about the elections and are keen to make the poll process vibrant. I will speak about our development agenda and seek peoples blessings.

A mega BJP rally will take place at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, Srinagar, ahead of the Assembly elections, a party spokesperson told PTI.

Approximately 30,000 party workers are expected to attend the event.

Senior BJP Leader Mohammad Anwar Khan has been appointed as the rally in-charge, he added.

Polling will occur in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.

This rally is part of the BJP's campaign to gain support for its candidates in the Valley, where the party has yet to win a seat. Out of the 47 seats in Kashmir, the BJP has nominated candidates in 19 constituencies, which is less than one-third of the total and fewer than in the previous assembly elections in 2014.

The BJP announced that the rally will be held at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, with an anticipated turnout of 30,000 party workers and supporters.

In response, security forces in Srinagar and throughout Kashmir are on heightened alert. Police officials have implemented increased patrols and set up multiple checkpoints to prevent security breaches.

"The first phase of the General Elections for the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir reported an approximate voter turnout of 61.11 percent as of 11:30 PM. This figure will be updated by field officers as remaining polling parties return, the Election Commission stated in a late-night press release.

The final tally of votes for each polling station is provided in Form 17 C to polling agents at the close of polls.

In Kishtwar district, the Inderwal constituency had the highest turnout at 82.16 per cent, followed by Padder-Nagseni at 80.67 per cent and Kishtwar at 78.11 per cent.

In the adjacent Doda district, the Doda West segment recorded a turnout of 75.98 per cent, Doda at 72.48 per cent, and Bhaderwah at 67.18 per cent.

In Ramban district, the Banihal segment saw a 71.28 per cent turnout, while Ramban recorded 69.60 per cent.

Among the seven constituencies in Anantnag district, Pahalgam had the highest voter turnout at 71.26 per cent, followed by Kokernag at 62 per cent, Dooru at 61.61 per cent, Srigufwara-Bijbehara at 60.33 per cent, Shangus-Anantnag at 56.72 per cent, Anantnag West at 48.73 per cent, and Anantnag at 45.62 per cent.

The second phase of the elections is set for September 25, followed by the third phase on October 1. Vote counting will occur on October 8.

The National Conference and Congress have joined forces to form a pre-poll alliance.

These elections are significant, as they are the first to be held in nearly ten years and the first since the abrogation of Article 370.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu remained defiant on Thursday after being booked for his comments against Rahul Gandhi. The senior politician had recently waded into controversy after insisting that the Leader of Opposition was not a true Indian and dubbing him the number one terrorist. Congress leaders have issued a call for nation-wide protest against four NDA leaders over their controversial remarks against Gandhi.

Why should I regret? We in Punjab have lost our generations. The Gandhi family burnt Punjab...My pain is as a Sikh. I am a minister later, a Sikh first. If (Gurpatwant Singh) Pannu endorses it (Rahul Gandhi's statement) what will you say? Kharge sahab should apologise. He should clarify if he thinks that Sikhs are not allowed- whatever Rahul Gandhi said in the speech... the Minister of State for Railways told reporters on Thursday.

The case was filed at a Bengaluru police station on the basis of a complaint by an officer-bearers of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. Earlier on Wednesday, Tripura Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha had also filed a complaint against several NDA leaders including Bittu for their recent remarks against Gandhi.

Bittu  the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh who was killed in a bomb blast  however remained unfazed by the backlash. The BJP leader said he was not at all concerned by the development and accused the Gandhi family of burning Punjab.

Congress Party always tries to intimidate by filing FIRs and police cases. I am not at all concerned. Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said about the conditions of Sikhs in India, how can I subscribe to that view. Rahul Gandhi and his party can file 100 FIRs, I will speak for the unity of the country. I am from the family which did not bother about bullets, he reiterated.

Several BJP leaders had been left fuming last week after the Congress leader lashed out at the ruling NDA during a trip to the US. Bittu had taken umbrage over Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs and claimed that the LoP did not love his country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) and the Congress after Pakistan minister's claims on restoration of Article 370, saying no power can bring the provision back. Speaking at an election rally in Katra of Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said implementation of Pakistan's agenda will not be allowed.

We will not allow Pakistan agenda to be implemented in J&K. No power on earth can bring back Article 370, PM Modi said, vowing to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir if his party is elected to power in the Assembly elections 2024.

PM Modi's attack on the NC-Congress alliance came amid a row over Pakistan defence minister's claims that the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-NC alliance were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370 and 35A.

They [the alliance] have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A, Khawaja Asif said.

He said Assembly polls will determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir and continued his attack on three families  Congress, NC and PDP. These elections are important to end the political legacy of the three families of Congress, NC and PDP which kept the state in ruins. To make this happen, the Lotus must bloom in Kashmir, PM Modi said.

PM Modi said BJP has prioritised growth in Jammu and Kashmir and sought to end the decade-long struggles of the people. Kashmir is an important part of faith and cultural identity. We need a government that can respect and promote both of these aspects. Congress, for the sake of votes, will not hesitate to jeopardise our faith and culture, PM Modi said.
New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday met with CEOs of top packaged food companies to discuss issues around taxation and government subsidies in the sector. The meeting was held on the sidelines of World Food India 2024, a four-day industry event for the packaged foods industry.

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal chaired the roundtable discussion with representatives of ITC, Tata Consumer Products, PepsiCo India, Britannia Industries, Kellanova, Haldirams, and LT Foods, among others.

He was joined by Union food processing minister Chirag Paswan, and Ravneet Singh Bittu, minister of state for food processing.

The topics covered at the roundtable included government subsidies, concerns around production-linked incentive schemes in the sector, taxation dynamics, trade matters such as imports of certain ingredients, and regulatory challenges; it was attended by more than 100 industry executives.

The event was also attended by senior officials from various central ministries and state governments.

Raising concerns Industry leaders raised concerns around ease of doing business, taxation, misleading advertisements, imports of certain foods, etc. The government has acknowledged these issues and will work with relevant departments to find solutions.

Also Read: Rural demand is finally taking off. FMCG firms capitalize with strategic moves The goal is to ensure there is no communication gap between the ministry and the industry, Paswan said, speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the event.

He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the growth of India's food processing sector. One thing is clearour prime minister and I believe that food processing is the future of India. So how we make take it to a global platform and, at a domestic level, how do we also strengthen it especially when our country is a farmer-rich country, he said.

Paswan added that suggestions and solutions were given on some issues, and discussions were held on other areas.

One specific area of concern voiced at the discussion was the goods and services tax (GST). Paswan assured that the ministry would advocate for their interests at the GST Council. However, the final decision on GST matters rests with the council, he added.

Companies have often raised concerns over high taxes on packaged foods and drinks in India. Recently, the GST rate of extruded snacks was reduced from 18% to 12% and brought on a par with namkeens and mixtures.

Packaged consumer food market India's packaged consumer food market, including dairy, biscuits, snacks and sweets, baked products, ready-to-eat meals, among others, is valued at 4.24 trillion, according to a 2024 report by brokerage Anand Rathi.

Also Read: Packaged food makers plan price hikes Several large homegrown and international companies are invested in the market. Over the past few years, the packaged foods sector has attracted investments as well as seen a flurry of mergers and acquisitions as companies capitalize on the growing demand for such foods.
Following the Union cabinet's nod for India's fourth lunar mission, Chandrayaan 4, the scientific community expressed hope that the country would soon be able to see its lander on the moon collect stones and lunar soil and bring it back to the orbiter.

Optimistic about the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) endeavours, a scientist said we are not far from sending an astronaut to the moon. This mission's success would pave the way for future human space exploration.

Also Read | $2.7 billion funding for Isro projects to boost private firms

Former director of the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, Tapan Misra, said, We should be able to land a lander there and collect stones and lunar soil and bring it back to the orbiter, and with this orbiter, we should come back and land safely and retribute, reported ANI.

He noted that this space mission marks the first step towards sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon. Expressing confidence in ISRO's upcoming mission he said, "We will not be far from sending an astronaut to the moon."

Bringing into focus the upcoming three programmes approved by the Government of India, including Chandrayaan 4, Tapan Misra said, "We are happy that Chandrayaan 3 landed there...we demonstrated 2 critical technologies, we can send something to the moon and bring it back, and we can fire a rocket after landing and waiting for 14 days, it's a major development," reported ANI.

Astronomer and Professor RC Kapoor explained that the Chandrayaan 4 mission will be completed using 2 rockets, which is a lunar sample return mission. Detailing the mission, Kapoor said the mission moon will be launched in 2027. First rocket will be like GSLV MkIII, that will take ascender module and descender module the second rocket will go later, ANI quoted RC Kapoor as saying.

Describing the mission, Kapoor informed that lunar samples will be collected using a robotic arm in the descender module, which will be subsequently transferred to the ascender module.

The remarks come after the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a new moon mission on September 18. ISRO chairman S Somanath on Wednesday announced plans to launch the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) by 2028. During his address in the national capital, he said Chandrayaaan 4 mission is primarily targeted to demonstrate the technology to go to the moon and then come back.
A recent study has found that drinking moderate amounts of coffee or tea could lower the risk of developing serious heart-related diseases. The research, led by Dr. Chaofu Ke from Soochow University in China, suggests that three cups of coffee or tea a day might help reduce the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM).

CM refers to having at least two conditions like heart disease, stroke or type 2 diabetes at the same time. Dr. Ke believes that coffee and caffeine might protect the body from these diseases as they develop, CNN reported.

Also Read | Alarm vs snooze: What latest study suggests on avoiding heart attack risks

The study looked at data from around 1,80,000 people in the UK, who did not have heart or metabolic diseases at the start. Researchers tracked their caffeine intake from coffee or tea and monitored which diseases they developed later.

Coffee and caffeine consumption may play an important protective role in almost all phases of CM development, CNN quoted Ke as saying.

The results showed that those who drank three cups of coffee daily had a 48.1% lower risk of developing CM, and even those who consumed 200-300 mg of caffeine daily had a 40.7% reduced risk compared to people who drank little or no coffee.

The study gathered data on the participants' caffeine intake through coffee, black tea or green tea. It also tracked any heart-related diseases they developed, using their medical records, hospital data, and death certificates.

Not a conclusive study Dr. Gregory Marcus from the University of California, San Francisco, who was not part of the research, said the studys findings support the idea that caffeine, especially in tea and coffee, might improve heart health.

Also Read | Coffee cuts chronic liver disease risk, find UK scientists

However, he has also told the publication that the study cannot prove that caffeine directly causes better heart health as other factors might play a role.
Efforts to rescue two stranded NASA astronauts entered their final leg of preparation this week ahead of a scheduled SpaceX launch. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will launch no earlier than September 25 aboard a Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station. The spacecraft is expected to return home in February with Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams finally on board.

The crew will lift off from Launch Complex 40 from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Hague and Gorbonov will become members of the Expedition 72 crew aboard the station, a press note from the space agency explained recently.

Hague has so far spent 203 days in space since he was first selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013. This will be his third launch and second mission to the space station.

Hague and Gorbunov will fly to the space station as commander and mission specialist, respectively, as part of the reduced two-crew member flight aboard a SpaceX Dragon.

The duo will join Wilmore and Williams as well as three other astronauts at the ISS for about six months. During this time the group will conduct scientific research in microgravity and complete a range of operational activities before returning home.

Also Read | Boeing silent amid Starliner saga, but NASA hopeful of its commitment

Hague completed his astronaut training in July 2015 as part of NASAs 21st astronaut class. He was , which launched in His next spaceflight occurred in 2019, when he joined three of his classmates  NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Christina Koch, and Andrew Morgan  aboard the International Space Station for Expeditions 59 and 60.
I am writing this from a seaside cafe on the Greek island of Paxos. Ive just ordered a freddo cappuccino. My husband, Rahul, is sitting across from me engrossed in a book. Our itinerary for the afternoon includes a dip at the beach near our Airbnb, and, just maybe, a quest to find spinach pie.

On a regular vacation, wed have scheduled a bakery run into an activity-packed day, but this time were following our whims. Thats because this visit is part of a seven-week sabbatical trip that will also include Morocco and India. With 3 weeks to go in Greece, we hardly view the pie plan as urgent.

More companies are offering sabbaticals, giving staff the opportunity for temporary escape. This past January, a review of 300,000 businesses by the payroll platform Gusto found the number of employees on sabbatical was up 49% from the same time five years earlier.

Proponents say an extended break can leave workers happy and more productive. Thats why my husband implemented a new policy at Heady, the digital product consultancy he founded, letting employees take up to two months off after three years.

Many choose to use their sabbatical to catch up on home life (and sleep), but experts say traveling can amplify the rewards. Immersion into a brand new world can be significantly more powerful than a staycation at home, as it allows you to separate from your work environment even further," said Colorado-based vocational psychologist Bryan Dik, Ph.D. As such, added Dik, a travel sabbatical can help set staffers up to generate new ideas, indulge their creativity and re-establish confidence.

Lauren Davis, a 35-year-old senior director at the global employment company G-P, kicked off her eight-week sabbatical by sailing around Sardinia and Corsica, then backpacked through mainland Europe. Davis says being away empowered her whole team. This allowed them to solve issueson their own. And when I got back, I had them keep some of the responsibilities they took on while I was away."

Kristin Sluyk, an account director at the public relations agency Decker/Royal, also returned from her travel sabbatical feeling more innovative. After nearly eight years at her fast-paced job, Sluyk, 31, had pitched a three-month unpaid break to her bossesunprecedented at her company. I told them I loved working with them and didnt want to quit, but needed a reset," she said.

The powers that be signed off, and she traveled to California for a wellness retreat, then to southern Costa Rica with her boyfriend, and finally to Tuscany with her mother. After seeing how being away from her desk unlocked creativity, she encourages her team to take calls while walking.

Whats more, Sluyks bosses thought her sabbatical was such a good idea, they implemented a policy granting three months of unpaid leave to those who have worked there for at least three consecutive years.

Of course, anyone who embarks on a travel sabbatical risks a hard landing: You might return with a crippling case of the post-vacation blues, or the nagging feeling that you failed to make the most of it.

Make the trip feel different than a vacation, suggests Adam Lefton, whos planning a four-week paid sabbatical. The 41-year-old product manager at PayPal chose his destination based largely on distance, settling on Argentina, whichgiven the roughly 13-hour flighthed always found too far from his Austin, Texas, home for a short in-and-out vacation. I picked a spot farther away that wouldve likely felt rushed on a regular trip," he said.

Also crucial: Establish work boundaries before you leave. Davis set up a handover plan more than two months in advance, which gave her the confidence to unplug.

Not all sabbaticals will be paid, so financial planning can take the stress out of a big trip. Start saving at least four months in advance, advises Sluyk. My husband and I skipped our typical winter vacation and went light on big purchases in the past six months. Save that money for the sabbatical," became a common saying in our house.

Sign up for the WSJ Travel newsletter for more tips and insights from the Journals travel team.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The "Taiwan independence" stance and provocative actions of Taiwan authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, are to blame for the mainland's recent decision to cancel its zero-tariff policies for certain products from Taiwan, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council has announced recently that it will stop implementing the policies of exempting import tariffs on 34 agricultural products originating in Taiwan starting from Sept. 25, 2024.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed strong support for the move.

Initially in 2005 and again in 2007, the mainland, guided by the conviction that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are of the same family, exempted import tariffs on a total of 34 agricultural products originating in Taiwan, covering fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, according to Chen.

This effectively helped relevant products expand their markets on the mainland, bringing tangible benefits to workers in the island's agriculture and fishery industries, he said.

However, since Lai took office as the island's leader, the Taiwan authorities have obstinately adhered to a "Taiwan independence" stance, making continuous provocations to seek "independence," escalating cross-Strait hostility, and obstructing exchange and cooperation.

They continue to unilaterally restrict imports of over 1,000 agricultural product types from the mainland, Chen said.

"We always respect, care for, and are committed to bringing benefits to our compatriots in Taiwan," Chen said, adding that the mainland will continue to welcome and support farmers and compatriots from Taiwan to develop on the mainland.

He also warned that pursuing "Taiwan independence" will only bring disaster and harm to Taiwan, and that those who support "Taiwan independence" will only undermine their own interests.
Exclusive collaboration enhances wealth management services with cutting-edge data aggregation and performance reporting tools

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ -- Itau Private, a leading provider of private banking services, has announced an exclusive partnership with Addepar , a global leader in technology and data solutions for investment professionals. This strategic collaboration grants Itau Private exclusive access to Addepar's comprehensive data aggregation and performance reporting platform in Brazil, enhancing the bank's ability to deliver superior service and investment solutions to its advisors and clients.

Addepar (PRNewsfoto/Addepar)

Through this partnership, Itau Private clients will gain access to powerful tools and detailed reports that provide insights into their global wealthboth onshore and offshoreincluding returns, transactions, historical data, and balances. These capabilities will enable a fully automated and personalized evaluation of each client's unique financial interests and needs.

"The partnership with Addepar brings a new level of sophistication to the services we offer, allowing us to better align our solutions with each client's distinct goals," said Fernando Beyruti, Global Head of Itau Private Bank. "This initiative also enables us to introduce an advisory model that evaluates clients' total assets, deepening our relationships and reinforcing our commitment to client-centric services."

Addepar serves a global client base, providing advanced financial technology solutions to investment professionals across more than 45 countries. The platform currently supports over $6 trillion in assets under management, offering robust data aggregation and performance reporting tools that empower clients to make better decisions and deliver more informed advice.

"We are excited to collaborate with a market leader like Itau Private, enabling us to bring our advanced financial technology solutions to one of the most dynamic and innovative private banks in the world," said Peter O'Brien, Global Head of Sales and Partnerships at Addepar. "Together, we are committed to empowering Itau Private's advisors with state-of-the-art tools that drive efficiency and deliver exceptional value to clients."

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About Addepar

Addepar is a global technology and data company that empowers investment professionals to deliver precise and informed guidance to their clients. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, Addepar's platform aggregates portfolio, market, and client data for over $6 trillion in assets. The platform integrates with more than 100 software, data, and service partners, providing a comprehensive solution for a diverse range of firms and use cases. Addepar has a global presence, with offices in Silicon Valley, New York City, Salt Lake City, Chicago, London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Pune.

About Itau Private

Itau Private is a market leader with approximately R$ 880 billion in allocated capitalR$660 billion onshore and R$162 billion offshore (as of March 2024)and holds around 30% market share in its segment in Brazil, according to data from Anbima. With a team of around 800 employees, including 350 professionals across its international offices in the United States, Portugal, Switzerland, and the Bahamas. Miami is Itau Private's international hub that provides clients with wealth management and banking products and services, including portfolio management and personalized advice by experienced investment professionals. In Switzerland, the conglomerate has a bank, and in the Bahamas, a trust management company, which helps to serve clients who have to set up investment structures abroad.

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Design "is not about making something pretty" but "a way of trying to understand what the real issues are, addressing them, and doing so with a focus on people," insists Donald (Don) Arthur Norman. He should know, having coined the term 'User Experience or UX' and being the first person to have UX in his title when he worked at Apple in the mid-90s.

Today, many people, including designers, fear losing their jobs to artificial intelligence (AI), and generative AI. Norman, however, sees this as a "great opportunity" for designers to lead the way and demonstrate how AI can be developed differently than it is now.

"As the head of a company or chief design officer of a large company, designers have to do what they're told to do. I'm saying 'No'," 88-year-old Norman asserted in an interview during his visit to India last week. He reasons that designers are creative and should be determining what needs to be done."

Norman adds, though, that to take on this challenge, designers would need a broader education. He walks the talk with degrees in engineering and psychology.

Theres no such thing as a perfect design.

I understand technology and people, and how business works, having been an industry executive. I've also gone to Congress in the US to try to get the first Wi-Fi band and other standards. And I understand how politics works," he elaborates.

Norman says hes trying to change the way design is taught. His goal is to help schools worldwide to become accredited to focus on humanity-centred work.

"At deemed (autonomous) universities, you have the freedom to teach in innovative ways, unrestricted by government mandates. Thats why Im at the BITS School," says Norman, who is a former vice-president at Apple, founding director of the University of California Design Lab, co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group, and advisor to the Mumbai-based Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Design School.

Impact on environment

Norman has written 21 books, including 'The Design of Everyday Things and Emotional Design,' translated into 25 languages. According to Norman, the design principles defined in 'The Design of Everyday Things' (the 1988 version was titled, 'The Psychology of Everyday Things') remain unchanged since they are about human behaviour. The only change is in the different examples provided to cover newer technologies.

"What's missing, however, is what is not in the book, since we completely ignored the impact upon the environment -- we were destroying cultures, lives, the world, and all living things. So, the humanity-centred design envisages concern for the environment and for cultures, and for all living things," he says.

His latest work, 'Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity-Centered', which was published in March 2023, covers these topics. That said, how does one differentiate between human-centred, and humanity-centred, design?

"I call human-centred design 'HCD', and I call humanity-centred design 'HCD+' because they follow the same principles, but the latter is more expansive," says Norman.

He cautions that we "should not be colonialists when we teach designers." And Norman does not see much value in sending anthropologists or ethnologists to figure out what problems the world's 8 billion people are facing.

He says that people already know what their problems are, and we should be helping them with knowledge instead of telling them what to do. If they need new sanitation or clean water or healthcare, we could provide them with some expert knowledge."

Norman calls this participatory design or co-design" in his latest book. He says this approach "should be a fundamental part of design."

Norman rues that large companies like Apple and HP, "where I have worked," now prioritise profit over sustainable design. According to him, they create products that are difficult to repair or upgrade, contributing to environmental waste.

Any discarded product with a plug or battery is considered electronic waste, or e-waste. Since these discarded devices contain toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury, which can damage the human brain and nervous system, they are health and environmental hazards. E-waste generation is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually, and will reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, according to the UNs fourth Global E-waste Monitor released in March.

To address this issue, Norman suggests adopting the circular economy approach wherein materials are reused, upgraded, and designed to last longer, mimicking natural processes.

Products vs services

Acknowledging that companies argue that longer-lasting products hurt their business model, Norman suggests that one solution is to shift from selling products to offering services. Every product, such as a laptop or camera, essentially provides a servicewhether enabling communication or capturing memories, he explains.

He emphasises that a service-based economy could extend product life cycles, offering consumers subscriptions instead of disposable goods.

"While some people dislike subscriptions, we already pay for services like electricity and water," he points out. Norman believes that transitioning to a service economy could happen gradually over a decade, benefiting both businesses and the environment.

Also Read: Brace for GenAI letting the early adopters of this technology down

That said, does Norman today consider Apple to be an innovative and cool company in terms of design?

"I joined Apple after Jobs left and worked under the then CEO, John Sculley. Apple was struggling then, which turned out to be a valuable lesson for me. You dont learn much from success, but failure teaches a lot," he recalls.

When Apple founder Steve Jobs returned, he shuttered Norman's group called the 'Advanced Technology Group,' "which made sense as we were focused on long-term research."

"Many of our innovations still exist in todays Apple products, and my team quickly found new roles at IBM and Microsoft," he says with a smile.

The key lesson he learned at Apple, says Norman, was that having a great product isnt enoughhow its perceived matters more. People form opinions based on impressions, not necessarily on reality, and Jobs initially failed to understand that.

...if you take a look at the new work in AI, it is very powerful today but also has a huge number of weaknesses, which actually is a good opportunity for us.

"When Jobs returned, he was wiser. I called him Steve Jobs 2.0"he had learned from his mistakes and ultimately saved Apple. However, in his pursuit of beautiful industrial design, Apples products became harder to repair and use," rues Norman.

He adds that Apple, like others, has now lost focus on usability, making products that look great but are increasingly difficult to use and understand.

Meanwhile, the design field has expanded significantly to include digital, AI-driven, and even autonomous systems. When asked how UX designers should adapt their approach to keep up with these technological shifts, Norman said it was a "bad" idea to do so.

Lead, dont follow

"You shouldn't adapt to these new technologies -- you should be leading the way. You should be designing these technologies and making sure they are appropriate for humanity. Because if you take a look at the new work in AI, it is very powerful today but also has a huge number of weaknesses, which actually is a good opportunity for us. So, I think designers should be at the forefront and ought to be thinking how they could use some new principles," he said.

Norman highlights the ongoing technological revolutions transforming industries. New sensors can monitor body conditions and satellite data, while materials like carbon fibre and advanced manufacturing enable stronger, lighter products with less waste.

Digital twins allow real-time monitoring of factories, and AI enhances areas from photography to robotics. Given these advancements, Norman urges designers to focus on user research, understanding all stakeholders from end-users to manufacturers.

He emphasises the importance of testing and iteration, noting that theres no such thing as a perfect design."
Apple has released the fourth developer beta of iOS 18.1 for iPhone, continuing its efforts to refine and upgrade the mobile operating system ahead of the official public release next month, as reported by Gadgets 360.

As per the publication, this beta iteration brings a noteworthy upgrade to Siri, the company's voice assistant, along with various system improvements.

Among the updates in the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 4, a standout is the enhanced Type to Siri feature, which allows users to interact with Siri through typed commands rather than voice input. First introduced in earlier betas, this feature now includes live suggestions while typing, improving the overall experience and offering more fluid interaction.

In addition to improving Siri, this update also expands the call recording and transcription feature to older iPhone models. Previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro series, this feature enables users to record calls by tapping an icon that appears on the screen's top-left corner, reported MacRumors. Once the recording is completed, both the audio and its transcription are saved directly to the Notes app. To ensure privacy, the system issues an audible message informing all participants when the recording begins.

Reportedly, the beta, which carries the build number 22B5045h for the iPhone 16 series and 22B5045g for iPhone 15 and earlier models, also addresses known issues related to Spotlight search, Siri, and other operating system elements.

An exciting development with iOS 18.1 is the integration of Apple Intelligence, the companys suite of artificial intelligence tools, previewed during the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). These tools include a Clean Up feature, which uses AI to remove unwanted objects, text, or backgrounds from photos.

The update also introduces AI-powered writing aids, allowing users to modify text tone, generate summaries, or create lists. Additionally, Safari now supports web page summarization in Reader View, providing a concise overview of content.

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Video streaming giant YouTube is set to integrate its Shorts platform with Google DeepMinds AI-powered video generation model, Veo. This innovation will enable content creators to craft high-quality backgrounds and six-second video clips.

YouTube revealed in its latest blog post that Veo will empower creators to brainstorm video concepts within YouTube Studio, offering additional features such as AI-generated thumbnails and AI-assisted comment responses.

Veo in YouTube Shorts: A Game-Changer

The incorporation of Veo into YouTube Shorts marks a major leap forward from the platforms previous AI tool, Dream Screen, introduced in 2023 to generate backgrounds for Shorts. Veos standout feature lies in its ability to not only generate content but also remix and refine existing clips, granting creators enhanced creative control.

With Veo, creators can, for the first time, generate six-second video snippets specifically for Shorts. As per the YouTube blog post, by entering a prompt in Dream Screen, users can generate four unique images, choose one, and transform it into an animated video. This feature allows for smooth storytelling by filling visual gaps and improving narrative flow. YouTube has also confirmed that Veo will be integrated into Dream Screen later this year, with the added security of DeepMinds SynthID watermarking technology to label AI-generated content.

New Features for YouTube

Beyond Veo, YouTube is rolling out several other exciting features. The newly introduced Jewels" feature will enable viewers to send virtual gifts during livestreams, aiming to strengthen viewer-creator engagement. The feature will be initially launched in the United States before expanding globally.

In addition, YouTube is enhancing its language dubbing capabilities. Support for additional languages, including French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, is being introduced, alongside the trial of a new expressive speech" mode. This feature aims to provide more authentic audio dubs by preserving the original tone, pitch, and even background ambiance of the creators content.

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Denmark has selected Magnus von Horns The Girl With the Needle as its Oscar submission for the Best International Feature Film category.

Starring Vic Carmen Sonne and Trine Dyrholm, The Girl With the Needle riffs on one of Denmarks most notorious murder cases to weave a poetic and dark fairytale about the people living on the margins in the aftermath of the First World War. Deadlines review called the film an unequivocal and beguiling triumph.

More from Deadline

Karoline (Sonne), a young factory worker, is struggling to survive in post World War I Copenhagen. When she finds herself unemployed, abandoned and pregnant, she meets Dagmar (Dyrholm), a charismatic woman running an underground adoption agency, helping mothers to find foster homes for their unwanted children. With nowhere else to turn, Karoline takes on the role of a wet-nurse. A strong connection is formed between the two women, but Karolines world shatters when she stumbles upon the shocking truth behind her work.

Von Horn and Line Langebek co-wrote the screenplay, and Malene Blenkov and Mariusz Wodarski produced the film for Nordisk Film Creative Alliance with support from The Danish Film Institute, The Swedish Film Institute, The Polish Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fond and Eurimages among others.



The film will have its theatrical premiere in New York and Los Angeles on December 6 via Mubi. The Match Factory holds world sales rights.

DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO:

Jacob Neiiendam, Head of International at The Danish Film Institute and chairperson of the Danish Oscar Submitting Committee, said of the unanimous selection, The committee found The Girl With the Needle the strongest Danish candidate to secure an Oscar nomination this year.

The Girl With the Needle debuted in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and is von Horns first Danish-language feature. His Swedish-produced feature debut, The Here After, premiered in Directors Fortnight in 2015, while his second feature film, the Polish-produced Sweat, was part of the official program of the Covid-canceled Cannes in 2020.

Four Danish films have won an Oscar in the International Feature Film category: Thomas Vinterbergs Another Round (2021), Susanne Biers In a Better World (2011), Bille Augusts Pelle the Conqueror (1989) and Gabriel Axels Babettes Feast (1988).

The Girl With the Needle was chosen from a shortlist of three films that also included Echo of You by Zara Zerny and Sons by Gustav Moller.

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Endangered sea corals moved from South Florida to the Texas Gulf Coast for research and restoration
A man who crashed his car while drunk, causing himself life-threatening injuries after he sped after another vehicle two years ago has received a suspended sentence and a driving disqualification.



Ronan Noone (33), of Ballycloughan, Carrickboy, Co Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens last Tuesday at Longford District Court, where he had previously entered a plea of guilty to the charge of intentionally or recklessly setting off in a chase with another car.



The incident occurred at around 11.45pm on November 26, 2022 at Toneen, Moydow, Co Longford.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the state, told the court that, on the night of the incident, another motorist encountered a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road, making it difficult to pass.

When the other motorist did manage to pass, the accused turned and followed him, causing the injured party and his passenger to be in fear.



The vehicle sped up and, at one point, the vehicles were travelling at over 160 km per hour on the narrow country road.

While in pursuit of the injured party, he (Mr Noone) lost control of the vehicle and crashed, causing himself life-threatening injuries and catastrophic damage to the car, he said.

The collision was so forceful that the engine was ripped from the car.

There is CCTV footage of him outside a local pub earlier in the day and he appeared to be intoxicated, said Sgt Mahon.

Solicitor for the defence, Mr Frank Gearty, told the court that his client has no recollection of events leading up to or directly after the crash.

He was in a coma for several weeks. He has recovered a wiser man and acknowledges he was drinking on the night, said Mr Gearty.



He entered a plea of guilty to all charges and he recognises and accepts that there will be a disqualification. He is appalled by the consequences of his actions and the fear he caused to others.

He was fully covered by insurance and no claim was made in relation to that.

He went on to say Mr Noone is a carpenter, with no children. He is a single man and has no previous convictions, has a full licence and comes from a vibrant and very fine family.



He is shocked and disgusted by what he did. He's currently on disability allowance but there is a job waiting for him in Australia once he has recovered, Mr Gearty added.

He has learned a lot from this. He nearly met his maker and he made no attempt to shirk the fact that his driving was dangerous.



To society he owes an apology and an assurance that he has learned his lesson.

Judge Owens said there were a number of factors she needed to take into consideration, including the very serious nature of the charges and the absolutely horrific possibility of injury to others or loss of life.



She noted he had entered a plea of guilty to all charges and that he came before the court with no previous convictions.

She also noted his engagement with the probation office and the fact that he had been assessed at low risk of reoffending.

Referring to a victim impact statement by the two people in the other car, she said we don't know how frightened they must have been but added that they came back and sought to assist Mr Noone after he had chased them.



With that in mind, on a charge of endangerment, Judge Owens handed down a five month prison sentence, which she suspended in full for a period of 12 months on an own bond of 250 subject to a payment of 500 to St Christopher's School on or before January 20, 2025.



On the drink driving charge, she fined him 250, giving him nine months to pay, and disqualified him for four years.

On one dangerous driving charge, she added on a further fine of 500, with nine months to pay, and disqualified him for six years. A second dangerous driving charge was taken into consideration.
Last week the Chairman of the Irish Farmers' Association National Fruit and Vegetable Committee, Niall McCormack, hosted a delegation of political representatives to his farm in a bid to emphasise difficulties faced by the horticulture sector.

Minister Peter Burke, Deputy Joe Flaherty and Senator Micheal Carrigy were invited to the McCormack farm with the goal of underlining the importance of supporting an agriculture industry crucial for long term food security.



The horticulture industry is the fourth largest sector of Ireland's agriculture business and is an essential component of the supply of local seasonal produce to Irish consumers. The horticulture sector is valued at 529 million.

The IFA's Horticulture Committee issued the invitation to the public representatives to highlight many of the challenges faced by the industry.



The McCormack family have been farming in Killenbore, Colehill, Longford for seven generations, spanning over 200 years.

Niall McCormack began growing strawberries in 1990, followed by turnips and leeks in 2010 and added raspberries and blueberries in 2015.



We use the most up-to-date methods of production to produce a nutritious and healthy crop. McCormack Fruit produces about 70 tonnes of strawberries and about three tonnes of raspberries. Our market is throughout the West of Ireland and beyond. All the fruits we supply are grown here on our own Bord Bia approved farm, Niall told the Leader.



The horticulture sector is experiencing significant difficulties at present: Labour, weather, supermarket undercutting, low-cost selling of produce in supermarkets. This seems to have become a perennial problem, Niall said.

Other difficulties include substrate availability and spiralling input costs, but the problems with finding workers for the horticulture industry are notable. It's an extremely labour-intensive industry, with labour costs accounting for up to 50% of total variable costs.



One way political leaders have taken action is the Employment Permits Act 2024 which introduces a new Seasonal Employment Permit commencing in early 2025. This is a short-term employment permit for non-EEA nationals to work for a maximum of seven months per calendar year in seasonally recurrent employment.



It has been a slow process, Niall says of the measure, A lot of growers that have gone out of business. The legislation has gone through the Dail and the Seanad. We're waiting for the last six months for a steering committee to be set up. The IFA wants to sit down with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and put together a scheme that's fit for purpose for horticulture.

This seasonal work permit scheme is in every country in Europe. We're one of the last in Europe to go down this route, the Horticulture Committee chair explained.



Data suggests Ireland is the second most food secure country in the world, ranking behind Finland out of 113 countries. That said 83% of the fruit and vegetables we consume are not Irish.

Niall believes it's vital for long term food security to address the imbalance: I think there's a lack of political will, he tells, I don't think they realise how important it is. Because within 10 or 15 years, we could have a very, very small horticulture sector.



This summer Europe experienced significant weather problems: Water shortages and hot weather in Europe has impacted on harvest.

They're going to keep their own fruit and veg first. We're the last in line. It's quite important we get our own horticulture sector into a stronger position.

There is a national horticulture strategy. That strategy hopes to achieve an increase of 30% in horticulture projects. This couldn't happen without a seasonal work permit scheme, he outlined.



Niall advises a two pronged approach; supporting existing farmers and developing the sector: A lot of the growers in the country are quite old now. There's very few young people coming into it.

A lot of young people are looking at the problems and are not interested because of all the problems and the narrow margins.

All farmers are aware of the travails of 2024: This has been a tough year. Weather has been hard. Cold weather, crops have been slow coming in. Crops suffered because of the lack of heat, especially in June. And the nights were cold, resulting in low yields. That could have an effect on supermarket shelves later on.

The fruits of the visit by politicians to the McCormack farm have yet to be determined, however the need to ensure a strong indigenous Irish horticulture industry for long term food security is one that is very much on the menu.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: September 19 2024

Defendant James Ely, 23, is charged with Robbery 3rd degree.

The Third Squad reports the arrest of a Baldwin man for a robbery that occurred on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 3:15 a.m. in East Meadow.

According to Detectives, a 72-year-old male victim was working as a driver for Hub Taxi when he was dispatched to pick a customer at Nassau County Medical Center. When the defendant, James Ely, 23, of 2765 Park Avenue, entered the victims vehicle he was informed how much the fare would be and that it was required prior to the transport, he became irate.

The victim exited the vehicle and was followed by the defendant. Defendant Ely then poured an unknown liquid on the victim, punched him in the head and chest and took his cell phone from him. Third precinct officers were called to the scene and located the defendant who was hiding behind Mavis Discount Tires, located at 2250 Hempstead Turnpike. He was placed under arrest without further incident.
IDF soldiers on a training mission in northern Israel. (IDF photo)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed in northern Israel are at peak readiness amid growing tensions with Hezbollah, the commander of the IDFs Northern Command said on September 18. Major General Ori Gordon made the comments after visiting the IDFs 179th Reserve Armored Brigade, which was taking part in a brigade-level exercise in northern Israel.

The IDF is on alert after thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah exploded on September 17, causing injuries and killing 10 of the groups members. On September 18, there were more reports of exploding communications devices and other equipment in Lebanon. One of the small explosions took place as Hezbollah members were apparently gathering for a funeral of one of the fallen from the previous days attacks. Hezbollah has vowed to respond to the attack, which it has blamed on Israel. In a statement to the groups Al-Manar media, Hezbollah pledged to double our determination for Jihad.

In the wake of the exploding-pager incidents, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi held a situation assessment focusing on readiness in both offense and defense in all arenas, the IDF said. Despite the concerns about a Hezbollah escalation, the IDF did not change guidelines for the Home Front Command. In contrast, during previous escalations or fighting, Israel kept children at home from school or asked people not to gather in large numbers for ceremonies such as weddings.

The next day, September 18, Halevi went to the IDFs Northern Command, where he said Israel was determined to create the security conditions that will return the residents to their homes, to the communities. Israel evacuated more than 60,000 people in October 2023 from northern Israel due to concerns about a war with Hezbollah. We still have many capabilities that we have not yet activated, Halevi said, hinting that Israel was already working on new stages of a possible wider conflict with Hezbollah.

To bolster the IDFs forces in northern Israel, the 98th Division was deployed there, according to reports on September 18. The 98th Division has played a key role in battles in Gaza, often acting as the IDFs elite unit sent to deal with the most pressing problems, such as rooting out Hamas terrorists in Khan Younis. Comprised of brigades of paratroopers and commandos, the 98th Division is akin to an elite infantry unit. In Gaza, the 7th Armored Brigade was attached to the 98th so it would have a large tank force alongside its commandos. The 7th Armored is usually part of the IDFs 36th Division, which was redeployed to the north in early 2024 to face off against possible Hezbollah threats. Reports did not indicate if the 7th Armored had also been sent to the north to return to its division.

The 98th Divisions move to northern Israel increases the IDFs existing deployment facing Hezbollah. It includes the IDFs 91st Division in northern Galilee and the 210th Division in the Golan, along with numerous reserve brigades that have been conducting brigade-level training to prepare for possible war.

For instance, the 11th Reserve Brigade conducted a training in early September. The IDF also said that two brigade-level exercises of the 179th and 769th Brigades took place during the third week of September. The exercises, which focused on readiness for terrain in the north, included simulating operations in enemy territory, evacuating wounded from the field under fire, the operations of the various headquarters, and defending the northern region. The 179th is an armored reserve unit, while the 769th is responsible for the eastern Galilee sector facing Lebanon.

Gordin, head of Israels Northern Command, underpinned the importance of the training and the IDFs high level of readiness for war by noting that the mission is clearwe are determined to change the security reality as soon as possible. His comments came as Hezbollah continued to launch dozens of rockets at northern Israel and as Iranian-backed militias in Iraq launched a drone at Israel on September 18. The Israeli Air Force intercepted the drone.

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).
At least nine people were killed  including a 10-year-old girl  and over 2,800 injured, many of them left in a critical condition, when pagers they were carrying exploded, in an unprecedented coordinated attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon. American officials said Israel was behind the attack, which had been prepared for months and takes place as Netanyahus cabinet just voted to widen the war aims to include the return of those who had been displaced from the north of the country to their homes, which is code for launching an invasion of Lebanon.

Lets call things by their proper name. This is a terrorist attack committed by Israel, in violation of Lebanons national sovereignty, against a party which is part of that countrys government coalition, which has affected hundreds of civilians (both members of Hezbollah who are part of the civilian infrastructure and their relatives, friends, colleagues, passers-by) and which is aimed at provoking an escalation leading to an all out regional war.

The first thing that has to be said is that if, for arguments sake, Iran, Hezbollah or the Houthis had carried such a widespread attack, the whole of the so-called international community would be up in arms issuing strongly worded condemnations. They would  accurately  describe the perpetrators as terrorists and put them on a blacklist. Then they would proceed to arm to the hilt those on the receiving end of the attack with the most modern weaponry, in the name of the right to self-defence.

However, since it is Israel which has carried out the attack, and this country is one of the very few trustworthy allies of US imperialism in this crucially important region, none of this will happen.

The sardonic US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, limited himself to saying that the US had nothing to do with the attack and that it had not been tipped off in advance, an assertion that you can take with a large pinch of salt. Not a lot happens in the Middle East without the knowledge of US intelligence.

If they did not know that this attack was going to be carried out, then that does not reflect well on Washington. It would mean its most trusted ally chose not to forewarn them and they themselves failed to find out.

Of course, rather than condemning the terrorist attack  and by any interpretation of international law, this constituted terrorism  Miller appended his claims of ignorance with yet another call on Iran not to take advantage of any incident to add further instability.

These are the callous double standards of the so-called rules-based international order. Israel carries out a bloody murderous campaign against Gaza, lasting nearly a full year, killing 40,000 people, most of them civilians, including women and children. The US continues to support it, unwaveringly, with billions of dollars of military aid and funding, and vows to stand by it whatever happens. Then Israel kills the leader of Hamas in Iranian territory and the US calls for Iran to show restraint. Israel carries out a mass terrorist attack in Lebanon against one of the parties in the governing coalition and, again, the US calls on Iran (not Israel!) to show restraint.

Take a look at where people were and who they were surrounded by when their pagers exploded.

Can you see the young child just steps away?

This was an indiscriminate attack by Israel on civilians in Lebanon, and it falls under the Wests supposed definition of terrorism.

Weve pic.twitter.com/L68YN6TeZA  Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui (@sabreenaGS) September 17, 2024

How was the attack carried out?

According to several intelligence sources quoted by western and Arab media, the attack against Hezbollah was carefully prepared months in advance. In the aftermath of the 7 October Hamas attack, Israel has carried out a number of selective assassinations of high-ranking Hezbollah officials. In order to prevent Israel from pin-pointing their location, by February Hezbollah moved from using mobile phones to using pagers, which communicated via radio waves and are meant to be much more difficult to locate.

So far, not a lot of details are known about the precise way in which the attack was carried out. According to the same reports published in western and Arab media, it seems that the pagers which exploded were part of a new batch recently distributed by the organisation in the last few months.

According to The New York Times:

Israel carried out its operation against Hezbollah on Tuesday by hiding explosive material within a new batch of Taiwanese-made pagers imported into Lebanon, according to American and other officials briefed on the operation.

The pagers used for the attack were almost all AP924 models from the Taiwanese maker Gold Apollo. The explosion of the pagers was not provoked simply by an overheating battery. A small amount of military grade material, perhaps as little as three grams, was embedded near the battery. The pagers were also rigged with a switch which could be triggered remotely via a coded message to provoke the explosion.

The pagers received a call, then became very hot and exploded. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have reported that the pagers were programmed to beep for 10 seconds before the explosion so that the user would bring them to eyesight level thus causing maximum damage. The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon was also a victim of the attack.

It seems that about 5,000 pagers were ordered and distributed to members of Hezbollah in Lebanon, with some going to Syria as well, and those affected were the ones that were switched on and receiving messages at the time of the attack.

From this information we can draw some conclusions. One is about the sophistication and foreplanning of Israeli intelligence, and the degree to which they are able to penetrate their enemies, particularly Hezbollah.

In this case, they would have had to know when and from which company they were ordering the pagers in order to tamper them before they arrived in Lebanon and were distributed. If the tampering of the pagers took place in Taiwan, that would raise questions about the level of knowledge and cooperation between Israeli intelligence and both the islands government and that of the manufacturer.

The manufacturer, Gold Apollo, claims that the pagers were made by a different company, BAC Consulting, based in Budapest, with which it has an agreement, allowing it to use their brand name. It is still not clear at what point the pagers were modified by Israeli intelligence. Was it at the point of production, before or after they arrived in Lebanon?

Preparing to invade Lebanon

But the most important question to answer is, why now? Israel security service Shin Bet claims to have just foiled a Hezbollah attack on a former senior security officer, who has not been named. This is just for the consumption of public opinion. The real reason lies elsewhere.

On the same day as the attack against Hezbollah, the Israeli cabinet had voted to expand its war aims to include the safe return of Israeli citizens who have been evacuated from the north of the country and to keep them safe from exchange of fire over the Israel-Lebanon border. That means Israel is now officially preparing an invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of establishing a buffer zone to guarantee security in the north of Israel.

It is against this background that we have to see the terrorist attack on Tuesday. With it, Israel hopes to kill two birds with one stone. First, the attack would eliminate a number of Hezbollah officials, provoke confusion and disarray as well as sow doubts within the organisation about the level and degree of infiltration by Israeli security. Second, Israel probably hopes that the attack would provoke a furious and violent reaction on the part of Hezbollah which then would serve as a justification for the Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

A report in Al-Monitor claims that Israeli intelligence originally planned to use the plot to coincide with a ground invasion of Lebanon, but that they thought Hezbollah was becoming suspicious of the pagers and that they therefore had to explode the devices, or lose their chance to use them entirely. This may be true, or just a story leaked to the media to divert attention from the real reason. Whatever the case, the attack took place very conveniently at a time when preparations for an Israeli ground invasion are being finalised.

What is Israels aim in planning yet another invasion of Lebanon? There is actually a very deep split within Israel about this question, a split which reaches to the highest echelons of power, the state and the military.

In recent days, both Kan, Israels public broadcasted and Channel 13, reported openly about these splits. According to these reports, top army officer Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, in charge of the Israel Defense Forces Northern Command, is agitating in favour of launching an invasion of Lebanon, but Defence Minister Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi are against.

Gaza war aims not achieved

Those opposing an invasion in Lebanon are not peace-loving doves. They can see, however, that from a military point of view it does not make sense to pick on a formidable enemy like Hezbollah now. Hezbollah possesses an arsenal of tens of thousands of rockets and previously forced Israel to withdraw from Lebanon in the 2006 invasion. Meanwhile, such a war would come at a time when the IDF has not been able to achieve its stated war aims in Gaza and has been unable to quash Palestinian armed resistance in the West Bank.

There are splits in the Israeli regime about whether now is the time to invade Lebanon, given that Israel has failed to achieve its war aims in Gaza, and Hezbollah represents a far more powerful enemy / Image: khamenei.ir

After nearly a year of a bloody campaign, the truth is that Israel has not been able to rescue the hostages and is also very far from having destroyed Hamas. Do not take my word for it. The New York Times quoted the assessment of a former commander of the IDF Gaza division:

Hamas is winning this war,said Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, Our soldiers are winning every tactical encounter with Hamas, but were losing the war, and in a big way. Hamas civilian officials and military operatives still control large parts of Gaza and when the IDF carries out a cleaning operation, the organisation comes back and regains control 15 minutes later. Theres no one that can challenge Hamas there after Israeli forces leave, said Shamni.

Exactly the same point was made in June by the IDFs top spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, who said: The idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas, to make Hamas vanish  that is throwing sand in the eyes of the public, in a public clash with Netanyahu.

On the other hand, Netanyahus own interests are completely different and even at odds with those of significant sections of the Israeli ruling class and state apparatus. They can be summarised thus: he needs to remain in power at all costs, otherwise he faces an election defeat and prosecution for multiple crimes which can even land him in jail.

In order to remain in power he needs the war to continue. And as the war in Gaza is not producing the desired results, he is quite prepared to launch a military adventure in Lebanon, which could precipitate the region into an all-out conflict. In fact, an all-out conflict in the region would be in his interest, as mad as this may seem, as it would drag in the United States on the side of Israel, securing his position in power, or so he calculates.

Splits at the top

After the publicly-reported row with his own defence minister Gallant at a cabinet meeting discussion over Netanyahus constant and blatant sabotage of a hostage deal with Hamas, the Israeli PM is now manoeuvring to remove him from the cabinet.

In the last few days there have been frantic negotiations and horse trading. Netanyahus proposal is to bring in his former rival Gideon Saar, who split away from Likud to form his own New Hope party, in order to replace Gallant. Concessions would have to be made to him regarding the controversial judicial reform, but to Bibi that does not matter now. The main question is to get rid of any voices in the cabinet opposing his Lebanon adventure.

Gallant is also an obstacle to Netanyahu on another, related, matter. The ultra-orthodox parties have threatened to bring down his coalition if he does not exempt Yeshiva students from military service. Moved by his strong instinct for self-preservation, the PM is quite prepared to make a concession. Gallant is against.

The Israeli Business Forum, representing a large section of the countrys capitalists, warned Netanyahu against sacking Gallant, saying that the decision would weaken Israel in the eyes of its enemies and will lead to deeper social divisions among its people as well as having a negative impact on the economy: The Prime Minister knows better than anyone that all the economic indicators show that Israel is deteriorating into an economic abyss and is sinking into a deep recession.

But, alas, Netanyahus interests  his own survival  do not necessarily align with those of the capitalists at this particular time.

Netanyahu's sole aim is his own political survival, which are leading him to take a reckless course, which does not necessarily align with the interests of his western imperialist backers or the domestic Israeli capitalist class / Image: own work

It is not just Israeli capitalists that are worried. A report in ABC news quotes unnamed IDF and other military officers warning that Netanyahu is pushing Israel into a potentially disastrous war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. A war with Hezbollah is easy to start, but very hard to end, one such official said, on condition of anonymity. We are losing the war, we are losing deterrence, we are losing the hostages. The article in ABC states that there are general concerns about whether Israel possesses sufficient munitions and missile and rocket/missile interceptors to defend itself in any confrontation with Hezbollah.

In a frantic attempt to avoid a regional war which would pull the US in, a senior Biden advisor, Amos Hochstein, was dispatched to Israel to try to sway Bibi against invading Lebanon. According to sources quoted by Axios, Hochstein insisted that the U.S. does not believe a broader conflict in Lebanon will achieve the goal of returning displaced Israelis to their homes in the north, and that an all-out war with Hezbollah risks a much broader and protracted regional conflict.

Of course, as on previous occasions, Netanyahu completely ignored this gentle nudge from the US and proceeded to do exactly the opposite of what he was advised to do. He is very well aware that the US might disagree with him on tactics or strategy, but at the end of the day, it will come down on his side.

Immediately after 7 October, Biden hurried to Israel to embrace the lunatic occupant of the PMs office and told him in no uncertain terms that the US was on his side no matter what. In effect, by stating that US support was ironclad, Biden gave Netanyahu a blank cheque, which he proceeded to cash in, not once but several times.

US imperialism has, on occasion, disagreed publicly with him, and even threatened to withhold weapons shipments to Israel. This is partly for the public consumption of the US electorate  where it has had no impact whatsoever  and partly out of a genuine fear of the revolutionary implications of Netanyahus actions for other regimes in the region, which are also US allies and which Washington would not want to see overthrown.

The crucial point is that the Israeli PM knows full well that, at the end of the day, once it is all said and done, the US will always back Israel. This will be truer still in the case of a regional war.

So, Netanyahu listens to what Biden and his envoys have to say, and then proceeds to do whatever he thinks is best for himself, regardless of the fact that it is often the opposite of what the US just told him.

The same Axios report noted Netanyahus response to Hochstein: Israel appreciates and respects the support of the Biden administration, but in the end it will do what is necessary to maintain its security and return the residents of the north to their homes safely. Translated from diplomatic parlance into plain English, he told him to piss off!

The truth is that Netanyahu does not give a damn about the security of the residents of the north, in the same way that he does not care in the least about the fate of the hostages taken by Hamas and others. This much even the relatives of the hostages and large sections of the Israeli public have understood. To him, they are just so much small change to be used for his cynical machinations.

If we are to examine cross-border attacks between Lebanon and Israel, the real picture emerges. Israel has carried out more than 80 percent of these attacks, killing over 80 percent of the victims. Many more civilians have been evacuated from the Lebanese side of the border than from the Israeli side. If we were to accept Netanyahus logic, Lebanon would be justified in invading Israel, not the other way around.

Since Hezbollah has repeatedly said that its attacks on Israel are in support of the people of Gaza and that they will stop if a ceasefire deal is signed between Israel and Hamas, the simplest way to guarantee the security of Israels northern citizens would obviously be for Israel to reach such a deal. That is precisely what Netanyahu has been deliberately sabotaging.

A more recent report in Axios alleges that Bidens advisor Hochstein was in Israel when Netanyahu, Gallant and top military officials took the decision to carry out the terrorist attack, but they decided not to say a word to him. It was only shortly before the pagers started exploding that Gallant called US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin to let him know that an attack on Lebanon was imminent.

Again, one has to take such reports with caution. The only source cited by Axios is an unnamed US official and, of course, the US would be interested in distancing themselves publicly from the attack. One detail in the story does ring true, however: that Gallant, who is known to be opposed to a Lebanon operation at this time, would call Lloyd Austin. The Defence Minister is the most direct US agent within the Cabinet, and Lloyd Austin is known to be on the slightly less warmongering wing of the Biden administration. But even if we were to accept that parts of this report are true, it would indicate that Washington did have prior knowledge of the attack, which is the opposite of what US spokesperson Miller adamantly affirmed.

Combustible material can ignite a regional war

Israels attack on Lebanon is yet another reckless move by Netanyahu threatening to escalate the conflict in the region. Plenty of combustible material has already accumulated. There is still the unresolved matter of Iranian retaliation for the Israeli attack which killed Hamas leader Hanniyeh in Tehran. Clearly Iran is not interested in provoking a regional war. At the same time, it cannot allow itself to lose face when blatantly provoked by Israel.

In recent days the Houthis launched an attack on Israel, with what they claim was a hypersonic missile. There is some discussion about the exact nature of the weapon used, but what is clear is that it travelled at a very high speed, was not intercepted by either the US or French navies in the region, and also partially avoided Israeli air defences. This is a worrying development for Israel. How the Houthis manage to manufacture or acquire what was clearly a sophisticated weapon is unknown. There is speculation that it might have come from Iran.

We have seen the reckless provocations of western imperialism against Russia in relation to the war in Ukraine, and more specifically the discussion about allowing it to use British or US-made long range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. It would only be logical for Russia, in response, to be interested in supplying US enemies in the Middle East with weapons and technology. There has been some speculation in the media that in August one such delivery was stopped at the last minute as a result of Saudi pressure on Russia.

Pro-Iranian Iraqi militias have promised to help Lebanon in case of an Israeli invasion. The US is heavily exposed in the region, having military bases in several countries, which can become targets of attacks.

The exact course of events cannot be predicted in advance, but what is clear is that Netanyahu is interested, for his own reasons, in escalating the conflict and Israels terrorist attack on Hezbollah has brought that possibility closer.

The irresponsible, reckless actions of one man are threatening to unleash a bloody conflict which would cause massive death and destruction. Israeli officials have spoken openly of bombing Lebanon into the stone age and of turning Beirut into a new Gaza.

But Netanyahu is not the only one responsible. Israel would not be able to carry on its murderous campaign in Gaza, nor threaten a regional war, if it wasnt for the ironclad support offered by US imperialism and Biden personally. If Washington were to completely cut off its military and financial aid to Israel, then the IDF would be rendered unable to continue its one-sided war.

This is the nature of capitalist imperialism in the 21st century: horror without end. Thats why we say  down with the warmongers! If we are to achieve peace, we must overthrow the rotten system at the root of imperialism and war.
JetBlue customers can enjoy one of the airlines first-ever airport lounges when it opens in Boston next year.

JetBlue is opening two of these lounges  one in New York City and the other in Boston  in late 2025.

The first lounge will open at John F. Kennedy International Airports Terminal 5 while the second will open in Boston Logan International Airports Terminal C soon after, JetBlue announced Wednesday.

The 11,000 square-foot lounge at Logan Airport will feature a full-service bar, free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and beverages, and comfortable seating areas.

Customers love the JetBlue experience, so were pulling through those thoughtful touches you find onboard our flights into the lounge experience, Marty St. George, president of JetBlue, said in a press release Wednesday. Customers have asked for a JetBlue lounge for years and we cant wait to unveil our take in New York and Boston.

Those who will get free access to the lounge include JetBlues TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members and Transatlantic Mint customers. These individuals will get to bring a guest into the lounge as well.

Other eligible JetBlue customers will also be able to purchase day passes and guest passes if space is available. All JetBlue customers will be able to purchase an annual pass as well.

The airline also plans on granting the perk to holders of a new premium JetBlue credit card that will be announced soon, according to the company.
Hasbro, the company behind such iconic toys and games as Mr. Potato Head, Nerf, Monopoly, G.I. Joe, and more, may soon have a new home in Massachusetts.

One of the worlds largest toy manufacturers, Hasbro is looking for a new space in Boston after a century in Rhode Island, according to a report from the Boston Business Journal.

The company originated in Providence and is currently headquartered in Pawtucket, but representatives have recently toured multiple downtown Boston office buildings, the news outlet reported.

The company is reportedly looking for between 200,000 and 250,000 square feet of space and is also considering looking in the Boston suburbs.

A spokesperson for the company told the Journal that Hasbro is exploring its options to make sure it is a space that can best serve our employees, partners and business needs for years to come.

Were taking our time, evaluating all options that can best support our teams creativity and innovation, and will share updates on our progress, the spokesperson said. Regardless of the outcome and location, we remain committed to our history  not leaving it behind, but building on it.

According to the BBJ, the companys lease on its Pawtucket headquarters is up in 2025.

Hasbro is the second major toy brand to consider making Boston its home. Last year, Lego announced that it would be leaving its longtime North American headquarters in Enfield, Connecticut for Boston beginning in 2025.

The companys new offices will be in about 100,000 square feet at 1001 Boylston St. And it expects to completely move out of Connecticut by the end of 2026.
On Thursday, 1,200 Boston hotel workers with Unite Here Local 26 went on strike, the third and the largest strike in September.

The union made the announcement on X at 7:15 a.m., when workers with four hotels  Omni Parker House, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, Renaissance Boston Seaport Hotel and Westin Boston Seaport District  joined an ongoing nationwide labor dispute.

The economy doesnt work for any of us, Unite Heres X post read. Were going to make the hotel companies PAY.

In a vote, 99% of hotel workers voted yes to strike at the four hotels, the union posted.

The strikes come after the union previously said negotiations back in April over an increase in wages commensurate with Bostons high cost of living, as well as more rules for preventing injuries on the job, better staffing and workloads with the reversal of COVID-era cuts made to staff and guest services that burden current employees.

Since the first two strikes, including one during Labor Day weekend, 2,500 workers have gone on strike across 12 Boston hotels.

I am on strike because I need a raise, and the hotel refuses to give us what were asking for, Kaba Kamara, a houseperson at the Omni Boston Seaport Hotel, told WCVB-TV. It is always busy. I work full-time here, and sometimes I do overtime. But I still had to get a second job so that I can pay my mortgage and other monthly bills. My schedule is crazy  I dont have enough time to spend with my family, with my 10-year-old daughter. I believe that one job should be enough.

During the Labor Day weekend strike, 10,000 hotel workers walked off the job across eight cities, including San Diego, Honolulu and Boston, NBC News reported on Sept. 2. Unite Here union members work at hotels like Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt.

That strike concluded with no contract agreement.
All lanes on the westbound side of Route 90 in Westborough are open again after a box truck rolled over, leaving the driver hurt, Massachusetts State Police announced.

At around 2:30 p.m., troopers at the Charlton Barracks went to the area of mile-marker 107 in Westborough, state police said in a statement.

The driver, a 74-year-old man from Worcester, had minor injuries, state police said.

First responders chose to shut down all westbound lanes, including traffic at Route 9 rerouted temporarily off the exit, the statement said. Fire crews worked on draining the trucks fuel tank to reposition it before a travel lane was reopened.

"The crash caused significant traffic backups and delays on both directions of Route 90, as well as ancillary and secondary roadways, state police said in the statement.

Despite the reopening, lengthy traffic delays are expected to continue well into the evening commute, the statement read.

The crash continues to be under investigation.

The Mass511 website showed traffic backed up to Framingham, as of 6 p.m.
A Snapchat message threatening gun violence at a Massachusetts school prompted Norwell police to open an investigation, the police department announced.

At around 6:59 p.m. on Wednesday, an FBI agent reached out to the Norwell Police Department to notify them about a message used on the social media app Snapchat, the department said in a statement.

The agent told police that Snapchats software flagged the post and reported it to the FBI, the statement read. The post showed a child with the message, yk what Im shooting up the school.

Police arrived at the childs home, who admitted to posting it on a private Snapchat story and that it was meant to be a joke, the statement read.

The child has no access to weapons and does not live with someone who owns weapons, police said.

While police found the threat to not be credible, the investigation remains ongoing and local schools will see an increased police presence, the department wrote. Police Chief Edward Lee "has increased police patrols in all of the schools and surrounding areas.

This was the second time a Massachusetts police department opened an investigation into a gun violence threat to a school made on Snapchat. On Wednesday, a child was charged in connection with making threats on Snapchat on Monday, which alerted Newburyport police.
MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.

Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Gladys Oyola-LopezSebastian Restrepo

Gladys Oyola-Lopez

Age: 50

Community: Springfield

Her story: Gladys Oyola-Lopez has worked for decades in state and local government, including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts both at University of Massachusetts Amherst and The House of Representatives in Boston.

Some of her other accomplishments and duties include being appointed as the first Latina election commissioner in the Commonwealth in 2010. In 2021, she was also elected by the Springfield City Council as the first Latina city clerk, as well as designated as the first Latinx cabinet head in the city of Springfield by Mayor Domenic Sarno.

Voting is the cornerstone of any healthy democracy, she said. As a result, I strive to make voting accessible to all Springfield residents regardless of socio-economic or language barriers. As the only Latinx department head in the city of Springfield, I also consider myself to be a voice in government for my community.

Oyola-Lopez was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in the north end of Springfield. Her mother worked for the New North Citizens Council, allowing Oyola-Lopez to spend time there after school. From a young age, the Springfield resident saw how important small grassroots organizations were in providing much-needed services to the most vulnerable in our community.

Since she was 10-years-old, she has also volunteered for elected officials, non-profit organizations and the city of Springfield among others.

As she puts it, public service is in my DNA.

In her words: Before I was old enough to work, I volunteered my time, answering phones or holding signs. I would advise anyone interested in pursuing a career in local government to become engaged at any level. Attend a neighborhood council meeting, volunteer at a school or get involved in your local ward committee. I will be forever grateful to all the community leaders who served as mentors to me and helped me on my path to a career in public service.

Were always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.

Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Joesiah Gonzalez. Courtesy PhotoJoesiah Gonzalez

Joesiah Gonzalez

Age: 27

Community: Springfield

His story: The success of youth in Joesiah Gonzalezs home city was his main goal before he was even out of school himself.

Gonzalez made his first run at 19 years old for the Springfield School Committee while a Western New England University student. The Springfield native was elected to the committee in 2021 and serves as the Vice Chairman for the $600 million public school system.

He is also the chief philanthropy and communications officer at Home City Development, a non-profit real estate developer that aims to create more homes in the city and region.

Being a proud graduate of Springfield Public Schools and running for office at an early age, I have always been drawn to having a positive impact in the City of Springfield, Gonzalez told MassLive.

All in all, Im committed to seeing the unlocked potential in our city come to fruition, from the talent in our school system, to the development of homes and communities, he said.

As an elected political leader, Gonzalez wants his social impact work to have a trickle down effect through Springfield. Early in his career, he secured millions of dollars for youth development and to buy a three-story building for youth programs in the north end of the city, at 4 Birnie Ave., while with the New North Citizens Council.

Gonzalez is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership form the University of Hartford with a focus on organizational theory and leadership.

In his words: Follow your passion above all else, the jobs will find you. For your passion is often times indicative of your lifes work and that cannot be confined to a position or job title, it is what you were created and called to do.

Were always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
A Fall River Superior Court jury convicted a Plainville man last week of sexually assaulting a furniture store employee in 2021, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn IIIs office announced.

David Puccio was convicted of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years, Quinns office said in a statement. Judge Susan Sullivan sentenced him to serve four-and-a-half to five years in state prison.

Puccios sentence will commence after he completes serving a five-year sentence he began in December 2022 for violating the terms of his probation in connection with an indecent assault and battery of a child case out of Norfolk County, Quinns office added.

I would like to thank the jury for holding the defendant accountable, Quinn said in the statement. The defendant is a convicted sex offender who was on probation and wearing an ankle bracelet when he committed this indecent assault."

Puccio met with a female sales associate at Raymour & Flanigan in North Attleborough on Nov. 3, 2021, the statement read. He said he was looking for a bed for his mother and she spent around 45 minutes showing him around the store. He did not buy anything.

She began to walk Puccio to the stores exit when he touched her right upper thigh and upper buttock area, without her consent, with and open palm, Quinns office said.

Im sorry, Puccio told her, according to Quinns office. Im Italian, I walk with my hands.

She told him to leave the store. Puccio replied that the furniture in this store is gorgeous.

The defendant is a perverted individual, who is a danger to the community, Quinn said in the statement. The victim or anyone else should not have to put up with this depraved behavior. I am pleased that the court sentenced the defendant to the maximum sentence in addition to the sentence he is currently serving. It is well deserved.
A Methuen man is expected to be arraigned on a murder charge in connection with the shooting death of a Lawrence man on Saturday, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tuckers office announced Wednesday.

Thomas Pizarro, 33, will be arraigned on Thursday in connection with the death of Steven Hernandez, also 33, Tuckers office said in a short statement. The Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section arrested Pizarro in Boston on Wednesday.

Lawrence police learned of shots fired on Water Street at around 7 a.m., Tuckers office previously said. The man, Hernandez, had gunshot wounds. He was taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pizarros arraignment is scheduled to be in Lawrence District Court.
The Department of Corrections on Thursday said it has transferred the incarcerated men believed to be responsible for an assault that left five corrections officers hurt to a different facility.

The assault inside the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center, a maximum security prison in Lancaster, left two officers with stab wounds and injured three who responded to the incident. One of the officers was stabbed 12 times in the back and suffered a punctured lung, according to the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union.

All five officers were taken to a hospital, and four have since been released, the department said in a statement. The fifth officer remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

In the wake of the assault, the department has modified operations at the prison to ensure the safety and security of all who work and reside there.

Shawn Jenkins, the departments interim commissioner, committed to conducting a thorough security assessment and review of protocols to ensure the safety and security of all those who live and work at its facilities.

The safety of corrections officers is the departments top priority, he added.

My thoughts are with the officers and their families at this time and the Department offers our full support to the officers as they recover from their injuries, Jenkins said in the statement. Violence against DOC staff is unacceptable, and we will take the steps necessary to ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law.

Dennis Martin, the president of the union, said concerns about conditions inside the prison have fallen on deaf ears.

The department has many resources to ... keep this prison safe for staff and inmates, he said during a press conference outside the maximum security facility. Its been very disheartening how theyve been reacting to this situation.
A new flavor of M&Ms is set to hit stores in the next couple of months, according to media reports.

The new flavor of M&Ms will hit stores in December, ABC News reported.

The peanut butter and jelly M&Ms come in three sizes: Single Size (1.63 oz.), Share Size (2.83 oz.) and Sharing Size Stand Up Pouches (8.6oz), USA Today reported.

Mars Inc., the parent company of M&Ms, announced its newest flavor peanut butter and jelly on Good Morning America Thursday morning, ABC News reported.

Peanut butter M&Ms have been a longstanding popular flavor, Gabrielle Dallas Wesley, the CMO of Mars Wrigley North America, told GMA in a statement, adding that the company is leaning into peoples nostalgia for their childhood comfort classics, turning the PB and J into a bite-sized treat that consumers have been asking to have on the shelves.
A 30-year-old man is expected to plead guilty to charges of manslaughter and kidnapping Thursday morning in connection with a fatal shooting in Dorchester on Feb. 20, 2020, according to the Suffolk County district attorneys office.

Sabrion Rasmure, of Roxbury, is charged with the fatal shooting of Dorchester man Victor Augusto Lopez Sanchez, who was also known as Marcos Blanco, 46. Prosecutors say Rasumure and another, yet-to-be-identified, person approached Sanchez after lying in wait outside 89 Woodrow Ave. for about 25 minutes.

Rasmure and the other person are accused of forcing Sanchez inside the building at gunpoint, binding him with duct tape and ransacking his apartment. Prosecutors say Rasmure and his partner shot Sanchez once in the back before fleeing the building from the same door they came in.

Sanchez was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
A U.S. Senate panel voted unanimously Thursday to approve civil and criminal contempt actions against Steward Health Care CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre for defying a subpoena ordering him to appear before lawmakers.

The action by the Senates Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee was widely expected, but no less dramatic.

If its approved by the full Senate, the criminal contempt citation would ask federal prosecutors in Washington D.C. to pursue a case against de la Torre for refusing to cooperate in the committees investigation of the Dallas-based companys financial collapse.

The Senate panel approved both contempt resolutions on 20-0 votes.

The U.S. Senates Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee meets Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Washington D.C. (Screen Capture).Screen Capture

Dr de la Torre led Steward as eight hospitals closed, 2,000 paitients were enangered, and at least 15 patients died, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who sits on the Senate panel, said Thursday.

The Steward executive, who made national headlines for living a high-flying lifestyle, may try to shield himself from hearing from the people in Massachusetts and across this country that he hurt, but I hear from them, and I am with them. They are angry, and I am angry for them, Markey continued.

The American people and my constituents of Massachusetts deserve to hear directly from him about how this disaster unfolded, the Boston Democrat said.

Thursdays votes came a week after the panel heard harrowing testimony from witnesses who explained how shortchanging by Stewards private equity owners demoralized staff and harmed patients health.

Through an attorney, de la Torre said his refusal to testify is protected by the Fifth Amendment, The Boston Globe reported.

In a letter to lawmakers, the attorney, Alexander Merton, said he was concerned that the true purpose of the Hearing was not to gather facts within the Committees constitutional and congressional remit, but instead a pseudo-criminal proceeding with the goal of convicting Dr. de la Torre in a court of public opinion, the newspaper reported.

Steward has moved to sell its remaining Massachusetts hospitals, along with its physician network.

Three more Steward-owned facilities, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Nashoba Valley Medical Center, in Ayer, and New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton, also have closed this year.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, of Louisiana, the committees ranking Republican, similarly offered scathing criticism of de la Torres management. The company also is selling its properties in Louisiana, according to published reports.

The Louisiana Republican pointed to a report by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that included physician testimony describing third-world conditions at Stewards hospitals there.

A thorough review of ... de la Torres management decisions is essential to understanding Stewards financial problems, and its failure to serve its patients, Cassidy said.
The states police watchdog agency postponed a discussion Thursday that included potential disciplinary action against a former Stoughton police officer closely tied to the Sandra Birchmore case.

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, or POST, was expected to review an agreement to either decertify or suspend William Farwell, whose brother, also a former Stoughton officer, was charged last month with killing Birchmore.

Instead, the police oversight board will raise the matter at a later meeting. The panel lacked a quorum Thursday, or the minimum number of members needed to conduct certain business, a commission spokesperson said.

The commission was set to discuss approving a disciplinary settlement its staff reached with Farwell.

Authorities say three former Stoughton police officers, including Wiliam Farwell and his twin Matthew, had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore, who they met when she enrolled in a police department youth program as a teen.

In 2021, the 23-year-old Birchmore was found dead in what state officials initially deemed a suicide. But federal prosecutors now contend that Matthew Farwell killed Birchmore and staged her death to look like a suicide.

Acting United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy, right, takes questions from reporters as FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephen Kelleher, left, looks on during a news conference Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, in Boston, held to announce the arrest of former Stoughton Police Detective Matthew Farwell on murder charges connected to the death of Sandra Birchmore. (AP Photo/Steven LeBlanc)AP

Officials said he groomed Birchmore as a teenager, committed statutory rape when she was 15, and had sex with her while on duty after she came of age.

The married father killed Birchmore, prosecutors said, to prevent her from divulging their relationship. According to an indictment unsealed last month, she had told Matthew Farwell she was pregnant with his child.

He has pleaded not guilty.

William Farwell, 38, the subject of Thursdays commission hearing, does not face criminal charges.

But a Stoughton police internal investigation released in 2022 found he also had multiple inappropriate physical encounters with Birchmore and sent her explicit messages and photos while he was on duty. He resigned in 2022.

The nine-member POST Commission was established after the murder of George Floyd to improve state oversight of police departments and officers. It has the authority to revoke or suspend the certifications of police officers it finds responsible for misconduct.

The commissions Thursday meeting agenda said it planned to discuss a settlement agreement in several disciplinary cases, one of which matched the case number assigned to proceedings against William Farwell.

The settlement would have led to the officers voluntary decertification or suspension, the agenda said.

A POST commission spokesperson declined to comment Wednesday since the matter was scheduled for discussion in an executive session, behind closed doors.

David M. Bae, a Boston attorney listed for William Farwell in court records, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara also did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday, but has said the Farwell brothers and Robert Devine, a former Stoughton deputy chief who was also named in the departments internal investigation into the Birchmore case, are unfit to serve as police officers.

McNamara told the Boston Globe she hopes William Farwell will be decertified.

The commission decertified Matthew Farwell earlier this year and has disciplinary proceedings ongoing against Devine.

Including Matthew Farwell, the commission has decertified 27 police officers, each of whom is also banned from future police work in Massachusetts. The commission submits their names to a national registry of decertified officers, a move intended to alert police departments across the country to their troubled history.

Court filings list William Farwells current address in the town of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, just north of Albuquerque. Local property records show he purchased the home last year.
A Worcester man is expected to appear in court on Thursday afternoon in connection with shooting at another driver, Massachusetts State Police announced

Millbury police were notified of a road rage shooting at 7 a.m. on the southbound side of Route 146 in Millbury, state police said in a statement. Officers talked to a person who said a man in a red Honda Civic drove up behind him and pointed a gun at his car.

The Honda driver, identified as Daniel Orlando Ochoa, 39, of Worcester, shot at the person and broke their window, the statement read. The other driver was not hurt.

Ochoa kept driving before officers arrested him. A black pellet gun was found in his car.

He was taken to Worcester District Court, where he was arraigned for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
A U.S. Senate committee is set to vote Thursday on whether to slap Steward Health Cares subpoena-defying CEO Ralph de la Torre with contempt charges for bailing on a Capitol Hill hearing probing the companys financial collapse.

The widely expected action by the Senates Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee comes a week after the panel heard harrowing testimony from witnesses who explained how shortchanging by Stewards private equity owners demoralized staff and harmed patients health.

In a joint statement last week, the committees chairperson, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and its ranking Republican, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, of Louisiana, said they had been hopeful that ... de la Torre would comply with our bipartisan subpoena.

Since he did not, we have no choice but to move forward and pursue both civil enforcement of the subpoena and criminal charges against Dr. de la Torre, the two lawmakers said.

The lawmakers said the committee will pursue both civil and criminal contempt actions against de la Torre.

The Steward boss, who has made national headlines for living a high-flying lifestyle while the Dallas-based company plunged into bankruptcy, already signaled through an attorney he did not plan to attend.

Through an attorney, de la Torre said his refusal to testify is protected by the Fifth Amendment, The Boston Globe reported.

In a letter to lawmakers, the attorney, Alexander Merton, said he was concerned that the true purpose of the Hearing was not to gather facts within the Committees constitutional and congressional remit, but instead a pseudo-criminal proceeding with the goal of convicting Dr. de la Torre in a court of public opinion, the newspaper reported.

The Senate panel is set to vote Thursday on two resolutions: One for civil enforcement, and another for certification to the U.S. Attorney for criminal contempt.

If the committee approves one or both measures, theyll be sent to the full Senate for a vote.

The civil enforcement resolution would instruct the Senates legal counsel to bring a civil action in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. to force de la Torre to comply with the subpoena, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who chairs one of the panels subcommittees, said in an email.

The criminal resolution would ask federal prosecutors in Washington D.C. to pursue a case against de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena, Markey said.
WEST SPRINGFIELD  Gov. Maura T. Healey met the HKS Clydesdales in the Farm-a-Rama, checked out the Irish Pavilion, high-fived a giant cranberry mascot in a Pilgrim hat and  with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll  searched for a queen at the Hampden County Beekeepers Association hive.

And she got some snacks, as well.
A trio of federal lawmakers is concerned some Massachusetts landlords are using a tool suspected of helping them share data and collude to set rents.

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton wrote to 13 large landlords in the state on Wednesday  including at least two with residential properties in the Pioneer Valley  about their potential use of software from RealPage that they say is key to an alleged scheme to increase rents.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is calling on the people of Mayo to make history this weekend by completing the first ever online Census Pilot Survey.

The CSO has appealed to Mayo households to take part in the Census Pilot Survey on or before Census Pilot Survey Day, which takes place this Sunday, September 22.

This is an opportunity for householders across the County who have been selected to take part in the Census Pilot Survey to fill out a census form online for the first time in Irish history.

While this is a voluntary pilot survey that allows us to test new questions and new ways of filling out your census form, the responses and feedback will provide essential information to help us prepare for Census 2027.

Those participating can also receive paper forms in both Irish and English.

Letters of invitation have been sent to five selected locations around Mayo, including Ballinrobe

Castlebar, Claremorris, Mayo South East, and Westport.

All those who received letters of invitation are asked to take part this weekend.

If you havent received a letter, you can take part by visiting the Census Pilot website.

Eileen Murphy, Head of Census Administration, commented: As we get closer to Census Pilot Survey Day which takes place this Sunday, we are asking the people of Mayo to please give us your help and support by taking part.

Traditionally, the purpose of a pilot census has been to test new and changed questions for the next census. In the case of this Census Pilot Survey, not only will the Survey help us test new questions, it also has the added importance of testing an online option for the first time in the history of the Irish census, she continued.

The Census phone line (1800 202409) and website are both available for participants to contact if they require help or information.
A 58-year-old Colfax man was injured when a school bus rear-ended his truck on Tuesday afternoon near Menomonie, according to a press release.

The Wisconsin State Patrol says an SUV and a truck were stopped on County Highway B at the Interstate 94 interchange at lights for road construction. A school bus was traveling in the same direction, failed to stop in time and rear-ended the truck, which pushed it into the SUV.

No one on the bus, which was carrying about 45 children, was injured. But David Merten of Colfax, the driver of the truck, was transported to Mayo Clinic in Menomonie with non-life-threatening injuries.

Neither of the SUV's occupants were injured. Douglas Eugene Tylee was driving the bus, according to the release.

The crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
The 2024 edition of the Architecture at the Edge festival is set to run an array of exciting events across Mayo.

Taking place from Friday, September 20 until Sunday, October 6, the festival will take place across Mayo and Galway.

Events include the presentation of In Search of Hy-Brasil Irelands national pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, integral to the national pavilion is the representation of elements of the material culture of Clare Island.

Highlights of the festival include Lets Draw, Ballina at The Ballina Arts Centre, where participants will engage in digital arts workshops on Saturday, September 21.

The festival kicks off tomorrow

Later that evening the Live Drawing Project in association with The Ballina Arts Centre, Ambassade De France en Irlande, HeritACT and the Jackie Clarke Collection, will present an Interactive Digital Community Arts Event at Hugh Ruddy & Co. Ltd. in Ballina.

The Linenhall Arts Centre will celebrate the publication of First Quarter by John Tuomey on Friday, September 27.

In First Quarter, the architect navigates the places and memories of his life over twenty-five years. Published by Lilliput Press, First Quarter is a personal and poetical account of childhood in Irish villages and country towns, student life in Dublin and youthful employment in London which will be celebrated in conversation, reading and song.

HeritACT Ballina, an EU funded project focussing on cultural heritage as a catalyst for sustainable development will present several events including walks and talks on the histories associated with the HeritACT sites on Saturday, September 28 and Saturday, October 5, with Talks on the Town at the Former Fashion Shop on Pearse Street.

Ballinas Co-Envisioning Day at HeritHUB in the Ballina Library will demonstrate digital tools, including SustainACT, which allows for assessment, and contributions to sustainable targets including the New European Bauhaus (NEB), the European Green Deal (EGD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Conservation Architect Una Ni Mhearain of Consarc Design will discuss recent works completed at Westport House and planned conservation proposals to the interiors, and Kathryn Connolly, curator, will discuss the care of the collection during the restoration of the house.

Other historic structures open for the festival include the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at Ballyglass Lighthouse, with access to the film-set designed for the forthcoming feature film Cry from the Sea.

Enniscoe House will be open for a tour that will chart the evolution of this significant country house which holds a scenic position in the shadow of Nephin, with fine vistas overlooking Lough Conn.

The Ballinglen Museum of Art in Ballycastle will present Patita Bourke Nicholsons exhibition Paintings of Memory and Imagination, including paintings of her childhood home at Heathfiled House, her home at Enniscoe, and Killala.

For details on these events and to view the full programme, visit the Architecture at the Edge website.
A prominent architect has doubled down on comments where he described Castlebar as depressing.

Local county councillor Ger Deere has invited Hugh Wallace to visit the town after he took issue with comments made by Mr Wallace during a recent radio interview.

Speaking on RTE Radio One to promote the next series of The Great House Revival, Mr Wallace hit out at the lack of people living in the town centre.

People dont live in Castlebar, over the shop. That horrendous car park behind Main Streetif there were 300 families living there, it would bring 12 million right into the city centre. We have to get our head around this and stop being snobs, Mr Wallace said.

The well-known TV personality made his comments in reference to a letter from an anonymous author which appeared in the Connaught Telegraph criticising the state of Castlebar.

Cllr Deere hit back at Mr Wallaces remarks, which he said gave the town awful bad publicity.

I didnt hear his comments, only second hand, this famous architect, Wallace. He said Castlebar was a depressing town, I thought it was so disingenuous of him, Cllr Deere said at the monthly meeting of Castlebar Municipal District.

The Fine Gael councillor acknowledged that the town had its problems but said Mr Wallaces comments sent an awful image of the town.

He picked out one spot in Castlebar and to say that that was depressing. Invite him down and let him have a look around and talk to people on the ground that are trying to make Castlebar a better place to live.

Replying to a request for comment from The Mayo News, Mr Wallace said he would be willing to visit Castlebar.

Mr Wallace doubled down on his comments about the main street being depressing but said that he was not negative about the town.

Shops are closed, they are boarded up, theres nobody living over the shops. At night time theres nobody on the main street, Mr Wallace said when asked to clarify his comments regarding the town being depressing.

Mr Wallace described as disgraceful a car park between Main Street and Chapel Street, which he said should be developed as a residential area.

He also claimed that there isnt a vision for Castlebar at present.

Ballina in my opinion, has gone ahead of Castlebar. They are doing great public works, theyve got the river. I believe that the chamber of Commerce in Ballina has sort of got their act together and theres a sort of community spirit to drive the town on. Id question does Castlebar have the same community spirit, Mr Wallace remarked

I definitely want to come down. Please understand Im not negative about Castlebar, Castlebar has the opportunity, but for some reason hasnt decided to take it. If you go and look at Clonakilty - which is not a dissimilar size to Castlebar - 20 years ago, that was the town to get through and get out of. But today its the town you want to stay in because its a half-day of shops of book shops of fashion [shops], of streets and bakeries and restaurants. Thats what Castlebar should be and it has every opportunity to do that, but for some reason, somebody switched the lights off on the Main Street in the town 25 years ago.

Mr Wallace said the town centre in Castlebar should be a thriving destination for the people of Mayo before elaborating on the actions taken to rejuvenate Clonakilty in Co Cork.

The chamber of commerce was really proactive and went to all the shops and said give us 100 quid and they got enough money to buy a mobile scaffold. Then they went to Cork County Council and they said will you give us the paint for free to do up the town. They did a deal with Cork County Council and a paint company to supply the paint. They also got the council to do up all the streets. All the streets were done up and there was seating put in and lighting. There was little node points so you could have a little coffee shop.

Mr Wallace also said it was not good enough that over 11 million had been allocated to town centre buildings under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) in Castlebar which had yet to be developed.

A 1.9 million URDF-funded Youth Resource Centre at Castlebars Old Post Office is due to go to construction shortly.

Somebody is responsible and should take responsibility. The great thing about Ireland is we moan about everything but dont take responsibility, he said.

Mr Wallace concluded: I look forward to being in Castlebar soon.
The iconic of Paddington Bear is set to visit Mayo.

STUIDOCANAL announced a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the release of Paddington in Peru, arriving in cinemas this November.

From Liverpool to London to Mayo, bear-y special statues are coming to selected cities and towns from early October.

Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bears signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.

Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr Grubers shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy.

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, was thrilled with the announcement.

He added: Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddingtoncoming to a bench near you!

Paddington Visits launches ahead of the bears latest cinematic outing, Paddington in Peru, which hits cinemas on November 8.

See below the full list of locations taking part in Paddington Visits:

Ashby

Birmingham

Bury St Edmunds

Cardiff

Chester

County Mayo

Edinburgh

John O Groats

Lanark

Lands End

Liverpool

London Paddington

London Westfield

Manchester

Newbury

Newtownards

Penrith

Peterborough

Reading

Salisbury

Southampton

Sunderland

York

Stay tuned for more information.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, September 12, 2024

What's in a name? That which we used to call Twitter no longer smells as sweet, according to just-released brand equity valuation platform Brand Finance, which this morning downgraded the value of X's brand to just $673 million, an 88% decline from the $5.7 billion Twitter had when Elon Musk acquired it for $44 billion.

As a result, Brand Finance has dropped X from its vaunted "Media 50" brand equity ranking for the first time since Twitter ranked on it.

The company said X's brand strength index score has also declined considerably by 12.7 points to 56.9/100, "signaling a major reputational crisis that the brand is struggling to overcome."

The downturn isn't just due to the brand name change from Twitter to X, but underscores advertisers concerns regarding Xs content moderation under Musks leadership.

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The downgrade also comes on the heels of Musk's antitrust suit against the World Federation of Advertisers' self-regulatory Global Alliance for Responsible Media initiative, which the WFA has shuttered due to the burden of the suit.

Musks controversial rebranding of Twitter has resulted in a dramatic and abrupt decline in brand value and strength," comments Brand Finance Managing Director Richard Haigh, adding, "The hasty abandonment of a globally recognized name, without a clear migration plan, has had disastrous consequences, alienating key stakeholders and eroding the brands core strengths. This is reflected in the brands weaker scores in the familiarity, reputation, and recommendation metrics of Brand Finances research."
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, September 18, 2024

Negative keywords are coming to Google Performance Max campaigns, along with new insights and reporting. Google also plans to strengthen brand controls on Broad Match, expand AI features and much more.

The announcements -- made at DMEXCO in Europe to bring more controls and insights -- should improve advertising performance across Googles AI-powered products, but also squash an ongoing complaint from advertisers that the company doesnt do enough to support transparency.

Advertisers want more controls across AI-powered campaigns that can provide more insights into how campaigns run.

Google today announced the launch of campaign-level negative keywords in Performance Max that will start rolling out by the end of the year. The idea is to ensure ads align with specific brand and audience needs in Search inventory.

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New optimization levers are also coming to Demand Gen campaigns. Omnichannel bidding will be available in beta in the coming months to help maximize online and in-store conversions.

In October, Google plans to roll out support for buying Demand Gen campaigns in Display & Video 360, providing greater flexibility and reach within existing workflows.

Among the announcements made Wednesday, visibility into campaign performance will likely strike the strongest chord. It begins with an overhaul of performance insights without having to dig through multiple reports.

Google combined insights, explanations and recommendations into one view to help advertisers understand and address campaign fluctuations.

Target pacing insights allow advertisers to track progress against cost per acquisitions (CPAs) and return on ad spend (ROAS) goals to help explain if a campaign is on track with expected bid targets.

If not, Brendon Kraham, vice president of search and commerce, Global Ads Solutions, writes: integration with explanations reveals the contributing factors  whether it's bid strategies adjusting to recent market shifts or budget limitations influencing results, then recommendations will provide ways to improve the campaign.

Impression share reporting is coming to Performance Max for the first time, Kraham explains in the post, to enable advertises to see how they serve up for text and Shopping ads on Search results pages.
by Fern Siegel , September 19, 2024



Creative ad agency Droga5 named Tamara Conyngham as head of strategy, handling clients such as Philips, Chase, Rustlers and AMEX GBT.

Based in London, she reports to CEO Bill Scott.

Conyngham won a Bronze Lion at Cannes in Sustainable Development Goals for Address Point, a service that provides the homeless access to education, health, employment and social services via a personal digital address.

Prior to her appointment, Conyngham was a digital strategist at Google, then moved to JWT and later Droga5 in Dublin. She joined Droga5 London in 2022 as a strategy director and recently oversaw the Philips Domestic Appliances global campaign launches.

Scott said she carries that rare combination of not just making the strategy and work better, but making those around her better.

Droga5, part of Accenture Song, has Barclaycard, Amazon, Coca-Cola and Philips Domestic Appliances on its client roster.

The agency has offices in New York, London, Dublin and Tokyo.
by Tanya Gazdik , September 18, 2024

Owners of General Motors electric vehicles now have access to even more public chargers with the addition of over 17,800 Tesla Superchargers.

The drivers will be able to use GM vehicle brand apps to purchase a GM-approved NACS DC adapter, as well as find, charge, and pay for sessions.

GM EV customers will ultimately have access to more than 231,800 public Level 2 and DC fast chargers and growing throughout the United States and Canada. Level 2 chargers are not as fast as DC fast chargers. Charging speed varies depending on the vehicle.

In order to access the Tesla Supercharger Network, customers can purchase a GM-approved NACS DC adapter through GM vehicle brand mobile apps for $225. Customers will be able to also use the same apps to locate available Tesla Superchargers, check station status, initiate a charge, and pay for charging sessions.

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The deal between GM and Tesla was announced a year ago. Several other automakers have struck similar deals with Tesla, which has an older and more extensive charging network. They include Subaru, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce and Ford.

The charging infrastructure remains a pain point when customers consider the switch from gas-powered to battery electric vehicles. The opening of Tesla's charging network is seen as an important step in improving access to fast chargers.

To help ensure a positive customer experience, GM plans on leveraging multiple suppliers to produce approved NACS DC adapters, according to the automaker.

GMs ongoing efforts to help accelerate the expansion of public charging infrastructure is an integral part of our commitment to an all-electric future, said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy, in a release. Enabling access to even more publicly available fast chargers represents yet another way GM is focused on further improving the customer experience and making the transition to electric more seamless.

Meanwhile, BMW, Ford and Honda are beginning operation of Chargescape, a new company focused on optimizing electric vehicle grid services that was announced last September.

ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging.

Its technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages home charging efforts when the grid is constrained. it even can send energy back into the power grid when needed.
by Tony Jarvis , Op-Ed Contributor, September 19, 2024

An Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) Town Hall Wednesday presented intriguing viewpoints from panelists regarding premium content and its role as a quality filter for placing ads in media relative to the prices charged by premium media suppliers. It was stimulated by The Trade Desk, which published a top 100 list of suppliers it deems as the premium open internet.

The list includes the most popular and engaging publishers across all digital channels (web, CTV, digital audio, etc.) and was developed in partnership with Sincera.

Hulu topped the list at No.1 with Frances Le Figaro rounding it out at No. 100.

Speakers included: The Trade Desk Vice President-Inventory Development Will Doherty, Adelaide CEO Marc Guldimann, General Mills Senior Manager of Ad Tech Thomas Donovan, and moderator and ARF CEO Scott MacDonald (who spent much of his career in magazine publishing where credible quality journalism and photography was, and still is, king).

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Any discussion of premium content raises fundamental questions for media buyers and sellers about digital advertising beyond programmatic execution and the sheer impact of the creativity of the brand message, whatever the platform or media environment.

Considerations include audiences, ads (and their ratio to editorial content), the editorial environment itself, refresh rates, attention and emotional engagement measurement, and media pricing relative to quality, as wells as the effect on brand campaign outcomes.

Added to these questions are concerns about the transparency of the process, procedures, technologies and techniques used by todays media data/tech suppliers, including the digital death stars (Meta, Google, Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft and Amazon) programmatic players, the special metrics (attention) providers, etc. plus the attribution and marketing mix modeling companies.

When was the last time your team was able to execute a thorough assessment of a media data/tech company based on a transparent detailed technical description of their entire service?

As I asked the speakers, No transparency, no trust?

Based on the recent Advertising: Who Cares? Movement summit in London, the prevalence of current ad tech black boxes are a cornerstone to killing the trust, equity and value across the ad industry.

Adelaides Guldimann expressed concerns over the potential for gaming any analytic or data collection system if it was fully transparent which I respectfully suggested is a cop out. He also implied that if a media placement generates outcomes at the right price its okay. However, what about potential long-term damage to brand equity as a result of being continually advertised in toxic environments?

The positions of the panelists were insightful, albeit raising further questions.

General Mills Donovan reminded us about the importance of continual testing for all brands.

Guldimann posited that attention underpins our understanding of quality and therefore a medias contribution to outcomes beyond the sheer power of the creative messages impact and its relevance.

The Trade Desks Doherty underlined the importance of securing trust throughout the media supply chain, adding that quality content will drive growth for all players long-term. Consequently, genuine publishers will earn their fair share of ad budgets. He also reminded us that premium digital inventory is finite while total inventory is infinite.

The ultimate buy/sell question for digital media and especially programmatic is execution? Is chasing low CPMs (even based on attention metrics rather than the nebulous device-based viewable impression counts) via the continuous gutter of misinformation and much worse content on social media okay, at least for certain brands for certain kinds of ad campaigns?

Based on The Trade Desks Top 100 perhaps we have an answer?
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, September 19, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, new definitions and measurement standards for in-store retailers will provide transparency and consistency across retailers, brands and CPGs, as well as guidelines for advertising formats and store zones.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau, through a collaborative effort with IAB Europe, has released standards and guidelines, and opened them for public comment until November 1.

The announcement was made at the IAB Connected Commerce Summit in New York City.

Efforts brought together 14 Retail Media Networks (RMNs) such as Ahold Delhaize, Douglas Marketing Solutions, Kingfisher, MediaMarkt, and Schwartz Media, among others. The process also involved virtual workshops and consultations with buy- and sell-side partners.

Retail Media Networks have already had a meaningful impact on the digital advertising industry in a short period of time, stated David Cohen, CEO, IAB.



Omnichannel retail media ad spend in the U.S. will reach $129.93 billion in 2028 -- up from $54.85 billion in 2024, according to June data from Emarketer.

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Standards and guidelines were developed to address rapidly expanding in-store opportunities in retail media at companies. They were designed to unlock the potential for this channel and help capture budgets traditionally allocated to linear TV and out-of-home (OOH).

In-store retail media consists of digital screens, printed and static ads, audio, connected shopping and experimental ads, but non-digital in-store retail media, which are printed and static ads, and experiential offerings such as product sampling are not included in the in-store standards.

The standards cover definitions, formats, and store zones, but measurement will prove to be the most helpful. Measurement guidelines support tracking, reporting, and analyzing campaign performance across various in-store formats.

definitions, formats, and store zones, but measurement will prove to be the most helpful. Measurement guidelines support tracking, reporting, and analyzing campaign performance across various in-store formats. How to define an impression was one of the more impactful outcomes from the standard, which must be within the view of a person, per the IAB. The report states Retail Media Networks "should report on ad play and gross impressions as a minimum. The formula used to determine the following metrics should be disclosed." The report also states that a viewable ad impression is a more accurate measure of an ad's visibility because it takes into account whether the ad had the opportunity to be seen by the user. Yara Daher, Retail Media Consultant, IAB Europe, told MediaPost an impression can be defined as a funnel in an in-store environment. "It begins with 'Ad Play,' determining whether the ad was played," she said. "This leads to 'Gross Impressions,' which estimates the number of individuals who might have seen the ad during a specific time." Then it goes to the next level, what Daher called an "Opportunity to See," defined as "a reliable proxy for viewable impressions that we recommend retailers adopt." Further down the funnel, theres "'Likelihood to See,' which relies on sensors and analytics technology but is often limited by privacy concerns or capital expenditure constraints." Viewable adjustment measures applied for digital place-based media are expected to conform to the requirement for digital video because it represents an opportunity to see, rather than confirmation that someone has seen the ad.

The joint initiative builds on IAB/MRC Retail Media Measurement Guidelines and IAB Europes Retail Media Measurement Standards. They were released by IAB in January 2024 and IAB Europe in April 2024.


by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, September 19, 2024

Publicis Groupe has acquired Mars United Commerce, which the holding company bills as the largest independent commerce marketing company in the world. Terms were not disclosed. All the major holding companies and consultancies have substantial commerce operations and Publicis latest deal signals just how critical they view the sector as a growth driver. Earlier this year Omnicom acquired Flywheel Digital from Ascential for an estimated $835 million, which it said was its largest M&A transaction to date.

advertisement advertisement The Southfield-MI based Mars started 50 years ago as a shopper marketing specialist known as Mars Advertising. A few years ago it rebranded to the Mars Agency and then rebranded again in May of this year to Mars United Commerce, a move that the company said at the time reflected its transformational growth into a full-service commerce marketing partner for brands and retailers worldwide.

It now has a workforce of 1,000 in 14 offices across North America, Europe, Australia-New Zealand and Asia.

The company is headed by Global CEO Rob Rivenburgh, a 22-year veteran of the company who was promoted to his current role in 2021, having been North America CEO before then. He succeeded Ken Barnett, who stepped into the role of executive chairman. He is the son of founder Marilyn Barnett, who died in 2016.

Mars has a number of recently developed products named in honor of its founder. Earlier this year it unveiled two self-serve tools including the Marylin Commerce Media Dashboard, designed to analyze and compare commerce marketing performance across all vendors. It also introduced the Marilyn Commerce Media Benchmark Database that provides data across thousands of past campaigns to derive benchmarks at the retailer-, category- and brand-levels, helping clients visualize the impact of their investments.

Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun said the transaction would further connect and complement our existing capabilities to deliver industry leading end-to-end commerce solutions for our clients both online and off line.

The transaction is the second major M&A deal for Publicis Group this summer following its agreement to acquire Influential credited as the largest influencer marketing company and platform by revenue--in July.

The two acquisitions, added Sadoun, position the company to help our clients understand both existing consumers and future prospects, and connect that knowledge at an individual level to the new media channels that work hardest for their business: connected TV, commerce and creators.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 19, 2024

Large social media companies and streaming video services threaten consumers' privacy by collecting a staggering amount of data in order to serve behaviorally targeted ads, the Federal Trade Commission said Thursday in a new staff report.

The status quo is unacceptable, Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's consumer protection bureau wrote in a preface to a critical new report, A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services.

The report leaves no doubt that without significant action, the commercial surveillance ecosystem will only get worse, Levine added. Our privacy cannot be the price we pay to accomplish ordinary basic daily activities, and responsible data practices should not put a business at a competitive disadvantage.

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FTC Chair Lina Khan added that the report shows how tech companies harvest an enormous amount of Americans personal data and monetize it to the tune of billions of dollars a year.

While lucrative for the companies, these surveillance practices can endanger peoples privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from identify theft to stalking, Khan stated.

The report, unanimously approved Thursday by the FTC, grew out of an investigation launched in December 2020, when the agency sought detailed information from Meta, Amazon, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Discord, Reddit and Snap about their data gathering and ad targeting practices.

The amount of data the companies collect is simply staggering, Levine wrote.

They track what we read, what websites we visit, whether we are married and have children, our educational level and income bracket, our location, our purchasing habits, our personal interests, and in some cases even our health conditions and religious faith, Levine continued.

He added that the companies amassed so much information that they often couldn't answer questions about all the data points that were collected, or the third parties that received the information.

The report recommends both that Congress enact new privacy laws, and that tech companies minimize the amount of data they collect and share.

"Self-regulation is not the answer and federal legislation is necessary to ensure that the companies protect consumers privacy," the report states.

The FTC said legislation should include default safeguards against the over-collection, monetization, disclosure, or undue retention of personal data."

Users should be able to proactively choose whether they do or do not wish to be tracked, and they should be able to make this choice freely, rather than under conditions that restrict their autonomy, the FTC added.

The ad industry's current self-regulatory standards generally call for companies to notify people about the collection of cross-site data, and allow them to opt out of receiving behaviorally targeted ads. (The standards also call for companies to obtain consumers' explicit consent to the collection of certain sensitive data.)

In addition to calls for legislation, the report also urges social and streaming platforms to avoid using privacy-invasive tracking technologies like pixels to collect sensitive information from consumers. The report doesn't define all types of sensitive information, but suggests the term includes demographic categories such as race, religion, sexual orientation, and political affiliation.

Khan specifically singled out online behavioral advertising as the driving force behind current practices.

Marketers have always sought to reach their desired audience, but digitization enabled an unprecedented degree of behavioral targeting, she stated Thursday. This newfound ability to monetize peoples behavior, activity, and characteristics helped drive the creation of a multi-billion dollar industry specializing in tracking and collecting vast amounts of Americans personal data.

The report itself asserts that targeted advertising can pose serious privacy risks to consumers.

Consumers are frequently unaware of the potential downstream uses -- including the sale to third parties of location data that may be used to identify consumers and their visits to sensitive locations, such as houses of worship and doctors offices -- of the immense amounts of data collected about them, the report states.

The authors add that targeting based on sensitive categories of data can be extremely harmful to consumers and cause a wide range of injuries to users -- including discrimination, embarrassment and harms to reputations.

Targeted ads based on knowledge about protected categories can be especially distressing, the report says. One example is when someone has not disclosed their sexual orientation publicly, but an ad assumes their sexual orientation.

The report also found that most social platforms and streaming services collected the same types of data from teens as from users over 17.

FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson, though he approved the report, took issue with its criticism of targeted advertising.

I do not share the reports apparent view that the display of targeted advertising to adults is, on balance, harmful, he stated Thursday, adding that targeted advertising to children and teens is another matter entirely.

Association of National Advertisers' CEO Bob Liodice criticized the report as sensationalist.

"Rather than simply throwing out the baby with the bathwater, this FTC report decides to tear down the entire house with a sensationalist report that claims that the theoretical harms of data use outweigh all the staggering benefits of the digital economy to individuals and businesses, he stated.

"Interest-based advertising is the economic engine that funds free and low-cost services to millions of Americans through the digital apps, online services, news publishers, and websites they love. Liodice added.

Interactive Advertising Bureau CEO David Cohen stated that the organization was disappointed with the FTCs continued characterization of the digital advertising industry as engaged in mass commercial surveillance.'

He added that the organization supports a national data privacy law.

Congress, rather than a federal agency, should balance consumers' privacy rights, competition and the value exchange between consumers and publishers, he stated.

Lou Mastria, CEO and president of the self-regulatory group Digital Advertising Alliance, responded to the report by touting the industry's AdChoices program, which uses a clickable icon to notify consumers about online behavioral advertising and take them to sites that offer opt-out links.

He stated that self-regulatory initiatives like AdChoices "have provided ubiquitous real-time access to information and choices around interest-based advertising across millions of web pages and billions of ads."

The advocacy group Consumer Reports, which has supported strong state privacy laws, called the FTC's findings alarming but not surprising.

We need to rein in the rampant overcollection and misuse of consumer data by making strong data minimization protections the default and ensuring companies are held accountable when they violate the trust of consumers, Justin Brookman, the organization's director of technology policy, stated Thursday.
by Dave Morgan , Featured Contributor, September 19, 2024

As readers of my column know, I am a big supporter of Ukraine and the freedom war it is fighting for all of us. I believe that the United States, all of the countries around the world, and businesses and individuals everywhere need to help Ukraine repel the horrific, unjustified full-scale Russian invasion.

We need to work together to stop the bombing of its cities, civilians and infrastructure. We need to help Ukraine recover the tens of thousands of its children whom Russia unspeakably kidnapped and removed from their Ukraine homeland and took back to Russia like spoils of war.

Working together on technology is a great bridge to Ukraine. Ukraine has one of the largest and strongest technology workforces in the world, graduating hundreds of thousands of engineers every year from more than 25 of the worlds best technology universities, and is a rapidly emerging technology giant in the world. Building partnerships with technology companies and technology workers in Ukraine is a win-win for everyone. It is great business. It is great for Ukraine and for humanity.

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Ukraines tech showcase -- IT Arena -- happens next week in Lviv. Im really excited to once again be speaking at IT Arena in Lviv next week, a three-day event attended by more than 3,000 technologists, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Much of the best of Ukraine will be on display, and the networking will be incredible. My own company now has more than 20 employees in the country, and they are unbelievably talented colleagues.

You can help. Everyone in our industry can help. You can learn about Ukraine and what is happening. I suggest that you start by following the posts of historian Timothy Snyder. You can care. Stand up for what is right. Make your voice heard, whether in conversations, meetings or in discussions with politicians. It matters.

You can partner. There are many great technology outsourcing firms operating in Ukraine. I can personally vouch for DataArt and Sigma Software, firms that I know well. You can join trade organizations that support your Ukraine peers. Lviv IT Cluster operates IT Arena and provides amazing support to technology companies throughout the country. You can join IAB Ukraine, which has been amazing at supporting the works of digital advertising and ad-tech companies in Ukraine. You can directly support local nonprofits. United 24 is one of the most important and best known.

You can visit. Visiting Ukraine helps you understand it in ways that you never could from a distance. The people are incredible. Their resilience is palpable. They are awe-inspiring and uplifting.

Next week's trip to the IT Arena in Lviv and then Kyiv will be my sixth trip to Ukraine in the past 15 months. If anyone is interested in learning more about visiting the country, please reach out to me.

Ukraine is fighting on the front line of a war for all of us, protecting freedom, democracy and the rule of law from tyranny and autocracy. We must help, now more than ever.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, September 19, 2024

Red or Blue, its ugly online  and getting worse. Stonyfield Organic is issuing a Toxic Free Election Challenge, asking people to swear off social media for the month of October, with a chance to win $1,000 for those that stick with it.

The company says the sweepstakes fits in with its brand mission of fighting toxins. For every entry in the challenge, it will donate 50 cents to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, up to $20,000, and its already signed up 1.3 million people  more than it expected.

While we champion voting and voicing your opinion, we recognize that social media can become a breeding ground for toxicity during this time, the challenge reads. As an organic brand, Stonyfield is on a mission to help you avoid toxicities that lurk around you, whether in the food you eat or where you spend your time.

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Kristina Drociak, director of public relations and consumer engagement at Stonyfield, tells Marketing Daily the idea stems from the brands expanding concept of toxicity.

For the last 40 years, weve been working to remove toxins from consumers' lives without food, which is all organic, she says. And were always trying to keep toxins out of the environment. Previous initiatives have included working with 40 cities around the U.S., aimed at removing pesticides from parks and playing fields.

She says assessing the toxicity of todays social media isnt much of a leap. People are fighting, theres misinformation, and weve seen plenty of evidence it can take a toll on mental health. Its very draining.

She is quick to say that voting is essential, and the pledge steers people to www.vote.org.

She says the company is promoting the challenge  based on an honor system  on social media and through email.

We hope to hear from them along the way about how its going and what they learned from the experience.

Stonyfield Organic is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and is owned by the Lactalis Group, a French dairy company.
DURBAN, South Africa, Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Virus Network concluded its annual meeting of closed scientific sessions held 16-18 September 2024 with a press conference. Co-hosted by the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), the meeting of world-leading experts discussed advancing and collaborating on cutting-edge science, the rising number of mpox outbreaks, the growing challenge of scientific misinformation during a global health crisis, and pandemic preparedness strategies for strengthening health systems, enhancing forecasting models, and providing greater access to vaccines and treatments.



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GVNs 2024 Robert C. Gallo Award for Scientific Excellence and Leadership was presented in recognition of exceptional leadership and innovation in virology research to Professor Linfa Wang , Executive Director of the Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE), Singapore and Professor in the Selected Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS, Singapore, a GVN Center of Excellence. Its a great honor for me to receive this prestigious award from GVN, Professor Wang said. To me, GVN is like a big family of like-minded scientists. This award has three keywords Gallo, Scientific Excellence, and Leadership, all of them mean a lot to me. I tell my trainees that doing good research is important, but not sufficient. We all need to train ourselves to be ready and prepared to make a public good impact on society. I am proud of making such contributions as a member of the GVN family!

was presented in recognition of exceptional leadership and innovation in virology research to Executive Director of the Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE), Singapore and Professor in the Selected Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS, Singapore, a GVN Center of Excellence. Its a great honor for me to receive this prestigious award from GVN, Professor Wang said. To me, GVN is like a big family of like-minded scientists. This award has three keywords Gallo, Scientific Excellence, and Leadership, all of them mean a lot to me. I tell my trainees that doing good research is important, but not sufficient. We all need to train ourselves to be ready and prepared to make a public good impact on society. I am proud of making such contributions as a member of the GVN family! Drs. Rachel Roper and Rubeshan Perumal received GVN 2024 Action Committee Awards for their exceptional efforts and accomplishments by GVN Action Committee members in advancing collective goals.

and received for their exceptional efforts and accomplishments by GVN Action Committee members in advancing collective goals. GVN 2024 Early Career Investigator Awards , highlighting emerging talent and significant early-career achievements in virology research within the GVN, were awarded to Dr. David Martinez of the Yale School of Medicine, USA and Dr. Gage Moreno of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, USA, a GVN Center of Excellence.

, highlighting emerging talent and significant early-career achievements in virology research within the GVN, were awarded to of the Yale School of Medicine, USA and of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, USA, a GVN Center of Excellence. Professor Abdool Karim was thanked with GVNs 2024 Cohost Award for co-sponsoring the highly successful meeting in Durban.

was thanked with for co-sponsoring the highly successful meeting in Durban. Mr. Mathew Evins, Treasurer & former Chair of the GVN Board of Directors and Chairman & CEO of Evins Communications, Ltd., USA was honored with GVNs 2024 Founders Award, which celebrates individuals or organizations that have significantly contributed to the success of the organization and its initiatives in the spirit of the GVNs three co-founders, Drs. Robert Gallo, William Hall, and the late Reinhard Kurth.

Media Contact: Linman Li at [email protected]
SPRING, Texas, Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Io Therapeutics, Inc., presented results from studies done on the potential for prevention and treatment of normal aging-related neurodegeneration with its clinical stage experimental therapeutic RXR agonist compound IRX4204. The presentation titled The highly potent and selective third generation RXR nuclear receptor agonist compound IRX4204 has potential for prevention and treatment of normal aging-related neurodegeneration was presented at the FASEB Research Conference on Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Aging, being held in Niagara Falls, NY, USA. The presentation was authored by Vidyasagar Vuligonda, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, and Martin E. Sanders, M.D., Chief Executive Officer.



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Bosch Chairman Stefan Hartung has said China is transforming from a consumer market to a innovation hub. HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- "China is transforming from a consumer market into a center of knowledge and innovation," said Stefan Hartung, chairman of Robert Bosch GmbH, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua at the International Motor Show (IAA) Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany. Hartung underscored China's steady progress in expanding its production capabilities and its increasing role in global innovation. Bosch, he noted, plans to continue making long-term investments in China to meet rising market demand. As a frequent traveler to China, Hartung has gained deep insights into the Chinese market. "China is a very important market for us. We have achieved significant success, and our investments continue to grow. Next month, a new plant for key components of new energy vehicles, which we've been preparing for months, will soon be operational," Hartung said. He also predicted that electric vehicles will become a key part of the global passenger car market in the next decade. However, in the commercial vehicle sector, he said that some markets may favor hydrogen solutions, including fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engines. Hartung emphasized that multiple powertrain technologies could coexist, with the best solution selected based on specific needs rather than competition. Bosch, he said, is committed to diversifying its offerings, from battery systems to fuel cell systems and hydrogen-powered technologies. "The global automotive market has remained stable this year, but electric vehicle growth has been slower than expected, particularly in China. Demand for plug-in hybrid and range-extended electric vehicles has increased, while growth for pure electric vehicles has slowed," Hartung noted, urging the industry to adjust its strategies to reflect this trend. The technologies showcased by Bosch at the IAA Transportation 2024, Hartung revealed, were products of close European-Chinese collaboration. "Most technology cannot be developed by just one individual or a small team and then applied worldwide," he said. Hartung expects international cooperation, especially in hydrogen technology and electric trucks, to lead to further breakthroughs. As a global company, Bosch advocates for a balanced and fair competitive environment in international markets. Hartung warned that tariffs and subsidies in response to trade issues could lead to higher prices and instability in the global market. Hartung expressed hope that trade negotiations between China and the European Union would resolve ongoing tariff issues, emphasizing the need for a trade agreement. "We hope that a trade agreement can eventually be reached between China and the European Union, addressing the issue of tariffs through negotiations." Looking forward, Hartung emphasized that further trade liberalization is key to global economic growth. "It would be great if as much international trade as possible continues over the next decades because that has helped the whole world, including China, so much in the last decades," he said, voicing optimism that Bosch will benefit from this trend. Hartung also stressed the importance of ongoing communication and cross-border talent exchanges, particularly among engineers and technical professionals. Bosch's research and development operations in China have expanded, with 58,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers and researchers, achieving breakthroughs by leveraging local talent and innovation in China. Hartung noted that China has become a global innovation center, driving change in electrification, smart mobility, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and energy efficiency. This shift toward a technology-driven future is being powered by cross-border collaboration, which Hartung sees as crucial for both China and Europe. Deeper international cooperation will continue to drive innovation in these key fields, reinforcing China's status as a global center of technological development, he noted.
Catch up with all the latest and the most trending national and international news in healthcare and medical sciences from across the globe. Listings are in alphabetical order.
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Potential Impact of Alcohol Calorie Labelling on the Attitudes and Drinking Behaviour of Hazardous and Low-Risk Drinkers in England: A National Survey



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#Alcohol's hidden calories can pack a punch! Labeling the #calories in alcoholic drinks could help #heavydrinkers cut back, especially those who gain weight from excessive alcohol consumption. #alcoholawareness

Calorie Labels Could Shift Choices

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Potential Impact of Alcohol Calorie Labelling on the Attitudes and Drinking Behaviour of Hazardous and Low-Risk Drinkers in England: A National Survey - (https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/8/e087491)

Just over half of heavy drinkers in England would consider changing their drinking habits if calorie labels were added to alcohol . The researchers suggested that such labels could help some drinkers manage a healthier weight ().The study, published in the journallooked at survey responses from 4,683 adults in England to assess the impact that alcohol calorie labelling might have on peoples attitudes and drinking behaviour.The researchers found that 54% of heavier drinkers (defined as hazardous drinkers based on a questionnaire) said they would make changes to their drinking if calorie labels were introduced. This compared to 44% of lighter drinkers.Asked about specific behaviour changes, more than a quarter of heavier drinkers (27%) said they would choose lower calorie drinks, while one in six said they would drink alcohol less often (18%) and consume fewer drinks (17%).The researchers also assessed peoples knowledge of the calorie contents of alcoholic drinks, finding that hazardous drinkers were more likely than low-risk drinkers or non-drinkers to accurately estimate the number of calories in beer, wine, cider and spirits.Lead author Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Behavioural Science & Health) said: Our study found that a sizeable proportion of heavier drinkers said they would change their drinking habits if calorie labelling was introduced.While survey responses do not necessarily correspond to behaviour, the results indicate that labels could play a useful role in reducing consumption of the hidden calories in alcohol."About 9% of calories consumed by men and 5% by women come from alcoholic drinks. Alcohol calorie labelling could therefore contribute in a modest way to helping people maintain a healthy weight.Under current UK law, all food and non-alcoholic drinks must display nutritional information. Alcoholic products are exempt from this and only need to show the strength of alcohol, the volume of the drink and any allergens contained in them.For the new study, researchers looked at survey responses from a representative sample of adults in England, collected between November 2022 and January 2023.They grouped survey respondents into non-drinkers, low-risk drinkers and hazardous drinkers based on a questionnaire about drinking habits, which asked about the amount of alcohol consumed as well as the impact of drinking on daily life. About three quarters of drinkers were classed as low-risk and one quarter as hazardous.More than half of respondents (58%) said calorie labelling would be useful, with 64% agreeing it should be provided in shops and supermarkets, and 52% saying it should be available in pubs, bars and restaurants. Drinkers were less likely than non-drinkers to support labelling being provided.Asked to choose the correct 50kcal range for different alcoholic drinks, hazardous drinkers were consistently more accurate compared with non-drinkers and low-risk drinkers. If they were not accurate, they tended to overestimate rather than under-estimate calorie content.The researchers concluded that campaigns to improve public knowledge about calories in alcoholic drinks might be less effective at reducing consumption than seeking to change attitudes.Given that hazardous drinkers were more likely to overestimate calorie content, increasing knowledge could possibly encourage hazardous drinkers to drink more, the researchers said.Co-author Professor Jamie Brown (UCL Behavioural Science & Health) said: While these results are encouraging, it is unlikely that alcohol calorie labelling in isolation would contribute substantially to the UK Governments strategy to reduce harms from alcohol and obesity . It might have a positive role as part of a more comprehensive approach, including regulation on advertising, availability, taxation and price."The researchers said increasing the availability of lower calorie drinks would be helpful, as this was the most common action in response to mandatory labelling and was particularly popular among hazardous drinkers.The study was commissioned and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Obesity Policy Research Programme.Source-Eurekalert
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With the Use of Visual Cues, Hospital Rooms Get Nearly 70% Cleaner



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Color additive wipes were far more effective than standard wipes, reducing germs by 48% and leaving rooms 69.2% cleaner. #patient_safety #hospitals #HAI #medindia

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Standard vs. Color Additive Wipes

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Color Additive Wipes Reduce Germs by 48% and Save Time

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Color Additive Wipes Improve Cleanliness and Efficiency

Throughout the study, microbial sampling was performed on 400 surfaces, 200 for the control period and 200 for the color additive period. Bedrails were the most frequently sampled surface while cabinets, headboards, faucet handles, and infusion pumps were the least sampled.

The rooms cleaned in this study were located in the telemetry inpatient ward and in the medical-surgical inpatient ward.

The change in room turnover time between methods, about 6%, was not found to be statistically significant.

The color additive used in this study is compatible with many commercially available disinfectant products.

With the Use of Visual Cues, Hospital Rooms Get Nearly 70% Cleaner - (https:apic.org/news/with-the-use-of-visual-cues-hospital-rooms-get-nearly-70-cleaner/)

Keeping hospital rooms properly sanitized is essential to stop the spread of germs between patients. Dirty surfaces in hospitals often contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are a significant concern.A new study in thecompares two types of wipes for cleaning hospital rooms: regular wipes and wipes with a color-changing additive. The color-changing wipes were found to make rooms 69.2% cleaner and took less time to clean ().Patients are nearly six times more likely to get an infection if they use a bed that was previously occupied by someone with the same infection . Despite efforts to keep rooms clean, many hospitals still dont meet the necessary standards to prevent these infections.Clinicians tested the outcomes of hospital room sanitation performed in two ways. First, they evaluated the status quo for one week: environmental services (EVS) teams used regular disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces in 10 randomly selected rooms.They then educated the EVS teams about using wipes with a color additive, which shows up on surfaces as blue during cleaning but fades to clear several minutes later when force and friction are used.This creates a strong visual cue to help users see what has been cleaned with effective techniques and what has not. Finally, the EVS teams cleaned another 10 randomly chosen rooms for a week using the wipes with the color additive.For both cleaning periods, non-EVS personnel sampled 10 frequently touched surfaces for the presence of microbes before and after rooms were sanitized. Such surfaces included sink handles, bedrails, call remotes, light switches, phones, and toilet seats, among others. In addition, non-EVS staff members monitored room turnover time to determine whether the color additive had any role in the length of the cleaning process.Results demonstrated the effectiveness of using the color additive. In both weeks of the study, 92% of surfaces sampled before cleaning were positive for microbial colonies. After disinfection, rooms cleaned with standard wipes still had microbes present on 60% of surfaces sampled, while rooms cleaned using the color additive saw the microbial presence reduced to 31% of surfaces, a 48% improvement.A deeper analysis of the microbes that remained after cleaning showed that the use of the color additive left rooms 69.2% cleaner than the standard wipes. In addition, the additive slightly reduced the cleaning time needed, from 39.1 minutes to 36.8 minutes.Our study is the first to evaluate color additive-supported hospital cleaning based on microbial burden, and the first to measure impact on cleaning times, said Olayinka Oremade, MD, MPH, CIC, lead author of the study and infection control manager at Griffin Hospital. Collectively, our results show that providing a simple visual cue makes an enormous difference in room cleanliness, and it seems to allow cleaning teams to be a bit more efficient in the room turnover process as well.Additional details from the study include:Effective disinfection protocols are essential for successful infection prevention and control in healthcare settings, said Tania Bubb, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, 2024 APIC president. This study exemplifies the idea that simple but creative solutions can help us improve critical tasks associated with keeping patients safe and healthy.Source-Eurekalert
Highlights: Early life stress impacts brain development and lifelong health

Prenatal programming affects offspring development and health outcomes

Protective factors and interventions can mitigate adverse effects and build resilience

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Stress, Adversity in Early Life Have Impact Across Lifespan



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Early life adversity can lead to long-term health issues, but positive interventions can foster resilience. #medindia #health #longevity

Early life adversity can lead to long-term health issues, but positive interventions can foster resilience. #medindia #health #longevity

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Early Life Stress and Its Long-Term Health Effects

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Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

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Impact During Pregnancy

Stress, Adversity in Early Life Have Impact Across Lifespan - (https://nihrecord.nih.gov/2023/02/03/stress-adversity-early-life-have-impact-across-lifespan)

Our earliest years lay the groundwork for our entire lives, shaping our health and well-being in profound ways. The experiences we encounter during the first 1,000 days of life can have lasting repercussions, influencing everything from brain development to overall longevity. Dr. Laura Stroud highlighted the profound impact that early life stress and adversity can have on an individuals health and development. During her presentation at the annual Stephen E. Straus Distinguished Lecture in the Science of Complementary Therapies, Stroud emphasized how critical the first 1,000 days of life are for brain development and long-term wellbeing ().Dr. Laura Stroud, director of the COBRE Center for Stress, Trauma And Resilience (STAR) at the Miriam Hospital and professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, explained that early life experiences have a significant influence on both physical and mental health throughout life. This early period is crucial for brain development, and adverse experiences during this time can have lasting effects on health.Stroud discussed the concept of "prenatal programming," where stress and nutrition during pregnancy affect both the mother and fetus. The placenta plays a vital role in this communication, impacting brain development and physiological systems in the offspring. Adverse prenatal experiences can set the stage for various health issues later in life. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence can have long-lasting consequences. Stroud highlighted how these experiences, along with broader community issues like poverty and discrimination, contribute to physical and mental health challenges and can even affect life expectancy.The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated stress and trauma among children and families, leading to increased mental health problems. Stroud emphasized the urgent need to understand and build resilience in those affected by such stressors.Despite the challenges, Stroud noted that protective experiences can help mitigate the harmful effects of early adversity. Positive relationships, such as unconditional love, support from friends, and involvement in supportive communities, are crucial for healthy neurodevelopment and emotional well-being. Healthy behaviors also play a key role in helping children achieve developmental milestones.Stroud identified tobacco exposure as a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes in children. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with sudden infant death syndrome, low birthweight, and premature birth. The use of e-cigarettes, often perceived as a safer alternative, also poses risks due to the presence of nicotine. Children of mothers who smoke are more likely to develop nicotine addiction and other health issues.Pregnancy presents a unique opportunity for fostering resilience. Stroud observed that many women are more motivated to quit smoking during pregnancy than at other times in their lives. Successful cessation can reverse some of the early effects of smoking, such as low birthweight and prematurity. Additionally, pregnant women who quit smoking are more likely to engage in regular prenatal care.Stroud stressed the importance of addressing resilience at both the individual and community levels. Supporting families during the postpartum period and working to improve community conditions are essential for enhancing health outcomes. Her research is focused on finding ways to better support parents and improve health outcomes for children.Dr. Strouds research underscores the importance of early life experiences in shaping lifelong health and well-being. By understanding the impact of early adversity and fostering protective factors, we can work towards creating a supportive environment that enables all children to thrive. As Stroud put it, the goal should be to create fertile soil for all flowers to bloom, rather than focusing solely on those that manage to grow despite adversity.Source-Medindia
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Problems in screening for gestational diabetes mellitus by measurement of casual blood glucose levels at 24-28 gestational weeks



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Did You Know?

Women with gestational diabetes have a 50% higher chance of developing type II diabetes later in life. #gestationaldiabetes #pregnancy #glucose 

Women with gestational diabetes have a 50% higher chance of developing type II diabetes later in life. #gestationaldiabetes #pregnancy #glucose 

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How Enhanced Screening Can Prevent Complications?

Problems in screening for gestational diabetes mellitus by measurement of casual blood glucose levels at 24-28 gestational weeks - (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdi.14310)

Casual blood glucose testing misses 70% of gestational diabetes cases in pregnant women , underscoring the need for more reliable screening methods as per a study at Kobe University, published in the).The research suggests that adopting a more comprehensive approach can help prevent pregnancy complications and reduce the risk of type II diabetes in both mothers and their children. Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition where previously healthy women exhibit high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.If treated, most women deliver healthy babies, but if left unmanaged, this can lead to pregnancy complications, babies growing larger than usual, and an increased risk of developing type II diabetes later for both the mother and the child.Therefore, theThis multi-step procedure requires women to fast for 8-12 hours before a baseline blood sample is taken, then they drink a solution containing a standardized amount of glucose, and after a set amount of time, another blood sample is taken to see how well the body metabolizes the sugar.However, a large fraction of health facilities use a much simpler casual blood glucose test for which blood is taken and analyzed for glucose levels only once and at any time without consideration to what or when the women have eaten before, making this both cheaper and quicker.Only if women test positive in that simple screening, they are asked to undergo the more rigorous glucose tolerance test.The Kobe University obstetrician TANIMURA Kenji and his graduate student TOMIMOTO Masako were concerned that this two-tier approach potentially missed cases with diabetes in the first screening.Working in the perinatal center of Kobe University Hospital, they combined the casual blood glucose screening and another standard test for gestational diabetes, the much more sensitive glucose challenge test, into a single protocol for all participating women visiting their center.Tanimura, Tomimoto, and their team then asked women who tested positive in the glucose challenge test to also take the actual glucose tolerance test, which allowed them to ascertain how many positive cases would have been missed had they used only the convenient casual blood glucose screening.Their results showed that out of the 99 women who in the end were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, 71.7% had blood sugar levels in their first blood sample which would have resulted in a negative (no diabetes) diagnosis.Tomimoto explains, Although there have been studies showing that the casual blood glucose test is less sensitive than others, no studies have directly compared the results in the same individuals. Our study confirmed that this screening method, which is widely used in practice, frequently misses the condition it is meant to detect.To see how widespread this issue is, the team also surveyed health care facilities in Hyogo Prefecture, where Kobe University is based. They found thatIn Japan, where about half of all deliveries take place in obstetric clinics rather than in hospitals, the more accurate but complicated and time-consuming tests are not widely used, says Tomimoto.However, this is not a problem unique to Japan, as similar surveys showed that in the UK, 48% of clinics also rely on only the casual blood glucose test for the first screening.Tanimura says about the implications of their study: We would like to educate healthcare professionals and patients about this danger and encourage them to promote the use of the more accurate glucose tolerance screening method. We hope that our data can contribute to improvements in the management system and the revision of the guidelines for gestational diabetes mellitus screenings. The goal is to protect more mothers and babies from gestational and childbirth issues caused by this form of diabetes, and in general, reduce the risk of developing the disease in the future.Source-Eurekalert
Not the first time

This is not the first time Lawrence Bishnoi's name has resurfaced around Salman Khan. The gangster has warned the actor several times after his Black Buck case.
The Army is reviewing much of its training materials for ill-informed or partisan material after a terrorism briefing at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, erroneously listed mainstream activist groups, including pro-life and animal rights advocates, as terror organizations.

Images of the PowerPoint presentation went viral in July as Republican lawmakers and far-right commentators seized on part of the briefing that highlighted two non-violent anti-abortion lobbying groups as terrorists -- the National Right to Life and Operation Rescue, neither of which have a history of violence.

"The Army is undertaking an Army-wide review to ensure that these or similar materials are not being disseminated elsewhere," Agnes Schaefer, the assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs, told lawmakers at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the matter Thursday. "The slides do not represent the policy or official views of the Army."

Read Next: Space Force Touts Plans for Part-Time Service, Even as Opposition and Space National Guard Proposal Loom

However, Schaefer was vague on the scope of the training review and did not provide specifics.

The terrorism briefing, which has been in use since 2017, also lumped in left-wing groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and conflated it with the Animal Liberation Front -- an extremist group with a track record of violence, including firebombings.

The botched briefing gave GOP lawmakers an example to clinch onto after years of lambasting, often without evidence, what they say is the military's increasing acquiescence to progressive ideals -- in this case, seen as vilifying conservative anti-abortion groups. While often scarce on specifics, those critiques may have at least a marginal impact on recruiting, some Army officials fear.

But in a rare display of bipartisanship, House members from both parties on Thursday torched the Army for a lack of transparency on how the botched briefing had been used for seven years without anyone noticing basic factual errors. The briefing was built to be given to military police officers who guard Fort Liberty and train them to identify terrorists.

"How in the world does something like that go on for so long and [no one] in leadership catches it?" said Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who chairs the House Armed Services Committee subpanel on military personnel.

Lt. Gen. Patrick Matlock, who oversees much of the service's training operations, said there was no excuse for how long the training went on, yet he refused to answer questions from lawmakers when pressed over whether soldiers or civilian employees who had a hand in the training had been disciplined in any way.

"I'm not going to talk about specific accountability actions," Matlock said when asked whether commanders at Fort Liberty had enforced any disciplinary action against soldiers who created the training.

However, no Army policy forbids disclosing punitive actions taken against a service member. Legal action is disclosed automatically, regardless of rank, through public-facing court dockets. Disciplinary actions such as demotions or firings are routinely disclosed in high-profile incidents. The general also declined to offer details without the name of the soldier disclosed, to preserve their safety.

"There's some basic questions on basic accountability we don't seem to be getting," said Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii.

The briefing and its confusion over what groups may or may not be a danger also comes as the service struggles with defining extremism -- an effort across the military that was spurred by the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot and a growing national threat from extremist groups such as neo-Nazis.

Much of the Army's policy leaves it up to commanders to subjectively decide what is and isn't appropriate behavior.

Related: Botched Army Security Briefing Labeled Anti-Abortion, Animal Activist Groups as Potential Terrorists
Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota has fired another commander from his position, after removing another top officer from his role just last month.

Lt. Col. Carsten Stahr, commander of the 28th Force Support Squadron, was relieved from duty last week, a brief news release from the base said. Col. Derek Oakley, the 28th Bomb Wing commander at Ellsworth, said it was "due to loss of trust and confidence" in Stahr's leadership abilities related to the squadron.

A bio for Stahr was not publicly available. A Department of Defense photo caption detailed that he took over during a change of command ceremony on June 6, 2023. His removal from command comes after an Aug. 2 news release announced that Oakley had removed Col. Mark Kimball, the 28th Operations Group commander.

Read Next: Space Force Touts Plans for Part-Time Service, Even as Opposition and Space National Guard Proposal Loom

Kimball's removal was related, in part, to a scathing Accident Investigation Board report probing the cause of a Jan. 4 crash of a B-1B Lancer bomber at Ellsworth. That report took aim at "an unhealthy organizational culture that permitted degradation of airmanship skills."

Lt. Col. John Severns, a spokesperson for Air Force Global Strike Command, told Military.com on Thursday that Stahr's removal was not related to the B-1B bomber accident investigation's findings. No other details for his removal were provided.

Service branches don't typically provide specific reasons for a commander's firing, often pointing to the federal Privacy Act as justification for not explaining the rationale. Officials, such as in Stahr's case, typically refer to the phrase "loss of trust and confidence" as the sole reason.

The 28th Force Support Squadron aims to provide service members and their families various education, training and other recreational opportunities, as well as other support services, during their time stationed at Ellsworth.

Stahr did not respond to a voicemail or text message left at a phone number associated with him.

The leadership changes at Ellsworth, while not directly related to Stahr's case, come as the base struggles with fallout from the crash report.

A B-1B Lancer, valued at $450 million, was on a training exercise Jan. 4 with four crew members aboard. The bomber crashed short of the runway and skidded more than 5,000 feet down the tarmac before it caught fire. All four crew members safely ejected, but some received serious injuries.

Some relatives of the crew hammered back at assertions in the subsequent Accident Investigation Board findings, Military.com reported, and some former Ellsworth pilots said the assertions about the crew and training caused "real damage to morale."

Related: Scathing Bomber Crash Report Unfairly Targeted Crew Member's Body Weight, Family Member Says
The Navy's chief of naval operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, rolled out a document this week laying out her vision for the fleet -- a set of several lofty goals in a wide swath of areas that the admiral says will be met in two years' time.

Both the document itself and Navy websites talk about goals, including filling all service jobs to 100%, clearing out years of maintenance backlogs, and providing a barracks room to any sailor who wants it. Each of the goals is even assigned a "single accountable individual" in the plan.

However, when asked what accountability will look like should the Navy fall short, officials on Thursday backed away from the stronger language inside the document and instead described the goals as "aspirational" or "stretch goals."

Read Next: Space Force Touts Plans for Part-Time Service, Even as Opposition and Space National Guard Proposal Loom

The top officer's plan -- known as NAVPLAN 2024 -- comes two years after the last Navy-wide plan that was released by her predecessor, Adm. Michael Gilday, and nearly a year after she was confirmed by the Senate to the top post.

On Thursday, during a discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank located in downtown Washington, D.C., Franchetti said that the goals she laid out are not only "realistic" but that "all of these goals were 100% agreed to by our four stars, by the type-commanders and, most importantly, by the single accountable individual who is going to be responsible to me to achieve this goal."

"I have no doubt in my mind that we are going to get there," Franchetti said. "Where we're getting off track, I'm going to know about it."

However, when Military.com asked what the accountability actions for missing the goals would be, the answer was less firm.

Cmdr. Desiree Frame, a spokeswoman for Franchetti, told Military.com in an email that the targets were "stretch goals -- intended to be aspirational not punitive," though she said "the single accountable officials will provide periodic updates to CNO on their progress."

One of the top goals is fielding more ships, submarines and aircraft, and the plan calls for an ability to be able to surge up to 80% of the surface fleet.

However, right now, many of the Navy's ships struggle to get through their shipyard maintenance periods on time, and some of the service's larger vessels have experienced very public and serious breakdowns at sea.

USNI reported Wednesday that maintenance for all of the Navy's surface ships is about 2,700 days behind schedule. That figure, however, is still an improvement from last year, when it was about 3,000 days, or four years ago, when it was 7,700 days.

One submarine, the USS Boise, has been sitting in a shipyard awaiting maintenance for nearly a decade.

Earlier this month, the Navy's amphibious ship fleet -- critical to deploying Marines around the globe -- suffered the third publicly known breakdown this year that forced a ship back to port.

One of those three breakdowns was the USS Boxer in April, which was forced to return from its deployment just 10 days after setting sail after it developed an issue with its rudder.

Franchetti also aims to grow on the success the service has managed to achieve in recruiting.

The plan declares that, by 2027, the Navy will not only be meeting its recruiting goals but will rebuild its delayed-entry program -- a pool of applicants ready but waiting to ship to boot camp -- that it depleted in the past several years in an effort to try and make up for recruiting shortfalls.

The goal is also to not only fill every job in the active and reserve wings of the Navy to 100%, but man deploying units such as ships to 95%.

In January, the Navy's top personnel officer said that the service was short about 22,000 junior sailors at sea, and the service's models suggested it would be down by about 16,000 sailors across the force in the fall.

Military.com reached out to the Navy for updated figures, but the service was not able to provide them in time for publication.

And while the Navy appears to be set to meet its recruiting goal this year, the plans laid out by Franchetti means that recruiters would not only have to maintain but step up their efforts in years to come.

Despite all the challenges facing the service, the Navy website for the plan proclaims that "the Navy will be ready for sustained high-end joint and combined combat by 2027."

"We are shooting for very high, very tough stretch goals here, and I know that," Franchetti said.

Related: The Navy's Personnel Boss Is Confident Data Can Fix the Service's Recruiting Woes
Gen. Chance Saltzman, the top military leader of the Space Force, highlighted five former Air Force reservists during a keynote speech at an annual conference this week, revealing they were among the first service members to transfer into jobs in his service.

For now, the initiative allowing such reservists to transfer to the Space Force is accepting only those who are willing to serve full time as Guardians on active duty. The service is hoping to eventually allow part-time Space Force service as an option to those in the Air Force Reserve.

But many of the basic details of a part-time model -- most notably, making sure newly transferred Guardians would get paid -- still need to be worked out, Saltzman said during an Air and Space Forces Association conference in the Washington, D.C., area. The effort also comes amid a national debate over a potential alternative, the creation of a Space National Guard manned by part-time troops.

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"We do not want to hurt anybody in the transition period," Saltzman said. "That is first and foremost in all our minds. And when I say hurt, I mean when you cross over, you don't get paid -- that's a problem. Our databases for the Space Force don't include how you bill part-time hours. That's done over in the Air Force. We need to migrate those capabilities over so that we can manage our force from a part-time standpoint."

In a separate conference discussion with reporters Tuesday, Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna told Military.com that the service wants the new part-time model to be a unique experience and one that doesn't mirror the existing reserve system.

Back in May, the service began asking for Air Force reservists to transfer to the Space Force full time.

"The reason that's first is because we know how to pay, we know how to track and compensate someone in a full-time status," Bentivegna said. "The part time is where we're trying to work through ... We're not recreating the reserve construct within the Space Force. So, it's a completely different philosophy. We call it part-time work, which is different."

The Space Force won't be accepting applications for part-time service until at least 2026. But a separate push to create a Space Force National Guard is still gaining steam and placing tension on the smallest service's plans for how it will handle non-active-duty forces.

Former President Donald Trump said last month during a National Guard Association of the United States, or NGAUS, conference in Michigan that he promised to create a Space National Guard if reelected to the White House in November. The suggestion was met with applause from the crowd.

Retired Maj. Gen. Francis McGinn, the NGAUS president, said in a statement following Trump's comments that he was "grateful" for the former president's pledge.

"NGAUS has maintained for several years that a Space National Guard is the ideal supplement for the U.S. Space Force," McGinn said. "We look forward to working with policymakers from both sides of the political aisle to accomplish this goal."

The Department of the Air Force and the White House have opposed the creation of a Space National Guard, claiming it would be too costly a measure, and instead pushed for the part-time Space Force model instead.

Early this year, in April, Military.com reported that the Air Force had floated a legislative proposal to transfer several hundred Air National Guardsmen who specialize in space missions in states across the country into the active-duty Space Force.

That proposal seeks exceptions from current U.S. law to sidestep governors who oppose transferring those personnel into permanent, active federal service.

The Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate will eventually agree to a compromise between the two versions of the Air Force's proposal in the draft versions of the National Defense Authorization Act. The House's version would allow governors to sign off on the move, and the Senate's version would limit the move to six states and roughly 600 airmen.

The delay in getting the Space Force's part-time model up and running is a concern for National Guard lobbyists, who have said many of those Air National Guardsmen in space missions may not have a similar job that offers part-time flexibility for them if the Air Force's proposal comes to fruition.

McGinn said in a statement after the Air Force's proposal was publicized in April that "there is no place for them in the Space Force, which currently has no part-time positions, and won't have any, according to officials, for many years."

However, Saltzman was optimistic about the five reservists-turned-Guardians he introduced during his keynote speech, saying their experience will pave the way for future transfers into the service and, one day, those seeking to serve part-time, too.

"We're excited to welcome the many others who will follow in your wake," Saltzman said. "And the lessons we will learn from you guys is going to shape our efforts moving forward."

Related: Trump Vows to Create Space National Guard as Issue Becomes a Political Lightning Rod Among States
As Capt. Roy "Butch" Voris trained with other naval aviators in preparation for the public debut of the Blue Angels, the nascent aerobatic team put on a demonstration for a senior member of Adm. Chester Nimitz's staff. Wanting to see firsthand how their training was going, he came away thoroughly impressed and shaking his head.

"'You crazy sons of bitches are going to kill yourselves,'" Voris recalled the senior leader saying in a 2003 interview with the Museum of Flight near Seattle, "but he said, 'I like it. I want the admiral to see it.'"

By now, almost eight decades after the Blue Angels' first flight at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida on June 15, 1946, about 500 million people have witnessed firsthand the U.S. military's most enduring and popular flight demonstration team. Sometimes approaching 700 mph, the aviators weave through the air in extremely tight formations, their fighter jets working in unison merely feet apart, to the applause and amazement of their earthbound onlookers.

That level of precision requires hours of intense training, and no one knew that more than Voris, whom Nimitz handpicked as the Blue Angels' first commander. Voris, who died in 2005 at the age of 85, arrived at this history-making assignment with impeccable credentials after thriving as an ace fighter pilot during World War II.

"I got shot down once," Voris once recalled. "Those things happen, but I shot down eight of them, so I call it a net of seven."

A lifelong lover of aviation, Voris hung model airplanes from his bedroom ceiling, devoured stories about the exploits of famed military pilots such as Eddie Rickenbacker and sometimes rode his bike several miles to an airport just to watch airplanes land. While working in a mortuary in San Francisco in early 1941, Voris noticed a Navy recruiting poster and enlisted because he wanted to learn how to fly.

Months into the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in Corpus Christi, Texas, Voris and other cadets were leaving a movie theater on Dec. 7, 1941, when they learned of the Japanese's surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, ushering the United States into World War II.

"Everybody wanted to get their hands on a war machine," Voris recalled. "We started flying out over the water to see if there were Japanese submarines in the Gulf [of Mexico]. That was kind of fruitless, but we had to do something."

Lt. Cmdr. Roy M. Butch Voris (2nd from left) is shown during the early 1950s in his 2nd stint as commander of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Also shown (from left) are Lt. Tom Jones, Lt. Pat Murphy, Lt. Mac MacNight and Lt. Bud Rich. (Wikimedia Commons)

Commissioned as an ensign in February 1942, Voris flew F4F Wildcats and F6F Hellcats off two aircraft carriers, the USS Enterprise and USS Hornet, and saw combat in the battles of Guadalcanal and Tarawa during the war.

He was also present during the Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 19-20, 1944, when Allied pilots, realizing they likely would run out of fuel before they could return safely, ignored that possibility and departed near dusk in pursuit of the Japanese fleet. During what became known as the "Mission Beyond Darkness," Voris flew by dead reckoning under the cover of night. After destroying a Japanese Zero fighter, he returned to his carrier. When Voris touched down, only 10 gallons of gas remained in his fuel tank.

"It was almost mob hysteria," Voris told the Museum of Flight. "I don't even like to talk about it -- people diving at the ship, trying to get down, trying to make landings on cruisers and destroyers. We spent the next day ... picking pilots up out of the water, so we did pretty well, rescuing a lot of those crews."

The Blue Angels perform in F/A-18 Super Hornets at the U.S. Naval Academy during commissioning week in Annapolis, Maryland. (U.S. Navy photo)

When Voris was tasked with forming the Blue Angels, he sought out pilots like him, those who always pushed themselves a little further, "stuck it out 10% more," he told author Robert K. Wilcox for the 2004 book "First Blue: The Story of World War II Ace Butch Voris and the Creation of the Blue Angels."

Voris was also heavily involved in choosing the type of aircraft they would fly -- the Blue Angels started off flying the F6F-5 Hellcat before transitioning to the F8F Bearcat shortly thereafter -- as well as the personnel who would help maintain those aircraft. He even insisted on the planes being painted blue and gold, the Navy's official colors.

The Blue Angels -- named after a New York City nightclub -- endured intense training, and their mission was top secret. They even practiced maneuvers in the Everglades in South Florida so if they crashed, only the alligators would know.

"He was very technical, very smart about aeronautics," Voris' son-in-law, Hank Nothhaft, told The Washington Post. "Talking to him, you'd think he was an engineer. In fact, that's probably how he survived some of the mishaps."

No mishap was more perilous than during a show in 1952. During Voris' second stint as the Blue Angels' leader -- the team briefly disbanded at the start of the Korean War -- he was involved in a midair collision. One pilot was killed, and Voris landed with a heavily compromised jet, its controls barely working and its tail almost ripped off.

The Blue Angels returned to the air two weeks later.

Voris left the Blue Angels in December 1952 but remained in the Navy until retiring from the military in 1963. With three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 Air Medals, three Presidential Unit Citations and a Purple Heart, he left the service as a highly decorated pilot.

For the rest of his life, the Blue Angel pilots who came after him viewed Voris with reverence -- and with good reason.

"I can't think of a bad day that I've had, what you'd really call a bad day," Voris said in the Museum of Flight interview. "Anything that's bad, it's an opportunity to fix it and be better."

For upcoming shows involving the Blue Angels, including their 2025 schedule, please go to their website.

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The Rockies are carrying three catchers for September. Colorado promoted prospect Drew Romo in conjunction with last months release of Elias Diaz. He joins fellow rookie Hunter Goodman and veteran Jacob Stallings in Bud Blacks catching corps.

Colorado probably wont want to commit fully to the unproven duo of Romo and Goodman next season. It seems the club will look to keep Stallings in the fold. MLB.coms Thomas Harding suggested last week that Colorado could try to bring him back. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post wrote similarly in a reader mailbag this morning that theres mutual interest.

Stallings signed a $2MM deal with the Rox last offseason. Hes playing on a $1.5MM salary and due at least a $500K buyout on a $2MM mutual option for next season. While the simplest course of action would be for both sides to exercise the option, thats exceedingly rare. Stallings figures to decline his end even if he hopes to stay in Denver. Theres a $1.5MM difference between the option value and the buyout. The 34-year-old backstop (35 in December) has played well enough to pursue a larger sum.

In 77 games, Stallings is hitting .260/.353/.450. Hes not likely to replicate a .319 average on balls in play, but he has a personal-high nine homers in 267 plate appearances. Stallings has roughly league average strikeout and walk numbers to go with that slight uptick in power.

Any kind of offensive production from Stallings is a bonus. His primary value lies in his defensive acumen. Stallings won a Gold Glove with the Pirates in 2021. He has a strong game-calling reputation and seemingly works well as a mentor to the teams younger catchers. Stallings has thrown out a solid 22.5% of baserunners and remains one of the sports most sure-handed defenders. He has only been charged with one passed ball this season and has committed all of four passed balls since the start of 2021. Stallings doesnt grade well as a pitch framer, but hes otherwise a solid option behind the plate.

Stallings will probably be limited to one year but should earn a raise. Colorado signed him coming off a rough two-year stretch in Miami, where he hit .210/.287/.290 with lesser defensive grades. This years production could push his salary closer to guarantees secured by Luke Maile ($3.5MM), Austin Hedges ($4MM) and Martin Maldonado ($4.25MM) last winter.

Goodman and Stallings have taken the majority of recent playing time. Romo, 23, has been pushed into a third catcher role after starting his MLB career with a .174/.208/.239 slash through 13 games. Saunders writes that the Rox could send Romo back to Triple-A to start next season and rely on a Stallings/Goodman tandem if they re-sign the veteran.
MEARS, MI -- A bite into a crisp apple, the smoke wafting off a barbecue and the waves rolling on Lake Michigan  its not a Pure Michigan ad, its the Apple & BBQ festival.

Every year the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ festival draws a crowd of 15,000. This year, the lakeside festival caught USA Todays attention.

The festival made the top ten list for Readers Choice for Best Fall Festival. The publications 10Best Readers Choice Awards asked travel enthusiasts to vote for their top places to celebrate the changing seasons.

Silver Lakes festival landed at number seven.

RELATED: Silver Lake shoreline opens for horseback riding soon, how to register

Every September, more than a 100 food and artisan vendors line Golden Township Park near downtown Silver Lake for the two-day festival.

In addition to sweet and savory apple and BBQ treats, the festival also has a classic auto and ORV show and a craft show.

Of course, whats a festival without a little competition. Theres also the apple pie contest and a 5K on the Mac Dune Rides.

With Lake Michigan as its backdrop, USA Today notes the festival celebrates the beauty of the surrounding area. But the highlights, of course, are fresh apples, smoked meats and craft beers.

This year the event, which ran Sept. 6-7, celebrated 20 years. Learn more about next years event at applebbqfestival.com and plan a trip to Silver Lake at thinkdunes.com.
BRIGHTON, MI -- If fall conjures images of a chatty mother-daughter duo briskly walking past the town troubadour serenading by the gazebo all in pursuit of coffee  then Destination Stars Hollow is for you.

Before you smell snow, you can embrace fall in this quaint town full of foliage and local charm, less than a half hour from Ann Arbor, on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The town of Brighton will transform into the iconic Gilmore Girls fictional town this weekend as 41 businesses participate in the fan magic.

You can finally live out your fantasy of getting a cup of coffee at Lukes Diner or a sweet at Taylors Soda Shoppe before heading to Friday night dinner at Richard and Emilys.

Fans Laura Boote and Kathleen London organized the event, which has taken off on social media. Bootes most recent TikTok promoting the event has more than 227,000 views and the Facebook page has nearly 34,000 people interested or RSVPd.

As of Thursday, Boote said the official headcount for the free Saturday event is sitting at 14,000, not including the extra VIP packages on Friday and Sunday.

So, its a show? Its a lifestyle. Its a religion.

Boote and London assigned Gilmore Girl identities to each business based on location, character or episode.

Participating businesses will offer themed food, drink, merchandise and photo-ops. Organizers also have trivia, a knit-a-thon and a lookalike contest planned.

You can browse Kims Antiques at The Barn Antiques, get a healthy dose of coffee, coffee coffee at Lynns On First or shop Lorelais closet aka Brass + Oak boutique.

Restaurants have also adopted menus inspired by Richard and Emilys Friday night dinners and other elements of the show, including Sookies magic risotto.

Fans can purchase a passport for $5 and collect stamps as duck in and out of businesses. A collection of 20 stamps enters you into a giveaway from local businesses.

Die-hard fans can still sign up for a VIP experience through London Beauty. The shop will take on the role of Lorelais house and greet guests on Friday night and Sunday morning with commemorative tote bag full of gifts, included in the $30 ticket.

Fans can square off in trivia, challenge each other in a bop-it tournament and debate Team Dean, Team Jess or Team Logan.

Gilmore Girl fanatics can head to eventbrite.com for tickets and follow social media for updates at instagram.com/destinationstarshollow.
ALLEN PARK -- Alex Anzalone just might play in Arizona after all.

The Detroit Lions captain returned to practice on Thursday, clearing another hurdle in his return from a brain injury. As long as he remains symptom-free on Friday and practices without limitation, Anzalone will be eligible to pass concussion protocol before Sundays game against the Cardinals.

Anzalone has played really well this season, leading Detroits resurgent defense in tackles (17) and trailing only Aidan Hutchinson in tackles for loss (three). He also wears the green dot as the playcaller of the defense.

Guard Graham Glasgow (knee) also returned to practice, but the Lions remained short-handed in the defensive backfield, where first-round pick Terrion Arnold (illness), second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) continue to miss time.

Melifonwu has practiced just once since the preseason game in Kansas City last month and is highly unlikely to play against Arizona.
The Canadian Coast Guard has ended the search for a missing crew member.

The agency said Thursday that one of its employees had been lost at sea after an extensive search via sea and air was unsuccessful.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans spokesperson Emilie Proteau-Beaulieu told CBC that the crew member aboard the CCGS Vincent Massey was reported missing when the vessel arrived in St. Johns at 8:15 a.m. on Monday.

The crew member was last seen aboard the ship as the vessel sailed along Newfoundlands northeast coast on Sept. 15.

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the missing crew member, the crew of the CCGS Vincent Massey and all our employees, a statement said. This is a time of mourning. We ask that the familys and our personnels privacy be respected at this time.

The missing crew member has not been identified. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident.
EAST LANSING, MI  A Michigan community is mourning the death of a police dog who was responsible for the most captures in the history of the East Lansing Police Department.

ELPD announced that K9 Quinn died on Wednesday. The 13.5-year-old dog, who was retired from service in 2021, began working for the department alongside his handler Lt. Travis Bove in 2013.

Together, the team had many successful tracks for missing children, suspects wanted in crimes, article searches, and narcotic seizures.

The team was also assigned to the Ingham County Search and Rescue Team from 2015 to 2020.

K9 Quinn and Lt. Bove were responsible for more captures than any other K9 team in ELPD history and their successes continue to live on, a statement said. Rest in Peace K9 Quinn.

The department shared several pictures of Quinn on and off the job to its Facebook page.

Many residents were sharing stories and memories of Quinn in the comments while also expressing sadness for his death and thanking him for his service to the community.
SOUTHGATE, MI -- A dispute that started over loud music resulted in one person being shot and a dog being killed by its owner. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the incident began when a man in his 60s became upset with the music being played by a neighbor across the street.

The man in his 60s allegedly went over to his neighbors house on Kerr Street and shot the man multiple times before retreating to his home. Police were called to the scene just before 10 p.m. and found the victim had been shot three times. The suspect barricaded himself in his home following the shooting.

Police negotiated with the suspect for several hours before he eventually surrendered to police. Once the man surrendered, police discovered the suspect had stabbed his own dog to death and earlier in the day, had allegedly pulled a gun on his wife who fled the home. It is believed the man was intoxicated when the shooting took place.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and was listed in stable condition.
DETROIT  There will be no charges in a double fatal shooting at a Detroit Lions tailgate on Sunday; the shooter acted in self-defense, authorities said.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced Wednesday evening that there is not sufficient evidence to charge the 40-year-old shooter, a CPL holder, with any crime.

One shot was fired, resulting in the deaths of Jalen Welch, 25, and Rayshawn Palmer, 40, both of Detroit.

It is absolutely tragic that, during all the fun and merrymaking at a Lions tailgate, two lives were lost, Worth said.

RELATED: Eastern Market cancels Lions Monday Night Football tailgate after fatal shooting

Investigators believe that, during an argument between several men, Welch, a CPL holder, pointed a pistol at the shooter and threatened deadly force. The shooter then pulled out his own gun and fired one shot. The bullet passed through Welchs head and struck Palmer, who was trying to be a peacemaker, in the head.

Detroit Police officers were dispatched around 4:30 p.m. to the scene at Eastern Market. Palmer was pronounced dead at the scene. Welch was transported to a local hospital where he died the next day.

RELATED: Second person dies from tailgate shooting after Detroit Lions game

The shooter remained at the scene and was arrested, the release said.

Under Michigan law, an individual can use force, including deadly force, when necessary to protect themselves and defend others, the release said.

RELATED: One shot dead, another injured at Eastern Market tailgate after Detroit Lions game

The most heartbreaking of all is the fact that a completely and totally innocent bystander, Mr. Palmer was shot and killed with the same bullet that passed through the head of Mr. Welch, Worthy said. It could have been any one of us. We looked at all the applicable law and there is no crime that can be charged and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A manhunt that started Tuesday night ended Wednesday afternoon when police found the suspect hiding in an RV. The Eaton County Sheriffs Office located the suspect around 2 p.m. Wednesday in the RV which was located on a property in the 8000 block of East Bellevue Highway and arrested him without further incident.

The man was wanted after police were called to a home in the 7000 block of Sherman Road for reports of a man with a gun around 6:26 p.m. Tuesday. Witnesses told police the suspect -- who has not been identified pending formal arraignment on charges -- threatened a man and fired a gun several times near adults and children. The man then fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The Eaton County Prosecutors Office issued a multi-felony warrant for the mans arrests as police continued to look for the suspect. Members of the ECSO searched for the man for several hours before the day shift took over looking for the suspect and eventually located him.

Arraignment information was not provided by the ECSO.
KENT COUNTY, MI  Grandville schools closed Thursday, Sept. 19, after a reported threat.

A tip Wednesday night to OK2SAY said rumors are circulating about someone pulling a fire alarm at Grandville Intermediate then attacking students as they left the building, Superintendent Roger Bearup said.

There was not enough time to conduct a thorough investigation before the start of classes Thursday so the district closed out of an abundance of caution, he said in a letter to families.

Related: Juvenile charged in alleged threat of shooting at Grandville High School

The closing includes preschool and Treehouse programs. The district enrolled 5,476 students in 2023-24.

Bearup said the district will decide on evening activities after gathering additional information.

Last week, Jenison Public Schools in Ottawa County was force to closed due to a social-media threat. The Friday, Sept. 13 closure was prompted by photos being shared on Snapchat that raised concerns, Jenison Superintendent Brandon Graham said.

The messages have circulated without Jenison on them but others appear to be copies or screenshots with Jenison - in different text or format - added.

Related: Jenison schools close for online threat while Three Rivers schools close for 2nd day

The district wasnt the first to receive a threat that disrupted classes that week. Three Rivers Schools in St. Joseph County was closed for two days last week due to a threat. Threats have caused multiple closures statewide at the start of this 2024-25 school year, impacting thousands of students.
GRANDVILLE, MI  A reported threat that closed Grandville Public Schools on Thursday does not appear to be credible, police said.

A tip was reported Wednesday, Sept. 18, to OK2SAY and said rumors were circulating about someone pulling a fire alarm at Grandville Intermediate then attacking students as they left the building.
KALAMAZOO, MI  A good old-fashioned changing of the dog is about to happen in downtown Kalamazoo.

Monte Janssen, owner of Youz Guys Dogs, at 312 S. Kalamazoo Mall, announced this week that this would be his last serving Chicago Dogs, Chili Dogs and New York Dogs out of his small window on the mall.

Hot dog lovers wont be left wanting long on the south end of the mall, however. While Janssens last day serving dogs will be Friday, Sept. 20, Coppers Dog House will be opening in its place on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

The incoming business is owned by Grazing Table owners Joey and Jenna Gamrat, who named the business after their mini golden doodle, Copper.

Copper, like his sister Callie, is a big fan of ice cream and hot dogs, Joey Gamrat told the MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. As such, Gamrat hopes that people will bring their dogs by the window for free mini cones and mini dogs and to get their photo snapped to go up on the window as one of Coppers pals.

Humans accompanying Coppers pals will also have the opportunity to get ice cream at the Dog House with soft-serve being added to a menu that the Gamrats are inheriting from Janssen.

Monte is giving us all the secrets to all his menu items, said Gamrat, 27. We plan on serving the exact same menu as far as hot dogs go. Well have everything but the Fuhgeddaboudit.

Like Janssen, Gamrat said he has no plans to serve a true Coney dog, as he doesnt want to compete with the long-standing Coney Island restaurant on E. Michigan Avenue.

My goal is not to detract from people and other businesses in Kalamazoo, he said. My goal is to add to Kalamazoo. For instance, downtown right now, there is no soft serve ice cream. Places like Cheris and Spirit of Kalamazoo have hard dip. I am not going to come at them and have hard dip. I am going to add soft serve.

Each week at Coppers, there will also be a dog of the week, such as the Seattle Dog  cream cheese, sauteed onions, jalapenos and a dash of sour salt  or a Red Snapper Dog. There will also be a pretzel bun hot dog on the menu, along with plant-based and vegetarian options.

Our desire is to keep the energy that Youz Guys Dogz brought to the Kalamazoo Mall while adding our own creative twist, said Jenna Gamrat, 28.

Part of that twist will be the addition of grab-and-go sides such as potato salads and coleslaws.

Were excited to take over what Monte has been building ... to continue serving the community with a totally new concept compared to what we are used to, Joey Gamrat said.

Gamrat said in its three years, Grazing Table has taken on a Chicago corner cafe type vibe. The hot dog window will not only be extremely different from that, but a bit retro, he said.

Keeping in that mold, the windows will be detailed  one with the menu and the other boasting that Coppers is Kalamazoos No. 1 Hot Dog Walk-Up Window.

While the claim may seem bold before opening day, Gamrat is quick to point out that its the only walk-up hot dog window in town.

Gamrat is looking forward to he and his staff serving people from all walks of life, he said. As an independently owned business, he also wanted community members to know that the business, like Grazing Table, is in no way affiliated with Radiant Church.

As the Gamrats get ready to move in, the 61-year-old Janssen is preparing to semi-retire his title as The Mayor of South Mall and focus more on his DJ business.

Dont rule out a comeback from Youz Guys, however.

Ive been looking for a bigger space and havent been able to find the right one yet, Janssen said. I need a place inside, where I can do smash burgers, onion burgers and hot dogs.

Janssen said hes excited for the next phase of the small window hes used for the past few years and the energy the Gamrats, and employees like Josiah Sosa will bring to it.

I had a great time here, he said. I love Kalamazoo. I love all the people, all the crazy characters of the city.

Janssen will be open from noon until 4 p.m. on Sept. 19 and 20, before emptying his dirty hot dog water.

Coppers Dog House is planning to celebrate its grand opening on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The new business will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit coppersdoghouse.com or follow the business on Instagram or Facebook.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A woman serving life behind prison bars for the murder of her teen son wont regain parental rights to her youngest child, court records show.

The Michigan Court of Appeals issued an 11-page unpublished opinion on Thursday, Sept. 19, denying Shanda Vander Arks appeal of her parental rights being terminated.

Given the totality of the evidence, it cannot be said that the trial court clearly erred when it found that termination was in (the boys) best interests, the court wrote in its opinion.

RELATED: Timothys tragic story: Teen murdered by mom exposes troubling holes in child welfare system

Vander Ark was convicted last December of torturing her 15-year-old son Timothy Ferguson to death and sentenced to life without possibility of parole one month later.

Timothy, who had special needs, died July 6, 2022, from the cruel punishments he suffered from for months at the hands of his mother and older brother, Paul Ferguson. Timothy weighed 69 pounds when he died.

There was another child  a then-7-year-old boy  living at the home as the horror unfolded. Muskegon County prosecutors said the boy wasnt physically abused in ways that Timothy was, like being force-fed bread soaked in hot sauce and left in ice baths for hours at a time.

Prosecutors, in December, filed a petition one day after securing guilty convictions to have Vander Arks parental rights to that child terminated. A judge ruled in the prosecutions favor, terminating the convicted killers parental rights.

RELATED: Mom turns away when judge shows photo of smiling son she starved to death

Other evidence showed that (the boy) had done very well in his placement with his grandparents and that he had a strong and healthy bond with them, the opinion states.

Vander Ark is also appealing her first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse convictions. However, a hearing on those appeals has not been set.

Paul Ferguson, the enforcer in the abuse and Timothys older brother, is serving a minimum 30-year prison sentence for his role in Timothys death. He is currently appealing his sentence. No hearings in Muskegon County Circuit Court have been scheduled.

In the wake of Timothys murder, MLive/Muskegon Chronicle launched a monthslong investigation into his death and reviewed thousands social services records, police reports, and court transcripts that shed light on the child welfare warning signs that started when Timothy was 18 months old.

RELATED: Mom on trial in sons starvation death vomits on witness stand when shown boys photo

Nine times during Timothys life child protective services staff in Oklahoma investigated the Ferguson family home. On one occasion, social workers removed Timothy and his three siblings from the parents care because of safety concerns.

Timothys father, Eric Ferguson, was later granted full custody of the children while Vander Ark was given three hours of supervised visits each month. Yet, in 2021, the father sent Timothy to Norton Shores  despite a court order limiting the mothers contact with the boy  to live with Vander Ark.

Within a years time under Vander Arks care, Timothy was dead.

Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter.
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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT decreased its stake in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 35,826 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 609 shares during the period. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in Accenture were worth $10,870,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ACN. TrinityPoint Wealth LLC raised its stake in Accenture by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. TrinityPoint Wealth LLC now owns 3,646 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,279,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. ADV bought a new stake in shares of Accenture in the 4th quarter valued at $4,594,000. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 11.9% during the 1st quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 36,750 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $12,393,000 after acquiring an additional 3,900 shares during the period. Platform Technology Partners lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 7.0% during the 4th quarter. Platform Technology Partners now owns 1,996 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $733,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the period. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 13.3% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 183,446 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $63,584,000 after acquiring an additional 21,516 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total value of $927,660.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 40,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,390,445.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Accenture news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total value of $1,649,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 8,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,964,751.98. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total transaction of $927,660.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 40,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,390,445.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 21,421 shares of company stock worth $6,912,635. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

ACN has been the topic of several research reports. Mizuho lowered their price objective on shares of Accenture from $398.00 to $350.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. Piper Sandler Companies cut their target price on shares of Accenture from $379.00 to $320.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, June 17th. TD Cowen increased their target price on shares of Accenture from $293.00 to $321.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 12th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on shares of Accenture from $395.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price objective on shares of Accenture from $379.00 to $320.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, June 17th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Accenture has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $354.91.

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Accenture Stock Performance

Shares of Accenture stock opened at $336.93 on Wednesday. Accenture plc has a 52-week low of $278.69 and a 52-week high of $387.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $211.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.85, a P/E/G ratio of 3.82 and a beta of 1.24. The companys 50 day moving average price is $329.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $322.59.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.15 by ($0.02). Accenture had a net margin of 10.79% and a return on equity of 27.48%. The company had revenue of $16.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.55 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.19 EPS. The businesss revenue was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 11.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Accenture Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 11th were issued a dividend of $1.29 per share. This represents a $5.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 11th. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.25%.

About Accenture

(Free Report)

Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

Further Reading

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Argent Trust Co boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 1.4% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 68,864 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 929 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF comprises 1.7% of Argent Trust Cos investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Argent Trust Cos holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $37,684,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of IVV. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. raised its position 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 in the last quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 5.3% in the second quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 379 shares of the companys stock worth $207,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares in the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.9% in the first quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,134 shares of the companys stock worth $1,122,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Unionview LLC boosted 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 valued at $1,731,000 after buying an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 308 shares of the companys stock worth $169,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Up 0.0 %

NYSEARCA IVV opened at $566.20 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $488.57 billion, a PE ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52 week low of $411.02 and a 52 week high of $569.69. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $553.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $536.15.

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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L & S Advisors Inc lowered its position in General Electric (NYSE:GE  Free Report) by 96.4% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,344 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 36,456 shares during the period. L & S Advisors Incs holdings in General Electric were worth $214,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Studio Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of General Electric by 97.5% during the second quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC now owns 158 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 78 shares during the last quarter. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in General Electric during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda purchased a new position in shares of General Electric in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of General Electric in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Richardson Financial Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of General Electric during the first quarter worth $34,000. 74.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have issued reports on GE. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $201.00 to $209.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 1st. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of General Electric from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of General Electric from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein assumed coverage on General Electric in a research report on Tuesday, September 10th. They set an outperform rating and a $201.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on General Electric from $175.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $191.14.

General Electric Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of GE stock opened at $180.32 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $197.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.12, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. General Electric has a fifty-two week low of $84.42 and a fifty-two week high of $182.43. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $167.28 and a 200-day simple moving average of $170.87.

General Electric (NYSE:GE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.99 by $0.21. General Electric had a net margin of 7.66% and a return on equity of 16.07%. The firm had revenue of $9.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.44 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.68 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that General Electric will post 4.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

General Electric Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 25th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 26th will be given a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 26th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.62%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 36.72%.

About General Electric

(Free Report)

General Electric Company, doing business as GE Aerospace, designs and produces commercial and defense aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and mechanical aircraft systems. It also offers aftermarket services to support its products. The company operates in the United States, Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa.

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Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV  Free Report) by 8.1% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 189,255 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 14,220 shares during the period. AbbVie accounts for 1.3% of Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd.s holdings, making the stock its 8th biggest position. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd.s holdings in AbbVie were worth $32,461,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of ABBV. Fairway Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in AbbVie during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of AbbVie during the second quarter worth $27,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AbbVie during the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. IFS Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AbbVie during the 1st quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of AbbVie in the 1st quarter worth $37,000. Institutional investors own 70.23% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Barclays increased their price target on AbbVie from $187.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. William Blair raised AbbVie to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on AbbVie from $211.00 to $218.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on AbbVie from $196.00 to $209.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $210.00 price target (up from $195.00) on shares of AbbVie in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $191.64.

AbbVie Trading Down 1.1 %

ABBV stock opened at $193.50 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.51. AbbVie Inc. has a 52-week low of $135.85 and a 52-week high of $199.95. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $187.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $175.46. The firm has a market cap of $341.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 57.42, a PEG ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.64.

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.57 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $14.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.02 billion. AbbVie had a return on equity of 203.66% and a net margin of 9.71%. AbbVies revenue for the quarter was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.91 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that AbbVie Inc. will post 10.86 EPS for the current fiscal year.

AbbVie Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.55 per share. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 15th. AbbVies payout ratio is 183.98%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Chairman Richard A. Gonzalez sold 282,845 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total transaction of $49,497,875.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 513,099 shares in the company, valued at approximately $89,792,325. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Chairman Richard A. Gonzalez sold 66,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $186.52, for a total transaction of $12,403,580.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 446,599 shares in the company, valued at $83,299,645.48. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Richard A. Gonzalez sold 282,845 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total value of $49,497,875.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 513,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at $89,792,325. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

About AbbVie

(Free Report)

AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; Epkinly to treat lymphoma; Elahere to treat cancer; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat blood cancers.

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Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 51,689 shares of the railroad operators stock after purchasing an additional 397 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLCs holdings in Union Pacific were worth $11,674,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Forum Financial Management LP grew its position in shares of Union Pacific by 0.6% in the first quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 7,037 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $1,731,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC grew its position in shares of Union Pacific by 1.4% in the first quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 3,015 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $741,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Union Pacific by 1.7% in the second quarter. Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,581 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $584,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in Union Pacific by 3.6% during the first quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,269 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $312,000 after buying an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in Union Pacific by 5.0% during the first quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC now owns 916 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $225,000 after buying an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. 80.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently commented on UNP shares. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $275.00 target price on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Thursday, September 12th. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $266.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Monday, July 29th. TD Cowen dropped their price target on Union Pacific from $259.00 to $255.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, June 7th. They issued an overweight rating and a $270.00 target price for the company. Finally, Daiwa America lowered Union Pacific from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $258.79.

Union Pacific Stock Up 0.4 %

Union Pacific stock opened at $253.55 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $154.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.19, a PEG ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.05. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $244.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $239.08. Union Pacific Co. has a 12 month low of $199.33 and a 12 month high of $258.66. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The railroad operator reported $2.74 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $6.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.05 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 42.62% and a net margin of 26.90%. The companys quarterly revenue was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.57 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Union Pacific Co. will post 11.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Union Pacific Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a $1.34 dividend. This is an increase from Union Pacifics previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. This represents a $5.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.11%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.15%.

Insider Transactions at Union Pacific

In other news, President Elizabeth F. Whited sold 3,552 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $246.59, for a total value of $875,887.68. Following the transaction, the president now directly owns 64,945 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,014,787.55. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock.

Union Pacific Profile

(Free Report)

Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, renewable biofuel producers, and other agricultural users; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, petroleum, liquid petroleum gases, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers.

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Waterloo Capital L.P. raised its holdings in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 25.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 215,044 shares of the retailers stock after acquiring an additional 43,134 shares during the quarter. Walmart makes up 1.7% of Waterloo Capital L.P.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Waterloo Capital L.P.s holdings in Walmart were worth $14,561,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in WMT. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 199.4% in the first 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 period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Walmart by 181.0% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,861,234 shares of the retailers stock valued at $3,421,342,000 after purchasing an additional 36,625,314 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Walmart by 183.0% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,172,985 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,755,339,000 after buying an additional 18,865,484 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 16.0% during the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 16,282,129 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,102,463,000 after buying an additional 2,246,656 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Walmart by 5.4% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 16,184,945 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,095,946,000 after buying an additional 834,005 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 26.76% of the companys stock.

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Walmart Stock Performance

NYSE:WMT opened at $78.62 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $72.90 and its 200 day simple moving average is $66.48. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Walmart Inc. has a twelve month low of $49.85 and a twelve month high of $81.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $631.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.65, a PEG ratio of 4.03 and a beta of 0.51.

Insider Buying and Selling at Walmart

Walmart ( NYSE:WMT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 15th. The retailer reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.65 by $0.02. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.72% and a net margin of 2.34%. The company had revenue of $169.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $168.56 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.61 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Walmart Inc. will post 2.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other news, EVP Daniel J. Bartlett sold 2,398 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.50, for a total transaction of $166,661.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 463,871 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,239,034.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Walmart news, SVP David Chojnowski sold 8,791 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.00, for a total transaction of $597,788.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 94,415 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,420,220. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Daniel J. Bartlett sold 2,398 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.50, for a total value of $166,661.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 463,871 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,239,034.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 10,203,360 shares of company stock valued at $788,678,803 over the last 90 days. 45.58% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WMT has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Truist Financial increased their price objective on Walmart from $64.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating and issued a $80.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research note on Friday, August 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Walmart from $81.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Walmart from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six 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 target price of $78.99.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on WMT

Walmart Profile

(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.

Further Reading

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Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF  Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the seven brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $176.57.

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on ANF shares. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Abercrombie & Fitch from $155.00 to $147.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Citigroup upgraded shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $190.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Argus downgraded shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $190.00 price target on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a report on Wednesday, September 11th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on Abercrombie & Fitch from $193.00 to $165.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 29th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on ANF

Insider Buying and Selling

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other Abercrombie & Fitch news, EVP Samir Desai sold 19,041 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.36, for a total transaction of $2,501,225.76. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,985 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,676,109.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . In other news, Director Helen Mccluskey sold 3,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.38, for a total value of $487,830.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 37,470 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,222,568.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, EVP Samir Desai sold 19,041 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.36, for a total transaction of $2,501,225.76. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,985 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,676,109.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders sold 31,541 shares of company stock valued at $4,310,256. Company insiders own 3.77% of the companys stock.

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 146.3% in the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 863,100 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $153,494,000 after purchasing an additional 512,700 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in Abercrombie & Fitch in the 4th quarter worth about $37,632,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. increased its stake in Abercrombie & Fitch by 2,036.5% in the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 419,560 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $74,615,000 after acquiring an additional 399,922 shares during the last quarter. Hennessy Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in the 4th quarter valued at about $32,897,000. Finally, Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 613.3% during the 1st quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 356,610 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $44,694,000 after acquiring an additional 306,616 shares during the last quarter.

Abercrombie & Fitch Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch stock opened at $135.47 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.85 and a beta of 1.50. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $150.96 and its 200 day simple moving average is $146.70. Abercrombie & Fitch has a 12 month low of $49.24 and a 12 month high of $196.99.

About Abercrombie & Fitch

(Get Free Report

Abercrombie & Fitch Co, through its subsidiaries, operates as an omnichannel retailer in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. The company offers an assortment of apparel, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids under the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, and Gilly Hicks brands.

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Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the seven research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $49.67.

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Argus raised shares of Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 31st. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Altria Group from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Monday, September 9th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st.

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Altria Group Stock Performance

Altria Group stock opened at $50.55 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $86.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.58, a PEG ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group has a fifty-two week low of $39.06 and a fifty-two week high of $54.95. The firms fifty day moving average price is $51.15 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.67.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.35 by ($0.04). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 232.55% and a net margin of 42.25%. The firm had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.39 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.31 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Altria Group will post 5.11 earnings per share for the current year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 85.36%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MO. Gilbert & Cook Inc. raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 12,928 shares of the companys stock valued at $522,000 after purchasing an additional 413 shares during the period. Aveo Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 10,845 shares of the companys stock valued at $437,000 after purchasing an additional 333 shares during the period. 9258 Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 17.8% during the 4th quarter. 9258 Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $254,000 after purchasing an additional 953 shares during the period. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 4th quarter valued at $217,000. Finally, AGF Management Ltd. raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 4.7% during the 4th quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 13,551 shares of the companys stock valued at $547,000 after purchasing an additional 603 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock.

About Altria Group

(Get Free Report

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Osisko Mining (OTCMKTS:OBNNF  Get Free Report) and Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings and profitability.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Osisko Mining and Pan American Silver, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Osisko Mining 0 0 1 0 3.00 Pan American Silver 0 1 5 0 2.83

Osisko Mining currently has a consensus price target of $3.50, suggesting a potential downside of 1.96%. Pan American Silver has a consensus price target of $24.64, suggesting a potential upside of 20.62%. Given Pan American Silvers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Pan American Silver is more favorable than Osisko Mining.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Profitability

55.4% of Pan American Silver shares are held by institutional investors. 12.9% of Pan American Silver shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

This table compares Osisko Mining and Pan American Silvers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Osisko Mining N/A -0.50% -0.41% Pan American Silver -5.54% 0.66% 0.44%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Osisko Mining and Pan American Silvers revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Osisko Mining N/A N/A $165.48 million $0.42 8.50 Pan American Silver $2.57 billion 2.88 -$103.70 million ($0.46) -44.41

Osisko Mining has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Pan American Silver. Pan American Silver is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Osisko Mining, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Pan American Silver beats Osisko Mining on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Osisko Mining

(Get Free Report)

Osisko Mining Inc., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious mineral deposits in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds interest in the Windfall Lake Project, Quevillon Osborne Project, and Urban-Barry Project located in Quebec, Canada; and Phoenix Properties located in Quebec, Canada. The company was formerly known as Oban Mining Corporation and changed its name to Osisko Mining Inc. in June 2016. Osisko Mining Inc. is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

About Pan American Silver

(Get Free Report)

Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp. in April 1995. Pan American Silver Corp. was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI  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 458,900 shares, a decline of 11.6% from the August 15th total of 519,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 306,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days. Approximately 1.1% of the companys shares are short sold.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Armstrong World Industries

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new position in Armstrong World Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 67.3% in the 1st quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 261 shares of the construction companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Armstrong World Industries in the 1st quarter worth $52,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its position in Armstrong World Industries by 33.0% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 504 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC increased its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 17.3% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 644 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $73,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.93% of the companys stock.

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Armstrong World Industries Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSE AWI traded up $0.29 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $128.82. 203,747 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 324,887. The firm has a market cap of $5.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.21, a PEG ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.14. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $123.69 and a 200 day simple moving average of $119.45. The company has a current ratio of 1.76, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97. Armstrong World Industries has a 1-year low of $68.35 and a 1-year high of $134.90.

Armstrong World Industries Announces Dividend

Armstrong World Industries ( NYSE:AWI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The construction company reported $1.62 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.55 by $0.07. Armstrong World Industries had a net margin of 17.92% and a return on equity of 41.53%. The company had revenue of $365.10 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $360.36 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.38 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Armstrong World Industries will post 6.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 8th were issued a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 8th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.87%. Armstrong World Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 21.05%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have commented on AWI shares. StockNews.com upgraded Armstrong World Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. UBS Group upped their target price on Armstrong World Industries from $122.00 to $136.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $131.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $135.75.

View Our Latest Analysis on Armstrong World Industries

About Armstrong World Industries

(Get Free Report)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products.

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CAE Inc. (TSE:CAE  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CAE) has been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the eight brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$30.60.

CAE has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Desjardins decreased their target price on CAE from C$29.00 to C$28.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Canaccord Genuity Group decreased their target price on CAE from C$28.50 to C$27.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Royal Bank of Canada raised CAE from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. CIBC boosted their target price on CAE from C$29.00 to C$30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, National Bankshares decreased their target price on CAE from C$31.00 to C$29.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th.

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CAE Price Performance

CAE opened at C$24.10 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$24.30 and a 200-day moving average price of C$25.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 74.24, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The firm has a market cap of C$7.68 billion, a PE ratio of -22.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.91. CAE has a 1 year low of C$22.28 and a 1 year high of C$33.22.

CAE (TSE:CAE  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CAE) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 13th. The company reported C$0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.20 by C$0.01. The firm had revenue of C$1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$1.05 billion. CAE had a negative return on equity of 7.43% and a negative net margin of 7.39%. Sell-side analysts predict that CAE will post 1.1795998 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About CAE

(Get Free Report

CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, and Rest of Americas. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare.

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Tennant (NYSE:TNC  Get Free Report) and Concentric AB (publ) (OTC:CCNTF  Get Free Report) are both industrial products companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, earnings and profitability.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Tennant and Concentric AB (publ)s gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Tennant $1.24 billion 1.42 $109.50 million $6.02 15.48 Concentric AB (publ) N/A N/A N/A $4.36 5.10

Tennant has higher revenue and earnings than Concentric AB (publ). Concentric AB (publ) is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Tennant, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Dividends

Profitability

Tennant pays an annual dividend of $1.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. Concentric AB (publ) pays an annual dividend of $1.75 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.9%. Tennant pays out 18.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Concentric AB (publ) pays out 40.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Tennant has increased its dividend for 52 consecutive years.

This table compares Tennant and Concentric AB (publ)s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tennant 8.76% 22.23% 11.71% Concentric AB (publ) N/A N/A N/A

Institutional & Insider Ownership

93.3% of Tennant shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 55.4% of Concentric AB (publ) shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.6% of Tennant shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Tennant and Concentric AB (publ), as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tennant 0 0 2 0 3.00 Concentric AB (publ) 0 0 0 0 N/A

Tennant presently has a consensus target price of $106.00, suggesting a potential upside of 13.78%. Given Tennants higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Tennant is more favorable than Concentric AB (publ).

Summary

Tennant beats Concentric AB (publ) on 12 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Tennant

(Get Free Report)

Tennant Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets floor cleaning equipment in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers a suite of products, including floor maintenance and cleaning equipment, detergent-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies, aftermarket parts and consumables, equipment maintenance and repair services, and asset management solutions. It provides business solutions, such as financing, rental, and leasing programs, as well as machine-to-machine asset management solutions. The company offers its products under the Tennant, Nobles, Alfa Uma Empresa Tennant, IPC, Gaomei, and Rongen brands, as well as private-label brands. Its products are used in retail establishments and distribution centers; factories and warehouses; and public venues, such as arenas and stadiums, office buildings, schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and other environments. The company markets its products to contract cleaners and businesses through direct sales and service organizations, as well as through a network of authorized distributors. Tennant Company was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

About Concentric AB (publ)

(Get Free Report)

Concentric AB (publ), together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes hydraulic and engine solutions in Sweden and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Engines and Hydraulics. It provides engine products, including lubricant, coolant, and fuel transfer pumps for diesel engines to OEMs and diesel engine manufacturers. The company's engine products include e-coolant and e-oil pumps, mini-hybrid electric cooling systems, e-fuel and coolant pumps, oil and fuel transfer pumps, alfdex oil mist separators, and licos and dual cone clutches, as well as thermal management solutions for electric drivetrains and diesel engines, as well as data centers and energy storage. The company's hydraulic products comprise internal gear pumps, DC power packs, transmission pumps, low-noise pumps, electrohydraulic steering, controlled power packs, main hydraulic pumps, and high-power density units. Its products are used in trucks and buses, industrial applications, construction, and agricultural markets. The company was founded in 1921 and is based in Stockholm, Sweden.

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GLOBALink | Socioeconomic uplift always a prime agenda of China: Pakistani expert Pub Date:24-09-19 09:53 Source:Xinhua

A Pakistani expert praised Chinese democracy during an interview with Xinhua, saying socioeconomic uplift is always a prime agenda or a prime goal of China. #GLOBALink Editor:Qin Shuying

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Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 13,300,000 shares, a growth of 10.1% from the August 15th total of 12,080,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 5,250,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.5 days.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently commented on ELAN. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Elanco Animal Health from $19.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 1st. Barclays dropped their price objective on Elanco Animal Health from $23.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, June 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $17.57.

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Elanco Animal Health Stock Performance

NYSE ELAN traded up $0.36 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $14.65. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,287,707 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,736,817. Elanco Animal Health has a 12 month low of $8.52 and a 12 month high of $18.80. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $13.89 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $15.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 2.93 and a quick ratio of 1.75. The company has a market cap of $7.24 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 1.40.

Elanco Animal Health (NYSE:ELAN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.24 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $1.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.15 billion. Elanco Animal Health had a negative net margin of 27.94% and a positive return on equity of 7.29%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.18 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Elanco Animal Health will post 0.91 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Elanco Animal Health

In related news, CEO Jeffrey N. Simmons acquired 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $13.01 per share, for a total transaction of $1,301,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 145,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,886,450. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Elanco Animal Health news, Director Michael J. Harrington purchased 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $14.85 per share, for a total transaction of $51,975.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 81,094 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,204,245.90. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Jeffrey N. Simmons bought 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The stock was bought at an average price of $13.01 per share, with a total value of $1,301,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 145,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,886,450. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.57% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Elanco Animal Health

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ELAN. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. grew its holdings in Elanco Animal Health by 337.7% during the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 1,764 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 1,361 shares in the last quarter. nVerses Capital LLC bought a new stake in Elanco Animal Health in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. ORG Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Elanco Animal Health in the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp bought a new position in shares of Elanco Animal Health during the 4th quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Quarry LP purchased a new position in shares of Elanco Animal Health during the second quarter valued at about $40,000. 97.48% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Elanco Animal Health

(Get Free Report)

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, an animal health company, innovates, develops, manufactures, and markets products for pets and farm animals. It offers pet health disease prevention products, such as parasiticide and vaccine products that protect pets from worms, fleas, and ticks under the Seresto, Advantage, Advantix, and Advocate brands; pet health therapeutics for pain, osteoarthritis, ear infections, cardiovascular, and dermatology indications in canines and felines under the Galliprant and Claro brands; vaccines, antibiotics, parasiticides, and other products for use in poultry and aquaculture production, as well as nutritional health products, including enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics; and a range of vaccines, antibiotics, implants, parasiticides, and other products used in ruminant and swine production under the Rumensin and Baytril brands.

Further Reading

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Kimco Realty Corp (NYSE:KIM  Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 14,670,000 shares, a decrease of 11.4% from the August 15th total of 16,550,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,030,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 3.6 days.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, COO David Jamieson sold 50,000 shares of Kimco Realty stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.92, for a total transaction of $1,096,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 337,111 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,389,473.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 2.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kimco Realty

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new position in Kimco Realty in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Blue Trust Inc. raised its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 613.5% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 2,112 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 1,816 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Kimco Realty by 52.6% during the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,243 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 773 shares during the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its stake in shares of Kimco Realty by 112.6% in the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 3,374 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 1,787 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fidelis Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Kimco Realty during the 1st quarter valued at $70,000. 89.25% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $21.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Raymond James upgraded shares of Kimco Realty from a market perform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a $25.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, August 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Kimco Realty from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Mizuho cut Kimco Realty from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $20.00 to $23.00 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Finally, Scotiabank increased their price objective on Kimco Realty from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $23.55.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Kimco Realty

Kimco Realty Stock Performance

NYSE KIM traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $23.54. 3,025,014 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,647,156. The company has a current ratio of 1.73, a quick ratio of 1.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. Kimco Realty has a 52 week low of $16.34 and a 52 week high of $24.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.42, a P/E/G ratio of 4.01 and a beta of 1.51. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $22.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $20.09.

Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.23). The business had revenue of $500.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $500.87 million. Kimco Realty had a net margin of 19.28% and a return on equity of 3.59%. The companys revenue was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.39 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Kimco Realty will post 1.62 EPS for the current year.

Kimco Realty Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 5th will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 5th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.08%. Kimco Realtys payout ratio is currently 181.13%.

Kimco Realty Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Kimco Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y., that is one of North Americas largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. As of December 31, 2018, the company owned interests in 437 U.S. shopping centers comprising 76 million square feet of leasable space primarily concentrated in the top major metropolitan markets.

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BlackRock Throgmorton Trust (LON:THRG  Get Free Report) insider Merryn S. Webb purchased 23 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 12th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 607 ($8.02) per share, with a total value of 139.61 ($184.43).

BlackRock Throgmorton Trust Price Performance

BlackRock Throgmorton Trust has a 52-week low of GBX 503 ($6.64) and a 52-week high of GBX 682 ($9.01). The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 635.56 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 612.69. The stock has a market capitalization of 550.05 million, a PE ratio of 641.05 and a beta of 1.20.

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BlackRock Throgmorton Trust Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 27th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 1st were paid a GBX 3.75 ($0.05) dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 0.58%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 1st. BlackRock Throgmorton Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 1,578.95%.

About BlackRock Throgmorton Trust

BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock Fund Managers Limited. It is managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, September 17th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be paid a dividend of 0.45 per share by the real estate investment trust on Thursday, October 17th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 1st.

Ventas has decreased its dividend by an average of 5.6% annually over the last three years. Ventas has a payout ratio of 2,571.4% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities analysts expect Ventas to earn $3.35 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 53.7%.

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Ventas Stock Performance

NYSE VTR opened at $64.21 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $26.53 billion, a P/E ratio of -337.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36. The companys 50 day moving average is $58.53 and its 200-day moving average is $50.75. Ventas has a 12-month low of $39.33 and a 12-month high of $65.64.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Ventas ( NYSE:VTR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by ($0.74). The business had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.19 billion. Ventas had a negative net margin of 3.33% and a negative return on equity of 1.63%. The companys revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.75 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Ventas will post 3.18 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Ventas from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Ventas to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Ventas from $52.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Wedbush increased their target price on shares of Ventas from $64.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th. Finally, Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of Ventas from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $57.45.

Read Our Latest Report on VTR

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Debra A. Cafaro sold 40,079 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.29, for a total value of $2,296,125.91. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 986,717 shares in the company, valued at $56,529,016.93. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Debra A. Cafaro sold 40,079 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.29, for a total transaction of $2,296,125.91. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 986,717 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $56,529,016.93. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Peter J. Bulgarelli sold 3,784 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.24, for a total value of $209,028.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 104,295 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,761,255.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 77,065 shares of company stock worth $4,526,464. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Ventas

(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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Souptik Datta Reports on Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat. You can reach me on souptik.datta@nw18.com
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Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged his powerful group had suffered an "unprecedented" blow when thousands of operatives' communication devices exploded in attacks it blamed on Israel.

Delivering a speech after the attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, which plunged Lebanon into panic, Nasrallah struck a defiant tone, warning that Israel would receive "just punishment" for the attacks.

Describing the attacks as a possible "act of war", he said Israel would face "tough retribution and just punishment, where it expects it and where it does not".

Israel has not commented on the attacks that killed 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000 across Lebanon over two days but has said it will widen the scope of its war in Gaza to include the Lebanon front.
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US court summons Indian government over 'plot' to murder Khalistani separatist Pannun
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Since the beginning of this year, foreign trade has continued to maintain a stable and positive trend. In the first eight months, the total value of Anhui's import and export of goods was 552.96 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.5%. Of this, exports accounted for 372.53 billion yuan, up by 9.8%, while imports were 180.43 billion yuan, an increase of 3.1%. Looking at the data for August alone, the province's imports and exports amounted to 76.89 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.6%. Nationally, over the first eight months, Anhui ranked 9th in terms of total imports and exports, as well as in exports alone, and 12th in imports. It also secured the top spot among central provinces in all three categories. Anhui saw growth in its trade with traditional markets such as Europe and America, as well as emerging markets along the Belt and Road Initiative. The European Union remains Anhui's largest trading partner. Data shows that in the first eight months of this year, Anhui's imports and exports to the EU amounted to 73.2 billion yuan, up 7.5% year-on-year, accounting for 13.2% of the province's total foreign trade value. Imports and exports to the United States amounted to 63.58 billion yuan, up 9.5% year-on-year, representing 11.5% of Anhui Provinces total foreign trade value. During the same period, imports and exports to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative totaled 275.53 billion yuan, up 4.2% year-on-year. Additionally, imports and exports to other RCEP member countries amounted to 130.71 billion yuan, up 3.9% year-on-year. These figures clearly demonstrate that Anhui has maintained positive trade relations with its major partners, continuously expanded into emerging markets, and further optimized its international market layout through close regional cooperation and diversified progress, showcasing strong resilience and competitiveness in foreign trade.

Source: Anhui Daily
Today, a Randburg magistrate is set to deliver a crucial judgment in the case of John Zvivi and Lister Sibanda, a Zimbabwean couple accused of murdering a four-year-old girl and fleeing to South Africa in 2023.

The couple, who have been fighting extradition for the past 14 months, face a murder charge in Zimbabwe for the alleged killing of baby Princess, the daughter of Sibandas sister.

The couples arrest in Bram Fischerbille, Johannesburg, followed a tip-off and the assistance of businessman Moreboys Munetsi. Their children were subsequently taken into custody by Social Welfare.

Tomorrow, September 19, a Randburg magistrate is going to give a judgment regarding the extradition request by the Zimbabwean Government for John Zvivi and Lister Sibanda, a source close to the case told our correspondent. It is a very important day for the justice of the innocent child and if the court rules in the favour of the State this will open a day for them to be extradited to Zimbabwe.

The alleged murder took place at Zvivis homestead in Vantage Area, Zvimba. Princesss mother, Nomsa, had left her two daughters in the couples custody while she worked as a maid in South Africa.

Tragically, the couple allegedly subjected the children to horrific abuse, beating them with electrical cables and a walking stick. Princess, it is alleged, was beaten to death. Her body was then hidden in a sack and dumped in a river.

Following the alleged murder, the couple fled Zimbabwe, only to be apprehended in South Africa.

The couple has been fighting extradition, hoping to avoid facing the murder charge in Zimbabwe. If the Randburg magistrate rules in their favour, they will be released from prison immediately. However, a ruling in favour of the State will pave the way for their extradition back to Zimbabwe.

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A 16-year-old Form 4 student, now expecting twins, finds herself abandoned and struggling to prepare for the arrival of her babies.

The young woman, who was impregnated by a 36-year-old man named Kudzai Masakadze, is facing a difficult situation, compounded by the lack of support from both her parents and the man who fathered her children, H-Metro has reported.

The story unfolds like a tragic tale of abuse, manipulation, and ultimately, abandonment. Masakadze, who initially sought to settle the matter with the girls parents, later began to mistreat her, leading to her family taking her back to their village in Mvurwi.

It is true that I am the one responsible for her pregnancy, Masakadze admitted to H-Metro.

Medical examination has since confirmed twin babies we are expecting. When I impregnated her, I approached her parents and we agreed to settle the damages. I paid US$100 towards her examination fees.

However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the girls mother accused Masakadze of ill-treating her daughter and took her back to their village.

I could not continue supporting her because of her mother, Masakadze claimed.

They are now struggling to have baby wear since she is expecting and Tadiwanashe is ever calling for help. Ngaabatsirweka nevakamutora kwandiri, he added as he seemingly attempting to shift the blame for the girls predicament.

A close relative of the girl confirmed that Masakadzes abuse was the reason for their decision to end the marriage.

Yes, we took our daughter because of the ill-treatment she endured, the relative told H-Metro.

Our daughter is expecting twin babies according to a scan and we have no baby wear for the twins expected. If we may get assistance.

The relative further revealed that Masakadze had initially pleaded for mercy when he impregnated the girl, but his behaviour changed after he felt safe from arrest.

Takarega kumusungisa tichiti tavekuworirana zvino mmmmm itsotsi chairo Masakadze, the relative said, expressing their disappointment and anger at Masakadzes actions.

The 16-year-old girl, now facing the daunting task of preparing for the arrival of twins, has been under immense pressure from both her parents and Masakadze for the past nine months. Her story highlights the vulnerability of young girls in Zimbabwe, particularly when they become victims of abuse and exploitation by older men.

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This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1273 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, more original reporting.

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Study finds thousands of food-contact chemicals in humans, raising safety concerns News Medical LIfe-Sciences

Tupperware, company known for its plastic containers, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy USA Today

Hazards unleashed by East Palestine derailment are the worst Ive ever seen, toxicologist says Union-Progress

Water

China?

Chinese state giant fires up oil production from landmark facility at promising South China Sea asset Upstream

China warns struggling regions to be more strict and accountable in curbing hidden debt South China Morning Post

The moons dimming light: China sees lacklustre mooncake sales as consumers refuse to bite Channel News Asia

Vietnam death row tycoon faces money laundering trial Channel News Asia

Syraqistan

Lebanon is rocked again by exploding devices as Israel declares a new phase of war AP

Hezbollah Faces a Choice  Back Down or Go to War With Israel Haaretz

* * *

Israels reckless pager attack on Hizbollah Editorial Board, FT. The deck: Benjamin Netanyahu is raising the risks of an all-out Middle East war.

Israels Diabolical Caper in Lebanon Spy Talk. The deck: Turning Hezbollahs pagers and walkie-talkies into booby traps was a significant blow to its leaders but sacrificed an intelligence opportunity and left thousands of others injured.

Do Lebanon explosions violate the laws of war? Al Jazeera

Blinken says US did not know about exploding pagers in Lebanon, calls for restraint The Hill

* * *

From Taipei to Budapest: the mysterious trail of exploding pagers FT. Gold Apollos current bestsellers include the vibrating pucks that coffee shops hand out to customers to signal that their drink is ready. Oh.

The biggest unanswered questions about the Hezbollah pager attack Vox

How could pagers in Lebanon have been rigged to explode? LA Times
Affidavit surfaces claiming to show pro-Kamala bias in ABC News Trump debate

Social media users are circulating new evidence suggesting thatengaged in extreme bias with the way it moderated the recent debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Dated Sept. 9, 2024, the day before the debate was aired live, a partially-redacted sworn affidavit from someone in Manhattan who has worked for ABC News for 10 years "in various technical and administrative positions" says "significant transformations" have occurred at the network since 1996 when it was acquired that have changed for the worse the direction of how news gets reported.

"These changes suggest a shift from unbiased reporting to a model influenced by external factors," the affidavit states.

"For the record, I do not endorse Donald Trump in his capacity as candidate for President of the United States. The intent of this affidavit is to address concerns regarding perceived biases within news reporting within my employer's debate that will be hosted on September 10, 2024."

According to the affidavit, the Kamala campaign imposed major restrictions on the way questions were asked. At no point was Kamala allowed to be asked about the health, or lack thereof, of Joe Biden. Moderators were also prohibited from asking Kamala anything about her tenure as attorney general in San Francisco.

"No questions concerning her brother-in-law, Tony West, who faces allegations of embezzling billions of dollars in taxpayer funds and who may be involved in her administration if elected," the affidavit further states.

Dear Haters, You can suck it. pic.twitter.com/Kwyjn9px81  Black Insurrectionist--I FOLLOW BACK TRUE PATRIOTS (@DocNetyoutube) September 15, 2024

(Related: Have you checked out the 21 false claims and hoaxes that Kamala Harris spewed at the ABC News debate?)

Bias against Trump

The overall company culture at ABC News is one of "a pronounced bias against Donald Trump," the affidavit continues, noting that employees who express favorable views towards Trump "experience significant concerns about potential retribution."

The stated purpose of the affidavit is to set the record straight by documenting these allegations officially while providing "transparency" about how things really are at ABC News.

The affidavit concludes with one final admission that its signer possesses recorded evidence of a threat the Kamala campaign made to ABC News if its demands were not met.

"Additionally, for further investigation, I have secretly recorded several conversations that will prove that the Harris campaign insisted upon not only the fact checking of Donald Trump, but also insisted on what questions were not to be asked under any circumstances or else the Harris campaign would decline to participate in the debate," it states.

"I hope this guy / gal comes forward soon," tweeted "USMC Lady Vet" (@Arkypatriot) about the affiant.

The X account that shared the affidavit also tweeted that his or her attorney called ABC News directly to see what the network has to say about the claims made therein.

"The ABC denials that have been put out thus far have not denied giving the Harris campaign 'Sample' questions nor has @ABC denied negotiating assurances with the Harris campaign in regards to the Fact Checking of Donald Trump and the special accommodations on Podium and various other aspects of production that was meant to mislead the viewer," the account wrote.

"Furthermore, @ABC has not denied having separate negotiations with the Harris campaign without notifying or including the Trump campaign in those negotiations. And no, My [sic] attorney has not heard from anyone from the left."

The account kind of went off the deep end after that calling people "clearly simpletons" for asking that the full affidavit be released without redactions.

The latest news about the 2024 presidential election can be found at Rigged.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Bill Gates says urging people to avoid vaccines is inciting violence and he wants antivaxxers censored by AI

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, and former friend to Jeffrey Epstein, was recently interviewed by CNBC to discuss how to handle vaccine hesitancy using real-time censorship imposed by artificial intelligence (AI). Bill Gates said those who urge people to avoid vaccines are inciting violence and are therefore a threat to public health. He proposes a totalitarian approach, calling for speech boundaries that weed out vaccine misinformation in real time.

Bill Gates wants to control minds and rewrite history on vaccines

Gates philanthropic organizations are heavily invested in vaccines, from the traditional antigen-based biologics to the experimental mRNA jabs, which are linked to excess mortality worldwide. He recently announced plans to turn all vaccines into mRNA and expand the realm of vaccination to include hundreds more diseases and potentially thousands more boosters. Gates resume includes the mass injury of teenage girls via HPV vaccine programs in India and the spread of vaccine-derived polio strains through polio vaccine campaigns in third world countries.

During the covid-19 scandal, Gates frequently appeared on the mainstream media networks, urging every person in the world to stay home, lock down and get vaccinated. He has proposed that individuals submit to his climate change proposals, too, which include: blocking out the sun using chemtrails, controlling global farming and ridding the world of cow farts, forcibly releasing millions of genetically modified mosquitoes, and getting populations to eat bugs and switch to fake meat.

Now the prominent philanthropist wants to use artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time censorship of vaccine-related misinformation. Gates comments, made in a recent CNBC interview, have sparked a heated debate about free speech rights, mind control and the rewriting of history by the elite.

Gates, who is deeply and psychotically invested in vaccines through the Gates Foundation, GAVI, and the World Health Organization, has increasingly focused on combating vaccine "misinformation" -- which is really just the suppression of vaccine injury testimonials and the abolition of informed consent. In his latest interview, he expressed a desire to impose boundaries on speech, particularly when it pertains to vaccines. Gates argued that while free speech is important, there should be limitations, especially if such speech incites violence or deters individuals from getting vaccinated.

We should have free speech, but if youre inciting violence or causing people not to take vaccines, where are those boundaries? Gates said. He suggested that the U.S. might need new rules to address these issues, indicating a preference for AI-driven systems that could swiftly identify and suppress harmful content before it has a chance to spread.

Ironically, everyone knows that the true purveyor of vaccine misinformation has always been Bill Gates, as he looks for ways to exploit populations with propaganda and force vaccine programs down people's throats to advance his "philanthropic" mission of transhumanism and population control.

Gates totalitarian approach to AI is a threat to humanity

Gates totalitarian approach could lead to excessive censorship and a suppression of legitimate debate, eroding informed consent in medicine and making a mockery of healthcare systems globally. Using AI to enforce Gates vision for the world will set a dangerous precedent, leading to broader restrictions on free speech, the uncontested implementation of vaccine passports, and further restrictions to the scientific method and the progress of human civilization. Gates AI censorship will prioritize thought control over public discourse at the expense of transparency, informed consent, and free will.

Dr. Emily Carter, a free speech advocate, warned that Gates' proposals could undermine democratic values and erode the principles of our Constitutional Republic. The idea of AI-driven censorship is fraught with challenges. It risks stifling important discussions and could lead to a situation where only sanctioned viewpoints are allowed, Carter said. This approach could erode the principles of open dialogue and informed consent, which are essential for a functioning democracy.

Gates psychopathic attempt to control people and bury vaccine injuries and deaths using AI continues a pattern of malicious behavior. Over the past five years, he has repeatedly called for social media companies to remove what he believes is vaccine misinformation. The so-called vaccine misinformation and conspiracy theories that Bill Gates complains about ultimately turn out to be the TRUTH. His actions have negatively affected millions of lives in the U.S. and hundreds of millions of lives globally. People have been injured and killed all to push forth Gates false promises of vaccine safety and efficacy. Meanwhile, Gates continues to cash in on his investments, pushing narratives that have led to mass deception, injury, and death. His collaboration with OpenAI is apparent, as the vaccine propaganda stemming from their large language model is sinister and appalling.

Sources include:

ReclaimtheNet.org

NaturalNews.com

WHO.int

Forbes.com

WorldMosquitoProgram.com

GatesFoundation.org

TechnologyReview.com

Politico.com

CNBC.com

ICanDecide.org

OpenVAERS.com
Canadian Conservatives to introduce new REFORMED online harms bill designed to safeguard free speech and civil liberties

The Canadian Conservative Party is set to introduce a new online harms bill designed to counter the Liberal government's existing legislation that clamps down on free speech

In February, Justice Minister Arif Virani introduced Bill C-63 or "An Act to enact the Online Harms Act, to amend the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts."

The legislation aims to expand hate speech prosecutions and enhance protections against online child exploitation. The bill, currently in its second reading, includes plans to create a Digital Safety Commission and other agencies to oversee internet content regulation. (Related: Americans who refuse to sign up for "voluntary" government-issued digital ID may be DENIED health care services.)

However, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner pointed out that the proposed measures have focused on censorship rather than practical solutions to protect Canadians from online criminal behavior. Garner argued that it would enable retroactive prosecutions for hate speech and create a "government-managed surveillance state."

As a response, Garner announced on Sept. 12 that the Conservative Party would protect Canadians online while safeguarding civil liberties.

"After nine years of Justin Trudeau, the NDP-Liberal coalition has failed to put forward any legislation that will protect Canadians online without infringing upon their civil liberties," she said. "Canadians are paying the price for this failure."

"To be clear, this update won't criminalize something like two people disagreeing about policy online, or other types of expression of opinion that is protected under the Charter, which Liberal Bill C-63 will undermine. Specifically, the provision in our new Conservative legislation will be based on the existing definition of criminal harassment, applying specifically to those who repeatedly send unwanted, harassing content that causes someone to reasonably fear for their safety or well-being," Garner added.

Furthermore, Garner assured Canadians that the new Conservative legislation would provide strong protections without compromising Charter-protected speech or fostering excessive government oversight. She stressed that the bill will criminalize serious offenses like the non-consensual sharing of intimate photos and the use of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes.

Bill C-63 receives backlash from high-profile figures

Aside from Garner, high-profile figures, both domestically and abroad, have denounced Bill C-63 as overreaching and authoritarian.

In June, one of Canada's most prominent and well-known anti-woke psychologists, Jordan Peterson, described the bill as paving the way for "Orwellian Thought Crime."

"Canadians wake the hell up," Peterson wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in reply to a post by Virani about his Online Harms Act. "This is your federal Attorney General literally publicizing the fact that he wants to grant a new authority the power to arrest you on the suspicion that you might at some point commit an (undefinable) 'hate crime.' This is not only the most authoritarian law ever contemplated in a Western democracy but truly the most authoritarian law conceivable."

In May, Donald Trump Jr. condemned the Trudeau government's approach to regulating online content during a free speech event hosted by Rumble, titled "Rumble LIVE: Defending your human right to freedom of expression."

Additionally, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of X, called it "insane" that the Canadian government would retroactively target internet speech if the bill becomes law.

Visit Freedom.news for similar stories.

Watch the video below to learn how digital IDs signify the end of freedom in other countries across the globe.

This video is from the Sovereign Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Digital ID system incoming: Nebraska now collecting citizens' digital health data.

Australian parliament passes digital ID law to enshrine the globalist control matrix down under.

FAA reauthorization bill approves use of digital IDs at airports.

Australian PM, politicians to attack social media "misinformation" with censorship, digital ID and AI enforcers.

United Nations tracking and controlling refugees' cash and aid relief in Burkina Faso through DIGITAL IDs.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com 1

LifeSiteNews.com 2
Texas Rep. Michael Cloud and Mike Adams: Americans should return to a culture of MORALITY and TRUTH

The Health Ranger Mike Adams and U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) both agree that Americans need to return to a culture of morality and truth based on Christian principles.

The two touched on this during the congressman's recent appearance on the "Health Ranger Report." According to Adams, the Founding Fathers and the things they put in place for the American nation are rooted in on principles of Christianity and faith. These principles have protected Americans even to this day, especially when they think about the First Amendment.

The Natural News and Brighteon.com founder emphasized the importance of the First Amendment, citing two examples. First was the arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, in Paris. Another example was the arrest of Britons for simply tweeting their opposition to unchecked mass migration.

Cloud agreed, saying that the American people must realize that the issues they are facing as a nation certainly have a Washington D.C. component to fix it.

"The fact that we have a culture that's walked away from absolute truth is not completely a D.C. issue. People think that politics is a leading indicator and sometimes it is, but a lot of times it's the trailing indicator of culture. And this is where we have to get back to an understanding as a culture of morality and absolute truth," said the congressman who represents Texas' 27th district in the U.S. Congress.

"And we might disagree on what truth is, but we believe there was a truth worth finding, and therefore our conversation was about trying to find truth. Where truth becomes malleable and then you end up fighting these semantic battles over what you say versus the actual. You have this whole perverted sense of justice where the real crimes go unnoticed, and the semantical ones are the ones that are punished in order to keep control and to push down dissent."

Even the government is walking away from absolute truth with its perverted policies

The Health Ranger also touched on the perverted and twisted policies of the Biden-Harris administration, such as the surgical mutilation of children seen in many American states. Only Texas, which Cloud represents in Capitol Hill, has passed laws at the state level to prevent it. (Related: Texas Supreme Court upholds ban on transgender surgeries for minors.)

Another policy he criticized was that of open borders. While Texas has passed laws or taken action to defend the southern border, the Department of Justice comes in and fights against the Lone Star State  a move Adams dubbed as "bizarre" and "beyond understanding."

Cloud also remarked that Vice President Kamala Harris, the border czar and Democratic presidential nominee, has suddenly called for border security. But according to Adams, she is only good at stealing ideas from former President Donald Trump and will renege on her plans to build the border wall if elected.

The congressman agreed. "That's what happens when truth isn't important to a person. It's what you need it to be in the moment to keep, control and maintain power. And it's evil. There's nothing righteous about it," he told Adams.

According to Cloud, many Americans are frustrated at the government. But at the end of the day, Cloud said Americans need to realize that they didn't get into this problem overnight. "We need to take big, bold action but even then, it's going to take some time to dig ourselves out of the hole that we've created, and so that's something to remember," he said.

Follow BigGovernment.news for more stories about the American government.

Watch the full conversation between the Health Ranger Mike Adams and U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Modern America culture is manufacturing psychopaths by force feeding our children the trans agenda which has declared open season on Christians, White males and REAL women.

Americans slowly start to figure out the myth of authority.

Top 6 LAST DITCH ATTEMPTS the Communist-controlled Democratic Party may put into play to REMAIN in POWER.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Cloud.House.gov
Kama-LIE Harris falsely claims her maternal grandfather was a freedom fighter in India  but he actually served the British Imperial Government

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has falsely claimed that her grandfather was a freedom fighter in the Indian independence movement.

The Democratic presidential nominee shared on Sept. 8 a picture of herself in India with her maternal grandfather P.V. Gopalan. She described him as a "retired civil servant who had been part of the movement to win India's independence." Gopalan's daughter Shyamala is the mother of the incumbent vice president.

Harris has previously described Gopalan, a Tamil from the elite Brahmin caste, as "one of the original independence fighters in India." Gopalan purportedly was among the many who pushed back against British rule, which ended in 1946 shortly after the conclusion of World War II.

But news reports in India, quoting official records, have disproved the vice president's claims. In one instance, the Times of India pointed out that Gopalan  born in 1911  was a diligent civil servant. Harris' uncle and Gopalan's son G. Balachandran even told the outlet that he would have been fired if his father openly advocated ending British rule.

The U.S. vice president also received a strong rebuke on social media. The official X account of the Hindu People's Party wrote that Gopalan worked in the British Imperial Secretariat Service in the 1930s, "a role off-limits to anyone tied to the struggle against British rule." It added that "if anything, he aided colonial exploitation by serving the imperial bureaucracy."

Defense analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra meanwhile decried Harris as a "liar" for parroting false claims about her grandfather. He continued: "How could a serving bureaucrat be part of the [Indian] independence movement opposing the same government and violating service rules?"

According to the National Pulse, Harris "has downplayed her Indian heritage in recent years, instead emphasizing the Black identity she inherited from her father." The vice president's father, Stanford University economics professor Donald Harris, is a Jamaican-American of mixed African and European descent.

Harris linked to slavery on her father's side of the family

But on the side of her father, the incumbent vice president reportedly has a notorious slave owner from Ireland as an ancestor. The Gateway Pundit reported on this connection, citing research done by British historian Stephen McCracken.

According to McCracken, Harris' four-times-paternal-great-grandfather, Hamilton Brown, was born in Ireland's County Antrim in 1776. Brown's birth year coincided with America declaring its independence from the British.

Brown relocated to Jamaica, which at the time was a British colony, where he became an ardent slave owner on the sugar plantations that made the fortitude of the island's economy. He opposed the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire in 1832 and even went back to County Antrim to replace his slaves with workers from his native country.

McCracken investigated her roots after discovering her ancestry in County Antrim through Brown. He nevertheless described the slave owner as a "notorious figure and not nice fellow." (Related: VP Kamala Harris a descendant of notorious Irish slave owner in Jamaica.)

"Hamilton was born in Antrim  before he moved to Jamaica as a teenager. That's where he became a bookmaker, and then a plantation owner, and therefore a slave owner. His gravestone is in Saint Ann in Jamaica, which lists his birthplace as Antrim," the historian stated.

"He had numerous slaves, in fact, Hamilton Brown routinely traveled back and forth to London to protest the abolishment of slavery. He would come back to Ireland to take migrants back to Jamaica to work once slavery was abolished. A quote refers to him as 'making slaves of migrants' in Ireland."

Head over to KamalaHarris.news for more stories about the vice president and Democratic presidential nominee.

Watch U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris is always lying in this clip.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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Kamala campaign BUSTED for faking news headlines in deceptive advertising scheme.

21 False claims & hoaxes by Kamala Harris that ABC's debate moderators did not fact check.

Report: Kamala Harris LIES about not supporting EV mandates despite backing them for years.

Trump campaign fact-checks Kamala Harris point by point after biased moderators fail to call out her lies during debate  here are the details.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

TimesOfIndia.IndiaTimes.com

TheGatewayPundit.com

Brighteon.com
Have you seen the CAT EATERS of Ohio? Beyond the rumors, heres whats real

Writer and filmmaker Christopher F. Rufo and fellow writer Benjamin Roberts penned a piece for Rufo's Substack page verifying, they say, that some Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are, in fact, eating local animals  "though not exactly in the manner that Trump described."

Rufo and Roberts conducted "an exclusive investigation" that began in a run-down neighborhood in Dayton, the closest major city to Springfield located about a half-hour away. They went there because of a social media post, dated Aug. 25, 2023, that appears to show two skinned cats being grilled atop a blue barbecue.

"Yoooo, the Africans wild'n on Parkwood," the video's text states, referring to Parkwood Drive in Dayton  you can watch the video embedded within Rufo's article.

As the video pans down, two live cats are seen walking across the grass as a voice in the video is heard saying, "There go [sic] a cat right there. His a** better get messin', man. Look like his homies on the grill!"

Rufo and Roberts say they spoke with the creator of the video to verify its authenticity. The person reportedly confirmed but chose to remain anonymous for the time being.

"It was some Africans that stay right next door to my kid's mother," the video's author told Rufo and Roberts. "This African dude next door had the d*** cat on the grill."

(Related: Have you seen the other video footage suggesting that Haitian migrants are eating cats and possibly other animals in Springfield?)

Breeding stray cats producing more food for Haitian migrants

After confirming that the location was, in fact, the same as in the video, Rufo and Roberts knocked on the door of a unit near where the cats were seen on the grill. A family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo answered, revealing that all of the surrounding units are occupied by other African migrants.

One of the residents revealed that up until last month, a neighbor from Africa had a blue grill and that her father would "find meat in the neighborhood."

"Her dad was going, holding a knife," the neighbor revealed.

The blue grill was apparently left behind by the former tenants when they moved because Rufo and Roberts saw it firsthand. They also observed at least 10 stray cats roaming around the complex where another resident complained that they keep breeding on the property.

"They was barbecuing the d*** cat!" the original witness who captured the footage confirmed.

Before the incident, the same witness's mother had previously observed the now-vacated African migrant family slaughtering some kind of mammal in the street to cook. Later on when her son saw the cats on the blue grill, he was in such a state of shock that he decided to film it for the internet.

"To be clear: this single incident does not confirm every particularity of Trump's statement," Rufo and Roberts say. "The town is Dayton, not Springfield; cats alone were on the grill, not cats and dogs."

"But it does break the general narrative peddled by the establishment media and its 'fact checkers,' who insisted that this has never happened, and that any suggestion otherwise is somehow an expression of racism."

It turns out that not just Haiti but many other developing nations, including the Congo, have longtime traditions of animal sacrifice along with consumption of animal meat that most Americans would consider to be household pets.

"And if this occurred in Dayton, where the migrant population is relatively small, it could be going on down the road in Springfield, where it is relatively much larger," Rufo and Roberts say.

The latest news about Trump's third attempt at the White House can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

ChristopherRufo.com

NaturalNews.com
Internet giant and Facebook owner Meta is planning to buy carbon credits in Latin America. But what does this mean? And will it really help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Carbon offsets allow companies to offset greenhouse gas emissions by paying for actions to cut emissions elsewhere to meet corporate climate goals. Each credit represents a reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions. However, as Reuters points out, some companies are reducing their buying of credits amid widespread doubts that they serve to reduce emissions.

Nevertheless Meta has this week announced that it has agreed to buy up to 3.9 million carbon offset credits from Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual's forestry arm up until 2038. Under the long-term contract signed by Meta and BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG), Meta has agreed to buy 1.3 million carbon credits, with options to purchase an additional 2.6 million credits.

Meta has described the deal as its largest carbon removal transaction from a single project and as part of its commitment to reach net zero emissions across its value chain in 2030.

Its not the biggest deal overall, though. In June this year, TIG announced the sale of 8 million carbon credits to Microsoft in what has been described as the largest-ever transaction of such credits worldwide.

Reuters says the actual value if the Meta deal has not been revealed but estimates it at US$16 million based on an average price for forestry carbon offsets last week of US$4.22 per credit.

The credits were generated by BTG Pactual TIG's forest restoration projects in Latin America, where it has reportedly planted more than 7 million seedlings.
Aussie journalist reveals EVs are a COMMERCIAL FLOP in the Land Down Under

An Australian journalist has revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) are a commercial flop in the Land Down Under

Caleb Bond of Sky News disclosed this in a Sept. 12 piece for News.com.au, noting that dealers are pushing EVs to buyers "by any means necessary." He added that even with huge price cuts  with some dealers slashing prices by more than $20,000 in the past few months  Australians aren't sold on the idea of electric cars.

"EVs have been such a commercial flop that manufacturers are now trying to flog them by any means necessary," said Bond, who hosts "The Late Debate" on Sky News Australia. "EV deliveries dropped 10 percent in June when they made up 8.3 percent of all new cars sold in Australia  down from 8.8 percent at the same time last year. Last month, EV sales slumped to 5.9 percent of the market."

The journalist even mentioned that car makers in the United Kingdom are now rationing the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles there, as not enough people are purchasing EVs. "Given no one is buying electric cars, those companies are now artificially shrinking the entire new car market to avoid the cost," he wrote.

According to Bond, customers are more than happy to purchase hybrid EVs as shown by their growing sales. But the green fanatics are determined on forcing the use of pure battery-powered EVs on people. (Related: The Democrats plan to force Americans to drive electric vehicles just got even more EXPENSIVE.)

Unfortunately for the climate fanatics, no amount of pressure will force people to buy EVs. Even the Britons are adamant with their refusal to purchase pure electric cars that they will wait months for an ICE vehicle instead of purchasing readily available EVs gathering dust on showroom floors.

Penalties await carmakers who fail to sell enough EVs

The Sky News journalist also disclosed the main reason why car makers are moving heaven and earth just to sell EVs. If they sell too many ICE cars, they will be hit with hefty environmental penalties.

He recounted an interview of Robert Forrester, CEO of major British car dealer Vertu Motors, on the matter. The car dealership bigwig told the Telegraph that manufacturers were delaying the delivery of ordered cars until next year for fear that they will exceed government-mandated quotas.

"It's almost as if we can't supply the cars that people want, but we've got plenty of the cars that maybe they don't want." Forrester said.

According to Bond, "no less than 22 percent of cars sold in the U.K. by manufacturers must be zero-emission under the rules. It will increase to 80 percent in 2030 and 100 percent in 2035." Non-compliant car companies will be fined 15,000 ($19,683)  which is almost A$30,000 ($20,109) for every petrol car sold over their quota.

"The reality  as borne out in the falling sales  is that people would not buy EVs unless they were given an exceptional reason to do so," Bond concluded his piece. "At what point will we just admit the whole thing is a scam?"

Follow GreenTyranny.news for more stories about the push for EVs.

Watch the video below about why Americans aren't buying EVs despite Big Government's push.

This video is from the chriswillard777 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ford Motor Company BACKTRACKS on push for pure EVs, dealing a serious blow to Biden-Harris admins green agenda.

Volvo DROPS goal of becoming pure electric carmaker as demand for EVs plunges.

EVs are much heavier than their gas-powered counterparts, making their tires degrade faster while tearing up roads.

EV COLLAPSE: Automakers are scaling back and delaying their EV plans as consumer demand wanes.

U.S. slaps new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, batteries and other EV hardware.

Sources include:

ClimateDepot.com

News.com.au

Brighteon.com
RED DAWN: DOJ and Mainstream Media PSYOP IN EFFECT to rewrite history and make all truth media look like Russia-influenced propaganda

Are you an independent thinker who likes to question dubious official narratives and use critical thinking skills daily to make wise decisions? You will be discredited by the Left and the Fake News Industrial Complex (FNIC) for those choices. For a couple decades, alternative media, also known as truth media, has been challenging and disproving many of the  official narratives  that mainstream media puts forth and propagates. To prove this misinformation and disinformation coming from the government, Big Pharma and Big Food takes resources, good judgment, intelligence and courage, since the powers that be often censor us, ban us, bankrupt us, arrest us and even take us out.

The latest effort to censor truth media and Conservative reporters and journalists is hinged on an all-too-familiar scarecrow or scapegoat called Russia. Just like the Russia-Trump-Collusion hoax of the past 8 years, thats still running on fake news CNN (Counterfeit News Network), now the Deep State (DOJ, FBI, CIA, DHS, etc.) appears to be attempting to ensnare some top Conservative journalists in a funded front linked to Russia so they can later claim that EVERY truth media outlet is now, and has always been, funded and promoted by the Russian propaganda machine.

This angle would discredit all independent media this way and make it seem that we are all a bunch of blithering idiots who regurgitate propaganda (like MSM does themselves) and cant think for ourselves, and never have. So, who exactly is funding this psyop? Its well thought out, that is for sure. Lets take an inside look at whats happening here.

Fake News wants Americans to believe that all other news is Russia-fed propaganda

The Left and the globalists are scrambling to stay in power and maintain control of their right arm political propaganda machine  fake news. The Covid scamdemic helped them steal away many constitutional rights from Americans, as they ran a tight ship on all speech, press, Google searches and finds, social media posts, videos on YouTube and more. If anyone bucked the narrative they were shut out, shut down and persecuted for it. Free speech became a dirty word, and those who exercised it were deemed domestic terrorists, anti-science and right-wing extremists.

Now, since there are two proxy wars, Ukraine vs. Russia and Israel vs. Palestine, where U.S. politicians and their globalist cohorts have their cash cow military industrial complex running on high, theyve figured out a way they might convince their Leftist base (Democrats and Liberals who believe everything MSM says) that Putin has been, is now, and will always be funding all independent media that criticizes and challenges any official narratives put forth by the DC criminal cabal of Democrats (and Big Pharma).

The highly corrupt and weaponized U.S. Department of Justice now accusing U.S. conservative journalists of being shills for Russias misinformation campaign

The U.S. Department of Justice is calling it the Tenet Media controversy and saying that truth media reporters and journalists are getting paid by Russia to publish and spread Russian-fed disinformation about official narratives U.S. media is pushing. Theyre claiming Russia Today, a Russian state funded media organization, is pumping millions of bucks into the pockets of U.S. conservatives to help Trump win the new election, to discredit the proxy wars the U.S. is making a fortune from, and to spread lies about the (highly corrupt) U.S. government.

A Tennessee-based content creation company received almost $10 million to publish Russia-friendly content, but its obvious this is another ploy to ensnare U.S. journalists in a Deep State plot to use for future censorship of truth media. So far they are just baseless accusations and the DOJ doesnt have enough fake evidence to do anything about it. Its like the Freedom Fighters front where rebels were supposed to all get together to fight the corruption of the U.S. government, and then everyone would be arrested and imprisoned for it.

It's like that 1984 movie "Red Dawn" that starred Patrick Swayze about the Russians invading America, starting with paratroopers landing at school yards and setting up concentration camps. We're all supposed to believe that's what's next if we don't stop the Russia propaganda machine. In reality, it's the Democrat-Communists that are the insurgents who have already taken over Washington DC and are set to put all Conservatives and Republicans in FEMA concentration camps. Follow the bouncing ball.

Stay smart. Stay frosty my friends. Dont fall for Deep State plots, ploys and front groups. Tune your apocalypse dial to Preparedness.news for updates on real news about the world and the Democrat-led government aggression that comes at us every day now.

Sources for this article include:

Censored.news

NaturalNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
Suspected Trump shooter Ryan Routh masterminded scheme to traffic Afghan refugees into Ukraine to fight for Zelensky using forged Pakistani passports

It has come to light that the latest suspected Donald Trump shooter, Ryan Routh, masterminded a scheme to traffic Afghan refugees to Ukraine to fight for Volodymyr Zelensky and the globalist deep state  and he used forged Pakistani passports in violation of the law to do it.

The New Indian reported on Routh's alleged crimes back on April 1, 2023, revealing that he funneled Afghan refugees into Zelensky's meat grinder to fight Vladimir Putin and Russia, which as the world knows has been engaged in a special military operation in Ukraine since early 2022.

The following video shows the article in question along with an analysis of its contents. You will also get to see and hear from Routh himself as he spoke to the mainstream media about his pro-Zelensky, pro-Ukraine agenda:

??BREAKING NEWS: On April 1, 2023, The New Indian reported that Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspected Trump shooter, was the mastermind behind a complex scheme to traffic Afghan refugees using forged Pakistani passports. These refugees were being funnelled into Ukraine to fight in pic.twitter.com/UPE1AgDkB0  Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) September 16, 2024

(Related: Speaking of Ukraine, did you know that NATO and the West are desperately trying to ignite World War III before Election Day?)

Big Tech trying to erase all evidence of Routh's ties to Ukraine, deep state

According to an X user who tried to search for more information about Routh, Big Tech is rapidly scrubbing as much information about Routh's sordid past from the internet as possible. The powers that be do not want people to know that Routh was a media darling who basically devoted his entire elderly life to fighting for Ukraine.

"The media will bury this latest assassination attempt on President Trump as fast as possible," this person said, noting that Google is "already frankly working to wipe all existence of Ryan Wesley Routh from their servers."

"This dude was clearly working for the deep state," wrote another about how pathetic this tired script is.

JD Sharp (@imjdsharp) speculated that there must be "big bad plans for our country" now that Trump has been shot at not once, but twice in the past couple of months.

"The first shooter had ties to both BlackRock and the FBI and the second shooter was previously featured in both Newsweek and The New York Times," Sharp tweeted.

"It's time for every American to ask ourselves why they're so desperate ...," he added, along with the following video:

Theyve tried to kill Trump twice in the last 60 days, the 1st shooter had ties to both Blackrock and the FBI and the 2nd shooter was previously featured in both Newsweek and the New York Times. Its time for every American to ask ourselves why theyre so desperate pic.twitter.com/xWcanlWFgl  JD Sharp (@imjdsharp) September 16, 2024

In case he gets completely scrubbed from the internet, the "Crazy Vibes" (@CrazyVibes_1) X account shared the following video featuring all of Routh's X posts:

Here is a screen recording with all of attempted assassin @RyanRouths posts, in case his account gets deleted pic.twitter.com/RHsoOdauqH  Crazy Vibes (@CrazyVibes_1) September 16, 2024

There is also this little gem, a propaganda video for the 12th Special Operations Brigade in Azov (Ukraine) that was released in May 2022. It features Routh promoting the Ukrainian cause.

"The 12th Special Operations Brigade 'Azov' is a formation of the National Guard of Ukraine formerly based in Mariupol, in the coastal region of the Sea of Azov, from which it derives its name," the person who tweeted the video wrote.

He's also seen in this Ukrainian propaganda video.. https://t.co/jl5IfQcgl6  RSP (@RedShortsYT) September 16, 2024

More news about all things Trump can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Ukraine and Poland continue to disagree over Volhynia genocide where Ukrainians murdered at least 120K ethnic Poles

The World War II-era Volhynia genocide continues to be a source of tension between Poland and Ukraine despite the Polish government's strong support for the Ukrainians in their current conflict with Russia.

From 1943 to 1945, Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the ultra-nationalist Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) murdered at least 120,000 ethnic Poles. Most of the casualties were women and children.

The slaughter was set in motion in then-German-occupied eastern Poland, a territory owned by modern-day Ukraine because of Soviet-orchestrated land transfers.

Many of the killers were ordinary Ukrainians armed with agricultural implements who used the German occupation as an excuse to ethnically cleanse the area ahead of its incorporation into an independent Ukrainian nation-state.

The Ukrainian government continues to deny that the Polish massacres were acts of genocide.

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraines Foreign Minister, was hesitant when asked whether Ukraine would defer to recent Polish requests for the exhumation of Polish massacre victims. He suggested that Kyiv and Warsaw should agree to disagree on the subject of genocide, adding that the matter is something that historians should discuss.

Poland to block Ukraine from joining EU and NATO if Ukrainian crimes remain unaddressed

Polish government ministers have advised that Poland will not agree to Ukraine joining the European Union (EU) if the Ukrainian crimes remain unaddressed. Poland also has the power to veto Ukrainian accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned that "Poland will decide to close the next chapters of Ukraine's negotiations with the EU, so it is better for Ukraine to settle this matter as soon as possible." (Related: Former Israeli ombudsman warns of IMMINENT COLLAPSE if conflict with Palestinian and Lebanese groups continues.)

The Volhynia genocide took place in disputed territories in the regions of Volhynia and Eastern Galicia in modern-day western Ukraine and southeastern Poland.

Polish President Andrzej Duda highlighted the importance of admitting the truth behind the difficult situation. Duda added that the issue is "particularly important" amid the ongoing full-scale Russian conflict against Ukraine that has been going on for over two years, where "the future of the country" and the region and "the whole of Europe is being decided."

"Therefore, let memory and truth, for Poles and Ukrainians, be the foundation on which we build the future of our nations," concluded Duda.

The Volhynia genocide was carried out primarily by the UPA and the OUN. Considered an attempt to prevent the future post-war Polish state from staking claims to areas with majority Ukrainian populations, the tragic killing of Poles started on July 11, 1943, with the Kisielin massacre.

The main difference in approach between Polish and Ukrainian historians hinges on the terminology used to describe and evaluate the Volhynia genocide.

Some Ukrainian historians consider these events as simply a stage in the "second Polish-Ukrainian war of 1942 to 1947." Other moderate Ukrainian researchers use the term "Volhynian tragedy."

Visit WWIII.news to read more stories like this.

Watch the video below of "The Breanna Morello Show" discussing how Poland defended its borders from invaders following the death of a soldier.

This video is from the MyPodcastDropped2320 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Polish foreign minister wants Warsaw to neutralize Russian missiles flying over Ukraine, claiming they could threaten Poland.

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.

South Africa halts delivery of artillery shells to Poland over concerns they could be sent to Ukraine.

Prophecy preacher and genocide apologist Amir Tsarfati says the mass killing of Palestinians is not genocide because God told them to do it.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

TVPWorld.com

Brighteon.com
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: UN legal officer reveals globalist orgs goal of becoming a world government

An official at the globalist United Nations has revealed the organization's ultimate goal of becoming a world government , with the revelation having been caught on video.

Steven Crowder of "Louder with Crowder" fame made the video public through the "Mug Club Undercover" segment similar to that of the O'Keefe Media Group. An undercover journalist managed to record Jorge Paoletti, a senior official in the treaty section of the UN's Office of Legal Affairs in New York, making this claim.

"They created this institution, which is the closest we've ever got to, kind of like, a world government. A world state," Paoletti was recorded as saying. He answered in the affirmative when the undercover reporter asked if the UN was "like a one-world government."

"One of the objectives of the UN is to create an identity of a global citizen. Someone who shares an identity, a political identity, with everyone on this planet."

Paoletti, however, lamented that the UN does not have its own army. The organization as it stands is not as effective as it should be, but the UN having military power is a game-changer.

"The UN, in Paoletti's words, aspires to be a globalist world government that rules over Earth's citizens  all of whom would be forced to adhere to a uniform identity," the Gold Report noted.

The UN official, who proudly described himself as "the definition of a globalist," expressed hatred for the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement espoused by former U.S. President Donald Trump. "It's a movement that is deeply nationalistic. It's America First, MAGA, America, America, America," Paoletti said in the video.

He also claimed that Trump supporters "hate immigrants" and anyone who "doesn't think like us" and "doesn't think like us." Paoletti also suggested that his employer is prepared to engage in lawfare against Trump  which includes the possibility of lawsuits before human rights tribunals  should the real estate mogul "go rogue."

"I'm not sure the UN as an institution is going to survive a second term by Trump. I mean, we are terrified. They're terrified."

Dujarric: Paoletti's remarks don't represent that of the entire UN

"Paoletti correctly intimated that Trump, who has been outspoken about his disdain for globalism, is a threat to globalist institutions," the Gold Report stated.

The real estate mogul signaled during his first term that he would support Washington withdrawing from the World Health Organization and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. According to the Gold Report, the U.S. withdrawing from the UN "could pose an existential challenge to the hopes for a globalist world order" as it shoulders 27 percent of the global group's budget. (Related: Trump announces US withdrawal from the WHO.)

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, responded to Paoletti's remarks days after the undercover clip went viral. He was asked about his reaction to the UN senior officials' remarks about Trump and the organization fearing his potential second term during a press conference. Dujarric responded by saying that Paoletti was a junior staffer and was not speaking on behalf of the UN.

"I will just state for a fact that this is not, you know, when someone is recorded without their knowledge in a private setting, I don't think any good journalist could interpret it as being the official position of the United Nations," the spokesperson said.

Given this development, the Daily Expose pointed out: "So as expected, Dujarric was stating the obvious while brushing aside the question. Although the question was not related to the section of the undercover video we focused on above, it does authenticate that the discussion took place."

Head over to Globalism.news for similar stories.

Watch this clip of Jorge Paoletti blurting out the UN's ambition to become a world government.

This video is from the WBS channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Right on schedule, the United Nations is intervening in U.S. domestic affairs, claiming Trump has no right to defend cities against left-wing terrorists.

World Health Organization positioning to become global health dictator while masses are distracted with "lab leaks."

Op-ed: Trump and Vance pose a SERIOUS THREAT to the globalist agenda.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

TheGoldReport.com

Brighteon.com
Charleroi, Penn., saw 2,000% population surge after Kamala unleashed weaponized Haitian migrants

At a recent campaign rally in Arizona, Donald Trump told a crowd of his supporters that the relatively small town, population 4,000, has seen a 2,000 percent increase in Haitian migrants ever since Joe Biden appointed Kamala "border czar" Harris to oversee the immigration crisis.

Watch below as Trump explains how local schools in Charleroi are scrambling to hire translators capable of handling the massive influx of illegal alien children who do not speak English, and who are costing local taxpayers thousands of dollars per head to accommodate:

PRESIDENT TRUMP: "The small 4,000 person town of Charleroi, Pennsylvania has experienced a 2,000% increase in the population of Haitian migrants under Kamala Harris  the schools are scrambling to hire translators for the influx of students who dont speak English, costing local pic.twitter.com/jvlP19ANL0  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 12, 2024

A think tank called America 2100 is credited with identifying the Haitian migrant influx in Charleroi, which has dramatically changed the demographics of the somewhat tiny Pennsylvania enclave over the past two years.

(Related: According to Trump, Kamala is responsible for "facilitating the largest wave of child sex trafficking in history.")

The great replacement

Charleroi locals say the problems Trump identified in Springfield, Ohio, are also a problem where they live. And the Biden-Harris regime is to blame since the illegal migrant influx is a direct result of their open borders policies.

One local employee who chose to remain anonymous for his own protection told the independent media that the Haitian presence really started to become noticeable after Biden was installed into the White House. Many of them are beneficiaries of Temporary Protect Status.

The reason why the migrants are going to Charleroi is primarily because of Fourth Street Foods, a local food manufacturer that produces industrial frozen food. The migrants are being hired as cheap labor to handle various food production jobs.

It is a problem that is spreading like a deadly virus all across the country as Big Food and Big Industry in general is desperate for more slave labor to replace the formerly American labor industry.

"The consequence of importing third-world migrants to replace blue-collar workers in the town crushes native households," one media outlet warned about the situation.

"Many residents complained that rents are out of control because the migrants exacerbated a housing shortage. Some have left the town for cheaper housing outside city limits."

Since October 2019, native-born U.S. workers have lost an astounding 1.4 million jobs. During that same time period, some three million foreign-born workers were hired to replace American workers.

According to reports, the Haitian migrants who work at Fourth Street Foods are being bussed in and out of the plant using a complex network of vans. Dozens upon dozens of said vans can be spotted shuttling migrants around Charleroi on any given day, the vans bearing the logo of "The Wellington Agency," a staffing firm.

As we have been hearing is also the case in Springfield, the Haitian migrants are terrible drivers, so the vans help to keep them off the streets. Some Haitian migrants are still trying to drive themselves, though, which has led to an increase in accidents and insurance rates.

Taxpayer-funded nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are helping the Biden-Harris regime to facilitate this migrant invasion, which will only worsen in the coming years if Kamala wins the White House.

Incredible footage revealing an operation in Charleroi, PA where Haitians are being bussed to and from food factories operated by Fourth Street Foods. Its estimated that 90% of workers are now made up of Haitians. Kamala imported 2,000 Haitians into this town of 4,000 people pic.twitter.com/6KrjecNdmh  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 17, 2024

Interested in keeping up with election news? Check out Rigged.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
People with the FBI, but not real agents, trying to intimidate free speech offenders with home visits

A "defender of the Constitution" by the name of Jeremy Kauffman (@jeremykauffman on X) was paid a visit the other day by two men claiming to be from the FBI  but who refused to show official identification as proof  who were apparently there to bully him over a social media post.

The two men asked Kauffman if they could speak with him about the post, to which he refused because he is under no legal obligation to do so. Everyone involved agreed that nothing Kauffman did is illegal, but the two men insisted on talking to Kauffman about the post.

Neither of the two men would agree to share their full name with Kauffman, nor would they show their badges. They expected Kauffman to just cooperate because they drove up in a dark, FBI-like SUV and seemed to be dressed like what one might expect of a federal agent.

When the one man who called himself "O'Donnell," adding that he is the only O'Donnell in New Hampshire who works for the FBI, tried to get Kauffman to cooperate, he refused because of the two men's refusal to show official identification.

Since Kauffman was visibly recording the entire interaction, O'Donnell asked him to turn off the camera before agreeing to answering any questions. Kauffman refused, and the back-and-forth continued from there until the two men finally left  watch the video clip below:

The FBI visited my house today for free speech acts they knew were not crimes. You can see the shame on their faces. This is the Democratic regime manifest. pic.twitter.com/RldC0JWMsx  Jeremy Kauffman ? (@jeremykauffman) September 16, 2024

(Related: Did you know that the FBI is colluding with Big Tech to ramp up censorship efforts the closer the world gets to Election Day?)

No, you don't have to talk to law enforcement unless there's a warrant

Recognizing his First Amendment and other constitutional rights, Kauffman refused to play ball with the two agents, who pressed him again and again to cooperate through intimidation.

"Will you stop recording, please?" O'Donnell responded to Kauffman several times in defiance of Kauffman's request that O'Donnell cooperate with his demands.

"You can show me your name and identification or I'm going back inside my house," Kauffman then told the men.

"I don't really want to broadcast my, uh ...," the other alleged agent interjected. "We just want to talk to you."

The exchange went back and forth for a few minutes before eventually the two men gave up and left the scene.

"I'm not going to talk to people who claim to be federal agents unless they can show me identification," Kauffman said.

As of 2014, residents of New Hampshire have the right to always film whenever they are in an uncomfortable or really any situation that they feel necessitates capturing video and audio of whatever is happening.

"Practice asserting your rights in minor situations and it will continue to get easier," Kauffman told his X followers about how he has the confidence to handle law enforcement the way he did with the two men.

"For example, do it at DUI checkpoints or at border control when re-entering the U.S."

Not a federal plate. Who were these guys? pic.twitter.com/SGomAKEcYz  Natalie F Danelishen (@Chesschick01) September 16, 2024

"This is such a weasely tactic because they know people who dont understand the law are gonna be scared even though there are no charges," tweeted someone else about the bizarre encounter.

"Ron Paul warned against losers like this in 1998," said another, along with the video below. "The FBI is so beyond reform it isn't even funny."

Ron Paul warned against losers like this in 1988. The FBI is so beyond reform it isn't even funny. pic.twitter.com/kL4YpMODE7  Dave Benner, Nemesis of Neocons (@dbenner83) September 16, 2024

The latest news about the deep state's attack on free speech can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Israels inhumane PAGER ATTACK on Lebanon  exploding mobile devices kill nine, wound more than 2,700

At least nine people are dead and thousands of others injured after Israel attacked Lebanon with an exploding pager attack

According to the Lebanese government, "Israeli aggression" is the cause of the mass casualty event, though Israel has not yet issued a comment. Hezbollah also said that it holds Israel "fully responsible" for the deadly assault.

Sources in the region say that war preparations are underway while Israel's Channel 14 is reporting that "senior Israeli military officials are preparing for a third Hezbollah war which is expected to begin almost immediately."

The U.S. State Department says it "was not aware of this operation and was not involved" in the attack, though the Biden regime also admitted out of the other side of its mouth that it is "still gathering information" to make a determination.

(Related: Did you know that Iran is threatening to obliterate Israel if it attacks Lebanon?)

Another Mossad death production?

Reports indicate that the attack was highly sophisticated, with Lebanese and Arabs condemning it as a major "terror attack." The way it went down is that a "faulty" shipment of pagers exploded, possibly due to secret malware that caused them to detonate without notice.

Some of the people involved who survived say they felt the pagers heat up, which prompted many of them to immediately dispose of the devices before they got the chance to burst.

What this suggests, of course, is that all sorts of mobile devices, including smartphones, could have the innate ability to explode on command if installed with the appropriate malware.

"Hezbollah said a number of pagers carried by its members exploded simultaneously at 3:30 p.m.," reported The Wall Street Journal. "It couldn't immediately be determined what caused the blasts, which were spread out across the country in several areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence."

The pagers in question were shipped to Lebanon some five months ago. Israeli media claims the Mossad spying service is behind the plot, which possibly involved rigging the batteries of the pagers.

Mossad apparently laced the pagers with PETN, a highly explosive material. If this is what happened, it makes a lot of sense since PETN explodes when heat is applied, which is exactly what happened as the "defective" pagers heated up and exploded.

Many European airlines are canceling all flights to Lebanon and Israel in response to the attack. War plans are being drawn up while Lebanon closes all of its schools, including colleges and universities, in preparation for full-scale war.

"There are more than 400 men here," an eyewitness reportedly told Al Jazeera. "Their pagers exploded, the ones they use for communication."

More than 1,200 Hezbollah operatives were injured in the attack, including Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani, who is said to have only sustained minor injuries. The son of a Hezbollah Member of Parliament also died in the attack.

There are also reports of explosions occurring in nearby Syria around the same time, which resulted in civilian deaths, including the deaths of children, in Beirut. The exploding pagers were found inside homes, on shelves, on bedstands  everywhere that everyday folks might store them while not in use.

"We are talking about hundreds of members of the group in hospitals," one regional media outlet reported. "We are seeing videos online of injuries to their arms, to their legs, even to their faces."

All in all, at least 2,750 people sustained injuries, with 200 of them in critical condition. At least eight deceased bodies have also been recovered thus far in the cleanup efforts.

The latest news about the worsening situation in the Middle East can be found at Prophecy.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
Melania Trump: FBI is a THREAT to Americans Fourth Amendment rights

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a threat to Fourth Amendment rights that protect Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures, according to former First Lady Melania Trump.

On Sept. 14, she took to the X platform to post a video reminding users of the FBI's raid on their Mar-a-Lago home in Florida in August 2022. Agents visited the property under the auspices of the Biden-Harris administration, ostensibly in search of classified documents. According to Newsweek, FBI officials said they confiscated nearly 11,000 documents, which included more than 100 papers marked as classified and no less than 18 marked "top secret."

"I never imagined my privacy would be invaded by the government here, in America. The FBI invaded my home in Florida and searched through my personal belongings," Trump said in the video. (Related: Biden administration authorized FBI to use DEADLY FORCE in raid on Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, likely hoping to find an excuse to shoot Trump.)

"This is not just my story. It serves as a warning to all Americans, a reminder that our freedom and rights must be respected."

The video began with a view of the U.S. Constitution, followed by the text of the Fourth Amendment: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated." It inserted images of the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida's Palm Beach and the Founding Fathers, according to Newsmax.

Former President Donald Trump, Melania's wife, told Newsmax back in September 2022 that she felt "very violated" when FBI agents were in her bedroom.

"They got into a closet, they go through her dresses, and who knows what else? And it wasn't left the way they found it," he said at the time. "I think it's a disgrace that a thing like this could happen."

Melania also calls for the TRUTH behind assassination attempt on Donald

The controversy about the classified documents at Mar-a-Lago began shortly after Donald left the White House in January 2021. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) reported receiving some of his presidential records, mentioning that some had been torn up and taped back together.

In February of the following year, NARA confirmed the recovery of 15 boxes of presidential records from Mar-a-Lago, some of which included classified national security information. This led to an investigation carried out by the House Oversight Committee.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) got involved in the investigation when the situation intensified, with the FBI under it interviewing many of Donald's former aides in April 2022. By June, DOJ investigators held a meeting with the former president's lawyers and presented a grand jury subpoena for the remaining documents still at Mar-a-Lago.

The former president was slapped with 40 federal charges by DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith over his alleged handling of the sensitive materials confiscated during the raid. He was also accused of obstructing attempts by federal authorities to recover them. Donald pleaded not guilty and said the raid was nothing more than a political witch hunt against him.

District Judge Aileen Cannon threw out all the charges in July, ruling that Smith was wrongfully financed and appointed to supervise the case. The prosecutor has since appealed Cannon's ruling

In a separate post on X, Melania also called for the truth about the assassination attempt on her husband to be uncovered. Donald was shot on July 13 during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania  but only ended up with a grazed right ear.

"The attempt to end my husband's life was a horrible, distressing experience. Now, the silence around it feels heavy," she wrote.

"I can't help but wonder: Why didn't law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? There's definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth."

Follow FBICorruption.news for more stories about the FBI.

Watch this clip of Melania Trump calling for the truth about the assassination attempt on her husband to be revealed.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

FBI accused of cover-up after destroying body of Trump shooter just days after assassination attempt.

The Right Side with Doug Billings: Mar-a-Lago raid is the biggest boomerang in FBI history  Brighteon.TV.

COVER-UP: Congressman blasts FBI for authorizing the cremation of Trump shooter, obstructing congressional probe.

Sources include:

Newsmax.com

Newsweek.com

Brighteon.com
NCLA sues federal government and social media giants for censoring vaccine injury testimonials

The New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) has filed a lawsuit against federal agencies and major social media platforms , carefully documenting a conspiracy to suppress the voices of individuals who have suffered adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines.

The lawsuit, Dressen, et al. v. Flaherty, et al., centers around the experiences of six plaintiffs who reported severe side effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. These include Brianne Dressen, Shaun Barcavage, Kristi Dobbs, Nikki Holland, Suzanna Newell and Ernest Ramirez. Ramirez's case is particularly tragic, as his son died five days after receiving the vaccine. The plaintiffs' vaccine injury testimonials essentially represent the stories of millions of others, who were also harmed.

The NCLA documents how federal agencies, including the White House, the CDC and the Surgeon General's Office, pressured social media companies to remove and discredit posts and discussions about vaccine injuries. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against this alleged state-sponsored censorship, asserting that such actions violate the First Amendment rights to free speech and association. The NCLA contends that these suppression efforts not only infringe upon the plaintiffs rights but also stifle crucial discussions regarding vaccine safety and individual health autonomy.

The following points are discussed in the lawsuit, with accompanying citations:

Censorship of Personal Experiences: Plaintiffs reported instances where their posts detailing personal medical experiences after receiving the Covid vaccine were flagged or removed as "misinformation. "

Plaintiffs reported instances where their posts detailing personal medical experiences after receiving the Covid vaccine were flagged or removed as "misinformation. Removal of Support Groups: Private support groups for vaccine-injured individuals were shut down by Facebook at the request of government officials, restricting their ability to connect and share information.

Private support groups for vaccine-injured individuals were shut down by Facebook at the request of government officials, restricting their ability to connect and share information. Shadow Banning: Plaintiffs experienced shadow banning on social media platforms, limiting the visibility of their posts and comments related to vaccine-related injuries.

Plaintiffs experienced shadow banning on social media platforms, limiting the visibility of their posts and comments related to vaccine-related injuries. Warnings for False Information: Posts that contained personal anecdotes about vaccine injuries received warnings from social media platforms labeling them as false information.

Posts that contained personal anecdotes about vaccine injuries received warnings from social media platforms labeling them as false information. Removal of Fundraising Campaigns: GoFundMe account for Mr. Ramirez, aimed at raising awareness for his lost son, was removed for violating the platform's terms of service.

GoFundMe account for Mr. Ramirez, aimed at raising awareness for his lost son, was removed for violating the platform's terms of service. Invasive Monitoring: The CDC engaged in monitoring discussions within private Facebook groups about vaccine injuries, leading to flagged content based on government-defined misinformation.

The CDC engaged in monitoring discussions within private Facebook groups about vaccine injuries, leading to flagged content based on government-defined misinformation. Suppression of Documentaries: Videos discussing vaccine injuries and featuring plaintiffs were removed from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo as medical misinformation, despite being based on personal testimonials.

Videos discussing vaccine injuries and featuring plaintiffs were removed from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo as medical misinformation, despite being based on personal testimonials. Legislative Threats: Government officials reportedly threatened to withdraw Section 230 protections from social media companies unless they increased censorship of vaccine-related speech.

Government officials reportedly threatened to withdraw Section 230 protections from social media companies unless they increased censorship of vaccine-related speech. Direct Requests for Censorship: Emails and communications from White House officials explicitly requested the removal of posts from individual users sharing their vaccine injury testimonials.

Emails and communications from White House officials explicitly requested the removal of posts from individual users sharing their vaccine injury testimonials. No Appeal Process: When plaintiffs appealed the removals of their posts, they received vague or no explanations, making it challenging to address perceived censorship.

When plaintiffs appealed the removals of their posts, they received vague or no explanations, making it challenging to address perceived censorship. Removal of Established Support Content: Scientific articles or news pieces shared by plaintiffs regarding vaccine side effects were flagged or removed for allegedly spreading misinformation.

Scientific articles or news pieces shared by plaintiffs regarding vaccine side effects were flagged or removed for allegedly spreading misinformation. Conditional Access to Features: Platforms like Facebook threatened to reduce the reach of plaintiffs posts if they were found to share misinformation, creating a chilling effect of self-censorship.

Platforms like Facebook threatened to reduce the reach of plaintiffs posts if they were found to share misinformation, creating a chilling effect of self-censorship. Preemptive Censorship: Social media companies admitted to proactively censoring content that did not inherently violate their policies but was deemed potentially harmful by government standards.

Social media companies admitted to proactively censoring content that did not inherently violate their policies but was deemed potentially harmful by government standards. Content Removal Without Clear Grounds: Posts were taken down for vague reasons such as potential spam or violating community standards, without specific detailing of the offending content.

Posts were taken down for vague reasons such as potential spam or violating community standards, without specific detailing of the offending content. Restrictive Algorithms: Social media companies adjusted algorithms based on government pressure to limit the reach of posts that could be deemed vaccine-hesitant or critical of government mandates.

Social media companies adjusted algorithms based on government pressure to limit the reach of posts that could be deemed vaccine-hesitant or critical of government mandates. Use of Code Words: Plaintiffs felt compelled to use code words in discussions about vaccines and side effects to avoid censorship, indicating a restriction on their free speech.

Plaintiffs felt compelled to use code words in discussions about vaccines and side effects to avoid censorship, indicating a restriction on their free speech. Public Discrediting: The Surgeon General and other officials publicly labeled social media platforms as dangerous for failing to censor enough content, creating societal stigma for plaintiffs.

The Surgeon General and other officials publicly labeled social media platforms as dangerous for failing to censor enough content, creating societal stigma for plaintiffs. Quasi-Government Pressure: The coordination between the Virality Project and social media companies to suppress content represented a form of collusion that directly attacked plaintiffs rights.

The coordination between the Virality Project and social media companies to suppress content represented a form of collusion that directly attacked plaintiffs rights. Loss of Donations: The inability of Mr. Ramirez to raise funds through GoFundMe due to platform removal of his campaign constituted a suppression of his ability to speak about his tragic experience.

The inability of Mr. Ramirez to raise funds through GoFundMe due to platform removal of his campaign constituted a suppression of his ability to speak about his tragic experience. Impact on Mental Health: The overall atmosphere of censorship and suppression led to heightened feelings of depression and isolation among the plaintiffs as they struggled to find a community to support their experiences.

The plaintiffs have faced relentless censorship on social media platforms where they sought support and shared information about their experiences. Their attempts to create and maintain private online groups dedicated to discussing vaccine injuries and potential treatments were met with content flags, removals, and the outright shutdown of their communities.

"This is a case that exemplifies the Orwellian consequences that take place when the government evades its restraint," said Casey Norman, Litigation Counsel at NCLA. "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."

Government officials named in the suit include:

Rob Flaherty (White House Director of Digital Strategy)

Joseph R. Biden Jr. (President of the United States)

Karine Jean-Pierre (White House Press Secretary)

Andrew Slavitt (Senior Advisor to the Covid-19 Response Coordinator)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Dr. Vivek Murthy (Surgeon General of the United States)

Stanford University (Stanford Internet Observatory - SIO)

Xavier Becerra (Secretary of HHS)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Carol Crawford (Chief of the Digital Media Branch of the Division of Public Affairs within the CDC)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Alejandro Mayorkas (Secretary of DHS)

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Jen Easterly (Director of CISA within DHS)

The Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford University)

Alex Stamos (in his official and individual capacities)

Renee DiResta (in her official and individual capacities)

For further details, you can access a copy of the lawsuit here.

Sources include:

ReclaimtheNet.org

Docs.reclaimthenet.org [PDF]
Telecom Fiji says it has signed a partnership deal with New Zealand-based critical communication solutions firm Kordia to install a new transmission network for the northern island of Vanua Levu.

Under the deal announced on Tuesday, Kordia and Telecom Fiji will implement a network connecting the Savusavu Submarine Cable Station on Vanua Levus south coast to the Labasa Exchange on the north coast. Kordia said it will use transmission equipment from Ciena to build the route.

Telecom Fiji CEO Charles Goundar described the project as a critical step in expanding the telcos networks capacity and reliability for Vanua Levu.

The new transmission network will support the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and digital services across Fiji, enabling us to deliver even more robust and scalable solutions for our customers, he said in a statement.

Kordia has worked with Telecom Fiji before, having provided consultancy and fibre testing services for the telcos optical fibre network. Kordias other work in the Pacific Islands region include installing Ciena gear at InterChange Vanuatus subsea fibre landing stations, and providing network testing and fibre training for Tonga Telecom.

Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji with an estimated 135,000 residents.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) releases whistleblower report on first assassination attempt on Trump in Butler: HAVE A LOOK

21-page whistleblower report about the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Penn., arrived this week from the office of Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). The main takeaway is that the U.S. Secret Service is to blame for "failing to prevent it."

Described by Sen. Hawley as "the most stunning breakdown in presidential security since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan," the first attempt on Trump's life this summer was a "catastrophic failure," he says, of not just Secret Service but also the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"These agencies and their leaders have slow-walked congressional investigations, misled the American people, and shirked responsibility," Hawley's office wrote about how the report came into existence.

"In response, Senator Hawley personally visited the Butler, Pennsylvania rally site to interview whistleblowers, opened up a whistleblower tip line, and encouraged those with relevant information to tell their stories. Since then, many individuals have come forward with information regarding the events of July 13  from the Secret Service, DHS, and local law enforcement, as well as private citizens."

(Related: Remember when Sen. Hawley went all in for censorship by calling on the National Guard to punish pro-Palestine protesters?)

Secret Service guilty of "negligence, sloppiness, and gross incompetence"

At the heart of why Trump was shot in his right ear while speaking to the crowd in Butler is the total failure of Secret Service to do its job. Hawley says Secret Service is guilty of "negligence, sloppiness, and gross incompetence" going back many years.

The following is a more detailed breakdown of what Hawley discovered during his probe:

1) Secret Service's Counter Surveillance Division, which is supposed to perform threat assessments at all event sites, failed to do so at Trump's Butler rally, nor was it even present at the site on July 13.

2) Secret Service personnel rejected multiple offers from local law enforcement partners to deploy drone technology, even after it was discovered that the would-be assassin used a drone to survey the rally site just hours before shooting at Trump.

3) Secret Service's Office of Protective Operations  Manpower specifically told agents deployed to protect Trump at the rally to not request additional security resources because any such requests were to be automatically declined.

4) For some unknown reason, law enforcement personnel decided to abandon the rooftop of the American Glass Research (AGR) Building 6, which allowed Thomas Crooks to perch himself there and aim at Trump.

5) The lead Secret Service agent whose specific job was to coordinate all security at the July 13 Trump rally and address all line-of-sight concerns is incompetent, which resulted in the placement of random items like flags around the Butler stage and catwalk, impairing visibility.

6) Supplemental personnel from DHS, including agents responsible for covering child exploitation cases, were ordered to fill in Secret Service shortages on July 13 even though the "training" they received lasted just two hours and was of "poor quality."

Members of Congress, media corroborate whistleblower testimony

To be sure that these claims hold weight, Hawley ran his findings by a number of executive branch officials, as well as members of Congress and news outlets. Many of them confirmed or corroborated the claims made in Hawley's report.

Hawley believes that the findings highlight the need for immediate, quick, and aggressive oversight action by not only the president but also both houses of Congress.

"Executive branch agencies so far have not denied any of these allegations," Hawley says. "What is more, on July 30, Senator Hawley directly questioned Acting Director Rowe about whistleblower allegations in a hearing jointly held by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee."

Hawley discovered even more details beyond what was publicly reported, it turns out. One such detail is the fact that the lead Secret Service agent responsible for the entire Butler event failed a key examination during his or her federal law enforcement training.

"Secret Service intelligence units  teams of Secret Service agents paired with state and local law enforcement to handle reports of suspicious persons  were absent from the Butler rally," Hawley further notes.

"The hospital site where former President Trump received treatment after the shooting was poorly secured, and the hospital site agent could not answer basic questions about site security."

Secret Service, DHS remaining silent about allegations

If the federal government has anything to say in its defense against these allegations, it is choosing not to do so. Thus far, neither DHS nor Secret Service have answered a single one of Hawley's many questions, which include:

1) Who, within either of these two federal agencies, made the decision to deny counter sniper coverage to the rooftop from which Crooks shot at Trump?

2) When will Secret Service or DHS publicly name the lead site agent for the rally and the lead agent for the Butler visit?

3) Did the Acting Secret Service director ever deny resources to the Trump campaign, or Secret Service counter sniper teams, as was reported by the media?

Hawley is taking the lead as far as demanding accountability on Trump's behalf. He wants former Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle to officially resign, and he also wants Acting Director Rowe to terminate everyone responsible for the security failures in Butler.

Hawley has spent a lot of time in recent days writing letters to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and others demanding a full investigation into Secret Service's failures to protect Trump.

Whistleblower claims pour in

Concerning the rest of the contents of Hawley's report, you will find a full timeline of events that day as well as a map of the Butler rally site. Hawley also included eight different whistleblower allegations and the dates they were made, including the following:

1) July 19: The Butler rally was treated as a "loose" security event.

2) July 22: Law enforcement abandoned the rooftop because it was too hot.

3) July 25: Secret Service declined drone coverage.

4) August 1: Secret Service's counter surveillance division was not present at Butler rally.

5) August 5: Butler rally site agent was known to be incompetent.

6) August 23: Secret Service headquarters denied Trump additional manpower resources.

7) September 3: DHS agents assigned to Butler rally received inadequate training.

As for the eighth "new" whistleblower allegations, Hawley reported the following three revelations in his report:

1) Lead Secret Service agent for entire Butler visit failed a key exam during federal law enforcement training.

2) Secret Service intelligence units, meaning teams of Secret Service agents paired with state and local law enforcement to handle reports of suspicious persons, were completely absent from Butler rally.

3) The hospital where Trump was sent for treatment was poorly secured.

"Two months have now elapsed since former President Donald J. Trump was nearly assassinated. And the American people still know far too little about why this happened," Hawley writes.

"The Secret Service, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security have not been forthcoming with the American people. Far from it: they have closed ranks, refused to confirm or deny whistleblower allegations, and resisted meaningful oversight. In fact, sources with direct knowledge of Secret Service's own internal investigation have alleged to Senator Hawley that the Department of Homeland Security is leaning on Secret Service not to comply with document requests from Congress."

If you are as committed to the cause as Hawley is, or if you are a whistleblower who knows more, Hawley wants you to email him at [email protected] or call him at (202) 224-6154.

"Whistleblower identities will be protected against disclosure," Hawley says. "All communications are entitled to protection afforded by whistleblower laws."

The latest news about Trump's third attempt at winning the presidency can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

Hawley.senate.gov

NaturalNews.com
Thousands of handheld radios EXPLODE in second wave of Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Another series of explosions occurred in Lebanon this week, the second time targeting handheld radios used by Hezbollah.

Security sources and officials say at least 14 people died and another 450 were wounded after the handheld radios started exploding suddenly all throughout the capital city of Beirut, as well as in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel.

The first such attack targeted pagers, killing at least 12 people and injuring another 2,800. In the second attack, it was the personal talking radios used by Hezbollah militants that exploded without warning.

According to reports, the handheld radios were ordered about five months ago, right around the time that the pagers were ordered.

Several solar systems also exploded in Beirut and in southern Lebanon around the same time. Hezbollah is blaming Israel for all of these deadly incidents.

(Related: The "entire Resistance Axis" is promising to retaliate against Israel for assassinating a top Hamas leader back in the summer.)

More dead civilians

Though Hezbollah soldiers appear to have been the main targets in these attacks, some civilians also got caught in the fray, including two children who died from the blasts.

Israeli agents, sources are reporting, detonated all remaining booby-trapped devices in the aftermath of the first series of pager explosions because Israel believes that Hezbollah would have found and disposed of them.

The pagers, known as AR-924, were all manufactured, allegedly, in Budapest by a company called BAC that had licensed the name of Gold Apollo, a Taiwan electronics manufacturer. There remains confusion as to who is actually responsible for producing the deadly pagers.

Hungarian officials say that there is no such pager manufacturing facility anywhere in the country, shifting the blame back to Gold Apollo which is also denying that it manufactured the pagers.

"Authorities have confirmed that the company in question is a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary," Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said in a statement.

"The referenced devices have never been in Hungary."

The general consensus seems to be that Israel intercepted the devices after they were manufactured somewhere and laced them with explosive material before they were shipped off to their final destination in Lebanon.

The explosive material in question was implanted next to the devices' batteries. A remote trigger was then used to flip a switch and cause the devices to explode on demand.

After the attack, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that Hezbollah fired 10 rockets across the border into northern Israel, possibly as part of its promised retaliation for the attacks.

"The resistance will continue today, like any other day, its operations to support Gaza, its people and its resistance which is a separate path from the harsh punishment that the criminal enemy (Israel) should await in response to Tuesday's massacre," reads a statement from Hezbollah.

"This is another reckoning that will come, God willing."

An even more ominous warning came from Hashim Safi Al Din, a top Hezbollah official and relative of Hassan Hasrallah:

"These attacks will certainly be uniquely punished; there will be a bloodily unique revenge."

In the comments, someone expressed concerns about other consumer products and the risks involved to the general public of electronic devices being laced with deadly explosives.

"Hope our military leaders are considering the implications of Chinese-made electronics in the possession of our military forces after seeing this happen," this person said. "Just the tip of the iceberg."

Another wrote that this is similar to what the CIA did to Iraq just before the war when it had a company sell computer systems for air-defense systems that automatically add a few degrees to the trajectory of missiles and rockets, "leaving the Iraq army wondering why they kept missing the U.S. planes."

Israel is playing with fire as it continues to try to play God on the world stage. Learn more at Prophecy.news.

Sources for this article include:

NYPost.com

NaturalNews.com
Revolver News: Tim Walzs crazy wife goes VIRAL for looking and sounding like the Wicked Witch of The West

Theres something seriously off with the Walz family. These people arent normalin fact, they might just be the weirdest family in America. Mr. Walz, better known as Tampon Tim for his bizarre obsession with giving young boys free tampons, is a chubby, aww shucks Marxist. His focus is gender-confused kids, all so he can rack up progressive brownie points to advance his twisted and radical political career. Hes driven Minnesota into the ground, turning it into a criminal safe haven where lawlessness reigns with an iron fist. Not to mention, hes a stolen valor coward who has lied about his military career for decades.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

And if thats not bad enough, weve also got his insane wife, Gwen, who admitted she loved the smell of burning tires during the George Floyd riotsriots that killed 20 people and caused billions in damages, destroying homes and livelihoods. But hey, at least she had fun huffing rubber fumes, right?

This clip of Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz is making the rounds. Her reflection on the 2020 riots: I could smell the burning tiresI kept the windows open as long as I could because I felt like that was such a touchstone of what was happening." pic.twitter.com/YcxgFIi5QN  Philip Melanchthon Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann) August 6, 2024

Gwen might just be more unbearable than Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris combined, if you can believe that. Her disturbing bloodlust for violence and criminals might just explain why her husband lets the bad guys run wild in Minnesota.

We actually covered a story about Gwens bizarre fetish for violence and criminal activity.

Revolver:

Just when you think Harris and Walz are the most radical extremists to crawl out of the DC swamp, someone in their progressive orbit slithers along to outdo them. And who is this ghoulish radical? None other than Mrs. Walz, whos doing a bang-up job of burying her husbands chances of being installed in the White House, thanks to her obsession with all things violent. Once again, Mrs. Walz is caught on camera promoting violence and bad guys with a glimmer in her eye.

Gwen Walz (wife of Tim) says criminals should get as many chances as they want so who cares about law and orderpic.twitter.com/4Ueif5RdV5  Paul A. Szypula ?? (@Bubblebathgirl) August 6, 2024

She may be even crazier and more dangerous than her husband.

And speaking of crazy, Gwen Walzs erratic behavior was on full display at a recent campaign rally in Minnesota. It was so over-the-top, it was hard to tell if she was there to stump for her husband or audition for the role of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Her wild anticsscreaming, making bizarre faces, and flailing her handswere so off the charts that the video has gone mega viral on TikTok, but for all the wrong reasons. Even the New York Post couldnt believe what they were seeing.

New York Post:

A campaign speech by Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz, in which she used a sweeping hand gesture to say bye bye and turn the page on former President Donald Trump energized a Wisconsin audience, but induced cringes elsewhere. Gwen Walz was slammed as the living embodiment of Trump Derangement Syndrome for a stump speech for her husband, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Vice President Kamala Harris in Wisconsin on Saturday. In the speech, Gwen Walz cited Harris debate performance last week and how she repeatedly said the election is the time to turn the page on the current political climate. Now you probably saw that debate the other night. Yeah, that was great. And what Kamala Harris told us we had to do was we had to turn the page. Yeah, because we have something really exciting headed in our direction, Gwen Walz said. But I kinda like when she did this, Minnesotas first lady continued, imitating someone turning the page of a book. Turn the page. Gwen Walz then asked the audience to join her in pantomiming turning the page, while declaring the Democratic Party has 52 days to turn the page on Trumps run for the White House.

Yes, folks, Gwen had her Howard Dean moment, and over 5 million people have watched it in utter horror.

This video of Tim Walzs wife going full psycho has 5.3 Million views, 235,000 likes and 50,000 comments on TikTok. The entire country is finding out how insane these people are. ? pic.twitter.com/zqyhoBeCf3  johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 16, 2024

Wow, that was terrifying. After that meltdown, its probably safe to say Gwen wont be headlining any more rallies for her communist husband.

Read more at: Revolver.news
Tim Walz appointee affiliated with CCP-linked political faction

A recent Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) investigation has revealed that Democratic vice-presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appointed to a key state board a law professor affiliated with a political faction linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

According to the DCNF investigation, Walz appointed Chang Wang, a professor and member of the CCP-aligned organization China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) since 2007, to the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) in May 2020. Wang, currently listed as a senior associate professor of law at the Beijing-based China University of Political Science and Law, now serves as the interim chair of the CAPM.

The CAPM advises the government of Minnesota on the legal, social and political issues facing the Asian-American community. Meanwhile, the CAPD, which operates under the CCP, acts as an advisor to the political structure of China, despite its use of the word "democracy" in its name.

Based on the DCNF investigation, Chinese authorities have recognized Wang on multiple occasions since joining CAPM and have submitted policy proposals that the Chinese government accepted. For instance, in November 2021, the CAPD awarded him the "National Advanced Information Worker For Reflecting Societal Sentiments And The People's Opinion." Wang also received support for his legal research on international cybercrime from China's Supreme People's Procuratorate in 2021.

This involvement of Wang with CAPD has been documented in several online profiles but was notably removed from his biography on the University of Minnesota's China Center website between January and July 2023. However, the official website of CAPD still lists Wang as a member of its Central Civil and Judiciary Committee.

Despite this, Wang downplayed the connection, telling DCNF that his only ties to China are his elderly parents. Wang previously shared with China Insight that his parents were "senior scientists" at "Academia Sinica," the historic name for the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

In line with this, past media reports have resurfaced comments from Walz in 1991, where he allegedly told high school students that communism "means everyone is the same and everyone shares," seemingly praising the ideology. (Related: Tim Walz tied to CCP "secret police stations" hidden across U.S. that targeted critics of China.)

More recently, the DCNF reported that Walz also participated in various events organized by members of a Minnesota nonprofit linked to a CCP influence and intelligence agency. The investigation also revealed that individuals from this nonprofit and related groups held a fundraiser for the 2022 gubernatorial reelection campaign of the Minnesota governor.

Political experts question Walz's appointment of someone with CCP affiliation

John Dotson, the deputy director of the Global Taiwan Institute and a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer, warned that organizations like CAPD are part of the CCP's strategy to create a facade of political pluralism in China.

"Anyone who is a member of one of the 'eight democratic parties' should be understood as a CCP member, subject to Party directives, etcetera," said Dotson. "In reality, these eight nominal political parties are simply adjuncts of the CCP."

Steve Yates, the chair of the China Policy Initiative at the America First Policy Institute and a former Chinese language analyst for the National Security Agency, described CAS as a "privileged institution" that is "tightly monitored" by the CCP. "For someone to have two parents in that entity, it is the equivalent of being not just a made man, but a made family," Yates said.

Yates questioned the lack of vetting and the value of appointing someone with ties to a Chinese entity like Wang.

"You would think that there would be some screening," Yates told the DCNF. "Of what possible value-add is someone with ties to that entity in China to the citizens of the United States or Minnesota, and why would a governor with a generation of experience coming and going to the People's Republic of China want someone from that world having privileged access to advise leaders in Minnesota on any issue?"

Gordon Chang, a China expert and author, echoed these statements. "Walz appointing a Chinese Communist stooge doesn't automatically make him a Chinese Communist supporter," Chang said. "But who other than a Chinese Communist supporter would do that?"

Visit CommunistChina.news for 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:

Tim Walz's radical wife just let the mask slip, and wow, it's scary.

Tim Walz lied during campaign speech about his wife undergoing IVF.

Tim Walz believes 10-year-olds can choose their own gender, young men should be allowed in female restrooms.

Report: Tim Walz approved funding for Minnesota lab that worked with notorious Wuhan facility.

House panel subpoenas Tim Walz over $250M COVID fraud  was he aware of it at the time?

Sources include:

YourNews.com

DailyCaller.com
Yailey Quesada Ramos, a Havana native and mother of two minors, has been left unemployed. A worker in one of the non-state establishments forced to close due to the regime's crusade against the sector, she wonders how she will manage to support her two children.

"Did the Government take into account the forced unemployment of all the workers at the MSMEs it forced to close? What is the alternative offered by the Government? Which of those Decrees protects those of us who were dependents, legalized with the ONAT (National Tax Administration Office), who now have no way to reinvent their lives to support their respective families?" Quesada Ramos asks.

"A Government whose every Law is aimed directly at the hearts of the humblest cannot be good. There is no way to justify either the 'reordering' or the measures to end 'distortions' when the cost involves unemployment for the vulnerable. Those vulnerable people it promises to protect. The Cuban Government, let it known for once and for all, is the only "distortion" in this country. It is a pity that millions have taken so long to understand this. I can't forgive them," she lashed out.

A messenger at two MSMEs, Dylan Arzuaga now does not know how he'll find another job. His first child is on the way, and he is also supporting his elderly parents, whose retirement checks together do not add up to even 6,000 pesos per month.

"The two MSMEs for which I worked from sunrise to sunset were forced to close, accused of hiding goods that the Government had put price caps on. The truth is that I can't say for sure whether that was true or not because, like many employees, our work involved neither accounting nor storage. Those affected were the employees, the messengers, the drivers, who worked in distribution, to cite three examples," said Arzuaga, 28 years old and a resident of Alamar.

"My wife is six months pregnant. My parents suffer from age-related health ailments. I was raised to be honest and to earning my livelihood by working. And that's what I did: earn my salary honestly, until the Government decided to launch an attack on MSMEs and other private businesses. Where I am supposed to find another job, outside of the state, that allows me to support my family? In Cuba there's not a single factory, there's not a single state industry whose monthly wages allow one to make ends meet, to buy groceries. With their salaries, not even professionals, doctors or teachers, can cope with the situation," Arzuaga stated.

Between August 17 and 23 the Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) decreed the closure of locales and shut down the work projects of more than 360 non-state entities as part of the crusade against the sector. The official newspaper Granma reported that in just one week there had been 58 seizures, 773 forced sales for violations detected, and other administrative actions closing 171 establishments and rescinding 197 licenses.

Judith Navarro Ricardo, a legal specialist with the ONAT, said that bad accounting practices had been detected, such as the inclusion of equipment purchases as direct expenses instead of inventories, which artificially underreports companies' profitability, she said.

Business owners complain that the authorities force them to include an increase of 10% on each sale, plus 1% for local development, 1.5% for payments to the tax account, and 1% for the Cuban Music Copyright Agency (ACDAM), which adds up to 13.5% that the Cuban regime retains on each commercial transaction.

"If the government never cared even about the fate of its state employees and workers, we can be sure it cares even less about the unemployment they have generated in their constant wars against the private sector," says Alejandra Portillo, a Boyeros resident and an accountant for one of the MSMEs included in the list for "violations detected."

Portillo is awaiting a verdict from the authorities that, he believes, "will, undoubtedly, be unfavorable;" that is, it will force the MSME to cease its activities.

"Meanwhile, there are almost twenty of us workers who are interrupted, which, in practice is the same as being unemployed. There is no company in the world that does not present some accounting errors. Any accountant or economist or experienced auditor will tell you this. Perfection does not exist, a perfect inventory does not exist. In fact, any audit that reports perfection is much more suspicious. This is a campaign against the private sector seeking the closure, no matter what, of any MSME that is not under the control of the military. Everyone knows this. This is no longer the important question. Rather, the question for the Government is: what will be the fate of the hundreds of Cubans who lost their jobs or remain unemployed?"

Cuba Study Group, an organization made up of Cuban-American businessmen in favor of rapprochement with Havana and U.S. business in Cuba, warned that the rules recently approved by the Cuban regime to increase control over the non-state economy, especially MSMEs, could "represent a dramatic setback for the Cuban economy."

In a statement released at the end of August, the Cuba Study Group pointed out that the new package of rules, "under the pretext of correcting 'distortions' and 'tax evasion' in a 'war economy'... seems destined to hinder the growth of the private sector."

"It seems that, for the government, staying in Cuba is a punishment. Those of us who have not migrated, to our regret, for various reasons, must be punished," said Emma Villaverde, the mother of a minor and resident of Plaza.

"In none of the press publications, nor in any of the Round Table discussions, nor in any of the conclusions of the PCC Plenary, have they mentioned how this would be resolved. or how the workers who were left unemployed after the forced closure of dozens of MSMEs would be compensated. What are the job offers for all those workers? Or is being an entrepreneur, or working for the private sector, indicative of being a counterrevolutionary, or of committing a crime, such that one must be stopped?"

"The truth is that no one, absolutely no one, spoke or is speaking about all of us who are unemployed and without any other options in sight. This is the fate of all those Cubans who, for one reason or another, stay in Cuba and who, above all, want to earn our livings in serious and honest ways," Villaverde said.

"How are we going to believe a government that, despite what it says on the screen (on television), provokes migration, theft, embezzlement, crime and even dissident thinking? Here and now there is only one glaring truth: it is not the US blockade that is causing unemployment," she concluded.
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MGX was formed in Abu Dhabi earlier this year to address this problem and develop AI infrastructure. In addition to investing in AI technologies and startups, the company is also focused on building AI infrastructure like data centers, fostering partnerships between technology firms, research institutions and governments, and providing education and technical training for AI research professionals.

Installed data center capacity today exceeds 70 gigawatts. Over the next 10 to 15 years, this number is expected to reach 300 gigawatts. Currently, 1 gigawatt costs about $30 billion to $35 billion, making this level of spending unprecedented in both scope and scale, Ahmed Al Idrissi, CEO of MGX, told The National at the deal signing ceremony in Washington, DC.

Even hyper-scalers today are spending around $200 billion to $250 billion annually on infrastructure, but they can no longer sustain this level of expenditure moving into the next decade. Therefore, we have come together to create an investment vehicle that can help bear some of this burden and offer infrastructure delivery as a service to various players across the market, he added.

MGXs founding partner is G42, a technology holding company that has previously partnered with Microsoft and along with Cerebras has built what it claims is the fastest supercomputer in the world at 36 Exaflops.

Read more AI data center news
The Charger Blog

Hundreds of Chargers took part in the Universitys two-day Career Fair, talking with recruiters and employees from more than 100 companies, organizations, and agencies in the engineering, arts, business, healthcare, criminal justice, and nonprofit fields. By Jackie Hennessey, Contributing Writer

Students from a variety of majors and each academic college and school interacted with employers.

Derek Favret, a manufacturing engineering supervisor at RBC Bearings, was sharing insights into the companys hiring process with students gathered at his booth at the Career Development Centers Fall Career Fair, when, suddenly, he had a question for them.

At RBC, our main goal is to find a great fit for you, Favret explained. While we care about your existing skills, what we are most interested in is what you really want to do. Why do you think Id say that? he asked them.

Is it because people are inspired when they do work that they care about? answered Loydon Henry-Phillip '26, a mechanical engineering major.

I couldnt have said that better, Favret replied.

Favret was one of more than 100 employers who took part in the two-day Career Development Centers Fall Career Fair that drew hundreds of students to the Beckerman Recreation Center. Students were seeking full-time employment or internships and the chance to network with employers and recruiters.

Favret said he likes attending fairs at the University of New Haven because the students RBC has hired are strong communicators and hard working. The faculty and staff know what employers need, and they do a great job of providing real-world experience, so they are well prepared.

Henry-Phillip said he initially found the prospect of talking with employers really nerve wracking. But, within a half hour of arriving, hed already spoken with three different recruiters about internship possibilities, asked lots of questions, and passed out his resume. Theyve all been welcoming and encouraging, he said.

Students established relationships and talked with employers about internship and career opportunities.

I see me in them

Students were eager to speak with representatives from companies including Amuse Technologies, General Dynamics Electric Boat, M&T Bank, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Spire Orthopedic Partners, the City of New Haven, the U.S. Border Patrol, Coastal Connecticut Counseling, and the IRS Criminal Investigation.

Also taking part in the fair were representatives from nine local police departments, state police from Connecticut and New York, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the FBI, as well as Catalyst CT, Columbia Dental, Hartford HealthCare, and Nuvance Health.

At the Eversource Energy booth, Andrea Atkinson-Downer '08, MBA '14, a lead engineer, let students know that the company  which serves four million electric, gas, and water customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire and has 10,000 employees  is hiring across ALL fields! she emphatically noted.

She encouraged the students to scan the QR code at her booth as human resource representatives were waiting to answer questions. She urged them to set up profiles on the company website, to apply for internships or full-time employment opportunities, and to continually update their profiles because thats how she got her job there. The company was looking at me, she said. Never let an opportunity pass by.

Atkinson-Downer said she always wants to put students at ease when they step up to share a resume or ask questions. I see me in them she said. I remember being a student here, coming to the career fair and being unsure about what I wanted to do next.

Eversource loves to come here because we know there is great talent coming from the University of New Haven, Atkinson-Downer continued. We have a deep connection to this University.

Representatives from more than 100 employers participated in the University's two-day Career Fair.

Really prepared

Matt Caporale, M.A., executive director of the Career Development Center, called the employers true partners who play a crucial role in helping the University achieve its goals of positive career outcomes for our students.

Taylor Darville 21 M.S. and Sai Pujitha Karanam 20 M.S., assistant project managers, were part of a team representing the Cumming Group of Westport, a project management service company. Both said they were happy to take part in the event because the University had such an impact on their careers.

Both were civil engineering graduate students at the University. They didnt know each other while pursuing their masters degrees, but now they are colleagues working on Cumming Group projects with Yale University. Karanam spoke with students about the richly varied nature of her work.

Darville said the work he does taps into what he learned as a students in the Tagliatela College of Engineering, adding that the University also helped to shape his work ethic and professionalism.

I can attribute a lot of that to the University and to one professor in particular, our adviser Dr. Byungik Chang. You think hes tough and then you get out into the world, and you realize that he and the University have really prepared you. If you can get through him, you can work for us.

"They ask questions and have great resumes that are concise and informative." Taylor Darville 21 M.S.

Darville said he was impressed by the students he talked with at the fair. They ask questions and have great resumes that are concise and informative.

Megan Moriarty 12, 14 MBA, an assurance manager with Marcum LLP, said that when the firm has hired University of New Haven students, they are engaged and hardworking team players. She said she was excited to talk with students about Marcum and the opportunities that can come from a career in accounting and finance.

Ive been at Marcum since I graduated from the University, she said. I love my work, the people I work with, the flexibility of the schedule, and the chance to travel. We look forward to finding that connection and the students who can be the next fit.
Reliance Infra share up on debt reduction announcement

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hare of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd went up 20 per cent on Wednesday after the company announced that its external debt was down to Rs 475 crore, against the earlier Rs 3,831 crore.

Reliance Infrastructure closed at Rs 282.73, up 20 per cent or Rs 47.12. According to an exchange filing on Wednesday, the company said that its net worth currently stands at Rs 9,041 crore.

The company had completed a one-time settlement with Life Insurance Corporation relating to the issue of debentures worth Rs 600 crore.

The company further said that it has cleared its funded outstanding dues to Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Co., ICICI Bank Ltd, Union Bank Ltd, and other lenders. Invent Assets Securitisation and Reconstruction Pvt, a lender to the company, replaced certain charged securities to recover its dues.

"As a result, Invent ARC's entire fund-based outstanding amount has been reduced to zero."

Shares of Reliance Infrastructure have risen 25 per cent in the last one month. It gained almost 33 per cent in YTD (year-to-date) timeframe and surged nearly 59 per cent in the last one year.

Along with Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Power settled at Rs 32.97, up 5 per cent or Rs 1.57.

 Reliance Infra share up on debt reduction announcement

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Rajasthan Industry Minister hold meetings with investment firms in UAE

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day after hosting the investors' meet in Dubai, Rajasthan Industries and Commerce Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore-led delegation held meetings with key investment, energy and petrochemical firms from the government and private sector based in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Wednesday.

The delegation held meetings with top officials of TAQA, a UAE-based international energy and water company, TA'ZIZ, which is a global petrochemical firm based out of UAE, as well as investment firms like Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

The delegation shared the business prospects and opportunities available in Rajasthan, particularly in the focus sectors like Renewable, Education and Skilling, Auto and EV, Infrastructure, Chemical and Petrochemical, Tourism, Startups, Mining and ESDM/IT and ITeS etc. during these meetings and invited the representatives of TAQA, TA'ZIZ, ADIA, ADIC and Mubadala to Jaipur to partake in the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024.

It also interacted with the members of the Indian Business & Professional Group (IBPG), most of which were of Rajasthan origin, and praised them for earning fame and name in UAE by dint of their hard work and talent.

The minister also urged the members of the community to explore the possibility of bringing investment in Rajasthan.

On Tuesday, the delegation also attended a session with the Non-Resident Rajasthani (NRR) community and urged its members to become a bridge between Rajasthan and the UAE-based business community.

The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of India to UAE, Sunjay Sudhir earlier in the day deliberated on ways to bring investors to Rajasthan. The delegation will also attend the dinner hosted by the Indian Embassy.

With these meetings, the UAE leg of the international outreach of 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 has come to an end and the delegation will proceed to Doha, Qatar to invite the investor and business community of Qatar.

 Rajasthan Industry Minister hold meetings with investment firms in UAE

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A federal district court judge Tuesday upheld a law amending Idahos voter registration and identification requirements  which included eliminating student ID as a valid form of identification.

Idaho U.S. District Court Judge Amanda Brailsford wrote in a decision released Wednesday that the requirements under the challenged 2023 laws do not create a severe burden for voters. The student-led organization March For Our Lives Idaho and Idaho Alliance for Retired Americans in 2023 sued Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, arguing the new requirements under HB 340 and HB 124 were unconstitutional.

The groups wrote in the challenge that the laws make it dramatically harder for many eligible Idaho citizens to register and vote, by sharply restricting the forms of identification that may be used.

Brailsford in her decision disagreed, and ruled to dismiss the lawsuit in favor of McGrane.

Students, like all other voters, may choose among an Idaho driver license, a United States passport or identification card, a tribal identification card, a concealed weapon permit, or a no-fee identification card, Brailsford wrote in the decision. While it may be easier for students to register to vote or to vote using their student identification card, it does not automatically follow that not allowing them to use these cards imposes a material requirement on their right to vote on account of their age.
Livingstone becomes No. 1 T20I all-rounder after standout performance vs Australia

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ngland's Liam Livingstone has surged to the top of the T20I All-Rounder rankings following a series of outstanding performances against Australia. In the second T20I, Livingstone was named Player of the Match after scoring 87 runs off 47 balls and taking 2 wickets for just 16 runs in 3 overs.

His impressive showing not only helped England clinch victory but also marked a significant milestone in his career.

Livingstone's standout performances throughout the series, including taking 3 wickets for 22 runs and scoring 37 runs in the first T20I, propelled him up the rankings.

His new rating of 253 points represents a career-high, giving him a commanding 42-point lead over Australia's Marcus Stoinis, who holds the second spot with 211 points. Following Stoinis are Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza (208) and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan (206).

In addition to his success as an all-rounder, Livingstone also made significant strides in the Batting Rankings, jumping 17 places to 33rd. Meanwhile, Australia's Josh Inglis made a remarkable leap into the top ten after scoring 37 and 42 runs in the series.

On the bowling front, Adam Zampa has moved ahead of Anrich Nortje, ensuring that the top six in the T20I Bowling Rankings are all spinners. Zampa's rating of 662 puts him just one point behind Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga, while England's Adil Rashid remains the leader with a rating of 721 after consistently claiming wickets throughout the series.

In the world of ODIs, there have also been notable movements. Namibia's Gerhard Erasmus climbed to fifth in the All-Rounder rankings after contributing both with bat and ball against the USA. Additionally, USA captain Monak Patel has broken into the top 50 following a half-century in the same match.

 Livingstone becomes No. 1 T20I all-rounder after standout performance vs Australia

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1st Test: Pant, Jaiswal, Rahul fall as Bangladesh take upper hand over India

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y taking out Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in quick succession, Bangladesh managed to take an upper hand over India, as the hosts' reached 176/6 in 48 overs at tea on day one of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

With the conditions being still good for bowling, it meant Bangladesh made further inroads into a session they won, despite Jaiswal's fifth Test fifty and an unbeaten 21 from Ravichandran Ashwin, who added 32 off 34 balls for the seventh wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (seven not out).

Three overs post lunch, Pant began by cutting Mahmud through point for four. But on the very next ball, Pant once again tried to cut the ball outside off-stump, but this time, he was late on the timing and got a faint under-edge straight to the keeper to fall for 39 off 52 balls.

Jaiswal continued to be comfortable at the crease, especially aided by Mahmud spraying down leg a bit too much, and slammed his fifty in 95 balls. But Nahid Rana ended his knock at 56 off 118 balls, as the pacer found Jaiswal's thick outside edge carrying nicely to first slip.

In the next over, Rahul couldn't keep leg glance down and was caught by shot leg off Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 16 off 52 balls. Local lad Ashwin got a good reception from a sparse crowd at Chepauk and he didn't disappoint with his attractive punch and pull, while getting a poke between slips to get his third four. India will be hoping that Ashwin and Jadeja put on a rearguard stand to get a competitive total.

Brief Scores: India 176/6 in 48 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 56, Rishabh Pant 39; Hasan Mahmud 4-35) against Bangladesh

 1st Test: Pant, Jaiswal, Rahul fall as Bangladesh take upper hand over India

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Utkarsh Sharma: I don't prefer remakes

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ctor Utkarsh Sharma, who is currently riding high on the success of Gadar 2 starring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, says he is not a big fan of the remakes.

Asked if he is interested in a remake of any classic Bollywood movie, Utkarsh told IANS: "I don't prefer remakes and I don't prefer remakes."

Does he prefer working on action films like "Gadar" or is there any other genre he would like to explore?

"When I came to become an actor, I had never thought of genre. I just want to make films, perform well and whatever genre it may be, I want to win the hearts of the audience."

"Gadar 2" is the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of 2023 and the eighth highest-grossing Hindi film of all-time. The first two installments of the "Gadar" franchise featured Sunny as the iconic character of Tara Singh. He was joined by Ameesha Patel, who played his wife Sakina and Utkarsh Sharma, who essayed the role of their son named Jeete.

Asked how he handled the pressure of being part of a successful film franchise, he said: "There was a lot of pressure obviously and it was not an easy task to bring a sequel to such a big film. So definitely, there was a lot of responsibility on the shoulders and there were a lot of expectations from the audience.

"We used to feel it daily. When we used to shoot anywhere, thousands of people used to come because a sequel to Gaddar was being made. Everyone has seen that film. So there was a lot of wait and I am glad that it paid off."

Utkarsh's father Anil Sharma was the brain behind the blockbuster films, which first released in 2001 and was a tragic love story during the time of partition of India in 1947, where a truck driver named Tara Singh fell in love with a Pakistani girl named Sakina.

The second Installment was set during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The film saw the return of Tara Singh in Pakistan to save his son Jeete, who was imprisoned by the officers of Pakistan.

How did growing up in a cinematic family shape his perspective of acting?

"The main perspective I have about my work is that it is all for the audience. I work for the audience and I live by their laughter or their tears. So that is the most important thing for me that when I am watching my movie in the theatres with the audience, are they feeling what my character is feeling? That is the only feeling I live for," he said.

Talking about Gaddar 3,he said: "Work in progress."

 Utkarsh Sharma: I don't prefer remakes

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Centre to probe death of young EY employee after mother complains of work pressure

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he Union Labour Ministry on Thursday said it will officially probe the death of a 26-year-old woman working at audit firm Ernst and Young (EY) in Pune after her mother blamed the company for overwork.

Anna Sebastian Perayil, 26, passed away on July 21 after being burdened with a "backbreaking workload" and "work stress", claimed her mother Anita Augustine in a heart-wrenching letter to Chairman Rajiv Memani.

Anna worked for four months at the accounting firm.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway," Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said in a post on X.

"We are committed to ensuring justice and the Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint," she added.

The MoS said this in response to a post by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who described Anna's death as "very sad but also disturbing at many levels".

"I request Govt of India @mansukhmandviya @ShobhaBJP to investigate these allegations made by the mother of unsafe and exploitative work environment that claimed the life of a young, full of future Anna Sebastian Perayil," he said.

Augustine in her letter to the Chairman said EY's work culture "seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human being behind the role". She claimed that Anna would return to her room "utterly exhausted" but would again be "bombarded" with work messages.

The mother said that while Anna was "a fighter to the core", "the overwhelming pressure proved too much even for her".

Facing severe backlash on social media, EY India, in a statement said that the company was deeply saddened by Anna's death and was taking the family's correspondence with the "utmost seriousness and humility".

"We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 1,00,000 people across EY member firms in India," the company added.

Meanwhile, Sibi Joseph, father of the young Anna, said they have no plans to take legal action against the company. "My wife wrote the letter to the Chairman to ensure that even though our daughter is gone, such a thing should not happen to any other person. We are not going to take any legal steps against the company also," said Joseph.

 Centre to probe death of young EY employee after mother complains of work pressure

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Irregularities in Tirumala will be probed, says Andhra Minister

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ay after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat in making the Tirupati laddu, Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said that a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into irregularities in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

The minister told media persons that the Chief Minister repeated what the officials have already stated on the quality of ingredients used in making laddu, also known as Tirumala laddu.

CM Naidu in a TDP meeting on Wednesday claimed that during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) rule, the laddu used to be made with substandard ingredients.

The famous sweet is given as 'prasadam' to the devotees at the famous Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, which is run by TTD, a body nominated by the state government.

He accused YSRCP leaders of tarnishing the sanctity of the hill shrine. "They compromised on the quality of 'Annadanam' (free meals) and even contaminated the sacred Tirumala Laddu by using animal fat instead of ghee," he said but added that after the change of government laddu is being made with pure ghee.

Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy remarked that the sins of former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy were coming to light one after the other.

Meanwhile, former member of TTD Governing Council O.V. Ramana said it was a fact that substandard ghee was used in making the laddu.

He told a news conference in Tirupati that quality cow ghee for the laddu was being procured in the past from a milk cooperative body of the Karnataka government.

He alleged that former Executive Officer Dharma Reddy awarded the contract for the supply of ghee to traders of his choice. He said the tender was awarded to a Delhi-based company, which was supplying ghee mixed with chemicals.

Ramana said that Jagan Mohan Reddy was paying for the mistakes of Y. V. Subba Reddy, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and Dharma Reddy.

Subba Reddy, a Rajya Sabha MP of YSRCP and former TTD chairman denied the allegation made by Naidu. He termed the allegation "malicious" and said that the TDP supremo would never 'stoop to any level for political gain'.

Subba Reddy, who is the uncle of Jagan Mohan Reddy, said CM Naidu had severely damaged the sanctity of the Tirumala temple and the faith of crores of Hindus with his remarks.

On September 4, TTD Executive Officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao announced that TTD is now procuring quality ghee from Nandini ghee from the Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Limited

He said focus was laid on improving the taste and quality of Laddu prasadam taking the experts' opinion. "The experts also stated that the quality of ghee has a major role to play in deciding the taste of Srivari laddus. TTD did not have proper labs and private labs did not properly test ghee quality. Hence TTD has set up a new laboratory for Sensory perception to assess the quality of ghee and its staff are being trained at Mysore," said Syamala Rao.

The EO also said that a four-member experts committee has been set up to speed up the purchase of quality ghee and based on its guidelines and recommendations, tenders have been called for and the tenderers were also given clear instructions that there will not be any compromise on the quality of ghee and serious action will be taken if they have provided adulterated ghee. The bidders were told that they had to follow "sensory parameters. "With all these new guidelines, some old tenderers who supplied adulterated ghee earlier have not even participated", he said.

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal has demanded punishment for those who used animal fat in Tirupati Laddu.

He posted on 'X' that everybody knows about the "anti-Hindu acts and deeds" of the previous YSRCP government but nobody could expect that it may stoop to this level. "Tirupati Balaji Prasad Laddu which is a blessing for crores of Hindus globally, may contain animal fat. This very serious issue, raised by none other than the present Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu," he wrote.

"Needs quick stern action against the culprits. It must also be ensured that the things do not occur anywhere in the state," Vinod Bansal added.

BJP leader and former TTD member Bhanu Prakash Reddy said that the YSRCP government deliberately compromised the quality of the laddu for the sake of commission. He told a press conference in Tirupati that the report of the expert committee brought out adulteration in ghee. He said a vigilance report into the matter will soon bring out more facts.

State Congress president Y. S. Sharmila Reddy said on Thursday that both TDP and YSRCP were doing cheap politics, hurting the sentiments of Hindus by tarnishing the sanctity of Tirumala. She posted on 'X' that CM Chandrababu Naidu's remarks amounted to tarnishing the sanctity and reputation of Tirumala.

Sharmila Reddy, who is the sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy, said that if there is no political angle in Chandrababu Naidu's allegation and if he does not intend to do politics over sentiments, he should immediately constitute a high-level committee or order a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

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Celina Jaitley shares throwback picture from her school life

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ormer actress Celina Jaitley, who is known for 'No Entry', 'Golmaal Returns' and others, is reminiscing about her days in school, and how she fulfilled her dreams despite a broken education infrastructure in Kumaon hills where her father was once posted.

The actress, however, didn't specifically state the town that she resided in back then.

Her father served as an infantry officer in the Indian Army, and had a transferable job. On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a throwback picture from her school, in which she can be seen dressed in salwar kameez.

She also penned a long note in the caption talking about how it was to study in a school which often had no teachers.

She wrote, "Thanks to my late father's profession as an #infantry officer in the #indianarmy I got to study in 13 different schools. #kendriyavidyalaya & #armypublicschool being the most popular choices. In the #kumaonhills we sometimes had a school but didn't have teachers. Sometimes we had teachers but the classroom was broken. In KV Kendriya vidyalaya in the back and beyond of high #himalayan mountains in the late 90's we lead extremely simple student lives and wore #salwarkameez #uniforms".

She further mentioned that leopards would often sleep in their classrooms the previous night.

She continued, "We didn't have teachers for many subjects at certain schools. Sometimes we even studied under trees, We shared our tiffins, ate berries and apples on our way home and not once did we let go of our dreams under any circumstances. Fortunately, total strangers can become the most important people in your life overnight".

"I can never forget those beautiful memories and most valuable lessons that I learnt in the simplest of environments with these very simple kind hearted classmates and their families who became such a blessed part of my life journey. Amidst the quiet peaks and rolling hills, the simple life of a student becomes a profound journey where the crisp mountain air clears the mind, and each day is a chance to learn from both books and the wisdom of nature and golden hearted people", she added.

 Celina Jaitley shares throwback picture from her school life

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President Murmu wins hearts in MP, seeks blessing of Mahakaal

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resident Droupadi Murmu who was on a visit to the religious city Ujjain on Thursday, offered prayer at Mahakaleshwar temple.

She along with Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav gave 'shram-dan' by cleaning floor a portion of the floor of the temple.

She also took a ride at the newly developed Shri Mahakal Lok corridor. The first phase of the corridor project worth Rs 600 crore was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2022, while the construction for the second phase is underway.

Before arriving at Mahakaleshwar temple, the President laid the foundation stone digitally for the construction of a six-lane Ujjain-Indore road, to be built at a cost of Rs 1,692 crore.

During the event, she also felicitated sanitation workers for their dedication towards cleanliness. Four women were among the five safai mitras (sanitation workers) honoured by the president here on the occasion.

"Madhya Pradesh has set up a benchmark in cleanliness, and I am happy about it. I too had started the journey of my 'jan-seva' with 'shram-dan'. When I was head of the notified area council (of Odisha), I often used to visit one sector to another and I used to enjoy cleanliness drive," the President stated addressing the event.

Later in the evening, she attended the convocation of Devi Ahilya University, one of the renowned educational institutions in the state, which was established in 1964.

Addressing the gathering of students during the convocation, the President said, "The decision of which field or position you will work in in the future should be based on your ability and your interest. If you choose your path on this basis, you will definitely achieve success."

She asserted that Lokmata Ahilyabai understood the importance of education even in the 18th century.

"My father also educated me at a time when educating girls was not common and many people in the society opposed it. My life is a great example of women empowerment," she added.

The President also congratulated the citizens of Indore for making the city the cleanest in the country for the last several years.

"The residents of Indore, who have been ranked first in the cleanliness survey of India for seven consecutive times, have set an extraordinary example in the field of cleanliness. I especially congratulate the administration and all the residents of Indore," the President added.

The President awarded medals to the toppers from different streams during convocation.

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MOSCOW  The 48th president of Costa Rica encouraged the Moscow community to set lofty goals when it comes to bettering society.

Carlos Alvarado Quesada, now a professor at Tufts University, was the keynote speaker during the University of Idahos 77th annual Borah Symposium. The theme of this years symposium was Peace and Security in the 21st Century.

Alvarado Quesada, who served as president from 2018-22, spoke about how his small Latin America country became a world leader in several important 21st century issues like climate policies and COVID-19 mitigation.

Alvarado Quesada said he tried to live up to his grandparents generation, which brought universal health care to the country, abolished the countrys army and reversed deforestation in Costa Rica. The former president said he took on the burden of continuing their legacy.

If the generation of my grandparents was capable of something said to be impossible as abolishing the armed forces, we could aim to something that appeared impossible, he said.

During his term, that impossible goal was decarbonization, he said. The Costa Rican government launched a decarbonization plan in 2019 with a goal of continuing to grow the economy while cutting back on fossil fuel emissions. The plan included cutting the tax on electric vehicle importance and supporting low-carbon agricultural practices.
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Signals in our brain are not always processed in the same way: Certain receptors modulate these mechanisms, influencing our mood, perception, and behavior in various ways. One of these is the 5-HT2A receptor, which has a recently discovered unique characteristic: It dampens incoming visual information, giving our brain more space for internal processes and interpretations. This discovery by a research team from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, could also help explain the effects of drugs like LSD. When this receptor is overactivated, external sensory input is suppressed, and the brain generates more internally-driven images. "It's a bit like our brain is increasingly talking to itself," explains Professor Dirk Jancke. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications on September, 14, 2024, provide new insights into our understanding of perception and psychiatric disorders.

In the jungle of serotonin receptors

Receptors mediate the transmission of information between nerve cells. The release of serotonin alters nerve cell activities throughout the brain. At least 14 types of serotonergic receptors can be distinguished. "The situation is particularly tricky because these receptors can be both inhibitory and activating," says Dirk Jancke.

Additionally, they are expressed in different cell types, which in turn have mutual inhibitory or excitatory effects on the entire network." Dirk Jancke, Ruhr-Universitaet-Bochum

Using light against the darkness in the brain

Investigating the effects of receptors in the brain is therefore not a simple task. Conventional pharmacological methods for elucidating the function of receptors upon the neural network are limited. They are usually not specific enough and, crucially, operate on a slower timescale. The research group led by Professor Stefan Herlitze has therefore developed alternative methods. Light-sensitive receptor proteins are introduced into nerve cells using viruses. The light-sensitive receptor proteins are genetically modified, such that they can mimic the functions of a selected receptor type. This allows the selected receptor type to be turned on and off like a light switch, precisely and within milliseconds. For this purpose, ultra-thin optical fibers are implanted in mice, delivering light of the desired wavelength to the appropriate brain region via LED control.

5-HT2A receptors regulate sensitivity to sensory input

Through this method, the researchers discovered that the 5-HT2A receptor selectively suppresses the strength of incoming visual information. "Surprisingly, this happens without inhibiting other parallel processes," reports Dr. Ruxandra Barzan, the study's lead author. Thus, the brain reduces the importance of current sensory input in favor of internal communication and interpretation processes. "This means that we've discovered a mechanism that regulates how much importance is attached to incoming information," says Ruxandra Barzan.

Understanding hallucinations, developing therapeutic approaches

Hallucinations induced by drugs like LSD could therefore be interpreted as a form of self-dialogue, according to Dirk Jancke. "Through overactivation, the 5-HT2A receptor suppresses external sensory-driven activity, and the brain creates perception independent of external stimuli."

In a healthy brain, serotonin activates different receptor types simultaneously, which ensures that the flow of information is weighted in a balanced way. In case of psychiatric diseases, this balance can be disrupted. The researchers hope that their recent findings could contribute to the development of new therapies in which specifically selected receptors are activated in low doses in order to restore such balance. Psychedelic drugs that selectively target the 5-HT2A receptor, for example, could be used for therapeutic purposes under medical supervision and in defined learning contexts in order to compensate for abnormal imbalances in receptor activation in the long term.

Artificial Intelligence meets neurobiology

To better understand the complex interactions between different cell types and receptors in the brain, the researchers used computer models that simplify key features of neural circuits. They tested the hypothesis that the receptor only shows the observed effects when it is activated simultaneously in both inhibitory and excitatory nerve cells. This hypothesis was supported by their model. The research group led by Professor Sen Cheng found in their simulations that only the simultaneous receptor activation in inhibitory and excitatory cells leads to network interactions that replicate the experimental findings.
Research from the University of Michigan suggests that one day a phone app could be able to detect the development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients just by listening to them speak.

The resulting paper, "HEAR-MHE Study: Automated Speech Analysis Identifies Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and May Predict Future Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy" was published in Hepatology.

Hepatic encephalopathy, a brain dysfunction caused by the liver's failure to filter toxins out of blood, often affects quality of life in patients with cirrhosis.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy, a more subtle form of the condition, can portend overt hepatic encephalopathy, which can lead to complications such as comas.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy can lead to confusion, sleep disturbance and personality changes, among other symptoms.

Despite its effects on quality of life, however, the minimal version can be hard to detect.

Ten to 20% of patients with cirrhosis could have minimal hepatic encephalopathy, but as a doctor you won't know it, because you would need to administer a psychometric hepatic encephalopathy-score test to diagnose them. But that never happens in clinical practice, so these people go undiagnosed." Patricia Bloom, M.D., assistant professor of hepatology at U-M and lead author of the study

A new idea

Hepatic encephalopathy often also affects speech.

Hoping to create an easier test, researchers recorded 200 patients with cirrhosis performing speech tasks.

The recordings were then analyzed for hundreds of speech variables.

Those analyses led to the development of a multi-variable model, called Hear-MHE, which was compared to verified psychometric tests to determine its ability to identify moderate hepatic encephalopathy.

Hear-MHE was highly correlated with the validated tests and showed promise at predicting the time to development of overt hepatic encephalopathy.

The speech tasks included a paragraph reading, a picture description and an animal naming test.

The paragraph reading test proved the most effective, and its relative simplicity-;patients are recorded reading for 30-40 seconds, in lieu of a 15-20-minute pen-and-paper test-;leads researchers to hope one day streamlined testing could lead to more diagnoses and better treatment for those previously diagnosed.

"Let's say a patient had overt encephalopathy and you've started them on treatments, but you don't quite know how well those treatments are working," Bloom said.

"Are those symptoms creeping back up again? This tool could potentially perform outpatient long-term monitoring to check on progress or detect recurring symptoms."

The paragraph reading test has the additional advantage of consistency, allowing for easier comparison between a patient's tests or interpatient comparisons.

Next steps for the researchers include testing the tool in larger, more diverse clinical settings to validate its efficacy at detecting hepatic encephalopathy.

They also hope to develop an in-home web app version of the test that could be sent to patients via text message.

"We are creating an app that patients can use easily at home," Bloom said. "We hope this app allows for earlier diagnosis of HE and improved treatment."
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their collaborators have identified a protein, known as RNF114, that reverses cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens that occurs commonly in people as they age. The study, which was conducted in the 13-lined ground squirrel and rats, may represent a possible surgery-free strategy for managing cataracts, a common cause of vision loss. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Scientists have long searched for an alternative to cataract surgery, which is effective, but not without risk. Lack of access to cataract surgery is a barrier to care in some parts of the world, causing untreated cataracts to be a leading cause of blindness worldwide." Xingchao Shentu, M.D., cataract surgeon and co-lead investigator from Zhejiang University, China

This new discovery was part of ongoing research at NIH's National Eye Institute (NEI) involving a mammalian hibernator, the 13-lined ground squirrel. In these ground squirrels, the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells in the retina are mostly cones, which makes the ground squirrel helpful for studying cone-related properties, such as color vision. In addition, the squirrel's ability to withstand months of cold and metabolic stress during hibernation make it model for vision scientists to study a range of eye diseases.

Researchers learned that during hibernation, the ground squirrel's lenses became cloudy at around 4 degrees Celsius but quickly turned transparent after rewarming. By comparison, non-hibernators (rats in this study) developed cataracts at low temperatures, but they did not resolve with rewarming.

Cataract formation in hibernating animals exposed to low temperatures is likely a cellular response to cold stress and is one of many changes their bodies undergo as their tissues adapt to freezing temperatures and metabolic stress. Humans do not develop cataracts when exposed to low temperatures.

Understanding the molecular drivers of this reversible cataract phenomenon might point us in a direction toward a potential treatment strategy." Wei Li, Ph.D., study's co-lead investigator, senior investigator in the NEI Retinal Neurophysiology Section

The main job of the lens is to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. As we age, cataracts form when proteins in the lens start misfolding and forming clusters that block, scatter, and distort light as it passes through the lens. For reasons that are not clear, aging can disrupt protein homeostasis-;a process that maintains the balance of newly made proteins and the turnover of old proteins.

To explore the ground squirrel's reversible cataracts at the molecular level, the team developed a lab-based, lens-in-a-dish model using stem cells engineered from ground squirrel cells by the Li Lab at NEI. Using this platform, the researchers zeroed in on a part of an extensive network that maintains protein homeostasis in part by breaking down old proteins, known as the ubiquitin proteasome system.

Specifically, RNF114 was significantly elevated during rewarming in the ground squirrel, compared with the non-hibernating rat. RNF114 had previously been shown to help identify old proteins and facilitate their degradation.

To look further at RNF114's effect, they again used a non-hibernator (rat) cataract model by incubating its lenses at 4 degrees Celsius. Normally, such cataracts would not resolve with rewarming. However, when the lenses were pretreated with RNF114, there was a rapid clearing of the cataract upon rewarming.

According to the scientific team, these findings are proof-of-principle that it is possible to induce cataract clearance in animals. In future studies, the process will need to be fine-tuned so scientists can stimulate specific protein degradation to see how to precisely regulate protein stability and turnover. This mechanism is also an important factor in many neurodegenerative diseases, they said.

The research was supported by the NEI Intramural Research Program and was conducted in collaboration with researchers at Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
PULLMAN POLICE

Friday

5:30 a.m.  An unconscious patient was transported to the hospital from the 200 block of Main Street.

4:17 p.m.  Trespassing was reported on the 1000 block of Nye Street.

5:26 p.m.  Fraud was reported on the 200 block of Timothy Street.

6:37 p.m.  Theft was reported on the 500 block of Shoemaker Place.

Officers responded to four domestic disputes in Pullman Friday.

Saturday

11:08 a.m.  Fraud was reported on the 200 block of Sunrise Drive.

2:44 p.m.  An unconscious person was taken to the hospital from the 900 block of Colorado Street.

Police and fire responded to four couch fires in Pullman Saturday.

Four noise complaints were made in Pullman Saturday.

Officers were called to two noninjury collisions in Pullman Saturday.

Sunday

1:05 a.m.  A person was reportedly throwing and breaking glass bottles on the 3100 block of Cottonwood Lane.

1:51 a.m.  Police arrested a male for suspicion of DUI on Grand Avenue.

2:25 a.m.  A 20-year-old man was arrested for an alleged DUI on Stadium Way.

10:29 a.m.  Officers arrested a 33-year-old man on a warrant on Grand Avenue.

10:34 a.m.  Fraud was reported on the 2000 block of Terre View Drive.

12:34 p.m.  A sex offense was reported in Pullman.

7:07 p.m.  Police arrested a 35-year-old man for suspicion of DUI on the 700 block of Grand Avenue.

Two noninjury crashes were reported in Pullman Sunday.

Monday

2:14 a.m.  A noise complaint was made on the 1600 block of Merman Drive.

2:18 p.m.  Items were reportedly stolen out of a storage unit on the 2300 block of Grand Avenue.

4:33 p.m.  A phone was reportedly stolen from the 200 block of Grand Avenue.

5:48 p.m.  A two-vehicle noninjury crash was reported on Grand Avenue.

Fraud was reported twice in Pullman Monday.

Tuesday

4:32 a.m.  A 35-year-old man was arrested for an alleged DUI crash on the 200 block of Bishop Boulevard.

1:36 p.m.  Theft was reported on the 1600 block of Wheatland Drive.

Fraud was reported twice in Pullman Tuesday.

WSU POLICE

Friday

1:11 p.m.  A sex offense was reported in Pullman.

Saturday

11:52 p.m.  An unconscious person was taken to the hospital from the 1200 block of Stadium Way.

Tuesday

2:08 p.m.  Theft was reported on the 700 block of B Street.

Wednesday

6:04 a.m.  A sex offense was reported in Pullman.

WHITMAN COUNTY SHERIFF

Friday

1:42 a.m.  Deputies arrested a 19-year-old man for an alleged DUI on Stadium Way in Pullman.

7:39 p.m.  An 18-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of DUI on Colfax Airport Road in Colfax.

Saturday

6:37 a.m.  A patient was transported to the hospital from School Road in Endicott.

Sunday

1:02 a.m.  A 21-year-old man was arrested for an alleged DUI on Grand Avenue in Pullman.

Monday

8:52 a.m.  A noninjury collision was reported on Front Street in Oakesdale.

10:54 a.m.  Deputies arrested a 26-year-old man for suspicion of third-degree driving with a suspended license on Washington State Route 27 in Palouse.
Soon after a series of state laws left a Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia, Missouri, unable to provide abortions in 2018, it shipped some of its equipment to states where abortion remained accessible.

Recovery chairs, surgical equipment, and lighting from the Missouri clinic  all expensive and perfectly good  could still be useful to other health centers run by the same affiliate, Planned Parenthood Great Plains, in its three other states. Much of it went to Oklahoma, where the organization was expanding, CEO Emily Wales said.

When Oklahoma banned abortion a few years later, it was time for that equipment to move again. Some likely ended up in Kansas, Wales said, where her group has opened two new clinics within just over two years because abortion access there is protected in the state constitution  and demand is soaring.

Her Kansas clinics regularly see patients from Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and even Louisiana, as Kansas is now the nearest place to get a legal abortion for many people in the southern U.S.

Like the shuffling of equipment, America's abortion patients are traveling around the nation to navigate the patchwork of laws created by the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, which left policies on abortion to the states.

Since that ruling, 14 states have enacted bans with few exceptions, while other states have limited access. But states that do not have an abortion ban in place have seen an 11% increase in clinician-provided abortions since 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a national nonprofit that supports abortion rights. Over 170,000 people traveled out of their own state to receive abortion care in 2023, according to the institute.

Not all of the increase in abortions comes from interstate travel. Telehealth has made medication abortions easier to obtain without traveling. The number of self-managed abortions, including those done with the medication mifepristone, has risen.

And Guttmacher data scientist Isaac Maddow-Zimet said the majority of the overall abortion increase in recent years came from in-state residents in places without total bans, as resources expanded to improve access.

"That speaks, in a lot of ways, to the way in which abortion access really wasnt perfect pre-Dobbs," Maddow-Zimet said. "There were a lot of obstacles to getting care, and one of the biggest ones was cost."

Last year, the estimated number of abortions provided in the U.S. rose to over 1 million, the highest number in a decade, according to the institute.

Still, abortion opponents hailed an estimated drop in the procedure in the 14 states with near-total bans.

"Its encouraging that pro-life states continue to show massive declines in their in-state abortion totals, with a drop of over 200,000 abortions since Dobbs," Kelsey Pritchard, a spokesperson for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, wrote in a statement.

Organizations in states where abortion remains legal feel the ripples of every new ban almost instantly. One Planned Parenthood affiliate with a clinic in southern Illinois, for example, reported a roughly 10% increase in call volume in the two weeks following the enactment of Florida's six-week abortion ban in May. And an Illinois-based abortion fund, Midwest Access Coalition, experienced a similar pattern the day the Dobbs decision was announced in June 2022.

"Our hotline was insane," said Alison Dreith, the coalition's director of strategic partnerships.

People didn't know what the decision meant for their ability to access abortions, Dreith said, including whether already scheduled appointments would still happen. The coalition helps people travel for abortions throughout 12 Midwestern states, four of which now have total bans with few exceptions.

After serving 800 people in 2021, the Midwest Access Coalition went on to help 1,620 in 2022 and 1,795 in 2023. Some of that increase can be attributed to the natural growth of the organization, which is only about a decade old, Dreith said, but it's also a testament to its work. It pays for any mode of transportation that will get clients to a clinic, including partnering with another Illinois nonprofit with volunteer pilots who fly patients across state lines on private flights to get abortions.

"We also book and pay for hotel rooms," Dreith said. "We give cash for food, and for child care."

The National Network of Abortion Funds, a coalition of groups that offer logistical and financial assistance to people seeking abortions, said donations increased after the Dobbs decision, and its members reported a 39% increase in requests for help in the following year. They financially supported 102,855 people that year, including both in-state and out-of-state patients, but have also seen a "staggering drop off" in donations since then.

Increased awareness about the options for abortion care, spurred on by an increase in news stories about abortion since the Dobbs decision, may have fueled the rise in abortions overall, Maddow-Zimet said.

Both sides now await the next round of policy decisions on abortion, which voters will make in November. Ballot initiatives in at least 10 states could enshrine abortion rights, expanding access to abortions, including in two states with comprehensive bans.

"Lives will be lost with the elimination of laws that protect more than 52,000 unborn children annually," wrote Pritchard of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, citing an analysis on the group's website.

In the meantime, Wales said her clinics in Kansas don't have enough appointments to accommodate everyone who reaches out about scheduling an abortion. In the early days after the Dobbs decision, Wales estimated, only 20% of people who called the clinic were able to schedule an abortion appointment.

The organization has expanded and renovated its facilities across the state, including in Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas. Its newest clinic opened in August in Pittsburg, just 30 miles from Oklahoma. But even with all that extra capacity, Wales said her group still expects to be able to schedule only just over 50% of people who inquire.

"Weve done what we can to increase appointments," Wales said. "But it hasnt replaced what were many states providing care to their local communities."
The proponents of Proposition 35, a November ballot initiative that would create a dedicated stream of funding to provide health care for California's low-income residents, have assembled an impressive coalition: doctors, hospitals, community clinics, dentists, ambulance companies, several county governments, numerous advocacy groups, big business, and both major political parties.

The Yes on Prop 35 campaign has raised over $48 million as of Sept. 9, according to campaign filings with the secretary of state. The measure would use money from a tax on managed-care health plans mainly to hike the pay of physicians, hospitals, community clinics, and other providers in Medi-Cal, the state's version of Medicaid.

For many months, there was no organized opposition. But shortly after Labor Day, a small group of community advocates, including the League of Women Voters of California, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, and The Children's Partnership, announced they were united against it.

"We do not have the deep pockets that the proponents of the initiative do," said Kiran Savage-Sangwan, executive director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network. No fundraising has been recorded from opposition groups thus far.

Gov. Gavin Newsom hasn't taken a public stance, but he has warned that the proposal to lock in how proceeds from the managed-care tax are used would hamstring his administration's ability to address the state's yawning budget gap.

The people represented by some of the opposition groups include Medi-Cal patients who are among the state's most vulnerable  children, seniors, people with disabilities, and the chronically ill  as well as some workers who provide ancillary care to them.

The opponents say that if Proposition 35 passes, the patients, workers, and programs they care about could lose millions of dollars included for them in this year's state budget. That's because the ballot measure would supersede the budget, and it leaves them out of the health tax proceeds.

The budget currently provides tens of millions of dollars a year to raise the pay of community health workers, nonemergency medical transport drivers, and private-duty nurses, among other personnel. It also funds the cost of a new program, scheduled to start Jan. 1, that allows children through age 4 to stay on Medi-Cal without requiring their families to prove eligibility every year. Child health advocates say that will help avoid potentially harmful gaps in coverage.

Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children's Partnership, estimates the program would bring coverage stability to about 1.2 million California kids. But funding for it will be at risk if Proposition 35 passes, she warns.

It's not that the money for that program, or the pay increases for ancillary health care workers, would necessarily go away forever. But advocates would have to fight for it in subsequent budget rounds.

Dustin Corcoran, CEO of the California Medical Association, told me that in addition to the Medi-Cal pay hikes, and some funding for medical education and extra residency slots, the initiative would provide $2 billion a year in 2025 and 2026 to the state's general fund, "which the legislature can appropriate as they see fit, which vastly exceeds the cost of the programs you mentioned." CMA and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California are leading the charge on Proposition 35.

Corcoran's comments suggest that the groups worried about losing funding if Proposition 35 passes should be able to get it restored in future budgets. Given the current fiscal crisis, however, not everyone is buying it.

"We're short tens of billions of dollars," says Ramon Castellblanch, vice president of the California Alliance for Retired Americans, which opposes the measure. "For these people to say, 'Wait, the general fund is going to cover it'  is that called gaslighting?"

Proposition 35 proponents say that children, seniors, and disabled or chronically ill people also use doctors, hospitals, and community clinics, for which the measure does provide extra money.

They argue the initiative will go a long way toward addressing Medi-Cal's historically low pay rates, enticing more providers to participate in the program and enabling those who already do to take more Medi-Cal patients.

"This will be the most significant investment in the Medi-Cal system since the Affordable Care Act," Corcoran says. "I think it holds great promise for improved access to care, improved quality of care, shorter wait times for all Californians in our ERs, and elimination of health care deserts that are popping up in too many parts of our state."

Another concern raised by Proposition 35 skeptics is that a long-threatened change in federal rules governing how states collect managed-care taxes to fund Medicaid could torpedo the plans of California  and some of the other 18 states with such a tax.

Proposition 35 sets specific dollar amounts through 2026, which are based on the managed-care tax approved by the federal government last year. But the tax, which California has had in some form since 2009, must be renewed and federally approved every three years. That means that the tax requires another federal approval starting in 2027, the year the ballot measure would make funding permanent.

California's managed-care tax comes from a levy imposed on health plans, based on monthly numbers of both Medi-Cal and commercial insurance enrollees. The money raised is matched by the federal government, doubling the spending power.

Federal rules require that the health plans be reimbursed for the tax they pay on their Medi-Cal membership. Since the Medi-Cal rate is around 100 times as much as the rate on commercial membership, 99% of the revenue from the tax is on the Medi-Cal side, thus holding many of the health plans almost entirely harmless and minimizing any impact on premiums.

But the federal government has been warning California for years, most recently in a letter it sent in late 2023 accompanying its approval of the managed-care tax, that it will require more balance between the commercial and Medi-Cal levies. Were it to change the rules in that direction, it could cause a major headache in California for a couple of reasons.

First, as proponents of Proposition 35 readily acknowledge, there is no political appetite for an increase in the amount of tax raised on commercial health plan memberships. That's because it would likely lead to a rebellion by health plans or a jump in premiums that would anger employers, privately insured individuals, and plenty of other people. In that case, the only way to comply would be to lower the tax rate on Medi-Cal enrollment, which would significantly reduce revenue.

Second, though the ballot measure contains flexibility for small changes, it requires a three-fourths majority vote in the legislature for any major changes. That would be a tall order.

"Say the federal administration comes back and says, 'You can't do this anymore,' which seems likely," says Savage-Sangwan, who is also a spokesperson for the opposing coalition. "We're going to be stuck with a whole lot less money."

So far, however, the feds have not followed through on repeated warnings, and Proposition 35 proponents seem to be betting the threat of changes will prove nothing more than bluster.

We'll see.

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
Central Oregon Pathology Consultants has been in business for nearly 60 years, offering molecular testing and other diagnostic services east of the Cascade Range.

Beginning last winter, it operated for months without being paid, surviving on cash on hand, practice manager Julie Tracewell said. The practice is caught up in the aftermath of one of the most significant digital attacks in American history: the February hack of payments manager Change Healthcare.

COPC recently learned Change has started processing some of the outstanding claims, which numbered roughly 20,000 as of July, but Tracewell doesn't know which ones, she said. The patient payment portal remains down, meaning customers are unable to settle their accounts.

"It will take months to be able to calculate the total loss of this downtime," she said.

Health care is the most frequent target for ransomware attacks: In 2023, the FBI says, 249 of them targeted health institutions  the most of any sector.

And health executives, lawyers, and those in the halls of Congress are worried that the federal government's response is underpowered, underfunded, and overly focused on protecting hospitals  even as Change proved that weaknesses are widespread.

The Health and Human Services Department's "current approach to healthcare cybersecurity  self-regulation and voluntary best practices  is woefully inadequate and has left the health care system vulnerable to criminals and foreign government hackers," Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote in a recent letter to the agency.

The money isn't there, said Mark Montgomery, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation. "Weve seen extremely incremental to almost nonexistent efforts" to invest more in security, he said.

The task is urgent  2024 has been a year of health care hacks. Hundreds of hospitals across the Southeast faced disruptions to their ability to obtain blood for transfusions after nonprofit OneBlood, a donation service, fell victim to a ransomware attack.

Cyberattacks complicate mundane and complex tasks alike, said Nate Couture, chief information security officer at the University of Vermont Health Network, which was struck by a ransomware attack in 2020. "We can't mix a chemo cocktail by eye," he said, referring to cancer treatments, at a June event in Washington, D.C.

In December, HHS put out a cybersecurity strategy meant to support the sector. Several proposals focused on hospitals, including a carrot-and-stick program to reward providers that adopted certain "essential" security practices and penalize those that didn't.

Even that narrow focus could take years to materialize: Under the department's budget proposal, money would start flowing to "high-needs" hospitals in fiscal year 2027.

The focus on hospitals is "not appropriate," Iliana Peters, a former enforcement lawyer at HHS' Office for Civil Rights, said in an interview. "The federal government needs to go further" by also investing in the organizations that supply and contract with providers, she said.

The department's interest in protecting patient health and safety "does put hospitals near the top of our priority partners list," Brian Mazanec, a deputy director at the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at HHS, said in an interview.

Responsibility for the nation's health cybersecurity is shared by three offices within two different agencies. The health department's civil rights office is a sort of cop on the beat, monitoring whether hospitals and other health groups have adequate defenses for patient privacy and, if not, potentially fining them.

The health department's preparedness office and the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency help build defenses  such as mandating that medical software developers use auditing technology to check their security.

Both of the latter are required to create a list of "systemically important entities" whose operations are critical to the smooth functioning of the health system. These entities could get special attention, such as inclusion in government threat briefings, Josh Corman, a co-founder of the cyber advocacy group I Am The Cavalry, said in an interview.

Federal officials had been working on the list when news of the Change hack broke  but Change Healthcare was not on it, Jen Easterly, leader of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency, said at an event in March.

Nitin Natarajan, the cybersecurity agency's deputy director, told KFF Health News that the list was just a draft. The agency previously estimated it would finish the entities list  across sectors  last September.

The health department's preparedness office is supposed to coordinate with Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency and across the health department, but congressional staffers said the office's efforts fall short. There are "silos of excellence" in HHS, "where teams were not talking to each other, [where it] wasn't clear who people should be going to," said Matt McMurray, chief of staff for Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), at a June conference.

Is the health department's preparedness office "the right home for cybersecurity? I'm not sure," he said.

Historically, the office focused on physical-world disasters  earthquakes, hurricanes, anthrax attacks, pandemics. It inherited cybersecurity when Trump-era department leadership made a grab for more money and authority, said Chris Meekins, who worked for the preparedness office under Trump and is now an analyst with the investment bank Raymond James.

But since then, Meekins said, the agency has shown it's "not qualified to do it. There isnt the funding there, there isnt the engagement, there isnt the expertise there."

The preparedness office has only a "small handful of employees focused on cybersecurity, said Annie Fixler, director at the FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation. Mazanec acknowledges the number isn't high but hopes additional funding will allow for more hires.

The office has been slow to react to outside feedback. When an industry clearinghouse for cyberthreats tried to coordinate with it to create an incident response process, "it took probably three years to identify anyone willing to support" the effort, said Jim Routh, the then-board chair of the group, Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

During the NotPetya attack in 2017  a hack that caused major damage to hospitals and the drugmaker Merck  Health-ISAC ended up disseminating information to its members itself, including the best method to contain the attack, Routh said.

Advocates look at the Change hack  reportedly caused by a lack of multifactor authentication, a technology very familiar in America's workplaces  and say HHS needs to use mandates and incentives to get the health care sector to adopt better defenses. The department's strategy released in December proposed a relatively restricted list of goals for the health care sector, which are mostly voluntary at this point. The agency is "exploring" creating "new enforceable" standards, Mazanec said.

Much of the HHS strategy is due to be rolled out over the coming months. The department has already requested more funding. The preparedness office, for example, wants an additional $12 million for cybersecurity. The civil rights office, with a flat budget and declining enforcement staff, is due to release an update to its privacy and security rules.

"Theres still significant challenges that the industry as a whole faces," Routh said. "I dont see anything on the horizon thats necessarily going to change that."
Income and wealth inequality in the U.S. remain near all-time highs. Analysts say this disparity is a "major issue of our time." Experts have spotlighted deep policy failures fueling the problem and helpful economic fixes to alleviate the suffering.

Now researchers say our biases favoring the rich over the poor may take root earlier than was previously believed -; perhaps when we are very young toddlers.

A new study led by a UC Berkeley psychologist suggests that biases for those with more resources can be traced to beliefs formed as young as 14 months. However, researchers say a preference for richer people may not necessarily be driven by kids' positive evaluations of them.

Instead, it might be caused by a negative assessment of those with less.

"Taken together, this suggests that somewhere early in this second year of life -; 12 to 15 months of age -; we're really seeing the development of these wealth-based biases come into play," said Arianne Eason, a UC Berkeley assistant professor of psychology and the paper's lead author. "And once they come in, they are relatively strong."

The research findings were published this month in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

Through a series of seven experiments, the team measured how toddlers demonstrated preferences for people with differing amounts of particular kinds of resources they desired -; toys and snacks. Besides a bias toward the more "wealthy" person who had more resources, the children showed dislike and avoidance for those whom researchers labeled in the experiments as the "poorer" individuals.

Together, the results point to the deep-seated ways humans form ideas about what to value.

The research was partly inspired by Eason's previous work with children. In graduate school, Eason worked in a lab that studied how infants and children thought resources were and should be distributed. That research consistently demonstrated that young toddlers and preschoolers generally preferred people who distributed resources equally. Wealth-based biases, in contrast, were thought at the time to emerge later in development, perhaps through direct conversations and socialization.

But Eason increasingly wondered less about how people distribute resources and more about how children understood the mere possession of them. To find answers, Eason and her collaborators focused on young children at an age when learning about the social world happens rapidly.

To begin, they needed to determine whether toddlers even retained information about who had more items that were a proxy for "wealth." They introduced 35 children to two people in a room, both of whom had a clear bowl. One of the bowls was filled with things like toys or snacks; the other was almost empty.

Later, each person brought out a new bowl and left the room. This time, though, the bowls were opaque. While the participants couldn't see how many items were in the bowls -; or if there were any toys or snacks at all -; they were significantly more likely to select the bowl belonging to the person who had previously had more. It was clear that the young toddlers could retain that information.

Next, researchers wanted to test what they did with the knowledge and how it factored into deciding who to help when grown-ups had a shortage of resources -; in this case, blocks to build a tower. Toddlers were more likely to choose the person who earlier in the study had more resources. That indicated a longer-lasting preference for those individuals who were wealthier.

Over and over, the children showed that they tracked wealth, preferred to help those who were richer and were more likely to play with those who had more resources.

The rich kept coming out ahead.

"It's very clear that toddlers can track well and have these behavioral preferences in favor of people who have more," Eason said, adding that the effects were diminished for those younger than about 13 months of age.

The team then tracked the eye movements of the young toddlers as a video played on a screen. An adult on the screen doled out unequal amounts of resources -; Legos and crackers, this time. Initially, the children's gaze was barely different. But then they listened to either a positive recording that said of the adult in the video, "She's a good girl, she did a good job," or a negative one that said, "She's a bad girl, she did a bad job."

The ones who heard the positive message spent their time looking equally at the rich and the poor individuals. Meanwhile, those in the negative message group focused more of their attention on the poorer person.

It's not that toddlers had a preference for rich people. They may have actually had a dispreference for poor people." Arianne Eason, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of California - Berkeley

Eason and her co-authors say their work shows that undoing wealth inequality will require a concentrated effort among adults to change the way young children think about and act toward poorer people. That must happen, they say, with the help of people and institutions in the kids' lives who can help combat the negative attitudes that children begin noticing around the time they're learning to walk.

"These are early-ingrained tendencies," Eason said. "That means we have to work hard to undo them and put in a lot of concerted effort. But that doesn't mean we should shy away from it."

To be sure, part of the wealth-based bias could be linked to evolution, she said. Perhaps humans naturally gravitate toward those with resources that will help keep them alive.

But Eason said there's more at play. Her research points to systemic ways we should begin thinking about inequality, and the origin of that wealth-based bias "starting point." That's the only way to combat the biases among many adults that benefit the wealthy and perpetuate policies against the poor.

"Just because wealth biases occur in the second year of life doesn't mean that that has to be the way the world is," Eason said. "We are highly flexible as people. We can build policies that go against some of our initial tendencies in order to create the outcomes we want to see."
In May, a major cyberattack disabled clinical operations for nearly a month at Ascension, a health care provider that includes 140 hospitals across the U.S. Investigators tracked the problem to malicious ransomware that had infected an employee's computer.

Health care systems offer juicy targets for cybercrime because of the valuable personal, financial, and health data they hold. A 2023 survey of health information technology and IT security professionals reported that 88% of their organizations had experienced an average of 40 attacks during the previous year.

One key vulnerability has been the increasing complexity of their IT systems, says Huseyin Tanriverdi, associate professor of information, risk, and operations management at Texas McCombs. It's a result of decades of mergers and acquisitions forming larger and larger multihospital systems.

After a merger, they don't necessarily standardize their technology and care processes. The health system ends up having a lot of complexity, with different IT systems, very different care processes and disparate governance structures." Huseyin Tanriverdi, associate professor of information, risk, and operations management at Texas McCombs

But complexity could also offer a solution to such problems, he finds in new research. With co-authors Juhee Kwon of City University of Hong Kong and Ghiyoung Im of the University of Louisville, he says that a "good kind of complexity" can improve communication among different systems, care processes, and governance structures, better protecting them against cyber incidents.

Complex vs. complicated

Using data from 445 multihospital groups spanning 2009 to 2017, the team looked at the oft-repeated notion that complexity is the enemy of security.

They distinguished between two similar-sounding IT concepts that are key to the problem.

Complicatedness is a large number of elements in a system that interconnect and share information in structured ways.

is a large number of elements in a system that interconnect and share information in structured ways. Complexity occurs when a large number of elements interconnect and share information in unstructured ways -; as when integrating systems after mergers and acquisitions.

Because complicated systems have structures, Tanriverdi says, it's difficult but feasible to predict and control what they'll do. That's not feasible for complex systems, with their unstructured connections.

Tanriverdi found that as health care systems got more complex, they became more vulnerable. The most complex systems -; with the largest varieties of health service referrals from one hospital to another -; were 29% more likely to be breached than average.

The problem, he says, is that such systems offer more data transfer points for hackers to attack, and more opportunities for human users to make security errors.

He found similar vulnerabilities with other forms of complexity, including:

Many different types of medical services handling health data.

Decentralizing strategic decisions to member hospitals instead of making them at the corporate center.

Setting data standards

The researchers also proposed a solution: building enterprise-wide data governance platforms, such as centralized data warehouses, to manage data sharing among diverse systems. Such platforms would convert dissimilar data types into common ones, structure data flows, and standardize security configurations.

"They would transform a complex system into a complicated system," he says. By simplifying the system, they would further lower its level of complication.

He tested the cybersecurity effects of creating such platforms. The result, he found, was that in the most complicated system, they would reduce breaches up to 47%.

Centralizing data governance reduces avenues for hackers to get in, Tanriverdi says. "With fewer access points and simplified and hardened cybersecurity controls, unauthorized parties are less likely to gain unauthorized access to patient data."

He recommends supplementing technical controls with stronger human ones, as well: training users in cybersecurity practices and better regulating who has access to various parts of the system.

Tanriverdi acknowledges a paradox in his approach. Investing in a new layer of technology may introduce more IT complexity at first. But in the long run, it's a good type of complexity that tames the existing -; and more hazardous -; kinds of complexity.

"Practitioners should embrace IT complexity, as long as it gives structure to information flows that were previously ad hoc," he says. "Technology reduces cybersecurity risks if it is organized and governed well."
In an opinion article publishing September 18 in the Cell Press journal Trends in Molecular Medicine, physician-scientists argue that with most placentas discarded after birth, placental pathology is underutilized clinically, should be a routine part of obstetric and neonatal care, and also deserves more research attention.

"Placentas should not be considered a waste tissue," says senior author Mana Parast, MD, PhD, professor of pathology at University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

They can teach us a lot about not just what went wrong in a pregnancy, but also inform about subsequent pregnancies for the health of the pregnant person and baby." Mana Parast, Professor, Pathology at University of California San Diego School of Medicine

The placenta is critical to the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the developing offspring and the pregnant person. If the placenta becomes diseased, it can impact the parent and offspring, both during pregnancy and later in life. At its most severe, placental pathology can cause stillbirths, and this is the medical scenario in which placentas are most often examined clinically. However, different types of placental pathology are also associated with small birth size and neurological issues in infants, and with hypertension (preeclampsia) and other cardiovascular issues in the parent.

"Placental pathology can potentially identify not just the cause of an adverse outcome in the baby, but also insight into why something happened in the mom, and what that means for their health in the future," says Parast, perinatal pathologist and director of the perinatal pathology service at UC San Diego Health. "For example, we're learning that a particular lesion in the placenta called decidual arteriopathy is potentially a marker for future cardiovascular disease in women, and other lesions can tell you whether preeclampsia or stillbirth is likely to recur in subsequent pregnancies."

Examining placentas of preterm babies can also inform their immediate care by helping to detect fungal infections that would otherwise take days to identify.

"Preterm babies that go to the neonatal intensive care unit usually receive antimicrobial antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections that might have taken hold, because premature babies don't have a very good immune system, but they're not given antifungals," says Parast. "Culturing for fungal infections in blood takes a few days, but if we quickly examine the placentas of preterm babies for signs of fungal infection, we can immediately alert the NICU team to add an anti-fungal to the regimen."

Despite the wealth of information that they provide, placentas are underutilized clinically. To start to remedy this, the researchers suggest that clinicians begin by incorporating placental pathology into the care for complicated pregnancies.

"There are hospitals in the United States where all placentas are examined by the pathologists, even for uncomplicated pregnancies, and sometimes that evaluation prompts additional examination, but that definitely takes a lot more resources," says Parast.

Though the implications of some patterns of placental pathology are known, others remain unclear, and very little is known about why these placental issues occur. For these reasons, the researchers say that placental research deserves more research funding and needs to be incorporated into prospective clinical trials.

"Incorporating placental evaluations into ongoing clinical trials will provide even more information about how different placental lesions relate to the patients' current and future health, and the underlying pathophysiology behind these lesions," says Parast. "If placental pathology isn't incorporated into these trials, it's kind of like if a cancer trial was conducted without pathology-;they would just be driving blind."
Northern Arc Capital IPO: The initial public offering of non-bank financial institution Northern Arc Capital Ltd has been closed on Thursday. The price band of the Rs 777-crore IPO has been fixed at Rs 249 to Rs 263 per share for the public issue. On the final day of bidding on Thursday, the IPO received a strong 117.14 times subscription garnering bids for 2,37,85,60,752 shares as against the 2,03,04,754 shares on offer.

On the fourth day of bidding so far, the category for non-institutional investors received 147.55 times subscription, while the portion for retail individual investors (RIIs) got subscribed 31.93 times. The QIB category got a 242.73 times subscription.

The IPO was opened on September 16.

Northern Arc Capital IPO: Key Dates

The IPO was opened for public subscription on September 16 and will be closed on September 19. The share allotment of the Northern Arc Capital IPO will likely be finalised on September 20, while its shares will be listed on both BSE and NSE on September 24.

Northern Arc Capital IPO: Price Band

The price band of the Rs 777-crore much-awaited IPO has been fixed at Rs 249 to Rs 263 per share for the public issue.

Northern Arc Capital IPO: GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Northern Arc Capital Ltd are trading Rs 145 higher in the grey market than its issue price. The Rs 145 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 55.13 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Northern Arc Capital IPO: Analysts Recommendations

Most brokerage houses have given a subscribe recommendation to the IPO.

Brokerage firm Anand Rathi in its report said, Over the past 15 years, North Arc Capital Limited have significantly contributed to the Indian retail credit market, facilitating financing of more than 1.73 trillion since 2009, impacting over 101.82 million lives. As of March 31, 2024, they have established an ecosystem that includes 328 originator partners, 50 retail lending partners, and 1,158 investor partners. Their multi-channel offerings encompass lending, placements, and fund management, supported by proprietary technology solutions and a robust data repository containing over 35.17 million data points.

At the upper price band company is valued at P/BV of 1.4X with a market cap of Rs 42,428.6 million post issue of equity shares. Thus, we recommend an SUBSCRIBE rating to the IPO, Anand Rathi said.

Another brokerage firm Nirmal Bang in its report said Northern ARC is well-positioned for growth, leveraging sector expertise, digital platforms, and a strong partner ecosystem to access Indias underpenetrated credit markets. Its diversified funding sources and improved credit rating support sustainable expansion, despite high operational costs, said Nirmal Bang Securities.

Northern Arc has respectable ROA and ROE along with loan growth of 28 per cent CAGR over FY22-24. Its asset quality is impressive with low GNPA and NNPA. The price-to-book value (1.8 times) indicates the company is undervalued compared to peers. Thus, we recommend subscribing to the issues, Nirmal Bang stated.

SBI Securities also recommended the subscribe the IPO. It said, Northern Arc has a robust ecosystem of 328 originator partners, 50 retail lending partners and 1,158 investor partners. The issue appears to be fairly valued when compared with close peers on most valuation and financial matrices. We recommend subscribing to the issue for a long-term investment horizon.

Northern Arc Capital IPO: Anchor Investment

Northern Arc Capital collected Rs 229 crore from anchor investors, days before the opening of its share-sale for public subscription.

SBI General Insurance Company, SBI Life Insurance Company, Reliance General Insurance Company, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company, Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte, Societe Generale, and Quant Mutual Fund are among the anchor investors.

According to a circular uploaded on BSEs website, the company has allotted 87.02 lakh equity shares to 15 funds at Rs 263 apiece, which is also the upper end of the price band. This aggregates the transaction size to Rs 229 crore.

Northern Arc Capital IPO: More Details

The IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares valued at Rs 500 crore and an Offer For Sale (OFS) of up to 10,532,320 equity shares worth Rs 277 crore, at the upper end of the price band, by investor shareholders. This aggregates the issue size to Rs 777 crore.

Those offering shares through the OFS are Leapfrog Financial Inclusion India (II) Ltd, Accion Africa-Asia Investment Company, Eight Roads Investments Mauritius II Ltd, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, 360 ONE Special Opportunities Fund (formerly known as IIFL Special Opportunities Fund), and Dvara Trust.

Proceeds from the fresh issue would be used to meet future capital requirements of the company towards onward lending.

The price band for the offer is at Rs 249 to Rs 263 per equity share, Northern Arc Capital said in a statement.

Investors have the option to bid for a lot size of 57 equity shares and in multiples thereafter.

Registered with the RBI as a systemically important, the company is a non-deposit taking non-banking finance company (NBFC) and has been operating in the financial inclusion space for over a decade.

Northern Arc is a leading player amongst the countrys diversified NBFCs, with a business model diversified across offerings, sectors, products, geographies and borrower segments. It provides access to credit to under-served households and businesses directly and indirectly through Originator Partners.

Northern Arc Capital filed draft papers with Sebi in July 2021 to float its maiden public issue. It got the regulators nod to float the public issue in September same year. However, it didnt go ahead with the launch.

ICICI Securities, Axis Capital and Citigroup Global Markets India are the book-running lead managers to the issue.
Students will get another chance to get admission to UG and PG courses at Benaras Hindu University. The university administration has started the process of mock up round counselling and spot round 2. According to the notification issued by the university, students can apply up till 11:59 pm on September 20 on the official website at bhu.ac.in.

BHUs Public Relations Officer Dr Rajesh Singh has said that interested and eligible candidates can register for the UG and PG admission by paying the required fees online. Students who wish to appear for the BHU UG 2024 Spot Round need to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 500. In case a candidate fails to pay the fees, the admission will stand cancelled.

It is to be noted that after the process of four rounds of UG admission and one spot round at Benaras Hindu University, about 1000 seats are still vacant across different courses. At the same time, about 1700 seats are vacant in different courses in PG. It is believed that this time all these seats will be filled after the process of mock up round and spot round-2.

BHU UG Spot Round 2024: Documents Required

Applicants must upload the following documents during the registration process:

 Class 10 mark sheet and certificates

 Class 12 mark sheet and certificates

 Caste Certificate

 Photographs of the candidate

 Scanned Signature of the candidate

Steps to apply for BHU UG Mock Up Round 2024:

Step 1: Go to the official website, bhu.ac.in.

Step 2: After reaching the homepage, look for the Mock Up Round counselling link and click on it.

Step 3: Next up, enter your login credentials and click on submit.

Step 4: Fill in the application form, submit all the documents and pay the fees.

Step 4: Enter your preferences of College and Courses for the Spot Round counselling.

Step 5: Submit and take a hard copy of the application form for future reference.
The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) 2024 admit card has been released today, September 19, 2024, by the Karnataka Private Post Graduate College Association (KPPGCA). Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website at kmatindia.com. The KMAT 2024 exam is scheduled to take place online on September 22, 2024.

Steps To Download KMAT 2024 Admit Card

Step 1: Visit the official KMAT website: kmatindia.com

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the designated download link.

Step 3: You will be redirected to a login page.

Step 4: Enter your unique credentials to proceed.

Step 5: The KMAT 2024 admit card will be displayed on the screen.

Step 6: Download the admit card and take a printout or screenshot of it for future use.

Details Mentioned On KMAT Admit Card 2024

The KMAT 2024 admit card will have the following details:

 The candidates name

 A photograph of the candidate

 Application number

 Name of the test centre

 Exam date

 Exam timing

 All the instructions related to the exam day and test centre

Documents To Carry Along With KMAT 2024 Admit Card:

Candidates need to carry these documents with them:

 Candidates voter ID card

 Aadhar card

 Driving licence

 Passport

KMAT 2024: Exam Pattern

The exam will take place online and consist of three sections: Verbal and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning. There will be 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The duration of the KMAT 2024 examination is two hours. Candidates will earn a mark for each correct answer. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

After the release of the KMAT Karnataka result, KMAT participating colleges will release their KMAT cutoffs and admission requirements on their official website. The test aims at providing admission to MBA, PGDM, and MCA courses in over 170 participating institutions across Karnataka.
The Uttar Pradesh Board has announced the schedule for determining examination centres for the 2025 high school and intermediate exams. The process of selecting online exam centres will begin on September 25 and will be completed by November 28.

School principals are required to upload information about their physical resources on the UP Boards website, upmsp.edu.in, by September 25 to determine exam centres. If any schools geographical location is found to be incorrect, the correct location must be uploaded via a mobile app by September 30.

A tehsil-level committee, appointed by the District Magistrate (DM), will physically verify the uploaded information by October 15, 2024. After verification, the DM will submit the committees report through the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), which will be uploaded to the UP Boards website by October 24.

The District Center Determination Committee, led by the DM, will review and upload the list of selected exam centres by November 2. This list will then be published by the DIOS for scrutiny by principals. Any objections or complaints regarding the selected centres can be submitted online until November 6.

The DIOS will review these objections and, if found justified, will forward the final action to the board along with a report by November 11. The final list of approved examination centres, along with student allocations, will be uploaded to the UP Boards website by November 15.

Students, parents, and school managers can submit further objections to the published list until November 20. The District Center Determination Committee and UP-Board Center Determination Committee will review and address these objections before finalising the list of exam centres. The final list will be uploaded by November 28, ensuring a smooth process for the 2025 board exams, as confirmed by UP-Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh.
Arthur W. Bud Hall, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, died peacefully at home in Genesee, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. He was 84. He flew fast planes, drove fast cars and lived his life passionately until the end.

Bud was born Oct. 1, 1939, in Kansas City, Mo. He grew up in small town Alva, Okla., where the local police had his parents on speed dial, see fast cars. He graduated from Alva High School in 1957 and made his way to West Point Military Academy. He loved tanks, until he discovered fast planes. He graduated in 1963 and transferred to the Air Force so he could pursue his new passion of being a fighter pilot.

Bud flew 4500 combat hours in Vietnam in the F-105 Thunderchief Thud and the F-4E Phantom. Afterward, he did an exchange tour with the RAF (Royal Air Force) and became one of the first Americans to fly the Harrier Jump Jet, going on to train American fighter pilots to fly it. Later, at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, he became a founding member of the Aggressors Fighter Squadron, created to improve the air-to-air combat ability of military fighter pilots. He concluded his 23 years of service at MacDill, AFB in Tampa, Fla., while looking forward to retirement.

After retiring Bud became a jack of all trades. He was an operations officer for the Albuquerque Airport. He and Louise moved to Natchez, Mich., where they hosted Pilgrimage tours at their plantation home Gloucester, the home of the first governor of the Mississippi Territory.
A voter turnout of more than 61 percent was recorded in the first phase of assembly polls covering 24 segments across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the Election Commission said.

The final polling percentage can go up as data from some stations are yet to be compiled, and this also does not include postal ballots, the commission said.

Kishtwar district recorded the highest 80.14 percent polling followed by Doda (71.34 percent) and Ramban (70.55 percent) in the Chenab valley region of Jammu, the Election Commission said, quoting the latest information said.

In south Kashmir, Kulgam district led the turnout chart with 62.46 percent followed by Anantnag district (57.84 percent), Shopian district (55.96 percent) and Pulwama district (46.65 percent), the EC said.

This was the first assembly elections in J-K post abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The last assembly elections were held in 2014.

The Phase-1 of General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of J&K recorded an approximate voter turnout of 61.11 percent as of 11:30 pm. The same shall continue to be updated by the field level officers as the remaining polling parties keep returning, the Election Commission said in a press release late at night.

It said the final actual account of votes recorded for each Polling Station is shared in Form 17 C with polling agents at close of polls.

In Kishtwar districts, according to the official data, the Inderwal constituency recorded the highest 82.16 percent voting followed by Padder-Nagseni (80.67 percent) and Kishtwar (78.11 percent).

In the nearby Doda district, Doda west segment recorded 75.98 percent turnout, Doda (72.48 percent) and Bhaderwah (67.18 percent).

In Ramban district, the Banihal segment recorded 71.28 percent and Ramban 69.60 percent turnout.

Among the seven constituencies of Anantnag district, Pahalgam recorded the highest voter turnout at 71.26 percent, followed by Kokernag (62 percent), Dooru (61.61 percent), Srigufwara-Bijbehara (60.33 percent), Shangus-Anantnag (56.72 percent), Anantnag West (48.73 percent) and Anantnag 45.62 percent.

In Pulwama district, the Pulwama segment witnessed 50.42 percent polling, followed by Rajpora 48.07 percent, Pampore 44.74 percent and Tral 43.21 percent.

In Shopian district, the Shopian segment recorded a voter turnout of 57.78 percent and Zainapora 54.28 percent.

In Kulgam district, DH Pora recorded a turnout of 68.45 percent, Kulgam 62.76 percent and Devsar 57.33 percent.

Earlier, just after the polling ended at 6 pm, Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole said the voting concluded peacefully and the turnout recorded by that time (59 per cent) was the highest in the past seven elections  four Lok Sabha and three assembly poll.

Briefing mediapersons here Pole said the elections  which covered 24 seats in seven districts  ended peacefully without any untoward incident.

There are reports of some minor incidents of scuffle or argument from a few polling stations but no serious incident occurred that could have forced a repoll, he said.

Over 2.3 million voters were eligible to cast the ballot to determine the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 Independents.

The polling percentage of 59 percent is highest in the past seven elections  four Lok Sabha polls and three assembly elections, Pole said, attributing the increase in the voter turnout to various factors including improved security situation, active participation of political parties and candidates and a campaign by the department.

In the 2014 assembly elections, the district wise poll percentage was: Pulwama 44 percent, Shopian 48 percent, Kulgam 59 percent, Anantnag 60 percent, Ramban 70 percent, Doda 73 percent and Kishtwar 76 percent.

Asked about a social media video purportedly showing a policeman losing temper and aiming his gun before being overpowered by his colleagues outside a polling station in Kishtwar, he said the district election officer and the returning officer concerned have taken note and the issue was resolved amicably.

PDP and BJP candidates were involved in an argument at the polling station.

Pole expressed hope that the remaining two phases on September 25 and October 1 will also see high polling percentage.

Meanwhile, the election commission expressed satisfaction over the long queues of voters at the polling stations showcasing the entire world, the deep trust and confidence of the people of J&K in the democratic exercise.

The polling was held across 3,276 Polling Stations in the seven districts and 24 special polling stations set up for migrant pandits in Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi.

According to officials, 31.42 percent of the more than 35,000 eligible kashmiri migrant voters exercised their franchise. While 27 percent cast their votes at 19 polling stations in Jammu, 40 percent at four polling stations in Delhi and 30 percent at one polling station in Udhampur.

In each of the seven districts where voting was held in the first phase, the voter participation exceeded the participation during the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, the election commission said in a release.

The performance builds on the trend witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir which saw a voter turnout of 58.58 percent at polling stations, highest in the last 35 years.
Key political meetings in the ruling Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are shaping the political landscape as Maharashtra gears up for assembly elections. Both alliances are focused on resolving crucial seat-sharing agreements ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes electoral battle.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has been holding intense discussions over how many seats each party will contest in the 288-seat Maharashtra assembly. These talks are vital as the MVA aims to present a unified front to counter the ruling Mahayuti. A three-day meeting in Mumbai is expected to yield a final formula on seat allocation, which will be pivotal in their strategy to challenge the incumbent government.

Simultaneously, the Mahayuti, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, is working on its own seat-sharing arrangement. One-on-one discussions between the leaders are ongoing to settle their partys claims over specific constituencies. Fadnavis and Pawar, Pawar and Shinde, and Shinde and Fadnavis have been engaged in individual talks to iron out differences. Once the initial seat allocations are settled, a joint meeting of the three leaders is expected to finalise the deal.

However, if a deadlock emerges over contentious constituencies, the final decision will rest with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sources indicate that Shahs decision will be binding for all parties within the Mahayuti, helping to ensure a swift conclusion to negotiations.

Both alliances are aware of the significance of these discussions. Seat-sharing will directly impact their electoral strength and the ability to navigate Maharashtras politically charged atmosphere. As the deadline for finalising agreements approaches, the political temperature in the state continues to rise, with both the MVA and Mahayuti strategising to secure the best possible outcome in the upcoming elections. These seat-sharing talks will be critical in determining the alliances electoral performance as Maharashtra gears up for another fiercely contested assembly election.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told voters in Jammu and Kashmirs Reasi that Pakistan is celebrating the manifestos published by Congress and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC). He said that Pakistans defence minister has backed the manifestos.

Pakistans agenda is Congress-NC agenda. Pakistan Defence Minister has supported Congress-NC manifesto and Pakistan is celebrating NC-Congress manifesto, PM Modi warned voters at the rally in Katra area.

(We) will not allow Pakistans agenda in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan Defence Minister said Congresss agenda on Article 35 is Pakistans agenda, PM Modi said.

Khawaja Asif, Pakistans Defence Minister, in an interview with Geo News, stated that there was a high chance the Congress-National Conference alliance could win the Assembly elections and come to power in Jammu and Kashmir.

They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A, Asif said.

The NC manifesto promised bringing back Article 370, which gave special privileges to the erstwhile state. The Congress manifesto, on the other hand, was silent on special status, but guaranteed restoring full statehood.

On August 5, 2019, the government announced in Parliament the nullification of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories  Jammu and Kashmir with an Assembly and Ladakh without one.

The government back then said J&Ks statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, an assertion that has been repeated by Union ministers time and again.

Recently, at a rally in J&K, Home Minister Amit Shah stressed that the government was committed to restoring J&K statehood after the elections. He said that only the Centre can restore J&Ks statehood, asking voters not to be misled by the Oppositions narrative.

After Asif made the statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used the incident to target Jammu and Kashmir and claim that the Congress interests are inimical to Indian interests.

Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conferences position on Kashmir. How is it that, from (Gurpatwant) Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress are always seen on the side of those inimical to Indias interest? the partys spokesperson Amit Malviya said in a social media post.

Importing Naxal Mindset

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhis recent remarks about devta at an event in the US, accusing the Congress of displaying a Naxal mindset imported from other religions and countries.

Rahul Gandhi, during his US visit, had explained that devta in India means a person whose internal and external expressions align.

Devta in India means a person whose internal feelings are the same as his external expression, meaning he is a completely transparent being, it does not mean God. If a person tells me everything he believes or thinks and expresses it openly, thats the definition of a DevtaWhats interesting about our politics is how do you suppress your ideas, how do you suppress your fears, greed, or ambitions and observe other peoples fears and ambitions, he had said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its manifesto for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, promising Rs 2,100 per month to women under the Lado Laxmi Scheme and setting up 10 industrial cities on the line of Industrial Model Township Kharkhoda.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and state BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli were also present at the event.

Haryana will go to polls on October 5 and the votes will be counted on October 8.

WHAT BJPs MANIFESTO PROMISES

Major promises by the BJP include 

Rs 2,100 per month for women under Lado Laxmi Yojna 2 lakh government jobs for the youth Guaranteed government job for every Agniveer hailing from Haryana Other employment and stipend opportunities for 5 lakh youth of the state Cooking gas cylinder at Rs 500 under Har Ghar Grihini Yojna 10 industrial cities on the line of Industrial Model Township Kharkhoda Scholarship for Haryana students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Other Backward Communities (OBCs) in any government medical or engineering college in the country Purchase of 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) Five lakh houses in urban and rural areas Free medical facilities up to Rs 10 lakh to families under the Chirayu Haryana Scheme Free dialysis facilities across all government hospitals and free diagnosis facilities at all hospitals in the state Nurseries for Olympic games in all districts Two-wheeler for every college-going female student Construction of railway corridors and introduction of new Vande Bharat trains Kalyan board for 36 backward castes Increase in monthly pensions Guarantee for up to Rs 25 lakh for entrepreneurs belonging to OBC International-level Aravalli Jungle Safari Park in southern Haryana

JP NADDA SLAMS CONGRESS

Addressing the event, BJP chief JP Nadda slammed the Congress party and alleged it never fulfilled the promises it made through its manifestos.

I am fortunate that I am here on the religious and pious land which also belongs to the saints, freedom fighters, social workers, and sportspersons. How do we understand the manifesto? Congress had made a trend wherein they made the manifesto a diluted document in the eyes of people, it lost its relevance. For them, the manifesto is just a formality and a tool to cheat, Nadda said.

What was the image of Haryana 10 years back? Jobs used to be given on paper. Actions were taken against people. Haryana used to be known for land scams, so while discussing their manifesto, then we should look into these facts. Hence, when we talk manifesto, I want to say that we are doing non-stop work, the BJP chief said.

The seriousness of the manifesto is known from the number of promises, made in the manifesto, being implemented, and what we did above that. Here the per capita income has doubled, and exports tripled, he added.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reminded him of the time when leaders of his party, including Rahul Gandhi, called PM Modi different names. This comes two days after Kharge, in his letter to PM Modi, raised the issue of extremely objectionable and violent statements by ruling alliance members targeting Rahul Gandhi. Kharge also urged the Prime Minister to discipline his leaders.

In its response, the BJP referred to Rahul Gandhi as a failed product and said the Congress party was trying to polish their failed product to get him success in the market.

The letter signed by BJP chief JP Nadda mentioned that Kharge was trying to shield Rahul Gandhi even though many of his party leaders, including Gandhi himself, have wielded attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the past. Nadda also asked Kharge about the pressure under which he was supporting Rahul Gandhi, despite the latter making controversial remarks against PM Modi on several occasions.

Nadda also mentioned how Sonia Gandhi had once called Prime Minister Narendra Modi maut ka saudaagar.

KHARGEs LETTER TO PM MODI

On Tuesday, in his letter to Modi, Kharge asserted that strict legal action should be taken against those giving objectionable statements so that Indian politics can be prevented from degenerating and nothing untoward happens.

I want to draw your attention to an issue which is directly related to democracy and the Constitution. You must be aware that a series of extremely objectionable, violent and rude statements are being made against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress chief wrote.

I have to say with sadness that the violent language used by the leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party and your allies is harmful to the future. The world is shocked that the Minister of State for Railways in the central government, a minister from BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, is calling the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha number one terrorist, Kharge mentioned, in an apparent reference to the remarks by MoS Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu and UP minister Raghuraj Singh.

An MLA from a party that has ties with your government in Maharashtra is announcing a reward of Rs 11 lakh to the person who cuts off the tongue of the Leader of the Opposition and brings it to him. A BJP leader and former MLA in Delhi is threatening to make him fate like his grandmother, Kharge wrote.

THE CONTROVERSY

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad recently announced that he will give Rs 11 lakh to anyone chopping off Rahul Gandhis tongue for his remarks on scrapping the reservation system.

On Sunday, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said if those manufacturing bombs were supporting Gandhi, he is the number one terrorist.

Minister in the BJPs UP government, Raghuraj Singh, reportedly made similar remarks as that of Bittu.

Earlier, BJP leader Tarvinder Singh Marvah had purportedly made threatening remarks against Gandhi.
A 19-year-old delivery executive, who worked part-time for a food aggregator in Chennai, died by suicide at his residence in Kolathur on Tuesday. Police said that the delivery boy, a B.Com student, took the extreme step following an altercation with a customer over a delayed grocery delivery.

According to police, the victim, identified as J Pavithran, was assigned to deliver groceries to a customer in Korattur on September 11. The delivery was delayed due to him facing difficulties in locating the address, which reportedly infuriated the customer.

A police officer aware of the case told The Indian Express that there was an argument between the customer and Pavithran over the delay in delivery.

The woman allegedly berated him for being late. The tension between the two escalated when, later that day, the woman lodged a formal complaint with the delivery platform, requesting that Pavithran not be assigned to her deliveries in the future. We have information that the company had taken action against him. We are yet to get a clear picture of the action he was faced with, the officer was quoted by Indian Express as saying.

Two days after the incident, Pavithran returned to the customers house and allegedly hurled a stone at her window, breaking the glass, which led to the woman filing a police complaint. Pavithran was called in for questioning by the police the next day and issued a warning. His parents were also present during the inquiry. No formal charges, however, were pressed against him.

On Tuesday, five days after the altercation, his family discovered him unresponsive in his room. A suicide note was also found in his room.

His suicide note cited the altercation with the customer and her complaint as the reasons behind his decision to end his life. We have registered a case and initiated a probe into the circumstances leading to the death, an officer said.

We are also probing the actions of the delivery platform and trying to gather details on whether there were any additional pressures on him from his work, the officer added.
Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannuns decision to file a lawsuit in a US federal district court against the Centre and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is ridiculous, with the timing clearly suggesting that it was done with malafide intention, top Indian government sources have told CNN-News18.

It is ridiculous that a criminal in India, who is trying to wage war against a country, is filing a lawsuit just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to the United States. He is trying to defame everyone in India, including opposition parties. He is a wanted accused in India and should be handed over to us to conclude our probe, the sources said.

The sources added that Pannun was a terrorist, goon and criminal supported by foreign agencies to defame India. He is an ISI plant sent to create Khalistan and suits the American agencies also. Pannun should be extradited to India on urgent basis as probe in many cases is pending and we need to give justice to victims.

The Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader is wanted in several cases in India, including those filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) where he is accused of conspiring to promote Sikh separatism and Khalistan. He is also charged with sedition, promoting enmity, and unlawful activities.

The other cases are filed under UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) where he is accused of promoting terrorism and separatism; a sedition case for allegedly promoting anti-India sentiments; a cyber crime case as he is accused of spreading hate speech and anti-India content online apart from promoting enmity, spreading hatred, and unlawful activities. Apart from NIA, he is also on the radar of the Punjab and Delhi Police.

Pannun is currently in the US and has not been extradited to India despite multiple requests. Indian authorities have issued non-bailable warrants against him and Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against Pannun at Indias request.

The Khalistani leader is accused of orchestrating attacks and protests against Indian consulates and diplomatic missions worldwide.

The SFJ group has been involved in several protests and incidents targeting Indian missions in the UK, USA, and Canada. Some instances include:

Indian Consulate in San Francisco: In July 2023, Khalistan supporters allegedly set fire to the consulate, prompting a strong reaction from the US State Department. The incident was linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada-based separatist leader.

Indian High Commission in UK: In March 2023, pro-Khalistan supporters attacked the Indian High Commission, taking down the Indian National Flag and chanting slogans.

Indian Consulate in Brisbane, Australia: Although not in the UK, USA, or Canada, its worth noting that in February 2023, Khalistani supporters targeted the Indian consulate in Brisbane, Australia.

Threats to Block Indian Embassies: SFJ has also threatened to block Indian embassies in the US, UK, and Canada on Republic Day.

Previous Incidents: There have been other incidents, including vandalism and protests outside Indian missions in these countries, often linked to Khalistan separatist movements.

New York (2020): SFJ protesters vandalised the Indian Consulate in New York, damaging property and injuring security personnel.

London (2019): SFJ activists clashed with police outside the Indian High Commission, leading to arrests and injuries.

Toronto (2019): Protesters vandalised the Indian Consulate in Toronto, smashing windows and damaging property.

San Francisco (2018): SFJ protesters demonstrated outside the Indian Consulate, alleging human rights abuses in India.

Vancouver (2018): Protesters vandalised the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, damaging property and painting slogans.

Indian Embassy website hacking (2020): SFJ claimed responsibility for hacking the Indian Embassy website in the US.

Indian Consulate website defacement (2019): SFJ allegedly defaced the website of the Indian Consulate in Canada.
Junior doctors on protest in Kolkata on Thursday evening said that they would join emergency services on Saturday. However, they did not call off their protests. They said that they will not deliver their services to the out-patient departments (OPD) across government hospitals in the city as part of their dharna demanding justice in the case of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

The members of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front said that they will withdraw their dharna from the site outside Kolkatas Swashthya Bhavan and will rally to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Kolkata.

In light of the fact that the majority of our demands were being met, we view this as an initial victory, the doctors said.

If the threat culture does not end within 7 days, we will launch a bigger movement, the trainee doctors federation warned.

The doctors have been protesting outside the Swashthya Bhavan for nearly 10 days and said that they will ask the CBI how long it will take to complete the probe into the RG Kar rape and murder case.

We will ask the CBI how long it will take to get justice. They must provide an answer, West Bengal Junior Doctors Front members said.

We will wait for a week for the implementation of all promises of the Bengal government; if unfulfilled, we will resume cease work, the medics further added.

DOCTORS ISSUE PRESS STATEMENT

In a press statement, the protesting doctors, as they called off their dharna, stated they had achieved initial success regarding the five demands for justice for Abhaya that sparked our protest.

Due to our movement, we have been able to halt the heinous conspiracy to cover up the incident and the malicious attempts to undermine the investigation. Under the pressure of our vigorous movement, the government accepted most of our second and third demands in a meeting on the 16th, leading to the removal of the CP of Kolkata Police, DC North, and DME DHS from their positions, the statement read.

Despite this, we continued to stand firm on our fourth and fifth demands, the doctors statement read, adding, Tomorrow [September 20] we will withdraw our protest in front of the Health Department. We will return to each medical college to discuss the SOP for essential services and will join the essential services from the day after tomorrow [Saturday], while our strike on other issues will continue.

MEETING WITH MAMATA BANERJEE

Earlier this week Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with the agitating junior doctors and agreed to their demands of removing certain officials from their roles, in a bid to resolve the more than a month-long impasse over the RG Kar hospital incident.

She appointed Manoj Kumar Verma as the new Kolkata Police chief, replacing Vineet Goyal, and removed two senior health department officials, giving in to the medics earlier demands.

Director of Health Services (DHS) Debashis Halder, Director of Medical Education (DME) Kaustav Nayak and Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Polices North Division Abhishek Gupta were also removed as promised by Banerjee during the meeting.

The medics body with severe injury marks was found in the seminar hall of the hospital. A civic volunteer was arrested by the Kolkata Police in connection with the case the following day.

On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the probe from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which began its investigation on August 14.
The police have arrested a man who allegedly killed a woman, reportedly a sex worker, over a money dispute and disposed of her severed body parts in a suitcase in the Thoraipakkam area of Chennai on Thursday morning.

The Toraipakkam Police recovered the severed body parts of the woman from the suitcase, following which an investigation was launched.

According to the initial probe, the police suspect that she was murdered elsewhere, and the suitcase containing her body was dumped in a residential area near the IT Corridor in Thoraipakkam.

The man has been identified as Manikandan from the Sivaganga district, while the woman, aged 32, is from Madhavaram.

During the questioning, Manikandan told police that he murdered her using a hammer over a dispute regarding money. He also informed that he severed her body parts and dumped in a suitcase.

A missing persons complaint was filed by the womans brother after she failed to return home. When he attempted to call her mobile, he found it was turned off. He tracked her phone and discovered that she was last seen near Thoraipakkam.

On Wednesday night, he went to the police station to report his sisters disappearance and informed the Thoraipakkam police about her last known location. The police then tracked the suspect using footage from a CCTV camera.
The harsh midday sun beats down on the dusty firing range as Fatima (changed name) squints through the scope of her self-loading rifle (SLR). Her weathered hands, once used to kneading dough and tending to children, now grip the weapon with practised ease. She draws in a slow, measured breath, feeling the familiar weight of the rifle against her shoulder.

With her left eye closed, her right eye focuses intently on the distant target that seems to waver in the shimmering heat. Fatimas mind flashes back to the terror-filled nights of the noughties.

Her index finger curls around the trigger, applying gentle, increasing pressure. In an instant, the rifle bucks against her shoulder, the report echoing across the range. The recoil is nothing compared to the emotional toll of those dark years when militancy tore through her village like a storm.

She is not the only one but one among many women who have decided to be a part of the Village Defence Guards to protect their community.

As Pakistan continues its efforts to destabilise the ongoing election process in Jammu and Kashmir, people are taking crucial steps to counter these threats. In various villages across the Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar districts, women have assumed the role of Village Defence Guards (VDGs), a vital move to protect their communities. The Indian Army is also supporting this initiative by providing them with essential training, including handling weapons such as the self-loading rifle, administering first aid for bullet wounds, and imparting crucial safety techniques.

I have faced it. My family has suffered because of those days. We dont want those days back. We are assured that they wont succeed but if needed, we will also not take a backstep to fight and this time we have our guns against their guns, said Fatima.

In a renewed effort to bolster security in the Jammu region, authorities are revitalising the Village Defence Guards (VDG) programme. This long-standing initiative, which arms and trains locals to protect their communities, has gained momentum following recent destabilisation attempts south of the Pir Panjal Range. Security agencies are now intensifying their focus on updating the VDGs capabilities. The modernisation drive includes replacing outdated 303 rifles with more efficient SLRs. Additionally, the programme is undergoing a review of operational protocols, with particular emphasis on improving communication strategies during crises.

In Rajouri itself, over 500 individuals, both men and women, have been receiving training on SLRs. It is not just firing but also the cleaning, handling and other necessary lessons that they need for their safeguard.

Their role isnt combat, but self-defence when necessary. Our aim to combat terrorism and their involvement ensures our efforts are properly directed. Having resided here for years, they have intimate knowledge of the jungle, its layout and all access points. Their exceptional courage, combined with these qualities, proves invaluable to security forces, said an officer involved in training locals. They consider women an easy target, but thats no longer the case. Women are equally courageous and understand the consequences of militancy in the region. They want better education for their children and an improved lifestyle, which is why they have come forward to be part of these groups.

Like Fatima, Razia (name changed) has joined a training programme. Travelling 30 kilometres from her remote village, Razia seizes the opportunity to invest in herself while her nine-year-old son attends school describing her participation as dedicating time to the best possible cause.

The region has faced the worst conditions before the operations conducted by the Indian Army (hinting towards Op Sarp Vinash). No one wants those days back, she said. After Article 370, attempts are being made but we wont let them succeed.

Women are fewer in comparison to hundreds of men who are getting trained here. All of them, though, have almost the same version of the incidents.

The incidents that are happening are not indicating the disturbance but are actually telling about the desperation of those who want this region to remain volatile. People, however, know what is good and bad for them. We are going to have a government and these incidents are the final flickers of a dying flame, said Abdul, who has been getting training here.

Security forces have faced casualties in recent months, but they are now achieving success. Recent operations serve as a testament to this progress. Officers report that Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are proving helpful, acting as eyes and ears not only for counterterrorism efforts but also for related activities such as illicit narcotics trade and other illegal operations.
Asking people to cast their votes wisely in the ongoing Assembly polls that are linked to the future of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the voters should ensure the sunset of the politics practised by the Congress, NC and PDP, which have inflicted wounds in the region for years together.

Addressing a poll rally in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmirs Reasi district, Modi also accused the Congress leadership of insulting Hindu gods and goddesses under a well-thought-out conspiracy and due to a Naxal mindset.

This was the second rally addressed by the prime minister in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and third in a week. He addressed another rally in Srinagar earlier in the day. On September 14, Modi had addressed a rally in Doda district.

The prime minister reiterated that his government will restore statehood in Jammu and Kashmir and also asserted that terrorism and separatism, which have weakened after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, will be completely wiped out from the region.

This election is for choosing the future of Jammu and Kashmir. This election is meant to take the new Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of development, he said.

The three families of the Congress, NC and PDP inflicted wounds on the people here for years together. We have to ensure the sunset of their politics by pressing the button next to lotus, the BJPs poll symbol. It is the BJP that has prioritised your interests and ended the decades-old discrimination against the region, the prime minister said, giving the slogan Abki baar, BJP sarkar.

Modis rallies in Srinagar and Katra came a day after the first phase of polling in the Assembly election, covering 24 constituencies in seven south Kashmir districts and the Chenab valley region, and registering more than 61 per cent voting.

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, the prime minister alleged that for some votes, the opposition party is capable of putting our faith and culture at stake.

This is a place that has links to our faith and identity, so you should vote for a government that honours and takes forward our faith and culture, he said.

Referring to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhis recent visit to the United States, Modi said, What does the heir of the Congress say on foreign land? You might have heard him saying that our devi, devtas are not gods. There is a tradition of praying to devi, devtas in our villages. We are believers. But these Congress people say they are not gods. Are you satisfied with his words? Is this not an insult to our gods? Should they not be punished for this? He alleged that Congress leaders say such things intentionally.

This is a well-thought-out conspiracy. This is a Naxal thought and ideas imported from other religions and countries. Today, the Congress is under the influence of this Naxal ideology and you should be cautious of it, Modi said.

With such Naxal ideology, he claimed that Congress leaders have attacked the Dogra tradition by levelling baseless allegations on Dogra rulers.

The Congress is the largest corrupt family in the country and this family is the birthplace of corruption and its nourisher, he said, claiming that the opposition party is accusing the family of the Dogra rulers of being corrupt.

Referring to Gandhis campaign against hatred, Modi said in the name of mohabbat ki dukan, Congress leaders are selling the merchandise of hate.

This is their old strategy. They do not see beyond their vote bank. That is why they widened the gap between the two regions of Jammu and Kashmir for decades and discriminated against Jammu, he said.

The prime minister said the BJP honoured the last Dogra ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, by announcing a holiday on his birth anniversary and we connected Jammu with the path of development.

Modi is working day and night for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, whereas they (the Congress and the National Conference) never did any good for youngsters and destroyed their future. Not only Kashmir, the fire caused by them burned Jammu as well, while the countrys enemies sitting across the border benefitted from it, he said.

The prime minister also paid tributes to Vijay Kumar, the driver of a bus that was attacked by terrorists in Reasi on June 9, resulting in the killing of nine people, including seven pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori.

During the cowardly attack on pilgrims some months ago, Kumar gave his life to save the pilgrims. Such an action inspires us, he said, adding that terrorism and separatism have weakened in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards peace and development. With your support, the region will be completely free from terrorism, Modi said.

He said the BJPs manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir polls has promised a white paper on terrorism to provide justice to terror victims.

The divisive politics of the Congress, NC, PDP led to the suffering of our Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs. Our manifesto also carries special announcements to ensure a better future for them, the prime minister said.

On restoration of statehood, Modi said, From the foothills of Vaishno Devi, I am promising that statehood will be returned to Jammu and Kashmir. Not that I am saying this at a poll rally, but we have announced this in Parliament.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a three-day visit to the US starting September 21 to attend the annual Quad Summit and address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly.

Addressing a special MEA briefing here, Misri said the trip will include significant bilateral and multilateral engagements. PM Modi will also address a gathering of the Indian community in New York on September 22 during his three-day visit. During the visit, Modi will interact with the Indian diaspora and hold meetings with Indian and industry leaders.

#WATCH | Delhi: On PM Modis upcoming visit to USA, Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri says PM Modi be visiting the US from the 21st to the 23rd of September. There will be interaction with a variety of foreign partners. There will be interaction with the large Indian pic.twitter.com/k6WUhkMdsk ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

Quad Leaders Summit

The Prime Ministers first stop will be in Delaware, President Bidens home state, on September 21, where he will participate in the Quad Leaders Summit and a bilateral meeting, followed by the Cancer Moonshot event.

On September 22, Modi will engage with the Indian community in New York and participate in a technology roundtable, as well as separate meetings with CEOs and heads of state. That same day, he will address the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly. Misri mentioned that several aspects of the visit are still being finalised and noted that India agreed to swap the hosting of the Quad Leaders Summit at the request of the US.

On Donald Trump

When asked if PM Modi will meet former US President Donald Trump during his upcoming US visit, Misri said,There are many meetings with the Prime Minister right now which we are trying to fix. Right now, I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting, whether the meeting has been fixed or not. We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings.

Speaking on Tuesday at his first public appearance following the recent apparent assassination attempt, Trump said Modi will meet him next week when he is in the US. So when India, which is a very big abuser. He (Modi) happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, hes fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic, Trump said, reiterating that India imposes heavy tariffs on imports.

On Ukraine

When asked if PM Modi will meet Ukrainian President Zelensky during his US visit and if any side has requested a meeting, the Foreign Secretary Misri said, Im not aware of a request at this particular time, in so far as these bilateral meetings are concerned. As I said, we are still finalizing the exact agenda of the bilateral meetings.
The RAS officer Priyanka Vishnoi who died in hospital was cremated in Phalodi on Thursday amid a huge gathering.

Vishnoi was admitted to the hospital in Jodhpur in September following a stomach ache after which she was advised surgery. Priyanka went through surgery however her condition deteriorated on September 6. Eventually, she was shifted to Ahmedabad where she passed away on September 18.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat among other BJP leaders condoled her death.

The Vishnoi community in Jodhpur staged a massive protest on Thursday after her death alleging that she died due to doctors negligence in a Jodhpur-based private hospital. The community demanded an FIR against doctors as they claimed her condition worsened after surgery there.

As per her family members, Priyanka was operated upon in Jodhpur after she complained of a stomach ache. Doctors diagnosed a cyst and advised surgery. Her family members have accused doctors of negligence.

On Thursday, the community staged a dharma outside AIIMS demanding FIR against doctors who performed Priyankas surgery. A team was formed under DCP West Rajshri Verma who spoke to the community members and told them they can lodge a case only when an investigation team submits a report.

Thereafter a consensus was reached and dharna was dissolved. Her family members left with her body to Surpura in Phalodi where her in-laws house is situated.

Priyanka was an RAS officer from the 2016 batch.

Society representative Ramnivas Vishnoi Budhnagar said: We want to register an FIR against the negligence of the hospital administration. The police and administration are not registering a case. People of the society have come here (AIIMS Postmortem House) for justice. Four days ago also the collector had formed a committee and ordered an investigation. Today is the fourth day, but neither the investigation report has come nor the family members were told about this report.

Earlier, Priyankas father-in-law Seiram Vishnoi had written a letter to the collector demanding an investigation. Jodhpur District Collector Gaurav Agarwal has also ordered the Medical College Principal to form a committee and investigate the matter and submit a report in three days.

Principal Dr. Bharti Saraswat said that an investigation committee has been formed which will start to work Thursday.

National President of Vishnoi Samaj Devendra Budia said, Everything has happened under a conspiracy. It has been exposed. The society will ensure justice for its daughter. I am demanding a CBI investigation. I appeal to the Vishnoi society to struggle till our daughter gets justice. So that no daughter is murdered in future.
There is a significant potential for cultivating the worlds most expensive mango in Malda, West Bengal. This district is already famous for its mangoes, with nearly 200 varieties grown here. The most expensive mango in the world is Japans Miyazaki mango. According to a recent study, farmers in Malda can now cultivate this mango and earn millions of rupees. The study reveals that Maldas soil has great potential for commercial cultivation of the Miyazaki mango. Recently, three school teachers in Malda conducted research on the feasibility of cultivating the Miyazaki mango. Their findings revealed that Malda has the required climate and weather conditions for growing this variety. Additionally, the pH level of the soil in Malda is suitable for Miyazaki cultivation, and the temperature, which needs to be around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, is also favourable. According to teacher and researcher Somnath Chatterjee, Maldas soil and climate are highly favourable for this mango. In the future, there is great potential for large-scale cultivation.

The research was conducted by three teachers from Shovapur High School in Malda  Haraswami Das, Somnath Chatterjee, and Suchanda Das. Their study highlights the possibilities for Miyazaki mango cultivation in the district. Local farmers have not been able to prosper significantly through other varieties of mango, but the Miyazaki mango, being the most expensive in the world, could bring significant profits if grown on a large scale.

Teacher and researcher Haraswami Das stated that proper training for farmers could pave the way for widespread cultivation of this mango, which would benefit the districts farmers in the long run. The study emphasises the need for active support from the district administration, agricultural department, and horticultural division to train farmers and provide the necessary resources. If this happens, Malda farmers could achieve significant financial gains by cultivating Japans Miyazaki mango.
The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) has cancelled the registration of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered on August 9. The move comes following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a rape-murder case and allegations of financial irregularities.

He has been removed from the list of Registered Medical Practitioners maintained by the WBMC, an official was quoted by PTI as saying. His licence was cancelled under various provisions of the Bengal Medical Act, 1914.

Ghosh, who is currently in CBI custody, was served a show-cause notice 13 days ago after the Bengal chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had urged the WBMC to revoke Ghoshs medical registration. On September 7, the WBMC had issued a show-cause notice to Ghosh asking him to explain within three days why his registration should not be cancelled. Ghosh did not respond to the notice.

Ghosh was arrested by the central probe agency in connection with the alleged financial irregularities at the RG Kar Hospital on September 2. The CBI has accused Sandip Ghosh of being involved in causing considerable delay in registration of FIR in conspiracy with others and thereby leading to deliberate destruction of vital evidence.

Meanwhile, the father of the Kolkata rape and murder victim on Wednesday said his daughter would have been alive had the West Bengal government taken action against Sandip Ghosh earlier. The allegations of financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital came to light after the body of a woman doctor was found there on August 9.

In the year 2021, RG Kar Hospitals former principal, Sandip Ghosh, was accused was financial irregularities at the institute. Had the Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) taken action against Ghosh then, my daughter would have been alive today, the father of the victim told reporters.

(With PTI inputs)
More than 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging or preparation have been detected in human bodies, some of which are hazardous to health, while little is known about others, a study published on Tuesday said.

Around 100 of these chemicals are considered to be of high concern to human health, said lead study author Birgit Geueke from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, a Zurich-based NGO.

Some of these chemicals are relatively well-studied and have already been found in human bodies, such as PFAS and bisphenol A  both of which are the target of bans.

But little is known about the health effects of others, Geueke told AFP, calling for more research into how chemicals used in packaging end up being swallowed along with food.

The researchers had previously catalogued around 14,000 food contact chemicals (FCCs), which are capable of migrating into food from packaging made of plastic, paper, glass, metal or other materials.

They can also come from other parts of the food-making process, such as from conveyer belts or kitchen utensils.

The researchers then searched for these chemicals in existing biomonitoring databases, which track chemicals in human samples.

The team was expecting to find a few hundred FCCs, Geueke said. Instead, they were surprised to find 3,601  a quarter of all the known FCCs.

Geueke emphasised that this study could not show that all these chemicals necessarily ended up in bodies from food packaging, as other exposure sources are possible.

Among the high concern chemicals were numerous PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, which have been detected in many parts of the human body in recent years and linked to a range of health problems.

Also detected was bisphenol A, a hormone-disrupting chemical used to make plastics that has already been banned from baby bottles in many countries.

Another hormone-disrupting chemical was phthalates, which has been linked to infertility.

Less is known about oligomers, which are also byproducts of plastic production.

There is almost no evidence on the health effects of these chemicals, Geueke said.

Reduce contact with packaging

When it comes to toxicology, an old saying is that the dose makes the poison.

A limitation of the study was that it could not say whether there were particularly high concentrations of any of the chemicals, Geueke acknowledged.

But she warned that these chemicals can interact with each other, pointing to a single sample that had up to 30 different PFAS.

Geueke recommended that people reduce their contact time with packaging  and to avoid heating up food in the packaging it came in.

Duane Mellor, an expert in evidence-based medicine at the UKs Aston University and not involved in the research, praised the very thorough piece of work.

However, it does not cover how much of these chemicals we are exposed to and hints at other sources of these chemicals in our environment, he told AFP.

Rather than being unduly alarmed, Mellor suggested that people demand better data and minimise unnecessary exposure to chemicals which may ultimately impact our health.

Some of the chemicals are also already facing bans.

The European Union is in the final stages of banning the use of PFAS in food packaging. The EU has also proposed a similar ban for bisphenol A from the end of this year.

The study was published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.
Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchans daughter Aaradhya Bachchan has won the internets heart with her recent gesture towards Shiva Rajkumar. Aaradhya crossed paths with him at the recently concluded SIIMA 2024 ceremony. She accompanied Aishwarya at the event in Dubai. A video shared by paparazzo Manav Manglani on Instagram revealed that she met Puneeth Rajkumars brother and fell on his feet to seek his blessings.

In the video, Shiva was seen greeting Chiyaan Vikram and Aishwarya Rai, who were seated together. The Kannada star even congratulated Aishwarya for winning Best Actress (Critics) award for her performance in Ponniyin Selvan. After exchanging pleasantaries, the actress introduced him to Aaradhya. The teenage Bachchan family member greeted him with a big smile, folded hands and fell on his feet. Aishwarya was seen sporting a big smile.

Watch the video below:

Several social media users lauded Aishwarya and the Bachchan family for raising her Aaradhya well. That girl has been thought right things respect to elders, a fan comment read. Yeh sanskaar Bachchan family se hi miley hai, added another. What a upbringing , added a third. That sanskaar of touching feet, a fourth user said.

Aaradhya and Aishwarya were also seen catching up with Tamil actor Chiyaan Vikram. In a photo gone viral, Aaradhya was seen chatting with Vikram. The Tamil star won Best Actor for his performance in Ponniyin Selvan. Another photo also revealed Aishwarya cracking up over a joke made on stage.

The actress was also spotted walking down the red carpet with Aaradhya Bachchan. The mother-daughter duo posed for the cameras before they made their way to the awards show. On the red carpet, Aishwarya kissed Aaradhya and held her hand as they posed for the cameras.
Abhishek Bachchan has reportedly purchased a luxurious apartment in one of Mumbais upcoming properties. As per a Bombay Times report, the building is located quite close to Amitabh Bachchans home, Jalsa and offers stunning views of Juhu Beach. This purchase comes only two months after the actor bought six flats in Mumbais Borivali.

The report mentions that the Bachchan family already has five bungalows in the area and flats in certain new properties due to their close ties with a certain builder. However, this building is being built by another reputed builder, as per the report. Akshay Kumar has also invested in the same property, the report mentions. The payment details of the property have not been disclosed yet.

Abhishek Bachchan, known for his versatility in Bollywood, has continued to build his career following his debut in Refugee back in 2000. With hit films like Dhoom, Guru, Bunty Aur Babli, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, hes secured his place in the industry. Up next, fans can look forward to seeing him in the comedy-packed Housefull 5, alongside stars like Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor, as well as in King with Shah Rukh Khan, proving hes not slowing down anytime soon.

Amitabh Bachchan had confirmed earlier that Abhishek Bachchan has been roped in to play the antagonist in Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan starrer King. The film will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh and Siddharth Anand will be overseeing the action. Abhishek Bachchan will be seen as the villain in the film.

Abhishek is an actor whose full potential has yet to be fully realized. He has the ability to astonish audiences when given complex roles. King presents him in an out-and-out negative role for the first time in such a large-scale commercial movie, and he is sure to make a significant impact with his performance. The Jr. Bachchan was surprised when he was offered this role but accepted it immediately, intrigued by the depth of his character. Its a special role, and Siddharth Anand has grand plans to present Abhishek in a manner audiences have never seen before, a source close to the development told Peeping Moon.

Speaking about the films plot, a source had earlier told Pinkvilla, The flavour of action in King will be very different from what SRK has done in Pathaan and Jawan. This one would be sleek with a lot of chase sequences. However, the core plot is emotional and driven by the story. It has lots of twists and turns, which is the reason why Sujoy has been bestowed with the responsibility of direction.
Bollywood actor Deepak Tijori has filed a fraud complaint against film producer Vikram Khakhar, accusing him of cheating him out of nearly INR 1.75 crore. The complaint was registered at Mumbais Amboli Police Station.

According to Tijoris complaint, the police have lodged a case against Vikram Khakhar under sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code. The police have begun investigating the matter and are searching for the accused.

As per officials from Amboli Police Station, Deepak Tijori (62) first met Vikram Khakhar in 2019. During their interactions, Tijori mentioned that he was working on a film project titled Tipsy, which had been put on hold. Khakhar then informed Tijori that he had contacts in London and could help complete the film there, estimating a cost of INR 1.5 crore for the project.

Trusting Khakhar, on March 3, 2020, Tijori transferred INR 1.74 crore from his bank account to Khakhars company, Thought Benchers. However, when Tijori inquired about the progress of the film a few days later, Khakhar claimed that all activities in London had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even after the pandemic subsided, Khakhar repeatedly promised to deliver the film, but after several delays, nothing materialized. When Tijori messaged Khakhar on March 14, 2024, asking for his money back, Khakhar failed to provide a satisfactory response.

Tijori soon discovered that Khakhar had not spent any of the money on the film, leading him to believe he had been defrauded. Subsequently, on September 17, Tijori filed a formal complaint with the Amboli Police.

In his statement to the police, Tijori alleged that from March 2020 to March 2024, he had continuously inquired about the film, but Khakhar kept avoiding the subject. Upon realizing that the funds intended for the film had not been used, Tijori decided to take legal action.

Deepak Tijori is well-known for his roles in hit films such as Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Khiladi, Anjaam, Sadak, Aashiqui, Ghulam, and Fareb.

Vikram Khakhar, on the other hand, has produced films like One by Two, Virsa, Dobara, and Bhaiyyaji.
uibn8 Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina, the leads of the upcoming film Jigra, are set to kick off season two of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, and theyre bringing some big names along! Joining them will be producer Karan Johar and director Vasan Bala. In the episode, Alia spills the tea about her marriage to Ranbir Kapoor, revealing that Karan Johar is the matchmaker who brought them together.

Kapil Sharma, never missing a chance, pokes fun at Karan for his matchmaking skills in the industry. Kapil said, Some people believe you run a marriage bureau in the industry. Karan laughed it off and said, Ive helped many people find love, and theyre even married today. But Im still single!

Alia Bhatt said that Karan has a knack for relationships and just knows when its supposed to work out. Karan has a sixth sense when it comes to relationships. He predicted that Ranbir and I would make a great couple when we first became friends. He told me, Alia, I think this is it. To this, Karan went on to add, I knew it! I knew their friendship would blossom into something special, and it would last a lifetime.

Alia Bhatt has been crushing on Ranbir Kapoor since she was nine years old, way back when he was working behind the scenes on Black in 2005. Fast forward to 2017, and fate brought them together again while filming Brahmastra in the snowy mountains of Bulgaria and the sparks flew!

The duo made their official couple debut at Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahujas wedding reception in 2018, sending fans into a total frenzy. Ranbir later confirmed their romance during an interview with a magazine, gushing over Alias charm and teasing that their relationship was still cooking. With their families blessings and Alia standing strong by Ranbirs side through tough times like Rishi Kapoors passing, their love story was straight out of a Bollywood fairytale. Finally, the tale ended with a dreamy wedding in April 2022 at their residence in Mumbai. They have a daughter named Raha Kapoor.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased its new Iron Dome Mission Module at last weeks Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Australia and the Air Force Association Air, Space, and Cyber (ASC) event in Washington, D.C., this week.

Utilizing a mobile radar sensor from Leonardo DRS (RADA) and a 10-canister launcher mounted on light tactical vehicles such as the JLTV, the Iron Domes mission module is a compact, flexible solution that can be integrated into various defense platforms. It responds rapidly to aerial threats, including rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The module can be deployed in static and mobile configurations, making it versatile for different operational needs.

The system is designed to be deployed as part of a tactical layered air defense protecting contingency Air Force or Marines units deployed overseas. These elements in Australia address the Littoral Lift Group Australias plans to stand up in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The Iron Dome, a proven system that has successfully intercepted thousands of rockets in operational use, is being marketed to allied nations as a key component of multi-tiered air defense strategies.


China and Spain signed an agreement to boost scientific cooperation during Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's visit to China last week. This move has been welcomed by Spain's scientific community, including a top AI researcher who told Xinhua on Monday that collaboration is essential for research. #GLOBALink
As they have done nearly every month since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian Federations representatives to the United Nations yet again called a meeting of the Security Council to whine about weapons transfers by western allies to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression. On September 13, the Russian Federations representative made wild accusations against the United States and the United Kingdom in particular, portraying western military transfers, which are provided at no charge, as a money-making scheme.

The United States welcomes the opportunity to address the seriousness of weapons transfers into the conflict in Ukraine, said U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.N Robert Wood, noting that transfers to the Russia Federation are enabling the largest invasion in Europe since World War II.

In late 2023, Iran and Russia signed a contract for the supply of hundreds of missiles Russia needs to carry out its aggression in Ukraine.  Irans transfer represents a dramatic escalation and a highly destabilizing development; one that is likely to increase the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

The fastest way towards peace is for Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and for it to stop its aerial assault. Absent Russias desire for peace, the next quickest way towards peace is for the world to cut off Russias ability to sustain its illegal assault. This is where we need to have a real conversation about Chinas role in this conflict, said Ambassador Wood.

China is prolonging Russias aggression through its so-called no limits partnership and its large-scale support for Russias defense industrial base, all of which enable Russia to continue waging war on Ukraine.

China is also helping Russia spread propaganda and disinformation about Ukraine by justifying the war through the pretext of legitimate security concerns. There is no legitimate excuse for what Russia is doing in Ukraine. None, said Ambassador Wood.

We call on China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, with a particular responsibility to uphold the UN Charter, to respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to cease all material and political support to Russias illegal war.

There is no justification for Russias attack on Ukraine. Ukraine has an inherent right to defend itself from aggression,  and the United States will continue to support Ukraines ability to do so.  We will not back down.
Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan tied the knot in 1973 in a secret ceremony. As per Jayas fathers journalist Taroon Coomar Bhadhuri, while their decision was abrupt, neither family had any objection to their union. However, the Bengali priest who presided over the ceremony initially objected to the wedding due to caste differences between Amitabh and Jaya.

Taroon Coomar Bhadhuri wrote for the Illustrated Weekly of India in 1989, I felt he was not the run-of-the-mill Bombay film star. There were vicious people who said that Amitabh married Jaya because she was a big star, but its totally untrue. He waited for Zanjeer to be a success. But Jaya would have married him anyway. I know that for certain. She is not a fickle-minded person. She is a very determined individual, bent on having her way since childhood. It is difficult for me to say what drew them together.

Taroon wrote that Amitabh called Jayas mother and asked them to come to Mumbai for the wedding. He added, And presto, we were in Bombay the next day to make arrangements for a secret marriage on June 3, 1973. There is no point now in going into the details of how the whole affair was kept secret and the marriage arranged in the flat of friends of our family, the Pandits, at Malabar Hill. But there is something more to it.

However, Jayas mother wanted a proper Bengali marriage and it was difficult to find a Bengali priest that soon. A Bengali marriage is usually a long-drawn-out but highly interesting affair. The Bengali priest (who was located with great difficulty) at first protested against having to preside over a marriage between a Bengali Brahmin (Jaya) and a non-Bengali non-brahmin (Amit). After a lot of hassles, this was sorted out. Amit went through all the rituals, offending no one, and the ceremony went on until early the next morning. He did with sincerity all he was told to do. The following day, they flew to London. On their return, I held a reception at Bhopal and again Amit did whatever he was told to do, Jayas father wrote.

He also dismissed rumours that he was against Jaya and Amitabhs union. He wrote, I would like to know just one good reason why my wife or I would have been opposed to the Bhaduri-Bachchan alliance. Amitabh was, and is, a lovable boy. He struggled hard to come up in the world of films. Initial failures did not deter him, and with a teutonic doggedness, he pursued his career. He proposed marriage to Jaya only when the film Zanjeer clicked and he has not looked back since. So, what reservations could we have? That he was not a Bengali and was a non-brahmin? How ridiculous!

He added, Another daughter of mine too is married to a non-brahmin, and if it is any consolation to my detractors, my second daughter is married to a Roman Catholic. Apart from my wife and I, my elderly parents, too, not only joined in the marriage celebrations but blessed all three couples and this, in view of scores of invitees. And my father was a very proud Brahmin. His words still ring in my ears: It is their life. Who are we to throw a spanner in the works? If they are happy, so should we be.

Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan are one of Bollywoods most loved couples. They have been married for more than 50 years now and have two children, Shweta Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. They also have three grandchildren  Agastya Nanda, Navya Naveli Nanda, and Aaradhya Bachchan.
Tollywood choreographer Jani Master has been arrested. Accused of rape, Jani was been arrested by the Cyberabad Police from Goa. He is being transferred to Hyderabad and will be produced before the court.

The arrest comes just two days after a 21-year-old woman accused him of sexually assaulting her. In her complaint, she revealed she was a junior choreographer in his team when he sexually abused her. She claimed he abused her for six years during outdoor shoots. According to the complaint, the accused said these incidents happened in 2019 but she couldnt speak up as she was being threatened by the choreographer of throwing her out of the industry.

Given that the incident took place when she was 16 years old, Jaani has been charged under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The complaint has been registered in the Narsingi police of Cyberabad on Wednesday, September 18.

According to The Hindu, the woman filed her complaint in Raidurgam police in Hyderabad and accused him of assaulting her during outdoor shoots. She had been working with Jani for the past few months. He has been booked under clause (2) and (n) of section 376 (rape), criminal intimidation (506) and voluntarily causing hurt (323) of the IPC.

The report also added that Shikha Goel, DG of Women Safety Wing (WSW) Telangana, was approached by the people in the film fraternity to get her guidance on the matter. I advised them to launch an internal inquiry under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act and since the allegations also attract criminal charges, they were also told to register a case with the law and order police the case shall be investigated further as per protocol, she said.

Meanwhile, Allu Arjun has extended his support to the victim. The actor, who has worked with Jani on several songs including Butta Booma, promised to include the victim of the Jani Master harassment case in all his upcoming films and those produced by Geetha Arts. This assurance underscores his commitment to providing her with meaningful opportunities in the industry. The victim has already worked on Pushpa 2: The Rule, marking her involvement in major projects.

He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring a secure and supportive space for women in the industry, earning praise for his dedication to creating a safe workplace for female professionals.
New shocking and horrifying details have come to light about the so-called sex rooms Sean Diddy Combs allegedly ran in his Miami mansion. It was reportedly filled with sex toys, bondage, hidden cameras and lingerie, federal sources say, alleging that the rapper was as bad as Epstein. One Homeland Security official who assisted in the search of Diddys Florida mansion claimed the music mogul had a room apparently dedicated to sex, with cameras set up all around.

So when you were at these parties you were filmed from every angle possible, including angles you didnt even know were there, the source said, referring to orgies that sometimes took place all day. He reportedly called these parties, freak offs.

In this case, the victim was allegedly forced to sleep with male prostitutes. In my opinion, hes just as bad as Jeffrey Epstein, the source added, referring to the late child sex offender who had hanged himself behind bars. Officials said they see many similarities between Combs and Epstein, a well-connected financier who served time in prison in New York and Florida for trafficking dozens of girls. Epstein was awaiting trial on additional charges and died in his cell in August 2019, reports The New York Post.

On Tuesday, Combs was reportedly indicted on federal charges of human trafficking and organised crime. According to the indictment, he allegedly forced female victims into sessions that lasted several days, part of a pattern of his abuse that stretches back more than a decade. The indictment also alleges that the women, some of whom were teenagers, were forced into freak-off sessions with male prostitutes, often recorded while the music producer masturbated.

We have evidence that these women did not feel free to leave their homes and we have video evidence showing that some of the girls were clearly not with themselves while these men were playing with them, DHS officials said, informs The New York Post.

As of now, the rapper faces three federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs arrest comes after he was hit with a flurry of lawsuits in the past year by people who allege he subjected them to physical abuse during the height of his fame as a producer in the 1990s and 2000s.

Reference link: https://nypost.com/2024/09/18/us-news/diddy-as-bad-as-epstein-says-officer-who-raided-miami-mansion/
The co-producers of Emergency, a film starring Kangana Ranaut, have informed the Bombay High Court that the movie is allegedly being blocked from release due to political interference from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The film, which is believed to touch on sensitive issues, is reportedly seen as anti-Sikh, prompting delays in its certification process by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

During a hearing, a division bench comprising Justices Burgess Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla was told that the CBFC is acting under political pressure to protect the BJPs overall interests. According to Venkatesh Dhond, the lawyer representing Zee Studios, the certification board is deliberately delaying the films release until after the state elections in Haryana, scheduled for October this year.

The bench has now directed the CBFC to make a final decision on the films certification by September 25. The court emphasized that the board should be courageous in making its decision, even if it means blocking the films release.

The CBFC, however, requested additional time, citing the need for its revising committee to thoroughly evaluate the movie before issuing a certificate. Despite this, the Bombay High Court has made it clear that a decision on Emergency must be reached by the specified deadline, leaving the films future hanging in the balance.

Kangana Ranaut is not only starring in Emergency but also directing the highly anticipated political drama. The film features an ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade. Shreyas Talpade takes on the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, while Anupam Kher portrays political leader Jayaprakash Narayan. The late Satish Kaushik will also make an appearance as former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.

Despite the star-studded lineup and the films historical significance, Emergency has faced several calls for a boycott. Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht, have raised concerns, alleging that the film portrays the Sikh community in a negative light. They have demanded an immediate ban, accusing the film of attempting to character assassinate Sikhs by pushing a biased narrative.

Initially, Emergency was set for release on September 6, but these controversies have placed the films future in question. Kangana Ranaut spoke about the films delay during News18 Indias Chaupal event. She said, It is our history which has been intentionally hidden. We are not told about this. Bhale logo ka zamaana nahi hai, Kangana said and then added, My film is ready to be released. It has received certification from the censor board. 4 historians supervised our films. We have the proper documents. There is nothing wrong with my film. But some people call Bhindranwale a saint, revolutionary or a leader. They threatened via pleas (to ban her film). I have also received threats. Previous governments have declared Khalistanis as terrorists. He was not a saint who was sitting in a temple with an AK47.
Korean actor Yoo Ah-In, best known for his performances in Burning and Hellbound, faced allegations of sexually assaulting a 30-year-old man in July. Several reports by the Korean media stated that the Seoul Yongsan Police Station received a complaint against the actor on July 15. This fresh set of accusations came in while Yoo was already indicted for illegal drug abuse.

On Thursday, September 19, Soompi reported that Yoo Ah-Ins same-sex sexual assault case, which is considered imitative rape under Korean law, had been closed by the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul. They have decided not to transfer the case to prosecution on September 11 due to the lack of substantial evidence. It is also reported that the police arent going to reinvestigate the case.

For those who are unaware, the South Korean actor was accused of sexually assaulting a man who was sleeping in his home in Yongsan-gu. According to the police report, the victim, going by the alias of Mr A, was sleeping in his officetel (buildings in Korea where occupants live and work at the same time) from 6 am to 4 pm. Once he woke up, he realised he had been sexually assaulted. He filed a complaint the following day. Notably, the house was neither Yoos nor Mr As residence but that of a third party.

In August, the police summoned the actor for questioning and he denied all allegations. Bang Jung-hyun, Yoos legal representative, said, We clarify that the allegations in the complaint are not true and requested the public refrain from unnecessary speculation about Yoos private life.

In other news, Yoo An-In was sentenced to one year in prison for his habitual drug use on September 3. He was indicted in October 2023 for administering propofol 181 times from September 2020 to March 2022 and for illegally purchasing 1,100 sleeping pills under someone elses name 44 times from May 2021 to August 2022. The 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court has imposed a fine of 2 million KRW, which is approximately $ 1,489.70, in the first trial on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, smoking marijuana, and attempting the destruction of evidence. Previously, the prosecution requested a four-year jail term, a fine of 2 million KRW 2,000,000, and an additional 1.5 million KRW.

On the work front, Yoo Ah-In has been part of popular K-dramas like Descendants Of The Sun and Hellbound. He was last seen in Goodbye Earth, released in April 2024.
IC184 The Kandahar Hijack is the re-telling of the infamous incident in Indias defence history. It has piqued the nations interest and the Indian officials involved in the negotiations and the victims who were held hostage abroad on the plane are recalling the ordeal. One such passenger, Jeevan Bhatt, said in a recent chat that the hostages experienced Stockholm Syndrome during the hijack and even contributed cash for the poor Afghans.

In an interview with the Face to Face YouTube channel, Jeevan said, Burger was the kingpin. He would come around and say, You look upset, lets sing songs and tell jokes. Basically, everybody inside the plane was a victim of Stockholm Syndrome. One man from Karol Bagh even promised to print pamphlets for their cause the minute he got back to India. They kept telling us about the atrocities that Indian forces had committed against Kashmiris, and said that they would never stoop to that level because theyre good people.

He continued, You wont believe it; they told us that people in Afghanistan are in such poor condition, and urged us to contribute money for them. They took donations from the passengers! I think they collected around Rs 80,000. Everybody contributed. The air hostesses would walk down the aisles with bags, and we pooled in our cash. It was around 80,000  a big amount even back then. It was all for the poor people in Kandahar.

Jeevan Bhatt said that one hijacker also tried to preach Islam. He conducted two sessions, I think. This was the same hijacker who killed Rupin Katyal. They would say that Masood Azhar is a writer, and has falsely been branded as a terrorist, he said.

In a recent interview with India Today TV, another passenger, Pooja Kataria, also spoke about the donations. They [hijackers] really insisted that Afghanistan was very poor, and we should do charity for them. So, we collected 85,000 from all the passengers and gave it to them for Afghanistan, she said.

The release of Netflixs latest Hindi series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has sparked discussions that have strayed from its core narrative, drawing attention instead to peripheral details. However, the heart of the series remains a powerful testament to the courage and resilience displayed by the passengers and crew of flight IC 814. The hijacking, which ended after a tense week-long negotiation that saw the release of three high-profile terrorists, including Masood Azhar, is a story of survival and determination.
Nam Joo-hyuk has officially finished his mandatory military service, much to the excitement of his fans. The actor, who enlisted in March 2023 as part of his duties as a conscripted police officer, has long been missed by his audience. Known for his standout roles in series like Twenty-Five, Twenty-One and Start-Up, fans have been eagerly awaiting his next on-screen appearance. On September 19, Nam Joo-hyuk was officially discharged from military duty. He was met with enthusiastic cheers and warm smiles from his fans as he exited the base.

Supporters greeted him with gifts and flowers, celebrating his return to civilian life. In response, the actor couldnt hide his happiness, as he shared a few heartwarming moments with those gathered to see him.

Before his enlistment, Nam Joo-hyuk was last seen in Vigilante. Back in June, it was reported that Nam Joo-hyuk had received an offer to star in a new fantasy drama. Now, speculation has been growing about his next project.

Nam Joo-hyuk, who entered the acting scene in 2014 with Surplus Princess, has gained immense popularity through a variety of roles. From portraying a fun-loving athlete in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo to a struggling journalist in The Light in Your Eyes, he has consistently shown his versatility. His most recent projects, Start-Up and Twenty-Five, Twenty-One, were huge international successes.

His foray into the action genre came with the 2023 drama Vigilante. In this series, Nam Joo-hyuk portrayed Kim Ji-Yong, a police academy student who turns vigilante to deliver his own brand of justice. The series, which aired on Disney Plus, showed the actors range and introduced him to a new genre.

According to Allkpop, as of June 25, reports surfaced that Nam Joo-hyuk is in talks to join the cast of Donggung, a highly anticipated fantasy K-drama. His agency, Management SOOP, confirmed to XSports News that the role is being considered, though nothing has been finalised yet.
Priyanka Chopra, known for sharing glimpses of her life on social media, recently treated fans to an exciting update. After taking a well-deserved break to celebrate husband Nick Jonass birthday, the actress is back to work and gearing up for her next project. She shared on her social media that shes returned to the set of the much-anticipated drama Citadel 2, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour that left them eager for more.

The video tour begins with a mirror selfie from Priyanka in a close-up shot, before she steps onto the set of CitadelSeason 2 in a sleek black outfit, her hair styled in a sharp ponytail. With sunglasses on, she playfully invites her followers, saying, Come with me to the sets.

Earlier, Priyanka had also shared a video of her drive to the set, captioning it, Hello Citadel S 2. Back in August, the actress teased fans with a clip flaunting her striking new honey-hued eye color, asking, New eye color for Citadel, what do you think? She completed the look with a beige and white striped top, subtle nude makeup, chic golden hoops, and layered necklaces. The video was captioned, Citadel prep! Here we go!

Citadel is a thrilling spy series created by Josh Appelbaum, Bryan Oh, and David Weil, with the Russo brothers serving as executive producers. Premiering on April 28, 2023, the first season featured Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden as agents Nadia Sinh and Mason Kane, alongside a talented cast including Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville.

For the highly anticipated second season, Citadel will introduce new faces to the cast, such as Merle Dandridge, Rahul Kohli, Michael Trucco, Matt Berry, and Gabriel Leone. Jack Reynor also joins the ensemble, further enriching the series.

In addition to Citadels main storyline, several spin-offs are in the works, set in various global locations. Citadel: Diana, the Italian series, is slated to release on October 10, with Matilda De Angelis leading the cast. The six-episode espionage drama, directed by Arnaldo Catinari, promises to be an exciting new chapter in the Citadel universe.

Following Citadel: Diana, the Indian spin-off Citadel: Honey Bunny is scheduled to premiere on November 7. Starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the teaser has already created a buzz with glimpses of intense action sequences featuring both actors.
Rahul Bose has crafted a distinguished career with films such as Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Bulbbul, Split Wide Open and 15th Park Avenue. He has also left a mark in mainstream Bollywood with notable films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Jhankaar Beats and Shaurya. Recently, in an interview, Rahul opened up about his views on why he has not yet secured a lead role in major Bollywood blockbusters.

During a chat with Indian Express, Rahul Bose said, I dont think that Id ever be offered a lead role in big-budget films because I dont justify that expense. I realised that if I wanted to play leads, I would have to go for small-budget films. Filmmakers of big-budget projects would cast the stars, why would they take me? Thats been a big deciding factor; from 1993 till 2012-13, I only played lead roles.

When asked if he ever felt bitter about not being chosen as the first choice for a lead role in mainstream Bollywood, Rahul said, Of course not. The fact that I have had 30 years with this kind of face, I should be full of gratitude and thankfulness. I am not some wonderful physical specimen of humanity.

For Zoya Akhtars Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Rahul Bose stepped out of his comfort zone with the character Manav. He mentions that the film holds a special place in his career and is one he truly cherishes. The movie starred Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar in lead roles.

On his latest project Berlin, Rahul describes it as a very different film, filled with interiority and silences, and deeply psychological. He mentions it is not just a typical whodunnit, but a psychological one that will leave viewers uncertain about who they should be rooting for.

Berlin, directed by Atul Sabharwal, tells the gripping story of Pushkin, an ordinary teacher assigned to interrogate Ashok Kumar, a suspected ISI spy implicated in a plot to assassinate the Russian president. The film features Aparshakti Khurana as Pushkin Verma, Ishwak Singh as Ashok Kumar, Rahul Bose as Jagdish Sondhi, Nitesh Pandey as Mr. Mehta, and Ujjwal Chopra as Mr. Mahajan, among others. Berlin premiered on the OTT platform Zee5 on September 13.
The burqa-clad woman who threatened Salim Khan citing Lawrence Bishnois name has been nabbed. The man who was with her during the incident has also been nabbed, Mumbai Police confirmed. They also revealed that the incident took place on Wednesday morning, September 18.

Police sources revealed that the primary investigation was done and it has been said the duo does not have a connection with the Bishnoi gang. They were trying to tease Salim Khan. In an official statement to the press, the Mumbai Police shared details about the incident.

When they got tired and sat on the promenade in front of Windermere Building, an unidentified scooty driver from Galaxy who was going towards the band stand and a veiled woman sitting behind him took a U-turn on his scooty. They parked the scooter close to Salim Khan and said, Should I send Lawrence Bishnoi? The escaped the venue after giving him the threat, the police said in a statement.

The writer noticed the scooter number was 7444 but couldnt see the fill number plate. After recording the detailed statement, a case was registered against the scooter driver and the veiled woman, the police said.

The incident took place months after gunshots were fired outside Salman Khans house. The actor, who faces death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang, lives in Bandra and in April this year, two men fired gunshots at his building and fled the scene on their bike. The police eventually nabbed them and were questioned. The men were identified as Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal. It was reported that they were hired by Lawrence Bishnois gang.

Salman recorded his statement after the attack. He said he slept late on the previous night and was woken up to a bullets sound. He later found a bullet in his balcony.

In June 2022, Salim Khan found a letter, threatening him and Salman Khan. Following the threat, Salman was given Y+ security. His familys security was tightened after the gunshots were fired this year.

(With inputs from Yesha Kotak).
Its been two years since Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the so-called morality police in Tehran, after she was arrested for wearing her hijab improperly.

Her death kindled some of the largest anti-government demonstrations in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Led by women and girls, thousands of Iranians poured into streets across the country initiating what is known as the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Authorities responded with a brutal crackdown: 500 people were killed and 20,000 arrested. In the months that followed, executions in Iran spiked.

The crackdown by Iranian authorities continues, and, as UN-appointed independent experts on Iran recently reported, has intensified. They wrote: State authorities have expanded repressive measures and policies to further deprive women and girls of their fundamental rights. The Government has enhanced surveillance of hijab compliance in both the public and private spheres, while increasing previously established patterns of violence against women and girls who flout the mandatory hijab. In parallel, State authorities have increasingly invoked the use of the death penalty against women activists and scaled up executions against others who had expressed solidarity with the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.

In a joint statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom called on Irans new administration to fulfill its pledge to ease pressure on civil society in Iran and to end the use of force to enforce the hijab requirement. They also deplored the shocking recent surge in executions in Iran that have largely occurred without fair trails, and pledged to use all relevant national legal authorities to promote accountability for Iranian human rights violators.

On September 18, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against 12 individuals in connection with the Iranian regimes ongoing repression of the Iranian people. Those designated include members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and officials of Irans Prisons Organizations. Two years have now passed since Mahsa Aminis tragic death  and, despite the Iranian peoples peaceful calls for reform, Irans leaders have doubled down on the regimes well-worn tactics of violence and coercion, said Treasury Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith. The United States along with our allies and partners, will continue to take action to expose and hold accountable those responsible for carrying out the Iranian regimes cruel agenda.
Salim Khan received fresh threats on Thursday morning. The veteran writer, who is also superstar Salman Khans father, was on his morning walk when a woman threatened him citing gangster Lawrence Bishnois name. A new report has surfaced online detailing on the events that panned out. According to India Today, the woman who approached Salim Khan was dressed in a burqa.

When Salim Khan was out for a morning walk with Salman Khan, a man and a burqa-clad woman, on a scooter, came to him and issued a threat citing gangster Lawrence Bishnois name, the report mentioned. It is claimed that Salim Khan seated on a bench at a promenade when the said woman threatened him by saying, Should I send Lawrence Bishnoi? The woman is yet to be identified.

According to Hindustan Times, two people have been booked and the police is tracing them down. The police said the incident appeared to be a prank, the report stated.

Why is Lawrence Bishnoi After Salman Khan?

Lawrence Bishnoi has targetted Salman Khan for his involvement in the 1998 Blackbuck poaching case. Last year, Salman received a death threat through a letter his father found during his walk. In April this year, gunshots were fired outside Khans Galaxy Apartments in Mumbais Bandra area. Later, it was reported that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is alleged to be behind the attack as the gangsters brother, Anmol Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the shooting incident via a Facebook post.

In his statement to the Mumbai Police, Salman said, I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartments first-floor balcony. There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learnt that Lawrence Bishnoi has taken responsibility for the attack from social media. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing on my balcony.
Salman Khans security came under threat after a biker came close to his convoy. On Tuesday night, when Salman was headed home when a biker started following his convoy. The incident took place at 12:15 am. The actors security team caught hold of the man and handed him over to the police. Salman Khans security guard caught him and handed him over to Bandra Police Station.

When the police did a thorough investigation, they found out that the bike rider did not know that he was Salman Khans convoy. Salman, who is facing death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is yet to comment on the matter.

According to Mid-Day, the biker was a 21-year-old man who allegedly followed Salmans convoy in Bandra. It is claimed that he was trying to reach the superstars car. The police said the youngster tried to manoeuvre between Salman Khans security vehicles to get closer to his car. One of the security officers informed the police stationed at Salmans residence. Eventually, he was arrested.

The police identified the 21-year-old man as Uzar Faiz Moiyuddin, a resident of Hyderabad. He was allegedly visiting his relatives in Mumbai. The FIR was registered under 125 (act endangering the life of others and personal safety) and 281 (Rash driving or riding in a public way) of the BNS. After investigation, the police did not find any suspicion his statements and let him go.

The incident has come to light amid the news that Salim Khan was threatened during his morning walk. The veteran writer, who is also Salmans father, was on his morning walk when a woman threatened him citing gangster Lawrence Bishnois name. According to India Today, the woman who approached Salim Khan was dressed in a burqa. When Salim Khan was out for a morning walk with Salman Khan, a man and a burqa-clad woman, on a scooter, came to him and issued a threat citing gangster Lawrence Bishnois name, the report mentioned.

Salman is facing death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi. The actors security has been tightened.
Salman Khan was seen for the first time since his father, Salim Khan, received a threat in Mumbai. Despite the serious situation back home, Salman continued with his professional commitments and headed to Dubai for work. At the Dubai Mall, he was spotted looking dapper in a blue collared shirt with sunglasses casually hanging from it, paired with baggy pants and a grey beret. He was surrounded by a convoy of security personnel as he made his way through the crowd, with his trusted bodyguard Shera by his side.

The video of him at the mall quickly went viral, showing how he maintained his usual composed demeanour while navigating through the bustling mall. Check out the video here:

Meanwhile, a photo of the woman who threatened Salim Khan using Lawrence Bishnois name has come out. She is seen in a burqa, sitting on a scooter with a male friend. The woman confronted Salim during his morning walk. According to India Today, she approached him while he was resting on a bench. When Salim Khan was out for a morning walk with Salman Khan, a man and a burqa-clad woman, on a scooter, came to him and issued a threat citing gangster Lawrence Bishnois name, the report mentioned. It is claimed that Salim Khan seated on a bench at a promenade when the said woman threatened him by saying, Should I send Lawrence Bishnoi? The woman is yet to be identified.

When they got tired and sat on the promenade in front of Windermere Building, an unidentified scooty driver from Galaxy who was going towards the band stand and a veiled woman sitting behind him took a U-turn on his scooty. They parked the scooter close to Salim Khan and said, Should I send Lawrence Bishnoi? The escaped the venue after giving him the threat, the police said in a statement.
Veteran writer Salim Khan was allegedly threatened by a woman during his morning walk. Dainik Bhaskar reported that a woman crossed paths with Salman Khans during his regular morning walk and threatened him using Lawrence Bishnois name. A case has been registered at the Bandra Police Station.

The report claimed a woman warned Salim Khan to behave properly, otherwise she would call for Lawrence, the gangster who has sent death threats to Salims older son, Salman Khan. It remains unclear who the woman was and where did she come from. The incident took place just hours after Salman Khan was spotted leaving the city.

The incident took place months after Salman Khans house was attacked. In April this year, gunshots were fired outside Khans Galaxy Apartments in Mumbais Bandra area. Later, it was reported that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is alleged to be behind the attack as the gangsters brother, Anmol Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the shooting incident via a Facebook post.

It was also reported that Salman Khan also opened up about the alleged threats he and his family members have been getting from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang over the years while recording his statement to the anti-extortion cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch.

I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartments first-floor balcony. There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learnt that Lawrence Bishnoi has taken responsibility for the attack from social media. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing on my balcony, he said.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan and the familys security has been tightened since the shooting incident.
The Hindu community in Bangladesh, constituting about 8 per cent of the population, is facing one of its most perilous moments in recent history. For years, they have endured systematic persecution, but the recent ousting of Sheikh Hasinas government has pushed the situation to a crisis point. Protests by Hindus have erupted across the country, driven by fear and desperation, as attacks on temples, homes, and businesses escalate. This vulnerable minority is calling for justice and protection in a country where they have long been marginalised and abandoned.

Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has promised to protect the Hindu minority, pledging compensation for victims and safety for religious communities. But these assurances are being met with increasing scepticism. The reality on the ground tells a starkly different story. Attacks on Hindus have continued unabated, with reports of vandalism, arson, and even murder. The governments controversial decisions, such as lifting bans on extremist groups and engaging with radical leaders, have only deepened the communitys fears. Yunuss words of protection feel hollow when juxtaposed with the inaction and violence Hindus continue to face daily.

This escalating persecution demands urgent international attention. Human rights organisations, global leaders, and advocacy groups must pressure the Bangladeshi government to take immediate, concrete steps to safeguard its minority populations. The Hindu community in Bangladesh is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, and without external intervention, the situation will only worsen. The Yunus government must be held accountable for its promises, and the international community must ensure that the rights, safety, and dignity of all minorities are protected. If left unchecked, this violence could spiral into a tragedy of global proportions.

Historical Context and Recent Protests

The Hindu community in Bangladesh has a long history of facing persecution and violence. This minority group has often been caught in the crossfire of political and religious tensions, leading to a persistent sense of insecurity and marginalisation. The recent political upheaval, marked by the ouster of Sheikh Hasinas government, has only intensified these issues, bringing them to a boiling point.

Under Sheikh Hasinas leadership, there were efforts, albeit limited, to protect minority rights and promote secularism. However, her departure has left a vacuum that has been quickly filled by forces less sympathetic to the Hindu community. The rise in attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses is a stark indicator of this shift. These incidents are not isolated; they are part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation that has plagued the Hindu community for decades.

The recent surge in violence has led to widespread protests by Hindus across Bangladesh. These protests are not just about the immediate incidents of violence but are a desperate cry for safety and justice in a country where they have long been marginalised. The community feels betrayed and vulnerable, as the promises of protection and equality seem increasingly hollow in the face of escalating attacks.

The protests are also a reflection of the deep-seated frustration and fear within the Hindu community. For many, the current situation is reminiscent of past atrocities, such as the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where Hindus were targeted en masse. The communitys call for justice is not just about addressing recent events but also about seeking recognition and redress for historical grievances.

Yunus Softens Stance on Jamaat: A Betrayal of Promises to Protect Hindus

In a troubling development, interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus is showing signs of going soft on Jamaat-e-Islami, a notorious Islamist political group with a long history of violence and extremism. This shift in approach sends a clear and dangerous signal: Yunus has no real intention of protecting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, despite his public promises of security and justice.

Jamaat-e-Islami, known for its radical ideology and involvement in past atrocities, has been a source of fear for religious minorities in Bangladesh for decades. Under Sheikh Hasinas government, efforts were made to restrict their influence, but Yunus has not only lifted these restrictions, he is actively engaging with their leaders. This soft stance emboldens extremist factions within the country, and its no coincidence that attacks on Hindus have surged since his government took over. The message is clearHindus are not a priority, and the governments inaction only fuels the fire of communal violence.

Yunuss overtures to Jamaat are not just political manoeuvresthey represent a betrayal of the Hindu community and backtracking on his commitments to protect religious minorities. The lifting of bans on extremist groups is a tacit endorsement of their ideology, leaving Hindus vulnerable to further violence and persecution. Its a troubling indication that Yunus is more concerned with consolidating power than ensuring the safety of his people.

The international community cannot ignore this blatant disregard for human rights. If Bangladeshs leadership continues to coddle extremist groups like Jamaat, the Hindu community will face an even graver threat. Yunuss actions must be condemned, and pressure must be applied to ensure that protecting religious minorities becomes a priority, not an afterthought.

Promises vs Reality

Muhammad Yunus has repeatedly pledged to protect Bangladeshs Hindu minority, offering assurances of safety and compensation for victims of violence. His public commitments came during a period of escalating attacks against the community, following the ouster of Hasinas government. Yunuss statements were aimed at calming tensions and portraying his administration as one dedicated to minority rights. He even suggested that the violence was politically motivated, not communal, attempting to downplay the scale of the issue. To reinforce this message, he hosted events like the Janmashtami reception, in a bid to promote interfaith harmony.

However, these gestures have done little to reassure the Hindu community, which remains sceptical of Yunuss intentions. Reports of continued violence paint a grim picture that stands in stark contrast to his promises. Furthermore, the governments actions, such as lifting bans on extremist groups and meeting with radical leaders, have only deepened the communitys distrust. These moves not only contradict Yunuss rhetoric but also suggest a troubling lack of genuine commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of religious minorities.

The growing disparity between Yunuss promises and the harsh realities on the ground has left the Hindu community feeling abandoned and vulnerable. Their scepticism is not unfounded; it is rooted in the consistent pattern of persecution they face and the governments failure to take meaningful action. As violence persists and trust erodes, the need for real, concrete measures becomes ever more urgent.

Bangladesh Under Yunus: A Drift Toward Islamism

Bangladesh is treading a dangerous path under Muhammad Yunus, as his governments actions increasingly signal a shift toward a more Islamist state. This drift, characterised by concessions to extremist groups and a softening stance on radical Islam, poses a serious threat to the Hindu minority in the country.

Yunuss administration has lifted restrictions on extremist factions like Jamaat-e-Islami, known for their role in communal violence and hatred against non-Muslims. This emboldening of radical elements is a clear signal that Yunus is more interested in securing political alliances than protecting the pluralistic identity of Bangladesh. For Hindus, this political manoeuvring translates into increased violence and persecution, as they become easy targets in a society that is becoming increasingly polarised along religious lines.

The rise of Islamism under Yunus also erodes the secular foundations upon which Bangladesh was built. The more space the government gives to radical voices, the more difficult it becomes for Hindus and other minorities to live without fear. The international community must act before Bangladesh becomes another hotspot for religious intolerance. Yunuss government must be held accountable for this dangerous trajectory or the consequences will be dire for Bangladeshi Hindus.

The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Delhi Chief Minister-designate Atishi and her cabinet will take the oath of office on September 21, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said on Thursday. The ruling party had initially decided that only Atishi would be sworn in, however, it was later determined that her council of ministers would also take the oath.

Arvind Kejriwal resigned as the Delhi chief minister on Tuesday, after which Atishi staked claim to form a new government in the national capital. This comes a day after Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena proposed September 21 for the swearing-in of the Chief Minister-designate.

Low-Key Affair

Earlier, the ruling AAP said Kejriwal will also give up security and move out of the chief ministers residence in 15 days to live like a commoner. The oath ceremony of the new chief minister is likely to be held at Raj Niwas and is expected to be a low-key affair in view of the circumstances of Kejriwals resignation.

According to an AAP functionary, Atishi herself has said it was an extremely sad moment and urged party leaders and workers not to congratulate her. A source in the LG Secretariat said outgoing chief minister Kejriwals resignation letter has also been moved to Murmu. The development takes place after Atishi in a meeting with the LG staked claim to form the new government in the national capital after Kejriwal resigned from the CMs post.

Council of ministers

As Atishi is set to become the next chief minister of Delhi, the buzz over the new members of her council of ministers has intensified. AAP sources said party leaders Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Imran Hussain, who were ministers in the previous Kejriwal government, will be retained and two party MLAs will also be inducted in the new Cabinet.

The new chief minister will prove majority of her government in the Delhi Assembly and its session has been called by the ruling AAP dispensation on September 26-27. The assemblys term ends on February 23 next year and elections are expected to be held sometime in early February.

BJP Slams AAP

Meanwhile, AAP claimed that if the BJP comes to power in Delhi, it will stop all free government schemes, including free electricity, mohalla clinics and education. The saffron party hit back at the AAP leader, accusing him of misleading people. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said only Kejriwal intends to provide these free facilities to the residents of Delhi and has been fighting to continue the schemes despite opposition from the BJP.

The Kejriwal-led AAP government has been providing free education, electricity and medicines through mohalla clinics, among other things, to the residents of Delhi. If Kejriwal is not there, all these facilities will be stopped by the BJP, he claimed. Reacting to this, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused the AAP leader of misleading people. Sachdeva said only a few months ago, the LG said the free services, including electricity, water and ration, will continue.

(With agency inputs)
Lab reports indicating beef fat and fish oil in the ghee used to make the famous Tirupati prasadam has sparked a massive political storm, a day after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the YSRCP regime of using animal fat to make the consecrated laddus.

More trouble mounted for the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government on Thursday (September 19), with the state vigilance department alleging a scam to the tune of Rs 500 crore at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the board which manages the hill shrine. Things further took an ugly turn as the YSRCP said it will drag the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to court over the baseless allegations made by Naidu.

We will approach the court. These are baseless allegations by the CM. Let them prove it. The CM has hurt the sentiments of the people and he is insulting Hindus, YSRCP spokesperson Narayanan Murthy told CNN-News18.

During an NDA legislative party meeting on Wednesday (September 18), the chief minister claimed that the previous Jagan regime did not even spare Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala and used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making the prasadam. A day after, in a press conference, the TDP claimed that the adulteration has been confirmed by a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, on the ghee samples provided by the TTD.

No one can imagine that even Tirumala laddu will be desecrated like this. They have worked for the last 5 years with the aim of destroying the sanctity of Tirumala. If you associate with Lord Venkateswara, you will experience it in this life, not in the next life, the TDP said in a post on X, after releasing the purported lab report.

Unless Hindus united: BJP joins outrage

Saying the religious sentiments of Hindus had been defiled, the BJP joined the political outrage over the Tirupati prasadam issue. Party spokesperson and IT cell head Amit Malviya said those responsible must be incarcerated.

Lab test report confirms beef fat, fish oil used in making laddus at Tirupati Balaji Temple. Those responsible for this act of defiling Hindu religious sentiments must be incarcerated. Unless Hindus unite, they will be subjected to such humiliation, in the name of secularism, he wrote in a post on X, along with pictures of the purported test reports.

Lab test report confirms beef fat, fish oil used in making laddus at Tirupati Balaji Temple.Those responsible for this act of defiling Hindu religious sentiments must be incarcerated. Unless Hindus unite, they will be subjected to such humiliation, in the name of secularism. pic.twitter.com/wpVS28ewy6  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 19, 2024

Andhra Pradesh BJP said Naidus remarks have created anguish among all Hindus. The saffron party appealed to the state government to immediately investigate all the issues that hurt the sentiments of Hindus in the previous government.

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar said the alleged use of animal fat in making the laddu is a deep betrayal of faith and trust of Hindus who pray to Lord Venkateswara.

God will not forgive for this massive betrayal to Hindus. Animal fat being used in laddu is a deep betrayal of faith and trust to Hindus who pray to Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy. In the past, we raised concerns that allowing individuals from other communities & atheists as  Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) September 19, 2024

God will not forgive for this massive betrayal to Hindus. Animal fat being used in laddu is a deep betrayal of faith and trust to Hindus who pray to Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy. In the past, we raised concerns that allowing individuals from other communities & atheists as employees and also into TTD board would lead to corruption and disrespect towards beliefs of Hindus. We demand that the Andhra Pradesh government to conduct an immediate probe into the matter to uncover the truth and take strong action against those responsible. We urge the government to protect the sanctity of Tirumala, he said in a post on X.

Vigilance alleges Rs 500-crore scam in TTD during YSRCP regime

In another development, the state vigilance department alleged a scam to the tune of Rs 500 crore within the TTD and issued a notice to the boards former chairperson YV Subba Reddy, who was the first from the YSRCP to counter Naidus accusations.

According to sources, the engineering department and the Srivani trust are under the scanner. Vigilance officials has conducted searches in 18 departments of the TTD in the last two months and a report has been submitted to the CMs office, they said.

Sources said apart from Subba Reddy, other members of the board, including former executive officer Dharma Reddy, have also been issued a notice over alleged mismatch in funds data and corruption.

Meanwhile, state Congress chief YS Sharmila demanded a CBI probe to ascertain Naidus claims. She assailed him and the YSRCP for indulging in heinous politics over the preparation of Tirupati laddus.

She said Naidus allegations hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus who consider Venkateswara as a revered deity. Immediately constitute a high-level committee or investigate with the CBI whether animal fat was used instead of ghee, she said in a press release.

What is the YSRCP saying?

The YSRCP lashed out at the chief minister for making such accusations saying this has undermined the deity and hurt the sentiments of Venkateswaras followers. The party said it will approach the court against the baseless allegations.

Immediately after Naidu made the accusation, Subba Reddy  now issued a notice by the state vigilance department  termed the allegation as malicious and said the TDP chief will stoop to any level for political gains.

It is unimaginable to even say that animal fat was used in the consecrated food offered to the deity and the laddus given to devotees. There is no other heinous attempt than alleging that animal fat was being used, he said.

I believe in Venkateswara Swamy and you (Naidu) claim to be a devotee too, so, come lets swear before the deity. I am ready to take an oath before the deity. I will come and swear along with my family, he said.

Earlier, senior YSRCP leader B Karunakar Reddy said the CM levelled allegations on the quality of famous Tirupati laddus only to derive political mileage. The leader, who twice served as the chairman of TTD, alleged that these claims were aimed at the opposition party and Jagan Mohan Reddy.

To attack YSRCP, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the previous government (YSRCP), he (Naidu) made heinous allegations that animal fat was used in making Swamys (deity) laddus. It is a deplorable experiment, he told the local media.

Terming these allegations unjustified, horrendous and sacrilegious, he claimed that Naidus allegations were aimed at deriving political mileage and the deity will take action against Naidu and his family.

(With PTI inputs)
When it comes to elections in Haryana, the Adampur assembly seat is always a key topic. Adampur is the stronghold of Bhajan Lals family who has been the Chief Minister in the state thrice. The Bhajan Lal family has dominated this seat for the last 56 years.

Apart from the former Chief Minister, Bhajan Lals wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandson have all won this seat and become MLAs. This time Bhajan Lals grandson and Kuldeep Bishnois son Bhavya Bishnoi is contesting from Adampur on BJP ticket.

Bhavya Bishnoi started his political innings by winning the November 2022 by-election from Adampur. While many political parties and stalwart political leaders had challenged the Bhajan Lal family in Adampur no one could breach their fortress.

While there are many reasons behind the stronghold of the Bhajan Lal family on Adampur, one of the key factors is Bhajan Lals formidable image and the works done by him in the area.

The string of electoral victories by the Bhajan Lal family started in 1968. Though the family has changed parties and changed election symbols the result has always been in their favour in all stages of election.

Bhajan Lal started his political career in Adampur by becoming a Panch (member) of the Gram Panchayat. Then, he became the Chairman of the Panchayat Samiti. Following this, he became an MLA from Adampur for the first time in 1968.

Bhajan Lal won nine assembly elections from Adampur. Contesting on Congress ticket in 1968, Bhajan Lal defeated Independent candidate Balraj Singh. In the 1972 assembly elections, he defeated Independent candidate Devi Lal.

Similarly, Bhajan Lal won the 1977 and 1982 assembly elections from Adampur. In 1987, Bhajan Lals wife, Jasma Devi contested from Adampur on Congress ticket and won. Following this, Bhajan Lal won the 1991 and 1996 assembly elections from Adampur.

When Bhajan Lal became an MP from Karnal in 1998, he resigned from the assembly. A by-election was held in Adampur. Bhajan Lals younger son Kuldeep Bishnoi contested the election, won and entered politics.

In the 2000 Haryana assembly elections, Bhajan Lal won on Congress ticket. His winning streak in Adampur continued in the 2005 Assembly elections as well. However, after the 2005 elections, Bhajan Lal rebelled against the Congress and formed a new party, the Haryana Janhit Congress.

Since Bhajan Lal was disqualified under the anti-defection law, the Adampur seat became vacant. A fresh by-election was held in Adampur. Bhajan Lal defeated the Congress candidate and former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lals son Ranjit Chautala by more than 26,000 votes. This marked Bhajan Lals ninth victory in Adampur.

In the 2009 state assembly elections, Bhajan Lals son Kuldeep Bishnoi won from his familys stronghold.

Bhajan Lal died on June 3, 2011 when he was an MP from Hisar. A fresh by-election was held in the constituency.

Kuldeep Bishnoi won in this by-election. After becoming an MP from Hisar, Kuldeep resigned from his post of MLA. Hence, a by-election was held on the Adampur assembly seat. In this by-election, Kuldeep Bishnois wife and Bhajan Lals daughter-in-law Renuka Bishnoi contested and won on the ticket of Haryana Janhit Congress.

In the 2014 and 2019 assembly elections, Kuldeep Bishnoi won from Adampur on Congress ticket. It should be noted that before the 2014 assembly elections, Kuldeep merged his party (Haryana Janhit Congress) with the Congress.

In 2022, Kuldeep Bishnoi left the Congress and resigned from the post of MLA. This led to another by-election in Adampur, and a new member from the Bhajan Lal family entered electoral politics.

Bhavya Bishnoi, son of Kuldeep Bishnoi, contested from Adampur on a BJP ticket in this by-election and won, continuing the winning streak of his grandfather, grandmother, father, and mother.

From Devi Lal and Bansi Lal to Bhupendra Singh Hooda, every heavyweight political leader in Haryana has tried to breach Bhajan Lals fort in Adampur. However, no one has succeeded to date, highlighting the Bhajan familys strong hold on the voters of Adampur.

When Bhajan Lal became Chief Minister, he spearheaded large-scale development in his region and provided numerous jobs. Known for his soft nature, Bhajan Lal would even help his political opponents at times. He forged strong relationships with thousands of families in his constituency. These bonds continue to this day.

In Adampur, Bhajan Lals own caste, the Bishnois, commands around 30,000 votes. So far, no one has been able to make a dent in this strong vote bank. These votes have always been cast in favour of Bhajan Lals family.

Moreover, Bhajan Lal was the biggest non-Jat leader in Haryana. This gave him full support of other castes in Adampur and now even his family is reaping its benefits.

In most previous elections, the Bhajan Lal family has faced Jat candidates as opponents in Adampur. Various opposition leaders have entered the fray against them. At times, new faces from these parties posed a tough challenge, but the Bhajan Lal family has remained indispensable.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (September 19) accused the Centre of failing to carry out dredging at the DVC dams, which released water resulting in floods in several districts of the state.

Banerjee held the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) accountable for the man-made floods and suggested there was a conspiracy behind the situation in the state. These dams are located at Maithon and Panchet, both along the Jharkhand-Bengal border.

While supervising the flood conditions at Pashkura in Paschim Medinipur district, she warned that she will sever all ties with the corporation. This is not rainwater, it is water released by the central government organisation DVC from its dams. This is a man-made flood, and its unfortunate. Why isnt the central government dredging the DVC dams, where the water storage capacity has decreased by 36 per cent? There is a larger conspiracy at play. This cannot continue and we will start a major movement against this, she added.

The chief minister claimed that the DVC has released 5.5 lakh cusecs of water this year, contributing to the current crisis. I will instruct the administration to ensure that everyone receives adequate relief materials, she said.

From Pashkura, she is scheduled to visit flooded areas in Hooghly and Howrah, as per government sources. Since Wednesday, she has been touring various parts of the state affected by the floods.
Samsung has the laurel for kickstarting the foldable segment many years back but competition has now caught up. So, the company is eyeing a new segment where it could build on its strengths.

Reports claim Samsung could unveil its new high-end phone with a rollable screen sometime in 2025. The details come via The Elec in South Korea which has previously shared information that have come through eventually. The report says Samsung is developing a large 12.4-inch rollable display that will be adopted on a phone to be launched next year.

Samsung has showcased its innovative display technology at the SID Display Week 2024 event earlier this year, and many feel that the company would adopt one of these concept versions into the production-ready model. Rollable displays are not new per say, with brands like LG and Motorola showcasing their respective phones with a rollable screen but none of these have made it to the market. The biggest reason for that is the pricing of the display and the product in general.

LG did introduce its premium TV with a rollable screen which we managed to experience a few years back which is priced at whopping Rs 75 lakh, but phones are yet to hit the rollable limelight. So, can Samsung once again become the trendsetter with the rumoured rollable screen-totting phone launch in 2025, we sure hope so.

Meanwhile, Huawei is charting its own path in the market with the first tri-fold phone to launch for buyers. The Mate XT Ultimate triples up to become a 10.2-inch tablet and even in the folded state it is marginally thicker than the Samsung Galaxy Fold 6 model. The device is only available in China for the time being with a global release not expected anytime soon.
The world is only continuing to grow and change. So, its clear that it is past time, once again, for the [United Nations] to grow and change, too, asserted U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield in remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations.

A key component of reform must include addressing the composition of the UN Security Council, stressed Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:

And I am hardly the first to say this. For years, countries have been calling for a more inclusive and a more representative Council; one that reflects the demographics of todays world, and better responds to the challenges that we face today. Its why, two years ago, President Biden announced that the United States supports expanding the Security Council to provide permanent representation for countries from Africa, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean.

The United States further supports creating two permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council. Its what our African partners seek, and we believe, this is what is just, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.

Over the past few years, a number of Member States have said its time to look beyond just regional representation, and consider reserving a seat on the Council for Small Island Developing States, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:

Im also proud to announce that the United States supports creating a new elected seat on the Security Council for Small Island Developing States.

Weve never had this kind of cross-regional rotating seat before. But far more important than precedent is a Security Council that is representative, inclusive, and can lead us into the future.

Finally, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield announced that the United States supports engaging in text-based negotiations on Council reform.

It means were ready to work with other countries to negotiate language, prepare amendments, and ready this resolution for a vote in the General Assembly, and ultimately amend the UN Charter, she said.

The task at hand is to collaborate on solutions to make the UN development system more accountable and coherent, and the UN humanitarian system more efficient and more effective. To find ways to increase transparency and address emerging technologies.

And to finally begin building a representative, inclusive Council fit for the 21st century.

The United States can and must lead, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. We must lead with an affirmative agenda for the future of multilateralism.
Centre has launched an investigation into the unsafe and exploitative work environment at one of the Big Four accounting firms Ernst & Young (EY). This comes after a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant (CA) from Kerala, Anna Sebastian Perayil, succumbed to work stress as her mother claimed in an email to EY India boss Rajiv Memani. Perayil, who was working at EY Pune, died just four months after joining the company.

Read| 26-year-old EY Pune Employee Succumbs to Work Stress Four Months After Joining, Mother Writes to Firms India Boss

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has officially taken up the complaint and a thorough investigation is underway. Minister of State for Labour, Shobha Karandlaje, expressed her deep sadness over the tragic loss, adding, A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice and Ministry of Labour and Employment has officially taken up the complaint.

Karandlaje shared this while responding to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The former BJP Minister said that Perayils death is not only very sad but also disturbing at many levels. He further requested the Centre to launch an investigation into the allegations made by the mother.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint.@mansukhmandviya https://t.co/1apsOm594d Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 19, 2024

Mothers letter to EY India head

In her letter to EY India boss Rajiv Memani, Perayils mother Anita Augustine condemned the firm for glorifying overwork and highlighted that her daughter worked late into the night and even on weekends. Augustine further highlighted the stark difference between the companys human rights values and what her daughter went through.

She worked tirelessly to meet the expectations of her new boss who told her to stick around and change everyones opinion about the team after many employees resigned due to the excessive workload.

Augustine recounted an incident where her daughters boss assigned her a task at night with a deadline next morning. She added, Her assistant manager once called her at night with a task that needed to be completed by the next morning, leaving her with barely any time to rest or recover. When she voiced her concerns, she was met with the dismissive response: You can work at night; thats what we all do.

The grieving mother said that her daughters death should serve as a wake-up call for the company and that they should take meaningful steps to prioritise the health and wellness of employees.

While the exact cause of her death is not clear, Perayil had been complaining of chest constriction. We took her to the hospital in Pune. Her ECG was normal, and the cardiologist came to allay our fears, telling us she wasnt getting enough sleep and was eating very late. He prescribed antacids, which reassured us that it wasnt anything serious. The 26-year-old woman died on July 20.

EY India issues statement

While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so. We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastians tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family, the company said in a statement.

The company expressed that the passing of their young employee is an irreparable loss for all: Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us.

The company, which is headquarted in London, United Kingdom, further hinted at changes to improve and provide a healthy workplace for its employees: We are taking the familys correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India.
Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, culture, and adventure activities. This valley, surrounded by the high mountains of the Himalayas, also encompasses several mysteries. One such unproved phenomenon includes the colour-changing mysterious stones in an unnamed village in Lahual Valley. It changes colour with the sunrise and sunset.

A pile of these mysterious stones can be seen on the river bank, 3 kilometers before Darcha. These stones change colour with the sunlight. It is often seen here that these stones appear red in the morning and blue with the setting sun. It was noticed by many onlookers when passing through Darcha. Various people believe that there is a shadow of ghosts here.

There are many folk tales about this place in Lahaul Valley. Famous litterateur Dr Surat Thakur told Local 18 that Lahaul Valley is a hub of mysteries as many places are unexplored in this region. It is believed that a village was situated in Lahaul Valley which was buried several years ago. There is a special story behind the burial of the village under the stones, which is quite famous in the area, Dr Surat Thakur added.

Dr Surat said there used to be a tradition in this village that before any feast, the eldest person was given respect. The food was then served to the young ones and the rest of the people. According to folklore, a programme was organised in this village, attended by the villagers and people of neighbouring areas.

People were sitting in a row to eat food. During this, an old villager was made to sit in the back. He got furious with this hospitality and cursed the village. He said that the punishment for his insult would be decided by nature itself. It is believed that the whole mountain crushed over the village that day.

As per folklore, only one woman of this village remained alive, who had gone to another village that day. It is believed that after that human settlement could not be established in this area. Now this village is settled on the other side of the river. But, this pile of stones looks different from a distance. The colour seems to change with the sunlight.
Barry Griffiths, a man from Wales, UK, died after accidentally stabbing himself while trying to separate two frozen burgers. The 57-year-old, who lived alone, was found on his bed several days after passing. The scene initially left investigators puzzled as blood was found in various parts of his home. However, the cause of death became clear once the postmortem report came out. During the investigation, police discovered a knife, two frozen burgers and a tea towel in his kitchen. Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees speculated that Griffiths, who couldnt use one arm due to a previous stroke, accidentally wounded himself while attempting to separate the burgers.

At Pontypridd Coroners Court, investigators revealed that Griffiths body was discovered on July 4, 2023, after he was not seen for over a week. According to the Western Telegraph, the police were informed at 1:15 pm, who upon reaching the site found the man lying on his bed with blood on his stomach. Blood stains were also found in the hallway, bathroom and bedroom. Detective Sergeant Stephen Vaughan, who investigated the scene with crime scene investigator Elizabeth Nurse, described Griffiths death as an unexplained tragedy rather than a suicide.

As per the portal, Vaughan said, On reflection, I should have probably got closer to check the wound. There were no adverse comments or concerns raised other than reddening in the stomach. Some days later I was made aware that a wound had been found on Mr Griffiths. I stepped away and had no further involvement for integrity and not to compromise the investigation.

Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees explained that as soon as the investigation began, the flat was sealed to prevent anyone from entering without his approval. However, the mattress was already thrown away, the flat was cleaned and Barry Griffiths clothes were burned. Rees described the situation as a lost opportunity. He also mentioned that local shops and businesses were urgently asked to contact the police and preserve any CCTV footage, as there was concern that important digital records could get lost after 31 days.

Rees said, My thought process favoured the wound had been caused by an accident solely involving Mr Griffiths. The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items. On the work surface in the kitchen adjacent to the fridge freezer were two uncooked burgers, a knife, and a tea towel. The wound to the abdomen would have been approximately the height of the work surface. My hypothesis at that stage was that Mr Griffiths was attempting to separate frozen burgers using a knife.

Jonathan Rees further explained that they initially thought the tip of a knife had chocolate, but it was actually covered with Barry Griffiths blood. They didnt find any signs of forced entry or exit at the flat. His parcels were untouched, and no blood was found outside or on the windows. Griffiths personal devices had no search history related to self-harm, planning for death, or any financial or personal conflicts.
The European Union will make billions of euros available to help central Europe recover from severe floods, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, as she pledged support for regions that have been devastated by the deluge.

The worst floods to hit central Europe in at least two decades have caused widespread damage from Romania to Poland, killing at least 24 people, destroying bridges, submerging cars and leaving towns caked in mud and debris.

The flooding was caused by torrential rain that began last week and lasted for several days, causing rivers to burst their banks in several parts of the region.

I am here to reassure you that Europe stands by your side, she told a news conference in the Polish city of Wroclaw, standing alongside leaders of the affected countries.

This is a moment of need, of natural disaster and we have all to stand together to overcome the challenge.

Von der Leyen said that 10 billion euros ($11.16 billion) would be made available from EU cohesion funds and that some of the conditions usually attached to such funds, such as co-financing by member states, would be lifted to make the response quicker.

She also said that money from the EUs Solidarity Fund, which supports member states hit by natural disasters, would be used to rebuild infrastructure.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told private broadcaster Polsat News that Poland could get 5 billion euros.

What we need now is to quickly build, repair infrastructure, it will cost huge amounts of money, it would be tough to handle it from national budgets, said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, adding he was grateful for von der Leyens concrete proposals for help.

Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said earlier on Thursday that the government would provide 30 billion crowns ($1.3 billion), about 0.38% of GDP, in a 2024 budget amendment and earmark 10 billion crowns more in the 2025 budget to help with flood damage.

Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said most power supply should be reconnected by Friday.

The country is holding regional elections this weekend and authorities said a satellite connection had been set up in places where mobile signal is lacking, to allow the vote to go ahead.

DEFENCES

Meanwhile, flood defences in Polands third-largest city, Wroclaw, looked to have held firm on Thursday.

The flood wave that has inundated the Polish-Czech border region since the weekend reached Wroclaw overnight, but there were no signs of serious damage.

The urban system withstood and absorbed the main wave of the floods that have been hitting Lower Silesia and neighbouring regions for a week, local authorities said in a statement on Facebook.

However, authorities warned that larger than usual levels of water would keep flowing through the city in the coming days.

Agnieszka Popow-Wozniak, 44, an employee at an infertility clinic who had cycled through the city, told Reuters the situation seemed to be better than expected, adding:

There is no flooding in the city centre at the moment.

The army said 16,000 soldiers were helping out in the region, alongside police and thousands of volunteers.

Prime Minister Tusk said officers from Polands Internal Security Agency (ABW) had arrested a person who had dressed up in a soldiers uniform and falsely told members of the public that flood defences were going to be blown up.

Poland has warned citizens to be alert for disinformation about the floods.

In Hungary, towns were dealing with the rising Danube River, and Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the water level in Budapest was expected to peak on Saturday afternoon or evening, but that it would be lower than record levels seen in 2013.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Thursday said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon around the same time when its leader Hassan Nasrallah was addressing the groups adherents and Lebanese people.

Nasrallah was addressing the groups adherents after hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon in unprecedented attacks this week, killing 37 people and wounding more than 2,900.

Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut during a speech by Hezbollahs leader, according to Lebanese state media.

The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them and used civilians as human shieldshaving turned southern Lebanon into a war zone, the IDF said in a press release.

The IDF vowed to help displaced Israelis return to northern Israels areas that share a border with Lebanon.

The IDF is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes and achieve war goals, it said.

However, Nasrallah in his speech vowed that displaced Israelis will never be able to return to northern Israel.

You will not be able to return the people of the north to the north, Hassan Nasrallah said adressing Israel, warning that no military escalation, no killings, no assassinations and no all-out war can return residents to the border.

Israel later said two of its soldiers were killed by latest Hezbollah strikes across the Lebanon border.

The leader of Hezbollah acknowledged that his group had suffered a major and unprecedented blow after thousands of operatives communication devices exploded across Lebanon in deadly attacks it blamed on Israel.

Describing the attacks as a massacre and as a possible act of war, Nasrallah said Israel would face tough retribution and a just punishment, where it expects it and where it does not.

Hezbollah is an ally of Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been fighting a war in Gaza since its October 7 attack on Israel.

For nearly a year, the focus of Israels firepower has been on Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.

But its troops have also been engaged in near-daily clashes with Hezbollah militants along its northern border, killing hundreds in Lebanon, most of them fighters, and dozens in Israel.

The exchanges of fire have forced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border to flee their homes.

Nasrallah vowed to keep up Hezbollahs fight against Israel until a ceasefire in Gaza is reached.

The Lebanese front will not stop until the aggression on Gaza stops despite all this blood spilt, he said.

(with AFP inputs)
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed the reports of Indian defence exports being diverted to Ukraine and said those were speculative and misleading.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the report by a news agency implied India was violating international rules and said such an assertion was inaccurate and mischievous since no violations were committed.

We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous, Jaiswal said, as per a press release by the ministry.

He also said that India has a flawless record of adhering to international regulations on the export of military and dual-use items.

India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual use items. India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end user obligations and certifications, he said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded after a Reuters report claimed that artillery shells produced by Indian arms manufacturers have been redirected by European buyers to Ukraine. According to the report, this transfer has been ongoing for over a year to support Ukraines defense against Russia, and India has not intervened to halt the trade, despite objections from Russia.

Reuters, citing two anonymous government and two defence industry sources, reported that India has produced only a small fraction of the ammunition used by Ukraine. One official estimated it to be less than 1% of the total arms imported by Kyiv since the war began.
Hungary-based BAC Consulting, which manufactured the pagers that exploded across Lebanon on Tuesday, is reportedly an Israeli shell company, according to the New York Times (NYT). The blasts, which killed at least 20 people and left hundreds injured, are believed to have been planned by Israeli intel agencies to disrupt Hezbollahs communications network.

BAC Consulting was designed to conceal the identities of those involved in producing these dangerous devices. While the company created regular pagers for various clients, those intended for Hezbollah were specifically altered to contain explosive-laced batteries. The pagers were first shipped to Lebanon in small batches starting in 2022.

Lebanon Explosions: What Is A Pager And Why Are Hezbollah Members Still Using It?

Cellphones and Pagers

After a public rebuke of cellphones by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who urged his members to switch to pagers to avoid Israeli surveillance, demand for BAC-manufactured pagers surged among Hezbollah operatives. Following Nasrallahs directive, there was a spike in pager shipments to Lebanon, with thousands reportedly distributed to Hezbollah officers and their allies.

On Tuesday, a wave of explosions rocked the country as pagers detonated after users received what they believed were routine messages from Hezbollah. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the blasts caught many off guard. Hospitals in Beirut reported severe injuries, including eye damage and amputations.

Hezbollah communication network

Several experts have said that the deadly attacks have dealt a big blow to the Iranian-backed outfit and raised concerns that its communication network may have been compromised. Many in Lebanon are left wondering what will come next. Amid this turmoil, Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate, labelling the attacks a criminal act by Israel.

Security experts have begun questioning Hezbollahs operational security. While pagers are typically considered less traceable than mobile phones, this incident has exposed vulnerabilities when such devices are compromised. Analysts speculate that a supply chain attack may have allowed explosives to be embedded within the pagers during production or transit before reaching Hezbollah.
Lebanese authorities on Thursday banned walkie-talkies and pagers from being taken on flights from Beirut airport, the National News Agency reported, after thousands of such devices exploded during a deadly attack on Hezbollah this week.

The Lebanese civilian aviation directorate asked airlines operating from Beirut to tell passengers that walkie-talkies and pagers were banned until further notice. Such devices were also banned from being shipped by air, the Lebanese state news agency reported.

Following the issuance of the directive, Qatar Airways said a ban has been imposed on the carriage of pagers and walkie-talkies by passengers departing from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY).

It said the prohibition extends to all forms of luggage, including both checked and carry-on bags, as well as cargo.

Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights. The ban applies to both checked and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo, and will be enforced until further notice, Qatar Airways said in a statement on social media.

At least 37 people were killed and more than 3,000 wounded when pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded in two waves of attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lebanon and Hezbollah, a heavily armed group backed by Iran, say Israel carried out the attack.

Israel has not claimed responsibility.

The Lebanese army said on Thursday it was blowing up pagers and suspicious telecom devices in controlled blasts in different areas. It called on citizens to report any suspicious devices.

Hezbollah and Israel have been trading fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border for almost a year, in a conflict triggered by the Gaza war.

(with inputs from Reuters)
A second wave of blasts struck Hezbollah on Wednesday as thousands of radios and other devices used by the group detonated across Lebanon, killing at least 20 people and pushing Israel and Hezbollah to the brink of all-out war.

The series of blasts, which also wounded over 450 people, came a day after the simultaneous explosion of hundreds of paging devices used by Hezbollah killed 12 people, including two children, and wounded up to 2,800 others across Lebanon, in an unprecedented attack blamed on Israel.

Historic & Unprecedented

John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies at West Point, expressed his astonishment at the strategy behind the recent cyberattack on Hezbollah. In a series of posts on X on Wednesday, Spencer noted that while there have been many significant intelligence operations and surprise attacks throughout history, he had never seen one as precise and widespread as this. I cannot find a similar intelligence/military operation with such secrecy, lethality, ingenuity, and audacity, he wrote.

In a single operation, the terrorist group Hezbollah was significantly impacted. Not only in physical injuries  unknown but reported in the thousands. The attack also exposed the Hezbollah network not just in Lebanon but in other places in the Middle East where Hezbollah agents or affiliated agents were carrying this specific pager issued by Hezbollah, he said in another post.

1) Historic & unprecedented. I cannot find a similar intelligence/military operation with such secrecy, lethality, ingenuity, audacity, impact. While there have been other major intelligence operations in war (breaking Enigma, various spies inside governments) or surprise attacks John Spencer (@SpencerGuard) September 18, 2024

US warns against escalation

There was no comment from Israel, which only hours before Tuesdays attacks had announced it was broadening the aims of its war with Hamas in Gaza to include its fight against the Palestinian groups ally Hezbollah. The centre of gravity is moving northward, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday. We are at the start of a new phase in the war. Israeli officials have remained tight-lipped about the explosions that led the television news bulletins and dominated newspaper headlines.

The White House warned all sides against an escalation of any kind. We dont believe that the way to solve where were at in this crisis is by additional military operations at all, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. The Iran-backed Hezbollah has traded near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces since Palestinian militants attacked Israel on October 7, sparking the war in Gaza.

Les The United States was not involved in any way in the explosions at Lebanon, said John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.#Pager #PagerExplosions #IsraelLes Etats-Unis nont participe daucune maniere aux explosions au Liban, a pic.twitter.com/UhQSAdK3rD  mega News (@satch_omega) September 19, 2024

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib warned that the blatant assault on Lebanons sovereignty and security was a dangerous development that could signal a wider war. Hezbollah said Israel was fully responsible for this criminal aggression and vowed revenge. The influx of so many casualties all at once overwhelmed hospitals in Hezbollah strongholds. At a Beirut hospital, doctor Joelle Khadra said the injuries were mainly to the eyes and hands, with finger amputations, shrapnel in the eyes  some people lost their sight.

Heavy blow to Hezbollah

Analysts said operatives had likely planted explosives on the paging devices before they were delivered to Hezbollah. A small plastic explosive was almost certainly concealed alongside the battery, for remote detonation via a call or page, said Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute. The attack dealt a heavy blow to Hezbollah, which already had concerns about the security of its communications after losing several key commanders to targeted air strikes in recent months.

The preliminary findings of a Lebanese investigation into the blasts found the pagers had been booby-trapped, a security official told AFP. A source close to Hezbollah said the pagers were recently imported and appeared to have been sabotaged at source. After The New York Times reported that the pagers had been ordered from Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo, the company said they had been produced by its Hungarian partner BAC Consulting KFT.

Deeply Alarmed

Since October, the unabating exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah have killed hundreds of people in Lebanon, and dozens including soldiers on the Israeli side. They have also forced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border to flee their homes. Im deeply alarmed by reports that a large number of communication devices exploded across Lebanon & Syria, killing at least 11 people, including children, and injuring thousands. All actors must exercise maximum restraint to avert any further escalation, UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a post on X.

United Nations rights chief Volker Turk said Tuesdays attack had come at an extremely volatile time, calling the blasts shocking and their impact on civilians unacceptable. Guterres urged governments not to weaponise civilian objects. Senior diplomats from the United States, Britain, Germany, France and Italy will meet on Thursday in Paris to discuss the spiralling tensions in the Middle East, sources said, ahead of a UN Security Council meeting planned for Friday.

(With agency inputs)
Israeli officials on Tuesday detonated thousands of Hezbollah pagers in Lebanon earlier than planned amid concerns that the Iranian-backed outfit had discovered their plot, according to several reports.

The decision, reportedly approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was influenced by intelligence suggesting Hezbollah might have detected explosives concealed within the devices, the New York Post reported. The pagers, primarily the AR-924 model, were allegedly modified before being shipped to Lebanon from a Taiwanese manufacturer, Gold Apollo.

Explosives were implanted near the battery with a remote activation switch, allowing for a coordinated detonation. After the initial attack, a second wave of explosions occurred on Wednesday when walkie-talkie radios used by Hezbollah also detonated. This escalation was prompted by fears that Hezbollah operatives would abandon their devices after the first attack.

Great defeat

According to CNN intelligence analyst Bob Baer, Israel has disrupted Hezbollahs communications network, potentially setting the stage for an imminent military offensive in Lebanon. The recent attacks have left Hezbollah unable to coordinate its operations effectively, giving Israel a strategic advantage in the ongoing conflict, Baer, a former CIA operative, said.

Baer noted that comments from Israels defense minister suggest a shift in focus toward Hezbollah, with Israel pivoting north after concentrating efforts on Gaza. He warned that this escalation could lead to an invasion or widespread bombardment of Lebanon. He described Israels breach of Hezbollahs supply and communication network as a great defeat for the group.

Multiple reports said that Hezbollah had switched to using pagers earlier this year due to concerns that their cell phones were vulnerable to Israeli surveillance and potential attacks. The groups leaders had advised members to discard their smartphones in favor of these older communication devices. However, this shift proved deadly as the pagers were compromised.

The Last Chance

Veteran Israeli investigative reporter Ronen Bergman told Israels Channel 12 that fewer Hezbollah communications devices were destroyed Wednesday compared to Tuesday. However, the larger devices targeted today were packed with more explosives, resulting in stronger blasts. Anyone close to these devices would have had a much smaller chance of surviving, Bergman was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel.

He explained that the targeted devices included walkie-talkies used for military communications and other components. The attacks aimed to highlight the vulnerability of Hezbollahs entire military communications network. Bergman also suggested that those who detonated the explosives may have believed that Hezbollah would be inspecting all its supplies after yesterdays attack. Thereby, triggering the explosions now might have been viewed as the last chance to do so.

READ MORE: It Could Signal A Wider War: Israel, Hezbollah Weigh Options After Lebanon Blasts, West Asia On The Edge

Criminal Israeli aggression

The Lebanese government and Hezbollah have condemned the attacks, labelling them as acts of criminal Israeli aggression. Hezbollah officials have vowed retaliation against Israel. Hashim Safi Al Din, a senior figure within the group, warned of uniquely bloody revenge for what he described as a treacherous assault on their operatives.

While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, US officials and various reports indicate that Mossad and Israeli military forces collaborated on this operation. Several analysts note that this incident shows an unprecedented level of infiltration into Hezbollahs communications network. The rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have raised concerns about further escalations in violence in the West Asia region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Joe Biden and Kamala Harris next week, and plans to see Donald Trump as he visits the United States to shore up support before Novembers crucial presidential election.

Zelensky will be covering all the political bases in what could be his last such visit before an election that could upend Washingtons policy of support for Ukraine against Russias invasion.

The White House said Zelensky will have separate talks on September 26 with President Biden and with Vice President Harris, who is the Democratic nominee against Republican former president Trump.

Zelensky has said he will share a victory plan with the US leaders to end the war with Russia.

The president and vice president will emphasize their unshakeable commitment to stand with Ukraine until it prevails in this war, Bidens Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Biden said separately that he was looking forward to hosting my friend President Zelensky.

During his visit, Ill reaffirm Americas commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence, Biden said.

The Ukrainian presidency said separately that Zelensky plans to meet the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

There was no immediate confirmation from Trumps camp.

Both Ukraine and NATO allies have been fretting that Trump could loosen US support for Kyiv.

Trump has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, and refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris last week, saying only: I want the war to stop.

Zelensky has meanwhile been pressuring the Biden administration to let it fire Western-made long-range weapons into Russian territory.

Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer put off a decision on the issue last week, with Starmer saying they would discuss it further when they meet at the UN General Assembly in New York next week

The Ukrainian leader said last week that he planned to discuss his victory plan with Biden this month, and added on Wednesday that the plan was now fully prepared.

Zelensky has also said he aims to host another international peace summit outlining his vision to end the war in November, to which Russia will be invited.

Russias invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for more than 30 months, with Ukraine now controling parts of Russias Kursk region while Moscow presses an advance into eastern Ukraine.
India on Wednesday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that demanded that Israel bring an end, without delay, to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months.

The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution, with 124 nations voting in favour, 14 against and 43 abstentions, including that by India. Those abstaining included Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Israel and the US were among the nations who voted against the resolution titled Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israels policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israels continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The resolution adopted Wednesday demanded that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility, and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution. The Palestinian-drafted resolution also strongly deplored the continued and total disregard and breaches by the Government of Israel of its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions, and stressed that such breaches seriously threaten regional and international peace and security.

It recognised that Israel must be held to account for any violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that it must bear the legal consequences of all its internationally wrongful acts, including by making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.
Several US lawmakers have condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New Yorks Melville after the Hindu temple was defaced with hateful messages on Sunday night. Delivering a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, Tom Suozzi from New York expressed outrage over the incident.

He underlined that this act of bigotry is part of a troubling trend of increasing hate crimes across the United States. This past weekend, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville was desecrated with hateful graffiti. This morning, I spoke on the House floor about the increase in incidents of vandalism, bigotry, and hate on Long Island, in New York, and across our country, he later said in a post on X.

Ahead of PM Modis Visit

More than two dozen top American lawmakers have expressed outrage over the recent vandalism in New York, which came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US. The road and the signage outside the BAPS temple in Melville were sprayed with expletives. Melville is located in Suffolk County, on Long Island and is about 28 kilometres from the 16,000-seater Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where PM Modi is scheduled to address a mega community event on September 22.

This past weekend, the @BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville was desecrated with hateful graffiti. This morning, I spoke on the House floor about the increase in incidents of vandalism, bigotry, and hate on Long Island, in New York, and across our country. Hate is not the pic.twitter.com/PrydP8v0QD Tom Suozzi (@RepTomSuozzi) September 18, 2024

Hateful vandalism

Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer said the desecration of this Hindu house of worship is a vile act. Hate has no place on Long Island or anywhere else in New York or across America, he added. I am deeply saddened by the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY. This act of vandalism is a clear attempt to incite hatred against Hindus and has no place in our country. We must come together to show that love and understanding will always triumph over intolerance and division, Congressman Rich McCormick said.

It is upsetting to see the hateful vandalism of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Melville, New York. Im wishing our Hindu community strength and peace in the face of this unacceptable display of intolerance. Standing together, we can remain stronger than hate, said lawmaker Andy Kim. Congressman Brad Sherman said the vandalism of the temple is not only a vile act of hate against the Hindu community but also an unjust attack on our shared value of religious pluralism. I stand with Hindu Americans. Those responsible must be prosecuted to the laws fullest extent, he said.

Vandalism, bigotry, and hate

Congressman Jonathan L Jackson said he was deeply saddened by the desecration of the magnificent temple and all threats of hatred against the Hindu community. These acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are a continuation of the hatred that we have seen aimed at Haitian, Venezuelan, Afghani, and other immigrant groups in recent years. These attacks are antithetical to the fundamental values of this great nation. Unlike the old world, the American experiment is built upon the ideal that all those who believe in the Dream of America are equally American. This is regardless of race, sex, religion, or national origin, he said.

I strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace, respect, and harmony for all. I extend my deepest prayers for those affected by this act of hate and support law enforcement in their efforts to bring those who perpetrated this crime to justice, Jackson said. Congresswoman Grace Meng said she was appalled to learn about the temple being targeted by vandals. There is no place for hate & intolerance in our community. I stand with the Hindu community as they pray for peace & unity. Those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable, she said.

I strongly condemn

Earlier, Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna this week also condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple in New York and called for bringing the guilty to the book. I strongly condemn this act of desecration of a Hindu temple in Melville, NY. Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence. We need accountability and to make sure this does not happen again, Ro Khanna said.

A spokesperson from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in a statement condemned the defacement. Peace, respect, and harmony for all, regardless of background or faith, are the bedrock of religious freedom in the United States, the statement read. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi termed the act despicable, even as he called for unity among Americans.

I am appalled by the despicable acts of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville. As our country faces a surge in political violence and acts of bigotry, we must stand together as Americans against all forms of hate, he said. Congressman Shri Thanedar said, Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate must be fully investigated. The BAPS community deserves answers and justice. Hindu American Foundation called for an investigation into the incident by the Department of Justice. Hindu PACT also demanded an FBI investigation into the incident.
North County Primary School in Shijiazhuang in north China's Hebei province held a series of folk activities to welcome the Mid-Autumn Festival, Sep. 8, 2024. Under the guidance of teachers, children made mooncakes and guessed lantern riddles to feel the charm of traditional folk customs. (Chen Qibao/Guangming Picture)

North County Primary School in Shijiazhuang in north China's Hebei province held a series of folk activities to welcome the Mid-Autumn Festival, Sep. 8, 2024. Under the guidance of teachers, children made mooncakes and guessed lantern riddles to feel the charm of traditional folk customs.(Chen Qibao/Guangming Picture)

North County Primary School in Shijiazhuang in north China's Hebei province held a series of folk activities to welcome the Mid-Autumn Festival, Sep. 8, 2024. Under the guidance of teachers, children made mooncakes and guessed lantern riddles to feel the charm of traditional folk customs.(Chen Qibao/Guangming Picture)

Editor: ZAD
A couple livestreaming for their YouTube channel is believed to have found the body of the suspected Kentucky interstate shooter. Authorities had been searching for Joseph Couch since September 7, when a series of highway shootings left five people injured. State troopers who were part of the manhunt were also cited as finding the body, CNN reports. But the AP reports the civilian couple, Fred and Sheila McCoy, will receive the $25,000 reward being offered in the search. Fox News reports they alerted state troopers after finding the body in rugged, hilly terrain off Interstate 75, but per the AP's telling, they spotted vultures circling and then noticed a bad odor in the area at around the same time troopers did, and the entire group found the body at the same time.
Dozens of people enjoying hayrides at a Wisconsin apple orchard suddenly found themselves part of a mass casualty event Wednesday morning. Per CBS News' telling, one wagon apparently lost control while coming down a hill and crashed into another wagon, but WISN reports a tractor was pulling two hay wagons at the time and one of them overturned after losing control descending the hill. Twenty-five people were taken to the hospital, three of them with life-threatening injuries. Five others had injuries described as serious. Students from a school field trip to the orchard were involved, and children were among the injured, but no further details have been released. (More Wisconsin stories.)
"Catastrophic" is how Cindy McCain, widow of Sen. John McCain and head of the United Nations World Food Program, describes the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan to Nicholas Kristof, who recently visited there to see the devastation. Writing for the New York Times, Kristof details the horrors of the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Arab militias: executions, rapes, and other violence, particularly against Black African ethnic groups, where even infants don't escape the carnage. "We don't want to see any Black people," one witness says a militia leader said during an attack last year. "We don't even want to see black trash bags." Kristof writes that the Darfur genocide of two decades ago was similar, though there's now a famine tacked on, plus another "crucial difference": The world doesn't seem as tuned in this time around.
It's been more than a year and a half since a man and a woman were found murdered in a Virginia home, and almost a year since the live-in au pair for the woman's family was charged in one of the murders. Now, the woman's husband has been charged in both murders, and authorities say he and the au pair had been engaged in an extramarital affair, the New York Times reports. The details:

The victims: Christine Banfield, 37, was fatally stabbed in the Herndon home she shared with her husband, Brendan Banfield, and their daughter, who was 4 at the time. Joseph Ryan, 38, was shot dead in the home.

Christine Banfield, 37, was fatally stabbed in the Herndon home she shared with her husband, Brendan Banfield, and their daughter, who was 4 at the time. Joseph Ryan, 38, was shot dead in the home. The suspects: Brendan Banfield, now 39, is accused of plotting the murders with his family's Brazilian au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, now 24. Both made 911 calls and were at the scene when authorities arrived. (More details on how that morning went down in our previous coverage.) Magalhaes is charged with second-degree murder in Ryan's death; Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in both deaths.
Handicrafts with Chinese elements are seen during a culture and tourism promotional event for Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, held in London, Britain, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- As an orchestra played traditional Chinese instruments made from delicate porcelain, including pipa, erhu and xiao, crystalline notes flowed down from the stage.

The performance was part of a culture and tourism promotional event for Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, held in London's Kensington on Tuesday.

Li Liyan, minister counselor for cultural affairs of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, said during the event that Jingdezhen is not only a symbol of Chinese culture, but also a bridge connecting civilizations between China and other countries.

Located in east China's Jiangxi Province, Jingdezhen has a history of ceramic craftsmanship that spans over 2,000 years. In ancient times, it exported ceramics to Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, and Africa via the Silk Road.

In recent years, the city has grown even more popular as a tourist destination. Artists from around the world have also moved to the city, establishing studios and organizing pottery activities.

At Tuesday's event, two contracts were signed between organizations from the UK and the porcelain capital, including a deal between the London-based Chopsticks Club and a travel agency from Jingdezhen.

During the event, porcelain products from Jingdezhen, including banquet dinnerware sets, ceramic lamps, porcelain combs and bracelets, were also exhibited.

A poster is seen during a culture and tourism promotional event for Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, held in London, Britain, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A woman takes photos of porcelain products during a culture and tourism promotional event for Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, held in London, Britain, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Editor: WXY
Authorities have identified two victims in a fatal explosion at an Idaho gas station last week. Brandon Cook, 53, and Wesley Lineberry, 62 were killed in the blast at Atkinson Distributing in Cardiff on Sept. 11. Two others, Donny Billeter, a fuel tanker driver, and Roxann Hubbs, a gas station attendant, were severely injured and remain hospitalized.

The explosion occurred around 3pm while a fuel tanker was refilling above-ground tanks, according to Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl. The blast obliterated the tanker and scattered debris over a city-block-sized area. The bodies of the deceased were discovered outside the station, but it's unclear if they were inside or outside during the explosion.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board and OSHA involved. Sandahl noted the complexity of the investigation, emphasizing, "We're digging deep and it's just going to take some time." A hazardous materials team was also deployed due to remaining fuel. Sandahl described the incident as unprecedented in his 19-year tenure, stating that offloading fuel while risky is generally safe when protocols are followed. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut will pay a $12,200 fine to settle a federal investigation into alleged animal care and water quality violations, without admitting guilt. The investigation followed the deaths of three beluga whales brought from Canada in 2021. A USDA investigation cited care violations but aquarium officials insist pre-existing, undetectable health issues were the cause.

A 5-year-old male named Havok died from an intestinal disease in August 2021, while females Havana and Kharabali succumbed to storage disease in 2022 and 2023. Authorities claim aquarium staff failed to call for veterinarian care in Havok's last hours and noted high coliform bacteria levels in their pools. Mystic Aquarium argued the levels returned to normal quickly after malfunctioning equipment was fixed.

Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute criticized Mystic Aquarium, asserting it made "a huge number of mistakes." A rep for the aquarium had this to say: "While we respectfully disagree with the USDA's assertions, settling this case allows us to stay focused on our core mission: caring for the animals at Mystic Aquarium and inspiring people to protect marine life." The aquarium agreed to the settlement to avoid expensive litigation and remains committed to its mission of marine life conservation. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
A 64-year-old woman was preparing to do her evening dishes at her home outside Bangkok when she felt a sharp pain in her thigh and looked down to see a huge python taking hold of her. "I was about to scoop some water and when I sat down it bit me immediately," Arom Arunroj told Thailand's Thairath newspaper. "When I looked I saw the snake wrapping around me." The python, estimated to be between 13 and 16 feet long, coiled itself around her torso, squeezing her down to the floor of her kitchen. "I grabbed it by the head, but it wouldn't release me," she said. "It only tightened." Pythons are non-venomous constrictors, which kill their prey by gradually squeezing the breath out of it.

Propped up against her kitchen door, she cried for help but it wasn't until a neighbor happened to be walking by about an hour and a half later and heard her screams that authorities were called. Responding police officer Anusorn Wongmalee told the AP on Thursday that when he arrived the woman was still leaning against her door, looking exhausted and pale, with the snake coiled around her. Police and animal control officers used a crowbar to hit the snake on the head until it released its grip and slithered away before it could be captured. In all, Arom spent about two hours on Tuesday night in the clutches of the python before being freed. She was treated for several bites but appeared to be otherwise unharmed in videos of her talking to Thai media shortly after the incident.

Encounters with snakes are not uncommon in Thailand, and last year 26 people were killed by venomous snake bites, according to government statistics. A total of 12,000 people were treated for venomous bites by snakes and other animals 2023. The reticulated python is the largest snake found in Thailand and usually ranges in size from 5 to 21 feet, weighing up to about 165 pounds. They have been found as big as 33 feet long and 287 pounds. Smaller pythons feed on small mammals such as rats, but larger snakes switch to prey such as pigs, deer, and even domestic dogs and cats. Attacks on humans are not common, though do happen occasionally.

(More pythons stories.)
Tatyana Bakalchuk, Russia's richest woman, says her company was the target of a corporate raid on Wednesdayand she doesn't mean the Gordon Gekko kind. Two people were killed and seven others, including two police officers, were injured in a shootout at the Moscow offices of Wildberries, an online retail giant seen as Russia's equivalent of Amazon, reports Reuters. Lawyers for Vladislav Bakalchuk, Bakulchuk's estranged husband, said Thursday that he had been arrested and charged with crimes including murder and attempted murder. They called the charges "absurd."

Background. Tatyana Bakalchuk filed for divorce in July amid a dispute over the business the 48-year-old founded in 2004, the New York Times reports. Vladislav Bakalchuk publicly objected to plans to merge Wildberries with the advertising firm Russ and said he would want half the company if they divorced. Tatyana Bakalchuk was the sole owner of Wildberries until she transferred a 1% stake to her husband in 2019. The former English teacher is Russia's first female self-made billionaire.
Blaming Israel for fatal explosions of handheld devices across Lebanon that he said violated "all conventions and laws," Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah promised retribution in a speech Thursday. "Indeed, we have endured a severe and cruel blow," he acknowledged, the New York Times reports. In his first public comments since the attacks began Tuesday, Nasrallah assured his followers that "retribution will come" but said he wouldn't specify when or where. He also said Hezbollah would continue its strikes on Israel to support Hamas' fight in Gaza against the Israeli military.

Israel, which has not publicly addressed the explosions, appeared to answer Nasrallah's comments as he spoke. Two sonic booms caused by Israeli fighter jets shook Beirut, and the Israeli military later said its fighter jets hit targets in southern Lebanon during the speech, per the Hill. At the same time, Hezbollah was carrying out at least four attacks in northern Israel, per the AP. Blaming Israel, Lebanon's foreign minister told CNN he fears escalation after the explosions. "It's a scary moment and we are afraid (of) coming to war, because we don't want a war," Abdallah Bou Habib said. (So who made the devices? It's murky.)
The Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into a Mississippi sheriff's department whose officers tortured two Black men in a racist attack that included beatings, repeated use of stun guns, and assaults with a sex toy before one of the victims was shot in the mouth, officials said Thursday. The Justice Department will investigate whether the Rankin County Sheriff's Department has engaged in a pattern or practice of excessive force and unlawful stops, searches and arrests, the AP reports, and whether it has used racially discriminatory policing practices, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.

Five Rankin sheriff's deputies pleaded guilty in 2023 to breaking into a home without a warrant and engaging in an hourslong attack on Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. A sixth officer, from the Richland Police Department, also was convicted in the attack. Some of the officers were part of a group so willing to use excessive force they called themselves the Goon Squad. All six were sentenced in March, receiving terms of 10 to 40 years. The charges followed an AP investigation in March 2023 that linked some of the officers to at least four violent encounters since 2019 that left two Black men dead. "The concerns about the Rankin County Sheriff's Department did not end with the demise of the Goon Squad," Clarke said Thursday.

The Justice Department has information about other incidents, including deputies overusing stun guns, entering homes unlawfully, using "shocking racial slurs," and employing "dangerous, cruel tactics to assault people in their custody," Clarke said. Malik Shabazz and Trent Walker, attorneys for Jenkins and Parker, applauded the Justice Department for opening the civil rights investigation. "This is a first, critical step in cleaning up the Sheriff's Department and holding Rankin County legally accountable for the years of constitutional violations against its citizenry," Shabazz and Walker said in a statement. "All of this took place because, despite innumerable warnings, Rankin County and Sheriff Bailey belligerently refused to properly monitor and supervise this rogue department."

(More Mississippi stories.)
Photo taken on Sept. 14, 2020 shows the outside view of the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

"Delayed justice is denied justice," said Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, calling for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly on Tuesday resumed its 10th emergency special session on the issue of Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with member states deliberating a draft resolution introduced by the State of Palestine.

Introducing the draft resolution demanding an end of Israel's occupation of Palestinian land within 12 months, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, said the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has fulfilled its mandate by unequivocally identifying the legal consequences for Israel, urging the General Assembly to uphold its mandate.

"Delayed justice is denied justice," he said, calling for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He stressed that the Palestinian people have been steadfast in the pursuit of their inalienable rights, just like all other citizens worldwide who seek self-determination. "The Palestinians want to live, not survive -- they want to be safe in their homes, they want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality as they are in spirit."

Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, addresses a meeting of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) discussing the U.S. veto on Gaza in the Security Council the previous month, at the UN headquarters in New York, Jan. 9, 2024. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

The General Assembly is expected to vote on the draft resolution, which was co-sponsored by more than two dozen nations, on Wednesday.

Danny Danon, Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations, said the draft ignored the truth and did not mention Hamas, and the process to table it "has been politicized."

"This resolution is diplomatic terrorism," he said, adding that more than 150 resolutions have been adopted at the United Nations against Israel.

"Perhaps you have forgotten, but we did not start this war -- nor did we choose it," he said.

In his remarks, General Assembly President Philemon Yang said "it is incumbent on the General Assembly and the Security Council to bring to an end the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory."

Lebanese Ambassador Hadi Hachem said his delegation is at the "top of the list" supporting the draft resolution and the State of Palestine. The historic ICJ decision stresses the unlawful nature of Israel's occupation and the need to put an end to the illegal presence in Palestinian territory, he said.

The 10th emergency special session of the General Assembly was convened for the first time in April 1997. The session has resumed multiple times since then, including shortly after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel that triggered the current ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Editor: GSY
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

Crypto.com has received full approval to provide payment service provider (PSP) services from the Central Bank of Bahrain through its subsidiary registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the commercial name FORIS GFS BH B.S.C. CLOSED, adding to the companys significant regulatory milestones in the region.

The PSP licence will allow Crypto.com to expand its offerings of e-money and fiat-based payment services regionally, including the launch of its world-renowned prepaid cards.

With its extensive international presence and an earned reputation for regulatory compliance, we are delighted that Crypto.com has chosen the Kingdom of Bahrain as a destination for investment, which will further bolster Bahrains ability to deliver on its vision of developing a digital-first, resilient economy that celebrates innovation and progress, said H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, adding, Backed by the agility of our Team Bahrain approach, which fosters a streamlined investment environment that champions ease of doing business, Bahrain is successfully building a world-class ecosystem to support the evolution of the fast-growing blockchain, crypto and fintech industry. This is further supported by robust regulations and a diverse, highly skilled, and future-ready talent pool, particularly within the financial services and technology sectors.

Bahrain has been working to create an innovation-friendly crypto and fintech ecosystem, which has involved putting in place clear regulation that balances consumer protection with commercialisation, said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com. We appreciate the work of the Kingdom and look forward to progressing our relationship as we play our part in growing the crypto industry in Bahrain and across the GCC.

Bahrain, a pioneering hub for digital asset regulation within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, was among the first to issue crypto-asset licences in the region, cementing itself as a leading hub for crypto services and fintech innovations in the region. As the island nations investment promotion agency, Bahrain EDB works closely with potential and existing clients providing key services that include industry assessments and strategic advisory, in line with its mandate of attracting investments into Bahrain.

Crypto.com continues to actively grow and expand its ecosystem, with more than 100 million users worldwide.

The announcement builds on Crypto.coms regulatory licensing momentum globally, having received its Virtual Asset Service Provider Licence from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the launch of the Crypto.com Exchange for institutional investors in April 2024. Cypto.com is additionally licensed for specific services in key markets around the world, including Singapore, France, Australia, Ireland, Malta, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and South Korea.
ATHENS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A tourist was killed by a rockfall in Greece's Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete amid bad weather, local authorities said on Wednesday.

Apart from the fatal victim, a 32-year-old Ukrainian woman residing in Germany, no other visitors were injured, according to a press release from the management.

Severe rainfall caused the rockslide, it said, adding that some 300 hikers were briefly trapped, but by sunset, they had been evacuated to safety by disaster response units.

The gorge will remain closed until further notice.

Located inside Samaria National Park, 16-km-long Samaria Gorge is one of the longest in Europe as well as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Over 100,000 people on average traverse the gorge each year.

Editor: GSY
PetSmart Charities of Canada and Humane Canada partner to bring attention to the pressing issue of pet food insecurity on September 24 this year

BURLINGTON, ON, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ -- According to a recent nationwide survey[1], 70% of Canadians who own dogs or cats typically feed them during mealtime before they feed themselves. Pets are inextricable members of the family, so when pet owners face food insecurity, they often struggle to feed their pets too. Those that need support for their pets now have a new map to find local organizations providing pet food and supplies, which can be found here.

For pet guardians searching for support, a new Interactive Pet Food Bank Map helps individuals locate nearby pet food banks. PetSmart Charities of Canada and Humane Canada have partnered to bring attention to the pressing issue of pet food insecurity on Pet Hunger Awareness Day (September 24).

PetSmart Charities of Canada, a leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, is helping to bring awareness and action to combat hunger for pets living with people experiencing food insecurity, with their second annual Pet Hunger Awareness Day on Tuesday, September 24th.

The survey found that over 80% of Canadians do not know where to turn for pet food assistance in their community. That's why Humane Canada, with grant support from PetSmart Charities of Canada, created the country's first interactive Pet Food Bank Map, now available online.

The tool identifies over 300 pet food assistance programs across all 10 provinces and one territory, providing an invaluable resource for pet parents searching for support. The map not only helps individuals locate nearby pet food banks but also highlights distribution networks, helping to identify where support is accessible to those in remote, rural, and underserved areas. This level of accessibility is crucial in addressing the widespread issue of pet food insecurity and ensuring that pet parents can find resources when they need it most.

"When times are tough, we want to ensure people have access to the resources they need to make sure their pets can stay nourished, healthy and doing what they do best  giving unconditional love and devoted companionship to their families," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. "Our partnership with Humane Canada is crucial in the work to help those who love their pets but might struggle to make ends meet."

"People love their pets and need them most when times are tough," said Kathy Duncan, director, national programs at Humane Canada. "This map was designed to help pet guardians easily find out where to pick up donated pet food in or near their communities. We're thankful for the support from PetSmart Charities of Canada that brought this tool to life."

PetSmart Charities of Canada powers Humane Canada's National Pet Food Bank Program

The Pet Food Bank Map is one part of the many initiatives of Humane Canada's National Pet Food Bank Program made possible through generous support from PetSmart Charities of Canada, to address pet hunger, foster strong community engagement, increase pet retention rates, and scale into the future. This program will provide a positive impact on pets, pet parents, and for communities across Canada.

A $300,000 grant provided to Humane Canada by PetSmart Charities of Canada to help fund this important work is part of PetSmart Charities of Canada's broader commitment to help end pet hunger.

How every Canadian can help combat pet food insecurity

83% of Canadians agree that pet hunger is an important issue this year  and it's time for us to help in any way that we can. According to Humane Canada, donations from the community are the top sources of pet food for pet food banks. To support Pet Hunger Awareness Day and help in the fight against pet food insecurity, consider donating to help pets in need at PetSmartCharities.ca or at PIN pads inside PetSmart retail stores.

[1] The PetSmart Charities of Canada survey was conducted among members of the Angus Reid Forum from September 10 to 12, 2024 among a representative sample of n=1,264 English speaking Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.8% percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About PetSmart Charities of Canada

PetSmart Charities of Canada is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in PetSmart stores across the country, PetSmart Charities of Canada helps thousands of pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter, and emergency relief. Each year, thousands of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada directly at PetSmartCharities.ca, while shopping at PetSmart.ca, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $35 million since its inception in 1999. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. To learn more visit PetSmartCharities.ca.

About Humane Canada

Humane Canada, the federation of SPCAs and humane societies, brings together organizations that work with and care for animals to end animal cruelty, improve animal protection, and promote the humane treatment of all animals. As part of this mission, the National Pet Food Bank Program is designed to help keep families together by addressing the issue of food insecurity for companion animals. To date, $80,000 in National Pet Food Bank Grants have been awarded to 17 recipients, serving over 5,000 animals. Additionally, 1.9 million meals have been delivered to the national pet food bank network, made possible through corporate donations and the generous support of PetSmart Charities of Canada. To learn more, visit HumaneCanada.ca

Contact

Garry Ho: 437-344-1176

Porter Novelli for PetSmart Charities of Canada

[email protected];

24-hour media at PetSmart and PetSmart Charities: [email protected]

SOURCE PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc.
At its core, Resources Around Me is Canada's largest system navigation tool designed to support young people. Each service and support listed in the tool undergoes a thorough vetting process by KHP Information and Referral Staff for efficacy and validity. This ensures accuracy and reliability, with detailed information on eligibility, access, contact details, and available languages.

The issues youth connect with KHP about are more complex than ever and compounding over time. Young people are also seeking support without an adult to navigate for them and require easier ways to find help in their communities and virtually. With Resources Around Me, KHP has created navigation that's more intuitive, accessible and supportive, so youth can more easily find trusted programs and services that address their needs.

Both Resources Around Me and the verified youth apps database were co-designed with young people and mental health advocates across Canada to ensure the process is user-friendly, safe, and empowering, allowing youth to find resources that best meet their individual needs. With the generous support of The Grocery Foundation, the Ontario Ministry of Health, Canada Health Infoway and RBC Future Launch, Kids Help Phone will continue to evolve Resources Around Me, paving the way as a global leader in youth mental health services.

Canadians can access Resources Around Me, including the Canadian Youth Mental Health Apps database, by visiting KidsHelpPhone.ca/ResourcesAroundMe.

FAST FACTS

The Resources Around Me page has become the third most popular destination on Kids Help Phone's website, following only the "Urgent Help" and "Text About It" pages.

Over the past 5 years, KHP service users accessed resources through Resources Around Me nearly 700K times.

times. Resources Around Me houses over 40,000 records of virtual and in-person programs and supports for young people in communities across Canada .

QUOTES

"KHP has been supporting and providing mental health and wellbeing services to youth coast to coast to coast for more than 35 years. We continually strive to ensure young people can find the services that they need, however, whenever, wherever they are. That can be directly with KHP or with other excellent mental health services in their communities. KHP knows that navigation can be a barrier for youth, and that not all services have the right level of clinical oversight  both issues are what Resources Around Me solves for." said Katherine Hay, President & CEO, Kids Help Phone. "The launch of the KHP Resources Around Me and the authoritative youth apps database helps bridge these gaps, providing young people with accessible and well-researched options when they need them the most. KHP is proud to be a global leader, and the first in Canada to offer innovative tools like this at this scale."

"Our mindApps.org team is thrilled to partner with Kids Help Phone and support their adaptation and innovation in the digital mental health space around helping youth find apps and make more informed decisions around their use," said Dr. John Torous, MD, MBI, Digital Mental Health. "We look forward to seeing the database make a positive impact across the country."

SUPPORTING QUOTES

"Since 2018, our government has increased our investments in children and youth mental health by over 25 per cent, and we are not stopping there. Our government is continuing to take action to support new, innovative services, like Resources Around Me, the first tool of its kind in Canada, to connect even more children, youth, and their families to convenient mental health support services, when and where they need it," said The Hon. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

"Resources Around Me is establishing a new benchmark for countries looking to support young people and improve how to navigate mental health services," said Anil Thapliyal, Executive Director at eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC). "Kids Help Phone is redefining how charities can practically embrace innovation and technology to find new solutions and evolve to meet the changing needs of youth today."

"As proud supporters of Kids Help Phone, today marks another step forward in nourishing the needs of all youth," said Shaun McKenna, Executive Director, The Grocery Foundation. "We have always championed the well-being of youth and Resources Around Me gives them a way to easily seek help and get support for their emotional and physical needs, no matter where they are or at what time of day."

"The launch of KHP's Resources Around Me is a significant milestone in helping young people find services that match their needs," said Tonie Chaltas, CEO, Achev. "Especially for our clients and other newcomer youth, this database is instrumental when it comes to navigating complex systems and finding vetted programs that offer the support they need."

About Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 national, e-mental health service offering free, confidential, multi-lingual support to young people. As the country's virtual care expert, we give millions of youth a safe, trusted space to Feel Out Loud over the phone, through text, or in self-directed supports for any moment of crisis or need. The Feel Out Loud campaign is the largest movement for youth mental health in Canada's history - it will raise $300 million to unlock hope for young people to thrive in their worlds. Kids Help Phone gratefully relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, stakeholder partners, corporate partners and governments to fuel and fund our programs. Learn more at KidsHelpPhone.ca.

SOURCE Kids Help Phone

For media inquiries: Sheril Bose, [email protected], (613) 879-7034
After moving from Jamaica to Canada in 1916, Rockhead served in the First World War, worked as a railway porter, and became an entrepreneur. In 1929, he established Rockhead's Paradise, a famous Black nightclub in Montreal, which was the only one owned by a person of African descent at the time. He fostered the beginnings of Canada's jazz scene, night life, musical talent, and culture through Rockhead's Paradise, which operated from 1929 until 1980. He persevered in the face of racism and corruption, provided jobs to members of the Black community, and created a welcoming space for all. An exceptional individual, he left a lasting legacy for African Canadians, Montrealers, and jazz fans.

Rockhead's nightclub provided a crucial space where Black musicians could hone their skills through practice and performance with talented jazz artists from Montreal, the rest of Canada, and abroad. Famous musicians like Oscar Peterson, Oliver Jones, Harold "Steep" Wade, and brothers Hugh, George, and Milton Sealey informally apprenticed or performed at Rockhead's Paradise. Throughout his tenure as owner, Rockhead was an affable, charismatic host who personally greeted patrons at the door every night. He became a prominent and respected member of the Black community, whose interests he deeply cared about.

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, and Parks Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. National historic designations recall moments of greatness and triumph or cause us to contemplate the complex and challenging moments that helped define the Canada of today. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present.

The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,250 designations have been made nationwide. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/proposer-nominate.

Quote

"Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I am honoured to recognize Rufus Nathaniel Rockhead as a person of national historic significance. A talented entrepreneur, Rockhead left an indelible mark on Canadian culture, fostering the birth of the Montreal jazz scene at his world-famous nightclub, Rockhead's Paradise. He fought intolerance and racism to create a showcase for young Black musicians and helped launch the careers of many of Canada's top jazz artists."

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault

Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick facts



Rockhead's nightclub provided a crucial space where Black musicians could hone their skills through practice and performance with talented jazz artists from Montreal, the rest of Canada , and abroad. Visited by international legends such as Louis Armstrong , Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald , and Billie Holiday , Rockhead's Paradise helped make Montreal an important stop on the jazz circuit.

, and abroad. Visited by international legends such as , Cab Calloway, , and , Rockhead's Paradise helped make Montreal an important stop on the jazz circuit. In 1918, Rockhead joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force and served with the Canadian Forestry Corps in France until honourably discharged in March 1919 . For his service, he received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

until honourably discharged in . For his service, he received the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important stories are shared with Canadians.

advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important stories are shared with Canadians. Parks Canada is committed to working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a new, comprehensive, and engaging approach to sharing Canada's history through diverse perspectives, including shedding light on tragic and difficult periods of Canada's past.

Related document



Related links

SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)

Contacts: Oliver Anderson, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-962-0686, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
The artwork chosen by the Survivors Circle for this series was created by three artists: Robert Burke, Helen Iguptak and Adrian Stimson. All three are residential school Survivors.

Robert Burke

Robert Burke's artwork explores the social issues and personal challenges of his Black Indigenous identity, as well as what he experienced in nearly a decade spent at St. Joseph's Residential School in the Northwest Territories.

Helen Iguptak

Inuk artist Helen Iguptak was forced to abandon her traditional clothing when taken to live at Turquetil Hall in Nunavut. At the school, an older girl taught her to make dolls, a medium with a rich Inuit history. The dolls she makes today are dressed in traditional Inuit clothing.

Adrian Stimson

Two-Spirit interdisciplinary artist Adrian Stimson is a member of the Siksika Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Alberta. He attended three residential schools, including Gordon's Residential School in Saskatchewan.

About the stamps

The booklet cover features the Survivors' Flag of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The stamps are cancelled in Ottawa, home to the seat of the Canadian government, which forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and communities and removed them from their land, languages, cultures and spiritual traditions, by sending them to residential schools and day schools.

The child's handprint is a symbol to remember the children taken at a young age to residential schools, many of whom never returned home. Lowe-Martin printed the stamps. Canada Post thanks the Survivors Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for their guidance throughout the stamp creation process.

The stamp products will be available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada beginning on September 27, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour support to former residential school students and their families. If you require support, please call 1-866-925-4419.

For links to images of the stamps and other products, and more resources:

External folder with high-resolution images

Read the Canada Post magazine article

Social media  Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn

SOURCE Canada Post

For more information: Media Relations, 613-734-8888, [email protected]
WENDAKE, QC, Sept. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) welcomes the important position taken by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), which recognizes its role and that of the medical profession in past and present harms caused to First Nations, Inuit and Metis within the healthcare system. This symbolic gesture is of great importance in the fight against inequalities and discrimination suffered by First Peoples.

A call to action for the Quebec government

The FNQLHSSC is inviting the professional orders and associations to follow suit, draw inspiration from this initiative and implement concrete actions to eliminate all forms of discrimination in the future.

As the Quebec government prepares to adopt Bill 32, An Act to establish the cultural safety approach within the health and social services network, this example should serve to further the actions it intends to take to improve the delivery of its public services and its relations with First Nations and their institutions.

Note that provincial governments in other provinces have already adopted or are in the process of adopting laws aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination using culturally safe practices in close collaboration with First Nations and Inuit. In Quebec, the College des medecins du Quebec and the Ordre des infirmieres et infirmiers du Quebec have already recognized the existence of systemic racism and Joyce's Principle.

"We expect the CMA action to serve as an opportunity for concrete, positive change within the Quebec government and its institutions. The recognition of systemic discrimination is a crucial step towards reconciliation and the implementation of tangible actions to ensure equity and justice for our populations," said Derek Montour, President of the FNQLHSSC Board of Directors.

"Working closely with professional orders and associations to take into account the realities and challenges experienced by our health and social services professionals is vital. It is only through real processes of co-construction and respectful relationships that we will succeed in improving current systems," added Dr. Stanley Vollant, Physician Advisor at the FNQLHSSC.

The FNQLHSSC is reiterating its commitment to continue its actions to promote the recognition of First Nations' rights in health and social services and to encourage all institutions to follow suit for a more inclusive and respectful future.

About the FNQLHSSC

The FNQLHSSC is a non-profit organization that supports Quebec First Nations in achieving their objectives in terms of health, wellness, culture, and self-determination.

SOURCE First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission

Maude Sigouin, FNQLHSSC, Communications and Social Media Advisor, [email protected], 418-842-1540, ext. 2307 - www.cssspnql.com
This marks Canada's 4th win as a nation at the 15th edition of World Class for the coveted title, as Toronto is named host for next year's competition

TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Keegan McGregor, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been awarded the coveted title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 at the world's biggest cocktail competition, celebrated in Shanghai this year. Competing against finalists from 45 regions around the world, Keegan McGregor was named the ultimate winner by an international line-up of industry legends during the annual celebration of global cocktail culture.

Keegan McGregor, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been awarded the coveted title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 (CNW Group/Diageo)

Not only is this a monumental achievement for Keegan, but it's a significant milestone for Canada. His victory marks a historic fourth win for Canada in Diageo World Class' 15-year history, solidifying Canada as the most awarded country, with no other country having claimed the title more than twice. His win follows in the footsteps of past Canadian World Class Global Bartender of the Year champions Jacob Martin, James Grant, and Kaitlyn Stewart, further cementing Canada's status as a global leader in cocktailing. Adding to the excitement, it was also announced that Toronto will host the World Class Global Final in Summer 2025, bringing the world's best bartenders to Canada's doorstep.

Keegan McGregor of Highwayman in Halifax, Nova Scotia, stood out amongst competitors by presenting a series of signature serves that celebrated community, sustainability and innovation to earn a place at the Global Final.

As part of his journey, he was challenged to create a duo of drinks reimagining both his home city and Shanghai, featuring indigenous ingredients alongside Don Julio. For his home city, Halifax, Nova Scotia, he showcased his take on a dish called Hodge Podge  a stew with locally harvested vegetables  taking elements of that to create a twist on a classic eggnog.

"My World Class journey started six years ago, so it's a really special experience to be recognized as the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024," says Keegan McGregor, World Class Global Bartender of the Year winner. "The camaraderie amongst the competitors this week has been both inspiring and has kept me going. The biggest piece of advice I was given was to be myself and that's exactly what I did."

"Diageo's mission in Canada is to uplift and celebrate the bartending community across the country. Every year at World Class, we bring together the most talented bartenders and it's a tremendous honour for Keegan, and Canada, to secure Canada's fourth global winner," says Michael Armistead, Diageo Canada's National Reserve and Sponsorship Manager. "We couldn't be more proud of Keegan and I am excited to watch him embark on this thrilling new chapter as World Class Global Bartender of the Year!"

Some of the industry's most respected and awarded talent, including Agostino Perrone, Director of Mixology at London's Connaught Bar; Ryan Chetiyawardana, mastermind of the Mr Lyan empire and Julie Reiner, from NYC hotspots Milady's and Clover Club, alongside an elite team of bartenders and bar owners from the world's most celebrated bars formed the judging panel throughout the week.

World Class's international industry experts did more than judge challenges, they also participated in the first-ever World Class Mentorship program and contributed to Industry Forum. This consisted of seminars, workshops, and group discussions focused on the industry's hottest topics faced by global hospitality businesses and professionals in every region.

For more information on World Class and to stay up to date with the latest drinks, trends and training, follow @WorldClassCa on X, @WorldClassCanada on Instagram, and Facebook.com/WorldClassCanada.

ABOUT WORLD CLASS

World Class is on a mission to inspire people to drink better and create unforgettable experiences in the process. Whether at home or in a bar, World Class encourages consumers to think and care about what, where and how they drink, and in doing so, discover the best of cocktail culture.

World Class has supported, trained and inspired over 400,000 bartenders across the globe for the past fifteen years, while partnering them with the world's finest spirits. World Class is the authority on the global drinks industry for information on the latest drinks, trends, cocktail recipes and industry insight.

ABOUT WORLD CLASS INDUSTRY FORUM

World Class is a global gathering of the world's most respected and celebrated talent, and through the World Class Industry Forum initiative, the conversations that spark creativity are nurtured. The Industry Forum is providing a platform that unifies the community and encourages leading voices to share insights, discuss impact and build a lasting legacy for those in the industry. From the introduction of technology infused mixology to vibe architecture, the art of curating an emotional connection for guests, the community remains committed to transforming cocktail culture and delivering next level experiences for each and every cocktail lover. This year's World Class Industry Forum also saw a brand new one-on-one mentorship programme introduced, offering the finalists the opportunity to receive dedicated time and bespoke guidance from some of the industry's world-leading talent, including the World Class Hall of Fame.

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Mortlach, Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com . Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

SOURCE Diageo

For more information, please contact: Madeline Seale, Account Manager, Middle Child, [email protected]
Tesla Semi Program Manager Dan Priestley gave a keynote address and Tesla Semi update at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany on Tuesday.

The Pepsi drivers who use the new electric Tesla Semi say that do not want to go back to driving diesel trucks.

Tesla has deployed megawatt charging that will charge the trucks in times similar to fueling a diesel truck.

Teslas pilot test fleet has already driven over 7.5 million kilometers (4.65 million miles), and that a single Tesla Semi has covered an impressive 400,000 kilometers (248,000 miles) over the past 18 months. Priestley clarified this was real world mileage, and not simulated, all while operating at the Semis maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Tesla Semi has eenergy consumption rate of approximately 100 kWh per 100 kilometers. This is about 1.61 kwh per mile. Tesla Semi is already proving more efficient than previously estimated, with further improvements expected as the fleet scales.

The new Tesla Semi factory in the US will finish next year and will scale to production of over 50,000 units per year.

After Tesla has US Semi trucks at scale in the US they will then turn to Europe. Tesla will also go to Asia. Asia has most (70-80%) of the heavy trucks in the world. China alone has about half.

Priestly indicated there were reliability issues with the early Tesla Semis. However, those issues have been solved. Tesla is making the economics of the Semi great and have proved the reliability with over 95% uptime.

A massive part of the ramp of Tesla Semi and electric semis is to get a large charging network. One Megawatt charging would only support a maximum of about 20 Semi trucks. It is likely that at least one megacharging port would be needed for every ten trucks. 50,000 trucks would need about 5,000 megacharging ports. Each megacharging port is like three supercharging ports. There are about 30,000 supercharging ports in North America. 50% more charging would be needed for the first full year of volume Semi truck production.

Electric trucks can charge at the same time as they are loading and unloading when the charging is built for the primary location where they are loading and unloading. A diesel truck cannot be fueled while it is being loaded and unloading.

I, Brian Wang at Nextbigfuture, have created a table comparing the specifications of electric trucks based upon company data.
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) test-fired a new-type tactical ballistic missile and an improved strategic cruise missile on Wednesday, as the country's top leader called for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence when he guided the event, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday.

The test-fire of the new-type tactical ballistic missile, called Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, was aimed at verifying the hitting accuracy at medium range of 320 km and explosive power of its payload of a 4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead, the KCNA said.

The DPRK also test-fired a strategic cruise missile whose performance has been highly upgraded for its combat use, according to the report.

Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, said the security situation makes it an imperative for the country to bolster up the military capability for self-defence, the KCNA said.

The DPRK leader stressed the need to continue to bolster up the nuclear force and have the strongest military technical capability and overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional weapons, it added.

Editor: GSY
Seiya Matsuno (L), a Japanese scholar, also a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University, and Jin Shicheng, a researcher with the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, show a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Hall in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024.(Xinhua/Wang Song)

HARBIN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese scholar, has disclosed a new document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

The 267-page document contains basic profiles of 100 technicians who had been in service from February 1944 to August 1945. Over half of them were from the notorious Japanese germ warfare army known as Unit 731. Information such as appointment time, promotion record, college background, and grades and achievements are included in the document.

The document was discovered in the National Archives of Japan by Matsuno, a researcher at the International Peace Research Institute of Meiji Gakuin University in Japan and a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University.

According to Matsuno, technicians referred to technical officials and core research people engaged in specialized technical professions who enjoyed the treatment of senior officials and were incorporated into the army. Most of them served as the heads of various research departments and were mainly engaged in various bacterial experiments and medical research.

According to Jin Shicheng, a researcher with the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, preliminary research shows that Unit 731 had a strict evaluation and assessment system for technicians' human experiments. The document marks evaluations for the technicians such as "excellent" and "good."

Jin said the material can provide information for the personnel structure and composition of Unit 731 and other detachments.

Unit 731 was a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base established in Harbin as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II.

The archives released this time are important evidence for deepening the research of Japanese germ-warfare detachments and of great significance for revealing crimes of Japanese germ-warfare units, according to Jin Chengmin, curator of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army.

The crimes committed by Unit 731 were among the most gruesome atrocities of the Japanese invasion of China during World War II.

Wednesday marks the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident in 1931, at which Japanese troops began the bloody invasion of China, foreshadowing World War II and making the country the first to resist fascism.

Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese scholar, also a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University, receives an interview at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

An aerial drone photo shows the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Jin Shicheng, a researcher with the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, reads the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)

An aerial drone photo shows people visiting the former site of Unit 731 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

A drone photo shows people visiting the former site of Unit 731 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

This photo shows a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024.(Xinhua/Wang Song)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 17, 2024 shows the former site of Unit 731 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

This photo shows a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

This photo shows a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese scholar, also a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University, shows a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 17, 2024 shows the former site of Unit 731 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese scholar, also a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University, receives an interview at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

This photo shows a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

This photo shows a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

An aerial drone photo shows the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese scholar, also a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University, arranges a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Seiya Matsuno (R), a Japanese scholar, also a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University, and Jin Shicheng, a researcher with the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, identify a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Hall in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese scholar, also a distinguished professor at Heilongjiang International University, arranges a copy of the document about the information of technicians in the Japanese germ-warfare detachments during World War II, at the press center of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Editor: WXY
A Chinese artist shows pictures drawn by students as gifts at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," said Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal.

by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- For 8-year-old American student Samantha, the dazzling art of Chinese opera face-changing not only brought her into a magic world, but also inspired her to learn Chinese culture and language.

With just a turn of the head, a wave of the hand, or even a blink of the eyes, Chinese performers, wearing colorful costumes, could change face masks in less than a second, drawing cheers and applauses from hundreds of students at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, a public school in Pacoima, Southern California.

"That's so cool. I love Chinese performances. I want to visit China," wowed Samantha, a third grader at the learning center.

Face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, was part of the performances presented by a delegation of the Sichuan Song and Dance Troupe to students at the learning center on Wednesday.

Co-sponsored by the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association and the Chinese Culture Development Center in Los Angeles, the performances featured Chinese drama and dance, martial arts, Kung Fu tea art, acrobatics, puppet show, and calligraphy art.

"It's my first time watching Chinese cultural performances. I love the Chinese puppet show. I want to learn more about China," Alexa, a third grader at the learning center, told Xinhua.

The whole stadium of students burst into cheers and claps when Chinese performers presented them panda dolls as gifts.

"They (panda dolls) are so cute. I just can't wait to visit the new giant pandas at San Diego Zoo," 8-year-old Kiteya told Xinhua.

A Chinese artist performs face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

The learning center has maintained exchange programs with Chinese schools since its founding over 30 years ago. It has Chinese language lessons for its high school students.

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal, told Xinhua.

"I want them to understand that even though we're miles and miles apart, we can still have connections," she added.

This year, the learning center had several Chinese students visiting for a week. Some high school students of the learning center also traveled to China for a week.

"For the Chinese students that came here, our students were really excited to talk to them about what's school like over there, what do you eat, what do you like to do... In the high school, the students that have gone to China have said it's been an amazing experience and they've really enjoyed it," Rodriguez told Xinhua.

Calling U.S.-China relations very important in the world, Rodriguez said she hopes to see more people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, especially the younger generations.

Students of the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center watch a performance staged by a delegation from China's Sichuan Province, in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Hudd Huddleston, a teacher of Chinese language at the learning center, told Xinhua he has been teaching 9-12 graders Chinese, and the students have great interest in Chinese language and culture.

The learning center has partnerships with schools in Beijing and Shanghai, and soon will establish links with schools in China's Sichuan Province, according to Huddleston.

"We hope one day we can visit China," said Hugo Efrain Flores, a student parent who was invited to watch the performances.

"We are all friends. We are all the same," he told Xinhua.

Los Angeles is the second and last stop of the Chinese troupe's U.S. tour, which also took them to Hawaii.

Editor: WXY
Atlantic City has agreed to pay $20,000 in penalties over what federal environmental officials say was mismanagement of its stormwater mitigation system.

Local lawmakers also agreed to spend at least $60,000 on an environmentally-friendly overhaul of a parking lot off Arctic Avenue outside city hall used by employees, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday.

Federal officials said an investigation found municipal storm sewer drainage systems were non-compliant with the Clean Water Act. The agreement will settle the allegations.

This settlement will lead to less pollution entering Atlantic Citys stormwater system, enhance local water quality and boost the citys resilience to climate change, EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia said in a statement Wednesday. By enforcing the Clean Water Act and upgrading stormwater management, were not just addressing past issueswere ensuring a safer, healthier future for Atlantic Citys communities.

Atlantic City officials couldnt immediately be reached by NJ Advance Media Thursday for comment. The city council in July passed a resolution over the violations and ensuing orders to remediate issues.

The EPA conferred with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, according to a consent order signed Sept. 4 between local officials and federal officials.

NJDEP did not immediately return a request for comment.

Federal officials said it found Atlantic City did not fully train staff or update its stormwater pollution prevention plan, leaving local water systems vulnerable to contaminants.

The parking lot project outlined by federal officials calls for replacing about 18,000 square feet of traditional asphalt with permeable pavement, allowing water to pass through while reducing runoff contamination.

The lot is situated in a complex of buildings used by the Atlantic County and city governments, as well as a branch of the New Jersey Superior Court.

Federal officials consider stormwater management a challenge for communities nationwide, mostly because of the engineering and financial challenges they present.

The order comes at the heels of the city announcing the start of a $22 million flood control project that restores a century-old canal on Baltic Street. The project would help guide stormwater into the 9,700-foot-long canal. Officials said the canal could transport 1.1 million cubic feet of water into bay water behind the city.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
A Philadelphia man has admitted in court that he traveled to a hotel in New Jersey to meet with who he thought was a 12-year-old girl.

Louis Goldenberg, 41, pleaded guilty in Camden federal court on Wednesday to attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said in a news release.

In August 2023, Goldenberg started chatting online with who he thought was a middle-aged woman with a 12-year-old niece. After he expressed interest in sex with the child, the online user agreed to traffic her into prostitution, federal authorities said. In reality, he was talking to an undercover agent.

Goldenberg then agreed to meet the woman and child at a hotel in Mount Laurel, officials said.

He was apprehended by agents from the Department of Homeland Security shortly after arriving at the hotel on Sept. 18, 2023. Goldenberg had booked a room at the hotel ahead of time, prosecutors said.

At the time of his arrest, authorities seized his cell phone and $405 in cash that was in possession when he arrived at the hotel, court documents said.

Goldenberg will be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2025.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached atnfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
On Sunday, Liza Colon-Zayas made history as the first Latina actor to win the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.

This weekend, the actor from The Bear will join vice presidential candidate Tim Walz at a campaign rally, Variety reports.

News of Colon-Zayas supporting Vice President Kamala Harris run for president and her running mate Walz, governor of Minnesota, arrived not long after the actor talked about voting in her Emmys acceptance speech.

To all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing and vote, she said. Vote for your rights.

Colon-Zayas, 51, is set to be a part of a Walz rally Sept. 21 in Lehigh, Pennsylvania alongside actor Anthony Ramos (Twisters, In the Heights, Hamilton).

The rally, which is geared toward Latino voters, is part of the Harris-Walzs campaigns outreach during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Colon-Zayas, who plays Tina Marrero in the popular FX/Hulu series, thanked The Bear creator Christopher Storer and co-showrunner Joanna Calo, who grew up in Maplewood, as she accepted her Emmy Sunday.

MORE: The Bear star Liza Colon-Zayas, making history with Emmys win, to Latinas: Vote for your rights

Thank you for giving me a new life with this show, she said.

The episode Napkins, a standout from the third season of the show that premiered in June, focused on Tina and how she got her job at The Original Beef of Chicagoland  aka The Beef  the restaurant that would later become the fine-dining establishment The Bear. (Colon-Zayas did not win the Emmy for that episode, but instead for her performance in the second season of The Bear).

Colon-Zayas celebrated her Emmy win alongside her co-stars on The Bear  Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmen Carmy Berzatto and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays Richard Richie Jerimovich.

They won the Emmys for outstanding lead actor in a comedy and supporting lead actor in a comedy.

The Bear won a total of 11 Emmys this year, but lost out on the award for best comedy series  which the show won at the last Emmys  to Hacks.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
Attracting food lovers from across the region, Jersey Eats: A Taste of New Jersey is not just a festival  its a golden opportunity for vendors to shine and expand their business.

We still have a handful of spots left for vendors at our upcoming festival, which will be held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Here are the top five reasons to be a vendor at Jersey Eats this fall.

1. Reach thousands of new customers

Each of our past events this year had more than 3,000 attendees, AKA new customers for vendors.

Jersey Eats is a platform that bridges local businesses with foodies all over the state, showcasing what makes each business unique.

2. Increase your sales

Due to the amount of new connections our festival brings small businesses, our past vendors have seen an increase in sales.

I sold out both days, being the best weekend I ever had in sales (to date), Madelyn Colon of Maggies Munchies said of her experience at Jersey Eats in March. I also gained the confidence to do other big events and continue on this new journey as a small business owner.

3. Numerous promotions

There is significant digital exposure that comes with vending at an NJ.com event.

Youll be part of our email campaigns, newsletters, articles, photo galleries, and social media platforms to reach even more food enthusiasts in the state.

Grooming to Eats DogTreats Caitie Laurie with Norman during Jersey Eats: A Taste of New Jersey at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ on Saturday, March 2, 2024 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

4. Networking

Jersey Eats allows you to forge valuable connections within the food industry, expand your network and create opportunities for future collaborations.

Participating in Jersey Eats allowed us to forge valuable connections within the food industry, Anthony Gomez of Anthony the Weenie Genie said. We were pleasantly surprised when we received invitations to other events from individuals we met at the festival. This not only expanded our network but also opened up opportunities for future collaborations.

5. Turnkey onboarding

We handle all the paperwork! Our application process is easy and seamless.

How to apply to be a vendor

Be part of New Jerseys premier culinary experience and be one of our 75-plus vendors to show off what you have to offer!

Apply to be a vendor now by clicking here. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 4.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Powerball ticket worth $1M bought at small N.J. grocery store

A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was sold in New Jersey for Wednesdays lottery drawing while no one hit the jackpot last night.

New Jersey Lottery officials will disclose where the lucky, second-prize Powerball ticket was sold later Thursday. The ticket was the only one purchased across the country to match five numbers but not the Powerball.

No one hit Wednesdays $176 million jackpot, pushing the top prize for the next drawing on Saturday to $195 million with a cash option of $99.1 million.

Wednesdays winning numbers were: 1, 11, 22, 47 and 68. The Powerball drawn was 7 with a Power Play of 4X.

In addition, no one won the secondary $10 million jackpot on Wednesday. Those winning numbers were: 16, 23, 50, 53 and 66. The Double Play number was 14.

The odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are 292,201,388 to 1. A player who buys a $2 ticket has about a 1 in 11,688,053 chance to match five numbers and win at least $1 million, while the odds are 913,129 to 1 to win a third prize of at least $50,000.

Powerball drawings are held each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Opponents of offshore wind around the U.S. are pelting projects with lawsuits seeking to cancel them or tie them up for years in costly litigation.

The court cases represent another hurdle the nascent industry must overcome, particularly along the East Coast where opposition to offshore wind farms is vocal and well-organized.

They add another pressure point for an industry already struggling with escalating prices, shaky supply chains, and a handful of highly publicized turbine failures that opponents are seizing on as proof that the structures are unreliable and unsafe, something the industry denies.

There are 13 cases pending in federal courts targeting offshore wind projects, according to the American Clean Power Association, an offshore wind trade group. An undetermined number of additional lawsuits are active in state courts, they said.

Robin Shaffer is president of Protect Our Coast NJ, a citizens group that has filed numerous lawsuits in New Jersey against two offshore projects currently or previously proposed.

Shaffer said his group was at least partly responsible for scuttling two New Jersey wind farms proposed by Orsted that the Danish wind giant scrapped last October, saying they were no longer financially workable.

An ancillary benefit of our legal strategy is to give pause or doubt in the minds of investors in the big corporations that are undertaking these projects, he said. Last year, we saw Orsted leave its commitment to build Ocean Wind off the southern New Jersey coast amidst the uncertainty of two lawsuits we filed, as well as another filed by Cape May County.

Opponents cite altered views of the horizon from wind turbines and concerns about what the structures might do to marine life. They also cite rising projected prices for electricity generated from the wind farms, and point to recent turbine collapses off Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts and at Doggers Bank off the English coast as proof the technology is risky.

Supporters say offshore wind is necessary to combat climate change, which they call the principal threat to the ocean and its inhabitants.

Offshore wind projects undergo rigorous environmental reviews and permitting processes, in addition to a lengthy public comment period, said Jason Ryan, a spokesman for the Clean Power Association. The current slate of U.S. offshore wind projects under construction and development are among the most carefully planned and analyzed infrastructure projects in U.S. history; we are confident their permits will withstand legal scrutiny.

Paulina OConnor, executive director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance, said offshore wind is needed to combat climate change.

On the heels of one of the hottest summers on record, it is disappointing to see another frivolous lawsuit filed by those with opposing views, she said of the most recent lawsuit.

That action was filed Friday by Save LBI, another New Jersey citizen group. It claims that Atlantic Shores, the New Jersey project furthest along its states approval path, would violate noise ordinances during pile driving and operation of hundreds of wind turbines. The group says it has several other lawsuits on the way. Atlantic Shores declined to comment.

Other litigation in New Jersey challenged Orsteds now-scrapped wind farm plan, a state tax break the company would have received, and even the placement of a power cable that would bring electricity from the project onshore. A group of Jersey Shore towns sued Atlantic Shores, and fishing and environmental groups sued two federal agencies overseeing offshore wind projects. They are appealing the dismissal of their suit after a judge ruled they had no legal standing to sue.

Offshore wind foes in other states are also turning to the courts.

In March, The National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative watchdog group in Virginia, sued Dominion Energy and the federal government hoping to block a wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach. Dominion called the suit meritless and said it employs multiple layers of protection for the marine environment.

Last year, a Rhode Island nonprofit known for its seaside mansions sued the federal government challenging the permitting process for offshore wind energy projects off Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts. The Preservation Society of Newport County said the presence of hundreds of wind turbines off the New England coast would ruin ocean views from several of its historic properties.

Also in Rhode Island, the anti-wind group Green Oceans sued the federal government in April, saying it illegally gave Orsted permits for its South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects. Orsted declined comment on the lawsuit but noted that South Fork is fully operational and Revolution recently installed its first turbine.

On the West Coast, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians in Oregon, whose culture reveres the ocean, sued the federal government Tuesday over plans to hold an offshore wind energy auction next month.

And in March, fishermen sued California over plans for three floating wind farms.
Good morning New Jersey. Heres your audio update highlighting a rejected proposal for a huge Orthodox Jewish school comples, the latest airport rankings with Newark dead last and an indictment against Atlantic Citys mayor and his wife.

Plus, well tell you about a new adorable addition at the Cape May zoo.

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.

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OceanFirst Bank has agreed to pay over $15 million to settle federal allegations of redlining in predominately minority neighborhoods in three New Jersey counties, federal officials announced Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors accused the bank of a pattern and practice of lending discrimination Wednesday that adversely impacted Black, Hispanic and Asian neighborhoods in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The illegal practice of redlining avoids providing credit services to people living in communities of color based on race, color or national origin.

Redlining creates an unequal playing field that unfairly prevents many persons of color from achieving the American dream of home ownership, and this type of systemic and intentional discrimination cannot and will not be tolerated, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Wednesday.

The complaint against OceanFirst filed in federal court by the U.S. Justice Department accused the bank of failing to provide mortgages in predominately minority communities in the three counties and discouraging people in those communities from obtaining home loans from 2018 until at least 2022.

Rather than advertise lending services to a racially balanced cross section of the state, prosecutors said OceanFirst disproportionately focused outreach and advertising of lending products to majority-white communities, located branches in majority-white neighborhoods and closed branches in minority neighborhoods.

Under the terms of the settlement, OceanFirst must invest at least $14 million in loan subsidies to minority communities in the affected counties for home mortgages, home improvement and home refinance loans. The $14 million will be invested in a mortgage loan subsidy fund over a five-year period, officials with the bank said in a press release.

The Bank also has agreed to invest $400,000 in community partnerships, spend $140,000 per year in targeted marketing, advertising and outreach in the New Brunswick-Lakewood area ... and provide financial education workshops designed to expand access to home mortgage credit, officials with the bank said.

OceanFirst must also spend at least $700,000 on advertising, outreach, consumer financial education and credit counseling in primarily minority-based neighborhoods and must open a loan production office and maintain a recently-opened branch in the affected areas with at least one mortgage loan officer, officials said.

The bank must also hire a director of community lending to oversee continued development of home lending in communities of color and conduct a credit needs assessment, evaluate its fair lending compliance management systems and conduct trainings for staff on fair lending.

The commitments we are announcing today are consistent with our Banks 122-year history of providing credit and other financial services to all residents of the communities we serve, Chairman and CEO of OceanFirst Christopher D. Maher said in a statement Wednesday. We look forward to continuing the Banks efforts in the New Brunswick-Lakewood market to help meet the lending and banking needs of families, businesses, schools and organizations.

The investigation into the bank began after its regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, referred the bank to federal investigators including the Justice Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Federal officials said OceanFirst cooperated with the investigation at all times in order to resolve the redlining allegations.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
A 48-year-old man from Essex County has been arrested and charged with trying to engage in sexual relations with a child, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office announced Thursday.

Jonar Arenas, of Bloomfield, is charged with second-degree luring, second-degree attempted sexual assault of a minor, and attempted child endangerment, authorities said.

In August, authorities opened an investigation into Arenas after a detective monitoring a social media app was contacted by him, the prosecutors office said. Arenas allegedly attempted to set up a sexual encounter with the detective, who he believed was a 14-year-old boy.

Arenas was arrested Wednesday and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a future court appearance.

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Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or X @DeionRJohhnson
The abortion debate has gotten very weird, with Donald Trump doubling down on the lie that Democrats are executing babies after birth. In fact, in no state is it legal to kill a baby after it is born. That is homicide.

In plenty of states, however, pregnant women are being denied life-saving care because doctors fear they might go to jail due to draconian abortion bans. Like Georgia, where a healthy, 28-year-old single mother just died a preventable death because of the states six-week abortion ban, ProPublica reported.

Doctors refused to treat Amber Thurmans worsening infection until it was too late, fearing that helping her to remove fetal tissue from her uterus would land them in prison. Now her 6-year-old son has lost his mom. This is exactly what we feared when Roe was struck down, Kamala Harris said, adding, These are the consequences of Donald Trumps actions.

The Biden administration is fighting in court to defend its guidance that under federal law, hospitals must provide emergency care  including abortions  when necessary to stabilize a patients condition, even in states with abortion bans. But a lot depends on our next president. Project 2025 calls for Trump to drop that legal fight and issue guidance saying the opposite: That federal law does NOT require this.

New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill just introduced a resolution in the GOP-controlled House to reaffirm the Biden guidance. She spoke to the Star-Ledger editorial board last week about why, and below is an edited transcript.

Q. You say women in America should not be on their deathbed to receive an abortion. Can you describe some of the stories youve heard?

A. Theyre horrible. Weve heard stories of women being turned away from emergency rooms who actually went into septic shock and lost the fetus that they were carrying; stories of women miscarrying in public restrooms. There are several court cases right now in Texas alone about being denied care and having to go to other states. In Idaho, theyve been putting people on emergency flights out of the state just to get reproductive care because of these draconian laws. And when you have to medevac someone out of your state to receive basic care, you should understand that somethings going very, very wrong in your medical care system. There are now deserts of reproductive healthcare in states like Florida: Ive heard of OBGYNs who dont want to practice in these states because they are afraid that just providing basic care will result in prison terms.

Q. More than 100 pregnant women in medical distress who sought help from emergency rooms were turned away or negligently treated since 2022, an Associated Press analysis found. Why are doctors in some cases leaving women to bleed out in public bathrooms rather than giving them emergency treatment?

A. These doctors are being threatened with lawsuits: When state law says you can only provide an abortion to protect a womans life  meaning if you dont give that abortion, that womans going to die  then how do you determine that?

And bleeding out is not necessarily that woman dying. So as these women are suffering from catastrophic organ failure, facing never being able to have another child again because of not getting basic health care, doctors are saying, Well, youre not dying.

Justices Kagan and Sotomayor were asking these questions of the Idaho lawyer in the Supreme Court EMTALA case: At issue is whether a federal law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), says doctors can provide abortions to pregnant women with medical emergencies in states like Idaho that enact abortion bans. Kagan and Sotomayor were saying, well, wouldnt rescuing a womans reproductive organs be covered under Idaho law? And the lawyer couldnt answer that, to the point where even Justice Amy Coney Barrett, whos a pretty far-right judge and very pro-life, said, Im kind of shocked. I thought that was a basic question.

So these are the kind of things going on in these states. And OBGYNs are aware of this. Theyre trying to provide the best care possible, but the law is pretty clear right now, and the attacks on womens reproductive health are pretty clear right now.

Q. So an exception to an abortion ban to save the life of the mother wouldnt guarantee treatment for a woman who is not facing imminent death, but maybe the loss of organs that would jeopardize her ability to have children in the future.

A. Exactly. And thats why EMTALA is so important. Because what this federal law says is, if you go to an emergency room and youre pregnant, you are going to get basic emergency care. Which means that if you need an abortion to preserve your reproductive organs, youre going to get it. Doctors are protected by this federal regulation, the regulation that the Biden administration put out.

However, as we know, Trump built the court that overturned Roe, and this court has taken up the case to try to end these EMTALA protections. They kicked it back to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but I think most experts would tell you its just because this is a very politicized court that did not want to harm Trumps election. So, I think most people feel itll be right back in the Supreme Court as soon as the election is over, which is why Emilia Sykes, a congresswoman from Ohio, and I put forward the EMTALA resolution that we did.

Q. That resolution you introduced last week wont change these policies, but what is the purpose?

A. The purpose is to say the sense of Congress is that a woman can get basic emergency care when she goes to an emergency room when shes pregnant, and that EMTALA is the law of the land. And if the Supreme Court attempts to find against this, that this is how we are going to act.

Were even more concerned after the recent debate where Trump refused multiple times to say that he wouldnt implement a nationwide abortion ban.

Q. Youre looking to send a strong message. Do you think your Republican colleagues in the House including, Tom Kean Jr., will sign on to this in an election year?

A. Well, certainly, anyone who considers themselves pro-choice should sign on to this. And so, if anyone in the House says theyre pro-choice, this is their legislation. This is just basic care. And if you cant sign on to something like this, if you cant support basic, real protections, then you certainly arent pro-choice.

Q. Kean and other Republicans from New Jersey, like Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, are calling themselves pro-choice but have said that this is a matter for the states to decide. Your thoughts?

A. Thats ridiculous. That leaves millions of women across the nation without any access to basic care even in cases when they go to an emergency room and theyre miscarrying and theyre bleeding out. We are seeing these cases right now in places like Texas and Idaho, in states that are rolling back basic protections for women.

Something thats been on my mind because of my work on the Armed Services Committee: We have over 140,000 troops stationed in Texas that dont have access to basic services. We are asking men and women to serve our country, but to bring their families into places that might be very dangerous if theyre trying to start a family. And they have no ability to say, Look, Im not going to go here because I might be pregnant, or I might get pregnant, or my wife might get pregnant. You cant refuse orders like that. So thats also a huge problem, as were thinking of where we are stationing people in our military.

So if you are pro-choice, you are going to make sure youre doing everything you can to provide basic freedoms for women across the nation. It feels as if here, we are protected in New Jersey, but sometimes it feels like an island. What if my child wants to go to college in Texas? Or Florida? And Ive heard this from New Jersey women who work for a company with their headquarters down in Austin: Can they go there while theyre pregnant? Many women dont want to. I think we have several HR complaints ongoing right now, saying you cant send me to these places in the United States of America while Im pregnant, because its too dangerous. I mean, imagine that. So, if you are not protecting womans freedoms nationwide, you are not protecting womens freedoms.

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The Wall Street Journal tracked down one of the Springfield residents who told police that her cat might have been taken by Haitian immigrants, and guess what?

The woman now says that she found her cat, Miss Sassy, a few days later safe in her own basement. Anna Kilgore said she apologized to her Haitian neighbors with the help of her daughter and a mobile-phone translation app.

But J.D. Vance has not apologized, even after he provided this police report to the Journal as evidence of his pet-eating lies. He recently went on a Sunday talk show to say that he created this story to draw attention to the immigration issue.

If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then thats what Im gonna do, he told CNNs Dana Bash, because you guys are completely letting Kamala Harris coast.

As if there is no difference between saying true things and lying for personal benefit. The mayor of Springfield has said there is no evidence of immigrants eating pets or stealing geese. Ohios Republican governor has called these statements garbage. So its pretty clear that the real public hazard here is Vance, and of course Donald Trump.

Trump is even talking about going to Springfield in the next two weeks to further amplify this false story that they created  where Mayor Rob Rue said in Midwestern polite: It would be an extreme strain on our resources. So itd be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit.

Has Trump even denounced the bomb threats that were already made against schoolchildren in Springfield, municipal buildings and local festivals, after he claimed before more than 67 million debate viewers that Haitian immigrants there were eating pets? No.

He simply refused to answer that question, saying only: I dont know what happened with the bomb threats. Then he doubled down on spreading misinformation about the immigrants: I know that its been taken over by illegal migrants and thats a terrible thing that happened. Springfield was this beautiful town and now theyre going through hell. Its a sad thing. Not going to happen with me, I can tell you right now.

In fact, the Haitian immigrants in Springfield are there legally, working with green cards and a special immigration status that the U.S. government grants to people for whom it is unsafe to return to their country of origin. But Trump is still promising to deport them, which is surprising to no one, given his history of racist musings.

Remember when he asked a group of Republican lawmakers in 2018, Why do we want people from Haiti here? Trump demanded to leave Haiti out of bipartisan legislation that would allow more people to immigrate to the U.S. legally and said Haiti was one of the shithole countries.

How classy.

Then in 2021, he told Fox News host Sean Hannity, We have hundreds of thousands of people flowing in from Haiti. Haiti has a tremendous AIDS problem. Many of those people will probably have AIDS, and theyre coming into our country. And we dont do anything about it.

In fact, only about 2 percent of Haitis population has H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS, health officials told the New York Times, and theres little evidence that theyre coming here. But no matter. Trump and Vance created this story to stir up racist animus.

And now, instead of denouncing the threats of violence, hes off to Springfield for a victory lap.

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This is just shocking. Mr. Vance is blatantly calling a legal action illegal. Ive studied my whole life how democracies break down. This is how it happens folks. I hope he really doesnt believe this. Politicians say a lot of crazy things during elections. I fear he might. https://t.co/7VDfLWFXgi  Michael McFaul (@McFaul) September 18, 2024

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Vice President Kamala Harris closed the gap.

Voters have routinely told pollsters the economy is top of mind regarding this years election. Its an issue that former President Donald Trump dominated.

But since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and Harris became the partys nominee, polling shows Trump and Harris are neck and neck when it comes to who they trust with the economy.

Per a report from Axios:

The big picture: The economy is typically an important issue for voters in an election, but its been especially significant this cycle  as the high cost of living is weighing on peoples wallets.

Zoom in: 46% of voters said they trust Harris to handle the economy  the same share as former President Trump, according to a Morning Consult poll conducted in late August and released Thursday morning.

Harris closes trust gap with Trump on the economy https://t.co/ubPYcfZFTc  Axios (@axios) September 19, 2024

Both major presidential candidates are making appearances Thursday meant to fire up their core supporters, with Harris participating in a livestream with Oprah Winfrey and Trump attending an event with prominent Jewish donors before addressing a gathering of the Israeli-American Council.

Winfrey, who has endorsed Harris and spoke at the Democratic convention in August, is set to host a two-hour Unite for America nighttime streaming session in Michigan with Harris that organizers say aims to highlight dozens of grassroots groups backing the vice president.

Trump will be in Washington to address a Fighting Anti-Semitism in America evening event with Miriam Adelson, a co-owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks and widow of billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who founded the Las Vegas Sands casino and was one of the Republican Partys largest donors.

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.
Vice President Harris is leading former President Trump in the must-win state of Pennsylvania, a new presidential poll found.

The New York Times/The Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena College poll found Harris with a 4-point lead over the former president in Pennsylvania. She clinched 50 percent of support in the state while Trump trails with 46 percent, according to the poll.

The poll found that Pennsylvania voters were 18 percentage points more likely to say intelligent described Harris well compared to the former president. Seventy-six percent of voters state-wide said intelligent described Harris well while 58 percent said the same of Trump.

The poll is a must-win state for Democrats as it holds 19 electoral votes. Democrats have carried the state in seven of the last eight presidential elections, only losing the state in 2016 to Trump.

The New York Times noted that Harriss lead in the state remains unchanged since their poll was last conducted in August as her support among Black voters, women voters and young voters remains strong.

Eighty-two percent of Black voters in the state back Harris, 57 percent of women support her and 61 percent of voters ages 18-29 said they would vote for her, according to the state-wide poll.

The survey polled 1,082 likely voters in Pennsylvania between Sept. 11 to 16 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

The new poll also surveyed voters across the country, finding that the race remains deadlocked on a national scale. Both Harris and Trump received 47 percent of support in the national poll.

The national poll of likely voters found that Harris has a 14-point lead over Trump among women while Trump has a 12-point lead over Harris among men. She also has a 21-point lead over Trump among voters aged 18-29, according to the poll.

The national poll surveyed 2,437 likely voters nationwide and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

National polls do not tell the whole story because they do not assess the campaign at the state level, which determines the winner of the Electoral College. A candidate must reach 270 electoral votes to clinch the presidency.

Other recent swing-state polls show Harris and Trump in a close race for the critical battleground states. A new Quinnipiac University poll shows Harris leading Trump in the swing states of Pennsylvania and Michigan, but essentially tied in Wisconsin.

The RealClearPolitics polling average also shows the two frontrunners neck-and-neck across the battleground states of Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina.

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Pollster Cornell Belcher weighed in on Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) targeting Vice President Harris over not having biological children.

Sanders jabbed Harris ahead of a town hall with former President Trump earlier this week, saying that Harris has nothing to keep her humble because she does not have biological children. Belcher, appearing on MSNBCs Deadline White House, was asked by host Nicole Wallace why Trump allies would take a cheap shot at step-parents and those with blended families.

Look, as a child of the South, someone who was born and raised in the South, and hearing a deeply southern governor say that word humble, it stinks of a racial trope that that I think Im very familiar with, and the key word being humble. Because its always been about you uppity Blacks and you got to know your roots, Belcher replied.

I think that is a dimension that I think theyre leaning into, and they lean into constantly. And Vice President Harris is an uppity Black who doesnt know her place, and she needs to be humble. Thats how I connect the dots on this because I have put it within the context of them leaning in to racial aversion and an aggrievement politics, and this is absolutely a dog whistle  a historical dog whistle when youre talking about Blacks not being humble and not knowing their place.

He then accused Trumps team of playing the race-bait strategy to secure the southern states. Trump will likely secure the Electoral College if he wins the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina.

Belcher said Trump is not moving in the polls because of this strategy.

This is not where the majority of Americans are right now. This is why [Trump is] stuck where he is in the polls, because that middle-of-the-road voter whos looking for answers around issues that are concerning their family, theyre stuck in playing the race-bait, Southern strategy game, he said.

Look, that old dog dont hunt like it used to in America  thank God. Because you just dont see that sort of resonance with a broad stroke of American voters. Its certainly not where the majority of voters are right now. Theyre rejecting those past divisive wars and ways of thinking, he continued.

Sanders comments from earlier this week sparked backlash from Democrats and other pundits, saying that they echoed Sen. JD Vances (R-Ohio) past remarks on childless cat ladies. Wallace said earlier in the show that attacking step-parents was a politically idiotic strategy.

Harriss husband, second gentlemen Doug Emhoff, defended her at a campaign event Wednesday evening, ABC News reported.

We know that all parents, no matter how you become one, make the same sacrifices and revel in the same joys of raising children as any parent anywhere, Emhoff said.

As if keeping women humble, whether you have children or not, is something we should strive for. It is not, he said. Women in this country will never humble themselves before Donald Trump.
Vice President Harris is seeing some of the best polling in her campaign this week as she attempts to widen the gap between her and former President Trump, according to CNN data reporter Harry Enten.

Enten discussed on Thursday recent polling that has been released from Quinnipiac University, The New York Times, Franklin & Marshall and Marist College. He said on CNN that the polling shows the swing state of Pennsylvania leaning toward Harris as the two candidates compete for the must-win state.

He then showed an aggregate of polling in the Great Lake battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin that show Harris with a narrow lead in all three states. He said that Harris can get to 270 electoral votes if she wins those three states.

Keep in mind, Kamala Harris can win with just these northern battleground states: Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. So if we lean all of those blue here and even if we give Donald Trump, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, Kamala Harris gets to exactly 270 electoral votes, he said.

And based upon the polling averages at this particular point, though, it is close in those Great Lake battleground states, they do at this time lean a little bit more towards Harriss direction than Donald Trumps direction, he added.

Enten went on to say that Harris has an absolutely clear path to 270.

I would argue at this particular hour, this was the best polling for Kamala Harris, arguably the entire campaign, because in the states that she needs to win, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, the average of the polls do, in fact, show her ahead, he said.

And she doesnt need to win any of those southern battleground states, she wins those northern battleground states to get to exactly 270 electoral votes, he continued.

The presidential election will likely come down to the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina and Georgia. A Politico analysis explained that Trump only needs to win Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia to secure a second term to the White House.

If Vice President Kamala Harris cant carry Pennsylvania, her only hope is on a Southern strategy. Harris must win either Georgia or North Carolina. She has no other path to the White House. The election could well be determined when polls close in the eastern time zone, Politicos Jonathan Martin wrote in a Thursday column.

The Quinnipiac University Poll has Harris up 5 points in a head-to-head matchup with Trump in Pennsylvania. The New York Times/The Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena College poll, released Thursday, found Harris with a 4-point lead over the former president in Pennsylvania.

A Franklin & Marshall poll has Harris up by 3 points in the state while the Marist poll found that Harris and Trump are tied among likely voters in Pennsylvania with 49 percent of support each.

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Most of New Jersey wound up with little to no rain on Wednesday and while there are slight chances of precipitation the next three days, the majority of the state is likely to continue to remain dry.

The best chance for light showers on Thursday will again be in areas along the Jersey Shore, though forecasters say sprinkles as far west as the Interstate 95 corridor cant be ruled out entirely.

Expect cloudier conditions in the eastern half of the state with partly to mostly sunny skies in western areas. Afternoon highs will climb into the upper 70s to lower 80s. Overnight lows will fall into the upper 50s to the 60s with some patchy fog possible.

A low pressure system well off the coast will make for a cloudy day on Friday with a slight chance of showers in coastal areas and highs mainly in the upper 70s.

Saturday and Sunday look pretty good with party sunny skies and highs in the 70s. There are low chances of spotty light rain along the Jersey Shore, the National Weather Service said. Autumn arrives at 8:43 a.m. Sunday.

Normal temperatures this time of year range from the upper 50s to the mid 70s.

A coastal flood advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. Friday for Atlantic, southeastern Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Theres also a high risk of rip currents at ocean beaches from Friday morning until Friday evening.

On Wednesday, the Community Collaborative Rain Hail & Snow Network said a little more than a half inch of rain fell in two towns in Cape May County  Lower Township and Wildwood Crest. Other parts of South Jersey recorded anywhere from a few hundredths of an inch to less than two-tenths of an inch.

Current weather radar

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
The proposal also calls for the creation of a new Upland Resource Management Authority, based on the state's Coastal Protection And Restoration Authority, that would oversee design and construction of natural resource restoration and flood protection projects for inland areas of the state.

Those projects are now overseen by a variety of state agencies, including DENR and the Department of Transportation and Development.

CPRA's board of directors would remain in place and still oversee that agency's operations. Details of the upland management agency and its leadership remain to be worked out, said Clay Parker, special counsel in the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities.
HAMMOND  A man whom prosecutors said is a "founder" of the Sin City Deciples motorcycle gang was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney's office.

Kenneth McGhee, 75, of Merrillville, was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and being a drug user in possession of a firearm following an 18-day jury trial in October and November, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Clifford Johnson said.

McGhee was a leader in the group since its inception in 1967 in Gary, the release said. He oversaw and ordered extortion and violence, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder in retaliation for the death of a fellow Sin City member, and conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine, according to the release.

Sixteen members of the group were indicted on federal charges in October 2021, according to federal court records. The 57-page indictment includes crimes ranging from murder, robbery and drug dealing between 2009 and 2021.

During the trial, fellow Sin City members Richard White, 56, of Pittsburg, Pa., and Brandon Romand Parks, 45, of Chicago, were found guilty of racketeering conspiracy. Herman Troy Jefferson, 51, of Jacksonville, Ark., was also found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, in addition to drug conspiracy.

Jefferson was sentenced to 17 years in prison in June. The other two men await sentencing.
DEMOTTE  The family of Rhyker Earl, the man who died Sept. 10 after he was allegedly held down by police officers as he was recovering from a seizure, retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has represented the families of several victims in high-profile wrongful death cases.

Crump has represented the families of George Floyd, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others.

At around 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, Earl suffered a seizure at a home in DeMotte, according to a law firm retained by Earl's family.

After someone called 911 and officers from the Jasper County Sheriff's Department arrived among other first responders, they found Earl "confused and agitated," the family's attorney said.

According to Stephen Wagner, an attorney from Carmel, Indiana, as Earl was trying to put shorts on to go to the hospital for more medical attention, he lost his balance and fell into an officer.

Police then became aggressive, Wagner said, telling Earl, "You don't treat law enforcement that way."

Earl's family members allege that officers then "forced Earl to the ground, handcuffed him, and pinned him face-down into a pillow," Crump's office said in a news release. "Despite his critical condition, Earl reportedly pleaded for his life before becoming unresponsive."

Earl was declared brain-dead at the hospital and taken off life support on Sept. 10, according to a statement from Crump.

"Rhyker Earl's death should never have happened," Crump said in the statement issued Wednesday. "Rhyker's family deserves justice, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable for this preventable tragedy."

Indiana State Police said Tuesday its Criminal Investigation Division at the Lowell Post is engaged in the investigation into the actions of the Jasper County Sheriff's Department. It also said it "is aware of information being shared on various social media sites about this case."

"We request the publics patience," ISP said, "as detectives will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation."

Police have yet to release body camera footage of their encounter with Earl on Sept. 8.
Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson on Thursday addressed allegations of police misconduct during a Sept. 8 incident that left 26-year-old Rhyker Earl dead after suffering two seizures, calling accounts of that night by Earl's family's attorneys "full of inaccuracies."

When officers arrived after Earl's grandmother called 911, Earl was recovering from his second seizure and was in a confused, agitated state, his family's attorneys said in a statement Wednesday. As Earl was putting shorts on to go to the hospital for more medical attention, he lost his balance and stumbled into one of the police officers.

According to the family's lawyers, police then became aggressive, telling Earl, "You don't treat law enforcement that way."

In his statement Thursday, Williamson called comments about the incident from attorneys Stephen Wagner and Ben Crump "full of inaccuracies."

Williamson addressed two points he said were false or misleading, including the claim that officers remained on top of Earl for more than 15 minutes "with his face in a pillow."

Williamson said body camera video shows Earl "forcefully banging his head on the floor, causing officers to ask the family for a pillow to place under Earl's head to prevent him from hurting himself further." Williamson said Earl's head was lying on the pillow and that his breathing was not restricted.

Williamson further said that officers were holding Earl the way they had been trained to do  by his legs, arms and shoulders  in a way that would not restrict breathing. Williamson said Earl was "vocalizing" the entire time. Police placed Earl on his side in the recovery position, he said.

Williamson also said that Earl's family "pleaded with (Earl) to stay calm during the incident and tried to assure him that police was there to help."

Wagner had previously said that "(Earl's) pleas, and those of his aunt and grandmother, were ignored," referring to the family's alleged pleas with officers to stop pinning him to the ground.

The Jasper County Sheriff's Department has not released the body camera footage Williamson says puts to bed many of Earl's family's claims about what happened.

The Indiana State Police said Tuesday its Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the incident. Williamson said the body camera video will be released once the ISP clears the county police to do so.
VALPARAISO  Police took a person into custody Wednesday evening in connection with a "disturbance" in the area of 3800 Brigata Drive.

In an initial Facebook post, the Valparaiso police said they were on the scene investigating "a potential disturbance in an isolated location."

Police posted later to announce that they had arrested a person related to the incident. They remained at the scene afterwards to complete their investigation, according to the post. Valparaiso police have yet to share any details about the person or the nature of the disturbance.

"There is no threat to the public," the second post said, "as this incident was isolated to those involved."

Valparaiso police did not immediately respond to a request for more information.
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission is seeking public feedback on its plan to establish a bobcat trapping season next year in 40 southern Indiana counties.

The tentative proposal calls for a bag limit of one bobcat per trapper and a season quota of 250 bobcats.

It also would allow the sale of legally acquired bobcats and their parts, permit bobcats found dead to be kept by a person with a permit, and add bobcats to the list of species for which a game breeder's license is required.

The state's entire preliminary bobcat rule can be read online by searching "rulemaking docket" on the Indiana Natural Resources Commission website at: in.gov/nrc.

Comments on the rule can be submitted online by following the link under the bobcat rule. Written comments may be mailed to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, 100 N. Senate Ave., Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Bobcats typically are about 2-4 feet long with a short "bobbed" tail, have reddish-brown or tan fur above a white belly, weigh 15 to 30 pounds, and hunt rabbits, chicken and other small animals for food during early-morning and late-evening hours. They generally are solitary creatures and tend to keep away from humans.

Bobcats were deemed an endangered species in Indiana as recently as 2005. However, bobcats now have well-established populations in the 40 selected counties that can withstand a regulated harvest, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The Republican-controlled General Assembly approved Senate Enrolled Act 241 in February directing the DNR to establish a bobcat season in Indiana no later than July 1, 2025.

Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said the animal welfare organization is deeply disappointed with the state's bobcat trapping proposal.

"While the commission was given no choice on proposing such an unpopular season, we urge them to recognize Hoosiers' overwhelming opposition to this inhumane and scientifically unjustifiable treatment of Indianas only remaining native wildcat, whose population is still recovering. The DNR and the commission have the discretion to set a quota of 0 bobcats, which we believe is the only responsible course of action," Chapman said.

Meet the 2024 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago State Sen. Dave Vinzant, D-Hobart State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell State Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso State Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage State Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville State Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie
Gov. Eric Holcomb is directing the flags at all government buildings in Lake and Newton counties be lowered to half-staff Friday to commemorate two community leaders on the day of their funerals.

In Lake County, services honoring former state Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy Community Church, 1600 W. 25th Ave., Gary.

Rogers, 89, died Sept. 5. The longtime Steel City educator represented the people of Gary and nearby Region communities at the Indiana Statehouse from 1982 to 2016.

In Newton County, the funeral for Cpl. Brandon Schreiber of the Newton County Sheriff's Department is set for 11 a.m. at the Newton County Fairgrounds, 12189 South Punkin Vine Road, Kentland.

Schreiber, 32, of Kentland, was shot in the line of duty during a Sept. 1 police pursuit. The Hanover Central High School graduate died Sept. 11 after donating his organs.

The governor is asking all local businesses and residents flying the flag to also lower their banners to half-staff Friday in memory of Rogers and Schreiber.

Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks Brown County State Park Chain O' Lakes State Park Charlestown State Park Clifty Falls State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Fort Harrison State Park Harmonie State Park Lincoln State Park McCormick's Creek State Park Mounds State Park O'Bannon Woods State Park Ouabache State Park Pokagon State Park Potato Creek State Park Prophetstown State Park Shades State Park Shakamak State Park Spring Mill State Park Summit Lake State Park Tippecanoe River State Park Turkey Run State Park Versailles State Park White River State Park Whitewater Memorial State Park
A 58-year-old Ontario woman is facing a charge of assault with a weapon after allegedly spraying a neighbor in the chest with a water gun by accident while playing with a child.

On September 1st, Wendy Washik, an educational assistant from Simcoe, Ontario, was playing with children during a backyard barbecue when she accidentally sprayed a neighbor who was cutting grass in the chest with a water gun. She claims that she apologized immediately, but the man kept screaming at her and at one point went into his home to call the police and report that he had been physically assaulted. Ontario Provincial Police officers answered the call and determined that two people had been involved in a dispute that resulted in a victim being physically assaulted. Washik told reporters that police didnt even ask to see the water gun before charging her.

Photo: sydney rae/Unsplash

They didnt ask me one question, the 58-year-old woman said of the police. They didnt ask to see the water gun. Not one question asked My husband was in disbelief.

Asked by local reporters to confirm that the weapon used in the alleged assault was a water gun, a spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police said that it was inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the case. However, Washik insists that she was playing with a childs water gun no longer than the length of her forearm.

The incident has taken a heavy toll on Wendy Washik and her family. Because she works as an educational assistant with the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, she cannot return to work until the case is settled, and while she understands why that is, she cannot hide her frustration.

Every day is still a struggle, its hard to not think about it constantly, Wendy Washik told CTV News. Its hard to move on because its hard to forget. Im still worrying about the outcome of it all.



Washiks family has been trying to raise money for her legal fees as she is scheduled to appear in court on September 24, but the nature of her charge has been making that very difficult. For example, a GoFundMe page that had raised over $12,000 has been taken down because hers was technically a criminal charge, and the platform doesnt allow fundraising for that. The family has been trying alternatives because they have no idea how long their legal battle will last.


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.
JD Vance

How do you cover JD Vance? The media have been accused of sane washing Donald Trump, which amounts to making sense of the gibberish that flows from his mouth.

But what about his running mate, the reprehensible bigot JD Vance?

How can you sane wash his lie that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH, are eating dogs and cats? He stuck to that fabricationeven after local authorities told his office that nobody in Springfield was eating Fido and Fluffy.

We have told those at the national level that they are speaking these things that are untrue, Springfield Republican mayor Rob Rue told the Wall Street Journal.

Rue admitted that his clarification fell on deaf ears because those claims were repeated and doubled down on.

How do you cover a dishonest politician like Vance who admits to creating stories out of thin air?

If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then thats what Im going to do. What tripe!

Vance says its the medias duty to fact-check him. He wants the press to be running in circles, tracking down his torrent of lies.

JD claims that citizens of Springfield told him that funny things were happening in their fair city.

He has taken the Orwellian alternative facts term to a whole new level.

Former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway used the alternative facts line to defend press secretary Sean Spicers statement about the attendance at Trumps inauguration. That seems downright quaint today.

Vances pet-eating misinformation has endangered the lives of members of the Haitian community, disrupted daily routines, and made the city the No. 1 target for the MAGA crowd.

There is no sane washing the insane rants of Donald Trumps despicable running mate.

Lets hope hes far from the national spotlight during the next four years.

Muddled messaging The Teamsters union has decided not to endorse a candidate for US president, which is a puzzling move.

It claims that neither Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris was able to make serious commitments to the union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business.

That reasoning flies in the face of the unions September 18 press release.

The Teamsters conducted roundtable discussions with both candidates. Harris pledged, if elected, to sign the PRO Act, an essential piece of labor legislation strengthening union protections, and criticized dangerous 'right-to-work' laws that are enacted to bankrupt unions, according to the release. Trump would not commit to veto national 'right-to-work' legislation if he returned to the White House.

Fred Zuckerman, the unions general secretary-treasurer, said that right-to-work laws only exist to kill labor unions.

Trumps unwillingness to veto a national right-to-work law should have meant an automatic endorsement for Harris, who is part of the most pro-labor White House team since Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Trump also is the guy who publicly said he loves the way that Elon Musk fires people.

The Teamsters supported Joe Biden while he was in the running for re-election but cant back the presidents political partner.

What gives? One thinks there must be something more than labor policies at work in the unions decision to throw Harris under the bus. Is it her gender? Race?

The no-endorsement cop-out is in reality a boost for Trump. He called the Teamsters decision not to back Harris, a great honor.

The public knows best. While the Teamsters stiff Harris, 62 percent of Americans polled by Gallup say Democrats best serve the needs of union members.

Only twenty-seven percent of respondents say Republicans are best for organized labor.

Nearly nine-in-ten (88 percent) of Democrats agree their party is best for unions, compared to 51 percent of Republicans.

Gallup also found that Republicans do best vis-a-vis Democrats in serving the interests of the rich (70 percent), professional people (67 percent), and military veterans (52 percent).

The poll proves that the American public isnt buying the Republican schtick that it is the party of the working class.

The party may be over for Tupperware, which has declared bankruptcy, but its place in American marketing history is assured.

Chemist Earl Tupper, who designed airtight plastic storage containers, launched the company in 1946.

Single mom Brownie Wise, however, put the company on the map when she saw the potential of hosting at-home parties to sell the product.

Ever the show woman, Wise would fling a Tupperware Wonderbowl filled with water or juice at the women who attended the parties. Attendees were wowed and then sold on the Wonderbowl because not a single drop of liquid escaped during and after its flight.

Tupper was wise enough to pull his product from hardware stores, and market them directly in homes. He was even wiser to hire Wise as head of marketing.

She became the first woman to make the cover of BusinessWeek.

Tupperware still markets the Wonderbowl, which is part of the collection of the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation.

But dont plan a trip to Dearborn to view the Wonderbowl exhibit. It is currently not on display.

The Museum credits Tupperware for making plastic part of Americas daily live, an indispensable material for products for the home.

Plastic today is not held in the same high regard as the material was during Tupperwares heyday.

That is another reason why Tupperware is in the process of financial restructuring.
WORK on the extension of the Grand Canal Greenway in Tullamore is expected to be completed by May of next year and work is currently underway on the project from Kilbeggan Bridge to the eastern end of Convent View.

That's according to Area Engineer, John Connelly, who briefed members of Tullamore Municipal District on progress on regeneration works in the area at last Friday afternoon's monthly meeting.

An area on the bank of the canal has now been cordoned off at Convent View to accommodate the widened footpath as work continues excavating the street and existing footpath.

A one-way system is now in operation for the duration of the works which are likely to continue until Christmas or early New Year.

During this period no parking on Convent View will be allowed though residents, with permits, can park on nearby Store St and St Brigid's Place.

The new one way system runs east to west along Convent View and vehicles travelling in a west to east direction will be diverted though Davitt St, Callary St and the by-pass.

The works at Convent View include widening of footpaths to two metres along the canal bank, undergrounding of cables and street enhancement, new paving and kerbs, road realignment, resurfacing and relining, traffic calming features, signage and new lighting.

The Grand Canal Urban Greenway project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will complement the previously completed URDF funded Tullamore Town Centre enhancement works.


EMPTY AirBnbs TAKING OVER South Florida! In Broward county Florida the amount of available Airbnb listings have skyrocketed by 71% between 2019 and 2023. Yet with all ...

(Image by YouTube, Channel: Michael Bordenaro) Details DMCA



Hollywood Lakes is a South Florida neighborhood in Hollywood. But at least part of the middle-to-upper-middle-class enclave is "completely ruined", according to a Hollywood special magistrate who conducted a monthly code compliance hearing at Hollywood City Hall on Sept. 11.

The culprit? AirBnbs, which are also known as short-term vacation rentals. So says Special Magistrate Judith E. Secher. Sitting at the dais of the Hollywood City Commission Chambers, she explains: Families buy homes in a residential area for their wives, grandmothers, children, and dogs. "But they're screwed. They're living in motel row" now.

Secher was describing a part of Hollywood Lakes with attractive to impressive homes and leisurely yards near South Lake. Another part of Hollywood Lakes is across Hollywood Boulevard, which leads to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It is called North Lake.

On Sept. 11, a poetically malevolent day in American history, Secher warned a representative for a Columbian-based business that it better get its act together. The owners had been operating their AirBnb on South Lake without a license since March. The owners have also been renting out the property by advertising online. This, too, is against the law if the vacation rental property is not registered with the city. About 150,000 people live in this coastal city.

So, the special magistrate ruled the company had 15 days to comply with local ordinances or suffer fines of $1,000 a day until it comes into compliance.

What happened in front of the special magistrate is an anecdote. But it paints a picture that gets fully developed by City of Hollywood statistics and interviews with residents who endure noise, wild parties, and even criminal activity, including gun fire.

According to city records, there are more than 1,700 AirBnbs in Hollywood. Many are registered. But a Hollywood activist who has been following the problem since 2010 estimates there may be another 1,000 short-term vacation rental properties that don't comply with this basic city requirement. However, an online site pegs the number of Hollywood AirBnbs at more than 5,500.



These cold numbers catch fire when you speak with people who live near the AirBnbs. You learn about destroyed swales and speeding that endangers children walking to catch a school bus. Sometimes, gun fire takes aim at otherwise quiet neighborhoods, with vacation rental properties getting wounded. In an extreme case, Terry Cantrell, the president of the Hollywood Lakes Civic Association, says Hollywood Police Department officers found more than 100 spent casings after they got called about a gang shootout.

Cantrell says it was not always this dramatic. He sent me a letter he wrote to the city in 2010. Cantrell warned about the nascent AirBnb population sprouting up in Hollywood Lakes. Back then, folks complained about noise, traffic and possible fire code safety violations.

Unfortunately, though, the offspring of those pioneer short-term rentals mutated and multiplied, taking over many homes in the Lakes and spreading across residential neighborhoods around Hollywood. Many are purchased by companies that can afford to outbid people interested in moving into a single-family home. This unleashing of animal spirits capitalism also depletes the availability of housing. It can even decrease the number of families with school-age children, putting more strains on the Broward County Public School System, which is working on plans to close schools because of dwindling attendance.

But dealing with the explosion of AirBnbs is a complicated matter. That's mainly because the powerful state government in Tallahassee passed a law that "preempts" local government prerogative to deal with short-term vacation rentals.

Localities can enforce criminal laws, and ordinances that cover noise, for example. Unfortunately, the city of Hollywood failed to write a strict AirBnb ordinance that would have been grandfathered in before the state preempted local control in 2011.

The decision to take no action occurred when Peter Bober was mayor. Cantrell was disappointed by the decision of Bober and the Hollywood City Commission, although he puts it in perspective. He says they probably didn't realize that exponential growth in numbers and trouble would follow.

However, the failure to act in 2011 got a reprieve of sorts. Three years later, the state Legislature amended the preemption law. That allowed localities to pass some regulations, which the city of Hollywood has done. So Cantrell, the civic activist, gives the city props for its decision a few years ago to employ technology to help residents file complaints about AirBnbs.

The consequence of state permission to regulate AirBnbs draws mixed reactions from people affected by noise, traffic-related problems and felonious activity. Says Lori Goldstein, a Hollywood Lakes resident and educator, "The city has done a great job with the limited amount of latitude to act allowed to them. But it is limited. Their hands are tied in many areas, and their budget is capped. And some of the owners don't care much about rules and laws, and have expensive attorneys to fight for them."

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The first debate between the major candidates in the US presidential election has been held, and the major takeaway is a sense of dismay. Is this the best this country can do?



The Republican candidate believes Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating up domestic pets. When, how and why are the obvious questions.

As a consequence, the Ohio city of Springfield received bomb threats causing its highly upset mayor to react to these baseless and debunked assertions by former President Trump.



The Democratic candidate seemed to have the attitude of a rebellious teenager while her opponent spoke. She alternated between looks of bemusement, feigned shock and disbelief. Bear in mind that Trump is a former president and entitled to some respect.



If veracity and courtesy were lacking for this observer, others were harsher. The Pope at a news conference was pushed into his assessment. He called for us to choose between the 'lesser of two evils' citing their policies.

One wants to kill viable babies as a fetus at 24 weeks has a fair chance of survival. In late-term abortions the fetuses have to be killed before they see the light of day for then it becomes murder. The moral questions raised and the issues involved are extremely uncomfortable. In the Pope's view then, Harris' support of abortion rights was against life as were Trump's anti-immigrant policies. "Everyone with a conscience should think on this and do it," meaning choose the lesser evil, he added.



If the US election is like watching snails race leaving a sticky trail behind, it follows that news interest is elsewhere. That is particularly true in Central Europe where storm Boris has wreaked havoc in the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland. In the latter, a dam was breached sending a river of water through Stonie Slaski in the southwest. Tens of thousands of people are without power and most have basement and first-floor damage. Worse for them, more rain is forecast for the next few days in an already waterlogged region.

On almost the other side of the world another hurricane is devastating Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. The death toll from Typhoon Yagi has reached 250 with scores still missing in areas hit by flooding and landslides. The storm has been the worst to hit Vietnam in 30 years. While not bearing the brunt of the disaster, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand have suffered flooding.

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Once, during the Watergate scandal when Connie Chung was a young reporter, she was headed to the White House press room when she came upon then-President Richard Nixon at the West Wing portico.

It was her moment, her chance, to ask him the hard questions.

Because I had covered the Senate Watergate Committee hearings, I thought, OK, lets see if I can remember all the questions I really want to ask, said Chung in an interview in August.

I was afraid to take out my notebook and my pen because I was afraid that would scare him away, she said, so she worked to remember the questions, knowing she would have to remember the answers, too.

And in the middle of this, Chung said, he looks at me and says, How much money do you make? And I said, Excuse me? And he says, How much money do you make?

This is typical of the stories Chung tells in her new book, Connie: A Memoir released Tuesday from Grand Central Publishing.

Connie: A Memoir, which Chung will discuss in Portland on Wednesday, Sept. 25, is an inside look at reporting on some of the biggest events of the 20th century, and the story of doing it as a woman, sometimes a very young woman, always a Chinese American woman, nearly alone in a crowd of white men.

But while the stories she tells are snapshots of major American moments, they are also funny, insightful and surprising.

At the White House in her story, Chung, shocked into compliance, calculated for Nixon how much money she made.

And he looked at me and he said, Just remember this: You have to make more money.

Chung is an icon. Its been almost 20 years since she was regularly on air, but shes still a household name and a namesake for a generation of Asian American women.

Americans remember her as one of the faces of the news, from the 1970s through the early 2000s. She interviewed Nixon and Oregons one-time Olympic darling-turned-national villain, Tonya Harding and covered the events that rocked the country from the O.J. Simpson trial to the Oklahoma City bombing.

In Connie: A Memoir, Chung, now 78, tells her own story, a process that turned out to be unexpectedly challenging for the inveterate newswoman.

Actually, it was very hard for me to write this memoir, Chung said in an interview in August.

After she turned in her first draft, she said, My editor looked at it and said, Youre just giving the facts. And I said, Yeah, thats what I do. And she said, You cant do that. This is a memoir.

Instead, her editor said, she needed to talk about how she felt, as she pushed boundaries and norms and became one of the only women in the TV news business.

Oh no, Chung said she thought. I cant do that. Thats verboten, you know? Ive never done that in my life.

Still, thats exactly what Chung has done with Connie.

Her story begins before she was in the news. In fact, it begins before she was even born, in China.

My parents had ten children, of which three were boys, Chung writes in the first chapter. But all three sons died as infants. I was the tenth child, the very last and the only one born in the US.

Before we can even meet Chung, her family must escape the turmoil in pre-Communist China. This could be a book all of its own, but it sets the tone for whats to come when the family moves to the U.S. and their final child is born.

Chung fought her way into the news business at a time when there were almost no women on air and even fewer Asian Americans. She tells the stories of overt and subtle racism throughout her career, exploring, sometimes with humor like the Nixon story, the moments when she was reminded by coworkers and pundits and even presidents, that she was young, was a woman and was not white.

Chung sees progress over her lifetime, for women in media and in general.

We have so many more miles to travel but weve made progress, she said. Women just cant give up.

There is still though, a problem that was with her her entire career, that still plagues women in every field.

If we assert ourselves, we come up against male authority and they dont take kindly to it at all, she said.

And it happens, I think, every day to us, Chung continued. They assume that we are second-class citizens and I was sort of a double dose of obedience and dutifulness because Im Chinese. So the assumption was, Oh, you know, shell say OK. Shes not gonna fight it because she just wont do that. We know she wont.

It is a regret she has, that she didnt push back harder on some of the stories she was assigned. Stories that put her in a box of femininity or felt frivolous or cheap.

It was a period, an era, in which it was even harder, I think, in many ways for women to push back, Chung said. Because, as I said in the book, I looked around me and all I saw were a sea of men.

Listen to the conversation with Chung on The Oregonians Beat Check podcast on Monday, Sept. 23.

Chung will be in Portland on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to talk about Connie: A Memoir at the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1126 S.W. Park Ave., hosted by Literary Arts.

Tickets start at $25.

 Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com or @lizzzyacker

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
The hackers behind last months cyberattack on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are demanding a 100-bitcoin ransom  about $6 million  for stolen data, though just how much information was accessed, and what kind, is still unclear.

During a Wednesday morning hearing with the U.S. Senates Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the airports aviation managing director, Lance Lyttle, said an internal investigation of the cyberattack remains ongoing, but that officials have confirmed that ransomware gang Rhysida was behind the hack.

On Monday, Rhysida posted on its darknet leak site what appears to be a copy of eight files stolen from Port of Seattle systems, Lyttle said. The Port, which owns and operates Sea-Tac, has decided not to pay the ransom, he added.

Were currently reviewing the files published on the leak site, as well as others we believe were copied, he told the committee.   With regards to paying the ransom, that was contrary to our values and we dont think its the best use of public funds.

Its not yet clear how much data the ransomware group accessed in total.

Sea-Tac spokesperson Perry Cooper confirmed the ransom demand, but declined to clarify exactly what data Rhysida had posted this week.

However, Australian cybersecurity news outlet Cyber Daily reported the sample data posted included a scan of a current passport belonging to a Port program manager and several tax forms with personal information such as Social Security numbers and signatures, along with other documents. Rhysida also posted a detailed map of Portland International Airport, according to Cyber Daily.

Rhysida has put the data up for auction that will close next Monday, Cyber Daily reported. Rhysida claimed it has more than 3 terabytes of data, according to the outlet.

Our investigation is continuing as we focus on recovery, Cooper wrote in an email. If we discover any personal information has been compromised we will reach out to those individuals who may be involved.

The Port will provide credit monitoring services to anyone impacted by the cyberattack, Lyttle said.

The airport first identified the cyberattack on Aug. 24, when websites, email and phone services went down, disrupting Sea-Tac systems and travel plans. Agents at common-use gates that rely on Port software had to handwrite boarding passes, and airlines sorted through a luggage mess that resulted in bags getting delivered to travelers well after they reached their destinations.

Most issues have been resolved, but Rhysida was able to encrypt access to some data and obtain some information, the Port said in a statement last Friday.

Since then, Port employees have spent more than 4,000 hours assisting with operating and customer service, Lyttle said Wednesday. There has been no new unauthorized activity on Port systems since Aug. 24, and it remains safe to travel from the airport and use the Port of Seattles maritime facilities, last weeks statement said.

However, Lyttle said the airports ongoing renovations and capacity limitations magnified the cyberattacks impact to the traveling public.

Lyttle told Sen. Maria Cantwell, the committees chair, that he is not yet sure why Sea-Tac was targeted. Cantwell said she personally was trying to catch a flight that weekend and ran through the airport unsure if she was going to the right gate.

His team plans to produce an independent after-action report once the investigation wraps up, Lyttle said.

Lyttle added that hes proud of the way his team sprung into action and that hes looking forward to working with other government agencies and lawmakers to prioritize the dissemination of timely, actionable, cyberthreat information.

Cybercriminals are always evolving their tactics, and so we are continuing to work to further harden our cyber defenses, including strengthening our identity management and authentication protocols, as well as enhancing our monitoring, Lyttle said.

Lyttle also told U.S. senators it would be helpful to have federal cybersecurity agencies consolidate all the information they receive from similar cyberattack reports, come up with best practices and disseminate them back to those in the aviation industry.

Currently, its a one-way street that were sending the information, Lyttle said. Were not getting back, in a timely enough manner, recommendations of how to improve our infrastructure. That would make a major difference.

Rhysida, believed to be a Russian group, emerged last year and was also behind the British Library cyberattack. In that October 2023 ransomware attack, Rhysida stole emails and documents containing employees passport scans and work contracts and demanded 20 bitcoins (about 600,000 pounds at the time) from the library. The United Kingdom National Cyber Security Centre CEO called it one of the worst cyber incidents in British history.

The Seattle Public Library has also been recovering from a similar attack in May.

The airports temporary website, portseattle.org, will continue to provide updates on operations.

-- Elise Takahama, The Seattle Times

2024 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A person riding a bicycle on Interstate 5 early Sept. 9 in Linn County was killed in a crash, Oregon State Police said Thursday.

Ryan Lee Bird, of Eugene, was riding his bicycle around 1:20 a.m. in the slow lane of northbound I-5 near milepost 214, north of Harrisburg, when the driver of an 18-wheeler commercial truck hit him from behind, state police said.

The 39-year-old driver hadnt seen Bird, state police said. Bird, 40, died at the scene. The driver was uninjured.

 Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him by phone or text at 971-373-2905 or by email at fzarkhin@oregonian.

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First Tech Federal Credit Union told its members this month it is closing its Lloyd District branch, citing a drop in walk-in customers and safety concerns.

The branch will close Nov. 15 and staff will be moved to a new location in Vancouver, according to an email from Chris Mantie, the vice president of experience center sales and service for the company.

The announcement comes the same month as a fatal shooting in the Lloyd District around 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, about a block from the branch location. Two other men have died in separate shootings this year, in May and late July, in the vicinity of the branch.

Mantie did not spell out the credit unions safety concerns. From January to July, reported assaults have not significantly changed year over year since 2021 hovering between roughly 115 and 130, according to Portland police data.

Safety is not the only concern. Company officials say theyve seen a pronounced decline in walk-in customers.

In a statement sent via a spokesperson, President and CEO Greg Mitchell said the branch has been the companys sole location in Portland since its founding in the 1950s. He said the company has seen a decline in in-person visits as members have used more digital banking services, which accelerated in the pandemic.

While we will miss the downtown vibe, we are confident that members will remain well-served through digital resources or through our other offices in Oregon and SW Washington, Mitchell wrote.

Mantie said the decision was made in response to feedback from its members. The credit union has two branches in Beaverton and three in Hillsboro, as well as 22 ATM locations across the Portland metro area. It also has branches in five other states.

The institution serves some of the largest technological businesses and its employees.

The new branch in Vancouver will open in October, Mantie wrote. Mitchell said the return to Vancouver was driven by HP, one of the companys founding employer groups, to expand their presence in the city. HP plans to open a new research facility in Vancouver in 2026.

It will also be located in a highly secure, convenient, high traffic area with over 1,800 square feet of space for all of your in-person banking needs, Mantie said.

 Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake.
A man who was groped by a female beautician during a facial appointment at the Nordstrom at Washington Square filed a $750,000 lawsuit Wednesday against the beautician, the store and the cosmetics and human resource companies that allegedly hired her.

According to police reports and the mans lawsuit, the 63-year-old told police that his adult daughter had scheduled facials for him and his adult son. The appointment included a therapeutic massage that began on his head, neck and shoulders but migrated down to his chest and genital area, according to the police report.

The man told police the worker tried to slide her hand under his waistband, then grasped his genital area over his clothes, leaned over his face so her breasts were resting on it and then pinched his nipples. He said he threw up his hands and asked her what she was doing  ending the appointment on Sept. 16, 2023.

Tigard police arrested Karissa Brook Bonafede, 49, later that day and booked her into Washington County Jail. Bonafede pleaded guilty to harassment for subjecting the man to offensive physical contact of sexual or other intimate parts. Charges of third-degree sexual abuse were dismissed, and she was sentenced to two years of probation, a sex offender treatment program if a suitable one could be found, an alcohol evaluation and to complete any alcohol treatment she might be ordered to.

The man and other workers at Nordstrom told an officer who responded to the store that Bonafede appeared drunk, had glossy eyes and was swaying from side to side. Oregon cosmetology records werent available Thursday, but workers told police Bonafede worked as a freelance esthetician for the store.

Reached by phone Thursday, Bonafede declined to comment. Nordstrom and the companies that Bonafede allegedly contracted with  LOreal USA and Lancome  didnt immediately return requests for comment. Randstad Sourceright, the human resources company that the lawsuit says hired Bonafede, also didnt return a request for comment.

The suit faults Randstad Sourceright specifically because Bonafede had been convicted in 2017 of keeping a place of prostitution, according to court papers. Oregon and Washington court records show no such conviction, and details of it are unclear.

The man told police his facial was held in a private room off of the stores main floors. He also said Bonafede had asked him to take off his shirt so oils from the facial wouldnt stain it.

Attorney Michael Sahagian said his client and his clients son had gone to Nordstrom to try something fun while his clients wife was shopping.

It was a family outing, Sahagian said. And the facial and massage got weirder and weirder until the man put a stop to it.

Though the episode unfolded at the mall in Washington County, the lawsuit was filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, where the suit notes that Nordstrom also conducts business.

 Aimee Green covers breaking news and the justice system. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or @o_aimee.

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In Ontario, on the far eastern side of Oregon, visitors can find a unique local delicacy that crops up this time of year along the ditches and shoulders of local highways  the road onion.

Road onions  also called roadkill by locals  are quite literally onions that fall off the back of trucks and end up in the road.

While Ontario is famous as the birthplace of the tater tot, the area actually grows more onions than potatoes. According to the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, farms in the Snake River Valley grow more than 1 billion onions a year. The region is home to about 21,000 acres of fields growing mostly Spanish sweet onion varieties.

Its a huge industry here, said John Breidenbach, president of the Ontario Area Chamber of Commerce.

As summer fades, the brown flakes of onion skins blow across Ontarios rural roads like tumbleweeds. Onion harvest season runs from about mid-August through October. Around that time, Breidenbach said visitors usually have two questions about the road onions: Are they safe to eat, and why are there so many?

To the first question, the answer is yes.

Grant Kitamura, a partner with Baker & Murakami Produce Co., said while they cant commercially sell onions after they hit the pavement, those onions are perfectly fine to rinse and eat. Road onions are the same sort of onions sold at the grocery store, just maybe with a little extra grit.

Obviously, the growers, they dont want to lose them, Kitamura said. Theyre valuable. But depending on the driver and the speed and all those things, youre going to find onions come off in the corners.

Which answers the second question: Onions from fields are loaded into open-top bulk trucks. If those trucks are loaded a little too high, a few loose onions will get lost during transit.

They just roll off, Kitamura said. Its like stacking balls.

Onions are harvested and loaded into a truck for transport.Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee

Locals will pick them up and take them home. Its just another form of gleaning.

Before they put in the new road to the (packing) sheds, the trucks used to drive in front of my house, Breidenbach said. It was right there at the corner where they turned into the shed, and I could get four or five a day.

During a recent trip to Ontario, I was on the lookout for a prize roadkill onion. Breidenbach suggested I look near the railroad tracks, where the bumpy road crossing sometimes sends onions flying. Kitamura said the area around the Baker & Murakami packing plant could be a fertile hunting ground.

Sadly, I came up empty at both spots, but as I started to leave town on Oregon 201, just south of Southwest 18th Avenue, I spotted one and pulled over.

A few miles west, I saw a handful more road onions, but there wasnt a safe place to park and retrieve them. The biggest word of caution around road onions isnt the quality of the produce, its the cars. Dont cause a traffic accident attempting to retrieve a road onion.

But if you are in a position to safely snag one, it should be fine to eat.

Theyre not for commercial use anymore, once they hit the ground like that, Kitamura said. But theyre edible. You can peel off enough, if theyre damaged even, to make them edible, so dont be afraid of them.

 Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com.

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A day after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that leading mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio damaged a parked Tesla and then left without leaving a note for the cars owner, Rubios most public supporters appeared to be closing ranks around her candidacy.

The news organization contacted a dozen of Rubios most prominent endorsers, including representatives of large labor unions that are likely to fuel her get-out-the-vote efforts and individuals who have donated to her campaign or been publicly listed as among her most prominent supporters.
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.
Threats of school shootings and violence spiked around the United States following the fatal shooting in a high school in Georgia.

Threats of mass violence have spread on social media. This follows the recent mass shooting at the Apalachee High School in Georgia. In that case, 14-year-old Apalachee student Colt Gray opened fire at students and teachers, killing four and injuring nine others.

The spike is not unusual, especially in the weeks after a high-profile shooting. That is according to Dr. Ken Trump, President of Cleveland-based National School Safety and Security Services, per Axios.

"It fits the pattern, unfortunately," Ken Trump told the publication. "It fits what I've seen for four decades. After every high-profile shooting, you see an uptick for at least a week or two. There's a contagion effect where this spreads across the country."

Where Threats of Violence Are Spiking

In the wake of the deadly Apalachee shooting, there have been more than 60 school threats investigated across 23 counties in South Carolina alone. Police officers have arrested and charged 21 teens related to the threats---most of which were made on social media.

In North Carolina, authorities said 40 schools had received threats in the weeks following the Apalachee tragedy, as reported by WCNC Charlotte.

In Florida, officials have arrested nearly a dozen students in connection with recent threats of violence. This includes 11-year-old boy Carlo Dorelli, who threatened to commit mass shootings at two different schools. He also bragged about a kill list and a weapons cache.

In Georgia, more than 30 teens have been charged with felony terrorist threats since the Apalachee shooting. Of those, 24 were booked into juvenile detention within 48 hours of the mass shooting.

How Many Have Died in Mass Violence in the US?

As of Sept. 18, about 12,260 people have died of gun violence across the US. Of those, 397 have died in mass shootings, and 23 have been killed in mass murders. So far this year, 178 children aged 0 to 11 and 842 teens aged 12 to 17 died in gun violence-related cases, per the Gun Violence Archive.
Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon (see his Facebook page; public posts) is a Visiting Scholar in Biblical Studies at Wesley Biblical Seminary; formerly Professor of Biblical Studies at Houston Christian University and Associate Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He obtained a Master of Theological Studies (MTS): Biblical Studies degree from Harvard Divinity School and a (Ph.D.) in New Testament Studies, magna cum laude, from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Gagnon grew up Catholic, and he wrote on 8-17-24:

I didnt find Christ in Catholicism . . . I lost the forest (the big picture of Christ) for a lot of unnecessary trees that were not scripturally grounded. Part of this . . . was due to some non-scriptural and even (in some cases) anti-scriptural doctrines that undermine the role and significance of Christ. I would love to come back to a purified Catholicism more in keeping with a biblical witness. The excessive adulation of Mary, which at times seems to me to come close to elevating her to the godhead (like a replacement consort for Yahweh in lieu of Asherah), is one such obstacle.

After I had made five in-depth responses to him, Dr. Gagnon replied (just for the record) in a thread on another Facebook page, on 9-17-24, underneath my links to all five: like your other one, it is an amateurish piece. This is his silly and arrogant way of dismissing my critiques in one fell swoop. I had informed him that I had over twenty officially published books [22, to be exact] and yet he replied that he didnt know whether they were self-published or with a vanity press or a reputable press.

His words will be in blue. I use RSV for biblical citations.

*****

Im responding to a rather outrageous and exegetically implausible portion of Dr. Gagnons public Facebook article, John 2:4 Is a Rebuke to Mary for Shallow Sign Faith: A Response to Dave Armstrong, Catholic Apologist (9-17-24). I already informed him that I would not address his entire post, and would ignore it, because he ignored much of my article that he was ostensibly replying to. But this particular argument was just too much to let pass by without comment.

*

Jesus follow-up address of Mary not as mother but as woman communicates the adversarial or disconnected relationship between Jesus and his mother. . . . Biological family kinship is meaningless when one deviates from the will of God, especially as regards Jesus mission.
At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Great day and night captures

Affordably priced

Sleek styling and mount Cons Requires an 70Mai account to activate the camera before use

No USB mass storage function for fast bulk offloads Our Verdict The M500 is a fantastic front-only dash cam with great captures and sleek looks. But 70Mais insistence that you create an account to use it leaves us unamused.

Best Prices Today: 70Mai M500 dash cam

Retailer Price 70Mai $90 View Deal Product Price

70Mai makes unusually attractive, cleverly designed dash cams that invariably take great captures. Such is the M500 reviewed here. I really want to love it. But having to hand over my email to a Shanghai company I know little about to activate the camera definitely cooled my ardor.

What are the 70Mai M500s features?

The M500 is a sleek, good-looking, single-channel dash that takes great captures and has an unusual top resolution of 25921944. Yup, 4:3, though you can knock the vertical resolution down if you absolutely must have 16:9. You will lose some detail though.

A unique sticky mount is provided that the 3.3-ounce, approximately 41-inch camera slides into, as you can see in the images. There are arrows on both the camera and mount to ease the process and make sure you have the lens facing forward. There are few other distinguishing features  which is handier than it might sound.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best dash cams to learn about competing products.

The lens of the 70Mai M500. The lens of the 70Mai M500. The lens of the 70Mai M500.

The M500 has GPS on board, uses internal eMMC memory (32GB to 128GB depending on SKU), and its field of view is a whopping 170 degrees. Theres a 500Mah battery, but 70Mai warns that this only allows the camera to run for 15 seconds or so. Thats long enough in most cases to catch any post-power shenanigans, so good enough.

Theres exactly one multi-function button (power/Wi-Fi/lock video) on the left of the M500, with the only other notable feature being the Type-C port on the right side. Dash cam minimalism. Nice.

Obviously, this means adjusting settings (parking mode, compression, g-sensor sensitivity, watermarking, time zone, etc.) and other operations (viewing, offloading,) are handled by an app (shown below). I should mention that the M500 automatically set the correct time using GPS info. A nice touch many vendors miss.

70Mai warranties the M500 for one year (two in the EU), which is about average for the dash cam field. That said, youll see Amazon no-names that are guaranteed for only 90 days.

Really, 70Mai?

Though Ive already mentioned it, it bears repeating. One thing I really dont like about the otherwise clever and most excellent M500 is that you must create an account and access it to activate the camera.

No recordings take place until you do. Sorry, a dash cam should start recording when you plug it in and you should be able to connect to it and adjust settings without any further ado. You bought it, its yours. Period.

As a piece of hardware, the M500 is in the top tier of dash cams Ive reviewed. The captures are excellent and the GPS is the icing on the cake.

To see whether Im simply being curmudgeonly in my protestation, I asked a variety of friends  young and old  what they thought of the activation-before-use deal. To a person, they found 70Mais approach intrusive. A couple said no way theyd buy one.

My other peeve isnt nearly as serious, and thats that you cant just plug the M500 into a computer as USB mass storage to offload the videos. You must first offload them to your phone using the app, then share them from there if you have the desire. This is needlessly time-consuming and tedious  especially if you want to edit or process them.

How much is the 70Mai M500?

The M500 comes in three flavors: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB for $90, $100, and $110 respectively. Given that the high-resolution video consumes approximately 200MB per minute, I recommend that you buy as much capacity as you can. Of course, I recommend that for any dash cam.

How are the 70Mai M500s captures?

So the lead should tell you this, but theyre great! The HDR color is accurate, theres lots of detail and the camera handles mixed lighting conditions very well. There is some mild fish-eye, but its hardly debilitating. Headlight flare is handled well at night, and there are no motion artifacts such as jiggling, tearing, or jello-ing. Bumps are handled very well.

Given that this was a very bright day, the M500 handled the diverse lighting conditions very well. Theres also very good detail. Given that this was a very bright day, the M500 handled the diverse lighting conditions very well. Theres also very good detail. Given that this was a very bright day, the M500 handled the diverse lighting conditions very well. Theres also very good detail.

Below is shown as tough a scenario you can have at night: staring directly at a street light. But the 70Mai M500 handled it fantastically  still showing tons of detail in the surrounding areas.

This is as tough a scenario as you can have at night  staring directly at a street light. But the 70Mai M500 handled it great. This is as tough a scenario as you can have at night  staring directly at a street light. But the 70Mai M500 handled it great. This is as tough a scenario as you can have at night  staring directly at a street light. But the 70Mai M500 handled it great.

As purely a piece of hardware, the M500 is in the top tier of dash cams Ive reviewed. The captures are excellent and the GPS is the icing on the cake.

Should you buy the 70Mai M500?

Geez, I wish I could answer this question with an unqualified yes, as the M500 is a heck of a nice piece of hardware, or kit as the British say. But I just cant get past the fork-over-your-info-to-activate-online-before-use requirement. Therefore a solid 4.5 is downgraded to a 4. If this kind of thing doesnt bother you, think of it as the former.
In a bid to support and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Stanbic Bank has organized a series of SME Clinics in Kumasi. The initiative, which had the theme Building Resilience in Businesses: Strategies for Sustainable Success intends to provide local businesses with expert financial advice, industry insights, networking opportunities and tailored banking solutions to enhance their growth and sustainability.



Head of Enterprise Bank at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Eric Tsiri, (IS ERIC Head, Enterprise Clients  Enterprise Direct Propositions OR ENTERPRISE BANK(ING)????



highlighted the importance of SMEs to the Ghanaian economy and the need to support them to succeed. He said, Businesses today face numerous challenges, but within those challenges lie significant opportunities. As obstacles grow, so do the possibilities for businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive. This is why sessions like these are essential. Statistics clearly show that without SMEs, the foundation of our national economy would falter. Despite the difficulties, SMEs consistently demonstrate remarkable resilience, playing a critical role in sustaining and driving our economic growth.



We have brought together a team of seasoned experts, ranging from accounting and bookkeeping to risk management, all with extensive experience supporting SMEs. Our goal is to help you navigate challenges in todays dynamic business environment. We are here to reinforce our collaboration and partnership with SMEs, empowering you to turn obstacles into opportunities and transform your aspirations into achievements, Eric Tsiri added.



Hamza Mumuni, Manager of the Incubator, Enterprise Direct Propositions, Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana also spoke on the motivation behind the clinics. According to him, We are here to strengthen the collaboration and partnership between Stanbic Bank and the SMEs we work with. This initiative is a direct response to valuable feedback from the sector, aimed at equipping SMEs with the insights, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in todays dynamic business environment.



He continued that At Stanbic Bank, we are deeply committed to supporting the SME sector because we believe in its immense potential to drive economic progress. We understand that access to financial resources and networking opportunities can make a significant difference in the growth and success of your businesses.



Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are, without question, the backbone of Ghanas economy. Representing about 92% of businesses in the country, SMEs contribute roughly 70% to the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and account for about 85% of manufacturing employment.



They drive over 80% of the total workforce employed in this sector, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, where they foster economic inclusion and resilience. However, despite their critical role, SMEs continue to face significant hurdles that hinder their growth and sustainability.



It is within this context that clinics aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and overall success of SMEs become critically important. The first of the series of the SME clinics was held in Kumasi with plans to hold more of such clinics in other regions of the country in the coming months.













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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In a remarkable demonstration of corporate social responsibility, the Ecobank Ghana PLC Employee Volunteerism Programme has underscored its unwavering commitment to community development.



This years initiative, the second edition, focused on 'Mother and Child and was simultaneously held at some selected locations across Ghana, including the Tema Health Centre, Adabraka and Abokobi in the Greater Accra Region, Abesim in the Bono Region, and Takoradi in the Western Region.



Addressing the gathering at the Tema Health Centre on behalf of the Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana Madam Abena Osei-Poku, Dr Mrs Awuraa Abena Asafo Boakye, Regional Counsel and Company Secretary at Ecobank Ghana PLC, said the effort of the employees was aligned with Ecobank's broader mission to support communities and contribute meaningfully to the development of the African continent.



Mrs Asafo Boakye said the Tema Health Centre, a pivotal healthcare provider in the region, was the focal point of this year's programme aimed at refurbishing and equipping the maternity unit of the facility, making a significant contribution to improving maternal and child healthcare in the area.



In addition to refurbishing the entire Tema Health Centre, we have also donated two air-conditioners, a washing machine, an autoclave, assorted delivery instruments, a digital scale and curtains."



We have partitioned the labour ward and refurbished the delivery beds. We changed the water closets, sprayed the three-in-one visitor chair and provided a baby weighing scale, she added.



According to her, the Ecobank Employee Volunteerism Programme stood out for its scale and unique approach as approximately 1,500 Ecobank employees across Ghana voluntarily participated in this initiative, reflecting a deep-seated desire to make a tangible impact on their communities.



She added that while Ecobank has a longstanding tradition of corporate donations and social responsibility projects, this programme distinguished itself by engaging employees directly in the process of giving back.



We are mindful of the fact that society has been kind to us, and we deem it most appropriate to reciprocate this kindness by calling on our employees to always remember to give something back every year, she said.



The contributions for this years initiative are substantial, with a total value of Ghc 470,000 allocated across various projects.



These include the refurbishment of Adabraka Polyclinic and the enhancement of antenatal and postnatal care facilities. Upgrades to Tema Health Centre: Comprehensive refurbishment and equipping of the maternity unit. Support for Abokobi Health Centre: Provision of medical essentials and a mechanized borehole for the mother and child unit. Renovation of Takoradi Hospital: Refurbishing the sideward at the maternity block.

Improvements at Abesim Hospital in Sunyani: Refurbishment and equipping of the maternity unit.



She indicated that these efforts were part of Ecobanks broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which aimed to address the social needs of underprivileged communities and institutions.



The Ecobank Employee Volunteerism Programme, she said, served as a testament to the banks commitment to community development and corporate responsibility; thus focusing on critical areas such as maternal and child health, the bank was making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.



Madam Catherine Awuku Quartey, Head of Tema Health Centre, expressed profound gratitude for the support received from Ecobanks staff.



She highlighted the critical improvements that the refurbishment would bring, noting the enhanced privacy and comfort for mothers in the labour ward, and better facilities for staff and patients.



According to Madam Awuku Quartey, the Tema Health Centre, which had been operational for over 65 years, previously struggled with outdated facilities.



She expressed the hope that the new upgrades would significantly boost the centre's capacity and service quality and encouraged more community members to utilise its services and potentially reducing maternal mortality rates.



The refurbishment and equipment donation from Ecobanks staff will not only improve the quality of care we provide but also enhance our visibility in the community, Madam Awuku Quartey noted.



She added, The improved conditions are expected to increase attendance and foster greater trust in our services.



Madam Awuku Quartey also noted that while the refurbishment marked a significant step forward, there were still challenges to address such as the more space in the Outpatient Department (OPD) and called on other corporate entities to join in expanding these vital services.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/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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Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) wishes to categorically refute social media reports alleging that the Bank has been sold.



There has been no change in the ownership of the Bank and Government of Ghana remains the sole shareholder.



We wish to state that reports of sale of the Bank are entirely false and misleading.



There is therefore no cause for concern regarding customer deposits and the Banks operational integrity.



The Bank continues to deliver exceptional customer service and innovative products. As the SME Bank of choice, the loyalty and trust placed in us by our customers are highly appreciated.



We assure our cherished customers that their funds are secure with the Bank, and urge the public to rely on the Banks official communication channels for any information.





Signed Management.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD









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 Ghana Police Service said they are ready for a proposed demonstration by a group called Democracy Hub against the Akufo-Addo-led government.



Despite a court injunction on the protest, the police said they were willing to protect the group.



However, a statement from the police is asking the organizers of the protest to reconsider their proposed location for the protest to ensure peace and order.



For purposes of emphasis, we wish to state categorically, that the Ghana Police Service has not stopped Democracy Hub from embarking on the planned protest.



The only disagreement is on their choice of the Revolution Square, in front of the Jubilee House as the location for the protest.



The Service has put in place sufficient measures to provide security for the exercise from 21st to 23rd September when a new location is agreed upon between the organizers and the Police. The police said.



Read the full statement below



POLICE STATEMENT ON PLANNED DEMONSTRATION BY DEMOCRACY HUB



The Ghana Police Service on 9th July 2024, received notice from the Democracy Hub of a planned protest by way of picketing from 21st to 23rd September 2024 at the Revolution Square in front of the Jubilee House.



In line with the provisions of the Public Oder Act, 1994 (Act 491), the Police conducted an assessment of the proposed location for the picketing. Following the assessment, the Police concluded that holding the protests at the Revolutionary Square could affect public order, and endanger public defence, public safety and public health.



As a result, in the interest of public defence, public order, public safety and the running of essential services, the Police engaged the organizers and requested them to consider an alternative location for the picketing.



However, the organizers refused to consider an alternative location and insisted on picketing at the Revolutionary Square. The Police was therefore compelled to take the matter to the court for a determination.



Yesterday, 18th September, 2024 the High Court granted an order to prohibit Democracy Hub from embarking on the demonstration at the Revolution Square from the 21st to 23rd September, 2024.



The Ghana Police Service throughout its engagement with the Democracy Hub assured them of the readiness of the Police to provide the necessary security for the planned protest.



For purposes of emphasis, we wish to state categorically, that the Ghana Police Service has not stopped Democracy Hub from embarking on the planned protest.



The only disagreement is on their choice of the Revolution Square, in front of the Jubilee House as the location for the protest.



The Service has put in place sufficient measures to provide security for the exercise from 21st to 23rd September when a new location is agreed upon between the organizers and the Police.



This has been duly communicated in a letter to the organizers and we look forward to agreeing on a new location to enable the organizers to exercise their democratic right to protest.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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 National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Bono Region has reiterated the partys call for an audit of the voters register by the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.



Taking part in the nationwide demonstration to back calls for a credible voter register, the party indicated that they have identified various infractions in the voters register which should serve as the basis for an audit.



The party cites illegal transfers in the Tain and Banda Constituencies, bloating of the voters register in the Sunyani East Constituency by 2,644 voters, duplicate entries in the absentee voters register and main voters register, missing names in the special voters register, unaccounted additional voters and inconsistencies in the special voters register as some of the irregularities in the voters register.



Speaking to the media at the demonstration in Sunyani after presenting a petition to the Electoral Commission, the Bono Regional Director of Elections and IT, George Ayaaba indicated that the various infractions identified in the region cast doubt on the credibility of the December polls.



We did our audit of the register and realized some irregularities in the register. For example, an audit of the register in the Jaman North Constituency showed that some votes were illegally transferred to the Tain Constituency plus several other irregularities in the region that is why we are embarking on this demonstration to compel the EC to conduct an audit to correct any anomaly for a credible election.



Way forward



Per portions of the petition presented to the Electoral Commission in the Bono Region, the party avers that the only way to make the voters register credible is for the EC to among other things rectify the duplicate entries identified, conduct an international forensic audit of the register, and a reconciliation of the inconsistencies.



Given the issues identified, we recommend the following actions: Immediate Rectification of Duplicate Entries and International Forensic Audit of the Register: The EC should promptly remove all duplicate entries from either the Absentee Voters List or the Main Voters Register to prevent any election-day complications. Again, give Political Parties the Voter Register Codebook now, the petition reads in part.













Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The founder and Leader of the United Front Party (UFP), Nana Agyenim Boateng, popularly known as "Gyataba", has thrown his support behind the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the December 7 polls.



The outspoken youth leader announced his support for the Vice Presidents candidature at a press conference organized in Kumasi on Wednesday.



According to him, his decision is based on the national interest and his willingness to see the consolidation of the gains the country has made over the last 7 years.



Surrounded by his party executives and more than 1000 of his supporters, Nana Agyenim Boateng boldly confessed that there is no point challenging the ruling party and the Vice President in the upcoming contest, considering the huge performance of the current government.



According to the UFP Leader, he came to a firm conclusion after visiting the nook and cranny of this country to gather signatures for his presidential ambition that no government in recent times has performed more than President Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.



Gyataba, who was once a strong critic of the NPP and President Akufo-Addo, having resigned from the party to form the UFP in 2012, stated that he was surprised at the unprecedented achievements in the areas of roads infrastructure, schools and other social interventions dotted across the country under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



I have gone around the country and I have seen that there is no point contesting this years elections because its a forgone conclusion for the NPP and Dr. Bawumia, he stated.



Cautioning that any attempt to change the course of leadership could spell doom for Ghana, the UFP Leader urged Ghanaians not to allow the NDC and former President Mahama to hoodwink them into thinking that this government has not performed well.



I have come to the firm conclusion that there is no point contesting this elections because truly speaking this administration has really performed a lot in the areas of social and economic development, he emphasized.



Gyataba averred that the NPP will have itself to blame if it fails to communicate its achievements and show the good people of Ghana all the numerous things they have done since they assumed office in 2017.



Meanwhile, the founder of the UFP has asked all his supporters across the country to channel their energies towards working for the Vice President and the NPP.

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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Kwamena Duncan has lambasted former President John Dramani Mahama over his recent verbal assault on religious and traditional leaders in the country.



The former President, at a campaign event, rebuked the Chiefs, Imams and Christian leaders for what he says they are pampering the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the ruling party instead of reprimanding them.



He said; We have Pastors, Imams, Chiefs and civil society groups in this country who instead of rebuking the NPP, rather support them. When NDC says something, it is like we are the bad ones. They must rather joining forces with us to tell the government that, due to your wickedness towards Ghanaians, it is time for you to go. But you will see Chiefs commending them (NPP) that they have done good jobs."



In the churches, you see pastors praying for him (Bawumia) that the government has done a good job; we bless you and may God give you victory. He goes to the traditionalists and they pour wine to their shrines and ask their ancestors to guide him (Bawumia).



He averred that they are hypocrites but stressed I am confident that the NDC will win.



In reply, the former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan described the former President's comments as disrespectful.



To him, it has become Mahama's stock-in-trade to disparage the nation's leaders but for him to graduate to raining insults on Chiefs, Pastors and Imams is absolutely unacceptable and distasteful.



"It is quite shameful!", he exclaimed while making his submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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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On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the demonstration by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) against so-called discrepancies in the voter register descended into chaos, resulting in the destruction of Electoral Commission (EC) properties in some EC offices across the country.



What should have been a peaceful protest turned into a violent confrontation, raising serious questions about the NDCs strategies in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.



For instance, about 5,000 NDC supporters gathered at the partys Ashanti regional headquarters in Amakuom at approximately 10:30 am, marching toward the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC).



Despite a peaceful start, the protest took a dark turn when NDC Regional Chairman Nana Akwasi Agyeman blatantly defied police instructions. Instead of submitting their petition as planned, he allegedly led the demonstrators to the ECs regional office, disregarding the law and setting the stage for violent unrest.



The police, opting for restraint, refrained from using firearms to control the crowd. However, the situation escalated dramatically, and the officers were compelled to fire tear gas to disperse the increasingly aggressive mob. In response, the protesters pelted stones at the police, stormed the EC premises, and shattered the main glass doors in an appalling display of lawlessness. As widely reported in the media, the damage to EC properties is extensive, and it marks yet another disturbing episode in a pattern of violence associated with the opposition NDC.



In a statement, the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday, September 17 stated that the NDC allowed their protestors to push their way into the premises of the EC and pelted the Police with stones.



"In Kumasi, contrary to the arrangements agreed between the Police and the organizers, the demonstrators attempted to push their way into the premises of the Electoral Commission and pelted the Police with stones. The Police managed to bring the situation under control and calm was restored.



However, one Police officer was injured during the incident and he is receiving medical attention. The Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has reached out to him via a telephone call and wished him well. The Police have since commenced investigation into the incident," the statement signed by Director of PR, Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Source: Ghanaian Chronicle









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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James Kwabena Bomfeh has condemned NDC's protest held across the nation on Tuesday, September 17, against the Electoral Commission.



The National Democratic Congress(NDC) requests the Electoral Commission to conduct what they call a "forensic audit" of the voter's register.



They accuse the electoral supervisor of possessing a flawed register, hence, during the protest, demanded for the audit to be done by an independent body.



But James Kwabena Bomfeh says they should use legal means if they feel they have a genuine case.



According to him, the NDC's call for an independent audit will not happen stressing there has never been any audit of Electoral Commissions voter register by any independent body in this country".



Furthermore, Kabila, as he is affectionately called, believed the NDC's call has some undercurrents.



He said; "There is a foreign interest. They want to place their hands on a sensitive data of Electoral Commission for their ulterior motive. It won't happen under the laws of Ghana. If any person feels the EC has contravened the law, let them go to court and prove it there."



Hence, he charged them to "go to court" for the law to have its course.



He made these submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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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Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has admonished the flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), John Dramani Mahama, to focus his campaign on "bread and butter issues".



He described as counterproductive John Mahamas recent style of campaign driven by anger, insults and threats of violence.



It would be recalled that the former President and NDC flagbearer recently described Chiefs and religious leaders as hypocrites for blessing the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his Running Mate during their courtesy visitations ahead of the December polls.



John Mahama took serious exception to such conduct and expressed their behavior using unsavory language.



He called into question the traditional and religious authorities' sense of judgement but, speaking at the durbar with a gathering of Chiefs, the Clergy, Imams and the people of Kumawu in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, 19th September, 2024, as part of his constituency-focused campaign tour, Dr. Opoku Prempeh chided the former President.



He slammed Mahama for attacking the nations revered Chiefs and religious leaders and insisted that the NPP will continue to visit them for their blessings emphasizing the party respects these authorities.



He [John Mahama] should be told that elections cannot be won on the basis of anger, insults and violence. He should focus on bread and butter issues. No matter his attacks and insinuations, the NPP will continue to revere Chiefs, Imams and Pastors. We will continue to visit you for your blessings because we acknowledge that your blessings mean a lot for our party and nation, he remarked.



NAPO, as he is affectionately called, also recounted the many instances where the former President insulted Ghanaians saying, when we ask for jobs, John Mahama tells us he is not a magician to give us jobs. When we ask for roads, he tells us that we [Asantes] are ungrateful people and that, even if he painted the entire streets of Kumasi with gold, we wont appreciate. When we complain of hardship, he tells us that he has become a dead goat and cannot hear our cry".



"Is this the man you want to have as your leader?, Napo quizzed.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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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By Kris B. Mamula, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has filed a lawsuit against an East Liberty maker of educational toys, claiming the 12-year-old company had engaged in a massive nationwide scheme that bilked consumers out of at least $4 million.

In a civil lawsuit filed in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, the attorney general alleged that Digital Dream Labs Inc. and co-founder and CEO Harold Jacob Hanchar, accepted thousands of orders and payments ranging up to $655 each for battery-operated robots Butter Robot, Vector 2.0 and Cozmo 2.0, but provided nothing in return.

Specifically, the five-count lawsuit alleges that the company and Hanchar violated the Consumer Protection Law in failing to fill orders or refund customer purchases.

The attorney general is seeking a permanent injunction against the company for unfair or deceptive business practices, full restitution for customers plus civil penalties for every violation of the consumer protection law.

Hanchar, a resident of OHara, told the Post-Gazette the company has a new CEO, Zack Anton, who spent the past week meeting with manufacturers and investors in Asia.

We have $7 million worth of products close to being shipped from Asia, said Hanchar, who also owns Klavons Ice Cream Parlor in the Strip District. We are working extremely hard to right any wrongs, and were at the last mile.

He said the company has been in constant contact with the AGs office.

Even this morning, they were communicating with us, he said. We thought we were working in good faith and making progress.

At first glance, the numbers they are quoting appear to be massively inflated. We will continue to work with their office for an amicable resolution. To the customers  well do right by them.

Consumer complaints about missed deliveries began as early as 2021.

The robot names were taken from the adult animated science fiction sitcom that appeared on Adult Swims Emmy-winning show Rick and Morty.

Some Rick and Morty robots were programmed with animation chips that were designed to respond to verbal requests, such as passing the butter at supper, according to an interview with Hanchar that appeared in a 2020 Forbes article. They could also misbehave.
A 13-year-old girl died after she was shot inside a Philadelphia home on Wednesday evening.

Police said they were called to a home along the 2800 block of North Bailey Street at about 7:37 p.m., according to reports from NBC10 and 6ABC.

Upon arrival, officers found the teenage girl bleeding from a gunshot wound on the right side of her chest. She was unresponsive and rushed to a nearby hospital, where she died shortly afterward.

Officials said the girl lived at a home down the block and was visiting friends when she was shot.

There were no weapons found at the house, news reports said, and no one has been arrested yet.

Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told 6ABC that at least two teenage boys who lived in the home were seen running away from it after the shooting.

She was a young beautiful young lady. She had respect for everybody on the block, a neighbor, Elizabeth Bishop, said to 6ABC.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or call 215-686-8477.
By Bruce Schreinera, The Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky.  A body found in rural southeastern Kentucky is believed to be the man suspected of shooting and wounding five people on an interstate highway, authorities said Wednesday night.

Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said at a news briefing that the body discovered earlier in the day is believed to be Joseph Couch, of Woodbine. Authorities hoped the discovery would end an intense, nearly two-week search that had area residents on edge.

People have been in fear, Laurel County Sheriff John Root said. Thats not the normal here in Laurel County. So now that this has been discovered, I hope that our county can get back to whats normal.

Burnett said accessories found with the body led authorities to conclude it is him. He had no details on the cause of death, saying that will be confirmed in an autopsy, but he said a weapon was found at the site.

I dont think nobody on this stage wished that we would have found him in the condition that we found, Rood said at the news conference. Id rather hed been alive and he could have paid for what hes done.

Authorities said the body was found following a lengthy search of the rugged and hilly terrain in the area where the Sept. 7 attack happened.

Investigators were working to identify it, state police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington said earlier in a social media post. It was located in the vicinity of the Interstate 75 exit near London, a city of about 8,000 people about 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Lexington.

The highway shootings led some schools to shut down shift to virtual learning for several days as authorities warned area residents to be vigilant. Schools reopened Tuesday with extra police security in the county where the shooting happened.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has called the shootings an act of violence and evil.

A dozen vehicles were struck as the shooter fired 20 to 30 rounds near an interstate exit, creating a chaotic scene. Authorities rushed to the scene after being alerted at about 5:30 p.m. The five victims survived the attack but some suffered serious injuries.

After sending the text message vowing to kill a lot of people before the attack, Couch sent another saying, Ill kill myself afterwards, investigators said in an affidavit. The document did not describe the relationship between Couch and the woman who received the texts. However, Couch and the woman have a child together but were never married, according to an attorney who handled the custody arrangement for the couple and their son born in 2016.

Searchers found Couchs abandoned vehicle near the crime scene and a semi-automatic weapon that investigators believe was used in the shooting. An Army-style duffel bag that was found had Couch hand-written in marker, and a phone believed to be Couchs also was found but the battery had been taken out.

Authorities said he purchased the AR-15 weapon and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition at a London gun store hours before the shooting.

Couch had a military background in the Army Reserve. The U.S. Army said he served from 2013 to 2019 as a combat engineer. He was a private when he left and had no deployments.

This image released by the Mount Vernon Fire Department shows traffic stopped during an active shooting on Interstate 75 north of London, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Camden Mink/Mount Vernon Fire Department via AP)AP

The search focused on a densely wooded area about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of London that a state police official described as walking in a jungle. Aided by helicopters and drones, search teams on the ground contended with cliffs, sinkholes, caves, waterways and thick brush.

Authorities were inundated with tips from the public and followed up on each one. When the ground search was suspended at night, specially trained officers were deployed in strategic locations in the woods to prevent the gunman from slipping out of the area.

On Tuesday, authorities said they were pulling searchers from the woods to bolster patrols in nearby communities in hopes of calming fears among residents.

Police received more than 400 tips since the shooting, with most pointing to areas outside the sprawling forest that was the focus of the search.
The popularity of Pennsylvanias oversubscribed student teacher stipend program has Gov. Josh Shapiro willing to invest more than double the money next year to ensure everyone who seeks this financial support receives it, according to two state senators.

Sens. Art Haywood and Vincent Hughes, both Philadelphia area Democrats, said on Thursday at a Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency board meeting the governor signaled his willingness to include $71 million in his 2025-26 budget proposal for the program, which is aimed at helping address the states teacher shortage.
Home Depot recently agreed to settle a lawsuit.

And this settlement comes with a nearly $2 million price tag.

CNN Business reports how a complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court in California by several district attorneys back in August accused the home improvement company of false advertising and unfair competition practices.

According to a press release published to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, this complaint alleged that Home Depot was charging customers higher prices than it advertised or posted. This, explains the release, is often called a scanner violation, and happens when the price on the item  or on the items shelf tag  doesnt reflect whats charged at the point-of-sale device or register when the UPC code is scanned.

The release explains how Home Depot  which didnt admit any wronging  agreed to pay over $1.9 million, $1.7 million of which will go toward civil penalties.

The Daily Mail continues to report that there wont be any money that goes directly to shoppers who may have been affected, however.

MSNBC adds that this settlement money covers Home Depot stores in California. The settlement has also ordered the franchise to always use the lowest prices posted; to hire an executive-level, internal price watchdog; to assign price accuracy checks to managers in every California store and make records of price accuracy available for prosecutors.

False advertising and unfair competition are serious offenses that undermine consumer trust and distort the marketplace, said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon via the statement. When companies engage in deceptive practices, they not only cheat consumers but also gain an unjust advantage over businesses that operate ethically and transparently.

This settlement is a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and underscores our commitment to safeguarding the rights of consumers in our community.
Theres no party like a Wawa grand opening party.

This morning the Delaware County-based chain celebrated the opening of its first central Pennsylvania store at 1601 W. Harrisburg Pike in Lower Swatara Township.
SOUTHGATE, MI -- A dispute over loud music resulted in one person being shot and a standoff with police on Wednesday.

According to Fox 2 Detroit, a man in his 60s became upset with the music being played by a neighbor across the street. The man went to his neighbors house on Kerr Street and shot the neighbor before retreating to his home, police said. It is believed the shooting suspect was intoxicated at the time.

Police were called to the scene just before 10 p.m. and found the neighbor had been shot three times. The suspect had barricaded himself in his home.

Police negotiated with the suspect for several hours before he eventually surrendered. After hed surrendered, police said, they discovered hed stabbed his dog to death and had pulled a gun on his wife earlier in the day; shed fled the home.

The shooting victim was transported to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.
The U.S. State Department is continuing to urge travelers to avoid visiting the Caribbean country of Haiti.

Haiti has been at a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory since March of this year as the country has been in a state of emergency due to civil unrest, gang violence and riots.

The State Department updated its advisory on Sept. 18 to include additional information on the dangers of violent crime and kidnapping in the country.

Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom, the advisory says. Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed. Kidnappers may plan carefully or target victims at random, unplanned times. Kidnappers will even target and attack convoys. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom requests. Victims families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.

The advisory also says that protests and roadblocks are common and unpredictible and can become violent.

The airport in Port-au-Prince can be a focal point for armed activity. Armed robberies are common. Carjackers attack private vehicles stuck in traffic, the advisory continiues. They often target lone drivers, especially women. As a result, the U.S. embassy requires its staff to use official transportation to and from the airport.

The advisory also warns not to try to cross the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic because of the threat of kidnapping and violence. The U.S. embassy cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic by air, land, or sea. U.S. citizens who cross into the Dominican Republic at an unofficial crossing may face high immigration fines if they try to leave, it says.

It also states that there is little the U.S. government can do to help its citizens in Haiti due to a general lack of resources, including shortages in gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies. Clinics and hospitals in Haiti often require prepayment in cash, it says.

If you do decide to travel to Haiti, the State Department recommends the following:
The Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General, Eugene DePasquale, stressed his nonpartisan, tough-on-everyone style while also saying he wouldnt hesitate to weigh in on politically crucial issues during a Zoom interview Wednesday with PennLives editorial board.

DePasquale  a former state legislator and two-term state auditor general  easily won the Democratic nomination to become the states top law enforcement official. He will face the Republican nominee, current York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, in November.

Particularly in these polarized, partisan times, we need a states top attorney general that isnt a partisan warrior, and thats me, DePasquale said, quoting from his Philadelphia Inquirer endorsement.

He described himself as a proud Democrat but also someone that, when necessary, would cross partisan lines. As a freshman state representative, DePasquale noted, he was among the first to call for Democratic leader Bill DeWeese to resign in the wake of the Bonusgate scandal.

As auditor general during the governorships of Republican Tom Corbett and Democrat Tom Wolf, DePasquale performed audits critical of those administrations, including uncovering a massive backlog of rape kits and thousands of unanswered calls to the states child abuse hotline. He was also involved in trying to correct Harrisburg School Districts finances amid the systems fiscal meltdown.

I was tough and fair on a Republican governor and tough and fair on a Democratic governor, DePasquale said. When it comes to being the states top lawyer, I believe thats the exact type of philosophy you take into it.

DePasquale spoke with PennLives opinion editors about similar efforts he would undertake as attorney general, such as oversight of the states opioid settlement fund. Pennsylvanias billion-dollar payout is controlled by a board that has been widely seen as opaque and sluggish in its funding approvals.

DePasquale has personal experience with what does and doesnt work with addiction  his father did prison time on drug charges after becoming addicted to painkillers from being wounded in Vietnam.

That personal experience, plus my investigation when I was auditor general into the drug rehabilitation program, has trained me for what works and what doesnt, DePasquale said, voicing concern that money was being spent on short-term rehab programs that are ineffective.

If and when I win the election, thats something I will immediately get under the hood on during the transition, because I want to drive those dollars into treatment programs that work, DePasquale said.

He also spoke of the need to ensure that public defenders are being funded in a legal and equitable manner. Pennsylvania only began providing regular funding for this in last years budget and is facing a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union alleging that its lackluster support for indigent defense violates due process.

DePasquale also touched on the need to expand community policing to improve the relationship between law enforcement and minority communities and to continue to crack down on illegal gun sales. A crucial part of solving the gun violence issue, he said, is addressing mental health  with DePasquale voicing a particular interest in possible legal action regarding social media.

Every kid I met with said we had to do more on mental health, DePasquale said of his work on the states school safety task force, and students had clear concerns that social media was driving the problem.

Im not saying right away that I would take action, but weve got to make sure that these younger kids are not getting some of this crap put into their head because it leads to other problems down the line, DePasquale said. Our kids brains should not just be monetized so Facebook can make more money.

As much as DePasquales long auditor service may point him toward the nuts and bolts of public defense or addiction treatment, he also spent much of his time with the editorial board discussing two more politicized issues  the defense of abortion rights as well as of elections themselves.

I am strongly pro-choice. I cannot make the law, but I can defend the law in Pennsylvania, DePasquale said, which includes taking an expansive view of the states reproductive rights guarantees so that the woman and her doctor are not interfered with as much as possible by the governor or by the government.

You have other states that are going very hardcore right wing, and I have some personal experience as a family on this, DePasquale said, noting that before having their first child, his wife suffered an ectopic pregnancy that endangered her life.

There are now five states in the country that women are going  or potentially can go to jail  for that because that was at week 10, DePasquale said.

You have women coming to Pennsylvania who are leaving some of these other states because of draconian abortion laws, he said. I will not only protect reproductive freedom for the people of Pennsylvania, but for anyone, for any woman fleeing one of those states to ensure they get the proper medical care  Ill defend it for them as well.

If elected, DePasquale could find himself in the same situation as his predecessor, former attorney general and current governor Josh Shapiro. As attorney general, Shapiro fended off several dozen lawsuits from the Donald Trump campaign and Republican-aligned groups seeking to challenge Pennsylvanias election results.

Former Pa. auditor general Eugene DePasquale thanks supporters during his victory speech Tuesday night in Pittsburgh after he was declared the winner of the Democratic primary for attorney general.Submitted

In some cases, those suits were grounded in legal disagreements, such as whether the law required or allowed the counting of ballots that arrived in the mail late; in other cases, the suits contained wild and unsubstantiated allegations of fraud that resulted in judges issuing sharp rebukes to Trumps attorneys.

DePasquale stressed the need for the attorney general and other state officials to help make the process as consistent and transparent as possible, and reassure voters who may otherwise be prone to believing false claims of fraud.

Youre always going to have somebody out there, no matter who it is, that is howling at the moon, DePasquale said, but at the same time we should not be looking [down our nose] at someone that has questions about the system.

He called for the legislature to allow pre-processing of ballots that would cut down on wait times for election results, one of many areas where DePasquale suggested he wouldnt be afraid to use the bully pulpit to press for fixes to outstanding legal problems.

Theres the day-to-day part of being the attorney general, but then theres also being a statewide elected leader, DePasquale said, which includes weighing in on where the state is falling short.

Youre not just electing a robot into these jobs, he said. I believe youre also electing a leader, and thats what Ill be as your attorney general.
Inaccurate reports of an active shooter led to students early dismissal Thursday morning from the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, news outlets said.

School officials put the campus on lockdown after West Lampeter Township police said they received a call about a school shooter before 9:30 a.m., according to multiple news reports.

By 10:42 a.m., school officials released a message to parents saying the threat was unconfirmed and all of the career center campuses would be dismissed early out of an abundance of caution, according to police.

Police said students were eventually dismissed and taken to Willow Street Mennonite Church where they were reunited with their families. Students at Brownstown Students transported back to home school for the day.

A message on the Lancaster County CTCs website said campuses are closed for the rest of Thursday.

News reports said the CTC will reopen Friday.

Police said the preliminary investigation indicated the incident was prompted by a very general vague threat that has been circulating on social media sites for the last several weeks. It was also determined the initial call was generated outside the school by a relative of a student. At this time, the police do not believe there was any malicious intent by the caller but just a general concern for the well being of the students of the school.

The Lancaster County CTC is a vocational school with multiple campuses, including Willow Street, Mount Joy and Ephrata. Each campus offers 20 majors ranging from nursing and culinary arts to electro-mechanical engineering.
The newest iPhone models are now available for preorder, but what if you have an older iPhone? Ever wonder how much you could get for it?

The truth is theres a real chance you could cash in on older models.

Why? Its all due to nostalgia.

With Gen Xers and Millennials craving that familiar, warm feeling for technology from their younger years, some technophiles are willing to pay some serious dough for older iPhone devices.

The rarity, scarcity, and the collectability of these pieces, its just becoming nostalgic with the 40-to-50-year-old group of consumers, Bobby Eaton, of RR Auctions in New Hampshire, said to Nexstar.

In recent years, RR Auctions have facilitated the sale of numerous first-generation iPhones. There was even one that went for over $147,000 back in March. Another older iPhone model went on the auction block at LCG Auctions in Louisiana, where it sold for a record $190,373.

As we all know, the iPhone changed the world, Eaton told Nexstar. So in the last three years, iPhones  specifically sealed iPhones  are going up in value depending on what model they are.

But just dont think any old iPhone will cut it.

Much like video games and VHS tapes, the older iPhone models that are raking in the big bucks at the highest prices are the ones that are factory-sealed and in mint condition. Currently, the only models that are most valued by collectors are the first-generation 4 GB and 8 GB models that debuted in 2007, including the 8 GB model with an iTunes logo on the cover of the box.

Besides the first-generation products, the market drastically changes, Eaton explained. Theres not that collectability yet for [later] models.

But the most valuable iPhone of the three mentioned is the 4 GB model, which was discontinued when Apple dropped the price of the 8 GB version two months after the 4 GB versions debut.

Keep in mind that the big-ticket iPhone models mentioned before were both 4 GB models. Also fetching a decent chunk of change are the 8 GB models, especially if its the earlier version, before an image of the iTunes app was added to the product picture outside of the box.

But if you have an opened iPhone, all hope isnt lost.

Opened-first generation iPhones might be worth a few thousand, but they must be in mint condition, according to Eaton. If they show signs of use or damage, theyre worth nothing to the collector, he said.

What if the relic isnt an iPhone, but an iPod or an iPad?

You might be in luck.

Aside from iPhones, first-generation iPods and iPads are also valuable to collectors and could fetch a pretty penny as well, but only if theyre in exceptional condition, and preferably sealed.

Many would even wonder about older Samsung or Android phone models and if they could rake in the same cash capabilities. If so, consider yourself out of luck because the value of early models is not even close to what an Apple enthusiast would pay for an iPhone, according to Eaton.

Probably the only comparable thing that weve sold to the iPhone is  an early Motorola flip phone that was sealed in the box, Eaton explained. And it sold for $250.

So, what if you have an older iPhone model that you think could rake in thousands?

If its an older, sealed iPhone model, check the serial numbers and IMEI numbers on the box to confirm its never been activated. You could try to get it graded by a grading service, too, but you could just submit photos straight to auction houses that specialize in vintage technology to gain further insight as to how much its worth.

But Eaton suggests taking action as soon as possible, because even though interest isnt dwindling, theres no prediction as to how much collectors will be willing to pay in the coming years.

If something is super rare, theres going to always be a market for it, Eaton explained to Nexstar. It might not be the prices were getting now, but theyre going to have substantial value.

As previously reported, there have been older iPhone models that brought in massive cash at the auction, including the first-generation iPhone that sold for more than $190,000 in July 2023 and the first-generation iPhone that sold for over $63,000 back in February 2023, which was initially expected to sell for $50,000.
By Bret Pallotto, Centre Daily Times (State College, Pa.) (TNS)

Penn State is set to pay $703,742 in back wages and interest to resolve allegations the university paid dozens of women less than their male colleagues.

A compliance review conducted by the U.S. Labor Department found the university paid 65 women employees less than men holding similar positions in facilities operations and maintenance, extension education and senior administration jobs.

That included female faculty in research professor roles at the College of Engineering and the Applied Research Laboratory, as well as female faculty in teaching professor roles at the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.

The review began in August 2021. The Labor Department said its allegations of gender pay discrimination dated back to at least July 2020.

Penn State must make certain its employment practices comply with all federal law, including those that seek to eliminate gender-based barriers to equal employment, said Michele Hodge, the acting director of the federal contract compliance program office.

Penn State did not admit any violations in the 22-page settlement, which was signed Monday by university President Neeli Bendapudi. Payouts to the dozens of underpaid women range from $2,432 to $47,241.

Suzanne Adair, Penn States associate vice president for equal opportunity and access, said in a statement released Wednesday that the alleged violations were unintentional pay discrepancies.

The university also must analyze the gender and race neutrality of its pay policies for all employees by conducting a compensation disparity analysis, the Labor Department wrote in a statement.
By WILL WEISSERT, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  Both major presidential candidates are making appearances Thursday meant to fire up their core supporters, with Vice President Kamala Harris participating in a livestream with Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump attending an event with prominent Jewish donors before addressing a gathering of the Israeli-American Council.

Winfrey, who has endorsed Harris and spoke at the Democratic convention in August, is set to host a two-hour Unite for America nighttime streaming session in Michigan with Harris that organizers say aims to highlight dozens of grassroots groups backing the vice president.

Trump will be in Washington to address a Fighting Anti-Semitism in America evening event with Miriam Adelson, a co-owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks and widow of billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who founded the Las Vegas Sands casino and was one of the Republican Partys largest donors.

Trump will also speak before the Israeli-American Council, a nonprofit long backed by Sheldon Adelson as well as Haim Saban, a major donor to President Joe Biden and Democratic causes. The council is holding its national convention in the weeks before the first anniversary of Hamas Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.

On Friday, Harris has campaign stops planned in swing states Wisconsin and Georgia as she calls attention to the case of a young mother who died after waiting 20 hours for a hospital to treat her complications from an abortion pill. Harris contends that outcome shows the consequences of Trumps actions.

Amber Thurmans death, first reported Monday by ProPublica, came two weeks after Georgias strict abortion ban was enacted in 2022 after the Supreme Courts decision to overturn nationwide abortion rights. Trump nominated three of the justices who made that decision.
By Hadriana Lowenkron, Bloomberg News (TNS)

Wednesdays rally in New York took former President Donald Trump  with less than 50 days until the election  outside of the swing states likely to determine the outcome.

While New York is Trumps home state  and he has said he thinks he can carry the state  no Republican presidential candidate has won the state since 1984, and polls show his opponent Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris with a double-digit lead.

The New York City suburbs are also home to several swing congressional districts where the outcome could determine whether Republicans are able to hold onto their narrow majority in the House.

The setting  in Uniondale  also highlights how Trump and Harris are both seeking to court suburban women and independent voters, looking to expand their electoral coalitions beyond their already fervent bases, and draw from a shrinking pool of undecideds.

Also at his rally, Trump said he plans to visit two towns that have become flashpoints in the national debate over immigration and the center of unfounded conspiracy theories the former president has promoted about migrants.

Im gonna go there in the next few weeks. Im going to Springfield and Im going to Aurora, Trump said at the Uniondale rally.

Trump has seized on the towns of Springfield, Ohio, and Aurora, Colorado, in his messaging on immigration, casting the towns as overrun by migrants who have threatened the health and safety of residents.

During his Sept. 10 debate with Harris, Trump promoted unsubstantiated claims that Haitian immigrants in the town of Springfield are eating neighbors dogs and cats. Trumps comments sparked controversy and public safety concerns after the city received bomb threats to schools and hospitals.

City officials say there are no credible reports of migrants eating household pets.

Trump has also repeatedly claimed that Aurora has been overrun by migrant gangs from Venezuela.
Two faculty who students say have made a profound difference at Pittsburg State University were named Faculty of the Year recipients by the Kansas Board of Regents in Topeka on Thursday.

Both also were named Outstanding Faculty earlier this year by the Pitt State Student Government Association.

Christine Brodsky (Biology) and Kristen Livingston (Communication) are among eight faculty members from across Kansas to be named in the new program, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of faculty at state universities to teaching, student success, research, and Kansas communities.

These two faculty members are tremendous representatives of Pitt State, said President Dan Shipp, who was present when the two were approved and recognized by the board. Their leadership is exactly how we are making life better through education at Pitt State.

The board asked the faculty senates at each state university to develop criteria for selecting Faculty of the Year. Each faculty senate was invited to choose and submit two nominees. Four faculty senates submitted the eight nominees for the boards consideration, which the board then approved during its September meeting.

Were proud of their accomplishments, but were also grateful that they chose to be part of our university and dedicate their time and expertise to teaching our students, Shipp said. Our little corner of the world is a better place because theyre part of it!

Faculty Senate President Norman Philipp, University President Dan Shipp, Faculty of the Year Award recipients Kristen Livingston and Christine Brodsky, Provost Susan Bon, and Executive of University Affairs Emily McElwain following the award presentation at the Kansas Board of Regents meeting in Topeka on Thursday.

Christine Brodsky

Position: Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of Biology/Chemistry



Teaching: Brodsky teaches a variety of courses that integrate fieldwork and community engagement. Her innovative teaching style has earned her high praise from students and faculty alike. She is noted for her ability to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, particularly in environmental and biological sciences.



Research and mentorship: Brodskys research focuses on urban ecology and conservation, particularly how urbanization impacts biodiversity. Her work has led to multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences. She also actively involves her students in research, fostering a collaborative learning environment that enhances their academic and professional development.



Service: She has contributed to Pitt States community through various roles, including serving on committees and organizing outreach events that promote environmental sustainability. She has also been involved in initiatives aimed at improving science literacy and conservation awareness within the local community, and serves as the campus coordinator for K-INBRE (Kansas IDEA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence), recruiting student research scholars, holding workshops, collecting data, and facilitating funding opportunities for faculty.

Kristen Livingston

Position : Assistant Professor of Communication



Teaching : Livingston teaches courses in strategic communication, multimedia production, media writing, and human communication. She teaches a full four-course load with two additional overloads. She supervises four interns and advises 47 students in the Communication Department and prepared an Honors College course in Speech Communication for Fall 2024.



Research : Her recent scholarly contributions include publications in the Journal of Communication Pedagogy and the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing. She is involved in a study examining visual communication in Alzheimer's and dementia experiences and has presented at prestigious conferences including the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Southeast Colloquium.



Service : Livingston is heavily engaged in service to the university and her profession. She serves as the past president of Phi Kappa Phi, faculty advisor for several student organizations, and has been a member of various university committees, including the Faculty Senate. She also co-led a professional development workshop on Open Educational Resources. She has served as a Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology college consultant and as a member of the University Scholarship Committee.



Awards : In Spring 2023, she taught a movie production project that won a Kansas Association of Broadcasting Award for its trailer. Students in her other courses have won American Advertising Federation (ADDY) Awards.



Other Faculty of the Year winners were:

Fort Hays State University - Sammuel Robert Byer and Phillip Allen Olt

University of Kansas - Taejoon Kim and Tera Fazzino
Trump is reeling and demanding that the government be shut down unless a bill is passed against non-citizen voting, which is already illegal.

Trump posted on Truth Social:

If Republicans dont get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form. Democrats are registering Illegal Voters by the TENS OF THOUSANDS, as we speak  They will be voting in the 2024 Presidential Election, and they shouldnt be allowed to. Only American Citizens should be voting in our Most Important Election in History, or any Election! A Vote must happen BEFORE the Election, not AFTER the Election when it is too late. BE SMART, REPUBLICANS, YOUVE BEEN PUSHED AROUND LONG ENOUGH BY THE DEMOCRATS. DONT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN. Remember, this is Biden/Harris fault, not yours!

Non-citizen voting is already illegal in every state and federally. A 2016 study by the Brennan Center found that out of 23.5 million ballots studied, only 30 were suspected non-citizen voters. Project those numbers across the entire federal electorate, which would be between 100 and 150 non-citizen ballots cast.

A non-citizen who votes in a federal election faces up to five years in prison and deportation. Non-citizen voting isnt a thing in the United States, so why is Trump talking about it?

Donald Trump is trying to lay the groundwork for claiming that non-citizens stole the election from him.

Trump doesnt seem to care if shutting down the government could be the final blow that gives his party control of the House. He also wants legislation passed requiring proof of citizenship before voting because that proof is often difficult. Putting that barrier in place would make it more difficult for some voters to vote, which would reduce turnout and benefit Republicans.

It seems like Donald Trumps might know that he is on his way to losing, so he is looking for an excuse to try to overturn possible will of the voters in November.

To comment on this story, join us on Reddit.
MANCHESTER, NH (09/25/2024)-- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2024 President's List. The summer terms run from May to August. Read moreSNHU announces Summer 2024 President's List
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.
We have long supported the judicious use of the death penalty because we believe there are some crimes that are just so heinous that they compel society to respond with the ultimate punishment: the ones that involve killers who are a threat to society, who show no remorse, for whom no other punishment is sufficient and about whose guilt there is no doubt.

Still, many aspects of the death penalty are troubling, and our state's expansive embrace of government secrecy to allow more executions adds to them. Frankly, the world wouldnt end if the state never executed another criminal, since state law prohibits allowing someone sentenced to death to ever be released from prison, unless the conviction is overturned.

This is ugly business, which underscores the necessity of every one of us taking ownership of whats being done. Its especially important for those of us who support the death penalty to acknowledge our role in an execution: Our government will take the life of a human being in our name.

No matter what you think about the death penalty and the person being executed, this is solemn business. It is nothing to celebrate.

Any criminal conviction marks a failure of our society to prevent a crime from occurring. This is never more true than in death penalty cases, because the penalty is so extreme  and the underlying, irreversible crime was so heinous.

While Mr. Owens could be a textbook example of the appropriate use of the death penalty, not all death row prisoners are. And many criminals whose crimes were just as awful as his were not sentenced to death, because of the awful randomness of our states death penalty law. Today, if two people commit identical crimes in adjacent counties, one could end up on death row while the other pleads guilty and gets sentenced to life in prison, because solicitors and jury pools vary so much from county to county.

Yet year in and year out, our Legislature refuses to correct any of the flaws in our death penalty law, even though doing so would make it less susceptible to court challenges and reduce the randomness that should haunt every one of us.
FLORENCE  A 15-year-old male is in critical condition after being shot the evening of Sept. 18 in the 500 block of Jarrott Street in Florence, according to a Florence Police Department press release.

The shooting comes less than 24 hours after a Florence County teenager was killed in Johnsonville shortly after midnight Sept. 18.

Witnesses reported gunfire coming from two different directions, potentially meaning two subjects or groups were firing at each other, the press release said.

Police responded to find the 15-year-old with a gunshot wound, and he was transported to the hospital. The incident is still under investigation, and the victim has not yet been identified.

Shortly after midnight on Sept. 18, 14-year-old Jakari Doctor was shot and killed just outside Johnsonville at the Liberty Street Apartment complex.

Both investigations are active and ongoing, law enforcement said.
WOODRUFF  A water utility in Spartanburg County wants companies it says polluted local waterways to pay for water treatment technology so it can meet upcoming federal rules set to go into effect in 2029.

To force 14 companies tied to 15 sites to cover the work, it's filed a lawsuit.

In 2020, a report from state health officials found that the water source of the Woodruff-Roebuck Water District contained levels of pollutants that exceeded limits announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in April.

The federal agency set limits for six kinds of manufactured perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals or PFAS, that could be found in drinking water. Water utilities must follow those limits by 2029.

Limits are 4 parts per trillion for some of the most common PFAS categories, the equivalent of four drops of food coloring in more than 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to health concerns, including heart and liver problems, deadly cancers and developmental damage to children.

Woodruff-Roebuck Water District lawsuit

In mid-June, the water utility filed a lawsuit in state court against 14 companies that it said contaminated the rivers that feed into its water sources.

Defendants have discharged and continue to discharge products that contain or degrade to these PFAS to the North, Middle, and South Tyger Rivers, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit demands the companies stop discharging products that contain or degrade into the contaminants and also asks for financial compensation, including covering legal fees.

Kermit Johnson, the general manager for the Woodruff-Roebuck Water District, said taxpayer dollars are not funding the lawsuit and that the attorneys are working on a contingency fee basis.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-20 00:20:27

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PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Phoenix's most iconic mall is on its way to becoming the largest mall redevelopment project in Arizona's history. Concord Wilshire Capital and TLG Investment Partners (Developer) announced today that (i) the Abatement and Demolition of the Metrocenter Mall, including the Dillard's and U-Haul Buildings (formerly Macy's), have commenced, and (ii) it has formed a partnership with Diversified Partners, LLC, a Scottsdale-headquartered national real estate firm, to develop and construct the 140,000-square-foot retail component located at the center of the $850 million mixed-use development.Rendering of Planned Redevelopment Metrocenter Mall The Village will feature an anchoring park and plaza in Phoenix."The redevelopment of Metrocenter has been long-awaited by our residents, who are eager to welcome a new walkable, urban gathering place in their neighborhood. Though we will reminisce about fond memories over the years at Metrocenter, we are excited to witness the transformation of this iconic landmark into a modern and dynamic space to live, shop, eat, and enjoy," Mayor Kate Gallego said.After several months of survey and analysis of the materials inside the building to ensure the protection of the public during demolition, Resource Environmental, Inc., a Los Angeles-based company, will first abate and remove the asbestos from the buildings and then proceed with the demolition of all of the buildings.The Developer has formed a strategic alliance with Hines, an international real estate firm, to redevelop and repurpose the site, and Hines has taken over the oversight of the site."We are delighted to team up with Concord Wilshire on our shared vision for reimagining Metrocenter," said Walt Brown, CEO of Diversified Partners. "We envision this prime property becoming one of the top destinations in Arizona. We will announce the new name along with some of the exciting features in the near future." "We are excited to partner with Diversified Partners to bring the core of this mixed-use development to life, through the development of an eclectic retail and F&B mix, where every resident and visitor can feel a connection," said Nate Sirang, President of Concord Wilshire. "Our vision includes integrating state-of-the-art public safety solutions into a comfortable and fun first-class destination for families while contributing meaningfully to the City of Phoenix, the local community, and its economy." Councilwoman Ann O'Brien also shared her thoughts on the project, saying, "This redevelopment is not only about bringing new businesses and opportunities to our City but also about creating an ownership product for our constituents that wasn't available before." The Village has been designed as a transit-oriented, self-contained community encompassing the City's new Light Rail Station that was completed as of January of 2024. The City of Phoenix has invested approximately $150 million to build this Light Rail Station, which will serve as one of the major focal points of the development and will provide direct connectivity to Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, ASU, and communities to the east.Contact Information Athena SanchezCity of Phoenix Media Contactathena.sanchez@phoenix.gov 602-621-0507SOURCE: Concord Wilshire CapitalView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 17:32:03

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This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision for delivering exceptional management services to homeowners' associations, condominiums, and residential communities.MELBOURNE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Artemis Lifestyles, a leader in community association management, and Omega Community Management, a renowned provider of community management services, are excited to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing management solutions across the region.This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision for delivering exceptional management services to homeowners' associations, condominiums, and residential communities. By combining their expertise, resources, and innovative management strategies, Artemis Lifestyles and Omega Community Management are set to offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse communities.Driving Excellence in Property ManagementArtemis Lifestyles and Omega Community Management are committed to improving the quality of life for residents by delivering efficient and personalized community management services. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, the partnership will leverage the strengths of both companies to provide:Enhanced Community Management: Utilizing cutting-edge technology, experienced teams, and best practices to streamline operations and improve the overall community experience.Financial Expertise: Robust financial management and reporting to ensure transparency and sound fiscal practices for associations.Tailored Solutions: Customizable community management plans that address the specific needs and goals of each community.Quotes from Leadership"Partnering with Omega Community Management aligns with our vision of delivering unparalleled services to the communities we serve," said Diane Braswell, CEO of Artemis Lifestyles. "Together, we can offer an even greater level of support, service, and innovation to homeowners and board members." Media Contact:Artemis Lifestyles 1329 Belford DriveMelbourne, FL 32940Phone: (407) 705-2190Contact InformationElijah StubblefieldDirector of Operations & Information Technologyestubblefield@ condominiumassociates.com 8134823393Ashley SortoDirector Of Corporate Lifestylesasorto@ artemislifestyles.com 407-705-2190 x 437SOURCE: Artemis LifestylesView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 23:00:15

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ATLAS FILTRI NORTH AMERICA expands its US based manufacturing and warehousing footprint to support its strong growth across the North American territory.WALLINGFORD, CT / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / ATLAS FILTRI NORTH AMERICA, a wholly owned subsidiary of ATLAS FILTRI s.r.l., a leading manufacturer of water filtration and treatment solutions since 1975, has successfully completed the acquisition of Hydro-Flow Filtration Systems.Atlas Filtri Atlas FIltri HQ in Limena, ItalyDaniele Costantini, President of the group, commented: "It's an important step in our growth plan. The integration of Hydro-Flow's market positioning and their skills and technologies will allow us to widen our product offering to our customers and partners while expanding our Atlas Filtri global footprint." The acquisition of Hydro-Flow Filtration Systems, a California based manufacturer will allow ATLAS FILTRI NORTH AMERICA to better serve its growing customer base in North America as it expands its offer of US made water filtration products. Hydro-Flow Filtration Systems is renowned for the manufacturing of high-quality carbon-based water filtration products across multiple market verticals.Alvaro Santos, the CEO of ATLAS FILTRI NORTH AMERICA stated: "We are thrilled to count Hydro-Flow Filtration Systems in our portfolio of companies. The manufacturing capabilities, expertise and experience the company and its staff bring are paramount to our continued product development and distribution into the North American Market. I am also very excited and humbled with the opportunity to work with its former owners and industry veterans, Chuck Lacy and Mounir Ibrahim who have built and grown this company into what it became today and agreed to work within the ATLAS FILTRI Holding.Both companies are experiencing strong growth and both companies are looking for efficient ways to scale up product development and manufacturing. This presents a unique opportunity to execute significant synergies across both organizations." ATLAS FILTRI | WE VALUE WHAT REALLY MATTERS. WATER.ATLAS FILTRI s.r.l. is family-owned, headquartered in Limena, Italy since 1975. It designs and manufacturers best-in-class, environmentally responsible water filtration products. It developed a state-of-the-art, highly automated plastic injection molding production facility in the Northern Italian region since its inception. Over 90% of its products is exported to over 120 countries. Atlas Filtri counts more than 300 distribution partners and 3,000 customers with subsidiaries in the USA in Wallingford, CT and Temecula, CA and China, in Shanghai.Contact Information:Erin MansfieldOffice Managererin@ atlasfiltri.com +1 (203) 214-2481SOURCE: ATLAS FILTRI NORTH AMERICAView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 15:35:59

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Breakthrough was validated in the latest journal articleGalectins are essential for viral entry and a new target for drug developmentCarbohydrates were shown to neutralize virusesBlocking galectins could be the most efficient way to prevent and treat viruses potentially impacting the vaccination and antiviral marketsBOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / BIOXYTRAN, INC. (OTCQB:BIXT) (the "Company"), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing drugs to treat stroke and Alzheimer's disease, announced a medical breakthrough in virology that was validated in a peer-reviewed medical journal article. The European Society of Medicine published a peer-reviewed article detailing a study which shows how Bioxytran's leading drug candidate, Prolectin-M, stops COVID-19 and other viruses in their tracks. The study used advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to reveal how this drug works by blocking a protein called galectin, which helps viruses attach to cells. The discovery could impact both the vaccination and antiviral markets, which combined are estimated at approximately $147 billion according to Grandview Research and Statista.The peer-reviewed article identified Galectin-3 as a crucial "glue" that helps the virus attach to and enter human cells by sticking to the ACE2 receptor, altering our existing understanding of how viral infections occur. The discovery was proven using NMR Spectroscopy which is extremely precise compared to the 50-year-old ELISA tests which was used to establish virology's initial foundation on how viruses worked and interacted with antivirals. The report proved that by blocking this process, the drugs prevented the virus from entering the cells, which means the virus couldn't make people sick. The double-blind placebo controlled clinical studies showed that these drugs were 100% effective in reducing symptoms and eliminating the virus in 2 peer-reviewed clinical trials.The study also pointed out that galectins, located on the spike protein of the virus, are an excellent target for drugs because it doesn't change much, making it easier to stop the virus from attaching to cells. This could make these drugs effective against a wide range of viruses, not just COVID-19."This discovery might be one of the most significant advancements in virology," said Dr. David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran. "In our first case study to make a SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug, it appears we have on our hands the first truly broad-spectrum antiviral that may operate across different families of viruses. We believe we have discovered a reproducible method that could potentially be used to create many antiviral drugs that could potentially quickly fight off new viruses, even those that mutate rapidly. We believe our approach represents a new era in antiviral drug development. With the help of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is now possible to design antiviral drugs that could potentially neutralize any virus. This discovery could change the way we treat viral diseases and even chronic illnesses like cancer. We believe major advancements in virology with this new tech will be measured in months instead of years and decades as has been the case in the past." "Using this new platform technology could revolutionize how we create new antiviral treatments," said Dr. Kevin Mayo, Professor of the University of Minnesota. "Traditional methods of developing antivirals and vaccines are not precise and involve a lot of trial and error. Their weakness has always been their reliance on the immune system to work properly and everyone's immune system is unique. Our results show we can neutralize viruses without the help of the immunes system making our system incredibly reliable. This breakthrough opens a new chapter in fighting viral diseases, providing hope for treating not only SARS-CoV-2 but other highly pathogenic and contagious viruses influenced by galectins. This may be the crown jewel of virology and a few more tests on other viruses could prove it." Antiviral and Vaccination MarketThe global antiviral drugs market is valued at $72.84 billion according to Grandview Research. The global vaccine market is valued at $74.12 billion in 2024 by Statista. Combined the markets total approximately $147 billion. The growth drivers in antivirals are the increasing prevalence of viral infections like HIV, hepatitis, and influenza, along with the increase in antiviral drug development and treatments. The market is dominated by drugs for HIV, hepatitis C, and influenza, with HIV antivirals holding a substantial market share due to the ongoing need for effective treatments. Additionally, there is a growing demand for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that can be rapidly deployed in response to emerging viral threats.The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated vaccine development and distribution. New technological advancements in mRNA technology, protein-based vaccines, and microarray patches are enhancing efficacy, stability and accessibility of vaccines. Growing indications include HPV, pneumococcal infections, and RSV. Global health initiatives to combat malaria and tuberculosis are also driving the development of new vaccines.About Bioxytran, Inc.Bioxytran, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering a library of novel complex carbohydrate structures using artificial intelligence software that interprets the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging of druggable targets like the galectin fold to create a rational drug design. The leading drug candidates vetted by in vitro testing, are capable of neutralizing viruses. The peer-reviewed discovery of the galectin fold located on the spike proteins of viruses such as COVID-19, RSV, and H1N1 demonstrate there exists a conserved region on the spike in which Bioxytran's molecules achieve virus neutralization. The extent of the carbohydrate structure's ability to neutralize untested viruses is unknown just like the initial discovery of antibiotics last century and its ability to treat a broad spectrum of bacterial infections. Applications of this platform technology extend to the treatment of significant unmet medical needs in virology, degenerative disease, and hypoxia. The leading drug candidate, Prolectin-M, is a new class of antiviral drug designed to antagonize galectins implicated in inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases. Bioxytran's other development programs are for pulmonary fibrosis and stroke treatment. More information can be found at www.bioxytraninc.com Investor RelationsMichael Sheikh509-991-0245 mike.sheikh@bioxytraninc.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release includes forward-looking statements as defined under federal law,
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 15:11:21

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 /BTQ Technologies Corp. (the "Company") (CBOE CA:BTQ)(FSE:NG3)(OTCQX:BTQQF), a global quantum technology company focused on securing mission-critical networks, 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 4:30PM (Local Time - PST). Nicolas Roussy Newton (COO of BTQ) 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: 4:30PM Pacific Standard TimeWebcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3056/51097 If you would like to book 1x1 investor meetings with Turnium, and attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024, please make sure you are registered here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup 1x1 meetings will be scheduled and conducted in person at the conference venue: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver.The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 website is available here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/ If you can't make the live presentation, all company presentations "webcasts" will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab "Agenda": https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/agenda About Planet MicroCapPlanet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company focused on news dissemination, providing information, data and analytics for the MicroCap investing community. We have cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and to stay ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space.If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase, please register here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup About BTQBTQ was founded by a group of post-quantum cryptographers with an interest in addressing the urgent security threat posed by large-scale universal quantum computers. With the support of leading research institutes and universities, BTQ is combining software and hardware to safeguard critical networks using unique post-quantum services and solutions.Connect with BTQ: Website | LinkedInON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSOlivier Roussy NewtonCEO, ChairmanFor further information: E: desk@ btq.com Bill MitoulasInvestor RelationsT: +1.416.479.9547E: bill@ btq.com Neither Cboe Canada nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: BTQ Technology Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 19:11:26

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PerfectPRO Painters' professional and affordable services assist Edmonton's homeowners and small businesses, contributing significantly to the city's economy.EDMONTON, ALBERTA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / With more than 33,000 businesses in the Edmonton region, 94% of which are small businesses, the demand for affordable and professional services is higher than ever. According to the City of Edmonton Economic Indicators Report, local small businesses contribute approximately 30% of Edmonton's GDP and employ over 250,000 people.Edmonton Painters Edmonton PaintersWhen businesses are navigating post-COVID challenges, such as a 20.4% rise in bankruptcies and a 72.7% increase in debt settlements, Edmonton's small businesses are seeking reliable partners to help maintain their operations. PerfectPRO Painters is answering the call with its affordable, high-quality painting services.Specializing in residential and commercial painting, PerfectPRO Painters is committed to helping Edmonton's small businesses thrive despite economic pressures. With expertise in interior and exterior painting, PerfectPRO Painters ensures that businesses, particularly in industries like construction, professional services, and retail, can maintain their buildings with impeccable finishes while staying within budget. Their "Price-Matching Guarantee" promises the best value for every client, giving local businesses the competitive edge they need in tough times."Edmonton's small businesses are the backbone of our economy," said Justin Assaly, Co-Owner of PerfectPRO Painters. "We understand the challenges they face and aim to provide services that help them maintain a professional appearance without breaking the bank." As the Edmonton economy recovers, small businesses need every advantage to stay competitive. Edmonton homeowners can also benefit from their residential painting services, which can significantly increase their home's market value. PerfectPRO Painters is here to help them achieve that edge through expert painting services that make their spaces look their absolute best.This new location enables these painters to help small businesses across Edmonton protect and enhance their property investments during these challenging economic times.For further details, visit https://perfectpropainters.ca/locations/edmonton or schedule a consultation at (613) 801-2385.About PerfectPRO PaintersPerfectPRO Painters is a trusted family-owned painting company serving homeowners and businesses across Canada. With over 40 years of combined experience, they specialize in delivering high-quality, fast, and affordable painting services, backed by a "Price-Matching Guarantee" and a one-year warranty.Contact InformationJP RichardsDirector of Communicationsreleases@ drakedigital.com (613) 801-2385SOURCE: PerfectPRO Painters OtttawaView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-18 18:33:28

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Chicago, IL  September 26, 2024 The "6 for 6" Mental Health Education Breakfast Series kicks off on September 26, 2024, bringing together parents, educators, and the business community to enhance student mental well-being.Event Details: Date: September 26, 2024, Time: 8:00 AM  9:30 AM, Location: Venue 4343, 4343 W. Diversey Avenue, Chicago, ILThe opening session features Commissioner Stamps, who will discuss the importance of community engagement and communication about mental health in education. School psychologist Kaysa Pelofske will join, sharing strategies for engaging with youth on mental health."We are thrilled to launch the '6 for 6' Series, a significant step in strengthening ties between schools and communities," said Stella Kalfas, President and CEO. "Commissioner Stamps participation sets the tone for impactful discussions. "These mental health breakfast workshops aim to create a platform for dialogue on student mental well-being and educational outcomes. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Alight, which brings expertise and resources to ensure tangible outcomes."We're proud to partner with MHAGC on the '6 for 6' Series," said Xan Daniels, VP, Inclusion and Diversity at Alight Solutions. "This collaboration aligns with our mission to empower communities. "Additional Mental Health Education Supporters Include: Blackhawks, Chicago Public Schools - FACE, Chicago Teachers Union, Geode Health, Angel C. Reese Foundation and Chicago SkyRegistration:Space is limited. Register at https://www.mhagcusa.org/6-for-6-breakfast-series.html or contact MHAGC at mhagc@ mhagc.net About MHAGC:The Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago is a nonprofit dedicated to mental health education and support in our communities. For over six decades, we have worked to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and empower individuals to seek necessary support.About Alight:Alight is a leading cloud-based human capital technology and services provider, powering discussions on health, wealth, and well-being for 35 million people.Press contact: Stella Kalfas at mhagc@ mhagc.net or visit mhagcusa.org , (800) 209-8114 x700
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 14:01:11

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Headwall is celebrating eight years of providing investment banking services to the steel, metals, and mining industriesDELRAY BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Headwall Partners LLC ("Headwall"), an independent investment banking firm focused on the steel, metals, and mining industries, proudly marks its eighth anniversary. Since its founding on September 19, 2016, the firm has been a financial advisor to companies and investors in the metals and mining industries.Headwall logo Peter J. Scott, Founder and Managing Partner, reflected on Headwall's journey to date, "I founded Headwall eight years ago under the thesis that there was a need for a boutique investment banking firm specifically focused on providing experienced counsel and transaction execution to management teams and investors in the metals and mining value chain. We've been in business for eight incredible years during which Headwall has advised on over $3 billion in transaction value across M&A, capital raising, and restructuring. I am appreciative of the support of Headwall's clients, and humbled that senior metals sector executives have put their faith and trust in Headwall when executing their most important strategic and financial transactions. While we are pleased with Headwall's successes, we have also invested in the future with the 2024 additions of senior professionals Aldo Mazzaferro, Bruce Hansen, and Viktor Knurov, and we look forward to many more years of service to the industry." # # #About Headwall PartnersHeadwall Partners is a boutique investment banking firm that provides strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity placements, restructurings, and other financial services to companies in the steel, metals, and mining industries. Headwall is led by veteran investment banker Peter J. Scott and has a team of experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge and relationships. Headwall Partners is based in Delray Beach, Florida, and serves clients globally. To learn more about Headwall Partners, please visit www.headwallpartners.com Investment Banking Services and Securities offered through Independent Investment Bankers Corp., a broker-dealer, Member FINRA | SIPC.Headwall Partners is not affiliated with Independent Investment Bankers Corp.Contact InformationPeter J ScottManaging Partnerpeter.scott@headwallpartners.com +1 203-605-6338SOURCE: Headwall Partners LLCView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 03:20:25

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Business Brokers Directory Unveils Comprehensive Online Guide to Help Small Business Owners Navigate the Business Selling ProcessDALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 18, 2024 / Business Brokers Directory, a leading platform for connecting business owners with professional brokers, has announced the release of its latest guide, "How to Sell Your Business." This in-depth resource is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the often complex process of selling a business, providing expert insights and actionable strategies to achieve successful sales.Business owners who are looking to exit or sell their business can get in touch with an expert.The new guide covers every aspect of the business selling journey, including:Preparing Your Business for Sale: Steps to ensure your business is market-ready, including financial preparation, operational streamlining, and valuation.Finding the Right Buyer: Guidance on identifying potential buyers, marketing the business, and maintaining confidentiality during the sale process.Negotiating and Closing the Deal: Expert tips on negotiations, managing legal aspects, and finalizing the transaction with the best possible terms."We created this guide to demystify the process of selling a business," said Adam Cole, Chief Editor at Business Brokers Directory. "Many business owners have questions and concerns when it comes to selling, and this guide aims to provide clear, reliable information from industry experts that will empower them to sell confidently and successfully." "How to Sell Your Business" is crafted with the assistance of experienced business brokers who have facilitated countless transactions across various industries. The guide is designed to be user-friendly, offering practical advice, real-world examples, and step-by-step checklists to simplify the selling process for businesses of all sizes.Business Brokers Directory has been a trusted resource for business owners and brokers alike, with a proven track record of connecting sellers with qualified buyers. With the release of this guide, Business Brokers Directory continues its mission to support business owners in achieving optimal outcomes when exiting their ventures.The guide is now available for download on the Business Brokers Directory website. For more information and to access the guide, visit the Business Brokers Directory.A business broker is a professional intermediary who assists business owners in navigating the complexities of selling their businesses. From preparing the business for sale to identifying potential buyers, negotiating terms, and finalizing the deal, a business broker plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.According to Adam Cole, Chief Editor at Business Brokers Directory, "Selling a business is much more than a simple transaction. It involves multiple stages, from financial analysis and valuation to marketing and negotiations. Business brokers bring specialized expertise to make the entire process seamless for business owners." One of the key functions of a business broker is providing an accurate valuation of the business. This involves conducting a thorough analysis of the company's financial health, reviewing market conditions, and applying industry-specific knowledge to determine a fair asking price. Setting the right price is crucial for attracting serious buyers while ensuring the seller maximizes the value of their business."Valuation is at the heart of what we do," said Cole. "Many business owners may either overvalue their business due to emotional attachment or undervalue it due to a lack of market knowledge. Business brokers offer an objective, data-driven approach that ensures the right price is set for a successful sale." In addition to valuation, brokers manage the marketing of the business, utilizing their networks and industry connections to reach a broad pool of potential buyers. This increases the likelihood of finding the right buyer quickly and ensures that the sale is kept confidential, protecting the business's operations from potential disruption."Maintaining confidentiality is critical," Cole emphasized. "Many business owners worry about the impact a sale might have on employees, customers, or competitors. We ensure that sensitive information is only shared with pre-qualified buyers who have signed confidentiality agreements, so the business can continue to operate smoothly." Business brokers also handle the due diligence process, filtering inquiries and assessing the financial capability and seriousness of potential buyers. This ensures that only qualified buyers are engaged, saving the business owner time and effort. Throughout the sale process, brokers guide both parties to ensure that every step, from initial interest to final negotiations, is handled professionally."Brokers serve as an essential buffer between the seller and buyer," Cole explained. "We bring impartiality to negotiations, ensuring that both sides are satisfied with the terms of the deal. Our goal is to secure a win-win outcome that works for everyone involved." Finally, business brokers oversee the final stages of the sale, working with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals to ensure that the closing process goes smoothly. From legal documentation to transferring ownership, they make sure that all aspects are addressed properly, reducing stress for the seller."Our job is to take the complexity out of selling a business, allowing owners to focus on their operations while we manage the intricate details of the transaction," concluded Cole. "With the right guidance, business owners can achieve a smooth and rewarding exit, and that's what we're here to facilitate." The time it takes to sell a business can vary widely, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months, though the timeline may be shorter or longer depending on several factors. One of the key elements influencing the duration is how prepared the business is for sale. Businesses that have well-organized financial records, streamlined operations, and clear market positioning are often easier to sell, which can speed up the process. On the other hand, businesses that need more preparation or adjustments before going to market may experience delays.Market conditions also play a significant role. In a favorable market with high buyer demand, businesses may sell more quickly. Conversely, in a more challenging or competitive market, it can take longer to find the right buyer. Additionally, the industry the business operates in can affect the timeline; certain sectors may have more active buyers, while others may take longer to attract serious interest.Finding the right buyer is often
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 06:31:17

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LAKE FOREST, IL / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Independent 10th Congressional candidate Joseph Severino expressed his gratitude to the League of Women Voters of Lake County, a platform dedicated to empowering women's voices, for its willingness to host a debate, which offers candidates the opportunity to address critical issues facing both the community and the nation. Severino emphasized his eagerness to participate in an open forum to engage with voters and provide clear answers on the matters most important to the residents of Illinois' 10th Congressional District.Joe Severino Candidate for the Illinois 10th Congressional SeatWhile Severino stands ready to debate and discuss solutions, both the Democrat incumbent and Republican candidate have declined to participate in this essential public discourse. "This decision is especially surprising, given that one candidate previously criticized the other for avoiding debates. The reluctance of both candidates to appear suggests to me an unwillingness to engage with voters in a meaningful way on the pressing issues they claim to champion," said Severino.Joe Severino has aligned himself with the values of the League of Women Voters and the community by stepping forward to participate in an open, transparent dialogue. He believes that elected officials and those seeking office must be held accountable to the people, not only during campaign season but also once in office.In a move to ensure informed decision-making and address voter concerns, Severino proposes a Q&A session with the League of Women Voters, Lake County, Illinois. This initiative aims to prevent voter disenfranchisement and empower citizens to make well-rounded choices during elections, particularly if opponents are hesitant to engage in debates. Severino's approach aligns with the League's mission of promoting active and informed participation in the democratic process, thereby strengthening the democratic fabric and creating a more engaged citizenry."I am prepared to have difficult conversations and face tough questions because that's what our community deserves," said Severino. "Unlike career politicians who make promises they won't defend in Washington, I stand ready to discuss my vision for our district and country. I look forward to sharing my ideas and debating the issues that matter most to our families, businesses, and communities." Joseph Severino is committed to the 10th District and asks voters to write his name in on the ballot.Contact InformationJoe SeverinoCongressional Candidateinfo@ severinoforcongress.com 224-813-8110SOURCE: Severino For CongressView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 15:45:14

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According to the Capital Raising Report in Bogota - First Half of 2024 from Invest in Bogota, the city's investment promotion agency, Bogota led with 96.9% of the total capital raised in Colombia.Through 27 investment rounds, companies raised USD 452 million, close to the USD 486 million raised in 2023, which involved 88 rounds."Entrepreneurship is transforming our economy and disrupting all sectors. According to this new report, Bogota remains leading capital raising, reinforcing the city's position as the third largest platform for entrepreneurial investment in Latin America, behind Sao Paulo and Mexico City," said Isabella Munoz, Executive Director of Invest in Bogota.To view the complete report, click here.BOGOTA, COLOMBIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / A significant report on capital raising during the first half of 2024 was released on Monday by Invest in Bogota, the city's investment promotion agency. The document reveals that Bogota accounted for 96.9% of the capital raised in Colombia from January to June -and hosted 77% of the investment rounds."This gives us some reassurance and confidence, because if the entrepreneurship ecosystem continues to evolve in this way during the second half of the year, we expect those amounts to potentially double," highlighted Isabella Munoz.Isabella Munoz. CEO, Invest in Bogota.In just six months, Bogota raised 93% of the total investment compared to 2023, when USD 486 million was captured across various rounds. The report shows that while there are fewer rounds, companies secured larger investments per round, reflecting a more mature market.The Fintech sector led the growth, attracting estimated investments of USD 405.4 million through 16 rounds, with startups like Nu Colombia and Simetrik standing out. The Proptech and Foodtech sectors also secured significant investments, highlighting the diverse potential of Bogota's entrepreneurial ecosystem.Regarding the source of investment, the United States remained the leading investor in Bogota's startups, contributing over 38% of the total investment in the city, reflecting strong international investor confidence in Bogota's ecosystem.Bogota Capital Raising Report. 2024-I"The city offers an outstanding, efficient, and skilled workforce, and with Bogota's 11 million residents, there's a large local market for these business models. We also have a strategic location, and the best cargo airport in Latin America," added Munoz, emphasizing the city's appeal to investors.For the report's methodology, researchers mapped tech startups headquartered in Colombia and analyzed those that raised capital from January 2021 to June 2024.Panoramic view of Bogota.Contact:Phone number: (+57) 317 780 5168Email: info@ investinbogota.org SOURCE: Invest in Bogota
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 18:00:39

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GptPanda brings ChatGPT directly to Slack, eliminating the need for external toolsTALLINN, ESTONIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / GptPanda- a new AI-powered integration that transforms Slack from a communication tool into a fully-automated and productivity-boosting platform - is now available. By embedding ChatGPT directly into Slack's workspace, GptPanda makes Slack smarter, giving teams real-time support where they need it most. Whether brainstorming ideas, solving technical issues, or gathering crucial insights, GptPanda operates within Slack's familiar environment, providing instant and contextually aware assistance without using external tools.Example of use While traditional AI tools typically operate outside of the platforms where teams work, GptPanda is built natively into Slack, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT without leaving their workspace. This key difference sets GptPanda apart from its rivals, while the app also stands out for its simple integration - installation takes just two clicks. GptPanda also boasts the capacity to handle unlimited requests, making AI accessible for both routine tasks and complex inquiries.The launch of GptPanda comes at a significant time. As companies continue to adapt to hybrid and remote work environments, the demand for integrated and intelligent solutions has never been higher. GptPanda responds to this increasing demand by offering a unique "always on" assistant that works with teams in real time, providing contextually aware responses that streamline communication.Flexible pricing tiers, including a free version and an affordable premium plan, ensure that businesses of all sizes can leverage GptPanda's AI capabilities to boost productivity without breaking the bank. The free version of GptPanda comes with essential ChatGPT features to help improve communication and collaboration. However, the premium plan, costing just $1 per active user per month, unlocks advanced features such as contextual memory, as well as enhanced AI capabilities for more personalized assistance.Both plans include unlimited usage, so teams can rely on GptPanda to provide as much support as needed. This differentiates GptPanda from other Slack-based ChatGPT tools, giving teams the freedom to leverage AI at any scale, without worrying about frustrating request limits. Therefore, whether teams are using GptPanda for brainstorming knowledge retrieval or for generating creative ideas, it ensures fast and accurate assistance to streamline work processes.Mike K, Product Owner of GptPanda, explains, "Our goal was to build an AI tool that works where people already are - inside Slack. Instead of forcing teams to adapt to new systems, we've brought intelligence into the space they're already comfortable with, enhancing efficiency without adding friction." GptPanda is available for installation now, with plans that cater to both small teams and larger enterprises. To learn more, visit https://gptpanda.io About GptPandaGptPanda is a cloud-based freemium tool that helps businesses integrate an AI assistant into Slack workspaces to help teams with daily tasks. The tool leverages the latest ChatGPT artificial intelligence models to alleviate communication burdens and streamline workspace management.Contact InformationArtem SiniukovMarketing Managerartem@ gptpanda.io +37258512204SOURCE: GptPandaView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 14:01:37

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PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Kaskela Law LLC announces that it is investigating Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE:INSP) ("Inspire Medical") on behalf of the company's long-term shareholders.Recently a securities fraud complaint was fiied against Inspire Medical on behalf of certain investors who purchased shares of the company's stock between May 3, 2023 and November 7, 2023. According to the complaint, during that time period Inspire Medical and certain of the company's senior executives made a series of materially false and/or misleading statements about the company's "Acceleration Program," which was reportedly designed to facilitate customers' receiving prior authorizations from doctors for Inspire Medical's sleep apnea products ("Inspire therapy") by acting as a liaison between patients and their doctors.On November 7, 2023, Inspire Medical announced disappointing earnings results for the third quarter of 2023 - its first reported revenue miss since becoming a public company in 2018. Therein, the company disclosed that it had started to "track" problems with the Acceleration Program in thesecondquarter of 2023, including a decrease in the number of prior authorization submissions for Inspire therapy, and "recogniz[ed] this trend early in the third quarter"-i.e., as early as July 1, 2023. Inspire Medical's CEO further disclosed that prior to the company's second quarter 2023 earnings call on August 2, 2023, "we had strong confirmation" of the problems with the Acceleration Program, and "we realized we needed to take some corrective action." Following this news, shares of Inspire Medical's stock fell $31.79 per share, or nearly 20% in value, from a closing price of $161.74 per share on November 7, 2023 to a closing price of $129.65 per share on November 8, 2023.The investigation seeks to determine whether the members of Inspire Medical's board of directors violated the securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the above alleged misconduct.Inspire Medical shareholders who purchased or acquired INSP shares prior to May 3, 2023 are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC shareholders are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC (D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) at (484) 229 - 0750 for additional information about this investigation and their legal rights and options. Alternatively, investors may submit their information to the firm by clicking on the following link (or by copying and pasting the link into your browser):Kaskela Law LLC exclusively represents investors in securities fraud, corporate governance, and merger & acquisition litigation on a contingent basis. For additional information about Kaskela Law LLC please visit www.kaskelalaw.com CONTACT:KASKELA LAW LLC D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq.(skaskela@kaskelalaw.com)Adrienne Bell, Esq.(abell@kaskelalaw.com)18 Campus Blvd., Suite 100Newtown Square, PA 19073(888) 715 - 1740(484) 229 - 0750 www.kaskelalaw.com This notice may constitute attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions.SOURCE: KASKELA LAW LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 14:30:31

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As a vetted Alzheimer's Moonshot Community member, NeuroEM has collaborative access to a network of organizations contributing science and resources toward finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease.TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 /NeuroEM Therapeutics , a leading clinical-stage biotechnology research company focused on commercializing its proprietary Transcranial Electromagnetic Treatment leveraging Radio Frequencies (TEMT-RF) technologies against Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, announced today it has been accepted as a member of StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot Community. The invitation came following a rigorous evaluation of NeuroEM, the management team, and its technology innovation, research, and clinical data.The Alzheimer's Moonshot initiative was established in January 2024 with support from Gates Ventures and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation's (ADDF) Diagnostic Accelerator (DxA). Powered by StartUp Health, it seeks to accelerate innovation around Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) by carefully curating the expertise and innovation from companies that span the full spectrum of Alzheimer's care, from awareness and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and support."We are honored to join such a transformative community and align with visionaries who are redefining the future of Alzheimer's care. Being part of the Moonshot Community lets us collaborate not only with a powerful network of top innovators across scientific disciplines, but also Moonshot Champions who are dedicating the resources necessary to move the needle on Alzheimer's research," says Chuck Papageorgiou, CEO, NeuroEM Therapeutics, pointing to the involvement of ADDF and Gates Ventures.He adds: "The Alzheimer's Moonshot Community is on the leading edge of research into the early detection and treatment of this devastating disease, and NeuroEM shares their commitment to advancing this mission. Together, we will accelerate the journey toward unlocking the secrets to a treatment and, one day, prevention and cure." "For too long, Alzheimer's disease has seemed like a fate worse than death to those who receive this devastating diagnosis and for their families and caregivers, the invisible second patients' of the disease," says Lauren Schafer, Director of Admissions, StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot. "By bringing together companies like NeuroEM Therapeutics within the health innovation community, we intend to break down silos, foster meaningful collaboration between mission-aligned founders, funders, and partners, and accelerate progress toward the prevention and management of and cure for ADRD through the support of entrepreneurial innovation." NeuroEM Therapeutics is committed to developing, clinically testing, and marketing TEMT-RF products to effectively prevent and treat cognitive decline caused by aging or Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Its first product, a pioneering head cap, is designed to be comfortably worn to administer TEMT-RF during daily in-home treatment, and has shown extraordinary promise in all completed preclinical and clinical studies.The NeuroEM head cap directly attacks the disease process with electromagnetic waves that separate toxic protein oligomers - which are increasingly believed to be the root cause of Alzheimer's disease - throughout the brain, including inside neurons. Its patented TEMT-RF also re-balances the immune system in both the brain and blood and increases energy production in brain cells.About StartUp HealthSince 2011, StartUp Health has been on a mission to solve the biggest health challenges of our time by creating and sustaining a global ecosystem of health moonshot communities. StartUp Health has provided support to more than 1,000 founders and contributed to the development of more than 500 health innovation companies. Our valued partners include The Helmsley Charitable Trust, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and Gates Ventures in addition to nearly 100 families and mission-aligned organizations. Visit startuphealth.com About NeuroEM TherapeuticsNeuroEM Therapeutics is leading the way in the development and clinical testing of bioengineered technology to reverse the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Built upon a decade of groundbreaking research conducted at Tampa-based research facilities at the University of South Florida (USF), the company received the first Breakthrough Device status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Alzheimer's disease. NeuroEM's continued dedication to cutting-edge research is bringing to market a first-in-class wearable device designed for in-home use to extend healthy longevity using patented Transcranial Electromagnetic Treatment leveraging Radio Frequencies (TEMT-RF) technology. To learn more, visit neuroem.com Media Contact:Liz GoarNPC Creative Services liz@ npccs.com SOURCE: NeuroEM Therapeutics
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 20:01:37

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Update filming to begin in the next week with October airings to be announced later this month.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 /New to The Street, a leader in sponsored and syndicated programming, proudly announces the signing of a comprehensive 24-part series with ARAX Holdings. The series, set to air nationwide, will highlight ARAX's groundbreaking innovations, including Core Blockchain, CorePass, Luna Mesh, and a full suite of cutting-edge solutions designed to revolutionize secure digital transactions, carbon footprint tracking, and compliance with global standards.Filming for the series is slated to begin this week, with the first episode expected to debut in mid-October. In addition to national television coverage, the series will leverage earned media, targeted commercials, and iconic outdoor billboards to maximize visibility for ARAX Holdings' innovations, which integrate blockchain technology and BaaP (Blockchain as a platform, DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), decentralized secure connectivity and last mile reach, DeFI, DeFI/CeFI trade finance (hybrid solutions), greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, AI powered solutions, all data/privacy/financial regulation, and compliance."We are thrilled to partner with ARAX Holdings to bring their transformative technologies to the forefront," said Vince Caruso, CEO of New to The Street. "This series will shine a spotlight on their visionary solutions and the impact they are making across industries, from digital security to environmental sustainability." About ARAX's Suite of Solutions, Core Blockchain, CorePass and Luna MeshARAX is transforming the platform economy with its innovative Core Ecosystem, seamlessly integrating blockchain, AI, and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). By leveraging CorePass digital identity and Luna Mesh connectivity, ARAX ensures real-time, compliant, and transparent management of real-world assets and processes. This ecosystem not only enhances enterprise efficiency and transparency but also drives advancements in smart cities, agriculture, and asset management, creating secure, collateralized investment opportunities and reducing counterparty risk. Core Blockchain is a revolutionary Layar-1, Proof of Work, IoT focused, AML 5 compliant, decentralized Blockchain network. CorePass is a revolutionary decentralized digital identity that offers secure authentication and digitization of government-issued documents, which allows users to be in control of their data with several applications that ensure online security for the digital economy. LunaMesh is an unbreakable decentralized mesh network that integrates resilient communication, decentralized storage, and hybrid positioning for seamless, fail-proof operation across vast distances, ensuring uninterrupted communication and tracking even in emergencies.In the upcoming series, New to The Street will cover:Enterprise Blockchain Solutions (BaaP): ARAX's blockchain-based ecosystem is transformingDecentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), and smart city/smart building projects, including deployments on the innovative Luna Mesh technology.Use Cases in the Making:Tuzla Smart City Pilot Project: Focused on leveraging blockchain, IoT, AI, and DePIN technology to establish smart city solutions in Romania, starting with intelligent street lighting.Commodity and Metals DeFi Projects: Revolutionizing commodities trading by integrating blockchain and smart contracts, starting with the copper industry, ensuring transparency and secure transactions.Smart Building Use Case: Utilizing blockchain and decentralized technologies to enhance enterprise data management and infrastructure through ARAX BaaP and Luna Mesh.DVP (Digital Vehicle Passport) and DPP Projects: Offering a blockchain-based cradle-to-grave platform adhering to Euro 7 standards for vehicle emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability through the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.Integration with Third-Party Equipment: Utilizing blockchain and IoT technologies for retail, logistics, and asset management, improving operations across various sectors, including utility management, renewable energy solutions, and real-time tracking.About ARAX HoldingsARAX Holdings is an innovative leader in the field of digital security and sustainability, offering next generation solutions to meet the evolving demands of businesses and consumers. Their mission is to empower secure, reliable, and environmentally responsible digital experiences across the globe.About New to The Street:New to The Street, is one of the longest-running U.S. and international television brands, delivering powerful sponsored and syndicated programming. Since 2009, New to The Street has aired biographical interview segments across major U.S. networks, including Bloomberg and FOX Business as sponsored programming, offering a platform for high-growth companies and industry leaders to share their stories.With a reach that spans millions of homes globally every month , New to The Street has built a reputation as a trusted source for business and financial news. The show provides unmatched visibility for its featured companies, helping them connect with a broad audience. In addition to its televised reach, New to The Street boasts one of the most influential business YouTube channels, with nearly 1.5 million loyal subscribers in over 40 countries, further amplifying its ability to connect companies with potential investors and partners.Learn more atnewtothestreet.com Company Address:New To The Street 455 10th AveNew York, NY 10018United StatesContact Information:Monica Brennan Head of Operationsmonica@ newtothestreet.com View the original press release on accesswire.com SOURCE: New to The Street
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 18:00:45

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The Prize Will Award Up to $1.2M to 12 Nonprofits and Tribes Working to Advance Indigenous Food Justice, Nutrition Education, and School Food Programs for Children in the U.S.WESTPORT, CT / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 /Newman's Own Foundation, the private foundation created by legendary actor Paul Newman, today announced the 12 recipients of the foundation's inaugural Food Justice for Kids Prize. The Food Justice for Kids Prize will award up to $1.2M in grant funding over the next two years to these 12 nonprofits and tribes working to advance Indigenous food justice, nutrition education, and school food programs for children across the United States."Nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. live in households without consistent access to nutritious food, or do not know where their next meal will come from - and Native and tribal communities often experience even higher levels of food insecurity," said Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation. "Our vision is for all children to have access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods, and to be nourished physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We're honored to have the opportunity to support these incredible purpose-driven organizations that are working to improve the lives of children." Close to 500 organizations submitted applications for this year's Food Justice for Kids Prize. In order to make the grantmaking process as open and transparent as possible, members of Newman's Own Foundation Advisory Council, Foundation staff, and more than 50 external reviewers representing different communities, issue areas, and sectors participated in selecting the awardees.Although Newman's Own Foundation had originally planned to award grants to 10 organizations total (five per category), the quality and impact of these organizations led the foundation to increase the grants from 10 to 12, and the total grant pool from $1M to $1.2M over two years. Each Food Justice for Kids Prize recipient will receive $50,000 for 2024, and will have the opportunity to receive an additional $50,000 grant in 2025.The Six (6) Food Justice for Kids Prize Grant Recipients for Indigenous Food Justice Include:Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit and Haida Tribes, Alaska) is a tribal government working to preserve sovereignty, enhance economic and cultural resources, and promote self-sufficiency and self-governance for over 37,000 Tlingit and Haida Indians.Intertribal Agriculture Council (Various Tribes, Montana) is a Billings-based organization that conducts a wide range of programs designed to improve Indian Agriculture and provide a unified effort to promote change for the benefit of Indian people.Iwikua (Hawaii) serves as an educational resource to benefit the wellness of west Kaua'i and future generations through sustainable food production, physical fitness, and cultural exchange.Keres Children's Learning Center (Cochiti Tribe, New Mexico) strives to reclaim Keres children's education and honor their heritage by using a comprehensive cultural and academic curriculum to assist families in nurturing healthy students.Partnerships with Native Americans (Texas) is a national nonprofit organization that works with tribal communities to improve the quality of life for Native Americans living on reservations.Snoqualmie Indian Tribe (Snoqualmie Tribe, Washington) is a sovereign tribal nation that provides health and wellness services and education benefits to its people.The Six (6) Food Justice for Kids Prize Grant Recipients for Nutrition Education and School Food Include:Black Girls Cook (Florida and Maryland) is a Miami and Baltimore-based nonprofit helping young girls embrace the farm-to-table concept while also learning about Black Diaspora history.Center for Ecoliteracy (California) advances change in TK-12 schools with California Food for California Kids - a network of school districts committed to serving more fresh and local school meals and educating students about the food system.Detroit Food & Entrepreneurship Academy (Michigan) is a non-profit that works to inspire young Detroiters (ages 10-24) through culinary arts and food entrepreneurship.FRESHFARM (DC) works to create a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food future.The Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (Montana) is a public non-profit dedicated to changing our food system to improve and increase nutrition security for Montana's children and their families.Urban School Food Alliance (DC) addresses the unique needs of the nation's largest school districts and shares best practices, develops procurement standards, and advocates for the wellness of students.Additionally, Intertribal Agriculture Council and The Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger received the most votes in the Community Choice Awards, and each will receive a $10,000 grant from Newman's Own Foundation, as well as nearly $3,000 in additional funds generously contributed by members of the public."Being involved in this process has been a powerful reminder of the incredible work being done across our country to combat hunger. It gives me great hope for the future," said Nishant Roy, Chief Impact Officer at Chobani and a member of Newman's Own Foundation's Advisory Board. "I firmly believe that business has the potential to be a force for good. But that good becomes even stronger when we bring people together-when we invite the community to join in, to vote, to engage, and to play a part in shaping the change we want to see." The Food Justice for Kids Prize is one of the many ways that Newman's Own Foundation helps support organizations that are nourishing and transforming the lives of children who face adversity. To learn more, visit the Foundation's website.Contact InformationNewman's Own Foundation Communicationsmedia@ newmansown.org SOURCE: Newman's Own FoundationView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 22:10:12

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One of the largest settlements of Section 10b-5 claims arising from #MeToo allegationsNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / After six years of highly contested litigation, Pomerantz LLP has achieved a $70 million settlement in a securities class action brought on behalf of Wynn Resorts shareholders. On Monday, September 16th, the Firm filed a motion asking the United States District Court for the District of Nevada to grant preliminary approval to the settlement. The case is Ferris, et al. v. Wynn Resorts Ltd., et al., No. 2:18-cv-00479 (D. Nev.).[Click here for information about joining the class action]Wynn Resorts is a leading owner and operator of casino resorts in Las Vegas, Boston, and Macau. The case centers on allegedly misleading statements made between March 28, 2016 and February 12, 2018 by Wynn Resorts, the company's founder and former CEO Stephen Wynn ("Wynn"), and certain of the company's executives surrounding an alleged decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct and harassment by Wynn. The complaint alleged defendants were aware of numerous allegations of sexual misconduct made against Wynn over the course of several decades and defendants repeatedly denied those allegations and helped to cover them up. In January 2018, an article in the Wall Street Journal reported on the alleged years-long pattern of misconduct by Wynn, eventually leading Wynn to resign as CEO and prompting both the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to open investigations into the company's handling of the allegations. These events led to a drop in Wynn Resorts' share price, which caused significant damage to the company's shareholders.The proposed settlement in the case comes after six years of hard-fought litigation, which included plaintiffs overcoming defendants' motion to dismiss, obtaining class certification, and prevailing on motions related to the documents that plaintiffs were entitled to during discovery."This case should serve as a warning to corporations and their officers that talk is not, in fact, cheap," says Partner Murielle Steven Walsh, who leads the securities class action lawsuit. "Investors care about corporate integrity and accountability, and companies that are accused of making statements to cover up or deny allegations of serious misconduct by executives face a potentially steep financial reckoning." According to Pomerantz's Managing Partner Jeremy A. Lieberman, "The Wynn case adds to our firm's solid history of making new law and achieving outstanding results on behalf of investors, against considerable odds. In this particular case, we have proven that securities laws can successfully be applied to matters of great importance to investors, such as sexual harassment and ensuring a safe work environment for employees." Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Carolyn S. MoskowitzPomerantz LLP csmoskowitz@ pomlaw.com (212) 661-1100SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 19:12:03

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Accountant Partners Helps Riverside's Small Businesses Thrive in a Booming Economy With Tailored Tax-Saving SolutionsRIVERSIDE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / With 27 years of experience, Accountant Partners is uniquely positioned to help Riverside's entrepreneurs navigate the current complexities. It offers tax minimization strategies, personalized advisory services, and technology-driven solutions designed to significantly minimize tax burdens, potentially saving local businesses from $10,000 to $1 million.Riverside Small Business Accountant As Riverside County emerges as California's most rapidly expanding region, with a population exceeding 2.4 million, Accountant Partners is stepping up to support the local business community. In light of Riverside County's impressive 30.8% surge in foreign trade and an 11.5% Gross Regional Product (GRP) growth from 2020 to 2021, the demand for expert financial management has never been higher. Accountant Partners, a leading Riverside small business accountant firm, offers specialized services to help local businesses capitalize on this economic boom.The county's top five fastest-growing industries - tourism, logistics, real estate development and construction, and health care - have fueled this economic expansion, presenting both opportunities and challenges for small businesses.By partnering with Accountant Partners in its new Riverside location, small businesses can effectively manage their financial operations, reduce tax burdens, and drive sustainable growth."Riverside County's rapid development is creating significant opportunities for small businesses, but it also presents challenges that require expert guidance," said Allan Bayer, a partner at Accountant Partners. "Our firm is dedicated to helping local businesses succeed in this dynamic environment by providing the strategic insights and financial expertise needed to thrive." Riverside's small business community is integral to the region's economic growth, yet the Inland Empire faces ongoing challenges such as managing air pollution, environmental sustainability, and balancing economic development. Accountant Partners plays a crucial role in addressing these issues by empowering businesses with the tools to stay competitive and contribute to the region's progress.Accountant Partners offers a free consultation to discuss immediate needs and provide tailored financial strategies for small business owners looking to enhance their profitability and navigate Riverside County's complex economic landscape. With its proactive approach, fixed fees, and innovative solutions, Accountant Partners is the trusted choice for small business accounting in Riverside.For further details about the new Riverside small business accountant office, visit https://accountantpartners.com/small-business-accountant-riverside/ or call (951) 904-6363 for a free consultation.About Accountant Partners:Accountant Partners is a leading small business accounting firm helping business owners in Riverside, California, save up to $1 million per year in taxes through partner-level accounting, reporting, and strategic advisory. With 27 years of experience, Accountant Partners specializes in best-in-class tax minimization strategies, personalized advisory, and technology-driven efficiency.Contact InformationJP RichardsDirector of Communicationsreleases@ drakedigital.com 844-703-0880SOURCE: Accountant PartnersView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 21:00:24

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Ensuring the delivery of complex, interesting projects to clientsCHERRY HILL, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Remington & Vernick Engineers (RVE) is pleased to announce three significant promotions of key firm leaders into new positions. Stephanie Cuthbert, PE, CME, Principal is the firm's Executive Vice President of the Water/Wastewater Division; Edward Dennis, Jr., PE, PP, CME, Principal is the Executive Vice President of the Shore Division and Paul D. Cray, PE, PP, CME, Principal is the Executive Vice President of the North Jersey Division."The need for these new positions is a direct result of RVE's strategic growth and underscores our commitment to strong, proven leadership moving into 2025," said Leonard A. Faiola, PE, PP, CME, President and CEO. "These leaders will ensure that we continue to deliver the high-quality service needed to help our clients reach their goals and result in successful projects." Stephanie Cuthbert, PE, CME, Principal has transformed our water/wastewater services - one of the firm's foundational areas - into a thriving division that delivers exceptional services to clients in all the regions we serve. Under her leadership, the division has experienced steady growth and has been at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions. In her new position, Stephanie will work collaboratively across the firm to guarantee that our clients enjoy outstanding service as we enhance our water/wastewater offerings.Edward Dennis, Jr., PE, PP, CME, Principal will oversee the Shore Division, made up of the Cape Atlantic region and surrounding areas of New Jersey. Headquartered in our newest location on Fire Road in Egg Harbor Township, the Shore Division also includes our Toms River and Wildwood offices. Edward will broaden his focus in this new position to ensure that clients throughout the Shore Division receive consistent, high-quality services that meet budgetary and schedule goals.Paul D. Cray, PE, PP, CME, Principal will assume executive leadership of our entire North Jersey Division, which includes offices in Secaucus and Marlboro Township, as well as services in Lakewood Township. His record of successfully growing and retaining clients in Northern New Jersey makes him an ideal candidate for this role, as he aims to enhance client satisfaction and improve project delivery in this key area.About RVERVE is a full-service engineering firm that provides design, planning, and construction management and inspection services. Founded in 1901, RVE is one of the oldest established consulting firms in the country. The firm has grown to more than 480 employees in offices located throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and North Carolina.Contact Information:Kate AntolickMarketing Directorkate.antolick@rve.com 6099291759SOURCE: Remington & Vernick EngineersView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-19 19:11:50

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Each year, the CDC estimates that around 385,000 healthcare workers in the United States suffer from needlestick and sharps-related injuries.SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / With a surge in needlestick injuries becoming a pressing issue, BioMedical Waste Solutions, a top medical waste disposal company, with locations in San Francisco, CA, is actively informing the public about the dangers of improper medical waste disposal, including needles.San Francisco Biomedical Waste San Francisco Biomedical WasteThe CDC estimates that around 385,000 needlestick and sharps-related injuries occur per year among U.S. healthcare workers. This number is likely understated due to underreporting, especially in private residences where elderly individuals and the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes rely on needle usage daily.The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the risks of sharps injuries in transmitting severe diseases, with global annual infection rates among healthcare workers as follows:Nearly 2,005,000 cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)66,000 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV)16,000 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV)These infections can lead to fatal outcomes or long-term health complications, including disabilities.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that one-third of sharps injuries occur at the point of disposal, emphasizing the necessity of stringent medical waste disposal practices to protect healthcare workers and the general public.To tackle this critical issue, the San Francisco medical waste disposal company BioMedical Waste Solutions publicly releasedThe Definitive Guide to Medical Waste Disposal in 2024 . This guide offers essential information on the safe disposal of needles, syringes, and other sharp objects, reflecting the company's commitment to improving safety and preventing the spread of infections through proper waste management.The guide features five essential tips for preventing needlestick injuries:Make use of FDA-approved sharps disposal containers.Ensure disposal containers are not overfilled.Do not insert your hand into disposal containers.Avoid trying to recap needles.Store sharp objects and disposal containers away from children.JP Richards, Director of Communications at BioMedical Waste Solutions, said, "The increasing rate of needlestick injuries and their serious repercussions on healthcare workers and the community are of great concern. Our guide is crucial for preventing these injuries and ensuring the safety of healthcare providers and individuals handling needles at home. We are committed to providing reliable San Francisco medical waste disposal solutions. Together, we can reduce the risks associated with needlestick injuries." BioMedical Waste Solutions is a prominent San Francisco medical waste disposal company that encourages healthcare facilities, professionals, and needle users to check out its guide for effective sharps and medical waste disposal. The company's expertise and advanced technology guarantee the secure handling, transport, and disposal of medical waste, complying with the highest national, state, and local standards.For further details on safe medical waste disposal or to view the guide from BioMedical Waste Solutions, please visit their website at https://www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com/medical-waste-disposal/ or reach out directly at 346-660-4994 or JPRichards@ BioMedicalWasteSolutions.com . To learn more about this San Francisco medical waste disposal company, visit: https://www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com/locations/california/san-francisco-medical-waste-disposal/ About BioMedical Waste Solutions:BioMedical Waste Solutions is a leading medical waste disposal company dedicated to providing safe and reliable solutions for the management and disposal of medical waste. With a commitment to environmental responsibility and public health, the company serves healthcare facilities, private practices, dental offices, veterinarians and laboratories across America. BioMedical Waste Solutions offers comprehensive services to ensure the proper collection, transportation, and disposal of medical waste, including sharps, in compliance with all regulatory requirements.Contact InformationJP RichardsDirector of Communicationsreleases@ drakedigital.com (346) 660-4994SOURCE: Biomedical Waste SolutionsView the original press release on newswire.com
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Paragon 28, Inc. ("Paragon 28" or the "Company") (NYSE:FNA). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether Paragon 28 and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.[Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 30, 2024, Paragon 28 disclosed that its previously reported financial results for 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 were unreliable. The Company admitted to material weaknesses in its internal controls and disclosed significant accounting errors. Specifically, Paragon 28 understated its cost of goods sold by 19%, resulting in an overstated operating loss by 22% and net loss by 20%.On this news, Paragon 28's stock price fell $1.24 per share, or 13.73%, to close at $7.79 per share on July 31, 2024.Then, on August 8, 2024, Paragon 28 reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Among other items, the Company said that it now expects full-year revenue between $249 million and $255 million, down from a previous range of $249 million to $259 million. Paragon 28 further disclosed that, in an effort to cut costs and preserve cash, it is implementing an operational efficiency strategy that includes laying off approximately 7% of its workforce, as well as reducing inventory and adjusting executive compensation.Following these announcements, Paragon 28's stock price fell $1.67 per share, or 20.1%, to close at $6.64 per share on August 9, 2024.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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Certification Underscores Sightview Software's High Standards in Healthcare Data SecurityRALEIGH, NC / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 /Sightview Software, a leading software provider for eye care practices nationwide, today announced that its iMedicWare platform has achieved Level 2 Certification from the Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP). This certification, granted by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), represents the highest level of security compliance for cloud products and services that handle sensitive data for Texas state agencies.The TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification follows a rigorous year-long assessment process, evaluating iMedicWare's infrastructure, security features, and Sightview's overall security practices. This achievement underscores Sightview's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data protection and privacy in the healthcare technology sector."Achieving TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to data security and our customers' trust," said Sophie Turrell, CEO of Sightview. "In an era where protecting sensitive healthcare information is paramount, this certification demonstrates that iMedicWare not only meets but exceeds the stringent security standards required for handling critical patient data." The certification process involved a comprehensive evaluation of Sightview's security policies, data flow diagrams, risk management framework, and the robust infrastructure provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification also requires ongoing compliance through continuous monitoring, ensuring that iMedicWare maintains its high security standards over time.This achievement allows iMedicWare to be deployed within Texas state agencies, opening new opportunities for Sightview in the public sector while reinforcing its position as a leader in secure healthcare technology solutions.Contact InformationNicholas PeddleVP of Marketingnicholas.peddle@sightview.com SOURCE: Sightview SoftwareView the original press release on newswire.com
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WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / The world of tech startups is one of unparalleled innovation, disruption, and rapid growth. Entrepreneurs entering this space know that they are part of a dynamic ecosystem, where cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and cybersecurity are shaping the future. However, alongside the excitement of technological advancement comes the daunting task of securing capital, scaling operations, and ultimately preparing for a successful exit, whether through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a private sale.Having worked extensively in the defense and intelligence sectors, advising governments and providing technological solutions on a global scale, I have seen how critical it is for tech startups to align their business models with investor expectations, especially when dealing with disruptive technologies. Companies that focus on emerging fields such as AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity must not only develop groundbreaking solutions but also navigate the complex path of capital raising and preparing for exponential growth.The Importance of Capital Injection for Tech StartupsOne of the most important lessons for any startup founder is understanding the power of capital injection. The early stages of a startup often determine its long-term success. Fearing shareholder dilution, many entrepreneurs are hesitant to part with equity in exchange for investment. However, this is a shortsighted view. The world's most successful companies, like those founded in Silicon Valley, have followed an aggressive path of raising capital through multiple funding rounds, accelerating their growth, and increasing their market valuation.In my book, " How to Get Your Startup Funded in 6 Months or Less " I break down the fundamentals of raising capital and scaling your business through a structured financial roadmap. One of the most critical aspects of this journey is the realization that securing funds isn't just about immediate survival-it's about building a foundation for long-term exponential growth.A well-timed and well-planned capital injection allows tech startups to focus on their core competencies, expand their market reach, and continually innovate. Whether you are targeting a $100 million valuation, or an IPO valued at $1 billion, the ability to raise funds strategically is the secret formula that can propel your startup into the league of industry disruptors.Disruptive Technologies and Investor ConfidenceIn the fast-evolving world of tech startups, the technologies you are developing-whether it's quantum computing, blockchain, AI, or cybersecurity-are not only game-changers in the marketplace but also key drivers fueling investor confidence. Disruptive technologies present unique investment opportunities, and venture capitalists are increasingly looking for companies that can demonstrate how these innovations will shape the future while solving major world problems.Drawing from my own experience working with military leaders like General (Ret) Wesley K. Clark, the former Supreme Commander of NATO and General Ronald Fogleman, the former Chief of Staff for the United States Airforce, I understand the strategic importance of these emerging technologies to the future of national security. Having had the privilege of engaging the most incredible minds in cybersecurity and post quantum cryptography, and specialists in strategic wargaming initiatives at the highest levels of government, it has provided strategic insights into the key critical need for leading edge technological advancement. Governments rely heavily on technology entrepreneurs who develop cutting edge solutions that solve national security problems that protects the nation against foreign aggressors.Startups that can effectively articulate the market potential of these technologies, along with their specific application to global challenges, have a distinct advantage when approaching investors. Venture capitalists are not just looking for innovative products-they are looking for startups that can provide scalable, real-world solutions with the potential for massive returns. Primary areas of focus include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, machine learning, robotics, autonomous vehicle systems, big data, and blockchain, among others.Navigating the Path to IPOPreparing for an IPO is one of the most significant milestones a tech startup can achieve. While it signals a moment of maturity for the company, it also requires intense preparation and an understanding of the market levers and disrupters. One of the key insights from my book is the importance of creating a clear and detailed financial roadmap. Whether you plan to IPO, or exponentially grow your business valuation, it is critical to design your business with an exit strategy. The Financial Roadmap provides the information you need to pitch to investors with confidence and details key information that sets a clear direction for your organization. It outlines how much capital you can raise during each funding round, your shareholder dilution path, EBITDA multiples, projected investor returns, and it keeps your management team on-point with clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs).By way of its design, it establishes an outcome where your startup always has free cash-flow and a fresh capital injection. These important factors ensure that your team has funds for market and product development, more importantly it provides for a scenario where you experience growth through all seasons and cycles. All of this is achieved with a clear dividend policy enabling you and your stakeholders to enjoy profits along the way. To secure investor interest and confidence, it's crucial for tech startups to present a clear vision for their exit strategy. Whether through an IPO or a private sale, investors need to see a well-structured plan that outlines how their capital will be multiplied over time.Planning for success requires that we begin with the end in mind - we start with a target valuation, and reverse engineer the financials to the present day - in other words we bring aspirational clarity to your brand-new startup. We do this through models and formulas considered industry best practice in the venture capital community. These are secrets I learnt over the past 10 years from one of my mentors in finance, Dr Jeh Shyan Wong, a renowned venture capitalist in Malaysia. Dr. Wong has trained well over 6000 entrepreneurs on over 10 continents on how to IPO their companies in his Miracles of Capital IPO Training Program. I have personally attended numerous startup pitching events in Singapore, Malaysia, China, South Africa, and Poland (MOC Poland) where I served as a jud
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TSXV:TTGI)(FSE:E48), a provider of secure, cost effective, uninterrupted, and scalable global connectivity for businesses, 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 1:30PM (Local Time - PST). Doug Childress (CEO) and Ralph Garcea (Chairman) 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 Discoveries Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024Time: 1:30PM Pacific Standard Time (4:30PM Eastern Standard Time)Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3056/51228 If you would like to book 1x1 investor meetings with Turnium, and attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024, please make sure you are registered here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup 1x1 meetings will be scheduled and conducted in person at the conference venue: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver.The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 website is available here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/ If you can't make the live presentation, all company presentations "webcasts" will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab "Agenda": https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/agenda News Compliments of AccesswireAbout Planet MicroCapPlanet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company focused on news dissemination, providing information, data and analytics for the MicroCap investing community. We have cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and to stay ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space.If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase, please register here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup About Turnium Technology Group Inc.Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TTGI), headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, recently acquired Claratti, a Technology as a Service (TaaS) platform based in Perth, Australia. With a combined headcount of approximately 40 employees, this strategic acquisition strengthens both companies' positions in the market. Turnium, known for its competitive secure SD-WAN platform, and Claratti, with its A.I. driven Marketing & Sales Engine, will enhance lead generation and sales processes for their OEM partners. This alignment in sales, technical, and back-office functions creates a powerful synergy between the two companies.Turnium's solutions are sold through a global channel partner program designed for Communications Service Providers, Internet and Managed Service Providers, System Integrators, and Value-Added Resellers.For more information, contact sales@ ttgi.io , visit www.turnium.com , or follow us on Twitter @turnium.Contact:Chairman: Ralph Garcea, Email: rgarcea@ ttgi.io , Telephone: +1 416-304-9125Investor Relations: Bill Mitoulas, Email: investor.relations@ttgi.io , Telephone: +1 416-479-9547Media inquiries: please email media@ ttgi.io.Sales inquiries: please email sales@ ttgi.iowww.ttgi.io SOURCE: Turnium Technology Group Inc. via Planet MicroCap
President Bola Tiinubu on Thursday received a report from a committee he set up to reform Nigerias livestock sector.

Mr Tinubus media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, announced the submission of the report in a post on X.

Ministry of Livestock loading: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right), receiving the report of the presidential committee on implementation of livestock reforms from the co-chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega at Presidential Villa Abuja, on Thursday 19/09/2024. pic.twitter.com/sCvZ0woFpW  Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) September 19, 2024

The committee is chaired by Mr Tinubu but co-chaired by former electoral chief Attahiru Jega, who presides over its meetings in Mr Tinubus absence.

Part of the committees mandate is to establish modalities for the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the announcement by the president of the planned creation of the ministry.

Mr Tinubu, on 9 July, inaugurated the committee to implement his governments livestock policy. He announced that he would chair the committee, while Mr Jega would be his deputy and co-chairperson.

He said he believes the work of the committee and the eventual ministry will lead to increased meat and dairy production as well as reduce the violence between herders and farmers which has led to thousands of deaths in many states.

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Im here before you to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of the livestock in our beloved country.

First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, dairy product, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages.

We have seen the solution and opportunity, with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands.

The Nigerian leader said the new ministry will increase dairy production in Nigeria, which relies on imports for most of its dairy products.

The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supply essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives such as chess, yoghurt, butter and economic advantages. Efficient cold-chain, logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply, he said.

Controversy has traced the proposal to create a livestock ministry since the president first hinted at it on 9 July. The move was lauded by some Nigerians, including APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, who said it would allow the government to focus on livestock production and its associated benefits.

Critics, however, argued that it would further increase the size of government, which many, including the Tinubu administration, have argued to be bloated. The Tinubu administration had said it would implement the Orasanye report, which called for a leaner government by scrapping some government institutions and merging others.

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Dangote Refinery is falling short of its commitment to deliver 25 million litres of petrol to the nation daily for September, sources familiar with the matter have told PREMIUM TIMES.

This newspaper learnt that rather than deliver 75 million litres in three days, the refinery was only able to supply 10,297,766 (about 10.3 million litres) through its gantry loading system.

With that figure, the refinery demonstrated a supply shortfall of almost 65 million litres in three days, a situation experts say is capable of threatening the nations energy security.

An NNPC official said Nigeria risked a significant energy crisis, with fuel shortages escalating, if the government failed to act swiftly.

I am aware that due to the forecast that the Dangote Refinery would provide 25 million litres daily, the NMDPRA failed to clear NNPC Trading Limited to import petrol for October and onwards, the official said, asking not to be named because he had no permission to speak on the matter. With the supply shortage from the refinery, Nigeria is in trouble because, as we speak, there is not enough product to go round the country.

Records from NMDPRA show that the daily truckout of petrol from depots across the country averaged 51.10 million litres between 1 January 2024 and 18 September 2024.

Loading data obtained by this newspaper showed that on 15 September, the first day of loading, the Dangote Refinery supplied the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Retail Limited (NNPC Retail Ltd) with a total of 2,486,842 (2.48 million) litres of petrol in 56 trucks.

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On 16 September, NNPC Retail loaded 50 trucks containing 2,221,773 (2.2 million) litres of petrol. Another marketer, AYM Shafa, loaded 24 trucks with 1,120,465 (1.1 million) litres of the product. The total number of trucks loaded for the day was 74, while the product received aggregated to 3,342,238 (3.3 million) litres.

However, product supply improved marginally on 17 September but was still far below expectations. On the day, NNPC Retail Ltd received 4,063,526 (4 million) litres in 89 trucks, while AYM Shafa could only load one truck, which carried 44,999 litres of the product. NIPCO trucked out 360,161 litres of petrol in eight trucks. The total number of trucks loaded for the day was 98, conveying 4,468,686 (about 4.5 million) litres of the product.

The Wednesday, 18 September, loading data is not immediately available to this newspaper.

Earlier in September, the federal government said the Dangote Refinery would supply Nigerias domestic market with 25 million litres of petrol daily and 35 million litres daily from October.

On Tuesday, the Dangote Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, told Vanguard newspaper that the refinery supplied 111 million litres of the product within three days.

We have already loaded 111 million litres of petrol, and the exercise is ongoing. We are refining and have no reason not to load. So, loading is ongoing and we will continue to provide the product to the market, Mr Chiejina was quoted by Vanguard as saying.

However, official data reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES paint a different picture from Mr Chiejinas claim. The data indicated that in three days, less than 10.3 million litres were lifted from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery.

On Wednesday, when this newspaper contacted Mr Chiejina, he said what he told Vanguard was that the refinery produced and made available 111 million litres for loading in three days.

He blamed the current slow loading speed on NNPCL, which he said needed to send more trucks to lift the product. For instance, the state-owned oil company only sent 67 trucks on 15 September instead of the 300 trucks it claimed to have dispatched to the facility to load the product, Mr Chiejina said.

Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCs chief corporate communications officer, did not answer or return calls on Wednesday. He also did not reply to a text message seeking clarification on Mr Chiejinas claim.

However, Dangote Refinery documents reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES showed that contrary to Mr Chiejinas claim, the facility has so far only made available for loading a total of 24,700 metric tonnes of petrol (about 33 million litres  at 1,322.76 litres per tonne). The released volume of product is 42 million short of the 75 million the refinery committed to supplying for three days, at 25 million per day.

To supply 25 million litres of petrol to the nation daily while relying on road transportation alone, the refinery must load at least 500 trucks daily, with each vehicle carrying at least 50,000 litres of the product. Marketers believe this is impossible, but Mr Chiejina of the Dangote Group said that is achievable with the facilitys 177 loading points.

NNPC officials said they recently approached the refinery requesting vessel loading but were told that the operation facilities needed to be prepared. With that information from Dangote, the vessel MT Binta Saleh has been withdrawn, one official said. No vessel loading yet, as advised by Dangote.

When asked why the refinery is yet to commence vessel loading, Mr Chiejina said he was not aware that the NNPC had requested vessel loading. They can lift five million litres, but vessel loading is yet to start because there is a need for an agreement, he said.

The Dangote Refinery -NNPC Tango

Last Friday, the Nigerian government announced that petrol loading from the Dangote Refinery would begin on Sunday.

The government said petrol from the Dangote refinery would only be sold to NNPC Ltd, which would then be sold to various marketers in the short term.

The state-owned oil company said it deployed over 100 trucks as of Saturday afternoon. Confirming the development, Mr Soneye said that by the end of Saturday, a least 300 trucks would be stationed at the refinerys fuel-loading gantry.

On Sunday, Mr Soneye told this newspaper that the refinery bought petrol from Dangote refinery at N898 per litre. He said market forces now determine domestic pump prices.

For instance, now Brent is $70. Lets say tomorrow, Brent goes to $80. You should note that the price will also rise because those are the market forces. But today, for this initial 16.8 million litre that was given to us, it was at the rate of N898, Mr Soneye said.

In its reaction, the Dangote Refinery described the claim as misleading and mischievous, aimed at undermining the refinerys achievement in addressing Nigerias energy insufficiency. However, the refinery failed to disclose the price it sold the product to NNPC Ltd.

In a counter-statement, the NNPC insisted it bought the product for N898 per litre and would be grateful for any discount from the Dangote refinery that can be passed 100 per cent to the general public.

Let them tell you their price. I stand by my earlier comment. Will you allow customers to carry your product without a price agreement? Mr Soneye told PREMIUM TIMES earlier on Monday.

NNPC Ltd said apart from landing costs from refineries, suppliers must pay statutory and regulatory charges for each litre of petrol. Those charges include the NMDPRA fee, N8.99; inspection fee, N0.97; distribution cost (Lagos), N15.00; and profit margin, N26.48.

The state oil company said once freighting and other statutory costs are added, the product would cost more at the pumpN950.22 per litre in Lagos, N980.22 in Rivers, and N992.22 in Abuja. The selling price in Maiduguri was N1,019.

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The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has said the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is now open to creatives.

She said this during a Wednesday tour of the centre, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and Onikan House, all within the Onikan environs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre offers Yoruba people from Southwest Nigeria and other countries in the Americas and the Caribbean, including Cuba, Brazil and Haiti, a space for reflection and reconnection. It demonstrates how Yoruba culture still impacts musicians, artists, and creative thinkers today.

The centres architecture draws inspiration from traditional Yoruba craftsmanship and architecture, using visual metaphors to express the language and cultures deep artistic and philosophical roots.

The fractal-like building form, which rises from the ground and leans forward (O tesiwaju) to depict the Yoruba peoples progressive nature, responds to its environment.

The John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is open already; creatives are coming to display their wares. We have had fashion shows and art exhibitions there. I am using this opportunity to let the young ones out there know that the centre is open for all, the commissioner said.

Essence

Speaking on the tours essence, the commissioner said it would expose the states tourism and historical offerings to the world for improved patronage and spur Nigerians interest in learning more about the states history and tourism assets.

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Lagos is a huge space with so much history and heritage; the untold story of Lagos must be relayed. I am with these dignitaries here to show the world the potential of tourism in Lagos. This enables us to tell our story as it should be. It is also to show our children that there is so much embedded in Lagos; there is so much to look out for rather than going out of our shores for leisure.

Lagos is all about life, work and play. That is what we are showcasing.

So, Lagos is open to business, promoting tourism, and showcasing our heritage in culture and arts.

We promise to create an environment enabling tourism businesses to thrive. We want the young ones to key into the sector; we have a demography of very young individuals who are waiting for opportunities, she said.

Pledges

Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, expressed readiness to work with the NCMMs management to preserve the nations history and arts.

Mr Suleiman also disclosed that the bank was ready to support investors in the tourism sector.

We must remind ourselves that tourism is also a business. We have seen the incredible walls of history hidden and waiting for us to be exposed. Arts and culture provide many job creation opportunities and position Lagos and Nigeria in the right light, and that is what we are about to do.

As we get along, we look forward to being able to put funds across to those who can groom tourism and invest in hospitality, hotels, and transport. We are also ready to work with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to see that we can preserve it in a way that wont just be for our enjoyment but for the future generations, he said.

Also speaking, Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of NCMM, emphasised the need for everyone to tell Lagoss story.

He said this was necessary to grow tourism activities within the state and discourage Nigerians from travelling out of the country for leisure.

(NAN)

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The future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is increasingly uncertain as United States (US) industrial policy becomes more nationalistic and securitised, particularly in response to shifting geopolitical, trade and domestic priorities.

Established in 2000, AGOA offers duty-free access to the US market for certain products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, to encourage economic growth and foster US-Africa relations. However, current and future US policy trends could affect AGOAs trajectory, potentially damaging African economies.

Several concerns are generating anxiety among African policymakers.

The first is the ongoing shift in US industrial and trade policy. Under both the Trump and Biden administrations, economic nationalism has dominated. US trade has increasingly focused on reshoring supply chains, reducing reliance on foreign production and securing critical industries, particularly in response to competition with China. This could reduce the focus on initiatives like AGOA, especially if they dont align with US goals of boosting domestic production and securing supply chains.

Moreover, US trade policy is increasingly viewed through a security prism, meaning Africas positioning is under greater scrutiny. Should African countries be perceived as drifting into the orbit of China, Russia or other non-Western powers, that could lead to a reassessment of trade incentives under AGOA. South Africas Lady R debacle offers a clear example. AGOAs future may be linked to how African countries align with US geopolitical interests.

Another subtle shift has been the US preference for bilateral trade deals under recent administrations, which could undermine regional programmes like AGOA. The strategic trade and investment partnership with Kenya is a case in point, aimed at strengthening ties with nations where the US feels it can exercise more meaningful influence.

The second area to watch is the upcoming US election, which will undoubtedly shape the future of US-Africa trade relations. Under a Trump administration, with its America First mantra, trade policy would likely be insular and transactional. Given Mr Trumps scepticism of multilateral frameworks, AGOAs continuation could be legitimately under threat.

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Although Africa might not feature prominently on his agenda, Mr Trumps first administration did push for trade deals with select African countries, suggesting a preference for bilateral engagement. Hes also explicitly linked trade to strategic partnerships, so countries not aligned with US security goals could face reduced support under AGOA.

In contrast, under President Joe Biden and potentially Vice President Kamala Harris, democracy and human rights would likely remain central to US foreign policy. The Biden administration has already expelled countries like Niger, Gabon and Uganda from AGOA for governance issues, reflecting an increasingly security-driven and rights-based approach to African trade relations.

AGOA eligibility requires countries to meet certain governance and human rights standards, and Harris would likely bolster enforcement of these. Her agenda may also focus on climate action and sustainable development, which could influence how AGOA is framed or updated, with possible incentives for African countries to focus on green industries and sustainable trade practices. Harris may also push for AGOA initiatives that support Africas digital infrastructure, with incentives for US tech firms investing in the continent.

Zooming out, Harris might view strengthening African economies through trade as key to long-term global stability. This could see an expanded or modified AGOA, ensuring it plays a role in countering violent extremism, instability and economic fragility in regions of strategic importance to the US. However, despite these differences, both sides of the political aisle are guided by the same nationalistic impulses.

Where does this leave African countries? With AGOA set to expire in 2025, its extension is no longer a formality. The act might not be renewed in its current form, or could be revised to better align with US security and economic priorities. Whether AGOA is renewed or replaced will depend on how Africa fits into the US geopolitical and geo-economic strategy.

Several scenarios are worth considering.

First, theres the possibility of maintaining the status quo with only minor changes to the existing policy. However, Washingtons political climate suggests a business-as-usual approach is unlikely to suffice. US lawmakers have already raised concerns about the eligibility of certain African countries under the programme.

South Africas foreign policy stances on Russia and China have come under scrutiny, with some members of Congress, such as Senators Chris Coons and Jim Risch, questioning its continued inclusion in AGOA. They even lobbied to move the AGOA Forum away from South Africa and reconsider its benefits.

In this context, Washington could adopt a more adversarial stance, imposing stricter conditions related to governance, security and strategic positioning. This might result in the withdrawal of preferential access for African nations aligning too closely with China.

Second, rather than renewing AGOA in its current form, there may be a continued US shift towards bilateral trade agreements with select African nations, particularly those seen as strategic partners. This could lead to a more fragmented trade relationship with Africa.

Countries whose agendas complement US domestic manufacturing, supply chain security, and economic resilience will emerge as winners. In contrast, those with economic policies perceived as incompatible with US priorities could face adverse consequences.

Third, the US perceiving Africa as increasingly under Chinas influence could see AGOA being reassessed.

On the positive side, an updated and modernised approach might strengthen US-Africa ties. A new framework focusing on sustainability, innovation and inclusive development is arguably overdue.

Revising AGOA to target sectors representing Africas future economic potential  such as clean energy, digital services and value-added manufacturing  could be constructive. Adding an investment component would offer a more compelling counterweight to Beijings influence, tying into Washingtons broader industrial policy.

Furthermore, ensuring that smaller or less developed African nations can take better advantage of trade preferences would address criticisms of the programme.

The diplomatic and policy dilemma facing the next US administration is significant. A substantial AGOA reform, rather than dismantling, seems the most likely outcome. Reforming the programme to better align with US priorities  while also addressing Africas aspirations  would ensure that trade remains a meaningful pillar of US-Africa relations for years to come.

Ronak Gopaldas, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Consultant and Signal Risk Director

Read the full ISS report by Ronak Gopaldas, African Growth and Opportunity Act: mutually assured construction, here.

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

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The Edo State governorship election will be held on Saturday. Although 17 candidates were cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tom Iseghohi of the Action Alliance (AA) recently pulled out, although his name will still be on the ballot. This leaves 16 others to slug it out in the race to the Dennis Osadebay Government House, Benin City. The winner will be inaugurated in November.

Here are the profiles of the candidates.

Asuerinme Ighodalo (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP)

The ruling partys candidate is 64. A lawyer and businessman, Mr Ighodalo hails from Okaigben, Ewohimi, in Esan South East Local Government Area. A co-founder of Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading corporate law firm, he has built a stellar career advising top-tier Nigerian businesses in areas such as corporate finance, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions.

Educated at the University of Ibadan, where he earned degrees in economics and law, and at the London School of Economics, Mr Ighodalosexpertise in the financial sector is widely recognised.

He has held positions such as chairman of Sterling Bank and served on the board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.

His entry was marked by initial legal challenges following the PDP primary, but the Court of Appeal confirmed his nomination.

Mr Ighodalos campaign focuses on driving economic development in Edo State, leveraging his corporate and financial experience to present a vision of reform and growth.

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Monday Okpebholo (All Progressives Congress, APC)

Mr Okpebholo is the current senator for the Edo Central District. Born on 29 August 1970 in Uromi-Uwessan, his political career has been clouded by allegations of falsifying his date of birth, a matter currently in court.

Mr Okpebholos educational background includes a degree in business administration and a masters in policy and leadership studies.

His gubernatorial campaign has been buoyed by high-profile endorsements, including from Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie. Despite the legal battles, his message of reform has resonated with a significant portion of Edos electorate.

Olumide Akpata (Labour Party, LP)

Born in Berlin on 7 October 1972, Mr Akpatas rise to prominence in the legal profession emerged when he became a senior partner at Templars, a top commercial law firm.

His tenure as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 2020 further cemented his reputation as a reformer.

In 2023, Mr Akpata made the shift from law to politics, and despite initial legal hurdles, the Court of Appeal confirmed his candidacy.

His campaign is driven by his vision of reform and leadership, rooted in his extensive legal experience and a strong track record of advocacy.

Patience Key (Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA)

The 50-year-old is a dual Nigerian and United States citizen. Ms Key has a varied career in health, business, and philanthropy.

She has also held several leadership positions, including as Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce in the USA.

However, her educational qualifications presented to INEC are limited to her West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) certificate.

Kingson Akhime (Action Democratic Party, ADP)

Mr Akhime is 37. As one of the youngest candidates, he says he represents a broader field of candidates seeking to challenge the political status quo in the state.

Isaiah Osifo (All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA)

The 64-year-old is a seasoned politician and a former chairman of Uhumwonde Local Government Area.

His campaign focuses on strengthening democratic governance and agricultural development in Edo State.

Friday Azemhe (New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)

He was born on 25 December 1979.

Mr Azemhe, who hails from Etsako East Local Government Area, holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication and has a media background.

Kennedy Nyere (Accord)

The politician and human rights activist is 50 years old.

His background includes launching a business financing programme in 2023 to support youth and women entrepreneurs across Africa. There is, however, limited online information about him.

Sylvester Ugiagbe (Allied Peoples Movement, APM)

The 45-year-old candidates educational qualifications include a National Diploma. However, little is known about his professional or political history.

Tom Iseghohi (Action Alliance, AA)

The 60-year-old was the AA candidate until recently when he stepped down from the race to align with the APC candidate. He said his decision was informed by his dissatisfaction with the current leadership in Edo.

David Udoh (African Action Congress, AAC)

The 37-year-olds educational qualifications include a bachelors degree, but further details about his professional background were not readily available.

Derek Izedonmwen ( African Democratic Congress, ADC)

Mr Izedonmwen is a 47-year-old engineer. His campaign focuses on innovative solutions to Edos pressing economic challenges, with a strong emphasis on revitalising agriculture and industrialisation.

Amos Areleogbe (Action Peoples Party, APP)

The 56-year-old holds a bachelors degree. He promised to reshape Edos political future if elected on Saturday.

Edeipo Osirame (BootvParty, BP)

He is 47 and has a bachelors degree.

Aliu Anerua (Social Democratic Party, SDP)

Not much is known about the 53-year-old candidate of the SDP except that he holds a WAEC certificate.

Paul Okungbowa (Young Progressives Party, YPP)

He is 40 years old and has a bachelors degree.

Amiemenoghena Akhimame (Zenith Labour Party, ZLP)

The candidate is 43 years old. He is an accountant by profession, and his educational background includes a bachelors degree in accounting.

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Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has cried out about a Wednesday nights attempt by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest him forcefully.

A press statement, the third from his media office on Wednesday about his running battle with the EFCC, said operatives of the anti-graft agency surrounded the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, and repeatedly fired gun shots in their bid to arrest him on Wednesdays night.

The statement did not categorically say the former governor, who appears to still have a solid rapport with his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, was passing the night in the Kogi State Governors Lodge.

Apparently puzzled by EFCCs late night action, the statement said the commission refused to get get hold of him for interrogation after surrendering himself earlier on Wednesday.

Tonights attack was needless as the former Governor made himself available to the EFCC in their office for interrogation. The EFCC had no question to ask Alh. Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.

This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they were fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption. This action reflects much more than the fight against corruption, the statement read in part.

PREMIUM TIMES could not reach EFCCs spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for his comments as he did not respond to our reporters repeated calls to his telephone o Wednesday.

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EFCC had so far issued a terse two-paragraph statement, only denying that Mr Bello was not in its custody.

It neither confirmed nor denied if Mr Bello surrendered himself at its headquarters and it refused to arrest him on Wednesday.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the gaps in EFCCs statement left the issues hazy, and was bound to set off speculation about why it let the former governor go on Wednesday despite its months of frantic but unsuccessful efforts to arrest him.

This newspaper also reported that with the trial scheduled to resume in a week, the public could only second-guess EFCCs next move except it provides more elaborate explanations.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Wednesdays development came a week ahead of the return date set by the Federal High Court in Abuja for Mr Bellos arraignment.

At the last hearing in July, the trial judge, Emeka Nwite, adjourned till 25 September after dismissing a request by Mr Bellos legal team to order a stay of proceedings.

The EFCC charged Mr Bello with 19 counts of money laundering allegedly involving N80 billion of Kogi States funds before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The commission filed the charges after Mr Bello completed his second and final term as governor in January.

The commission alleged in the charges that the former governor diverted more than N80 billion from the Kogi State Governments treasury as governor of Kogi State.

A nephew of the former governor, Ali Bello, is standing trial along with others in a related case also at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, since filing the charges against Mr Bello, the commission has not been able to bring him to court for arraignment.

He has snubbed six court sessions scheduled for his arraignment, as he intensified legal efforts, including filing legal actions before the trial judge, the Kogi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, to stop the trial.

At a point, he wrote the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, to transfer the case to the Lokoja Division of the court. But the Chief Judge rejected the request and asked him to present the request before the trial judge. The trial judg, Mr Nwite, similarly refused the application.

In April, EFCC declared him wanted after a failed attempt to arrest him at his residence in Abuja.

Mr Bello said earlier on Wednesday that he was accompanied by Governor Ododo to honour EFCCs invitation at the commissions headquarters in Abuja but that he was asked to leave.

His media team shared video clips and photographs showing him with Mr Ododo on what looked like EFCCs premises on Wednesday

In the short video clip, Mr Bello looked unperturbed brimming with smiles with Mr Ododo standing next to him during an encounter with some men in suit.

Read the ex-governors press statement here.

YAHAYA BELLO MEDIA OFFICE

PRESS RELEASE

DESPITE VOLUNTARY VISIT, EFCC OFFICIALS SURROUND KOGI GOVERNMENT LODGE, ABUJA IN AN ATTEMPT TO FORCEFULLY ARREST FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO, FIRE GUNSHOTS

1. It has come to our notice that people suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello. They were shooting sporadically.

2. It was reported earlier that the former Governor went to the EFCC Office voluntarily earlier today but the Commission told him to leave and come at a later date, only to mount a gestapo-like attack on the Kogi State Government facility in Asokoro.

3. We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him.

4.Tonights attack was needless as the former Governor made himself available to the EFCC in their office for interrogation. The EFCC had no question to ask Alh. Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.

5. This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they were fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption. This action reflects much more than the fight against corruption.

5. We will keep Nigerians posted.

Ohiare Michael

Director, Media

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The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for school-based candidates.

NECO Registrar, Dantani Wushishi, a professor, announced the result at the examination bodys headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on Thursday.

Statistics

According to the examination body, a total of 1,376,423 candidates, comprising 706,950 males and 669,473 females registered for the internal examinations but 1,367,736 sat the examination.

For those that sat the examination, NECO said a total of 706,950 of the candidates are males, while 669,473 are females.

Meanwhile, in 2023, the examination body had 1.2 million candidates registered for the examination.

According to the statistics obtained from NECO, a total of 828,284 representing 60.55 per cent of the 1,367,736 candidates who sat the examination, had at least credits in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics.

Obtaining credits in five subjects relevant to the chosen courses of study including English Language and Mathematics is one of the requirements for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

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For three years running, the pass rate among NECO candidates for the school-based examination has hovered around the same figure. It was 61.60 per cent in 2023 and 60 per cent in 2022.

Meanwhile, 83.90 per cent (1,147,597) obtained credits in at least five subjects irrespective of English Language and Mathematics. Last year, the figure was 84.68 per cent of candidates who sat the examination.

Candidates with special needs

NECO said a total of 2,267 candidates with special needs sat the examinations, with 1,104 of them having hearing impairment; 348 with visual impairment; 342 with albinism; 237 with autism, and 236 with low vision.

Malpractice

The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice this year is 8,437, the examination body said. This figure has continued to reduce in the last three years.

Last year, NECO had 12,030 candidates involved in examinations malpractice. In 2022, it was 13,595.

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Another Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, has openly declared support for Umar Damagun as the acting national chairman of the party.

Mr Fintiri, a member of the PDP Governors Forum, announced his support in a post on his verified X handle on Thursday.

The governors support comes amidst moves to replace Mr Damagun with someone from the North-central where the position was originally zoned to.

It also comes a day after Governor Seyi Makinde announced his opposition for the removal of the acting chairman.

The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Tuesday, confirmed the move to replace the acting chairman.

Speaking after meeting with the members of the National working committee (NWC) members in Bauchi, Mr Mohammed said it is a constitutional aberration for Mr Damagun to remain in office.

He said the North-central zone would be given the opportunity to complete the tenure of the former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, who hails from Benue State.

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My brother from the North-east is acting as the national chairman and it is a constitutional aberration because according to our constitution, any vacancy that exists of leadership position should return where it is created, Mr Mohammed said.

Damagun has restored confidence to PDP  Fintiri

Mr Fintiri said Mr Damaguns leadership of Nigerias main opposition party has restored public confidence in it.

According to him, the governors have strong belief that Mr Damagun will manage the affairs of the party to a greater level.

Solidly in support of Amb. Umar Damagum as National Chairman of @OfficialPDPNig! His leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights. Lets respect the court ruling and uphold our democracy, he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Makinde publicly declared support for Mr Damagun as the acting chairman of the party.

He said he was not comfortable with the plan of the PDP to change leadership at a time it is planning to hold governorship election in Edo State.

And I am glad that our acting national chairman and members of his National Working Committee (NWC) are here. I read yesterday that there is another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members.

Let me say clearly, I have been discussing with my brother on our way here, that we are 100 per cent in support of the Iliya Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you, to reposition our party, Mr Makinde said.

Damagun succeeds Ayu

Mr Damagum assumed office as the acting chairman of the PDP in 2023 after Mr Ayu dropped following his suspension by his ward in Benue State and subsequent court order asking him to stop parading himself as chairman.

He was appointedd in line with the constitution of the party, which states that the deputy national chairman of the party from the zone of the national chairman takes over in acting capacity when the latter is removed or suspended.

Benue State is in the North.

Mr Damagun, who hails from Yobe State in the North-east, is believed to be an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who mobilised four other governors of the party against Mr Ayu, who threw his support for Atiku Abubakar as the party presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

The other members of the Group of five govetnors (G5) were Mr Makinde, former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). All three were in office at the time.

Mr Wike, who was at the time the governor of Rivers State, is currently serving as FCT minister in the APC administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku had defeated the former Rivers governor at the partys presidential primary in Abuja to pick the presidential ticket of the party for the election.

Calls for Damaguns sack

Sometime this year, about 60 members of the PDP in the House of Representatives called for the removal Mr Damagun as the acting chairman and be replaced with a suststantive chairman from the North-central.

In April, Mr Damagun survived alleged moves to oust him during the partys NEC meeting.

Last week, Dino Melaye, a former senator and PDP flagbearer in the 2023 governorship election, was suspended by his ward for alleged anti-party activities shortly after he criticised Mr Damagun and two national officers of the party for allegedly destroying it.

Mr Melaye was a spokesperson of the Atiku campaign organisation last year.

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British consumer goods group PZ Cussons Plc is at the warm-up stage of completely or partially quitting operations in Africa, where Nigeria and Kenya are the main manufacturing hubs.

The continent accounts for 28.7 per cent of the groups revenue, with Nigeria being its largest and most diverse single market

We have received a number of expressions of interest for our African business, recognising the potential of our brands and people, which could lead to a partial or full sale, the parent company was quoted as saying in a Thursday statement by PZ Cussons Nigeria, its local subsidiary.

PZ Cussons Nigeria stated in the regulatory filing at the Nigerian Exchange it will make relevant information about the move public once a formal notification from its parent company is in place.

The 2024 financials of the Manchester-based group, released in London on Wednesday and seen by PREMIUM TIMES, showed net profit plunged 39.7 per cent after a 57 per cent slide in the naira against the sterling during the review period.

It forced the maker of popular brands including Canoe, Premier Cool and Devon Kings to scale back dividend by as much as 44 per cent in a mark of the sweeping reverberations that naira devaluation are having beyond the local operations of multinationals doing business in Nigeria.

PZ Cussons holds a 73.3 per cent stake in its Nigerian unit.

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Our FY24 reported results fell short of our initial expectations, primarily due to the macroeconomic developments in Nigeria which, as we indicated last year, would significantly affect our results, the group disclosed in its earnings report.

The 70% currency devaluation over the course of the financial year has, therefore, caused a significant impact not only on our local business but also on the profitability and financial position of the Group.

The Nigerian division reported its first annual loss (N76 billion) in years in August, following a surge of 3,000 per cent in foreign exchange loss

PZ Cussons Nigerias share price is down by 40.8 per cent this year, and trails the NGX Consumer Goods Index, the stock index tracking the performance of the consumer goods sector, which has yielded 40.3 per cent so far.

READ ALSO:PZ Cussons Nigeria reports first annual loss in years amid naira depreciation

PZ Cussons deal to buy out the minority shareholders of its Nigerian division and take the company private earlier this year collapsed after the capital market regulator refrained from approving the bid.

The Securities and Exchange Commission said what PZ Cussons offered to acquire the minority shares was lower than the market price of the shares at the time.

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In response to a series of earth tremors in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has constituted an ad hoc committee to enhance emergency preparedness and public safety.

A statement by FEMD Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, on Wednesday, said the

Acting Director-General of FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, announced the formation of the committee after a meeting with relevant agencies in Abuja.

The meeting addressed the recent tremors in Mpape, Katampe, and Maitama since 13 September.

Mr Mohammed confirmed that the initial tremor, which occurred on Saturday in Mpape, showed no visible signs of rock movement.

He, however, said the committee will concentrate on educating residents about the necessary actions to take during and after tremors.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of Solid Minerals at the FCTA, Ulom Ifop, explained that the tremors were caused by fault lines beneath the ground that stress the rocks.

This thing which has started will continue. There is a seismic substation at Toro and at Katampe Hill. We need a substation at Area 11, Asokoro and Maitama, he said.

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Also, Taiwo Oyekan, a water consultant, noted that human activities, including rock blasting, might be exacerbating the situation.

He called for all blasting in the area to be suspended until further investigations are completed.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) confirmed the tremors, describing them as minor with intensities ranging from III to IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale. NGSAs monitoring station at Katampe, known as NGSA-5, recorded over 20 seismic events on 16 September.

The agency attributed the tremors to accumulated stress along fault lines and assured that they pose a minimal threat.

NGSA emphasised that its seismic stations are monitored in real-time to provide timely alerts in case of more significant events.

.

FEMD has advised residents in the affected areas to evacuate buildings if they experience vibrations and to avoid electric poles.

The agency encouraged people to call the 112 emergency toll-free number for assistance during tremors.

News Central reported on Tuesday that the ongoing tremors have significantly disrupted daily life and increased anxiety among residents.

READ ALSO: Nigerian geological agency allays fears over earth tremors in Abuja

It said frustration is growing due to what many perceive as insufficient communication from authorities, prompting residents to turn to social media for information.

This recent activity is reminiscent of tremors reported in Abuja in 2018 when a magnitude 3.2 tremor near Mpape was attributed to natural geological processes.

Although authorities provided reassurances then, the current tremors have intensified public concerns and highlighted the need for consistent and transparent communication from relevant agencies.

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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has sacked the caretaker chairpersons of all 44 local government areas with immediate effect.

A statement issued by the governors spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, announced the development.

The dissolution comes a week after the state House of Assembly approved a two-month extension to the tenure of the appointees, which was initially set to expire on 8 September.

The extension, the lawmakers said, was to ensure continuity in local governance.

Local government elections in the state are scheduled to take place on 20 October.

Governor Yusuf directed the caretaker chairpersons to hand over leadership to their respective Directors of Personnel Management.

READ ALSO: Kano govt opens case against man who allegedly set mosque on fire

This dissolution applies to all chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries, and councillors, Mr Yusuf stated.

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He expressed gratitude to the caretaker chairpersons for their contribution to the development of their areas and hinted at potential future collaboration.

( NAN)

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Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has announced the appointment of two seasoned professionals to the boards of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (Holdco) and Sterling Bank Ltd.

The company announced this in a disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, dated 18 September and signed by the company secretary, Temitayo Adegoke.

It revealed the addition of Ashutosh Kumar as a non-executive director and Olayinka David-West as an independent non-executive director.

Mr Kumar, with over 23 years of banking experience, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc.

According to the statement, Mr Kumar is a seasoned banker with over twenty-three (23) years of experience. He joined the State Bank of India (SBI) in 2021 and has served in different capacities and areas, including international banking, forex and derivatives, risk management, credit, trade finance, retail banking, performance planning, operations among others.

Currently serving as the Country Head and Chief Executive Officer of SBI in South Africa, Mr Kumars career spans key areas of banking operations, trade finance, and regulatory compliance.

Mr Kumar is versed in regulatory compliance and reporting, it said.

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Mr Kumar holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and certifications as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Treasury Professional.

The statement further noted, He is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance and a Certified Treasury Professional. He holds certificates in securities operation and risk management, currency derivatives and equity derivatives.

Ms David-West, on her part, joins Sterling Bank Ltd as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

A renowned academic and IT professional, Ms David-West brings nearly three decades of experience in the information systems and financial services industries.

The disclosure states, She is a Professor of Information Systems with almost three decades experience in the IT and financial services industry.

Ms David-West is currently an Associate Dean at Lagos Business School (LBS) and plays an active role in research aimed at driving financial inclusion.

According to the companys announcement, Professor David-West leads the Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Financial Services (SIDFS) initiative, a research and advocacy initiative dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Her expertise in digital finance is expected to further Sterling Banks mission to broaden access to banking services, especially through digital channels.

Her professional affiliations and qualifications are extensive, including certifications in information systems audit, financial inclusion, and digital money.

She is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), and the academic advocate to the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the disclosure read.

In addition to her academic and professional roles, Ms David-West is also involved in several key organisations related to finance and digital inclusion.

She is a member of the governing council of Fintech Association of Nigeria and a member of the African Women in Finance and Payments, the disclosure said.

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The Senate, Nigerias highest legislative chamber, will amend the constitution to ensure the implementation of the local government autonomy.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, stated this on Thursday when he received some defectors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Mr Akpabio in a statement as saying that the upper chamber will ensure total autonomy of the local governance across the country.

I thank President Bola Tinubu, for looking for a way to bring the all needed autonomy to the local governments through the intervention of the Supreme Court. The Senate, under my leadership, will tinker with the constitution to ensure that the judgment is fully implemented without any loopholes for manipulation by the practitioners, Mr Akpabio said.

The Constitution Review Committee of the 10th Senate chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, pledged to conclude the exercise in 2026.

In July, a bill seeking to establish a Local Government Independent Electoral Commission passed its first reading at the Senate.

The bill seeks to establish a National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the Local Government Chairman and Councillors, and any other matter thereof to do with local government as a third tier of government.

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Earlier, the Supreme Court affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigerias 774 local governments.

Why I joined APC

The Senate President also revealed that he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he served under as a two-term governor of the state, because he wanted the state to have influence at the federal level.

The only thing that is permanent in life is change. Before my coming into the APC, the party never won even a councillorship seat in the state and I came into the party in 2018, the then leaders of the party saw me as an enemy.

During the 2019 elections, the APC worked against the APC. We had the best chance to have won the governorship and other elections in the state, but the then leaders refused to see it from that angle.

 I joined the APC so that we would be linked to the centre and I thank God today that that dream finally came to pass in 2023. I am today the President of the Senate, through the grace of God Almighty, the support of President Bola Tinubu and my distinguished colleagues who elected me, he said.a

He encouraged the defectors to support the APC leadership.

God knew that I meant well for our people, so he elevated me to the position of the President of the Senate. When you raise people, your hands remain up and when you bring people down, your hands will also be down. So follow person wey know road.

On behalf of the party leadership, I welcome you back. I am happy that you have all returned to the party where you belonged. Now that you are back, May God bless you and grant the progressive desires of your hearts, Mr Akpabio said.

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Voters in Kwara State will elect new chairpersons and councillors for the 16 local governments in the state on Saturday, with only five of Nigerias 19 political parties fielding candidates for the elections

The Chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), Mohammed Baba-Okanla, disclosed this on Wednesday at a media chat organised by the states council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NU J) in Ilorin, the state capital.

The five political parties running in the elections are thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Accord Party (AP).

Mr Baba-Okanla said the electoral commission had made arrangements for a hitch-free exercise.

According to him, the commission crafted a comprehensive timetable for the elections to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the electoral process.

He said the polling units will open at 8 a.m. and voting will conclude at 3 p.m. The KWASIEC chairman said the results will be collated at the designated collation centres and announced after counting is concluded.

We have worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of the electoral process is well planned and organised. From the training of electoral staff to the distribution of elections materials, every measure is being put in place to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.

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Mr Baba-Okanla said his commission was collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to ensure the success of the council polls.

The issue of the voter register is one that we have taken very seriously. A credible voter register is the foundation of any free and fair election, as it ensures that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process, he said.

Mr Baba-Okanla said the commission organised a training programme for its staff and the ad hoc staff that would supervise the elections across the states 193 wards.

He said it also consulted with the security agencies to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the poll.

Mr Baba-Okanla said over 21,000 people applied for ad hoc jobs for the elections, of which about 7,000 were eventually considered.

The commission said the election will be held in 2,887 polling units.

Earlier, AbdulLateef Ahmed, the chairman of the state Council of the NUJ, expressed delight that the state has decided to establish democratically elected governments at the local government levels.

The NUJ chairman, represented by the vice chairman, Binta Mora, urged the electoral body to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 3,000 officers across the state ahead of the council election.

The state commandant of the NSCDC, Umar Mohammed, said the officers will man various polling units and synchronise efforts with sister security agencies to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.

Our primary responsibility is to create an environment where the local government election can be conducted peacefully, free from violence, intimidation, ballot snatching, and any other disruptive actions, he stated.

He said officers from the Anti-Vandal Unit and the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department will also be deployed during the election.

Mr Umar appealed to the political parties and citizens to avoid any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

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The NPF Microfinance Bank, which provides micro-credit primarily to serving and retired policemen and other Nigerians, will pay 20 per cent more in annual dividends following a moderate increase in net profit for last year compared to 2022.

Shareholders will receive the cash reward on 1 November provided they hold their shares in the company until at least 7 October and they endorse the move at its annual general meeting slated for the end of next month.

A final dividend of 12 kobo per 50 kobo ordinary share, subject to appropriate withholding tax and approval will be paid to shareholders to shareholders, NPF Microfinance Bank said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday.

That takes its potential total dividend payout for 2023 to N719.2 million, compared to the almost N600 million paid in 2022.

The microlender hit its peak profit level last year when it reached thirty years of operation as the interest it earned after settling the costs on borrowed funds surged by 51.1 per cent.

Revenue for the review period climbed 44 per cent to N10.3 billion.

The cash provisioned by the bank to offset the overdue on loans and advances that are not likely to be recovered from defaulters jumped more than tenfold to N864 million.

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Since loan impairment assessment involves judgment and assumptions, and in view of the significance of the amount as at 31 December 2023, gross loans and advances to customers amounted to N22.99 billion, representing 48% of total assets, said Deloitte, the independent auditor.

Impairment allowance for loans and advances to customers amounted to N1.44 billion, it added.

Credit quality was a big challenge during the period, with as much as N162.1 million worth of bad debts written off compared to only N895,000 a year earlier. NPF Microfinance Bank did not provide further details or any explanatory note on how it arrived at the figure.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja approved on Thursday the moves by the federal government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, to reach an out-of-court settlement in a case that stemmed from the ex-CJNs trial and conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in 2019.

It adjourned until 4 November for a report of settlement between the two parties.

The court gave the approval following submissions of both parties to the appeal indicating that they were actively engaging in talks aimed at resolving the issues amicably.

Then President Muhammadu Buhari controversially suspended Mr Onnoghen in January 2019 to keep him out of office while he faced assets declaration charges at the CCT. Mr Buhari based his action suspending Mr Onnoghen on a widely condemned ex parte order of the CCT.

Mr Onnoghen was later convicted by the tribunal in April 2019.

The tribunal ordered his removal from office, but his exit was eventually taken as a voluntary retirement based on a resignation letter he submitted to the National Judicial Council (NJC) before the tribunal delivered judgement.

Mr Onnoghen immediately challenged the judgement at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. But the appeal went cold from when the appeal was filed in 2019 until last month when it came up for hearing for the first time.

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At the hearing in August, the legal teams of both the CJN and the federal government indicated that there was an ongoing out-of-court settlement talk.

During Thursdays proceedings, Ogwu Onoja, lead counsel for Mr Onnoghen, informed the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal that both parties had met as recently as Wednesday, 18 September, in hopes of reaching an agreement on the terms of settlement.

Mr Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), requested a one-month adjournment to finalise the discussions.

In agreement, the federal governments lawyer, Tijani Gazali, also a SAN, said, My Lords, I wish to humbly confirm the information. It is our position to settle the matter out of court.

The presiding justice of the panel, Joseph Oyewole, acknowledged the efforts of both parties to reach a settlement and directed them to submit formal terms of settlement by the next hearing.

If submitted, the judge said, the prospective terms would be adopted as the courts judgement.

The court then adjourned until 4 November.

Backstory

On 11 January 2019, the federal government charged Mr Onnoghen with breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by allegedly failing to declare his assets between 2005 and 2016. He was also charged with making a false declaration by omitting to declare five domiciliary bank accounts as part of his assets in 2016.

Before Mr Onnoghens arraignment on 23 January 2019, the CCT issued a controversial order for his suspension from office. The Court of Appeal would later call to question the integrity of the CCTs ex-parte order. The court sai

Acting on the order, on 25 January 2019, then-President Buhari suspended Mr Onnoghen from office to face the trial.

While being prosecuted by the CCT, Mr Onnoghen was also undergoing disciplinary proceedings at the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Before the CCT trial ended, Mr Onnoghen tendered his letter of voluntary retirement.

On 18 April 2019, the tribunal convicted him and, as punishment, ordered his removal from office, barred him from holding public office for 10 years and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared assets.

The NJC did not make its report public, but on 6 October 2019, it issued a statement announcing that the President had accepted Mr Onnoghens voluntary retirement.

In March 2021, Mr Onnoghen spoke publicly about the circumstances leading to his exit from office. He denied some allegations and speculations which he believed motivated President Buharis administration to move against him.

For instance, he denied ever meeting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was Mr Buharis main rival in the 2019 presidential election.

He also faulted the allegation that he was setting corruption suspects free as the head of the Supreme Court.

Prior to my suspension, I was confronted with no allegation. There were rumours that I met with Atiku in Dubai.

As I am talking here today, I have never met Atiku one-on-one in my life, Mr Onnoghen said.

Appeal against conviction

In his appeal challenging his conviction, Mr Onnoghen challenged the CCTs jurisdiction to try him. He also accused the tribunals chairman, Danladi Umar, of bias.

He argued that the CCT chair Danladi Umars refusal to recuse himself from the case compromised the fairness of the proceedings.

Mr Onnoghen challenged the legality of the asset seizure, asserting that the assets were acquired legally.

He contended that the tribunal failed to provide a fair hearing and dismissed evidence that could have exonerated him.

The appeal highlights an unevenness in the tribunals handling of similar cases.

For instance, in the case of another Supreme Court judge, Sylvester Ngwuta, the tribunal had previously suspended proceedings based on a Court of Appeal decision that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) could indict a serving judicial officer.

He said despite this, Mr Umars tribunal overruled this precedent in his case.

Mr Onnoghen argued that the tribunals decision to convict him and order the forfeiture of his assets was legally flawed and a breach of justice.

He urged the court to rule that the charges against him were academic.

The former CJN also urged the appeal court to overturn his conviction and the consequential orders, including barring him from holding public office for 10 years and order of forfeiture of his assets.

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The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and other Allied Institutions (NASU) has issued a fresh three-week ultimatum, threatening to commence an indefinite strike should the government fail to pay members withheld salaries.

This would be the third time in a year the two unions would threaten to embark on indefinite strike over the unresolved salaries of their members withheld by the Nigerian government in 2022 during a prolonged strike.

In a statement dated 13 September, the unions expressed frustration at the governments failure to pay four months withheld salaries and alleged refusal to implement key agreements from the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The statement was signed by the NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and the SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim.

The statement noted that despite a six-week ultimatum issued in August, no action has been taken by the government to address these concerns, prompting the unions to issue what it termed a final warning.

The meeting was shocked that almost 6 weeks after the ultimatum given to the government has elapsed, nothing concrete has come forth in respect of payment of the withheld salaries and the implementation of the agreement reached in Year 2022, the statement reads in parts.

Unmet demands

The unions demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-university workers agreement, payment of N50 billion as part payment of earned allowances, funding for state universities, a review of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and a uniform career structure for non-teaching staff across universities.

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The National Vice President of SSANU, Abdussobur Abdulsalam, during a phone interview with PREMIUM TIMES explained that the unions had previously suspended the strike in 2022 based on the governments commitment to these demands.

However, he said the government has failed to honour the promises.

We signed an MOU with the government but till now, none of the agreement has been implemented. We were denied four months salaries when the strike was suspended in 2022, he said.

Mr Abdulsalaam said the unions recently staged protests demanding the payment of their arrears, but no progress has been made despite the directives from the the federal government

Two months ago, we staged a protest and the federal government directed that we should be paid our four months arrears, two months after we are yet to get any notification of any form of payment with a back and forth between the office of the minister of education and minister of finance, he added.

Background

The grievances of SSANU and NASU could be traced back to a 2009 agreement that has seen little implementation.

Renegotiations of the agreement began in 2014 but have dragged on for years, with delays occurring since 2017.

Mr Abdulsalaam noted that different committees, including the one led by the former Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, Wale Babalakin, was established to negotiate and address the issues with the government.

Since his removal as the chairman of the committee and the governing council chairman of University of Lagos, others including the one led by the late former Vice-Chanceelor of the University of Portharcout- Nimi Briggs, a professor, have consistently spoke about the issues.

He said, The Babalakin committee was set up in 2017 and since then we have been having a series of engagements but the government has been stalling in so many ways.

Final ultimatum

In the press statement, the unions announced a final three-week ultimatum starting from 17 September 2024, warning that if their demands are not met, they will commence an indefinite strike.

It is in view of this that the leadership of JAC decided to put all our members in all branches of Universities and Inter-University Centres on notice that the Federal Government has been given a final ultimatum of 3 weeks from Tuesday, 17th September, 2024, to pay the withheld 4 months salaries and fully implement the agreement reached on 20th August, 2022, failing which members should proceed on indefinite strike action at the end of the expiration of the final ultimatum.

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YIAGA Africa, a civil society organisation, has identified eight local government areas in Edo State that could potentially become hotspots during the ongoing governorship election process in the state.

The local governments areas are Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West, and Etsako East.

YIAGA disclosed this on Thursday at a pre-election briefingl in Benin, Edo State.

Aisha Abdullahi, the chair of the 2024 Edo Election Mission, who spoke on behalf of YIAGA, warned of a high likelihood that politicians might resort to violence to manipulate the upcoming election.

She pointed out that the campaign period has been marked by strong-arm tactics and violence.

The off-season governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, with 17 candidates on the ballot.

Last week, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the deployment of 35,000 police personnel to the state for the election.

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However, major political parties and actors in the election have been engaging in inflammatory rhetoric, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refusing to sign the peace accord initiated by the National Peace Committtee (NPC).

YIAGA highlighted the involvement of cult groups in the campaign process and the high level of proliferation of small arms across the country.

The activities of cult groups and political thugs have intensified amidst the proliferation of small and light arms. YIAGA Africa is concerned that politicians will tactically employ violence and intimidation to suppress voters in specific polling units and LGAs, the statement reads in part.

It added, Armed groups and political thugs may disrupt INECs deployment of election materials or elections at the polling units to influence the outcome of the elections.

The volatile security environment in these LGAs necessitates a strategic and neutral deployment of security forces.

To address the concerns over security, YIAGA called on security agencies to ensure that all deployed personnel strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election security.

The organisation asked security personnel to act professionally without bias, apprehend electoral offenders, and respect the rights of citizens, media, and observers.

Voter Inducement: Sharing of 1,000, N2000 to voters

YIAGA also raised concerns over voter inducement, which, according to the organisation, involves politicians sharing cash, gifts, and food items to entice voters.

The organisation says the act may undermine the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

YIAGA stated that it observed multiple instances of voter inducement during the pre-election campaign period in Edo State. Political parties and politicians continue to distribute cash, gifts, and food items to entice voters.

These monetary gifts, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000, raise serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. These practices of voter inducement undermine the integrity of the electoral process, as they can distort the free will of the electorate and compromise the democratic principle of free and fair elections.

The group noted that the practice may extend to election day, turning polling units into the epicentre of vote buying.

it said that voters should be allowed to make voting decisions based on informed judgment rather than material incentives.

YIAGA also raised concerns about a potential low turnout of voters due to the threat of violence, economic hardship, and lack of confidence in the electoral process.

Over 2.2 million voters are expected to participate in Saturdays poll, which observers believe will be a three-horse race between Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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The Director of Search and Rescue Operations for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kennedy Mataluwo, said Thursday that his agency has set up a committee in partnership with the Borno State Government and other key stakeholders to address the impacts of the flood disaster in the state.

Appearing on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily programme on Thursday, Mr Mataluwo said the committee would focus on minimising the floods impact on the residents affected in the state.

Mr Mataluwo, an air commodore, who noted that search and rescue operations have continued in the affected parts of the state, added, The main objective of the committee is to check the affected buildings and see if it is possible for the people to go back. This will be done when the water recedes to some extent, especially in places like 505, the College of Agriculture and so on.

The government is also considering building the entire structures affected for the residents or relocating them to other areas that are safer.

The latest wave of floods in the state, which began on 9 September, was reportedly caused by overflowing of Alau Dam. There are also reports of the collapse of the dam leading to the severe flooding of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri, the state capital.

NEMA had said at least 30 people already lost their lives and more than 400,000 others forced to move away from their homes as a result of the floods, which have washed away cultivated farmlands, heightening the fear of food insecurity in the country.

Floods have also ravaged at least 13 states in the northern and the southern parts of Nigeria but have been most severe in the North-east region.

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The incident has attracted a flurry of goodwill messages, palliatives, pledges and donations from governmental and non-governmental bodies and individuals to cushion its impacts on residents.

The United Nations has announced its allocation $6 million to Borno State from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund. This amounts to N9.8 billion with an exchange rate of N1,639 to 1 US dollar.

Others who have also made donations include, Aliko Dangote, business mogul Aminu Dantata, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

Search, and other supports

Mr Mataluwo said healthcare workers have been deployed to Borno State to address public health concerns in the wake of the flood disaster.

NEMA has sent out world health and local government staff to all the camps alongside the Nigerian Air Force who is providing some medical services.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), NEMA, and the armed forces are going around already using the fire service trucks to disinfect most of the areas, so these residents can be prevented from contracting any communicable disease(s).

In addition, water purifiers have also been made available by NEMA in an effort to make sure these people have clean water to drink and bathe, and also prevent them from waterborne diseases, he said.

Mr Mataluwo also said healthcare workers are monitoring the health of displaced persons and identifying those with illnesses to prevent the spread of diseases.

Efforts are also being made in identifying people with one illness or the other, to avoid the spread. Three days back, someone was diagnosed with Mpox, but after a checkup carried out, it was determined to be scabies, but we expect to have final results next week, he said.

He encouraged the government to provide more equipment to aid the effectiveness of the search and rescue operations.

More equipment is needed to aid the effectiveness of the search and rescue efforts, he said.

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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the commissioner of police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benneth Igweh.

Mr Egbetokun also ordered the redeployment of the police commissioners in Rivers and Delta States.

This was contained in a statement by the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Adejobi said the posting of these strategic managers reflects the mission of the Inspector-General of Police to strategically reposition the Police Force and ensure maximum utilisation of human resources available to the Force.

He added that the IGP urged the new CPs of State Commands to ensure diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and adopt innovations that could mitigate security challenges in their respective areas of responsibility.

Mr Egbetokun further encouraged them to key into the police reform plans, which will help the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.

Read full police statement below:

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PRESS RELEASE

FORCE REORGANISATION: IGP ORDERS REDEPLOYMENT OF CPs RIVERS, DELTA, FCT,

Charges officers to curb insecurity, misconduct.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., in an effort to strategically emplace a Police Force well efficient for effective policing, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Commissioners of Police of Rivers State Command, Delta State Command and the Federal Capital territory.

The order covers the redeployment of the CP Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Disu as the new CP FCT; CP Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi as the new CP Rivers State Command and CP FCT, CP Peter Opara as the new CP Delta State.

In addition, following the approval of the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police has also deployed four (4) CPs as Commissioners of Police for Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Akwa-Ibom State Commands. The deployment includes the posting of CP Danladi Nda to Abia State Command; CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale to Lagos State Command; CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc to Ebonyi State Command and CP Festus Eribo to Akwa-Ibom State Command.

READ ALSO: Police confirm Egbetokuns stay in office as IGP for three more years

The posting of these strategic managers reflects the mission of the Inspector-General of Police to strategically reposition the Police Force and ensure maximum utilisation of human resources available to the Force. The IGP has, however, urged the new CPs of State Commands to ensure diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and adopt innovations that could mitigate security challenges in their respective areas of responsibility. He further encouraged them to key into the police reform plans, which will help the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

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Will it be the triumph or perhaps the redemption of the product vendor? Will President Bola Ahmed Tinubu get his vindication four years after Obasekis campaign mocked him with, Edo no bi Lagos? Or will this be Obasekis chance to affirm himself as the new political force in Edo and shut down the production factory of the decorated lousy product vendor once and for all?

By his admission, Senator Adams Oshiomhole is a lousy product vendor. In the real commercial world, his premises would have been closed and his products banned.

But in politics, crime multiplies grace. Oshiomhole dragged Godwin Obaseki into the governorship race in 2016 when the odds were against him. Obasekis daytime job was minding his business at Afrinvest, a financial services company he founded. But he soon landed a side hustle as chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team in Osadebey House, Benin.

When Oshiomhole wanted to hand over the baton in 2016, after two terms as governor, Obaseki, the Lagos Boy, didnt look like it. He was not sellable. Pius Odubu, the deputy governor, was in good stead and seemed favoured to get it by most accounts.

Tinubu-Fashola Model

But Oshiomhole wanted to replicate the Tinubu-Fashola template in Lagos. He wanted to be the Tinubu of Edo and to make Obaseki, the technocrat and worldly-wise businessman, the Fashola. That was how Odubu, the local politician and village man, lost out.

A Lagos-based multibillionaire with a sprawling business empire also backed the plan, which finally earned Obaseki the ticket as a candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oshiomhole portrayed Obaseki as a genius, the special one that the Edo people had been waiting for while demonising his challenger in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

As I said in an article at the time, there was no name that Oshiomhole didnt call Ize-Iyamu, except the name his parents gave him: Osagie. This man, he said, was a lousy product, undeserving of the vote of the Edo people.

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Short Honeymoon

Genius Obaseki won, but the honeymoon didnt last. It didnt take one year before he fell out with his promoter, Oshiomhole. The disagreement was not about performance or party programmes. It was about whether or not Tony Anenih, Oshiomholes mortal enemy, should have been given a state burial and also about control of the states resources.

The off-season governorship poll in Edo made matters worse. Obaseki inherited a parliament installed in 2015 when Oshiomhole was governor, and the lawmakers reelection in 2019 came one year ahead of Obasekis. He managed to work with the lawmakers for the first three years of his tenure because they were all predominantly members of the same party.

The vendor has been begging again for the sins he committed against the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, hoping that forgiveness might also pave the way for the APCs candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in this weekends governorship election It wont be long before we know what the voters think.

When he switched to the PDP after he was denied the APC governorship ticket in 2020, a predominantly APC parliament fiercely loyal to Oshiomhole was in place. The House was a lions den, and Obaseki knew he would have to plot his survival if he won reelection. Oshiomhole went around Edo State begging voters to forgive him for selling them a bad product  the same product he used his mouth to advertise as a genius deal in 2016.

This time, he offered them Osagie Ize-Iyamu, whom he had demonised and written off four years earlier, as the rebranded new deal. Of course, voters rejected the offer. Obaseki, who had defected to the opposition PDP with his deputy, Philip Shaibu, won the election.

To survive, Obaseki governed with a hobbled parliament. Over half of the state lawmakers were camped in Oshiomholes house in Abuja because the governor refused to swear them in.

Vendor Begs Again

The vendor has been begging again for the sins he committed against the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, hoping that forgiveness might also pave the way for the APCs candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in this weekends governorship election.

It wont be long before we know what the voters think. The stage is set for a three-way race among Okpebholo (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

According to the election watchdog, Yiaga Africa, there are 17 parties with about 2.6 million registered voters. For nearly two-and-a-half decades, the political contest in Edo has been between two parties  until last years presidential election altered the landscape, producing a result that gave Labour 56.97 per cent of the votes cast in the presidential election, a senator, and a member of the House of Representatives.

The Battlegrounds

The battle this weekend will be fierce in two senatorial districts  Edo Central, where the two leading candidates, Okpebholo and Ighodalo, are from, and the South, which produced a senator and a federal House member from the Labour Party and is also the stronghold of Obaseki and his ally and former SSG, Osaradion Ogie.

Oshiomhole is not on the ballot. His reputation as one of Edos most famous product vendors of the past eight years is. With six local governments and 673,794 (25.51 per cent) registered voters, Edo North, Oshiomholes home base, is the second-largest vote bank in the state. It is also the base of Philip Shaibu, the stranded deputy governor.

It was in the Central, formerly a PDP bastion, that Okpebholo defeated Clifford Ordia, a two-term senator. This weekends contest gives Okpebholo a chance to prove that his victory was not a fluke in an election in which the two leading candidates  both from this constituency with the least local governments (five) and lowest number of registered voters, 440,514 (16.68 per cent)  have everything to play for.

The South is the main battleground, the states vote bank, with 1,526,699 (57.81 per cent) registered voters and seven local governments. It is also crucial to the outcome for other reasons. Apart from being the governors base and the home of the Labour candidate, it is also the most cosmopolitan, partly explaining the Labour Partys emergence as a force.

The South is where the governors record in the last eight years and the credentials of those who want to succeed him might face the strictest scrutiny. Yet, like most elite populations, it is also the most unreliable in outcomes. If it rains too much, the weather is too hot, or the fear of violence becomes a clear and present danger, the elite has an excellent excuse to shun the poll and sit at home.

With the APC and PDP threatening to make the election a do-or-die affair and allegations by the PDP that the APC plans to use force and intimidation to rig the poll, low voter turnout, especially in urban areas in Edo South, is a clear and present threat. This danger may erode any benefits for Ighodalo from the combined forces of Obaseki and Ogie from Oredo and Ikpoba Local Governments and tip the scales in favour of the APC and Labour Party candidates.

Not On the Ballot?

Oshiomhole is not on the ballot. His reputation as one of Edos most famous product vendors of the past eight years is. With six local governments and 673,794 (25.51 per cent) registered voters, Edo North, Oshiomholes home base, is the second-largest vote bank in the state. It is also the base of Philip Shaibu, the stranded deputy governor.

I guess that Obasekis style  not to mention his take-no-prisoner politics, a bad habit he may have inherited from his estranged promoter, Oshiomhole  may have further alienated him and reduced the chances of his candidate, Ighodalo, making significant inroads in the North. Prominent people in PDP who sheltered Obaseki from vagrancy in 2020, and against whom he turned his back, are waiting to take revenge.

Will it be the triumph or perhaps the redemption of the product vendor? Will President Bola Ahmed Tinubu get his vindication four years after Obasekis campaign mocked him with, Edo no bi Lagos? Or will this be Obasekis chance to affirm himself as the new political force in Edo and shut down the production factory of the decorated lousy product vendor once and for all?

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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Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed his administrations commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening partnerships aimed at driving agricultural development in the state.

The governor made this declaration when he received the leadership of the Flour Millers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), who paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday at the Government House in Dutse.

During the meeting, Mr Namadi emphasised the vital role agriculture plays in Jigawas economy, noting that 85% of the states population is directly involved in farming.

As a government, we have no option but to promote agriculture, he said, further stressing his administrations comprehensive agricultural policy, which aligns with the administrations 12-point agenda for growth and development.

We believe agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we have a comparative advantage in this sector. With strong partnerships like the one we have with FMAN, we will continue to empower our farmers and elevate Jigawas agricultural sector to new heights.

The governor highlighted several key initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in the state, including a partnership with FMAN to support wheat farming.

He announced that Jigawa State is on track to bring over 120,000 hectares of land into cultivation this year, which is a significant increase compared to previous years.

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Through partnerships and mechanization, we are expanding our reach and ensuring that farming becomes not only a viable livelihood but a profitable business for our people.

Governor Namadi lauded FMANs efforts and reaffirmed his administrations commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in the state.

He stressed, Our goal is to ensure that farming becomes a sustainable and profitable venture for every farmer in Jigawa. We are fully committed to working with FMAN and other stakeholders to achieve this vision.

The governor also highlighted recent discussions with the African Development Bank and other international partners aimed at securing additional funding and resources to expand agricultural projects in the state.

We are on a path to creating a robust, self-reliant agricultural sector that will provide jobs, increase food security, and boost the economy of Jigawa State.

In his remarks earlier, the President of FMAN, Shehu Olalekan, expressed appreciation to the governor for his continuous support and the long-standing partnership with Jigawa State. He noted that Jigawa accounts for 65% of FMANs beneficiaries in their outgrower programme, which has empowered over 10,000 farmers across Nigeria.

Your Excellency, under your leadership, Jigawa has become a beacon of agricultural excellence in Nigeria. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to expanding our collaboration for the benefit of our farmers and communities, Mr Olalekan said.

He added that FMAN has also been instrumental in seed production and multiplication efforts, providing quality seeds that cover over 10,000 hectares of farmland. The associations initiatives, such as demonstration farms and grassroots collection points, have helped train and uplift thousands of farmers in Jigawa.

The FMAN president assured Mr Namadi that the partnership will continue to grow, with plans for new interventions and investments in agricultural technology and mechanization.

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In less than 48 hours, voters in Edo State, south-south Nigeria, will go to the polls to elect a new governor. It is a high-stakes election whose outcome is expected to go beyond the candidates on the ballot. The exercise is also expected to significantly impact the political dynamics in the state and the permutations for the 2027 presidential election.

INEC, the electoral body, has listed 17 candidates for the election, although it is shaping up to be a three-horse race between Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the election appears to be about other players, particularly the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole. Both have turned this election into a rematch of the 2020 governorship race, where Mr Obaseki dealt his erstwhile godfather a significant blow.

On the other hand, the national leadership of the PDP seems to have identified the poll as a rallying point to prove the partys strength, despite internal strife, while the Obidient Movement seeks to ensure that Edo State, which Peter Obi won in the last presidential election, is controlled by the Labour Party. These dynamics have helped the race to overshadow other political events in recent months.

Breakdown of the race along rotation agitation

Drama-wise, the race has delivered moments that could rival the popular Big Brother Nigeria show. It has produced colourful rallies and political concerts. Still, amidst the festivities, there is rising tension across the state over possible electoral violence and the integrity of the exercise. Major players in the campaign have refused to tone down their rhetoric, fuelling apprehension.

Edo State has 18 local government areas: seven in Edo South Senatorial District, six in Edo North, and five in Edo Central. In the current race, two of the major candidates, Messrs Ighodalo and Okpebholo, are from the Central, while Mr Akpata hails from the South.

In terms of voter strength, Edo South is the largest district, with 964,500 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected, representing 55.85 per cent of the total collected as of June. Edo North follows with 477,360 PVCs (26.55 per cent), while Edo Central has 284,878 PVCs, representing 16.49 per cent.

This disparity in voter strength previously influenced the choice of candidates, with those from the South often appearing on the ballot of major parties, except in 2007, when Mr Oshiomhole (Edo North) and Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo North) competed. In the last two election cycles, the governorship race was a two-horse contest featuring candidates from Edo South.

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In this election, there is a strong sentiment for rotation, with many clamouring for power to shift to the central, a district yet to produce a governor, except for the brief tenure of Mr Osunbor, who was removed by the Court of Appeal in 2008. Both the APC and PDP nominated candidates from Edo Central. During the primaries, Mr Oshiomhole backed Dennis Idahosa, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo South, but he was outmanoeuvred by other blocs within the party.

To capture Edo South votes, both the PDP and APC have selected running mates from the district. Mr Ighodalo chose Osarodion Ogie, a politician from Ikpoba-Okha, a local government area with 214,822 PVCs collected. Mr Okpebholo picked Mr Idahosa, who hails from Ovia North-east, which has 113,167 PVCs. It is believed that President Bola Tinubu brokered the deal that produced Mr Idahosa as a reconciliation in the aftermath of the primary.

Mr Obaseki is expected to exert some influence in Edo South, while Mr Oshiomhole will aim to sustain his hold in Edo North, where his party, the APC, has remained strong over the past four election cycles. Additionally, Philip Shaibu, impeached as deputy governor (though reinstated by the court) after holding a parallel primary and declaring himself the PDP candidate, is believed to have helped prevent a landslide loss in Edo North during the 2020 governorship race.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party ignored zoning arrangements by fielding Mr Akpata from Edo South, raising concerns that his emergence could disrupt the zoning convention. However, Mr Akpata has largely disregarded these concerns.

Aisha Yesufu, a prominent Labour Party member, has dismissed the argument for zoning, advocating instead for good governance.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), she stated: I am an Edo woman, and a woman has never been governor. Shouldnt this have been the turn of a woman? I am also a Muslim, and a Muslim has never been governor. Some even tell me that as a Muslim, I can never be governor. For equity and fairness, it is the turn of good governance, and Olumide Akpata gives us the best chance of achieving that. A school went viral for being run down. None of those who shout it is their turn fixed it. Akpata did. Edo people deserve good governance.

Instead of rotation, Mr Akpata and the LP have brought religious considerations into play by selecting Kadiri Asamah, a Muslim from Edo North, as the deputy candidate. This arrangement suggests that the party is focusing on Edo South and Edo North, where there is a significant Muslim population, for votes.

However, Messrs Oshiomhole and Obaseki, who are not on the ballot, have been at the centre of this campaign and are leading the charge. These two figures, who were political allies before becoming adversaries, have made many inflammatory statements.

Battle of the Godfathers

God forbid I become a godfather; I should be dealt with accordingly because its dangerous to democracy, Mr Obaseki was quoted as saying in September 2020, after delivering a defeat to Mr Oshiomhole in a successful Edo no be Lagos campaign  a slogan aimed at Bola Tinubu, the de facto political leader of Lagos and Mr Oshiomholes ally.

Much has changed in the past four years. Mr Tinubu is now president, and Mr Oshiomhole has risen from political defeat to winning a Senate seat in 2023. This race seems to be about defining who controls the political structure in the state, much like the 2020 governorship election.

Mr Obaseki is becoming a godfather in his own right following the outcome of the primaries. Several aspirants who lost during the primaries accused the governor of influencing the nomination of his preferred candidate. In the process, Mr Obaseki blocked his deputy, Mr Shaibu, from securing the PDP ticket. The governor is also believed to have orchestrated his removal through impeachment.

The 2020 Edo no be Lagos campaign worked effectively as a battle cry against godfatherism, but many believe it earned Mr Obaseki an enemy who now wields greater power: the president. Days before the 2020 election, Mr Tinubu made a video urging Edo people to reject Mr Obaseki. However, the elections outcome humiliated both Mr Oshiomhole and Mr Tinubu.

This power dynamic has raised concerns about the possible use of federal might in this election, with many fearing that state machinery could be misused, as was alleged in the recent Kogi State governorship election. Federal influence is already generating concerns within the opposition and INEC.

Two of Mr Tinubus appointees, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, have been drawn into the election saga by opposition parties.

Mr Obaseki refused to sign the symbolic peace accord organised by the National Peace Committee. The governor explained that his party, the PDP, decided not to participate due to the recent actions of Mr Egbetokun, who allegedly obtained arrest warrants against 60 members of the PDP.

Similarly, an allegation of interference attributed to the chairperson of the PDP, Anthony Aziegbemi, was made against Mr Ribadu, to which the latter responded with the threat of a lawsuit. Mr Aziegbemi has since disowned the allegation.

All these factors have further heightened the tension surrounding Saturdays election. At the PDPs grand finale rally, Mr Obaseki fuelled the situation with inflammatory remarks, describing the election as a do or die affair.

This election is do or die; if they do, we will die. Next week Saturday, by this time, vote for the PDP to become the next governor, Mr Obaseki declared during the rally.

Some of the rhetoric is raising concerns within INEC. An official from INEC, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on condition of anonymity, said the commission is worried about the possibility of a repeat of the Kogi election, which was marred by allegations of fraud and violence.

As it stands, the IGP has ordered the deployment of 35,000 police officers to the state. However, with a low level of trust, the large deployment of personnel could prove counterproductive.

Abdul Mahmud, a constitutional lawyer, told PREMIUM TIMES during an interview that the deployment of 35,000 personnel raises concerns. He noted that the apprehension over potential violence is genuine.

We have seen pockets of violence involving the major political parties in the state, the APC and PDP. If you examine the nature and character of the APC government, particularly Tinubus administration, it has not shown genuine intent for electoral reforms.

That is why people are suspicious of the number of police officers the IGP is deploying to Edo State. Edo State is a very small state, and you can police an election in such a small state with a far smaller number of officers, he said.

The Oba of Benin Factor

In recent years, there has been a cold war between the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and Governor Obaseki.

In August 2023, the Edo State Executive Council announced the implementation of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended).

The law allows traditional rulers in the states 18 local government areas to receive monthly allowances to help administer their domains.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, who stated that the State Executive Council had approved the creation of a traditional council in each of the local councils.

This move was interpreted by many in the state as a deliberate attempt by the government to weaken the Obas domain by creating other traditional institutions within Edo South. The monarch had, in April, vowed to resist any attempt to create such councils.

We wont tolerate it. We are confident that the government of the day will not tolerate it. We cannot create something that will bring us down. The title of Enogie is not a political appointment; it is a cultural assignment, he said.

Despite the monarchs warning, the government proceeded with the plan. Some believe the governments actions are linked to the ongoing dispute over the returned Benin artefacts.

The Benin monarch and Mr Obaseki have had a protracted disagreement over the ownership of the looted artefacts being returned by European countries.

The governments of Germany and the UK have expressed readiness to return some of the artefacts to Nigeria.

Mr Obaseki, a native of Benin, had announced plans to build a transformational museum in Benin City to house the artefacts upon their return as part of a new cultural district in the city.

However, the Oba insisted that the artefacts should be returned to their original owners, stating that no third party should negotiate or receive the items on behalf of the Benin Kingdom.

It is unclear how this strained relationship will affect the PDP candidate.

In another drama, the LP candidate, Mr Akpata, recently received a rebuke from the revered monarch after claiming to be a palace boy.

During a visit to the palace in June, accompanied by Mr Obi, Mr Akpata was told by the monarch to stop using the phrase palace boy.

I hope you dont mind that clarification. You are an industrious, indigenous son of the soil, but you are not a child of the palace, the king told the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Mr Akpata responded: I am grateful for the correction. It was a mistake on my part. I am a true son of the Benin Kingdom. I hope His Royal Majesty will forgive me.

It remains unclear what level of political influence the king will exert in this election or whether he will take sides. Nevertheless, he remains highly respected and many Benin people defer to him. Many voters in the area also tend to prefer any candidate believed to be endeared to the palace during elections.

Politics of matrimony and other extras

This particular election has provided some comic relief and viral social media content. Recently, Mr Ighodalo referred to Mr Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), as an ordinary tailor with little pedigree.

Mr Ighodalos remark was in response to Mr Oshiomholes claim that the PDP candidate was unfit to be governor of the state. During an interview with the BBC, Mr Ighodalo, a former Board Chairman of Sterling Bank, stated that he should not be compared to a tailor.

Meanwhile, the APC candidate became a social media meme after promising Edo people insecurity. His refusal to appear for interviews with local media outlets also drew criticism.

However, the lowest point in the political drama involved Mr Oshiomhole and the wife of the incumbent governor, Betsy Obaseki.

Mrs Obaseki initiated the exchange by urging women to vote for Mr Ighodalo, whom she described as the only married person in the race. She made the remark while introducing the wife of the candidate, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo.

Lets campaign and vote for the best candidate in this forthcoming election. I want to introduce his wife. Incidentally, out of all the candidates contesting this election, only one has a wife, she said.

With the APC candidate refusing to engage with the media, Mr Oshiomhole has led the attacks on his behalf. Unsurprisingly, he seized upon the marital comment, responding by stating that the governor and his wife have no children and have refused to adopt.

I was shocked yesterday to hear Mrs Obaseki, the first lady, saying that our candidate has no wife. Im sorry she had to say that because here is a woman who has no child. Between her and Obaseki, they are childless. They are not even ready to adopt, Mr Oshiomhole said.

The comments generated a backlash against Mr Oshiomhole, but the former governor did not seem to care.

Everything seems to be in the hands of the voters, who have the ultimate power as to where the poll is going to swing, and eventually to the court, an institution that has become the final point of call in Nigerias electoral process.

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State says his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will only accept the outcome of Saturdays election if properly conducted.

Mr Obaseki stated this on Thursday during an interaction with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chris Musa, and other security officials in Benin City, ahead of the governorship election.

The governor posted details of his interaction with the CDS on his X account after the meeting.

Seventeen candidates are contesting the governorship election.

Security has been a major concern in the build up to the poll and it is heightened by some politicians in the state making unsavoury comments.

Mr Obaseki, who is concluding his second term of four years in November, had made some inflammatory remarks regarding the election.

During one of the rallies organised by his party, he described the election as a do-or-die affair.

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The governor, who also refused to sign the symbolic peace accord, is backing Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the PDP in the election.

Speaking on his concerns about the off-cycle election, Mr Obaseki reminded the military chief of the national security implications of the poll.

Fears alleviated

He said Mr Musa, a general, has addressed some of the concerns he and his party previously expressed over the alleged intimidation and harassment of PDP members in the state.

His presence and assurances of peace, security, non-partisanship, and the professional conduct of security personnel in the state have significantly alleviated the fears we previously expressed regarding the intimidation and arrest of members of the PDP by the police.

We are not asking for any favour but are stating that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to elect the candidates of their choice. We will accept the outcome of a properly conducted election, he said.

During the visit, Mr Musa told the governor that he was in the state to assess the operational readiness of the troops and other security agencies.

He assured the governor of the readiness of the armed forces and security agencies for the election.

The CDS said there would be an enabling environment for the Edo people to come out and vote for their preferred candidates.

Over 2.2 million voters are expected to participate in Saturdays poll, which observers believe will be a three-horse race between Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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WINTER PARK, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 1858 Capital Partners, a middle-market M&A advisory firm, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc. (SEARCH), by Contract Land Staff (CLS), a Portfolio Company of Sentinel Capital Partners.

1858 Capital Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to SEARCH on the transaction. 1858 Capital Partners was led by Managing Director David Simon, along with Vice Presidents Adam McKinnon and Tom Harrington.

Founded in 1993, SEARCH is the premier, global leader in professional archaeology, maritime archaeology, and the full spectrum of cultural resource management. Through decades of leadership, SEARCH has amassed the largest concentration of talent in the industry with hundreds of highly credentialed professionals that have executed critical projects on every continent and in every ocean. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, the Company harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people they serve.

Dr. Anne V. Stokes, CEO and Founder of SEARCH, stated, "The 1858 team was exceptional to work with. From day one, Dave, Adam, Tom and Chris worked tirelessly alongside us, providing the guidance, support and creativity required to successfully achieve Closing. As a result, 1858 found us the perfect partner in CLS. We are thrilled to be part of the CLS family of companies and continuing to grow SEARCH as the global leader in cultural resource services."

David Simon, Managing Director at 1858 Capital Partners, said, "The opportunity to work with Anne and her team at SEARCH has been a genuine privilege. We are proud to have been a part of bringing SEARCH and CLS together to accomplish the goals set by our client and allowing the SEARCH legacy of great work to continue within a dynamic and growing family of companies."

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About 1858 Capital Partners

Based in Winter Park, Florida, 1858 Capital Partners, LLC ("1858") specializes in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Principal Investments. With a focus on the middle market, 1858 utilizes its vast network, internal resources, and the latest technology, to attain successful transactions. The team at 1858 consists of seasoned M&A professionals with broad experience as operators, principal investors, sell side advisors, lenders, and legal counsel. Unlike traditional investment banks, 1858 was formed with a community banking model in mind. 1858's capitalization, partners and Board consist of Florida business leaders.

For more information about 1858 Capital Partners, visit www.1858partners.com.

About SEARCH Inc.

SEARCH is the largest cultural resource management (CRM) firm in the United States and has the largest maritime archaeology program in the world, specializing in the full spectrum of cultural heritage services. SEARCH operates across 45 markets, regional, and service sectors. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed more than 5,000 commercial and government projects in 48 US states, 6 US territories, and 39 countries spanning 7 continents and 4 oceans.

For more information about SEARCH, visit www.searchinc.com.

About CLS

Contract Land Staff, LLC, founded in 1985, is one of the largest independent providers of land and infrastructure consulting services and related activities in North America. CLS's services include a combination of land and infrastructure management solutions, such as right-of-way acquisition, civil and environmental surveys, cultural resource management, civil engineering and design, appraisal, environmental planning, and real estate administration services. CLS serves clients in utility, renewable energy, electric transmission and distribution, rail, public infrastructure, solar and wind generation, and telecommunications.

For more information about CLS, visit www.contractlandstaff.com.

About Sentinel Capital Partners

Sentinel invests in midmarket businesses in the United States and Canada. Sentinel targets the business services, consumer, healthcare services, and industrial sectors and invests in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carveouts, going-private transactions, and non-control senior equity and debt securities of established businesses.

For more information about Sentinel Capital Partners, visit www.sentinelpartners.com.

SOURCE 1858 Capital Partners
Slater Slater Schulman LLP Represents More Than 100 Former Students of Berndt

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and former teacher Mark Berndt are being named in a civil complaint alleging that at least 25 individuals were sexually assaulted as children by Berndt during his tenure at Miramonte Elementary School. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by attorneys at Slater Slater Schulman LLP, a leading, full-service law firm with decades of experience representing survivors of traumatic and catastrophic events. The firm previously filed three cases involving Berndt; it represents more than 100 former Berndt students and will be filing additional cases in the coming weeks.

As detailed in the complaint, Berndt taught at Miramonte Elementary from 1979 to 2011. Despite receiving complaints about his inappropriate behavior as early as 1983, no action was ever taken by LAUSD or school administrators. Only in 2012, when a photo technician at a pharmacy found numerous photographs belonging to Berndt of children blindfolded and with their mouths taped, was his predatory behavior finally stopped. As the complaint states, the school district failed to perform its mandatory duty to protect students from harm caused by unfit and dangerous employees.

"The abuse that transpired at Miramonte Elementary over the course of Mark Berndt's reign of terror is genuinely hard to fathom," said Adam Slater, Founding and Managing Partner of Slater Slater Schulman LLP. "Because of school administrators' negligence, Berndt was allowed to sexually abuse and prey on generations of unsuspecting children for more than three decades. We know that people within the school with the power to stop his abuse were notified time and time again about potentially inappropriate behavior, and yet their response was the same  nothing."

According to the complaint, on multiple occasions Berndt would darken the classroom and offer the plaintiffs treats comprised of cookies, candy, and blueberries. Later, the plaintiffs were horrified to learn that he had laced these "treats" with his semen and other bodily fluids. Other incidents mentioned in the complaint include Berndt blindfolding children, placing insects on them, fondling, and videotaping students with the camera aimed at the children's groins.

The abuse at Miramonte Elementary was first reported by The Los Angeles Times in 2012. The Times quoted authorities familiar with the investigation as saying that "none" of the abuse was done in secrecy, and that Berndt would tell his students they were going to play a "tasting game." The complaint further alleges that the school failed to maintain proper records of complaints against Berndt, stating that investigators found his personnel file "clean and bereft of any references to misconduct."

In 2013, Berndt was convicted on 23 counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with minors and received a 25-year prison sentence for his offenses. During his sentencing, parents shared the profound impact Berndt's crimes had on their children, describing nighttime terrors, newly developed anxieties, and a heartbreaking loss of childhood innocence.

NOTE: Individuals seeking to be linked to resources for sexual assault survivors can call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. The National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provides confidential support from trained staff members and can assist with finding local healthcare resources, help talk through what happened, and offer referrals for long-term support.

About Slater Slater Schulman LLP

Slater Slater Schulman LLP is a leading, full-service law firm with decades of experience representing survivors of traumatic and catastrophic events. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to ensuring the best results for our clients through persistence and compassionate representation. With 10 offices in 9 states, Slater Slater Schulman has achieved successful resolutions in some of the most challenging cases in the nation. We have considerable experience with complex, historical sexual abuse cases involving massive institutions, including academic, religious, and youth organizations. Our firm also represents clients in litigation involving pharmaceutical drugs, product liability, environmental law, employment and labor law, medical malpractice, and personal injury, and has proudly represented thousands of World Trade Center survivors. Learn more at sssfirm.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Joan Vollero, Allan Morancie / ICR, Inc.

[email protected]

SOURCE Slater Slater Schulman LLP
EAST LANSING, Mich., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Align ENT + Allergy ("Align") is excited to announce its partnership with Mid-Michigan ENT, a leading private practice in East Lansing, Michigan. This significant move marks Align's expansion into Michigan and its fourth state, strengthening its presence across the US and affirming its commitment to physician-led, community-driven, locally-focused healthcare.

With its team of over 20 clinicians including eight board-certified, general, and sub-specialist otolaryngologists, four PAs, and five audiologists, Mid-Michigan ENT has provided comprehensive ENT and Allergy care to pediatric and adult patients in the Greater Lansing and Mid-Michigan community since 1997.

Dr. Mark Lebeda shared his thoughts on the new partnership: "What really stood out to us was Align's commitment to physician-led healthcare. They listen to physicians and value our input without disrupting how we care for patients. It's a truly collaborative organization."

"We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the dedicated physicians, providers, and staff of Mid-Michigan ENT, a practice that has set a high standard for patient care in their community," said James Grant, MD, CEO of Align. "Together, we will continue to support and expand high-quality ENT and Allergy care in Michigan and beyond."

"Our partnership with Align helps us navigate the increasingly challenging healthcare environment and ensures we can serve our patients well into the future," Dr. Ahmed Sufyan added. "Align's track record of growing and supporting practices is a testament to their experienced business team, and we look forward to partnering with them."

Align will continue to grow its presence in Michigan and in other states over the coming months.

About Align ENT + Allergy

Align ENT + Allergy is a management services organization (MSO) supporting a community of physician-led ENT and Allergy practices. Align provides comprehensive practice management services to private practices through a true partnership model, whereby partners gain the advantages of a professionalized MSO while retaining local control so that they can focus on providing high-quality, cost-effective, personalized care within their communities. For more information, visit AlignENTA.com.

SOURCE Align ENT + Allergy
APOPKA, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The momentum is undeniable. Amped Fitness is set to open its third Orlando location in Apopka on September 30th, 2024, marking another significant milestone in the brand's aggressive expansion strategy.

A Growing Fitness Force in Orlando

Amped Fitness Recovery Zone Amped Fitness Gym

The anticipated opening of the fitness center's Apopka location reflects the brand's steady growth and dedication to bringing its electrifying fitness experience to more communities in Central Florida. This location adds to Amped's impressive presence in the region, with its two other popular locations in Altamonte Springs and Casselberry, already serving fitness enthusiasts. The company's dynamic approachmixing high-energy environments and a positive community, with top-tier equipment and amenitiesis what's fueling this expansion.

Eyes on the Future: More Orlando Locations in Sight

After the brand's recent appearance at the ICSC Real Estate Conference, Amped Fitness is poised for further expansion throughout the Orlando metro area. With the buzz from the event, the company is actively scouting new locations to meet the rising demand. As real estate opportunities continue to open up, Amped Fitness is eager to establish itself in even more neighborhoods across the county.

What to Expect at Amped Fitness Apopka

Amped Fitness Apopka is designed to provide a fitness experience unlike any other the community has seen. This 24/7 facility will feature a wide variety of state-of-the-art equipment, spacious layouts, unique design, and cutting-edge amenities including the recently introduced Revamped Recovery Zone to support members in all stages of their fitness journey. Whether you're lifting, hitting cardio, or focusing on recovery, Amped Fitness is built to deliver results.

Community-Centered Fitness

What truly sets Amped Fitness apart is its commitment to community. As they open more locations, the brand continues to build a fitness family in each new neighborhood, fostering a culture where everyone feels welcomed and supported. The Apopka location will offer more than just a place to work outit will be a hub for members to connect, thrive, and grow together.

Opening Doors to a New Fitness Experience

Amped Fitness Apopka is set to open on September 30th, bringing a new wave of excitement and opportunity to the local fitness community. With an already strong presence in Orlando and plans for even more growth, Amped is reshaping the fitness landscape in Central Florida one gym at a time.

For more information on memberships, grand opening events, or amenities, visit our website at www.ampedfitness.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook @ampedfitnessapopka.

SOURCE Amped Fitness
Attune's continuous monitoring technology and real-time alerts will enable the Washington state school district to detect and mitigate the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and other air quality threats

VIENNA, Va., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Attune (formerly Senseware), the only customizable indoor air quality monitoring solution in America, is partnering with Bellingham Public Schools in Bellingham, WA to deploy their indoor air quality (IAQ) and outdoor air quality (OAQ) monitoring systems in all of its schools. This partnership is made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings program, which provides communities with grants for wildfire smoke preparedness and protection.

Bellingham Public Schools will use this EPA funding, in part, to purchase and install Attune's IAQ and OAQ sensors, enabling real-time air quality monitoring. Once installed, Attune's devices measure airborne pollutant levels 24/7. In addition, air quality monitoring equipment allows district personnel to view facility data in real-time, measuring changes in temperature, as well as the concentration of carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter in the air.

"Grants and initiatives like the EPA's Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings program will only become more necessary as wildfires and other climate events continue to be more commonplace. It's an honor to partner with Bellingham Public Schools in the program's first year," said Serene Almomen, CEO and Co-Founder of Attune. "By providing real-time air quality data, we can help school districts make decisions to follow health department guidance regarding air quality."

According to the EPA , wildfire smoke plumes can adversely affect population health, causing issues ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Although people are often advised to stay indoors during severe smoke events, such as wildfires, outdoor smoke infiltrates buildings and deteriorates indoor air quality.

"Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority," said Gretchen Pflueger, Bellingham Public Schools' Grant Writer and Special Projects Manager. "We recognize the importance of real-time data for making safety decisions about air quality due to wildfire smoke. "

Prior to this partnership, Attune is already in over 2,000 schools across the nation, including Denver Public Schools, Washington, DC Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Clark County Public Schools, South Monterey County Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools. Supported by 64 patents, Attune is a first-of-its-kind sensor-based platform that detects critical building conditions that can lead to air quality issues and other risks, helping to minimize threats that have been shown to negatively impact occupant well-being.

For more information about Attune, visit their website at https://www.attuneiot.com/education

About Attune:

Attune is a first-of-its-kind sensor-based technology platform with 64 patents. It provides real-time assurance for schools, office buildings, and hospitals in critical areas such as indoor air quality, energy consumption, risk of water leaks, equipment status, and more. Attune is the only customizable indoor air quality monitoring solution on the market. Attune IAQ is UL2905 certified and GBAC registered. Visit: https://www.attuneiot.com

About Bellingham Public Schools:

Bellingham Public Schools, located in Bellingham, Washington, is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students in a supportive and inclusive environment. Following its strategic plan, The Bellingham Promise , the district serves a diverse student population across 28 schools and facilities.

For more information about Bellingham Public Schools, visit: https://bellinghamschools.org.

SOURCE Attune (formerly Senseware)
To Celebrate, Jinich and the Always Good Avocado Brand are Launching a Curated Collection of Avocado Recipes for Hispanic Heritage Month

DALLAS, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning television host, cookbook author...and now Avocado Culinary Ambassador! Chef Pati Jinich, star of "Pati's Mexican Table," is ready to avo good time with Avocados From Mexico, the number one selling avocado brand in the United States. In her new role, Jinich will be the brand's culinary spokesperson, sharing tips and recipes that reimagine the possibilities of the always good avocado, starting with her first curated collection of recipes made with fresh Avocados From Mexico to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Avocados From Mexico Announces Chef Pati Jinich as First-Ever Avocado Culinary Ambassador

Known for drawing inspiration from her Mexican heritage, Jinich brings her passion for family, education and community to life through food, mixing up bold flavors that can be easily replicated by fans everywhere. Her dishes, found in her many top-selling cookbooks, reflect all the comforting tastes she grew up with, with avocados as an essential ingredient that's always good  Avocados From Mexico bring good taste, good times and are good for you1.

"When people ask where my love of food comes from, I always tell them: 'I was born and raised in Mexico!'" shared Jinich. "That's why I couldn't be happier to be partnering with Avocados From Mexico. Avocados are a piece of home and such an iconic Mexican product that represents the flavors I grew up with. Their unique versatility makes them the perfect ingredient to elevate any recipe."

Jinich will be serving up creative twists classic Mexican recipes, including:

Whether consumers are familiar with traditional Mexican food or just interested in trying something new, these recipes will bring the good times at home as they recreate these dishes and experience the taste of Avocados From Mexico.

"We're thrilled to be continuing our partnership with the incredibly talented Chef Pati Jinich," added Alvaro Luque, Avocados From Mexico President and CEO. "After years of working together, making her the brand's official Avocado Culinary Ambassador was just a natural next step. With her amazing culinary skills, joyful spirit and deep pride for her culture, we see her as the perfect person to help us celebrate the spirit of Mexicanity during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond. Avocados From Mexico is known for being always good and bring the good times  and her recipes perfectly embody the brand's essence. Together, we're thrilled to continue showcasing all the innovative, exciting ways avocados can be enjoyed."

With Jinich as the first-ever Avocado Culinary Ambassador, the brand will encourage innovation with fresh avocados for shoppers and culinary professionals. This new title follows a years-long partnership between Jinich and Avocados From Mexico. In addition to developing educational content and recipes for the brand, Jinich led a culinary showcase at Guac Heaven, the brand's first experience at the National Restaurant Association Show designed to inspire operators on the versatility of guacamole. Additionally, she served as the host of Made in Mexico, a culinary tour that invites foodservice operators to experience Avocados From Mexico from orchard to table.

Pati will also be sharing more about the partnership on her social channels throughout the year, as well as offering consumers helpful tips on making these always good dishes.

To learn more about Avocados From Mexico, visit https://avocadosfrommexico.com, Facebook (facebook.com/avocadosfrommexico), Instagram (@avocadosfrommexico) or Twitter (@AvosFromMexico). #AlwaysGood #AvocadosFromMexico

About Avocados From Mexico

Avocados From Mexico is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico. Under agreements, MHAIA and the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers & Packers of Mexico (APEAM) have combined resources to fund and manage Avocados From Mexico, with the intent to provide a focused, highly- effective and efficient marketing program in the United States. Avocados From Mexico is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

About Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich is the Emmy-nominated Mexican host and executive producer of both La Frontera, her PBS Primetime docuseries that reveals untold stories from the US-Mexico border, and Pati's Mexican Table, which has brought Mexican flavors into American homes for more than 10 years. A James Beard award-winning chef and former political analyst, Pati has made it her life's work to build greater understanding between her two home countries: Mexico where she was born and the United States where she currently resides and is raising her family. In addition to her television work, she is aNew York Times bestselling author with 3 cookbooks, including her most recent Treasures of the Mexican Table: Classic Recipes, Local Secrets, and has contributed to publications including The New York Times.

1 Fresh avocados are a heart-healthy fruit. They provide naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Source: https://avocadosfrommexico.com/avocado-nutrition/

CONTACT:

Avocados From Mexico

Ana Ambrosi

[email protected]

SOURCE Avocados From Mexico
Company to speak at MOVE America conference

DALLAS, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AVVA Mobility, a Dallas-based automotive technology innovator, today unveiled its platform set to transform how everyday Americans access vehicles. Born from the success of its consumer-facing service, AVVA Mobility is now extending its reach to automotive manufacturers and mobility providers, offering an Enterprise solution that promises to reshape the industry landscape and bring its mission of reliable, affordable, and debt-free mobility a reality for all Americans.

AVVA Mobility's platform seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with deep consumer insights, offering a modular, white-label solution that ecosystem partners can tailor to their specific needs. For enterprise clients, this comprehensive subscription solution provides a full suite of tools to manage their programs efficiently, including origination, underwriting, payment processing, insurance and warranty coverage, fleet maintenance, and customer engagement systems. This empowers manufacturers and mobility providers to expand their customer base, build lasting relationships, and innovate without overhauling their existing infrastructure. End-users benefit from an intuitive digital shopping experience, bundled insurance and warranty protection, roadside assistance, convenient at-home maintenance, and an engaging gamified app. The result is a frictionless platform that delivers value to both businesses and consumers, driving the future of automotive access.

"We've created a model that drives financial growth for our partners while delivering unparalleled value to consumers," said Steven David, AVVA Mobility Chief Executive Officer. "It's a win-win scenario: manufacturers expand their reach and build lifetime customer relationships, while millions gain access to reliable transportation, unlocking new economic opportunities for everyday Americans."

"We're not just launching a platform; we're igniting a mobility transformation," said Matt Murphy, AVVA Mobility Chief Operating Officer. "Our all-encompassing solution bridges the gap between manufacturers and an underserved market, enabling flexible, subscription-based vehicle access that aligns with evolving consumer needs. This approach allows manufacturers to innovate and tap into new revenue streams without overhauling their existing processes or losing brand integrity."

The company will be discussing its platform and interviewing potential ecosystem partners at the upcoming MOVE America conference, where Chief Product Officer Beth Wilson will participate in a Deloitte panel The car as a 'connected hub': Shifting from product to customer experience on September 24th at 3:05pm local time.

For those interested in learning more about AVVA Mobility and its vision for the future of vehicle access, visit www.avvamobility.com .

About AVVA Mobility:

AVVA Mobility is a technology company bringing all-inclusive mobility subscriptions to everyday Americans. Our innovative platform provides a turnkey solution for manufacturers to offer flexible, subscription-based vehicle access to a broad range of consumers, including those underserved by traditional financing models. By bridging the gap between manufacturers and everyday Americans, AVVA Mobility is driving the future of automotive access, fostering economic growth, and strengthening communities across the nation. AVVA Mobility was founded in 2024, and AVVA Inc. in 2020, with both headquartered in Dallas, Texas. AVVA Mobility is committed to making reliable, affordable, and debt-free mobility a reality for all Americans. For more information, visit www.avvamobility.com.

Contact:

[email protected]

Press Center

SOURCE AVVA Mobility
NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BioCentriq, a leading cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announces that it has appointed Syed T. Husain as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and as a member of the Board of Directors.

BioCentriq has selected Syed for his extensive expertise in CDMO development and manufacturing services, with a deep understanding of the cell and gene therapy supply and value chains. His experience spans the entire drug development and commercialization lifecycle, including over 20 years of strategic management, leading companies through rapid growth, go-to-market innovation, and industry disruption. BioCentriq now has a CEO with a proven track record in creating global business development strategies, enhancing market and brand presence, building high-performing teams, implementing operational improvements, increasing financial returns, and providing strategic leadership to drive patient focus and profitable revenue growth.

BioCentriq, today announce the appointment of Syed T. Husain as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member Post this

"The cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector has reached a new stage, where a range of late-stage therapies are reaching commercialization, and a considerable number of next-generation therapies are entering and progressing through early-stage clinical development. In turn, the cell and gene therapy sector is meeting strong pressures on investment required for high costs of development and product manufacturing, in turn increasing pressure on the pricing for commercialized therapies. To match this new stage of the CGT sector, BioCentriq is also starting the next phase of its own growth, with its LEAP program providing a badly needed solution to the market, and its concentration on early to mid-phase therapeutic development," said James Park, Chairman of the Board at BioCentriq. He has expressed his confidence, noting, "Syed's extensive experience in CDMO business expansion will be pivotal in ensuring BioCentriq's leadership in manufacturing innovation and in spearheading the clinical to commercial manufacturing of cutting-edge cell therapies."

Syed's expertise will guide BioCentriq through its next phase of growth, ensuring the company is well-positioned to support pharma and biotech customers as they advance to pivotal and commercial manufacturing, while continuing to meet their development and clinical supply needs. He will rely on his most recent experience as Chief Commercial Officer at Resilience. During this time, Syed developed an industry-leading commercial organization, serving established (Biologics, Vaccines) and emerging modalities (Cell & Gene Therapy, Nucleic Acids). He established a multi-billion-dollar backlog and opportunity pipeline, securing transformative deals with top pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Syed also fostered a customer-centered culture that deeply resonated with customers and supported long-term, patient-focused growth. Prior to his time with Resilience, he has served in CDMO leadership roles at Emergent BioSolutions, Alcami Corporation, and Lonza.

"BioCentriq has quickly developed a unique offering to the U.S. and global CGT manufacturing space, backed by strong partnerships that significantly cut development and technology transfer timelines. We offer the CGT market the flexibility of a mid-sized, entrepreneurial CDMO with a proven track record, which will be crucial in scaling the next generation of therapies to reach broader patient populations," said Syed T. Husain, CEO, BioCentriq. "As BioCentriq moves into its next phase of growth, we're committed to strengthening our capabilities even further. Our goal is to drive the approval of new CGT modalities by offering a complete end-to-end solutionfrom clinical to commercial manufacturingensuring that life-changing therapies reach the patients who need them most."

About BioCentriq

BioCentriq is a leading cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization. Since 2022, the company has been dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and releasing GMP autologous and allogeneic cell therapies. Known for its expertise, BioCentriq specializes in early- to mid-stage therapies with an aim to expand to an end to end - clinical to commercial offering. It operates out of two U.S.-based manufacturing facilities. BioCentriq combines the flexibility and entrepreneurship of a specialist CDMO with the backing of GC Corporation of South Korea, a global leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. To learn more visit www.biocentriq.com .

For more information, please contact:

Neil Hunter

Communications Consultant

[email protected]

+44 7821 255568

SOURCE BioCentriq, Inc.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Buddy's bar-b-q, a staple of East Tennessee's dining scene since 1972, is excited to announce the debut of a Premium Side to their menu. Starting Friday, September 13, guests can treat themselves to a delicious side of creamy Mac & Cheese. This iconic side is loaded with a rich cheesy flavor that offers guests a blast of bar-b-q nostalgia.

Buddy's new Mac & Cheese.

A staple of any American dish, Buddy's new Mac & Cheese adds an extra ounce of comfort to their hearty menu. Guests can order this Premium Side of Mac & Cheese for just $2.99, or they can upgrade their weekly dinner, Tuesday special or Lil' Buddy's meal with a side of Mac & Cheese for just $0.60 depending on location.

"Mac & Cheese is such a culinary staple of bar-b-q and American comfort," said Laura Luallen, Marketing/Community Relations & Project Coordinator for Buddy's bar-b-q. "We believe adding it to our menu for such a great deal will offer guests a wider range of flavors and sides to choose from."

This new side of Mac & Cheese pairs perfectly with some of Buddy's other traditional sides such as Slaw, Baked Beans, Green Beans, Potato Salad and other favorites. At Buddy's, guests have their choice of sides when ordering meals such as Family Packs, Lil' Buddy's Kids Meals, Combo Meals and Dinners.

Since 1972, Buddy's bar-b-q has offered a comprehensive menu suited for locals, tourists and bar-b-q enthusiasts alike. Guests can enjoy weekly specials like the regionally famous All-You-Can-Eat-Ribs every Saturday or the Tuesday dinner special, which features guests' choice of Pork, Pulled Chicken, Ham or Turkey, plus a choice of two sides, a beverage and Hushpuppiesall starting at $7.49.

Buddy's bar-b-q is dedicated to treating all guests like family by providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere at all locations. By staying true to its roots, Buddy's bar-b-q has woven itself into the fabric of East Tennessee's dining scene. Their addition of Mac & Cheese continues to expand their brand and delicious flavors while staying true to their original values. Visit the nearest Buddy's bar-b-q and be one of the first to try their new, delicious side for just $2.99.

For more information on Buddy's bar-b-q, please click here. For media inquiries, please email [email protected]. Esta informacion y el comunicado de prensa estan disponibles en espanol para los medios de comunicacion que asi lo requieran.

About Buddy's bar-b-q

Serving guests since 1972, Buddy's bar-b-q is a Tennessee favorite. The Buddy's Family operates with their original philosophy of treating customers as if they were guests in their own home. In 1966, Buddy invested in his wife, LaMuriel's, energy and talent by helping her become the owner of her first restaurant, the Pixie Drive Inn in Seymour, Tennessee.

People would drive for hours for their country buffet, and business doubled in a year. LaMuriel and Buddy decided it was time to find their specialty, and bar-b-q from their former home-state of Alabama was what they were craving. They just couldn't find bar-b-q in East Tennessee that suited their taste, so they created their own. Buddy soon quit the finance business and joined LaMuriel in her new-found bar-b-q ambitions. With the help of their guests, they perfected the taste that would define Buddy's. Everything was a Buddy's original, from the dry rub and bar-b-q sauce to the delicious sides and desserts. The first store with Buddy's name opened in 1972 at 5806 Kingston Pike in West Knoxville and has remained open at that location for over fifty years.

From those humble beginnings, Buddy's bar-b-q became the go-to dining spot at the 1982 World's Fair, and the addition of new locations was rapid as people began to know Buddy's as a Tennessee bar-b-q tradition. In 1988, Buddy Smothers was recognized as Restaurateur of the Year and was elected President of the Tennessee Restaurant Association. Following Buddy's death in 1992, his three children took over the restaurant operations and the business flourished winning numerous regional awards and gaining popularity which resulted in more new restaurants. Currently, Buddy's next generation and their extended families are at the helm and are poised for further success and expansion while maintaining the qualities and values that the bar-b-q restaurant is known for. For more information, please visit https://buddysbarbq.com/.

If you are interested in becoming a Buddy's franchisee, or for more information on franchising opportunities at Buddy's, please contact Dom Paiotti at [email protected].

Contact:

Karla Nafarrate

Vice President of Public Relations

InnoVision Marketing Group

[email protected]

SOURCE Buddy's bar-b-q
From the Latest Graphing Calculator to Strategic Partnerships, Casio Reaffirms Its Commitment to Educational Excellence at NCTM, NCSM, and ASSM

DOVER, N.J., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc., a leader in educational technology, is set to participate in several major mathematics education events throughout 2024, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Annual Meeting, the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) event, and the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM) Annual Meeting. In addition to these events, Casio will continue to reinforce its strategic partnerships with key organizations such as Open Up Resources. These events and collaborations underscore Casio's ongoing commitment to supporting mathematics education through innovation and collaboration.

Casio America Elevates Mathematics Education in 2024

Casio at NCTM: Supporting Education Through Innovation

At NCTM 2024, taking place Sept. 2528 in Chicago, Casio (booth No. 834) will present its comprehensive line of calculators designed for educational use, including scientific and graphing models. Among the highlights is the fx-CG100, a new addition to the ClassWiz family, designed to standardize keypad layouts across Casio calculators, making it easier for students to transition between models. While the new generation calculator was primarily developed for the French market as the GRAPH MATH+ Lycee, its introduction in the U.S. is planned for back-to-school 2025. Casio will also demonstrate the latest updates to ClassPad.net, including the integration of the fx-991CW scientific and fx-9750GIII graphing emulators.

NCSM and ASSM: Long-Standing Commitment to Mathematics Education

In addition to NCTM, Casio will be actively involved in the NCSM event, which takes place Sept. 2325 in Chicago, and the ASSM Annual Meeting, Sept. 2023 in Baltimore. Casio has a long history of participation in NCSM, Casio is also sponsoring key elements of the conference, including the conference bags and volunteer T-shirts.

At ASSM, Casio will sponsor a reception, providing a unique opportunity to engage directly with educational leaders and influencers. This sponsorship reflects Casio's ongoing dedication to advancing mathematics education through meaningful partnerships and conversations.

"Casio's ongoing participation in key educational events like NCTM, NCSM, and ASSM underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of educational technology," said Jim Gross, general manager of Casio's EdTech Division. "With the upcoming U.S. launch of the fx-CG100, we are excited to continue innovating and providing tools that meet the evolving needs of educators and students alike. Our strong relationships with the educational community allow us to support and enhance mathematics education on a national scale, reinforcing Casio's role as a leader in the industry."

Strengthening Partnerships: Casio and Open Up Resources

Casio is proud to continue its partnership with Open Up Resources, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering equitable learning experiences for all PreK12 students. This collaboration brings Casio's innovative technology into the Open Up Resources 68 Math curricula, with a current alignment to the Open Up High School Mathematics Algebra I module. This partnership underscores Casio's commitment to supporting teachers and students with tools that enhance learning and engagement.

"The partnership between Open Up Resources and Casio continues to be instrumental in advancing equitable access to high-quality mathematics education," said Dr. Kristopher J. Childs, Chief Academics, Equity, and Social Justice Officer at Open Up Resources. "By integrating Casio's innovative technology into Open Up 6-8 Math, we are providing educators with the tools they need to engage students effectively and support their academic growth. This collaboration enhances the learning experience and aligns with our mission to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom."

For more information or to explore Casio's portfolio of education resources, please visit www.CasioEducation.com.

About Casio America, Inc.

Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com .

About Open Up Resources

Open Up Resources is a non-profit publisher in pursuit of delivering equitable learning experiences for all students by providing educators best in class, research-based PreK-12 curricula and professional learning so they may support every student's academic success and create in-class experiences that celebrate, honor, and empower all students with a keen focus on historically excluded student populations. To learn more about Open Up Resources' mission and work, visit openupresources.org.

SOURCE Casio America, Inc.
Birmingham City Schools (BCS) ranks first in Alabama for mathematics recovery, with average achievement up half a grade-level equivalent in one year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Academic recovery at a national level remains stagnant, and achievement gaps between poor and non-poor districts in most states have deepened since the pandemic. However, many Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) member districts are bucking the trend and closing learning gaps for their students. A member of CGCS and partner of Curriculum Associates, Birmingham City Schools (BCS) is leading the state of Alabama in mathematics achievement.

A study of 8,000 school districts across 30 states found that Alabama is the only state in which students' average mathematics proficiency exceeds pre-pandemic levels. BCS has set itself apart, as its districtwide recovery efforts resulted in students' mathematics achievement increasing half a grade-level equivalent in just one year. A majority (i.e., 87 percent) of BCS students have socioeconomic disadvantages.

"We are at a pivotal moment in our nation's academic recovery efforts, and the steps we take now have a tremendous impact on students' abilities to reach or exceed grade-level learning in math and reading," said Kelly-Ann Parson, sales director at Curriculum Associates. "Districts like Birmingham City Schools show us that success is possible. We are inspired by the district's dedication to finding new ways to support its students and educators, and it is our privilege to partner with BCS to continue improving student outcomes."

From 2022 to 2023, the number of BCS students scoring "on track" or "mastered" on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program in Mathematics grew by four percentage points across Grades 38. Growth in Grades 3 and 7 was particularly impressive at 6.6 and 7.2 percentage points, respectively. This growth outpaced Alabama state averages.

"We wanted to layer all the supports available to us," said Mark Sullivan, BCS superintendent. "These supports included enrolling students in enrichment sessions, implementing wraparound services, and partnering with area universities to engage undergraduates in providing high-intensity tutoring to BCS students."

CGCS students represent a large percentage of i-Ready users, with nearly 2.5 million Grades K8 students in CGCS member districts using the platform nationwide. Ninety-five percent of CGCS member districts with mathematics data and 61 percent with reading data exceeded the national average in post-pandemic recovery.

To learn more about CGCS, visit CGCS.org. To learn more about Curriculum Associates, visit CurriculumAssociates.com.

About the Council of the Great City Schools

It is the special mission of America's urban public schools to educate the nation's most diverse student body to the highest academic standards and prepare them to contribute to our democracy and global community. The Council brings together 78 of the nation's largest urban public school systems in a coalition dedicated to the improvement of public education for our nation's urban public school children. See CGCS.org.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

Media contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC
The brand is giving fans a chance to score a BUY-ONE-ENTREE-GET-ONE-QUESADILLA (BOGO) offer 1 starting September 23 .

starting . On National Quesadilla Day, Chipotle will give away free quesadillas on DoorDash 2 and Uber Eats 3 with eligible purchases.

and Uber Eats with eligible purchases. Chipotle's award-winning Hand-Crafted Quesadillas feature melted Monterey jack cheese, a choice of protein, optional fajita veggies, and three sides for dipping.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is celebrating National Quesadilla Day by giving away up to $1 million in free quesadillas. For the first time ever, the company will delight fans with BUY-ONE-ENTREE-GET-ONE-QUESADILLA (BOGO) offers1, dispersed across a variety of digital channels.

Chipotle's digitally exclusive quesadillas feature melted Monterey jack cheese, a choice of protein, optional fajita veggies, and three sides for dipping. Monterey jack cheese is grated fresh each morning in every Chipotle restaurant to achieve the perfect cheese pull.

Americans love quesadillas. According to DoorDash, chicken quesadillas were the second most ordered food item in 2023.4 Chipotle is expanding its National Quesadilla Day celebrations this year to make it even easier for fans to enjoy one of their favorite meals.

Scavenger Hunt Code Drops  September 23

Chipotle: The brand is dropping codes for its craveable quesadillas across social media for fans to uncover. The scavenger hunt kicks off on Monday, September 23 with text-to-claim codes 5 shared via @Chipotle on Instagram, @ChipotleTweets on X, and in posts from creators on TikTok who love Chipotle's quesadilla. Up to 21,000 fans will have a chance to claim a BOGO quesadilla. 1

The brand is dropping codes for its craveable quesadillas across social media for fans to uncover. The scavenger hunt kicks off on with text-to-claim codes shared via @Chipotle on Instagram, @ChipotleTweets on X, and in posts from creators on TikTok who love Chipotle's quesadilla. Up to 21,000 fans will have a chance to claim a BOGO quesadilla. Content creator Shari Dyonne , who first caught Chipotle's attention for her "Concoction" drink hack, will be sharing her favorite quesadilla order in a mukbang with fans and dropping a text-to-claim code 5 via @ShariDyonne on TikTok for up to 10,000 fans to get a BOGO quesadilla.

, who first caught Chipotle's attention for her "Concoction" drink hack, will be sharing her favorite quesadilla order in a mukbang with fans and dropping a text-to-claim code via @ShariDyonne on TikTok for up to 10,000 fans to get a BOGO quesadilla. Mukbang creator and Chipotle superfan Dylan McArthur will be revealing his go-to quesadilla order and dropping a text-to-claim code 5 via @Dylan.Mcarthur on TikTok for up to 10,000 fans to win a BOGO quesadilla to try his order.

will be revealing his go-to quesadilla order and dropping a text-to-claim code via @Dylan.Mcarthur on TikTok for up to 10,000 fans to win a BOGO quesadilla to try his order. Creator Anthony Hernandez will give fans a chance to try his favorite quesadilla order with a text-to-claim code5 dropped on his TikTok @Immanthonyy, giving up to 10,000 fans a chance to redeem a BOGO quesadilla.

"Our customizable hand-crafted quesadillas create the best pairing of real ingredients and melted cheese, which TikTok foodies and mukbangers can't get enough of," said Stephanie Perdue, Vice President of Brand Marketing. "We've teamed up with some of our most passionate creators to give fans what they're craving - free quesadillas."

National Quesadilla Day  September 25

Fans can score a free quesadilla on DoorDash2 and Uber Eats3 with a minimum order. Up to 15,000 DoorDash users can score a free quesadilla from Chipotle with a minimum order of $25. On UberEats, up to 10,000 fans with a $15 cart minimum will be able to add a quesadilla to their basket for free.

Hand-Crafted Quesadillas: Craveable, Customizable, Cheese Pull-able

Chipotle's digitally exclusive quesadillas feature melted Monterey jack cheese, a choice of protein, optional fajita veggies, and three sides for dipping. Monterey jack cheese is grated fresh each morning in every Chipotle restaurant and this year the company expects to purchase nearly 70 million pounds of cheese.

For additional assets of Chipotle's quesadillas, please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/vhfgjhxgdwx4hzser3jkt/APa5V6BGZ_Y4v8lNNUbPY9Q?rlkey=kvcmorku02nysdl8gxje15uiq&st=2y710o7z&dl=0

1 - Buy-One-Get-One-Quesadilla-Free Legal Terms

Valid September 23 through September 25, 2024 only, for orders from participating U.S. Chipotle restaurants. Valid for one free quesadilla with the purchase of at least one regular-priced entree item. Add-ons not permitted on free quesadilla; Kids Meals or 3 pointers do not count as an entree purchase. One time use only, use of promo code required. Redemption is subject to availability. May not be combined with other coupons, promotions, or special offers. Valid only on chipotle.com and the Chipotle mobile app; not valid on third party ordering platforms. Code is void if reproduced or altered and where prohibited. Additional restrictions may apply. See full terms at http://www.chipotle.com/quesadilla-bogo

2 - DoorDash Legal Terms

Valid only on September 25, 2024 during hours when delivery from a participating U.S. Chipotle restaurant is available. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. $25 minimum purchase (before taxes and fees) applies. Offer valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. All deliveries subject to availability. Must have or create a valid DoorDash account with a valid form of accepted payment on file. No cash value. Non-transferable. See full terms and conditions at help.doordash.com/consumers/s/article/offer-terms-conditions.

3 - Uber Eats Legal Terms

Expires September 25, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. local time. While supplies last. Taxes and fees still apply. Must add eligible item to cart before completing your order. Eligible item discount will be automatically applied. Order minimum of $15 (before taxes and fees) is required. Valid only at participating and qualifying restaurants in the US and Canada where Uber Eats is available. Exclusions may apply. Offer and terms are subject to change or cancellation. Limit of 1 per person. Check app for availability.

4 - Source: DoorDash Dash From the Past: A Decade Delivered. Using DoorDash order data from January 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023.

5  The first fans, up to the specified limit, to text the designated code to 888222 will receive a code for a free quesadilla with the purchase of a regular-priced entree from Chipotle. Codes expire September 25, 2024 and are subject to terms and conditions set forth in footnote 1. Ordinary text and data rates may apply. Full terms: https://www.chipotle.com/text

About Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 3,500 restaurants as of June 30, 2024, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Kuwait and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on Fortune's Most Admired Companies 2024 list and Time Magazine's Most Influential Companies. With over 120,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit CHIPOTLE.COM.

SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill
MILFORD, N.H., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cirtronics, a leading advanced contract manufacturing firm, is excited to announce the appointment of Patrick Moody as the new President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Board of Directors member. Founder and former CEO Gerardine Ferlins will continue to contribute to Cirtronics' legacy by remaining on the company's Board of Directors.

Pat Moody, Cirtronics' New President & CEO

Patrick brings over three decades of leadership and applied technical knowledge in electronics manufacturing and business strategy, and is set to lead Cirtronics into its next phase of innovation and success. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Patrick served as an aviation officer and maintenance test pilot in the U.S. Army. Prior to joining Cirtronics, he served as President of KLINGER IGI, a precision fabricator of mechanical and electronic components used in products designed for highly regulated industries like aerospace, defense, and medical device manufacturing. In this role, he led the transformation of their factory automation, supply chain, and sales processes plus achieved AS9100 quality system certification. His extensive leadership experience spans his tenure as LUMI Technologies Ltd.'s Chief Operating Officer as well as his various key Vice President and Director roles at Fleetwood Group, Inc. In addition to streamlining operations and boosting sales performance at these companies, Patrick has also served as both member and chair of Fleetwood's ESOP Board of Trustees. His ESOP experience was further enriched by his time on the Board of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO).

"Patrick is exceptionally well-suited to lead Cirtronics," said Gerardine Ferlins. "His deep alignment with our company's collaborative culture, coupled with his proven track record, makes him the ideal leader to nurture our future growth. Cirtronics is poised for continued excellence, building on its foundation of innovation, quality and service."

Patrick Moody said, "Cirtronics is an amazing group of people led by one of the most dynamic business leaders I've ever met. Gerardine leaves a tremendous legacy and a strong foundation for growth. I'm honored to have been chosen as her successor in service to our customers, suppliers, employee-owners, and community. Many exciting and transformational projects are already underway that will expand the capabilities of our systems, create operational efficiencies, and elevate what are already high customer collaboration levels. In short, it's a great time in the company's history to join and lead this extraordinary team."

About Cirtronics

Founded in 1979 in Milford, New Hampshire, Cirtronics is a contract manufacturer founded on creating strategic, collaborative, and mutually beneficial relationship with their customers. Cirtronics is ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified and FDA registered, underscoring its commitment to quality, precision, and continuous improvement.

At the heart of Cirtronics' mission is the DUO (Do Unto Others) philosophy, which guides every interaction across the company's six key stakeholders: Customers, Employees, Suppliers, the Corporation, the Environment, and the Community. This principle of respect and mutual benefit permeates all aspects of Cirtronics' operations.

Since 2002, Cirtronics has proudly operated as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company. Cirtronics' culture of ownership runs through all aspects of the organization, extending from supplier partnerships through delivery of each meticulously crafted product. Employee-owners are committed stakeholders who recognize customers as integral partners in their shared success. For more information, visit www.cirtronics.com.

Media Contact:

Stephanie Gronvall

[email protected]

SOURCE Cirtronics Corporation
HONG KONG, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) announces today that the Liuhua 11-1/4-1 Oilfield Secondary Development Project has commenced production.

Asia's first cylindrical FPSO "Haikui-1" Asia's first deepwater jacket platform "Haiji-2"

The project is located in eastern South China Sea and consists of 2 oilfields, Liuhua 11-1 and Liuhua 4-1, with an average water depth of approximately 305 meters. The main production facilities include a new deepwater jacket platform "Haiji-2" and a cylindrical FPSO "Haikui-1". A total of 32 development wells are to be commissioned. The project is expected to achieve a peak production of approximately 17,900 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026. The oil property is heavy crude.

Mr. Zhou Xinhuai, CEO and President of the Company, said, "It is the first oilfield in Asia to be developed with the 'Deepwater Jacket Platform + Cylindrical FPSO' mode. The Company has overcome various technological challenges to complete the project. While revitalizing the deepwater oilfields with original oil in place over 100 million tons, the new mode has substantially reduced the construction and production costs. It provides a Chinese solution for the efficient development of similar deepwater oil and gas fields."

CNOOC Limited holds 100% interest in this project and is the operator.

 End 

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com.

*** *** *** ***

This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company's expectations, including but not limited to those associated with fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, macro-political and economic factors, changes in the tax and fiscal regimes of the host countries in which we operate, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, environmental responsibility and compliance requirements, the Company's price forecast, the exploration and development activities, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

*** *** *** ***

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Cui Liu

Media & Public Relations

CNOOC Limited

Tel: +86-10-8452-6641

Fax: +86-10-8452-1441

E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Bunny Lee

Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group

Tel: +852 3150 6707

Fax: +852 3150 6728

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE CNOOC Limited
The first traveling exhibit of the National Museum of the United States Army, in partnership with the National Veterans Network and The Army Historical Foundation.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today on Capitol Hill, U.S. Representatives Mark Takano and Jill Tokuda, White House Senior Advisor for Public Engagement Kota Mizutani, and 34th Chief of Staff of the United States Army, retired General Eric K. Shinseki, joined the presentation of plans for "I Am An American," the first travelling exhibit of the National Museum of the United States Army, in partnership with the National Veterans Network and The Army Historical Foundation. The speakers shared the experience of family members who served in segregated units for Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II and the significance of the U.S. Army choosing this often-overlooked community of Soldiers for its first travelling exhibit.

Congressional Leaders Join Press Announcement for I Am An American Traveling Exhibit About World War II Nisei Soldiers

Ms. Tammy Call, Director of the Museum, highlighted that the exhibit will travel to 11 cities over its five-year tour. The exhibit will highlight 25-35 wartime objects to represent the service of the United States Army's 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat team and Military Intelligence Service, The first stop will be at the Presidio MIS Historic Learning Center in San Francisco in February 2026 before moving to the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Oregon Historical Society in Portland, and Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Additional venues will be announced at a later date.

Ms. Christine Sato-Yamazaki, Executive Director of the National Veterans Network which is providing the historical expertise to develop the exhibit's content, shared the exhibit's design plans. The theme, "I Am An American," was inspired by a photo taken by Dorothea Lange of an "I Am An American" sign placed on an Oakland, California storefront by Tatsuro Matsuda on December 8, 1941 to declare his American identity. The exhibit will highlight the patriotism, courage and selfless service of the Japanese American World War II Nisei Soldiers who served courageously in the European and Pacific Theater, while their families battled discrimination at home. Exploring 5 thematic areas, the 1,500 square foot exhibit will present the national perspective of the Japanese American WWII Soldier experience that includes the historical context of life in Hawaii and Wartime Relocation Authority camps.

"American Soldiers of Japanese Ancestry delivered a powerful lesson in citizenship during World War II," said Shinseki. "Their values  loyalty, courage, patriotism  are timeless statements about being American. Rising above fear and prejudice, they wrote an unrivaled battle history that remains legendary, even today. It's an American story for the ages."

World War II American Soldiers of Japanese ancestry, known as Nisei Soldiers, enlisted from the islands of Hawaii and ten Wartime Relocation Authority Camps that forcibly relocated 120,000 Japanese Americans during the war. An estimated 19,000 Nisei served in the European Theater as part of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which went on to become the most decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size and duration of service. Another 6,000 Japanese Americans served as translators and interpreters in the U.S. Army's Military Intelligence Service.

The Army Historical Foundation is supporting the production of the travelling exhibit. A special gallery on the Nisei experience will be displayed at National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia until 2025.

About the National Museum of the United States Army

The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. By preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting invaluable artifacts, the National Army Museum creates learning opportunities for all visitors and bonds the American people to their oldest military service. We are America's Army Museum. The U.S. Army owns and operates the Museum. The Army Historical Foundation continues its fundraising role in support of the Museum and manages all retail, catering, and special events. The Museum is open daily with free admission. For more information on the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.theNMUSA.org.

More details about the Museum can be found in the Museum's media kit.

About The Army Historical Foundation

The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army's official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The award-winning, LEED-certified Museum opened on November 11, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Va., and honors the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army's inception in 1775. For more information on the Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org.

About National Veterans Network

NVN's mission is to educate current and future generations about the extraordinary legacy of American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry in order to promote equality and justice. The organization launched the campaign to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the first Asian American recipients in the 100th, 442nd and MIS units, and worked with the U.S. Mint to design the medal. In 2012, the organization partnered with the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service for a seven-city tour to promote recognition of the Japanese American experience. In 2016, along with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, NVN launched an online Digital Exhibition to share the story of Japanese American soldiers of WWII (cgm.smithsonianapa.org). Beginning in 2017, NVN worked with the National Museum of the U.S. Army to gather artifacts from Japanese American WWII soldiers and their families that resulted in a special exhibit dedicated to Japanese American WWII soldiers when the Museum's opening in 2020 along with artifacts and information located throughout the museum. In 2020, the NVN in collaboration with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, developed elementary and middle school curriculum. The NVN continues to honor the American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry by promoting, protecting, and preserving their legacy of uncommon valor and selfless service for future generations.

Please visit us at www.nationalveteransnetwork.com, and follow the NVN on Facebook (NationalVeteransNetwork), Twitter (@NtlVetNetwork) or Instagram (nationalveteransnetwork ).

Press Contact:

Michelle Suzuki

310-444-7115

SOURCE National Veterans Network
Brands can leverage real-time location data to deliver highly personalized, contextually relevant touchpoints via mobile, email and SMS

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cordial , the leading marketing platform that automates billions of data-driven emails, SMS and mobile app messages for companies like Tillys, Realtor.com and REVOLVE, reveals an enhanced server-to-server integration with Radar . This integration streamlines the process of sending precise geo-location data from Radar to Cordial, enabling retailers to enrich user profiles and trigger timely, relevant offers and notifications. Radar connects the digital and physical worlds with location infrastructure for products and services, like geofencing, maps and geo-compliance, all in a cost-effective platform.

By combining Radar's advanced location infrastructure and Cordial's powerful marketing platform, enterprise brands can leverage real-time location data to deliver highly personalized and contextually relevant app experiences, allowing users to coordinate location-based touchpoints through mobile messaging, email, SMS and more. This integration empowers businesses to drive targeted engagement, personalize customer experiences and boost overall marketing effectiveness, resulting in improved customer loyalty and increased revenue.

"Our enhanced integration with Radar marks a significant leap forward in contextual marketing," said Matt Howland , Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Cordial. "Integrating Radar's cutting-edge geo-location technology with Cordial's dynamic messaging capabilities enables brands to deliver exceptional, location-aware customer experiences. This integration not only enhances real-time engagement but also refines how we understand and act on customer movements, making every interaction more relevant and impactful."

The server-to-server integration simplifies the setup process, requiring a quick copy and paste of Cordial API keys within the Radar dashboard. This eliminates the need for developer resources and complex client-side coding, making it easy for marketers to get up and running in minutes.

"We are very excited to deepen our partnership and integration with Cordial," said Nick Patrick , Co-Founder and CEO at Radar. "These location-based features empower businesses to deliver hyper-targeted, context-aware campaigns with unprecedented precision. This collaboration bridges the gap between digital and physical customer journeys, enabling brands to create seamless, personalized experiences that truly resonate with consumers at the right time, at the right place."

Specific use cases from this integration include:

Location-Triggered Notifications: Automatically send a notification whenever a contact enters a specific store to promote in-store offers or guide the customer's shopping journey.





Automatically send a notification whenever a contact enters a specific store to promote in-store offers or guide the customer's shopping journey. Dynamic Audience Segmentation: Create detailed audience segments based on location events, such as visits to specific stores or geofence entries. This allows for highly targeted messaging that resonates with customers.





Create detailed audience segments based on location events, such as visits to specific stores or geofence entries. This allows for highly targeted messaging that resonates with customers. Enhanced Mapping Features: Integrate location-based mapping features, such as showing the "closest store" via email, SMS or push notifications, providing practical information to enhance the customer experience.

"The Cordial and Radar integration has elevated our personalization capabilities," said Courtney Talkington , Director of Customer Marketing at JOANN. "We can target our customers at a more granular level, allowing us to implement tactics that resonate with them for where they're located and located within our customer journey. Additionally, they've made the process incredibly easy without the need for complex changes to our martech stack or coding."

Learn more about how Cordial helps brands make every message matter at cordial.com .

About Cordial

Cordial's technology helps companies like L.L.Bean, Orveon Global and Boot Barn automate high-conversion messages across email, SMS, mobile apps, social media, direct mail and more, driving scalable revenue and lasting customer connections. Cordial was recognized as a Strong Performer in The Forrester Wave: Email Marketing Service Providers, Q3 2024, receiving the highest possible scores in six criteria. The company was also named a fastest-growing company in the 2022 and 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and 2024 Inc. 5000 and won the Business Intelligence Group's Best Places to Work award in 2023. Connect with us at www.cordial.com .

Media Contact

Ryan Hecker

PANBlast for Cordial

[email protected]

317-806-1900 ext. 127

SOURCE Cordial
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced that it will webcast its quarterly earnings conference call for the third quarter 2024 on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET and lasting approximately one hour. During the call, the company will discuss its financial performance, as well as future expectations.

The call and an accompanying slide presentation will be webcast on the "Investors" section of Danaher's website, www.danaher.com, under the subheading "Events & Presentations." A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation and will remain available until the next quarterly earnings call.

You can access the conference call by dialing 800-245-3047, within the U.S. or +1 203-518-9765 outside the U.S. a few minutes before 8:00 a.m. ET and notifying the operator that you are dialing in for Danaher's earnings conference call (Conference ID: DHRQ324). A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call until November 5, 2024. You can access the replay dial-in information on the "Investors" section of Danaher's website under the subheading "Events & Presentations."

Danaher's earnings press release, the webcast slides and other related materials will be posted to the "Investors" section of Danaher's website under the subheading "Quarterly Earnings" beginning at 6:00 a.m. ET on the date of the earnings call and will remain available following the call.

ABOUT DANAHER

Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Our businesses partner closely with customers to solve many of the most important health challenges impacting patients around the world. Danaher's advanced science and technology - and proven ability to innovate - help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and help reduce the time and cost needed to sustainably discover, develop and deliver life-changing therapies. Focused on scientific excellence, innovation and continuous improvement, our approximately 63,000 associates worldwide help ensure that Danaher is improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. Explore more at www.danaher.com.

SOURCE Danaher Corporation
Through energy bill assistance and essential resources, Entergy has helped customers in need stay safe during the severe summer heat

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With soaring high temperatures this summer, Entergy donated $3 million to help its low-income customers become more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills. Through Entergy's "Beat the Heat" program, customers received bill payment assistance, fans, energy efficiency kits, home weatherization and invaluable support from local community partners. The company also launched Single Stop, a free program that helps households in need access financial assistance and more.

"We are deeply committed to empowering our customers, especially during challenging times like the summer heat," said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy's vice president of corporate social responsibility. "Through our 'Beat the Heat' program and our partnerships with local organizations, we're helping our neighbors stay safe, cool and reduce their energy expenses. We're proud to provide ongoing support to those who need it most in the communities we serve."

For 23 years, Entergy has partnered with local organizations across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to ease the burden of hot summer temperatures resulting in increased usage and higher energy costs for our most vulnerable customers. Year after year, this collaborative program provides customers with energy bill assistance, tools and resources, and support during the critical summer months. Through this program the company:

Donated more than $2.8 million in funds from Entergy shareholders, employees and customers to The Power to Care program, which provides energy bill assistance to older adults and customers with disabilities.



in funds from Entergy shareholders, employees and customers to The Power to Care program, which provides energy bill assistance to older adults and customers with disabilities. Provided 3 million customers with free access to Single Stop, an online resource that connects households in need with financial assistance and more. More than 8,000 Entergy customers completed the Single Stop screening, which identified more than $61 million in potential financial aid and other resources.



in potential financial aid and other resources. Awarded more than $83,250 in grants to vulnerable customers to provide free resources like electric fans and home weatherization kits.



in grants to vulnerable customers to provide free resources like electric fans and home weatherization kits. Donated $25,000 to local organizations that weatherized homes for customers in need.



to local organizations that weatherized homes for customers in need. Held Entergy Navigators fairs in underserved communities, providing customers with assistance and resources to help manage their bills, energy efficiency kits, pro bono legal aid, Kids to College savings accounts and more.



Provided more than 3,900 free electric fans to help customers beat high temperatures and save on electricity bills throughout the summer.



Distributed over 900 energy efficiency kits to customers. The kits included money-saving LED lightbulbs, advanced power strips, bathroom faucet aerators and V-seal weatherstripping.





Over 200 low-income homes were weatherproofed during neighborhood sweeps that were held in select, underserved communities.

Savings programs and bill help

Entergy offers several energy efficiency and bill help programs, including:

Our newly launched Bill Toolkit website connects customers to bill management, energy efficiency and financial assistance resources. This new resource helps customers explore simple ways they can lower their electricity use and costs.



The Power to Care program provides emergency bill payment help to older adults and customers with disabilities.



Our partnership with Single Stop helps build pathways out of poverty by connecting our customers to available resources in a one-stop site. Single Stop makes it easy for customers to check if they qualify for financial assistance and connects them with opportunities for education, counseling, training and support.



myAdvisor lets customers track their energy usage and alerts them on how much power they use each day.



Level Billing allows customers to "level out" spikes in seasonal energy use, making their energy bills more consistent every month.



Payment arrangements for customers needing flexibility with paying their energy bill.

Entergy is dedicated to ensuring all customers have access to the resources and support they need to stay safe and comfortable year-round. To learn more about our customer assistance programs, visit billtoolkit.entergy.com.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

SOURCE Entergy Corporation
TECOM Group's Education Cluster spotlights Dubai's role in global dialogue on knowledge and innovation at EAIE Conference and Exhibition in Toulouse, France

role in global dialogue on knowledge and innovation at EAIE Conference and Exhibition in More than 33,500 learners of all ages are based at Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The European student community at Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City noted annual growth of 43% at the end of the 2023-24 academic year as Dubai cements its position of prominence as a global education destination.

Dubai International Academic City - EAIE Toulouse

The districts, which together comprise the Education Cluster of TECOM Group, feature universities from around the world, providing a vibrant community for learners to be connected through activities, workshops, and events that encourage collaboration, Dubai International Academic City announced at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition, held on 17-20 September in Toulouse, France.

Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City offer a range of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as specialist upskilling, training, and development courses to nourish higher education and lifelong learning. Together, the districts feature a French student community that grew by more than 30% at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.

"European talent is driven by the pursuit of new horizons upon which to make its mark, and increasingly, its compass is pointing towards futuristic multipolar hubs like Dubai," said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City at TECOM Group.

"Dubai's compelling blend of opportunity and connection offers the robust, globally focused pathways necessary for innovation to flourish. Our vibrant education communities leverage this pro-innovation framework to become the meeting point for Europe's brightest minds  its institutions and students alike. We will continue uniting talent to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the global dialogue on knowledge and innovation, in line with the vision of Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'."

The Education Cluster is home to a vibrant pool of more than 33,500 learners of all ages from 170 countries. Its culturally diverse environment is enriched by the presence of globally renowned French institutions such as ESMOD Fashion School at Dubai International Academic City and EM Normandie Business School, Alliance Francaise, and Le Wagon Coding School at Dubai Knowledge Park.

Leaders from the wider European market further strengthen the regional education and knowledge sectors, including Germany's FrontLife Recruitment for Healthcare Professionals and Hungary's John Von Neumann University hub at Dubai Knowledge Park, and Switzerland's Ecole Hoteliere Helvetique at Dubai International Academic City.

Dubai International Academic City offers a comprehensive ecosystem of sector-specific offerings, including built-to-suit campuses, world-class collaborative workspaces, and on- and off-campus housing, to support its global community of higher education institutions, students, and professionals. The community also nurtures partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate internships, job placements, research collaborations, and support for entrepreneurial talent.

Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City are part of TECOM Group's portfolio of 10 business districts, including Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Design District (d3).

About TECOM Group PJSC

TECOM Group (www.tecomgroup.ae) has been developing strategic, sector-focused business districts across the emirate of Dubai since 1999. TECOM Group is well-positioned to continue playing an integral role in cementing Dubai's status as a global business and talent hub.

The TECOM Group portfolio consists of 10 business districts catering to 6 vital knowledge-based economic sectors, including design, education, manufacturing, media, science, and technology. The Group provides a varied and tailor-made leasing portfolio  which includes offices, co-working spaces, warehouses, and land  to over 11,000 customers and more than 124,000 professionals.

TECOM Group offers additional value-added services to deliver a competitive and attractive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in and to facilitate engagement between the districts' community members. Government and corporate services are made available through an integrated smart services platform, "axs", which enhances ease of doing business and provides community members with a seamless experience.

TECOM Group also provides industry specialised facilities, including media production studios, laboratories, and higher education campuses. in5, its enabling platform for entrepreneurs and start-ups, offers innovation centres supporting tech, media, and design start-ups and SMEs. Its future-focused co-working spaces D/Quarters deliver stimulating work environments for tenants, and the "Go Freelance" package serves freelance talents.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2509656/TECOM_EAIE_Toulouse.jpg
- 1st cohort data demonstrates safety, feasibility and tolerability of the Everads Injector for delivering drugs to the back of the eye via the suprachoroidal space

- Results validate use of the Injector in a clinical, office-based setting, and will support the clinical trial applications of Everads' gene therapy license partners

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Everads Therapy, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing a platform for non-surgical delivery of therapeutics to the back of the eye via the suprachoroidal space, today presented initial clinical results from a first-in-human study at the 24th EURETINA Congress in Barcelona.

The study (NCT06314217) is an open-label safety and performance study that uses the Everads Injector for suprachoroidal administration of a triamcinolone acetonide suspension to treat of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). The presentation, entitled "A Novel Suprachoroidal Delivery Technology: Results from a First in Human Pilot Study  Cohort 1," is available as an e-poster, and will be published on the company's website following the congress.

Yoreh Barak, MD, Head of Retina at the Department of Ophthalmology at Rambam Medical Center and the study's Principal Investigator, stated, "The data reported today confirm the effectivity, ease of use and tolerability of the Everads Injector for suprachoroidal delivery. The ability for an individual physician in an office setting to deliver drug non-surgically via this promising administration route could lead to the development of more effective and less invasive treatments for posterior segment eye diseases."

Results from the pre-specified first cohort of patients were cleared by the Ministry of Health, and the company is now recruiting patients into its next cohort. Full results of the clinical trial are expected to be presented at an upcoming medical congress.

"We are excited to report promising results that clearly validate our technology in a clinical setting," added Moshe Weinstein, Everads' CEO. "These data will be used to support the clinical trial applications of our license partners and our internal programs, enabling suprachoroidal delivery of next-generation treatments for retinal diseases."

Everads suprachoroidal delivery technology is designed to enable safe and effective in-office delivery of therapies to the choroidal and retinal tissues via the suprachoroidal space. As demonstrated by Barak Y et al and Eclov R et al in poster presentations at ARVO 2024, the Everads technology is differentiated by its ability to deliver therapy rapidly throughout the posterior pole, enabling circumferential transduction past the posterior pole to the macular RPE seen using two AAV serotypes in non-human primates. Data showing the ability of Everads' technology to enable rapid distribution to the macular region in non-human primate models was the focus of a recent publication in Translational Vision Science and Technology (TVST).

About Everads Therapy

Everads Therapy is a biotech company focused on optimizing treatment of retinal diseases using its proprietary suprachoroidal delivery technology. With the aim of overcoming challenges in current treatment methodologies for retinal and macular diseases, Everads' delivery platform offers the promise of improving the efficacy and safety of existing and potential drug therapies via suprachoroidal delivery. Everads has a number of collaborations in the areas of gene therapy, cell therapy, small molecule formulations and other modalities. Everads was spun out from DALI Medical Devices, a company specializing in development of injectable drug delivery technologies, and established within RAD Biomed, a leading biotech accelerator. Everads' original underlying technologies were conceived by Professor Ygal Rotenstreich, Head of the Electrophysiology Clinic and Director of the Retinal Research Laboratory at the Goldschleger Eye Institute, a licensed from Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center / Sheba Impact. For more information, please visit www.everads-therapy.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts:

Everads Therapy Ltd.

Moshe Weinstein, CEO

[email protected]

SOURCE Everads Therapy
SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "The exploding pagers and radios of Hezbollah point not only to the tactical brilliance of Israeli technicians (who are likely responsible) but also to the largely unacknowledged value of Israel to our own defense." This is the view of Discovery Institute co-founder George Gilder, author of The Israel Test and increasingly a critic of current US and European half-way measures in support of Israel.

"Why should Israel be pushed constantly by the Western allies to make peace with terrorists?" Gilder asks.

Many Americans wrongly believe that official US pressure on Israel to bring the Gaza war to a halt before Israel has won is in the interest of American foreign policy, says Gilder, a noted tech writer, economist and futurist.

"An Israeli defeat of terrorism is vital for the defense of America and long term Middle Eastern peace," he states. "For survival, we now need the skills and creativity of Israel at least as much as they need us."

The Biden-Harris Administration continues to pressure Israel to stop short of victory over Hamas and the taming of Hezbollah. Former President Trump has called for an American version of Israel's anti-missile defense system, but the issue has hardly entered public discussion.

"Even in the midst of current fighting," Gilder reports, "Israel is leading the world in the rate of tech invention, growing by 31 percent in venture funding for tech startups in the first six months of this year, according to Our Crowd CEO Jon Medved, outpacing the rate achieved by the number two startup power, the US, at 28%. Europe and Asia actually declined in the rate of tech startup funding this year."

The Israel Test is Gilder's call for the West to combat antisemitism as a form of envy of success that eats away at the moral basis of the West and undercuts real chances for civilization's progress. The book has been updated and revised in a new 15th anniversary edition, and is aimed at college students who, Gilder notes, "are being confronted right now by ignorant and thoroughly biased leftists who lack any understanding of the true history of either ancient or modern Israel and its contributions to progress."

"Instead of faulting our ally we should be emulating their nimble and profound innovations," Gilder said. "We need the media and US politicians  including the presidential candidates  to acknowledge the positive realities of today's Israel and respond affirmatively."

Discovery Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to advance a culture of purpose, creativity, and innovation. George Gilder is a co-founder and Senior Fellow of Discovery Institute where he directs Discovery's Technology & Democracy Project.

SOURCE Discovery Institute
Groundbreaking Developments to be Revealed on PULSE, First True Holistic Measurement of Brand Love Across All Media

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prepare to fall in love today at this year's Engineering Brand Love Summit in Columbus, Ohio"the heart of it all." Hosted by The Shipyard and Brand Innovators , Summit sessions will cover how to build, scale, and measure brand impact across many different industries, including finance, food and beverage, health and wellness, retail, and travel and tourism, among others.

"The Engineering Brand Love Summit provides a unique opportunity to hear from some of the country's leading brand-side marketers who are providing first-hand insights and real, actionable takeaways for those looking to build brand love across all touchpoints," said Rick Milenthal, CEO, The Shipyard. "We and our esteemed partners at Brand Innovators are looking forward to hearing from this year's impressive roster of speakersincluding our own Blake Williams and Dave Sonderman who have deep insights to share about the future of Brand Love."

At last year's Summit, The Shipyard introduced PULSE, an exciting new data analytics tool developed in partnership with researchers from The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business, which identified four different layers of Brand Love along the customer journey: Attraction, Affection, Passion, and Commitment. Whereas traditional market indicators of Brand Love rely primarily on sentiment analysis, PULSE also includes performance metrics that leverage more than 50 data points across paid, owned, and earned media channels to generate a single holistic and prescriptive Brand Love score. After a year in BETA, PULSE is ready for launch, and The Shipyard's Senior Director of Brand Strategy Blake Williams will kick it off with an overview of the latest PULSE developments.

In addition to Sonderman and Williams' respective sessions, attendees will also hear from:

Marnie Kain , VP, Brand, Grubhub

, VP, Brand, Grubhub Linda Lollo , Digital Communications Manager, Goodyear

, Digital Communications Manager, Goodyear Athena Nestoras, Sr. Manager of Global Advertising & Social Media Strategy, United Airlines

Manager of Global Advertising & Social Media Strategy, United Airlines Seth Freeman , Vice President of Integrated Marketing & Media, Bath & Body Works

, Vice President of Integrated Marketing & Media, Bath & Body Works Traci Graziani , Head of Brand Marketing, Away from Home, Kraft Heinz

, Head of Brand Marketing, Away from Home, Kraft Heinz Saakait Mathur, Brand Director, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Josephine Severe , Senior Brand Manager, PediaSure at Abbott

, Senior Brand Manager, PediaSure at Abbott Tiffanie Hiibner , Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Brand Advancement, Nationwide Children's Hospital

, Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Brand Advancement, Nationwide Children's Hospital Michael Reda , Head of Ecommerce, Digital, Design & Insights, T. Marzetti Company

, Head of Ecommerce, Digital, Design & Insights, T. Marzetti Company Mollie Hansen , Chief Marketing Officer, Airstream

, Chief Marketing Officer, Airstream Jeremy Hughes , Chief Executive Officer, Elevate

, Chief Executive Officer, Elevate BJ Lieberman, Chef/Owner, Chapman's Eat Market, Ginger Rabbit Jazz Club, Hiraeth

Lauri Joffe , Chief Marketing Officer, American Freight

, Chief Marketing Officer, American Freight Kelly Cahill , VP of Marketing, Shop Premium Outlets, A Simon Digital Marketplace

, VP of Marketing, Shop Premium Outlets, A Simon Digital Marketplace Nikia Reveal , SVP, Brand Director, The Huntington National Bank

, SVP, Brand Director, The Huntington National Bank Kristi Daraban , Head of Social Media & Influencers, COE Leader, Aspen Dental

The Engineering Brand Love Summit arrives on the heels of The Shipyard's recent acquisition of Fahlgren Mortine  one of the top 20 public relations firms in the nation (O'Dwyer's), and the two-time reigning Mid-Sized Agency of the Year as designated by the Public Relations Society of America. To learn more, please visit Engineering Brand Love Summit .

About The Shipyard

The Shipyard builds performance-driven brands that audiences love by applying modern mindsets to established models. We think, plan, and create differently fueled by the mission of "Engineering Brand Love." Our iconic work led to Adweek naming us one of America's Fastest Growing Agencies. With our recent acquisition of leading PR firm Fahlgren Mortine, we integrate creativity, media, and data to enable courageous marketing decisions.

The Shipyard is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Newport Beach, Sacramento, and San Diego, California; Denver, Colorado; Boise, Idaho; Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; and Cleveland and Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit theshipyard.com .

Contact:

Lynne Collins

1-646-286-4724

SOURCE The Shipyard
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Transit agency and MTC staff next week will unveil new transit maps and signs designed to help make transit journeys easier to understand for both existing and new riders by delivering information that is clear, predictable and familiar across service areas and county lines. These new maps and signs  which include local transit and facility maps, diagrams and bus stop signs  will be on display and presented at the Sept. 23 meeting of the Regional Network Management Council and mark another step forward in Bay Area transit's transformation into a more connected, more efficient and more customer-focused mobility network.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Regional Network Management meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m. in person or online to learn more about the maps and signage, and their installation later this fall at transit hubs in El Cerrito and Santa Rosa. Details about the meeting are available on the MTC website. This information also will be presented to the Regional Network Management Customer Advisory Group at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

The new bus stop signs and suite of maps focuses on service frequency and uses standardized colors, line styles, and labels on maps and signs to indicate how often a bus, train or ferry arrives at a particular stop. They also show bus lines whose schedules are coordinated to provide more service.

This fall MTC and its partners will invite Bay Area residents and visitors alike to share their thoughts about the newly designed transit signs and maps once they are installed at the Santa Rosa Transit Mall, the nearby Santa Rosa SMART station, and the El Cerrito del Norte BART station. A new, comprehensive regional transit map, which will enable riders to discover key destinations they can reach on the Bay Area's extensive bus, rail and ferry network, also will be released.

Riders will be able to interact with several test signs, maps and other communication materials at the Santa Rosa and El Cerrito locations and then provide comments about their experiences. The public feedback will help inform the next stage of the project, in which the new maps and wayfinding materials are expected to be installed at seven additional locations across the Bay Area in 2025 and 2026.

The new maps and signs are part of the larger Regional Mapping and Wayfinding initiative aimed at making it easier to ride transit in the Bay Area. Whether a rider is traveling by bus, rail, ferry or a combination, the signs, maps, screens and other communication systems will be consistent and easy to identify across all nine Bay Area counties.

The Regional Mapping and Wayfinding Project is the result of a first-of-its-kind effort, led by MTC with the partnership of transit riders, Bay Area cities and counties, and all 27 Bay Area transit agencies, to develop a common set of signs and maps to be used across all transit locations, from individual bus stops to major hubs where multiple systems connect. This project is just one piece of a broader effort, outlined by the Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan, focused on making Bay Area transit easier and more convenient for riders of all ages and abilities to use.

The Regional Network Management Council includes top executives from MTC, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, BART, AC Transit, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Caltrain, SamTrans and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District as well as three general managers representing all other transit agencies serving Bay Area communities.

MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) announced today it will release its third quarter 2024 earnings on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, after the stock market close via PR Newswire and the company's website https://investors.fmc.com.

The company will host a webcast conference call on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET that is open to the public via internet broadcast and telephone.

Conference Call Details:

Internet broadcast: https://investors.fmc.com

United States (Local): +1 404 975 4839

United States (Toll-Free): +1 833 470 1428

Global Dial-In Numbers: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/global-numbers?confId=48643

Access Code: 480646

Pre-Registration Link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=5e65b288&confId=71171

A replay of the call will be available via the internet and telephone from 11:00 a.m. ET on October 30, 2024, until November 20, 2024.

Internet replay: https://investors.fmc.com

United States (Local): 1 929 458 6194

United States (Toll-Free): 1 866 813 9403

Access Code: 204818

About FMC

FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions  including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture  enable growers, crop advisers and turf and pest management professionals to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 5,800 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE FMC Corporation
Latest round of program provides $1 million in funding to help Georgia organizations advance investments in clean and vibrant waterways

ATLANTA, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Power Foundation has announced the recipients of its Waters for Georgia grant program  The Trust for Public Land and the Seabrook Village Foundation. The organizations will share $1 million in grants under the program, which invests in water resource focused projects that result in measurable benefits to environments and communities in Georgia including projects to preserve and restore the state's waterways, lakes and rivers.

"For more than a century, protecting Georgia's natural legacy and its resources has been a foundational element of our commitment to being A Citizen Wherever We Serve," said Jason Cuevas, vice president of Corporate Responsibility for Georgia Power, and president and CEO of the Georgia Power Foundation. "The Waters for Georgia grant program is just one way that we partner with instrumental organizations such as the Trust for Public Land and Seabrook Village Foundation that are working to preserve, and improve, our state's water resources for Georgians today, and for future generations. We congratulate this year's recipients and look forward to seeing the impact of their work."

The Trust for Public Land  The Trust for Public Land works alongside communities to create, protect and steward the nature-rich places that are vital to human well-being. Their work strives to connect individuals with the outdoors by creating parks and protecting land for people to ensure healthy communities for the future. This organization will use grant funding to restore hydrological infrastructure, introduce green infrastructure and establish riverbank plant buffers in Mableton, adjacent to the Fulton County Airport  Brown Field.

Seabrook Village Foundation  This nonprofit organization is dedicated to research, education and the authentic portrayal of the Reconstruction culture and environment of the rural African American community in coastal Georgia. This organization will use grant funding to provide a living shoreline installation that facilitates a healthy marsh ecosystem while preserving the shoreline and preventing erosion that could impact the historical heritage site to the Gullah Geechee community.

The environmental actions and activities of the Waters for Georgia program, administered by Bonneville Energy Foundation, include green infrastructure, managing water quality, best management practices and community engagement. Since the launch in 2019, this strategic water quality initiative has supported 18 projects totaling $3 million of investment to enhance water quality across the state. Previous grant recipients include Trees Atlanta, The Nature Conservancy, The Georgia Conservancy, Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council, Eco-Action and more. The Georgia Power Foundation expects to initiate the next funding cycle in 2025.

The Georgia Power Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is the third-largest corporate giving foundation in Georgia. Since its creation in 1986, the foundation has been empowering the future of Georgia, with funds donated by shareholders. Georgia Power's philanthropic focus is to be a citizen wherever we serve by investing in education, environmental stewardship, communities, and social justice efforts. Learn more at https://www.georgiapower.com/community.html

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power
NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 3rd Annual "New Approaches Forum", taking place on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Harvard Club of New York City, coincides with UN Week. The Forum has a defined mission: to reduce smoking-related harm and save up to 1 billion lives this century. The agenda is driven by alarming tobacco use statistics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over 1.1 billion people globally still use combustible cigarettes, causing over 8 million deaths annually, including 1.3 million from second-hand smoke. 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with a worldwide economic impact reaching $1.4 trillion USD per year.

Saving up to 1 Billion Lives This Century Post this

The Forum aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on improving public health. It also highlights SDGs 6, 12, 13 related to clean water, responsible consumption, and climate action. The tobacco industry contributes 84 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, posing environmental challenges alongside its public health impact.

The one-day event brings together leaders from public health, policy, science, technology, and regulatory sectors to accelerate tobacco control and harm reduction strategies.

Program highlights will showcase global progress in reducing smoking through integrated harm-reduction and abstinence-focused strategies, with case studies from Czech Republic, New Zealand, and Sweden. Both Sweden and New Zealand are approaching their "Smokefree 2025" goals of achieving 5% or below smoking prevalence.

A senior Czech leader, Jindrich Voboril, expert on Drugs Policy and Addictions, and advisor to the Prime Minister, will discuss his government's unique leadership in integrating tobacco harm reduction with broader strategies addressing alcohol, drugs, and HIV/AIDS.

The forum will also tackle the long-standing challenge of insufficient collaboration between private and public researchers, which has hindered innovation necessary to end smoking. A new report reviewing tobacco harm reduction research over the past decade, will be presented by Forum Chair Dr. Derek Yach, who previously led the WHO's tobacco control efforts.

Dr. Yach emphasizes, "The Forum's success will be measured by its ability to unite stakeholders, inspire public health reforms, and drive technological innovations and policies that save millions of lives and improve global health."

More information about New Approaches and registration, visit: www.newapproaches.nyc

Media Contact: Michelle McFaul | [email protected] | +1 516-378-1293

SOURCE New Approaches NYC
IFS's industry-leading ERP solution will be used to drive operational efficiencies in multiple countries

LONDON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IFS, the leading provider of enterprise cloud and Industrial AI software, today announced that the world's largest independent renewable energy company, RES, has selected IFS Cloud to support its business as it seeks to align operational procedures and continued global growth.

IFS Cloud's combination of enterprise-class operational ERP proficiency, leading service management and asset management capabilities within a single, integrated platform will enable RES to support all its global processes.

IFS Cloud is ideally suited to meet RES' needs. The solution's twice-yearly updates ensure RES can quickly take advantage of new functionality as soon as it is released through a planned update cadence, while the composable nature of IFS Cloud enables RES to integrate new capabilities and innovation. RES can also use IFS Cloud to access one version of the truth from a single common data source, thereby having greater visibility over operations and make faster, more informed decisions.

Henrik Brandt, Chief Financial Officer, RES, said: "Investing in IFS Cloud gives us enhanced control over all our business activities, which will help us to drive operational efficiencies. With IFS Cloud, we will have access to clear business information for decision-making and will be able to achieve faster time to decisions as a result."

Mark Moffat, CEO, IFS, said: "RES is a bold, innovative renewable energy company that fully understands the strategic importance of asset and service centric ERP software and the potential of harnessing it to drive efficiencies across its business. We are confident that IFS Cloud will allow them to manage development and construction projects, deliver efficient asset operations, get visibility into project costs, and standardize processes across their entire business more effectively."

About RES

RES is the world's largest independent renewable energy company, working across 24 countries and active in wind, solar, energy storage, biomass, hydro, green hydrogen, transmission, and distribution. An industry innovator for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 26 GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and plans to bring more than 22 GW of new capacity online in the next five years.

As a service provider, RES has the skills and experience in asset management, operations and maintenance (O&M), and spare parts  supporting 41GW of renewable assets across 1,300 sites. RES brings to the market a range of purposeful, practical technology-based products and digital solutions designed to maximise investment and deployment of renewable energy.

RES is the power behind a clean energy future where everyone has access to affordable zero carbon energy bringing together global experience, passion, and the innovation of its 4,500 people to transform the way energy is generated, stored and supplied. Visit: www.res-group.com

About IFS

IFS is the world's leading provider of Industrial AI and enterprise software for hardcore businesses that make, service, and power our planet. Our technology enables businesses which manufacture goods, maintain complex assets, and manage service-focused operations to unlock the transformative power of Industrial AI to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

IFS Cloud is a fully composable AI-powered platform, designed for ultimate flexibility and adaptability to our customers' specific requirements and business evolution. It spans the needs of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Information Technology Service Management (ITSM), and Field Service Management (FSM). IFS technology leverages AI, machine learning, real-time data and analytics to empower our customers to make informed strategic decisions and excel at their Moment of Service.

IFS was founded in 1983 by five university friends who pitched a tent outside our first customer's site to ensure they would be available 24/7 and the needs of the customer would come first. Since then, IFS has grown into a global leader with over 6,500 employees in 80 countries. Driven by those foundational values of agility, customer-centricity, and trust, IFS is recognized worldwide for delivering value and supporting strategic transformations. We are the most recommended supplier in our sector. Visit ifs.com to learn why.

CONTACT:

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/ifs/r/global-renewables-company-res-selects-ifs-cloud-to-support-operations-and-growth,c4040131

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Healthcare directors and executives offer valuable lessons in reducing health disparities in a report from the American Hospital Association (AHA), The Health Management Academy (THMA) and the Black Directors Health Equity Agenda (BDHEA).

CHICAGO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report captures the critical strategies and initiatives that drive meaningful change in health equity. Leaders from the American Hospital Association, the Black Directors Health Equity Agenda and The Health Management Academy interviewed executives and board members from health systems across the country to show how organizations prioritize diversity, health equity and inclusion and demonstrate their commitment to health equity.

Building a Governing Board Strategy on Diversity and Health Equity: Case Studies From the Field

Building a Governing Board Strategy on Diversity and Health Equity: Case Studies From the Field offers detailed interviews with healthcare executives and directors making data-informed decisions and taking community-centered approaches, demonstrating their commitment to health equity with actionable results.

Board Representation, Oversight Drive Health Equity Gains

"A major finding confirmed the essential role of diverse boardroom voices in fostering an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment," said Deborah Phillips, BDHEA executive director. "Inclusive representation is only one element of a successful strategy. A culture of candor ensures that all healthcare directors are valued for their perspectives and equipped to contribute to an open dialogue."

Health system leaders attested to their organization's improved decision-making, enhanced reputation and better alignment with community needs. The BDHEA, AHA and THMA collaborated to show examples of how hospitals and health systems are diversifying their boards and executing intentional strategies to advance health equity. Healthcare boards can apply these approaches to produce more equitable outcomes:

Prioritize Diversity in Board Recruitment: Actively seek diverse candidates beyond traditional networks to ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences are represented. Inclusive boards are more attuned to community needs and social determinants of health; UMass Memorial Health board trustees prioritized its nearly $1 billion in spending to minority and women-owned businesses and directed 1% of its investment portfolio to areas that address social determinants.

Actively seek diverse candidates beyond traditional networks to ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences are represented. Inclusive boards are more attuned to community needs and social determinants of health; UMass Memorial Health board trustees prioritized its nearly in spending to minority and women-owned businesses and directed 1% of its investment portfolio to areas that address social determinants. Implement Data-Driven Strategies: Use data to identify health disparities and track the effectiveness of health equity initiatives. Collecting data in a consistent way helped Michigan -based Bronson Healthcare discover care gaps and design policies, procedures and programs that address health disparities.

Use data to identify health disparities and track the effectiveness of health equity initiatives. Collecting data in a consistent way helped -based Bronson Healthcare discover care gaps and design policies, procedures and programs that address health disparities. Foster Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations to address social determinants of health and improve community wellness. ChristianaCare applied a consistent organizational focus on authentic community engagement to break down intergenerational cycles of poverty, which lead to poor health outcomes.

Collaborate with local organizations to address social determinants of health and improve community wellness. ChristianaCare applied a consistent organizational focus on authentic community engagement to break down intergenerational cycles of poverty, which lead to poor health outcomes. Promote Workforce Development: Invest in training and development programs to build a healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of the community it serves. Cone Health addressed talent shortages in a partnership with North Carolina A&T, the country's largest historically Black university.

Invest in training and development programs to build a healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of the community it serves. Cone Health addressed talent shortages in a partnership with North Carolina A&T, the country's largest historically Black university. Integrate the Work of DE&I and Health Equity Teams: Internal collaboration between DE&I and health equity teams ensures that hospitals and health systems are able to effectively meet the needs of their patient populations. Corewell Health established an overarching strategy to drive organizational progress against three key priority areas for the system.

"Preventive care improves both health equity and health outcomes," Phillips said. "Health systems are implementing programs that emphasize early detection and prevention of diseases, particularly in underserved communities. Integrated care models, which combine physical, mental and social health, are gaining traction. These models aim to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a patient's well-being."

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and initiatives shaping the future of health equity in healthcare administration. By highlighting the experiences of leading health systems, the report offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for other organizations seeking to prioritize health equity. "At The Health Management Academy, we recognize that the journey toward diversity and health equity is one that requires consistent collaboration among key decision-makers in healthcare. We are thrilled to partner with the BDHEA and AHA to showcase the critical work of these leading health systems, and look forward to supporting their continued commitments" said Renee DeSilva, CEO of The Health Management Academy.

"Building a Governing Board Strategy on Diversity and Health Equity" can be downloaded from the AHA Trustee Services website.

About BDHEA

The Black Directors Health Equity Agenda is composed of board directors and senior leaders who are working to eradicate the health disparities and inequities that threaten the individual and collective prosperity of Black families. As change agents, its members across the health ecosystem foster and facilitate board education for up-and-coming leaders, encourage revised business models, spur innovative thinking and action and support policy reforms that advance health equity for Black Americans and equal and fair healthcare for all. Learn more at bdhea.org .

About the American Hospital Association

The American Hospital Association is the national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks, and their patients and communities. Nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members come together to form the AHA.

About The Health Management Academy

Since 1998, The Health Management Academy has cultivated the premier membership-based community of healthcare's most influential CXOs from top U.S. health systems as well as decision makers from innovative industry companies.

We cultivate exceptional peer groups, providing original market insights, world-class leadership development programs and novel member alliances to more than 2,000 health system senior executives and 200 industry organizations.

Our industry-leading programs and solutions enable our member companies as they facilitate meaningful relationships, navigate strategic transformation and address critical industry issues with disruptive solutions.

CONTACT:

Jane Sharma

[email protected]

purposebrand.com

SOURCE Black Directors Health Equity Agenda
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HardRock Infrastructure Services ("HardRock") and Tower Arch Capital are pleased to announce the acquisition of HDW Construction & Drilling ("HDW") and the go-forward partnership with the founder and owner, Shohn Huckabee. This partnership further expands HardRock's reach into the water and wastewater utility industry.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seguin, Texas, HDW is an auger boring and tunneling company that specializes in drilling pipelines for water and wastewater infrastructure such as sewers, drinking water pipes and stormwater drainage networks. HDW primarily services water utility and municipality customers throughout Texas. HDW will be a wholly owned subsidiary of HardRock, and the Huckabee family will continue as significant investors in the consolidated HardRock business.

Robert Myers, CEO of HardRock, said, "This partnership with HDW further solidifies HardRock as one of the top providers of directional drilling and infrastructure services in Texas. We are thrilled to partner with Shohn and the HDW team and we look forward to growing together and continuing to diversify and expand our services."

Regarding the transaction, Shohn Huckabee, Founder of HDW, said, "HDW has long been a trusted provider of infrastructure services for water and utility customers. We are very proud of our team and all their contributions to HDW's success thus far. The partnership with HardRock and Tower Arch Capital will allow us to continue to provide high-quality services while expanding our presence throughout Texas and beyond."

David Topham, a Partner at Tower Arch Capital, remarked, "We are very excited about the addition of Shohn and the entire HDW team. HDW's culture and approach to providing the best service with safety top of mind make this a natural fit with HardRock. We look forward to supporting HardRock through this next stage of growth."

Terms of the transaction were undisclosed. Financing for the transaction was provided by Zions Bank. Advisors for Tower Arch Capital included Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and BDO USA, LLP. HDW was advised by Ainsa, Huston, Hester & Crews LLP.

About HardRock Infrastructure Services

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, HardRock Infrastructure Services is one of the leading providers of horizontal directional drilling ("HDD"), auger boring, and tunneling services in the United States. HardRock specializes in supplying the natural gas, water utility, renewables, petrochemicals, and oil sectors with a comprehensive range of turnkey services that pave the way for safety and success. With six offices and over 280 employees, HardRock offers the people, capabilities, and vision to serve the needs of a growing and evolving industry. For more information, please visit www.hardrockis.com.

About Tower Arch Capital

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Tower Arch Capital is a lower-middle-market private equity firm. Tower Arch seeks to partner with and grow high-quality family- and entrepreneur-owned companies to deliver long-term value for their management teams and investors. Tower Arch brings operational, consulting, and financial expertise to companies to help them improve their operations, scale, and grow. Target investments include control positions in businesses with EBITDA between $5 million and $30 million. For more information, please visit www.towerarch.com.

SOURCE HardRock Infrastructure Services
Award recognizes brands for innovating and delivering cutting-edge e-commerce

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Human-I-T proudly announced today that it has won the 2024 BigCommerce Innovation Award, recognizing the nonprofit's groundbreaking efforts to empower communities through technology, internet access, digital training, and tech support. Presented by BigCommerce, a global leader in e-commerce for top brands, this award celebrates Human-I-T's mission to transform lives, drive digital inclusion, and promote environmental sustainability by diverting unwanted tech from landfills and making digital access a reality for all.

As the judges noted, "Human-I-T stands out as an innovative force in the digital landscape, transforming how technology and resources are distributed to underserved communities. The website embodies a mission-driven approach, using cutting-edge solutions to bridge the digital divide and promote sustainability."

Human-I-T's website not only allows people to shop for tech devices, but also features key information on the organization's impact on underserved communities. The organization provides free or low-cost devices to students, helping them attend or return to school, and assists individuals in finding employment opportunities and more. Human-I-T also highlights its business model focused on refurbishing tech, which reduces the amount of e-waste sent to landfills in the U.S. and abroad, helping to protect the planet.

"The BigCommerce Innovation Award is a deeply meaningful recognition for all of us at Human-I-T. From our humble beginnings in a California warehouse to the opening of our first Digital Equity Center in Detroit, and now with teams in D.C. and New York, this award reaffirms that the work we're doing is making a real difference," said Gabe Middleton, CEO of Human-I-T. "To receive this honor from BigCommerce, a globally respected organization, fuels our passion even more. It drives us to push further, help more people and create an even greater impact in the communities we serve."

The BigCommerce Innovation Award recognizes brands that continuously innovate and deliver cutting-edge e-commerce. All award winners receive a cash prize and recognition on the BigCommerce website. To learn more about the awards, visit: bigcommerce.com/customer-awards .

SOURCE Human-I-T
Comprehensive segment wins include Best Performance, Best Electrified Vehicle, and Best Battery Electric Vehicle

IONIQ 5 N elevates the Three Pillars of N performance  Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar  by leveraging motorsport-bred technologies

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai's thrilling, high-performance all-electric IONIQ 5 N SUV swept three highly competitive categories of the 2024 Drive Revolution competition. This event, staged by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), includes categories for Best Performance (an overall category that encompasses both electrified and non-electrified models), Best Electrified Vehicle (any vehicle with an electric motor), and Best Battery Electric (pure battery-electric vehicles only). This sweeping competition pitted the IONIQ 5 N against many formidable, higher-priced, competitors including six-figure supercars and high-power luxury sedans.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is photographed in California City, Calif., on Sep. 13, 2023.

"We set out to redefine what an electric vehicle can be, and with the 5 N, we hoped to demonstrate that high-performance, track-ready EVs aren't just the futurethey're the now," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "Sweeping the Drive Revolution Awards for Best Performance, Best Electrified, and Best Battery EV is an incredible honor. The 5 N goal was to deliver a visceral, unmatched driving experience that stands out in the world of performance cars - more than an EV, but a statement for those who demand both power and excitement."

"Many journalists were surprised with the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N AWD and its ability to provide an exceptional blend of performance and innovation, combining powerful acceleration with precision handling  rare traits in an all-electric vehicle," said NWAPA president Nik Miles of Fox Morning News/Nextstar.tv.

The 2024 IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai's first electrified model to wear an N badge. The vehicle has been received with great acclaim by automotive media and driving enthusiasts since its launch earlier this year, setting a new benchmark for engaging, all-electric high performance. The IONIQ 5 N SUV is offered in a single, fully equipped trim that delivers innovative performance along with unmatched driver engagement and configurability, all paired with a full complement of convenience, driver-assistance, and safety features. Capable of delivering thrilling, sustained racetrack performance without sacrificing day-to-day drivability, IONIQ 5 N represents Hyundai's N brand electrification vision and a fresh opportunity for enthusiasts to fulfill their driving passion on both road and track.

Drive Revolution is an annual competition hosted by NWAPA that compares vehicles with the most advanced technologies and performance. During the event, 20 automotive media professionals from a range of publications evaluated 23 new vehicles near Ridgefield, Washington over three days in September. NWAPA is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
KUNMING, China, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 20-21, 2024, the Yunnan International Blueberry Industry Development Conference will be held concurrently with the 22nd Kunming International Flower Expo of China and Kunming International Flowers & Plants Expo (KIFE & IFEX) in Hall 9 of Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies in the global blueberry sector, spotlighting domestic and international growth opportunities. It also serves as a catalyst for advancing the sustainable growth of Yunnan's blueberry industry.

Under the guidance of Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the conference is hosted by Yunnan Flower Technical Training and Promotion Center and organized by RX Greater China. Featuring four thematic forums highlighted by 20 keynote speeches, the event brings together more than 100 companies and 1,000 experts in blueberry cultivation to discuss industry trends, cultivation techniques, marketing strategies and sales avenues.

Gathering global experts to explore industry development trends

The conference brings together a lineup of global industry experts, delivering keynote speeches that span the full spectrum of the blueberry value chain, from seedling nurturing and standardized cultivation practices to cold chain logistics, processed product innovation, brand establishment and marketing strategies.

In the Global Insights forum, guests will share their insights into the industry's evolution, looking at opportunities from the differing perspectives of multinational agribusinesses, Chinese exporters and local growers in Yunnan. Zhang Huan, with a Ph.D. that specialized in small berries from Washington State University and currently a consultant at Twinkle Star Berry, will speak about the today's global blueberry landscape, mapping out planting trends in both established and emerging production areas. Wang Hexin, Director of the Modern Agriculture Research Center at Dalian University, will embark on an insightful exploration of China's blueberry industry, tracing its over two-decade growth and current standing, while offering a glimpse into its promising future.

In the Cultivation Techniques forum, companies will showcase their expertise in blueberry cultivation. Ph.D. Deng Jie, Assistant Researcher at the University of Tasmania and Deputy General Manager of Yuemintou Agricultural Technology (Guangdong), discusses key technologies revolutionizing the cultivation of novel evergreen blueberry varieties. Zeng Jun, Deputy Director of Haygrove (Kunming), will showcase Haygrove's ventilated greenhouse solutions, sharing success stories that detail the solution's comprehensive benefits, production efficiency, and sustainability. Hu Guizhao, China Business Representative of Legro Group in China, will underscore the advantages of Legro's blueberry formula substrate and explore Botanicoir pure coco peat's innovative application. Feng Shuqiong, Chairman and Senior Agronomist of Yunnan Youke Lvdu Academy of Agriculture, will look at the Berry Digital Model, explaining how agricultural digitization fosters sustainable soilless small berry cultivation. Wei Xuefei, Sales Head of Plastika Kritis in Yunnan, will give a presentation on greenhouse covering material innovations and selection strategies, enhancing users' understanding of agricultural films, their role in photosynthesis, and the selection of optimal films for production, ultimately invigorating and fostering the industry's sustainable growth.

In the Innovation in Varieties forum, both Chinese and international firms will share their expertise in cultivating new blueberry varieties. Fan Wenzhuo, Executive Director and General Manager of Yunnan Meiming Agriculture (acquired by Spain's Planasa in 2023), will spotlight the company's genetic breakthroughs in berry varieties, aligning with global blueberry breeding trends. Zhou Yinlong, Deputy Director of Kunming's New Forestry & Grassland Plant Variety Testing Station, will outline the current state of new variety protection for Vaccinium (blueberry) and elucidate the national application process and testing methodologies for blueberry variety rights. Marc Englert, Parter at Originalius, will bring the Spain blueberry substrate technology sharing. Fall Creek, a US pioneer in blueberry genetics and maternal plant supply, will showcase its pioneering practices in creating new blueberry varieties.

In the Brand & Channel Growth forum, representatives from Chile-Prize, Joyvio, Yuqian, Pengsheng and SF Express convene to share insights into navigating brand-building and channel sales amidst consumer diversification, including an overview of several case studies. Liu Xiang, Marketing Manager of Prize, will share experiences in building renowned blueberry brands. Xing'a Jinqi, General Manager of Public Affairs of Joyvio Group, will talk about the innovative practice for industrial chain upgrade. Liu Xiao, Senior Partner of Shanghai Pengsheng Industrial will analysis the future market of blueberries in China. And Lin Yuantai, Blueberry Business Director at Shanghai Yuqian Supply Chain Management, will talk about the current blueberry consumer landscape, offering a multi-faceted analysis exploring taste preferences, product specifications, optimal sales timing, packaging, and sales channels.

Building an industry exchange platform to unleash future growth potential

In recent years, the entire berry family, but most notably blueberries, has soared in popularity, captivating markets worldwide. Boasting a variety of nutrients like anthocyanins and vitamin C, coupled with their compact size and ease of consumption, these fruits align with the general public's fruit-eating preferences.

With a steady expansion of cultivation areas and total output, China became the world's largest producer of blueberries in 2021. According to the latest data from the International Blueberry Organization, China's blueberry cultivation led the world with 77,641 hectares in 2022, yielding some 525,300 tons.

With unique geographical and climatic conditions, Yunnan stands as an ideal locale for blueberry cultivation. Its berries, renowned for their freshness, juiciness, and distinct flavor, have garnered widespread acclaim among both domestic and international consumers. The proliferation of berry firms with international footprints has fueled advancements in variety development and technological innovation, propelling Yunnan to the forefront as the country's premier hub for early-maturing, premium-quality blueberries.

As the key annual gathering for China's blueberry sector, Yunnan International Blueberry Industry Development Conference offers a comprehensive platform to address the issues surrounding varieties, cultivation practices, technological advancements, marketing strategies, and channel integration. Each keynote speaker is a seasoned professional within the blueberry industry ecosystem, poised to share real-world case studies and profound insights. Join us on September 20-21 in Hall 9 of the Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center. For registration details, please contact Ms. Qin at 010-5933 9349.

SOURCE RX Greater China
WINDHAM, Maine, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinnacle Men's Health is proud to offer telehealth services in Florida, Vermont, Maine, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Virginia. By offering a convenient virtual platform, Pinnacle Men's Health allows men to access essential healthcare services from the comfort of their homes. This innovative approach not only enhances accessibility but also prioritizes privacy and personalized care.

Pinnacle Men's Health Pinnacle Men's Health

One of the primary services offered through Pinnacle Men's Health is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Many men experience low testosterone levels as they age, leading to various health issues, including fatigue, decreased libido, and mood swings. Telehealth consultations enable men to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with medical professionals without the need for in-person visits, streamlining the process of receiving appropriate treatment.

Weight concerns are a significant aspect of men's health that can dramatically impact overall well-being. Pinnacle Men's Health provides telehealth consultations that focus on personalized weight loss plans, medications including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and phentermine, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle adjustments. This approach helps men achieve their weight loss goals in a sustainable way, with ongoing support from healthcare professionals.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sensitive topic for many men, but telehealth services provide a discreet way to address this condition. The company specializes in various treatments for ED, enabling men to discuss their concerns openly and receive appropriate medical care.

For a limited time, Pinnacle Men's Health is offering an initial consultation and labs for $99 (normally $250). They also offer free 15-minute discovery calls for anyone interested in learning more about whether telehealth is right for them.

About Pinnacle Men's Health

Pinnacle Men's Health leverages telehealth to bring advanced medical treatments directly to men. With services ranging from testosterone replacement therapy to male enhancement, the clinic is committed to promoting men's health and well-being through innovative, accessible care. Learn more about them on their website: https://www.pinnaclemenshealth.com/

Contact Information

Name: Sara Dayon

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: (207) 489-6977

SOURCE Pinnacle Men's Health
--Alpitronic Americas Celebrates Opening of U.S. Headquarters in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, one of the world's largest, most respected electric vehicle (EV) charger brands celebrated the opening of its U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, jumpstarting the company's expansion across North America. The move is a part of Alpitronic's efforts to build a robust, reliable charger network across the country to fuel the increasing adoption of electric vehicles by consumers.

Alpitronic logo

"While adoption is increasing, one of the main reasons some Americans hesitate to purchase an EV is the lack of a reliable network of chargers across the country," said Mike Doucleff, Alpitronic Americas CEO. "We are excited to bring Alpitronic's superior engineering and design to the American marketdelivering reduced charging time, increased reliability, and building confidence among consumers."

Due to their superior engineering and design, Alpitronic's Hyperchargers achieve, on average, a market-leading efficiency rate greater than 97.5 percent. Alpitronic's repair and service network can service chargers anywhere in the country.

Alpitronic Americas recently announced an agreement with Mercedez-Benz High-Power Charging to become the first DC fast-charging network to deploy Hypercharger 400 units at scale in the U.S.

Alpitronic Co-Founder and CEO Philipp Senoner added, "As a natural part of Alpitronic's growth, we are anxious to expand our industry-leading Hypercharger network from Europe, where we are market-share leader, to North America. We are pleased with the talent we are finding in North Carolina and look forward to setting a new standard for the EV charging network in the U.S."

Today Alpitronic chargers support all EV automotive brands. Pre-production units have been tested publicly in Rock Hill, S.C. and Portland, Ore. The first U.S.-built, public-facing production units are expected to be installed and available in October.

Alpitronic Americas is a subsidiary of Alpitronic SRL, headquartered in Bolzano, Italy. The U.S. headquarters' 68,000 square-foot office and industrial space includes a diagnostics laboratory and repair center, spare parts warehouse, a training center and space for as many as 300 employees. A solar array on the roof will offset half the company's energy consumption, and motion-sensing lighting will reduce energy use. Outside, low-maintenance plantings will be watered via a smart, sensing irrigation system to reduce water use.

"It is a great day when we can add global leaders like Alpitronic to the outstanding companies who call Charlotte home," said Mayor Vi Lyles. "In addition to creating good-paying jobs for our citizens, Alpitronic's values are consistent with Charlotte's goal to be a leader in environmental sustainability as we pursue economic growth for our city."

Today, Alpitronic serves some of America's best-known brands in Europe, including Aldi, Amazon, BP, Circle K, McDonald's, and Shell; as well as automakers Audi, BMW, Jaguar, KIA, Mercedez-Benz and others.

About Alpitronic Americas

Founded in the heart of the Italian Alps in 2009, Alpitronic Americas established its U.S. presence in 2024, opening its American headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. The company is Europe's market leader for DC fast chargers for electric vehicles, with unparalleled quality and reliability. With a vision of leading the world into sustainable mobility, Alpitronic aspires to deliver the most innovative and reliable solutions at the highest levels of engineering and design. Alpitronic and its more than 1,000 employees worldwide are committed to continuous improvement as they strive to set future standards for sustainable and reliable vehicle charging around the world.

SOURCE Alpitronic
NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jewish National Fund-USA will mark the painful first anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks on the people of Israel through a series of impactful initiatives to honor those lost as it continues rebuilding the communities devastated by terror.

From planting trees and lighting candles in memory of the victims to leading volunteer and solidarity missions to Israel, the organization remains steadfast in its vision to restore hope and rebuild communities in Israel's north and south.

A Jewish National Fund-USA Tree Certificate and Candle commemorates those lost on October 7 and since Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers in southern Israel

Honoring the Victims: "We Choose Life" Campaign

Jewish National Fund-USA has launched its We Choose Life campaign to memorialize the victims of the October 7 attacks. As part of this initiative, the organization is offering special commemorative tree certificates and memorial candles -- allowing people everywhere to honor the memory of those who perished on October 7 and in the months since.

The specially designed certificates can be purchased at jnf.org/remember and personalized with the name of one of the fallen civilians or IDF soldiers.

Supporters are also invited to light their memorial candle during a live broadcast of the organization's October 7 Commemoration Ceremony at Kibbutz Re'eim, located in the Israel Envelope. The ceremony will take place on October 7 at 11 AM ET/8 AM PT (register at jnf.org/oct7ceremony).

Solidarity Mission: Standing with Israel, One Year On

Since October 7, almost 4,000 people have come to Israel on volunteer missions through Jewish National Fund-USA. Inspired by the ongoing passion shown by mission participants, the organization will host its We Choose Life Solidarity Mission from October 6-9, 2024. The mission will bring supporters to Israel, offer them a chance to meet with local leaders, enable them to witness the rebuilding efforts firsthand and stand in solidarity with communities in both the north and south. Mission participants and local residents will also take part in the memorial ceremony on October 7 at Kibbutz Re'im.

For more information or to register, visit jnf.org/solidaritymission

Rebuilding Communities: 'Build Together' and 'Reimagine' Initiatives Bring Hope

Since October 7, Jewish National Fund-USA has led extensive efforts to rebuild the communities impacted by the conflict, particularly in the Israel Envelope and the north of the country. Key projects include:

Rebuilding homes and public facilities in communities where Jewish National Fund- USA has already helped develop critical infrastructure, including bomb shelters, medical centers, and resilience hubs.

has already helped develop critical infrastructure, including bomb shelters, medical centers, and resilience hubs. Providing support to small businesses and farmers, along with funding for housing sites and facilities using sustainable, eco-friendly construction techniques.

Expanding trauma services and resilience programs, including centers that provide much-needed psychological support for both children and adults affected by the attacks.

Jewish National Fund-USA's Reimagine initiative in Israel's north focuses on turning the region into a thriving hub of innovation, food technology, and tourism. This includes:

Completing major projects like the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF and its Medical Center in Kiryat Shmona, essential for fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life in the region.

Developing new housing sites and providing bomb shelters to ensure the safety and security of northern residents.

Offering mental health services and youth leadership programs to support the next generation of Israelis in the north.

Join the Effort

Jewish National Fund-USA is calling on its supporters to join in this critical mission to rebuild and reimagine Israel. By purchasing a tree certificate and memorial candle in memory of a victim, joining a solidarity mission, or contributing to its Build Together and Reimagine initiatives, supporters can play a vital role in shaping Israel's future.

For more information, visit jnf.org.

Media Contact:

Stefan Oberman

212.879.9305 x222

[email protected]

SOURCE Jewish National Fund-USA
Former Fishman Haygood Corporate Attorneys Expand M&A and Private Equity, Real Estate, and Finance Experience

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Walker LLP is pleased to welcome three new partners, John Werner, Chip Saulsbury, and Tyler Marquette, and four new associates, Meghan Montgomery, Tyler Andrews, Anne McAloon, and Michael Stewart, as members of the Corporate Practice Group in the New Orleans office. Meghan will be admitted to the firm's partnership in January 2025.

From left to right: John Werner, Chip Saulsbury, Tyler Marquette, Meghan Montgomery, Tyler Andrews, Anne McAloon, and Michael Stewart

"We are thrilled to welcome this distinguished group of attorneys to Jones Walker," said Bill Hines, managing partner. "The addition of three highly regarded partners and four exceptional associates underscores our commitment to providing topflight legal services. Their tremendous client list and esteemed reputation align perfectly with our mission to deliver excellence to our clients. Our corporate team's capabilities are now unmatched in the region. We look forward to the valuable contributions they will undoubtedly bring to our firm."

The corporate team joining from Fishman Haygood brings well-established practices from a firm with a rich history of serving the New Orleans and Louisiana business community.

Reflecting on the decision to join Jones Walker, John stated, "This is a remarkable opportunity for us to join a firm that we have always admired and respected. We have worked with and have close relationships with many Jones Walker attorneys, so we have experienced firsthand why they are respected not just regionally, but across the country." He added, "We look forward to building our corporate practice through the firm's platform and expanding the scope of services we provide to our client base."

About John Werner

John is an accomplished corporate attorney who focuses on financings, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and general corporate advice. He represents numerous private equity funded portfolio companies in their ongoing corporate needs and several family offices regarding their investments in private companies. John was the former managing partner and a member of the management committee at Fishman Haygood.

About Chip Saulsbury

Chip is an experienced corporate professional who focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate finance, and general corporate matters. He frequently represents private equity funds in acquisitions of portfolio companies, add-on acquisitions, other direct equity and debt investments, and exits or divestitures from these various investments, as well as family investment offices and individuals in investments in private equity funds, hedge funds, and other direct investment activity. Chip also advises family and closely held businesses in transitioning ownership and management to the next generation or in sales to third parties. In his finance practice, Chip represents borrowers in acquisition financings, syndicated credit facilities, credit-tenant lease financings, and other secured credit facilities.

About Tyler Marquette

Tyler is a seasoned commercial real estate attorney whose practice includes development, construction, acquisitions and sales, financing, and leasing. He represents national and regional developers and investors in the acquisition, development, and financing of retail, industrial, hospitality, and multifamily properties across the country. Tyler is also a licensed title insurance producer in Louisiana and Mississippi.

About Meghan Montgomery

Meghan is a corporate attorney who focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, capital raises, joint ventures, and general corporate matters. She frequently represents private equity funds in acquisitions of portfolio companies, add-on acquisitions, other direct equity and debt investments, and exits or divestitures from these various investments. In addition to her transactional work, Meghan also advises senior management, investment funds, family offices, and boards on general strategic, governance, and corporate matters.

About Tyler Andrews

Tyler is a finance attorney who advises clients in connection with corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and private equity transactions. Prior to joining Jones Walker, he practiced at a boutique New Orleans law firm and in the Houston office of an international law firm, where he assisted clients with a broad range of complex corporate matters in the energy industry.

About Anne McAloon

Anne practices primarily in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and general corporate matters. Prior to joining Jones Walker, she advised on transactions and corporate law matters at a boutique New Orleans law firm and in the Baton Rouge office of a regional law firm, where she assisted a variety of clients in general contract negotiation.

About Michael Stewart

Michael is a real estate attorney whose practice includes acquisitions and sales, private equity investments, corporate financing, and other general business matters. He assists clients with structuring, negotiating, and closing commercial transactions. Michael has experience managing numerous leases of retail, industrial, and office sites on behalf of both local and national landlords and tenants, including ground leases, build-to-suit leases, reverse build-to-suit leases, subleases, and master leases.

About Jones Walker

Jones Walker LLP (joneswalker.com) is among the largest 145 law firms in the United States. With offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Texas, we serve local, regional, national, and international business interests. The firm is committed to providing a comprehensive range of legal services to major multinational public and private corporations, Fortune 500 companies, money center banks, worldwide insurers, and emerging companies doing business in the United States and abroad.

Contact :

Ryan Evans

504.582.8209

[email protected]

SOURCE Jones Walker LLP
Colossal addresses the structure of Baby of the Year, offering transparency and support for participating families while emphasizing its philanthropic mission.

PHOENIX, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Colossal , the leader in philanthropy through online competitions, which has raised over $100 million since 2022, is excited to announce that voting is now officially open for the Baby of the Year Competition . This highly anticipated fundraising campaign benefits Baby2Baby , a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, formula, clothing, and the basic necessities that every child deserves, serving more than one million children across all 50 states every year.

COLOSSAL CEO MARY HAGEN SPEAKS ON BABY OF THE YEAR

Colossal's CEO, Mary Hagen, has issued a statement to reaffirm the integrity of the competition, where the grand prize champion receives $25,000 and will appear in a Baby of the Year ad campaign in Good Housekeeping, a beloved magazine adored by over 47M+ readers.

"Our partnership with Baby2Baby is incredibly close to our hearts, as it allows us to support an organization that provides life-changing essentials to children in need," Hagen said. "We've seen tremendous excitement about Baby of the Year, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards throughout the entire process," she added. "The Rules and Terms and Conditions are publicly available, and we always encourage participants to familiarize themselves with them before entering and throughout the competition."

3 FACTS about Colossal and Baby of the Year:

FACT : The Baby of the Year competition is a 100% legitimate fundraising campaign that offers valuable opportunities to all participants. Colossal ensures transparency and fairness at every step. The campaign benefits Baby2Baby, championed by Jessica Alba . Baby of the Year is not a scam.

: The Baby of the Year competition is a 100% legitimate fundraising campaign that offers valuable opportunities to all participants. Colossal ensures transparency and fairness at every step. The campaign benefits Baby2Baby, championed by . is not a scam. FACT : The competition is free to enter, and Colossal encourages parents to visit the website's Rules page for complete details on eligibility and the competition tournament-style structure. Participating parents gain access to exclusive workshops on essential parenting topics, including sleep strategies, nutrition tips, and more.

: The competition is free to enter, and Colossal encourages parents to visit the website's Rules page for complete details on eligibility and the competition tournament-style structure. Participating parents gain access to exclusive workshops on essential parenting topics, including sleep strategies, nutrition tips, and more. FACT: The Competition is operated by Colossal as part of a fundraising campaign for DTCare , a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization. Donations raised from votes cast during this Competition go directly to DTCare, which will subsequently grant the donations, minus Competition fees and variable costs, which shall include a nominal percentage retained by DTCare, to the Designated GranteeBaby2Baby.

Baby of the Year is sponsored by:

TWELVElittle crafts high-quality diaper bags thoughtfully designed to support parents through every stage, from newborn to daycare and beyond.

crafts high-quality diaper bags thoughtfully designed to support parents through every stage, from newborn to daycare and beyond. Newton makes top-rated crib mattresses that are breathable, comfortable, washable, and hypoallergenic.

makes top-rated crib mattresses that are breathable, comfortable, washable, and hypoallergenic. My Primary Care is an affordable healthcare solution that provides virtual acute and primary care, 500+ Free meds, and pet coverage starting at $24.99 /month.

is an affordable healthcare solution that provides virtual acute and primary care, 500+ Free meds, and pet coverage starting at /month. BOB Gear makes jogging strollers and travel systems for thrill-seekers, explorers, and dreamersfamily products as rugged as the places people take them.

makes jogging strollers and travel systems for thrill-seekers, explorers, and dreamersfamily products as rugged as the places people take them. Britax engineers products that keep kids safe, creating confidence for the road ahead. Car seats, strollers, and travel systems help families enjoy the freedom to keep moving.

engineers products that keep kids safe, creating confidence for the road ahead. Car seats, strollers, and travel systems help families enjoy the freedom to keep moving. L'oved Baby is a premium, organic cotton apparel brand for babies, toddlers, and their loving parents.

For more information, visit https://babyoftheyear.org/ .

About Colossal:

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Baby of the Year, participants have the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare , a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which then grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. Learn more at colossal.org . Who's Next?

Media Contact

Anne-Marie Pritchett, Colossal Management, 6026334163, [email protected], Colossal Management

SOURCE Colossal Management
Verified Market Research proudly announce the development and release of our latest market research report, focusing on the rapidly evolving Language Service Market. With globalization accelerating at an unprecedented rate, businesses are under increasing pressure to communicate effectively across linguistic and cultural barriers. Our report provides the industry's decision-makers, investors, and strategists with critical insights into this dynamic sector, equipping them to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

LEWES, Del., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Language Service Market Size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.41% from 2024 to 2031, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 77.06 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 129.64 Billion by the end of the forecast period.

Key Highlights of the Report:

Market Forecast & Growth Trends: A detailed analysis of the Language Service Market's projected growth, providing a roadmap for businesses to navigate this thriving industry.

Technological Disruption: Explore how AI-driven translation tools, machine learning, and automation are reshaping the language service landscape.

Regional Market Insights: Comprehensive breakdowns of regional demand in North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and other key markets.

, , , and other key markets. Competitive Landscape: Profiles of major players, emerging firms, and key M&A activities shaping the competitive environment.

Tailored Solutions for Enterprises: How leading businesses are leveraging language services to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Why This Report Matters to Industry Leaders: In a globalized business ecosystem, access to accurate and timely language services is no longer optionalit's a competitive advantage. From multinational corporations to tech start-ups, companies that invest in language solutions can expand their market presence, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure regulatory compliance across borders.

This report is an essential tool for industry executives seeking to:

Identify high-growth opportunities in translation, localization, and interpretation services.

Optimize their global communication strategy using cutting-edge language technologies.

Stay ahead of the competition by aligning with future market trends.

The Language Service Market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by increasing demand for multilingual content, international business expansion, and the rise of digital-first communication strategies. Now is the time for businesses to refine their global communication plans and ensure they are equipped to meet the challenges of an interconnected world.

Secure Your Competitive Edge Today

For those looking to lead in this high-demand market, our report offers the actionable intelligence needed to make data-driven decisions and achieve sustainable growth. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in a market that is shaping the future of global business.

For more information or to purchase the report, please contact us at: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=10719

Browse in-depth TOC on "Global Language Service Market Size"

202 - Pages

126  Tables

37  Figures

Report Scope

REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2021-2031 GROWTH RATE CAGR of ~7.41% from 2024 to 2031 BASE FOR VALUATION 2024 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2021-2023 FORECAST PERIOD 2024-2031 QUANTITATIVE UNITS Value in USD Billion REPORT COVERAGE Historical and Forecast Revenue Forecast, Historical and Forecast Volume, Growth Factors, Trends, Competitive Landscape, Key Players, Segmentation Analysis SEGMENTS COVERED Service

End-User REGIONS COVERED North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa KEY PLAYERS Acolad Group, Appen Limited, ATAP Co., Welocalize Inc., RWS Holdings PLC, Semantix AB, SDL PLC, STAR Group Worldwide, Thebigword, TransPerfect, Translate Plus, LanguageWire, Lionbridge Technologies, Honyaku Center, Bureau Van Dijk, Moravia IT, LanguageLine Solutions, GuidingStar CUSTOMIZATION Report customization along with purchase available upon request

Global Language Service Market Overview

Globalization and Cross-Border Business Expansion: The increasing trend of globalization has intensified the demand for translation services as enterprises enter foreign markets. The Language Service Market is set for significant expansion as organizations endeavor to localize content for diverse areas. Proficient communication in several languages is increasingly crucial for sustaining brand credibility, ensuring compliance, and augmenting client engagement across diverse areas.

Advancements in AI and Machine Translation: Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine translation technologies are transforming the Language Service Market. These innovations have markedly diminished translation durations, allowing firms to function more effectively. As artificial intelligence progressively improves the precision and efficiency of language services, corporations will increasingly allocate resources to these technologies, resulting in heightened adoption and expansion within the sector.

Rise of Digital-First Communication: The digital transformation in various industries has intensified the demand for real-time language services. Organizations depend on digital platforms for international communication, hence augmenting the demand for translation and interpretation services. This transition is especially vital for industries such as e-commerce, legal, and healthcare, where precise and prompt communication is essential. The Language Service Market is poised for growth as enterprises allocate resources to digital language solutions to maintain competitiveness.

To Purchase a Comprehensive Report Analysis: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/select-licence?rid=10719

High Costs Associated with Quality Services: Notwithstanding the progress in AI and automation, superior language services continue to necessitate proficient humans. The expense associated with human translators and interpreters poses a significant challenge, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This constraint may impede market growth, as enterprises might be reluctant to spend in premium services, favoring more economical yet less precise alternatives, which could obstruct overall market progress.

Data Security and Privacy Concerns: The growing dependence on cloud-based translation services and digital platforms presents substantial issues with data security and privacy. In sectors like legal, banking, and healthcare, the necessity to safeguard sensitive information may impede the adoption of language services without stringent security protocols. As enterprises emphasize data safety, the Language Service Market may experience decelerated growth if these issues remain unaddressed.

Dependence on Technology and Lack of Human Touch: Although AI and machine learning have enhanced efficiency, numerous language services lack the sophisticated comprehension of context and cultural subtleties that human translators provide. This constraint can impact the accuracy of translations, especially in sectors demanding precision, such as legal and medical domains. The dependence on technology devoid of human supervision may hinder the expansion of the Language Service Market as enterprises pursue solutions that integrate automation with human proficiency.

Geographical Dominance

North America dominates the Language Service Market owing to its robust business environment and the necessity for multilingual communication in industries such as technology, healthcare, and legal services. Europe quickly follows, propelled by the region's linguistic diversity and regulatory frameworks. The Asia-Pacific region is fast advancing due to the growth of cross-border trade. This geographical preeminence facilitates market expansion as enterprises prioritize worldwide outreach, hence amplifying the demand for localization services.

Key Players

The "Global Language Service Market" study report will provide a valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Acolad Group, Appen Limited, ATAP Co., Welocalize Inc., RWS Holdings PLC, Semantix AB, SDL PLC, STAR Group Worldwide, Thebigword, TransPerfect, Translate Plus, LanguageWire, Lionbridge Technologies, Honyaku Center, Bureau Van Dijk, Moravia IT, LanguageLine Solutions, GuidingStar.

Language Service Market Segment Analysis

Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Language Service Market into Service, End-User and Geography.

Language Service Market, by Service: Translation Interpretation Others

Language Service Market, by End-User: Healthcare IT and Telecom Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Government Others

Language Service Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa Latin America



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9 Leading Online Language Learning Companies improving language proficiency virtually

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SOURCE Verified Market Research
The Eagle1 state-of-the-art stereo camera is the latest addition to Leopard Imaging's portfolio of advanced camera solutions, marking a significant advancement in stereoscopic imaging technology. This streamlined camera is designed to meet the growing demand for high performance, high resolution and highly reliable short- to long-range day/night imaging for the computer vision mass market.

The Eagle 1 is an RGB-IR active stereo camera, meticulously designed to provide robust performance in both day and night conditions. It is powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin, which delivers high processing power and advanced AI capabilities ideal for a variety of applications including robotics and industrial automation.

At the core of the Eagle1 camera are two 5.1-megapixel BSI global shutter RGB-IR image sensors with 60 fps at full resolution. One of the standout features of the Eagle1 camera is its ability to output RAW RGB and R data simultaneously. This capability is crucial for applications that require the capture of detailed and uncompressed image data in all lighting conditions, allowing for more sophisticated image processing and analysis. The camera's design includes a Maxim GMSL2 serializer, which facilitates high-speed data transmission over long distances, ensuring the integrity of the data even in demanding environments.

Additionally, the Eagle1 camera is equipped with an IR illuminator and IR dot projector. These components enhance the camera's ability to capture clear images in low-light or no-light conditions, making it an invaluable tool for night-time operations or environments with poor lighting with high depth accuracy. The IR illuminator provides a consistent light source, while the dot projector improves depth perception, crucial for precision depth imaging.

Founded in 2008, Leopard Imaging has supported thousands of well-known companies in advanced imaging solutions with its experienced engineering teams, high-quality manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and offshore, and quality management certifications such as IATF16949 for automotive industry, and AS9100D for aerospace industry.

Leopard Imaging is showcasing a demo at Vision 2024, Hall 10, Booth 10B72 at Messe Stuttgart, Germany, Oct 8-10, 2024. The company is also partnering with Silicon Lion to showcase imaging solutions at Hall 8, Stand B31. To schedule a meeting, please contact [email protected] .

About Leopard Imaging Inc.

Leopard Imaging is a global leader providing embedded cameras and AI-based imaging solutionsfocusing on core technologies that improve image processing in automotive vehicles, aerospace vehicles, drones, IoT, and robotics. An Elite member of the NVIDIA Partner Network and a member of the AWS Partner Network, Leopard Imaging works closely with the most established sensor companies in producing advanced camera solutions for global customers with its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and original design manufacturer (ODM) services.

Press Contact

Cathy Zhao

[email protected]

+1 408-263-0988

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2509285/Leopard_Imaging_Inc_High_Resolution_Stereo_Camera_Eagle1_LI_VB1940_GM2C_137H.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428125/Leopard_Imaging_Logo.jpg
SUNSET BEACH, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Local Hope Guatemala has earned the prized Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator to better inform donors. Local Hope (known in Guatemala as Xela AID Partnerships for Self-Reliance) has provided a range of services to largely indigenous, underserved populations in Guatemala for the past 32 years, empowering individuals and communities to become healthy, educated and self-reliant so they can beat poverty and thrive. Last year, the organization served more than 15,000 people in communities in the Guatemalan Highlands.

A Four-Star Rating, Charity Navigator's highest, designates Local Hope as an official "Give with Confidence" charity, based on four key indicators: Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability. This rating is bestowed only on the top 25% of nonprofits, the most fiscally responsible organizations.

"We are delighted to provide Local Hope with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence," said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. "The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work they are able to accomplish in the years ahead."

"We are honored to have received a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator," said Leslie Baer Dinkel, CEO of Local Hope. "Our dedicated staff and board of directors are committed to best practices in governance and stewardship of the support we receive, and this accreditation further validates that for our supporters."

Local Hope's empowerment programs span health care, pre-K through college education, economic development, and numerous social services including a program serving those with special needs. As a snapshot of impacts, since 1993, the organization has increased the percentage of girls in school in the region from just 4% to more than 75% and the number of years students remain in school from four (ages 6-10) to 12 (ages 6-18). Local Hope programs have made possible more than 700 high school graduations in a region where no high school graduation of an indigenous child was recorded prior to Local Hope's arrival. More than 50 indigenous youth have now graduated college, with 50 more currently in college.

However, there is much more to do, according to Baer Dinkel. "The lack of economic opportunity in the Guatemalan Highlands continues to fuel despair and propel waves of young migrants to seek hope for the future in the United States. This mass exodus is destroying families, hurling them into debt, and causing communities to lose the best and brightest young people who would otherwise represent the future hope for their communities."

Determined to do more to break this destructive cycle, Local Hope recently launched "Empowering Hope," an ambitious three-part initiative to create a significant number of jobs in the region, prepare young people for the workplace and careers, and fuel entrepreneurship aimed at changing the overall economic outlook for the region.

"To help support their families, a generation of young people have felt compelled to make the dangerous  sometimes fatal  journey north," Baer Dinkel noted. "In this next phase of our work, our focus is partnering to create fair-wage jobs and career paths that will make it possible for young people to prosper safe at home in their communities and with their families."

About Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator is a 501(c)(3) organization that guides intelligent giving with the nation's largest, most comprehensive charity evaluation tool. The organization helps donors easily identify U.S.-registered charities making a difference on the issues they care about most while helping charities better understand their donors, deliver on impact, increase awareness, and build trust. http://charitynavigator.org.

About Local Hope Guatemala/Xela AID

Founded in 1992, Local Hope Guatemala, known in Guatemala as Xela AID (Agency for Integrated Development), is a not-for-profit organization that empowers individuals and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant. Its proven programs span health care, education, career development and wrap-around services serving largely indigenous populations in a poverty belt in the Guatemalan Highlands. Because earned income from social enterprises in the United States and Volunteer Trips that utilize a 12-room eco-lodge and area tours covers all administrative expenses, 100% of all donations are applied to fuel the empowerment programs that provide direct assistance. https://xelaaid.org

CONTACT: Lisa Bernfeld

LIB:PR

310-5928423

[email protected]

SOURCE Local Hope Guatemala/Xela AID
PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-shero, an independent animated musical comedy produced by Lost Wig Productions, will premiere at Cinema Diverse on Friday, September 20th, at 4:30 PM at the Camelot Theatre, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA. Tickets are available here .

Maxxie LaWow - Film Poster

The film follows Simon, a shy barista who transforms into Maxxie LaWow, a vibrant drag queen superhero, thanks to a magical pink wig. Maxxie embarks on a mission to rescue kidnapped drag queens from the nefarious Dyna Bolical, culminating in an exhilarating lip sync showdown. Director Anthony Hand, influenced by personal experiences and current LGBTQ+ issues, views the film as a celebration of drag and queer culture. "This film is a love letter to our community and a response to current social and legislative challenges," Hand said. "The film's playful yet poignant narrative serves as both a tribute to the artistry of drag and a call to action against the discriminatory forces that seek to marginalize our voices."

Maxxie LaWow is also a notable entry in the world of independent animation. As a 100% USA-based production, it highlights the exceptional talent and creativity within the domestic animation industry, standing out in a field often dominated by overseas contributions. The film's independent financing underscores the dedication and passion driving its creation.

Upcoming Screenings and Cast

The film will also be featured at:

Out On Film Atlanta: October 6 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets here .

at Tickets . Seattle Queer Film Festival: October 12 at noon. Tickets here .

at noon. Tickets . Newport Beach Film Festival: October 18 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets here .

Film Festival: at Tickets . Dates for OUTShine Miami TBD.

The cast includes Grant Hodges as Simon/Maxxie LaWow, Erika Ishii as Jae, and Terren Wooten-Clarke as drag villain Dyna Bolical. What truly sets this film apart are the cameos from RuPaul's Drag Race legends, including Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCreme, Monet X Change, Heidi N Closet, and Rose. Their star power brings a new level of excitement, appealing to the global drag fan community and elevating the film from an indie project to a must-watch event. The cast is further complemented by performances from Laraine Newman, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and Avi Roque.

Music and Creative Team

Featuring original music with three lip-sync numbers and a score performed by a live symphony orchestra, it includes contributions from Grammy-nominated Angie Fisher and renowned composers Dave Volpe and Elektropoint. The creative team comprises Anthony Hand (Director/Producer), Michael Phillis (Scriptwriter), and JP Karlak (Voiceover Director/Casting Director).

Contact Information

For media inquiries, contact:

Anthony Hand

Producer, Director, Creator

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.maxxie.com

Follow Us

Keep up with the latest news and updates about Maxxie LaWow on Instagram .

Join the conversation and connect with fellow fans using the hashtag #MaxxieLaWow.

SOURCE Lost Wig Productions
DALLAS, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mammoth Holdings LLC, America's premier express car wash platform, announced today the acquisition of Gloss Car Wash, a developer and operator of express conveyor car washes in Lilburn, Georgia. The acquisition follows Mammoth's dual growth strategy of developing greenfield operations while also acquiring existing brands.

"Gloss Car Wash is a great addition to the Mammoth Holdings family. This strategic acquisition expands our footprint to seventeen sites in the Atlanta market, in addition to our established Swifty, Ultra, and Wash Me Fast locations," said Dave Hoffmann, CEO of Mammoth Holdings, LLC.

"We look forward to welcoming Gloss team members into Mammoth Holdings and are excited about the opportunities they will have to grow and develop their careers," said Gary Dennis, Co-Founder and former CEO of Mammoth Holdings, LLC.

"It was a pleasure to pass down our car wash facility in Lilburn to Mammoth. We look forward to Mammoth continuing to honor what Gloss Car Wash stands for in the community and to more transactions with Mammoth in the future," Viral Parekh, Former Owner Gloss Car Wash.

Matthews Real Estate Investment Services advised Gloss Car Wash on the transaction.

Mammoth Holdings is the first car wash platform formed by industry insiders and has 148 operating locations. Mammoth is customer-focused operationally; operator-focused in its approach to acquisitions; and seeks to be the partner-of-choice for car wash operators who desire liquidity, growth capital, and a tax-deferred equity investment opportunity.

Mammoth Holdings' multi-brand portfolio includes Busy Bee Car Wash, Coastal Carwash, Finish Line Car Wash, In & Out Express Carwash, Jax Kar Wash, Lulu's Express Car Wash, Marc-1 Car Wash, Mr. Squeaky Car Wash, Pals Carwash, Pitstop Car Wash, PureMagic Carwash, Silverstar Car Wash, Speedy Clean Car Wash, Suds Car Wash, Swifty Car Wash, Today's Car Wash, Ultra Car Wash, Wash Me Fast, Wash-N-Go Express Car Wash, and Wiggy Wash.

Mammoth has significant growth capital available and is actively seeking acquisitions and development opportunities.

In October 2018, Mammoth partnered with Red Dog Equity LLC, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, which, through its partnership with Tom Pritzker's family business interests (advised by The Pritzker Organization), provided the equity for Mammoth Holdings' corporate development initiatives. In December 2022, Mammoth sold a minority stake to CCMP Growth Advisors that provided Mammoth with additional capital to pursue building new units and making acquisitions.

Oak Hill Advisors provides Mammoth Holdings' debt financing through its direct lending partnership with BMO Capital Markets.

About Mammoth Holdings

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Mammoth Holdings, LLC operates 148 conveyor car washes under the Busy Bee Car Wash, Coastal Carwash, Finish Line Car Wash, Galaxies Express Car Wash, In & Out Express Carwash, Jax Kar Wash, Lulu's Express Car Wash, Marc-1 Car Wash, Mr. Squeaky Car Wash, Pals Carwash, Pitstop Car Wash, PureMagic Carwash, Silverstar Car Wash, Speedy Clean Car Wash, Suds Car Wash, Swifty Car Wash, Today's Car Wash, Ultra Car Wash, Wash Me Fast, Wash-N-Go Express Car Wash, and Wiggy Wash brands in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah.

Mammoth Holdings was founded by Gary Dennis and Chip Hackett in 2002. To learn more, please visit mammothholdings.com.

About Red Dog Equity

Red Dog Equity LLC is a private equity firm that invests in lower middle-market companies poised for strong growth in partnership with driven, entrepreneurial business leaders ("Red Dogs"). To learn more, please visit reddogequity.com.

About The Pritzker Organization

The Pritzker Organization is the merchant bank for the business interests of the Tom Pritzker family. Additional information can be found at pritzkerorg.com.

About CCMP Growth Advisors

CCMP Growth Advisors, LP ("CCMP Growth") is a New York based growth-oriented private equity firm focused on making lead buyout and growth equity investments in middle-market companies in the Consumer and Industrial sectors primarily in North America. CCMP Growth leverages the deep investment experience of its team to identify high growth companies in transition, and partners with management to help each platform scale through strategic and operational support.

SOURCE Mammoth Holdings
Flight attendant served boiling hot coffee

SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today aviation attorney Mark Lindquist filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines on behalf of a victim who suffered severe burns from boiling hot coffee spilled on her during a flight.

On December 15, 2023, the victim was flying home to Seattle from Paris. While she was watching a movie, a flight attendant set the excessively hot coffee on a slanted food tray and the coffee slid and spilled onto the victim's lap.

The victim, a flight attendant on a different airline, promptly notified Delta's flight attendants of her burn injuries and requested medical assistance. According to court documents, Delta's flight attendants were dismissive, telling the victim to "just go change."

After repeated pleas from the victim, including showing a flight attendant in the lavatory the severity of her burns, she was given a pain reliever and a bandage. The victim asked the flight attendants to find a doctor.

Delta's captain and crew declined to make an announcement asking whether any of the passengers were doctors or medical professionals able to provide care. Such announcements are standard.

Delta's crew also declined to contact a medical provider, such as MedAire, to seek a remote doctor's guidance on how to treat the victim.

After the flight landed at SeaTac Airport, paramedics examined the victim's injuries. They were surprised by the severity and said the burns were the worst they had ever seen from coffee, according to the court filing.

"You've got to get to a hospital," a paramedic said.

An ER doctor was shocked that scalding hot coffee, capable of causing such severe burns, was served on an airplane. Her burns -- on her hip, side, and abdomen  were blistering.

Lindquist's lawsuit alleges violations of the Montreal Convention and Negligence, specifically that Delta's flight attendant was "serving excessively hot coffee at a dangerous temperature above industry standards."

Additionally, the suit alleges Delta's crew failed to provide timely and adequate medical assistance, which worsened the injuries.

"Common sense tells you an airplane is the wrong place to serve burning hot coffee," said Lindquist.

As a result of her severe burns and the pain, the victim was unable to shower or wear her regular clothes for months. Her daily activities, such as driving, sitting, and even sleeping, all became challenging.

Further, doctors prescribed opiates to manage the intense pain, which left the victim feeling groggy and unable to fully function.

Though the victim has recovered and is again working as a flight attendant, the burns left permanent scars.

Mark Lindquist Law, an aviation and personal injury firm, is located in Tacoma, Washington. Lindquist represented dozens of victim families in the two crashes of the Boeing 737 Max 8 and currently represents 31 passengers in the recent door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Boeing Max 9.

SOURCE Mark Lindquist Law
New technologies will contribute to performing genetic tests to diagnose cancers, rare diseases and other diseases with greater precision, advancing personalized medicine in the country

SAO PAULO, Brazil, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MGI Tech Co., Ltd. ("MGI"), a company committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science, has just formed a strategic alliance with Dasa, the largest medical diagnostics company in Latin America, to expand Brazilian patients' access to next-generation genomics and promote significant advancements in Brazil's healthcare sector.

MGI operates in 100 countries and has been active in Latin America since 2019. In April of this year, MGI inaugurated the Customer Experience Center (CEC) in Brazil to strengthen genomic sequencing infrastructure and scientific development in the country. The company's technology also supports Brazil's largest genomic sequencing project, Genomas Brasil.

"We are excited to leverage MGI's technology and Dasa's expertise in the diagnostics sector and extensive healthcare network. We will help enhance Dasa's ability to serve an increasing number of patients by processing high-quality genetic samples that are more accessible and efficient," Carlos Carpio, MGI's Senior Commercial Director for Latin America and General Manager for Brazil, says. "With Dasa, we will contribute to strengthening genomics in the country, advancing personalized medicine and promoting health for the Brazilian population", he adds.

For Gustavo Riedel, Director of Genomics LATAM at Dasa, the alliance is a crucial advancement for health in the country. "Our expertise in specialized health services combined with MGI's sequencing technologies will ensure greater access for Brazilian patients to precision genomics and, consequently, help in defining more accurate and effective treatments for illnesses such as cancers and rare diseases", the executive explains.

In addition to the established alliance, Dasa has implemented MGI's sequencers and automation products in its network of laboratories. The installation of high-throughput DNBSEQ-T7, Automated Sample Preparation System MGISP-100, Automated Sample Preparation System MGISP-960 and ZTRON Appliance equipment will optimize the time of professionals in processing procedures, reducing overall costs and significantly increases the efficiency of the laboratories.

The strategic alliance between MGI and Dasa is poised to transform the Brazilian healthcare market by introducing state-of-the-art genomic sequencing technologies. In a country where access to advanced medical technologies has often been limited by high costs, this partnership represents a major step forward. Enabling Brazilian's access to genomic testing, more Brazilians can benefit from the latest advancements in precision medicine.

"With the new platform, we have gained a lot in quality, timeliness, productivity, standardization of routine processes and data processing. We want to guarantee more access for the population, in the shortest possible time, at an increasingly affordable cost," explains Riedel.

About MGI

MGI Tech Co. Ltd. (MGI), headquartered in Shenzhen, is committed to building core tools and technology to lead life science through intelligent innovation. Based on its proprietary technology, MGI focuses on research & development, production and sales of sequencing instruments, reagents, and related products to support life science research, agriculture, precision medicine and healthcare. MGI is a leading producer of clinical high-throughput gene sequencers, and its multi-omics platforms include genetic sequencing, medical imaging, and laboratory automation. MGI's mission is to develop and promote advanced life science tools for future healthcare. For more information, please visit the MGI website or connect on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube.

About Dasa

Dasa is the largest integrated healthcare network in Brazil, touching the lives of over 23 million people per year with cutting-edge technology, intuitive experiences, and a forward-thinking approach. With over 50,000 employees and 250,000 partner physicians, Dasa is committed to providing the healthcare that people want and the world needs, being present at every stage of care.

Dasa believes that comprehensive care is essential, which is why it takes a preventive, predictive, and personalized approach to healthcare management. It integrates diagnostic medicine, hospitals, genomics, oncology, care coordination, emergency care, telemedicine, clinical research, and science. In total, Dasa has 15 reference hospitals (including its own network, inorganic growth, and deals still under approval by regulatory agencies), and over 59 diagnostic medicine and hospital brands distributed across hundreds of units in Brazil.

Dasa ensures a fast, straightforward, and frictionless healthcare journey for both patients and doctors through its digital healthcare management platform, Nav. Additionally, it offers integrated and innovative corporate health solutions through Dasa Empresas.

We are Dasa, and we are here for life.

For more information, please visit: www.dasa.com.br

SOURCE MGI TECH
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MLR), the World's Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment, announced today that Chief Executive Officer, William Miller II, and Chief Financial Officer, Deborah Whitmire will host one-on-one meetings with investors at the D.A. Davidson Diversified Industrials & Services Conference on Thursday September 19, 2024, in Nashville, TN.

About Miller Industries

Miller Industries is The World's Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment and markets its towing and recovery equipment under a number of well-recognized brands, including Century, Vulcan, Chevron, Holmes, Challenger, Champion, Jige, Boniface, Titan and Eagle.

SOURCE Miller Industries, Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready, Los Angeles! Launching soon, MN8 is shaking up skincare with a groundbreaking debut set to redefine natural beauty. The Manuka Gold Extracta powerful, world-first ingredient is taking skincare to the next level. Manuka is known for its honey, but MN8 is here to show the New Zealand super-ingredient has so much more to offer.

Each batch of MN8's Manuka Gold Extract is meticulously handcrafted in small batches, ensuring the highest quality and potency. This dedication results in 59% higher collagen production than Vitamin C and delivers 60 times the potency of Manuka honey. The MN8 Skincare range including Manuka Cleanser, Manuka Serum and Manuka Moisturizer

MN8, a family of 8, transformed 120 acres of deteriorated dairy pasture into a regenerative botanical ecosystem of native Manuka trees. They pioneered a revolutionary extraction method, transforming the native Manuka plant into a potent extract that's 60 times more powerful than Manuka honey and outperforms well-known ingredients like Vitamin C[1]. Packed with anti-inflammatory and healing properties, let the new era of skincare begin.

"The most luxurious Manuka skincare yet"

While Manuka honey has become synonymous with luxury like the jars you'll find at Erewhon, MN8 is taking it up a notch. Handcrafted on a family farm in Waipu, New Zealand, each batch of Manuka Gold Extract boasts an extraordinary 35-45% higher triketone level offering an unmatched solution for those serious about skincare. This potent extract works wonders on everything from acne to premature aging, stimulating 59% higher collagen production than Vitamin C[1]. With limited quantities available, this exclusive product launch is poised to create a wave of excitement and demand among skincare enthusiasts and experts alike.

From construction to skincare visionary

The story behind MN8 is as unique as the product itself. Founder Jaxon Dobsona 29-year-old builder, surfer, and snowboardernever imagined he'd lead a skincare revolution. After discovering the remarkable effects of Manuka Gold Extract on his own skin, he knew his family was onto something special.

"When I tried it on my skin for the first time, I couldn't believe the results. My UV damage started healing, and dry patches disappeared," Jaxon shares. That moment sparked the journey from constructing LA's hottest spots like Great White Venice and Larchmont to developing the skincare brand in a secluded yurt in New Zealand.

Celebrity buzz and exclusive pre-sale

After returning to LA with samples, Jaxon quickly stirred up excitement among Hollywood's elite. While showing the product to friends, he caught the attention of actor Henry Golding, and influencers like The Unlikely Florist and The Caker are already lining up to feature MN8.

The hype is real, and the buzz around MN8's upcoming pre-sale is undeniable. With its potent formula and androgynous, futuristic design, MN8 is the must-have skincare brand of 2024.

Experience the Manuka revolution

Set to launch exclusively in Los Angeles, MN8 is bringing New Zealand's best-kept secret to the forefront of skincare innovation. For more information and to secure your spot in the exclusive pre-sale, visit https://mn8skincare.com or follow us on social media @mn8skincare

[1] Manuka Biologicals Ltd. (2023). MBTK 20+ Manuka Oil.

Media Contact:

Amberley Yee

[email protected]

SOURCE MN8 Skincare
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson, accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolai Chub and Oleg Kononenko, will depart from the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft, and return to Earth.

Dyson, Chub, and Kononenko will undock from the orbiting laboratory's Prichal module at 4:37 a.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 23, heading for a parachute-assisted landing at 8 a.m. (5 p.m. Kazakhstan time) on the steppe of Kazakhstan, southeast of the town of Dzhezkazgan.

The Roscosmos Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft is pictured docked to the International Space Station's Prichal module in this long-duration photograph as it orbited 258 miles above Nigeria. Credit: NASA

NASA's live coverage of return and related activities will stream on NASA+ and the agency's website. Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.

A change of command ceremony also will stream on NASA platforms at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Kononenko will hand over station command to NASA astronaut Suni Williams for Expedition 72, which begins at the time of undocking.

Spanning 184 days in space, Dyson's mission includes covering 2,944 orbits of the Earth and a journey of 78 million miles. The Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft launched March 23, and arrived at the station March 25, with Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus. Novitskiy and Vasilevskaya were aboard the station for 12 days before returning home with NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara on April 6.

Kononenko and Chub, who launched with O'Hara to the station on the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft last September, will return after 374 days in space and a trip of 158.6 million miles, spanning 5,984 orbits.

Dyson spent her fourth spaceflight aboard the station as an Expedition 70 and 71 flight engineer, and departs with Kononenko, completing his fifth flight into space and accruing an all-time record 1,111 days in orbit, and Chub, who completed his first spaceflight.

After returning to Earth, the three crew members will fly on a helicopter from the landing site to the recovery staging city of Karaganda, Kazakhstan. Dyson will board a NASA plane and return to Houston, while Kononenko and Chub will depart for a training base in Star City, Russia.

NASA's coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):

Sunday, Sept. 22

10:15 a.m.  Expedition 71/72 change of command ceremony begins on NASA+ and the agency's website.

Monday, Sept. 23

12:45 a.m.  Hatch closing coverage begins on NASA+ and the agency's website.

1:05 a.m.  Hatch closing

4 a.m.  Undocking coverage begins on NASA+ and the agency's website.

4:37 a.m.  Undocking

6:45 a.m.  Coverage begins for deorbit burn, entry, and landing on NASA+ and the agency's website.

7:05 a.m.  Deorbit burn

8 a.m.  Landing

For more than two decades, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge, and making research breakthroughs that are not possible on Earth. The station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and to expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations as part of a robust low Earth orbit economy, NASA is focusing more resources on deep space missions to the Moon as part of Artemis in preparation for future human missions to Mars.

Learn more about International Space Station research and operations at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

SOURCE NASA
National Alliance for Caregiving applauds progress, calls for more urgency

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has issued a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the significant progress made by 15 federal agencies in implementing the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (National Strategy). This National Strategy, launched in 2022, represents the nation's first whole-of-society approach to supporting America's 53 million family caregivers.

The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) commends the efforts of the ACL and participating federal agencies for their dedication to advancing the vision outlined in the National Strategy. Their work has resulted in important progress and crucial investments in federal coordination, technical assistance, and implementation of the 350 actions committed to almost two years ago.

"This progress report shows the federal government's commitment to turning the National Strategy into tangible support for family caregivers," said Jason Resendez, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. "While we've made strides, the urgent needs of family caregivers demand more ambitious action. We are eager to work with the administration and Congress to drive accountability, increase investment, and elevate caregiving as a national priority. The time for bold action is now."

The Congressional Report highlights include:

Nearly all of the 350 recommended action steps for federal agencies are either completed or in progress, with 40 new actions since 2022.

New Medicare payments for family caregiver training services.

Increased federal funding for research and technical assistance related to caregiving and implementation of the National Strategy.

Enhanced data collection and public health surveillance to better understand family caregivers and their challenges.

Since its initial release, the National Strategy has provided a crucial roadmap for federal and state policymakers, agencies, and community leaders to increase coordination and access to support services for family caregivers across the U.S. In just two years, this plan has helped lay a stronger foundation to support Americans navigating the complex landscapes of aging, disability, and serious illness care.

This progress has been championed by the Act on RAISE campaign, an NAC-led initiative supported by more than 100 organizations across aging, disability, and patient advocacy sectors. The campaign has been a key voice for urgency and action on the National Strategy.

Looking ahead, NAC is committed to strengthening the National Strategy to meet the evolving needs of today's family caregivers. To achieve this vision, NAC urges Congress to take three critical actions:

Reauthorize the Older Americans Act and the RAISE Family Caregivers Act to guarantee consistent, comprehensive support for caregivers across the nation.

Boost federal funding for National Strategy implementation through national and state-level grants and pilot programs.

Advance key policy recommendations outlined in the Strategy, including paid family and medical leave, caregiver tax credits, and reforms to Medicare and Medicaid that enhance caregiver support in homes and communities.

Learn more:

About the National Alliance for Caregiving

Established in 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) is a national membership coalition that brings together more than 50 national healthcare companies and nonprofits, care innovators, caregiving advocacy organizations, and financial services leaders to build health, wealth, and equity for America's 53 million family caregivers. From championing our nation's first-ever national caregiving strategy to releasing new insights on the realities of caregiving, NAC works tirelessly to make caregiving more sustainable and equitable through agenda-setting research, programming, and policy change. Learn more at http://www.caregiving.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Davisha Davis

Associate Director of Communications

National Alliance for Caregiving

[email protected]

303-725-5031

SOURCE National Alliance for Caregiving
Deal Facilitated by Viking Mergers & Acquisitions

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New Dimensions in Pavement Markings, Inc., a leading provider of asphalt maintenance and pavement marking services in Western North Carolina, has been acquired by a strategic buyer positioned to accelerate the company's next phase of growth.

New Dimensions in Pavement Markings, Inc., a leading provider of asphalt maintenance and pavement marking services in Western North Carolina, has been acquired by a strategic buyer.

Founded in 1992, New Dimensions in Pavement Markings has grown from a small, family-run business into a premier service provider, offering a comprehensive range of asphalt repair, sealing, pavement markings, signage, and the bulk sale of materials. Under the ownership of Shannon and Jason Wood since 1998, the company became a recognized leader in the industry, serving public and private sectors across Western North Carolina. Leading up to the acquisition, the Woods developed a strong relationship with the strategic buyer and developed conviction that becoming part of a larger and more diversified platform was the right next step to continue their company's growth and expand its ability to serve its customer base.

"Selling a business is a stressful transaction, and I could not have done it without the support of Eric and Jeff McKeehan at Viking M&A," shared Ms. Wood. "I would recommend them highly to anyone considering selling a business. Their work is invaluable."

McKeehan added, "This acquisition highlights how Viking supports sellers who are approached by strategic buyers, offering expertise in complex, time-consuming transactions that can be challenging to handle alone."

The buyer, a leader in the pavement marking and traffic control services industry, brings significant expertise and resources to New Dimensions and is poised to further expand the company's reach and service offerings. With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to maintaining the high-quality standards established by New Dimensions, the buyer sees this acquisition as a strong strategic fit that will enable the combined company to support a broader range of infrastructure projects across more geographies to help ensure more of the country's roadways are safe for American drivers.

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions is proud to have facilitated this transaction and looks forward to the continued success of New Dimensions under its new ownership.

About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions

Viking provides M&A services to small and mid-sized business owners. In business since 1996, Viking is one of the largest business brokers in the southeast U.S. The firm has successfully sold over 850 businesses with an 85% close rate, at an average of 96% of the listing price. Visit https://vikingmergers.com to request a free confidential business valuation or to get more information.

SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions
ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- August was another high-flying month for Ontario International Airport (ONT) where passenger volume increased by 13.4%, fueled by strong demand for summer travel in Southern California.

According to airport officials, 643,472 travelers chose the Inland Empire airport last month, including 608,360 domestic passengers and 35,112 international customers. The number of domestic travelers was 15.4% higher than August last year while the international count was 12.6% lower.

Southern California's Ontario International Airport saw more double-digit, year-over-year passenger growth in August.

Over the first eight months of the year, ONT welcomed 4.6 million passengers, 11.9% more than in the same period in 2023.

The January through August total included 4.3 million domestic fliers and 305,267 international travelers, increases of 11.5% and 17.5%, respectively.

"Demand for travel through Ontario International Airport remained strong in August, particularly among domestic passengers," said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). "The population and economy of the Inland Empire continue to flourish as many Southern Californians along the coast move inland seeking lower cost of living and enhanced quality of life. Airlines are responding to this favorable trend by adding more flights and destinations from our airport."

The air carriers with the greatest passenger shares in August were:

Southwest Airlines (33.9%) Frontier Airlines (16.6%) American Airlines (15.2%) Delta Air Lines (10.4%) United Airlines (7.5%)

Passenger

Totals Aug

2024 Aug

2023 Change YTD

2024 YTD

2023 Change Domestic 608,360 527,352 15.4 % 4,325,934 3,880,513 11.5 % International 35,112 40,156 -12.6 % 305,267 259,772 17.5 % Total 643,472 567,508 13.4 % 4,631,201 4,140,285 11.9 %

Cargo shipments increased by 9.5% in August to 68,404 tons. On a year-to-date basis, cargo volume grew by 1.9% to 494,098 compared with 484,962 tons in 2023.

Freight 63,477 59,318 7.0 % 470,038 450,659 4.3 % Mail 4,927 3,130 57.4 % 24,060 34,302 -29.9 % Total 68,404 62,447 9.5 % 494,098 484,962 1.9 %

"We are pleased with the steady recovery of cargo activity and maintaining our position as a Top 10 cargo hub in North America," Elkadi said.

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyontario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA):

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

OIAA Media Contact:

Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport
NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Out-of-home coffee consumption resumed its highest level since January 2020, and a majority of Americans believe coffee is good for their health according to exclusive consumer polling published ahead of National Coffee Day on September 29.

The Fall 2024 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) analysis, conducted by Dig Insights on behalf of the National Coffee Association (NCA) found that home remains the most popular place for coffee consumption, with 81% of past-day coffee drinkers having coffee at home, compared to 36% of past-day coffee drinkers having coffee out-of-home. At-home and out-of-home coffee consumption are not mutually exclusive; some coffee drinkers will have consumed coffee in multiple locations.

The report also found that 51% of Americans believe coffee is good for their health. 66% believe coffee improves mental focus, and 46% believe it improves physical endurance. 48% have heard information in the past year about health benefits associated with drinking coffee.

NCA President and CEO William "Bill" Murray commented:

"There's no better way to celebrate National Coffee Day than with the great news that coffee remains America's favorite beverage other than bottled water and that most Americans are familiar with coffee's unique health benefits. America loves coffee, and it loves them back."

Other key findings include:

Specialty coffee maintains its 13-year high, with 45% of Americans having this type of coffee in the past day. Among specialty coffees, past-day consumption grew the most for non-espresso-based beverages, up by 26% since January 2024 . Cold brew was the most popular non-espresso-based beverage, with 21% of Americans drinking cold brew in the past week  up by more than 30% since January 2024 .





. Cold brew was the most popular non-espresso-based beverage, with 21% of Americans drinking cold brew in the past week  up by more than 30% since . Drip coffee makers have long been the most popular preparation method (36%) for past-day coffee drinkers, with single-cup brewers remaining in second place (24%). Ready-to-drink remains in third place (18%) and continues to grow in popularity, with past-day consumption more than doubling since 2023.

For more information and to purchase the complete NCDT, visit ncausa.org/ncdt . To download media highlights, click here .

For media inquiries contact: [email protected]

About the National Coffee Association:

The National Coffee Association (NCA), established in 1911, is the United States' oldest and largest trade organization representing coffee businesses of all types and sizes, including the producers, roasters, brands, and other companies responsible for 90% of U.S. coffee commerce, as well as nonprofit organizations involved in the world of coffee. More American adults drink coffee each day than any other beverage, and coffee supports 2.2 million U.S. jobsoperating in every U.S. state and territory and contributing nearly $350 billion to the U.S. economy every year. For more information, visit ncausa.org or contact [email protected].

SOURCE National Coffee Association
Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Inland Empire, and Laredo properties add nearly 60 acres and more than 1,700 semi-truck parking spaces

AUSTIN, Texas and SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Outpost (outpost.us), a leading network of truck terminals and fleet yard facilities, today announced the addition of four new locations to its nationwide network. The properties in Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, The Inland Empire, and Laredo, Texas strengthen Outpost's presence in critical logistics hubs across the US, bringing online nearly 60 acres of industrial outdoor storage with 1,700+ semi-truck parking spaces.

The 30-acre Chicagoland facility, located at 70 Airport Road in West Dundee, adds more than 1,000 spaces for tractor-trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles. The yard expands Outpost's network into Illinois and increases total truck parking capacity within the state by nearly 9 percent.1 The yard officially opens in October and space can be booked in advance at outpost.us/chicago.

The 14-acre Fort Lauderdale yard, located at 12754 Wiles Road in Coral Springs, is Outpost's first in the state of Florida, adding 370 new truck parking spaces and providing a gateway into the Southeast US, Latin America, and other major Atlantic shipping lanes. The property is centrally located between the Tri-County area of Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties, minutes from the I-95 transportation artery. Space can be booked online at outpost.us/fort-lauderdale.

The 4.5-acre Inland Empire yard, located at 15122 Ceres Avenue in Fontana, is Outpost's first in California with nearly 100 parking spaces. Its proximity within a half-day drive of Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas makes it an ideal base for local and longer-haul freight operations throughout Southern California and the Southwest. Space can be booked online at outpost.us/fontana.

The 11-acre Laredo yard at 18702 Metropolitan Road includes 320 parking spaces. Its proximity to the World Trade Bridge and I-35 corridor facilitates cross-border freight at one of the busiest US land ports. Space can be booked online at outpost.us/laredo2.

"As our network continues to expand, motor carriers increasingly look to Outpost as a strategic partner for positioning their fleets, improving asset visibility, and optimizing their real estate investments," said Trent Cameron, Outpost co-founder and CEO. "This can only be accomplished through our combination of purpose-built technology and the operational expertise of managing yards at scale. Our four new properties strengthen our ability to help these fleets operate more efficiently in critical freight corridors across the US."

Outpost is in the process of deploying $500 million to expand its network of industrial outdoor storage sites. Real estate owners and brokers with potential deals should contact the Outpost acquisitions team at [email protected].

About Outpost

Outpost is a leading network of truck terminals and fleet yard facilities with more than 20 locations and 11,000 spaces. We help asset carriers, private fleets, and owner-operators use truck parking as a flexible part of their transportation infrastructure without the need for major capital investments. Our network of yards provides trucking fleets with secure locations for their drivers and cargo, hassle-free access to each location, consistent billing, and visibility into their assets and reservations. For trucking companies looking to expand operations and better serve your customers, contact us at outpost.us.

1Illinois Department of Transportation Statewide Truck Parking Study, 2020

Media Contact

Ari Bixhorn

[email protected]

512-817-0747

SOURCE Outpost
PetSmart Charities marks its 350 millionth pet meal delivery with special distribution events at several Feeding America partner food banks across the nation.

PHOENIX, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 90 million U.S. households include pets and PetSmart Charities estimates that 30 million pets live in homes with people coping with food insecurity. When people face hunger, their pets can too. On Pet Hunger Awareness Day (Sept. 24), PetSmart Charities will partner with Feeding America to raise awareness about pet hunger in communities across the country  together, addressing hunger at both ends of the leash.

Volunteers across the nation will help distribute pet food donated by PetSmart Charities to select Feeding America partner food banks on Sept. 24, Pet Hunger Awareness Day.

According to Feeding America, which is currently observing Hunger Action Month, 1 in 6 people seek assistance from food pantries. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, pet parents can pick up food for themselves, as well as their cat or dog family members at certain food banks in Detroit, El Paso, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New York City, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Tampa Bay. All pet parents in need of support are encouraged to ask their own local food banks if they currently offer pet food or plan to in the future.

These events are part of PetSmart Charities' ongoing efforts to address pet hunger, with quarterly deliveries of pet food donated to Feeding America partner food banks for distribution to pet parents in communities across the country. To date, more than 350 million pet meals have been delivered through its partnerships with Feeding America, Meals on Wheels America, and others.

Feeding America's Families, Including their Pets

Recognizing that when people are facing challenging times, their pets are in it with them, in 2017, PetSmart Charities began a partnership with Feeding America to distribute pet food through partner food banks. Together, their alliance has delivered more than 66 million pounds of pet food.

"For a majority of people in America, family includes pets. We see this bond firsthand at many food banks when neighbors come to pick up food for their pets," said Linda Nageotte, president and chief operating officer at Feeding America. "Their love and dedication in ensuring all members of their families  pets included  have access to the food and resources they need to thrive, makes our partnership with PetSmart Charities critical. Together, we can broaden our reach in the collective movement to end hunger in the U.S."

Keeping Older Adults and Pets Together in their Homes

Modeling leadership for other pet-serving and human-serving organizations to partner on solutions, PetSmart Charities also supports the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program. Together they've provided 13 million pet meals alongside food delivery for seniors. According to Meals on Wheels America, 1 in 5 seniors will forgo their own meals to fill their own pets' bowls first. Volunteers from Meals on Wheels discovered the food trays they delivered for clients were often left on the floor as pet parents shared their meals with pets.

"Older adults enjoy so many benefits from caring for their pets," said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. "The comfort and companionship they offer boosts wellness, staves off feelings of isolation and helps older adults remain active. Our partnership with PetSmart Charities has helped more seniors stay in their homes together with their pets  happier and healthier."

Join PetSmart Charities in Addressing Pet Hunger

"Love for our pets isn't measured by our bank account balances," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. "When times are tough, we want to ensure people have access to the resources they need to make sure their pets can stay in their homes doing what they do best  giving unconditional love and companionship. We're grateful for our partnerships with Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America and encourage all social services agencies to consider adding services for pets, too."

Join other pet lovers making an impact and give what you can: Alphia, the largest pet food co-manufacturer in North America, is matching donations to PetSmartCharities.org up to $40,000 through September 30.

About PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. PetSmart Charities grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crises with access to food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row  placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on X.com.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

SOURCE PetSmart Charities, Inc.
Phygital exhibition of 3D, digitally generated art and garment designs drew 422 attendees, highlighting how 3D-powered virtual experiences are merging the gaming and fashion worlds.

LONDON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- London Fashion Week - Portal:M , the Taiwan-based fashion technology platform, made a significant impact, transforming Protein Studios in Shoreditch into a grocery store-themed wonderland. The virtual fashion exhibition reconceptualized fashion technology, blending the digital and physical worlds to create a truly immersive experience.

Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition -- interactive displays and projectors supported by ViewSonic

Supported by Taiwan's leading garment manufacturer Makalot and in collaboration with global technology leader ViewSonic , Portal:M redefined the traditional runway experience. Guests entered a digitally interactive space to engage with fashion elements as if shopping in a grocery store of virtual possibilities.

Portal:M's platform democratises fashion design, empowering anyone to become a creator. Like Minecraft, it offers digital tools to bring creative visions to life. Whether it's selecting digitised YKK zippers from the YKK Trim Creator or choosing from a wide array of fabrics, users can "shop" for design elements within the platform, seamlessly integrating them into their own creations and making high-level fashion design accessible to all. The showcase underscored this capability, with participants invited to curate their own creations using Portal:M's digital tools.

"Gamifying" Fashion for a Sustainable Future

A report by GEEIQ revealed that by mid-2024, over 700 brands had entered the virtual space, launching 1,200 activations across various gaming platforms, representing a 58% increase from the previous year.

"Immersive virtual experiences are the future," said Alan Liu, Co-Founder of Portal:M. "Beyond consumers, designers are collaborating with creators of gaming worlds to explore new ways of expressing creativity."

Portal:M leveraged the event's grocery store theme to showcase its role as a comprehensive platform for brands to integrate 3D content and experiences. Liu explained, "The enthusiasm for virtual experiences underscores the urgency of our work. Beyond enhancing customer engagement and protecting privacy, our solutions help brands become more sustainable."

The exhibition featured works from renowned artists and emerging talents, including Naya Rea, Ray Chu, PROJECTbyH., AutoNarrative by Eve Lin, and graduates from Shih Chien University. These artworks were brought to life using ViewSonic 's ViewBoard interactive screens and high-brightness projectors, showcasing the platform's potential to expand creative possibilities in the fashion industry.

To enhance the immersive experience, the event included a curated auditory component by Cloudy Ku, a Taiwan-born DJ known for her unique blend of techno, trance, and experimental sounds.

Portal:M: A One-Stop Shop for the Digital Fashion Revolution

Portal:M empowers designers with the tools to seamlessly integrate digital innovation into their creative processes. By breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration, Portal:M is leading the way in fashion technology.

Highlights of Portal:M's services:

Digital garment creation and AR virtual try-ons: Bring your physical designs to life in the digital world and let customers experience them through AR.

Bring your physical designs to life in the digital world and let customers experience them through AR. Interactive displays and Unreal Engine experiences: Create immersive 3D worlds that allow shoppers to connect with the designer's vision on a deeper level.

Create immersive 3D worlds that allow shoppers to connect with the designer's vision on a deeper level. Concept videos and digital storytelling: Craft powerful videos that showcase your brand's story and values, fostering a stronger connection with your audience.

Craft powerful videos that showcase your brand's story and values, fostering a stronger connection with your audience. Seamless integration of digital and physical elements: Blend digital creations with physical elements for a truly impactful fashion display.

Portal:M is dedicated to harnessing digital technology to revolutionise fashion and connect designers with consumers. The platform will continue to explore the digital realm, infusing fashion with creativity and innovation.

For further information about the event or collaboration, please email Dianne Chen, [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portalm.io/

Website: https://portalm.io/#home

SOURCE Portal:M
The QKS Group formerly known as Quadrant Knowledge Solutions SPARK Matrix provides competitive analysis and ranking of the leading Bot Management vendors.

Radware, with its comprehensive technology for Bot Management, has received the strongest ratings across the parameters of technology excellence and customer impact.

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- QKS Group announced today that it has named Radware as the technology leader in the SPARK Matrix: Bot Management, 2024, for the third consecutive year.

Riya Tomar, Analyst at QKS Group, states, "Radware Bot Manager employs AI-powered machine learning algorithms and behavioral analysis to accurately differentiate between legitimate user interactions and bot traffic as well as block malicious bot activities, such as account takeover, data scraping, and payment fraud. Radware Bot Manager also includes comprehensive reporting and analytics to monitor bot activity as well as adaptive threat detection mechanisms that evolve to counter emerging bot tactics. These features enable businesses to maintain the integrity of their online services and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture."

Radware Bot Manager is part of the company's Cloud Application Protection Service, an integrated platform for web application firewall, API protection, bot management, client-side protection, and web DDoS protection. Powered by and infused with the AI-based intelligence and GenAI capabilities of Radware EPIC-AI, the integrated platform provides precise, hands-free, and real-time protection.

Visit for more info: https://qksgroup.com/market-research/spark-matrix-bot-management-q2-2024?id=8016

"Driven by AI, today's new generation of bad bots are more sophisticated, persistent, and aggressive than ever before," said Sharon Trachtman, Radware's chief marketing officer. "To rise to this new bot challenge, our fight AI with AI approach to protection preemptively and automatically blocks malicious sources while delivering a wide range of granular and accurate mitigation options. We are proud to be recognized as the leader in bot management for the third consecutive year while helping our customers protect their brands and reduce their costs."

The QKS Group SPARK Matrix includes a detailed analysis of the global market dynamics, major trends, vendor landscape, and competitive positioning. The study also provides a competitive analysis and ranking of the leading Bot Management providers in the form of the SPARK Matrix. In addition, the study offers strategic information for users to evaluate different vendor capabilities, competitive differentiation, and market positions.

Additional Resources:

For more information about Radware, visit here .

Complimentary Download  SPARK Matrix: Bot Management, 2024

About Radware

Radware is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company's cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware's solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, YouTube, and Radware Mobile for iOS.

2024 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

Media Contact

Gerri Dyrek

Radware

Email: [email protected]

About QKS Group:

QKS Group formerly known as Quadrant Knowledge Solutions is a global advisory and consulting firm focused on helping clients achieve business transformation goals with Strategic Business and Growth advisory services. At QKS Group, our vision is to become an integral part of our client's business as a strategic knowledge partner. Our research and consulting deliverables are designed to provide comprehensive information and strategic insights for helping clients formulate growth strategies to survive and thrive in ever-changing business environments.

For more available research, please visit https://qksgroup.com/

Contact:

Shraddha Roy

PR & Media Relations

QKS Group

Regus Business Center

35 Village Road, Suite 100,

Middleton Massachusetts 01949

United States

Email: [email protected]

Content Source: https://qksgroup.com/resources/newsroom/radware-is-positioned-as-the-leader-in-the-2024-spark-matrix-for-bot-management-by-qks-group?id=771

Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/qksgroup/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501519/QKS_Group_Logo.jpg

SOURCE QKS Group
RapidFlight supports DoD's RDER and TREX initiatives through novel, attritable UAS platforms printed at the tactical edge

MANASSAS, Va., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RapidFlight, a pioneering integrated designer and mass manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has completed the highly anticipated Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) 2024 demonstration as part of a contract with the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER). The event took place August 19-28 in Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

RapidFlight's E2 aircraft is pictured in flight. The company successfully flew the E2 aircraft at Camp Atterbury in a T-REX demonstration August 19-28.

Throughout the event, RapidFlight conducted multiple successful test flights of its E2 unmanned aerial system (UAS), emphasizing its exceptional mission flexibility and agile payload integration. Key highlights of the demonstration included the seamless integration of tailored customer payloads, like the ModalAI VOXL 2 boards and inert prototypes of the MMS Mjolnir weapon system, underscoring the platform's versatility in supporting diverse military operations.

RapidFlight's reputation for flexibility and rapid innovation was further evidenced by additional flight requests from senior officials of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) throughout the event. Among the distinguished guests was the honorable Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Heidi Shyu, who witnessed the E2's capabilities firsthand. Other requests included support of a live kinetic counter-UAS (C-UAS) assessment flight and rapid design and production of a custom component. Leveraging its on-site Mobile Production System (MPS), the component was delivered in under 72 hours, highlighting the company's ability to provide swift, mission-specific solutions.

The E2 aircraft, built with commercial off the shelf (COTS) components, provides unparalleled utility to meet the needs of disparate mission requirements by combining extensive payload capacity within a high bandwidth line-of-sight (LOS) communications system. The E2 is also payload agnostic, featuring a 20 to 37.5 lbs payload weight range along with three-hours of maximum endurance, empowering warfighters to conduct missions greater than 140 NMi from the launch point.

"RapidFlight is focused on providing the US DoD and its allies with flexible, adaptable UAS platforms that enable the Armed Forces to quickly customize unmanned aircraft around the mission, versus adapting the mission around the aircraft," said Mike Uffelman, director of customer programs, RapidFlight. "The RapidFlight E2 aircraft represents a leap forward in the development of a low-cost, modular, payload-agnostic UAS that the United States and its allies need for effective deterrence."

This contract represents the next phase of the E2 drone platform evolution, which previously was selected by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) as one of its platforms for further development.

The customer-proven Mobile Production System (MPS) enables the manufacturing and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from forward locations at the tactical edge. A single MPS can produce 28 Group 3 aircraft per month (or much higher quantities for Group 2 and/or Group 1, or when combined with multiple MPS units), and the system can either be owned and operated by RapidFlight or used by the U.S. DoD, its allies, and defense contractor primes as an effective way to mass manufacture UAS anywhere in the world.

About RapidFlight

Based in Manassas, Virginia, RapidFlight is a design, technology, and manufacturing company capable of producing thousands of customized, low-cost, mission-ready, unmanned systems both centrally and at the tactical edge. The company's advanced digital design and manufacturing processes, called AgileAviation, and experienced team of industry professionals are setting new standards in aircraft customization and mass manufacturing. RapidFlight addresses the dynamic challenges and stringent timelines critical to national security. For more details, visit www.rapidflight.aero.

About RDER

The Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve initiative is a structured, multi-year learning campaign to accelerate new capabilities to create Joint Warfighting Capability. RDER will accelerate joint innovation, expand international partnerships and multilateral engagement, focus on Service joint experimentation, quickly demonstrate and assess innovative ideas, and provide feedback to future warfighting concept development. Read more about RDER at: https://ac.cto.mil/pe/rder/.

Media Contact:

Ryan Leverenz

[email protected]

SOURCE RapidFlight
FOREST CITY, Iowa, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rural Development Partners (RDP) was awarded $65 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury's CDFI Fund. This is RDP's thirteenth NMTC award since the company's inception in 2004 totaling $816.7 million. RDP has financed 50 projects to date, spurring economic growth, food access, and quality accessible jobs in underserved rural communities nationwide.

"We are thrilled to be selected to deploy NMTC allocation from the CDFI Fund for the fifth consecutive year. The success of this program has been immense, and we're proud to contribute to the catalytic impact across the nation as a result of the work we're doing at RDP. The program is up for renewal next year with the potential of permanency. We encourage those who feel so inclined to urge their state legislators to support this vital program for revitalizing the under-served areas of the country."  Dan Helgeson, CEO of Rural Development Partners.

New Markets Tax Credits Creating Opportunities for Rural Revitalization. Post this

Since established by Congress in 2000, the NMTC program has been one of the most successful tools for helping economically distressed communities attract private investment, generating $8 of private investment for every $1 of federal funding. The NMTC Program has been a critical source of financing for businesses and community facilities in rural and urban regions by drawing investment for a wide range of projects. The CDFI Fund reports that $66.6 billion in NMTCs have been invested in low-income communities since inception of the program. Investors claim a tax credit worth 39% of their original CDE equity stake over a seven-year period, receiving additional incentive through opportunities to enter new/unsaturated markets before their competitors, increasing chances of success while supporting the revitalization of America's communities.

Rural Development Partners is a Community Development Entity (CDE) with a national service area eligible to apply for an annual allocation of Federal New Markets Tax Credits. RDP seeks to serve and partner with businesses, non-profit organizations, communities, and government entities that share its mission to build public-private partnerships for catalytic job growth in rural America. To learn more about Rural Development Partners or the NMTC Program, visit their Website, FaceBook or LinkedIn. To hear stories told by the communities impacted, visit RDP's YouTube channel.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Rural Development Partners
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. On September 19, 2023, after terrorist attacks and provocations by Armenian armed groups, Azerbaijan launched localized anti-terror operations in Karabakh.

In less than 24 hours, the Azerbaijani Army successfully enforced the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, prevented large-scale provocations in Karabakh, disarmed and withdrew Armenian forces from Azerbaijani territory, and neutralized their military infrastructure. Azerbaijan also ensured the safety of civilians returning to areas liberated from occupation, as well as military and civilian workers involved in restoration efforts, and restored constitutional order in the country.

Trend provides a timeline of these events:

- In Khojavend, a truck belonging to the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads hit a landmine. Shortly after, the State Security Service of Azerbaijan announced a criminal case had been opened following the deaths of two agency employees due to a landmine attack.

- In the early hours of September 19, Armenian military units launched a series of attacks. Azerbaijani Army positions in Aghdam were first targeted, followed by positions in Gadabay. Furthermore, illegal Armenian armed groups interfered with the radio communications of a Tbilisi-Baku flight.

- The General Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the State Security Service of Azerbaijan released a joint statement regarding a terrorist attack by an Armenian sabotage group that killed four employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented on the crime in Khojavend.

- Two Azerbaijani servicemen were injured following provocations by illegal Armenian armed groups.

- Azerbaijan has launched local anti-terror measures in Karabakh. The Ministry of Defense also outlined the goals of the operation.

- Azerbaijani Army destroyed the Tor anti-aircraft missile system of Armenian illegal armed groups.

- An electronic warfare unit belonging to illegal Armenian armed groups destroyed in Aghdare.

- An Armenian armed formations' post was destroyed on the Karkijahan-Khalfali road.

- A humanitarian corridor has been set up on the Lachin road to help evacuate the Armenian population from the danger zone.

- Azerbaijan's anti-terrorist measures resulted in destruction of 'Mortira' electronic warfare (EW) station of illegal Armenian armed formations.

- Separatists hiding in a hospital in Khankendi.

- Residents of Khankendi have been warned about the anti-terror operations via loudspeakers.

- Azerbaijan strikes the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Armenian armed forces.

- The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported the destruction of Armenian military positions in the Khojaly District and Red Bazaar areas.

- Defense ministers of Azerbaijan and Turkiye and chiefs of staff of the Azerbaijani and Turkish armed forces held phone talks.

- More Armenian military firing positions have been destroyed.

- An appeal has been sent to the UN concerning Armenian mine terrorism.

- International media have covered Armenian mine terrorism against Azerbaijan.

- A radar station belonging to Armenian armed groups has been destroyed.

- In the areas where anti-terror operations, Armenian civilians have received informational leaflets.

- A civilian was killed due to shelling by the Armenian armed forces in the city of Shusha.

- An ammunition depot belonging to Armenian armed groups has been destroyed in the Aghdere.

- The State Border Service of Azerbaijan has declared full control over the situation along the state border in all directions.

- Another hideout and military equipment of the Armenian armed forces have been destroyed.

- A military radio technical unit of the Armenian armed formations has been destroyed.

- An artillery system belonging to the Armenian armed forces has been destroyed.

- The Azerbaijani Presidential Administration has released a statement.

- Baku has expressed its willingness to meet with representatives of the Armenian population of Karabakh in Yevlakh.

- The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly rejected the statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

- The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the EU statement.

- An ammunition depot belonging to the Armenian armed forces has been destroyed near the Khankendi-Khojaly road.

- The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement on Azerbaijans anti-terrorist operations in Karabakh.

- The Azerbaijani army has taken control of over 60 Armenian military positions.

- Armenian separatists have used civilians at military sites.

- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has backed Azerbaijan's actions at the UN.

- The number of Armenian military equipment destroyed has been released.

- The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has called on Armenian armed formations in Karabakh to surrender.

- Baku has once again invited representatives of the Armenian population in Karabakh to a meeting in Yevlakh.

- Armenian armed forces units have opened fire on a civilian in Aghdam.

- New footage has surfaced showing the destruction of equipment belonging to illegal Armenian armed groups.

- Devastating strikes have hit Armenian military trenches, bunkers, and convoys in Karabakh.

- Another artillery system of the Armenian armed forces has been precisely destroyed.

- A combat position with reserve ammunition belonging to the Armenian armed forces has been neutralized.

- Armenian artillery systems have been taken out.

- On September 20, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called President Ilham Aliyev.

- Azerbaijan successfully proceeds with local anti-terrorist measures in Karabakh.

- New footage showing the destruction of Armenian military vehicles has been released.

- President Ilham Aliyev has outlined Azerbaijan's condition for ending the anti-terrorist operations.

- President Ilham Aliyev has stated that civilians are not targeted during the anti-terrorist operations.

- New footage shows the precise destruction of military targets and equipment used by separatists.

- The number of weapons captured from the Armenians has been revealed.

- Shusha was shelled by Armenian forces throughout the night, damaging strategic sites and causing power outages in the city.

- An Armenian military unit in Tepekend has been destroyed.

- Members of the Armenian armed formations are fleeing their trenches.

- An agreement has been reached to pause the localized anti-terrorist operations.

- The Azerbaijani Presidential Administration has announced a meeting with representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh in Yevlakh.

- Illegal Armenian armed formations have surrendered.

- The Azerbaijani army has taken control of over 90 Armenian military positions.

- The last of the Armenian armed forces personnel have abandoned their combat positions.

- President Ilham Aliyev has addressed the nation.

In September 2023, a one-day anti-terror operation led by the Azerbaijani Army under the command of President Ilham Aliyev, Victorious Supreme Commander, restored Azerbaijan's sovereignty.

Within less than 24 hours, Armenian separatists were forced to surrender. Armenian armed forces units and illegal armed groups laid down their weapons, abandoned their positions, and were fully disarmed. The illegal junta regime in Karabakh was dismantled, key separatist leaders were arrested, and Azerbaijan regained full control over its entire territory.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, Inc. (USA), a Los Angeles-based cybersecurity company providing state-of-the-art technology to protect Fortune 500 companies, has appointed Darrell M. Blocker, a 28-year veteran of the CIA's clandestine service, as a Senior Advisor. This appointment reinforces Resecurity's leadership in cybersecurity and intelligence.

DMB

"We are honored to welcome Darrell Blocker to Resecurity," said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity. "His exceptional experience in intelligence, counterterrorism, and global security operations will be a tremendous asset to our team. Darrell's operational leadership and strategic insight will help us continue to deliver world-class cybersecurity solutions to enterprises worldwide."

A Career in Global Intelligence and Leadership

Mr. Blocker's distinguished career in the CIA involved high-profile roles across various international regions and operations. Notably, he served as Deputy Director of the Counterterrorist Center, Chief of the Africa Division, and Chief of Training at the CIA's iconic training facility. His expertise in these roles shaped U.S. national security policies and the development of the next generation of intelligence officers. His global experience as a Chief of Station and in various field positions has contributed to his deep understanding of both covert operations and international security challenges.

Blocker founded DMB Consulting Services after retiring from the CIA in 2018 as the most senior Black officer in the Directorate of Operations, the agency's elite branch responsible for managing covert operations globally. Since then, he has continued to influence the field of intelligence as an advisor and commentator, while also serving as the Vice Chairman of MOSAIC, an intelligence and advisory firm. He is also an on-air contributor to ABC News, providing expertise on national security issues.

A Commitment to Global Security and Public Service

Beyond his work in intelligence, Blocker remains deeply engaged in public service. He sits on the board of a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opportunities for children in foster care and advises a second nonprofit focused on countering human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable women and youth. His dedication to these causes underscores his commitment to leveraging his expertise for the betterment of society, a mission that resonates strongly with Resecurity's own values.

"Resecurity aims to provide more than just technology solutionswe want to create a team that understands the larger security landscape," Yoo added. "Darrell's deep knowledge of international security, intelligence operations, and counterterrorism will significantly enhance our cybersecurity offerings and strategic initiatives."

Resecurity's Vision for the Future

Resecurity continues to position itself as a global leader in cybersecurity, delivering advanced solutions to protect organizations from emerging cyber threats. Blocker's addition to the team highlights the company's commitment to drawing on world-class expertise from diverse fields, ensuring comprehensive security strategies that extend beyond just technical solutions. "With the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats, it's critical to have leaders who understand how cyber defense intersects with global security," Mr. Blocker said. "Resecurity's vision aligns with my own, and I'm excited to contribute to their efforts to secure enterprises and protect critical infrastructure from ever-evolving threats."

About Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified endpoint protection, fraud prevention, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence platform. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, the company has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of their level of sophistication. Resecurity was recently named one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California, by Inc. Magazine. An Official Member and a Gold Sponsor of the InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore (AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), and UAE (AmChamDubai). To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com.

SOURCE Resecurity Inc.
Ryvu Therapeutics has announced the dosing of the first patient in the REMARK Phase II study of RVU120. The primary goal of the REMARK study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RVU120 in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

The study is conducted as an investigator-initiated study through the European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group ( EMSCO) network with Prof. Uwe Platzbecker , a globally renowned expert in the field of LR-MDS, as the Coordinating Principal Investigator.

( The REMARK study has already received approval from the Competent Authorities and Ethics Committees of Germany , Spain , Poland , Italy , and France under the European Union Clinical Trial Regulation (EU-CTR) 2023-509947-29. It will cover up to 25 clinical sites globally. The planned overall enrollment is up to approximately 40 patients.

KRAKOW, Poland, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryvu Therapeutics (WSE: RVU), a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focusing on novel small molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology, announced today that the first patient has been dosed in the REMARK study, a Phase II clinical trial investigating RVU120 as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with LR-MDS.

"We are glad to announce the initiation of the REMARK study for RVU120, which can potentially help patients with lower-risk MDS. This study builds upon the promising results from our Phase Ib study in patients with AML and high-risk MDS, where we observed hematologic improvement in several patients, including cases of transfusion independence. The objective is to further assess the safety and efficacy of RVU120 in patients with lower-risk MDS, underpinned by robust preclinical and mechanistic evidence. We believe this represents a significant advancement toward our objective of developing effective treatments for hematological diseases and offering therapeutic options for patients. I am delighted that we can count on the support of the EMSCO network and Prof Uwe Platzbecker in this endeavor." - said Hendrik Nogai, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics.

REMARK is an open-label, multicenter Phase II study of RVU120, a novel small-molecule cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 8/19 inhibitor. The study aims to treat anemia in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In REMARK, RVU120 is being explored as a single agent in patients with LR-MDS who have exhausted available treatment options.

The REMARK study is being conducted as an investigator-initiated study through the EMSCO network with Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, a globally renowned expert in the field of LR-MDS, as the Coordinating Principal Investigator.

"I am proud that we could start the REMARK study in line with our ambitious plans. RVU120 has shown promising hematologic improvement in patients with off-hematologic impaired bone marrow function. I am optimistic that this clinical evidence will translate into a positive outcome of the REMARK study. RVU120 has important features that should be considered a potential new treatment option for patients with LR-MDS. It may aid in achieving our ultimate aim to alleviate the need for red blood cell transfusions in these patients." - said Uwe Platzbecker, M.D., Director of the Clinic and Poliklinik for Hematology, Cell Therapy and Hemostaseology at the Leipzig University Hospital.

REMARK is being initiated based on the clinical safety and efficacy data gathered so far, as well as strong preclinical and mechanistic rationale. MDS pathogenesis is influenced by gene expression alterations that hinder the maturation of hematopoietic cells. RVU120 triggers erythroid gene expression programs orchestrated by STAT5 and GATA1 in aberrant stem cells from MDS patients. Importantly, RVU120's activity does not lead to significant toxicity in the hematopoietic system. As a result, RVU120 emerges as a promising drug candidate for treating transfusion-dependent MDS patients.

In REMARK, patients will receive RVU120 for at least 8 complete cycles (24 weeks). The primary goal is to achieve hematologic improvement in the form of an erythroid response (HI-E), with secondary goals including independence from RBC transfusions, improvement in hemoglobin levels, quality of life, disease progression, and analysis of specific gene mutations.

REMARK represents the third of four planned RVU120 Phase II clinical studies scheduled for launch in 2024. Ryvu has already started patient treatment in the RIVER-52 and RIVER-81 studies in AML, and the fourth Phase II trial is the planned to be initiated shortly POTAMI-61 study, evaluating both monotherapy and combination therapy for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis (MF).

About Ryvu Therapeutics

Ryvu Therapeutics is a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focused on novel small-molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology. Internally discovered pipeline candidates at Ryvu use diverse therapeutic mechanisms driven by emerging knowledge of cancer biology, including small molecules directed at kinases, synthetic lethality, and immuno-oncology targets. Ryvu's most advanced program is RVU120, a selective CDK8/CDK19 kinase inhibitor with the potential to treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors. RVU120 is currently in Phase II development (i) as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS)  the RIVER-52 study, (ii) in combination with venetoclax for the treatment of patients with r/r AML  the RIVER-81 study, and (iii) a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS)  the REMARK study. SEL24 (MEN1703) is a dual PIM/FLT3 kinase inhibitor licensed to the Menarini Group that is expected to start a Phase II study in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in Q4 2024. RVU305, a potentially best-in-class PRMT5 inhibitor aiming to treat multiple solid tumors, is currently undergoing IND/CTA-enabling studies. Ryvu Therapeutics has signed 11 partnering and licensing deals with global companies, including BioNTech and Exelixis. The Company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Krakow, Poland. Ryvu is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and is a component of the mWIG40 index. For more information, please visit www.ryvu.com

About EMSCO

The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO) serves as a platform to foster academic clinical research, cooperation and education in the field of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). EMSCO is administered by GWT-TUD GmbH and was founded in 2013 upon an initiative of the European Leukemia Network (ELN). Originally founded to facilitate European MDS-specific trials, EMSCO soon also became active in organizing indication-specific conferences and in serving as a platform for education and outreach in MDS.

SOURCE Ryvu Therapeutics
The ultra-luxury cruise line unveils two new voyages for viewing the 2026 total solar eclipse on Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn

SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, unveils two new Solar Eclipse cruises exploring Northern Europe and the Mediterranean in late summer 2026. On August 12, 2026, as the moon passes between Earth and the sun to create a total solar eclipse, both Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn will be strategically aligned to grant guests a unique viewing opportunity of the rare spectacle. Guests' eclipse viewing experience may change based on weather or cloud coverage.

Mysterious windmill in the ocean, Tuscany

"The viewing of the solar eclipse from our ultra-luxury ships will be an unforgettable 'Seabourn Moment' for everyone on board," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. "Our team has curated a series of captivating, eclipse themed Seabourn Conversations and experiences, turning this celestial event into an extraordinary celebration for everyone on board."

Two Eclipse Viewing Opportunities

According to the National Solar Observatory of the U.S. National Science Foundation, the 2026 total eclipse will pass over the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic, Portugal, and Spain. Seabourn will strategically align Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn to give guests a unique viewing opportunity of the cosmic phenomenon.

Seabourn Ovation will sail a 14-day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse voyage, departing on August 8, 2026 , from Dover, England , to Reykjavik, Iceland . The ship will visit unique ports in Western Ireland , including Galway and Killybegs, and position itself off the coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean to view the eclipse. Seabourn will also host a special Seabourn Conversations program featuring Jane A Green, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, to educate guests about the solar eclipse. The two-week cruise is one of several that Seabourn Ovation is scheduled to undertake in Northern Europe in summer 2026.





will sail a voyage, departing on , from , to . The ship will visit unique ports in , including Galway and Killybegs, and position itself off the coast of in the Atlantic Ocean to view the eclipse. Seabourn will also host a special Seabourn Conversations program featuring Jane A Green, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, to educate guests about the solar eclipse. The two-week cruise is one of several that is scheduled to undertake in in summer 2026. Guests can watch the total solar eclipse unfold as Seabourn Sojourn explores the Mediterranean on the 10-Day Spanish Gems & Solar Eclipse, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona on August 7, 2026 , to Spanish Morocco, St. Tropez, and destinations along the coast of Spain . The all-new eclipse-themed voyage will find Seabourn Sojourn positioned in the Balearic Sea off the coast of Spain as the eclipse commences, which will be visible closer to the horizon near sunset. Seabourn will host a special Seabourn Conversations program, featuring Dallas Campbell , a science presenter, author and broadcaster who will educate guests about the solar eclipse.

The viewing experience may change based on weather or cloud coverage.

Seabourn guests will experience the unparalleled, all-inclusive 'Seabourn Difference' on board the line's intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere. Both Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn are equipped with SpaceX's Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, to provide greater connectivity for guests to share their experiences with friends and family.

The 2026 solar eclipse cruises and the rest of the Europe 2026 season will be open for sale on October 10, 2024. For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com or contact a professional travel advisor.

About Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of seven modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL andNYSE: CUK).

Find Seabourn on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Pinterest .

IMAGE HERE

SOURCE Seabourn
Transition Positions Insurance Marketing Organization for Continued Strategic Growth

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Senior Market Sales (SMS), one of the nation's leading insurance marketing organizations, announced that longtime President Jim Summers is the new CEO and that Senior Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Development John Haver now moves into the role of President.

Senior Market Sales CEO Jim Summers and President John Haver

"SMS is a dynamic company in an industry experiencing significant change, yet our leadership team has remained stable," Summers said. "We've made tremendous progress toward our vision of building the premier insurance marketing organization in the mature market, and this transition positions us to keep building on that success as we face exciting, new opportunities."

Since joining SMS in 1998 as President, Summers helped establish SMS as a leading distributor of health and wealth solutions and as a technology pioneer serving independent insurance and financial planning professionals across the country. This time included explosive growth that earned SMS national recognition.

Summers also played a key role in leading the company through a pivotal time of record-high insurance mergers and acquisitions by securing a strategic partnership with Alliant Insurance Services, one of the nation's largest insurance distributors. Alliant's acquisition of SMS provided the resources for SMS to scale while maintaining its culture and leadership. This paved the way for a new era of growth  including SMS' acquisition of 18 companies and continued organic growth  and for the eventual retirement in 2023 of former CEO and owner Milton Kleinberg.

As CEO, Summers will continue to guide the strategic direction of the company, with a focus on shaping company culture, building the corporate brand and developing key relationships. He also will continue to work with other Alliant leaders to develop opportunities for collaboration among the Alliant family of companies.

As Senior Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Development, Haver assisted in guiding strategic direction and in growing new distribution channels for SMS, positioning the company as a true business partner with independent and career agents.

Summers credits Haver's leadership for much of the company's growth and stability and said his promotion to President will help maintain that stability for the foreseeable future.

"John has impacted virtually every area of the company since he joined SMS in 2015," Summers said. "Under his leadership, our Financial Solutions unit and two SMS companies had their best years in 2023. He also has been instrumental in our acquisition efforts, which are now responsible for a significant portion of total revenue."

As the new President, Haver is responsible for managing the SMS family of companies and the leadership team. He also will continue to serve as a key figure in SMS' acquisition efforts.

Haver said he looks forward to working together with Summers to lead the company's more than 700 employees at an exciting time in the industry.

"Agents and advisors are seeking stability, growth and opportunity in this environment, and SMS excels at delivering these things every day," Haver said. "That's because of the dedication of our excellent employees. It's a privilege to lead with Jim as we build on SMS' more than four decades of success, and I can't wait to see where the new opportunities before SMS take us."

About Senior Market Sales

Senior Market Sales (SMS) represents top Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, annuity, life, long-term care, individual health and travel insurance carriers in all 50 states. Independent insurance agents rely on SMS for proprietary technology, competitive insurance products, and expert training and service to help them leverage their time, make more money, and put their business in a position of distinction. Founded in 1982, SMS is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2020, SMS joined the Alliant Insurance Services family of companies. Visit www.SeniorMarketSales.com or call 1.800.786.5566 for more information.

Contact: Dan Trumblee

Vice President

Divisional Director, Communications & Creative Services, Senior Market Sales

402.343.3689

[email protected]

SOURCE Senior Market Sales
14th Annual SHALE INSIGHT Conference Returns Sept. 24-26

ERIE, Pa., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania plays a pivotal role in deciding the next occupant of the White House, and the energy debate  especially with the state's abundant natural gas resources  is at the forefront. Next week, Erie's Bayfront Convention Center will host the 14th annual SHALE INSIGHT Conference  a three-day event exploring energy policy, emerging energy technologies, and the role of abundant, clean natural gas in a modern world.

As a key battleground election issue, energy produced from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations and its positive influence on the economy and environment will convene the nation's top energy leaders, policy experts, and business executives from leading natural gas companies such as EQT, Chesapeake, CNX, Coterra, MPLX, Encino, Energy Transfer, Seneca Resources, and Olympus Energy. Industry insights will be shared on the evolving role of natural gas, sustainability initiatives, and the political landscape as the nation heads toward November.

Previous conferences have offered attendees keynotes from sitting U.S. Presidents to global political and thought leaders, highlighting the event's influence. This year, with the stakes higher than ever in the political arena, SHALE INSIGHT promises to be a central venue for shaping the debate on energy's role in the presidential race.

"With Pennsylvania as a crucial swing state, energy policy has become a defining factor for both parties," said Marcellus Shale Coalition president David Callahan. "This conference comes at a time when the energy sector's role in the election could impact not only state but national policies on natural gas production."

Technical breakout sessions will explore new innovations and policy issues in detail, and a sold-out exhibit area will showcase products and services that are driving the industry forward. Hear from next-generation students during the University Research Showcase highlighting groundbreaking studies, projects and research.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Media can request credentials by completing the form here or by contacting MSC Media.

STAY UPDATED

To learn more about SHALE INSIGHT 2024 and receive updates as programming and other opportunities are announced, visit www.shaleinsight.com or follow us on X (@SHALEINSIGHT), Facebook (@ShaleInsight) and LinkedIn (@MarcellusShaleCoalition).

About the Marcellus Shale Coalition

Founded in 2008, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) works with exploration and production, midstream and supply chain partners in the Appalachian Basin and across the country to address issues regarding the production, transportation and use of clean, job-creating, American natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays. Learn more at marcelluscoalition.org.

SOURCE Marcellus Shale Coalition
Lindamood-Bell and American Institutes for Research (AIR) Collaborative Study to Examine Effectiveness in Reading Intervention Program for Elementary Students

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking study aimed at improving reading outcomes for upper elementary students with reading difficulties has officially launched and will be presented at the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE) 2024 Conference. The presentation, titled "An Efficacy Study of the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes Complete Reading Intervention for Upper Elementary Students," will be delivered on September 20 by presenting author Jill Bowdon of the American Institutes for Research. Additional study authors include American Institutes for Research (AIR) research experts Anja Kurki, Ph.D.; Billie Jo Day, Ph.D.; Daniel D. Hubbard; and Lily Tahmassebi. Attendees at this prestigious conference include education researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who will explore the latest advancements in educational research and intervention strategies.

The research initiative, developed and conducted by AIR in collaboration with Lindamood-Bell, addresses a critical challenge in education today: the reduced emphasis on foundational skills and increased focus on comprehension in upper elementary grades, which poses difficulties for students with reading disabilities. These students often lack the basic reading skills their peers developed in earlier grades, putting them at risk of falling behind in reading and all academic subjects.

The study will provide empirical evidence on the impact of the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes Complete, a multicomponent intervention designed to improve reading skills for students in Grades 3-5 who are at risk for reading difficulties or have been identified with reading disabilities. As part of the program, the Lindamood-Bell for Schools division will provide professional development services to 300 educators in approximately 50 mid-sized to large urban public elementary schools with diverse student populations, representing three districts and approximately 900 students. The randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes Complete Intervention systems in real-world educational settings.

Since 2019, 46 states have enacted reading policy reforms designed to ensure students are fluent readers by 3rd grade. Despite these efforts, many interventions fail to adequately address the needs of students who remain at risk at upper elementary levels. This study aims to bridge that gap, examining how the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes Complete significantly improves outcomes for students in need of targeted support.

"This study and our partnership with American Institutes for Research is a significant milestone for Lindamood-Bell and educational research," says Paul Worthington, director of research and development for Lindamood-Bell. "With the launch of this research initiative, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the impact of our evidence-based, neuroscientific, sensory-cognitive interventions in real-world school environments. This study has the potential to create a paradigm shift, expanding beyond the science of reading to encompass the broader cognitive science of learning."

The presentation at the 2024 SREE Conference will describe the research program's objective, methodology, expected impact, and recommendations for future research. The full results of the study will be shared after all data has been analyzed after the conclusion of the program at the end of the 2025 academic year.

About Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

Lindamood-Bell believes that all children and adults can learn to read and comprehend to their potential. For nearly 40 years, their evidence-based instruction has changed the lives of individuals with learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. In addition to their 50 Learning Centers, they provide professional development for educators worldwide and engage in peer-reviewed research with universities, including MIT and Stanford. Visit www.lindamoodbell.com to learn more.

Contact:

Paul Worthington,

Director of Research and Development

Lindamood-Bell

[email protected]

(805) 541-3836

SOURCE Lindamood-Bell
NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends- The global synthetic biology market size is estimated to grow by USD 55.60 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 34.1% during the forecast period. Growing applications leading to growing adoption of synthetic biology is driving market growth, with a trend towards evolving regulatory framework around synthetic biology. However, technical challenges poses a challenge. Key market players include Agilent Technologies Inc., Algenol, Amyris Inc., CD Biosynsis, Codexis Inc, Creative Biogene, Danaher Corp., Eurofins Scientific SE, Genomatica Inc., GenScript Biotech Corp., Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings Inc., Illumina Inc., Merck KGaA, New England Biolabs Inc., Novozymes AS, Precigen Inc., Sanofi SA, Synthego Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Twist Bioscience Corp..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global synthetic biology market 2024-2028

AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View your snapshot now

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Application (Healthcare, Industrial, Food and agriculture, and Others), Product (Oligonucleotides, Enzymes, Cloning technology kits, Xeno-nucleic acids, and Chassis organism), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)) Region Covered North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Key companies profiled Agilent Technologies Inc., Algenol, Amyris Inc., CD Biosynsis, Codexis Inc, Creative Biogene, Danaher Corp., Eurofins Scientific SE, Genomatica Inc., GenScript Biotech Corp., Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings Inc., Illumina Inc., Merck KGaA, New England Biolabs Inc., Novozymes AS, Precigen Inc., Sanofi SA, Synthego Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Twist Bioscience Corp.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

Synthetic biology, a technique used by companies in various industries for several years, necessitates a changing regulatory landscape. With the increasing application of this technology, governments worldwide focus on creating clear guidelines and stringent regulations to address biosecurity and biosafety concerns. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) involves 196 countries in establishing a global framework for synthetic biology. In Europe and North America, significant progress has been made, with the US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulating potential human health and environmental impacts. Europe has a multi-tiered regulatory policy, while developing countries in Asia Pacific struggle with ambiguity due to a lack of clear definitions and applications. The evolving regulatory framework is crucial for market growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring product safety and efficacy.

Synthetic Biology is a dynamic and innovative industry, focusing on designing and engineering biological systems using DNA sequencing and synthesizing techniques. Trends include creating synthetic organisms, antibiotic-resistant superbug solutions, and novel therapeutics. Biosafety, biosecurity, and ethical concerns are crucial, as we explore synthetic DNA, enzymes, and cloning technology kits. Synthetic cells, chassis organisms, and xeno-nucleic acids are driving advancements in medical and environmental applications. Companies like Modern Meadow, Bolt Threads, and Vitro Labs leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to unlock biological phenomena. The synthetic DNA segment, genome editing, bio-foundries, and natural resources are key areas of investment. Infrastructure and policies, public-private partnerships, and multilateral cooperation are essential for growth. Key players include SynBioBeta, Arbor Biotechnologies, DNA Script, and Creative Biogene. PCR and real-time PCR assays are crucial tools for research and development. The market is vast, with opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, biofuel production, and more.

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Market Challenges

Synthetic biology, while offering immense potential, presents unique challenges for companies in the market. Biological systems are complex and unpredictable compared to engineered systems like automobiles or computers. Researchers face difficulties in working at the molecular and cellular levels due to the infinite complexity of living organisms. The transition from cellular to system levels, such as producing engineered tissues, adds to the complexity. Reliable biological parts exist but are underutilized due to a lack of knowledge on how to use them effectively. Rationally designing organisms is still in its infancy, and the full potential of synthetic biology applications remains undiscovered. Genetic circuits, which consist of interacting proteins and genes, are essential but often embedded in other complex circuits, making it difficult to understand and study their core design. These technical challenges hinder the growth of the global synthetic biology market.

Synthetic Biology is a rapidly growing industry with significant potential for innovation in healthcare and agriculture. However, R&D investments remain a challenge for both biopharmaceutical companies and academic research institutions. Strategic investment from firms like Casdin Capital and Sumitomo Chemical is crucial for advancing technology in this field. Market concentration is a concern, but the Synthetic Biology Hub aims to foster collaboration and innovation. Advancing technology holds promise for addressing healthcare issues such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and cancer at the DNA level. However, regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, ethical use, and compliance difficulties must be addressed. Synthetic biology tools offer potential for advanced diagnostics, personalized treatments, and regenerative medicine. In agriculture, synthetic biology offers opportunities for cellular engineering in livestock and crop cultivation. However, high drug development costs and pharmaceutical investment remain significant challenges. The industry also faces public perception issues and the need for proof of concept in areas like 3D printing of living tissues, therapeutic proteins, antibodies, vaccines, and biological pathways. Overall, the synthetic biology market is poised for growth, but navigating these challenges is essential for success.

Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

This synthetic biology market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Application

1.1 Healthcare

1.2 Industrial

1.3 Food and agriculture

1.4 Others

Product

2.1 Oligonucleotides

2.2 Enzymes

2.3 Cloning technology kits

2.4 Xeno-nucleic acids

2.5 Chassis organism

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

1.1 Healthcare- The Synthetic Biology market refers to the application of engineering principles to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems. This field holds significant potential for creating innovative solutions in various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and energy. Companies are investing in synthetic biology to develop new products, improve existing processes, and address global challenges. The market is expected to grow steadily due to increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Businesses can leverage synthetic biology to enhance their competitive edge and drive innovation.

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

Synthetic Biology is an emerging field that combines engineering principles with biology to design and create new biological parts, devices, and systems. Buying behavior in this market is driven by advancements in DNA sequencing and synthesizing technologies, enabling the creation of synthetic organisms and biomolecules. However, concerns around biosafety, biosecurity, and ethics persist, as the creation of synthetic organisms and gene-editing technologies pushes the boundaries of scientific research. Multiplexed diagnostics and cellular recording are key applications of synthetic biology, offering faster and more accurate disease detection. In the pharmaceutical industry, synthetic DNA and RNA development are revolutionizing drug discovery, while genome engineering and gene-editing technologies are transforming therapeutic applications. Biofuel production is another significant vertical, with companies like Modern Meadow and Bolt Threads using synthetic biology to create sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Biomaterials, medical devices, and biopharmaceutical companies are also leveraging synthetic biology for innovation and growth. Synthetic biology is poised to disrupt various industries, from healthcare to agriculture, and its potential applications are vast. As the field continues to evolve, ethical, regulatory, and societal considerations will be crucial in shaping its future.

Market Research Overview

Synthetic Biology Market: A Rapidly Evolving Industry Synthetic Biology, a revolutionary field that combines engineering principles with biology, is transforming various industries. Buying behavior in this market is driven by advancements in DNA sequencing, synthesizing, and the design objective of creating novel organisms and biological phenomena. The synthetic DNA segment, including enzymes and cloning technology kits, is a significant component. Synthetic cells, chassis organisms, and xeno-nucleic acids are also gaining traction. Applications span from medical to environmental, including novel therapeutics, fuel alternatives, multiplexed diagnostics, cellular recording, and therapeutic genome editing. Companies are investing heavily in R&D, collaborating through public-private partnerships, multilateral cooperation, and strategic investments. However, biosafety, biosecurity, and ethical concerns persist. The rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs adds urgency to these debates. Advancing technology also presents regulatory hurdles, especially in areas like gene editing and genetically modified organisms. Key applications include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, biofuel production, and the agricultural sector. Companies like Modern Meadow, Bolt Threads, Vitro Labs, SynBioBeta, Arbor Biotechnologies, DNA Script, and others are pioneering innovations. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are integral to synthetic biology, enabling faster data analysis and design. Biological phenomena like gene editing technology, genomics, gene-editing technologies, and biomaterials are at the forefront of this transformation. Infrastructure and policies, natural resources, and creative biotechnology companies are essential components of this ecosystem. Market concentration is increasing, with key players like Casdin Capital, Sumitomo Chemical, SynBio Hub, and others making strategic investments. Healthcare issues, such as diseases like sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and cancer, are driving research at the DNA level, decoding genetic codes from bacterial genomes, and proving concept through regulatory hurdles.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Application

Healthcare



Industrial



Food And Agriculture



Others

Product

Oligonucleotides



Enzymes



Cloning Technology Kits



Xeno-nucleic Acids



Chassis Organism

Geography

North America



Europe



Asia



Rest Of World (ROW)

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
In today's fluctuating real estate market, traditional site-built homes are becoming increasingly expensive. Oak Creek Homes provides a timely and cost-effective solution for those looking to achieve their dream of homeownership. Their manufactured and modular homes offer the luxury of modern design without the hefty price tag typically associated with conventional homes.

Why Oak Creek Homes is the Best Choice

When purchasing a new home, balancing quality and affordability is crucial. Oak Creek Homes excels in delivering both, ensuring that buyers receive exceptional value without compromising on design or durability. Here's why Oak Creek Homes is the ideal choice for today's savvy buyers:

Significant Cost Savings

Oak Creek Homes offers cost-effective solutions that are generally 10-35% more affordable than traditional site-built homes. This affordability allows buyers to maximize their budget while enjoying a luxurious living experience. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms that the cost per square foot for manufactured homes is notably lower than that of site-built homes, making them a smart financial decision.



Customizable Designs

Understanding that each homeowner has distinct preferences, Oak Creek Homes provides an extensive range of floor plans and design options. From contemporary aesthetics to luxurious features, these prefabricated homes can be tailored to reflect each buyer's unique style and needs, ensuring that their new home is a perfect fit.



Energy Efficiency for Long-Term Savings

Oak Creek Homes is committed to sustainability and energy efficiency. Their homes are ENERGY STAR certified, built with energy-efficient materials and appliances that help reduce environmental impact and lower utility bills. Typically, Oak Creek Homes achieve up to 20% improvement in energy savings, significantly reducing monthly expenses for homeowners.



Fast and Reliable Construction

Oak Creek Homes are built in a controlled environment, avoiding weather delays. Manufactured homes can be completed as soon as 4 to 8 weeks, much faster than the 6 to 12 months for traditional homes. This ensures quicker delivery without sacrificing quality, whether it's a manufactured home or a customized modular home. Stock model homes at Oak Creek Home Centers are available even faster for delivery.



Eliminate PMI Costs

A notable advantage of choosing a manufactured home is the elimination of Personal Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Traditional site-built homes often require PMI if there isn't a 20% down payment, which can add significant costs to the monthly mortgage. With an Oak Creek home, buyers can avoid these additional expenses, further enhancing the affordability of homeownership.



Weather-Ready Construction

Oak Creek Homes takes pride in their weather-ready construction. Their homes are builtstrong, heavy, and engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures. Robust materials and advanced construction techniques ensure homes are built to withstand severe conditions, providing peace of mind throughout the year. Oak Creek Homes also serves as a designated Weather Ready Nation Ambassador, honored by NOAA for promoting weather preparedness.

Discover the Oak Creek Homes Advantage

At Oak Creek Homes, affordable luxury is more than possible. Their homes feature modern designs, customizable options, and energy-efficient solutionsall at unbeatable prices. With lower rates available, now is the ideal time for buyers to invest in a stylish, comfortable home.

Customer-Focused and Quality-Driven

For over 50 years, Oak Creek Homes has delivered the American Dream. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets them apart, ensuring every home exceeds expectations. Whether it's a first-time buyer or someone seeking a more affordable option, Oak Creek is there every step of the way.

Join the Oak Creek Revolution

Explore a range of manufactured and modular home floorplans. Affordable, sustainable, and customizablethere's a home for everyone. Visit OakCreekHomes.com to get started!

Media Contact:

Enica Jordan, Director of Marketing

(888) 396-3901

[email protected]

SOURCE Oak Creek Homes
New York, NY, September 19, 2024:

Who/What:

Medoc Wines is hosting free tastings at Spec's locations across Texas. Customers are invited to experience the exceptional red wines of this famed Bordeaux region. Taste and discover a world of elegant, accessible food-friendly wines perfect for your dinner table.

When:

Now through the end of September, and again in December.

Where:

Spec's locations across Texas. To find a tasting near you, visit this website.

Medoc Wines FAVOREAT (PRNewsfoto/Conseil des Vins du Medoc)

Why:

The Medoc produces world-renowned red wines which blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to perfection. Discover well-priced hidden gems at from this region where 91% of vineyards are cultivated according to environmentally-sound practices.

More:

A peninsula north of the city of Bordeaux, France, the Medoc region includes around 40,000 vineyard acres stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary. Bordeaux's most legendary wines and estates along with smaller family-owned producers make up Medoc's 600 chateaux. Young, passionate winemakers are making their mark in this historic region creating distinct wines that embody a sense of place. From full-bodied, powerful wines with great aging potential to delicate, graceful wines for immediate enjoyment, Medoc offer freshness and elegance in their food-friendly wines. To learn more about the region, visit https://www.medoc-bordeaux.com/en/

Media Contacts:

Beth Cotenoff, [email protected]

MelRose Buckler, [email protected]

/PRNewswire -- Sept. 19, 2024/

SOURCE Conseil des Vins du Medoc
Union Members Demand Company Back Off Retirement Concessions

EUGENE, Ore., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At 12:00 a.m. this morning, members of Teamsters Local 324 and 206 walked off the job as part of an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Bigfoot Beverages facilities in Coos Bay, Eugene, Roseberg, and Newport, Ore.

"Bigfoot is trying to destroy workers' retirement security. The greedy CEOs running this company are running their mouths about how Bigfoot's pathetic, garbage offer is the best option available for our members," said Chris R. Muhs, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 324. "This company is trying to destroy Teamsters pensions and replace it with a costlier, riskier 401(k) plan."

The Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust, which the workers are currently a part of, has over $30 billion in assets and is the largest multi-employer pension plan in the United States. The benefits workers receive are completely funded by employers. Under the proposal from Bigfoot Beverages, one of the largest soft drink and alcohol distributors in the Pacific Northwest, the company would only guarantee nine percent of workers' gross pay.

"We're not going to be appeased by the crumbs Bigfoot tosses our way," Geoff Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 206. "They can't get us to flush our pensions down the drain for a one-time cash offer of $2,500. Bigfoot's proposal is a monstrous insult to our intelligence."

"I've lived with union pay and benefits for more than 27 years," said Les Mabe, a worker at the Newport facility. "This is what I know, this is who I am. I plan on retiring as a union worker, with the financial security of a pension."

In stark contrast to the company's brand as a magnanimous community ally, Bigfoot has retained one of the most notorious anti-union law firms in the country, Fisher Phillips.

"Being a good community partner starts with being a good employer," said Mark Davison, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Teamsters Joint Council 37 President. "Bigfoot needs to do that by dropping the unreasonable, concessionary demand that our members jeopardize their retirement security."

Teamsters Joint Council 37 represents workers in Oregon, Southwest Washington, and Idaho. For more information, go to jcteamsters37.com/

Media Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 37
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Civil society representatives from Azerbaijan have sent an open letter to the heads of the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

Trend presents the letter:

Mr. Ian Borg, OSCE Chair-in-Office.

Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

We, the representatives of the civil society of Azerbaijan, appeal to you regarding the fact that hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who were forced out of their historical homelands and homes in Armenia 36 years ago and became refugees are still unable to return to Iravan, Goycha, and other historical homes in Western Azerbaijan.

Armenia, where Azerbaijanis historically lived, has carried out a systematic campaign aimed at erasing the material and cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis. This deliberate destruction has been ongoing for decades. We note with a heavy heart that today, only one out of 269 mosques registered on the territory of Armenia in 1870 has survived. In addition, hundreds of cemeteries belonging to Azerbaijanis have been systematically destroyed.

Iravan, the current capital of the Republic of Armenia, was once divided into Shahar, Damirbulag, and Tapabashi districts. Azerbaijanis lived in these areas from the time the city was established until the end of the 20th century. The name of the Tapabashi neighborhood, which was built and inhabited by Azerbaijanis, was later changed to Kond. This neighborhood is one of a handful of places with surviving examples of cultural heritage belonging to Azerbaijanis in Armenia. However, it is regrettable that Tapabashi neighborhood, which is part of the Armenian governments systematic campaign towards erasing the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people, is to be completely destroyed.

In May of this year, we, the representatives of the civil society of Azerbaijan, addressed an open letter to the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, asking that tangible measures be taken to prevent the destruction of the Tapabashi neighborhood and for a fact-finding mission to be sent to the area. We declared our openness to dialogue and interaction with UNESCO within the framework of norms and mechanisms of international law in order to stop the destruction. We also called on UNESCO to take the Tapabashi district under its protection as a unique example of cultural heritage of the world. We stated that we were ready to work closely with UNESCO in monitoring efforts. However, we did not receive a response to this request from UNESCO, nor did we see any statement of concern about this issue from the Council of Europe or the OSCE, which declare that they are guided by the protection of human rights.

The Irevan Castle, Khan's Palace, the Abbas Mirza Mosque, and many other monuments, which represent valuable examples of the material heritage of the Azerbaijani people on the territory of Armenia, have been completely destroyed. The history of the Blue Mosque, built by Khan of Iravan Huseyn Ali Khan in the 18th century, has been distorted and portrayed as a mosque belonging to another nation.

Armenias destruction of cultural monuments belonging to Azerbaijanis represents a flagrant violation of several international conventions, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the World Heritage Convention, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The policy of ethnic cleansing pursued by Armenia has seriously damaged Azerbaijan's intangible cultural heritage. For example, the Goycha ashiq school, one of the main schools of Azerbaijani ashiq art, which has been included in the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has been severed from its origins. Armenia has destroyed the statue and gravestone of renowned Azerbaijani performer Ashiq Alasgar in his native Goycha district. This is a demonstrative insult to the people of Azerbaijan.

The continuous destruction of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage by Armenia violates our right to use cultural heritage and protect our culture. This conduct seriously hinders peace, dialogue, and reconciliation efforts in the region.

We demand that both the Council of Europe and the OSCE express an explicit position on the mentioned issues. This behavior is no different from the attitude shown toward the war crimes Armenia perpetrated during the years when Azerbaijani lands were under occupation and the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms of Azerbaijani refugees. Azerbaijani society has legitimately lost faith in the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO. We see that, shortly after the anti-terror operation, the first anniversary of which was celebrated just recently, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe took a biased step against the Azerbaijani delegation. This behavior and attitude are unacceptable, and those masterminding it will not achieve their goals.

The OSCE and the Council of Europe should not adopt a double-standard approach to these issues. They should be objective and impartial. As representatives of Azerbaijans civil society, we are ready to cooperate with all relevant organizations in this area, provide additional information, and mediate efforts to protect the material and cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis in Armenia.

We, therefore, urge you to encourage Armenia to restore and protect the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people in accordance with its international obligations. In line with the principles reflected in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Armenia must ensure the protection of the cultural and historical heritage of Azerbaijanis and their safe and dignified return to their ancestral lands.

Signatures:

1. Aziz Alakbarli  The Western Azerbaijan Community

2. Amir Aliyev  Center for the Promotion of Human Rights Public Union

3. Fuad Mammadov - "Simurg" Azerbaijan Cultural Association

4. Fariz Khalilli  "Miras" Public Association for the Promotion of Cultural Heritage

5. Ramil Isgandarli- Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum

6. Narmina Aghayeva - "Promotion of Iravan Cultural Heritage" Public Union

7. Haji Abdulla - "Zangezur" Societies Public Union

8. Novella Jafarova - D. Aliyeva Azerbaijan Women's Rights Society

9. Saadat Bananyarli - "Azerbaijan National Unit of the International Human Rights Society" Public Union

10. Saltanat Gojamanli - "Protection of Human Rights and Legality" Public Union

11. Mubariz Asgarov  "Objective" Public Union for the Promotion of National Values

12. Shahla Naghiyeva - Sonmez Mashal Cultural Relations Public Union

13. Sheyda Allahverdiyeva  "ICOMOS Azerbaijan" Public Union

14. Gamar Baghirova - Jafar Jabbarli Public Association for the Development of Culture, Science, and Education

15. Ulviyya Babirova - "Culture Volunteers" Public Union

16. Turkay Gasimzada - Association for the Protection of Azerbaijans Cultural Heritage and Support for Tourism

17. Esmira Fuad - Eternal Turan Book Fund

18. Sevda Tahirli - Mirza Alakbar Sabir Foundation

19. Shahin Gadirov - "Zirva" Culture and Art Public Union

20. Farida Mirishova- "Iz" Support for Culture Development Public Union

21. Samad Vakilov - "Muvakkil Law Center" Public Union

22. Telman Gasimov  Scientific Research Public Union

23. Khatira Valiyeva - "Khankendi - Support for Internally Displaced Persons" Public Union

24. Ibrahim Ibrahimli  "Bir Tabassum" Public Union for the Promotion of Patriotism
NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation- The global commercial airframe component market size is estimated to grow by USD 5.65 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 8.02% during the forecast period. Aviation-friendly government initiatives in APAC is driving market growth, with a trend towards emergence of 3D printing. However, delays in aircraft delivery poses a challenge. Key market players include Aernnova Aerospace SA, Airbus SE, Avion Alloys Inc., Bharat Forge Ltd., Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd., DAHER, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Eaton Corp. Plc, Ferra Engineering Pty Ltd, Latecoere, LISI Group, Melrose Industries Plc, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Precision Castparts Corp., RUAG International Holding Ltd., Sonaca SA, Spirit AeroSystems Inc., The Boeing Co., Thomas B. Thriges Foundation, and Triumph Group Inc..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global commercial airframe component market 2024-2028

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Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Narrow-body and Wide-body), Component (Fuselage, Wing, and Empennage), and Geography (Europe, APAC, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America) Region Covered Europe, APAC, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key companies profiled Aernnova Aerospace SA, Airbus SE, Avion Alloys Inc., Bharat Forge Ltd., Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd., DAHER, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Eaton Corp. Plc, Ferra Engineering Pty Ltd, Latecoere, LISI Group, Melrose Industries Plc, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Precision Castparts Corp., RUAG International Holding Ltd., Sonaca SA, Spirit AeroSystems Inc., The Boeing Co., Thomas B. Thriges Foundation, and Triumph Group Inc.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a revolutionary technology that builds 3D objects by adding layers of material on top of each other, using digital model data from CAD files or AMF. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which remove material from a stock, this technique improves part quality with better accuracy and surface finish, while reducing support volume, contact area, and build time. 3D printing plays a crucial role in the aerospace industry, particularly for commercial airframe components. The miniaturization of parts necessitates stringent quality requirements, making CAD/CAE/CAM software essential for virtual prototyping and evaluation before actual testing. Popular software like CATIA V5, Solid Works, MATLAB, SIMULINK, Flow works, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, Hypermesh, and Ansys Fluent facilitate this process. The adoption of 3D printing for manufacturing commercial airframe components is expected to increase significantly during the forecast period, driving the market's growth.

The commercial airframe component market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for new commercial aircraft and the need to maintain and upgrade existing fleets. Key materials used in airframe components include aluminum alloys, titanium, and composites. Sustainability and fuel efficiency are major trends in the aviation industry, leading to the use of lightweight materials like carbon composites, titanium alloys, and aluminum lithium alloys. Airlines are focusing on lower maintenance costs and operational efficiency, leading to an increased demand for replacement parts, accessories, and components and systems. New commercial aircraft are being designed with advanced technologies like 3D printing and connectivity for new routes and improved aircraft performance. Regulatory requirements, safety, reliability, and efficiency are top priorities, with components ranging from engines and avionics to landing gear and electrical systems. Third-party manufacturers play a crucial role in providing cost-effective solutions for wear and tear and aircraft downtime. Upgrading existing systems is also a significant trend to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.

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Market Challenges

In the dynamic aviation industry, commercial airframe component manufacturers face mounting pressures to meet escalating demand, budget constraints, and tight delivery schedules. The growth in passenger traffic and emerging economies' growth lead to increased orders for new and refurbished aircraft. Fuel-efficient aircraft and aging fleets further boost demand. However, maintaining high-quality components amidst these challenges can be difficult. Delays in component manufacturing can result in order cancellations, causing substantial losses for all stakeholders. Strict government regulations ensure safety but add to costs. Airframe components, designed for specific aircraft, make cancellations or changes detrimental to vendors. These factors may hinder the growth of the commercial airframe component market during the forecast period.

The Commercial Airframe Component Market faces several challenges in the context of the evolving air travel industry. Aluminum lithium alloys, used in airframe manufacturing, present complexities in terms of cost and supply. The LCC business model demands lower maintenance costs and operational efficiency, leading to increased pressure on component replacement and upgrading existing systems. 3D printing offers potential solutions for custom parts, but regulatory requirements and safety concerns must be addressed. New routes and connectivity necessitate reliable components and systems, including engines, avionics, landing gear, electrical systems, and interior components. Wear and tear, aircraft downtime, and regulatory compliance are ongoing challenges. Third-party manufacturers play a crucial role in providing replacement parts and accessories, while aircraft leasing and exchange programs help manage fleet costs. Upgrading systems for enhanced safety, efficiency, and aircraft performance is essential, but stringent regulations and safety concerns necessitate careful planning and implementation. Cost reduction and value for money are key considerations, with e-commerce channels and new technologies offering potential solutions. Aircraft retirements and longevity also impact the market, as older fleets require more maintenance and replacement parts. Overall, the Commercial Airframe Component Market must balance safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to meet the demands of the ever-evolving air travel industry.

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Segment Overview

This commercial airframe component market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type

1.1 Narrow-body

1.2 Wide-body

Component

2.1 Fuselage

2.2 Wing

2.3 Empennage

Geography

3.1 Europe

3.2 APAC

3.3 North America

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 Narrow-body- The Commercial Airframe Component Market refers to the industry that manufactures and supplies components for the fuselage, wings, and other structural parts of commercial aircraft. Companies in this market produce and sell components such as landing gear, engines, and wings to airlines and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers. This market is driven by increasing air travel demand, fleet expansion, and the need for component replacement and upgrades. Manufacturers focus on cost reduction, innovation, and after-sales service to remain competitive.

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Research Analysis

The Commercial Airframe Component market encompasses the production and supply of various components and systems for commercial airframes, including fuselage, wings, tail assemblies, and other structural parts. These components are primarily made of materials such as aluminum alloys, titanium, composites, and high strength steel. The aviation industry's focus on sustainability and fuel efficiency has led to increased demand for lightweight and durable materials like carbon composites, titanium alloys, and aluminum lithium alloys. New commercial aircraft and upgrading existing systems are significant drivers for market growth. Air travel remains a key industry, with airlines continually seeking to improve aircraft performance while adhering to regulatory requirements and prioritizing safety. Technological advancements, such as 3D printing, are also transforming the market landscape.

Market Research Overview

The Commercial Airframe Component market encompasses the production and supply of various components and systems for commercial airframes, including fuselage, wings, tail assemblies, and more. These components are primarily made from materials such as aluminum alloys, titanium, composites, and high strength steel. The aviation industry's focus on sustainability and fuel efficiency drives the use of advanced materials like carbon composites, titanium alloys, and aluminum lithium alloys. New commercial aircraft and LCC business models require lower maintenance costs, operational efficiency, and connectivity, leading to an increased demand for replacement parts and accessories. Components and systems include engines, avionics, landing gear, electrical systems, interior components, and more. Third-party manufacturers play a crucial role in supplying these components, ensuring regulatory requirements are met for safety and reliability. Wear and tear, aircraft downtime, and stringent regulations are ongoing challenges for the market. New technologies like 3D printing and exchange programs offer cost reduction and value for money. The market is influenced by factors such as air traffic, aircraft fleets, aircraft leasing, and retirements, with safety concerns remaining a top priority. E-commerce channels are transforming the way components are bought and sold, offering convenience and cost savings.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Narrow-body



Wide-body

Component

Fuselage



Wing



Empennage

Geography

Europe



APAC



North America



Middle East And Africa



South America

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
CHICAGO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is excited to host a forum with Ms. Sendy Soto, Chicago's First Chief Homelessness Officer. The virtual program is on Sept. 27, 2024, at 12:00 PM CT. It is open to all. Pre-registration is required. For more details and to register, visit this page.

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Sendy Soto as the City of Chicago's first Chief Homelessness Officer (CHO) in April 2024.

Soto is coordinating efforts across City departments and sister agencies and developing a five-year plan to address the homelessness crisis in Chicago. There is a call to reimagine the current model of care for people experiencing homelessness.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) identified 17,700 students as homeless during the 2022-23 school year, and that number rose to 24,157 as of February 2024 .

(CPS) during the 2022-23 school year, and that number rose to 24,157 as of . In August 2023, the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH) released its annual homeless estimate report, showing that 68,440 people were experiencing homelessness in Chicago in 2021.

released its annual homeless estimate report, showing that 68,440 people were experiencing homelessness in in 2021. Bring Chicago Home advocates state there are 68,000 homeless Chicagoans.

Soto will align with the county, state, and federal government, particularly the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the White House ALL INside initiative.

Soto's leadership has been recognized with the Women Who Dared Award from the Chicago National Organization for Women. Governor J.B. Pritzker appointed Soto to serve on the Governing Commission for the Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa Expanded Mental Health Services Program, where she provided support to establish an affordable mental health service center for local residents.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC), since 1915, is an independent non-profit organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through various interdisciplinary approaches, including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement. With the public's health at its core, IOMC is building new programs and services to better meet the needs of its members, Chicago, its counties, and the State of Illinois community. 501c3 non-profit organization. Visit www.iomc.org.

For more information contact:

Institute of Medicine of Chicago

Deborah Hodges

312.709.2685

[email protected]

SOURCE The Institute of Medicine of Chicago
BEAVERCREEK, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) is excited to announce the award of five technology development projects through Microelectronics Commons. These five project awards designate a total first-year funding of over $31 million of a total proposed $130 million over the next four years in addition to $29 million in cost share, bringing total potential project budgets to over $138 million. These projects will engage more than 30 MMEC members representing organizations from industry, academia, and government stakeholders to advance domestic microelectronic technology development to deliver solutions to strengthen the US-based supply chain. "These awards are the culmination of months of effort from the MMEC members and our team," Jackie Janning-Lask, MMEC CEO stated, "We are very excited to see these projects awarded to the MMEC members. These projects will play a critical role in onshoring chip development and are a critical step in securing the US microelectronics supply chain."

Funded by the CHIPS and Science Act, the Microelectronics Commons program is a network of regional technology hubs focused on expanding the nation's global leadership in microelectronics. This program accelerates domestic prototyping and grows a pipeline of US-based semiconductor talent. The Microelectronics Commons program is led by the Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Engineering, executed through the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (SMARTS) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) established by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division and is managed by the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL).

Earlier this year, the MMEC submitted 15 tech-based proposals that support prototype projects across six technical areas that are critical to the Department of Defense. Those areas are: Secure Edge Computing/Internet of Things, 5G/6G Technology, Artificial Intelligence Hardware (AI), Quantum Technology, Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), and Commercial Leap Ahead (CLA). The five projects awarded to the MMEC are:

5G/6G: Wideband Multifunctional Software Defined Radio (WMSDR)

Project Team Performers: Lockheed Martin, Intel, Indiana Micro, CapV LLC, University of Dayton , 3dGS Artificial Intelligence: Ultra Efficient In-Hardware Prototype Using Hyperdimensional Computing

Project Team Performers: Intel Federal, University of Pennsylvania , SkyWater Technology, AI-Sensation, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Electromagnetic Warfare: Co-packaged Reconfigurable Signal and Intelligence Architecture

Project Team Performers: Lockheed Martin, Intel Corporation, AFRL Electromagnetic Warfare: Center for Technology Transition and Rapid Prototyping of Infrared Detectors

Project Team Performers: The Ohio State University , Attollo Engineering, SK Infrared, Senseeker Engineering, IQE USA , NSWC-Crane Secure Edge: Validated GPU Based Secure Processing Module

Project Team Performers: Northrop Grumman, University of Maryland , NHanced Semiconductors,

Battelle, NVIDIA

"The MMEC was formed to identify opportunities and build collaboration between members to accelerate microelectronics innovation. It was impressive to see how the project teams leveraged MMECs role-based hub model to produce 15 very high-quality proposals. Being awarded five projects really speaks to the talent and expertise of our members and the MMEC team," said MMEC CTO, Matt Casto PhD. "I am confident these projects will be successfully executed and will ultimately be a huge benefit to the US and the warfighter."

In addition to fueling research and development through the projects, the MMEC is using funding to work with members to: 1) utilize existing tools and machinery, and invest in new infrastructure capabilities for expansion and modernization of manufacturing facilities, and 2) partner with industry, academia, and training providers to ensure that educational programs are aligned with industry needs and that students are prepared to fill jobs that are in high demand. The project awards will provide funding for Workforce Development efforts, estimated at over $2M, to create a beginning-to-end pipeline of technology, tools, and human resources to place the US at the forefront of microelectronics development and manufacturing. "A skilled and diverse pipeline of workers is critical to building a domestic, sustainable, semiconductor industry in the US. That is why we are focused on working with our partners to reach out to K-12, universities, and colleges to provide the next generation with the information about how rewarding a career in the semiconductor industry can be," stated Mrs. Janning-Lask

"In Ohio, we have always built the things that America and the world need, from the cars we drive to the planes we fly, and soon, it will be Ohioans who make the most advanced semiconductors on the planet," stated JP Nauseef, JobsOhio CEO and Chairman of the MMEC Board of Directors. "With Ohio's competitive advantage in the Silicon Heartland, the Air Force Research Laboratory, our growing innovation districts, and so much more, we continue to drive the reshoring of critical technologies and the rebirth of American manufacturing."

About the MMEC

The Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) leads the acceleration of microelectronic technologies and delivers solutions to establish a trusted and resilient domestic supply chain. The MMEC is the premier collaborative, public-private ecosystem that engages broadly across innovative partners in industry, academia, and government to rapidly advance defense and commercial applications. This unique environment empowers members to discover new technologies, share capabilities, develop a skilled workforce, and launch groundbreaking innovation into scalable commercial production for the benefit of National Security and economic dominance.

For more information, contact: Karsten Olson, MMEC, (509) 869-2846, [email protected], http://www.mmeconsortium.org/

SOURCE Midwest Microelectronics Consortium
Page by page, a women's health education book has been mailed to prison, getting much-needed content in the hands of those who have no access otherwise

CLAREMONT, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Prison Banned Books Week, (September 15-21), the Prison Library Project in partnership with OHG's Purpose Group announced the launch of their new women's health literacy campaign, "Contrabanned."

Many state prison systems systematically ban women's health books, often labeling depictions of the female anatomy as "sexually explicit." The Prison Library Project created a first-of-its-kind women's health book that overcomes this illogical ban because each of the 250 pages were sent as letters to those who are incarcerated. While books may be banned, letters are not.

As for the execution, over the course of 3 months, each page was sent to an incarcerated womana former nurse whose name is being kept anonymous for her safety. She then stitched the pages together using dental floss available in the prison commissary to create a complete book. The woman also made printouts of the pages which she shared with fellow inmates, enabling them to assemble their own books.

But the Contrabanned book is about more than cleverly designed material that outsmarted state prison bans. The book, created by female health literacy experts and medical students, explains relevant topics such as menstrual health, breast cancer, and sexual health simply and clearly. It was written and designed specifically for the 975,000 incarcerated women in the US, 70% of whom cannot read at a fourth-grade level.

"Contrabanned shows the power of knowledge, but also peer education, which research shows reduces risky behavior and the rate of reincarceration," says Mckenna Deluca from the Prison Library Project. "This content is needed from a public health concern standpoint and for the safety of our communities."

"The campaign and book highlight the growing censorship of women's health books in prison libraries across America," says Dina Peck, Chief Creative Officer of OHG's Purpose Group. "Anyone who wants health education (in prison or otherwise) should have access to it. Our hope is that people will sign the petition and make this book the first approved women's health book across the prison system." You can access the petition put together by the Prison Library Project at: https://chng.it/x47hTdgcgf

Contrabanned is about making sure all women are empowered to care for their own health. Dr. Susan Andreas, a health literacy expert who contributed to the book, adds, "Women with limited health literacy tend to have higher rates of hospitalization and are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions. Access to health literate content can help change that."

In honor of the launch of Contrabanned during Prison Banned Books Week, the Prison Library Project will host a livestream with the team that brought this project to life on Friday, September 20th at 11:00 am PT/2:00 pm ET.

The event may be accessed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81498785807

Visit Contrabanned.us to donate funds for postage to enable more books to be created and to sign the petition.

About Claremont Forum's Prison Library Project

The Claremont Forum's Prison Library Project (https://www.claremontforum.org/prisonlibraryproject) is a volunteer-driven program focused on delivering books and educational resources to incarcerated individuals. Their mission is to address the pressing issue of insufficient literacy skills and limited access to reading materials among incarcerated men and women nationwide. They've mailed over half a million books to correctional facilities across the United States since 1992.

About OHG's Purpose Group

OHG's Purpose Group believes all great brands are built on purpose. The Purpose Group is comprised of Patients & Purpose and Science & Purpose and part of Omnicom Health Group (www.omnicomhealthgroup.com)a global collective of communications companies with more than 5,000 dedicated healthcare communications specialists. OHG provides marketing services to the health and life-science industries and is powered by Omni Health, the first and only end-to-end data platform designed for the specific requirements of healthcare clients.

SOURCE Omnicom Health Group
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With international tourism at an all time high , a growing wave of anti-tourism sentiment in many top destinations has travelers worried about their upcoming international trips this fall.

A recent Squaremouth survey that polled more than 5,000 travel insurance customers revealed that more than half of travelers are concerned about over-tourism and anti-tourism impacting their fall travel plans. Additionally, 90% of travelers report they are planning fall travel to a "heavily touristed" destination.

In response to overcrowding reports and other travel disruptions, 22% of travelers are buying a travel insurance policy for the first time this fall. Squaremouth.com, the nation's leading travel insurance marketplace, breaks down 4 ways travel insurance can support travelers heading to destinations experiencing anti-tourism sentiments.

1. You Encounter Overcrowding Delays

Anti-tourism activities, such as roadblocks, strikes, traffic accidents, or other forms of disruption, can lead to travel delays. Policies with the Travel Delay benefit can provide reimbursement for additional expenses caused by delays, like alternative accommodations, meals, transportation, and other necessary expenses.

2. Your Destination is Inaccessible

There have been recent reports of some destinations indefinitely closing their borders to tourists due to overcrowding and environmental impacts. If your destination suddenly becomes inaccessible due to protests or anti-tourism measures, travel insurance can help you recover your prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

3. You Need to Be Evacuated Due to Protests

In extreme cases, anti-tourism protests can escalate, leading to unsafe conditions. Travel insurance often includes coverage for non-medical evacuations, ensuring that you and your traveling companion can be safely transported out of a volatile situation.

4. You're No Longer interested in Going to Your Destination

While travel insurance only covers what is listed in your policy, there is one exception: Cancel For Any Reason coverage. The CFAR benefit can offer partial reimbursement for prepaid and non-refundable trip payments if you want to cancel your trip for a reason not otherwise covered by the Trip Cancellation benefit, such as overcrowding or safety concerns. Depending on the policy, CFAR coverage can reimburse 50% or 75% of your total insured trip cost.

Visit Squaremouth's Travel Advice Blog for more traveler tips on navigating anti-tourism.

Squaremouth polled more than 5,000 customers regarding their upcoming Fall travel plans to determine the current trends among travelers buying travel insurance. The survey was sent to all Squaremouth customers between 08/26/2024 and 09/13/2024.

About Squaremouth: Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine, award-winning support team, and veried customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to nd the best travel insurance policy for their trip.

Available Topic Expert: Jenna Hummer is available for comment and interview. [email protected]

SOURCE Squaremouth
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) released the report The Civil Rights Implications of the Federal Use of Facial Recognition Technology, which examines concerns about the federal government's use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) and recommendations for regulations and best practices.

Meaningful federal guidelines and oversight for responsible FRT use have lagged behind the application of this technology in real-world scenarios. With the advent of biometric technology and its widespread use by both private and government entities, the Commission studied how the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are utilizing this technology, in compliance with existing civil rights laws. Currently, there are no laws that expressly regulate the use of FRT or other AI by the federal government, and no constitutional provisions governing its use.

Concerns raised during the Commission's briefing on the use of FRT included:

- Algorithmic accuracy rates can vary widely among developers, and across race and gender, and can result in false positive and false negative matches. Fluctuating accuracy rates can lead to discriminatory practices and potentially violate an individual's civil rights.

- The technology's relatively easy development and ability for inexperienced and inadequately trained operators to wield makes its use easy to expand without fully understanding its capabilities and risks.

- The absence of standards for FRT use pervades the entire pipeline-from the designers and developers of the core technology to federal government policies, training, transparency, and oversight.

The Commission found during its research process that within DOJ, FRT is primarily utilized by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), most often to generate leads in criminal investigations and during efforts to locate known subjects. The Department of Homeland Security uses biometrics (such as fingerprints, iris, and face recognition) to help enable operational missions, both to support national security and public safety and to deliver benefits and services with greater efficiency and accuracy. The Commission also found that through HUD, FRT is integrated into surveillance cameras used in federally-funded public housing through the Emergency Safety and Security grant program.

"Unregulated use of facial recognition technology poses significant risks to civil rights, especially for marginalized groups who have historically borne the brunt of discriminatory practices," said Rochelle Garza, Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. "As we work to develop AI policies, we must ensure that facial recognition technology is rigorously tested for fairness, and that any detected disparities across demographic groups are promptly addressed or suspend its use until the disparity has been addressed."

"With the publication of this groundbreaking report, including its findings and recommendations, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights brings a crucial civil rights perspective to the nation's discussion of responsible federal use of facial recognition technology. This report addresses concerns about accuracy, oversight, transparency, discrimination, and access to justice. We are excited at the opportunity to provide guidance for the United States Government to meet this moment of immense technological potential with due consideration and protections for the civil rights of all Americans," said Commissioner Mondaire Jones.

"It is my hope that this bipartisan report will help inform public policy that will address the myriad of issues concerning artificial intelligence (AI) in general, but as it relates to this issue, facial recognition technology specifically. Our country has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans are protected," said Commissioner Gilchrist.

To learn more about the federal use of FRT and its civil rights implications, visit https://www.usccr.gov/reports/2024/civil-rights-implications-federal-use-facial-recognition-technology.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is the only independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights and reporting annually on federal civil rights enforcement. Our 56 state and territory Advisory Committees offer a broad perspective on civil rights concerns at state and local levels. The Commission: In our 7th decade, a continuing legacy of influence in civil rights. For more information about the Commission, please visit www.usccr.gov and follow us on Twitter and Facebook .

Contact: Joe Kim

[email protected]

202-499-0263

SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
"This stamp, with its festive Hanukkah candles, warm our hearts and their intimate glow rekindles the family bonds that comfort and sustain us throughout the year. It also reminds us  as Americans  that we are joined in our diversity," said Michael Gordon, the Postal Service's government liaison director, who served as the stamp's dedicating official. "Starting today, this beautiful image of remembrance, light and love will travel on letters and packages to millions of households and businesses throughout America and around the world."

Joining Gordon in dedicating the stamp were Bea Gurwitz, the museum's executive director; Chris Wolf, the museum's incoming board chairman; and Antonio Alcala, who served as the stamp's art director.

The origin story of Hanukkah stems from a struggle for religious liberty and human rights. It is a tale centered on the Maccabees, a small army of Jewish warriors, fighting for the right of all Jews to practice their religion freely. Around 167 B.C., the emperor Antiochus IV engaged in a brutal campaign to force Jews to convert to Greek polytheism. He persecuted those who continued to practice Judaism with the passing of many oppressive laws, and he also looted and desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the holiest of shrines for the Jewish people. The outnumbered Maccabees revolted, and against all odds, prevailed over the much bigger armies of the emperor.

Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for "dedication." Tradition relates how a miracle took place after the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. During the rededication of the Temple, Jewish worshippers discovered that only one small jar of consecrated oil remained, enough to last just one day. They lit the Temple menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days, providing enough time to produce more oil.

"The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum is honored to be part of the 2024 Hanukkah stamp unveiling ceremony," said Gurwitz. "The museum tells the story of a community that is decidedly local but has a national impact, seeking to inspire all who visit to take action on behalf of their community values and this stamp ceremony fits perfectly with that mission. Thank you to the U.S. Postal Service for creating this impressive stamp."

This miracle of the oil is celebrated during Hanukkah with the ceremonial lighting of the hanukiah, the menorah used at this time of year. Eight branches hold candles representing each of the eight nights and days of Hanukkah; the ninth, the shamas or "servant," is used to light the other candles. The hanukiah, used only at Hanukkah, traditionally is placed at the entrance of the home or in a window to proclaim the miracle publicly.

After the lighting of the candles, some families play games and compete for prizes with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels. They may also sing holiday songs and eat traditional fried foods that commemorate the miracle of the oil. Two favorites are latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (yeasty doughnuts filled with raspberry or strawberry jelly and dusted with sugar).

The Hanukkah festivities begin on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, a date that falls in late November or, more commonly, in December. In 2024, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 25.

The Stamp Design

"Designing the 2024 Hanukkah stamp is an honor and privilege." said Alcala. "The imperfect ink-drawn lines of the artwork are to lend a human presence to the image. The flames are shown, but the candles themselves are not present. They're implied, and to me, that alludes to an aspect of faith that's both tied to this ceremony and to the larger religious experience."

The Hanukkah pane of 20 stamps are issued as Forever stamps, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. News of the Hanukkah stamps are being shared with the hashtag #HanukkahStamp.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

National contact: David Coleman

Cell: 202-425-1476

[email protected]

Local contact: Mark Wahl

m[email protected]

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service
PHOENIX, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtuous, the leading Responsive Fundraising Software helping nonprofits grow giving, today announced a minority growth investment through a funding round led by Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE), an entrepreneur-centric growth equity firm. This significant investment will fuel Virtuous' mission to accelerate product innovation and enhance services for its nonprofit customers.

Accelerating Global Generosity

Virtuous, the leading Responsive Fundraising Software, has secured a $100M minority growth investment led by Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE). This funding will help accelerate product innovation and enhance the customer experience. The partnership reinforces Virtuous' mission to drive global generosity and help nonprofits generate $10 billion in new giving worldwide. (PRNewsfoto/Virtuous)

Virtuous is at the forefront of transforming how nonprofits engage with their donors and volunteers to drive meaningful change. With this new capital, Virtuous plans to expand its suite of innovative tools designed to empower nonprofits with data-driven insights, seamless integrations, and a more personalized approach to fundraising.

"We are incredibly excited to partner with SGE for this critical phase of our growth," said Gabe Cooper, CEO of Virtuous. "Their investment not only provides us with the resources to continue advancing our technology but also reinforces their belief in our vision to help nonprofits succeed. SGE's team has a long-term mindset that will allow Virtuous to continue building an enduring business and putting our customers first."

Accelerating Innovation and Service

The funding will enable Virtuous to accelerate the development of new features including AI tooling, expanded integrations, third-party data insights, and platform upgrades based on the needs of its users. The new partnership will ensure that Virtuous continues to deliver leading-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of nonprofits.

In addition to product development, Virtuous will invest in expanding its customer success and services teams to provide unparalleled support and playbooks to its growing base of nonprofit users. This commitment will help nonprofits leverage the full potential of the Virtuous platform and advance its ultimate mission of helping nonprofits create $10 billion of net new generosity globally.

Commitment to Nonprofits

"We are proud to partner with Virtuous in its mission to revolutionize nonprofit fundraising through its innovative and proven approach to CRM," said Ben Weinberg, Managing Director at SGE. "Virtuous enables nonprofits to better identify potential fundraising opportunities through their seamless software with actionable reporting capabilities, integrated marketing tool, and online giving platform. Gabe and his talented team have built market-defining software that is helping drive growth across an array of impactful initiatives and we look forward to helping support their growth." In conjunction with the transaction, SGE team members Ben Weinberg and Aneesha Raghunathan will join Virtuous' Board of Directors.

About Virtuous

Virtuous is the leading provider of Responsive Fundraising software dedicated to empowering nonprofits with modern and innovative tools specifically designed to increase generosity by building more personal relationships with donors. Tens of thousands of nonprofit professionals use Virtuous CRM, marketing tools, and analytics solutions. Nonprofits using Virtuous software have seen significant increases in donor retention and average gift size while reducing administrative expenses. Virtuous has made the Inc. 5000 list for three years in a row, has been recognized as a Leader in the G2 Nonprofit CRM grid, and has been named one of Inc. Magazine's 2023 Best Places to Work. For more information, visit virtuous.org .

About Susquehanna Growth Equity

Susquehanna Growth Equity ("SGE") is an entrepreneur-centric growth equity fund with flexible capital and time horizons. SGE is exclusively focused on growth-stage software, services, internet, and information services companies. The firm has invested over $4 billion in 100+ market-leading technology and services companies over the last 18 years and has portfolio companies across the US, Canada, Europe, and Israel. SGE is backed by a unique and patient source of capital, enabling the firm to give entrepreneurs and management teams freedom and flexibility to maximize growth. To learn more, please visit www.sgep.com .

Media Contact:

Virtuous Media Relations

[email protected]

602-609-2006

For Susquehanna Growth Equity:

Gasthalter & Co.

[email protected]

(212) 257-4170

SOURCE Virtuous
AARP Data Shows Pennsylvanians 50+ Made Up the Majority of the Electorate in 2020

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Pennsylvania's general election just 47 days away, data from AARP shows that voters age 50 plus decide elections, and they want politicians to address the issues that matter most to them and their families.

In Pennsylvania, a powerful 54 percent of the electorate in 2020 was age 50 plus, adding up to 3.9 million of voters.

"We know that voters 50 plus are the majority of voters in every election, and they are stretched to the limit," said Bill Johnston-Walsh of AARP, which serves more than 1.8 million members age 50 and older in Pennsylvania. "When we ask members, they tell us they want to elect candidates who will address their day-to-day challenges, like caring for their loved ones and protecting their hard-earned Social Security."

According to Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP PA State Director, that's why AARP is committed to giving voters in Pennsylvania and across the nation trusted, up-to-date information on when, where and how to vote in the 2024 elections. "We want to make sure that everyone can make their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them."

AARP research shows more than 48 million Americans - one in five voters - are family caregivers who help with everything from buying groceries and managing medications to bathing and dressing. These hardworking family members often put their own finances and jobs at risk to care for a loved one, providing more than $600 billion in unpaid care each year and saving taxpayers billions by keeping loved ones at home and out of costly Medicaid-funded nursing homes. Pennsylvania's 1.49 million unpaid family caregivers contribute more than 1.39 billion hours of unpaid care each year, valued at approximately $22 billion.

"Candidates in all political parties have a big opportunity to win these important voters," said Johnston-Walsh. "Especially if they focus on issues of importance to family caregivers, which at some point will impact all families.

AARP research also reveals another issue of importance to AARP members age 50 plus this election year: the sustainability of Social Security. AARP PA's Johnston-Walsh said, "Current projections show that if members of the US House and Senate don't act in the next 10 years to protect and save this program, which is vital to American workers of all ages, Social Security payments could be cut by 20%, an average of $4,000 a year which is a consequential amount to many retirees who have contributed for decades.

"AARP members have long been the deciders in elections," he added. "Candidates, regardless of party, would be wise to discuss and offer solutions to the issues that matter most to voters age 50 plus and their families."

For more information on AARP's voter education efforts in Pennsylvania, visit aarp.org/pavotes

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org , www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

CONTACT: TJ Thiessen | [email protected] | 717-381-7420

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX andNYSE: WFG) announced today that it will indefinitely curtail its sawmill in Lake Butler, Florida by the end of this month. Today's decision is the result of high fiber costs and soft lumber markets.

The indefinite curtailment of Lake Butler Sawmill will impact approximately 130 employees and reduce West Fraser's U.S. lumber capacity by approximately 110 million board feet. West Fraser expects to mitigate the impact on affected employees by providing work opportunities at other company operations.

High fiber costs at Lake Butler and the current low-price commodity environment have impaired the ability to profitably operate the mill. The indefinite curtailment of Lake Butler sawmill better aligns our U.S. lumber capacity with demand.

West Fraser anticipates taking an impairment charge in the third quarter of 2024 associated with the announcement.

About West Fraser

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, which promotes sustainable forest practices in its operations. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials. For more information about West Fraser, visit: www.westfraser.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including those relating to the Company's indefinite curtailment of the Lake Butler sawmill and anticipated timing thereof, expected reduction of lumber capacity, anticipated impairment charge in the third quarter of 2024 as well as related workforce impact and our ability to mitigate the impact on affected employees and better align production capacity with demand. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us considering our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions, including our assessment of higher fiber supply costs, the low-price commodity environment and our ability to operate the Lake Butler sawmills profitably and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, each dated February 14, 2024, as updated in our management's discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 28, 2024, dated July 24, 2024, each available at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar). There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its shareholders. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry will be represented for the first time with a stand at the ADEX exhibition to be held in 2024 in Baku, the project manager of the ADEX and Securex Caspian exhibitions, Ulker Gasimova said during a press conference dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the of the Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition ADEX and the 14th International Exhibition of Equipment for Internal Security, Safety, and Rescue Securex Caspian, Trend reports.

According to her, a new sectorcybersecurityhas been added to the number of sections covered by the ADEX exhibition in 2024.

ADEX will feature naval ships and systems, military clothing and equipment, military laboratories, military training institutions and organizations, export promotion companies, logistics services, medical supplies, engineering systems and devices, defense and security consulting, optronic equipment and systems, unmanned systems, radiation, chemical and biological protection (CBRN), radio-electronic systems, C4IR, weapons manufacturing equipment, weapons and ammunition, tools, and those In 2024, a new sectorcybersecuritywill be added to the number of sections covered by ADEX.

The Securex Caspian exhibition, organized in parallel with ADEX, will demonstrate promising models of equipment, integrated protection systems, and weapons for law enforcement, border, rescue, fire, and special services, she added.

To note, the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX" - the most large-scale event dedicated to the defense industry in the regionwill be held on September 24-26 at the Baku Expo Center. In parallel, the 14th Exhibition for International Security, Safety and Rescue Equipmente Securex Caspian will be organized.

The first ADEX exhibition was organized in 2014. Although the biennial exhibition celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, it has been operating for ten years and has been expanding the list of exhibitors and the sectors it covers from year to year.

The exhibition has brought together many companies representing more than 50 countries and about 200 official delegations during its ten years of successful activity. More than 30,000 guests have visited the exhibition over the years.
Just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month, Wolverine Boots brings back Old Rip Van Winkle collaboration to celebrate American craftsmanship

ROCKFORD, Mich., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevating the art of craftsmanship to new heights, Wolverine, the 141-year-old boot and clothing company, has once again joined forces with Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month. Through their mutual dedication to superior quality, these two brands proudly unveil Batch IV of their Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Boot.

Just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month, Wolverine Boots brings back Old Rip Van Winkle collaboration to celebrate American craftsmanship.

Inspired by the caramel and wood notes of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year bourbon, the Batch IV boot was built on the silhouette of Wolverine's iconic 1000 Mile. First introduced in 1914, the 1000 Mile provides the perfect canvas for the continued partnership of Wolverine and Old Rip as they pour their distinct blend of heritage, craftmanship and quality into each product iteration.

"Working with the team at Old Rip continues to be a highlight of our year," stated Lauren King, Senior Director of Marketing at Wolverine Boots. "We constantly inspire each other through our unique, yet shared, brand ethos and design. Each pair of boots we've launched together has created a new take on our heritage product, drummed up energizing ways to connect to our audiences, and ignited enduring consumer demand. Batch IV is no different."

Tailored for the ultimate bourbon enthusiast, the Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Batch IV Boot is designed to age gracefully, much like the fine bourbon at Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. Each pair of these limited-edition boots features all the timeless 1000 Mile qualities:

Lux leather uppers in a rich hue inspired by the full-bodied flavor profile of Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year.

Built from the iconic 1000 Mile silhouette and finished with the added comfort, support, and style of a wedge sole.

Uniquely labeled with hand-numbered Old Rip Van Winkle woven label on the tongue.

Designed in Michigan and handcrafted in Arkansas , supporting American workers and manufacturing.

Combining their shared passion for supporting the hard-working hands behind handcrafted, a portion of proceeds from each pair of Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle Batch IV boots sold will be donated to SkillsUSA, the number one workforce development organization for students.

"It's always a pleasure working with the Wolverine Team," stated Preston Van Winkle, member of the Van Winkle Bourbon Family. "Wolverine is a brand that truly embodies our shared passion of quality craftsmanship behind the creation of every boot, much like the dedication we pour into our bourbon. This collaboration not only celebrates our mutual dedication to quality, but also underscores our joint support for continuing to champion America's workforce."

The Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Boot retails at $424.95 and is available now in limited quantities on wolverine.com/oldrip.

ABOUT WOLVERINE

Wolverine, the 141-year-old boot and clothing company, is on a mission to honor the spirit and tenacity of the American worker and build the next generation of skilled trades people. Taking pride in crafting durable boots with unrivaled craftsmanship and the highest quality materials, Wolverine is dedicated to serving hardworking people all over the world. Through Project Bootstrap, Wolverine has contributed over $2 million to organizations in support of the skilled trades. For more information, visit www.wolverine.com. Wolverine is a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW)

ABOUT OLD RIP VAN WINKLE

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four-generation history, starting in the late 1800s with Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr., and continuing today with Julian III and Preston Van Winkle. From its early roots as the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville to the selling of the Distillery in 1972 while resurrecting the Old Rip Van Winkle label at the same time, and following with new, original expressions in the early 1980s, the Van Winkle story has been one of perseverance and survival. In 2002 the Van Winkles joined forces with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, KY. All of the Van Winkle's whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com.

SOURCE Wolverine
TEL AVIV-YAFO, Israel, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenity, the leader in securing enterprise copilots and low-code development, today announced the first agent-less security solution for Microsoft 365 Copilot with the Zenity AI Trust Layer. With this product launch, Zenity is continuing to empower its customers to confidently and securely unleash business enablement.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is embedded across the Microsoft suite, including SharePoint and M365. This presents massive opportunities for businesses to enable all their employees and third parties to be more efficient and effective through the use of Generative AI. However, Microsoft 365 Copilot also presents unique opportunities for bad actors and unknowing insiders to leak and exfiltrate data, as 365 Copilot contains access to loads of sensitive and confidential corporate data, is used by business users of all technical backgrounds and, critically, contains inherent curiosity. Business users of all technical backgrounds can also create extensions, plugins and agents linked to third-party apps and data sources through Microsoft Copilot Studio  something Zenity has supported since November of 2023.

Having recently received a strategic round of funding from Microsoft's venture arm, M12, to nurture and drive a joint go-to-market strategy, Zenity is continuing to provide robust support for customers that are leveraging software throughout the Microsoft ecosystem, including this end-to-end solution for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Following the groundbreaking research at Black Hat 2024, where Zenity security researchers detailed how bad actors can jailbreak Microsoft 365 Copilot to perform "remote copilot execution" via promptware attacks, Zenity is adding to its application security platform. This currently consists of AISPM, which launched in May of this year, to also include AI visibility, threat detection and prevention, promptware prevention and remediation capabilities.

Ben Kliger, CEO and cofounder, Zenity, stated: "Microsoft 365 Copilot presents a landmark opportunity for any organization driving business enablement. However, security teams now understand that application security is at the core of AI security, with unique threats and a new attack surface that has to be addressed swiftly. Zenity is approaching these unique problems stemming from Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI agents with an attacker's mindset. We are excited to offer the first holistic and agent-less AI Trust Layer for enterprise copilots like Microsoft 365 Copilot and for AI agents. Zenity is uniquely positioned to help organizations capitalize on the promise of the AI revolution in the enterprise. I am immensely proud of our team for the groundbreaking research and technology developed to launch this end-to-end solution that secures customers' current, most critical and pressing need: enterprise copilots and AI agents."

The Zenity AI Trust Layer for Microsoft 365 Copilot complements the existing visibility, risk assessment and governance features, and includes:

Visibility - Maintain a continuous inventory for AI copilots and agents, including how they are used across the organization and what risks exist in real-time.

- Maintain a continuous inventory for AI copilots and agents, including how they are used across the organization and what risks exist in real-time. Threat detection & prevention - Detect and prevent suspicious and malicious activities that are leveraging 365 Copilot as an attack surface, such as data leakage, in runtime.

- Detect and prevent suspicious and malicious activities that are leveraging 365 Copilot as an attack surface, such as data leakage, in runtime. Promptware prevention - Prevent promptware from getting into your organization and read by 365 Copilot.

- Prevent promptware from getting into your organization and read by 365 Copilot. AI SPM - Zenity incorporated AISPM capabilities in May of 2024 to identify misconfigurations and application security vulnerabilities in platform extensions and custom LCNC copilots and agents that are built in Copilot Studio.

- Zenity incorporated AISPM capabilities in May of 2024 to identify misconfigurations and application security vulnerabilities in platform extensions and custom LCNC copilots and agents that are built in Copilot Studio. Remediation - Automatically respond to detected threats and mitigate vulnerabilities with granular policy authorization and custom playbooks to assure continuous secure use of 365 Copilot.

About Zenity

Zenity, the world's first application security platform for enterprise Copilots and Low-Code development, protects organizations from security threats, helps meet compliance, and enables business continuity. Established in 2021, many of the world's leading organizations trust Zenity to help configure security guardrails, generate prioritized lists of vulnerabilities, and accurately pinpoint and remediate vulnerabilities by continuously scanning business-led development platforms and providing centralized visibility, risk assessment, and governance. Visit us at https://www.zenity.io for more.

SOURCE Zenity
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The company's Board of Directors has, based on the registered issue authorization from the Annual General Meeting on May 31, 2023, during the Board meeting on May 12, 2024, decided on a new issue with payment by set-off. According to the decision, a total of 147,000 new Zinzino B shares have been issued with payment by way of set-off of the claim to Xelliss Luxembourg SA, Xelliss North America and Prolex Technologies SA. The transaction is linked to the acquisition of the assets of the Xelliss group on 2024-05-12.

In accordance with the resolution of the Annual General Meeting on May 27, 2024, 110,270 new Zinzino B shares have been issued with payment by way of set-off of the claim to Enhanzz AG. The transaction is linked to the acquisition of Enhanzz Global AG/Enhanzz IP AG in 2022.

Through the directed issues, the number of B shares in the company increases by a total of 257 270 to a total of 29 451 599. The total number of shares after the increase amounts to 34,564,991. The dilution amounts to 0.7 percent, calculated on the number of total shares in the company upon completion of the directed issues. Zinzino's share capital increases through the directed issues by SEK 25,727 to SEK 3,456,499.10.

For more information please contact:

Dag Bergheim Pettersen CEO Zinzino +47 (0) 932 25 700, zinzino.com

Images for free publication: [email protected]

Certified Adviser: Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ)

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/zinzino/r/zinzino-ab--publ--share-subscription-due-to-directed-set-off-issues,c4040060

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Public/10976/4040060/97e90c63c026f50f.pdf PR Increase in share capital 2024-09-18
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The delegation led by First Deputy Minister of Defense  Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev starts an official visit to Italy, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani defense Ministry.

Within the visit, the Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army will hold meetings with the Italian military leadership and attend a defense industry company.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Labeling by the Armenian Foreign Ministry the local anti-terrorist measures aimed at disarming and completely forcing out the remnants of the armed forces of Armenia from Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region and restoring the sovereignty and constitutional order of Azerbaijan in those territories as an attack against Nagorno-Karabakh and ethnic cleansing is unacceptable, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's statement.

According to the statement, despite presenting itself as a peaceful country, Armenias calling Karabakh, the ancient and eternal land of Azerbaijan, with fictional names such as "Nagorno-Karabakh, is a clear example of disrespect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

"The counter-terrorism measures carried out in our sovereign territories in less than 24 hours by our Armed Forces on 19-20 September 2023 were in full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. Azerbaijans restoration of sovereignty over its lands, in addition to constituting one of the most glorious pages of our history, is a triumph of international law and justice," the statement said.

It was well-known that despite the defeat of Armenia in the 2020 Second Karabakh War and over the three years, until 2023, contrary to the obligations it accepted, Armenia not only had not withdrawn its illegal armed groups from the Karabakh region, but even transferred additional weaponry, ammunition, military equipment, and landmines to Azerbaijani territories, the statement said.

"Armenia, which continued landmine terror against our country, even further expanded this threat over time. Armenias officials were propagating the puppet regime they kept in our territories by all means, and the Prime Minister of Armenia congratulated the separatist regime on the so-called independence on 2 September 2023.

The major condition was to counter such exceeding any boundaries behavior of Armenia, which did not give up its unfounded claims against the territories of Azerbaijan laid within the historical and international legal framework, and falsification of history, grossly violated the principles of international law, and did not draw conclusions from the miserable situation it had fallen in due to its policy of aggression.

As the statement emphasized, on September 19, 2023, the death of six Azerbaijani citizens as a result of the terror act committed by the Armenian armed forces exhausted Azerbaijans patience and made anti-terrorist measures inevitable.

"Despite the inflammatory efforts and propaganda of the Armenian side, during the counter-terrorism measures the civilian population was not targeted, the civil infrastructure was not damaged, and only legitimate military infrastructure and facilities were destroyed. Notwithstanding numerous calls from the Azerbaijani side not to leave their places of residence, despite the launched reintegration program, Armenian residents decided to leave the territories of Azerbaijan. It was their free choice, and to label it as an ethnic cleansing shows the hypocrisy of Armenia, which has mass-evicted Azerbaijanis from Armenia and occupied Azerbaijani territories, committing genocide and massacres.

With the complete restoration of Azerbaijans territorial integrity and state sovereignty, a historic opportunity has emerged for the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and consequently for the signing of a final peace agreement. Thus, while Azerbaijan is the initiator of the peace process for the sake of the security and progress of our region and has been making genuine efforts in this direction, maintaining claims against the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the Armenian Constitution and other legislative acts is unacceptable, and for the historical peace opportunity not to be missed by Armenia, necessary and adequate measures must be taken as soon as possible to eliminate the mentioned claims.

On this historically important day for the people and state of Azerbaijan, we once again commemorate with deep respect the dear memory of sons and daughters of the homeland who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

We are proud of our glorious Armed Forces, and we wish our state and people a lasting victory!" concluded the statement.

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The Hague, Sep 19 : The Netherlands has formally requested an opt-out from the European Union (EU)'s asylum rules, Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber has said.

"I just informed the EU Commission that I want a migration opt-out within Europe for the Netherlands. We need to be in charge of our own asylum policy again!" Faber said in a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday.

In a letter addressed to the European Commission, Faber outlined the government's intention to regain control over national asylum policies, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This government aims to drastically reduce the volume of migration to the Netherlands, in order to continue to fulfil our constitutional duties -- providing for public housing, healthcare and education," she wrote.

The letter also said that the Dutch government will officially request this opt-out once the EU treaty is amended. However, Faber stressed that until such a provision is in place, the Netherlands will prioritize the swift implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, seeing it as "essential for increasing European control over migration and limiting the influx of migrants to the Netherlands."

The European Commission has confirmed the receipt of Faber's letter but downplayed the likelihood of an opt-out in the near future.

A spokesperson for the commission has emphasized that current EU asylum rules remain binding for the Netherlands and reiterated that any changes would require treaty amendments, a process that would need unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.

"We do not expect the EU treaty to be changed soon," the spokesperson added.

The Dutch government's push for an asylum policy reform is part of its broader political agenda, which was presented last week. Under the plan, the government will legally activate an emergency law as soon as possible by declaring an asylum crisis.

This law, if passed, would enable the government to take immediate action to limit the influx of asylum seekers without waiting for the approval of the House of Representatives or the Senate, though the legislative bodies would review the law afterwards.
Rome, Sep 19 : The body of a firefighter has been found in southern Italy after the vehicle he was driving was swept away by a flash flood, authorities have announced. It is the latest in a series of tragedies connected to ongoing extreme weather in Italy.

Meanwhile, a small private airplane headed to France from Modena in north-central Italy was lost in intense fog over the Apennine Mountains on Wednesday, according to news reports. Officials are searching on land and via helicopter for the aircraft and its three passengers, although a lack of visibility is making operations difficult, Xinhua news agency reported.

Storm Boris, the intense weather pattern that has left at least 21 people dead and forced thousands to evacuate amid thunderstorms, snowstorms, and flooding in Central Europe, is now heading across the Adriatic Sea. It is set to hit central Italy on Thursday.

Much of eastern Italy -- mostly the central regions of Emilia Romagna and Le Marche, but also parts of Umbria, Lazio, and Abruzzo -- was under severe weather alerts as of Wednesday.

The meteorological monitoring site Il Meteo said the latest bout of severe weather would only last until Friday, with milder weather due in most of the country over the weekend.

However, while the northern and central parts of the country are bracing for more storms and possible flooding, much of the south remains in the grip of a drought that started in June. The Italian Island regions of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as Calabria at the tip of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula, have all declared local states of emergency due to lack of rain.

Italy has been increasingly hit by severe weather in recent years. This is the third consecutive year the country has suffered from record-setting heatwaves and droughts, with this year's national heatwave starting even before the official start of summer in June, and stretching into early September. The hot and dry weather has sparked widespread wildfires, water shortages, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and flash floods.
Rome, Sep 19 : Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that she is optimistic about the state of the country's economy, which she expected would outperform its European peers.

Speaking to the assembly of Italian industry association Confindustria on Wednesday, she said that a one-per cent economic growth was "within reach" for Italy this year. To facilitate this, she promised to look for ways to "fix" the European Union (EU)'s environmental rulebook, known as the "European Green Deal", arguing that it was a drag on economic growth, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meloni's growth projection is in line with predictions earlier this year by ISTAT, Italy's National Statistics Institute, which in June predicted the economy would grow 1.0 per cent this year and 1.1 per cent in 2025.

But this target appears less likely after ISTAT reported the economy had grown just 0.7 per cent during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023.

Meloni also criticized what she called the "ideological approach of the European Green Deal" on environmental standards, which she characterised as "decarbonisation at the price of deindustrialisation".

"It's a debacle," Meloni said. "I have made the commitment to fix these choices. We want to defend Europe's industrial capacity ... (and) we must have the courage to speak up when things don't work."

Meloni has emerged as one of Europe's leading critics of the Green Deal, which seeks to speed up the transition to renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and other measures with the goal of reducing European net greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2050.
Seoul, Sep 19 : North Korea test-fired a new-type tactical ballistic missile and an improved strategic cruise missile on Wednesday, as country's top leader Kim Jong Un called for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence when he guided the event, state news agency KCNA reported on Thursday.

The test-fire of the new-type tactical ballistic missile, called Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, was aimed at verifying the hitting accuracy at a medium range of 320 km and explosive power of its payload of a 4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead, the KCNA said.

North Korea also test-fired a strategic cruise missile whose performance has been highly upgraded for its combat use, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the KCNA.

Kim Jong Un said the security situation makes it an imperative for the country to bolster up the military capability for self-defence, KCNA said.

The North Korean leader stressed the need to continue to bolster the nuclear force and have the strongest military technical capability and overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional weapons, it added.
Moscow, Sep 19 : Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree extending an embargo on agricultural products from Western countries for another two years, local media reported.

The embargo, which will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, marks the first time the extension has exceeded one year, Xinhua news agency reported.

Originally enacted in August 2014 in retaliation for Western sanctions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the ban affects products from the US, the EU, Australia, Norway, and Canada. The restrictions were later expanded to other European countries, including Ukraine.

It is reported that Putin has praised the import ban for spurring Russia's agricultural growth.
Gaza, Sep 19 : At least eight Palestinians were killed in an Israeli attack on a school sheltering displaced people east of Gaza City, said Palestinian sources.

Israeli aircraft bombed the 'Ibn Al-Haytham' school housing displaced people in the Shuja'iyya neighbourhood on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Palestinian security sources.

"Our teams recovered the bodies of eight victims, including five children and two women, as a result of the Israeli airstrike," the Gaza Civil Defence said in a press statement.

Local sources and eyewitnesses said the airstrike caused significant destruction to the schoolyard and classrooms.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army said in a statement that its air force targeted Hamas militants at a command and control centre previously known as the Ibn Al-Haytham school in Gaza City.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and some 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 41,272, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement Wednesday.
Los Angeles, Sep 19 : Hollywood star Florence Pugh feels that the internet can be "a very mean place".

"It's so hard. (The internet's) a very mean place. It's really painful to read people being nasty about my confidence or nasty about my weight. It never feels good. The one thing I always wanted to achieve was to never sell someone else, something that isn't the real me," Pugh told the October issue of British Vogue magazine.

Asked if she's always been body confident, the actress replied: "I don't think it's confidence in hoping people like me. I think it's just, like, I don't want to be anyone else."

Pugh feels she's actually overcome a lot of her own insecurities in recent years.

Speaking about shooting magazine covers, the actress shared: "I'm not a model. It's portraying a completely different version of myself that I don't necessarily believe in. You have to believe that you deserve to be in those pages being beautiful.

"But now I know what I want to show. I know who I want to show. I know who I want to be and I know what I look like. There's no insecurities about what I am anymore."

The "Black Widow" actress had shaved her head ahead of the Met Gala in 2023, and she feels that the move reflected her personal evolution, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I was going through so many (aesthetic) iterations when I was also going through life decisions. I was like, 'Cool, well I don't look like me. I'm changed. I'm changing.' Looking back on that summer, I was growing into a new thing."
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who was admitted to Delhi's Apollo Hospital is under observation and is doing well, according to hospital sources.

The Hospital sources told IANS that CM Mann came for a routine checkup and was doing fine. However, it is unclear when he will be discharged.

There has been no official statement either by the party or the government about CM Mann's condition.

Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that Chief Minister Mann had consumed liquor illegally during a chartered flight from Delhi to Chandigarh due to which he fell on the tarmac after alighting from the aircraft. He demanded an appropriate probe into the case.

Talking to the media in Patiala, Majithia claimed, "The Chief Minister partook liquor along with his OSD during the flight from Delhi to Chandigarh."

Stating that the Chief Minister was taken back to Delhi in a chartered plane which he described as a criminal waste of state resources, Majithia said, "The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government must explain why he was not admitted in any hospital in Chandigarh or Punjab? The reason is simple. If the Chief Minister had been admitted to any state hospital, the truth would have come out that he had fallen under the influence of liquor."

The SAD leader said in a statement that this was not the first time the Chief Minister had made a spectacle of himself under the influence of liquor. He said earlier CM Mann was de-boarded from a Lufthansa flight because he was inebriated.

The Opposition also took a jibe over the tall claims of the AAP governments in Punjab and Delhi for the best state-run hospitals and clinics.

"Yet when it comes to their own health, CM Mann opts for a private hospital in Delhi! The hypocrisy is staggering. It's clear now that these so-called 'champions of the common man' have been misleading the public with their tall claims," Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa wrote on X.

While Bajwa prayed for his swift recovery, he noted, "As he (Mann) grapples with recurring health issues, including those affecting vital organs like the liver, it's a stark reminder that while his personal health is crucial, Punjab's health has deteriorated beyond repair under his leadership. A sensitive border state like ours demands full strength -- physical, mental, and political," the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly said.
Hyderabad, Sep 19 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Thursday condemned the arrest of farmers for giving a call to 'Chalo Praja Bhavan' to demand that the Telangana government implement its promise of farm loan waiver.

BRS working President K. T. Rama Rao said that they strongly condemn the arrest of farmers across the state.

He alleged that farmers and leaders of farmers' unions were illegally arrested and kept in police stations since last night. He termed it an atrocious act. "Are they thieves and terrorists," he asked.

KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, stated that since Thursday morning, BRS received information from many places that police were going to the houses of farmers and detaining them. The government should stop such undemocratic actions, he said.

The BRS working President said that the family members of the farmers were deeply worried due to the arrests by the police. BRS demands that police immediately release all the illegally detained farmers unconditionally.

KTR wanted to know why the Chief Minister was afraid of farmers. "Why are there so many restrictions on farmers?" he asked.

The BRS leader said that farmers were protesting as the Congress had failed to fulfil its poll promise that if voted to power it would waive the crop loans of Rs 2 lakh in one go.

KTR claimed that this movement by farmers is not linked to any political party. Farmers organised themselves to launch the protest and this will not stop here, he said adding that the Congress government will have to bow before the power of farmers.

BRS has been claiming that the farm loan waiver announced by the state government was not fully implemented as loans of many farmers were not waived.

The state government said that it deposited Rs 18,000 crore in the bank accounts of 22 lakh farmers to waive their loans of up to Rs 2 lakh. "Some difficulties and challenges are faced. We will resolve those issues and ensure that every eligible person gets the benefit of loan waiver," Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said in his speech on 'Praja Palana Dinotsvam' on September 17.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Launching a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar government over the burning down of houses in Nawada district, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said even Dalit's screams could not awake the Bihar government from a deep slumber.

Stepping up the attack, Rahul Gandhi posted on social media platform X, "Setting afire entire colony of Mahadalits in Nawada and destroying the houses of more than 80 families highlights the horrifying picture of injustice against the Bahujans in Bihar."

The cries of the Dalit families, who lost their homes and property, and the terror created in the deprived society by the fierce firing could not "awake" the Bihar government which is "sleeping", he said.

Gandhi alleged that such anarchist elements find "shelter" under the leadership of BJP and its NDA allies, they "intimidate and "suppress" the Bahujans so that the latter cannot even demand their social and constitutional rights.

"And, the silence of the Prime Minister is a seal of approval on this big conspiracy," his post read.

He demanded strict action against all the culprits for the shameful crime and sought justice for the victims' families by rehabilitating them.

AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the incident and said the act was extremely horrifying.

Hitting out at the Nitish government, she said that the Nawada incident showed the collapse of law and order.

In a post on X, she said, "Firing dozens of rounds creating terror and rendering people homeless shows that the law and order situation in the state has completely collapsed."

The common rural poor are forced to live under the shadow of insecurity and fear, she claimed

She demanded strict action against the accused and proper rehabilitation of all victims.

On Wednesday, houses in a Dalit colony were set afire. Sunil Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sadar-2, Nawada district, confirmed that the incident stemmed from a property dispute.
Hyderabad, Sep 19 : Cyberabad police were on the lookout for celebrity choreographer Jani Master, who went absconding after a non-bailable case was registered against him for alleged sexual assault on a junior female choreographer.

Police teams were reportedly sent to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and also to Ladakh to arrest the national award-winning choreographer.

Police launched a hunt after he was reported missing from his residence late on Wednesday and his phone unreachable.

Following information that he may be either in Nellore or Ladakh for film shoots, police teams were sent to both places.

As the complainant alleged that Jani Master was sexually assaulted ever since she was a minor, the police also added relevant sections of the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act.

The victim, now 21, alleged that the choreographer first raped her in 2019. She told police that he sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

The police had initially booked him for rape, criminal intimidation and assault.

Police have recorded the statement of the complainant. She was also sent for medical examination.

The investigators have gathered all the details from her under the supervision of officials from the Bharosa centre. She reportedly told police that she did not reveal anything so far as she was threatened by the accused.

The Raidurgam police of Cyberabad on September 15 booked a zero First Information Report (FIR) against Jani Master, whose real name is Sheik Jani Basha.

Subsequently, the FIR was transferred to Narsingi Police Station, which registered a case and took up an investigation.

Jani Master has been booked for rape, criminal intimidation and assault under sections 376, 506 and 323 (2).

The complainant told police that she came in contact with the choreographer in 2017 and became his assistant in 2019.

She alleged that Jani sexually assaulted her multiple times during their shoots in different cities, including Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

She alleged that Jani Master sexually assaulted her once when they had gone to Mumbai. She also claimed that he assaulted her at her residence in Narsingi several times.

The woman also told police that she faced a life threat from the choreographer. The accused ensured that she did not get any work opportunities, the complainant said.

Meanwhile, she has also approached the State Women's Commission.

Commission chairperson Sharada Nerella said the Commission would try to get justice for her.

She said the Commission would also ask the film industry to constitute a high-level committee in the film industry to deal with sexual harassment cases as sought by the fraternity.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : BJP National President, JP Nadda has written a letter to Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge reminding him of the derogatory remarks made by former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other leaders against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nadda alleged that Congress leaders insulted PM Modi over 110 times in the past 10 years, with the top leadership of the Congress party also being involved.

Responding to a recent letter Kharge wrote to PM Modi, JP Nadda, in his letter on Thursday, launched a sharp attack and accused, "In an attempt to reintroduce your repeatedly rejected and failed product to the public, the letter you wrote to the illustrious Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows that your statements are far from reality and truth.

"It seems you have either forgotten or deliberately ignored the actions of your leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Therefore, I felt it necessary to bring these matters to your attention. Since you have selectively mentioned only Rahul Gandhi in your letter, let me start with him.

"The person who has a history of insulting the Prime Minister and the entire OBC community by calling them 'thieves', who has used highly inappropriate words for the Prime Minister, who has threatened to beat the Prime Minister in Parliament, and whose audacious mindset is well known across the country  why are you compelled to defend such a person?

"Wasn't it Rahul Gandhi's mother, Sonia Gandhi, who called PM Modi a 'Maut ka Saudagar (merchant of death)'? You and your party leaders have always glorified such unfortunate and shameful statements.

"Why did the Congress forget the principles of political decency back then? When Rahul Gandhi publicly stated, 'We will tarnish Modi's image,' who was responsible for shattering political decorum, Kharge? I understand that defending and glorifying your continuously failing product is a compulsion for you, but as Congress President, you should have reflected on these issues."

He further wrote, "It is deeply saddening that the country's oldest political party has now reduced itself to a 'copy and paste' party under the pressure of its privileged prince. Congress, in its quest for power, has embraced Rahul Gandhi's destructive ideology and ironically, feels proud of it. Congress leaders have hurled more than 110 abuses at PM Narendra Modi over the past 10 years, with the party's top leadership also involved.

"Why do words like political decency, integrity, discipline, and etiquette disappear from your and Congress' dictionary during those times? On one hand, you preach political decency, but on the other, your party's history is filled with instances of trampling upon it. Why this double standard? What all has been said by your leaders about the Prime Minister?"

Nadda mentioned various derogatory remarks made by Congress leaders towards PM Modi in his letter, also alleging that PM Modi's parents were insulted as well.

He stated, "In the history of Independent India, no popular leader has ever been insulted as much as the Prime Minister by your party's leaders. Also, the Congress leaders who have insulted the Prime Minister have been rewarded with higher positions within the party. If I start listing such examples, you better know that we'd need to write a 'separate book'.

"Haven't such statements and actions shamed the country and shattered political decorum? How could you forget this? What does Congress pride itself on in Rahul Gandhi?

"Is it because he fraternises with anti-India elements supported by Pakistan, or because he stands with programs supporting terrorists? Is it because he seeks support from forces that aim to break the country, or because he asks foreign powers to interfere in India's democracy? Is it because he engages in caste-based politics to pit one community against another, or because he expresses the intent to abolish reservations on foreign soil, thereby threatening the rights of Dalits, OBCs, and tribals?

"Is it because he poisons the peaceful atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir, or because he supports the release of terrorists, resuming talks with Pakistan, trade with Pakistan, and bringing back Article 370?

"Is it because he claims Hindus are a bigger threat than Pakistani terrorist organisations, or because he repeatedly insults Hindu Sanatan culture? Is it because he questions the bravery of our soldiers, or because he degrades their sacrifices by calling it 'trading in blood'?

"Is it because he makes controversial statements about the turbans and bracelets of the Sikh brothers? Doesn't your letter expose Congress' clear double standards?"

Nadda reminded Kharge of derogatory statements made not only by Congress leaders like Sam Pitroda, Imran Masood, K Suresh, Digvijaya Singh, Shashi Tharoor, P Chidambaram, and Sushil Shinde.

Accusing the Congress party further, the BJP President said, "If anyone has insulted and tarnished India's great democracy the most, it is the Congress party, and you know this very well. It was Congress that imposed the Emergency, supported triple talaq, defamed constitutional institutions, and weakened them.

"You are well aware, of who said that the first claim on the country's resources belongs to a specific community. You also know how Dalits, OBCs, and tribals are deprived of their rights in Congress-ruled states. Therefore, the so-called 'Mohabbat ki dukaan' being run by your leader Rahul Gandhi in the Congress party is actually selling the poison of casteism, sowing the seeds of divisiveness, adding anti-national elements, defaming the country, and using a hammer to break the nation."

Nadda concluded by saying, "I hope, that you, your party, and your leader have received adequate answers to your questions. I pray to God to give you the wisdom and strength to work in national interest."
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Apple has seen a surge in pre-orders for its 'Make in India' iPhone 16 in the country, as the company gears up to make its latest iPhone line-up available on September 20, trade analysts said on Thursday, adding that the new devices are set to break previous export records.

The ongoing channel checks suggest that iPhone 16 Pro models are also witnessing a strong traction from buyers, owing to its more strategic and accessible pricing, in comparison to the 15 series.

The new iPhones will be available at Apple retail and online stores in India -- Apple BKC (Mumbai) and Apple Saket (New Delhi) - along with the company's authorised sellers, from September 20.

According to Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak, there is a strong pre-order demand for the base iPhone 16 model compared to last year, and with attractive financing options, "the new 16 series is set to break previous records".

The analysts expect a healthy mix of upgrades this year for Apple in the country. The momentum is great with the government's thrust on local manufacturing as the iPhone 16 models are being manufactured/assembled in India with simultaneous availability along with global market.

Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group, CyberMedia Research (CMR), told IANS that Apple is benefiting from the strong tailwinds rising from the premiumisation wave in the Indian smartphone market.

"The older generation iPhone 14 and 13 series will also gain traction in the festive season," he added.

Apple's latest iPhone 16 is being produced and launched globally from the Indian factories. Driven by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, the tech giant reached around $5 billion in iPhone exports from India in the April-August period this fiscal (FY25).

As per industry data, this is a growth of over 50 per cent from the same period of first five months in FY24.

The iPhone 16 Pro series benefits from more strategic and accessible pricing compared to its previous generation. This is expected to drive upgrades in the Indian market, making it more appealing to a wider range of consumers.

Globally, iPhone 16 series first-weekend pre-order sales are estimated at about 37 million units, as per industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Meanwhile, Apple revenues in India are likely to grow 18 per cent (year-on-year) in 2024 and the new iPhone 16 series would help the company further solidify its presence in the country, along with boosting its exports figures.

Apple has 6 per cent share by volume and 16 per cent by value in India. The double-digit growth will continue, with revenues expected to cross the $10 billion mark in 2025 in the country.

The iPhone production in India has gone up from less than 1 per cent in 2017 to 10 per cent in 2023 and plans are to scale it up to 25 per cent of global shipments by 2025, according to global investment firm Jefferies.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : The Centre on Thursday urged the Supreme Court to "push for another week" the hearing on a batch of pleas concerning the delay in the appointment or transfer of judges in the higher judiciary.

New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Centre on Thursday urged the Supreme Court to "push for another week" the hearing on a batch of pleas concerning the delay in the appointment or transfer of judges in the higher judiciary.

Attorney General (AG) R. Venkataramani, the highest law officer of the Union government, mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and prayed that the batch of petitions be deleted from the causelist for September 20.

"If the batch of petitions could be pushed for another week or so, I will be in a position to come back with something. Let it not be taken up tomorrow," submitted A.G. Venkataramani.

At this, CJI Chandrachud said, "It will be on board because the causelist is already out. You can mention it tomorrow because the other side is not here."

"There is also a contempt petition filed by the State of Jharkhand against the Union of India (over delay in appointment of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court). This was brought to my attention yesterday when the board was being prepared" added the Chief Justice.

In response, the law officer said that he was not aware of it.

"Since the matter is on board already, you mention it tomorrow, no difficulty," reiterated CJI Chandrachud.

In December last year, advocate Prashant Bhushan had termed it a "very strange" situation when judges' appointment matter was deleted from the causelist and urged that an explanation must be called from the apex court registry over non-listing.

Bhushan, who appeared on behalf of litigants seeking contempt action against the Centre over 'delay' in notifying SC Collegium recommendation, told a bench of Justices S.K. Kaul (now retired) and Sudhanshu Dhulia that the clutch of petitions was not listed for hearing despite a fixed date given in the previous order.

At this, Justice Kaul had said: "I am sure that the Chief Justice (of India) must be aware of it. I have not deleted the matter or expressed unwillingness to take it. Some things are better left unsaid sometimes."

Earlier, the top court had warned the Centre of "an unpalatable order" if it delayed and continued to have the selective 'pick and choose' approach in notifying recommendations forwarded by the SC Collegium.

Presently, the committee comprising the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, commonly called the Collegium, sends the recommendation for the appointment of a judge to the apex court as per the 1993 Second Judges Case.

The Collegium basically decides who will be appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court or a High Court. As per convention, the government is obliged to accept the Collegium's recommendation if the decision has been reiterated. Commonly called "judges selecting judges", in this system, judges are appointed and transferred only by judges.

In 2015, a five-judge Constitution Bench struck down the Centre's idea of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) to replace the Collegium system.

Article 124(2) of the Constitution provides that "every Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with such of the Judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts in the States as the President may deem necessary for the purpose."
Damascus, Sep 19 : Western countries, particularly the United States, have been destabilising other nations and manipulating public opinion on the pretext of "democracy," the Syrian Foreign Ministry said.

"The West continues to exploit the notion of promoting and protecting democracy as a tool to subjugate nations and break the will of their people," the ministry stated, singling out Washington's "Janus-faced policy" in silencing voices that support the Palestinian cause while championing the so-called "freedom of expression" and "democracy."

The ministry identified the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), primarily funded by the US Congress, as a "front for undermining governments and interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign states."

Since its establishment in 1983, the NED has been involved in actions aimed at sowing division, manipulating public opinion, and destabilising countries under the guise of democracy -- tactics similar to those employed in Syria to weaken states from within, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting the ministry.

It added that the organisation's "destructive practices" threaten global peace and stability.

The struggle in Syria, a country that has endured years of conflict, has been exacerbated by a "Western-backed campaign to destroy the country in the name of democracy," the ministry concluded.
Uniondale, Sep 19 : In a case of election interference attempt, Iran hacked electronic data from Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign and sent it to people associated with President Joe Biden, US intelligence agencies said.

Reacting to the report, Trump said on Wednesday, "This is election interference" by a foreign country.

Speaking at a rally in this New York suburb, he asserted that Iran had carried out the hack to help the Kamala Harris campaign.

Officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a joint statement.

They said that since June excerpts of "stolen, non-public material" material from Trump's campaign were sent to people associated with the campaign of Biden before he withdrew from the race, and to news media.

They said that the "malicious cyber activity" was part of Iran's attempt to "stoke discord and undermine confidence in our electoral process".

According to them, the Biden campaign did not respond to the overtures and a Harris spokesperson said that some individuals were targetted on their emails but they were seen as "spam or phishing attempts".

"We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in US elections including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity," the spokesperson said.

The Washington Post reported in August that they had received such material and that the FBI was investigating it.

The Trump campaign acknowledged at that time that it had been hacked and the Republican candidate immediately blamed Iran.

According to reports, Iranian hackers gained access to the email account of a Trump adviser, Roger Stone, and through it infiltrated other accounts.

Trump said that during his last election run, Democrats had screamed interference by Russia and claimed the laptop belonging to Bidenas son Hunter with incriminating information was a Moscow plant.

But after inquiries costing millions of dollars, they could not prove that there was any Russian collusion and the laptop was proved to be genuine, he said.

Iran has a special animus towards Trump because he withdrew the US from an international agreement with Iran to curtail its nuclear arms activity in return for loosening sanctions.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has heaped praise on the coming generation of actors and filmmaker but added that they lack emotional connect.

Talking about the new lot of actors, Ghai told IANS: "I feel the coming generation is very talented be it actors, directors or writers. They are wonderful. They have a huge imagination. They are contemporary, well informed, and professional. The only thing that I think is less is the emotional connect."

The filmmaker, who has helmed movies such as "Hero", "Karz", "Saudagar", "Khalnayak", "Pardes" and "Taal", shared a message for the new generation.

He said: "Make emotional connections. Respect each other. Respect the seniors. The more you respect the seniors, the more you will learn."

The filmmaker shared his two cents about OTT.

"OTT means other than TV. It means over-the-top. Something that is over-the-top, what would you expect from it? OTT means small screen, cinema means big screen. You would have to understand the difference between the two"

There is a big difference between big and small screens and the audiences need to understand that. That is why cinema is alive today and that is why our films work so well. The story should be good and strong"

He added: "Today, there are also people who love to go to the theatres We have Mukta Arts A2 cinema, where we try to bring budget friendly viewers so that there is less price for tickets and food with maximum people coming in because cinema has its own way."

Ghai asserted that he is not against the streaming platforms.

"I am not against OTT. It is a different medium. There is a five star hotel, then there is a restaurant and then there is a street shop. You get food everywhere, so eat wherever you want," he said.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Fatigue, sleeplessness, and frequent illness are the early signs that one should watch out for burnout and exhaustion due to workplace stress, and must take help, said experts on Thursday, amid reports of a young CA in Pune who succumbed to death due to work pressure.

Anna Sebastian Perayil (26), lost her life due to a "backbreaking workload" and "work stress" at Ernst & Young (EY), claimed her mother Anita Augustine in a heart-wrenching letter to Chairman Rajiv Memani.

Perayil worked for four months at the accounting firm, and yet "nobody from the office was present even for her funeral".

Perayil is not alone. Earlier this year, Satish Nandgaonkar, a Mumbai-based senior journalist working for Hindustan Times, died after a cardiac arrest outside the daily's office after reportedly being "humiliated" at the workplace hours before the episode.

In another tragic case, 25-year-old Saurabh Kumar Laddha, working at McKinsey and Company reportedly ended his life by jumping from the ninth floor of his building in Mumbai, after being unable to handle the work pressure.

The list can go on with many more names.

Dr. Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD - Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS that almost every week, "approximately 6 to 10 patients come seeking help, reporting stress and exhaustion".

"Burnout and exhaustion can display noticeable signs, and physically these signs could be chronic fatigue, insomnia as well as frequent illnesses," Rajamanya said.

The expert explained that stress can also manifest as hopelessness, annoyance, emotional draining, decreased motivation in the upkeep of appearance, absenteeism, diminishing work performance, and unwillingness to engage in work tasks. Individuals may also struggle with concentration and memory problems.

"The key here is to prevent oneself from 'getting to that point' and therefore recognise the need for help when a person does," Rajamanya said.

A recent report by Great Place To Work India, a workplace assessment and recognition organisation, showed that one in every four of all employees finds it difficult to speak about mental health issues like stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression at the workplace. Burnout emerged as a significant concern with 56 per cent of employees being affected.

Studies have also shown the negative health impacts of workplace stress. A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, showed high job strain and effort-reward imbalance may significantly increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) -- an irregular heart rhythm condition.

Divya Mohindroo, Counselling Psychologist and Founder Embrace Imperfections told IANS that it is important to "think more practically rather than emotionally, and to strike a balance between their emotions and practical life"

She also suggested simple daily steps that one can take to minimise the impact of stress in their life.

"Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day to help you release toxins, eat nutritious food, and indulge in 45 minutes of exercise where you sweat out your sorrows while releasing happy and feel-good hormones. The most important thing is to maintain a healthy good sleep cycle," Mohindroo said.

The experts also suggested stress management techniques such as meditation or deep breathing; and to reach out to family, friends, or support groups, and a psychotherapist or a counsellor.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The Western Azerbaijan Community has issued a statement marking the anniversary of anti-terrorist measures, Trend reports.

The statement reads:

Today marks one year since the implementation of anti-terrorist measures in the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. With this measure, Azerbaijan put an end to the injustice that had lasted for more than thirty years and fully restored the country's sovereignty. This decisive step put an end to Armenia's long-standing conspiracy against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and ensured the supremacy of international law.

Thus, the systemic struggle that began with the return to power of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 1993 was successfully completed under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev. This struggle, which lasted for thirty years and ended in complete victory, is the embodiment of the unity of the people and the state in Azerbaijan.

The steps taken by Azerbaijan not only served its national interests, but also protected the principles of international justice. This is a rare triumph of truth and justice in a time when the world is full of chaos and injustice.

Unfortunately, some foreign forces are trying to present these achievements in a negative light and hypocritically recreate tensions. We demand that these forces respect the norms of international law and not hinder sustainable peace in the region.

We call on all states to welcome this glorious victory of justice and support the return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to their homes in order to close this painful page of history with dignity.
Juba, Sep 19 : The extension of the transitional period for the South Sudanese administration and the postponement of national elections for two years was approved by a monitoring commission for the implementation of the revived peace agreement.

Charles Tai Gituai, interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), on Wednesday, said that the government's decision to extend the transitional period secured 34 out of 41 votes.

"You have pronounced yourselves clear that the decision to extend the transitional period by 24 months, and this, as demonstrated by a vote of 34 of the 41 members who voted, consented to the extension of the transitional period," Gituai said in the South Sudanese capital of Juba during an extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the new schedule, the world's youngest country will elect leaders in the first-ever general elections on December 22, 2026, at the end of the transitional period.

South Sudan's transitional government announced last week that national elections would be postponed, extending the transition period by two years after failing to meet key provisions of the peace agreement, marking the second delay since the country gained independence in 2011.

Gituai emphasised that as the country prepares for elections at the end of the extended transitional period, addressing the severe economic situation, which continues to affect the livelihood of South Sudanese people, is a top priority, while the training, unification, and deployment of the necessary unified forces are also critical.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomuro said that after the approval of extending the transitional period, the government will lobby for funds to complete pending tasks with a new timetable.

Under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed in 2018 to end the civil war, the South Sudanese government was supposed to be dissolved on September 22 and hold elections in December this year.
Ramallah, Sep 19 : The Palestinian presidency condemned the "terrorist" attacks targeting Lebanon, which resulted in large casualties.

The presidency expressed Palestine's solidarity with the Lebanese government and people against the "terrorism" affecting innocent civilians. It offered condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Palestinian official media WAFA.

The presidency warned of the serious escalation that "violates" Lebanese sovereignty and threatens international peace and security, calling on the international community to take urgent action to prevent further escalation in the region and emphasising its commitment to Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty.

Explosions of wireless communication devices across Lebanon on Wednesday have killed 14 people and injured up to 450, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The incident followed an attack on Tuesday in which the Israeli military allegedly targeted pagers used by Hezbollah members, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including two children, and approximately 2,800 injuries.
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday ordered an investigation into the alleged 'PAN card jihad' in the state.

Mumbai, Sep 19 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday ordered an investigation into the alleged aPAN card jihada in the state.

On the complaint of Mumbai BJP Vice President, Acharya Pawan Tripathi, the Dy CM has instructed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to investigate the matter of fake PAN cards being made.

Dy CM Fadnavis has directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to take necessary action in this regard and also asked that the central investigating agencies be informed of the issue immediately.

Tripathi has handed over proof of fake PAN cards in the Malvani area under Malad West Assembly constituency, a suburb of Mumbai.

He pointed out that in many Muslim-dominated areas, there are reports of more PAN cards than the population.

The BJP in a release said Tripathi has informed Fadnavis that fake PAN cards are being made on a large scale by people of a particular community.

He has claimed that thousands of people have got their fake PAN cards made in a planned manner in Muslim dominated areas.

In the details of some Income Tax Department records, more PAN cards have been seen than the population.

Tripathi said that this is possible only when a person holds more than one PAN card. He indicated that fake PAN cards are being misused for illegal transactions and money laundering.

Tripathi has expressed the possibility of fake Aadhaar cards, voter cards, ration cards and Ayushman Bharat cards being made just like fake PAN cards on a large scale.

Tripathi also gave evidence of multiple PAN cards of the same person to Fadnavis. This person is from the Malvani complex of Malad Assembly constituency.
Bengaluru, Sep 19 : More than 8,000 accused involved in drug peddling have been convicted in the last 1.4 years in Karnataka, said state Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters here on the formation of a task force to address the drug menace in the state, Parameshwara stated, "In the last one and half years we have declared a war against drugs. Hundreds of crores of drugs have been confiscated, cases are booked against those who were involved in drug peddling and nearly more than 8,000 persons were convicted in the last 1.4 years."

"We had also initiated action on the drug menace between 2013 and 2018 when Congress was in power. We had initiated steps to tackle the drug menace to avoid any situation like Punjab where the menace has reached a serious level," he pointed out.

"But recently, it was noticed the drug menace in hostels and colleges and hence, the high-level task force was formed at the level of cabinet ministers. The government is serious about tackling the menace," Parameshwara stated.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with the police department and ministers to contain the drug menace in the state. He also announced that the government was determined to cut the roots of the drug network in the state and announced a task force headed by Home Minister Parameshwara.

The CM stated that regular meetings will be held to devise necessary strategies. "The task force will include the Health Minister, Education Minister, and Medical Education Minister," he stated.

"There is information that the drug menace is particularly severe in the East division of Bengaluru. A decision has been made to take firm action. Drugs are being supplied to the state from several states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. A new strategy is being devised to stop this," CM Siddaramaiah claimed.

Talking about the rape case lodged against BJP MLA Munirathna, Parameshwara stated, "A complaint has been filed and once the complaint is taken the legal procedures will be taken up. I have not got the briefing and I will talk about it later. No one will say that people in power should be doing all this and when those in public life indulge in activities against the law, action will be initiated against them."

When asked whether the action on BJP MLA Munirathna was a retaliation to BJP's allegations, he said, "Our government will not pursue the politics of hatred. In fact, they are pursuing the politics of vengeance. Let them uphold anything that has been done against the law. There is no necessity for us to pursue the politics of hatred. The people have elected us and opportunity is given to us to work, we are carrying out the work. It is not required for us to pursue politics of hatred."

On the 'One Nation One Election' issue, Parameshwara said, "Still many more clarifications and explanations need to come out regarding One Nation One Election and it requires consent from the two-thirds of the states in the country. The high power committee led by former President Ramanath Kovind had just submitted a report in this regard and the cabinet has accepted it. Let's see the future developments in this regard. We will see when they ask for the opinion of the state government or if they want the issue to be discussed in the Assembly," he maintained.
Geneva, Sep 19 : The widespread and simultaneous explosions of communication devices across Lebanon are shocking, with an unacceptable impact on civilians.

"The protection of civilians must be the paramount priority. De-escalation is today more crucial than ever," said the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in a statement on Wednesday.

He also urged countries with influence in the region to take immediate action to prevent the conflict from escalating further, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported on Wednesday that 12 people, including two children, were killed and approximately 2,800 others injured across Lebanon when their pagers detonated simultaneously on Tuesday. In addition, the Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that on Wednesday, explosions of wireless communication devices claimed nine more lives and left over 300 people injured across the country.

Turk stated that targeting thousands of individuals simultaneously, whether civilians or armed group members, without knowing who possessed the targeted devices, their locations, or their surroundings at the time of the attack, constitutes a violation of international human rights law and, where applicable, international humanitarian law.

He further emphasised the need for an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding these mass explosions, asserting that those responsible for ordering and executing the attacks must be held accountable.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday slammed BJP President J. P. Nadda over his "illogical response" to Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the letter, Kharge raised concerns over the use of abusive and hateful remarks against Rahul Gandhi.

He also questioned the silence of BJP leaders over the Nawada torching incident and asked: "When will the Prime Minister visit the violence-hit region?"

In his letter, Nadda reminded Kharge of derogatory remarks made by former Congress chiefs Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other party leaders against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP National President claimed that Congress leaders insulted the Prime Minister over 110 times in the past decade and questioned why the Congress had "forgotten the principles of political decency back then."

Nadda mentioned various derogatory remarks made by Congress leaders towards PM Modi in his letter, also alleging that PM Modi's parents were insulted too.

Responding to this letter, Khera remarked: "The Prime Minister's silence and the BJP's response make it clear who is behind the threats to kill Rahul Gandhi."

"The Prime Minister did not even bother to respond to Kharge's letter, and the reply given was the most illogical, showing their support for those threatening to kill Rahul Gandhi," he added.

Shifting focus to the Nawada incident in Bihar, where homes of several Dalits were set ablaze, the Congress leader expressed deep concern, calling the images "disheartening."

More than 25 homes in the Dalits' settlement in a village in Nawada were set ablaze by miscreants over a property dispute. According to villagers, many homes were reduced to ashes in the blaze.

Opposition parties have also blamed the government for "failing" to curb the rise in crimes against marginalised communities across the country.

"Is this the 'New India' the Prime Minister talks about? Is there no place for Dalits in this 'New India'?" Khera questioned.

He further criticised the Prime Minister, asking: "Will the Prime Minister visit Nawada? He didn't go to Manipur; maybe he will go to Nawada."
Patna, Sep 19 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday condemned the torching of houses in Nawada district and directed the Additional Director General of Police to visit the site and oversee the probe.

The CM held a meeting of top officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Raj and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, and others where he directed them to send an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to assess the situation.

He directed the officials to have "zero tolerance" against the accused.

In response to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's direction, Bihar's Director General of Police (DGP) sent ADGP Sanjay Singh, who oversees law and order, to Nawada to investigate the incident.

This swift action reflects the state's commitment to thoroughly assess the situation and ensure accountability, said officials here.

At the same time, the Bihar Police have launched raids in various prisons across the state, possibly in an effort to uncover or prevent any connections to the incident or to disrupt criminal networks that may be involved. These raids might be part of a broader crackdown to restore law and order and reassure the public that the government is taking comprehensive steps to maintain peace.

The combined efforts of sending high-ranking officers to the field and conducting widespread prison raids suggest that the state administration is leaving no stone unturned in addressing the situation, especially given the potential political and public scrutiny surrounding the incident.

Over the last few months, the people of Bihar are witnessing a surge in criminal incidents. The police sources have said that the criminal activities are being operated by the dreaded criminals from jails. The SP and DM of respective districts along with a large number of police forces are carrying out raids in prisons.

Akhilesh Kumar, SDM of Nawada said that so far 15 persons have been arrested in this connection.

Meanwhile, the villagers claimed that the people of the Paswan Community, who live adjoining the Manjhi Mahadalit Tola, were also previously involved in the firing.

Locals have alleged that the attackers wanted to grab the land, and despite repeated complaints, the district administration did not take action.
Yangon, Sep 19 : Myanmar authorities have seized 180 kg of narcotics in Myanmar's Shan state on Thursday, local media reported.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle on September 16, seized 100 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) in Mongping township of eastern Shan state, and arrested two suspects.

During further investigation in connection with this case, an additional 50 kg of ICE and 30 kg of ketamine were seized at another suspect's house in the same township, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the state-run daily The Myanma Alinn.

Investigation showed that the drugs were being transported from Kengtung township to Monghpyak township of Shan state.

According to the local media reports, the suspects were charged under the country's laws, and further investigations are ongoing.

Earlier on September 17, Myanmar authorities seized large amounts of narcotic drugs in the regions of Yangon and Mandalay.

The confiscated narcotics included 1 kg of ketamine, 105 g of happy water, 1.9 million stimulant tablets and 50 g of heroin. The narcotic drugs were seized in Dagon Myothit (North) township of Yangon region on September 8 and Chanmyathazi township of Mandalay region on September 13.

A total of four suspects in connection with the case were arrested, and the confiscated drugs are approximately worth about US$1.1 million.

The suspects were charged under the country's law.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday hit back at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after he accused the NDA government of indifference and apathy towards Dalits while referring to the torching of over 100 houses belonging to the Mahadalit community in Bihar's Nawada district over a land dispute.

New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday hit back at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after he accused the NDA government of indifference and apathy towards Dalits while referring to the torching of over 100 houses belonging to the Mahadalit community in Biharas Nawada district over a land dispute.

The Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises said that many such incidents happened in the RJD era, however, in the NDAas tenure such occurrences were only on the decline.

Speaking to IANS, Jitan Ram Manjhi said, "He should remember and compare it with the previous days. There used to be a time when whatever incident used to happen, it used to be solved by the Panchayat. This is not happening today. It is not right to say that the law and order situation in Bihar is bad and there is Jungle Raj in the state. People who were in power before 2005, or who are their supporters have no right to speak."

Manjhi asserted that when he was the Chief Minister of Bihar, he had raised his voice against such happenings.

"When I was the Chief Minister of Bihar or when I was in the Assembly, we had raised our voice against the fact that some groups of people who can't afford land, especially the Scheduled Castes (SCs) who were living on the lands provided through the Bhoodan movement were being exploited by people affiliated with some political parties," he told IANS.

Manjhi asserted that he launched the Bhumi Dakhal Dehani movement which was a land reform operation in Bihar, that helped Dalits reclaim land they owned but had been occupied by others.

"But, it has been stopped now and this is the reason that our poor people who live somewhere on the land of the Bihar government are falling prey to the land mafia. The land mafia feels that if these people are removed, then, we will utilise the land in many ways and sell it at a high price," he added.

"Mafiagiri is going on in Bihar and they are luring some people from the SC community and pushing them to do this kind of nefarious work which has resulted in the fire that destroyed 100 homes. aHowever, the Superintendent of Police has not given us any information about the deaths in the blaze. I will go there on September 22 and get the land papers. I will also get them the compensation and will try to build houses for them on the land under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana," he stated further.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : As the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) surges worldwide, India is set to play a pivotal role in its use to accelerate social and economic progress, the government said on Thursday.

Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), said that globally, AI and GenAI are evolving rapidly and the world is witnessing their remarkable potential.

"This year, India will host 'World Telecom Standardization Telecom Assembly (WTSA-2024)' along with India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 in New Delhi, where WTSA-2024 will play a critical role in shaping the standardization practices of evolving technologies including AI," said Mittal.

IMC 2024, from October 15-October 18 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, is expected to have over 50 global and Indian speakers for discussion on multiple facets of AI and GenAI, spanning across 11 diverse discussions.

IMC 2024 and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will also organise a special daylong session on 'AI for Good', where experts and delegates from around the world will deliberate on the subject.

Ramakrishna P, CEO of IMC 2024, said India is at the centre-stage of technology evolution and plays a critical role.

"Our aim is not only to felicitate the varied points of view but also explore to come up with a 'thought paper/report' on the subject. We look forward to having the greater presence of delegates and visitors this year and support of all our partners," Ramakrishna added.

The event will also highlight topics like quantum technology and circular economy, along with spotlight on 6G, 5G use-case showcase, cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom and electronics manufacturing.

The startup programme 'Aspire' will witness over 140 startups focusing on AI-based applications in different industries.

Apart from industry participation, IMC 2024 is set to witness participation and booths from over 15 ministries as well, which will also showcase how AI is being integrated in their departments.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The ANC UK, the heavyweight champion of Armenian lobbying in the UK, has decided to throw a full-on harassment party for the country's Foreign Minister, David Lammy, Trend reports.

Literally, yesterday, commenting on Azerbaijan's anti-terrorist measures in Karabakh in 2023, Lammy rightly reminded: Azerbaijan managed to liberate the territories it had lost back in the early 90s.

Of course, Armenians did not endure such a "blow. It looks like ANC UK is already stirring the pot today on social media, throwing around some pretty spicy accusations at a British politician for their alleged endorsement of crime and genocide. Meanwhile, commentators have begun to throw a mud party for the minister! What else could we possibly expect from them, other than a barrage of low blows aimed at the truth of those events?

This hullabaloo among Armenian revanchists is just the tip of the iceberg. Instead of biting the bullet and facing the music, they are trying to spin their yarns to the international community.

However, Lammy's words exactly demonstrate that the international community accepts these realities created by Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus and Armenia's perception of events is irrelevant beyond Armenia.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Tokyo, Sep 19 : A 10-year-old Japanese boy, who was stabbed while on his way to school in Shenzhen, China, died from his injuries early Thursday morning, the Japanese government confirmed.

The boy was attacked near a Japanese school on Wednesday morning and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries, local media reported.

The suspect, a 44-year-old man, was arrested by police stationed near the educational facility, according to Kyodo News.

The attack has raised concerns about further straining already tense relations between China and Japan.

Yoshiko Kijima, Japan's Consul General in Guangzhou, which includes Shenzhen, stated that the boy was stabbed in the abdomen. It is still unclear whether the attacker specifically targeted the Japanese boy.

Eyewitnesses reported that the child was bleeding heavily and was given a heart massage at the scene while his mother was present during the attack.

In a press conference, Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He emphasised that Japan has strongly urged China to provide detailed information about the attack and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals residing in China.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa condemned the attack as a "despicable" act against a schoolboy. She also called on Beijing to take all necessary steps to guarantee the safety of Japanese citizens.

Kamikawa has instructed officials to develop measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Japan's Vice Foreign Minister, Masataka Okano, summoned Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao on Wednesday to convey serious concerns about the stabbing.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Japanese community in China.

In a similar incident in June, a knife attack occurred in Suzhou near Shanghai, where a Japanese mother and child were injured, and a Chinese woman lost her life while attempting to stop the assailant, Kyodo News reported.
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Maharashtra's ruling NCP has lodged a case with the Cyber Crime Branch alleging that its President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's Facebook page was hacked by some unknown persons and objectionable content posted on it.

NCP's state General Secretary and Treasurer Shivajirao Garje has demanded an investigation into the hacking incident and strict legal action against those who deliberately spread fake news on social media by taking screenshots of the party chief's hacked Facebook page.

"By taking fake screenshots of Deputy Chief Minister Ajitdada Pawar's official Facebook page, there is a pattern of deliberately defaming his image on social media," said Garje saying that the content uploaded on the party chief's Facebook page is blatantly mischievous.

He also indicated that it is an attempt to malign the image of Ajit Pawar and the NCP ahead of upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

The NCP leader noted that the hacking of Ajit Pawar's Facebook page and uploading of objectionable content took place when Ajit Pawar had been engaged in taking out his Jan Sanman Yatra to promote the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and other welfare and development schemes. It was also an attempt to increase NCP's outreach to voters and the makeover of the party in the run-up to upcoming Assembly elections, he said.

Garje said Pawar was on a tour of Maharashtra for the last one and a half months, interacting with various sections of the society and promoting various schemes of the government across the state.

"The Jan Sanman Yatra is getting great response across the state. Due to this, some people are deliberately trying to the malign image of Ajitd Pawar," he claimed.
Bhopal, Sep 19 : Enraged over the alleged rape of a three-year-old girl in a private school in Bhopal, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) along with other Hindu organisations staged a protest on Thursday.

Around 200-300 protesters assembled outside the school located near Bhadbhada Dam, under Kamla Nagar police station demanding that the school be bulldozed.

The protestors burned the effigy of the accused teacher and damaged the boundary wall of the school.

Sources said that the ruckus created outside the school that was in session at that time, resulted in the children inside their classrooms being terrified.

However, police managed to bring the situation under control and the protesters vacated the place in around 40 minutes.

There is a heavy deployment of police personnel near the school and some areas have been cordoned off with heavy barricading by the police.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also expressed shock over the incident and urged Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice to conduct the trial in the case in a fast track court and give rigorous punishment to the culprit.

The shocking rape of the nursery class student came to light on Wednesday after her parents lodged a complaint at Kamla Nagar police station.

As per the police, the incident had occurred on Monday.

The accused teacher, identified as Kasim Rehan, was arrested after a team of doctors confirmed rape, Bhopal Police Commissioner, Harinarayanchari Mishra had said on Wednesday.

The matter came to light after the child returned home from school and complained of pain in her private parts and her mother noticed blood oozing out.

Subsequently, she took the child to the police station and lodged a complaint.

The police rushed to the school, investigated the matter and recorded statements of the staff. Thereafter they detained the IT teacher for further investigation.

An FIR has been lodged under the POCSO Act and a probe is underway. The victim is undergoing medical treatment, police said.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : Four-time Trinamool Congress MLA Sudipto Roy arrived at the office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Salt Lake in Kolkata on Thursday afternoon for questioning in connection with the financial irregularities case in the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata.

Roy is also the chairman of the patients' welfare committee of R. G. Kar, a member of the West Bengal Medical Recruitment Board and president of the West Bengal Medical Council.

Earlier in the month, two consecutive raid and search operations were conducted at his residence and nursing home in North Kolkata, once by the official of ED and the other time by the officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is conducting a parallel probe in the financial irregularities case.

After raids and search operation on September 17 which continued for over 20 hours, the ED officials seized a box full of documents.

While the CBI probe is court-directed and court-monitored, the ED has made a suo motu entry in the case after filing an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR in the matter.

Recently, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari made a serious allegation against Roy, that he shifted medical equipment allotted for R.G. Kar to his own nursing home, which is adjacent to his residence in Kolkata.

Roy, however, refuted the allegations, saying that one, who is making such an allegation, should first bring proof in support of his claims.

This week only, Satyrabrata Kumar, a 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer has taken charge as the new Special Director (Eastern region) of ED. The change in the key post has been made reportedly to bring more pace to the central agency's ongoing investigation of various financial scams in West Bengal including the latest one on the financial irregularities at R.G. Kar.
Kochi, Sep 19 : Sibi Joseph, the father of Pune-based Chartered Accountant (CA) Anna Sebastian Perayil (26), who died due to "work-related stress", on Thursday said the family has no plans to take legal steps against the company.

Perayil, who worked with S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, at Yerawada in Maharashtra's Pune, passed away on July 21. Her mother had claimed that Perayil died after being burdened with a "backbreaking workload" and "work stress".

However, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje has assured that a proper probe would be conducted. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway," said Karandlaje in a post on X.

The MoS said this in response to a post by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who described Anna's death as "very sad but also disturbing at many levels".

"I request Govt of India @mansukhmandviya @ShobhaBJP to investigate these allegations made by the mother of unsafe and exploitative work environment that claimed the life of a young, full of future Anna Sebastian Perayil," Chandrasekhar said.

The cause of her death, according to her colleagues, was cardiac arrest.

Joseph said his daughter was a very active person and used to play badminton and jog with him when she was at home.

"She cleared her CA in February this year and in March joined the firm. We used to speak to her every day and her major grouse was the extreme work pressure. She was engaged in an audit of Bajaj Auto. Most of the days she used to work till 12.30 in the night and used to get back to her paying accommodation by 1.30 a.m," said Joseph.

"She was getting hardly any sleep and was unable to eat proper food also due to her work schedule. She used to complain about this often and it reached a point that we told her to quit the job. But she said she would continue to work as this was a reputed firm," added Joseph.

"In July we visited her and we took her to a cardiologist and after the check, he said my daughter was perfectly healthy and all that she lacked was proper sleep and proper food," added Joseph.

"My wife wrote the letter to the chairman to ensure that even though our daughter is gone, such a thing should not happen to any other person. We are not going to take any legal steps against the company also," said Joseph.

The company, however, denied that "work pressure" could have led to her death.

"We have around one lakh employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard. Anna worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee. We don't believe that work pressure could have claimed her life," Rajiv Memani, EY India chairman.

The company also issued a statement condoling the death.

"Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us. While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so," Memani said.
Amaravati, Sep 19 : Day after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat in making the Tirupati laddu, Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said that a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into irregularities in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

The minister told media persons that the Chief Minister repeated what the officials have already stated on the quality of ingredients used in making laddu, also known as Tirumala laddu.

CM Naidu in a TDP meeting on Wednesday claimed that during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) rule, the laddu used to be made with substandard ingredients.

The famous sweet is given as 'prasadam' to the devotees at the famous Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, which is run by TTD, a body nominated by the state government.

He accused YSRCP leaders of tarnishing the sanctity of the hill shrine. "They compromised on the quality of 'Annadanam' (free meals) and even contaminated the sacred Tirumala Laddu by using animal fat instead of ghee," he said but added that after the change of government laddu is being made with pure ghee.

Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy remarked that the sins of former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy were coming to light one after the other.

Meanwhile, former member of TTD Governing Council O.V. Ramana said it was a fact that substandard ghee was used in making the laddu.

He told a news conference in Tirupati that quality cow ghee for the laddu was being procured in the past from a milk cooperative body of the Karnataka government.

He alleged that former Executive Officer Dharma Reddy awarded the contract for the supply of ghee to traders of his choice. He said the tender was awarded to a Delhi-based company, which was supplying ghee mixed with chemicals.

Ramana said that Jagan Mohan Reddy was paying for the mistakes of Y. V. Subba Reddy, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and Dharma Reddy.

Subba Reddy, a Rajya Sabha MP of YSRCP and former TTD chairman denied the allegation made by Naidu. He termed the allegation "malicious" and said that the TDP supremo would never 'stoop to any level for political gain'.

Subba Reddy, who is the uncle of Jagan Mohan Reddy, said CM Naidu had severely damaged the sanctity of the Tirumala temple and the faith of crores of Hindus with his remarks.

On September 4, TTD Executive Officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao announced that TTD is now procuring quality ghee from Nandini ghee from the Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Limited

He said focus was laid on improving the taste and quality of Laddu prasadam taking the experts' opinion. "The experts also stated that the quality of ghee has a major role to play in deciding the taste of Srivari laddus. TTD did not have proper labs and private labs did not properly test ghee quality. Hence TTD has set up a new laboratory for Sensory perception to assess the quality of ghee and its staff are being trained at Mysore," said Syamala Rao.

The EO also said that a four-member experts committee has been set up to speed up the purchase of quality ghee and based on its guidelines and recommendations, tenders have been called for and the tenderers were also given clear instructions that there will not be any compromise on the quality of ghee and serious action will be taken if they have provided adulterated ghee. The bidders were told that they had to follow "sensory parameters. "With all these new guidelines, some old tenderers who supplied adulterated ghee earlier have not even participated", he said.

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal has demanded punishment for those who used animal fat in Tirupati Laddu.

He posted on 'X' that everybody knows about the "anti-Hindu acts and deeds" of the previous YSRCP government but nobody could expect that it may stoop to this level. "Tirupati Balaji Prasad Laddu which is a blessing for crores of Hindus globally, may contain animal fat. This very serious issue, raised by none other than the present Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu," he wrote.

"Needs quick stern action against the culprits. It must also be ensured that the things do not occur anywhere in the state," Vinod Bansal added.

BJP leader and former TTD member Bhanu Prakash Reddy said that the YSRCP government deliberately compromised the quality of the laddu for the sake of commission. He told a press conference in Tirupati that the report of the expert committee brought out adulteration in ghee. He said a vigilance report into the matter will soon bring out more facts.

State Congress president Y. S. Sharmila Reddy said on Thursday that both TDP and YSRCP were doing cheap politics, hurting the sentiments of Hindus by tarnishing the sanctity of Tirumala. She posted on 'X' that CM Chandrababu Naidu's remarks amounted to tarnishing the sanctity and reputation of Tirumala.

Sharmila Reddy, who is the sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy, said that if there is no political angle in Chandrababu Naidu's allegation and if he does not intend to do politics over sentiments, he should immediately constitute a high-level committee or order a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Kolkata, Sep 19 : The agency which had supplied various items to facilitate West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF) in their sit-in protest in front of the health department headquarters, began taking back their items on Thursday.

Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) The agency which had supplied various items to facilitate West Bengal Junior Doctorsa Forum (WBJDF) in their sit-in protest in front of the health department headquarters, began taking back their items on Thursday.

When the protesting doctors questioned the employees for removing items like tarpaulins, cam-cots and pedestal fans, they replied that they had been instructed by their authorities to do so since the equipment needed to be supplied at a different function.

The protesting junior doctors apprehend that there could be some pressure on them to do that. However, they admitted that they were not aware of the actual reason behind the decision of the company.

The protesting junior doctors claimed that the development comes as a surprise since no instruction has been given to that company to remove such items. The forum is still determined to continue with their demonstrations till all their demands are met.

The crucial meeting between the WBJDF delegation and Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, which started on Wednesday afternoon and continued till after midnight, failed as the state government refused to make a formal record of the minutes signed by both parties.

Thereafter, the WBJDF delegation announced that they would be continuing their protest in front of the state health department headquarters till the time all their demands in the matter were fulfilled.

After coming out of the meeting the protesting junior doctors claimed that although the state government gave a verbal assurance of fulfilling their unresolved demands, it refused to get it recorded.

As per the direction of the Chief Secretary, WBJDF is supposed to email him a draft of the minutes of the meeting recorded on the forum part by Thursday.

The massive protest is triggered by the rape and murder of a junior doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata last month.
Patna, Sep 19 : Shivdeep Lande, a well-known and admired officer, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Indian Police Service (IPS) ending a sterling career of over 18 years.

He shared this news on social media, expressing deep gratitude and affection for Bihar, the state he served throughout his career.

Lande emphasised that during his tenure, he always prioritised the welfare of Bihar over his personal interests and family, underscoring his commitment to the people and the state.

In his heartfelt message, Lande apologised for any mistakes made during his service, showing humility and responsibility.

Although he has resigned from the IPS, Lande reassured his followers and supporters that he would continue to stay in Bihar, which he referred to as his "karma bhoomi" signaling his ongoing commitment to contributing to the state in other capacities.

Lande, often referred to as a "super cop," is widely respected for his work in Bihar, especially his efforts to combat crime and maintain law and order.

His resignation marks the end of an era in his official service but suggests that he may still be involved in public life or community work in Bihar in the future.

Shivdeep Lande's resignation from the IPS, especially following his recent transfer to the Purnea Range in a major reshuffle of the Bihar Police department, has sparked widespread speculation about his future.

As a native of Maharashtra, Lande's decision to remain in Bihar, despite stepping down from his official post, has intensified curiosity of the people about his next step.

His immense popularity across Bihar, built on his reputation for efficiency, integrity, and crime-fighting, has only fueled speculation.

Given his strong connection with the people and his massive fan base, many are speculating that Lande may be preparing for a career in politics.

His public statement about continuing to stay in his "karma bhoomi" Bihar has led to conjectures that he could leverage his popularity and experience to pursue political office.
Colombo, Sep 19 : Sri Lanka's Education Ministry on Thursday announced the closure of all schools on Friday, the day before the presidential election, following a request by the Election Commission.

The schools will reopen on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the ministry.

The ministry added that many schools will be used as polling centres on Saturday, and these schools must be handed over to local government officials after school hours on Thursday.

All education directors and principals have been instructed to provide necessary tables, chairs and hall facilities for election officers' activities, the ministry said.

The 2024 presidential election will take place on Saturday with over 17 million voters across the country to elect Sri Lanka's next President.

Preparation for the establishment of counting centres will commence following the Grade 5 scholarship exam, with schools being set up on September 19 and 20.

The ministry will provide holidays to affected schools as necessary.
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Former actress Celina Jaitley, who is known for 'No Entry', 'Golmaal Returns' and others, is reminiscing about her days in school, and how she fulfilled her dreams despite a broken education infrastructure in Kumaon hills where her father was once posted.

The actress, however, didn't specifically state the town that she resided in back then.

Her father served as an infantry officer in the Indian Army, and had a transferable job. On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a throwback picture from her school, in which she can be seen dressed in salwar kameez.

She also penned a long note in the caption talking about how it was to study in a school which often had no teachers.

She wrote, "Thanks to my late father's profession as an #infantry officer in the #indianarmy I got to study in 13 different schools. #kendriyavidyalaya & #armypublicschool being the most popular choices. In the #kumaonhills we sometimes had a school but didn't have teachers. Sometimes we had teachers but the classroom was broken. In KV Kendriya vidyalaya in the back and beyond of high #himalayan mountains in the late 90's we lead extremely simple student lives and wore #salwarkameez #uniforms".

She further mentioned that leopards would often sleep in their classrooms the previous night.

She continued, "We didn't have teachers for many subjects at certain schools. Sometimes we even studied under trees, We shared our tiffins, ate berries and apples on our way home and not once did we let go of our dreams under any circumstances. Fortunately, total strangers can become the most important people in your life overnight".

"I can never forget those beautiful memories and most valuable lessons that I learnt in the simplest of environments with these very simple kind hearted classmates and their families who became such a blessed part of my life journey. Amidst the quiet peaks and rolling hills, the simple life of a student becomes a profound journey where the crisp mountain air clears the mind, and each day is a chance to learn from both books and the wisdom of nature and golden hearted people", she added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Within an official visit to the Republic of Italy, First Deputy Minister of Defense  Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, and his delegation visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Piazza Venezia, laid a wreath on it, and paid tribute, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

Then the Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army met with the current Chief of Defense of Italy, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.

At the official welcoming ceremony organized at the General Headquarters, the Chiefs passed along the guard of honor. National anthems of both countries were played.

The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Italy, Mr. Rashad Aslanov, who presented a briefing on the structure and activities of the Italian Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces.

Private and extensive meetings discussed the prospects for the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy in the military, military-technical, and military-educational fields and regional security issues.

Colonel General K. Valiyev congratulated Admiral G.C. Dragone on his designation as a Chair of the NATO Military Committee and wished him success in his new position.
Canberra, Sep 19 : The Australian government has reiterated its warning to citizens not to travel to Lebanon following the explosion of communications devices used by Hezbollah.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong on Thursday said that the government is gravely concerned about the consequences of a possible escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"It's another reminder I think to Australians, do not travel to Lebanon," Chalmers told reporters.

His warning comes after at least 26 people were killed and thousands more injured when pagers and handheld radios used by Hezbollah exploded in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Xinhua news agency.

Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Wong called for all Australians in Lebanon to leave the country while they still can.

"The consequences of regional escalation are obviously substantial," she said.

The government's Smartraveller service updated its travel advice for Lebanon on Wednesday, encouraging Australians in the country to leave immediately while commercial flights remain available.

It warned that the security situation in the country could deteriorate with little or no notice and that Beirut airport could close.

"The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances," it said.

Australia has had a "do not travel" advisory in place for Lebanon since October 2023.
Mumbai, Sep 19 : India is on track to become the third-largest economy by fiscal 2030-31, driven by a robust projected annual growth rate of 6.7 per cent, a report by S&P Global projected on Thursday.

The country has emerged as the fastest-growing large economy at an 8.2 per cent growth rate in FY24, significantly exceeding the governmentas earlier estimate of 7.3 per cent.

According to the report, Infrastructure development and geopolitical strategies will play an important role in maximising trade benefits.

"Indiaas medium-term prospects are healthy and filled with opportunities in multiple sectors including trade, agriculture, and AI, likely structural reforms and growing energy demands," said Abhishek Tomar, Head-S&P Global India Leadership Council.

India is poised for growth, and with a young and dynamic workforce well-positioned to shape, added Tomar, also Chief Data Officer for S&P Global Market Intelligence.

According to the report, titled "India Forward", continued reforms are crucial to improving business transactions and logistics, boosting private sector investment, and reducing reliance on public capital. The equity markets are expected to stay dynamic and competitive due to strong growth prospects and better regulation.

The report also mentioned that foreign inflows into Indian government bonds have surged since the country joined major emerging market indexes, with further growth anticipated.

"To maximise trade benefits, India must develop infrastructure and geopolitical strategies, particularly regarding its extensive coastline. Nearly 90 per cent of Indiaas trade is seaborne, necessitating robust port infrastructure to manage increasing exports and bulk commodity imports," it noted.

The country can further look to sustainable technologies, including renewables and low-emission fuels balancing energy security with its energy transition plans. Agriculture will rely on advanced technologies and new policies to improve infrastructure and productivity.

"The need is to address critical infrastructure issues such as irrigation, storage, and supply distribution to ensure food security and economic stability," said the report.

Leveraging AI can boost economic growth, with opportunities for public-private partnerships to replicate the success of Indiaas digital infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this week that India is becoming a major stakeholder in the global supply chain and this growing capacity is the foundation of its economic growth. PM Modi said over 140 crore citizens are working with the resolve of making India the third-largest economy in the world.
Chandigarh, Sep 19 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday assured cooperation to Modern Automotives Ltd for their plans to expand their project in the state and manufacture a pivotal part of automotive giant BMW.

A delegation of Modern Automotives Ltd, comprising Aditya Goyal, Suhail Goyal and Manish Bagga, called on the Chief Minister here. Now parts of BMW will be manufactured in the state, a statement by the state government said.

During the meeting, he was informed that Modern Automotives has become the first Indian company to receive approval for deliveries of differential pinion shafts to German luxury vehicles manufacturer BMW AG Munich. They said the order has been confirmed for 2.5 million units valued at Rs 150 crore, adding that models with investment worth hundreds of crores for development and testing.

The models would be executed on the same premises by adding additional lines bringing in more revenue, employment and investment. Assuring full support and cooperation to the company for their future endeavours, the Chief Minister accepted the invitation of delegation to lay the foundation stone of the plant next month.

He said it is a matter of pride and satisfaction that the parts of leading automotive giant BMW will now be produced in the state.

CM Mann said that this move would give impetus to the state's industrial growth, besides highlighting it on the international map.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state has an industry-friendly government with a real single-window system for the well-being of investors.

He said that Punjab is a land of opportunities and the leading companies from across the world are making a beeline to invest in the state.

CM Mann said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, and industrial peace coupled with a congenial atmosphere for industrial growth, which are giving impetus to its overall development, prosperity and progress.
Athens, Sep 19 : A tourist was killed by a rockfall in Greece's Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete amid bad weather, local authorities said.

Apart from the victim, a 32-year-old Ukrainian woman residing in Germany, no other visitors were injured, according to a press release from the management, Xinhua news agency reported.

Severe rainfall caused the rockslide, it said, adding that some 300 hikers were briefly trapped, but by sunset, they had been evacuated to safety by disaster response units.

The gorge will remain closed until further notice.

Located inside Samaria National Park, 16-km-long Samaria Gorge is one of the longest in Europe as well as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Over 100,000 people on average traverse the gorge each year.
Baghdad, Sep 19 : Six Islamic State (IS) militants, including a senior group member, were killed in airstrikes on their hideout in the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk, the Iraqi military said on Thursday.

The militants were killed in three airstrikes carried out by Iraqi F-16 jet fighters on an IS hideout based on intelligence reports and two months of monitoring, said a statement from the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, Xinhua news agency reported.

The airstrikes were followed by a raid of security forces on the site where they found six bodies, one of which is believed to be a senior IS member known as Omer Salah Ne'ma, nicknamed Abu Khattab, the statement said.

The security forces also seized explosive belts, weapons and phones used by the terrorists, it added.

The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, IS remnants have sneaked into urban centres, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians.
Bhopal, Sep 19 : A delegation of Madhya Pradesh BJP led by state unit chief V.D. Sharma filed a written complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at a police station in Bhopal on Thursday.

The BJP delegation reached the office of the Additional Police Commissioner of Bhopal, Pankaj Srivastava and filed a written complaint against the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

During the meeting with the police officer, Sharma said, "Rahul Gandhi's statements during his visit to US are highly objectionable. He should be booked for defamation."

Later, Sharma also showed BJP National President, J.P. Nadda's letter to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) head Mallikarjun Kharge, in which, the BJP leader has mentioned the abusive words used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders.

In his letter, Nadda accused Rahul Gandhi of having a history of abusing PM Modi and OBCs, and of siding with anti-India forces.

His letter came as a response to the Opposition party charging the ruling alliance members with using violent and derogatory language against the Congress MP.

Two days ago, MP Congress led by state head Jitu Patwari lodged a complaint against Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, for allegedly calling LoP Gandhi the "number one terrorist of the country".

Ravneet Singh Bittu's derogatory comment came in response to Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs during his recent US visit.

Meanwhile on Thursday Ravneet Singh Bittu was booked in Bengaluru for his remarks against the LoP.

The action came a day after an FIR was filed in Bengaluru's High Grounds police station against Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Incidentally, LoP Gandhi's recent visit to the US has sparked a political controversy across the country and since then, the BJP and Congress leaders have been exchanging barbs.
Surat, Sep 19 : The Gujarat government on Thursday unveiled the Economic Development Plan for the Surat region in Surat, positioning it as a key driver in Gujarat's growth strategies.

The plan aims to propel Gujarat's economy to $3.5 trillion by 2047 and create 3.4 million new jobs, aligning with the national goal of making India a $30 trillion economy by 2047, according to official data.

While unveiling the plan, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised its significance beyond a simple document, calling it a commitment that will transform the economic landscape of six districts: Surat, Navsari, Bharuch, Dang, Tapi, and Valsad.

"The future development master plan is not just a document but a commitment that can bring significant transformation. It highlights development potential in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, real estate, tourism, IT, and logistics," the Chief Minister said.

He added that Gujarat is poised to contribute significantly to India's goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy, emphasising that the plan will provide a boost to Gujarat's development model.

Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil also expressed confidence in the plan, saying, "The Union government has recognised the capabilities of Surat's traders and industrialists by preparing an economic master plan that instils confidence in the people of Surat."

The plan, developed under the leadership of NITI Aayog, focuses on economic, social, industrial, and infrastructural development. It includes various development-oriented benchmarks such as road connectivity, education, and healthcare.

NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subramanyam highlighted the unique economic opportunities in Surat and surrounding districts, stating, "Surat has the full capacity for balanced development. This plan took a year of continuous effort and brainstorming between NITI Aayog, the Gujarat government, and local administration."

The project aligns with the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 and aims to create growth hubs in Surat, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam. As part of the 'Surat Economic Region,' this plan seeks to make Surat a globally competitive city, attracting international companies and taking local businesses to global levels.

The Chief Minister said that Surat's development would boost the state and significantly contribute to national growth. He mentioned that the manufacturing sector's contribution to Gujarat's GDP is 36 per cent, while Surat's share stands at an impressive 55 per cent.

"Following the Prime Minister's vision of 'Developed India, we are committed to achieving the 'Developed Gujarat @ 2047' goal ahead of time," the Chief Minister said.

The event also saw the participation of state ministers, MPs, and officials from NITI Aayog and the Gujarat government.

As part of the long-term development strategy, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for holistic development in Surat and across North Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Central Gujarat.

--IANS

janvi/dan
Mumbai, Sep 19 : To celebrate 25 years of "Taal" starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna, the musical romantic drama film is set to re-release on September 27.

Mumbai, Sep 19 (IANS) To celebrate 25 years of "Taal" starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna, the musical romantic drama film is set to re-release on September 27.

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai said: "With the re-release, I'm thrilled that audiences can experience the magic of 'Taal' all over again on the big screen." Earlier this year, Anil Kapoor celebrated 25 years of the film, and spoke about how he shot 'Ramta Jogi' song without any rehearsals at all.

Released in 1999, "Taal" also stars Amrish Puri and Alok Nath in supporting roles. It was also dubbed in Tamil as "Thaalam".

"Taal" was premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival, the "official selection" at the 2005 Ebertfest: Roger Ebert's Film Festival, and retrospectively at the 45th IFFI in the Celebrating Dance in Indian cinema section.

The film revolves around a girl named Mansi, who becomes famous with Vikrant's help after her former boyfriend's family members insult her and her father. Problems arise when her ex-lover apologises to her and tries to win her back.

In August, when the film completed 25 years in Hindi cinema, Anil shared an anecdote and said that he performed on the song "Ramta Jogi" with no rehearsals at all. He had shared a handful of stills from the making of the song, which is sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Alka Yagnik.

He wrote: "25 years ago, I had the privilege of being a part of a cinematic masterpiece that still resonates with audiences today - 'Taal'. My portrayal of Vikrant Kapoor was an unforgettable moment in my career, and I'm forever grateful to Subhash Ghai for believing in me."

The actor said that "Ramta Jogi" is one of his favourite songs from the film.

He added: "But what makes it truly special is the incredible story behind it - Farah Khan was originally supposed to choreograph the song, but she opted out at the last minute! Saroj Khan, the legendary choreographer, stepped in just a night before the shoot at Filmistan."

"And I, being the enthusiastic actor I am, did the song with no rehearsals at all! Working alongside the phenomenal dancer, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was a thrill in itself!"

The actor called it a humbling experience.

"And to top it all off, 'Taal' swept all the major awards for me as the best supporting actor that year, including Filmfare, Zee, IIFA, and Screen Awards! It was a truly humbling experience. Here's to many more years of music, dance, and drama! #25YearsOfTaal."

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Wardha in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region on Friday (September 20) where he will participate in the 'National PM Vishwakarma Programme'. The event, marking one year of progress made under the scheme (Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma), will witness PM Modi issuing certificates and releasing loans to the beneficiaries.

Symbolising the tangible support extended to artisans under this Scheme, PM Modi will also distribute credit under the PM Vishwakarma to 18 beneficiaries in 18 trades.

As a tribute to their legacy and enduring contribution to society, the Prime Minister will release a commemorative stamp dedicated to marking one year of progress under PM Vishwakarma which aims at improving the quality as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that 'Vishwakarmas' are integrated into the domestic and global value chains, an official said on Thursday.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation of PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park at Amravati. The 1,000-acre park is being developed by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) as the State Implementation Agency.

The Central government had approved setting up of 7 PM MITRA Parks for the Textile industry. PM MITRA Parks are a major step forward in realising the vision of making India a global hub for textile manufacturing and exports. According to officials, the facilities will help in creating world-class industrial infrastructure and attract large scale investment including foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourage innovation and job creation within the sector.

The Prime Minister will also launch the Maharashtra government's "Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centre" scheme.

Skill development training centres will be established in renowned colleges across the state to provide training to youth aged 15 to 45, enabling them to become self-reliant and access various employment opportunities. Around 1,50,000 youths across the state will receive free skill development training each year.

Further, PM Modi will also launch "Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme". Under the scheme, early-stage support will be given to women-led startups in Maharashtra.

Financial assistance up to Rs 25 lakh will be provided and 25 per cent of the total provisions under this scheme will be reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections as specified by the government. It will help women-led startups become self-reliant and independent.
Bengaluru, Sep 19 : Karnataka High Court on Thursday reserved the order on the bail plea submitted by Prajwal Revanna in the sex scandal case following the completion of submissions.

The Special Public Prosecutor also submitted that Prajwal is yet to hand over his cell phone to the authorities while counsel for Prajwal made a submission pleading to grant him bail as he is in jail for four months.

The bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna passed the order as Prajwal Revanna remains to be lodged at the Central Prison in Bengaluru.

Senior counsel Prabhuling Navadgi, appearing for Prajwal Revanna, pleaded with the court to grant bail for him by imposing any conditions. He further submitted it is a political conspiracy against Prajwal while the rape incident has taken place three to four years ago.

"If the crime of rape was committed, why the complaint was not lodged then," the counsel pleaded.

The counsel stated that the lodging of the complaint against Prajwal was malicious in nature. "Prajwal is responding to the investigation and he is in the prison for four months. Hence, the bail should be granted to him," the counsel argued.

Countering this, the Special Public Prosecutor Ravi Varma Kumar submitted to the court that the accused Prajwal has still not handed over his phone to the investigating authorities.

"The accused had destroyed evidence. Immediately after an FIR was filed against him. He flew off to a foreign location and absconded," he stated.

He submitted that Prajwal is an influential person and if he comes out, he will influence the witnesses and should not be granted bail.

After listening to arguments and counterarguments, the bench reserved the order.

Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda's grandson, Prajwal Revanna was arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport in the early hours of May 30, when he was returning from Germany after his grandfather H.D. Deve Gowda and uncle H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is also Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, made a public appeal that he has to come and face authorities.

His father, JD-S legislator Revanna and mother Bhavani Revanna were jailed and are currently out on bail in the kidnap and rape case linked to the sex video scam. His younger brother, JD (S) MLC Suraj Revanna, who was jailed for allegedly sexually assaulting male party workers, is also out on bail
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The third meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in the Kazakh city of Turkistan on September 18-19, Trend reports via Organization of Turkic States.

According to information, the meeting was attended by Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ramil Usubov, Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gizat Nurdauletov, Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov, Secretary General of the National Security Council of the Republic of Turkiye Seyfullah Hacmuftuoglu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan Viktor Makhmudov and a delegation headed by Deputy Secretary General of the OTS Omer Kocaman.

In the course of the meeting, the sides reviewed the current security environment and developments in the OTS region and the world. They discussed the current security threats and challenges targeting the OTS countries, as well as the possible impact of some regional and global developments and trends on the Turkic region.

The parties paid special attention in their discussions of transport security and the development of transport and logistics infrastructure in the Middle Corridor.

Furthermore, the meeting also discussed in detail the strengthening of mechanisms within the OTS to build on the existing security cooperation with concrete projects and programs.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sent a strong message to neighbouring Pakistan amid its attempts to 'hobnob with like-minded' parties in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and said that no power in the world can bring back Article 370 in the Valley.

"I am saying loud and clear that we will not allow Pakistan to run its agenda in Jammu and Kashmir," thundered PM Modi while addressing his second poll rally in Jammu's Katra.

PM Modi also launched a blistering attack on the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the poll-bound territory and slammed it for sharing a 'common agenda' with the Pakistani establishment.

Taking note of Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's statement on Article 370, PM Modi said that admiration of the Congress-NC manifesto by the neighbouring country "exposes their unholy" alliance.

PM Modi said that the BJP would never allow such a thing to happen.

"Pakistani Defence minister said that the agenda of the Congress-NC alliance on Article 370 and 35A is the same as that of Pakistan. Congress and NC stand exposed today with the Pakistani minister openly expressing support for their poll promises on Article 370. This means that the NC-Congress alliance wants to impose Pakistan's agenda in Kashmir," PM Modi told the gathering.

"The BJP will never allow their agenda to succeed," he said.

PM Modi accused the Congress and NC of "working against India's interests", despite knowing that Pakistani infiltrators inflicted deep wounds on residents of J&K.

"Pakistan's wicked and nefarious plots killed our brothers and sisters but they want to align with them. For decades, they have been doing the same thing that their Pakistani bosses wanted them to do," he said.

He also said that for the BJP, the nation is first and foremost and it will always go the whole hog in defending the country's frontiers and punishing the country's enemies.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Amit Shah came down heavily on the NC-Congress alliance over its demand for restoration of Article 370, thereby giving a handle to Pakistani elements to 'influence' the poll process.

"Pak minister's statement again makes it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen," he said.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 19 : Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday said that medical colleges will be established in all districts of the state in the next five years.

Speaking to media persons here, he said, "Medical colleges will be set up at the headquarters of all the districts in the state and a detailed roadmap has been prepared in this regard."

The state Health Minister said that since the BJP government came to power at the Centre in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned 'One District, One Medical College' to establish medical colleges in every district of the country.

With the Union government's move, new medical colleges have been set up in the state with 60 per cent funding from the Central government.

As many as 11 colleges in the state offer undergraduate MBBS courses while two more medical colleges- Talcher and Kandhamal- are in the pipeline.

He asserted that the Mohan Charan Majhi government is committed to setting up medical colleges in all district headquarters.

The Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS), an affiliating university that covers over 200 medical and para-medical colleges, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with six premier educational institutions in the country for advancing research in the medical sector.

He said that the main aim of these MoUs was to ensure the exchange of ideas between our undergraduate MBBS doctors, doctors pursuing postgraduate courses, and the doctors in Ayurvedic Colleges and Homoeopathic Colleges with the professionals in the premier research institutions in the country and abroad.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured to take all steps to fill up all doctor and paramedical staff posts lying vacant in the medical facilities across the state soon.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : Trinamool Congress leader Asish Pande who has been putting up at a hotel in Salt Lake since August 9 is currently under Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scanner, which is probing the rape and murder of a junior female doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata.

Incidentally, the body of the junior female doctor was discovered at the seminar hall within the hospital premises on the morning of August 9 only.

Sources said that the investigating agency came to know of Pande putting up at the Salt Lake on the night of August 9 by examining a number of mobile phones which were under their scanner as a part of the investigation.

Pande is also a house staff of the same hospital.

After coming to know of Pande putting up at the said hotel, the CBI officials issued a notice to the hotel authorities asking to send an employee along with the booking register of the hotel to the agencyas Salt Lake office.

One of the staff members of the hotel arrived at the CBI office on Thursday along with the booking register and other related documents and submitted the same to the investigating agency.

It is learnt that Pande booked the room in the hotel for the night of August 9 through a hotel booking app. It is further learnt that Pandey had checked in the hotel on the night of August 9 and checked out on the next morning.

However, the investigating officials are yet to inform about the event of Pandeyas booking hotel room and the rape and murder case of the female doctor.
Ankara, Sep 19 : Turkey National Intelligence Organisation "neutralised" a senior member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported on Thursday.

Ankara, Sep 19 (IANS) Turkey National Intelligence Organisation "neutralised" a senior member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported on Thursday.

The report, quoting anonymous Turkish security forces, said that Halil Yigit, code-named "Hogir Pirosi," who was a responsible member of the PKK unit in the Gara region, organised attacks against Turkish security forces there, Xinhua news agency reported.

The man joined the PKK in 2007 in southeastern TArkiye's Sirnak province, where he participated in "terrorist attacks with weapons and improvised explosive devices" in the Silopi district, the report said.

The National Intelligence Organisation, also known by its Turkish initials MIT, detected the location of Yigit and "neutralised" him in an operation in Gara, the report said, without specifying the time of the operation.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralise" to imply the alleged "terrorists" have either surrendered, been killed, or been captured.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades.

Since 2019, Turkey has initiated a series of cross-border military operations into the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, targeting the PKK's hideouts.
Phnom Penh, Sept 19 : Cambodia on Thursday set a new monthly minimum wage for the country's garment, footwear and travel goods industry at $208 for 2025, up 1.96 per cent from the current $204, Labour and Vocational Training Minister Heng Sour said.

His remarks came after the National Council for Minimum Wage voted on a monthly minimum wage of $206 for next year, which was then upped an additional $2 by Prime Minister Hun Manet, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This new minimum wage for garment, footwear and travel goods factory workers will take effect from January 1, 2025 onwards," Heng Sour said.

Besides the monthly minimum wage, the workers will also receive other monthly fringe benefits, including an extra $10 per month for regular attendance and an extra $7 per month for transportation and rent, he added.

The garment, footwear and travel goods sector, the kingdom's largest foreign currency earner, consists of about 1,538 factories and branches with approximately 913,000 workers, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.

The Southeast Asian nation exported these products worth $6.24 billion during the January-June period of 2024, up 16.4 per cent from $5.36 billion over the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise.
Budapest, Sep 19 : Hungary has denied any involvement in the "pager issue" that has caused widespread injuries and several casualties in Lebanon.

Zoltan Kovacs, Secretary of State for International Communication and spokesperson for the Hungarian government clarified the country's position on his X and Facebook accounts, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Hungarian government's position on the 'pager issue' authorities have confirmed that the company in question is a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary," Kovacs said.

"It has one manager registered at its declared address, and the referenced devices have never been in Hungary," Kovacs added.

"During further investigations, Hungarian national security services are cooperating with all relevant international partner agencies and organisations," the spokesman said.

Kovacs concluded his message by confirming that the case "poses no national security risk" to Hungary.

The clarification of the Hungarian government comes after an incident in Lebanon on Tuesday, where explosions linked to personal pagers killed at least 12 people and injured around 2,800, including members of Hezbollah.
Hyderabad, Sep 19 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Thursday found fault with the language used by Congress MLA Danam Nagender against BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut and questioned the silence of Congress leaders.

Rama Rao said that the "vile language" used by Nagender is unacceptable.

He said no political goal should blur the line of respect towards women.

"I may not agree with her opinions or her party's ideology, but the level of discourse should never sink to such lows It's surprising that Congress leaders in Delhi and even here in Telangana have opted to remain silent on this matter," the BRS leader posted on social media platform 'X'.

"Does this reflect their approval of such filth?,' he asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

"When Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma made disgraceful remarks about your mother Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji, let me remind you that it was KCR Garu who stood up first and immediately condemned those comments, even before your party members in Telangana, including the current CM Revanth Reddy, chose to respond," wrote KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known.

"We uphold ethics and decency above all. A heinous crime is a heinous crime, be it rape, murder, or a degrading remark against a woman. I urge you to set a higher standard within your party and teach your cadre the values they seem to have forgotten Respect for women cannot be determined by political leanings, this is about decency," he added.

Nagender, who defected to Congress from BRS in March, remarked against Kangana Ranaut during a protest on Wednesday.

The Congress party had organised protests across the state against the alleged objectionable comments made by the BJP leaders against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking at a protest demonstration held at Gandhi Bhavan, Danam Nagender demanded that the government take action against those who issued assassination threats to Rahul Gandhi.

The former minister slammed Kangana Ranaut for her verbal attacks on Rahul Gandhi and made an inappropriate comment.
Patna, Sep 19 : Bihar Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday criticised Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi for his remarks on the Nawada incident while accusing him and his son, Santosh Kumar Suman, of being aligned with the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

"Jitan Ram Manjhi is influenced by the RSS and BJP. He is making statements which align with their agenda rather than focusing on facts. Manjhi and his son are alumni of schools run by RSS," the LoP said.

Earlier, the Union Minister said people from the Yadav community instigated members of the Paswan community to torch more than 25 houses in Mahadalit Tola in Nawada district on Wednesday evening.

the Union Minister said that the district police arrested 12 individuals from the Yadav caste, who had targeted the Mahadalit community.

"The Yadavs, eyeing this land, manipulated Paswan community members into acting against the Mahadalits, aiming to displace them from the land they had been living on for years," the Union Minister claimed.

Tejashwi Yadav questions why Manjhi, as a Union minister and a part of the ruling NDA both at the Centre and in Bihar, has not taken more concrete action regarding the accident.

"Was Manjhi engaged directly with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar or presented a memorandum about the incident," he asked.

He also pointed out that Manjhi has the power and access to demand action but has instead he is making inflammatory statements without proper information.

Tejashwi Yadav also condemned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for its failure in handling the Nawada incident, calling it 'extremely painful'.

He stressed that those responsible for the crime must face legal action and urged the state government to take swift and decisive action against the culprits.

Lalu Prasad Yadav, the national president of the RJD, also targeted Nitish Kumar, accusing him of failing to control crime and maintain law and order in Bihar.

He said that the Nawada incident highlights the government's inability to prevent violence and unrest, reinforcing his long-standing critique that Nitish Kumar's governance has been ineffective, especially in terms of security and justice for vulnerable communities.

Lalu Prasad Yadav also criticised Jitan Ram Manjhi for misleading the people over the Nawada incident.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo said that the BJP's Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for the October 5 Haryana elections, released on Thursday, had lifted several points from his party's manifesto.

Speaking to IANS, the veteran leader sarcastically remarked that since the BJP was "copying" the Congress manifesto, "this proves that we are right in our approach and policy proposals".

"We are pleased that what we thought is not wrong, but right. Therefore, the BJP has had to adopt several of our proposals," he said.

BJP's Sankalp Patra release comes a day after Congress released its manifesto for Haryana Assembly elections.

Singh Deo noted that many points in the BJP's manifesto are similar to Congress's guarantee card.

"We are happy that what we think is correct. The BJP has had to adopt many of our ideas. This is visible in several issues. For example, in 2019, when elections were held in Chhattisgarh, Congress announced the minimum price for paddy purchases. The Central government had sent an official letter stating that if any state set prices above the MSP, they would not purchase the paddy."

"The BJP then adopted the same policy that Congress had been following. Similarly, issues like internships were raised by Congress in our manifesto, which the BJP did not address initially but later adopted. This shows that Congress's thinking is on the right track, and if Congress is moving in the right direction, it should be chosen," he said.

Releasing the 20-point Sankalp Patra with the slogan "Haryana non-stop", BJP President J.P. Nadda on Thursday promised a cash incentive of Rs 2,100 per month for women, continuation of the minimum support price (MSP) on all 24 crops, government job guarantee for all Agniveers returning from the Indian armed forces, and 2 lakh jobs for the youth, besides cooking gas cylinder at Rs 500 and scooter for girl students in rural areas.

Congress President Malikarjuna Kharge had on Wednesday released the Seven Guarantees that it will fulfil if it comes to power in Haryana, which include Rs 2,000 monthly payment to women in the state, houses for everyone, raising the monthly social security pension of the old-age people, handicapped and widows, gas cylinders at Rs 500 each, 300 units of free electricity every month to every household, and filing of 2 lakh posts lying vacant in government departments.
Vientiane, Sep 19 : The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), in partnership with the International Labour Organization, discussed developing mutually beneficial business models for the animal husbandry sector, boosting employment opportunities in rural areas.

According to a report from the LNCCI on Thursday, the discussion was held in Laos capital Vientiane on Wednesday and chaired by Vice President of the LNCCI Xaybandith Rasphone, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the meeting, Xaybandith emphasised the importance of addressing challenges and identifying opportunities across various business types, from large corporations to small manufacturers and enterprises, in both urban and rural areas.

He underscored the need for collaboration between companies and international organisations to achieve tangible results in the livestock sector.

He highlighted that promoting job creation in rural areas could unlock significant economic potential. By integrating local producers into the supply chain, farmers can benefit directly from their involvement, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous economy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. As part of the official visit to the Republic of Italy, First Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev met with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Italy, Guido Crosetto, Trend reports, in reference to the nation's Ministry of Defense.

The parties shared comprehensive perspectives on the present condition and future potential of military collaboration between the two nations, along with other matters of mutual concern.

Rashad Aslanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Italy, also participated in the meeting.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : India launched several reforms to transform the food processing sector in the last decade, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

In his virtual address at the World Food India Programme held in the national capital, the PM noted that his government is "creating a strong ecosystem of modern infrastructure, robust supply chains and employment generation across the country" to boost the food sector.

"During the last 10 years, we have introduced wide-ranging reforms to transform the food processing sector," he said.

This includes "multi-dimensional initiatives such as 100 per cent FDI in food processing, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises, Production Linked Incentive scheme for food processing industries".

The Prime Minister also lauded the farmers and called them the "backbone of the Indian food ecosystem".

He said the farmers have "ensured the creation of nutritious and delicious traditions of culinary excellence. We are supporting their hard work with innovative policies and focused implementation".

PM Modi said that he aims for "India to set global benchmarks for innovation, sustainability and safety in the food sector".

This can be achieved via "progressive agricultural practices, strong administrative frameworks, and cutting-edge technologies". He also envisions empowering small enterprises.

"We want our MSMEs to flourish and become an integral part of the global value chain and at the same time, encourage women to become micro entrepreneurs," the PM said.

Greeting the participants at the event, he called aWorld Food India 2024 a vibrant platform for the brightest minds from the global food industry", which will also discuss such as food safety, quality standards, and best practices. "I am sure that important topics such as food irradiation to enhance food safety and reduce food wastage, plant-based proteins to promote nutrition and sustainability, as well as the circular economy, will be showcased," PM Modi said, urging all to "march ahead and realise the dream of building a sustainable, safe, inclusive and nutritious world".
New Delhi/Jammu, Sep 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sent a strong message to neighbouring Pakistan amid its attempts to "hobnob with like-minded" parties in Jammu and Kashmir, and said that no power in the world can bring back Article 370.

"I am saying loud and clear that we will not allow Pakistan to run its agenda in Jammu and Kashmir," thundered PM Modi while addressing his second poll rally in Jammu's Katra.

PM Modi also launched a blistering attack on the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the Union Territory and slammed it for sharing a "common agenda" with the Pakistani establishment.

Taking note of Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's statement on Article 370, PM Modi said that admiration of the Congress-NC manifesto by the neighbouring country "exposes their unholy alliance".

PM Modi said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would never allow such a thing to happen.

"Pakistani Defence Minister said that the agenda of the Congress-NC alliance on Article 370 and 35A is the same as that of Pakistan. Congress and NC stand exposed today with the Pakistani minister openly expressing support for their poll promises on Article 370. This means that the NC-Congress alliance wants to impose Pakistan's agenda in Kashmir," PM Modi told the gathering.

"The BJP will never allow their agenda to succeed," he said.

PM Modi accused the Congress and NC of "working against India's interests", despite knowing that Pakistani infiltrators inflicted deep wounds on residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Pakistan's wicked and nefarious plots killed our brothers and sisters but they want to align with them. For decades, they have been doing the same thing that their Pakistani bosses wanted them to do," he said.

He also said that for the BJP, the nation is first and foremost and it will always go the whole hog in defending the country's frontiers and punishing the country's enemies.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Amit Shah also came down heavily on the NC-Congress alliance over its demand for restoration of Article 370, thereby giving a handle to Pakistani elements to 'influence' the poll process.

"Pakistan minister's statement again makes it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen," he said.

"Modi will not allow Pakistan's agenda to come to reality. They want Article 370 restored and I tell them that no power on earth can get Article 370 back. For the BJP, nothing is dearer than the country," the Prime Minister said.

He said this election will decide the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

"This election will help take the BJP concept of 'Naya Kashmir' to new heights. NC, Congress and PDP have injured the sentiments of this region for many years. It is now for you to see that the political sun of these parties sets forever. BJP has removed years-old discrimination against you," PM Modi said while speaking at the rally.

"They have in the past accused the Dogra heritage. In the name of selling love, the Congress sells hatred. They said the Dogra Maharajas were corrupt. They can't see anything beyond the vote bank. They increased the chasm between Jammu and the Valley. The BJP declared Maharaja Hari Singhas birthday as a holiday to honour his memory. You suffered discrimination at the hands of NC-Congress governments. Today, your Chenab Railway Bridge is many feet higher than the Eiffel Tower of Paris. Today, pictures of this bridge are circulated throughout the world," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further said the Katra region is a symbol of "our faith and tradition because this is the abode of Mata Vaishno Devi".

"We need a government that will foster this faith and tradition. The Congress cannot protect this faith. The Congress scion said abroad recently that the gods and goddesses of Hindu religion do not represent real God. Congress says 'Devtas' are not gods. In our country our gods and goddesses are worshipped. Isnat this an insult to our gods and goddesses?" PM Modi wondered.

He said the Congress is doing everything under a well thought-out plan. "This is a Naxalite (Maoist) ideology brought from foreign countries. Naxalite thinking has overtaken the thought process of the Congress party."

The Prime Minister further said: "When I would come here as a BJP worker, my friends here, some of whom I see in this gathering today, would give me 'Kradi' (Milk Bread), Which was very famous. The BJP government got the 'Kradi' of Udhampur GI tag. We got Basohli Pashmina also GI tag. We want all round progress in this region. Our Para athlete, Rakesh and our shooter Sheetal from here got us Bronze at the Olympics. And this happened due to the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi."

PM Modi also spoke on the government's focus on improving the railway infrastructure.

"When we started semi high-speed Vande Bharat train services, one train chugged from Delhi to Katra town. Katra and Reasi railway stations were in shambles, we built new ones. No government in the past had guts to build dams on rivers and they would allow the water untapped to go to Pakistan. We built the Shahpur Kandi dam that has benefitted thousands of farmers whose lands had remained parched."

The Prime Minister said that after Article 370 abrogation, terrorism and violence came down.

"Jammu and Kashmir is moving on the path to progress. With your support, we will eliminate terrorism completely. BJP will bring out white paper on who actually suffered due to terrorism," PM Modi assured.

The Prime Minister further said that giving statehood is not a mere electoral slogan for the BJP since the government has stated on the floor of the Parliament that statehood would be restored to J&K.

He also said that he knows about the demands of the Baridar Samaj. "We started a scholarship to students of Baridar Samaj upto 12th class. We have spent Re 3.50 crore for marriages of daughters of this Samaj."

PM Modi concluded his speech by urging the voters to give a massive mandate to the BJP so that it can form a strong government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday called upon the junior doctors to end their protest against the rape and murder of their colleague in R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata and return to work amid the looming health crisis in the state in the wake of the post-flood situation.

The Chief Minister appealed to the protesting doctors while reviewing the flood situation in Udaynarayanpur block in Kolkata.

"As the flood waters recede, there are chances of snake-bites and spread of diarrhoea. The situation will call for the opening of temporary medical camps. We are trying our best. But I hope that good sense will prevail on the junior doctors and they will return to work. It is not the time for politics. It is the time to save the lives of people," the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister claimed that West Bengal always becomes the victim of water released from elsewhere.

"North Bengal is affected due to the release of water from Bhutan. Malda district is affected because of the water released from Bihar. Finally, the entire south Bengal is affected due to Damodar Valley Corporation releasing water from two dams," the Chief Minister said.

She said that the state government has always requested DVC to start releasing water gradually when their barrages are 80 per cent full.

"If they do that, the people of South Bengal would not have to face such problems. But they never listen to us. At the same time, the lack of adequate dredging has worsened the situation. If DVC continues to create problems for us we will have to think whether we will maintain connections with their authorities," the Chief Minister said.

On Wednesday, the Chief Minister visited some of the inundated pockets at Pursurah block in Hooghly district and blamed the DVC for the flood situation in the state.

"DVC has released over 3.5 lakh cusecs of water in one go, the highest ever. I have personally talked to the Jharkhand Chief Minister and the DVC authorities," the Chief Minister said.
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Actress Rukmini Maitra, who predominantly works in Bengali cinema, has shared insights about her role of a cop in the upcoming Bengali movie 'Tekka'.

The actress shared with IANS that in 'Tekka', she essays the role of a cop named Maya. She described her character as a blend of masculine and feminine energies.

She told IANS, "Maya is an intense blend of both masculine and feminine energy, and she allows each side to dominate in accordance with her ambience & external stimulus. As I love experimenting with characters from the very beginning of my career as an actor, Maya is also quite the litmus test for me, to see if the Bengali audience is ready for such women characters to be portrayed on screen. They have loved my last daring attempt of playing the Robot Nisha in 'Boomerang', the audience's response has been overwhelming! So I really hope & pray that they like Maya as well".

She also spoke about the look of her character, and shared that it is very different from what the audience usually sees on Bengali celluloid. The actress recollected that Srijit Mukherji, the director of the film told her that he wanted her to break all possible beauty standards and notions of a mainstream heroine and just bring out her raw self.

She further mentioned, "I'm unafraid of challenges when it comes to experimenting with looks, as I thoroughly enjoy them, and it rather excites me. I did sport a bald avatar in my last release, so sporting a boy's cut was a cakewalk this time around".

For her, the tough part was the body language, the way she would walk, talk or even command a room.

She told IANS, "Maya has a very tough exterior, yet she is soft on the inside. She has many personalities living within her & she is aware of each and every one of them. She knows how to juggle these people within her and when to present who before the world. Maya is strong, calculative, manipulative, sharp, and yet an empath. She is a lot of things. So, to follow even the most basic of her instincts, I had to be on my toes. It truly was a difficult yet exciting character to play on screen".

'Tekka' follows the story of a common man's fight against a system and how everybody else falls prey to the very same system. It is a story of 48 hours, which guarantees to keep you glued to the edge of your seats.

The film is set to release in theatres on October 8.
Chennai, Sep 19 : An autorickshaw driver from Sevalpatti was killed on the spot while another worker from Sivakasi was critically injured after a fire broke out at Sri Lakshmi Fireworks unit at Sevalpatti in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as G. Govindaraj (29) and the injured worker as P. Gurumurthy (19).

The police said that Govindaraj was unloading materials from his vehicle at the unit when an explosion in the chemical-filling room brought down the firework shed.

He was trapped under the debris and was killed on the spot. Fire and rescue personnel rushed to the site to put out the flames and pulled out the body of the deceased.

Gurumoorthi, who was working inside the room, suffered 100 per cent burns and was rushed to the hospital.

The workers of the firework unit told the Fire and Rescue officials that they had suspected that another worker was missing from the accident site. Immediately the fire and rescue personnel used an earthmover to search under the debris to ensure no one was trapped inside.

The Vembakottai police have registered a case and are investigating. The firework unit is licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.

Virudhanagar in Tamil Nadu is the biggest producer of fireworks in the country while Sivakasi in Virudhanagar district is the hub of the fireworks industry of Tamil Nadu. Dindigul and other adjoining districts of the state also have a few fireworks factories.

Tamil Nadu fireworks industry has a turnover of Rs 6,000 crore annually and employs around 1lakh people directly and indirectly.

According to the industry association, there are over one thousand units engaged in fireworks production in and around Sivakasi.

However, in recent years the fireworks industry in Sivakasi has become dispersed with smaller units (both legal and illegal) coming up all over Tamil Nadu.

High profit margins in the fireworks industry are inducing smaller players and workers engaged in Sivakasi firework plants to start their own plants across Tamil Nadu.
Thane, Sep 19 : The Congress said on Thursday that the BJP is rattled by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's growing popularity and credibility in India and abroad and that is why he is being targeted.

AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala said that Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who is fighting against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has proved to be a major challenge for the ruling dispensation.

"That is why the BJP-RSS and their allies are scared and continuously issuing threats to Rahul Gandhi But he is not scared and won't be cowed down by such threats," said Chennithala.

He was speaking at a party review meeting of the Konkan region ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Bhayander town of Thane along with state President Nana Patole, Working Presidents M. Arif Naseem Khan and Muzaffar Hussain, Congress Legislative Party Leader Balasaheb Thorat, Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, Satej Patil, and other senior leaders.

He was referring to the recent threats by ruling allies Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad who offered a bounty of Rs 11 lakhs to anybody who could 'snip off' Rahul Gandhi's tongue and BJP MP Anil Bonde's call to 'inflict burns' on the Congress leader's tongue, which sparked a nationwide furore this week.

Patole said that Rahul Gandhi is a calm leader who has opened a 'Mohabbat ki dukaan, in Nafrat ka bazaar' for which he is being repeatedly attacked by the BJP which is responsible for the atmosphere of fear and hatred in the country.

"We shall not tolerate this nor shall we keep quiet We shall give a befitting reply and the people of the state will again reject them in the Assembly elections," warned Patole.

Thorat recalled the ruling MahaYuti regime's purported slogans of '50 Khoke, Ekdum Okay' (khoke is slang for crore rupees) in 2022 and said the people have not forgotten how it grabbed power through corruption.

"Now, they have become arrogant with power, and are crushing the ordinary people under their vehiclesor the corruption that led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue (in Sindhudurg) The BJP has lost the moral right to speak about corruption with so many tainted people in their party," roared Thorat.

Wadettiwar appealed to the party workers to work with renewed vigour and ensure the defeat of the graft-ridden MahaYuti government in the Assembly as well as the civic bodies which are due to go to polls.

Patil said that the mood in the state has changed after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and people are fed up with the corrupt regime of the Shiv Sena-BJP-Nationalist Congress Party, and urged all the workers to take the message to the masses and work to defeat the MahaYuti regime.

The Congress has launched an intensive, region-wise review of the prospects of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, their potential candidates, the challenges posed by the ruling MahaYuti, the issues of people in different areas and related aspects, ahead of the Assembly polls, likely by mid-November.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo on Thursday took strong objection to Home Minister Amit Shah's "same agenda" jibe at the Congress-National Conference alliance, over Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's s statement on Article 370 and accused the Centre of giving a jolt to Jammu and Kashmir by revoking the constitutional provision all of sudden.

New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo on Thursday took strong objection to Home Minister Amit Shahas "same agenda" jibe at the Congress-National Conference alliance, over Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's s statement on Article 370 and accused the Centre of giving a jolt to Jammu and Kashmir by revoking the constitutional provision all of sudden.

Speaking to IANS, Singh Deo launched a sharp critique of the Home Minister as he said: "The Centre did an unconstitutional thing by removing Article 370 from the country."

"There is no Article 370. Was this not provided in the Constitution? Ultimately we have to remove it. Congress was taking the initiative to remove it in its own way, the Congress's method was of talks. The issue was being resolved through talks. The matter was moving forward and you cut it off with the sword," he added.

Amit Shah hit out on Thursday at the Congress-National Conference alliance after the Pakistan Minister's statement on the issue of Article 370 and Article 35A, saying Congress' intentions have been exposed and the party shares the same agenda as Islamabad and pledged that Article 370 will never be restored in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). He also noted how the opposition parties had demanded proof of air strikes and surgical strikes or said objectionable things about the Indian Army.

In response, Singh Deo, hitting out the BJP, said: "Whatever you think you did good, you did bad. Your method was absolutely wrong! There was a provision in the Constitution itself for which Congress was also taking initiative, it was visible in the talks that it was taking time."

"You cut it off in one stroke, when did you cut it off? Did Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge say something or make a statement that they will re-implement Article 370 in the country?" he claimed.

On the air strike remark by Amit Shah, the Congress leader: "What questions were raised on the air strike after Pulwama (terror attack)? When the air strikes happened, the army had given a statement that many people had died. As far as I remember, Amit Shah had given another statement, in which the number was around 200. If I am not remembering wrongly. I can say with certainty that at that time there was a difference in the statements given by the army and of Amit Shah."

He asserted that the Congress did not say that they do not trust the Army or Amit Shah.

"Congress always wanted to know the truth. But, that too was twisted. An emotional twist was given and on the basis of Pulwama and the air strike, that government won and was re-elected," Singh Deo added.

He claimed that the issues were not brought before the people correctly. Congress only asked questions about how many people had died. But, the army was saying something and the country's ministers were saying something different.

"So, as far as the matter of air strike is concerned, you can check the record. What were his statements at that time and what were Army's statements? They were different," he stated.

The former Deputy CM asserted that as far as India is concerned, Pakistan is comparatively very small. The policies Congress will run will be in the interest of the country, no matter what China, the US, Russia, and the European Union are saying about India. "We have not followed anything or will follow whatever they will recommend".

Deo also noted that Bangladesh would not have been formed if Congress was with Pakistan during then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"You are not able to handle Manipur and handle the loss of your wealth in Bangladesh. You are not able to provide them with defence and security. Now what is happening in J&K? You are not able to handle terrorism there. Now, you are trying to divert attention from all this and are now talking about the statement of a minister of Pakistan and the Congress," he said.
Seoul, Sep 19 : A parliamentary subcommittee passed a Bill on Thursday that calls for tougher punishment for digital sex crimes using deepfake technologies against children and teenagers.

During a subcommittee legislative review session, the National Assembly's gender equality and family committee made the bipartisan decision to pass the revision of the Act on protection of children against sexual crimes, Yonhap news agency reported.

The proposed Bill calls for at least three yearsa imprisonment for blackmailing young people using sexually abusive materials and five years behind bars for coercing them with such materials.

Under the current law, intimidation with sexual exploitation materials is subject to one year or longer in prison and coercion to at least three years of imprisonment.

The subcommittee also passed the revision to the Sexual Violence Prevention Act, which calls for greater responsibility by the government for supporting victims.

The move came as South Korea has seen a surge in deepfake porn videos exploiting the photos of young or underage girls in group chat rooms, with many of the victims known to be teenagers.

"The ruling and the Opposition parties joined hands to ease the concerns of the people about the rising deepfake cases. We will work together to pass them during this regular session," Rep. Kim Sang-wook of the ruling People Power Party said.

A total of 434 deepfake damage cases affecting underage students and also teachers have been reported from schools this year, according to the education ministry.
Ankara, Sep 19 : Israel has started to "escalate the attacks step by step towards Lebanon," and the escalation in the region is worrying, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday.

"We have reached a point where the Israeli operation is becoming more and more provocative, and Hezbollah and Iran no longer have any option but to respond," Fidan told the semi-official Anadolu Agency.

The explosions in Lebanon are part of Israel's strategy on the Gaza conflict, and it aims to "see Gaza accounts first and then shift to Lebanon," he said, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Anadolu Agency.

Fidan said he spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati after the explosions in Lebanon and offered Turkey's medical support if needed.

Lebanese officials reported that explosions targeting pagers and handheld radios killed at least 37 people and injured more than 2,931 others across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday that Israel has entered a "new phase" in its conflict with Hezbollah.

No Israeli officials, including Gallant, have claimed responsibility for the explosions, which Hezbollah attributed to Israel.
Aizawl, Sep 19 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday launched the state's new flagship initiative, the Handholding Scheme - Bana Kaih - to provide financial assistance and support to entrepreneurs and farmers in the state through a series of targeted programs designed to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency.

Mizoram government officials claimed that the loan scheme was the first of its kind in India.

A senior official said that the 'Handholding Scheme', locally named 'Bana Kaih', comprises five key components, as outlined in the government guidelines with the main feature being a collateral-free and interest-free bank loan.

A financial support package for selected progress partners (beneficiaries), offering loans up to Rs 50 lakh through partner banks.

The state government would serve as a guarantor for these project loans under existing national credit guarantee schemes, the official stated.

Beneficiaries who consistently repay their loans may also benefit from interest subvention of up to 100 per cent, providing significant relief and encouragement to those who meet their repayment obligations.

The official said that the scheme also includes the Chief Minister's Special Category Scheme, which provides grant-in-aid of up to Rs 1 lakh.

This grant is intended for individuals who are not in a position to avail loans while having a livelihood project that can be significantly boosted by a small grant.

Another important component of the Handholding Scheme is market support.

As part of this initiative, the government has introduced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for four key crops -- Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Birdeye Chilli.

"If and when the farmer can not find a market rate less than the government declared rate, they shall be given support price up to the government rate.

"Furthermore, in a pilot phase, Paddy from Kolasib and Mamit districts will be procured at a minimum support rate of Rs 30 per kilogram starting this year," the official pointed out.

He said that this comprehensive scheme is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the state's economy, particularly in agriculture and small business sectors, by offering financial support and ensuring market stability for key crops.

Another important component is support to the implementing department.

Since the Mizoram government has declared year of consolidation, Handholding Scheme shall be implemented as a pilot phase for this financial year, the official said.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Eternal Brotherhood-III drills held in Kazakhstan with the participation of special forces from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Pakistan, Qatar, and Uzbekistan have ended, Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense told Trend.

The closing ceremony of the exercise, which was attended by more than four hundred personnel, was held at the Orda training range in the Turkistan region, Kazakhstan.

The participants really knocked it out of the park with their professionalism at the ceremony, and it didn't go unnoticed.

It was noted that according to the plan, the Special Forces adeptly executed missions to neutralize fictitious illegal armed groups breaching the border, secured strategic high ground, disabled unmanned aerial vehicles through electronic warfare, and conducted aerial reconnaissance to safeguard against drone assaults and other objectives.

At the end of the day, the servicemen who went above and beyond during the exercises were given their due recognition.
Beirut, Sep 19 : The death toll in explosions targeting pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday has risen to 37, whereas the injuries came at 2,931, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said on Thursday.

Tuesday's pager explosions in Lebanon killed 12 people, with 2,323 others injured, Abiad told a news conference, adding that 226 people injured on Tuesday are still hospitalised.

Meanwhile, the death toll in explosions of wireless communication devices across the country on Wednesday afternoon rose to 25, with injuries up to 608, Abiad said.

A total of 64 hospitals received the injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a circular on Thursday banning "all airlines operating at (Beirut) Rafic Hariri (International) Airport from transporting any pager or walkie-talkie device on board the aircraft."

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have been escalating since Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Hamas. Israel retaliated with artillery fire into Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths in Lebanon, and Hezbollah claims its attacks have inflicted casualties in Israel.

The recent explosions add a new layer to the ongoing 11-month clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, marked by deadly Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel.

Speaking to Israeli troops on Wednesday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel has entered a "new phase" in its conflict with Hezbollah.

No Israeli officials, including Gallant, have claimed responsibility for the explosions, which Hezbollah attributed to Israel.

-IANS

int/jk/
New Delhi, Sep 19 : The Congress on Thursday strongly criticised BJP President J.P. Nadda's response to a letter by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, complaining about threats to party leader Rahul Gandhi, with General Secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, calling it "childish" and "superficial".

Ramesh expressed concern over the fact that a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, regarding a serious threat to the life of the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, was instead answered by Nadda. He stated that the Prime Minister's silence on such a grave issue is "very disturbing".

In a letter, in Hindi, to Nadda, he said: "The Indian National Congress is not only surprised but also concerned that a letter written to the Prime Minister by our National President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has been sent to you for response. The Prime Minister's silence on such a serious matter as the threat to the life of the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha is very disturbing. Your response to Mallikarjun Kharge's letter is childish and superficial and is a shameful attempt to divert attention from the serious threat to the life of Rahul Gandhi."

The Congress leader also accused the BJP of engaging in "cheap politics" and using "hatred and polarisation" to divert attention from the government's failures.

"The Congress Party, under the leadership of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, has always fought for the unity and integrity of India. This commitment continues even today under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge ji and Rahul Gandhi, who, unlike your leaders, have always raised their voices for justice for the backward classes, minorities, farmers, women, and youth. The BJP, on the other hand, has mastered cheap politics  using hatred and polarisation to divert people's attention from the failures of its government. It is no surprise that BJP leaders have made such hateful statements about Rahul Gandhi, when the Prime Minister himself sets an example of divisive rhetoric, religious polarisation, and cheap rhetoric in his election campaigns."

He further criticised the BJP's approach towards the Congress, whose leaders, he noted, have made significant sacrifices for the country.

"Before giving a certificate of nationalism to the Congress Party, whose leaders have sacrificed their lives for this country, you should look at your own party and its ideology. Never forget that much before the tragic assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, your ideological forefathers played a key role in creating an atmosphere of violence and hatred against Bapu."

Ramesh called on the Prime Minister to condemn divisive rhetoric and take a strong stand against actions that threaten the peace of the nation and the safety of the Leader of the Opposition.

The Congress urged the Prime Minister to rise above petty politics and set an example, as the international community is watching how the ruling party handles threats to opposition leaders in India.
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was recently seen in the blockbuster movie 'Kalki 2898 AD', is sharing his excitement on the showcase of a retrospective based on Telugu cinema legend Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

On Thursday, Big B took to his Instagram, and shared a poster of the retrospective celebrating the centenary of the Telugu cinema icon.

He wrote in the caption, "I'm happy that the Film Heritage Foundation is celebrating 100th Birth Anniversary of Late Shri Akkineni Nageswara Rao a Doyen of the Indian film industry by releasing a few of his films all over India .. My Best Wishes".

India's Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) will commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Akkineni Nageswara Rao with a countrywide film festival. The late actor is known for his versatility, and worked across the Telugu, Tamil and Hindi-language cinema industries with a career spanning over 7 decades and 250 movies.

He was born into a family of farmers on 20 September 1924 in Ramapuram, Krishna District, of present-day Andhra Pradesh, and was the youngest of five brothers. His formal education was limited to primary schooling due to his parents' poor economic condition.

He began working in theatre at the age of 10. He specialised in playing female characters in theatre, since women at that time were mostly prohibited from acting.

The upcoming event is titled 'ANR 100  King Of The Silver Screen', and will showcase 10 restored classics from September 20 to September 22 across 25 Indian cities.

These screenings will take place in metros like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru, as well as tier 1 and tier 2 cities including Vadodara, Jalandhar and Tumkur. The festival is a collaborative effort between Film Heritage Foundation, the Akkineni Nageswara Rao family, NFDC  National Film Archive Of India, and multiplex chain PVR-Inox.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to Puja Khedkar on a plea filed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) alleging that the now-sacked IAS official committed perjury by swearing a false affidavit and making a false statement in relation to her anticipatory bail plea.

A bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad sought Khedkaras response on UPSCas application claiming that she made a "false statement" regarding the collection of her biometrics for obtaining favourable orders.

In its latest application, the UPSC disputed that it did not collect any biometrics (eyes and fingerprints) during Khedkaras personality test and that a "false statement" was made with an intent to deceive the high court.

The matter will be heard next on September 26.

In an interim order passed on August 12, the Delhi High Court had granted protection from arrest to Khedkar, who allegedly submitted false OBC and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) certificates and fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limits provided for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) by faking her identity.

Shielding her from arrest, the high court had asked Khedkar to cooperate with the investigation.

Earlier, a court here turned down her anticipatory bail plea and asked the investigating agency to find out if anyone from inside the UPSC had helped Khedkar.

Widening the scope of the probe, Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala had asked Delhi Police to investigate if other people recommended by the UPSC have availed quota benefits without entitlement.

The Centre, on September 7, sacked Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect, a month after the UPSC cancelled her selection in government service.

Khedkar has been found guilty of faking and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits. After cancelling her selection, the UPSC had also barred her for life from taking the entrance exam after finding her guilty of faking her identity to take the exam multiple times.

In a status report submitted to the Delhi High Court, Delhi Police had contended that former Maharashtra cadre probationary IAS officer Khedkar had submitted two separate disability certificates for her UPSC exam.

The disability certificates dated 2018 and 2021 citing amultiple disabilitiesa were purportedly issued by the Ahmednagar District Civil Hospital for her UPSC attempts made in 2022 and 2023.

However, as per Delhi Policeas status report, the hospital authorities had denied that the certificates claiming amultiple disabilitiesa were issued to her by them.

It was found that Khedkar availed relaxed criteria for OBC candidates and persons with disabilities. It then came to light that her father, a former Maharashtra government officer, had property to the tune of Rs 40 crore and that she did not qualify for the non-creamy layer OBC quota.

The UPSC had said that its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) "could not detect her number of attempts primarily because she changed not only her name but also her parentsa names".

Last month, the Centre allowed the UPSC to utilise Aadhaar-based authentication to verify candidates' identities voluntarily, both at the time of registration and during several stages of examinations and recruitment.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan's plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi Waqf Board scam.

New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khanas plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi Waqf Board scam.

A Bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna asked the federal anti-money laundering agency to file its reply to Khan's petition within a period of two weeks and posted the matter for hearing on October 18.

After ED opposed the maintainability of Khanas petition on the ground that he failed to disclose the fact of dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea on the same grounds, Justice Krishna added that the question of maintainability will remain open.

Last week, a court here sent Khan to judicial custody till September 23 after the ED said that his custody was necessary to prevent him from influencing witnesses or hampering the ongoing probe.

Before this, Khan, the primary accused in the alleged scam, remained in seven-day ED custody which ended on September 9.

Khan was arrested by the ED on September 2 following a raid at his residence.

The raid was carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), with Delhi Police and CRPF personnel providing security.

Khan was previously arrested in April by the ED in connection with the same case but was granted bail by the Delhi Rouse Avenue court.

The ED's complaint against Khan centres on allegations of illegal staff recruitment at the Delhi Waqf Board and the subsequent misuse of funds to purchase properties under the names of his associates.

The case dates back to November 2016 when a complaint was filed against Khan, who was the then Chairman of the Waqf Board.

The complaint accused him of making illegal appointments to various approved and non-approved positions within the Board.

Following a CBI investigation, it was revealed that Khan had deliberately ignored the rules to appoint his close associates.

The CBI registered a case, which was later taken up by the ED for money laundering investigations.
Mumbai, Sep 19 : Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh took to her social media platform and shared some breathtaking pictures from the valleys of Kashmir.

Taking to her photo-sharing platform, Akshara, who has 6.6 million followers on Instagram, shared a set of photos and videos, in which she channeled her inner Kashmiri look while exploring the beauty of Kashmir.

She captioned the combined post, "Aisi jagah le jaaaaaa. Trip" with camera emoji."

In the pictures, Akshara is seen swinging in the beautiful valley of Kashmir while wearing a gorgeous pink lehenga in the images that resemble her with actress Sharmila Tagore's look from the 1964 film titled 'Kashmir Ki Kali'. Her style is worth seeing as she has posted photos of herself in various poses while flaunting her elegant charm.

In some other pictures, the 'Pratigya 2' fame actress can be seen in different Kashmiri outfits. Akshara also posted some videos from Kashmir but did not add any sound which hints that her trip to Kashmir can be concerning the shoot set of one of her songs or any new upcoming projects.

The 33-year-old actress also shared some pictures with other people who are also seen posing with Akshara. Meanwhile, with her post, the actress has left numerous questions for her die-hard admirers as they are expecting to get a hint from the actress soon.

Soon after Akshara's vibrant post surfaced online, fans took to her comments section and praised the 'Tridev' actress for her charming presence.

A fan wrote, "Your good style and priceless thinking make your character different and perfect".

Another one wrote, "So beautiful nature in your look madam".

On the work front, Akshara made her acting debut in 2010 with the action drama 'Satyamev Jayate', opposite Ravi Kishan.

She has also appeared in the 2011 family drama 'Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye', the 2016 romantic drama ' A Balma Bihar Wala' opposite Khesari Lal Yadav, and 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' opposite Pawan Singh.

Akshara has been a part of the Hindi television shows 'Kaala Teeka' and 'Service Wali Bahu' on Zee TV. She appeared in the historical drama 'Porus', which was based on the Battle of the Hydaspes.

She was also a part of the controversial reality show 'Bigg Boss OTT', Season 1 which was hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.

IANS

ays/
Gurugram, Sep 19 : With elections all set to be held in Haryana's 90 Assembly seats on October 5, all eyes would be on the Gurgaon constituency, considered a stronghold of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A bastion for 10 years for the BJP, this time, the party has been grappling with dissatisfaction and discord among a section of workers and members over ticket distribution.

The BJP, thanks to the widespread popularity and influence of six-time parliamentarian and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, has successfully maintained a strong grip on the Gurgaon Lok Sabha seat which includes nine Assembly constituencies.

The BJP emerged victorious in Gurgaon in 2014, and also successfully defended the seat against the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in 2019 Assembly polls.

The Gurgaon parliamentary constituency which covers nine Assembly seats across three districts -- four in Gurgaon, three in Mewat, and two in Rewari -- has always been considered a "critical political arena".

According to political analysts, even as the BJP has traditionally achieved remarkable strength in the urban segments of this region, this time, internal clashes and dissatisfaction among party members have emerged as challenges for the BJP in this region.

The dissatisfaction among the party workers arose over the allocation of tickets. Experienced party workers have been sidelined, leading to discord and "rebellion". Political observers believe these differences might impact voter turnout, hitting the 'loyalty factor'.

The selection of candidates may affect party dominance in Gurgaon, which could weaken the party's voter base.

Gurugram has four seats from the district -- Gurgaon, Badshahpur, Sohna, and Pataudi.

In the 2019 Haryana elections, the BJP secured three of these four seats, except for Badshahpur, which elected independent candidate Rakesh Janghu who defeated BJP's Manish Yadav by a margin of 10,000 votes.

The Gurgaon seat has historically been an urban seat and a mixture of Punjabi, Brahmin and Vaishya (Baniya) communities.

In the 2019 elections, BJP's Sudhir Singla won comfortably, defeating his closest rival by more than 32,000 votes, while the Congress candidate, Sukhbir Kataria, finished third.

This time, the party has denied sitting MLA Sudhir Singla a ticket for the upcoming election. The BJP instead picked Mukesh Sharma, a wrestler-turned-politician, and a close aide of Rao Inderjit Singh.

The party's decision has sparked internal dissatisfaction, leading to the resignation of senior leaders like G.L. Sharma, a former vice-president of Haryana unit BJP, and Navin Goel. Their resignations are likely to affect the voters' sentiment.

The Congress has fielded Mohit Grover, a young Punjabi face. He has recently joined the Congress. He came second as an Independent candidate in the 2019 elections.

Meanwhile, political analysts believe that the 'success' of the BJP's new candidate, Mukesh Sharma in the upcoming election may not be easy as Gurugram city is currently facing numerous civic issues, including infrastructure shortcomings, waterlogging, poor road conditions, pollution, water shortages, and inconsistent electricity supply. These challenges could lead to voter dissatisfaction.

The BJP has been facing internal discord not only within the Gurgaon assembly segment but in the other three constituencies as well.

The Badshahpur Assembly constituency has become a major point of internal strife within the BJP. Party leader Rao Narbir Singh's nomination has further intensified discord among the local BJP workers.

Gurugram district unit president Kamal Yadav was among the hopefuls for the Assembly polls ticket.

Rao Narbir Singh, an influential Ahir leader with a strong political presence and grassroots connections in villages, remains a favourable candidate. Yet, he might face a bigger challenge from within the party.

The Sohna Assembly constituency has historically been a stronghold for the BJP, with victories in both the 2014 and 2019 elections. However, the party's decision to deny the ticket to the sitting MLA, Sanjay Singh, a minister in the Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini-led government -- and nominate former MLA Tejpal Tanwar -- has triggered dissatisfaction.

However, the party later fielded Sanjay Singh from the Nuh Assembly constituency.

The BJP's decision to "reintroduce" Tejpal Tanwar, despite his controversial past, indicates his ability to win back the seat, analysts believe.

From the Pataudi Assembly constituency, which is a reserved seat, the party has fielded former MLA Bimla Chaudhary, denying ticket to sitting MLA Satya Prakash Jarawata.

Here, the party's decision has sparked internal dissatisfaction, leading to the resignation of senior leaders like Sumer Tanwar.

However, Jarawata, a lawyer by profession, recently held a press conference to "assure" that he supported the party's decision and would seek votes for the party candidate.
New Delhi/Agartala, Sep 19 : A New Delhi-based rights body claimed that over 100 houses and shops of the indigenous people belonging to the Chakma community were burnt down in Bangladesh's Khagrachari district under Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) on Thursday.

Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) Director Suhas Chakma said that the large-scale arson and attack took place at Boalkhali, Dighinala Sadar in Khagrachari district by the illegal Muslim plain settlers on Thursday.

He alleged that the Bangladesh Army personnel who are stationed nearby at the Dighinala Cantonment did not intervene and rather provided support to the illegal plain settlers to carry out the arson.

"Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, lawlessness prevailed in the country. Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus authorised the Bangladesh Army with magisterial power on September 17 but the same Bangladesh Army supported the burning down of the Chakma shops and houses at Dighinala Sadar today," Suhas Chakma said in a statement.

He said that consequently, there are no Chakma people left in the Dighinala Sadar area.

"We are still waiting for details of casualties or other violence at this stage," RRAG Director said.

He said that from 1979 to 1983, then President General Ziaur Rahman had implanted about 5,00,000 illegal Muslim plain settlers to reduce the indigenous population of the CHTs into a minority on their own land.

The illegal plain settlers constitute more than 50 per cent of the total population in the CHTs.

"The indigenous students under the banner of the "Sanghat O Boishamyo Birodhi Parahari Chhatra Andolan" on Wednesday organised "March For Identity" at Khagrachari demanding recognition of their rights and guarantee for distinct identities.

"About 40,000 tribals, unseen in the history of the indigenous peoples, had participated in the march. Thursday's attack on the Chakma tribes is a response to this march," Suhas Chakma stated.

He said that the burning down of the shops and houses belonging to the Chakmas and no safety and security from the Yunus government would be brought before the United Nations human rights mechanisms.

The Buddhist Chakmas mainly live in the Chittagong Hills Tracts of southeast Bangladesh, Chin and Arakan provinces of Myanmar and in several states of India's northeastern region.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : The Army, along with Manipur Police, averted a major disaster in Manipur on Thursday by recovering seven Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The total weight of the explosives in these IEDs was 28.5 kg.

The IEDs were buried and set to detonate on receiving appropriate signals.

Army's Eastern Command, headquartered at Fort William in Kolkata, said that the ensuing explosions could have caused severe damage to life and property.

"The Army and Manipur Police acted on intelligence inputs near the Bongjang and Itham villages in the Imphal East district. This is a hilly terrain. Explosives detection dogs of the Army were pressed into service and the IEDs were diffused by experts of the Army Engineers. There could have been a major loss of life of innocent civilians, had the IEDs not been recovered," the Ministry of Defence spokesperson in Kolkata stated.

The entire state of Manipur has been in a restive state since May 3, 2023, when ethnic clashes broke out between the Meiteis from the valley districts and the Kuki-Zos from the hills.

This was pertaining to a Manipur high court observation, asking the government to consider the Scheduled Tribe status of the Meiteis, who are a majority in the state but occupy far less land than the tribal Kukis. This observation was later struck down by the Supreme Court.

Over the last 16 months though, hundreds of lives have been lost in Manipur due to the ethnic strife and thousands of people have been shifted to relief camps.

After a few months of calm, violence erupted once again in Manipur since August, with suspected militant outfits from the Hills using automatic weapons, improvised mortars and even drones to target security forces and civilians. Additional forces were rushed to the state following this resurgence of strikes.

According to the release issued by the MoD, the recovery of the seven IEDs is the second major haul over the last three months. On July 20, 2024, eight IEDs weighing 33 Kgs were recovered in the hilly areas of Saichang Itham, Imphal East and neutralised by the bomb disposal teams of the Indian Army

"The swift response of the Indian Army in sync with the Manipur Police has once again exhibited seamless coordination between the security forces operating in the state and also ensured the safety and security of the region, sending a strong message to anti-national elements," the release stated.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 19 : After a lull, the CPI, the second biggest constituent of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government in Kerala, on Thursday again raked up the "callous" attitude of the state government in not taking appropriate action against controversial Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, M. R. Ajith Kumar, for holding secret meetings with two top RSS leaders.

The editorial in CPI party organ aJanayugoma, written by veteran former party legislator Prakash Babu, expressed his partyas displeasure as no one has a clue of why Ajith Kumar met the RSS leaders.

"We wish to know why he met the RSS leaders and the onus is on him to reveal the rationale of his meeting. The least he can do is to inform either the state police chief or the Home Department on what was the reason for the meeting, if not, he should be removed from his post," it said.

Later Babu, speaking to the media, reiterated the same stand, contending that what the top police official did doesnat augur well as it is not in tune with the ideology of the Left government.

Ajith Kumar has been facing the heat for a while now ever since a spate of allegations were levelled against him by CPI-M-backed Independent legislator P. V. Anvar who first termed the ADGP a "notorious criminal, who has modelled himself on fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim". Then, he accused allegations Ajith Kumar and his relatives of having amassed huge wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income besides engaging in grave illegal activities.

The removal of Ajith Kumar also surfaced at the leaderas meeting of the ruling LDF and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came under pressure from the allies for shielding the top controversial police official. But Vijayan bought time by stating that a probe by the state police chief is currently on and once the report comes, appropriate action would be taken. The only action that took place was that DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb took a statement from Ajith Kumar early this month and after that, things appear to have gone quiet, forcing the CPI to raise the issue again.

Newly-appointed LDF convenor, and two-time CPI-M legislator T.P. Ramakrishnan, however, played down the comments by Babu and the CPI, saying that the need of the hour is to wait as a probe is currently going on.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 20. September 20 is marked as State Sovereignty Day in Azerbaijan, representing the nation's arduous and esteemed path to freedom independence.

The anti-terror measures implemented in Karabakh constitute a substantial advancement in reinstating Azerbaijan's sovereignty and safeguarding its territorial integrity.

The Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War facilitated Azerbaijan's path to national sovereignty.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev proposed a peace agreement with Armenia to promote lasting peace in the region and mutual recognition of territorial integrity. Nevertheless, Armenia's leadership declined this significant chance, choosing provocation and military escalation instead.

Armenia's provocations in September heightened regional tensions. On September 2, 2023, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated the illegal regime in Karabakh on its so-called "independence day", and the situation worsened with the illegal "presidential election" on September 9.

In retaliation, Azerbaijan initiated stringent counter-terrorism measures on September 19.

During the operation, Azerbaijan's Armed Forces effectively blocked supply routes to Armenian forces, seized strategic positions, and targeted key strongholds of separatist groups. The Azerbaijani Army cleared a significant area in Karabakh and restored its sovereignty in the region, carrying out these measures in accordance with international law, without civilian casualties.

Even though the measures taken on September 19-20 were a step in the right direction for safeguarding Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, they were not backed by a handful of Western nations and international organizations. Countries like France and the United States spoke out against Azerbaijan and supported Armenia.

Azerbaijan remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding its sovereignty, whatever the backlash.
Jaipur, Sep 19 : Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Thursday said that Rajasthan's new tourism (unit policy) will be implemented soon in the state.

Speaking to the media after a meeting held in Tourism Bhawan, she said, "The state tourism policy was discussed in the meeting today. Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy is being finalised and will be implemented in the state soon."

She said that the goal of the government is to make Rajasthan the number one state in tourism.

"There are various opportunities for tourism in Rajasthan. We are working to create a great environment in this segment in Rajasthan to ensure more and more tourists come here," she said.

She added: "Whether tourists come to Rajasthan for weddings or for rural tourism, whether they come for eco-tourism or for wildlife tourism or for sightseeing, we want domestic and foreign tourists coming here to get a great tourism experience. Work is being done to ensure that they get all the necessary and quality facilities, security, and cleanliness here.

"I have also visited Jaipur recently for the conservation of the heritage of the walled city and for tourism development here. We are working in coordination with UDH, the Electricity Department and other departments to develop the best tourism facilities in Jaipur and Rajasthan."

The meeting was chaired by Kumari, in the presence of Secretary Tourism, Art and Culture and Archeology Ravi Jain in which discussions were made regarding the role of the tourism department in the pre-summit to be held on October 8 before the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 to discuss the action plan of the department.

Tourism Commissioner Vijay Pal Singh, Managing Director of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Sushma Arora, Director Archeology Department, Pankaj Dharmendra, Additional Director Tourism, Rakesh Sharma, Additional Director, Anand Tripathi, Joint Director (Investment), Pawan Kumar Jain and other departmental officers were present in the meeting.
Bhopal, Sep 19 : President Droupadi Murmu who was on a visit to the religious city Ujjain on Thursday, offered prayer at Mahakaleshwar temple.

She along with Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav gave 'shram-dan' by cleaning floor a portion of the floor of the temple.

She also took a ride at the newly developed Shri Mahakal Lok corridor. The first phase of the corridor project worth Rs 600 crore was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2022, while the construction for the second phase is underway.

Before arriving at Mahakaleshwar temple, the President laid the foundation stone digitally for the construction of a six-lane Ujjain-Indore road, to be built at a cost of Rs 1,692 crore.

During the event, she also felicitated sanitation workers for their dedication towards cleanliness. Four women were among the five safai mitras (sanitation workers) honoured by the president here on the occasion.

"Madhya Pradesh has set up a benchmark in cleanliness, and I am happy about it. I too had started the journey of my 'jan-seva' with 'shram-dan'. When I was head of the notified area council (of Odisha), I often used to visit one sector to another and I used to enjoy cleanliness drive," the President stated addressing the event.

Later in the evening, she attended the convocation of Devi Ahilya University, one of the renowned educational institutions in the state, which was established in 1964.

Addressing the gathering of students during the convocation, the President said, "The decision of which field or position you will work in in the future should be based on your ability and your interest. If you choose your path on this basis, you will definitely achieve success."

She asserted that Lokmata Ahilyabai understood the importance of education even in the 18th century.

"My father also educated me at a time when educating girls was not common and many people in the society opposed it. My life is a great example of women empowerment," she added.

The President also congratulated the citizens of Indore for making the city the cleanest in the country for the last several years.

"The residents of Indore, who have been ranked first in the cleanliness survey of India for seven consecutive times, have set an extraordinary example in the field of cleanliness. I especially congratulate the administration and all the residents of Indore," the President added.

The President awarded medals to the toppers from different streams during convocation.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Jharkhand unit BJP president Babulal Marandi on Thursday said that the Congress gets agitated when its leader is called out for spreading an "anti-India agenda" but doesn't utter a word when its own leaders use abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which shows the grand old party's hypocrisy.

Babulal Marandi, speaking to IANS, said this while responding to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to PM Modi wherein he raised concerns over barbs and vitriolic language used against the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

He also listed out past incidents of Congress leaders using derogatory and demeaning language against PM Modi and asked why they never acted against their own.

"Rahul Gandhi made anti-India statements abroad. When people speak against these remarks, the Congress feels offended. The Congress chief quickly penned a letter to the Prime Minister. In response, the BJP National President simply reminded him of the derogatory comments made by Congress leaders towards Prime Minister Modi," Marandi pointed out.

Marandi said that Sonia Gandhi made pointed comments at PM Modi, while many Congress leaders compared him to mythological villains, including Duryodhan and Ravana.

He emphasised that Congress' double standards are apparent, and despite that, party workers are on the streets supporting Rahul Gandhi.

"Everyone saw what Rahul Gandhi said on his foreign tour," he said.

He also accused Rahul Gandhi of provoking people during his foreign trips.

"Rahul Gandhi asked a Sikh man his name and then tried to provoke him by saying that the Sikh community doesn't have freedom to wear the Kada or turban in India. Why are you provoking people? India is the only country where you have the freedom to choose your God and practice your religion freely. You won't find this anywhere else in the world," the former Jharkhand CM said.

He said that Rahul Gandhi does not only lack understanding of India's culture and heritage but also shows an utter disregard for it with such baseless remarks.

Reflecting on the Congress' tenure in power, Marandi recalled: "If ever the Sikhs in the country were threatened, it was under Congress rule. The massacre of Sikhs happened during their tenure."

Marandi further alleged that Rahul Gandhi frequently makes anti-India statements abroad while praising the policies of China, "a country where democracy doesn't exist".

"He supports one-party system like in China," Marandi asserted.
Jaipur, Sep 19 : The RAS officer Priyanka Vishnoi who died in hospital was cremated in Phalodi on Thursday amid a huge gathering.

Vishnoi was admitted to the hospital in Jodhpur in September following a stomach ache after which she was advised surgery. Priyanka went through surgery however her condition deteriorated on September 6. Eventually, she was shifted to Ahmedabad where she passed away on September 18.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat among other BJP leaders condoled her death.

The Vishnoi community in Jodhpur staged a massive protest on Thursday after her death alleging that she died due to doctors' negligence in a Jodhpur-based private hospital. The community demanded an FIR against doctors as they claimed her condition worsened after surgery there.

As per her family members, Priyanka was operated upon in Jodhpur after she complained of a stomach ache. Doctors diagnosed a cyst and advised surgery. Her family members have accused doctors of negligence.

On Thursday, the community staged a dharma outside AIIMS demanding FIR against doctors who performed Priyanka's surgery. A team was formed under DCP West Rajshri Verma who spoke to the community members and told them they can lodge a case only when an investigation team submits a report.

Thereafter a consensus was reached and dharna was dissolved. Her family members left with her body to Surpura in Phalodi where her in-laws' house is situated.

Priyanka was an RAS officer from the 2016 batch.

Society representative Ramnivas Vishnoi Budhnagar said: "We want to register an FIR against the negligence of the hospital administration. The police and administration are not registering a case. People of the society have come here (AIIMS Postmortem House) for justice. Four days ago also the collector had formed a committee and ordered an investigation. Today is the fourth day, but neither the investigation report has come nor the family members were told about this report."

Earlier, Priyanka's father-in-law Seiram Vishnoi had written a letter to the collector demanding an investigation. Jodhpur District Collector Gaurav Agarwal has also ordered the Medical College Principal to form a committee and investigate the matter and submit a report in three days.

Principal Dr. Bharti Saraswat said that an investigation committee has been formed which will start to work Thursday.

National President of Vishnoi Samaj Devendra Budia said: "Everything has happened under a conspiracy. It has been exposed. The society will ensure justice for its daughter. I am demanding a CBI investigation. I appeal to the Vishnoi society to struggle till our daughter gets justice. So that no daughter is murdered in future."
New Delhi, Sep 19 : German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann on Thursday met Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, having a "useful exchange on Indian politics and Indo-German relations" with the Senior Congress party leader.

"Great discussion today with the Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Useful exchange on Indian politics and Indo-German relations," Ackermann posted on X after the meeting.

In March 2023, the German Foreign Ministry had commented on the Congress leader being disqualified from the Lok Sabha.

"We have taken note of the first instance judgment against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi, as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. As far as we know, Mr Gandhi has the right to appeal against the judgment. It will then become clear whether this judgment stands and whether the conditions for the suspension of his mandate are even met," said German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Andrea Sasse during a media briefing on March 29, 2023.

"We expect that the standards relating to the independence of the judiciary and basic democratic principles will also apply to the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi," the spokesperson added.

Reacting strongly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson had said: "Not sure what they seem to achieve by such comments. India is not waiting for their views or validation, nor do such comments matter to the functioning of the Indian systems and institutions".

Earlier this year, the German Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi was summoned to the MEA following the German Foreign Ministry's comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"We have taken note of the case. India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards regarding judicial independence and basic democratic principles will also apply in this case. Like every accused person, Mr Kejriwal is entitled to a fair, impartial trial. This includes the right to make use of all existing legal remedies without restriction. The presumption of innocence is a central element of the rule of law and must apply to him," said German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer during a regular media briefing on March 22, 2024.

The MEA had conveyed a strong protest to the German diplomat in New Delhi on their Foreign Office Spokesperson's comments on India's internal affairs.

"We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary. India is a vibrant and robust democracy with rule of law. As in all legal cases in the country, and elsewhere in the democratic world, law will take its own course in the instant matter. Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted," the MEA said in a statement on March 23, 2024.

Last week, during his visit to Germany, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar had highlighted the trade between the two countries which currently stands at USD 33 billion while maintaining that India sees the European Union and Germany as one of the key players in the emerging multipolar world.

"In a globalized existence, instability anywhere has consequences everywhere. It is untenable therefore for major nations to limit their horizons. But to act on that, it is necessary to forge partnerships and understandings. That is best done where there is comfort, where there is confidence and where there is convergence. This is what we are seeking to build between India and Germany, a stronger relationship. And that is why we believe Germany too should take greater interest in the Indo-Pacific, just as we in India seek to do in the Euro-Atlantic," said EAM Jaishankar during his address at the Annual Ambassadors' Conference of German Foreign Office in Berlin on September 10, an event which was also attended by and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Ambassador Ackermann.
Gorakhpur, Sep 19 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday inaugurated a floating restaurant equipped with state-of-the-art facilities at Ramgarh Taal, a scenic location in Gorakhpur.

This comes as yet another step towards the upliftment of the Ramgarh Taal and its surroundings, which has undergone a see-change under Yogi Adityanath's government. Once known for filth, the area has now emerged into a stunning tourist attraction in the state.

After inaugurating the floating restaurant -- named 'Float' -- by pressing a button at the Ramgarh Taal, the Chief Minister also took a round of the jetty and interacted with the staff. He then visited all the floors of the floating restaurant, reviewing the facilities and expressing his satisfaction with the arrangements.

Alok Agarwal, Managing Director of the restaurant, briefed the Chief Minister on the amenities available.

The floating restaurant at Ramgarh Taal offers five-star amenities, and according to the GDA, it is the first of its kind in North India.

Spanning a total area of 9,600 square feet across three floors, the restaurant can accommodate 100 to 150 guests at a time.

Alok Agarwal, Managing Director of the company operating 'Float', mentioned that the restaurant is equipped with an elevator connecting the ground, first, and second floors.

The ground floor features a food court offering a wide selection of delicious pure vegetarian dishes, while the first floor is designed for hosting parties with a musical ambiance.

The second floor is an open rooftop, where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake while savouring their meals.

The restaurant's design ensures that guests have a full view of the beauty of Ramgarh Taal. Constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 10 crore, the floating restaurant meets the standards set by the Indian Registrar of Shipping.

After inaugurating the floating restaurant, Yogi Adityanath said that Gorakhpur, which lagged on the basic development index, is now emerging as a vibrant hub of development, employment, and modern tourism.

"Gorakhpur now boasts four-and six-lane roads, a bustling airport, improved railway connectivity, a revitalised fertiliser factory, and a BRD Medical College that has become a premier medical institution, with AIIMS also now operational," he said.

Notably, in the past seven years, the state government has transformed Ramgarh Taal area, making it a popular destination, often called by the name of 'Marine Drive' of Gorakhpur.
Bengaluru, Sep 19 : Karnataka Congress has released documents alleging a de-notification scam against Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao and Minister for Labour Santhosh Lad held a joint press conference in Bengaluru. They released documents and demanded action and slammed them for targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

Minister for Revenue Gowda after releasing the documents related to the de-notification of 1.11 acres in Bengaluru questioned: "Is it justice to de-notify 1.11 acres of land worth hundreds of crores, which was reserved for Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) to allocate to the poor."

"The Lokayukta is investigating this case. Yeddyurappa filed a petition in the High Court to quash this case. The High Court rejected his petition and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on him. We urge the Lokayukta to immediately complete their investigation and submit the report. Those who have committed wrongdoing must be punished," he demanded.

Giving details of the case, Gowda stated, that in the Bengaluru city area, in 1976, 1.11 acres of land were acquired by BDA in Gangenahalli of Matadahalli area (Survey numbers 7(1C), 7B, and 7C) for developing a layout. The acquisition was completed in 1978.

He noted that in 2007, a person named Dasayya Rajshekarayya, who had no connection to the original owners, submitted a petition to then Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, asking for the land to be de-notified. To this day, no one knows who this Rajashekaraiah person is.

"Kumaraswamy proceeded to take action based on this petition. Kumaraswamy's mother-in-law had taken a GPA (General Power of Attorney) along with 21 legitimate owners of the acquired land. After the coalition government fell, when Yeddyurappa became Chief Minister, he took up this file again," Gowda alleged.

He said that the then Chief Secretary of the government, Jyothi Ramalingam, wrote a note stating that this case was not eligible for de-notification. Ignoring all the instructions of the officials, Yeddyurappa wrote with his hand in 2009 that this land was released from acquisition.

Within a few days of de-notification, this land was registered in the name of Kumaraswamy's close relative. This is a well-planned robbery. A GPA was created from deceased individuals to Kumaraswamy's mother-in-law, and then it was registered to a close relative, Gowda maintained.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, "Even though there are no records to prove that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah encroached on Dalit land, opposition parties are making accusations against him.

"In this case, some anonymous people come and file petitions related to the land, and then Chief Minister Yediyurappa responds to it immediately. Subsequently, all the dealings happen in favour of Kumaraswamy's family, and the property is transferred to his family members."

"Kumaraswamy kept following up on this matter until he lost his position as Chief Minister. Even though his wife, Anita Kumaraswamy's mother, had no connection with this land, a GPA was issued in her name within 20 days. Whether this is true or false, Kumaraswamy must explain," he questioned.

Kumaraswamy's mother-in-law, Vimala, allegedly sold this land to her son Chandrappa. Whether this is true or false, Kumaraswamy must clarify, he asked.

Kumaraswamy and Yeddyurappa must disclose how much share each of them got in this scam. Both of them should provide clear answers regarding this, Minister Rao urged.

Rao noted that even though the High Court imposed a fine of 25,000 rupees on Yeddyurappa and instructed the Lokayukta to continue the investigation in 2021, why is the investigation still not progressing?

Minister for Labour Santosh Lad maintained that, "The accusations we are making are backed by documents. So far, the BJP has not produced any evidence for the accusations they have made."

"Kumaraswamy, the main conspirator in this scam, must resign from his position. Yeddyurappa must answer for his actions. The BJP should take all the documents we are releasing and submit them to the Governor and request him to order a new investigation. The President should intervene and direct the Governor to conduct an inquiry," he demanded.

"Why has the Governor given permission for prosecution only for 14 sites? Why has no action been taken against the officials involved? Why has there been no action taken against those who acquired 125 sites?" Minister Lad questioned.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : Former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has moved the Supreme Court challenging the election of Samajwadi Party's Rambhual Nishad as MP from Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency.

As per the computerised case status, the matter is likely to be heard by the apex court on September 20.

Earlier, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed Maneka Gandhi's election petition being time-barred by Section 81, read with Section 86, of the Representation of People (RP) Act, 1951.

As per Section 81 of the RP Act, an election petition can be filed within 45 days from, but not earlier than the date of election of the returned candidate.

Justice Rajan Roy of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court noted that the returned candidate was elected on June 4 but Maneka Gandhi filed an election petition on July 27.

In its judgment delivered on August 14, the single-judge bench of Justice Roy said: "The election petition has apparently been filed beyond the period of 45 days prescribed in Section 81 of the Act 1951. Section 86 of the Act 1951 provides that the High Court shall dismiss an election petition which does not comply with the provision of Section 81 or Section 82 or Section 117 of the Act 1951."

There is no provision under the RP Act which permits condonation of such delay and extension of the imitation proscribed, the high court said, adding that "under the repealed Section 85, there was a provision for condonation of delay in filing election petition but there is no such provision in the RP Act existing as of now".

In her petition, Maneka Gandhi contended that the Samajwadi Party leader did not disclose four criminal cases pending against him and swore a false affidavit.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested two Bangladeshi smugglers and recovered six heads of cattle from them along the riverine Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in Harishchandrapur, Malda, West Bengal on Thursday.

The BSF jawans, who were part of a boat naka party, narrowly missed serious injury after being attacked by the smugglers with sharp-edged weapons. They had to fire three rounds (two were blanks) to scare away the attackers.

"The incident occurred along the unfenced riverine border. A jawan of the 88 Bn BSF, from the Harishchandrapur Border Outpost, who was part of a boat naka party, spotted 10-12 miscreants crossing the river towards Bangladesh with some heads of cattle," said Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, DIG and spokesperson, South Bengal Frontier, BSF.

He said that on being challenged, the smugglers turned upon the jawan and attacked him with sharp weapons and sticks.

"The jawan, in an effort to defend himself, fired two blank rounds from his Insas rifle. The criminals were undeterred though and continued to attack the jawan. Finally, he was forced to fire a live round at them. The smugglers then fled towards Bangladesh. The boat naka party succeeded in nabbing one of the miscreants and recovering four heads of cattle. After dawn, a search led to the discovery of another smuggler hiding amidst the dense water hyacinth with two buffaloes. He was nabbed and taken to the Harishchandrapur BOP," he said.

The BSF hasn't ruled out the possibility of a criminal being injured in the retaliatory firing by the trooper, who was performing his duty. The smugglers have been identified as Md Sanaur and Inamul, residents of Shitali, a border village under Nitpur police station in the Naugaon district of Bangladesh, he said

He added that during interrogation, they confessed that they were smuggling cattle from India and would have received Rs 20,000 had they succeeded in their effort.

While the smugglers have been handed over to the police by the BSF, the cattle heads will be sent to the Dhyan Foundation after e-tagging.

Pandey commended the efforts by the BSF jawans and said that strict action is being taken to prevent smuggling along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

"Due to this, people involved in such crimes have to face a lot of problems. But, no smuggling activity will be allowed under our area of operations under any circumstances," he said.
Beirut, Sep 19 : Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday called for a "deterrent" and "firm" stance during the ongoing 79th session of the UN General Assembly at ending Israel's "aggression" and "technological war" against Lebanon.

"The Security Council session that will be held tomorrow, at the request of the Lebanese government, is required to come out with a deterrent stance that stops the war of extermination that Israel is waging against Lebanon," Mikati was quoted as saying by a statement released by the Lebanese Council of Ministers.

"The first responsibility lies with the international community, which must deter Israel from its aggression because this matter does not only concern Lebanon but the whole of humanity," said Mikati, Xinhua news agency reported.

The death toll in explosions targeting pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday has risen to 37, whereas the injuries came at 2,931, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said Thursday.

No Israeli officials have claimed responsibility for the explosions, which Hezbollah attributed to Israel.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Acting Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan  Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, who is on a visit to fraternal country at the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Turkiye, Army General Ziya Cemal Kadoglu, held a series of meetings, Trend reports.

Within the visit, Lieutenant General N.Islamzade met with the President of Secretariat of Defense Industries under the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye, Mr. Haluk Gorgun, the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Yasar Guler, and the Commander of the Air Force, Army General Ziya Cemal Kadoglu.

The meetings discussed the current state and development prospects of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye and exchanged a wide range of ideas regarding future joint projects.

During the meetings, the importance of further expansion of cooperation in military, military-technical and military educational fields was emphasized and a other issues of common interest were discussed.
Tehran, Sep 19 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday expressed condolences to the Lebanese people following a series of deadly explosions that Hezbollah has attributed to Israel.

In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said he offered his sympathies to the families of those killed and injured in what he described as a "mass assassination" involving the bombing of communication devices.

He referred to the incidents as "an act of terrorism" that failed to distinguish between civilians and others. Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's support for Lebanon and urged international organizations to take appropriate action.

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said the explosions, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, have claimed 37 lives and left 2,931 injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts, which Hezbollah has blamed on Israel.
Bhopal, Sep 19 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will visit Kolkata on Friday where he will be meeting businessmen from across the country and abroad to discuss investment opportunities in the state.

The proposed visit is part of the Global Business Submit (GIS) is being organised in different cities. Chief Minister had also visited Mumbai and Coimbatore.

The Kolkata GIS, which will be held in JW Marriott Hotel, is expected to host around 350 delegates, including over 60 distinguished guests and consulate representatives from more than eight countries.

Keeping in mind that Kolkata is one of the most prominent industrial centres in the eastern part of the country, with major capabilities in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and steel, the Madhya Pradesh government has invited all leading industrialists based in the city.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister will brief prominent industrialists, investors, and business representatives in Kolkata on the industrial growth, investor-friendly policies, and numerous investment opportunities available in Madhya Pradesh, said an official.

"The primary goal of this event is to highlight investment opportunities between West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh and to strengthen trade relations," the official added.

In addition to these meetings, the Chief Minister will also engage with top industrialists over lunch and dinner to discuss investment opportunities. He will emphasise Madhya Pradeshas investor-friendly industrial policies and robust infrastructure.

According to officials of the industry department, many industries, business institutions, and agricultural products are traded between these two states.

"Products of Madhya Pradesh, such as soybean, wheat, and other agricultural goods, are in demand in West Bengal, while jute, tea, and fish products from West Bengal are popular in Madhya Pradesh," the official added.
The Hague, Sep 19 : The Dutch government's request for an opt-out on the European asylum rules has led to indignant reactions from Dutch opposition parties, but Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Thursday described the request as "professional and responsible."

On behalf of the new Dutch government, Asylum and Migration Minister Marjolein Faber sent the letter to the European Commission on Wednesday.

The Netherlands wants the opt-out in the event of a change to the European Union (EU) treaty. However, this is not currently on the agenda, and the treaty is not expected to be changed in the short-term.

Therefore, Dutch opposition parties have called the letter "symbolic politics," "hopeless" and "amateurish."

The government's mission is "not hopeless at all," Schoof countered during a debate in the parliament on Thursday.

"As long as there is no treaty change, we will stick to the rules," Schoof said. "Because we are a reliable member state of the European Union and we will remain so. We need that."

D66 party leader Rob Jetten said, "It is a one-sided note with no chance of success."

"These are not notes that will be well received in Europe," said Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) leader Henri Bontenbal. "I do not think that it is appropriate to do for a government. It is not professional, it is amateurish."

GreenLeft/Labor Alliance (GroenLinks-PvdA) leader Frans Timmermans pointed out that the note was wrongly addressed, because it is not the European Commission, but the member states that decide on treaty changes.

"The chance that a treaty change will even be discussed has suddenly decreased considerably. Thank you for that," said Timmermans.

Schoof responded by stating that the letter was written "carefully" and "professionally" by the government.

"We are still considering whether to wait for the moment of a treaty change or ask for it ourselves," he added.
Bhopal, Sep 19 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will visit Kolkata on Friday where he will be meeting businessmen from across the country and abroad to discuss investment opportunities in the state.

The proposed visit is part of the Global Business Submit (GBS) is being organised in different cities. Earlier, the Chief Minister had also visited Mumbai and Coimbatore.

The Kolkata GBS, which will be held in JW Marriott Hotel, is expected to host around 350 delegates, including over 60 distinguished guests and consulate representatives from more than eight countries.

Keeping in mind that Kolkata is one of the most prominent industrial centres in the eastern part of the country, with major capabilities in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and steel, the Madhya Pradesh government has invited all leading industrialists based in the city.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister will brief prominent industrialists, investors, and business representatives in Kolkata on the industrial growth, investor-friendly policies, and numerous investment opportunities available in Madhya Pradesh, said an official.

"The primary goal of this event is to highlight investment opportunities between West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh and to strengthen trade relations," the official added.

In addition to these meetings, the Chief Minister will also engage with top industrialists over lunch and dinner to discuss investment opportunities. He will emphasise Madhya Pradeshas investor-friendly industrial policies and robust infrastructure.

According to officials of the industry department, many industries, business institutions, and agricultural products are traded between these two states.

"Products of Madhya Pradesh, such as soybean, wheat, and other agricultural goods, are in demand in West Bengal, while jute, tea, and fish products from West Bengal are popular in Madhya Pradesh," the official added.
London, Sep 19 : Reigning Davis Cup champions Italy are set to face Argentina in the opener of the Final 8 Knockout Stage in Malaga in November while the United States are gearing up for a blockbuster clash against Australia.

The top eight nations have qualified from the Group Finals and will battle it out from November 19 to 24 at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in the coastal city of Malaga, Spain.

The Italian team, which emerged victorious in all three of its Group Finals ties despite being without world number one Jannik Sinner, will look to reinforce its squad for the knockout stages. Sinner, who missed the group phase, could return for Italyas quarterfinal clash against Argentina, adding firepower to a team already brimming with talent.

Argentina secured its spot in the final eight after navigating a tough group that included heavyweights like Great Britain and Canada. The South American nation will have its hands full as it prepares to challenge the defending champions, with two singles matches and a doubles decider determining the outcome of each tie.

Meanwhile, the United States, the most successful team in Davis Cup history with 32 titles, are set to take on Australia, the second most successful nation with 28 crowns. Both teams were missing key players during the Group Finals, but the stakes in Malaga could see a full-strength American lineup go head-to-head with a formidable Australian side.

In the other quarterfinals, host nation Spain will face the Netherlands, and Canada will take on Germany. Spain could count on world number three Carlos Alcaraz, positioning them as strong contenders on their home turf. Should Spain and Italy both advance, a potential final showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz could be on the horizon.
Bengaluru, Sep 19 : Karnataka Police on Thursday suspended the Deputy Superintendent (Dy SP) of Nagamangala Sumeeth A.R. for negligence and dereliction of duty in connection with the rioting and violence during the Ganesh Visarjan procession in Nagamangala town of Mandya district.

The order was issued by Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi and in his place the police department has deputed G.R. Shivamurthy presently working as Dy SP in Mandya CEN police station. The department had shunted out Nagamangala Town police station inspector Ashok Kumar in connection with the incident.

On Thursday evening, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy visited Bidarakoppalu in Nagamangala town and comforted the parents who were worried about their children in the aftermath of the Ganesh idol dispute, offering them reassurance.

He stated that "Peace has been restored in the riot-affected Nagamangala town. Therefore, no arrests should be made," Kumaraswamy stated.

Kumaraswamy also spoke over the phone with IGP M.B. Boralingaiah, saying: "The earlier environment in the town has returned, and peace is being established. Arresting anyone in such a situation might reignite unrest. Hence, it is advised to act with caution and not arrest anyone."

Additionally, efforts are being made to release the innocent individuals who were jailed without committing any crime, he reassured people.

He also emphasised the importance of peace, stating that division benefits no one. He mentioned how he had noticed the women of this village crying in front of the jail in media reports, and this is why he returned to the village.

The Union Minister also provided financial assistance to more than 17 villagers.

Commenting on the FIR filed against opposition leader R. Ashoka and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, Kumaraswamy said, "If you look at the FIR, it becomes clear that the intelligence department has failed. They claim the posts were made to incite riots, but reading the FIR just makes you laugh.

"If the Home Minister had been more cautious, this wouldn't have happened. The peace of the people is more important than politics. The police should not arrest innocent people or harass those who have fled. No one should politically exploit this incident. I am not here to seek sympathy," he said.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 19 : Taking suo motu cognisance of the allegations of police assault on an Army major and his woman friend at Bharatpur Police station in Bhubaneswar on September 15, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Director General of Police, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.

The DGP has been asked to submit the ATR within three days.

"The National Commission for Women takes suo motu cognisance of allegations made by an Army officer and his lady friend regarding their custodial abuse by Odisha Police. A formal letter has been sent to the DGP, requesting an action taken report within 3 days. Urgent disciplinary action is expected," posted NCW on its official 'X' handle on Thursday.

As per the reports, the army officer, attached to the 22 Sikh regiment in Kolkata, and his woman friend had gone to the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar to lodge a complaint against some miscreants over an incident of road rage.

Meanwhile, the police officials asked the army officer to lodge a written complaint but the army officer insisted on the cops apprehending the miscreants first not waiting for the written complaint. This allegedly ensued an argument between the police, the army officer and his friend.

The army officer was allegedly beaten by the on-duty police officials while three lady cops dragged his lady friend into a cell and reportedly thrashed and molested her at the police station.

Bharatpur Police claimed that the army officer and his friend misbehaved and attacked the on-duty women cops during the wee hours on September 15. The Army officer's lady friend also reportedly ransacked computers and other items inside the police station.

The Bharatpur Police later arrested the woman friend by registering a case under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita and forwarded her to the local court while the army officer detained by the police was released after serving of notice under section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Notably, following widespread backlash over the alleged police assault, DGP Khurania on Wednesday suspended five police officials - the Ex-IIC of Bharatpur Police station Dinakrushna Mishra, Sub Inspector Baisalini Panda, two women ASIs Salilamayee Sahoo and Sagarika Rath and the constable/1208 Balaram Hansda of the same Police station on the charges of gross misconduct.

The Odisha Crime Branch also took over the investigation charges into the case as per the directions of the DGP.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : Amid the ongoing protests over the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata last month, the West Bengal government has decided to conduct a security audit of all medical colleges & hospitals in the state.

The state government has appointed former state Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purakayastha to head the endeavour, according to a note given by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant on Thursday to Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam, a copy of which is available with IANS.

"Necessary co-operation in this regard should be extended by all concerned," the note read.

As per the note, adequate availability of on-duty rooms, washrooms, CCTVs, and drinking water facilities should be ensured in the healthcare facilities. Works in this connection must be completed as early as possible.

All medical colleges and hospitals and other health care institutions must be advised to ensure implementation of these measures in consultation with all stakeholders, the note read.

As per the note, it has also been decided that committees, including internal complaints committees, should be made fully functional by the department.

"It should be ensured that an adequate number of police/security personnel along with female police/security personnel is deployed in every healthcare facility in consultation with the state Home Department. It should also be ensured that mobile teams are deployed by local police authorities for surveillance, especially during night hours," the note from the Chief Secretary read.

"It should be ensured that Centralised Helpline No. is implemented for ensuring the safety and security of healthcare personnel. Such Helplines should also be made available in every healthcare facility as early as possible. A panic call button alarm system along with access control systems should be made operational in every healthcare facility as early as possible," it read.

It has also been decided that immediate steps should be taken to fill up vacant posts of doctors, nurses and GDAs technicians, among others. "A robust grievance redressal system should be developed to address promptly the grievances and complaints of all the stakeholders including patient & patient parties," the note read.
New Delhi, Sep 19 : In a groundbreaking scientific development, UK scientists on Thursday announced the development of a novel 5D "everlasting" memory crystal, where tech billionaire Elon Musk suggested storing "all of human knowledge".

The 5D memory crystal is a revolutionary data storage format that can survive for billions of years. Unlike other data storage formats that degrade over time, 5D memory crystals can store up to 360 terabytes of information (in the largest size) without loss for billions of years, even at high temperatures.

"We should write all of human knowledge into these crystals," said Musk in a post on X.

The technology can be utilised to create an enduring record of the genomes of endangered plant and animal species faced with extinction, said the team from the University of Southampton who stored the full human genome on the pioneering device.

The team hoped that the crystal could provide a blueprint to bring humanity back from extinction thousands, millions, or even billions of years into the future. The crystal can withstand the high and low extremes of freezing, fire and temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius.

"The 5D memory crystal opens up possibilities for other researchers to build an everlasting repository of genomic information from which complex organisms like plants and animals might be restored should science in the future allow," said Professor Peter Kazansky at Southampton.

To develop the crystal, the team used ultra-fast lasers to precisely inscribe data into nanostructured voids orientated within silica -- with feature sizes as small as 20 nanometres. The method of encoding uses two optical dimensions and three spatial coordinates to write throughout the material -- hence the a5Da in its name. The longevity of the crystals means they will outlast humans and other species. To test the concept, the team created a 5D memory crystal containing the full human genome. For the approximately three billion letters in the genome, each letter was sequenced 150 times to make sure it was in that position. The crystal is stored in the Memory of Mankind archive a" a special time capsule within a salt cave in Hallstatt, Austria, said the team.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted bail to youth CPI-M leader, who was arrested after an audio clip released by Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh where he was reportedly heard planning an attack on junior doctors protesting the ghastly R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder, to implicate the state government.

Granting the bail plea of Kalatan Dasgupta, who was arrested on September 14, against a personal bond of Rs 500, a single-judge bench of Justice Rajarshi Bhardwaj also ruled that the police will not be able to arrest him in this particular case again without prior permission of the High Court.

Justice Bhardwaj asked the state government to file an affidavit in the matter within the next four weeks. After that, Dasgupta will also be able to file a counter-affidavit in the case within another four weeks from that time.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled on November 18.

Incidentally, in the audio clip released by Kunal Ghosh, one person was referred to as "K", the first letter of the name of Dasgupta. The other person who was referring to himself as "S" was claimed by police to be Sanjiv Das, who was also arrested by the police then. Das, as per claims of the administration, was an ultra-left group activist.

Kunal Ghosh claimed that he sourced this audio clip from his sources from within these organisations. IANS, however, could not cross-check the authenticity of the audio clip. Ghosh, while releasing the audio clip earlier this month also made an appeal to the administration and the police to look into the matter and ensure that outsiders are unable to go to the venue of the protesting junior doctors, which is in front of Swastha Bhavan, the state Health Department headquarters.

Hours after the clip was released, Das and Dasgupta were arrested.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) maintains strong cooperation with Azerbaijan, said Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, Trend reports.

Building on COP28s decision to accelerate nuclear, we now look ahead to COP29 in Baku. As I said at Azerbaijan's IAEAGC event today: a NetZero world needs nuclearurgently. Strong collaboration with Azerbaijan continues as we work toward a sustainable energy future, he wrote on his page on X.

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 Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 19 : The victim lady, in an alleged assault on an army officer and his lady friend at a police station in Bhubaneswar, on Thursday, narrated the ordeal she was subjected to at the Bharatpur police station on September 15.

She has brought serious physical and sexual harassment charges against the police officials including the then IIC of Bharatpur police station.

Notably, the woman victim who was arrested by the Bharatpur police on September 15 for allegedly misbehaving with police, fetched bail from the Orissa High Court on Wednesday.

The victim who reached AIIMS, Bhubaneswar on Thursday evening for treatment told media persons: "When I was going home after closing my restaurant at 1 am in the night on September 15, some miscreants in a vehicle waylaid us and tried to fight with us. After somehow escaping from them, we went to Bharatpur police station to file an FIR regarding the incident."

She narrated that one lady constable wearing a nightie was sitting alone at the reception desk of the police station.

"I requested her multiple times to lodge my FIR as they (the hooligans) could again follow us. So, I wanted her to accept my FIR or send the patrol team. She did not help me, instead hurled abuses at me. When I told her that I am a lawyer and it's her duty to lodge the FIR, she got further angry with me," added the lady friend of the Army officer.

She stated that a little while later, some lady and male officers reached the police station. Though they gave the army officer the opportunity to file the complaint, all of a sudden they threw him into custody.

"I again requested that they can't put an army officer in custody which is unlawful. Then two female officers started beating me by pulling my hair. I pleaded with them to stop but they didn't stop and dragged me through the police station's corridor. I was trying my best to resist when a lady constable came there and held me by the neck. Then to escape from her clutches I bit her hand. Later, they tied my hands with my jacket and the legs with the scarf of a lady officer. One male officer, who after a few minutes, started kicking on my chest after pulling off my innerwear," added the victim lady.

She also accused the then IIC of Bharatpur police station of misbehaving with her by showing obscene gestures.

"I thank Orissa High Court, the Army authorities, media and AIIMS, Bhubaneswar for their support for which I am free now. I was wrongfully thrown into jail," claimed the woman friend of the army officer.

On the other hand, following the directions of the DGP Y.B. Khurania, the Chandaka Police station sleuths on Thursday initiated a probe in connection with allegations of road rage and harassment of the Army officer and his friend by some hooligans while they were on their way home on September 15 night.

A case has been registered at the Chandaka Police Station in Bhubaneswar against unknown miscreants in this regard.

Bharatpur Police claimed that the army officer, attached to the 22 Sikh regiment in Kolkata, and his lady friend attacked the on-duty women cops and misbehaved with them during the wee hours on September 15.

The Army officer's lady friend also reportedly ransacked the computers and other articles inside the police station.

Notably, following widespread backlash over the alleged police assault, DGP Khurania on Wednesday suspended five police officials on the charges of gross misconduct.

The Odisha Crime Branch also took over the investigation into the case as per the directions of the DGP.
Agartala, Sep 19 : Nearly a week after an Indian national was reportedly abducted while he was visiting relatives in Bangladesh with a valid passport and documents, the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) on Thursday informed that he would be handed over to the Indian authorities soon.

A BSF spokesman said that during a company commander-level flag meeting in southern Tripura on Thursday, the BGB officials told the BSF officials that the Indian national was now under the custody of Bangladesh Police at Chattogram and he would be handed over to BSF after completion of all required formalities.

The spokesman said that on Thursday, one Swapna Mog informed the BSF officials that her husband Challa Fur Mog, a resident of Mogpara in South Tripura district, was abducted by miscreants in Bangladesh.

Quoting the lady, BSF said that Challa Fur Mog went to Bangladesh on September 13 with a valid passport and visa to visit his relatives and while he was returning he was allegedly abducted by a group of Bangladeshi miscreants who demanded Rs one lakh as ransom for release.

BSF approached the BGB and then the flag meeting was held between BOP Belonia and BGB BOP Majumdarhat.

During the meeting, the BSF company Commander protested and conveyed serious concern about the abduction of the Indian National in Bangladesh.

BGB company Commander intimated that one miscreant involved in the abduction has been arrested by Bangladesh Police and a search is on for apprehending the absconding miscreants.

Swapna Mog expressed her gratitude for the initiative taken by BSF.

Lakhs of people in the two countries live just along the 856 km India-Bangladesh border with Tripura and they have close relatives and friends in either country.
Gurugram, Sep 19 : Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who visited Gurugram on Thursday evening in support of BJP candidate Mukesh Sharma, said that Congress is an expert in misleading people by making big promises.

During a public meeting with traders of the Gurgaon Sadar Bazar market association, he appealed to vote for Mukesh Sharma for the development and progress of the Gurgaon constituency.

Goyal said that the BJP will form government in Haryana for the third time and also attacked Congress. He also described BJP's Sankalp Patra as fulfilling the aspirations of every Haryanvi.

The Union Minister said that the Congress party confuses people with lies and fraud. People made Congress win in Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and today they are suffering because of Congress.

"Congress' guarantee is a bundle of lies which is never going to be fulfilled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes promises; he fulfils them with a guarantee. 80 crore people of the country are getting free ration. Through Ayushman and Chirayu cards, poor people are getting treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. PM Modi has also guaranteed treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for the elderly above 70 years of age," he said.

Goyal said that the BJP has benefited every section in its Sankalp Patra. There is a guarantee of giving Rs 2100 per month to women. Gas cylinder for Rs 500, the promise of giving jobs to 50 thousand youth of Haryana by building new cities.

He surrounded the Congress and said that Congress gathered votes by luring Rs 8500 in the Lok Sabha elections. Voters were misled by saying that the Constitution and reservation were a threat to the BJP.

The Union Minister said that the BJP government gave jobs to the youth without any corruption and expenses in 10 years. Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini has guaranteed to buy all the crops of the farmers on MSP.

Challenging the Congress, Piyush Goyal said that if Congress has the guts, then it should show by buying the crops of farmers in Himachal and Telangana on MSP.

Goyal said that to provide better facilities, better infrastructure and a better road network in Gurugram, work should be done to ensure the victory of the BJP candidate and send him to the Assembly.
Kolkata, Sep 19 : West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF), the umbrella body spearheading the protest demonstrations against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata last month, has decided to join back duty but only in the General Emergency Departments in different medical colleges & hospitals from Saturday.

WBJDF has also announced that they will be participating in the medical camps to be opened by the state government amid the looming health crisis in the wake of the post-flood situation in the state.

"However, barring the General Emergency Department and medical camps we will not be rejoining duty in any other department," confirmed a protesting junior doctor.

WBJDF representative Dr Aniket Mahato also informed the media persons that their sit-in protests in front of Swastha Bhavan, the state health department headquarters at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata will be lifted on Friday afternoon.

He said that on Friday afternoon, WBJDF will be organising a rally from Swastha Bhavan, to the CBI office at the CGO complex also in Salt Lake, demanding the central agency promptly complete its ongoing investigation in the rape and murder case.

"We will demand from the CBI that they ensure justice for the victim at the earliest by pinpointing the culprits," Mahato said.

However, the protesting junior doctors made it clear that the partial calling off of the cease-work might be temporary and it would be resumed if their demands which the state government has claimed to have accepted are not fulfilled on paper.

The decision comes in the wake of a note issued from the office of Chief Secretary Manoj Pant announcing that a security audit will be conducted at all medical colleges & hospitals in the state.

In the note, it was also claimed that police and security personnel along with female personnel will be deployed in every healthcare facility in consultation with the state home department.

It has also been decided that immediate steps should be taken to fill up vacant posts of doctors, nurses and GDAs technicians, among others.

"A robust grievance redressal system should be developed to address promptly the grievances and complaints of all the stakeholders including patient & patient parties," the note read.
New Delhi, Sep 20 : The fifth round of the meeting on Thursday of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted to discuss the Waqf Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024, witnessed a charged-up debate between the BJP parliamentarians and the Opposition MPs.

At one point, even JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal got engaged in a heated exchange of words with the parliamentarians of the Opposition camp.

The meeting concluded with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) submitting its views on the proposed amendments, while opposing the Bill.

The AIMPLB presented a 200-page report in which it included the Board's points highlighting key points for opposing the Bill.

The AIMPLB particularly opposed the proposals on 'Waqf By User' and rights to be given to DM over matters related to the Waqf Board.

Speaking at the meeting, an AIMPLB representative said: "We reject all the amendments."

The AIMPLB also described the Bill as "anti-Islam and anti-Muslims". Its views on the matter were presented during the meeting by Board president Maulana Saifullah Rahmani, Qasim Rasool Ilyas and Advocate Samshad, among five others.

Among all, Shamshad spoke at length on the subject, underlining the reasons behind the AIMPLB's reasons behind opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Meanwhile, Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz extended its support to the proposed amendments to the Bill.

Describing the Bill as "beneficial for 85 per cent Muslims", it also demanded including the Dalits and Adivasis of the Muslim community under its ambit.

However, there were frequent interruptions by the Opposition MPs while Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz was speaking during the JPC meeting in support of the Bill.

This led to heated arguments between the MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition MPs.

Slamming the stance of the Opposition MPs, the BJP Parliamentarians expressed their anger and disappointment, accusing the opposition MPs of being silent if any Muslim organisation criticises the Bill and "creating a commotion" when the proposed amendments are backed by any Muslim body.

Patna-based Chanakya Law University Vice Chancellor and Muslim intellectual Prof. Faizan Mustafa also presented his views on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during the fifth round of the JPC meeting on Thursday.

He termed the proposal to give authority to the DMs on matters related to Waqf "incorrect". Besides, he also opposed other provisions proposed in the Bill.

Mustafa urged the government to proceed with the Bill "on the basis of everyone's nod".

During the meeting, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi wondered why Home Minister Amit Shah had been talking about the Bill even as it had been referred to the JPC for discussion.

The Opposition MPs even claimed that "the JPC is being put under pressure" over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

All these views and counter-views led to a heated exchange of words during the meeting.

In the course of the meeting, a BJP MP also spoke on the subject of documentation of Waqf properties, which led to another round of heated arguments in which even JPC Chairperson Jagdambika Pal was involved.
New Delhi, Sep 20 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has accused the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance of sharing the "same agenda" as that of Pakistan.

Union Minister Chouhan was reacting to Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's statement in which he reportedly stated that the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-NC alliance are aligned on the matter of restoring Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The statement by the Pakistani Defence Minister proves that Pakistan, Congress, and the National Conference share the same intentions and agenda. That's why Rahul Gandhi continues to make anti-national remarks, demands evidence of surgical strikes and airstrikes, (and) makes objectionable comments about the army. Other Congress leaders also make similar statements. It is very unfortunate that Rahul's Congress stands with Pakistan today...," Union Minister Chouhan said on Thursday.

He further said that Pakistan, Congress and the NC must realise that neither Article 370 will be restored, nor terrorism will flourish in J&K. "Their intentions would be never fulfilled," the Union Minister said, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi will never allow such a thing to happen.

Union Minister Chouhan, who is also the BJP's election in charge for Jharkhand, slammed the Congress-JMM alliance in the state over the "declining" population of tribals in Santhal Pargana.

He claimed that the two parties are engaged in appeasement, making it "impossible" for people to live in peace. The Union Minister said that the BJP would apprise the public of what the Jharkhand government is doing.

"Hemant Soren has opposed 'One Country One Election'; election work goes on throughout the year in the country, hampering the development work," he said, adding that the people of Jharkhand have made up their mind to "overthrow the government".

According to Union Minister Chouhan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will join the BJP's ongoing 'Parivartan Yatra' in the state on September 21.
Jerusalem/Beirut, Sep 20 : The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has sharply escalated, with both sides exchanging deadly attacks and vowing further retaliation, heightening fears of a wider regional war.

In a televised speech on Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned recent explosions targeting communication devices across Lebanon, calling them "an act of war" and squarely blaming Israel. He vowed that Hezbollah would "grow stronger and more capable of facing any dangers," although he did not specify when or where retaliatory actions would occur. Notably, Israeli jets broke the sound barrier during Nasrallah's address, Xinhua news agency reported.

Following Nasrallah's speech, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated in a video message from the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv that Israel's military operations in Lebanon would continue. He emphasised that in this new phase of the conflict, "there are significant opportunities but also substantial risks," adding that "Hezbollah feels under pressure and persecuted."

According to Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad, the explosions of pagers and handheld radios on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in 37 fatalities and left 2,931 individuals injured. Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility for these attacks.

Also on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah launched drone and missile strikes into northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and severe injuries to another. Nael Fwarsy, a 43-year-old company commander, was killed in a drone attack near Ya'ara in Upper Galilee, while 20-year-old soldier Tomer Keren died from an anti-tank missile strike near the border.

In retaliation, the IDF quickly launched artillery fire and a series of airstrikes targeting alleged Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The IDF announced that plans for "the continuation of the war" against Hezbollah had been approved, with military chief Herzi Halevi finalizing strategies for the "northern arena."

A senior Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told state broadcaster Kan TV that "a military action in the northern arena now seems unavoidable" after nearly a year of border skirmishes.

Lebanese military sources, also speaking anonymously, told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes conducted about 15 air raids within 30 minutes, striking areas along the border region. The planes fired approximately 30 air-to-ground missiles at Hezbollah sites, affecting over 20 border towns and villages, including Kafr Kila, Khiam, and Mays al-Jabal.

In response, the IDF reported that it had struck about 30 ready-to-use rocket launchers and infrastructure sites belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

As tensions escalated, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the UN Security Council on Thursday to take a "deterrent" and "firm" stance against Israel's "aggression" and "technological war" against Lebanon.

In a phone call with Mikati, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Lebanon, condemned the communication device explosions, and called for restraint from all parties to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently visiting France after Egypt, urged against "escalatory actions by any party" in the Middle East.

The latest flare-up follows ongoing clashes that began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah started launching rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting Israel's retaliatory artillery fire and airstrikes into southeastern Lebanon. The conflict has already caused heavy casualties and displaced tens of thousands on both sides.
Uniondale, Sep 20 : Final preparations are afoot to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a diaspora rally on Sunday when more than 16,000 people will gather at the Nassau Coliseum here.

The programme is sandwiched between his participation in the Quad summit convened by US President Joe Biden in Delaware on Saturday and his address to the United Nations 'Summit of the Future' on Monday.

The organisers were overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to attend the event billed as "Modi and US, Progress Together", according to Avinash Gupta, the President of the tri-state chapter of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

More than 25,000 applications were received for the event and the organisers had to winnow it down to about 16,000 to fit the venue, he said.

A cultural programme will be held before Prime Minister Modias speech.

Gupta said that 159 applications were received for participating in the cultural programme and 15 were selected.

Priority was given to childrenas performances and these will reflect the diversity of Indiaas culture, he said.

Because the event is taking place only 44 days before the US election, there wonat be any politicians on the stage, though some may come as audience participants, he said.

Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Fumio Kishida of Japan will represent their countries at the summit of the four-member group formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.

The Summit of the Future aims to bring world leaders to map the UNas agenda ato meet our existing international commitments and take concrete steps to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities", according to the organisation.

While in New York, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold meetings with world leaders who will be attending the summit, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Former President Donald Trump, who is the Republican Party presidential candidate, said that he will be meeting Prime Minister Modi.

He held a rally on Wednesday at the Nassau Coliseum where Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to speak on Sunday.
We continually search for unique barleys that widen our single malt palate. Our newest releases reflect once again the diversity of possibilities we have turned into a mission to find and bring to our fans. Post this

This commitment to quality and sustainability has led to highly well-regarded American single malts distilled from barleys rarely, if ever, used by other whiskey makers. This continued exploration of off-the-beaten-path grain crops is why Bird Creek is adding two new barleys to the award-winning Baronesse and Full Pint offerings already on the market.

"We are continually searching for unique barleys that widen our single malt palate," says Mark. "Our newest releases reflect once again the diversity of possibilities we have turned into a mission to find and bring to our fans."

Francin, originally from the Czech Republic, grows near La Grande, just west of Oregon's majestic Wallowa mountain range. The fertile soils of Trico Farms, tended by farmer Austin Arnoldus and his father, yield this two-row malting barley, which is becoming a favorite in the American malting industry. Few use it for whiskey, however.

This grain brings notes of toast, dried hay, and fruity sweetness to the whiskey it makes.

Purple Egyptian, by contrast, is farmed in Endicott, Washington, by Don Scheuerman of Palouse Heritage, a grower specializing in heritage and ancient grains. This six-row malted barley originated in the Middle East, made its way to the Caspian Sea, and now grows along the Palouse River.

During Purple Egyptian's growing season, it grows in waves of deep green with faint purple hues. Before harvest, the stems shift to gold, and the bran turns a beautiful deep purple color. It bestows onto the whiskey notes of brown bread, dulce de leche, and strawberry.

"Francin and Purple Egyptian each have unique stories and taste profiles," noted Mark. "I'm excited for the future of these amazing single varieties and what they bring to the overall Bird Creek Whiskey lineup."

Bird Creek Francin will debut at the Oregon Whiskey Festival in Bend, Oregon, on September 20th and 21st. 750 ml versions of Single Cask (46% ABV/92 Proof) and Cask Strength (55% ABV/110 Proof) will be priced at $94 and $124, respectively.

As for Bird Creek Purple Egyptian, it will drop at Distillers Fest West in Portland, Oregon, on October 11th. 375 ml offerings of Single Cask (46% ABV/92 Proof) and Cask Strength (57% ABV/114 Proof) will be priced at $78 and $103, respectively.

Due to the extremely rare nature of these over three-year-old American single malts, this first-year release will only be available for sale at the festivals they debut at and in Bird Creek Whiskey's tasting room in Portland, Oregon.

ABOUT BIRD CREEK WHISKEY

Bird Creek Whiskey, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, pays homage to its Pacific Northwest roots through the American single malt whiskeys it produces. It uses rare barley types sourced via direct relationships with the farmers that grow them. Started out of a thirst for adventure, the brand's embrace of this part of the world's unique outdoor setting has led to an ethos encompassing multiple ties to the land around it. Bird Creek whiskeys are meant to be enjoyed in times of celebration and contemplation with friends, always responsibly.

Media Contact

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti, Bird Creek Whiskey, 1 9714151801, [email protected], https://birdcreekwhiskey.com/

SOURCE Bird Creek Whiskey
"Achieving university status is a testament to the strength of our broad academic offerings and excellent outcomes, and a positive reflection of our warm, supportive learning environment where students can reach their full potential," said Marc Jerome, President of Monroe University. Post this

"Today's announcement is more than 90 years in the making," said Marc Jerome, President of Monroe University. "Achieving university status is a testament to the strength of our broad academic offerings and excellent outcomes, and a positive reflection of our warm, supportive learning environment where students can reach their full potential."

The history of Monroe University begins in 1933, when teacher Mildred King established the Monroe Secretarial School in the West Farms section of the Bronx. The institution consisted of just four small classrooms with seven students. In 1963, the institution's name was changed to Monroe Business Institute as offerings expanded. In 1972, Monroe became a junior college after the New York State Board of Regents authorized it to grant associate degrees. It became Monroe College following initial accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in July 1990. In 2007, the University established a campus on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia in response to growing enrollment from the region.

Today, the institution is recognized for its impact as a leader in educating first-generation students and others who have been traditionally under-represented and underserved across college campuses nationwide. Monroe, distinguished by the strong diversity of its faculty and staff, is consistently ranked among New York's leading institutions for graduating Black and Hispanic students and has been recognized for its strong impact on graduates' social mobility.

As Monroe University, the institution will continue to build on its strong student outcomes and will invest in their futures through the innovative programs it offers to improve higher education access and affordability. Through the University's signature Presidential Partnership Program started in 2016, for example, thousands of local students from area high schools have been afforded the opportunity to earn a private college education at Monroe with the majority graduating with little to no student debt. That program will be expanded this year to offer the same opportunity to the parents and guardians of students at those high schools.

In celebration of today's announcement, President Jerome also announced a new scholarship program to help working adults across New York further their education and advance their credentials for workplace success. It will first roll out in the Bronx and will be called the Building a Better Bronx Program. Local public service organizations and leaders may recommend constituents for consideration for a full or partial scholarship, depending on family income. The program aims to help eligible people in the community who aspire to continue their education but lack the means to pursue their dreams.

Monroe University is proud of its stability of leadership that has served the institution well, providing a consistent vision; a warm, personal campus culture; and high standards for academic and professional excellence across the institution.

"For more than 90 years, Monroe has been a beacon in our local communities, providing deserving students the opportunity to earn the education needed to pursue their personal goals and career aspirations," said Stephen Jerome, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President Emeritus of the University. "Achieving university status is a remarkable accomplishment. As we move forward as Monroe University, we will continue to make a difference in the communities we serve."

Among those congratulating Monroe on its new university status:

Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough President:

"We are excited to celebrate a monumental step forward for our community as Monroe College transforms into Monroe University. This transformation is not just a name change; it represents a profound commitment to expanding educational opportunities for first-generation students and those who have been historically under-represented. Our higher education institutions are essential to our borough's success, and by broadening Monroe University's curriculum, we are increasing access and opportunities for current and prospective students. Congratulations to Monroe University for leading the way in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all and its commitment to our students' academic success."

Carl Heastie, Speaker of the New York State Assembly:

"I'm honored to congratulate Monroe on its hard-fought effort to receive university status. Monroe has always been focused on leading our young people towards a brighter future, but this announcement highlights their commitment to providing students all of the tools and opportunities they need to thrive far beyond the classroom."

Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia:

"On behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia, I warmly congratulate President Marc Jerome and the students, alumni, faculty, and staff of Monroe University on this monumental occasion. It is a proud day of celebration for Monroe and for Saint Lucia. Monroe has been an important part of the educational community here since 2007. We have seen first hand the wonderful impact they have on helping students get ahead with their education and careers. We wish the Monroe team continued success and look forward to our continued partnership with Monroe University."

Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Mayor of the City of New Rochelle:

"Monroe has been an anchor of our downtown community for more than 40 years and we proudly celebrate its historic elevation to Monroe University. It is a remarkable achievement befitting this remarkable institution. The local community has watched Monroe grow from a single building on Main Street to a thriving campus that today brings students to New Rochelle from all around the world thanks to its reputation for educational excellence, affordability, and student-focused culture. Congratulations, Monroe University!"

New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee:

"As a proud representative of the Bronx, I am thrilled to congratulate Monroe University on this historic achievement. For over 90 years, Monroe has been a pillar of our community, providing first-generation and underrepresented students with life-changing educational opportunities. Achieving university status is a reflection of Monroe's dedication to academic growth, student success, and expanding access to higher education. I look forward to seeing how Monroe University will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, and to continuing our strong partnership in the future, as Monroe has been a dedicated partner in our efforts to host vital community events in the Bronx, helping to enrich the lives of our neighbors."

Pierina Ana Sanchez, New York City Council Member:

"As a proud representative of the Northwest Bronx, I am thrilled to see Monroe College reach new heights as Monroe University. This accreditation is a testament to the institution's unwavering commitment to student success and community empowerment. Congratulations, and thank you for your tireless work in shaping the future of our community and creating outstanding professionals who will continue to make a difference."

The first Commencement under the Monroe University name will take place for the Saint Lucia campus this October.

"The future of Monroe University is bright indeed and I look forward to this next chapter as we continue to build on our legacy of academic excellence," said President Jerome.

ABOUT MONROE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1933, Monroe University is a recognized leader in urban and international education. The University is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, especially among first-generation students, and for the national recognition it receives for its strong impact on graduates' social mobility.

Programs are offered through Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business and Accounting, Criminal and Social Justice, Education, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Nursing, as well as through its King Graduate School. Liberal arts and continuing education programs are also available. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroeu.edu.

Media Contact

Jacqueline Ruegger, Monroe University, 914-740-6455, [email protected], www.monroeu.edu

SOURCE Monroe University
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 20. September 20 is marked in Azerbaijan as the Day of the Cities of Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavand, and Aghdere, Trend reports.

On September 18, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree amending the earlier order on establishing official City Days for the territories liberated from the Armenian occupation.

On September 19, 2023, in response to provocations and terrorist attacks by Armenian armed forces, the Azerbaijani Army implemented local anti-terrorist measures, forcing the separatists to surrender in less than 24 hours.

As a result, the Azerbaijani Army ensured the full implementation of the provisions of the trilateral statement, prevented large-scale provocations in Karabakh, disarmed and removed Armenian armed forces from its lands, and neutralized their military infrastructure. This effort also guaranteed the safety of returning civilians, reconstruction workers, and Azerbaijani servicemen, all while restoring the constitutional order of the country.

Following these events, on September 28, Armenian separatists in Karabakh declared their dissolution.

On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev raised the Azerbaijani national flag in the cities of Aghdere, Khojavand, and Khojaly, in the town of Asgaran, at the Sarsang Reservoir, and in the city of Khankendi.
Booksellers from across the state got together in Pasadena for the California Independent Booksellers Alliances Fall Fest 2024, which took place September 1718. Of the 177 bookseller members in attendance, 83 were first-timers and the trade show included programming for both seasoned booksellers and newcomers.

At a September 16 welcome reception at Vromans Bookstore and its wine bar, booksellers heard a conversation between City Lights Booksellers principal buyer Paul Yamazaki (Reading the Room) and Bookshop Santa Cruz head book buyer and CALIBA board president Melinda Powers. Official trade show business took place September 1718, with booksellers meeting exhibitors, filling tote bags with ARCs, and attending education sessions on publisher co-op, inventory management, marketing, and alternative business models.

Attendance was down slightly from 2023s Fall Fest in South San Francisco, possibly due to the location, said CALIBA executive director Hannah Walcher. CALIBA is the result of the 2020 merging of the Northern and Southern California Independent Booksellers Associations, and the now-statewide organization is figuring out how to hold meetings in places accessible to members throughout the vast territory.

Walcher took over as CALIBA head earlier this year, succeeding coexecutive directors Kristin Rasmussen and Ann Seaton. This is still a new and very exciting time for CALIBA, Walcher said. We are at 280 stores and growing. She reminded members of the influence we could have in Sacramento, the state capital, by working as a unified group of indie businesses. It feels like a moment where we are creating real and lasting relationships with each other, agreed Powers. There is so much potential for CALIBA to build social and professional bonds among booksellers, so that when challenges arise, members can consult with peers and follow successful examples.

American Booksellers Association leaders were in attendance too, including former Vromans CEO Alison Hill, who became CEO of the ABA in the fateful month of March 2020. Its my first time back to my old stomping grounds, Hill said, referencing the pandemic. Anything happen while I was gone?

Hill reminded CALIBA members that Winter Institute registration opens September 19 and said she expects a quick sell out. She urged CALIBA to follow ABAs efforts to intervene in monopolistic practices; ABAs upcoming September 2426 fly-in to Washington, D.C., with almost 50 booksellers traveling in support of the Credit Card Competition Act; and local school board elections that could install bad actors who threaten the freedom to read. In addition, Hill said ABA CFO P.K. Sindwanis ABACUS report would be released in the coming weeks, contextualizing the disappointing news that we have decreased net profit over the past year as an industry.

Reps and authors introduce titles

CALIBA featured 46 exhibitors and 110 staffers. Nine sales representatives and publishers visited Whimsy, an events venue in Old Town Pasadena, to lead CALIBAs annual rep picks bingo game. At the next mornings rep picks breakfast, 18 more sales representatives offered their views on titles and topics. Toi Crockett of Simon & Schuster suggested a hybrid category, romystery, could be developing in YA. Wade Lucas of Penguin Random House touted the PRH Audio app and hinted that PRH might experiment with early audiobooks as a supplement to print and digital ARCs, drawing sounds of approval from the crowd.

PWs 2023 rep of the year, university press representative Patricia Nelson, bid a bittersweet farewell to her longtime account, Yale University Press, whose distribution is moving to W.W. Norton. I want to thank you for all those wonderful seasons, Nelson said to book buyers and to her client.

Ingram Publishing Services Leslie Jobson's book choice was a fresh edition of Robert Franks 1959 The Americans (Aperture), which is being republished to coincide with a Frank exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. The classic photography book has long been beloved of antiquarians and collectors, and has gone in and out of stock. At PGW, Andrea Tetrick highlighted a paperback edition of Samantha Harveys Orbital, longlisted for the Booker Prize, and Obi Kaufmans compact, illustrated The State of Fire: Why California Burns (Heyday).

In addition to rep picks, 31 authors talked about their books in various sessions and five more visited booths on the show floor. Breakfast keynote speaker Nnedi Okorafor spoke about her forthcoming novel, Death of the Author (William Morrow, Jan.), with Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Creating Conversations (Redondo Beach). Yturralde noted that Pasadena, Octavia Butlers hometown, was an appropriate place to talk with Okorafor, a speculative author whos written for Marvel and who also has a forthcoming graphic novel, The Space Cat (First Second, 2025), illustrated by Tana Ford.

Okorafor explained that Death of the Author is a braided narrative that weaves a near-future story about a novelist with chapters from that novelists posthuman robot fable, called Rusted Robots. Morrows production team created two matching covers, one for each fictional component.

Nine more authors sat with booksellers at lunch and, one by one, went onstage to talk about their latest titles. These included Ada Calhoun (Crush, Viking, Feb. 2025); TV executive Nayantara Roy (The Magnificent Ruins, Algonquin, Nov.); and wildland firefighter Jordan Thomas (When It All Burns, Riverhead, May 2025); and Instagram sensation Christine Mari, whose graphic memoir Halfway There (Little, Brown Ink, Oct.) recalls her experience visiting Japan as a Japanese American college student.

In addition, booksellers got an early peek at new titles in horror, YA romance, and childrens books from Matt de la Pena (Home, illustrated by Loren Long, Putnam, March 2025); Pam Munoz Ryan (El Nino, illustrated by Joe Cepeda, Scholastic Press, May); Patrick Ness (Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody, illustrated by Tim Miller, Walker Books US, out now); and David Shannon (Thats Not Funny, David!, Orchard, March 2025).

Fall Fest 2025 will be held in South San Francisco.
If history is our greatest teacher, Americans should pay close attention to the lessons learned from the McCarthy era. During that shameful period, books were banned, writers and educators were targeted and blacklisted, and literature from (and membership in) specific communities and organizations was suppressed. Eventually, the Second Red Scare came to an end. Yet some 70 years later, here we are again.

In 2024, book banning is surgingand perhaps more alarming, resisting censorship has become dangerous. Advocating for our First Amendment rights can lead to being labeled a pedophile, and many librarians have lost their jobs or quit under duress. It is no exaggeration to say that the future of our nations libraries hangs in the balance. I write this having seen this threat play out firsthand in my own community.

My hometown of Llano, Tex.with a population about 3,000has become an epicenter in the fight against book banning. A moral panic manufactured by a handful of citizens seeking the removal of a couple of childrens books has devolved into the censorship and unilateral removal of 17 books from our library shelves and calls to remove hundreds more, as well as the cancellation of access to our OverDrive e-books. Llano Countys commissioners even went so far as to dissolve our existing library board and appoint a new slate with members supportive of its book-banning efforts. Suzette Baker, head librarian of our Kingsland branch, was fired.

Along with a coalition of library-loving patrons, I fought back. We wrote letters, spoke at meetings, and made phone callsall to no avail. With no other options, in April 2022 I joined with six other concerned citizens to file a lawsuit over the librarys actions. For me, this was a matter of principle. Censorship is wrong, and it must be opposed.

But this fight is also deeply personal. My family and I love our library. Years earlier, I had discovered Maurice Sendaks book In the Night Kitchen on a banned books display, and it quickly became a family favorite. We checked it out often, and sometimes wed pull it off the shelf at the library and read it on the floor. And then, in 2021, just like that, it was gone from the library shelfcensored because the book has illustrations of an unclothed little boy.

When I first read that book to my children, they would see these pictures and say, Ha, look mom, hes nekkid! (Thats Texan for naked, natch.) Then we would turn the page, and life would go on. It should go without saying that this 1971 Caldecott Honor book is not harmful, and it is certainly not pornographic. And yet it was censored in response to a county judges order to pull any and all books that depict any type of sexual activity or questionable nudity.

My children are growing older every day and will soon have the autonomy to take principled moral positions of their own. How can I ever expect them to stand up and oppose wrongdoing if I dont do the same?

Last March, a federal judge ordered several books returned to library shelves. A three-judge panel at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this ruling in June of this year, but that decision was swiftly vacated, and well be back in court for a hearing in front of the Fifth Circuit later this month in New Orleans.

 This surge in book banning will end only when we collectively demonstrate that book banning will not win elections, cannot win in court, and that attacking librarians and educators is broadly unacceptable. 

Meanwhile, despite the judges order to return several of the banned books to the shelves and the catalog, my once-beloved public library is a shell of its former self. I wouldnt wish on anyone what has happened in my hometown. My childrens former librarian now works as a barista at a local coffee shop, despite her dedication and love for public libraries, and the fact that, as she has said, our library saved her life when she was a teen. Suzette Baker should still be serving the community as a librarian. Instead, she is suing the county for wrongful termination and working as a cashier.

Through it all, Ive learned some important lessons about this current wave of censorship.

For one, we cannot appease book banners in hopes that they will stop harassing librarians and teachers, or bombarding elected and appointed officials with lists of offensive books. They wont. What began in Llano with demands to censor childrens books about farts and butts escalated to calls to remove hundreds of books from our school and public libraries, a moratorium on public library book purchases for nearly three years, and a narrowly averted threat to close our county libraries altogether.

Neither can we just ignore these book banners. Their movement is highly organized and well funded. They show up to meetings. They are engaged with our legislators. And they are not afraid to use fear tactics.

Nor can we work around them. Our library leaders went so far as to create a sort of secret in-house checkout system. For nearly three years, we have added no new books to our librarys catalog, but there have been new titles donated by well-meaning community members, which can be checked out only if one knows how to request them. What have county leaders taken away from this move? That they dont need to pay for book purchases, or curate a collection, or follow the guiding principles of librarianship.

Our community today remains bitterly divided. Many people who support the freedom to read are afraid to speak up because they fear very real consequences. As I can attest, being outspoken on this topic invites malicious name-calling and ostracism. Advocating for the right to read here in rural Texas is difficult, as it is in many communities across the nation where libraries and the freedom to read are under a withering assault. That is why we must stand together.

To those who feel they cant safely speak out: you have other options. You can donate to nonprofit organizations who fight censorship. If you dont have a library card already, get one and use it. Check out banned books. Attend your local government, school, and library board meetings. Voice your support for the librarians and citizens in the community who are fighting for your right to read. And stay informed by reading and supporting journalists who cover these stories.

Most importantly, you must vote. For obvious reasons, elections hold the key to getting past this current wave of book bans. We must all commit to being informed voters. We must support candidates who will respect our constitutional rights. We should demand that our two major party platforms have stances on book banning, and we should all know which elected officials support pro-censorship or anti-library legislation.

The lawsuit brought by my fellow plaintiffs and me may very well create case law that will positively affect public libraries across America. But lawsuits alone cant save the library in Llanoor any anywhere elsefrom death by a thousand cuts. Only community support can do that. This surge in book banning will end only when we collectively demonstrate that book banning will not win elections, cannot win in court, and that attacking librarians and educators is broadly unacceptable.

Thankfully, history is on our side. After years of resistance by librarians and authors and freedom-to-read advocates, the beginning of the end of McCarthyism was brought on suddenly, in dramatic fashion by Joseph Welch, chief counsel for the United States Army. In 1954, having grown weary of McCarthys personal attacks, Welch famously scolded the Wisconsin senator during a televised hearing: Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency? After years of fear, those remarks, at long last, helped to break the dam.

I believe a similar moment is coming. As tough as defending the freedom to read may be, I am prepared to weather this storm, because I know that if we allow fear to rob people of their voices, we risk losing our freedom. And 67 years after McCarthys death, his tattered reputation gives me faith that history will be equally unkind to the book banners following his lead today.

Leila Green Little is a rural mom and intellectual freedom advocate who has been fighting against censorship in her local public library system since 2021. She lives on a cattle ranch with her husband of 19 years and their two kids.

Return to main feature.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. A group of servicemen of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense visited Second Alley of Martyrs on the occasion of the anniversary of the anti-terror operation, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The memory of Martyrs was honored with observing a minute of silence and the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan accompanied by the military orchestra was performed.

Flowers were arranged on the graves of Martyrs and tribute was paid to their bright memory.

The event spoke about the Martyrs immortal memory and emphasized that their blessed memory will be always commemorated.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Power abhors a vacuum, the saying goes, so perhaps its no surprise that nine Japanese lawmakersa record highhave declared their candidacy since Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he would not seek reelection.

While Kishidas decision was not unexpected, given his low poll ratings and ruling party scandals, the abruptness surprised even potential successors who scrambled to respond. The crowded field of qualified contenders, coupled with the dissolution of Japans political coalition system, makes predicting Kishidas successor infinitely more difficult than previous selections.

Kishida leaves an impressive legacy, including greater security accomplishments than was expected of someone who described himself as a dove, in contrast to previous Prime Minister Shinzo Abes hawk. Although the candidates have differences on some economic and social issues, all would maintain Japans foreign policies emphasizing strong ties to the U.S. and augmenting deterrence against the growing threats from China and North Korea.

A crowded, uncertain playing field.

Kishidas three-year term as the president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) expires this month. After his decision not to run again, the party announced it would hold its election on September 27 to choose a successor who, under Japans parliamentary system, would become the countrys prime minister. Kishidas successor will not be elected by Japans populace but rather by a limited number of LDP lawmakers and selected party representatives. A general election must take place by October 2025, though the LDP could call a snap election prior to that.

At least 10 lawmakers have announced interest in running to replace Kishida. Previous inter-party elections were heavily influenced by formal factions whose leaders wielded great sway over determining candidates and selecting the winner. However, almost all factions were dissolved this year and the remaining factions boss indicated he would not press members to vote for a single candidate. The result is a larger number of candidates with less predictability of the election outcome.

Taking a hit for the team.

Kishidas plummeting popularity was due mostly to public disaffection with the LDPs inability to improve the economy as well as widespread political funding scandals amongst party lawmakers. Kishidas new form of capitalism didnt live up to its promises to address lagging wages and rising living costs.

Late last year it was revealed that more than dozens of LDP lawmakers and officials had been underreporting and pocketing cash from party fundraising parties. Kishida dismissed four cabinet ministers while others resigned or were indicted. In March, a party task force punished LDP member for violations, dissolved intraparty coalitions, and imposed stricter fundraising reporting rules. Despite these steps, the public remained harshly critical of the party and Kishidas handling of the scandal, though he had not been implicated.

Kishida and LDP leaders felt the need for a fresh face at the top to rekindle support for the party prior to next years upper and lower house parliamentary elections. Despite the widespread scandal, the LDP is expected to again win the elections since the opposition remains in disarray and the LDP has ruled the country almost exclusively since the end of World War II.

Kishidas impressive legacy.

In contrast to his low domestic approval, Kishidas foreign and security policies have been lauded by the international community. Kishida was able to achieve what Abe could not: pledging to double Japans defense spending and develop long-range counter-strike capabilities. Both actions, which the U.S. had long pressed Tokyo to adopt, were welcomed by a populace increasingly nervous of the escalating Chinese threat to the Indo-Pacific.

In December 2022 national security documents, Kishidas administration delineated extensive defense reforms to develop new military capabilities and bolster Japans endeavors to assume greater responsibilities for its own defense and in the region. Previously, any government attempt to expand the role of Japans Self-Defense Forces was greeted with extensive public and legislative protests.

Diplomatically, Kishida has also been a tour-de-force. Kishida welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols attempt to defuse long-standing animosities between the two countries. Yoon and Kishida revived dormant security and economic ties that set the foundation for greater trilateral military, economic, and diplomatic coordination with the United States which was encapsulated in the historic August 2023 Camp David agreement.

Kishida has been a stalwart advocate for greater collaboration amongst Indo-Pacific nations against Chinas increasingly belligerent actions, warning that Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow. Kishida convened the first ever Japan-U.S.-Philippines trilateral summit to demonstrate support for Manilas struggle to protect its maritime sovereignty and maintain freedom of navigation from Chinese encroachment. His administration loosened restrictions on defense exports to allow for greater security capacity-building of southeast Asian nations.

The path ahead.

While the near-term political scene in Japan is murky, the long-term prospects for the bilateral U.S.-Japan relationship remain clearly optimistic. All the potential LDP leadership candidates support their partys stalwart commitment to enhancing the alliance with Washington. Recent initiatives by both Tokyo and Washington to improve their military command structures in Japan will enable stronger coordination between the two nations military forces.

While the trend line is positive, the next Japanese prime minister will face daunting challenges to gaining the trust of the electorate, righting the national economy, and maintainingand paying forTokyos plans to augment its military capabilities. Regardless of leadership changes, the United States and Japan must stand together with like-minded regional partners against increasing dire security threats.

Bruce Klingner is Senior Research Fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation. He previously served 20 years with the Central Intelligence Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency, including as CIAs deputy division chief for Korea.
Former President Donald Trump is set to appear on Wednesday's edition of the late-night chat show, Gutfeld!

ADVERTISEMENT

FOX News Channel said the 2024 Republican presidential candidate will appear with hosts Greg Gutfeld , Kat Timpf and Tyrus, and Outnumbered panelist Emily Compagno, in the show's New York studio.

Trump was expected to stay for the whole hour of the episode, which was taped in front of a live studio audience.

This is Trump's first interview on a broadcast or cable late-night show during an election cycle since he appeared on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2016.

Gutfeld!, which features Gutfeld alongside rotating panels of comedians and political figures, has been a ratings hit for FNC since it premiered in 2021. It airs Monday through Friday.
Developing a new gun isnt easy, unless your desired level of quality involves a piece of scrap lumber, a length of galvanized pipe, some hose clamps, and a nail to serve as the firing pin. Professional firearm designers must first tackle the design and mechanical engineering phase, creating a mechanism that functions reliably while navigating a minefield of existing patents that cannot be infringed.

Then comes prototype testing, revisions, tooling, and mass manufacturing. Even if an objectively excellent product is produced, it must be priced and marketed appropriately in order to achieve even a modicum of commercial success. And ultimately, many consumers will write it off as an oddball and stick to tried-and-true alternatives  we call this the why not just buy a Glock 19 effect.

Over the years, weve seen countless new firearm designs come and go. Some get stuck in endless development hell, others get embroiled in heated legal battles with competitors or stakeholders, and a few make it to store shelves only to sell so poorly that the parent company goes bankrupt. The Archon Type B couldve fallen victim to any one of these fates, and yet, it survived. Not only that, the end result is better than you might expect.

BIRTH AND REBIRTH

The story of this pistol  originally known as the Strizh, meaning swift in Russian  dates back to around 2011. It was co-designed by Dimitry Strechinski, a Russian, and Nicola Bandini, an Italian, as a potential next-generation 9mm service pistol for Russian police and military organizations. According to research by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, it was progressing very successfully through testing and trials by 2014. However, in the end it was not selected by these organizations.

Some, including McCollum, have speculated that Russian decision-makers demanded some financial encouragement to grease the wheels of progress, but theres no way to know for sure. Regardless, the duo made the difficult decision to pivot toward international sales.

Strechinski and Bandini took their design to Arsenal Firearms of Italy  not to be confused with Arsenal JSCo, the AK manufacturer in Bulgaria  who dropped the Strizh name and began to sell the pistol in Europe under the new name Strike One. Around 2016, Arsenal Firearms also partnered with Salient Arms International (SAI) to establish a U.S. division. The American-market, compact variant of the Italian-built pistol became known as the Arsenal Firearms USA Stryk-B.

Various types of pre-cut textured material can be applied to each part of the grip. These range from the default rubberized Talon grip to an aggressive skateboard-tape-style material.

In mid 2017, reportedly due to dispute over international licensing and trademarks, Arsenal Firearms USA rebranded as Archon Firearms. This resulted in the Strizhs lineage branching off in two directions. On one side, Arsenal Firearms continued to sell the Italian-made Strike One, which is currently imported to North America by American Precision Firearms. On the other side, Archon Firearms (formerly Arsenal Firearms USA) renamed and revised the design to create the Archon Type B. Archon contracted some of its manufacturing to RUAG, a Swiss aerospace and defense company operating factories in Germany and Hungary.

Most recently, Archon opened its own manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and PTR Industries became the exclusive partner and distributor of Archon products for the North American market.

After learning of this tangled web of designs, redesigns, mergers, and legal battles, you might think this pistol never wouldve made it to the market. But its still alive, and that speaks to the quality of the engineering under the hood. In fact, rather than stagnating, the latest version features some substantial improvements.

ARCHON TYPE B GEN 2

For Archons second-generation model, a lot has changed, but the core DNA of the original Strizh remains apparent. This pistol is based on an action thats inspired by the floating locking block system originally seen in the relatively obscure Bergmann-Bayard Model 1903 pistol. Archons version of this system is called AF-Speedlock.

Rather than tilting upward as the slide reciprocates, the barrel moves straight back about  inch. A U-shaped floating block beneath the barrel moves up and down to lock the barrel in place before each shot. This design allows for a low bore axis and slim, lightweight slide, two factors that make the recoil impulse surprisingly gentle. It also maintains reliability by reducing the angle at which rounds feed from the magazine into the chamber.

To change grip configurations, two roll pins must be tapped out with a mallet and 3/32-inch punch. A Real Avid Accu-Punch set made quick work of this task. After attempting to install the large backstrap, I noticed the pin channel wasnt drilled all the way through, making it impossible to insert the roll pin. This defect was annoying, but easily fixed.

The trigger is a flat-faced design with 4.5-pound pull weight, and the teardrop-shaped magazine release can be oriented for left- or right-handed use. The Type Bs slide rides on a steel monocoque frame machined from a single piece of bar stock. Racking the slide reflects the precision of this component, as it feels buttery smooth with minimal play in any direction. A single steel pin through the frame retains the slide, and we appreciate that its captive to eliminate the risk of misplacing it during cleaning.

Archons first-generation Type B featured a distinctive grip pattern of square teeth cut at an angle and laid out in a grid across its glass-reinforced polymer frame. Archon called this grip mapping technology, and it accentuated the guns futuristic appearance, but its uniqueness was somewhat polarizing. For Gen 2, theyve switched to a more traditional grip texture with a trick up its sleeve  its user-replaceable.

With two grip extenders and four backstraps, the Type B Gen 2 can be set up for use with 13-, 15-, or 18-round magazines.

Regions of the pistol grip are covered in high-strength Talon Grip tape, and this material can be peeled off and switched out with different textures. The Type B comes with a rubberized orange-peel-style finish applied, but more aggressive Granulate skateboard tape and Pro hybrid finishes are offered. The user can also mix and match, selectively applying a rougher material to key areas.

Speaking of modularity, the most notable change to the Type B Gen 2 is its multi-part grip design. The backstrap and magwell portions are removable, allowing the gun to be assembled in three configurations: full size with 18-round capacity, compact with 15-round capacity, and subcompact with 13-round capacity. Each Type B includes a 15-round mag, an 18-round mag, two grip extenders, and four different backstraps. This allows the user to switch grip sizes and capacities in a matter of minutes without permanently altering the serialized frame of the gun. At time of writing this article, 13-round mags arent currently available through PTR, but were told theyll be offered in the near future.

The rear of the grip is characterized by a large beavertail and a diagonal tendon activator  two features that have remained from the earliest phase of its design.

A large beavertail extends approximately half an inch past the rear of the slide to reduce the risk of slide bite. Beneath the beavertail, theres an angled gusset which is intended to activate the tendon in the webbing of the shooters dominant hand, applying pressure to tighten the grip on the gun. This is a feature that has carried over from the original Strizh, and it feels counterintuitive, since many modern shooting instructors advise students to tighten the support hand and apply less grip pressure with the dominant hand.

The Type B is available with your choice of iron sights only (plain rear and fiber optic front), RMR cut, RMS cut, or ACRO cut. Base model MSRP is $960; with an optic cut, its $999. The Type B ships with a 4.3-inch barrel, but a 5-inch threaded barrel is available through PTR as an accessory for an additional $139.

ROUNDS DOWNRANGE

When I picked up the Archon from my local FFL, it generated immediate interest from staff and other customers. Its proportions are distinct enough to quickly set it apart from other pistols in the display case  if anything, it bears a slight resemblance to a CZ Shadow 2 with its low-profile slide and large beavertail. Theres even a hint of Laugo Arms Alien (minus the $5,000 price tag) if you squint a little. Id consider that very good company to be in.

The new grip design fit my hands nicely in 15-round configuration, and the combination of a large undercut on the trigger guard and half-inch-long beavertail allowed me to choke up on it without discomfort. The rubberized grip texture is better than smooth plastic but nowhere near as aggressive as a stippled polymer grip  if youve ever used rubber Talon Grips, you know exactly what it feels like.

An optional threaded barrel makes it easy to install your suppressor of choice. Although the barrel doesnt tilt, PTR still recommends using a booster.

For better or for worse, the tendon activator feature in the backstrap had no noticeable impact on my shooting. Ideally, Id delete this feature and reduce the beavertail to about half its current size for improved comfort during AIWB concealed carry, but neither feature distracted me while shooting.

Trigger feel, both in terms of shape and movement, is one of the Archons strong suits. Its still a 4.5-pound striker-fired trigger, but the travel is short, the wall is distinct, and the reset produces a tactile click. I also appreciate that, rather than a blade safety that protrudes into the center of the shooters finger, the entire flat-faced shoe serves as a pivoting trigger safety.

This makes it comfortable to shoot hundreds of rounds without any annoying hotspots on the finger. Years ago, when RECOIL staffer Rob Curtis reviewed the first-gen Archon, he described the feel as a lot like a quality two-stage rifle trigger, and Id agree with this assessment.

That said, the best part about the Archon Type B  and this should come as no surprise, given its design  is its recoil impulse. With each shot, the gun pushed straight back into my hand with very little muzzle rise. In simplest terms, shooting the Archon feels similar to shooting a run-of-the-mill Glock or SIG with an aftermarket compensator installed.

Combining a low bore axis with the unusual AF-Speedlock action gives the Type B a smooth recoil impulse with very little muzzle rise.

Theres far less snap of the wrist, so holding the red dot on a target for immediate follow-up shots feels almost effortless. Ringing steel plates in quick one-two-three-four-five cadences was satisfying, and the gun felt like it was encouraging me to clear each plate rack just a little faster.

Granted, its nowhere near the level of a race gun or the aforementioned Laugo Alien, but Ive spent hundreds of dollars on aftermarket barrels, comps, and recoil springs to achieve similar performance from other pistols I own. With MSRP under a grand and street price even lower than that, the value is solid.

Since PTR offers a threaded barrel, I tried installing a KE Arms universal double-port compensator to see if I could make a flat shooter even flatter. The Archon ran reliably with the comp and standard velocity Blazer 124-grain ammo. Muzzle rise was reduced from slim to none, but this modification seems like overkill.

It actually drove the muzzle down slightly below the horizon with each shot. A single-port comp could produce better results, but for those who really want to build a gamer gun, I suspect a few small ports in the barrel and a lighter recoil spring might be the Goldilocks setup.

I also used the threaded barrel to install a SilencerCo Omega 9K suppressor. Given the non-tilting action, I wondered whether a booster (aka Nielsen device) would be necessary, but a PTR rep explained that its still necessary for complete reliability. So, I assembled the included SilencerCo piston spring and retainer with a Dead Air x28 piston, then threaded the can onto the muzzle. The quasi-compensated recoil impulse makes this a great suppressor host.

Unsurprisingly, holster and aftermarket parts support is limited, but there are a few options if you look around. I ended up installing a SureFire X300U light and using a T-Rex Arms Ragnarok SD holster, which indexes off the light rather than the gun.

Unlike many of its contemporaries, the Archons barrel doesnt tilt as it unlocks. Instead, it moves straight back as a U-shaped floating block inside the frame disengages.

If you dont mind forgoing a weapon light, LAS Concealment offers a variant of its customizable Shogun IWB holster for the Type B, and PTR themselves offer a basic OWB Kydex holster. Rain6 and Iron Horse Designs  both in Vernal, Utah  are leading the way for third-party upgrades, offering magazine basepads, recoil and striker spring tuning kits, trigger work, porting, compensators, turn-key custom Archon builds, and more. Im hoping to try some of these items for an Optimized column feature in our sister publication, CONCEALMENT.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

So, why not just buy another one of your favorite mainstream striker-fired pistols? If thats the only question youre asking, youre not the target audience (and youre probably not much fun at parties).

The Type B is an unusual design with an unusually complicated lineage, but thats how innovation happens  somebody has to step outside the box, and doing so is never easy. Archons website explains, The challenging times of the past have tempered our company and only made it stronger.

What we ended up with is a Russo-Italian design from a company thats headquartered in the Czech Republic, built by a Swiss contractor in a factory in Germany, and imported to the United States by PTR. More importantly, what we ended up with is a pistol that looks, feels, and performs unlike anything else in its price range.

With its latest Gen 2 updates, the Archon Type B feels less quirky and more polished than ever. While it may never fly off the shelves like the sub-$600 pistols from major brands, its worth a look if youre open to something thats not just another Glock clone.

READ MORE
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The International Conference on Cyber Diplomacy (ICCD) will be held in Azerbaijan for the first time, Trend reports.

The conference will take place on September 25 under the joint organization of the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security of Azerbaijan and the Cyber Diplomacy Center of Romania within the 5th anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX).

To note, ADEX, the largest event dedicated to the defense industry in the region, will take place on September 24-26 at the Baku Expo Center. Simultaneously, the 14th International Exhibition for Internal Security, Safety, and Rescue Equipment, "Securex Caspian", will also be held at the same venue.

The first ADEX exhibition was established in 2014. Although the biennial exhibition is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year, it has already been operating for 10 years, continuously expanding its participant list and the sectors it covers with each edition.

Over the past decade, the exhibition has brought together numerous companies and nearly 200 official delegations representing more than 50 countries worldwide. More than 30,000 visitors have attended the event during these years.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Georgia mens club lacrosse team faced a challenging season last year, ending with a 5-8 record and a first-round exit from the SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) tournament, a far cry from the teams quarterfinal appearance at nationals the season prior. However, the Bulldogs are now gearing up for a dramatic turnaround with eyes set firmly on the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) national championship.
State-run Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has committed Rs 600 crore for its digital transformation journey, Sunder Krishnan, chief risk officer said on Wednesday.

The insurance giant is also aiming to become completely "paperless" in two years.

We have hired a large system integrator for more than Rs 400 crore, a consultant for digital transformation for Rs 100 crore, and Rs 100 crore for agency transformation.

"In total, Rs 600 crore is being spent on digital transformation, Krishnan said at an event organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mumbai.

Earlier this week, the life insurer said it has roped in tech giant Infosys to develop its next-generation digital platform, which will lay the foundation for building high-value business applications, including customer and sales super apps, portals, and digital branches for the corporation.

This is part of the life insurers digital transformation programme  Digital Innovation and Value Enhancement (DIVE).

The programme is aimed at strengthening the insurance companys digital platform in order to provide superior experience to customers, field forces, partners and employees.

Separately, LIC has appointed Boston Consulting Group as a consultant.

In its 2023-24 annual report, LIC said DIVE is already in progress, and it is expected to transform the companys operations across value chain  from customer onboarding to claims settlement  and provide a best-in-class experience for both sales and customer service.

According to experts, the digital transformation initiative of the LIC will enhance customer experience.

"As demographics shift and a younger population enters the economy, LIC is losing customers to newer insurance companies that offer seamless experiences and convenience.

"Today, user experience is paramount, driven by the country's demographic dividend, said Vivek Iyer, partner, Grant Thornton Bharat.

The younger generation prioritises ease and convenience, and no longer view trust as a differentiating factor; they believe other insurance organisations can be trusted equally.

"Despite maintaining the largest market share, LIC recognises it is losing ground to newer entrants," Iyer added.

A senior official from the corporation said tech spending of LIC accounted for nearly 10-15 per cent of its total expenses.

LICs digital upgrade has been slower and the technology spending of the company does not reflect on its website.

"There is a gap between the technological initiatives of LIC due to its large size, and its private sector peers.

"Programmes like DIVE will help reduce this gap between the two, an insurance sector analyst said.

LIC has also launched an agency transformation project -- Jeevan Samarth --- to meet the evolving needs of customers and strengthen the bond between customers and agents.

A T Kearney was appointed consultant for the project.
The news of Dixon Technologies (India)s tie-up with HP in addition to its existing Lenovo and Acer partnerships has led to a 5 per cent stock uptick since the start of the week. Dixon can target roughly 60 per cent of Indias addressable IT hardware market with these contracts.

Dixon targets Rs 48,000 crore in revenue from IT hardware under the PLI scheme over the next six years.

This implies it hopes to achieve about 17 per cent market share by 2030.

Given that the IT PLI regulations need incremental backward integration, this could be return-dilutive over the short term.

It will need to continue capex to meet the PLI targets.

Even so, on volume increases alone, FY26-27 estimates will be hiked by 3-4 per cent.

The addition of HP as a client was expected since Dixon in its Q1FY25 earnings call indicated signing up two new customers.

It will need to add one large customer ideally to move into server manufacturing.

The revenue impact of signing HP will largely be visible from FY26 onwards.

Dixon plans to achieve Rs 48,000 crore in revenue over six years, with a cumulative investment of Rs 250 crore and this implies a 50 times asset turnover by the final year.

Dixons mobile segment revenue growth remains a key.

It is driven by strong Q1FY25 execution for anchor customer Motorola and ramp-up for sign-ups like Realme and Xiaomi.

The outlook for H2FY25 continues to be strong driven by the ramp-up of smartphone volumes from the Ismartu acquisition.

Dixon is also seeking one more customer in smartphones.

The Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry has strong growth visibility and sustained order flows.

However, this inherently low margin and revenue growth in Q1FY25 went side-by-side with margin contraction.

If margins recover, earnings growth momentum may accelerate, given large order books and new opportunities.

Dixons revenue will be driven by strong growth in mobiles & EMS, consumer electronics, and other emerging segments (refrigerator, wearables & hearables, and telecom networking products).

However, there was an operating profit margin contraction of 30 basis points Y-o-Y each in FY24 and Q1FY25 to 3.9 per cent and 3.8 per cent, respectively, due to higher input costs.

Going ahead, the operating profit margin is expected to expand to 4 per cent by FY26, led by backward integration and better product mix.

The laptop (portable computer) segment saw imports of 9 million units in 2023, dropping from a high of 13.3 million units in 2022.

Around 75-77 per cent of imports are from China.

In total, the IT hardware market was at around 16 million units in 2023, with HP (32 per cent share), Lenovo (17 per cent), and Acer (12 per cent) holding around 60-61 per cent share.

Dixon reported Rs 17,691 crore in FY24 revenues versus Rs 12,192 crore in FY23  a growth rate of 45 per cent.

The HP deal may push revenues to around Rs 33,990 crore in FY25 which would mean Y-o-Y growth of 92 per cent.

The two largest contributors to FY24 revenues were consumer electronics which contributed Rs 4,148 crore and mobiles & EMS which accounted for Rs 10,919 crore.

In FY25, the consumer electronics segment is projected to grow to Rs 5,461 crore, and mobiles & EMS may rocket to Rs 26,200 crore.

The consumer electronics had a borderline negative profit before tax margin in FY24, and that is expected to turn around in FY25.

The stock, however, is very highly valued at around 175 times price-to-earnings for the trailing 12 months.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
French wine and spirits maker Pernod Ricard expects to report low double-digit growth in India in the medium-term on the back of a strong premiumisation trend emerging in the country.

Photograph: Christian Hartmann/Reuters

We are now the second market worldwide for Pernod Ricard and India continues to be a big growth engine for the group.

"Our compoun annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years was 8 per cent, which is robust and was maintained at a rather high level, said Jean Touboul (pictured), chief executive officer, Pernod Ricard India.

The maker of Absolut vodka and Jameson whisky recorded a 6.1 per cent growth in the country in the year ending June 30, 2024.

France follows a July-June financial year.

In the past few months, the company has been involved in several run-ins with regulatory authorities.

Earlier this year, the companys appeal to regain its license to sell liquor in Delhi was rejected.

From a business standpoint, it's not a massive impact.

"But still, I'm hungry for any additional business and would love to be back, so we are working on it again  collaborating with authorities to get our license back as soon as possible, Touboul said.

There is no reason why, according to our analysis, we should be denied the license. We have done nothing wrong.

"There has been absolutely no judgment against Pernod Ricard India.

"It's our intention to be back in the Delhi market whenever possible, he added.

Meanwhile, even as Touboul did not comment on the recent reports of the company putting up its Imperial Blue whisky brand for sale, he said that while it has not grown as fast as the higher end of the portfolio, it is an important entry-level brand.

Royal Stag is the companys largest-selling brand, and sells as many as 29 million cases annually.

Imperial Blue has not grown as fast as the higher end brands, which is perfectly fine with us as it's a large base brand.

"It has its role to play in our portfolio.

"But in our premiumisation strategy, we want to focus our investment and the development to the higher part of the portfolio.

"So it's natural that the performance of Imperial Blue has been less strong than the higher part of the portfolio, which is our focus, and the strongest performing brands  Royal Stag and Blenders Pride," he said.

The company recently launched two whisky brands -- Royal Stag Double Dark and Blenders Pride Four Elements -- as part of its premiumisation strategy.

It is also working to increase exports from India to around 70 countries from the current 40.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The group of personnel of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan visited the Second Alley of Martyrs on the occasion of the anniversary of anti-terrorist measures of local character carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Karabakh on September 19-20, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

After the announcement of a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs, the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played accompanied by a military band.

Flowers were laid on the graves of martyrs, and their memory was honored.

The event talked about the eternal memory of the martyrs and noted with confidence that the memory of them will always live," the statement reads.
In a jolt to telecom firms, the Supreme Court has dismissed a batch of pleas filed by companies, including Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel, seeking correction of alleged errors in the Adjusted Gross Revenue.

Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B R Gavai also rejected the plea of telcos seeking to list the curative petitions for open court hearing.

A curative petition is the last legal recourse in the apex court and is generally considered in-chamber unless a prima facie case is made out for reconsideration of the verdict.

"Application for listing the Curative Petitions in open Court is rejected.

"We have gone through the Curative Petitions and the connected documents.

"In our opinion, no case is made out within the parameters indicated in the decision of this court in Rupa Ashok Hurra v Ashok Hurra.

"The Curative Petitions are dismissed," the bench observed in an order dated August 30, which was uploaded on Thursday.

On October 9 last year, the top court had taken note of submissions of some telecommunication companies seeking listing of their pleas on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) due issue.

The telcos had referred to alleged errors in the arithmetic calculation for arriving at the AGR-related dues by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

In July 2021, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking correction of errors in the demand of AGR dues.

The telecom companies had moved the top court claiming there were several errors in arriving at the AGR dues which totalled over Rs 1 lakh crore.

Vodafone-Idea's total liability was Rs 58,254 crore and Bharti Airtel's Rs 43,980 crore. Earlier, the top court had given the telecom companies 10 years to clear their outstanding dues to the government.

The top court held that the demand raised by the DoT witha respect to AGR dues would be final.

It also said that telecom companies shall not raise any dispute and there shall not be any re-assessment.

It had said telecom operators shall pay 10 per cent of the total dues as demanded by DoT by March 31, 2021, and the rest in yearly instalments commencing from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2031.
With Atishi at the helm it will not be easy for the BJP to continue using the LG's office and the bureaucracy as political instruments to hinder governance and thereby provoke the electorate's ire against the AAP, expects Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party national Convener Arvind Kejriwal addresses AAP workers after being released from Tihar jail, September 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

More than a decade ago in 2012-2013, when Arvind Kejriwal along with a bunch of associates, transited from the idealistic pursuits of civil society, to the rough-and-tumble of practical politics, he picked out many a leaf from Narendra Modi's playbook.

Still chief minister of Gujarat and waging a battle within his party and the Sangh Parivar to be anointed as the party's prime ministerial candidate, Modi reveled in being in the news.

"No publicity is bad publicity," he averred, for he believed, as he told me when I was interviewing him for his biography I wrote back then, "If I am criticised all the time, the janta will think that this man must have done something good, otherwise why he is being attacked all the time."

Kejriwal too realised at the onset of his political charge that being the cynosure of all newsrooms was a good tactic to enter the mind spaces of people.

Kejriwal certainly did not choose the date, September 13, when the Supreme Court granted him regular bail.

The date was close to an event planned by Prime Minister Modi for several months -- marking the first hundred of his government for the third time.

Unless the Aam Aadmi Party leader made a dramatic move, the news cycle would revolve around Modi and the government and Kejriwal's release and later events would get deprioritised.

But he had other plans and used the apex court's order, which barred him from visiting the office of the chief minister and even the Delhi secretariat.

Kejriwal was further directed not to sign official files unless it was required and necessary for obtaining clearance or approval of Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena.

Although bail was welcome and would enable him to campaign for the party in Haryana and Delhi's impending elections, Kejriwal would have remained a CM in name only had he not made a counter-move.

For maximum impact and grabbing the headlines, this had to be made right away.

Following the Supreme Court order, Kejriwal had two choices. One, he could continue the Constitutional impasse that besieged Delhi's governance since his arrest.

He could was still remain CM, but without the job effectively.

As past experience underscored, any stalemate between the elected government and the LG had the potential to severely hinder functioning of the state government.

Saxena, in such a situation, would have been able to corner the high moral ground by claiming that since the court forbade Kejriwal from discharging his duties and functions as chief minister, it was in the interest of people of Delhi that he stepped down and ensured normalcy to return.

Implications of this were unknown and few thought that he would relinquish authority because Kejriwal had not followed convention and remained CM after arrest.

IMAGE: Sunita and Arvind Kejriwal pray at the Hanuman temple in New Delhi, September 14, 2024, after being released from prison. Photograph: ANI Photo

The other path open for Kejriwal was to bite the bullet, take the tough call and put in his papers.

Practically no one anticipated, among adversaries in the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress, as well as within his own party, that he would take such a step and announce his decision within 24 hours of release.

Eventually, quite like Modi, he made the unilateral announcement without any consultations within the party.

It was nothing but a stunning declaration when he said that both he and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia would not occupy the chairs of power till the people of Delhi say they are honest by re-electing the AAP.

With this decision, Kejriwal has made a strategic transition from the political stage of Delhi to the national one.

Even in the likelihood of the AAP returning to office with a majority, in the polls either alongside Maharashtra and Jharkhand, or separately in February, it is unlikely that Kejriwal would be able to return as CM.

Although he has said that he would remain out of office till the people re-elected and thereby clearing him of charges against him, the Supreme Court order preventing him from functioning as CM would still be effective.

Even if this becomes legally permissible, Kejriwal may still want to stay out of the CM's office.

As it would be a similar situation for Manish Sisodia, it is highly likely that Atishi would continue to hold the office.

IMAGE: Arvind Kejriwal with AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh addresses party supporters in New Delhi, September 15, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Kejriwal has actually made his opening move for the next parliamentary polls, either held in due course in 2029 or earlier.

In the event of the AAP being re-elected in Delhi, it is likely that the party would begin forays in states neighbouring the capital and those where it has marked a presence, like in Gujarat and Goa.

It is true that AAP is going to ensure cordial ties with the INDIA bloc of parties, even others outside the grouping, because Kejriwal would require all the support from them in his legal battle with the Centre, the last of which has certainly not been seen despite the apex court granting him bail.

But, as the collapse of the efforts to forge an alliance with the Congress in Haryana demonstrated, the two parties are likely to approach state elections separately.

It is evident that in time, several Opposition leaders will become rivals to one another in the post-Modi era.

Contests are natural among leaders, ranging from Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin and of course Kejriwal.

This rivalry will become more evident when Indian politics become further multipolar than now.

The race among them to emerge as the principal challenger to the BJP will intensify in times to come, especially in the event of the weakening of today's dominant party or if Modi's hold on the BJP and the government weakens.

When Kejriwal decided that his continuing as CM would be counterproductive for the party and harm its prospects in the impending polls, he would have eventually zeroed in on Atishi and not other colleagues, with an eye of neutralising a possible change of leadership by the BJP.

For the past several weeks, speculation has been rife that the BJP was likely to name a charismatic chief ministerial candidate well before the elections.

Among others, Smriti Irani's name too was doing the rounds.

IMAGE: AAP leader and Delhi CM-designate Atishi stakes her claim to form the government with Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, September 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

By nominating Atishi, Kejriwal has virtually counterbalanced two potential hardships.

Firstly, Delhi governance, which got somewhat derailed after the travails of the AAP started with the BJP harshly pursuing the alleged liquor scam, can be put back on the rails.

Atishi, despite not having long experience in governance, has displayed a bright and sharp mind, academically competent while remaining affable, so required to establish a basic level of courteous ties with the state's bureaucracy.

Saxena too will find it tougher to deal with a person who does not have a public image of being hard-nosed and brusque in dealings with others like Kejriwal.

In the months leading to the polls, Delhi's governance has to be smoother than what was under Kejriwal.

With Atishi at the helm it will not be easy for the BJP to continue using the LG's office and the bureaucracy as political instruments to hinder governance and thereby provoke the electorate's ire against the AAP.

But for that, the new CM has to be strategically smart. Being a woman hands her an advantage as it would be easier for Atishi to play the victim card.

With her in office, the BJP would have to redraw its strategy in its attempt to break a 26-year-old voodoo and come back to power in Delhi, which has eluded them since Sushma Swaraj failed to retain power in 1998.

Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay is an author and journalist based in Delhi-NCR.

His latest book is The Demolition, The Verdict and The Temple: The Definitive Book on the Ram Mandir Project.

He is also the author of Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'The world cannot remain a mute spectator. We could have televisions blowing up in our homes, smartphones blowing up in a gym or mobile phones blowing up on aircraft.'

'Our adversaries are not going to sit quiet. They have got an idea that they will encash to our detriment,' warns Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

IMAGE: Men carry a coffin as they walk past images of Mohammad Mahdi Ammar, son of Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament Ali Ammar, and Abbas Fadel Yassin, who were killed amid the detonation of pagers across Lebanon, during their funerals in Beirut, Lebanon, September 18, 2024. Photograph: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

Caution: Graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.

Imagine a mobile phone blowing up in the face of a few children in school, killing a few of them and permanently maiming several others in the bargain!

What would your reaction be?

What would the parents' and school's reaction be?

What would the police reaction be?

What would the country's reaction be?

All would be looking at each other trying to figure out who is at fault and what went wrong?

There would be grief, disbelief, anger and cries to punish the guilty.

IMAGE: Men react as they attend the funerals for people who were killed amid the pagers detonation. Photograph: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

Whom do you catch? Nobody claims responsibility or a terrorist group makes a statement of 'bloody revenge.'

Government machinery runs to take cover. Politicians join protests to condemn the dastardly act. Against whom? To what end? The damage is done.

Several children are dead and more injured. News flashes the gory details endlessly, adding to the misery. Welcome to the future!

IMAGE: Walkie-talkie devices without batteries are shown at an electronic store in Sidon, Lebanon, which the owner says he removed for safety reason, after hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, across Lebanon's south and in Beirut's southern suburbs. Photograph: Aziz Taher/Reuters

The Hezbollah pager blasts on September 17, 2024, in Lebanon followed by the walkie-talkie blasts in Beirut on September 18 has shocked the world community by its sheer devilish innovation.

Hezbollah says Israel is behind the blasts. Israel is so quiet that you can hear a pin drop.

There is complete silence from the side of the perpetrators and complete non-attributability in that sense. It is a case of 'we know whodunnit but cannot prove a thing.'

There will be more blasts and more ingenious ways of causing them. Be warned.

IMAGE: A poster with the image of Mohamed Hassan Nour al-Din is seen as people attend the funerals for people who were killed amid the pagersdetonation. Photograph: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

Media reports indicate alleged tampering with the exploding devices.

It seems small quantities of explosives were embedded into the pagers and walkie-talkies, thus creating mini-bombs out of them. These were remotely radio-controlled for detonation.

If there was an unethical equivalent of the Nobel Prize, there are no prizes for guessing my nominee.

We also have a fancy term for this. It is called 'supply-chain interference', as if it is some mild business disorder. That business disorder is the instrument of destruction.

IMAGE: A man donates blood for those injured by the pagers detonation. Photograph: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

What it means is that these devices were intercepted during some point in their supply chain, implanted with these mini-bombs and sent on their way.

This cannot be a simple operation as it involves subversion of a commercial chain, knowledge of explosives and electronics including their miniaturisation, an entire organisation that functions to carry this out, complete collusion of elements in the supply chain, heavy bribes and many other aspects of flawless coordination.

It cannot be done by a weak organisation and is extremely difficult even for a non-State entity. Draw your own conclusions.

IMAGE: An injured man undergoes an operation at a hospital in Beirut. Photograph: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

The world cannot remain a mute spectator. We could have televisions blowing up in our homes, smartphones blowing up in a gym or mobile phones blowing up on aircraft.

Our adversaries are not going to sit quiet. They have got an idea that they will encash to our detriment.

It is time for a collective response to such barbaric ideas that disgrace humanity. Everything is not fair in war.

Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd) is a former Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
'In Parliament, he was the one person who stood for democracy and secularism even when the principal Opposition party was not very forthright in taking on the BJP and RSS.'

IMAGE: Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. Photograph: ANI Photo

It is not an exaggerated statement if we were to say the Left in India will no longer be the same with the passing away of Sitaram Yechury.

John Brittas, the Rajya Sabha MP, remembers Yechury, a leader whom he admired from the time he was a college student.

"A great quality of Sitaram was that he could mingle with all kinds of people, and with ease... When I travelled with him a couple of times, I saw the way he struck conversations with other passengers on the train. He asked many questions with a lot of curiosity. He used to even talk about Bollywood movies with them," Brittas tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

Do you remember the first time you met Sitaram Yechury?

I would say I knew him well even before I met him. He was a student leader, and I was also in the SFI (Students Federation of India, the CPI-M's student wing) but confined to the Kerala campus.

All of us looked up to him with awe and admiration as he was so charismatic as a student leader.

None of us students could ever forget the picture of him reading the chargesheet against Smt. Indira Gandhi during the Emergency days. It was an image that was stuck in our minds forever.

That was Sitaram Yechury for us students; a bold, charismatic student leader whom everyone wanted to follow.

As a college student in Kerala, I aspired to study at JNU because that was where people like Sitaram Yechury and (Yechury's predecessor as CPI-M general secretary) Prakash Karat studied. We were in awe of the way they led the students movement.

Their struggles to champion the rights of the student community had a deep impact on me. The slogan they used to raise was, 'Study and Struggle'.

The more I read about Sitaram, the more I admired him.

There were cover stories on him in various prominent Malayalam magazines, and those stories made me feel I knew him so well even before I met him much later in life.

So, he was like a celebrity...

Yes, he was a celebrity in Kerala because he was very charismatic.

In the 1980s when I studied, the campuses in Kerala looked forward to him addressing the students.

I had attended a few such meetings, and the students were all charged up listening to him. I even remember the corduroy pants he wore then!

We were enamoured of the way he spoke one line in Malayalam and also his mannerisms.

He was our hero. For us, he was like a Bollywood hero. He was the young leader who accompanied EMS (E M S Namboodiripad, the first chief minister of a democratically elected Communist government in the world and veteran Marxist) to various countries.

This was the larger than life image I had of him before I came to Delhi to study at JNU in 1988.

I joined the JNU campus as a full-time research scholar while also working as a journalist.

IMAGE: Sitaram Yechury, standing left, Communist Party of India leader Doraiswamy Raja, standing right, then Forward Bloc general secretary Debabrata Biswas, then CPI general secretary A B Bardhan and then CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat at an anti-nuclear deal rally in New Delhi, July 14, 2008. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

When did you finally meet your hero?

I still remember the first meeting. That was at 14, Ashoka Road. It was an old government bungalow from where the CPI-M was operating in those days as the party didn't have an office of its own.

We saw top Left leaders like E M S Namboodiripad, Harkishan Surjeet, M Basavapunnaiah, B T Ranadive etc there along with these two young leaders, Prakash Karat and Sitaram. Those two sat quietly. It was the golden era of Communism in India.

We kept a distance from the senior leaders as they were so senior, but these two were so young and they were like they belonged to our generation.

Sitaram and I struck up a rapport instantly. He used to smoke at that time; I also. I remember it all started with him taking a cigarette from my shirt pocket and lighting it.

That was the way he used to mingle with people, with no inhibitions at all.

We used to have lunch at 14, Ashoka Road. I remember after lunch, we used to sit and smoke. Even Prakash Karat used to smoke once in a while in those days.

At JNU, I was put up in the Vithalbhai Patel House where Sitaram also was staying. Those days, VP House was almost like a commune with most of the Communist leaders living there. That is how I met all the great Communist leaders.

In the morning, we used to have a badminton session and Sitaram used to play with us.

IMAGE: John Brittas, in brown shirt, pays homage to Sitaram Yechury. Photograph: Kind courtesy John Brittas/Facebook

What kind of impression did you get when you finally met and spoke to him in person?

One thing I realised after speaking to him was that he would have a very long innings in politics, and that the party would be shouldered by people like him.

That was because he had that insightful understanding of politics.

One good thing about Sitaram was that he was not limited to one vertical or two verticals. He had extensive knowledge of so many topics that you could talk to him about sports, you could talk to him about culture, you could talk to him about economics, you could talk to him about sociology.. any subject under the sun.

He was flexible in his opinion, and he was brilliant in all the subjects. He would finish a book in one fourth of the time we took.

An intellectual...

No doubt about it. An intelligent intellectual.

Though the mainstream media paint Communist leaders as people with a stiff upper lip, Sitaram was a different human being altogether.

A great quality of Sitaram was that he could mingle with all kinds of people, and with ease. He could easily pick up a conversation with anybody. He had no difficulty in exchanging ideas and views with anyone.

When I travelled with him a couple of times, I saw the way he struck conversations with other passengers on the train. He asked many questions with a lot of curiosity. He used to even talk about Bollywood movies with them.

He had a multicultural background. He had a perspective on everything.

IMAGE: John Brittas's 'Lal Salaam' at a garlanded photograph of Sitaram Yechury. Photograph: Kind courtesy John Brittas/Facebook

Would you say though he was the intellectual face of the Communist party, he was a people's leader, a mass leader?

He was definitely a mass leader. Wherever he went, he attracted people, not just Communists, but everybody.

I have seen that the admiration and acceptance of Sitaram Yechury was intact and impeccable even when the fortunes of the Left were dwindling.

I remember the way in which he used to deliver his speeches in Parliament. They were studied interfaces which inspired many sections of people, outside the physical frame of the CPI-M.

The academic community in India used to look up to Sitaram Yechury for inspiration.

That was the time when Indian politics and culture was changing, that was the time there was a parochial view of the entire political discourse and history was being rewritten. Sitaram had a clear perspective about what was happening.

Whenever the RSS came up with some new findings of history, he would narrate to them what the real history behind it was.

He was a stumbling block for the RSS in their efforts to rewrite history.

It was very difficult for them to attack him as, first of all, he was erudite and then he had the facts.

In Parliament, he was the one person who stood for democracy and secularism even when the principal Opposition party was not very forthright in taking on the BJP and the RSS.

He used to say that we had to tackle the RSS not only politically but culturally too because he felt they wanted to manipulate the minds of the people culturally.

He used to say we had to be very careful.

IMAGE: Senior-most CPI-M leaders bid Sitaram Yechury a final farewell ahead of the donation of his body for medical research, September 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

How concerned was he about the rise of right-wing politics in India?

He was very concerned. I remember in 2005 when he came to the Rajya Sabha, the Left was supporting the UPA (the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance).

In his speeches, he used to warn those so-called secular parties that they shouldn't be complacent about the BJP.

He said that without any aspiration for power, we wholeheartedly supported the Congress with the prime motto of keeping the BJP away from power.

If you listen to all his Parliament speeches, you will see that one part of all his speeches was devoted to the importance of checkmating the ideology of the BJP and the RSS, and why and how the secular parties should not fumble in their efforts.

His words came true as they didn't listen to his warnings.

He was very clear about all this in one of his interviews with me for Kairali TV (the Kerala-based television channel).

One thing I can say about his personality is that he never got angry or showed any disillusionment. Even when the party lost very badly, he was one person who was relentlessly working.

I am sure the concept of INDIA would have come from him, as he was interacting with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi a lot.

IMAGE: CPI-M supporters walk with the ambulance carrying the mortal remains of Sitaram Yechury towards AIIMS from the party office in New Delhi, September 14, 2024. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

How do you see the Left without a leader like Sitaram Yechury?

It is going to be very difficult. It shouldn't be a concern for the Left alone; it should be a concern for all the democratic forces in India.

Normally when people pass away, we bring in adjectives like, it is a void, it is a huge loss, big loss, etc.

But in Sitaram's case, it is a huge loss for not just the Left but for every secular party in India. I would say, it is not limited to just politics, even for academia, it is a huge loss.

It is a huge loss for anyone who believes in the free thought process like environmentalists, those who fight for the rights of Dalits, slumdwellers...

These people may not be part of the Left umbrella, but all those who fight for the rights of people and the environment will find his death a huge loss.

Sitaram was all the time fighting for them without thinking about his fortunes or the fortunes of his party.

Yes, he has left behind a huge vacuum which is very difficult to fill.

Was he Sitaram to everybody?

He was Sita to all those who was very close to him, Sitaram to those close to him and Yechury to all the others.

Depending on the closeness of people to him, he was Sita, Sitaram and Yechury.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'If the country felt very strongly about the BJP, then why did the country not put money where the mouth is?'

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah addresses an election meeting in Budgam, September 17, 2024. Photographs: ANI Photo

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah confronts the most difficult challenge in his electoral career.

In June, Omar lost the Lok Sabha election in Baramulla to Engineer Rashid, an accused in a terror funding case and who was incarcerated in Tihar jail.

Some Kashmiris believe the winds of change have arrived in the Valley and Omar will become obsolete politically post October 8 after the results of the assembly election.

Omar is a candidate in two assembly seats, Ganderbal and Budgam.

His decision to contest from Budgam came after the central government allowed jailed cleric Sarjan Ahmad Wagar aka Sarjan Barkati, popularly known as Azadi Chacha, to contest against Abdullah in Ganderbal.

"It is not a coincidence that 49 to 50 percent of candidates contesting the elections are Independent candidates. These 49 to 50 percent of candidates are on this side of the mountain (Kashmir) and not in Jammu. This is being done by design and we need to caution the voters of Kashmir about it," Omar Abdullah tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com after a day of hectic campaigning in Budgam.

I have been hearing your speeches in Budgam and you seem to be highlighting the abrogation of Article 370 as one of the major issues. Why so?

No, this is not true as we are highlighting all the other issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Abrogation of Article 370 is one of them.

The other thing I noticed is that you are cautioning voters about Independent candidates. Why, and what is the message?

In the past we have paid a heavy price for the division of votes (in Kashmir). And clearly that same thing is being attempted again in the 2024 assembly elections of Jammu and Kashmir.

It is not a coincidence that 49 to 50 percent of candidates contesting the elections are Independent candidates. These 49 to 50 percent of candidates are on this side of the mountain (Kashmir) and not in Jammu.

This is being done by design and we need to caution the voters of Kashmir about it.

IMAGE: National Conference supporters at an election rally in Pulwama, September 16, 2024, addressed by Omar Abdullah in support of Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Mir, the NC-Congress alliance candidate from Rajpora.

Were you surprised by the Jamaat-e-Islami's decision to contest the elections?

They are contesting as Independent candidates. They are not using the Jamaat symbol or their name, but essentially they are Jamaat candidates.

Do you feel it is a ploy by the central government to divide votes as the Jamaat is a banned organisation? They are openly saying they are Independents but supported by the Jamaat.

That is fine. They cannot fight under their own name so they are fighting under independent names.

I wanted the ban on Jamaat to be lifted so that they can contest elections in their own name and own identity but that wasn't to be.

(The Jamat-e-Islami was banned in Jammu and Kashmir after the Pulwama attack of February 2019 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force jawans were killed.)

Do you think the initial excitement of Engineer Rashid's release is ebbing in Kashmir now?

We will know the answer to this on October 8 when votes are counted, but definitely his impact is not the same as it was during the Parliament elections.

Do you get a sense that the euphoria over Engineer Rashid has decreased in a week?

It seems to be so, but as I said, let us wait till October 8.

Do you believe Article 370 can be restored by any chance, considering it is a done deal?

Why can't be it restored again?

But how is it possible?

You tell me why it can't be restored again.

For that you will need an absolute majority in Parliament.

So what? Are you implying that the BJP will be in a parliamentary majority forever? Will the situation in this country never change?

You need to get 300 +seats to restore it.

Are you saying that this will never happen? I am not ready to believe this will never happen.

It will happen for sure.

But Jammu and Kashmir has only 6 Parliament seats. Moreover, the Congress, which is a major constituent of the INDIA bloc, is not committing on restoring Article 370.

I don't expect the Congress to commit on Article 370 right now.

Clearly they are not in a position to commit on Article 370 right now and I understand their position why they are not in a position to commit on Article 370.

Why give BJP 100 (whips) to beat the Congress?

We in the alliance of the Indian National Congress and National Conference want to beat the BJP in the Jammu and Kashmir elections, so I understand the Congress's compulsions.

IMAGE: National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah addresses an election meeting in Budgam, September 17, 2024, in the presence of Omar Abdullah and his sons Zamir Abdullah and Zahir Abdullah.

Many in the rest of India feels that abrogating Article 370 was the right thing and now this can never be undone.

Really! Is that the reason the BJP got 240 seats in the 2024 general elections?

The BJP spoke of getting 370 seats on their own and the slogan they gave was 'Ab Ki Baar 400 Paar'.

If the country felt very strongly about the BJP, then why did the country not put money where the mouth is?

Why did the people not vote for the BJP in big numbers?

Clearly, what you are saying about the country does not add up if you see the results of the 2024 general elections.

Do you feel there is sympathy in the rest of India for Kashmiris and Indians want Article 370 to be restored?

I don't know. I would like to believe that there is some sympathy for Kashmiris.

Obviously, Article 370 is an emotive issue. Nobody expects change overnight.

We believe Article 370 is an important issue that needs to be kept alive.

What about the power of the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir chief minister? Mehbooba Mufti said the new chief minister will have no power and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will have the real power.

How long do you think it will be before we in Jammu and Kashmir get our statehood back?

I believe that whichever government gets elected, the first thing they need to do outside the legislative agenda is to make sure we put pressure on the government in Delhi to restore statehood.

Are you then expecting some political crisis between the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir government and the lieutenant governor, like we are seeing in Delhi?

Initially, it will be a bit difficult (to rule).

There is no secret in that because we are a Union territory and it is a new experience for us.

But I believe it will be quite soon that statehood will come back to Jammu and Kashmir. I believe so for sure.

How many seats are you expecting to win this time considering the fact that you are drawing huge crowds?

I won't be able to answer that and you will need to wait till October 8, the counting day, to know the answer.
New initiatives to boost cooperation to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific, ways to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and addressing concerns of the global South will be the focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to the US beginning Saturday.

Modi will attend the annual Quad summit at Wilmington in Delaware, address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York, hold a roundtable with CEOs of top American firms working in the technology sector and hold bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden and several other global leaders.

The prime minister's first destination will be Wilmington, the hometown of Biden where he will join the US president, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida at the Quad summit on September 21.

Modi will hold separate bilateral talks with all the three Quad leaders.

The Quad summit is expected to discuss ways to expand cooperation among the member nations to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific besides deliberating on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

"We expect new initiatives to be announced," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

The Quad leaders will unveil a "milestone" initiative to prevent, detect, treat and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families.

Misri said there will be a strong focus on peace, progress and stability in the Indo-Pacific at the Quad summit, adding the leaders will discuss health security, climate change, emerging technologies, infrastructure, connectivity, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance.

To a question on India's possible role of a peace-maker to resolve the Ukraine conflict, Misri told a media briefing that New Delhi is involved in a set of several conversations with important partners and leaders on it.

"We are involved in a set of several conversations with several important partners and leaders at this point in time. These conversations are a work in progress and we will update you on the results of this conversation at the right time," he said.

"At the present moment, we remain engaged with our interlocutors on these very important issues," Misri said.

From Wilmington, Modi will travel to New York to attend an Indian community event at Long Island on September 22 and address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly the next day. In New York, The prime minister will also attend a roundtable with CEOs of American firms working in areas of AI, quantum computing and semiconductors.

Asked whether Modi will put forward any proposal at the Summit of the Future to bring peace to Ukraine, Misri did not give a direct reply.

"As you know, the prime minister recently visited Russia and Ukraine, and after those visits, he also held discussions with leaders, including President Biden and President (Vladimir) Putin.

"Our National Security Advisor also had discussions with President Putin during his visit to Russia. So, I can only say at this point that these talks are ongoing between the leaders," Misri said.

"As for putting forward any proposal, we'll have to see how much consensus is reached and whether we can reach a stage where a proposal can be put before a larger audience. So, I think we need to wait a little, and at the right time, we will be able to update you on this," he added.

Asked about India's priorities at the Summit of the Future, Misri said a host of issues including concerns of the Global South are expected to figure.

"I won't be able to preview or pre-empt the prime minister's remarks at this very important event. But I would underline that the summit is being held at a time of conflict, tensions and divisions in the world," he said.

"There is an obvious deficit of development in the world at large and the Global South is at the risk of being left behind on account of current developments," he said.

Misri said the world is also "playing catch-up" in so far as fulfillment of the very important Sustainable Development Goals is concerned.

"There are a host of issues related to climate, to education, to youth, gender, energy, infrastructure and the digital divide. So I would imagine that the prime minister's message and India's message will take many of these issues into consideration and highlight India's approaches on all of these issues," he said.

The 'Summit of the Future' will bring leaders from various countries to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a "better present and safeguard the future", according to the UN. On the conflict in Gaza, Misri reiterated India's long-held position.

"We have always stood for a ceasefire in so far as the immediate events are concerned, the need to ensure a humanitarian corridor and the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and for the immediate release of the hostages so that we can work towards a more sustainable and broad-based settlement in the area," he said.

"Our long-term approach towards this issue has also long been clear. We are in favour of a two-state solution, States of Israel and Palestine living at peace with each other within stable borders and secure borders for both of them," he added.
A 19-year-old Delhi University student died and his four friends were injured after their speeding SUV crashed into a guardrail, which pierced through the vehicle, near Rajghat in north Delhi early on Thursday, the police said.

IMAGE: Wrecked remains of a car after it met with an accident, at Geeta Colony flyover in New Delhi, September 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

They were returning from Gurugram after celebrating the teenager's birthday.

Aishwarya Pandey was admitted to LNJP Hospital where he was put on ventilation support. He died late on Thursday.

The police suspect that the students were under the influence of alcohol. However, one student said the one who was driving the car got distracted while changing songs on his mobile phone.

Deputy commissioner of police (North) MK Meena said a case under Sections 281 (rash driving) and 125(a) (causing hurt by act endangering life of personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita had been registered at Kotwali police station.

A probe is underway from all angles to ascertain the actual cause of the accident, he said.

The police conducted medical examinations of three students, including the two who were discharged from the hospital after first aid, and found them to be under the influence of alcohol, sources said.

Another officer said they were also investigating if there was any engineering fault on the road.

It appears that the Hyundai Venue car was being driven at a high speed and the driver lost control, leading to the crash, the officer said and added that the accident occurred on the stretch between the Shanti Van red light and Geeta Colony.

The car climbed onto the divider at the intersection of the main road and the ISBT and crashed into the guardrail, the officer added.

Pandey, a first-year BA student of Deshbandhu College, had thrown a birthday party for his friends -- Keshav Kumar (19), Aishwarya Mishra (19) and Ujjawal (19), all students of Dayal Singh College, and Krishna (18) of Motilal Nehru College.

The second officer said Pandey had rented the SUV for Rs 1,500 from Shadipur for a night and asked Mishra to drive. He was sitting behind the driver.

Pandey suffered multiple head injuries and was put on ventilator support at LNJP Hospital.

Mishra, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Etawah, suffered critical injuries. His parents have admitted him to a private hospital in Delhi.

Pandey also hailed from Etawah and lived in a rented accommodation in east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar.

He lost his father, who worked for a private company, due to an illness and his mother, a teacher, died in 2019 in a road accident. After his parents' died, he was taken in by his maternal uncle in Etawah.

Pandey's family members have been called to Delhi, the police said.

Krishna, a resident of south Delhi's Saket, is undergoing treatment but is stated to be out of danger. He was seated in the middle of the rear seat.

Kumar, also a native of Etawah, was sitting next to the driver. Ujjawal was sitting in the left rear seat. Kumar and Ujjawal were discharged after first aid, the police said.

Earlier, the police had said the two critically injured students were identified as Ashwani Mishra and Ashwani Pandey before rectifying their names.

The police said the five friends drove to Zee Town, a pub in Gurugram, on Wednesday to celebrate Pandey's birthday and had drinks.

"While crossing the Geeta Colony flyover, Mishra got distracted while changing the song playing on his mobile phone and lost control of the vehicle. The car collided with the railing at 5.52 am," the police said in a statement.

The police also said they were verifying through which medium Pandey had booked the car.
Eyeing a third consecutive term in Haryana, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released its manifesto for the assembly polls, promising a Rs 2,100 monthly assistance for women, two lakh government jobs, scooter for college-going female students in rural areas and a guaranteed government job for 'Agniveers'.

IMAGE: Union minister and BJP president J P Nadda and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini releases party's 'sankalp patra' for the Haryana assembly elections in Rohtak, on Thursday. Photograph: ANI on X

Besides, it also promised to build 5 lakh houses in urban and rural areas if it is voted to power in the the October 5 assembly elections.

Polling for the 90-seat assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the votes will be counted on October 8.

Union minister and BJP president J P Nadda released the sankalp patra at Rohtak in the presence of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Ministers M L Khattar, Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishan Pal Gurjar, state BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli and the party's poll manifesto committee head O P Dhankar.

The party also promised to purchase 24 crops at Minimum Support Price.

The BJP government in Haryana was already buying 14 crops at MSP. And last month, the state cabinet approved a proposal of buying 10 more crops at MSP.

Facing opposition flak over short-term military recruitment scheme Agnipath, Nadda said there will be a guarantee of government job for every Agniveer hailing from Haryana.

Among the 20 main points in the manifesto, the BJP promised Rs 2,100 per month for all women under the Lado Lakshmi Yojna and a scooter for college-going female students in rural areas under Avwal Balika Yojna.

The ruling party said two lakh government jobs will be given to the youth without 'kharchi-parchi', a reference to the alleged corruption prevailing earlier under the Congress regime.

All those youth who pass Common Eligibility Test, but cannot get job within a year, will get Rs 9,000 per month in lieu of 100 hours of work under Saksham Yuva Yojana for the next two years, says the manifesto.

A menstrual health policy will be implemented in state government offices under which female employees will be given leave on the day of their choice in a month.

The ruling BJP also said it will give cooking gas cylinder at Rs 500 under the Har Ghar Grihni Yojna, under which BPL and antyodaya families in the state get these in the recently started scheme.

The BJP has promised, if it returns to power, its government will guarantee loans up to Rs 25 lakh for all OBC entrepreneurs, in addition to the Mudra scheme, as per manifesto.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadda said Haryana has marched on the path of progress during the BJP-led government. "You will clearly see Haryana has changed and the difference is visible, " he said referring to corruption and scams which allegedly took place during previous regimes.

The party promised to frame strict laws to check drug menace, make stringent laws for drug trafficking and related offences with a minimum imprisonment of 10 years which may be extended to life term and a fine of at least Rs 5 lakh.

NDPS Fast track courts will be set up in all districts, the party promised.

O P Dhankar said there is something in the manifesto for every section.

Chief Minister Saini said special attention has been given to the poor, youth, farmers and women. District-specific announcements also find a mention in the manifesto.

Full scholarships for Haryana students belonging to the OBC and SC communities in any government medical and engineering colleges in the country will be given, the BJP manifesto states.

The BJP has also promised free dialysis in government hospitals and diagnosis in all hospitals.

Rapid rail transport system will be started from Delhi to Palwal, Dharuhera, Rohtak and Panipat with the centre's assistance, said Nadda.

The party further promised the start of inter-city express metro service between Faridabad and Gurugram.

It also promised setting up 10 industrial cities on the line of Industrial Model Township Kharkhoda, and said industrialists will be given special incentive for giving 50,000 jobs to local youths in every city.

The party also promised employment opportunities for 5 lakh youths and monthly stipend through the National Apprenticeship Promotion scheme.

According to the manifesto, the party will set up welfare boards for backward classes (36 biradari) while sports nurseries will come up in every district for Olympic Games.

Tourism was also the focus in the manifesto with the party promising an Aravalli Jungle Safari of international level in south Haryana.

Under Mukhya Mantri Vivah Shagun Yojna, the BJP promise to give a financial assistance of Rs 81,000. The BJP promised to launch Kalpana Chawla scholarship scheme for giving

Rs 1 lakh to women pursuing undergraduate and post graduate studies in engineering and science.

The party also promised to raise the strength of women personnel in state police force from 15 percent to 25 percent.

Among the promises for farmers include an incentive of Rs 10,000 per acre to farmers who sow crops other than paddy and a law to ensure punishment for those who sell fake fertilizers, seeds and pesticides will be implemented.

As a measure to check stubble burning, farmers will be given an incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre.

Every child of martyred soldier will be given a scholarship of Rs 60,000 per year from Class 6 to 12, Rs 72,000 till graduation and Rs 96,000 per year till post-graduation.

A 700-bedded government hospital to be set up in Gurugram while a world class global Fin Tech hub will also be set up while an industrial park will be set up in Rohtak for manufacturing of electronic vehicle parts.
Agitating junior doctors announced to "partially" withdraw their 'cease work' and rejoin emergency and essential services at state-run hospitals from Saturday, as the West Bengal government has accepted most of their demands.

IMAGE: Junior doctors, who are protesting over the RG Kar rape and murder case, celebrate after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee agrees to doctors' demands including the removal of Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal and removal of health department officials, in Kolkata, September 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The medics, who have been on 'cease work' for the last 41 days following the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, announced that they would lift their sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan on Friday.

Before lifting the sit-in, they would march from Swasthya Bhawan, the state health department headquarters, to the CBI office at CGO Complex in the Salt Lake area.

"It has been decided that given the flood situation in West Bengal and the state government agreeing to certain demands of ours, we will be rejoining emergency and essential services partially from Saturday. We are withdrawing our cease work partially," an agitating doctor said on Thursday after their general body meeting.

The protesting doctors said they would not work in the Outpatient Department but would partially work in emergency and essential services.

"We will withdraw our sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan on Friday after the march to the CBI office. We will wait for a week for the West Bengal government to implement all its promises and if unfulfilled, we will resume 'cease work'," the doctors said, adding that their fight for justice has not ended.

This decision came after the state government issued several directives regarding safety and security at hospitals and medical colleges.

"We will withdraw our sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan on Friday after march to the CBI office," the doctors said.

The protesting doctors added that they would continue their 'cease work' at the Outpatient Department (OPD) but would resume partial emergency and essential services in all departments.

On the 41st day of the protest, the junior doctors said, "We achieved a lot during our agitation, but many things remain unachieved."

The doctors emphasised that although they succeeded in getting the Kolkata Commissioner of Police, along with the director of medical education and the director of health services, to step down, it "doesn't mean the agitation is over".

In response to the doctors' earlier demands, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee transferred Kolkata Police Chief Vineet Goyal and appointed Manoj Kumar Verma in his place, while also removing two senior health department officials.

"However, this doesn't mean our agitation has come to an end. We are committed to pushing forward in a new direction if our demands and assurances are not fulfilled within a stipulated period," agitating doctor Debashis Haldar said.

After a meeting with the chief secretary on Wednesday, the doctors received a directive from the state secretariat Nabanna assuring them that safety and security measures would be implemented, Haldar said.

"However, no specific timeline was provided for when these changes will take place. The 'threat culture' we have been fighting against has already claimed the life of Abhaya. We still demand the removal of the principal secretary, and action to eliminate this toxic culture," said another protesting doctor during the press conference.

The doctors announced that on Friday, they would organise a march from Swasthya Bhawan to the CGO Complex to "conclude this phase of our protest".

"While we will partially resume our duties on Saturday, we will keep a close watch on the administration. If we notice anything amiss, we will return stronger than before," the doctors said.

"Although we will rejoin essential services from Saturday, we will not participate in OPD and OT services until concrete steps are taken to ensure the safety of our female colleagues," they added.

The agitating doctors also announced that they would operate 'Abhaya Clinics' in flood-affected areas of West Bengal to help people in distress.

"There is a flood situation, and it is our duty to support those who stood by us. If they are facing a disaster, we should be there to help them. We will return to our hospitals and also conduct Abhaya Clinics in flood-affected areas," the agitating doctors said.

Agitating junior doctors on Thursday submitted to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant a draft of the key points of their meeting with the West Bengal government last night and were awaiting the state's response.

The West Bengal government on Thursday evening issued a list of directives on the safety, security and conducive environment for healthcare professionals, saying those orders need to be implemented immediately.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday condemned the torching of 34 houses, mostly belonging to SC/ST communities, in Nawada district and asked the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to visit the site and oversee the probe.

IMAGE: Family members mourn after houses were set on fire, at Krishnanagar in Nawada, Bihar. Photograph: ANI Photo

The police have so far arrested 15 people on Friday, a day after arsonists torched the houses including 21 that were destroyed in the fire at Manjhi Tola area.

Sources from the Chief Minister's Office said, "The CM condemned the incident and instructed the ADG (Law and Order) to monitor the probe on-site."

Kumar also emphasised the need to apprehend all suspects as quickly as possible.

"The CM stressed that those who take the law into their hands must be caught and punished. He directed all district magistrates and superintendents of police across the state to ensure that the rule of law prevails," a senior CMO official said.

Kumar also instructed all DMs and SPs to conduct searches in prisons to check for unlawful activities.

Preliminary investigations indicated that a land dispute may have triggered the violence, which occurred in Manjhi Tola within Mufassil police station area on Wednesday evening.

Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma told PTI: "The district police has arrested 15 people for allegedly torching the houses. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter, and searches are ongoing to apprehend any remaining suspects."

Verma said that around 34 houses, some of which were semi-pucca, were torched by a group in Manjhi Tola. Senior administrative and police officials will report the exact extent of the damage, he added.

Investigations have revealed that out of a total of 34 houses that were set on fire, 21 were completely destroyed and 13 were damaged partially.

Investigations have also revealed that most of the houses which were set on fire belonged to people belonging to the SC/ST community. The case has also been registered under the Arms Act and SCs and STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, said the DM.

It is also suspected that the accused initially fired in the air before setting the houses ablaze, the DM added.

"We are providing relief materials, including food packets and drinking water, to those displaced. Temporary tents have been set up for the victims," he added.

Verma denied claims that cattle were charred in the incident, stating no evidence has been found to support that.

Following the incident, Nawada SP Abhinav Dhiman had said, "A call was received around 7 pm regarding the fire in Manjhi Tola. Police reached promptly with fire engines and extinguished the blaze."

Meanwhile, the incident has triggered a political slugfest between the ruling alliance partners of the NDA government in the state and the opposition.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, said in a post on X: 'Respected, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Ji, houses of Dalits have been set on fire under your double engine government in Bihar. The PM must say a few words on this Mangalraj' as whatever is happening is all because of the will of almighty God and the NDA leaders have no control over this.'

Yadav said the PM should also say why Nitish Kumar, chief of the Janata Dal-U which is National Democratic Alliance's third-largest constituent, has stopped saying anything on such incidents.

Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, state minister and a key aide of Bihar CM, condemned the incident on Wednesday.

The CM has already made it clear that whosoever is involved in the incident, will not be spared, he said.

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said, I spoke to Nawada's DM and SP in connection with the incident. It's a highly condemnable incident. Most of the criminals involved in the incident have been arrested and those who are absconding will soon be put behind bars.

The founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular, an alliance partner of the NDA, said he would visit the place on September 22.

He alleged that opposition leaders are indulging in theatrics over the incident.

Manjhi said, The opposition people first get the Dalits tortured and then question the working style of the government. Around 90 per cent of the people arrested in the Nawada incident belong to a particular caste and are RJD supporters. Will Rahul Gandhi now say something on this or will he remain silent?
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Rovshan Rustamov received a delegation headed by President of China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT) Yang Bin, Trend reports.

According to the information, at the meeting, broad discussions were held on the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China in the field of railway transportation and logistics, including the increase of freight traffic along the Middle Corridor.

The sides exchanged views on CRTC joining the joint venture established by the railway departments of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia, Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., announcing that this significant event will take place within the framework of the VIII International Silk Road Exhibition to be held in Xi'an on September 19-20.

Furthermore, it was noted at the meeting that, as a result of the fundamental work carried out in the last period on the development of the Middle Corridor, the movement of container block trains from China has been restored, and 212 container block trains have been sent from Chinese ports to Azerbaijan since the beginning of 2024. As a successful result of the measures taken, it was emphasized that the delivery time of containers to Baku port is 8-10 days and to Black Sea ports is 10-12 days.

Expressing satisfaction with these indicators, the Chinese side noted that CRTC's joining the joint venture Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd. will contribute to increasing the volume of cargo transported along the Middle Corridor.

Moreover, it was noted at the meeting that on September 19-20 in Baku, on the initiative of Azerbaijani Railways with the participation of railroad operators from China, Central Asia, and Europe, negotiations will be held on the establishment of a new International Association "Eurasian Transport Route". It was emphasized that the main topic of discussions will be the development of the southern wing of the Middle Corridor through cooperation within the framework of this association and ensuring efficient, high-speed, safe, and structured freight transportation in the direction of China-Middle Asia-Europe and vice versa.
It could be a tightrope walk for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government in the present scenario to ensure the passage of constitutional amendments required to bring the concept of 'one nation, one election' to reality.

IMAGE: Narendra Modi and the new Union council of ministers pose for a group photograph at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 9, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The government may have to move 18 amendments to the Constitution to implement the concept of simultaneous elections as recommended by a high-level committee chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind.

The NDA enjoys support of 293 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha and 119 MPs in the 245-member Rajya Sabha.

For a constitutional amendment to pass muster in Parliament, a proposal has to have the support of a simple majority in the Lok Sabha as also two-thirds of the members present and voting in the House.

If all the 543 members of the Lok Sabha are present on the day of voting on a constitutional amendment, the measure will require the support of 362 members.

The opposition INDIA bloc has 234 members in the Lok Sabha.

In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA has 113 MPs and the assumed support of six nominated members, while the INDIA bloc has 85 members. If all members of the Rajya Sabha are present on the voting day, two-thirds would be 164 members.

Some constitutional amendments also require to be ratified by state assemblies.

Of the six national political parties, two -- BJP and National People's Party -- are in support of simultaneous polls, while four  Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Communist Party of India-Marxist -- are opposed to the measure.

After the recent Lok Sabha polls, the parties that supported simultaneous polls before the Kovind panel account for 271 members in the Lok Sabha.

The total strength in Parliament of the 15 parties that opposed simultaneous polls before the Kovind panel is 205.

NDA floor managers have expressed confidence that they can ensure support of key legislative reforms in Parliament and cited that the J&K Reorganisation Bill and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill were passed by Parliament when the ruling alliance did not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

"We will seek to create a consensus over the next few months. Our government believes in creating a consensus on items which affect democracy and the nation in the long run. This is a subject, a topic that will strengthen our nation," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said to questions on steering the simultaneous poll proposals in Parliament.
Iranian hackers shared unsolicited information they had stolen from former United States President Donald Trump's presidential campaign with people who were associated with President Joe Biden's campaign over the summer, CNN reported, citing federal law enforcement officials.

Image only for representation. Photograph: Kacper Pempel/Reuters

In a joint statement, the office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency announced that Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July 'sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Biden's campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trump's campaign as text in the emails', according to a CNN report.

According to the statement, there is no indication that Biden's staff ever responded.

In the statement, the law enforcement said that the hackers efforts to send information to US media outlets has continued.

The statement said that the hack is one of the various efforts made by the Iranian government trying to 'stoke discord and undermine confidence in our electoral process', CNN reported.

Previously, law enforcement officials have said that those efforts also comprised an unsuccessful attempt to hack the Biden-Harris campaign.

Iranian government-backed hackers stole Trump campaign documents and shared them with news organisations, CNN had reported.

Beginning on July 22, Politico had reported that it had received emails that mentioned internal communication from a senior Trump campaign official and a research dossier the campaign had put together on Trump's running mate and Ohio Senator, J D Vance.

Later, The New York Times and The Washington Post had also reported that they had received similar information, including a 271-page document on Vance dated February 23 and labelled 'privileged & confidential', that the outlets said was based on information available in public, the report said.

The Iranian hackers did breach the email account of Trump's long time ally Roger Stone to target campaign staff in June, according to CNN report.

US officials believe the Iranian hackers work for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGS).

Investigators believe the suspected Iranian hackers breached Roger Stone's account. The hackers then used Stone's email account to try to break into the account of a senior Trump campaign official as part of their efforts to access campaign networks.

Elections in the US are set to be held on November 5.

Trump is the Republican presidential nominee, while Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee.

Earlier in July, Biden withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic candidate for presidential elections.
Coordinated attacks across Lebanon targeted communication devices, resulting in devastating consequences.

IMAGE: A vendor shows walkie-talkie devices without batteries, which he says he removed for safety reasons at an electronic store in Sidon, after hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon's south and in Beirut's southern suburbs, on September 18, 2024. Photograph: Aziz Taher/Reuters

In the latest attacks, at least 20 people lost their lives and over 450 were injured, authorities said, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The latest attack comes just a day after 12 people were killed and more than 2,800 others were wounded in a coordinated explosion of pagers in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared the start of a 'new phase' in the war and asserted that the focus is now on the northern arena.

Sharing a post on X, Gallant said, 'We are at the start of a new phase in the war - we are allocating resources and forces to the northern arena and our mission is clear: ensuring the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. To do so, the security situation must be changed.'

Earlier on Wednesday, dozens of ambulance crews from the Lebanese Red Cross worked to rescue and evacuate those who were wounded after walkie-talkie explosions in Lebanon, according to CNN report.

Over 30 teams of Lebanese Red Cross emergency medics were working in southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and central Beqaa valley.

In addition, 50 ambulance crews were on alert in Mount Lebanon and Beirut to help in evacuation efforts.

The Lebanese Civil Defence had said it was working to contain fires in 60 houses and shops that started after the walkie-talkies exploding, including one in a lithium battery shop. As many as 15 cars and dozens of motorcycles caught fire and two fingerprint devices in the Nebatieh Governorate.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Lebanese ministry of health directed health workers to urgently report to work considering the 'large number of injured people being transferred to hospitals' after the pager explosions, CNN reported.

Officials have also urged people to donate blood in anticipation of increased need.

Hezbollah had blamed Israel for the pager explosions on Tuesday and pledged retribution. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials urged people who possess pagers to discard them.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have found confidence in democracy again and are feeling that their vote can bring change, which is the first step towards their empowerment.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an election meeting in support of BJP candidates at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Srinagar, September 19, 2024.

Addressing an election rally in support of BJP candidates at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium here, Modi said the BJP will fulfil its promise of restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

"The youth of my Jammu and Kashmir is no more helpless. He is becoming empowered under the Modi government. I am happy that the J-K BJP has also made huge announcements for the employment of youth. Be it their skill development or providing jobs without manipulation, the BJP will do all these," he said.

Attacking the Congress, National Conference, and PDP, Modi said these three parties and families have "trampled" democracy and 'Kashmiryat' for their own benefits.

"Do you remember what they did in the 1980s? They treated Jammu and Kashmir's politics as their own fiefdom. They did not want anyone except their families to come forward? Otherwise, why did they stop the panchayat, DDC and BDC elections?

"They knew it would bring new faces who would challenge their family rule. What was the damage as a result of their selfishness? The youth kept losing faith in democracy. They felt whether they vote or not, only these three families will come to power," he said.

The PM said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has vastly changed over the last five years which has restored the confidence of youth in a democratic process.

"Remember the conditions in which elections were held earlier. The campaigns would stop by 6 pm. Door-to-door campaigns were impossible. The Congress, NC and PDP -- these three families were happy with it. These people used to make merry by snatching your rights," he said.

"Today, the campaign happens late in the night. Now, the people are celebrating democracy. Youth have found confidence in democracy again, they feel their vote, their democratic right, can bring change. This hope is the first step towards empowerment," he added.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday supported his embattled MLA Sanjay Gaikwad and asked the Congress to protest against Rahul Gandhi for his comments on reservations.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde takes part in the state-level campaign 'Swachta Hi Seva', at Girgaon Chowpatty, in Mumbai, September 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Gaikwad was panned by leaders cutting across party lines after he offered Rs 11 lakh to anyone who cut off Gandhi's tongue for the latter's statement in the US on reservations.

Shinde also attacked Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi, who will be sworn in as Delhi chief minister on September 21, for "supporting" terrorist Afzal Guru.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has been claiming Atishi's parents signed a mercy petition for Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Addressing an event connected to the state government's Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shinde praised Gaikwad for conceptualising the statues of saints and other revered personalities in Buldhana.

"The Congress must protest in front of Rahul Gandhi residence for his statement against reservations. The opposition spread fake narrative about Constitution being changed and the end of reservations. Now, Congress leaders are going abroad and talking about ending quota. This is an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution," Shinde asserted.

Asserting that the Mahayuti was firmly in favour of reservations to help the deprived segments of society, Shinde urged people of the state to teach a lesson to those making statements against quota.

Gandhi, however, has asserted he was misquoted and that he wants the reservation cap of 50 percent to be removed.

Attacking Atishi, Shinde claimed, "People who support terrorists like Afzal Guru have been made chief minister of Delhi. This is treason."

Addressing the gathering, deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the opposition was misleading people by claiming money meant for welfare of Dalits, tribals and farmers was being diverted for the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

"This is not true. Separate funds have been allocated for Ladki Bahin Yojana. This scheme will not stop. It will continue," he said.
Agitating junior doctors on Thursday submitted to chief secretary Manoj Pant a draft of the key points of their meeting with the West Bengal government last night and were awaiting the state's response.

IMAGE: Junior doctors watch live-streaming of the Supreme Court on the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case, at Salt Lake City in Kolkata, September 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The e-mail, detailing the points which were discussed and agreed upon between the two sides and also those which weren't, was sent as per the state's requirement based on which the government is expected to issue directives, the doctors said.

The talks between junior doctors and officials of the state government on Wednesday night failed to resolve the impasse between the two sides.

Medics have been protesting for the past 40 days since the brutal torture and killing of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital came to light on August 9.

Doctors alleged that the state refused to provide written minutes of the meeting and announced they will continue with their agitation and 'cease work' movement till the government issues written directives on safety and security concerns of doctors in state-run hospitals as agreed in the meeting.

"While the talks went smoothly, the government refused to hand over signed and written minutes of the issues which were discussed. We are feeling let down and disappointed with the government's attitude," Dr Aniket Mahato, one of the agitating doctors, said after coming out of the meeting.

The second round of meeting between the state-level public healthcare task force headed by Pant and a delegation of 30 junior doctors was held at the state secretariat Nabanna.

The first round was held in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence on Monday.

The protesting doctors are continuing with their sit-in demonstration before Swasthya Bhawan, the headquarters of the state health department in Salt Lake, which is now on its 10th day.

Among the disagreements at the last round of talks, the state reportedly refused to accept the doctors' demand to initiate a departmental inquiry against health secretary N S Nigam in the wake of the alleged crime at R G Kar hospital.

The state capital has been rocked with massive protests ever since the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor and subsequent allegations of widespread corruption at government healthcare facilities and arm-twisting of students and trainee doctors, leading to demands for an action against the health secretary.

The protesting doctors said they highlighted issues of their safety inside state-run hospital premises, and details of formulation and functions of the promised task force at the meeting.

The medics raised matters concerning transparency in referral systems, bed allocation to patients, recruitment of healthcare workers, and an end to the prevailing "threat culture" on campuses.

Representation of students in unions, hostels and decision-making bodies of hospitals, setting up of college-level task forces, and holding of college council and resident doctors' association elections, were also raised in the meeting.

The doctors said their demands were "inextricably linked" to the concern that a gruesome crime like the one that took place at RG Kar hospital never gets repeated.

"The government agreed that most of our demands were just and needed immediate implementation. But we were disappointed at the end of the talks when the chief secretary refused to give us a signed minutes of the meeting," a doctor said.

An unsigned minutes of the meeting released by the Bengal government after the meeting stated that the junior doctors demanded the formation of an inquiry committee against the Principal Health Secretary for alleged misconduct over the past 4-5 years, that include fostering a health syndicate.

The chief secretary emphasised a comprehensive inquiry into the state's health system is needed.

The minutes revealed that the government requested that medics send 4-5 representatives to the state task force on safety and security, but the doctors proposed a broader representation from all medical colleges.

"Both parties agreed to implement a central directive for deploying women police officers for night patrols, installing panic buttons by department, and establishing helplines for prompt intervention," the minutes read.

Banerjee has been asking the medics to withdraw their 'cease work,' which has been continuing for the since August 9  when the body of the trainee doctor was found at the hospital.

Giving in to the medics' demands, Banerjee had earlier transferred Kolkata police chief Vineet Goyal and appointed Manoj Kumar Verma in his place, while also removing two senior health department officials.

Meanwhile, senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday urged the junior doctors to end their agitation and resume work.

"As a gesture of goodwill, the doctors should consider calling off the strike and work collaboratively with the West Bengal government to serve the needs of the people, and expedite the implementation of the task force's initiatives to ensure these changes are promptly executed," Banerjee said in a post on X.
The second round of talks between junior doctors and officials of the West Bengal government failed to break the medics' strike over the RG Kar issue, following the state's refusal to give written minutes of the meeting, the doctors alleged.

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the media after the meeting with the junior doctors, who are protesting over the RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case, in Kolkata, September 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

After the meeting, the medics announced they will continue with their agitation and 'cease work' movement till the government issues written directives on the safety of doctors in state-run hospitals as agreed in the meeting.

"While the talks went smoothly, the government refused to hand over signed and written minutes of the issues which were discussed. We are feeling let down and disappointed with the government's attitude," Dr Aniket Mahato, one of the agitating doctors, said on Wednesday night.

"We will send an email tomorrow detailing our demands based on which the government has assured it will issue directives. We will continue our agitation and take a call on it if and when those directives are issued," Mahato said.

The state also refused to accept the doctors' demand to initiate a departmental inquiry against health secretary N S Nigam in the wake of the alleged rape-murder of an R G Kar hospital PG trainee.

The state capital has been rocked with massive protests ever since the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor and subsequent allegations of widespread corruption at government healthcare facilities and arm-twisting of students and trainee doctors, leading to demands for an action against the health secretary.

This was the second round of talks between the medics and the state government in 48 hours.

The first round was held with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence on Monday.

The meeting between the state-level public healthcare task force headed by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and a delegation of 30 junior doctors started at the state secretariat in Nabanna around 7.30 pm, an hour after the scheduled time fixed by the state, and lasted for over five-and-a-half hours.

The protesting doctors said they highlighted issues of their safety inside state-run hospital premises, and details of formulation and functions of the promised task force at the meeting.

The medics raised matters concerning transparency in referral systems, bed allocation to patients, recruitment of healthcare workers, and an end to the prevailing 'threat culture' on campuses.

Representation of students in unions, hostels and decision making bodies of hospitals, setting up of college-level task forces, and holding of college council and resident doctors' association elections, were also raised in the meeting.

The doctors said their demands were 'inextricably linked' to the concern that a gruesome crime like the one that took place at RG Kar Hospital never gets repeated.

"The government agreed that most of our demands were just and needed immediate implementation. But we were disappointed at the end of the talks when the chief secretary refused to give us a signed minutes of the meeting," a doctor said.

An unsigned minutes of the meeting released by the Bengal government after the meeting stated that the junior doctors demanded the formation of an inquiry committee against the Principal Health Secretary for alleged misconduct over the past 4-5 years, that include fostering a health syndicate.

The Chief Secretary emphasised a comprehensive inquiry into the state's health system is needed.

The minutes revealed that the government requested that medics send 4-5 representatives to the state task force on safety and security, but the doctors proposed a broader representation from all medical colleges.

"Both parties agreed to implement a central directive for deploying female police officers for night patrols, installing panic buttons by department, and establishing helplines for prompt intervention," the minutes read.

As on Monday, the protesting medics were accompanied by stenographers to record the minutes of the meeting.

Banerjee has been asking the medics withdraw their 'cease work,' which has been continuing for the since August 9 -- when the body of the trainee doctor was found at RG Kar hospital.

The doctors, however, after the Wednesday meeting announced they will continue their sit-in before the state health department headquarters -- Swasthya Bhawan -- till their talks conditions were met.

The demonstration before the Swasthya Bhawan has been on for the past nine days.

Giving in to the medics' demands, Banerjee had earlier transferred Kolkata police chief Vineet Goyal and appointed Manoj Kumar Verma in his place, while also removing two senior health department officials.

Meanwhile, senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday urged the junior doctors to end their agitation and resume work.

'As a gesture of goodwill, the doctors should consider calling off the strike and work collaboratively with the West Bengal government to serve the needs of the people, and expedite the implementation of the task force's initiatives to ensure these changes are promptly executed,' Banerjee said in a post on X.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's claim that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddus during the previous government triggered a massive political row on Thursday with the YSRCP accusing Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains and Telugu Desam Party circulating a lab report to back the claim.

IMAGE: A view of the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala in Tirupati. Photograph: ANI Photo

During an NDA legislative party meeting on Wednesday, Naidu claimed that the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati and used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making laddus.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference claimed that the adulteration has been confirmed by a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, on the ghee samples provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which manages the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.

He displayed the purported lab report which apparently confirmed the presence of "beef tallow", Lard and Fish Oil in the given ghee sample.

The sample receipt date was July 9, 2024 and the lab report was dated July 16.

However, there was no official confirmation on the lab report from either the Andhra Pradesh government or the TTD.

Senior YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member YV Subba Reddy, who served as chairman of TTD for four years, noted that Naidu's allegations had undermined the hallowed nature of the deity and hurt the sentiments of the devotees.

"It is unimaginable to even say that animal fat was used in the consecrated food offered to the deity and the laddus given to devotees. There is no other heinous attempt than alleging that animal fat was being used," said Reddy.

Asserting that he is a Hindu who worships Sri Venkateswara Swamy, the Rajya Sabha member challenged Naidu to come and swear before the deity whether his allegations were true or false.

He further said if Naidu fails to substantiate his allegations and comes up with proof , he would take legal recourse and would go up to the Supreme Court.

Senior YSRCP leader and another former TTD chairman B Karunakar Reddy, charged that Naidu made sacrilegious allegations over Tirupati laddus for political mileage.

Karunakar Reddy, who twice served as the chairman of TTD alleged that Naidu's claims of lacing Tirupati laddus (consecrated sweet) with animal fat during YSRCP government was aimed at politically targeting the opposition party and its president and former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

"To attack YSRCP, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the previous government (YSRCP), he (Naidu) made heinous allegations that animal fat was used in making Swamy's (deity) laddus. It is a deplorable experiment," Reddy told a vernacular news channel.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday expressed shock over the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati prasadam (laddu).

"The lord Venkateswara swamy temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam," he said in a post on 'X'.

Assailing the ruling TDP and opposition YSRCP for allegedly indulging in heinous' politics over Tirupati laddus, AP Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila on Thursday called for a CBI probe to ascertain whether animal fat was really used to make the sweet.

Andhra Pradesh BJP in a post on its 'X' handle said the remarks of CM Naidu on the laddu issue created anguish among all Hindus.

The saffron party appealed to the state government to immediately investigate all the issues that hurt the sentiments of Hindus in the previous government.
India abstained in the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution that demanded Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months, with Delhi underlining that it is a strong advocate of 'dialogue and diplomacy' and efforts should be made towards 'building bridges', 'not furthering divides'.

IMAGE: The 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York City. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution on Wednesday, with 124 nations voting in favour, 14 against and 43 abstentions, including that by India.

The resolution was titled 'Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory'.

Those abstaining included Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Nations voting against the resolution included Israel and the United States.

Delivering the explanation of vote on the resolution, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish underlined India's abiding commitment to achieving a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue and reiterated that only a two-state solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides will lead to enduring peace.

"India has abstained from today's vote. We have been strong advocates of dialogue and diplomacy. We believe that there is no other way to resolve conflicts," he said.

Underlining that there are no winners in conflicts, Harish said the cost of conflict is human lives and destruction.

"A joint effort should be directed towards bringing the two sides closer, not drive them further apart. We should strive towards building bridges, not furthering the divides," he said.

India urged the General Assembly to make a 'genuine effort' to strive for peace. Harish emphasised India's steadfast commitment to resolution of the conflict and restoration of peace by bringing human suffering to an end.

"We will continue to be guided by this spirit. To this end, we stand ready to continue our engagements towards achieving sustained peace,' he said.

Harish said the world has been witnessing the ongoing conflict in Gaza for more than 11 months now that has led to the death of thousands including women and children and the largescale consequent humanitarian crisis.

Underlining that India's position on the conflict has been clear and consistent, Harish said Delhi unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7 last year, and also condemned the loss of civilian lives in the conflict, called for an immediate ceasefire, and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

He said India stands for unrestricted and sustained humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.

The resolution adopted Wednesday demanded that 'Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility, and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution'.

The Palestinian-drafted resolution also strongly deplored the continued and total disregard and breaches by the Government of Israel of its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions, and stressed that such breaches seriously threaten regional and international peace and security.

It recognised that Israel must be held to account for any violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that it 'must bear the legal consequences of all its internationally wrongful acts, including by making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, addressing reporters as the organisation prepares to host world leaders soon for the landmark Summit of the Future and the high-level General Assembly session said that the level of death and destruction in Gaza is by far the 'largest that I've ever seen in my mandate as Secretary-General' and the violations of international humanitarian law are 'totally unacceptable'.

"I condemned as I did, and I feel that that condemnation was essential, the terror attacks by Hamas, but what's happening today in Gaza is totally unacceptable," Guterres said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), citing Ministry of Health in Gaza estimates, said that between October 7, 2023 and September 16 this year, least 41,226 Palestinians have been killed and 95,413 injured.

According to the Israeli military and official Israeli sources cited in the media, more than 1,542 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed during this period, the majority on October 7 and its immediate aftermath.
A first information report (FIR) has been registered against Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for his alleged remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the statements he made in the United States about the condition of Sikhs in India, police said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Congress supporters stage a protest against Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu over his remarks on Lok Sabha LoP and party MP Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi. Photograph: Ritik Jain/ANI Photo

The case was filed based on a complaint by one of the officer-bearers of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, they said.

"The FIR was registered under sections 353 (2) (making, publishing or circulating a statement or report with false information, rumors, or alarming news), 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot- if rioting be committed; if not committed) and 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at High Grounds police station here," a police officer said.

Attacking the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha over the statements about the condition of Sikhs in India, the Minister of State for Railways on Sunday said if those "manufacturing bombs" were supporting him, he is the 'number one terrorist'.

Condemning the statement, the Congress had said Bittu was talking 'like a senseless man'.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. German media outlets have highlighted the recent III Forum of Azerbaijani Doctors living in Germany in Bonn, focusing on the significance of the event, Trend reports.

Coverage emphasized the successful clinical and scientific contributions of Azerbaijani physicians, noting their prominent position among foreign medical professionals in Germany.

The forum was organized with support from the State Committee for Diaspora Affairs of Azerbaijan, the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany, and the Forum of Azerbaijani Doctors in Germany.

In his speech, the chairman of the State Committee, Fuad Muradov, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Azerbaijani doctors for their exemplary work in Germany and the dignified representation of their homeland.

The head of Radiology, Neuroradiology, and Nuclear Medicine at GFO Clinics Troisdorf, Dr. Nuran Abdullayev, noted that future events will be more comprehensive, involving various healthcare institutions in Germany.

The articles also include information about a meeting with members of the Azerbaijani community living in Stuttgart and nearby cities.

For more details, you can read the full articles in the German media through the links below:

https://www.presseportal.de/pm/176095/5865804

https://www.kurierverlag.de/na-pressemitteilungen/forum-der-aserbaidschanischen-aerzte-in-deutschland-zr-93303621.html
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will have a substantive engagement on the sidelines of the Quad summit on Saturday, and the two sides will sign at least two agreements following the talks.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes the then President of United States of America Donald Trump, at Hyderabad House, New Delhi on February 25, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo

One pact will be related to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the other memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be on the India-US drug framework, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday.

Modi will pay a three-day visit to the United States beginning September 21 to attend the annual Quad summit and address the "Summit of the Future" at the United Nations General Assembly.

Modi will hold separate bilateral talks with Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the Quad summit in Wilmington, Delaware on September 21.

The talks between Modi and Biden will take place amid some unease in the India-US ties following Washington's allegations of an Indian link to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The US has consistently pressed India for updates on the Indian investigation into the plot and made it clear that it seeks accountability in the case.

At the meeting, Modi is also expected to apprise Biden of his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on finding a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"There will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between the prime minister and President Biden, where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US, which today covers almost every aspect of human endeavour through the 50-plus engagements and bilateral dialogue mechanisms," Misri said.

He was briefing the media on Modi's trip to the US.

"It will also give an opportunity to thank President Biden for his pioneering role in strengthening the India-US relationship and several new initiatives, such as the initiative on critical and emerging technologies," Misri said.

The foreign secretary said there will be an opportunity for both sides to exchange a few agreements, including one on the IPEF.

The pact on the IPEF is related to the clean economy and fair economy pillars.

In line with Washington's long-term vision for the Indo-Pacific, Biden launched the ambitious Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in May 2022.

It is an initiative aimed at deeper cooperation among like-minded countries in areas like clean energy, supply-chain resilience and digital trade.

Besides India, Japan and Australia, the other member countries of the IPEF are Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The IPEF has four pillars -- trade, supply-chain resilience, clean economy and fair economy. India is yet to join the trade pillar and discussions between the two sides on it are underway.

To a question on whether Modi will meet former US president Donald Trump during his US visit, Misri did not give a direct reply.

"We are trying to schedule many meetings with the prime minister. I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting -- whether the meeting has been finalised or not," he said.

"We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings," he added.

Two days ago, Trump, the Republican nominee in the US presidential race, said he will meet Modi next week.

From Wilmington, the prime minister will travel to New York to attend the "Summit of the Future" at the UN General Assembly.

In New York, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, Misri said.

On the prime minister's participation in the "Summit of the Future" at the UN General Assembly, he said India is expected to pitch for "inclusive and equitable sustainable development".

Referring to India hosting the third Voice of Global South Summit virtually on August 17, the foreign secretary indicated that many of the concerns raised during the deliberations would find a voice at the UN summit.

"I would imagine that many of the concerns raised at the summit will also find a voice at the Summit of the Future," he said.
'When we get justice we will stop the protest.'

IMAGE: Junior doctors hold a protest march from Salt Lake City Sector 5 to Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata, September 15, 2024, demanding justice for the victim in the R G Kar Hospital rape-murder case. Photograph: ANI Photo

Police at the barricades at the doctors' protest site near Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata take a look at our press cards and let us in. Vehicles are not allowed, except police cars.

It is the 39th day of the doctors' protest at the site in Salt Lake. After a few days of rain which had tempered the Kolkata heat, the sun is scorching hot again on Tuesday morning.

Rows of tents have been set up with giant pedestal fans where protesting medical students sit in groups on wooden planked beds covered with dhurries.

Some are lying down and resting or asleep. Some have gone home only a few times; some have done shifts, spending all their days and nights here. They are joined by students from other streams who are at the protest site in solidarity.

Some wear 'We Want Justice' bands on their foreheads and t-shirts bearing the slogan. Banners, mostly in Bangla, and a few in English are pinned to tarpaulins that serve as the roof of what has come to be the temporary home of the doctors.

On Tuesday morning the doctors have had sandwiches for breakfast. A man selling tea sits by the wall. Packs of mineral water are stacked in several places. A man goes around the beds, where some protestors lie asleep, picking up rubbish in a giant black garbage bag.

A group of women working for an NGO have organised lunch for 300 doctors -- huge containers of millet Khichdi and Alu-Dum potato curry.

At the far end, a group of doctors have set up the 'Abhaya Clinic', the name given to the deceased victim. Doctors sit and write prescriptions for those who have come seeking treatment, a bunch of medicines lie on the table.

On a 'Cease Work' protest until justice is done to their colleague who was raped and brutally killed -- and to address the deep rooted wrongs of the state medical education system -- the doctors are unrelenting till all their demands are addressed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government, confronting an acute crisis led by the young that has transfixed the city of joy.

Rediff.com's Archana Masih reports on an afternoon spent with the striking doctors:

Dr Debjani Baral, a post graduate trainee, has spent the last week on shifts and the last four nights at the protest site.

WATCH: Dr Debjani Baral on the need for safety and security of junior doctors

"We want safety. Sometimes female and male doctors have to share the same common room to rest or go to seminar rooms to rest."

"We do not feel safe because our colleague died while on duty. We are not sure what measures will be taken to ensure our safety in the future."

Hiya Paul, an Arts student who is part of a group of artists that has been painting slogans in the city in solidarity with the doctors.

WATCH: Hiya Paul speaks about slogans at the protest

"The slogans speak out against the culture of rape, victim blaming and patriarchy."

"We don't work under the banner of any political party, but nothing in society can be apolitical."

"Our protest is not against any political party. It is against the system, against the people in power, irrespective of whichever party is in power."

IMAGE: Junior doctors, protesting over the RG Kar rape and murder case, celebrate after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee agrees to doctors' demands including the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal and removal of health department officials, September 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The protesting doctors have been running the 'Abhaya Clinic' named after their dead colleague at the protest site.

The clinic has been operational for two weeks.

"We are not confining to 'Cease Work', but continue to serve the people through this clinic. People are supporting us and are kind to our movement," says Dr Anik Ghosh, an intern.

WATCH: Interns provide treatment at the 'Abhaya Clinic'

"We see a ray of hope. We are waiting for justice from day one and hope for the best. When we get justice we will stop the protest."

A group of environmentalists from a farmer's collective NGO provided lunch on Tuesday for 300 people.

The women have supported the movement for the past month.

"We salute the young doctors. They have given us all a spine. Our fight is on," says Somini Sen Dua.

Among the doctors stand a group of children who raise slogans for justice.

Hear them lend their voice: 'Justice for RG Kar'

Videos edited by Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
A sneak peek of some extraordinary entries for the 60th annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year event.

The 60th annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will return to the Natural History Museum, London, in the second week of October, with 100 gorgeous images of animals in the wild.

Nine-year-old Shreyovi Mehta, from Faridabad, was named a runner-up in the prestigious competition.

Shreyovi's winning entry, titled In the Spotlight, is of two peafowls silhouetted against a hazy, dreamy canopy of trees at the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

Her photograph was chosen from among 60,000 entries sent in by participants of all ages from 117 countries.

Take a peek at these extraordinary photographs and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of our planet.

In the Spotlight

Shreyovi Mehta

Surrounded by a tunnel of vegetation, two peahens are silhouetted against a peachy dawn sky in Keoladeo National Park, India.

It was this perfect moment that inspired Shreyovi to crouch down low on the ground to snap this dream-like image of these iconic Indian birds.

Photograph:  Shreyovi Mehta/Natural History Museum.

Twist and Jump

Jose Manuel Grandio

When Jose spotted this stoat jumping mid-air on the last day of his trip, he saw this performance as an "expression of exuberance", although an alternative explanation may be a parasitic infection.

Photograph:  Jose Manuel/Natural History Museum.

Strength in Numbers

Theo Bosboom

Reminded of a marching army carrying shields, Theo took this image with a wide-angle lens to highlight the huge ecological role that mussels play in their marine environment.

On the Atlantic coast of Portugal, these mussels form massive beds held together by byssal threads.

Not merely a static mass, mats of mussels are considered ecosystem engineers as they filter the seawater and provide homes for countless other marine species.

Photograph:  Theo Bosboom

Hooked

Tommy Trenchard

While onboard the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, Tommy captured the final thrashes of a requiem shark as it was pulled out of the ocean.

The picture is part of a project to document the bycatch by fishing boats that are targeting tuna and swordfish for human consumption.

The goal is to highlight the lack of effective regulation of industrial-scale fishing in international waters.

Photograph: Tommy Trenchard

Stormy Scene

William Fortescue

With a backdrop of swirling storm clouds, William caught a fraught moment between two lions as they were mating.

Sex between lions can be something of a frenetic affair, typically taking place multiple times over several days.

In this case, the female had had enough and broke things off with an overeager male.

Photograph:  William Fortescue

The Disappearing Ice Cap

Thomas Vijayan

Capturing the epic scale of the Austfonna ice cap in Norway was a challenge for Thomas.

He managed this by stitching together 26 frames taken from a drone to create this incredible panorama of the summer meltwater plunging over the edge of the Brasvellbreen glacier.

This is the third largest ice cap in the world, but as Thomas found out on this visit, the onset of its annual melting occurred much earlier than usual because of the unfolding climate crisis.

Photograph: Thomas Vijayan

Leaving the Nest

Sasha Jumanca

Two fuzzy tawny owls nuzzle each other on a branch in Munich.

The couple were photographed by Sasha in Maximiliansanlagen Park in the centre of the city.

He had seen owls in the neighbourhood before but was surprised to find them in such an urban setting.

Sasha watched the owls for a few days, capturing one last cuddle before the fledglings went their own ways.

Photograph: Sasha Jumanca

Ziggy Spider

Lam Soon Tak

Named as an homage to Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Bowie's 70s alter ego and band, the David Bowie spider is found in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia.

Spotting this individual guarding a white disc of eggs, Lam managed to snap this beautiful picture of the spider as it clung to a branch on the side of a river.

Photograph: Lam Soon Tak

The Last Resting Place

Randy Robbins

Over the past few years, Randy had been watching and photographing this mule deer doe as it raised fawns on his property in California.

Then, while hiking one day in December, he came across its body in the frost and snow.

With nothing more than the camera on his phone, Randy snapped this photo as a reminder of the fragility of life and the "grand design of it all".

Photograph: Randy Robbins

Precious Rocks

Samual Stone

After noticing a pair of jackdaws nesting in a hole in the trunk of a willow tree in London's Bushy Park, Samual started to watch what they were bringing back to the nest.

At first this was beaks full of hair taken from the park's resident deer, but as highly adaptable and intelligent birds, jackdaws will use a whole range of building materials.

Samual noticed that this included something rather unusual: clumps of dirt and rocks, which they carried in their beaks in size order.

Photograph: Samual Stone

Moonlight Hunter

Xingchao Zhu

High up on the Mongolian Plateau, in the light of the moon, a Pallas's cat had just caught its prey.

Xingchao had tracked a group of the cats to this spot and braved the freezing nighttime conditions to be there just as this one had caught an unfortunate Mongolian lark shortly before dawn.

Photograph: Xingchao Zhu

Centre of Attention

Georgina Steytler

These bees are battling it out for a mate.

Every year, solitary female Dawon's burrowing bees emerge from nests in the hot, rocky ground.

Already waiting are patrolling males that swarm the female in a bid to mate with it.

Georgina has been studying these bees for a few years, and by using a long lens she managed to capture this extraordinary moment in exquisite detail.'

Photograph: Georgina Steytler

Going with the Floe

Tamara Stubbs

Crabeater seals are the most numerous marine mammals in the world, with around seven million of them thought to live in the chilly waters that surround Antarctica.

While on a nine-month expedition to the southern continent, Tamara noticed hundreds of the seals following the boat and eventually falling asleep among the ice floes, allowing her to snap this extraordinary picture.

Photograph: Tamara Stubbs

Deadly Bite

Ian Ford

The Pantanal, (a tropical wetland) in Brazil supports the highest density of jaguars anywhere in the world. So there was no better place for Ian to be when a call over the radio alerted him to one prowling the banks of a river.

Crouching down in the boat, he got in the perfect position to capture the moment a jaguar delivered a skull-crushing bite to a yacare caiman.

Photograph: Ian Ford

As Clear as Crystal

Jason Gulley

Decades of pollution put the future of the Florida manatee at risk. But after community organisations and biologists came together to clean up the Crystal river and restore its eelgrass meadows, the marine mammals have rebounded.

This playful moment between a mother and its calf, with the amusing expression and trail of bubbles, made it one of Jason's favourites.

Photograph: Jason Gulley

Opening on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the East Pavilion Gallery in South Kensington (external link), London, this year's exhibition promises to take you on a visual journey through diverse ecosystems and introduce you to the fascinating creatures that inhabit them.

Published with kind permission from The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London.

Photographs curated by Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Last updated on: September 19, 2024 09:21 IST

IMAGE: Yashwini Dhaka will soon walk out of the Officers Training Academy in Chennai as an army officer. Photograph: ANI

A 500 kg laddoo for Lord Ganesha.

The Top Videos of the Week, listed by Shailajanand Mishra.

Also see: Why India is so proud of the IAF.

Alia Bhatt ko gussa kyon aata hai?

Videos chosen by you through your likes on iShare.

When The IAF Takes To The Skies...

Location: Jodhpur

This time, it hosted its largest-ever multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur.

All Videos: ANI

Norwegian Envoy Speaks Fluent Hindi!

Location: New Delhi

Ambassador May Elin-Stener, who completes her first year in India, even has her favourite Bollywood movie dialogue. It involves a certain SRK...

Aila! Alia Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai?

Location: Mumbai

This star can really scold.

Inspirational! IAF Officer's Widow Becomes Army Officer

Location: Chennai

She refused to let tragedy grind her down.

Instead, Yashwini Dhaka -- widow of Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh who died in a helicopter crash in the Nilgiris in which India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat was killed -- looked Life in the eye.

She will soon walk out of the Officers Training Academy in Chennai as an army officer.

Bollywood Celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi With The Ambanis

Location: Mumbai

From Salman Khan to Rekha, everyone was at the Ambani residence, Antilia.

A 500 Kg Laddoo For Bappa

Location: Kolkata

This massive treat was adorned with dry fruits.

Unique 40-feet Ganesha

Location: Chennai

Crafted from 6,000 Thambulam plates, 1,500 Kamakshi lamps and 350 seashells, this 40-foot idol of Lord Ganesha is truly a wonder.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
'We want to ensure that no government in J&K will be formed without our support.'

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Sayar Ahmed Reshi, the Jamaat-backed Independent candidate from Kulgam.

It does not have an office in Kashmir. Neither does it have any office-bearer in Kashmir.

The organisation was banned across Kashmir by the Union government after the Pulwama attack of February 2019 in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

Its president Abdul Hamid Fayaz is in jail.

Yet, 10 Independent candidates in the Kashmir elections do not shy away from declaring they are backed by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.

Asked how he is supported by the Jamaat-e-Islami when the party is outlawed in India, Sayar Ahmed Reshi, an Independent candidate from the Kulgam assembly seat, says, "It is our misfortune that the Jamaat got banned. The Constitution of India paves the way to get out of such a ban and contest elections so we chose to take that independent path. Now, we are hoping that the ban will be lifted on us after the elections."

Asked if it meant the Jamaat, which was known for its pro-Pakistan and anti-elections stance, now swears by the Constitution of India, Reshi says, "Jamaat never boycotted the elections, but the Hurriyat Conference boycotted it. We believe 101 percent in the Indian Constitution. We kept out of elections because the Kashmir elections were rigged in 1987. We lost trust in Indian democracy then."

Asked what made Jamaat-backed Independent candidates believe in Indian democracy again, Reshi says, "The 2024 general elections. We believe now that India conducts free and fair elections and we saw that in the 2024 general elections. Therefore, we felt that we too should jump into the fray."

Nine other Independent candidates supported by the Jamaat are contesting the assembly election in Kashmir -- from Devsar, Zainpora, Pulwama, Beerwah, Langate, Sopore, Baramulla, Bandipore and Rafiabad.

Terror accused Hafiz Mohammad Sikandar Malik, a Jamaat-backed Independent candidate from Bandipore who is out on bail, wears an ankle electronic monitor so that the police can track his movements.

Asked what difference it will make as the Jamaat is contesting only 10 seats and cannot get its nominees elected chief minister, Shamim Dar, an unofficial Jamaat advisor, concedes, "Jamaat backed Independent candidates won't be able to form a government for sure as you need 45 seats for a majority. But yes, we can become the Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu of the Jammu Kashmir assembly. We want to ensure that no government in J&K will be formed without our support."

Jamaat leaders were once a force to reckon with in the Jammu and Kashmir political arena.

In 1987, the Jamaat felt that the assembly elections were rigged by the Rajiv Gandhi government in New Delhi so that Farooq Abdullah's National Conference could form a government in Srinagar.

IMAGE: Jamaat-backed Independent candidate Talat Majid cast his vote for the first time in Pulwama, September 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

One of the Jamaat's losers in that election, Mohammad Yusuf Shah, went on to head the terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen. Intelligence agencies know him better by his assumed name, Syed Salahuddin.

Another leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, became part of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Awami Ittehad Party chief Engineer Rashid has openly called on Kashmiris to support Jamaat-backed Independent candidates and announced that he will tell his party members to support Jamaat candidates in the elections.

The Awami Ittehad Party and Jamaat in alliance or friendly contests are contesting all 47 seats in the Kashmir Valley.

This alliance has sent jitters in the ranks of the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party leadership as they fear these Independent candidates will impact their vote banks.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti attacked Jamat-backed Independent candidates at a rally in Pulwama last week, saying, 'The real Jamaat leaders are behind bars. If the Government of India wants the real Jamaat-e-Islami to contest elections, then it must lift the ban imposed on the Jamaat.'

IMAGE: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticised the tie-up between the Awami Ittehad Party and the Jamaat-e-Islami at a media interaction in Anantnag, September 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The NC and PDP believe that the AIP and Jamaat will damage their chances and it will be advantage BJP in Jammu and Kashmir because it could win a majority of seats in Jammu, which has 43 out of 90 seats in the assembly.

Another 5 MLAs can come from the lieutenant governor's quota: The LG has been bestowed the right to nominate 5 individuals who can also vote during a vote of confidence.

Asked to comment on Mehbooba's statement, Reshi says, The Jamaat-e-Islami party in Kashmir is not a proxy of the BJP."

"See the irony," Reshi adds, "These parties spoke in favour of the Jamaat when the BJP government banned us. Now when we are contesting independently, the same parties are calling us BJP agents. Kashmiri voters are mature politically now. They will not fall for such lies."

Asked if militancy will return to Kashmir, Reshi says, "No, it will not make a comeback. The rigging of the 1987 elections led to militancy. Emotions were exploited. The National Conference is the original sinner of militancy in Kashmir. Graveyards of Kashmir will tell this truth. If no rigging of elections had taken place, then the Jamaat would have had its own chief minister in 1987."

Asked if the Jamaat was not responsible for driving Kashmiri Pandits out of the Valley in January 1990, Reshi says, "We gave aazan in masjids for sure, but that does not mean we drove Kashmiri Pandits out of Kashmir. On the contrary, Jamaat has always protected Kashmiri Pandits."

"The shawl I wear during election rallies," says Reshi, "was presented to me by a Kashmiri Pandit boy from Kulgam."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. An exhibition of works by local and foreign artists, organized by the Zarifa Art agency (center), has opened in Cologne, the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The opening ceremony included the Chairman of the State Committee Fuad Muradov, the Chairperson of the Cologne Municipality Cornelia Weitkamp, and other guests.

In his welcoming speech, the head of the Zarifa Art center, Ildirim Sultanov, spoke about the center's activities and the exhibition, emphasizing its strong connections with Azerbaijani artists and its role in organizing their exhibitions.

Sultanov noted that for many years, exhibitions of the works of prominent Azerbaijani artists such as People's Artist Ashraf Heybatov, architect and artist Shahvalad Mammadov, artists Margarita Karimova, Sabir Chopurov, and many others have been held in Germany.

Weitkamp praised the exhibition and expressed her gratitude to the Zarifa Art agency.

The event featured music of various genres, including the Azerbaijani "Sari Gelin" folk song, performed by violinist Anna Gold, which was warmly received by the participants.

Zarifa Art agency, led by Ildirim Sultanov, who has lived in Germany for almost 30 years, was founded in 1996. Initially starting with seven artists, the center now includes over 100 professional artists, more than 200 amateur artists, as well as sculptors, architects, and other renowned figures in the arts. The center organizes exhibitions in many cities in Germany and other European countries.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Spain is positioning itself as a leader in the green hydrogen revolution, driven by its established dominance in renewable energy, says Rystad Energy, an independent research and business intelligence company, based in Norway, in its latest outlook, Trend reports.

The country already generates over 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, thanks to significant wind and solar capacity. Now, Spain is set to leverage that strength to achieve its ambitious target of 11 GW of installed electrolyzer capacity by 2030 - the highest goal within the EU.

However, to meet this goal, Spain will require additional backing through subsidy programs. Currently, the nation is on track to reach 5 GW by 2030, a solid start but short of the target. Germany, which has set a similar goal of 10 GW by 2030, is projected to reach 4.5 GW, following closely behind Spain.

Spain's optimal conditions for renewable energy, alongside strong government policies, have made it one of the most cost-effective regions in Europe for green hydrogen production. While the global hydrogen market has yet to fully meet early investor expectations, Spain is leading the charge with projects such as the Puertollano green hydrogen plant, which boasts a capacity of 20 MW. The outlook for the next decade appears promising, as most green hydrogen projects in the country are considered low-risk and on schedule for completion.

Government support has already spurred significant progress. For instance, BPs decision to move forward with the first 25-MW phase of its Castellon refinery hydrogen plant marks an important milestone. The plant could eventually expand to 2 GW by 2035.

Spains hydrogen sector also benefits from substantial funding. The European Hydrogen Bank (EHB) has awarded subsidies to three major Spanish projects as part of its pilot auction, which attracted a total of 130 bids across Europe, including 46 from Spain. This funding is reinforced by a 794 million state aid package under the EUs IPCEI Hy2Use program, aimed at building large-scale electrolyzers and transportation networks for low-carbon hydrogen. Recently, the Spanish government announced an additional 2.3 billion in subsidies, including 1.2 billion dedicated to renewable hydrogen hubs and 750 million for strengthening the green technology supply chain.

Spains aggressive push into the hydrogen market puts it in direct competition with other major European players, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, who have also launched billion-dollar funding initiatives.
In the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States, Secretary of State Colin Powell gave assurances that America would deal with the tragedy by bringing those responsible to justice while protecting the world's democracies.

"They will never be allowed to kill the spirit of democracy," Powell said. "They cannot destroy our society. They cannot destroy our belief in the democratic way."

President George W. Bush, who won office in 2000 as a candidate who would be cautious about committing U.S. troops to foreign wars, quickly made fighting global terrorism a top policy, and set about establishing an international "coalition of the willing" to carry out the mission.

The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan had the primary goal of punishing the Al-Qaeda terrorist network, which had been given refuge in Afghanistan and carried out the deadly 9/11 attacks. And once on Afghan soil, Washington quickly ousted the Taliban regime accused of sheltering Al-Qaeda from power.

Costly Campaign

But the U.S. experience in Afghanistan ultimately ended in failure, and with the hard-line Taliban group back in power. The nearly 20-year war ended with immense costs in terms of lives lost and money spent. And it made the U.S. public and politicians on both sides of the aisle in Washington reluctant to get involved in "forever wars" that could not be won.

"More than $2 trillion spent in Afghanistan," U.S. President Joe Biden said on August 31, 2021, in announcing the official end of the United States' longest-ever war. "20,744 American servicemen and women injured, and the loss of 2,461 American personnel."

In explaining to the U.S. public that he was "not going to extend this forever war," Biden did not mention the estimated 70,000 deaths among Afghan security forces, more than 46,000 Afghan civilian deaths, and the deaths of more than 4,000 allied troops and U.S. contractors.

The withdrawal under Biden has become a lightning rod for debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has blasted Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump, for the "humiliation in Afghanistan," with much of the criticism centered on the chaotic last days of the withdrawal, when 13 U.S. soldiers and 170 Afghan civilians died in a bombing by the Islamic State-Khorasan extremist group.

Harris's campaign, meanwhile, has highlighted Trump's role as president in signing the 2020 deal with the Taliban that paved the way for the withdrawal and provided a "virtually impossible" deadline.

But experts who spoke to RFE/RL stressed that multiple U.S. administrations, beginning with Democratic President Barack Obama's from 2009 to 2017 -- had come to the realization that what had begun as a fight against terrorism had become an overly costly and potentially "forever" endeavor.

"It was an extremely expensive war in a place that was probably least important to the United States," said Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University. "It was a war that the United States started to destroy Al-Qaeda, which it did very quickly, then to dislodge the Taliban from Afghanistan, which it did, and then it became something much bigger, like how to establish a democracy and a functioning government in Afghanistan and sustain it."

The question asked by Obama, who initiated an exit strategy by reducing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and later Trump, was whether there was a compelling reason to stay.

The United States "was becoming committed to a forever war, or a forever presence at the tune of billions of dollars a year and tens of thousands of troops, in a condition that the threat from Afghanistan had declined and the strategic value of the country was declining," Nasr said.

And the economy and civil society established under the protection of the U.S. military, he says, was not something Afghanistan could sustain on its own.

"What the United States created is like a tree that never grew roots," Nasr said. "So, at some point you're going to say, 'I'm going to stop watering it, and I'm going to take my hand off from trying to forcibly keep it upright.'"

No Good Outcome

Rajan Menon, an emeritus professor of international relations at the City College of New York and director of the Grand Strategy Program at Defense Priorities, said that "no matter how long [the United States] had stayed, I don't see what a good ending could have been."

The minimal good outcome, Menon says, would have been "a stable country with a government that may not have been democratic, but which could be counted upon not to serve as a platform for terror and which would have a positive relationship with the United States."

But in attempting to realize that goal, what you are essentially "trying to do is engage in nation-building," Menon said. Even a "very, very powerful military machine" like the United States has difficulties pulling that off, he said, and there "are no pretty exits."

To avoid the chaotic type of withdrawal that took place in Afghanistan, Menon said, "you have to build institutions, political and military and civic in nature." Without that, "once you leave and remove the military protection, the institutions will start crumbling, and that is exactly what happened."

U.S. wars and democracy-building efforts were not isolated to Afghanistan during its nearly 20-year campaign there. There were others -- most notably the costly war in Iraq from 2003 to 2011 -- that former Secretary of State Powell argued was necessitated by an alleged Iraqi program to build weapons of mass destruction that was later determined to be nonexistent.

Prior to his death in 2021 just six weeks after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Powell said that his arguments before the UN Security Council "was a great intelligence failure."

Baghdad and the United States, which sent troops back to Iraq in 2014 to help fight the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, are still trying to repair relations. According to the Soufan Center think tank on September 9, the two sides reportedly have reached an agreement to transition from the United States leading the effort against IS to a bilateral partnership.

'Forever' Ending?

So is the U.S. era of "forever wars" over?

Many of the unique circumstances that accompanied the Afghan invasion -- a direct attack on U.S. soil, counterterrorism becoming a focal point of U.S. policy, and the idea that nation-building is an effective solution -- are unlikely to repeat themselves, Nasr says.

And the mood in the United States amid a hotly contested election campaign could indicate that it will at least think twice.

With both Trump and Harris there is "a little bit of a backlash against the so-called forever wars...and I think the American public probably will be much less supportive" of involvement in them in the future," Menon said.

But Madiha Afzal, a fellow in the foreign policy program at Brookings, said in written comments that while "some of the lessons from the Afghanistan war" had started being discussed, particularly in the last couple of years of the conflict, "the disaster of the withdrawal...really focused the conversation in America on Afghanistan to be just about the withdrawal."

The larger discussion about the war, Afzal said, "has been entirely obscured," with much of the conversation becoming intensely partisan.

"I fear that the larger lessons of the 20-year war have been lost along the way," Afzal concluded.
Israel stepped up its massive air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership, even as the world awaits with trepidation the October 7 anniversary of the bloody attack on Israel by Hamas -- which, like Hezbollah, is a U.S.-designated terror group with ties to Iran.

Meanwhile, Tehran said it had lifted all flight restrictions after earlier announcing it was closing Iranian airports as of 9 p.m. on October 6 until 6 a.m. on October 7, citing "operational restrictions," at a time when Israel is weighing options for its response to Iran's recent massive missile strike on its territory.

State media said the restrictions were lifted after ensuring favorable and safe conditions.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 6 threatened Iran that it might eventually find itself looking like Beirut or Gaza -- which has also been battered over the past year -- if Tehran attempts to further harm Israel.

"The Iranians did not touch the air force's capabilities. No aircraft were damaged, no squadron was taken out of order," Gallant said in reference to the Iranian missile strike, which caused few injuries and slight damage to two air force bases.

"Whoever thinks that a mere attempt to harm us will deter us from taking action should take a look at [Israels operations] in Gaza and Beirut, where Israel is battling fighters of Hamas, which has been deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and EU.

Israel earlier said conducted a series of targeted strikes on weapons storage facilities and infrastructure sites that belong to Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has been designated by the United States as a terror group, while the European Union has blacklisted its armed wing but not its political unit, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament.

Lebanon's official National News Agency said Hezbollah's stronghold in the area was hit by more than 30 strikes. A petrol station and a medical supplies warehouse were hit by the air raids.

Video footage showed huge flames and plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky, as residents fled their homes in panic with explosions echoing in the background.

Many observers said the attacks were the strongest yet of Israel's recent air strikes.

"Last night was the most violence of all the previous nights," Hanan Abdullah, a resident of the Burj al-Barajneh area in Beirut's southern suburbs, told Reuters.

"Buildings were shaking around us and at first I thought it was an earthquake. There were dozens of strikes -- we couldn't count them all -- and the sounds were deafening,"

Israel has bombed Beirut suburbs for days, killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and possibly his potential successor, Hashem Safieddine.

Security sources have said Safieddine had been out of contact since October 4, after an Israeli air strike near Beiruts international airport that was reported to have targeted him. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine.

Israel says Nasrallah was killed in a strike on the group's central command headquarters in Beirut on September 27.

Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters on October 6 that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) -- also had not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon.

Senior Hezbollah member Mahmoud Qmati, when asked about Qaani's whereabouts, told Reuters: "I have no information. We are also searching for the truth of this matter.

Statements on October 6 out of the United States -- Tel Aviv's most important ally -- indicated some frustrations with the scope of Israel's military action.

"Military pressure can at times enable diplomacy. Of course, military pressure can also lead to miscalculation. It can lead to unintended consequences," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in statement.

The spokesperson said Washington supported Israeli actions in going after extremist elements but added that U.S. leaders but did not approve of the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

"Every civilian casualty is one too many," the spokesperson said.

Israel said on October 5 that its forces had killed 440 Hezbollah fighters in ground operations in southern Lebanon and destroyed 2,000 Hezbollah targets. Nine Israeli soldiers had been killed in southern Lebanon so far, the authorities said.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest conflict, most of them since September 23.

Israel says the attacks on Hezbollah are aimed at enabling the safe return of tens of thousands of citizens to homes in northern Israel, bombarded by the group since last October.

The Israeli forces were on high alert ahead of the first anniversary of an attack on October 7 last year, which sparked the war and was carried out by Hamas.

According to Israel tallies, some 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage in the unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel.

Israeli police on October 6 said several people had been injured in a suspected shooting attack in Beersheba, a city in southern Israel. One attacker was killed, the ambulance service said.

Separately, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza reported on October 6 that at least 41,870 Palestinians have been killed in the territory in the yearlong war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Palestinian officials said that an Israeli strike on a mosque in Gaza early on October 6 killed at least 19 people who were sheltering after being displaced from their homes near the town of Deir al-Bala.

The Israeli military said the strike was targeting militants. The reports could not immediately be confirmed, but the Associated Press said one of its journalists counted the bodies at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital morgue.

AP also reported that hospital records showed that the fatalities from the mosque strike were all men.

Israel said its forces on October 6 surrounded the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza in response to indications that Hamas was rebuilding its operational capabilities in the area.

Israel is also considering a retaliatory strike on Iran, which fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1.

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad visited Kharg island on October 6, amid concerns that Israel could target Iran's largest oil terminal there.

"The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] Navy plays an important role in the security of oil and gas facilities," Paknejad was quoted as saying at the facility, from which around 90 percent of Iranian oil exports are shipped.

In Syria, state media and local rights monitors said an Israeli air strike targeted three cars in the city of Homs, although details remained sketchy.

Israeli forces have for years been striking Iran-linked targets in Syria and have intensified such actions since the October 7 attacks.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
2 Orban has warned that floodwaters will peak in Budapest on September 21, with the worst expected to pass by midweek after seven days of flood-prevention efforts.
Hours after Soviet tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia in August 1968, Romania's communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, denounced the invasion to a crowd of thousands in central Bucharest. The crushing of the Prague Spring, he declared, posed "a serious danger to peace in Europe and for the prospects of world socialism."

Defying the Kremlin was seen as a bold demonstration of Romania's independence. It was also dangerous. In the weeks after the invasion of Czechoslovakia, Ceausescu ran through scenarios of how an attack could unfold if the Kremlin's war planners turned a punitive eye toward his own country.

Any Soviet ground invasion could come from the north, where the U.S.S.R.'s border curled around Romania. Ceausescu decided it was imperative to cut a road directly through the Fagaras Mountains, which divide Romania's well-populated south from rural Transylvania.

Such a route, it was calculated, would enable an armored division of around 2,000 vehicles to deploy north into the mountain-ringed Transylvania region within 24 hours of a Soviet attack. The idea of the Transfagarasan road was born.

Retired Romanian Army Colonel Ion Bratu confirmed to RFE/RL that the "trigger" for the construction of the Transfagarasan road was the invasion of Czechoslovakia. Bratu is now 76 and remembers well his time commanding a crew of 175 soldiers who toiled in the Fagaras Mountains 50 years ago.

Building the route was a monumental task. The Fagaras Mountains are the highest range in Romania's Southern Carpathians, whose peaks tower more than 2,500 meters above the lowlands. "It was very tough," Bratu remembers. "The biggest enemy was the cold and the instant changes in the weather." On top of the physical hardships were "wild animals, especially bears and wolves," he said. Additionally, many young soldiers struggled with long periods in the alpine wilderness away from loved ones. "On Sundays, I would see wives or girlfriends of the guys come up to see them. They would hug, kiss, and cry together," Bratu says. The pay, however, was handsome. "Everyone who worked on the Transfagarasan -- from soldiers to generals, from technicians to researchers -- was well compensated," Bratu says. Some workers earned five times the country's average salary at the time.

The task to build the road fell largely to young soldiers, while miners were brought in to blast tunnels through the mountains. The number of deaths on the project through its years of construction from 1970 until 1974 is disputed. Official records say 40 workers died, others believe the number was far higher. In a single incident in July 1970, seven soldiers were killed in a tumble of rocks and rainwater as they took shelter from a summer storm. The harshness and urgency of the work were captured in one story told by a former soldier who described seeing a bulldozer get squashed "like a fly" under a rock that crashed down the mountain and landed flush on the vehicle. By the time the rock was blasted out of the way with explosives, the flattened remains of the bulldozer had sunk so far beneath the level of the road that workers simply filled in the hole with the flattened bulldozer still inside. The entombed machine "remains there to this day," the retired soldier said, unseen beneath the road's surface.

When Ceausescu visited the road during its construction in 1971, he ordered it be upgraded from a gravel road to a two-lane sealed route to encourage tourism into the mountains. "This type of decision was typical of Ceausescu," journalist Lavinia Betea told a Romanian documentary crew in 2015. "During visits to worksites, or in front of models made by designers for future projects, he imposed major changes, and it was left to the specialists to find a way to realize what he had suggested."

The road was officially opened on September 20, 1974, though further construction continued for several more years. The route's cloud-slicing altitude means it is closed from autumn through to early summer, but it has become a massive tourist draw through warmer months. Its popularity is in part due to a dramatic 2009 television appearance. In November of that year, 6.7 million British viewers tuned in as the automotive show Top Gear screened a tire-screeching sequence in which the presenters sped along the Transfagarasan in three supercars. At the climax of the scene, the show's main host, Jeremy Clarkson, declared, "This is the best road in the world."

About the soldiers and workers who built the road, one military journalist said "they worked and sacrificed with real conviction. They were enthusiastic about this project, not for communism or Ceausescu, but because they realized the significance of what they were a part of."
This two-day forum will convene global and regional stakeholders to mobilise investments for renewables-based energy transition projects across Central Asia

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), COP29 Presidency and Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan announced today that the first Energy Transition Investment Forum for Central Asia will be hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 15-16 November 2024.

The event is strategically aligned with the COP29 priorities and action agenda outlined by President Designate H.E. Mukhtar Babayev in a recent letter to parties and constituents, focusing on enhancing ambition and enabling action, with climate finance underscored as a top priority.

"Central Asia holds tremendous potential for renewable energy development, yet they face significant challenges in attracting the necessary investment," said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. "The COP29 Energy Transition Investment Forum in Baku is specifically designed to tackle investment barriers, coordinate action among stakeholders, and bring global exposure to projects from these region.

COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev added: Azerbaijan is committed to a green energy transition and there is currently close cooperation with neighboring countries in Central Asia in the field of renewable energy. Initiatives such as the recent agreement between the energy ministers of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on the interconnection of electricity systems are testament to this cooperation. When the world gathers in Baku this November, we hope that COP29 can serve as a springboard for Central Asia to progress on a green and just development pathway, aided by a young population, renewable energy capacity and vibrant economies, and attract the investment needed to continue on this path.

Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov stated: Azerbaijan is taking crucial steps to realize the initiatives of strategic importance that enable the development of renewable energy with regional projects. Interconnection of the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan and delivering the huge energy potential of the Central Asian countries to the Turkish and European markets through green energy corridors is one of our priorities. We're convinced that the Energy Transition Investment Forum to be jointly held by IRENA and Azerbaijan during COP29 will be a productive platform that will strengthen the green energy partnership with the Central Asian countries, attract investors and energy companies and facilitate our joint projects.

The two-day forum will offer a platform for enhanced dialogue among governments, financial institutions, investors, development partners, project developers, and other key stakeholders regarding opportunities and challenges in advancing renewable energy development and scaling up investments in energy transition-related technologies to advance the UAE Consensus Outcomes achieved at CoP 28. It will also feature opportunities for bilateral sessions and an exhibition area showcasing renewable energy projects from the region to global investors and stakeholders.

IRENA invites project developers from Central Asia to submit their renewable energy and energy transition projects for potential matchmaking with investors and financiers at the Investment Forum. Selected projects may also qualify for consideration by the Climate Investment Platform (CIP) and IRENAs Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. TotalEnergies has extended its sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), securing the delivery of 1.25 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year to China until 2034, Trend reports.

The five-year extension is part of TotalEnergies long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the expanding Chinese market for LNG.

Chinas growing demand for natural gas is driven by the need to support its energy transition, with natural gas playing a key role in balancing the intermittency of renewable energy sources and reducing emissions when used as an alternative to coal in power generation.

We are pleased to strengthen our ties with CNOOC, a key partner for the Company in the worlds largest LNG importing country. This agreement allows us to continue securing long-term sales in Asia and reduce our exposure to spot market gas prices, said Gregory Joffroy, Senior Vice President of LNG at TotalEnergies.
By David Young, PA

TDs have a right to know who sanctioned the 336,000 outlay on the Dails infamous bike shed, the Minister for Housing has said.

Darragh OBrien said there should be no secrets when it comes to accountability over the affair, as he claimed no one in their right mind could have thought it permissible to spend that amount of money on a shelter for bicycles.

The minister, who was taking Leaders Questions in the Dail on Thursday, was responding to an assertion from Aontu leader Peadar Toibin that the episode was evidence of an accountability free zone at the heart of the Government.

Housing Minister Darragh OBrien said he was angered by the cost of the shelter (PA)

I think that the Gucci bike shed that we see is a microcosm of the LOreal attitude of this Government  that we are worth it, said Mr Toibin.

The glass-covered shelter, located on the grounds of Leinster House, has been the subject of criticism and ridicule for its high cost.

A breakdown from the Office of Public Works (OPW) shows almost 284,000 was spent on construction and installation, almost 4,000 on archaeological services, and more than 10,000 on contract administration services.

The chairperson of the OPW, which is the landlord of Leinster House and other historic buildings, is preparing a report on the bike shed project for Minister of State Kieran ODonnell.

Aontu leader and candidate Peadar Toibin said the Government was an accountability free zone (PA)

Mr Toibin suggested that accountability in this instance would consist of claims that lessons will be learned and the publication of a report just when everybody else has moved on.

The question Im asking for you is: when are we going to have individual responsibility? he asked Mr OBrien.

When will there be a cost for decisions that are made, such as this, that cost the country so much. Who signed off on the Government bike shed and what rank were they within the OPW?

Mr OBrien said all TDs abhorred the really poor management and lack of accountability in relation to the shelters construction.

It frustrates people and angers people. It angers me too. And certainly we need accountability, he said.

I served five years as a vice chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, I saw the Public Accounts Committee do its job, and see this Public Accounts Committee do its job, with its function of bringing people in and looking after and being the watchdog on expenditure.

Every government department, its ministers and its secretary generals have responsibilities in relation to the management of their budgets too.

I cannot give you an answer directly in relation to that one particular example that you raised as to who sanctioned it. I expect to hear that and we should know that.

And we should also know what process was followed and how, in Gods name, someone thought to spend 336,000 on a bike rack would be something that would be permissible. No one in their right mind would actually think that.

Mr OBrien said accountability needed to extend beyond elected representatives and into the civil service.

There should be no secret on this. People deserve to know, he said.

On Wednesday, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dail, Sean OFearghail, said the episode was a source of profound embarrassment and acknowledged that the depth of public anger is entirely justified.

Mr OFearghail said he would be calling on the head of the OPW to attend the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission meeting next week to answer questions about how the project came into being.
B9 meeting in Bucharest

NATO must react to Russias incursions into the member states airspace, in the context of the war in Ukraine. This is the conclusion of the B9 meeting in Bucharest.

Photo: MApN

Daniela Budu, 19.09.2024, 14:00

NATO must give a robust and coordinated response to the repeated intrusion of Russian drones and missiles into the Alliances airspace, the Romanian Minister of Defense, Angel Tilvar, said. At the B9 meeting in Bucharest, bringing together the allied defense ministers on NATOs Eastern Flank, Minister Tilvar said that the security situation in the Black Sea region remains worrying, due to the threats generated by Russias aggressive actions, including through disinformation and cyber attacks. Angel Tilvar: The B9 states are deeply concerned about the repeated incursions of Russian Federations drones and missiles into NATO airspace in Poland, Romania and Latvia and about the escalation of tensions along the NATO borders. That is why a robust and coordinated response at allied level is needed, as well as the implementation, as soon as possible, of the rotational model of NATOs integrated air and anti-missile defense.

Against this background, the Romanian minister also focused on the Republic of Moldova, which is facing challenges from the Russian Federation. He pointed out once more that the country needs support for its European integration, a safe investment, he says, in the security of the Black Sea region and Europe. In turn, the Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Zalewsky, said that at the upcoming meeting of the Defense Ministers from the allied states, it is important to establish concrete action measures to detect drones and destroy enemy targets. According to Zalewsky, when we say that no centimeter of NATO territory can be attacked by Russia and must be defended, we are also referring to airspace. He also said that essential initiatives were discussed in this context, namely The European Sky Shield Initiative and the Eastern Shield initiative, the first being aimed at strengthening cooperation and increasing funding, and the second at strengthening the borders with Russia and Belarus.

Present in Bucharest on Wednesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Romania to analyze the possibility of shooting down Russian drones and missiles near the Romanian airspace. During the meeting with his Romanian counterpart, Luminita Odobescu, he hailed the support granted by Romania, for the defense of Ukraines independence, following the countrys decision to donate a Patriot system. Minister Sybiha said this is a shield not only for Ukraine, but also for Europe, and that, especially around winter, it will allow them to strengthen their defense capabilities. Minister Odobescu reiterated, in turn, Romanias full support for the defense of Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
National plan for large industry

The National Plan for Large Industry, agreed on by the ruling coalition in Bucharest, stands at about 2 bln EUR.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced a 2-bln-EUR budget for the reindustrialization of the economy (gov.ro)

Corina Cristea, 19.09.2024, 14:00

Concerned about the reindustrialization of the country, the Romanian government took important steps to complete the support scheme for the large strategic investments in the manufacturing industry and the fund that underlies the Support Program for Large Industry in Romania  metallurgy, steel and the chemical industry. The first component of the Plan for Strategic Investments in the manufacturing industry involves a state aid package worth 500 mln EUR as well as fiscal facilities for investments over 150 mln EUR, which directly creates hundreds of jobs and develops in regions with a GDP per capita ratio below the national average, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said.

The second component of the Industrial Plan is the National Support Program for Large Industry in Romania  a state aid scheme worth 1 bln EUR (about 5 bln Lei) over 6 years, for the decarbonization of production processes and energy efficiency. According to the Prime Minister, an estimated number of 30 companies in the metallurgy and chemical industry sectors will receive support of up to 100 mln EUR per beneficiary. There are companies that will implement investments with eligible costs of at least 8 mln EUR, which will operate a 40% slash to direct greenhouse gas emissions from industrial installations and/or reduce by at least 20% the energy consumption in industrial installations in relation to supported activities. State funding will be provided from the sale of greenhouse gas emission certificates, and the investment must be maintained for 5 years from the date of its completion, Marcel Ciolacu explained.

The third component of the plan involves a state aid scheme of 1.25 bln Lei for 15 companies that implement investments in the production of industrial raw materials, such as pipes, profiles, bars, aluminum or copper. These support programs fall in line with the measures stipulated by the Draghi Plan to increase the industrial competitiveness of the European economy. The three aid schemes will increase industrial production and the GDP through investments, reducing the trade balance deficit, creating new well-paid jobs, as well as decarbonizing production processes and increasing energy efficiency, the Prime Minister said, adding that the government thus seeks to consolidate an economic development model based on investments. (VP)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The ADEX exhibition to be held this year will be larger than all previous ones, the head of the Office of the Ministry of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samir Aghabalayev, said during a press conference on the 5th anniversary of the Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX" and the 14th Exhibition for International Security, Safety and Rescue Equipment Securex Caspian, Trend reports.

He noted that in 2024, the scale of the ADEX and Securex Caspian exhibitions has further expanded, demonstrating the growth of the exposition compared to previous years. Thus, this year's exhibitions will cover the entire exposition and open space of the Baku Expo Center, including the newly commissioned fourth hall.

About 270 companies representing 38 countries have confirmed their participation in the exhibitions. The participating countries, along with Azerbaijan, are the US, Belarus, UAE, Bulgaria, UK, Czech Republic, China, Spain, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Pakistan, Qatar, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Turkiye, Ukraine, and other states. This year's shows were revitalized, with new companies accounting for 34 percent of the total number of exhibitors. Hungary, Qatar, Singapore, and Slovakia are new exhibiting countries.

A total of 14 countries will be represented at the exhibitions by the National Pavilion. Thus, Azerbaijan, Belarus, the Czech Republic, China, Italy, Israel, Hungary, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkiye, and Ukraine will participate in the exhibitions with the National Pavilion. Compared to 2022, the number of participants has increased by 32 percent, he added.

To note, the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX" - the most large-scale event dedicated to the defense industry in the region - will be held on September 24-26 at the Baku Expo Center. In parallel, the 14th Exhibition for International Security, Safety and Rescue Equipment Securex Caspian will be organized.

The first ADEX exhibition was organized in 2014. Although the biennial exhibition celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, it has been operating for ten years and has been expanding the list of exhibitors and the sectors it covers from year to year.

The exhibition has brought together many companies representing more than 50 countries and about 200 official delegations during its ten years of successful activity. More than 30,000 guests have visited the exhibition over the years.

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Romania gets $ 10 million to fight human and child trafficking

Romania is the first country in Europe to benefit from a $ 10 million financial assistance from the USA to improve its national system of preventing and combating child trafficking. The governments of Romania and the USA on Monday signed the five-year Child Protection Compact Partnership known as CPC

The signing ceremony of the US-Romania partnership to fight human trafficking; Photo source: bill

Daniel Bilt, 19.09.2024, 15:19
The FBI and its partners have disrupted a Chinese botnet and freed thousands of impacted devices from its clutches.

This was revealed by FBI Director Christopher Wray during a keynote address at the 2024 Aspen Cyber Summit in Washington, D.C.

The botnet, which was operated by a Chinese government-sponsored hacker group known as Flax Typhoon, targeted internet-connected devices such as storage devices, cameras, and video recorders to compromise victims' systems and steal their confidential data.

"Ultimately, as part of this operation, we were able to identify thousands of infected devices, and, then, with court authorization, issued commands to remove the malware from them, prying them from China's grip," Wray said.

As described in court documents unsealed in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the hackers targeted more than 200,000 consumer devices in the United States and worldwide.

Approximately half of the devices under the botnet's control were based in the United States. The hacker group's targets included organizations in the public and private sectors, as well as academia and the media.

Wray also revealed that the hacker group's true identity is an information security company known as the Integrity Technology Group. "But their chairman has publicly admitted that for years his company has collected intelligence and performed reconnaissance for Chinese government security agencies," he said.

Wray called the cyber disruption a success but cautioned that the effort was "just one round in a much longer fight."

The FBI chief warned that the Chinese government is going to continue to target U.S. organizations and critical infrastructure "either by their own hand or concealed through their proxies."

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Business News
Indian shares rose on Thursday, but key benchmark indexes ended off their day's highs amid signs of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Markets kept a close eye on events in the Middle East after walkie-talkies and handheld radios, acquired along with pagers aimed at over 3,000 Hezbollah members, exploded in three areas of Lebanon on Wednesday, resulting in 20 fatalities and injuring at least 450 people.

Security sources said Israeli spy agency Mossad was responsible, but Israeli officials did not comment on the attacks.

Underlying sentiment remained supported somewhat after the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered its first rate cut in more than four years and signaled further easing in the months ahead to keep the labor market from slowing too much.

The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex hit a new record high of 83,773.61 in intraday trade before finishing up by 236.57 points, or 0.29 percent, at 83,184.80.

Likewise, the broader Nifty index hit a fresh record level of 25,611.95 before closing at 25.415.80, up 38.25 points, or 0.15 percent, from its previous close.

The broader, mid-cap and small-cap indexes, on the BSE fell half a percent and 1.1 percent, respectively.

NTPC surged 2.5 percent after its subsidiary, NTPC Green Energy, filed a draft red herring prospectus for a proposed IPO of Rs. 10,000 crores.

Tata Consumer Products, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Nestle India and Titan Company rose 1-2 percent while Shriram Finance, Adani Ports, ONGC, Coal India and BPCL fell 1-3 percent.

IREDA added 1.2 percent after it received approval to raise Rs. 4,500 crores via a QIP issue.

IIFL Finance slumped 5.8 percent as it faced a credit rating downgrade due to an unresolved regulatory ban on its gold loan .

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Vanda Pharmaceuticals (VNDA) said, on September 18, the FDA declined to approve New Drug Application of tradipitant for the treatment of symptoms in gastroparesis, providing the company with a Complete Response Letter. Vanda said it will continue to pursue the marketing authorization for tradipitant and will continue to support the expanded access program.

Vanda believes that the tradipitant application has met the substantial evidence of efficacy standard with a favorable benefit risk profile for the treatment of patients with gastroparesis.

Shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals are down 10% in pre-market trade on Thursday.

For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com.

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Business News
A reading on Philadelphia-area manufacturing activity returned to positive territory in the month of September, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia revealed in a report released on Thursday.

The Philly Fed said its diffusion index for current general activity jumped to a positive 1.7 in September from a negative 7.0 in August, with a positive reading indicating growth. Economists had expected the index to surge to a positive 2.0.

Looking ahead, the Philly Fed said firms continue to expect growth over the next six months, with expectations more widespread this month.

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Business News
The UK Foreign Office has summoned the Russian Ambassador in London Andrei Kelin following Russia's malicious and deliberate public campaign of aggression against the UK.

The UK strongly condemned Russia's unprecedented and unfounded public campaign of aggression against the UK, including the malicious and completely baseless accusations made against Foreign Office staff last week.

An FCDO spokesperson said this behavior is in direct contravention to Russia's obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

This is the latest development in a deliberate campaign by Russia to undermine and threaten UK security and democracy and deter our support for Ukraine, through disinformation, acts of sabotage in Europe and direct harassment and restrictions against our diplomatic missions in Russia. This campaign will not succeed, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

It urged Russia to stop this activity immediately.

Russia last week expelled 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."

FSB said it decided to expel the diplomats as they ignored warnings to stop the practice of carrying out intelligence activities inside Russia.

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Business News
The recipients of the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, Svetlana Mojsov, Joel Habener, and Lotte Knudsen, have made significant contributions to medical research through their discovery and development of GLP-1-mimicking drugs.

"Through their discoveries and dedicated efforts, Habener, Mojsov, and Knudsen have introduced a new era of weight management, dramatically improving the well-being and prospects for hundreds of millions," the Lasker Foundation, based in New York City, said Thursday when announcing the awards.

Mojsov and Habener, working at Massachusetts General Hospital in the 1980s, were instrumental in the discovery and study of the GLP-1 hormone. Their colleague, Lotte Knudsen from Novo Nordisk, played a crucial role in developing the first GLP-1-mimicking drug approved for obesity.

The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation recognized the impact of their work on improving health outcomes for individuals affected by excess weight. The foundation also expressed optimism about the potential use of GLP-1 drugs in addressing other health issues, such as fatty liver disease and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's.

Habener and his team's pioneering work in the 1970s led to the unraveling of the genetic makeup of the hormone glucagon and its connection to blood sugar. During their research, they discovered a hormone resembling glucagon, which was distinct and crucial.

Mojsov, collaborating with Habener, synthesized the active part of GLP-1 and found that it lowered blood sugar and indicated satiety. This discovery paved the way for exploring the potential of GLP-1 in diabetes treatment.

The breakthrough in GLP-1 treatments came when Knudsen and her team at Novo Nordisk engineered a slow-release version of a GLP-1-like hormone. This formulation received approval in Europe in 2005 for diabetes treatment and later in 2014 for obesity. Following this success, other pharmaceutical companies, like Eli Lilly, developed their own GLP-1 drugs, further expanding the options for patients.

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Business News
The current situation regarding the mpox outbreak in Africa remains a major concern, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reporting a significant surge in cases across multiple countries.

According to a report by Reuters, Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of Africa CDC, has expressed growing apprehension about the escalating number of cases.

"Mpox is not under control in Africa. We still have this increase of cases that is becoming worrying for all of us. In many countries, we have different clades [so] the mpox outbreak is a combination of many outbreaks in one," Jean Kaseya said.

There has been a staggering 177% increase in mpox cases and a 38.5% rise in deaths compared to the same period last year, as per the Africa CDC's latest data.

Shockingly, within just one week, 2,912 new cases were reported, including the first case in Morocco, underscoring the rapid spread of the disease across all four regions of the continent.

Currently, 15 out of the 55 African Union member states have documented cases, and Kaseya noted that 14 individuals succumbed to mpox in the past week alone.

In the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kinshasa, both clades 1a and 1b have been identified. However, Kaseya acknowledged the challenges related to the continent's surveillance and testing systems, which hinder the confirmation of potential clade circulation across regions.

While initial vaccine deliveries bring hope for better control of the infection, vaccination efforts have only commenced in Rwanda, with approximately 500 individuals vaccinated so far. The DRC, being the epicenter of the outbreak, is expected to initiate its vaccination campaign in early October.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the recent mpox outbreak as a public emergency of international concern after the identification of a new variant. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, highlighted that the virus primarily spreads through close contact, including sexual activity, family interactions, and caring for young children.

He also pointed out that "The response to the outbreak is made more difficult by the context with insecurity in the affected areas and concurrent outbreaks of other diseases, including measles and chicken pox."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Rovshan Rustamov met with Deputy Director General of Kyrgyz Railways National Company Dastan Usubakunov within the framework of the meeting of heads of railway administrations on the establishment of the International Association Eurasian Transport Route held in Baku on September 19-20, Trend reports.

According to the information, the parties deliberated over matters of mutual interest, potential avenues for future railroad cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, and the development of the Middle Corridor.

Furthermore, the parties noted that there is a potential for the transportation of more cargo from China through Kyrgyzstan, and soon the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway line will expand the opportunities of the Eurasian transport route.
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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 19. Kazakhstan and Georgia are strengthening their collaboration on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - the Middle Corridor, said Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Trend reports.

"Last year, cargo shipments along this route increased by 65 percent, and in the first eight months of this year, they've grown by 69 percent, reaching 2.9 million tons. The President places great importance on the development of the Middle Corridor, and we aim to raise cargo volumes along this route to 10 million tons. The government is taking consistent steps to improve transit conditions," Bektenov said, as he met Georgias Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili.

The two sides focused on the potential for growth in the transit and transport sectors. Both countries are key links in major transcontinental transport corridors, offering the shortest routes from Europe to China and Southeast Asia.

Bektenov also emphasized the need for continued cooperation to establish competitive tariffs, reduce delivery times, and expand cargo volumes along the TITR, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line. He highlighted the importance of digitalizing the transport corridor to make it more attractive to international carriers.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering the dynamic growth of trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Georgia.

The Middle Corridor connects container rail freight networks between China and the European Union via Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkiye, and Eastern Europe.

The route boosts cargo traffic between China and Turkiye, as well as between European countries, and vice versa. A train along this corridor can deliver cargo from China to Europe in an average of 2025 days, a key advantage of this transport route.
The Horned Serpent panel at La Belle France in the Free State province of South Africa was painted by the San people at least two hundred years ago. It pictures, among many other elements, a tusked animal with a head that resembles that of a dicynodont, the fossils of which are abundant and conspicuous in the South African Karoo Basin. This picture also seemingly relates to a local San myth about large animals that once roamed southern Africa and are now extinct. This suggests the existence of a San geomyth about dicynodonts.

The Horned Serpent panel is a section of rock wall featuring artwork of animals and other cultural elements associated with the San people of South Africa, originally painted between 1821 and 1835.

Among the painted figures is a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks which doesnt match any known modern species in the area.

As the San people are known to have included various aspects of their surroundings into art, including fossils, the tusked creature might have been inspired by an extinct species, said University of the Witwatersrand researcher Julien Benoit.

The Karoo Basin of South Africa is famous for abundant well-preserved fossils, including tusked animals called dicynodonts, which are often found eroding out of the ground.

Dr. Benoit revisited the Horned Serpent panel and found the tusked figure comparable with dicynodont fossils, an interpretation that is also supported by San myths of large animals that once roamed the region but are now extinct.

If the tusked figure is in fact an artistic interpretation of a dicynodont, a species which went extinct before dinosaurs appeared and were long extinct when humans appeared in Africa, it would predate the first scientific description of these ancient animals by at least ten years.

There is archaeological evidence that the San people might have collected fossils and incorporated them into their artwork, but the extent of indigenous knowledge of paleontology is poorly understood across Africa.

Further research into indigenous cultures might shed more light on how humans around the world have incorporated fossils into their culture.

The ethnographic, archaeological, and palaeontological evidence are consistent with the hypothesis that the Horned Serpent panel could possibly depict a dicynodont, Dr. Benoit said.

This is supported by: (i) the downward orientation of the tusks on the La Belle France tusked animal, which does not match that of any modern African animals, but does match the tusks of dicynodonts; (ii) the abundance of dicynodont fossils in the area; and (iii) the local San belief into a long extinct, large animal.

This would imply that the San may have: (i) discovered dicynodont fossils; (ii) interpreted them as long-extinct species; (iii) made a painting of one of them at La Belle France; and (iv) integrated them into their worldview.

If so, this would evidence that Later Stone Age people were aware of dicynodont fossils at least a decade before their formal scientific description by western scientists, and made the first known reconstruction of one of them.

Even if one considers that the Horned Serpent panel has a purely spiritual meaning, it does not invalidate the hypothesis that the tusked animal itself may have been imagined based on a dicynodont fossil.

The findings were published in the journal PLoS ONE.

_____

J. Benoit. 2024. A possible later Stone Age painting of a dicynodont (Synapsida) from the South African Karoo. PLoS ONE 19 (9): e0309908; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309908
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 19. Thanks to terminal operations of Kazakhstan Railways in Xi'an, transit along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route increased twentyfold year-on-year in the first eight months of 2024, Trend reports.

The leadership of JSC "NC KTZ" met with Shaanxi Province Governor Zhao Gang in Xian, China, during the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route forum.

Shaanxi, one of China's largest provinces with a population of over 40 million and a GDP exceeding $470 billion, is home to the Kazakhstan-China terminal, located at the dry port in Xi'an.

Currently, 30% of container trains heading to Europe via Kazakhstan are formed at this port, and 40% of the imported goods to the port come from Kazakhstan. Delivery times to Azerbaijan have been cut to 11 days, and to Georgia, 14 days.

The meeting also focused on two key joint projects with the dry port: the construction of a new logistics center in Almaty and the CRK Terminal logistics center at Selyatino station in the Moscow region, Russia. They also discussed the potential for developing infrastructure projects along the TMTM route, including in Europe.

Both sides emphasized that cooperation under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative not only boosts transit transport and strengthens economic ties but also creates significant strategic advantages for both countries.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is exploring the possibility to support the development of a crop receipts market in Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Guy Bonvin, deputy head of mission, deputy head of Regional Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, told Trend.

He recalled that in the past, SECO has supported the strengthening of the agribusiness sector via an IFC implemented project (project was completed in 2021).

"The project focused on regulatory streamlining and expanding access to agri-finance products for agri-enterprises. A main achievement has been the creation of a standardized agriculture risk assessment tool and management instruments, which allows local financial institutions to reduce transaction cost and hence facilitating lending to agri-enterprises and farmers. Currently, SECO is exploring the possibility to support the development of a crop receipts market in Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the IFC. This activity is seen as the potential continuation of the current advisory activities supported by SECO in the field of the asset-based financing through the IFC," Bonvin added.

He went on to add that the Swiss economic development cooperation in Azerbaijan focuses on the areas of macro-economic support and private sector development, which does not include activities in the area of sustainable energy.

"There are no plans to change this approach going forward," Bonvin explained.

Further, he noted that Switzerland supports financial inclusion in Azerbaijan through a dedicated digital financial services program, implemented by IFC.

"Digitalization of traditional financial products and the introduction of innovative digital financial service help to increase financial inclusion of households and firms, and therewith contribute to economic development. Such products can significantly lower transaction cost, increase security and transparence of transaction and facilitate tailoring financial services to specific needs of consumers, in particular women.

Improved access to basic financial services also translates into increased productivity and growth for SMEs, as well as higher incomes for individuals. This project specifically supports Azerbaijani IT companies. Additionally, the Star Venture Initiative, implemented within the frame of the Small Business Impact Fund, a multi-donor initiative of the EBRD co-financed by Switzerland, made possible the support of 5 start-ups, mostly active in the digital services," Bonvin added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Tax incentives will be applied in Azerbaijan for projects aimed at environmental improvement and renewable energy production, the head of the Department for monitoring legislation and working with business entities of the Main Department of Tax Policy of the Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, Ahmad Ahmadov, said at the VIII Eurasian Forum of Accountants and Auditors, Trend reports.

In the near future, within the framework of the green energy strategy, additional economic tools will be applied to incentivize businesses that are engaged in environmental activities and contribute to the improvement of the environment. In particular, tax incentives will be provided for companies actively involved in the production of energy from renewable sources, as well as for foreign investors interested in such projects, Ahmadov noted.

According to him, tax incentives will be an important element in encouraging investment in this area.

The Tax Service has been studying international experience in recent years on the introduction of carbon footprint assessment tools and other measures aimed at achieving national environmental goals, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev has met with Special Advisor on Climate Change of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Andrew Harper, the statement of Azerbaijan's Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry said, Trend reports.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on preparatory activities for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to be held in Azerbaijan in November this year, the statement of the ministry reads.

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 Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
Courtesy of Michigan Municipal League Being recognized for something you love doing is an unexpected honor, says Sterling Heights council member Barbara Ziarko.

The Michigan Municipal League has recognized Sterling Heights Council member Barbara Ziarko with one of the organizations highest honors. Ziarko was presented the Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award at the 2024 Michigan Municipal League Convention on Tuesday, Sept. 10, on Mackinac Island.Being recognized for something you love doing is an unexpected honor, reads a statement from Ziarko. Serving others brings great personal rewards as you learn and receive more than you ever give. Joining in the company of so many others who have received the Jim Sinclair Award is humbling. My plan for the future is to continue to assist wherever possible to enrich our communities.The Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award was first awarded in 2008, with Mt. Morris Mayor Robert Slattery Jr. being its first recipient and now Ziarko its 17th; there were multiple recipients in both 2016 and 2022. The peer-nominated award was created to honor the memory of Rogers City Councilmember Jim Sinclair, who the League characterized as a tireless worker and promoter of local government and a fervent believer in education and training for elected officials, per the League website If being a tireless worker and promoter of local government and fervent believer in education and training for elected officials are the benchmarks for this particular award, its no surprise that Ziarko is its latest recipient. Her resume runs long and keeps getting longer. An active member of the League since 2000, Ziarko was first elected to the Sterling Heights City Council in 2001. She has graduated from both civilian police and fire academies, is an active member of the Friends of the Sterling Heights Public Library, and led Sterling Heights entry into the National League of Cities  to name but a few of her local bona fides . Ziarko was elected to the League Board of Trustees in 2019, and served as League President from 2021 through 2023.Barb continues to show what it means to be a public servant in her community and beyond, says Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the League. On behalf of the League, we thank Barb for her commitment to serving Michigans communities with this honor. I had the opportunity to work closely with her during her time as League President. She leads by example, encouraging others to continue their learning. She has participated in a variety of training programs, including the Leagues Elected Officials Academy and the Womens Elected Leadership Intensive.With her accepting the Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award in 2024, Ziarko becomes the third such recipient to come from Sterling Heights  the highest total among communities represented in the winners list . City Manager Mark Vanderpool won the award in 2019 and Councilmember Deanna Koski won the award in 2022.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
The Enlightened Recovery is a new 90-bed, 36,000-square-foot recovery center at 1430 Alamo Ave. in Kalamazoo.

Local manager Blaire Zielke stands in a one-person room at Enlightened Recovery of Kalamazoo.

Jennifer Hansen, founder of Enlightened Recovery Centers
Vicky Kettner, Association Director of Marketing, Community Relations, and Member Engagement for the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI  Welcoming Week, happening now through September 22 at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, is a nationwide Y initiative celebrating the growing movement of communities that fully embrace newcomer immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country.During Welcoming Week, Ys across the country are holding in-person events to help immigrant and U.S.-born neighbors connect and celebrate what unites them as a community.At the Maple Y, located at 1001 W. Maple Street in Kalamazoo, staff there are holding a first-time duo opportunity to lift the immigration experience, and ultimately celebrate the ethnic diversity that is present in the Greater Kalamazoo area.Two separate activities, that will be offered back-to-back on Sunday, September 22, are happening at the Maple Y:: 1:30  2:30p. This is an existing class on the Y schedule with Instructor Denise Sonier which features a variety of different music that represents East India, Egypt, Romania, and many more. Guest instructor Betty Peristeridis will be teaching Greek circle dancing for a new twist on the participant experience. This is a free event open to the public. Registration is required, here . The community is invited to mingle at this social event. Light refreshments will be offered. All are invited, particularly those who celebrate their ethnicity and heritage. Though not required, it is an opportunity for people to bring a dessert that represents their heritage or country of origin. This is a free event. Registration is required here. Organizer Vicky Kettner, Association Director of Marketing, Community Relations, and Member Engagement for the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, is spearheading these activities as a baby-step toward a greater vision that she says she feels is owed to Kalamazoo for its rich diversity.We know that is often those who have most recently immigrated to the U.S.  our newcomer and immigrant neighbors, friends, families and colleagues  that face some of the starkest inequities, injustices and challenges, frequently grounded in xenophobia, islamophobia, racism, and anti-Blackness," says Kettner. "Today more than ever, there is a need to provide opportunities to unite people and to bring persons of different backgrounds together.Having immigrated herself 50 years ago with her parents from Greece, Welcoming Week is particularly meaningful to Kettner, she says.Ive known all my adult life that landing in Kalamazoo was a blessing for my family, in terms of feeling like we belonged and had all the opportunities to thrive and grow and work toward our best potential," says Kettner."Ive known from personal experience the impact of a smile from a stranger who didnt speak my language. The impact of an invite to a birthday party when I was a newcomer, at age six, when I didnt know a lick of English. Seeing my parents making loving, life-long friends with people outside their ethnicity, learning from each other."Sharing music. Sharing recipes. Sharing life. Leaning on each other. I know this is not every immigrants experience. But it could be. If we all had that Welcoming Spirit.Recognizing and celebrating our own heritage history through music, foods, coming together to share these things, is important toward building healthy communities.Persons or organizations interested in collaborating with the Y on future Welcoming Week activities for 2025 can email Vicky Kettner here: vkettner@kzooymca.org
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 19. The Chinese government will provide the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan with grant aid totaling 200 million Chinese yuan (more than $28 million) for the implementation of future project agreements, the statement of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports.

The corresponding agreement was signed in Beijing by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev and Director of the State Agency for International Cooperation and Development of China Luo Zhaohui.

The funds provided on a grant basis are allocated following the agreement between the Government of Kyrgyzstan and the Government of China on cooperation in the implementation of bilateral technical and economic assistance projects. The document is aimed at further development of friendly relations and technical and economic cooperation between the two countries.

To note, the 16th meeting of the Intergovernmental Kyrgyz-Chinese Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was also held in Beijing on September 18 in a tight and enlarged format.

Meanwhile, it was noted that in 2023 the volume of trade turnover amounted to $20 billion, which is 32 percent more compared to 2022, and from January through July of this year the volume of trade turnover reached almost $11 billion.
(photo: Eric van den Brulle)

Brando Skyhorse was born and raised in Echo Park, Calif., and has degrees from Stanford University and from the MFA Writing Program at UC Irvine. He is an associate professor of English at Indiana University in Bloomington. His debut novel, The Madonnas of Echo Park, received the 2011 PEN/Hemingway Award and the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Take This Man: A Memoir was named a Best Nonfiction Book of the Year by Kirkus. Skyhorse also co-edited the anthology We Wear the Mask: 15 True Stories of Passing in America. His dystopian novel My Name Is Iris was published by Avid Reader Press on August 1, 2023.

Does a novel like this begin with story or character?

I tell my students: it always begins with character. But not this one. It actually started with an image. I think you can guess: it started with this wall, just kind of growing out of the ground. I was finishing up my last project, an anthology of original essays on ethnic and racial passing, and it was summer of 2016, and let's just say there was a certain word that was getting bounced around, this relentless drumbeat. I started thinking about it. I remember talking to my agent, and she said that's interesting, but seems kind of topical. When Clinton is elected president, who's going to be there to buy it? And I said, I'm going to keep thinking about it.

The more I thought about it, the more I had questions. That word, wall--the most banal thing imaginable, became coded. It was a very specific kind of reference, and a relentless barrage. Where is this wall? Who is attached to it? What's the situation? I said, I'll finish this in a year. Because I didn't start with character, but with an image, it took me another five years to figure out the specifics of character and situation. Iris is trying to take care of herself, to take care of her child. She has a community that she's estranged from, and she's doing the best she can. Once that part of the story got laid out--it's about safety for her. Her American dream is safety. That's it for her. And that's something a lot of readers can relate to, I hope.

What is it that makes Iris a compelling protagonist?

Based upon the experiences Iris has had, she decided early on, I want to be safe above all. I want to protect myself and my family--that's the trade-off that I'm making, and if that makes me brusque or unlikable, I'm rolling with it. But what does that leave for Iris in the life that she's attempting to live? Has it been fulfilling; has it been satisfying? What kind of reckoning is afoot for her?

Once you get the totality of her situation, she becomes very easy to understand. I realize it's a bit of an authorial risk to put this character out there and have her say the things that she says, and put up her own wall. She has lived a very structured and specific life. My family, my daughter, my household. Very intentional. The idea of what it means to be a woman of color at this time, in this place, at this part of American history, what's that experience like? At least as I see it, there's probably a sense of guardedness, apprehensiveness. I'm not sure what the next day is going to bring me so I have to be on guard. What's out there waiting for me?

I didn't want to turn it into a Twilight Zone episode where this is a character who is being punished because she's bad. What's her backstory? Where's she from, what kind of life is she trying to live? I had to move that character development forward while at the same time pressing her from all sides. Every chapter, another bad thing happens. How to create a character who isn't solely reactive? If it's not the wall, it's the bands; if it's not the bands, it's what's going on with her family or with her daughter. She needs to take some control, some agency, but each time she does, there's something else another step ahead of her. Thinking about the lived experience that all of us have had over the last few years, I think this book is what it was like for me.

And the technology. Oh look, it's this cool little thing from Silicon Valley, and it'll track how much garbage you throw away. And very suddenly it becomes this whole other thing altogether. We have a collective embracing of certain technologies, if we feel there's going to be a benefit, and sometimes there's a flipside, unintended or intended consequences. Iris has traded away an essential part of her identity for the convenience of being American. Her community has traded away the idea of citizenship because there's a little thing that can tell them how many steps they take in a day. What does that mean for us? I don't know. But I don't know if it means anything good.

Are there heroes or villains in this story?

I don't think so. If there's a villain here, it's just fear. It's very simple. Fear leads to paranoia leads to a series of decisions... everybody in this universe in this novel is living under a perpetual dark cloud of fear.

Do you feel your readers need knowledge of Spanish to follow this novel?

My goal is not to confuse or alienate anybody. When you write a book, you're trying to connect with as many readers as possible. What I ask myself is, what's most important for this character in this situation? English, Spanish, switching back and forth? When she's with her mom, at the house, having dinner... it flows freely, and I wanted to capture that. I wanted it to be correct for that experience.

So much of the conversational nature of this book was influenced heavily by my family. My biological father left me when I was three, and I found him in my 30s. I was accepted into this family I didn't know, and all of a sudden, I had three sisters. When I hang out with them the conversation varies based on who I'm talking to, the context, what's being discussed. My Spanish is not great, but I can get what's being said if they speak really slowly, like to a child. Part of this is trying to mimic that experience for me. That sense of what would it be like to have a relationship with this language, which is important for communicating with your family, your community--lose it, and then work your way back. I hope that's one of the themes in the book. Our main character goes through this journey--if I've done it correctly--with the Spanish language. If I'm going to take the readers on that journey it has to be correct. --Julia Kastner
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
For the opening keynote at the New England Independent Booksellers Association Fall Conference in Newton, Mass., last week, Madhulika Sikka, v-p and executive editor, Crown Books, was in conversation with Tamara Lanier, whose upcoming book, From These Roots: My Fight with Harvard to Reclaim My Legacy, she edited.

Lanier is a retired Connecticut chief probation officer and first-time author who recounts in her book, which will be published in January, how her late mother, "a great storyteller," was the keeper of her family's stories. In her last years, Lanier's mother especially emphasized the family's African and Indian roots, and told stories about her grandfather, who was a slave, and especially Lanier's great-great-great grandfather, Papa Renty, who was captured in the Congo, taught himself to read, taught other slaves how to read (dangerous because it was illegal), and was the main carpenter for the South Carolina family that owned him. Lanier remembers long private moments with her mother, and "when she told stories, a peace came over her that I can't describe." When she was sick and dying, Lanier's mother urged Lanier to write the stories down, to do a genealogical tree, "to always remember and never forget."

Madhulika Sikka (l.) and Tamara Lanier

Lanier recalled that at that time, about 2010, she had trouble doing research but made a fortuitous connection with a computer-adept local acquaintance. Online he quickly found a picture of Papa Renty--a daguerreotype taken before the Civil War by Louis Agassiz, a Swiss scientist who was a professor of geology and zoology who became a Harvard professor and devoted much of his work there trying to prove that blacks were inferior to whites. Agassiz took a series of daguerreotypes of enslaved people in the South that included images of Papa Renty, labeled "Renty, Congo," as well as his daughter Delia, that are held in Harvard's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. When she first saw online the image of her great-great-great-grandfather, Lanier said, "I knew it was the man I had heard stories about my entire life. I had feelings of familiarity and kinship."

Lanier went to Harvard to see the daguerreotype, but "I was not warmly welcomed," she said. She wanted to share with the museum "who Renty was so they could incorporate it into their storytelling," but she was rebuffed. She also wanted them to take the frame around the image off so she could see what was covered, particularly Papa Renty's hands, but was rebuffed again. She asked, as a direct descendant, to have the images, to no avail. And when Harvard used an image of Papa Renty on a publication and at a conference, she sued--both to take possession of the images as well as for emotional duress.

The battle in Massachusetts courts continues, and while dealing with Harvard has been a long ordeal, Lanier has made wonderful connections with the descendants of the people who enslaved her ancestors as well as the person who used them to try to prove racist theories, finding the kind of humanity and understanding that she had hoped to find with staff at the Peabody Museum. Through a member of the Taylor family--a descendant of those who had owned Papa Renty--Lanier came to visit Dr. Edmund Taylor, 98 years old at the time, who was the keeper of his family's stories. Dr. Taylor hosted Lanier in his home, where she sat at a table and ate from dishes handcarved by Papa Renty. "I felt an ancestral pride I can't describe," Lanier said.

Dr. Taylor "had so much information and insight," Lanier said. His stories were similar to her mother's stories, but told from a different perspective. "He wanted me to know that he was doing something to atone for what he felt were the sins of his ancestors." Taylor family members have become good friends of Lanier, and have supported her in her fight against Harvard.

In the same striking way, Lanier has contacted descendants of Louis Agassiz in both the U.S. and Switzerland, visited with them, and become good friends. They, too, have supported her in her battles. Lanier remembered hesitating before reaching out to them, worried that Agassiz's hate would have been passed on through the generations. But no. As she said, "We are family." --John Mutter
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 19. Tajik Ambassador to Pakistan Yusuf Sharifzoda and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif discuss the CASA-1000 energy project, Trend reports via Tajikistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, a wide range of topics related to Tajik-Pakistani relations were addressed, particularly in the areas of economics, civil aviation, security, and military cooperation.

The two sides exchanged views on the current military-political, economic, and social situation in Afghanistan, which directly impacts regional security.

It was emphasized that Pakistan highly values the effective efforts of Tajikistan's leadership in promoting peace and stability in the region.

CASA-1000 is an infrastructure initiative aimed at transmitting 1,300 megawatts of surplus electricity from Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to meet the electricity demands in South Asian countries, specifically Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The project involves upgrading the electrical grids in these participating nations through the construction of new substations and high-voltage power transmission lines.
Credvest Acquires Weown

Another important milestone for Bangalore-based, bootstrapped company Credvest: Established in 2018, the firm deals with real estate management solutions, catering to land acquisition, business development, product fitment, go-to-market strategies, sales support, and customer services on behalf of developers. The company has catered to 4,000+ customers in just the last year, helping them fulfill their needs to buy homes.

This growth is now being solidified by their latest acquisition of Weown, a pioneer in Bangalore's real estate landscape for over 12 years. With WeOwns 2,500+ community members, 20+ projects under their umbrella worth Rs 2000 Cr, and approximately 2.3 million sq ft managed, this acquisition adds significantly to Credvests portfolio of ongoing real estate projects.

Suman Naidu, Chairman of Credvest Group, commented:

This acquisition is another step towards establishing our vision of providing people with what they need or desirea lifestyle through residential purchases or investments. We at Credvest, wish to add more value to their success through our mindful approach to marketing and sales. Through Credvest, the turnaround time for units sold reduces by 60%, thanks to our data-driven strategies for each micro-market.

This acquisition also represents a strategic expansion for Credvest, allowing the company to deepen its roots in Bangalores real estate market while expanding its influence across the region including Hyderabad and Telangana.

Siddharth Renganathan, Co-Founder of Credvest, commented: "With this acquisition, Credvest aims to strengthen relationships with developers and builders across diverse micro-markets. Our strategic approach not only enhances the reputation of our real estate partners but also accelerates the sale of their inventory at record-breaking speeds."

By integrating Weowns existing relationships with Credvests innovative, data-driven approach, the company aims to enhance its offerings and deliver even greater value to developers.

Saurabh Kothari, Chief Business Officer of Credvest, remarked on the company's impressive trajectory, saying, "I'm truly amazed by the precision in their decision-making. Their growth has been nothing short of remarkablequadrupling in sizeand yet it's been achieved with such strategic finesse. As a bootstrapped company, they are outpacing even well-funded competitors by rapidly and decisively doubling down on every opportunity."

Credvest enhances its partners' brand value by deploying dedicated teams and fostering seamless collaboration across advisory, business development, product fitment, marketing, sales, and CRM departments to meet developer demands and consumer needs efficiently and on time.

Niranjan Rao Reddyshetty, Managing Director of Weown, commented: With this strategic move, Weown is now in the best possible hands within the industry. I've long admired Credvests rapid scale and growth which theyve achieved in such a short time. Theyve not only added substantial value to their real estate partners but have also ensured the happiness and satisfaction of their employees and customers throughout the journey. We are confident that this acquisition will only elevate our success to new heights!

With a strong foundation and a vision for the future, Credvest is poised to continually raise the bar in customer experience, technological integration, project execution, and market innovation.

The Credvest Ecosystem

The success lies within the ecosystem Suman has rightfully created within the Credvest Group. The cycle starts with advisory services on market fitment for the project. Once agreed upon, developers have access to capital and resources for construction through Parking Capital. While one side caters to developmental growth in the micro-market, the other helps consumers earn passive income through investing in lucrative NCD models in Parking Capital. The system is so tightly integrated that consumers in this 27 trillion real estate market find the right homes through Credvest and their prop-tech platform called Grahm.Ai, where the services and experience of home buying are made hassle-free. Not just that, they also help make houses into homes through their interior design firm, Aiti Interierus. Their approach to understanding the micro-market has also helped them identify high-end commercial zones and cater to varied consumer segments with their F&B brandsSuvaii: The Pandyan Legacy, Vanamo: Global Eats and Caffeinery, Navathanyam, and Tanjore Tiffins.

For more information, please visit - https://credvest.com/
India is set to play a key role in advancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) to drive social and economic progress, the government announced. With global adoption of AI surging, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), highlighted the rapid evolution of AI and GenAI technologies and their potential impact.

India will host the World Telecom Standardization Telecom Assembly (WTSA-2024) alongside the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 from October 15 to 18 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. WTSA-2024 is expected to shape the standardization of emerging technologies, including AI. IMC 2024 will feature over 50 global and Indian speakers addressing diverse aspects of AI and GenAI across 11 discussions.

A special daylong session titled AI for Good will bring together global experts and delegates to discuss AIs positive societal impact. Ramakrishna P, CEO of IMC 2024, emphasized Indias central role in technology evolution and its commitment to fostering diverse perspectives through a thought paper/report on AIs progress.

quantum technology, circular economy, cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, and electronics manufacturing. IMC 2024 will also feature the startup programme Aspire, showcasing over 140 startups leveraging AI across various industries. Key topics at the event include 6G, 5G,, circular economy, cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, and electronics manufacturing. IMC 2024 will also feature the startup programme Aspire, showcasing over 140 startups leveraging AI across various industries.

In addition to industry participation, more than 15 ministries will have booths at the event, demonstrating how AI is being integrated into government departments. The event aims to highlight Indias leadership in AI and its role in shaping global technological standards.
OneClickDrive is remodeling car hire in Casablanca to be easy, convenient, and reliable.

OneClickDrive is proud to lead the way in its fast-growing marketplace for car rental Casablanca, likely to receive a record number of tourists. Its digital platform revolutionized how travelers and locals alike rent cars, with a wide variety available at competitive prices. This convenience enables visitors to travel around Casablanca to its myriad rich cultural sites with ease, which include the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.

The next step OneClickDrive takes to meet this growing demand for car rentals in Casablanca is to connect users with multiple car rental companies, giving customers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury. This wide range ensures that every customer finds a car that meets his or her needs and budget.

Customer experience is one of the most important factors in OneClickDrive's success in Casablanca. Customers find it easy to compare prices and check vehicle availability, and they can book cars directly with suppliers using it. Aside from that, pricing at OneClickDrive is extremely transparent; all upfront costs are included, with no hidden fees for travellers.

The company also addresses safety and reliability by only working with reliable rental car partners. OneClickDrive lists well-maintained vehicles that have complete insurance options on its platform, ensuring peace of mind for customers, especially international visitors who might be very far away from home and not aware of the driving conditions in Morocco.

The reach of OneClickDrive, however, is beyond Casablanca. It has positioned itself to be one of the lead players in the overall car rental market of Morocco and offers its services in other major cities such as Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier, amongst others. How this is going to add weight to the growing importance of flexible self-driven travel within Morocco's tourism sector by such expansion is left to one's imagination.

Booking a vehicle through OneClickDrive provides visitors to Casablanca with convenience and freedom that no other option can match. A car rental for either business or leisure will grant you the opportunity to go at your pace, get away from tourist traps, and go through the real culture of Casablanca and its surroundings.

OneClickDrive in Casablanca is, therefore, much more than a car rental service-in fact, an essential part of traveling to Casablanca. With quality devotion, and further assisted by the element of transparency apart from customer satisfaction, it emerged as the most favorite among travelers, hence highly contributing to an increase in the car rental industry in Morocco's biggest city. Subsequent growth complemented by a very customer-centric approach positions OneClickDrive perfectly to become one of the key drivers of the Casablanca tourism scene.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Costco is doing its part to stem the nations affordable housing crisis. The warehouse retailer, which operates more than 500 stores across the United States, broke ground on a different type of superstore on Wednesday -- one that will include some 800 residential units on its upper floors.

This is the first mixed-use development in the nation to have Costco as the anchor retail tenant, noted Thrive Living, a national real estate firm that is developing the project. Consistent with Thrive Livings approach, the 5035 Coliseum project breathes life into a dormant former office property that stopped delivering economic and community benefits years ago.

Located in the Baldwin Village community in South Los Angeles, the new Costco, shown in this rendering, will feature 184 affordable housing units. (Courtesy of Thrive Living)(Courtesy of Thrive Living)

Located in the Baldwin Village community in South Los Angeles, California, the project is part of Thrives mission to acquire underutilized properties in communities where new, quality housing is in short supply and transform those properties with vibrant new housing and retail uses. According to the developer, the project is privately financed and will be completed without the use of government subsidies.

Californias game-changing laws to streamline the building of new affordable homes are creating real results, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said at the groundbreaking event, which was attended by hundreds of local residents and community leaders. Today, Thrive Living and Costco are breaking ground in more ways than one, with an incredible collaboration that uses our new state laws to transform an underutilized space into a prosperous housing project and retail center

The Costco building will feature a full-service fitness center, high-tech shared workspaces for residents, community rooms and more. (Courtesy of Thrive Living)(Courtesy of Thrive Living)

A total of 800 apartments will be constructed above the new Costco, 184 of them, or 23%, will be dedicated to low-income households. The balance of the units will be non-subsidized affordable and workforce housing. According to Thrive, the site is designed to support families, seniors and other residents to move laterally from within the community.

The building will feature a full-service fitness center, high-tech shared workspaces for residents, study space for students, community rooms connected to landscaped courtyards and a rooftop pool.

Costco plans to operate a state-of-the-art store featuring fresh produce and healthy food options along with a wide array of products at its trademark low warehouse prices. Costco also plans to provide optical services, a pharmacy, and delivery services to support the needs of local businesses.

Costco plans to operate a state-of-the-art store at the site, featuring fresh produce and healthy food options along with a wide array of products at its trademark low warehouse prices. (Courtesy of Thrive Living)(Courtesy of Thrive Living)

The company estimated that up to 400 jobs will be created at this new location. The store and apartment building are expected to open in two-and-a-half years.

We sought out Costco as the anchor for this project, because we listened carefully to this community, Jordan Brill, partner with Thrive Living, said in a press release. By providing local residents with access to great value on high quality food and merchandise and creating local jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits, Costcos principles and mission fit seamlessly with our vision for this project.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged with a slashing that occurred in New Brighton last year.

Juan Martinez stands accused of the attack on Oct. 4, 2023, around 8:30 p.m., on the 200 block of Jersey Street, according to the criminal complaint and police.

Martinez, of the 200 block of Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan, slashed the 32-year-old male victim on the right eyebrow and left cheek with a knife, the complaint alleges.

The victim suffered from pain as well as bleeding on his face and was removed by EMS to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.

Martinez was arrested Aug. 15, 2024, and has been charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment.

The Richmond County District Attorneys Office requested bail be set at $10,000 cash or $30,000 bond.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, was released on bail and is due back in Criminal Court on Oct. 1, according to public records.

The defendants attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD used social media to provide information about safety concerns at schools on the North and South shores of Staten Island.

Threats made on social media on Wednesday morning targeting Totten Intermediate School (I.S. 34) in Tottenville and Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75) in Huguenot were deemed not credible following an investigation, according to a post by the 123rd Precinct on X, formerly known as Twitter.

There is no danger to the public at this time, the post from the precinct said. We always remind everyone please report anything that seems suspicious.

In regards to this mornings threat at I.S. 34 & I.S. 75 the NYPD has conducted a full investigation and has deemed the threats on social media to be not credible. There is no danger to the public at this time. We always remind everyone please report anything that seems suspicious pic.twitter.com/8hGXjB0Fro  NYPD 123rd Precinct (@NYPD123Pct) September 18, 2024

In an unrelated post on the 120th Precinct X feed, police said that school safety agents confiscated a loaded, .45-caliber gun at a school on the North Shore of Staten Island.

The location of the school is not listed in the post, but police took a 17-year-old boy with a gun into custody at about 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at Curtis High School in St. George, according to a spokesman for the NYPD.

The boy, who is a student at the school, was being questioned as the investigation continued, the police spokesman said on Wednesday.

A police spokeswoman said that no arrests were made in the incident at Curtis as of Thursday morning.

A photo attached to the message shows a gun, bullets and a magazine.

This is a developing story and more information will be posted when it becomes available.
A teenage girl is facing several charges after she and an accomplice took a New York City subway train for joyride and crashed it earlier this month, police said.

The duo allegedly hopped on the unoccupied train when it was parked at the Briarwood station in Queens after midnight on Thursday, Sept. 12 and were able to get it started, police said.

The pair then allegedly proceeded to operate the train cars northbound a short distance before crashing into another parked train car and fleeing on foot. There were no injuries reported, police said.

Police announced in a statement that a 17-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday and faces charges of criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.

Authorities are still searching for a male who is believed to have been captured by surveillance footage aboard the train. He is described as having a slim build and light complexion. He was last seen wearing a blue tank top, red shorts and carrying a black backpack, police said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As vehicle thefts continue to climb across the country, the number of cars stolen in the United States last year reached its highest point in more than a decade and a half.

Earlier this year, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released the results of a new data analysis, finding that an estimated 1,020,729 vehicle thefts occurred across the United States in 2023, the highest number since 2008, when 1.05 million vehicles were reported stolen.

Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems, said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB. From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, perpetrators are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with alarming success rates. It is critical that industry and law enforcement work together to develop more effective strategies for combating auto theft and safeguarding public safety.

The number of vehicle thefts has steadily increased in recent years, from 801,023 in 2019, to 888,011 in 2020, then 937,976 in 2021, followed by 1,001,967 in 2022, and now 1,020,729 in 2023.

New York saw the seventh-most vehicle thefts of any state last year, with 32,715 stolen vehicles in 2023.

That figure represents a significant 15% increase from the 28,292 stolen vehicles in 2022, one of the largest year-over-year increases of any state.

As has been the case in recent years, California had, by far, the highest number of vehicle thefts reported in 2023, with over 208,000 cars stolen in the Golden State.

Heres a look at the 10 states with the most vehicle thefts in 2023, according to data.

California

208,668 vehicles stolen in 2023

Texas

115,013 vehicles stolen in 2023

Florida

46,213 vehicles stolen in 2023

Washington

43,160 vehicles stolen in 2023

Illinois

41,528 vehicles stolen in 2023

Colorado

34,068 vehicles stolen in 2023

New York

32,715 vehicles stolen in 2023

Ohio

31,647 vehicles stolen in 2023

Georgia

28,171 vehicles stolen in 2023

Missouri

27,279 vehicles stolen in 2023

The NICB offered the following tips to help drivers avoid being the victim of vehicle theft.
This month, the not-for-profit New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) launched the New York Proud Campaign, as it notes, which features 25 portraits of diverse individuals in their workplaces, emphasizing their integral roles and contributions to the citys cultural and economic landscape. One face is restaurant owner on Staten Island. (Photo by Oscar Castilo)silvestri
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 19. Turkmenistan is preparing for the state visit of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh this autumn, Trend reports.

The issue was revealed following a meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Mongolia's Ambassador Dorj Bayarkhuu.

The parties also discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with special attention given to the development of political and economic ties.

Representatives from the foreign ministries of both countries expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Forget stealing the moon  were getting another one!

For 57 days, our planet will have two moons as the 2024 PT5 asteroid gets caught in Earths gravity and whirled around in our orbit.

According to Live Science, The space rock will make one complete orbit of our planet between Sept. 29 and Nov. 25 before escaping Earths gravity, so theres no need to set an extra place this Thanksgiving for it.

The mini-moon is exactly that: Mini. The asteroid is only 33 feet wide, Live Science reported, so itll be hard to spot to the naked eye of a stargazer.

This isnt the first time our planet will have dueling moons, either. We had mini-moons in 1981 and as recently as 2022.

Though 2024 PT5 bids Earth adieu in November, it wont be the last time it swings by to say hi to us Earthlings.

According to the new study, 2024 PT5 likely originated from the Arjuna asteroid belt  a diverse jumble of space rocks that orbit the sun close to our planet. Due to its orbit being closely matched to our own, calculations indicate the asteroid will orbit Earth again in January 2025 and then in 2055, Live Science wrote.

This mini-moon is small in the eyes of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which states that most near-Earth objects are asteroids that range in size from about 10 feet (a few meters) to nearly 25 miles (40 kilometers) across.

Additionally, 2024 PT5 doesnt fit all of the criteria to raise a red flag to NASA: The majority of near-Earth objects have orbits that dont bring them very close to Earth, and therefore pose no risk of impact, but a small fraction of them  called potentially hazardous asteroids  require more attention. These objects are defined as asteroids that are more than about 460 feet (140 meters) in size with orbits that bring them as close as within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earths orbit around the Sun.

So, breathe that sigh of relief, and enjoy this tiny moons presence as we prepare for longer nights and chillier days.
A former Ontario County clerk, who died last year, embezzled more than $450,000 over the course of a decade, according to a report released by the county on Tuesday.

Matthew Hoose was found dead at his home on Feb. 21, 2023. A cause of death was not given. His death came less than a week after a vote of no-confidence from the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, which had approved an audit into accounts that he controlled. At the time, the board said delays in required payments and providing reports to state agencies was the reason for the no-confidence vote.

According to the report, the on-site audit was scheduled to begin on the day that Hoose was found dead. Instead, the audit began the next month.

In the report, released on Tuesday, the county said that not only was Hoose delinquent in filing reports and making payments, but the forensic audit determined that he had embezzled $453,364 from the county in a period of 10 years. The report was done by The Bonadio Group, which found 637 instances in which the money deposited in accounts controlled by the clerk was less than the amount received by the office. Hoose was county clerk from 2012 until his death.

The county turned the results of the audit over to the New York State Police and the FBI, according to the report, and a state police investigation found no evidence that anyone other than Hoose was involved. The FBI told the county that a living suspect was required to pursue a criminal investigation.

The report states that Based on the recommendation of outside counsel, there are no viable legal options the County can pursue at this time to recover these stolen funds.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Island students at PS 18 in West Brighton were all smiles as they walked into school with either a father or father figure in celebration of National Dads Take Your Child to School Day on Thursday.

The New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), in partnership with United Activities Unlimited (UAU), Fatherhood Matters and PS 18, hosted a breakfast event to celebrate the day at the UAU West Brighton Cornerstone  just across the street from PS 18. It featured free breakfast, including bagels and fruit, as well as remarks from community members and partners.

Its a good thing, its something you remember for your lifetime, said Jay Hobbs, who took the day off work to bring his son, second-grader Jay Hobbs Jr., to school. Its good that they see that their fathers are involved in their lives.

After the breakfast event, the group walked down Broadway and across the street to the main entrance of PS 18 on Henderson Avenue. Students gave high fives to all the fathers and father figures as they walked into school  representing the support of all dads who participated in Thursdays event.

Jay Hobbs Jr. shared he was happy his dad would spend much of the day with him, as fathers were invited into PS 18 to visit classrooms and take part in a social emotional learning activity.

Fourth-grader Yuri Dale said she was ecstatic to have her dad, James Dale, bring her to school and introduce him to her teachers and classmates. The pair walked hand-in-hand as they headed to school from the Cornerstone.

Im glad theyre involving the community and kids, said Dale. We dont get the opportunity to be with our kids a lot, and not a lot of schools do this. At least we know theyre interested in our children.

DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard said that the statistics are clear  the more involved a father is in their childs life, the better the outcomes. They perform better in school and behaviorally, he explained.

Nationally, there has been an increase in father participation since the 1990s, and the numbers speak for themselves  especially young Black fathers, said Howard. So look at the upstream approach, as Mayor Adams has always said, we need to invest in fathers and keep that trajectory positive. I was a single father for many years, and I know and understand the value of being involved in my childs life, and I saw what happened when the investments are there  socially and emotionally.

Especially in the hustle and bustle of New York City, Howard said it is sometimes difficult to get working or busy fathers to take a day for their kids.

To have a day where the dad is like, You know what? Im going to put my work to the side, Im going to concentrate on you. Im going to take you to school. That brings joy to a young kids life, said Howard.
While the polls show a close race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, a data scientist said that one candidate could actually be headed toward a landslide victory.

Thomas Miller, from Northwestern University, is predicting that Harris will overwhelmingly defeat Trump on Nov. 5.

Its gone from a drastic landslide in Trumps direction to a drastic landslide for Harris, Miller told Fortune magazine.

Miller, who accurately predicted that Joe Biden would defeat Trump in 2020, uses info from betting markets instead of traditional polls.

He believes that polls dont accurately reflect often swiftly changing voter dynamics because the surveys only sample a small number of respondents and often take days to be published.

Polls are a snapshot of the past, Miller said. The odds-on betting sites are a map of the future.

He said that betting markets can make for better predictors because people wager their own money and because the wagering sites update in real time.

Eric Zitzewitz, a professor of Economics at Dartmouth College, told Newsweek, Prediction markets normally forecast the odds of a candidate winning the election, whereas polling provides a forecast of their share of the vote.

He said, One advantage of prediction markets is that they are forward-looking. For instance, after Harris won the debate, the markets moved immediately in her direction, correctly expecting that post-debate polls would as well. The same happened, in the opposite direction, after the Trump-Biden debate.

Miller in 2020 used PredictIt, the largest political betting site in the U.S., to track odds in a number of voting jurisdictions.

His model, which includes data from the last 16 presidential elections, converts betting prices into popular vote and Electoral College projections. He missed Bidens Electoral College count by just 12 votes four years ago.

PredictIt on Thursday showed Harris with a 57% chance of winning, which under Millers model would give her 57% of the popular vote.

That could translate into 400 votes in the Electoral College, with 270 needed to win the White House.

If these numbers hold, Trump could face an absolute rout, Miller said, similar to the 1964 race, when Democratic President Lyndon Johnson got 486 electoral votes to 52 for Republican Barry Goldwater.

Millers model suggests that Harris would not only win swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, but could also potentially flip traditionally Republican states.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 19. Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held meetings with the ambassadors of the Russian Federation, the US, and China in Ashgabat, discussing prospects for the development of bilateral relations, Trend reports via the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

At the meeting with Russian Ambassador Ivan Volynkin, the sides discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral interaction, including political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic partnership, and cultural and humanitarian ties. The Minister and the Ambassador expressed interest in further development of these areas.

During the conversation with US Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral partnership between Turkmenistan and the US. Special attention was paid to the importance of cooperation within the C5+1 format, which unites five Central Asian countries and the US. The parties noted successful cooperation in such areas as security, economy, energy, and ecology.

In the course of the meeting with Chinese Ambassador Qian Naicheng, the key aspects of the partnership between the countries were discussed. The parties emphasized the effectiveness of cooperation within the Central Asia-China format and discussed preparations for joint events planned for this year.

The meetings emphasize Turkmenistan's active efforts to strengthen international cooperation with the world's leading powers, which opens new opportunities for the development and strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations.
Star Minerals chairman Ian Stuart said: We are delighted to add such a significant foreign uranium estimate to the company and look forward to working with Madison to confirm and upgrade the estimate and test the exciting exploration potential in the area. Star sees enormous potential to upgrade and increase the existing estimates.

Under the three-stage earn-in agreement, Star must first pay Madison a combination of shares and cash worth US$500,000 (AU$750,000). Once secured, the company will issue an additional 4.3 million performance shares and spend US$750,000 (AU$1.127 million) on exploration to earn 20 per cent.

The second stage, to be completed within 15 months of the agreement and taking Stars interest to 40 per cent, can then be satisfied when management forks out a further AU$750,000 in cash and shares and issues another 2.368 million performance shares.

A further AU$1.127 million in exploration expenditure also needs to be completed within 24 months of the first payment. To get to the final stage the company will then need to shell out an additional US$650,000 (AU$977,000) in cash and shares and spend a further US$925,000 (AU$1.39 million) in exploration costs.

All conditions must be met within 36 months  by 2027  for Star to secure its full 51 per cent stake in the project.

Star Minerals Cobra uranium project, showing close proximity to the massive Rossing and Husab mines in Namibia.

Star will be the operator of the project, leveraging the expertise of its non-executive director Ashley Jones, who has had considerable experience in uranium exploration  particularly in Africa. The experienced geologist previously worked in Namibia for nearly three years and on the Letlhakane uranium project in Botswana for five years between 2014 and 2019.

And Jones has intimate knowledge of the potential of the Cobra project, having first assessed it way back in 2018.

Together with Madisons established Namibian team, the company has plans to immediately upgrade the projects resource and is targeting significant expansion. However, since the resource is designated as a foreign equivalent estimate, following its compilation by SRK Consulting (UK) in 2015, a series of confirmation holes and modelling will be needed to bring it up to JORC 2012 standards.

It will represent the first work undertaken by the new JV.

Star has also been busy delivering an updated scoping study on its Tumblegum South gold project, 40km south of Meekatharra in Western Australias Mid West region, to look at options for open-pit mining and third-party toll treatment.

The plan appears to have merit, especially if the company decides to copycat the outstanding success of other ASX-listed juniors such as Auric Mining and Horizon Minerals, which have made a specialty out of accessing stranded gold assets as the price for the precious yellow metal continues its unrelenting rise.

With gold still trading at close to AU$3800 today, the companys updated study outlined a production target at that price of 255,000 tonnes grading 2.16 grams per tonne for an accumulated cash surplus of $19.6 million.

Star  which has just shy of 95 million shares on issue and a market cap of $3.32 million  has made a bold statement by expanding its interests to uranium in Namibia. However, it appears to be a smart move given that entry into the sector not only plays to its existing management experience strengths in Africa, but also underscores a long-term strategy of capitalising on the growing demand for the metal, which is driven by the global push towards carbon-neutral energy solutions.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
Such is the Albanese governments permanent state of crank toward the Greens that its rare to see them on the same page these days.

But it seems like both parties have come around to the blinding whiteness of the ABC board. Much like senior leadership in media companies across the country, the board of the national broadcaster is entirely white. Modern Australia is not.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi took aim at the unacceptable lack of diversity on the ABC board. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland took some baby steps toward changing that this week, with the government updating the selection criteria for the appointment of non-executive directors to the board.

The new criteria includes a direction that board members must possess an understanding of, or the ability to credibly represent, the communication needs of Australias diverse society.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Francis Ford Coppola wants to set the record straight. So much has already been said and written about his film Megalopolis, a project allegedly 40 years in the making, at a cost to him personally of $US120 million, and a story of such massive and unwieldy ambition that some wags have dubbed it Megaflopolis or Messalopolis. But he insists that much of what has been said is wrong  or at least, not quite right. The story that he sold his winery to make it? No, its not accurate at all, he says bluntly. Coppola, 85, is speaking from his home on the grounds of Inglenook, the Napa Valley winery he bought in 1975 with proceeds from The Godfather and which he still owns, along with another in Portland, Oregon. (The top-of-the-range Rubicon sells for $US300 a bottle and, like his movie, is inspired by ancient Rome.) Adam Driver as Cesar in Francis Ford Coppolas extravagant Megalopolis. The properties he sold are further south, in Sonoma, and pitched at the mass market. But sell is the wrong word, he insists; it was a $US500 million merger that leaves him with a 25 per cent stake in one of the largest wine producers in the US. I have two living children, and they love to be in the wine business, but its mainly so they can give gifts for Christmas. They dont want to run it, he explains. One of Coppolas sons, Gian-Carlo, died in a boating accident in 1986 and his remaining children, Roman and Sofia, are also filmmakers. Given their reluctance to enter the wine business, Coppola says, he began to realise I needed someone who could run it after my leaving.

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But if he didnt actually sell his wineries to finance Megalopolis, is it at least true that he paid for the movie himself? Totally self-funded, he confirms. The only filmmaker whos ever done that in the history of cinema is the great French director Jacques Tati. When he was an older man, Tati borrowed on all his successful films to make one last big film that no one wanted him to make, and it was a big flop. And so he lived in poverty until he died, with friends helping him. That movie was Playtime and, says Coppola, it is now considered Tatis masterpiece. The question is, will Megalopolis, which grapples with the decline of America, drawing explicit parallels with the fall of Rome, eventually be seen in the same way? Or will it be forever viewed as a sad final chapter in the storied career of one of American cinemas most talented auteurs? Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina and Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero in Megalopolis. Credit: Lionsgate/Madman The film debuted in Cannes in May to a seven-minute standing ovation, some walkouts, and a muted response from critics. Audiences were as baffled by its hotchpotch style and tone as by its storyline, which interweaves politics, economics, philosophy, science and romance in a plot that seems to be about everything and nothing at the same time. Leading man Adam Driver plays visionary architect Cesar Catilina, a character who could have stepped straight from the pages of Ayn Rands The Fountainhead if not for the fact he is also a social reformer. At one point he delivers an extended section of Hamlets to be or not to be speech; at another he teeters on the brink of leaping to his death from the top of the Chrysler Building, only to discover he can stop time; at yet another, he has his face rebuilt using the miracle element he has created, Megalon, a substance that exists somewhere between nature and technology, and seemingly offers humanitys best hope for survival.

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Little wonder people dont quite know what to make of it. What does Coppola himself make of it? What is this movie about? What Im really trying to say is that the people of the world, we are one human family. [But] the Earth is filled with unfulfilled, unsatisfied, unhappy people because advertising is the business in which you sell people happiness, and you cant sell happiness to happy people. The population, in my opinion, is deliberately kept unhappy so they are susceptible to the $3 trillion advertising industry, and that is an artificial construct. By nature, he believes, human beings are joyous and creative. All the best things, and all the great advances in civilisation, come from play, and play comes from childhood, and adults interacting with children. Our greatest ability is the act of playing, that is what makes us so creative, so we should play and enjoy and create. And in doing so, well solve all these terrible problems of our Earth, which we are destroying, stupidly. So, is he suggesting that the true villain of Megalopolis is advertising, the selling of unhappiness? Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum, a venal finance reporter who has ambitions to reach the very top of society. Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate Yes, he says. Were not even selling products, were selling customers identity. I want to be that kind of person, Ill buy those kinds of clothes, which is selling brands, which is to say were selling identity. And identity is ours. It already belongs to us. How can you sell me something thats already mine?

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Hearing him freewheel like this, I feel Ive been granted a little glimpse into the interests and influences that fuel the ever-curious Coppola mind. But I suspect Ive also been given a little sense of what it might be like to be on a set where a couple of hundred people are standing around expensively, waiting for him to focus and make a call. Even before it debuted, claims emerged of a shoot that spiralled out of control, with the director sacking his art department, continually changing his mind on the day, and  according to claims published in The Guardian and Variety  trying to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras on set in a bid to get them in the mood for a party scene. Coppola is now suing Variety over its reporting, and is seeking $US15 million in damages. I treat any girl whos younger than my daughter as a child, because Sofia is a child in my mind. Francis Ford Coppola Perhaps understandably, distributors were reluctant to come onboard with the finished film. When Lionsgate eventually agreed to take it on, it did so on the basis that the writer-director-producer also cover the costs of marketing, a highly unusual move. Coppola wants to set the record straight on some of the above charges. He had wanted to get rid of one of his five art department heads, he explains, because he felt their working methods were more suited to a Marvel movie than his production. But the other heads gave him an ultimatum: They said to me, if you fire one of them well resign. I did fire the one, and they resigned. Coppola, left, and actor Adam Driver on the set. Credit: Phil Caruso/Lionsgate The story about him kissing girls, he says, was absurd. Not at all anything in my entire career was like that. You know, I treat any girl whos younger than my daughter [Lost in Translation director] Sofia, and shes 52, as a child, because Sofia is a child in my mind. (He did admit to Rolling Stone recently that he had given a few pecks on the cheek, but insisted they were young women I knew.)

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He puts these stories down to disgruntled former employees. Most, if not all, of the negativity weve suffered comes from unknown sources, he tells me. And you know, Im not fazed by it. As for the freewheeling approach on a day-to-day basis, actor Jon Voight  who plays the mega-wealthy Hamilton Crassus III, a character clearly modelled on Donald Trump, has explained it as simply business as usual for the five-time Oscar-winner. Francis said, The script is just the bones, and were going to have to find out what it is, he has said. Thats the way he works. Theres a lot of improvisation. He sees whats on the screen, and hes right there on the set and hell change course and say, Lets go in this direction. At any rate, Coppola is no stranger to this kind of response. Hes had bad reviews for many of his movies  The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Bram Stokers Dracula in particular. In time, they have been reappraised and mostly lauded as masterpieces. Thats a point that was made recently in a trailer that featured quotes from some negative reviews, with Laurence Fishburne  who was just 15 when he was cast in Apocalypse Now, and plays a double role in Megalopolis, as Adam Drivers chauffeur and as the movies narrator  sonorously intoning that true genius is often misunderstood. The trouble is, the lines from the reviews were fake. Within 24 hours, the trailer  paid for out of Coppolas own pocket, and created by a company owned by his nephew Robert Schwartzman  was pulled.

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After learning the family trade at a landmark Northbridge restaurant, architect-turned-restaurateur Fiona di Lanzo is out on her own and doing hospitality her way.

After a stint in Melbourne, Fiona returned home and opened the Mount Hawthorn wine bar La Madonna Nera, a svelte dagger of a space whose timeless good looks speak to its owners past life as an architect and interior designer. Booths and tables for two are pressed up against the wall. Italianate knickknacks and flattering lighting set the mood. A communal table wiggles its way through the room and terminates in the open kitchen. The look and spirit of the room calls to mind the sort of well-worn enoteca that travellers dream of finding while holidaying in Italy, only you cant buy takeaway wines.

If you ate regularly at landmark Northbridge Italian restaurant Sorrento (1949-2021), you may have heard its magnetic owner Alfonso Di Lanzo say this to you, sotto voce, the corners of his lips curled into a half-grin. If your brain is wired like mine, you were probably concerned that this Italian gentleman was taking the Mediterranean custom of eating weeds a little too far and might find himself on the wrong side of the law. But we  or at least I  neednt have worried. As it turns out, marijuana was simply a code word for chilli. I know this now thanks to Fiona Di Lanzo, Alfonsos daughter who grew up working at Sorrento learning the finer points of hospitality from mum and dad as well as other legendary Perth Italian restaurateurs.

But then you realise that La Madonna Neras salami plate ($23) supplemented by antipasti such as preserved eggplant and chillies stuffed with tuna and capers  all made by Alfonso, no less  is a cut above the stale Ritz and half-finished hummus doing purgatory in your pantry and fridge, and the idea of drinking in-situ rather than at home suddenly becomes very attractive. Like any wine bar, La Madonna Nera works great as somewhere to sip and snack, but make time to wine and dine and youll get a sense of the new-school-old-school thinking quietly fuelling the operation. As is commonplace among this citys better Italian eateries, the menu is short but the ideas are sharp. Di Lanzo and her head chef Anthony Yuill  whos back for his second tour of duty after helping open Bassendean small bar Bertie  have shoehorned many strong ideas into the cartes dozen-or-so items including (hurrah!) dishes that give vegetables their proper dues.



Dishes such as maccu ($16): a fava bean soup that Di Lanzo has retrieved from

deep within the Sicilian food Matrix, presented as a loose dip for dense house

focaccia. Youll want plenty of focc at-hand for the vital act of scarpetta  using bread to mop up leftover sauces on plates  including the zippy blend of capers, sherry vinegar and green raisins rehydrated in black tea that accompanies blanched, room-temperature paintbrushes of the sprouting cauliflower known as fioretto ($18). As an aside, Id love to see more restaurants  Italian or otherwise  exploring the possibilities and deliciousness of room-temperature vegetables, especially coming into the warmer months.



The kitchens interest in underdog ingredients goes beyond just the plant-based.

Tender skewers of grilled swordfish ($21 for two) dressed with a sweet Venetian-

inspired mess of stewed onions and currants are proof that swordfish, when handled well, has much to offer eaters. Young goat braised until it surrenders into a wet tangle of meat equals the foundations for a splendid ragu to accompany bitey handkerchiefs of fazzoletti pasta ($32). Maybe its just me, but Im not seeing pork chops ($38) on as many menus as I used to, or at least served ones with house made mustard fruits (fruit preserved in sugar and poached in a mustard-flavoured syrup) that taste like Christmas, anyway. One chop  dry-aged, grilled medium-well, sliced into meaty fingers  works great as a main

between two.

According to the menu, your dessert options are either cheese ($19 and $28) or a jiggly vanilla bean panacotta scooped out of a big tray ($15, fine albeit somewhat safe and generic). Id like to suggest a third, far more interesting way to end your meal  amaro, Italys famously bitter, invigorating digestive spirits that are as regional as pasta shapes and wine styles. Youll find more than 50 amari  the plural of amaro  at La Madonna Nera. If youve gone hard on the food and drink, you might feel like youll need the help of every one of them to get back on your feet. Dont feel bad. Thats what theyre for and Italians have been consuming amari medically and recreationally for centuries. Its yet another aspect of Italian culture and hospitality that Di Lanzo is sharing with Perth via her singular, precious bar.



Its about ritual, she says. Its about necessity.
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. Share

This years compilation of Sydneys best bars was much harder than usual to whittle down due to the number of ace new openings and a higher standard of cocktails across the board. We thought the martini, that gin- (or vodka) based warhorse, had peaked last year. Instead, its more popular than ever. Everyone seems to be rocking a freezer martini (with varying quality), but there are also tomato-leaf martinis, an increasing number of 50/50 martinis (equal parts gin and dry vermouth), and quite a few decent lychee martinis that wont bring on a syrup-induced headache. Its safe to say that Sydneys lust for a good margarita hasnt slowed, you can expect to see a boat-load more palomas come summer, and competition for the citys best pina colada remains fierce. Heres what else were loving in bar land. Ante is somewhere between a bar and a restaurant. Edwina Pickles Ante

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Is it a bar with great food, or a restaurant with exceptional booze? A bit of both, really. Owner Matt Young imports sake, so everything is available by the glass, making it a good spot to take a deep dive into the nuanced world of junmai (pure rice) brews. Dont sleep on the cocktails either. Meanwhile, Youngs drinks are enhanced by a serious record collection and creative snacks and share plates by chef Jemma Whiteman. (We would say book ahead but its walk-ins only.) 146 King Street, Newtown, ante.bar Arcadia Liquors Its been no frills, all thrills since day dot at this fairy-lit Redfern fixture, which remains resolutely unpretentious and as reliable as ever 12 years on. Cliched as it may sound, it really is the local every suburb yearns for, replete with all the comforts of a pub, the smarts of a lo-fi cocktail bar and toasties that never fail to hit the spot. 7 Cope Street, Redfern, arcadialiquors.com Martinis any way you like em at Bar Planet. Dexter Kim Bar Planet

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Welcome to the only martini bar in the universe that looks like a Doctor Who fever dream. Theres the galaxy of stars and all that glitters built into the bartop itself; martini deftly served anyway you like it, from ferociously dry to wet with a skyscraper of olives; and a short menu of seasonal house cocktails bursting with fruit. Weird in the most delicious, fun ways. 16 Enmore Road, Newtown, barplanet.com.au Bar Sumi No menu, no worries. At this low-lit black-on-charcoal bolthole inside Regent Place, owner-bartender Wen Wang  or one of his friendly team  will just ask you what you like to drink and build something from there. If you like to drink piercingly cold martinis youre in particularly good hands, but any of the classics is usually a cracker. Whisky fans will be chuffed with the wall of rare pours, too. Level 9, 488 Kent Street, Sydney, instagram.com/bar_sumi_sydney The Bearded Tit Happy 10th birthday, Bearded Tit! Celebrating queer culture, visual and performance art since 2014, the mood-lifting neighbourhood bar also pours a mean negroni, not to mention $18 Philter Brewing jugs every Friday. Check the Tits Instagram page for updates on live music, exhibitions and events. Never dull. Always on. (Except Mondays, when its closed.)

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183 Regent Street, Redfern, thebeardedtit.com Watermelon and basil French Martini at Bobbies in Double Bay. Petrina Tinslay Bobbies In collaboration with Linden Pride from New Yorks much acclaimed Dante, Neil Perry has created a comfortable jazz bar below his new Song Bird restaurant, and then some. Plush velvet chairs. A mint-green banquette wrapping the room. Lancelot-Royer Champagne by the glass, ham and gruyere toasties, and even a few caramel chews. Its early days, and the floor team is still finding its feet, but all signs point to plenty of three-martini lunches and patty melts ahead. Come on down. 28 Bay Street, Double Bay, themargaretfamily.com/venue/bobbies Its standing-room only inside Cantina OK! Dexter Kim Cantina OK!

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This standing-only mezcal-fuelled hole-in-the-wall bar serves arguably Sydneys best margarita. Thats due, in part, to the almost fluffy shaved ice, and to the use of orange oil, fresh lime and smoky booze. But theres also much joy to be found in other cocktails, plus hard-to-find agave spirits for sipping, with guidance by clued-in, enthusiastic staff. Council Place, Sydney, okokok.com.au A spicy marg at Centro 86. Dexter Kim Centro 86 From the team behind aforementioned Cantina OK!, this basement-dwelling tribute to the margarita is inspired by Mexicos time-worn cantinas. Its a premise we can all get behind at this hidden marg den, which delivers charismatic service, a technicolour bar top, rare spirits and uplifting bracers thatll have you reaching for the free popcorn. 86-88 Pitt Street (enter via rear), Sydney, centro86.com The Cumberland

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 19. Uzbekistan and Iran discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed during a meeting between Chairman of Uzbekistan's Chamber of Commerce and Industry Davron Vakhabov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Iran Fariddin Nasriyev, Chairman of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture Samad Hassanzadeh, as well as Ambassador of Iran to Uzbekistan Mohammad Ali Eskandari.

In addition, the meeting was attended by representatives of about 15 Iranian companies operating in the textile industry, construction materials, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

During the meeting, the sides discussed expansion of trade ties, an increase in the volume of trade turnover, as well as issues related to problems in export and import between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the foreign trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Iran amounted to $255.8 million from January through July 2024. This is 17.2 percent less compared to the same period of 2023, when the trade turnover amounted to $299.9 million.

Thus, Iran has become one of the 20 largest trade partners of Uzbekistan.
The Minns government will make travel free on passenger trains this weekend in a bid to pressure the rail union to drop work bans, which will disrupt transport services to sporting events and threatens to delay the conversion of a rail line to metro train standards.

The intervention late on Thursday comes hours after the government warned that the escalating industrial dispute with rail workers would cost taxpayers $100 million a month if the standoff delayed the conversion of the T3 line between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Delays to major work on the conversion of the Bankstown line to metro train standards risks costing taxpayers $100 million a month. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the government was making train trips free this weekend because of the disruption facing passengers, as well as to give the works to convert the Bankstown line to metro standards a chance to go ahead.

Were hoping that the [Rail Tram and Bus Union] will come back to the table and lift bans to get Sydney moving this finals weekend and build the infrastructure we need, she said.
The mother of a baby boy randomly attacked with scalding coffee says her confidence in the police investigation is waning amid a lack of updates. She still hasnt been told what country the alleged assailant fled to.

An unknown man reportedly came up behind the woman and her son at Hanlon Park about midday on August 27, tipping the hot contents of a Thermos on the nine-month-old before running away.

Police believe the foreign national then travelled half a kilometre on foot to the Apostolic Church Of Queensland in Annerley, where he changed his clothes and caught a rideshare car to the CBD.

The baby boy was seriously burnt when an unknown man threw hot coffee over him at a Brisbane park. Credit: Go Fund Me

Four days later and just hours before investigators say they confirmed his identity, the man flew out of Sydney Airport to an unknown country.
Were closing our blog now. Thank you for joining us today.

As we leave you, another two teenage boys have been charged over a series of homophobic attacks on men lured to meeting points in Perths south via a dating app. Rebecca Peppiatt has the latest on this developing story.

In other headlines today, the body of a diver missing off the coast near Carnarvon has been recovered.

Its been a busy day in politics, from an overhaul of WAs domestic gas policy to debate over the contentious comments of WA Liberals Albany candidate Thomas Brough.

Thank you again for joining us, and tune in tomorrow as we bring you more news of the day.
Hunched down behind the dusty, bush beaten Toyota Landcruiser, my guide Clever Moyo carefully assesses the paw prints stamped into the white earth. They belong to a lion  and we just missed it.

The tracks are so fresh, says Clever, turning to see which way the big cat might have gone when another, louder clue comes from the direction of the Zambezi River: an urgent simian cry. They must have gone in the direction of the baboons, that is why they are calling.

Waterbuck on watch in the Zambezi National Park.

Dashing back to our seats, Clever hits the throttle and we veer east, bouncing over a semi-dried saltpan and plunging into the dense mopane woods of Zambezi National Park. Wedged tightly into the far-western corner of Zimbabwe, the 56,000-hectare park is a haven for some of East Africas most charismatic wildlife. Elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and herds of sable antelope are all drawn here to drink from the fast-flowing river that culminates in thundering Victoria Falls just a few kilometres further downstream.

So far, the only trace of lions weve found have been whispers in the dirt, but our luck might be about to change. Clever steers us towards the riverbanks and a tree line occupied by clearly disturbed baboons: their white fangs bared and the stiff hair on their backs clearly visible against the golden glow of the westering sun. The baboons have the advantage of height, and their warning calls have alerted other animals that a threat is prowling nearby. A loose crowd of impala and pheasants has gathered around the trees; a form of communal protection as more eyes mean more chance of spotting the predators.
A few weeks ago, Hong Kong marked another ignominious first under the national security crackdown  the first conviction of journalists on sedition charges since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997. A district court judge found two editors, Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam, from the now-defunct Stand News, guilty of publishing seditious articles and found the outlet had become a tool to smear and vilify Beijing and Hong Kong authorities. Indeed, almost 300 Hongkongers have been arrested on national security grounds since 2020, and dozens of pro-democracy activists are now languishing in the citys prisons. Allow me to draw your attention to one of them  Australian dual citizen Gordon Ng. Gordon Ng, jailed in Hong Kong. Credit: Aresna Villanueva

Born in Hong Kong, Ng moved to Australia at 13. He attended Waverley College in Sydneys eastern suburbs, before studying mathematics and commerce at the University of New South Wales, eventually returning to Hong Kong to work in the finance sector. His case has flown under the radar, mostly out of sight and out of mind of the Australian public since his arrest in 2021. He is facing a possible maximum life sentence for what prosecutors claim was his organising role in an unofficial primary election held in July 2020 that aimed to help pro-democracy candidates win majority control of the Hong Kong legislature and veto government bills. His case is part of the Hong Kong 47, named for the group of politicians and activists charged with conspiring to subvert state power, in what stands as the biggest prosecution under the new law to date. Ng was one of 14 who fought the charges but were convicted after a 118-day trial in May by judges handpicked by Hong Kongs leader to preside over the case. Two were acquitted and a further 31 pleaded guilty. A British judge resigned from a Hong Kong appeals court because the rule of law in the city was in grave danger. Credit: AP

Ng and his 44 co-convicted now face an anxious wait to learn their fate at upcoming sentencing hearings, expected any time before the end of the year. Because Hong Kong authorities do not recognise Ngs dual citizenship and consider him to be a Chinese citizen only, he has been denied access to Australian consular officials who have made at least 14 requests to visit him. Loading The last public words we have from Ng are in a statement he made at his mitigation hearing in June, where he defended the principles of the activists democratic campaign but disputed authorities attempts to cast him as an instigator. Because power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, I believe that the holding of fair and regular elections provides the best counterbalance against a power potentially becoming tyrannical, he said.

It is for these reasons that I support the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, as I believe their cause of striving for democracy a noble one, and also a sensible one for the continued development of this city. The law, together with Article 23, has not only had a chilling effect on Hong Kong society, it has dampened post-COVID recovery efforts amid a flight of capital and expats from the city as some international businesses have relocated offices to Singapore, long the citys chief rival. Consular representatives outside a Hong Kong court in May for a ruling for 47 pro-democracy activists. Credit: Bloomberg Meanwhile, the four Australian judges who serve on the citys top court  none of whom have presided over national security law appeals to date  have come under scrutiny for their decision to remain at the apex of a judicial system that enforces these laws. While there have been no allegations of the judges independence being compromised, the court was rocked this year by the resignation of two British judges who cited the citys political situation and erosion of the rule of law as the reasons for their early departure. As for Gordon Ng, he will likely pay a high price for his role in the fight for Hong Kongs future.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The pagers began beeping just after 3:30 Tuesday afternoon in Lebanon, alerting Hezbollah operatives to a message from their leadership in a chorus of chimes, melodies, and buzzes. But it wasnt the militants leaders. The pages had been sent by Hezbollahs archenemy, and within seconds the alerts were followed by the sounds of explosions and cries of pain and panic in streets, shops and homes across Lebanon. Powered by just a few ounces of an explosive compound concealed within the devices, the blasts sent grown men flying off motorcycles and slamming into walls, according to witnesses and video footage. People out shopping fell to the ground, writhing in agony, smoke snaking from their pockets. An ambulance carries wounded people in Beirut. Credit: AP Mohammed Awada, 52, and his son were driving by one man whose pager exploded, he said. My son went crazy and started to scream when he saw the mans hand flying away from him, he said. By the end of the day, at least a dozen people were dead and more than 2700 were wounded, many of them maimed. And the following day, 20 more people were killed and hundreds wounded when walkie-talkies in Lebanon also began mysteriously exploding. Some of the dead and wounded were Hezbollah members, but others were not; four of the dead were children. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied any role in the explosions, but 12 current and former defence and intelligence officials who were briefed on the attack say the Israelis were behind it, describing the operation as complex and long in the making. They spoke to The New York Times on the condition of anonymity, given the sensitivity of the subject.

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The booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies were the latest salvo in the decades-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is based across the border in Lebanon. The tensions escalated after the war began in the Gaza Strip. Iranian-backed groups including Hezbollah have long been vulnerable to Israeli attacks using sophisticated technologies. In 2020, for example, Israel assassinated Irans top nuclear scientist using an AI-assisted robot controlled remotely via satellite. Israel has also used hacking to stymie Iranian nuclear development. In Lebanon, as Israel picked off senior Hezbollah commandos with targeted assassinations, their leader came to a conclusion: If Israel was going high-tech, Hezbollah would go low. It was clear, a distressed Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah, said, that Israel was using cellphone networks to pinpoint the locations of his operatives. You ask me where is the agent, Nasrallah told his followers in a publicly televised address in February. I tell you that the phone in your hands, in your wifes hands, and in your childrens hands is the agent. Then he issued a plea. Bury it, Nasrallah said. Put it in an iron box and lock it.

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He had been pushing for years for Hezbollah to invest instead in pagers, which for all their limited capabilities could receive data without giving away a users location or other compromising information, according to US intelligence assessments. Loading Israeli intelligence officials saw an opportunity. Even before Nasrallah decided to expand pager usage, Israel had put into motion a plan to establish a shell company that would pose as an international pager producer. By all appearances, BAC Consulting was a Hungary-based company that was under contract to produce the devices on behalf of a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo. In fact, it was part of an Israeli front, according to three intelligence officers briefed on the operation. They said at least two other shell companies were created as well to mask the real identities of the people creating the pagers: Israeli intelligence officers. BAC did take on ordinary clients, for which it produced a range of ordinary pagers. But the only client that really mattered was Hezbollah, and its pagers were far from ordinary. Produced separately, they contained batteries laced with the explosive PETN, according to the three intelligence officers. The pagers began shipping to Lebanon in the summer of 2022 in small numbers, but production was quickly ramped up after Nasrallah denounced cellphones.

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Some of Nasrallahs fears were spurred by reports from allies that Israel had acquired new means to hack into phones, activating microphones and cameras remotely to spy on their owners. According to three intelligence officials, Israel had invested millions in developing the technology, and word spread among Hezbollah and its allies that no cellphone communication  even encrypted messaging apps  was safe anymore. Not only did Nasrallah ban cellphones from meetings of Hezbollah operatives, he ordered that the details of Hezbollah movements and plans never be communicated over cellphones, said three intelligence officials. Hezbollah officers, he ordered, had to carry pagers at all times, and in the event of war, pagers would be used to tell fighters where to go. Watching a speech by Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, in Beirut,. Credit: Diego Ibarra Sanchez/The New York Times Over the summer, shipments of the pagers to Lebanon increased, with thousands arriving in the country and being distributed among Hezbollah officers and their allies, according to two American intelligence officials. To Hezbollah, they were a defensive measure, but in Israel, intelligence officers referred to the pagers as buttons that could be pushed when the time seemed ripe. That moment, it appears, came this week. Speaking to his security Cabinet on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would do whatever was necessary to enable more than 70,000 Israelis driven away by the fighting with Hezbollah to return home, according to reports in Israeli news outlets. Those residents, he said, could not return without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north, according to a statement from the prime ministers office.

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On Tuesday, the order was given to activate the pagers. To set off the explosions, according to three intelligence and defence officials, Israel triggered the pagers to beep and sent a message to them in Arabic that appeared as if it had come from Hezbollahs senior leadership. Seconds later, Lebanon was in chaos. With so many people wounded, ambulances crawled through the streets, and hospitals were soon overwhelmed. Hezbollah said at least eight of its fighters were killed, but noncombatants were also drawn into the fray. In southern Lebanon, in the village of Saraain, one young girl, Fatima Abdullah, had just come home from her first day of fourth grade when she heard her fathers pager begin to beep, her aunt said. She picked up the device to bring it to him and was holding it when it exploded, killing her. Fatima was 9. Mourners at the funeral for Fatima Abdullah, the 9-year-old girl among those killed in the pager attack, in the village of Saraain El Faouqa, Lebanon. Credit: Diego Ibarra Sanchez/The New York Times On Wednesday, as thousands gathered in Beiruts southern suburbs to attend an outdoor funeral for two people killed in the blasts, chaos erupted anew: There was another explosion.

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Jerusalem:With Israels Defence Minister announcing a new phase of the war and an apparent Israeli attack setting off explosions in electronic devices in Lebanon, the spectre of all-out combat between Israel and Hezbollah seems closer than ever before.

Hopes for a diplomatic solution to the conflict appear to be fading quickly as Israel signals a desire to change the status quo in the countrys north, where it has exchanged cross-border fire with Hezbollah since the Lebanese militant group began attacking on October 8, a day after the wars opening salvo by Hamas in southern Israel.

In recent days, Israel has moved a powerful fighting force up to the northern border, officials have escalated their rhetoric, and the countrys security cabinet has designated the return of tens of thousands of displaced residents to their homes on the Lebanese border an official war goal.

Hezbollah fighters carry a coffin of one of the people killed when pagers exploded in Lebanon. Credit: AP

While the daily fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated on several occasions, the bitter enemies have been careful to avoid an all-out war.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force KPSM is investigating a fatal shooting that took place on the evening of Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in Cay Bay, which resulted in the tragic death of a male victim. Another male sustained gunshot wounds to his lower body.

At approximately 10:00 PM, Police Central Dispatch received multiple calls about gunshots on Banjo Road in Cay Bay. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male victim who showed no signs of life. The area was immediately cordoned off as detectives and forensic teams gathered evidence at the scene. Initial findings indicated that multiple shots were fired in various directions.

Shortly after the initial report, another call was received about a man with gunshot wounds at Peterson Plaza. Ambulance personnel and police were dispatched. The victim was found with gunshot injuries to his lower extremities. He received first aid at the scene and was then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment.

As the investigation progressed, police and Fire Department personnel were directed to a side street in Cole Bay, where a vehicle was engulfed in flames. Despite a swift response to extinguish the blaze, the vehicle was completely burned out. The burned vehicle was confiscated to determine if it may be connected to the shooting incident.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the individuals involved remain unclear. KPSM is actively investigating and is asking for any information that may assist in solving this case. Anyone with details is urged to contact KPSM at +1 (721) 542 2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.
Meta and Spotify blast EU decisions on AI



Paris, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



A group of companies including Meta and Spotify blasted the European Union Thursday for its "fragmented and inconsistent" decision-making on data privacy and artificial intelligence (AI).

The firms along with several researchers and industry bodies signed an open letter claiming that Europe was already becoming less competitive and risked falling further behind in the age of AI.

The signatories called for "harmonised, consistent, quick and clear decisions" from data privacy regulators to "enable European data to be used in AI training for the benefit of Europeans".

The letter takes issue with recent decisions under the 2018 general data protection regulation (GDPR).

Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, recently halted plans to harvest data from European users to train its AI models after pressure from privacy regulators.

"In recent times, regulatory decision making has become fragmented and unpredictable, while interventions by the European Data Protection Authorities have created huge uncertainty about what kinds of data can be used to train AI models," said the letter.

A European Commission spokesperson said at the time that all companies in the EU were expected to abide by data privacy rules.

Meta has faced record fines for breaching the privacy of users, including a single penalty of more than one billion euros under GDPR.

As well as data privacy rules, Europe became the first regional bloc to frame major legislation aiming to stop abuses of the technology -- its AI Act coming into force earlier this year.

Meta and other tech giants have increasingly delayed products for the European market, claiming they were seeking legal clarity.

Meta delayed the EU-wide release of its Twitter alternative Threads by several months last year.

Google has similarly held back the release of AI tools in the EU.

jxb/gv

Meta

Publicis Groupe

CRITEO

Spotify

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AI development cannot be left to market whim, UN experts warn



United Nations, United States, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



The development of artificial intelligence should not be guided by market forces alone, UN experts cautioned on Thursday, calling for the creation of tools for global cooperation.

But they held back from suggesting the creation of a muscular worldwide governing body to oversee the rollout and evolution of a technology, the proliferation of which has raised fears around biases, misuse and dependence.

The panel of around 40 experts from the fields of technology, law and data protection was established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in October.

Their report, published days before the start of a high-profile "Summit of the Future," raises the alarm over the lack of global governance of AI as well as the effective exclusion of developing countries from debates about the technology's future.

Of the UN's 193 members, just seven are part of the seven major initiatives linked to AI, while 118 are entirely absent -- mostly nations of the global south.

"There is, today, a global governance deficit with respect to AI," which by its nature is cross-border, the experts warn in their report.

"AI must serve humanity equitably and safely," Guterres said this week.

"Left unchecked, the dangers posed by artificial intelligence could have serious implications for democracy, peace, and stability."



- 'Too late'? -



To the backdrop of his clarion call, the experts called on UN members to put in place mechanisms to grease the wheels of global cooperation on the issue, as well as to prevent unintended proliferation.

"The development, deployment and use of such a technology cannot be left to the whims of markets alone," the report says.

It called firstly for the creation of a group of scientific experts on AI modeled on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forum of experts, whose reports are the last word on the issue of climate change.

The panel would brief the international community on emerging risks, identify research needs as well as how it could be used to alleviate hunger, poverty, and gender inequality, among other goals.

That proposal is included in the draft Global Digital Compact, still under discussion, which is due to be adopted Sunday at the "Summit of the Future."

The report endorses setting up a light-touch "coordination" structure within the UN secretariat.

But it stops short of a fully-fledged international governance body -- like that sought by Guterres -- based on the model of the UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA.

"If the risks of AI become more serious, and more concentrated, it might become necessary for Member States to consider a more robust international institution with monitoring, reporting, verification, and enforcement powers," the report said.

The authors acknowledge that owing to the warp speed of change in AI, it would be pointless to attempt to draw up a comprehensive list of dangers presented by the ever-evolving technology.

But they singled out the perils of disinformation for democracy, increasingly realistic deepfakes -- particularly pornographic ones, as well as the evolution of autonomous weapons and AI use by criminal and terrorist groups.

"Given the speed, autonomy and opacity of AI systems, however, waiting for a threat to emerge may mean that any response will come too late," the report said. "Continued scientific assessments and policy dialogue would ensure that the world is not surprised."
Elon Musk's Starlink internet launches in war-scarred Yemen



Dubai, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



Tech billionaire Elon Musk's satellite internet service Starlink has launched in Yemen, provoking the anger of Iran-backed Huthi rebels in the country shattered by civil war.

The company -- run by the world's richest person -- announced its arrival in Yemen, one of the world's least developed countries, in a post on social media platform X which is also owned by the US-based tycoon.

Starlink's network of low Earth orbit satellites can provide internet to remote locations or areas that have had normal communications infrastructure disabled.

"Starlink is now available in Yemen!" the post said on Wednesday.

Yemen is the first country in the Middle East to receive the service, which requires a dish and a router.

A map on Starlink's website shows the network, which can connect remote areas to high-speed internet via satellite, available across Yemen, in government-held areas as well as around its rebel-held capital Sanaa and much of the Red Sea coast held by the Huthis.

The Huthi rebels' communication ministry warned its citizens against using Starlink which it called "a direct threat to Yemeni national security".

The ministry added that the service "undermines the ability to protect citizens privacy and data".

In October last year, Article 19, which advocates for freedom of expression globally, joined with other local and international rights groups in an appeal to the Huthis "to cease internet shutdown measures and immediately lift the blockage on news websites and social media platforms".

Huthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti condemned the Starlink launch, linking it to "the war waged by America on Yemen".

A member of the rebels' political bureau, he was responding to a post by the United States embassy to Yemen congratulating the country on receiving full Starlink access.

"This milestone demonstrates how technology can unlock new opportunities and drive progress," the embassy said on X.

Since January, the US and Britain have launched repeated strikes on Huthi targets in Yemen in response to a campaign of drone and missile attacks by the rebels against vessels in the Red Sea.

The Huthis have said their campaign, in a route vital for world trade, is in solidarity with Palestinians during Israel's war against Iran-backed Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Yemen's internationally recognised government approved the Starlink launch early last month, its official news agency reported at the time.

Yemen is plagued by deteriorating infrastructure and communications services after years of conflict between the Huthis and the Yemeni government supported by a Saudi-led military coalition.

The war has killed hundreds of thousands and caused one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

Fighting has significantly decreased since the negotiation of a six-month truce by the United Nations in 2022.
US accuses social media giants of 'vast surveillance'



San Francisco, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



A years-long analysis shows that social media titans engaged in "vast surveillance" to make money from people's personal information, according to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

A report based on queries launched nearly four years ago aimed at nine companies found they collected troves of data, sometimes through data brokers, and could indefinitely retain the information collected about users and non-users of their platforms.

"The report lays out how social media and video streaming companies harvest an enormous amount of Americans' personal data and monetize it to the tune of billions of dollars a year," FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a release.

"Several firms' failure to adequately protect kids and teens online is especially troubling."

Khan contended that the surveillance practices endangered people's privacy and exposed them to the potential of identity theft or stalking.

Business models that typically involve targeted advertising incentivized mass collection of user data at many of the companies, pitting profit against privacy, according to the report.

"While lucrative for the companies, these surveillance practices can endanger people's privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from identify theft to stalking," Khan said.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau countered that internet users understand that targeted ads pay for online services enjoyed free of charge and pointed out that the industry group "vehemently" supports comprehensive national data privacy law.

"We are disappointed with the FTC's continued characterization of the digital advertising industry as engaged in 'mass commercial surveillance,'" IAB chief executive David Cohen said in a post responding to the report.

"Nothing could be further from the truth, as countless studies have shown that consumers understand the value exchange and welcome the opportunity to have access to free or highly subsidized content and services."



- Data not deleted? -



The findings were based on answers to orders sent in late 2020 to companies including Meta, YouTube, Snap, Twitch-owner Amazon, TikTok parent company ByteDance, and X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Google has the strictest privacy policies in our industry -- we never sell people's personal information and we don't use sensitive information to serve ads," Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda told AFP.

Castaneda added that Google prohibits ad personalization for users younger than 18 years of age and does not personalize ads for those watching "made for kids content" on YouTube.

The report found data collection practices "woefully inadequate" and that some companies did not delete all of the data users asked them to remove.

Sharing of data by companies also raised concerns about how well they were protecting people's data, according to the report.

Along with maintaining that social media companies were lax when it came to protecting children using their platforms, the FTC staff cited a report that such platforms were found to harm the mental health of young users.

The report called for social media companies to rein in data collection practices and for the US Congress to pass comprehensive federal privacy legislation to limit surveillance of those using such platforms.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. Iran and Burkina Faso signed a memorandum on cooperation in the nuclear sphere on September 19 in Vienna, Austria, Trend reports.

The memorandum of cooperation between the two countries was signed by Mohammad Eslami, chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and Lionel Bilgo, Minister of Education of Burkina Faso.

Within the framework of this cooperation document, the two countries will cooperate in the fields of research, education, and projects to be agreed upon.

To note, Iran uses its nuclear program in agriculture, health, electricity, and other fields, and to this end, it has taken steps to discover uranium, mine uranium stone, produce yellowcake, and so on.

Iran mainly tries to lift sanctions imposed on the country by the US and Western countries, withdraw frozen funds in foreign countries, and lift restrictions on crude oil exports. Meanwhile, the US and Western countries want Iran not to acquire a nuclear bomb, to keep its nuclear program under control, and to reduce uranium enrichment.
At least 12 soldiers killed in Niger attacks: army



Niamey, Niger, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2024



A series of ambushes and explosions across military-run Niger killed at least 12 soldiers and wounded 30 others, the army announced on state-run television Wednesday.

In the first attack, in western Tillaberi region on Sunday, "a horde of criminals who arrived in their hundreds" killed five soldiers and wounded 25 more, according to the army.

The ground and air response killed "more than 100 terrorists", the army said, without giving further details on the attackers.

On Monday, in the restive southwest Diffa region where there are frequent attacks by Boko Haram and the West African branch of the Islamic State group, five patrolling soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device.

A "surgical strike" in retaliation "killed several terrorists" responsible, the army said.

In the latest attack, militants from a new resistance group called the Patriotic Movement for Freedom and Justice (MPLJ) claimed an operation against a military outpost in the Agadez region in the north.

The army said two soldiers were killed and six wounded in Tuesday's attack.

"A pursuit operation was immediately launched to track down the fleeing assailants who were heading for the Libyan border," the army added.

The MPLJ claims to have killed 14 soldiers and two gendarmes in the attack, and to have lost two of its own fighters.

Created in August, the MPLJ is an offshoot of the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL) armed group, which is fighting the junta for the release of ousted president Mohamed Bazoum.

Democratically elected Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in July 2023 and has since then been held at the presidential palace.

While the military justified its power grab by citing the deteriorating security situation, violence persists.

According to the independent Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, around 1,500 civilians and soldiers in Niger have been killed in jihadist attacks over the past year, compared with 650 between July 2022 and 2023 when Bazoum was in charge.
North Korea claims it tested ballistic missile with 'super-large' warhead



Seoul, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



North Korea claimed Thursday that its latest weapons test had been of a tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a "super-large" warhead, and a strategic cruise missile, state media reported.

Leader Kim Jong Un "guided the test-fires", the official Korean Central News Agency said, of the "new-type tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 and an improved strategic cruise missile".

Kim 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.

"The new-type tactical ballistic missile was tipped with a 4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead according to design," KCNA said.

The North "also conducted a test-fire of strategic cruise missile whose performance has been highly upgraded for its combat use," it added.

Seoul's military had described the Wednesday launches as a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles, which it said had flown about 400 kilometres east of the Korean peninsula.

The launch "was aimed at verifying the accuracy of the hit at a medium range of 320 km and the explosive power of the super-large warhead," the KCNA said.

Kim said such a test was necessary "for the state security environment" of the country.

"The military and political situation in the region... indicates that the work for bolstering up the military capability for self-defence should be the most important affair," he said, KCNA reported.

The North 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.

It has also 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.

Kim received Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang last weekend, and sent the North's foreign minister to Russia earlier this week.

The North is also preparing for a parliamentary meeting in October that is expected to approve measures likely to escalate tensions with South Korea, including incorporating the hostile relationship between the two Koreas into its constitution.
Turkey accuses Israel of expanding Gaza war to Lebanon



Istanbul, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



Turkey on Thursday accused Israel of seeking to expand the war in Gaza to Lebanon with the "alarming" wave of deadly explosions that swept though Hezbollah strongholds.

"The escalation in the region is alarming," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on state-run TRT television. "We see Israel mounting its attacks towards Lebanon step by step."

The blasts have killed 32 people in two days, including two children, wounding more than 3,000 others, according to Lebanese health ministry figures.

Israel has not commented on the unprecedented operation in which Hezbollah operatives' walkie-talkies and pagers exploded in supermarkets, at funerals and on streets.

But its defence minister Yoav Gallant, referring to Israel's border with Lebanon, said Wednesday: "The centre of gravity is moving northward."

Turkey blamed Israel for the blasts.

"We have come to a point where these operations carried out by Israel have become increasingly provocative, and in return, Iran, Hezbollah and elements close to them have no choice but respond," Fidan said.

Hezbollah is an ally of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been fighting a war in Gaza since its October 7 attack on Israel.

For nearly a year, the focus of Israel's firepower has been on Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.

But its troops have also been engaged in near-daily clashes with Hezbollah militants along its northern border, killing hundreds in Lebanon, most of them fighters, and dozens more in Israel.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati to offer his condolences over the wave of deadly blasts.

Erdogan is a vocal critic of Israel's offensive in Gaza.



- 'Large-scale' -



Fidan, who was head of Turkey's spy agency before being appointed foreign minister, said of the method of mass explosions: "This is something that intelligence organisations use very often.

"But this one was on a large scale," he added. Israel's campaign risked extending beyond the entire region, he warned.

"While we are currently thinking about Lebanon, there is always a risk of a war that may involve Jordan, Egypt, and the entire region," he said.

"Does Israel want permanent peace or does it want to eliminate everything it sees a threat by using classical war methods?" he asked.

"Currently, the fanatic government in Israel is pursuing a strategy to eliminate all threats," he added.

"The international system needs to stop this before it is too late. This madness does not only harm Palestinians but also hijacks Israelis' future."

Fidan, who has pursued an intense diplomatic push to facilitate a ceasefire, joined a meeting to discuss the Gaza crisis in Jordan Wednesday.

Asked if Turkey's military had taken measures after the latest blasts, a defence ministry source said the armed forces used only local and national communications systems and software.

"We review measures and develop new ones as part of lessons we learn from the operations we carry out and after developments including the war in Ukraine and (blasts) in Lebanon," the source added.
Departing NATO chief warns US against 'isolationism'



Brussels, Belgium, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



Outgoing NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will caution the United States and Europe against "isolationism" in his parting speech on Thursday, as Donald Trump vies to return to the White House.

"We have heard voices on both sides of the Atlantic calling for America and Europe to part ways," he was to say in a speech on Thursday afternoon in Brussels, according to excerpts seen by AFP.

"Focusing on short-sighted national interests over long-term cooperation will not serve us well. Isolationism will not keep anyone safe."

The warning comes as Washington's allies fret that former president Trump could loosen the commitment of key power the United States to NATO if he wins the election in November.

Trump has rattled European countries by saying the United States could stop protecting NATO members that do not spend enough on defence.

Stoltenberg is set to hand over the reins at the Western military alliance to former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte on October 1 after a decade at the helm.

During that time, he has helped oversee a major increase in defence spending from European members spurred by pressure from Washington and, more importantly, Russia's war on Ukraine.

At the last count, 23 of NATO's 32 countries were set this year to reach the alliance's target of spending two percent of their gross domestic product on defence, set in 2014.

"The good news is that we have delivered on the pledge we made 10 years ago," Stoltenberg will say.

"But the bad news is that this is no longer enough to keep us safe."

As Moscow's war on Ukraine grinds on through its third year, Stoltenberg will insist that NATO allies need to ensure Kyiv can negotiate "from a position of strength" when the time comes to talk.

"Any future peace deal must be backed by strong and sustained military support. Not just pieces of paper."



- 'More important than ever' -



NATO's ties to Russia have been cut in the wake of the Kremlin's all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Stoltenberg will argue that at some point the alliance needs to return to dialogue with Moscow on issues such as arms control.

"We have to speak to our neighbours. However difficult it might be. But dialogue only works when it is backed by strong defences," the speech said.

Stoltenberg was set to warn that doing business with rivals such as Russia and China should never come at the expense of security.

"Freedom is more valuable than free trade," the speech read.

But he will also caution NATO members that "protectionism against allies does not protect our security".

France has spearheaded calls for Europe to build up its own defence industry instead of spending on weapons from the United States or Britain.

One of the most painful chapters of Stoltenberg's time in charge was the catastrophic US-led withdrawal from Afghanistan that left the Taliban to take over.

"Military power has its limits. The purpose of any future military operation outside NATO territory must be clearly defined," Stoltenberg will say.

"We need to be honest about what we can and cannot achieve."

Russia's aggression has reinvigorated NATO -- originally set up to face off against the Soviet Union -- after questions over its purpose following the end of the Cold War.

Since Moscow launched its all-out invasion, the alliance has bolstered its eastern flank, redrawn defence plans and upped spending.

"During my time as secretary general, the relevance of NATO has been questioned. The alliance has been described as divided, obsolete, braindead," Stoltenberg's speech says.

"But the reality is that NATO is strong, united, and more important than ever."
Departing NATO chief warns US against 'isolationism'



Brussels, Belgium, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



Outgoing NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday cautioned the United States and Europe against "isolationism" in his parting speech, as Donald Trump vies to return to the White House.

"We have heard voices on both sides of the Atlantic calling for America and Europe to part ways," Stoltenberg said, ahead of wrapping up his decade in charge on October 1.

"Focusing on short-sighted national interests over long-term cooperation will not serve us well. Isolationism will not keep anyone safe."

The warning comes as Washington's allies fret that former president Trump could loosen the commitment of key power the United States to NATO if he wins the election in November.

Trump has rattled European countries by saying the United States could stop protecting NATO members that do not spend enough on defence.

Stoltenberg is set to hand over the reins of the Western military alliance to former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte next month after a tumultuous 10 years.

During that time, he has helped oversee a major increase in defence spending from European members spurred by pressure from Washington and, more importantly, Russia's war on Ukraine.

But Stoltenberg said that in the face of the ongoing threat from Moscow they will need to up spending further going forward.

At the last count, 23 of NATO's 32 countries were set this year to reach the alliance's target of spending two percent of their gross domestic product on defence, set in 2014.

"The good news is that we have delivered on the pledge we made 10 years ago," Stoltenberg said.

"The bad news is that this is no longer enough to keep us safe."

As Moscow's war on Ukraine grinds on through its third year, Stoltenberg insisted that NATO allies need to ensure Kyiv can negotiate "from a position of strength" when the time comes to talk.

"Any future peace deal must be backed by strong and sustained military support. Not just pieces of paper," he said.

The former Norwegian prime minister conceded that NATO countries "could have done more" to potentially avert Moscow's all-out attack by arming Ukraine earlier.

"If we had been earlier, stronger in our support to Ukraine at least the threshold for Russia to attack Ukraine would have been higher," he said.



- 'More important than ever' -



NATO's ties with Russia have been cut in the wake of the Kremlin's all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Stoltenberg argued that at some point the alliance needs to return to dialogue with Moscow on issues such as arms control -- but its words must be backed up by power.

"We have to speak to our neighbours. However difficult it might be. But dialogue only works when it is backed by strong defences," he said.

Stoltenberg warned that doing business with rivals such as Russia and China should never come at the expense of security -- and that NATO allies should avoid any reliance on Beijing for key products.

"Freedom is more valuable than free trade," he said.

But he also cautioned NATO members that "protectionism against allies does not protect our security".

France has spearheaded calls for Europe to build up its own defence industry instead of spending on weapons from the United States or Britain.

Trump has also threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on goods coming into the United States.

One of the most painful chapters of Stoltenberg's time in charge was the catastrophic US-led withdrawal from Afghanistan that left the Taliban to take over.

"Military power has its limits," Stoltenberg said.

"We need to be honest about what we can and cannot achieve."

Russia's aggression has reinvigorated NATO -- originally set up to face off against the Soviet Union -- after questions over its purpose following the end of the Cold War.

Since Moscow launched its all-out invasion, the alliance has bolstered its eastern flank, redrawn defence plans and upped spending.

"During my time as secretary general, the relevance of NATO has been questioned. The alliance has been described as divided, obsolete, braindead," Stoltenberg said.

"But the reality is that NATO is strong, united, and more important than ever."

He said his successor's biggest task will be to keep the 32 members of the disparate alliance on the same page.

"That's a big family, a great family, but sometimes what is a challenge, to keep them all happy at the same time," he said.
Famous Ukrainian actor Viacheslav Dovzhenko, star of the movie "Cyborgs," revealed his new lover on his birthday. Judging by the photos posted by Dovzhenko on his Facebook page, his girlfriend is much younger than he is.

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Little is known about the actor's personal life. Prior to this relationship, the actor was married for 17 years to Ksenia Basha, an actress at the Ivan Franko Theater. The couple had two sons together.

People started talking about the artist's new novel in May when Dovzhenko appeared with a young blonde woman at the premiere of the film House of the Word. An Endless Romance". The actor plays the main role in the film, the writer Mykola Khvylovyi. On his Facebook page, Viacheslav posted a photo of himself hugging a girl. It is known that she is a costume designer.

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The girl congratulated Dovzhenko on his birthday on social media: "My love, my friend, my soul, my support, my inspiration. Happy birthday, the best".

OBOZ.UA managed to talk to the actor at the premiere of the movie "The House of the Word. An Endless Romance". "Do I have a personal life now? Yes, I do," the actor told us. "However, I won't reveal the name of the person who is by my side. I can only say one thing: I am happy." The actor also admitted that he remained on friendly terms with his ex-wife: "I have a normal relationship with Ksenia, we communicate well."

After her divorce from Viacheslav Dovzhenko, she married for the second time, to an actor of the Franko Theater, Oleksandr Formanchuk. And last December, the couple became parents.

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According to Viacheslav Dovzhenko, he congratulated his ex-wife, who became a mother for the third time at the age of 40, and even saw her daughter Lelya in person: "Yes, I congratulated her. And I saw this beautiful child. We met at Ksenia's father's house (Ksenia Basha is the daughter of the popular Ukrainian artist Vasyl Basha, who is also from Frankivsk  Ed.) I am very close with both my ex-wife's father and mother. We have a great relationship."

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According to Viacheslav, Dovzhenko's sons reacted well to the birth of their sister.

Meanwhile, the actor noted that now they have "completely different lives" due to their age difference: "The older one studies at the Karpenko-Kary Theater University and lives in a dormitory, and the younger one lives with me for a week and with his mother for a week."

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Israel army says West Bank air strike kills 4 militants



Qabatiyah, Palestinian Territories, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



The Israeli military said on Thursday that an air strike killed four militants in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank.

Jenin is a bastion of Palestinian militant groups fighting Israel, and has been a focus of large-scale Israeli military raids launched in late August that the Palestinian health ministry says have killed dozens.

"A short while ago, the (Israel Defense Forces) struck armed terrorists operating within a vehicle in the area of Qabatiya in Jenin, as part of a counterterrorism operation," the military said in a statement to AFP.

A separate statement on its website said "an aircraft eliminated four terrorists in the Jenin area".

AFP photographed two male bodies on the roof of a building in Qabatiya, and a third corpse lying on a sheet of metal one floor below.

Since the large-scale raids began in late August, Hamas and another group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have claimed at least 14 of the fatalities as members.

Israeli forces have also arrested dozens of Palestinians and left widespread destruction in what European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell last week said aimed "to turn the West Bank into a new Gaza".

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, Volker Turk, said on September 9.

Violence in the West Bank has surged alongside the war in Gaza which began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Since October 7, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 682 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

At least 24 Israelis, including members of the security forces, have been killed in Palestinian militant attacks during the same period, Israeli officials say.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and its forces regularly make incursions into Palestinian communities, but the current raids as well as comments by Israeli officials mark an escalation, residents say.
Autumn and winter are the best time to watch Harry Potter movies. The snowy Hogwarts takes you to the atmosphere of childhood and fairy tales. Harry Potter fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the first season of the eponymous series. The upcoming fantasy series is going to open a new page in Potteriana. For children, it is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the universe created by J.K. Rowling for the first time, and for adults, it is a chance to return to childhood.

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According to preliminary data, the series will have seven seasons and will become a whole era. The episodes will be released over 10 years. HBO director Casey Bloys stunned with a statement in a conversation with Deadline. He confirmed that the series will be released no earlier than 2026-2027.

Although the script is already in active development, the premiere date is not close. Only recently, the studio announced the casting of actors who will play Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Children who will be 9-11 years old in April 2025 and live in the UK and Ireland are invited to apply.

Filming of the series is expected to begin only in the second half of 2025. The developers say that they want to pay due attention to the scenery and script, so the production process may well be delayed.

Casey Bloys confirmed that the series will definitely not be released before 2026-2027, but it is difficult to give a more precise date.

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"The series will be released at the end of 2026-2027. The writers are just starting to write, so it's too early to talk about the air date," said Bloys.

The executive producers of the project are J.K. Rowling, Neil and Ruth Kenley-Letts. The series is being developed by screenwriter Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Milod.

On the red carpet of the 76th Emmy Awards, IndieWire asked Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the Warner Bros. films, whether the actor was ready to return to the set to play his character in the upcoming series. The actor said that no one had approached him, but added that Sirius was not enough in the films: "He [Sirius  ed.] appeared and then went through the curtain."

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"I would bet that the series will have a completely new cast. Maybe in a few years, I'll be able to play Dumbledore," said Oldman.

The idea of creating a series based on the Potteriana universe has been discussed for years. Viewers were disappointed that the films did not include numerous excerpts from the books. Some fans emphasized that the film adaptation did not accurately reflect the fictional world of Rowling's novels.

The creators of the series promised to bring the series as close as possible to the plot of the books. Previously, Warner Bros Discovery announced in a press release that the series would have a new cast.

And while fans around the world are speculating about the actors who could become the new incarnation of the classic characters, Max service has shown the first teaser of the series.

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Subscribe to OBOZ.UA's Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest developments.
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Leaving the family was difficult and Karim has since reflected on how he had to work hard on his self-confidence growing up. The hardest thing was socialising, making new friends, he once said in a rare interview. At home, I was the same as everyone else, and it was somewhere safe but when I went away, it was definitely a challenge. At that point, in all my life I hadnt spent more than a week apart from my parents. It was hard to adapt, to build a new life. But slowly things came together, and the school gave me some very valuable skills.
Sam is far from alone. Rooneys book releases have become global literary events  when she came to speak at independent New York book shop Books Are Magic in 2019, interest was so high that the store moved the event to a nearby church to accommodate the crowds. Two years later, the release of her third novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You?, saw book shops across the UK open early, attracting queues of tote-bag bearing fans vying to pick up a hardback copy. At the time, The Wall Street Journal reported that advance copies of Beautiful World were selling on eBay for $200. This month, twenty independent bookshops have already confirmed they will be opening early again, in anticipation of the hype for Intermezzo.
This year's Harvest Supermoon created an amazing spectacle in the sky that was seen all over the world. Vivid photos of the September beauty can be seen from Australia to the United States, from China to Turkey, from Italy to Japan.

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Rising into the sky on September 17, the 2024 Supermoon hid in the shadow of a partial eclipse for several hours. However, in the coming days, the full moon will continue to delight with its beauty and scale, People writes.

According to NASA, September's full moon is the second of four consecutive supermoons this year.

The term "supermoon" describes a full moon that occurs when the moon is at or near perigee, i.e., the closest it comes to Earth in its slightly elliptical orbit. At this time, the full moon appears slightly larger in the sky.

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Experts say that the name "harvest" was not given to the September beauty by chance. After all, in September, the harvest ripens, which must be harvested quickly before the onset of cold weather. As the days become shorter in the fall, the generous light of the full moon comes to the aid of farmers.

The Harvest Moon often looks like a pumpkin  large, bright, orange-red.

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Scientists explain that the September supermoon is low and due to the absorbing effect of the Earth's dense atmosphere, it acquires dramatic orange-red hues, and the mysterious illusion also increases its size.

The next supermoons of 2024 will be observed on October 17 and November 15.

The best time to observe the Moon is when the sky is clear and windless.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Mazda 6 model has undergone an unexpected upgrade and is almost ready to go on sale in Europe, despite its Chinese origin. This is the first time this car has been shown in live photos.

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This is the variant in the specification for the European market. The Mazda EZ-6 sedan is being tested in Germany. The manufacturer pretends that we have not seen this car yet, so it uses a camouflage film on the body. Details are reported by Carscoops.

In fact, this is an inexpensive car from China. The Changan Deepal SL03 is a Chinese car that is used as the basis for the new Mazda EZ-6. The car will go on sale by the end of 2024 in both Europe and China.

The large car was made in the modern style of the Japanese company with a large panel instead of a grille and long headlights. The range is about 600 km. The price of the Mazda EZ-6 has not yet been announced, but the Changan Deepal SL03 is asking about $20,000. That's the benchmark.

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In addition, buyers will be offered a hybrid version of the model. The power reserve in this case will reach 1000 km.
Emma Claire Spradling has been dancing for six years with Apex Dance Company.
The EU is considering expanding sanctions against Russia to include foreign subsidiaries of European firms to further isolate the Kremlin from supplying goods to its military machine. However, this initiative is causing controversy among member states and businesses because of the possible economic consequences.

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The Financial Times writes about it. The introduction of new sanctions is being discussed against the backdrop of efforts to stop the illegal re-export of European goods of strategic importance to Russia.

Why new sanctions are needed

Today, most of the goods that come to Russia via China originate from subsidiaries of Western firms located in Southeast Asia. While the European companies themselves are already subject to sanctions, their foreign subsidiaries continue to operate outside the restrictions, which allows them to circumvent the current sanctions regime. According to the EU Sanctions Commissioner David O'Sullivan, the European Union has focused its efforts on stopping such transit of goods.

At the same time, O'Sullivan emphasized the importance of this problem during his speech at an event in Brussels, noting that the EU plans to expand bans on the resale of goods to Russia and include subsidiaries of European firms in third countries in the sanctions list. According to him, such an initiative may be reflected in the future package of sanctions.

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Business reaction and implementation challenges

The proposal to extend sanctions to foreign branches of European companies is being opposed by businesses. Many companies claim that such restrictions will negatively affect their operations in countries that have not joined the EU sanctions. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between business representatives and European Commissioners Valdis Dombrovskis and Mairead McGuinness.

The application of sanctions to foreign branches of European companies may create an additional burden on businesses in third countries that do not support sanctions against Russia. However, the European Commission continues to work on assessing the impact of this step, which may form the basis for new restrictive measures.

Disputes among EU countries

Discussions on the expansion of the sanctions regime, which requires the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states, are becoming increasingly difficult. Some EU countries fear that new restrictions will harm their own economies. Previous proposals to extend re-export bans to Russia have already faced difficulties. EU diplomats note that these initiatives have not been very popular among member states, making them difficult to implement.

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Despite these controversies, the EU remains committed to finding new ways to strengthen sanctions against Russia. An assessment of the impact of expanding re-export controls may become the basis for new sanctions measures to be discussed in future packages of restrictions.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the EU plans to tighten sanctions against financial institutions that support the supply of military products to Russia, in particular through Southeast Asia. The purpose of these sanctions is to make the Russian military machine less efficient and more expensive by stopping access to dual-use goods.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Chairman of the Standing Electoral Authority (AEP) Toni Grebla said on Thursday that about 19,000 polling stations will be opened for the presidential election in the country and over 900 abroad, adding that candidacies can be submitted until October 5, and electioneering will start on October 25, informs Agerpres.

He also said that in this year's presidential election, no candidacies from political alliances have been submitted.

"For the election of the President of Romania there will certainly be two rounds of elections, as shown by the opinion polls and the Romanian legislation which, practically, makes it almost impossible to win the election in a single round, and about 19,000 polling stations will be opened in the country, and over 900 polling stations abroad," Grebla told a news conference.

He added that, according to the checks he made on Wednesday, there are over 18 million people eligible to vote in Romania.

"For the presidential election, we will print as many ballot papers as there are voters registered with the Electoral Register in the week before the election, which is about 18 million voters plus 10 percent. Abroad, there will be about 5 million ballot papers."

The AEP chairman also said that the candidacies for the president of Romania can be submitted until October 5, at 24:00hrs to the Central Electoral Bureau, accompanied by the electoral sign.

He added that October 25 will be the first day of electioneering.

As for Romanians eligible to vote who are abroad, Grebla said that September 24 is the last day when they can announce their intention to vote at the polling station, and October 10 is the last day for those who want to vote by mail.

Grebla said that getting on thr permanent roll abroad is not mandatory, but it is desirable, mentioning that this approach does not condition the exercise of the right to vote.

"Why is it good for the citizens to express their intention to get on the regular rolls abroad? In order for Romania's diplomatic and consular missions to be able to propose the establishment of polling stations where more than 100 voters are registered, otherwise it is difficult for the Foreign Ministry to know where they can open polling stations. (...) Registration is not mandatory, but it is desirable. The fact that a Romanian citizen with a domicile or residence abroad has not registered for voting at the polling station, at a certain polling station, does not prevent him or her, on the day of voting, from voting wherever they are."

Grebla added that all Romanian citizens residing in the country who will be abroad on those days can vote anywhere, at any polling station abroad, provided that they present a valid Romanian identity document.

He also said that on September 28 the list of addresses of polling stations abroad will be finalised, approved and posted on the website of embassies, diplomatic and consular offices, the Central Electoral Bureau, the Standing Electoral Authority.

About Romanian citizens with a domicile or residence abroad who express their will to vote by mail, they can vote at a polling station abroad or in the country.

"As of this morning, about 4,000 Romanian citizens with a domicile or residence abroad have expressed their desire to vote by mail. They still have a very short period in which they can exercise this right," he said.

The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for November 24, and the runoff for December 8.
Romania is reaffirming its commitment to playing a central role in the European energy transition by initiating and promoting projects to expand nuclear capacities, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said on Thursday.

According to the Energy Ministry, Burduja represented Romania at the "Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2024" event, the annual event of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), which brought together world leaders in the field of nuclear energy on Thursday at the headquarters in Paris of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

"In the area of energy, we often talk about a trilemma: energy security, competitiveness and climate change. In Paris, in the presence of OECD member states, we discussed a fourth alternative that concerns local capacities and supply chains. Romania is among the few states in the world with an integrated nuclear cycle, we have some of the best experts in the world, and the Cernavoda reactors are both on the world podium in terms of safety and efficiency in operation," Burduja said.

At the OECD-NEA event, in recognition of its leading role in the nuclear sector, Romania chaired for the first time the sessions on supply chains and reindustrialisation.

Burduja said that Romania has the only simulator in Europe for the training of future engineers in small modular reactors (SMR) at the Bucharest Polytechnic and is also building the only detritus plant in Europe. The facility creates the premises for Romania to become a European hub for the production and export of tritium, a candidate fuel for future fusion reactors.

"In order to achieve the global goals of tripling nuclear capacities by 2050, global cooperation is essential for access to financing and a skilled workforce," the energy minister said.

According to the Nuclear Energy Agency, in order to achieve climate and energy security goals, it is necessary to triple global nuclear capacity to 1,160 GWe by 2050. The expansion involves the construction of around 20 GWe per year between 2030 and 2050, a level of investment not seen since the massive construction of the 1970s and 1980s.
The president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), Nicolae Ciuca, made an appeal on Thursday evening to the central and local authorities in the Danube riparian counties to prepare for the flood coming on the river.

"To avoid other tragedies caused by floods, I appeal to the central and local authorities in the Danube riparian counties to prepare for the flood coming on the river. Specialists have already estimated the period and the expected flow, after the Danube has exceeded its waterbed in Budapest. It is mandatory to guarantee people's safety and limit material damage", Nicolae Ciuca wrote on Facebook.

He says that he has already discussed with the minister of the environment, who had an extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Emergency Situations.

"Mircea Fechet will go to inspect the critical areas that were damaged in the floods of 2006 and 2013 and requested the reverification of all dikes. And the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, made sure that the Portile de Fier I hydropower plant is ready to transit the flood, in order to reduces the flow of the Danube. However, I warn the competent authorities not to rely only on the capacities of these facilities, either hydropower plants or dams. I say it again: it is mandatory to intervene in time to protect people and their properties", Nicolae Ciuca said.
Nokian Tyres on Thursday opened its passenger car tyre factory in Oradea, north-western Romania, with the company's executives saying that it is world's first full-scale tyre factory with zero CO2 emissions.

The factory was built under an investment project worth EUR 650 million euros, the largest investment in Romania in recent years, including state aid from the Romanian government worth some EUR 100 million.

"We are very pleased to be inaugurating our Oradea factory today. It will strengthen our capability to serve our customers in Central Europe and beyond and support our growth as planned toward net sales of EUR 2 billion. With our full-scale zero CO2 emission tyre factory we are ready to lead the industry and set the new standard for sustainable tyre manufacturing," said Jukka Moisio, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres.

He added that the entire construction process was highly efficient, and he thanked everyone who made this achievement possible.

The inauguration of the plant in Oradea took place in the presence of Romania's Minister of Labour Simona Bucura-Oprescu, senior governmental officials, county and local officials, the ambassadors of Finland and Romania, together with the board of directors and the management team of Nokian Tyres, as well as about 200 guests. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also sent a message through adviser Florin Spataru.

"Today we are experiencing an important moment not only to Romania, but also to the global tyre production industry, with the inauguration of the world's first tyre factory with zero carbon dioxide emissions. The support that the Ciolacu Government has given for this investment, as well as to many others, is support for Romania's development and for better jobs for Romanians," said Bucura-Oprescu.

Bihor County Council Chair Ilie Bolojan mentioned the impressive technological level of the investment and congratulated the team of builders, engineers, designers and specialists who built together the factory, thanking for the opportunity to introduce Oradea into the global economic value chains.

Covering 54 hectares, the construction of the factory lasted less than 15 months, laying the foundations for commercial production that will start in early 2025. Currently the factory offers jobs for 160 employees, with the possibility of expanding their number up to 500, although most of the work is automated. Most of the employees participated in training courses in Finland.

The Nokian Tyres plant in Oradea operates without utilising any fossil energy, making it the world's first full-scale tyre factory with zero CO2 emissions.

According to Nokian Tyres' senior vice president for operational excellence, Adrian Kaczmarczyk, the factory makes Nokian Tyres, once more, a pioneer of the tyre industry. All electricity used at the Romania Oradea factory is CO2 emission free. Part of the electricity used in the factory is generated by on-site solar power units. Steam used to cure the tyres is generated by innovative electric boilers which use fully CO2 emission free electricity instead of the usual fossil fuels such as coal or gas. In addition, the tyre manufacturing process is very energy efficient as the factory is using the most modern technology and machinery.

"With our new Oradea factory, we are truly demonstrating our commitment to sustainability," said Kaczmarczyk.

Construction on the Oradea factory started in May 2023, with the first tyre being produced here in July 024. The facility includes the production unit, a distribution facility for storage and distribution of tyres, and mixing, utility and administrative buildings. Commercial production is scheduled to start in early 2025.

The project is ramping up to the annual capacity of 6 million tyres, with expansion potential in the future. The factory will focus on passenger car tyre production to be primarily sold in the Central European market as it is strategically located close to that area's customers.

Nokian Tyres chose Oradea as the location for the new tyre factory as a result of a thorough evaluation, including more than 40 sites in various European countries. Among the criteria supporting the decision were talent, business environment, infrastructure, real estate and utilities, operational cost and risks.

"We were looking not only for a location, but also for a partner," said Nokian Board Chairman Jukka Hienonen.

"The work done in the last years is aimed at bringing us closer to our customers, creating a sound foundation for future sustainable growth. Oradea is now home to us, and we are committed to be a good neighbour, supporting the community, the regional economy and each member of our team," said Susanna Tusa, General Director and Vice President of Nokian Tyres Romania.

Along with the construction work, Nokian Tyres conducted a recruitment campaign for attracting skilled employees, with a focus on local talents in Bihor County.
Scientists have discovered an unknown genome sequence that reveals a new genus of Neanderthals and could potentially explain the extinction patterns of ancient humans. It is about unraveling the remains of an ancient man named "Thorin" in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien's character in "The Hobbit."

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When archaeologist Ludovic Slimak discovered five teeth in a rocky cache in the Rhone Valley in France in 2015, it was immediately apparent that they belonged to a Neanderthal. However, for nearly a decade, the remains were shrouded in mystery until scientists finally unraveled their significance, CNN reports.

"We faced a serious problem. Geneticists were sure that the Neanderthal we called Thorin was 105,000 years old. But we knew from the archaeological context of the sample that he was between 40,000 and 50,000 years old. What the DNA suggested was not consistent with what we saw," said Ludovic Slimak, a researcher at the National Center for Scientific Research in France and Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse.

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To piece together the story of the mysterious Neanderthal, a team of scientists has been working for almost 10 years. During this time, they managed to unearth some more of Thorin's remains  31 teeth, part of a jaw, and five finger bones were found.

To understand the origin and confirm the age of this man, the team analyzed chemical isotopes in his bones and teeth, and scientists have added a new chapter to the long-standing mystery of why ancient people disappeared about 40,000 years ago.

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The researchers found that Thorin belonged to a lineage or group of Neanderthals that had been isolated from other groups for approximately 50,000 years. This genetic isolation was the reason why this man's DNA seemed to come from an earlier period than it did.

Until now, geneticists believed that there was a single population of Neanderthals that was genetically homogeneous at the time of extinction. But the new study shows that there were at least two populations in Western Europe  they lived close to each other.

"The Thorin population lived for 50,000 years without exchanging genes with other Neanderthal populations. So we have 50 millennia during which two populations of Neanderthals living about ten days' walk from each other coexisted, completely ignoring each other," Slimak said.

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The scientist added that the discovery suggests that Neanderthal communities were small and insular. And these are the factors that may be key to understanding their extinction. Because isolation is generally considered an evolutionary disadvantage.

According to Ludovic Slimak, the extinction of Neanderthals occurred around the same time as the arrival of Homo sapiens to Europe. The DNA of Homo sapiens fossils from that time shows that these early arrivals interbred with Neanderthals  traces of these encounters remain in modern human populations. However, no relevant genetic evidence of this interbreeding has been found in Neanderthal fossils, including Thorin's remains.

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Therefore, scientists emphasize that the model of small populations isolated culturally and genetically from each other was probably the main factor in the extinction of Neanderthals.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Over 965,000 non-resident tourists stayed in Romania in the first half of this year, and their total spending amounted to 3 billion lei, according to data the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published on Thursday, informs Agerpres.

On average, a non-resident tourist spent 3,100 lei in Romania in the first half of this year.

Business trips were the main reason for 55.7% of non-resident tourists who arrived in Romania between January and June, accounting for 58.6% of the total expenditure.

More than 44% of non-resident tourists arrived in Romania for private purposes, accounting for 41.4% of total expenditure.

In the second quarter, the total number of non-resident tourists accommodated in collective tourist accommodation structures was 586,300 and their expenditures amounted to 1.85 billion lei (on average 3156.9 lei/person).

Of the non-resident tourists who arrived in Romania in the second quarter of 2024, 53.6% traveled for business purposes, their expenditures accounting for 57.2% of the total expenditures. Of the total business spending in the second quarter, the main share was spent on accommodation (52%), followed by expenditure in restaurants and bars (16.9%) and shopping (14%).

Private tourists accounted for 46.4% of the total, their expenditure representing 42.8% of total expenditure. Spending on accommodation accounted for 43.6% of total spending, followed by spending on shopping (15.3%) and spending in restaurants and bars (15.1%).
The Environment Fund Administration (AFM) has approved funds for the purchase of green vehicles under the Rabla Plus vehicle scrappage programme to the tune of RON 26.389 million, informs Agerpres.

According to an AFM a press statement released on Thursday, after a meeting of the Advisory Committee on September 19, 286 applications were approved for 742 eco-vouchers worth RON 26,389,000.

Also, ten challenges were published approved for 47 eco-vouchers worth RON 5,438,500.

The lists of files approved under this programme are published on the AFM website, the Rabla Plus programme page (EUR 1 = RON 4.97).
National Liberal Party (PNL) Chairman Nicolae Ciuca said on Wednesday that if he wins the presidential elections, he would not choose Marcel Ciolacu as prime minister, pointing out that the latter supports progressive taxation and that Romania is not ready, informs Agerpres.

He also said that the PNL has five names of possible prime ministers from within the party, mentioning that he cannot nominate the general mayor of the capital, Nicusor Dan, as he has not joined the party.

Asked, in a Digi 24 private television show, whom he will nominate as prime minister if he becomes president of Romania, Nicolae Ciuca replied: "We have at least five names from the National Liberal Party."

"It will be a prime minister who will support the business environment, who will be a partner of the business environment, who will focus on everything that means digitisation, reduction of bureaucracy, reduction of the tax burden. Romanians need to trust," Ciuca said.

In the context, asked if he would put PSD President Marcel Ciolacu as Prime Minister, the PNL leader said, "Well, Marcel Ciolacu talks about the progressive quota, how can we give him a mandate when he talks about the progressive quota?."

Asked if he would not nominate Marcel Ciolacu as prime minister under any circumstance, Nicolae Ciuca answered that he would not.

"Indeed, developed countries have progressive tax. Romania has not reached that level. Romania needs five, seven, 10 years from now to consolidate its middle class," Nicolae Ciuca explained.

Regarding the criticism that Social Democrat leader Marcel Ciolacu addressed to the PNL government, Ciuca said that when he was a prime minister, he did nothing but work and bring money into the country, in EU funds and foreign direct investments.
Romanian schools can enroll until October 14 in the competition for the best young translators in the European Union - "Juvenes Translatores", the Ministry of Education announced on Thursday.

"Until October 14, 2024, at 12:00 (13:00 Romanian time), schools in Romania can enroll in the translation competition dedicated to 17-year-old pupils from all member states of the European Union! 'Juvenes Translatores' is a annual contest in which pupils translate a page of literary creation on a current topic, from any of the 24 official languages of the EU, into any of the other 23 languages", the quoted source informs.

The translations are evaluated by professional translators from the EU institutions, and the winners will have the chance to participate in the award ceremony in Brussels, together with a teacher and a parent.

The number of schools invited to participate from each country coincides with the number of seats that country has in the European Parliament.
PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION:

* press statements at the end of the meetingDIPLOMACY:- Foreign Affairs Minister Luminita Odobescu participates in "Women Foreign Ministers' Meeting," hosted by Canadian counterpart Melanie JolyECONOMY:- National Institute of Statistics: July 2024 turnover in trade in cars and motorcicles; July 2024 turnover in market services rendered mainly to the population; non-resident tourist spending in Q2 and Q1 2024
Brad M. Edwards, of Florissant, did not know much about childbirth when his partner got pregnant in 2017.

He was excited  and nervous  when he learned they were expecting twins. He figured they would go to the hospital, have the babies and bring them home.

It was a normal pregnancy  until it wasnt, he says.

Her water broke prematurely. She went to the hospital. She delivered their son stillborn. A week later, she was back in the hospital.

They lost their other son, as well.

I wasnt prepared at all, Edwards, now 38, says. The loss opened his eyes to the risks of maternal and infant mortality, which affects Black women at a significantly higher rate than others. Black women in Missouri die at 2.5 times the rate as white women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

From 2017 to 2021, 349 women in Missouri died within a year of giving birth. Four out of five of those deaths were deemed preventable, according to a multi-year review on maternal mortality by the Department for Health and Senior Services.

Black infants born in Missouri are more than twice as likely to die as white infants, according to DHSS. There are multiple reasons that contribute to these racial disparities including systemic racism, access to care, underlying and chronic conditions, living conditions and bias in the health care system.

When Edwards partner got pregnant again in 2019, he did his homework. He went to the doctors appointments and asked questions. One of his friends, Kyra Betts, is an experienced doula, and he and Betts had put together a symposium on childbirth and postpartum issues.

This time, Edwards learned about potential risk factors from preeclampsia to dangerous oxygen levels to placenta abruption.

So, I would never be helpless in the delivery room, he says.

His daughter, Carrielle, was born in 2020. A year later, they had a son.

This time, they used a doula as part of the delivery.

Why use a doula?

A doula is trained to provide emotional and physical support and information to families during major life events, such as pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, miscarriage or abortion. There are many different types of doulas, including those supporting and advocating for women during birth or after birth, during bed rest for high-risk pregnancies, after an infant loss, during abortion procedures or helping to connect people in a community to health care resources.

Given how much a doula helped Edwards family, he started working on a way to make this training available to more African American men.

I want men to understand, this isnt just a woman thing, he says. This is about the family unit as a whole.

He asked Betts, who is a policy doula working on maternal and infant policy for Generate Health STL, if she could design doula training specifically for men.

She was initially surprised by the request. Less than 6 percent of certified doulas in America are men, according to employment statistics. But as they discussed the idea she realized that it made perfect sense. Edwards work with Dear Fathers, an organization working to elevate the role of Black fathers in their families and communities, dovetailed with her mission of improving maternal and infant outcomes.

What better space to start than right at the beginning, she says. It could be a way of planting maternal care advocates in the Black community, she thought.

She and a colleague started building a curriculum for a six-week training program that will cover fertility, pregnancy, infant care and postpartum issues.

Three of the sessions will be in person, and three will be virtual. The program will begin on Oct. 1. The courses are free to the public. Registration is available through the Dear Fathers site.

Timothy Fields, 32, an insurance agent and college admissions counselor in St. Louis, has signed up for the training. He was introduced to Edwards through Dear Fathers. The organizations programming has helped him be a more effective coparent to his 7-year-old son, he says. When he learned about the Dads to Doula initiative, he saw it as an opportunity to advocate for women in his community against some of the systemic problems theyve faced in medical settings.

He also wants to help men become more aware of maternal issues so they can be more supportive during and after the process. His son was born almost three and a half weeks early. His partner was losing amniotic fluid, and doctors had to induce the birth.

It was definitely scary and concerning, Fields says. As he has learned more about postpartum depression, he realizes how much more present and supportive he could have been during that time, he says.

He has also done work in rural Missouri to help combat maternal and infant mortality, and he sees engaging fathers as a key part of that effort. If they are more aware of the possible warning signs, they can be better advocates for their families, he says.

Similar programs are taking roots in other cities, as well.

A Kansas City-based nonprofit Fathers Assisting Mothers, offers a four-week Dad Doula Bootcamp that covers everything from conception to postpartum care for fathers to support their partners.

Common misconceptions

Betts said there are some embedded beliefs in the Black community about childbirth that she tries to address.

One of the inherent beliefs that is wrong is that (pregnancy and childbirth) are not dangerous, she says. She cites statistics to illustrate the possible dangers. Another misconception is that postpartum depression is a new age thing.

Some people will tell her that for generations, mothers and grandmothers had babies and never suffered from PPD. She tells them to think back to the previous generations sadness or anger and to also consider the things they may not have witnessed directly.

They may not have had the language to call it postpartum depression, but they still experienced it, she says.

Other men may take their partners mood swings or depression during this time personally.

This has nothing to do with you, she tells them. A woman is dealing with the physical and biochemical impacts of pregnancy and childbirth. Her brain and hormones are fighting to rebalance, she said.

In some cases, she hears misinformed beliefs regarding the health care system. One on hand, there are some who will take a doctors word as gospel. On the other extreme are those who wont believe anything a doctor tells them.

Its actually somewhere in the middle, she says. Being more informed allows a patient and family members to be better advocates within the system.

Among those in younger generations, she might hear from men that the delivery room is not their space. She assures them that the birth of a child is very much part of their role as fathers, as well.

This is your baby, she says. This is your chance to be vocal, to advocate, to learn, to show strength, to be invested.

If the mom-to-be is reading a book on childbirth or infant care, the dad-to-be should be also, Betts says. If she is in a class, you need to be in it, too.

She wants fathers to have a positive experience when their children are born. Ultimately, thats also going to benefit mothers and the babies.

Edwards said connecting with other engaged fathers has been a life-changing experience.

My dad was an amazing father. All my friends are amazing fathers, he says.

During the process of creating the Dads to Doulas program he discovered that he had never dealt with the infant loss he experienced years ago. He was so focused on being strong for his partner and his parents that he didnt take the time to grieve.

I went into protector mode for everyone else and nothing for myself, he says.

He was speaking on a panel at a maternal health conference when he shared his personal story. At that moment, something hit him. He felt emotions arising within him.

I had not sat with and thought about what happened, he says.

Working on the program for other fathers and talking about what it has to offer them has given him that opportunity to process his own trauma.

Its been my way of healing from my loss, Edwards said.
Mitsubishi will stop selling the budget model Mitsubishi Mirage and its twin Mitsubishi Space Star in Europe. These are the cheapest cars of the Japanese company on the global market.

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In early 2025, these models will not be available to buyers. Earlier, the suspension of production was announced for the Mitsubishi Mirage sedan and Mirage G4 hatchback sold in the United States. According to Motor1, European sales of a similar Space Star model will also be stopped.

This car has not been offered in the Japanese market for two years. Interestingly, despite its age, the budget car proved popular in 2024 and caused a real stir.

Sales of the Mitsubishi Mirage in the United States in 2024 grew by 85%, almost doubling. Since the beginning of the year, the company has sold more than 10,000 copies of the budget model. This is really interesting, as sales of the Mirage, which debuted in 2011, have been declining recently.

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The new Mitsubishi Xforce crossover may replace it for the US market. It was presented recently. Although the North American division of the company did not specify this information for 2025. In Europe, the Space Star will be replaced by the basic version of the Mitsubishi Colt, which is a copy of the Renault Clio.
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP)  A Missouri man is now facing a murder charge for the police chase that led to the death of an officer.

Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23, was originally charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention resulting in death after the chase on Aug. 31. Prosecutors on Tuesday added a charge of second-degree murder.

Wehmeyer fled when an Osage Beach officer tried to stop him for speeding on U.S. 54, police said. Another Osage Beach officer, 33-year-old Phylicia Carson, joined the pursuit before skidding off the road into a tree. Her squad car burst into flames. Carson, a mother of six, died from her injuries.

A statement from Wehmeyer's lawyer, Branden Twibell, said Wehmeyer will plead not guilty.

We are waiting to receive and review the evidence from the prosecutors office and have begun our own investigation, the statement read.
The legendary Mitsubishi Pajero SUV (also known as the Mitsubishi Montero in some markets) is preparing for a long-awaited return to the lineup. It turned out that the novelty will be cheaper than many initially assumed.

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New details became known to Motor1. The Mitsubishi Pajero model was discontinued in 2021 (not to be confused with the smaller Mitsubishi Pajero Sport based on the Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck). But amid the popularity of traditional SUVs, the Japanese manufacturer is preparing a revival of the car.

Earlier it was reported that the new model will be built on the basis of the Nissan Patrol/Armada. A new generation of these huge vehicles has recently debuted. The flagship Infiniti QX80 SUV is built on the same platform. And this is a problem.

Within the alliance, the manufacturers discussed the construction of a new 5th generation Mitsubishi Pajero based on the Patrol/Armada/QX80. However, Nissan denied that it would be inappropriate for such a high-end model to "share" its technical developments.

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In fact, Mitsubishi will be developing the vehicles on its own. For this purpose, the CMF-C/D platform will be modernized. Thus, the car will be a little more compact, but also cheaper.
September 19, 2024: Since 2009, when U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) was founded, the Americans have been diligent in establishing and maintaining robust defenses against foreign Cyber War attacks on the United States. A decade ago USCYBERCOM announced the formation of additional offensive cyber-teams. Since then more than sixty defensive cyber teams have been formed. These teams provide defensive skills and expertise where needed most. Each team has a mix of experienced software engineers, including civilian contractors, as well as personnel with skills but not much experience. Each team has a dozen or so people. These teams benefited from USCYBERCOM intelligence and monitoring operations, as well as a big budget for keeping the software library stocked with effective tools, including Zero Day exploits. Each of these Zero Day items are very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars to purchase. These Zero Day items have a short shelf life because others eventually discover or reinvent them. USCYBERCOM also has contacts throughout the American and international software engineer community. This can provide crucial expertise when needed. The effectiveness of these teams will vary a great deal because one highly skilled Internet software whiz on a team can make a huge difference.

The majority of these teams are assigned to the nine major commands like Centcom and Southcom. Thirteen of these Cyber teams are trained to promptly strike back at attacks on the United States. Exactly what weapons would be used is classified, as is the exact size and organization of offensive cyber-teams. What is known is that there is work for such teams of Internet specialists if they work in conjunction with lawyers and the State Department. This kind of organization has already destroyed several Internet criminal organizations.

Before an attack, or after an attack, Internet specialists can usually determine how the attackers were operating and where from. This evidence can be used by the lawyers and American diplomats to get warrants to seize or shut down websites or servers in foreign countries and even eventually arrest those identified as being behind the attack. That is not the case when the hackers are based in Iran, North Korea, China, or Cuba.

During the last two decades Cyber War has become more of a problem and USCYBERCOM has had to expand its operations and upgrade its personnel, equipment and techniques to stay ahead of threats as well as maintain the ability to inflict severe damage on an enemy.

Cyber Command became operational in late 2010 and spent years developing an official, government approved policy stipulating how Internet based attacks can be responded to. Initially cyber-teams revealed that preemptive Cyber-attacks are allowed but additional details are classified. While Cyber Command has long been asking for permission to fight back, technical, legal, and political problems have delayed agreement on how that can be done. In 2023 Congress provided $13.5 billion for Cyber security, as well as offensive operations. A new law allows the Department of Defense to conduct offensive Cyber War operations in response to Cyber War attacks on the United States. That is, the U.S. military is now authorized to make war via the Internet. The new law stipulates that all the rules that apply to conventional war also apply to Cyber War. This includes the international law of armed conflict, which are meant to prevent war crimes and horrid behavior in general. The U.S. War Powers Resolution which requires a U.S. president to get permission from Congress within 90 days of entering into a war is now applied to major Cyber War attacks against a foreign entity or country. There were some related problems finding qualified people to carry out such counterattacks. USCYBERCOM headquarters is located in Fort Meade, a base outside Washington, DC.

USCYBERCOM is staffed with personnel already working for Cyber War operations the military services already established. U.S. Cyber Command has some smaller organizations of its own that coordinate Cyber War activities among the services, as well as with other branches of the government and commercial organizations that are involved in network security. But most of Cyber Command manpower actually works for the Cyber War organizations of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.

Of the four services, the U.S. Air Force is the most experienced in Cyber War matters. In 2008 the air force scrapped its own planned Cyber Command, which was supposed to operate more like USCYBERCOM. Many of the personnel assigned to the new Cyber Command were sent to the new Nuclear Command. This change was made in response to growing problems with the management of air force nuclear weapons. Despite that, the air force continued trying to establish some kind of new Cyber War operation and use it to gain overall control for all Department of Defense Cyber War activities. The other services were not keen on this. That resistance, plus the nuclear weapons problems, led to the Cyber Command operation being scaled back. The eventual Air Force Cyber Command handles electronic and Internet based warfare.

The U.S. Army, following the example of the air force, also established a Cyber War operation. Some 21,000 soldiers were pulled from a large variety of signal and intelligence outfits to form ARFORCYBER (Army Forces Cyber Command). It was fully operational in 2009, with its headquarters at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

At the same time the U.S. Navy created an Information Domination Corps, in the form of the new 10th Fleet, with over 40,000 people reassigned to staff it. While the new Cyber War command mainly deals with intelligence and network security, it also includes meteorology and oceanography. These last two items are very important for deep water navies, especially since a lot of the information about oceans and the weather is kept secret. The fleet assembled an organization containing 45,000 Cyber qualified sailors and civilians. Except for a thousand new Cyber War jobs created, the other 44,000 personnel were reorganized into 10th Fleet jobs or will contribute from within other organizations. All provided the navy a more powerful and secure position in cyberspace. The navy does not want to repeat the mistakes of the air force in this area.

The U.S. Marine Corps established a Forces Cyberspace Command in 2010, with 800 personnel to help provide network security for marine units. The marines are accustomed to doing more with less. All these Cyber War operations hire civilian contract workers for their top technical talent. There is always a shortage of these people, partly because they have to be capable of getting security clearances. This rules out a lot of the best hacking talent, who had misbehaved in the past and were identified or even prosecuted for it. A lot of otherwise qualified technical personnel won't even apply for these Department of Defense jobs because a background check might reveal earlier hacking misadventures, they would rather keep quiet about, at least to the government.

The Department of Defense also established a program to make it possible for civilian Cyber War volunteers to contribute. Many of these volunteers do not have security clearances but do possess critical skills they use while working for corporations to financial firms. These men and women realize the Cyber War threat to the United States in peacetime and believe that there is a major threat. Deliberate attacks on key infrastructure targets like water supply and sewage systems as well computer-controlled equipment in many factories have already occurred. These attacks were carried out by foreigners, usually individuals. A few were caught and explained that they were self-taught Internet security experts and were just trying to see what their skill could accomplish. Getting caught was not part of their playful adventures online. Identifying and interviewing these skilled amateurs was a revelation to many Cyber War experts. It made the existing official experts realize that anyone with some skills and persistence could become an expert. Thats the American way.
September 19, 2024: Currently the Yemen Houthi rebels are trying to halt merchant ship traffic to the Suez Canal as well as launch armed drone attacks on Israel. Neither of these violent activities are having much impact. Israeli air defense systems intercept nearly all incoming missiles. Merchant shipping in the Red Sea continues to move along the Yemen coast towards the Suez Canal. The mass media, looking for, or inventing scary stories to attract more readers, publish distorted versions of how effective the Houthi attacks are. The attacks are frequent and they usually fail. Those that hit a ship generally do only minor damage and that is not sufficient to stop ships from using the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canal.

The Houthis have a long history as inept users of modern weapons. This was demonstrated after 2015 as Iran smuggled in 430 ballistic missiles and 851 explosives equipped drones for attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia. The Houthi were sent a lot more missiles, but anti-smuggling patrols by the U.S. Navy and a few warships from European or Gulf Arab nations, managed to seize many of the missiles. The embargo was so tight at times that the Iranians were forced to land the missiles in Oman, one of the few Persian Gulf Arab countries that maintained cordial relations with Iran where local truck drivers got them to the Yemen border with Saudi Arabia. This was more time consuming and expensive than using ships, but the Iranians had to improvise when the naval blockade was too troublesome.

The longer range Iranian ballistic missiles were used in attempts 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 Houthi 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.

The problem Iran and the Houthis face is that as of 2023, Middle Eastern countries friendly to the United States have been supplied with a lot of Patriot batteries. Kuwait has about 8 batteries; Qatar has 6, Saudi Arabia has 25 batteries and hundreds of additional missiles to keep active batteries supplied with enough missiles to deal with large scale attacks, like the one that the Houthis created on the Yemen-Saudi border. The UAE has 9 Patriot batteries while Israel has 4 Patriot PAC-2 batteries as well as two locally designed Davids Sling batteries. This Israeli system is an improvement on Patriot, developed and built with cooperation from the United States.

Another technology the Houthis were not interested in were the novel Ukrainian USV (Unmanned Seagoing Vessels) or naval drones that were developed to effectively attack and sink or scare away most of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Iran is trying to figure out how to build such sea drones.
Christian Ferrari was sentenced in federal court to 37 months in prison following his admission that he sold 22 ghost guns to undercover agents without a license. At the time of the sales, Ferrari was an active-duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. (U.S. Department of Justice)

A Camp Pendleton Marine who illegally sold 22 homemade firearms to undercover agents was sentenced to 37 months in prison, federal officials said.

A federal judge handed down the more than three-year sentence Monday to Christian Ferrari, 23, for selling the nearly two-dozen weapons known as ghost guns across four separate transactions for $23,000. Ghost guns are firearms made by individuals who buy parts and use specialized tools to assemble them into a functional weapon. Unlike firearms made by licensed manufacturers, ghost guns do not have a serial number, making them virtually untraceable.

Ferrari was accused of selling the guns to undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents between March 13 and May 9, 2023, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California. At the time, Ferrari was a lance corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton in California.

During one of the transactions, undercover agents told Ferrari that the guns would be taken to Mexico.

Ferrari responded, All right, perfect, and agreed to sell the agents 10 more ghost guns for $10,000, according to the release.

Ferrari was arrested after the final transaction as part of a joint crime reduction project across San Diego. The project resulted in the seizure of 165 ghost guns and the prosecution of 33 people, including Ferrari.

After his arrest, agents found evidence that Ferrari was manufacturing firearms at a family residence in California. Agents also found a drill press covered in metal shavings consistent with material used to manufacture firearms.

A forensic analysis of Ferraris phone revealed numerous conversations related to manufacturing and selling firearms and parts, which included AR-15 style rifles, silencers for firearms and full auto sears, which convert AR-15s to fire automatically, according to the release.

What you did was an enormous danger to the public, U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant told Ferrari at the sentencing hearing.

Ferrari joined the Marine Corps in 2020, achieving the rank of lance corporal in 2021. He served as an infantry rifleman.

Ferrari was officially separated April 8, 2024, from the Marine Corps.
Sailors lay flowers in memory of deceased service members during the Bells Across America ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  With prayers, flowers and kind words, 187 sailors who died on duty throughout the Navy in the past year were remembered Thursday at the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

Dozens of people attended the ninth-annual Bells Across America for Fallen Service Members event at Yokosukas Kosano Park. It was started by Navy Gold Star, the services official program for providing long-term support to the surviving families of sailors who die on active duty.

Yokosuka, which also serves as headquarters for U.S. Naval Forces Japan, was marking the event for the fourth time.

The ceremony opened with a prayer from Chaplain (Cmdr.) David Kim, followed by words from base commander Capt. Les Sobol. Sailors standing in formation in their summer white uniforms read the names of the fallen sailors as a bell rang.

Photos of deceased sailors are displayed during the Bells Across America ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Sailors lay flowers in memory of deceased service members during the Bells Across America ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Photos of deceased sailors are displayed during the Bells Across America ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Photos of deceased sailors are displayed during the Bells Across America ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

An additional five names were read aloud at the Yokosuka ceremony: Cmdr. Frank Bivins, Chief Petty Officer Charles Findley, Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Adams, Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Thomas and Army Sgt. Amara Barage; all had family members in attendance.

After fallen troops names were read, sailors and senior staff, including Sobol, brought a flower to the front of the gathering. Taps and a prayer brought the ceremony to an end for another year as sailors and their families paid their respects to Gold Star families.
Sailors man the rails as the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego arrives at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, its new homeport, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Joshua Martinez/U.S. Navy)

The amphibious transport dock USS San Diego has arrived at its new homeport in Japan, replacing the USS Green Bay, which had been stationed at Sasebo Naval Base for nearly a decade.

The San Diego steamed away from its namesake city on Aug. 14 and on Thursday arrived at the base in Kyushu, the southernmost of Japans four main islands, U.S. 7th Fleet said in a press release that afternoon.

The San Diego joins the America Amphibious Ready Group, led by the amphibious assault ship USS America, and teams with the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The crew is enthusiastic about starting our next chapter with the USS San Diego in Japan, Capt. David Walton, the ships skipper, said in the release. After over a month of transiting across the Pacific Ocean, and many more months of preparation and training, this is the moment we have all been focused on.

The ship, which had been homeported at Naval Base San Diego for 12 years, will support a variety of missions, Task Force 76 spokesman Lt. Cmdr. John Mike told Stars and Stripes by email last month. These include transporting personnel, equipment and vehicles that would be used as part of a landing force, and aircraft like the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor or Navy and Marine Corps helicopters.

The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego steams toward Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, its new homeport, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Joshua Martinez/U.S. Navy)

The San Diego carries a ships company of 360 officers and crew with room for 440 embarked Marines, according to the Navy.

We are grateful for the support we received entering into 7th Fleet, and we are ready to immediately fold into forward deployed operations, Walton said.

The San Diego, commissioned in 2012, is three years younger than the Green Bay.

In 2021, the Navy awarded BAE Systems a $90.2 million contract for a yearlong modernization period for the San Diego. The work included hull maintenance, ballast tank repairs and refurbished living spaces.

The Green Bay underwent a similar, yearlong maintenance period prior to its deployment to Sasebo in 2015, U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a press release that year.

The Green Bay has been conducting routine operations somewhere in 7th Fleets operations area, Mike said Aug. 14. He declined to comment on when the ship will leave for San Diego or whether it will undergo maintenance when it arrives there.

U.S. warships may not spend more than 10 years at a time in Japan. Congress set the limit in the fiscal year 2019 defense budget following back-to-back collisions involving the destroyers USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald.

Both vessels were based in Japan for more than a decade when they separately collided with commercial vessels in 2017.
This is a locator map for Sudan with its capital, Khartoum. (AP)

PORT SUDAN (Tribune News Service)  Sudans Minister of Minerals, Mohamed Bashir Abunommo, discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation in the mining sector with a visiting Russian delegation on Tuesday.

We had productive discussions on expanding bilateral trade and investment, especially in mining, Minister Abunommo stated after a meeting with a Russian delegation led by Viktor Chimodanov, Chairman of the Russian-Sudanese Business Council, and Andrey Chernovol, Russian Ambassador to Sudan.

Russias expertise in modern mining technologies is of great interest to us, he added.

The meeting is part of a series of visits between officials from the two countries to enhance bilateral economic and industrial relations in different sectors.

The Russian delegation emphasized its commitment to deepening ties with Sudan. The statement outlined plans to present a series of proposals to the Sudanese government aimed at fostering collaboration.

Minister Abunommo expressed optimism about the visit, stating, We are confident this will lead to a significant boost in trade and investment. We will work closely with Russia to create a favourable investment climate.

The focus on the mining sector signals Sudans eagerness to modernize its extractive industries and benefit from Russias technological prowess.

The agreement between Moscow and Khartoum on the establishment of a supply and maintenance base for the Russian Navy along the Red Sea to support peace and security in the region.

This visit marks an additional step towards closer economic ties between Sudan and Russia, with the mining sector poised to play a pivotal role in this burgeoning partnership.

On August 17, a delegation from Russias central bank met with officials from the Central Bank of Sudan to discuss using their local currencies to settle bilateral trade. They also discussed joint investment projects, establishing correspondent banking relationships, and opening branches in each others countries to facilitate trade.

In April, the two countries agreed to bolster economic relations before implementing a naval facility for the Russian army on Sudans Red Sea coastline.

(c)2024 the Sudan Tribune.

Visit the Sudan Tribune at www.sudantribune.com.

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On September 18, Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone attack on a Russian missile and ammunition depot near Toropets in the Tver region. After the initial strike, repeated detonations began at the military facility, causing significant damage and loss of weapons.

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In addition, this caused hysteria among Russian propagandists, who immediately began to criticize the military command and look for the culprit. Analysts of the Institute for War Studies provided details, assessing the effect of further Ukrainian strikes on logistics facilities in Russia.

Reaction of Z-bloggers

According to sources in the Ukrainian intelligence services, on Wednesday, drone operators from the Security Service, the Main Directorate of Military Intelligence (GUR), and the Special Operations Forces (SSO) of Ukraine struck the facility of the 107th Arsenal of the Main Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry, based near Toropets.

The Russians were storing Iskander missiles, Tochka-U ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery ammunition. After the strike, there were significant secondary detonations.

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The head of Ukraine's Center for Combating Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko, said that Russian troops could have stored ammunition for Grad multiple launch rocket systems, S-300 and S-400 missiles, and North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles at the base.

Geolocation imagery released on September 18 showed several large smoke plumes over the facility near Toropets, and satellite imagery showed extensive damage to a building in the southern part, although most of the facility is hidden by smoke.

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Russian authorities claimed that it was the wreckage of a downed Ukrainian UAV that hit the facility and triggered secondary detonations. They temporarily evacuated the area in the "cotton wool" zone. However, Russian pro-war bloggers began to criticize officials for the poor construction of the facility and the military for possible mishandling of missiles and ammunition. Z-bloggers accused the detained former Deputy Minister of Defense, Army General Dmitry Bulgakov, of participating in corrupt practices that "led to the poor quality of construction at the facility."

The effect of the Ukrainian strike

According to experts, the continuation of such Ukrainian strikes on enemy logistics facilities in Russia will create wider operational pressure on the Russian military, going beyond the individual destruction of ammunition stocks and logistics facilities. After all, such attacks undermine Russia's ability to launch long-range missile strikes against Ukraine.

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The ISW recalled how Ukrainian forces conducted a series of HIMARS strikes on Russian ammunition depots at various locations in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine in the summer of 2022, which prompted the Russian Armed Forces to disperse ammunition depots and worsened the efficiency of logistics at the time.

"Repeated strikes on ammunition depots in Russia that cause a similar level of damage as the Toropets strike could lead to a similar decision by the Russian military command to reorganize and disperse support and logistics systems in Russia to mitigate the consequences," the analysts said.

They suggested that the Russian army has not yet eliminated vulnerabilities at many of its logistics facilities due to the safe haven created by restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons. Although the Toropets facility is not within range of Western systems launched from Ukraine.

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The removal of restrictions on the use of Western systems and the development of Ukraine's own long-range strike capabilities, ISW says, could allow Ukrainian forces to more effectively exploit such Russian vulnerabilities. In July 2024, Ukrainian forces struck another Russian ammunition depot near Serhiivka in the Voronezh region of Russia, and ongoing strikes on ammunition and missile storage facilities could also destroy an important part of the enemy's material stockpile.

"Ukrainian strikes on targets in Russia could affect offensive operations across the entire theater of operations in Ukraine if the Ukrainian forces have the material means, capabilities, and permission to conduct such a large-scale strike campaign," the experts concluded.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, weak earthquakes occurred in Toropets, Tver region of the Russian Federation, after an attack on a large ammunition depot on the night of September 18. At the same time, Russians were enraged by the lies of officials, in particular, the statement of local authorities about the "fall of debris" and the work of air defense.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures during the annual military parade as part of the independence day celebrations at Zocalo on Sept. 16, 2023, in Mexico City. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images/TNS)

MEXICO CITY (Tribune News Service)  Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has dismissed allegations from his countrys disgraced ex-security chief  jailed in the United States and facing a possible life sentence for corruption  that he has links to drug cartels.

Its very simple, Lopez Obrador told reporters Wednesday at his regular morning news conference. Show the proof.

The president denied charges that surfaced in a handwritten letter from Genaro Garcia Luna sent Tuesday by his lawyer to a handful of news outlets, including The Times. A former public security minister, convicted last year of taking millions in bribes from leaders of the Sinaloa cartel, Garcia Luna alleged that the current Mexican leader has connections with organized crime.

Garcia Luna, 56, is among the highest-ranking former Mexican officials ever convicted of corruption in a U.S. court. He presented no proof to support his allegations but said it is public knowledge that Lopez Obrador has ties to the leaders of drug trafficking and their families.

Garcia Lunas attorney, Cesar de Castro, who also provided an English translation of the text, said his client asked to release the statement given recent events in Mexico and here in the United States.

Garcia Luna is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 9 in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, N.Y., before the judge who sentenced Joaquin El Chapo Guzman to life in prison in 2019. Garcia Luna, who witnesses testified took bribes to favor El Chapos cartel while overseeing federal law enforcement operations under then-President Felipe Calderon, could face a similar fate.

Lopez Obrador, 70, whose six-year term ends Oct. 1, has repeatedly rejected reports of having received campaign funds from drug traffickers.

In my decades as a leader I have endured many accusations, the president said, noting that none had ever been proved.

He challenged Garcia Luna to present evidence of corruption, alleging that the former security chief worked for previous governments that spied on him as a longtime leader of the political opposition.

He writes that there are proofs, there are videos, calls, audios, the president said, citing allegations in the ex-officials letter. Its very simple, that he make them known. He has it all.

The president has accused Calderon of committing election fraud to narrowly defeat him in the 2006 presidential race and of subsequently presiding over a narco-state, with Garcia Luna as his corrupt top law enforcement wingman.

Calderon has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Meantime, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who takes office Oct. 1, accused the ex-security chief of engaging in a political act designed to smear the reputation of her longtime political patron.

Absolutely false, Sheinbaum said of the allegations. The president has never been involved in anything to do with any criminal.

Evidence at Garcia Lunas trial showed he worked closely with U.S. authorities during his years in public office, which stretched back to the early 2000s, when then-President Vicente Fox put him in charge of a newly formed agency that was the Mexican equivalent of the FBI. He later rose to a Cabinet position under Calderon, and photos released in connection with his trial showed him meeting with prominent U.S. officials, including then-President Obama.

Several former high-ranking cartel members, cooperating in exchange for reduced sentences in their own cases, testified that Garcia Luna and other top officials in Mexicos federal police were in the pocket of drug kingpins. Garcia Luna maintained in his letter that investigators had not found a single peso-dollar worth of payoffs in his bank accounts.

The trial witnesses included a brother of Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael El Mayo Zambada, who was asked on cross-examination whether he was aware of any bribes paid to Lopez Obrador.

Jesus El Rey Zambada denied making any payments directly to the current president, but said under further questioning that he had given cash to a lawyer to help fund Lopez Obradors 2006 campaign.

I do remember paying (the lawyer) some money, that according to him, was for the campaign, but not [for] paying Lopez Obrador, Zambada testified.

El Mayo Zambada, 76, was arrested by U.S. agents in late July along with a 38-year-old son of El Chapo. Zambada has claimed he was lured to what he thought was a meeting with political leaders in the state of Sinaloa only to be forcibly kidnapped by Joaquin Guzman Lopez and flown to a small airport near El Paso.

After leaving office, Garcia Luna moved to the United States and was running a Miami-based private security firm when he was arrested in December 2019. He claimed that federal prosecutors in New York initially offered a deal that would have allowed him to walk free after six months and receive financial benefits in exchange for his cooperation in other investigations, a deal he refused to take.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office in Brooklyn, which handled his prosecution, declined to comment.

McDonnell reported from Mexico City, Hamilton from San Francisco. Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez Vidal in Mexico City contributed to this report.

_____

2024 Los Angeles Times.

Visit at latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Police and security check a delivery rider (second left) who arrived with what appeared to be a bouquet of flowers at the entrance of the Japanese embassy in Beijing on Sept.19, 2024. China on September 19 expressed regret and sadness after a Japanese schoolboy who was stabbed in the southern city of Shenzhen died of his injuries. (Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  A 10-year-old Japanese child who was stabbed in southern China has died, a development that could further strain relations between the two countries.

On Thursday morning Japans Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa confirmed the death of the child, adding that the government was asking China to provide details of what happened and do its utmost to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens.

We understand that the attacker is in custody, and his motivations will become clearer following interrogation, Kamikawa told reporters. This sort of incident shouldnt happen in any country.

The student was stabbed in Shenzhen on his way to school on Wednesday. Japanese media reported that the boy was with his mother and was attacked about 200 meters from the Shenzhen Japanese School.

The Japanese government formally protested the attack, and the Chinese ambassador was summoned in Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Later on Thursday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his condolences over the boys death and repeated the request that China provide more information.

We will keep strongly requesting that Chinese authorities explain the facts of the situation, he said in a post on X. Its now been more than a day since the crime, and I have given instructions to strongly request an explanation as soon as possible, he said, adding that Japan insists that China protect the lives of Japanese citizens and work to ensure there was no repetition of this kind of crime.

Japans top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi refrained from commenting on the incidents potential impact on the two countries relationship Thursday, but echoed foreign minister Kamikawa by condemning the despicable act of attacking a child.

The incident added to a series of assaults on foreigners in China in recent months, and was at least the second to target Japanese nationals in China. In June, a Japanese woman and her child were attacked with a knife in the eastern city of Suzhou. A Chinese bus attendant was killed in that incident.

Japans government is still waiting for the authorities in Suzhou to provide a detailed explanation of that attack, with the consulate in nearby Shanghai saying they continue to request information from the city.

Chinese reaction

On Wednesday official media in China mostly carried a terse statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian about the case, offering few details. Reports on the stabbing case by some outlets including Caixin and ifeng.com had been censored by Thursday morning.

On Thursday Lin said that the government was saddened by the incident and expressed its condolences to the family. He refused to answer repeated questions on the motive of the attacker, but said that this attack and the previous one in Suzhou were individual cases. According to Lin, the boy was a Japanese citizen with a Japanese father and a Chinese mother.

The boys death Thursday is likely to further damage ties between the two neighbors, which have been strained due to historical resentments, an ongoing territorial dispute, and other issues including Chinas reaction to Japan releasing wastewater from a destroyed nuclear power plant. Wednesday marked the anniversary of the 1931 Mukden Incident, which was the beginning of Japans invasion of Manchuria.

As if to underline those rising tensions, a Chinese aircraft carrier passed between two Japanese islands early on Wednesday morning, prompting Japan to lodge a protest with the Chinese ambassador. The Japanese protest also referred to a series of recent actions by China, likely a reference to a Chinese airforce plane which breached Japanese airspace last month, and the subsequent entry of a Chinese naval vessel into Japans territorial waters.

Japanese companies were already becoming much more hesitant about the Chinese market, with the slowing economy adding to the tense geopolitical relationship. Rising concerns about their personal safety will only add to those headwinds.

The number of Japanese living in China has fallen in recent years. In 2022, the last year for which data is available, there was around 102,000 Japanese registered as living in China according to official statistics. That was down a third from the recent peak in 2012.

In 2022 Chinas borders were still closed, pushing down the number of foreigners living in the country. After the reopening in 2023 there has been an increase in foreigners traveling to and living in the country, but concerns about personal safety may affect that trend.

Isabel Reynolds, Jing Li and Dan Murtaugh contributed to this report.

2024 Bloomberg LP

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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
The destroyed hatch of the grain cargo ship AYA is covered by a foil in the Black Sea port of Constanta September 19, 2024. The Ukrainian navy said the ship was hit with a cruise missile on Sept. 12. As a result of the attack, the bulk carrier AYA, which was transporting grain from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Egypt and was in the Black Sea at the time, was severely damaged, the navy said. (Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

The U.S. has warned its allies that Russia is targeting cargo shipping companies as it seeks to disrupt Ukraines partners, according to people familiar with the matter.

While Russia has focused cyberattacks and other so-called hybrid actions on shipping firms and ports before, its hostile actions are evolving with intensified sabotage as Moscows appetite for taking greater risks increases, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private assessments. They declined to provide specifics or the scope of Russias possible targets.

A U.S. official said that when new information about potential threats becomes available it is shared with allies.

A spokesperson of the U.S. National Security Council declined to comment. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not reply to a request for comment.

Russian intelligence targeted several European countries with sabotage attacks, often by hiring local criminals, officials previously told Bloomberg News. Its cyber and disinformation operations have long focused on the U.S. and Europe.

Incidents attributed to Moscow have escalated in recent months to include arson, vandalism, the jamming of GPS signals and a foiled plot to assassinate the CEO of a German arms company. Russia has denied targeting the west with acts of sabotage.

Last year, pro-Russia hackers targeted ports in Europe and Japan. The Asian nations biggest maritime port was hit by ransomware  used by hackers to lock access to files or systems unless a payment is made  causing a container terminal to suffer an outage and delays in shipments, while the websites of several Dutch ports fell victim to Russia-aligned hackers.

According to the DPA press agency, German authorities sent a security notice to logistics and aviation companies last month warning them of unconventional incendiary devices delivered via freight service after several incidents in which parcels sent by private individuals in Europe caught fire. Russia is not mentioned in the notice, DPA reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putins recent threats to NATO countries over Ukraine potentially using western-made missiles to hit military targets in Russia would likely include increased sabotage, cyber and other hybrid attacks, Bloomberg News previously reported.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Downtown Springfield, Ohio is shown in this undated photo. (City of Springfield)

(Tribune News Service)  Springfield Mayor Rob Rue on Thursday issued a proclamation that grants the mayor temporary emergency powers to mitigate public safety concerns in response to threats toward city employees and residents.

The proclamation, which city government said was issued under the authority of Springfields Charter and Codified Ordinances, includes an expedited procurement process.

To swiftly acquire resources needed to address potential threats, the city is temporarily suspending standard purchasing and contracting procedures, a city statement said. This will enable departments to respond more efficiently to emerging risks, including civil unrest, cyber threats, and potential acts of violence.

City officials said the proclamation will stay in effect until the city determines risks to public safety have subsided. They said it could be modified depending on changing circumstances.

Ensuring the safety of Springfields residents is our top priority, Rue said. We are addressing these threats with the seriousness they warrant and are taking immediate steps to ensure the security of both our community and our employees. Our commitment to preventing harm is unwavering.

Rue talked earlier this week about the strain the city is already under, as police and other staff have responded to dozens of hoax threats. Those came shortly after the city was thrust into the national spotlight when unsupported claims that Haitian immigrants were eating pets went viral, amplified by the Donald Trump-JD Vance Republican presidential ticket.

Rue said Tuesday that if presidential candidates Kamala Harris or Donald Trump were to plan a visit, It would be an extreme strain on our resources.

At a rally Wednesday in New York, Trump said he would come to Springfield in the next two weeks.

Rue said he has no doubt that Springfield will stand together amid ongoing safety challenges.

I encourage everyone to look out for one another with care and compassion as we work to keep our community safe and strong, Rue said.

Springfield city hall also introduced new security measures in response to threats.

Springfield deputy director of public safety Jason Via said at a Wednesday morning Haitian Coalition meeting that the goal is to keep employees and citizens safe, and he said safety measures are not intended to drive people away. City hall is fully operational and Via said he encourages appointments when possible.

The city has been inundated with phone calls and voicemails, but will continue serving citizens, Via said.

The building has been the target of bomb threats, leading to evacuations to allow law enforcement to clear it. Other places, like many schools in the city, other government offices and hospitals have also received threats.

(c)2024 the Dayton Daily News.

Visit the Dayton Daily News at www.daytondailynews.com.

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In the worst-case scenario, Ukrainians may be cut off from electricity for 18 hours a day in winter. However, under other conditions, their total duration will not exceed 4 hours. The reason for the possible blackouts is the results of Russia's shelling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In this regard, the UN asked Russia to immediately stop the shelling.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the report of the observers of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). They noted that

due to low temperatures, the need for electricity will increase;

therefore, the consequences of the previous strikes will be exacerbated.

"Ukraine's electricity transmission company announced in June that the population would face a severe winter with electricity shortages of more than 30% due to a shortage of three to six gigawatts of electricity during peak hours. Experts told the HRMMU that this shortage could lead to power cuts of 4 to 18 hours a day in winter," the report said.

In this regard, the HRMMU made an official recommendation to Russia "to immediately stop attacks on the electricity infrastructure critical to the civilian population of Ukraine". This, they noted, has an extremely negative impact on, among other things:

ADVERTISIMENT

the health of the Ukrainian population;

education;

Ukraine's economy.

"As of May 2024, energy companies' losses exceeded USD 18 billion, with the electricity generation sector suffering the most. Small and medium-sized businesses that participated in a UNDP survey in July 2024 reported a loss of revenue of about 30%. Cities whose economies depend on power plants have lost significant tax revenues," the report says.

At the same time, the UN recommended that the international community support efforts to repair and restore power generation and transmission facilities in Ukraine. And also:

Pay attention to and provide humanitarian assistance to the population affected by the attacks on energy infrastructure, including internally displaced persons.

Support efforts to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including attacks on electricity infrastructure.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Senate will need to vote by Friday to cover a $3 billion shortfall in the fiscal 2024 Department of Veterans Affairs budget. The vote is to avoid a potential disruption of veterans benefits that includes disability benefits and retirement pensions. The House passed an emergency appropriations measure Tuesday. (Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  Senators on Wednesday grilled leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs on why they were given just six weeks notice of a nearly $3 billion gap in the agencys budget that potentially could prevent some veterans from receiving their benefits.

This is unacceptable that veterans benefits are at risk and that the VA did not properly plan for this influx of claims, Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., said.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, asked why VA Secretary Denis McDonough was not present at the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing to answer questions, given the seriousness of the budget shortfall.

This is a failure on leadership. Im disappointed the secretary wasnt here. When something of this magnitude happens, its incumbent upon him to be here, Sullivan said.

The Senate will need to vote to cover the shortfall by Friday to avoid a potential disruption of veterans benefits.

VA leaders in July disclosed a $3 billion budget shortfall for fiscal 2024, which ends Sept. 30, and a projected $12 billion shortfall for fiscal 2025.

The House on Tuesday passed the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., that will enable the VA to cover immediate payments for 7 million veterans. Passage, by voice vote, sent the legislation to the Senate to vote on emergency funding that will allow the VA to deliver the monthly payments on time to veterans.

If the measure fails to pass, beneficiaries could wait days or weeks to receive compensation that was supposed to be sent Oct. 1, the VA said.

Today, we will discuss an urgent matter  providing additional funding to the Veterans Benefits Administration so it can deliver benefits payments to veterans and their families on time, said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the committee.

No action was taken at the hearing.

But lawmakers had the opportunity to air their concerns about the shortfall and ask questions of VA leaders about budget management, the reasons for the shortfall and why Congress did not know about it sooner.

Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, the top Republican on the committee, wanted to know why the VA waited until July to inform lawmakers about the shortfall, after learning about it at least a month earlier.

Joshua Jacobs, the VA undersecretary for benefits, said the VA first had to validate whether its updated forecast was correct before disclosing the information to Congress.

He said the VA was on track in the spring to meet its own budget projections but learned in June that it had underestimated a surge in demand for veterans benefits driven by the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act. The two-year-old law expanded benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic materials during military service.

None of the money that the VA needs to meet its 2024 budget covers administrative costs, Jacobs said. The $3 billion represents a weeks worth of payments to veterans receiving disability compensation and retirement pensions, he said.

It is entirely for supporting care and benefits, Jacobs said. This is money that goes directly into the pockets of veterans and their survivors.

About 98% of monthly compensation for disability and pension payments are delivered by direct deposit to veterans. Jacobs said the VA is working closely with the Department of Treasury to ensure those funds go out as soon as Congress provides the additional revenue.

But there are roughly 140,000 veterans who receive their compensation by check. This group of vulnerable veterans is largely elderly with many living in rural and remote areas, Jacobs said. They could face delays of two weeks if Congress does not act quickly to cover the shortfall, he said.

Hassan expressed concern for veterans who depend on the monthly payments to meet basic needs and asked what the VA is doing to ensure that it accurately projects its level of resources and capacity to provide benefits to veterans in the future.

The veterans now covered through the PACT Act are going to receive care through the VA for decades to come, she said.

Shereef Elnahal, the VA undersecretary for health, said the VA was working to improve its models for forecasting the demand for health care and other benefits.

We should have been more communicative. The main driver is that we are delivering more care, he said. We worked to validate the [budget forecast] and communicate the risk to Congress.

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said the upper chamber needed to vote swiftly.

I hope that the Senate will join me in acting quickly to ensure that we deliver these resources, hopefully within the next 24 hours, to avoid negative impacts as well as the anxiety thats out there today on the veterans, our veterans and their beneficiaries, he said.
In March, Basil Whelan, trading as Basil Pizza of Ringsend Road, was prosecuted by Dublin City Council (DCC) for failing to comply with a 2018 enforcement notice about his gable end pizzeria

A restaurateur who turned his Dublin 4 childhood home into a pizzeria must pay just over 7,000 for breaking planning rules and carry out a raft of modifications to keep earning a crust.

In March, Basil Whelan, trading as Basil Pizza of Ringsend Road, was prosecuted by Dublin City Council (DCC) for failing to comply with a 2018 enforcement notice about his gable end pizzeria.

The Dublin District Court case had been adjourned, and Mr Whelan was ordered to attend a hearing before Judge Anthony Halpin.

The defendant had been convicted of an offence under Section 154 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, for failing to take steps outlined by the council.

The local authority had demanded the cessation of the use of the ground floor of the property, 95 Ringsend Road, Dublin 4, including the open area to the front and side, as a restaurant with takeaway.

He was told to remove the outdoor tables, seating, fixtures, and fittings from the open area, front and side, and perimeter fencing from the front facade.

DCC's solicitor, Michael Quinlan, told Judge Halpin that the defendant was out of the country at the earlier stages of the case but had come to court to agree to the council's request.

The solicitor said he understood Mr Whelan was "willing to give an undertaking".

Basil Pizza in Dublin 4. Photo: Paddy Cummins

The defence barrister said his client would give an undertaking under oath "to the satisfaction of the council and resolve the matter".

The court heard that in March, the court had imposed a 500 fine and ordered him to pay 6,604 in costs and to comply with the original enforcement notice in full within three months.

Mr Quinlan said that it was the council's position that Mr Whelan had failed to do so, but he added, "Judge. I believe Mr Whelan is going to undertake that he will comply".

Asked by the judge if he would agree, Mr Whelan replied, "I do your honour".

Judge Halpin gave him until January 1 to meet the terms of the enforcement notice, and the pizzeria operator replied, "That's okay".

The council's solicitor added, "Just for the court's knowledge, judge, it's a case where Mr Whelan will either be carrying out works or ceasing to trade on the first [of January], it's an and, or situation."

The case was adjourned until January 14 to check if he has complied.
Scott Cahill (19) was served with the book of evidence

Scott Cahill (19) was served with the book of evidence

A teenager accused of seriously assaulting another man at Cloverhill Prison has been sent forward for trial.

Scott Cahill (19) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, with an address at St Jamess Road, Greenhills, Dublin 12, is charged with seriously assaulting another man at the prison on November 19 last year.

Mr Cahill is facing trial in the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers, after the DPP ruled that the allegation was too serious for the District Court.

A state solicitor told Blanchardstown court that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Cahill the formal alibi caution, warning him he had 14 days to provide details to the State of anyone he proposed calling as a witness in his defence.

The judge also assigned defence solicitor Daniel Cahalane and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Mr Cahill, who is not working, has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charge.

Judge McHugh also ordered that a video copy of an interview which gardai conducted with the accused be furnished to his legal team.

Mr Cahill was remanded on the same bail terms, to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice in November.

He was not required to address the court during the short hearing.
Simeon Burke says he is being treated differently to others in apprenticeship application

Simeon Burke says he has not been able to find an experienced barrister to act as his mentor

Lawyer Simeon Burke, a brother of controversial schoolteacher Enoch Burke, has complained he faces being shut out of the professional body for barristers and practice in the courts.

Mr Burke, a recently qualified barrister, said he had been unable to find an experienced barrister to act as his mentor for a one-year apprenticeship he is required to undertake.

The unpaid pupillage, known as devilling, is a requirement of the Bar of Ireland and is seen as the final stage of training for barristers.

Each year, around 170 experienced barristers make themselves available to act as masters for new entrants to the profession.

But in a letter to Sean Guerin, chair of the Council of the Bar of Ireland, Mr Burke said he had had no success in finding a master despite emailing, calling and meeting with barristers on a list of potential masters since October 2022.

Simeon Burke says he has not been able to find an experienced barrister to act as his mentor

He also claimed that requests to the Bar for assistance had been rebuffed and that he was being treated differently to other people who had experienced difficulty in finding a master.

The situation, he claimed, meant he was unable to complete an application to join the Bars Law Library, through which barristers get access to facilities, legal databases and professional support. The deadline for applications is tomorrow.

The Bar of Ireland declined to comment when contacted.

Mr Burkes quest for a master has coincided with significant publicity surrounding his family, a well-known group of evangelical Christians from Castlebar, Co Mayo.

This has mainly arisen from his brother Enochs dispute with Wilsons Hospital School in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, where he was a teacher until 2022.

Enoch Burke was suspended and later dismissed by the school for gross misconduct after clashing with management following a request that teachers call a student by a new name and they/them pronouns.

He has spent more than 400 days in jail for contempt of court orders restraining him from entering the school grounds and is currently incarcerated in Mountjoy Prison.

Enoch Burke outside Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Enoch Burke and some other members of the Burke family have clashed with the judiciary multiple times during the dispute. There have been several occasions where family members have been ejected from courtrooms following outbursts.

Simeon Burke himself was removed by gardai from the Court of Appeal in March last year. He was later convicted of a public-order offence, but his conviction was quashed on appeal.

In the letter to Mr Guerin, he said several barristers whom he approached on the masters list encouraged him to contact the Bar Council for assistance in locating a master. But he claimed he got no assistance when he raised the issue at a pre-admission interview in June and in writing last month.

I am deeply concerned that I am receiving differing treatment to that experienced by other applicants for membership of the Law Library, he said.

It has long been my intention to practise at the Bar of Ireland as a member of the Law Library. I have worked hard and incurred considerable financial expense. I am concerned that I am currently faced with the possibility of being effectively shut out of membership of the Law Library and practice in the courts.
Dwyer, a self-styled citizen journalist, was found not guilty of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour

A prominent anti-immigration activist who a court heard accused a creche owner of promoting paedophilia and child molestation for placing childrens drawings of a rainbow flag in a window, has been acquitted of committing a breach of the peace over the incident.

Philip Dwyer, a self-styled citizen journalist who has been a regular attendant at anti-immigration protests around the country in recent years, was found not guilty of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the Daisy Chain Creche, Eden Centre, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 on June 30, 2021.

Mr Dwyer (56), a father of three from Tallaght Cross West, Tallaght Dublin 24, denied committing a breach of the peace contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 at a sitting of Tallaght District Court on Thursday.

The creche owner, Lucy Madigan, gave evidence that she spotted Dwyer filming with his mobile phone while sitting in his car outside the creche as she arrived at her business after getting a call about an incident.

She recalled that Dwyer reacted by clapping his hands and stating: Lets go. Lets do this when she confirmed to him that she was the creches owner.

When she asked Dwyer to delete the video, Ms Madigan said he responded by asking her if she was responsible for the rainbow flags in the window of the creche and accusing her of promoting paedophilia and child molestation.

She said Dwyer claimed the rainbow represented homosexuals and that he added that homosexuals are paedophiles.

The witness said he also accused her of indoctrinating four-year-olds to welcome paedophiles into their life.

Ms Madigan said she asked the defendant who was moving towards her to stay one metre away as it was during the time of Covid-19 restrictions.

She gave evidence that Dwyer told her to remove her mask and asked if she was ashamed to show her face.

Ms Madigan said the defendant kept coming towards her and was getting louder when she just wanted Mr Dwyer to delete his video as she thought the creche and children had been recorded.

However, she claimed that he replied he would put the video online and make you famous but would delete the faces of any children.

She told solicitor for the DPP, Tom Conlon, that she was quite shook and quite upset by the incident.

Ms Madigan agreed with counsel for the accused, Ciara Ni Gabhann BL, that Mr Dwyer had identified himself to her but she could not recall that he had asked for a comment or interview or had identified himself as a journalist.

She recalled trying to tell Dwyer how the creche operated a curriculum on diversity and inclusion but that he kept shouting at me and shouting over me.

Ms Madigan said she could not process how a stranger could walk up to her and accuse her of promoting paedophilia.

The court was shown videos recorded by the defendant which showed him telling the creche owner that he would expose her for putting LGBTQ+ ideology into the minds of young children which was absolutely disgraceful.

When told by Ms Ni Gabhann that Mr Dwyer vehemently denied making any reference to paedophilia or child molestation, Ms Madigan replied: One hundred per cent he told me that all homosexuals are paedophiles and that they are child molesters.

She accepted that no children were recorded in the videos shown in court.

Garda Trevor Timpson told the court that he found Ms Madigan very frightened and upset by the incident after the matter was reported to gardai.

He recalled that the businesswoman was extremely worried that the accused would return and attack them while out in a public place.

The garda said Ms Madigan, who owned a number of creches, was also concerned that he would also appear at other locations.

A childcare assistant at the creche, Danielle Cramp, said she was approached by the defendant as she returned from a walk with two young children.

Ms Cramp said she felt intimidated at Mr Dwyer shouting at her from about 20 feet away if she was responsible for the rainbow flag and accusing her of inciting paedophilia and incriminating young peoples minds.

In response to the suggestion by Ms Ni Gabhann that the accused had no engagement with her, Ms Cramp replied: Thats not true.

In evidence, Mr Dwyer explained that he had been delivering a package while working as a contract courier for Pony Express when he noticed the rainbow drawing in the window of the creche promoting Gay Pride 2021.

The accused, who described himself as both a citizen journalist and trainee journalist, said he wanted to ask the owner of the creche why they were doing that to children.

My intention was to make a story. I felt strongly that parents need to be made aware if it is happening in a creche, he added.

The defendant admitted he became mildly irritated and had raised his voice because he felt children were being groomed as well as being quite annoyed about what was happening in the creche.

He repeatedly denied having used the word paedophilia when speaking to creche staff.

Mr Dwyer said his intention was to give them a fair opportunity to explain what was going on , while he was very conscious of not filming any children.

As a journalist, he said he asked difficult questions and had a robust conversation.

Mr Dwyer, who unsuccessfully contested this years local and euro elections for the far-right party, Ireland First, told the court he had become active as a citizen journalist after the 2020 general election.

He understood a video of the creche incident that he had posted online had been removed by YouTube.

The defendant disagreed with the suggestion by the prosecution that his reckless behaviour had caused a breach of the peace.

In a closing submission, Ms Ni Gabhann said journalism would be seriously undermined if a journalist asking uncomfortable questions constituted a breach of the peace.

Mr Conlon argued that the defendant had been threatening, abusive and insulting.

In essence he was a nuisance, the solicitor added.

Dismissing the charge, Judge Patricia McNamara said she found that the accused did not intend to commit a breach of the peace on the day.

The judge said she did not believe the threshold to find him guilty of the offence had been met and he was entitled to the benefit of the doubt.

Judge McNamara remarked that she was not making a judgement on anything else.
The court heard that mobster Price has 119 previous convictions

Ousted UDA chief Adrian Price was in court this week for driving through a police checkpoint at the height of a loyalist feud.

Price 54, of Bristol Park, Newtownards was handed a 200 fine after he was found guilty of failing to stop when directed by cops close to the Weavers Grange housing development, the epicentre of the feud.

Price was head of a rump of UDA men, at one time under the protection of south East Antrim UDA, which was expelled by the terror groups Rathcoole leadership amid a row over drug dealing and tensions with the rival UVF.

Ards Magistrates Court this week heard the April 6 incident last year happened at the height of the feud.

Prices mob came under fire from North Down UDA with a series of tit for tat attacks on property and individuals over a six month period.

It is understood on the day Price failed to stop there had been in incursion into Weavers Court by rival paramilitaries.

A number of houses in the development had been targeted and was the last stronghold of the Price faction as his men came under pressure to quit the area.

Police had set up a checkpoint in the approaches to the area on the edge of the sprawling Westwinds housing estate in the town.

Officers manning the checkpoint flagged down Price but despite slowing down he wound down the window shouting expletives and yous didnt stop those ones earlier a reference to the earlier incursion.

An officer told the court Price then accelerated away ignoring repeated police warnings to pull over.

Price claimed he was going into the estate as he had friends and family living in the area, he said there were two police cars half parked on the kerb and claimed he wound down the window to shout where were you earlier?

I hadnt broken a checkpoint, he said,  there was none, nobody told me to stop, there was no checkpoint to stop at.

His claims were dismissed by District Judge Peter Magill who said he was satisfied to rely on clear evidence given by police officers that theyd set up a checkpoint.

The officers gave clear evidence that (one of them) was standing in the road.

He motioned to the man to stop. The man slowed down to the extent of saying something along the lines of you werent here earlier or `where were you something like that.

He said it appeared Price was annoyed at what happened earlier and refused to stop and hit him with a 200 fine.

The court heard that mobster Price has 119 previous convictions.

Price was a major figure in the feud that ripped through North Down for a number of months starting in April.

There were repeated attacks on property and multiple death threats issued. A number of men loyal to Price were forced to flee the area including Weavers Grange where a number of them lived.

Price was one of the first to flee, seeking refuge in south Belfast.

A number of people, including Prices son, were arrested and have appeared in court with a number spending time behind bars.
Ukraine has asked Romania to shoot down Russian drones approaching the country's airspace. This request was made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a visit to Bucharest.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the German edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Bucharest's response is currently unknown.

"In Bucharest, after a meeting with his Romanian counterpart Luminita Odobescu, Sybiha asked Romania to shoot down Russian drones approaching Romanian airspace," the article says.

The newspaper noted that a Russian drone was recently spotted in the airspace over the Romanian Danube Delta, about 45 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Romanian F-16 fighter jets took off and escorted the Russian UAV until it reached Ukrainian airspace.

Since then, Romanian politicians and military officials have been arguing over whether changes in the law are needed to shoot down enemy drones in their own airspace.

Over the past month, at least two Russian "Shakhed" drones have flown into Romanian territory. One of them, according to the Romanian military, hit a non-residential area of Romania near the city of Periprava on September 8.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

Romania wants to change the legislation to allow shooting down drones that fly into the country. The parliamentary opposition criticized Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu for his inaction regarding the violation of Romanian airspace.

During the Russian attack on Ukraine on September 8, a group of Shahed attack drones violated Romanian airspace. The Romanian military raised its aircraft, but did not dare to shoot down the Russian drones: The UAVs returned to Ukrainian airspace.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The assistant manager said the claimant was shouting loudly when he came over and that he told the claimant: Calm down, boy after a shop assistant told him she had been called a racist

A supermarket whose staff insisted a Roma man was denied service for shouting and calling them racists has been ordered to pay him 6,000 for racial discrimination and harassment.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded the man was refused service based on a stereotype and that the staff at the shop knew the man was Roma and were under instruction to deny him service if he came in.

The findings were made in an anonymised decision on a complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000 against an unidentified supermarket in a provincial town.

The tribunal heard the man was living in the town over nine years and that his home was a short walk from the supermarket, from which his wife had been barred in April 2023. This was because, according to the stores owner, she became abusive and threw a basket at him after he told her that her children were being disruptive and annoying customers.

Lorna Madden BL, appearing instructed by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), submitted that in addition to discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race and ethnicity, her client had also been victimised for filing initial notice of a claim of discrimination on behalf of his wife after she was barred.

The claimant said he decided not to pursue the matter further and later went to the shop to meet its owner, apologising for his wifes behaviour.

On October 5, 2023, while in the store with his daughter, the man said he had gone to the till to pay for his shopping but was told by a worker that he was not allowed in the store.

The shop assistant, Ms A, denied telling the man he was barred. She said she had an immediate feeling of dread and felt anxious and intimidated by the complainant before he had said a word and told the WRC he was staring at her.

Ms A stated that the complainant then said: Why are you staring at me?

Did I know he was Roma? This had nothing to do with nationality, she told the WRC. The complainant then called her a racist and she put the groceries aside and called her manager over, she said.

The assistant manager, Mr C, said the claimant was shouting loudly when he came over and that he told the claimant: Calm down, boy after Ms A told him she had been called a racist.

Mr C said he offered to serve the complainant, but the man then called him a racist and that at that point he decided to ask him to leave.

The complainant was barred because he called us racists, Mr C added.

Mobile phone footage taken by the complainant during the incident recorded the assistant manager, Mr C, telling the complainant that he was not being served because he was calling people racist, the tribunal noted.

The claimants position was that he used the term racism, but didnt call the staff racist during this interaction, the tribunal heard.

The footage then showed the staff member pointing to the door and telling the claimant: Get out and talk to the owner, the tribunal said.

A garda who came to the shop when the claimant called 999 said the man became very irate and demanded a different officer attend, calling him racist and standing too close to him. The garda said he decided not to arrest the claimant because the mans daughter was with him.

The supermarket owner, Mr B, accepted that the CCTV footage provided to the WRC only showed the aftermath and did not capture what actually happened when the claimant went to the till. He said the footage was wiped the following month and that in hindsight he should have kept it.

When it was put to Mr B in cross-examination that it was not credible that he did not know the complainant and his family were Roma, particularly in view of the fact that the complainants wife wore a traditional long dress, he said this was not apparent to him because he had seen her wearing wearing tracksuit bottoms.

The tribunal heard the gardas written account of the matter included the statement: I was informed by the staff that the male was barred and that when told so, he became aggressive and started calling them racist.

The supermarket, which was represented by Tommy Smyth of TSA Consultants, denied racial discrimination and took the position that the complainant was unpleasant and rude to employees, escalating to calling them racist at the till and filming them without their permission.

Adjudicator Thomas ODriscoll considered it illogical that a man would spend 10-15 minutes in a shop with his daughter picking out purchases before going to the till and becoming abusive and aggressive for no particular reason.

It is crucial to recognise that aggression does not occur in isolation but is often a response to a preceding action or event, he wrote.

He called the respondents evidence unconvincing in several key aspects, including the deletion of crucial CCTV footage. He also noted the Garda report that staff had stated the complainant reacted negatively when informed he was barred, not the other way around.

The respondents position that there was no bias against the complainants Roma heritage is noted, but I am satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the denial of service was based on a stereotype associated with persons of Roma heritage, Mr ODriscoll wrote.

He concluded the refusal of service amounted to an inference of discrimination on the grounds of membership of the Traveller or Roma community that was not satisfactorily rebutted. He also found the ejection of the man from the shop constituted harassment. The humiliation suffered in front of his young daughter described by the claimant was an aggravating factor, he added.

However, he concluded that since there was no evidence any of the shop workers knew that statutory notice of alleged discrimination had been served on the shop on behalf of the claimants wife, there was no evidence of victimisation.

Mr ODriscoll directed the respondent to pay 6,000 in compensation to the man.

Boy refused service

In a separate decision, the WRC has this week awarded 5,000 to an 11-year-old Traveller boy who was refused service when he went in by himself to buy a soft drink at a different shop on the evening of November 23 last year.

The boys father, who was waiting outside in a car, said his son returned to him upset, having been told to leave.

He said that when they went back in together, a worker told them there was a law that they could not serve a child under 14 without an adult being present  and pointed them to a sign to that effect.

The sign read: For health and safety reasons all under-14s must be accompanied by an adult after 6pm in this store, according to legal submissions.

The shops owner gave sworn evidence that he had put in the policy in January 2020 after an elderly man suffered life-changing injuries because of teenagers running down the aisles of the shop.

The worker denied telling the boy its the law  and also denied that the boy was distressed.

The boys father showed the tribunal receipts which he said showed two other minors who were not members of the Travelling community, but of African and Polish descent, had been served without issue and without an accompanying adult after the 6pm cut-off point.

Adjudicator Patsy Doyle found the respondent had failed to provide her with evidence that the policy of not serving unaccompanied under-14s after 6pm was being applied consistently.

It had also failed to rebut the evidence presented in the form of the receipts showing that under-14s who were not members of the Travelling Community were served after 6pm, she noted.

Upholding a complaint of discrimination made on behalf of the boy under the Equal Status Act 2000, Ms Doyle awarded him 5,000. She also ordered the shops management to ensure their policy is implemented in a non-discriminatory manner.

Both decisions were anonymised by the tribunal, wholly or partly due to the involvement of minors.
The haul of 11 firearms included three Skorpion submachine guns, three Heckler and Koch, an Uzi submachine gun and ammunition.

The stash of weapons that was seized. Photo: National Crime Agency/PA Wire

The stash of weapons that was seized. Photo: National Crime Agency/PA Wire

These are the firearms that Kinahan cartel boss Thomas Bomber Kavanagh used as part of a bizarre plot to get him a reduced sentence in the UK.

The Drimnagh native has been serving a jail sentence in Belmarsh Prison since 2022 when he was convicted of organising cocaine and cannabis shipments worth 36 million.

While in custody awaiting sentence for the drug smuggling operation, Bomber (57) plotted with a group of men, including his brother-in-law  Dublin gang boss Liam Byrne (47)  to amass firearms from the UK, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The haul of 11 firearms included three Skorpion submachine guns, three Heckler and Koch, an Uzi submachine gun and ammunition, pictured here.

Guns seized

Kavanagh spoke to the police in the UK and told them weapons had been brought to the UK from Holland.

Kavanagh had been hoping to use this information as a bargaining tool to get his sentence for the drug smuggling operation reduced.

However, the plan was foiled after French police smashed the EncroChat communications system in April 2020, and passed information onto the NCA.

Kavanagh had first approached the NCA in December 2020.

He went on to claim in an interview in April 2021 that he had intelligence about an arms cache of between 10 and 20 weapons, said to have come from Holland.

The stash of weapons that was seized. Photo: National Crime Agency/PA Wire

Through his solicitor, he produced a map which led police to a farm in Northern Ireland and they found two buried holdalls containing the eleven sub-machine guns.

At the time, the NCA said the guns were in good condition and ready for use.

Having reviewed the EncroChat data in greater detail, the NCA concluded Kavanaghs tip-off was not genuine and withdrew its co-operation.

The stash of weapons that was seized. Photo: National Crime Agency/PA Wire

In March 2022, Kavanagh was sentenced to 21 years in prison at Ipswich Crown Court for the drug smuggling operation.

NCA investigators had linked Kavanagh and others to large scale drug shipments worth, as well as movements of cash and firearms.

At a court hearing in March, Kavanagh, Byrne and associate Shaun Kent (38) denied being part of the conspiracy to acquire guns and ammunition, between January 2020 and June 2021.

The trial had been due to open this week after several delays. However, in a shock U-turn yesterday they entered guilty pleas at the Old Bailey to a number of firearm offences.

Kavanagh, Kent and Byrne admitted two counts of conspiracy to possesses a prohibited weapon and two counts of conspiracy to possess ammunition for a firearm without a certificate between 9 January 2020 and 3 June 2021.

Kavanagh and Kent pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh

The charge said that they plotted to possess firearms and thereafter to hide them and then reveal their whereabouts to the National Crime Agency to enable Thomas Kavanagh to receive a reduced sentence on Operation Hornstay with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Judge Philip Katz KC said he would sentence the men on October 21 and remanded them into custody.

Liam Byrne was charged after being extradited from Spain after being arrested as he holidayed in Majorca last December.

Kinahan cartel lieutenant Byrne is well-known to gardai in Ireland for his involvement in crime and is the brother of Regency Hotel shooting victim David Byrne.

Liam Byrne

Liam sent a message from prison to the funeral of his father James Jaws Byrne who died in Dublin in recent weeks after an illness.

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 laid to rest following a funeral at St Catherines Church in Meath Street last Friday.

Speaking about his father, Liam, son Lee told mourners: 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.
Cher Simpson posted an appeal for prayers and love on her Facebook page

The sister of east Belfast murder victim Rachel Simpson has said she was loved by everyone who knew her in an emotional online tribute.

Cher Simpson posted an appeal for prayers and love on her Facebook page as she paid tribute to the 43-year-old.

"My beautiful kind-hearted sister Rachel Simpson died on Friday. We mourn a daughter, a sister and a cherished mother of three children, she said.

Loved by everyone who knew her. Heartache is not a feeling I have known until now. We ask for prayers and love as we navigate this as a Simpson family.

It comes after Ms Simpsons family released an image of the mother-of-three, who was found dead in her home on Friday.

Her family also shared details of a service of love and remembrance for her.

The service will be held on September 25 at Orangefield Presbyterian Church on Castlereagh Road in Belfast at 3pm.

It will be followed by a short service at Roselawn and then refreshments at La Mon Country House.

Her sister said all who loved Rachel and the entire Simpson family are invited to attend and prayers are welcomed at this time.

"In true Rach style we ask you all to wear some leopard print, she added.

Ms Simpsons body was discovered at Castlereagh Road on Friday, September 13. Police had been called to a house and discovered the victim in the garage of the property.

Police at the scene in east Belfast last weekend. Picture: Pacemaker

Her 21-year-old son Nathan Simpson, with an address given as Castlereagh Road, has been charged with her murder.

He appeared in court on Monday, with the defence solicitor telling the court he had only been released from prison a week earlier.

He entered the dock wearing a grey custody tracksuit.

When asked if he understood the allegations against him, Simpson replied: Yes, your honour.

As other members of the victims family watched on from the public gallery, an investigating detective sergeant said he could connect the accused to the murder charge.

There was no application for bail, with the court told that there was no available bail address for the accused, who the court was told was released from custody seven days previously.

No further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing were disclosed during the brief hearing.

Defence solicitor Chris McCann did not question the detective or seek bail for his client due to the lack of any suitable address.

Womens Aid NI expressed their sincere condolences to the family of the 43-year-old last week  the third woman to be killed in a month in Northern Ireland.

"Rachel is the 23rd woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. She is the third woman killed in Northern Ireland within the past four weeks, said a spokesperson for Womens Aid NI.

The news was horrific, they added, and called for anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.

If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, that could assist the police with their investigation, please contact the PSNI by dialling 101. Even the smallest detail could be important to the case.

The accused was remanded in custody to appear again via videolink on October 14.
Meimei Lin of the Phone Surgery Shop on Selskar Street shared CCTV footage of the pair which shows them snatch the phone from her employees hand and run straight out the door on Monday afternoon

A Wexford shop owner is appealing for information after thieves snatched a brand new iPhone worth over 500 and fled from her store.

Meimei Lin of the Phone Surgery Shop on Selskar Street shared CCTV footage of the pair which shows them snatch the phone from her employees hand and run straight out the door on Tuesday afternoon.

"I wasnt there myself, Meimei said. They robbed from my employee. He says that the two boys came into the shop and were looking for a bargain price for an iPhone 13.

"They left the shop and came back two or three minutes later and asked my employee to put the phone and case together so they could send a picture to their family to see.

A still from the CCTV footage, which shows the two males speaking with a staff member before snatching the iPhone and running from the Wexford shop.

"You can see the boy in the yellow was pretending to take a photo when the other one snatches the phone and they run away. My employee ran after them but he didn't catch them.

The matter was reported to Gardai and Ms Lin says she is awaiting a call back.

A Chinese native, Ms Lin feels that petty crime of this nature is not taken seriously in Ireland.

"If this happened in China it would be considered a serious crime, she said. But I don't think it looks that way in Ireland. It looks like licence to steal.

Since going public, Ms Lin says she has been contacted by another electrical shop on the Main Street who believe they may have been targeted by the same duo.
The womans body washed up on a beach on Wexford in 1995.

Gardai have ruled a missing Belgian teenager out as being the unidentified Ballinamona woman, the Sunday World can exclusively reveal.

Authorities were probing a theory that the body discovered in Gorey in 1995 was that of 19-year-old student Sylvie Carlin.

However, a DNA test has confirmed Sylvie is not the woman who has lain unnamed in a Wexford grave for almost 30 years, and the family of the missing teen have been informed of the development.

The badly decomposed body of a woman was discovered on Ballinamona beach on December 12th. Her remains were removed to Waterford Hospital for a post-mortem where foul play was ruled out.

The pathologist who examined the remains reported that the woman wore braces on her bottom teeth, was about 57 - 510 in height, and was aged between 25 and 40.

She was wearing a blue pair of Lee Cooper jeans with a diamond-shaped patch featuring a woman with black hair tied up in a ponytail wearing sunglasses on a back pocket.

The distinctive Lee jeans, only sold in Belgium, which were worn by the woman whose body washed up on Ballinamona Strand in 1995.

Gardai established that the jeans were manufactured in Belgium and have never been available to purchase in Ireland.

She also wore a pair of brown laced shoes in an EU size 39 (UK size 6). The insole of the shoes featured a four-star symbol and the wording Made in France.

The shoes which were being worn by the body washed up in 1995, known as 'Ballinamona Woman'.

Keys for a Volkswagen vehicle were also found in the womans possession, but none were found abandoned in the vicinity. Its believed that the woman did not enter the water where she was discovered.

The deceased was buried in a cemetery in Wexford before being exhumed in November 2007 for DNA profiling. The sample was compared to Forensic Science Irelands missing persons database and Interpol, however there were no matches.

Last year, Gardai began liaising with Police in Belgium to determine if the body might be that of Sylvie Carlin.

Sylvie vanished in December 1994 from Roucourt, Belgium after telling her mother she was going to see a friend.

She was wearing blue jeans at the time of her disappearance. Carlin also around the same height as the Ballinamona woman. However, one main difference is that the unidentified woman had braces on her bottom teeth, while it appears Sylvie did not.

The young woman was identified as a possible match to the remains by the sister of missing woman Priscilla Clarke, who vanished alongside her employer, Lynda Kavanagh, while they were horseriding near Powerscourt, Co Wicklow in 1988. Lyndas body was discovered in the river Dargle two days later, but Priscillas remains have never been found

Priscilla Clarke was 25 when she disappeared in 1988. No trace of her has ever been found

The Louth womans family had petitioned for the body of the Ballinamona woman to be exhumed for DNA in a bid to determine if the unidentified woman was their missing loved one. When it was confirmed not to be Priscilla, her sister Claire began researching similar missing women and put Sylvie forward as a possible match.

The Ballinamona woman is buried in a grave in Wexford, unnamed for almost 30 years after her death. Meanwhile, Sylvie Carlin and Priscilla Clarke remain missing.
Parlangeli (43) is a key member of Italys Sacra Corona Unita Mafia and had been a fugitive from police since 2023.

Giovanni Parlangeli (in short) is taken away by police

This is the moment an on-the-run Mafia don was arrested as part of the global crackdown on the Ghost encrypted phone network this week.

Giovanni Parlangeli can be seen being lead away by Italian cops following a raid on his hideout in Leece, a province in South East Italy.

He was one of 51 people arrested  including 11 in Ireland  who were arrested in co-ordinated raids across different jurisdictions on Monday.

Parlangeli (43) is a key member of Italys Sacra Corona Unita Mafia and had been a fugitive from police since 2023.

His capture has been described by European police as "very important" and fundamental to the fight against drug trafficking on the continent.

Giovanni Parlangeli is lead away by police

The Sacra Corona Unita, which translates as United Sacred Crown, is also known as Italys fourth mafia after the better-known Ndrangheta, Camorra, and Cosa Nostra.

In recent years, the Sacra Corona Unita have forged strong ties with crime organisations in Albania involved in the movement of drug shipments into Europe.

The Mafia group are believed to be using Albania as a distribution point to move drugs into Central Europe  as well as receiving drugs from Afghanistan in the country.

Yesterday, Parlangeli was described by Italian police as having a big role in the Mafia group.

"We are talking here about a wanted, a man wanted since 2023  with a big role into the Sacra Corona Unita, which is placed in the south part of Italy, in Puglia region, because of the geography, the closing together with Albania and all this area is very fundamentally crucial for this kind of investigation.

Mugshot of Giovanni Parlangeli

"So we hope that will be just only a start for new law enforcement cooperation," a Europol police conference heard yesterday.

Parlangeli had gone on the run after a pre-trial detention order was issued by the Court of Lecce in May 2023 due to suspected mafia association

He allegedly forced a local entrepreneur in the Gallipoli area to pay more than 60,000 through the use of heavy threats.

Italian police said they caught Parlangeli in a country house located between Taviano and Racale where they also seized a large amount of ammunition and false documents.

After a lengthy international investigation, the Ghost network was taken down during operations across nine countries. 51 suspects have been arrested in Australia, 11 here, one in Canada and one in Italy linked to the Sacra Corona Unit mafia.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) has been coordinating investigations into the Ghost platform here and have identified four separate organised crime gangs using the network.

These gangs, based in Dublin and in the east of the country, are suspected to be involved in drug trafficking, money laundering and related criminality.

On Monday over 300 gardai were involved in a series of searches including detectives attached to the DOCB, the Cyber Crime Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the National Surveillance Unit and the Gardas Intelligence Services.

Members of Europol, the Australian Federal Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations were also in Ireland to support the operation.

Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly, in charge of the Garda investigations into organised and serious crime, said that Ireland had the second largest user base of the Ghost platform, making the operations particularly significant here.

Australian Federal Police arrest Jay Je Yoon Jung. Photo: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Jay Je Yoon Jung, (32), from Sydney in Australia, was one of the people arrested in co-ordinated raids across the globe as part of a crackdown on the Ghost network this week.

Described as a computer geek, Jung has been charged with allegedly creating and administering the Ghost network from a room in his parents quiet suburban home.

Even while running the Ghost network, he continued to work for his parents' commercial cleaning business in the Sydney suburb of Narwee.

According to neighbours, he was the polite and quiet perfect son who was well-known for his love of karaoke.

Speaking to Australia media, police have described him as "quite socially awkward".

It is alleged that Jung was just 23 years old when he first created the platform, and created a business model that involved selling handsets installed with his app for $AUS2345 (1,427), which included a six-month subscription.

"We will be alleging that the administrator has reaped significant financial wealth from running this platform and selling the services," Australian police Commander Paula Hudson said.
In 1987, two years before lawyer Pat Finucane was shot dead, soldier John Fletcher, was based at Palace Barracks, Holywood, on the outskirts of Belfast

A British soldier who supplied one of the guns used to murder Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane tried to sell his story to the Sunday World.

But John Stephen Fletcher (40) - a colour sergeant in the Ulster Defence Regiment - went on a booze binge instead.

And he landed himself in courts on both sides of the border where he eventually received a five-year jail sentence.

In 1987, two years before lawyer Pat Finucane was shot dead, soldier John Fletcher, was based at Palace Barracks, Holywood, on the outskirts of Belfast.

Jim Spence

He had been allegedly approached by Jim Spence, who persuaded him to steal weapons from the armoury at the military base. Fletcher had no involvement in the murder of Pat Finucane.

Spence handed Fletcher a shopping list of weapons and told him hed be paid handsomely if he delivered his side of the bargain.

But when it came to settling up, Spence handed the soldier 3000 and told him it was all he was getting.

Fletcher came up with the idea of selling his story to the Sunday World in Dublin in return for cash.

That evening the serving soldier took a taxi to Dundalk on the southern side of the border, where he booked into the Imperial Hotel for the night.

But he went on a drinking spree around the towns many bars. His bizarre behaviour caused alarm bells to ring among the hotel staff, who called the Gardai.

He was taken to Dundalk Garda station and held overnight while Special Branch officers contacted their counterparts in Belfast.

A cross border deal was done where Fletcher appeared before a judge in Dundalk the following day, where he was found guilty of the illegal possession of a gun and ammunition, fined 50 and released.

However, on the steps of the court, Fletcher was re-arrested and served with Extradition papers because the RUC wanted to talk to him about the missing weapons.

He was remanded to Castleblaney Garda Station. And when the Extradition papers were found to be in order, he was handed over to the RUC at an agreed border crossing.
Gardai say around 71,800 heroin, 22,800 alprazolam and 5,600 cocaine was seized, pending analysis.

Gardai have seized 180,000 worth of drugs, including heroin, following raids on a property in Dublin.

A woman has been arrest following the search operation in Finglas which took place as part of Operation Tara and she is due before court later this morning.

Gardai said the raid was carried out as part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs and related crime in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

During the operation, a search warrant was executed at home in Finglas, Dublin 11.

Gardai say around 71,800 heroin, 22,800 alprazolam and 5,600 cocaine was seized, pending analysis.

In follow-up searches, 79,400 alprazolam tablets were seized.

"A female in her 30s was arrested at the scene and detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. She has since been charged and is expected to appear before Blanchardstown District Court this morning, 19th September 2024, a garda spokesperson said.

The seized drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

Gardai said the seizure took place as part of Operation Tara.

"The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levelsinternational, national, and localinvolved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale, and supply of controlled drugs.

Gardai added that the investigation is ongoing
Tonights shocking and controversial episode will air on RTE One at 9.35pm

New footage of the digger being set alight

Gardai at the site of the July 15 protest in Coolock

RTE have revealed they have spent the last six months infiltrating anti-asylum seeker groups as they planned and instigated a series of high-profile protests at accommodation centres for migrants.

The RTE Investigates team, led by experienced journalist Barry OKelly, will finally be broadcast tonight and will feature views from protesters, experts on policing and political movements, and individuals developing sites for accommodation.

It documents how fierce opposition has developed at certain sites, and how at times according to RTE, it has spun out of control.

In this evenings shocking programme viewers will see innocent security officers being knocked unconscious and others suffering serious racial abuse.

The show also reveals that one of the developers, who owns one of the controversial sites, has now fled the country out of fear for his safety.

New footage of the digger being set alight

Programme makers were inside the former Crown Paints site in Coolock on July 15 this year as one of the largest anti-immigration protests nationwide to date exploded into rioting. The site entrance had been blocked for more than 100 days by protesters, who had set up a camp with wooden huts, couches, fridges and storage areas.

Footage from the early hours in the morning captured the events that unfolded over the subsequent hours, as protests turned ever more violent with pictures of fires and clashes circulated around the world.

The dramatic footage documents the racial abuse and intimidation of workers on the Coolock site and shows how the site was overcome with agitators with one security officer knocked unconscious.

One man told the security staff: Im going to find out where each and every one of youse live. Dont think we wont find you, cause we f**king will. Ive found worse c***s than you.

Another man said: Youll get f**king shot here. Making a gesture of a gun pointed to his head, he said: Bang, bang. Thats what happens.

The programme documents how the crowd at the entrance grew as the early morning wore on.

Go back to your country. The fences wont hold you. Dublin says no. Get the f**k out, youre a different breed.

Another far right protestor chanted: Burn, baby burn, in what proved to be a prophetic comment as the cameras later captured the moment a petrol bomb was thrown on site.

The programme documents the security team and the staff at the Coolock site continuously calling the Gardai looking for help as they were essentially under siege.

The cameras captured agitators  some armed with poles - roamed through the site, threatening and chasing after security workers, smashing windows, stealing beds, and most-visibly, setting fire to a digger.

A member of the security team was hit in the head when a large pole was thrown in his direction. He was in and out of consciousness when paramedics arrived.

Protests continued nightly over the following days with the site being set on fire multiple times. The developer, Paul Collins, spoke to RTE revealing that he left the country amidst fears for his safety and that of his family.

Mr Collins has already installed houses for asylum seekers elsewhere, but he says the opposition to his plan for the north Dublin site has been different.

I'm not a guy that you easily frighten, but it's definitely more frightening, he said. I don't understand in the sense of, you know, the hands on, the hands-off approach [by the Gardai]. Is there a law or is there not?

RTE Investigates- Inside the Protests, tonight at 9:35pm on RTE One and RTE Player
Stephen Garland is a man on a mission

A COMEDY promoter who ran in the European elections to try and raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, and from which he himself suffers from, is taking part in a series of shows and challenges this weekend.

Longford man Stephen Garland returns to the Munster Northwest constituency with a series of inspiring events for MS awareness and support.

The courageous campaigner was forced to take unexpected break from his MEP campaign due to family health issues, which compromised and led to postponement of many of his intended actions.

Stephen, from Granard and who has lived for several years in Barcelona and Brazil, is an international comedy and music promoter and lives with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS).

He has organised a weekend of events aimed at raising awareness and funds for the North West Therapy Centre, located under the majestic Benbulben mountain in Co Sligo.

My story has a very strong edge around the theme of Ukraine - Russia and all that is regrettably happening in this most shocking war, he explains.

I am a PPMS sufferer who thanks to a famous Ukrainian Doctor, Dr. Fedorenko who treated me with HSCT six years ago in the Pirogov hospital in Moscow and changed my life.

I was told then I was six months from a wheelchair and now I am proposing to climb Benbulben for charity for the only, and badly funded, therapy centre in the heart of the worst afflicted area in Ireland for Multiple Sclerosis.

As horrific as this war is my show 'Best Of Us' Show is meant as one of reconciliation and hope.

This evening he stages The Best Of Us in Granards Lus na Greine at 7.30pm

He promises attendees will experience an inspiring journey through comedy, storytelling, and live podcast.

Among topics being covered include battling a no treatment, no cure diagnosis, advocating for plant medicines, running for MNW MEP to climbing Benbulben.

Tomorrow as part of Sligo Culture Night he stages the Best Of Us performance at the towns Garavogue Bar at 7.30pm

On Saturday morning Stephen is preparing for a significant challenge: climbing Benbulben Mountain, one of Ireland's most beautiful landmarks.

The climb, is set for September 21 which is also International Peace Day and it will be the intention to unfurl both Palestinian and Ukrainian flags at the Summit with a live stream.

The climb is primarily aimed at raising much-needed funds for the North West Therapy Centre via a Go Fund Me Page! - https://gofund.me/3d0b7de9

This vital facility is the only one of its kind serving the MS population of the region, which has the highest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland. Garlands personal connection to the cause and his gratitude towards the Centre fuels his determination to make this climb a success.

The weekend of events will conclude on Saturday evening with a heartfelt tribute to Dubliner Mark Gilligan, a legend of the Irish music industry, who battled MS himself for 16 years.

He shared the same stem cell treatment journey as Garland was making similar massive improvements but sadly succumbed to Cancer in September 2023.

Following the climb on September 21, a memorial music session led by Joe Connolly will be held in Maeves Bar.

All musicians are welcome to join and celebrate Gilligans enduring legacy.

Garland invites everyone to participate in these meaningful events. Full details can be found on his MEP candidacy website, www.garland4europe.com.
Since the beginning of the day, as of 16:00 on Thursday, September 19, 95 combat engagements have taken place in the frontline in Ukraine. The enemy is most active in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors, where it is using all available forces and means, but its plans are being thwarted by Ukrainian defenders, who are inflicting irreparable losses on the occupiers.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the operational summary of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As noted, the situation at the front is characterized by the enemy's particular activity in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions.

There, the enemy uses all available forces and means to achieve its goals.

"But our stalwart defenders stand in the way of the occupiers' plans, who, in extremely difficult conditions, inflict irreparable losses on the enemy with their professional actions, destroying it on land, in water, and the air," the report says.

During the day, several settlements in Sumy and Chernihiv regions suffered from enemy terrorist attacks, the General Staff informed.

ADVERTISIMENT

In particular, the enemy shelled Mykolaivka, Bobylivka, Riasne, Progres, Zhuravka, and Vilna Sloboda with artillery; Yastrubyne, Pavlivka, Kekyne, Rudneve, Richka, and Velyka Rybytsia were hit by air strikes.

The enemy also carried out 11 air strikes on the territory of Kursk region, using 14 UAVs.

In the Kharkiv sector, the occupants attempted to storm the defensive lines of the Ukrainian Defense Forces near Vovchansk once.

In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy actively attacked the positions of our troops four times in the vicinity of Synkivka, Stelmakhivka, and Hlushkivka, one firefight is ongoing. Ukrainian soldiers continue to hold steadfastly the defense.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Lyman sector, the Russian army launched seven attacks on Ukrainian positions near Makiivka, Cherneshchyna, Nevske, and Torske. Five engagements ended without success for the enemy, two more are ongoing.

In the Siversk sector, near Verkhniekamianske, Ivan-Dariivka, and Vyimka, Ukrainian troops repelled three attacks by the occupying army, and four more attacks are ongoing.

In the Kramatorsk sector, the invaders attacked near Kurdiumivka. The enemy attack was repelled.

ADVERTISIMENT

The number of hostile attacks in Toretsk increased to seven. The enemy concentrated its efforts in the areas of Toretsk, Shcherbynivka, and Nelipivka, where four combat engagements took place, three attacks are still ongoing.

In the Pokrovsk sector, since the beginning of the day, the occupants, with the support of aviation, have made 22 attempts to push Ukrainian troops from their positions in the areas of Vozdvyzhenka, Novotoretsk, Hrodivka, Myroliubivka, Mykolaivka, Novohrodivka, and Marynivka. The defense forces are holding back the onslaught and have so far repelled 16 enemy attacks, with six attacks still ongoing. The enemy's losses are being clarified.

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In the Kurakhove sector, fighting continues near Tsukuryno, Heorhiivka, Kostiantynivka, and Katerynivka. According to the updated information, 13 out of 36 attacks of the occupation army were repelled in this area today. Fierce fighting continues.

In the Vremivsk sector, the enemy, with the support of aviation, stormed the positions of our units four times near Vuhledar, Rivnopole, and Katerynivka. Two firefights are ongoing.

In the Orikhiv sector, the occupants made three attempts to attack our units near Piatykhatky and in the direction of Novoandriivka. Also, the army of the aggressor country fired at Kamianske with unguided aerial missiles.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Prydniprovsky sector, the enemy launched an air strike near Mykolaivka, Kherson region. The invader also keeps trying to drive our units out of their positions, thus, today they carried out three attacks, and one firefight is still ongoing.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
My art is my way of showing people how the Department of Health nearly destroyed me

An artist tragically widowed after his wife was misdiagnosed by disgraced doctor Michael Watt says this is the artwork that saved his life.

George H Smyth was plunged into an alcoholic abyss after his beautiful wife Rachel died at the age of just 46.

She was one of many patients who was looked after by former neurologist Dr Michael Watt whose failures sparked the biggest NHS recall in Northern Ireland and who is now the subject of a major police investigation.

Rachel died in 2018 after Dr Watt treated her for lupus when in fact she had multiple sclerosis.

The Ardglass renowned artist, who has showcased his work in cities like New York and LA says his life spiralled out of control and he almost killed himself with alcohol as he fought to deal with the unnecessary loss of his best friend.

Now George has released a collection of his most striking pieces which depicts the nightmare he has gone through since losing Rachel so prematurely, six years ago.

CATHARTIC: Georges sketches

Simply entitled In Hell the drawings, using pen and ink, will show the public what patients and relatives of patients who died while being treated by Dr Watt have been going through.

Though George penned around 30 he has put around half that on his website. The pieces of art are striking and depict death and the medical profession as well as the anguish and torture George has suffered personally.

I started the collection in 2018 but I binned a lot of them because I worried if I showed them to anyone Id get locked-up, says George.

But I kept drawing because I found it to be a great release for me. I was reacting to what was going on inside. There was real anger and that anger had to go somewhere.

HAUNTING: Georges art

I have showed them to people now and they were shocked and now Ive put them up on my website as they are now part of me.

As you know I very nearly died after I lost Rachel. I ended up in hospital and my family were told I wasnt going to make it but I survived somehow and my artwork definitely helped to save my life.

This is my way of showing people how the Department of Health nearly destroyed me and it depicts what they put me through.

An artist reacts not only to what is going on around him, but to whats going on inside him as well. I wanted to try and convey some of the pain that this whole process is causing.

My anger and frustration had to go somewhere and using my art seemed like the obvious choice.

Drawing has proved cathartic, it has helped me express some of the emotions that had reached boiling point.

Dr Watt made hundreds of misdiagnoses in patients over two decades including stroke, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy in what is developing into the biggest scandal to ever hit the health service.

Rachel Smyth was a former patient of neurologist Dr Michael Watt

Many patients were told they had serious conditions they didnt have and were given dangerous medication they didnt need to take, while the Belfast Trust and then-Health Minister Robin Swann have apologised for failing to act sooner.

As well as leaving thousands of living patients with horrific misdiagnoses, there have been thousands of former patients who have passed away while under his care.

Over the last two years the Sunday World has highlighted the cases of some of those families who are fighting for justice and truth about what happened to their loved ones  families who feel their relatives might still be alive today had they not been misdiagnosed by Dr Watt.

A major police investigation, named Operation Begrain was announced last November.

Last night the PSNI confirmed 162 people have contacted the Operation Begrain investigation team.

George and other relatives of deceased patients met with the Health Committee last Tuesday to express their anger at the Departments recent announcement they would not now be investigating all 3,500 deaths that took place over a ten-year period before Dr Watts errors were discovered.

Instead they have said they will only investigate those deaths if relatives request it before the end of this year.

Disgraced neurologist Dr Michael Watt

Meanwhile George also reveals, while pushing for justice, hes also been attending early sittings of the inquest into Rachels death after her case was referred to the coroner.

It started in January and it has been very traumatic, says George. Weve had five sittings so far and to keep me in the loop I get sent all the details about what will be discussed at the inquest on email.

That has included the last 30 minutes of Rachels life. To see that written down in black and white is awful. Nobody should have to go through that. I lived it too.

More of George's art

George says he took up the offer of counselling sessions to help him try and process what he has been through.

It has been mental torture and theres still no closure so I cant grieve yet properly. Ill be promoting the collection on my socials in the next few weeks.

This is not about ego and Im not selling anything  I just want to show the public what myself and many others like me have been put through by Watt and the Department (of Health).

After six-and-a-half years of no real justice or accountability for our loss, I wanted to raise awareness and generate discussion about how the family members of the deceased patients of Michael Watt are being treated like second class citizens.

The Department of Health doesnt seem to be in any panic to make good the harm caused by Michael Watt.
The findings emerged after inspectors visited Clochan Services run by Ability West in Galway in May, according to the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) report

The home supports six male and female adults with intellectual disabilities who may also have physical needs. Stock Photo

A disability service, which gets around 30m a year from the HSE, left staff with just 3 to pay for food for residents, forcing them to pay the grocery bill out of their own pockets, an inspection report revealed today.

The findings emerged after inspectors visited Clochan Services run by Ability West in Galway in May, according to the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) report.

The home supports six male and female adults with intellectual disabilities who may also have physical needs.

"The person in charge explained that on the evening of December 6, 2023, the centre had approximately 3 to spend on groceries," the report said.

"On this evening, the person in charge used their own money to purchase groceries for the residents' evening meal and breakfast the following morning.

"The inspector found that this was a complete lack of governance on behalf of the provider which had the potential to have a profound and negative impact on the provision of care. The responsibility to adequately resource the designated centre rests solely with the registered provider Ability West."

The report said the inspector had reviewed an audit conducted on December 6, 2023.

"This audit highlighted an issue whereby a resident had been unable to pay their nightly contribution, it said.

"The person in charge explained that this had been an issue since the summer and had been previously highlighted with the provider.

"The person in charge further explained that resident contributions were used to pay bills and also purchase groceries for the centre. However, without the above resident's contribution, the centre had been left at a financial deficit."

The service provides a combination of full-time residential and respite care and is located in a two-story house.

"The house staff had a caring and warm manner when interacting residents. The inspector found that the actions of the staff team created a homely environment and promoted the well-being of residents who used this service, the report continued.

The main issue which had faced the centre in the recent past was the failure of the provider to ensure that the centre was adequately resourced at all times, said the inspectors.

In response to the inspectors, Ability West outlined how the issue of funding the service is being addressed.

This includes household bills being paid from by the Ability West central fund. A subvention is given by the finance department to ensure adequate funds are in the account and accounts are set up with local suppliers.

A separate inspection report on St Dominic's Services in Galway, also run by Ability West, found there was inadequate care given to a resident at risk of falling.

The inspection in June found although the quality of care had improved, a significant issue remained in regards to a resident's safety.

An immediate action was issued to the provider to address this issue prior to the conclusion of the inspection.

"Recent reviews by physiotherapy of resident's falls risk, had identified that they were at serious risk of personal injury should they sustain a fall. A recommendation was made that this resident required one-to-one support for all mobility and transfers, the report said.

"In addition, a recommendation was made that the resident was also subject to close supervision; however, considering the impact that a fall would have on this resident, the provider did not demonstrate that this.

"Considering the potential injury a fall would have on this resident, the inspector issued an immediate action in regards to their support and supervision.

"This led to an action plan by the provider."

A third inspection report on Grange View Services in Galway also run by Ability West found that during a review of medication management by inspectors, an immediate action was required to be issued to the provider in relation to prescribing practices.

This was rectified by those who facilitated this inspection; however, this was an aspect of service that was subject to very regular review by the provider, who had not detected this issue for themselves, using their own monitoring processes, prior to it being brought to their attention on this inspection.

Inspectors found a recent safeguarding incident had not been referred to the provider's designated officer, as required, and no arrangements had been put in place to safeguard the resident who was directly affected by this incident in this centre.

There needs to be improvement was the oversight of aspects of safeguarding processes, they said.

Although there was a good local response to when safeguarding concerns were raised, the provider had failed to identify a gap in the implementation of their own processes, in the reporting of a safeguarding concern to the designated officer.

"Again, this was another area of service that was subject to on-going review; however, such reviews had been ineffective to identify this failing, prior to this inspection, the report said.
Traffic is backing up in the capital as a result

A total of 19 people were arrested after anti-immigration protesters staged a blockade of OConnell Bridge in Dublin which led to widespread delays for commuters across the capital this evening.

Garda public order units mounted an operation to clear the thoroughfare and a number of people were detained as a result.

Gardai on loudhailers ordered demonstrators to leave the bridge before moving in to disperse the protest.

A number of protesters were removed and placed in Garda vans amid angry scenes.

Hundreds of members of the public gathered to watch the dispersal operation.

The bridge has now been cleared of protesters, who have moved further up OConnell Street.

Dublin Bus said services were experiencing heavy delays to services in the city centre due to today's protest.

"Diversions are currently in place and we advise customers to check Dublin Bus social media channels and our website for updates, the spokesperson added.

The anti-immigration protesters had been staging a sit-down protest on OConnell Bridge in central Dublin, having marched back from the area around the Dail this afternoon.

A rival anti-racism march made its way over the bridge and up OConnell Street shortly before the anti-immigration activists gathered and commenced the sit down demonstration.

Multiple public order units gathered near OConnell Bridge and a garda helicopter circled overhead.

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Several bus companies said they were experiencing delays due to the blockade of the bridge.

Earlier, the anti-immigration protesters walked through Dublin city towards the Dail after gathering outside the GPO on O'Connell Street for a demonstration carrying tricolour flags, Erin Go Bragh banners and You'll Never Beat the Irish.

"We should be like Germany, close the borders," one protester said. The group broke out in chants of "Whose streets? Our streets" and "Get them out, get them out".

Gardai detain a man at the protest (Pic: Collins Photos)

They assembled halfway down Molesworth Street facing Leinster House, with garda barriers preventing them getting close to the gates.

More than 100 anti-racism counter-demonstrators gathered close by at the junction of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street. Participants loudly chanted "far right loyalists, get off our streets".

People protest in Dublin's city centre this afternoon.(Pic: Collins Photos)

Dozens of gardai remain in the area to ensure rival protesters are kept apart.

Gardai said this evening that 19 people had been arrested so far following a comprehensive policing operation in place at several locations in Dublin City Centre today.

From early morning, 100 uniform gardai were on-duty to facilitate protests including one that was led from OConnell St, Dublin 1 to Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, and one at Grafton St, Dublin 2, a Garda spokesperson said.

"This operation was coordinated from a central Garda Control Room and led by a Chief Superintendent.

In the course of the protests, Gardai were required to respond to a number of public order incidents including one that occurred at Grafton Street, Dublin 2 at approximately 2:30pm.

In order to ensure the safety of all protestors and the general public, Gardai implemented a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation with enforcement as a last resort.

Gardai added that throughout the day, they engaged with protestors and directions were given to those that had gathered at OConnell Bridge to disperse from the area within the hour.

This direction was not adhered to and two Garda Public Order Units were subsequently deployed, the Garda spokesperson said.

A total of 19 arrests were made as part of todays operation  no further information is available at this time.

Gardai said they were not aware of any injuries at this time.

OConnell Bridge and surrounding roads are open and traffic is now moving.

Uniform gardai and Garda Public Order Units will remain on proactive patrol in Dublin City Centre for the remainder of this evening.
The Irish actor shares 14-year-old Henry with actor Alicja Bachleda-Curus.

Colin Farrell hit the red carpet with his rarely photographed teenage son this week at the New York premiere of his new TV show The Penguin.

The Irish actor shares 14-year-old Henry with Alicja Bachleda-Curus, whom he met while filming Ondine and dated for two years before separating in 2010.

Farrell is also dad to 21-year-old son James, who has a rare neurological condition called Angelman syndrome, from his previous relationship with model Kim Bordenave.

The Dubliner reprises his role as Oswald Oz Cobb from the 2022 film The Batman starring Robert Pattinson in new series The Penguin.

It follows his transformation from Gothams unassuming crime boss into one of DC Comics most iconic villains, with the first two episodes premiering on HBO tomorrow, Thursday 19 September.

Colin Farrell at the premiere of The Penguin in New York City. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Variety via Getty Images)

The following six episodes will air weekly on Sunday nights.

The Penguins premiere took place on Tuesday night at the Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York, with Farrell stepping out in a black pinstriped suit, white shirt, and black tie.

His youngest son opted for an all-black ensemble, choosing to ditch a tie on the evening for a more casual look.

It comes after Farrell gushed about his son James ahead of his 21st birthday this month, saying: He's cheeky and he's bold and he's bright, and he knows exactly what he wants.

Hes strong now  hes six foot. He was always like a beanpole, but he's filled out a bit, got a lovely big Ronnie (moustache) on him. He looks like Tom Selleck! He's brilliant  he's just a gorgeous young man, you know.

"And he's in a really good place, and I'm delighted that he's ready to get out in the world now and begin to be able to spread his wings and be a part of programmes that we are trying to figure out.

His mother and I are trying to think about the next stage of his life. He has earned autonomy, and he has earned having a greater sense of community and a greater sense of freedom, he continued.

He shows us that, and he loves people, and he wants to be active in the community and all, but there's just very, very little there.

Inspired by James and out of a desire to do what he can to better the lives of the many other families facing similar challenges, the actor recently decided to establish The Colin Farrell Foundation.

The newly launched, not-for-profit organisation aims to initiate and promote progressive programmes and policies to improve and enhance the lives of individuals living with any form of intellectual disability. The foundation will also work with other intellectual disability (ID) policy advocates in campaigning for change at US governmental level.

Farrell will lead the foundation, managed by a board of directors and an advisory board. They are comprised of highly experienced and successful professionals in various fields. Paula Evans, who previously founded The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), will be CEO.
"She's just such a lady, more of a lady than I'll ever be

Coleen Nolan has applauded her pal Ruth Langsford for her dignity and pride in the wake of her marriage split from Eamonn Holmes.

Coleen also said she had weighed in with some advice for her Loose Women co-star, who has reportedly engaged the services of top divorce lawyer, Catherine Costley, after her shock split from Holmes in May.

Coleen was full of praise for Ruth, who she said, she keeps in touch with all the time.

She's back at work now, which is great because I really missed her, Coleen said in a new interview in the Mirror.

I don't want to say too much because it's not my business to say, but what I will say from a friend's point of view is I've never met anyone that has handled something with so much dignity and pride.

Coleen added: "She's just such a lady, more of a lady than I'll ever be.

I would've spilled my guts right now as I do, that's my problem, I say too much. She's been absolutely amazing, she really has.

Adding that Ruth was doing well and had stayed "strong" through the break-up, Coleen told Woman magazine: "I've given her advice but she doesn't listen to me.

Eamonn and Ruth

I'm going, 'How can you not say anything?' But I don't need to give her advice.

"We send each other lovely memes and I'll send her messages about staying strong and I'll always send her a text asking how is she today or how she is doing.

I just love her and I'm in awe of how she's handled everything. She's so elegant and fabulous."

Ruth was off-screen for several months following her split from Eamonn but returned to Loose Women in July.

She opened her first show by announcing to the audience: "Welcome to your first Loose Women of the week, it's great to have your company.

Her co-star Coleen then added: "Can I just say, I am so, so happy you are back."

Holmes is set to move in with Katie Alexander with the pair reportedly planning to relocate from his rented flat in south west London months after his split from Ruth.

According to sources close to Ms Alexander, a 42-year-old relationship therapist, the pair want to move into a bigger place together.

The 64-year-old Northern Irish GB News presenter and Ms Alexander have been enjoying a luxury holiday to the Mediterranean, where they were snapped arriving in Barcelona.

Holmes was seen driving a mobility scooter through the terminal while Katie pushed their luggage and a walking frame and they were also seen laughing and joking with other cruise passengers at Barcelona Port.

Speaking to The Sun, the source said: Katies assured him she's in it for the long haul and theyre both settling down nicely.

Theyve been spending so much time at his Kingston flat that theyre even looking to move in together permanently.

It has been reported that Ruth knew little about their friendship with Katie spending more time with Eamonn in recent months.

Speaking at the TRIC awards in June, Eamonn said: "I'm not OK. This is not a good time at all."

When asked about whether he and Ruth will continue to have a relationship of any kind, Eamonn added: "It's too early to say but I hope we can still be friends."

Eamonn and Ruth met in 1997 when they were introduced by mutual friends.

They then dated for over a decade before they were married in 2010. However, before the split they had not been photographed together for two years.
A 10-year study in New Zealand shows genetic testing should be available for autistic individuals and their families to refine diagnoses, according to University of Auckland scientists who conducted the research.

A diagnosis is something we've never had, and this has made it possible for us to understand so much more about why our daughter is like she is, one family who took part in the study said.



Some genes underlying autism are associated with co-occurring conditions or could cause other medical challenges later in life, so identifying a gene allows for targeted monitoring and management.

It can also can mark the end of a long search for an accurate diagnosis, and help people find their community via support groups.



Some genetic testing is publicly funded in Aotearoa New Zealand, but our research supports the funding of a more comprehensive approach, said Dr Jessie Jacobsen, a senior lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

This would result in answers for many more families.



More than 100 genes are known to cause autism, and scientists are assessing hundreds more as potentially being involved.

A genetic cause for autism cannot always be found, but in a substantial percentage of individuals it can be.



One of the important aspects of this research is that our genetic approach is successful for autistic individuals regardless of neurological differences, including adults who grew up prior to autism being widely recognised, said Jacobsen.



In the study, scientists sequenced the genomes  thats a persons complete set of genetic information  of 201 autistic individuals and 101 non-autistic family members. The participants ranged in age from two to 81. Most were aged from six to 12 years.



In results similar to those of overseas studies, the method provided clear answers for about 13 per cent of people; their DNA contained a gene known to cause autism. In about another 16 per cent of cases, the tests revealed genes likely to cause autism.



PhD student Suzanne Musgrave was the lead author of the paper detailing the study, which was published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand.



Importantly, this study reveals the diagnostic utility of customised genetic screening for autism, Musgrave and her co-authors wrote in the paper.



The researchers cite evidence from overseas suggesting genetic testing of autistic individuals can lead to cost savings by reducing the time needed to identify specific and personalised support requirements.



Not only does this have important health care and economic implications for the publicly funded health-care service in Aotearoa New Zealand, it also gives individuals and their families a chance to access supports sooner and develop a tailored pathway of care for all aspects of their health and disability needs (medical, social and educational), they wrote.



A repatriation fellowship brought Jacobsen back to New Zealand from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School for her research.

The study was supported by the Minds for Minds Charitable Trust, Cure Kids and A Better Start: E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge, the IHC Foundation, Oakley Mental Health Research Foundation, and the New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI).
The annual Sikh parade has become one of the most popular and colourful events on the Te Puke calendar.

Bay of Plenty Sikh Societys Nagar Kirtan - a parade from the Sikh temple in No 3 Rd to the edge of the CBD and back again - is on this coming Saturday.

Bay of Plenty Sikh Society secretary Lehmber Singh said he expects an even greater number of participants than in previous years, partly due to the increased number of people of Indian heritage in the Bay of Plenty, and also due to people coming to Te Puke from outside the district for the event.

The event is popular locally too, and he said he is regularly asked when the next one is happening.

The parade follows the tradition of Nagar Kirtan - the Sikh custom of processional singing of holy hymns through a community. Nagar means neighbourhood and kirtan describes the singing of devotional hymns.

Singh said the parade is an acknowledgment of faith rather than a celebration.

We are dedicated to our religion and that means also bringing the message to other communities who dont know much about the Sikh religion and what it stands for, who we are and what our mission is, he said.

The Sikh religion is based on three main principles - the first is to work hard in your life, the second is always remember God and the third, share your food, joy and success.

Thats what we want to tell the community, to pass on the messages.

Sharing food, both at the temple and on the parade route, is part of the third principle, and there will also be food stalls along the way in Jellicoe St.

Singh said the Sikh community has had a presence in Te Puke for 30 years and while the people who deal with and are familiar with the community are aware of the principles, some parts of the wider community are not.

The parade will be led by saffron-robed Panj Piare (the five beloved of the Guru) who are followed by the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy Sikh scripture, which is placed on the main float.

The event promotes the Gurus message of love and inter-faith harmony.

The parade will leave the temple at 11am, Saturday, September 21, travel down Atuaroa Ave and Jellicoe St and then turn around at the Boucher Ave/Jellicoe St roundabout before returning to the temple where everyone is welcome to share food and prayer.

If Saturday is too wet for the parade, it will be rearranged for Sunday, September 22.
A Tauranga man caught with hundreds of images and videos depicting horrific child sexual abuse has been sentenced to seven months home detention.

The man in his 50s was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court this month after he pleaded guilty on May 13 to two representative charges of knowingly possessing objectionable material depicting sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

He was granted permanent name suppression. The Bay of Plenty Times has applied to the court for sentencing notes in the case.

The maximum penalty for each charge is 10 years in prison.

The charges relate to possessing 374 images and videos depicting horrific and extreme sexual abuse and exploitation of young children and babies, the Department of Internal Affairs Digital Child Exploitation Team manager Tim Houston said.
An estimated 32,000 young people are missing from a vital vaccination programme after they did not get their shots during the Covid pandemic.

They are the Year 7 and 8 cohort of children who were in lockdown, instead of being at school.

But in spite of the fact that this vaccine actually prevents a range of cancers that 600 people are diagnosed with every year, there is no effort in place to trace them.

"We don't have a plan to catch up with them," said Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa chair Dr Swee Tan.

The virus that causes these cancers is HPV - human papillomavirus - and the vaccine is Gardasil 9, which attacks nine of the most common and high risk strains of the group of more than 200 types. These nine strains can cause a variety of cancers, including cervical and throat cancer.

The Foundation commissioned a health economy study which has just been released, estimating that between 2019 and 2022, treating these preventable cancers cost New Zealand $105 million, not including the costs of diagnosis.

Detecting and diagnosing cervical pre-cancers - just one of the group of six - cost a further $49m.

Some of these cancers, particularly HPV-related throat cancer, are on the rise, meaning the annual cost will keep increasing.

Today on The Detail we look at why New Zealand has such poor rates of vaccination, in spite of it being free for males and females between the ages of nine and 26 years old.

Dr Tan said as a country we are missing the opportunity to reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers to patients and their families, and to the health care system.

"We need to start by setting the vaccination [target] rate at 90 per cent," he said. "And we need to set a timeline in which we want to achieve this. What about 2028?

"By 2028 Australia is on target to eliminate cervical cancer, how about that?"

Currently our target rate for vaccination is set at 75 per cent and we are not achieving it. For people under 15, it takes two shots to be fully vaccinated, and New Zealand has 70 per cent on a single dose, and a completion rate of just 66 per cent.

The rates for Maori and Pacifica are worse, with full vaccination rates at 40 to 50 per cent of young people.

The World Health Organisation would like our target rate to be 90 per cent.

Dr Tan said we need to make it easier for the population to get the vaccine.

"For a relatively small investment we can achieve that, but we need to bring the public along. They need to be convinced that this is beneficial."

That might mean having conversations with parents, many of whom appear to be resistant to the idea of their young children getting cancer, or indeed of them being sexually active.

"I would like to look at a different way of explaining to the families, the parents particularly, that we are doing this to prevent these children getting cancers later on in life. I think that is a better, more accurate message.

"Young people are going to have sex... at some point in life. Their parents are not going to be there to absolutely control them."

The Detail also talks to Dr Cathy Stephenson, a Porirua GP who is also on the board of the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa.

"This is such a prevalent virus that nearly everyone in the community has been exposed to it," she said.

"But over time we should be able to hugely reduce the rates and also hopefully eliminate many of these cancers in coming years - which is extraordinary. We don't have vaccines for most of the other cancers that we're exposed to. So this is a really amazing opportunity... and it's one that I don't think we are embracing in Aotearoa as much as we could."

-RNZ
Teenagers might find a way around new restricted Instagram accounts, but it's important the company is trying, a social media consultant says.

Meta announced on Wednesday designated Instagram accounts would move automatically to "Teen Accounts", which will be private accounts by default.

Users of such accounts can only be messaged and tagged by accounts they follow or are already connected to, while sensitive content settings will be dialled to the most restrictive available.

Users under 16 can change the default settings only with a parent's permission. Parents will also get a suite of settings to monitor who their children are engaging with and limit their use of the app.

Social media and digital communication consultant Anna Rawhiti-Connell told Morning Report the moves showed Meta was starting to feel the pressure of research and governments.

"Kids will find ways around things we know that, we don't know whether or not restrictive bans work but kids aren't meant to vape, smoke or drink and we regulate those things so I think it's worth trying.

"Some things will work and some things won't."

The critical component was parents talking to their children, she said.

"I think parents do need to be probably more engaged on what their kids are doing on social media."

The changes wouldn't resolve the "rabbit hole" nature created by social media algorithms, Rawhiti-Connell said.

"It's very opaque, people don't understand really how any of the social media company algorithms work and particularly in the short vertical video environment, they can be tripped really quickly."

Several studies have linked social media use to higher levels of depression, anxiety and learning disabilities, particularly in young users.

Meta said it will place the identified users into teen accounts within 60 days in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, and in the European Union later this year. Teens around the world will start to get teen accounts in January.

Australia is considering setting a minimum legal age for children to use all social media.
Journalists report that the aggressor country of Russia continues to manufacture the weapons that it uses to strike Ukraine every day. The enemy produces up to 200 missiles a month, and in the case of the Shaheds, the number of missiles is in the hundreds.

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Despite the sanctions imposed by the West against Russia, the Russian military-industrial complex is actively functioning. Forbes Ukraine writes about this with reference to the data of an interlocutor in one of the intelligence agencies.

According to the source, the rate of missile production in Russia is 132-171 units per month, for which the occupiers spend $1.1 billion. They used approximately the same number of missiles during the massive attack on Ukraine on August 26.

Every month, Russia produces 42 to 56 ballistic and 90 to 115 long-range cruise missiles. They can be used to strike deep into Ukrainian territory, in particular, the country's energy infrastructure.

The rate of production of Shahed drones is even faster  more than 500 units. This costs the Russians about $100 million.

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In the first half of September 2024 alone (from the 1st to the 15th), the Russian Federation's troops launched more than 640 Iranian-designed Shahed-136 kamikaze drones into Ukraine. Most of them were shot down by our air defense, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the media wrote that Russia produces almost eight times more X-101 missiles than before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, although the process still depends on components from Western countries, especially the United States.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
MetService is forecasting more active spring weather across Aotearoa New Zealand, with showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds on the horizon.

However, for many, Saturday brings a break in the weather and a chance to enjoy the other side of what spring has to offer.

The western South Island is set for another round of wet conditions.

Many parts of the West Coast and Fiordland have experienced rain nearly every day this month, with year-to-date rainfall already tracking above average," explained MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane.

"The coming days, including Thursday, Friday, and the weekend, are likely to follow the same pattern with more rain from the west and the possibility of heavier falls during thunderstorms.

While the wet weather is approaching from the west, few areas of the country will manage to escape rain or showers in the days ahead. Thunderstorms are also expected to make an appearance.

In addition to the western South Island, Tasman and the Marlborough Sounds could see thunderstorms on Friday, while much of the North Island, including Auckland, may experience thunderstorms Friday afternoon or evening.

Wellington and the eastern North Island look to be the exceptions.

Sharp westerly winds have been a common feature of spring 2024 so far and this continues on Thursday and Friday, especially for the North Island.

Road users, especially those in Auckland, may do well to check any impacts to road conditions on Waka Kotahi NZTAs website, Makgabutlane advised.

Saturday brings a brief respite before things pick up again on Sunday.

In fact, Saturday is shaping up to be the pick of the weekend, with the strongest winds easing and the wettest weather largely confined to the western South Island.

"At this time of year, its always a good idea to make the most of any fine weather, as the next spell of unsettled conditions is never far behind, Makgabutlane said.

This seems to ring true, as rain and showers look set to spread northwards up the country on Sunday, bringing a damp period for some to end the weekend.
Editors note: Childrens writer Bruce Coville of Syracuse has once again written the beginning of a Halloween story - and he needs an ending. Finish the story and send it to us.

Winners will be chosen in each of three groups: kindergarten through third grade, fourth and fifth grades, and sixth and seventh grades. (See contest rules and instructions for submissions below.)

Winning entries will be published on syracuse.com and in The Post-Standard. This is the 25th story contest hosted by Coville and our newsroom.

Children's writer Bruce Coville shares his annual Halloween story for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard's writing contest. (File photo by Stephen D. Cannerelli)File photo

Toddler of Terror

It should have been a simple thing, just a babysitting job like kids do all the time. But this was going be my first time, so I was a bit nervous.

What also made me nervous was that the job was for the Stokers, the family that just moved into the creepy old house at the end of our street. Its a small family  just a mom and dad and their three year old son, Boris, who is cute as a button despite his weird eyes. They seemed nice enough, but I barely knew them.

On the other hand, everyone was excited that they were planning to fix the place up, since it was the closest thing our street ever had to a mansion. Heck, it even had a tower!

When I arrived, Mrs. Stoker gave me the rules: Boris must be in bed by 7:00. He is not allowed to to watch TV, but you may after he is asleep. Weve set out some snacks so please dont open the refrigerator! Well be home by eleven sharp.

I read Boris a couple of picture books and he settled down with no problem. Everything was going fine . . . until the storm broke out.

I had never seen anything like it! Wind screeched around the house like a team of banshees. Rain poured down as if a lake was being emptied onto the roof. Sizzles of jagged lightning split the sky.

I worried that the thunder would wake Boris, but I didnt hear a peep from his room.

The storm raged on. 11 oclock came and went. At 11:45 I got a frantic call from Mrs. Stoker.

A huge tree fell and its blocked the road to the bridge. I dont know how long it will be before we can get home! Now listen carefully and do exactly as I tell you. You might not have noticed, but there is a deadbolt outside Boriss room. As soon as I hang up, go slam that bolt in place. Then hurry to the other side of the house. For Gods sake, dont  

A stupendous flash of lightning sizzled down, and the call went dead.

Dont what? I screamed.

No answer.

I hurried to Boriss room. There was indeed a deadbolt on the outside. That seemed weird for a little kids room, but I figured it must have been installed by the former owner.

I pressed my ear to the door. No sound from inside. Boris was sleeping through this!

I slammed the bolt home, hurried to the kitchen to grab my snacks, then went to the living room. It wasnt totally on the opposite side of the house but I figured it was far enough. I turned on the TV, but before it came on the power died, plunging me into darkness.

I grabbed for my phone to call my mom. When I picked it up, I shrieked in horror at huge red letters that filled screen:

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

That was when Boris started banging on his door, howling Let me out! LET ME OUT!!

I managed to activate my phones flashlight and stumbled to his door. To my horror, he was pounding so hard that the wood was bending.

How could a little kid even do that?

He roared, LET ME OUT! again, and a chill raced down my spine. His sweet little voice now sounded like an angry bear!

He flung himself against the door and the wood cracked.

I ran for the front door but it was locked and wouldnt budge!

A crash behind me. Boriss door was down!

I screamed as heavy footsteps came thumping in my direction.

***

Hey, kids: Write the end of the story

Childrens writer Bruce Coville, of Syracuse, has once again written the beginning of a Halloween story  and he needs an ending.

Finish the story, Toddler of Terror, and send it to us.

Winners will be chosen in each of three groups:

Kindergarten through third grade;

Fourth and fifth grades;

Sixth and seventh grades.

Winning entries will be published in The Post-Standard and on syracuse.com. Winners will receive an autographed copy of one of Covilles books.

Halloween story writing rules

To enter the Halloween story contest, write an ending to Toddler of Terror, by Bruce Coville.

On your entry, include your name, address, age, grade and a phone number where you (or a parent) can be reached.

Mail your story to:

Advance Media New York

CNY Halloween Story c/o Katrina Tulloch

220 S. Warren St.

Syracuse, NY 13202

You can also submit it via email to features@syracuse.com. Be sure to include CNY Halloween Contest in the subject line, or it will not be considered.

The deadline is Monday, Oct. 7 at noon.

Please keep entries to between 600 and 800 words.

Advance Media New York is not responsible for lost, late or misdirected entries. A panel of judges will pick the best entry from each of these three groups: kindergarten through third grade; fourth and fifth grades; and sixth and seventh grades.

Entries are limited to children attending schools in Central New York.

Judges will select the entries they consider to be the most original, creative and entertaining. Winners will be notified by Advance Media New York by phone or email. All judges decisions are final.

Employees, carriers, distributors and agents of Advance Media New York and their immediate family members are not eligible. All entries become property of Advance Media New York and will not be returned.

Winners agree that their entries may be published by Advance Media New York and its affiliates. The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations; void where prohibited.
Hastings, N.Y.  Mosquitos in two locations in Oswego County have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus, or EEE, officials said Wednesday.

Mosquitos tested positive in Hastings and the village of Central Square, according to a news release from Oswego County.

The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent mosquito bites, said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor.

Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks can prevent bites as well as avoiding going out between dusk and dawn, officials said. Insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus can also help protect against mosquitos, officials said.

The virus can cause illness or neurological damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some people develop no symptoms and others have fever, aches, vomiting and diarrhea.

The county health department and soil and water conservation district are offering residents free mosquito dunk kits, officials said. These kits are rounds that kill mosquito larvae.

The kits can be picked up at the Oswego County Health Department, entrance B, 70 Bunner St., Oswego or at the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation Districts front door, 3105 NYS Route 3, Fulton. For more information about the mosquito dunk kits, officials ask residents to call 315-592-9663.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has proposed to place the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, temporarily occupied by Russia, under a UN mandate. This is allegedly necessary to prepare, in his view, a fair referendum.

ADVERTISIMENT

He says that the Crimean peninsula is of key importance if the terms of peace between Ukraine and Russia are to be discussed. The Polish Foreign Minister expressed this personal opinion at the 20th annual YES meeting in Kyiv, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"Crimea is symbolically important for Russia and especially for Putin, but it is strategically important for Ukraine. Therefore, I do not see how they can reach an agreement without demilitarizing Crimea," Sikorski said.

He believes that if both countries are willing, "a solution could be found" to this issue. In particular, he said, Crimea could be placed under a UN mandate with a mission to "prepare a fair referendum."

"After verifying who the legal residents are, and so on... And we could postpone it for 20 years," the Polish foreign minister voiced one of the options.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, he also expressed the opinion that it was a big mistake of the West, particularly the Americans, to tell Ukrainians not to fight in Crimea.

"If Ukrainians had fought in Crimea, even symbolically, he (Putin  Ed.) might not have decided to go to Donbas," Sikorski explained his position.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently declared Ankara's unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. He also noted that Kyiv's return of control over Crimea is a requirement of international law.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Now I know where they stand on ERA

To the Editor:

Thank you to Mark Weiner for your in-depth coverage in the Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 Post-Standard on where candidates for the 22nd Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Brandon Williams and state Sen. John Mannion, stand on the issues important to Central New Yorkers. (What issues separate Brandon Williams, John Mannion in race for Congress?)

Where they stand on adding an amendment to the United States Constitution giving women equal rights under the law was of great interest to me.

The amendment was first introduced in 1923, two years after women gained the right to vote. Moving forward 101 years, after many hurdles, there are only four more yes votes needed in the House of Representatives to pass Discharge Petition# 6 to begin the process of getting the amendment to a floor vote.

Several weeks ago, I contacted Williams to discuss where he stands on the issue and to ask him to vote yes on Discharge Petition# 6 to move the process forward. Three phone calls to his local office and a post on his website were never acknowledged. Constituent services not only involves helping citizens with federal agency problems, but also responding to constituent questions on issues before Congress.

Thanks to your article, I now know where Williams stands on equal rights for women.

Thank you to Mannion for your support of both federal and state ERA amendments.

Joan F. Johnson

Camilus

Ask these questions of John Mannion

To the Editor:

I just finished reading the issues that separate Brandon Williams and John Mannion. I have some questions for Mannion.

What limits if any, would you place on abortions? The second trimester, the ninth month? Voters should know.

You want to expand Medicare and offer coverage to voters under 65. How would pay for this plan and at what age would you make someone eligible? Wouldnt you want to shore up Medicare, a program already on the brink of insolvency, to protect seniors already on Medicare? Are you not aware people are living longer?

You want to let the Trump tax cuts expire. My wife and I are middle class and enjoyed a nice tax cut with an increase in the standard deduction under Trumps tax program. Why would you want to take that away from middle class families like us?

New York state provides exorbitant funding to public schools, yet many are failing. So much so that many seniors can no longer afford to live in their homes. Why would you want to deny parents a choice to have their children attend schools that they feel would better educate them?

I have many more questions for Senator Mannion but I can say with confidence, I would not like his answers.

Michael P. Russo

Syracuse

Williams cares about autistic individuals

To the Editor:

Approximately 1 in 36 children are estimated to have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States. Providing autistic individuals and their families with sufficient resources is an issue that is not talked about enough.

I was grateful to learn about the roundtable discussion that was held in Utica on Aug. 9, spearheaded by Congressman Brandon Williams. He gathered with officials from counties across the Mohawk Valley, as well as parents and family members from the community, to address the challengingissues facing individuals with autism throughout their lifetime. It is imperative that we recognize the ASD is a lifelong disability and support services need to continue through adulthood.

These individuals that have been diagnosed with autism and their families often struggle in secret, but they have not been ignored by Williams. As a co-sponsor of the Autism CARES Act, he is pushing for the reauthorization of $2 billion in federal funds to go towards autism research and programs.

I greatly appreciate the work Williams is doing for this community and families across NY-22. When my son was diagnosed over two decades ago, there was very little support and guidance from our community. I am grateful that those with ASD and their families are finally being seen! Together we can make a difference.

Tracey A. Diamond

Baldwinsville

Where was Williams on Trump/Arlington furor?

To the Editor

Congressman Brandon Williams is a Navy veteran. I would think that as a veteran he would be offended by Donald Trumps disgraceful actions regarding the recent memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery. Should we expect a response condemning the Trump campaigns dishonorable use of this sacred and hallowed ground for a mere campaign prop? Not only was this campaign video footage disrespectful to veterans, but it was also a clear violation of Arlington National Cemetery rules and federal law.

Given that Williams unequivocally supports veterans (its hard to miss his campaign ads), when are we going to see this support manifest itself in his condemnation of the Trump campaigns actions, as well as the lame excuses released by Trump and his campaign? Williams is an unabashed Trump supporter and is unlikely to do anything that will upset the former president, preferring to side with Trump over veterans. I wont hold my breath waiting for a response from our current congressman.

Eric Holmes

Liverpool

She wont be gaslit on abortion

To the Editor:

Congressman Williams, in response to your recent opinion piece (Rep. Brandon Williams: Where I stand on abortion, Sept. 5, 2024):

Isnt is great that your wife, Stephanie, had the right, under the Roe v. Wade decision, to make the best decision for herself and her future! It is the right to privacy. Sadly, depending on where you live today, women no longer have that right. The Dobbs decision, facilitated by you and Donald Trump, has taken away your wifes rights.

You can gaslight some of the people but not me. The government has no place in a womans decisions about her own body. Mind your own business!

Carolyn McAleese

Utica

Williams came through on medals

To the Editor:

I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the outstanding service and compassion of Brandon Williams and his staff. Kelly Lantry was extraordinarily helpful in acquiring the military records and medals of Lorenzo J. Demperio (Inonnoi) that he received for serving his adopted country. The medals are now displayed at Reef Restaurant, Memphis, N.Y., his home since he came to this country.

My quest started when Ann Marie Buerkle was our representative in Congress. Her aide was very helpful, but her term ended before we could reach resolution. With Congressman Dan Maffei, not much happened. Then Rep[. John Katkos aide started out as helpful. However, when I asked for written documentation of the work shed done on my case, she hung up. Ultimately, it was Lantry who followed through with my case. Her attention to detail throughout the process was second-to-none.

I know that Williams and his staff will be very helpful to his constituents. I am doubtful about John Mannion.

Paul A, Kulba

Baldwinsville

Mannion chose voters over pols in Chicago

To the Editor:



Thank you for your continuing coverage of the race for New Yorks 22nd Congressional District.

I had the opportunity to meet John Mannion recently during the open house for Democratic Party office for Clay/Cicero. Mannions decision to stay here and not to go to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention gave me the opportunity to speak to him and state Senate candidate Chris Ryan about their races. They introduced me to their staff, who provided me with info I needed to look into participating in phone banks for their local campaigns.

NY-22 could determine which party controls the House. For me, Mannion made the right decision.



John Berry

North Syracuse
By Dan Clark | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  When a medical practice is purchased and merged with an existing hospital network, there is no law or regulation that requires prices to stay the same for its existing patients.

And research shows if such a rule existed, it would often be broken: commercial prices are higher in areas where hospitals purchase more properties, according to a recent federal report.

That problem is part of what inspired a new bill set to be introduced in the state Legislature that would cap how much hospital networks can charge for outpatient services and allow patients to sue if that ceiling is superseded.

Based on the financial projections weve been able to do, it will save New Yorkers over a billion dollars each year, said state Sen. Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat and the bills sponsor.

The expected legislation, shared exclusively with the Times Union, would also push back on the ever-increasing power of hospital consolidation.

Thats when a major hospital network expands its reach by purchasing medical facilities, like a doctors office or specialty practice. Those properties then become part of the larger network.

Northwell Health, the largest hospital network in New York, recently was approved to acquire Nuvance Health, a provider in the Hudson Valley and Connecticut.

But that type of consolidation can change how services provided at those facilities are billed. Because the facility is now part of the hospital network, patients can be billed as receiving those services from an outpatient hospital department.

Those prices have risen faster  and much higher  than the cost of services at doctors offices across the country, according to research from Blue Health Intelligence, a data analytics group affiliated with health insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Hospital outpatient department prices grew by 27 percent on average between 2017 and 2022, according to that research. Average prices at doctors offices rose by 2 percent in the same period.

That trend was confirmed in data analyzed by the union SEIU 32BJ, which operates its own health fund that finances benefits for their more than 175,000 members.

This is a new practice that were seeing with hospitals, said Claire Brockbank, director of policy for the 32BJ Benefits Fund. This is a new way to make more money out of the system.

Brockbank and the funds staff were able to use data from their own claims to parse out the difference. The results were released in a report published Wednesday by the union.

They found that if their members had been charged the rates provided at doctors offices for the same services billed as outpatient procedures, the health fund could have saved $31 million in 2022.

If we dont pass this legislation, thats going to come out of workers paychecks or were going to have to strike, said Manny Pastrich, president of 32BJ. Thats the sort of choice were facing.

A $20,000 colonoscopy

Krueger was at a health care conference last year when she received an email from her doctors office. She had no symptoms, but her primary care doctor had recommended a colonoscopy because of her age. Shes 66.

They cant give me the exact cost, but theyre laying out the cost and it adds up to $20,000, Krueger said.

It just so happened that executives from several of the largest hospital networks in her Manhattan district were at the conference when she took the stage moments later.

One of you hospitals sitting here right in front of me has just let me know youre going to charge me up to $20,000 for an outpatient colonoscopy, Krueger told the crowd. Could you please look into this and find out how thats humanly possible?

A year later, shes carrying a bill that aims to tamp down on the unexpected costs to patients charged for outpatient hospital services that could have been provided at a doctors office.

Im very happy we have all these great hospitals, said Krueger, who has several prestigious hospitals in her district. But if their pricing is so out of control in comparison, we failed the assignment.

The legislation would cap what health care providers could charge for the total cost of outpatient services, including copays and deductibles, at 150 percent of the Medicare rate.

Insurance companies would be barred from reimbursing health care providers at a rate higher than the cap and be subject to penalties of up to $50,000 per day for violating the law. Hospitals would face penalties of up to $100,000 per day for violations.

Patients, themselves, could sue health care providers and insurance companies for violating the law but that power also lies with the state attorney generals office.

Not all outpatient services would be eligible for the cap but that list would be widely defined and guided by state and federal Medicare rules.

It doesnt make any sense

The bill is the result of months of work between Krueger, 32BJ and Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson, a Bronx Democrat who carries the bill in the lower chamber.

Jackson, like Krueger, has had her own experience with unexpected health care costs resulting from an outpatient service. Hers was a mammogram, which are recommended every two years for women age 40 and above.

When I saw that my regular doctor is now part of a larger hospital setting, the same exact service that I was getting before, Im paying almost double, triple the price, Jackson said. It doesnt make any sense.

That was also confirmed for several routine services in the data analyzed by 32BJ.

The median price of an MRI was $690 among claims billed by a doctors office, for example. The median cost for the same service billed as an outpatient procedure was $1,422.

A patients copay might also be higher for a service billed by an outpatient hospital department rather than a doctors office, depending on their insurance plan.

When you go to a doctor, its $40, Brockbank said. If that doctor is owned by a hospital and you get billed at a hospital outpatient rate, you have a deductible, you may have to pay $100.

Their legislation also aims to combat the dilemma of surprise billing, where a patient doesnt understand why theyre now being charged more for the same thing.

Both health care providers and insurance plans would be required to submit annual reports detailing the rates they charge for outpatient services eligible for the cap and their record of compliance with the law.

We just want to look at our bills, know what were being billed for and be able to afford the cost of the bill, right? Jackson said. Transparency is just necessary to do that.

But that could be difficult at a state Capitol where health care groups have extraordinary power to influence public policy, due in no small part because of their growing power of the market share through hospital consolidation.

Hospital networks also have their own problems. Theyve bemoaned the shortage of qualified staff in recent years and tried to curb that trend through higher pay, at least in the private sector, but that problem continues to persist.

This is not a fight against doctors. This is not a fight with the nurses, Pastrich said. Its a fight with the accountants and the executives who are charging prices unsustainable for working people.

The bill will be up for consideration during the legislative session scheduled to begin in January.

___

(c)2024 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
By Raga Justin | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  Four home care agencies who say they will lose lucrative business contracts under the impending shakeup of a state-backed Medicaid program for people with long-term health care needs are suing the state Department of Health, joining a wave of opposition against the plan.

It comes amid mounting criticism of Gov. Kathy Hochuls proposal to change the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, which allows over a quarter million New Yorkers to choose their home care workers and get reimbursed by the states Medicaid program. Over 600 businesses known as fiscal intermediaries have sprung up since the CDPAP program was rolled out in New York, and offer largely administrative services between the patients enrolled in the program and Medicaid itself.

Beginning in October, they may all be forced out of business: the state Health Department will choose a single, statewide fiscal intermediary to administer the CDPAP program, something the agencies argue represents a blow to market choice.

Hochul has long said the change is a necessary one and that the industry has long been plagued with fraud and abuse. In defending the states choice to eliminate the home care agencies, she has said spending on the program has jumped significantly in the past few years, driven in part by advertising that markets CDPAP as convenient and lucrative.

Home care agencies have mounted an intensifying campaign over the summer to attempt to stop Hochul and health officials from implementing the change. The three New York City-based fiscal intermediaries suing state Health Department Commissioner James McDonald in U.S. District Court in Manhattan allege the shakeup amounts to a breach of their constitutional rights.

Instead of favoring the public at large by strengthening and improving CDPAP, (this) eliminates choice for services by turning the fiscal intermediary industry into a government-supported monopoly run by a single statewide fiscal intermediary that will be hand-picked by the state, states the lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday. This irrational crackdown on competition may benefit the new statewide fiscal intermediary  a private entity  but will harm the public by reducing the level and quality of home care for New York residents who need it most.

The plaintiffs, all home care agencies serving New York City and its suburbs, have retained the prominent law firm Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher. One of their New York attorneys, Mylan Denerstein, previously served as a counsel for former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

The lawsuit is part of a string of legal actions the industry has taken to try to halt the rollout of the proposed changes: last month a group known as the Alliance to Protect Home Care filed a similar claim in state Supreme Court in Albany. That group has also spent millions of dollars in an attempt to sway legislators to its cause and to delay the shakeup.

Attorneys for the three home care agencies that filed this weeks lawsuit argue that the change will also impair the ability of the businesses to maintain longstanding contracts they have with other health care organizations similarly tied to the state and federal Medicaid program. They contend it will cause immediate, severe and permanent changes to the plaintiffs contractual rights in violation of the federal contracts clause.

One of the companies, Marton Care, has a presence in several Capital Region counties, according to the lawsuit. And it holds a longstanding contract with a health insurance company known as Centers Plan for Healthy Living. Both business functions will be disrupted by Hochuls proposed plan, the lawsuit said.

The Times Union previously reported that Centers Plan for Health Living, one of the largest contract-holders with New York, has deep ties to a nursing home operator named Kenneth Rozenberg, currently under a massive investigation from the state attorney generals office for allegations of extensive Medicaid fraud.

While several lawmakers on both ends of the political spectrum have been hesitant to endorse Hochuls plan to overhaul CDPAP, the influential health care union 1199SEIU has backed it, according to a memo circulated to lawmakers earlier this month.

___

(c)2024 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
By the Watertown Daily Times (TNS)

Massena, N.Y.  A report of a shooter Wednesday morning at Massena Central High School turned out to be another type of shooter  a small alcohol bottle referred to as a shooter.

Incidents involving the Ogdensburg City School District and the St. Lawrence-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services were also reported Wednesday.

In a message to families, Massena Central High School officials said there had been an anonymous report of a shooter at the high school at about 10:25 a.m.

Immediately, the school engaged its established emergency protocols. The students making the report were quickly found. Simultaneously, the student identified as the shooter was identified, located and searched by the School Resource Officer. After searching the student and further questioning of the reporting students, it was found that the student was in possession of a small alcohol bottle, referred to as a shooter. The reporting students indicated that this is what they were speaking about and not that the student had a gun, they said.

They said there was no actual shooter or firearms at the high school.

I commend those individuals who quickly reported what was heard. This allowed the School Resource Officer and administration to move into immediate action to ensure student and staff safety, they said. All normal activities are now resumed.

Meanwhile, reports of threats at the Ogdensburg City School District and St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES facilities and surrounding facilities were also unfounded, school officials said.

Ogdensburg City School Superintendent Kevin K. Kendall said in an email that the school district was made aware of a situation concerning a social media threat from a student at John F. Kennedy Elementary.

The student is currently in custody of the Ogdensburg City Police Department and was never in possession of any weapon on school property, he said. We know this information can be unsettling, but the safety of our students and staff members are our top priority. We are working with the Ogdensburg Police regarding the situation and will provide any updates as necessary.

St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES administration also notified staff and families regarding a hoax threat.

The administration at St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES was notified this evening about a social media post threatening violence against BOCES. The New York State Police were immediately notified and began the process of investigating the reports. We received notification from the State Police that it is believed to be a hoax threat as it is the same message that was circulated earlier today in western New York. The State Police also indicated that it has been dealt with by law enforcement, they said.

They said they were thankful that the matter was reported immediately and that law enforcement was able to investigate.

The district encourages people to remain aware of postings such as these and to report circumstances you think may be unsafe to authorities.

We have a strong partnership with the New York State Police Department, who are always supportive and quick to respond to any of our requests, the administration said.

___

(c)2024 Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.)

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
On Wednesday, September 18, YouTube blocked the accounts of Belarusian TV channels, radio and one agency that are part of the state media holding Belteleradiokompania. A total of 18 accounts of Belarusian media outlets under EU sanctions have been deleted.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by LRT. It is noted that the video hosting blocked the accounts of Belarusian state media at the request of Lithuania.

Among the deleted accounts are those of the ATN news agency, Belarus 1, Belarus 2, Belarus 3, Belarus 5, Belarus 4 TV channels, as well as Radius FM, Radius FM House, Radio Stolitsa, Radio 1, and Radio Belarus.

In July, the Lithuanian Radio and Television Commission asked Google to block the accounts of Belarusian broadcasters.

A press release from the Lithuanian media watchdog states that the commission asked the platform to delete 18 Belarusian accounts as part of its cooperation with Google.

Earlier, the head of the Belarusian Broadcasting Company, Ivan Eismont, was sanctioned by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The EU Council stated that such a decision against Eismont was made because he spreads propaganda and supports the regime of Alexander Lukashenko.

ADVERTISIMENT

As a reminder, in August 2020, mass protests began in Belarus against the results of the presidential election, which the country's CEC declared the winner, Lukashenka, who was elected for the sixth consecutive term. Belarusians took to the streets to demand his resignation and new elections, accusing the authorities of fraud. Lukashenka's regime responded to the Protestants with brutal repression.

In response to the human rights violations, Western countries imposed several packages of sanctions against Belarus.

As OBOZ.UA reported, on August 5, 2024, on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus, the European Union imposed sanctions against 28 Belarusian journalists and security officials. They played an important role in political persecution and human rights violations.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
DANIEL PEARSON/Taos News file photo

District Attorney Marcus Montoya delivers closing argument during a recent trial in 8th Judicial District Court in this file photo. The DA is heading up a "junior DA" program to educate Taos High School students about the criminal justice system .
The first microplastics were found mixed in with marine plankton. Today we know that they have reached the poles, the mountains, the atmosphere and human testicles. In the image, plastic debris on a beach in Thy National Park, on the Danish coast.

Barely visible to the eye, microplastics are found in the sea, rivers and lakes, as well as the ice at the poles and in the most distant land on the planet. They are often confused with marine plankton, and enter the food chain. Humans have been eating, drinking and even breathing plastic for decades. Only 20 years ago, a group of scientists introduced the term microplastics for the first time. On Thursday, these same researchers published a new review in the journal Science on what they have discovered since then. Their findings are so alarming they have called for urgent global action to reduce microplastics.

The mass production of plastic did not begin until 1950. A decade later, first fishermen and then scientists warned of the presence of plastic waste in the oceans. By the late 1970s, dozens of studies were warning that smaller pieces of plastic were mixing in with plankton in the North Sea, the Sargasso Sea, the Caribbean, the South Atlantic... But it was not until 2004  when the journal Science published a short article that mentioned microplastics for the first time  that the word entered into common use. By then, plastic had become essential to human civilization.

Plymouth University professor Richard Thompson was the first author of that Science article that sought to explain the inconsistency between the figures of plastic produced and the amount counted in the sea, realizing that the key was that the pieces of plastic were increasingly smaller. After 20 years of research, there is clear evidence of harmful effects from microplastic pollution on a global scale, said Thompson, who has co-authored the latest study in Science. The new work is a review of what science, with more than 7,000 published studies, has learned about microplastic. The first point is that they are everywhere. Microplastics were first detected in the sea, but are also found in the atmosphere. Research into their presence in soil is more recent, but according to this new review, it could even triple the concentration in the seas. Overall, it is expected that, by 2040, the amount will more than double.

There are still unknowns, but during the 20 years since our first study, the amount of plastic in our oceans has increased by around 50%, only further emphasizing the pressing need for action, Thompson said in a statement.

Whats more, microplastic and plastic travels long distances. For example, plastic debris generated in Europe and North America ends up in the Arctic Circle, carried by the current, where it breaks down into smaller pieces. Microplastics can even be found in the mountains. In the Pyrenees, for example, the concentration of microplastics is similar to what is found in Paris or in Chinas industrial cities.

Fibers shed from clothing represent a large percentage of microplastics. The treaty being studied by the United Nations raises the need to develop new fabrics that do not shed them. In the image, several of them are seen on the grooves of a human finger. Ali Majdfar (Getty Images)

With a size of a few microns, microplastics are confused with the plankton that many species feed on or are accidentally ingested. According to the new study, microplastics have been documented inside specimens of more than 1,300 species of fish, birds and mammals. From the intestines of anchovies and sardines, through to the stomachs of dolphins and seagulls, and human testicles. While there is no proof yet that this is connected with the fact that the quality of human sperm has dropped by half in the last half century, there is a temporal correlation. Only in recent years have researchers started to understand the impact of microplastic on human health. New research is beginning to document how not only microplastics, but also nanoplastics inside the human body increases the risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke.

Thompsons work warns about nanoplastics, which are two or three orders of magnitude smaller than microplastics. As the University of Cadiz researcher Carmen Morales explained; the smaller they are, the more bioavailable.

There are two major types of micro and nano plastics: primary and secondary. The former are plastics that were originally micro, such as the fibers that come off a sweater or the tiny pieces of plastic that are released from tires every time we brake too hard. But, according to the British professors review, the largest proportion of microplastic is secondary, meaning it comes from the fragmentation of larger pieces of plastic until they become first micro and then nano. The study has found that the rate at which plastic reaches the environment is much faster than the slow process by which its basic components are assimilated by the Earth through mineralization.

The review also takes aim at the illusion of biodegradable plastic. As Morales  who did not participate in this work  points out: In reality, many of the plastics that are advertised as biodegradable actually break up into smaller pieces. This, paradoxically, means that the supposedly environmentally friendly products are actually more harmful, as they accelerate plastic decomposition. Since 2019, the European Commission has banned the manufacture and marketing of oxo-biodegradable plastics, which quickly fragment into smaller and smaller pieces in the presence of oxygen but dont break down at the molecular or polymer level.

Both Thompson and Morales are members of the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, which lobbies authorities to reduce dependence on plastic. Most measures place the responsibility on consumers, when the most effective ones should be higher up, at the beginning of the chain, explained Morales.

In November, the United Nations will perhaps hold the definitive meeting to reach a binding global agreement on microplastics. Morales gives the example of the Montreal Protocol on CFCs, which in 1987 banned the manufacture of CFC gases, as they were causing the hole in the Ozone layer, with a transition phase. It is not about eliminating plastics to zero, but rather analyzing which are essential and which are not, looking for alternatives, concludes Morales. Thirty years after the Montreal Protocol, the hole in the ozone layer is beginning to recover.

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Why it matters: Elon Musk's ever-expanding network of Starlink internet satellites is increasingly becoming a major headache for astronomers studying the universe. While the streaks of light from these satellites in images have been a well-known concern for years, researchers in the Netherlands are now also raising alarms about leaked radio signals from the new generation of Starlink satellites.

Experts at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) claim that second-generation, or "V2," Mini Starlink satellites emit interference that is a staggering 32 times stronger than that from previous models. Director Jessica Dempsey explained to the BBC that this overwhelming radio noise is effectively "blinding" their telescopes, jeopardizing research on crucial cosmic phenomena such as black holes, early galaxies, and exoplanets.

The radiation levels measured from the V2 satellites exceed international regulatory limits. In July, ASTRON's LOFAR radio telescope detected unintended emissions from nearly every V2 satellite it observed  an astonishing 10 million times brighter than the faintest celestial objects typically studied. According to the researchers, it's akin to trying to examine dim stars while a full moon is out.

With SpaceX launching around 40 new V2 satellites into orbit each week, Dempsey warned that the situation is rapidly worsening. As of the latest count, there are over 6,400 Starlink satellites orbiting Earth, significantly outnumbering competitors like OneWeb, which has fewer than 1,000 satellites. These figures are small compared to the projected total of 100,000 satellites by 2030 as companies race to expand global broadband coverage.

The Starlink satellites are relatively large, with flat panels extending three meters and an eight-meter-long solar array for power.

Beyond radio astronomy, the interference problem extends to increased light pollution. Research from 2022 revealed that less than 0.5 percent of astronomical images were affected by satellites in late 2019. By August 2021, this had risen to nearly one in five images.

Astronomers confronted SpaceX following issues with the first-generation Starlink satellites, but the situation appears to have worsened with the V2 models, according to the report.

The ASTRON team believes that shielding the satellites' batteries could significantly reduce emissions and interference. However, they argue that stricter regulation and oversight of satellite operations are necessary to achieve meaningful improvements.

Image credit: Chr. Offenberg
The antitrust regulators of the European Union have launched an action against Apple as it seeks to force the tech giant to open its closed ecosystem up to other competitors.

If Apple does not comply, major financial losses are imposed by the newly implemented Digital Markets Act (DMA) on it.

EU Cracks Down on Apple's Closed Ecosystem

The Digital Markets Act came into effect last year. The idea behind the DMA is to level the playing field for competitors against powerhouses such as Apple by targeting "gatekeepers."

So, the first step in this process of implementing the DMA comes under the specification proceedings, where the European Commission outlines the new requirements that Apple will need to comply with.

"Today is the first time we use specification proceedings under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue," EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

According to Reuters, the EU will make sure that key iOS connectivity features are available for competitors by Apple. This includes functionalities for smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets, and other internet-connected devices.

The Commission will also show the tech giant in detail how it should ensure the interoperability of its products efficiently.

Read Also: How the Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Is Tech Giant's Big Loss for Its New Smartwatches

iOS Connectivity and Interoperability Obstacles

Big concerns by the commission are posed by Apple's connectivity features on iOS. The commission will outline how the Apple device company should change its operating systems to allow competitors to have access to some of these vital functions like notification, device pairing, and connectivity.

This is, therefore, an extremely huge change for Apple as its ecosystem has been very tightly closed, and interoperability requirements would make Apple open up a clear path for other manufacturers and developers to integrate their products seamlessly with iOS.

Third-Party Developers and the Way of Interoperability

The other practice the EU launched against Apple is its handling of developers' and third parties ' requests for interoperability to their iOS and iPad. This concerns transparency and fair competition that arises out of how these requests are treated by Apple.

The Commission deemed it important that the process of dealing with requests of developers should be transparent and timely.

In its words, developers need "an effective and predictable path to interoperability." This is important not only for fostering competition but also for encouraging innovation in the tech space.

Both of these measures are likely to take up to six months. And the result might heavily influence Apple as well as its negotiation with developers and hardware producers.

Counter Response from Apple: Balancing Compliance and Consumer Protection

Though Apple stated that it is more than willing to cooperate with the European Commission, the latter warned the company about risks after issuing a statement warning that undermining the protections it has developed over the years will expose European consumers to cybersecurity risks.

The Cupertino-based firm has argued for quite some time that its closed system is safer through the control of peripheral devices and their software entering the system. The Commission doesn't take much consideration toward this and is more focused on fair competition and innovation; that is, dominance by one must not be stifling innovation as well as limiting consumer choices.

It aims to make it possible for adequate competition within a digital ecosystem under the DMA.

The EU's antitrust moves will, thus, bring high stakes to Apple. An undertaking of this nature that fails to meet the threshold set by the new Digital Markets Act may see the firm fined. It means that for consumers, the DMA pokes on the door of a more interoperable device, which shall retain an open and competitive market.

The next six months would, therefore be a defining moment for both parties, specifically Apple and the EU as they would negotiate how the outcome might shape the functions of Apple's ecosystem in Europe.

Related Article: Apple Antitrust: US DOJ Puts a Spotlight on iMessage's Green Bubbles, Lack of RCS
The iPhone 16 series will soon arrive for pre-orders, and a discovery points to Brazil being one of Apple's assembly lines for producing the latest smartphone. This move by Cupertino will not remove its previous countries of operation, as Brazil will join China and India in its development.

For the longest time, Apple has assembled its devices in China, but it looks to lessen its reliance on the country, adding India to its list.

Apple Adds Brazil in Its Assembly Line for the iPhone 16

MacMagazine revealed that Apple shifted its iPhone 16 assembly again, but this time, to the closer South American country, Brazil. This was revealed by the iPhone 16's regulatory filings in Brazil, marking a new focus by Apple turning to the largest Latin American country for its tech development.

Furthermore, the assembly has started on Foxconn's Jundiai, Sao Paulo facility. However, it was revealed that Apple previously used this facility to produce iPhones.

That being said, this would be the first time Apple will assemble new iPhones from the start of its production.

Read Also: US Blocked More Companies From Supplying to Huawei, 8 Licenses Revoked This Year: Document

China, India, and Brazil are Where the iPhone 16's Come From

The report also stated that only the base iPhone 16 models would come from Brazil in this initial run. Apple's other assembly line would join it in two main hubs in the Asian continent, China and India.

It was revealed that the more expensive and premium versions of the iPhone 16 series would arrive from China and India, but it was not specified which models are coming from either country.

This follows Apple's move to reduce its reliance on China after various years of leaning toward the East Asian superpower to assemble its devices.

Through this move, Apple's export of iPhones would be faster to the countries where its assembly line is located, contrary to previous timelines that could take up to a month.

Apple is Diversifying Its Outsourcing of Tech Assembly

California has been the home of Apple for the longest time, and this has also been the site of its assembly for its different devices, including past parts production. However, Apple has since moved to China when it outsourced its parts development and assembly, and it has been this way for a long time.

However, last year spelled a different path for Apple's iPhone assembly, as it was reported that it is moving its production to India to reduce its reliance on China.

The iPhone 15 production marked Apple's shift to India, but its assembly line in Vietnam joined its diversified approach.

Reports claimed that Apple's shift was partly because of reducing its reliance on China, but it was also revealed that labor costs are higher in the region compared to India. That said, Apple has made another move in iPhone 16's development, but this time turning to the South American region, under Foxconn's Brazil facility.

Related Article: Indian Labor Officials Question Foxconn iPhone Plant Executives Over Alleged Discrimination Against Married Women
In the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), the famous archaeologist played by actor Harrison Ford finds a jewel-encrusted crucifix in a cave in Utah that Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes had given to fellow conquistador Francisco Vazquez de Coronado y Lujan  the so-called Cross of Coronado. Although this gift never existed, there is a real basis for the story.

Between 1540 and 1542, Coronado left the Mexican city of Compostela and set out to find the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola, where were said to be full of unparalleled riches. He traveled over a good part of what is now the United States and left an archaeological trail that has now been recovered by the study, Medieval Castilian Currency in the American Midwest.

The new article  by researcher Raul Sanchez Rincon, from the Museum of Archaeology of Alava, and Iagoba Ferreira Benito, a historical reenactor  reveals the discovery of crossbow projectiles, clothes pins and medieval coins, that had been lost or left behind during Coronados expedition. Some 300 Spaniards  on horseback or on foot  and nearly 1,000 allied American Indians crossed the current states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. While the search for Seven Cities of Cibola was unsuccessful, the expedition discovered the Grand Canyon, a natural formation that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.

In recent years, ranchers and metal detectorists have found a series of metal objects in Blanco Canyon in Texas, including pierced coins from the time of Ferdinand IV of Castile (1295-1312), minted in Toledo, and another coin from a Castilian monarch from the House of Trastamara, probably from Henry III of Castile (1390-1406), minted in Burgos.

But thats not all that was found: crossbow bolt heads made of copper, lead muzzleloader bullets (to feed shotguns through the barrel), small bronze cones (also called agujetas), horseshoes and horseshoe nails, belt buckles and glass beads have also been unearthed. Among these materials there are several of great interest, related to clothing or offensive and defensive [military] equipment, the study notes. According to the authors of the article, published in the history journal El Eco Filotelico y Numismatico, these objects must have come from Coronados expedition.

The study attaches particular importance to small copper-based alloy tubes with a pin that runs diametrically through one of their ends. Their function, as reflected in abundant pictorial representations from the 15th and 16th centuries, was to reinforce the ends of the cords that were used to join garments (doublets and breeches) or to secure defensive pieces of chain mail.

The crossbow bolts found are similar to European crossbow points from that period, but are made from different material (copper instead of iron) and manufactured differently. They were worked from a flat piece of copper bent to the desired shape. Similar examples have also been found in the area of Albuquerque and Hawikuh (New Mexico), which is also associated with Coronados expedition. They were probably made in America due to the lack of supplies necessary to forge iron bolts on the continent. The conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo wrote that during the siege of Tenochtitlan in 1521 the Spanish managed to make 50,000 of these bolts in just eight days.

Medieval Castilian coins found at the Blanco Canyon site (Texas). Museo de Historia del Condado de Floyd

In another area near the site  called Jimmy Owens, named after the first detectorist who found it  a chain mail glove was found. The experts believe this could have been medieval and Renaissance protection for an unarmed left hand. The authors argue that the glove could have prevented the soldier being cut when deflecting the enemys blade or grabbing it. It only covers three fingers.

At the time of Coronados expedition, this type of protection was no longer used in Europe, but it was used in America. There is evidence that 200 chain mail coats were sent to present-day Jamestown (Virginia) in 1622. However, the damage caused to the site by looters makes it impossible to date it and to determine the exact location of the find and its archaeological context. Perhaps it is no more than a 100 years old and is from a nearby cattle farm. What surprises us, say the researchers, is that it is in a very good state of preservation, despite the 500 years that have passed [since the expedition].

On their journey in pursuit of the Seven Cities of Cibola  also known as the Seven Cities of Gold , Coronado and his men explored the territories of northern Texas, locating new cities and lands, some as emblematic as the Grand Canyon, which was discovered by one of the men on the expedition, Garcia Lopez de Cardenas. The account of the expedition was collected by the soldier Pedro Castaneda de Najera, who provided details on all kinds of geographical and ethnographic data on territories and peoples that were unknown until then. They were the first Europeans to see bison, as well as the Grand Canyon.

Crossbow bolts from the Coronado expedition. Museo de Historia del Condado de Floyd

On the route that led them to the city of Quivira (Kansas), Coronados expeditionary force crossed what is now Texas, where, according to the preserved documentation, they established two camps on two ravines. The first was located near a village of the Teya Indians and was hit by a severe hailstorm that caused significant property damage and led several horses to escape. In the second, the contingent remained for a couple of weeks hunting bison, while Coronado and a small group ventured further north.

The study states that the two late medieval Castilian-Leonese coins found are the ones that spark the most doubts and offer the greatest mysteries. In the absence of archaeological context and information regarding the circumstances in which the pieces were found, the researchers put forward two hypotheses. The most logical and probable is that they traveled in the pockets of some members of the [Coronado] expedition in order to be used as a means of exchange with the Natives or as a gift. The second hypothesis is that the two coins arrived through the commercial exchange that the Teya Indians maintained with other nearby peoples, who had previously come into contact with the Spanish.

As is the norm with metal detector finds, in addition to losing the contextual information associated with the pieces, they are not usually collected in a systematic and protocolized way, which causes the loss of very valuable data for future research, the experts complain. The materials  or very possibly only part of them  have been deposited at the Floyd County History Museum in Texas.

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Storm Boris toll rises to 24 dead in Europe



Prague, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2024



The toll from storms in central and eastern Europe rose to at least 24 people on Wednesday, as the Czech Republic reported its fourth and fifth victims.

Since last week Storm Boris has brought widespread flooding and torrential rain, with victims also in Austria, Poland and Romania.

Czech police spokesman Jakub Vincalek told AFP on Wednesday that eight people were still missing after the deluge.

The fourth Czech victim, a woman from the northeastern village of Kobyla nad Vidnavkou, had been missing since Sunday morning.

"Unfortunately the 70-year-old woman was found dead," regional police spokesman Libor Hejtman told AFP.

The CTK news agency said the woman was found caught in a fence near her house, which had been destroyed by the Vidnavka river.

Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan then announced a fifth Czech victim during a TV debate, without offering any details.

The heavy rain pounded the Czech Republic on Friday and Saturday and raised river levels mainly in the north and northeast of the EU member country of 10.9 million people.

The flooding -- which tore down houses, disrupted road and railway traffic and caused power outages -- has since receded, revealing extensive damage.
UK campaigners in green energy standoff reject 'nimby' label



Friston, United Kingdom, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



With its medieval church and picturesque village green, the tranquil hamlet of Friston in eastern England should be an unlikely place for a showdown with the UK government and an energy giant.

But Friston, population 341, is on the frontline of a bitter green energy battle between locals in the rural county of Suffolk and those who want to locate a vast energy hub there.

If the plans by National Grid -- backed by both the new Labour government and its Conservative predecessor -- go ahead, it will see the area transformed by steel and concrete for onshore substations.

Undersea cables from offshore windfarms would make landfall somewhere on the nearby coastline before being sent a few kilometres inland via huge "cable trenches", requiring years of disruptive construction work.

The government wants to decarbonise electricity supply by 2030. The Suffolk campaigners back that transition to renewables.

They warn, however, that current plans to bring green energy from offshore wind turbines into the grid via the planned infrastructure will be an ecological and tourism "catastrophe".

Thousands of jobs in Suffolk depend on the year-round visitors who flock to the county's beaches, coastal resorts and unspoilt countryside.

The area is particularly renowned for its protected birdlife.

Opposition to the plans could certainly appear to be driven by "nimbyism" -- the opposition to something being built or done in your local community, even if it has to be done elsewhere.

Suffolk residents are understandably keen to preserve their rural haven.

But the campaigners, who believe offshore infrastructure would both be less destructive and more efficient, argue the issues are far bigger.



- 'Laughed at' -



"We've been laughed at, because they say we're just nimbys. We've been mocked," said Fiona Gilmore, a former strategic adviser to emerging market countries, who set up the Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS) campaign group in 2019.

Branding her and other critics of the scheme "nimbys" -- or "not in my backyard" -- is just a convenient way of dismissing their justifiable concerns for nature and the environment, she added.

Those include the irreversible potential destruction of acres of heathland, habitat, coastline and wetland.

Adam Rowlands, of the bird protection body RSPB, said the dispute was far more than "just a local issue" and posed a real risk to the nearby North Warren nature reserve.

"A nationally important population spends the winter on those marshes," he said.

The RSPB "absolutely sees the need to transform our energy grid and infrastructure", he added.

"But we need to do that in a way that doesn't exacerbate the biodiversity crisis," he said, adding that offshore options also had disadvantages for marine ecology that had to be considered.

SEAS argues that the UK's North Sea neighbours such as Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are already building offshore hubs and that these could work for the UK too.

The actor Ralph Fiennes, who spent his early childhood on the Suffolk coast, has thrown his support behind the drive for offshore alternatives.

"Yes, yes, yes to green power a million times over, the planet is lost without it," said Fiennes in a short film he made highlighting the ecological cost of the plans.

"But our very real human connection to the coast that defines us will be undermined and eroded unless we... implement that vital green power with a forward-thinking and environmentally enlightened vision," he said.

Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, however, this week appeared to reject campaigners' pleas for a pause to reconsider the plans.

On Tuesday he vowed to "take on the blockers, the delayers, the obstructionists" to build clean energy infrastructure.



- 'Not listened to' -



The campaigners say they have been shaken by the way they have been treated by a system they describe as "not fit for purpose".

Despite spending hours preparing submissions for the various hearings organised as part of the planning process, Gilmore said the overwhelming impression campaigners had was of "not being listened to".

And she said the mental health issues for those caught up in the row were "massive".

People in Friston, near the market town of Saxmundham, "have been living with this nightmare hanging over them for over five years", she said.

"You can't just treat people like this."

Fellow campaigner Charlotte Fox, a retired intensive care anaesthetist, said she initially accepted National Grid's decision, believing it and the government were working in the national interest.

But after doing some research she said she concluded that there was now a "perfectly viable alternative option that is cheaper, better, faster" without the destruction that would be caused by what she considers an outdated scheme.

"What is the point of causing all this destruction and damaging the biodiversity that we are trying to save in the first place?"

har/phz/gv/lb
Flood-hit region leaders to meet in Poland to discuss EU aid



Warsaw, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



The leaders of four countries hit by Storm Boris will meet Thursday in Poland with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to discuss aid for the flood-hit region.

The death toll from the storm which has hit central and eastern Europe in recent days rose to 24 on Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

Strong wind and heavy rains have been hitting the region since last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five people in the Czech Republic.

The meeting of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, Slovakia's Robert Fico and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will take place in Wroclaw, a historic city of 670,000 people in southwest Poland.

Struck by devastating floods in 1997, residents of Wroclaw have become increasingly concerned as the waters rise.

They are expected to reach their peak on Thursday.

While this is expected to be lower than it was in 1997, dams could be at risk if the high water lasts for several days.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban -- who this week cancelled all his international engagements because of the storm -- will not be present at the meeting even though his country has also been badly affected.

Romania's prime minister will also be absent because of a defence meeting.

Fiala said on X on Wednesday that the leaders would "discuss the possibilities for European financial aid to the Czech Republic and other countries in central Europe".



- 'Even better coordination' -



Commission deputy chief spokesperson Arianna Podesta told reporters that von der Leyen "will visit the area at risk in Wroclaw to assess the situation created by the recent heavy floods and rains that have hit Poland".

"She will discuss the actions taken by the authorities to respond to this crisis," she added.

Austria's Nehammer said: "We must use and expand the instruments that have been created for disasters like this. I will call in Poland for the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism".

The Czech Republic has already requested the activation of the mechanism to receive aid.

Nehammer said the summit would also discuss "an even better coordination of flood protection measures".

In Poland, several towns and villages have been devastated by the flood waters which have demolished houses, brought down bridges and heavily damaged road and rail infrastructure.

In some areas, residents still lack drinking water and electricity.

Grassroots funding initiatives have been organised across the country as local authorities begin to assess damage which could run into the billions of zloty.

The Polish government says it has unblocked 470 million euros (two billion zloty) of direct aid to people and localities affected by the floods.

Austria has said its disaster relief fund will be increased to one billion euros to help flood victims.

burs-bo/rox/ach
Myanmar flood death toll climbs to 268: state media



Yangon, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



The death toll in Myanmar in the wake of Typhoon Yagi has reached 268, with 88 people missing, the junta has said, as state media reported the first arrival of foreign aid.

Yagi swept across northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar more than a week ago, triggering floods and landslides that have killed 588 people across the region, according to official figures.

The floods in 56 townships in Myanmar had resulted in "268 deaths and 88 people missing", the junta's information team said in a statement on Wednesday.

It also said that nearly 270,000 hectares (more than 660,000 acres) of rice and other crops had been submerged, and more than 100,000 farm animals killed.

The previous death toll reported by state TV was 226, with 77 people missing.

The floods have heaped more misery on a country where millions were already displaced by more than three years of conflict unleashed by the military's 2021 coup.

The UN has warned that as many as 630,000 people could be in need of assistance in Myanmar in the wake of Typhoon Yagi.

Last weekend the junta issued a rare appeal for foreign aid to help cope with the disaster.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has "ordered all to carry out rehabilitation tasks to return to normality within six months", the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Thursday.

On Wednesday an Indian navy ship delivered aid including dried food, clothes, medicine and tents at Thilawa port in commercial hub Yangon, the newspaper said.
Flood-hit region leaders to meet in Poland to discuss EU aid



Wroclaw, Poland, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



The leaders of four countries hit by Storm Boris will meet Thursday in Poland with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to discuss aid for the flood-hit region.

The death toll from the storm which hit central and eastern Europe in recent days rose to 24 on Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

Strong wind and heavy rains struck the region last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five people in the Czech Republic.

In some places, the water "literally destroyed everything. The landscape is like that after a war, rather than a flood," Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak told reporters on Thursday.

The meeting of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, Slovakia's Robert Fico, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and von der Leyen will take place in Wroclaw, a historic city of 670,000 people in southwest Poland.

Struck by devastating floods in 1997, residents of Wroclaw had become increasingly concerned as the waters rose.

They reached their peak early Thursday.

While the water level is lower than it was in 1997, dams could be at risk if the high water lasts for several days.

On Thursday, Tusk warned during a crisis meeting in Wroclaw "against an atmosphere of unjustified euphoria and relief... that the worst is behind us".

But Wroclaw pensioner Ewa Powazka, 70, was optimistic.

"There are sandbags everywhere, something we didn't have in 1997. This time, the city began to prepare a few days ago," she told AFP.

"I hope it won't get flooded."



- 'Even better coordination' -



Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will not be present at the meeting as he cancelled all his international engagements this week because of the storm -- even though his country has for now not been badly affected.

Romania's prime minister will also be absent because of a defence meeting.

Fiala said on X on Wednesday that the leaders would "discuss the possibilities for European financial aid to the Czech Republic and other countries in central Europe".

Commission deputy chief spokesperson Arianna Podesta told reporters that von der Leyen "will visit the area at risk in Wroclaw to assess the situation created by the recent heavy floods and rains that have hit Poland".

"She will discuss the actions taken by the authorities to respond to this crisis," she added.

Austria's Nehammer said: "We must use and expand the instruments that have been created for disasters like this. I will call in Poland for the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism".

The Czech Republic has already requested the activation of the mechanism to receive aid.

Nehammer said the summit would also discuss "an even better coordination of flood protection measures".

In Poland, several towns and villages have been devastated by the flood waters which have demolished houses, brought down bridges and heavily damaged road and rail infrastructure.

In some areas, residents still lack drinking water and electricity.

Grassroots funding initiatives have been organised across the country as local authorities begin to assess damage which could run into the hundreds of millions.

The Polish government says it has unblocked 470 million euros (two billion zloty, over $520 million) of direct aid to people and localities affected by the floods.

Austria has said its disaster relief fund will be increased to one billion euros to help flood victims.

burs-bo-amj/rlp
Evacuations as tail of Storm Boris floods northeast Italy



Rome, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



Italian authorities evacuated some 1,000 people from their homes as the tail end of Storm Boris pummelled a northeastern region that was devastated by deadly flooding last year, regional authorities said on Thursday.

The strong winds and rains which have swept across central and eastern Europe, killing 24 people, lashed the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions on Wednesday, leaving some towns under water.

Deputy Transport Minister Galeazzo Bignami told a press conference that two people were missing after they took refuge on a roof which then collapsed.

Schools closed and trains were cancelled Thursday as the rains lashed the same area hit by two floods in May 2023, which killed 17 people and caused billions of euros in damage.

Locals in Faenza told Local Team journalists they blamed authorities for fresh damage to their homes.

"There's one and a half metres of water in my house, again, after I'd just finished refurbishing it," one unnamed resident was quoted as saying.

Over 1,000 people have been evacuated, regional Emilia-Romagna authorities told AFP Thursday.

"We are in a full emergency," Ravenna mayor Michele De Pascale told Radio 24, saying the situation was "very similar to what we had last May (2023)".

"The population is on high alert," said Emilia-Romagna's acting president, Irene Priolo, told Radio Rai 1, adding that last year 45,000 people were evacuated but that the damage this time was not expected to be as extensive.

Priolo defended her administration, saying "so many construction works have been carried out" since the flooding last year.

Storm Boris has brought widespread flooding and torrential rain, with victims in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania.

Experts say climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as torrential rains and floods.
The Netherlands has announced plans to expand its purchase of F-35 fighter jets, further bolstering its defense capabilities. The new order will raise the total number of F-35s to 58, up from 52. The decision reflects ongoing efforts by the Netherlands to modernize its air force and align with NATO defense goals.

A week later, Italy announced a budget of 7 billion Euros to acquire 25 additional F-35s for its air and naval force. The new order will bring the Italian F-35 fleet to 115, with the naval F-35B STOVL variant at 40 aircraft. This expansion comes as European countries reevaluate their military assets in response to increased geopolitical tensions. The increased fleets of Italy and the Netherlands are expected to enhance NATOs collective air power soon before future and ambitious 6th-generation programs materialize sometime in the next decades.

Air Force Announces Second and Third B-21 Raider Bases

The United States Air Force has officially announced the locations for the second and third bases for the B-21 Raider, its next-generation stealth bomber. Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri will host the second squadron, while the third squadron will be at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. We continue to achieve B-21 production milestones; through digital engineering and open architecture design, we are getting an agile strategic deterrent that delivers a decisive response as required, said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Stike Command commander. Air Force Global Strike will remain ready and provide strike options for the country by maintaining, modernizing, and keeping its B-1 and B-2 bombers in service until the B-21 is delivered in the mid-2020s.

The B-21 Raider is a long-range stealth bomber designed to carry out conventional and nuclear missions. With its advanced stealth capabilities and next-generation systems, the B-21 will play a pivotal role in the U.S. militarys strategy for future deterrence. The Air Force will purchase at least 100 B-21s. The strategic long-range bomber is currently in low-rate production and executing flight tests. Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, the first of three B-21 main operating bases and the location for the formal training unit, has already begun preparations for B-21 operations.

Lockheed Martins JASSM-XR Cruise Missile Takes Strike Capability Further

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the AGM-158 JASSM-XR, the latest extended-range version of its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). As a variant of a proven and air-qualified family of weapons, the XR variant offers a low-risk solution compared to a clean sheet new weapon. It is designed to offer significantly increased range and payload capacity compared to previous models, enabling strikes from further distances while carrying larger warheads. According to Lockheed Martin, by leveraging the mature JASSM and LRASM production line, established supply chain, mission planning, and software infrastructure, and implementing a few structural changes, XR can significantly reduce development and production time. (Read more)

Raytheon and Northrop Grumman Successfully Test Solid Rocket Motor for Hypersonic Missiles

Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman have completed a successful static fire test of an advanced, long-range solid rocket motor. The test was conducted at Northrop Grummans Allegany Ballistic Laboratory in West Virginia.

The test demonstrated wired end-burning technology for hypersonic applications and provided data to support digital modeling and simulations that validated the rocket motors design maturity and performance. While specific performance data has not been disclosed, both companies have stated that the motor met or exceeded all test parameters. By leveraging industry collaboration, we demonstrated that we can produce and meet requirements for challenging long-range fire kill chains. Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, said.

This successful test signals progress in missile propulsion technology, with potential applications in air/air and air/ground applications. Future developments will focus on integrating this motor into next-generation missile systems.

L3Harris Secures $587 Million Contract for Next-Generation Jammer  Low Band Program

The U.S. Navy has awarded L3Harris a $587 million contract to develop and produce the Next-Generation Jammer  Low Band (NGJ-LB) system for the US Navys Boeing EA-18G electronic combat fighter. The NGJ-LB will replace the aging ALQ-99 jamming system currently used on EA-18G Growler aircraft, providing the Navy with enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.

The Next-Generation Jammer will improve the Navys ability to disrupt enemy radar and communication systems, ensuring that U.S. forces maintain a significant edge in electronic warfare. The low-band system in the engineering and manufacturing development phase is part of the Next-Generation Jammer system to modernize the Navys airborne electronic warfare capabilities. The first production pods of the high-band and mid-band systems will be delivered in 2023. The NGJ-MB program is a joint cooperative program between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence.

The NGJ-LB contract, worth up to $587.4 million, will deliver eight operational prototype pods to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command over the next five years for fleet assessment and additional test assets for airworthiness and design verification.

Rheinmetall Expands Cooperation with Finnish Company ICEYE for SAR Satellite Technology

Rheinmetall has announced an expanded collaboration with Finnish company ICEYE to enhance Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology for military and civilian applications.

ICEYE develops and deploys SAR satellite systems, providing real-time, high-resolution imaging for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. SAR technology is known for capturing imagery through clouds and in all weather conditions. The partnership will see Rheinmetall integrating this technology into its defense solutions for the German and Hungarian armed forces, with plans to expand further into other European markets.

In June 2024, Rheinmetall announced its participation in the ICEYEs fleet of radar reconnaissance satellites, making space-based reconnaissance data usable on its battlefield command and control tactical systems.

Anduril Expands Capabilities into the Space Domain

Anduril has announced the expansion of its Lattice mission management application to support space missions. The company will develop modular hardware and software systems leveraging its Lattice for Space Missions, independently and through strategic partnerships across the space industry. Space is a contested warfighting domain, and we recognize the importance of equipping spacecraft with advanced autonomy and cutting-edge payloads, ensuring our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in every mission, Said Gokul Subramanian, SVP of Space and Engineering. He added that Anduril is committed to investing its money to design, build, and launch its fully integrated systems by the end of 2025. This mission will serve as a testbed for the maturation of multiple Anduril and third-party payloads, which will be announced in the coming months. Subramanian added.
Maria Corina Machado believes that the government of Nicolas Maduro subjected Edmundo Gonzalez to a psychological terror that pushed him into exile. The 75-year-old man who ran for election on behalf of Machado and who presumably defeated Maduro at the polls  unless the Chavista regime produces documentation proving otherwise  endured almost 40 days of pressure after the vote, during a period in which the Attorney Generals Office investigated and prosecuted him while Chavista leaders accused him, without any supporting evidence, of being a fascist and a coup plotter.

Edmundo Gonzalez, who unexpectedly received the task of ending 25 consecutive years of Bolivarian revolution, decided to seek asylum in Madrid. In an interview with EL PAIS, Machado says that Edmundo Gonzalez was the one who had the last word, but that he found himself cornered, physically and mentally, a fact that pushed him to make a decision that breaks the oppositions strategy of securing the support of the international community, open a negotiation process with Maduro to get the latter to accept defeat, and place the presidential sash on him on January 10, 2025.

Maria Corina Machado on the video call on September 17, 2024. CHELO CAMACHO

Days before boarding a Spanish Armed Forces plane with his wife, Edmundo Gonzalez informed Machado about his decision. We spoke with the same frankness with which we spoke about this entire process that we have gone through together. With full awareness of the implications. The regime has exerted very cruel pressure, they have no scruples, they are capable of overstepping any boundaries. They use methods to spread panic in society. They orchestrated multiple actions to make Edmundo feel that his life was in danger, says Machado on the other side of the screen, from the secret place where she is sheltering.

The exile was agreed upon in a three-way deal between the opposition, the Maduro government and Spain. The weight of Spanish mediation was borne by Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a former prime minister of Spain. Zapatero maintains open lines of communication with Maduro and his closest entourage, which in the past has helped him to free political prisoners, among other matters. Everyone knows that the Rodriguez brothers [Delcy and Jorge, the main political operators of the Venezuelan president] were in on the negotiation. The regime wanted Edmundo to leave, they forced him; he did not want to leave. As for Zapateros diplomatic work, Machado adds: It was an operation that also included other actors who disguise themselves as the opposition. Artful people who come to offer a safe conduct, but deep down they are operators of the regime itself. Everyone knows who I am talking about.

Maria Corina Machado, during the interview. CHELO CAMACHO

Although Maduro has been ratified as president by the Supreme Court of Justice  a measure that has not surprised anyone, since the court is controlled by a second-rate Chavista bureaucrat  Machado sees Maduro and his government as weaker now, without national or international credibility: How much internal support has Maduro gained in these 60 days? How much has he lost? How much international support? How much additional support have Edmundo and I received? For me, this is a fundamental point. I have no doubt that the regime carried out this operation with the aim of weakening us, weakening our strategy. They were wrong, Edmundo was unduly pressured to leave, he did not want to leave. What it did was unite us and align us even more; it will be an increasingly bigger job.

She is excited about the approval in Spains lower house of parliament of a non-legislative proposal to recognize Gonzalez as the lawful president of Venezuela, a non-binding move that will also be examined by the Senate; as well as by a vote due to be held in the European Parliament for the same purpose. Machado assures that within Chavismo, people also recognize the real result of the July election, because it is very evident and they cannot cover their eyes about it. The most damaging tool that the regime has is not lies and terror, it is demoralization, says Machado. That must be fought. They told us that the extraordinary was impossible, that it was impossible for Edmundo to win, but we achieved it. Now it is time to finish it off and for Maduro to recognize his defeat. And for a transition to come, she adds.

What do you think of the mediation being carried out by the presidents of Colombia, Mexico and Brazil?

Today I dont see that mediation. There was a good disposition because these are countries with channels of dialogue with Maduro. And above all Colombia and Brazil are the most affected countries, not only by the terrible effect of migration, but by the intrinsic destabilization of the regime. It affects everything from El Tren de Aragua (a criminal gang), to drug trafficking, the smuggling of minerals and human beings. What Maduro has done has been cruel, the U.N. report is heartbreaking, it points to state terrorism. It is so brutal that it is no longer just a matter of a dictator who stays in power because he wants to, there are crimes against humanity.

Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, during the campaign in July 2024. Alfredo Lasry R (Getty Images)

These presidents agreed in a meeting between them that it was best for Edmundo Gonzalez and Maduro to negotiate directly and for you to stay out of it.

You published that, but I was never told anything directly. Any agreement like ours has to be endorsed by Venezuelan society, it cannot be imposed by external actors. If Maduro is intelligent, he will be able to get out of power more easily through negotiations.

The entourage of Gustavo Petro, the Colombian president, maintains that right now, after Gonzalezs exile, the negotiations have entered a plateau, but they hope to regain the initiative. They do not see that Spanish mediation can work, since Machado herself and Gonzalez do not fully trust it. Machado is very terse and evasive when asked about Spains role: I am not going to speculate on any of these processes. We need Spain, but I am not referring to the government, but to the country of Spain, to the citizens, to all its political forces.

This is even no longer a political issue, but rather one of business and economic stability. Multinationals need to support a democratic transition, for their own interests. Stakeholders, creditors and oil companies in Europe and Asia need it. In the end, the situation with Maduro is not stabilizing, we have seen a lot of money invested in lobbying, in minimizing his crimes, but it doesnt work. Venezuela is in last place in the rule of law, it does not bring security to investors. In an interview with foreign correspondents a week ago, the opposition leader asked the president of the United States, Joe Biden, to get more involved. Who else is she disappointed with? We have excellent international support. Some are more cautious than others, but they all add up.

Experts say that part of the success of carrying out a transition will depend on convincing the soft sectors of Chavismo and the military establishment, which has historically been in favor of democracy and has facilitated the recognition of candidates who were denied victory. I have contacts within Chavismo, Machado admits, since before the elections and even more so now. A document was presented to the country in which there are people within Chavismo who are in favor of other ideological positions and eager for a republican consensus for what is to come, far beyond the rejection and disavowal of the regime. We are united in recovering not only freedom, but also the Republic and the nation.

Machado, who in two years has generated a movement that has mobilized millions of people throughout the country, exhausted by the Bolivarian revolution after a quarter of a century of continuous power, shows absolute conviction in change in Venezuela, even though Chavismo, for now, has not budged an inch. In her words there is not a single crack, not a single phrase through which discouragement might creep in. In Machado there lives the fire of those who believe themselves called to a cause greater than themselves.

The photographer was unable to organize a photo shoot for this interview because Machado is hiding in a place that cannot be revealed.

If you were cornered, even to the point where your life was at stake, would you consider exile like Edmundo Gonzalez?

I have never thought about exile and I am working to prevent this from happening. I do not want to be told about exile, humanitarian aid, or persecution. The international community must give us their support to liberate the country and for Edmundo to be recognized as president.

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EU chief announces $11 bn for nations hit by 'heartbreaking' floods



Wroclaw, Poland, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday announced 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in funds for member nations reeling from "heartbreaking" devastation after the floods caused by Storm Boris.

The death toll from the storm which struck central and eastern Europe last week rose to 24 on Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

Von der Leyen spoke in the Polish city of Wroclaw alongside the leaders of four countries from the flood-hit region.

"It was for me on the one hand heartbreaking to see the destruction and the devastation through the floods," she told reporters.

"But I must also say it was on the other hand heartwarming to see the enormous solidarity between the people in your countries," she added.

Von der Leyen said the European Union had two sources -- cohesion funds and the solidarity fund -- that it could use to "help with funding to repair and reconstruct" the damage.

"At first sight 10 billion euros are possible to mobilise from the cohesion funds for the countries that are affected. This is an emergency reaction now," she added.

Cohesion funds usually require co-financing from the member states but in this case von der Leyen said it would be "100 percent European money, no co-financing".

"These are extraordinary times and extraordinary times need extraordinary measures."



- 'Destroyed everything' -



Strong wind and heavy rains struck the region last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five in the Czech Republic.

In some places, the water "literally destroyed everything. The landscape is like that after a war, rather than a flood," Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak told reporters on Thursday.

The EU chief met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, Slovakia's Robert Fico, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and von der Leyen in Wroclaw, a historic city of 670,000 people in southwest Poland.

Struck by devastating floods in 1997, residents of Wroclaw had become increasingly concerned as the waters rose.

They reached their peak early Thursday.

While the water level is lower than it was in 1997, dams could be at risk if the high water lasts for several days.

On Thursday, Tusk warned "against an atmosphere of unjustified euphoria and relief... that the worst is behind us".

But Wroclaw pensioner Ewa Powazka, 70, was optimistic.

"There are sandbags everywhere, something we didn't have in 1997. This time, the city began to prepare a few days ago," she told AFP.

"I hope it won't get flooded."



- Grassroots funding -



Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was not present at the meeting as he cancelled all his international engagements this week because of the storm -- even though his country has for now not been badly affected.

Romania's prime minister was also absent because of a defence meeting.

In Poland, several towns and villages have been devastated by the flood waters which have demolished houses, brought down bridges and heavily damaged road and rail infrastructure.

In some areas, residents still lack drinking water and electricity.

Grassroots funding initiatives have been organised across the country as local authorities begin to assess damage which could run into the hundreds of millions.

The Polish government says it has unblocked 470 million euros of direct aid to people and localities affected by the floods.

Austria has said its disaster relief fund will be increased to one billion euros to help flood victims.

The heavy rain pounded the Czech Republic on Friday and Saturday and raised river levels mainly in the north and northeast of the EU member.

The flooding there -- which tore down houses, disrupted road and railway traffic and caused power outages -- has since receded, revealing extensive damage.

burs-bo-amj/imm
EU chief announces $11 bn for nations hit by 'heartbreaking' floods



Wroclaw, Poland, Sept 19 (AFP) Sep 19, 2024



European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday announced 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in funds for member nations reeling from "heartbreaking" devastation after floods caused by Storm Boris.

The death toll from the storm that struck central and eastern Europe last week rose to 24 as of Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

Von der Leyen spoke in the Polish city of Wroclaw alongside the leaders of four countries from the flood-hit region.

"It was for me on the one hand heartbreaking to see the destruction and the devastation through the floods," she told reporters.

"But I must also say it was on the other hand heartwarming to see the enormous solidarity between the people in your countries," she said.

Von der Leyen said the European Union had two sources -- cohesion funds and the solidarity fund -- that it could use to "help with funding to repair and reconstruct" the damage.

"At first sight 10 billion euros are possible to mobilise from the cohesion funds for the countries that are affected. This is an emergency reaction now," she said.

Cohesion funds usually require co-financing from the member states but in this case von der Leyen said it would be "100 percent European money, no co-financing".

"These are extraordinary times, and extraordinary times need extraordinary measures."

Strong wind and heavy rains struck the region last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five in the Czech Republic.



- 'Destroyed everything' -



In some places, the water "literally destroyed everything. The landscape is like that after a war, rather than a flood", Poland's Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak told reporters Thursday.

The EU chief met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, Slovakia's Robert Fico and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Tusk said that Poland would receive half of the cohesion funds announced by von der Leyen.

Fiala said on X that the Czech Republic would receive two billion euros, adding: "That's good news."

"After the devastating floods, we will have to repair bridges, roads, schools or railway stations," he said.

Austria's share will be 500 million euros, according to Nehammer.

"Thank you Donald Tusk for the initiative and Ursula von der Leyen for the good cooperation," he said on X.

It was unclear how much money would go to Slovakia and to Romania, whose prime minister did not attend the talks in Poland because his office said he had a defence meeting.

The talks took place in Wroclaw, a historic city of 670,000 people in southwest Poland.

Struck by devastating floods in 1997, residents of Wroclaw had become increasingly concerned as the waters rose.

While the water level is lower than it was in 1997, dams could be at risk if the high water lasts for several days.



- Sandbags everywhere -



On Thursday, Tusk warned "against an atmosphere of unjustified euphoria and relief... that the worst is behind us".

But Ewa Powazka, 70-year-old pensioner in Wroclaw, was optimistic.

"There are sandbags everywhere, something we didn't have in 1997. This time, the city began to prepare a few days ago," she told AFP. "I hope it won't get flooded."

Several Polish towns and villages have been devastated by the flood waters that have demolished houses, brought down bridges and heavily damaged road and rail infrastructure.

In some areas, residents lack drinking water and electricity.

Grassroots funding initiatives have been organised across the country as local authorities begin to assess damages that could run into the hundreds of millions of euros.

The Polish government says it has unblocked 470 million euros of direct aid to people and localities affected by the floods.

Austria has said its disaster relief fund will be increased to one billion euros to help flood victims.

The flooding in the Czech Republic tore down houses, disrupted road and railway traffic and caused power outages.

burs-bo-amj/js
A white-skinned, bearded young man holds a cake and repeats out loud over and over: I cant breathe while his friends join in. Laughter can be heard. It is the birthday party for Daniel Elias Injoque Zugbi, a law student at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) in Lima. His friends  or perhaps it was his own idea  have decided to celebrate it with a cake that bears the portrait of George Floyd, the African-American man who was killed in 2020 by a police officer named Derek Chauvin who pinned him to the ground with a knee on his neck as the victim repeatedly said he couldnt breathe.

The cruel incident triggered the Black Lives Matter movement against structural racism and abuses committed by law enforcement in the U.S., and it also sparked solidarity and reflection from various corners of the world. At the same time, it sparked far-right outbreaks that not only ignored the seriousness of the matter, but celebrated Floyds death. Daniel Injoque Zugbis birthday party falls within this second category.

The video went viral in a few hours on the social platform X, causing a wave of indignation, even more so because it involves law students from a prestigious university. Quickly, users found the identity of the 21-year-old birthday boy, who works at a law firm. Although Injoque has not yet been located, Abigail Escobar Razo, another student who attended the party and also claims to have been his girlfriend, has published a long statement where she expresses her regrets at not having stopped the events of that evening.

I accept that I am to blame for not having put a stop to his birthday party and for not having walked away earlier, but I can definitely say that now, after breaking up, I have not had any relationship with him or with those racist circles for a long time. I completely condemn all the actions pointed out and I completely disassociate myself from all the acts that Daniel has done (...) Today, I am a person who can discern much better, Abigail Escobar has stated. She notes that the video is old, made more than two and a half years ago, and claims that even though she agreed to record the scene, she did not repeat the macabre I cant breathe. A photograph has also been leaked in which she is seen with her ex-partner wearing polo shirts with the faces of dictators Adolf Hitler, Alberto Fujimori and Augusto Pinochet.

For the activist Sofia Carrillo, Peru continues to be a racist country, and the irrefutable proof is in these law students. The only way to reverse this burden, she says, is to implement anti-racist education, because these are not isolated events, but part of a system. When they tell me over and over again that racism is over, that we are exaggerating or too sensitive, I am reminded of too many situations that are not anecdotal or sporadic. This time, they recorded it, they laughed, they mocked, they trampled on our bodies and they made fun of our pain publicly. In this sense, the journalist Marco Aviles, author of a series of books that expose and denounce discrimination, emphasizes that the problem is not a few racist students, but the system that produces them. A sample of the Peru to come, where the supposed better education that parents seek by paying more is just a myth. In a highly segregated and far-right system like Peru, many schools and universities seem to be accelerators of degradation, he says.

The lawyer Augusto Townsend, founder of the Comite de Lectura media outlet, has pointed out that this is not a joke, but rather a display of the kind of totalitarian ideology that has done so much harm to humanity. In Peru there are very small enclaves of people who are trying to rewrite history and make it seem that fascism is a good thing. People who vindicate the figure of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. Anyone who considers themselves a defender of democracy has to sharply distance themselves from fascism and confront it wherever it appears. This is not a joke or just a birthday party. It is an ideology that has led to the death of millions of people in the world. We must have the ability to always reject it, he stresses.

Amidst the wave of criticism, the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru has issued a statement rejecting the attitude of its students, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of equity, respect and plurality, and strongly condemning any manifestation of hatred, racism or discrimination. Discrimination based on origin, sex, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, opinion, economic or social condition, language, or any other kind, is considered a serious offense in our internal regulations. Therefore, our School of Law has filed the corresponding complaint with the disciplinary body of the University to begin the corresponding procedure, they indicate. Beyond the immediate response by the educational institution and the punishment it may dole out, as specialists have indicated, the only way to address the problem is by focusing on the wider system and its authorities.

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Ali Zeaiter and Haidar Hamiye are waiting for news of their two friends admitted to the American University of Beirut hospital. They smoke in front of the door, finding it difficult to believe that just 16 hours earlier they were all together, when suddenly their friends received a message on their pagers, took them out, looked at them and were injured by the exploding devices. Suddenly, it sounded like a gunshot. Like a small explosion. In the neighborhood, we started to hear blasts everywhere around us, one after the other, explains Zeaiter.

With their typical Shiite names, their 21 years of age and their black T-shirts, they do not need to specify what they mean by the neighborhood. It is Dahiye, the suburb south of Beirut that is a stronghold of Hezbollah and the main target of the almost simultaneous explosion on Tuesday of up to 5,000 pagers, in a massive attack that left at least 12 people dead and nearly 3,000 wounded. On Wednesday, as the neighborhood was burying the dead from the previous day, another massive remote detonation (this time affecting walkie-talkies and solar panels) added 20 corpses and hundreds more wounded.

Women in traditional Shia dress keep arriving at the hospital with bloodshot eyes. Security personnel prevents many from entering: there is no room for the relatives and acquaintances of such a large number of wounded. A few ambulances approach with their sirens blaring, but almost all of the wounded were admitted on Tuesday, when the pager attack brought hospitals to a standstill and drew all eyes to the Mossad, Israels secret services abroad. There is little doubt about who was behind both attacks, due to their sophistication and the context in which they took place: a shadow war of attrition between Hezbollah and Israel that has been going on for more than 11 months, in an unequal exchange of missiles, drones, rockets and bombs on the border.

Ziad, 45, at first thought the explosion was one of those Israeli missiles. Only later did he understand what he had seen. He was at the wheel of his car, stuck in a traffic jam near the city of Sidon, when he heard an explosion in the vehicle next to him. I looked up and saw the driver, a man, with his face covered in blood in front of the steering wheel. He was with his family in the car, his wife and children, who got out and started screaming, he recalls outside the hospital. Ziad thought it was one of the so-called Israeli targeted killings, partly because they were close to Ein El Hilwe, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon and a place where Israel has recently killed Hamas members.

The double attack has created a mixture of bewilderment, vulnerability and solidarity that transcends the sectarian lines that weigh down the country. A delegation of doctors and nurses has travelled to Beirut from Tripoli, the city with which it historically competes in importance. Asceal is 28 years old, she is not Shia, and she hates the obsession with political and religious affiliation in her country. She is here to donate blood. We have been suffering a lot for many years, for various reasons, and I feel that it is my obligation as a Lebanese. There are civilians among the wounded. I myself could have been one of them, had I been in the wrong place at the wrong time, she says. Donations have already ended for the day, but she promises to get up early the next day to get there on time.

There are not only gestures like Asceals. There is also anger. A lot of it. Words like terrorist state in reference to Israel; conspiracy because the maker of the pagers was Taiwanese, but the company claims it did not manufacture them and points to a Hungarian company that it says only acted as an intermediary; or revenge are often heard. The feeling is that something very serious has happened and that the world would be condemning it much more sternly if it were the other way around: Hezbollah as the perpetrator and Israel as the victim.

Most of the injuries were to the victims hands and faces, because the pagers beeped before they exploded, so they had been picked up or were being looked at, according to witness accounts. Hamiye talks about a different case that he witnessed (I saw it explode on the side of the belt where he was wearing it, so he is wounded in the side). And one of his uncles, he says, carried the device in a fanny pack, along with a pistol magazine, which paradoxically protected him from the blast.

In the case of the walkie-talkies, the wounds are mostly to the victims stomachs or the hands. As in the case, captured live, during the funeral procession in Dahiye of four of the victims of the previous days attack. There was an explosion, we turned around and saw a man on the ground, wounded in the hand, said one of the witnesses, who preferred not to give his name, like others, at a moment of high tension and distrust of strangers and electronic devices.

Distrust of technology has been around for a while. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had been making this point in his frequent speeches over the past few months. But it was focused on cellphones. Each one of them is a spy device, he said in a speech in February. It hears everything you do, say, send and photograph. Your location, your home  Israel needs nothing more than that. Nasrallah told his people what to do with cellphones: Bury it. Put it in an iron box and lock it.

Among the wounded in both attacks there are militants and civilians who, in addition to the pager given to them by Hezbollah, also had a mobile phone. Eight of the 12 dead in the first attack belonged to the military wing, as the group has acknowledged by publishing their names with photos dressed as such. They are the ones who only trusted pagers or landlines, after Nasrallahs constant warnings about the danger of moving around with mobile phones.

Among the civilian casualties there is a 10-year-old girl who took the pager to give it to her father. But not all of these civilians were collateral damage, as they are called in the military jargon, nor were they undercover militiamen. Rather, Hezbollah is much more than one of the most powerful and armed militias in the world. It is also a political party with a parliamentary presence (and which the European Union does not include on its list of terrorist organizations) with an entire civilian network, such as a hospital in Beirut (Al Rasul Al Azam), charitable organisations, spies, mosques, NGOs, administrative services and more. A kind of state within a state capable of stopping any national decision that does not suit it.

This is what Ghazi Zeaiter, 64, is referring to after visiting a relative who has been moderately injured: a 35-year-old pharmacist who will have to undergo surgery on at least one of his eyes. He told me that he heard a message, looked to see who it was and what number it was, as he always does. And just as he was about to press the button, it exploded. He was wearing glasses and the lenses stuck in his eyes, he explains. Zeaiter criticises the fact that his relative now has to pray to preserve his sight, despite the fact that he was not on the front lines of combat: It is no secret that Hezbollah ordered the pagers and distributed them to its entourage. Some worked directly for them and others did not. How could he think that something like this would happen to him?

This was the second major security breach in recent months for Hezbollah. The previous one was the assassination by Israel of its number two leader, Fuad Shukr, in the middle of Dahiye. A huge and recent poster today pays tribute to him along with two other great martyrs: the powerful Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, assassinated by the U.S. in Iraq in 2020; and the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniye, presumably by Israel. The U.S. and Israel are, in Tehrans terminology, the Great Satan and Little Satan.

On Wednesday, in Dahiye, where almost two-thirds (1,850) of Tuesdays wounded were at the time of the attack, Shukrs face crowned the entrance to the martyrs cemetery where women were holding vigil for the dead. It can also be seen every few kilometres in other areas of the country where Hezbollah has more influence, such as the south or the Bekaa valley.

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An international team of scientists has published the most detailed cellular map yet of the endometrium  the layer of inner tissue that lines the uterus  thanks to advanced molecular biology and machine learning techniques. This achievement  published in the journal Nature Genetics  could provide some clues for research into endometriosis, a disease about which very little is known, even though it affects more than 190 million women worldwide.

Roser Vento-Tormo, 37, works at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the United Kingdom, and co-authored the research. She explains that there are several reasons why the study of the endometrium has been historically neglected. According to Vento-Tormo, the main reason is that generally, little money is invested in everything that has to do with womens health.

Another reason is that the endometrium is one of the most dynamic and complex systems of the human body, meaning it is very challenging to study. It is a tissue that changes its composition every five days and regenerates itself completely every month in a perfect way and without scars, Vento-Tormo explains.

During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens and prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy. If this does not occur, the new tissue is shed and comes out through menstruation. This process depends on millions of cells that change their identity and function depending on the type of hormone they interact with at each moment of the cycle, which affects not only their own characteristics but also those of other cells. This creates a chain reaction that is difficult for scientists to track.

The new map works like a compass. It was like creating a Google Maps of the endometrium that lets us know where each cell is, what it is made of and what type of interaction it has with the cells that surround it, explains Vento-Torno. To achieve this, the scientists used single-cell sequencing, a technique that allows the genetic material of RNA to be analyzed cell by cell. It is like having a passport for each unit in which you can read its composition, what function it performs within the body and what it can do on a large scale when it interacts with other cells, explains the scientist.

This tool is particularly useful for studying the endometrium because it allows researchers to observe how the cells change their identity over time and how they affect the development of abnormalities such as endometriosis. In this disease, the cells of the endometrium leave the uterus and form tissue outside of it  for example on the ovaries or fallopian tubes  which in most cases causes cysts and chronic inflammation that manifests itself in disabling abdominal pain and other complications, including infertility.

In the study, scientists analyzed more than 313,000 endometrial cells collected from 63 individuals of reproductive age. The samples were obtained from participants in previous studies, with 16 new donors joining the investigation. Of the total participants, 30 had endometriosis and 14 were using hormonal medications, either for birth control or to treat the disease. Hormones, along with anti-inflammatory drugs, are the two most common ways to combat the symptoms of the disease. Endometriosis, yet, has no cure.

A common vocabulary

The map will help scientists better understand the female reproductive system and thus develop personalized treatments that respect the needs of each patient. What we produced was a common vocabulary to integrate all the endometrium data that exists and that will be produced in the future, says Vento-Torno. This study is nice because we connected what was disconnected.

Estela Lorenzo, a specialist in the Endometriosis Unit at the Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, believes that this type of primary research study is a fundamental building block in the construction of scientific knowledge. The medical revolution in womens health has to come through this type of exploration, she says. The map goes a step further than previous publications, adds the expert, because it talks not only about the type of cells that make up the endometrium, but also about how they develop within one of the most peculiar and curious tissues of the human body.

Francisco Carmona, a gynecologist specializing in endometriosis, has spent decades investigating the disease and is optimistic about the publication of the new map. For those of us who work in the clinic, this research is a bit far away, but in the future it will be a tool from which a lot of new knowledge can be generated, he says. For doctors, the endometrium is a puzzle of ten thousand pieces. Now, at least, medicine has a common model for everyone to try to put this puzzle together.

The next step will be to expand the sample of patients in order to broaden the map and better understand each of its neighborhoods and avenues. What scientists are looking for is to detect how the different types of cells influence the correct functioning of the endometrium, which is composed of structural cells and microenvironmental cells  immune system cells that respond to the chemical signals of hormones. One finding is that these microenvironmental cells in patients with endometriosis seem to be more important than the structural cells. Vento-Torno explains: Most of the changes in sick people occur in these secondary cells that, in theory, are there to provide support. By not providing support, they do not give the correct signals to the structural cells and end up affecting their function.

The endometrium map is part of the Human Cell Atlas, an international initiative that aims to map the cells of the entire human body. If successful, scientists will have a fundamental basis for diagnosing, monitoring and treating a huge variety of diseases that have uncertain and complex treatments.

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Moira Deeming (left) and Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull in a video posted after the Let Women Speak rally in March last year. Credit: Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull Indeed, Keen-Minshulls name has come up a good deal in this weeks proceedings. But still, she appeared quite gracious back in May after Pesutto clarified that he didnt think, or mean to say, that she was some sort of Nazi sympathiser, with Keen-Minshull telling the ABC afterwards that she was delighted with such a full and magnanimous apology. So CBD was saddened to note that spirit of rapprochement seems a distant memory, if this effort from Keen-Minshull on Tuesday, the second day of the case, is anything to go by. Ive heard Im on trial in Australia, she wrote on X.

A silly little upstart at the end of his career has chosen my reputation as his hill to die on. Let me know when the wake is, Ill get the champagne. Pesuttos dance card is full for the next week or two, so we doubt if hed be able  or willing  to join Kellie-Jay and the gang for that glass of bubbles. We did ask his people on Thursday what they made of Keens barb. If we hear back, well let you know. BOYS, BOYS, BOYS

We thought something was up when Jamie Briggs, the former Liberal junior minister turned corporate affairs head at government consulting firm Scyne Advisory, was liking federal Opposition Leader Peter Duttons LinkedIn posts. Scyne, which was spun out of PwC last year after that firms tax scandal disgrace, is in the business of winning government contracts, not cosying up with Dutts. By mid-morning, CBD, and about everyone else, realised this was because Briggs will soon be working with the opposition leader as a chief adviser on politics and campaigns. An injured Jamie Briggs after Tony Abbotts toppling in 2015. Credit: Andrew Meares Now, usually the conveyor-belt that delivers most of our bland, cookie-cutter politicians from the major parties to parliament goes something like this: staffer, to fuzzily defined government relations role at big corporate, to smarmy backbencher warming a safe seat, to (if very lucky) junior minister. Briggs is doing it all in reverse, eight years after his stint in federal parliament was up. And what an awesome time it was.

The morning after Tony Abbott was knifed by Malcolm Turnbull, Briggs infamously rolled into parliament using a wheelchair. After insisting hed hurt his knee running, the soon-to-be-demoted junior minister later admitted the injury was the result of high jinks with the former prime minister, whom Briggs had tried to crash-tackle during a wild spill-night party. Guys being dudes, as they say. He would later quit as a junior minister in 2015 after an incident with a female departmental staffer late at night in a Hong Kong bar. The married father of three had tried to kiss the 26-year-old staffer on the cheek and commented on her piercing eyes. Within months, hed lost the safe Liberal seat of Mayo to Rebekha Sharkie (whos held it ever since). What a legacy. Now, Briggs has been drafted by Dutton to help win an election in which the opposition must stop giving female voters the ick, and reclaim former Liberal seats where locals have abandoned the party for more-independent types. LABOR TACKLES ABC DIVERSITY Such is the Albanese governments permanent state of crank towards the Greens that its rare to see them on the same page these days.

But it seems like both parties have come around to the blinding whiteness of the ABC board. Much like senior leadership in media companies across the country, the board of the national broadcaster is entirely white. Modern Australia is not. Senator Mehreen Faruqi took aim at the unacceptable lack of diversity on the ABC board. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Communications Minister Michelle Rowland took some baby steps towards changing that this week when the government updated the selection criteria for the appointment of non-executive directors to the board. The new criteria include a direction that board members must possess an understanding of, or the ability to credibly represent, the communication needs of Australias diverse society. This update came just weeks after Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi wrote to Rowland slamming the unacceptable lack of diversity on the ABC board. The ABC board is completely and embarrassingly bereft of diversity, the senator thundered, adding she had no doubt this contributed to the treatment of Stan Grant and fill-in presenter Antoinette Lattouf.

Loading Grant, a Wiradjuri man and former Q+A host, accused the broadcaster of institutional failure over its lack of support when his analysis of King Charles coronation prompted a deluge of racist abuse. Lattouf was sacked after sharing a post on Instagram from Human Rights Watch, with a subsequent dispute with the ABC headed to the Federal Court. So had Faruqis scathing letter pushed the government to make the change? Surely nobody would want to hand a win to the Greens Political Party (as Labor is wont to call its progressive rival). We hear the government had been working on the changes since well before Faruqis letter. The changes were informed by the governments review of options to support the independence of the national broadcasters, and in consultation with the ABC and SBS, a spokesperson for Rowland told us.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Patricia Cornelius is one of the toughest voices in Australian theatre, but she can still feel vulnerable when it comes to men. Most of us know the dangers of the world, even if you havent experienced full-on brutality, she says. Most of us have crossed the road at night. Most of us have hurriedly put our keys in our door. Sometimes I think Ive lived my whole life circumnavigating that shit. With her long-time collaborator, Susie Dee, the acclaimed playwright has tackled male violence on stage before, but - fittingly in a country reeling from a string of recent murders - their latest production has been described as their most shocking yet. Bad Boy, which will debut this month as part of the Fringe Festival, is a one-hander starring Nicci Wilks as a male perpetrator. Were not trying to disguise the fact that its a woman taking on the male persona, says Cornelius. Its not that you think, is that a bloke or not? The audience will know ... that this is a woman in the guise of  a male to explore it with a different gaze, with a different lens. Talking to Cornelius, Dee and Wilks in the first week of their rehearsals, the conversation turns to Australias horrifying domestic violence statistics; there have been so many recent cases of women being murdered by their partners that were mixing up our recollections as each news story blends depressingly into the next. You read the news stories, says Cornelius, and you just think, what is going on? Bad Boy, says Dee, asks why this is happening here. And why is it getting worse? Especially with the #MeToo campaign and all these men being ousted. Why is it still happening?

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I havent borne the brunt of it, says Cornelius, but the fact that Ive had to  get out of situations and not from not being provocative at all, is just shocking and shocking for our younger girls. And its not changing. Its just dreadful. As Australias most unapologetic theatre makers, the trio has examined male violence before. In 2013, Cornelius Savages, which won four Green Room awards and the Victorian Premiers Literary Award for Drama, explored violent masculinity on a cruise ship; Dee and Wilks 2016 work Animal (which won five Green Room awards) also explored domestic violence. Last years In The Club, written by Cornelius, focused on the prevalence of sexual assault in sporting clubs. As she says, its an immense issue that has hurt the psyche of our nation. Wilks, left, with Kate Sherman in the 2016 play Animal. Wilks, who began her career with Alburys Flying Fruit Fly Circus and has worked with companies as varied as Circus Oz, Malthouse and Born in a Taxi, is known for creating and performing theatre thats both text-based and physical; in Bad Boy her physicality plays off what Cornelius described as her own grungy poeticism. I mostly write that way  I cant help it now, she says. I feel like [this play] needs that heightened theatricality because to talk about just one man or the bad boys experience in a kind of domestic way depletes the magnitude of the problem. Cornelius and Dee are known for creating visceral, discomfiting work. They have spent more than 30 years giving voice to the types of characters rarely seen on main stages: the working class, the disenfranchised, the unseen. Or, as Dee once described them, the people on trams we try to avoid.

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Wilks bad boy is, says Cornelius, a kind of everyman. Theres a huge scale to him and to his  confessions of that internal world that may or may not exist for all of the men but certainly exists for some men, she explains. Theres an examination if you like, of misogyny, and a weak kind of defence of how someone who once loved someone, or thought they did, or made the gestures, can fall down such a tunnel into the  misery and brutality of the opposite of that person. We form a particular type of theatre that were interested in exploring, says Cornelius, left, with collaborators Wilks and Dee. Credit: Eddie Jim Nothing, adds Cornelius, justifies such behaviour. Theres a tendency to want to  at least understand it, or make it better, make it kind of, this is why they do it and so we can fix that and they dont do it any more, rather than actually saying culturally, it is a huge problem for us and its beyond individual mens behaviour, it is about a culture that condones, basically, hating us. Bad Boy, in which Wilks will perform on a specially constructed round platform, has a slim script, as Cornelius describes it, and like much of the pairs work, isnt easy to describe neatly. Theres a narrative arc, but its highly theatrical. I think to take material of this kind and treat it naturalistically... I find that hard to do anyway, so I always write in a heightened way, she says. We form a particular type of theatre that were very interested in exploring, and so I  know the constraints of the theatre that were interested in. Theres still room for humour in Bad Boy, Dee says, but dont expect anything too lighthearted. Theres still a  reluctance at the moment in the arts, ever since COVID, to go anywhere dire, that people need to be uplifted, she says. Loading

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MrBeast, the self-proclaimed first YouTube billionaire, is being sued for alleged workplace abuses by five contestants on Beast Games, the show he is making for Amazons streaming service Prime Video. Amazon is also listed as a defendant in the case, filed in Los Angeles this week.

The suit is the latest instalment in a rapid turnaround in the fortunes of the 26-year-old, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson. So recently the darling of the internet, MrBeast now finds himself being savaged by it.

YouTube megastar MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, on a visit to Sydney in June to launch his Feastables products. Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage

Who is MrBeast?

Donaldson first emerged as a YouTuber of note in 2017 when he posted a video of himself counting to 100,000. For reasons that future scholars of the decline of Western civilisation will no doubt speculate upon, it became a viral sensation (the video, which runs just under 24 hours, has been viewed more than 30 million times).
John Silvester lifts the lid on Australias criminal underworld in Naked City, an exclusive newsletter for subscribers sent every Thursday. Youre reading an excerpt  sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox.

For a person who rarely speaks publicly, Victorias former director of public prosecutions, Kerri Judd, KC, became a magnet for controversy. I once made a polite request to her office for an interview. The response was polite but a firm no.

The Office of Public Prosecutions was set up more than 40 years ago to avoid controversy  to make sure decisions to prosecute in serious cases were taken out of the hands of individual police and government-appointed officials and given to an independent authority, with the director given the status of a Supreme Court judge.

Former director of public prosecutions, Kerri Judd, KC, has been appointed a Supreme Court judge. Credit: Paul Jeffers

Victoria was the first state to set up an OPP, with the first director, the rock-solid John Phillips, later becoming chief justice of the Supreme Court. Of the Victorian OPPs eight directors, seven have been elevated to the bench. Judd is the latest.
An unremarkable patch of grazing land on the Mornington Peninsula will be transformed by the installation of 13,000 solar panels nestled among crops of fruit and vegetables.

The backers of this agri-solar project, near sought-after residential property in coastal suburbia, say they are breaking new ground and that there are few examples in Australia combining solar energy generation and horticulture.

Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Simon Brooks (left) with Stephen Todd and Dromana Industrial Association members Georgina and John Plumridge. Credit: Eddie Jim

Stephen Todd, who has taken out a lease on the land, said the project was a greenhouse without walls that would power all the horticultural activities on the property, provide vehicle chargers on site and produce enough electricity to power about 1200 homes.

Todd plans to grow raspberries, currants and mushrooms, as well as native species, including finger limes and lilly pillies on the Dromana site. He hopes the project will be operating by late next year.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Melbourne is internationally renowned for its street art, particularly the colourful and complex murals of the citys laneways. But one graffiti symbol has reached new levels of notoriety, both through sheer force of numbers and for appearing in prominent  often hard-to-access  places. A long Pam the bird at the Wurundjeri Way and Lorimer Street intersection, near the DFO South Wharf. Credit: Joe Armao The tag is known as Pam the bird and once you see it, youll keep spotting it all over the place. For the past few years, this simple outline illustration of a bird has been popping up across the city, particularly in the western suburbs. Its on the back of road signs and alongside railway lines, with sightings often documented on social media. The style can differ: sometimes Pam is long and thin, other times short and stout. The tag has developed an online cult following, inspiring T-shirt merchandise. Pam the bird on the Flinders Street Station clock tower. Credit: Victoria Police

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But Pam has also caused controversy this year, appearing on heritage sites, including the Flinders Street Station clock and the Uncle Tobys factory in West Footscray. Both pieces involved audacious climbing, prompting questions about how the perpetrators were able to get to such out-of-reach locations. The person or people behind Pam the bird are cloaked in mystery, as is commonly the style of those in the graffiti world. To try to get some answers, The Age contacted an Instagram account, @goodbirdart. While claiming to be managed by a third party, the page regularly posts behind-the-scenes images and videos of Pam graffiti. A photo from @goodbirdart, an Instagram account that regularly posts behind-the-scenes images and videos of Pam. Credit: Instagram/goodbirdart The Age was unable to verify if the account is legitimately connected to the Pam tag, and many of the answers provided to our questions appeared to be tongue in cheek. In response to our direct messages, @goodbirdart said Pam was a shoebill bird and the tag was inspired by a primary school picture drawn in grade three. The teachers name was Pam, according to the account. The account said it had hundreds of run-ins with the police. Thank f--- they cant fly. Makes it really easy to escape, they said.

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Pam is a tag of the MP graffiti crew, a group of connected artists  or vandals, depending on your view. Those letters often appear underneath the bird. However, when asked how many people were involved, @goodbirdart said: The birds arent painted by people  they are painted by birds. After a follow-up question, the account responded: That information is not shared with the general public. As for preferred Pam locations, the page said: Wherever all the cool trendy birds like to hang out. In response to a question about climbing equipment used for Pam tags in high and hard-to-reach places, @goodbirdart said: Abseiling? Pffft having wings is where its at. While the number of Pams that have appeared across Melbourne is probably in the hundreds, if not thousands, the account didnt offer an estimate. Who gives a shit, they said. The Uncle Tobys factory in West Footscray. Credit: Joe Armao

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As for why it has such a cult following? Because its a very good drawing of a bird, the account said. Authorities have not had much success in stemming the Pam tide, even across state lines. Jack Gibson-Burrell has faced court in Queensland after spray-painting the face of a rail worker who had caught him vandalising the side of a train with Pam the bird. He was placed on a two-year probation, according to Seven News. Late last year, Victoria Police charged Gibson-Burrell over allegedly tagging Pam inside the City Loop, according to the Herald Sun. Road signs are a popular location for Pam the bird. Credit: Joe Armao When asked about this, @goodbirdart downplayed any connection with Gibson-Burrell: From the information provided, Victoria Police have yet to convict him of any Pam bird-related offences. Sergeant Duncan Browne, of the transit divisional response Unit, which investigates property crime on the public transport network, said police were keeping a close eye on graffiti crews, such as those responsible for Pam the bird.

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The unit has specialist analysts who identify graffiti offenders, tags and trends. That included monitoring social media, Browne said, as it was often used to claim notoriety. Loading Graffiti is an unusual criminal subculture in that it doesnt run on money, unlike drug-dealing or other parts of the underworld, he said. Notoriety and fame is their currency. So in that sense, you have to be bigger, more out there than the last person that pushes the boundaries. That creates danger on the network. Browne said Pam the bird was unusual among graffiti tags in that it had an online brand that had cut-through with the public. Therefore, people see it and they recognise it, he said. What people dont often realise is that theres other volume graffiti vandals who are equally big or as prolific in Melbourne, but you dont see that. The former Bradmill site in Yarraville. Credit: Joe Armao

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The University of Melbourne and the City of Melbourne brokered a secret $2.8 million deal for the university to fund a public artwork in Southbank in exchange for council support for its new campus at Fishermans Bend. The council asked the university for money after the cost of the artwork by New Zealand indigenous artist Michael Parekowhai increased dramatically from $2 million to $22 million. A confidential council briefing document from 2023  obtained by The Age  outlines the nature of the deal they struck. On 28 September 2021 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the City of Melbourne and The University of Melbourne, the briefing document states. This MoU highlighted support the City of Melbourne will provide to Fishermans Bend and the University of Melbourne will provide to Knowledge (value $2.8 million). University of Melbourne vice chancellor Duncan Maskell. Credit: Justin McManus The University of Melbourne is building a new campus at a 7.2 hectare site at Fishermans Bend, which it bought off the state government in 2019. It is set to break ground this year on the $400 million first stage of the engineering and design campus at the old General Motors Holden factory.

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Neither the university nor council would provide a copy of the memorandum of understanding or further details of the deal. The Age this week revealed how the public art project blew out as its scope and size expanded, and the councils efforts to cover the funding shortfall, including a four-point plan to extract money from the citys wealthiest philanthropists. Loading The University of Melbourne has strong ties to the city council, with former lord mayor Sally Capp and current Lord Mayor Nick Reece both employed there. At the time the deal was brokered, vice chancellor Duncan Maskell was leading the University of Melbourne, while Justin Hanney was chief executive of the City of Melbourne. Hanney resigned in 2022 after a four-month probe into donations he solicited to crew and equip a yacht in the Sydney to Hobart race. The outcome of the investigation into Hanney was never published. Both Hanney and Maskell declined to comment.

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A spokeswoman for the University of Melbourne declined to comment on what it would get from the council in exchange for the $2.8 million donation or why the deal had been kept a secret. She said the University of Melbourne signed multiple MoUs with the City of Melbourne in 2021. The university works with multiple partners to provide new and revitalised teaching, learning and research facilities, better amenities and shared open spaces to enhance the student experience across its campuses, she said. The spokeswoman said the agreements provided a general framework for ongoing collaboration between the parties in the planning, development and delivery of Fishermans Bend and Southbank. Reece and a spokesman for the City of Melbourne declined to comment on the terms of the deal or what support the council would provide to the University of Melbourne in relation to its new Fishermans Bend campus. The City of Melbourne is working with the University of Melbourne to improve the student experience along Dodds Street and help shape the future campus at Fishermans Bend, the spokesman said.

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In 2018, the Capp-led City of Melbourne commissioned the artwork Yesterday, an eight-metre-high bronze sculpture that consists of a soft toy appearing kangaroo wrapped in fairy lights sitting on a primary school chair with the back of the chair branded with a Boon Wurrung expression of the word yesterday. Lord Mayor Nick Reece has been employed by the University of Melbourne since 2013. Credit: Justin McManus The council initially allocated $2 million to the artwork with confidential council minutes noting any additional costs above the $2 million will be sourced from the private and philanthropic sector. However, the councils contract with Parekowhai, signed in 2019, set out a much broader scope for the artwork with four further component works envisaged: Tomorrow, Seal and Pleiades, Knowledge and Intention. The university agreed to fund Knowledge, a 50-metre neon rainbow that brings to light the act of discovery, which is costing $2.8 million. Dr Colleen Lewis, of integrity group the Accountability Round Table, said she could see no reason why the agreement between the council and university was confidential. If the City of Melbourne wishes to have artworks around the city to enhance the city in some way that is fine, but it is up to the people of Melbourne to be part of that decision-making process, she said.

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Secretive agreements in a democracy are rarely necessary. Lewis said it was up to the City of Melbourne to explain why the deal to fund the artwork was confidential and the onus must be put back on the council to explain. It does not align with accountability and transparency and all the other fundamentals that go with a democracy, she said. Reece has been employed by the University of Melbourne since 2013 and is currently its director of enterprise strategy and projects. The universitys website states that in this role Reece identifies and manages major development opportunities involving key industry, government and community relationships critical to the universitys agenda, and provides advice on state and federal government strategy and policy, and business development. A spokeswoman for the university said Reece had been on a leave of absence from his job since early this year.

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US President Joe Biden and actress Jessica Alba during an event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House on September 18, 2024.

With a salsa beat playing in the background, the White House East Room welcomed around 200 people on Wednesday for a a reception with President Joe Biden to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. Greeted with shouts of Thank you Joe, the president congratulated the audience for the contribution that Hispanic people have made to the country. We are a nation of immigrants and that is why we are so damn strong, he stressed.

Without mentioning Donald Trump by name, Biden did allude to remarks that the Republican presidential candidate has made in recent months with regard to Hispanic immigrants, in a bid to underscore the Democrats differences with the former president on a key issue in this election campaign, namely the Latino vote: We do not demonize immigrants, we do not single them out for attacks, we do not believe they are poisoning the blood of the country.

In a speech lasting about 15 minutes, the president referred to the Irish origins of his ancestors and acknowledged that many Hispanic families have been in the country longer than his own. He referred to those present as your ancestors dream and recognized the courage of so many of our and your ancestors who came to America to start a new life. The president received a standing ovation at various points in his speech and shouts of Thank you, Joe! were heard.

Biden stressed the importance of the Latino population in the future of the United States and noted that 25% of school-age children are Hispanic. What is going to happen in the next 10 or 12 years is going to change the dynamics of this country in a big way, he said, highlighting the growing importance of the Latino community.

Latinos are the demographic group that has grown the most since the last election and with 36.2 million voters they represent 14% of all citizens eligible to vote in the country. The key to the White House could be in their hands. Since 2020, four million new voters have joined the ranks: every 30 seconds a Latino turns 18, the age required to vote.

Actress and producer Jessica Alba, who introduced the president, also mentioned the Hispanic origins of her own family and talked about her Mexican great-grandparents, who arrived in the United States at the beginning of the last century.

Biden managed to get some laughs from the audience: Nanette is crazy about me now. Im leaving, so she loves me, he said, referring to Nanette Barragan, president of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He also joked about the fact that in a few months he will leave the presidency. Jessica, If Im really good, maybe you can get me a job, he said.

The president also took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of his term that affect the Hispanic community, such as having created more than five million jobs for Hispanic Americans and having expanded health coverage in the Hispanic community and access to university. In a triumphant tone, he stated that the United States is the only country thats come through every crisis stronger than we entered it, adding that the American economy is the best in the world.

Biden said goodbye before guests continued the celebration with a live band playing the Lambada: I know I look like Im 40, but Im a lot older, he joked, reminding the audience about the importance of voting on November 5, as this may be the single most consequential election in the lifetime of anyone standing here.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A secret recording of a tense 70-minute meeting between Victorian Liberal leaders and now-ousted party room member Moira Deeming has been released by the Federal Court, as her defamation case against Opposition Leader John Pesutto heated up on Tuesday. Moira Deeming, right, and her barrister Sue Chrysanthou arriving for the high-profile defamation case on Wednesday. Credit: Jason South Why was the secret recording played? The recording of the meeting on March 19, 2023  the day after the Let Women Speak rally that was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis  was handed to Deemings lawyers a week ago. On Monday, Deemings lawyer Sue Chrysanthou, SC, told the court the recording would show Pesutto had given false statements. Deeming was expelled from the Liberal party room in May last year for her role in the rally. She remains a crossbench MP in the Victorian upper house and a broader member of the Liberal Party. Opposition Leader John Pesutto with wife Betty arriving at court on Wednesday. Credit: Jason South

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She is suing Pesutto, alleging the Liberal leader defamed her as a Nazi sympathiser, which Pesutto rejects. That meeting ended with the leadership team telling Deeming they would seek to expel her. How the meeting unfolded is a key plank in Deemings case. Who was there? John Pesutto, opposition leader

David Southwick, deputy Liberal leader

Georgie Crozier, leader of the Opposition in the Upper House

Former MP Matt Bach, who was deputy leader of the upper house at the time

Pesuttos then-chief of staff Rodrigo Pintos-Lopez, a Harvard-educated lawyer

Moira Deeming, who was a Liberal MP in the Upper House at the time What happened? With dinging Melbourne trams rattling along Spring Street in the background, the audio opened with Pesutto explaining the implications of Deemings attendance at the rally that was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis.

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Deeming asked Pesutto why she was being blamed for some random horrible people showing up. Deeming: Very obviously, Im not a Nazi. And I dont support Nazis. Moira Deeming addresses the Let Women Speak rally in Melbourne in March last year. Credit: Youtube Pesutto then moved the discussion to the rally organisers and sought an assurance that none of the people Deeming associated with  including those she celebrated with after the event  had links to the neo-Nazis. Deeming replied that there were no links she could have reasonably known about. Pintos-Lopez, who had only been in the job a few days, can then be heard going through some basic research he compiled on UK anti-trans rights activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull.

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Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull outside Parliament House in Canberra last year. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen There was also a discussion about a tweet from Melbourne woman Angela Jones  who Deeming celebrated with after the rally and who has attended court this week as an observer  that said: Nazis and women want to get rid of pedo filth, why dont you? Southwick told the meeting that, as a Jew, the language in the tweet was seriously offensive to Jewish people. For you to go and have a little champagne with them, Southwick said  a reference to footage of Deeming celebrating with rally organisers after the event. The leadership team expressed their fears  just months out from the 2022 election  that Labor would weaponise Deemings attendance at the rally. Pesutto: They have been itching for something to clobber me with and this is it.

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He said it was the perfect weapon. Deeming said she wanted to fix it and was open to suggestions. Crozier could then be heard expressing her disappointment and anger at Deeming, arguing that the opposition had the Andrews government on the ropes, particularly on integrity matters. Pesutto then raised the prospect of Deeming potentially becoming an independent MP. Pesutto seemed particularly annoyed with her association with Katherine Deves, with whom she also celebrated with after the rally. A year earlier, Deves, then the federal Liberal candidate for Warringah, had been found to have compared her anti-trans activism to resistance against the Nazis.

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On a warm midsummer day, from down a steep hill, Grace, an exuberant New Zealand sheepdog and class clown, suddenly breaks from the flock of sheep shes meant to be herding.

From there she bolts headlong towards a brim-full cement water trough, where on arrival and with an almighty splash, she demonstrates the canine equivalent of a textbook belly-flop (well, if ever there was a textbook for canine belly flops).

Rounding up the sheep at Waipuru Station, Footrot Flats country. Credit: Anthony Dennis

It could be scene (panel?) straight out of Footrot Flats, the beloved and long-running New Zealand daily cartoon strip by Murray Ball.

The main characters of the humorously sardonic, celebrated strip were border collie sheepdog The Dog and his owner Wallace Wal Cadwallader Footrot who live on a farm called Footrot Flats near the fictional town of Raupo.
Beirut: Israeli warplanes have carried out their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year of war, heightening the conflict between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah amid calls for restraint.

The barrage followed two days of attacks attributed by Lebanon and Hezbollah to Israel that blew up Hezbollah radios and pagers, killing 37 people and wounding about 3000 in Lebanon, and took place as the Hezbollah leader was delivering a major speech.

Israeli warplanes flew low over Beirut and broke the sound barrier while Hassan Nasrallah spoke, scattering birds and prompting people in houses and offices to quickly open windows to prevent them from shattering.

Nasrallah still vowed to keep up daily strikes on Israel despite the deadly sabotage of its members communication devices, and said Israelis displaced from homes near the Lebanon border because of the fighting would not be able to return until the war in Gaza ended.
Guests Invited to Celebrate Birthday Milestone with Complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, plus Beverages from its Original 1969 Menu

LEBANON, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2024 -- Today, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced specials for guests to celebrate its 55th birthday including free slices of its famous Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake accompanied by free beverages from its original 1969 menu for new and existing Cracker Barrel Rewards Members with a minimum dine-in purchase*. Kicking off the yearlong birthday celebrations, Cracker Barrel is committed to honoring the brand's timeless traditions and heritage while ushering in an exciting future with celebrations fueled by its food, people and community.

For 55 years, Cracker Barrel has welcomed billions of guests from around the world to enjoy its authentic country-inspired experience, homestyle cooking and warm hospitality. To show appreciation for its employees and guests Cracker Barrel is giving away free slices of its famous Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake today through Sept. 22. To complement the free dessert, Cracker Barrel Rewards Members can also receive free bottomless or "all you can hold" Premium Blend Coffee and Iced tea, both items available since day one on the original barrel-shaped menu.

"Cracker Barrel has established itself as one of the most iconic restaurant brands in the industry, but, that achievement is nothing without the dedicated employees and billions of loyal guests who we've had the pleasure of serving over the past 55 years," said Sarah Moore, Cracker Barrel's Chief Marketing Officer. "For this milestone birthday, we want to show our genuine appreciation for those people who have helped bring the brand to life over the decades, allowing us to welcome future generations in to forge their own memories around our table."

The decadent dessert cake was introduced to the menu as a special in 1997. By mistake, the cocoa powder was doubled during the testing period resulting in the rich, chocolatey version of the dish guests receive today. For Cracker Barrel's 40th anniversary in 2009, this new version made its way back to the menu for a limited time. The demand was so high it was decided that it would finally earn its spot on the menu. Today there are over 1.2 million slices of cake served annually proving to be just as loved as it was over a decade ago.

Cracker Barrel was founded on the belief that good conversations and human connection are forged around the table (or a repurposed barrel of saltine crackers) with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea in hand. In recognition of this simple philosophy and the nearly 44 million cups of these beverages sold annually, guests can enjoy complimentary Premium Blend Coffee, made with 100% Arabica coffee beans for a rich and smooth taste, and freshly brewed Iced Tea, a classic southern staple always garnished with a wedge of lemon today through Sept. 22.

To stay up to date on Cracker Barrel's yearlong 55th birthday celebrations or to sign up for Cracker Barrel Rewards, visit CrackerBarrel.com. Follow along for even more news and updates from the brand on Instagram and TikTok.

*Free Slice of Coca-Cola Cake, Hot Coffee (excluding specialty coffees) and Iced Tea beverage with qualifying dine-in restaurant purchase totaling $10 or more (exc. free items) made 9/19/24 to 9/22/24, excluding alcohol, Gift Cards, to-go and online purchases. Guests enrolled in Cracker Barrel Rewards who have opted in to receive emails are eligible for this Promotion. Must present bar codes at time of purchase. Full terms.

 2024 The Coca-Cola Company. "Coca-Cola" is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. is on a mission to bring craveable, delicious homestyle food and unique retail products to all guests while serving up memorable, distinctive experiences that make everyone feel welcome. Established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn., Cracker Barrel and its affiliates operate approximately 660 company-owned Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations in 44 states and own the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Company. For more information about the company, visit CrackerBarrel.com.

SOURCE Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 20, 2024 - 07:54 | All, Japan, World, 3/11 Fukushima

China will express its readiness to lift a ban on imports of Japanese seafood once Japan and the U.N. nuclear watchdog agree to allow third-party countries to join monitoring activities on the discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, diplomatic sources said Thursday.

The Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy Agency plan to expand the roles of third-party countries in water discharge monitoring, the sources said, at a time when China is seeking an independent sampling of water and building a long-term international monitoring structure.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will agree to allow third parties to take part in sampling of treated water and seawater near the Fukushima Daiichi complex in their telephone talks to be held Friday, the sources said.

Beijing has imposed a blanket ban on imports of Japanese seafood since the beginning of the treated water discharge in August last year, calling the water "nuclear-contaminated."

It is unclear whether the ban will be fully lifted or when China's imports of Japanese seafood might partially or completely resume.

Tokyo has separately been holding talks on the matter with Beijing, hoping to pave the way for the ban's removal.

Japan believes the new monitoring plan under the IAEA's framework will effectively meet China's demands while maintaining fairness and objectivity in water discharge monitoring, the sources said.

Currently, the IAEA's task force, involving experts from around a dozen countries, conducts a safety review on the water release.

The new agreement with the IAEA will also include an increase in points of sampling, according to the sources.

The discharge of the accumulated water is part of the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s decommissioning of the nuclear complex.

The water is processed through an advanced liquid processing system to remove most contaminants, except for the relatively nontoxic tritium, before it is released into the Pacific Ocean.

Since the discharge began, no abnormalities have been detected in the monitoring of seawater around the plant, including the concentration levels of tritium, according to the Japanese government.

Related coverage:

Japanese boy dies after being stabbed by man in China's Shenzhen

China willing to stabilize ties with Japan even after Kishida quits

FOCUS: Japan boosting seafood exports to S.E. Asia, U.S. as China keeps ban
Aadhaar cards of over 11 lakh individuals from PVTGs created





Staff Reporter :

In the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM Jan-Man) scheme, the Government is making efforts for the rapid development of special backward tribal groups (PVTGs). The said is being achieved by giving direct benefits of all the beneficiary-oriented and development-oriented schemes and health programmes of the Central and State Government to these PVTG families. Arrangements are also being made for their permanent employment. By September 1, 2024, Aadhaar cards of 11.244 lakh persons of the targeted population, caste certificates of 09,86,724 persons, Ayushman Bharat cards of 06,71,032 persons have been prepared and Jan-Dhan bank accounts of 05,46,288 persons have also been opened. Apart from this, Kisan Credit Cards of 66,805 farmers have also been made by giving the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi incentive amount to 88,672 farmers of the targeted population /group. About 11 lakh 42 thousand 719 population of special backward tribes (Baiga, Bharia and Saharia) resides in the State. Along with making Aadhar cards, ration cards, Ayushman Bharat cards, Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for all in this population, Jan-Dhan bank accounts are also being opened for everyone.

Apart from making caste certificates for all of them, the eligible farmers of this tribal group are also being given the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. Under the scheme, more than 91.30 per cent achievement has been achieved so far against the target set for providing benefits of all types of beneficiary-oriented schemes for PVTG. Similarly, Rs 75 crore was sanctioned by the Government of India for the construction of 125 multipurpose centers in PVTG dominated areas. Out of this, Rs 25 crore 98 lakh 75 thousand have also been allocated. Tenders have also been issued for the construction of these multipurpose centres.

Under the housing scheme, 1 lakh 7 thousand 802 beneficiaries have been sanctioned pucca houses. Out of these, housing construction amount has been transferred to the accounts of 87 thousand 516 beneficiaries. So far 17 thousand 593 houses have been completed. Pucca roads are also being constructed in special backward tribal dominated settlements. In the first phase, 125 roads of 294 km length have been sanctioned in 146 settlements. In the second phase, 180.29 km in 51 settlements. Approval for 40 roads of 180.29 km length has been received from the Government of India. Recently, the rural welfare ministry of the Government of India gave the approval for 60 roads in the State measuring 152.44 kilometres worth Rs 113.25 crore. As per information, the ministry has given approval to 10 roads in Anuppur, 8 in Chhindwara, 7 in Shivpuri, 6 each roads in Umaria and Vidisha, 5 each roads in Sidhi ad Ashok Nagar and 4 each Balaghat and Guna. Single roads have been approved in Gwalior, Kanti, Jabalpur, Morena and Sheopur. It is noteworthy that under PM Jan-Man, the entire population of Baiga, Bharia and Saharia special backward tribal groups residing in 24 identified districts of Madhya Pradesh is being connected to the new path of development by providing various types of assistance and employment-oriented skill training. PM Jan-Man is a mega campaign focused on providing doorstep benefits of 11 identified infrastructure and development activities of 9 ministries of the Government of India and 7 beneficiary-oriented schemes. Under this, concrete efforts are being made to connect them to the mainstream of development by spending about Rs 7,300 crore in Madhya Pradesh and taking effective steps for the overall welfare of 3 special backward tribes.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 19, 2024 - 22:44 | All, World, Japan

A Japanese business group on Thursday urged the government to ensure the safety of expatriates in China after a 10-year-old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed on his way to school in the southern city of Shenzhen.

"I want to ask the government to strengthen more than ever efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese residents," Masanori Katayama, chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, told a press conference, after the incident sent shockwaves through the Japanese community in China.

A number of Japanese automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co., have businesses based in Guangdong Province where Shenzhen is located.

Katayama said that each firm will collect information and ensure the safety of their employees and their families in any areas deemed risky.

Meanwhile, Panasonic Holdings Corp. said it will allow its employees and their families based in China to briefly return to Japan, with the company shouldering the expenses.

Toshiba Corp. has issued notices urging its employees traveling to or residing in China, where around 100 personnel work in Shenzhen or elsewhere under the Toshiba group of companies, to be cautious of their safety.

The boy died of his wounds early Thursday morning, having been stabbed the previous day. The attack followed a similar one in Suzhou near Shanghai in June in which a Japanese mother and child were injured.

"We want the Chinese government to take thorough measures to prevent a recurrence" of such an incident, said Akihiro Fukutome, chairman of the Japanese Bankers Association.

Speaking at a press conference, Fukutome, president and CEO of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., urged member banks to assess the potential risks at their overseas locations and establish safety confirmation systems.

Related coverage:

Japanese boy dies after being stabbed by man in China's Shenzhen
LG proposes swearing-in of Atishi as Delhi CM on 21st





NEW DELHI :

DELHI Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has in a communication to President Droupadi Murmu proposed September 21 as the date for the swearing-in of Chief Minister-designate Atishi, sources said on Wednesday. They said outgoing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation letter has also been moved to Murmu. However, the sources said that the AAP legislature party has not proposed any date for the oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Minister-designate.
Pager attacks Toll rises to 12, over 3,000 hurt





TAIPEI :

Taiwan firm denies manufacturing pagers used in the blasts

TOLL from pager explosions used by the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria climbed to 12, including two children, and wounding nearly 3,000. Hezbollah and the Lebanese Government blamed Israel for what appeared to be a sophisticated remote attack. A Taiwanese company on Wednesday denied manufacturing the pagers involved in detonations across Lebanon. Taiwan's Gold Apollo Co. said that the pagers used in detonations in Lebanon were not made by it, but by a Hungarian company which has a license to use its brand. The product was not ours. It was only that it had our brand on it, Gold Apollo founder and President Hsu Ching-Kuang was quoted as saying by the Taipei Times as he addressed the media at the company's offices in New Taipei City on Wednesday. Citing images of the destroyed pagers, which included stickers and designs quite similar to those produced by Gold Apollo, some reports had asserted that Hezbollah had ordered 5,000 pagers from the Taiwan-based company. However, Gold Apollo issued a statement refuting these claims, clarifying that the pagers in question were manufactured by Hungarian company BAC under a brand trademark agreement.

The attack in Lebanon started Tuesday afternoon, when pagers in their owners hands or pockets started heating up and then exploding  leaving blood-splattered scenes and panicking bystanders. It appeared that most of those hit were members or linked to members of Hezbollah  whether fighters or civilians  but it was not immediately clear if people with no ties to Hezbollah were also hit. Hezbollah said in a statement on Wednesday morning that it would continue its normal strikes against Israel as part of what it describes as a support front for its ally, Hamas, and Palestinians in Gaza. This path is continuous and separate from the difficult reckoning that the criminal enemy must await for its massacre on Tuesday, it said. This is another reckoning that will come, God willing.

At hospitals in Beirut on Wednesday, the chaos of the night before had largely subsided, but relatives of the wounded continued to wait. Lebanon Health Minister Firas Abiad told journalists during a tour on hospitals on Wednesday morning that many of the wounded had severe injuries to the eyes, and others had limbs amputated. Journalists were not allowed to enter hospital rooms or film patients. Abiad said that the wounded had been sent to various area hospitals to avoid any single facility being overloaded and added that Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria and Egypt offered to help treat the patients. Earlier Wednesday, an Iraqi military plane landed in Beirut carrying 15 tonnes of medicine and medical equipment, he said. Experts believe explosive material was put into the pagers prior to their delivery. The AR-924 pager, advertised as being rugged, contains a rechargeable lithium battery, according to specifications advertised on Gold Apollos website before they were removed after the attack. It claimed to have up to 85 days of battery life. That would be crucial in Lebanon, where electricity outages have been common after years of economic collapse. Pagers also run on a different wireless network than mobile phones, making them more resilient in emergencies  one of the reasons why many hospitals worldwide still rely on them. For Hezbollah, the pagers also provided a means to sidestep whats believed to be intensive Israeli electronic surveillance on mobile phone networks in Lebanon.

The phone that we have in our hands  I do not have a phone in my hand  is a listening device, warned Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a February speech. Taiwans Ministry of Economic Affairs said from the beginning of 2022 until August 2024, Gold Apollo has exported 260,000 sets of pagers, including more than 40,000 sets between January and August of this year. The ministry said that it had no records of direct exports of Gold Apollo pagers to Lebanon. An American official said Israel briefed the United States on Tuesday after the attack, in which small amounts of explosive hidden in the pagers were detonated. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the information publicly. Hezbollah and Israeli forces have exchanged fire nearly daily since October 8, the day after a deadly Hamas-led attack in southern Israel triggered a massive Israeli counteroffensive and the ongoing war in Gaza. Since then, hundreds have been killed in the strikes in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, while tens of thousands on each side of the border have been displaced. Tuesdays attack  and the fact that Hezbollah blamed Israel  renewed fears that the two foes could lead to all-out war. Despite periodic cycles of escalation, the two have carefully avoided that so far, but Israeli leaders have issued a series of warnings in recent weeks that they might escalate operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

9 killed, 300 hurt in fresh blasts
Record 1,65,505 Ganesh idols immersed in 419 artificial tanks





Staff Reporter :

IN an achievement for themselves, Nagpurians immersed 1,65,505 Ganesh idols in 419 artificial tanks installed by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) throughout the city during, during the Ganesh festival. On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, Nagpur witnessed a heart-warming celebration as thousands of devotees thronged the artificial tanks installed at various spots in city to bid farewell to Ganpati Bappa. For better coordinated Ganesh Visarjan, the Municipal Commissioner and the Administrator personally visited all major immersion sites in the city and directed officials and staff concerned to help citizens and devotees. Nagpur is the only city in the country to ban immersion of idols of the deities in water bodies. With the citizens co-operation, the administration has been successful in its endeavour to ensure eco-friendly Ganesh Visarjan this year. NMC installed 419 artificial tanks throughout the city for immersion of small idols while big idols were immersed in a huge tank constructed at Koradi. Dr Chaudhari visited and inspected Futala Lake, Sonegaon Lake, Ujjwal Nagar artificial tank, Chitnavis Park, Timki NMC School and Kachhi Visa ground where artificial tanks are installed.





During the inspection, Dr Chaudhari was accompanied by Dr Gajendra Mahalle, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department; Prakash Warade, Deputy Municipal Commissioner; Milind Meshram, Deputy Municipal Commissioner; Ganesh Rathod, Assistant Municipal Commissioner; Pramod Wankhede; Dr Deepak Selokar; Ravindra Bundhade; Vijay Gurubakshani; Sachin Rakshamwar; Alpana Patne and others were present. The staff from the Solid Waste Management Department of the NMC put efforts to make it a grand success. This year, 1,212 Ganesh idols were installed by Ganesh mandals across city, in which 457 idols were immersed on Tuesday. All the big idols were immersed in Koradi artificial tank. To avoid traffic jam and any incident, police department were vigilant throughout the day at immersion sites. Out of 1,65,505 Ganesh idols, 1,60,809 were clay idols and 4,696 were of PoP idols. NMC made special arrangements to maintain cleanliness at all Visarjan sites across the city. NMC arranged Nirmalya Kalash near all the artificial tanks. Total 1,132 civic staffers were deployed at the Visarjan sites. Total 169.72 tonnes of Nirmalya was collected at the Visarjan sites in the city.

Mediocre support from NGOs at Visarjan sites!

Local NGOs plays a major role in helping devotees at immersion sites every year during visarjan. The volunteers of NGOs guide citizens to maintain cleanliness, put nirmalya into Nirmalya Kalash and avoid immersion of idols in water bodies. This year limited NGOs showed their presence at immersion sites and helped the civic body for smooth conduct of the process. During his visit, Municipal Commissioner, on Tuesday, interacted with members of Green Vigil Foundation (GVF), Rotary Club of Nagpur and Green Maha Club and appreciated their efforts. We actively participate to educate and help devotees during immersion every year. This year also we were in contact with NMC officials for our support. But they had enough manpower to manage the visarjan sites, Kiran Mundra of Tejaswini Mahila Manch told The Hitavada. We conducted joint meeting of NGOs and Ganesh Mandals this year too. NGOs like Green Vigil Foundation, Rotary Club of Nagpur, Green Maha Club and others helped us for this activity. Volunteers from GVF were there all the 10 days of Visarjan, said Dr Gajendra Mahalle, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department. As per sources, devotees faced problems during immersionas there were no volunteers present at visarjan sites.
Saved Rs 6,000 per month on power bill: Central scheme beneficiary to PM Modi





NEW DELHI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared a video of his interaction with the beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana during which one of them said that he had saved a big amount on his monthly power bill. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi shared his video of meeting with the schemes beneficiaries during his Gujarat visit and its highlights. Interacting with Jagshibhai Suthar, one of the beneficiaries of the scheme at his house, PM Modi enquired about what change it has brought to their electricity bill, to which he said, There is a drastic change. The beneficiary said he was saving Rs 6,000 monthly on the electricity bill, saving Rs 72,000 per year. He said the Government gave Rs 78,000 in assistance for installing solar panels at home. Another beneficiary said earlier, he was afraid to switch on a fan fearing an inflated power bill but now he is using three fans and an air conditioner. Hitting out at the Opposition, PM Modi said, Other political parties use money from the state revenue to win polls unlike us who introduced PM Suryaghar Bijli Yojana without burdening the treasury. PM Modi also listed the benefits of the scheme and laid thrust on the conservation of the environment and natural resources.

Talking about the schemes benefits in saving the environment, PM Modi said it will also benefit the future generations. Stating that small life changes can bring good results, PM Modi said: If we save Rs 5,000 per month from this scheme and save this every year on our daughters name right from her birth when she will attain 20 years of age, you will get Rs 10-12 lakh helping you in the education and marriage of the child. He said that 1.5 crore applications were received for one crore slots of the scheme, and solar panels have been installed at the homes of 3.5 lakh people. There will be a revolution if all the 3.5 lakh families will have Rs 20 lakh for their daughters. He appealed to them to practice cleanliness in the society as it is a temple. Talking about his campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, PM Modi said you can plant trees and make your society green in just three years. He also called for water and environment conservation. Earlier, we used to carry bags while going to markets but now we go empty hand and bring products in plastic bags and then throw them, which has consequences. We should carry a bag while going to market and shun plastic, he urged.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 19, 2024 - 20:38 | All, Japan

The assembly of Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan on Thursday unanimously adopted a no-confidence motion against Gov. Motohiko Saito over abuse of power allegations, giving him 10 days to either dissolve the assembly or resign.

After the motion was passed, Saito did not clarify which action he will take or when he will decide. "I will think deeply about it," he said, while apologizing for causing concern to residents over the scandal, first raised by a subordinate six months ago.

If he decides to neither dissolve the assembly nor quit, he will automatically lose his position.

The motion against Saito was jointly submitted by all assembly groups, including the biggest Liberal Democratic Party and the second-largest Japan Innovation Party, which both supported the 46-year-old governor in the last gubernatorial race in 2021.

It is the fifth time that a prefectural assembly in Japan passed a no-confidence motion against a governor since 1966 when comparable data became available, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Before the motion's submission, all groups demanded his resignation, but Saito insisted on completing his four-year term.

"It is impossible for (Saito) to continue to head the government of the prefecture as trust from its people and its officials can no longer be restored," an LDP assembly member said in presenting the motion.

The scandal emerged after the senior official, who has since died by apparent suicide, released a document accusing Saito of abusing his power, including by yelling at staff and soliciting gifts from local businesses.

Although the official, a 60-year-old man, reported the misconduct to the prefectural government's whistleblower office, he was reprimanded with a three-month suspension after an internal investigation concluded that the document contained defamatory claims.

The move sparked a controversy, with some assembly members questioning the neutrality of the investigation.

The assembly set up a special committee to look into the case in June, but the whistleblower was found dead less than two weeks before being scheduled to testify before the committee in July.

The labor union for prefectural government officials has urged Saito to resign over the scandal, while the deputy governor quit to take responsibility for the trouble caused by the issue.

During the committee's questioning, Saito defended the disciplinary action taken against the whistleblower, asserting it was justifiable as the document contained false allegations.

The committee's survey covering all prefectural employees found that more than 40 percent of the respondents said they had either witnessed or heard of the governor's abuse of power.

Saito, who joined the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2002 after graduating from the University of Tokyo, won the Hyogo gubernatorial race in 2021, succeeding a predecessor who had been in the post for the previous 20 years.

If Saito decides to quit or lose his position automatically by not dissolving the assembly, a gubernatorial election will be held within 50 days.

If he decides to dissolve the assembly, which would be the first case in Japan, an election will be held within 40 days. If the majority of the new assembly, with two-thirds or more of the members in attendance, vote in support of a no-confidence motion against him, he will lose his job.

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Press Release

September 19, 2024 EDCOM 2 bats for improved TESDA scholar completion rates, higher-quality programs EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that, of 2,000 scholarship slots offered for TVET diploma programs in the National Capital Region, only 20 students completed the course, citing a report from the Commission on Audit. "Sayang naman, kasi we gave them the scholarship, we spent a lot of time teaching them, but they did not finish the course," he said, during the Senate hearing of the budget of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on September 18, 2024. TESDA's budget is pegged at 18.7 billion, with a substantial P10.6 billion allocated for scholarship programs. TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta attributed the high attrition rate to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that many students lost interest in finishing their courses during the period of disruption. However, TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez emphasized the need to go beyond pandemic-related issues. "We need to understand the full picture. It's possible that students enter the program with the full intention to finish, but after the first year, if they receive a certain certification, they may choose to go straight to employment," Benitez explained. In response to these challenges, Benitez noted that TESDA will be shifting its focus to assuring that tech-voc institutions offer high-quality and targeted offerings. Benitez noted that part of this approach involves ensuring that training programs are demand-driven and aligned with the needs of local industries. "We are requiring all registered TVIs to re-register their programs every 5 years. In 2022, a lot of providers failed to do this because of a component - the integration of 21st century skills in their curriculum." said Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta. "Although there is a shrink in the number of TVET providers, TESDA is still trying to encourage schools to offer higher level qualifications. Area-based, demand-driven qualifications. Kung ano ang requirement ng local industry and market, we are making sure the courses offered are of higher quality and are relevant to the area," echoed Director General Benitez. This strategy aligns with the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which has advocated for increasing the availability of National Certification (NC) III and NC IV courses. These higher-level certifications are seen as critical in providing more advanced skills training, thus improving employability and retention among students. EDCOM 2 Commissioner Joel Villanueva echoed this sentiment, stating that the real goal of TESDA's scholarship programs is to equip young people with skills that can immediately lead to employment. "There's a challenge for us to reassess the design of TESDA's diploma courses. We need to ensure these programs give students the skills they need to enter the workforce, but at the same time, we must encourage them to complete their training to maximize the benefits," Villanueva said. "I agree with the Secretary [Benitez]. The growth will be attuned to the requirements of industries both local and national, and even global. The goal is not in numbers, the goal is to grow it with quality. That way we will also be targeted in offering our programs and scholarships." said Gatchalian.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 19, 2024 - 18:42 | All, World

A Japanese communication equipment maker said Thursday that walkie-talkies which simultaneously exploded in Lebanon the previous day may have been a discontinued model it formerly sold, but with modified batteries.

Osaka-based Icom Inc. said it is investigating details including its overseas distribution network, after the walkie-talkies detonated in and around the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Wednesday, killing 20 and injuring over 250 people.

"We cannot rule out the possibility that they are fakes, but there is also a chance the products are our IC-V82 model," said Icom Director Yoshiki Enomoto. The company sold some 160,000 units of the model domestically and overseas before terminating sales in 2014.

Images of the devices showing severe explosion damage to their battery area indicate the power packs may have been replaced with ones that were modified to explode, Enomoto said.

While Icom has business units in Europe, it is not clear how the products ended up in the Middle East, the company said.

"It is difficult to determine the distribution channels without checking the serial numbers" of the products, Enomoto said.

Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah often used the devices, according to Reuters, with the explosions following a similar incident on Tuesday when multiple pagers blew up at the same time and killed at least 12 people.

A Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo Co., which has been linked to the pagers, has denied making and exporting the products, saying Hungarian-based firm BAC Consulting KFT produced and sold the devices under license with the Gold Apollo brand.

"Our company only provides the brand trademark authorization and is not involved in the design or manufacturing of these products," Gold Apollo said in a statement Wednesday before its president was summoned for questioning by Taiwanese authorities the following day.

In a statement, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the island does not directly export the type of pagers in question to Lebanon. It said Gold Apollo exported around 260,000 sets of pagers between 2022 and August 2024 mainly to European countries and the United States.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged after the two incidents to return residents to their homes in his country's northern border areas after they were evacuated due to cross-border fighting with Hezbollah combatants. He did not confirm whether Israel is behind the exploding walkie-talkie and pagers.

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Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. increased its holdings in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,924 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,065 shares during the period. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd.s holdings in Accenture were worth $6,955,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 1.1% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 59,718,732 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $20,699,110,000 after purchasing an additional 635,349 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in shares of Accenture by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 10,912,962 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,311,102,000 after buying an additional 131,544 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors grew its holdings in shares of Accenture by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 8,652,537 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,999,056,000 after acquiring an additional 173,107 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Accenture by 4.1% in the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 3,797,028 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,316,086,000 after acquiring an additional 148,738 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in Accenture by 6.2% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 3,044,810 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,055,362,000 after purchasing an additional 178,003 shares during the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Accenture Trading Down 4.9 %

ACN opened at $336.93 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $329.94 and a 200-day moving average of $322.59. The stock has a market capitalization of $211.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.85, a P/E/G ratio of 3.82 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture plc has a 1-year low of $278.69 and a 1-year high of $387.51.

Accenture Dividend Announcement

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by ($0.02). Accenture had a net margin of 10.79% and a return on equity of 27.48%. The company had revenue of $16.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.55 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.19 earnings per share. Accentures revenue for the quarter was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 11.95 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 11th were paid a dividend of $1.29 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 11th. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.53%. Accentures dividend payout ratio is 47.25%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ACN has been the topic of several research reports. Bank of America dropped their target price on Accenture from $419.00 to $365.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Accenture from $330.00 to $376.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, September 6th. Piper Sandler Companies decreased their target price on shares of Accenture from $379.00 to $320.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, June 17th. Guggenheim restated a buy rating and set a $395.00 price target on shares of Accenture in a report on Friday, May 24th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Accenture from $375.00 to $350.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, June 21st. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $354.91.

Get Our Latest Analysis on ACN

Insider Buying and Selling at Accenture

In other news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total transaction of $1,649,100.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,989 shares in the company, valued at $2,964,751.98. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Accenture news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 3,776 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.05, for a total transaction of $1,166,972.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 11,819 shares in the company, valued at $3,652,661.95. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total value of $1,649,100.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,989 shares in the company, valued at $2,964,751.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 21,421 shares of company stock valued at $6,912,635 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Accenture Company Profile

(Free Report)

Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report).

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Xn LP raised its holdings in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 24.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 464,489 shares of the CRM providers stock after acquiring an additional 90,616 shares during the period. Salesforce makes up 5.0% of Xn LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Xn LPs holdings in Salesforce were worth $119,420,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Salesforce by 186.7% during the 1st quarter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. now owns 86 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank raised its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 2,400.0% during the 2nd quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 100 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC lifted its position in Salesforce by 816.7% in the 2nd quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC now owns 110 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Red Tortoise LLC purchased a new stake in Salesforce in the first quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Stephens Consulting LLC grew its position in Salesforce by 3,125.0% during the second quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 129 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.43% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, CFO Amy E. Weaver sold 897 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $255.78, for a total transaction of $229,434.66. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 51,109 shares in the company, valued at $13,072,660.02. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Salesforce news, CFO Amy E. Weaver sold 897 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $255.78, for a total transaction of $229,434.66. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 51,109 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,072,660.02. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 413 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $255.78, for a total value of $105,637.14. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 6,431 shares in the company, valued at $1,644,921.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 62,376 shares of company stock valued at $15,878,005 in the last 90 days. 3.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Salesforce Price Performance

Shares of CRM opened at $255.32 on Wednesday. Salesforce, Inc. has a twelve month low of $193.68 and a twelve month high of $318.71. The company has a market capitalization of $247.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.29. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $253.61 and a 200 day moving average of $267.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 28th. The CRM provider reported $2.56 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $9.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.22 billion. Salesforce had a return on equity of 12.01% and a net margin of 15.44%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.63 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Salesforce, Inc. will post 7.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Salesforce Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 18th will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.63%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 18th. Salesforces dividend payout ratio is currently 28.78%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

CRM has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $342.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on shares of Salesforce from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on Salesforce from $280.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Bank of America restated a buy rating and set a $325.00 target price on shares of Salesforce in a report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised Salesforce to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six have issued a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $305.55.

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About Salesforce

(Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale.

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Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A  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 3,160,000 shares, an increase of 10.5% from the August 15th total of 2,860,000 shares. Currently, 1.1% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,900,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.7 days.

Agilent Technologies Stock Up 0.5 %

NYSE:A traded up $0.66 on Wednesday, hitting $139.01. 1,351,503 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,715,516. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $137.26 and a 200-day moving average price of $139.25. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The company has a market cap of $40.56 billion, a PE ratio of 32.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.43 and a beta of 1.05. Agilent Technologies has a 1 year low of $96.80 and a 1 year high of $155.35.

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Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 21st. The medical research company reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $1.58 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.56 billion. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 21.75% and a return on equity of 25.26%. Agilent Technologiess revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.43 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Agilent Technologies will post 5.24 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Agilent Technologies

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other news, CEO Padraig Mcdonnell sold 1,958 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.00, for a total value of $283,910.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 24,118 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,497,110. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . 0.33% of the stock is owned by insiders.

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new stake in Agilent Technologies in the 1st quarter worth $938,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 953.3% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 32,694 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,757,000 after acquiring an additional 29,590 shares during the period. UBS Group AG grew its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 84.5% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 325,695 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $45,281,000 after purchasing an additional 149,159 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 27.1% during the 4th quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 1,609,420 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $223,758,000 after purchasing an additional 343,175 shares in the last quarter. Finally, iA Global Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 26.2% during the first quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 21,770 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,168,000 after purchasing an additional 4,523 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.42% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a $135.00 price target (down from $152.00) on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $151.00 target price on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Bank of America raised their price target on Agilent Technologies from $140.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Agilent Technologies from $165.00 to $155.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Agilent Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. They issued an overweight rating and a $157.00 target price on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and nine have issued a 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 price target of $141.60.

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About Agilent Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; and vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies.

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Ventas (NYSE:VTR  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Evercore ISI from $64.00 to $70.00 in a research report report published on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Scotiabank lifted their price target on shares of Ventas from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Ventas to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Wedbush upped their target price on shares of Ventas from $64.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, September 10th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Ventas from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, StockNews.com raised 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 issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Ventas currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $57.45.

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Read Our Latest Report on VTR

Ventas Price Performance

Shares of NYSE VTR opened at $64.21 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $26.53 billion, a P/E ratio of -337.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 1.36. The firms 50-day moving average price is $58.53 and its 200-day moving average price is $50.75. The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36. Ventas has a 1-year low of $39.33 and a 1-year high of $65.64.

Ventas (NYSE:VTR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by ($0.74). Ventas had a negative return on equity of 1.63% and a negative net margin of 3.33%. The firm had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.19 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.75 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Ventas will post 3.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Ventas Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 17th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be given a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.80%. Ventass dividend payout ratio is currently -947.32%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Ventas

In other news, CEO Debra A. Cafaro sold 40,079 shares of Ventas stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.29, for a total transaction of $2,296,125.91. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 986,717 shares in the company, valued at approximately $56,529,016.93. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Ventas news, CEO Peter J. Bulgarelli sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.99, for a total transaction of $389,940.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 90,795 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,900,767.05. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Debra A. Cafaro sold 40,079 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.29, for a total value of $2,296,125.91. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 986,717 shares of the companys stock, valued at $56,529,016.93. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 77,065 shares of company stock worth $4,526,464 in the last quarter. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in VTR. Centersquare Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Ventas by 11.5% in the 1st quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 7,806,396 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $345,667,000 after acquiring an additional 802,546 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in shares of Ventas by 1.7% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,931,538 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $304,047,000 after purchasing an additional 96,482 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its position in shares of Ventas by 8.1% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,489,159 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $239,000,000 after purchasing an additional 413,564 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Ventas during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $231,512,000. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA bought a new position in Ventas in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $135,425,000. 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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Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB  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 5,690,000 shares, a decrease of 8.1% from the August 15th total of 6,190,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 6,100,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.9 days. Currently, 0.4% of the companys stock are sold short.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Bank of America upgraded Gerdau from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $4.50 to $5.00 in a research note on Friday, May 24th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GGB

Gerdau Stock Performance

GGB opened at $3.39 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $7.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.55 and a beta of 1.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 2.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The firms 50-day moving average price is $3.26 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.40. Gerdau has a 52-week low of $2.92 and a 52-week high of $4.31.

Gerdau (NYSE:GGB  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.01 billion. Gerdau had a net margin of 7.88% and a return on equity of 8.43%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Gerdau will post 0.53 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Gerdau Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 27th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 13th were paid a $0.055 dividend. This represents a $0.22 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.50%. This is a boost from Gerdaus previous quarterly dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 13th. Gerdaus dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 13.11%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Gerdau

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Ballentine Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Gerdau in the first quarter worth $44,000. Insight 2811 Inc. acquired a new stake in Gerdau during the 2nd quarter worth about $36,000. IPG Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Gerdau during the 4th quarter valued at about $55,000. Wedbush Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Gerdau in the 2nd quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Prosperity Consulting Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Gerdau in the 1st quarter valued at about $53,000. 1.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Gerdau

(Get Free Report)

Gerdau SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a steel producer company. The company operates through Brazil Business, North America Business, South America Business, and Special Steel Business segments. It also provides semi-finished products, including billets, blooms, and slabs; common long rolled products, such as rebars, wire rods, merchant bars, light shapes, and profiles to the construction and manufacturing industries; drawn products comprising barbed and barbless fence wires, galvanized wires, fences, concrete reinforcing wire mesh, nails, and clamps for manufacturing, construction, and agricultural industries; and special steel products used in auto parts, light and heavy vehicles, and agricultural machinery, as well as in the oil and gas, wind energy, machinery and equipment, mining and rail, and other markets.

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Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Nestle (OTCMKTS:NSRGY  Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research report report published on Monday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on NSRGY. Barclays reissued an equal weight rating on shares of Nestle in a research report on Monday, September 9th. UBS Group cut shares of Nestle from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered Nestle from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Berenberg Bank downgraded Nestle from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Nestle from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have assigned a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Nestle currently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Read Our Latest Report on NSRGY

Nestle Stock Down 0.6 %

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nestle

Nestle stock opened at $101.22 on Monday. Nestle has a one year low of $99.02 and a one year high of $119.52. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $103.71 and its 200 day moving average price is $104.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.51.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC increased its position in Nestle by 3.7% in the first quarter. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC now owns 783,166 shares of the companys stock worth $83,255,000 after buying an additional 27,888 shares during the period. Councilmark Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nestle in the 1st quarter worth about $640,000. Confluence Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Nestle in the 1st quarter valued at about $111,100,000. Wedgewood Investors Inc. PA acquired a new position in Nestle during the 2nd quarter valued at about $277,000. Finally, Cullen Investment Group LTD. grew its position in Nestle by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Cullen Investment Group LTD. now owns 9,608 shares of the companys stock worth $1,005,000 after purchasing an additional 342 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 0.61% of the companys stock.

About Nestle

(Get Free Report)

Nestle SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a food and beverage company. The company operates through Zone North America; Zone Europe; Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Zone Latin America; Zone Greater China; Nespresso; and Nestle Health Science segments. It offers baby foods under the Cerelac, Gerber, Nido, and NaturNes brands; bottled water under the Nestle Pure Life, Perrier, Vittel, Buxton, Erikli, and S.Pellegrino brands; cereals under the Fitness, Nesquik, cheerios, and Lion Cereals brands; and chocolate and confectionery products under the KitKat, Smarties, Aero, Nestle Les Recettes de l'Atelier, Milkybar, Baci Perugina, Quality Street, and Fitness brands.

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O Brien Greene & Co. Inc raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 9.1% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 9,567 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 797 shares during the period. O Brien Greene & Co. Incs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $1,398,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. now owns 135,526 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,808,000 after acquiring an additional 8,408 shares during the last quarter. Argent Trust Co grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Argent Trust Co now owns 189,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,711,000 after acquiring an additional 963 shares during the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 695,805 shares of the companys stock worth $92,799,000 after buying an additional 26,174 shares during the period. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. now owns 16,173 shares of the companys stock worth $2,364,000 after buying an additional 1,755 shares during the period. Finally, Financial & Tax Architects LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 11.9% in the 2nd quarter. Financial & Tax Architects LLC now owns 39,362 shares of the companys stock worth $5,753,000 after buying an additional 4,189 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock.

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Johnson & Johnson Price Performance

Shares of NYSE JNJ opened at $167.07 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.07. The company has a market cap of $402.08 billion, a PE ratio of 10.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.53. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $160.38 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $154.01. Johnson & Johnson has a fifty-two week low of $143.13 and a fifty-two week high of $168.85.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

Johnson & Johnson ( NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 17th. The company reported $2.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.71 by $0.11. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 36.60% and a net margin of 46.34%. The firm had revenue of $22.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.33 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.80 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.02 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 27th were paid a $1.24 dividend. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.97%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 27th. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is 30.92%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have weighed in on JNJ. TD Securities lowered their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $195.00 to $185.00 in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $167.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $160.00 to $155.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Daiwa America cut Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $175.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong 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 $173.21.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Johnson & Johnson

Insider Transactions at Johnson & Johnson

In other news, VP Robert J. Decker sold 5,635 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $165.06, for a total value of $930,113.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 18,973 shares in the company, valued at $3,131,683.38. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.16% of the companys stock.

Johnson & Johnson Profile

(Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson, together with its subsidiaries, researches, develops, manufactures, and sells various products in the healthcare field worldwide. The company's Innovative Medicine segment offers products for various therapeutic areas, such as immunology, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis; infectious diseases comprising HIV/AIDS; neuroscience, consisting of mood disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and schizophrenia; oncology, such as prostate cancer, hematologic malignancies, lung cancer, and bladder cancer; cardiovascular and metabolism, including thrombosis, diabetes, and macular degeneration; and pulmonary hypertension comprising pulmonary arterial hypertension through retailers, wholesalers, distributors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals for prescription use.

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 19, 2024 - 21:47 | World, All, Japan

A Japanese boy stabbed by a man while on his way to school in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen died of his wounds early Thursday morning, the Japanese government said, sparking fears the incident will worsen already strained Sino-Japanese ties. The 10-year-old, whose father is Japanese and mother is Chinese, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, was wounded in the abdomen near a Japanese school Wednesday morning and had been receiving treatment at a hospital. The suspect, 44, was apprehended by police stationed near the educational facility. It remains unclear whether the attacker intentionally targeted a Japanese national. The stabbing sent shockwaves through the Japanese community in China, with a businessman who lives in Guangdong Province with his family saying, "We should be vigilant and take measures such as avoiding being heard speaking Japanese outdoors."

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the fatal stabbing of the schoolboy an "extremely despicable crime" and told reporters in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, that he has instructed officials to strongly urge Beijing to share information on the incident "as soon as possible."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a press conference Thursday, "We regret and feel saddened by this unfortunate incident." He said Beijing will "continue to take effective measures to protect all foreign nationals in China."

The spokesman, however, said he believes "similar cases may happen in any country" and the latest attack will "not affect exchanges and cooperation" between the two Asian neighbors.

Lin added that the case is under investigation, and the perpetrator will be punished according to the law. China and Japan have been maintaining communications over the matter, he said.

Eyewitnesses said the boy was bleeding from the stab wounds and was given a heart massage at the scene. The child's mother was with him at the time of the attack.

The stabbing followed a knife attack in Suzhou near Shanghai in June in which a Japanese mother and child were injured. A Chinese woman died while attempting to stop the assailant.

Following the June knife attack, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called it an "isolated incident" and said such cases "could happen in any country." China is "widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world," she remarked at that time.

Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a Tokyo press conference, "We are deeply saddened" by the death of the boy, adding Japan will continue to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in China.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said Tokyo demanded Beijing "make every possible effort" to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals. She also instructed Japanese officials to craft measures to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa meets the press in Tokyo on Sept. 19, 2024, after the death in the morning of a 10-year-old Japanese boy who was stabbed by a man the previous day while on his way to school in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Given Wednesday marked the 93rd anniversary of a Japanese bombing of a railroad track near Shenyang, Japan had asked the Chinese Foreign Ministry last week to take thorough safety measures for Japanese schools, according to Kamikawa.

The 1931 bombing was the start of the Manchurian Incident that led to Japan's invasion and occupation of northeastern China, which lasted until the end of World War II.

The residence of Japan's Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, flew a Japanese national flag at half-staff Thursday to mourn the boy, with the envoy visiting Shenzhen later in the day to meet with the victim's family and senior officials in the city, where some 3,600 Japanese nationals reside.

Kanasugi conveyed regret over the incident in telephone talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, according to the Japanese Embassy in Beijing.

Japan's consulate general in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, which also includes Shenzhen, said senior municipal government officials visited the victim's home and extended condolences over the boy's death.

A number of local residents offered flowers in front of the gate of the Japanese school in Shenzhen to show sympathy. One of them said he is "ashamed of the criminal act as a Chinese national."

The Japanese embassy held an emergency meeting with business and Japanese school representatives to brief them on the case. The education ministry in Tokyo has decided to send counselors to the Shenzhen school to provide psychological care to students and teachers.

A Chinese man in his 60s who accompanied his granddaughter to a kindergarten near the Japanese school said he was surprised to learn of the fatal stabbing, and it was "really regrettable." The man said he believes the suspect "cannot make a rational judgment."

A Chinese family lays flowers in front of the Japanese school where the 10-year-old boy who was stabbed attended in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on Sept. 19, 2024. (Kyodo)

Another Chinese man in his 60s, a Guangzhou resident, said the incident was "unforgivable," adding, "I'm worried about the possible negative impact on Sino-Japanese relations going forward."

Ties between the Asian neighbors have deteriorated over issues such as China's detention of Japanese nationals over espionage allegations and Beijing's total import ban on Japanese seafood, imposed after the country began releasing treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant in August last year.

It is feared that the series of attacks on Japanese nationals may further hinder bilateral exchanges and Japanese investment in China.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China said in a statement Thursday it has directly asked Kanasugi to take measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and that the entity will continue to urge both the Japanese and Chinese governments to pursue the truth about the incident.

Related coverage:

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Granite Ridge Resources, Inc. (NYSE:GRNT  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,790,000 shares, a growth of 10.3% from the August 15th total of 2,530,000 shares. Approximately 5.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 444,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 6.3 days.

Granite Ridge Resources Price Performance

Shares of GRNT traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $6.32. 452,180 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 433,121. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 2.24 and a current ratio of 2.24. The company has a market cap of $826.30 million, a PE ratio of 14.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.19. Granite Ridge Resources has a 52-week low of $5.20 and a 52-week high of $7.10. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $6.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $6.41.

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Granite Ridge Resources (NYSE:GRNT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.01). Granite Ridge Resources had a net margin of 14.39% and a return on equity of 13.01%. The business had revenue of $90.65 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $96.97 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.19 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Granite Ridge Resources will post 0.59 earnings per share for the current year.

Granite Ridge Resources Dividend Announcement

Insider Activity

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th were given a $0.11 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 30th. This represents a $0.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.96%. Granite Ridge Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 97.78%.

In other news, Director Matthew Reade Miller bought 4,938 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 16th. The stock was bought at an average price of $6.50 per share, with a total value of $32,097.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 679,996 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,419,974. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, CEO Luke C. Brandenberg acquired 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 13th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $6.23 per share, with a total value of $31,150.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 91,633 shares in the company, valued at approximately $570,873.59. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Matthew Reade Miller acquired 4,938 shares of Granite Ridge Resources stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 16th. The shares were bought at an average price of $6.50 per share, for a total transaction of $32,097.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 679,996 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,419,974. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have bought 30,433 shares of company stock worth $189,581 in the last three months. Company insiders own 1.90% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Granite Ridge Resources

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GRNT. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in Granite Ridge Resources by 52.3% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 23,206 shares of the companys stock worth $147,000 after buying an additional 7,965 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Granite Ridge Resources by 72.6% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 936,201 shares of the companys stock worth $5,926,000 after purchasing an additional 393,787 shares during the period. Sfmg LLC boosted its stake in shares of Granite Ridge Resources by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Sfmg LLC now owns 191,420 shares of the companys stock worth $1,212,000 after purchasing an additional 9,960 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltd bought a new position in Granite Ridge Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at about $320,000. Finally, Denali Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Granite Ridge Resources in the 2nd quarter worth about $802,000. 31.56% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $7.00 price target 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 issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Granite Ridge Resources currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $7.95.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on GRNT

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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Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM  Free Report) had its target price raised by TD Cowen from $150.00 to $160.00 in a research note released on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the specialty retailers stock.

Several other research analysts have also commented on WSM. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on Williams-Sonoma from $150.00 to $147.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $158.00 to $145.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $137.50 to $155.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, Robert W. Baird cut their price target on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $150.00 to $140.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $141.17.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on WSM

Williams-Sonoma Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE WSM opened at $147.49 on Monday. Williams-Sonoma has a twelve month low of $69.95 and a twelve month high of $174.26. The firm has a market cap of $18.63 billion, a PE ratio of 18.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 1.74. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $142.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $145.00.

Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 22nd. The specialty retailer reported $1.74 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $1.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.81 billion. Williams-Sonoma had a net margin of 14.29% and a return on equity of 51.57%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.56 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Williams-Sonoma will post 7.98 earnings per share for the current year.

Williams-Sonoma Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, October 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.55%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 18th. Williams-Sonomas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.99%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Williams-Sonoma

In related news, EVP Karalyn Smith sold 11,100 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.66, for a total value of $1,494,726.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 15,150 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,040,099. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Laura Alber sold 40,000 shares of Williams-Sonoma stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $145.27, for a total value of $5,810,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,030,956 shares in the company, valued at $149,766,978.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Karalyn Smith sold 11,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.66, for a total transaction of $1,494,726.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 15,150 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,040,099. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 91,100 shares of company stock valued at $13,563,526. Corporate insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Williams-Sonoma

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. EntryPoint Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 520.0% in the first quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC now owns 93 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 78 shares in the last quarter. Quest Partners LLC purchased a new position in Williams-Sonoma in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC acquired a new stake in Williams-Sonoma during the 1st quarter worth $32,000. Crewe Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Contravisory Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma in the first quarter valued at about $33,000. 99.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Williams-Sonoma

(Get Free Report)

Williams-Sonoma, Inc operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of TransAlta (NYSE:TAC  Free Report) (TSE:TA) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Monday.

TransAlta Price Performance

TransAlta stock opened at $9.30 on Monday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $8.23 and its 200 day moving average price is $7.30. TransAlta has a 1 year low of $5.94 and a 1 year high of $9.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.00 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.43, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.84.

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TransAlta (NYSE:TAC  Get Free Report) (TSE:TA) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.05 by $0.08. TransAlta had a net margin of 18.41% and a return on equity of 47.71%. The firm had revenue of $425.37 million for the quarter. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.17 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that TransAlta will post 0.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TransAlta Increases Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On TransAlta

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Sunday, September 1st will be paid a $0.044 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $0.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.89%. This is a boost from TransAltas previous quarterly dividend of $0.04. TransAltas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 10.97%.

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its stake in TransAlta by 147.2% during the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 64,434 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $535,000 after purchasing an additional 38,365 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA acquired a new stake in TransAlta during the 4th quarter worth $1,835,000. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd acquired a new stake in TransAlta during the 4th quarter worth $1,165,000. Aigen Investment Management LP acquired a new stake in TransAlta during the 4th quarter worth $256,000. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in TransAlta by 2.6% during the 4th quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 3,902,599 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $32,615,000 after purchasing an additional 98,334 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.00% of the companys stock.

About TransAlta

(Get Free Report)

TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments. The Hydro segment holds interest of approximately 922 megawatts (MW) of owned hydroelectric generating capacity located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

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Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the ten research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $61.75.

UL has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Redburn Atlantic raised Unilever from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 7th. StockNews.com raised shares of Unilever from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, August 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Unilever from an underweight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. TD Cowen initiated coverage on Unilever in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $67.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Bank of America raised Unilever from an underperform rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $47.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Unilever

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Unilever

Unilever Stock Down 0.7 %

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Prio Wealth Limited Partnership bought a new position in Unilever during the second quarter worth $8,030,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Unilever during the 2nd quarter worth about $5,417,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Unilever by 598.7% during the 2nd quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,301,239 shares of the companys stock worth $71,555,000 after purchasing an additional 1,114,992 shares in the last quarter. New Wave Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever in the 2nd quarter valued at about $389,000. Finally, Pathway Financial Advisers LLC increased its position in Unilever by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 36,726 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,016,000 after buying an additional 734 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.67% of the companys stock.

NYSE UL opened at $64.39 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $160.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.48. Unilever has a twelve month low of $46.16 and a twelve month high of $65.86. The businesss fifty day moving average is $61.80 and its 200 day moving average is $55.54.

Unilever Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were given a dividend of $0.4773 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $1.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.97%. This is a boost from Unilevers previous quarterly dividend of $0.46. Unilevers dividend payout ratio is 55.10%.

Unilever Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Unilever PLC operates as a fast-moving consumer goods company in the Asia Pacific, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. It operates through five segments: Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream. The Beauty & Wellbeing segment engages in the sale of hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and styling; skin care products including face, hand, and body moisturizer; and prestige beauty and health & wellbeing products consist of the vitamins, minerals, and supplements.

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Shares of Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (NYSE:EVTL  Free Report) are scheduled to reverse split on the morning of Monday, September 23rd. The 1-10 reverse split was announced on Monday, September 16th. The number of shares owned by shareholders will be adjusted after the market closes on Friday, September 20th.

Vertical Aerospace Price Performance

NYSE:EVTL opened at $0.78 on Thursday. Vertical Aerospace has a 1-year low of $0.51 and a 1-year high of $1.62. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $0.86 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.81.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have weighed in on EVTL shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Vertical Aerospace from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $1.00 to $1.50 in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Canaccord Genuity Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $1.50 price target on shares of Vertical Aerospace in a research report on Friday, September 13th.

Vertical Aerospace Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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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KYODO NEWS - Sep 19, 2024 - 12:22 | World, All

North Korean state media reported Thursday that leader Kim Jong Un supervised successful tests the previous day of a new tactical ballistic missile, designed to carry a 4.5-ton conventional warhead, and an improved strategic cruise missile.

The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that the test-firing of the new Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5 tactical ballistic missile was aimed at verifying the ability to accurately hit a target at a range of 320 kilometers.

According to South Korea's military, the North on Wednesday fired short-range ballistic missiles northeastward from the Kaechon area in South Phyongan Province near Pyongyang that flew about 400 km.

The report cited Kim as saying that Wednesday's tests and the steady improvement of weapons were "directly related to the grave threat of outside forces to the state security environment of the DPRK," the acronym for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's formal name.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile of the same type in July and planned another test that month but did not conduct it.

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North Korea fires missiles toward Sea of Japan, no damage reported
KYODO NEWS - Sep 19, 2024 - 18:31 | All, Japan

A shinkansen made an emergency stop between northeastern Japan and Tokyo on Thursday after its two linked trains uncoupled, railway operator JR East said, but no injuries were reported among the some 320 people aboard.

The incident involving the Komachi and Hayabusa high-speed trains on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line marked the first time they have uncoupled while in motion, according to JR East. The trouble occurred at 8:10 a.m. between Furukawa and Sendai stations in Miyagi Prefecture.

A total of 72 trains on the Tohoku, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen lines were canceled and 35 delayed, affecting approximately 45,000 passengers, JR East said.

"It's not uncommon for Shinkansen trains to stop for safety checks, but I was surprised because this was the first time I had heard that they disconnected," a 59-year-old man who was on the train told Kyodo News in a phone interview.

There were no derailments of the cars.

JR East temporarily halted all bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori in Aomori Prefecture for inspection. It resumed operations around 1:10 p.m. after completing inspections of both the Hayabusa and Komachi trains at the site and moving them to Sendai station.

The cause of the incident is being investigated but no external abnormalities have been found on the coupler, according to JR East.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Tohoku Shinkansen Line's Hayabusa-Komachi No. 6 bullet train bound for Tokyo -- the Hayabusa portion (top L) and the Komachi portion (bottom) -- decoupled and stopped on the tracks in Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture, between Furukawa and Sendai stations on Sept. 19, 2024. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

The trains were connected at Morioka station and were heading to Tokyo at a speed of 315 kilometers per hour when they detached. The Komachi was around 300 meters away from the Hayabusa after the emergency stop was made.

JR East is the only operator in Japan that couples trains with different compositions for a Shinkansen service, and the connecting and separating of the red Komachi and green Hayabusa trains at Morioka attracts many railway enthusiasts.

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JR East to run self-driving bullet trains on some sections in FY 2028

Shinkansen - The dream super limited express marks 60 (Part 2)
This photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows the check-in counter of the maiden C919 commercial flight operated by China Southern Airlines at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight. So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

GUANGZHOU, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight.

Flight CZ3539 carried a full load of passengers and headed for Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport. So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft.

In April, China Southern Airlines signed a deal to buy 100 C919 aircraft from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

To date, COMAC has delivered nine C919 aircraft to three leading Chinese airlines. China Southern and Air China received their first C919 aircraft in Shanghai on Aug. 28. China Eastern Airlines, the launch customer for the C919, has reported consistent operational performance with seven C919 aircraft since they entered service on May 28, 2023.

According to China Southern Airlines, its first C919 features a three-class layout with 164 seats, including eight business class seats, 18 premium seats, and 138 economy class seats.

"We will continue reinforcing the C919's operational support system, laying a solid foundation for large-scale operations. We will continuously improve the route network, enabling more passengers to enjoy a delightful flying experience aboard China's large domestic aircraft," said Han Wensheng, general manager of China Southern Airlines.

Based on market demand and aircraft delivery plans, China Southern Airlines will gradually expand the C919 operational routes, such as flights from Guangzhou to Hangzhou and Beijing. 

This photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows a ceremony marking the maiden C919 commercial flight operated by China Southern Airlines at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight.

So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Crew members of the maiden C919 commercial flight operated by China Southern Airlines work at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 19, 2024. A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight.

So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A passenger who is about to take the maiden C919 commercial flight operated by China Southern Airlines check in at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 19, 2024. A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight.

So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Flight CZ3539, the maiden C919 commercial flight operated by China Southern Airlines, departs from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 19, 2024. A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight.

So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft. (Xinhua)

A boy who is about to take the maiden C919 commercial flight operated by China Southern Airlines poses for photos at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 19, 2024. A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight.

So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)
HONG KONG, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong ranked ninth in the World Talent Ranking 2024 published Thursday by the International Institute for Management Development, a business school headquartered in Switzerland, up from the 16th spot last year.

Hong Kong improved across all three talent competitiveness factors in the ranking as compared to last year, according to the report. Its position rose from six to four in "readiness," from 15 to 13 in "investment and development," and the "appeal" ranking also moved up from 32 to 28.

In a breakdown by indicators subsumed under the factors, Hong Kong topped the ranking in the percentage of sciences graduates, and was among the global top five in the availability of finance skills, effectiveness of management education and remuneration of management.

Hong Kong's return to the top 10 in the ranking showed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's efforts in education and talent admission have paid off, said a spokesperson for the HKSAR government.

By the end of August this year, over 360,000 applications were received under various talent admission schemes, with nearly 230,000 applications approved. During the same period, over 150,000 people of talent arrived in Hong Kong through various talent admission schemes. 
Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul Congress national general secretary and MP from Diamond Harbour urged the CBI to ensure that no perpetrators are spared with swift punishment handed down at the earliest opportunity.

At the same breath he requested the junior doctors to resume duty. On his X-handle Mr Banerjee wrote, As a gesture of goodwill, the doctors should now consider calling off the strike and work collaboratively with the government to serve the people and expedite the implementation of the task force initiatives to ensure these charges are promptly executed.

Coming down heavily on the CBI, Mr Banerjee further wrote: The CBI record speaks for itself over the past 10 years, they have not completed a single investigation they have undertaken. Justice delayed is justice denied.

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Mr Banerjee said since day one, he had supported the doctors in their concerns regarding the safety and security and he had always said that most of their concerns, barring a few are valid, sensible and justified.

Mr Banerjee further wrote: As per the SC directions and the GoWBs submission before the SC yesterday, most of the measures for improving their safety and security are in progress, including the installation of CCTV cameras and infrastructural development in the medical colleges and hospital across West Bengal which are expected to be completed within 14 days. Additionally, the government has honoured their demands for transferring certain top officials in the health department and Kolkata Police, as confirmed by the HCM the day before in her media address.

The junior doctors are still on strike as they think that the principal secretary of the health department should be transferred. They said the former commissioner of Kolkata Police Vineet Goyal has not been forced to resign, on the contrary he has been promoted.

A senior state government official said they are keeping a tab on the situation. Mamata Banerjee said no punitive measure will be taken against the junior doctors once they resume work.
In a bizarre incident, 13 persons, including two Members of Parliament, one MLA and district magistrate and police superintendent of Birbhum fell into the river when their rubber speed boat overturned while inspecting a marooned area in Labhpur of Birbhum today.

They are rescued later, while one person is still missing till the time of reporting.

About 15 villages have been inundated due to overflowing of Kuye river in Labhpur and all officials had boarded the rubber speed boat without wearing life saving jackets.

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District magistrate of Birbhum, Bidhan Roy, MLA of Labhpur, Abhijit Sinha, Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam, Bolpur MP Asit Mal, police superintendent Raj Narayan Mukherjee and eight others boarded the rubber speed boat today evening when suddenly the boat overturned and capsized.

Immediately local police and other rescue workers swung into action and rescued 12 persons from the Kuye river.

In the middle of the river, the boat overturned after hitting a floating tree trunk. All of us fell into the river. Seeing us, the police on the banks of the rivers and local villagers jumped into the river and rescued us, said Abhijit Sinha, MLA of Labhpur.

The DM Bidhan Roy said that about six to seven villages have been completely marooned and mud houses have flattened in the area after heavy rainfall in the past five days. The officials were rescued.

The State Disaster Management Force has been sent to Labhpur block to rescue the marooned villagers.
The protesting junior doctors met chief secretary Manoj Pant today at the state secretariat to discuss their remaining charter of demands. Till late, the meeting was still on.

Agitating junior doctors on Wednesday had written to the state chief secretary Manoj Pant seeking a meeting as early as possible to discuss on certain key unresolved issues like safety and security in government medical colleges and hospitals and removal of Narayan Swaroop Nigam, principal secretary in-charge of health department, as pre-conditions for lifting their ongoing nine day-long sit-in protest in front of the Swasthya Bhawan, health department headquarters at Salt Lake.

The protesting medics including postgraduate trainee (PGT) doctors, house staff and interns of 26 government teaching hospitals across the state sent an email at 11.19 am with respect to their general body (GB) meeting, which concluded early Wednesday morning.

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The protesters highlighted issues of safety and security inside state-run hospital premises, and details of formulation and functions of the promised task force headed by the chief secretary, as agenda for the proposed meeting.

They under the banner of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF) have been organizing cease-work in outpatient departments (OPDs) in 26 medical colleges since 9 August demanding justice.

In reference to our last meeting with the CM, we would like to reiterate that there were certain key points regarding our five-point demand, which were unresolved. Particularly our 4th and 5th points, concerning the development of the healthcare system, safety, security and prevailing threat culture, they stated in the email.

The minutes of the five hour-long meeting held between a 40-member delegates of the protesters and the government officials including Mr Pant and home secretary Nandini Chakraborty in presence of the chief minister Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence on Monday night confirmed the mutual agreement of setting up of a task force to implement measures to tackle the safety and security concerns of doctors inside their respective hospitals.

The issues regarding safety and security within the hospital and college premises were discussed. The state government proposed that a task force headed by the chief secretary and including the home secretary, the DG Police and CP Kolkata as well as representatives as would be proposed by the junior doctors will look into the related matters, point number 6 of the minutes reads.

We would like to sit in a meeting with you and other members of the task force today regarding the same. We are eagerly waiting for your positive response, the email sent by the protesting doctors to Mr Pant stated.

Despite repeated requests from the chief minister to withdraw their cease-work and resume duties, the doctors stuck to their decision to continue with their sit-in till their demands were met.

We want a task force to be formed in every government medical college hospital. Only a state-level task force cant ensure safety and security for us in medical colleges. The college-level task force should have members like junior doctors and nurses of respective teaching hospitals, junior doctors said.
With her eyes constantly scanning the tracks to move forward and her hands effortlessly guiding the Vande Bharat Express to reach its destination, Ritika Tirkey, a female loco pilot, drove the Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat train on its maiden journey on 15 September. Making a lasting mark in the majorly male-dominated field, Ritika has been working in the Indian Railways since 2019 as a senior assistant loco pilot. She has driven numerous goods as well as passenger trains till date.

In her early life, Tirkey completed her education in Ranchi. After completing her mechanical engineering degree, she joined the Dhanbad division in Jharkhand as an assistant loco pilot. Her career in railways began with her first posting in Chandrapura, Bokaro. Tirkey was transferred to Tatanagar in 2021 and promoted to senior assistant loco pilot due to her good performance in 2024.

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A ruling partys municipal councilor was arrested by the police for shooting at a rival party member. North 24-Parganas Titagarh is in turmoil over this incident. Gunshots were fired over a dispute about who would control the area. TMC councilor Inam Khan has been arrested in this connection.

Reports suggested that the accused, Inam, is the councilor of Ward 11 in Titagarh municipality. The situation escalated due to a conflict over territorial control. Allegedly, Inam Khan fired at Mithun, alias Tamam, a close associate of TMC councillor Bishnu Singh, near Karbala in Ward 4 of Titagarh municipality.

Fortunately, Mithun narrowly escaped with his life. Around 7 pm, the Khardah police arrested the accused and are currently questioning him.

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I can say with confidence that it is my determination that has brought me to this place

(159).

The book, I, Salma ends with this statement. It is the closing remark of an extensive interview of the poet Salma taken by Chandana Dutta as a part of this text. This statement aptly summarises the entire ethos of Rajathi Samsudeen, aka Salmas works. When one has to fight long and arduous battles against orthodoxy, exploitation, violence and discrimination, not just within society but also within ones home, it takes a strong determination or will to succeed. Reading Salmas story is reading a story of an iron will and a never-say-die attitude.

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I, Salma is not just a book but a celebration of a woman who has become a feminist icon through her lived experiences and her writings against patriarchy. As the title suggests, it is the reiteration of the self, as pitted against the authoritative forces that stand against the freedom, dignity and identity of an individual, particularly if the identity is that of a marginalised person. It is a call to recognise the power of a woman, a reclaiming of her identity through the power of her pen. In a uniquely composed book that brings together several intellectuals in their capacities as translators, interviewer and essayists, I, Salma is a significant addition to the repertoire of feminist studies, marginal literature and of course, poetry.

Poems of Salma, translated by K Srilata and Shobhna Kumar, form the central body of the book. The poems are in Salmas own words, her freedom song. Indian poetry has a long history of protest poems and Salmas works significantly contribute to that. Poetry has been used as a tool to communicate issues related to oppression, violence, identity politics, and much more. Works of women poets like Akka Mahadevi, Lal Ded and in more recent years, Kamala Das, the contemporary Meena Kandaswamy, to name a few, boast of a legacy of poetry that resisted the traditional expectations of society from women and questioned the legitimacy of such expectations. Salmas verses too speak against meaningless conventions and restrictions imposed upon women in general and Muslim women in particular. Her poems strike the readers with their directness and simplicity. Her voice is that of the one who has suffered, one who has fought this battle almost single handedly. That adds a strong note of authenticity to her poems. They speak of resistance and solidarity. They also speak of the body  the female body as a site of violence, the stigma attached to it, the need to be liberated from the patriarchal notions of the female body.

In the first poem of the anthology, the poet talks about Self Portrait, which she knows has been drawn in bold strokes (21). This is an apt introduction to the poet, who is unapologetic in speaking up against exploitation and authoritarianism. The poems that follow unravel this bold self through verses that are brutally honest, shredding through the patriarchy and its trappings. The poetry section of this book has been divided into five parts, titled respectively Between Waking and Sleeping, Dreams, The Deep Night, The Waking Rays of Dawn and the last one, Beginnings by the translators, according to their readings of Salmas poems and the tropes that they located in these. It is difficult to categorise Salmas poems as they blend into each other, yet a loose thematic resemblance can be traced in the categorisation.

The first section contains poems that talk about the anxieties of a conjugal relationship, loss of sovereignty of a woman over her body that comes with marriage, motherhood toils, as well as loss of childhood innocence and shelter. This bed only fuels fearful/ thoughts of pregnancy./ This bed is a weapon/ in the hands of its master (22), says the poet in the poem, When all traces have disappeared. Marital bed becomes the site of a battlefield where the man exercises complete control over the womans or wifes body. An interesting composition in this section is the poem Rain of Parting. Constructed as a poem with two voices  one that is awakened to reality and the other voice that dreams, it is a suitable closing to this section titled Between Waking and Sleeping. It speaks of the loneliness of a woman, her solace in memories, and her pain.

The poems in the section Dreams also speak of the loneliness of the woman and the stench of unsought sex, unwanted (53). In Salmas poems, dreams are often nightmares. In the poem, The Sisters of Waris Dirie, she raises voice against female genital mutilation, a practice followed in many communities 

Pierced by the pointed edges

of sharpened tools,

these tender flowers

pulsate with pain in the wind. (45)

Salma writes of the body, with the body. In many ways, her poems exemplify the ecriture feminism in a way that it should mean within this subcontinent. By talking of the stitched yonis, unsought sex, and many similar examples scattered throughout her poems, she creates a language that disrupts the conventional patriarchal discourses of female sexuality.

The poems in the section The Deep Night, speak of nights of agony, betrayal, loneliness and violence. The section begins with the need to build a fortress around the self.

On the ruins

of an open field

I build a fortress

to protect myself now. (59)

There is a search for peace in solitude because the company does not allow it to the woman. In The story of a Deep Night we meet another anguished woman whose partner is revolted by the fat body, with its stretch marks(63). The father remains unmarked by their birth while it is the mother who bears the pain of birthing as well as the marks of that pain. Yet, instead of bearing the dissatisfaction of the man in silence, the woman here has the courage to ask, Wasnt it with you that it began  that first phase of my downfall?.

The women in Salmas poem question, protest and fight for their space in this world. This indomitable spirit is captured in the poem, The One Who has Become Herself, in which the woman retorts, Youve been eliminating me from history (69) on being asked to cover (her) body. Guard (your) youth.

After The Deep Night comes the next section, Waking Rays of Dawn. Ironically, the section begins with a poem referring to hysterectomy, may the womb find peace at least now (76). The idea of femininity, which revolves around a womans reproductive organ and gives her social validity through motherhood, is challenged when the woman declares in a voice that holds no fear, Now I am half woman. The poet also talks about the growing up of a son and the growing away, a distance that every mother has to cover. The poems in this section talk about the ailing grandmother and blossoming friendships, shifting the focus from marital relations and sexual abuses for a

The final section of the poems is titled Beginnings. Poems in Beginnings are mostly poems of realisation, of the self and the other. There is no new beginning in the literal sense of the word, but in many ways, they are a continuation. The opening poem of this section, What else to do (89) is coming to terms with an understanding of the self and a realisation that there is nothing more can be done apart from an acceptance of that understanding. Angles in a few lines highlight the ways in which we look at the other from our perspective with fear and wonder (90). The poet understands Violence (100) as betrayal of the body. The everyday movements of the women through the social space is often a trespassing of her physical self, a violence that women have to deal with throughout.

The poems of Salma are hard-hitting and thought provoking. They compel the readers to take note of the issues that the poet raises. Poetry translation has often been associated with a sense of loss. In spite of Robert Frosts aphorism of poetry being what gets lost in translation, these poems read remarkably well. One of the measures of successful translation is to reach the target readers in a way that the translation does not read as translation. That means the translated pieces can stand on their own as creative work. The poems in I, Salma translated by K. Srilata and Shobhna Kumar do just that. Without any knowledge of Tamil language, the Source Language of Salmas poems, I cannot be a judge of the exactness of translation or their degrees of fidelity. But as a reader of poetry, I can feel the poems reaching out to me. The anger, the disillusionment, resistance and retaliation, all of these are well articulated through these poems. The craft of poetry has also been taken care of. Short lines, precise expressions and minimalist footnotes have helped in retaining the sharpness of the poems. Inclusion of a rich metatext in the form of an introduction, a translators note, three significant essays on the poet and an extensive interview, has complimented the poems in a meaningful way. For readers of poetry in translation, a background helps in a deeper appreciation of the text. These metatexts help the readers understand the world and worldview of Salma in a more engaged manner. They act as channels of communication between her readers and herself. The interview by Chandana Dutta focuses on the becoming of Salma, the travails, her journey through life and much more. It gives a holistic picture of the poets life: her journey from the exploited and marginalised wife to the liberated woman, her political career, her literary career and her overall growth as a human being.

She is as candid in her interview as she is in her poetry. The three essays that are included in this volume, Reclaiming Womens Space by Meena Kandaswamy, Friendships We Cannot Take Home by Perumal Murugan and From a Small Village to State Politics: The Evolution of Salma the Writer by Kannan Sundaram critically discusses both prose and poetry of Salma as well as her life. These third person narratives are significant because they present the poet in the perspective of contemporary literature. Though the poems themselves are more than enough to stand for themselves and reach the readers, these additions enrich the reading experience. The essays and the interviews are literary pieces in their own merit. Conceptualised and curated by Chandana Datta, this book therefore reaches the readers as a wholesome nourishment for the soul. For any literary minded person, this anthology from the Red River is a must read.

The reviewer is a translator, creative writer and academician, and teaches in Sarsuna College, Kolkata.

Spotlight

I, Salma  Selected Poems

By Salma (Rajathi Samsudeen)

Translated by K Srilata and Shobhana Kumar

Red River, 2023

163 pages, Rs 360/-
Tech giant Apple on Wednesday announced that its generative AI offering called Apple Intelligence will be available in more languages next year, including English (India).

Geared up to make its iPhone 16 lineup available to customers on September 20, the company said new additions to Apple Intelligence include English (India), English (Singapore), German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Vietnamese, while others yet to be announced.

The feature will launch in American English, when it arrives as part of the iOS 18.1 software update.

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Apple had announced that localised English support for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK will arrive later in 2024. Apple Intelligence is currently available in the EU via the macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer beta.

Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system, will start rolling out next month with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, with more features launching in the coming months.

With systemwide Writing Tools powered by Apple Intelligence, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text nearly everywhere they write. In Photos, the Memories feature now enables users to create the movies they want to see by simply typing a description.

Also, natural language can be used to search for specific photos, and search in videos gets more powerful with the ability to find specific moments in clips. The new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo  without accidentally altering the subject.

The Clean Up tool in Photos can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo  without accidentally altering the subject.

In the Notes and Phone apps, users can record, transcribe, and summarize audio. Siri becomes more natural, flexible, and deeply integrated into the system experience, according to the company.

Meanwhile, Apple has released the next version of its operating system, iOS 18, which is a free download and offers iPhone users around the world new ways to personalise their devices.
LILONGWE, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 10 partnership actions for modernization proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping have raised hope for Malawi, said a senior Malawian official.

In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Xi proposed 10 partnership actions for modernization that China will work with Africa to take in the next three years to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South's modernization.

During a recent interview with Xinhua, Thomson Khanje, the spokesperson of the Malawi National Planning Commission (NPC), said that Malawi sees an answer in China's partnership actions as the country strives to achieve the Malawi 2063 First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1).

"Malawi is looking for resources to implement the MIP-1, which is aimed at developing the country to a middle-income economy by 2030, mainly through increasing (the country's) investments and productivity in agriculture, industry, mining, and tourism," said Khanje.

The commitment by China to strengthen cooperation with Africa gives Malawi hope for future development, Khanje added.

Malawi needs China and other development partners to support the country's productivity and export capacity by investing in enabling sectors such as power generation, roads, railways, and airports, among others, said Khanje, adding that such investments would greatly enhance Malawi's agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and tourism productivity. 
Benchmark indices resumed the rally in Thursdays trade and ended higher after hitting record highs on positive global cues following a 50 basis point cut by the United States Federal Reserve.

Sensex jumped to its record high of 83,773.61 before ending at 83,184.80 with a gain of 237 points, or 0.29%. The Nifty 50 rose to its fresh high of 25,611.95 but settled 38 points, or 0.15%, higher at 25,415.80.

As the day progressed, Nifty erased some of the intraday gains amid selling seen in the broader indices to settle at 25,415.80, up 38.25 points or 0.15%, forming a Shooting Star candlestick pattern.

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BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices dropped 0.53% and 1.06%, respectively, as investors booked profits amid concerns over rich valuations.

Due to the fall in the mid and small-cap segment and small gains in the Sensex, the overall market capitalisation of the firms listed on the BSE dropped to nearly Rs 465.7 lakh crore from Rs 467.7 lakh crore in the previous session.

On Sensex, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, NTPC, Reliance Industries, and Bharti Airtel were the top contributors. Losses in heavyweight stocks like Larsen & Toubro, TCS, and HCL Tech limited the overall rise of the benchmark index.

NTPC stood as the top gainer of Nifty with a gain of 2.3%. Other significant gainers included Kotak Mahindra Bank, Titan Company, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Nestle India, Tata Consumer Products, Maruti Suzuki India, and Bajaj Auto, all of which experienced gains between 0.8% and 1.7%.

Info Edge surged 1.7% during the session after Bank of America (BofA) upgraded the stock to buy from underperform translating to a double upgrade amid robust growth prospects.

Shares of IREDA jumped 1.24% after DIPAM gave its thumbs up for IREDA to raise to Rs 4,500 crore in a fresh equity share issue through a QIP.

DCX Systems gained 1.7% after the company announced it had received an export order from Israels Elta System worth Rs 154.80 crore.

ONGC shares fell 1.3% after HSBC downgraded the stock to a Reduce due to falling oil prices and its impact on the companys future project viability.

Markets in Europe and Asia recorded healthy gains as investors cheered the start of the US rate-cut cycle. For India, Fed rate cuts trigger an inflow of foreign capital, which bodes well for the market.
Indian equity indices closed in the red on Wednesday as investors were cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve monetary policy decision later in the day on Wednesday.

At closing, Sensex was down 131 points or 0.16 per cent at 82,948 and Nifty was down 41 points or 0.16 per cent at 25,377.

Intraday, Sensex and Nifty made a new all-time high of 83,326 and 25,482 respectively.

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Nifty Bank was the only major index that closed in the green, up 561 points or 1.08 per cent at 52,750.

Selling was seen in the midcap and smallcap stocks.

Nifty smallcap 100 index was down 75 points or 0.39 per cent at 19,389 and Nifty midcap 100 index was down 427 points or 0.71 per cent at 59,752.

India VIX was up by 6.20 per cent at 13.37.

Among the sectoral indices, PSU banks, fin service and private banks were major gainers.

IT, auto, pharma, FMCG, metal, energy and infra were major laggards.

In the Sensex pack, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Nestle, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, L&T, M&M, IndusInd Bank and Axis Bank were the top gainers.

TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Wipro, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Titan were the top losers.

According to market experts, The Indian market experienced a minor profit booking with underperformance by midcaps. Mixed signals from global markets emerged ahead of the anticipated FOMC rate cut decision which is seemingly priced in a 25-bps cut.

Investors assess the potential for a short-term underperformance of equity given the elevated valuation and correction of metal prices.

Commodities, including oil prices, are steadily declining, suggesting a potential tempering of economic growth. Investor caution is evident as gold prices rise, likely due to anticipated dollar weakness following the rate cut, they added.
Anil Kapoors celebrated musical drama Taal is making a triumphant return to cinemas. To mark its 25th anniversary, the film will be re-released on September 27, offering both new audiences and longtime fans a chance to relive its magic on the big screen.

Released in August 1999, Taal was a landmark film in Indian cinema, directed by the renowned Subhash Ghai. The film stars Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles, with Amrish Puri and Alok Nath providing strong supporting performances.

It quickly became a commercial hit, resonating with audiences both domestically and internationally. Taal even made it to the Top 20 on Varietys box-office lista significant achievement for Indian cinema at the time.

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The movies soundtrack, composed by A.R. Rahman, played a crucial role in its success. The music, which includes memorable tracks like Ramta Jogi and Ishq Bina, not only dominated the charts but also won several awards, including Best Music Director at the Filmfare Awards. Rahmans work on the film remains iconic, and the songs continue to be celebrated for their innovative blend of traditional Indian and contemporary sounds.

Director Subhash Ghai, who has eagerly awaited this moment, expressed his excitement about the re-release. Im thrilled that audiences can experience the magic of Taal all over again on the big screen, he said. The films return to theaters is likely to reignite the same enthusiasm and admiration it received during its initial run.

Anil Kapoor, who received accolades for his role in Taal, won multiple awards for Best Supporting Actor. His performance, alongside a talented cast, helped the film garner widespread critical acclaim. Kapoor reminisced earlier this year about the filming of Ramta Jogi, revealing that he performed the song without any prior rehearsals, a testament to the spontaneity and energy that characterizes the film.

Taal was not just a cinematic experience but also a cultural phenomenon. The makers showcased it at the Chicago International Film Festival and was part of the Celebrating Dance in Indian Cinema section at the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Its impact on the film industry and audiences alike has been profound and lasting.

As the re-release date approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to experience Taal in its full cinematic glory once again. Meanwhile, Anil Kapoor is busy preparing for his upcoming project, Subedaar, marking his first collaboration with filmmaker Suresh Triveni. Additionally, he is going to be a part of YRFs spy universe, further adding to his diverse and dynamic career.
There has been a lot of discussion recently on the rapid industrial development and new dimensions of investment in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India. The state governments policies and investor-friendly initiatives have made the state a major destination for business and investment. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who took charge in December 2023, has drawn up an ambitious industrial development agenda. Under his leadership, the state has attracted many industries and investors. In an interview with The Statesman Dr Yadav shed light on the states industrial development, investment opportunities, and the governments plans.

Question: After taking charge in December 2023, what priorities have you set for the industrial development of Madhya Pradesh?

A: When I took charge as the chief minister, my priority was to strengthen the industrial structure of the state. We realised that industrial development should not be limited to big cities only. Hence, we started Regional Industrial Conclaves to promote industrial development in all parts of the state. Our objective is to identify and develop the unique industrial potential of each region. We are committed to establishing Madhya Pradesh as one of Indias prominent investment destinations. Our government has prioritised Ease of Doing Business and has implemented a single window system so that investors can get all possible assistance.

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Question: Which areas are you focusing on for industrial development?

A: We have identified several key areas which have immense potential. Prominent among these are automobile, textile, pharmaceuticals, IT, renewable energy, food processing and logistics. Additionally, we have focused on creating sectorspecific industrial clusters in different parts of the state, such as the MedTech Park in Ujjain, the PM Mitra Textile Park in Dhar, and the Footwear and Accessories Park in Gwalior. The government is also giving special incentives to attract investment in these sectors.

Question: You have launched several schemes to accelerate industrial growth, especially Industry Year 2025 which you announced. What was the idea behind this?

A: The concept of Industry Year 2025 is the result of our vision to prioritise industrial development. We saw that there is a need to further promote industrial activities in the state, so we decided that the year 2025 should be dedicated to industrial promotion. During this period, we will organize investor conferences, trade expos, policy dialogues, and sector-specific conferences across the state. The objective of this initiative is to motivate investors to explore investment opportunities in different parts of the state and take industrial development to new heights.

Question: You spoke about Regional Industrial Conclaves. Which areas are you planning to develop through these?

A: Our objective is not to limit industrial development to only a few big cities but to explore and establish industries in every area of the state. That is why we have organized Regional Industrial Conclaves in areas like Ujjain, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. Through these conclaves, we are making efforts to identify the industrial potential of those areas and attract investment there. For example, we are planning to develop Jabalpur as a hub of mining and manufacturing, while Ujjain is being developed as an industrial hub.

Question: You have also announced several major schemes like PM Mitra Textile Park and Medical Device Park. How will these projects benefit the state?

A: PM Mitra Textile Park will help bring our textile industry to global standards. This park is being set up in Dhar district and will provide an opportunity for the state to become a leader in the field of textile manufacturing and exports. Similarly, the MedTech Park being set up in Ujjain will be a major attraction for the global medical device industry. It will be able to attract investment in the field of health services and medical technology. Both these projects will create huge employment opportunities in the state and boost economic development.

Question: The government has also laid a lot of emphasis on infrastructure development. What do you have to say about this?

A: A strong infrastructure is extremely important for industrial development. We have taken many important steps in this direction. There are 7 airports in the state and we are promoting cargo facilities at these airports to boost exports. At the same time, we are also expanding our road network so that the industrial centres of the state can be efficiently connected. Apart from this, we have also announced 14 new greenfield industrial areas, which will cater to the needs of specialised industries.With these efforts, investors in the state will get high-level facilities and industrial development will get a boost.

Question: You have also organised several international events and interactive sessions to attract investment in the state. What is the outcome of these efforts?

A: Our government is clear about the fact that if we have to make the state an industrial hub, we will have to have direct interaction with investors at the national and international levels. That is why we have organised several international investor conferences and interactive sessions. The recent sessions under Invest MP-GIS in Mumbai, Coimbatore and Bengaluru received an excellent response. Through these sessions, we not only resolved the queries of the investors but also informed them about the investmentfriendly environment in the state. We have ensured that our government provides all kinds of assistance to investors so that they can easily set up industries in the state. In the coming time, we will organise such sessions in Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Apart from this, at the international level also we have planned interactive sessions in countries like the UK and Germany.

Question: How do you plan to make the state selfreliant in industrial development?

A: We aim to make the state self-reliant, and for this, we are not only attracting external investors but also promoting small and medium industries within the state. Our government has also launched several incentive schemes for local entrepreneurs so that they can contribute to the industrial development of the state. Along with this, we have tried to promote the industries thereby recognising the uniqueness of every district under the Ek Zila Ek Utpad ODOP, One- District -One Product scheme. This will also lead to industrial development in rural areas of the state and increase employment opportunities.

Question: What message would you like to give prospective investors in Madhya Pradesh?

A: Madhya Pradesh is an ideal destination for investment. Our state is not only geographically located in the centre of India, but we also have immense natural resources, skilled labour, and excellent infrastructure. Our government is committed to providing all kinds of assistance to investors. We have introduced a single window clearance system for investors so that they can set up their industries without any hindrance. I urge investors to invest in Madhya Pradesh and be a part of our journey towards industrial development of the state.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday alleged that a nexus exists between Pakistan and the so-called mainstream parties of J&K, National Conference, Congress, and the PDP. He claimed that this connection stands exposed following a statement by Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

The cat is out of the bag and the BJPs stand has been vindicated following the statement by Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Jitendra Singh told media persons here.

Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan, along with the NC, Congress, and PDP, is aligned in its efforts to restore Article 370.

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Dr Singh said that the BJP has consistently maintained that the NC, Congress, and PDP work on the directions of Pakistan.

Our stand has now been vindicated by the statement from Pakistans Defence Minister, he said, adding, In previous elections, boycott calls used to come from Pakistan, and these parties used to form government with just 5% to 8% voter turnout.

The boycott calls during elections and the victory of NC, Congress, and PDP leaders with a mere 8% voting also clearly indicate that these boycotts were a part of a deeply rooted nexus between Pakistan and these so-called mainstream parties, Dr JItendra said.

He said that the NC is responsible for militancy and unrest in Kashmir. The NC and Congress rigged the 1987 elections, which led to the onset of unrest and militancy in Kashmir, he added.

He said that these parties again want to push J&K back into an era of unrest and militancy, but the BJP will not allow this to happen. NC, Congress, and PDP owe an explanation to the nation, he said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday condemned the torching of houses in Nawada district and directed the Additional Director General of Police to visit the site and oversee the probe.

The CM held a meeting of top officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Raj and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, and others where he directed them to send an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to assess the situation.

He directed the officials to have zero tolerance against the accused.

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In response to Chief Minister Nitish Kumars direction, Bihars Director General of Police (DGP) sent ADGP Sanjay Singh, who oversees law and order, to Nawada to investigate the incident.

This swift action reflects the states commitment to thoroughly assess the situation and ensure accountability, said officials here.

At the same time, the Bihar Police have launched raids in various prisons across the state, possibly in an effort to uncover or prevent any connections to the incident or to disrupt criminal networks that may be involved. These raids might be part of a broader crackdown to restore law and order and reassure the public that the government is taking comprehensive steps to maintain peace.

The combined efforts of sending high-ranking officers to the field and conducting widespread prison raids suggest that the state administration is leaving no stone unturned in addressing the situation, especially given the potential political and public scrutiny surrounding the incident.

Over the last few months, the people of Bihar are witnessing a surge in criminal incidents. The police sources have said that the criminal activities are being operated by the dreaded criminals from jails. The SP and DM of respective districts along with a large number of police forces are carrying out raids in prisons.

Akhilesh Kumar, SDM of Nawada said that so far 15 persons have been arrested in this connection.

Meanwhile, the villagers claimed that the people of the Paswan Community, who live adjoining the Manjhi Mahadalit Tola, were also previously involved in the firing.

Locals have alleged that the attackers wanted to grab the land, and despite repeated complaints, the district administration did not take action.
Ruling out religious conversion angle in the suicide of a 17-year-old class 12 student at a Christian aided school in Thanjavur district on January 2022, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed Madras High Court Bench in Madurai that she was not coerced to change her faith to Christianity.

This is a big blow to the BJP and the Sangh Parivar which have been in the forefront of a campaign that the girl, a hostler of the 163-year-old Sacred Heart Girls Higher Secondary School at Thirukattupalli, 207 km south of Chennai, had taken the extreme step due to pressure to convert. The Party had demanded a CBI probe into the issue and the girls parents too joined the chorus, even as there was a charge that her step mother had ill-treated her.

The BJP and its sister organisations have tried to use this to paint the DMK government as anti-Hindu. An NCPR team also visited and held enquiries at the school. BJP president J P Nadda had even constituted a four-member panel to go into the issue.

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When the Madurai Bench pulled up the state police and handed over the investigation to the central agency, it appeared to lend credence to the saffron partys claim of forced conversion. When the State government challenged it before the Supreme Court, the apex court had upheld the High Court order.

The girl had died on January 19, 2022 at the Thanjavur Government Hospital a few days after consuming poison at her home during the Pongal vacation. The hostel warden, Sr Sagaya May was arrested on the charge of abetment to suicide. She later came out on bail. When she was still in hospital, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad functionary of Thanjavur released a video of the girl in which she speaks about being asked to do administrative work and informing that another sister at the hostel had asked her, in the presence of parents, if she was willing to convert. This was after a magistrate had recorded her statement wherein she did not say anything about conversion.

The CBI submission that there was no conversion angle to the teens suicide was made when the petition of Sagaya Mary, seeking to quash the chargesheet in the case came up for hearing before Justice G Ilangovan. However, opposing the plea the counsel for the central agency submitted that the girl was asked to carry out some administrative work because of which she could not concentrate on studies. She took the extreme step not due to pressure to convert her faith. He further submitted that the agency had collected 265 documents and conducted inquiries with 141 persons besides seizing seven items for evidence.

Contending that the case was baseless and misconceived, the petitioner submitted that no prima facie case has been established against her. The allegations in the FIR were vague, unsubstantiated and based on vague statements of the girl on some stray incidents of scolding and being asked to do some administrative work for the hostel. In all the four alleged statements of the deceased, submitted along with the final report, there is nothing to indicate specific acts of violence or torture, pushing her to take the extreme step. Hearing the arguments, the Judge posted further hearing in the case to September 26.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday chaired an inter-ministerial meeting to address rising freight costs, shipping delays, container shortages, and congestion at ports.

Minister Goyal announced that the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has decided to allow empty containers to be stored for a period of 90 days in the yard at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) free of cost and has also slashed the loading and handling charges significantly.

Chairman, JNPT, Unmesh Sharad Wagh assured that steps have already been taken to eliminate any congestion and bottlenecks. To enhance export-related processes, traffic delays near and around JNPA will be minimised and simultaneous container scanning at JNPA will be implemented for faster clearances and reduced turnaround time.

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Further, at the meeting, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, announced that the charge of Rs 3,000 that is being levied beyond 90 days, is now reduced to Rs 1,500. The storage and handling rates will be reduced for containers from Rs 9,000 to Rs 2,000 (for a 40 ft container) and from Rs 6,000 to Rs 1,000 (for a 20 ft container).

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) announced that it is chartering container ships to significantly increase the container capacities.

It was announced that on an immediate basis, capacity will be enhanced by 9,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The SCI will also buy additional five container ships to further enhance cargo handling capacity.

The shipping lines assured that all charges like container transportation and lift on/lift off at yards would be embedded in the delivery order given to shippers.

At the meet, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shipping, TK Ramachandran announced that the port capacities have already been enhanced by 2.3 million TEUs.

It was decided at the meeting that private container yards would have to mandatorily register themselves with GST authorities and that it would not accept any charges in cash in order to stop illegal profiteering arising out of shortage and delay.

Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra said that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will expedite custom clearances at the ports by simultaneously screening two twenty-foot containers.

The Civil Aviation Secretary also announced that all efforts will be taken to ensure faster movement of air cargo and reduce turnover time.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) also expressed satisfaction with the present availability of containers and expressed that the immediate steps being taken by the government would result in significantly easing the congestion, delay, and freight hike and would enhance the space availability on the outgoing container ships.
Police registered a case on Thursday against a man who made a hoax bomb call to the Raja Bhoj Airport at Bhopal.

According to the police, the fake call was received in the morning and immediately teams of police and the bomb disposal squad rushed to the airport. However, after thorough checking, no explosive device was found at the airport.

On investigating, the phone call turned out to be a hoax.

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Gandhi Nagar Police Station Inspector Suresh Kumar Sarkale said that the police identified the caller as Dashrath who is a resident of New Subhash Nagar area in Bhopal.

The officer said that the police have registered a case against the man under Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Suraksha Adhiniyam.
India on Thursday firmly rejected the civil lawsuit filed by Khalistan supporter and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in a US court, alleging the involvement of the government in an alleged plot to assassinate him.

Reacting to reports about the lawsuit at a media briefing here, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, As weve said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesnt change our views about the underlying situation.

He pointed out that the antecedents of the person behind this particular case are well known. I would also underline the fact that the so-called organisation that this person represents is an unlawful organisation, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

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Mr Misris remarks came even as media reports said the US court has sent summons to India following the lawsuit filed by Pannun. The summons name the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and businessman Nikhil Gupta. The summons demand a response from New Delhi and the mentioned officials within 21 days.

Meanwhile, Mr Misri asked if the Khalistan issue would figure during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Biden Joe Biden during their upcoming meeting in Washington. He said, Whatever issues are of mutual concern between India and America, we discuss them all. Whether any specific issue will be raised or not, I cannot say at this time, but I can definitely say that we will discuss all the issues.
JUBA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU), United Nations missions in South Sudan, and the East African bloc on Thursday called on South Sudan leaders to work together and complete the outstanding electoral-related and security issues to realize durable peace.

The AU Mission in South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the UN Mission in South Sudan called for fresh momentum to meet commitments to the people of South Sudan following the extension of transitional peace.

"It is important that the Parties and the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity commit and put the necessary mechanisms, guarantees and resources in place that can ensure the timely and full implementation of outstanding tasks," the missions said in a joint statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

The country's transitional government on Sept. 13 announced the postponement of national elections and extended the transition period by two years after failing to meet key provisions of the peace agreement. This is the second time the country, which gained independence in 2011, has postponed elections and extended a transition period that began in February 2020.

The three missions expressed concern that it has been necessary to extend the transitional period of the revitalized peace agreement for the second time due to the failure to implement outstanding critical benchmarks. They underscored their ongoing commitment to work together and support all efforts to avoid a return to widespread violence by completing a peaceful transition toward durable peace and inclusive governance through the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

"It is imperative for South Sudan's leaders to rebuild public trust and confidence; engage and accommodate all voices and viewpoints, including non-signatory parties who continue to participate in the Tumaini Initiative in Kenya, with a view to breaking the perpetual cycle of transitions in South Sudan and pave the way towards an inclusive and sustainable peace," read the statement. 
Amid widespread outrage over the death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant with Ernst and Young India, allegedly due to work-related stress, company officials on Thursday visited Annas parents at their residence at Kangarappady near Kalamassery in Kochi.

A team from Ernst and Young India, including an HR manager and a senior manager from Pune, met Annas parents at their residence.

Annas father CB Joseph said that although he has demanded an investigation into his daughters death, the company officials did not give any assurance regarding it.

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Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant who worked with S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, at Yerawada in Pune, died on July 20 while undergoing treatment at a city hospital. She was admitted after she felt uneasy and complained of exhaustion.

The incident came to light only after a letter written by her mother Anita Augustine to EYs India head went viral on Tuesday.

In the letter to EY India chairperson Rajiv Memani, Annas mother Anita Augustine detailed the toxic work culture prevalent in the office.

I am writing this letter as a grieving mother who has lost her precious child. My heart is heavy and my soul is shattered as I pen these words. But I believe it is necessary to share our story in the hope that no other family will have to endure the pain we are going through, Anita wrote.

The letter shared on social media has created an uproar with many netizens commenting about the work pressure in the Big 4 and other MNCs.

Anna had joined EY as an audit and assurance executive. According to her mothers letter, she was excited to be a part of the reputed company. However, Anita said in the letter that the workload took a massive toll on Anna.

She began experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress soon after joining. But kept pushing herself, believing that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success, Annas mother wrote.

She ended her letter by pointing out EYs human rights statement signed by the companys chairman. I cannot reconcile with the values expressed in the statement. How can EY begin to truly live by the values it professes? she asked.

Annas death should serve as a wake-up call for EY. It is time to reflect on the work culture within your organisation and take meaningful steps to prioritise the health and wellness of your employees, Anita signed off.

Meanwhile, following widespread outrage over the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, allegedly due to work-related stress, the Union Labour Ministry announced that it has taken up the complaint and will investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday said that a thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative working environment is underway.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed here on Friday that Modern Kisan Chaupal  Lab to Land will be launched in October in which scientists will provide direct information to the farmers.

He said that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and is also the base of our life and it is the biggest responsibility of the government to provide food security to 140 crore countrymen.

We have a six-point strategy for the welfare of farmers and development of agriculture, he said while addressing a press conference on the occasion of important decisions and achievements for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 100 days during the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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First  increasing production, how to increase the yield per hectare? Among the decisions taken recently, the major decision was that to increase the production of crops, the Prime Minister had dedicated new seeds of 109 varieties of 65 crops to the farmers, which are climate-friendly, pest resistant and high yielding, Chouhan said.

Second  Reducing the cost of production, as important as it is to increase production, it is equally important to reduce the cost of production. One way of reducing it is to provide cheap fertilizers to farmers. We are committed to ensuring that farmers get cheap fertilizers on time, he said.

The Union Minister said a bag of urea costs Rs 2366. We make it available to farmers for Rs 266. A bag of DAP costs Rs 2433 which we make available to farmers for Rs 1350, he added.

Chouhan said another special work has been done in 100 days since the launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission has been approved.

The minister said the National Pest Surveillance System is very important for farmers and they have also started using it.

We are trying to increase the production of horticultural crops along with traditional crops. We are setting up 9 modern centers to achieve this goal, informed the Union Minister.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will engage with leading domestic and international industrialists during the Global Investment Summit (GIS) at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kolkata on September 20.

The event is expected to see the participation of over 350 delegates, including 60 distinguished guests and representatives from consulates of more than eight countries.

During the summit, the Chief Minister is set to hold one-on-one discussions with 22 key representatives from various sectors such as steel, hosiery, garment, and logistics, as well as members of the German Consulate.

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In addition to formal meetings, Dr. Yadav will also engage with top industrialists over lunch and dinner to brief them about investment possibilities in the state.

Madhya Pradeshs investor-friendly policies, strong infrastructure, reliable power supply, and highly skilled workforce will be highlighted, positioning the state as a prime destination for investment.

The summit will also feature presentations from the states Principal Secretary of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Shri Raghavendra Singh, along with department heads who will showcase investment opportunities in sectors such as MSMEs, IT, tourism, and mining.

A video presentation titled Advantage MP will further emphasize the states industrial strengths.

Dr. Yadavs ongoing roadshows across industrial cities have already yielded positive outcomes, and the Kolkata summit will provide a vital platform for furthering investment opportunities and strengthening trade relations between Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

The focus will be on industrial growth, investor-friendly policies, and the numerous opportunities available for investment in the state.

The event is likely to play a pivotal role in advancing the Invest in Madhya Pradesh campaign.
BJP National President JP Nadda on Thursday accused Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of having a history of disrespecting both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the OBC community.

In a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Nadda slammed Kharges attempt to defend Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling it an effort to polish a failed product.

The BJP National President has written the letter to Kharge in response to a letter the Congress President had earlier addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Nadda highlighted Rahul Gandhis controversial statements, including calling the Prime Minister a thief and using other inappropriate language.

The BJP National President questioned Kharges defence of Rahul Gandhi, asking, Due to what compulsion are you trying to justify Rahul Gandhi?

He also mentioned past remarks made by other Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, who had referred to Modi as a merchant of death. Nadda criticised Congress for glorifying such statements and asked, Why did the Congress forget about political purity then? He further accused the party of ignoring political standards while claiming to uphold political dignity.

Nadda claimed that the Congress has now become a copy and paste party under Rahul Gandhis leadership, alleging that the party has adopted evil ways under pressure from its famous prince. He stated that Congress leaders have insulted Prime Minister Modi over 110 times in the last decade and listed derogatory terms allegedly used by them.

The BJP National President also condemned Rahul Gandhi for allegedly supporting anti-national forces, dividing communities, and making controversial statements on issues like Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned, Is the Congress party proud of Rahul Gandhi because he hugs Pakistan-loving anti-India people, supports terrorists, seeks foreign intervention in Indias democracy, instigates caste and reservation politics, or insults Hindu Sanatan culture?

Nadda further accused Congress leaders, from Sam Pitroda to Imran Masood, K Suresh to Digvijay Singh, Shashi Tharoor to P Chidambaram, of attempting to defame the country. He claimed that the Congress is inciting divisions within the country and glorifying anti-national forces, asking why Kharge does not address these issues.

The BJP National President concluded by accusing Congress of damaging Indian democracy through actions such as imposing emergency rule, supporting triple talaq, and weakening constitutional institutions. He said that the Congresss Mohabbat ki Dukaan is in reality promoting casteism and anti-nationalism.

Hitting back at the BJP National President for criticising Rahul Gandhi, senior Congress leader K C Venugopal said in a post on X, BJP President JP Naddas reply to INC President Sh. @kharge ji smacks of arrogance and clearly shows that since the PM could not even get himself to respond on this very serious issue, the attacks on Rahul ji have his full support. The BJP is single-handedly responsible for the plummeting standard of political discourse in India.
Telugu Choreographer Jani Master was arrested from Goa by a special operations team of the Cyberabad Police after he was charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act following a complaint of sexual assault by a 21-year-old woman.

The complainant, who worked as a junior choreographer, accused him of sexually abusing her during a shoot in Mumbai and multiple times in his vanity van even when she was still a minor. He was being brought to Hyderabad on transit remand.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA T Raja Singh accused him of being a love jihadi and urged the police to probe if there are more victims.

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The victim initially lodged a zero FIR against Shaikh Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master at the Raidurgam police station following which the case was transferred to Narsingi. In the beginning, the police invoked sections for rape and criminal intimidation but added provisions of POSCO after it became clear from her complain that the sexual abuse had begun while she was a minor.

According to the victim, she first met the accused in 2017 during a television contest and got the offer to join him as an assistant choreographer in 2019. She was first sexually abused in a hotel room during a shoot in Mumbai when her mother could not accompany her and then multiple times at sets in his vanity van.

Of late, he was pressuring her to marry him after conversion, the FIR mentioned. A national award winner, Jani Master works in Tamil and Telugu films and has also worked in some Kannada and Hindi movies.

Meanwhile, Goshamahal BJP MLA T Raja Singh urged the Director General of Police Jitender and Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty to take stern action against the choreographer and treat him the way they treat a thief, robber and murderer.

Singh released a video clip in which he called Jani Master a love jihadi and urged the police to inquire whether there are more victims who he could have offered to convert. He called for the banishment of the choreographer from the film industry. People in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are looking at the police to see what action they would take against Jani Master, he said.

Although Jana Sena, which had asked him to stay away from party activities after the rape charges surfaced agaisnt him, party chief Pawan Kalyans brother K Nagababu posted a cryptic tweet. Without naming Jani Master, the partys secretary general wrote in an X post, No person can be considered guilty of a crime until he or she is found guilty of that crime by a court of law  Sir William Garrow. Nagababus post was followed up by another quote by Robert Evans which said, There are always three sides to a story, yours, theirs, and the truth.
Joining the Opposition chorus against the One Nation One Election proposal, cleared by the Union Cabinet, DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday derided it as impractical which would undermine federalism.

He described the entire proposal as a move to satisfy the BJPs ego and asserted that Indian democracy cannot be bent to suit the greed of one party.

One Nation One Election is an impractical proposition that ignores the complexities of Indias diverse electoral system and undermines Federalism. It is logically unfeasible, given the vast differences in election cycles, regional issues, and governance priorities, the chief minister, whose DMK is an important pillar of the INDIA Bloc, said in a post on the microblogging site X.

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The DMK has been opposing the idea ever since it was mooted and a panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind was constituted to study it. The panel had submitted its report and the Cabinet had cleared the same. It has now joined the Congress, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), AAP and the CPI(M) in opposing it.

On the hurdles in implementing it, Stalin said, It will require an unrealistic alignment of all terms of office, disrupting the natural course of governance.

He added, This entire proposal is simply a move to satisfy the BJPs ego, but they will never be able to implement it. Indias democracy cannot be bent to suit the greed of one party. The Union government should address pressing issues like unemployment, price rise and equitable distribution of resources to States instead of wasting energy on these diversionary tactics.

Earlier in February, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution opposing the One Nation One Election initiative of the BJP-led Union government. The resolution said the idea was not enshrined the Constitution and was against democratic decentralization.

Another resolution, also passed on the occasion, demanded that the delimitation process be carried out after 2026 on the basis of the Census.

Expressing serious apprehension about states like Tamil Nadu further losing its number of seats in Parliament, the resolution said if the number of seats were to be increased on the basis of population, it should be maintained at the present ratio of the constituencies between the States in the State Assemblies and both houses of Parliament.

The principal Opposition party in Tamil Nadu AIADMK had welcomed the proposal, and faced criticism from the DMK and its allies which accused it of acting against federalism, a cornerstone of Dravidian ideology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold wide ranging talks with US President Joe Biden on bilateral issues as well as global developments, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, when the two leaders meet on the margins of the Quad Summit in Delaware later this week.

At a press briefing on Thursday ahead of the PMs visit to the US from September 21-23, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the meeting between the two leaders gives the PM an opportunity to thank President Biden for his pioneering role in strengthening the India-U.S relationship and for the several new initiatives such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies.

This is likely to be Mr Modis final official meeting with Mr Biden, who has announced that he will not be running for re-election.

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Agreements related to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the India-US Drug Framework will also be exchanged between the two countries during Mr Modis visit. He will also hold bilateral meetings with Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the Quad Summit.

Asked if a meeting between the PM and former US President Donald Trump was also scheduled, Mr Misri said,There are many meetings which we are trying to fix. Right now, I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting. We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings. Mr Trump, who is in the running for the US presidency as the Republican Party candidate, earlier announced that he would be meeting Mr Modi during the latters visit to America.

Mr Misri said the PMs visit combines very important bilateral and multilateral aspects. There will be interactions with a variety of foreign partners at the level of the Prime Minister. There will be interaction with the large Indian diaspora in the US and there will be engagement with a host of business and industry leaders, amongst others.
Uttarakhands acting DGP Abhinav Kumars statement taking potshots at politicians has irritated leaders, who have asked him to stay within his limits.

Reacting to comments from political leaders questioning the law and order situation in the state, acting DGP Abhinav Kumar asked them to have some faith in the state government and the police.

A few days ago, Kumar covertly questioned political leaders about their statements on the alleged poor law and order situation in the state. He said, Concerns were raised about the law and order and crime situation by some of our leaders. Its fine; we respect their concern and criticism, but they must have some faith in the government and the police. Kumar made this statement to the media while justifying the police encounter that resulted in the killing of a man allegedly involved in a Rs 5 crore decoity at a jewellery shop in Haridwar.

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Kumars statement has irritated political leaders in Uttarakhand across party lines. Reacting to Kumars comments, former Chief Minister and Haridwar Lok Sabha MP Trivendra Singh Rawat said, Although I have not seen his statement, the DGP must stay within his limits and refrain from making political comments or questioning leaders statements. He needs to understand the dignity and limitations of his position. Earlier, Trivendra had alleged that the police is doing everything but its duties. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior BJP leader said the state police have indeed failed to address rising concerns about law and order, and senior leaders in the party should raise their concerns with the state and central leaderships.

Another former Chief Minister of the state and Congress veteran, Harish Rawat, said, I have heard Abhinav Kumars statement. If I were to request any retired officer to join the Congress party, he would be the best-suited person.

Apart from Harish Rawat and Trivendra Singh Rawat, another former Chief Minister of the state, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, also questioned the policing in Uttarakhand in light of rising cases of loots and burglaries at business establishments, particularly jewellery shops. Nishank alleged that the police had failed to meet the expectations of the people of Uttarakhand on the law and order front.

In 2022, jewellery worth around Rs 16 crore was looted in broad daylight from a Reliance showroom in Dehradun on the day the President of India visited the state capital. The second big loot was committed at a jewellery shop in Vikasnagar, Dehradun, worth around Rs 8-10 crore. Recently, armed burglars committed another big dacoity at a jewellery shop in Haridwar. Although the police arrested several individuals during their investigation, they failed to recover any of the looted jewellery.
The decision to cull 200 elephants in Zimbabwe in response to a severe drought highlights the intersection of environmentalism, human survival, and wildlife management. As the worst drought in four decades leaves millions across southern Africa struggling with food shortages, the need to balance the demands of conservation with the immediate needs of local populations becomes urgent.

In this case, the cull of elephants aims to address both concerns by reducing pressure on the parks and providing food for communities affected by the drought. This controversial practice brings to the forefront the difficult reality of conservation in a region grappling with both environmental and socio-economic challenges. Zimbabwe is home to over 84,000 elephants, far exceeding the capacity of its conservation areas, which are designed to support only around 55,000. As a result, elephants have increasingly come into conflict with humans, competing for dwindling resources like water and vegetation. The country has already lost lives to elephant attacks, and tensions will only worsen as drought intensifies competition. Culling, however, is not a simple or uncontested solution.

While it may relieve some of the pressure on resources in the short term, it raises ethical concerns about the killing of animals that are integral to both local ecosystems and global conservation efforts. Elephants are highly intelligent and social creatures, and many conservationists argue that other strategies ~ such as translocation to areas with more abundant resources ~ should be explored before resorting to culling. Moreover, the elephant population in Zimbabwe is part of a larger conservation area that spans several southern African countries. This region collectively holds one of the largest elephant populations in the world, a point of pride for local conservation efforts.

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The fact that Zimbabwe, which is often lauded for its conservation work, has been forced to take such drastic action speaks of the severity of the drought and the complexities of managing wildlife in a changing climate. At the same time, the culling also points to the broader issue of human-wildlife conflict in a region facing increasing environmental stress. As climate change exacerbates droughts and other extreme weather events, such conflicts are likely to become more frequent, putting further strain on conservation efforts. Governments will need to develop more comprehensive strategies to address these challenges, potentially by improving water infrastructure, developing drought-resistant crops, or implementing better wildlife management policies.

Zimbabwes situation underscores a growing dilemma faced by many countries: how to prioritise both human needs and environmental sustainability in the face of climate-related crises. While the decision to cull elephants may alleviate some of the immediate food insecurity, it is a reminder of the choices that must be made in an increasingly fragile world. Moving forward, it will be crucial for countries like Zimbabwe to seek solutions that not only address the present but also ensure a more balanced and sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
The devastating floods that have ravaged central Europe are a harsh reminder of the unpredictable and destructive forces of nature. Stretching from Romania to Poland, the disaster has not only claimed lives but has also destroyed homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. While the immediate concern lies in the human toll, it is crucial to also reflect on the broader implications of such catastrophic events ~ both in terms of disaster preparedness and the urgent need to address climate change, which has undeniably intensified the severity and frequency of natural disasters.

One of the most striking elements of the current flood situation is the sheer scale of destruction it has caused across different countries. Historic cities, such as Wroclaw in Poland, are scrambling to protect their cultural and architectural heritage as rising waters threaten to engulf them. Volunteers, alongside emergency workers, are doing everything they can to reinforce riverbanks, while authorities attempt to manage water levels by controlling reservoirs. This community effort is a testament to the human spirit, but it also highlights a broader issue: Are we truly prepared for disasters of this magnitude, or are we merely reacting to them? Flooding is not a new challenge in central Europe. The floods in 1997 that devastated parts of Poland, including Wroclaw, were a wake-up call for the region, yet it appears the lessons learned may not have been enough.

While some efforts, such as filling large reservoirs to prevent coinciding flood peaks, are being taken, the current disaster shows that infrastructure remains vulnerable, and disaster preparedness needs to evolve. The response of local authorities, with military helicopters dropping sandbags and residents banding together, is commendable but reactive. The countries need to shift toward proactive measures ~ stronger early warning systems, more resilient infrastructure, and better coordination between governments to manage transnational waterways. The impact of climate change cannot be ignored when examining the scale of these floods. Rising global temperatures have led to more erratic and extreme weather patterns, resulting in higher rainfall and greater flood risks. While Europe has been relatively proactive in addressing climate change, these disasters show that adaptation strategies need to be accelerated.

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Urban planning must account for the increased likelihood of floods, especially in low-lying areas and cities near major rivers. Investments in green infrastructure, such as wetlands and floodplains, can provide natural defences, absorbing excess water and reducing the pressure on human-built barriers. This flood is also a reminder of the fragile nature of our ecosystems and infrastructures. As Europe works toward recovery, the conversation must expand beyond immediate relief. Governments, civil society, and global organisations must commit to long-term strategies that mitigate risks while addressing the root causes exacerbated by climate change. Only then can we hope to safeguard not just the lives and homes of people, but also the cultural and historic legacies that define regions like Wroclaw. This disaster is a wake-up call for a more sustainable and resilient future.
TEHRAN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran's determination to avenge the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will not be affected by the passage of time, the country's armed forces said Thursday in a statement.

Israel will have to pay the price for its "stupid and vicious mistake (of killing Haniyeh)" and the excessive demands of the global hegemonic system, the official news agency IRNA reported, citing the statement.

The armed forces called for global solidarity against Israel's "cruelty and crimes" in killing the defenseless people of Gaza and against the "blind" support of the United States and certain Western countries in the global hegemonic system for Israel's "brutal actions."

Haniyeh was killed on July 31 in an attack on his residence in Tehran as he visited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran has blamed Israel for the attack and has promised a strong response. Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement in the attack. 
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that she is optimistic about the state of the countrys economy, which she expected would outperform its European peers.

Speaking to the assembly of Italian industry association Confindustria on Wednesday, she said that a one-per cent economic growth was within reach for Italy this year. To facilitate this, she promised to look for ways to fix the European Union (EU)s environmental rulebook, known as the European Green Deal, arguing that it was a drag on economic growth, Xinhua news agency reported.

Melonis growth projection is in line with predictions earlier this year by ISTAT, Italys National Statistics Institute, which in June predicted the economy would grow 1.0 per cent this year and 1.1 per cent in 2025.

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But this target appears less likely after ISTAT reported the economy had grown just 0.7 per cent during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023.

Meloni also criticized what she called the ideological approach of the European Green Deal on environmental standards, which she characterised as decarbonisation at the price of deindustrialisation.

Its a debacle, Meloni said. I have made the commitment to fix these choices. We want to defend Europes industrial capacity  (and) we must have the courage to speak up when things dont work.

Meloni has emerged as one of Europes leading critics of the Green Deal, which seeks to speed up the transition to renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and other measures with the goal of reducing European net greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2050.
Nassau County Police refuted reports that an explosive device was found at or near the venue of former President Donald Trumps rally on Wednesday.

The police in a Facebook post said: Reports that an explosive device was found at the Nassau Coliseum are FALSE.

A spokesperson told media outlets that police responded to the reports of the explosive but their investigations found nothing and they were not sure how the rumours originated.

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Trump is scheduled to speak Wednesday evening at the Nassau Coliseum  where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address a diaspora rally on Sunday. The venue is about 45km from New York City at Uniondale on Long Island.

Security has been tightened at the venue following the foiled assassination attempt on Trump last Sunday.

Rumours about the explosive had swirled on social media without proper attribution creating a scare.

Earlier, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said: We will make sure that it is safe and it will be swept, we will have aviation over top during arrival and during the time of the event and we will also have our K-9 dogs out in the wooded areas around the arena.

Every inch of the Coliseum and its perimeter will be swept, he said.

The area has been under a lockdown and those not connected to the rally or attending it have been removed. More than 60,000 requested tickets but only 16,000 with tickets could be accommodated in the arena and the others who come will have to watch on giant screens.

Trump spent the night at his penthouse in the Trump Towers in Manhattan amid heavy security. There was heavy police presence in the area and entry for foot traffic was regulated. Sanitation trucks filled with sand blocked approaches to it
BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese spokesperson on Thursday urged the United States to immediately stop arming China's Taiwan region and sending erroneous signals to separatist forces advocating for "Taiwan independence."

In response to a query concerning recent U.S. plans to sell arms to Taiwan, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, urged the United States to honor its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence" with concrete actions.

The military build-up of the Taiwan authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, will only lead to their own destruction, Chen said. 
Job Title: Software Developer  Internship Paid (No Experience Jobs)

Organisation: Uganda Christian University (UCU)

Duty Station: Mukono, Uganda

About the Company:

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is an authentic Christian institution established by the Church of Uganda in 1997 in response to a call for quality university education with a Christian perspective. Uganda Christian University replaced the historic Bishop Tucker Theological College which trained clergy and educators during its 84-year history from 1913-1997. The local chief, Hamu Mukasa, granted land for the college to operate in Mukono.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist in developing and maintaining software applications and tools.

Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code.

Conduct unit testing to ensure code quality.

Collaborate with other team members to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Learn and apply new technologies and programming languages.

Contribute to the development of technical documentation.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

A Bachelors degree in Computer Science or a related field from Uganda Christian University, with a First Class or Second Class Upper Division. Should have graduated not later than 2021.

Strong understanding of programming fundamentals (e.g., data structures, algorithms).

Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++).

Good understanding of web portal development, JavaScript, Encryption, JAVA, HTML5, JSON, XML, AJAX and Linux/UNIX.

Ability to learn new technologies quickly.

Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Good communication and teamwork skills.

Strong and effective inter-personal and communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of staffs.

How to Apply:

All candidates should apply online at the link below

Click Here

Deadline: 2nd October 2024

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline

Date Posted 2024-09-19T14:58 Valid Through 2024-10-03T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Uganda Christian University Job Location Mukono, Mukono, Mukono, 0256, Uganda

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September 19, 2024 Poe backs AI use in courts, but with safeguards Sen. Grace Poe supported initiatives to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in court-related works, but stressed the need for stringent safeguards and vetting. "We will not rely too much on AI, but we can make use of the technology as an option to help check the human side of decisions, such as data, transcript and research information," Poe, chairperson of the Senate finance committee, said during the budget briefing of the judiciary. "When vetted thoroughly and strictly, AI can enhance the efficiency of our court systems," she added. Court personnel can draw support from the AI technology in coming up with faster transcriptions, research and double-checking past decisions, laws or precedents that could be used in the resolution of cases. Poe agreed with the statement of Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Mario Lopez who said that amid the existence of AI, the court remains "not only a court of law, but a court of equity," adding "there is some humanity involved in the disposition of cases." "There are positives of employing AI, but in the end the humanitarian factor is always a consideration," Poe said. Court Administrator Raul Villanueva said the SC has began embarking on the use of the technology and is in the process of developing tools to aid the work of court personnel such as voice to text transcriptions while the testimony is ongoing and transcription of testimonies in certain dialects. The Judiciary is seeking P63.57 billion budget for 2025. This will include appropriations for the SC, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. During the budget briefing, Poe lauded the Judiciary for the faster disposition of cases nationwide. "We hope to have a legal landscape that will embrace technology responsibly for a more responsive and more accessible justice system for the Filipinos," Poe said.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addresses the opening ceremony of the Commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2024 in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

JINAN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the opening ceremony of the Commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2024 in Jinan in east China's Shandong Province on Thursday.

Han noted that in the face of unprecedented global challenges, China's vision of building a community with a shared future for humankind, along with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, has injected confidence and momentum into advancing world peace, development and common prosperity.

He called on all parties to follow the right direction of the historical trend and work together to build a strong synergy toward creating a community with a shared future for humankind.

He also urged joint efforts to implement the three major global initiatives, pursue common development, adhere to peaceful coexistence, and foster exchanges and mutual learning.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important member of the "Global South," China will actively promote an orderly, multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, Han said, noting that China will work with other countries to promote peace and development and build a better world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video speech at the meeting. Vice President of the National Assembly of Laos and Chairman of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, Sommad Pholsena, former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe, former Colombian President Ernesto Samper, former President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer and other speakers addressed the meeting.

They spoke highly of China's long-term efforts and contributions to promoting world peace, security and development, noting that they would work with China to continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, promote the implementation of the three major global initiatives, and jointly safeguard peace to achieve better development.

About 180 representatives from foreign political parties, peace and friendship organizations, security think tanks and relevant domestic departments attended the event. 

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attends the opening ceremony of the Commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2024 in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
The third edition of the three-day 'Transforming India Conclave 2024' took place at SSVM School in Coimbatore from September 1 to 3, featuring notable speakers such as renowned Indian astronaut and former Indian Air Force officer Rakesh Sharma (Retd), journalist Palki Sharma and MP Dr Shashi Tharoor. The theme of this year's conclave was 'Resilient Today, Sustainable Tomorrow'.

In his inaugural address, Rakesh Sharma said, Space exploration is more than a scientific endeavour; it is a testament to our relentless pursuit of knowledge and our collective aspiration to elevate humanity.

Many speakers graced the stage with valuable and inspirational insights.

Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, was present in a discussion called, Beyond Earth: Navigating the Cosmos and Inspiring a Nations Future. The conversation provided valuable perspectives into space exploration and how the same has contributed to the development of India.

Dr Manimekalai Mohan, Founder and Managing Trustee of SSVM group of institutions, highlighted the theme of this year's conclave. She praised the institution for guiding the students and giving them opportunities to explore ways to build sustainable futures for themselves.

Founder-Chairman of Bollant Industries, Mr Srikanth Bolla, touched the hearts of many, by pointing out the difference between vision and sight. The visually-challenged entrepreneur was turned down by multiple IITs, before being accepted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He mentioned that former president APJ Abdul Kalam was his role model.

Awards, honouring both students and teachers, were distributed during the event.

Ms Palki Sharma presented the Studentpreneur Award 2024, a nationwide contest that recognises students for their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

Ms Sharma highlighted the value of authenticity in storytelling and the importance of producing narratives that can inspire, provoke thought, and ignite change in a world desperate for clarity and purpose.

The Inspirational Guru Awards 2024, were established to recognise and celebrate outstanding educators. This year, 25 teachers from across the nation were selected for their significant contribution to education and their vital role in guiding and empowering young minds.

The valedictory address was by chief guest Mr Tharoor. The author and former diplomat virtually launched his book, A Wonderland of Words: Around the Word in 101 Essays, on the third day of the programme. In the end, resilient nations are those that are not only materially prosperous but intellectually vibrant, morally grounded, and deeply conscious of their place in the world, he said.

Highlighting various perspectives and fostering meaningful discussions, the conference provided valuable insights to everyone who participated.
Made-in-India artillery shells have reportedly been reaching hands of Ukrainian security forces for more than a year, according to sources and customs data cited by Reuters.

It has been reported that the arms produced in India were diverted to Ukraine by European customers.

Russia has flagged the use of Indian arms by Ukrainians at least two times. The latest instance when Russia protested against the issue was when Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar met with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in July.

The latest revelation comes at a juncture when India is hoping to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week on the sidelines of a BRICS meeting, in a bid to initiate peace talks following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine. Modi is expected to travel to Russia for the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22.

Customs records accessed by the agency have revealed at least three major Indian ammunition makers Yantra, Munitions India and Kalyani Strategic Systems exported just $2.8 million in munitions components to European customers in Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain and Slovenia. These European defence contractors have heavy stakes in Ukrainian supply chains.

Italian defence contractor Meccanica per l'Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES) was reportedly among the entities diverting made-in-India arms to Ukraine. MES, which is Yantra's biggest foreign client, buys empty shells from India and fills them with explosives, said a former Yantra official quoted by Reuters.

Earlier in January, Union External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India did not sell or transfer artillery shells to Ukraine. Officials quoted by the news agency said whatever Indian artillery accessed by Ukrainian forces accounted only for around 1 per cent of their total weaponry.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the significance of the Indian Ocean, terming the region as valuable and sensitive in view of the economic, geopolitical, trade, and security aspects, and added that India is now seen as a preferred security partner in this entire region.

Addressing the second edition of Naval Commanders Conference' in New Delhi, the defence minister pointed out that India was once a landlocked country with sea shores, but now it can be seen as an island country with land borders.

ALSO READ: India plays a crucial role in global world order, says CDS General Anil Chauhan

A large part of the world's trade passes through the region, which makes it valuable. At the same time, incidents like piracy, hijacking, drone attacks, missile attacks, and disruption of sea cable connections in the seas make it extremely sensitive. Our Navy has made a significant contribution in protecting the economic interests of all stakeholder nations of Indo-Pacific and in smooth movement of goods in the Indian Ocean region, Singh said.

Hailing the Indian Navy for playing a crucial role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean, Singh said, Whenever need be, we will ensure security in the region.

Asserting that the Indian Navys growing strength in the Indo-Pacific region should not be taken for granted, he urged the Commanders to be prepared for every situation in todays volatile global scenario.

Modernising Navy



Singh reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led government's plans to make Navy more efficient and lethal by inducting state-of-the-art ships, and submarines with a focus on 'make in India'.

The defence minister noted that 64 ships and submarines are currently under construction at various shipyards in India, and orders have been placed for 24 additional platforms.

READ MORE: MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone, leased by Indian Navy from US, ditched into Bay of Bengal after technical failure

He said in the last five years, more than two-third of the Navy's modernisation budget has been spent on indigenous procurement, resulting in accelerated development of the domestic defence ecosystem.

The defence minister expressed confidence in the vision to transform the Navy from a Buyer into a Builder to make it fully self-reliant by 2047.

Singh also highlighted the importance of jointness and optimum utilisation of resources and said while the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have their own strengths, mandates and ways of working, there is a need for more coordination between the two forces to strengthen maritime security.
The 20th edition of the India-USA joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2024, being held at the Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan saw woman combatants of both sides joining hands to showcase their strength, resilience, and professionalism in the field.

Indian Army's South Western Command, in a tweet, called the joint drills a "proud testament to the power of #NariShakti."

"As they lead from the front, they are not only breaking barriers in defence but also paving the way for greater gender equality in the armed forces," the tweet further read.

#YudhAbhyas2024 #NariShakti



Yudh Abhyas 2024 stands as a proud testament to the power of #NariShakti, with women soldiers from both India and the US playing pivotal roles in every phase of the exercise.



From tactical operations to leadership positions, these empowered pic.twitter.com/1jmGWFJP2O  SouthWesternCommand_IA (@SWComd_IA) September 19, 2024





The Indian Army is being represented by a battalion of the Rajput Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services, at the joint exercise which is underway.

Female troops from the Indian and US Armies are participating in India-US joint military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024. #YudhAbhyas pic.twitter.com/bkt5jVdoxC  Defence Squad (@Defence_Squad_) September 19, 2024





Yudh Abhyas 2024 will continue till September 22.

Army Aviation ALH Dhruv During Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024.



Indian Army Rajput Regiment x US Army 11th Airborne Division

 pic.twitter.com/Cc7cZHGf9L  Chauhan (@Platypus_10) September 18, 2024





Next-generation equipment, cutting-edge technologies and advanced weapon systems into were being used during the counter-terror drills at the event.

Yudh Abhyas 2024*



Troops of India & US hone their skills during Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024 underway in Rajasthan. Tactical drills including quick response, planning & combined field training are strengthening interoperability & joint capability of the two Armed Forces.  pic.twitter.com/oqSA4s1jup  *WORLD OF COMPETITION* (@SushmaDevi59778) September 18, 2024





Yudh Abhyas aims to enhance the joint military capability of India and US to undertake counter-terrorism ops in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Army Aviation ALH Dhruv During Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024.



Indian Army Rajput Regiment x US Army 11th Airborne Division

 pic.twitter.com/jt9NCkMzyn  Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) (@Minnions44) September 19, 2024

Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include joint response to a terrorist action, joint planning and combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions.
Mollywood actor Jayasurya, who is facing charges of sexual harassment, has returned from the United States of America.



At the Cochin International Airpot (COK), Jayasurya asserted that he was back to face the accusations legally. He also promised to meet the media very soon along with his lawyer. "I can't explain a lot since the case is in court. The lawyer will soon give a date and on that day we will meet. We will meet for sure," he said.

ALSO READ | Mollywood sex scandal: Kerala man claims director Ranjith sent his nude pics to Revathi

Refuting to go into any details, the 'Pretam' actor maintained that the allegations against him are fabricated and told the media that "you will understand everything in time."

Earlier this month, he had shared an open letter on social media, thanking those who wished him on his birthday, extended their support and stood by him. He added that he has been in the US for the past month due to personal commitments. "During this time, two false allegations on the grounds of sexual harassment were made against me. Quite naturally, it has shattered me, my family and everyone who has held me close," he said.

Pointing out that false allegations are easy to make for anyone who lacks a conscience, the actor said, "I only hope one realises that facing a false accusation of harassment is just as painful as the harassment itself. A lie always travels faster than the truth but I believe truth will prevail."

Sexual harassment cases against Jayasurya

Two women had filed cases against the popular Malayalam actor accusing him of sexual misconduct. Both of them came forward following the release of the Hema Committee report by the Kerala government.

In the second complaint, the actor had claimed that Jayasurya misbehaved with her at a shooting location in Thodupuzha of Idukki district in Kerala. The complaint was lodged by an actress from Thiruvananthapuram, and it has been transferred to the Thodupuzha police.

ALSO READ | Rape allegation: Actor Siddique was at hotel in 2016 for film preview, Thiruvananthapuram Police confirms

The first case against the actor was registered based on the complaint of another female movie artist from Kochi, who alleged that he misbehaved with her near the restroom during a film shoot at the state secretariat. The case was registered under IPC sections 354, 354A, and 509.
Telugu choreographer Jani Master has been arrested after a 21-year-old choreographer accused him of sexual assault that lasted over several years.

The woman, who worked as his assistant, said that he sexually harassed her even when she was a minor.

On Wednesday, Jani was booked by the Narsingi Police after the woman filed the complaint on September 11.

Jani was arrested in Goa by the Cyberabad police on Thursday. He will be produced in court, a senior police official told PTI, after which he will be brought to Hyderabad.

The victim said that she met Jani in 2017 and offered her a job two years later. She said the harassment started soon after, including once at a hotel she was staying at with Jani and two other male dancers.

Despite being a married man, he asked her to marry him. He also allegedly threatened her against going to the police.

She also claims that Jani's wife, Ayesha, was also involved in the harassment.

According to the police, the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act will be applied in the case, since the woman was a minor when the harassment began.

A panel from the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has initiated an investigation into the allegations against the chorographer. The panel will have to submit a report within 90 days of receiving the complaint from the victim.

According to Tammareddy Bharadwaj, a member of the panel, statements have been collected from both the victim and accused.

Head of sexual harrasment redressal panel of the film chamber, Damodar Prasad, sent a notice to the Telegu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association, asking it not to allow Jani to discharge duties until all charges against him are cleared.

Telangana BJP Machila Morcha's Dr Shilpa Reddy issued a statement claiming 'Love Jihad'.

"This is a case of Love Jihad. Why were simple cases filed against the accused even though it is clearly registered in the FIR that he had trapped a Hindu girl..? It is not fair that the accused has not been arrested so far," she said.

Who is Jani Master?

Shaik Jani Basha, professionally known as Jani Master, is a renowned dance choreographer, who predominantly works in Tamil and Telugu films.

Jani has a son and a daughter with his wife Ayesha.

His first exposure to choreography began in 2009, when he was given the opportunity to choreograph for Drona.

Jani has since then become a household name, working in films like Jailer, Varisu, Beast, Pushpa: The Rise, Bahubali: The Beginning and Jai Ho, to name a few.

Recently, he choreographed for Amir Kaushik's Stree 2.

Earlier this year, he won the 'National Film Award for Best Choreography' for the song Megam Karukkatha from the film Thiruchitrambalam, starring Dhanush and Nithya Menen.

Jani is also part of Pawan Kalyan's JanaSena party. They released a statement following the allegations against him.

Mr Shaik Jani was ordered to stay away from JanaSena party activities. The party leadership decided on this after a case was registered against him with the police. The decision comes into effect immediately.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi will take oath as chief minister of Delhi on Saturday. The party said on Thursday that along with Atishi, a few other ministers would also take oath along with Atishi on September 21.



The ruling party had initially decided that only Atishi would be sworn in, however, it was later determined that her council of ministers would also take the oath, PTI reported.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal resigned as the Delhi chief minister on Tuesday. Kejriwal met Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and submitted his resignation. Atishi, who accompanied Kejriwal, staked a claim to form the next government in Delhi soon after.

Atishi will be the third woman chief minister of Delhi after Congress's Sheila Dikshit and BJP's Sushma Swaraj. She will head the government until the next Assembly elections due in February 2025.

The party said Kejriwal would vacate his official residence in 15 days and give up his security.

Kejriwal, who walked out of jail on Friday after the Supreme Court granted him bail, made a dramatic announcement on Sunday when he said he would resign from the chief ministers post within 48 hours. He also said that he would return to the CM post only if the voters gave him a certificate of honesty.

Atishi, who currently holds multiple portfolios including finance, education and revenue and was amongst those holding the fort while Kejriwal was in jail, was chosen as the next CM at a meeting of the AAP legislative party on Tuesday. Kejriwal proposed Atishi's name in the meeting held at his residence and was unanimously supported by other MLAs.
The ministry of external affairs reiterated its earlier stand and called pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun accusations of attempting to assassinate him as completely unwarranted, unsubstantiated imputations. Pannun, a designated terrorist in India, has filed a lawsuit in a US civil court, claiming damages from the Indian government for alleged attempts to assassinate him.

#WATCH | On designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun filed lawsuit against Indian govt in US over 'assassination' attempt, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular pic.twitter.com/qAbYrc177C  ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

Addressing presspersons, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misrisaid, These are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesn't change our views about the underlying situation. I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known, ANI reported.

Misri added the outfit represented by Pannun--Sikhs for Justice--is an unlawful organization and has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. It has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, Misri added.

Pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has approached a civil court in the United States, claiming damages from the Indian government for alleged attempts to assassinate him. India had denied the allegations and said rogue operatives were behind the alleged attempt.

According to reports, Pannun has filed a lawsuit with The US District Court for the Southern District of New York claiming damages from the Indian government, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former Research and Analysis Wing head Samant Goel, senior R&AW officer Vikram Yadav, and Nikhil Gupta for allegedly plotting to assassinate him.

Yadav, an Indian national, is currently lodged in a US prison on murder-for-hire charges. Nikhil Gupta is accused of attempts to hire hitmen to eliminate Pannun.

Pannun is seeking financial compensation for assault, which includes the attempt to cause physical harm and for extreme emotional distress, The Hindustan Times reported. Pannun asserted that his life remains under threat.

In November last year, US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working along with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, a Sikh extremist on American soil. Pannun holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into what a section of the BJP leaders called a PAN card jihad.

Mumbai BJP Vice President Acharya Pawan Tripathi submitted a complaint to Fadnavis and the latter has instructed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to investigate the fake PAN card matter.

Tripathi has handed over the proof of fake PAN card holders in Malvani area under Malad West Assembly constituency, a suburb of Mumbai. He said that in many Muslim dominated areas, there are reports of people holding more than one PAN cards.

Tripathi has informed Fadnavis that fake PAN cards are being made on a large scale by people of a particular community. He has claimed that thousands of people have got their fake PAN cards made in a planned manner in the Muslim dominated areas. In the details of the Income Tax Department, more PAN cards have been seen than the population, he claimed.

Tripathi further said that this is possible only when a person holds more than one PAN card. There is a possibility of fake PAN card being misused for illegal transactions and money laundering, he alleged.

Tripathi further claimed the possibility of making fake Aadhaar cards, voter cards, ration cards and Ayushman cards in the same way the fake PAN cards are made. He also requested for a thorough investigation into this fraud.
Eknath Shinde-led ruling saffron alliance will not even cross 100 seat mark in the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, U.B. Venkatesh, AICC secretary-in-charge of Mumbai Congress, said on Thursday.

He was speaking on the occasion of former police commissioner Sanjay Pande joining the Congress party. Venkatesh said that like how the BJPs slogan of "more than 400 seats" failed during Lok Sabha elections, the saffron alliance will fail in Maharashtra and will not be able to reach 100 seats mark when assembly elections results are declared.

Venkatesh also expressed confidence that the MVA will cross 200 mark and the Congress will emerge as the single largest party.

Pande said that he was not joining a party but a secular family. "I have been wanting to join Congress for a long time. I was planning to join in 2004 but some things didn't work out that time. Congress is like a family to me," he said.

Pande told THE WEEK that he will be contesting assembly elections from Mumbai. "I have made up my mind. I don't want to remain a Barati," said Pande.
VIENTIANE, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) gathered to exchange views and provide guidance on work plans for the continued development of the region, as well as facilitate trade activities.

The leaders gathered in Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday for the 16th CLMV Economic Ministers' Meeting, Lao Economic Daily reported on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting, Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith highlighted that despite the complex global and regional environment, CLMV countries must strengthen unity and collaborate closely to overcome these challenges.

"The commitment of CLMV nations to achieve our shared vision of becoming a high middle-income region and a sustainable economic hub by 2030 remains strong. We are also aligned with the broader vision of establishing an ASEAN Economic Community by 2045," said Malaythong.

Attendees noted the steady growth of CLMV's trade in 2023, with the total merchandise reaching 768 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 21.8 percent of ASEAN's total trade value.

During the meeting, participants reviewed and adopted the report from the CLMV senior economic officials' meeting and the CLMV action plan for 2025-2026. 
Amid widespread criticism over work stress which led to the death of one of their employees, Big4 company Ernst & Young issued a statement today, expressing their deepest condolences and stating that the company has provided all assistance to the family and will continue to do so.

Anita Augustine, mother of Anna Sebastian Perayil, wrote a letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani, detailing the harmful work culture her 26-year-old daughter was subjected to, which led to her death on July 20.

ALSO READ: 'Anna's death should serve as wake-up call for EY': Mother's letter sparks debate on work stress

"We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian's tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family," EY said in its statement.

Anna was a part of the Audit team at SR Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on March 18, 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us."

While the company understands that no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, it claimed to have provided the family with all the assisstance they usually do in situations such as this and will continue to do so.

ALSO READ: Thorough probe underway, will ensure justice, says Union minister

"We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 1,00,000 people across EY member firms in India."

Anita, in the letter, claimed that no one from EY Pune attended her funeral.

She mentioned that Anna was very excited to join a reputed company like EY.

She was full of life, dreams, and excitement for the future. EY was her first job and she was thrilled to be part of such a prestigious company.

The letter went viral on social media, with several netizens calling out EY for its unhealthy work culture.
Trinamool Congress MP and retired IAS officer Jawhar Sircar tendered his resignation on Thursday over West Bengal governments lack of action in Kolkata trainee doctor rape and murder case. Following Sircar's resignation, the Trinamool Congress now has 12 members in Rajya Sabha.



Sources told PTI Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar has accepted his resignation as Rajya Sabha member with immediate effect. Sircar had announced that he would quit politics altogether.

In a recent letter to Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, Sircar questioned the state governments inaction against corrupt officials and ministers and added it also led to current public outrage against the Trinamool Congress government. "I think normalcy may have been restored in this state much earlier, if the caucus of the corrupt doctors was smashed and those guilty of taking improper administrative actions punished immediately after the scandalous incident happened," he said in the letter.

The retired IAS officer said, I have suffered patiently for a month since the terrible incident at RG Kar Hospital, and was hoping for your direct intervention with the agitating junior doctors, in the old style of Mamata Banerjee. It has not happened and whatever punitive steps that government is taking now are too little and quite late.

A postgraduate trainee woman doctor was allegedly raped and murdered in the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, following which Sanjay Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer was arrested. The gruesome crime resulted in nationwide protests by doctors and citizens.

The case, initially probed by Kolkata police was transferred to the CBI after the High Court found lapses in the latters probe. The Supreme Court also took suo motu cognisance of the case and formed a National Task Force to formulate an action plan for the safety of doctors.
Agitating junior doctors announced that they will "partially" lift their 'cease work' and partially rejoin their duties at emergency and essential services in state-run hospitals from Saturday as the West Bengal government has accepted most of their demands.

The medics, who have been on 'cease work' for the last 41 days following the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, announced that they would lift their sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan on Friday.

Before lifting the sit-in, they would hold a march from Swasthya Bhawan, the state health department headquarters, to CBI office at CGO Complex in Salt Lake area.

"It has been decided that given the flood situation in West Bengal and the state government agreeing to certain demands of ours, we will be rejoining emergency and essential services partially from Saturday. We are withdrawing our cease work partially," an agitating doctor said after their general body meeting.

The protesting doctors said they will not work in the Out Patient Department (OPD) but will work partially in emergency and essential services.

"We will withdraw our sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan on Friday after the march to the CBI office. We will wait for a week for implementation of all the promises made by the West Bengal government and if unfulfilled, we will resume 'cease work'," the doctors said, adding that their fight for justice has not ended.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif's comments suggest that the National Conference (NC) and the Congress are following Pakistan's agenda in Jammu and Kashmir.

However, he stressed that as long as the BJP is in power, no force can bring back Article 370 or Article 35A.

"Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Pakistan agrees with the NC-Congress alliance on Article 370 and Article 35A," he said while addressing a rally in Katra, Jammu. This was his second rally of the day, following a large gathering in Srinagar.

Modi reiterated that Article 370 and Article 35A are gone forever, and no power can bring them back as long as the BJP is in power.

>> READ - 'Will not allow J&K to fall under family rule again': Modi continues attack against Abdullahs, Muftis, and Gandhis

The prime minister reaffirmed the BJP's commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, as already promised in Parliament.

He accused the Congress of defaming Maharaja Hari Singh. While the Congress left no stone unturned to defame the Maharaja, the BJP honored him by declaring a holiday on his birthday.

Modi criticised the NC-Congress for treating the Reasi-Kathua region unfairly. "You expressed faith in me, and I gave you the world's highest rail bridge over the Chenab, which is several feet higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris," he said.

He also noted that the BJP government launched the Vande Bharat Express train from Delhi to Katra, and more facilities have been added to the railway stations in Katra and Reasi.

He said the hydel power projects such as Pakal Dul, Rattley, Kiru, and Kawar are under construction. Modi added that these projects will generate electricity and will provide employment to the youth of Jammu.

"A medical college has been established in Udhampur, and a district hospital has been completed in Reasi district," he said.

Modi highlighted that over 95 lakh devotees visited the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. "In the coming years, a record number of tourists are expected to visit the region, which will boost livelihood opportunities for the people," he said.

Attacking the Abdullahs, Muftis, and Gandhis, the prime minister accused these parties of allowing water to flow across the border. "They couldnt construct a dam at Shahpur Kandi," he said. "The BJP built the dam to provide water to hundreds of farmers."

Modi claimed that the Congress promotes "Naxal thinking" and urged caution. "Under this Naxal thinking, Congress attacked the Dogra community in Jammu," he said, accusing the Congress of spreading corruption nationwide and attacking Dogra heritage.

Modi said the Congress spreads "hatred under the guise of love" and urged people to vote against the three political families in large numbers on September 25.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a new dedicated ministry to focus on the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region comprising seven backward districts  Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Bidar, Koppal, Yadgir, Raichur, Ballari and Vijayanagara.



On September 17, the Karnataka government celebrated the Liberation Day, to commemorate the liberation of Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Raichur that were under the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad after the princely state merged with the Union of India in 1948. The day was also significant as it marked the completion of 10 years after the region was accorded the special status by an amendment (371-J) to the Constitution, in 2012.

Siddaramaiah, who held a cabinet meeting in Kalaburagi, approved projects worth Rs 11,770 crore and gave the nod to upgrade the municipal bodies in Raichur and Bidar to city corporations. However, the region flagged as backward by a High-Powered Committee for Redressal of Regional Imbalances headed by Professor DM Nanjundappa (2002), continues to battle serious lack of basic amenities, be it roads or drinking water. The Nanjundappa Committee set up by then chief minister SM Krishna had hoped to tackle the regional disparities by giving special focus to certain sectors and making special allocations too. Siddaramaiah, in budget 2024-25, has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for the development of the region and is now hoping to set up a ministry to exclusively focus on governance and faster implementation of projects.

Interestingly, the Kalyana Karnataka region represented by veterans like AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief minister late Dharam Singh has failed to transform into a developed region for want of better coordination and implementation of both central and state projects. The Siddaramaiah government has constituted a new committee headed by Dr Govind Rao to assess the backward taluks in Kalyana Karnataka to address the issue of regional imbalance and to prioritise development.

Kalyana Karnataka has fought four important battles - the Indian freedom struggle, the liberation from Nizams rule, the unification of Kannada-speaking regions, and the fight for Article 371(J) to grant special status. Kharge and Singhs efforts paid off and the UPA government under Manmohan Singh gave a special status tag to the region. But the Modi government has not given a single rupee for the regions development, lamented Siddaramaiah, who demanded a matching fund from the Centre.

Politically, the Kalyana Karnataka region has given a new lease of life to Siddaramaiah, who saved his face by winning the Koppal seat in the 2018 Assembly polls, as he had lost the second seat, Chamundeshwari in Mysuru, which is his home turf. Once again, the region saw an overwhelming support for the Congress last year after the grand old party won as many as 26 seats out of 41 seats in the region, against its total tally of 135 seats (in the 224-member Assembly). This year, all five Lok Sabha seats in the region were won by Congress, which won nine seats in all, out of 28 seats.

As per the status report, in the last 10 years (2013-14 to 2024-25), the state government has allocated Rs 19,778 crores to the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB), of which Rs 13,229 crore has been released, and Rs 11,174 crore spent. Of the 35,885 projects taken up during the period, 27,264 have been completed, while 8,621 are in progress. Though the special status was given in 2012, the law was enacted in 2013 and 1.09 lakh jobs were identified for direct recruitment across the various departments in the region. Around 79,985 have been filled. Of the 38,705 promotional posts, 29,793 have been promoted and remaining vacancies will also be filled in phases.

The previous BJP government led the state into decline with mismanagement and corruption. They took up projects worth crores without allocating funds in the budget. Moreover, the central government has denied us our rightful share of the taxes. Despite all the challenges, my government has implemented five guarantee schemes effectively and is providing Rs 5,000 crores annually to Kalyana Karnataka. Our priority is road, irrigation, health, education and development, said Siddaramaiah.
India on Thursday rejected a media report which had claimed that New Delhis defence exports have been diverted to Ukraine by the European customers. The Ministry of External Affairs also termed the report by Reuters news agency as speculative and misleading.

"We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist and hence, is inaccurate and mischievous," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

The news agency reported that artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade despite protests from Moscow.

The report, which cited 11 Indian and European government and defence industry officials, also claimed that the transfer of munitions to support Ukraine's defence against Russia has occurred for more than a year.

Indias defence export regulations limit the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser and if the purchaser is engaged in unauthorised transfers, the future sales will be terminated.

Jaiswal maintained that India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items.

"India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end-user obligations and certifications," he said.

The media report claimed that Russia had raised the issue on at least two occasions, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar.

Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a conflict since February 2022 and New Delhi has been walking a tightrope, maintaining that the issue should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited both the countries and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
After Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddus during the previous government's tenure, YSR Congress has dismissed the allegations.

Naidu made the shocking allegations while addressing a legislative party meeting of the NDA on Wednesday. Naidu's TDP is ruling Andhra in alliance with the Jana Sena and the BJP.

The Andhra CM claimed that animal fat was used to prepare the prasadam laddus at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Tirupati, during the YSR Congress regime.

During Wednesday's meeting, Naidu said that even Tirumala laddu was made with substandard ingredients and that animal fat was used instead of ghee to make the prasadam. He claimed that under his government, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which runs the temple, is using pure ghee.

Naidu claimed that everything has been sanitised at the temple, which was in turn improved the quality.

Andhra IT minister Nara Lokesh also joined the TDP supremo to raise the issue, saying he is shocked to learn that Reddy's government used animal fat instead of ghee.

However, senior YSRCP leader YV Subba Reddy, who chaired the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in the previous government, dismissed the chief minister's allegations as "malicious". He said Naidu is ready to stoop to any level to make political brownie points.

The former TTD chairman said Naidu has severely damaged the sanctity of the temple and the faith of crores of Hindus with his malicious remarks.
After 12 people were killed in pager blasts across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday, more explosions were reported as walkie-talkies and solar equipment blew up on Wednesday. At least 20 people were killed and 450 injured in the second wave of attacks.

In the pager attacks on Tuesday, two children were among the 12 fatalities while nearly 3,000 others were injured.

On Wednesday, a domestic solar energy system exploded in southern Lebanon, injuring a girl, reported a local government-backed news agency. A funeral held for three Hezbollah members and a child killed in Beirut pager blasts saw subsequent explosions of walkie-talkies, killing many attendees.

After keeping silent over the pager attacks on Tuesday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant broke the silence on Wednesday evening, saying Israel is entering a new phase in the war, which he said needs courage, determination and perseverance. However, he did not say anything about the pager blasts that targeted Hezbollah members. Lauding the efforts of Israel Defence Forces, Mossad and other security agencies, Gallant said their work has produced impressive results.

The pagers were not only used by Hezbollah operatives, but also doctors, nursers, paramedics, teachers and other officials working for organisations linked to the Iran-backed Shia group.

Experts believe that Israel infiltrated the supply chain and rigged the pagers with explosives before they reached Lebanon. Around 5,000 AR 924 pagers were ordered by Hezbollah from Taiwanese firm Gold Apollo. However, the firm said it had authorised BAC Consulting KFT, a Hungary-based company, to use Gold Apollo brand in the devices they made. A Hungarian government spokesman said the pagers were never brought to Hungary and BAC was just an intermediary.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday condemned the fatal exploding devices attacks. Vowing retaliation, Nasrallah said they would continue its daily strikes on northern Israel.

Israel has crossed all red lines, said Nasrallah.

As Nasrallahs televised speech progressed, the Israeli military launched new air strikes over the border. At least two Israeli soldiers were killed in the exchange of strikes.

At least 37 people were killed and over 3,000 people were injured in the recent device explosions in Lebanon.

Addressing Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nasrallah said Israel will not be able to return its residents to the north.

"You will not be able to return the people of the north to the north...No military escalation, no killings, no assassinations and no all-out war can return residents to the border," said Nasrallah.

He also added that the recent week attacks targeting his group will be met with "just punishment".

Let the enemy know what happened did not shake our faith, conviction, resolve, preparedness or infrastructure. On the contrary, this turned us more resolved, more robust and more adamant. If the Israelis objective was to separate us from whats taking place in Gaza, it failed," he added.

Nasrallah also said that no matter what scenarios unfold, the resistance in Lebanon will not stop supporting the resistance in Gaza and the West Bank and all the aggrieved in the occupied territories.

Meanwhile, the Hezbollahs investigation committee is studying how the explosions happened.

He added that pager attacks were intended to kill "4,000 people in one moment". This was the intention of the enemy, and this is the scale of criminality...What can we call this kind of criminal action. Is it a big operation? Is it genocide? Is it a massacre? said Nasrallah.

Extending support to Hezbollah, Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief also said Israel will face "a crushing response from the axis of resistance".

However, Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant said, This is a new phase in the war, it has significant opportunities, but also heavy risks. Hezbollah is feeling chased and the sequence of our military operations will continue.

Our goal is to return the residents of the north to their homes safely. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price, he added.
As the United States presidential election 2024 is nearing, the Republican and Democratic candidates are making an all-out effort to win the swing states. As the campaigns are getting intense, over 100 Republican former national security and foreign policy officials have come to the forefront calling Donald Trump unfit to serve.

The ex-Republican officials endorsement of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris at this crucial juncture surely boosts the Democrats campaign.

Former officials from the presidential administrations of Republicans Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Donald Trump, as well as Democrats Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, have extended their support for Harris.

In a joint letter, the ex-Republican officials pointed out that they believe the president of the United States should be someone principled, serious and steady leader.

Former defence secretaries, who served in the Bill Clinton and Obama administrationsWilliam Cohen, Chuck Hagelformer CIA and FBI director under Ronald Reagan, William Webster and former CIA and NSA director Micheal Hayden were among those who signed the letter.

"We expect to disagree with Kamala Harris on many domestic and foreign policy issues, but we believe that she possesses the essential qualities to serve as president and Donald Trump does not. We therefore support her election to be president, the letter read.

We firmly oppose the election of Donald Trump. As president, he promoted daily chaos in government, praised our enemies and undermined our allies, politicized the military and disparaged our veterans, prioritised his personal interest above American interests, and betrayed our values, democracy, and this countrys founding document, the letter added.

Trump's involvement in the 2021 January 6 US Capitol attacks was also pointed out in the letter.

They also alleged that Trumps susceptibility to flattery and manipulation by authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping makes him unfit to serve again.

Citing reasons for their endorsement, the officials pointed out Harris' support for NATO and Israel, as well as her commitment to signing the bipartisan border security package that Republicans blocked, and her pledge to appoint a Republican to her administration.

Former special assistant to the president Mark Harvey, and former assistant secretary of Homeland Security Elizabeth Neumann were also among the signatories of the letter.

In recent weeks, many Republicansespecially Trump hatershad endorsed Harris. In an interview with CNN, Virginia representative Barbara Comstock said that it's important to turn the page due to his threats to democracy.

Former president George W. Bushs attorney Alberto Gonzales, former Illinois representative Adam Kinzinger, former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham and communications director Anthony Scaramucci have also endorsed Harris.

Trump failed to do his duty and exercise his presidential power to protect members of Congress, law enforcement and the Capitol from the attacks that day. He failed to deploy executive branch personnel to save lives and property and preserve democracy, Gonzales said.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military announced on Thursday that "plans for the continuation of the war" in Lebanon against Hezbollah had been approved, as it launched a new wave of bombings in southern Lebanon.

Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi "recently completed the approval of plans for the northern arena," the military said in a statement.

State-owned Kan TV news, citing an Israeli military official, reported that after nearly a year of fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border, "a military action in the northern arena now seems unavoidable."

On Thursday afternoon, the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes in Lebanon, claiming it was targeting Hezbollah positions "to degrade" their capabilities and infrastructure.

The airstrikes followed two consecutive days of explosions of pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon, which have killed at least 37 people and injured 2,931 others.

Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts, which Hezbollah has blamed on Israel. 
Mumbai, Sep 19 (PTI) A solar panel project, which was proposed to be set up at Nagpur in eastern Maharashtra, has been shifted to neighbouring Gujarat, claimed Leader of Opposition in assembly Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress on Thursday.

Wadettiwar maintained the mega project would have brought investment worth Rs 18,000 crore to Maharashtra.

"It has come to light that the project has gone out of the state due to political and bureaucratic apathy," the Congress leader alleged.

State Industries Minister Uday Samant rejected Wadettiwar's claim.

Wadettiwar noted this was the third mega industrial venture after Vedanta-Foxconn and Tata-Airbus projects to be moved to BJP-ruled Gujarat from Maharashtra, where the saffron party is a constituent of the ruling coalition.

The MLA from Bramhapuri in Chandrapur district alleged leaders of the ruling dispensation were busy making remarks on "chopping off and singeing tongues" -- referring to comments against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi -- Hindu-Muslim, "breaking parties and stealing MLAs".

"Industries are finding it difficult to work in Maharashtra," he insisted.

Meanwhile, Industries Minister Samant rejected Wadettiwar assertion and accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), of which the Congress is a constituent, of spreading lies.

He pointed out that a leading renewable energy company, which supplies 550 MW of electricity, is planning to expand its capacity to 2,000 MW in Maharashtra.

Tagging a statement from ReNew, he said the company has clarified it was not going anywhere.

The private company is committed to invest Rs 1 lakh crore and generate 30,000 employment opportunities in Maharashtra, Samant asserted.

The company has said it is planning to invest in the upstream chain of solar manufacturing and is not investing in similar projects in Gujarat or any other state.
Aizawl, Sep 19 (PTI) The Mizoram government on Thursday launched a financial assistance and support programme, 'Bana Kaih', for small entrepreneurs and farmers of the state.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the scheme at a function at the Vanapa Hall in Aizawl.

Addressing the function, Lalduhoma said his government has allocated funds for the purchase of four crops -- ginger, turmeric, Mizo chilli and broomsticks from the farmers.

He said such cash crops would be bought through farmer societies being set up in villages.

He said the government has fixed minimum prices for such cash crops, and support prices will be provided to farmers if they sell their crops below the fixed rate.

Lalduhoma said the government would not interfere if the farmers were able to sell their crops higher than the fixed rate.

He said the government has also decided to purchase paddy (unhusked rice) at Rs 30 per kg, particularly from Kolasib and Mamit districts.

The CM said the scheme has been conceived and devised for diligent and hardworking people, who desire progress, and the government will apply strict norms in the selection of beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries will be selected by search committees of the implementing departments after scrutiny, he said.

Lalduhoma said the government will provide loans and serve as a guarantor under the programme.

Beneficiaries, who regularly repay their loans may benefit from interest subvention of up to 100 per cent, he said.

He urged the MLAs to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme in their respective constituencies.

Agriculture Minister PC Vanlalruata said more than 45,500 farmers have so far been registered on the government portal for the purchase of crops.

He said that over 10.84 lakh quintal of ginger, 77,492 quintal of turmeric, 36,774 quintal of Mizo chilli and 1.2 lakh quintal of broomsticks are expected to be produced at the end of the harvest this year.

Under the scheme, the government will address the issue of institutional credit availability, particularly microcredit, for both agriculture and small industrial endeavours, officials said.

The programme will be implemented by converging it with various schemes of the Centre, they said.

The state government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the implementation of the scheme for 2024-25, apart from Rs 110 crore fund allocated for agricultural assurance in the 2023-24 fiscal, they said.

The scheme is aimed at the upliftment of farmers through the purchase of local agriculture or horticulture produce, food processing, marketing of agriculture and allied products, and promotion of entrepreneurship and skill development, creating employment avenues for youths, and giving impetus to small-scale and agro-based industries, officials said.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The central government on Thursday said that all norms were followed while releasing water from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), denying accusations by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the water discharge was responsible for flooding in the state.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said that flooding in parts of Bengal was on account of the "water released by central government organisation DVC from its dams".

"This is a man-made flood, and it's unfortunate," she said.

Responding to the accusations, the Union power ministry in a statement said that all authorities concerned were informed regarding the scheduled release of water from the dams.

All releases are as advised by the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee (DVRRC), which has representatives from the Government of West Bengal, Government of Jharkhand, Central Water Commission (Member Secretary) and from DVC, it said.

Due to a deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal and subsequently over Jharkhand, significant rainfall occurred in the lower Damodar valley area in West Bengal from September 14-15, whereas the Upper Valley in Jharkhand experienced heavy rainfall from September 15-16. However, there was no further rain from the 17th.

Rivers in South Bengal -- Amta Channel and Mundeswari for River Damodar -- outfall were in spate. Other rivers such as Silabati, Kangsabati and Dwarakeshwar which are interlinked with the Damodar were also in spate.

The Tenughat Dam, operated by the Jharkhand government, made a huge release of 85,000 cusecs adding to the problem. The Jharkhand government refused to bring this dam within the ambit of the DVRRC.

All water release advices from Maithon and Panchet dams were made in consultation with DVC and the Government of West Bengal.

"Every possible effort was made to avert synchronisation of dam releases with the drainage congestions in the lower valley.

"DVC took the responsibility of even permitting the Panchet reservoir to build beyond the land acquisition level and the maximum level which reached was RL. 425.22 ft. as on 17:00 hrs. of September 17, 2024," the ministry said.

Due to the these "uncontrollable factors and from dam safety point of view," the combined peak releases made from Maithon and Panchet dams was 2.5 lakh cusec effective 8:00 hours to 18:00 hours of September 17, which was, however, gradually reduced to 80,000 cusec (cubic feet per second) at 6:50 hours, of September 19", the ministry added.
Due to the ever-changing and sometimes chaotic conditions present in cryptocurrency, unprecedented opportunities to create wealth exist but the problem rests on spotting the good project at the very beginning which is usually not easy. One of the tokens, Rexas Finance (RXS), emerged in 2024 and generated much interest and activity from investors. Rexas finance presale has exceeded all expectations both in its performance and presale against competing projects. So, we ask: Could it be that Rexas Finance is the best crypto presale for the year 2024?



The Rise of Rexas Finance (RXS)



Rexas Finance (RXS) is shortly rising to prominence in the decentralized finance (DeFi) domain. This platform is determined to take dominance in the field, promising to disrupt the investment management of digital assets. The mission of Rexas Finance is focused on creating a safe, fast, and efficient exchange for the trading of virtual currency assets, utilization of yield plans, and provision of hassle-free token-raising opportunities. Its well-rounded functionalities are oriented towards the needs of both the entry-level and advanced users of cryptocurrency, which is the reason why it has emerged as one of the leaders in the space of crypto presale.



Blazing Through the Presale Stages



There has been an enormous level of interest and growth in the presale for Rexas Finance. Stage 1 of the presale was an oversubscription and sold out within 3 days, bear in mind that the upper limit was set higher than that. During stage one of the presale phase, an overall of 15,000,000 tokens were put out in the market at $0.03 per token. Investors, who have been looking for the potential of Rexas Finance, made hurried moves to participate in the early stage of this hot flowering project. The second stage of the presale has carried on pulling even higher attention. Blazing past the $500,000 mark much earlier than ever anticipated, the presale proceeded with 20,000,000 offered tokens at a $0.04 rate. It is moving at this pace and at this rate, the bucking of these tokens demonstrates the extent of investors confidence in the prospects of the project.



Beating Rival Presales in Investor Interest



Out of the numerous presale opportunities in the crypto world, only a handful, like Rexas Finance, has succeeded in paling any competition. The competition in presales is tough; below are the reasons why Rexas Finance edges out other presales:



 Innovative Technology: Rexas Finance is looking forward to the needs of the future of digital asset management with a platform engineered for such and therefore has not lagged behind many of its competitors. Its yield optimization strategies and token funding feature adequately cater to a majority of investors.



 Aggressive Marketing and Outreach: Information regarding Rexas Finance presale has been intentionally pushed. Intelligent marketing has also aided in raising the projects visibility and caused many of the early users to join the cryptocurrency ahead of its official launch.



 Strong Tokenomics: The organization of the presale as well as the clearly laid strategies of token allocation have made it clear to the investors that Rexas Finance is set to be very successful in the long run. The planned use of 425,000,000 tokens for the whole of the presale appears to have a sustainable thrust to growth without oversaturating the market.



Rexas Finance is a project that any DeFi enthusiast should keep an eye on if they want to enter the market early. Looking at the new approaches taken to secure users and their funds, the level of transparency, and the strong following the project maintains, Rexas Finance has a high chance of being the best-performing token in the years to come.



Dont Miss Out



While the interest of investors keeps rising in Rexas Finance, its presale is one of the most lucrative opportunities in the cryptocurrency industry for the year 2024. The quick sellout of the first phases and the key revenue levels being reached earlier than expected show that RXS is a project that can create very high returns. The presale is on, and every phase consists of a smaller number of tokens than the one before. Do not take such opportunities lightly as this is a window of opportunity that one may never get again. Do you want to find the next breakout in DeFi? Look no further than Rexas Finance (RXS).



For more information about Rexas Finance (RXS) visit the links below:



Website: https://rexas.com



Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf



Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance



Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with HT Syndication and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Surat (Gujarat) [India] September 18: Viral Desai, the renowned environmentalist known as the "Greenman of India," has once again transformed the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi into a 10-day environmental awareness campaign. This year's initiative, dubbed "Tree Ganesha," has attracted over thousands of students from local schools and colleges.



The campaign's primary goal is to educate young people about environmental conservation and the importance of sustainable living. Each participating student is presented with a sapling, symbolizing the commitment to planting trees and contributing to a greener future. This year's theme, "Let's Create Urban Forests," underscores the urgent need for more green spaces in urban areas.



Government agencies, including the Surat Police, Gujarat Forest Department, and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, have officially joined forces with Viral Desai to support this initiative. By encouraging people to plant trees and adopt eco-friendly practices, the "Tree Ganesha" campaign is setting a positive example for others to follow.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
The company expects over Rs. 30 crore in revenue from its business arrangement with SDF Production for supply of Agro products, with healthy margins of 35-40%.



Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 19: Sellwin Traders Ltd and Secorbit FZCO, UAE, have signed an MoU for a $2 million project to develop a blockchain-based tokenization platform. The platform will enable the tokenization of equities, bonds, and real-world assets, with a focus on scalability, security, and seamless integration with existing financial and blockchain ecosystems. Sellwin Traders Ltd shall undertake the development of a comprehensive blockchain-based tokenization platform over the next 24 months, order which was received by Secorbit FZCO.



The Board of Directors of the company is schedule to meet on September 25, 2024, to consider issuing bonus shares and approving a stock split, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. The board will also review a business proposal focused on potential synergies and forward integration to meet evolving customer needs.



The company has also entered into Memorandum of Understanding with SDF Productions Pvt Ltd, an agri-export company specializing in spices, pulses, pulp, rice, tea, fruits, and vegetables. Sellwin expects revenue in excess of Rs. 30 crore from the business arrangement with a healthy margins of 35-40%. Under the MoU, Sellwin Traders Ltd will supply agro products to SDF Productions Pvt Ltd, which will then distribute these products to both Indian and international markets based on purchase orders. Sellwin will provide financial support to SDF Productions for procurement from Indian suppliers. Recently, SDF Productions secured several orders for mango pulp, including a USD 259,500 order from Ninety Nine Foodstuff Trading L.L.C, two orders totaling USD 130,200 from Shing Exim General Trading L.L.C, and additional orders from The Springs Foodstuffs Trading Co L.L.C.



On July 19, 2024, the Sellwin Board approved acquiring a 51% stake in SDF Productions Pvt. Ltd. This strategic investment aims to expand Sellwin Traders Ltds business through market growth, supply chain integration, and revenue enhancement. SDF, operating in Dubai since 2002, recently expanded to New Mumbai. The company exports local produce, including oranges, turmeric, and jaggery, to Iran and the Middle East, with plans to enter Europe, the UK, and CIS markets, focusing on high-curcumin turmeric.



Highlights:-





SDF Production received multiple export orders for mango pulp for over USD 400,000.



On July 19, 2024, the Sellwin Board approved acquiring a 51% stake in SDF Productions Pvt. Ltd



In April 2024, Sellwin agreed to acquire a 66.67% stake in Patel & Patel E-Commerce and Services Pvt Ltd. Sellwin's investment will fund Patel Container's new Rs. 45 crore logistics container facility in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.



On 7 June, 2024 approved the appointment of Mr. Rajendra Naik as the CEO of the company. Subsequently on 17 August, Mr. Pruthvikumar Prajapati is appointed as the CFO of the company.



For Q1FY25, Revenue reported 66% growth to Rs. 16.6 crore, Net Profit up 104% to Rs. 70 lakh



Completed a preferential issue allotting 3.17 crore warrants at Rs. 12.95 crore raising Rs. 41.15 crore







In April 2024, the company signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 66.67% stake in Patel & Patel E-Commerce And Services Pvt Ltd. Patel Container signed an MoU at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 to invest Rs. 45 crore in a logistics container manufacturing facility in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The facility, expected to begin operations in 2025, will create 100 jobs and benefit from Bhavnagar's strategic location near major ports and trade routes. Investment by Sellwin Traders will be utilized to support the establishment of a new manufacturing facility for logistic containers in Bhavnagar District, Gujarat.



The company also plans to invest Rs. 200 million in Shah Metacorp Ltd (BSE & NSE) over the next two years as part of its long-term growth strategy. The investment will support Shah Metacorp's expansion, boost production capacity, enhance R&D, and explore new markets. Shah Metacorp's strong operations, innovative products, and sustainable practices make it a compelling investment opportunity.



Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 7th June, 2024 approved the appointment of Mr. Rajendra Naik as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Subsequently in the meeting held on 17th August, Mr. Pruthvikumar Prajapati is appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the company.



Consolidated Financial Highlights (Rs. Lakh)



Particulars



Q1 FY25



Q1 FY24



Growth Y-o-Y %



FY 24



FY 23



Growth Y-o-Y %



Total Income



1663.64



1002.87



65.9%



6173.0



3960.3



55.9%



Net Profit



70.01



34.32



104.0%



96.2



0.83



11485.5%



For Q1FY25 ended June 2024, company has reported 65.9% growth in revenue from operations to Rs. 16.63 crore as compared to Rs. 10.02 crore in quarter ended June 2023. Net Profit of the company during June 2024 quarter reported rise of 104% to Rs. 70 lakh as against Rs. 34 lakh in quarter ended June 2023. During FY24, company has turn around its business operations and reported 56% growth in total income to Rs. 61.7 crore as compared to Rs. 39.60 crore in FY23.



In the previous quarter, the Company completed a preferential issue, allotting 3,17,80,000 convertible warrants at Rs. 12.95 each, raising Rs. 41.15 crore from non-promoter investors. On May 17, 2024, the Board approved the conversion of 1,20,60,000 warrants into equity shares at Rs. 12.95. Following this, the Company's paid-up equity share capital increased to Rs. 20.26 crore, comprising 2,02,60,000 shares of Rs. 10 each.



BOX - $2 million project cost will be paid by Secorbit to Sellwin Traders Ltd as follows:



20% ($400,000) after Phase 1 (Research & Feasibility Study)



30% ($600,000) after Phase 2 (Platform Architecture & Design)



30% ($600,000) after Phase 3 (Core Platform Development)



10% ($200,000) after Phase 4 (Testing & Compliance Audits)



10% ($200,000) upon successful launch and handover (Phase 5)



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), popularly known as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, is one of the most comprehensive health insurance schemes in India. The initiative aims to provide financial protection for economically vulnerable families against the high costs of medical treatment. To ensure the scheme benefits those who need it most, the government has periodically updated the eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Card. These changes have broadened the scope of coverage and made healthcare more accessible to a larger section of the population.



In this article, we will explore the latest changes in the eligibility for the Ayushman Card and discuss who stands to benefit from these updates.



What is the Ayushman Card?



The Ayushman Card is an identification card issued under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, enabling eligible individuals to access free healthcare services at empanelled hospitals. With this card, beneficiaries can receive up to Rs. 5 lakh in health insurance coverage per family per year. The coverage extends to secondary and tertiary healthcare services, ensuring protection against large medical expenses.



The Ayushman Card is part of the governments efforts to provide universal healthcare access to Indias economically disadvantaged population, with a focus on improving the countrys overall health outcomes.



Who was initially eligible for the Ayushman Card?



Initially, the Ayushman Card was offered to beneficiaries identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011. Households were selected based on predefined criteria, focusing on those who were most vulnerable, such as rural families with no adult male members, households with disabled members, and families living in makeshift dwellings or working as manual labourers.



In urban areas, eligibility was determined based on the occupation of household members, with the scheme focusing on low-income workers such as street vendors, domestic workers, construction labourers, and rickshaw pullers. However, over time, the government has updated these criteria to include more groups that require financial assistance for healthcare.



Latest changes in eligibility for the Ayushman Card



Recognising the need for wider coverage, the government has introduced several changes to the eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Card. These changes aim to make the scheme more inclusive and ensure that all vulnerable groups have access to essential healthcare services. The following are the key changes to the eligibility criteria:



1. Inclusion of Migrant Workers



One of the most significant recent updates to the scheme is the inclusion of migrant workers. Migrants, who often lack access to stable healthcare due to their transient lifestyle, were previously overlooked by the scheme. The government has now made it possible for migrant workers to apply for the Ayushman Card in their current place of residence, ensuring they receive medical coverage even if they are far from their home state. This is particularly important as many migrant workers belong to low-income groups and are at higher risk of financial distress due to healthcare costs.



2. Expansion of Urban Beneficiaries



The latest changes have also expanded coverage for urban beneficiaries. The updated criteria now include individuals working in informal sectors such as domestic help, daily wage earners, sanitation workers, and street vendors. These workers often lack employer-provided health insurance and are financially vulnerable to sudden medical expenses. By extending Ayushman Card eligibility to these groups, the government has ensured that more people in urban areas can access free healthcare services.



3. Inclusion of Vulnerable Rural Communities



In rural areas, several vulnerable communities that were previously excluded from the scheme are now eligible for the Ayushman Card. These include landless labourers, rural artisans, and other low-income groups. The updated criteria reflect the governments aim to ensure that the most marginalised sections of society are covered, regardless of their employment or financial status.



4. Special Provision for Women and Children



The latest changes to the Ayushman Card eligibility criteria also focus on vulnerable women and children. For instance, households led by widows or single women, orphaned children, and abandoned or disabled individuals are now given priority under the scheme. This is particularly important, as women and children are often disproportionately affected by healthcare expenses, especially in rural areas where access to medical services is limited.



5. Elderly and Disabled Individuals



Another important change is the inclusion of elderly and disabled individuals. Those with chronic illnesses or disabilities often face higher medical costs, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme has recognised the need to provide these individuals with adequate healthcare coverage. By updating the eligibility criteria to include more elderly and disabled beneficiaries, the scheme aims to alleviate their financial burden and improve their access to medical care.



Who stands to benefit from the latest changes?



The expanded eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Card open up the scheme to a broader section of society. Heres a closer look at the groups that stand to benefit from these changes:



1. Migrant Workers



Migrant workers often find themselves in precarious situations, moving from one place to another in search of employment. The inclusion of migrant workers in the scheme ensures that they can access healthcare services in any part of the country without worrying about location-based restrictions. This change will provide them with peace of mind, knowing that they have access to free healthcare services regardless of their employment or residence status.



2. Urban Informal Workers



The expansion of eligibility for urban informal workers, such as domestic workers, daily wage earners, and street vendors, ensures that a larger portion of the urban population is covered. These workers often do not have employer-sponsored health insurance and struggle to pay for medical treatments. With the Ayushman Card, they will be able to access quality healthcare without incurring heavy expenses.



3. Rural Vulnerable Groups



The inclusion of rural artisans, landless labourers, and other low-income groups in the updated eligibility criteria ensures that even more rural families can benefit from the scheme. Many of these individuals live in remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, and the Ayushman Card will enable them to seek timely medical attention without the financial stress.



4. Women and Children



Households led by women, such as widows or single mothers, often face financial challenges when it comes to healthcare. The updated eligibility criteria prioritise these families, ensuring that women and children have access to medical care when they need it. This change helps to address the healthcare inequalities faced by women and children, particularly in rural areas.



5. Elderly and Disabled Individuals



The elderly and disabled often require more medical attention due to chronic illnesses or disabilities. The latest updates to the scheme provide greater access to healthcare for these individuals, ensuring that they are not financially burdened by their medical needs. The Ayushman Card will cover their hospitalisation costs, allowing them to receive the care they need without worrying about expenses.



Conclusion



The recent changes in eligibility for the Ayushman Card reflect the governments commitment to expanding healthcare access to a larger and more diverse section of Indias population. By including migrant workers, urban informal sector employees, rural vulnerable groups, and focusing on women, children, and the elderly, the scheme ensures that those most in need receive the financial protection they deserve. The Ayushman Card remains a vital tool in Indias quest for affordable healthcare, offering up to Rs. 5 lakh in coverage for families and addressing the health disparities prevalent across the country.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with HT Syndication and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday slammed the Karnataka government for its apathy towards India's Silicon Valley in Bengaluru that is leading to many investors shifting away from the state.

In response to a post on social media platform X by Karnataka's Minister for Commerce and Industries and Infrastructure M B Patil, Goyal also said the central government continues to support the state even in developing an industrial township in Tumakuru under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.

"In fact, Hon'ble Minister @MBPatil ji and his Congress Govt should try to make Tumakuru industrial township into a Silicon Valley rather than deriding India's progress," Goyal said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The Karnataka minister's post followed Goyal's suggestion about setting up township for startups.

On September 16, Goyal said, "We should be aspiring to go beyond. We should be aspiring to have our own silicon valley. I know Bengaluru is the Silicon Valley of India. But I think it's time we also start thinking in terms of maybe tying up with NICDC and creating a whole new township dedicated to entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, and disruptors".

In his post, the Union commerce and industry minister said the Tumakuru township has been left into a limbo by the state government, which does not even resolve their land issues.

"In fact, the delays and lack of support from the State Govt. has led to many investors shifting from Karnataka due to which thousands of jobs and crores of rupees in investments have moved from Karnataka to other States," he said.

He added that the Modi-government has a vision and commitment to build modern city infrastructure across Bharat, unlike the Congress, whose top leadership derides the country and its achievements even on foreign soil.

"Silicon Valley in Bengaluru is suffering from the apathy of the State Govt. to provide logistics support, quality infrastructure, good roads," Goyal said, adding, "Rome was not built in a day, and the world did not stop building after that! Great cities have come up since, whether it is Silicon Valley, New York, Bengaluru, or Mumbai and they have been the product of a vision for the greater good".

Creating Smart Cities and industrial townships will help achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

"The resolve of 140 crore Indians! Our Govt. is working tirelessly to provide modern facilities, good social infrastructure and generate an ecosystem to promote industrialisation, invite investments and provide jobs for the youth of India," the minister said.

The Centre has recently approved 12 industrial townships in different states to boost domestic manufacturing and creation of jobs.

"Sorry Mr. Patil, but you have totally failed the people of Karnataka," he added.
Pune, Sep 19 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said the banking sector will have to play a crucial role in driving the agenda of making India a developed nation or Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Finance Minister was speaking at an event here to mark the 90th Foundation Day of the Bank of Maharashtra, a public sector lender.

She said the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 has key pillars of economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.

"Banks will have to play a crucial role in driving the agenda set by the vision of the Prime Minister and by your role, we are going to give greater momentum to achieving this dream," she said.

The vision of Viksit Bharat, Sitharaman added, envisages providing strong momentum in infrastructure; ensuring availability of need-based funding to MSMEs; bringing the unbanked population under the ambit of formal banking channels; and providing insurance net to all citizens.

The minister further said technology is reshaping Indias banking landscape and it provides a secure, easy-to-navigate digital banking experience to customers. The system needs to be robust, reliable and user-friendly.

However, she added that "you (banks) cannot have a digital system which somewhere gets hacked, and the entire system and the trust which is laid on it getting compromised. So you need to have a robust and resilient system for which every now and then you need to make sure that the firewalls are adequate, any emergency drill which you need to do, what if situation so you know to handle if there is an emergency in terms of digital insecure incidents".

The finance minister also said the fintech's growth is also going to help.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the real-time payment system launched in April 2016 by NPCI, has played a significant role in the growth of retail digital payments.

"Today, approximately 45 per cent of all real-time digital payments in the world happen in India. Banks should look at prospects to expand it," she said.

Sitharaman said so far, UPI has been launched in seven countries - Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the UAE.

She emphasised that the digital footprints which are being generated should be fully tapped.

"As we use technology to our advantage, we also need to get well-equipped to mitigate the risks," she added.

Citing the Reserve Bank's June Financial Stability Report, she said it indicates that the Indian economy and the financial system remain robust.

The Gross Net Performing Asset (NPA) ratio of the banking sector (private and public) fell to a multi-year low of 2.8 per cent and the NNPA ratio to 0.6 per cent.

Speaking at the occasion, financial services secretary M Nagaraju said banks should follow approach of growth in topline with profitability.

He asked banks to focus on improving client satisfaction level and introduce systems and processes which are customer-friendly.

Banks should also raise adequate capital to meet future growth requirements.

Bank of Maharashtra Managing Director Nidhu Saxena said customer centricity and innovation are going to be the important focus areas. Saxena also announced that the bank plans to add another 1,000 branches to its network in the next five years.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) A group of influential countries has urged the G20 nations to increase the overall pool of financing for climate action and urgently shift away from investments in fossil fuels.

In a letter to the G20 bloc, the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) said all countries must work together to mobilise as much funding as possible to tackle the climate crisis as they convene to set a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The NCQG is the new amount that developed nations must mobilise annually, starting in 2025, to support climate action in developing countries.

However, slow progress in mid-year UN talks in Bonn, Germany, and technical discussions in Baku has cast doubt on the possibility of setting an ambitious new climate finance target at the conference.

The HAC emphasised that G20 countries, responsible for around 80 per cent of global emissions and holding 85 per cent of global GDP, had the power, resources and responsibility to "change the course of our planet's future".

"We urge the G20 to lead all parties in collectively increasing the overall pool of financing for climate action from all sources and to urgently shift away from investments in fossil fuels," the coalition said.

"As the costs of climate change rise and we work together to set a New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance (NCQG), we must deliver as much funding as possible to tackle the climate crisis. We must approach COP29 in a spirit of collaboration," it added.

The HAC said trillions of dollars were needed annually to meet the evolving needs of developing countries, as well as a redesigned international finance system that addressed long-standing inequities and mobilised resources for climate action on a much larger scale.

According to a report released by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on September 10, between USD 5.012 trillion and USD 6.852 trillion would be needed cumulatively until 2030 to support developing nations in achieving their nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which are national plans to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Earlier this year, India said that in line with the needs of developing countries, developed nations needed to provide at least USD 1 trillion per year, primarily in the form of grants and concessional finance.

Developing countries argue that loans and private finance at market rates cannot be considered climate finance as they increase their debt burden.

The HAC said debt constraints and the high cost of capital hindered many countries' ability to achieve their climate and development goals.

"We must address unsustainable debt burdens, align all financial flows with the Paris Agreement, and advance the commitment to equity at the heart of the agreement," it said.

The coalition said finance was crucial for a truly global energy transition that left no one behind.

G20 members can support this by increasing public finance investment in the transition, closing loopholes in international fossil fuel investment commitments, and repurposing investment for renewables and energy efficiency, it added.

They said ambition must be rewarded, not punished, through increased financial support and investment.

"Finance is key to delivery. NDCs can showcase commitments and plans to potential investors but many ambitious NDCs have so far gone unfunded. Capacity building and technology transfer should not be overlooked; these means of implementation are essential to achieving the goals of many NDCs," the HAC said.

The HAC is an influential but informal group of countries committed to advancing progressive climate and environmental goals.

Countries in the coalition include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, among others.
Stefan Hartung, chairman of Robert Bosch GmbH, speaks in an interview at the International Motor Show (IAA) Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany, on Sept. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Jinming)

Bosch Chairman Stefan Hartung has said China is transforming from a consumer market to a innovation hub.

HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- "China is transforming from a consumer market into a center of knowledge and innovation," said Stefan Hartung, chairman of Robert Bosch GmbH, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua at the International Motor Show (IAA) Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany.

Hartung underscored China's steady progress in expanding its production capabilities and its increasing role in global innovation. Bosch, he noted, plans to continue making long-term investments in China to meet rising market demand.

As a frequent traveler to China, Hartung has gained deep insights into the Chinese market. "China is a very important market for us. We have achieved significant success, and our investments continue to grow. Next month, a new plant for key components of new energy vehicles, which we've been preparing for months, will soon be operational," Hartung said.

He also predicted that electric vehicles will become a key part of the global passenger car market in the next decade. However, in the commercial vehicle sector, he said that some markets may favor hydrogen solutions, including fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engines.

Hartung emphasized that multiple powertrain technologies could coexist, with the best solution selected based on specific needs rather than competition. Bosch, he said, is committed to diversifying its offerings, from battery systems to fuel cell systems and hydrogen-powered technologies.

Visitors learn about a hydrogen fuel cell tractor at booth of the Shaanxi Automobile Holding Group Co., Ltd. (SHACMAN) during the media preview of the International Motor Show (IAA) Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany, Sept. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

"The global automotive market has remained stable this year, but electric vehicle growth has been slower than expected, particularly in China. Demand for plug-in hybrid and range-extended electric vehicles has increased, while growth for pure electric vehicles has slowed," Hartung noted, urging the industry to adjust its strategies to reflect this trend.

The technologies showcased by Bosch at the IAA Transportation 2024, Hartung revealed, were products of close European-Chinese collaboration. "Most technology cannot be developed by just one individual or a small team and then applied worldwide," he said. Hartung expects international cooperation, especially in hydrogen technology and electric trucks, to lead to further breakthroughs.

As a global company, Bosch advocates for a balanced and fair competitive environment in international markets. Hartung warned that tariffs and subsidies in response to trade issues could lead to higher prices and instability in the global market.

Hartung expressed hope that trade negotiations between China and the European Union would resolve ongoing tariff issues, emphasizing the need for a trade agreement. "We hope that a trade agreement can eventually be reached between China and the European Union, addressing the issue of tariffs through negotiations."

A man tries an electric pickup truck at the booth of Chinese automaker SAIC Maxus during the media preview of the International Motor Show (IAA) Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany, Sept. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

Looking forward, Hartung emphasized that further trade liberalization is key to global economic growth. "It would be great if as much international trade as possible continues over the next decades because that has helped the whole world, including China, so much in the last decades," he said, voicing optimism that Bosch will benefit from this trend.

Hartung also stressed the importance of ongoing communication and cross-border talent exchanges, particularly among engineers and technical professionals. Bosch's research and development operations in China have expanded, with 58,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers and researchers, achieving breakthroughs by leveraging local talent and innovation in China.

Hartung noted that China has become a global innovation center, driving change in electrification, smart mobility, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and energy efficiency. This shift toward a technology-driven future is being powered by cross-border collaboration, which Hartung sees as crucial for both China and Europe.

Deeper international cooperation will continue to drive innovation in these key fields, reinforcing China's status as a global center of technological development, he noted. 
Colombo, Sep 19 (PTI) Cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Thursday announced that it has reached an in principle agreement with external commercial creditors the restructuring of approximately USD 17.5 billion of external commercial debts.

The agreements have been reached with holders of its International Sovereign Bonds, following negotiations with the Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders (AHGB), a representative group of international investors, and the Local Consortium of Sri Lanka (LCSL), a representative group of domestic financial institutions.

A statement from the President's Media Division (PMD) said, collectively, the two groups hold in excess of 50 per cent of the Bonds.

Sri Lanka declared its first-ever sovereign default in mid-April 2022, having run out of its foreign exchange reserves. The halt to the debt services meant that the multilateral creditor nations and commercial lenders could not extend fresh financing to the country.

In July, the Sri Lankan government reached a debt restructuring deal with international sovereign bondholders after protracted negotiations with countries such as China, India, France and Japan.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday said that the island nation's bankruptcy is officially due to end on Thursday, remarks aimed at boosting his re-election chances on the last day of the presidential election campaign ahead of the September 21 election.

The PMD statement said, the agreements provide Sri Lanka with enhanced debt relief compared to the Joint Working Framework agreed in July 2024, including a further reduction in interest payments provided in the new agreement.

"Sri Lanka also announced that it has finalised agreement in principle with China Development Bank (CDB) on the key financial terms of the restructuring of approximately USD 3.3 billion of sovereign debt," the PMD added.

Sri Lanka is currently in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has made external debt restructuring conditional to the USD 2.9 billion bailout package.

The third tranche of the bailout package was released in mid-June. The Washington-headquartered global lender said on August 2 that Sri Lankas economic reform programme has yielded good results.
London, Sep 19 (PTI) UK-based financial technology major Revolut is gearing up for its launch in India next year following significant milestones in the country since in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) earlier this year.

The fintech firm, which claims over 45 million customers worldwide, operates in 38 countries  having most recently launched in Singapore, Australia and Brazil. In a statement this week, the London-headquartered company confirmed plans for India to be the next big market in its sights.

"Revolut has achieved significant milestones in India, in its journey to democratise access to all digital financial services on a single app, for local consumers, reads a Revolut statement.

Following the successful obtaining of a Category-II Authorised Money Exchange Dealer (AD II) license in 2022 and in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) in early-2024, the company is uniquely poised to offer a blend of both international and domestic payment solutions on a single platform, it states.

The fintech firm says it has spent its time in India so far also localising its "best-in-class technology platform" specially for India, in order to ensure full compliance with the country's data sovereignty norms.

We are gearing up for an India launch in the next year, and are excited to bring our globally acclaimed app to India, tailored to the unique needs of the Indian market and consumer," the statement added.

According to official company data, the Revolut group revenues hit USD 2.2 billion in 2023, up from USD 1.1 billion in 2022  an increase of 95 per cent. Launched in the UK in 2015, Revolut  across its personal and business accounts  says its banking services are designed to provide more control over finances and connect people "seamlessly" across the world.
Jaipur, Sep 19 (PTI) Leading handmade rugs manufacturer Jaipur Rugs on Thursday said it expects a more than three-fold jump in revenue during its annual month-long sale event Rug Utsav this year, benefitting more than 40,000 rural artisans.

The company has launched its annual sales festival - Rug Utsav 2024 - at its stores in India as well as 17 global locations in Milan, Dubai, China and Russia.

With an expanded presence across the country, we are setting our sights even higher, projecting revenues to reach Rs 50 crore, as we continue to bridge tradition with a global audience, the company said in a statement.

Last year, the company achieved 15 crore in sales from its stores across India, including online channels.

The company opened new stores in Pune and London. It clocked an annual turnover of Rs 975 crore in the last year.

Jaipur Rugs, which claims to be the worlds largest handmade rugs manufacturer, is also tapping online channels to boost sales. Its products are available on leading online retailers in India.

The company is also unfazed by the upcoming mega sales events of e-commerce majors like Amazon, saying online buyer demographic differs significantly from those visiting physical stores. Both platforms serve distinct audiences, complementing rather than competing with each other, the company said.

Jaipur Rugs works directly with more than 40,000 rural artisans of which 85 per cent are women.

Rug Utsav connects rural artists innovation with patrons and it is a tribute to the hands that weave magic into every knot and carry the legacy of our rich heritage forward., Jaipur Rugs Director Yogesh Chaudhary said.

Jaipur Rugs works directly with artisans and empowers them and their communities with a sustainable livelihood, Chaudhary added.
Mumbai, Sep 19 (PTI) A case for rash driving has been registered against a 21-year-old motorcycle rider here after he entered the police convoy accompanying Bollywood actor Salman Khan, an official said on Thursday.

The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday between Mehboob Studio and Galaxy Apartments in Bandra where Khan lives, he said.

The actor, who has received several threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and who is provided `Y-plus' security cover by Mumbai Police, was returning to his residence.

Around 12.15 am, after the convoy passed Mehboob Studio, Uzair Faiz Mohiuddin (21) who was riding a motorcycle tried to get close to Khan's car, said the police official.

Security personnel tried to warn him, but he kept getting close to Khan's car, he said.

After the actor reached his house, two police vehicles chased the motorcycle rider and forced him to stop, the official said.

During questioning, Mohiuddin, a resident of Bandra West, told police that he was a college student.

A case was registered against him at Bandra police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 125 (rash and negligent act endangering safety of others) and 281 (rash and negligent driving) but no arrest has been made, the official said.

Salman Khan had a serious security scare in April this year when two men on motorcycle, allegedly belonging to the Bishnoi gang, opened fire outside Galaxy Apartments.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has appealed to fans to not share any footage from his upcoming action thriller "Coolie" as it would spoil the overall experience of film watching when it hits the screens.

The director's comments came after a video of Telugu star Nagarjuna from the pan-India movie, which is still under production, found its way on social media recently.

Kanagaraj, known for films such as "Vikram" and "Leo", expressed his disappointment in an X post on Wednesday night.

"Two months of hard work by many people have gone in vain because of one recording. I humbly request everyone not to engage in such practices, as they spoil the overall experience. Thank you," the filmmaker wrote.

"Coolie" also stars Rajinikanth, who is marking his 171st film with the project, and is backed by Chennai-based production house Sun Pictures.

Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music for the upcoming project, slated to release next year. Action choreographer duo Anbumani and Arivumani, popularly known as Anbariv, are working on its stunts.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Bollywood star Rani Mukerji will be lending support to a cancer awareness initiative on the occasion of World Rose Day on September 22.

Mukerji is partnering with not-for-profit organisation Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) for the initiative during which the actor will illuminate the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai in red to spread awareness about cancer, a press release said.

The 46-year-old actor will be joined by young cancer patients at the event.

"Im truly humbled to support this important cause and I thank the Cancer Patients Aid Association for choosing me to be a part of such a noble mission. Those suffering from this need all our support and compassion and we must all take part to be educated about cancer. I hope this activity plays an important role in spreading awareness," Mukerji said.

As an actor, who has received love and praise from her audience, Mukerji said she feels the responsibility to stand up and do her bit whenever needed.

"I truly believe that actors must use their voice to spread as much awareness as possible for issues that are critical like cancer. We must foster an environment of compassion for those suffering from cancer and for the families of those going through the journey with such patients. Initiatives like these are important to drive home such messages," she added.

Besides illuminating the sea link, Mukerji will also present roses and gifts to the children participating in the event.

World Rose Day is commemorated annually on September 22 to raise awareness about cancer and express solidarity with patients battling the disease.
Colombo, Sep 19 (PTI) National People's Power (NPP) leader and presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has rounded up his campaign for the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka exuding confidence in the former Marxist partys first election since its first formation in 1965.

The campaigning for the presidential elections in the island nation ended on Wednesday, 48 hours before the election. The country will go to polls on September 21.

Our victory is assured, we will definitely form the government by winning the presidency in the 22nd morning, Dissanayake said at his well-attended last rally at Nugegoda, a populous Colombo suburb.

Dissanayake said his NPP would bring in total governance and social transformation after their victory.

We have had unbelievable support from all sections of people, including Tamil and Muslim minorities. Ours will be a true Sri Lankan government which had only remained a dream during our years of hard struggles."

His Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has formed National Peoples Power (NPP) to bury the unsavoury past of the JVP who had led bloody rebellions in 1971 and again between 1987-90 to overthrow democratic governments.

The country now is under two days of campaign lull before the election on Saturday. No campaigning is permitted today and tomorrow.

A new president in Sri Lanka will be elected for a five-year term, the first election since the worst economic crisis in the country in 73 years.

The incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe, one of the three frontrunners, during his rally on Wednesday, said that the current programme of the economic recovery under IMF reform was of paramount importance to prevent the country from falling into another bankruptcy.

I want to build a future for the younger generations to ensure Sri Lanka wouldnt depend on borrowing money and going into debt," the 75-year-old leader said.

He said both Dissanayakes and the other front-runner Sajith Premadasa's policies would lead to another economic meltdown. The people should vote wisely to sustain economic recovery.

Premadasa told his final rally that he was certain of his victory by over 2 million votes majority.

He would usher in a new era of economic prosperity. He would grant concessions to people hit by the economic crisis.

Polling will take place between 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday at over 13,400 polling stations with over 17 million of the islands 21 million population as registered voters.
Karachi, Sep 19 (PTI) The family of a Pakistani man who died in police custody after being accused of blasphemy has disavowed his alleged actions and expressed forgiveness towards the officer responsible for his death.

The man identified as Abdul Ali, a shopkeeper who was arrested on charges of blasphemy, was shot dead by a police officer at a police station in Quetta on Thursday last week. The officer was later arrested.

The family members of Ali, who belong to the Noorzai tribe, told media in Quetta on Wednesday that they have forgiven the police officer named Saad Sarhadi unconditionally.

The tribal head, Haji Faizaullah Noorzai, said the family and the tribe have nothing to do with the act of blasphemy committed by Ali.

The family members also condemned Ali for the alleged blasphemy, saying, We never hesitate to render our lives in the honour of the Holy Prophet."

We have pardoned the police official Saad Muhammad Sarhadi in the name of Allah and unconditionally, the family members said, adding that they would not move court against the police official.

Under Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death, though authorities have yet to carry out death sentences for blasphemy. However, there have been numerous instances of mobs taking the law into their own hands to punish blasphemy suspects, often before cases even reach the courts.

In January 2011, Punjab Governor Salman Taseer was gunned down by his bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri in Islamabad over his views on blasphemy laws.

Qadri, who was hailed as a hero by some Islamist groups, had claimed it was his religious duty to kill the minister for disrespecting the blasphemy laws. Qadri was hanged in February 2016 on court orders.

In 2021, 48-year-old Sri Lankan national Priyantha Diyawadanage, who was working as a manager at a factory in Sialkot, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by an enraged mob which accused him of committing blasphemy after a row with some workers over prayer timings. The courts later sentenced six people to death over the incident.

In a recent case on Wednesday night, a doctor named Shahnawaz Kanbar was killed in a shootout with police in Sindh province amidst allegations of blasphemy that prompted him to flee. According to police, the doctor was shot dead after he refused to surrender.
Jerusalem, Sep 19 (AP) With Israel's defence minister announcing a new phase of the war and an apparent Israeli attack setting off explosions in electronic devices in Lebanon, the spectre of all-out combat between Israel and Hezbollah seems closer than ever before.

Hopes for a diplomatic solution to the conflict appear to be fading quickly as Israel signals a desire to change the status quo in the country's north, where it has exchanged cross-border fire with Hezbollah since the Lebanese militant group began attacking last year on Oct 8, a day after the war's opening salvo by Hamas.

In recent days, Israel has moved a powerful fighting force up to the northern border, officials have escalated their rhetoric, and the country's security Cabinet has designated the return of tens of thousands of displaced residents to their homes in northern Israel an official war goal.

Here's a look at how Israel is preparing for a war with Lebanon:

Troops drawn from Gaza to the northern border

While the daily fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated on several occasions, the bitter enemies have been careful to avoid an all-out war.

That appears to be changing  especially after pagers, walkie-talkies, solar equipment and other devices exploded in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least 20 and wounding thousands in a sophisticated attack Hezbollah blamed on Israel.

"You don't do something like that, hit thousands of people, and think war is not coming," said retired Israeli Brig Gen Amir Avivi, who leads Israel Defense and Security Forum, a group of hawkish former military commanders. "Why didn't we do it for 11 months? Because we were not willing to go to war yet. What's happening now? Israel is ready for war."

As fighting in Gaza has slowed, Israel has fortified forces along the border with Lebanon, including the arrival this week of a powerful army division that took part in some of the heaviest fighting in Gaza.

The 98th Division is believed to include thousands of troops, including paratrooper infantry units and artillery and elite commando forces specially trained for operations behind enemy lines. Their deployment was confirmed by an official with knowledge of the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements.

The division played a key role in Gaza, spearheading the army's operations in the southern city of Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold. The offensive inflicted heavy losses on Hamas fighters and tunnels, but also wreaked massive damage, sent thousands of Palestinians fleeing and resulted in scores of civilian deaths. Israel says Hamas endangers civilians by hiding in residential areas.

The military also said it staged a series of drills this week along the border.

"The mission is clear," said Maj Gen Ori Gordin, who heads Israel's Northern Command. We are determined to change the security reality as soon as possible.

A 'new phase' of war

The military movements have been accompanied by heightened rhetoric from Israel's leaders, who say their patience is running thin.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday night declared the start of a "new phase" of the war as Israel turns its focus toward Hezbollah. "The centre of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces," he said.

He spoke a day after Israel's Cabinet made the return of displaced residents to their homes in northern Israel a formal goal of the war. The move was largely symbolic  Israeli leaders have long pledged to bring those residents home. But elevating the significance of the aim signalled a tougher stance.

After meeting Wednesday with top security officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: "We will return the residents of the north securely to their homes."

Netanyahu delivered a similarly tough message with a top US envoy sent to the region this week to soothe tensions.

An official with knowledge of the encounter told The Associated Press that the envoy, Amos Hochstein, told Netanyahu that intensifying the conflict with Hezbollah would not help return evacuated Israelis back home.

Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office, told Hochstein that residents cannot return without "a fundamental change in the security situation in the north." The statement said that while Netanyahu "appreciates and respects" US support, Israel will "do what is necessary to safeguard its security."

Is war inevitable?

Israeli media reported Wednesday that the government has not yet decided whether to launch a major offensive in Lebanon.

Much, it seems, will depend on Hezbollah's response. The group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is expected to deliver a major speech on Thursday.

But public sentiment in Israel seems to be supportive of tougher action against Hezbollah.

A recent poll by the Israeli Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank, found that 67 per cent of Jewish respondents thought Israel should intensify its response to Hezbollah. The majority believed Israel should launch a deep offensive that includes striking Lebanese infrastructure.

"There's a lot of pressure from the society to go to war and win," said Avivi, the retired general. "Unless Hezbollah tomorrow morning says, 'OK, we got the message. We're pulling out of south Lebanon,' war is imminent."

Such a war would almost certainly prove devastating to both sides. (AP)

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Sydney, Sep 19 (The Conversation) The alleged Israeli attack on members of Hezbollah via their pagers is another ominous development propelling the Middle East towards a full-scale regional war. It leaves Hezbollah with little option but to retaliate with the full support of the Iran-led axis of resistance.

The sophistication and impact of targeting the pagers is unprecedented. The attack resulted in at least 11 deaths, including some of Hezbollahs fighters, and up to 3,000 people wounded.

The main aim of the attack, which US officials have reportedly said was carried out by Israel, was intended to disrupt Hezbollahs means of communication and its command and control system in Lebanon.

Since Hezbollah has reduced the use of mobile phones by its forces because Israel can easily detect and target them, pagers have increasingly become the preferred messaging device within the group.

The attack may have also been designed to cause panic within the group and among the Lebanese public, many of whom do not support Hezbollah, given the political divisions in the country.

Since Hamas October 7 attacks on southern Israel, the Israeli leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said it is determined to remove the threat of Hezbollah, which has operated in solidarity with Hamas.

Hours before the pager attack, Netanyahus government clarified that Israels war goals would expand to include a return of the tens of thousands of residents to their homes in northern Israel, which they have fled due to constant rocket fire from Hezbollah. Israels defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said the only way to do this was through military action.

The simultaneous pager explosions on Tuesday, then, may be a prelude to an all-out Israeli offensive against Hezbollah.

The consequences of war with Hezbollah

Hezbollah has already declared it will retaliate. What form this will take remains to be seen. The group has a massive military capability to not only to pound northern Israel with drones and missiles, but also attack other parts of the Jewish state, including heavily populated cities such as Tel Aviv.

Hezbollah showed this capability in its 2006 war with Israel. The war lasted 34 days, during which 165 Israelis were killed (121 IDF soldiers and 44 civilians) and Israels economy and tourist industry were markedly damaged. Hezbollah and Lebanese losses were far greater, with at least 1,100 deaths. However, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) failed to destroy or incapacitate the group.

Any successful retaliatory attack on Israels cities could result in serious civilian casualties, giving Israel a further pretext to pursue its long-held aim of destroying Hezbollah and punishing its main backer, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a wider conflict, the United States is committed to defending Israel, while Iran would support Hezbollah in whatever way necessary. If Israeli and US leaders think Iran will continue to refrain from any action that could propel it into war with Israel and the US, they are mistaken.

Hezbollah is a central piece in the regimes national and regional security paradigm. Tehran has invested heavily in the group, along with other regional affiliates  Iraqi militias, the Yemeni Houthis and the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, in particular. The aim of this axis of resistance has been to build a strong deterrent against Israel and the US.

Ever since its foundation 45 years ago, the Iranian regime has viewed Israel and its main backer, the US, as an existential threat, just as Israel has regarded Iran in the same way. For this, the regime has reoriented its foreign relations towards Americas major adversaries, especially Russia and China. Russo-Iranian military cooperation has grown so strong, in fact, that Moscow will have little hesitation in backing Iran and its affiliates in any war.

Tehran is fully cognisant of Israels nuclear prowess. To guard against it, Iran has developed its own nuclear program to the threshold level of developing a weapon. Iranian leaders may have also gained Russias assurances it would help defend Iran should Israel resort to the use of its nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, it is important to remember that after nearly a year of demolishing Gaza and devastating its inhabitants, Israel has not been able to wipe out Hamas.

Its own actions speak to this. It has constantly forced Gazans to relocate so IDF soldiers can operate in areas they had previously declared to be cleared of fighters.

The task of defeating Hezbollah and its backers would be a far greater objective to achieve. It carries the serious risk of a war that all parties have been saying that they do not want, yet all are preparing for.

The pager attack is just the latest in a string of operations that keeps imperilling any chances of a permanent Gaza ceasefire that could stabilise the region and contribute to the causes of peace rather than war. (The Conversation) AMS
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks while attending a State Council meeting on mobilizing efforts for the reform on gradually raising statutory retirement age in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 19, 2024. Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday called for the steady and orderly implementation of the reform on gradually raising statutory retirement age to provide important support for advancing Chinese modernization.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a State Council meeting on mobilizing efforts for the reform.

Li said the reform aligns with the objective requirement to proactively address an aging population and promote high-quality population development as well as the practical necessity for fully unleashing talent dividends and facilitating Chinese modernization.

He noted that the reform is a significant move to improve the social security system and better safeguard and improve people's livelihoods.

The Chinese premier emphasized adhering to the principle of voluntary participation and flexibility in implementing the delayed retirement policy, ensuring it truly reflects employees' intentions.

He urged the prompt formulation and improvement of supporting policies and measures, noting that policies that need to directly align with the reform plan should be introduced and implemented as early as possible.

Expanding employment should be a crucial measure supporting the reform's advancement, Li said. He stressed implementing and refining employment policies for college graduates and other young people while ensuring the protection of workers' rights and interests.

He also called for concrete efforts to strengthen old-age security and services, effective implementation of policies to raise basic pensions for urban and rural residents and retirees, and enhancing the coordination and adjustment of pension insurance at the national level.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, and State Councilor Wu Zhenglong attended the meeting. State Councilor Shen Yiqin presided over the meeting. 
Bogota, Sep 19 (AP) Colombia on Wednesday suspended peace talks with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, after blaming the rebel group for an attack that killed two soldiers and injured more than 20.

Today the dialogue process is suspended," said the government's peace delegation in a statement. "Its viability is severely damaged, and its continuity can only be recovered with an unequivocal manifestation of the ELN's will for peace.

This is the deepest crisis of the peace negotiations with the ELN since November 2022 and after President Gustavo Petro took power as the first leftist president launching talks with that and other armed groups under a policy known as total peace.

The National Liberation Army, or ELN, ended a cease-fire with the Colombian government in August, but was still involved in peace talks aimed at ending more than five decades of conflict.

The army said Tuesday that the group fired homemade rockets from a cargo truck that had been parked near a base in Puerto Jordan, a small town in Arauca province.

The rebel group has not claimed responsibility for the attack.

The ELN was founded in the 1960s by union leaders and university students inspired by the Cuban Revolution. The group has an estimated 6,000 fighters in Colombia and Venezuela and finances itself through drug trafficking and illegal gold mines.

Recently the ELN has been spreading into rural areas abandoned by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the large rebel group that made a peace deal with Colombia's government in 2016.

The attack on Tuesday left two soldiers killed and 26 wounded, according to the latest report from Defence Minister Ivan Velasquez.

Most of the wounded were airlifted to a military hospital in Bogota, Colombia's capital, where Petro visited them on Wednesday. According to the hospital's medical report, 13 remain hospitalized in stable condition, most with soft tissue injuries, while five are in the intensive care unit.

Authorities announced on Wednesday a reward of up to USD 23,700 for information leading to the capture of those responsible for the attack. They also confirmed a reward of up to USD 948,000 for the main leaders of the ELN.

Petro compared the attack in Arauca to another carried out by the ELN in 2019 against a police school in Bogota that killed 22 people died and dozens injured. That assault led also to the suspension of the peace talks of the rebel group with the government of Ivan Duque, president from 2018 to 2022. (AP)

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Kamituga, Sep 19 (AP) Slumped on the ground over a mound of dirt, Divine Wisoba pulled weeds from her daughter's grave. The 1-month-old died from mpox in eastern Congo in August, but Wisoba, 21, was too traumatised to attend the funeral.

In her first visit to the cemetery, she wept into her shirt for the child she lost and worried about the rest of her family. When she was born, it was as if God had answered our prayers  we wanted a girl, Wisoba said of little Maombi Katengey. "But our biggest joy was transformed into devastation.

Her daughter is one of more than 6,000 people officials suspect have contracted the disease in South Kivu province, the epicentre of the world's latest mpox outbreak, in what the World Health Organisation has labelled a global health emergency. A new strain of the virus is spreading, largely through skin-to-skin contact, including but not limited to sex. A lack of funds, vaccines and information is making it difficult to stem the spread, according to alarmed disease experts.

Mpox  which causes mostly mild symptoms like fever and body aches, but can trigger serious cases with prominent blisters on the face, hands, chest and genitals  had been spreading mostly undetected for years in Africa, until a 2022 outbreak reached more than 70 countries.

Globally, gay and bisexual men made up the vast majority of cases in that outbreak. But officials note mpox has long disproportionately affected children in Africa, and they say cases are now rising sharply among kids, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups, with many types of close contact responsible for the spread.

Health officials have zeroed in on Kamituga, a remote yet bustling gold mining town of some 300,000 people that attracts miners, sex workers and traders who are constantly on the move. Cases from other parts of eastern Congo can be traced back here, officials say, with the first originating in the nightclub scene.

Since this outbreak began, one year ago, nearly 1,000 people in Kamituga have been infected. Eight have died, half of them children.



Challenges on the ground

Last month, the World Health Organisation said mpox outbreaks might be stopped in the next six months, with governments' leadership and cooperation.

But in Kamituga, people say they face a starkly different reality.

There's a daily average of five new cases at the general hospital, which is regularly near capacity. Overall in South Kivu, weekly new suspected cases have skyrocketed from about 12 in January to 600 in August, according to province health officials.

Even that's likely an underestimate, they say, because of a lack of access to rural areas, the inability of many residents to seek care, and Kamituga's transient nature.

Locals say they simply don't have enough information about mpox.

Before her daughter got sick, Wisoba said, she was infected herself but didn't know it.

Painful lesions emerged around her genitals, making walking difficult. She thought she had a common sexually transmitted infection and sought medicine at a pharmacy. Days later, she went to the hospital with her newborn and was diagnosed with mpox. She recovered, but her daughter developed lesions on her foot.

Nearly a week later, Maombi died at the same hospital that treated her mother.

Wisoba said she didn't know about mpox until she got it. She wants the government to invest more in teaching people protective measures.

Local officials can't reach areas more than a few miles outside Kamituga to track suspected cases or inform residents. They broadcast radio messages but say that doesn't reach far enough.

Kasindi Mwenyelwata goes door to door describing how to detect mpox  looking for fevers, aches or lesions. But the 42-year-old community leader said a lack of money means he doesn't have the right materials, such as posters showing images of patients, which he finds more powerful than words.

ALIMA, one of the few aid groups working on mpox in Kamituga, lacks funds to set up programmes or clinics that would reach some 150,000 people, with its budget set to run out at year's end, according to program coordinator Dr. Dally Muamba.

If support keeps waning and mpox spreads, he said, there will be an impact on the economy, people will stop coming to the area as the epidemic takes its toll. ... And as the disease grows, will resources follow?



The vaccine vacuum

Health experts agree: What's needed most are vaccines  even if they go only to adults, under emergency approval in Congo.

None has arrived in Kamituga, though it's a priority city in South Kivu, officials said. It's unclear when or how they will. The main road into town is unpaved  barely passable by car during the ongoing rainy season.

Once they make it here, it's unclear whether supply will meet demand for those who are at greatest risk and first in line: health staff, sex workers, miners and motorcycle taxi drivers.

Congo's government has budgeted more than USD 190 million for its initial mpox response, which includes the purchase of 3 million vaccine doses, according to a draft national mpox plan, widely circulating among health experts and aid groups this month and seen by The Associated Press. But so far, just 250,000 doses have arrived in Congo and the government's given only USD 10 million, according to the finance ministry.

Most people with mild cases recover in less than two weeks. But lesions can get infected, and children or immunocompromised people are more prone to severe cases.

Doctors can ensure lesions are clean and give pain medication or antibiotics for secondary infections such as sepsis.

But those who recover can get the virus again.



A new variant, a lack of understanding

Experts say a lack of resources and knowledge about the new strain makes it difficult to advise people on protecting themselves. An internal report circulated among aid groups and agencies and seen by AP labelled confidence in the available information about mpox in eastern Congo and neighbouring countries low.

While the variant is known to be more easily transmissible through sex, it's unclear how long the virus remains in the system. Doctors tell recovered patients to abstain from sex for three months, but acknowledge the number's largely arbitrary.

Studies haven't clarified if you're still contagious or not ... if you can or can't have sex with your wife, said Dr. Steven Bilembo, of Kamituga's general hospital.

Doctors say they're seeing cases they simply don't understand, such as pregnant women losing babies. Of 32 pregnant women infected since January, nearly half lost the baby through miscarriage or stillbirth, hospital statistics show.

Alice Neema was among them. From the hospital's isolation ward, she told AP she'd noticed lesions around her genitals and a fever  but didn't have enough money to travel the 30 miles (50 kilometres) on motorbike for help in time. She miscarried after her diagnosis.

As information trickles in, locals say fear spreads alongside the new strain.

Diego Nyago said he'd brought his 2-year-old son, Emile, to the hospital for circumcision when he developed a fever and lepasions.

It was mpox  and today, Nyago is grateful he was already at the hospital.

I didn't believe that children could catch this disease, he said as doctors gently poured water over the boy to bring his temperature down. "Some children die quickly, because their families aren't informed.

Those who die are the ones who stay at home. (AP)

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Seoul, Sep 19 (AP) North Korea said Thursday that leader Kim Jong Un supervised successful tests of two types of missiles  one designed to carry a super-large conventional warhead and the other likely for a nuclear warhead, as he ordered officials to bolster up his country's military capabilities to repel United States-led threats.

The tests appear to be the same as the multiple missile launches that neighbouring countries said North Korea performed Wednesday, extending its run of weapons displays as confrontations with the US and South Korea escalate.

The official Korean Central News Agency said that Kim oversaw the launch of the country's newly built Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 ballistic missile tipped with a dummy 4.5-tonne super-large conventional warhead. It said the test-firing was meant to verify an ability to accurately hit a 320 kilometre-range target, suggesting it's a weapon aimed at striking sites in South Korea.

KCNA said Kim also guided the launch of an improved strategic cruise missile, a word implying the weapon was developed to carry a nuclear warhead.

After the tests, Kim stressed the need to continue to bolster up the nuclear force and acquire overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional weapons, too, according to KCNA. It cited Kim as saying that North Korea can thwart its enemies' intentions to invade only when it has strong military power.

KCNA released photos of a missile hitting a ground target. South Korea's military said later Thursday it assessed that both ballistic and cruise missiles fired by North Korea the previous day landed in the North's mountainous northeastern region.

North Korea typically test-launches missiles off its east coast, and it's highly unusual for the country to fire missiles at land targets likely because of concerns about potential damages on the ground if the weapons land in unintended areas.

Jung Chang Wook, head of the Korea Defence Study Forum think tank in Seoul, said North Korea likely aims to show it's confident about the the accuracy of its new ballistic missile. Jung said the missile's high-powered warhead is meant to attack ground targets, but North Korea hasn't acquired weapons that can penetrate deep into the earth and destroy underground structures.

The Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missile's first known test occurred in early July. North Korea said the July test was successful as well, but South Korea's military disputed the claim saying one of the two missiles fired by North Korea travelled abnormally during the initial stage of its flight before falling at an uninhabited area near Pyongyang, the capital. North Korea hasn't released photos on the July launches.

North Korea has been pushing to introduce a variety of sophisticated weapons systems designed to attack both South Korea and the mainland US to deal with what it calls its rivals' intensifying security threats. Many foreign experts say North Korea would ultimately want to use its enlarged arsenal as leverage to win greater concessions in future dealings with the US.

Worries about North Korea deepened last week as it disclosed photos of a secretive facility to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. KCNA said that Kim, during a visit to the facility, called for stronger efforts to exponentially produce more nuclear weapons.

It was unclear whether the facility is at North Korea's main Yongbyon nuclear complex. But it was the North's first unveiling of a uranium-enrichment facility since it showed one at the country's main Yongbyon nuclear complex to visiting American scholars led by nuclear physicist Siegfried Hecker in 2010.

In an analytical piece jointly written with another expert, Robert Carlin, that was posted Wednesday on North Korea-focused website 38 North, Hecker said the centrifuge hall shown in the recent North Korean photos was not the same one that he saw in November 2010.

Hecker and Carlin said they believe the new centrifuges provide only a modest increased capacity, though North Korea could increase enrichment capacity just by building more centrifuge plants.

In another joint analysis also posted Friday on 38 North, other experts said that the centrifuges shown in the photos are not the ones observed by Hecker but a more advanced design. They said the images send a strong message that the country has ample capacity and continued will to expand its nuclear program. (AP) GRS

GRS
Lahore, Sep 19 (PTI) Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party on Thursday claimed that Punjab Police have launched a crackdown on the outfit, arresting dozens of its workers ahead of its planned power show in Lahore on Saturday.

"Police have detained Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary leader in Punjab Assembly Ali Imtiaz Warraich, senior leader Afzal Phat and dozens of other party workers ahead of its power show at the ground of Minar-i-Pakistan, Lahore on Saturday (Sept 21)," PTI leader Ali Ijaz Butter said.

He said despite "fascist tactics" by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, the PTI would hold a historic rally in Lahore.

PTI founder Khan has asked the masses to come out of their homes and participate in the Sept 21 rally.

Quoting the jailed former premier, his official X handle on late Wednesday night posted, "I urge my nation to come out for the Lahore jalsa (rally) on Saturday with unwavering resolve and commitment. Resistance against this illegitimate government is a responsibility that every conscientious citizen must undertake. This is a battle for the survival of our future generations!"

In a post on X, PTI leader Sanam Javed said it is a great opportunity for the people of Punjab, especially Lahore, to support Khan "like they came out in droves on Feb 8 and voted for the candidates chosen by him". It is high time that people should raise their voice for taking back their stolen mandate and the future of the younger generations, he said.

Meanwhile, the PTI filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) requesting it to order the Maryam Nawaz government not to harass and arrest its leaders and workers ahead of the Saturday rally.

The petitioner argues that holding a rally is a constitutional and legal right of any political party, and the PTI should not be deprived of this right. It urged the court to issue an order to stop the arrest of PTI members.

A PML-N worker, on the other hand, has also filed a petition in the LHC, requesting it not to allow the PTI to hold a public rally in Punjab because its leadership had made hate speeches in its previous rally held in Islamabad.

When contacted, a Punjab police spokesperson offered no comment on the alleged crackdown on PTI workers in Punjab and Lahore.
Islamabad, Sep 19 (PTI) Days after India served a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review of the Indus Water Treaty, Islamabad on Thursday said it considers the agreement important and hopes that New Delhi will also comply with its provisions.

India and Pakistan signed the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations with the sole aim of managing cross-border rivers.

India on August 30 served a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review of the 64-year-old agreement, citing "fundamental and unforeseen" changes in the circumstances and impact of persistent cross-border terrorism, government sources in New Delhi said on Wednesday.

Responding to a question on India's notice, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told reporters here, Pakistan considers the Indus Water Treaty as an important one and hopes that India will also comply with its provisions.

Baloch pointed out that the two countries have a mechanism of Indus Water Commissioners and all issues about the treaty can be discussed in it. She also said that any measures to address concerns about the treaty must be taken within the agreement's provisions.

Experts opine that the response by the Foreign Office spokesperson shows that Pakistan is not interested in the revision of the agreement that resolved the thorny issue of water sharing between the two countries.

IWT is one of the major agreements between India and Pakistan that stood the test of time and has been adhered to despite wars and tensions between the two neighbours.

According to sources in New Delhi, among various concerns of India, the important ones include changes in population demographics, environmental issues and the need to accelerate the development of clean energy to meet India's emission targets.

India also cited the impact of persistent cross border terrorism as one of the reasons for demanding the review.

It was the second time in over one-and-half years that India issued a notice to Pakistan seeking modification of the IWT.

In January last year, India issued the first notice to Pakistan seeking a review and modification of the treaty following Islamabad's "intransigence" in handling certain disputes.

New Delhi took the significant step months after the World Bank announced appointing a neutral expert and a chair of the Court of Arbitration to resolve the differences over the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydro Electric Projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

The World Bank, being a signatory of the pact, sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two sides on the use of waters of a number of cross-border rivers.

India issued the previous notice as it was particularly disappointed over the appointment of the Court of Arbitration.

New Delhi considers the start of the two concurrent processes to resolve the dispute a violation of the provision of the graded mechanism prescribed in the pact and wondered what would happen if the mechanisms came out with contradictory judgements.

India has not cooperated with the Court of Arbitration.
Jerusalem, Sep 19 (AP) Israel's defense minister has declared the start of a new phase of the war as Israel turns its focus toward the northern front against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Two waves of explosive attacks hit Syria and Lebanon: an apparent Israeli attack targeting pagers used by Hezbollah that killed at least 12 and wounded nearly 3,000 on Tuesday, and exploding walkie-talkies and other electronics Wednesday across Lebanon that killed at least 20 people and injured 450 others.

We are at the start of a new phase in the war  it requires courage, determination and perseverance, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops on Wednesday.

The head of Hezbollah's Executive Council promised the group would respond to Tuesday's pager explosion attack with special punishment.

Hezbollah began striking Israel almost immediately after Hamas' October 7 attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war. Since then, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire daily, coming close to a full-blown war on several occasions and forcing tens of thousands on both sides of the border to evacuate their homes.

Gaza's Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since Hamas' October 7 attack. The ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count but says a little over half of those killed were women and children. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.



Here's the latest:



Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calls for restraint after receiving the Palestinian President in Madrid

MADRID - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for restraint following the wave of explosives attacks in the Middle East, after he received the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Madrid.

Today the risk of escalation has again dangerously increased. President Abbas and I have been talking about it in Lebanon, so we have to make a new and strong call for restraint, for de-escalation, for peaceful coexistence between countries. In short, to peace, said Sanchez after a 45-minute meeting with Abbas.

This was the first meeting between the leaders since Spain recognized Palestine as a state on May 28, in a coordinated action with Ireland and Norway. Sanchez mentioned the strong importance that his government gave to the advisory opinion given by the International Court of Justice, which established the illegality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Abbas, for his part, called for a Middle East Peace Conference to be held in Madrid, like the one that took place 33 years ago in the Spanish capital.



Second day of device explosions in Lebanon killed 25 people and wounded more than 600 others

BEIRUT  Lebanon's health minister says 25 people were killed and more than 600 wounded during the second day of exploding device attacks that were blamed on Israel.

Firass Abiad told reporters on Thursday that the injuries were more severe in Wednesday's attack, since the walkie-talkies that exploded then were bigger than the pagers used a day earlier.

Of the 608 people wounded on Wednesday, 61 remain in intensive care, Abiad said, adding that 141 surgeries were performed.

The number of dead in the first day of attacks, on Tuesday, remained 12, the minister said, noting that more than 1,300 people suffered injuries ranging from mid-level to severe.

Abiad said 226 people wounded on Tuesday remain in intensive care and 955 operations have been performed.

The latest death toll raises the number of people killed by exploding devices to 37 since Tuesday, while the number of injured is above 3,000.

Many of those killed and wounded were members of the militant Hezbollah group.



Iranian ambassador injured in Lebanon device attack is transferred to Tehran

TEHRAN, Iran  The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, who was injured in the exploding device attacks this week, has been transferred to Tehran, the Iranian Embassy said Thursday.

Ambassador Mojtaba Amani's general health is very good," the embassy said in a statement. Amani along with some 90 injured Lebanese citizens were transferred to Tehran on Wednesday night, it added.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Amani in a Tehran hospital, state media reported.

Iran is the main supporter of Hezbollah, the militant Lebanese group that Israel sees it as its most direct threat. Many of the group's fighters were killed and injured in the explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday.



Turkish foreign minister alleges that exploding device attacks are Israeli strategy to expand war to Lebanon

ANKARA, Turkey  Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described the waves of exploding communication devices as a strategy by Israel to expand the war in Gaza to Lebanon.

Fidan, in an interview with the state-run Anadolu Agency on Thursday, also voiced concerns over a wider regional conflict.

We have seen that (Israel) has, step by step, started to escalate (the conflict) toward Lebanon, he said.

Pagers and walkie-talkies used mainly by members of the militant Hezbollah group exploded in different parts of Lebanon over the past two days, killing dozens and wounding 3,000 people.

The escalation in the region is really worrying, Fidan said. We have reached the point where these operations being carried out by Israel are increasingly turning more provocative and in return, Hezbollah, Iran and other elements that are close to them are being faced with no other option than to respond.



Hezbollah says it struck military positions in northern Israel, wounding at least 8 people

JERUSALEM  Hezbollah has struck what it says are military positions in northern Israel as part of its ongoing attacks in support of the Palestinians in Gaza, wounding at least eight people.

The militant group has vowed to continue such operations after several of its members were killed and thousands wounded when their personal devices exploded, in what appeared to be a sophisticated attack by Israel.

Hezbollah claimed to have struck three military positions near the border on Thursday, two of them with armed drones. The Israeli military said the drones crashed near communities and did not report any casualties.

Sharon Koren, a spokesperson for Ziv Hospital, said two people were undergoing orthopedic surgery and four were lightly wounded in the attacks. Avi Weissman, the deputy director of Rambam Hospital, said one person was undergoing surgery and another was in moderate condition.

Hezbollah began striking northern Israel shortly after Hamas' October 7 surprise attack ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both close allies of Iran.

Israel has responded to the near-daily fire with escalating strikes of its own and in recent days has warned of a wider military operation.

The military said early Thursday that it had struck several militant sites in southern Lebanon overnight.



Israeli strikes kill at least 10 in Gaza, including 3 women and 3 children

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Israeli strikes have killed at least 10 people in the Gaza Strip, including three women and three children.

They were laid to rest Thursday after the overnight strikes in the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. Records at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed the toll and an Associated Press reporter counted the bodies.

Mohammed Abu Huweij said his wife and three children were killed while he was out getting food.

The eldest, Mira, was 8 years old and the youngest was 9 months. What did they do? he said. I left, and when I came back my entire family had been martyred.

Israel says it only targets militants and tries to avoid harming civilians in its nearly yearlong campaign against Hamas, which operates in residential areas. The military rarely comments on individual strikes, which often kill women and children.

The war began after Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel on October 7 in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people and took around 250 hostage.

Israel's offensive has killed over 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It does not say how many were fighters, but says a little over half were women and children. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.



Lebanon bans pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights departing from Beirut airport

BEIRUT  Lebanon's civil aviation authorities have banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all airplanes departing from Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport.

The measure announced Thursday comes after such devices, mainly used by members of the militant Hezbollah group, exploded in different parts of Lebanon, killing dozens and wounding 3,000 people over the past two days.

The authorities called on all airline companies to inform passengers using the airport that carrying pagers and walkie-talkies onto jets is banned until further notice. It added that authorities will confiscate such devices found with passengers.



Israeli citizen indicted for involvement in Iranian assassination plot, Israeli security officials say

JERUSALEM  Israeli security officials say an Israeli citizen has been indicted for involvement in an Iranian assassination plot against top Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A statement from the Shin Bet internal security agency on Thursday said that the citizen was recruited by Iranian intelligence to carry out terrorist activities on Israeli soil and promote assassination attacks on Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar.

It was unclear how far the alleged plot had advanced.

The statement did not say whether the Israeli had obtained a weapon or developed a concrete plan.

The statement said the Israeli had traveled to Iran twice  once in August following the assassination of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an explosion in Iran's capital that was widely blamed on Israel.

Israel has not said whether it was involved.

The Shin Bet said the assassination plot was an attempt by Iran to follow through on its pledge to avenge his death.

The statement said the Israeli was paid 5,000 Euros (USD 5,575.60) but had demanded a million dollars before doing anything. The Iranians refused the demand but said they would be in touch, according to the Shin Bet.

Earlier this week, the Shin Bet said an explosion in a Tel Aviv park last September was linked to an attempt by Hezbollah to assassinate Moshe Yaalon, a former military chief of staff and defense minister.

The Lebanese militant group is closely allied with Iran.

On Tuesday, the police said they had found and dismantled a similar explosive device fitted with a camera and a mechanism that would allow it to be activated by Hezbollah.

It was unclear whether the indicted Israeli was linked to either of the alleged bomb plots.



Bulgaria rejects claims that exploding devices were shipped through its territory

SOFIA, Bulgaria  Bulgarian authorities rejected claims that exploding devices have been shipped through the territory of the Balkan country.

No customs operations with communication equipment (pagers) have been carried out through the territory of Bulgaria, the state agency for national security said in a statement on Thursday.

It came in response to media reports alleging that a company registered in Bulgaria had supplied the Lebanese organization Hezbollah with the devices, which later exploded in Lebanon and Syria.

The statement added that the agency was carrying out joint checks with the National Revenue Agency and the Ministry of Interior over the alleged involvement of a Bulgarian-registered company in the supply of communications equipment to Hezbollah.

The Sofia-based company Norta Global Ltd., owned by a Norwegian citizen, has been linked by Hungarian media to the sale of the devices that exploded in Lebanon.

Norta Global Ltd. was registered in April 2022 as a project management company, but there is no data available that they produce anything, and there are no records available about their financial operations. It is registered at the same address in downtown Sofia as 196 other companies.



Japanese electronics company says walkie-talkie with its logo reportedly used in explosive attacks against Hezbollah was discontinued 10 years ago

TOKYO  Japanese wireless communication equipment-maker Icom says it cannot confirm whether a walkie-talkie used in the explosive attacks against Hezbollah was related to the company, noting that the production and sales of that device and its battery were discontinued about a decade ago.

The Osaka-based Icom was responding Thursday to a report that said one of the walkie-talkies used in the attacks a day earlier had a sticker with the company's logo. Icom also noted that the device in question did not have an anti-counterfeit hologram sticker, which all authentic Icom products should be carrying.

Company executive Yoshiki Enomoto told Japanese television NTV he was surprised by the news. He said the company could not confirm if the unit in question was Icom-made.

This specific device had a lot of fake copies out in the market, he said, adding that company officials could only determine its authenticity if they see its circuits.

Icom said the wireless radio unit IC-V82 was once manufactured for export including to the Middle East from 2004 to October 2014. But the production and shipment of its main unit ended about 10 years ago and batteries for the main units have also been discontinued.

The company said its export models are only distributed through official sales representatives under rigid export control rules set by the Japanese Trade Ministry.

All Icom radio equipment is manufactured by its subsidiary, Wakayama Icom Inc., under strict security controls that only allow use of authorized parts. The products are only manufactured at the Wakayama plant in Japan, Icom said. (AP) NPK

NPK
Beirut, Sep 19 (AP) The waves of remotely triggered explosions that hit pagers and walkie-talkies carried by Hezbollah members in grocery stores, on streets and at a funeral procession this week made for an eerie and shocking spectacle.

Analysts said Hezbollah will be able to regroup militarily and find communications workarounds after the attack, but the psychological effects will likely run deep.

The explosions  widely blamed on Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied involvement  killed at least 37 people, including two children, wounded more than 3,000 and deeply unsettled even Lebanese who have no Hezbollah affiliation.

The detonating devices hit workers in Hezbollah's civilian institutions, including its health care and media operations, as well as fighters, dealing a blow to the militant group's operations beyond the battlefield. It is not clear how many civilians with no link to Hezbollah were injured.

The attacks also exposed the weaknesses in the low-tech communications system the group had turned to in an attempt to avoid Israeli surveillance of cellphones.

Retired Lebanese army Gen. Elias Hanna described the attacks as the Pearl Harbor or 9/11 of Hezbollah.

Mohanad Hage Ali, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center think tank who researches Hezbollah, said that because the blasts hit people across the group's institutions, the attack was like a sword in the guts of the organization.

Hundreds of people were severely wounded, including many who lost eyes or hands.

It will require time to heal and replace those who were targeted, he said.

But Hage Ali and other analysts agreed that the loss of manpower is not a crippling blow. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has said the group's fighting force numbers more than 100,000, meaning that the attack  as dramatic as it was  would have put only a small percentage of its militants out of commission even if all those wounded and killed were fighters.

Qassim Qassir, a Lebanese analyst close to Hezbollah, said the detonating devices actually struck mostly civilian workers within the group and not military or security officials, which has allowed it to contain the impacts on its war effort.

Hezbollah, which is Lebanon's strongest armed force, has exchanged fire with Israel's military almost daily since Oct. 8, the day after a deadly Hamas-led assault in southern Israel triggered a massive Israeli counteroffensive and the ongoing war in Gaza.

Since then, hundreds have been killed in strikes in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, while tens of thousands on each side of the border have been displaced. Hezbollah said its strikes are in support of its ally, Hamas, and that it will halt its attacks if a cease-fire is implemented in Gaza.

Hezbollah continued to launch rockets over the border Wednesday and Thursday after the pager and walkie-talkie attacks, though at a slower pace than usual.

The impacts on Hezbollah's communications network are likely to be more disruptive than the human loss.

Telecommunications is the nerve of military operations and communications, said retired Lebanese army Gen. Naji Malaeb, an expert on security affairs. A delay in communication could spell disaster, he said.

During a speech in February, Hezbollah's leader, Nasrallah, warned members against carrying cellphones, which he said could be used to track them and monitor their communications.

But long before that, Hezbollah relied on pagers and its own private fiber-optic landline network to avoid the monitoring of its communications.

The pagers that detonated Tuesday were a new model the group recently began using. It appears that small quantities of explosives had been implanted in the devices at some stage in the manufacturing or shipping process and then remotely detonated.

Hanna said the group might rely more heavily on its landline network  which Israel has attempted to tap into on multiple occasions  going forward, or on even lower-tech solutions such as hand-delivered letters.

Maybe you have to go back to human communication, the postman, he said. This is what is really helping (Hamas leader) Yahya Sinwar not to be targeted in his hiding spot in Gaza.

Orna Mizrahi, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based think tank Institute for National Security Studies and former intelligence analyst for the Israeli military and prime minister's office, said losing the ability to communicate through pagers is a dramatic blow, but the militant group has other communication methods and will rebuild their communication network.

The bigger damage to Hezbollah was psychological, she said.

It's the humiliation of having such an operation, it shows how much the organization is exposed to the Israeli intelligence, she said.

Amal Saad, a lecturer in politics and international relations at Cardiff University in Wales who researches Hezbollah, said much of the attack's impact was the demoralization and the fear it sowed.

It's not just a security breach against the military," she said. "Hezbollah's entire society is going to be extremely concerned because everything is liable now to being hacked and rigged.

The group will be rethinking many things now, not just the pagers," Saad said. (AP) ZH

ZH
Washington, Sep 19 (PTI) The upcoming Quad summit in Delaware will show that the four-country group is more strategically aligned and more relevant than ever before, the White House said Wednesday.

"We believe that you'll see coming out of this summit that the Quad is more strategically aligned and more relevant than ever before," John Kirby, White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Director told reporters at a news conference here.

Kriby's comments came ahead of US President Joe Biden's hosting of the other three QUAD leaders from Australia, India, and Japan in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday.

Kirby said the current Quad Summit will be the first time that the US has hosted foreign leaders in Wilmington, the president's hometown.

"And he's very excited about that, about showing them a place and a community that shapes so much of the public servant and the leader that he became. It's also a reflection of his belief that like politics, foreign policy is also personal," he said.

Kirby said Biden will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese individually, and later in a plenary.

Kirby said over the last more than three years, Biden has made it a priority to invest in rebuilding America's network of alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

"So think about AUKUS, for instance, or the trilateral Camp David summit with Japan and South Korea or the first ever US-Japan-Philippines Leaders' Summit in April," he said.
Kathmandu, Sept 19 (PTI) Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel urged politicians to commit themselves to good governance and abide by value-based politics as the Himalayan nation on Thursday observed Constitution Day.

Nepal on Thursday organised various programmes to observe Constitution Day, marking the ninth anniversary of the promulgation of the country's new constitution on September 20, 2015.

The then president Ram Baran Yadav on this day in 2015 promulgated the new constitution drafted by the Constituent Assembly that institutionalised the federal democratic republic system.

"Let's commit to bring about good governance and abide by morality and value-based politics," Paudel said while

addressing a programme at the President's Office Sheetalniwas here.

"We all should express commitment to dedicate ourselves to the well-being of the people keeping at the same time the dignity and sovereignty of the country," Paudel said.

A grand ceremony organised at the Nepal Army pavilion in Tundikhel Open Ground here to mark the occasion also saw the participation of Paudel, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire among others.

"The government has pursued the policy of investing in startups, self-employment and entrepreneurship schemes involving the maximum number of youths," Oli said, adding that the government is clear on the notion that "maximum investment should be made in youths and children" for the development and prosperity of the country.

Noting that stability in both policy and political realms is required for the development of the Himalayan nation, Oli underscored the need to address the issue of political instability through constitutional amendments.

Meanwhile, the prime minister also attended a national day concert organised at Durbarmarg in the heart of the capital Kathmandu to mark Constitution Day.

The grand public concert, which attracted thousands of people, was marked by the participation of famous bands, including Kutumba and Elements.

The Nepal government also officially opened the replica of Dharahara Tower, also called the Bhimsen Stambha, which was built 250 years ago by the country's first prime minister Bhimsen Thapa but was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake.

The replica, built at the original site, stands 72 metres tall.

Thousands of people queued up on Thursday to view the historic Kathmandu city from the balcony of the newly built Dharahara coinciding with National Constitution Day.
Islamabad, Sep 19 (PTI) A court here in Pakistan on Thursday sentenced a Christian woman to death in a blasphemy case.

A case was filed under Blasphemy laws against Shaughta Karan, accused of sharing derogatory material about the Prophet of Islam in a WhatsApp group in September 2020.

Judge Afzal Majuka of the Special Court in Islamabad after the trial found her guilty under Section 295 C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries a death sentence.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 300,000 on Karan.

Apart from this, the court also sentenced her to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 under Section 11 of the Pakistan Electronic Crime Act (PECA).

The judge in a brief order said the convict has the right to file an appeal in a high court within 30 days of the decision.

Judge Majuka added the execution of the sentence would not take place until the high court approved the decision.

Karan is the second Christian woman sentenced to death in a case of insulting the Prophet and the religion of Islam.

Earlier, Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy, was kept in prison for eight years, but a bench headed by Asif Saeed Khosa, the former Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court, acquitted her in October 2018.

After her acquittal, Bibi moved to Canada with her family.

Blasphemy laws were enacted in the 1980s by former military ruler Ziaul Haq. Those charged with blasphemy are often targeted by the extremists.

According to the think tank Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), nearly 3,000 persons have been accused of blasphemy since 1987.

At least seven persons accused of blasphemy have been killed by individuals or mobs across Pakistan since January this year, the CSJ said.

A total of 94 people accused of blasphemy have been killed in mob attacks between 1994 and 2023.
The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua)

XICHANG, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched two new satellites for the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The two satellites, the 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou family, were launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket.

They are the second group of medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites launched since BDS-3 was formally commissioned to provide satellite navigation services worldwide. After entering orbit and completing in-orbit tests, they will be connected to the BDS system.

Compared with the previous group of MEO satellites, these new satellites feature upgraded onboard atomic clocks and new inter-satellite link terminals.

They will further improve the reliability of the BDS-3 system and the performance of its positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), global short message communications and other services.

The satellites will also be used for new technology tests for the next generation BDS system, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office.

China will accelerate the construction and development of the next-generation BDS system, and increase technical research on a variety of PNT methods that do not rely on satellites, said the office.

The satellites and launch vehicles were respectively developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

This launch was the 535th mission involving Long March series carrier rockets. 

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)

The 59th and 60th satellites of the BeiDou system are launched at 9:14 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Yang Zhiyuan/Xinhua)
Detroit, Sep 19 (AP) The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favour of the Oxford school district on Thursday in a lawsuit that seeks to hold employees partly responsible for a shooting that killed four students and wounded others in 2021.

The court, in a 3-0 opinion, said lawyers for the families have not offered evidence that shows Oxford staff were the proximate cause of the tragedy.

While staff had expressed concerns about Ethan Crumbley, and a meeting was held with his parents on the day of the shooting, it was the teenager who made the definite and premeditated decision to take a gun to Oxford High School, the appeals court said.

The court affirmed a lower court decision that said governmental immunity applied. Under Michigan law, immunity is a high hurdle to overcome in lawsuits against a public body or staff. Lawyers typically have to show that gross negligence occurred.

A law firm representing the Oxford families said they'll next ask the Michigan Supreme Court to take an appeal. A separate lawsuit is in federal court.

Crumbley, who was 15 at the time, is serving a life prison sentence. His parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are each serving 10-year sentences for involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors said they had ignored his mental health needs, bought him a gun as a gift and then failed to safely secure it.

Before the shooting, Ethan Crumbley had sketched images of a gun, a bullet and a wounded man on a math paper, accompanied by despondent phrases. The parents were quickly called to a meeting at school but declined to take him home. No one  parents or staff  checked the boy's backpack for a gun. (AP) PY

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Surat, Sep 19 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday launched the master plan for the Surat Economic Region (SER) and said it will play a crucial role in making the state a $3.5 trillion economy by 2047.



The 'Economic Master Plan of Surat Economic Region' was launched as part of NITI Aayogs Growth Hub programme.

The CM said the master plan for SER will realise Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of holistic development of the entire region instead of focussing on only a few pockets.

Besides traditional businesses like chemicals, diamond and textiles, this master plan also focuses on developing sustainable agriculture, IT, real estate, tourism and logistics sectors. We aim to make Gujarat a $3.5 trillion economy by 2047 and this master plan will play a crucial role in it, he said.

NITI Aayog, the Centres apex public policy think tank, has selected Surat, Mumbai, Varanasi and Visakhapatnam under its Growth Hub (G-HUB) programme, said Gujarat Chief Secretary Raj Kumar in his address at the launch event in Surat city.

The main objective of the G-HUB initiative is to prepare a comprehensive framework and strategies for the economic development of these cities and their surrounding regions, besides formulating a detailed roadmap to implement this master plan, he said.

In his address, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said the master plan concerns the entire Surat Economic Region (SER) of south Gujarat, including Surat and its adjoining districts of Bharuch, Navsari, Tapi, Dang and Valsad.

Nearly 1.5 crore people live in SER comprising six districts and its GDP stands at $72 billion, nearly 25 per cent of Gujarats gross domestic product. This region holds great potential and that is why we have chosen it under the G-HUB initiative, he said.

The SER is already a diamond, textiles and chemical hub but its tourism and agro-processing potential is still untapped, he said.

We are aiming to uplift the SERs GDP from the present $72 billion to $1.3 trillion by 2047 when India will be celebrating 100 years of Independence, Subrahmanyam said.

The master plan calls for promoting the service economy by creating world-class trading hubs for readymade apparels and jewellery, and developing new growth avenues in tourism, real estate and agriculture sectors, he said.

To make the SER a global chemical and pharma hub, the master plan also suggests scaling up production by attracting big multinational companies to establish their facilities here, he added.



We also need to establish bourses for the apparel and jewellery industry. For B2C (business-to-consumer), we can replicate the Dubai and GIFT City model at DREAM City in Surat and for B2B (business-to-business), we can replicate the Guangzhou Model by establishing a trading hub in the city. We are also focussing on a cluster-based approach for the ancillary industry, he said.



To develop the tourism sector, the master plan suggests beach hotels for high-spending tourists, a theme park on the lines of Disneyland, cruise tourism, wildlife as well as adventure tourism in interior areas of the adjoining districts of Valsad, Tapi and Dang, he said.





Other key proposals include setting up an Edu-City campus to accommodate private universities, two schools with international board affiliation, three multispeciality hospitals and other healthcare facilities in the entire region.



The master plan also suggests setting up luxury malls on the lines of the ones in Dubai, the development of Ukai reservoir for tourists, a Parsi Irani Zoroastrian Experience Centre, off-shore wind power plants, a solar power park and an air freight station for the pharma industry.

On the occasion, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil urged the NITI Aayog to also focus on the medical device industry.



Gujarat has the most number of medical device manufacturers. And in Gujarat, Surat has the highest number of such units. But, perhaps no one paid attention because the size of the industry is small. However, the quality of products is truly exceptional and investment is also high, he added.
Bhopal, Sep 19 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday sought an explanation from the Congress over Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's remarks on the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which is currently facing assembly polls.

Asif has said that Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370, which was nullified by the Narendra Modi government in August 2019.

Terming Asif's remarks as highly condemnable, Yadav demanded that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge clarify his party's stand on the sensitive issue.

"Pakistan Defence Minister Asif is openly saying that on the issue of (restoration) of Articles 370 and 35A in J&K, Pakistan, the Congress and the National Conference have the same opinion. So did Pakistan get this alliance (between Congress and NC) done..? For this, the Congress national President should clarify his stand. This is highly condemnable," he said in a statement.

Article 35A gave special rights and privileges to "permanent residents" of J&K.

The senior BJP leader maintained that if the Congress was pushing Pakistan's agenda, then it was very unfortunate, and described Article 370, which gave the erstwhile state special rights, as a "blot".

"It appears the Congress is trying to join hands with enemies of the country for electoral politics and it is a matter of shame for it. The Congress president should apologise for this entire episode and give a strong reply to Pakistan," Yadav demanded.

Asif's remarks came amid the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 five years ago. The Congress and the Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference are contesting the polls as allies.
Kolkata, Sep 19 (PTI) The second round of talks between junior doctors and the West Bengal government to break their strike remained "inconclusive" as the medics claimed they were "unhappy" with the outcome and will continue with their agitation and cease work movement.

The talks, which were held on the 40th day of the strike, failed to resolve the impasse following the state government's refusal to hand over written minutes of the talks, the doctors claimed. The doctors said that although the government agreed with them on several points and gave "verbal assurances," they were not given the minutes of the meeting despite several requests.

The government did however issue unsigned minutes of the meeting later.

"We are not happy with the outcome of the meeting. Although the state government agreed with a lot of issues regarding safety and security in hospitals, they did not give us any concrete assurances," said a doctor after coming out of the meeting at Nabanna.

The West Bengal government had on Wednesday invited the junior doctors agitating over the RG Kar rape-murder incident for a meeting at the state secretariat at 6.30 pm, responding to their request for a fresh round of talks.

Unlike Monday, when Banerjee headed the delegation, the meeting on Wednesday was headed by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant.

"The talks are inconclusive. The meeting with the Chief Minister on Monday was held on a positive note, but today's meeting was not at all positive. We have been asked to provide a draft of our other demands to the Chief Secretary, and then they will look into it," said another doctor.

The medics were accompanied by stenographers to record the minutes of the meeting  just as they were to the Monday meeting with CM Banerjee at her Kalighat residence.

The doctors said they want to resume their work but only after "concrete and visible steps" are taken by the government to address their demands.

According to the minutes of the meeting released by the West Bengal government after Wednesday's talks, the junior doctors have demanded the formation of an inquiry committee against the Principal Health Secretary for alleged misconduct over the past 4-5 years, which include fostering a health syndicate.

According to the minutes, the government requested the medics to send 4-5 representatives to the state task force on safety and security, but the doctors proposed a broader representation from all medical colleges.

"Both parties agreed to implement a central directive for deploying female police officers for night patrols, installing panic buttons by department, and establishing helplines for prompt intervention," read the minutes.

The protesters highlighted issues of safety and security inside state-run hospitals, as well as details of the formulation and functions of the promised task force headed by the Chief Secretary, as the agenda for the proposed meeting.

According to the minutes of the Monday meeting, there is a mutual agreement to set up a task force to tackle medics' safety concerns, including that of "persistence of threat culture" towards students and trainees from senior officials at the state-run hospitals.

The medics will now continue with their sit-in before the state health department headquarters  'Swasthya Bhawan'  where they have been sitting for the past nine days, until their conditions for talks are met.

Earlier, giving in to the medics' demands, Banerjee transferred Kolkata Police Chief Vineet Goyal and appointed Manoj Kumar Verma in his place, and also removed two senior health department officials.
Patna/Nalanda, Sep 19 (PTI) Low-lying areas in rural Patna and Nalanda were inundated on Thursday after the rising waters of the Falgu and Sakri rivers breached several small dams, officials said.

The two rivers were in spate following heavy rains in neighbouring Jharkhand over the last few days, they said.

Among the affected areas were Pandarak and Fatuha blocks in Patna, and Hilsa block in Nalanda, they added.

"Portions of Baruane Zamindari Dam located on the left bank of Dhanayan river in Pandarak block and Sirpatpur dam got damaged last night because of the discharge of 53,945 cusec of water from Sakri and Falgu rivers from Uderasthan dam causing a flood-like situation in low-lying areas of Pandarak and Fatuha blocks in Patna district," said a statement issued by the Water Resources Department.

"Similarly, two small dams in Hilsa block, which were in a very dilapidated condition, of Nalanda district were damaged causing a flood-like situation in several areas of Jamuar and Dhuri Bigha villages," it said.

No causality was reported, and villagers of the affected areas were being moved to safer places, it added.

Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary told PTI that the situation was under control.

"Necessary items have already been brought for the immediate repair of the damaged small dams, which were not constructed by the Water Resources Department. Besides, teams of senior WRD officials are already there for immediate repair and rescue measures," he said.

Patna's District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh said it was due to the breach of small dams, also known as zamindari dams, which were constructed by local authorities, water entered certain low-lying areas.

"The situation is completely under control and officials concerned took immediate action. Flood control materials such as sandbags and bamboo were taken to the site on boats. The repair work is on," he told PTI.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 19 (PTI) The female friend of an Army officer who was arrested in Bhubaneswar for allegedly misbehaving with the police on Thursday claimed she was sexually harassed after being taken into custody.

The woman, arrested by personnel of the Bharatpur police station on Sunday night, was released on bail granted by the high court.

Speaking to reporters, she said she was returning home with her friend, the Army officer, after closing her restaurant around 1 am when some young men allegedly misbehaved with them.

Following that, they went to the Bharatpur police station to seek help, she said.

"When we reached the police station to lodge an FIR, a female constable was there in civil dress. We approached her to lodge the FIR and send a patrol vehicle to catch the miscreants. Instead of helping me, she abused me," the woman alleged.

The woman, who is at present undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, said some more personnel arrived at the police station a while later and asked her friend to write a complaint.

"I don't know what happened, they put him in the lockup. When I raised the voice that they cannot put an Army officer in custody as it is unlawful, two female officers started physically assaulting me," she alleged.

The woman said she tried to fight back and bit on the hand of female police personnel when she tried to get hold of her neck.

The police personnel then put her in a room after tying her hands and legs, she alleged.

"After some time, a male officer opened the doors and kicked on my breasts several times. He lowered down my pants and his as well. Showing his private part, he asked me how much time you want to remain silent," she alleged.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the National Commission for Women sought an action taken report from the DGP.



"A formal letter has been sent to the DGP, requesting an action taken report within 3 days. Urgent disciplinary action is expected," the NCW posted on X.

Meanwhile, a case was registered at the Chandaka police station against unidentified persons who misbehaved with the Army officer and the woman.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must rise above "petty politics" and condemn the actions of the ruling alliance leaders, who targeted Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress asserted the whole world is watching how the ruling BJP is "putting the life of the Leader of the Opposition in danger".

The assertion came in a letter by AICC general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh to J P Nadda in response to the BJP chief's letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge earlier.

The opposition party slammed as "intemperate" and "juvenile" Nadda's reply to Kharge on his letter to Prime Minister Modi flagging "threats" aimed at Gandhi.

"The Congress is shocked that the letter written by our president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji to the Prime Minister was passed on to you to respond. The silence of the prime minister on a matter as grave as a threat to the life of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is very disturbing," Ramesh said in his letter to Nadda.

"Your response to Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to the prime minister is both juvenile and shallow, and a shameful attempt to distract from the serious threats to Rahul Gandhis life," he said.

"Before attempting to bestow certificates of nationalism upon the Congress Party -- a party whose leaders have laid down their lives for this nation -- it would serve you well to first reflect on the party and ideology you represent. May you never forget that even before the tragic assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, your ideological forefathers were instrumental in cultivating an atmosphere of violence and hatred against Bapu," he added.

The Congress under the leadership of stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi has always championed the unity and integrity of India, Ramesh asserted.

This unwavering commitment continues under the leadership of Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who unlike the BJP leaders, have consistently stood up for justice for the backward castes, minorities, farmers, women and the youth, the Congress leader said in his letter in Hindi.

In striking contrast to the Congress' politics of inclusion and progressivism, the BJP has mastered the art of cheap politics, of using hatred and polarisation to distract people from the glaring failures of its government, he alleged.

"It is no surprise that the leaders of BJP have made such abhorrent comments about Rahul Gandhi when the prime minister himself - in his election campaigns - delivers a master class in divisive rhetoric, religious polarisation and cheap vitriol," Ramesh said.

"We urge the prime minister to rise beyond petty politics, condemn the actions of his party leaders and take strong action to set an example for others. His silence only emboldens these anti-India elements that are attempting to disrupt the peace of the country by threatening violence against the Leader of the Opposition," he said.

The whole world is watching how the ruling party of India is putting the life of the Leader of the Opposition in danger, Ramesh said.

Congress general secretary, in-charge organisation, K C Venugopal said Naddas reply to Kharge smacks of arrogance and clearly shows that since Prime Minister Modi could not even get himself to respond on this very serious issue, the attacks on Gandhi have his full support.

"The BJP is single handedly responsible for the plummeting standard of political discourse in India," Venugopal said on X.

Earlier, in a post on X, Ramesh took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi, saying there was once a PM who, for 17 years, replied to each and every official and personal letter sent to him.

"Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh writes to the non-biological PM on COVID-19.The Health Minister is given an abusive reply to send in his name. Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge ji writes to non-biological PM on the grave threats being hurled at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi by Mr Modi's colleagues. The BJP President is given the task of sending an intemperate and senseless reply," he said in a post on X.

"There was once a PM who, for seventeen years, replied to each and every official and personal letter sent to him - as over a 100 volumes of his Selected Works will testify," Ramesh said in an obvious reference to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

"But self-proclaimed divinities are different I suppose," the Congress leader added.

His remarks came after BJP president Nadda accused Gandhi of having a history of abusing Prime Minister Modi and the OBCs, and of siding with the anti-India forces.

In his letter to Kharge, Nadda cited his party's own litany of complaints against the LoP and other Congress members for their choice of words against the prime minister.

"Under what compulsion are you trying to justify Rahul Gandhi," the BJP president asked his Congress counterpart in a three-page letter written in Hindi.

On Tuesday, Kharge had raised with Prime Minister Modi the issue of "extremely objectionable" and violent statements by the ruling alliance members targeting Gandhi and urged him to discipline his leaders.

In his letter to Modi, Kharge had asserted that strict legal action should be taken against those giving such statements so that Indian politics can be prevented from degenerating and nothing untoward happens.
Gorakhpur (UP), Sep 19 (PTI) At least one will not be served "rotis with spit" or "Hapur-wala juice" here, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Thursday while inaugurating a floating restaurant in the Ramgarh Tal.

He was referring to recent incidents of vendors allegedly spitting on food or mixing urine in fruit juice before serving.

"It is good that people here will at least not be served Hapur-wala juice or rotis with spit. Whatever served here will be pure," Adityanath said.

On September 12, a purported video showing a teenager spitting on rotis while preparing them at an eatery in Saharanpur district went viral on social media, leading to the arrest of the facility's owner.

Last week, a juice vendor in Ghaziabad district was arrested for allegedly serving fruit juices mixed with urine to customers. In June, two men were arrested by police in Noida for allegedly selling juice contaminated with their spits.

Earlier this year, the Uttar Pradesh government had mandated it for food stalls, fruit vendors along Kanwar Yatra routes to display the names of shop owners. The government argued the directive, which was criticised by a section of people, was aimed at promoting transparency and informed choice of Kanwariya regarding the food they eat.

The construction of the floating restaurant equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and named 'Float' began on August 17, 2022, and it is now ready to welcome guests. Designed with an attractive interior, this three-floor, 9,600 square-foot restaurant can accommodate between 100 to 150 visitors at a time, government officials said.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to the US, saying he is going to embark on yet another high-profile global visit in between campaigning in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana but why does he "still adamantly refuse" to go to Manipur.

Modi will pay a three-day visit to the United States beginning September 21 to attend the annual Quad summit and address the "Summit of the Future" at the United Nations General Assembly.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "So the non-biological PM is going to embark on yet another high-profile global visit in between campaigning in J-K and Haryana."

"But why does he still adamantly refuse to go to Manipur? This refusal is simply inexplicable and really inexcusable. Why this continued and shocking insensitivity on His part? The people of the state still await Him," Ramesh said on X.

The Congress has repeatedly urged Prime Minister Modi visit the violence-hit state, stressing that it would help restore peace and normalcy there.

The ethnic violence in Manipur first broke out on May 3 last year after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Since then, over 220 people belonging to both the Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel have been killed in the continuing violence.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The "most significant" terrorism threat faced by India appears to be from the ISIS or Al-Qaeda-linked groups that are active in and around Jammu and Kashmir, the FATF said on Thursday in its report for the country on combatting money-laundering and terror-financing crimes.

The 368-page report also made a mention of the recent situation in Manipur, which is witnessing ethnic violence for more than a year now, leading to over 220 deaths.

It said a "sudden rise" in terrorist-financing (TF) investigations was seen in 2023 and this was attributed to events arising out of incidents in Manipur that led to such probes in more than 50 cases.

The FATF said India has suffered from the effects of terrorism consistently since the country achieved independence in 1947.

"India faces a disparate range of terrorism threats, categorised by India into six different theatres.

"These can be summarised as theatres associated with ISIL or AQ-linked extremist groups active in and around Jammu and Kashmir, whether directly or via proxies or affiliates, as well as other separatist movements in the region; other ISIL and AQ cells, their affiliates, or radicalised individuals in India," it said.

The Paris-headquartered global body, which leads action and finalises recommendations to combat terror financing and money laundering, said regional insurgencies in the northeast and north of India and left-wing extremist groups seeking to overthrow the government are the other terrorist threats for the country.

"The most significant terrorism threats appear to relate to ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) or AQ (Al-Qaeda) linked groups active in and around Jammu and Kashmir," it said.

The report said returning foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) was not considered to be a "significant risk area" in the context of India due to the limited support for the ISIL or the ISIS.

The FATF also cited case studies in this context and said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probed an instance -- the "Mangalore blast case" -- that had links to the ISIS network.

The report also mentioned some other terror-financing and money-laundering cases like the multi-agency probe against the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and a 2017 case lodged by the NIA, involving the All Party Hurriyat Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.

It also described the investigation of agencies in some highly-reported and complex cases of money laundering, including a bank-loan fraud case involving fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and liquor baron Vijay Mallya, one against former Delhi minister and AAP leader Satyendar Jain and another involving the Mahadev online "illegal" betting app in which political links are under the scanner.

"India's main sources of money laundering originate from within India, from illegal activities committed within the country.

"These proceeds may be laundered within India, laundered abroad or laundered abroad and returned to India for re-integration into the licit economy. Consistent with the outcomes of the NRA (national risk assessment), India's largest money-laundering risks are related to fraud, including cyber-enabled fraud, corruption and drug trafficking," the FATF said.
BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Despite the summer travel season winding down, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) in Mogan Mountain in east China's Zhejiang Province remain a hive of activity.

"We recently hosted a group of screenwriters who booked more than 40 rooms," said Shen Jiangrong, vice chairman of the Moganshan B&B industry association.

Nestled in the province's Deqing County, Mogan Mountain is a popular summer resort with more than 800 B&Bs, many of which are run by local residents.

The area's stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere attract both nationwide tourists during peak travel periods and creative professionals like scriptwriting teams, who often stay during the off-season to find inspiration, write and hold creative discussions.

"Our room rates range from 980 yuan (about 138 U.S. dollars) to 2,280 yuan," said Xu Langyue, a local villager who transformed his house into a B&B in 2019.

Across China, the growing tourism industry has significantly boosted rural economies, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

In Dazhai Village, located in the southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, tourists flock to experience the region's distinctive ethnic culture and terraced landscapes.

"I was amazed by the harmony between agriculture, ecological protection and cultural tourism," said Ludger Oelck, a tourist from Germany, who recently visited the village.

Recognized as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 2022, Dazhai welcomed 708,000 tourists in 2023, generating a collective income of 7.25 million yuan.

Beyond tourism, local specialty industries are also driving the growth of rural economies.

At an ornamental fish farming facility in Yujiang District in Yingtan City, located in eastern Jiangxi Province, workers were busy preparing fish fry for shipment. "These fish fry will be distributed across China after orders are placed via e-commerce platforms," said Chen Cuiyun, head of an aquaculture company that manages the facility.

In 2023, more than 10 online stores operated by the company processed over 5,000 orders daily, with annual sales reaching 70 million yuan.

Yujiang has seen a boom in ornamental fish farming in recent years, with nearly 50 households engaged in the industry. The sector is expected to exceed 100 million yuan in value this year.

China is actively promoting the modernization and revitalization of rural industries. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, significant progress has been made in both agricultural product processing and rural tourism.

To date, 1,953 beautiful leisure villages have been established and 139 industrial clusters, each generating over 10 billion yuan in output value, have been developed. 
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday attacked the BJP as Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to Jammu and Kashmir, and accused the NDA government of attempting to infringe on the political executive's powers in the union territory.

With the PM heading to Srinagar and Katra for rallies, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed three questions to him.

Why is the Union Government "attempting to infringe" on the J-K political executive's powers, he asked.

In July 2024, the Home Ministry amended the rules under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, giving powers to make decisions on crucial matters such as police and all-India services officers and granting sanctions for prosecution in various cases solely to the Union Government appointed Lieutenant Governor (LG), Ramesh pointed out.

"By curtailing the J&K political executive's policing and administrative powers, the Home Ministry has severely compromised the functioning of the future J&K Government," he said.

If the central government is sincere in giving complete statehood to the people of J&K, then why is it continuing to compromise the to-be state government's powers, he asked.

Ramesh further asked if the Union Government's actions are popular, why do the BJP and its proxies keep getting rejected by the people of J-K.

"When the BJP abrogated Article 370 to much fanfare in 2019, they repeatedly argued that the actions were popular among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the non-biological PM refused to visit J&K after 2019, until the Lok Sabha polls in 2024," he said.

The BJP refused to contest the Lok Sabha elections in the Kashmir Valley, instead implicitly supporting candidates put up by its proxies, he claimed.

"However, all three proxies fared poorly, scoring a zero in the Lok Sabha and securing a lead only in one Vidhan Sabha segment. If the Union Government's actions are popular, why do the BJP and its proxies keep getting rejected by the people of J&K?" Ramesh said.

Why is the Union Government unable to attract investment in J-K, even in lithium mining, he asked.

"The non-biological PM's Government generated considerable excitement and rightfully so about the discovery of nearly six million tons of lithium in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir. A year later, however, it has had to scrap two rounds of auctions for rights to mining in the area, after failing to generate enough interest from investors," he said.

Lithium is among the most sought-after minerals of the 21st century, and has a key role in the energy transition, Ramesh noted.

Globally, there has been an investor rush to secure reliable access to lithium mining rights, the Congress leader added.

"It is not financial disinterest that is precluding investors from interest in the lithium reserves in Reasi, it is the failing security situation in the region," he said.

Twelve soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir have been martyred in terrorist attacks in July 2024 alone, and Reasi itself saw a dastardly attack on a civilian bus on June 9, 2024, Ramesh pointed out.

"The repeated message of the non-biological PM and his Ministers since August 5th, 2019, has been that its actions would stabilize the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and provide a fillip to investment in the region. Why then has his Government failed to do so?" he said.

Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held in three phases. Voting for 24 seats was held in the first phase on Wednesday. Next, polling for 26 seats would be held in the second phase on September 25.

The voting for 40 seats in third phase will be held on October 1 while counting of votes will be held on October 8.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Amid the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday said after the incident of May 2020 his force thought if there was a case of "rebalancing" and four years since then, it has gone through its first stage while its second stage is "required".

In an interaction session at Bharat Shakti Defence Conclave here, he also said he has declared Year of Technology Absorption for 2025 too, so the journey becomes "more emphatic", while Year of Transformation will be valid for the whole decade spanning 2022-2032.

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.

During the session, General Dwivedi was asked about the overall challenges for the India Army going forward and learning from the border row in eastern Ladakh.

"First is the unsettled borders. That's a challenge which has been handed over and will continue for a longer period. Even a tactical operation has a ramification. A small incident can lead up to major flare-up. So, that becomes a major responsibility when you know that tensions are high on all the sides," the Army chief said.

"Then we are looking at two-and-a-half fronts, two borders we are already aware of. The half-front that is there for over a period of time, is continuing," he added.

And, it's something the Indian Army has to look into. And, that is in conjunction with the CAPFs, the Rashtriya Rifles, Assam Rifles and so on and so forth. "That we are tackling in a different manner".

"But, what it means that after April or May 2020, we had to think about is there is a case of rebalancing... We are also looking, is there a case of rebalancing. They have already gone through the stage of rebalancing 1.0.

audience here must be aware of what all steps taken under it. Is there a requirement for rebalancing 2.0, the answer is, yes," General Dwivedi said.

Time, space and resources is something the army needs to look into. But before that there has to be a "psychological orientation", he said.

"What it means, you have to start looking at seriously as far as your...operational situations are concerned, whether you are prepared for it. Is your equipment ready for those kind of a deployment, is your training attuned to that, and all these things, and we are naming it (rebalancing) 1.5, and we are working in a big way. And, we are reorienting are higher command courses," the general said.

He emphasised that the location of the upcoming Army Commanders Conference will be "indicative of our intent".

The Army chief further said the infrastructure along the northern front, is something that needs a "major attention, so that we are working in a big way".

He also said the national focus towards border infrastructure is "very, very high".

On the lessons from the row along the northern border, the Army chief said, so was "the grey zone" existing before April 2020, "it was existing".

"Were we prepared for it, yes we were generally aware of it, but it was Doklam (incident) which made us awake," he added.

Praising the 1.2-million-strong force, he said, "I must thank my predecessors because they handed over a very health army."

General Dwivedi was also asked about the progress on achieving jointness and integration in the armed forces as envisioned by the government.

"Whenever there are training institutes, how many can be made joint training institutes, logistic nodes how many can be made joint nodes, central maintenance system..these things are being looked into. Also, since present CDS has taken over, speed (on the process) has gone up to three times than what was earlier," he said.
Gurugram, Sep 19 (PTI) Union minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday asked BJP rebel Naveen Goyal, who is contesting as an Independent candidate from Gurgaon constituency, to support the party candidate or else Friday onwards the doors of the BJP will be closed for him forever.

While addressing a public meeting at Sadar Bazaar in favour of BJP's Gurgaon candidate Mukesh Sharma, he said be it Goyal, Garg or anyone else, every businessman of the area will support the BJP.

The Union Commerce and industry minister said Sharma's victory will have to be ensured to give strength to Narendra Modi who became prime minister for the third time.

"The Congress is a pack of lies while Narendra Modi does what he says. This is the specialty of the BJP that there is no 'kharchi-parchi' to get a government job. The BJP is the only party which cares for every section of the society without any discrimination.

"The Prime Minister never worked to divide the society. It has been the history of Haryana that whatever government is formed at the Centre, the same government is formed in Haryana and I have full hope that the BJP government will be formed in the state for the third time," said Goyal. COR
New Delhi/Jammu, Sep 19 (PTI) Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday latched on to Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's remarks on the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir to hit out at the Congress, accusing it of speaking the neighbouring country's language.

Shah said on X that Asif's statement in support of Article 370, which gave the erstwhile state special rights, and Article 35A, has proved that the neighbouring country and the Congress have the "same intentions and agenda".

Article 35A gave special rights and privileges to its "permanent residents".

Several BJP leaders posted Asif's remarks to a Pakistani channel that his country shared the view of the Congress-NC alliance that Article 370, which along with Article 35A, was scrapped in August 2019, should be restored.

BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh, who is in charge of the party's affairs in Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the opposition alliance is running a Pakistani agenda in the ongoing polls.

Ram Madhav, one of the two BJP election in-charges for the polls, said on X while sharing Asif's reported comments, "A clear challenge to people of J&K. NC-Congress alliance is 'on the same page' with Pakistan, declares Pak Defence Minister Khwaja Asif.

"People will teach a big lesson to this treasonous alliance in the elections. J&K will stand with those who stand with Hindustan, not those 'on the same page' with Pakistan," he said.

The NC, in its manifesto, has pledged support to restoring Article 370, while the Congress has maintained silence on the contentious issue.

Shah said the Pakistan defence minister's statement has once "again exposed" the opposition party.

He claimed that the tune of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's party and Pakistan has always been the same and the Congress has always been "hand in glove with the anti-national forces".

"Pakistan defence minister's statement about the Congress and the JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed the Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that the Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda.

"For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen," Shah wrote on X in Hindi.

The home minister said be it asking for proof of air strikes and surgical strikes against Pakistan or saying "objectionable things" about the Indian Army, the tune of the Congress Party and Pakistan has always been the same.

The Congress has always been "hand in glove with the anti-national forces", he asserted.

"But, the Congress party and Pakistan forget that there is Modi government at the Centre, hence neither Article 370 nor terrorism is going to come back in Kashmir," he said.

Pakistan Defence Minister Asif has said that the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370.

"They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A," Asif was quoted as saying in an interview.

Khawaja's comments have come amid the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections that are being held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A five years ago.

On August 5, 2019, these two provisions of the Constitution were abrogated by the Narendra Modi government and the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Chugh accused the Congress-National Conference alliance of allegedly running the neighbouring country's agenda in the polls.

He said it was now clear that the Congress-NC alliance was working at the behest of the Pakistani government. The intention of Pakistan to interfere in the elections has been exposed as well, he added.

It has been a key agenda of the Abdullah and Gandhi families to keep the situation unstable in Jammu and Kashmir, he charged.

Talking to reporters in Jammu, Chugh said, "The statement by Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clearly shows that Rahul Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah are speaking Pakistan's language".

"Asif's statement, indicating that Pakistan, NC, and the Congress are on the same page, exposes their separatist rhetoric. It is about breaking the country, releasing terrorists from jail, renaming Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat, and changing reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs. This is the dictation that the Gandhis and Abdullahs are receiving from Pakistan," he charged.

Lashing out at the Gandhis and Abdullahs, Chugh blamed them for the death, destruction, and turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Rahul Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah are dancing to Pakistan's tunes. They are promoting and carrying forward Pakistan's agenda in Jammu and Kashmir. Both parties are puppets of Pakistan," he claimed.

Expressing confidence in the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Chugh said they would not succumb to Pakistan's agenda.

"The nationalist people of Jammu and Kashmir will not allow the implementation of Pakistan's agenda through the Gandhis and Abdullahs. The restoration of Article 370 will remain a mere dream for them," he added.

Chugh also emphasised that as long as the BJP is in power, Article 370 will never be reinstated.

"Modi ji's government has freed Jammu and Kashmir from the clutches of Article 370 and 35A. Jammu and Kashmir will never be chained again," he asserted.

Asif's remarks came amid the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first since the abrogation of the state's special status by the Narendra Modi-led government in 2019.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Top Quad leaders will unveil a "milestone" initiative on Saturday to prevent, detect, treat and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families, when they gather in Wilmington in the US for their annual summit.

Being hosted by US President Joe Biden, the "Quad Leaders Summit" will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese and Japan's Fumio Kishida.

The leaders are expected to deliberate on pressing global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, escalating tensions in West Asia and the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific.

At a media briefing on Modi's visit to the United States from September 21-23, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the "signature" "Cancer Moonshot" event will take place on the sidelines of the Quad summit in Wilmington, Delaware.

"One of the signature initiatives to be unveiled on the sidelines is the Cancer Moonshot event," he said.

"Through this milestone initiative, the Quad aims to implement innovative strategies to prevent, detect, treat and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families, and to begin with, we intend to collaborate in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the Indo-pacific region," Misri said.

It is learnt that the broad framework of the initiative will be made public after its launch.

The foreign secretary said the Quad summit will have a "very full and substantive" agenda and a leaders' declaration will be unveiled at the end of the deliberations.

"The Quad's constructive agenda continues to develop. We continue to work on development priorities in the Indo-Pacific in implementing sustainable development goals, delivering public goods, and with a strong focus on peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

"Our agenda covers health security, climate change, critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and maritime security and counter-terrorism," Misri said.

"And therefore, the upcoming visit offers the Quad leaders the opportunity to review the progress achieved in the last one year and set the agenda for next year," he said.

It was India's turn to host the Quad summit this year. But following a request from Washington, India agreed to host the summit next year.

"This is also going to be a kind of a farewell event insofar as Quad is concerned for President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan," Misri said.

The Quad event provides Modi with an opportunity to thank both leaders for their leadership in giving momentum and salience to the Quad partnership, he added.

On the sidelines of the Quad summit, the prime minister will hold separate bilateral talks with Biden, Kishida and Albanese.

Modi will address the "Summit of the Future" at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. He will also address an Indian community event in Long Island, New York on September 22.

The major focus of Modi's visit to the US is expected to be on the Quad summit and his address at the "Summit of the Future".

Quad saw a natural evolution and elevation in 2021 to the level of the leaders' summit. The first Quad leaders' summit took place in the virtual format on March 12, 2021.

The second summit (first in-person) was held on September 24, 2021 in Washington DC.

At the summit, the leaders announced three new working groups on infrastructure, space and cyber issues.

The third Quad leaders' summit was held virtually on March 3, 2022 to discuss the situation in Ukraine and its impact on the Indo-Pacific.

The fourth summit (second in-person) was hosted by Japan on May 24, 2022.

The leaders launched the Quad Satellite Data Portal to provide regional countries with space-based data for climate and disaster forecasting and sustainable use of marine resources.

The fifth Quad summit (third in-person) was held in Hiroshima, Japan on May 20 last year.

In addition to a joint statement, the Quad leaders' vision statement -- "Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific" -- was unveiled at the summit, outlining the vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) There will be no water supply in parts of the national capital for 12 hours on Friday due to maintenance work, the Delhi Jal Board said.

According to a statement issued, the affected areas include Civil Lines, Hindu Rao Hospital, Kamla Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Karol Bagh, Pahar Ganj, Old and New Rajinder Nagar, Patel Nagar (East and West), Baljeet Nagar, Prem Nagar, Inderpuri, parts of cantonment areas, and adjoining areas under NDMC and south Delhi.

"Due to the repair of leakage in 500 mm dia Rising Main emanating from Chandrawal Water Works inside premises of Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial, Civil Lines, potable water supply from Chandrawal Water Works will remain affected for 12 hours on September 20 from 11 am onwards due to shutdown of Chandrawal Water Work, the statement said.

Due to the repair work, the water supply will be stopped, and therefore, residents of the affected areas are advised to make judicious use of water, it said.

According to the statement, water tankers will be available on demand from the DJB help line or the central control room.
Faridabad, Sep 19 (PTI) Police have arrested five people including two women for allegedly honey-trapping men and extorting money from them, officials said on Thursday.

The accused were identified as Saniya (23), Irfan (27), Rahish (48), Fareed (27), and Reshma (45).

According to police, Sania, the kingpin of the gang, would lure the victims into meeting them in person and then extort money from them.

The matter came to light on September 11, when Arif, a resident of Nuh, filed a complaint alleging Sania contacted him in February 2024. She would often complain of domestic violence by her husband, Arif told police.

On February 23, Sania called the complainant and asked him to rescue her as her husband was beating her. Following this, Arif along with his friend went to meet Sania near Ballabgarh. She took them to Nekpur village where she lured Arif to a desolated area forcing him to have physical relations with her, police said.

Meanwhile, Sania's husband Salim and his accomplices reached the spot and threatened Arif of outraging her modesty. They blackmailed him and demanded money, police said.

"Fearing humiliation, I arranged the money and gave them a total of Rs 3.51 lakh. Later I learned that my friend Kale alias Mubarik was a member of the same gang. He had given me Sania's number", as Arif said in his complaint.

Based on the complaint, an FIR was lodged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Sania, Irfan and Rahish were arrested on Saturday last week, police said.

On September 15, police arrested accused Reshma while Fareed on September 17, they said.

"Three members of the same gang were arrested earlier for extorting Rs 1 lakh from the owner of a dhaba in Sector 58 area. We are questioning the accused and will identify other victims of honeytrap", Hemender Kumar Meena, DCP crime said.
Shimla, Sep 19 (PTI) A delegation of the Himachal Congress Minority Morcha apprised the party's central leaders on Thursday of the atmosphere of fear created in the state by targeting a particular community and staging demonstrations near mosques.

The delegation led by Iqbal Mohammad, president of the state Congress Minority Morcha, also comprised imams of various mosques. It met with Congress general secretary K C Venugopal and its Minority Morcha national president Imran Pratapgarhi in New Delhi.

In a statement here, the state Congress Minority Morcha said the situation has become tense due to demonstrations by Hindu outfits in front of mosques and efforts were being made to vitiate the atmosphere and instill fear among Muslims.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is trying to take people of all religions along but some elements are trying to spoil the atmosphere and malign the government, it added.

According to the statement, Venugopal spoke to the chief minister over the phone over the issue.

Ten people were injured during a protest demanding the demolition of a portion of a mosque in Shimla's Sanjauli area last week. In Mandi, police used water cannons on protestors demanding the demolition of an unauthorised portion of a mosque in the town.

On Tuesday, residents of Kasumpti in Shimla submitted a memorandum to demolish a mosque in the area and similar demands are also coming in from Sunni and other areas in the state.

A dispute between a barber from the minority community and a local businessman in the Malyana area in the suburbs of Shimla on August 30 turned into a communal issue with Hindu groups demanding the demolition of unauthorised mosques and residents calling for the identification and verification of outsiders coming in the state.
Jaipur, Sep 19 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly Tikaram Jully on Thursday said that the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on objectionable statements against party leader Rahul Gandhi indicates that it is being done at the behest of the BJP.

He claimed that the BJP is nervous and scared of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi due to his vision for the poor, SC and STs, youths, labourers, farmers and women because of which they are spreading propaganda to weaken him.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah not taking any action on objectionable statements against party leader Rahul Gandhi indicate that it is being done at the behest of the BJP," Jully told reporters here on the sidelines of Congress' protest.

Congress leaders and party workers had gathered at Shaheed Smarak here to lodge their protest against the objectionable statements made against Gandhi.

Jully said that Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed his life and his grandmother Indira Gandhi became a victim of terrorism. Their entire family has been dedicated to the unity and strengthening of the country since independence.

He said that the ministers of the BJP at the Centre and states and their alliances are terming Rahul Gandhi a terrorist, threatening to murder him and announcing rewards to cut his tongue. But the prime minister and the home minister have not taken any action against it.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra said that the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi are not afraid of such threats.

He said that nobody is condemning the statements given against Rahul Gandhi, which means that they deliberately want to spread violence.
Basti (UP), Sep 19 (PTI) Former BJP MP and party in-charge for Assam Harish Dwivedi on Thursday claimed that a particular community was running a 'jihad' of producing more children to capture the political system and run the country according to their religion.

He told reporters here that it was important to stop the people of this community and "the government is also working seriously in this direction".

"The people of a particular community are running a jihad of producing more children with the intention of capturing the country. It has become very important to stop this," Dwivedi said.

Reacting to the statement, Samajwadi Party leader and former MLC Rajpal Kashyap alleged that the BJP practises divisive politics and its leaders make such comments to divert the attention of people from core issues such as unemployment and price rise.

Dwivedi also claimed that the particular community was becoming a big threat to the country because its people have "only one goal -- to produce as many children as possible so that they can capture the political system of India".

"This community has done vote and land jihad and now, they are running a jihad to increase their population. They aim to capture the country through the political system and run the country according to their religion and Shariat," he added.

Continuing his tirade, Dwivedi claimed that those who do not even have food to eat are producing 21 children each, and instead of educating them and making them officers or teachers, they are using them to hack the government system.

"The people of this community are conspiring to defame the Modi government by producing as many children as possible and then the government can be accused of not providing them employment and basic amenities," he alleged.

Dwivedi claimed that the government was going to take a decision in this direction so that the intentions of the "people of this community" could be stopped.

Referring to a law recently passed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa, the BJP leader said that now in Assam, people will have to inform the government about their religion and caste before getting married.

"After this law comes into force, the practice of marrying outside religion and at a young age will be stopped to a great extent," he said.

"If this law is implemented in the whole country, then perhaps the 'population jihad' can be stopped to a great extent," Dwivedi claimed.

India will be run by the Constitution and law, and not by the religious rules of a community, he added.
YANGON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized 180 kg of narcotics in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, the state-run daily The Myanma Alinn reported on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle on Sept. 16, seized 100 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) in Mongping township of eastern Shan state, and arrested two suspects, the report said.

During further investigation in connection with this case, an additional 50 kg of ICE and 30 kg of ketamine were seized at another suspect's house in the same township, the report said.

Investigation showed that the drugs were being transported from Kengtung township to Monghpyak township of Shan state, the report said.

The suspects were charged under the country's laws, and further investigations are ongoing, it added. 
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Two members of the Joint Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill were engaged in a verbal duel at a meeting of the panel on Thursday when it was seeking views of a legal expert on the proposed law, sources said.

They said the trouble began when BJP member Medha Kulkarni was asking questions on the composition of the Waqf Governing Council to legal expert Faizan Mustafa who appeared before the committee on Thursday.

The parliament sources said that some opposition members created a disturbance when Kulkarni was seeking clarification from Mustafa. They particularly mentioned certain remarks made by a Rajya Sabha member from the opposition ranks.

Kulkarni demanded an apology from the opposition member, which was initially turned down. The opposition member later expressed regret to Kulkarni in the presence of Committee chairman Jagadambika Pal and BJP member Aparajita Sarangi.

However, Kulkarni insisted that the apology be tendered during the meeting of the Committee where the allegedly hurtful remarks were made.

Representatives of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board also appeared before the Committee.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it will be providing some details next week concerning the collegiums recommendations on the appointment of chief justices in several high courts in the country.

The submissions to this effect were made by Attorney General R Venkataramani before a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud while seeking an adjournment of the hearing on a PIL which is listed for hearing on Friday.

"I will be providing some details about the collegium's recommendations. Please list the plea (which is listed on Friday) after a week," the top law officer told the bench which also comprised justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The bench said the submissions for the adjournment can be made on Friday itself as the matter is already on board.

Meanwhile, the CJI told the top law officer that the Jharkhand government has filed a contempt petition against the Centre for not appointing the Chief Justice in the high court in the state.

The Hemant Soren-led JMM government has moved the top court against the Centre for not clearing the recommendation made by the Collegium to appoint Justice M S Ramachandra Rao as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.

"I am not aware," the top law officer said.

Earlier, the attorney general on September 13 told the bench that the central government had received some "sensitive material" that had led to a delay in implementation of the apex court collegiums recommendations on appointments of chief justices to high courts.

The top law officer said he received certain inputs from the Union government which are sensitive in nature and revealing them in the public domain would neither be in the interest of the institution nor of the judges involved.

"I would like to place the inputs and my suggestions in a sealed cover for perusal by the judges," Venkatramani had told the bench.

The PIL filed by advocate Harsh Vibhore Singhal was then posted for hearing on September 20.

Singhal has sought a direction that a time limit be fixed for the Centre to notify the appointment of judges recommended by the apex court collegium.

It has also sought a direction to plug the 'zone of twilight' of there being no time for notifying the collegium's recommendations for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.

The plea said that in the absence of a fixed period, "the government arbitrarily delays notifying appointments thereby trampling upon judicial independence, imperilling the constitutional and democratic order and disparaging the majesty and sagacity of the court".

The plea said if any name is not objected to or the appointments are not notified by the end of such a fixed period, then appointments of such judges must be taken as notified.

The three-member collegium headed by the CJI, on July 11, recommended to the Centre the names for the appointment of chief justices for seven high courts namely Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Madras and Meghalaya. The recommendations are pending approval with the Centre.

The Supreme Court collegium, on July 17, tweaked its July 11 resolution relating to the appointment of the chief justices for the high courts of Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

There were speculations that tweaking of the collegiums July 11 resolution took place apparently after the Centre shared some crucial information with the collegium.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the customs department's plea seeking a review of its 2021 judgement that had held that officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have no authority to seek recovery of duties on goods already cleared for import by the customs.

In a hearing spanning over four days, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JV Pardiwala and Manoj Misra heard submissions from Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N Venkataraman, appearing for the customs department, and a battery of lawyers led by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who represented private companies in the case.

Usually, the review pleas against judgements are considered in chambers by the judges and no oral submissions are allowed.However, the review plea of the customs department was heard in an open court.

ASG Venkataraman vehemently sought setting aside of the 2021 judgement, saying the officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are also empowered under the Customs Act to seek recovery of duties on goods already cleared for import.

The law officer said there were as many as six "apparent errors on the face of records" in the judgement which failed to address the requisite provisions of the law while arriving at a conclusion that DRI officials are not customs officers who could seek recovery of duty on goods.

"A DRI officer today can be a customs official tomorrow," the law officer said.

"From 1977 onwards, the customs and the DRI have been part of the (Union) Ministry of Finance and their officers form a class of officers under the law," he said and referred to legal provisions in order to drive home the point that the judgement needed a review.

The judgement proceeds on a "false assumption" that a DRI officer is not the "proper officer" under the Customs Act but an officer of a different department of the central government, the ASG said.

"We are not asking BSF (Border Security Force) officers to reassess the customs duty demands," he said.

Rohatgi and others opposed the review plea saying ordinarily, the apex court judgement cannot be reviewed unless the customs department proves the errors apparent on the face of records of the impugned verdict.

The customs department is seeking a review of the March 9, 2021 judgement in which a three-judge bench headed by the then Chief Justice, S A Bobde, had held that a DRI officer is not the proper officer under the Customs Act, 1962 and lacked the authority to seek recovery of duties on the goods already cleared for import by the customs department.

The top court had quashed the DRIs show cause notices to private firms, including M/S Canon India Private Limited, seeking payment of duty and the consequential confiscation of goods, demand of interest, and imposition of penalty under the Customs Act.

The legal question involved was whether the DRI has the authority to issue a show cause notice under the Customs Act for recovery of duties allegedly not levied or paid when the goods were cleared for import by a Deputy Commissioner of Customs who decided that the imports were exempted from duties.

The judgement under review had also dealt with the issue of whether a provision of the Customs Act empowers the recovery of duty not paid, part paid or erroneously refunded by reason of collusion or any wilful misstatement or suppression of facts by the proper officer.

The apex court had then held that it was "completely impermissible" to allow an officer, who has not passed the original order of assessment, to reopen the assessment.

It had held that the Additional Director General of the DRI was not a "proper officer" under the Customs Act to seek recovery of duty on imported goods.

The matter, which has seen many ups and downs, was first decided by a three-judge bench headed by the then Chief Justice Bobde in 2021.

Later, a bench headed by successor CJI N V Ramana, on May 19, 2022 agreed to hear in an open court the review plea of the customs department against the 2021 judgement.

Now, the present CJI-led bench heard the review plea in open court and reserved the verdict.

The 2021 verdict had come on a batch of cases filed by M/S Canon India Private Limited and other private firms against the Commissioner of Customs challenging the 2017 judgement of the Central Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT).

The CESTAT had upheld the show cause notice of the DRI to private firms seeking payment of duty and the consequential confiscation of goods, demand of interest, and imposition of penalty under the Customs Act.

It was the case of the private firms that the cameras, which were imported, were exempted from levy of basic customs duty as per a 2012 notification.

The exemption from import duty to Digital Still Image Video Cameras was issued on March 1, 2005 and the notification was amended in 2012.
Bengaluru, Sep 19 (PTI) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the bail plea of former Janata Dal (S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who faces allegations of sexual assault and rape.

A single-judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna earlier heard arguments on Revanna's application in the first case and two anticipatory bail pleas related to subsequent complaints.

During the hearing, the court directed the advocates to avoid mentioning the victims' names and, instead, point out specific details in the case documents.

Senior Advocate Prabhuling K Navadgi, appearing for Revanna, outlined the timeline of events, emphasising that the woman, who had previously complained about being illegally removed from her home, had not initially leveled allegations of sexual misconduct against Revanna.

Navadgi stated that the allegations primarily focused on Revannas father and noted that the victim had worked for the family for four years.

He also raised concerns about the four-year delay in filing the complaint, questioning the reasoning for not reporting the incident earlier.



He argued that while the woman claimed to have found the courage to speak up after her husband confronted her about a video, she did not initially allege rape under Section 376 of the IPC.

Navadgi further contended that forensic reports did not link Revanna to the purported video and highlighted "inconsistencies" in the victims and her daughters statements.

Navadgi denied that any incriminating videos were found on Revannas phone. He also argued that the phone in question belonged to Revannas driver, Karthik, and that the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) report was inconclusive.

On the allegations under the IT Acts Section 66E, Navadgi asserted that these charges were not directly against Revanna. He also cited Supreme Court rulings on delayed complaints, arguing that no satisfactory explanation had been provided for the delay in this case.

Special Public Prosecutor Professor Ravivarma Kumar, representing the State, argued that the victim had been threatened by Revanna, which explained the delay in filing the complaint. Kumar emphasised that the threats were documented in the victim's further statement and asserted that forensic evidence supported the allegations against Revanna, particularly regarding the victim's daughter.

While the High Court questioned the findings of the FSL report, Kumar maintained that the delay in filing the complaint was justified due to the petitioners threats and attempts to silence the victim.

Kumar also argued that Revanna had not surrendered his phone, which contained crucial information, and that he had fled the country to evade justice.

Following these arguments, the court reserved its judgment on the bail pleas.

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.

In the first case registered against him at the Holenarasipura Town police station in Hassan on April 28, Revanna is accused of sexually harassing a 47-year-old former maid. He is listed as accused number two, while his father and local MLA, H D Revanna, is the primary accused.

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.

The third case pertains to rape of a woman in her 60s from Mysuru's K R Nagara, who was also a domestic help. The victim's son had initially filed a kidnap case, alleging abduction of his mother, at the K R Nagar police station on May 2. In this kidnap case, the SIT had arrested H D Revanna, who is currently out on bail, and had questioned Prajwal's mother Bhavani Revanna, who has got anticipatory bail.

The fourth case was registered against Prajwal Revanna, accusing him of sexual harassment, on June 12 at cyber crime police station of CID in Bengaluru. In this case he has been booked for sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation, and violation of privacy under the IT Act. The complainant in this case is a woman, who was allegedly sexually harassed over a video call.
Bengaluru, Sep 19 (PTI) Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday alleged that there seems to be an "undeclared emergency" in Karnataka, and likened Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Hitler, as she hit out at the Congress government for filing cases against her and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka.



She said that neither she nor her party workers and leaders will be cowed down by such cases and threats and that they will continue to fight the government's alleged "appeasement politics."

FIRs have been registered against Karandlaje and Ashoka on the charges of allegedly sharing "false information" on social media in connection with the recent violence at Nagamangala town in Mandya district.

"There is a kind of undeclared emergency in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah has become Hitler after becoming the Chief Minister. FIRs are being registered against BJP parliamentarians and legislators continuously. For the first time in the history of the state, FIRs have been registered against the Leader of Opposition and a Central minister, also against Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya," Karandlaje said.

Addressing a press conference here, the Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment said FIRs have been also registered against BJP legislators like Harish Poonja, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, Arvind Bellad and Bharath Shetty, and "in this way the Congress is trying to suppress BJP and its leaders."

"I want to ask Siddaramaiah regarding -- Ivan D'Souza (Congress leader) had threatened the Governor with Bangladesh-like consequence, our Mangaluru workers are everyday going to police station, giving complaint, but still it has not been taken up, till today no FIR has been registered against him," she said.

Further pointing out that no case has been registered against Yadgir Congress MLA Channareddy Tunnur and his son in a case linked to the death of Police Sub-Inspector Parashuram, and Special Investigation Team probe report has not mentioned the name of former Minister B Nagendra in the multi-crore Valmiki ST Development Corporation scam, Karandlaje asked: "what are you trying to turn Karnataka into?"

Questioning as to what was the mistake on her part or Ashoka and for what crime FIRs were registered against them, she said it looks like questioning the government was their crime. "To appease minorities, you (govt) are murdering democracy....a government that should function in accordance with the Constitution is not there in Karnataka," she alleged.

Alleging that "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans were raised in CM's home district of Mysuru during Eid-e-Milad procession on Monday, she said, "because of the Congress government's lenient stand, and its appeasement politics, you are making Karnataka's majority Hindus a scapegoat."

Alleging that BJP and Hindu activists are being threatened by filing cases, Karandlaje said: "This is Siddaramaiah's administration. I urge you to leave this mindset. We will not be cowed down by such threats, file hundred FIRs if you want, we won't fear and will continue to fight....people will teach you a lesson."

Citing the violence in Nagamangala during a Ganesh idol procession, she sought to know as to who are those behind the violence and torching shops and vehicles.

"As per reports people had come from Kerala, who are they, how and why did they come? You (govt) have tried to shut Nagamangala violence case. Your police are trying to close the case as though it was a non-incident. (G) Parameshwara (Home Minister) says it was a minor incident..." she alleged, as she questioned as to why the CM or Home Minister did not visit Nagamangala.
Thane, Sep 19 (PTI) Police in Maharashtra's Thane district have arrested two persons for allegedly killing a man in Pune city, an official said on Thursday.

Pravin Mahato, a nursery worker, was murdered on Monday by the duo, who slit his throat with a blade, alleging that he was in a relationship with the wife of one of them, the police said.

The duo was nabbed on Wednesday.

"After killing the victim in Hinjawadi area of Pune, the assailants identified as Raju Kumar Nathuni Prasad Singh (33) and Dhiraj Kumar Ramod Singh (20), fled from the spot," senior inspector Vijay Kadbane of the Manpada police station in Dombivli said.

"The Pune police sought the assistance of their counterparts in Thane to trace the suspects who were believed to be heading towards their hometown in Bihar. An operation was launched by the Manpada police and the duo was eventually apprehended near Kalyan railway station on Wednesday morning," he said.

During the investigation, the police found that the victim was in a relationship with the wife of Raju Kumar, which led to a confrontation between them and ended with his murder.

Following their arrest, the Thane police handed over the accused duo to the Hinjawadi police for further investigation and legal proceedings, he said.


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Australian police said Wednesday they have infiltrated Ghost, an encrypted global communications app developed for criminals, leading to dozens of arrests.

The apps alleged administrator, Jay Je Yoon Jung, 32, appeared in a Sydney court Wednesday on charges including supporting a criminal organization and benefitting from proceeds of crime.

Jung did not enter pleas or apply to be released on bail. He will remain behind bars until his case returns to court in November.

Australian police arrested 38 suspects in raids across four states in recent days while law enforcement agencies were also making arrests in Canada, Sweden, Ireland and Italy, Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said.

We allege hundreds of criminals including Italian organized crime, motorcycle gang members, Middle Eastern organized crime and Korean organized crime have used Ghost in Australia and overseas to import illicit drugs and order killings, McCartney told reporters.

Australian police had prevented 50 people from being killed, kidnapped or seriously hurt by monitoring threats among 125,000 messages and 120 video calls since March, Assistant Commissioner Kirsty Schofield said.

Police allege the Jung developed the app specifically for criminal use in 2017.

Australia joined a Europol-led global taskforce targeting Ghost in 2022.

Col. Florian Manet, who heads Frances Home Affairs Ministry National Cyber Command Technical Department, said in a statement issued by Australian police that his officers provided technical resources to the task force over several years that helped decrypt the communications.

McCartney said the French had provided a foot in the door for Australian police to decrypt Ghost communications.

Australian police technicians were able to modify software updates regularly pushed out by the administrator, McCartney said.

In effect, we infected the devices, enabling us to access the content on Australian devices, McCartney said, adding that the alleged administrator lived in his parents Sydney home and had no police record.

Jung was arrested at his home on Tuesday.

Police say Jung used a network of resellers to offer specialized handsets to criminals around the world.

The modified smartphones sold for 2,350 Australian dollars ($1,590) which included a six-month subscription to Ghost and tech support.

(AP)
A Mississippi town has taken down a Confederate monument that stood on the courthouse square since 1910  a figure that was tightly wrapped in tarps the past four years, symbolizing the communitys enduring division over how to commemorate the past.

Grenadas first Black mayor in two decades seems determined to follow through on the citys plans to relocate the monument to other public land. A concrete slab has already been poured behind a fire station about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) from the square.

But a new fight might be developing. A Republican lawmaker from another part of Mississippi wrote to Grenada officials saying she believes the city is violating a state law that restricts the relocation of war memorials or monuments.

The Grenada City Council voted to move the monument in 2020, weeks after police killed George Floyd in Minneapolis. The vote seemed timely: Mississippi legislators had just retired the last state flag in the U.S. that prominently featured the Confederate battle emblem.

The tarps went up soon after the vote, shrouding the Confederate soldier and the pedestal he stood on. But even as people complained about the eyesore, the move was delayed by tight budgets, state bureaucracy or political foot-dragging. Explanations vary, depending on whos asked.

A new mayor and city council took office in May, prepared to take action. On Sept. 11, with little advance notice, police blocked traffic and a work crew disassembled and removed the 20-foot (6.1-meter) stone structure.

Im glad to see it move to a different location, said Robin Whitfield, an artist with a studio just off Grenadas historic square. This represents that something has changed.

Still, Whitfield, who is white, said she wishes Grenada leaders had invited the community to engage in dialogue about the symbol, to bridge the gap between those who think moving it is erasing history and those who see it as a daily reminder of white supremacy. She was among the few people watching as a crane lifted parts of the monument onto a flatbed truck.

No one ever talked about it, other than yelling on Facebook, Whitfield said.

Mayor Charles Latham said the monument has been quite a divisive figure in the town of 12,300, where about 57% of residents are Black and 40% are white.

I understand people had family and stuff to fight and die in that war, and they should be proud of their family, Latham said. But youve got to understand that there were those who were oppressed by this, by the Confederate flag on there. Theres been a lot of hate and violence perpetrated against people of color, under the color of that flag.

The city received permission from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to move the Confederate monument, as required. But Rep. Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes of Picayune said the fire station site is inappropriate.

We are prepared to pursue such avenues that may be necessary to ensure that the statue is relocated to a more suitable and appropriate location, she wrote, suggesting a Confederate cemetery closer to the courthouse square as an alternative. She said the Ladies Cemetery Association is willing to deed a parcel to the city to make it happen.

The Confederate monument in Grenada is one of hundreds in the South, most of which were dedicated during the early 20th century when groups such as the United Daughters of the Confederacy sought to shape the historical narrative by valorizing the Lost Cause mythology of the Civil War.

The monuments, many of them outside courthouses, came under fresh scrutiny after an avowed white supremacist who had posed with Confederate flags in photos posted online killed nine Black people inside the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015.

Grenadas monument includes images of Confederate president Jefferson Davis and a Confederate battle flag. It was engraved with praise for the noble men who marched neath the flag of the Stars and Bars and the noble women of the South, who gave their loved ones to our country to conquer or to die for truth and right.

A half-century after it was dedicated, the monuments symbolism figured in a voting rights march. When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders held a mass rally in downtown Grenada in June 1966, Robert Green of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference scrambled up the pedestal and planted a U.S. flag above the image of Davis.

The cemetery is a spot Latham himself had previously advocated as a new site for the monument, but he said its too late to change now, after the city already budgeted $60,000 for the move.

So, whos going to pay the city back for the $30,000 weve already expended to relocate this? he said. You shouldve showed up a year and a half ago, two years ago, before the city gets to this point.

A few other Confederate monuments in Mississippi have been relocated. In July 2020, a Confederate soldier statue was moved from a prominent spot at the University of Mississippi to a Civil War cemetery in a secluded part of the Oxford campus. In May 2021, a Confederate monument featuring three soldiers was moved from outside the Lowndes County Courthouse in Columbus to another cemetery with Confederate soldiers.

Lori Chavis, a Grenada City Council member, said that since the monument was covered by tarps, its caused nothing but more divide in our city.

She said she supports relocating the monument but worries about a lawsuit. She acknowledged that people probably didnt know until recently exactly where it would reappear.

Its tucked back in the woods, and its not visible from even pulling behind the fire station, Chavis said. And I think thats what got some of the citizens upset.

(AP)
SACRAMENTO, the United States, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed five artificial intelligence (AI) bills into law this week, addressing concerns about deepfakes in elections and protecting performers' digital likenesses.

However, he has yet to sign the pivotal Senate Bill 1047, which would impose broader regulations on the AI industry.

"That's challenging now in this space, particularly with SB 1047, because of the sort of outsized impact that legislation could have, and the chilling effect, particularly in the open source community," Newsom said Tuesday at Dreamforce, a San Francisco conference hosted by business software giant Salesforce.

The bill faces strong opposition from the AI industry but is welcomed by the public.

Two of the signed bills focus on protecting actors' digital likenesses. Assembly Bill 2602 requires contracts to specify the use of AI-generated digital replicas of a performer's voice or likeness, while Assembly Bill 1836 prohibits commercial use of digital replicas of deceased performers without their estate's consent.

The other three bills aimed to combat election misinformation. Assembly Bill 2655 requires large online platforms to remove or label deceptive and digitally altered or created content related to elections during specified periods. Assembly Bill 2839 expands the timeframe in which a committee or other entity is prohibited from knowingly distributing an advertisement or other election material containing deceptive AI-generated or manipulated content, while Assembly Bill 2355 mandates disclosure of AI use in campaign materials.

California is home to many of the world's leading AI companies and has been proactive in leveraging AI to tackle various challenges, from reducing traffic congestion to addressing homelessness. 
A top supplier of digital devices in U.S. prisons is launching a new program to help incarcerated individuals earn a high school diploma by using the companys tablets.

Advocates say the expansion in virtual education is promising, especially since many inmates lack basic literacy skills. But some advocates have said there are limits to what that prison technology can accomplish.

The company ViaPath, which sells secure devices and telecommunications services for use in the criminal justice system, has announced that inmates across the country will soon be able to enroll in virtual classes through a partnership with Promising People, an education technology company, and American High School, a private online school based in South Florida that will grant the diplomas.

The asynchronous classes will be available for free on ViaPaths tablets, 700,000 of which the company says are already in use in nearly 2,000 prisons and jails.

If you get a high school diploma, you get a secondary education along with some trades and skills. The likelihood of you recidivating back into our prisons are very small, said Tony Lowden, Chief Social Impact Officer for ViaPath. We believe theres an opportunity to help men and women come home differently.

A meta-analysis by the RAND Corporation found that education significantly reduces recidivism, suggesting that every $1 invested in education in prisons could save $4-5 on reincarceration costs.

Lowden said the high school diploma program will offer a more comprehensive education than existing GED courses and provide inmates with greater earning potential once theyre released. The company said it will also offer career and technical education through virtual reality headsets.

ViaPath maintains that its tablets are free for inmates to use and that it wont charge for the educational programming. Still, prison telecoms is a lucrative industry, with state and local governments signing multimillion dollar contracts for phone services, tablets and apps that inmates can use to call loved ones, stream music or read e-books  for a fee. Charges for those services can rack up quickly for incarcerated individuals who make just 25 cents an hour, if that, according to the Prison Policy Initiative.

After being incarcerated for 11 years in Florida, Ryan Moser knows the conveniences of prison tablets  and the shortcomings.

Theres a lot of advantages to the tablet. You can study whenever you want, said Moser, whos now a freelance journalist and communications consultant.

But using a tablet behind bars isnt like scrolling on an iPad at home, Moser said. The devices are generally charged or updated at a central kiosk inside the prison, and access can be inconsistent and unpredictable  and is ultimately up to correctional officers.

I remember it taking four days to get my tablet charged, Moser said. If you were a discipline problem or if you were someone that gave them an attitude, they might keep (your tablet) for a week, two weeks.

Keri Watson heads the Florida Prison Education Project at the University of Central Florida, which offers college-level courses inside prisons. She has questions about the delivery of virtual instruction behind bars but said shes heartened by efforts to improve access.

The more programs in as many modalities as possible, the better, Watson said.

Digital infrastructure has helped prisons continue offering programming at times when volunteers cant get inside, such as through the COVID-19 pandemic or during a security lockdown.

During the pandemic, Watson said her staff had to shift their in-person classes to virtual instruction through tablets provided by a different company. She said it was a difficult transition.

The technology was not there, she said. So until it can be more like the technology that can be offered to non-incarcerated students, Im not sure its feasible.

The devices functions are limited by design for security purposes. Lowden, the ViaPath official, told The Associated Press that the companys tablets will not carry notetaking apps due to security risks like inmates communicating covertly.

Still, advocates say inmates desperately need more access to education to prepare them for their release. According to the most recent annual report for Floridas state prison system, 1,339 inmates earned a GED in 2022, less than 2% of the states incarcerated population of more than 80,000 people.

While participation in educational programming remains optional, overall inmate participation in these programs continues to rise, the Florida Department of Corrections said in a statement to the AP. The Department has focused its resources on programming that addresses functional literacy and vocational training.

In his years as a GED tutor at a state prison near the Florida Everglades, Moser saw the impact that a basic education could have on his fellow inmates.

I remember seeing the looks on guys faces, Moser said. Getting into education and accomplishing something there was one of the proudest moments for some of these guys in their life.

Moser said the virtual high school diploma program could help meet the basic educational needs of inmates and let them sidestep waiting lists for in-person classes. But just like on the outside, he said theres no substitute for incarcerated students being able to sit in a real classroom and learn from a qualified teacher.

(AP)
Three U.S. citizens, including a Jewish man, have been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their involvement in a failed coup attempt earlier this year. The men were among 37 individuals sentenced by a military tribunal last week for their participation in the May 19 effort to overthrow the Congolese government.

The coup attempt, led by a Congolese political exile and long-time U.S. resident, ended in disaster when security forces foiled the plan, killing six people, including the ringleader. The attack was partially livestreamed before it was thwarted. Following the failed operation, Congolese forces captured the three Americans and dozens of others as they attempted to flee the presidential complex via the Congo River.

Among the Americans convicted is Binyamin Reuven Zalman-Polun, a native of the Washington, D.C. area and father of three. Zalman-Polun, who had previously been a member of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, a Reform synagogue in the U.S. capital, had relocated to South Africa with his family several years ago. He was reportedly a business associate of the coups leader.

The three men have testified that their statements were coerced under duress and without the presence of an interpreter during their interrogation. Despite their pleas, they now face the death penalty, which was reinstated in the DRC earlier this year.

The three U.S. citizens are expected to appeal their sentences this week.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY) is still waiting for a response from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding his inquiry into the ongoing suspension of flights to Israel by U.S. airlines. Molinaro, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, requested clarification from FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker on whether the agency had advised or encouraged airlines to halt flights to Israel. The congressman set a deadline of Sept. 6 but has yet to receive a reply.

With no answers and Jewish travelers left in limbo, theres a growing perception that the FAA and Department of Transportation are involved in anti-Israel politics. They fear this is a boycott, Molinaro said in a statement to Jewish Insider.

An FAA spokesperson responded to the inquiry, saying the agency would respond directly to the congressman.

Last month, Molinaro sent a letter to Whitaker asking for details on any official or unofficial communications between the FAA, U.S. airlines, and the International Civil Aviation Organization over the last two months. He also requested information on how the FAA ensures that political considerations do not influence its decision-making process.

Molinaro noted the frustration of his constituents, many of whom had flights to Tel Aviv canceled with no clear timeline for resumption. He highlighted that non-U.S. airlines continue to fly into Israel without issue, while American carriers remain grounded. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is considered one of the safest airports in the world, he added.

The congressman also pointed out that the FAAs last warning regarding Israeli airspace was issued in October 2023, following Hamas attack on Israel. Since then, there have been no new FAA advisories, yet U.S. airlines have maintained their suspension of flights, raising questions about the reasons behind the continued disruption.

The issue gained further attention after Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) sent a letter to the CEOs of American Airlines, Delta, and United, urging them to reconsider their flight suspensions to avoid discrimination against the Jewish State. Torres staff has reportedly been in contact with the airlines, but no official response has been provided.

The flight suspensions were extended after Iran launched missile attacks on Israel in April, which were intercepted by Israeli defense systems. American Airlines recently announced it would continue suspending flights to Israel until April 2025, while Delta has pushed its return to service until September 30, 2024. United Airlines has indefinitely suspended flights to Israel after a brief resumption earlier this year, leaving El Al as the only airline flying directly from the U.S. to Israel.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Jewish Harvard alumnus and lifelong Democrat, made headlines recently when he filed a lawsuit against Harvard University for what he described as rising antisemitism on campus, particularly following the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. In a surprising political turn, Kestenbaum delivered a passionate speech at a Trump rally held at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, where he addressed a packed crowd.

Kestenbaums appearance at the rally caught the attention of many, given his traditionally Democratic alignment. However, his involvement is a reflection of his growing concern over antisemitism and other issues affecting American Jews, which he feels are not being adequately addressed by current leaders in his party.

Following his speech, Kestenbaum shared his thoughts on the platform X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging his differences with the former president:

I disagree with President Trump on most issues. Yet, I agreed to speak at his rally tonight. Please watch, and share my speech with those who similarly find themselves politically homeless, to understand why. Certainly, political disagreement is vital for our democracy. I encourage all Americans, regardless of politics, to unite against the scourge of anti Americanism and antisemitism plaguing our institutions of higher learning. On the most important issues, I am in lockstep with President Trump. Reforming higher education, standing up for American Jews, and a strong foreign policy that deters terrorism.

Kestenbaums speech was met with applause and underscored the increasing concern among many American Jews regarding antisemitism on college campuses. His willingness to cross party lines speaks to a broader sense of frustration and political alienation, a sentiment shared by many who feel that their concerns are being overlooked by traditional political divides.

Earlier this year, Kestenbaum also made waves when he addressed the Republican National Convention in July. In his speech, he urged voters to elect a president who would confront terrorism and instill a sense of patriotism in schools, emphasizing the need for a stronger stance against antisemitism and terrorism. While Kestenbaum did not explicitly endorse a candidate at the time, his appearance hinted at his growing alignment with Republican values, especially on issues related to foreign policy and combating antisemitism.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Swedish authorities on Thursday charged a 52-year-old woman associated with the Islamic State group with genocide, crimes against humanity and serious war crimes against Yazidi women and children in Syria  the first such case on trial in the Scandinavian country.

Lina Laina Ishaq, whos a Swedish citizen, allegedly committed the crimes from August 2014 to December 2016, in the city of Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the militant groups self-proclaimed caliphate and home to about 300,000 people.

The crimes took place under IS rule in Raqqa, and this is the first time that IS attacks against the Yazidi minority have been tried in Sweden, senior prosecutor Reena Devgun said in a statement. The Yazidis are one of Iraqs oldest religious minorities.

Women, children and men were regarded as property and subjected to being traded as slaves, sexual slavery, forced labor, deprivation of liberty and extrajudicial executions, Devgun said. IS tried to annihilate the Yazidi ethnic group on an industrial scale.

In announcing the charges, Devgun told a news conference that the prosecutors were able to identify Ishaq through information from the U.N. team investigating atrocities in Iraq, known as UNITAD.

In a separate statement, the Stockholm District Court said the prosecution claims she detained a number of women and children of the Yazidi ethnic group in her residence in Raqqa, and allegedly exposed them to, among other things, severe suffering, torture or other inhumane treatment and also deprived them of fundamental rights for cultural, religious and gender reasons contrary to general international law.

According to the charge sheet, obtained by The Associated Press, Ishaq is suspected of holding nine people, including children, in her Raqqa home for up to seven months and treating them as slaves. She also abused several of those she held captive.

The charge sheet said that Ishaq, who denies wrongdoing, is accused of having molested a baby, said to have been 1 month old at the time, by holding a hand over the childs mouth when he screamed to silence him.

She is also suspected of having sold people to IS knowing they risked being killed or subjected to serious sexual abuse.

In short, her explanation is that she has never bought another person, that she has never owned or exercised any control over another person, and that she has never sold another person, Ishaqs lawyer Mikael Westerlund told Swedish news agency TT.

In 2014, IS militants stormed Yazidi towns and villages in Iraqs Sinjar region and abducted women and children. Women were forced into sexual slavery, and boys were taken to be indoctrinated in jihadi ideology.

The court said Ishaqs trial was to start Oct. 7 and last approximately two months. Large parts of the trial are to be held behind closed doors.

Ishaq was earlier convicted in Sweden and sentenced to three years in prison for taking her 2-year-old son to Syria in 2014, to an area then controlled by IS. She had claimed that at the time, she had told the childs father that she and the boy were only going on a holiday to Turkey. However, once in Turkey, the two crossed into Syria and into IS-run territory.

In 2017, when the Islamic States reign began to collapse, Ishaq fled from Raqqa and was captured by Syrian Kurdish troops. She managed to escape to Turkey where she was arrested with her son and two other children, she had given birth to in the meantime, with an IS foreign fighter from Tunisia.

She was extradited from Turkey to Sweden. During her first trial and conviction in 2021, Ishaq was not identified by name.

She had previously lived in the southern Swedish town of Landskrona.

(AP)
Air France announced on Monday that it will continue suspending flights between Paris and Tel Aviv until October 15, and between Paris and Beirut until October 26, citing ongoing security concerns in the area, according to a company spokesperson.

Netanyahus Address at the State Ceremony to Mark One Year since the October 7 Massacre

Following is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address at the state ceremony to mark one year since the October 7 massacre [translated from Hebrew]:

Citizens of Israel,

A year ago, on October 7th, we were all hurled into a critical battle.

That day, a Saturday, the Sabbath and the holiday of Simchat Torah, will be etched in the history of our nation as a day of grief and loss, of unimaginable agony.

On that day, the Hamas monsters attacked our communities, our brothers and sisters, who are so dear to our hearts.

They murdered and kidnapped babies and children, adults and old people. They tortured, maimed, raped, burned and destroyed.

The memory of our citizens who were killed in the terrorist attack, and the memory of all the fallen heroes from the IDF and security forces, will be cherished forever.

On October 7th, we were all hurled into a critical battle, but we were not defeated. On the contrary, it is we who are acting to defeat and deter our enemies.

And, as we have often experienced in our history, it is in dark moments such as these that we exude our great inner power.

We rallied together to defend our country, our homeland. We mustered immense mental strength. We outlined the goals of the war and we are achieving them: toppling the rule of Hamas; bringing all the hostages home, the living and the deceased alikethis is a sacred mission and we will not stop until we complete it; eliminating any future threat from Gaza to Israel; and returning the residents of the south and the north safely to their homes.

We are doing this with solidarity unlike anything among the nations. When put to the test we proved, once again, that we are the Eternal People. A people that fights to bring light to this world, that aspires to spread good and eradicate evil. A people that rises like a lion, leaps up like a lion.

Every time my wife and I meet with our soldiers, our wounded, with bereaved families, we hear the same message over and over again: we mustnt stop the war prematurely. As long as the enemy threatens our existence and the peace of our country, we will continue to fight. As long as our hostages are still in Gaza, we will continue to fight. We will not forsake any of them. I will not give up. As long as our citizens have not returned to their homes safely, we will continue to fight.

We will continue to fight, and unitedwe will win. And when we win, not only for our sake but for the sake of future generations and for all humanity, we will rebuild the Tekuma region even bigger. When we hold onto the roots, the tree of life will grow back

.

Laly Derai, the mother of Saadia, who fell in battle said: Shadow is not darkness. Shadow is a sign that there is light from behind. Even if a mountain of grief obscures the light, we must all, as a nation, climb the mountain, because the light exists. We must always aim up, towards the light.

Citizens of Israel, my dear brothers and sisters,

Victory is the light. Victory guarantees eternity.

October 7th will symbolize for generations the cost of our revival, and for generations it will demonstrate how determined we are and how strong our spirit is.

Together we will continue to fight. And together, with Gods help we will win.

Am Yisrael Chai!
Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani suffered a fate similar to thousands of Hezbollah terrorists on Tuesday: his pager exploded in his face as he was reading the latest message.

However, Amanis injuries held a certain significance that the others didnt  he was caught (literally) red-handed as being a member of a murderous terror group.

A member of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told the New York Times that Amani had taken out the pager to read the message when it exploded in his face. He lost one eye and the other eye was severely wounded. He also suffered hand injuries.

The report added that the IRGC sources said Amanis injuries are more severe than initially reported and he will be evacuated to Tehran for medical treatment.

Amani serves as a liaison between Tehran and Hezbollah and it is estimated that he even hosts Hezbollah meetings at the Iranian embassy.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF and Shin Bet revealed on Wednesday that former IDF Chief of Staff Bogie Yaalon was the intended target of the attempted bombing attack in Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv on Erev Rosh Hashanah 2023.

On September 15, 2023, there was an explosion of a device in Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, the Shin Bet and IDF said. There were no casualties. The investigation was assigned to the Central Unit of the Tel Aviv District and the Shin Bet. As part of the investigation, suspicions arose that the activation of the device was a terrorist attack attempt aimed at harming civilians who were in Yarkon Park at that time.

With the progress of the investigation, the investigators from the Central Unit and Shin Bet succeeded in identifying the network involved in planting the explosive device and arrested eight suspects. The understanding of the security officials was that the device was intended to harm a senior official.

The investigation, which included reviewing footage from cameras in the area around relevant individuals who frequented the attack site at that time, led to the conclusion that the target of the attack was the Chief of Staff and former Defense Minister  Moshe Bogie Yaalon.

Ynet reported that Yaalon took a morning run every day through the park. The detained suspects were Israeli-Arabs who were directed by a Hezbollah operative in Lebanon. Two suspects admitted to smuggling a bag containing numerous explosive devices, weapons and drugs, said Elazar Rozilio, an officer with Tel Avivs Central Investigations Unit. The investigation revealed other suspects who helped conceal the materials.

The suspects had installed a camera on the device to enable remote monitoring of motion through the park pathways. The device was activated on a person mistakenly identified as Moshe Yaalon but no one was harmed.

As stated, intensive investigative activity using technological means led to the resolution of the security incident and the arrest of eight suspects. The detention of the suspects was extended periodically and a comprehensive gag order was placed on the investigation. Today, the gag order was lifted and we can now publish the details of the investigation and the security incident.

On Tuesday, the Shin Bet announced that it thwarted another attempt by Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior security official. The identity of the official has not yet been revealed.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
A major theft occurred at an IDF infantry training base in the Negev region late last week, with 18 containers full of military equipment stolen, according to Israeli media reports. The stolen items include rifle ammunition, bulletproof vests, night-vision apparatus, and specialized gear used by elite units. The incident, which took place at Base 906one of three Negev bases of the School for Infantry Corps Professions and Squad Commandershas raised serious concerns, particularly given the ongoing war.

While theft from IDF bases has been a recurring problem, the scale of this recent incident is particularly alarming. Channel 14 described it as especially serious due to the amount of equipment taken during wartime.

Military Police, in coordination with the Israel Police, have launched an investigation, but no arrests have been made so far. According to Naomi Kahn, director of the International Division of Regavim, a think tank focused on land and security issues, Bedouin thieves are likely responsible. Past experience has taught us that there is no other direction to look in. Lets put it that way, Kahn told JNS.

For years, Regavim has been working to bring attention to the ongoing issue of theft from IDF bases. In some cases, trenches have even been built around bases to deter thieves. According to Kahn, entire military exercises have had to be canceled because Bedouin thieves were stealing not only spent ammunition but also metal targets, old vehicle frames, and other equipment. For a long time, a jurisdictional gap allowed thieves to operate with impunity, as IDF soldiers could not arrest civilians, and police were not permitted on military bases.

In response to the rampant thefts, the IDF and police formed a joint special unit in 2022 called Magen HaNegev (Negev Shield), which successfully confiscated 145 million shekels ($39 million) worth of military equipment and thwarted smuggling operations worth an additional 10 million shekels ($2.7 million). However, the unit was suspended when the war broke out on October 7, as its personnel were redeployed to other areas, leading to a resurgence in thefts.

Kahn emphasized the need to reinstate the Negev Shield unit, particularly in wartime, as weaponry is continuously cycled in and out of bases for repair and refitting. It made a serious dent in all of this activity, and then as soon as the Oct. 7 war broke out, the unit was essentially suspended, she explained, adding that the absence of the unit has allowed theft to return with a vengeance.

Kahn also called for greater accountability when thefts occur, a point echoed by Knesset member Yitzhak Kroizer of the Otzma Yehudit Party. Kroizer recently submitted a bill that would hold IDF commanders responsible if weapons were stolen from their bases, underscoring the seriousness of these security breaches. There has to be not only responsibility when theft happens, but authority to stop it because its a security threat. Every man, woman, and child is endangered by this kind of thing, Kahn warned.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Many Syrians rejoiced over the deaths and maiming of thousands of Hezbollah members in the Israeli exploding pagers operation.

Many Syrians detest Hezbollah and Iran since they support Syrian President Bashar Assad in maintaining his regime while committing massacres against civilians.

Were happy the Hezbollah pigs are paralyzed and have gone to hell, come on friends, enjoy, a young Syrian said as he distributed sweets in Idlib, a stronghold of the rebels. Many similar videos were shared online: The agents of the devil are dead.

There were also Syrians who expressed anger over the impotence of Arab states in the face of Israel, with an interesting reference to Netanyahu. A parody account in the name of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stated: Netanyahu is hitting Lebanon, Syria, and deep inside Iran, carrying out precise assassinations and complex infiltrations and yet you see the Israelis wiping the floor with him day and night. On the other hand, we, the leaders of the axis of deception are trampled and blown up day and night. We dare not respond, while we reserve the right to retaliate.

Another Twitter account celebrated the deaths of Hezbollah members but didnt forget to express joy over the deaths of Zionists as well: Is it allowed for our mothers and sisters in Aleppo, Idlib, or Daraa to rejoice and express happiness at the deaths of those who uprooted them and killed their children and brothers? Yes it is allowed. Its also permissible for our mothers and sisters in Gaza to revel in the death of any cursed Zionist even if their death was due to friendly fire or stones from the sky.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here on Wednesday to enhance bilateral economic and trade relations, said Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, the ministry said in a statement.

The MoU between the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) and Saint Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) aims to foster cooperation in economic and trade sectors.

During the event, Pakistan also announced its accession to a crucial regional agreement, the MoU on the Creation and Development of the International Transport Corridor, which links Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

The corridor is expected to enhance connectivity and trade flows across the region, said the foreign ministry.

Speaking at the event, Dar emphasized the significance of the agreements in strengthening Pakistan's economic ties with Russia and enhancing regional trade routes.

Overchuk stressed that the cooperation would pave the way for increased economic activities and mutual benefits for both countries.

Dar also held delegation-level talks with the Russian counterpart, where the two sides agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology, and education.

The two sides also agreed to continue coordination on multilateral forums, said the ministry. 
The U.N. General Assembly strongly supported a nonbinding Palestinian resolution Wednesday demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in Gaza and the West Bank within a year.

The vote in the 193-member world body was 124-14, with 43 abstentions. Among those in opposition was the United States, Israels closest ally.

The resolution was adopted as Israels war against Hamas in Gaza approaches its first anniversary and as violence in the West Bank reaches new highs. Troubled efforts to broker a cease-fire deal in Gaza and are pressing ahead, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting fellow mediators Wednesday in Egypt, even as attacks elsewhere in the region raise fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, called the vote a turning point in our struggle for freedom and justice.

It sends a clear message that Israels occupation must end as soon as possible and that the Palestinian peoples right to self-determination must be realized, he said.

Israels U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, slammed the vote as a shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authoritys diplomatic terrorism.

Instead of marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre by condemning Hamas and calling for the release of all 101 of the remaining hostages, the General Assembly continues to dance to the music of the Palestinian Authority, which backs the Hamas murderers, Danon said.

While the resolution is not legally binding, the extent of its support reflects world opinion. There are no vetoes in the General Assembly, unlike in the 15-member Security Council.

The resolution also demands the withdrawal of all Israeli forces and the evacuation of settlers from Palestinian territories without delay. And it urges countries to impose sanctions on those responsible for maintaining Israels presence in the territories and halt arms exports to Israel if theyre suspected of being used there.

In addition, the resolution calls for Israel to pay reparations to Palestinians for the damage caused by its presence and urges countries to take steps to prevent trade or investments that maintain Israels presence in the territories.

It comes in response to a ruling by the top United Nations court in July that said Israels presence in the Palestinian territories is unlawful and must end.

In the sweeping condemnation of Israels rule over the lands it captured during the 1967 war, the International Court of Justice said Israel had no right to sovereignty over the Palestinian territories and was violating international laws against acquiring the lands by force.

The courts opinion also is not legally binding. Nonetheless, the Palestinians drafted the resolution to try to implement the ruling.

The General Assemblys consideration of the resolution began Tuesday with Mansour stressing that any country that thinks the Palestinian people will accept a life of servitude  or that claims peace is possible without a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict  is not being realistic.

The solution remains an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, he said  which Israel has previously offered, and was rejected by the Palestinians.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas Greenfield told reporters Tuesday that the resolution has a significant number of flaws.

She said it goes beyond the ICJ ruling and doesnt recognize that Hamas is a terrorist organization in control of Gaza or that Israel has a right to defend itself, she said.

In our view, the resolution does not bring about tangible benefits across the board for the Palestinian people, Thomas-Greenfield said. I think it could complicate the situation on the ground, complicate what were trying to do to end the conflict, and I think it impedes reinvigorating steps toward a two-state solution.

The resolution asks U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to submit a report to the General Assembly within three months on putting the resolution in place, including any actions taken by Israel, other states and international organizations, including the United Nations.

We fully abide by the decisions of the International Court of Justice, Guterres told reporters. I will implement any decision of the General Assembly in that regard.

Mansour said most likely Israel wont pay attention to the resolution and that the Palestinians will then follow up with a stronger one.

(AP)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has come under fire for her criticism of Israels covert actions in Lebanon. In a post on X, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the explosion of devices allegedly detonated by the Mossad, which, according to her, caused significant civilian casualties. She asserted that the devices were detonated across a slew of public spaces, seriously injuring and killing innocent civilians.

AOC went further in her critique, claiming the attack clearly and unequivocally violates international humanitarian law and undermines US efforts to prevent a wider conflict. She called for accountability, requesting a full account of the attack, including an answer from the State Department as to whether any US assistance went into the development or deployment of this technology.

The congresswoman also shared a post from fellow progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, in which he announced the filing of Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to stop the sale of U.S. arms to Israel and end our complicity in this disaster.

AOC has conveniently ignored Hezbollahs indiscriminate firing of thousands of missiles and drones at northern Israeli communities, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents who are still displaced and living out of hotels. She has also completely ignored one specific missile attack which landed in the town of Majdal Shams, killing 12 Bedouin children. But when Israel blows up the devices of Hezbollah terrorists, she runs to condemn it as a war crime. Just in case you were wondering where her allegiances lie

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Sen. Bernie Sanders is preparing several resolutions that would stop more than $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel, a longshot effort ahead of the first year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.

In a letter to Senate colleagues on Wednesday, Sanders said the U.S. cannot be complicit in this humanitarian disaster. The action would force an eventual vote to block the arms sales to Israel, though majority passage is highly unlikely.

Much of this carnage in Gaza has been carried out with U.S.-provided military equipment, Sanders wrote.

While its doubtful the politically split Senate would pass the measures, the move is designed to send a message to Netanyahu that its war effort is eroding the U.S.s longtime bipartisan support for Israel. Sanders said he is working with other colleagues on the measures.

Sanders resolutions would halt sales of missile systems, tank rounds and other weaponry, some that has been singled out for causing some of the most severe destruction in Gaza, and new fighter jets. Congress had temporarily stalled some arms sales to Israel earlier this year, as lawmakers have tried to warn against the rising death toll.

Netanyahu was invited earlier this year to speak before the U.S. Congress, and he delivered a address that put the growing divide in the U.S. over his war effort on public display.

House Speaker Mike Johnson initiated the invitation to Netanyahu, but several Democrats boycotted the speech. Many top Democratic leaders spoke critically of the tone and content of Israeli prime ministers address to Congress.

Under the Senate rules, once Sanders introduces the resolutions next week, he can force a vote almost instantly for consideration. The measures are being proposed as a joint resolution of disapproval of the arms sales, which is a mechanism that allows congressional oversight of foreign affairs.

Sanders said he would have some backing for his proposal. But it is not expected to have support from a majority, 51 votes, in the Senate to pass.

In the House, blocking the Israeli arms sales would face even tougher odds, where Republicans hold the majority, and have largely sided with Netanyahus approach to the war with Hamas.

(AP)
Hezbollah fired two anti-tank missiles from Lebanon at the Upper Galil on Thursday morning, injuring eight Israelis, two seriously.

The victims, likely soldiers, were treated at the scene and evacuated to Rambam and Ziv Hospitals.

IDF forces responded with artillery fire at the source of the launches.

Overnight Wednesday, Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked Hezbollah terror sites in southern Lebanon.

On Wednesday, Hezbollah fired over 60 rockets at Tel Chai and the Chermon area. Baruch Hashem there were no injuries. Some rockets were intercepted but others fell, causing fires.

Following two consecutive days of Israeli-attributed explosions of Hezbollah walkie-talkies and beepers in Lebanon, Israel is preparing for a major escalation in the north.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Shin Bet on Thursday revealed that a Jewish-Israeli citizen was arrested in August 2024 for allegedly committing severe security offenses after being recruited by Iran to assassinate senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.

The suspect was twice smuggled into Iran and met with Iranian intelligence and security officials and received payments for carrying out missions.

The operation, carried out by the Shin Bet and the Lahav 443 unit of the Israel Police, revealed that the suspect, a 73-year-old businessman from Ashkelon named Moti Maman, had lived for an extended period in Turkey in the past and maintained business and social ties with Turks, some of Iranian descent.

Media reports said that the suspect was in debt for tens of thousands of shekels which led him to contact Turkish acquaintances in pursuit of business deals, a quest that ultimately led him to the agents who recruited him on behalf of Iran.

Army Radio reported that for several weeks, the suspect shuttled between Cyprus and Turkey, and at one point spent a few days with Turkish businessmen at a hotel near the Iranian border. During this time, in April 2024, an Iranian businessman spoke with him and tried to persuade him to trust him and come to Iran. In May, after being smuggled across the border from the eastern Turkish city of Van into Iran, he met with Iranian handlers at a luxurious villa and hotel close to the Turkish border.

During this meeting, the Iranian agents suggested various security missions within Israel for Iran, including transferring money or a gun to predetermined locations, photographing crowded places in the country and sending them to Iranian agents, and threatening Israeli Arabs operating in Israel on behalf of Iran who had not completed their missions. The Israeli suspect told the agents that he had connections in the underworld in Israel to convince them he could carry out the requested missions. He asked for a million dollars but the Iranians agreed to only $150,000. He agreed to look into the matter.

In August, the Israeli suspect entered Iran for the second time after being smuggled through the border crossing while hidden inside a truck. He met with additional Iranian intelligence operatives, one of whom spoke Hebrew, who asked him to carry out terrorist activities for Iran on Israeli soil, including carrying out assassination attempts against Netanyahu, Gallant, and Bar.

The suspect responded that these high-ranking officials are heavily protected and it would be difficult to harm them. The Iranian agents then asked him if he was familiar with the city of Raanana and suggested he target former prime minister Naftali Bennet with a bomb. They offered him $300,000-$400,000 for Bennetts assassination but he refused, saying he would do it only for a million dollars.

The next day, the Israeli suspect held another meeting with Iranian intelligence officials during which they reiterated their proposal to assassinate senior figures, discussed the possibility of him hiding funds in safe locations in Israel for others, and spoke about locating Russian and American figures to eliminate opponents of the Iranian regime in Europe and the US while recruiting a Mossad operative to become a double agent.

Other figures mentioned as possible targets for assassination included the mayors of Nahariya or Akko, as the accused claimed he lived in Nahariya (which was a lie).

The Iranian agents told the defendant: If you carry out the mission for us, youll prevent Iran from going to war against Israel as we will exact our revenge for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. The suspect again insisted on an advance of a million dollars but the Iranian agents refused his request and informed him they would contact him in the future. Before leaving Iran, he received 5,000 euros for his participation in the meetings.

A few days after the second meeting in Iran, the defendant flew from Turkey to Turkish Cyprus, then to Larnaca, and finally to Israel. As soon as he landed at Ben-Gurion Airport three weeks ago, he was arrested by the Shin Bet.

Channel 12 reported that in the course of his arrest, the defendant told the investigators: Its good you stopped me; I dont know where this could have led to. A source familiar with the details of the investigation said that throughout the interrogations, the defendant had opportunities to remain silent or deny the accusations but chose to make self-incriminating statements.

He tried to distance himself from any intent to follow through with the Iranians directives regarding an actual assassination but also told his interrogators: I dont know what would have happened or what I would have done if they had given me a million dollars; we are only human.

The State Prosecutors Office filed an indictment of severe security charges against the defendant at the Beer Sheva District Court on Thursday at 11 a.m. During the hearing, it was revealed that the suspect has a criminal record with five convictions for extortion, threats, and tax offenses. His lawyer said: His son serves in Gaza and another son in the north. Its possible that his actions were criminal and not security-related.

A senior official in the Shin Bet stated: This is a very serious affair that exemplifies the immense efforts of Iranian intelligence to recruit Israeli citizens for the advancement of terrorist activities in Israel. Security officials estimate that Iran will continue its efforts to recruit operatives in Israel for intelligence gathering and executing terrorist missions, including approaching individuals with criminal backgrounds to fulfill these tasks.

While Israel is at war on multiple fronts, an Israeli citizen has, on two separate occasions, traveled to an enemy state, met with Iranian intelligence agents, and expressed a willingness to carry out serious terrorist acts on Israeli soil. His actions have aided Iran and its intelligence apparatus in their campaign against Israel.

It is important to emphasize that cooperation between Israelis and Iranian agents during wartime constitutes a serious security offense, even if the motive for the contact is criminal or business-related.

The Shin Bet takes any interaction of Israelis with Iranian agents very seriously, asserting that the initial pretext of a business engagement or criminal platform does not lessen the severity of the actions and the inherent risks, not to mention collaborating with these entities.

The Shin Bet, in cooperation with Israel Police and other security bodies will continue its efforts to monitor and thwart Iranian activities aimed at recruiting and activating Israeli operatives  while ensuring that the offenders face justice.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Sources in Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus inner circle say that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has spoken to the prime minister privately in the past day and apologized for his past behavior, Israeli journalist Ben Caspit reported on Thursday morning.

According to the report, Gallant acknowledged some of his mistakes and suggested that he turn over a new leaf. Netanyahu reportedly just murmured and mumbled something in response.

The report comes after intense negotiations for Gideon Saar to imminently join the government and possibly replace Gallant as the defense minister. The negotiations came to an abrupt halt when the exploding pagers operation began in Lebanon.

Caspit wrote. Its not I think that there was a true reconciliation between Gallant and Netanyahu, but the extreme tensions in the north and the potential for escalation at any momenthave now reduced the stakes and urgency of the process.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Lebanese Health Ministry announced on Thursday afternoon that the death toll from the two days of exploding devices has risen to 37 and 2,931 wounded.

According to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad, 25 people were killed on Wednesday and 12 on Tuesday.

However, Israeli officials estimate that Hezbollah is hiding the true death toll from the explosions and its likely that dozens more were killed. Additionally, Ynet reported that officials believe that the elite Radwan Force suffered severe losses, including senior command members.

According to the report, the terrorists who were killed ranged in age from 16 to 54 and were from many regions of the country but mostly from the south. Other regions where operatives were killed include the Dahieh suburb of Beirut (a Hezbollah stronghold), the Bekaa Valley, and the Akkar region in the north.

The video below shows the plane on which 95 injured terrorists were flown from Lebanon to Iran for medical treatment:

Hezbollah has reported a total of 477 fatalities since the start of the war.



(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Israeli fighter jets were seen flying over Beirut while Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was delivering a speech, according to reports.

Lebanese state media indicated that the jets were causing sonic booms over the city.

Footage shared on social media captured the Israeli aircraft flying at low altitudes and releasing flares.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The IDF has announced that two Israeli soldiers were killed, and several others were injured in missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel today.

Major (res.) Nael Fwarsy, 43, from Maghar. and Sgt. Tomer Keren, 20, from Haifa.

Fwarsy lost his life, and another soldier sustained minor injuries when a Hezbollah-launched explosive-laden drone hit an area near Yaara in the Western Galilee.

Keren was killed, and eight other soldiers were injured, one critically, after two anti-tank missiles fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon struck a position at Ramim Ridge, located along the border in the Galilee Panhandle.
In a much-anticipated speech, arch terrorist Hassan Nasrallah accused Israel of being behind the deadly blasts targeting Hezbollah communications equipment, including pagers and radios, on Tuesday and Wednesday. He claimed that civilians were among the victims of these attacks.

Nasrallah described the incidents as a massacre, stating that they crossed all red lines and could be considered an act of war or even a declaration of war.

On Tuesday, Israel intended to kill 4,000 people in one minute by detonating the pagers. Many of them were civilians, the terror leader claims, even though the devices appear to have been distributed only to Hezbollah terrorists. The following day, 1,000 more in one minute. In two minutes, Israel intended to kill 5,000.

Despite acknowledging the severity of the explosions, calling them a severe and unprecedented blow, Nasrallah reassured his followers that the groups infrastructure remained intact. He added that Hezbollah was investigating the methods behind the attacks but issued a stern warning to Israel, promising just punishment where it expects it and where it does not.

Nasrallah also vowed that Hezbollah would continue its fight against Israel until the ongoing conflict in Gaza, now nearing 12 months, comes to an end. The Lebanese front will not stop until the aggression on Gaza stops, despite all this blood spilled, he declared.

In his speech, the arch terrorist also responded to Israeli officials promises to return displaced Israelis to their homes after the recent cross-border fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. You will not be able to return the people of the north to the north, Nasrallah warned, adding that no military escalation, no killings, no assassinations and no all-out war can return residents to the border.

Concluding his address, Nasrallah expressed hope that Israeli soldiers would enter southern Lebanon, stating that such a move would present a historic opportunity for Hezbollah.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Tbilisi - Kesaria Abramidze, a well-known transgender activist, has been found dead in her home in Tbilisi. The incident, which has shocked the local community, is currently under investigation by authorities. Initial reports indicate that the crime occurred in Abramidze's residence, with law enforcement agencies actively conducting on-site investigations.The Georgian police have launched a criminal case under Article 108 of the Criminal Code, which addresses premeditated murder. Kesaria Abramidze, who was 37 years old at the time of her death, was a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community and openly identified as transgender.The investigation into the case as the community is anxiously awaiting more information regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.This case has already sparked conversations about safety and the vulnerability of marginalized groups in Georgia, with many calling for a thorough investigation and justice.Tbilisi - Michael Roth, Chair of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, has publicly praised Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili following their meeting. Roth took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his thoughts, stating: "If you are looking for a brave politician, you will find her in Georgia! Thank you for the intensive conversation, Madam President."He emphasized Zourabichvili's role as a "guarantor of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future" and her resilience in standing up to authoritarianism, calling her a "true heroine." Roth's remarks have resonated with supporters of Zourabichvili, reinforcing her image as a leader committed to strengthening Georgia's Western alliances.Roth highlighted Zourabichvili's key role in navigating Georgia's political landscape amidst challenges from authoritarian forces.Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of the Lelo for Georgia coalition, has stated that consultations with former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia are ongoing. Speaking to journalists after their meeting, Khazaradze emphasized that he will not make any independent moves without reaching an agreement with Gakharia.Khazaradze revealed that Gakharia has been offered entry into the coalition as an "equal partner.""No one is against cooperation. We have offered Mr. Giorgi Gakharia to join this coalition as an equal partner. I can't go into further details because these are our private negotiations. Equal partnership means equal rights and responsibilities," Khazaradze said.He further mentioned that consultations will continue and thanked Gakharia for his constructive approach."What I want is to show citizens before the elections what the coalition looks like and the weight and importance of each member within is not the most important thing," Khazaradze added.The discussions remain ongoing as the leaders work toward forming a cohesive coalition ahead of the upcoming elections.
Injured Israeli soldiers are transfered to a helicopter near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement.

Nael Fwarsy, a 43-year-old company commander, was killed by a drone launched by Hezbollah toward the community of Ya'ara in the Upper Galilee region.

Tomer Keren, a 20-year-old soldier with the Golani Brigade, was killed by an anti-tank missile near the border. Another Golani soldier was severely injured in the incident and evacuated to a hospital.

Fire and rescue services were working to extinguish a fire following the attacks.

Israeli forces fired artillery at what they said was the source of the drone attacks and later launched a wave of airstrikes in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah positions "to degrade" their capabilities and infrastructure.

The incidents took place amid a sharp escalation following two explosions involving thousands of booby-trapped handheld pagers and radios, resulting in 37 deaths and approximately 3,000 injuries in Lebanon. Hezbollah has attributed these attacks to Israel. 

An Israeli helicopter carrying injured soldiers leaves for a hospital near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

An Israeli helicopter carrying injured soldiers is seen near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Injured Israeli soldiers are transfered to a helicopter near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Injured Israeli soldiers are transfered to a helicopter near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

An Israeli helicopter carrying injured soldiers is seen near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Injured Israeli soldiers are transfered to a helicopter near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

An Israeli helicopter carrying injured soldiers is seen near the Israeli northern border with Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in cross-border drone and missile attacks carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows a car damaged in a rocket attack in northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah launched drone and missile strikes into northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and severe injuries to another. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows an empty street in northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah launched drone and missile strikes into northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and severe injuries to another. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows a house damaged in a rocket attack in northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah launched drone and missile strikes into northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and severe injuries to another. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows an empty street in northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah launched drone and missile strikes into northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and severe injuries to another. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows the site of a rocket attack in northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah launched drone and missile strikes into northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and severe injuries to another. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)
Americans love their Star-Spangled Banner, the French are obsessed with national pride but we Brits have a problem with patriotism. A recent poll showed that only 20 per cent of us feel really proud of our country, with numbers falling even further among the young.

Reluctance to recognise our strengths has extended to the UK stock market. Prices are cheap, yet many savers continue to put their money elsewhere, while pension funds allocate less than 5 per cent of their cash to home-grown stocks.

A quick glance at valuations highlights the chasm between here and the US. Financial professionals pore over data showing how much investors are prepared to pay for stocks in different parts of the globe but, in a nutshell, US stocks are dear and ours are cheap. American markets have defied gravity in recent years, sent skywards by the so-called Magnificent Seven - Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Facebooks Meta, Googles Alphabet, AI specialist Nvidia and Elon Musks baby, Tesla.

Now, however, sentiment may be shifting. US technology stocks are wobbling and forward-thinking investors are beginning to appreciate what UK markets have to offer.

The FTSE All Share index - which covers more than 600 London-listed stocks - is trading at an all-time high. Its better-known cousin, the FTSE 100, comprising Britains biggest listed firms, has also been scaling new heights this year.

Their steady growth reflects a growing belief in the power of UK plc, led by a cadre of top businesses whose innovation and drive are increasingly recognised here and overseas.

On drugs

Drugs giant AstraZeneca tops the list. Now the largest company on the London market, AstraZeneca is valued at almost 200billion, with each share changing hands at more than 120.

Formed 25 years ago from the merger of Swedish Astra with UK firm Zeneca, the company has come into its own under chief executive Pascal Soriot. When Soriot took the helm in 2012, AstraZeneca shares were 30. Two drugs accounted for around a third of sales and patents were soon to expire. Sensing the firms vulnerability, US rival Pfizer pounced with a 55-a-share bid. The approach was rebuffed but many shareholders were unhappy, worried that Soriot would be unable to go it alone.

They were wrong. The stock has soared since then and Soriot hopes almost to double sales from $45billion (35billion) last year to $80billion (60billion) by 2030. This ambition is fuelled by a pipeline of treatments for conditions from obesity to prostate cancer, buttressed by robust demand for existing medicines, including diabetic pill Farxiga, which single-handedly generated revenues of almost $6billion last year.

Creating new drugs is not easy, however and stock market reaction can be punitive when trials go awry. Disappointing results for a potential lung cancer medicine proved the point this month, sending AstraZeneca shares down more than 6 per cent in a matter of days. The stock could rebound, if Soriot achieves his stretching targets. But there are almost certainly bigger bargains to be had on the UK market.

Rolling up

Rolls-Royce is a very different beast but its shares are also around an all-time high. following a turbocharged reboot under chair Dame Anita Frew and chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic.

Not to be confused with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, owned by BMW, Rolls-Royce plc is an engineering group, specialising in aeroplane engines, military defence and energy. Customers span the world but the group went through a long period of underperformance and, when Erginbilgic joined in January 2023, the shares were less than 1. Having described the business as a burning platform in need of radical surgery, Erginbilgic embarked on an energetic programme to put Rolls back on track.

Rolls-Royce is a very different beast but its shares are also around an all-time high. following a turbocharged reboot under chair Dame Anita Frew and chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic

The shares have soared to close to 5 and there are high hopes for the future. The group expects to deliver profits of more than 2.1billion this year, a fourfold increase in just two years. There are even plans to reinstate dividends, which were flat for years and suspended entirely in 2020.

The question now is whether there is still more mileage in the stock. Erginbilgic has plenty more to deliver over the next two to three years and his turnaround programme has been given extra ballast by a rebound in the travel business, as Rolls-Royce makes and maintains engines for long-haul planes. Its lucrative work but highly complex and slip-ups can arise. Earlier this month, a part failed on a Cathay Pacific flight, prompting the airline to call for replacements, with Singapore Airlines adding that it was inspecting planes as a precaution. Rolls shares fell on the news, then recovered but the incident underlined the challenges that Erginbilgic faces. If he achieves his aims, the shares should deliver further gains. Any further problems and the stock could suffer.

Drugs and engines can be risky but several other UK stalwarts are at all-time highs, including retailer Next, online car dealer Auto Trader and Haleon, which makes healthcare products from Sensodyne toothpaste to Day Nurse.

Still in fashion

A Next model. The group has outpaced trendier competitors and managed to hold its own in the fickle world of fashion

Next is an extraordinary business. Under long-standing boss Simon Wolfson, the retailer has consistently delivered the goods, keeping customers happy, staying ahead of trends and driving profits higher. When Wolfson took the top job in 2001, the shares were around 8. Today, they are close to 105 each. Resolutely middle-of-the-road, the group has outpaced trendier competitors and managed to hold its own in the fickle world of fashion. Constant investment in e-commerce has certainly helped, making Next one of the UKs biggest online retailers. With strong half-year results expected this month - and more to follow in 2025 - Next shares should continue to deliver long-term, steady growth.

The open road

Auto Trader dominates the online car market. Ten times larger than its nearest competitor, the company can trace its roots back to 1973 but joined the stock market in 2015 at 2.35 a share. Today, the price tops 8.80 and several City analysts believe it has further to go.

Last year alone, Auto Trader sold more than seven million used cars and another two million new ones, despite challenges in both sectors. Longer-term, chief executive Nathan Coe is confident of further growth, as the company broadens its range, invests in technology and expands its customer base.

Gains not pains

Haleon is something of a stock market newcomer. Spun out of drugs group GSK in July 2022, the firm caters for everyday healthcare needs and its brands are among the best known in the world. Voltarol for back pain, Panadol for headaches, Tums for indigestion and a whole suite of vitamins and supplements that cater to the wellbeing movement.

Priced at 3.30 when they split from GSK, Haleon shares had a rocky market debut but have been storming ahead over the summer to almost 4, spurred by an upbeat statement from boss Brian McNamara last month, decent dividends and growing confidence among investors about future growth. There have been worries that consumers will try to save their pennies by trading down from top brands to cheaper alternatives, but Haleon is proving its resilience and benefits from a worldwide presence across more than 100 countries. Huge sums are spent on research each year as well, to ensure the groups top-selling products deserve their premium pricing.

Data and defence

LSEG, formerly known as the London Stock Exchange, is another UK winner. Once focused on listing UK stocks, the firm has been transformed into a global provider of data and infrastructure to the financial services industry.

The shares have delivered huge gains along the way, soaring from 3 to more than 100 in the past 20 years. Many investors associate LSEG with the Stock Exchange, which has suffered from a dearth of new companies listing in London. LSEGs business stretches far beyond the London market however and today, the company has more than 40,000 customers in 70 countries. While the shares may be out of reach for many investors, LSEG is banging the drum for Britain and highlights the way that a firm can adapt, evolve and reinvent itself to keep ahead in a fast-moving world.

An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon made by BAE Systems. The group's shares have long-term appeal

BAE Systems is also making waves across the globe, proving its mettle as a top producer of defence equipment and vehicles, designed to keep soldiers and citizens safe. Russias invasion of Ukraine put defence in the spotlight, forcing the UK and other governments to reassess their priorities. Middle East tension and Chinese muscle-flexing have underlined the need to spend big on defence and orders at BAE are soaring. The British Armed Forces are a major customer but the groups sophisticated kit has gained international renown and the shares have gone from strength to strength.

At 3.89 during the pandemic, they have soared to more than 13. Future growth will almost certainly be more muted but, in a dangerous world, BAE shares have long-term appeal.

Household favourites

Back in consumer land, Tesco and Marks & Spencer have not yet breached their all-time highs but they are heading in the right direction. Both have battled with increased competition, changing consumer habits and tough economic conditions. They have lost their way at various times but staged a strong recovery over the past two years. Tesco shares are up nearly 80 per cent to 3.73. M&S has more than tripled to 3.66 since 2022. Both have benefited from keen-eyed bosses who have focused on working out what the customer wants and striving to provide it, both in store and online. Recent results have been encouraging but there should be more to come. Tesco is the largest UK grocer by a long way and M&S is a household name, still beloved by millions here and overseas.

Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods is about as British as it is possible to be. Exceedingly good cakes aside, the groups brands include Ambrosia, Bisto and Angel Delight, Batchelors soups and Sharwoods sauces. Once a solid and reliable business, Premier came a cropper when it bought Hovis-maker RHM for 2billion back in 2006, a disastrous deal which sent the shares plunging.

Recovery has been steered by food industry veteran Alex Whitehouse, on whose watch profits have tripled and the group has showed it can move with the times, acquiring Indian food specialist the Spice Tailor and launching plant-based division Plantastic.

Dividends have been reintroduced, recent updates have been encouraging and the shares have soared from 24p in 2020 to 1.83. with more upside likely over the next few years.

A good yarn

Bloomsbury is another great British winner, whose long-standing boss regularly exceeds expectations. Nigel Newton co-founded the publisher in 1986 and remains in situ to this day. Most chief executives last less than five years but no one is complaining about Newton, whose team has an enviable track record for best-sellers. While Harry Potter is Bloomsburys best-known find, the group has numerous money-spinners in its stable, from Paul Hollywoods Bake to romantic fantasist Sarah J Maas, beloved by the Tik Tok generation. The demise of reading for pleasure has long been predicted but book sales soared during the pandemic and interest persists. Newton has added online academic publishing to the business, as well, broadening its appeal here and abroad.

Even as the FTSE All Share has been forging ahead, its junior cousin, Aim, continues to struggle. The Aim index has slumped more than 40 per cent in the past three years, hit by slowing economic growth and a frustrating lack of investor interest in smaller companies. There are some spectacular outliers however, led by small business energy supplier Yu Group and sophisticated communications firm Filtronic, once dismissed as a basket case. Both firms have risen more than seven-fold since 2021 and remain committed to delivering growth.

Stock market winners come in all shapes and sizes but they share certain key features. Led by shrewd bosses, they retain an eagle-eyed focus on customers, a close grip on the financials and a determination to keep abreast and, ideally, ahead of the times. Many UK firms display all these characteristics and more. As they attract the attention they deserve, our markets should start to recover from years of neglect. About time too.
Stepping down: Campari boss Matteo Fantacchiotti had less than six months in the job

The boss of drinks giant Campari has stepped down after less than six months in the job.

In an unexpected announcement, the company said Matteo Fantacchiotti has resigned with immediate effect. The news sent Campari shares down 7.5 per cent on the stock market in Milan  taking losses this year to more than 30 per cent.

The Italian spirits group, where Hollywood actress Kate Hudson fronts its BitterSweet ad campaign, cited personal reasons for Fantacchiottis exit.

Fantacchiotti joined Campari in 2020, previously acting as managing director of its Asia Pacific division before taking over from long-term chief executive Bob Kunze-Concewitz in April this year.

He said: It has been a privilege for me to be part of the Campari Group for almost five years and to lead this organisation.

I express the deepest gratitude to all stakeholders.
The first thing you notice is not the smell, but the sign. 'Bramley Open for Business' it tells drivers on the busy A-road approaching the picturesque village deep in the Surrey stockbroker belt.

That optimistic billboard gives no clue as to the way villagers' lives have been blighted by a devastating fuel leak at the local petrol station.

The misery inflicted on Bramley, where the air is often thick with petrol fumes, serves as a parable of modern Britain.

It is a sadly all-too-familiar tale of warnings ignored, bureaucratic buck-passing and compensation delayed.

Leak: The petrol station in Bramley, Surrey, that has contaminated the village's water supply and even cut off its broadband

As three of the UK's biggest companies fail to sort out the spillage, residents suffer. One, supermarket Asda, is in crisis after falling into private equity hands.

Another, Thames Water, is teetering on the brink of collapse after being gouged of billions in dividends by foreign owners.

A third, BT-owned Openreach, has attracted the ire of residents, as hundreds are left without broadband or phone lines.

On the door of an abandoned greengrocer is a letter from former owner Phil Cowey. He recently shut up shop and emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Abby and their children, Milo, 7, and Eliza, 4.

His business, Bramley's Apples, had been struggling for a while. But the final straw came with the endless disruption and traffic jams that have wreaked havoc in Bramley since the leak was confirmed.

'Every day that there are roadworks costs me a fair bit of money in terms of lost trade,' says Cowey in his letter.

No longer able to afford staff, he upped his hours to 80 a week  to no avail. So in July, Cowey quit with a heavy heart, taking his family with him to the other side of the world to start a new life.

The Coweys are among the biggest casualties of a leak that left more than 600 households without tap water for five weeks this summer after Thames Water issued a 'do not drink' notice as supplies were contaminated with petrol.

It meant they could not use tap water for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth, but could for showers, baths and handwashing.

Schools were also affected, including fee-paying St Catherine's, whose patron is Queen Camilla, and where water restrictions were only lifted days before the new term started this month.

Anger: Councillor Jane Austin says residents and businesses have been fobbed off

The Asda petrol station recently reopened having being closed since February, when it was identified as the source of a long-standing leak that saw thousands of litres of petrol seep out of a fractured pipe into surrounding ground.

Residents had been complaining for years about toxic fumes and foul smells in roads near the forecourt and in the Jolly Farmer pub nearby, but no action was taken.

'We were fobbed off,' says local councillor Jane Austin.

Heavy rain caused the fuel to spread into the water system, phone and broadband ducts, and the local stream, where villagers found dead fish floating on top of an oily surface sheen.

'You had to wear a mask and open all the windows and doors,' recalls Chris Hardstone, landlord of the Jolly Farmer. 'It got to the stage where we had to close all our accommodation down.'

Even after partially re-opening, Hardstone says the stench was so bad that contractors hired for the clean-up had to move out of his rooms, costing him 10,000.

'It's been a nightmare for everyone,' adds Austin, who is also advisor for local MP and former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

The leak was plugged in February but experts say there may be 2,000 of litres of petrol still in the ground and it could take another year or more to sort out the mess.

Villagers say insult has been added to injury by the lack of a joined-up response and paltry compensation offers.

'The deep frustration now is we're not being given details about how much petrol is in the ground, how much has escaped off the site and where it's gone to,' says Helen Melia, of the Bramley Residents Action Group. 'We need a co-ordinated plan for how Bramley is going to be cleaned up.'

'Everyone is back-covering,' adds Austin. 'Nobody puts anything in writing because they're afraid of being sued. It's this lack of people taking responsibility for their own piece of work.'

Stink: The Jolly Farmer pub has been plagued by toxic fumes and foul smells. Villagers say insult was added to injury by the lack of a joined-up response and paltry compensation offers

The petrol station is one of 132 sites Asda bought in 2022 from the Co-op for 600million. But experts say the cause of the leak goes back to 2016 when the petrol station was run by an independent operator.

Asda accepts that as the current owner it is liable for compensating households and local businesses affected by the leak. It has set up a business support scheme promising uncapped payouts if claims being assessed by loss adjuster Sedgwick are successful. However, no payment has yet been made.

The supermarket chain, which is owned by the private equity firm TDR Capital and which was  until this week  run by petrol forecourt tycoon Mohsin Issa, has also promised a 50,000 fund for community projects and local organisations.

Asda has hired environmental consultancy EPS to monitor the area and lead the clean-up operation. But an opening offer of a 25 voucher to villagers  to be used at its local petrol station  was dismissed as 'derisory' by Melia at the Bramley Resident Action Group.

Asda's chairman, Stuart Rose, who it was revealed yesterday is taking over from Mohsin Issa, told a residents' meeting in the village there would be 'no quick fix'.

Thames Water has also come under fire for crediting customers only 30 after issuing the 'do not drink' notice. Melia says the company was 'clearly aware' in October 2023 that the main water pipes in Bramley had become contaminated but did not act soon enough.

In reply, Thames Water said that under its customer service guarantee no further compensation was due as the outage at the 621 properties was planned and water was still being supplied. Melia called that response 'astonishing'.

New barrier pipes across Bramley had been laid and Thames Water had carried out 'an extensive sampling programme', a spokeswoman added.

Villagers' anger has recently switched to Openreach, the BT-owned provider of the broadband infrastructure to Bramley.

Hundreds of people are still without internet or phone lines months after fuel seeped into Openreach's ducts and cables. Openreach says it is still seeing 'significant spikes' in vapour levels and it could take 'at least 12 months' to make its underground network 'fully safe'. A spokesperson added: 'This is a complex, unprecedented incident.'

But Melia, who is still making tea with bottled water, warns: 'What's happened in Bramley could happen anywhere in the country where there's a petrol station.'

It is now up to Rose to sort out the mess. As if he didn't have enough on his plate.
Fears over the future of British Steel are mounting after the Chinese-owned company revealed that losses had spiralled to more than 400million.

In just the latest blow to the UK steel industry, the firm said losses rose eightfold in 2022, from 49.5million to 408.4million.

The figures came as the firm, Britains second biggest steelmaker, scrambles to secure a taxpayer-funded rescue deal.

Investment: British Steel is seeking state funding to replace its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe (pictured) with electric arc furnaces

Rival Tata Steel last week announced nearly 3,000 job losses, as the sector struggles to move to green steelmaking.

British Steel is seeking state funding to replace its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe with electric arc ones.

A similar deal between Labour and Tata Steel, which owns Britains largest steelworks at Port Talbot in South Wales, was signed last week.

The Government has agreed to pay 500million towards the electric arc furnace, with Tata Steel investing an additional 750million, in a push towards net zero carbon emission.

But the deal, first agreed by the Conservatives, will see at least 2,800 workers lose their jobs.

Talks between Ministers and British Steel, owned by Chinas Jingye, are ongoing.

It is feared Jingye will reveal the closure of Scunthorpes two blast furnaces this month, though it said yesterday no decision had been made.

Closure would put more than half its 4,500 workers at risk of redundancy and leave the UK unable to make steel from scratch for the first time since the Industrial Revolution.

A British Steel spokesman said: While weve invested more than 1billion to maintain our ageing blast furnaces, this is not financially or environmentally sustainable.

Were in ongoing discussions with the Government to explore potential support for our decarbonisation programme and future operations of our business.

British Steel is now losing more than 1million a day. Its losses included an impairment charge of 202.9million, which it said reflected a deteriorating outlook for the blast furnace operations at Scunthorpe.

The firm said losses continued into 2023 and 2024, and it might require more financial support from Jingye.

Its parent company handed it 100million in equity in October last year, accounts show. But its commitment to provide further support is not legally binding.

About 33,700 people work in the UKs steel sector, which makes more than 5m tons of steel a year, but it faces competition from cheap imports, particularly from China.
Close Brothers has sold its wealth management business in a 200million deal as it again flagged uncertainty over a potential financial hit from a review into the motor finance sector.

The group has been bolstering its balance sheet amid a regulatory probe into the historical sale of loans by UK motor finance companies, following a surge of complaints from consumers who had their compensation claims rejected.

Many analysts predict the investigation could lead to another PPI-style scandal, with banks, building societies, and credit providers paying out billions in damages.

RBC believes the industry could owe between 6billion and 16billion in reimbursing customers, while Jefferies thinks it could be 13billion.

Investigation: The Financial Conduct Authority launched a probe into the historical sale of loans by UK motor finance companies earlier this year

Close Brothers, which was forced to forgo dividends this year, said the FCA review has 'introduced significant uncertainty,' partly because the 'timing, scope and quantum of any potential financial impact on the group cannot be reliably estimated at present.'

Consequently, the merchant banking business has put a greater focus on enhancing its capital position.

It has suspended dividend payments since February and grown its loan book more selectively by 'optimising' its risk-weighted assets.

The London-listed company also announced an agreement on Thursday to sell Close Brothers Asset Management to Oaktree Capital Management for up to 200million following a strategic review.

Close Brothers intends to hold onto upfront cash proceeds worth about 172million from the deal, which it said will bolster its capital base and 'improve its position to navigate the current uncertain environment'.

Mike Biggs, chairman of Close Brothers, said the disposal 'represents competitive value for our shareholders, allowing us to simplify the group and focus on our core lending business'.

Close Brothers made the announcement alongside the publication of its full-year results, which showed the company's adjusted operating profits rose by half to 170million in the year ending July.

Earnings were primarily boosted by the non-recurrence of major impairment charges related to its specialist lender, Novitas.

Combined with modest income growth, this more than offset a 10 per cent bump in operating expenses caused by higher employee costs and continued investment in its banking operation.

Adrian Sainsbury, chief executive of Close Brothers, said: 'We continue to be encouraged by the strength of demand in our banking business and see good growth prospects for the group.'

Sainsbury began taking a leave of absence from the company for medical reasons on Monday, with Close Brothers' finance director, Mike Morgan, assuming his responsibilities in the meantime.

Close Brothers Group shares rose 3.7 per cent to 547p on Thursday morning, making them one of the FTSE 250 Index's top risers.
People visit a photo show during the 24th Pingyao International Photography Festival in Pingyao County, north China's Shanxi Province, on Sept. 19, 2024. The 24th Pingyao International Photography Festival kicked off on Thursday in Pingyao, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in north China's Shanxi Province, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture. The five-day event has attracted over 3,000 photographers from China, with more than 20,000 works on display, according to the organizers. The exhibition also received 1,810 works from 246 international photographers across 30 countries and regions, and saw participation from 118 educational institutions, including 10 from overseas. (Xinhua/Chen Zhihao)

TAIYUAN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 24th Pingyao International Photography Festival kicked off on Thursday in Pingyao, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in north China's Shanxi Province, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture.

The five-day event has attracted over 3,000 photographers from China, with more than 20,000 works on display, according to the organizers.

The exhibition also received 1,810 works from 246 international photographers across 30 countries and regions, and saw participation from 118 educational institutions, including 10 from overseas.

Renowned photographers and curators from Russia, the United States, Hungary and Britain have been invited to participate in the international exhibition sector.

Over the past 24 years, the Pingyao International Photography Festival has attracted over 300,000 photography works from more than 100 countries and regions, drawing millions of visitors from both home and abroad to Pingyao. 
YEREVAN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Armenia will not miss the chance to join the EU, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Wednesday at the Global Armenian Summit.

"This is not a unilateral or even bilateral action," Pashinyan said. "We must be careful in addressing this issue to avoid disappointing our people."

Pashinyan depicted democracy as a cornerstone of Armenia's strategy to deepen ties with the EU, the United States, and other Western allies. Yet, he said that Armenia should not frame its democratic values in opposition to its regional diplomacy.

"Our actions toward the EU must be transparent, as should the intentions of our European partners," Pashinyan said. "If a tangible opportunity to join the EU arises and we can manage the associated risks, we will definitely seize it." 
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with with a delegation led by Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the Republic of Korea (ROK)-China Parliamentarians' Union in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with a delegation led by Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the Republic of Korea (ROK)-China Parliamentarians' Union, on Thursday in Beijing.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that the sound and steady development of the relations between China and ROK serves the common interests of both countries and is conducive to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Zhao said the two sides should adhere to good neighborliness and friendship, follow the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and push for sound and steady development of China-ROK relations.

He called on the two sides to strengthen mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, jointly maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, promote people-to-people exchanges, carry out more activities conducive to enhancing friendship between the two countries, and lay public support for the long-term development of China-ROK relations.

"The NPC of China is willing to continue to carry out various forms of dialogue and exchanges with the ROK National Assembly to promote the development of bilateral relations," Zhao said.

Kim said that the ROK side attaches great importance to developing ROK-China relations and congratulates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NPC in China.

The ROK-China Parliamentarians' Union is willing to contribute positively to promoting the development of ROK-China relations, strengthening exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, Kim said. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with with a delegation led by Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the Republic of Korea (ROK)-China Parliamentarians' Union in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
Pakistani trader Hafiz Abubakr shares his experience in doing business with Chinese sales persons at the invitation of Omaska, a company in Baigou new area, north China's Hebei Province on Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Meiqi)

SHIJIAZHUANG, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Despite the sluggish global economy, the Baigou new area in north China's Hebei Province has been enjoying a steady increase in exports.

Baigou is one of China's largest bag production and marketing bases, accounting for about 28 percent of the country's domestic market. Selling products to 195 countries and regions in the world, the small town is particularly popular among traders from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, some of whom gather here all year round.

On a random morning recently, three different groups of foreign traders from Europe and the Middle East were seen in the lobby of a local hotel.

Among them was Hafiz Abubakr, a Pakistani businessman who now lives in London. "I spent more than 60,000 U.S. dollars in just five days," he said.

This was his first time in China, and he planned to make a "big investment" to sell wheeled luggage to the United Kingdom.

"This customer started to get in touch with us through Alibaba livestream," said Nancy Zhang, a salesperson with Omaska, one of the two local companies that Abubakr signed contracts with. "It's not our biggest order. Two months ago, an Indian buyer ordered 10 containers of products."

She added that the total sales of her company this year are expected to exceed 200 million yuan (28.18 million U.S. dollars), more than 30 percent higher than last year, and the majority of sales are from foreign trade orders.

With an area of only 50 square kilometers, Baigou has formed an industrial cluster that provides jobs for more than two million people nearby. Every year, over 800 million bags and cases are sold to the world from this small town.

Despite the global economic slowdown, Baigou's total export figure for bags and cases in the first half of 2024 was 7 billion yuan, up over 17 percent year on year. Such figures have caused many to ponder the secret to the town's success.

Baigou's bag industry began in the 1970s when people sold hand-made bags, along with toys and groceries, at fair stalls by the roadside. Over two decades, producers here tried to achieve mass sales by setting prices low. However, this path of development was unhealthy for the industry.

"Since we didn't attach much importance to branding and quality back then, it was difficult for small factories like us to make a profit as sales declined," said Wang Jinlong, founder of a leatherware company.

Things started to change in 2003. Over a period of five years, businesses in Baigou registered more than 1,400 brands. By building brands, this small town's influence in the bag market grew. With a household population of just 60,000, Baigou has formed a complete industrial chain for bag production, including raw-material supply, product design, manufacturing and sales.

In recent years, live-streaming commerce has grown rapidly in Baigou. Now nearly 10,000 live shopping events are held here every day, introducing products to customers from home and abroad through more than 20 languages.

The total output value of Baigou's bags and cases increased from about 10 billion yuan in 2020 to 41.9 billion yuan in 2023, over 70 percent of which was achieved through online sales.

At a cross-border e-commerce enterprise in Baigou, workers are packing goods, analyzing customer preferences, and adding women's bags to online shops accordingly. This company sells products to nearly 50 countries around the world through about a dozen international platforms, such as Shein, Amazon and Shopee.

"It's easier to peak online sales by providing quality goods that match the preferences of foreign buyers and the selling styles of international platforms," said the company's owner Wang Lei, who is also executive vice president of the E-commerce Association of Baigou new area.

He noted that Baigou is also making efforts to build cross-border e-commerce industrial parks, as well as developing a professional team of live-streamers through training courses and competitions.

According to Wang Weinan, director of Baigou's bureau of investment promotion, led by the local government, a group of young Chinese entrepreneurs visited bag companies in seven countries last year to gain experience and seek larger overseas markets.

"We'll set off again immediately. We are heading to Japan and the Republic of Korea in September, and Indonesia and Malaysia in October," he added.

Along with other 38 marketplaces, Baigou's bag market is part of China's market procurement trade mode pilot program. This new trade mode offers a channel through which micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can export bags and cases, thus participating in international trade. It provides many preferential policies and services, such as value-added tax exemption and simplified customs clearance.

Baigou's bag industry still relies heavily on craftsmen rather than automation, due to the difficulties in making rapidly updated products with irregular shapes and complex processes. However, the town has been trying to combine its methods of design and production with artificial intelligence.

In 2022, an industrial transformation center was established in Baigou new area to provide accurate digital services for more than 20,000 companies in the local bag and case industry. At the center, companies can grasp the latest trends, design new products and generate 3D simulations with the help of online systems.

Another foreign trader lingering in the hotel lobby was Behnam Fadavi. This is the seventh year that the Iranian merchant and his brother have cooperated with Chinese companies. They mainly import backpacks and women's handbags from China to the United Arab Emirates.

Fadavi said that what he values most is good design.

When asked how much he intended to spend in Baigou this time, the businessman said, "We don't have a purchasing limit, so long as the design is new and good." 

Iranian merchant Behnam Fadavi learns about backpacks and women's handbags made by an enterprise in Baigou new area, north China's Hebei Province, on Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Meiqi)
LISBON, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese government has formed a working group to address and prevent bullying in schools, with preliminary results to come out by December, Minister for Youth and Modernization Margarida Balseiro Lopes announced on Wednesday.

During a parliamentary committee meeting on Culture, Communication, Youth, and Sport, Balseiro Lopes said the group will include a "personality of recognized merit" alongside representatives from the general directorates of education, school management, and ministries of education and youth.

The group's mission is to "study the phenomenon" of bullying in schools, launch a "national campaign on the devastating effects of bullying," and create materials for various stakeholders, such as teachers, school staff, and students, to help students identify and understand bullying. Additionally, the group will recommend new measures for the upcoming school year and propose an efficient reporting mechanism for bullying cases.

The group will also open up a reporting channel for bullying incidents and conduct a survey to assess the current situation in schools, collaborate with experts and organizations involved in bullying prevention, including police forces and specialists in online bullying.

By the end of the year, the government plans to review the group's recommendations and discuss potential measures for implementation in the 2025 school year.

"This issue is crucial," Balseiro Lopes said, highlighting the need for an inclusive approach to tackling bullying in schools. 
* Experts believe that the scale of the blasts indicates careful planning beforehand and highlights Hezbollah's vulnerability to Israeli intelligence.

* The recent explosions add a new layer to the ongoing 11-month clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, marked by deadly Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel.

* Eyal Zisser, vice-rector of Tel Aviv University and an expert on Middle Eastern affairs, said the explosions "won't bring the war with Hezbollah any closer to a conclusion, and now everyone is waiting for Hezbollah's response."

JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday that Israel has entered a "new phase" in its conflict with Hezbollah after two waves of explosions killed 32 people and injured more than 3,200 others in Lebanon over the past two days.

"We are at the beginning of a new phase in the war -- this requires boldness, determination, and perseverance," Gallant said at a military airbase in northern Israel, adding Israel is "shifting northward by reallocating resources, energy, and forces."

No Israeli officials, including Gallant, have claimed responsibility for the explosions, which Hezbollah attributed to Israel.

A Hezbollah member holds a wireless communication device with its battery removed after a wireless communication device exploded during a funeral, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

TWO WAVES OF EXPLOSIONS

On Tuesday, simultaneous pager explosions in Lebanon killed 12 people, including two children, and injured 2,800 others, Lebanon's health authorities said.

The second wave of blasts on Wednesday afternoon hit Beirut's southern suburb and other areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, killing 20 people and injuring 450 others, the Health Ministry said. The devices used were old walkie-talkie models from the Japanese firm ICOM, which had been rigged with explosives before being sent to Lebanon, according to local media.

TV footage showed smoke rising from cars, motorcycles, apartments and a roadside shop after the devices detonated. Reports indicate that Hezbollah purchased the devices, including pagers, five months ago, and they were likely modified or sabotaged before reaching the group.

Many victims sustained injuries to their faces, eyes, ears and waists. Experts believe that the scale of the blasts indicates careful planning beforehand and highlights Hezbollah's vulnerability to Israeli intelligence.

People attend a funeral of victims killed in pager explosions in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Orna Mizrahi, a senior researcher at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, noted that damaging Hezbollah's communications and personnel would have operational consequences.

"By doing this, Israel wanted to send a strong message by disrupting the communications network and confusing Hezbollah's reserve force in any upcoming military action," said Refaat Badawi, a political analyst and adviser to former Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss.

Youssef Diab, a political analyst at the Lebanese University, said the explosions would mean that "Israel has reduced Hezbollah's attacking or defensive capability for the next war."





SHIFT OF MILITARY FOCUS

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated since Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Hamas. Israel retaliated with artillery fire into southeastern Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths in Lebanon, and Hezbollah claims its attacks have inflicted casualties in Israel.

The recent explosions add a new layer to the ongoing 11-month clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, marked by deadly Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel.

This photo taken on Sept. 16, 2024 shows smoke rising after an air raid by Israeli warplanes in Kfarchouba, Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

The explosions followed Israel's shift in military focus from the Gaza Strip to northern Israel while Gaza ceasefire talks stalled. Israel's security cabinet decided earlier on Tuesday to expand the goals of the military operation in the Gaza Strip to include the safe return of residents in northern Israel who were evacuated due to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border.

In a statement released after Tuesday's attacks, Hezbollah said it is conducting security and scientific investigations to identify the reasons behind these explosions, adding that the group is "at the highest level of readiness to defend Lebanon and its people."

In a separate statement, the Shiite group blamed Israel for "this criminal attack," and vowed to retaliate.





RESPONSE TO EXPLOSIONS

On Wednesday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that the widespread and simultaneous explosions of communication devices across Lebanon are shocking, with an unacceptable impact on civilians.

Turk stated that targeting thousands of individuals simultaneously, without knowing who possessed the devices, their locations, or their surroundings at the time of the attack, whether they are civilians or armed group members, constitutes a violation of international human rights law and, where applicable, international humanitarian law.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib denounced the incidents as "a blatant assault on Lebanon's sovereignty and security and a clear violation of all international conventions and norms."

The Palestinian presidency warned of the serious escalation that "violates" Lebanese sovereignty and threatens international peace and security, calling on the international community to take urgent action to prevent further escalation in the region.

During a meeting with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi voiced Egypt's rejection of attempts to escalate and expand the scope of conflicts in the region, calling on all parties to exercise responsibility.

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the recent security developments in Lebanon, warning that they could contribute to a dangerous escalation of tensions in the region.

The ministry called on Israel to exercise the utmost restraint regarding military activities in Lebanon and urged Hezbollah to cease attacks on Israeli territory.

This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2024 shows motorcycles damaged in explosions of communication devices in Baalbek, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Eyal Zisser, vice-rector of Tel Aviv University and an expert on Middle Eastern affairs, said the explosions "won't bring the war with Hezbollah any closer to a conclusion, and now everyone is waiting for Hezbollah's response."

He believed that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah would "continue as a war of attrition," but said "it is unlikely to cause a major escalation."

"Any significant escalation would be tied to Israel's decision to expand the conflict, not this particular incident," he added.

(Video reporter: Xie Hao; Video editors: Zhu Cong, Zak Zuzanna, Luo Hui, Lin Lin.)
BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yang Kening, a former senior political advisor of southwest China's Sichuan Province, has been indicted for bribery and the illegal possession of guns and ammunition, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said on Thursday.

Following an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision and the conclusion of an investigation by the public security bureau of Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, the case was designated by the SPP for review and prosecution by the Nantong Municipal People's Procuratorate, which has filed a public prosecution with the Intermediate People's Court of Nantong.

Prosecutors accused Yang of taking advantage of his various positions in Sichuan to seek benefits for others and illegally accept an especially huge amount of money and valuables.

He was also accused of violating regulations governing gun control by illegally possessing guns and ammunition, with the circumstances being severe.

Yang will be subject to criminal liability in accordance with the law, the prosecutors said. 
CANBERRA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has reiterated its warning to citizens not to travel to Lebanon following the explosion of communications devices used by Hezbollah.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong on Thursday said that the government is gravely concerned about the consequences of a possible escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"It's another reminder I think to Australians, do not travel to Lebanon," Chalmers told reporters.

His warning comes after at least 26 people were killed and thousands more injured when pagers and handheld radios used by Hezbollah exploded in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday local time.

Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Wong called for all Australians in Lebanon to leave the country while they still can.

"The consequences of regional escalation are obviously substantial," she said.

The government's Smartraveller service updated its travel advice for Lebanon on Wednesday, encouraging Australians in the country to leave immediately while commercial flights remain available.

It warned that the security situation in the country could deteriorate with little or no notice and that Beirut airport could close.

"The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances," it said.

Australia has had a "do not travel" advisory in place for Lebanon since October 2023. 
GUANGZHOU, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A C919 passenger aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines took off from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Thursday, marking the Guangzhou-based airline's maiden C919 commercial flight.

Flight CZ3539 carried a full load of passengers and headed for Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. So far, China's three major airlines have all started commercial operations with the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft.

In April, China Southern Airlines signed a deal to buy 100 C919 aircraft from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

To date, COMAC has delivered nine C919 aircraft to three leading Chinese airlines. China Southern and Air China on Aug. 28 received their first C919 aircraft in Shanghai. China Eastern Airlines, the launch customer for the C919, has reported consistent operational performance with seven C919 aircraft since it entered into service on May 28, 2023. 
Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the UN Summit of the Future and the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly as the special representative of President Xi Jinping from September 22 to 28. During that week, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend events hosted by China, including events to promote the Global Development Initiative and enhance international cooperation on AI, and multilateral events including the Security Council High Level Open Debate, the BRICS foreign ministers meeting and the G20 foreign ministers meeting. He will also meet with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, and foreign ministers or heads of delegation of relevant countries.

CCTV: To follow up on your announcement that Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the UN Summit of the Future and the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly as the special representative of President Xi Jinping, what does China expect to achieve through this visit?

Lin Jian: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi as the special representative of President Xi Jinping will lead a delegation to the UN Summit of the Future and the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. Foreign Minister Wang will fully elaborate on Chinas policy and propositions on the current international landscape, global governance and major international and regional issues, and further expound on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and other important visions.

The Summit of the Future as the most important agenda of the UN this year will have an important impact on the reform of the global governance system and is highly expected by the international community. China hopes that the Summit of the Future will provide important opportunities for the international community to build up political consensus, enhance solidarity and collaboration, and jointly respond to challenges. China will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the UN, relevant countries and international organizations, and galvanize efforts in the international community to uphold true multilateralism, make concerted efforts to deal with various global challenges, jointly promote global peace, development and progress, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Kyodo News: The Japanese Consulate-General in Guangzhou released information today, saying that the boy stabbed in Shenzhen yesterday has died. How does the Chinese government see the incident? What is the motive of the male assailant? (Similar question from Bloomberg)

Lin Jian: We regret and are saddened by this tragic incident. We mourn for the passing of the boy and our hearts go out to his family. The boy is a Japanese national, and his father and mother are Japanese citizen and Chinese citizen respectively. After the attack, the boy was immediately sent to hospital, and Guangdong Province sent medical experts to rescue him with all-out efforts. The Chinese side will provide necessary assistance to his family in handling related matters. The case is still under investigation and relevant authorities of China will handle it in accordance with law.

Nikkei: In June this year, an innocent preschool-age Japanese boy was targeted in a knife attack in Suzhou. At that time, the spokesperson commented it was an isolated incident. Is yesterdays incident also isolated? (Similar question from Anadolu Agency)

Lin Jian: According to what we know so far, this is an individual case. Similar cases may happen in any country. We regret and are saddened by this tragic incident. China upholds the rule of law. The Chinese government never allows any illegal or violent activities and will conduct investigation into the case and bring the criminal to justice in accordance with law. China has and will continue taking effective measures to protect the safety of all foreigners in China.

Nikkei: Two cases of Japanese children in China being stabbed have happened in a short period of time. This has caused much shock and repercussions in Japan. How do you see the impact of the incidents on Japan-China relations?

Lin Jian: This is an individual case. China and Japan are in communication on the case. We always welcome people from all countries, including Japan, to travel, study, do business and live in China. We will continue taking effective measures to protect the safety of foreigners in China. We believe individual cases will not affect the exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan.

China Daily: We noted that the Foreign Ministry today released the Position Paper of the Peoples Republic of China for the Summit of the Future and the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Can you give us more details on that?

Lin Jian: Today, changes unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerated pace, and the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation. The Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly will provide important opportunities for the international community to build up political consensus, enhance solidarity and collaboration, and jointly respond to challenges.

The Position Paper of the Peoples Republic of China for the Summit of the Future and the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly fully elaborates on Chinas position and propositions on peace and security, sustainable development, human rights protection, exchanges between civilizations, scientific and technological innovation, and global governance reform. It calls on the international community to jointly deliver on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China stands ready to work with all parties to practice true multilateralism and make new contribution to world peace and development.

The Paper: On September 18 local time, the 10th UNGA emergency special session adopted a resolution with a vote of 124 nations in favor and 14 against, with 43 abstentions. The resolution calls for Israel to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory no later than 12 months. China voted in favor while the US and Israel against. This is also the first time that the State of Palestine tabled a resolution draft at the UNGA as a Permanent Observer State at the UN. Whats Chinas comments?

Lin Jian: China welcomes and appreciates the adoption by an overwhelming margin of the resolution draft on the advisory opinion concerning Israels presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory at the UNGA emergency special session. China supports the draft and voted in favor, and hopes that it will be fully implemented.

It has been almost a year since the ongoing conflict in Gaza broke out. Despite the four emergency special sessions on the question of Palestine held at the UNGA, the four resolutions adopted by the Security Council, the ICJ orders on provisional measures, and the repeated strong call of the international community for a ceasefire, the fighting is still raging in Gaza and casualties of innocent civilians skyrocket every day, causing a severe humanitarian disaster.

Ending the occupation is not an option, but an obligation; ending the fighting is not just the appeal of one country, but international consensus. Implementing the two-State solution is the only viable way to resolve the question of Palestine. Relevant parties, especially Israel, need to earnestly implement the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, cease the military operations in Gaza without delay, and stop the illegal settlement activities in the West Bank. Relevant country needs to show a responsible attitude and take concrete actions to promote the implementation of relevant UN resolutions. China will continue to stand on the side of peace and justice and stand with the majority of countries, closely communicate with other parties, play a positive and constructive role in promoting a ceasefire, easing the humanitarian crisis, and restoring peace and stability in the region, and work for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date.

AFP: The US Justice Department yesterday accused the Chinese government of an attempted cyberattack targeting 200,000 devices worldwide. Whats the Ministrys comment on this?

Lin Jian: Im not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. Let me say more broadly that China firmly opposes various forms of cyberattacks, and at the same time opposes groundless accusation and smear against China. We urge the US to stop making waves in the cyber space, act as a responsible major country, step up dialogue and cooperation with the international community, and jointly respond to cybersecurity risks.

Hubei Media Group: Its reported that on September 17, several terrorist attacks took place in Bamako, the capital of Mali, leaving many dead or injured. Whats Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: We mourn for the victims, and extend sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families. We oppose acts of terrorism in any form.

Anadolu Agency: Communication devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon were exploded by remote control in a seemingly organized attack. More than 30 casualties and 3,000 injuries were reported so far. Whats Chinas comment about the incident?

Lin Jian: China is following closely the relevant incident. We oppose any act that infringes on Lebanons sovereignty and security and express concerns over possible escalation of tensions in the region that this incident might trigger. China calls on relevant parties to earnestly safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.

Reuters: Reuters reported today that the United States has no immediate plans to withdraw a mid-range missile system deployed in the Philippines, despite Chinese demands, and it is also testing the feasibility of the missiles used in a regional conflict. It is the Typhon system and it can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking Chinese targets. It was brought in for joint exercises between the US and the Philippines this year but has remained there. What is MOFAs comment on this?

Lin Jian: China is seriously concerned about the relevant reports. On the US deployment of Mid-Range Capability missile system in the Philippines, China has made clear our opposition more than once. The deployment is a move to turn back the wheel of history. It gravely threatens regional countries security, incites geopolitical confrontation, and has aroused high vigilance and concerns of countries in the region. We urge relevant country to heed the call of countries in the region, correct the wrongdoing as soon as possible, stop inciting military confrontation, quickly pull out the missile system as publicly pledged, and avoid going further down the wrong path.

Anadolu Agency: To follow up on the Hezbollah incident, it is understood that pager devices used in the attack were originally produced by a Taiwanese company. The devices have this companys brand on them. Do you have any information if this company has cooperation with Israel or Mossad?

Lin Jian: I have no information on that.

AFP: The US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell yesterday described China as the top challenge to the US in all of its history. What is the Ministrys comment on this?

Lin Jian: The US official made these remarks to peddle the China threat narrative and advocate bloc confrontation in disregard of facts. They are steeped in Cold-War and zero-sum mentality and ideological bias. China strongly deplores this. The US has viewed the international landscape and identified China-US relations from the perspective of strategic competition, and wrongfully seen China as the top challenge. The US is actually projecting its own hegemonic mentality onto other countries, and making a serious misjudgment on China and the China-US relations. This does not serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples, or meet the extensive aspiration of the international community.

China is committed to carrying out friendly cooperation with all countries in the world, and we do not target any third party when developing normal relations with other countries. By contrast, the US has been strengthening its military alliances, patching up small groupings against China, and coercing other countries to choose sides.

China pursues a defensive national defense policy. We develop finite military capabilities to safeguard national security and we do not target any country. Who is flexing muscles and who is resorting to military means wantonly to solve problems? Facts fully prove that the international community has its fair judgment.

China urges the US to discard its Cold-War and zero-sum mentality, stop spreading the China threat narrative, stop misinterpreting Chinas strategic intentions, act on President Bidens five-noes commitment, and work with China to uphold mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation, and promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US relations.
CANBERRA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Australia's unemployment rate remained steady in August, official figures have revealed.

According to data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday, the official unemployment rate in August was 4.2 percent - the same as in July.

The number of employed people in Australia grew by 47,500 between July and August, the ABS said, with the economy adding 50,600 part-time positions in that period, while the number of full-time positions fell by 3,100.

The participation rate, which measures the proportion of the working-age population who are either employed or actively looking for work, remained at a record-high 67.1 percent.

The employment-to-population ratio increased from 64.2 percent in July to 64.3 percent in August - just below the record-high of 64.4 percent set in November 2023.

The total number of hours worked by Australians increased by 0.4 percent between July and August.

"The proportion of people working reduced hours because they were sick continues to be above pre-pandemic levels," Kate Lamb, head of labor statistics at the ABS, said in a statement.

"However, the proportion of people working fewer hours than usual due to economic reasons, such as no work or less work available, is below pre-pandemic levels, which points to continued relative tightness in the labor market."

The underemployment rate - the measure of the proportion of workers who are employed but are looking for additional hours - rose from 6.3 percent in July to 6.5 percent in August but remained 2.2 percentage points lower than March 2020. 
GUANGZHOU, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese court on Thursday announced the verdict in China's first criminal case involving the illegal introduction of invasive alien species.

The Intermediate People's Court of Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province sentenced the defendant surnamed Yi to nine months in prison for the crime of illegally introducing invasive alien species, and fined Yi 100,000 yuan (about 14,088 U.S. dollars).

The court also ordered the confiscation of the 1,760 Red-eared Slider Turtles from Yi.

Yi accepted the sentence and said that he would not appeal. 
Making sour soup, playing Lusheng, and performing wood drum dance... A group of 79 American students and teachers celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou. #GLOBALink




Actually . . .

Layoffs are trending across the nation for anybody REALLY watching the economy.

And so . . .

Today we notice one more local sign that a rate cut isn't going to solve all of the serious problems with the US economy.

Check-it . . .



The latest filing, made Monday, came from Yangfeng International Automotive Technology Co. Ltd. The company plans to close its facility at 4110 NW Helena in Riverside in November 2024; 444 employees, including 398 union employees, will be affected by the closure.



The company describes itself as a supplier of vehicle interiors, including driver electronics.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
We want our readers to take a moment of pause before flying off the deep end regarding this news.

In fact . . .

This decision from the federal court MIGHT be the last straw for defenders of a former KCPD Detective that necessitates a full pardon from the Guv.

Meanwhile . . .

A Jackson County Court ruling on this case was controversial and we're honestly surprised that fed court now backs up the decision that seems to run contrary to how most of us understand the wide breath of authority and discretion FORMERLY held by police.

Here are the deets . . .



"Erik DeValkenaere violated the constitutional rights of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb when he entered his backyard without any legal reason, a U.S. District judge ruled, opening the door to financial damages for the family.



"A former Kansas City Police detective violated a Black mans constitutional rights when he entered his property and fatally shot him, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, opening the door for monetary damages in the familys wrongful death civil suit."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Lots of info to consider tonight as metro violence seems to be ramping up whilst authorities response with more enforcement, tech and legal resources.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Driver who hit 19-year-old during illegal sideshow charged 2 years later The man who hit a member of the crowd while doing donuts during an illegal sideshow in 2022 has been charged with involuntary manslaughter more than two years later.

KC community survey will be sent to 40 neighborhoods to learn about crime, help shape public policy In about two weeks, a KC Community Survey will be sent to some neighborhoods in Kansas City, Missouri.

Staff member at Cass County church facing child porn charges A staff member at a church in Peculiar, Missouri is facing charges for allegedly downloading and sharing child pornography.

From law enforcement to therapists, meet the people stepping up when schools receive threats The groups that play a role in responding to threats to schools show KSHB 41 News what happens in response.

Missouri judge denies extradition of man wanted for child sex crimes in Kansas A Missouri judge has denied the extradition of a Kansas City man wanted for more nearly a dozen child sex crimes in Kansas.

zTrip driver still critical after shooting, as KCPD report rise in non-fatal shootings Detectives do not believe the shooting of a zTrip driver over the weekend is part of a pattern involving drivers for ride-sharing or ride-hailing services.

KCPD investigating after driver dies in fiery late-night crash along Grandview Road The crash happened just before midnight on Tuesday in South Kansas City

Kansas City man convicted of illegal firearm charge A Kansas City man was convicted in a federal trial Monday of illegally possessing a firearm.

'This is a band aid to a bigger problem': Businesses weigh in on city's proposed Back to Business Fund Boarded up doors and windows are becoming common at small businesses as property crimes in KCMO continue to rise. City leaders will vote on an ordinance to help small businesses impacted by the crimes

Woman transported with critical injuries after shooting in Independence A woman was taken to the hospital after a shooting left her with critical injuries Tuesday evening.

Lawsuit: Former Amish woman claims Kansas City-area chiropractor sexually abused her Nearly 20 years later, Fannie Hershberger is sharing her story with the KSHB 41 I-Team in hopes of others speaking up, too.

'It scared them off', Kansas City shoppers report less crime thanks to security robot patrolling strip mall A sight previously thought to be science fiction is very real at a southeast Kansas City shopping center. Instead of a police officer, a security robot has been patrolling sidewalks and shoppers are taking notice.

Developing . . .
The past 24 hours has proven exceptionally deadly in Kansas City's urban core amid worsening fear that our crime problem continues to spiral out of control.

Worth considering . . .



A recent look at the latest local homicide count puts the number at #116 and that's well on the way to becoming this town's 3rd most deadly year in history.

Remember . . . Last year was the deadliest ever in local recorded history.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KC police id 2 gunned down Wednesday night in Kansas City's Pendleton Heights neighborhood Two males were shot to death Wednesday night in Kansas City, Missouri's, Pendleton Heights neighborhood, police said.

Man shot-and-killed outside of Kansas City gas station near 71 Highway One man is dead after he was shot outside of a gas station in Kansas City on 31st Street near Brooklyn Avenue, right off of 71 Highway.

Developing . . .
JoCo suburban justice stretches across the Western Hemisphere . . . This note is important if only so that locals don't think that border-hoping evades potential consequences for crime.



Check-it . . .



Lenexa detectives flew to El Salvador this week. They are working to bring a suspect named back to the metro to face charges.



SUSPECT is wanted for killing A 30-year-old woman.



Investigators found VICTIM'S body in a Lenexa apartment near W. 77th Terrace and Quivira Road on Sept. 15, 2005. Detectives said shed been stabbed to death.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCTV5: Suspect in 2005 Lenexa homicide arrested in El Salvador
Unlike the ice cream machine after 7pm at the house of Ronald . . . Justice was ready to go and delivered quickly to a suspect in a recent golden ghetto shootout with police.

Here are the deets . . .



"Charged in Johnson County Court with attempted capital murder, aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated robbery, two counts of firearm possession by a felon and two counts of possession of a shotgun with less than an 18-inch barrel."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Man faces 7 felony charges after violent incident Tuesday in Overland Park McDonald's parking lot A man is charged with seven felonies after he allegedly fired shots at an Overland Park police officer and robbed a person Tuesday morning in the parking lot of an Overland Park McDonald's restaurant.

Man charged with 7 felonies, including attempted capital murder after incident at McDonald's A 35-year-old man is facing several felony charges, including attempted capital murder, after an incident at a McDonald's early Tuesday morning.

Kansas man charged, accused of shooting at police in Overland Park A man has been charged with attempted capital murder and other felonies in Johnson County, Kansas.

Developing . . .
Another call to action from the Missouri Senator who just finished ranting about the first assassination attempt . . . And yet . . .

STILL, VERY FEW PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW THE LATEST SHOOTER KNEW PREZ TRUMP'S PRIVATE SCHEDULE!!!

For us that's a bigger question that has now disappeared from mainstream news.

For now . . . Here's what Missouri's Senator has to say . . .



I want to emphasize that the service has guarded this course many times; they know where there are vulnerabilities, they normally station agents there ahead of Trumps appearance on the course, but they apparently did not do that this last weekend, and the whistleblowers tell me that strange, thats out of protocol, Hawley said on Fox Newss Jesse Watters Primetime. Its not even clear Secret Service swept the perimeter before Trump took to the course; also a breach, rather, of protocol, and they want to know why, and so do I. I think the Secret Service deserves to give us answers.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Josh Hawley says Secret Service 'apparently' did not secure Trump's golf course - Washington Examiner The second assassination attempt on Trump comes a little over two months after he narrowly survived an assassin's bullet in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Josh Hawley: Whistleblowers tell me this was 'out of protocol' during second apparent Trump assassination attempt | Fox News Video Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., says the Secret Service 'deserves' to give Americans answers following the second alleged assassination attempt on former President Trump on 'Jesse Watters Primetime.'

Developing . . .
An Oshawa couple enjoying a relaxing ride on a motorcycle through the Catskills have suffered devastating injuries after a collision with an alleged drunk driver in upstate New York.

Craig Sutherland, 57, and Charity Hogan, 50, both of Oshawa, were riding on Sutherlands motorcycle during a vacation trip when their motorcycle collided with a 2000 Subaru Impreza driven by 50-year-old Derik Wirhouski of Cairo, N.Y.

Both Sutherland and Hogan were thrown from the motorcycle on impact. Deputies began life-saving measures, according to a report from the online media site Daily Voice Catskill.

Sutherland was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition, Capt. Joel Rowell said, from the Greene County Sheriffs office. He added Hogan was taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center, where she remains stable.

Since arriving, Sutherland has lost a leg. He also had damage to his internal organs, said Randy Helmle, uncle of Charity Hogan. As of now he is still day-to-day and fighting for his life. Craig is a fighter and has been able to start taking breaths on his own and his kidneys are now functioning without assistance, he added.

Helmle said the injuries to Charity were loss of leg, broken pelvis and many cuts and bruises. Charity is in extreme pain but is fully aware of the situation. They have been in and out of surgery multiple times.

The couple does have travel insurance, but that can only go so far and the current medical bills are climbing not to mention what they will need for recovery going forward, Helmle said.

Barry and Marilyn (Charity's parents) are by their sides so we all know they are being looked after. They have taken up long-term accommodations to be with them in Albany N.Y. Any assistance you can provide will go directly to supporting the family.

To that end, Helmle has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with bills and expenses for the couple.

Daily Voice Catskill further reported, following the investigation, it was determined Wirhouski failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Five Mile Woods Road before crossing Route 23, striking the  motorcycle travelling westbound on Route 23, Rowell said.

Wirhouski was arrested and charged with:

Driving while intoxicated

Reckless driving

Refusal to take a breath test

Failure to take a breath test

Failure to yield the right of way

Consumption of alcohol in a vehicle

Wirhouski was arraigned in the Town of Cairo court and remanded to the Greene County Jail on $75,000 cash bail.
A Chinese artist shows pictures drawn by students as gifts at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," said Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal.

by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- For 8-year-old American student Samantha, the dazzling art of Chinese opera face-changing not only brought her into a magic world, but also inspired her to learn Chinese culture and language.

With just a turn of the head, a wave of the hand, or even a blink of the eyes, Chinese performers, wearing colorful costumes, could change face masks in less than a second, drawing cheers and applauses from hundreds of students at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, a public school in Pacoima, Southern California.

"That's so cool. I love Chinese performances. I want to visit China," wowed Samantha, a third grader at the learning center.

Face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, was part of the performances presented by a delegation of the Sichuan Song and Dance Troupe to students at the learning center on Wednesday.

Co-sponsored by the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association and the Chinese Culture Development Center in Los Angeles, the performances featured Chinese drama and dance, martial arts, Kung Fu tea art, acrobatics, puppet show, and calligraphy art.

"It's my first time watching Chinese cultural performances. I love the Chinese puppet show. I want to learn more about China," Alexa, a third grader at the learning center, told Xinhua.

The whole stadium of students burst into cheers and claps when Chinese performers presented them panda dolls as gifts.

"They (panda dolls) are so cute. I just can't wait to visit the new giant pandas at San Diego Zoo," 8-year-old Kiteya told Xinhua.

A Chinese artist performs face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

The learning center has maintained exchange programs with Chinese schools since its founding over 30 years ago. It has Chinese language lessons for its high school students.

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal, told Xinhua.

"I want them to understand that even though we're miles and miles apart, we can still have connections," she added.

This year, the learning center had several Chinese students visiting for a week. Some high school students of the learning center also traveled to China for a week.

"For the Chinese students that came here, our students were really excited to talk to them about what's school like over there, what do you eat, what do you like to do... In the high school, the students that have gone to China have said it's been an amazing experience and they've really enjoyed it," Rodriguez told Xinhua.

Calling U.S.-China relations very important in the world, Rodriguez said she hopes to see more people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, especially the younger generations.

Students of the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center watch a performance staged by a delegation from China's Sichuan Province, in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Hudd Huddleston, a teacher of Chinese language at the learning center, told Xinhua he has been teaching 9-12 graders Chinese, and the students have great interest in Chinese language and culture.

The learning center has partnerships with schools in Beijing and Shanghai, and soon will establish links with schools in China's Sichuan Province, according to Huddleston.

"We hope one day we can visit China," said Hugo Efrain Flores, a student parent who was invited to watch the performances.

"We are all friends. We are all the same," he told Xinhua.

Los Angeles is the second and last stop of the Chinese troupe's U.S. tour, which also took them to Hawaii. 
The Michelin Guide will host its second local food festival in Abu Dhabi, from November 22-24, showcasing local and international chefs from 20 Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants, who will offer curated menus and exclusive dishes, a selection of culinary masterclasses, and a marketplace featuring local producers.

The event will be held in Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, in partnership with Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

Early bird ticket registration will be available from September 19 to October 31 for the event that will provide visitors with a journey that blends Abu Dhabis rich cultural heritage with modern gastronomy.

Abu Dhabi continues to establish itself as an inspiring destination for culinary excellence, blending rich heritage with modern innovation, said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guides.

We are thrilled to elevate the culinary experience further this year at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, a venue that embodies the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi.

Food enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi will once again have the unique opportunity to engage with world-class chefs and witness their creativity firsthand.

The success of the inaugural food festival last year showcased the citys vibrant gastronomic scene, bringing together food lovers from around the world.

This year, we look forward to further elevate the experience, offering an unparalleled Michelin Guide festival that brings together the best of local and global culinary excellence in a setting that is as remarkable as the cuisine itself.

Chefs from 20 Michelin Guide recognised restaurants will showcase their mastery against the backdrop of Abu Dhabis stunning corniche for a culinary journey with bold and unique flavours.

Some of them are:

Crony (Contemporary cuisine, two Michelin Stars and Green Star, Japan)

Evvai (Modern cuisine, two Michelin stars, Brazil)

Restaurant Allen (Contemporary cuisine, two Michelin Stars, Seoul)

Casa Vigil (Regional cuisine, One Michelin Star and Green Star, Argentina)

Esquina Comun (Mexican cuisine, One Michelin Star, Mexico)

Samrub Samrub Thai (Thai cuisine, one Michelin Star, Thailand)

Vino Locale (Country Cooking, one Michelin Star and Green Star, Turkiye)

99 Sushi Bar (Japanese contemporary cuisine, one Michelin Star, Abu Dhabi)

Erth (Modern Emirati cuisine, one Michelin Star, Abu Dhabi)

Hakkasan (Chinese cuisine, one Michelin Star, Abu Dhabi)

Talea by Antonio Guida (Italian cuisine, one Michelin Star, Abu Dhabi)

Tean (Mediterranean cuisine, Michelin Selected, Abu Dhabi)

Otoro (Japanese contemporary cuisine, Bib Gourmand, Abu Dhabi)

Curious foodies will also have the opportunity to attend three exclusive masterclasses, the Michelin Stars Table  a six-hands collaboration between local and international chefs  enjoy tailored beverage experiences and pastry offerings, or visit the premium hospitality lounge, all located in Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.  TradeArabia News Service
By Xinhua writers Zhu Shaobin, Xie Xiyao

BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The trade dispute involving electric vehicle (EV) exports from China to the European Union (EU) continues to draw widespread attention, with just over a month to go before the EU reaches a decision regarding the definitive duties it plans to impose on Chinese EVs.

Over the past few days, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao has been in Europe for discussions on the EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs. This was on top of the more than 10 rounds of consultations already conducted between the Chinese and European working teams regarding the matter over the past few months.

On Wednesday, Wang chaired in Brussels the China-EU Electric Vehicle Industrial Chain Enterprises Roundtable, which was attended by leaders from nearly 30 Chinese and European companies as well as related industry association. Representatives at the meeting exchanged views on finding a proper solution to the EU's anti-subsidy case and continuing to deepen China-EU EV industrial chain cooperation.

Noting the high interdependence of the Chinese and EU automobile industries as a result of 40 years of fruitful industrial cooperation, Wang said the Chinese and European automobile industries "are at a critical crossroads" and that "open cooperation is the best option."

"In the face of the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into China's electric vehicles, China will continue its efforts to negotiate and resolve the issue until the last minute," he said.

TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS

The 27 EU member states are due to vote on the proposed final duties on Chinese EVs in the coming weeks, and there have been growing doubts about the EU's tariff plan, especially among countries hoping to attract Chinese investment.

Spain, which had voted in favor of imposing duties in the preliminary voting process, has had a change of course, saying that the EU should reconsider carefully its decision. Other countries, including Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Hungary, as well as many European car companies, have also spoken out against the European Commission's decision to levy hefty tariffs.

During his meeting with Wang on Tuesday in Berlin, Wolfgang Schmidt, head of Germany's Federal Chancellery, said that Germany strongly hopes that the EU and China will properly resolve the case through dialogue and consultation, and that Germany always believes that imposing additional tariffs is not the solution.

On Monday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, during talks with Wang, also said that the European Commission should handle the case in strict accordance with the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and relevant EU legal regulations to avoid causing disruptions to China-EU economic and trade cooperation.

These remarks show that there is still a desire to promote cooperation through talks and avoid the escalation of trade frictions, albeit some uncertainty.

According to analysts, the case has gone beyond the purely economic scope because it has become politicized, which greatly increases the difficulty of negotiations.

"The trade frictions China is facing are increasingly affected by political factors. Especially in some important industries, there are cases where some countries join forces to take measures against China," said Cui Fan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics.

CHINA'S STANCE

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said that China has the greatest sincerity in seeking to properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and that it is determined to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

"The EU's anti-subsidy probe case is complex and has a wide impact, and we need to look at it with a more calm mind," said Liang Ming, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the MOC.

Liang said that China does not predetermine the outcome of the negotiations, believing that the country will not make compromises on major issues involving national and corporate interests.

Industry analysts say that the development of the EV industry requires globalization based on the comparative advantages of all parties, which accords with the laws of economy and industrial development.

In the face of the EU's anti-subsidy probe, the market will give its answer, said Tu Xinquan, dean of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics.

The more complex and severe the development environment is, the more Chinese companies should enhance their awareness of opportunities and risks and firmly consolidate their advantages through sci-tech innovation and industrial upgrading so that they can prevail in the competitive international market, Tu said. 
Ghana, once the last sight of home for countless Africans forced into slavery, became the birthplace of the African independence movement and Pan-Africanism in the 20th century.

ACCRA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- On May 13, 2024, the Ghanaian capital of Accra witnessed an emotional homecoming as Stevie Wonder, an iconic American musician, received his certificate of Ghanaian citizenship from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, marking a deeply personal milestone on his 74th birthday.

For Wonder, Ghana is full of associations with his ancestral roots. "When I first came here, I felt the essence of it, as if I had been here before. I knew this is where I needed to be," Wonder reflected.

In 1619, the first recorded African slaves were brought to the British colony of Virginia, marking the inception of the shameful transatlantic slave trade that would uproot millions from their homelands. Four centuries later, the Ghanaian government launched the Year of Return in 2019, inviting descendants of those enslaved Africans to retrace the roots to their original heritage.

Ghana, once the last sight of home for countless Africans forced into slavery, also became the birthplace of the African independence movement and Pan-Africanism in the 20th century.





REMINDERS OF A DARK PAST

"We see very beautiful architecture here," said Robert Morgan Mensah, who has been a guide for 18 years at Cape Coast Castle, "but the sad history behind it reminds us of what transpired during the transatlantic slave trade."

This photo taken on June 19, 2024 shows a view of the Cape Coast Castle, a former slave holding facility, in Cape Coast, Ghana. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Cape Coast Castle, perched on the shores of Ghana's Central Province, has walls with canons facing the Atlantic. According to Mensah, Europeans constructed over 60 castles along the West African coastline, with more than 40 in Ghana alone, to facilitate the transatlantic slave trade.

When Europeans arrived in the Gulf of Guinea in the mid-15th century, they named regions after the commodities they sought. Ghana was the "Gold Coast;" Cote d'Ivoire became the "Ivory Coast;" and parts of modern Togo, Benin, and Nigeria were dubbed the "Slave Coast."

Driven by hefty profits, Europeans colonized the Americas and the Caribbean, seizing land and resources while decimating indigenous populations. In the face of a pressing need for labor, Europeans turned to Africa. Encouraged by their governments, European merchants engaged in the large-scale slave trade that Karl Marx described as "traffic in human flesh."

This trade, known as the "triangular trade," linked Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Slave traders sailed from Europe to West Africa with goods like wine, fabrics, and guns, and then transported enslaved Africans across the Atlantic in a harrowing six-to-ten-week voyage known as the Middle Passage. Once in the Americas, the enslaved were sold to plantation and mine owners, and the traders returned to Europe with massive shipments of agricultural and mineral products.

Cape Coast Castle, one of the largest of these West African fortresses, was initially built by the Swedes before being taken over by the British. Enslaved Africans captured inland were held in dungeons for weeks or months until the slave ships arrived. Mensah described the grim conditions: each of the five dungeons housed 150 to 200 shackled slaves, crammed into the dark, stuffy space.

"The dungeons were full of filth, and disease spread rapidly," Mensah said. "Many died here, their bodies thrown into the sea along with those who hadn't yet broken."

This photo taken on June 19, 2024 shows wreaths in the dungeon of Cape Coast Castle, a former slave holding facility, in Cape Coast, Ghana. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Above the dungeons, a small church offered a stark contrast. "They must have heard the cries of the slaves as they sang hymns," Mensah said, noting that both the enslaved and their captors lived and prayed within the same walls.

In his work "The American Slave-Trade: An Account of Its Origin, Growth and Suppression," American author John Randolph Spears detailed the misery aboard slave ships, where enslaved men were shackled in pairs, forced to lie flat or on their sides in stifling conditions.

Poor living conditions and the long voyage led to many deaths, with a mortality rate averaging 15 percent. When resources ran low, slavers would throw the weakest overboard to lighten the load, later claiming insurance compensation for "lost cargo."

Missouri Sherman-Peter, permanent observer of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the United Nations, has highlighted that 12-20 million Africans were taken into slavery across four centuries.





TOILING TO DEATH ACROSS ATLANTIC

About 450 km east of Cape Coast Castle, another haunting monument stands on the beach of Ouidah, Benin. The "Door of No Return" commemorates the Africans who were forcibly taken from the "Slave Coast" to the Americas.

People visit the Door of No Return in Ouidah, Benin on May 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

"A cannon could be traded for 15 male slaves or 21 female slaves," said Espero de Souza, a 20-year-old Beninese guide descending from Francisco Felix de Souza, a notorious slave trader. Slaves were auctioned at Chacha Square, a hub for the brutal trade that de Souza's ancestor dominated.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to land in Brazil in the early 16th century, drawn by the promise of wealth. They established sugarcane plantations, but the indigenous population, decimated by forced labor and disease, proved insufficient. The plantation owners looked to African slaves, who were deemed more resistant to disease and easier to control.

By 1630, some 170,000 African slaves had been transported to Brazil, making sugarcane a crop intrinsically linked to slavery. As historian Wolfgang Leonhard observed, by 1638, 100 percent of sugar plantation workers were enslaved Africans.

In her book Captives as Commodities: The Transatlantic Slave Trade, American scholar Lisa Lindsay depicts the harsh reality of plantation life. Plantation owners, calculating the cost of labor, found it more profitable to work slaves to death and then replace them rather than provide better conditions.

By the 19th century, Valongo Wharf, an old dock located in the port area of Rio de Janeiro, had become the main entry point for African slaves in Brazil, receiving millions over two decades. The area around the port, known as Pequena Africa, or Little Africa, became a hub of Afro-Brazilian culture and the birthplace of the lively samba.

Samba, now a cultural symbol of Brazil, is believed to have origins in the Kimbundu language of West Africa, where "Semba" was known as a spirited dance. According to one theory, slave traders forced enslaved Africans to dance on deck during the voyage to keep them agile, making them more marketable upon arrival.

This photo taken on May 27, 2024 shows a view of Place Chacha in Ouidah, Benin. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)





SINISTER DAWN OF CAPITALIST PRODUCTION

In 1814, a European visitor documented his impressions of a city filled with towering factories, each with colossal chimneys belching black soot into the sky. This was Manchester, England.

At the dawn of the 18th century, Manchester was a modest town with hardly 10,000 inhabitants. By the mid-19th century, it had become a vital hub of Britain's textile industry, boasting hundreds of cotton mills with products exported across the globe.

Trinidad and Tobago's first prime minister, historian Eric Williams, encapsulated the profound impact of the slave trade on industrialization in the West.

"It was this tremendous dependence on the triangular trade that made Manchester," he said, referring to the British Empire as "a magnificent superstructure of American commerce and naval power on an African foundation."

Liverpool, once a small fishing village, thrived as a major slave-trading port before becoming an industrial town. In October 1699, the first documented British slave ship left Liverpool for the Caribbean, carrying around 220 African captives. Over the 18th century, Liverpool's slave ships trafficked some 1.5 million Africans.

Cities like London, Bristol, Nantes, Bordeaux, Amsterdam, and Zeeland also prospered from the brutal slave trade. The profits from this inhumane enterprise drove the growth of manufacturing and transportation industries across Europe.

In his major work "Capital: A Critique of Political Economy", Karl Marx identified the enslavement and exploitation of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, the plundering of India, and the transformation of Africa into a commercial hunting ground for human lives as defining moments of capitalist production's early stages. These events were crucial to the primitive accumulation of capital.

Slave traders, often starting with modest capital, made extraordinary profits, sometimes tenfold. One captain recorded a net profit of over 40,000 U.S. dollars on a single voyage in 1827, despite an initial outlay of less than 4,000 dollars.

The slave trade also stimulated the growth of Europe's financial and insurance sectors. Banks and insurance companies eagerly launched businesses tied to the trade, while Western merchants who amassed fortunes from slavery became bankers, investing their blood-soaked profits in emerging enterprises.

Research from the University College London's Legacies of British Slave Ownership project reveals that a significant portion of Britain's current wealth is linked to slavery. Institutions such as Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank built their fortunes on the slave trade, underscoring London's rise as a global financial center.

In the United States, plantation owners profited immensely from the forced labor of African slaves, particularly in the production of cotton. By the mid-19th century, cotton from slaveholding states accounted for over half of all U.S. exports, as noted by historian Sven Beckert in Empire of Cotton.

The transatlantic slave trade, spanning four centuries, generated immense wealth for Western nations and played a critical role in the accumulation of capital, reflecting the brutal reality of a globalization process dominated by these countries.





MOTIVATION BEHIND ABOLITION OF SLAVERY

While studying at Oxford University in 1938, Eric Williams made a groundbreaking claim in his booklet "Capitalism and Slavery," arguing that the abolition of slavery in the West was driven not by moral awakening but by economic interests and strategic needs.

This argument caused a stir in academic circles, as it challenged a prevailing view that humanitarianism was the primary force behind the abolitionist movement. Williams' manuscript was initially rejected by British publisher Fredric Warburg as "contrary to the English tradition."

Williams, who later became prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrated that the wealth generated by enslaved people fueled the Industrial Revolution and that, as capitalism matured, slavery became an obstacle to free trade and further capitalist expansion.

Ghanaian historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong explained that the decline in demand for enslaved labor was primarily due to technological advancements. As machines began operating around the clock in industrialized countries, the need for manual labor decreased, rendering enslaved people, limited in both efficiency and work hours, an economic burden.

The end of slavery, opined the historian, was not a sudden moral epiphany but the result of various factors, including shifts in production patterns, moral debates, and legal challenges.

Moreover, when slave traders and owners were required to relinquish their "property," they received substantial compensation. For instance, former British Prime Minister David Cameron's ancestors received a large sum after the passage of the 1833 Act for the Abolition of Slavery.

However, the millions of enslaved Africans received nothing for their centuries of suffering.

As the Industrial Revolution advanced, newly empowered Western capitalists sought cheaper raw materials and expanded markets. Colonial plantations, reliant on enslaved labor, monopolized raw material supplies. Long-term forced labor and soil depletion led to reduced productivity and higher costs, prompting emerging capitalists to seek the destruction of the slavery-dependent plantation economy.

Simultaneously, Africans never ceased resisting enslavement. Inspired by the American War of Independence and the French Revolution, large-scale revolts erupted in the late 18th century, notably the Haitian Revolution. These uprisings increased the costs of maintaining slavery.

In 1807, the British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, followed by similar legislation in other European countries. However, the lucrative trade persisted "underground." To dodge fines, slavers sometimes tied their captives to rocks and threw them overboard when pursued at sea. The transatlantic slave trade only effectively ended in the late 19th century.

But Africa's suffering was far from over. After the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference, Western powers intensified their scramble for Africa, leading to the continent's partition. This reckless division left a legacy of poverty and underdevelopment in Africa that persists today.

"We originally had our own writing and ways of communication. Slavery led to the loss of many young Africans and wreaked havoc on Africa's civilizational heritage and social development," Anokye Frimpong said.

He also noted that the imposition of artificial borders during colonization further fragmented African unity, a division that lingers in countries like Ghana.





"AFRICA MUST UNITE"

Inside the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, a quote from the Pan-Africanist leader reads, "I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me."

Ghana declared its independence on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to break free from Western colonial rule. On that historic day, Nkrumah proclaimed, "our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent."

Nkrumah, celebrated as the "Father of Ghana," was a fervent advocate for Pan-Africanism. In his book "Africa Must Unite," he called for the unification of all African nations to achieve true independence and prosperity.

The Pan-Africanist vision resonated with the descendants of enslaved Africans across the diaspora. The first Pan-African Conference held in London in 1900 brought together delegates from the United States, the West Indies and Africa to discuss the global plight of Black people and demand self-governance for African and Caribbean colonies.

A year after Ghana's independence, the first Conference of Independent African States was held in Accra in April 1958, laying the groundwork for what would become the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

"Ghana's fight for independence was not just about freeing one country, it was about liberating the entire continent from colonial rule and restoring African unity," said Anokye Frimpong. "Today, African nations are striving to overcome historical legacies and build a united, prosperous future."

This photo taken on Feb. 17, 2024 shows an exterior view of the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Founded in 1963, the OAU embodied the Pan-Africanist ideal, playing a crucial role in decolonizing Africa and mediating interstate conflicts. The OAU was succeeded by the African Union (AU) in 2002, marking a new chapter in Africa's quest for self-reliance and development.

On Aug. 1, 1998, the remains of two enslaved Africans passed through the "Door of No Return" at Cape Coast Castle, Ghana, to return to their homeland. This symbolic act transformed the "Door of No Return" into the "Door of Return," ushering a new era of remembrance, reconciliation and solidarity.

At a joint meeting in Accra in November 2023, AU and CARICOM delegates agreed to establish a global reparations fund. This initiative seeks a formal apology and reparations from European nations for the atrocities of slavery.

Speaking at the conference, President Akufo-Addo of Ghana stressed that while no amount of money can restore the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade, the issue of reparations is one that the world must confront and can no longer ignore.

This photo taken on June 19, 2024 shows a view of the Cape Coast Castle, a former slave holding facility, in Cape Coast, Ghana. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Mensah, the guide in Ghana, said they will forge ahead but should never forget history. It is important to cherish the culture and values and let them guide the future, so that the tragedy in history does not repeat itself, he said.

Indeed, African people have never forgotten the atrocities of the past. With the Global South becoming more vocal, African people, being part of it, are becoming more confident and self-empowered to fight for justice and rights they deserve. 
Jose Hernandez, a former NASA astronaut and engineer, will share his inspirational story at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the University of Central Missouri (UCM).



Doors will open for the Reaching New Heights program at 6:30 p.m. in Nahm Auditorium in the W.C. Morris Science Building on campus. There will be a Q&A session with Hernandez after his remarks, which coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month.



Hernandezs visit, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Center for Multiculturalism & Inclusivity, the Office of Student Experience and Engagement and the Office of the Provost. It is part of the Distinguished Speaker Series at UCM that was started in 2022 as a way to bring new perspectives on a broad range of topics and issues to the campus and Warrensburg communities.



Hernandez grew up as one of four children in a migrant farming family from Mexico. He didnt learn English until he was 12 years old, but he already had an interest in science and engineering by the time he was in high school. He was inspired by Franklin Chang-Diaz, the first Hispanic American to travel into space in the 1980s.



Hernandez eventually became a NASA engineer when he began training as a mission specialist as part of the 2004 astronaut candidate class. During his astronaut application process, Hernandez met with a review board, which included Chang-Diaz. Hernandez said he found the two men had shared experiences and that it was now his turn to forge a path thanks to the efforts of Chang-Diaz.



After graduating from high school in Stockton, California, Hernandez earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific in Stockton. He was awarded a full scholarship to the graduate program at the University of California in Santa Barbara, where he continued his engineering studies.



In 1987, he accepted a full-time job with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, working on signal and image processing applications in radar imaging, computed tomography and acoustic imaging.



Later in his career, Hernandez worked on developing quantitative X-ray film imaging analysis techniques for the X-ray laser program. Using these techniques, he co-developed the first full-field digital mammography imaging system. This system has proven helpful in detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage than film/screen mammography methods. Hernandez won recognition awards for his work on the project.



He has also worked in the international arena, representing Lawrence Livermore and the U.S. Department of Energy on Russian nuclear non-proliferation issues.



A biopic about Hernandez premiered last year on Amazon Prime. Based on Hernandezs autobiography, Reaching for the Stars, the film A Million Miles Away stars Michael Pena and tells the story of Hernandezs life from a child migrant worker to achieving his dream of becoming an astronaut. The movie will be shown at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 in the UCM Union Cinema and the public is welcome to attend.



For more information, contact UCM Student Experience and Engagement at experience@ucmo.edu.
For the first time, representatives of Ukraine took part in NATO-led exercises in the Netherlands to test drone countermeasures.

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the NATO press service.

Ukraine has joined NATO's anti-drone exercises for the first time, the statement said.

More than 450 representatives of 19 NATO countries and three partner countries took part in the annual exercise on the technical interoperability of unmanned aerial vehicle countermeasures (C-UAS TIE). They gathered in the Netherlands from September 10 to 20 to test the ability of anti-drone systems to work together seamlessly. For the first time, Ukraine participated alongside representatives of the private sector and the scientific community, the Alliance's press service said.

More than 60 counter-drone systems and technologies, such as sensors, drone-to-drone targeting systems, jammers and cyber interceptors, were tested in real-world conditions, the Alliance said.

Our country's participation in the exercise is part of the NATO-Ukraine Roadmap for Innovative Cooperation, approved at the Washington Summit of the Alliance. It is noted that such exercises as C-UAS TIE provide a unique opportunity to jointly address pressing issues, including the autonomy and interoperability of unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as to study Ukrainian combat experience in countering small UAVs.

As Ukrinform previously reported, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the only way for Ukraine to become a member of the Alliance is for it to win as a sovereign and independent state in Europe.

Photo: nato.int
The delegation from Ukraines Ministry of Defense held political and military consultations with the counterparts from Sweden, discussing assistance in equipping and training Ukrainian recruits.

Thats according to the MoD press service, Ukrinform reports.

"A high-ranking delegation from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, led by deputy ministers of defense of Ukraine, Oleksandr Balanutsa and Yuriy Dzhyhyr, held political and military consultations with the Ministry of Defense of Sweden during the first visit of such level to Sweden. In particular, the parties discussed the issue of Swedens assistance in the formation, equipping and training of Ukrainian reserves," the report reads.

As noted, Balanutsa thanked the Swedish people for supporting Ukraine, as well as for the 17th package of military aid, announced earlier. He also raised the issue of Ukraine's close cooperation with NORDEFCO (the defense association of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland). The security agreements signed with all Scandinavian countries open opportunities for multilateral cooperation in the field of defense industry and development of best practices.

Read also: Sweden allocating additional EUR 44M for heating and energy in Ukraine

In turn, the Swedish side briefed the Ukrainian delegation on the recent decisions of the country's leadership regarding long-term and comprehensive support for Ukraine at the political level on the path to the EU and NATO. In addition, they announced specific steps and decisions aimed at developing the capabilities of Ukraines Armed Forces to repel Russian aggression.

Sweden has been on Ukraines side in the war unleashed by Russia and further support and the launch of military and political consultations within the framework of the bilateral security agreement is an indication of Swedens intentions, said the defense policy chief at the Swedish Ministry of Defense, Victoria Malmer.

As part of the visit, the Ukrainian delegation also met with the State Secretary of the Swedish MoD, Peter Sandwall, who reaffirmed Sweden's unwavering support for Ukraine, the press service noted.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Sweden announced the 17th package of military aid to Ukraine in the amount of SEK 4.6 billion (over EUR 400 million), which includes boats, MANPADS, and anti-tank grenade launchers.
Ukraine is interested in the immediate implementation of three joint infrastructure and energy projects with Slovakia and is preparing to discuss them during the second round of joint government consultations in early October.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this at a press conference following negotiations with his Slovak counterpart Juraj Blanar and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava on Wednesday, Ukrinform reports.

According to Sybiha, while the aggressor country is blocking transport routes, Ukraine faces an urgent need for the immediate implementation of joint infrastructure and energy projects with EU member states, primarily with neighboring Slovakia.

"I will name three key ones: the modernization of the Mukacheve-Velke Kapusany energy interconnector, the launch of direct railway services between Kyiv and Kosice, and the modernization and expansion of the capacity of the Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke border checkpoint," he said.

Read also: Sybiha proposes Slovakia sign bilateral security agreement with Ukraine

In this context, Sybiha said that in early October, Ukraine would host the second round of joint consultations between the governments of Ukraine and Slovakia, at which special attention will be devoted to these projects.

"We are preparing very carefully and seriously for this meeting," the minister said.

Sybiha is on a working visit to Slovakia as part of his first foreign tour after being appointed as Ukraine's foreign minister. Before that, he visited Romania.

Photo credit: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry
The war in Ukraine clearly demonstrated how the authoritarian regimes in Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are aligning more and more, which requires the ability to consolidate from the democratic world.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whose term of office in this post expires on October 1, stated this in an interview with the British newspaper The Times, Ukrinform reports.

"We see how authoritarian powers are aligning more and more. We see that clearly demonstrated in the war, in Russia's war against Ukraine, where they all provide significant mutual support," he said.

Stoltenberg warned that since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Beijing, Moscow, Tehran and Kim Jong-un's hermit regime in North Korea were becoming "more and more aligned."

According to him, at the head of this alliance is President Xi, with China the "decisive enabler" of Putin. This support for Russia from the regimes in the mentioned countries continues to increase.

"China is a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine. China is upholding Russia's war economy, and China is delivering the components, the micro-electronics, the micro-processors that Russia is using to build the missiles and the bombs they're using in Ukraine," he said.

Western officials fear that by giving key weapons components to Putin, who is isolated by western sanctions, Beijing has gained the technology it needs for military dominance. Stoltenberg confirmed that Moscow was giving China knowhow after officials in Washington said Russia was providing advanced submarine, missile and stealth capabilities to Beijing.

"Beijing has stopped short of supplying Russia with conventional weapons, however. Britains foreign intelligence agency, MI6, and its US equivalent, the CIA, see the rise of China as the main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the century," The Times reports.

The news outlet recalled that this month, Russia received a shipment of more than 200 ballistic missiles from Iran at a port on the Caspian Sea.

"Iran has provided Russia with ballistic missiles. Of course, there is a risk that they will provide even more. Russia is not getting this for free. We are concerned that it may also be possible that Russia is sharing technology that will help Iran with their missile programs. But anyway, Russia is then paying for what they get, and that is strengthening Iran's capabilities," Stoltenberg said.

At the same time, according to the article, the Iranian shipment has alarmed the US and UK who are concerned Russia may have, in return, shared secret information and technology that could bring Iran closer to being able to build nuclear weapons.

Putin, meanwhile, is accelerating his war effort. The Kremlin said this week that Russia is boosting the size of its army by 180,000 soldiers to a total of 1.5 million troops. The move would see Russia's army overtake the United States and India to become the second largest in the world after China, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Photo: nato.int
Claims that the decision by NATO allies to allow Ukraine to strike legitimate targets on Russian territory will mean NATO's involvement in this war are false.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whose term of office in this post expires on October 1, stated this in an interview with the British newspaper The Times, Ukrinform reports.

"It's wrong to say that NATO allies would be a party to the conflict if they allow the weapons to be used against legitimate targets on Russian territory. North Korea and Iran are providing significant military support and providing missiles, drones to Russia without them becoming a direct party to the conflict," Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg said he supported allies, such as Britain and France, that have backed giving Kyiv authorization to use long-range missiles, such as British Storm Shadows, to strike Russia. However, he stressed that authorizing their use was a matter for individual countries, not NATO.

"These are decisions for individual allies to make. I have welcomed the fact that allies have removed or loosened the restrictions on the use of weapons," Stoltenberg said.

He dismissed Putin's warning that Ukraine's use of long-range missiles against military targets in Russia would be a "red line" putting Russia "at war" with NATO.

"There have been many red lines declared by him [Putin] before, and he has not escalated, meaning also involving NATO allies directly in the conflict. He has not done so, because he realizes that NATO is the strongest military alliance in the world. They also realize that nuclear weapons, nuclear war, cannot be won and should not be fought. And we have made that very clear to him several times," Stoltenberg said.

Photo: NATO
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Published September 19, 2024

MONROE, LA  The University of Louisiana Monroe is celebrating a record setting enrollment increase. Fall 2024 enrollment at ULM has increased 4% over Fall 2023. Enrollment is up across a number of sectors including first-time freshmen, international students, the ULM Honors Program, and the graduate school.

It is remarkable what can be achieved when people with shared values and a commitment to a common goal and vision come together, said ULM President Dr. Ron Berry. I celebrate and offer my sincerest thanks to the incredible ULM community that works diligently each and every day to maintain an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and intentionally and strategically focused on improving livesat meeting people where they are and helping them get to where they deserve to be. This shared commitment, from all areas across campus, has led to more students entrusting us to lead and support them on their higher education journey. Thank you to all whose work proves every day that the best is truly on the bayou, stated Berry.

It has been very difficult to control the excitement regarding the anticipation of this extraordinary announcement, said Lisa Miller, ULM Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Relations. We often say that ULM is a family and if we have the opportunity to encourage prospective students to visit campus, we know the entire ULM community will win them over. Every day we are honored to share with students and their families about the incredible opportunities we offer both in the classroom and with our extracurricular programs. This is a win for every Warhawk. The entire campus is to be commended for us exceeding our goals! said Miller.

First-time freshman enrollment jumped 22%, an increase bolstered by the largest international freshman class ever. International freshman enrollment more than doubled, with a 110% increase from 2023 to 2024. There was also significant growth in first-time freshmen from every region of Louisiana.

The ULM Graduate School is boasting its largest-ever enrollment, with an increase of 9% over Fall 2023. We have the right ecosystem  a great mix of programs, hard-working Graduate School staff, retention assistance, and the support of the faculty and administration, said Dr. Sushma Krishnamurthy, Dean of the ULM Graduate School. Our enrollment speaks to the value of a graduate degree at ULM, she added.

The ULM Honors program enrollment has increased 35% since Fall 2023, including its largest-ever freshman class of 212 students this year. Honors freshman enrollment increased by 61%. International students comprise 33% of the Honors Program freshman class.

The Fall 2024 semester also marks a record high for Presidents Distinguished students, with a 52% increase over Fall 2023. These are students who scored 30 or above on the ACT. Additionally, the Dual Enrollment program increased 4%, with one of its highest-ever enrollments this semester, while transfer students increased by 12%.

The 2024 enrollment increases continue an upward trend for ULM. The university has been working to rebound since the COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in enrollment for higher education institutions across the country.

Three years ago, representatives from ULM and from the region participated in creating a strategic plan to position ULM for the future, said Lisa Miller. The historical numbers that were achieved this year can be directly related back to the initiatives outlined in the plan. This win will inspire everyone to spread the word that The Best is on the Bayou!
A United Nations Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is held at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 18, 2024. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, on Wednesday urged the Afghan interim government to address the legitimate concerns of the international community and take steps to effectively protect the basic rights of women and girls. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged the Afghan interim government to address the legitimate concerns of the international community and take steps to effectively protect the basic rights of women and girls.

Amid the mess left by the hasty withdrawal of foreign troops, the Afghan authorities have worked hard to stabilize the security situation, improve the economy and people's livelihoods, and strengthen regional and international dialogue and cooperation, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

"This momentum is not easy to come by," said the ambassador, noting that Afghanistan continues to face multiple challenges.

Underscoring that Afghanistan's recent vice and virtue law has raised international concerns, Fu said "We must realize that women's rights and interests cannot be realized in a vacuum and that microphone diplomacy will not help solve the problem," urging the international community to take a comprehensive and objective view of the situation in Afghanistan.

He said the international community should support Afghan peaceful reconstruction and economic recovery, help it eliminate the root causes of instability and underdevelopment, and create conditions conducive to safeguarding the rights and interests of all its people, including women.

He called for maintaining the interactions with the Afghan authorities, and scaling up efforts to help Afghanistan overcome its difficulties. "Overseas assets of Afghanistan are Afghan people's life-saving money," Fu stressed, noting that the United States should "unconditionally unfreeze and return them all to the Afghan authorities."

The ambassador also called for supporting the Afghan interim government in its fight against terrorism, urging it to take vigorous actions to resolutely combat the various terrorist forces in its territory and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming an enclave for terrorist organizations again.

He added that the international community should support Afghanistan in launching alternative cultivation and drug rehabilitation programs and in combating narcotics smuggling to further consolidate achievements in the fight against narcotics.

Fu said that China, as a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, "is ready to work with regional countries and the international community to continue to provide assistance to the Afghan people to the best of its ability and to promote lasting peace, security, development, and prosperity of Afghanistan." 
| By Lorri Angelloz

The first. The first. The first, emphasized Diane Forbes Berthoud, PhD, MA, chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer and vice president, as she welcomed attendees to the University of Maryland, Baltimores (UMB) inaugural State of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) convening.

The first in a series of gatherings focusing on EDI progress, challenges, and future strategies across UMBs schools, the Sept. 9 convening featured presentations from the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies and the Francis King Carey School of Law  and, as Forbes Berthoud noted, the event was the result of years of other EDI firsts as well as the hard work of the entire UMB community.

As many of you know whove been here for a decade-plus, diversity, equity, and inclusion have been priorities for the University for quite a while, she said, pointing to EDI hiring and strategic planning efforts during that time. Thank you so much for all of you whove worked to this point to get us here.

Forbes Berthoud also stressed that the purpose of the convening was to not only assess and strengthen EDI efforts, but to ensure that as many voices as possible are included in the process. If were going to reach our full potential  as an educational, as a research, as a service entity  every person on this campus needs to feel that theyre part of that activity, that theyre included, that their voices are heard, she said. And, more importantly, that their voices are not only heard, but also actions are taken as a result.

That same approach was taken in creating UMBs Diversity Strategic Plan, whose four pillars  Recruitment and Retention; Experience and Climate; Professional Development and Career Advancement; and Scholarship, Service, and Education  provided the framework for presentations given during the convening.

School of Graduate Studies: Building Pathways and Support Systems

Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean Kenneth H. Wong, PhD, gave the Graduate Studies presentation, focusing on the schools efforts to diversify its student body and faculty, improve retention, and foster an inclusive environment.

Kenneth H. Wong, PhD, gave the School of Graduate Studies presentation during the inaugural State of EDI convening at UMB.

In outlining Graduate Studies approach to recruitment, he emphasized partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions and highlighted the need for flexibility in developing outreach programs tailored to communities, including Latin, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations. Wong also stressed the importance of creating supportive environments through EDI learning communities and monthly meetings, noting, We focus a lot on social identities and how we can create a space where our students, faculty, and staff can thrive.

Regarding the representation of minority groups in faculty positions, Wong acknowledged disparities in the number of Black and Asian faculty and outlined efforts to improve inclusive hiring practices and professional development opportunities. He said that the school is working toward better data collection to understand and address the needs of underrepresented groups more effectively.

Wong also said that despite a retreat from EDI initiatives at other institutions, Graduate Studies remains committed to demonstrating the value of such efforts, and he rejected the idea that EDI efforts take resources away from other areas.

I think thats not true. And if we look at the evidence that is coming out, if you think about things like health equity  how can you even begin to address that if youre not addressing some of these topics and understanding the history, understanding what has gone before? he asked, and stressed Graduate Studies opportunity to demonstrate good, solid scholarship research in these areas under that umbrella.

Francis King Carey School of Law: Addressing Systemic Inequalities and Preparing for the Future

Maryland Carey Law Dean Renee Hutchins Laurent, JD, provided a detailed overview of the schools EDI efforts, including the challenges faced and the steps taken to address them. She began by discussing the law schools response to the Supreme Courts ruling on race-based affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, noting that the school revised its admissions questions to signal its continued commitment to diversity while also adhering to the new legal framework. Despite the changes, Laurent said, Carey Law maintained one of its most diverse incoming classes.

Laurent also discussed efforts to close the racial gap in bar exam pass rates and pointed to Maryland Carey Laws recent partnership with BARBRI, a bar preparation provider, in an effort to ensure all students have access to high-quality resources. Its not enough just to do the DEI work on the front end; you also have to do it in the middle very intentionally to ensure that the results that happen on the back end are results that you are proud of, Laurent explained.

She highlighted additional initiatives that focus on faculty and staff, including equitable hiring practices and salary adjustments to address disparities. She mentioned that all assistant professors at Maryland Carey Law are hired with the same starting salary to prevent inequities caused by negotiation differences.

Laurent noted that enrollment declines due to falling birth rates are expected in professional and graduate schools between 2025 and 2028 but added that law school enrollment has historically been heavily driven by cultural trends. With an applicant pool that will be more diverse, with more first-generation students, and more students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, she said that current EDI efforts will position Maryland Carey Law as a welcoming, supportive environment.

There are a lot of things that we are doing absolutely right here to ensure that a more diverse student populations needs are being met right now, Laurent said. And talking about that more so as that wave of new applicants comes and hits us, we are well positioned, in their eyes, as being an institution that is going to meet their needs squarely. Its going to be a place where they can feel they belong, a place where they feel they are valued, a place where they feel we actually care about their outcomes.

Engaging the Campus Community and Looking Forward

Both presentations ended with lively question-and-answer sessions.

After Wong concluded the Graduate Studies presentation, a participant asked about the disparity between increasing Black student enrollment and an apparent decrease in Black staff presence at the school. Wong acknowledged the issue, noting that high staff turnover in certain positions contributed to the challenge. He said the school is exploring ways to improve outreach efforts to encourage a more diverse applicant pool as well as ways to make staff positions more attractive.

A question after the Maryland Carey Law presentation focused on the racial disparity in bar exam pass rates, and whether the issue was due solely to access to preparation courses. Laurent said that the disparity is common across law schools, and that while the difference is not entirely understood, access to commercial bar prep courses plays a role. She outlined the level of commitment to pass the bar  including eight to 10 hours a day for 10 weeks between graduation and the exam  as well as the cost of prep courses, saying both time and financial considerations make it difficult for students from lower-income backgrounds. Laurent also pointed to the historic links to race and access to wealth in the United States as potential factors.

UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, concluded the event by noting that leadership from two other schools who will be presenting at future convenings were in attendance, and he asked for participant feedback.

So, obviously, the purpose of these sessions is to learn about schools and to get insights into what we can do better, what were doing well, what were not, he said, before asking, The question here is, does this format work? Should we be considering anything different? Should the presentations be different?

Participants praised the events format for fostering transparency and collaboration while offering suggestions for improvement moving forward. One attendee suggested that future presentations include printouts and accessible formats to accommodate diverse learning and processing abilities. Another called for a more comprehensive breakdown of staff-specific EDI data to better understand disparities.
BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will attend the UN Summit of the Future and the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly as the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping from September 22 to 28, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced Thursday.

During that week, Wang will attend events hosted by China, including events to promote the Global Development Initiative and enhance international cooperation on AI, and multilateral events including the Security Council High Level Open Debate, the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting and the G20 foreign ministers' meeting, Lin said.

Wang will also meet with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, and foreign ministers or heads of delegation of relevant countries, the spokesperson added. 
The vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Mississippi, Charlotte Pegues, has been indicted on multiple counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered dead and malnourished dogs at a property outside Oxford last month.

Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East told WTVA that Pegues was served with an indictment by a grand jury for 10 counts of animal cruelty. Her bond was set at $75,000, which she has already posted.

The charges stem from the discovery of 10 deceased dogs and 20 malnourished animals that were rescued from the residence on County Road 418 in August.

"Upon arrival at the residence, deputies saw several dogs that appeared very malnourished and discovered several dogs that were deceased still attached to their collars and chains," the sheriff's office said in a statement to News Channel 3.

Pegues' husband, Terry Pegues, was also charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty.

The university released the following statement on the situation:

"The university is aware of the indictment and the employee has been placed on leave. The alleged charges did not result from any actions taken at or for the university, and the university is not among the parties involved in the investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department. The university will not provide further comment at this time."
Ann Arbor police are investigating a possible antisemitic attack near the University of Michigan campus.

The 19-year-old victim told authorities he was walking around 1 a.m. Sunday in the Hill Street and South Forest Avenue area when several unknown men approached him and asked if he was Jewish. When he confirmed, the men assaulted him and then fled on foot, according to police. The victim sustained minor injuries.

"We take bias-motivated crimes very seriously and have assigned this incident to our hate crimes detective," the department said in a statement, noting they currently have limited information on the suspects.

Chief Andre C. Anderson contacted University of Michigan police about the incident as well.

"There is absolutely no place for hate or ethnic intimidation in the City of Ann Arbor. Our department stands against antisemitism and all acts of bias-motivated crimes. We are committed to vigorously investigating this and other hate-motivated incidents and will work with the County Prosecutor's office to aggressively prosecute those who are responsible," he said.

University of Michigan Hillel CEO Davey Rosen said in a statement that the "incident has marred an otherwise incredible start to the new academic year."

"The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we appreciate law enforcement's quick response. We know this is difficult news to hear especially as we are just beginning the school year," he added.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 734-794-6939 or email tips@a2gov.org.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel has submitted a new proposal for a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which includes offering Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other members "safe passage" out of Gaza in return for the release of hostages, Israeli state media reported Thursday.

The proposal has been conveyed to the United States, which has been mediating the indirect talks alongside Qatar and Egypt, state-owned Kan Reshet Bet radio reported, citing Israeli officials.

Under the proposed terms, Israel will guarantee "safe passage" for Sinwar and any Hamas member wishing to leave the Palestinian territory without any assassination attempts, it reported.

The proposal also calls for demilitarizing Gaza and replacing Hamas there with what Israel describes as "a different governing mechanism," it reported.

So far, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has not officially confirmed the report.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV quoted a senior Hamas official as saying that while the group has not yet received the proposal, the outline, based on media reports, was "absurd" and disregarded the mediators' extensive efforts over the past eight months.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others taken hostage.

According to official Israeli figures, there are still 101 hostages in Gaza.

Egypt, the United States, and Qatar mediated a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas that ended in late November 2023. However, subsequent mediation efforts over the past few months have not yielded ideal results.

In mid-August, the three mediators announced the conclusion of two days of discussion in Doha, where a new Gaza ceasefire proposal was presented.

The mediators characterized the discussions as constructive and conducted in a positive environment. However, Hamas, which did not participate directly in the Doha negotiations, accused Israel of adding new conditions to a previously supported proposal and expressed skepticism about the negotiations' outcome. 
A student group is suing the University of Maryland after the school canceled an interfaith vigil planned for Oct. 7 to mark the first anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel.

On Monday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Palestine Legal filed a lawsuit disputing the decision on behalf of UMD Students for Justice in Palestine.

The university originally permitted SJP to hold the vigil, which the organization planned to co-host with Jewish Voice for Peace.

In a letter to the school community earlier this month, University President Darryll Pines stated that only university-sponsored events would be permitted on that day, citing "an abundance of caution."

Before announcing its decision, the institution faced pressure from some Jewish groups to prohibit the vigil. The lawsuit seeks an injunction, allowing the event to continue as scheduled.

CAIR and Palestine Legal claim the decision to cancel the event violates the First Amendment by discriminating based on viewpoint and content.

"The First Amendment does not allow the government to make October 7th or any other day a free-expression-black-out date. The clarity of the constitutional violation, if maintained, courts conflict," CAIR National Deputy Litigation Director Gadeir Abbas said in a statement on Tuesday.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Tori Porell, staff attorney at Palestine Legal, said, "The University of Maryland's decision, if not challenged, will inevitably chill and intimidate Palestinian and associated students on campus into believing that basic expressions of solidarity with Palestinians will be met with censorship and punishment by their university."

At a Tuesday news conference, student Daniela Colombi, a member of the SJP chapter, described the group's values as "equality, justice, and liberation, not just for Palestine but for all," the Washington Post reported.

Colombi urged that the statewide system and the institution change their minds and permit the vigil.

The lawsuit requests the court to rule the restrictions on the Oct. 7 events unlawful and to grant SPJ damages and attorney fees.
An argument between coworkers that resulted in one shooting at the other prompted a "police emergency" at Emory University's Atlanta campus on Thursday morning. The suspect is still at large.

Authorities responded to the incident at the Emory Point mixed-use development around 8:20 a.m., according to 11 Alive News. The all-clear was given half an hour later.

The Emory Police Department told the outlet that the incident began with a disagreement between two coworkers at a kitchen within the property, after which a 60-year-old unidentified male "retrieved a revolver from his car and returned to the kitchen."

"The subject shot at one of the survivors and missed. While leaving the restaurant, the subject threatened and brandished a gun at another co-worker," the statement read, adding that it appeared to be an "isolated incident" between two employees of an "Emory-affiliated service company"

Police say the man then left the premises, pointed the gun at another coworker, and drove away. Investigators are currently searching for the suspected gunman, who is thought to be driving a 2021 silver Chevrolet Malibu with the Georgia license plate CXZ7407.

One student residing in the mixed-use property told Channel 2 that he awoke to shouting and looked outside.

"Apparently they got into a scuffle and shots were fired, and that's when everyone started running. No one was hit as far as I'm aware," Neil Pasawala said.

Emory University officials said the man will no longer be permitted on Emory's campuses or in any Emory facilities, according to the outlet.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Thursday held a virtual meeting with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to strengthen bilateral trade relations between both countries.

The minister highlighted that the US is Pakistans leading trade destination and expressed desire to further expand this partnership, said a news release.

He underscored the country's agricultural strengths particularly in mangoes and dates, and noted the potential for growth in value-added agro-services.

Katherine Tai acknowledged Pakistan's contributions, particularly its agricultural exports, and praised the quality of Pakistani mangoes.

She also mentioned the potential for US beef exports to Pakistan, given the large demand in the market.

Both sides discussed issues of mutual interest, agreeing to further strengthen their trade relations.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that the next Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting would be scheduled soon, along with discussions on agriculture, textiles, womens empowerment, IT and E-commerce.

Minister Jam Kamal invited Katherine Tai to attend Pakistans TEXPO in October.

She was grateful for inviting her to attend TEXPO and expressed her interest in visiting the country.

In return, she invited Jam Kamal to visit Washington to further explore trade opportunities.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2024) Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam on Thursday apprised the Senate Standing committee on climate change that the damage was minimized this year due to early warnings in the flood-prone areas.

She made these remarks while providing a follow-up on recommendations from the previous meeting.

The PM's aide reiterated the need to prevent settlements in flood-prone areas.

The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, chaired by Senator Qurat ul Ain Marri, convened here at the Parliament House.

Senator Qurat ul Ain Marri addressed the Ministrys provision of insufficient details in its briefing, pointing out that even basic information, such as the Names of relevant sites, is missing. During the session, Power Division officials provided an update on renewable energy projects, noting that 5,000 MW of renewable energy is currently under construction, with plans to add 15,000 to 19,000 MW of hydropower to the grid.

Senator Marri stressed that this information should be readily available to the Ministry of Climate Change and directed that it be presented at COP. She also called for the Secretary of the Power Division to participate in future meetings.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination mentioned that Pakistan is the third-largest importer of solar energy, yet the Ministry lacks comprehensive data on solar energy's contribution to the energy grid. She underscored the importance of obtaining accurate data to present at COP.

Senator Manzoor Ahmed raised concerns about the devastation caused by climate change in Balochistan, questioning whether the Ministry has any relief programs for the affected population.

He highlighted the destruction of homes, displacement of residents, and the collapse of the agricultural system.

He further requested detailed information on the Ministry's collaborations with NGOs and other agencies in the region and inquired about the progress and strategy for the Green Balochistan initiative. The committee was informed that 39 agreements have been signed, and work with various NGOs is ongoing.

The Ministry further discussed that a financial model for the Electric Vehicles Policy is being developed in collaboration with banks. The Electric Vehicles Policy is expected to reduce environmental pollution.

Senator Manzoor Ahmed sought data on melting glaciers, to which officials responded that glaciers in Pakistan remain stable, while those in India are melting. Climate Change officials also emphasized the rising temperatures in Pakistan due to climate change and reported that two million people in Sindh live in vulnerable, flood-prone areas.

In line with the recommendations from 31st July 2024, the IWMB and CDA coordinated to implement SOPs for the weekly bazaar. These SOPs included provisions for the availability of items at night and emergency supplies at the G6 bazaar.

Additionally, joint activities involved the restoration of the landscape at Pir Sohawa, as well as efforts to improve cleanliness and regulate hunting and wood cutting in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).

In response to the decision regarding the Establishment Division's plan to create a dedicated occupational group for Climate Change within the civil service, the Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC) proposed hiring candidates initially on a contract basis, followed by recruitment from a fresh talent pool.

The Establishment Division affirmed that the Ministry's proposed scale and policy would be taken into consideration.
(@Abdulla99267510)

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch says disrespecting national anthem of the host country is a violation of diplomatic etiquette, and Pakistan has formally registered its protest

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Sept 19th, 2024) Pakistan on Thursday rejected the clarification provided by the Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir for not standing up in honor of national anthem.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated in a media briefing that they dismiss the explanation given by Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir concerning the failure to stand for Pakistan's national anthem. Disrespecting the national anthem of the host country is a violation of diplomatic etiquette, and Pakistan has formally registered its protest. The spokesperson added that the Afghan Consul General enjoys diplomatic status in Pakistan and holds a valid visa.

During the Rahmat-ul-Alamin conference held in Peshawar on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, the Afghan Consul General and his colleagues did not stand in respect when the national anthem of Pakistan was played, unlike other attendees.

Following Pakistan's strong protest, the Afghan consulate spokesperson issued a statement claiming that there was no intention to disrespect the anthem; the Consul General did not stand because music was playing during the anthem.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur supported the Afghan Consul General's decision not to stand for the anthem.

The spokesperson further said that there is no possibility of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif meeting with the Indian Prime Minister during the UN General Assembly.

Pakistan has no intention of providing bases to any organization or country, and all such reports are denied.

These claims are unfounded and based on falsehoods, she added.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistans commitment to working together with China for shared prosperity, and promoting peace and stability in the world.

Highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the President said that high quality development of CPEC would "help unlock greater benefits for our people, besides enhancing connectivity and prosperity of the region".

He emphasized the importance of advancing the high-quality development of CPEC to unlock greater benefits for the people of two countries.

President Zardari was speaking at the Chinas National Day Reception, hosted by the Chinese Embassy.

The event marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal ministers, dignitaries, diplomats, and senior civil and military officers.

President Zardari, extending the warmest felicitations to Chinese brothers and sisters on the auspicious occasion, stated that the first October marked the rebirth of a strong, united China, achieved through the heroic struggle of the Chinese people under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party.

He reflected on the invaluable contributions made by the successive generations in transforming the Pakistan-China friendship into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

This partnership, he said, had served as a model of inter-state relations and thus become a source of inspiration and strength for both countries.

China was an iron-clad brother of Pakistan and the entire nation was proud of the enduring friendship as both countries stood by each other during testing times, he added.

The president hoped that China was poised to achieve significant milestones in the coming decades, which would not only bolster its development but also reshape the global landscape in politics, economics and culture in positive ways.
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ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti said on Thursday that Mir Hazar Khan Marri played an important role in promotion peace and stability in the province.

Addressing the launching ceremony of Ammar Masood's book " Mir Hazar Khan Marri: Muzahimat se Mufahimat Tak", here he said Balochistan province had a beautiful story to tell but unfortunately nobody wrote its tale.

He said that this book would provide guidance to the new generation about the history of Balochistan and the role of tribal elders.

He said that unfortunately a false narrative had been built about Balochistan's accession to Pakistan. The CM announced that funds had been allocated for construction of road to Thadri, native area of the late Baloch leader in Kohlu district which will be named "Mir Hazar Khan Marri Road".

Governor Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhail in his speech said that Mir Hazar Khan Marri believed that reconciliation was the best option. He said that Mir Hazar Khan showed the nation the path of reconciliation. The Governor said that he also personally believed that reconciliation was only path to progress and prosperity of the province and the country. He said that presence of Nawab Changez Khan Marri in the event was the proof that he and other notables of the area supported the process of reconciliation.
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Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) The success of far-right parties in elections in key European countries is prompting even centrist and left-wing governments to tighten policies on migration, creating cracks in unity and sparking concern among activists.

With the German far right coming out on top in two state elections earlier this month, the socialist-led national Berlin government has reimposed border controls on Western frontiers that are supposed to see freedom of movement in the European Union's Schengen zone.

The Netherlands government, which includes the party of Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders, announced Wednesday that it had requested from Brussels an opt-out from EU rules on asylum, with Prime Minister Dick Schoof declaring that there was an asylum "crisis".

Meanwhile, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the left-wing Labour Party paid a visit to Rome for talks with Italian counterpart Georgia Meloni, whose party has neo-fascist roots, to discuss the strategies used by Italy in seeking to reduce migration.

Far-right parties performed strongly in June European elections, coming out on top in France, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to call snap elections which resulted in right-winger Michel Barnier, who has previously called for a moratorium on migration, being named prime minister.

We are witnessing the "continuation of a rightward shift in migration policies in the European Union," said Jerome Vignon, migration advisor at the Jacques Delors Institute think-tank.

It reflected the rise of far-right parties in the European elections in June, and more recently in the two regional elections in Germany, he said, referring to a "quite clearly protectionist and conservative trend".

- 'Strong message' -

"Anti-immigration positions that were previously the preserve of the extreme right are now contaminating centre-right parties, even centre-left parties like the Social Democrats" in Germany, added Florian Trauner, a migration specialist at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the Dutch-speaking university in Brussels.

While the Labour government in London has ditched its right-wing Conservative predecessor administration's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, there is clearly interest in a deal Italy has struck with Albania to detain and process migrants there.

Within the European Union, Cyprus has suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrian applicants, while laws have appeared authorising pushbacks at the border in Finland and Lithuania.

Under the pretext of dealing with "emergency" or "crisis" situations, the list of exemptions and deviations from the common rules defined by the European Union continues to grow.

All this flies in the face of the new EU migration pact, agreed only in May and coming into force in 2026.

In the wake of deadly attacks in Mannheim and most recently Solingen blamed on radical Islamists, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government also expelled 28 Afghans back to their home country for the first time since the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

Such gestures from Germany are all the more symbolic given how the country since World War II has tried to turn itself into a model of integration, taking in a million refugees, mainly Syrians in 2015-2016 and then more than a million Ukrainian exiles since the Russian invasion.

Germany is sending a "strong message" to its own public as well as to its European partners, said Trauner.

The migratory pressure "remains significant" with more than 500,000 asylum applications registered in the European Union for the first six months of the year, he said.

- 'Climate of impunity' -

Germany, which received about a quarter of them alone, criticises the countries of southern Europe for allowing migrants to circulate without processing their asylum applications, but southern states denounce a lack of solidarity of the rest of Europe.

The moves by Germany were condemned by EU allies including Greece and Poland, but Scholz received the perhaps unwelcome accolade of praise from Hungarian right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Moscow's closest friend in the European Union, when he declared "welcome to the club".

The EU Commission's failure to hold countries to account "only fosters a climate of impunity where unilateral migration policies and practices can proliferate," said Adriana Tidona, Amnesty International's Migration Researcher.

But behind the rhetoric, all European states are also aware of the crucial role played by migrants in keeping sectors going including transport and healthcare, as well as the importance of attracting skilled labour.

"Behind the symbolic speeches, European leaders, particularly German ones, remain pragmatic: border controls are targeted," said Sophie Meiners, a migration researcher with the German Council on Foreign Relations.

Even Meloni's government has allowed the entry into Italy of 452,000 foreign workers for the period 2023-2025.

"In parallel to this kind of new restrictive measures, they know they need to address skilled labour needs," she said.
Moroni, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) Comoros President Azali Assoumani on Thursday chaired a government cabinet meeting in his first public appearance since being wounded in a knife attack last week, government footage showed.

Assoumani is seen in the video with a thick bandage on the left side of his forehead, smiling as he got into a car and arriving at the presidential compound.

He greeted advisors and ministers before sitting at the end of the cabinet table where he looked through files.

AFP correspondents saw the president's motorcade enter the presidential compound, but reporters were not allowed in.

The 65-year-old president had not been seen since he was wounded on Friday by a young soldier during the funeral of a religious leader in Salimani-Itsandra, on the outskirts of the capital Moroni.

The government said his injuries were "not serious" and that he was fine.
Frankfurt, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) German media giant Axel Springer said Thursday it will break up its business by selling off its digital classifieds arm to US and Canadian investors, and focus on its core news outlets.

Under the deal, Springer's billionaire CEO Mathias Doepfner and Friede Springer -- widow of the group's founder -- will assume greater control over the media business.

Its publications include Politico, mass-circulation tabloid Bild, Business Insider and Die Welt daily.

Axel Springer will "become a privately owned and operated news media and media marketing company," Springer said in a statement announcing the deal.

The classifieds business will become separate entities under US private equity firm KKR and CPP Investments, a Canadian pension fund, Springer said.

It includes the job portal StepStone and the Aviv Group with real estate portals such as Seloger in France and Immowelt in Germany.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

The group did not say how much the businesses were worth. But the Financial Times said under the break-up deal, they were valued at 13.5 billion Euros ($15 billion) -- 3.5 billion for the media business, and 10 billion for the classified ads.

"The new corporate structure is designed to position all businesses for optimal future growth potential and success in their respective markets," said the Axel Springer statement.

Doepfner said that under the new structure, "we will have the very best requisites for a great future for journalism".

Friede Springer said her vision had been for Axel Springer to be a "privately owned and operated company. The realisation of this vision now fills me with great joy".

In 2020, KKR acquired 47.6 percent of the German group before it was delisted from the stock market, and then sold part of its stake to the Canadian pension fund, which now owns 12.6 percent of the group.
ISTANBUL, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The number of cruise tourists in Turkiye reached 306,100 in August, setting the highest record in 11 years, local media reported Thursday.

Those tourists were brought to Turkiye by 176 cruise ships, the Demiroren news agency reported, adding that the country has welcomed 1.2 million cruise tourists so far this year via 750 cruise ships.

Kusadasi and Istanbul are among the popular Turkish cruise destinations, it reported.

Meanwhile, according to the online tourism news platform tourismtoday.net, port cities in the Black Sea region, such as Trabzon, Sinop, Amasra, and Samsun, have become new hubs for cruise tourism in Turkiye. 
Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) The estranged husband of Russia's richest woman and CEO of retail giant Wildberries was arrested Thursday and charged with several crimes including murder, a day after a deadly armed raid at the company's central Moscow offices.

Billionaire Tatyana Bakalchuk released a tearful message a day earlier, saying her husband Vladislav Bakalchuk, whom she is currently divorcing, led an armed raid into the Wildberries offices.

Vladislav Bakalchuk's lawyers said in a message on his social media page that he was "detained for 48 hours" and charged with "murder", "attempted murder", "assault of a law enforcement officer" and "vigilantism."

Two people, including a security guard, were killed in the shooting at the offices, which lie a few streets away from the Kremlin.

The incident came weeks after the company finalised a merger deal that Vladislav criticised and that strongman Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov vowed to stop.

Vladislav's lawyers said he was on his way to a "pre-agreed meeting to settle a corporate conflict."

But Bakalchuk called her husband's claims "absurd" and said "no one agreed to any negotiations."

"Vladislav, what are you doing? How are you going to look in the eyes of your parents and our children?"

Wildberries is Russia's largest online retailer.

Tatyana Bakalchuk is the majority oner of the company, while her estranged husband holds a one-percent stake.
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Beirut, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) Israel bombed Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon on Thursday, after two waves of explosions targeted its communications systems, killing 37 people.

Israel has not commented on the attacks in which Hezbollah operatives' pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in supermarkets, on streets and at funerals.

The device explosions, involving pagers and walkie-talkies, killed 37 people across two days, including two children, and wounded more than 2,900 others, according to Lebanon's health minister.

Israel's defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said on Wednesday, in reference to his country's border with Lebanon: "The centre of gravity is moving northward."

"We are at the start of a new phase in the war," he warned.
Colombo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) Sri Lanka on Saturday held its first presidential election since an unprecedented economic crisis that bankrupted the country and sparked a popular revolt that forced its leader to temporarily flee abroad.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe took office in 2022 at the peak of huge protests over food, fuel and medicine shortages that ousted his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

He set about to repair the island nation's tattered finances through an International Monetary Fund rescue package and a debt restructure with foreign creditors, including China.

But his austerity push has been deeply resented by Sri Lankans, who say tax hikes have left them struggling to put food on the table, and he faces a formidable challenger from a once-marginal Marxist leader.

Ahead of Saturday's vote, we are looking at the political, social and economic consequences of the vote in the following series of stories:
SaintLouis, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) Security forces in New Caledonia killed two men during an overnight operation, the public prosecutor said Thursday, taking the death toll to 13 after months of unrest in the French Pacific territory.

An AFP journalist witnessed clashes erupt between French police and civilians in Saint Louis, a heartland of the independence movement just south of the capital Noumea.

Public prosecutor Yves Dupas said security forces on an observation mission fired two shots after being "directly threatened by a group of armed individuals".

The first "hit a man, aged 30, positioned as a lone gunman, in the right side of the abdomen," Dupas said in a statement.

"The second shot hit a man, aged 29, in the chest."

Police were looking for around a dozen people suspected of involvement in attacks on security forces.

"We're not terrorists, we're not in a state of war," said one mother in the village where the security operation was taking place.

Unrest broke out in mid-May in New Caledonia over Paris's plan for voting reforms that Indigenous Kanak people fear would leave them in a permanent minority, crushing their hopes for independence.

Some demonstrators barricaded roads and burned or looted cars, businesses and public buildings.

France sent thousands of troops and police to the archipelago, almost 17,000 kilometres (10,600 miles) from Paris.

In violence not seen since the near-civil war of the 1980s, hundreds of people were injured and the material damage was estimated at around 2.2 billion Euros ($2.4 billion).

The electoral change -- which requires altering the French constitution -- has effectively been in limbo since President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament for new elections that in July produced a lower house with no clear majority.

While unrest in the South Pacific territory has ebbed since mid-July, the road to Saint-Louis in the south of the archipelago's main island Grande Terre remains closed.

For the 1,200 inhabitants of Saint-Louis, the only way in or out is by foot after presenting an ID at checkpoints in the north and south.

Only emergency services and ambulances can otherwise cross into the village.

Almost all other roadblocks across New Caledonia have been lifted, but a curfew between 10 pm and 5 am remains in place.

Since June 19, 13 pro-independence activists have been arrested. Seven are currently in prison, including five in mainland France.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Friston, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2024) With its medieval church and picturesque village green, the tranquil hamlet of Friston in eastern England should be an unlikely place for a showdown with the UK government and an energy giant.

But Friston, population 341, is on the frontline of a bitter green energy battle between locals in the rural county of Suffolk and those who want to locate a vast energy hub there.

If the plans by National Grid -- backed by both the new Labour government and its Conservative predecessor -- go ahead, it will see the area transformed by steel and concrete for onshore substations.

Undersea cables from offshore windfarms would make landfall somewhere on the nearby coastline before being sent a few kilometres inland via huge "cable trenches", requiring years of disruptive construction work.

The government wants to decarbonise electricity supply by 2030.

The Suffolk campaigners back that transition to renewables.

They warn, however, that current plans to bring green energy from offshore wind turbines into the grid via the planned infrastructure will be an ecological and tourism "catastrophe".

Thousands of jobs in Suffolk depend on the year-round visitors who flock to the county's beaches, coastal resorts and unspoilt countryside.

The area is particularly renowned for its protected birdlife.

Opposition to the plans could certainly appear to be driven by "nimbyism" -- the opposition to something being built or done in your local community, even if it has to be done elsewhere.

Suffolk residents are understandably keen to preserve their rural haven.

But the campaigners, who believe offshore infrastructure would both be less destructive and more efficient, argue the issues are far bigger.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024  The UTSA Academy of Distinguished Researchers (ADR) has recognized the accomplishments of 12 faculty, including four new inductees and eight award winners.

The new inductees are:

Michael Cepek , UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts





, UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts Ruyan Guo , Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design





, Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design Harry Millwater , Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design





, Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design Sandra B. Morissette, UTSA College for Health, Community and Policy

Chaired by Hamid Beladi, the Janey S. Briscoe Endowed Chair in Business and professor of economics in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, the academy recognizes UTSA researchers who excel in their disciplines each year.

To meet the challenges of the future, faculty are being called upon to prepare students to innovate, think critically and be able to bring leading-edge ideas to their chosen fields of interest, Beladi said. Top scholars create a transformational environment based on a passion for learning and the latest research-based theoretical and empirical intelligence within their area of expertise. Through a rigorous nomination process, the ADR selects members who foster the highest quality of research and scholarly activity. Research excellence is a win-win strategy for students, faculty and academic institutions.

Members of the ADR may be nominated by their college dean or the vice president for research. They are prolific scholars and must submit three recent publications for consideration.
Recent UW Ph.D. graduate Tayler LaSharr (left) teaches wildlife technicians to weigh and process newborn mule deer in the Wyoming Range in 2021. LaSharr recently became the first graduate as a Muley Fanatic Foundation Fellow after advancing the understanding of the ecology of mule deer and mentoring other scientists during her time at UW. (Taylor Wagstaff Photo)

A University of Wyoming Ph.D. student recently became the first graduate as a Muley Fanatic Foundation Fellow after advancing the understanding of the ecology of mule deer and mentoring other scientists during her time at UW.

Tayler LaSharr, originally from Phoenix, Ariz., has conducted research with UWs Monteith Shop since 2015, completing her masters degree concerning bighorn sheep harvest and horn size before beginning work on her doctoral dissertation, focusing on the effects of harsh winters on mule deer and other questions in ecology of deer.

During her time as a UW graduate student, LaSharr has been a co-author of over 21 peer-reviewed publications, including six first-author publications, and co-wrote a book chapter on the physiology and nutrition of mule deer. She has accepted a professorship position at Utah State University starting in fall 2025.

In 2021, LaSharr became the first-ever Muley Fanatic Fellow following the establishment of the Muley Fanatic Foundation Excellence fund at UWs Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. After completing her Ph.D. last December, LaSharr received the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Program in Ecology and Evolution at UW, as well as UWs Outstanding Dissertation Award for 2024.

She has since worked as a postdoctoral researcher for UW Professors Kevin Monteith and Ellen Aikens and has been contracted to do research for several state wildlife agencies. Monteith is a professor and Wyoming Excellence Chair in the Haub School, while Aikens is an assistant professor in the School of Computing.

As the inaugural Muley Fanatic Foundation Fellow, Dr. LaSharr is the epitome of the type of person and scientist wed want to represent in this prestigious position, says Monteith, her longtime adviser. She embodies the definition of an impactful scientist with passion, grit and innovation not to be surpassed, and she has not taken her role lightly. Through her collaborative efforts, she has made monumental steps toward understanding the short- and long-term consequences of severe winters for mule deer -- and has taken the science and communicated it in an artistic, compelling and impactful way. She will be missed, but she has blazed a path and left a mark.

Tayler LaSharr reads a portable ultrasound machine in spring 2024 while on adult mule deer captures in the Wyoming Range. Ultrasounds are used to check female mule deer for pregnancy and to measure the amount of fat they possess following winter. (Taylor Wagstaff Photo)

For the past 10 years, LaSharr has been an integral part of the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project, working first as a technician and eventually as project lead on the long-term research effort that began in 2013. Over time, LaSharr has witnessed generations of mule deer grow and live in western Wyoming, from collaring fawns in their first hours of life to observing their growth and success or demise in months or years to come. As a Ph.D. student and now as a postdoctoral researcher, LaSharr has mentored several graduate students and early-career professionals. For her noteworthy commitment and contributions to fellow scientists and up-and-coming biologists, she was the inaugural recipient of the Wyoming Chapter of The Wildlife Societys Kilpatrick Outstanding Mentor Award last spring.

The Muley Fanatic Foundation, founded in Rock Springs in 2012, began the Muley Fanatic Foundation Excellence Fund in 2021 to fund the studies of an advancing professional in the conservation of mule deer at UW.

The Muley Fanatic Foundation continues to invest in the production of sound science and equipping the next generation of wildlife ecologists, Monteith says.

For questions or further information, email Taylor Wagstaff, Monteith Shop lab coordinator, at tkennah1@uwyo.edu or visit www.monteithshop.org.

For more information on the Muley Fanatic Foundation Excellence Fund or to support the Muley Fanatic Foundation, visit www.muleyfanatic.org.
A year has passed since Azerbaijan's most decisive and strong response to Armenian separatism and terrorismanti-terrorist operations. The event a year ago was not enough to prevent Armenian separatism and illegal acts in Garabagh but it also resulted in the deep shaking of the external forces that encouraged separatism and conflict in the entire South Caucasus.

What happened until September 19, 2023, created a general picture of the external influence of the pro-Armenian separatist elements and Armenian lobbies spread in Western organisations. Here, whether it is USAID, ICRC, PACE, as well as the initiatives of the representatives of the US Congress, each party showed its staunch pro-Armenian position.

Unfortunately, among the leaders of the European Union, there are still people who are distinguished by their pro-Armenian position, and who are ambitious against the territories of Azerbaijan. They propagate hatred and antagonism against races and religions as a whole with all their might and try to lead the masses to follow them.

Today, such people are preparing a great rebellion against humanity as a whole by dragging Europe against its Islamophobic and chauvinist tendencies.

Recently, among such trends, the Netherlands has also joined the ranks of activists. The ultra-right populist party leader Geert Wilders, who was elected Prime Minister last November, has already brought many countries against the Netherlands with his racist and anti-Islamist speeches. It is not a coincidence that the Dutch state did not lag behind France in accusing Azerbaijan in recent baseless statements and stark territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

In its latest statement, the Netherlands government, which called Azerbaijans Garabagh region freed from the Armenian occupation "Nagorno Karabakh", once again declared what political interests it pursues in its claims regarding the release of the criminal separatist groups arrested in Garabagh on September 19 of last year.

Certainly, the group that was defeated in the South Caucasus on September 19 and expelled from the occupied territories did not consist only of Armenians. Racist, Islamophobic, and separatist countries such as the Netherlands and France seem to have a big portion in their selfless support for separatism. With this, they also demonstrate that they are an interested party in the South Caucasus that was once embroiled in the conflict for more than 30 years.

Let's cast a glance at a subtle issue. The USAID organisation of the United States notes that since 2023, it has provided financial assistance to Armenians who left Garabagh on their volition. The note mentions 100,000 Armenians and adds that a total of 18 million dollars were spent on Armenian refugees fled Garabagh.

The question is whether the information about the exact identity of "100,000 Armenians" living legally or illegally in Garabagh was included in the official statistics? Has the donor organisation of the United States determined to whom the allocated funds are spent? Or is this just an exaggerated figure for the claim against Azerbaijan?

If a little attention is paid to one more issue, one can witness that there is discrimination in the activities of the organisation. During the 30-year occupation, more than one million refugees and displaced people of Azerbaijan lived in tents for a long time. While the world witnessed these atrocities of Armenia, those organisations remained silent. At that time, a figure of one million was not raised so much in the agenda of international institutions. However, today, a figure of approximately 20 thousand is exaggerated five times and conveyed to the world in such a form as if the people who passed through the ordeal of the past 30 years were not Azerbaijanis, but Armenians. Maybe the Armenians are good at playing the victim, or they come alive as angels in the eyes of their Western allies?

Today, the USA and France spare no money as aid packages to Armenia remain high. They even do their best to strengthen the military potential of a defeated state. How logical to accept their concept of peace in the South Caucasus while they think it is necessary to rearm a state that has occupied the territory of another state for three decades?

In 1992, when Azerbaijan was under occupation, the US government's Section 907 of the United States Freedom Support Act prevented any kind of direct aid to Azerbaijan. At that time, as now, the pro-Armenian congressmen in the US Congress took quick steps to implement this decision. However, Azerbaijan, whose territories were occupied, was in a much more difficult and even intolerable situation than Armenia, which was donated by all of its allies. When the West put the scales of justice in front of us then, we remained silent and patient. We were patient that maybe one day their sense of justice would wake up and they would condemn the Armenian crimes committed in Garabagh. But it did not turn out as desired. That necessitated a strong response against injustice.

The day Armenians fell on their knees on November 10, 2020, followed by the erasure of Armenian terrorism from Garabagh on September 19, 2023, showed Western forces that justice can only be restored through strength.

In a nutshell, Azerbaijan restored this justice with its own strength, and today, standing upright in front of those forces, it maintains this justice.
BRUSSELS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation is crucial for the development of the automotive industries in China and the European Union (EU), said Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao here on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks while chairing the China-EU Electric Vehicle (EV) Industrial Chain Enterprises Roundtable, which was attended by leaders from nearly 30 European and Chinese EV, power battery, and parts sectors, as well as related industry associations.

Over the past 40 years, Wang said, automotive cooperation between China and the EU has yielded fruitful results and become deeply integrated.

EU companies have flourished in China, driving the development of China's automotive industry chain, and China has also provided an open market and a fair competitive environment for European companies.

As for the EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs, Wang said that China will negotiate until the final moments.

Such a move by the EU, Wang noted, will not only hinder China-EU cooperation in the automotive industry and undermine Chinese companies' confidence in investing in Europe but will also severely affect global cooperation in addressing climate change and significantly damage the multilateral trade order based on WTO rules.

As the automotive industries of China and the EU are now at a critical crossroads, openness and cooperation are the best options, Wang said.

China has developed through reform and opening-up and will never close its door, Wang said. He noted the Chinese government firmly supports China-EU business cooperation, opposes "decoupling and breaking chains," and is committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and EU companies operating in China. 
BEIRUT, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday called for a "deterrent" and "firm" stance during the ongoing 79th session of the UN General Assembly at ending Israel's "aggression" and "technological war" against Lebanon.

"The Security Council session that will be held tomorrow, at the request of the Lebanese government, is required to come out with a deterrent stance that stops the war of extermination that Israel is waging against Lebanon," Mikati was quoted as saying by a statement released by the Lebanese Council of Ministers.

"The first responsibility lies with the international community, which must deter Israel from its aggression because this matter does not only concern Lebanon but the whole of humanity," said Mikati.

The death toll in explosions targeting pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday has risen to 37, whereas the injuries came at 2,931, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said Thursday.

No Israeli officials have claimed responsibility for the explosions, which Hezbollah attributed to Israel. 
A new report from Burmese activist groups is calling on French-based airline manufacturer Airbus to use its influence with Aviation Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, to pressure the Chinese firm to end its arms sales to the Myanmar junta.

AVIC is one of the worlds biggest defense contractors, and the Chinese aviation firm supplies aircraft and weapons to Myanmars military junta that are being used in airstrikes in the war-torn country.

The report, which was released Monday, says Airbus has not only maintained but increased investment in companies controlled by the Chinese firm.

According to the report, Airbus is heavily invested in AVICs Hong Kong-listed holding company, AviChina, a strategic partner of AVIC China.

An Airbus spokesperson denies allegations that the company could be in violation of international sanctions.

In its report titled #AIRBUSTED How Airbus close partner AVIC is supplying arms to the Myanmar military and what Airbus should do about it, Justice for Myanmar, and Info Birmanie, a non-profit organization in Paris that focuses on Myanmar, say they have uncovered evidence that AVIC is continuing to supply aircraft and weapons to the Myanmar military, which they say have been used to commit war crimes throughout the country.

The reports authors have called on Airbus to use its leverage over AVIC and its subsidiaries so they halt all ongoing and planned transfers of military aircraft, arms and associated equipment to the Myanmar military, as well as maintenance, training and technical support for the countrys air force.

Because of these known risks, Airbus should conduct heightened due diligence on any current and future partnerships with AVIC and its subsidiaries and make that due diligence public, the report said.

The report also called on Airbus to divest and end its relationship with AVIC if the company refuses to end its relationship and all business with Myanmars military.

Philippe Gmerek, a spokesperson for Airbus, told VOA in an email that the French airline manufacturer is compliant with sanctions on Myanmar and within international law with its relationship with AVIC.

"Airbus has not supplied defence products to Myanmar or its armed forces. Airbus is committed to conducting its business ethically and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes the delivery of defence products in accordance with export control laws and in full transparency and alignment with authorities and relevant stakeholders, Gmerek said in the emailed statement.

He added that Airbus' relationship with Chinese companies, including AVIC, is fully compliant with all European and international laws and regulations, notably with regards to the existing arms embargo on China. As such, Airbus' industrial and technology partnerships in China are exclusively focused on civil aerospace and services.

AVIC, one of the worlds largest military contractors, has been under U.S. sanctions since 2020 and is listed by Washington as a potential national security threat because of its links to the Chinese military. Those sanctions prohibit any American organization or individuals from dealing with firms that have links to the Chinese PLA.

Myanmar has been in chaos since military leader General Min Aung Hlaing and his military forces overthrew the democratically elected government in February 2021.

The coup sparked widespread armed resistance to military rule, led by ethnic armed groups and forces loyal to a civilian-led shadow government. Upwards of 5,600 people have been killed by the military and millions displaced since the coup, according to rights groups.

In a joint statement at the U.N. Security Council in February, France joined Britain, Ecuador, Japan, Malta, South Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland and the United States in strongly condemning the militarys violent attacks on civilians in Myanmar, including its continued use of indiscriminate airstrikes.

The governments of France, Germany and Spain all hold major shares in Airbus through holding companies.

VOA reached out to Christian Lechervy, Frances ambassador to Myanmar, and AVIC for comment but has yet to receive a reply.

Johanna Chardonnieras, coordinator for Info Burmie, said the French government, among others, should act.

The French, Spanish and German governments have a responsibility and a duty to act when Airbus partner and investee is linked to war crimes, Chardonnieras said. Today they have the opportunity to show their capacity for action, in line with their statements, values and sanctions.

Yadanar Maung, the Justice for Myanmar spokesperson, called for the U.S. to take action should Airbus continue its business ties with AVIC.

We call on the U.S. government to conduct due diligence on any business activities and links it currently has with Airbus and encourage U.S. citizens and entities to do the same. Airbus' decision to continue its business relationship with AviChina should be subject to consequences, including restricting market opportunities in the U.S., she told VOA.

Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who focuses on Southeast Asia politics and security, says the report could tarnish Airbus reputation, though it is unclear how much of an impact it could have beyond that.

Airbus will obviously try to make the case that they only partner with AVIC in the commercial aircraft, but obviously theres a lot of dual use technology, Abuza said.

The biggest hit to the firm is reputational damage. I am not sure Myanmar is a large enough issue, or its a priority for European leaders, or theres a significant and politically powerful diaspora to demand changes, he told VOA.

The U.S., Canada, Britain and the EU have all imposed a variety of sanctions on Myanmars military regime and its entities in recent years in a bid to end its violent crackdown.
Sri Lanka will hold elections for a new president Saturday in the first polls since massive popular protests ousted former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the height of a crushing economic downturn. It is a pivotal vote for the South Asian country where the new leader will have to steer the island nation toward economic revival and ensure political stability. Anjana Pasricha has this report.
A series of ambushes and explosions across military-run Niger killed at least 12 soldiers and wounded 30 others recently, the army announced on state-run television Wednesday.

In the first attack, in western Tillaberi region on Sunday, "a horde of criminals who arrived in their hundreds" killed five soldiers and wounded 25 more, according to the army.

The ground and air response killed "more than 100 attackers, the army said, without giving further details about them.

On Monday, in the restive southwest Diffa region where there are frequent attacks by Boko Haram and the West African branch of the Islamic State group, five patrolling soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device.

A "surgical strike" in retaliation "killed several terrorists" responsible, the army said.

In the latest attack, militants from a new resistance group called the Patriotic Movement for Freedom and Justice (MPLJ) claimed an operation against a military outpost in the Agadez region in the north.

The army said two soldiers were killed and six wounded in Tuesday's attack.

"A pursuit operation was immediately launched to track down the fleeing assailants, who were heading for the Libyan border," the army added.

The MPLJ claimed to have killed 14 soldiers and two gendarmes in the attack, and to have lost two of its own fighters.

Created in August, the MPLJ is an offshoot of the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL) armed group, which is fighting the junta for the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Democratically elected Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in July 2023 and has since then been held at the presidential palace.

While the military justified its power grab by citing the deteriorating security situation, violence persists.

According to the independent Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, about 1,500 civilians and soldiers in Niger have been killed in militant attacks over the past year, compared with 650 between July 2022 and 2023 when Bazoum was in charge.
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President Joe Biden on Saturday hosts the leaders of Australia, India and Japan for his final convening of the so-called Quad, a strategic security grouping focused on the Indo-Pacific area -- a populous and economically vital region also of strategic interest to China. VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
President Joe Biden has made it a priority to elevate the relationship of the Quad, four countries touched by the Indo-Pacific region, the White House said, as he prepares to host the leaders of Japan, India and Australia on Saturday at his Delaware home.

The region stretches from the U.S. West Coast to the shores of India to the northeast waters of Japan to the waters around Australia, and includes the many tiny, diffuse islands of the Pacific. That swath of the globe, the U.S. Commerce Department says, holds more than half the world's people and two-thirds of its economy.

And, administration officials said, this summit is personally important to Biden, as demonstrated by his decision to host the visitors in his private home in Wilmington, about 160 kilometers from the White House.

"The Biden-Harris administration has made elevating and institutionalizing the Quad a top priority," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. "And this 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 our partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas."

Officials say the leaders will act on the region's concerns and will announce moves on illegal fishing in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

"We've moved forward substantially on efforts that basically allow for the Pacific and Southeast Asia to track  largely untracked to this point  illegal fishing fleets that are the scourge of these extraordinarily important fishing areas," U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters Wednesday. "Vast majority of those fishing fleets are Chinese. We think these capacities will be indeed very helpful in helping local governments repel illegal fishing in their home waters."

Biden often likes to say that the U.S. is at an inflection point  a fact he has stressed recently as American voters face a tense November election with two very different presidential candidates.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump disagree on how to maintain the crucial U.S.-China relationship.

Trump is campaigning hard on harsh tariffs on China, saying, in a recent rally, "I'm putting a 200% tariff on them," while making false claims that Chinese automakers are putting up large factories in Mexico.

And Harris is expected to continue Biden's more cautious policy of keeping lines of communication open even while competing forcefully in many areas.

Beijing recently showed its sensitivity to hearing its name in U.S. election rhetoric, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying last week: "The election is an internal affair of the U.S. I won't comment on election remarks. But we oppose the U.S. using the election to criticize China."

Analysts say pulling the leaders of four powerful democracies into one room gives them space to talk freely.

"So really, I think the real agenda is not spoken about. It's China," said Rafiq Dossani, a senior economist at the RAND research corporation and a professor of policy analysis. "It's how to manage the rivalry with China."

"Each has their concerns about China," he told VOA. "That becomes, then, the text of the subtext or the background story."

But this group's interests extend far beyond China, analysts say.

"This is certainly not a Contain China club," said Kathryn Paik of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "The primary objectives of the Quad have focused on health, on delivering infrastructure needs, on enhancing countries' ability to monitor their maritime domains and their maritime resources, and on people-to-people ties between these countries."

VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching and Kim Lewis contributed to this report.
President Joe Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House next week (Sept 26) for talks on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the White House announced Thursday.

A statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Zelenskyy will also meet separately with Vice President Kamala Harris.

"The leaders will discuss the state of the war between Russia and Ukraine, including Ukraines strategic planning and U.S. support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The President and Vice President will emphasize their unshakeable commitment to stand with Ukraine until it prevails in this war, she said

Zelenskyy has said that he has a plan for victory in Russia's war against his country, and that he intends to present the proposal to Biden.

In a speech at the opening of the 20th Annual Yalta European Strategy Meeting in Kyiv last Friday, 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."

In recent weeks, Zelenskyy has 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.
In a step that could have broad implications for future elections in the U.S., California Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed three pieces of legislation restricting the role that artificial intelligence, specifically deepfake audio and video recordings, can play in election campaigns.

One law, which took effect immediately, makes it illegal to distribute "materially deceptive audio or visual media of a candidate" in the 120 days leading up to an election and in the 60 days following an election.

Another law requires that election-related advertisements using AI-manipulated content provide a disclosure alerting viewers or listeners to that fact.

The third law requires that large online platforms take steps to block the posting of "materially deceptive content related to elections in California," and that they remove any such material that has been posted within 72 hours of being notified of its presence.

"Safeguarding the integrity of elections is essential to democracy, and it's critical that we ensure AI is not deployed to undermine the public's trust through disinformation  especially in today's fraught political climate," Newsom said in a statement.

"These measures will help to combat the harmful use of deepfakes in political ads and other content, one of several areas in which the state is being proactive to foster transparent and trustworthy AI."

While California is not the only state with laws regulating the use of deepfakes in political ads, the application of the ban to 60 days following the election is unique and may be copied by other states. Over the years, California has often been a bellwether for future state laws.

Tech titan opposition

Social media platforms and free speech advocates are expected to challenge the laws, asserting that they infringe on the First Amendment's protection of freedom of expression.

One high-profile opponent of the measures is Elon Musk, billionaire owner of the social media platform X, who has been aggressively using his platform to voice his support of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

In July, Musk shared a video that used deepfake technology to impersonate the voice of Vice President Kamala Harris. In the video, the cloned voice describes Harris as a "deep state puppet" and the "ultimate diversity hire."

On Tuesday, after Newsom signed the new laws, Musk once again posted the video, writing, "The governor of California just made this parody video illegal in violation of the Constitution of the United States. Would be a shame if it went viral."

Federal action considered

Most of the legislative efforts to regulate AI in politics have, so far, been happening at the state level. This week, however, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress proposed a measure that would authorize the Federal Election Commission to oversee the use of AI by political campaigns.

Specifically, it would allow the agency to prohibit campaigns from using deepfake technology to make it appear that a rival has said or done something that they did not do or say.

During an appearance at an event sponsored by Politico this week, Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lisa Monaco said there was a clear need for rules of the road governing the use of AI in political campaigns, and she expressed her confidence that Congress would act.

While AI promises many benefits, it is also "lowering the barrier to entry for all sorts of malicious actors," she said. "There will be changes in law, I'm confident, over time," she added.

Minimal role in campaign so far

Heading into the 2024 presidential campaign, there was widespread concern that out-of-control use of deepfake technology would swamp voters in huge amounts of misleading content. That hasn't really happened, said PolitiFact editor-in-chief Katie Sanders.

"It has not turned out the way many people feared," she told VOA. "I don't know that it's entirely good news, because there's still plenty of misinformation being shared in political ads. It's just not generated by artificial intelligence. It's really relying on the same tricks of exaggerating where your opponent stands or clipping things out of context."

Sanders said that campaigns might be reluctant to make use of deepfake technology because voters "are distrustful of AI."

"Where the deepfake material that does exist is coming from is smaller accounts, anonymous accounts, and is sometimes catching enough fire to be shared by people who are considered elites on political platforms," she said.
A hearing to seek the release of imprisoned Americans in Beijing highlighted reasons for the U.S. to expand its list of U.S. citizens wrongly detained in China to prioritize their return.

Members of Congress and witnesses argued at a congressional hearing this week that the U.S. government should expand the list of Americans that it designates as being unjustly detained in China.

More Americans should be considered to be unjustly detained by the State Department, Representative Chris Smith, the chair of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, said Wednesday in opening remarks at the CECC hearing.

China is known for a justice system lacking transparency and arbitrarily detaining foreigners as well as its own citizens.

The State Department officially had three Americans listed as unjustly detained in China including American Pastor David Lin, who has now been released by Beijing, the State Department announced on Sunday.

The other two are Kai Li and Mark Swidan. Li, a businessman from Long Island, was detained by China in 2016 and sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 for espionage, which his family denies. Swiden, a Texas businessman, was detained in 2012 and convicted on drug-related charges in 2019. His supporters say there is evidence he was not in China at the time of the alleged offense.

Although estimates vary, human rights organizations assess that more U.S. citizens are wrongly detained in China.

Dui Hua, a human rights group that advocates for clemency and better treatment of detainees in China, doubts about 200 Americans who are held under coercive measures in China and more than 30 who are barred from leaving the country.

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, a group that seeks to free Americans held captive abroad, estimates that 11 U.S. nationals are wrongfully detained in China, including those subject to exit bans.

In the opening statement of his testimony, Nelson Wells, the father of detained American citizen Nelson Wells, Jr., lamented that Nelson is not considered a political prisoner or held unjust by the State Department.

Later, he added, We tried to get Nelsons name included in the list and expressed his hope that the hearing will pave the way.

Nelson Wells, Jr., from New Orleans, was arrested in 2014 in China and sentenced to life on drug-related charges, which his family denies. His term was reduced to 22 years in 2019, and he will remain in prison until 2041.

The U.S. determines whether its citizens are detained unlawfully or wrongfully by either a foreign government or a non-governmental actor based on criteria set by the Levinson Act signed into law in 2020.

Such criteria can include, but is not limited to, a review of whether the individual is being detained to influence U.S. policy, whether there is a lack of due process or disparate sentencing for the individuals, and whether the person is being detained due to their U.S. connections, among other criteria, said a spokesperson for the State Department in a statement to VOA Korean on Tuesday.

The Secretary of State has ultimate authority to determine whether a case is a wrongful detention. This determination is discretionary, based on the totality of the circumstances, and grounded in the facts of the case. We do not discuss the wrongful detention determination process in public, the spokesperson continued.

A spokesperson for the Foley Foundation told VOA that it believes 11 Americans currently detained in China meet the criteria for wrongful detention, as specified in Levinson Act.

Its report, published in July, says China remains the leading country in wrongfully detaining U.S. nationals, based on the data collected by the Foley Foundation in the period from 2022 to 2024.

Sophie Richardson, a visiting scholar at Stanford Universitys Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law, told VOA Chinas practice of arbitrary detention is harmful to its culture and economy.

Its a big part of what is deterring people from going to the country, including students who are interested in studying Chinese as well as business executives who are concerned they might run afoul of certain kinds of data regulations and [be] arbitrarily detained, said Richardson, a former China director at Human Rights Watch.

A record number of approximately 15,200 high-net worth individuals are expected to leave China in 2024, according to New World Wealth, a wealth intelligence firm, cited by the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report.

Harrison Li, the son of Kai Li, said, The Chinese government clearly wants more Americans to travel to China, but as long as our loved ones are being held, as long as there are so many people at risk, then that travel warning must be escalated.

The State Department currently advises Americans to reconsider traveling to the country due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and wrongful detention. The next level of advisory would say do not travel.

Bob Fu, the founder and president of China Aid, a human rights group that advocates for religious freedom, told VOA that increasing international isolation felt by the Chinese Communist Party could have led it to the release of David Lin.

He said the prospect for the release of other Americans would depend on how much persistent pressure from the highest level of the U.S. government is exerted on Beijing.

The State Department spokesperson told VOA Korean that the U.S. has raised the case of other wrongfully detained Americans in addition to David Lin and will continue to push for the release of other Americans.
The leaders of four countries hit by Storm Boris will meet Thursday in Poland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss aid for the flood-hit region.

The death toll from the storm which has hit central and eastern Europe in recent days rose to 24 on Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

Strong wind and heavy rains have been hitting the region since last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five in the Czech Republic.

The meeting among Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his Czech counterpart, Petr Fiala, Slovakia's Robert Fico and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, will take place in Wroclaw, a historic city of 670,000 people in southwest Poland.

Struck by devastating floods in 1997, residents of Wroclaw have become increasingly concerned as the waters rise.

They are expected to reach their peak Thursday.

While that is expected to be lower than it was in 1997, dams could be at risk if the high water lasts for several days.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban -- who this week canceled all his international engagements because of the storm -- will not be present at the meeting even though his country has also been badly affected.

Romania's prime minister will also be absent because of a defense meeting.

Fiala said on X on Wednesday that the leaders would "discuss the possibilities for European financial aid to the Czech Republic and other countries in central Europe."

'Even better coordination'

Commission deputy chief spokesperson Arianna Podesta told reporters that von der Leyen "will visit the area at risk in Wroclaw to assess the situation created by the recent heavy floods and rains that have hit Poland."

"She will discuss the actions taken by the authorities to respond to this crisis," she added.

Austria's Nehammer said, "We must use and expand the instruments that have been created for disasters like this. I will call in Poland for the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism."

The Czech Republic has already requested the activation of the mechanism to receive aid.

Nehammer said the summit would also discuss "an even better coordination of flood protection measures."

In Poland, several towns and villages have been devastated by the flood waters which have demolished houses, brought down bridges and heavily damaged road and rail infrastructure.

In some areas, residents still lack drinking water and electricity.
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export fell for the third successive month due to lower global demand for eco-friendly vehicles, government data showed Thursday.

Car shipment diminished 4.3 percent from a year earlier to 5.07 billion U.S. dollars in August, keeping a single-digit reduction since June, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

For the first eight months of this year, the automotive export reached 47.44 billion dollars, up 1.3 percent compared to the same period of last year.

The number of exported vehicles was 188,619 in August, down 6.2 percent from a year earlier.

Export for eco-friendly sedans dipped 6.6 percent to 1.68 billion dollars last month, and auto parts shipment shrank 3.5 percent to 1.84 billion dollars.

The number of vehicles, manufactured in local factories, sank 7.1 percent to 289,948 in August on a yearly basis.

The number of cars sold domestically, including locally-made and imported vehicles, came in at 128,199 in August, down 1.9 percent from a year earlier. 
Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was released from wrongful detention in Russia in a historic prisoner swap in August, is among the journalists to be honored with an International Press Freedom Award.

The other honorees include Palestinian journalist Shrouq Al Aila, Guatemalan journalist Quimy de Leon, and Samira Sabou from Niger, the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, announced Thursday.

CPJs International Press Freedom Awardees symbolize the vital work carried out by reporters everywhere to report facts in the face of fierce attempts to suppress truth, CPJ chief executive Jodie Ginsberg said in a statement. In what has been a devastating year for journalists and for press freedom, it is an honor to stand with them.

Kurmasheva, an editor at VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague, was jailed for more than nine months on dubious charges in Russia. The American-Russian journalist told VOA on her release that she is focused on her colleagues and other media workers who are still unjustly detained.

This recognition from the Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply meaningful to me, Kurmasheva said in a statement. CPJ played a pivotal role in advocating for my release, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Im honored to stand alongside three remarkable journalists whose stories of courage and resilience continue to inspire me.

Al Aila is a Palestinian who reports from Gaza. She took charge of the independent production company Ain Media after her husband  who cofounded the company  was killed while covering the Israel-Hamas war.

The war has taken a severe toll on journalists. As of Wednesday, at least 116 journalists and media workers have been killed since the Hamas terror attack on October 7, according to CPJ. It marks the deadliest period for journalists since the press freedom group started keeping track in 1992.

Guatemalas de Leon cofounded Prensa Comunitaria, a news outlet specializing in environmental and human rights issues. She also founded the digital magazine Ruda, which focuses on sexual and reproductive rights. For her work, de Leon has faced harassment from corporations and the government.

Sabou, from Niger, has faced arrests, detention and legal harassment over her reporting on the countrys government. The journalist is the president of the Association of Bloggers for Active Citizenship.

The New York-based CPJ will also posthumously honor Christophe Deloire, who served as director general of the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. He died in June at the age of 53 due to complications from brain cancer.

Deloire will be honored with the 2024 Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award, which CPJs board of directors presents annually in recognition of an individuals commitment to press freedom.

Christophe Deloire was a tireless advocate for media freedom and a strong partner in our efforts to help journalists globally, CPJ Board Chair Jacob Weisberg said in a statement. Honoring Christophe is recognition of his shining legacy and of all the journalists he supported throughout his career.

The CPJ awards will be presented in New York City on November 21. John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, will host the event, and Jessica Lessin, founder of the technology news outlet The Information, will chair.
Banana farmers in Malawi are beginning to recover from over a decade of economic hardship after the banana bunchy top virus, or BBTV, wiped out local banana varieties.

Africas Banana Bunchy Top Disease Alliance said up to 16 countries on the continent have been hit by BBTV, which renders plants unproductive and eventually kills them. The disease leads to yield losses of 70% to 90% in the first season, with subsequent seasons seeing no bananas at all.

Agriculture experts in Malawi say the virus destroyed the livelihoods of nearly 200,000 farmers in 2016, who were entirely dependent on banana farming.

Samson Mulenga, one of the affected farmers in Mulanje district in southern Malawi, told VOA the disease wiped out his entire banana production and left him destitute. The retired agriculture extension coordinator said a switch to other crops like cow peas, vegetables and cassava did not earn him as much as he had earned from banana farming.

But now, he said, the situation is slowly returning to normal because of collaborative programs between the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization and the Malawi government aimed at revamping the banana industry.

Godfrey Kayira, horticulture specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture in Mulanje district, said that under the Special Agricultural Product and Kulima programs, farmers were advised to get rid of all infected bananas and instead plant a BBTV-free variety.

These are the new varieties, but they are also susceptible to disease and can get the disease, he said. So, the only way is to manage the disease. Thats why we did some training [for] farmers so that they can manage. But if the varieties are left unmanaged, they can also get affected by the disease and also die.

Kayira said farmers were told to plant the new varieties 100 meters away from any banana plantation or orchard, and to immediately uproot and burn any plant showing signs of the disease, which include severe stunting and stumpy shoots.

However, smallholder farmers say their road to recovery is hindered by an influx of imported bananas from Tanzania and Mozambique.

Those bananas are cheap, but are lower quality, Kayira explained.

Mulanje [district] is getting a lot of bananas from Mozambique, he said. The challenge is that the bananas from Mulanje, the quality is good compared to those from Mozambique. As a result, the price of the bananas that we have here are much higher than those from Mozambique.

Kayira said the situation will normalize once the countrys banana production returns to its former glory.

Meanwhile, Malawi is also receiving support from the Chinese government, which is carrying out a School Banana Orchard Establishment initiative aimed at growing bananas at primary and secondary schools across the country.

In March of this year, the initiative planted more than 100 banana plants at the Chaminade Marianist secondary school in the capital Lilongwe.
Journalists at a news site that covers the Haitian community in the United States say they've been harassed and intimidated with racist messages for covering a fake story about immigrants eating the pets of people in an Ohio town.

One editor at the Haitian Times, a 25-year-old online publication, was "swatted" this week with police turning up at her home to investigate a false report of a gruesome crime. The news site canceled a community forum it had planned for Springfield, Ohio, and has shut down public comments on its stories about the issue because of threats and vile posts.

The Times, which had the Committee to Protect Journalists conduct safety training for its journalists in Haiti, has now asked for advice on how to protect staff in the United States, said Garry Pierre-Pierre, founder and publisher.

"We've never faced anything like this," Pierre-Pierre said Wednesday.

Site says it isn't backing down

The Times has debunked and aggressively covered the aftermath of the story about immigrants supposedly eating the dogs and cats of other Springfield residents, as it was spread by Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump's Republican running mate in the presidential election, and Trump himself in his debate with Democrat Kamala Harris.

Despite receiving hundreds of these messages, the site isn't backing down, said Pierre-Pierre, a former reporter at The New York Times who echoed a mission statement from his old employer in making that promise.

"We do not want to hibernate," he said. "We're taking the precautions that are necessary. But our first duty is to tell the truth without fear or favor, and we have no fear."

Pierre-Pierre, who emigrated to the United States in 1975, started the Haitian Times to cover issues involving first- and second-generation Haitians in the United States, along with reporting on what is happening in their ancestral home. It started as a print publication that went online only in 2012 and now averages 10,000 to 15,000 visitors a day, although its readership has expanded in recent weeks.

Macollvie Neel, the New York-based special projects editor, was the staff member who had police officers show up at her doorstep on Monday.

It was triggered when a Haitian advocacy group received an email about a crime at Neel's address. They, in turn, notified police who showed up to investigate. Not only did the instigators know where Neel lived, they covered their tracks by funneling the report through another organization, she said.

Neel said she had a feeling something like this might happen, based on hateful messages she received. But it's still intimidating, made more so because the police who responded were not aware of the concept of doxxing, or tracing people online for the purpose of harassment. She said police searched her home and left.

She was always aware that journalism, by its nature, can make people unhappy with you. This takes the threat to an entirely new level. Racist hate groups who are ready to seize on any issue are sophisticated and well-funded, she said.

"This is a new form of domestic terrorism," she said, "and we have to treat it as such."

'Its outrageous

Katherine Jacobsen, the Committee to Protect Journalists' U.S., Canada and Caribbean program coordinator, said it's a particularly acute case of journalists being harassed in retaliation for their coverage of a story. "It's outrageous," she said. "We should not be having this conversation. Yet we are."

Even before Springfield received national attention in recent weeks, the Haitian Times had been covering the influx of immigrants to the Midwest in search of jobs and a lower cost of living, Pierre-Pierre said. A story currently on its site about Springfield details how the furor "reflects America's age-old battle with newcomers it desperately needs to survive."

Another article on the site talks about the NAACP, Haitian American groups and other activists from across the country coming to the aid of Springfield residents caught in the middle of the story.

Similarly, the Times has heard from several other journalists  including from Pierre-Pierre's old employer  who have offered support. "I'm deeply touched," he said.
The simultaneous explosion of thousands of pagers used by Lebanese militia Hezbollah on Tuesday was the result of an unprecedented weaponization of a wireless paging system, in which rigged devices detonated upon receiving a coded signal transmitted by radio frequency.

The Lebanese government said the attack on pagers used by Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terror group, killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 2,750 others. It said another 25 people were killed and hundreds more were wounded on Wednesday when walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah also exploded simultaneously.

Lebanon, Hezbollah and its patron Iran blamed their enemy Israel, whose government has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.

Hezbollahs rigged pagers were connected to a wireless paging system in which coded signals are sent via radio frequency, or RF, technology from transmitting devices to pagers, which are only capable of receiving and decoding RF signals.

The process of sending a signal in a wireless paging system built for a wide area begins with the sender entering an alphanumeric message into a central paging terminal, also known as a transmitter controller or paging initiator device.

That message is encoded into an RF signal that the controller device sends to a network of transmission towers, which relay the signal to paging subscribers located within a certain geographic range of the towers.

When the pagers are turned on, their built-in antennas capture the RF signal and feed it to internal radio receivers, which send the encoded information to processors that decode and reproduce the original alphanumeric message sent from the controller.

If the pagers are tuned or programmed to receive the message, they notify the users of the incoming message by beeping or vibrating and displaying it on the screen.

Bryson Bort, a senior fellow at George Mason Universitys National Security Institute and founder of U.S. cybersecurity company Scythe, said in a VOA interview that the perpetrator of Tuesdays attack likely rigged Hezbollahs pagers with explosive material and programmed them to explode before they were delivered to their Hezbollah users.

Whoever did this reprogrammed the pagers so that when they receive a particular code, they send a command to a detonator to trigger the explosive, Bort said. If the signal is received by pagers that were not rigged to explode, nothing happens.

The controller device that initiated the signal to detonate the pagers likely was registered to operate in Lebanons wireless paging system and utilize its transmission tower infrastructure, Bort said.

Once the perpetrator of the attack has a registered controller device, they are like any other regular user of the network and can blend in, using Lebanons commercial infrastructure in the way that it is designed to work, he said.

Neither the Lebanese government nor Hezbollah has identified the device that initiated the signal triggering the pager explosions. Authorities have said they are investigating.

Bort said it was unlikely that the signal came from a controller device registered in Israel or that it was relayed to pagers in Lebanon using Israeli transmission towers.

I consider that to be the less-likely approach, because it would be obvious to authorities with signal-tracking capabilities that that the signal is coming from Israel, Bort said.

Also, imagine the amount of power that Israel would need to transmit a signal over the entire country of Lebanon. Israel wouldnt be able to guarantee that all of Hezbollahs thousands of pagers would receive the signal with that kind of approach.
Irans efforts to upend U.S. politics ahead of Novembers presidential election by targeting the campaign of former President Donald Trump went well beyond a standard hack-and-leak operation.

According to U.S. intelligence officials, Tehran sought to ensnare the campaign of Trumps then-opponent, incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden.

Information released late Wednesday by U.S. intelligence officials indicates Iranian cyber actors not only tried to leak stolen Trump campaign documents to media organizations but also tried to feed them to Biden campaign officials, hoping the Biden team might try to use them.

Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Bidens campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, nonpublic material from former President Trumps campaign as text in the emails, according to a statement by the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

There is currently no information indicating those recipients replied, the statement added, noting the Iranian hackers have continued to peddle the stolen information to U.S. media organizations.

The FBI has been tracking this activity, has been in contact with the victims, and will continue to investigate and gather information in order to pursue and disrupt the threat actors responsible, the statement said.

Earlier this month, a U.S. intelligence official warned that Tehran is making a greater effort than in the past to influence this year's elections.

Those efforts included what the official described as a multipronged approach to stoke internal divisions and undermine voter confidence that has included attacks on Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democrats presidential nominee after Biden ended his campaign in late July.

Iran's mission to the United Nations has not yet responded to a request from VOA for comment. It has previously denied involvement in any attempts to interfere with U.S. elections.

This is further proof the Iranians are actively interfering in the election to help Kamala Harris and Joe Biden because they know President Trump will restore his tough sanctions and stand against their reign of terror, Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt told VOA in an email.

The Harris campaign told VOA in an email that it has cooperated with law enforcement since it was made aware of the Iranian activities. Were not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign, said campaign spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein.

A few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt, Finkelstein said. We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in U.S. elections, including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity.

The Trump campaign first announced the suspected hack last month, initially blaming "foreign sources hostile to the United States." U.S. intelligence officials attributed the attack to Iran about a week later.

An unclassified U.S. assessment issued earlier this month cautioned, Iran has a suite of tools at its disposal.

Beyond attempts to hack and leak information, Iran is conducting covert social media operations using fake personas and using AI to help publish inauthentic news articles, it added.

Private technology companies have likewise warned about Irans activities.

In a report issued just days before the Trump campaign said it had been hacked by Iran, Microsoft said Tehran-linked actors were already seeding the online space for influence operations and potential cyberattacks.

But Microsoft President Brad Smith on Wednesday indicated Iranian preparations began even earlier.

"We've seen, starting in May, increasingly sophisticated Iranian activity to penetrate network accounts," Smith told a cyber summit in Washington. "It's a classic prelude to hack-and-leak operations. If you can steal the email in June, you can use it in October and you can even change the email."
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged Thursday that this weeks deadly explosive attacks in Lebanon on the militant groups communications devices were a severe blow, while contending that Israel had crossed a red line in carrying out the operation.

The attacks killed at least 32 people and wounded an additional 3,000 as unsuspecting Hezbollah militants and others answered messages on their pagers and tried to carry on conversations on their walkie-talkies, only to have them explode in their hands.

The attacks, on Tuesday and Wednesday, were widely believed to be carried out by Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied being involved.

"Yes, we were subjected to a huge and severe blow," Nasrallah said. "The enemy crossed all boundaries and red lines.

As usual, Nasrallah spoke by video from an undisclosed location. Iran-backed Hezbollah has typically convened a rally for supporters to watch his speeches on a big screen, but this time it did not.

Because of the lethal devastation from the attacks, Lebanon has banned passengers flying from Beiruts international airport from carrying pagers or walkie-talkies on board their flights. The ban also applies to checked and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo.

In Paris, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States does not want to see any escalatory actions in Lebanon that make it more difficult to reach a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip.

There is a real problem that needs to be resolved when it comes to northern Israel and southern Lebanon, and that is the fact that since October 8 [the day after the war in Gaza started], Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel. Israel has been firing back, Blinken said.

The population in both northern Israel and southern Lebanon has had to flee their homes, and we all want to see them be able to go back to their homes, and that requires a secure environment.

Security experts in the Middle East and the United States told U.S. media outlets this week they believe that somehow Israeli agents intercepted the shipment of the pagers from a company in the Hungarian capital of Budapest to add the explosives to the devices before they arrived in Lebanon and were handed out by Hezbollah.

But a New York Times account disputed that scenario. The newspaper reported that its sources in the intelligence community said that Israel created a front company, B.A.C. Consulting, to manufacture the electronic devices and incorporate batteries laced with the explosive PETN and links so the devices could be detonated remotely.

The company produced some ordinary pagers for sale on the commercial market, the newspaper said, but the singular aim was to manufacture the lethal devices to deploy in Israels fight against Hezbollah.

The first batches of the pagers were shipped to Lebanon in the summer of 2022 in small numbers, but production was quickly ramped up after Nasrallah denounced the use of cell phones because they could be tracked by Israeli intelligence and the low-tech pagers and walkie-talkies could not.

Hsu Ching-Kuang, founder of Taiwan-based manufacturer Gold Apollo, told reporters Wednesday his company did not manufacture the pagers, even though its corporate markings were on them when the remains of the exploded devices were examined Tuesday.

He said Gold Apollo had authorized its brand to be used on devices produced and sold by B.A.C. in Budapest.

Meanwhile, Israels military said Thursday it carried out strikes against seven Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, while also announcing the arrest of an Israeli citizen suspected of involvement in an Iran-backed plot to kill Israeli officials.

Israeli authorities said in a statement that the person arrested was a businessman with connections in Turkey who attended at least two meetings in Iran and that potential targets of the plot included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The arrest took place last month, the statement said.

In addition to the Israeli strikes Thursday, the military also reported several drones crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory.

Israeli defense chief Gallant said Thursday he spoke by telephone with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about the situation in the region, including Israels defense against Hezbollah threats.

The Pentagon said Austin reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Hezbollah and other Iranian partners in the region.

The secretary emphasized the U.S. commitment to deterring regional adversaries and efforts to de-escalate tensions across the region, a Pentagon spokesperson said.

The pager and walkie-talkie attacks followed Israels announcement that it was broadening its goals in the war against Hamas militants in Gaza to include the securing of northern Israel from Hezbollah rocket attacks.

Jeff Seldin and Nike Ching contributed to this report. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Some Brazilian users regained access to X on Wednesday despite a nationwide ban put in place by the country's Supreme Court, a reunion apparently resulting from a change in the way the social network's servers are accessed.

But the renewed access may be short-lived.

Late last month, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered X blocked nationwide after months of tension with the site's billionaire owner, Elon Musk, over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation. De Moraes also set fines for anyone using virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access the platform.

That rendered X effectively inaccessible in the country until Wednesday, when an Associated Press journalist was among those who regained access. The number of X posts made in Brazil rose from 939,000 Tuesday to more than 2 million by late afternoon Wednesday, data analysis company Bites said.

Experts examining X's IP addresses  numeric designations that identify sites' locations on the internet  said there are indications the company has begun routing users through the servers of Cloudflare, a content delivery network, en route to its own.

"The service that Elon Musk's social network has started using works like a 'digital shield' that protects the company's servers," said Pedro Diogenes, Latin America's technical director for CLM, a distributor that focuses on cybersecurity. It acts as a proxy between users and X's servers, filtering traffic and preventing the original IP address from being recognized, Diogenes told the AP.

Brazilian telecommunications regulator Anatel said it is looking into the situation and will report its findings to the Supreme Court, noting that there has been no change to de Moraes' ruling. A panel of fellow justices later upheld his decision, though it hasn't yet gone before the court's full bench. His fine for VPN users in particular has faced blowback, including from the nation's bar association.

The Supreme Court declined to comment on possible actions it could take. Musk, who often uses his platform to disparage de Moraes, hadn't commented on X by late afternoon.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro celebrated the return of the social network. He has sided with Musk in the feud with de Moraes and sought to portray the ban as censorship from an overzealous judge.

"I congratulate you all for the pressure that makes the wheels turn in defense of democracy in Brazil," Bolsonaro posted Wednesday on X.

Some Brazilian X users trumpeted the platform's return  with several addressing de Moraes directly, vowing that they weren't using a VPN. There have been no reports of fines being levied against people using VPNs.

Protection of controversial sites

Cloudflare, a security company that prides itself on providing services to websites regardless of their content, has a history of protecting sites other companies won't touch  up to a point. In 2017, for instance, it dropped the neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer as a customer following a deadly clash at a white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. And in 2022, it dropped the notorious stalking and harassment site Kiwi Farms, citing an "immediate threat to human life."

But X is a mainstream social media platform  even if it may be home to some extremist content  and it is not yet clear whether Brazil's ban would be enough for San Francisco-based Cloudflare to abandon it.

Cloudflare has a reputation for cooperating with governments, however, and so may comply with an order from the Supreme Court to cease serving as X's proxy, David Nemer, who specializes in the anthropology of technology at the University of Virginia, told the AP.

Ordering internet service providers to block Cloudflare would be impossible since thousands of Brazilian companies depend on it, Nemer previously wrote on Bluesky, another social media platform.

A person close to Cloudflare, who was not authorized to speak publicly about a business relationship, said the network services provider did not do anything specifically to help X get around Brazil's ban. Rather, X recently switched to Cloudflare from another provider, which could be a reason the block is not working. This person added that the workaround likely won't last long.

De Moraes could also attempt to force Musk's hand by going after his satellite-based internet service provider Starlink, as he has done since the ban, said Rafael Mafei, a law professor at the University of Sao Paulo.

On Friday, de Moraes seized about $3 million from bank accounts belonging to X and Starlink to collect what X owed in fines.

Legal analysts have questioned de Moraes' prior decision to freeze Starlink's bank account until it paid for X's fines. While Musk owns both X and SpaceX, which operates Starlink, the two companies are separate entities. But de Moraes has shown that he considers the two companies to belong to the same economic group, Mafei said.

"Under normal circumstances, anyone else who openly took active steps to obstruct judicial measures and investigations, as Musk is doing, would possibly have already had their arrest decreed in Brazil," Mafei said.
North Korea said Thursday that leader Kim Jong Un supervised successful tests of two types of missiles  one designed to carry a "super-large conventional warhead" and the other likely for a nuclear warhead, as he ordered officials to bolster his country's military capabilities to repel U.S.-led threats.

The tests appear to be the same as the multiple missile launches that neighboring countries said North Korea performed Wednesday, extending its run of weapons displays as confrontations with the United States and South Korea escalate.

The official Korean Central News Agency said that Kim oversaw the launch of the country's newly built Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 ballistic missile tipped with a dummy "4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead." It said the test-firing was meant to verify an ability to accurately hit a 320 kilometer-range target, suggesting it's a weapon aimed at striking sites in South Korea.

KCNA said Kim also guided the launch of an improved "strategic" cruise missile, a word implying the weapon was developed to carry a nuclear warhead.

After the tests, Kim stressed the need to continue to "bolster up the nuclear force" and acquire "overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional weapons, too," according to KCNA. It cited Kim as saying that North Korea can thwart its enemies' intentions to invade only when it has strong military power.

KCNA released photos of a missile hitting a ground target. South Korea's military said later Thursday it assessed that the ballistic and cruise missiles fired by North Korea the previous day landed in the North's mountainous northeastern region.

North Korea typically test-launches missiles off its east coast, and it's highly unusual for the country to fire missiles at land targets, likely because of concerns about potential damage on the ground if the weapons land in unintended areas.

Jung Chang Wook, head of the Korea Defense Study Forum think tank in Seoul, said North Korea likely aims to show it's confident about the accuracy of its new ballistic missile. Jung said the missile's high-powered warhead is meant to attack ground targets, but North Korea hasn't acquired weapons that can penetrate deep into the earth and destroy underground structures.

The Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missile's first known test occurred in early July. North Korea said the July test was successful as well, but South Korea's military disputed the claim saying one of the two missiles fired by North Korea travelled abnormally during the initial stage of its flight before falling at an uninhabited area near Pyongyang, the capital. North Korea hasn't released photos on the July launches.

North Korea has been pushing to introduce a variety of sophisticated weapons systems designed to attack both South Korea and the mainland U.S. to deal with what it calls its rivals' intensifying security threats. Many foreign experts say North Korea would ultimately want to use its enlarged arsenal as leverage to win greater concessions in future dealings with the U.S.

Worries about North Korea deepened last week as it disclosed photos of a secretive facility to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. KCNA said that Kim, during a visit to the facility, called for stronger efforts to "exponentially" produce more nuclear weapons.

It was unclear whether the facility is at North Korea's main Yongbyon nuclear complex. But it was the North's first unveiling of a uranium-enrichment facility since it showed one at the country's main Yongbyon nuclear complex to visiting American scholars led by nuclear physicist Siegfried Hecker in 2010.

In an analytical piece jointly written with another expert, Robert Carlin, that was posted Wednesday on North Korea-focused website 38 North, Hecker said the centrifuge hall shown in the recent North Korean photos was not the same one that he saw in November 2010.

Hecker and Carlin said they believe the new centrifuges provide "only a modest increased capacity," although North Korea could increase enrichment capacity just by building more centrifuge plants.

In another joint analysis also posted Friday on 38 North, other experts said that the centrifuges shown in the photos are not the ones observed by Hecker but a more advanced design. They said the images send "a strong message that the country has ample capacity and continued will to expand its nuclear program."
North Korea tested new tactical ballistic missiles using super-large warheads and modified cruise missiles on Wednesday as leader Kim Jong Un called for stronger conventional weapons and nuclear capabilities, state news agency KCNA reported.

The tests to improve weapons capabilities are required because of the grave threat posed by outside forces to the security of the country, Kim, who led the tests, was quoted as saying.

The account followed the firing of multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday reported by the South Korean military, which was the second time the North test-launched missiles in a week.

Last week, North Korea also unveiled a uranium enrichment facility, in its first such public report.

Kim stressed "the need to continue to bolster the nuclear force and have the strongest military technical capability and overwhelming offensive capability in the field of conventional weapons too," KCNA said.

Wednesday's tests involved the new tactical ballistic Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 missiles, KCNA said, indicating it was part of a series of short-range ballistic missiles it had been developing.

The missile was mounted with a 4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead, KCNA said.

North Korea's state media reported the tests of missiles with the same name in July, which was considered a partial success. On Thursday, state media released photographs of a projectile striking a target in a hilly area.

South Korea's military said on Thursday two ballistic missiles landed in a mountainous area in the North's northeast.

Such a missile launch test with an intention to hit an inland target is likely unprecedented, said Shin Seung-ki, who is the head of research on North Korea's military at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses in Seoul.

North Korea routinely test-launches missiles to drop in the sea or on an uninhabited island.

The particular missile with the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 designation is still under development but Russia may want it soon if its performance and reliability can be guaranteed through further testing, Shin said.

"North Korea will want to shorten that time as much as possible," he said.

Kyiv officials and independent experts have said there were signs some of the missiles used by Russia in the war against Ukraine were North Korean-made, including some that were produced this year. Moscow and Pyongyang both deny any illicit arms trade or shipments.

The North's military also tested a strategic cruise missile that has been upgraded for combat use, KCNA said.

North Korea has criticized military drills by the South Korean and U.S. militaries, including a large-scale exercise conducted this summer, as preparations for war on the Korean peninsula.

The allies say the drills are defensive in nature and aimed at maintaining readiness against any North Korean aggression.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk met with Pakistani officials in Islamabad on Wednesday to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation "across multiple sectors," as Moscow grapples with U.S. and EU economic sanctions over its war against Ukraine.

Overchuks visit comes after two days of meetings between John Bass, U.S. acting undersecretary of state for political affairs, and Pakistani army chief General Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.



During a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Wednesday in Islamabad, Dar said discussions centered on expanding economic ties between the two countries.

Pakistans bilateral trade with Russia reached an unprecedented $1 billion last year. The countries are committed to expanding trade ties by addressing logistical and related issues, Dar said.

According to Dar, Pakistan and Russia are expanding ties in many fields, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases. However, sanctions against Russia restrict cooperation between the two countries.

Even today, we looked at how to expand our relationship, and overcome this constraint of the banking system, which you know are facing sanctions, which obviously constrains our relationship, the volume of our relationship could have been much bigger, Dar said

Dar said Pakistan and the U.S. Department of State had detailed discussions in October 2023, and American officials agreed to Pakistan's request to purchase Russian LNG, as long as a committee of U.S. trade officials determines the price.



According to Dar, Pakistan views Russia as an important player in West, South and Central Asia. He said Pakistan aims to work with Moscow toward peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Pakistans army media wing said in a statement on Wednesday that Russias Overchuk spoke with General Syed Asim Munir, chief of the army staff (COAS), in Rawalpindi.

Both reiterated Pakistan's commitment to fostering traditional defense ties with Russia. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen security and defense cooperation in multiple domains, the statement says.

Analysts say the Russian deputy prime minister's visit and the expansion of cooperation shows Moscow is expanding its influence in the region.

In my view, a vacuum has emerged after the U.S. exit from Afghanistan, and Russia is positioning itself to fill that void. China is also making efforts in this direction. As a result, Pakistan is working under this policy framework to improve its relations with regional countries, including Russia, professor Manzoor Afridi, a Pakistani academic on international relations, told VOA.

Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan, a Pakistani international affairs expert at Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, told VOA, The primary goal during this period is to enhance trade, strengthen diplomatic ties, and develop infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. However, the United States has restricted certain aspects of Pakistan's ballistic missile program, while tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated. In this context, Pakistan's relationship with Russia holds significance.

Pakistan received its first shipment of Russian liquefied petroleum gas in 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the possibility of liquefied natural gas supplies earlier in July on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit at Astana, Kazakhstan.

This story originated in VOAs Deewa service.
BEIRUT, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised speech on Thursday that the deadly device explosions across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday are "an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel."

Israel "violated all red lines," Nasrallah said, calling the incidents "massacres."

"These attacks in Lebanon are still being investigated, including the devices used," he said.

The attacks, though "unprecedented," will not weaken Hezbollah, he said.

"We will become strong and more capable of facing any dangers," he said, assuring that Lebanon's front will not stop before ending the Israeli attacks against Gaza.

During Nasrallah's televised speech, Israeli jets broke huge sound barriers over Beirut.

The Israeli military announced Thursday that "plans for the continuation of the war" in Lebanon against Hezbollah were approved, as it launched a new wave of bombings in southern Lebanon.

The death toll in explosions targeting pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday has risen to 37, whereas the injuries came at 2,931, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said Thursday.

No Israeli officials have claimed responsibility for the explosions, which Hezbollah attributed to Israel.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have been escalating since Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Hamas. Israel retaliated with artillery fire into southeastern Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths in Lebanon, and Hezbollah claims its attacks have inflicted casualties in Israel. 
Police in southern Pakistan reported Thursday that a doctor facing allegations of blasphemy against Islam was killed in a shootout during a raid intended to arrest him.

The overnight alleged extrajudicial killing of Shah Nawaz in the province of Sindh marked the second instance within a week in which Pakistani police fatally shot a blasphemy suspect.

Nawaz, a Muslim, was an employee at the main public hospital in his native Umerkot district. He was dismissed from his job on Tuesday after area residents accused him of desecrating the Prophet Muhammad by sharing "blasphemous posts" on Facebook earlier in the week.

The doctor rejected the charges and disowned the social media account. A police complaint was subsequently filed against him, however, amid citywide violent protests by religious party activists demanding his immediate arrest.

An area police officer, Niaz Khoso, alleged that Nawaz and another armed man were fleeing on a motorcycle to evade arrest, refused to stop at a checkpoint and instead opened fire on police. The ensuing exchange of gunfire led to the death of the blasphemy suspect, Khoso said.

Such official claims are often widely disputed by critics, who point to a highly politicized and corruption-plagued Pakistani police force with a history of staged encounters.

Last week, a police officer in the southwestern city of Quetta shot and killed a 52-year-old hotel owner who was being held in custody on blasphemy allegations. The victim, Abdul Ali, a Muslim, was arrested a day earlier for allegedly posting derogatory remarks on social media about the Prophet Muhammad. His killing inside the police lockup triggered outrage and calls for bringing the shooter to justice.

Alis family announced at a news conference together with their tribal elders late on Wednesday, though, that they had forgiven the police officer and would not press charges "in the name of God. One of the elders stated that their tribe had decided to disown the slain man for disrespecting the prophet of Islam.

The countrys independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, or HRCP, said that it was gravely concerned by the alleged extrajudicial killings of Shah and Ali.

This pattern of violence in cases of blasphemy, in which law enforcement personnel are allegedly involved, is an alarming trend, the watchdog stated in a Thursday statement.

The HRCP urged authorities to conduct an independent inquiry to ascertain who was responsible for the doctors death in Umarkot and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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 the Prophet is punishable by death under the country's blasphemy laws, although no one has ever been officially executed.

In 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 in Pakistans Punjab province following accusations he insulted Islam. Days later, on June 20, a Muslim man from Punjab was visiting the scenic northwestern Swat Valley when a mob violently lynched him for allegedly desecrating Islam's holy book, the Quran.

The laws are persistently under international scrutiny, with critics blaming them for the recent rise in blasphemy allegations and mob lynching of suspects in Pakistan.

A new report released on Monday stated that the blasphemy laws are being significantly misused, with many defendants facing baseless accusations, protracted legal battles, and lengthy pretrial prison time, as judges tread carefully to avoid offending religious groups.

The findings by the U.S.-based Clooney Foundation for Justice backed long-running local and international rights groups concerns that the strict blasphemy laws are often misused to settle personal vendettas or to persecute Pakistani minority communities.

Hundreds of blasphemy suspects, mostly Muslims, are languishing in jails in Pakistan because fear of retaliation from religious groups deters judges from moving their trials forward.
Russia is seizing on an apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump to further amplify political divisions in the United States and undermine support for Ukraine.

Russian state media has played up the would-be assassin Ryan Wesley Routh's support for Ukraine as a motivating factor behind the alleged plot, which some pundits framed as "blowback" for Washington's support of Ukraine's self-defense.

At the same time, Moscow is denying its own efforts to sow division in the U.S. and influence the November 5 presidential election.

Commenting on the alleged assassination attempt, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow sees how "tense the situation is" ahead of the presidential election, "including between political rivals."

"The political struggle is escalating, various methods are being used," Peskov said. "We are watching this closely, but we have never interfered in this in any way, and we are not interfering now."

That is false.

In a September 17 report, the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center said that while Russian "influence of U.S. elections has remained a constant over the last decade," Moscow has changed tactics "for reaching American audiences amidst a dynamic social media environment and a shifting electoral calculus."

Those tactics are reflected in the most recent U.S. government indictments and sanctions against Russian influence actors.

On September 4, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it had seized 32 internet domains used "in Russian government-directed foreign malign influence campaigns," called Doppelganger.

The DOJ said that Russian companies, "under the direction and control of the Russian Presidential Administration," used those domains and others to both pose as unique media brands and impersonate "legitimate news entities," with the goal of "covertly spread Russian government propaganda."

That propaganda was aimed at "reducing international support for Ukraine, bolstering pro-Russian policies and interests, and influencing voters in U.S. and foreign elections, including the U.S. 2024 Presidential Election."

In its report, Microsoft documented a "synchronized shift" by three Kremlin-aligned influence actors, Storm-1516, Storm-1679 and Ruza Flood, "toward maligning the campaign" of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

Microsoft said the Russian influence actors produced inauthentic videos implicating Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, "in outlandish fake conspiracy theories."

Those malign actions are further corroborated by records the DOJ obtained from Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Those records show that Russian influence actors used Meta pages and advertisements to spread disinformation.

The DOJ said the Meta records revealed "Doppelganger's apparent use of artificial intelligence tools to generate content, including images and videos, for use in negative advertisements about U.S. politicians."

Leaked internal documents from one of the Kremlin-controlled propaganda centers behind the Doppelganger campaign, called the Social Design Agency (SDA) further supported the DOJ's allegations.

SDA's bot army, called the "Russian Digital Army," produced 39,899 "content units" on social media, including 4,641 videos and 2,516 memes and graphics, and generated 33.9 million comments, leaked files obtained by VSquare, a Central Europe focused investigative outlet, revealed.

Those files indicate "elections in Europe and the U.S. are the primary targets" of their fake news and disinformation campaigns.

One leaked document outlining the SDA's disinformation focus reads:

"The European Parliament elections are in the summer of 2024. Critical milestones are approaching in 2024, including the Bundestag elections and the U.S. presidential election. The outcome of these campaigns will largely determine the West's future sanctions policy towards Russia and support for Ukraine."

On September 16, Meta banned Russian state media networks from its platforms after the U.S. government sanctioned the Rossiya Segodnya media group, which owns and operates RT and Sputnik.

The U.S. alleged "the Russian government had embedded within RT an entity with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence" that is "focused primarily on influence and intelligence operations all over the world."

"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," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Russia falsely attempted to portray those sanctions  and DOJ criminal charges against two RT employees who allegedly laundered $10 million to spread Russian propaganda through U.S. influencers  as an attack on free speech.

Russian efforts to undermine U.S. democracy and society came to the forefront of U.S. political discourse after the U.S. intelligence community and federal investigators revealed Moscow had worked to secure a Trump victory during the 2016 presidential election.

A Senate Intelligence Committee report released in August 2020 further confirmed that Russia had sought to bolster Trump's 2016 campaign and hurt that of his rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, while undermining the overall "U.S. democratic process."
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are heading to a boiling point after this weeks exploding device attacks in Lebanon. Well hear from a national security expert on the covert nature of this operation and the Japanese tech company whose labels were on some of the devices is investigating. The EU says it will use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraines devastated energy infrastructure ahead of another winter of war. A look at Iranian efforts to undermine the American election, and voters in Kashmir are going to the polls as well. Plus, a promising South African study that could mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant TB.
The European Union announced Thursday it will provide Ukraine with about $180 million in energy funding  about $111 of it coming from frozen Russian assets  ahead of what promises to be a tough winter after Russian attacks on the nations energy grid.



At a Brussel news conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said about $67 million of the funding will go toward shelters, heaters and other humanitarian aid, while the balance, funded by the Russian assets, will be used for repairs to the grid along with investments in renewable energy.



Regarding the use of Russian assets, von der Leyen said, it is only right that Russia pays for the destruction it caused. She said the EU will continue transferring proceeds from the assets to fund Ukraines energy resilience, which includes decentralizing energy production, as well as adoption of renewables such as solar.



Von der Leyen said she is traveling to Kyiv Friday to discuss the energy situation plans.

The EU energy assistance follows a report from the Internation Energy Agency (IEA) which said because of an increase in intensity of Russian attacks on the nations energy infrastructure, Ukraine was facing perhaps the most difficult winter, from an energy standpoint, since Russias invasion in 2022.



Speaking at the same news conference, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said a Russian attack late last month damaged a large portion of Ukraines infrastructure.

Even before that, Birol said that because of the previous attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, two-thirds of the power generation capacity of Ukraine was lost."



Birol said winter energy demands could be a major issue for electricity and heating, not only for Ukraine homes, but the IEA sees huge implications for the hospitals, schools, and communication networks. He said this may lead to some consequences beyond the energy sector."

On the battlefield, Ukraine said Thursday its air defenses shot down all 42 drones that Russia used in overnight attacks targeting regions across the country.



Ukraines air force said it also shot down a Russian guided missile. Russias attacks included drones directed at the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Rivne, Vinnytsia, and Zhytomyr regions, the military said.



Russias Defense Ministry said it destroyed two Ukrainian drones over the Kursk region and another drone over the Belgorod region.



The exchange of aerial attacks came a day after a Ukrainian drone hit a warehouse in Russias Tver region, sparking a large fire and forcing evacuations in the area.



"The enemy hit an ammunition depot in the area of Toropets," said Yuri Podolyaka, a Ukrainian-born, pro-Russian military blogger, Reuters reported. "Everything that can burn is already burning there [and exploding]."



Igor Rudenya, governor of the Tver region, said on Telegram that the drones had been shot down and a fire was burning, but the situation was under control.



In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not mention the blast specifically, but he said a very important result was achieved on Russian territory that weakened the enemy.



Ukraines state security service earlier said the warehouse held missiles, guided bombs and artillery ammunition. Previously, Russian media had called the site a major conventional arms arsenal.



Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
A senior United Nations official warned Wednesday that "immediate action" is needed to halt the fighting in the capital of Sudan's North Darfur region, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are at risk.

"We urge members of the Security Council to employ their collective leverage to help protect the population caught in the crossfire," Martha Pobee, U.N. assistant secretary-general for Africa, told council members.

A round of large-scale fighting erupted on September 12 between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who advanced on the capital of El Fasher from multiple directions, and the Sudanese Armed Forces, who are positioned inside the city.

El Fasher is the only capital in the Darfur region that has not yet fallen to the rebel paramilitary.

Civilians inside the large city, including an estimated 700,000 people displaced from other parts of Sudan, have been under siege for months with little outside assistance.

Pobee urged exploring the possibility of local cease-fires.

"Prior to the deterioration of the situation in El Fasher, a local cease-fire protected the city's population for close to a year," she said. "A return to such an arrangement in El Fasher and similar short-term solutions in other locations must continue to be pursued."

War causes humanitarian crisis

Sudan is experiencing a massive humanitarian crisis because of the war between two rival generals that began in April 2023. More than 10 million people have fled their homes in search of safety, and last month, international monitors confirmed famine in North Darfur. According to the United Nations, 26 million people are in crisis levels of hunger across the country.

In June, the 15-nation Security Council adopted a resolution calling for "an immediate halt to the fighting and for de-escalation in and around El Fasher," but it has been totally ignored.

During a news conference Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his frustration with the intransigence of Sudan's warring generals.

"I mean, the truth is that you have two generals, and you have two groups, one army and one paramilitary institution, that are fighting each other, without any consideration for the needs and the dramatic impacts of their people," he said. "The level of hunger is spreading terribly in Sudan. The number of people killed and maimed is increasing dramatically. And as a matter of fact, all this is done with total impunity."

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement that both sides must pull back their forces, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access and re-engage in negotiations to end the war.

The United States, Saudi Arabia and other partners have pressed for peace for months. While the U.S. and its partners have been successful in opening up some routes for humanitarian relief into Sudan, they so far have failed to silence the guns.

Diplomats continue seeking solutions

Next week, the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces and chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah Burhan, will be in New York for the annual U.N. General Assembly meetings.

Diplomats say there will be multiple meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly gathering to discuss the situation in Sudan, including a ministerial-level meeting to be hosted by the United States, France, Germany and the European Union.

Burhan said Wednesday that the government "remains resolute and fully committed to ending the suffering of our citizens" and is open to all constructive efforts aimed at ending the war. He said he looks forward to discussing it further during his trip to New York.

Rapid Support Forces leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo expressed a similar commitment Thursday, saying on X that his side is "willing to go anywhere in the world in search of peace."

"We reaffirm our commitment to cease-fire negotiations. We believe that the path to peace lies in dialogue, not random violence, and we will continue to engage in peace processes to secure a future free from fear and suffering for all Sudanese civilians," Dagalo said.
Top Western diplomats met in Paris on Thursday amid efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza and prevent tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border from spiraling into a larger conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in the talks with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and Italy after traveling to Egypt for discussions on how to push forward the Gaza negotiations.

We dont want to see any escalatory actions by any party that would endanger the goal of a cease-fire to the Gaza conflict, Blinken said after the talks.

Blinken also cautioned against escalatory actions by any party in the Middle East.

France and the United States are united in calling for restraint and urging de-escalation when it comes to the Middle East in general, and when it comes to Lebanon in particular, he said.



Following talks in Paris on Thursday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Tonight, Im calling for an immediate cease-fire from both sides, he told Reuters. We are very, very clear that we want to see a negotiated political settlement so that Israelis can return to their homes in northern Israel and, indeed, Lebanese to return to their homes.

Blinken noted Wednesday that progress has been made on a cease-fire deal over the past month and a half, but now both Israel and Hamas must show "political will" to get an agreement concluded.

There are, I think, in the agreement, 18 paragraphs, 15 of them are agreed. But the remaining issues need to be resolved, Blinken said during a joint press conference in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Abdelatty told reporters through a translator that Hamas has confirmed its full commitment to the cease-fire agreement reached on May 27 and to the amendments made on July 2.

Months of talks with U.S., Egyptian and Qatari officials mediating have yet to bring a deal suitable to both Israel and Hamas. The negotiations have focused on an outline that includes a halt in fighting and the release of hostages still being held by Hamas militants in Gaza.

The U.S. has not provided a timetable for the revised proposal, though officials have indicated that it would be presented soon.

The push for a cease-fire could be complicated by a series of deadly explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by members of the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.

The explosions this week came shortly after Israel announced the expansion of its war against Hamas to include the goal of making it possible for residents of northern Israel to return to homes they evacuated because of clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern about the attack, which has been widely attributed to Israel.

Because obviously, the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a preemptive strike before a major military operation, he told reporters in New York. So as important as the event in itself, is the indication that this event confirms that there is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon, and everything must be done to avoid that escalation.

Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, began its near-daily attacks shortly after the war in Gaza began, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Hezbollah, which like Hamas is supported by Iran, has said it would halt the attacks if there were a cease-fire deal for Gaza.

Hezbollah is a U.S.-designated terrorist group. Hamas has been designated a terror group by the U.S., the U.K., EU and other Western nations.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in northern Israel, the Israeli military said. One was killed by a drone and the other by an anti-tank missile fired by Hezbollah across Israels border with Lebanon, the Israeli outlet N12 News reported.

UN meeting

At the United Nations, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday calling on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian lands within a year. The text also proposes sanctions and steps toward ending arms shipments to Israel if they could be used in Palestinian areas.

The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor and 14 against, with 43 abstentions.

The Palestinian-drafted resolution is trying to build on momentum from an advisory opinion issued in July by the U.N.s top court, the International Court of Justice. The court said that the annexation and occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful and Israels discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians are tantamount to the crime of apartheid.

We are committed to the rule of international law and to just and lasting peace in our region, Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said at the start of the two-day meeting on Monday. This requires ensuring that the same rules apply to all. No bias. No double standards. No exceptionalism. And no exception.

Israel rejected the courts opinion, and its ambassador urged countries not to support the proposed resolution.

This is a shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authoritys diplomatic terrorism, Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement after the vote.

The United States voted against the measure.

There is no path forward or hope offered through this resolution today, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the assembly on Monday. Its adoption will not save Palestinian lives, bring the hostages home, end Israeli settlements or reinvigorate the peace process.

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they carry the weight of the international community.

Hamas triggered the conflict with its October 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages. Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 41,200 Palestinians, a death toll Israel says includes thousands of militant fighters.

A U.N. committee on Thursday accused Israel of severe violations of a global treaty protecting the rights of children. The committee said Israels military actions in Gaza have had an extreme impact on children and are among the worst violations in recent history.

The outrageous death of children is almost historically unique. This is an extremely dark place in history, Bragi Gudbrandsson, vice chairperson of the committee, told reporters on Thursday.

VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching, U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer, Kim Lewis and Natasha Mozgovaya contributed to this report. Some information in this report came from Reuters.
* ZiG has lost almost 80% of its value on the black market

* Central bank says it injected $64 million this month to address dollar demand

* Economists and traders concerned about lack of confidence in ZiG

By Nyasha Chingono

HARARE (Reuters) - Five months after its launch, Zimbabwe's new currency is under pressure as increased grain imports eat away at foreign reserves, putting at risk the government's plan to make it the only currency in the market by 2026.

The gold-backed ZiG, which stands for Zimbabwe Gold, is the country's sixth attempt at a stable currency in 15 years. It was introduced in April at a rate of 13.6 ZiG per U.S. dollar and has since lost almost 80% of its value on the black market.

The country's central bank on Thursday said it had injected $64 million into the foreign exchange market this month to address dollar demand.

"Over the past weeks, the Reserve Bank witnessed a build-up in pipeline demand for foreign currency at banks, reflecting transitory foreign currency supply and demand mismatches, thus, exerting undue pressure on the foreign exchange market," central bank governor John Mushayavanhu said in a statement.

This was despite an injection of $50 million by the Reserve Bank in July, he said, adding that the bank would continue to intervene as needed to ensure the stability of the ZiG.

Independent economist Prosper Chitambara said the devaluation pointed to a lack of confidence in the new currency, that locals have been reluctant to embrace.

Persistence Gwanyanya, a member of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's Monetary Policy Committee, told Reuters that although uptake had been slow, it was too soon to consider the new currency a failure.

Gwanyanya said the government could increase use of the ZiG by charging more taxes in the local currency. "Government more than any other should show preference for its own currency and there is need for urgent intervention by injecting more foreign currency on the market," he said.

But market traders are not convinced.

"The ZiG has been getting weaker so it does not make business sense to transact with it. I do not have faith in the ZiG. We have been here before with the Zimdollar," Maynard Maketo, a street hawker selling candy and recharge cards said.

According to Pricecheck, a website that tracks the exchange rate, the ZiG is trading between 20 ZiG and 26 ZiG to $1 on the black market and 13.9 ZiG to $1 on the official exchange.

Carol Munjoma, a trader in downtown Harare who sells groceries, transacts exclusively in U.S dollars.

"Where I buy these groceries, they do not accept ZiG. So to protect my business I charge in U.S dollars. The ZiG would have to be stable to be accepted here," the mother of two said.

In July, central bank chief Mushayavanhu told Reuters that authorities would stick to promises to build trust in the new currency, a sentiment echoed by Gwanyanya.

"It is too early to consider that this may be the death of the ZiG," said Gwanyanya.

(Reporting by Nyasha Chingono; editing by Kopano Gumbi and Christina Fincher)
Photo: Chuck Zlotnick

A strange power has drawn a collection of actresses to a quiet cul-de-sac of Disney+. Is it magic? A love of art? Simply a paycheck? The reasons vary, but everyone is here to hang out with Kathryn Hahn and play a witch in Agatha All Along, a sequel series to the streamers first (and by far its best) foray into Marvel television, WandaVision.

The series is built around Hahns scheming villain, Agatha Harkness, who is, as of the start of Agatha, powerless and trapped in an homage to a TV true-crime procedural that resembles WandaVisions own genre parodies. In Agathas case, we get Hahns intentionally terrible Mare of Easttown Pennsylvania accent and an international-licensing joke that informs us this show is based on the Danish series WandaVision. But soon, Agatha breaks out of that spell, itself seemingly an aftereffect of Wandas magic (she went power mad and then died in Multiverse of Madness, by the way), and then launches into a quest to restore her powers with the help of a teen boy (Heartstoppers Joe Locke in Limited Too mode), a coven of other witches who are outcasts (and beloved character actresses) in their own right, and a sinister rival witch played by Aubrey Plaza.

The newly formed crew sets out along the Witches Road, a sort of pilgrimage on a celestial plane that grants your deepest desires, but only if you solve the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Firestyle tests along the way. These turn into excuses for Agatha to continue WandaVisions streak of genre send-ups: The first two, seen in the four episodes made available for critics, involve the woolen white-wine opulence of Nancy Meyers and Big Little Lies and the shaggy 70s vibe of a bickering, Fleetwood Mac-ian rock troupe. Flimsy but enjoyable is the overarching tone here; its remarkable how much license Agathas creator Jac Schaeffer, who also created WandaVision, has gotten to doodle freely in her little corner of the MCU.

The cast also seems to realize that theyre just onscreen to have fun and go big with their performances, which in turn leads to wildly divergent levels of commitment from all involved. Some are very invested in their witchery. Others appear to have only just read their lines before going in front of a camera. Though given that Agatha works best as a lark, sometimes the more committed the actor, the less successful the performance is in context. So, as the series launches, were issuing a preliminary coven report card: Which witches are most locked into their role in Agatha? And are their (universally large) choices working?

Kathryn Hahn (Agatha Harkness)

Photo: Chuck Zlotnick

Witch skills: Currently powerless, but can absorb others powers if attacked

Acting skills: Chameleonic, but always with an edge of camp

Level of commitment: Shes committed, but shes winking.

Does it matter? Hahn had a storied career as a sidekick and best friend before playing lead roles in shows like I Love Dick and Mrs. Fletcher. But while Agatha herself has graduated from nosy neighbor to main character, Hahn still carries the part with brisk ease. She makes Agatha lightly absurd, but unpredictable, full of both pain and delusions of grandeur  a second fiddle whose big mistake was trying to take a witch more powerful than herself.

Patti LuPone (Lilia Calderu)

Photo: Chuck Zlotnick

Witch skills: Fortune telling

Acting skills: Gravitas, ability to hit hard consonants, refusal to blend in group singing numbers

Level of commitment: Minimal

Does it matter? A legend of the stage, Patti LuPone has, by her own admission, never seen a Marvel film and seems to only barely comprehend what is happening in Agatha. This, however, is a good thing! A delightful thing! I would not want her to bother learning about any of this. I love her playing this character as if she is just Patti LuPone herself, except 450 years old and with an implied dark past in early modern Europe. (Personally, Im praying we get a flashback to Lilias life in, say, rural Sicily.) In every one of her scenes in Agatha, you see her react to exposition as if she is, herself, discovering how silly all this is in real time. Bellissima.

Debra Jo Rupp (Mrs. Hart)

Photo: Courtesy of Marvel Television

Witch skills: Does she even have them? Agatha drags Mrs. Hart along to the Witches Road as she assembles her coven, but the show implies that Agatha is only pretending Rupps character is a witch.

Acting skills: Deadpan whimsy, sitcom-veteran timing

Level of commitment: Happy, if confused, to be here.

Does it matter? Rupps presence in WandaVision contributed to a sense of sitcom verisimilitude, but Agatha mostly abandons that bit, so it appears Rupps back in Agatha just because it would be fun to have more of her dotty whimsy onscreen. (I agree!) Rupps role is relatively small in the first few episodes, but oh, it would be so fun if she ended up being a big bad.

Sasheer Zamata (Jennifer Kale)

Photo: Chuck Zlotnick

Witch skills: Brewing potions and ointments (other magic abilities currently blocked)

Acting skills: SNL-level grandiosity.

Level of commitment: Has found one good angle to work.

Does it matter? Zamatas character is a parody of a Gwyneth Paltrowstyle wellness influencer and Zamata leans hard on that characterization like a good comedian given exactly one (1) game to play in a sketch. So far, theres not a lot else to Jennifer Kale other than the fact that shes New Age-y and pompous (hopefully we learn more soon), but Zamata sells that bit, so good for her.

Ali Ahn (Alice Wu-Gulliver)

Photo: Marvel Television

Witch skills: Protection spells, being a nepo witch

Acting skills: Seething anger, delivering much of the exposition.

Level of commitment: Asked to work hard, maybe too hard.

Does it matter? In the first few episodes, a lot of the emotional weight of Agatha falls on Alice. Were told that her mother was a famous witch and rock musician (the Stevie Nicks echoes are obvious) who wrote a version of the Witches Road song. But Alice also has a lot of complicated feelings of her own about her mother. This means that Ahn doesnt get to have as much fun as her co-stars because she has to introduce a lot of the anxiety about motherhood that forms this shows emotional backbone. Its a thematically interesting angle for the show to take, but rather thankless material to perform.

Aubrey Plaza (Rio Vidal)

Photo: Marvel Television

Witch skills: General warrior witchiness; she can throw Agatha around the room, and is also good with daggers.

Acting skills: That deadpan sneer you know all too well.

Level of locked in: Maybe too committed.

Does it matter? Aubrey Plaza has made her interest in witchiness well known throughout her career: She once showed up to a morning TV interview dressed as a Christmas Witch to promote a book. Her Agatha character is pretty much just that  Aubrey Plaza being witchy  though there is some intriguing sapphic energy going on between her and Agatha, so far underexplored. Itd be nice to see Plaza, who can push herself dramatically, go beyond the expected here, but so far, this is just an extreme version of a persona that is quite familiar.

Joe Locke (Teen)

Photo: Chuck Zlotnick



Witch skills: Just a fanboy, though theres probably more to him; a sigil bleeps him out whenever he tries to talk to Agatha about his actual identity.

Acting skills: Extreme enthusiasm for the actresses around him.

Level of commitment: Having the time of his life.

Does it matter? Given the amount of mystery about him, Lockes character is the most likely to go on to bigger things in the MCU, and you can feel him trying really hard to make a good impression. But considering hes a young gay guy surrounded by character actresses, Locke is also visibly thrilled to be in the company of these witches, which does lend Agatha a level of infectious charm. Congrats to him on getting paid to hang out with Patti LuPone.
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 former U.S. Republican officials and lawmakers endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, while calling Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump "unfit to serve again as president."

In a letter shared by the Harris campaign, 111 Republicans, including former officials who served under Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Trump, said that despite their disagreements with Harris' policies, "we believe that she possesses the essential qualities to serve as President and Donald Trump does not."

"As president," the letter said, Trump "promoted daily chaos in government, praised our enemies and undermined our allies, politicized the military and disparaged our veterans, prioritized his personal interest above American interests and betrayed our values, democracy and this country's founding documents."

They condemned Trump's incitement of the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, saying that "he has violated his oath of office and brought danger to our country."

"Anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States," the letter quoted former Vice President Mike Pence as saying.

The signatories included two former defense secretaries, Chuck Hagel and William S. Cohen; two former Central Intelligence Agency directors, Michael V. Hayden and William H. Webster; a former director of national intelligence, John D. Negroponte.

Robert B. Zoellick, former president of the World Bank, and eight former members of Congress also endorsed in the letter.

The letter came days after former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz Cheney, former Representative and one of Trump's loudest conservative critics, announced they would vote for Harris. 
The complex bonds between the residents of Froms unnamed town help amplify the shows life-and-death stakes Photo: Chris Reardon/MGM+

Watching From is like attending a Halloween party and playing Twister with a bunch of people dressed like characters from Lost, Yellowjackets, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Salems Lot  which is to say, elements of MGM+s horror series are familiar, but the ways in which it reconfigures these elements makes the overall experience a blast. Perhaps you need to fill the Evil-shaped hole in your heart, or the yearslong wait for Stranger Things feels interminable. If so, youre in luck: From is the perfect spooky-season watch, and with its third season premiering on September 22, were here to catch you up on what you need to know.

The series, created by John Griffin, follows a group of people stuck in a town that seemingly defies all rules of space and time; over decades, each of these people came upon a gigantic tree in the middle of the road as they were driving, saw a murder of crows flying above them, and ended up in this small community. The place is basically a living nightmare, so mysterious that the citizens of the town wonder if theyve died and gone to hell or are stuck in purgatory. And thanks to the ravenous monsters that nightly disguise themselves as smiling humans and eat anyone unprotected outside, plus various other eldritch horrors like ghosts and malevolent bugs, not to mention dwindling resources and communal infighting, everyone is always on edge. Small-town living  its fraught!

If you approach From wanting answers on, say, the towns weather patterns, or how the talismans that protect the humans function, or why the monsters only seem to move at a slow, methodical walk, youre in for a frustrating watch. Thats because the keys to Froms puzzle-box structure are really its characters and how they deal with living in a world where little makes sense but nearly everything is fatally dangerous. The townspeoples friendships, romances, and enmities are tangible ways to understand whats going on here, and their complex bonds help amplify the shows life-and-death stakes. Whether youre a loyal From fan who just needs a refresh before the premiere or a new viewer looking to learn what you need to know, here are the eight relationships to understand before the series returns on Sunday night.

Spoilers follow for the first two seasons of From.

Town leaders Boyd, Donna, and Father Khatri

Photo: Chris Reardon/MGM+

Froms unnamed setting is divided into two communities, and each person who shows up has to choose where they want to live. Theres the more family-oriented Township, with single-family homes, a diner, and a church all on a main street, and theres the more hedonistic, collectivist, and unstructured vibe at Colony House, located on a sprawling piece of hillside property that grows all the towns crops. Sheriff Boyd Stevens (Harold Perrineau, exceptional) oversees the town; Donna Raines (Elizabeth Saunders) oversees Colony House; and when From begins, the two groups dont really interact. Donna and Boyd even tell newcomers that their decision on where to live is permanent, given that its meant to reflect how they want to live. But that self-imposed separation crumbles fairly steadily as the series progresses, both because the monsters stage a massive attack on Colony House that scatters its surviving residents into available houses in town, and because Boyd and Donna have such a strong understanding of each other.

He knows that she needs compassion and vulnerability, despite her gruffness; she knows that he needs a steady, experienced figure at his side since he was forced to kill his wife, Abby (she thought the town was a dream and went on a deadly shooting spree). The pair balances each other out, and each of them also get some support from the communitys religious leader, Father Khatri (Shaun Majumder). Before he got his throat ripped out by a baddie, Khatri had a slightly Old Testament vibe and was more willing than Boyd to punish people for hurting others in town by putting them in the Box (an enclosure in public that is unprotected from the monsters, guaranteeing that whoevers inside is torn apart and eaten). His arguments with Boyd about whether Boyd was getting too soft, how the citizens lack of discipline might hurt them, and what the monsters want provided some of the series moral backbone, and those conversations have become even more complex now that Khatri is dead but Boyd is still seeing and talking to him.

Lovers Ellis and Fatima

Photo: MGM+

Boyd and his son, Ellis (Corteon Moore), arent really on speaking terms in Froms first season. We learn about their estrangement through later flashbacks, which show that before Abbys death, Ellis went to his father and told him about his mothers increasing disconnect from reality, but Boyd was so consumed with trying to find a way out of town and providing hope for their fellow citizens that he didnt take Elliss concerns seriously. Theres a lot of familial friction there, as well as some typical father-son stuff, like Boyd being an Army veteran with combat experience and leadership responsibilities, and Ellis a sensitive artist with bad taste in pendants and a seeming physical inability to button his shirt all the way up.

We learn more about Ellis through his relationship with Fatima Hassan-Rostami (Pegah Ghafoori), Colony Houses sunniest, most positive resident. The two put their tragic backstories behind (Fatimas family is Iranian and her father was an outspoken cleric targeted by the government) to be together and serve as poster children for Colony House: peace, love, understanding, and, yes, some drug use. Their bond is life-affirming and proves its possible to live in this place without giving in to despair  they even get engaged! But then Fatima gets pregnant, after being previously told she couldnt carry children. Donna thinks that means the baby is a miracle, but Fatima isnt so sure. Is this a Rosemarys Baby thing and the child wont be human? Are we being set up for an emotionally devastating miscarriage subplot? How would Boyd and Fatimas happy relationship survive any of these things? Thats the kind of punch in the gut From is great at.

Unrequiteds Kenny and Kristi

Photo: Chris Reardon/MGM+

Boyd, Donna, and Father Khatri (when he was alive, at least) run the town as its A-team; deputy sheriff Kenny Liu (Ricky He) and town doctor Kristi Miller (Chloe Van Landschoot) are its second line of defense. In their previous lives, Kenny was in college and helped care for his mostly Mandarin-speaking parents, and Kristi was a third-year medical student and EMT, so the two have a similar willingness to help people in need and respond to crises. Their similar ages and personalities make them one of the tightest friendships in town. But: Kenny also happens to be in love with Kristi, who seems to return his feelings, but Kristi left a fiancee back home and isnt ready to give up on that relationship yet because it would mean shes accepted a future stuck in this place. Its complicated!

It only gets more so when Kennys father is killed by the monsters thanks to the misguided actions of diner employee Sara Myers (Avery Konrad), whom Kennys mother, Tian-Chen Liu (Elizabeth Moy), had treated as a daughter, and when Kristis fiancee, Marielle (Kaelen Ohm), arrives in town in season two. When Kenny learns what Sara did and that Boyd, his replacement father figure and boss, protected Sara afterward, the double betrayal rattles Kennys spirit and affects his friendship with Kristi. This all comes to a head when Kenny, Kristi, and Boyd collaborate on an autopsy of one of the monsters, a super-grisly sequence that shows how Kristis mission-oriented mentality is a major benefit to the town, and how Kennys passionate desire to protect those he loves might lead to recklessness.

Sara and everyone who knows what she did (which was bad stuff)

Photo: Chris Reardon/MGM+

Speaking of Sara: Shes one of the series most mysterious characters and is recurrently used to push Froms stakes higher. Shes introduced as a young woman suffering from seizures, visions, and voices in her head who promise her that she and everyone else in town will be able to go home if she kills whomever the voices say. After murdering a newcomer shes entrusted with caring for and causing Kennys fathers death, Sara voices her situation as a hypothetical to Kristi, and Kristi admits that shed probably do what the voices asked if that meant everyone would be free. So Sara decides to kill the voices next target: a little boy named Ethan Matthews (Simon Webster). When Saras kidnapping attempt is interrupted by her brother  who learns what Saras dealing with from Father Khatri  she accidentally slits his throat instead, securing her status as a reviled member of the town. Some think she should have gone into the Box, most dont trust her, and Boyd is doubted for letting her live; shes an outcast in a town where being alone is its own kind of death sentence.

But Sara remains fascinating for her impossible-to-predict decision-making process, which feels tonally right for a place that is constantly mutating. On a trek into the forest with Boyd to find the edges of the town, she protects him when he gives up hope; later, she accepts the townspeoples cruelties to her but draws the line at new resident Randall (A.J. Simmons) insinuating that shes a crisis actor. A show that is constantly changing itself up needs a character to embody that chaos, and thats Sara.

Marrieds Tabitha and Jim

Photo: Chris Reardon/MGM+

From introduces us to its world through the Matthews family, amusement-park-ride engineer Jim (Eion Bailey); his wife, Tabitha (Catalina Sandino Moreno); their teen daughter, Julie (Hannah Cheramy), and young son Ethan, who while on a road trip crash their RV and end up in the town. The series explains everything about its monsters, the Township-vs.-Colony House divide, and how this place traps its citizens via conversations with the Matthewses, who when they arrive are barely holding together as a family. Tabitha and Jim are secretly filing for divorce, Julie bullies Ethan, and the family had a third child who died when he was only a few months old due to a moment of parental neglect from Jim and Tabitha.

But! Can you believe that the nightmares of this place bond the family together? Jim builds a radio tower on top of Colony House to communicate with the outside world, and Tabitha digs dozens of feet down in their homes basement to figure out where their electricity comes from; these missions unite and give the Matthewses purpose, even if they ultimately just lead to more confusing scenarios. And when Tabitha disappears at the end of season two, traveling through a tree and waking up in a hospital  with Jim, Julie, and Ethan having no idea where she is  thats From asking whether a happy family really can survive this place.

Unlikely friends Ethan and Victor

Its rare to live in this town for very long. Most people die, killed either by the monsters or by suicide, a reality thats implicitly suggested by the diners back room (which operates as the towns storage unit and is full of peoples outdated and decades-old things). But Victor (Scott McCord) has been here for decades, growing up among these monsters to become an eccentric, emotionally stunted, and awkward-but-kind man. The only survivor of a massacre that killed the entire town, including his mother, Victor is more like a child than an adult, and his spotty memory means that his knowledge about the monsters isnt always useful.

His friendship with Ethan, though, opens him up past just being a Log Lady analog  he lets Ethan in on his suspicions that the towns landscape is changing, he saves Julie from the monster attack at Colony House because he knows Julie is Ethans sister, and he guides Tabitha through a tunnel system where the monsters live because he wants to make sure she safely reunites with her family. Victor is maybe too much of a deus ex machina, but Ethan helps humanize him; Victor gains the Matthewses as his surrogate family, and they draw out his insights about this place. And while Ethan was always going to lose his innocence here, Victors friendship helps ground him; when the world feels like its ending, its nice to have a friend with whom you can pass the time drawing pictures and walking through the woods.

Possession victims Julie, Randall, and Mari

In the first season of From, theres a routine between the townspeople and monsters. At sundown, Boyd walks through the town, ringing a bell and reminding everyone of curfew. At night, the Township and Colony House citizens stay inside, where theyve hung a talisman that protects them from the monsters who disguise themselves as smiling humans, knock on doors and windows, and ask to be let inside. If the talisman falls, or if someone inside the home opens a window or door and lets the monsters inside, that protection breaks. (Its basically vampire rules.) The monsters are still a threat, but the humans know what to expect from them.

That normalcy changes in the second season, when Boyd is infected by parasitic worms that cause him to hear a music box playing, visualize a murderous ballerina, and communicate with Abby, who, like Buffys First Evil, preaches nihilism and encourages him to let the towns citizens die. The new monster Boyd brings back to town in his blood starts terrorizing people in their dreams, Freddy Krueger style, and possesses Julie, conspiracy-theorist Randall, and Kristis fiancee, Marielle. Remember the Flayed on Stranger Things? Julie, Randall, and Marielle go through something similar  theyre trapped and tortured in a different dimension. Boyd saves them by the end of season two, but their ordeal proves that the towns nightly monsters arent the worst things theyre going to face while here.

Jade and many, many ghosts

Photo: Chris Reardon/MGM+

Software developer Jade Herrera (David Alpay) is initially one of Froms most annoying characters: a wealthy, abrasive asshole convinced that the town is a massive escape room organized by his friends, with all of its citizens in on the gag. Once he starts seeing ghosts, though, he realizes what theyre actually going through and (in between benders) devotes himself to trying to get everyone out. Jade goes from being the series greatest skeptic to its most haunted, seeing all kinds of ghosts  a man crushed by a boulder, a Civil War soldier shooting at him, a group of kids restrained on sacrificial altars  that could provide a glimpse into the history of this place. From might be setting Jade up to be a second version of a character named Christopher, who lived in the town when Victor was a child and who Victor describes as being a good guy until he became obsessed with a certain symbol affiliated with the monsters. Or From might just be doing its own version of Thirteen Ghosts with Jade at its center, bombarding him (and us) with spooky stuff to keep us on our toes, and thats better than any escape room.
Sebastian Stan is very good in this droll, distant drama about being unable to escape yourself, but its Adam Pearson who brings the film to life. Photo: A24

Adam Pearson doesnt show up until maybe two thirds of the way through A Different Man, and while thats by design, once he did, I really wished hed been there from the start. Pearson, whose first acting role was as one of the men the Scarlett Johansson alien picks up in Under the Skin, has neurofibromatosis, the same genetic condition responsible for the facial deformity that the films protagonist, Edward (Sebastian Stan), has then is cured of. A Different Man, which was written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, is filled with internal rhymes, from the repeat appearance of the Toni Morrison novel The Bluest Eye to mentions of the dog Edward doesnt actually own (though he does briefly acquire a cat). Pearsons character, Oswald, is the most significant of these acts of thematic alliteration  an outgoing foil to the sullen Edward who looks a lot like Edward did before his treatment but whos comfortable in his skin in a way that Edward has never been. But Pearson, as happy-go-lucky charmer, also brings a burst of much-needed vitality to this droll but overly thought-through film. Hes a living, breathing complication to the considerations of representation and authorship that Schimberg explores. But hes also a full-fledged character shouldering his way into a work that can otherwise feel claustrophobic in its concerns, like listening to someone having an argument with themself.

Its hard to find a criticism of A Different Man that the film doesnt articulate itself. In particular, theres the matter of Edwards passivity, which Edward complains about when he ends up starring in an Off Broadway play that no one else knows was actually inspired by his life (its a long story). Edward is awkward, jumpy, prone to going through life as though anticipating a blow thats yet to come. He looks like Woody Allen, someone says in passing, an observation that may not be visually true  Stan is at that point wearing prosthetics that create the look of someone with facial tumors  but thats spiritually dead-on. With his high-waisted pants and rounded shoulders, Edward is impossible to pin down in terms of age or relative hipness, as though he grew up untethered to the normal markers of time. Or to other people  Stan plays the character with a tenderness that doesnt dilute his prickly desperation, which comes out when an attractive aspiring playwright named Ingrid (The Worst Person in the Worlds Renate Reinsve) moves into the apartment next door. He yearns with his whole body to be seen as a romantic possibility  but also is so unused to physical contact and so prepared for rejection that he flinches away from her.

Its hard to imagine how someone who tries so hard to make himself invisible ended up wanting to be an actor, but when Edward auditions for roles he inevitably doesnt get, we see that hes good. The one part he does get is in a corporate anti-discrimination video that serenely assures its viewers that strong reactions to atypical faces is natural, just a fight-or-flight reaction from their reptile brains. A Different Man, which was shot in 16-mm film that gives an extra lived-in texture to its world of beat-up New York apartments and cramped Off Broadway venues, has a keen sense of the absurd that leads to scenes in which Edward watches from his apartment as a jingle-blasting ice-cream truck tries to navigate around the ambulance taking away a neighbors body. Schimberg, whose last feature was a riff on the 1952 exploitation film Chained for Life that also starred Pearson, has a keen interest in what goes unsaid when it comes to someone whos going through life with an appearance that sets them apart, and how that desire to be careful and correct can create its own sense of isolation. Edward may not face grade-school cruelty anymore, but being treated with kid gloves by people who wont actually be upfront about whats on their mind is its own kind of torment.

Its torment that leads Edward to undergo an experimental procedure with miraculous results that leave him looking, well, like a movie star. Stans gotten a lot of praise for this role, though what makes his work so compelling is his willingness to do very little in his scenes, both in and out of the prosthetics  to withdraw into Edwards own paralyzed self-consciousness. For someone who frets about connecting with others, Edward isnt always present himself, prone to retreating into his own head as the sound fades around him, and struggling to connect with the version of himself Ingrid writes for the stage when she believes Edward died, not realizing that the handsome actor shes chosen for the role is actually her former neighbor. Thats one of the reasons Pearson, when he bursts onscreen as a charismatic Englishman whod been told about the play by a casting agent, feels like such a relief. Oswald provides an easy solution to the ironic issues about authenticity that Edward finds himself facing when he starts wearing a mask to re-create his past appearance.

But, chatty and confident and funny, Oswald is also a much-needed counterpoint to Edward, who, even when given the opportunity to start over with a new face and name, cant escape his own insecurities, a character constantly and exasperatingly stuck in one place. The slipperiness and span of time that A Different Man covers make it feel like a junior version of Synecdoche, New York, Charlie Kaufmans drama about a theater director making his inward-burrowing dream project. But Schimbergs film is more distant and less personal, and its only really when Pearson shows up that its clear how much we needed the fresh air he brings with him.
ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni government on Thursday praised the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)'s recent adoption of a non-binding resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories within a year.

In a statement published by the state-run Saba news agency, Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the resolution, which was passed during the UNGA's 10th emergency special session.

"The resolution's approval by a large majority of member states reflects the international community's support for the Palestinian cause and the call to end the occupation and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people," the ministry said, according to Saba.

The ministry also stressed the need for collective efforts to achieve peace and establish a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

On Wednesday, the UNGA adopted the resolution with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. The resolution calls for Israel to end its "unlawful presence" in the occupied Palestinian territory within 12 months of its adoption.

It also urges Israel to comply with international law and legal obligations, including the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, and describes Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory as a "wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility." 
The Presentation Primary School in Waterford welcomed its new influx of pupils through its doors recently and Waterford News & Star photographer, Joe Evans, was there to capture all the excitement.

For more photos from all the Waterford first days in school pick up a print edition of Waterford News & Star and also look up www.waterford-news.ie Hard copy prints of the Debs photos are available to buy from our office in Gladstone Street.

Gouri and Michelle, who started school at the Presentation Primary.

Eza and Nehal, who started school at the Presentation Primary.

Layan and Rebecca, who started school at the Presentation Primary.

Mia and Adele, who started school at the Presentation Primary.

Jess and Abby-Rose, who started school at the Presentation Primary.

Zoya and Fariha, who started school at the Presentation Primary.

Eabha and Priya, who started school at the Presentation Primary.
With the selection of South East Technical University (SETU) as one of two colleges to get new veterinary medicine courses, Waterford News & Star spoke to locals to get their perspective on the news and see if students in the south east would be interested in studying the new course.

Mabel Facos and Isabelle Mooney who were studying in John Roberts Square, highlighted the difficulty in getting a place on a veterinary medicine programme.

Its really cool that theyre starting a programme here," said Mabel, who would have considered studying vet medicine had there been more choices.

"There arent many places that have it as a course so it's really hard to get into it. Its really good there are more options now," she said

Isabelle Mooney (L) & Mabel Facos (R) are Architecture students in SETU, they welcomed the idea of the new Veterinary programme.

Both students, who are currently studying pharmaceutical science, said they considered the course when filling out their CAO applications due to their love of animals. Asked if they would switch over to a vet med course next September, Mabel said: Oh you never know, if this course starts killing me I know where Im going."

Isabelle said the addition of the course to local colleges was crucial, especially because of the commute".

She went said for students who live in the country you cant really make ends meet going to Dublin, its too expensive to rent, accommodation is ridiculous [and] the commute is too long and draining.

Ronan Cleary, who is a student at SETU, said his twin sister had hoped to study veterinary medicine but ended up choosing to study social care due to the difficulty in getting into a relevant course.

"She thought about going abroad but thought she would miss people too much, he said.

He said his sister had been disappointed that studying vet medicine wasnt an option for her, commenting: "She doesnt know about the new course yet, Ill chat to her after this and Id say shell be really annoyed that she has just given up on that course.

Kyle Walsh, from Kildare, is a SETU student studying architecture and long with his classmates Conor McLoughlin and David Martin, he praised the addition of a vet medicine programme to his university saying it would keep more local students in the country.

My girlfriends best friend, went over to Poland to study vet, shell probably stay over there to work or go abroad to somewhere like Australia now. The courses here are hard to get into, with very limited numbers, he said.

For those lucky enough to get into the UCD course, there are still issues however: Getting up to Dublin is ridiculous, I literally only live an hour away but it would take me longer to get to UCD than it does to Waterford.

Fintan Walsh warmly welcomed the announcement: Its important for the whole area as a matter of fact with something like that coming to Waterford. I know its out in Piltown, which is a very reputable college, so its great.

Fintan Walsh welcomed the news, stressing the importance of giving local students the chance to attend a college close to home.

Fintan said it was great to have the option for students to stay and study locally instead of having to commute: Dublin is out of the question for anyone who would need to travel, so its good all round.
If someone were to tell you that in less than five years, your skills would be 50 per cent less relevant than they are today, would you believe them? Research suggests that the half-life for skills, in general, is around five years, while for technical fields, its closer to 2.5 years.

The term half-life, commonly used in physics, refers to the time it takes for something to reduce to half its initial value. The breadth and pace of workplace change isnt limited to your skill set. The rise of borderless teams, flexible work practices, collaborative technologies and the gig economy impacts what you do and how you do it.

Career success requires you to be adaptive and strategic and not wait for your employer to give you the skills you need to thrive in this changing workplace. Heres how to do it.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed on Thursday that military operations in Lebanon will continue, following Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's assertion that recent attacks on pagers and walkie-talkies amounted to "a declaration of war."

"Our sequence of military and security operations will continue," Gallant stated in a video message from the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv.

He emphasized that in this new phase of the conflict, "there are significant opportunities but also substantial risks," adding that "Hezbollah feels under pressure and persecuted."

Gallant's comments followed Nasrallah's televised speech, in which he described Israel's actions as a "major aggression" against his people and a "declaration of war."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security consultation meeting with officials on Thursday night to discuss the escalating situation and Israel's next steps.

The recent explosions of thousands of pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in at least 37 fatalities and 2,931 injuries. Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts, which Hezbollah has attributed to Israel. 
ABIDJAN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- During a Council of Ministers meeting Wednesday in Abidjan, the Ivorian government approved three decrees ratifying loan agreements concluded between Cote d'Ivoire and the West African Development Bank (WADB).

Once these agreements are ratified, WADB will disburse a total of 81.6 billion CFA francs (approximately 138 million U.S. dollars) to finance three major structural projects in Cote d'Ivoire.

First, WADB will provide 21.6 billion CFA francs (37 million dollars) for the construction and equipping of ten civic service centers throughout the country, which aims to accelerate the professional integration of vulnerable youth by offering them technical training and fostering their civic engagement.

Second, WADB will allocate 30 billion CFA francs (51 million dollars) for the development and paving of the main roadway in the northern part of the country, which aims to open up various localities in this area and facilitate trade with neighboring countries.

Third, WADB will allocate 30 billion CFA francs (51 million dollars) for the rehabilitation of two administrative buildings in Abidjan, with the goal of strengthening the real estate assets of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire. 
Engineering, health professions thrive as Weber State sets multiple enrollment records and tops 32,400 students

September 19, 2024

OGDEN, Utah  As Weber State University tracks enrollment data for the new school year, the phrase all-time high fits multiple categories. Measured during the third week of fall semester, enrollment data continues to trend upward, signaling a growing interest in Weber State as one of Utahs top institutions.

Student body soars past 32,400

For the fourth year running, Weber State boasted its largest-ever student body, this time with a headcount of more than 32,400 as of Sept. 13. That puts WSU one year ahead of schedule in reaching its goal of serving 32,000 students  a number put forth in 2021 as part of the universitys five-year strategic plan.

We knew 32,000 was an ambitious number, but we were confident Weber State could achieve it because of who we are and what we offer, said WSU President Brad Mortensen. In a year with many potential headwinds for enrollment, including federal FAFSA delays and the implementation of mandatory advising for new students, serving the largest number of students in university history is a tremendous testament to the dedication and commitment of the student-focused staff and faculty at Weber State.

True to the universitys open-enrollment mission and the regional demand for a well-educated workforce, Mortensen said he wants to offer opportunities to as many prospective students as possible, from all backgrounds.

Were thrilled to have reached our enrollment goal, and theres room for more students, Mortensen said. Ultimately, our aim is not just to enroll students but to keep them on track to complete credentials and degrees that will kick-start or retool their careers and help meet regional workforce needs.

Weber State also saw a 5% increase in matriculated degree-seeking students  a term used in higher education to differentiate college students who are seeking a degree from those who are taking only a few classes  the biggest jump in the last 14 years.

Big demand for engineering and healthcare

Weber State saw additional all-time highs in engineering and health professions enrollment, two among WSUs seven academic colleges that have proven crucial to getting career-ready graduates plugged into Utahs most in-demand jobs.

Numbers for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology, which includes the School of Computing, show an expected enrollment of over 3,300 students. From associate to masters degrees, more students than ever are choosing to study computer, electrical, energy, manufacturing, mechanical and systems engineering.

The Dumke College of Health Professions anticipates a final tally of over 4,800 students this fall. While the most popular program is nursing, which offers degrees from associate to doctorate, the college also offers credentials in emergency healthcare, medical laboratory sciences, radiologic sciences, respiratory therapy and more.

Weber States proximity to and collaborations with Hill Air Force Base and leading healthcare companies is helping graduates secure jobs in the aerospace and healthcare industries.

The sheer number of students enrolled in these programs shows how eager people are to get into the jobs that Utah needs most, said WSU Provost Ravi Krovi. An important priority at our university is aligning quality academic programs to workforce needs and ensuring students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers.

Aside from engineering and healthcare, Weber State saw a 7% increase in the Goddard School of Business & Economics.

Spike in first-time enrollment

As of Sept. 13, Weber State is tracking an additional all-time high of nearly 3,700 first-time students  a population targeted in WSUs strategic plan. Thats up 15% from last year, driven partly by increases in low-income students and international students.

Weber State is committed to expanding access to higher education by meeting students where they are, said Jessica Oyler, vice president for Student Access & Success. Our growth in first-time student enrollment is a promising sign that our efforts are working, and Im excited to explore even more ways we can support students.

Action by the Utah Board of Higher Education in December 2023 to remove in-state application fees contributed to the record number of first-time students, particularly those with limited financial resources.

Mirroring Utahs demographics

Weber State is now home to over 4,000 Hispanic and Latino students. Thats an all-time high for the fourth year in a row and helps WSU more closely match Utahs fast-growing Hispanic and Latino population.

The new record moves WSU closer to its goal of becoming an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution, which it will achieve when Hispanics and Latinos make up 15% of the universitys full-time equivalent students, as calculated by the Department of Education. This fall, WSU is projected to hit 13.2%.
People listen to a speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on screen in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to "an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel." (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to "an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel."

Accusing Israel of crossing "all red lines," Nasrallah said that the devices used in the attacks are still under investigation but emphasized that the attacks would not weaken Hezbollah.

"We will grow stronger and more capable of facing any dangers," he said, reaffirming that Hezbollah would continue its resistance against Israel, particularly in relation to Gaza.

Nasrallah also vowed to retaliate, stating, "We will retaliate, and I won't specify when or where. You will not hear about it, but you will witness it."

Shortly after Nasrallah's speech, Israeli jets broke the sound barrier over Beirut.

The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that it had approved "plans for the continuation of the war" in Lebanon against Hezbollah, and launched a new wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, saying the strikes aimed to degrade the group's capabilities.

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said the death toll from the explosions across Lebanon had risen to 37, with 2,931 people injured.

No Israeli officials have claimed responsibility for the blasts, though Hezbollah has attributed them to Israel.

Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have intensified since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Israel responded with artillery fire into southeastern Lebanon. The conflict has since resulted in significant casualties on both sides. 

People listen to a speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on screen in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to "an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel." (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a televised speech in Beirut, Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to "an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel." (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
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Leitrim-based Brady Insurance have welcomed Trish OHagan as their new Operations Director.

Trish has a wealth of knowledge in the insurance industry with almost 30 years of experience, most of which was spent developing positive customer experiences for the brokerages in which she worked.

Trish has had an illustrious career in insurance broking, having started in JJ McNicholas in Swinford back in 1995 and then going on to work for Hastings for 20 years and more recently holding a national personal lines role in Campion PIB.

Trish is a former President of the Insurance Institute of Sligo and has always focussed on developing professionalism in Insurance, such as advocating the Insurance Apprenticeship Programme for new entrants in the industry.

Commenting on her new role Trish remarked, Im delighted to be joining Brady Insurance as Operations Director at such an exciting time in their journey. Brady Insurance is a long-standing family brokerage, demonstrating excellence in both service and underwriting. I look forward to focusing on the operations and contributing to their strategy and continued growth. The insurance market is changing rapidly in Ireland and here at Bradys we have an unwavering focus on the customer experience and building close relationships with our valued clients.

I am thrilled to be working with Trish who I have known and admired for many years. She is such a positive addition to our management team and, with me, is determined to grow and develop Brady Insurance into a leading broker nationally said Managing Director Jane Brady on the new appointment.

Our team are true professionals and our clients will see a renewed focus on improving our efficiency and service levels, with the work Trish is doing behind the scenes. It is onwards and upwards for us
By Grainne Ni Aodha and Cillian Sherlock, PA

Several anti-immigration protesters were forcibly removed from O'Connell bridge in central Dublin as gardai mounted an operation to break up a sit-down demonstration.

The incident happened during an afternoon of disruption in Dublin as anti-immigration demonstrators and anti-racism activists staged rival events across the city.

Some 19 arrests were made across the day and Garda public order units deployed as Irish flag-waving protesters objecting to Government immigration policies staged the sit-down demonstration on OConnell Bridge.

Gardai on loud hailers ordered the protesters to leave the bridge ahead of moving in to disperse the protest.

A number of protesters were removed and placed in Garda vans amid angry scenes.

Hundreds of members of the public gathered to watch as the dispersal operation was mounted.

At around 5pm, the bridge was cleared of protesters who moved further up OConnell Street.

Earlier, the rival groups had gathered in the area close to the Dail. Barriers erected by gardai prevented any protest activity in the immediate vicinity of the Leinster House building.

Gardai remove a protester from O'Connell Bridge, during an anti-immigration protest. Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Events began around 2pm at the GPO on OConnell Street as hundreds of people assembled for the start of the anti-immigration demonstration.

People carried Irish tricolours, Erin Go Bragh banners and flags displaying the slogan Youll Never Beat the Irish.

The group broke out in chants of Irish Lives Matter, Whose streets? Our streets and Get them out, get them out.

The anti-immigration protesters then walked through Dublin city towards the Dail.

A group of anti-racism activists assembled at the bottom of Grafton Street and there were tense scenes as the rival protest passed by, with a line of gardai creating a human chain between them.

The anti-immigration campaigners continued towards to Dail and assembled halfway down Molesworth Street facing Leinster House, with Garda barriers preventing them from getting close to the gates of the parliament building.

More than a hundred anti-racism counter-demonstrators relocated close by, at the junction of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street. Participants were loudly chanting far-right loyalists, get off our streets.

Dozens of gardai were in the area between the demonstrations to ensure rival protesters were kept apart, with Garda Public Order Units deployed to the scene.

Large Garda presence as Anti-immigration protesters gather on O'Connell street this evening. Photo: Collins

The two groups dispersed from the area around the Dail shortly afterwards and set off separately in the direction of OConnell Street.

The anti-racism march made its way over OConnell Bridge and up OConnell Street shortly before the anti-immigration activists gathered and commenced their sit-down demonstration.

A Garda spokesperson said a comprehensive policing operation was in place at several locations across the city centre with 100 uniformed officers on duty from early morning to facilitate protests.

They said gardai responded to a number of public order incidents, including one on Grafton Street at around 2:30pm.

Two public order units were later deployed on OConnell Bridge.

A total of 19 arrests were made as part of todays operation, they said.

An Garda Siochana is not aware of any injuries at this time.
TUNIS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian maritime guards rescued 28 undocumented immigrants from a sinking boat off the eastern coastal province of Monastir on Wednesday, the National Guard said.

The rescued migrants, including a woman and her two children, were given necessary aid and transported to nearby ports for further medical care, registration, and legal processing, the National Guard said on its Facebook page, with no additional details provided.

Thousands of undocumented immigrants attempt to cross the Mediterranean every year through Tunisia, one of the main access points to Europe through irregular channels. 
Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), met with Sorbon Gulakhmadov, First Deputy Road Chief of Tajikistan Railways State Unitary Enterprise, during the consultative meeting on the establishment of the Eurasian Transport Route International Association held in Baku on September 19-20, Azernews reports.

The two officials discussed key areas and prospects for railway cooperation, with a particular focus on Tajikistan's access to European markets through the Middle Corridor.

It was emphasized that goods transported via the China-Tajikistan road, and then through the Eurasian Transport Route in the western direction, offer significant opportunities for expanding and diversifying the Middle Corridor's potential.
SARAJEVO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) arrested a Turkish national on Thursday after he was caught smuggling 11 Syrian citizens near the Gradiska border, a northern city bordering Croatia.

The suspect was intercepted during a border surveillance operation while attempting to transport the Syrian migrants into Croatian territory using a passenger vehicle with BiH registration plates, according to the Border Police.

Following the prosecutor's order, the suspect was arrested and questioned, with further investigations ongoing. A report on the criminal offense will be submitted to the BiH Prosecutor's Office for prosecution.

Data from the European Union Coast Guard and Border Agency revealed that in the first seven months of 2024, 12,407 irregular border crossings were detected along the Balkan route. The BiH border remains a key point for migrant smuggling.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts to prevent further illegal crossings. 
JERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military on Thursday night instructed residents in dozens of northern communities to stay near shelters and avoid non-essential outdoor activities due to possible retaliation from Hezbollah.

Thousands of pagers and handheld radios used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said the blasts resulted in at least 37 fatalities and 2,931 injuries. Although Israel has not claimed responsibility for the explosions, Hezbollah has attributed the incidents to Israel and vowed to retaliate.

Residents in the Upper Galilee and the occupied Golan Heights were requested to minimize movement, avoid gatherings, monitor gates at the entrances to communities, and remain close to shelters.

The unusual restrictions were issued by the Home Front Command after dozens of Israeli warplanes carried out one of the largest-scale attacks in Lebanon.

After hours of intensive strikes that began in the afternoon, the Israeli military announced just before midnight that the operation was complete. The military said the Air Force had struck "100 rocket launchers, consisting of approximately 1,000 barrels."

The military added that it "will continue operations to degrade" Hezbollah's infrastructure and capabilities.

Meanwhile, Lebanese military sources reported Thursday evening that Israeli warplanes launched about 60 airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon, adding that in response, about 50 Katyusha rockets were launched into northern Israel.

The latest flare-up follows ongoing clashes that began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah started launching rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel's retaliatory artillery fire and airstrikes into southeastern Lebanon. The conflict has already caused heavy casualties and displaced tens of thousands on both sides. 
Pioneering disability inclusion: Wits DRU and Afretec lead the way

Two-day workshop redefines inclusive education and how to leverage new technologies to empower students and staff with disabilities.

In a bold step towards making higher education more inclusive, Wits Universitys Disability Rights Unit (DRU), recently partnered with the Afretec Inclusion, Diversity and Impact Team, to host 66 representatives from African education and training institutions at the Disability and Technology in Higher Education Workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Themed Enabling Access and Success, the workshop brought together innovators, educators, and students to explore and brainstorm on assistive technology, artificial intelligence and tech innovation, Universal Design Learning (UDL), disability policy, and research in the disability sector.

Says Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor, Head of the Wits Disability Rights Unit (DRU), Disability is often not given the same priority as other social justice issues. At Wits, the DRU has been actively transforming universal access to higher education for decades. With this workshop, we wanted to create an opportunity to foster partnerships across Africa, and to share, learn, and discover ways to make our institutions more equal, accessible and welcoming for all students and staff with disabilities.

Partnering with Afretec has been instrumental in enabling an impact-driven workshop. Afretec is a pan-African network of engineering and technology-focused universities that drives Inclusive Digital Transformation in Africa.

Says Dr Heila Jordaan, Wits Afretec Programme Manager, The Afretec Inclusion and Diversity Working Group have done an outstanding job to make this workshop a most successful meeting of minds, all in the interest of making Higher Education accessible to and successful for students with various disabilities. Technological developments for teaching and learning, and assistive technologies now means that all students with disabilities should be accommodated in education.

The current landscape

In her keynote address at the Workshop, Professor Diane Bell, Director of AT2030 Programme and Global Disability Innovation Hub, said globally, over one billion people, 15% of the worlds population, experience some form of disability, with Africa reporting higher rates of between 17-20%.

Poverty, conflict, and lack of healthcare are some factors that contribute to this prevalence. For too long, disability has stood as a significant barrier to education and social participation, particularly in the Global South. However, emerging assistive technologies, edtech, and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to revolutionise the educational landscape, unlocking new opportunities for students with disabilities, she said.

Key challenges: Barriers in education

Despite advancements in inclusive education, she said, significant obstacles remain. In many countries, students with disabilities face outdated infrastructure, inaccessible facilities, and limited support services. The financial burden of assistive technology, and a lack of staff training, further impede their educational journey.

Stigma and the invisible

For students with invisible disabilities like learning disorders and mental health issues, fear of stigma often prevents disclosure. Others with sensory impairments struggle with inconsistent access to resources such as sign language interpreters and accessible digital content. These gaps call for innovative, accessible solutions.

Students with complex needssuch as those with autism, mobility impairments, or multiple disabilitiesare often overlooked, requiring tailored support and coordinated services. Current systems fall short, demanding a more comprehensive, individualized approach.

Integration of AI

Artificial intelligence, with its machine learning capabilities, is creating exciting opportunities for innovation and research to improve access and equity in education. AI-powered tools like chatbots, personalised and adaptive learning platforms, AI-based captioning and voice recognition, gamification, Emotional AI, VR/AR and many more assistive technologies are being used to develop adaptive learning environments.

"Inclusive design must be a priority, ensuring learning technologies cater to all abilities. Developers must collaborate with educators and disability advocates to build universally accessible platforms," Bell emphasised.

The way forward

The workshop laid the groundwork for a groundbreaking initiative: the formation of an African Higher Education Disability group, uniting institutions across the continent committed to advancing disability inclusion. Wits Universitys Disability Rights Unit (DRU) will spearhead this collaborative effort, driving the push for more inclusive education systems in Africa.

Afretec will develop a white paper to guide institutions on the provision of assistive technology for students with disabilities.
Saber Dawas makes wooden slippers for a displaced child in the al-Mawasi area of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Sept. 9, 2024. Saber Dawas, a Palestinian carpenter, has been busy crafting wooden slippers for displaced children in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Saber Dawas, a Palestinian carpenter, has been busy crafting wooden slippers for displaced children in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

A piece of wood, cloth or leather, a saw, and a hammer are the main tools Dawas uses to produce his wooden slippers.

The 38-year-old father of six came up with the idea when his children lost their slippers while fleeing from their tent during an Israeli army attack on a nearby area three weeks ago.

"Neither my children nor I had the luxury of taking our slippers or shoes during the attack. We escaped barefoot, fleeing the area to save ourselves from death," the carpenter recalled.

When Dawas and his family returned to the tent, they found that everything had been stolen, including their shoes. "So, my children were forced to walk barefoot from one place to another. The sand is so hot, and there are shards of glass everywhere."

To protect his children from the hot sand and shattered glass, he went to local markets to buy slippers or shoes for them. However, the prices were exorbitant, and he returned home empty-handed.

"The cheapest slippers were sold for 70 U.S. dollars. I don't have that kind of money. Since the war started 11 months ago, I've been out of work," he complained.

"But I couldn't let my children suffer from the hot sand or walk barefoot all the time," he said.

That's why Dawas decided to take matters into his own hands and use his carpentry skills to make slippers for his children.

"I had no other way to get slippers for them. I was so happy when my daughter wore the slippers and walked between the tents without worrying about discomfort from the glass or the hot sand," he proudly said.

"My father is a hero because he made my slippers, even though we don't have money to buy new ones," said nine-year-old Heba Dawas, expressing her happiness to Xinhua.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate after a Hamas attack across the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which around 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The attacks led to widespread destruction of Palestinian residential buildings and infrastructure. In early July, UN statistics estimated that 1.9 million people, or about nine out of 10 residents in Gaza, were displaced within the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has imposed a restrictive siege on Gaza, closing the borders of the coastal enclave and preventing basic goods, including shoes, slippers, and hygiene products, from entering Gaza, according to the Hamas-run government media office.

"We are approaching winter, and this will be a disaster for the displaced, who lack basic necessities such as housing, clothing, and food. We do not know how we will handle such catastrophic circumstances," Ismail Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run government media office, told Xinhua.

Seeing the joy on his own children's faces when they received their wooden slippers, Dawas decided to help other children still walking barefoot. He expanded his production of wooden slippers for children in Al-Mawasi, offering them free of charge.

"Parents of children in need of slippers just need to provide me with the basic materials, and I will gladly make slippers to protect their feet during both summer and winter," he said. 

Saber Dawas makes wooden slippers for a displaced child in the al-Mawasi area of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Sept. 9, 2024. Saber Dawas, a Palestinian carpenter, has been busy crafting wooden slippers for displaced children in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Saber Dawas makes wooden slippers for a displaced child in the al-Mawasi area of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Sept. 9, 2024. Saber Dawas, a Palestinian carpenter, has been busy crafting wooden slippers for displaced children in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Saber Dawas makes wooden slippers for a displaced child in the al-Mawasi area of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Sept. 9, 2024. Saber Dawas, a Palestinian carpenter, has been busy crafting wooden slippers for displaced children in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Saber Dawas makes wooden slippers for a displaced child in the al-Mawasi area of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Sept. 9, 2024. Saber Dawas, a Palestinian carpenter, has been busy crafting wooden slippers for displaced children in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Saber Dawas makes wooden slippers for a displaced child in the al-Mawasi area of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Sept. 9, 2024. Saber Dawas, a Palestinian carpenter, has been busy crafting wooden slippers for displaced children in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co cut its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 34,545 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 494 shares during the period. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Cos holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $2,546,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in SCHW. Country Trust Bank acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. American Capital Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC boosted its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 97.5% during the second quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 389 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 192 shares during the period. CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Charles Schwab Price Performance

SCHW opened at $63.84 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $64.93 and a 200-day moving average of $70.03. The firm has a market capitalization of $113.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.71, a PEG ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 0.97. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12-month low of $48.66 and a 12-month high of $79.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $4.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.68 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.14% and a net margin of 26.30%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.75 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.57%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is currently 41.84%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on SCHW shares. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $85.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 8th. UBS Group dropped their target price on Charles Schwab from $91.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Barclays dropped their target price on Charles Schwab from $77.00 to $68.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. StockNews.com cut Charles Schwab from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, May 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $70.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 16th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $73.75.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SCHW

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,320 shares of the companys 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 transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,320 shares of the companys 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 transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Walter W. Bettinger purchased 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $66.26 per share, for a total transaction of $1,656,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 827,377 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $54,822,000.02. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold 99,636 shares of company stock worth $6,533,064 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

About Charles Schwab

(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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Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC  Get Free Report) Director Rostislav Christov Raykov purchased 12,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 16th. The stock was bought at an average price of C$2.60 per share, with a total value of C$32,760.00.

Rostislav Christov Raykov also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, September 18th, Rostislav Christov Raykov acquired 5,000 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$2.64 per share, with a total value of C$13,200.00.

On Thursday, September 12th, Rostislav Christov Raykov bought 3,400 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$2.70 per share, for a total transaction of C$9,180.00.

On Tuesday, September 10th, Rostislav Christov Raykov purchased 17,800 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$2.50 per share, with a total value of C$44,500.00.

On Tuesday, July 23rd, Rostislav Christov Raykov acquired 1,100 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$1.92 per share, for a total transaction of C$2,112.00.

On Tuesday, July 16th, Rostislav Christov Raykov bought 4,200 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$1.95 per share, for a total transaction of C$8,190.00.

On Wednesday, June 26th, Rostislav Christov Raykov purchased 10,000 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$1.80 per share, with a total value of C$18,000.00.

On Thursday, June 20th, Rostislav Christov Raykov acquired 7,200 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$1.54 per share, for a total transaction of C$11,088.00.

Lavras Gold Stock Performance

Shares of CVE LGC opened at C$2.51 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 7.38, a quick ratio of 11.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The company has a market capitalization of C$128.89 million, a P/E ratio of -35.86 and a beta of -0.17. Lavras Gold Corp. has a 12 month low of C$0.75 and a 12 month high of C$2.89. The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$2.26 and a 200-day moving average of C$1.81.

About Lavras Gold

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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Main Street Capital Co. (NYSE:MAIN  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, September 18th, investing.com reports. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 23rd will be given a dividend of 0.30 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, September 27th. This represents a yield of 7.66%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 20th.

Main Street Capital has raised its dividend payment by an average of 18.7% annually over the last three years. Main Street Capital has a dividend payout ratio of 73.5% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Main Street Capital to earn $3.98 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.94 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 73.9%.

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Main Street Capital Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MAIN traded up $0.33 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $50.17. 346,909 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 365,670. The company has a current ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 0.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $49.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $48.92. The company has a market cap of $4.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.16 and a beta of 1.30. Main Street Capital has a 12-month low of $37.70 and a 12-month high of $52.39.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Main Street Capital ( NYSE:MAIN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The financial services provider reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.01. Main Street Capital had a net margin of 87.58% and a return on equity of 14.41%. The business had revenue of $132.15 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $132.62 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.06 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Main Street Capital will post 4.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several research firms have recently commented on MAIN. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $52.00 price objective on shares of Main Street Capital in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on Main Street Capital from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $48.40.

View Our Latest Analysis on MAIN

Main Street Capital Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Main Street Capital Corporation is a business development company specializes in equity capital to lower middle market companies. The firm specializing in recapitalizations, management buyouts, refinancing, family estate planning, management buyouts, refinancing, industry consolidation, mature, later stage emerging growth.

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Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lessened its holdings in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 122,481 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 4,433 shares during the quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLCs holdings in Salesforce were worth $31,490,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of CRM. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Salesforce by 186.7% in the 1st quarter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. now owns 86 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank boosted its stake in Salesforce by 2,400.0% during the 2nd quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 100 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC boosted its stake in Salesforce by 816.7% during the 2nd quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC now owns 110 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Red Tortoise LLC bought a new position in Salesforce during the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Stephens Consulting LLC boosted its stake in Salesforce by 3,125.0% during the 2nd quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 129 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.43% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently weighed in on CRM. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $250.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. BNP Paribas raised shares of Salesforce to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $265.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $300.00 target price on shares of Salesforce in a report on Friday, August 30th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $305.55.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Salesforce news, insider Srinivas Tallapragada sold 942 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction on Monday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $242.32, for a total transaction of $228,265.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 22,154 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,368,357.28. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Parker Harris sold 4,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $262.97, for a total value of $1,104,474.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 117,581 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,920,275.57. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Srinivas Tallapragada sold 942 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $242.32, for a total transaction of $228,265.44. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 22,154 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,368,357.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 62,376 shares of company stock valued at $15,878,005 over the last ninety days. 3.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Salesforce Price Performance

Shares of CRM opened at $255.32 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $247.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.92, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.29. Salesforce, Inc. has a 1-year low of $193.68 and a 1-year high of $318.71. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $253.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $267.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 28th. The CRM provider reported $2.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $9.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.22 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 15.44% and a return on equity of 12.01%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.63 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that Salesforce, Inc. will post 7.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Salesforce Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 18th will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 18th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.63%. Salesforces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 28.78%.

About Salesforce

(Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report).

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Zhengye Biotechnology Holding Limited (ZYBT) plans to raise $7 million in an IPO on the week of September 23rd, IPO Scoop reports. The company will be issuing 1,500,000 shares at a price of $4.00-$5.00 per share.

In the last twelve months, Zhengye Biotechnology Holding Limited generated $29.8 million in revenue and $4.4 million in net income. The company has a market-cap of $211 million.

Kingswood Capital Markets acted as the underwriter for the IPO.

Zhengye Biotechnology Holding Limited provided the following description of their company for its IPO: We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Our underlying business is a Chinese company that makes and distributes vaccines for livestock. (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands)A We, through the operating entity, focus on the research, development, manufacturing and sales of veterinary vaccines, with an emphasis on vaccines for livestock. For nearly 20A years, the operating entity has been committed to enhancing the health of livestock. The operating entity markets a diverse range of vaccines, including vaccines for swine, cattle, goats, sheep, poultry and dogs. The operating entityas products are available in 29 provincial regions across China and are exported overseas to Vietnam, Pakistan and Egypt. *Note: Net income and revenue are in U.S. dollars (converted from Chinas currency) for the 12 months that ended Dec. 31, 2023. (Note: Zhengye Biotechnology Holding says Kingswood Capital Markets has been named the new sole book-runner, replacing US Tiger Securities.) (Note: Zhengye Biotechnology Holding Limited increased its IPOs size to 1.5 million shares  up from 1.25 million shares initially  at a price range of $4.00 to $5.00  to raise $6.75 million, according to an F-1/A filing dated Aug. 22, 2024. Background: Zhengye Biotechnology HoldingA filed its F-1 on Jan. 9, 2024, without disclosing terms for its IPO. The company submitted its confidential IPO documents to the SEC in August 2023.) .

Zhengye Biotechnology Holding Limited was founded in 2004 and has 299 employees. The company is located at No.1 Lianmeng Road, Jilin Economic & Technical Development Zone Jilin City, Jilin Province, China and can be reached via phone at +86-0432-63047008 or on the web at http://www.jlzybio.com/.

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Wang Danfeng arranges dyed cloth flowers at a homestay in Luanchuan County of Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Sept. 13, 2024. Wang Danfeng has been interested in traditional Chinese culture since childhood. She came to know the traditional hand printing and dyeing by chance and was deeply attracted by its soft color and ever-changing characteristics, which made her decide to study this craft.

Through years of learning, she tried the abundant plants in Luanchuan area of Luoyang as raw materials in her creations. By soaking, tying, dyeing, washing, drying, the color of nature was moved onto the fabric, giving the dye a unique natural beauty and color change.

As the inheritor of cloth printing and dyeing techniques, an intangible cultural heritage project in Luanchuan County, Wang not only innovates in materials, but also explores the integration of intangible cultural heritage with education, tourism and other fields in practice.

Through opening of intangible cultural heritage class, Wang provides more children with the access to experience the charm of printing and dyeing techniques. Her hand-printed products are also put into the decoration and bedding of homestays, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the art of this intangible cultural heritage. [Xinhua/Li An]
A Chinese artist shows pictures drawn by students as gifts at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. [Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua]

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," said Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (Xinhua)  For 8-year-old American student Samantha, the dazzling art of Chinese opera face-changing not only brought her into a magic world, but also inspired her to learn Chinese culture and language.

With just a turn of the head, a wave of the hand, or even a blink of the eyes, Chinese performers, wearing colorful costumes, could change face masks in less than a second, drawing cheers and applauses from hundreds of students at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, a public school in Pacoima, Southern California.

"That's so cool. I love Chinese performances. I want to visit China," wowed Samantha, a third grader at the learning center.

Face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, was part of the performances presented by a delegation of the Sichuan Song and Dance Troupe to students at the learning center on Wednesday.

Co-sponsored by the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association and the Chinese Culture Development Center in Los Angeles, the performances featured Chinese drama and dance, martial arts, Kung Fu tea art, acrobatics, puppet show, and calligraphy art.

"It's my first time watching Chinese cultural performances. I love the Chinese puppet show. I want to learn more about China," Alexa, a third grader at the learning center, told Xinhua.

The whole stadium of students burst into cheers and claps when Chinese performers presented them panda dolls as gifts.

"They (panda dolls) are so cute. I just can't wait to visit the new giant pandas at San Diego Zoo," 8-year-old Kiteya told Xinhua.

A Chinese artist performs face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. [Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua]

The learning center has maintained exchange programs with Chinese schools since its founding over 30 years ago. It has Chinese language lessons for its high school students.

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal, told Xinhua.

"I want them to understand that even though we're miles and miles apart, we can still have connections," she added.

This year, the learning center had several Chinese students visiting for a week. Some high school students of the learning center also traveled to China for a week.

"For the Chinese students that came here, our students were really excited to talk to them about what's school like over there, what do you eat, what do you like to do... In the high school, the students that have gone to China have said it's been an amazing experience and they've really enjoyed it," Rodriguez told Xinhua.

Calling U.S.-China relations very important in the world, Rodriguez said she hopes to see more people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, especially the younger generations.

Students of the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center watch a performance staged by a delegation from China's Sichuan Province, in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. [Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua]

Hudd Huddleston, a teacher of Chinese language at the learning center, told Xinhua he has been teaching 9-12 graders Chinese, and the students have great interest in Chinese language and culture.

The learning center has partnerships with schools in Beijing and Shanghai, and soon will establish links with schools in China's Sichuan Province, according to Huddleston.

"We hope one day we can visit China," said Hugo Efrain Flores, a student parent who was invited to watch the performances.

"We are all friends. We are all the same," he told Xinhua.

Los Angeles is the second and last stop of the Chinese troupe's U.S. tour, which also took them to Hawaii.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
BUJUMBURA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Burundian government and the Chinese Embassy in Burundi signed a donation agreement on Thursday for the construction of an 11-story building to house the Burundian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation.

The agreement was signed by Burundian Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation Minister Albert Shingiro and Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping.

"We are pleased to receive this significant donation from the Chinese government for constructing an 11-story building that will host the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, complete with an underground garage," Shingiro said.

The building will be located in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi, and China has agreed to equip the building with all necessary facilities. Shingiro said the construction is expected to be completed by 2028, and the new building will consolidate various ministry services into a single location, replacing the current scattered arrangement.

"The signing of this donation agreement reaffirms the strong and historic relations between Burundi and China. Since Burundi's independence, China has always been a steadfast ally," Shingiro added. Burundi and China established diplomatic relations in 1963.

The Chinese ambassador said the project was first developed in 2020, and Gitega was chosen as the site in 2022. "Feasibility studies were finalized on the sidelines of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing earlier this month," Zhao said.

Following the signing, both parties will collaborate to expedite the construction of the new ministry office. "We believe this project will enhance the working conditions of the ministry staff, who are crucial to the country's vision," Zhao added.

She also said China is committed to sharing experience and promoting mutual cooperation in infrastructure, culture, economy and trade. "In the future, the Chinese Embassy in Burundi will work closely with Burundian authorities to implement the agreements reached by both presidents and the outcomes of the FOCAC," Zhao said. 
Delays in enshrining human rights treaties into law raise concerns among experts

Plans to enshrine international human rights treaties into Welsh law will no longer be brought forward by 2026 despite a manifesto commitment, a committee heard.

Labours 2021 Senedd manifesto pledged to incorporate United Nations conventions on rights of disabled people and the elimination of discrimination against women.

But the Senedds equality and social justice committee was told the Welsh Government will not introduce legislation on the UN treaties before the election in May 2026.

Simon Hoffman, a professor in law at Swansea University who specialises in human rights, led 2021 research on advancing equality and human rights in Wales.

His report made 40 recommendations including calling for a Welsh human rights bill.

In his written evidence to the inquiry, Prof Hoffman said preparatory work will not be complete in time for legislation to be brought forward during the current Senedd term.

He told the meeting: I dont think we can achieve what was in the recommendation. I think the best we can think about is possibly a green paper and a timeline.

Far away

Witnesses warned a lack of time and money has harmed efforts to incorporate UN treaties.

Charles Whitmore, a research associate at Cardiff Universitys Wales Governance Centre, chairs a working group that is exploring the legislative options.

He told the committee: We do not have any financial resource so far made available to pay for time to do the work, so invariably it proceeds at a pace that matches voluntary capacity.

Cautioning that incorporation could be quite far away, Mr Whitmore said: I dont know if were at the stage of being able to put a timeframe against this yet.

He stressed that designing a legislative framework tailored to human rights as well as Wales unique devolution

settlement does not lend itself to rapid progress.

Mr Whitmore said the working group is developing a systematic approach to incorporate human rights in the Welsh legal framework, replacing the current patchwork system.

Alarming

Jenny Rathbone, who chairs the equality committee, raised concern about delays, criticising the previous UK Governments schizophrenic attitude towards human rights.

Time marches on and were only 18 months away from wrapping up this term, she said.

Her Labour colleague Julie Morgan questioned whether there has been a shift in view from Welsh ministers, asking witnesses if incorporation still holds value.

Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymrus shadow social justice secretary, similarly asked whether there has been any cooling of enthusiasm towards enshrining rights.

And Joel James, her Conservative counterpart, contrasted warm words from ministers with an implementation gap on the ground.

Mr Whitmore agreed about the need to protect against regression in human rights at a UK level, saying the alarming pace of legislation drained capacity and hampered work.

Significant step

Prof Hoffman, who is secretary of the Senedds cross-party group on human rights, said incorporation should remain firmly on the agenda.

Legal recognition of rights is a significant step, he told committee members.

Prof Hoffman said incorporation of rights would raise awareness, signal importance, influence policy development and provide for accountability.

He added: One of the things that incorporation does is it makes human rights enduring  it makes human rights sticky  and I think that is particularly important.

Prof Hoffman pointed out that Wales 2011 Rights of Children and Young Persons Measure places a duty on ministers to have due regard to the UN convention on childrens rights.

The expert cautioned that spreading resources too thinly could force a binary choice.

He said: I think its crucially important that we continue on the route towards incorporation while also looking at other ways of doing human rights in practice.

Chilling effect

Prof Hoffman suggested the UK Governments decision to challenge Scotlands childrens rights legislation in the Supreme Court has had a chilling effect on work in Wales.

Meanwhile, Mr Whitmore cautioned that the sector is under considerable pressure as he raised the example of the ripple effect caused by the closure of the Chwarae Teg charity.

Sarah Nason, a senior lecturer in administrative law at Bangor University, said public bodies are already subject to many duties and any new ones need to be aligned.

Its a question of the duties being clear and consistent, she said.

Calling for reforms to improve access to justice, Dr Nason raised concerns about cuts to legal aid creating advice deserts across the country.

She told the meeting on September 16 that Wales sees very few judicial review claims per head of population compared with parts of England and other devolved nations.

Is Wales Fairer?

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) painted a mixed picture in its 2023 state of the nation report, entitled Is Wales Fairer?.

Warning poverty remains a persistent problem in Wales, the EHRC raised concerns about one-in-four children living in relative income poverty.

The commission also found educational attainment for disabled children in Wales is falling behind other parts of the UK as is the attainment gap for those eligible for free school meals.

And, according to the report, the number of racially and religiously aggravated offences rose 72% from 2017 to 2022 while the number of offences resulting in a charge fell.

Making a total of 19 recommendations to the Welsh Government and other public bodies, the commission called for action to tackle gaps in data and evidence.

But the EHRC welcomed ministers commitments and highlighted progress on diversity in public appointments as well as a narrowing of gender pay and disability employment gaps.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Over 616,000 patients waiting to start NHS treatment in Wales

More than 616,000 people across Wales are waiting to start treatment in the NHS.

The worrying new figures, released by the Welsh Government today, is the equivalent of one-in-four people in Wales on a waiting list.

616,700 individual patients are yet to begin their NHS treatment  the highest figure on record.

The number of patient pathways has also risen for another month.

In July this figure increased from just over 791,500 to just over 796,600. This is also the highest figure on record.

The number of open pathways is different to the number of people on an individual waiting list, as some patients will be waiting to start more than one treatment.

Just over 23,800 pathways were waiting more than two years. Whilst this is almost two thirds lower than the peak it is the fourth increase from the previous month after falling for twenty-four consecutive months.

Ambulance response figures

The Welsh Ambulance Service has target of attending 65 per cent of category red  immediately life threatening calls  within eight minutes.

However this target has not been met since summer 2020.

In August 51.8 per cent of emergency responses to immediately life threatening calls arrived within eight minutes. This was 3.6 percentage points higher than July.

Last month just over 34,400 emergency calls were made to the ambulance service.

Of these an average of 155 calls per day were classed as category red.

The majority of calls made to the ambulance service are classed as amber. The average response time for these calls was one hour 18 minutes.

Emergency departments

At the Wrexham Maelor Hospital 57.3 per cent of patients spent less than four hours in the emergency department.

Whilst this falls short of the Welsh Government target of 95 per cent of new patients spending less than four hours from arrival to either admission or discharge, the Wrexham Maelor was the best performing of North Wales three hospitals in August.

In Ysbyty Gwynedd 52 per cent of patients waited less than four hours whilst Ysbyty Glan Clwyd recorded just 46.2 per cent.

The Bodelwyddan hospital was the worst performing in Wales against the four hour target last month.

At the Wrexham Maelor Hospital 78.5 per cent of patients spent less than eight hours in the emergency department, compared to 63 per cent at Ysbyty Gwynedd and 66.6 per cent at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

Across Wales 69.3 per cent of patients in all NHS emergency departments spent less than four. hours in the department from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge.

Across August there were just over 92,000 at Wales emergency departments, with 14,600 admitted to either the same or a different hospital.

Cancer waiting times

At least 75 per cent of patients should start treatment within 62 days (without suspensions) of first being suspected of cancer.

However in July just 55 per cent of pathways started their first definitive treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer.

According to Macmillian Cancer Support, a leading cancer charity, 2024 is currently on track to be the worst year on record for reaching cancer targets in Wales.

Analysis by the charity found that between January and July 2024, over 5,500 people with cancer in Wales waited more than two months to start treatment following an urgent referral.

In July alone, more than 900 people with cancer in Wales waited more than 62 days to start treatment from first being suspected of having cancer  45 per cent of all those who started treatment in that month.

Performance for treatment start times also varies on the type of cancer an individual has been diagnosed with.

For example in July only one in three people with lower gastrointestinal cancer (34 per cent ) started their treatment on time, with a similar figure for urological cancer (36 per cent).

Kate Seymour, Head of Advocacy (Geographies) at Macmillan Cancer Support, said that too many people are agonisingly waiting too long for cancer diagnoses and the essential treatment they need.

Kate continued: The First Minister has been clear that her first priority is to cut NHS waiting times, so we sincerely hope the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, will work to tackle these completely unacceptable delays in cancer care.

In the Senedd this week the First Minister promised to give us a list of who will be delivering what and when. Top of this list must be delivering on the commitments made over eighteen months ago to improve cancer care in the Wales Cancer Improvement Plan.

Only then will Waless cancer services ensure everyone affected by cancer, no matter who they are or where they live, will be able to access support that meets their needs.

Political response

Sam Rowlands MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Health Minister said: Waiting lists are completely out of control on Labours watch.

Baroness Morgan cannot pass the buck for these statistics, because she was Labours Health Minister for three years and promised to get them down.

Instead of prioritising the creation of 36 more politicians, Labour should have been recruiting more doctors and nurses to end the staffing crisis and free up more cash by ending the Welsh NHS over-reliance on agency workers.

Jeremy Miles MS, the newly appointed cabinet secretary for health and social care, admitted that there is more to do to bring waiting times down and provide faster access to care and treatment.

Mr Miles said: High-quality, life-saving and life-changing care is provided every day by hard-working NHS staff throughout Wales in the face of continued pressures on services.

Despite record levels of demand, these figures show positive progress in cancer care, ambulance response time and emergency department performance.

But there is much more to do  the public rightly want to see waiting times come down and faster access to care and treatment.

These figures also show a reduction in long waits for diagnostic tests and therapies.

However, it is disappointing the number of long waits for referral to treatment has increased for the fourth month, despite previously falling for 24 consecutive months.

While the trend in long waits has shown a recent increase, we have seen continuous improvements in previously very challenging areas such as orthopaedics, with two-year waits continuing to fall across all health boards over the last year.

A new statistical report is also being published today setting out individual health boards performance against a range of NHS performance measures.

I expect to see health boards learning from each other, so that those with further to go in delivering a particular service adopt and adapt good practice from those who have made better progress  and so we get better at spreading the best approaches quickly across Wales.
Senedd rejects motion calling for winter fuel payment cuts u-turn

Senedd members narrowly rejected Conservative calls to urge the UK Government to reverse its decision to end universal winter fuel payments.

Labour voted down the motion while Plaid Cymru joined the Conservatives in backing it, with the final tally 23 in favour and 24 against.

Leading the debate, Joel James warned that about 400,000 households in Wales will lose up to 300 per person after the UK Governments decision.

He said the cuts blindsided millions of pensioners, who have now been put into a state of fear over the affordability of bills which are predicted to jump by 10% in October.

The Tory shadow social justice secretary rejected disingenuous, manufactured claims of a 22bn black hole in UK public finances, saying a recent audit identified no such shortfall.

Callous

He described the reforms as exceptionally shortsighted and callous, warning it risks pushing thousands of pensioners into fuel poverty.

Mr James pointed out that almost 900,000 people are entitled to pension credit  one of the eligibility criteria for winter fuel payments  but do not claim the benefit.

He said: What is most alarming  the new Labour [UK] Government has commissioned no impact assessment whatsoever on the impact of this cut.

And the Labour Partys own research has estimated that by scrapping universal winter fuel payments, excess deaths will increase by almost 4,000 people.

Mr James, who represents South Wales Central, accused Welsh Labour MPs of showing contempt and cowardice by failing to vote against scrapping the cut.

Spineless

Sioned Williams, who represents South Wales West, said Plaid Cymru shares the Conservatives concerns and the party would back the motion.

But the shadow social justice secretary described the cut as a continuation of the austerity agenda of the previous UK Government.

She said: That is a crucial point in our view because we are a party that completely rejects the ideology and policies of austerity.

Ms Williams described austerity as an entirely ineffective and unfair policy which transfers money from the poorest to the richest in society,

She told the Senedd the Conservative UK Government forced pensioners to make impossible decisions between eating and heating,

Ms Williams said it was hugely concerning to see spineless Welsh Labour MPs allowing the cut to pass through the UK Parliament.

Hypocrisy

Mike Hedges, a Labour backbencher, accused the Conservatives of hypocrisy, pointing out that the party previously called for an end to universal free prescriptions in Wales.

The Swansea East MS, who chairs the cross-party group on older people, told the chamber: I started to receive my state pension in July.

Ive never received a winter fuel allowance payment and now I will not.

Do I need it? No. Do Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Sting or Mick Jagger need it? I could go on  naming people who are very wealthy and dont need it.

Mr Hedges said: There is a discussion to be had over the universality of support  theres a balance between ensuring no one misses out and the cost of provision.

U-turns

Peter Fox, a Conservative MS, said an estimated 21,000 pensioners in his Monmouth constituency will lose out on winter fuel payments.

He told the chamber: That payment, brought in by Rishi Sunak, was incredibly important in helping support pensioners through harsh winters.

Now, were seeing this vital support being ripped from them to help fund things like the massive pay rises to train drivers who already have a great wage.

He accused Labour of u-turns, saying Keir Starmer put out a pre-election video captioned: Pensioners deserve security in retirement and that is what my government will deliver.

Mr Fox, the former leader of Monmouthshire council, stressed that cutting winter fuel payments was a political choice and money could have been found elsewhere.

Lifeline

Heledd Fychan challenged Labour backbenchers, asking: Imagine if a Conservative government had done this  what would your comments have been then?

The Plaid Cymru MS said: People will die as a result of this decision, we know that.

Ms Fychan, who represents South Wales Central, said one in six older people in Wales is living in relative income poverty, with an older population than the rest of the UK.

James Evans, the Tory MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, told the chamber winter fuel payments have been a lifeline for older people.

He accused Labour of punishing pensioners: What they dont deserve from this Labour government in Westminster is to live in fear of hypothermia and crippling debt.

Appalling

Laura Anne Jones claimed the UK Governments sums do not add up.

The Tory MS said cutting winter fuel support has been estimated to save about 1.5bn but if everyone eligible for pension credit claimed it, it would actually cost an additional 3.3bn.

Ms Jones raised an appalling constituency case of a woman in her 70s who was so worried about paying energy bills that she was forced to take a part-time job.

She added that 1.6 million disabled pensioners will be stripped of their payment.

Natasha Asghar, who also represents South Wales East, said Senedd Conservatives were blamed and held to account in the chamber for UK Government decisions over 14 years.

Yet during the first opportunity for scrutiny yesterday, she said. The first minister distanced herself immediately from Keir Starmer, abdicating responsibility.

Bleak

Responding to the debate on September 18, Jane Hutt reiterated that difficult decisions are being taken due to a 22bn black hole in the public purse and a bleak outlook.

Wales social justice secretary said the former chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, failed to account for public sector rises recommended by independent pay review bodies.

Ms Hutt highlighted support available via the discretionary assistance fund but she warned that too few people are taking up the Welsh Government grants.

She said: We have to support those people who have been affected by 14 years of austerity and Tory economic mismanagement.

We have a duty to turn this around at all levels of government and reach out to those most affected by the shameful legacy of the 22bn black hole.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali, his spokesman said on Thursday.

"The secretary-general strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali, on Sept. 17," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN chief, in a statement.

The statement said Guterres extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the transitional government and the people of Mali, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, including one UN guard unit member.

The UN chief called on the Malian transitional government to ensure that those responsible for this despicable attack are held to account, the statement added.

A gendarmerie complex in Bamako, the capital of Mali, was attacked on Tuesday, and the situation was under control, according to the Malian Ministry of Security and Civil Protection.

The ministry did not disclose the number of casualties, but media reports said more than 70 people were killed and over 200 others were wounded. 
QUITO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Two people, including an official working for Ecuador's national prison administration agency SNAI, were wounded early Thursday when armed assailants opened fire on their vehicle in downtown Quito, the SNAI said.

"As a result of this attack, people were injured and have been transferred to receive urgent medical attention," it said, adding that the National Police is investigating the incident.

"We categorically reject any act of violence or intimidation against officials of our institution," the agency said.

According to a local television news broadcast, the shooting occurred before 8:00 a.m. local time (13:00 GMT) on a major avenue with abundant traffic.

The incident came just seven days after a similar assault claimed the life of Maria Icaza, director of Ecuador's largest prison, the Litoral Penitentiary in the southwestern city of Guayaquil. 
On Monday, a team from the World Socialist Web Site and the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) spoke to auto workers at Volkswagens largest German plant, in Wolfsburg. They distributed the flyer Defend all jobs at VW! Build action committees! calling for auto workers to participate in an online meeting on Wednesday. Around 1,400 workers who were leaving the plant or arriving for work during the shift change took the flyer, some of them also took several more for their colleagues.

WSWS reporters distribute leaflets to VW workers in Wolfsburg

VW workers are threatened with severe wage cuts, mass layoffs and plant closures, posing far-reaching consequences for the entire working class in Germany. As one VW worker put it: If the auto industry goes down the drain, everything in Germany will go down the drain.

Thorsten, a 55-year-old production worker, described the mood at the plant:

There is a great deal of uncertainty. VW also wants us to do more work for less money. They want to cut our bonus, then they want to cut 10 percent of our pay, leaving only Christmas and vacation payments. But in June, they paid shareholders another 4.5 billion euros. Then, at the beginning of September, they threw a luxury party for the board members in Sweden. No wonder that anger is growing here in the plant.

The announcement by VW management that it would terminate the existing contract came as a surprise: No one expected VW to go the whole hog within a few days. It was a shock.

Thorsten described how the attacks have already begun:

The first contract workers were already affected last weekthey received their notice from one day to the next, four men in my department. They were still on the night shift on Thursday, went home to sleep afterwards, and on Friday at 3 p.m. they received an email from [personnel service provider] Autovision saying Volkswagen has ended your assignment. They were no longer allowed to enter the plant premises on Friday and could no longer take up work. Temporary workers are always the first to be let go.

If the plant were to close, Thorsten, who is in his mid-50s, said he would have a hard time finding a new job. He still has some hope that the IG Metall union will negotiate something reasonable, but trust is waning at the plant: Discontent iseven with the union. One colleague has already talked about resigning.

IG Metall has called on workers to travel to the site of the negotiations in Hanover on September to protest 25, Thorsten explained, But we have to take leave for it, the union wont pay for it. Nevertheless, many colleagues wanted to go there and go on strike, he said.

Almost all of the workers at the north gate of the plant criticised the role of the union and the works council. A 61-year-old worker complained that conditions at the plant had steadily worsened in recent years: And the union shares the blame. Everyone knows that. It is the snake in the basket. It started with [works council leaders] Volkert, then Osterloh

Klaus Volkert, chairman of the VW general works council and a member of the supervisory board from 1990 to 2005, was convicted and imprisoned for his criminal activities and involvement in the VW corruption scandal. His successor, Bernd Osterloh (predecessor of the current works council leader Daniela Cavallo), received such high salaries that even the judiciary opened an investigation against him.

From the start, the union has collaborated closely with the company management to increase the exploitation of contract and temporary workers at VW. A female employee in the catering business at Volkswagen Group Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of VW, told the WSWS: For us, everything is much worse. Do you know how long I could talk about this? It effects all the working conditions.

She was disgusted by the blatant social contradictions in the company: Look at what [CEO Oliver] Blume earns in a day! We dont even need to discuss that. But people are being laid off! Well have to work even harder for that.

VW is the frontrunner when it comes to enriching corporate bosses at the expense of the workers. As the Wolfsburg Allgemeine Zeitung reported, in 2023 a member of the VW board of management earned on average 85 times as much as a VW worker. This means that the inequality between management and employees at Volkswagen is the highest of the 30 companies listed on Germanys Dax index.

Last year, Oliver Blume was the first boss of a Dax company to earn over 10 million. According to a study published by the German private investors association DSW in July, he is followed by the managers of Adidas, Deutsche Bank, SAP, Siemens and competitors Mercedes and BMW.

According to the companys 2023 annual report, the other nine members of the VW board of management also received lavish salaries, mostly in excess of 4 million, including HR boss Gunnar Kilian (6.2 million), who used to head the works council and was paid handsomely for it, and Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen (China) Investment Company (4.8 million). In total, more than 40 million was paid into the accounts of the management board in 2023.

In an interview with the WSWS, a 58-year-old assembly line worker expressed her disgust at how the bosses revel in their wealth:

The management has no idea what they are doing here. First, they announce that they want to demolish everything here, then they go to Sweden and party in a luxury hotel and tell everyone about it They dont notice anything anymore, they have no limits, no morals, no decency, nothing!

Many young people worked in her department and were now fearing for their future, she said, Almost all of us started out as temporary workers and we were temporary workers for three years. They were always afraid of losing their jobs if they were sick for too long or opened their mouths. I am from a different generation, I come from Dresden, and I always opened my mouth And thats what got me new jobs from time to time. Her younger colleagues often have to pay off very high loans for their apartments or carsHard times are coming for young people. Thats capitalism.

Workers also expressed their opposition to the warmongering policy against Russia and China, which is being pushed by coalition government of the Social Democrats (SPD), Liberal Democrats (FDP) and Greens.

In response to the question of whether he feared the danger of a nuclear escalation of the proxy war in Ukraine, one worker who had been at VW since 2009 replied, Yes, definitely. Putin is powerful, after all. For decades, Germany and Russia worked together, and now? The gas comes to us through several channels and is much more expensive.

Asked about the role of the SPD, which is part of the state government in Lower Saxony where the Wolfsburg plant is located and is represented on the VW supervisory board and is well aware of the cutback plans, he said, The SPD and [Chancellor Olaf] Scholz are not supporting us. He supports the war in Ukraine, but not us.

He said he was feeling the economic consequences of the war himself, Everything has become more expensive. You go to work, pay for your car, your apartment, and then you are supposed to live somehow. Its not possible. Now prices have gone up againallegedly because of Putin, but that doesnt make sense. When WSWS reporters explained that the government was passing on the costs of rearmament and war directly to working people and cutting social spending, he replied, Yes, we should have supported the schools and kindergartens instead, but theyre not doing that.

Among the workers at the factory gate, who themselves come from many different countries, there was a particularly positive response to the international orientation of the action committees advocated by the SGP and WSWS, which are fighting for the unification of workers worldwide in the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

Some workers who took the leaflet responded by shouting out, Strike! or These [cutbacks] are politically motivated. One commented on the enormous consequences for the entire region: When the plant here is no more, they can plow up Lower Saxony.

VW workers in front of the factory gate

And indeed, not only Lower Saxony, but also the neighbouring state of Saxony-Anhalt would be severely affected. According to the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, 4,900 auto workers commute from Saxony-Anhalt to Lower Saxony, thousands of them to VWs main plant. After the collapse of the former East Germany, VW recruited many workers from there.

Many workers told the WSWS that they did not see the situation at VW in isolation from the global economic crisis. That is why they agreed with uniting across locations and companies. One person alone is not enough. Strikes must happen in several plants. Management is getting richer and richer. But the money cant be made without the workers, one worker commented.

At the same time, some of the workers interviewed by the WSWS expressed a wait-and-see attitude. They said they had to see what happened first. But it is precisely this hesitation that is dangerous. The united front of corporate management, the trade union, works council and SPD want one thing above all: to keep the workers quiet in order to push through the cutback plans and layoffs that have long been in the pipeline behind their backs.

The WSWS appeal distributed at the plant states:

All jobs at all locations must be defended in principle. No concessions must be made on wages, social benefits or other workers rights. The socialist principle, according to which the rights of workers take precedence over the profit drive of the oligarchs and billionaires, must be the starting point of the resistance.

The announced cutbacks at VW are a declaration of war on all workers and marks the beginning of a new stage of the class struggle. VW workers can only defend themselves against this if they take up the struggle themselves. But for this counteroffensive they need new fighting organisations that they themselves control and which are internationally networked and independent of the trade unions. That is why we call on all workers at VW and in other car plants and supplier factorieshelp build an action committee at VW!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of mobile communication devices rigged with explosives by Israel detonated throughout Lebanon, killing dozens of people, including members of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah organization, and wounding thousands.

Civil Defense first-responders carry a man who was wounded after his handheld pager exploded, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. [AP Photo]

The mass terror bombings by Israel against the people of Lebanon are a flagrant war crime. They violate the laws of war regarding assassination, treachery and the prohibition of indiscriminate bombing.

International humanitarian law prohibits the use of booby trapsobjects that civilians are likely to be attracted to or are associated with normal civilian daily useprecisely to avoid putting civilians at grave risk and produce the devastating scenes that continue to unfold across Lebanon, said Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, in a statement.

The New York Times described the death of a nine-year-old victim of the attack:

Fatima was in the kitchen on Tuesday when a pager on the table began to beep, her aunt said. She picked up the device to bring it to her father and was holding it when it exploded, mangling her face and leaving the room covered in blood, she said. Fatima was trying to take courses in English, Ms. Mousawi said. She loved English.

While these crimes were committed by the Israeli government and military, they were orchestrated with the help of the limitless financial, military and political support of the United States and other imperialist powers for Israel as part of their drive to subjugate and dominate the Middle East.

At Wednesdays White House press briefing, the usually composed White House spokesman John Kirby could not help visibly sneering as he denied US responsibility for or foreknowledge of the terrorist attack. We were not involved, Kirby said, grinning from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, officials of the Democratic Party openly gloated about this act of mass murder. I fully support efforts to target and neutralize any existential threat like Hezbollah, wrote Democratic US Senator John Fetterman on X, after sharing a screenshot of the news report of the attack.

Israels attack on Lebanon aims to massively escalate its war with the country, in which hundreds of people have been killed since October of last year. Just hours before the start of the bombings, Israels security cabinet met to declare that it had updated the objectives of the war to include returning Israeli residents to northern Israel, a euphemism for escalating Israels war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reported that the Armys 98th Division, which includes commandos and paratroopers, is being transferred from Gaza to northern Israel.

The center of gravity is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources and energy for the northern arena, Gallant said.

The transfer of Israeli forces to the north does not mean any let-up in the suffering of Gazas population, who are totally besieged and being systematically starved and denied access to water, electricity and medical care. Since October, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, according to the official death toll, while a study published in The Lancet suggested the real death toll could be 186,000 or more.

The attack on Lebanon is the latest in a series of provocations by Israel, supported by the United States, with the aim of provoking war not only against Lebanon but also against Iran.

In April, an Israeli strike killed a group of Iranian military officers meeting in Damascus, to which Iran responded with a strike on Israel with 300 missiles and drones, nearly all of which were intercepted. In July, Israel assassinated Fuad Shukr, senior member of Hezbollah, with a strike in Beirut, followed by the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh at a military guesthouse in Iran.

Israels terrorist attacks throughout Lebanon mark a new stage in the criminalization of imperialist foreign policy and set a precedent for the legitimization of terrorist attacks on both political leaders and the broader civilian population.

Hezbollah is one of the largest political parties in Lebanon and until 2022 held the dominant position in the countrys parliament. Many of those targeted were not soldiers but politicians, professionals and administrators. And with thousands of bombs detonating throughout the country, many bystanders with no connection to Hezbollah to begin with, including two children, were killed in the blasts.

A precedent is being set, by means of which the definition of war is being expanded to include what was previously defined as terrorism. The effect is to legitimize such prohibited methods as the booby-trapping of everyday objects with the aim both of assassinating individual members of the civilian population and causing mass indiscriminate killing and maiming.

This has implications far beyond the Middle East. Throughout the past 50 years, actions by the state of Israel have been used to set a precedent for US global policy. The most significant example is the doctrine of targeted killing, that is, state-sanctioned assassination.

In November 2000, Israel became the first state in the world to openly acknowledge that it operated a policy of targeted killing, wrote Nils Melzer, who served as United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, in 2009. Soon after, the United States moved to openly adopt the method of targeted killing.

The US conducted its first known drone strike outside a war zone, in Yemen, in 2002. In 2011, US-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and his son, both US citizens, were killed in separate drone strikes in Yemen. In 2020, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian military official, while on an official visit to Iraq.

As with the adoption of targeted killing, the war crimes now being committed by Israel will become the new baseline for even greater crimes by the United States and other imperialist powers.

Israels terrorist attack was denounced, entirely hypocritically, by the pseudo-left enablers of the Gaza genocide. This attack clearly and unequivocally violates international humanitarian law and undermines US efforts to prevent a wider conflict, wrote Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Far from conflicting with US policy in the Middle East, as Ocasio-Cortez claimed, Israels offensive against Lebanon is proceeding with the full support of the Biden-Harris administration.

In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address to both houses of Congress in which he vowed to expand the genocide in Gaza into a war against Lebanon and Iran. Following Netanyahus address to Congress, he met with Vice President Kamala Harris, who vowed, I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

American imperialism is expanding its war throughout the Middle East as part of a global military offensive targeting Russia and China. At the very moment when thousands of explosives were going off throughout Lebanon, the US was finalizing plans, expected to come into effect later this month, to allow Ukraine to carry out virtually unlimited strikes on Russia using NATO weapons, threatening an escalation into global nuclear war.

The US-Israeli terrorist attack against Lebanon is a warning. As the US embarks upon wars all over the world in order to defend its global hegemony, it is willing to use the methods of mass murder and terrorism to achieve its aims.
Tens of thousands of building industry workers walked off the job yesterday, carrying out mass rallies in Melbourne and Sydney. Hundreds of construction workers also rallied in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Construction workers rally in Melbourne, September 18, 2024

They were protesting the federal Labor governments imposition of an administrator to run the construction division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).

Labors move, placing one of the largest industrial unions in the country under state control, is a blatant attack on the democratic rights of its 80,000 members, whose elected leaders have been replaced by a quasi-dictator.

This has been carried out under the fraudulent pretext of cleaning up the construction union, on the basis of unproven media allegations of corruption and links to organised crime. But the real target of the administration is the wages and conditions of construction workers and the working class as a whole.

The rallies this week followed mass protests around the country on August 27, and again show that there is mass opposition to the administration. The developing movement expressed broader hostility in the working class to the Labor government, amid a deepening cost-of-living and social crisis.

Workers also voiced their anger over the complicity of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), which, along with most unions in the country, has fully endorsed Labors attack on the CFMEU.

But what was clear at the demonstrations, expressed even more starkly than on August 27, is that neither the ousted CFMEU bureaucracy, nor the leadership of the other building unions, has a perspective through which workers can take their struggle forward.

In Sydney, even the empty bluster against Labor, which in August included rhetorical calls for the total destruction of the government, took a more muted form, with vague threats that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns would only serve one term.

Building workers march in Sydney, September 18, 2024

Zach Smith, national secretary of the CFMEU, essentially told the crowd of around 25,000 workers in Melbourne that his plan was to continue with business as usual.

We are going to sign a thousand EBAs [enterprise bargaining agreements] in the next 12 months, here in Victoria, under a joint building unions campaign, Smith said.

Were not going to take a backwards step. We are not going to let administration mean that any worker goes backwards, loses hard-won wages and conditions. We will stand together, we will come out of this period, and well be stronger than ever, Smith declared.

In other words, Smith was telling workers there is no need to fight the administration, much less the Labor government or the ACTU.

The conception that construction workers can fight against attacks on their wages and conditions within the existing industrial relations framework, while their every move is subject to the approval of an administrator who answers only to the capitalist state, is a total lie.

As union speakers at the Sydney rally outlined, some companies are already insisting that they will negotiate only with the administrator, not elected bargaining representatives. Other major building corporations have sought to tear up agreements already voted on by workers, clearly confident of striking a more favourable deal now that construction workers hands are tied.

Smith claimed the building unions were drawing a line in the sand, which means that politicians and parliaments will not take our conditions backwards either, or introduce draconian anti-worker laws.

This too is a fraud. Not a single strike was called, by the leadership of the CFMEU or any other union, in the six weeks between the Labor governments initial threat to impose administration and the passage of the legislation.

Instead, the CFMEU bosses engaged in a series of backroom negotiations, with the Labor government, the ACTU and the Fair Work Commission, aimed at implementing the administration in a way that allowed the construction union bureaucrats to hold on to their seat at the table.

Smiths comments, along with his conduct over the past two months, underscore that he has not at any stage actually opposed the state takeover of the construction union, and does not now. It is no coincidence that Smith, a member of the Labor Partys national executive, is one of just a few CFMEU leaders to have held on to their highly compensated offices.

Smiths new role, as the right-hand man of a state-appointed dictator, is the envy of all the sacked CFMEU bureaucrats. Their opposition to Labors latest draconian anti-worker laws begins and ends with the restoration of their well-paid positions and privileges.

This was underscored by union speakers at the Sydney rally, in repeated declarations that the fight will continue until the ousted leaders are back in their rightfully elected positions.

The reality is that these positions and privileges are the reward for decades of service as an industrial police force, suppressing the class struggle and delivering on the demands of corporations and governments.

A key component of this has been their enforcement of every other draconian anti-worker law introduced by Labor over the past four decades, including the 2009 Fair Work Act, which criminalises strikes and other industrial action, except during narrow enterprise bargaining windows.

None of the speakers outlined a plan of action for workers to fight the administration. Instead there were vague references to the possibility of future rallies, including a hypothetical 72-hour strike, and a call for workers in those many unions that have supported Labors attack on the CFMEU to appeal to their leaders to shift.

Only the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is advancing a perspective through which construction workers, and the working class more broadly, can defeat this attack. SEP campaigners attended the Sydney and Melbourne rallies, speaking to striking workers and distributing copies of the partys statement, Build rank-and-file committees on building sites! End the Labor governments CFMEU administration, defend wages and conditions!

In opposition to the line put forward by union speakers, the statement declares:

The Labor governments attack on workplace rights is in line with its broader efforts to criminalise and suppress protests, as was starkly displayed in last weeks violent police attacks on anti-war protesters in Melbourne. This underscores the need for a unified political struggle by the working class, not just against Labor, but the capitalist system and its subordination of every aspect of workers lives to the profits of the financial and corporate elite. Such a struggle is impossible within the framework of the union apparatus which is not just intimately tied to, but an integral part of, Labor and the political establishment. To take forward such a fight, workers need new organisations of struggle. Rank-and-file committees, democratically led by workers and politically and organisationally independent of any union, must be built in workplaces across the country. Above all, what is posed is the need to fight for a workers government and for socialism.

****

Reporters for the World Socialist Web Site spoke to workers at the Melbourne rally.

Mark said of the administration legislation, Theyre the worst laws that have ever been passed by a Parliament against a working-class union.

Referring to the significance of Labor attacking a historically militant section of workers, he said: Theyve taken out the tip of the spear, us being the most powerful union in the country. They know that they cant affect anyones wages until they take us out first. Theyve really gone for the head of the snake with us.

Hamish, a CFMEU delegate who has worked as a rigger and now serves as a health and safety representative (HSR), spoke about the dire safety conditions that exist in the building industry.

He said: Every day, shop stewards are going around pulling up immediate risks to health and safety that the bosses turn a blind eye to. The power of an HSR means we can do this.

Unfortunately, the safety people inside the companies, from the tier-one job sites all the way down to the low ones, as soon as theyre any good at their job, theyre gone. They cant speak up, theyve got no power. They have to do what the boss says.

The ACTU have got no fight; theyve left all their workers with crap pay increases, and now we look like the baddies because weve got fair rates. Theyre not bringing anyone up from the lower classes. Now you cant even survive on the basic wage that the ACTU have advocated for.

The Labor Party have lost their way. They dont understand where they came from and now theyre just like the Coalition government.

The left faction of the bloody Labor Party is still right wing. Theres no socialist left in Labor.
Tens of thousands marched in Brussels Monday against Audis plans to close the Forest plant in Belgium as its parent company, VW, slashes jobs amid a global restructuring of the auto industry. There is explosive social anger as Audi, as it makes over 6 billion in profits per year, prepares to put thousands of workers out of work. Workers in auto, metalworking, trucking, education and other industries joined the protest, and Brussels mass transit workers struck in solidarity.

Workers of the German automaker Audi protest the threat of massive layoffs in downtown Brussels, Belgium, Monday September 16, 2024 [AP Photo/Sylvain Plazy]

After making 6 billion profits last year, Audi plans to move out of Belgium as auto companies cut tens of thousands of jobs across Europe. Workers walked off the job at the Forest plant early in September, accusing Audi management and union officials of working together to hide plans for a plant shutdown. The union bureaucracies are working to sabotage a struggle against the job cuts; they announced just before the rally that workers should restart work on a voluntary basis.

Belgiums three major unions and pseudo-left parties including the Maoist Belgian Labor Party (PTB) held the rally and promoted Shawn Fain, the head of the United Auto Workers (UAW) unions corrupt bureaucracy in the United States. Fain endorsed the Belgian unions and in a video posted on the PTBs web site, promoting the stand-up strike he used to impose a sellout contract of US auto workers last year under the slogan: Industry belongs to us! Lets meet in the street on September 16.

The Belgian unions echoed the nationalist, pro-imperialist politics of UAW bureaucracy, which US President Joe Biden has hailed as his domestic NATO. They sought to suppress explosive social anger by promoting a reactionary line of using European Union (EU) corporate bailout funds to restructure the auto industry in line with EU plans to build a war industry to wage NATOs war with Russia in Ukraine.

In the PTBs official leaflet for the rally, PTB official Nabil Boukili called to ban plant closures until there is an alternate industrial plan: either making another model from the company or the sale of the site to another buyer. Trying to promote illusions in the role of the EU and the Belgian ruling class, the claimed that the political establishment must react.

Workers at the rally told a WSWS reporting team that came from France and Germany of their support for a European and international struggle of rank-and-file against the global restructuring of the auto industry backed by Europes governments.

The WSWS spoke to Mario and his fellow metalworkers who had traveled from Charleroi to Brussels in solidarity with Audi workers. They had been laid off when Caterpillar shut down plants in Peoria, Illinois in the United States and in Belgium. Now at Audi, they said, The work was getting done, the company was making profits. But they always want more, more. That is the society led by finance.  Its the government, the transnational corporations that want that.

Audi workers were told electric cars would give them work, that they would have lots of orders and all that. But suddenly, now, it doesnt work, because everyone is realizing that electric cars, they are really not cheap, they added. In the Charleroi area, lots of people have lost their jobs, now many auto-related companies are disappearing. There are fewer and fewer of them.  The auto crisis is there in every sector, in brands from France, Germany, wherever.

They firmly opposed EU plans for a restructuring of industry to wage the EU-NATO war with Russia in Ukraine: Who will really pay for the war? Its the soldier who is sent to get shot at while those people are around a table talking and are nice and safe.  On the other side, the Russians want to live, too, they dont need to get bombs landing on their heads, and we dont, either. We dont want horrors on our doorstep, there, we dont want to work for that. Workers should not be cogs in the war machine.

Another worker agreed with WSWS reporters that Audi workers and auto workers more generally in Europe had to mobilize together in struggle: They were promised all sorts of wonderful things, but finally, the promises of jobs are collapsing. And they are not the only ones. There are many small companies where the bosses are attacking workers futures whenever they please.  In Germany, wage conditions are not the same. Salaries are quite clearly lower. I think German workers also need to make their discontent known.

He also emphasized the class gulf separating workers from the union bureaucracies maneuvering with Audi management, the Belgian capitalist state and the EU: A rank-and-file worker, he works in order to live. But up there, they live from the work of others. And really that makes an enormous difference.

Amke, a Volvo worker, said he rejected the massive growth of social inequality produced by the union bureaucracies negotiations with carmakers and EU authorities. Its more for the bosses who are making more and more profits, and what happens then? The people, that is, the workers get poorer and poorer, he said, adding: All of Europe should be mobilized, not only here in Belgium. Today the European capital is in Brussels, and so everything is happening here. But its true that I think Europe should mobilize and wake up a bit more.

Commenting on the role of the union bureaucracies, he added: I think they are themselves already capitalists in their offices, I think that they dont feel that affected by this, maybe.

Ahmed, a truck driver, agreed with WSWS reporters who said that since workers create the wealth, they have power and can stop the job cuts by taking control of the industry from the bosses. Ahmed said, Without workers, they have nothing. Thats why they are going to, countries like China. Because the work is there, there are a lot of people, and the prices are very low.

He opposed EU war plans, noting that the NATO war with Russia had led to a surge of energy prices and a fall in work that cost him 500 a month, and denouncing the EUs support for the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza: My heart is broken, and I can do nothing about except asking God for help. And Israel is very powerful. Many people dont notice it. Israel is backed up by IMF and World Bank and the United States government.  The European Union is like a dog. It follows its master, to be honest.

Despite his opposition to the US and Israeli governments, Ahmed stressed he felt solidarity with workers in struggle everywhere: Of course, with any worker, without making a difference about in which country  anyone, even in Israel. A lot of people just say, okay, Muslims hate Israel or Jews. But Ive never hated any Jews, because Jews and Muslims have always worked and lived together. I say that the problem is the Zionists, they are the biggest problem and threat to mankind.

We do have power. We can use it. But most people dont get organized, thats the thing, Ahmed said, noting his disillusionment with the PTB. I wanted to be a member of a political party, but I lost faith.  Thirty years ago, they promised a lot of things, but when it came, they said, We cannot do it. We have to make a Salvation Coalition with other parties.

Mobilizing and unifying the opposition to attacks on auto workers in a common struggle requires building rank-and-file committees among auto workers across Europe, independently of the union executives, and building the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. Only such organizations can overcome the union bureaucracies collaboration with employers and the state. This also requires a struggle for socialism, to halt the war plans of the imperialist powers and place industry under the democratic control of the workers.
Workers with International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 839 striking against Spirit AeroSytems in Wichita Kansas, June 24, 2023. [Photo: Machinists Union]

Around 525 workers at the Eaton Corporations aerospace plant in Jackson, Michigan, have been on strike since September 16. Eaton Aerospace supplies parts for commercial and military aircraft.

The Eaton Aerospace workers at the Jackson plant have been working on an extended contract since July 19. The strike was called after the extension expired on September 5 and after workers voted down two tentative agreements brought by the United Auto Workers. Their main demands are to protect pensions for both high seniority and newer workers and to demand better retiree healthcare. Eaton is also threatening to create a second tier of workers, a practice known all too well at most manufacturing plants.

Eaton is a major transnational corporation that provides electrical products such as transformers and switchgears to companies such as Boeing, where 33,000 workers are currently on strike. It made a record $6.4 billion in sales in the second quarter of this year alone.

In 2021, Eaton bought Cobham Mission Systems for $2.8 billion and is now one of the 100 largest military defense suppliers in the world. Cobham supplied refueling probes for F-35 combat aircraft used by the US and its major military allies, including Israel, which is deploying them in the genocide in Gaza.

Conditions in the plants are brutal, with starting wages as low as $15 an hour. In 2022, the workers at the Eaton Cobham facility in Iowa went on strike, rejecting sellout contracts from the International Association of Machinists.

The Eaton strike is part of a broader upsurge, which is taking the form of workers rebelling against sellouts backed by union bureaucrats. This includes the Boeing strike, which was forced when workers voted down a contract by 95 percent. Last month, striking Dakkota auto parts workers had to fight five consecutive sellouts, which the UAW bureaucracy rammed down their throats. The UAW, confronted with mass anger over thousands of layoffs at Stellantis under the new contract, announced a strike vote Tuesday night in a livestream, which was met with hostile comments from autoworkers.

Workers must not wait for the bureaucracy to present a third rotten deal. They must form a rank-and-file committee like the one that was formed at Dakkota auto parts and discuss on their picket lines how to appeal for active support from their brothers and sisters at Boeing and elsewhere.

There is enormous support for such a joint struggle. We are a big supplier to Boeing, one older worker said. Were hoping to benefit from their strike since we ship to them. A lot of what we supply goes to Airbus, Boeing, governmentall of it.

The UAW bureaucrats tried to get in front of this with an open letter to the IAM at Boeing. But far from proposing joint actions, the letter had a funeral character, offering condolences to the fellow union bureaucrats for having had to call a strike. I am sorry to hear that the Company has forced your hand to call a strike, UAW Local 475 President Donnie Huffman wrote. You are in our thoughts and prayers, he concluded.

The Eaton worker continued: We rejected two deals, and the second one the company handed out before the union could. They wanted to get more yes votes but got no votes. We didnt have any knowledge of what was in the deal.

Another worker said, Certain things they wont negotiate, like vacation. You have to be here 15 years to be eligible for four weeks of vacation, and it freezes at seven. They never deviate on this. Ive been here 10 years.

They were trying to buy us off with a signing bonus and wage increase while including concessions. They took away retiree medical benefits years ago. They gave us certain things, but we had to give up a lot more. Eaton moved everyone to a 401k [instead of a defined-benefit pension plan]  It will be tough for some of these people; entry-level is not making a lot of money. We start out at $15, the lowest-paying job, and after a year it is $25. But you have to work a year and get a bid job.

I wish they didnt take so much from us, he continued. I counted on this money when I figured how much I had until retirement.  Im too close to retirement to start somewhere new. I already went through two plant closings before here. They refuse to negotiate, just a bump in wages and a signing bonus. Thats it, then they take the pension from us.

Drawing parallels with the recent Dakkota auto parts strike, where workers rejected four consecutive sellouts, one worker said, This isnt our first rodeo either. We voted four times last contract.

Workers reported on the safety issues inside the plant. We deal with stuff like red oil, Skydrol [hydraulic fluid]. Its all toxic. We handle that while putting the parts together, working 8-10 hours. We have these gloves, but we still get Skydrol on us.

Its like how my pops, who was a pipefitter, dealt with asbestos for 30 years.

One worker discussed the hundreds of millions of dollars in the UAW strike fund. That money should come back to workers when we retire. Theres no strike pay yet, so were taking a hit. Another worker pointed to the nationalist rhetoric of Fain blaming foreign CEOs and workers. It changes all the time. They always have the big bad Japanese then and Mexicans now.

Another coworker added, The whole reason to come here was for our future, our kids and our family. You take away our pensions, theres not many pensions out there already as it is. $25 is not enough, with record profits, and the CEO sends us an email congratulating us for the high stock price and dividends. In their book 2+2=0, and were zero. The TAs were a joke. They still took away pensions.

When asked about why the UAW bureaucracy would bring back two sellout TAs, he said, Thats key! They shouldnt even be bringing it back. Instead say, what the Hell? What do you think you fly the planes with? They want to continue putting money in their pockets.

This strike is important. With the supplies we are making, we should be given more respect. We need to demand as a collective. With broader support we would be taken a lot more seriously. Were taking this seriously. Whether its nonunion or union, we need to stand together!
The Socialist Equality Party calls on workers, youth and the rural poor to vote for our candidate, Pani Wijesiriwardenaour party symbol is the scissorsin the presidential election on September 21, to express your support for our program and the perspective of socialist internationalism.

Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Pani Wijesiriwardena address press conference in Colombo, August 8, 2024

Only the SEP tells the truth to the working class and oppressed masses: the burning issues you confrontgrowing poverty, unemployment, deepening social inequality and the assault on basic democratic rightscannot be solved within the framework of capitalism or the confines of the nation state.

This is true above all of the emerging world war between nuclear-armed powers. US imperialism has already instigated and backed wars on two frontsagainst Russia in Ukraine and Israels genocide in Gaza that is expanding across the Middle East. At the time, it is making advanced preparations to open up a third front against Chinaall in a desperate bid to shore up American global dominance.

None of the other candidates has said a word about the growing danger to humanity of a nuclear holocaust. They want to keep the masses in the dark. Whoever wins the election will, in one way or another, continue the policy of the Wickremesinghe government in integrating the island into Washingtons war plans.

The SEP as the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of Fourth International collaborates with other sections in building a unified anti-war movement of the international working class to abolish capitalism and its division of the world into rival nation states which is the root cause of war.

We fight for the independent mobilisation of the working class, rallying the rural poor, in a revolutionary movement to overthrow bourgeois rule and establish a government of workers and peasants committed to reorganising society along socialist lines. Only in that way can the scourges of war, austerity and dictatorship be abolished.

In the political struggle to unite the working class, the SEP opposes all forms of nationalism, communalism and racism. We advocate the establishment of a Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Eelam, as part of the fight for socialism throughout South Asia and internationally.

The leading bourgeois candidates in this electionPresident Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party (UNP), Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National Peoples Power (NPP) led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)have told voters a pack of lies about improving the living conditions of working people. If elected, each would quickly tear up their false promises and impose harsh new measures to meet the demands of international finance capital.

While making promises to the masses they know they cannot keep, all these capitalist representatives have reassured big business and foreign investors that they will defend their profit interests. All three are committed to implementing the International Monetary Funds conditions for its $US3 billion bailout loan. These include savage cuts to essential services such as public health and education, the privatisation/restructuring of over 400 state-owned enterprises and the destruction of half a million public sector jobs.

The Wickremesinghe government has begun the process, but the bulk of the IMFs demands remain to be implemented. All talk of renegotiating easier terms with the IMF loan by the NPP/JVP and others is a fraud. In the midst of the worst eruption of global capitalist crisis since the 1930s, the next capitalist government in Sri Lanka has no choice but to impose heavy new burdens on working people, already hard hit by soaring prices, job losses and the lack of essential services.

The working class and oppressed masses will not tolerate the imposition of even harsher austerity measures. We warn that the response of the next government will inevitably be to resort to anti-democratic laws and the police, army and goon squads to violently suppress strikes and protests. The turn to dictatorial forms of rule, already evident under Wickremesinghe, will only intensify.

The SEP is standing in the election to prepare the working class for the class battles ahead. In doing so, it is necessary to learn the political lessons of the 2022 uprising of strikes and mass protests that drove former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse from power. While the movement revealed the enormous strength of the working class, it also exposed its political weaknesses. Protesting workers and poor were led by the nose by the trade unions and fake lefts such as the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) who proclaimed that an interim government including the SJB and NPP/JVP would solve all problems. The result was the anti-democratic installation of Wickremesinghe and social devastation.

A strike demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, April 28, 2022. [AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena]

While seeking to direct the mass movement to parliament and the capitalist opposition parties, the FSP and other petty-bourgeois lefts were bitterly opposed to the SEP. Their slogan of no politics was above all an attempt to exclude the revolutionary socialist politics of the SEP. Defying their censorship, the SEP continuously campaigned among striking and protesting workers, youth and the rural poor for a politically independent movement based on a socialist and internationalist perspective.

Wave after wave of strikes and protests over the past two years have been limited, isolated and betrayed by the trade unions acting on behalf of their affiliated capitalist parties. We warn in particular about the role of the JVP-led unions which have not only been prominent in selling out strikes, but have followed the JVPs diktat to shut down all industrial action prior to the election to help the NPP/JVP into power. Whoever wins the election, this demonstrates that the JVP unions will vigorously suppress opposition to the IMF agenda as the NPP/JVP seeks to prove its worth to the ruling class.

The FSP will also play a filthy political role in attempting to derail the opposition of workers, youth and rural toilers. Its leading member Nuwan Bopage is standing as the candidate of the Peoples Struggle Alliance (PSA)an opportunist collection of similar fake-left bankrupts. Its manifesto is another version of the reactionary Stalinist two-stagefirst an alliance with the progressive bourgeoisie for immediate tasks, and only in the distant future, the fight for socialism.

As Leon Trotsky demonstrated in his Theory of Permanent Revolution over a century ago, in countries like Sri Lanka there is no progressive wing of the bourgeoisie committed to democratic and social rightsall are deeply hostile to any mass movement of the working class. Today around the world, including in the US, the ruling classes are turning to autocratic rule and fascism. The result of the FSPs chasing after non-existent progressive bourgeois parties in 2022 was Wickremesinghe. In any new uprising, we warn that the FSPs political road will lead to far worse.

As it has done in every crisis in the past, the Sri Lankan ruling class and its parties will resort to Sinhala racism, directed against Tamils and Muslims, in an effort to divide the working class. The SEP calls on the working class to emphatically reject this political poison. The masses in Sri Lanka cannot afford to be dragged into another fratricidal 26-year war that devastated the island and left hundreds of thousands dead and many more injured and maimed.

The SEP and its predecessor, the Revolutionary Communist League, have a long record of opposing the racist anti-Tamil war and defending the democratic rights of Tamils and Muslims. But we also oppose the communal politics of the Tamil elites which in the present election are especially foul. While Tamil workers and rural toilers suffer alongside their Sinhala and Muslim class brothers and sisters, the myriad Tamil capitalist partiesITAK, PLOTE, TELO, EPRLF, TPNA and otherswhatever their tactical differences, have a single aim: to beg and pressure the next Colombo government for greater powers and privileges for the Tamil elites at the expense of Tamil working people.

Against all the parties of bourgeois political establishment and their fake-left and trade union agents, the SEP calls on workers to strike out independently on a new political road to defend their democratic and social rights.

Build action committees at every workplace, factory, plantation and neighbourhood, entirely independent of all capitalist parties and their trade unions! Assist in the formation of action committees among the rural poor to fight alongside the working class!

The SEP in Sri Lanka has already begun to forge action committees as part of the ICFIs campaign to build the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to unify the working class around the world.

The SEP advocates the following demands:

No to the IMF austerity! Repudiate all foreign debts!

Nationalise banks, big companies and plantations under the democratic control of the working class!

Place all state-owned enterprises targeted for privatisation under the democratic control of workers!

Subsidies and social programs for rural farmers and the needy!

For the unity of the working class! Reject all forms of communalism and nationalism! Defend the democratic rights of all sections of the downtrodden!

Abolish the executive presidency!

While the SEP stands in elections to promote its socialist and internationalist program, we reject the fatal illusion that the working class can advance its interests through parliament and the capitalist state. Working people need their own organisations to formulate and implement a plan of action to fight for their class interests in opposition to intrigues and plans of all factions of the bourgeoisie.

In the course of the 2022 uprising, the SEP initiated the call for a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses comprised of democratically-elected delegates from action committees of workers and rural poor. That call takes on a burning urgency today. If the working class leaves the political initiative in the hands of the ruling class and its parties, it can only result in disaster.

We say if you agree with our program then act now.

Vote for the SEP and our candidate Pani Wijesiriwardena to show your political support!

Voting is important but by itself will resolve nothing. Begin to establish an action committee where you live or work! Contact the SEP if you need political help!

If you are a youth at school and university, join the International Youth and Students for Socialist Equality (IYSSE)! If no branch exists where you are, contact the IYSSE and build one!

Study our history and program and read the World Socialist Web Site so that you can educate yourself and others politically for the battles ahead!

Above all, apply to join the SEP and to build it as the mass revolutionary party of the working class necessary to fight for a workers and peasants government and socialist policies!

Contact the SEP:

Telephone/WhatsApp: +94773562327

E-mail: wswscmb@sltnet.lk
A debate in ruling circles over AUKUS has again flared with former Labor Foreign Minister Gareth Evans branding the militarist pact with the US and the UK as a threat to Australian sovereignty that ensures the country would be a nuclear target in the event of a war in the Indo-Pacific.

Gareth Evans [Photo: Aurora Humanitarian Initiative]

Evans began denouncing AUKUS last month in an address to the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Conference. His comments aligned with positions advanced for some time by former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating and Foreign Minister Bob Carr.

On the third anniversary of AUKUS, which falls this week, proponents of the war drive against China in the national-security establishment have publicly condemned the trio of Labor elders as being out of touch and behind the times. Evans has responded on their behalf.

Evans, Carr and Keating are all committed defenders of Australian imperialism, with their own longstanding and deep ties to the national-security establishment. They speak for a wing of the ruling elite itself, deeply fearful of the economic and political implications of unconditional commitment to a US-led war against China, which remains Australias largest trading partner.

Evans intervention is notable from several standpoints. His comments, and the establishment debate, underscore the imminent dangers of a catastrophic war that are usually concealed from the population. They also demonstrate the highly conditional character of the criticisms of AUKUS made by this layer of the political establishment, which in no way represents opposition to war, imperialism or even the US-Australia alliance.

In his August speech, Evans had warned that the AUKUS pact for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, beginning with the sale of three US Virginia-class vessels early next decade, was predicated on Australia committing to join a US-led war with China.

He noted the ever-clearer expectation on the US side that integrated deterrence means Australia will have no choice but to join the US in fighting any future war in which it chooses to engage anywhere in the Indo-Pacific, including in defence of Taiwan.

Evans added: It defies credibility to think that, in the absence of that last understanding, the Virginia transfers will ever proceed. The notion that we will retain any kind of sovereign agency in determining how all these assets are used, should serious tensions erupt, is a joke in bad taste.

The Murdoch-owned Australian newspaper, which is particularly hawkish in its promotion of Australias alignment with the US war drive, last week featured the comments of AUKUS proponents, responding to the Labor elders.

Peter Dean, a director of the University of Sydneys US Studies Centre, which is part funded by the American government, declared that Evans, Keating and Carr were claiming an elaborate conspiracy theory. They are asking people to ignore the statements of their own government about us having sovereign control of those (submarine) capabilities.

Dean was an author of last years Defence Strategic Review, commissioned by the Labor government, which recommended a vast expansion of the Australian military, and particularly its strike capabilities, to ensure that it could engage in impactful projection throughout the region.

Mike Pezzulo, the former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, said that AUKUS did not entail the abandonment of Australian sovereignty, but a pooling of sovereignty with the US and other allies directed against purported Chinese belligerence.

In his reply, published in the Australian on Tuesday, Evans repeated and amplified the points he had made previously.

Evans wrote that the price for the US for giving us access to its nuclear propulsion technology had become indefensibly high. As a result of the accompanying integration and interoperability of US and Australian forces, several Australian basing facilities were now potential nuclear targets in the event of a war.

Evans drew attention to the Stirling naval base in Perth. Long before Australia acquires nuclear-powered submarines, it is being transformed into a hub for the American submarine fleet. Increasingly frequent visits are already underway, and Stirling is slated to become a semi-permanent US basing port by 2027, making it a key American asset in the Indian Ocean.

Evans also named the Pine Gap spy base, which over recent years has been expanded by a third, the largest development in its history. Independent analysts have described it as a key hub of US nuclear war planning, from which strikes on Chinese nuclear missile silos would be targeted. He noted the North West Cape facility, which provides radio communication for US and Australian naval forces throughout the western Pacific Ocean and eastern Indian Ocean. The Tindal air base in the Northern Territory is being upgraded to accommodate US B-52 bombers, which can carry nuclear weapons.

This information, pointing to Australias transformation into what US officials have described as a central base of operations for American activities against China, is generally covered over, because of the opposition it would provoke from ordinary people.

Evans, while highlighting these realities, offered no alternative. The issue that most troubles me, Keating and Carr in all of this is what we see as the loss of Australian sovereign independence thats necessarily involved, he stated.

These references to sovereignty underscore the key concern of this layer. They do not necessarily oppose Australian participation in a war with China, but they wish for the ruling elite to be able to decide on it when the time comes. AUKUS, and the associated turn to interoperability, they are warning, means that Australia would automatically and immediately be engaged in such a war, without its imperialist politicians having the opportunity to weigh the costs and advantages.

Evans other points show again that the official AUKUS critics speak for ruling-class interests. They question whether AUKUS will provide the best means of advancing Australian imperialisms own predatory interests in the Indo-Pacific.

For instance, Evans warned that the promised US submarines may never arrive, and complained that by the time they do, their advantages, such as limited detectability, may have been compromised by technological developments. The vast cost of AUKUS, moreover, would make much harder the acquisition of other capabilitiesin particular, state-of-the-art missiles, aircraft and dronesarguably even more important than submarines for any kind of self-reliant capacity.

That is, the Labor elders are proposing a slight variant on what would still be a massive military build-up. Each of them has militarist credentials that they have never repudiated. Keating and Evans were senior members of the Hawke government, which joined the first Gulf War against Iraq in 1991. Carr, a US embassy informant since the 1970s, was foreign minister from 2012 to 2013 in the Labor government that aligned Australia with a vast US pivot to Asia directed against China, of which AUKUS is the logical culmination.

As the AUKUS proponents have noted, moreover, the Labor elders all served in governments that protected Pine Gap, which has always been involved in global US military operations and has consequently always been a potential nuclear target.

The fact that Keating, Carr and Evans are speaking out now testifies to a degree of alarm within segments of the ruling elite, over the trajectory of the war drive and its rapidity. China remains far and away Australias largest trading partner, accounting for 27 percent of total trade last year. Open war with Beijing would trigger an economic meltdown, jeopardise the fortunes of the countrys ultra-wealthy and provoke social upheaval.

That last issue is undoubtedly a factor in the campaigning of the Labor elders. Each of their decades-long political careers has been bound up with the suppression of the working class and of social opposition. They are well aware that war has been a central driver of social and political opposition from the working class, including in the two world wars and Vietnam, when they began their political careers.

In addition to sounding a warning to the ruling class, the posturing of these forces serves as a safety-valve for such opposition. The Labor elders are seeking to divert hostility to AUKUS and war in the direction of Australian nationalism and militarism. They are covering up the fact that, as a middle-order imperialist power, the Australian ruling elite has always prosecuted its own predatory interests in alliance with the dominant power of the day, first Britain and then the US.

Above all, the trio, as lifelong defenders of capitalism, are concealing the reality that war is the inevitable product of the profit system and its historic breakdown.

The war drive against China is one component of a developing global war, including the US-NATO conflict with Russia in Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza and the moves towards a regionwide Middle Eastern war targeting Iran. This cannot be fought on a national basis, in alliance with segments of the ruling class, but only through a political struggle against them.

What is required is not an independent Australian foreign policy, but an independent perspective for the working class. That means uniting workers internationally in a common struggle against war, imperialism and capitalism in the fight for world socialism.
On Sunday, September 22, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific/5:00 p.m. Eastern, the Boeing Workers Rank-and-File Committee is holding an online meeting to mobilize the broadest support in the working class for the 33,000 striking Boeing machinists.

Register for the event by clicking here.

The strike is currently the high point of the class struggle in the United States. Workers are determined to fight for what theyve lost over a decade of effective wage cuts and skyrocketing cost of living. Workers are also demanding the restoration of their pensions, which the International Association of Machinists leadership gave up 10 years ago.

Picket line at Boeing plant in Everett.

The strike itself was initiated by a rank-and-file rebellion, which erupted after the IAM bureaucracy endorsed another sellout contract which met none of the basic needs of workers. By 95 percent, workers rejected the tentative agreement and voted by 96 percent to strike for the first time since the walkout in 2008.

Workers rejected the dictates of the company and IAM leaders, who insisted that they pay for the aerospace giants crisis, which is the product of corporate managements sacrifice of safety and lives for profits.

Workers now face a fundamental challenge. The IAM bureaucracy, Boeing and the Biden administration are conspiring to wear workers down and starve them into submission. Workers are determined to fight, but they cannot wage this battle alone.

The Boeing Workers Rank-and-File Committee was formed to provide workers with the means to take control of the strike, countermand every effort by the IAM bureaucracy to sabotage the struggle and reach out to the broadest sections of workers for a joint struggle. Sundays meeting will discuss how to link up the fight of Boeing workers with railroaders, dockworkers, educators, autoworkers, healthcare workers and all sections of workers in a fight for their basic social rights.

Join this meeting to hear from Boeing machinists and others to discuss the strategy for this fight. We urge all our readers, especially Boeing workers and others in aerospace and logistics, to register for this meeting and share this announcement widely with your coworkers and on social media.
BRUSSELS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Executives from over 20 major tech firms on Thursday expressed their concerns over the European Union (EU)'s regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI) in an open letter spearheaded by Meta.

They claimed that regulatory decision-making in the region has become "fragmented and unpredictable."

They said: "Interventions by the European Data Protection Authorities have created huge uncertainty about what kinds of data can be used to train AI models."

The tech firms warned that the region faces a pivotal choice that will shape its future for decades to come.

Among the signatories were CEOs from Sweden's telecom giant Ericsson, Germany's software firm SAP, and industrial conglomerate Thyssenkrupp, along with leading researchers and scholars.

They called for "harmonized, consistent, swift, and clear decisions" under the EU's data regulations, stressing the importance of enabling European data for AI model training to benefit the region's citizens.

Meta has faced fines for violations of EU data privacy rules, including a penalty of 1.2 billion euros (1.33 billion U.S. dollars) last year under the General Data Protection Regulation.

In August, the EU became the first jurisdiction to implement comprehensive AI legislation, with its AI Act.

The new regulations, combined with previous regulatory challenges, have led some tech giants to delay product launches in the region.

Google delayed the launch of its AI chatbot Bard, now rebranded as Gemini, in the EU last year following privacy concerns raised by the bloc's primary data regulator.

Meanwhile, Meta had planned to introduce a new privacy policy in June, allowing the company to use years of users' public data to train AI models that can generate text, images, or respond to user queries. However, the launch was postponed after several EU member states raised concerns that the policy would misuse users' profile data.

Similarly, Apple postponed the launch of its new AI features in Europe, citing the need to comply with EU tech regulations that require it to ensure compatibility with rival products and services. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollar) 
LAMU, Kenya, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government will enhance security in Lamu County, a popular tourist region, to combat terrorism and other threats, aiming to attract more visitors, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Thursday.

The government has mobilized all security agencies in the county to ensure peaceful coexistence among residents, Gachagua said.

"Lamu County has long been a battleground for terrorists. They have had their way, but moving forward, it will no longer be business as usual. Our security agencies are closely monitoring them, and they will face tough consequences," he said during a funeral service in the county.

He said that the government's investment in security has helped prevent terrorist attacks in Mombasa and other coastal towns known for beach tourism. Kenya's security forces have successfully contained terrorist activity to areas near the Somali border and the Boni Forest, located in the southeastern part of the country near the Lamu archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

"Security is crucial for this county. Lamu is rich in resources, including those related to the blue economy. We urge unity among the communities living here and encourage continued efforts to foster cohesion and communal harmony," he added.

Despite increased security measures, reports of militia presence and attacks in Lamu and along the border persist. The region has seen deadly militant attacks in recent years, claiming the lives of both security officers and civilians. 
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The lethal combination of hunger, displacement and disease outbreaks in Sudan is creating "a perfect storm" for a catastrophic loss of lives, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it sounded the alarm about a devastating cost to human life if the international community fails to act by providing aid funding.

"To fight hunger in the country, the World Food Programme (WFP) is rushing to reach people in the grip of famine," OCHA said.

However, the office said that without consistent humanitarian access it will be impossible to meet growing needs.

OCHA said WFP is working around the clock to reach 8.4 million people by the end of the year. So far, the agency has assisted more than 5 million people, including 1.2 million in the western Darfur region.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports moving life-saving nutrition supplies to treat 215,000 severely malnourished children in Sudan. The agency and its partners also provided 6.6 million children and their families with safe drinking water this year, when disease outbreaks -- including cholera -- are worsening.

UNICEF said children account for about half of the more than 10 million people who have fled their homes since the conflict in Sudan erupted last year.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that 2 million of the displaced crossed into neighboring countries, where it is delivering urgent support.

UNHCR said it is working to provide critical protection services and life-saving assistance, including psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence, child protection, and helping move the vast numbers of new arrivals away from border areas to safer locations in the countries of asylum.

"Unfortunately, these efforts are severely hampered by the lack of funding, as well as flooding and insecurity," OCHA said. "Eighty-six partners are mobilized to provide support through this year's 1.5 billion U.S. dollar plan to support the regional refugee response in seven neighboring countries, but the appeal is less than a quarter funded, with only 347 million dollars received."

The office said that in addition to humanitarian aid, development investments are significant in neighboring countries, which are already stretched, and crucial to support host communities.

Meanwhile, the response inside Sudan is less than half funded, with the 2024 appeal receiving just 1.3 billion U.S. dollars of the 2.7 billion needed to reach 14.7 million people in the country through the end of the year.

Next Wednesday, OCHA said, the agency and UNHCR plan to host a meeting of representatives of the world body and UN member countries on the sidelines of the General Assembly's annual VIP-rich General Debate to discuss the spiraling crisis in the Sudan region. 
ACCRA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- On May 13, 2024, the Ghanaian capital of Accra witnessed an emotional homecoming as Stevie Wonder, an iconic American musician, received his certificate of Ghanaian citizenship from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, marking a deeply personal milestone on his 74th birthday.

For Wonder, Ghana is full of associations with his ancestral roots. "When I first came here, I felt the essence of it, as if I had been here before. I knew this is where I needed to be," Wonder reflected.

In 1619, the first recorded African slaves were brought to the British colony of Virginia, marking the inception of the shameful transatlantic slave trade that would uproot millions from their homelands. Four centuries later, the Ghanaian government launched the Year of Return in 2019, inviting descendants of those enslaved Africans to retrace the roots to their original heritage.

Ghana, once the last sight of home for countless Africans forced into slavery, also became the birthplace of the African independence movement and Pan-Africanism in the 20th century.

REMINDERS OF A DARK PAST

"We see very beautiful architecture here," said Robert Morgan Mensah, who has been a guide for 18 years at Cape Coast Castle, "but the sad history behind it reminds us of what transpired during the transatlantic slave trade."

Cape Coast Castle, perched on the shores of Ghana's Central Province, has walls with canons facing the Atlantic. According to Mensah, Europeans constructed over 60 castles along the West African coastline, with more than 40 in Ghana alone, to facilitate the transatlantic slave trade.

When Europeans arrived in the Gulf of Guinea in the mid-15th century, they named regions after the commodities they sought. Ghana was the "Gold Coast;" Cote d'Ivoire became the "Ivory Coast;" and parts of modern Togo, Benin, and Nigeria were dubbed the "Slave Coast."

Driven by hefty profits, Europeans colonized the Americas and the Caribbean, seizing land and resources while decimating indigenous populations. In the face of a pressing need for labor, Europeans turned to Africa. Encouraged by their governments, European merchants engaged in the large-scale slave trade that Karl Marx described as "traffic in human flesh."

This trade, known as the "triangular trade," linked Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Slave traders sailed from Europe to West Africa with goods like wine, fabrics, and guns, and then transported enslaved Africans across the Atlantic in a harrowing six-to-ten-week voyage known as the Middle Passage. Once in the Americas, the enslaved were sold to plantation and mine owners, and the traders returned to Europe with massive shipments of agricultural and mineral products.

Cape Coast Castle, one of the largest of these West African fortresses, was initially built by the Swedes before being taken over by the British. Enslaved Africans captured inland were held in dungeons for weeks or months until the slave ships arrived. Mensah described the grim conditions: each of the five dungeons housed 150 to 200 shackled slaves, crammed into the dark, stuffy space.

"The dungeons were full of filth, and disease spread rapidly," Mensah said. "Many died here, their bodies thrown into the sea along with those who hadn't yet broken."

Above the dungeons, a small church offered a stark contrast. "They must have heard the cries of the slaves as they sang hymns," Mensah said, noting that both the enslaved and their captors lived and prayed within the same walls.

In his work "The American Slave-Trade: An Account of Its Origin, Growth and Suppression," American author John Randolph Spears detailed the misery aboard slave ships, where enslaved men were shackled in pairs, forced to lie flat or on their sides in stifling conditions.

Poor living conditions and the long voyage led to many deaths, with a mortality rate averaging 15 percent. When resources ran low, slavers would throw the weakest overboard to lighten the load, later claiming insurance compensation for "lost cargo."

Missouri Sherman-Peter, permanent observer of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the United Nations, has highlighted that 12-20 million Africans were taken into slavery across four centuries.

TOILING TO DEATH ACROSS ATLANTIC

About 450 km east of Cape Coast Castle, another haunting monument stands on the beach of Ouidah, Benin. The "Door of No Return" commemorates the Africans who were forcibly taken from the "Slave Coast" to the Americas.

"A cannon could be traded for 15 male slaves or 21 female slaves," said Espero de Souza, a 20-year-old Beninese guide descending from Francisco Felix de Souza, a notorious slave trader. Slaves were auctioned at Chacha Square, a hub for the brutal trade that de Souza's ancestor dominated.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to land in Brazil in the early 16th century, drawn by the promise of wealth. They established sugarcane plantations, but the indigenous population, decimated by forced labor and disease, proved insufficient. The plantation owners looked to African slaves, who were deemed more resistant to disease and easier to control.

By 1630, some 170,000 African slaves had been transported to Brazil, making sugarcane a crop intrinsically linked to slavery. As historian Wolfgang Leonhard observed, by 1638, 100 percent of sugar plantation workers were enslaved Africans.

In her book Captives as Commodities: The Transatlantic Slave Trade, American scholar Lisa Lindsay depicts the harsh reality of plantation life. Plantation owners, calculating the cost of labor, found it more profitable to work slaves to death and then replace them rather than provide better conditions.

By the 19th century, Valongo Wharf, an old dock located in the port area of Rio de Janeiro, had become the main entry point for African slaves in Brazil, receiving millions over two decades. The area around the port, known as Pequena Africa, or Little Africa, became a hub of Afro-Brazilian culture and the birthplace of the lively samba.

Samba, now a cultural symbol of Brazil, is believed to have origins in the Kimbundu language of West Africa, where "Semba" was known as a spirited dance. According to one theory, slave traders forced enslaved Africans to dance on deck during the voyage to keep them agile, making them more marketable upon arrival.

SINISTER DAWN OF CAPITALIST PRODUCTION

In 1814, a European visitor documented his impressions of a city filled with towering factories, each with colossal chimneys belching black soot into the sky. This was Manchester, England.

At the dawn of the 18th century, Manchester was a modest town with hardly 10,000 inhabitants. By the mid-19th century, it had become a vital hub of Britain's textile industry, boasting hundreds of cotton mills with products exported across the globe.

Trinidad and Tobago's first prime minister, historian Eric Williams, encapsulated the profound impact of the slave trade on industrialization in the West.

"It was this tremendous dependence on the triangular trade that made Manchester," he said, referring to the British Empire as "a magnificent superstructure of American commerce and naval power on an African foundation."

Liverpool, once a small fishing village, thrived as a major slave-trading port before becoming an industrial town. In October 1699, the first documented British slave ship left Liverpool for the Caribbean, carrying around 220 African captives. Over the 18th century, Liverpool's slave ships trafficked some 1.5 million Africans.

Cities like London, Bristol, Nantes, Bordeaux, Amsterdam, and Zeeland also prospered from the brutal slave trade. The profits from this inhumane enterprise drove the growth of manufacturing and transportation industries across Europe.

In his major work "Capital: A Critique of Political Economy", Karl Marx identified the enslavement and exploitation of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, the plundering of India, and the transformation of Africa into a commercial hunting ground for human lives as defining moments of capitalist production's early stages. These events were crucial to the primitive accumulation of capital.

Slave traders, often starting with modest capital, made extraordinary profits, sometimes tenfold. One captain recorded a net profit of over 40,000 U.S. dollars on a single voyage in 1827, despite an initial outlay of less than 4,000 dollars.

The slave trade also stimulated the growth of Europe's financial and insurance sectors. Banks and insurance companies eagerly launched businesses tied to the trade, while Western merchants who amassed fortunes from slavery became bankers, investing their blood-soaked profits in emerging enterprises.

Research from the University College London's Legacies of British Slave Ownership project reveals that a significant portion of Britain's current wealth is linked to slavery. Institutions such as Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank built their fortunes on the slave trade, underscoring London's rise as a global financial center.

In the United States, plantation owners profited immensely from the forced labor of African slaves, particularly in the production of cotton. By the mid-19th century, cotton from slaveholding states accounted for over half of all U.S. exports, as noted by historian Sven Beckert in Empire of Cotton.

The transatlantic slave trade, spanning four centuries, generated immense wealth for Western nations and played a critical role in the accumulation of capital, reflecting the brutal reality of a globalization process dominated by these countries.

MOTIVATION BEHIND ABOLITION OF SLAVERY

While studying at Oxford University in 1938, Eric Williams made a groundbreaking claim in his booklet "Capitalism and Slavery," arguing that the abolition of slavery in the West was driven not by moral awakening but by economic interests and strategic needs.

This argument caused a stir in academic circles, as it challenged a prevailing view that humanitarianism was the primary force behind the abolitionist movement. Williams' manuscript was initially rejected by British publisher Fredric Warburg as "contrary to the English tradition."

Williams, who later became prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrated that the wealth generated by enslaved people fueled the Industrial Revolution and that, as capitalism matured, slavery became an obstacle to free trade and further capitalist expansion.

Ghanaian historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong explained that the decline in demand for enslaved labor was primarily due to technological advancements. As machines began operating around the clock in industrialized countries, the need for manual labor decreased, rendering enslaved people, limited in both efficiency and work hours, an economic burden.

The end of slavery, opined the historian, was not a sudden moral epiphany but the result of various factors, including shifts in production patterns, moral debates, and legal challenges.

Moreover, when slave traders and owners were required to relinquish their "property," they received substantial compensation. For instance, former British Prime Minister David Cameron's ancestors received a large sum after the passage of the 1833 Act for the Abolition of Slavery.

However, the millions of enslaved Africans received nothing for their centuries of suffering.

As the Industrial Revolution advanced, newly empowered Western capitalists sought cheaper raw materials and expanded markets. Colonial plantations, reliant on enslaved labor, monopolized raw material supplies. Long-term forced labor and soil depletion led to reduced productivity and higher costs, prompting emerging capitalists to seek the destruction of the slavery-dependent plantation economy.

Simultaneously, Africans never ceased resisting enslavement. Inspired by the American War of Independence and the French Revolution, large-scale revolts erupted in the late 18th century, notably the Haitian Revolution. These uprisings increased the costs of maintaining slavery.

In 1807, the British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, followed by similar legislation in other European countries. However, the lucrative trade persisted "underground." To dodge fines, slavers sometimes tied their captives to rocks and threw them overboard when pursued at sea. The transatlantic slave trade only effectively ended in the late 19th century.

But Africa's suffering was far from over. After the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference, Western powers intensified their scramble for Africa, leading to the continent's partition. This reckless division left a legacy of poverty and underdevelopment in Africa that persists today.

"We originally had our own writing and ways of communication. Slavery led to the loss of many young Africans and wreaked havoc on Africa's civilizational heritage and social development," Anokye Frimpong said.

He also noted that the imposition of artificial borders during colonization further fragmented African unity, a division that lingers in countries like Ghana.

"AFRICA MUST UNITE"

Inside the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, a quote from the Pan-Africanist leader reads, "I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me."

Ghana declared its independence on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to break free from Western colonial rule. On that historic day, Nkrumah proclaimed, "our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent."

Nkrumah, celebrated as the "Father of Ghana," was a fervent advocate for Pan-Africanism. In his book "Africa Must Unite," he called for the unification of all African nations to achieve true independence and prosperity.

The Pan-Africanist vision resonated with the descendants of enslaved Africans across the diaspora. The first Pan-African Conference held in London in 1900 brought together delegates from the United States, the West Indies and Africa to discuss the global plight of Black people and demand self-governance for African and Caribbean colonies.

A year after Ghana's independence, the first Conference of Independent African States was held in Accra in April 1958, laying the groundwork for what would become the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

"Ghana's fight for independence was not just about freeing one country, it was about liberating the entire continent from colonial rule and restoring African unity," said Anokye Frimpong. "Today, African nations are striving to overcome historical legacies and build a united, prosperous future."

Founded in 1963, the OAU embodied the Pan-Africanist ideal, playing a crucial role in decolonizing Africa and mediating interstate conflicts. The OAU was succeeded by the African Union (AU) in 2002, marking a new chapter in Africa's quest for self-reliance and development.

On Aug. 1, 1998, the remains of two enslaved Africans passed through the "Door of No Return" at Cape Coast Castle, Ghana, to return to their homeland. This symbolic act transformed the "Door of No Return" into the "Door of Return," ushering a new era of remembrance, reconciliation and solidarity.

At a joint meeting in Accra in November 2023, AU and CARICOM delegates agreed to establish a global reparations fund. This initiative seeks a formal apology and reparations from European nations for the atrocities of slavery.

Speaking at the conference, President Akufo-Addo of Ghana stressed that while no amount of money can restore the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade, the issue of reparations is one that the world must confront and can no longer ignore.

Mensah, the guide in Ghana, said they will forge ahead but should never forget history. It is important to cherish the culture and values and let them guide the future, so that the tragedy in history does not repeat itself, he said.

Indeed, African people have never forgotten the atrocities of the past. With the Global South becoming more vocal, African people, being part of it, are becoming more confident and self-empowered to fight for justice and rights they deserve. 
The Queensland Police Department in Queensland, Australia has a very special officer in their squad. Most people would call him a hero. We're talking of course about their Golden Retriever on staff, who is the best police officer they got. The department recently introduced the Golden, who we're calling "Officer Goodboy" to the internet. And the internet fell completely in love.

When "Pup Pawtrol's" on the case anything could happen. But in the clip the police department shared, it was the Golden who needed help.

It was the case of the century. The Golden Retriever had lost his squeaker  where, oh where could it be?

Related: Golden Retriever Chews a Hole in Owner's Curtains and Total Hilarity Ensues

Thankfully, the police had an idea. In the video they shared, they cracked the case in seconds flat and got the pup his squeaker. Then they invited him onto the team. We hate to say this, but he's probably the best hire they've ever had. The streets are safer thanks to the Golden.

People in the comments section loved the police pup. "Look at his proud face after destroying things," joked one person. "Now I really feel safe," someone else praised. "This absolutely made my day. What a good officer," added someone else. "Awww doggo clocked onto a shift," someone else gushed.

What Do Police Dogs Do?

More than just being adorable, police dogs play a real part in police work. A police dog has several different responsibilities, sometimes they're focused on just one area and other times they have many different functions they perform. Most police dogs need to have certain qualities to be able to do this type of work, so they tend to only be one of a handful of breeds; Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd Dogs, Bloodhounds, Dutch Shepherds, or Labrador Retrievers.

Police use dogs in several different kinds on scenarios. First they use them for apprehension. These dogs are trained to bite suspects and hold them hostage. Police tend to use herding dogs for this type of work because they're strong and smart. They need to decide when someone's a threat.

Dogs also have an incredible sense of smell, which can also be helpful. Dogs can detect things that humans can't really sense, like illegal drugs, explosives, accelerants, and crime scene evidence. These dogs are frequently used at the airport and for border entries. Incredibly, military dogs use their advanced sense of smell to suss out landmines. Police dogs can also be used in search and rescue missions, which is also important work.

So as you can see, dogs are crucial to police and their work. Plus, they look pretty darn adorable in those little police vests.

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When Big Dawgs, the riotous song by Indian rapper Hanumankind and producer Kalmi, began spreading across the world in July, its creators couldnt fully appreciate its impact. Despite sites like YouTube and Reddit signaling the songs crossover appeal, Hanumankind and his team were largely in the dark about its impact on TikTok  including the more than 1 million posts using the track to date  since India banned the platform in 2020.

Were hearing about this going crazy, but we cant wrap our heads around [it], Hanumankind tells Billboard. Were sitting at home like, I guess this is happening. Lets strap in. 

More from Billboard

Born Sooraj Cherukat in Indias southern state of Kerala, Hanumankind was a self-described child of chaos. His family bounced around the globe with his father working in the oil sector, making stops in Nigeria, Qatar, Dubai and Egypt before moving to Houston in the early 2000s during his formative years.

Houston has a way of shaping a person, he says, wearing a No. 34 Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets throwback jersey. Whether you talk about UGK or DJ Screw, you hear it in everything. It was important to be there and absorb so much of that.

Hanumankind

Talking over Zoom, the 32-year-old has photos of 2Pac, MF DOOM and The Notorious B.I.G. in his living room  but even with his vast hip-hop knowledge, he says his parents hoped he would pursue a real job and build a career. He moved back to India for college in 2012, and after graduating, he burned through jobs at Goldman Sachs and different marketing agencies while living like a fking idiot. (Upon turning 30, he temporarily gave up drinking entirely. Nowadays, he says, he drinks in moderation.)

Still, rapping largely remained a party trick hed pull out at gatherings. But things changed in late 2019 following a performance at the NH7 Weekender Festival in India, pulling inspiration for his stage name from religion. (Hanuman is the half-monkey, half-man Hindu God of wisdom, strength and courage.)

There was a mob of people running over from different areas, like, Who the fk is this guy? he remembers. [After] that set, I was like, This feels like something I can do. I just want to do something that gives me purpose. Am I decent at this? Can I make money off this? Cool. Thats all I needed.

A year later, Hanumankind signed a management deal with Imaginary Frnds founder Rohan Venkatesh, with the companys Abhimanyu Prakash helping as part of the management team. He charmed the pants off me when I met him, says Prakash. Adds Venkatesh, who first met the rapper backstage in 2018: I knew this could go global. I believed in the art from day one.

Hanumankind spent the next few years as an independent artist, releasing a pair of EPs and a handful of singles before his team decided to explore the major-label route, ultimately signing with Def Jam India at the start of 2023. They were so ready to help us from day one, says Prakash. Weve had this moment, and theyve been pillars for us in figuring out how to grow it.

Hanumankind

That January, Hanumankind released the twitchy Go to Sleep  but nothing else for the year. With time ticking on his next move, he hopped on a Zoom in early 2024 with frequent collaborator Kalmi while living in Bangalore. They began with a creative exercise theyd done before: Kalmi would queue up a beat for Hanumankind to rap on and theyd build an idea from whatever came out. We didnt want boundaries on us, and the minute [I heard the] beat, I was like, Oh st.

After taking a liking to the engine-revving production and bristling synths, the hook came next, followed by the first verse. Within 30 minutes, the basic structure for Big Dawgs was set. Instantly, this flow came in, Hanumankind says, though he admits he began to overanalyze it. I didnt think it was a single at all  this song just came to be as a byproduct of being fking weird, experimental folks.

But Kalmi and Venkatesh changed his mind. We knew this was the one instantly, there was a shock value to it, Venkatesh says. [Kalmi and I] went for a drive and played it four or five times. Next morning, we called Hanumankind and convinced him to drop.

Kalmi tightened up the production, adding the chopped-and-screwed element to the songs outro, and Hanumankind tacked on a second verse. On July 9, Big Dawgs arrived on streaming services.

Instead of a traditional marketing budget, Hanumankinds team allocated much of their financial resources to the music video, which arrived the next day and opened the worlds eyes to a popular Indian spectacle known as the Well of Death. Two-stroke engine bikes and vintage cars whiz around in circles on the walls of a vertical pit, testing the limits of gravity  and in the video, Hanumankind even hangs out the window of one of the cars. It was more of a culture shock for people, which was a unique selling point for us, says Venkatesh. To date, the video has more than 116 million YouTube views.

Within a few days, Hanumankind realized the reception to Big Dawgs was different than any prior work, as it started extending well beyond India and into popular American music. American hip-hop makes the world react. But this is the first time a lot of people were like, Theres this video coming out of India, he says. Popular streamers like IShowSpeed and No Life Shaq reacted to the hit across social media platforms, boosting its visibility to another level.

By mid-August, Big Dawgs debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 57; two weeks later, it reached a No. 23 high and entered the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200. The hit has also topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart and to date has earned 72 million official on-demand U.S. streams and 288.5 million official on-demand global streams through Sept. 5, according to Luminate.

Everything came in a huge tidal wave, says Hanumankind. I feel like someones going to slap me in the face and wake me up. Its reception has indeed been a dream for the rapper: both Project Pat and Bun B separately joined him on Instagram Live  in Big Dawgs, the former receives a name check and Hanumankind interpolates a lyric from UGKs Intl Players Anthem to pay homage to the latter.

Hanumankind is now eager to perform outside of India, and in September signed with Wasserman Music. He also plans to release a remix for Big Dawgs with an American rapper, though specifics on who or when are unknown. And while a debut album isnt ready just yet, hes still basking in what his breakthrough hit represents.

I am just the tip of the iceberg of what can come from this side of the world, he says. If some random dude from India can make music and shoot a cool video that pops off, it allows people to dream a little harder.

A version of this story will appear in the Sept. 28, 2024, issue of Billboard.

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Here's everything you've ever wanted to know about Netflix's Virgin River. From new season updates to cast news and theories, we have all the latest details for fans of the show.

What Is Virgin River About?

Virgin River tells the story of Melinda Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner who is looking for a fresh start after losing her husband, Mark. The first two seasons follow Mel as she adjusts to small-town living, while the third and fourth installments further explore her relationship with Jack. The fifth season picks up right where the finale ends, with Charmaines paternity bombshell and Preachers battle with Vince.

The show is based on the best-selling book series by Robyn Carr. Im so happy with the series, she told Parade magazine. It just goes on and on and people are loving it. With 21 books to draw from it means we can grow very old together.

Where Is Virgin River Filmed?

Contrary to popular belief, Virgin River was mainly filmed in Vancouver, Canadanot in America. The crew also set up basecamp in several nearby destinations, including Snug Cove, New Westminster, Squamish, Agassiz and Port Coquitlam.

Other filming locations include the caretakers cabin in Canadas Murdo Frazer Park, which doubles as Mels cabin. The Watershed Grill, which is located in Brackendale, is used for exterior shots of Jacks Bar. Oh, and Vernon Doc Mullinss Family Practice Clinic is located at 122 First Street in New Westminster.

How Many Season of Virgin River Are There?

There are five seasons of Virgin River available to stream on Netflix with a sixth season set to premiere sometime in late 2024. To get up to speed, read our reviews below:

Will Virgin River Return for Season Six?

Yes! During the Netflix Q2 2024 Earnings Interview, Netflixs CEO Ted Sarandos officially confirmed that Virgin River season six will be coming to a small screen near you in late 2024.

Just before the end of this year weve got Squid Games return, Emily in Pariss return, a new season of Selling Sunset, The Lincoln Lawyer, The Diplomat, Virgin River, Love is Blind, Ryan Murphy has an incredible new season of Monsters. Thats all just coming up before the end of the year, Sarandos revealed in the interview.
Virginias Middleburg Film Festival, now in its 12th year, is set to open this October with the Apple Original film Blitz starring Saoirse Ronan. Director Steve McQueen will be honored with the festivals Visionary Director award.

Set during World War II, Blitz follows the journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy whose mother Rita (Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to Rita and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in peril, as a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.

More from Variety

Jacques Audiards Emilia Perez will be the festivals Friday Spotlight film. Karla Sofia Gascon stars as a fearsome drug lord who embraces her true self as a woman. The Spanish-language film earned one of Cannes longest standing ovations and went on to win the Jury Prize, on top of the best actress prize for the ensemble cast, including Gascon, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz. The movie was bought by Netflix for the U.S. and the U.K. following its Cannes premiere. Saldana will be recognized with the Festivals Spotlight Actor Award for her transformative role as Rita.

Focus Features Conclave is set as the Saturday night centerpiece screening. Directed by Edward Berger, the film follows the conclave process of selecting the new Pope. Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence and is tasked with running the covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Popes wake, secrets that could shake the foundations of the church. The ensemble cast includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, and Isabella Rossellini. Rossellini will join Berger at the festival to receive the Agnes Varda Trailblazing Film Artist award.

Blitz will be a co-presentation with the British Embassy and will be introduced by British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce who will be in attendance to receive the festivals inaugural Film Diplomacy award in recognition of her longstanding commitment to the film industry and the power of film to both increase our understanding of the world and one another and foster the global creative economy, the festival said. Acting Under-Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Lee Satterfield will present the award to the Ambassador.

The Middleburg Film Festival, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State through the United States flagship film diplomacy program American Film Showcase, will host a delegation of leading Kenyan and Nigerian filmmakers. Kunle Afolayan (Nigeria), Bolanle Austen Peters (Nigeria), Kenneth Ambani (Kenya) and Philip Karanja (Kenya) will share selections of their work and participate in a conversation focused on connecting with global audiences and the important role of film in the wider creative economy. The State Departments American Film Showcase is implemented and produced by the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Individual tickets go on sale in early October when the schedule and full slate are announced.

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Imagine you could wake up one morning, stand at the mirror, and literally peel off any part of your looks you dont like  with only movie-star beauty remaining.

How would it change your life? How SHOULD it change your life?

That's a question  well, a launching point, really  for Edward, protagonist of Aaron Schimbergs fascinating, genre-bending, undeniably provocative and occasionally frustrating A Different Man, featuring a stellar trio of Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson and Renate Reinsve.

The very title is open to multiple interpretations. Who (and what) is different? The original Edward, who has neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes bulging tumors on his face? Or the man he becomes when hes able to slip out of that skin? And is he different to others, or to himself?

When we meet Edward, a struggling actor in New York (Stan, in elaborate makeup), hes filming some sort of commercial. We soon learn its an instructional video on how to behave around colleagues with deformities. But even there, the director stops him, offering changes. Wouldnt want to scare anyone, he says.

On Edward's way home on the subway, people stare. Back at his small apartment building, he meets a young woman in the hallway, in the midst of moving to the flat next door. She winces visibly when she first sees him, as virtually everyone does.

But later, Ingrid (Reinsve) tries to make it up to him, coming over to chat. She is charming and forthright, and tells Edward shes a budding playwright.

Edward goes for a medical checkup and learns that one of his tumors is slowly progressing over the eye. But he's also told of an experimental trial he could join. With the possibility  maybe  of a cure.

So Edward, spurred at least partly by frustration at not being able to get closer to Ingrid, joins the trial. These scenes take on the sudden feel of a sci-fi fantasy film  not awkwardly, but somehow quite smoothly shifting genres for a bit.

As for the medication, it starts working even sooner than anyone had hoped. Soon, Edward's skin is starting to come off in clumps. It's terrifying. And then he finds himself at the mirror, disintegrating before his eyes. But suddenly, Edward looks like  well, he looks like Sebastian Stan.

Naturally, life changes, and radically. When he goes back to the same bar in which hed been stared at and left alone, he becomes everyones buddy. A woman even wants to have sex with him in the bathroom. He catches his own eye in the mirror, as if to say: Whats happening to us?

Edward now makes a momentous choice. He simply disappears from his former life and becomes a different person entirely. Now his name is Guy, and he lives in a nicer place. He also has a job as a real estate agent  the ultimate face-forward career, making use of his silky good looks.

But Guy is not, shall we say, comfortable in his own skin. Then one day, he sees Ingrid walking into a theater. She's holding auditions for the play shes written  about a man just like Edward. In fact, it IS about Edward. And he becomes obsessed with playing the role.

In the course of auditions, Edward runs into another actor with deformities who says, poignantly, I was born to play this." Guy of course cannot say why he disagrees  which is that HE is Edward. Here Schimberg is tapping into the thorny discussion over casting, and whether disabled roles should only be filled by disabled actors, trans roles by trans actors, and so on. Adding layers of complexity to his film, Schimberg does both, in a way.

Or should we say, Ingrid does both. As playwright  and here, the superb Reinsve acquires an edge that her initial, sweeter incarnation of Ingrid lacked  she seems to understand instinctively that Guy, despite his dashing looks, has a connection to the character. She even lets him try rehearsing with a mask of his earlier self.

Enter Oswald.

Its shame we cant say too much about Oswald without veering into spoiler territory, because Oswald (Pearson) is the indispensable part of the last act here. Oswald is (as is Pearson) an actor who has neurofibromatosis, but in all other ways he's extremely different from Edward. He's outgoing, engaging, brimming with effortless wit  British, too  and interacts with the world in ways Edward could only have dreamed of.

Obviously, this will throw Edward/Guy for a loop. Early scenes exploring the dynamics of this unlikely trio crackle with possibility, discomfort, sometimes comedy, sometimes tragedy.

What is Schimberg ultimately trying to say? Heres where it gets tricky. He throws out some tantalizing questions about authenticity in life and art, not to mention how the way we look charts our destiny. Then, he doesnt so much answer them as shock us with head-spinning developments that feel, even for these wholly unique circumstances, as if they come out of nowhere.

But its an absorbing ride, and Schimberg works with confidence and brio. On top of that his cast is so darned good, you want the story to go on and on  how about a trilogy, with everyone returning for sequels based on Oswald and Ingrid?

A Different Man, an A24 release, has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association for sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some violent content. Running time: 112 minutes. Three stars out of four.
On September 19, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, attended the opening of a factory specialized in the production of ventilation, fire-fighting equipment, and metal products at Aghdam Industrial Park,

Azernews

reports.
WINDHOEK, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has signed a bilateral agreement with China to export small livestock products, including sheep and goats, while also working to finalize a deal for high-value fruits such as grapes, dates, and blueberries, a government official said Thursday.

Speaking at the 25th Bank of Namibia symposium on positioning the Namibian agricultural sector in global value chains in Windhoek, the Namibian capital, Minister of Agriculture Water and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein highlighted the importance of these agreements in increasing Namibia's access to valuable markets and supporting the country's agricultural sector.

"Market access is a key pivot for agricultural products. One distinct advantage for the Namibian agricultural sector is access to the best-paying markets regionally and globally, thanks to investment in core enablers and the upkeep of sanitary and phytosanitary standards," he said.

Schlettwein emphasized the need to connect Namibia's agricultural sector to global markets to help more people earn a living. He stressed the need for meaningful recognition of agriculture as a national priority while advocating for deliberate resource allocation across all facets of the value chain.

"Investments in water resource development, distribution infrastructure, and sanitation to provide secure, reliable, and affordable water supply," he added.

Since 2019, Namibia has supplied beef to China through two authorized plants for frozen and chilled products while also exporting to key destinations, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Norway. 
Young Sheldon's Montana Jordan Says Fatherhood Is Great: 'Nothing Better Than Being a Dad (Exclusive)

The actor welcomed his first baby, daughter Emma Rae Jordan, with girlfriend Jenna Weeks in May

Montana Jordan/Instagram Montana Jordan with his daughter Emma Rae Jordan

Montana Jordan is loving being a dad.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the CBS Hosts Sit-Down Comedy Event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 18, The Young Sheldon star, 21, opened up about how much he's enjoying fatherhood after welcoming a baby girl called Emma Rae Jordan with his girlfriend Jenna Weeks in May.

It's been great for me, man. There's nothing better. Jordan, who played Georgie Cooper on the popular series, tells PEOPLE. She's 4 months old now and I've got two little nieces, a five-year-old niece and a two-year-old niece. So I've been around kids and I've always loved them, but I can give my nieces back.

I can't give mine back. I'm stuck with her, he jokes. "I'm just kidding. No, but she's great, man. There's nothing better than freaking being a dad. There's nothing better, for sure.

Montana Jordan/Instagram Montana Jordan and girlfriend Jenna Weeks with daughter Emma Rae Jordan

Related: Young Sheldon Spinoff Centered on Georgie and Mandy Coming to CBS

As for what his new addition has taught him since she arrived, Jordan adds, To be patient. To be patient. yeah.

Jordan announced hed welcomed his first baby in an Instagram post shared on May 21 which showed the actor cradling his little girl, who was swaddled in a pink and white blanket and wearing a matching hat with a pink satin bow.

"5/21/2024 God has blessed me with a beautiful babygirl. Emma Rae Jordan, Momma and Daddy love you. Forever and always," he captioned the photo.

Related: Young Sheldon's Iain Armitage Shares Photo from Taping of Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage Pilot: 'So Excited to Be Back'

Since then, the star has been documenting his daughters first few months on his social media, including when she joined him on the set of his upcoming Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie and Mandys First Marriage.

Emma Rae on set of Georgie & Mandys First Marriage. #gmfm, Montana wrote alongside a cute Instagram shot of himself holding Emma Rae and a clapboard.

Opening up to PEOPLE about what fans can expect from the new show, Jordan says, I mean, coming into Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, you can kind of tell what it's going to be about from the characters of Young Sheldon, but we're going to continue that storyline and you get to see all the fights and all the ups and downs of everything."

"And just like Young Sheldon was relatable, we're hoping this is going to be just as relatable and that's going to drag everybody into watching it," he adds.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Bill Inoshita/CBS Montana Jordan and Emily Osmet in 'Young Sheldon'

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He continues of his costar Emily Osmet, who plays Mandy McAllister, We've always had great chemistry from the start. She's a great person and very professional and everything, so it's always been great working with her.

The show will follow Georgie and Mandy as they raise their new baby in Texas while navigating the challenges of adulthood, parenting and marriage.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
When people think of cute baby animals, they often reference kittens, puppies, bear cubs or even piglets. Baby ducklings and elephants and panda bears grace the walls of childrens nurseries. Baby lion cubs get their own Disney movies. But let us consider for a moment the humble anteater. Is it not, too, a mammal, and thus blessed with the inherent, cute baby schema which supposedly characterizes all mammals, the attractiveness which means that the adults of the species are more likely to pity and care for their young?

After looking at this surprisingly adorable baby giant anteater who was just born at the Connecticut zoo, Id say anteaters have very little to worry about. Theyre super cute, too.

The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut, just announced the birth of their newest baby, an anteater pup born to two of the zoos Giant Anteaters. The parents, EO and Pana, are both fifteen years old and share three other offspring.

Related: Florida Sanctuary Anteater's Long Snout Is Leaving People Impressed

The pup was a little less than four pounds at birth, though already had fur that matched its mothers, the better for camouflaging when it rode on its mothers back, as pups of this species may do for a year or more as they grow.

All About Giant Anteaters

Giant Anteaters are the largest species in the anteater family. They are native to Central and South America, where they road forests, swamps, and grasslands. Distantly related to sloths, this species of anteater is terrestrial in nature, and can grow to over seven feet long and weigh over a hundred pounds. True to its name, the anteater is primarily insectivorous, eating both ants and termites by digging up nests of the bugs with its sharp claws and long, specialized snout, then using its long, sticky tongue to lap up the insects.

Anteaters are generally solitary by nature, and give birth to young one at a time. Just because the anteaters at this zoo have been paired four times does not incite a long-term partnership or mating strategy. In the wild, anteaters only associate with each other during the courtship and mating ritual and then go their separate ways.

An Extremely Specialized Species

The anteater has no teeth and its highly unusual, long thin skull is specialized for its feeding habits. The jaw has extremely limited mobility, and its mouth is very small, so it relies on the tongue to help it grasp its prey. Inside its mouth, the tongue will grind captured insects along its palate to be swallowed, and it even uses the formic acid of these insects to aid in digestion.

Currently, anteaters have a broad range in their native lands, but their population is vulnerable to habitat loss as well as climate change, particularly due to the extremely specialized niche that they inhabit.

Zoos that keep anteaters, such as the Beardsley Zoo often put their meals in long tubes (like PVC pipes) with holes cut into them to mimic the conditions that the animals might find in the wild. There are many commercial feeds made for insectivorous animals like reptiles and birds, and they are adapted for an anteaters specific nutritional needs.

The pup in this video will stay with its mother nursing for several months, and hopefully it will soon be available for public viewing in Connecticut.

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With its world-famous natural beauty, unique attractions and welcoming people  not to mention excellent hotels  Iceland deserves a place on any travel bucket list. From hot springs and volcanoes to ice caves and geothermal lakes, Iceland's raw, wild natural landscape has earned it the nickname 'The Land of Fire and Ice'.

From Reykjavik to Hofn, it's full of intriguing cities and towns, but it's the great outdoors that provide the most popular reasons to visit this striking land. Among its attractions, catching a glimpse of the majestic Northern Lights and bathing in the Blue Lagoon are among the most popular. Little wonder; the Aurora Borealis are a unique natural spectacle, as are the milky blue waters of the world's most famous geothermal pool.

But while these are must-visits for anyone taking a trip to Iceland, there are also some more undiscovered delights to add to your Iceland itinerary. Among them are a host of cultural experiences, including a literary festival that celebrates darkness in its many forms, a diverse music festival that features everything from indie rock to hip-hop and an international film festival.

Then there are the more unexpected ways to explore Iceland's unique landscape, including snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, caving in lava tubes and horse riding along the famously scenic Golden Circle. You might even spot some puffins along the way, as Iceland is where the majority of the world's Atlantic puffins nest.

Read on for some unexpected adventures that are crying out to be added to your Iceland bucket list...

Discover Iceland's thriving festival scene

There are plenty of culture-filled festivals to enjoy in Iceland, particularly in the capital, Reykjavik. Here, visitors can attend the Reykjavik International Film Festival, which tends to showcase local and international films. Then there's Iceland Airwaves, a yearly music festival that features everything from indie rock bands to hip-hop artists. For something literary, try Iceland Noir, which celebrates Iceland's darkness in all its forms, from wild weather to crime-fiction.



halbergman - Getty Images

Go snorkelling in Silfra

You might associate snorkelling more with sun-soaked tropical holidays, but in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, you'll find that Iceland is a great place to try this too. A fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park, and it offers some of the world's most pristine waters for snorkelling and diving experiences.

helovi - Getty Images

Visit the Perlan Interactive Nature Museum

Easily one of the most strikingly beautiful museums in the world, Perlan (or 'The Pearl') is located on Oskjuhli Hill, overlooking Reykjavik. It features a rotating glass dome and is made up of six water tanks, which store more than 20 million litres of the capital city's hot water. It's also home to cafes, restaurants and the incredible Wonders of Iceland nature exhibition.

Arctic-Images - Getty Images

Try caving in lava tubes

You might have heard of caving, but have you ever heard of caving in lava tubes? Another unique experience to try in Iceland, this unusual adventure can be taken near Reykjavik, in the Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel  one of the longest in Iceland and formed by volcanoes more than 5,000 years ago. Exploring these dramatic subterranean landscapes makes for an unforgettable day trip.



daitoZen - Getty Images

Go horseriding by glaciers

The Icelandic horse is known for its special gait  as well as walking, trotting and cantering, they can also 'tolt' and 'skei'. Whether or not you're advanced enough to try those out, horseriding is a great way to see Iceland's awe-inspiring landscape. Near the capital city of Reykjavik, Laxnes Horse Farm and Ishestar are a great choice for all skill levels, surrounded by scenic valleys.



Arctic-Images - Getty Images

Try puffin spotting

Iceland is home to the majority of the world's Atlantic puffins  beautiful and undeniably cute birds that are particularly fun to spot. Visitors can see colonies of millions of them on the Latrabjarg cliffs on the Westfjords, as well as Grimsey Island in the north of Iceland and the Westman Islands off the south coast  as well as many other spots.



Check out the best hotels in Iceland to make your base during a trip to the European country.

Arterra - Getty Images

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I dated a woman while she was engaged to someone else for 2 years. Here's what I learned about being the lover.

I dated a woman while she was engaged to someone else for 2 years. Here's what I learned about being the lover.

When I dated a woman who got engaged to someone else, we continued our relationship.

For two years I chased her approval until I didn't recognize myself anymore.

I finally realized I deserved better than her and got myself out of the situationship.

Of all the love stories, there was one I never wanted to be part of: an affair, especially if it meant being the other person, the lover.

But for two years I dated a woman who was engaged to another man. I swore I'd never find myself in that type of relationship, but it felt like it just happened. I felt powerless to resist the toxic relationship.

At first I was tempted by the chase. Then I was seeking her validation. I wanted to be chosen. I wanted to be loved.

Over two years I became a version of myself I didn't recognize. But in the end I learned that I deserve so much more.

I felt the thrill of the chase

We met while getting our master's degrees in New York. She was already dating someone, but she promised she was going to break up with him. I felt hopeful; I really thought she would leave him to be with me. Then she told me about her engagement. My heart broke; I felt helpless and betrayed. How could she say yes?

I took a step back and removed her from my life. But things got complicated when I realized she still wanted me. She wasn't exactly clear about what she wanted with me, but she kept on seeing me. It wasn't sex, but we had intimacy; it wasn't dating, but we were together.

Once I realized I was going to be her lover, I decided to go all in. She became this forbidden thing, which made her all the more attractive to me.

She turned into someone I'd always be chasing, and that was thrilling. The chase was more important than the relationship itself.

She became the one with all the power

When I continued my relationship, I agreed to certain terms and conditions. The rules were stricter now that she had a ring. I met her only when she was available. I couldn't message her without her authorization. I had to go at her pace. She was fully in charge. I had very little say in our relationship.

At the beginning, I was OK with that. It felt like a breath of fresh air  something new and exciting. I didn't have to drive the car. All I wanted was to enjoy the ride.

But as we progressed, things changed. I demanded more power and status changes. I needed more attention and time from her. I wanted to hold her hand in public and go on normal dates. I wanted some of what he had. None of that was possible because we were in a lie.

Suddenly I wasn't the sweet, romantic escape she enjoyed anymore. My love messages turned into emotional blackmail. I threatened to tell her fiance about our relationship.

After two exhausting years of trying to convince her to pick me, I reached a point where I was just there to prove to myself I could win. I'd invested so much energy, time, love, and money that retiring from the race seemed like a bigger mistake than staying in it.

I was trapped between the obsession of finally getting her and the feeling of never winning her over.

I finally learned the importance of self-love

I chose to stay in that awful situation because that was how much I cared about myself back then. I didn't believe I deserved anything else. No matter how many people told me I could do much better, I didn't truly feel it.

I finally realized she didn't consider me special, and that allowed me to accept there was nothing special about her either. It opened my eyes and initiated my path toward becoming a more rational being. I officially ended our situationship after two years.

I'll always be a hopeless romantic, but I now know that love isn't about the thrill of the chase or looking for someone's acceptance. It's about finding peace  first with yourself and then with somebody else.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  For 29 years the local non-profit organization 100 Hispanic Women has been empowering Latinas to be innovative and to maximize their strengths for personal and professional growth.

Legacy building with a little bit of innovation is how Luisa Rodriguez Aponte, President of the 100 Hispanic Women New Jersey program, describes the work the organization has been doing since 1995.

More Local News

I see in this organization so many opportunities for us to build connections among generations and within communities, said Aponte.



100 Hispanic Women was founded by Shirley Rodriguez Remeneski, in hopes of promoting inclusion in government and corporate America. So far, the national organization has 5 chapters in New York and one in New Jersey.

Their biggest focus is the scholarship program provided to all higher education levels



As a first-generation immigrant, college and now law student, I didnt have the financial support that most people in the United States would have. So, I had to seek scholarships and support outside of my home, says Karla Samoano.

Samoano was born and raised in Cuba. She migrated to the United States when she was 15.

She is a 2022-2023 scholarship recipient currently studying law at Seton Hall and spending a semester abroad in Belgium. Although shes thankful for the financial support shes received from the organization, she finds the real value to be within the members and their volunteering efforts.

Aside from the scholarship program, 100 Hispanic Women has many other resources available, including empowering local small businesses like Heal & Glow Spa in Cranford, New Jersey.

Erica Gomez the owner grew up in a household where hard work was the way to achieve success in life. After finishing college, she landed a manager position at a holistic spa. It was the first time I saw people healing their body with natural things, as opposed to the medical side of it.



When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, she was let go. It was then she took a risk and against all odds decided to become a business owner. Three years later she connected with the 100 Hispanic Women New Jersey Program.



We started to seek out small and growing businesses within the NJ community that we could bring into our events to hold panel discussions to help other business owners and for exposure, added Aponte.



Erica Gomez says My way of giving back is to always help anybody with any questions or even helping running their business if they need an extra hand, events, and donating.



The organization provides women both entrepreneurs and scholars with information through webinars, and other events the opportunity to grow their network and achieve their goals



I was able to connect with so many women that ended up coming to my business and then actually gaining new clientele, says Gomez.

The work that is being done its changing lives and it is helping students achieve their wildest dreams just like me, said Samoano.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lithuania is the world's happiest place for under 30s, but it's also Europe's suicide capital

Lithuania ranks as the happiest place for those under 30, but it also has very high suicide rates.

On the surface, it seems like a paradox. But a closer look reveals a stark generational divide.

The majority of Lithuanians who die by suicide are over the age of 50. A small fraction are Gen Z.

Domantas Katele, an official in Lithuania's Ministry of Social Security and Labour, is widely known as his country's "Gen Z minister."

Rings adorn Katele's tattooed fingers, which he uses to proudly point to his "Politicians make me sick" door sign.

At 25, he's the country's youngest-ever deputy minister (he still wears braces), and rarely lets visitors leave his office without taking a selfie.

Katele's portfolio includes youth affairs. "It's a golden age for the youth of Lithuania," he told Business Insider during a visit to Vilnius in August.

The World Happiness Report backs up his claim, ranking Lithuania as the happiest place in the world for those under 30 earlier this year.

But it would be inaccurate to paint Lithuania as some sort of dreamland, Katele adds. After all, it's also Europe's suicide capital.

A paradox?

Though the suicide rates have declined since its independence from the Soviet Union in the 1990s, Lithuania still often leads the European Union in this grim statistic.

Between 2019 and 2021, Lithuania had the highest rate of death by intentional self-harm in the 27-country bloc, and, according to the OECD's most recent data, it had the second-highest suicide rate globally.

It seems paradoxical: How can a country be great for young people while also being Europe's suicide capital?

Katele lists some of the reasons Lithuania is ranked so highly for young people  some of the most affordable housing in Europe, free education for many Lithuanians, and a growing economy providing ample job opportunities.

Walking the streets of Vilnius in the summer, you'll find stylish young people wherever you look  sipping Aperol Spritzes at Old Town bars, lounging by the river in the artsy Uzupis district, or skateboarding at the Baltasis Tiltas Skate Park.

Uzupis, a small district alongside the Vilnia River, is popular with Vilnius' young, bohemian crowd. Joshua Nelken-Zitser/Business Insider

Although the city is steeped in history  some very dark and recent  it feels modern and vibrant.

But when you talk to Gen Zers in Lithuania about its preeminence, the reaction is often the same: disbelief.

A few said it made them laugh.

"I was very surprised, and my friends who are living in Vilnius were also surprised," said Adriana Doroskeviciute, 23, sipping on an iced coffee at a cafe in the capital.

"I thought we were depressed," she added. "When we receive the opposite of that, you think, what is happening?"

Richard Bogu, 23, was also shocked.

It's not that he thinks Lithuania is a bad place for young people; just that, like others, he has come to associate the country with bleakness.

"We are known for being very sad people," he said, adding: "But, slowly, we're going toward being a small, happy nation."

Richard Bogu was surprised by the World Happiness Report, but feels optimistic about the future for young Lithuanians. Joshua Nelken-Zitser/Business Insider

Bogu said he feels optimistic about the future, especially for people his age  the tech industry, in which he works, is booming, salaries are rising, and jobs are ample.

"This country gave me opportunities," he said.

A key benefit is that most Lithuanians can enter the workforce unburdened by student debt, as university education is free for many. Wages are rising rapidly, and the expanding startup sector is eager to hire young talent.

No country for old men

But while things may be looking up for the younger generation, older Lithuanians don't seem to share the same optimism.

According to Eurostat's 2023 overall life satisfaction survey of those aged 65 years or over, older Lithuanians are nowhere near as happy as the country's youth.

This generational divide bears out in the World Happiness Report. While Lithuania ranked first for those under 30, it was 19th across all age groups, dragged down by its 44th-place ranking for those over 60.

"If you don't have children or grandchildren to care for you, you're basically done," Bogu said.

Retirees in Lithuania receive some of the lowest pensions in Europe, and have among the lowest median relative income of older people across the European Union.

Data provided to BI by Lithuania's Ministry of Social Security and Labour shows that 62% of those who died by suicide in 2023 were over 50, with 8.7% under 30.

It's a far starker divide than in countries like the US or UK, pointing to a chasm between the generations.

Antanas Grizas, a clinical psychologist specializing in suicide prevention in Lithuania, said the generational divide is deeply felt in the country, as well as elsewhere in the former Soviet Bloc.

He told BI that economic factors, such as low retirement incomes, certainly impact mental health, but that the historical context is key, too.

In 1990, Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence. NurPhoto/Getty Images

"The changes after the fall of the Soviet Union were very fast and drastic," he says. Those who lived through this period faced a double trauma: enduring Soviet rule and navigating the chaotic transition to an independent capitalist nation.

Plus, as Grizas points out, psychiatry was sometimes politicized under Soviet rule, with dissidents being labeled as mentally ill, which has strengthened a generational stigma over mental health.

"The Gen Z, haven't experienced that directly, " he noted. "So it makes total sense that they have different conditioning and a different mindset."

Reports like the happiness rankings are also often based on self-assessments, and Grizas suggests that comparisons may play a key part in the variation between the generations.

"The younger generation can easily compare and see the progress that we as a nation made," he said.

Domantas Katele is often referred to as the "Gen Z minister." Joshua Nelken-Zitser/Business Insider

Katele, the "Gen Z minister," agrees that the positive self-assessments among the youth may have been influenced by their awareness of the hardships faced by their elders.

While the previous generation was deprived of luxuries, he said Gen Z can relish the freedom to spend the equivalent of $160 on dinner, to vacation abroad, and to participate in democracy.

"If they take a look and think about that," he said, "it's just not possible to not be happy."



Correction: September 19, 2024  An earlier version of this story misstated Domantas Katele's job title. He is a deputy minister, not a minister.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Awkward Traveller and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability subject to change.

As Hispanic Heritage Month rolls around for 2024, it is important to realign ourselves with embracing and supporting a community and culture that has enriched the entire world. We can't all jump on a place and immerse ourselves in Latin American culture in person, but we can indulge in their stories through books! We don't even have to check a bag.

The following are a list of some of the best Latine book releases in 2024, with a wide range of authors, genres, topics, and destinations covered within the pages of their works.

Since the majority of Latine book releases that are published (or translated) into English happen to be set in the United States or Canada, this list will focus on books set at least the majority of the time in Latin American countries to show the vast diversity within the community. This does not discount the incredible stories that involve the United States and Canada, but rather take a conscious effort to spotlight novels that might not have as much visibility to residents of the USA and Canada, especially those who do not speak Spanish.

North America

Heads up, just based on its size (and proximity to the USA and Canada), maybe of the 2024 Latine book releases to hail from the great country of Mexico. However, there are a few other countries making the list for this year that give readers insight to some of the other Latin countries rounding out North and Central America.

Literary Fiction | Mexico

Fury: A Novel $17 at Amazon

In a desert dotted with war-torn towns, Lazaro and Juan are two soldiers from opposing camps who abandon the war and, while fleeing, become lovers and discover a dark truth. Vicente Barrera, a salesman who swept into the lives of women who both hated and revered him, spends his last days tied up like a mad dog. A morgue worker, Salvador, gets lost in the desert and hallucinating from heat and thirst, mistakes the cactus for the person he loves.

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Over the echoes of the stories of these broken menand of their mothers, lovers and companionsMendoza explores her characters passions in a way that simmers on the page, and then explodes with pain, fear and desire in a landscape that imprisons them.

Historical Fiction | Mexico

The Seventh Veil of Salome $21 at Amazon

1950s Hollywood: Every actress wants to play Salome, the star-making role in a big-budget movie about the legendary woman whose story has inspired artists since ancient times. So when the films mercurial director casts Vera Larios, an unknown Mexican ingenue, in the lead role, she quickly becomes the talk of the town. Vera also becomes an object of envy for Nancy Hartley, a bit player whose career has stalled, and who will do anything to win the fame she believes she richly deserves.

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Two actresses, both determined to make it to the top in Golden Age Hollywooda city overflowing with gossip, scandal, and intriguemake for a sizzling combination. But this is the tale of three women, for it is also the story of the princess Salome herself, consumed with desire for the fiery prophet who foretells the doom of her stepfather, Herod: a woman torn between the decree of duty and the yearning of her heart.

Before the curtain comes down, there will be tears and tragedy aplenty in this sexy Technicolor saga.

Magical Realism/Fantasy | El Salvador

The Volcano Daughters: A Novel $28 at Amazon

El Salvador, 1923. Graciela, a young girl growing up on a volcano in a community of Indigenous women, is summoned to the capital, where she is claimed as an oracle for a rising dictator. There she meets Consuelo, the sister she has never known, who was stolen from their home before Graciela was born. The two spend years under the cruel El Gran Pendejos regime, unwillingly helping his reign of terror, until genocide strikes the community from which they hail. Each believing the other to be dead, they escape, fleeing across the globe, reinventing themselves until fate ultimately brings them back together in the most unlikely of ways

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Endlessly surprising, vividly imaginative, bursting with lush life, The Volcano Daughters charts a new history and mythology of El Salvador, fiercely bringing forth voices that have been calling out for generations.

Romance | Mexico

The Breakup Vacation $12 at Amazon

If Grace is being honest, she knows her choices skate past questionable and probably into destructive. But her heart is broken and the guy who broke ither ex Joshkeeps hinting at a reunion. So when her best friends, Tiff and Camille, suggest they take a girls trip to help her get over her heartache, Grace doesnt hesitate to recommend Cancun. She just doesnt mention that Josh also happens to be there.

But juggling her friends, Josh, and the increasing number of lies shes telling is a lot harder than she expected. And things only get more complicated when she clicks with a hot local guy, Daniel, who turns out to be half Taiwanese too. As the days unfold, Grace starts to think maybe shell get away with it. But will her past decisions and her need for closure come back to ruin the relationships that matter most to her?

Poetry | Mexico

How to Be a Good Savage and Other Poems $13 at Amazon

In a fiercely personal yet authoritative voice, prolific contemporary poet Mikeas Sanchez explores the worldview of the Zoque people of southern Mexico. Her paced, steely lyrics fuse cosmology, lineage, feminism, and environmental activism into a singular body of work that stands for the self and the collective in the same instant. I am woman and I celebrate every vein, she writes, where I guard my ancestors secrets / every Zoque mans word in my mouth / every Zoque womans wisdom in my spit.

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How to Be a Good Savage and Other Poems examines the intersection of Zoque struggles against colonialism and empire, and those of North African immigrants and refugees. Sanchez encountered the latter in Barcelona as a revelation, spreading their white blankets on the ground / as if theyll soon return to sea / flying the sail of the promised land / the land that became a mirage. Other works bring us just as close to similarly imperiled relatives, ancestors, gods, and archetypal Zoque men and women that Sanchez addresses with both deeply prophetic and childlike love.

Nonfiction | Nicaragua

Tias and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise U $17 at Amazon

Born into a large, close-knit family in Nicaragua, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez grew up surrounded by strong, kind, funny, sensitive, resilient, judgmental, messy, beautiful women. Whether blood relatives or chosen family, these tias and primas fundamentally shaped her view of the worldand so did the labels that were used to talk about them. The tia loca who is shunned for defying gender roles. The pretty prima put on a pedestal for her European features. The matriarch who is the core of her community but hides all her pain.

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In Tias and Primas, the follow-up to her acclaimed debut For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, Mojica Rodriguez explores these archetypes. Fearlessly grappling with the effects of intergenerational trauma, centuries of colonization, and sexism, she attempts to heal the pain that is so often embodied in female family lines.

Tias and Primas is a deeply felt love letter to family, community, and Latinas everywhere.

Young Adult Fantasy | Mexico

Sun of Blood and Ruin: A Novel $19 at Amazon

In sixteenth-century New Spain, witchcraft is punishable by death, indigenous temples have been destroyed, and tales of mythical creatures that once roamed the land have become whispers in the night. Hidden behind a mask, Pantera uses her magic and legendary swordplay skills to fight the tyranny of Spanish rule.

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To all who know her, Leonora de las Casas Tlazohtzin never leaves the palace and is promised to the heir of the Spanish throne. The respectable, law-abiding Lady Leonora faints at the sight of blood and would rather be caught dead than meddle in court affairs. No one suspects that Leonora and Pantera are the same person.

When an ancient prophecy of destruction threatens to come true, Leonoraand therefore Panterais forced to decide: surrender the mask or fight to the end. Knowing she is doomed to a short life, she is tempted to take the former option. But the legendary Pantera is destined for more than an early grave, and once she discovers the truth of her origins, not even death will stop her.

South America

2024 has been quite the year for South American authors and stories, and luckily some of the best Latine book releases from South America have been translated into English for the rest of the world (that speak English anyway) to enjoy!

Literary Fiction | Brazil

Role Play $14 at Amazon

Vivian is a curator, not just at her gallery gig in Rio de Janeiro, but in every aspect of her life. Her apartment has designer armchairs. Her wallet is Comme des Garcons. Everything is selected and arranged, even her lovers and friends. In Vivians world, everything comes in excess, including her own caustic selfawareness. As she informs us, Im a misandrist and a misogynist, but she is fond of gay men, the one type of human you can properly get along with as equals.

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Role Play examines the superabundances of Brazilian elites their art, ethics, and monied ambivalence in the face of social inequality, machismo, and violence. As sharp and sparkling as broken champagne flutes, Clara Drummonds prose is seductively frank and unflinching in its depiction of wealths power to warp the self.

Gothic Fiction | Argentina

It is the twilight of Europes bloody bacchanals, of murder and feasting without end. In the nineteenth century, a vampire arrives from Europe to the coast of Buenos Aires and, for the second time in her life, watches as villages transform into a cosmopolitan city, one that will soon be ravaged by yellow fever. She must adapt, intermingle with humans, and be discreet.

In present-day Buenos Aires, a woman finds herself at an impasse as she grapples with her mother's terminal illness and her own relationship with motherhood. When she first encounters the vampire in a cemetery, something ignites within the two womenand they cross a threshold from which theres no turning back.

Women's Fiction | Colombia

The Waves Take You Home: A Novel $13 at Amazon

Violeta Sanoguera had always done what she was told. She left the man she loved in Colombia in pursuit of a better life for herself and because her mother and grandmother didnt approve of him. Chasing dreams of education and art in New York City, and with a new love, twenty-eight-year-old Violeta establishes a new life for herself, on her terms. But when her grandmother suddenly dies, everything changes.

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After years of being on her own in NYC, Violeta finds herself on a plane back to Colombia, accompanied at all times by the ghost of her grandmother who is sending her messages and signs, to find she is the heir of the failing family restaurant, the very one Abuela told her to run from in the first place. The journey leads her to rediscover her home, her grandmother, and even the flame of an old love.

LGBTQ+ Coming of Age | Chile

Like Happiness: A Novel $15 at Amazon

Its 2015, and Tatum Vega feels that her life is finally falling into place. Living in sunny Chile with her partner, Vera, she spends her days surrounded by art at the museum where she works. When a reporter calls from the US asking for an interview, the careful separation Tatum has constructed between her past and present begins to crumble. Dominguez has been accused of assault, and the reporter is looking for corroboration.

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As Tatum is forced to reexamine the all-consuming but undefinable relationship that dominated so much of her early adulthood, long-buried questions surface. What did happen between them? And why is she still struggling with the mark the relationship left on her life?

Political Fiction | Venezuela

Simpatia: A Novel $13 at Amazon

Simpatia is set in the Venezuela of Nicolas Maduro amid a mass exodus of the intellectual class who have been leaving their pets behind. Ulises Kan, the protagonist and a movie buff, receives a text message from his wife, Paulina, saying she is leaving the country (and him). Ulises is not heartbroken but liberated by Paulina's departure. Two other events end up disrupting his life even further: the return of Nadine, an unrequited love from the past, and the death of his father-in-law, General Martin Ayala.

Thanks to Ayalas will, Ulises discovers that he has been entrusted with a missionto transform Los Argonautas, the great family home, into a shelter for abandoned dogs. If he manages to do it in time, he will inherit the luxurious apartment that he had shared with Paulina.

Caribbean

Many make the unfortunate mistake of assuming the Caribbean is a monolith, but these enchanting 2024 Latine book releases fully explore the diversity and complexity of the Latin Caribbean through their pages. To read more of the various diasporas in the Caribbean, check out the full list of new books by Caribbean authors in 2024.

Middle Age Fiction | Cuba

Across So Many Seas $12 at Amazon

In 1492, during the Spanish Inquisition, Benvenida and her family are banished from Spain for being Jewish, and must flee the country or be killed. They journey by foot and by sea, eventually settling in Istanbul. Over four centuries later, in 1923, shortly after the Turkish war of independence, Reinas father disowns her for a small act of disobedience. He ships her away to live with an aunt in Cuba, to be wed in an arranged marriage when she turns fifteen.

In 1961, Reinas daughter, Alegra, is proud to be a brigadista, teaching literacy in the countryside for Fidel Castro. But soon Castros crackdowns force her to flee to Miami all alone, leaving her parents behind. Finally, in 2003, Alegras daughter, Paloma, is fascinated by all the journeys that had to happen before she could be born. A keeper of memories, shes thrilled by the opportunity to learn more about her heritage on a family trip to Spain, where she makes a momentous discovery.

Though many years and many seas separate these girls, they are united by a love of music and poetry, a desire to belong and to matter, a passion for learning, and their longing for a home where all are welcome. And each is lucky to stand on the shoulders of their courageous ancestors.

Historical Fiction | Dominican Republic

Reinbou: A Novel $16 at Amazon

In 1976 Santo Domingo, Angel Maceta uncovers the real story behind the murder of his father, Puro Maceta, ten years prior. In the process, events that unfolded during and after the war are revealed, unleashing a series of small revolutions in his community that in turn unravel other intrigues of what really took place during the Civil War of 1965.

Weaving together the brutal realities of war with the innocence of childhood imagination, Reinbou explores this era in Dominican society, a time when the U.S. sent Marines into the country to back a coup against Juan Bosch, the first democratically elected president of the Dominican Republic since the end of the brutal, three-decade-long dictatorship of the genocidal Rafael Trujillo. Moving between 1965 and 1976, we follow the revolutionary efforts of Puro and the transformative, feverish adventures of Angel.

Paranormal Suspense | Puerto Rico *content warning: suicide

House of Bone and Rain $15 at Amazon

For childhood friends Gabe, Xavier, Tavo, Paul, and Bimbo, death has always been close. Hurricanes. Car accidents. Gang violence. Suicide. Estamos rodeados de fantasmas was Gabes grandmothers refrain. We are surrounded by ghosts. But this time is different. Bimbo's mom has been shot dead. Were gonna kill the guys who killed her Bimbo swears. And they all agree.

Feral with grief, Bimbo has become unrecognizable, taking no prisoners in his search for names. Soon, they learn Maria was gunned down by guys working for the drug kingpin of Puerto Rico. No one has ever gone up against him and survived. As the boys strategize, a storm gathers far from the coast. Hurricanes are known to carry evil spirits in their currents and bring them ashore, spirits which impose their own order.

Horror | Cuba-inspired

The Tyranny of Flies: A Novel $19 at Amazon

Growing up on a Cuba-esque Caribbean island, Casandra, Calia, and Caleb endure life under two tyrannies: that of their parents, and the Islands authoritarian dictator, Pop-Pop Mustache. Papa was the dictator's former right-hand man. Now, hes a political pariah and an ugly parody of a tyrant, treating his home as a nation which he rules with an iron fist. As for Mom, his wife and hateful second in command, she rules from the mind.

But within these walls, a rebellion is fomenting. Casandra, a cynical, self-important teenager with the most unlikely of attractions, recruits Caleb, meek yet gifted with a deadly touch, to join her in an insurrection against their fathers arbitrary totalitarianism. Meanwhile, Calia, the silent, youngest sibling who just wants to be left alone to draw animals, may be in league with the flieswhose swarm in and around the house grows larger as Papas violence increases.

Short Stories | Puerto Rico

Bad Seed: Stories $15 at Amazon

The visceral, wildly imaginative stories in Bad Seed flick through working-class scenes of contemporary Puerto Rico, where friends and lovers melt into and defy their surroundingsnight clubs, ruined streets, cramped rooms with cockroaches moving in the walls. A horny high schooler spends his summer break in front of the TV; a queer love triangle unravels on the emblematic theater steps of the University of Puerto Rico; a group of friends get high and watch San Juan burn from atop a clocktower; an HIV positive college student works the night shift at a local bathhouse.
A $1 billion solar cell factory is coming to this U.S. state  and hundreds of new jobs are on the way

New Mexico is getting a solar cell factory worth almost $1 billion, bringing new jobs to the community too.

According to Electrek, Ebon Solar and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced an 834,000-square-foot solar cell factory is coming to the state. It will be located in Albuquerque's Mesa del Sol industrial development area.

Ebon Solar is investing $942 million in the project, creating 900 jobs.

"The choice of Albuquerque for our investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable innovation, and New Mexico offers abundant solar resources, favorable renewable energy policies, and a dedicated, skilled workforce," said Ebon Solar CEO Judy Cai.

There is yet to be a timeline for this project, but another $1 billion solar cell and panel factory was announced in August 2023 by Maxeon Solar Technologies, per Electrek. This project will break ground before the end of the year in the state.

Not only will this solar project benefit the community by creating hundreds of new jobs, but It will also positively impact the community's health.

According to ZEN Energy, the polluting gases released by dirty energy sources are harmful to our health and have been linked to some cancers, heart attacks, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Solar power doesn't release toxic gases into the atmosphere, so using renewable energy sources like this reduces the amount of poisonous gas released. Additionally, it reduces our reliance on dirty energy sources.

There is also evidence that reducing polluting gases can positively affect the health of a community. When a Pittsburgh coal plant was closed in 2016 after operating for more than 50 years, a study found a 42% decrease in the average emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses.

Solar power can also save communities money. You can install solar panels or find community solar to join in your area. There are other ways to save money on your utility bills, such as washing your clothes in cold water, switching to LED bulbs, and weatherproofing your home.

Gov. Grisham said in a press release: "We have succeeded in making New Mexico a global center for advanced energy manufacturing."

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
TOKYO  A 10-year-old student at a Japanese school in China died Thursday after he was stabbed on the way to school the day before, Japanese officials said as they demanded that Beijing do more to protect Japanese nationals in the country.

I consider this to be an extremely despicable crime and a serious and grave matter, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters.

Kishida said he would refrain from making any prejudgments about how the stabbing might affect relations between China and Japan, a U.S. ally with which Washington has been strengthening ties.

Instead, I would like to strongly urge the Chinese side to provide all the facts pertaining to this case, he said.

I consider this to be an extremely despicable crime, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.

The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said Thursday that Beijing was deeply saddened and distressed by this tragic event.

We extend our condolences for the boys death and express our sympathy to his family, spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing in Beijing, adding that the case was still under investigation.

Lin said the boy was a Japanese national whose parents are Japanese and Chinese citizens. He said the ministry did not believe that the case would affect China-Japan relations.

Effective measures will continue to be taken to ensure the safety of foreigners in China, including people from Japan, he said.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the student was stabbed Wednesday about 220 yards away from the Shenzhen Japanese School in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

Lin said Wednesday that the student was immediately sent to the hospital and that a suspect was apprehended at the scene. The motive in the attack was unclear.

The stabbing occurred on the anniversary of the Mukden incident in 1931, when Japanese troops staged an attack on a railway line near Mukden, the northern Chinese city now known as Shenyang, as a pretext to invade and then occupy the region known as Manchuria.

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Yoko Kamikawa said Thursday that the ministry had been advising Japanese schools and other institutions to step up safety measures after a Japanese woman and her child were injured in June in a stabbing attack at a bus stop for a Japanese school in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou. A Chinese national who tried to stop the attacker was killed.

Considering the sensitivity of the date, Kamikawa said, Tokyo had also asked the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry to do everything it could to ensure the safety of Japanese schools on the Mukden anniversary.

It is with great regret that this incident occurred on such a date, she said.

Kamikawa said the Japanese Embassy in Beijing and the Japanese Consulate in Guangzhou, which is responsible for Shenzhen, had asked for an explanation from the Chinese side and requested that all possible measures be taken to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

Flags at Japanese diplomatic missions in mainland China and Hong Kong were lowered Thursday.

China and Japan are major trade partners, but the Chinese public still has strong memories of Japanese military occupation before and during World War II, and anti-Japanese sentiment stoked by Chinese authorities sometimes flares into protests and boycotts.

Ties have also been strained amid heightened Chinese military activity in the Asia-Pacific region, including in Japan. Last month, Japan said a Chinese military plane had violated its airspace in an unprecedented incursion. Tokyo said a Chinese aircraft carrier had also entered Japans contiguous waters for the first time Wednesday, the same day as the stabbing attack; Beijing said it was a routine training mission.

Though gun violence is rare in China, which has some of the worlds strictest gun control laws, the country has experienced a series of stabbing attacks. In June, a knife attack at a public park in the northeastern Chinese city of Jilin injured four U.S. university instructors, none of whose injuries were critical.

Though Chinese social media is often awash with nationalist and anti-Japanese comments, there has been an outpouring of sympathy for the student online.

Heartbroken, a user wrote on Weibo. I hope for a world without extremists and for China-Japan friendship.

Arata Yamamoto reported from Tokyo, Mithil Aggarwal from Hong Kong and Rae Wang from Beijing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SIREN, Wis. (AP)  A 12-year-old boy has shot and killed a wounded black bear as it was mauling his father near their hunting cabin in the thick western Wisconsin woods.

Ryan Beierman, 43, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that he was pinned beneath the 200-pound bruin on Sept. 6 when his son, Owen, fired a shot from the boys hunting rifle.

Owen was a hero. He shot that bear and killed it on top of me, said Beierman, who suffered bites to his forehead, arm and leg. He also needed stitches to reattach a flap of skin on his cheek that was ripped during the attack.

Earlier, he and Owen spotted the bear from a tree stand near Siren, Wisconsin, about 90 miles (144 kilometers) northeast of Minneapolis. Owen fired a shot, wounding the bear which then ran away. The pair waited about 20 minutes before starting to look for the bear and used a neighbors tracking dog to try and find it.

We were sort of hung up in a thicket when we heard the dog yelp and sprint past us in retreat, Beierman told the newspaper. Just then, I stepped into a semi-clearing. I said, There he is, Owen.

The bear charged from about 6 feet (1.8 meters) away. Beierman said he fired eight shots at the animal with his pistol, but all missed.

Before I knew it, I was flat on my back, he recounted. I started pistol-whipping him and it felt like I was striking a brick wall. I tried hitting him between the ear and mouth with a blunt edge of the pistol.

The bear then lunged at Beiermans head.

All I could see were his claws and teeth, he said. I lifted my right arm to block him. I remember the first bite. I heard a crunch. The bear was still attacking. He wasnt going to leave me.

The bear was fighting for its life, and I was fighting for mine, Beierman added. Im punching and kicking and flailing around. Thats when I saw a flash from the muzzle of Owens rifle.

Beierman then was able to push the bear off him. He estimates that the attack lasted about 45 seconds.

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A neighbor began driving Beierman and Owen to a hospital. They were met by an ambulance which took them the rest of the way. The wound on his cheek would require 23 stitches. There were seven puncture wounds and a cut on Beiermans right arm.

A conservation officer with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said their hunt was legal.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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HANOI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's frozen durian export to China is expected to hit 300 million U.S. dollars this year, Vietnam News Agency reported, citing Huynh Tan Dat, director of the Plant Protection Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Thursday.

While Vietnam holds great potential for exporting frozen durian to China, the country is facing numerous challenges including ensuring food hygiene and safety requirements, packaging processes and traceability, he said.

The official said businesses need to constantly improve freezing technology, product quality, tracking systems, and production control of the frozen durian.

Last month, the two countries signed a protocol for exporting frozen durian from Vietnam to China.

In 2023, Vietnam exported about 500,000 tons of fresh durian with revenue of 2.3 billion dollars, up to 90 percent of which was to China, according to the ministry. 
A 12-year-old boy shot and killed a 200-pound bear as it mauled his father during an attack on a hunting trip.

Owen Beierman saved his father Ryans life with his hunting rifle after the wounded black bear pinned 43-year-old Ryan Beierman in thick woodland.

Owen was a hero. He shot that bear and killed it on top of me, said Beierman, who was bitten on the forehead, arm and leg by the bear. He also required stitches after his cheek was ripped open during the attack.

The September 6 incident took place after the pair spotted the black bear and shot it, but the animal ran away wounded.

Beierman says that he and his son went back out into the woods later in the evening to look for the bear and spotted it in a semi-clearing.

But when they were only feet away from the animal it charged the pair.

A 12-year-old boy shot a black bear in Wisconsin to stop it from mauling his father (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

He was in a stance like a cat about to pounce, Beierman told The Minnesota Star Tribune. The next thing I know, he was on me. He charged and knocked me down.

Beierman said he felt the animal dig its fangs into his forehead as he tried to pistol whip it. He tried to raise his right arm to block the animal as he started fighting for his life.

All I could see were his claws and teeth, he said. I lifted my right arm to block him. I remember the first bite. I heard a crunch. The bear was still attacking. He wasnt going to leave me.

The bear was fighting for its life, and I was fighting for mine, he added. Im punching and kicking and flailing around. Thats when I saw a flash from the muzzle of Owens rifle.

As he watched his father pinned under the bear, Owen took hold of his 350 Legend hunting rifle and shot the animal. Beierman then pushed the bear off of him.

We heard the bears final moans, Beierman said.

A neighbor helped Beierman and Owen out of the woods and he was taken to the hospital for treatment where his cheek was reattached using 23 stitches.

When we returned home to River Falls, I told my wife I was done bear hunting, Beierman said.

A conservation officer with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources told The Associated Press that their hunt was legal.
An Interlachen Junior-Senior High School student was arrested on Wednesday for threatening school violence, according to the Putnam County Sheriffs Office.

Law enforcement said the 14-year-old typed I have a gun into Google Translate on his school-issued computer. The message was translated from English to Spanish. The keystrokes were picked up by the Linewize, an app the school district utilizes to monitor threats.

The 14-year-old tried to blame the message on a Spanish-speaking student. However, officials said another student came forward and disputed the claim.

According to the sheriffs office, the Spanish-speaking student told deputies earlier in the class Ford had asked him to translate the same wording and he refused.

The accused student was removed from class by administrators and did not have a gun.

He was arrested and charged with false report of a weapon mass destruction.

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158 Dems vote against bill to deport illegal immigrants who commit sex crimes

More than 150 House Democrats voted against a bill that would deport illegal immigrants convicted of a sexual offense or conspiracy to commit such a crime.

The Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act passed the House of Representatives along bipartisan lines on Wednesday. All present Republicans voted for the bill, as did 51 Democratic lawmakers. The measure passed 266 to 158.

Among the Democrats who voted for the bill are Reps. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska; Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez, D-Wash.; Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla.; and Hillary Scholten, D-Mich.

Two of the Democrats who voted for it are seeking higher office  Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., is running for Senate, and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., is running for governor.

In addition to deporting migrants convicted of sex crimes, the legislation would also deem illegal immigrants who admit to domestic violence or sex-related charges  or are convicted of them  to be inadmissible in the U.S.

EX-BORDER CHIEF WARNS OF 'SIGNIFICANT THREAT' AS MIGRANT NUMBERS SKYROCKET: 'ENTIRE SECTORS' MISSING AGENTS

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The House of Representatives passed a bill to deport migrants convicted of sex crimes.

Its part of a wider legislative push by the House GOP to spotlight issues stemming from the border crisis, which has for months affected cities and states across the country.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital hours before the vote that she "100%" anticipated Democrats voting against her bill.

"If you vote against it, you're sexist against women," Mace declared.

"I mean, truly, because we're talking about illegals who are here who are committing domestic violence, rape and murder on women and children  theyve gotta go. They shouldn't be allowed into our country."

GERMANY CLAMPS DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AS COUNTRY FORCED TO RETHINK POLICIES AMID VOTER ANGER

Democrats have panned the bill as xenophobic, however.

"Here we are again, debating another partisan bill that fear mongers about immigrants, instead of working together to fix the immigration system," Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said during debate on the bill.

"I probably shouldn't be too surprised. Scapegoating immigrants and attempting to weaponize the crime of domestic violence is appearing to be a time-honored tradition for Republicans."

TOP HOUSE COMMITTEE RAMPS UP PRESSURE TO OBTAIN IMPORTANT DOCS ON HARRIS' ROLE IN BORDER CRISIS

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has put a heavy emphasis on the border crisis.

Despite the wider pushback, however, GOP efforts to highlight the border crisis have gotten modest Democratic support.

House Republicans previously passed a bill to detain and deport migrants convicted of assaulting law enforcement with the help of 54 Democrats  while 148 lawmakers voted against the measure.

Meanwhile, the GOP-backed Laken Riley Act, named after an Augusta University nursing student who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant, netted support from 37 House Democrats.





Original article source: 158 Dems vote against bill to deport illegal immigrants who commit sex crimes
16,000 gallons of wastewater per day leaking into Cedar River from line break

Folks are advised to avoid the Cedar River south of the State Highway 346 bridge going into Nashua. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a spill into Cedar River after a leak from a wastewater force main in Nashua was discovered Wednesday evening.

Nashua Water/Wastewater Supervisor Nick Henningsen said he cannot be certain how long the leak occurred before a citizen reported it Wednesday night.

Im hoping someone would have called us if it was leaking before that, but also I cant guarantee that, Henningsen said.

He suspects the leak was caused by a state construction crew that came in to reinforce the bridge with rock. Henningsen said the crew did not ask the city to mark the river, just the shoreline.

We think when they did their digging, they hit the power line from MidAmerican and we think they hit our sewer line, Henningsen said.

A force main uses a pump, as opposed to gravity, to push wastewater through the system. This main line runs under Cedar River, by the State Highway 346 bridge.

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Cedar River wastewater leak

Recreational activity south of the bridge, is not advised at this time, as the city estimates 16,000 gallons of wastewater per day are able to flow from the leak into the river.

Bacteria tests of the river have not produced results as of Thursday afternoon.

Henningsen said the city is working with a company that will bring in fill to build a temporary road over the main, then dig down to repair the line. He expects the repairs will be completed in 24 hours  just in time for the Nashua homecoming game.

Were just trying to work around the clock to try to remediate this, Henningsen said. Hopefully well have it all fixed by tomorrow.

Andrea Errthum, an environmental specialist for DNR, said it is difficult to determine the impact area of the discharge.

Its really hard to say what the impacts farther down are because it dilutes as it goes down, Errthum said.

No fish kills have been reported at this time.

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A teenager who was fatally shot in January has been identified as 16-year-old Jonathan Tovar of Tacoma, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiners Office.

Tovar died from a gunshot wound to the head on Jan. 25 near the 4400 block of Portland Avenue East in Tacoma. The manner of death is homicide, the medical examiner said in a news release Wednesday.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested in King County on Monday on suspicion of first-degree murder. Pierce County prosecutors charged the boy with two counts of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, court records show.

The News Tribune generally does not name juveniles charged with a crime. That could change if prosecutors charge them as adults.

Tacoma officers were dispatched that day at about 1:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting. Tovar was taken to the hospital after he suffered several gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries six days later, according to a Tacoma Police Department news release.

A witness told police that two people approached the teenager and shot him multiple times before they fled in a vehicle, The News Tribune reported in January. The investigation is on-going, according to police.

The boy whos been arrested was identified as the suspect on Sept. 6 and a warrant was issued for his arrest by the Pierce County Juvenile Court at Remann Hall, the release said.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Two adults and five high school students have been arrested in connection with a shooting that took place across the road from McLane High School in August, according to the Fresno County Sheriffs Office.

According to the Sheriffs Office, detectives arrested five high school students and two adults in a shooting investigation that began late last month.

On Aug. 21 at 3:40 p.m. dispatchers received a call of shots fired in the parking lot of an Auto Zone store at Clinton and Cedar in Fresno. Deputies say they arrived and found there to be no gunshot victims. According to deputies, they learned there was a disturbance between a large group of students who attended McLane High School.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 15 year old boy used a handgun to pistol whip a teenager and a 16 year old student pulled out a handgun and fired shots as people were leaving the scene. Deputies say some of the bullets did strike a vehicle and a nearby restaurant but no one was seriously injured.

3 McLane High School students arrested in shooting near school

Deputies say that four of the boys are students at Mclane High School and one boy is a student at Hoover High School. Witnesses helped deputies by providing descriptions and videos that were recorded on the scene. The next day, three students were arrested in connection to the shooting.

Deputies say on Sept. 10, detectives served search warrants at two homes in Fresno. At one home they recovered two shotguns and two handguns, which were not used in the shooting. Officials say they arrested 43-year-old Jim Vue on suspicion of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; they also arrested 29-year-old Richie Vue on suspicion of possession of cocaine.

43-year-old Jim Vue

29-year-old Richie Vue

15 year old suspect

16 year old suspect

16 year old suspect

At the other home, deputies say they recovered two handguns and evidence showed those handguns were a match to those used in the shooting. Detectives later contacted and arrested a 15-year-old who was responsible for hiding the handguns.

According to the Fresno County Sheriffs Office, a 14-year-old who was a friend of the suspects was arrested on Monday. He was also identified in social media photos holding firearms  considered illegally possessing them, according to deputies.

All the students were booked into juvenile hall and each is facing gun-related charges and some will be facing accessory charges.

The two adult suspects, 43-year-old Jim Vue and 29-year-old Richard Vue, were the only two suspects officially identified. The identity of the students involved was not officially 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 YourCentralValley.com | CBS47 and KSEE24.
(This story was updated to add new information, photos and a video embed.)

A heated, hourlong debate between two lawmakers emphasized the polarizing views over a Republican immigration measure voters will see on the ballot in November.

The Secure the Border Act, which will appear on ballots as Proposition 314, drew biting criticism from opponents before Republicans passed it on party lines earlier this year as a legislative ballot referral. Voters will decide whether it should become state law.

Thursday's debate, sponsored by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, was livestreamed on azcentral.com and other sites. Arizona Republic immigration reporter Rafael Carranza and talk show host Steve Goldstein served as moderators.

The event echoed previous rhetorical battles over the measure. Sen. John Kavanagh, a Republican from Fountain Hills and former East Coast peace officer, argued in favor it. Rep. Analise Ortiz, a Phoenix Democrat and former American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona strategist who's set to join Kavanagh in the state Senate next year, provided the counterpoint.

Ortiz seized on arguments by opponents the law would cause police to terrorize the immigrant community.

"Proposition 314 will return us to a time where I could be arrested and detained and questioned because of the color of my skin or the suspicion that I do not belong in the state where I was born and raised," she said.

She claimed it would result in women and children being held in Arizona prisons, a concept Kavanagh ridiculed, saying children of detained adults would go into foster care.

From his point of view, the measure would save migrant women and children from human traffickers and drug addiction by curbing the ills of illegal immigration in general.

While she cited studies and the director of Arizona's prison system stating the measure would cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars per year, Kavanagh said there, too, the opposite would be true.

"How many hundreds of millions of dollars will we save in benefits we're not giving to them in law enforcement costs, in hospital costs?" he said. "Illegal immigration is extremely expensive, and if these people aren't in the country, we don't bear those expenses."

The measure would do several things Republicans believe will help with border problems. Its prime feature would make crossing the border illegally a state-prosecutable misdemeanor, allowing local and state police to detain and arrest migrants and local judges to dismiss charges when migrants self-deport.

Those provisions couldn't take effect until a similar law in Texas has been in effect for at least 60 days. The Texas law is mired in litigation after being sued by the Biden administration.

The measure also would make it a state crime for undocumented immigrants to submit false information to obtain federal benefits and boost state use of federal programs to stymie ineligible immigrants from collecting state benefits. It would also increase the time in prison for people who sell fentanyl that kills someone.

Opponents have compared the measure with SB 1070, a 2010 anti-illegal immigration measure despised by civil rights organizations and partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as unconstitutional. Critics worry police would stretch the law's authority in a way that discriminates against the state's Latino residents, despite efforts in the legislative process to address those concerns. Some police and sheriff's agencies protested the unfunded mandate for enforcement efforts inherent in the measure.

Ortiz urged voters to reject the measure, citing its "blatant" unconstitutionality, its costs and its cruelty to undocumented Arizona residents. Stymieing the immigrant community only would slow the economy, hurting all Arizonans in the end, she argued.

"The immigrant community  they work hard, they pay their taxes," she said, calling immigrants the "backbone of Arizona's economy in critical industries that already face labor shortages."

Kavanagh repeatedly accused Ortiz of misrepresenting the measure. It was "laser focused" on allowing law officers to go after criminals operating between ports of entry and could not be used for general roundups of undocumented immigrants, as Ortiz suggested, he said.

Yet he also touted the provisions that would hinder undocumented immigrants already living in Arizona from receiving benefits or working.

"Taxpayers shouldn't be paying for benefits for illegal aliens," he said.

Kavanagh said Ortiz's "emotionalism" was an attempt to distort the actual effects of the measure. But when Goldstein pushed on him later in the debate to discuss how the issue was not an emotional one, Kavanagh said it was.

"Emotional is watching 5,000 people in a caravan on TV coming up to the country to, I guess I'll use the word, invade," he said. "Yeah. And it is emotional and people should be emotional. This is a serious crisis."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Prop 314: John Kavanagh, Analise Ortiz debate AZ immigration measure
2 generations split by incarceration say sentencing should consider those left behind

From left, Amanda Hall, Jayden Spence and Cortney Downs testified Sept. 19 before an interim legislative committee in Frankfort. (Screenshot)

When Jayden Spence was 5 years old, he watched police take his mother, Amanda Hall, away in handcuffs.

The experience terrified him, he told Kentucky lawmakers. It also left him a lingering mistrust of the justice system.

Spence and Hall lent their stories to the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary Thursday and asked members to pass legislation in 2025 that would give weight to a persons role as a caregiver when judges are making decisions about sentencing.

Cortney Downs, chief equity officer for Kentucky Youth Advocates, said there were more than 115,000 youths in the state from 2021-2022 who reported having a parent incarcerated at some point in their lives.

Parental incarceration is considered an adverse childhood experience (ACE) that can have far-reaching negative effects on a persons development and life. It can also lead to foster care, housing disruption and financial hardships, among other things, Downs said.

We often hear that parental incarceration (can) be described as a shared sentence, mainly because of the pretty substantial effect that it has on kids and then also the  family members  who step in to also care for those kids, she told lawmakers.

Having a parent behind bars can also weaken the bond between parent and child, Downs said. In some cases, it can derail that relationship entirely.

Ultimately, we do understand that we need to hold people accountable for their actions, Downs said. But theres an equally important need for us to find a balance between applying consequences that really do match the actions, and then also considering the impact that it has on their kids.

Hall and Spence

When Spence watched his mother being arrested, it continued a cycle that went back to Halls own childhood trauma.

Hall was in second grade when her mother, whom she said was a survivor of domestic violence, was arrested.

I vividly remember going to school the next day  and seeing the newspaper on my teachers desk and that had a description of my moms arrest, said Hall, who lives in Louisa. I got an overwhelming sense of shame, and that feeling stayed with me for years, along with a lot of anger.

Her mental health deteriorated after that, she said, as well as her trust in authority.

I started experimenting with drugs, and after being prescribed opioids, I became fully addicted, Hall said. Then my arrest followed, and things kept spiraling downward.

I loved my mom, and I just wanted her to come home so we could be together.

 Jayden Spence, who was 5 when his mother was arrested and went to prison

While incarcerated, she said, she missed her daughters first steps and first words and her sons kindergarten graduation.

It was devastating, she said. I hated myself for what I had done to them, and couldnt understand why I couldnt change.

She got treatment upon her release and was reunited with her children, though that incarceration haunts me.

Spence, a sophomore at Morehead State University, said Halls incarceration when he was a child completely disrupted his routine and left him with anger, sadness and a deep sense of longing.

I loved my mom, and I just wanted her to come home so we could be together, he said. He also missed the chance to live with his little brother and be a big brother to him.

This experience has left a lasting impact on me. It shaped how I view the justice system. I have a deep mistrust of it, and a mistrust that only grew stronger after I saw how hard it was to rebuild her life, to be judged for her past, he said. Every time she was told no because of her convictions, every negative comment said about her, I felt that too.

Hall lives in fear, she said, of the future.

I want that cycle to end with me, Hall said. And so far, I think it will. But that fear remains.

What could a Kentucky law on this look like?

Joey Comley, the Kentucky and Tennessee state director for Right On Crime, said other states  Missouri, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee  have passed caregiver mitigation and diversion programs.

Under these programs, judges consider at sentencing if a person is a primary caregiver and waive incarceration in favor of community supervision and potentially treatment if it is needed, such as substance abuse treatment, physical or sexual abuse counseling, vocational or educational services, anger management, parenting classes and family counseling.

Exceptions to the waiver could include people who committed violent offenses, sex offenses, serious offenses and offenses involving the use of a firearm, he said.

Kentucky could also save a lot of money with such legislation, Comley said.

If Kentucky were to implement some form of caregiver consideration legislation, it stands to save this Commonwealth almost $64,000 per eligible parent who is essentially subject to community enforcement as opposed to incarceration, he said. That figure includes foster care and incarceration expenses.

There is, Comely said, ample opportunity for legislation in a space to save money, to preserve the family unit and to do what is best for these parents, these children and the community.

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UPDATE: The 8 News Now Investigators have confirmed that all four inmates involved in the incident had recently been transferred to the facility from Ely State Prison.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two inmates were stabbed by two other inmates at High Desert State Prison Wednesday afternoon, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections.

All four inmates belong to the same gang, a spokesperson told the 8 News Now Investigators.

One inmate was taken to University Medical Centers trauma unit by helicopter while the other was taken there by ambulance, the department reported.

All of the inmates were wearing restraints, the spokesperson said.

The incident occurred after 2 p.m. during tier time, when inmates are permitted to spend time outside of their cells, for example, to make phone calls, a spokesperson said. It occurred between close custody inmates who are one level below maximum-security inmates, the department reported.

An internal investigation is underway while the prison remains on lockdown.

High Desert State Prison is a maximum-security prison facility located near Indian Springs, which is approximately a 45-minute drive north of Las Vegas.

The facility recently transitioned from a medium-security prison. Two thousand inmates, including Nevadas death row population, were transferred from Ely State Prison, located nearly 300 miles north of Indian Springs.

This is a developing story.

To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.

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2 officers stabbed, 3 others injured after inmate assault at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center

Five corrections officers were rushed to the hospital Wednesday night after being assaulted by inmates, according to authorities.

A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections says around 6:20 p.m., they received a report of multiple officers injured inside the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.

According to officials, two corrections officers were stabbed multiple times by incarcerated individuals and three additional corrections officers were injured responding to the assault.

All five were transported to an area hospital. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

The facility has been secured while an investigation into the facts and circumstances of the attacks remains ongoing.

No further information was immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's exports rose 12.1 percent year on year to 129.16 billion ringgit (30.30 billion U.S. dollars) in August, underpinned by higher shipments to all major trading partners, official data showed Thursday.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said in a statement that exports to all major trading partners, namely ASEAN, China, the United States and the European Union, recorded expansion.

Exports to the United States surged to a new record high mainly due to higher demand for electrical and electronic (E&E) products, primarily semiconductor devices and integrated circuits.

According to the statement, the export growth was primarily driven by increased demand for E&E products, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products, machinery, equipment and parts as well as optical and scientific equipment.

Additionally, exports of manufactured goods grew significantly with double-digit expansion.

Overall, Malaysia's trade increased by 18.6 percent year on year to 252.65 billion ringgit in August. Its imports expanded by 26.2 percent to 123.49 billion ringgit.

During the first eight months of 2024, Malaysia's trade expanded by 10.9 percent year on year to 1.91 trillion ringgit with the exports up by 6 percent to 991.36 billion ringgit and the imports up by 16.8 percent to 913.18 billion ringgit.

Despite positive momentum, MITI said the ministry and its agencies will remain vigilant against any potential challenges or global disruptions to ensure that Malaysia can sustain its economic momentum. (1 ringgit equals 0.23 U.S. dollars) 
2-year-old dies in hospital after shooting involving unsecured firearm in Chester County, police say

2-year-old dies in hospital after shooting involving unsecured firearm in Chester County, police say

GREAT FALLS, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A 2-year-old boy has passed away in the hospital following a shooting Wednesday involving an unsecured firearm, Great Falls Police announced.

The shooting happened on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at a home located on Washington Street.

According to Greats Falls Police Chief Olen Martin, The investigation at this point is focused on how an unsecured firearm was accessed.

Two students killed in crash in front of Burns High School in Cleveland Couny

Tragically, the toddler died from his injuries at MUSC Medical Center in Lancaster. Following the incident, a 7-year-old family member has been placed in emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services pending further investigation.

Agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions Crime Scene and Child Fatality Unit responded to the scene Wednesday. The Great Falls Fire Department, Chester County EMS, Great Falls Rescue Squad, Rossville Fire Department, and Richburg EMS also responded.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
2 people, including officer, injured in City of Washington police cruiser, car crash

Two people were injured in a crash involving a City of Washington police cruiser and an SUV.

PHOTOS: 2 people injured in City of Washington police cruiser, car crash

Washington County police said that around 10:50 p.m., their department was called to a stabbing in the 1200 block of Summerlea Avenue.

As officers were responding, one of their officers was involved in a crash at the intersection of Jefferson and Hall avenues.

Pennsylvania State Police said the police cruiser was going through the intersection along Jefferson Avenue with its emergency lights activated when it was hit by the SUV coming from Hall Avenue.

Our crew at the scene saw the police cruiser on its side and the other car crashed into a pole.

The person driving the car was ejected during the crash. They were flown to UPMC Presby and the officer was taken by ambulance. The officer has since been released, Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess said.

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the crash.

The City of Washington Police Chief Steve Devenney said in a release, Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.

The investigation is ongoing.

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VERNAL, Utah (ABC4)  Two caretakers in Vernal were formally charged this week for allegedly beating a man with special needs.

Kayla Jeanine Evans, 33, was indicted Wednesday on one count of aggravated abuse or neglect of a disabled adult and one count of abuse of a vulnerable adult. Ashia Ann Wyasket, 23, was indicted Tuesday on one count of aggravated abuse or neglect of a disabled adult.

PREVIOUS STORY: Employees of Utah facility for disabled individuals arrested for aggravated abuse

The pair was arrested on Sept. 6 after arresting documents stated that the victim, identified only as a young male, was running back toward the facility.

A witness across the street told police the victim was covered in blood and appeared to be sobbing. When the witness asked the victim who hit him, he reportedly pointed to Evans.

Documents from the case also state another employee recorded audio of the alleged incident. Officers were told that Wyasket grabbed a dowel and that Wyasket and Evans reportedly used the dowel to beat the victim.

Evans was reportedly not supposed to be on the property after injuring herself in a previous incident with the victim. Documents said other employees did not want to report any incidents of previous abuse because Wyasket and Evans were in management positions.

Evans and Wyasket told police the victim was allegedly throwing a tantrum and throwing rocks, however, stories between the two of them were inconsistent.

Evans and Wyasket were booked into Uintah County Jail. Wyasket is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 7.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty to offenses related to multiple gunpoint robberies targeting sellers of luxury goods on online marketplaces, according to the Department of Justice.

Juvenile wanted in Milford robbery accidentally shoots himself in New Haven

Jalen Lasalle, 20, from Hartford allegedly robbed people who posted their luxury items, such as sneakers and cell phones, on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Lasalle, alongside John Villegas, allegedly would meet sellers at an arranged meeting spot, brandish a gun, take the items and flee.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of carrying and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He is facing up to 30 years in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Twenty-four students have started the school year in Polk County in handcuffs and kicked out of school after making threats, officials said at a news conference Thursday.

That is absolutely, unequivocally unacceptable, and its disruptive, Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Days after posting mugshot of a boy accused of school threat, Florida sheriff puts video of 2 teens online

Judd said every threat has to be taken seriously because any of them has the potential to lead to tragedy.

Ive studied all of the shootings across the United States, Judd said. Theres a common thread: words matter.

One month into this school year, deputies have arrested 24 Polk County students for making threats, which is a second-degree felony.

Judd said 42 students were arrested in Polk County for making threats over the course of the 2023-2024 school year.

The students now face expulsion, juvenile detention and probation.

Judd said his office will also pursue restitution for the cost of the law enforcement response.

Youre not only going to get felony charges, but mom and dad are going to get hefty bills, and its in the thousands of dollars when all of this response occurs, Judd said.

Some of these students arent just doing it because theyre angry, said Frederick Heid, Polk County Public Schools Superintendent. Some of these students dont want to test on a certain day. They dont want to be in school that day. I think, unfortunately, many of our students believe that social media is an appropriate place for them to try to garner attention.

Heid said threats have led to campus disruptions at several schools, including George Jenkins High School and Haines City High School.

For some students, its a reassurance. For other students, its alarming. They come on campus and now they have to go through a line and be searched, walk through a metal detector, potentially be wanded, have their personal belongings searched, said Superintendent Heid.

According to Heid, Polk County Public Schools assessed more than 2,500 threats last year.

Each threat, he said, takes officers up to five hours to investigate.

That amount of time, again, multiplied by over 2,500 instances is a good example of why this is becoming a problem for our community, Heid said.

He said this is not only a school district issue.

I am asking, I am pleading with our families to have honest and lengthy conversations with their children about the seriousness of this issue, Heid said.

Officials urge people to submit threat tips on the Fortify Florida website or app, rather than sharing it on social media.

Learn more at https://getfortifyfl.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.
When we go to the doctors office, most of us trust the professionals when they tell us we need examinations and tests. But one man told Boston 25s Kerry Kavanaugh his trust was violated when a medical assistant placed him in an exam room and then, under the guise of it being medically necessary, touched him inappropriately and sexually abused him.

He turned to 25 Investigates hoping to prevent this from happening to anyone else.

A warning to readers we are diving into a sensitive topic.

Were calling him M. As a survivor of sexual assault, Boston 25 News is not disclosing his identity and in the video version of this story, we are disguising his voice.

Its a place I felt safe, said M.

The safe place M is referring to is Back Bay Healthcare Center, a primary care office affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital.

M was there in January 2023 for a routine check-up.

He saw his doctor, got some lab work.

Then he says he was approached by a staff member, he assumed was a nurse or doctor, who said he needed to return to an exam room and told him to undress.

So, he starts patting my legs, examining my skin and all the way up, M says.

M says the staffer was seemingly examining his skin then proceeded to fondle his genital area.

At the time, was trusting that it was medically necessary.

I think if he stopped there, the chances are I would have just gone home, says M.

25 Investigates pulled criminal indictments indicating the staffer didnt stop there.

M says he proceeded to do a rectal exam, twice.

He made a comment like, we do this, or we ask questions like this because, to determine if youre taking Viagra or Cialis. And I said, and I dont. And then I think he was done.

He says the person cleaned him with a paper towel and told him he could go.

As soon as Im walking outside, I dont know. I started feeling a little bit weird, says M.

He says he was in shock but still reported what happened to both medical office staff and Boston Police before he even left the office.

As the investigation unfolded, M discovered the person who he says assaulted him, Damian Knighton, was a medical assistant, someone not authorized to conduct any type of exam.

Theres clearly, there is no supervision because someone like that can do that. He clearly knows all those loopholes, says M.

This should never should have happened to my client, says Tyler Fox, an attorney representing M, whos now suing Mass General Hospital and the doctors office.

The lawsuit obtained by 25 Investigates claims the institution allowed their employees unfettered access to vulnerable patients without direct supervision, oversight, or monitoring.

Its their job to make sure that patients are not just taking care of their health is taken care of, but that theyre safe. And they havent been doing that, Fox said.

25 Investigates reached out to Mass General Hospital. A spokesperson sent a statement via email.

As an organization dedicated to providing safe, high quality healthcare to our patients, we are deeply troubled by these allegations and we are fully cooperating with investigators.

In response to any allegations of employee misconduct, we conduct multidisciplinary reviews to identify any new safeguards or procedures that we could implement that would help ensure safer, higher quality care in the future.

We have strong systems and processes in place to thoroughly investigate any complaint that we receive and have implemented comprehensive safety measures to protect our patients, including a strengthened chaperone policy, reinforcing best practices, and empowering the patients voice. These allegations are not reflective of the tens of thousands of incredible healthcare professionals who are on the front lines supporting patients each and every day across Mass General Brigham. We are thankful to them and grateful to our patients for their courage in ensuring law enforcement holds individuals who violate the law accountable.

But Fox says if the hospital had taken more steps after M came forward, it might have prevented others from falling victim. He pointed out a different case involving a medical assistant at Mass General Dermatology that surfaced in June.

I feel violated, trusting a place Ive been going for such a long, long time, says M.

M hopes sharing his story will encourage survivors of sexual assault to come forward, and force medical institutions to examine what theyre doing to ensure patients are protected.

Since M came forward, 3 more patients reported sexual assaults by this same medical assistant.

Damian Khightons criminal trial is set to begin in November. Kavanaugh reached out to the attorney representing Knighton in the criminal case. He had no comment.

25 Investigates: Man allegedly sexually assaulted by medical assistant suing Mass General Hospital by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd

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ERIE, Pa. (WKBN)  An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation has led to charges against a total of 26 defendants across nine separate but related indictments for violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws.

Read next: Woman tries to buy car with stolen drivers license: Report

United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced the charges in a Thursday release from the Department of Justice after the indictments were unsealed Wednesday.

The indictments charge a network of overlapping regional drug dealers based out of Erie,

Pennsylvania. Charges relate to trafficking multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl powder and pills, as well as substantial quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.

During this long-term wiretap investigation, several firearms were seized from drug distributors who were prohibited from possessing firearms or possessed the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking, according to the DOJ.

Investigators also seized multiple Glock conversion devicescommonly referred to as Glock switcheswhich are designed to convert a semiautomatic Glock pistol into an automatic machinegun, the department stated.

The indictments include:

An 11-count indictment returned on Sept. 10, charging 14 defendants with

obtaining and redistributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around Erie County and other areas of the Western District of Pennsylvania.

A two-count indictment returned on Sept. 10, charging four defendants with

conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute varying quantities of fentanyl

and methamphetamine.

A one-count indictment returned on Sept. 10, charging two defendants with

conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and

substance containing cocaine.

Six additional one-defendant indictments charging one to three offenses involving drugs,

firearms or both. These indictments were returned between July 30 and Sept. 10.

Darrian Brooks, 35, of Farrell was named a defendant on the following charges:

Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment. Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years imprisonment. Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment.

The majority of the 26 defendants are from Erie.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
27-year-old Nebraska man who posed as high schooler sentenced to at least 85 years for sex crimes

27-year-old Nebraska man who posed as high schooler sentenced to at least 85 years for sex crimes

A 27-year-old Nebraska man who posed as someone a decade younger and attended high school for more than 50 days was sentenced to at least 85 years in prison in connection with sex crimes charges, court documents show.

A Lancaster County judge sentenced Zachary Scheich last week after he pleaded no contest in July to first-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree sexual assault, generation of child pornography  age 19 or over  and child enticement with electronic communication, according to a sentencing order and a plea agreement.

Scheichs sentence runs a maximum of 120 years in prison, according to the order. He wont be eligible for parole for 40 years, according to KOLN-TV of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Police Department in Lincoln, Neb.

At his sentencing hearing, Lancaster County Deputy County Attorney Amber Scholte said Scheich targeted, groomed and lured students via social media while pretending to be their peer or boyfriend, the station reported.

The public defender's office that represented Scheich did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night.

Scheich identified himself as Zak Hess, 17, and he attended two high schools in Lincoln  Northwest High School and Southeast High School  for 54 days in the 2022-23 school year, officials have said.

He was admitted to the schools using fake documents, including a birth certificate, immunization records, a transcript and medical records, the officials said.

A spokesperson for the district where Scheich attended high school also did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Authorities began investigating Scheich in June 2023 after a concerned parent contacted the school district. Police announced his arrest in July.

Charging documents show the crimes he pleaded guilty to mostly occurred in 2022 and 2023. Several victims were under age 16, the documents show. Another was 13 or older.

One of the sexual assault charges, from 2019, involved two people whose ages are not included in the documents.

In September 2023, authorities accused a 23-year-old woman of criminal impersonation, alleging she posed as Scheichs mother and helped him get enrolled in the schools, according to KOLN. She pleaded not guilty, and the case is ongoing.

CORRECTION (Sept. 18, 2024, 10:30 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated KOLN-TVs network affiliation. It is a CBS affiliate, not an NBC affiliate.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
27-Year-Old Nebraska Man Who Posed as High School Student Sentenced to at Least 85 Years Over Sex Crimes

The man previously pleaded no contest in July to first-degree sexual assault and child enticement with electronic communication among other charges

Lincoln Police Dept. Zachary Scheich

A 27-year-old Nebraska man, who allegedly posed as a 17-year-old high school student for nearly two months in 2023, will spend several decades in prison, according to NBC News.

A Lancaster County judge sentenced Zachary Scheich to between 85 and 120 years in prison in court last week after Lancaster County attorneys argued that he had posed as a teenager in high school in order to gain access to and exploit underage girls, according to court records obtained by local CBS affiliate KOLN-TV and The Grand Island Independent.

Scheich previously pleaded no contest in July to several felony charges including first-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree sexual assault, generation of child pornography  age 19 or over  and child enticement with electronic communication, per NBC News.

Lancaster County District Judge Darla Ideus reportedly called Scheich a significant risk to the community in court and said, per The Independent, The court concludes that the risk is substantial that absent a lengthy period of incarceration you will prey upon others.

Related: 26-Year-Old Nebraska Man Arrested on Sex Crime Charges After Allegedly Posing as High School Student

Scheich wont be eligible for parole for more than 40 years, KOLN-TV reported.

Lancaster County Deputy County Attorney Amber Scholte called the 27-year-old a predator of the worst kind in court and said he targeted, groomed and lured teenage girls on social media under the guise of being their peer, their friend, and in some cases, their boyfriend, per the outlet.

The Lancaster County public defenders office, which represented Scheich, did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Scheich was arrested in July 2023 following an investigation by the Lincoln Police Department, which found that the then 26-year-old had enrolled at Northwest High School and Southeast High School during the 2022-2023 school year under the name of Zak Hess.

Investigators eventually learned that he had attended 54 days of school, despite having already graduated from Lincoln Public Schools in 2015. During this time, police said he had contacted female students on electronic devices using his fake name and had sent out an alert to identify potential victims in the case.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In court, prosecutors claimed that Scheich created false documentation to pass himself off as a 17-year-old student and sexually assaulted multiple students under his false identity, per KOLN-TV.

Another woman, 23-year-old Angela Navarro, was also arrested in connection to the case. Police claimed that she had aided Scheich by posing as his mother Danielle Hess, and worked with Lincoln Public Schools staff to get him enrolled, KOLN-TV reported.

She pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal impersonation of $5,000+, and was released on bond.



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Read the original article on People.
Former President Donald Trump has faced two known assassination attempts against his life across a roughly two-month span, and he may still be in danger of others, experts warned Fox News Digital.

"This is not the last attempt that therell be. They're going to keep coming at him," Gene Petrino, a retired SWAT commander for Florida's Plantation Police Department for 26 years and an expert on active shooter incidents, told Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

"Other people are gonna see it that way, and the only responsible thing to do is now increase, even more, his security footprint," Petrino added.

Trump was safely escorted from the green at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday after suspect Ryan Routh allegedly pointed a rifle towards the 45th president just outside the perimeter of the club. Routh fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter on I-95.

TRUMP BLAMES BIDEN-HARRIS 'RHETORIC' FOR LATEST ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, SAYS HE WILL 'SAVE THE COUNTRY'

Authorities are investigating the incident as an apparent assassination attempt against Trump.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

On July 13, Trump held a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot in the ear by 20-year-old Matthew Crooks. Crooks opened fire on the president while perched on a nearby roof, injuring two others attending the rally, and killing local dad and volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore.

The attack in July unfolded just two days ahead of the Republican National Convention kicking off in Milwaukee. Trump attended the convention despite the attack and was seen wearing a bandage over his ear when he accepted the GOPs presidential nomination.

"The amazing thing is that prior to the shot, if I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassins bullet would have perfectly hit its mark and I would not be here tonight. We would not be together," Trump said at the RNC in his acceptance speech.

"Bullets were flying over us, yet I felt serene. But now the Secret Service agents were putting themselves in peril. They were in very dangerous territory," Trump continued. "Bullets were flying right over them, missing them by a very small amount of inches. And then it all stopped. Our Secret Service sniper, from a much greater distance and with only one bullet used, took the assassins life. Took him out."

The apparent failed attempted assassination in Sundays attack did not fire a shot off  unlike Crooks  as a Secret Service agent spotted him and shot at him first.

RYAN ROUTH, ARMED MAN ARRESTED AT TRUMP GOLF COURSE, POSTED PROLIFICALLY ABOUT TRUMP, POLITICS

Petrino lauded the actions of the Secret Service and other law enforcement on Sunday for protecting Trump before the unthinkable unfolded, but the attempt has sparked concern among security experts.

"They did a great job this time. They seemed to be on the ball," he said before adding he believes "there should have been more" effort on the part of Trumps security detail to catch Routh before he was located just roughly 300 yards from the 45th president.

Bill Stanton, a former NYPD officer and an executive protection expert, told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that he also fears bad actors will make another attempt on Trumps life.

"This is my fear. When it rains, it pours  I don't think it stops at two," Stanton said.

Both Stanton and Petrino called for an increase in security surrounding Trump, which echoed calls from Capitol Hill that Trump be offered heightened protection following the second attempt.

"It is imperative that the USSS detail assigned to President Trump be afforded additional protective resources, including greater staffing capabilities that would allow agents to secure a broader perimeter," Sens. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., wrote in a letter to acting Director Ronald Rowe on Tuesday.

Marshall and Tuberville, joined by Sens. James Risch, R-Idaho; Mike Lee, R-Utah; Marco Rubio, R-Fla.,;Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Rick Scott, R-Fla.; and Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., requested that Rowe and the Secret Service "designate President Trump as a protectee with the same level of protective resources afforded to a sitting president."

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT LAUGHS, SMILES DURING FIRST COURT APPEARANCE IN FLORIDA

Ryan W. Routh stands handcuffed after his arrest during a traffic stop near Palm City, Florida, on Sept. 15, 2024.

Trump, as well as Petrino and Stanton, pinned blame for the second attempt on inflammatory political rhetoric, with the former president specifically pointing to comments from the Biden-Harris administration.

"[The suspect] believed the rhetoric of Biden and Harris, and he acted on it," Trump told Fox News Digital on Monday. "Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying the country  both from the inside and out."

WHITE HOUSE CONTINUES TO CALL TRUMP THREAT TO DEMOCRACY DESPITE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS ON FORMER PRESIDENTS LIFE

In the interview, Trump pointed to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris past comments describing him as a "threat to democracy," while telling Americans they are "unity" leaders.

"It is called the enemy from within. They are the real threat," Trump said.

During the White House press briefing on Tuesday, Fox News Peter Doocy asked if the administration planned to drop using words such as "threat" to describe Trump, considering the second assassination attempt. Doocy noted in his question that Trump has lobbed similar attacks against Biden and Harris.

HOUSE DEM LEADER RAILS 'WE MUST STOP' MAGA AMID NEWS OF 2ND TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended the use of the word, citing Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol.

Trump is back on the campaign trail this week, heading to Long Island for a campaign rally on Wednesday. False reports spread across social media ahead of the rally that explosives had been found in a car near where Trump was set to speak.

The reports were quickly dismissed by local officials as false, but underscore ongoing concerns and potential threats against Trump.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: 2nd assassination attempt against Trump sparks concerns 45 is still in danger: experts
SYDNEY, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Australian police have dismantled a criminal network that allegedly supplied cocaine worth over one billion U.S. dollars across Sydney in four months.

Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) on Thursday announced that six men who allegedly make up a criminal network known as "The Commission" were arrested in early morning raids on 20 homes across Sydney on Wednesday.

According to NSW Police, the criminal network supplied 1.2 tons of cocaine to Sydney between February and July 2024 with an estimated street value exceeding 1.8 billion Australian dollars (1.2 billion U.S. dollars).

During Wednesday's raids, detectives seized 32kg of cocaine, including 12kg that was stored in hidden compartments in vehicles, as well as 800,000 Australian dollars in cash and four firearms.

The six men, aged between 25 and 34, have been charged with multiple offenses related to the supply of a prohibited drug in large quantities and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

NSW Police said in a statement that detectives will allege the group directly controlled the supply of cocaine to Sydney to increase their profits.

Commissioner Karen Webb said that police have dismantled a major threat to community public safety.

"Police today have uprooted allegedly one of the most dangerous and destructive groups Sydney has seen to date," she said.

"The supply of cocaine to Sydney has continued to poison this city for years and has fuelled and funded the organized tit-for-tat violence police see today."

The police operation targeting the group began in July when a 21-year-old man was arrested in possession of 13kg of cocaine and charged with supplying prohibited drugs in a commercial quantity.

Investigations by the police are ongoing. 
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An illustration of the Kuiper Belt. | Credit: NASA/SOFIA/Lynette Cook

A brand-new group of frozen objects, orbiting the sun out beyond the distant Kuiper Belt, has been spotted by the Subaru telescope, working with NASA 's New Horizons mission to find new targets for the spacecraft to investigate.

"If this is confirmed, it would be a major discovery," said Fumi Yoshida, from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences and the Planetary Exploration Research Center, Chiba Institute of Technology, in a statement .

Subaru, which is an 8-meter (26-foot) telescope atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii, has been working with New Horizons since its 2006 launch toward Pluto , which the spacecraft flew by in 2015 . Since then, New Horizons has been blazing a trail through the Kuiper Belt , which is a ring-shaped region of icy cometary bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune at distances between 33 and 55 astronomical units (AU). An astronomical unit is equivalent to Earth 's average distance from the sun , which is 149.6 million kilometers (93 million miles).

When Subaru began searching for Kuiper Belt objects in 2004 as potential targets for New Horizons to either visit up close or to watch with its cameras from a distance after encountering Pluto, the telescope was faced with a problem. At the time, Pluto and the area of the outer solar system to which New Horizons was headed was in the constellation of Sagittarius, which has the dense center of the Milky Way as a backdrop, making it hard to pick out Kuiper Belt objects from all the background stars. At the time , Subaru identified just 24 Kuiper Belt objects, all of which were too far away for New Horizons to reach or view with its cameras after leaving Pluto. ( Arrokoth , a Kuiper Belt object that New Horizons visited on New Years' Day 2019, was found by the Hubble Space Telescope .)

Related: What is the Kuiper Belt?

Now, however, Pluto and that part of the solar system has moved away from the backdrop of the Milky Way into a sparser region of the night sky . With its Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC), Subaru has discovered 239 Kuiper Belt objects since 2020. Most of these are regular Kuiper Belt objects, but a smattering seem to be very special indeed.

"The most exciting part of the HSC was the discovery of 11 objects at distances beyond the known Kuiper Belt," said Yoshida.

This new group of objects isn't a mere extension of the Kuiper Belt. There appears to be a gap between 55 AU and 70 AU where no objects have yet been found, and then a second belt  let's call it "Kuiper Belt 2"  between 70 and 90 AU, which is as far out as 13.5 billion kilometers (8.4 billion miles) from the sun. For comparison, Neptune lies at 30 AU and New Horizons is currently 60 AU from the sun, while NASA's Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes are 164.7 and 137.6 AU from the sun, respectively  out in interstellar space .

Related: Solar system planets, order and formation: The ultimate guide

A black and white graph labeled heliocentric distance, with black bars mostly on the left side.

The architecture of the solar system, including the asteroid belt and the Kuiper Belt, was determined by the processes that formed the planets, including how the young Jupiter migrated through the system, scattering smaller bodies far and wide.

"I think the discovery of distant objects and the determination of their orbital distribution are important as a stepping stone to understanding the formation history of the solar system, comparing it with exoplanetary systems, and understanding universal planet formation," said Yoshida.

The discovery of this new population of bodies is not entirely out of the blue. The Student Dust Counter instrument on board New Horizons keeps detecting impacts from dust particles, though the rate of impacts should be decreasing as New Horizons departs the Kuiper Belt. The continued presence of dust suggests that it is being produced by a population of bodies farther out. In addition, New Horizons has witnessed unexplained stellar occultations  when an object passes in front of and briefly blocks the light of a distant star  that could be the product of objects in this newly discovered, more distant 'Kuiper Belt 2.'

Furthermore, observations of protoplanetary disks around other stars , such as those seen by ALMA , the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile, clearly show extended regions and numerous belts and gaps in the region beyond where the Kuiper Belt is in our solar system.

"Our solar system's Kuiper Belt long appeared to be very small in comparison with many other planetary systems, but our results suggest that idea might just have arisen due to an observational bias," said Wes Fraser of the National Research Council of Canada, who led the new findings. "So maybe, if this result is confirmed, our Kuiper Belt isn't all that small and unusual after all compared to those around other stars."

Because the Kuiper Belt had seemed small, one theory had been that the solar nebula that formed our planetary system had also been smaller than normal. The discovery of this Kuiper Belt 2 suggests that was not necessarily the case.

"The primordial solar nebula was much larger than previously thought, and this may have implications for studying the planet formation process in our solar system," said Yoshida.

RELATED STORIES:

 Our solar system map may need an update  the Kuiper belt could be way bigger

 What cosmic object 'Arrokoth' can tell us about our solar system's formation

 Could an 'Earth-like' planet be hiding in our solar system's outer reaches?

Astronomers will continue to use Subaru to track the 11 objects in this new belt to better define their orbits. Given they were found in a small region of space , they probably are only the tip of the iceberg and hint at a much larger population. Their discovery is further evidence that there is still much to be discovered in the extreme depths of the outer solar system, including the possibility of more dwarf planets and even the hypothesized Planet Nine .

"This is a groundbreaking discovery revealing something unexpected, new and exciting in the distant reaches of the solar system," said Alan Stern, who is the principal investigator on the New Horizons mission. "This discovery probably would not have been possible without the world-class capabilities of the Subaru Observatory."

The findings are set to be published in the Planetary Science Journal, and are currently available as a preprint .
3 storm systems are looming in the Atlantic. Will any of them impact Hilton Head Island?

For now, Beaufort County is in the clear from tropical weather and, after three consecutive rain-filled weekends, sun and more mild temperatures will settle in.

Neil Dixon, meteorologist at the National Weather Services Charleston Office, said despite clear skies, going into this weekend theres a threat for coastal flooding. Spring tide  or King tide  extends through Sept. 23 and the Fall Equinox begins Sunday.

This is one of the two times of the year where we see some coastal flooding with both the morning and the high and the evening high tides, Dixon said.

Saturday morning high tide is the greatest concern, Dixon said, because theres a building area of high pressure and northeast winds could strengthen. The NWS expected moderate coastal flooding Friday and Saturday, with the possibility of approaching major flood.

On Hilton Head Island, Saturday mornings high tide is 9.5 feet at 11:52 a.m., according to US Harbors site. At 10:34, the islands high tide will reach 9.2 feet.

Storms in the tropics

Three storm systems were looming in the Atlantic on Thursday morning, according to the National Hurricane Centers seven-day outlook.

Dixon said two of the disturbances, one the remnants of Gordon and the other about 750 miles southeast of Bermuda, are nothing to worry over.

Looking at the guidance, they look like theyre just going to stay over the Atlantic and not have any impact whatsoever on our area, Dixon said.

The third system, over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico, is a broad area of low pressure that could form by early next week over the western and northwestern Caribbean Sea, the center said. Gradual development is possible, strengthening into a tropical depression as the system moves slowly to the north or northwest over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and into the southern Gulf of Mexico through the middle part of next week.

On Thursday morning, the third storm system had a 40% chance of formation within the next seven days.

(Theres) a lot of uncertainty with the system, Dixon said. Nothing that we can plan on at this time, but it is an area of concern that we need to watch going through this weekend and into early next week.
These 34 creatures were recently discovered as new species. Take a look

Recent discoveries of creatures highlight the ongoing exploration and identification of new species, such as eight-eyed spiders and dragon-like lizards in India.

These events not only expand our understanding of biodiversity but also uncover unique adaptations, such as venomous spiders with medically significant venom in China and vibrant Amazonian crickets silent in their cave habitat.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

In the spiny, thicket habitats of southern Madagascar, small flies were caught in nets and discovered as new species.

NO. 1: GRACEFUL CREATURES  NAMED AFTER STILETTOS  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES IN MADAGASCAR

On the island nation of Madagascar, a group of researchers set up a series of tent-like traps in the hope of catching insects as they flew through the rainforest. | Published April 23, 2024 | Read Full Story







NO. 2: SMOOTH MUD CREATURE PREGNANT WITH 12 BABIES IS CAUGHT IN NET. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Another specimen was found slithering through a rubber plantation in the pouring rain, researchers said. | Published March 11, 2024 | Read Full Story

Two new species of spiders with medically significant venom were discovered in Yunnan Province, China, according to a new study.

NO. 3: FANGED CREATURES WITH MEDICALLY SIGNIFICANT VENOM FOUND IN CHINA. SEE THE NEW SPECIES

Venom from similar species could potentially be used to treat cancer, according to one study. | Published May 2, 2024 | Read Full Story

Scientists found an eight-eyed animal that chases its prey in leaves of Kerala and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 4: STRANGE 8-EYED CREATURE  A SPEEDY HUNTER  FOUND IN INDIA. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Researchers described the animals hunting method as surprising and notable. | Published January 5, 2024 | Read Full Story







NO. 5: DWARF-LIKE CREATURE  WITH LONG FINGERS AND CLAWS  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES

Photos show the slender animal found in a cave of India. | Published June 19, 2024 | Read Full Story







NO. 6: LARGE CREATURE  WITH LONG FINGERS AND RED EYES  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES

Photos show the scaly animal found in a rocky forest of India. | Published June 17, 2024 | Read Full Story

Scientists found a bizarre animal with spear-like appendages in Australia and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 7: BIZARRE CREATURE  THAT HUNTS LIKE AN ASSASSIN  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES. SEE IT

Scientists found the iconic predator in the leaves of a park in Australia. | Published May 15, 2024 | Read Full Story

Researchers discovered a new golden species of skink in Papua New Guinea, according to a new study.

NO. 8: GOLD-PATTERNED CREATURE SPOTTED BASKING IN SUN. SEE SPECTACULAR NEW SPECIES

The small and glossy new mountain species was discovered in Papua New Guinea, researchers said in a new study. | Published January 26, 2024 | Read Full Story







NO. 9: DRAGON-LIKE CREATURE  WITH STRONG CLAWS  FOUND NEAR BUS STOP. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Photos show the scaly animal discovered in a forest of southern India. | Published January 26, 2024 | Read Full Story

Scientists found a 1-foot-long creature with pointed teeth under a log in southern India and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 10: 1-FOOT-LONG CREATURE WITH POINTED TEETH FOUND LURKING UNDER LOG. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Photos show the yellow-spotted animal discovered in southern India. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

Scientists found a multicolored animal with spiky skin perched on plants in Ecuador and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 11: COLORFUL, SPIKY CREATURE FOUND PERCHED ON PLANTS IN ECUADOR. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Scientists discovered the multicolored animal living in a mountain forest, a study said. | Published May 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

Deep in a cave in the Amazon Rainforest (not pictured), a new species of insect lives its life in silence.

NO. 12: CAVE-DWELLING CREATURE  FOUND IN AMAZON  CANT MAKE A SOUND. SEE UNIQUE NEW SPECIES

Researchers may have caught adaptation in action. | Published April 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Irene Wright

Scientists found a spiky animal lurking in cliffs and forest of Lao Cai Province and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 13: SPIKY CREATURE  WITH BENT TOES  FOUND IN CLIFFS OF VIETNAM. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Researchers discovered the scaly animal on cliffs and in a nearby forest. | Published February 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

Scientists found a large creature with silver-blue spikes in a forest of India and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 14: LARGE FOREST CREATURE  WITH SILVER-BLUE SPIKES  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES. SEE IT

Scientists found the long-fingered animal on rocks in a forest of India. | Published June 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 15: GHOSTLY CREATURE  NAMED AFTER HARRY POTTER VILLAIN  DISCOVERED UNDERGROUND. SEE IT

The blind insect lives in the depths of darkness underneath the desert of Western Australia, researchers said. | Published April 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Irene Wright

In a mangrove forest on the coast of Brazil, a new species was found clinging to the tangled roots.

NO. 16: THIN AND FRAGILE CREATURE FOUND CLINGING TO MANGROVES IN BRAZIL. SEE NEW SPECIES

The species is less than a quarter inch long and digs into the muddy sand, researchers said. | Published May 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Irene Wright

Scientists found a winged animal with a metallic body in a forest of Yunnan and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 17: RARE WINGED CREATURE  WITH MAGICAL RED BODY  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES IN CHINA

The hard-to-find animal has the metallic coloring of a jewel. Take a look. | Published February 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

In the clear water of Totem Pole Cave (not pictured), giant creatures swim around, waiting to be discovered.

NO. 18: GIANT CAVE CREATURE  WITH TEETH AND CLAWS  FOUND IN AUSTRALIA. SEE THE NEW SPECIES

The translucent species was found in clear pools of water. | Published May 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Irene Wright

Scientists found a pointy creature with a ribbed shell stuck to a bush in Markam County and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 19: POINTY CREATURE WITH RIBBED SHELL FOUND STUCK ON BRANCH IN TIBET. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Photos show the brown and white animal discovered in a remote river valley. | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 20: 2-FOOT-LONG CREATURE  WITH BLUE LIPS AND YELLOW EYES  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES

Photos show the brightly colored animal found in tree hollows and coastal forests of Vietnam. | Published July 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 21: DRAGON-LIKE SEA CREATURE PULLED FROM DEPTHS OFF NEW ZEALAND. ITS A NEW SPECIES

The deep-sea animal has fangs and the ability to glow, researchers said. | Published June 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 22: DEEP-SEA CREATURES  WITH THEIR OWN LURE  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES IN ASIA. SEE THEM

Their flat bodies allow them to blend in with the sea floor and wait for prey, researchers said. | Published July 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Irene Wright







NO. 23: POND CREATURE  WITH HEART-SHAPED MARK  FOUND AT PARK IN CHINA. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Photos show the densely scaled animal. | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 24: PECULIAR 8-LEGGED CREATURE FOUND HIDING AT RESORT IN INDIA. ITS A NEW SPECIES

The brown animal was clothed with fine pale hairs, researchers said. | Published May 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 25: IRIDESCENT BUTTERFLIES SEEN DOING AERIAL CONTESTS ARE A NEW SPECIES. CHECK THEM OUT

The colorful new species was discovered at a park in Australia. | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

Scientists on a research vessel in the Atlantic Ocean found an orange sea creature with five arms and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 26: BUMPY ORANGE CREATURE  WITH FIVE ARMS  FOUND ON OCEAN FLOOR. ITS A NEW SPECIES

The deep-sea animal had distinctive triangular arms, a study said. | Published April 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 27: CRYPTIC CREATURE  ABLE TO ALTER ITS COLORING  FOUND IN FOREST. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Scientists heard the inconspicuous animal calling in a forest of Peru. | Published May 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft







NO. 28: MASSIVE SEA CREATURE WITH VIVID COLORING FOUND NEAR JAPAN COAST. ITS A NEW SPECIES

From yellow to red to green, photos show the animals highly variable color. | Published July 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

Scientists found a stinging creature in the rock wall of graveyard in Michoacan and discovered a new species, a study said.

NO. 29: GLOWING CREATURE FOUND LURKING IN GRAVEYARD OF MEXICO AT NIGHT. ITS A NEW SPECIES

Photos show the stinging creature discovered at the cemetery. | Published July 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

Scientists found an alien-faced animal on a mountain in Tanzania and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo shows a representative mountain.

NO. 30: ALIEN-FACED CREATURE  WITH ABOUT 200 LEGS  DISCOVERED AS NEW SPECIES IN TANZANIA

Researchers found the yellow animal living on a mountain. Take a look. | Published February 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

In underwater burrows, species live together in harmony and make some of the loudest sounds in the ocean.

NO. 31: TRANSLUCENT CREATURES  WITH NEON EGGS  FOUND ON SEA FLOOR. SEE VIBRANT NEW SPECIES

The animals are found along the Caribbean coast and the east coast of Florida, researchers said. | Published June 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Irene Wright







NO. 32: 5-FOOT PREDATOR  WITH LARGE EYES  FOUND NEAR ROAD IN TRINIDAD. ITS A NEW SPECIES

The scaly green animal was also found sleeping in the islands treetops. | Published May 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

Scientists identified a tiny new species of sea star from the Pacific coast of Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica, according to a new species.

NO. 33: FUNKY FLOWER-LIKE SEA CREATURE  WITH BOTH TESTES AND OVARIES  IS A NEW SPECIES

Researchers discovered the mouthless sea daisy off the Pacific coast of Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica. | Published January 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Moira Ritter







NO. 34: SPIKY FOREST CREATURE  A MINIATURE DRAGON  FOUND IN CHINA. ITS A NEW SPECIES

The scaly animal was discovered hiding in a rocky crevice. Take a look. | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Pflughoeft

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  It was a very special day for dozens of people in the Grand Valley. Candidates gathered at the Colorado National Monument Wednesday morning to officially become U.S. citizens during an emotional ceremony.

The Colorado National Monument is typically a serene location, but that morning was quite different.

36 residents from the Grand Valley celebrated a day that will stay with them forever, the day they became American citizens.

Kait Thomas, interpretation and education program manager at Colorado National Monument, states, Its a real honor for the National Park Service to take part in this ceremony. And you know, I can, Im even getting a little emotional right now. Its just really a wonderful opportunity to welcome new citizens in the United States, while also being in such a spectacular place as Colorado National Monument.

Some of the candidates came from as far as Vietnam to El Salvador to Russia. For all thirty-six newly naturalized citizens, you can say reaching the finish line was worth it.

Mayra Diaz, a newly certified U.S. citizen, said, Its definitely an exciting day. I am really, really happy that this intense opportunity for this country is amazing and I have 10 years that come here. And every day is one new opportunity for me.

Joern Howind, a newly certified U.S. citizen, said, Ive waited for this for a very long time, and just being able to be an American citizen is just overwhelming. Its an indescribable feeling. So Im just so excited to be part of this country.

WesternSlopeNow asked, What does the word American citizen mean to you?

Oh, gosh. Ive never thought about that question. You know, I fell in love with this country at a young age. And gosh, being able to actively participate in this country and not just being a visitor is, its just a feeling that, again, I cant describe, Howind explains.

Andy Lambrecht, field office director with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Denver, said, What always stands out to me is how amazing it is that all of these new citizens have made the choice to be here. All of them have been living in the United States for several years. They have permanent resident status, but they have all made a conscious choice to apply for naturalization. Theyve made the choice to have America now be their new country of citizenship.

For Mayra, Joern and the 34 other candidates, the feeling of being an American citizen will hit differently when they see red, white, and blue from the American flag.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
The situation in the Gaza Strip could not be more dire.

Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel during its 11-month military operation in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. After 25 years, polio is back in the Strip, and the Israeli military continues to kill aid workers, health workers and journalists. Hunger is so widespread amid Israeli aid restrictions that at a July blood drive at a Gaza Health Ministry site supported by Doctors Without Borders, one in 10 would-be donors were unfit to donate due to anemia or malnutrition, the aid group said.

On top of the roughly 1,200 people killed in Israel by Hamas armed wing and other Palestinian militants on Oct. 7, 2023, dozens of hostages taken into Gaza by those groups have died, at the hands of either their captors or Israeli soldiers. Of around 250 hostages taken, only eight have been rescued via military mission, while 105 were freed in a prisoner exchange last year.

A cease-fire deal  despite being many hostages families top priority for months  does not appear likely in the short term, given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus insistence on the total destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities before the war ends.

Just recently, Israel also launched the largest military operation in years in the West Bank, the death toll of which is now approaching 700, according to United Nations officials. And Israelsmass remote detonation of pagers, walkie-talkies and solar equipment in Lebanon this week  which killed several people, including children, and injured thousands more  heightened the risk of a broader regional war.

In less than a month, the conflict will reach its first anniversary. There have been numerous powerfuldocumentaries examining the impact of Hamas brutal Oct. 7 attack and the subsequent taking of hostages on Israelis and their families, but Israels restrictions on international press entering the Gaza Strip, and its targeting of Palestinian journalists, have made reports from Gaza all the more scarce. Nevertheless, over the past year, journalists in the region have produced some incredible work on the conflict. Here is a small selection:

Oct. 7 turned so many lives upside-down in Israel and the Palestinian territories. One of those was the life of Bisan Owda, a young Palestinian content creator and activist in Gaza who very quickly became one of the 2 million peopledisplaced from their homes by Israels bombing and invasion of the Strip. Owda has used her media skills and English fluency to show the world whats happening in Gaza. Millions of viewers from around the globe have followed Bisan as she sought refuge (and narrowly avoided an Israeli missile) at al-Shifa Hospital, was forced to flee to several other areas in the Strip, dealt with a painful skin infection and toured the destruction of Khan Younis. Other videos deal with issues such as the spread of disease, rising numbers of orphaned Gazans and widespread food and water shortages.

Owda is the recent recipient of a Peabody award, one of journalisms highest honors, and one of her videos  which, like others, is produced by AJ+, Al Jazeeras digital publisher  has been nominated for a news Emmy. This, despite the efforts of a pro-Israel group in Hollywood to have her nomination rescinded.

Released in June, this masterful Al Jazeera Fault Lines documentary takes viewers inside Gaza for a firsthand look at Israeli military tactics there, and then to Washington, D.C., for an examination of the United States crucial diplomatic and military support for Israel. Working with a team of Gazan journalists as well as analysts from Airwars and Forensic Architecture, two groups that specialize in in-depth analysis of military violence, the film looks at several incidents since the start of Israels military operation, as well as observable trends in Israeli military tactics, such as bombing areas that Israel had designated safe zones. (HuffPosts Akbar Shahid Ahmed makes a brief appearance.)

Of particular note is the films reconstruction of the final moments of Hind Rajab, the 6-year-old Palestinian girl who, according to all available evidence  including a meticulous audio reconstruction from Forensic Architecture  was killed by Israeli forces while stranded in a car in Gaza, alongside five of Rajabs family members and two paramedics dispatched to rescue her.

Released last month by Zeteo, former MSNBC anchor Mehdi Hasans new media venture, Israels Reel Extremism looks at the invasion of Gaza through Israelis eyes  or, more specifically, their social media accounts. The film zeroes in on dehumanizing material thats been posted to Israeli soldiers social media accounts while in Gaza  footage of everything from soldiers abusing detainees to torching libraries  then zooms out for a broader look at the society that amplifies that material.

Who wouldnt feel superior to them? says one special forces operator, who jokingly advertised his carpentry business on social media using a Palestinian familys long-evacuated kitchen. He added, referring to Gaza: I do not think there should be life left in that place.

The film also includes interviews with far-right settlers, including those trying to enter Gaza to establish Israeli communities there. Reacting to the death toll in Gaza, one such activist says the killing should continue until there is no Hamas  if you need to kill a million, let it be a million.

This April documentary, produced by Scripps News and open-source analysis website Bellingcat, uses satellite imagery and on-the-ground reporting to track the destruction of land and infrastructure in Gaza, particularly the widespread demolition of housing. It also includes a similar analysis in the West Bank, where both Israeli military and settler violence has dramatically increased since Oct. 7.

The violence is accompanied by the ever-increasing footprint of far-right settler outposts in the West Bank, which, althoughillegal under international law, continue to multiply. In the five months since this reports release, the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated further, primarily due to a large-scale Israeli military operation that began in late August. Hundreds more people have been killed, mostly by the Israeli military, according to United Nations figures.

Though they were not offered a speaking slot on the Democratic National Conventions main stage last month, the uncommitted movement, which is calling for an arms embargo on Israel, wasnt silent. Instead, it organized its own events, including a press conference featuring health care workers whod worked in Gaza in the previous month.

Its not technically a documentary, but the press event, available for viewing online, offered haunting testimony from medical experts who saw the impact of the war firsthand. One after another, six physicians and surgeons described the devastating injuries they saw in their patients in Gaza and the low or nonexistent levels of crucial medical supplies with which they could respond. Over and over, they said, Gazans asked nothing of them other than to tell their stories to the rest of the world.

The reason weve cried here isnt sadness, anymore. Its a feeling that we have no ability  despite being from the most powerful country in the world, providing the bombs that dropped on these innocent people  that we have no power to stop the bleeding, said Dr. Ahmed Yousaf, a pediatrician and internal medicine doctor in Arkansas. He called for an immediate ceasefire and the halting of arms sales to Israel.

Another striking example of a medical workers account appeared on CBS Sunday Morning in July. All of the disasters Ive seen, combined  40 mission trips, 30 years, Ground Zero, earthquakes, all of that combined  doesnt equal the level of carnage that I saw against civilians in just my first week in Gaza, Dr. Mark Perlmutter, a North Carolina-based orthopedic surgeon, told the outlet. Perlmutter emphasized the horrors experienced by young casualties of Israels military operation, including children who were incinerated and shredded by bombs, crushed by buildings and definitively shot by snipers.

Related...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Some remember tense moments from September 2023 as crews with the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) worked to evacuate the 600-resident 505 Building.

What started as a basket of laundry set on a stove quickly turned to other problems, according to 505 developer Tony Giarratana, president of Giarratana, LLC. The buildings sprinkler system put out the initial fire in less than 15 seconds, according to Giarratana.

SEPTEMBER 2023: 505 building: Developer provides update after fire displaced hundreds

However, the amount of water started another fire in an electrical closet several floors down. Giarratana stressed that water, not fire, led to the buildings extensive damage. Roughly 60 units were displaced.

The cost was in excess of $12 million, and its staggering, really, to think about, Giarratana explained. I would say no less than three dozen people were dedicated to this process for about three-and-a-half, four months to restore the building.

Staff worked around the clock to restore power 13 days later, and all residents were able to move back in on January 8. He compared the efforts to restore 505 to a space launch.

Despite residents being offered specials at nearby sister properties, and even the cost to cover moving expenses, Giarratana said the majority were eager to return to the 505 building.

Residents said, No, well wait, we dont want to move, we love 505, we want to stay here, and that was flattering, but it increased the intensity of our anxiety about restoring power, Giarratana told News 2.

In light of the incident, Giarratana would like to deepen 505s relationship with NFD. In 2023, Giarratana mentioned issues with his staff being instructed by NFD to turn off the buildings emergency generator.

RELATED: 505 building: Management hopes to restore power this week following fires

Giarratana said the state-of-the-art system ran independently from the damaged electrical unit, and that by turning off the generator, emergency stairwell lights could not run, nor could the buildings elevators.

He added that he has been in touch with Nashvilles fire chief and he hopes to collaborate on a building training for firefighters. He suggested training sessions once a quarter, or twice per year, so crews would be familiar with 505s systems.

Giarratana is also the developer of the 34-story Alcove property, the 38-story Prime apartment building, and is in the process of completing a 60-story residence downtown.

With downtown Nashvilles evolving skyline, Giarratana said that he felt it was important for fire crews to be trained on responding to emergencies in highrises, and for personnel to familiarize themselves with a buildings layout and systems whenever possible.

PREVIOUS: Residents from 350 units displaced following fires in downtown Nashville high-rise building

A spokesperson for NFD provided the following statement:

The Nashville Fire Department is an all-hazards department. So, our personnel are always training to meet the growth and change in Nashville. That includes, whether its new technology, high-rise developments, or whatever comes next.

Also, September is Preparedness Month. Both NFD and the Office of Emergency Management wants to remind people that preparing for various hazards whether a fire, severe weather, illness or otherwise the time to prepare is before the emergency. You can find more information at Ready.Gov (http://Ready.Gov).

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Crowds of protesters mobbed a subway station in Manhattan Wednesday night in response to a police-involved shooting at a Brooklyn subway station on Sunday.

Demonstrators jumped the turnstiles at the West 4th Street station and chanted obscenities at responding NYPD officers, video shows.

More Local News

The chaos broke out onto the streets, as officers were seen detaining individuals involved.

Police say 17 individuals were taken into custody amid the discord, 10 of whom were issued summons and released for disorderly conduct.

The remaining individuals were arrested for charges including resisting arrest, obstruction, and assault, according to the NYPD.

Protesters also gathered on Tuesday to call for free public transportation arguing there wouldnt be a need for enforcement activity underground if there were no cost to ride the subway. The NYPDs presence in the subway system increased following a string of crimes earlier this year.

Bystander shot by police at Brooklyn subway station has brain damage: sources

Interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon and top brass from the NYPD addressed the Brooklyn subway shooting on Wednesday.

I want to state that some of the narratives discussed by people, that we shot someone over $2.90  which is wrong and frankly irresponsible, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said.

Officials noted the police body camera footage from the incident will be released in the coming days.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
$70m officially on its way to Ruidoso area to help governments recover from fires, floods

Homes and rubble remain interspersed between trees burned in the South Fork fires on Aug. 20, 2024. (Photo by Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

A state agency has awarded $70 million in zero-interest loans to local governments in and around Ruidoso, cutting checks that the New Mexico Legislature authorized during a special legislative session in July.

The loans are to help public entities like the Village of Ruidoso stay afloat as they pay millions of dollars to rebuild from a natural disaster that began with the South Fork and Salt fires. The fires began in mid-June, and destruction continues today with flash floods.

According to a news release Wednesday from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, $36 million is going to Lincoln County to repair road and bridge damages in the Cedar Creek and Gavilan Canyon areas.

The state will also give $44 million to the Village of Ruidoso for road and bridge repairs in the Upper Canyon area.

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said $22 million had already been deposited in the villages bank account on Tuesday morning. He was concerned it would take three more months or longer to see the money, so he was pleased that it came so quickly.

It came at a great time, he said.

The bills for Ruidoso Village are piling up, the mayor said, as it works to dig out and prevent future damage floods.

Ruidoso Village has two contracts worth $70 million for watershed restoration and infrastructure repair, Crawford said, and expenses keep accruing. A recent estimate he saw of costs for the village alone was $81 million, though calculations are ongoing and numbers are being compiled constantly, he said.

The South Fork and Salt fires burned about 25,000 acres and destroyed or badly damaged more than 1,100 homes, including about 230 lost in post-fire flooding.

The disaster loans were included in a lone piece of legislation New Mexico lawmakers passed during a special session in mid-July. The loans were granted to get money quickly to disaster-stricken areas to cover expenses while they wait for reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Public Assistance program.

State lawmakers passed a similar measure following the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in April 2022.It took more than a year, in some cases, for local governments like Mora County to receive the loan funds after that fire.

This time around, it took less than two months. Awards for loans were announced 50 days between when Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill in late July to Wednesday.

(Department of Finance and Administration) got this money out the door so it can be put to use as the community rebuilds and recovers from the fires, secretary Wayne Propst said in a news release. We treated this with the utmost urgency and completed the process as quickly as possible.

In addition to the $70 million in loans, lawmakers included $30 million in grants for agencies and governments involved in the recovery, including $10 million apiece for the Mescalero Apache Reservation, the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The University of Illinois System Board of Trustees approved a multi-billion-dollar budget on Thursday.

After another year of record enrollment, the school will focus more of their spending on increases in faculty and other support, mental health resources, programs that keep students on track for graduation, and technology improvements and facilities upgrades across the U of I System.

Emmy-nominated Music of Hope features Springfield professors family history

Saturdays vote finalized the Fiscal Year 2025 plan that was approved in May. This plan was pending the General Assemblys approval of the state budget. The state budgeted over $700 million for the U of I system. This was a 1.8% increase from last year.

The University of Illinois System and our three universities are contributing to the state economy on a number of levels, and we are partnering with government, industry and the nonprofit sector to enhance our efforts to the benefit of every Illinois citizen, U of I System President Tim Killeen said. We are committed to providing a world-class education to state residents.

In the past 10 years, the U of I System has worked to freeze resident undergraduate tuition and increase financial aid. Two-thirds of undergraduates receive financial aid, and more than half of the undergraduate students pay less than $6,000 in tuition a year.

97,772 students in total have enrolled in the U of I system this year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Before the 2025 school year begins late next summer, Goodwin University plans to build its 90,000-square-foot NextTech Academy to serve freshmen high school students interested in industry and technology.

NextTech will join Goodwins system of magnet schools and further enlarge its campus along the Connecticut River, and will ultimately serve just under 290 students from ninth through 12th grade.

The $85 million building will include 6,000 square feet of industrial shops with equipment, technical classrooms and computer labs along with a cybersecurity war room.

A unique feature will be an astronaut training center: The school plans a partnership with the Victorian Space Science Education Centre in Australia, and Goodwin students will get to apply what theyve learned about technical science in a virtual mission to Mars, according to Superintendent Salvatore Menzo.

Most of the school will be devoted to relatively traditional careers, with a heavy emphasis on high-tech manufacturing thats in high demand by aerospace businesses along the I-91 corridor as well as other industrial employers around the state.

The intent is to provide a leading-edge technical magnet program. It will partner with local industry to really get its students not only the soft skills they need for the world of work, but to really train them on the actual machines that some of our states leading innovators are using, architect Michael Scott told town officials this summer.

Floor plans provided to the towns planning and zoning commission show space for computer labs, CNC lathes, sheet metal work, 3D printing, welding and a work area for drones, automation and robotics.

The school will have a large gym, and outdoor field, an auditorium and band room along with other facilities.

Menzo said the curriculum will focus on design thinking, work-based learning, personal finance and six key workplace skills: critical thinking, time management, communication, presentation skills, team work and problem solving. There will be shop space for automation, production/fabrication, Smart Factory 4.0 and system integration.

A few topics in the Smart Factory 4.0 section will be data analytics, KPI-metrics, virtual processes, predictive maintenance, AI and cybersecurity.

Goodwin administrators envision classes of 18 to 20, with about 75 students in each grade. The program will meet the states graduation requirements, and Goodwin Connecticut State Graduation Requirements while offering them a unique intends to coordinate paid internships and apprenticeships.

The school will be constructed along Pent Road and when completed will form a complex of high school programs including Goodwins nearby Pathways High school as well as the educational facilities in Building 1 and Building 2.

Goodwin anticipates that the vast majority of students will arrive by bus or be dropped off by parents. The magnet school will serve surrounding towns, and Goodwins experience with Pathways is that most students get rides or take the bus rather than drive themselves. So even though the new school will be built on the site of Pathways parking lot, Goodwin told the town it is confident there will be enough parking with the 101 new spaces it has proposed.
COLOMBO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Education Ministry on Thursday announced the closure of all schools on Friday, the day before the presidential election, following a request by the Election Commission.

The schools will reopen on Monday, the ministry said.

The ministry added that many schools will be used as polling centers on Saturday, and these schools must be handed over to local government officials after school hours on Thursday.

All education directors and principals have been instructed to provide necessary tables, chairs and hall facilities for election officers' activities, the ministry said.

The 2024 presidential election will take place on Saturday with over 17 million voters across the country to elect Sri Lanka's next president. 
Network coverage of former President Trump has been overwhelmingly negative since the second assassination attempt against him Sunday, according to one report.

Analysts at the Media Research Center (MRC) reviewed 69 minutes of campaign coverage on the ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts between Sept. 15 and Sept. 17.

MRC reported that although the thwarted assassination attempt took up 70% of all campaign news on the networks, a significant amount of that coverage was negative towards Trump.

"Over the three nights, we tallied 21 evaluative comments about the GOP candidate, 20 of which were negative, which computes to a 95% negative spin score," the MRC reported.

Former President Trump attends a town hall meeting moderated by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Flint, Michigan, on Tuesday.

DEMOCRATS, PUNDITS LINK TRUMP'S OWN RHETORIC TO SECOND ATTEMPT ON HIS LIFE: 'VERY BIG PART OF THE PROBLEM'

NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt drew a connection between Trump's rhetoric and the attempted violence against him just hours after a suspected gunman was spotted.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Todays apparent assassination attempt comes amid increasingly fierce rhetoric on the campaign trail itself. Mr. Trump [and] his running mate JD Vance continued to make baseless claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio," Hold said Sunday.

The town of Springfield, Ohio, was put in the spotlight after viral claims of pets being stolen and eaten by Haitian migrants, which officials have vehemently denied, were amplified by Trump during last week's presidential debate.

Meanwhile, Trump and his allies have slammed Democrats, arguing their extreme rhetoric is encouraging violence against the former commander-in-chief.

NBC host Lester Holt discussed bomb threats against Springfield, Ohio, by tying them to rhetoric from the Trump campaign.

The MRC noted that on CBS Monday night newscast, anchor Norah ODonnell rejected Trump's argument and put the onus on him.

"Donald Trump is blaming Democrats for inflaming political rhetoric, but the former presidents own words seem to be increasing the threat of political violence in Springfield, Ohio. Thats where a false and ugly accusation against Haitians, thousands of whom are legal permanent residents, is impacting everyday life," she said.

According to the MRC, NBC reporter Garrett Haake similarly said, "Trump has also used incendiary language against Democrats, and authorities have not yet revealed a motive in either incident."

WHO IS RYAN WESLEY ROUTH: ALLEGED GUNMAN AT TRUMP GOLF CLUB

"These networks gave relatively little time to the accusation that these attempted shootings might have been influenced by Democratic rhetoric painting Trump as an existential threat," the MRC said.

"Out of 48 minutes of coverage of the attempted shooting, the three networks spent less than two minutes (1 minute, 53 seconds) on the possibility that Democrats could share the blame."

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The incident comes approximately two months after an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.





Original article source: 95% negative coverage of Trump on ABC, CBS, NBC after 2nd assassination attempt: report
95-year-old veteran killed in car crash while on his way to meet friends: 'Man of integrity'

95-year-old veteran killed in car crash while on his way to meet friends: 'Man of integrity'

A 95-year-old veteran was recently killed in a car accident on his way to see his friends for an early morning meetup.

South Carolina resident Peter Pulkkinen died after his car collided with a Myrtle Beach Fire Department (MBFD) vehicle on Saturday. The Horry County Coroner's Office confirmed his death in an email to Fox News Digital.

The incident took place at around 5:46 a.m. In a statement posted to Facebook, fire department officials said that they were responding to a structure fire call before the crash happened.

MBFD personnel rendered aid to Pulkkinen, but the nonagenarian passed away after being brought to a local hospital.

3-YEAR-OLD BOY FOUND DEAD AFTER FALLING INTO SEPTIC TANK WHILE PLAYING OUTSIDE: POLICE

Peter Pulkkinen died in an accident involving the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

"The two Myrtle Beach Fire Department employees involved in the accident are physically unharmed," the MBFD's statement added. "South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Our hearts go out to everyone involved."

Pulkkinen's niece, Avis, told WMBF that the veteran was on his way to McDonald's to meet his friends for a cup of coffee. It was one of his regular routines.

"He was an excellent driver, and we had ridden with him. When we visited with him, he insisted on driving," Avis explained. "He was always so cautious, so careful, looking both ways."

MULTIPLE PEOPLE ELECTROCUTED IN FREAK ACCIDENT WHILE ENJOYING SWIM IN POOL: POLICE

Peter Pulkkinen, 95, joined the U.S. Air Force in 1948 and served for 20 years.

Pulkkinen's obituary, which was posted on Legacy.com, remembered him as a "quiet man of integrity." He was born in 1929 and grew up on a farm in Maine before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1948.

Pulkkinen, who met his wife in England and brought her to the U.S., served in the military for two decades before transitioning to the private sector.

"He loved to take walks, read biographies and history books, take trips to visit friends in Florida, and enjoyed driving through the Kentucky countryside," the obituary described. "His favorite weekly outing was a meal at the Golden Corral."

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department reported that its personnel rendered aid to Pulkkinen after the crash.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to the Myrtle Beach Fire Department for additional comment, but did not immediately hear back.





Original article source: 95-year-old veteran killed in car crash while on his way to meet friends: 'Man of integrity'
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Texas Governor Greg Abbotts Office announced Wednesday, Sept. 18 Fabens Independent School District was awarded over a $344,000 grant to help career and technical education (CTE) training programs.

The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant was awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to help the school district purchase and install equipment to train over 100 students as registered nurses in partnership with El Paso Community College, according to Abbotts Office.

Investing in our future workforce is crucial for Texas to remain the Best State for Business, the best state for jobs, and the best state for opportunity, said Governor Abbott. This grant will provide students in Fabens ISD with the skills and experience they need to go into high-demand, good-paying jobs after graduation. Through the Texas Workforce Commission working with our educational partners, we will continue to train the workforce of tomorrow and create more economic opportunities for the next generation.

Through funding by the Texas Legislature in two years, the TWC utilizes the grants to pay for the start-up costs to develop career and technical education programs for public community, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools, according to Abbotts Office.

Todays JET grant will help Fabens ISD provide instruction for hundreds of students training to fill high-demand occupations, said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. Together with our local partners across the state, TWC is helping to develop a skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.

According to Abbotts Office, equipment paid through the funding grants is used to train students for high-demanding careers.

For more information on the TWCs Jobs and Education for Texans grant program, visit their 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 KTSM 9 News.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene man accused of attempting to steal a cake from Market Street has been indicted.

On April 2, 2024, a loss prevention officer at Market Street Grocery reported that he had stopped a customer from leaving the store without paying for a cake from the deli. According to the statement, he asked the man, later identified as Taner John Pierce, to follow him to the office.

While in the office, Pierce allegedly got confrontational and stood up as if to leave. The officer tried to stop him, but Pierce pushed him and ran to the front of the store. Another store employee tackled Pierce and held him on the floor until the police arrived. The loss prevention officer mentioned that his finger may have been fractured during the incident, and the cake was valued at $33.70.

Pierce was charged with Robbery and has been indicted.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The U.S. Air Force's top special operations officer says AC-130J Ghostriders will continue being armed with 105mm howitzers for the foreseeable future despite the gunships evolving to as focus shifts to preparing for high-end fights.

The U.S. Air Forces top special operations officer says AC-130J Ghostrider gunships will continue being armed with 105mm howitzers for the time being, though this could still change in future. The service had been considering removing these weapons from the AC-130Js amid a growing debate about the relevance of the gunships in future high-end conflicts, such as one in the Pacific against China.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, head of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), talked about current and future plans for the AC-130Js with The War Zone and others at a media roundtable yesterday. The gathering came on the last day of the Air & Space Forces Associations 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference just outside Washington, D.C.

An AC-130J Ghostrider. USAF

The 105[mm howitzer] will continue to be relevant, Conley said. The plan is to keep using that in the years to come.

AFSOC has some 31 AC-130Js in inventory, which are the only AC-130 variants now in service. The Ghostriders current armament package includes a 105mm howitzer, as well as a single barrel 30mm GAU-23/A Bushmaster II automatic cannon. The gunships can also employ an array of precision-guided missiles and bombs via Common Launch Tubes (CLT) and underwing racks. You can learn more about how the Air Force AC-130s have evolved since the introduction of the original AC-130A version in the 1960s here and in The War Zone video below.

Operational Ghostriders were initially delivered to AFSOC armed with modified versions of the 105mm M102 howitzer, a weapon that had been found on multiple preceding AC-130 variants dating back to the Vietnam War. The M102 was originally developed during the Cold War as a light towed artillery piece for the U.S. Army, which retired the last of its examples in the early 2000s.

An AC-130J armed with a modified 105mm M102 howitzer. USAF A close-up look at the 105mm howitzer on an AC-130J. USAF

With the M102s becoming increasingly unsupportable, the Air Force, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, had begun acquiring improved 105mm howitzers for the AC-130J. As of November 2023, 17 Ghostriders had received replacement howitzers, referred to at the time by the interim nomenclature GAU-XX. At that time, however, AFSOC had also confirmed to The War Zone that further integrations had been put on hold pending the results of the assessment of capabilities of the AC-130J.

A look at the improved GAU-XX howitzer on an AC-130J at Yokota Air Base in Japan during an exercise in 2022. USAF

Separate plans to arm a Ghostrider with a laser directed energy weapon, which had previously been described as ideally suited for use in counter-terrorism and other lower-intensity operations, were also notably scrapped last year.

The War Zone has now reached back out to AFSOC about whether the GAU-XX integrations have resumed, how many AC-130Js now have the improved howitzers, and for other additional information.

Speaking at the roundtable yesterday, Lt. Gen. Conley did acknowledge that there could be less emphasis on the 105mm howitzers when employing AC-130Js in a future high-end fight.

As we look through our training portfolios and what we need to do for future fights, it probably involves less of the 105mm, Conley said. Its got munitions that could sink a ship,  not a capital ship, not a carrier, but it could do damage to smaller ships.

In a peer fight, I think our spot is probably on the periphery, he added. It [AC-130Js] could harass outlying [enemy] forces.

What the gunships known for, in many cases, with our ground partners, is just the sound of freedom overhead and knowing that someones there watching them, Conley continued.

The AFSOC commanders comments here followed the rare appearance of an AC-130J at a sinking exercise (SINKEX) in the Pacific in July. The SINKEX in question, where various assets were used to send the ex-USS Dubuque, a decommissioned U.S. Navy Austin class amphibious warfare ship, to the bottom of the ocean was part of the larger biennial Rim Of The Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, which you can read more about here.

At that time, The War Zone highlighted very similar kinds of potential roles and missions for AC-130Js, as well as challenges those aircraft would face, in a future major conflict, writing:

During a future major conflict, just getting within gun range of a higher-value target like an amphibious warfare ship, likely operating as part of a larger group of warships further supported by air and other assets, would be a very tall order, if not impossible, for Air Force AC-130s. Ghostriders might still be able to leverage their guns against vessels in lower-risk areas or to help finish off severely damaged vessels separated from their companions. Armed overwatch over and around friendly forces on islands and anchorages could be another future maritime mission in a higher-end fight. It is worth noting that even during operations in largely permissive airspace over countries like Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan in the past 20 years or so, AC-130s have almost exclusively operated at night in large part to help reduce their vulnerability to potential threats.

Were looking at options for improved radars [and] other things that a traditional AC-130 would not have been asked to do, Lt. Gen. Conley noted yesterday.

The Air Force and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) have a stated interest in adding new active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radars to the Ghostriders. These would give the aircraft important new targeting, threat warning, and potentially even electronic warfare capabilities, along with giving their crews generally improved situational awareness. AC-130Js already have a substantial and still-growing self-protection electronic warfare suite.

Adding smaller and lower-cost cruise missiles to the AC-130Js arsenal to significantly increase its ability to launch stand-off strikes further away from enemy defenses is also increasingly on the horizon. Lt. Gen. Conley separately highlighted yesterday how AFSOC has been experimenting with using its MC-130 special operations tanker/transports as stand-off strike platforms using the Rapid Dragon palletized munitions system.

AFSOC is looking to increasingly utilize autonomous capabilities, supported by advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, across all of its aircraft fleets and that could also impact how AC-130Js are employed in the future.

Id say [what] were looking at in AFSOC  is an incremental approach, where what I am asking industry and my team to get after is, what are the things we can do inside the plane right now that allow the aircrew to focus on mission things and not the mechanics of flying an aircraft, Lt. Gen. Conley said yesterday. So how do you fully automate [aircraft] startup and all that stuff where you hit a button and everything does it versus reading the old school checklist back and forth. The next step of that would be, okay, is there a point that we could reduce a crew member?

I think theres also an autonomy piece in our mission side, where  like with our [AC-130] gunship, you know, what can we do, as far as sensors and targeting to use the technology thats out there and getting better to help us with target identification, and kind of take the human out of the loop and put him or her on the loop, he added.

The head of AFSOC also repeatedly stressed that, while the U.S. militarys primary focus is shifting to preparing for future high-end conflicts, the special operations community in particular remains heavily engaged in lower-intensity operations globally. Those missions, in turn, mean a need is still seen for the traditional capabilities that the AC-130 offers. This reality is also impacting discussions about plans for the planned fleet of OA-1K light attack aircraft, which are facing the same kinds of questions about future relevance as the Ghostriders.

One of the Air Tractor AT-802U aircraft now being used to train Air Force pilots ahead of the delivery of the first OA-1K aircraft. The OA-1K is a derivative of the AT-802U. U.S. Air National Guard

From when OA-1K was conceptualized and decided on until now, the worlds changed a little bit. And so we look at some different opportunities with it. I think it still provides a cost-effective close air support platform, which is one of the missions that it was designed for. Its still going to provide an ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] capability, Conley explained. But as we move forward, I think theres opportunity to look at, again, some novel mission sets. how quick can we get the wings on and off it so we could use it in some sort of crisis response, if we needed to? Where does the role of SIGINT, or ELINT or some sort of ISR collect [factor in] there. I think theres opportunity for that. Again, not anything weve committed to yet.

Conley added that AFSOCs requirement currently remains for a fleet of 75 OA-1Ks despite discussions about potentially truncating those purchases.

All this being said, AFSOC is clearly at a watershed moment in its history, as is the rest of the U.S. special operations community, after spending the bulk of the last two decades focused almost exclusively on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and other lower-intensity operations. Plans for the AC-130Js future armament and other capabilities, as well as the gunships expected roles and missions, are continuing to evolve as eyes turn to future high-end fights.

In the meantime, at least, the Ghostriders will continue to wield their 105mm howitzers.

Howard Altman contributed to this story.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)State housing officials kicked off outreach efforts on accessory dwelling units (ADU) to municipal leaders Wednesday, as they prepare for zoning changes embedded in the Affordable Homes Act to take effect in February.

Staff from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities say they are mulling over the guidance or regulations to issue for cities and towns to comply with Gov. Maura Healeys priority bill, which she signed on Aug. 6. The new law allows ADUs under 900 square feet to be built by right. The Healey administration previously estimated the law could create more than 8,000 ADUs over five years.

Rural Policy group provides community with updates

Municipalities will have flexibility when it comes to the timeline for updating zoning bylaws, and local boards will have to deal with infrastructure challenges that could hamper ADU construction, staff indicated to the Rural Policy Advisory Commission on Wednesday.

Our first priority is to reach out and make sure municipal officials have the right answers and have places to send people with further questions, said Chris Kluchman, director of EOHLCs Livable Communities Division. She said property owners have been raising lots of questions about ADUs.

EOHLC is bringing on an ADU coordinator next month, staffers said. The office has also launched a webpage focused on ADUs, which previews the legislative changes impacting municipalities starting Feb. 2.

Cities and towns will not be able to require owner occupancy of the ADU or main residence, or a special permit or discretionary zoning approval for use or rental of an ADU. Municipalities also cannot require more than one parking space for an ADU located more than half a mile away from a commuter rail, subway or bus station or ferry terminal, and they cannot require any parking for an ADU located within half a mile of those transit options.

This is not in effect right away. It has this six-month period that while some communities may go forward in a city council meeting or a town meeting prior to Feb. 2, that if your city or town does not do that prior to Feb. 2, it is not the end of the world, and that you know, you can wait to, lets say to a spring town meeting season, Kluchman said.

My guess is that there wont be that many accessory dwelling unit applications prior to a spring town meeting, she continued. But if there are, you have to just look to the statute and administer the statute. You may no longer enforce zoning regulations that conflict with the statute.

Local governing bodies would likely decide whether detached ADUs, including those in barns, could connect to the utilities of the primary residence, Kluchman said in response to a question. She added local boards of health and building commissioners will need to deal with handling drinking water and septic system needs for ADUs.

Lets say you have a three-bedroom septic and an ADU makes a fourth bedroom, and theres no way for relief, you may have to do some upgrading of your septic system, Kluchman said.

Infrastructure challenges pose unique challenges in rural parts of the state, said RPAC member Linda Dunlavy, who represents the Franklin Regional Council of Governments.

I think that lack of sewer and water is going to be the biggest detriment in making the ADUs by right as effective as we need them to be in rural areas, Dunlavy said, as she brought up septic system regulations and collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection.

I think, though, that one thing the RPAC should be thinking about, along with our legislative colleagues and perhaps HLC colleagues, is really starting to work with DEP about looking at the Title 5 regulations themselves, and seeing if there can be some changes that make it easier for rural residents who have four- or five-bedroom houses now and a septic system big enough for four or five bedrooms, but only one bedroom occupied, she continued. How can we deal with that, rather than asking our residents to invest $20, 30, 50 (or) $100,000 in expanding their septic system?

The ADU changes also offer municipalities an opportunity to evaluate short-term rental rules. The Affordable Homes Act states cities and towns cannot unreasonably restrict creating or renting an ADU that is not a short-term rental.

It is written in the negative, but again, one would think that means the law is providing an avenue for communities to regulate short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units that are short-term rentals. I think its trying to be explicit, Kluchman said. More to come on that, but I would just direct you to that language in the statute.

Filipe Zamborlini, manager of EOHLCs community assistance unit, emphasized officials intend to have a very robust engagement process with the ADU rollout. The administration wants to see the ADU initiative yield positive results and not just become a tool in the toolbox that unfortunately is not being used, he said.

That is the last thing we want to happen in this case, Zamborlini said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Editors note: A new forecast has been issued for the growing hurricane threat in the Gulf of Mexico.

AccuWeather meteorologists continue to highlight a high risk of tropical development next week from the northwestern Caribbean to the south-central and southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Any system that evolves, regardless of intensity, is likely to threaten the United States along the Gulf coast.

"There is the potential for a tropical storm that forms in this area to strengthen into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico," Senior Director of AccuWeather Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin said, "Historically, a storm moving northward from the Caribbean this time of the year not only strengthens but often rapidly strengthens. Major hurricanes have developed in similar situations in the past."

AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno explained that the jet stream usually directs established tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico this time of the year.

"Typically, the jet stream tends to pull systems to the north and east that enter the Gulf with a higher probability of a direct strike from Louisiana to the Florida west coast versus the Texas coast," Rayno said.

For this reason, there are likely to be at least indirect impacts throughout the Gulf Coast during the middle and latter part of next week, with escalating impacts in some areas, depending on the track of the tropical feature. Conditions ranging from building surf and seas to the potential for storm surge, damaging winds and flooding rainfall are all possible.

Factors expected to lead to tropical development from the western Caribbean to part of the southern Gulf of Mexico include the formation of the Central America gyre, a large, slowly spinning area of low pressure that makes it easy for showers and thunderstorms to develop and cluster. This gyre is much more common in the spring and later in the autumn.

The second factor will be a dip in the jet stream, which will not only help the gyre to strengthen but also influence the track of a tropical feature after it forms.

"If the jet stream ends up being weak, then a tropical feature can still wander into the western Gulf of Mexico and end up near Texas," Rayno said, "Most likely, though, there is usually enough jet stream influence to pull a system to the north and east at some point."

Another factor is the extremely warm water in the anticipated development zone. Surface water temperatures throughout the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico are sufficiently warm.

"The warm water extends hundreds of feet [deep] from the surface in the western Caribbean and the southern Gulf, so that when winds begin to churn the waters, there is minimal cooling of that surface water," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

This deep, warm water can also greatly increase the chances of rapid intensification.

Wind shear, or the stiff breezes that blow from one direction or change directions, is another factor that can make or break tropical features.

Strong wind shear can prevent the formation of a tropical storm or cause a tropical storm or hurricane to weaken. When wind shear is low, the circulation around a tropical storm or hurricane is not altered, and the feature can strengthen or maintain intensity. In some cases, a tropical storm or hurricane that moves along with wind shear, which is what could happen in the gulf after a time, can assist with strengthening.

"Should all factors come together, this storm, which is expected to become a hurricane, can be highly impactful and one of the ways this season is remembered," DePodwin warned.

All interests along the U.S. Gulf coast, southeastern Mexico, Cuba and part of Central America should closely monitor the situation through next week. A powerful storm could affect local, state and federal operations, as well as the vacation, fishing, cruise and petroleum industries.

Impacts may extend beyond the U.S. Gulf Coast. Steering breezes can guide a system along for hundreds, even thousands, of miles beyond its initial landfall as a tropical rainstorm.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

"With the jet stream configuration that is anticipated late next week and into the following weekend, wind and rain impacts may spread well to the north along the Eastern Seaboard," DePodwin cautioned.

One other area currently has a risk of tropical development.

This area lies over the middle of the Atlantic, about halfway between Africa and the Leeward Islands. This zone could develop later next week.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Kentucky last year spent $130 million in Medicaid funds on addiction treatment, with most of the money coming from the federal government. Fatal overdoses in the state have declined for two years. (Getty Images)

An Eastern Kentucky provider of addiction services has filed a lawsuit challenging cuts in Medicaid payments that it says threaten its business.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Jefferson Circuit Court by Frontier Behavioral Health Center, is against Wellcare of Kentucky Inc.  one of six private insurance companies that handle most of the states Medicaid claims and establish rates for health providers.

The lawsuit is the latest development as providers and some insurance companies spar over cuts in payment. A week ago, Addiction Recovery Care, or ARC, the states largest provider of substance use disorder treatment, said it is laying off staff and reorganizing programs because of the reductions.

In July, ARC executives testified before a legislative committee in Frankfort to protest the cuts it said affected it and a handful of other providers.

Frontier, a for-profit company based in Prestonsburg, said in its lawsuit that cuts of 20% in payment for addiction treatment that took effect last month threaten its ability to care for patients and pay its 94 employees.

An additional, new requirement that Wellcare review services before agreeing to pay for them will further hinder operations, the lawsuit said.

Frontier must pay its employees for their work, it said. Frontier does not have the luxury of delaying payroll and operational expenses until Wellcare decides whether it will pay Frontier for the medically necessary services Frontier provides to Eastern Kentuckys vulnerable health behavioral health patients.

Frontier sees about 50 patients a day, according to the lawsuit.

Frontier CEO Randy Hunter declined to comment on the case. Officials with Wellcare, based in Louisville, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Expanded Medicaid funds for addiction services that became available in 2014 have fueled rapid growth in treatment programs amid decades of growing addiction to opioids, methamphetamine and other substances in Kentucky.

Last year, Kentucky spent $130 million in Medicaid funds on addiction treatment, with most of the money from the federal government.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has cited the growth as important in battling addiction.

As an indicator of success, the Beshear administration points to the decline, for the second year in a row, of overdose deaths in Kentucky.

The states latest overdose report, released in June, shows a decrease in deaths to 1,984 from 2,200 the year before, a decline of 9.8%.

But the business of addiction treatment has brought complaints about high costs from the six private managed care organizations, or MCOs, that handle most of the states $1.6 billion a year Medicaid business. The companies contract with the state and receive a fixed amount per member to cover health costs.

And it has invited federal scrutiny.

In July, the FBI announced it was investigating ARC for possible health care fraud and asked anyone with information to contact them through the agencys website. ARC, in a statement, has said it is confident in its services and is cooperating with the investigation.

Frontier provides services in Prestonsburg, Salyersville, Paintsville and Harlan, according to its website.

It said in the lawsuit the company first learned in August of a 20% rate cut being imposed by Wellcare.

Wellcare is the largest of the MCOs that oversee health care for most of the 1.5 million Kentuckians covered by Medicaid, with around 418,000 members enrolled in its plan. The other members are divided among the other five MCOs.

The lawsuit alleges when Frontier sought to question Wellcare about the cuts, the MCO claimed it sent Frontier a letter in March 2024 notifying it of the new rates.

Frontier did not receive any letter from Wellcare notifying it of a rate cut in March 2024, the lawsuit said.

It said that in August, Wellcare also began sending letters notifying Frontier it was placing its services on prepayment review, meaning it would have to review services before deciding whether to pay for them.

The lawsuit said the letters provide a telephone number to call Wellcare with any questions or concerns.

The phone number has been disconnected, the lawsuit said.

Frontier asks the court to find Wellcare in breach of its contract. It also asked for a temporary order barring the MCO from imposing prepayment review on Frontier services.

Claims in a lawsuit provide only one side of a case. Wellcare has not yet responded.

The case has been assigned to Jefferson Circuit Judge Annie OConnell.
Blue and purple lockers line one side of the hallway, with orange and lockers on the other side, with a white and blue striped tile floor down the middle.

In the first couple weeks of September, the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security said it received reports of 138 threats to 69 schools in 33 counties in the state. (Lexi Browning | West Virginia Watch)

From pop songs, to family milestones, to political sloganeering in election years and policy making by those in office, variation on the theme for the children is used as a clarion call for better things for the next generation. Less melodious and trendy is what to do when children become the threat.

News stories about violence and schools, ranging from hoax threats and the usual disciplinary issues to the worst case scenarios of active shooters, are relentless. The latest numbers from the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security detail that over the early days of September, 138 threats were received by 69 schools in 33 counties. Those numbers would constitute threats in one week to 20% of the schools in West Virginia. Over half the counties in the state with fresh threats to sort through, with more assuredly to come.

Threats, as it turned out, largely came from a viral TikTok hit list that quickly spread across social media. While some students in West Virginia were also being detained and questioned, much of the recent rash of threats came from out of state.

The FBIs Clarksburg office felt compelled to issue a statement about the rash of threats not only in West Virginia but also adjacent Pennsylvania, on Sept. 11 of all days, with the usual wording about coordinating and assisting in identifying and mitigating threats. Gov. Jim Justice responded by directing homeland security to establish a task force of involved agencies and create a centralized hub to be activated and coordinate incident response.

This is the hard part of bridging headlines and worry to policy and action. Most of the recent threats to West Virginia schools were hoaxes or students making empty threats to further a vicious viral trend. But all it takes is one of those threats to be real, and have access to a weapon, and show up to a school, and to slip through the parental, social, school, and law enforcement cracks to create a tragedy.

With the latest threats to West Virginia causing justified response, a look at the recent murder of two students, two teachers, and wounding of nine others at Apalachee High School in Georgia should be a teachable moment. The charged gunman was a student with known issues, having been investigated by the FBI and local authorities previously as a potential threat. Colin Gray, the gunmans father, was swiftly charged as well. While the Grays will get their day in court, what is clear is once again a mass shooting was perpetrated by a known threat that wasnt dealt with despite being identified.

Holding parents legally liable for the actions of their children has always been a controversial matter both legally and in society. It is also becoming depressingly necessary. The Secret Service detailed in their 2019 analysis of targeted school violence that all the attackers they profiled exhibited concerning behavior, and most elicited both concern from others and the attackers communicated intent. Also, the report states, Nearly every attacker experienced negative home life factors and that all the attackers experienced social stressors before acting. Combined, the picture of the people who should be most involved with a potential attacker are the ones most likely to identify and prevent violence. But at Apalachee, the parent is charged as being the enabler of the violence.

When gun violence in schools makes headlines, a predictable cycle of response begins. The debate quickly goes directly to the politically and culturally charged issue of guns. Administrators will point out how things like physical security upgrades require funding investment. There is the push/pull between local officials, parents and teachers over how much law enforcement presence at schools is needed, wanted, necessary and healthy.

All worthy topics of great importance. All reactionary responses after there is blood spilled and violence perpetrated by a student upon a school.

How to prevent modern attacks, especially in the face of rising and technologically enhanced threats, requires hard questions on very old topics. Questions of when should law enforcement be held accountable for not following up on known threats. The politically charged, ethically difficult and legally fraught matter of where do parents rights and the states obligation for public safety meet and when does one override the other? The very uncomfortable conversations of parents, peers, adults and students who see things  not only someones behavior and actions but also on social media and their online persona  and knowing when to get authorities involved.

That last one is not helped by state agencies like the West Virginia State Police and Department of Human Services having separate scandals, bad press and notable communication issues between themselves and the public. Or by a state that is far behind on services like adolescent mental health care options. See something, report something carries more weight when the citizens have faith their do something will result in something being done.

Like multiple choice test questions on school tests, the answers of protection, security and mitigating threats for the children requires an all of the above answer and approach in vigilance, accountability and effort. Recent evidence shows it doesnt take just one child to perpetrate violence upon a school and community. It takes a child that has been failed by various adults on multiple levels to turn a student into a shooter. Accountability and corrective action should be something adults should get busy doing, for the children.

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Jane Brown, president and CEO of Aetna Better Health of Kansas, speaks to the legislature's Medicaid oversight committee on Aug. 27, 2024. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature video)

TOPEKA  Before Kansas officials revealed they had ousted Aetna Better Health as one of the providers for the states $4 billion Medicaid program, they destroyed documents that Aetna believes would have helped the company appeal the decision.

Aetna filed two lawsuits against the state that now await decisions ahead of an Oct. 2 deadline, by which the company must notify its beneficiaries that it will no longer provide coverage. Aetnas attorney, Marc Kessler, encouraged Shawnee County District Judge Thomas Luedke at a hearing Tuesday to take his time in making a decision on the case, while the states attorney, Anthony Rupp, urged expeditious action.

The timing is so critical here, said Rupp.

Aetna is interested in remaining a Medicaid insurance provider in Kansas while the lawsuits are hashed out, which another providers attorney said would be inviting chaos.

The state announced in May that it selected three private companies other than Aetna to provide coverage under KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas, beginning in January. Aetna had tied for third with Healthy Blue, which led to Aetna filing two lawsuits in Shawnee County District Court.

One, filed in July against three state departments, challenges the decision by Todd Herman, director of procurement and contracts in the Department of Administration, that denied Aetnas appeal. The other, filed before the appeal was denied in June, challenges the same three departments and the governors office for records initially withheld from Aetna.

The state admits some of the documents the company requested were destroyed in March, which was before the decisions were announced and before Aetna submitted a request under the Kansas Open Records Act, according to court documents.

The destroyed records were the individual scoring notes that helped inform agency staff evaluations of each insurance provider. Judge Luedke likened them to jury notes, which are typically destroyed after a decision, like a trial verdict, has been made.

In court documents, the state called Aetnas interest in obtaining the individual evaluation notes a pure fishing expedition.

But Aetna argued those notes were part of the decision-making process and shouldve been kept.

They wouldve assisted us and pushed us over the line, Kessler said.

At an Aug. 27 meeting of the KanCare oversight committee, legislators were concerned about the implications associated with the destruction of the scoring notes, using the words disturbing and disappointing. Jane Brown, Aetna president and CEO, asked the committee members to consider crafting rules to prevent future destruction of records and what she called cherry-picking and arbitrary decision making.

Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, said at the hearing Kansas executive branch dropped the ball during the award process.

I dont know how we legislate leadership and who should be held accountable for the lack of transparency in this process, Erickson said.

Rep. Will Carpenter, R-El Dorado, said this procurement process will be a stain on Kansas contract processes for years to come.

Aetna, which has provided insurance for KanCare users for the past five years, was one of seven bidders. The winning companies  Healthy Blue, which is affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and incumbents Sunflower State Health Plan and United Healthcare of the Midwest  all urged the judge to reject Aetnas lawsuit.

Kessler said a lack of substantial evidence backing Aetnas ousting amounts to an arbitrary and capricious decision. But Rupp said the record is replete with references to unresolved issues with Aetna in Kansas and other states.

Aetna apologized to Kansas lawmakers in 2019 for failing to abide by its $1 billion contract, which stemmed from data errors, payment issues and a provider credentialing backlog, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

Kansas Medicaid system was privatized in 2013 under Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. This years bidding process is the third in state history and the first under a Democratic governor. The most recent shuffle took place in 2018 under Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer. The Republican-led Legislature blocked Gov. Laura Kellys administration in 2022 from selecting new contracts, operating on a hope that Republican Derek Schmidt would defeat Kelly in that years election.
KABUL, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued visas to 41,959 foreign nationals over the past one year, official data showed on Thursday.

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi said that currently there are 39 Afghan embassies and consulates operating in various countries.

High-ranking officials of 14 countries, including Russia, Iran, Turkiye, as well as representatives of the European Union and other international organizations traveled to Afghanistan during the cited period, Muttaqi added.

Since resuming power in August 2021, the Afghan caretaker government is seeking to strengthen sustainable relations with other countries. 
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with a sexual assault that allegedly happened in May while he was driving for a rideshare company, according to an arrest affidavit.

Court documents identified the rideshare driver as Maurys Madruga-Mesa.

KXAN reached out to Madruga-Mesas attorney for comment. We will update this article if a statement is received.

Maurys Madruga-Mesa (Courtesy Austin Police Department)

The alleged assault happened on May 6 when the victim requested a rideshare in south Austin to their residence, according to the affidavit.

The victim told the Austin Police Department they were assaulted multiple times by Madruga-Mesa during the rideshare service. The victim alleged that while Madruga-Mesa acknowledged he was doing something wrong, he continued with the assault, court documents said.

The victim told police Madruga-Mesa took backroads and was stalling to get to their residence, according to the affidavit. When he got closer to the victims residence, the victim said they were able to get out of the vehicle. Madruga-Mesa then quickly turned around and drove away, according to claims in the affidavit.

Investigators requested information on Madruga-Mesas vehicle from the rideshare. He received a DNA search warrant and investigators questioned him, court records said.

KXAN reached out to the rideshare company for comment. We will update this if a statement is received.

On Sept. 13, Madruga-Mesa was arrested and booked into the Travis County Jail on a $40,000 bond, according to online court records.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44)  UPDATE: The College Station Police Department has made an arrest in an Aggravated Sexual Assault case at The Wick Apartments last week.

The department says 27-year-old Various Wayne McNeal was taken into custody without incident on Wednesday night by its Major Crimes Detectives and Criminal Investigations Division. McNeal has been charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault, Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair and Burglary of a Habitation Intend Sex Offense.

McNeal is in the Brazos County Jail with bond set at $950,000.

College Station Police officers originally responded to 430 Southwest Parkway on Thursday, September 12, after receiving reports of screaming and glass shattering. Officers quickly arrived on scene and found a victim who reported they were just sexually assaulted by an unknown person inside of the residence.

The suspect, identified as McNeal, ran from the scene prior to officers arriving. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment for injuries sustained in the assault.

PREVIOUS STORY: Search underway for aggravated sex assault suspect

Officers set a perimeter and called out two K9 officers and a drone operator to search for the suspect. The K9 officers worked a track, but were not able to find McNeal.

Police said McNeal was described as in his mid-to-early 20s, has short hair and a beard and was wearing a blue hoodie.

If you have any information on this case, you can call the College Station Police Department at 979-764-3600 or submit evidence here. Refecence case #2024-006688.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This article was originally published in Chalkbeat.

After ChatGPT exploded in popularity, New York Citys public school system quickly pushed back on the powerful chatbot, arguing it couldnt help students build critical thinking skills and often spouts misinformation.

Nearly two years later, during his annual State of Our Schools speech on Tuesday, schools Chancellor David Banks completed his about-face on artificial intelligence. The school system should get ready to inject the technology into nearly every aspect of its operations, from teaching and learning to transportation and enrollment, he said.

The schools chief laid out an expansive vision that includes customized college advising, instant assessments of student work, personalized instruction, and even replacing annual standardized tests.

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AI can revolutionize how we function as a school system, Banks told the audience of administrators, elected officials, and union leaders at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School in Queens as he outlined his plans for the nations largest school system.

Still, Banks acknowledged that the Education Department has no concrete plans, timelines, or cost estimates for those AI projects. The goal is to signal to AI companies that the school system is interested in their technology and wants to hear ideas, he said, adding that officials are convening an advisory council next month to help brainstorm.

Aside from his embrace of AI, the most significant announcement from Banks on Tuesday was a plan to open a new high school in southeast Queens next fall, called HBCU Early College Prep, that will have strong ties to historically Black colleges and universities.

Banks annual speech otherwise stuck to promoting initiatives that he has been building since taking office in 2022. He noted that his signature literacy curriculum mandate is rolling out to all elementary schools this fall. He vowed to continue investing in FutureReadyNYC, an initiative in 135 high schools that gives students access to coursework geared toward specific industries and paid internships.

And he noted the city is adding to its library of curriculums focused on underrepresented groups called Hidden Voices. The city recently launched materials devoted to people with disabilities, and Banks said the department will offer lessons focused on the Latino community soon.

Though Mayor Eric Adams attended the speech, he did not offer any remarks  a break from the previous year. Adams and several senior members of his administration have been engulfed by multiple federal investigations. Earlier this month, federal agents searched homes or seized electronic devices from Banks, his two brothers, and his romantic partner, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.

Asked about Adams lack of a speaking role during the event, Banks declined to comment.

Here are three takeaways from the chancellors speech:

Banks thinks AI will become pervasive in the citys schools

Banks sketched out a few ways he thinks the technology can significantly change the way schools operate. He said the systems could give teachers a daily, accurate, and comprehensive picture of a childs progress based on homework assignments, exams, and other student work.

Related

Is AI in Schools Promising or Overhyped? Potentially Both, New Reports Suggest

AI tools could also offer personalized learning plans for every child alongside extra instruction based on those plans. The idea, Banks said, is to make it easier for teachers to reach students at a range of academic levels who are all in the same classroom. Still, some previous efforts to promote personalized learning, including by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, have fallen short of their lofty ambitions.

The technology could also provide students with more comprehensive college and career counseling, Banks suggested, drawing on information like employment outcomes at different schools. An Education Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a question about whether there are any real-world examples of the technology being used in the ways Banks described.

Asked about the technologys limitations, such as offering incorrect answers to basic math problems, Banks acknowledged it is not fully baked yet, but I wouldnt be overly concerned about some of the early missteps.

The schools chief also sought to calm fears about the technology.

AI will never be able to replace the personal connection that a teacher provides, he said. Were not displacing human beings.

A new high school is coming to Queens

On the heels of opening two new Bard Early College campuses in Brooklyn and the Bronx, officials said theyre planning to open a third accelerated high school this fall in Queens  HBCU Early College Prep.

Officials have previously said opening new campuses is part of a bid to keep families in the citys public schools, which have seen enrollment drop 9% over the past five years.

The campus will partner with Delaware State University, a historically Black college, and will give students a chance to earn an associate degree before leaving high school.

Theyre also going to be immersed in the history and culture of multiple HBCUs across the country through college visits, the opportunity to study abroad, and research opportunities, Banks said, adding that there will be synchronous instruction from professors, alumni, mentors and more.

Education Department officials said the school will be screened and will give priority to Queens residents.

Spinning up schools that serve specific student populations is in Banks wheelhouse. Before becoming chancellor, he helped establish Eagle Academy, a network of public schools geared toward serving young men of color. At the conclusion of his speech on Tuesday, Banks led the crowd in a recitation of the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley, a daily practice at Eagle.

Tweaks to career-focused learning efforts

City officials are making some tweaks to its FutureReadyNYC initiative, which gives students access to career-connected learning opportunities. Participating schools will be able to add new industry focus areas in social work and decarbonization.

That builds on existing tracks in business, education, technology, and health care.

Banks touted a previously announced plan to launch a new high school, Northwell School of Health Sciences, that is designed to prepare students for careers in the health care industry. The school is supported with nearly $25 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which Banks said is the single largest grant the school system has ever received. (Chalkbeat receives funding from Bloomberg.)

The chancellor also announced that Mount Sinai Health System will help support the citys career education efforts.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters
Air Force Special Operations Command has returned about 60% of its CV-22 Osprey fleet to fully operational flight status and expects to once again deploy the tilt-rotor aircraft to support combatant commands in a matter of weeks.

In a roundtable with reporters at Septembers Air and Space Forces Associations Air Space Cyber conference, AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Michael Conley said the command is clearing about three Ospreys for flight operations every 10 days as it gradually lifts the fleets grounding.

AFSOC has roughly 50 CV-22s, and expects to have all its Ospreys back to normal flying operations by late 2024 or early 2025. Conley would not say where Ospreys are likely to deploy.

The military in December 2023 grounded all its V-22s, which are flown by AFSOC, the Navy and the Marine Corps, following the fatal crash of an Air Force Osprey off the coast of Japan a week earlier. That crash killed all eight crew members aboard.

An Air Force investigation later found the crash was caused in part by cracks in a crucial gear driving the tilt-rotor aircrafts proprotors, and also by the pilots decision not to land the aircraft after multiple alerts known as chip burn warnings sounded in the aircraft. Those alerts let Osprey air crews know when metal flakes are starting to come off of its gears, which can be a sign the aircraft is stressed.

After a three-month grounding, the Pentagon announced it would start to return its Osprey fleet to flight operations, after revising training for troops flying them and changing maintenance procedures. There were no equipment modifications instituted as a prerequisite for returning the aircraft to flight.

AFSOC put new operating guidance in place earlier this year to require Osprey pilots to land sooner when chip burn warnings go off, Conley said. Now, Osprey air crews are instructed to land as soon as practical after the first warning sounds, and after a second, land as soon as possible.

Pilots always have discretion to fly their aircraft the way they think it requires, Conley said, since each flight has its own unique circumstances. But the tighter guidance on landing is meant to make it less ambiguous to the crews to decide what they should do in dangerous situations.

AFSOC had to quickly requalify its Osprey instructors and evaluators before it could start retraining air crew members, Conley said.

And Conley said AFSOC has been very deliberate and slow and methodical as it goes through its Osprey fleet one by one, and paying particular attention to aircraft parts.

Naval Air Systems Command Boss Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, who oversees the militarys Osprey program, told lawmakers in June that the entire V-22 fleet would likely not be back to normal flight operations until at least mid-2025.
The Air Force needs higher-tech tools and sensors that can monitor networks for signs of malware and sort through the millions of alerts it receives each day indicating potential compromises, according to the leader of the services cyber enterprise.

The Air Forces information warfare organization, 16th Air Force, has been working over the last year to better partner with industry, academia and other government agencies to meet those high-tech requirements through an effort called the Phoenix Initiative.

The team  which is charged with integrating cyber, electronic warfare, information operations and ISR  convened a summit in August 2023 to talk through its highest priority gaps and technology needs. It then led a months-long deep dive to identify its most important mission sets and consider the most significant vulnerabilities and dependencies within those missions.

Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, who took the helm as commander of 16th Air Force in August, told Defense News the organization identified targeting, cybersecurity and its Distributed Common Ground System enterprise  which provides key ISR analysis and exploitation  as its highest priority missions.

Now, with those focus areas driving its efforts, the service is analyzing where within those missions it can take risks and where it needs new sensors, artificial intelligence tools and other capabilities to help it operate efficiently and respond quickly to threats.

Were not going to be able to hire more people to work sensors, to work systems, he said in a Sept. 17 interview on the sidelines of the Air Force Associations Air, Space and Cyber conference. So, weve got to better understand our networks and identify those key nodes where we can put precision sensors so that we can do persistent monitoring to be able to protect that.

Air Forces Cyber already operates precision sensors for defensive cyber operations, but as platforms and weapons become increasingly more dependent on a range of classified and unclassified networks, it needs more sensing solutions to detect potential threats.

Everything is connected, Hensley said. And so, you have to have layers of different weapon systems to do the persistent monitoring to check for malware.

Among the other technologies 16th Air Force is exploring is artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The organization receives around 2.5 million alerts of possible compromises each day, Hensley said. And while it has high-performance computers and databases to process those indications, much of that work still involves a human in the loop.

The command wants to instead use AI and ML to do content triage and data analysis, freeing up personnel to conduct more nuanced work.

Thats where were engaging with industry, with other partners to see how we can create these AI/ML tools to help us move faster and more efficiently, he said. Were not going to mass our way out of this.

When it comes to getting resources to pursue these capabilities, Hensley said the organization can work through the Pentagons normal budget processes, but it wants to move faster.

That means it will likely include the tools in its unfunded requirements list, which the military services and other Defense Department organizations use to notify Congress of high-need capabilities that arent included in DODs annual budget request.

Hensley said the organization could have a request ready as soon as next year as part of the Fiscal 2026 budget cycle.

However, plans to elevate 16th Air Force as a service component command could complicate the process. The service hasnt set a timeline for that transition and, when it happens, it will require personnel shifts that could slow the funding request.

Hensley added that elevating Air Forces Cyber as a direct report to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall is a clear sign of support for the organizations mission, which could lead to more funding and flexibility as it pursues new capabilities.

Thats sending a clear signal that our secretary of the Air Force wants to be able to support it as much as possible, he said. The intent is that we want to be able to resource it ... to defend our nation.
Rep. Ron Bolton, R-Northport, in the chamber of the Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Bolton prefiled a bill that would require people to provide birthdates to law enforcement when detained. (Stew Milne/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama legislator has prefiled legislation that gives law enforcement more scope to obtain information from people they believe committed a crime.

Currently, law enforcement officers have the authority to detain those they suspect of committing a felony and request their name, address and a reason for their actions.

HB 34, sponsored by Rep. Ron Bolton, R-Northport, would make it a crime for someone to provide a false birth date to police or sheriffs deputies in Alabama. It also establishes a penalty when a person refuses to provide personal information, such as a name and address, the reason for someones behavior and their birth date.

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Currently, state law does not list penalties for refusing to provide that information to law enforcement.

The request from law enforcement was that we add in the requirement to provide a date of birth, in addition to the name and address, because they had situations where they were encountering people with the same name, and they wanted to make sure they had the proper identification and had the right person when they were checking them, Bolton said during an interview Tuesday.

Under the bill, a person giving a false birth date to law enforcement could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine.

Those who refuse to provide lawfully-requested personal information may be subject to a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine.

Boltons bill adds another category of information that police officers and sheriffs deputies are already allowed to request from people during what constitutional law experts categorize as a nonconsensual encounter. Multiple states in the country have regulations in statute that allow law enforcement to stop someone and request identification and additional information.

According to constitutional law experts, in a consensual encounter, one in which both parties agree to have a conversation, either side can refuse to speak and provide information.

However, for nonconsensual encounters, law enforcement may also stop and detain a person if they have reasonable suspicion of a crime.

This one is known as a stop and identify statute, said Tracey Maclin, a constitutional law professor at the University of Florida. If the cops have reasonable suspicion to stop you, they can make you identify yourself and if you dont, they can then arrest you.

That set of rules applies if someone is in public and not within a vehicle.

If they stop you in a car, they can only stop you if they have reasonable suspicion or probable cause that you have committed a crime or a traffic violation, Maclin said.

If the incident is the result of a traffic stop, each state is slightly different, but Maclin said that law enforcement, at a minimum, have the authority to ask for a license.

The legislation that Bolton proposed also imposes a penalty for people who refuse to abide by the stop and identify statute.

The proposal has concerned some law professors that has the potential to violate peoples civil rights.

This type of legislation is ripe for abuse, said David Thomas, a professor in the Department of Justice Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Florida has a statute on the books that allows law enforcement to intervene and detain someone that Thomas described as resisting without violence.

That resistance without violence doesnt exist without there being another charge, said Thomas, a former law enforcement officer.

In his hypothetical, individuals loitering in a public area where drugs are commonly sold, are seen by law enforcement who then try to detain them. The individuals then run away and are then pursued and detained by police.

They have no charge, Thomas said. There is nothing that preceded that other than that person was being on that corner. What they come back with is they turn around and charge them with resisting without violence, and the argument is that they should have never run from police. The reality is that I do not have to talk to you as a citizen if I dont want to talk to you, unless you have a series of articulable facts that can put me in a position that can compel you to do so.

The net effect is that the individual who was detained will have at least one charge stemming from the incident, irrespective of whether the person violated a law.

During incidents of officer-involved shootings, Thomas said, there are a series of steps that led to the incident that resulted in either injury or death.

You have got to tell me how we got here in order for everything else that you did, in order for that to be legal, Thomas said. What often happens is that they will use that law as the reason for how they got there, and they will try and skip over the articulable facts, which are necessary for any of this to make any sense.

All that a law enforcement officer needs, Maclin said, is a reasonable suspicion to require identification and take into custody those who refuse.

The problem for most people is that they dont know what the officer knows, Maclin said. If the officer comes up to you and says, can I see some identification, and you say, I dont have to comply with that. The problem for you is that you dont know whether he has got reasonable suspicion or not.

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Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday that an Alaska man who allegedly threatened to kill U.S. Supreme Court justices was arrested and is being charged for repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture justices and their families. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The Justice Department Thursday reported the arrest of an Alaska man Wednesday for allegedly threatening to injure and kill six U.S. Supreme Court Justices and some of their family members.

Panos Anastasiou, 76, sent more than 465 threatening messages via a Supreme Court website to the justices, according to court documents.

He is charged with nine counts of threatening a federal judge and thirteen counts of making threats in interstate commerce.

He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the threatening judges charges and up to five years in prison for the other 13 counts.

According to the DOJ, Anastasiou's messages contained "violent, racist and homophobic rhetoric coupled with threats of assassination by torture, hanging and firearms."

"We allege that the defendant made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with," Attorney General Merrick B. Garland saId in a statement. "Our justice system depends on the ability of judges to make their decisions based on the law, and not on fear."

Garland added that, "Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families."

As America continues to be sharply polarized politically violent rhetoric and threats are on the rise in the United States.

A Virginia man was arrested in August for allegedly making viciously violent threats against Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, threatening to "personally pluck out her eyes."

Frank Lucio Carillo, 66, made the alleged threats on the right-wing social media platform Gettr, according to the DOJ.

In July the nonprofit public interest research organization Advance Democracy said judges in cases involving Donald Trump have been subjected to threats

Colorado Supreme Court justices, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkin and New York justice Arthur Engoron got death threats, bomb threats or were "swatted" as they presided over Trump cases.

In March the Biden administration Election Threats Task Force's John Keller said dozens of investigations had been opened in to threats against election workers.

A Gallup Poll in July 2023 found that Americans have little faith in American societal institutions, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court and the presidency.

Gallup said the average confidence in major U.S. institutions fell to an all-time low of 26%.

This month Springfield Ohio was the target of bomb threats impacting schools, City Hall, and the local BMV following false heated political comments about Haitian migrants in the city.
An Alaska man has been charged for threatening to torture and kill six Supreme Court justices, the Justice Department said on Thursday.

Between March 2023 and July 2024, 76-year-old Panos Anastasiou sent over 465 messages through the courts website, in which he graphically described violent acts he would like to commit against the justices and their family members.

The names of the specific justices who received threats have not been made public.

The Justice Department said in its release that the often racist and homophobic messages threatened assassination by torture, hanging, and firearms.

Anastasiou was charged with nine counts of making threats against a federal judge and 13 counts of making threats in interstate commerce, facing a maximum total sentence of 155 years. On Wednesday, he pleaded not guilty.

Excerpts from some of the messages were shared in a court filing by Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Taylor, who is prosecuting the case.

WE NEED MASS ASSASSINATIONS. If youre corrupt youre corrupt, Anastasiou wrote in one.

In others, he referred to a justice using the N-word and threatened lynching.

On July 5, he wrote of his desire to make the six justices AFRAID very AFRAID to leave their home and fear for their lives everyday.

Newsweek reported that although Anastasiou is not publicly registered to a political party, he has donated over $700 to Democratic platforms over the past eight years, and as recently as July 25.

USA Today also noted that when the court splits ideologically, there are six conservative justicesthe same as the number threatened by Anastasiou.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland released a statement expressing his concern over the threats.

Our justice system depends on the ability of judges to make their decisions based on the law, and not on fear, he said. Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families.

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An Alaska man was charged and arrested Wednesday for sending numerous graphic and violent messages through a public Supreme Court communications portal that threatened to injure and kill six justices, according to court filings and the Justice Department.

Some of the messages, according to court filings, used the N-word in threats to lynch a justice  identified in the filings as Supreme Court Justice 1  while also threatening the justices insurrectionist wife. Other messages refer to shooting another justice  identified Supreme Court Justice 2  and killing his wife, and another alleged message threatened six justices total, saying that they should be AFRAID very AFRAID to leave their home and fear for their lives everyday.

A grand jury handed up a 22-count indictment against the man, Panos Anastasiou, 76, on Tuesday, charging him with making threats against a federal judge and making threats in interstate commerce.

WE NEED MASS ASSASSINATIONS. If youre corrupt youre corrupt, said one of the messages, one of more than 465 that Anastasiou allegedly sent to the Supreme Court.

Anastasiou pleaded not guilty at a hearing in Alaskas federal court on Wednesday. His attorney, a public defender, declined to comment to CNN.

Anastasious threatening messages started in March 2023, according to prosecutors, and continued through mid-July. The references to Justice 1s wife and the racial slurs in those messages suggest that justice is Justice Clarence Thomas. The messages directed toward a justice identified in court filings as Justice 2 were sent not long after a New York Times story revealed that an upside-down American flag flew outside Justice Samuel Alitos home in early January 2021. Those messages also refer to the wife of that justice.

I would have had NO reservations about walking up to [Supreme Court Justice 2] and not asking him to take it down but to put a BULLET in this m*therf**kers head, one of the alleged messages, sent on May 16, said.

A Supreme Court spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

We allege that the defendant made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. Our justice system depends on the ability of judges to make their decisions based on the law, and not on fear. Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families.

Magistrate Judge Kyle Reardon ordered that Anastasiou be held in custody ahead of a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

As part of the federal investigation into the threats, FBI agents contacted Anastasiou to discuss the messages, according to the court filings.

After this contact, the defendant sent a message to the Supreme Court referencing the FBI interview and daring the Justices to personally visit his house, prosecutors said in a court filing that sought a hearing for pretrial detention for Anastasiou.

The defendants threats are extreme and repeated, the filing said. His racist, homophobic, vile rhetoric is meant to intimidate high level government officials from carrying out their official duties. He threatens their family members as well, and continued and escalated his behavior even after he was visited by the FBI.

CNNs John Fritze contributed to this report.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Roadrunner Food Bank received a more than $38,000 donation on Thursday thanks to Albertsons. The donation caps the grocery chains latest Donate at the Register campaign where customers were able to add any dollar amount to their grocery bill when they check out.

ABQ BioPark protects rhino from allergies with fly mask

Roadrunner Food Bank said it helps 70,000 people a week and the money will go a long way to support their mission, especially heading into the holiday season. So its really important for us to kind of restock our inventory and prepare for what were expecting to be an elevated demand across New Mexico, said Will Tapia, Roadrunner Food Bank.

The Food Depot in Santa Fe also received around $20,000 through the fundraiser.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLOMBO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has reached agreements in principle on restructuring approximately 17.5 billion U.S. dollars of external commercial debt, the President's Media Division (PMD) said in a press release on Thursday.

These agreements have been reached with holders of its international sovereign bonds, following negotiations with the Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders, a representative group of international investors, and the Local Consortium of Sri Lanka, a representative group of domestic financial institutions, according to the PMD.

Collectively, the two groups hold in excess of 50 percent of the bonds, said the PMD.

Under the agreements, holders of the bonds will be consenting to a present value concession of 40.3 percent in the baseline scenario, calculated with a discount factor of 11 percent.

The agreements provide Sri Lanka with enhanced debt relief compared to a joint working framework agreed in July 2024, including a further reduction in interest payments provided in the new agreement, according to the PMD.

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Finance said this provided significant debt relief and reduced interest payments, strengthening the country's financial stability. 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The Albuquerque police department arrested two people, accused in separate auto thefts. The two men arrested were 33-year-old Clifton Archie and 40-year-old Matthew Hunter.

Albuquerque Police make arrest in case involving thieves smashing stores wall with sledgehammer

APD says just after midnight on September 18, a bait car was stolen and officers were able to identify Archie through cameras inside the car. Police say officers recognized Archie due to his history of stealing cars. Archie fled the vehicle when detectives tried to make contact with him near Tennessee and Copper. Officers were able to arrest Archie and charge him with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, he also had active warrants. APD says 39 people have been arrested for stealing bait cars since the beginning of the year.

APD says around 8 p.m. on September 17, an officer responded to a crash where a car was flipped on its side. The occupants of the car fled on foot and the officer chased the male that fled and took Hunter into custody. The vehicle came back as stolen and police found a gun inside the vehicle. Hunter was charged with multiple charges including receiving/transferring a stolen vehicle, he also had active warrants.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Alex Wager: Donald Trump is now free to pull off one of his biggest business schemes yet

This is an adapted excerpt from the Sept. 17 episode of "Alex Wagner Tonight."

In 2021, the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City was demolished, leaving only a cloud of dust and a pile of rubble. If you know anything about the story of Trump and his casino businesses, you probably know that the story does not end well.

But then theres this story, which is probably less familiar:

In 1982, Forbes magazine published its first list of the 400 Richest Americans. Trump made that list, claiming he was worth $100 million  despite the fact that, at the time, he was really only worth about $5 million. And he was also hemorrhaging cash.

But Trump had a plan. That year, he got a license from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission to operate a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. And he found an investor to help him finance the project. Holiday Inn  which owned the casino chain Harrahs would give Trump $50 million in cash to build the casino and then Trump and Harrahs would split the profits. Trump just had to prove one thing before his investors would fork over the cash.

Here is how New York Times investigative reporters Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner tell the story in their new book, Lucky Loser:

Donald was on the verge of a great deal, one that would also get him out of a bind  Before leaving, [the CEO of Holiday Inn] told Donald that his board of directors would want to see with their own eyes that construction was underway  evidence that this young builder could make this happen.

But, as Craig and Buettner write, there was a small problem with that request:

Donald kept the truth to himself. He did not have things underway ... because he did not have the money  [So] he directed his construction supervisor to hire every piece of earth-moving machinery he could find  The day the Holiday Inn board visited [the site], dozens of bulldozers and backhoes pointlessly pushed mounds of earth around the 2.6-acre site ... in an elaborate ruse ... with no purpose other than to fool [Trumps] new business partner.

Afterward, Trump reportedly introduced himself to one of the Holiday Inn executives with a line he would never forget: I think Im probably the most successful person my age in the United States.

That was how Trump started the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino: he bluffed his way into it. Trump created the myth of himself as a successful businessman and sold it to the public so he could then sell it to his business partners. And for a long time, that myth worked. Today, a lot of the country still believes that myth  and Trump is still cashing in on it.

This week, Trump may try to pull off one of his biggest schemes yet, which is saying a lot  at this point, its hard to keep track of all of Trumps cash gambits. On Monday, just 50 days before the election, he launched his own cryptocurrency platform. And before that, there were the gold Trump sneakers, the Trump-endorsed Bible, the NFT Trump trading cards.

But this Thursday could stand to be Trumps biggest payday ever.

Thats the day that Trump will finally be able to sell his stock in Trump Media, the parent company of his website Truth Social. If Trump plays his cards right in that sale, he could net around $2 billion. Not because the company is doing well, but because Trump has convinced so many people that he is a successful businessman and so many of those people have invested in the company. However, the reality is, Truth Social stock has been going down consistently since the company launched.

On Friday, Trump told reporters that he will not be selling his stock in Trump Media, which is traded under the ticker symbol DJT (Trumps initials), saying he loves it. But there is a huge incentive for Trump to say he wont sell, even if thats not the truth. Trump is beholden by rules that stipulate he is only allowed to start selling his shares on Thursday if Trump Media stock remains above $12 a share. On Wednesday, they were trading for just over $15.

By the end of the week, well find out if this is yet another Trump con job  and whether the myth-making of Donald Trump continues.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  A Lafayette federal grand jury indicted an Alexandria doctor on Wednesday in connection with a Medicare fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary urine drug testing services.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Louisiana announced that doctor Michael W. Dole was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and five counts of healthcare fraud. Dole faces up to 10 years in prison on each count if convicted.

According to court documents, Dole owned and operated a pain management practice in Alexandria that had an in-house drug testing laboratory.

Former Lafayette ADA Gary Haynes indicted on bribery, money laundering conspiracy, more

Dole is accused of billing Medicare more than $32.7 million from January 2010 through July 2023 for testing of routinely more than 22 classes of drugs in urine specimens from all of his patients, despite undocumented use or suspicion of use of those drugs by those patients, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Dole was allegedly reimbursed more than $11.7 million for the medically unnecessary urine drug testing claims. Dole is accused of using the proceeds of the fraud on personal expenses.

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The grandmother of 12-year-old Hope Alexandria, Debra Hills, started a GoFundMe after the girl was killed in a shooting at her home Saturday. Hills' son also was injured.

This story and headlines have been updated with new information.

An Alexandria pair have been arrested in connection to the shooting death of a 12-year-old girl in her home, as well as the wounding of the girl's father, police announced.

A second person who was being sought, 31-year-old Deroyce Mays II, turned himself in around 12:20 a.m., according to the Alexandria Police Department on Thursday morning. Police still are seeking another man, 32-year-old Latraykus May, in connection to the Sept. 14 shooting that killed Hope Alexandria.

Kayla Leigh Wooten, 38, was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center #1 just after 7 p.m. Wednesday on one count of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder and one count of aggravated criminal damage to property.

Violent crimes: Man, 26, and girl, 12, die in Alexandria shootings a block apart within 12 hours

Help sought: GoFundMe campaigns started for families of victims in Alexandria deadly shootings

Wooten also was booked on three counts of contempt of court. Bail on those charges was set at $15,000. Bail has been set at $1,520,000, according to online jail records.

In announcing Wooten's arrest, the department thanked Louisiana State Police for its help in the investigation.

May II was booked on charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and aggravated criminal damage to property. Bail has been set at $1,505,000, according to online jail records.

Latraykus May is considered armed and dangerous, stated a Wednesday news release. The investigation is continuing.

Hope's grandmother started a GoFundMe to help her family recover after the shooting in their home in the 2900 block of Cypress Street. As of Thursday morning, it has raised $3,995 of its $5,000 goal.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: 1 man sought, 2 arrested after shooting death of Hope Alexandria, 12
Update: Suspect in custody after Meridian altercation involved gunshots outside gym

Update: Meridian spokesperson Stephany Galbreaith told the Idaho Statesman at 1:17 p.m. that police had a suspect in custody.

Below is the original story.

Police searched for a suspect after a parking lot incident ended with gunshots Thursday morning.

At 7:20 a.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired in the southeast corner of a business complex near Ustick and Eagle roads, Meridian spokesperson Stephany Galbreaith told the Idaho Statesman. Witnesses said two patrons of Mecca Gym approached a man outside the gym, sparking an altercation, according to Galbreaith.

Galbreaith said the man fired a handgun multiple times before fleeing northbound in a white Dodge Ram truck.

Thankfully, no one was injured, Galbreaith said in a message.

Witnesses described the suspect as between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet, and wearing a black sweatshirt with gray sweatpants.

We are asking residents to call dispatch should they see someone who matches the description or if they have any information on the suspect, Galbreaith said. Although we believe its an isolated incident, (we) ask residents to stay vigilant.

Those with information can contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.

Police reopened the area following an investigation, a Meridian dispatcher told the Statesman.
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  A 16-year-old in Altoona was charged as an adult for allegedly threatening to kill two people with a knife before trying to break down a door to get inside the home.

Xavier Alexander Strunk, 16, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged as an adult with conspiracy aggravated assault to cause serious bodily injury, terroristic threats, evading police, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Neighbors called Altoona police Sept. 18 to a home on the 800 block of 3rd Avenue in the city, reporting a woman was outside yelling for someone to call 911 because someone had a knife, the criminal complaint reads.

Upon arrival, officers quickly located Strunk in an alley and tried to take him into custody, however, after spotting them, he continued to walk away. When the reporting officer arrived, Strunk was in handcuffs.

According to the complaint, Strunks grandfather, along with a friend who was helping him for medical reasons, said they feared for their lives after Strunk grabbed a kitchen knife during an argument and threatened to kill them both. The victims went on to tell police that Strunk went in and out of the house multiple times and at one point they locked him out. However, they said they had to sit against the door, using their body weight to keep Strunk from breaking down the door and getting back into the house.

Police said they found the door plates lying on the ground from the attempted entry and a 10-inch knife on the dining table that Strunk allegedly wielded.

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.

Strunk was arraigned Wednesday night and placed in Blair County Prison, with bail set at 10 percent of $15,000. Per prison policy, a photo of the juvenile was not available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Low water levels in the Amazon have prevented access for barges that supply food, drinking water and fuel to communities (Santiago RUIZ) (Santiago RUIZ/AFP/AFP)

Extreme drought affecting large parts of South America has dramatically reduced the flow of the Amazon River where Colombia borders Peru and Brazil, choking food supplies and threatening residents' health.

"The Amazon is drying up," the mayor of the Colombian border town of Leticia, which lies on the smaller of two branches of the river that flow through the Three Frontiers area, complained to AFP.

The level of the Amazon, the world's biggest river by volume, fell 10 meters (33 feet) in Leticia between June and August, Colombia's Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies said.

The receding waters have turned the banks of the river into steep walls of earth, preventing the barges that supply Leticia's 60,000 people with food, drinking water and fuel from docking in the town.

The water level is so low that the community has built wooden stairs from the pier down to the water.

Leticia's mayor Elquin Uni said that basic goods have become scarcer and more expensive as the town finds itself stranded.

"They are even taking two or three months now (to arrive). This has made things difficult and is putting our citizens quality of life and cost of living at risk," he said.

In July, the town hall of Leticia declared a "yellow alert" over the sinking water levels.

Local Indigenous leader Crispin Angarita told AFP he had not seen the Amazon at such a depleted level in half a century and warned of the threat to people needing urgent medical attention.

In the absence of river transport "it takes four hours of walking to reach a health center," he said.

Peruvian media reported that the drought had made it possible to walk across the Amazon from the Peruvian town of Santa Rosa de Yavari to Leticia, usually separated by 800 meters of water.

Angarita said the drought was also threatening the livelihood of riverside communities, who live mainly from producing corn, rice, cassava and other crops.

In Brazil, the worst drought in seven decades is fanning the worst wildfire season in years, which has affected not only the Amazon region but also the southwestern Pantanal wetlands.

In Peru, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency on Wednesday over deadly fires blazing in three departments, including Amazonas, also linked to a severe drought.

While September is usually the driest month in the Three Frontiers region, 2024 is breaking dangerous new ground, said Santiago Duque of the Amazon Research Institute at the National University of Colombia.

"We have had two years of extreme droughts and this one is worse as there was less rain at the beginning of the year," he said.

Duque laid much of the blame for the situation on rampant deforestation in the Amazon, which in turn reduces humidity and rainfall.

"We are gradually destroying the Amazon," he said. "We are increasingly realizing it will never look the way it did in the past."

afm/cb/mlr/bjt
(NewsNation)  The people who fill boxes with Amazon purchases, as well as the people who deliver those boxes, are getting raises and some extra perks.

Amazon said the $1.50 an hour pay hikes will bring the average base pay for warehouse workers and delivery drivers to more than $22 an hour. Amazon is also kicking in free Prime memberships, valued at $139 a year.

Im proud to say that this year is our biggest ever investment in our team, said Udit Madan, vice president of Amazon Worldwide Operations, in a post announcing the changes. Its one of the many ways that we say thank you for all the work that they do to support our customers and communities.

Amazon orders workers back to the office 5 days a week

Madans statement announced a few other compensation changes, including more flexible scheduling, more choices in the employee education program known as Career Choice and the elimination of the 90-day requirement before new workers are eligible for those benefits.

The pay raise and enhanced benefits come as some Amazon workers try to unionize. Two years ago, warehouse workers in Staten Island, New York, voted to unionize but have yet to win a contract. Earlier this week, Amazon drivers in New York City voted to join the Teamsters Union. In June, New York City warehouse workers overwhelmingly voted for a Teamsters alliance.

But in July, warehouse workers at an Amazon facility in Coventry, England, narrowly rejected unionizing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hoping to provide service members more affordable housing options near military bases, a bipartisan pair of House members wants to offer developers a tax incentive to build that housing.

A bill being introduced by Reps. Blake Moore, R-Utah, and Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., would offer a low-income housing tax credit, or LIHTC, to developers who build housing within 15 miles of large military installations. The bill would also exclude service members' housing allowance from income calculations for the purpose of qualifying for low-income housing.

"We have to fix the way we think about solving some of these problems," Moore said in a phone interview with Military.com, noting the backlog in the military construction budget. "Why not take these outcomes that we've already seen work in so many other ways and enhance the capability to do it in these military base areas. So, this is going to provide better housing at lower costs for military families, and all the while, the private sector can continue to leverage its innovative development approach and take advantage of tax credits."

Read Next: Marine Who Published Memoir About Alleged Sexual Abuse of Underage Recruit Faces Court-Martial

Housing affordability and the scarcity of affordable housing close to military bases have been concerns among service members and lawmakers for years.

Congress and the Pentagon have sought to relieve the affordability concerns through increases to the Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH, and updating the formula for the allowance to better match actual housing costs. Lawmakers have also proposed to make the BAH cover 100% of housing costs instead of the current rate of 95%.

But the concerns persist. The most recent Military Family Life Survey from nonprofit Blue Star Families showed that BAH and off-base housing was the fourth-highest concern for active-duty spouses surveyed and the third-highest concern for active-duty service members.

"As we look at readiness, as we look at retention and even recruitment, a lot of it is word of mouth," Strickland, who has long focused on military housing affordability, said in an interview. "And so we need to do what we can to make sure those who are serving and their families have an affordable place to live. And some of the markets that we represent, the cost of housing is high because the supply is constrained. And so any tool we can use to add to our housing stock, especially near the military bases, is a good thing for the community that serves in the military, but also the community at large."

Strickland's district includes Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where about 70% of military families live off-base. The base is situated in the Tacoma area, which is considered to be one of the most competitive housing markets in the country.

Meanwhile, in Moore's state of Utah, home prices have shot up 65% over the last five years, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency's Quarterly House Price Index.

The LIHTC program was created in 1986 and is the "most important resource for creating affordable housing in the United States today," according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Moore said he got the idea to apply the LIHTC program to housing near military bases from the mayor of a city within his district. Moore's district includes Hill Air Force Base, and the mayor who presented him the idea was Mark Shepherd of Clearfield, which borders the base.

"He and I actually ran against each other in my very first election," Moore said of Shepherd. "We have maintained a very positive, good relationship, enough where he can present an idea to me, and we ran with it. This is the way that politics and civil discourse is supposed to work."

In a statement provided by Moore's office, Shepherd expressed hope that the bill would lead to "high-quality rental units where the military members can have priority for the units."

"Having our military members who have volunteered to put their lives on the line to defend our nation live in sub-par housing, or struggle to afford food because all of their available income goes to housing, sends the wrong message to the military members and to the communities in which they live," Shepherd said in the statement.

Moore has received $133,701 in donations from individuals and groups associated with the real estate industry this election cycle, the second-largest industry that has donated to him behind insurance, according to campaign finance tracker Open Secrets. Strickland has received $62,912 in donations from the real estate industry, the fifth-largest category of industry donations.

Because the bill involves a tax credit, it is under the jurisdiction of the House Ways and Means Committee. Moore sits on the committee and said he has already had conversations with Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., and others on the panel about moving the bill forward in any large tax package the committee advances.

"We went through committee painstakingly making sure that, once we get this launched, this does have viability, instead of just a messaging bill," Moore said. "You have two options: You can either go spend a whole bunch more money to try to catch up on where we're at with military housing, or you can allow for the private sector and the national development world to engage. ... I hope to see this really make a positive impact on the dearth of housing that exists."

Related: Pentagon's New Quality-of-Life Tweaks Aim for Temporary Housing, Uniform Allowances, Wi-Fi
New analysis of samples from Wuhan animal market supports its role as a central site of early spread of Covid-19

After an in-depth analysis of the genetic material from hundreds of swabs taken from the walls, floors, machines and drains inside the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China  a site thats been described as an epicenter of early spread of Covid-19  scientists say they now know exactly which species of animals were in the same area where investigators also found the most positive samples the virus that causes Covid-19.

Species present in the areas where the highest numbers of SARS-CoV-2 samples were found include raccoon dog, hoary bamboo rat, dog, European rabbit, Amur hedgehog, Malayan porcupine, Reevess muntjac, Himalayan marmot and masked palm civet.

The new findings add to strong but circumstantial evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 virus jumped from infected animals to humans and that the market was a central site of early spread.

The researchers identified the species of animals at the market through a technique called metagenomic sequencing, which reads all the genetic material present in a sample and then sifts through to understand where it came from.

The analysis, which was published Thursday in the journal Cell, doesnt prove that the animals were infected by the virus, but their DNA was found very near the virus, sometimes on the same swab. That means its a strong possibility the animals were infected at the market.

Of the animals present at the market, rabbits, dogs and raccoon dogs are known to be susceptible to Covid-19 infections. Raccoon dogs have also been shown to transmit the infection, making them a strong candidate to be the animals that first passed the virus to humans.

Studying the age of viruses

The international research team behind the study also used the genetic material from samples found in the market to conduct an evolutionary analysis, a technique that helps them estimate when a virus first emerged and what its closest genetic relation might be.

Its basically carbon-dating viruses, said senior study author Dr. Kristian Andersen, who is director of infectious disease genomics at the Scripps Translational Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

By understanding how quickly the virus that causes Covid changes or mutates  it acquires about two genetic mutations a month  its possible to figure out approximately how old it is.

The researchers believe that the virus that sparked the pandemic emerged sometime between mid-November and mid-December 2019.

Their analysis shows that SARS-CoV-2 virus present at the market emerged at the same time as the virus from the larger pandemic, suggesting that they are one and the same.

If it had come from somewhere else first and then traveled to the market where its spread was amplified  as a lab leak theory of Covid-19s origin suggests  the timing of the emergence of the virus found in the market would have been different than the emergence of the virus that caused the pandemic, Andersen said. The pandemic virus would have an earlier birthdate.

Other lines of evidence point in the same direction.

Almost one-third of the first 174 people who got Covid-19 had a connection to the market, and many others without a direct connection lived around the market, within a city of 12 million people.

Andersen said that when he first saw how tight this clustering was, I was flabbergasted.

When he started looking at the results of the hundreds of swabs taken in the market in January 2020, looking at whats actually happening inside the market, and I saw that clustering of environmental positivity, my brain was literally blown. I was like, I cant believe what Im looking at here,  Andersen said.

Another important clue that the market might be where the pandemic started is that both lineages of the virus that were circulating from the earliest days of the pandemic  the A lineage and the B lineage  are on the swabs collected at the market.

Accumulating evidence of animal origin

Andersen said scientists have never had this much information, at this level of detail, for any previous pandemic.

The findings closely align with those of a similar analysis performed by Chinese scientists that was published in the journal Nature in 2023. The data used to conduct the analysis was briefly the subject of international intrigue when it was quietly posted in March 2023 to GISAID, a site where scientists share the genetic sequences of viruses for research.

Professor Florence Debarre, a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, discovered the data in 2023 and quickly alerted other scientists. She is also a senior author with Andersen on this new study.

What this adds is a greater weight of evidence, Debarre said of the new study Because as data keep accumulating, all the results still go in the same direction, which is an origin linked to wildlife trade in the Huanan market.

This study comes on top of several important scientific papers by the same research group that have been published in major journals pointing to an animal origin for the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Andersen knows that a lot of people will see his name on the new study about the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic and immediately dismiss its findings. He says he doesnt care.

They will just look at the author list on the paper and say, Oh, yeah, we cant trust any of this, right? So we dont even need to read the paper, Andersen said.

Andersen has been one of the most prominent leaders of an international group of scientists who have been sifting through scientific evidence collected in the early weeks of the pandemic, trying to understand just how the global public health crisis started.

Andersen has been the intense focus of government investigations and social media conspiracies, because he changed his mind: After initially believing that SARS-CoV2 came from a lab in Wuhan, that was manipulating similar viruses, he published a scientific paper explaining why the virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic probably came from animals who were infected and then passed it to humans  an event called a spillover.

Animal spillovers like these are the way most pandemics begin.

Proponents of the lab leak theory think that Andersen was pressured by top scientists at the National Institutes of Health to change his thinking.

Andersen said none of that is true. He simply did what scientists do when presented with evidence that contradicts what they initially thought: He changed his hypothesis.

Debarre says she too originally believed that the virus emerged from a lab.

A lab origin is a possibility. Its a legitimate possibility for the origin of SARS-CoV-2 that needed to be seriously considered and that we did consider, Debarre said.

Andersen, she said, is well known as the original lab leaker.

So we were all open to the idea of a lab leak, except that we are scientists, and we go where the data go. And so far, all the data that are available and different types of data all point in the same direction, toward an animal spillover event that probably happened in the Huanan market.

Lessons of past pandemics

Understanding the origin of SARS-CoV-2 is hugely important, not only to understanding what happened with Covid-19 but also for understanding how future pandemics may come our way.

Andersen said much work has been done in the wake of the pandemic to improve lab safety and the potential for the accidental release of dangerous viruses, but theres been much less focus on the trade of wild and farmed animals, which continues to pose serious risks.

How much has been talked about the unregulated wildlife trade, which is a $50-plus billion annual trade in China, Andersen said.

Andersen points out that they also found H9N2 flu virus  another virus poised for emergence  in the samples taken from the Huanan market.

He said its a chilling reminder that SARS-CoV-2 wasnt special, necessarily. It was just a virus that was in the right place at the right time.

The same scenario that happened in Wuhan in 2019 could be playing out now with the H5N1 bird flu virus in the United States on poultry and dairy farms. As long as the virus is spreading, he said, its a game of chance.

While Andersen agrees that there needs to be more regulation around lab research of viruses, he said, more attention needs to be given to animal markets.

We also have a bigger boogie monster right in front of us, which is unregulated wildlife trading, Andersen said. And thats not even being discussed.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A British man who found a massive cache of ancient Roman gold and silver coins while hunting with a metal detector has a lot more modern currency in his pocket after the treasure was auctioned off for $176,000.

George Ridgway, a trained archaeologist, investigated an unusual marking in a recently harvested field in Suffolk, England in September 2019, according to a news release from Noonans Auctions. He knew that a Roman road had once run close to the field, and thought there might be something to find.

Hours scouring the area turned up nothing, he said, but when he shifted his position by just 30 yards, he found two Roman brooches that dated back to the 1st century. Shortly after, he found a silver coin issued by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. Another three hours of searching turned up 160 more silver coins and some pottery fragments.

George Ridgway. / Credit: Noonans Auctions

"I knew I had made an important archaeological discovery and called my dad to guard the site overnight while we waited for an archaeological team to arrive and excavate the site," the 34-year-old said. "It took three months to recover the hoard."

During that excavation, researchers found even more coins, including gold pieces. In total, 748 coins, dated from as early as 206 B.C., were recovered. Alice Cullen, a coin specialist at the auction house, said it was one of the largest hoards of Iron Age and Roman coins found in the United Kingdom. The coins may have been buried by a long-serving soldier in Rome's XX Legion, who were once stationed in what would later be known as Colchester, England, Cullen said. There was a "fierce battle" in the area around 47 A.D., Cullen said, and a victim of the conflict may have been the person who buried the coins.

Sixty-three of the coins were claimed by the British Museum and the Colchester & Ipswich Museum, to be displayed in their collections, and the rest were auctioned. While the auction house expected the sale to garner about $100,000, it actually brought in more than $176,000, according to CBS News partner the BBC.

The coin hoard. / Credit: Noonans Auctions

A coin issued by Gaius Caesar - also known as Caligula - decorated with a portrait of the Empress Agrippina and dated to A.D. 37-38 sold for about $9,295, according to the BBC. Another coin, issued by Claudius and dated to A.D. 41-42, sold for about $6,640.

Ridgway said the proceeds of the sale will be split between himself and the landowner of the site where the coins were found. He said that such a find has been like a dream come true.

"I was inspired by my childhood hero Indiana Jones to start history hunting when I was 4 years old, and I dreamed of finding a Roman hoard since my grandmother bought me a metal detector for my 12th birthday," Ridgway said. "It was an awe-inspiring moment when I realised that I had found one!"

Ridgway as a child. / Credit: Noonans Auctions

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Anderson County short 470 poll workers for upcoming election, 'a lot of them are aging out'

The presidential election is in less than 47 days and Anderson County is short 470 poll workers.

There are 79 precincts in Anderson County, and 126,494 people are registered to vote.

"We generally need 600 poll workers to fully staff all locations," Anderson County Precinct Coordinator Austin Cooley said. "We currently have 200 and are short 470 workers.

"Given the events of this year's presidential race, this year's election is expected to have one of the biggest turnouts in Anderson County history," Cooley said.

The elections office has contacted local churches, high schools, and Anderson University to recruit volunteers.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024.

The elections office has held recruiting events to ensure that they have enough poll workers to manage the expected high turnout and that each location has enough voting machines.

"In the past, some areas such as Iva, Starr, Honea Path, and Willamston have generally needed more poll workers than others," Cooley added. "This is partly due to these areas being rural, with fewer poll workers available to work."

Austin Cooley, Precinct Coordinator for the Board of Voter Registration & Elections of Anderson County, asking for people to apply to be poll workers, as there are many needed for the November election.

"Many of our current poll workers are part of the older generation, and a lot of them are aging out," Cooley said. "We are trying to involve the younger generation to ensure we have enough poll workers. For the younger generation, working as a poll worker is a great opportunity to gain job experience, build their resumes, and complete community service hours."

What are poll work qualifications?

To be a poll worker, you must be registered to vote in South Carolina and 16 years old or older. Workers are paid $135 for the training session and their service on election day.

Austin Cooley, Precinct Coordinator for the Board of Voter Registration & Elections of Anderson County, asking for people to apply to be poll workers, as there are many needed for the November election.

According to Cooley, poll workers learn during the training session that "if you see something, say something. Report any suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement immediately. If safe to do so, also notify the county office."

When are polls open during an election?

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Poll workers arrive at 6 a.m. and remain until after 7 p.m. when all the voters have been processed and the election materials have been packed up. Their end time will vary depending on election turnout.

"Operations could be slowed down without having polling places completely staffed on election day," he said.

If you would like to apply as a poll worker, here are some positions you could apply for.

Poll workers positions

According to South Carolina voting laws, all managers assigned to the polling place, including clerks and assistants, are poll managers and are responsible for its operation.

Poll managers may not be candidates or the spouse, parent, child, brother, or sister of a candidate at any polling place where the candidates name appears on the ballot.

A poster seeking poll managers at the Board of Voter Registration & Elections of Anderson County, as there are many needed for the November election.

According to South Carolina voting laws, poll managers assistants must complete poll manager training. They may not serve as clerks but have the same responsibilities as a poll manager. The county board appoints one manager in each precinct as clerk.

South Carolina voting laws state that clerks must be registered voters in the county in which they are serving or an adjoining county. The clerk is the lead poll manager.

According to South Carolina voting laws, a poll watcher is a person designated by a candidate or party to fulfill a specific role at the precinct. An observer is a member of the public who isnt performing a specific role, such as manager, clerk, voter, watcher, etc.

South Carolina voting laws state that watchers and observers will be placed in designated areas on Election Day or at an Early Voting Center to observe the processes.

To sign up to work as an Election worker in Anderson County, please visit the voter registration office at 301 N. Main St. in Anderson to submit your application.

Photographer Ken Ruinard contributed to this article.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: 470 poll workers needed for presidential election in Anderson County
Angola nearly lost its national animal to poaching. Heres how a team of dedicated conservationists brought it back

Editors Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolexs Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.

With its long, ridged horns and muscular build, the giant sable antelope is a majestic sight  and a rare one at that.

This particular antelope, endemic only to Angola, in southwest Africa, is critically endangered, with a population of just a few hundred.

While its situation is still precarious, the giant sable is a story of conservation success  bringing an almost extinct animal back from the brink.

The disappearance of the giant sable

The giant sable antelope was first discovered in the early 20th century and went on to become Angolas national animal. However, due to their striking horns, the antelopes soon became a target for poachers, says renowned Angolan conservationist Pedro Vaz Pinto.

In 1975, their prospects took a turn for the worse when a civil war broke out in Angola following its independence from Portugal. Over the next 27 years, the conflict devastated the countrys wildlife and the giant sable was no exception.

A heard of female giant sable antelopes, pictured here in Cangandala National Park, wear GPS collars to monitor their whereabouts. - Pedro Vaz Pinto / Fundacao Kissama

The war led to intensive poaching for the animals meat and horns. Habitat loss, and a lack of conservation measures, exacerbated the problem.

Initially, no one really knew if the giant sable had survived the civil war, says Vaz Pinto.

A biologist with a passion for wildlife and a background in field research throughout Africa, Vaz Pinto first became interested in the plight of the giant sable simply because no one else was looking into the matter, he tells CNN.

It took years until I finally was completely drawn into it, and then there was no turning back, he says.

Reconnaissance mission

In 2003, after the war had ended, Vaz Pinto organized a small team to investigate whether any giant sables remained.

They took a van and drove through Cangandala National Park, in the north of the country, where locals had reported sightings. There, the team set up cameras throughout the 630-square-kilometer (240-square-mile) area.

Pictured, male and female giant sable antelopes roaming in Cangandala National Park in July 2024. - Bruce Buttery for CNN

A year later, their photos would prove that a small population did exist. However, as Vaz Pinto would later come to find out, they were all female.

It took a while to actually sink in and accept the reality of what was happening; this was extinction, an extinction vortex, taking place in front of our eyes, he says.

We needed a bull.

Recovery operation

Soon after, Vaz Pinto established the Giant Sable Conservation Project to begin protecting the species and boosting its population.

Pictured here in 2009, the first giant sable bull found in Luando is transported via helicopter to Cangandala to help repopulate the species. - Pedro Vaz Pinto / Fundacao Kissama

With no evidence, only a hunch, Vaz Pinto and his team traveled to Luando Integral Nature Reserve, a remote, biodiverse habitat where giant sable antelopes were previously known to live.

In 2009, through DNA collected via dung samples, they identified that at least one bull lived in the reserve. Vaz Pinto and his team loaded into a helicopter to begin their search, deciding to zero in on where the sample was collected.

As we are moving towards the spot, theres a giant sable bull standing there at the very same spot, he recalls. So that was just like magic, and then in the subsequent days, we found, like, six more bulls.

One of the bulls was transported back to Cangandala via helicopter and placed in a fenced sanctuary with the females to help revive the population.

Still endangered

Today, the sanctuary in Cangandala has a population of about 100 animals, Vaz Pinto says, which is still growing. His team also monitors the wild roaming population left in Luando through GPS collars and drones.

The area is still under a tremendous poaching pressure, Vaz Pinto says. We have five sable herds left, so we try to keep them with an active GPS collar all the time so we can provide some protection to that area.

Before Angolas independence, the giant sable population was estimated to be around 2,000 to 2,500 animals. Restoring it to that level will take time.

A male giant sable antelope pictured here in Cangandala National Park on July 16, 2024. - Bruce Buttery for CNN

I think we could set up a short to medium term objective of getting the animals back to 500, and maybe in the medium term to long term to 1,000, 1,500, says Vaz Pinto.

He is proud to say they have brought the animal back from the brink of extinction, but he remains cautiously optimistic about its status. Its undeniable that we have made a lot of progress, but if we stop, if we do nothing, it can all go down.

Environmental education

Vaz Pinto is also the director at the Kissama Foundation, an NGO that focuses on wildlife conservation and environmental education across the country. His colleague Vladimir Russo says teaching local people and younger generations about the importance of wildlife is a key part to helping conserve not just the giant sable, but all species.

We really try to raise awareness (through) workshops, work with the communities, different institutions, (and we) produce a number of materials from posters, flyers, books and games, Russo says.

Vaz Pinto would love to give every Angolan an opportunity to see a giant sable up close.

Its a very powerful experience and I can see people change after that.They become enormously more in tune with the need to protect the antelope and (understand) the environmental efforts that we are doing, he says.

Going forward, he believes management, funding, and training are necessary to continue restoring the giant sable population.

Its a bit of a rollercoaster, lots of setbacks, but lots and lots of achievements as well, he says. I really hope that what were doing with the giant sable is replicated at the larger scale for the whole country.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
FORT RILEY (KSNT)  Fort Riley is inviting the community on the base for its annual fall festival.

The annual Fall Apple Festival at Fort Riley is back offering the public a fun, family-friendly open house for the military installation, according to a news release from Fort Riley. At the festival, community members can see military vehicles up-close, watch demonstrations by explosive ordnance disposal soldiers, a performance from the Commanding Generals Mounted Color Guard, military working dogs and musical performances as well as activities for all ages.

This year, the festival is introducing a mechanical bull ride and scheduled Zumba classes. Community members may remember past attractions, like carriage rides from the CGMCG mule team and all three types of aircraft used in the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade which will make a comeback in 2024, according to the news release.

KTA warns customers of possible scam text messages

The fall festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. At 10 a.m., Fort Rileys Survivor Outreach Services will honor the fallen soldiers with a song and balloon release in front of the main stage.

Parking for the festival will be available at Rileys Community Center, 466 Seitz Ave. off of Huebner Road. According to the news release, no pets or outside alcohol are allowed.

If you do not have a Dod ID card, you can stop by the Visitor Control Center (Exit 301 off of I-70) to get a pass in person, or apply online.

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.
ANSONIA, Conn. (WTNH)  A 13-year-old girl was arrested for making a threat that closed Ansonia Public Schools on Thursday, according to police.

Police said they received a complaint at around 6:40 a.m. Thursday about a threat posted on social media.

Due to unspecified threats posted to social media, in consultation with Ansonia Police Department, Ansonia Public Schools will be closed today, a post on Ansonia Public Schools Facebook page read. The Ansonia Police Department and Ansonia Public Schools are currently investigating and schools will be closed today out of an abundance of caution.

A 13-year-old girl confessed to making the post, according to police. She was arrested and referred to juvenile court for first-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace.

Enfield police search for 3 suspects following reported armed home invasion

In a joint statement with police, the Ansonia Board of Education and Superintendent Joseph DiBacco released the following statement to parents and guardians.

Please speak to your children about how to communicate (i.e. email, social media) in an appropriate manner. Please know that all threats to our schools or students are taken very seriously and are investigated thoroughly. We encourage parents to speak with your child about making the right choices and the potential consequences of their actions.

Ansonia police said there will be additional police presence around all the schools within Ansonia on Thursday. Ansonia Public Schools will resume a regular schedule of classes on Friday.

This is a developing situation. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)

National civil rights organizations are urging business leaders to reject a growing campaign to abolish workplace diversity, equity and inclusion policies and programs and defend decadeslong, pro-business decisions to increase equality in the workplace.

"Recently, some CEOs have caved and announced their companys divestment from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts," the Human Rights Campaign, NAACP, the National Organization for Women and 17 other groups wrote in a letter to Fortune 1000 chief executives shared exclusively with USA TODAY. "These capitulations weaken businesses and the American economy more broadly. And, these shortsighted decisions make our workplaces less safe and less inclusive for hard-working Americans."

The letter marks the first time national organizations have come together to counter a social media pressure campaign that has led to an unprecedented rollback of DEI efforts at major U.S. companies.

Concessions made by Molson Coors, Harley-Davidson, John Deere, rural retailer Tractor Supply, Jack Daniel's distiller Brown-Forman and Stanley Black & Decker range from ending participation in external workplace rankings to dropping diversity goals for employees and suppliers.

The architect of the campaign is Robby Starbuck, a 35-year-old activist from Tennessee who says he is working to get divisive social issues and politics out of the workplace.

Earlier this year, he began targeting brands popular with conservatives that he says had fallen out of alignment with their customers. His social media followers rallied to the cause. Starbuck says conservatives are now "activist consumers" who "arent afraid to use their wallets as a weapon."

More recently, Starbuck expanded his anti-"woke" campaign to more mainstream brands, such as Ford and Lowes, that acceded to some of his demands.

I think our campaigns have been extremely successful because weve focused on making companies a welcoming place for everyone, Starbuck said. Average people dont want political takes from their tool company or grocery store. They just want great products and service.

Backing away from DEI investments risks alienating employees and customers, the civil rights groups told CEOs.

According to an Edelman survey, 60% percent of people say an inclusive work culture with a well-supported diversity program is critical to attracting and retaining them as an employee.

When values of diversity, equity and inclusion are tested by politically motivated, anti-business forces, CEOs and corporate board members must defend them unequivocally," the civil rights organizations said. "To be clear, women workers, people of color and disabled workers arent making political statements when they show up to work and ask for equal policies, benefits and treatment.

Energized by last year's Supreme Court ruling that ended race-conscious college admissions, anti-DEI activists are increasingly taking aim at corporate America with a wave of legal challenges.

They have been joined by more than a dozen GOP attorneys general who have sent letters to Fortune 500 corporations threatening legal action over DEI policies and GOP lawmakers in multiple states who have pushed legislation to restrict DEI efforts in the workplace.

DEI critics allege that women and people of color are being handed jobs and promotions at the expense of more qualified and deserving candidates. They also argue that any program that excludes white workers is just as illegal as a program that excludes Black workers.

Robby Starbuck

The potential for blowback and litigation has unnerved the private sector. Companies once bragged about their DEI programs. Now most avoid the subject.

Some Fortune 500 executives like JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon have begun publicly reaffirming their commitment to DEI principles.

Its good for business. Its morally right. Were quite good at it. Were successful, Dimon recently said of DEI at a Council of Institutional Investors conference.

But, he said, he's not interested in "other people pointing fingers" from the political right or left. "I'm not 'woke' at all," he said.

Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, testifies alongside other banking heads at the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee oversight hearing to examine Wall Street firms on Dec. 6, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

DEI programs and policies are intended to level the playing field for all employees. Historic advantages have helped men dominate the business world, widening gaps in status, pay and wealth.

Women are outnumbered 5 to 1 in senior leadership, according to a USA TODAY analysis of the top executive officers at the nations 100 largest publicly traded companies. The gap for women of color was five times wider than the disparity for white women, the analysis found.

Businesses right now are being put in difficult positions where they are being attacked by extremists and where they are under significant pressure, said Eric Bloem, the Human Rights Campaigns vice president of programs and corporate advocacy.

Starbuck has focused much of his efforts on workplace training and other programs for LGBTQ+ workers.

All eight of the companies targeted so far by Starbuck have dropped participation in a benchmark index the Human Rights Campaign uses to measure how friendly a companys policies are to LGBTQ+ people.

I think its clear that the LGBTQ+ community has been bearing a significant brunt of some of the attacks right now, but the decisions that these businesses are making affect all of our communities, Bloem said.

He says that's why representatives from historically marginalized groups are calling on corporate leaders to stand up and defend their values.

Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Womens Law Center, says anti-DEI campaigns could set back progress made since George Floyd died under a white police officers knee in May 2020.

This week, a report from LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Co. found that corporate efforts to increase the number of women in the leadership pipeline declined for the first time in 10 years amid the DEI backlash.

This is a leadership moment, Graves said. I commend the vast majority of companies that are taking their obligations seriously. For those who are intimidated by a small number of extremists, I hope they will reconsider.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: With DEI under attack, civil rights groups are fighting back
Antioch flower shop burglars make off with $130, cause $4K in damage

Antioch flower shop burglars make off with $130, cause $4K in damage

(KRON)  Police in Antioch are investigating after a flower shop was broken into over the weekend and had its cash register stolen, causing thousands in damages to the business.

The owner of Paulas Family Florist, Paula Trotta, said that on Saturday at 5:07 a.m., two men used crowbars to break into the business after casing the location from a vehicle. The suspects are seen on security cameras walking around the shop and taking a credit card machine and a cash register.

Man sneaks into Fairfield home via doggy door, police say

There was $130 in the cash register, according to Trotta. The damages to the business, however, amount to $4,000, she said.

The Antioch Police Department was notified of the burglary and is investigating. No further information was released by authorities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Teamsters President Sean OBrien isnt happy that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the union for refusing to endorse Kamala Harris for president. On Thursday, in response to her comments, he made the spurious claim that the Teamsters in AOCs district overwhelmingly support Donald Trump.

Speaking to CNNs Dana Bash, OBrien said, [Ocasio-Cortez] should maybe get into her district, where it voted far-right Republican, and maybe find out what the problem is.

Bash asked the union president what he meant, to which OBrien responded, In our polling, New York, her district, voted overwhelmingly Republican to support former President Trump, so she may want to focus on her job instead of mine.

.@Teamsters President Sean O'Brien reacts to @AOC attacking Teamsters for refusing to endorse Kamala: She should maybe get into her district  where Teamsters in her district voted overwhelmingly to support President Trump.



So, she may want to focus on her job instead of mine. pic.twitter.com/5jTNukaE7i  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 19, 2024

While that sound bite was highlighted by the Trump campaign on X (formerly Twitter), OBriens statement was quickly disproven by the fact that Teamsters Local 202 in New Yorks 14th District in the Bronx endorsed Ocasio-Cortez Thursday, which the congresswoman was happy to post on X herself.

The NY-14 Teamsters mentioned here have actually voted overwhelmingly to endorse Harris-Walz.



Just as Teamsters in Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania have, too.



Its a big thing to be wrong about.



So lets set the record straight: Teamsters Local 202 are all in for Harris. https://t.co/ZYizRdGwIL pic.twitter.com/UBaoPyUrNm  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 19, 2024

OBriens decision to withhold a presidential endorsement has been met with disapproval from Teamsters local chapters across the country, with several in key battleground states subsequently endorsing the Harris-Walz ticket. After the Teamsters president spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, rank-and-file members spoke from the Democratic National Convention stage to voice their support for Harris. The unions National Black Caucus also voted unanimously to endorse the vice president.



OBrien signaled a possible endorsement for Harris after he criticized Donald Trump last month, calling the convicted felons remarks to Elon Musk about firing workers for striking and organizing economic terrorism. In the end, the Teamsters president has been left embarrassed not only by organized labors traditional allies in the Democratic Party but also by his own members.
Apalachee High School is planning a gradual reopening the week of Sept. 23, the school announced Friday  more than two weeks after police say a student shot and killed four people at the Barrow County campus.

Barrow County Superintendent Dallas LeDuff called it a gradual opening in a message to families Friday. Apalachee High Principal Jessica Rehberg called it a phased return to school in a message of her own.

School officials plan to have on-campus mental health support and space for relocated classes available for the return.

I know that you, like me, are experiencing a range of emotions and trying to make sense of the tragedy that struck our community, Rehberg wrote. While we may never have the perfect words or answers to satisfy the questions and challenges that face us, I believe we are better together.

The shooting at the Winder school was the deadliest school shooting in the states history.

All other schools in Barrow County reopened on Tuesday. They closed for three days following the shooting.

We believe we need to be together as soon as possible to move forward and to provide some sense of familiarity for our students, LeDuff wrote in a message about the reopening plans.

A 14-year-old Apalachee High student has been charged with four counts of felony murder and is expected to face more charges. The students father, Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.

About 1,900 students attend Apalachee High School.

AJC Reporter Thad Moore contributed to this story.
MOSCOW, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree extending an embargo on agricultural products from Western countries for another two years, local media reported on Wednesday.

The embargo, which will run from Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2026, marks the first time the extension has exceeded one year.

Originally enacted in August 2014 in retaliation for Western sanctions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the ban affects products from the United States, the EU, Australia, Norway, and Canada. The restrictions were later expanded to other European countries, including Ukraine.

It is reported that Putin has praised the import ban for spurring Russia's agricultural growth. 
Democrat and Republican lawmakers are collaborating on new legislation to address the recent shootings at Apalachee High School, but that collaboration only goes so far.

Channel 2s Richard Elliot learned that some Democrats are pushing for some significant changes including red flag laws and universal background checks.

Republicans have indicated they are open to some new gun safety storage laws and laws holding parents accountable for their childrens criminal actions, but so far, only Democrats are advocating for broader reforms.

During Thursdays State Senate Gun Storage Safety Study Committee meeting, a woman was escorted out by a state trooper after she disrupted the proceedings.

In a twist of fate, the committee is chaired by Decatur Democratic state Sen. Emmanuel Jones, an appointment made by Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones long before the Apalachee High School tragedy.

Sen. Jones expressed the need to discuss safe gun storage and hinted at the possibility of discussing more comprehensive measures.

Ive already expanded it because there are some issues that were talking about in this committee that are critical, Jones said.

TRENDING STORIES:

The committee is considering installing biometric gun safes in Georgia schools to give school resource officers quicker access to heavier weapons.

Though other Democrats want to discuss red flag laws and universal background checks, Jones aims to focus on legislation that can pass in a Republican-controlled legislature.

Which is why Im delighted that the lieutenant governor empowered this bipartisan safe storage committee so that all members can embrace this very basic and important issues that we need to address, Jones said.

Republican House Speaker Jon Burns, in an exclusive interview Wednesday, said he would support new bills on gun storage safety, holding parents accountable for their childrens criminal acts, and mental health measures.

However, this might be as far as he is willing to go.

Number one is the safety of our students. Theres no doubt about that. Thats the number one priority, but were also very mindful of the rights of Georgians to legally arm a firearm and protect themselves and their family, Burns said.

Last session, the House passed a version of tax incentives for those purchasing gun storage safety devices, but it failed in the Senate.

Lawmakers are expected to renew these efforts in the next session.

RELATED NEWS:
1 worker dead, 1 hurt on I-55 in West Memphis; Corvette driver still at large

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A construction worker is dead and another is injured after being hit on Interstate 55 during a police chase in West Memphis on Wednesday night.

Arkansas State Police say a suspect in a maroon Corvette drove into construction workers who were working on the I-55 bridge during a high-speed chase from West Memphis into Memphis.

Man dead after 18-wheeler crash in Holly Springs, MS

One of the workers was killed at the scene. The Crittenden County coroner identified him as Justin Delgado, 36, of Lola, Texas.

The other was taken to a Memphis hospital for treatment. ASP said he is in critical condition.

The Corvette was found by Memphis Police in the 200 block of West McKellar Avenue, fully engulfed in flames.

The driver is still at large, ASP said.

The pursuit began around 10 p.m. Wednesday, when West Memphis Police stopped the Corvette for a traffic violation on East Broadway. The suspect fled at high speed onto I-55, striking the victims around Mile Marker 3, ASP said.

Arkansas state troopers were not involved in the pursuit. The agency is investigating the incident.

The workers were with the Louis Company in Grain Valley, Missouri. A spokesperson for the company says they do not have a statement.

Our thoughts are with the families, coworkers, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event, a City of West Memphis spokesperson said by email. The city could not share more information due to the 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 WREG.com.
Snow-dusted Copter Peak, at the northern edge of Noatak National Preserve in Arctic Alaska, is seen from a valley. Nunaviksak Creek runs along the base of the mountain. The view was captured in a painting by Alaska artist MK MacNaughton. (Photo provided by National Park Service)

Snow-dusted Copter Peak, at the northern edge of Noatak National Preserve in Arctic Alaska, is seen from a valley. The mountain is near the boundary between the Northwest Arctic Borough and the North Slope Borough, which are combined into sprawling District 40 in the Alaska House of Representatives. (Photo provided by National Park Service)

The person who represents the nations northernmost legislative district in the Alaska House of Representatives is tasked with achieving a special balance.

Sprawling and remote House District 40 encompasses both the oil-rich North Slope and the less-wealthy Northwest Arctic Borough. That means it has two separate hub communities  Utqiagvik and Kotzebue. While both regions are majority Inupiat, they have significant differences in their economies, histories and cultures.

The incumbent House member, who is from Kotzebue, and the two candidates challenging him, one from Kotzebue as well and the other from Utqiagvik, acknowledge that the districts makeup creates a special challenge. But all three  all of them Inupiat  say there are ways to bridge those differences.

Properly representing the district, with all its diversity and remoteness, requires working with cities, tribes and any organizations that represent residents, said Thomas Baker, the incumbent.

Youve got to work with each community individually, see what their wants and needs are, and then you work bigger and then you see what the overreaching, overarching needs are, said Baker, whom Gov. Mike Dunleavy appointed to the seat in November to fill the vacancy left when then-Rep. Josiah Patkotak,I-Utqiagvik, was elected mayor of the North Slope Borough.

Despite the differences, there are common interests, said Baker, who was a Republican when appointed but is now unaffiliated. We are the isolated north. We are the northern end of everything, he said.

Democrat Robyn Niayuq Burke of Utqiagvik said a key difference is the wealth gap. Communities in the North Slope have the advantage of decades of oil money.

Burke, who is president of the North Slope Borough School District Board of Education, said she is keenly aware of how oil money has allowed her home borough to provide services that are unavailable in parts of the Northwest Arctic Borough. Its not lost on me, especially when I go to the Northwest Arctic and see that there are so many communities that dont have water or have problems with their water, she said.

Some of her understanding of needs outside the North Slope comes from her service as an officer with the Association of Alaska School Boards, she said.

Democrat Saima Ikrik Chase, currently Kotzebues mayor, also pointed to those wealth differences. That gives the North Slope communities more focus on policies, while the Northwest Arctic communities are more dependent on state-provided services, she said. Still, there are common concerns, like housing, education funding and teacher retention, she said. They have the same issues. Its just that they have more resources to depend on to get to where they need to get to, said Chase, whose professional experience is in health care and emergency services.

Rep. Thomas Baker of Kotzebue is seen in this undated photo. Baker was a Republican when appointed to represent House District 40 but is running for reelection as an independent. (Photo provided by Thomas Baker)

Resource money is the obvious difference between the North Slope and the Northwest Arctic. The North Slope, site of Alaskas big oil fields, has a vast borough infrastructure and service network built on oil money. The Northwest Arctic does not have nearly the same deep pockets, though it benefits economically from the Red Dog mine, one of the worlds largest zinc producers.

Some other differences stretch back further in history. Subsistence food gathering on the North Slope, which has shaped the culture, is largely about hunting bowhead whales and other marine mammals, while terrestrial mammals like caribou and fish, including salmon, make up the bulk of the subsistence harvests in the Northwest Arctic region, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Even though the Inupiaq language is spoken in both parts of the district, there are different regional dialects.

In the past, the North Slope and Northwest Arctic have been represented by some legendary and powerful lawmakers, like Al Adams and Frank Ferguson, both of Kotzebue.

Decades ago, each borough had its own representative in the state House. Now, they share one.

Effective advocacy for the district requires looking past whatever splits might exist between localities, corporations, nonprofits or other entities, said another of those powerful lawmakers who represented the district in the past, former state Sen. Willie Hensley.

We need to not confine ourselves to our individual cells, said Hensley, who is also from the Kotzebue region. Doing so in that Arctic region requires special skills. You really need to put your best people in there, he said.

Primary results suggest Chase-Burke contest

Results from the primary suggest that Baker faces an uphill climb. Chase and Burke finished in a near-tie at about 35% each, with Chase eking out a three-vote margin over Burke. Baker lagged with 29% of the vote. Since Burke and Chase have similar positions on the issues, ranked choice voting in this three-way contest is expected to be important to the outcome.

All three candidates noted that turnout in August was low, and that results could change considerably in November, when voters will also consider the presidential candidates. Additionally, the two Democrats also noted that during the primary election, there were malfunctions at certain outlying communities that either interfered with peoples ability to vote or impeded the vote count.

Burke pointed to three North Slope precincts that failed to open. I had people who reached out to me and said, I tried to vote for you, but I just couldnt, she said. Chase pointed to delays in counting votes in some outlying Northwest Arctic precincts.

While they come from different regions in the district, Burke and Chase have similar positions  and similar complaints about Bakers record.

Possibly topping that list is Bakers vote in March that upheld Dunleavys veto of a permanent increase in the base student allocation, core of the formula that decides the per-student funding provided by the state. The override failed by a single vote.

Democratic candidate for Alaska House District 40. (Photo provided by Robyn Niqyuq Burke)

For Burke, who had traveled to Juneau to lobby for the increase, Bakers action on that issue was a tipping point in her decision to run for the seat.

She blasted the action in an op-ed published days after the veto override failed.

Bakers vote virtually assured deep education cuts that make it improbable to adequately staff our schools or provide basic materials. As damaging as his vote is for the North Slope, it is even more devastating for the Northwest Arctic Borough, which does not have our property tax base from oil infrastructure, she said in the op-ed, published in the Arctic Sounder and Anchorage Daily News.

Chase, too, said she was upset with Bakers position, as were many of her neighbors.

A lot of our residents here in the north were like, What? Because, Number 1, he comes from a family of teachers and its like, Come on, man, your sibling is a teacher, and your grandmother was a teacher. So I guess his actions speak louder than his words on that, she said.

Baker, defending his decision on that vote, said it would have been pointless to override the veto because Dunleavy would have simply vetoed the money for the next year needed to pay the increase in the formula.

It isnt clear whether that hypothetical would have come to pass. Dunleavy ultimately signed a budget containing a one-time funding bonus equivalent to the permanent boost envisioned by the Legislature. But the failure of the bill means that there is no long-term change.

His vote on the veto override notwithstanding, Baker said he supports an increase in the BSA, which is why he voted for the final budget and its one-time $680 boost. But addressing education challenges in the far-north district will require more adjustments, he said. The BSA does need to be higher, but at the same time, the cost of fuel needs to be lower, the cost of energy needs to be lower, he said. We deal with a lot of issues in rural Alaska that other parts of the state and the country dont deal with.

Splits with Native leaders

Another point of criticism is Bakers attempt to rejigger the states subsistence policies, a subject on which he clashed with Native organizations.

Saima Ikrik Chase, mayor of Kotzebue, is a Democratic candidate running for Alaska House District 40. (Photo provided by Saima Ikrik Chase)

Baker introduced a bill to amend the state constitution, House Joint Resolution 22, that was aimed at unifying state and federal subsistence management  but his version omitted the word rural, in contrast with federal laws requirement for a rural Alaska subsistence priority. Bakers effort got pushback from the Alaska Federation of Natives, creating an unusual situation in which Alaskas largest Native organization, along with other prominent Native organizations within his district, opposed legislation sponsored by a Native lawmaker.

Rep. Bakers bill came out of the blue, Julie Kitka, then AFNs president, said in a March 20 hearing at the House Resources Committee.

AFN and other Indigenous organizations, though they advocated in past decades for a state constitutional amendment, have come to prefer federal management as more dependable and more supportive of Indigenous rights.

Baker, who is on the council that advises the federal government on subsistence management in the Northwest Arctic, defended his constitutional amendment idea, adding that he, too, favors a rural priority.

The main goal with that piece of legislation was to get the conversation started because it is an ongoing issue that no one was really addressing in the legislature, he said.

Both Burke and Chase criticized Bakers effort as ill-conceived and lacking proper consultation with affected people and organizations.

The proposed constitutional amendment lacked support from any other Native lawmaker, and it died in committee.

Election legislation is another area where Baker split from Alaskas other Native legislators.

Those members staunchly supported a legal change that would have removed the requirement that absentee voters secure witness signatures from designated officials. That witness-signature requirement has proved to be impractical and burdensome in rural Alaska and effectively discriminates against Native voters, said lawmakers who favored the change.

In floor debate on May 15, Sen. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, defended the elimination of the witness-signature requirement. Hoffman referred to the high rate of rural mail-in votes that were invalidated during the 2022 special election to fill the vacant U.S. House seat. Because of the witness verification provision, Ive had 15 percent of my voters  15 percent of my voters  their votes were thrown out. Imagine how you would feel if that happened in your district, he said.

But when the Senate-passed bill came to the House floor, Baker voted against taking it up, splitting from the other Native House members. The tally was 20-20, so Bakers vote on the matter was criticized as the decision that killed a bill with a provision important to his own rural constituents.

The city of Kotzebue is seen on July 17, 2013, from a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter forward deployed to Kotzebue from Air Station Kodiak. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Eggert/U.S. Coast Guard)

Months later, Baker said the amended version of the bill was rushed, and he remains unsure of his position on it. I cant say that I would have supported that bill because there was no time to review it, he said.

He also noted that it reached the floor after the midnight adjournment deadline, making it possibly invalid even if it has passed. Dunleavy vetoed several other bills that passed the Legislature after midnight, saying they were unconstitutional.

Burke, in contrast, has been adamant in seeking changes to help rural voters. The current system is plagued with problems, like the lack of polling place access experienced in the primary, she said. And Alaska Natives pay the price, she said in another op-ed essay published in the Anchorage Daily News.

Barriers to voting in rural Alaska are persistent and glaring, including limited access to early voting tablets, the inability to translate official election information into Alaska Native languages, and the failure to receive absentee election materials before the voting window opens, she said in the op-ed.

Party affiliations and trends

Baker has another distinction from other legislators representing predominantly Native districts.

He was the first Republican in more than six decades to represent his district or any part of it. The only other Republican representing the Northwest Arctic region was John Curtis, who served one term in the first legislative session after statehood.

After the legislative session, Baker switched his registration to nonpartisan, something that he said was spurred by his experience in the House representing the district. Party allegiances can get in the way of serving the district, he said. Sometimes theres going to be a more conservative way to tackle a District 40 problem. Sometimes there will be a more liberal way to do it, he said. Seeing how much work goes into the job that was the reason  becoming someone that could work in the middle of the road.

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Chase said she too sometimes feels like she doesnt belong to a political party, though she generally sides with Alaska Democrats.

I feel like Im always teeter-tottering, with kind of being a Democrat or going, kind of, towards independent, she said. That is especially true this year, when the presidential election is happening, and people are so extreme on both sides.

By extreme, she said, she is referring to policies on mining or other resource development. Extreme Democrats, she said, are very against any mining or any resource development that could possibly, you know, tarnish the land, she said. Republicans are extreme in the other way when it comes to mining and other resource development, she said. Thats all they want to do, she said.

Burke, who has served on the board of the pro-oil organization Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, said she remains a loyal Democrat, but of the Arctic Alaska variety.

Kayakers paddle across Isatkoak Lagoon in Utqiagvik, the nation's northernmost community, on Aug. 6, 2022. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

You cant be a Democrat from the North Slope without being pro-resource development, she said. So I would probably consider myself a little more moderate.

Hensley said the region used to be overwhelmingly Democratic, and the meaningful contests were the primary elections.If you got through the primary, basically, you were in, he said.

However, the Republican Party label may not be as much of a detriment as it used to be, at least in half of the House district.

While most of rural Alaska remains solidly Democratic, there has been a shift within the North Slope Borough over the last few presidential cycles, according to results from the Alaska Division of Elections.

That is evident in results from the North Slopes major population center, Utqiagivik, even as voters in the Northwest Arctics major community, Kotzebue, remain heavily in favor of Democrats.

In the 2012 election, voters in Utqiagviks two precincts preferred President Barack Obama to GOP challenger Mitt Romney by a 2-to-1 margin. Four years later, the majority of the presidential votes in those precincts went to Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump, but the margin was narrower, under 12 percentage points.

In the 2020 election, Trump received 52.6% of the vote in the two Utqiagvik districts.

Hensley attributed that trend to the North Slopes increasing dissatisfaction over national Democrats oil development positions and policies.

Without oil production, theyre toast, Hensley said. That is what fuels their entire economy.

Burke said it would not surprise her if the North Slope Borough tilted to Trump in this election. However, she would not be part of that trend, she said. I cant vote for Trump, she said.

Baker, as of early September, said he had not made up his mind about how he would vote in the presidential election.

The concern for me is who is going to do what they can to support the Alaskan economy, who is going to support our Alaskan way of life and who is going to make sure that their administration listens when a community says, This is what we need, please work with us this way, he said.

In another example of the diversity within District 40, Kotzebue, the other hub community, remains a Democratic stronghold in presidential elections, similar to the patterns in most parts of rural Alaska.

Correction: The Voice of the Arctic Inupiats name was misspelled in the original version of this article.

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FILE PHOTO: A ship used to carry grains for export is seen on the Parana River in Rosario, Argentina

By Maximilian Heath

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Huge grains ships loading up with soy and corn at Argentina's major inland river ports around Rosario are taking on less cargo as water levels drop to near record lows due to a major drought upstream in Brazil, pushing up costs and transport times.

The Parana River, which carries almost 80% of Argentina's grains and oilseeds for export, is at the second lowest level for this time of year since 1970, behind only a major decline in 2021, data from the Rosario grains exchange show.

The drop in river levels, so soon after the last major decline, underscores how more extreme weather, linked to climate change, is hitting trade along major waterways in the resource-rich region that supplies the world with grains and metals.

The low levels now are forcing the huge seagoing boats that load up at the inland river ports near Rosario to take on thousands of tons less cargo, industry insiders said.

"The Parana River is really low," Guillermo Wade, manager of the Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities (CAPyM), said in comments to Reuters.

"They are loading three feet and eight inches less than they could load if the river were normal, so that means approximately 15% less than what could be loaded."

The latest data from the Argentine Naval Prefecture show the level of the Parana at Rosario was 0.38 meters - measured from a depth stick "zero" index rather than the riverbed - far below the normal level of around 2.5 meters at this time of year.

MORE SHIPS, HIGHER COSTS

Major rivers around South America, including also the Paraguay River, have been hitting record lows in recent weeks with water levels depleted by a severe drought upriver in Brazil that has hindered navigation along waterways in the Amazon.

The Paraguay-Parana system is a waterway of more than 3,400 kilometers (2,113 miles) that runs through Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, as well as landlocked Paraguay and Bolivia.

Argentina is the world's top exporter of processed soy oil and meal, crushed from soybeans in huge plants alongside the Parana River. The fact huge seagoing ships can come up-river to Rosario gives the country an important competitive edge.

The Rosario grains exchange said in a report that the low water levels looked unlikely to improve any time soon and this could mean dozens more ships than normal would be required in the remainder of the year to transport soy, corn and wheat.

"The forecasts for the coming months are worrying as we approach peak season for wheat transportation. The persistence of these water levels could begin to generate significant losses for the agroindustry," it said.

Neighboring Paraguay is the No. 3 soybean exporter and some 80% of its grains travel along waterways to seaports down-river.

Less rain than normal is expected in the second half of the year due to the La Nina weather phenomenon, which brings drier, cooler conditions in Paraguay and Argentina, though it usually heralds wetter weather farther north in Brazil.

In Brazil the worst drought on record has lowered the water level of rivers in the Amazon basin to historic lows, parching much of the region's vegetation and causing wildfires across South American nations, cloaking cities in clouds of smoke.

(Reporting by Maximilian Heath; Editing by Adam Jourdan and David Evans)
Bill Kopsky, executive director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, talks about the governors proposed education legislation during a rally on Feb. 15, 2023. Groups concerned with public education rallied, on the steps of the State Capitol. (John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas attorney general on Thursday approved for the 2026 ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would require public and private schools that receive state funds to be held to the same standards.

The constitutional amendment is backed by For AR Kids, a ballot question committee that failed to collect enough signatures to qualify an identical measure for the 2024 ballot. Attorney General Tim Griffin in July certified two other measures for the 2026 ballot that target government transparency and eliminating the sales tax for feminine hygiene products. Those proposals also failed to qualify for the 2024 election.

Griffin rejected For AR Kids initial 2026 submission in August because it did not include the full text of the measure as required by law. The committee resubmitted the full proposal last week.

In a five-page opinion filed Thursday, Griffin certified the proposed popular name, and substituted and certified a ballot title for the proposed measure. Griffin also issued some cautionary notes in light of the significance of the subject matter undertaken and the potential complexity and far-reaching effects of the proposal.

Griffin noted that historically, long and complex constitutional amendments are susceptible to successful ballot-title challenges. Ambiguity in the measures text could lead to a successful court challenge, he said.

Significant changes in law often have unintended consequences that, if known, would give voters serious ground for reflection, Griffin wrote. As several of my predecessors have noted when certifying certain lengthy and complex ballot titles, the Arkansas Supreme Court has repeatedly warned sponsors of statewide measures about their ballot titles length and complexity.

With Thursdays certification, Griffin said supporters of the measure may now begin collecting signatures. Bill Kopsky, For AR Kids treasurer, told the Advocate that the coalition doesnt plan to launch a campaign to support the proposal for a few more months.

The proposed Arkansas Educational Rights Amendment of 2026 would amend Article 14 of the Arkansas Constitution to require identical academic standards and identical standards for accreditation including assessments of students and schools based on such standards for any schools that receive local or state funds.

The ballot measure was prompted by concerns about the LEARNS Act, a 2023 law that made sweeping changes to the states education system, including increasing the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 and creating a voucher program that provides state funding for allowable educational expenses, such as private school tuition.

Critics have argued the Educational Freedom Account program is unfair because private schools receiving state funding dont have to follow the same requirements as their public counterparts, such as admitting all students, providing transportation and administering certain standardized tests.

The LEARNS Act does require private schools to administer approved annual exams for EFA students.

The LEARNS Act has faced a number of lawsuits, including one that argues the voucher program violates a provision of the Arkansas Constitution that prohibits money or property belonging to the public school fund from being used for other purposes.

Griffin last week filed an appeal with the Arkansas Supreme Court in response to a judges rejection of his motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

In addition to equal standards, the Arkansas Educational Rights Amendment of 2026 would guarantee voluntary universal access to early childhood education for students three years old until they qualify for kindergarten, and after-school and summer programming.

The proposal would also require services for students with disabilities and assistance for children in families within 200% of the Federal Poverty Line ($62,400 for a family of four).

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BOONE COUNTY, Ark.  A man is behind bars after fleeing from Boone County deputies and crashing his motorcycle with his toddler riding with him.

According to a press release from the Boone County Sheriffs Office (BCSO), 29-year-old Robert Culver, Jr. of Omaha, Arkansas has been charged with fleeing and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

Texas County man arrested after shooting at his mothers house

The release says that at about 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 18, Culver fled on his motorcycle from a deputy who was attempting to stop him. During the chase, the deputy discovered that Culver had taken off with his three-year-old on the bike.

The chase went down a county road to a residence, the release says, where Culver crashed his motorcycle and caused minor injuries to the child.

EMS examined the child, who was released to their mother.

BCSO says Culver is currently being held in the Boone County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

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RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo.  Police are investigating an armed carjacking that targeted a 72-year-old man outside The Heights Recreation Center on Wednesday. The incident happened at around 5:50 p.m. in the centers parking lot.

According to police, three young men approached the victim, initially asking to use his cell phone. The situation quickly escalated when one suspect brandished a handgun, demanding the victims wallet and car keys.

Shooter found not guilty for killing man who was looking for help

The suspects then fled in the victims red 2020 Buick Encore, bearing Missouri license plate NJ9 W5G, heading west on Dale Avenue towards Hanley Road.

Richmond Heights Police Department is asking for the publics help to identify the suspects. Anyone with information should call police at (314) 655-3610 or leave an anonymous tip at (314) 655-3555.

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An Army veteran has gone on trial for silently praying outside an abortion clinic.

Adam Smith-Connor, a reservist who served in Afghanistan, is being prosecuted for breaching a ban on protests within a buffer zone around the clinic in Bournemouth.

He has, however, claims that he has the right to silently pray for an unborn son whom he now regrets aborting and that prosecuting him amounts to criminalisng someones beliefs.

His case comes as the Home Office is set to enact legislation that will ban protests including silent prayer within 150-metre buffer zones around abortion clinics from the end of October.

The clinic in Bournemouth has been previously targeted by protesters and was made the subject of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in 2022 by the local council.

The order creates an area around the clinic so women visitors and staff members can come and go without being harassed and subjected to verbal abuse by pro-life campaigners.

Mr Smith-Connor, 51, was spotted behind a tree on a green in a public space about 50 metres from the entrance of the BPAS abortion clinic on Nov 24 2022.

He was approached by Catherine Brookfield, a council officer, who had observed him standing in silence for four or five minutes with his head slightly bowed and his hands clasped down in front of him.

In a video taken by Mr Smith-Connor, a chartered physiotherapist, she asked what he was doing and he replied: Im praying for my son who is deceased.

Poole magistrates court heard he was still haunted by the decision he and his then partner made to abort their unborn child 24 years ago.

She responded: My belief is you are here to engage in an act of disapproval of the work of the abortion clinic.

She asked him to move on as he was within the buffer zone and acts of prayer as disapproval were prohibited by the PSPO.

Mr Smith-Connor refused and told her: You are telling me that silent prayer is banned in this area? Im praying in my mind and not approaching anyone. Im entitled to pray silently for my dead son in a free country.

Mr Smith-Connor, from Marchwood, Hants, was repeatedly warned he could face further action if he did not leave the buffer zone during their conversation, which lasted for more than 90 minutes.

The Public Spaces Protection Order sign outside the abortion clinic in Bournemouth - BNPS

He was subsequently issued with a 100 fine for breach of conduct on Dec 13 2022.

He did not pay it and so was charged with the criminal offence of failing to comply with a public spaces protection order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. He denies the offence.

He broke down in court on Thursday as he said that he believed it was wrong for prayer to be criminalised in a free nation.

The BPAS abortion clinic in Bournemouth at the centre of the dispute - BNPS

He said: My son was aborted in Leeds 24 years ago. It is not practical for me to go to Leeds, so I go to a more local location to pray because my son lost his life within an abortion facility.

I feel its important for me to go near that kind of location. Prayer is important and prayer shouldnt be threatened in this great land, so I chose to go and practise this right.

I think in a free nation you can do that, and prayer should not be criminalised.

I and fellow servicemen made an oath to the King and country that our freedoms are upheld and defended. I am a law-abiding citizen. The trial continues.

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Arraignment delayed for Clarksville man accused of manslaughter after crash that killed girlfriend

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The arraignment for a Clarksville man facing a manslaughter charge after a crash that left his girlfriend dead has been delayed, according to court documents.

Daniel Havens Jr., 31, was arrested on August 1 on a manslaughter charge. His arraignment was originally for September 18 but was delayed until November 6.

Daniel Havens, 31 (Courtesy: Johnson County Detention Center)

According to an affidavit, an Arkansas State Police trooper responded to a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 352 in Clarksville around 9:30 p.m. on April 13.

A crash report said Havens vehicle drove off the roadway on a curve and hit two street signs and a concrete culvert before overturning and striking a tree.

Once on the scene, the trooper found an upside-down vehicle off the roadway on the south side of the highway.

Clarksville man arrested for manslaughter after crash that killed girlfriend

The driver, identified as Havens, reportedly spoke incoherently to the trooper and said there was no one else in the vehicle with him.

The trooper along with other first responders on the scene found a womans body underneath the vehicle. The woman was identified as Havens girlfriend, Makayla Prince, 24.

The affidavit said the trooper found an open beer can near the vehicle and he later filed a warrant for a blood test for Havens.

Havens was taken to a Little Rock hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

A blood sample was submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for testing and a toxicology report showed Havens was under the influence of ketamine and fentanyl at the time of the crash, the affidavit said.

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A suspected arsonist has been detained by police for allegedly setting fires with a torch in Beverly Hills.

The suspect was contacted by Beverly Hills police near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Whittier Drive, according to Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Orozco said Thursday.

Orozco said the unidentified suspect was carrying a torch and could be seen on surveillance video setting the fires. No details were given about the type of torch being carried.

All the fires are believed to have been set along Wilshire Bl in LOS ANGELES, the Beverly Hills Police Department stated in an alert.

No further information about the locations of the fires or a motive was immediately released.

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PRAGUE, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen people were injured Thursday in an accident in the western Czech region of Karlovy Vary involving a bus and a passenger car.

A spokesman from the regional fire brigade told the Czech News Agency that the bus drove into railway tracks after colliding with the car in the early morning. The bus driver, 15 passengers and the car driver were treated for minor injuries.

The car driver was believed to be drunk driving.

The Railway Administration staff are expected to extricate the bus using two cranes.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident. 
Two influential and controversial U.S. figures stepped into the debate over Ukraine's potential long-range strikes on Russian territory by claiming such a move could result in "the end of the human species."

In a joint opinion piece published on Sept. 17 by The Hill, Donald Trump Jr. and former U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. argued that lifting restrictions on long-range missile attacks would mean the NATO military alliance was "at war" with Moscow.

Ukraine is hoping for permission to use two Western-supplied long-range missiles that it already possesses and new ones it is pleading for to strike military targets such as airfields and military bases located deep inside Russian territory. The issue is expected to be on the agenda at the U.N. General Assembly in New York next week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr is expected to visit the U.S. during that period to also hold discussions on the matter with his American counterpart Joe Biden, as well as presidential candidates Kamala Harris, currently vice president, and Donald Trump, who is seeking to return as leader of the worlds most powerful country.

As discussions between Ukraine and its Western allies have progressed, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials have upped their rhetoric, claiming that such a move would equate to NATO waging war with Russia. Russia has consistently issued threats, including nuclear ones, since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but none of them have materialized.

Trump Jr., the son of former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump, and Kennedy Jr., known for pushing multiple conspiracy theories, said lifting restrictions "would put the world at greater risk of nuclear conflagration than at any time since the Cuban missile crisis."

"It is past time to de-escalate this conflict. This is more important than any of the political issues our nation argues about," they wrote, adding: "Nuclear war would mean the end of civilization as we know it, maybe even the end of the human species."

We asked five prominent Ukrainians what they thought of the piece.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks on stage beside Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during a campaign event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Aug.23, 2024. (Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, and research advisor at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation

"Frankly speaking, it seems that the authors do not understand the reasons for the war and Russia's aims. They are only repeating Russian lies. Escalation from the side of the West? Come on!

"The authors pretend they do not know the facts. In 1994 Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal  the third largest in the world  in exchange for territorial guarantees provided by the UK, the US and . Russia.

"In 2010, Ukraine officially declared itself to be neutral. Until 2014, Ukrainians were strongly against joining NATO.

"And, nevertheless, Russia attacked Ukraine in 2014. Putin is openly saying there is no separate Ukrainian state, Ukrainians should be part of the 'Great Russian people.'

"He is annexing Ukrainian territory. The former Russian empire is trying to come back.

"According to the U.N. Charter Ukraine, as a founding member of the U.N., has the full right to defend itself. We may criticize the Biden administration but only for being slow in providing support and weapons to the victim of aggression.

"He is annexing Ukrainian territory. The former Russian empire is trying to come back."

"The whole country is being bombarded from the bases inside Russia, Ukrainian civilians are dying every day. Can Ukraine strike back on Russian bases?

"Or Russia should be allowed to continue to destroy the whole country. Instead, the authors of the article yield to Putins nuclear blackmail. They say: 'No vital American interest is at stake.'

"If Russia succeeds it will be a signal to all other tyrannies in the world to start aggressions and to use nuclear blackmail. We will live in a world of the jungle."

Read also: They attack with quantity: With Ukrainian soldiers desperately defending Pokrovsk

author and former diplomat

"In order for there to be a nuclear exchange, the President of the Russian Federation has to decide to initiate it. It does not occur automatically when he gets angry or humiliated enough.

"He is not a video game boss with a slowly filling rage meter. This man, who lives in unbelievably luxury, obsessed with his own personal safety and status, has to consciously decide to die in nuclear fire. Thats the threshold.

"As I write this and perhaps even as you read it, the Toropets Arsenal, one of the largest arms stockpiles in Russia, is burning from what was reportedly a mass strike with over a hundred Ukrainian UAVs.

"It is over 500 kilometres from the frontline, and far closer to Moscow and St. Petersburg than to Kyiv, Kharkiv or Lviv. Yet the sky is miraculously free of nuclear missiles, and the horizon of mushroom clouds.

"Are we supposed to believe, as Donald Trump Jr. and RFK Jr. apparently do, that Putin is willing to end all life on earth over a strike on a strategic stockpile, but only if the munition that delivers it was made in a Western factory?"

(L to R) Eric Trump, former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Donald Trump, Jr. attend a remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero, in New York City, U on Sep. 11, 2024. (Adam Gray / AFP via Getty Images)

economist, and head of the Kyiv School of Economics

"Kennedy and Trump Jr. are wrong: complacency with Russia's nuclear blackmail doesn't reduce the risk of escalation for the U.S. and the worldit increases it. Yielding to Russia's threats emboldens Moscow and conveys that whatever Russia does, the U.S. can't stop them.

"Russia has been continuously probing the U.S. and NATO's responses to its violations of international law and human rights. So far, Russia hasn't faced any strong reaction. Russia violated the sovereignty of independent states in Europe; committed war crimes; kidnapped thousands of children; used U.S. technology to create deadly drones and missiles; collaborated with Iran and North Korea on weapon production; occupied a nuclear plant, risking a catastrophic meltdown; and destroyed one of Europe's largest water dams.

"Therefore, Russia has no motivation to pursue peace, neither through negotiations nor through war. And this is what Kennedy and Trump Jr. are not saying in their appeasement proposal: What leverage, what bargain with Russia will they offer in the negotiations?

"If the U.S. cannot offer deterrence and is not willing to give Russia a strong response  even by the hands of Ukrainian soldiers  because they don't have this leverage.

"Kennedy and Trump Jr. are effectively proposing to negotiate peace by allowing Russia to occupy Ukraine, making Russia NATO's neighbor, triggering massive refugee flows and genocide in plain sight."

Read also: Arms depot in Russias Tver Oblast built to withstand nuclear explosion heavily damaged by Ukrainian drones

president of the Kyiv School of Economics

"RFK and Donald Trump Jr. say the U.S. should surrender Ukraine to avoid nuclear war, giving Russia a rhetorical victory after its failure to secure one on the battlefield. This defeatist stance disregards centuries of American courage and leadership in defending freedom.

"Their argument reinforces two Russian propaganda narratives. First, it frames Russia's invasion as a response to NATO, ignoring Ukraines sovereignty. Second, it portrays Russias lack of action against Ukraine's successes and Western support not as a sign of weakness or bluff, but as calculated strategic restraint.

"The piece remains lofty, avoiding specifics or factual depth. The authors largely oppose granting Ukraine the autonomy to use Western weapons, without addressing the critical reasons behind this necessity. In reality, the authors show little interest in the actual reasons or how these weapons will be used.

"Instead, they engage in demagoguery, simply opposing any potential decision by the Biden administration to lift this policy restriction, driven by political motivations.

"Its disheartening to witness U.S. domestic politics aligning some politicians with Russian propaganda, undermining national security and diminishing Americas global standing by portraying it as vulnerable to Putins empty threats."

Son of former US President Donald Trump Donald Trump Jr. speaks during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US on July 17, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images)

director of the Kyiv Security Forum

"Despite the famous names of the authors of this op-ed, it looks like a weak attempt to engage the U.S. into direct talks with Russia on Russia's terms. In my opinion this is a classic case of myopia, when completely narrow political interests prevail over strategic thinking, and it's clear in this message.

"From my perspective, both the key idea and the arguments they use are misleading. Since talking to Russia on Russia's terms means to accept Russia's aggression, and a Western defeat. And this will be clear not only for the Kremlin, but also for other capitals that closely follow the developments of the strategic activities of the U.S. and Western allies.

"The key idea of their piece is misleading since they insist on starting direct talks with Russia on Russia's terms. But also, they use false arguments.

"They say: 'Imagine if Russia were providing another country with missiles, training and targeting information to strike deep into American territory.'

"This is false since the way Western allies support Ukraine fulfils the U.N. charter which clearly recognises the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the U.N.

"If Ukraine strikes into Russian territory, this is a legitimate right of Ukraine to do so. And the argument we make to our Western allies is that no artificial restrictions should be on the usage of weapons because we have the full right according to international law to strike to attack legitimate military targets on Russian territory.

"So instead of getting afraid of Putin's red lines, I would advise the authors of this piece that the West should long ago have imposed its own critical limits.

"If you give up, who will respect your interests?"

Read also: Opinion: The harsh truth behind Ukraines peace prospects

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Assault victim was loving and caring, says his mum

Rob Kerr "would do anything for anyone", his mother said [Family photograph]

A father-of-three who police believe was fatally attacked in his own home has been described by his mother as a "loving and caring" person who "would do anything for anyone".

Rob Kerr died in hospital on Tuesday, more than two weeks after detectives think the 42-year-old was assaulted in Coronation Street, Blackpool.

His mother's tribute came as a fifth man - a 22-year-old from Blackpool - was arrested on suspicion of Mr Kerr's murder.

Lancashire Police said three other men - aged 21, 29 and 40 - had been bailed pending further enquiries, while a 27-year-old had been released without charge.

Police were informed when Mr Kerr arrived at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 7 September with serious injuries consistent with assault.

His mother, whose name has not been released, said: Rob was my youngest son out of five siblings. He has two older brothers and younger sisters.

"He was such a protective person, especially over me and his three children  two of them are now adults but his youngest is still a child. He loved each of them a lot."

She added: "My son did not deserve any of this. We are left heartbroken."

Det Chief Insp John McNamara said "enquiries are very much ongoing" and joined the victim's mother in appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk

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The measure would allow guidance counselors and some others to refer students to outside mental health services, with parental consent for kids under 16. (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

Assembly lawmakers advanced legislation Thursday that would allow school counselors to refer students to outside mental health practitioners.

Lawmakers pitched the bill, which cleared the chambers education committee in a 7-2 vote, as a means of connecting students who need behavioral health services beyond what school districts can provide on their own.

Families struggle, they ask for referrals, and the professionals inside of the schools are, at this point in time, not necessarily allowed to offer their referral. This just makes it seamless for the handoff to happen, said bill sponsor and committee chair Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt (D-Camden).

The measure would require a district to notify a students parents if the student is unable to consent to mental health care services on their own. State law requires a person be at least 16 years old to provide consent for mental health care. Parental consent is required for younger individuals.

The issuance of a referral would not compel a parent to seek further services, nor would it bar the school from continuing to provide mental health support to students.

We are not interfering with the parental choice of picking what physician, what doctor, what counselor. Were just saying, Hey, your child may need a little bit more support and here are some individuals that maybe you can go see, said Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie (D-Essex).

The bill faced some opposition from parental rights groups who argued allowing school officials to issue referrals to mental health service providers would cut parents out of their childrens care.

Can you guarantee parents of children in New Jersey will not be subject to gender transition or hormonal therapy at all with this? said Michael Currie of Wake Up NJ, adding, The answers quite simple. You cant guarantee it.

Some argued lawmakers should bring the minimum age to consent to mental health services back to 18.

Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex), who voted against the bill along with Assemblyman John Azzariti (R-Bergen), argued the bill should require parental notification in all circumstances, with exceptions in cases of suspected abuse.

Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R-Union), a co-sponsor, was the only Republican to vote in favor of the bill, though she added she would like more clarity on the legislation.

Health centers in schools

In a party-line vote, the committee approved separate legislation that would codify schools ability to lease unused facilities to federally qualified health centers  outpatient clinics that receive federal funding and are subject to federal regulations  in what the bills supporters said is an effort to improve health care access for low-income residents and others with limited access to transportation.

Because of the population we have in the [Lakewood] public school system, almost all of them are patients in FQHC, and we have a chronic problem of children not coming for their follow-up visits, of children not coming for their annual visits, said Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Ocean). There is a significant lack of care. Why? The FQHC is located at the border of Lakewood and Howell and many of these children are far away.

Parental rights groups opposed that bill, too, claiming it was an effort to supplant family doctors and worrying parents who signed forms offering blanket consent to medical treatment could see their children receive services they would oppose.

Theyre purposefully placed, intended to replace the family doctor. And by moving the primary health care to the school environment, the administrators and doctors actually replace the parents as the decision makers, or they could potentially, Florham Park resident Maria Quigley told the committee.

Others cautioned co-locating health services with a school could expose students to danger from some patients. Lawmakers on Thursday amended the bill to bar health centers from occupying school spaces where students are present.

Schnall noted that 16 schools across eight New Jersey counties already host federally qualified health centers on their property and had not been a source of issues. He said provisions in the bill that would allow districts to lease space to health centers without public bidding would stave off bidding wars between health care practitioners.

He added concerns about children obtaining health care without their parents consent are unfounded.

We want to keep them safe. Thats what this bill does. This exists already and we dont hear the outcry and the stories and the worry and the rhetoric. Oh no, do you know whats going on in Atlantic County, do you know whats going on in Ocean County? Its not happening. You know why? It cant happen. You need parental consent, period, he said.

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The Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections voted to approve a resolution urging the Georgia State Election Board to stop adopting new rules before the November presidential election.

The ACCBOE says, as a governmental body, they are charged with considering and meeting the needs of groups of people who have historically been marginalized and oppressed in our community, to maximize voter and community participation, to ensure access to free and fair elections, and to provide high-quality voter education and accurate information.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Regarding the recent adoptions of new election rules by the State Election Board, ACCBOE says the policies significantly impact the work of county elections supervisors across the state of Georgia just weeks before a presidential election.

The county board said the introduction of the rules so close to election day will create unnecessary confusion to both the public and dedicated poll workers and election officials.

TRENDING STORIES:

The resolution echoes the requests of other organizations and elections offices in recent weeks that have pushed back against the boards new rules as election day approaches, including the Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials (GAVREO), who asked for a 90-day pause on new rules on Aug. 21.

Election Board member Janelle King, one of the members who has pushed for these new rules, told Channel 2 Action News that the new rules were meant to be beneficial for securing our elections, when asked about the GAVREO request.

As a result of the boards actions, ACCBOE said the new rules are dangerous and appear designed to set up election staff for failure by causing confusion and chaos, potentially compromising the legitimacy of the upcoming election and ultimately placing blame on the Superintendent.

To avoid this issue, ACCBOEs resolution asks the State Election Board to stop making new rules regarding elections and election policies for 90 days, and to make that a policy used before each federal election, barring emergency circumstances.

The Superintendent of ACCBOE also said they denounced the recent actions by the State Election Board and asked it to impose a stay of new rules on itself until after the November election.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
FILE - Military police guard the entrance to the National Penitentiary Center in Tamara, on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Elmer Martinez, File)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  An attempted prison break early Thursday in Honduras left two inmates dead and three injured, authorities said. The Latin American country has long been plagued by gang violence and overcrowded prisons.

According to officials, a total of 72 prisoners took part in the attempted escape from the men's prison in the town of Tamara, about 19 miles (31 kilometers) from the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa. They did not clarify how the casualties occurred.

Military police were called in to deal with the situation. The force's commander, Col. Ramiro Munoz, said one of the prisoners died at the prison while the other died a while later, at a nearby hospital.

Everything is now calm and in order, Munoz told local media. This isn't going to set us back, there is no other prison in the world where this doesn't happen.

Munoz said that at around 4 a.m., the prisoners barricaded themselves inside a section of the prison to distract the guards. Military police responded, he said, without elaborating.

A forensic investigation would take place to dispel any speculation, Munoz also said.

At the womens prison in Tamara last year, a riot broke out that killed 46 women. The carnage led to calls for change to the countrys prison system and even talk of whether Honduras should emulate the drastic zero-tolerance, no-privileges prisons set up in neighboring El Salvador by President Nayib Bukele.

In June, Honduras President Xiomara Castro, announced the creation of a new 20,000-capacity megaprison, as part of the governments larger crackdown on gang violence and efforts to overhaul the long-troubled prison system.
Attorney Ashleigh Merchant has filed a motion to try to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to comply with a subpoena ordering her to testify on Thursday at an evidentiary hearing against Willis office.

In the filing, it said Willis social media accounts showed Willis was in Los Angeles attending a fundraising event for her reelection campaign.

Counsel for Ms. Willis indicated yesterday that Ms. Willis did not intend to appear for the hearing, but that she might be willing to appear by Zoom if Plaintiff would agree, the document said. Today, counsel for Ms. Willis indicated she would not attend the hearing in person, would not attend the hearing by Zoom, and would not disclose any additional information about why she would not attend.

Merchant said that Willis is under lawful subpoena to appear in court and legally needs to be in attendance for Thursdays hearing. She is simply flouting this Courts lawful process, apparently intent on playing a game of chicken with the Court.

The document says if she fails to show up, she is asking the court for an order finding her in contempt and and have her brought into custody.

Thursdays hearing revolves around a lawsuit that accuses the Fulton County District Attorneys Office of violating the state Open Records Act.

RELATED STORIES:

The lawsuit was initially submitted in January after Merchant questioned Willis on the stand about her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

The lawsuit claims that the Fulton County DAs Office did not hand over requested documents involving Wade.

The Fulton County District Attorneys Office argues that it isnt an official entity covered by open records requests under Georgia law and that the plaintiff is in possession of all responsive documents and all responsive records.

Willis office filed and emergency motion to quash the subpoena by Merchant, saying, The subpoena issued to District Attorney Willis has been issued solely for the purpose of harassment, embarrassment, and intimidation of District Attorney Willis and her staff by the legal counsel for criminal defendants who have an open criminal case in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. The subpoena issued to District Attorney Willis is not calculated to lead to any evidence material to Plaintiffs underlying open records request; and there are other sources with direct knowledge available to Plaintiff. Accordingly, the subpoena for District Attorney Willis should be quashed.

RELATED NEWS:
AUBURN, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Its like the old game of telephone, but now its with a real phone and social media at teenagers fingertips causing chaos.

One kid shares it in class. By second period, everybody has it. Then the chaos and anxiety start again even though were already investigating the same post from yesterday, but its been reposted again and regenerated, Auburn Superintendent Misty Slavic said.

There are social media threats that have originated from other states but spread quickly, placing fear in Auburn and other Central New York schools.

I know six or seven police departments within Central New York are dealing with this, but its happening in North Carolina, in Michigan. And thats what were finding out, its the same message. Its not even a different message. Its the same one, Chief of Auburn Police James Slayton said.

The same message being reposted over and over again takes up a lot of police resources. Now, both Auburn police and the Auburn superintendent are asking that parents pay closer attention to their kids social media accounts.

Parents really have to oversee what their children are doing and if they are passing it along to someone else, let them know how inappropriate that is because what that does for us is thats another lead we have to track down. Then when we talk to that individual, theyre going, Oh, I just reposted it. And they dont realize the consequences of doing stuff like that, Chief Slayton said.

Auburn police will continue to investigate the social media post regarding Auburn Jr. High School and in response, they added extra patrols to all schools in the district.

We have not disproved them completely yet. We are under the understanding that these are the same ones that are happening, and they did not generate around here, they generated in other states but made their way here and people are just passing them around, Chief Slayton explained.

Looking ahead, the Auburn police chief and Auburn superintendent both recognize how important educating the community on these social media threats is.

We educate. We go to parent-teacher nights. Theres one coming up. This is what we want to talk about. The Security Resource Officers talk to the parents about it. That if your child puts something out there that they have no idea about its easy to just forward something and stand behind a computer, they dont understand the ramifications behind it because they could be charged, Chief Slayton said.

Im not sure theyre aware when they hit that repost button, the anxiety and stress which I understand completely, but it also creates that spiral effect of just everyones upset and worried. So, I think its really important that theyre educating the community and asking the question is this real? Or is this just a repost? Superintendent Slavic added.

All it takes is the push of a button to create chaos.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman have expanded testing of the B-21 thanks to two ground test articles, which are being used to evaluate the bomber's core construction and the time it takes before certain parts break. The tempo of flight testing of the initial pre-production Raider is also growing, with the jet now sometimes taking to the skies twice a week.

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman have expanded testing of the B-21 thanks to two ground test articles, which are being used to evaluate the bombers core construction and the time it takes before certain parts break. The tempo of flight testing of the initial pre-production Raider is also growing, with the jet now sometimes taking to the skies twice a week. The Air Force is otherwise continuing to lay the groundwork for fielding the first operation B-21s toward the end of the decade.

The Air & Space Forces Association hosted a panel on the B-21 today as part of its main annual conference just out of Washington, D.C. Air Force Gen. Thomas Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), and Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, the commander of Eighth Air Force, along with William Elvis Bailey, the Director and Program Executive Officer of the Air Forces Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), and Tom Jones, President of Northrop Grummans Aeronautics Systems sector, offered updates about the Raider. The Air Force also released new official flight test footage of the B-21, seen below, alongside the panel discussion.

Weve completed structures testing for our first ground test vehicle, RCO head Bailey announced. Now, what really we were doing there was proving out the structure, you know, of the platform, and also, at the same time, too, validating that digital model that weve been working on throughout  trying to understand analytically how the aircrafts going to perform, then testing it and testing it physically, then going back to that model.

The structural ground test article is also referred to as G-1.

Were doing fatigue testing on another ground model, as well, and well be getting into, you know, how does the aircraft age over time, Bailey continued. Its just not as flashy as the flight test crowd is, however, if you intend to build a lot of these and operate them for a long time this is very important work.

When it comes to the first flying B-21, or T-1, were going through and expanding that operating envelope for the aircraft, leading our way into follow-on system testing, for sure, learning as we go there, the RCO head added. The Air Force ultimately expects to take delivery of six pre-production B-21s. The full Raider force is eventually expected to consist of at least 100 aircraft.

An aerial view of the first pre-production B-21 during flight test. USAF

Were actually able to generate two test flights, sometimes, week-in-week  thats great, Northrop Grummans Jones elaborated. When we started this journey, way back at contract award, we made a vow that we were going to design this system to be a daily flyer.

Clearly, I think were well on our way to delivering that kind of asset, he added.

Jones said that the B-21 program continues to meet its affordability and schedule targets, but did not elaborate. He added that testing to date has proven the companys digital modeling of the B-21 and its capabilities to be highly accurate.

Everything weve heard is it flies very much like the model. In fact, a funny story I like to tell about the first flight. Were all very excited to hear from the test pilot he said its almost exactly like the model, but we noticed on takeoff, it rotated slightly differently, Jones recalled. So engineers being engineers, they didnt want their model to be wrong. So they pulled off all of the recorded data and looked at it and went back to the test pilot [to] say, actually, you kind of double-pumped the stick, and when we put that into the simulation it performed exactly the way the simulation said it would, so the model itself is very good.'

Overall, I am pleased to see the performance of our test jet. The handling qualities are better than expected coming out of the simulated environment  validating the accuracy of the digital models the team has developed and analyzed over many years, Chris Hoss Moss, a Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider test pilot, said separately in a statement in a press release the company put out today.

Photo courtesy of David Henry, Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman and the Air Force have both cited the importance of highly accurate models and digital engineering techniques in the development of the B-21 since the initial contract was awarded back in 2015. This has continued in spite of growing criticism that digital engineerings benefits have at least been over-hyped, in general, a viewpoint that the current Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has himself espoused.

When it comes to the B-21, Jones also said that digital engineering had helped reduce risks associated with concurrency, which refers to a system entering production despite the design not being completely finalized in many respects. The pre-production B-21 configuration is understood to be very close to that of the first production examples in large part thanks to modeling done earlier in development.

If you are around acquisitions a lot, and you heard someone say, were in tests and also in production, a lot of people would start worrying about something we concurrency, right, Jones explained. And thats something that, traditionally, theres been a lot of risk in, but I believe the digital engineering environment and the contract managements allocation of risk mitigation actions weve done in concert with RCO has really been able to manage down risk.

Jones added that Northrop Grumman views the modeling for the B-21 to be accurate enough to directly inform test points and overall test planning and that it is now also factoring into the initial low-rate production of the bombers.

USAF

This is the way were going to build things. Were retroactively putting it into other systems that we build. And I cant imagine going forward in any future designs or builds not adopting this type of  highly integrated digital model to shop floor methodology, the Northrop Grumman executive said.

The philosophy Jones described has also already been observed in the creation of the Model 437 Vanguard technology demonstrator jet by Northrop Grumman subsidiary Scaled Composites. Colin Miller, Vice President for Engineering within Northrop Grummans aeronautics sector, highlighted the influence digital engineering techniques from the B-21 program had on the Model 437 project in an exclusive interview with The War Zone on the latter aircraft that you can find here.

Beyond digital engineering, in terms of advanced manufacturing, theres a lot of different techniques were using. Were using robotics in a number of different places, from automated fiber layup, in some cases, to automated robotic non-destructive inspection. So were finding ways to build efficiency in there, according to Jones. One of the areas that has produced some of the most gains is augmented reality. Started out basically just wanting to use augmented reality to get the shop floor instructions [to] where basically the technicians can see them as theyre doing the operation and not have to run back and forth to the desk to consult drawings And we realized, hey, we can superimpose subsystems and wiring and hydraulic tubing on there and speed up subassemblies.

In addition to the ongoing development and production of the B-21s themselves, the U.S. Air Force is also improving infrastructure, training personnel, and working on tactics, techniques, and procedures to help get ready to actually field the first operational Raiders. Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota is set to host the first operational squadron of the bombers, followed by units at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.

You can get on Ellsworth Air Force Base, just drive around and look, it is a substantial lift is what is happening. Its impressive and it is similar to the aircraft itself, Maj. Gen. Armagost said. Its falling on that wing [28th Bomb Wing]. Its falling on the airman. It is falling on the contractors who join with us and partner with us to really make that happen. Its quite impressive.

USAF The first B-21 in a hangar at Plant 42. USAF

What we have done is modeled what we were calling the farm team as led through the mighty Eighth Air Force, but also directly led through the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron at Edwards, Armagost continued. And we are gathering from around the Air Force instructors who are experts in their systems and were bringing them together along the model of operators with industry and acquirers to develop TTPs [tactics, techniques, and procedures] to understand differently how were going to use this penetrating system, this sixth generation penetrating system, in a way that we have to work our way through so that when we have it on the ramp at Ellsworth Air Force Base, were ready to do that.

Were trying to be very ahead of how we might actually deploy this airplane. And I would say thats whats different about the B-21 from the B-2, Armagost continued. I think we learned some lessons early on in the B-2 program that maybe we could have done it slightly differently along these lines.

By all indications, the Air Force, together with Northrop Grumman, is making progress in not just getting its hands on its first production B-21s, but having them in operational service in the 2030s.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Backup on I-64 exit ramp went viral on TikTok. Will that speed up IDOTs plan to fix it?

A project to widen Interstate 64 to three lanes each direction between Shiloh and OFallon cannot be expedited and will take two years once construction starts next year, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Illinois U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, asked the agency to speed up the project in a letter released last week. A recent viral post on the social media app TikTok, which showed dozens of motorists backed up on the interstate waiting to get off Exit 16 to Green Mount Road, prompted Budzinski to make the request.

However, IDOT spokesman Paul Wappel said expediting the project isnt possible.

The departments working as quickly as we can to complete the final design and as well as, of course, to comply with all the legal steps to acquire any necessary land thats needed, Wappel said. So, were looking forward to getting construction going as soon as thats all complete.

As of now, the 2.7-mile project will start construction in 2025, meaning it likely wont be finished until 2027.

Currently, IDOT is in the projects second phase, designing the construction that will also widen the exit ramps and shoulders. New barriers will be built in the medians, and crews will increase the clearance under the Green Mount Road and Lincoln Avenue bridges.

Just as the viral media post shows, the demand in the area has increased  particularly during rush hour  as the populations of OFallon and Shiloh have grown.

In 2000, OFallon had a population of 21,910. By the 2020 census, the citys population had ballooned to 32,289. Shilohs population grew from 7,643 in 2000 to 14,098 in 2020, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

On average, 61,500 vehicles travel the area daily, according to statistics from IDOT. That figure sat at 42,400 in 2000.

By 2038, the state agency anticipates average traffic will total 83,100 vehicles per day, Wappel said.

That combination makes it difficult for traffic exiting I-64, he said.
Baker County firefighter terminated after arrest for allegedly sending lewd messages to minor

A now-former Baker County firefighter was arrested Wednesday after being accused of sending lewd messages and photos to a 12-year-old girl in South Carolina.

Alexamuel Alex Vazquez Dueno, 29, was taken into custody by the Baker County Sheriffs Office. He is now facing the following charges:

Transmitting harmful material to a minor

Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

BCSO said in a social media post that the girl received the lewd messages and photos on a social media outlet.

The girls father preserved the contents of the messages and turned them over to local law enforcement in Spartanburg, South Carolina, BCSO said.

Investigators found that the man suspected of sending the inappropriate communications was a Baker County firefighter.

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Vazquez Dueno was immediately placed on administrative leave by the Baker County Fire and Rescue Department as BCSO began to investigate.

He was brought in for questioning Wednesday and then placed under arrest. Vazquez Dueno has also been terminated by BCFRD.

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In fact, I didnt expect anything else. Another soap bubble burst, nothing more. More specifically, the prospect of a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron on Armenias Independence Day became even more vague yesterday, when it became known that RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had been invited to the 19th Francophonie Summit, which will be held on October 4-5.





The Hraparak newspaper writes about this, developing the topic. "The visit of the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Stephane Sejourne to Armenia and the invitation of Pashinyan create the impression that Macron will not come to Armenia. The Armenian publication recalls that on June 1, 2021, Pashinyan said in Paris that he was "waiting for Macron in Yerevan" on September 21. He said it beautifully and loudly, nothing to say.





But as has often happened with Pashinyan's loud statements, the reality is completely different. Simply put, Macron's visit to Yerevan is likely to go down the drain. Yes, information has also recently spread that Macron will still arrive on September 21 of this year. Moreover, the Armenian pro-government propaganda machine has tried to present this as Macron's support for the Armenian authorities.





As reported by "Hraparak", even the Place de France has begun to be improved. It is already September 18, and there is still no confirmation from Paris that Macron will visit Yerevan. As Pushkin wrote in "The Queen of Spades", midnight is approaching, and Herman is still not here. In this case, Emmanuel, but the essence is the same. And this is not at all surprising behavior of the President of France.




Odegaard Injury: Arteta Confirms Quite Significant Setback

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard has suffered a quite significant ankle injury, which could have serious implications for the Gunners campaign.

Odegaards Injury in Norway Match

The Norwegian international picked up the injury during Norways Nations League victory over Austria on 9 September. A foul by Christoph Baumgartner midway through the second half left Odegaard clutching his left ankle in pain. Despite initial hopes for a swift recovery, Odegaard has returned to Arsenal for further assessment.

MRI Confirms Ligament Damage

Upon his return to London, an MRI scan revealed damage to the ligaments in Odegaards ankle. Arteta, speaking before Arsenals upcoming Champions League clash with Atalanta, said, The scan showed some damage around the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him. Its something quite significant, so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months.

Artetas Concerns for Upcoming Matches

The absence of Odegaard, one of Arsenals most influential players, comes at a crucial time. The Gunners are preparing for key fixtures, including a Premier League showdown against Manchester City. Arteta acknowledged the impact of his captains absence, adding, Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. Its a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face.
Baltimore County detective who was shot and critically injured calls it a bad nightmare at David Linthicum trial

BALTIMORE  When the gunfire started, Jonathan Chihs first thought was that the silhouetted figure standing several feet away from him along a dark road in Cockeysville had punched him in the face

It took a moment before Chih, then a detective with the Baltimore County Police Departments vice and narcotics section, realized the person he had mistaken for a hitchhiker walking along Warren Road after 9 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2023, was shooting at him.

Chih tried to sprint across the road to get away from the shots and his police trucks flashing lights, but a bullet that struck his left buttock dropped him in the middle of the left lane, he testified in Baltimore County Circuit Court on the third day of 26-year-old David Linthicums trial on attempted murder, assault, carjacking and firearms charges.

I couldnt get up and I couldnt reach my gun, Chih said. It was a bad nightmare.

Chih said he tried to turn so his bulletproof police vest could better block his body before the impact of another gunshot rolled him onto his back. He remembered staring up at the sky, thinking he wouldnt make it to his dads birthday party that upcoming weekend.

Somehow  Chih testified that he didnt know exactly how  he got his handgun into his right hand and returned fire as David Linthicum got into his truck and peeled away, tires squealing. Everything appeared blurry and delayed, as if he was drunk, he said. His department-issued rifle was still in the Dodge Rams backseat.

According to prosecutors, Linthicum drove Chihs black pickup truck across the Loch Raven Reservoir and into Harford County, where he eventually was arrested the next morning after a stand-off.

Prosecutors played a longer version of Chihs body-worn camera video than one shown during the first day of trial, in which officers applied tourniquets to his limbs, carried him to a pickup truck and then loaded him into an ambulance. The video became shaky and eventually went dark, but Chihs speech and the voices of officers and medics were audible.

Chih, who joined Baltimore County Police 16 years ago after enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, wore a gray suit jacket over a short-sleeved shirt in court Thursday morning, a fashion faux-paus that Deputy States Attorney John Cox said he requested so Chih could show jurors injuries on his arms.

He was wounded in his right forearm, where a gunshot shattered his ulna, as well as under his tricep on his left arm, he said. Doctors told him a bullet traveled through his face, into his neck and out his upper back. The wound in his left buttocks damaged his sciatic nerve, Chih said. He has since returned to light duty with the police department, working behind a desk.

At one point, he held up his police vest for jurors, showing them a bullet hole and removing two pieces of bulletproof padding with dark stains. Cox asked Chih if the discoloration on the tan fabric was there before.

It certainly wasnt, replied Chih, becoming choked up.

Chih spent 10 days at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center after the shooting before he moved to an impatient rehabilitation center that he left in early March.

The detective encountered Linthicum more than a day after police responded to a call for a suicidal subject with a gun and walked into the mans basement bedroom in Cockeysville. They fled after Linthicum fired his AR-15 through a wall, striking Baltimore County Police Officer Barry Jordan, prosecutors have said.

Near the end of Chihs 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift on Feb. 9, a supervisor asked Chih to check on someone reported walking along Warren Road wearing a black hoodie.

The body camera video showed Chih passing a figure on the right side of the road, pulling over ahead of him and getting out of his truck.

Im out with him, I think hes trying to hitchhike. Im making contact, Chih said into his radio.

He turned on his trucks flashing red and blue lights to make clear that he was a police officer, he testified.

He stepped out of the truck and walked behind it until he was even with the back of the truck bed. A voice in the video asked, Are you here to kill me?

No, why? Chih said, before shots rang out.

Linthicums attorney Deborah Katz Levi, director of special litigation for the Maryland Office of Public Defender, asked Chih how much he knew about the then-ongoing multi-agency search, which she said included 500 members of the county police department.

Linthicums Powers Avenue home was nearby and he was considered armed, dangerous and suicidal, according to a be on the lookout alert the department issued and which Chih said he never saw.

No one specifically told me that he had mental illnesses, Chih said.

While Chih said he knew about the manhunt for someone who had shot a police officer, he believed Linthicum had returned to his home at the time and that the person he saw was an unrelated hitchhiker who needed help.

When Levi asked Chih why he parked ahead of Linthicum instead of turning his car around and approaching him with more caution, he responded: I couldve done a lot of things differently that night.

Chih testified during cross-examination that he never gave a statement as part of an internal investigation into the firing of his weapon, something the department routinely conducts when officers use deadly force.

_________
Warning: Graphic Materials

Republican North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson denied involvement in an alleged pornography scandal that surfaced Thursday, vowing to remain in the race to become the Old North State's next governor.

CNN published a report Thursday afternoon alleging Robinson's previous use of a pornography site, called "Nude Africa," where he allegedly messaged with fellow users regarding peeping on women in locker rooms as a teenager, describing himself as a "black NAZI" and declaring a fondness for transgender pornography.

Just before the report was published, Robinson posted a video to his X account vowing to stay in the race while calling the then-anticipated report "tabloid trash."

"Let me reassure you, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before. Folks, this race right now, our opponents are desperate to shift the focus here from the substantive issues and focus on what you are concerned with to salacious trap, tabloid trash," he said in the X video.

NC GOP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE MARK ROBINSON FACING CALLS TO DROP OUT AMID RUMORS OF LOOMING BOMBSHELL

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Mark Robinson, lieutenant governor of North Carolina, arrives during a "Get Out The Vote" rally with former President Trump in Greensboro, on March 2, 2024.

CNN's report alleged that Robinson used a pseudonym on the porn site, "minisoldr," to discuss how he enjoys watching transgender pornography, as well as recounting how he allegedly peeped on women in a locker room as a 14-year-old.

"I came to a spot that was a dead end but had two big vent covers over it! It just so happened it overlooked the showers! I sat there for about an hour and watched as several girls came in and showered," Robinson allegedly wrote on Nude Africa of peeping on women as a teenager.

In another post in 2010, CNN reported Robinson allegedly stated, "Im a Black Nazi!" while discussing Black Republicans.

The alleged use of the chat forums played out between 2008 and 2012, according to CNN, well before Robinson entered the political arena in 2019, when he announced his run for lieutenant governor.

REPUBLICAN MARK ROBINSON ON HISTORIC LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WIN: 'THIS PARTY IS OPEN TO EVERYBODY'

Robinson pinned blame on his Democratic opponent, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, for leaking the allegations to the media.

"North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone," Stein's campaign told Fox News Digital.

In comments to CNN, Robinson again denied the report.

"This is not us. These are not our words. And this is not anything that is characteristic of me," Robinson said. "Im not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies."

Reports mounted early Thursday that Robinson was allegedly facing pressure from Republican allies to drop out of the race after word spread that he was facing a damning news article related to his alleged use of adult websites in the 2000s.

Before the CNN report was published, Robinsons campaign communications director patently said the reports were false.

"Whomever your sources are here, it is complete fiction," comms director Michael Lonergan told the Carolina Journal earlier Thursday.

Fox News Digital reached out to Robinson on Thursday, but did not immediately receive a reply.

NRA SUPPORTS GOP CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR WHO WENT VIRAL FOR PRO-GUN SPEECH: 'I'M THE MAJORITY'

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on June 21, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) released a statement following CNN's report, arguing it is the "latest proof that Mark Robinson is unhinged, dangerous, and completely unfit to be governor."

"Now, as many Republicans warn against the damage Robinson would do as governor, it's clear that the stakes have never been higher and we must keep our foot on the gas to defeat him in November," DGA deputy communications director Izzi Levy said.

North Carolina Republican Rep. Richard Hudson told Fox News that the "the allegations are very concerning," but that he is not calling on Robinson to drop out of the race, as he needs to "have the opportunity to explain to the people in North Carolina exactly how these allegations aren't true."

"My hope is that the governor can reassure the people of North Carolina that the allegations aren't true," Hudson said.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks at a campaign event at Harrah's Cherokee Center on Aug. 14, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina. (Grant Baldwin/Getty Images)

North Carolina outlet The Assembly published a separate and lengthy report on Sept. 3 alleging Robinson routinely visited porn shops, viewing materials in a private booth, according to former employees and customers. Robinsons alleged visits to adult stores unfolded in the 1990s and 2000s, before his transition into the political sphere, according to the report.

Lonergan denied the findings in The Assemblys report, calling it "complete and total fiction."

"This false and personal attack on my boss is complete fiction," Lonergan told the outlet.

Robinson assumed office as North Carolina lieutenant governor in 2021, becoming the first African American to hold the office. He announced last April he would run for governor.

NORTH CAROLINA'S REPUBLICAN LT GOV MARK ROBINSON LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE DEMOCRAT GOV ROY COOPER

Robinson went viral in 2018 when he delivered an impassioned speech regarding gun laws during a city council meeting in Greensboro, before he was elected to political office. His speech came in response to local leaders debating whether to cancel a gun show following the Parkland school shooting in Florida that same year.

"Im a law-abiding citizen whos never shot anybody," Robinson said at the meeting, which was viewed 200 million times. "Every time we have one of these shootings, nobody wants to put the blame where it goes, which is at the shooters feet. You want to put it at my feet. You want to turn around and restrict my right."

He previously worked as a furniture factory employee in North Carolina and is an Army veteran, before climbing the GOPs political ladder, including earning endorsements from former President Trump and the NRA.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: Battleground state Republican denies involvement in porn scandal, dismisses it as 'tabloid trash'
Vets said the decision to operate was not taken lightly [Dave Butcher]

A brown bear is set to undergo brain surgery in what a charity has said is the first operation of its kind in the UK.

The Wildwood Trust, based near Canterbury, said two-year-old Boki needs the "life-saving" operation as he suffers from seizures and related health issues.

The 115kg (254 lbs) bear has hydrocephalus, a condition where excess fluid puts pressure on the brain and can damage it.

Specialist wildlife vet Romain Pizzi will perform the pioneering surgery, having performed a similar operation on a black bear in Asia.

Boki's 'best chance'

Wildwoods director of zoo operation Mark Habben said the decision to operate had not been taken lightly.

Bokis welfare has always been at the forefront of every path weve chosen," he said.

After consulting with medical experts and considering at length the ethics of this surgery, we believe wholeheartedly this is the best chance of providing a healthy and enriched life for Boki."

Hydrocephalus can be fatal if left untreated.

Boki was taken to Wildwood about two years ago [Harding-Lee Media/Wildwood Trust]

Mr Habben said vets had hoped his condition could be managed through medication, but it had stopped being effective.

The operation will take place in the coming weeks, Wildwood said in a statement.

The conservation charity adopted Boki from Port Lympne Safari Park, near Folkestone, almost two years ago after he was rejected by their brown bear family.

He was hand-reared by keepers at the park and had to learn how to behave like a bear under the guidance of his new bear family in Wildwood.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

Related stories

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OKATIE, S.C. (WSAV)  A Beaufort County man accused of child sex crimes has been arrested, according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Alexis Jimenez, 24, of Okatie, was taken into custody Tuesday on two charges of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Wilson said Jimenez distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

According to the state attorney general, a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led them to the suspect.

Barry Wright, found guilty of causing ex-wifes car to explode, dies in custody

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Beaufort County Sheriffs Office and attorney generals office assisted with the investigation.

Jimenez faces up to 10 years in prison for each felony offense.

The case will be prosecuted by Wilsons 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 WSAV-TV.
Beetz Brothers, a well-established German production company, has teamed with ZDF to produce Hurt People Hurt People, October 7 and its Aftermath, a feature-length documentary exploring the repercussions of the Hamas attack in Israel and the ongoing cycle of violence in the Middle East.

Hurt People Hurt People reteams Beetz Brothers, which is part of Mediawan-owned Leonine Studios, with Israeli producer and filmmaker Duki Dror at Zygote Films. The two company previously produced together Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre which chronicled the massacre at a music festival in Southern Israel where 365 attendees were killed, hundreds wounded and 40 kidnapped into Gaza. The doc is currently broadcast in over 50 countries around the world and has played at festivals in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

More from Variety

The new documentary, timed to mark the one-year commemoration of the Hamas massacre and the onset of the war in Gaza on Oct. 7 2023, is directed by Jens Strohschnieder and Mathias Marx from Germany and Dror from Israel. The 90-minute film combines eyewitness reports from Israel and Gaza with the expertise of leading trauma specialists, as well as Middle East experts. Hurt People Hurt People shows how Israels full-scale war aimed at destroying Hamas in Gaza has triggered a deep Palestinian trauma  the expulsion of 1948.

Ignorance is the companion of nationalism and excessive patriotism, said Reinhardt Beetz, producer at Beetz Brothers. The immediacy of images, their supposed authenticity, floods public perception with fabricated realities. The horrific Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 was a history-altering event.

One year later, we are only beginning to recognize its global impacts, said Beetz. For Israelis and Palestinians, it opened Pandoras box, deeply embedded in their collective memory. He said the ongoing cruel war foreshadows a bleak future, marked by a lack of reconciliation and empathy, driven by fear, hatred, and survival instincts.

While filming in the Middle East, Strohschnieder said he felt as though a black veil had descended over the land in Israel, creating two separated worlds. The mood in the West Bank was as depressingly similar as in Israel, he said.

Back in Europe, the war in Gaza has also been hotly debated, sparking occasionally anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim riots.

Dror said viewing October 7 through the lens of trauma allows us to move beyond the binary and divisive political discourse that usually leads nowhere.

For us, this is the first step in creating a narrative that both sides can reflect on, recognizing the tragic spiral they are locked in, said Dror.

Hurt People Hurt People will premiere worldwide on Deutsche Welle channels beginning of October, following the European premiere on French-German network Arte on Sept. 24. Deutsche Welle holds the worldwide distribution rights fo Hurt People Hurt People. The film is produced by Beetz brothers with Zygote Films, in co-production with ZDF, in collaboration with Arte and Deutschen Welle.

Photos from the documentary:

Best of Variety

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Suzanne Osborn has visited Bliss Chemist for years, for what she calls general maintenance. Having lived in Kilburn since 1968, and just up the road from the pharmacy for a decade, she is on friendly terms with the staff and enjoys stopping by for a chat.

Like many high street chemists, Bliss is not only somewhere to pick up prescriptions and paracetamol. Its part of the community, says Osborn, 83. People rely on it enormously.

People rely on Bliss enormously. It is extremely important that this place survives, says Suzanne Osborn, a Bliss customer - Jamie Lorriman

For more than 40 years it has survived in this bustling corner of north-west London. But like many pharmacies nationwide, today Bliss is struggling. Amid serious financial pressures it is barely breaking even. Weve gone over and beyond delivering on everything weve been asked, but we have been treated poorly, being asked to do more for less, says owner Sonal Davda, who took it over a couple of years ago.

She is far from alone in worrying about the future of a business on which local lives depend. Almost two thirds of pharmacies in England are now losing money, according to a recent survey by Community Pharmacy England (CPE). One in six could vanish from the high street within a year, and patient care is already being impacted.

Hundreds of other pharmacies have already closed since the pandemic, with rural areas in England so badly affected that industry leaders have warned they are at risk of becoming pharmacy deserts. A dozen areas around England have been left with less than 15 pharmacies per 100,000 people, according to analysis by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). Since 2015, there has been a net loss of nearly 1,200 pharmacies, with the financial year 2023-24 alone seeing a record 432 closures, figures from the Company Chemists Association show.

Lack of funding from NHS England is a major problem, pharmacy owners say. While the cost of drugs has increased, the money the Government reimburses to chemists for them has not kept pace. CPE, which represents all community pharmacies and is about to negotiate a new contract with the Government, has warned that NHS funding has fallen by 30 per cent in real terms since 2015. The proportion of the NHS budget spent on pharmacy services has fallen from 2.4 per cent to 1.6 per cent during this time, they say.

Theyve cut, cut, cut funding, says Davda.

The National Pharmacy Association  which represents about half of the UKs community pharmacies  is now balloting members on work-to-rule action that could see chemists cut their opening hours in protest at the funding shortfall. It says an extra 1.3 billion is needed each year to plug the financial hole.

Yet the sector has meanwhile seen a growth in the volume of prescriptions issued, to the point that pharmacies now supply over 1.1 billion items a year.

When these items cost more than what the NHS will pay for them, pharmacies face tough choices. Were healthcare professionals as well as running a business, so well dispense them at a loss, Davda admits. There literally isnt any profit. From month to month Im only just about breaking even.

Pharmacy teams spend hours each day trying to find medicines affected by availability and pricing issues, says Suraj Shah, drug tariff and reimbursement manager at CPE. In the past year, about 150 medicines have had pricing issues each month.

Some of the NHS medicines are supplied at a loss with pharmacy owners often having to cover the differences in costs out of their own pockets, he says.

One such drug is the antipsychotic medication Haloperidol. Its lowest buying price is currently 18 for 5mg, but the NHS reimburses just 3.54 of this. When a patient came into Bliss with a prescription for the drug recently, staff had to call the doctors surgery and ask them to prescribe an alternative. Its really tough sometimes for the patient, says Abhishek Patel, the store manager.

You cant just close the shop, because peoples lives are attached to it. Everyone knows our staff by name, says Patel, the manager of Bliss - Jamie Lorriman

Etoricoxib, which eases pain and inflammation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, is another drug that costs more than the price the NHS will pay. Though its currently available for 7.55 per 90mg, NHS England reimburses pharmacies only 6.54. Unless the patient is willing to pay the difference, the pharmacy can only dispense it at a loss. With some drugs, there is simply too much at stake not to do so.

For heart or blood pressure, it can be fatal if you stop taking certain medications, says Patel. In some cases, the patient ends up needing treatment in hospital and that costs the NHS more than the drug itself.

Were sitting in one of the pharmacys four consultation rooms: a sparse, clinical space where patients receive blood pressure checks, contraception, weight loss management and flu jabs in privacy, and discuss sensitive ailments. Beyond the door, a trickle of customers enters the shop to collect prescriptions and exchange pleasantries with staff or each other.

Say hi to mama, pharmacy assistant Maria Coutinho calls to one young woman as she picks up her mothers medication.

Coutinho, 50, has worked here for almost eight years and planned to stay until she hit retirement age. Now I dont know if my job will be secure until then, she says. Its scary.

Maria Coutinho works at Bliss and is unsure about how secure her job as a pharmacy assistant is - Jamie Lorriman

If prescription drugs no longer pay, pharmacies can in theory make money from providing other services, such as flu vaccinations. Indeed, they are encouraged by the Government to do so. The problem, says Davda, is that providing these services brings additional costs, such as those associated with paying extra staff. Visiting a housebound patient to administer a flu jab would cost 70 in staffing hours, she says, but the NHS would reimburse just 15.91. While Davda wishes she could offer an at-home service to those who need it, the sums just dont add up. I have to decide between paying my staff and helping a patient, and its heartbreaking, she says.

Its not a good position to be in as a business, as an owner, agrees Patel. But you cant just close the shop, because peoples lives are attached to it[and they] have a special relationship with the team. Everyone knows our staff by name.

Osborn, a retiree who recently underwent surgery on her arm and leg, values this relationship, popping in about three times a week for one reason or another. You can discuss your treatment here or what your medication is doing, she says. If anything had gone wrong [post-surgery] I would come here immediately. This is my first port of call. I know I would get a good response from these people.

Belinda Sinclair, who is living on ibuprofen while awaiting a hip replacement, sees Bliss as a kind of community hub. Aged 73, she has lived around the corner for 40 years and comes in regularly for painkillers and blood pressure medication. They know me, she says. With accessing a GP a near-impossible task in many areas, she notes that chemists are filling a crucial gap. We need them because our doctors  we dont get to see a doctor!

Belinda Sinclair has lived around the corner from Bliss for 40 years. She is currently living on ibuprofen while awaiting a hip replacement - Jamie Lorriman

Several of Blisss more isolated elderly patients come in for a cup of tea and some human contact, as well as whatever they require to keep their bodies ticking along.

Once dubbed County Kilburn, the local streets of large Victorian houses, alongside the multicultural cafes and shops near the pharmacy have historically been home to a large population of Irish emigrants, many of whom arrived in the 1950s. Since the 1970s, theyve been joined by others from the Caribbean and Asia. Bliss sits just off the lively High Road, immortalised by the name of Ian Durys band, Kilburn and the High Roads. There are high levels of deprivation in parts of this diverse neighbourhood, and the pharmacy caters to a number of vulnerable patients.

The NPAs findings suggest deprived council areas are experiencing higher levels of pharmacy closures. As Paul Rees, its chief executive, has warned, this threatens efforts to tackle health inequalities.

But the funding shortfall is not the only reason for the sectors difficulties. Drug shortages  reports of which have increased since 2021  have added to the challenges, with pharmacists reporting that much of their time is spent trying to source medications. In January, the Pharmaceutical Journal highlighted a 67 per cent increase in reports of potential shortages from manufacturers between 2021 and 2023. The British Generic Manufacturers Association reported an even more dramatic 100 per cent increase in medicine shortages in the two years to January this year.

Here, the industry finds itself at the mercy of global factors, including increased demand, manufacturing and distribution problems and shortages of ingredients. But its also thought that some medicine shortages may be artificial, created by the suspected hoarding of medications by suppliers when prices are low. The war in Ukraine, the Covid pandemic and Brexit have also played their part, with increased energy costs affecting manufacture and supply.

In the last few months, supplies of medications for ADHD, epilepsy and diabetes have all been hit, with patients and pharmacists both suffering.

Patients are frustrated at being pushed from pillar to post trying to obtain medications, says Shah. For pharmacists, it means they have to spend time away from the frontline, talking to wholesalers and manufacturers to obtain stock or contacting the patients GPs to try and arrange for alternative prescriptions. This is becoming quite a barrier to the delivery of clinical services by pharmacy teams.

The high cost of rents and other overheads has also hit high street chemists, as well as the scourge of shoplifting. (Bliss lost about 300 of stock to thieves recently. Police examined the CCTV but the culprits were long gone.)

Davda says the growth of pharmacies attached to GP surgeries means that shops like hers are losing out on business too  and that surgeries are effectively competing with us instead of supporting us.

In some parts of the country, competition comes from online pharmacies. But while it is convenient to buy prescription-only medicines over the internet, it is sometimes possible to do so by entering false or incorrect information, and this lack of checks can be life-threatening. In 2020, Katie Corrigan, a 38-year-old nurse from Cornwall, died after accidentally overdosing on codeine she had purchased online. Her parents have called for tougher regulation of online pharmacies.

Whatever the potential risks, the practice of buying medications over the internet grew significantly during the pandemic as patients struggled to see their GPs.

At the same time, the sector is struggling with the kind of workforce pressures that have plagued other industries of late, meaning that recruiting staff has grown harder. Reasons for this are thought to include the general post-pandemic desire for more flexible or home-based working, as well as pharmacists switching to work in GP practices rather than in retail.

This perfect storm of setbacks has left the sector in a parlous state. Pharmacy owners have seen their costs grow whilst their base NHS funding has been cut in real-terms, putting them under immense financial pressures, says Shah. In the last few years, weve heard of pharmacy owners having to dip into pensions or borrow money to stay afloat. Theyre having to take desperate measures. Many that were previously just about managing are having to fold completely and are forced to sell up or close.

Nor are the big pharmacy chains immune from these headwinds. Last year, Boots announced plans to close 300 pharmacies, while the LloydsPharmacy chain  once the second biggest in the UK  filed for liquidation in January, having blamed the cut in government funding for its growing losses (the firm continues to trade online).

Those who remain in the market are despondent. Were being thwarted at every turn, says Davda. Why does no-one think about whats going to happen if high street pharmacies are lost?

The Department of Health and Social Care agrees that pharmacies have been neglected for years and says it is monitoring closures closely. Pharmacies are key to our plans to make healthcare fit for the future, as we shift the focus of the NHS out of hospitals and into the community, says a spokesman. We will expand the role of pharmacies, making better use of pharmacists skills, including accelerating the rollout of independent prescribing.

If Bliss were to disappear from Willesden Lane, locals know they would lose more than just a shop. [There would be] a loss of sense of community, says Osborn. People rely on it enormously. It is extremely important that this place survives.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Hatfield returned to work at the Prosecutors Office on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

Hatfield is returning to the office after various misconduct allegations. While Hatfield has also gone on record saying his leave was voluntary in nature, the Raleigh County Commission had placed Hatfield on administrative leave after requesting an investigation into inappropriate conduct on August 26, 2024.

Notice of intent against Benjamin Hatfield alleges sexual misconduct

However, a new statement from the County Commission said they do not have control over the Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

The Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney is an elected official that was placed in office by the citizens of Raleigh County. As such, the Raleigh County Commission does not control the Prosecuting Attorney or the office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Many of the issues brought forward to the Raleigh County Commission during the past few weeks are clearly personnel issues and potential legal issues that the Raleigh County Commission or the Raleigh County Commissioners cannot discuss at this time. The Commission is aware that there are investigations currently underway and the Raleigh County Commission will cooperate with these investigations to the fullest extent possible. In the meantime, The Commission will remain committed to the well-being of the employees of the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorneys office and will focus on meeting the needs of the citizens of Raleigh County. Greg Duckworth | President, Raleigh County Commission

In August, 59News obtained documents from local law firm Bradford & Gray PLLC that said they intended to file a Civil Complaint against Hatfield relating to claims of, a hostile work environment, gender-based discrimination, inappropriate harassment, damage to reputation, deprivation of civil rights to equal protection, and fundamental fairness arising as a direct result of the employment and supervision of Benjamin Hatfield as the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney.

Raleigh County Commission to hire new Assistant Prosecutor for Natalie Cochran case

The notice was sent on behalf of nine different clients represented by the law firm. It was also confirmed that the law firm did intend to file a lawsuit after a 30-day window ran out. According to records, those 30 days are up on September 26, 2024.

Hatfield provided a statement on his return to the Prosecutors Office.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that I will be ceasing my voluntary leave from the Prosecutors Office effective tomorrow morning. While rumors have spread about my conduct in office, I have been determined to allow the County Commission to investigate these allegations. It was my desire to do that without my presence hindering their ability to carry out their duties. Now that an opportunity has been given for persons to come forward with complaints without my presence impeding them, and the Commission has had time to review those complaints and make their own findings without my influence, it is time for me to resume my duties as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Raleigh County. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Raleigh County as their elected Prosecuting Attorney. It is a position that I cherish and respect. I regret that we had to go through this process, but now that it is over, I am ready, willing, and able to return to work and continue the mission of making Raleigh County the best place to live, work, and raise a family. There is much work to be done to make our county safe and enforce the laws of our State. Thank you for the opportunity to lead in that work, and I look forward to continuing to serve you as fervently as I am capable. I thank you for your support and trust as I carry out this vital mission in our community. Benjamin Hatfield

Tim Lupardus, an attorney representing a woman who filed a domestic violence petition against Hatfield, spoke on the Commissions statement and Hatfields return to work amid the workplace misconduct allegations.

I think the failure to act has shown a reckless disregard for the health, safety, and rights of the employees of the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Tim Lupardus

Stick with 59News for updates as they 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 WVNS.
(KRON)  An Oakland man who was arrested in August in connection to a homicide in Berkeley died Tuesday while in custody, according to the Alameda County Sheriffs Office. Authorities said Steve Addison, 57, had a history of severe medical conditions.

On Monday at around 1:50 a.m., a sheriffs deputy conducting a routine observation check at the Santa Rita Jail saw Addison experiencing a medical emergency, officials said. Addison was having trouble breathing and speaking.

Addison was brought to the trauma room with assistance from deputies and medical partner Wellpath before being transported to a local hospital, according to the sheriffs office.

Child molester slain in San Quentin prison

Jail staff made arrangements with Addisons family to visit him in the hospital. Mr. Addison suffered from several chronic serious illnesses and his condition continued to decline while at the hospital, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office said.

Addison was pronounced deceased on Tuesday at approximately 1:40 p.m. The countys medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

The Berkeley Police Department arrested Addison on August 1 for murder after a person was shot and killed on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way on July 3. Detectives identified Addison as a suspect through the use of surveillance video and other means.

The sheriffs office said that the in-custody death is an 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 KRON4.
A gray wolf in snow. (Eric Cole/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

The Biden administration on Friday asked a federal appeals court to reinstate a rule passed under the Trump administration to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the Lower 48 states which, if successful, would put the animals under state management like is currently the case in Montana and surrounding states.

On behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, attorneys with the U.S. Department of Justice filed the 87-page appeal of a California district courts 2022 decision that blocked the Trump-era rule and kept existing listing regulations in place. The district courts decision kept wolves in Minnesota a threatened species, an endangered species in 44 states, and a delisted population in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington and north-central Utah.

The new appeal to the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals said the district court incorrectly interpreted the Endangered Species Act, which the government contends is only meant to ensure species are not in danger of going extinct, not to restore species to their full historical range.

But the filing has irked wolf conservation groups that have long fought in court for enhanced protections for various groups of gray wolves or the entire Lower 48 population and believe that handing all wolves over to state management will reverse decades of recovery.

At its core, this appeal is about whether the purpose of the ESA is to recover endangered and threatened species to the point where they are no longer in danger of extinction, or whether it goes beyond that objective to require that a species be restored to its historical range before delisting, the governments appeal brief says. The ESA is clear: its goal is to prevent extinction, not to restore species to their pre-western settlement numbers and range.

Susan Holmes, the executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition, called the filing bewildering and said if the circuit court sides with the government, the group believes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could abandon its efforts to create a wolf recovery plan it agreed to as part of a settlement announced in February involving another wolf Endangered Species Act court case.

This faulty interpretation of the Endangered Species Act would halt wolf recovery in its tracks, Holmes said in a statement. We urge the Service to continue gray wolf recovery efforts and we remain committed to working with them on a vision for recovery.

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)

The government argues in its appeal that the court substituted its own judgment for the scientific analysis done by the Fish and Wildlife Service that led to the decision to delist gray wolves. The agency says it analyzed gray wolf populations in three different configurations and found that none of those configurations warranted listing them as an endangered or threatened species.

The gray wolf is one of the ESAs biggest success stories: it has made a remarkable recovery and now thrives in the continental United States in two large, expanding metapopulations that are also connected to large populations of wolves in Canada, the filing says. The district courts decision faulting the Services extensive recovery analysis fundamentally misunderstands the ESA, the relevant science, and the role of a reviewing court under the (Administrative Procedure Act).

The government also argues the district court incorrectly found the Fish and Wildlife Service erred when it did not consider threats to wolves in areas of the U.S. where they no longer exist. It said the court wrongly found the agency had not considered all state and federal regulatory mechanisms surrounding wolf management when it moved to delist wolves in the Lower 48.

It makes no sense to require the Service to directly analyze the threat humans pose to wolves in areas where wolves do not exist, the filing says. In short, it is pointless to separately consider whether the wolves are in danger of extinction in areas where there are no wolves.

The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains that there are two large and either stable or growing gray wolf populations in the U.S. that number close to 5,000, have high levels of genetic diversity and are resilient to threats because they can quickly reproduce and disperse across wide areas, including interconnecting with an estimated 15,000 wolves in Canada.

The filing says the district court incorrectly weighted threats to individual wolves instead of emphasizing the agencys analysis of the gray wolf as an entire species.

Putting a spotlight on the most vulnerable individuals of a species will always lead to the conclusion that those individuals are at risk, the government wrote. But that does not mean that every species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range now or into the foreseeable future.

The filing also notes that if the gray wolf is delisted across the Lower 48, the species would still be considered a sensitive species for at least five years and remain under federal regulations. The government argues the district courts ruling and parameters do not align with direction on the Endangered Species Act that Congress gave to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The ESA does not require the Service to restore wolves to all areas where they used to be, the filing says. Particularly in this case, such a requirement is impossible to meet, given how widespread wolves used to be and the significant development in many of those areas.

The appellees in the case are several conservation groups, including WildEarth Guardians and the Western Watersheds Project. The National Rifle Association, Safari Club and State of Utah have intervened in the case.

Multiple groups have also sued the federal government over its February decision not to give wolves in the West special protections as a distinct population segment and to re-list wolves in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. One of those groups, the Center for Biological Diversity, this week said the Fish and Wildlife Services ongoing attempt to delist gray wolves in the Lower 48 is dangerous.

Im confident the district courts reasoned decision that reinstated wolf protections will be upheld, said the organizations carnivore conservation program director Collette Adkins. But Im frustrated that the agency tasked with wolf recovery is again trying to strip life-saving protections from wolves in places like Wisconsin, where wed see more dead wolves under state management.

This article was first published by the Daily Montanan, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and X.
The Biden administration has asked a federal appeals court to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the Lower 48 states.

The Biden administration on Friday asked a federal appeals court to reinstate a rule passed under the Trump administration to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the Lower 48 states which, if successful, would put the animals under state management like is currently the case in Montana and surrounding states.

On behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, attorneys with the U.S. Department of Justice filed the 87-page appeal of a California district courts 2022 decision that blocked the Trump-era rule and kept existing listing regulations in place. The district courts decision kept wolves in Minnesota a threatened species, an endangered species in 44 states, and a delisted population in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington and north-central Utah.

The new appeal to the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals said the district court incorrectly interpreted the Endangered Species Act, which the government contends is only meant to ensure species are not in danger of going extinct, not to restore species to their full historical range.

But the filing has irked wolf conservation groups that have long fought in court for enhanced protections for various groups of gray wolves or the entire Lower 48 population and believe that handing all wolves over to state management will reverse decades of recovery.

At its core, this appeal is about whether the purpose of the ESA is to recover endangered and threatened species to the point where they are no longer in danger of extinction, or whether it goes beyond that objective to require that a species be restored to its historical range before delisting, the governments appeal brief says. The ESA is clear: its goal is to prevent extinction, not to restore species to their pre-western settlement numbers and range.

Susan Holmes, the executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition, called the filing bewildering and said if the circuit court sides with the government, the group believes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could abandon its efforts to create a wolf recovery plan it agreed to as part of a settlement announced in February involving another wolf Endangered Species Act court case.

This faulty interpretation of the Endangered Species Act would halt wolf recovery in its tracks, Holmes said in a statement. We urge the Service to continue gray wolf recovery efforts and we remain committed to working with them on a vision for recovery.

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)

The government argues in its appeal that the court substituted its own judgment for the scientific analysis done by the Fish and Wildlife Service that led to the decision to delist gray wolves. The agency says it analyzed gray wolf populations in three different configurations and found that none of those configurations warranted listing them as an endangered or threatened species.

The gray wolf is one of the ESAs biggest success stories: it has made a remarkable recovery and now thrives in the continental United States in two large, expanding metapopulations that are also connected to large populations of wolves in Canada, the filing says. The district courts decision faulting the Services extensive recovery analysis fundamentally misunderstands the ESA, the relevant science, and the role of a reviewing court under the (Administrative Procedure Act).

The government also argues the district court incorrectly found the Fish and Wildlife Service erred when it did not consider threats to wolves in areas of the U.S. where they no longer exist. It said the court wrongly found the agency had not considered all state and federal regulatory mechanisms surrounding wolf management when it moved to delist wolves in the Lower 48.

It makes no sense to require the Service to directly analyze the threat humans pose to wolves in areas where wolves do not exist, the filing says. In short, it is pointless to separately consider whether the wolves are in danger of extinction in areas where there are no wolves.

The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains that there are two large and either stable or growing gray wolf populations in the U.S. that number close to 5,000, have high levels of genetic diversity and are resilient to threats because they can quickly reproduce and disperse across wide areas, including interconnecting with an estimated 15,000 wolves in Canada.

The filing says the district court incorrectly weighted threats to individual wolves instead of emphasizing the agencys analysis of the gray wolf as an entire species.

Putting a spotlight on the most vulnerable individuals of a species will always lead to the conclusion that those individuals are at risk, the government wrote. But that does not mean that every species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range now or into the foreseeable future.

The filing also notes that if the gray wolf is delisted across the Lower 48, the species would still be considered a sensitive species for at least five years and remain under federal regulations. The government argues the district courts ruling and parameters do not align with direction on the Endangered Species Act that Congress gave to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The ESA does not require the Service to restore wolves to all areas where they used to be, the filing says. Particularly in this case, such a requirement is impossible to meet, given how widespread wolves used to be and the significant development in many of those areas.

The appellees in the case are several conservation groups, including WildEarth Guardians and the Western Watersheds Project. The National Rifle Association, Safari Club and State of Utah have intervened in the case.

Multiple groups have also sued the federal government over its February decision not to give wolves in the West special protections as a distinct population segment and to re-list wolves in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. One of those groups, the Center for Biological Diversity, this week said the Fish and Wildlife Services ongoing attempt to delist gray wolves in the Lower 48 is dangerous.

Im confident the district courts reasoned decision that reinstated wolf protections will be upheld, said the organizations carnivore conservation program director Collette Adkins. But Im frustrated that the agency tasked with wolf recovery is again trying to strip life-saving protections from wolves in places like Wisconsin, where wed see more dead wolves under state management.

Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and X.
Oil prices are well off their post-pandemic highs. All sorts of geopolitical events and supply/demand gyrations have played out over the last four years or so.

All through it, Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and TotalEnergies (NYSE: TTE) have stuck to their unique business playbooks. There's no reason to think that will change, and both high-yield oil stocks are just as attractive today as they were when oil prices were higher (and when they were lower). That's because what you are really buying with Chevron and TotalEnergies is a business model.

Here's what you need to know about these two no-brainer high-yield oil stocks, even if you only have $500 available to invest.

1. Chevron is strong through the energy cycle

Chevron is one of the largest integrated energy companies on the planet. This means its business is globally diversified and spans across the upstream (energy production), midstream (pipeline), and downstream (refining and chemicals) segments of the energy sector. This diversification helps to soften the peaks and valleys of the inherently volatile energy industry. Oil prices will still be the dominant factor to watch, but the ride investors go on won't be quite as dramatic as owning, say, a pure-play oil driller.

That alone doesn't differentiate Chevron from its closest peers, which are all integrated energy companies. But when you combine that information with the strength of Chevron's balance sheet, you start to see that there is, indeed, a material difference here. Specifically, Chevron's debt-to-equity ratio is a tiny 0.15. That's low by just about any standard, but it also happens to be the lowest debt-to-equity ratio among the company's closest peers.

CVX Debt to Equity Ratio Chart

That's a big deal. It means that Chevron has more leeway to take on leverage during bad times so that it can support its business and dividend through the cycle. As the chart above highlights, when oil prices plunge, Chevron adds leverage to ride out the downturn. When oil prices recover, it reduces leverage to prepare for the next oil downturn. That's how Chevron has managed to increase its dividend every year for 37 consecutive years.

Add in a generous 4.6% dividend yield today, and you can see why, despite oil prices being weak, you might want to buy Chevron. In fact, the best time to buy it is often when oil prices are weak.

2. TotalEnergies is preparing for the future today

TotalEnergies is a completely different story. Like Chevron, it is an integrated energy company. Like Chevron, it has shown great commitment to its dividend, standing behind it during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic even as European peers BP and Shell both cut their dividends. And like Chevron, TotalEnergies has an attractive dividend yield at 5%. (TotalEnergies is a French company, so U.S. investors have to pay French taxes on the dividends they collect, though they can generally be claimed back when investors file their U.S. taxes.)

Story continues

The really big difference between TotalEnergies and its closest peers is that it has moved aggressively to diversify its business into the electricity space, with a healthy focus on clean energy. Basically, management recognizes that clean energy will be an increasingly important part of the global energy pie in the future. It is moving now to adjust its portfolio so that it can use its oil profits to pay for its diversification efforts.

To be fair, BP and Shell have both made similar plans. But neither has really taken the transition as seriously. Perhaps more importantly, they both used the business shift as an excuse to cut their dividends. Just to reiterate the key fact: TotalEnergies made the same shift without a dividend cut.

That's not to suggest that TotalEnergies is suddenly a clean energy company -- that's not the case at all. Its "integrated power" business only accounts for about 10% of revenue. Still, that's a big change in a short period of time and shows just how serious the company is about preparing now for a very different energy future.

If you want exposure to the oil and natural gas sectors but also want to hedge your bets just a little, TotalEnergies is likely to be a good choice for your portfolio. The big yield is just icing on the cake.

Energy stocks are volatile -- you should be strategic

There's no way around the fact that energy stocks tend to rise and fall along with oil and natural gas prices. That means that low oil prices often open up the best opportunities for investors to buy energy stocks. But if you are going to invest in the sector, you really need to think about the big picture.

Financially strong Chevron has proven it can ride the cycle while continuing to reward dividend investors well. TotalEnergies has shown it is committed to the energy transition and to paying investors a reliable dividend. Both stocks have long-term appeal thanks to their sustainable business models.

Should you invest $1,000 in Chevron right now?

Before you buy stock in Chevron, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Chevron wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $708,348!*

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Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in TotalEnergies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BP and Chevron. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2 No-Brainer High-Yield Oil Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool
President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington next week, the White House announced. File Photo by Kremlin Pool/UPI

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with United Arab Emirates leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Washington next week as Israel's war in Gaza shows no signs of slackening.

Biden will meet with Sheikh Mohammed, commonly known as MBZ, Monday at the White House to discuss "a number of bilateral and regional matters, including efforts to strengthen regional stability and reduce tensions," the U.S. administration said in a statement.

Also on the agenda will be advanced technology, artificial intelligence, investments and space exploration, while the two leaders will discuss "areas of robust partnership on security, defense, and counter-terrorism coordination, collaboration to address the climate crisis and energy transition, and efforts to promote peace and prosperity."

Harris, the Democratic nominee to succeed Biden in November's presidential election, will meet separately with MBZ, the White House said.

While the war in Gaza was not specifically mentioned in the statement, it is likely to on the table as the energy-rich UAE has increasingly voiced frustration with the lack of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas 11 months into the conflict.

The fighting now also appears to be spreading to Lebanon, where Hezbollah Secretary-General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said Thursday that Israel crossed "all the red lines" by detonating thousands of communication devices used by his group's members.

Although the UAE has established a working relationship with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords and is not participating in Gaza cease-fire talks, its leaders have made recent public statements criticizing the actions of right-wing members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the need for an independent Palestinian state following the Gaza war.

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a social media post last week that "the UAE is not prepared to support a day after the war in Gaza without the establishment of a Palestinian state."

The UAE's close ally, Saudi Arabia, has similarly expressed frustration with Netanyahu's lack of commitment to an independent state while instead promoting a post-war vision in which Israel would continue to occupy Gaza while the enclave is rebuilt in cooperation with Arab neighbors.

The Saudis had been working with Israel to establish formal ties before Hamas launched its deadly surprise attack against Israel on Oct. 7.

"The kingdom will not stop its tireless work toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Wednesday in Riyadh.
President Biden on Wednesday hit former President Trump for his rhetoric on migrants during a celebration at the White House to mark Hispanic Heritage Month.

We dont demonize immigrants, we dont single them out for attacks, we dont believe theyre poisoning the blood of the country. Were a nation of immigrants and thats why were so damn strong, Biden said to a room full of Latinos at the reception.

Hispanic history is American history, Biden added. And by the way, a lot of you all have been here a hell of a lot longer than a lot of the rest of us, in America.

The president also suggested that the Republican Party and Trump are closed-minded, while never mentioning his former political rival by name.

This is the single most consequential election, maybe in the lifetime of anyone standing here, because it matters. The other team doesnt see the world like we see it. They dont have the same attitude we have. They are the most closed-minded people Ive ever dealt with, he said.

Biden said in his remarks that his family came from Ireland and noted the discrimination they received when they immigrated to the United States.

If you go back and look, Irish Catholics were discriminated against as much as any other group of people that ever came to this country, but guess what? Were proud as hell for what weve done and all of you, protecting our fundamental freedoms, he said.

Trump in December said that immigrants are poisoning the blood of America, adding at the time that they pose an increased terrorism risk and equated the influx of migrants at the southern border to an invasion.

The Anti-Defamation League and others have said Trumps poisoning the blood remarks echoes the rhetoric of Adolf Hitler, who wrote in Mein Kampf that German blood was being poisoned by Jews.

When Biden was running for president before dropping out of the race and endorsing Vice President Harris, his campaign unveiled a Latino-focused ad calling out Trump for his rhetoric and included audio of Trump saying immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity said it has never been busier [British Divers Marine Life Rescue]

A marine life rescue charity said it has never before seen so many stranded dolphins and porpoises on beaches across Merseyside.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue "has never been busier" according to its staff, who provide medical care for beached animals until they can be safely released.

It is unclear whether the rise is linked to climate change affecting sea temperatures or simply due to people being more aware of how to report cases, the charity said.

The BBC spoke to staff based at New Brighton beach during a training exercise, using a water-filled replica porpoise.

Kristen Cureton said she had been a charity medic for seven-and-a-half years and in that time had seen the bulk of cases shift from rescuing seals to porpoise and dolphin.

"It's quite unusual in terms of the places they're stranding. In Liverpool Bay, here [New Brighton], in Leasowe Bay, we've never seen so many", she said.

Medic Kristen Cureton said it was unclear why the number of strandings had appeared to increase [BBC]

"There have always been porpoise washed up, the odd one or two, but not with the frequency that it's happening now."

Ms Cureton recalled a mother and calf that washed up at Halebank near Runcorn, requiring the help of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and the Coastguard.

She said: "When they are out of the water the scavengers will peck at any hole, an eye, a blowhole, so when got to them they didn't look in very good condition.

"One had lost an eye, they had blood coming out of the blowhole, but they were well enough to be able to re-float."

Volunteers training to re-float porpoises, dolphins and whales on New Brighton beach [BBC]

She said the pair had thankfully been seen since the rescue and appeared to have recovered.

In most cases, stranded animals are first encountered by members of the public.

Chris Cureton, another member of the team, said anyone coming across a porpoise, dolphin or whale on the beach should contact the charity.

"They will give you any instructions that you might be able to do as a member of the public," he said.

"It might include keeping the animal cool, it might include righting the animal until the medical team get there, but they'll be quite specific in what they tell you.

"But what we would never expect anyone to do is re-float an animal on their own because you might damage the animal further and it might not be in the right condition to be re-floated."

British Divers Marine Life Rescue trains 1,000 volunteers per year and has 25 whale flotation pontoons at strategic locations across the UK.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk

More like this
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Millions of borrowers benefit from Public Service Loan Forgiveness, a program to forgive federal student loans.

One of the populations that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program helps is, service members, military service members, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) said.

Courtney says military members arent getting full credit for their deployed service. He blames current rules and poor communication between the Departments of Education and Defense for preventing a full discharge of the loans.

The data shows that military service members are really struggling in terms of getting discharges done in a timely fashion, Courtney said.

Courtney introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure service members have their service period counted toward student loan forgiveness.

Youre serving overseas wearing the uniform of this country, those months of service will continue to be counted towards the ten-year goal of getting to, a full discharge, Corutney said.

Courtney said if this bill becomes a reality, nearly 200,000 service members would benefit from this change.

Its going to help, obviously, in retention to make sure that service members will have that burden lifted in terms of monthly payments. And it also will help in terms of recruitment, Courtney said.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) is the co-sponsor on the bill and in a statement, he said Military enrollment numbers have been down in recent years, and we should continue to incentivize service in our nations military, not make it harder for men and women to serve.

Courtney expects this bill to garner more support.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
North Carolinas Republican candidate for governor, Mark Robinson, referred to himself as a black Nazi and said slavery is good, among other shocking remarks, on a porn forum, according to reporting from CNNs KFile.

Earlier on Thursday, independent journalist Bryan Anderson had said that Robinsons campaign was bearing down a negative story about to break. A few hours later, CNNs KFile reported that he had an account on a porn site called Nude Africa where the anti-transgender conservative admitted that I like watching tranny on girl porn!

The social conservative, who has taken a stance against promiscuity in the past, wrote: yeah, Im a perv too, and reportedly said on the same site when told that a celebrity had had an abortion: I dont care. I just wanna see the sex tape!

Robinson denies the allegations and told CNN that the account they had found on the porn site was not his.

Robinson has long been toast, Doug Heye, a longtime Republican operative from North Carolina, told The Independent via text message. He noted how the Trump campaign was very nervous about how [the story] impacts him.

The online comments were made between 2008 and 2012, long before Robinson stepped into politics, on Nude Africa, which has a message board. They were written under the username minisoldr which CNN matched to several biographical details as well as an email address.

Republican candidate for North Carolina governor Mark Robinson speaks during the RNC. He is now under fire for alleged posts he made on a porn forum. (C-Span)

Robinson also listed his full name on his Nude Africa profile, along with the email address that he used on several websites online for years.

He wrote on the site about peeping on women in public gym showers when he was 14.

I came to a spot that was a dead end but had two big vent covers over it! It just so happened it overlooked the showers! I sat there for about an hour and watched as several girls came in and showered, he wrote on Nude Africa, according to CNN.

I like watching tranny on girl porn! Thats f****** hot! It takes the man out while leaving the man in! Robinson wrote in separate comments on the site.

Lieutenant governor denies making controversial comments

The lieutenant governor denied making the comments when speaking to CNN on Thursday.

This is not us. These are not our words. And this is not anything that is characteristic of me, he said. Im not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.

He told CNN that the issues the residents of his state face are more important than tabloid trash as he began attacking his Democratic opponent.

We are not getting out of this race. There are people who are counting on us to win this race, he told the network.

In his online comments, Robinson repeatedly attacked Martin Luther King Jr, including when a new monument was put in place in Washington DC.

Get that f****** commie bastard off the National Mall! he wrote at the time.

One user accused the gubernatorial candidate of being a white supremacist.

Im not in the KKK. They dont let blacks join. If I was in the KKK I would have called him Martin Lucifer Koon! he wrote.

North Carolina publication The Assembly reported earlier this month that Robinson often visited local video porn stores in the 1990s and 2000s, which a spokesperson for Robinson rejected.

CNN found Robinsons full name on the profile minisoldr and it had a private email address that Robinson had used on other sites. The network also matched Robinsons wedding date to a comment he made in 2008 about having been married for 18 years. In 2011, the account stated that the user behind minisoldr lived in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Robinson currently lives and lived at the time. Robinson also used the username on other sites.

CNN also connected certain phrases used by Robinson on Nude Africa and Facebook, such as gag a maggot, dunder head, I dont give a frogs a**, and I dont give two shakes of it.

Robinson wrote Im a black NAZI! on a forum discussing Black Republicans.

Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few, he wrote in a separate post.

Id take Hitler over any of the s*** thats in Washington right now! he wrote in March 2012.

In October 2011, he called Martin Luther King Jr worse than a maggot and a huckster.

Trump, for his part, has compared Robinson to King in the past.

So we had rumors months ago that Josh Steins camp had some really damning information about Robinson that they wanted to hold on to until right before early voting, Jonathan Bridges, another Republican operative in the state, told The Independent. As the campaign consultants, we hold our worst negative information right before people go to the polls, because then its too late for a campaign to recover.

Michael Bitzer, a professor of politics and history at Catawba College, gave his take on the fallout of the story: I think with a very tight toss-up presidential race, this cant help Donald Trump get over a very competitive dynamic how this plays out.

Bitzer also noted that candidates like Michele Morrow, a candidate for superintendent who called for Barack Obama and Joe Biden to be executed, could drag Trump down in a similar way.

Well have to wait and see what the polling tells us, but there has to be some impact if Democrats start to tie Robinson to Trump and to somebody like Michele Morrow and other Republicans on the ballot, he told The Independent.

The Trump campaign told The Dispatch in a statement that theyre focused on winning the White House and saving this country. North Carolina is an [sic] vital part of that plan. We are confident that as voters compare the Trump record of a strong economy, low inflation, a secure border, and safe streets, with the failures of Biden-Harris, then President Trump will win the Tarheel State once again. We will not take our eye off the ball.

Politico reported on Thursday that Robinsons email was used to register for an account on Ashley Madison, a site for married people looking to have an affair. An anonymous adviser to Robinson confirmed to Politico that the email was Robinsons. It was the same email address used by Robinson on Nude Africa.

A firebrand with a controversial past

Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina, is 2024s answer to the question: Has the GOP learned from the last election cycle?

That answer seems to be no.

Bridges warned that Republicans no longer take credentials seriously.

Look, both parties used to vet their candidates, he said. You didnt prop them up, no matter how good of a speaker they were... [but due to] the populist shift of our party, we placed this rhetoric at a forefront instead of recruiting good quality candidates.

Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh wrote on X: The problem isnt that Mark Robinson wasnt vetted. The problem is that he was vetted and his bad, horrible stuff didnt matter to Republican voters. Pretty much just like with Trump.

As the first Black lieutenant governor of the state since his inauguration in 2021, Robinson has been a divisive figure in North Carolina politics for years. But its his latest run for governor that has finally earned him national scrutiny.

Robinson kisses his wife, Yolanda Hill Robinson. The social conservative, who has taken a stance against promiscuity in the past, wrote, yeah, Im a perv too on the forum, according to a report (Copyright The Associated Press 2024. All rights reserved.)

His stances on the cultural issues that define the MAGA right also appear to directly conflict with his own personal choices. On abortion, Robinson claims to be a hardliner, calling the practice murder and in at least one case arguing that a womans body is no longer merely her own after she becomes pregnant, declaring: Its not your body anymore. Its yalls.

But Robinson himself has admitted that he paid for his girlfriend to seek abortion care in the 1980s  even though he has blamed abortion in America for mass shootings in schools. On issues of race, he has made similarly shocking remarks, and has referred to fellow Black Americans as monkeys and apes. He also defended the term white pride in multiple Facebook posts.

A must-win state for Trump and Harris

North Carolina holds its race for governor the same year that it holds its presidential race, and Robinson is on the ticket the same year that Kamala Harris is trying to turn North Carolina blue and Trump is fighting for his life. Just last week, Harriss husband Doug Emhoff campaigned in Raleigh with Robinsons opponent Josh Stein, who received about as big applause as Emhoff did.

In an election where every vote matters, Republicans are now fretting that Robinson could bring down the whole ticket.

The Harris campaign wasted no time in tweeting out a video of Trump praising Robinson as the story about his porn forum posts broke.

Trump: We have to cherish Mark Robinson. You have to cherish him. Hes like a fine wine. He's an outstanding person. I've gotten to know him so well pic.twitter.com/ffkjfi56X8  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 19, 2024

The chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Representative Richard Hudson, told reporters on Thursday that the allegations are very concerning.

He says theyre not true, he added, according to Politico. I think he needs to assure the people of the state with a little more detail that they arent true.

In a video shared on X before the CNN report, Robinson said, Let me reassure you, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson.

Folks, this race right now, our opponents are desperate to shift the focus here from the substantive issues and focus on what you are concerned with to salacious tabloid trash, he added.
Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure caused a sharp rise in Ukrainians citing blackouts as a reason for leaving the country over the summer, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said in a report published on Sept. 19.

Russia launched nine coordinated attacks against Ukraine's electricity infrastructure between March and the end of August, striking facilities in 20 oblasts and affecting millions of civilians.

At least 18 people were killed in the vicinity of the strikes, and at least 84 were injured, the report said. The attacks destroyed around 9 gigawatts of electricity generation capacity, "equivalent to half of what Ukraine requires during winter months," the report said.

Border monitoring carried out by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) "indicated a slight rise in departures from Ukraine due to lack of access to electricity, water, and heating beginning in April," the report said.

That rise "starkly increased" by June, and in July, nearly half (49%) of those "interviewed at the border departing Ukraine reported they were leaving due to the energy situation."

"During the summer period, energy-related reasons were the second most important factor contributing to departures, in addition to broader concerns related to the volatile security situation," the HRMMU said.

The report highlighted that Ukraine's National Bank revised its forecast on population movement for the coming year due to the destruction inflicted on Ukraine's energy system.

Read also: A near-death feeling: Largest-yet Russian attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure brings back widespread power outages

The National Bank now projects an additional 500,000 people will be displaced between 2024 and 2025.

"From heating homes and ensuring clean water to powering online education, running businesses, and functioning health services, the destruction of electricity infrastructure affects almost every aspect of daily life," said HRMMU Head Danielle Bell.

According to one energy company cited in the report, the attacks damaged three times more Ukrainian power generation units than during the campaign of strikes during the winter of 2022-2023.

The HRMMU noted that the attacks since March targeted electricity generation facilities to a much larger extent than the previous campaign of strikes. Experts told HRMMU that the upcoming winter may see outages of between 4 and 18 hours per day.

Blackouts particularly impact those living in cities, where inhabitants rely on central heating.

In Kyiv, for example, 95% of the city's three million inhabitants "rely on centralized district heating, which is delivered to consumers in high-rise buildings using electric pumps," the report said.

The strikes impacted not only heating but also water distribution, as electricity is required to distribute water to consumers.

"Most municipal water utilities lack backup energy sources to ensure consistent supply in the case of prolonged power outages," the report said.

The HRMMU also highlighted that power is needed for schools "and to provide internet access for the 1.7 million children in Ukraine who attend school online" due to the safety risks of attending in-person.

Russia's attacks on Ukrainian electricity infrastructure "likely violated all three principles of international humanitarian law," the HRMMU concluded.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The blended, multiracial family behind Kamala Harris. It's not so unusual

Members of Vice President Kamala Harris' family watch her at the Democratic National Convention. In front row from left, Greenley Littlejohn and her husband, Cole Emhoff; Ella Emhoff; Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff; Harris' sister, Maya Harris, and her husband, Tony West; and Harris' niece, Meena Harris. (Bloomberg / Getty Images)

For the record:

11:11 p.m. Sept. 20, 2024: An earlier version of this story said George H.W. Bush was vice president in 1998. The correct year is 1988.



As Vice President Kamala Harris has campaigned for president, she has been cheered on by what her husband called their "big, beautiful, blended family."

And when Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, bounded on stage to join Harris at the Democratic National Convention, he was followed by her Jamaican Indian sister, white Gen Z stepchildren, Black brother-in-law and Indian auntie. Even her husbands white ex-wife.

We might not look like other families in the White House, her stepson, Cole Emhoff, told the convention crowd last month. But we are ready to represent all families in America.

Kamala Harris' goddaughter Helena Hudlin, left, Harris' niece Meena Harris and Harris' stepdaughter Ella Emhoff speak during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

It was a tableau of a distinctly modern American family: mixed race, interfaith and blended, a mosaic of national origins, cultures and values.

Data show nontraditional" families  those made up of single parents, single adults, cohabiting couples and stepfamilies  now outnumber "traditional" nuclear families in the United States.

More than 4 out of 10 adults have at least one step relative, and about 16% of children live in a household with a step parent, step sibling or half sibling, according to Pew Research.

Compare that with 1960, when the United States had what Pew called "one dominant family form," with 73% of all children living with two parents in their first marriage.

Harris, who was born in 1964, is the child of an Indian mother and Jamaican father who divorced when she was in elementary school. She married later in life, at 49, to a man of a different race who practices a different faith. She is a stepmom to the two children from his first marriage.

Harris is also one of a growing number of women who have never given birth. Last year, the U.S. fertility rate reached a historic low  and, according to Pew, the share of adults younger than 50 without children who say they're unlikely to have kids was 47%  a 10-percentage-point increase from 2018 to 2023.

Multiracial partnerships are increasingly common, too. Nearly 34 million people  about 10% of the population  identified as multiracial in 2020, a 276% increase from 2010, according to the Census Bureau.

And for all the political wrangling about family values and diversity, the makeup of liberal and conservative families is not so different.

About 11.9% of conservatives live in mixed-race families, compared with 11.4% of liberals, a statistically insignificant difference. That's according to an analysis of mixed-race families from the 2012 biennial General Social Survey by Northwestern University law professor and social scientist James Lindgren.

He found that about 9.5% of Republican families are mixed-race, compared with 11.2% of Democratic families.

Harris has placed her family front and center as she has made her pitch to voters. In her 2019 autobiography, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey," Harris recalled how her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, recognized her daughters' dual identities.

She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as Black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud Black women, Harris wrote.

Shyamala, a Hindu, also encouraged neighbors to take her daughters to a Black Baptist church on Sundays.

Kamala Harris' godson Alexander Hudlin, left, Harris' nephew Jasper Emhoff and Harris' niece Arden Emhoff wave after speaking during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

As for families that arise after a divorce, they present their own challenges.

Those of you who belong to blended families know that they can be a little bit complicated, Doug Emhoff told the convention.

But after he and Harris married in 2014, he said, Cole and Ella decided not to call Harris "stepmom," believing it didnt quite fit their relationship.

As soon as our kids started calling her Momala,' Doug Emhoff said, I knew wed be OK.

Kerstin Emhoff, Ella and Coles biological mother, went out of her way to defend Harris after old video surfaced of Donald Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, calling Harris and other Democratic leaders childless cat ladies who dont really have a direct stake in the future of the country.

These are baseless attacks, Kerstin Emhoff said, describing Harris as a "loving, nurturing, fiercely protective" co-parent. "I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.

And when a television producer posted on X that Kamalas husbands ex-wife is supporting her more enthusiastically than Trumps current wife is supporting him, Kerstin reshared the post.

Damn right  , she wrote.

From the very beginning, the family trees of America's first families have been blended, even biracial. But the details were usually kept behind closed doors.

The first blended first family was, appropriately, with George Washington.

The first president had no biological children. But his wife, Martha, had children by a previous marriage and he raised them, as well as her grandchildren. One of those grandsons, George Washington Parke Custis, fathered children with women who were enslaved.

Over the last two and a half centuries, American presidents and vice presidents have had complex family lives.

After the death of Thomas Jefferson's wife, Martha, Jefferson fathered children with Sally Hemings, a Black woman enslaved by the family. Hemings, who was biracial, was Marthas half-sister.

After Jefferson become president in 1801, newspapers and his opponents linked Jefferson with Hemings to discredit him. Jefferson offered no public response.

Many presidents raised their wives' children from previous marriages. Only a handful of presidents had no biological children: Washington, James Madison James Buchanan, James K. Polk and Andrew Jackson. Some presidents  including Jackson and Ronald Reagan  adopted children. Many faced allegations of illegitimate children.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris with her grand-niece Amara Ajagu during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

In the early 1800s, Richard Johnson, who went on to be the ninth vice president, lived openly in rural Kentucky with his Black common-law wife, Julia Chinn. While he served as a U.S. senator, she managed his plantation.

At a time when interracial marriage was banned, Johnson treated her as his wife: They attended church together and hosted formal galas at their farm for the Marquis de Lafayette and former President James Monroe. They had two daughters, Adaline Chinn Johnson and Imogene Chinn Johnson, who went on to marry white men.

But Johnsons biracial relationship and family situation was frowned on by many Americans. After Chinn died in 1833 and Johnson campaigned for the vice presidency in 1836 under Martin Van Buren, Johnson was the subject of racist attacks and cartoons.

Although Van Buren and Johnson won the election, Democrats did not renominate Johnson for another term.

"So many men had these relationships," said Amrita Chakrabarti Myers, author of "The Vice President's Black Wife: The Untold Life of Julia Chinn." "They hid them, they lied about them, and that was fine. What wasnt fine was when they went public.

"There was a real fear of an interracial family becoming the first family of the United States," Chakrabarti Myers added.

It was not until 2008 that America elected its first Black president: Barack Obama. The son of a white mother and Black father, Obama was also the first mixed-race president.

He leaned on that identity  or, as he put it, my story of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who  shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to  as a symbol of the nations inexorable progress.

Over the last few decades, the shifting makeup of Americas leading political families has made for occasionally awkward moments.

In 1988, then-Vice President George H.W. Bush drew criticism when he described his three Mexican American grandchildren as the little brown ones.

Bush was referring to the three children of his son Jeb and his Mexican-born wife, Columba, and he said the comment had been misinterpreted. Those grandchildren are my pride and joy, he said.

Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

In 2013, Mitt Romney, the GOPs 2012 nominee for president, who has more than two dozen grandchildren, celebrated the formal adoption of his 22nd grandson, who is Black.

Melissa Harris-Perry, the host of an MSNBC weekly current affairs show, drew criticism when she invited guests to joke about a Christmas photo of Romney surrounded by his grandchildren.

"One of these things is not like the others; one of these things is not the same, said actress Pia Glenn.

But a new generation of Republican leaders is reflecting the nations more diverse, mixed-race families. About 1 in 8 Americans is an immigrant, and roughly 1 in 4 American children has an immigrant parent.

Vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance  a white man who was raised in Ohio and Kentucky  is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, the child of Indian immigrants. She is a Hindu and he is a former Baptist and atheist who converted to Catholicism. The names of their two sons and daughter reflect the family's diversity  Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

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.
New boba tea shop from Five Watt and Sencha Tea opens in Uptown

The first venture from the recently merged Five Watt Coffee and Sencha Tea has arrived.

The combined company, Amplified Experiences, has opened 94 Bubbles, a boba tea cafe serving milk teas, milk coffees, and refreshers in an attached space at Five Watt's Lyndale neighborhood location.

94 Bubbles Courtesy of Amplified Experiences

We have combined Five Watts attention to detail in terms of homemade syrups, flavor profiles, and cocktail bitters with the fun and aesthetics that people love about boba, Emi Sporcik, Five Watt district manager, said in a statement.



The new concept quietly opened on Sept. 13 in the annex space where Five Watt has previously welcomed other concepts. Most recently, MB Foodhouse briefly took up residence before owner Kristen Martinez moved to Arizona. (Though, MB Foodhouse hosted a pop-up in Minneapolis earlier this month.)

Five Watt and Sencha merged in March but didn't disclose the terms of the deal. At the time, the company was already teasing the possibility of opening a third brand under the Amplified umbrella.

94 Bubbles is serving milk teas, milk coffees and refreshers daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.



Related: Nordic Village returns to Four Seasons rooftop this winter with 'The Lodge' cocktail lounge
Body found in Laurel County believed to be I-75 shooter

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Authorities believe the body of Joseph Couch, the suspected I-75 shooter, has been located in Laurel County.

Trooper Scottie Pennington took to Facebook to announce a body was located in the vicinity of exit 49 in Laurel County.

During a media briefing from Kentucky State Police, authorities state they believe it is the body of Joseph Couch.

Detectives are working to confirm the identity of the body but believe it to be the suspected I-75 shooter.

The body is said to be taken to Frankfurt Thursday morning for a positive identification.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
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When NASAs Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched to the International Space Station in June on the first crewed test flight of Boeings Starliner spacecraft, they were supposed to return to Earth roughly a week later, nearly five months before the US presidential election. But after the space agency deemed the capsule too risky to take them home  and decided Wilmore and Williams would stay in space until 2025  the two veteran astronauts will now be floating more than 200 miles (322 kilometers) above their nearest polling place on Election Day in November.

As with so many things in the fickle world of spaceflight, NASA already had a contingency plan in place for this exact scenario. Thanks to a special Texas law, the two astronauts will still be able to perform their civic duty, voting absentee from low-Earth orbit.

Its a very important duty that we have as citizens and Im looking forward to being able to vote from space, which is pretty cool, Williams told reporters during a September 13 news conference from the space station.

I sent down my request for a ballot today, Wilmore said at the news conference. Its a very important role that we all play as citizens to be included in those elections, and NASA makes it very easy for us to do that.

American astronauts have been able to cast ballots from space ever since the Texas Legislature passed a bill in 1997, expanding the Texas Election Code to include a person who meets the eligibility requirements of a voter but who will be on a space flight during the early-voting period and on election day.

That year, NASA astronaut David Wolf became the first American to vote while you float during his four-month mission aboard Russias Mir Space Station.

Since then, multiple astronauts have cast ballots from space, including now-retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao in 2004.

When I left to go launch on my mission in October, I suddenly realized I hadnt put in for an absentee ballot and I hadnt made any arrangements. So I quickly asked NASA, Hey, can I vote from the station? And they said Oh yeah, we have a process in place. No problem, Chiao told CNN. And it turned into a great kind of public service announcement, for me to send down messages encouraging people to go out and vote.

Ballots cast in space get beamed to Earth the same way most data is transmitted between the space station and mission control  through NASAs Near Space Network, a constellation of satellites in space that communicate with antennas on our planet.

Its actually pretty simple, Chiao said. Basically, an encrypted word document will be sent up to their email addresses and they can then open the document with their password.

After Wilmore and Williams fill out their electronic absentee ballots, the forms will be encrypted and uploaded into the space stations on-board computer system, according to NASA. From there, the ballots will flow through a tracking and data relay satellite to a ground antenna at the NASA White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The space agency will then transfer the ballot to mission control in Houston and then to the county clerk responsible for processing the ballots.

Like most US astronauts, Wilmore and Williams live near NASAs Johnson Space Center in Texas Harris County, where election officials confirmed to CNN that they are working with the space agency to send the astronauts their ballots on Saturday.

Before sending the astronauts their ballot, a test ballot with a unique password is sent first, said Rosio Torres-Segura, a spokesperson for the Harris County clerk. Crew member-specific credentials allow the astronauts access to a secure ballot. After a successful test, the secured ballot is sent as a fillable document so the astronauts can make their selections, save them, and send them back. Once the astronauts vote their live ballot, it is returned, printed, and processed with other ballots.

Wilmore and Williams ballots will arrive on Earth about five months before they do. The two astronauts will hitch a ride home on SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft in February 2025.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Aimia Foods has been bought back by the Unsworth family, who sold the UK business in 2014 to Canada-headquartered Cott Corp.

The repurchase of the company the Unsworths founded in 1981 has been supported with financing from HSBC and Beechbrook Capital, funds that will be used to accelerate organic growth and enable investment to boost in-house manufacturing.

Aimia Foods, based in Haydock, Merseyside, produces its own range of food and beverage products, and also brands under licence, such as Mars hot chocolate drinks in a partnership dating back to 1999.

It also manufactures the Horlicks chocolate malt drinks for markets in the UK, Ireland and continental Europe. Unilever owns that brand to serve destinations in Asia, such as India and Bangladesh.

Clairfield, the M&A advisory firm that assisted Aimia Foods in the deal, said the companys current annual turnover is $120m ($158.9m).

The financial terms of the transaction, nor the funding amounts from HSBC and Beechbrook, were disclosed in a statement from Clairfield. Cott, meanwhile, acquired the business in 2014 for $80m.

Aimia Foods management team, including MD Paul Whitlow, will remain in place, while Rob Unsworth will come on board as chairman.

I am delighted that once again Aimia has been bought back under family ownership, Mr Unsworth said.

We will also continue to support the strategic direction of the business, which is driving growth through the manufacturing and sale of branded goods within the beverage category both in the UK and overseas.

The portfolio also consists of the Milfresh brand of milk, Shmoo milkshakes, 1883 syrups, Freshers juices and Drink Me Chai tea and coffee alternatives.

Other licensed products with Mars include Celebrations and Galaxy chocolate drinks, Galaxy ice-cream mixes and M&Ms cookie mixes.

Employing around 300 people, Aimia Foods supplies the retail and foodservice channels, along with vending and cash and carry operators from three factories in Haydock. The products are also available online through its own website.

Andy Oates, a regional head of corporate finance at HSBC, said: We were delighted to be given the opportunity to support Rob bring Aimia back into his family ownership.

We are really excited about the future Aimia has in the market and look forward to partnering with Rob and the management team on that growth journey.

Paul Whitehouse, an investment director at Beechbrook, added: From the outset, we recognised that Aimia is a high-quality UK manufacturing business and a market leader in its key categories.

"The family and the management team have an impressive track record in building strong customer relationships and brands, and we look forward to seeing them develop the group further as a result of our investment.

Story continues

"Aimia Foods bought back by Unsworth family founders from Cott Corp" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Boeing workers rally with union president in Portland for the safety of the flying public

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Hundreds of Boeing workers joined a rally in Portland Thursday alongside IAM International president Brian Bryant.

This comes amid 33,000 Boeing machinists continuing to strike across the Pacific Northwest, calling for a fair contract and arguing that worker treatment has a significant impact on public safety.

At 11 a.m., workers rallied outside Portlands Boeing Facility where Bryant spoke among other union and state officials.

Glenn Pennie set to inherit $1M. Then he vanished 20 years ago

We are here to deliver a message directly to the Boeing corporation, Bryant said at the start of the rally. You have picked a fight with the wrong group of people, am I right? Because the Oregon and the Washington labor movements will never back down.

According to the union, their contract, which was put into place in 2008 and then extended in 2011 and 2014, remained mostly unchanged. This resulted in stagnant wages and a contract that didnt meet employees needs.

Person arrested after pointing gun in front of Reynolds Middle School

The biggest issues are not only better wages, but achieving safety for those who rely on Boeing planes to travel from city to city, Bryant said.

When Boeing blatantly disregards their workers in the pursuit of ever-higher profits, this is what happens, isnt it? And this insatiable appetite for CEO and shareholder wealth has caused the very safety issues that has damaged the public trust in this company, Bryant said. You are fighting for more than just a fair contract. You are fighting for the safety of the flying public.

IAM International President Brian Bryant led a rally with hundreds of Boeing workers on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (KOIN)

IAM International President Brian Bryant led a rally with hundreds of Boeing workers on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (KOIN)

IAM International President Brian Bryant led a rally with hundreds of Boeing workers on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (KOIN)

IAM International President Brian Bryant led a rally with hundreds of Boeing workers on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (KOIN)

Back in January, an Alaska Airlines flight that had a door blow off mid-air in Portland involved a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The incident had been caused by Flight 1282s door plug, which had apparently been missing the bolts necessary to keep it in place.

Boeing told KOIN 6 that they are committed to fixing its relationship with their employees and finding a contract that works for the members of the union.

The last contract deal that was offered included a raise in pay from around $75,000 to $106,000 per year. But that fell short of the unions initial demand for a 43% pay raise over three years.

This strike has brought production and hiring to a halt and it could also affect parts suppliers.

In a message to employees this week Boeings CEO acknowledged the impact, saying the company will look to save money through temporary furloughs and pay cuts for leadership.

Watch the full rally via the video player above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PERRY COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  A boil water notice has been issued for 150 customers in Perry County.

Officials with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) said the notice affects customers on the Arlington Water Association-Hintonville east of Wingate Road.

How gas prices have changed in Hattiesburg in the last week

According to officials, the notice was issued as the result of repair work performed on the water system.

Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed.

Residents will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted. For more information, customers may contact 601.784.2055.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Woman says boiling hot coffee burned her flight from Paris to Seattle and now shes suing Delta

On Thursday, a lawsuit was filed against Delta Airlines by a woman who says she was severely burned by piping hot coffee during a flight.

Aviation Attorney Mark Lindquist is representing the woman, who happens to be a flight attendant for a different airline.

He says she ended up with first and second-degree burns on her hip, side, and abdomen.

The incident reportedly happened in December of 2023 as the woman flew home to Seattle from Paris.

Lindquist says the woman was watching a movie when a flight attendant set the coffee on a slanted food tray, and it spilled into her lap.

Court documents state that when the woman asked for medical attention, Deltas flight attendants were dismissive and told her to just go change before handing her a bag of ice.

The documents state that the woman repeatedly asked for help and went as far as to show one of the flight attendants the burns.

When the woman asked for a doctor, Lindquist says Deltas captain and crew declined to make an announcement, asking if there was one on board.

Such announcements are standard, Lindquist wrote in a news release.

Upon arrival in Seattle, a paramedic examined the womans burns.

They were surprised by the severity and said the burns were the worst they had ever seen from coffee, the news release says.

When she went to the emergency room, a doctor reportedly was just as surprised.

As a result of her severe burns and the pain, the victim was unable to shower or wear her regular clothes for months, the lawsuit alleges.

Her daily activities, such as driving, sitting, and even sleeping, all became challenging.

According to Lindquist, the woman has recovered and is working again but the burns have left her with permanent scars.

KIRO 7 has reached out to Delta Airlines for comment on the lawsuit and is waiting to hear back.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Hudson Bend Middle School was placed on a hold Wednesday after someone called in a bomb threat, according to Lake Travis ISD.

A district spokesperson told KXAN they believe the threat was a hoax, but the case is still under investigation.

The call came in around 11 a.m. and students and staff were on hold for about an hour before the all-clear was given.

The district told KXAN first responders and emergency crews arrived on the scene to check the school.

There have been no arrests made at this time.

RELATED | Wave of violent threats hit Texas schools

A district spokesperson told KXAN this is the third school threat they have had in the last four school days.

This is also the second school threat at Hudson Bend Middle in one week. The other took place on Monday, Sept. 16.

The other threat took place on Sept. 13 at Rough Hollow Elementary School.

If you have any information about these threats, contact local law enforcement or Lake Travis ISD.

Lake Travis ISD is not the only school seeing an uptick in school threats, other districts in Central Texas are seeing arrests and more threats as well.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Bookman: For some GOP leaders, theres no time like never to discuss gun safety policies

A police line is put up in front of Apalachee High School after a school shooting took place on September 4, 2024 in Winder. Four fatalities and multiple injuries have been reported and a suspect is in custody according to authorities. Megan Varner/Getty Images

When nursing student Laken Riley was tragically murdered here in Georgia last February, allegedly at the hands of a Venezuelan immigrant, Gov. Brian Kemp and his fellow Republicans didnt hesitate.

They knew immediately who was at fault, and knew exactly what steps needed to be taken.

Kemp, for example, used Fox News and social media to pin the murder on the Biden administration.

Joe Bidens failed policies have turned every state into a border state, and Im demanding information from him so we can protect our people when the federal government wont, Kemp said on X, formerly Twitter.

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican congressman who represents the Athens area where the Riley murder occurred, was equally quick to respond.

The blood of Laken Riley is on the hands of Joe Biden, (Homeland Secretary) Alejandro Mayorkas, and the government of Athens-Clarke County, Collins wrote on X.

However, when four innocent people  two students and two teachers  were murdered in Collins district this month, allegedly by a 14-year-old student armed with an assault rifle, Kemp, Collins and most of their fellow Republicans acted stupefied at who to blame or what public officials could possibly do to address it.

They didnt even think the problem of school shootings worthy of discussion.

For example, when Kamala Harris responded by calling the shooting senseless and noting that it does not have to be this way, Collins acted offended.

In my opinion, its not the right time to talk about what we see out there, Collins said. Weve got to get back to God in this country, we have really gotten away from that from a moral standpoint. Theres a lot of issues out there, (Harris) is dead wrong to bring that up at this time. Its just not the right time.

Kemp has taken a similar head-in-the-sand approach.

Im very interested in making sure we learn all the facts, certainly before I try and weigh in on  policy issues, the governor said more than a week after the shooting.

We will never know all the facts, and apparently the right time to debate such issues is never. But heres a few facts we do know for sure:

Repeated studies prove that immigrants, legal or otherwise, are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans.

America has far more guns in civilian hands than any other industrialized nation, and far more people are killed with guns in America than in any other country. If more guns in more hands made us safer, we would be the safest country on the planet, but the opposite is true. (Or maybe, as Collins seems to suggest, countries such as France, Japan, Great Britain and Germany, with much lower homicide rates, just enjoy Gods favor more than we do?)

The leading cause of childhood death in this country is firearms.

Homicide rates are significantly higher in red states with lax gun-safety laws than in blue states with more strict gun laws.

Its also worth noting that in a 2018 campaign ad, Kemp posed with a shotgun in his lap, surrounded by assault weapons and other firearms, as he queried a young boy about dating his daughter. Apparently, our governor deemed that an appropriate use of deadly firearms.

And in a 2022 campaign ad for Congress, Collins also posed with an assault weapon as he claimed that the 2020 election in Georgia had been stolen from Donald Trump and it was time to set things right.

Georgians are sick and tired of weak-kneed, spineless politicians who wont fight for Trump and get to the bottom of 2020 and fix our elections, he says in the ad. Well, if they wont do it, Mike Collins will.

He then wheels and fires at a target, which explodes on impact. Apparently, Collins has no qualms about modeling the use of firearms as an instrument of political change.

This is not a rational situation. This is a cultural sickness. Guns are being marketed, by manufacturers and politicians alike, as the solution to crime, to political disputes, to lack of self-esteem, to doubts about gun owners masculinity. To many, guns have become a cult object, and if protecting that cult object means we have to act helpless in the face of mass shootings that kill dozens and school shootings that slaughter helpless children, well, those are sacrifices that the Gun God insists be paid, and too many are willing to do so.

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WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WWLP)  Authorities had to divert a flight to Bradley International Airport overnight.

Home invasion in Enfield; police looking for 3 suspects

The Delta Flight 1439 was traveling from Tampa to Boston in a Boeing 737-800. The Connecticut Airport Authority says an issue with the flight caused the diversion. The plane landed safely at Bradley just after midnight.

Delta teams are working to get these customers to their final destinations today, and we apologize for the delay in their travel. The safety of Deltas customers and employees remains our top priority, a Delta Airlines spokesperson said.

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.
Boy shoots and kills bear that was mauling his father; 3 dead following Far West Valley fire | Nightly Roundup

PHOENIX - From what a boy in Wisconsin did to save his father to a deadly fire in a small community west of Buckeye, here's a look at some of the top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

1. Boy shoots and kills bear that was mauling his father

File photo of a bear (Jackie Skaggs, USGS Public Affairs Officer)

The 12-year-old's father said he was pinned beneath a 200lbs bear earlier this month when his son fired a shot from his hunting rifle.

Read More

2. 3 people found dead in far West Valley fire

The fire happened at around 4:30 a.m. outside a community that is located about 12 miles west of Buckeye.

Read More

3. Zane Coolidge: slain Phoenix Police officer remembered

Officers Zane Coolidge and Matthew Haney were shot on Sept. 3 while responding to a reported incident in Phoenix. While Haney survived the shooting, Coolidge died at the hospital on Sept. 6.

Read More

4. Diddy indicted: questions remain over salacious allegations

Sean "Diddy" Combs, in a photo taken in 2023. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

The music mogul is accused of inducing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes dayslong sexual performances dubbed "Freak Offs."

Read More

5. Woman sentenced to prison for assaulting Sky Harbor TSA agent

Ma'Kiah Coleman

The U.S. Attorney's Office says Ma'Kiah Coleman, 20, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer inflicting bodily injury in connection to the 2023 incident.

Read More

Also, your weather forecast for tonight
A playset partially submerged under soils near an arroyo in Ruidoso captured Aug. 20, 2024. Ephemeral streams and arroyos in the Hondo valley have been awash in debris flows from the heavy rains following the South Fork and Salt fires, carrying soils and ash down from the mountains into the valley. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

While monsoons returned to New Mexico this summer and alleviated some of the states acute drought concerns, areas hit by wildfire faced dangerous debris flows, and other places lost out on needed rain.

Monsoons are a mixed blessing, said Andrew Mangham, a hydrologist at the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque. They are a very important part of our hydrology in the state, helping with our drought conditions and our crop conditions. But they come with some struggles, flooding in areas.

New Mexicos monsoons are always difficult to predict. This year, monsoon rains were pretty active across much of the state, including the Four Corners region and portions of Albuquerque. More rain meant severe flooding in the Hermit Peak/Calf Canyon and South Fork and Salt fire burn scars, which caused evacuations and damage.

One particularly fierce storm dropped five to six inches of rain in three hours, sending water and a slurry of soil and ash barreling down Highway 70. The debris, remnants of destruction from the South Fork and Salt fires, swept up trucks and dumpsters in a bout of flash flooding.

One of the fingerprints of climate change is the hotter air boosting storms, delivering high amounts of rain, said Mangham, a development thats been visible in New Mexico the last 30 years.

Were seeing fewer storms, but when they do manifest, theyre much more intense, and that is exactly what you dont want over burn scars, he said.

On the other side of the mountains, in the area around Cloudcroft, rainfall accumulation is nine inches below its average, according to Anthony Brown, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service El Paso office in Santa Teresa.

Brown said this area has only received seven inches of rain since June.

More than 40% of the state was in extreme drought earlier this year, and after the rains, only 3% of the state remains in that dire condition. This includes portions of the bootheel and the southeastern plains in Otero and Eddy counties.

Much of the southern third of New Mexico remains in severe drought conditions, receiving less rain over the summer.

But while it didnt rain, the moisture in the air trapped more heat, and raised the temperatures of the coldest parts of the mornings.

The summer in New Mexico may have felt cooler than last years string of triple-digit days and nonsoon weather, but 2024s nights were measurably hotter.

In fact, those sweltering nights bumped this summer to Las Cruces hottest on record, according to the National Weather Service.

Hotter nights pose health risks, exacerbating underlying heart conditions or diabetes, and worsen peoples sleep and keeps energy use up to use air conditioning at night.

It compounds to the heat stress that people feel, because theres just no relief at night, Brown said.

Eyes will be on any drought areas, as forecasters expect a drier and warmer winter for New Mexico with a La Nina atmospheric pattern developing in the Pacific Ocean.

That atmospheric pattern can bring warmer temperatures, but also increases the risk of extreme cold, building a ridge of pressure that can push air from Northern Alaska and Sibera into the lower 48 states.

The thing about La Nina is, even though, on average, our temperatures tend to be warmer than normal, were more likely to get cold snaps  those arctic air masses coming down, Brown said.

But typically, the winters have less snow and rain. If the forecast holds true, drier landscapes and soils may grow thirstier over the fall and winter, Mangham said.

Having a warm, dry winter sets the stage for a really problematic expansion of drought conditions in the spring, Mangham said. If we dont get the good runoff through the area that doesnt wet the soils, it doesnt wet the fine fuels, it doesnt recharge our aquifers and our reservoirs at all, then were in pretty rough shape when we get to our very dry spring season.
By Rodrigo Viga Gaier and Leticia Fucuchima

RIO DE JANEIRO/SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian energy authorities have approved bringing back daylight saving time, a senior official said on Thursday, to save energy as the country faces a major drought that has hit power generation.

Before it goes into effect, reinstating daylight savings time will need to be backed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

A prolonged drought in Brazil has affected some of the country's largest hydroelectric plants, including two fed by an Amazonian river, forcing a shift to more energy imports and driving up power bills.

Despite the growth of wind and solar power in Latin America's largest economy, more than half its electricity still comes from harnessing the power of rivers and lakes.

Reservoir levels near major hydroelectric plants in key southeastern and center-west areas are expected to end September at below 50%, as the region's rainfall drops to less than half of normal levels.

By moving clocks forward an hour between November and February, daylight saving time would make use of more daylight hours and ease pressure on peak power consumption in the late afternoon when solar plants stop generating as the sun sets.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro abolished daylight savings in 2019, arguing it was no longer benefiting the power sector.

Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira told reporters on Thursday that national grid operator ONS recommended bringing back daylight savings time and an energy committee representing energy entities approved the potential move.

But the minister also expressed some doubts, saying he wanted to evaluate alternatives, even though earlier this week he appeared to signal his support for bringing back daylight savings time, describing it as "a very pressing reality."

Some sectors cheered the possible switch to the previous policy.

Bars and restaurants back the move, as local association Abrasel estimates the extra hour of daylight would help increase clients from 6-8 p.m. and boost monthly revenue by at least 10%.

Moving clocks forward by one hour, however, would complicate airline flight schedules while incurring additional costs to relocate crews.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier in Rio de Janeiro and Leticia Fucuchima and Roberto Samora in Sao Paulo; Writing by Gabriel Araujo and Andre Romani; Editing by Marguerita Choy, David Alire Garcia and Sonali Paul)
Brazil's worst drought on record is exacerbating a dire wildfire situation in the Amazon rainforest. The country's government enlisted the help of 3,000 firefighters to put out the blazes at one point, as the Guardian reported.

What's happening?

According to the country's National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters, Brazil is enduring its most "intense and widespread" drought on record, as Reuters reported. The drought has helped fuel an intense wildfire season in the Amazon this year.

The Guardian detailed that smoke from fires in Brazil lowered the air quality in Sao Paulo and Brasilia, grounding flights and shutting down schools.

As Greenpeace shared, the Fire Monitoring Program of Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reported more than 38,000 fire outbreaks in the Amazon during August, a 120% increase compared to the same period last year.

It has been a difficult year for the Pantanal, a region that encompasses the world's largest tropical wetland area. It experienced a 3,901% increase in its fires compared to August of 2023, Greenpeace noted, based on INPE reporting.

"We have seen a worsening of climate change," said Marina Silva, Brazil's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, per the Guardian. "We had a period of El Nino, changes in the temperature of different regions, warming of the oceans  a series of issues that are aggravating the problems."

Why are fires in Brazil important?

July was the 14th consecutive month with record-high temperatures for our overheating planet. Our warming world is creating conditions more conducive to wildfires. Scientists indicate that changes in our climate create warmer, drier conditions that raise the risk for more active and longer-lasting wildfire seasons, as the Environmental Protection Agency indicated.

A study shared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal found that "drought occurrences are becoming more prevalent across the Amazon, with known negative effects on forest health and functioning."

Researchers have said that parts of the Amazon rainforest are becoming more susceptible to the wildfires it experiences as our world warms, as a New York Times story noted.

This has been an especially tough year for wildfires in North America, too. Through mid-September, Canada has seen more than 5,000 fires this year, burning over 13 million acres. During the same period, the United States has seen almost 37,000 wildfires that have charred more than 7 million acres.

What's being done about the rising risk of wildfires?

Brazil's president, Lula da Silva, signed a pact with the governors of the Amazon and Pantanal regions to prevent and control fires.

The pact and associated initiatives include suspending burning authorizations during the country's dry season and when heat waves are expected. The country's government is also creating a national registry of its forest brigades.

It is crucial to reduce the heat-trapping gases warming our world. Avoiding dirty energy sources and embracing clean, renewable energy options will help.

Choosing an electric vehicle for your next vehicle purchase, signing up for a community solar program, and donating directly to climate-related organizations can all make an impact.

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.
Amazon is making its employees go back to the office five days a week from Januarysparking global panic among professionals that their employer may do the same. But really, research suggests that the tech giants CEO Andy Jassy could backtrack on the toughened stance soon.

Flex Index analyzed office requirements at more than 9,000 companies (who collectively, employ more than 100 million people) and found that around half of U.S. firms asked workers to return to the office last January.

Yet, only a third have kept their strict five-day in-office mandates in place.

Now, 37% of employers offer hybrid working insteadup from 20% at the start of 2023.

Despite the increase in headlines around firms forcing their workers back to their desks, companies like Amazon are actually exceptions to the norm. In fact, the data shows that workplace location flexibility is generally on the rise.

Although 50% of businesses were already offering their employers some flexibility over where they work last year, thats now increased to 69%.

As one worker consoled disgruntled Amazon employees on Reddit: My company got real strict about RTO last year insisting on 3 days in the office and laying off fully remote workers. 9 months later they have dropped the policy.

They make a valid point: Separate research has echoed that CEOs in the tech industry especially have spent the last year backtracking on their RTO mandates.

Just 3% of tech firms are now asking their workers to go into the office full-timea significant drop from 8% last year.

A 5-day mandate may get employees in the office 3-days a week

Amazons toughened RTO policy comes as bosses around the world grapple with staff defying their hybrid policy.

In London, employers are asking staff to come in to the office for 3.1 days a week on averageemployees are actually showing up only 2.7 days.

Likewise, in New York workers are being asked to work from the office for 3.7 days of the weekbut are only showing up for 3.1 days.

The report from the think tank Centre for Cities highlighted that this pattern is followed in most major global cities, including Toronto, Singapore, and Sydney.

Amazon is no stranger to RTO-defiant workers: Around 30,000 employees signed a petition protesting the companys three-day in-office mandate last year, and more than 1,800 pledged to walk out from their jobs to take a stand.

Since then it has attempted to reassert its authority by giving managers the green light to fire employees who fail to show face in the office three days a week and asking remote workers to relocate near an officeor resign.

Story continues

However, just two months ago, the tech giant was still complaining of workers dodging the three-day in-office mandate, over a year later.

The data shows clearly that many companiesincluding Amazonset hybrid work mandates, knowing compliance will vary, Daan Van Rossum, author of the Future Work newsletter and founder of FlexOS tells Fortune.

Theyre playing a negotiation game, asking for five days to get three, as employees have grown used to the autonomy and productivity that hybrid work offers.

Ultimately, despite Jassys call for workers to return to the way we were before the onset of COVID, Daan Van Rossum highlights that in the pre-pandemic office, most people didn't show up 5 days a week. Even then, office occupancy was usually 70%.

I expect a loosening of the policy as this public display of 'office nostalgia' versus the expected reality of officesthat they will still be half-empty even after the mandate goes into effectwill be visible to everyone.

Has your firm gone back on its RTO policy? Fortune wants to hear from you. Email orianna.royle@fortune.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Republican nominee for governor, faces startling allegations in a new report released on Thursday.

The report from CNN connects Robinson to several online accounts where Robinson discussed a variety of topics, ranging from enjoying transgender porn, peeping on girls as a teenager without their knowledge and calling Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a f commie bastard.

It also connected Robinson to an AdultFriendFinder account and an account on a porn website where he calls himself a black Nazi!

Robinsons comments on Nude Africa often frequently contained derogatory and racial slurs directed at Black, Jewish and Muslim people, CNN wrote.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson released a video on his X account on Thursday afternoon before the reports were released, addressing the rumors, which he called outrageous lies and a high-tech lynching. He attributes the reports to the campaign of his Democratic opponent, state Attorney General Josh Stein.

A subsequent report from Politico added that an email address belonging to Robinson was registered on Ashley Madison, a website designed for married people seeking affairs.

He affirmed he had no intention of dropping out of the race, despite the pressure.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Steins campaign released the following statement on Thursday afternoon:

North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone.

On Thursday, Robinson canceled campaign events, according to CBS17. He was also absent from a JD Vance campaign event on Wednesday.

Staff was spotted cleaning out an office affiliated with the lieutenant governor, but N.C. state Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said that was something that had been in the works for several weeks.

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) told NewsNation, The allegations are concerning but we dont have any facts. Were going to wait through the weekend and get everything together.

N.C. state Senate nominee Scott Lassiter called for Robinson to suspend his campaign in a statement.

As a proud Republican, I stand for hard work, fiscal responsibility, and liberty. But no one should feel obligated to support a candidate solely due to party affiliation, Lassiter said. Wrong is still wrong, and if the recent allegations against Robinson are true, combined with his previous public rhetoric, I believe its time for him to step aside. North Carolinians deserve a viable choice in this election.

RFK Jr. removed from NC ballots

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has recently had to contend with unexpected changes to the ballot when Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who was running for president as an independent, suspended his presidential campaign in August.

His push to ensure North Carolina removed him from ballots led to a legal battle that rose to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The court decision forced the state to delay mailing absentee ballots until the ballots could be reprinted.

The NCSBE has said a candidate has until midnight Thursday to withdraw, but whether or not there would be time to remove his name is unclear.

If Robinson were to drop out of the race but his name kept on the ballot, state law dictates that any votes cast for him would instead go to a replacement candidate chosen the states executive committee.

Robinsons background

Robinson was born in Greensboro. Prior to running for North Carolina lieutenant governor, he held furniture factory jobs and worked with his wife to run a daycare in the early 2000s, which controversially received citations and which he called difficult to keep afloat. He has spoken of losing jobs which he blames on the North American Free Trade Agreement.

He has a long history of financial struggles. On his campaign website, he says he grew up extremely poor as the ninth of ten children. As an adult, he has had multiple bankruptcies and ended up five years behind on taxes. Hes been scrutinized for rent non-payment and vehicle tax non-payment. The nonprofit his wife ran from prior to his political career until 2024 is also under scrutiny, both state and federal, for financial and operational issues, according to the NCDHHS.

Robinson launched himself into the public consciousness when video from an April 2018 meeting of the Greensboro City Council went viral. In that video, he gave an impassioned speech about his beliefs on gun regulations in response to the cancelation of a gun show at the Greensboro Coliseum. The speech was turned into an NRA advertisement. He would later serve as a board member for the NRA.

The issue of the Greensboro Coliseum and gun shows would later become a lawsuit between mayoral hopeful Eric Robert and the city, which Robert ultimately dropped.

He was elected lieutenant governor, his first political office, and became the first Black man to hold that office in 2020. During his time as lieutenant governor, he started the FACTS Taskforce, dedicated to exposing indoctrination in the classroom and giving parents a way to submit instructional material or library books found in North Carolina schools that parents or community members find objectionable.

SELMA, NC - APRIL 09: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks before a rally for former U.S. President Donald Trump at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022 in Selma, North Carolina. The rally comes about five weeks before North Carolinas primary elections where Trump has thrown his support behind candidates in some key Republican races. (Photo by Allison Joyce/Getty Images)

He has faced criticism for homophobic and anti-transgender comments, including during a podcast appearance in February 2023, as well as accusations that he has perpetuated conspiracy theories about the attack on Paul Pelosi and Michelle Obamas gender. Most recently, during a March 19 speaking engagement at Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresville, he said that seeing churches that fly the rainbow flag makes him sick.

He has been open about his anti-abortion views at various speaking engagements, calling North Carolina a destination state for death on a radio appearance. Critics have pointed out that Robinsons own wife has gotten an abortion, which he has lamented as the hardest decision we ever made, and, sadly, we made the wrong one. In recent months, he has softened, publicly stating his support for the abortion law as its on the books, a 12-week limitation.

Talking Points Media combed through nearly a decade of social media activity, calling him a Facebook brawler who rails against gays, blacks and Jews, citing posts where he discusses antisemitic conspiracy theories like globalism and the New World Order.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Broadway returns to Hawaii with new 2025 lineup

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Broadway in Hawaii has a brand new season coming to the newly renovated Blaisdell Concert Hall in 2025.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Theater fans can look forward to two new shows, which will debut for the first time and the return of a classic.





















After a year of renovations, the Blaisdell Concert Hall will open in March 2025 for the new Broadway season.

We brought the mountain to the people, stated Honolulu Mayor, Rick Blangiardi.

With Halloween around the corner, Honolulu horror fans talk about why they love horror

They certainly can afford to be able to come here and buy tickets and experience a bit of Broadway.

Broadway in Hawaii will debut SIX and TINA- The Tina Turner Musical for the first time in Hawaii along with the much-anticipated classic, Chicago.

Season ticket packages and dates for all three shows are available here.

Showings for TINAThe Tina Turner Musical will run from Tuesday, April 22, to Sunday, April 27. SIX will premiere on Tuesday, June 17, and run through Sunday, June 29.

Chicago will have its first showing from Tuesday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 7.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The subject is 500 years ago, but using todays musical vocabulary, stated Kevin Mccollum, SIX Producer. Its 80 minutes of nonstop octane-fueled energy and joy, but yet it has a great heart.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HIGHLAND MILLS, N.Y. (AP)  A suspect in a stabbing at a Brooklyn laundromat was fatally shot by state troopers after he crashed a stolen car in upstate New York, police said.

The man, identified by police as Ali Ali, stabbed a worker at a laundromat in the Bath Beach neighborhood several times on the face and neck on Monday, police said. The victim was taken to a hospital in stable condition, New York City police said in a news release that included a surveillance photo of the attacker.

More Local News

The laundromats owner told NBC New York that the stabber was irate because his laundry wasnt ready.

Two days later, the same man was driving a stolen car with state troopers in pursuit when the vehicle crashed and caught fire on the New York State Thruway, police said.

Ali fled on foot and was recorded by a trail camera in Highland Mills, a hamlet in Orange County, state police said in a news release.

State police located Ali in a densely wooded area, police said. There was a confrontation and at least one trooper fired a gunshot, striking and killing Ali, the state police said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Updated at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024

The consensus of the computer forecast models is that a tropical system will try to develop in the western Caribbean Sea or extreme southern Gulf of Mexico next week. Exactly when it develops, how strong it gets, and where it tracks are open questions. But a number of the long-range projections show a strong tropical storm or a hurricane in the Gulf by the end of the week.

The National Hurricane Center now has the odds of a tropical system developing over the next seven days in the medium range. If the computer-forecast trends continue, however, I expect the development chances to increase as the seven-day period encompasses all of next week.

Over the weekend, a large area of low pressure called the Central American Gyre (CAG) is forecast to slowly develop over the Central American landmass straddling from the Pacific to the Caribbean. This is a common feature in the latter part of a hurricane season.

At the same time, an unusually strong dip in the jet stream is forecast to plunge over Florida, pushing a front through the state. It's very unusual for a cold front to make it all the way south past the tip of the Florida Peninsula this early in the year. In this case, the air won't be cold, but eventually, it will be less humid if the forecasts are correct.

The jet-stream dip will bring hostile upper winds to the western Caribbean, prohibiting quick development. But after it moves east next week, a bubble of very conducive conditions is forecast in its wake, under which a lobe of the CAG could break off and develop.

After the process of developing a tropical disturbance begins, things get murky. The path the system takes is dependent on how quickly it intensifies and how the steering pattern to the north evolves. The consensus is that the system will eventually move north or northwest, but all outcomes are on the table and look slow to evolve.

High pressure behind the Florida cold front might initially block northward movement, but then a broad dip in the jet stream moving across the U.S. is coming along that could scoop the system north or northeast across the Gulf. It's all "might" and "could" at this point because we're talking about the end of next week and the following weekend.

None of the computer models we rely on are especially good at figuring out when a disturbance will form and especially when it will organize into a depression or a storm. Since the timing is so critical to the future track, we are left remembering the rule that forecasts for just developing or disorganized systems are subject to large errors and significant changes.

This system does not even count as disorganized. It hasn't even begun to exist.

There's nothing to do now except stay informed. The potential threat zone stretches from Texas to Florida. We're still in the heart of hurricane season, so an organized tropical system is not unexpected, and the western Caribbean and southern Gulf are always prime locations for tropical development in late September.

With the seawater holding extra energy this year, a system could spin up quickly, so plan to check the forecast over the weekend, although the development process looks most likely to begin next week.

Out in the open Atlantic, the remnants of Gordon might redevelop into a tropical depression or tropical storm before heading into the North Atlantic.

Another well-defined low-pressure area near ex-Gordon has a low chance of developing into at least a tropical depression before it heads north into the open ocean.

Over Africa, one or two disturbances are due to move off the continent into the Atlantic next week, farther south than most of the systems this year. There's nothing to watch right now, but they appear to be telling us that hurricane season is returning to something like a normal state for September.





Original article source: Bryan Norcross exclusive analysis: Tropical system looking to slowly develop in the Caribbean next week
OAK GROVE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Big news for beaver fans in the Bluegrass! Buc-ees is expanding to its third location in Kentucky.

The massive gas station chain hopes to break ground in Oak Grove near Fort Campbell in western Kentucky after the city council approved the plans Tuesday night.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The new location will be located on the other side of I-24 near the Tennessee border. The Texas-based chain has two other locations in Kentucky, one in Richmond and another in Smiths Grove.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DOYLESTOWN, PA  More than 300 members of SEIU 668, representing Bucks County's social services employees, will strike on Friday at the Bucks County government complex in Doylestown Borough.

The union, which represents more than 500 Bucks County employees, voted in July to reject the county's "Last, Best and Final Offer" with a vote of 99.6 percent against ratification. They followed that with a vote on Sept. 11 to authorize a strike.

The countys last proposal has demanded massive cuts to healthcare benefits," said Edward Berger, a SEIU 668 Negotiating Team Member and 24-year employee of Bucks County. "Union members worked with the county in our 2020 contract negotiations and accepted small wage increases due to the urgency of pandemic conditions. Bucks Countys essential public workers deserve a fair contract that protects our healthcare, not a cut to our hard-earned benefits."



The workers have been without a contract since the beginning of 2024 when the two sides entered into contract bargaining discussions. SEIU Local 668 represents around 500 workers employed by numerous Bucks County agencies, including 911, Children and Youth Services, the Area Agency on

Aging, and the IT Department, as well as Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol support, Early Intervention, and Developmental Programs.

In a statement, the county said it is "aware of the planned one-day work stoppage and has arranged for supervisors to fill in for striking staff Friday to ensure the public is served without delay. This administration stands ready to continue negotiating to reach a fair salary and benefits package for our valued employees and looks forward to welcoming them back to work on Monday."

Members of the union, including 28-year employee and 25-year shop steward Christine Galione, packed the commissioners' meeting on Wednesday held just days before their planned work action in a show of solidarity.

"We are the departments you give proclamations to at these commissioner meetings, but then during negotiations you show us that we are of no value," said Galione. "For years I have negotiated contracts. I have never seen anything like this - a county negotiating team who wants to take benefits away from us. And frankly, it's embarrassing."

In 2020, Galione said they union members worked with the county to weather the COVID crisis by accepting smaller wage increases. "We did that with the understanding that this contract would honor the work we have done for Bucks County and pay our good will forward," she said. "Unfortunately, Bucks County would rather gut our healthcare.



Commissioners Chairwoman Diane Ellis-Marseglia, who has been a strong advocate for the county's social and human services departments and employees, said it was particularly hard to hear some of the comments said during the meeting.

"This is the first time the commissioners have ever gotten involved in a negotiations ... We don't generally get involved in negotiations, but that's how important this is," she told the union members. "But the one thing I will tell you, the people who are your business managers and agents have not told you what we offered. We offered financially the biggest offer we've given any union in the county's history as far back as I can remember.

"But I know they haven't told you what that is," she said. "I have never suggested that we cut your health and welfare. I ask that you ask them what the offer was that we made to you. If they won't tell you, you know what my email is."





Bucks County Social Service Employees To Strike On Friday originally appeared on the Doylestown Patch
CEDAR KEY, Fla. (WFLA)  Multiple businesses caught fire on Dock Street in Cedar Key early Thursday morning.

Dock Street is the main drag for the little-known island community, which is tucked away along Floridas Nature Coast, west of Gainesville.

According to a post on the Cedar Key Welcome Centers Facebook page, Duncans on the Gulf, which has been closed since Hurricane Idalia in 2023, burnt down.

Capt. Jason Clark/In The Slot Fishing

Capt. Jason Clark/In The Slot Fishing

Capt. Jason Clark/In The Slot Fishing

Capt. Jason Clark/In The Slot Fishing

The neighboring businesses, Steamers Bar and Grill and the Rusty Hook Bait Shop, were damaged, but the extent of that damage is not known.

The fire broke out at around 5:15 a.m., according to WCJB-TV. The outlet spoke with Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson, who said one of the businesses recently reported electrical issues.

No injuries have been reported. There is no word yet on what started the fire.

Those connected to Cedar Key sewer and water are asked to limit water usage while firefighters put out hot spots.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It was very reckless of them to be shooting in a crowded train station, a friend of Gregory Delpeche said of the NYPD

Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto via AP Brooklyn, New York shooting  September 2024

A bystander reportedly suffered brain damage after being shot in the head by New York City police officers attempted to capture a suspect who allegedly skipped out on paying subway fare.

On Sunday, Sept. 15, shots rang out in Brooklyn at the Sutter Avenue subway station while NYPD officers pursued a knife-wielding man accused of not paying his $2.90 fare, according to Pix 11, the New York Times and CBS New York.

Authorities tried to stop the suspect, Derell Mickles, 38, from jumping over a turnstile, police said in a press conference on Wednesday, September 18. Mickles allegedly ignored them and pulled out a knife. Police say their tasers were not effective in stopping the suspect, so they pulled out their guns. They fired nine rounds, striking the suspect in the abdomen. Police said two bystanders were injured: an unnamed 26-year-old woman and Gregory Delpeche, 49. A police officer was also injured.

Related: Police Release Footage Showing Grand Rapids Officer Fatally Shooting Black Man During Traffic Stop

Delpeche was hospitalized at Kings County Hospital and suffered brain damage, sources told PIX11. The injured police officer and woman were released from the hospital.

Spencer Platt/Getty Brooklyn, New York shooting  September 2024

Delpeche had reportedly been on his way to work at Woodhull Hospital at the time of the incident.

Delpeche's cousin, Greg Nougues, told the Associated Press on Tuesday, Sept. 17, Delpeche needed cranial surgery to reduce swelling from the bullet wound. "Right now he's breathing through a tube," Nougues said, adding that the family is in a "waiting game." He also told the AP that the family is looking for a lawyer.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Nougues, told CBS New York he believed the NYPD acted recklessly.

"I saw that it was him. I broke down," Nougues said. "He keeps to himself. Quiet, and he was hardworking. Been with Woodhull Hospital for 20 years. So he was on his way to work. There's no reason why he should not make it to work. I believe that the NYPD was reckless."

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.

Leighton Lee, who is friends with Delpeche, told the Times he received a call from a police officer on the day of the shooting. Lee says he was asked a series of strange questions from the caller as part of an ongoing investigation.

Without getting a clear explanation for the inquiries, Lee turned on the news and was surprised by what he saw.

I knew that was him, and my heart dropped, he told the Times in a phone interview on Tuesday, Sept. 17. He was the one that got shot in the head.

Spencer Platt/Getty Police and protesters outside of a Brownsville Brooklyn subway station on Sept. 17, 2024

Lee also shared his disapproval for the NYPDs actions, adding, It was very reckless of them to be shooting in a crowded train station, when they knew a stray bullet could hit someone. It happened to be my childhood friend of 30 or 40 years.

At least 18 people were arrested during a protest outside the subway station on Tuesday, reports Gothamist.

Related: North Miami Officer 'Accidentally' Shot Unarmed Man Lying in Street While Trying to Save Him, Says Union Chief

New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended the officers' actions.

"Our hearts bleed when an innocent person is a victim of something like this, but police officers must be trained to make the right decision. When I looked at the video, I saw discipline. I saw a desire to de-escalate the situation," Adams said on Wednesday.

Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon called the situation a tragedy, but placed blame on the suspect.

We also know this incident happened. It happened because an individual decided to enter our subway system. He refused to drop that weapon after repeated orders by the officers. And then he advanced towards the officers while he was armed, Donlon said in a press conference on Wednesday.



Mickles, who is in critical condition at Kings County Hospital, faces charges of first-degree attempted assault, theft of services, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, police said, per the Times.

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Read the original article on People.
When a California resident began to question the price of his electricity bill every month, he realized an up to 18-year-old mistake was costing him well over his personal usage.

Ken Wilson, a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customer who has lived alone in an apartment complex in Vacaville since 2006, told ABC News' San Francisco station he started to notice his bill rise a few months ago.

In an effort to lower costs, Wilson told the outlet he tried to cut back on usage and purchased a device to help monitor how many watts his appliances use.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 26, 2022, file photo, a truck tower carrying electrical lines stands behind a Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) electrical substation in Petaluma, Calif. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images, FILE)

"Even after I turned off my breakers, I kept going outside to check my meter to see if it was still running and it was still running," Wilson told ABC7.

"I couldn't believe it," he added.

MORE: 3 tips to save money on your energy bills this winter

Wilson said he contacted PG&E about the issue and they sent a representative to his apartment to check his meter, who confirmed his suspicions were not unfounded.

The utility company released a statement to ABC News saying Wilson had been paying the electricity bill for the apartment next to him "since potentially 2009," three years after he had moved in.

"Our preliminary investigation has found the meter number for the customer's apartment was being billed to another apartment since potentially 2009," a spokesperson for PG&E said.

PG&E owned up to the mistake and maintained the company is "committed to rectifying the situation with the customer," the statement said.

PHOTO: In this March 12, 2019, file photo, their logo is shown atop the headquarters of utility company Pacific Gas and Electric, in San Ramon, Calif. (Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: Harris to announce over $13 billion in assistance to help cut energy costs this winter

Since he's had the same agreement with PG&E since he moved into the complex in 2006, Wilson told ABC7 and other media outlets he believes the costly mistake has been going on longer.

"We sincerely apologize for the oversight and regret any inconvenience caused by the duration of this issue," the spokesperson added.

In an update to ABC News, the PG&E spokesperson said Wilson's meter was fixed so that he would only be paying his share of electric usage and that he was credited over $600 to his account with the company.

PG&E also urged fellow customers who are worried about their usage and billing to verify their meter is correct by comparing the meter ID number on the electric panel to that on their monthly bill.

California man discovers he's paid his neighbor's electricity bill for up to 18 years originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A ballot measure that will increase the penalties for low-level thefts and drug possession has overwhelming support from California voters, according to a new study from the Public Policy Institute of California.

The poll, released Wednesday evening, shows that 71% of voters are likely to vote yes on the initiative, while 26% would vote no. California Republicans favor the ballot measure the most, with 85% saying they would vote yes. About 63% of Democrats and 73% of independents also said they would vote yes.

A yes vote on Prop. 36 would roll back provisions of Prop. 47, a voter-approved initiative that reduced some felonies to misdemeanors and set a $950 threshold for shoplifting charges.

$260K in high-end watches stolen during smash-and-grab robbery

Proposition 36 would also create a new treatment-focused court process for some drug possession crimes and require courts to warn people convicted of selling or providing illegal drugs to others that they can be charged with murder if they keep doing so and someone dies, according to the states Legislative Analyst Office.

When asked how important the outcome of the vote on Proposition 36 is, three in four likely voters say it is very (41%) or somewhat important (36%). Those who would vote yes on the measure are three times more likely than those who would vote no to call it very important (51% to 16%), according to the study.

Despite millions being allocated by Gov. Gavin Newsom to cities and counties targeting organized retail crime, shoplifting crimes continue to be an issue.

A study by the Council of Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan research organization, showed that shoplifting incidents in New York and Los Angeles had increased by over 60% between 2019 and the middle of 2023.

Recently, Newsom signed a smash and grab law that would increase penalties for individuals who take, damage, or destroy property while committing any felony.

Newsom signs 10 bills to tackle retail, auto and property theft in CA

The study also evaluated likely voters views on other ballot measures, such as Prop 3, which would enshrine marriage rights in the state constitution, and Prop 35, which would provide permanent funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services.

The poll was conducted between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9 among 1,071 likely voters. The sampling error is plus or minus 3.7%.

The complete report can be viewed 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.
BENGALURU (Reuters) - Analog Devices (ADI) and Indian salt-to-aviation conglomerate Tata Group have signed a pact to explore making semiconductor products in India, the U.S. chipmaker said on Wednesday.

Tata Electronics, the electronics-manufacturing arm of the 156-year-old group, is investing a total of $14 billion to build India's first semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat state and a chip-assembly and testing facility in the state of Assam.

Construction of the Tata Group's semiconductor plant was greenlit by India earlier this year.

Tata Electronics and ADI intend to explore opportunities to manufacture ADI's products in Tata Electronics' fab in Gujarat and the facility in Assam, Analog Devices said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing for India to rival global semiconductor powerhouses such as Taiwan, aiming to make the country a chipmaker for the world despite initial setbacks.

Earlier this month, India's western state of Maharashtra said Adani Group and Israel's Tower Semiconductor would invest $10 billion for a chip project. Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro's semiconductor unit, which designs chips for vehicles, also plans to eventually build a factory.

Under the deal with ADI, Tata will also use the chipmaker's products in Tata Motors' electric vehicles and Tejas Networks' telecom infrastructure, the companies said.

The companies did not specify what products would be made in India or what products would be used by Tata.

Global companies including NXP Semiconductors and Micron have announced plans to invest and establish facilities in the country.

(Reporting by Varun Hebbalalu in Bengaluru; Editing by Eileen Soreng)
As a vice presidential pick, JD Vance has been a big mistake, as even some of Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago mafia and media friends concede .

A younger version of Trump, Vance brings no new voters to the Republicans side; their ticket is MAGA squared. Hes likely lost more than a few votes, by maligning millions of childless cat ladies   not least pop icons Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston. He spends much of his time on the defensive for past comments, even as he creates new controversies on his rounds of right-wing podcasts, talk-radio shows and conservative conferences. Instead of cleaning up his messes, he doubles down, allergic (like Trump) to apology. And Trump, confronted more than once about something Vance has said, dismissively notes he hasnt spoken with his would-be veep. Ouch.

Yet as rotten a second banana as Vance is, hes a downright disaster at his day job: U.S. senator for Ohio.

Most officeholders pride themselves on providing good constituent service, especially in troubled times. Vance, bizarrely, is suddenly the uncontested master of constituent disservice, to the point of putting lives at risk.

The problems hes made lately for tens of thousands of his constituents in Springfield, Ohio  all to demagogue the immigration issue  amount to political malpractice, the likes of which weve never seen before as Trump is so fond of saying about almost anything. Only this time its true.

For weeks, Vance has singled out Springfield as the epitome of a (white) American community overrun by people of color from another country  in this case, Haitians whove fled their nations epic poverty and violence to settle legally in Ohio, welcomed by employers desperate for hard workers. Vance, who once wrote so movingly about hillbilly families like his own coming to Ohio from Kentucky, seeking opportunity but enduring hostility, is so intent on advancing politically that hes now the hostile one.

And once Trump picked up Vances lies about Haitian immigrants stealing and eating Springfieldians cats, dogs, ducks and geese  broadcasting the conspiracy talk to 67 million people who watched him debate Kamala Harris on Tuesday last week  all hell broke loose for Vances constituents.

Despite local officials assurances from the start that the reports were social-media-spawned claptrap, more than 30 bomb threats closed city hall, two elementary schools, two hospitals and two universities for a time. The threats, which have continued this week, turned out to be hoaxes. But the fear and disruption in Springfield were real. By Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had dispatched state troopers to Springfield schools to encourage frightened parents to send their children to class, even as he warned of hate groups descending on Springfield. It makes me sad that we have to get to this point, one mom told the local paper.

Indeed. But her senator wasnt sad, just mad  that hes getting bad press. Consider this snippy, selfish tweet from Vance on Tuesday: I'm still waiting on a correction and apology from the left wing journalists. They lied about these bomb threats to silence us. Why? Because they don't want to talk about Kamala Harris's border policies making housing unaffordable for American citizens.

Apology? Reporters didn't lie; there were bomb threats. Those trying to silence Vances fear-mongering arent journalists but Springfields police chief, school superintendent, Republican mayor and governor. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has repeatedly implored Vance and Trump to stop: All these federal politicians that have negatively spun our city, they need to know they're hurting our city, and it was their words that did it.

And left wing journalists arent the only ones checking Vances falsehoods. Conservative commentator Kevin D. Williamson this week had the best take in a Dispatch article subtitled A pretty long story about a thing that didnt happen: You can send little J.D. to Yale to make him polished, you can send him to Silicon Valley to make him rich, and you can send him to the Senate to make him powerful, but you cannot stop him from being what it is he apparently wants to be: Cleetus the Gap-Toothed Twitter Troll.

Speaking of apologies, Vance has yet to offer one to Nathan Clark, the father of an 11-year-old boy killed last year in a bus accident. Clark publicly asked Vance to apologize for exploiting his sons death as murder by a Haitian immigrant.

DeWine, meanwhile, has been all over television fact-checking Vances whoppers. Far from pet eaters, the Haitian residents are valuable employees at Springfield businesses whove lifted the local economy, the governor said on Sunday on ABCs This Week. He acknowledged, When you go from a population of 58,000 and add 15,000 people onto that, youre going to have some challenges  housing, healthcare, language and cultural differences. And were addressing those.

Not Ohios junior senator. If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what I'm going to do, he defiantly told CNN on Sunday.

The cardinal rule for vice presidential picks is do no harm. Vance is doing plenty. Which is why hes a terrible nominee, and an even worse senator.

@jackiekcalmes

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A Canandaigua man was arrested Wednesday, accused of simultaneously threatening and impersonating a police officer with a samurai sword.

According to the Canandaigua Police Department, William Pealo pulled a samurai sword on an officer who attempted to speak to him about an unrelated matter on August 6. Pealo, 42, allegedly pointed the sword at the officers chest and aggressively moved toward him.

Police said the officer was able to verbally deescalate the situation, at which point Pealo allegedly displayed a badge and pretended to be a police officer.

Pealo was taken to Clifton Springs Hospital and later to the Ontario County Jail. He was charged with menacing a police officer and criminal impersonation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
'I can't sleep': What an athletes murder tells us about womens safety in Kenya

[AFP]

The murder of Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei by her former partner has reignited calls for stronger action against femicide in Kenya.

The 33-year-old Ugandan died days after being doused in petrol and set alight by her ex-boyfriend at her home in Trans Nzoia county in western Kenya.

This is not an isolated incident. Kenya has one of the highest rates of violence against women in Africa.

Media reports say that in January alone more than 10 women in the country were victims of femicide, defined by the UN as the killing of women because of their gender.

Jane, not her real name, tells the BBC she has been in hiding for the better part of the year.

She says she is unable to go back to work due to life-changing injuries inflicted by her ex-partner during a brutal stabbing.

His intention was to kill me. He stabbed me and left me for dead. Were it not for the neighbours, I would be dead, Jane recalls.

She says she endured decades of worsening abuse before she left. Her breaking-point was when he started his aggression towards the children, she says.

It was hell living with him. I dont know how I persevered for those many years, Jane adds.

Her estranged husband continues to harass her.

I live in fear. He says he wants to finish me off. I cant sleep at night. Im now on medication to help with my mental health. I'm not the perpetrator but Im living like I'm in jail.

The murder of Rebecca Cheptegei has caused outrage in Kenya [Reuters]

A 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) report suggested that 38% of women in Kenya aged between 15 and 49 had experienced violence from an intimate partner.

Groups that offer support to survivors of gender-based violence say there has been a year-on-year increase in the number of cases.

"On average, we receive up to 50 calls and sometimes 20 walk-ins in a day," Njeri Migwi tells the BBC.

She is the head of Usikimye - Swahili for "don't be silent".

In 2021, then President Uhuru Kenyatta declared gender-based violence a national crisis.

A year later, a government report found 41% of married women had experienced physical violence.

A survey by Africa Data Hub found that between 2016 and 2023, there were more than 500 reported cases of women being killed in Kenya.

"In 75% of cases, killings were committed by a person who knew the murdered woman - an intimate partner, relative or friend," the report says.

Sunita Caminha, UN Women specialist on ending violence against women and girls in East and southern Africa, says that women and girls of diverse backgrounds have been victims of femicide in a world marred by widespread gender discrimination and inequality.

In the latest UN report on violence against women and girls, Africa accounts for the largest share, with 20,000 women murdered.

Rebecca Cheptegei's mother, Agnes, says her daughter was a "good child" [Reuters]

Long-distance runner Joan Chelimo says the killing of Cheptegei has left her traumatised.

"I can't sleep, imagining that someone was just burnt alive," she adds.

Cheptegei's ex-partner subsequently also died of burn wounds that he sustained in the attack on her.

Ms Chelimo is a co-founder of Tirops Angels, an organisation formed after the killing of another athlete, Agnes Tirop.

She says that Cheptegei reported the abuse she faced to police, but "nothing happened".

"So the perpetrators are not held accountable, Ms Chelimo adds.

Police have denied claims that Cheptegei reported her life was in danger.

Kenya has passed laws to address gender-based violence, but critics say few concrete measures are in place to tackle the scourge.

Judy Gitau, the Africa regional director for campaign group Equality Now, says that "unfortunately, governments often feel that once they have a law, thats it - not understanding that laws don't execute themselves and they don't enforce themselves".

Jane says that over the years her reports of abuse were dismissed.

Many times, the police say these are domestic quarrels. In fact, one policewoman I spoke to said: 'We cannot arrest him until he does something.' I asked her: 'Do you want him to kill me?'

"The next day is when he stabbed me, Jane recalls.

[AFP]

In 2004, police gender desks were introduced in Kenya to make it easier for women to report cases of gender-based violence, and for investigations to be sped up.

However, only half of police stations have them. Police say this is because of a lack of resources.

In Trans Nzoia, where Cheptegei lived, there are five police stations, but none has gender desks - the only one is at the county headquarters, says Kennedy Apindi, the head of criminal investigations in the county.

So reporting of these cases is a problem. They are reported late, or they are unreported until you hear about them in the media and thats when the police come into action, he adds.

Cheptegei was the third female athlete to die in Kenya allegedly at the hands of an intimate partner in the last three years.

In 2021, merely five weeks after Agnes Tirop broke a 10km road-running world record in Germany, she was found killed in her home.

The 25-year-old had multiple stab wounds on her neck and abdomen.

Her partner Ibrahim Rotich was arrested by police 640km (400 miles) away in Changamwe, on Kenya's coast.

Three years after she was killed, the case is still in court, with Mr Rotich out on bond. He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder.

Other cases also run for years.

Ms Gitau, who sits on a judiciary committee set up to review the timelines for cases involving gender-based violence, says the delays are unacceptable.

"There must be prioritisation of GBV [gender-based violence], she says.

Agnes Tirop broke the women-only 10km road race world record shortly before she was killed, allegedly by her former partner [Getty Images]

Just six months after Tirop's killing, Kenyan-born Bahrain runner Damaris Muthee Mutua was found dead in her home in Iten, a running hub in Kenyas Rift Valley.

A police autopsy revealed that the 28-year-old had been strangled.

Nobody has been convicted of her killing.

Police said they were looking for her boyfriend in connection with the death.

Just like Cheptegei, both athletes allegedly reported quarrels over money and property with their partners before meeting their deaths.

In many East African communities, gender-based violence is driven by patriarchal beliefs, placing women in subordinate roles. Their independence is limited, and violence is normalised as a form of control.

Ms Gitau is calling for more safe houses for survivors.

Deep down, our attitudes, the norms that we hold as a country, still view women in a certain light, she says.

Expressing a similar view, Ms Chelimo says the substantial amount of money that female athletes make, or stand to earn, leaves them vulnerable.

They go against traditional gender norms... Female athletes are now becoming more independent, financially independent, and the other gender is really upset about it," Ms Chelimo adds.

The government says it is running sensitisation programmes, while reviewing legislation to tackle gender-based violence.

We don't want this to happen to any other woman, whether an athlete, or from the village, or a young girl. We need to make sure that the gender police officers are doing their work, Rachel Kamweru from Kenya's State Gender Department tells the BBC.

Jane says her life rests in the government's hands, and she hopes that it will do more to protect women like her from their ex-partners.

As long as he is free, Ill never have peace, she says.

You may also be interested in:

[BBC / Getty Images]

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
Brevard County commissioners on Tuesday approved a $775,000 grant to the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation to build new facilities at the property. With the approved grant money, the foundation will add two light-keeper's cottages, including one intended to be an immersive-experience historical cottage. With the new approvals, groundbreaking on the project is expected to begin within a year.

Funding for the lighthouse project grant will come from money generated by Brevard County's 5% tourist development tax on hotel rooms, vacation rentals and other short-term rentals. Brevard County commissioners approved the grant funding in a 3-2 vote Tuesday. Commissioners Rob Feltner and John Tobia voted against the measure, with Tom Goodson, Rita Pritchett and Jason Steele voting in favor.

State grant vetoed by governor

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse will receive new grant funding from Brevard County.

This is the second tourism capital grant the lighthouse project has received. An earlier phase of the project received a $500,000 county tourism grant, plus a $250,000 state grant in 2018.

In June, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $650,000 that the Florida Legislature had approved for the second phase of the lighthouse project.

But Goodson  in whose commission district the lighthouse is located  said the governor's veto should not be a sign that this isn't a worthwhile project.

"He killed everything, not just this one," Goodson said during County Commission debate, in discussing the governor's budget vetoes of money for arts, cultural and historic projects. "He went through it like Attila the Hun."

The advisory Brevard County Tourist Development Council and its Capital Facilities Committee both previously had recommended approval of the $775,000 county tourism grant, although the TDC support was by a narrow 5-3 vote. The Capital Facilities Committee vote was 5-2 in favor of the $775,000 grant, with some members wanting to approve a lower amount.

Steele  who, in addition to chairing the County Commission, chairs the Tourist Development Council  was among those who voted against the grant at the TDC meeting. He was concerned about the possibility that access to the lighthouse for public tours might be restricted in the future by the military. The lighthouse is located in an area that is restricted to the public without advance clearance.

"Unfortunately, I'm not going to support this issue at the County Commission," Steele said during the Aug. 28 TDC meeting.

But Steele later was reassured that access to the lighthouse for tours would not be an issue with the military, nor would the security concerns he raised at the TDC meeting. So Steele voted in favor of the grant at Tuesday's County Commission meeting, citing the historic significance of the lighthouse.

"I was a firm no" at the Tourist Development Council, Steele told his fellow county commissioners. "I'm eating my words."

Steele's change of heart enabled the lighthouse funding to go through in a 3-2 vote that would have gone the other way without that shift.

Hotel owner and Tourist Development Council Vice Chair Tom Hermansen was among the other no votes at the TDC meeting. In addition to raising concerns about future public access to the lighthouse, Hermansen mentioned the trend of applicants for tourism capital grants coming back multiple times for more money, as well as the inconsistencies in the awarding of tourism grants in relation to how much tourism the projects potentially would generate.

"It's a problem I've always had," Hermansen said, in reference to the tourism impact correlation. "There's no rhyme or reason to it."

The lighthouse project was one of three applicants for a tourism capital grant in the latest funding cycle.

The other two applicants were rejected by Capital Facilities Committee after falling far short of meeting the committee's scoring threshold that typically would be required to be awarded a tourism capital grant. The other applicants were the Titusville Playhouse, which requested $7.5 million for a proposed expansion of its theater complex in downtown Titusville; and the Swim Melbourne Foundation, which requested $3 million for a proposed Palm Shores Aquatic Center off U.S. 1 in Palm Shores.

Jamie Draper, president of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum, said the iron lighthouse "connects visitors to three centuries of American history." "The historical significance of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is unmatched. It stands as part of the DNA of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station," Draper said. "The lighthouse has witnessed over 8,000 launches from the Space Coast." Draper even mentioned that Wernher von Braun, the former Nazi scientist who designed the V-2 rocket during World War II before later leaving Germany and joining NASA, would watch launches from the lighthouse.

Goodson said there were important cultural reasons for ensuring the lighthouse was properly funded.

"We have a certain duty to preserve our history," Goodson said. "And that means preserving this lighthouse."

In addition to the county grant, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation is putting more than $203,000 into the project.

Tyler Vazquez is the North Brevard and Brevard County government watchdog reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com

Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cape Canaveral Lighthouse receives $775,000 tourism grant for new cottages
Cartwright, Bresnahan will face off in only one debate

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  Sitting Democratic Congressman Matt Cartwright has turned down an invitation from WBRE/WYOU and Nexstar Media Group to debate his opponent Rob Bresnahan ahead of the November General Election.

On Wednesday, Cartwright, who represents Pennsylvanias 8th Congressional District, turned down the opportunity to participate in a live televised debate against Republican Rob Bresnahan.

This means the two will only participate in one live, televised debate in northeastern Pennsylvania. Cartwright and Bresnahan will face off in a debate hosted by WVIA in October.

Your Local Election Headquarters

Bresnahan agreed to the WBRE/WYOU debate in August. His campaign released the following statement Wednesday in light of Cartwrights decision.

We are excited to debate the issues important to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania, like protecting Social Security, securing our southern border, and getting our economy back on track, said Rob Bresnahan. Its time for Congressman Cartwright to stop hiding behind excuses and defend his far-left record of voting for the Biden-Harris agenda nearly 100% of the time in tandem with fellow Progressive Caucus members like self-described socialist AOC, he added.

Although the WBRE/WYOU debate wont come to fruition, Cartwrights campaign says he will participate in other public forums ahead of the election.

Rep. Cartwright looks forward to discussing why Rob opposes $35 insulin caps, supports rolling back womens reproductive rights, and wants more giveaways for himself and his ultra-wealthy friends. The Congressman has committed to multiple public election forums including a sit-down interview with WBRE/WYOU, a candidates forum with the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Congressional debate that WVIA has hosted for nearly two decades, campaign spokesperson MG Darmody said.

Both Cartwright and Bresnahan have agreed to sit-down interviews with WBRE/WYOU.

Cartwrights invitation participate in the aforementioned debate remains open, according to WBRE/WYOU management.

Cartwright and Bresnahan will participate in a live debate that will be hosted by WVIA in the Burke Auditorium at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre. That debate will air on WVIA and be simulcast on WYOU or WBRE, on either October 22 or 23. at 7:00 p.m. A firm date and channel are expected to be announced 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 PAhomepage.com.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the total death count from the 2023-2024 flu season and revealed it to be one of the worst for child deaths in U.S. history. 199 children diedthe same as in the 2019-2020 flu season. The highest child death toll from a flu season occurred in the 2009-2010 season, when 288 kids died during the height of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic.

The CDC reported that most of the 199 children who died from the flu during last years season were eligible to be vaccinated, but didnt receive the shot. Annual flu vaccines arent foolproof against the virus, but numerous studies show that theyre safe and extremely effective at preventing serious illness. The CDC recommends the annual flu vaccine for anyone six months and older, especially those who are at higher risk for serious illness from the flu, like people who have asthma, diabetes, or obesity.

Its hard to watch, Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, told USA Today. There was a way to prevent this.

Offit added that many officials are still contending with vaccine hesitancy and misinformation that took hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. That was on top of the way that COVID disrupted many families routines  including regular visits to their doctors, where many would have gotten annual shots like flu vaccines.

CDC data showed that out of the 199 children who died, 158 were eligible for a flu shot and had a known vaccination status. Out of those, 131, or 83%, were not vaccinated against the flu.

189 of the children who died had known information on medical conditions. Out of those, 93, or 49%, had at least one pre-existing medical condition that made them high-risk for flu complications.

126 of the children who died were between the ages of 5 and 17. 73 of them were under five years old. Children under five are at greater risk of complications from the flu, like developing bronchitis or pneumonia.

The CDC also reports that flu vaccination rates continue to decline. As of May 11, only 53% of children between six months and 17 years old were vaccinated against the flu, compared to 56% last season. Before the pandemic, 62.4% of kids were vaccinated.
(This story has been updated.)

Cedar Point, the popular Ohio amusement park known for its record-breaking roller coasters, said Thursday morning that a new thriller, Sirens Curse, is set to open next year as North Americas tallest, longest and fastest tilt ride.

The short announcement, on the parks website, included a video posted to YouTube that is just over a minute with music, an animation of what the ride will be like, and the tag line, "ANSWER THE CALL."

The video ends, with the name of the ride, using stylized ss in "Sirens" and a downward slant design in the "N," followed by "Coming 2025," and then "Cedar Point," with the description, "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World."

The screen fades to black, leaving you, for a few seconds more, to imagine yourself on the ride.

A few quick stats: height: 160 feet; speed: 58 mph; duration: 2 minutes.

The ride backstory  every big thriller there has one  ties into the parks location on Lake Erie.

"Often spoken of  but never spotted, the sirens of the lake who lured sailors to their underwater demise with their sweet, seductive songs will finally rise to the land." They will "attempt to entrap you in a sinister two-minute fate of non-stop roller coaster innovation."

Cedar Point announced a new tilt roller coaster, Siren's Curse, that will debut in 2025.

Sirens, in Greek mythology, were female beings who sent sailors to their doom.

But in the Odyssey, Homers epic Greek poem about Odysseus sea journey home from Troy, the hero saved his crew lured by the sirens by lashing himself to the mast as the ship made its way through a narrow area surrounded by cliffs and other danger.

More: Cedar Point replacing Snake River Falls, once world's 'tallest, fastest, steepest' flume

The ride description said that "the legend is real," which, it added, you will "hear and see," a tease to some new features, such as "on-board audio," which allows you to listen to the "sound of the siren" as you "escape her grasp, and "high-tech LED lighting," so you can watch "the silky motion" and "nature of the mythical creature."

Cedar Point, which has been around since the late 1800s, has long touted record-breaking roller coasters. In 1989, Magnum XL-200 debuted as "the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world" at more than 200 feet tall, going at least 70 mph.

In 1994, Raptor was "the tallest, fastest, and longest inverted roller coaster in the world," and two years later, Mantis was the "tallest, steepest, and fastest stand-up roller coaster in the world." In 2000, Millennium Force debuted as the "tallest and fastest complete-circuit roller coaster" climbing 310 feet and going 93 mph.

And in 2003, Top Thrill Dragster opened as the "tallest and fastest roller coaster" at 420 feet and 120 mph. It has since been surpassed, and the ride itself, after an accident, was re-engineered so it could be marketed as a record-breaker.

Siren's Curse is set to be across from Iron Dragon near the park's marina.

Perhaps to reassure all  especially the nervous moms, dads, state regulators, insurance underwriters and park lawyers  the announcement detailed some of the rides features: "over-the-shoulder lap bar with flexible vest restraint."

But the animated video gives perhaps the best sense of what the ride will be like: It shows a train of cars climbing up, leveling off, and then heading toward a vertical drop-off on a track that pivots from a horizontal position to a vertical one.

Cedar Point's Siren's Curse will be the tallest, fastest and longest tilt roller coaster in America.

Then, there is the plunge.

And the cars twist and spin on an iron track not quite 3,000 feet long at not quite 60 mph.

Cedar Points description notes that there are "13 weightless airtime moments, two 360-degree, zero-gravity barrel rolls and a high-speed 'triple-down' element with twisted and overbanked track," and, the park adds, that riders must be at least 48 inches tall.

So you aren't quite that tall yet and still growing, the wait time may be just what you need.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cedar Point to open new ride Siren's Curse, a tilt coaster, in 2025
Celebrating HBCU week at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte

Celebrating HBCU week at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS NOW)  Queen City News Now sat down with Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the 15th President of Johnson C. Smith University, to discuss the schools growth in celebration of HBCU Week.

Historically Black colleges and universities produce nearly 20 percent of Black graduates in the country, however, the institutions are historically underfunded.

Fresh off the heels of a recent visit to Philadelphia for the National HBCU Week Conference, Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet, Dr. Kinloch highlighted efforts JCSU has made over the past year to increase funding and student recruitment.

Johnson C. Smith University is ranked the top private HBCU in North Carolina.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Center to support refugees and immigrants opens in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A center dedicated to providing essential services to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in the Central Valley opened in Fresno on Wednesday.

The Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM) Family Welcome Center offers support with community resources, school enrollment, Medi-Cal, career development, and healthcare access.

The teams says resources are available for refugees, parolees, individuals with temporary protection status, and families seeking to establish their lives in Fresno.

FIRM was established in 1994, and has welcomed 350 people to the region and reunited over 25 families since becoming a contracted resettlement agency in 2022.

To learn more about FIRM people can visit their website, call 559-487-1500, or talk with their team in person at the new welcome center located at 1940 N. Fresno St.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | CBS47 and KSEE24.
A flag of the European Union can be seen in the flood waters of the German-Polish border river Oder. Patrick Pleul/dpa

The death toll from the severe flooding in Central Europe has risen to at least 23, according to the latest tally after another victim was confirmed.

In the Czech Republic, a fifth death was announced by Interior Minister Vit Rakusan on Thursday. At least a further eight people remain missing, including the occupants of a car that was swept away by a raging river.

The flooding has caused widespread devastation across Central and Eastern Europe in recent days. In the Czech Republic, the hardest-hit area has been in the east near the Polish border.

President Petr Pavel has now visited the flood areas, including the badly affected resort town of Jesenik in the Jesenik mountain range.

He estimates that it will take years to repair the damage. In Jesenik, the town centre was at times submerged under several metres of water, with numerous buildings either collapsing or being demolished due to structural instability.

Meanwhile, on the Elbe in northern Bohemia, not far from the border with Germany, the situation eased.

The peak wave of the river passed Usti nad Labem at a water level of just over 6.8 metres - before the storm, an average of around 2 metres was measured.

The protective walls erected withstood the masses of water. However, traffic chaos ensued due to closed roads.

A convoy of firefighters left the city for the north-east of the Czech Republic to help pump out cellars and buildings.

A mobile flood protection wall stands on the German-Polish border river Oder. Patrick Pleul/dpa

A man rides his bicycle through a flooded street in the town of Lewin Brzeski in southern Poland. Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Flooded garages in Nova Ves after heavy rainfall and flooding in the Moravian-Silesian Region. imanek Vit/CTK/dpa

The train station in Tullnerfeld is completely under water and the fire department has been pumping the floodwater out of the building for days. In Austria, the flood waters are receding slightly, but the situation remains tense and there is still a threat of dam breaches and landslides. Christoph Reichwein/dpa
Antler Gold (Antler) has sealed a definitive agreement with Fortress Asset Management to divest the Erongo Central Gold Project in Namibia.

The agreement allows Fortress to acquire up to a 100% interest in the project, with Antler retaining a 2% net smelter return (NSR) royalty.

In May 2024, Antler subsidiary Antler Gold Namibia signed a binding letter of intent for the deal.

The transaction includes a total consideration of $5.5m, with a commitment of another $6m for exploration expenditures over the agreement's term.

Antler will maintain a 2% NSR royalty on the project without buyback options.

Situated in Namibia's gold district, the Erongo Central Gold Project encompasses four active exclusive prospecting licences and one application, covering an area of around 195km.

The project is positioned adjacent to significant gold ventures including the Twin Hills Gold Project and the Navachab Gold Mine.

Antler CEO Chris Drysdale said: Finalising this agreement creates significant value for Antler Gold and our shareholders, positioning us to benefit from both near-term exploration outcomes and long-term production potential.

Our Project Generation team has been diligently working, and we are eager to apply the same approach to future projects.

Antler's initial exploration since 2021 confirmed the projects potential, with historical rock chip assays yielding high-grade gold results.

Its exploration efforts have included detailed geological mapping, a comprehensive heliborne geophysical survey and reverse circulation drilling that intersected significant mineralisation.

"Antler enters deal to sell Namibia gold project to Fortress" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI)  The newly renovated Jenks Park Playground has reopened in Central Falls with brand-new equipment, slides and more.

The city says the renovation was made possible through the voter-approved Green Bond passed in 2022.

ALSO READ: New accessible playgrounds open in Pawtucket

Jenks Park has always been a central part of our community, and these renovations mark an exciting new chapter for our families and children to enjoy, said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera.

Through the bond, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has been able to provide funding for green spaces to municipalities across the state. The DEM says it has given Central Falls nearly $1 million in funding over the last ten years to support the ongoing improvements to Jenks Park.

The park is open daily from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. at 602 Broad Street.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
A U.S. Senate committee on Thursday voted to pursue seeking civil enforcement and criminal charges against the CEO of troubled Steward Health Care System for ignoring a legal order to testify about the companys finances and mishandling of its hospitals.

Dr. de la Torre has made clear through his corporate attorneys, his lavish spending and his failure to appear before this committee that he feels no accountability to the patients who died, the workers who Steward fired and other communities that have been left behind, said Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts ahead of the committees vote. Today, we are making clear to Dr. de la Torre and the other CEOs, private equity investors and corporate executives who treat the healthcare system like their own personal piggy bank that your millions do not shield you from accountability to a legal order issued by the United States Senate.

The two resolutions to hold Steward Health CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre in contempt passed the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee Thursday with a 20-0 vote, with one abstention. Both resolutions will now go to the full Senate for a vote.

One of the resolutions is to authorize a civil suit against the hospital executive and ask the court to order he comply with the subpoena and testify before the committee.

The other is to pursue criminal charges against de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena.

A photo of Dr. Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward Health Care, that ran in the Miami Herald in 2011.

Steward CEO invokes Fifth Amendment

The move comes after de la Torre ignored the committees legal order to testify at a Sept. 12 hearing about the financial troubles that led the company to seek bankruptcy protections under Chapter 11 in May. His attorney notified senators just days before the hearing that the hospital executive would not testify, saying it would be inappropriate and also may run afoul of the federal court order prohibiting him from discussing Stewards bankruptcy-related issues during the process.

The CEO has since invoked his rights under the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions that could potentially incriminate him.

The committee, which has launched its own inquiry into the healthcare systems bankruptcy, had repeatedly asked the CEO to voluntarily testify about the problems that have affected patient care at its hospitals across the country. Doctors and nurses at Stewards hospitals have seen cutbacks, layoffs, shutdowns and problems with supplies, equipment and delayed payments to vendors and workers, including in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

READ NEXT: Why a healthcare giant has slowed care at a Miami hospital, and where it leaves patients

In July, the committee voted to subpoena de la Torre to get him in front of Congress. De la Torres attorney, who has described the hearing as a pseudo-criminal proceeding against the CEO, asked for it to be rescheduled until after the bankruptcy process was completed. The committee declined and said the CEOs reasons to not attend had no merit.

After Thursdays vote, a spokesperson for de la Torre referred the Miami Herald to a letter the CEOs attorney sent committee chairmanSen. Bernie Sanders the day before. In the letter, attorney Alexander J. Merton doubled down on why de la Torre could not testify and said the CEO was invoking his Fifth Amendment right to avoid answering questions, even under subpoena, in a hearing that is meant to frame Dr. de la Torre as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts health care system.

The legal drama comes as Steward has made headway in Houston bankruptcy court.

Steward had been trying to sell all 31 of its hospitals, including eight in Florida, to thin $9 billion in debt as part of its restructuring plans. It recently made a deal with Medical Properties Trust, the company that owns the land its hospitals sit on, to keep hospitals open while the search for permanent operators continue, including for Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Coral Gables Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, North Shore Medical Center in North Miami-Dade and Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes. It found buyers for some of its other hospitals, including three Florida Space Coast hospitals.

READ MORE: Whos taking over 5 Miami-area hospitals in huge bankruptcy case? Changes are underway

The Senates pending contempt vote isnt the only problem de la Torre is facing. Steward Health is under federal investigation for possible corruption related to business dealings involving state-run hospitals it managed in Malta, an island in Southern Europe.
The European Union believes that Ukraine, with its energy system battered by attacks, faces a difficult winter, but the situation will not be catastrophic.

Source: Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, in an interview with European Pravda

Mathernova was asked how hard European colleagues expect winter to be for Ukraine and what the worst-case scenario might be.

Quote: "I would certainly expect that there are going to be some blackouts. But from all the discussions that Ive been having and the scenarios that we have had, the situation is not going to be catastrophic. Its going to be difficult, its not going to be a pleasant winter," Mathernova replied.

She said the most vulnerable areas are Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, as well as other cities with centralised heating systems.

Mathernova was also asked about concerns that the situation with electricity and heating could become so dire that it might force millions of Ukrainians to flee to Europe, and whether the EU is preparing for such a catastrophic scenario.

Quote: "I was expressing my hope that we are not going to a catastrophic scenario, but there is no question we will have a difficult winter. And I will be here, so I will live it first-hand.

The EU, I think, has proven its ability to adjust and provide support, whether it was to millions of refugees that cross the border or through the temporary protection directive first time ever invoked and put in place to allow people to earn a living and have a decent life while they're waiting for return to Ukraine. Yes, we are looking at the various scenarios, and I think we will be prepared," Maternova said.

Watch the full interview with Katarina Maternova about winter preparations in Ukraine, funding for weapons, and the country's EU membership.

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Sandy Brindley, the chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, says she will not stand down in the wake of a controversy over single-sex spaces [BBC]

A charity chief executive has apologised "unreservedly" to rape survivors affected by failings at a support centre in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre came under fire when a review found it had failed to provide women-only spaces for 16 months, and that its CEO - trans woman Mridul Wadhwa - had not acted professionally or understood the limits of her authority.

Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, said she found out the centre was not following national standards last October and paused referrals 11 months later when the review said safeguarding was a problem.

She told BBC Scotland's Drivetime programme there was no reason why transgender people could not work in rape support centres, but that services must also provide women-only spaces.

Ms Brindley stressed that Rape Crisis Scotland, which is the national charity that sets service standards for member centres, had no involvement in hiring Ms Wadhwa - who stood down from her role after the review of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) was published last week.

However she said there had been "no reason" not to agree with the appointment at the time as Ms Wadhwa had significant experience of working in the sector.

The role Ms Wadhwa had is reserved for women only  which under recent guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission includes trans women who have a gender recognition certificate.

Ms Wadhwa took over the ERCC in 2021 - before this guidance was updated.

Acknowledging that Ms Wadhwa's appointment had been controversial, Ms Brindley said: "I was not involved in that appointment or that decision. But what I would say is that most rape crisis centres in Scotland provide support to men, women, trans people and non-binary people.

"There is no inherent reason within that, that you could have a trans person working within a rape crisis centre.

"I think what is crucial however, is that if you do have a rape crisis service, that is supporting all survivors is that there's dedicated women-only spaces within that."

Ms Brindley added she "absolutely recognised" that women-only spaces were a priority for many women using rape support services.

Ms Wadhwa arrived in the UK in 2002 while living as a woman in her native India. Her passport said she was female. She has been been working in the the violence against women and equality sectors in Scotland since 2005.

She has previously tried to stand for election for the SNP but was not selected as a candidate and later joined the Scottish Greens.

In an interview with The Ferret news service, she said that coverage of claims she was legally male had unleashed a host of hate and that the focus on having a gender recognition certificate was racist as well as transphobic because it failed to take in Indian cultural norms.

In an interview with the Guilty Feminist podcast in the same year, Ms Wadwha was asked about rape survivors who might be uncomfortable with the presence of trans women in spaces such as rape crisis centres.

In her response, she said that sexual violence can happen to bigoted people too and that if rape victims hold unacceptable beliefs that are discriminatory in nature we will begin to work with you on your journey of recovery from trauma.

Controversy arose around the Edinburgh centre when an employment tribunal found in May of this year that a counsellor - Roz Adams - had been unfairly constructively dismissed over her belief that people who used the service should be able to know the sex of the staff that would be dealing with their case.

Ms Wadhwa was highlighted in the tribunal outcome as she appeared to believe that Ms Adams was transphobic.

Rape Crisis Scotland then commissioned legal consultant Vicky Ling to review the Edinburgh service.

Ms Ling found that the centre had failed to protect women-only spaces for 16 months and that Ms Wadhwa "did not understand the limits on her roles authority, when to refer decisions to trustees and failed to set professional standards of behaviour".

The report also said there was "evidence that the actions of some ERCC staff had caused damage to some survivors", and that concerns had been raised that some women were "excluding themselves from approaching Rape Crisis Centres including ERCC" because of their aproach to gender identity.

Ms Ling also said she had been made aware that some professionals had heard that "some survivors did not feel safe using the centre".

After the report was published, Rape Crisis Scotland said it would pause referrals to ERCC - though people can still self-refer - until it was happy the review recommendations had been put in place.

Ms Brindley said she knew nothing of issues at the centre until October last year.

She said she then advised the ERCC board to settle the case rather than proceeding with the employment tribunal and acknowledged she should have been aware of the conflict sooner

Ms Brindley added there had been "significant failures" at the ERCC and she hoped to introduce a "robust framework of assessment" to make sure the national standards are followed and that women-only spaces are provided in future.

Groups including For Women Scotland, which has campaigned against changes to transgender rights, have accused the ERCC board of "ignoring its own culpability".

The BBC understands Ms Brindley has the full support of Rape Crisis Scotland's board to stay in post despite Conservative MSP Sue Webber calling for her to quit.

Ms Brindley said the controversy had led to rape survivors who supported the charity experiencing "horrendous" abuse online, including being told that they "must be lying" about being raped.

"It is absolutely astonishing to me that this is the position we're in where rape survivors can be treated in this way in the name of women's rights supposedly," said Ms Brindley.

"I think the onus is on me as chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland and on the rape crisis movement to try and move to a place where Rape Crisis is not being weaponised in the way it has."

She stressed that rape survivors could rely on the charity and that it would meet their needs.

Ms Brindley also addressed the comments made by Ms Wadhwa in the podcast, saying: "I do not think the word bigot and rape survivor should be used in the same sentence.

"When that podcast came out, Mridul assured us that her comments had been taken out of context - that she hadnt intended them to refer to rape survivors that wanted a single-sex service."
Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, apologised to women let down by the service - Jane Barlow/PA

The head of a charity that oversees Scotlands rape crisis centres has refused to quit after a report found that sexual violence victims were damaged by a policy that hindered their access to biologically female counsellors.

Sandy Brindley, the chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS), apologised unreservedly to women who were failed by a support centre in Edinburgh.

But Ms Brindley denied hiding behind rape survivors and told BBC Scotland that I will be staying as long as she could contribute to helping them.

She spoke out after a damning review of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) concluded that the needs of survivors were not prioritised and it failed to protect women-only spaces.

Mridul Wadhwa, the Edinburgh rape crisis centre chief, did not have a gender recognition certificate - SNP

Mridul Wadhwa, a trans woman who was the centres chief executive, was found not to understand the limits of her authority.

The decision to appoint Wadhwa as ERCC chief executive in April 2021 triggered controversy as she did not have a gender recognition certificate and was therefore legally male.

Wadhwas resignation was announced last week, prompting JK Rowling and other feminist groups to argue Ms Brindley should also quit.

But Ms Brindley said she had only found out that ERCC was not following national standards last October and paused referrals 11 months later when the review said safeguarding was a problem.

She said she had no involvement in Wadhwas appointment and there was no reason to object, given her previous experience of working in the sector.

Ms Brindley also insisted that there was no reason why transgender people could not work in rape support centres, as long as women-only spaces were protected.

Not the person to instigate change

However, feminist group For Women Scotland tweeted: If Brindley only became aware of problems last October, then she has long been asleep at the wheel.

The group said Ms Brindley had disgracefully ignored concerns raised with her by survivors in 2019 and her significant failure to grasp the issues here, and not just at ERCC, shows she is not the person to instigate change.

Wadhwa was initially placed on leave after an employment tribunal ruled in May that she presided over a heresy hunt against a former worker who held gender-critical beliefs.

Roz Adams won her constructive dismissal action against ERCC, with the tribunal finding she was harassed and discriminated against over her belief that biological sex is immutable.

She believed that women using the service should be able to know the sex of the staff that dealt with their case.

The review was then ordered by RCS, which oversees the 17 independent local rape crisis centres that are members, including Edinburghs.

Vicky Ling, the inquirys author, said she was also told that victims were not using the centre because they deemed it unsafe, as there was no guarantee of seeing a biologically female counsellor.

I unreservedly apologise

Despite more than 94 per cent of rape victims being women, and the perpetrators men, ERCC failed to provide women-only safe spaces between October 2022 and February this year, while at the same time opening up services to men.

Ms Brindley told BBC Radio Scotland: I would unreservedly apologise to any survivor who has either been let down by Edinburgh, although I do think it is important to recognise the independent report found that many, many survivors received a vital service from Edinburgh Rape Crisis.

She said ERCCs board has appointed Wadhwa but argued that this was not inappropriate as most of the rape crisis centres in Scotland provide support to trans people, men and women.

There is no inherent reason within that that you couldnt have a trans person working within a rape crisis centre, she said.

I think what is crucial, however, is that if you do have a rape crisis service, that is supporting all survivors is that theres dedicated women-only spaces within that.

This is the issue  it wasnt protected within the Edinburgh centre.

Ms Brindley said she hoped to introduce a robust framework of assessment to make sure the national standards are followed in future.

But she was challenged about comments made by Wadhwa in 2021 that some rape victims were bigoted people who needed to reframe their trauma and be re-educated if they did not agree all trans women were female.

Ms Brindley said the words bigot and rape survivor should not be used in the same sentence but Wadhwa had insisted that her comments had been taken out of context.

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Charlotte-based sneaker entrepreneur gives up claim to $1.2M seized by feds

A Charlotte-based global sneaker entrepreneur has given up his claim to more than $1 million seized by the government.

Feds say Charlotte businessman at center of international money laundering scheme

James Whitner Jr., owner of the popular Social Status store in Plaza Midwood, will not file a claim for nearly $1.2 million seized from one of his business associates, said federal prosecutors.

Attorneys for Whitner and his associates asked for four extensions in the civil forfeiture but ultimately did not file a claim by the final deadline, which was Friday.

In November 2023, court documents were filed that alleged Whitner and his associates potentially broke anti-federal money laundering law.

Federal agents claim he broke his contract with a major sneaker company by running a complex web of money couriers and selling $32 million worth of shoes and apparel to a Chinese reseller.
Chicago Public Schools teachers were instructed by school officials to give migrant students passing grades and promote them to the next grade, "even if the students displayed severe academic deficiencies," a new report claims.

WGN News reported that "multiple" teachers from different schools within the district reached out to them to expose the troubling trend.

One teacher said she was told to give one of her students a "C" in all her grades and pass her along to the third grade despite testing at "kindergarten level."

Another teacher revealed that school officials directly told him during a training to promote migrant students to the next grade.

PARENTS INFURIATED AS MIGRANTS ENROLL IN CHICAGO SCHOOLS WITHOUT HEALTH RECORDS AFTER YEARS OF COVID RULES

Migrant students who don't speak English were passed along in the Chicago Public Schools system, a new report says.

The influx of students who don't speak English has also created challenges, the teachers said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

According to the report, many migrants have settled in Black neighborhoods where schools are not typically equipped with programs for non-English speakers.

"They've been assigned to teachers or assigned to classrooms where nobody speaks Spanish  so there's a significant language barrier," WGN News' Sylvia Snowden reported.

One teacher described having to use Google Translate and relying on the Spanish teacher to translate to communicate with her migrant student "for the entire year," Snowden said.

CHICAGO'S FIRST-EVER SCHOOL BOARD RACE SEES PRO-SCHOOL CHOICE GROUPS AMASSING MILLIONS IN DONATIONS: REPORT

According to the city of Chicago, at least 48,000 migrants have been bussed and flown to The Windy City from the Texas border since August 2022.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Pedro Martinez told WGN that migrant students and U.S. students are held to the same academic standards. He also claimed "over 90%" have bilingual support programs in their schools.

However, Snowden said that Dr. Martinez was not aware of the WGN investigation when giving those comments.

"However, once confronted with our reporting, a CPS spokesperson acknowledged in a statement that the districts promotion guidelines are modified to serve the specialized needs of English Language Learners," WGN reported.

"Chicago Public Schools aims to provide a rigorous, welcoming, inclusive pre-K-12 environment for all students, including those who've newly arrived in Chicago with their families from around the globe. As a district, we have high expectations from all students and policies and promotion guidelines in place, that are modified to serve the specialized needs of our English language learners, and offer in-school, after-school year-round interventions developed with the principal, counselor, teacher and parents to target the students' assessed learning deficiencies," a CPS spokesperson told WGN News.

The district also claimed that ESL students who enrolled in the school during the last quarter of the school year were put in summer school programs to improve their English literacy. Teachers who spoke to WGN disputed this claim, saying "none" of their students were enrolled in summer school.

Chicago Public Schools did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.





Original article source: Chicago schools reportedly instructed teachers to give migrants passing grades regardless of performance
CHICAGO (NewsNation)  Officials from the city of Chicago and state of Illinois are taking the next step Thursday toward what could be a one-of-a-kind system that would combine support services for the citys homeless and new arrivals populations and provide housing solutions and other care to both groups.

The One System Initiative has been discussed since the spring and would shift oversight of the citys management of permanent shelters for the unhoused and migrants to a community-based, nonprofit model rather than an out-of-state group.

Since the start of Chicagos new arrival mission in 2022, the city has contracted with Favorite Healthcare Staffing. The city said the One System Initiative would be made possible through a collaboration between the state and city, with funding support also coming from the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness.

Texas Guard verbally, physically abusing asylum-seekers at border, group says

Migrants collect their belongings and stand on the street in Chicago March 27, 2024.

On Thursday, the city and state will receive recommendations from 50 nonprofit organizations and community-based groups with what they would like to see from the One System Initiative, which remains in the planning stages.

The organizations were all part of the initial planning phase that has been ongoing since March, state officials told NewsNation. However, the meeting being held Thursday is just the beginning for what could be coming in the months to come, officials told NewsNation.

The Chicago Tribune reported in April that under the contract with Favorite Healthcare Staffing, new arrival shelter staff members providing security, case-working and cleaning services at city-run shelters are being paid between $60 and $150 per hour. The report indicated that as of March, the city had paid the agency $56 million since 2022.

The One System Initiative is being described as a community-led planning process that aligns the efforts to support people currently experiencing homelessness and migrants, who have been sent to Chicago from the U.S. southern border by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

The city was initially expecting 25,000 migrants to arrive during the Democratic National Convention in August, but no buses ever came due to the slowdown in border crossings after President Joe Biden signed an executive order.

Several other state agencies, including the office of Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services, as well as city departments such as the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services will lend support to the system, the city said.

Rachel Morins mother: Border not safe from 1,800 miles away

What the One System Initiative would do

The One System Initiative is designed to work toward a unified system that would ultimately serve the needs of all people experiencing homelessness whether that be new arrivals or longer-term city residents.

A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Services told NewsNation that financial and operational planning is in the works and will be rolled out in a later phase of the initiative. The funding plan, the spokesperson said, will be dependent on any required budget approvals.

Thursdays meeting comes as the city announced last week that it will close three new arrival shelters in October as the number of migrants needing housing in city-run shelters drops. Since 2022, the city has provided services including housing, medical care, and legal assistance helping 48,000 new arrivals work through immigration and work authorization issues. However, as of this week, only 5,425 migrants live in 17 city-run shelters.

The City of Chicago had been using the former Tremont Hotel as a temporary shelter for its homeless population. (Jeff Arnold/NewsNation)

The city currently has about 5,000 open beds for migrants who need shelter, according to a city spokesperson.

The city closed a temporary shelter for the homeless Sunday in the citys Gold Coast neighborhood that was designed to provide housing during the winter months. The shelter, which was housed in the former Tremont Hotel, was scheduled to close at the end of September. A city spokesman said as of Sunday, only a few people remained after most of those living there accepted other temporary housing assignments.

Advocates for the homeless have expressed concerns that new arrivals who leave city-run shelters after their allotted time runs out could become homeless. Chicago is among the U.S. sanctuary cities that have begun to clear homeless encampments to get people off the street.

Rep. Green highlights latest ICE reports by NewsNation

Chicagos budgetary woes

According to city data, Chicago officials have budgeted $150 million this year to address care for new arrivals. However, as the city continues to face budget issues, Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced measures, including a hiring freeze, to address the citys expected $982.4 million shortfall in 2025.

When officials began working on the One System Initiative, Beatriz Ponce de Leon, Chicagos deputy mayor of immigrant, migrant and refugee rights, said in a statement released by the city that eventually, the hope was to fully transition to a unified shelter system.

(The goal is) to serve people regardless of if theyve been here for five days or five years or their whole life, Ponce de Leon said in the spring.

Thursdays meeting will only be the next step in the process toward moving toward combining the citys homeless and new arrival populations, city and state officials have said.

Phase 2, or implementation planning, including the funding plan for the One System Initiative, which is subject to any required budget approvals, is currently in process, state officials said. Implementation is a third phase, which has not yet begun.

As the initiative is still in its early stages, state officials told NewsNation this week they are not able to give a set number of phases or definitive timeline for when the One System Initiative could be launched.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 southern city of Shenzhen has a large Japanese expatriate community [Getty Images]

A 10-year-old Japanese student has died one day after he was stabbed near his school in southern China.

The boy, who was enrolled at the Shenzhen Japanese School, succumbed to his injuries early on Thursday, Japanese officials said.

His assailant, a 44-year-old man surnamed Zhong, was arrested on the spot, local police said.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called the attack "extremely despicable" and said Tokyo had "strongly urged" Beijing for an explanation "as soon as possible".

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the case was being investigated and that China and Japan were "in communication".

"China expresses its regret and sadness that this kind of unfortunate incident occurred," he told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.

Mr Lin also confirmed that the boy was a Japanese national with a Japanese father and a Chinese mother.

The motive for the attack was not immediately known. But some observers have expressed concern that nationalist sentiment in China might be spilling into increasing violence against foreigners.

In June, a man targeted a Japanese mother and her child in the eastern city of Suzhou. That attack was also near a Japanese school and led to the death of a Chinese national who had tried to protect the mother and son.

Earlier in June, four American teachers were stabbed in the northern city of Jilin.

Beijing has described all of these attacks - including the one on Wednesday - as "isolated incidents". And on Wednesday, Mr Lin said China would continue "to protect the safety of all foreigners in the country".

The Japanese embassy in Beijing called on the Chinese government to "prevent such incidents from happening again".

Some have pointed out that the stabbing happened on the anniversary of the notorious Mukden Incident, when Japan faked an explosion to justify its invasion of Manchuria in 1931, triggering a 14-year war with China.

Ties between the two countries have long been acrimonious. For decades the two sides have clashed on a number of issues, ranging from historical grievances to territorial disputes.

A former Japanese diplomat said Wednesday's attack in Shenzhen was the "result of long years of anti-Japan education" in Chinese schools.

"This has cost the precious life of a Japanese child," Shingo Yamagami, Japan's former ambassador to Australia, wrote on X.

Some Japanese schools in China have contacted parents, putting them on high alert in the wake of the stabbing.

The Guangzhou Japanese School cancelled some activities and warned against speaking Japanese loudly in public.

Earlier this year, the Japanese government requested about $2.5m (1.9m) to hire security guards for school buses in China.
If your child sometimes has trouble sleeping, it may be easy to chalk it up to a phase they will grow out of one day. But a new study suggests possible serious consequences for this line of thought  such as a higher risk for suicidal ideation or attempts when they are older.

Having severe sleep disturbances at age 10 was linked with having a 2.7 times higher risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts two years later, according to a study published Monday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Nearly 1 in 3 participants with severe sleep disturbance later reported some level of suicidal behavior.

Given that sleep is highly visible as a risk factor, non-stigmatizing, and highly treatable  we suggest study of sleep as a risk factor and critical intervention target for youth suicide, said senior study author Dr. Rebecca Bernert, a suicidologist and founder of the Stanford Suicide Prevention Research Laboratory in California, via email.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among children ages 10 to 14, a group that also has high rates of sleep disturbance, according to the study.

And sleep disturbances have emerged as an evidence-based risk factor for suicidal behaviors among adults, regardless of whether a person has depressive symptoms, the authors said. But long-term investigations of suicidal behaviors, specifically in the transition from childhood to early adolescence, have been rare.

Thats why the authors used data from more than 8,800 children recruited by the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study at 21 sites across the United States when they were 9 or 10 years old. At that time, guardians answered questionnaires about their childs sleep health, which included factors such as problems with falling or staying asleep, waking up, excessive sleepiness, sleep-disorder breathing, excessive sweating during sleep, and behaviors that occur when someone partially awakes from deep sleep.

Guardians also completed forms about their childs anxiety or depression symptoms. The authors obtained details on family history of depression, family conflict and parental monitoring as well.

When participants were ages 11 or 12, 91.3% of them hadnt experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts within the two years since the first data collection. But among those who did, high and severe sleep disturbances were linked with greater odds of ideation and attempts  which remained even after the authors accounted for other factors that increased risk, such as depression, anxiety and family conflict or history of depression. Risk was higher among participants of color and female adolescents.

Additionally, having daily nightmares was associated with a five times higher risk of suicidal behaviors.

The findings dont come as a surprise, as we know how important sleep is for babies but we forget soon after how key it is for kids, and then in particular at adolescence and pre adolescence, said Dr. Christopher Willard, a Massachusetts-based psychologist and teaching associate in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston, via email. He wasnt involved in the study.

The brain is changing as much during those years as in that first year of life, which is why that age sleeps so much and needs so much sleep to develop the way it needs to, Willard said.

The research could have a multidisciplinary impact.

Given the studys design and large sample size of a younger, nonclinical population, the research has significant parental, clinical, and public health implications, said Dr. Rebecca Berry, clinical psychologist and adjunct clinical associate professor at New York Universitys Grossman School of Medicine, via email. Berry wasnt involved in the study.

Why chronic sleep disruption may be linked with suicide

Additional studies that replicate the findings using objective sleep measurements and provide more details on the frequency, nature and emotional impact of nightmares would be helpful, said Bernert, who is also an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Its important to note that in a study like this, we dont want to assume that the poor sleep caused the suicidal behavior  we are just seeing a connection between the two, said Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, via email. Chaudhary wasnt involved in the study.

Its possible that sleep disturbances could be early signs of mental health struggles that later worsen, Chaudhary, chief medical officer at Modern Health, said.

But as to what may explain the associations found, sleep is a barometer of our well-being, and an important window into our physical and emotional health, Bernert said in a fact sheet provided to the media. In this way, sleep may fail to provide an emotional refuge for distressed individuals.

Insufficient sleep quality or quantity may also interfere with brain function, experts said.

Problems with sleep, lack of sleep  which too much stress, activities, schoolwork and yes, screen time, all contribute to  interfere with brain development on a number of levels, but particularly mood, anxiety and emotion regulation, Willard said.

This lack of regulation, as well as fatigue, can impair decision-making. The ability to cope with stressors decreases and impulsivity increases, and problem-solving becomes more challenging, Berry said. Sleep also assists with the regulation of neurotransmitter levels, metabolism, brain plasticity and the cleaning of toxic waste proteins from the brain.

Supporting your childs health

At all ages, your kids need good nighttime habits that support healthy sleep, Willard said.

Some of this is a larger conversation about homework expectations at that age, he added, but in families you can do what you can to keep bedtimes and routines consistent.

Create a wind-down routine that starts an hour before bedtime, Berry said. It should limit screen time, homework and physical activity as much as possible and include relaxing activities such as light reading, journaling or listening to calming music.

For kids who struggle with restlessness at bedtime, parents may consider practicing mindfulness strategies with their child to support emotion regulation, Berry said.

Sleep hygiene is also supported by solid habits during the day  such as exercise, sun exposure, stress management and avoidance of daytime naps, she added.

READ MORE: Moodiness or more? How to tell if your kids suffering from a mental disorder

Sleep disturbances are a symptom of many mental health conditions and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Willard said.

So if you notice your childs sleep patterns changing drastically, he added, check with your pediatrician and keep an eye on it, and consider ways to adjust the day and night routines.

First-line treatments found to be effective for adolescents include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, known as CBTi, and imagery rehearsal treatment for nightmares, Bernert said.

Experts and loved ones cant always predict a suicide attempt, but sometimes there are warning signs, including extreme mood swings, hopelessness or loss of interest in activities. Have open conversations with your child about their mental health and seek help from a professional.

These types of parental involvement can have profound impacts, experts said. In fact, the authors found an increase in parental monitoring, judged by the childs perspective  regarding family dinner frequency and knowledge of the childs location or who they are spending time with  was associated with a 15% lower risk of suicidal behavior.

Editors Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, confidential support from trained counselors is available by phone, text or chat by dialing 988 or visiting the 988 Lifeline website.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Bill Gates said the wealthy would be about two-thirds poorer if he controlled the tax system.

But the Microsoft cofounder said he wouldn't go as far as outlawing fortunes above a certain size.

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Gates he would ban billionaires as nobody deserves such wealth and power.

Bill Gates says if he set tax rates, the rich would be almost 70% poorer  but unlike Bernie Sanders, he would not outlaw billionaires.

The Microsoft cofounder said that "under the tax system I would go for, the wealthy would have, say, a third as much." He revealed his ideal tax policy in an episode of his new Netflix series "What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates."

The comment suggests Gates would like to see Elon Musk, the world's richest man with a net worth of $249 billion per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, only have about $83 billion to his name.

Apply the same calculation to Gates  who's sixth on the rich list  and his personal fortune would be just under $54 billion versus $161 billion. He recently told The Independent that he would be "tens of billions of dollars poorer" if he wrote the tax code.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation cofounder said it was "kind of wild" that billionaires exist, and he believed that fortunes of that size should be "given back to society, not just consumed."

Gates argued that a rich country such as the US should have a better social safety net, and raising taxes would help fund universal access to healthcare as well as good-quality housing and education.

He emphasized he's "not someone who thinks outlawing wealth above a certain size is the right way to go about it," but added that he's "biased" as a billionaire himself.

In the episode, Sanders told Gates that he'd like to get rid of billionaires entirely. The progressive lawmaker told the computing pioneer that while he was a "very innovative guy" and deserved to be financially rewarded for his contributions, billions of dollars was an excessive payout.

"How much do you deserve? Can you make it on a billion? Think you could feed the family? Probably. Pay the rent? Maybe," he quipped.

Sen. Bernie Sanders wants to increase the federal minimum wage. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Vermont senator said it wasn't acceptable to him that a tiny elite wields such vast wealth and power.

"I have real concerns about what I would call uber-capitalism, and that is that incredible concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the few, and what it means to our whole society," he said.

In contrast, "Shark Tank" star Mark Cuban said in the episode that billionaires show the American Dream is alive and well, and it's patriotic to get "filthy, stinkin' rich" then pay big taxes.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The increasingly dire state of the Chinese economy is driving an unprecedented increase in capital flight. Much of this is illegal, and hence invisible and largely unreported; but enough evidence can be gleaned to build a worrying picture. It seems that Xi Jinping has managed to staunch the outflow of corporate wealth.

But he cannot prevent the exodus of high net worth private individuals now moving billions of dollars abroad by covert means, including shadow banking. Some 15,000 super-rich Chinese are predicted to leave the PRC this year for havens such as the Gulf or Japan, a substantial increase on last year. What does this haemorrhage of private capital tell us about Chinas stability and security and how it bears on our own?

The Chinese Communist Party Standing Committee launched a series of more than 300 economic reforms to tackle economic stagnation. Recently the PRC Ambassador to the US hailed this as a landmark event that would help deliver Xis vision of China as a prosperous, innovative and influential world leader by 2029. However, even if all the Plenums measures are implemented, which they will not be, this goal is beyond his reach.

In particular, Xi cannot bring himself to incentivise the rich to remain and help revive the economy. Chinese billionaires are leaving China because Xi Jinpings policies make it intolerable for them. His visceral mistrust, persecution and disruption of successful entrepreneurs; failure to address key causes of economic stagnation and decline, most notably the distorted property market; increasingly fraught relations with major foreign trading partners and worries about future tariffs and sanctions linked to the Ukraine/Taiwan nexus  all add up to a powerful incentive to get out fast.

If Chinas brightest entrepreneurs do not feel safe in Xis revisionist Party state, why do so many in the West cling to the belief that China is serious about restoring mutually beneficial foreign trade relations? In fact, Xi has no wish to revive a steady state in any aspect of relations with the West. He now seeks only to engage with foreign financial and commercial partnerships that serve to advance his military and political agenda, which is directly opposed to Western interests. Crucially, Chinas massive trade surpluses are now used chiefly to intensify conflict and competition.

Putins escalating conflict in Ukraine depends largely on Chinese support. Instead of prioritising domestic prosperity, Xi spends far more on digital surveillance at home and expansion of military influence abroad, including the fastest proliferation of nuclear weapons since the Cold War. Beijings patronage has allowed Kim Jong Un publicly to rejoin the nuclear arms race. Iran is another member of the cabal. Their common cause is to overtake the US.

This process has not yet reached the point at which China can comfortably sustain major reduction of its Western market access. The prospect of strengthened US-led sanctions under either new administration is a matter of urgent concern. Lately this concern has built around Western tariffs against Chinese electric vehicles.

Not only are Chinese EVs as unfairly priced as Huaweis digital equipment; they too pose a serious security risk. Their integral Cellular Internet of things Modules (CIMs) can transmit audio and video data from in and around the vehicle, or sabotage it if so instructed. No rational economic relationship, fully cognisant of todays geostrategic risks, can afford to ignore such harmful Trojan horses.

History shows that appeasement merely strengthens ruthless totalitarian opponents. Democracies which import Chinese EVs are simply paying an implacable systemic competitor to compromise their national security, while undermining the efforts of wiser allies and partners.

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.
When former chef Steve Ells started Chipotle Mexican Grill in Denver back in 1993, he talked fair prices, responsibly sourced meat and respect for the land. He probably never envisioned robots working in the kitchen. The fast food (or is it fast casual?) chain is rolling out what it calls cobots or collaborative robots at two locations in Southern California. One helps make guacamole and the other conveys your plate along the counter, dropping in beans and cheese along the way.

Autocado

The Autocado machine is installed at a Chipotle in Huntington Beach and cuts, cores and peels avocados before a human mashes them up into guacamole. The Automated Makeline is at a store in Corona Del Mar. The locations were chosen for their proximity to corporate headquarters and the chains restaurant support center in Newport Beach. The chain moved to Orange County in 2018 when Brian Niccol took over as CEO and relocated headquarters closer to his home. When Niccol left for Starbucks earlier this year, that company provided him a private jet for the commute to their Seattle HQ.

The "Autocado" machine Photo courtesy Chipotle

Chipotle is an investor in both of the California-based robotics companies. The avocado device was custom built for Chipotle by Vebu of El Segundo. Employees dump an entire 25-pound case of fruit into the machine, which is a little bigger than one of those delivery driver robots. Press a button and a big bowl of ready-to-mash avocado comes out of the bottom. The company also makes Airwai, a robotic airport cart that drives itself out onto the tarmac to clean the roadway and retrieve equipment.

The Augmented Makeline was created by Hyphen of San Jose. The machine uses sensors, LiDAR, and vision systems to plate any combination of salad or bowl meal. The company founders are veterans of Instacart, Tesla and SpaceX. Their CEO was awarded the first-ever permit for a robotic restaurant in the U.S.

Chipotle is hiding the robots away from view at the moment as they continue to tinker with them. This is the first time both devices are being tested in restaurant, a spokesperson told Los Angeles. We are using these tests to inform broader pilot plans. So dont walk in expecting Rosie from The Jetsons behind the counter.
Capybara Cinnamon has been missing from her enclosure since Friday [Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World]

The search for Cinnamon the capybara, missing from a zoo since Friday, has been halted over fears she could move to a dangerous area.

She escaped from her enclosure at Hoo Zoo in Telford, Shropshire, and was last seen on Wednesday night along with fresh tracks and droppings, keepers said.

Searches for Cinnamon will resume this Friday night amid concerns that continued disturbances in the area could make her relocate.

Her current location is near a Ministry of Defence site and the zoo said they were concerned if she moved there, they might not be able to recapture her.

The capybara has been spotted for two nights in a row in a field about 200m (650ft) away from her home.

The zoo thanked people for their support and added Cinnamon "has captured the hearts of so many people from all around the world".

The zoo has used a drone camera leading to sightings of Cinnamon on both Tuesday and Wednesday [Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World]

Cinnamon was born at the zoo alongside brother Churro and is now around one year old.

The zoo posted on Facebook: Last night our keepers were again working through the night to try and recapture Cinnamon.

She was spotted again by a thermal drone within 5m of the same location from Tuesday night.

Unfortunately this area is extremely dense with almost impenetrable undergrowth that Cinnamon can easily move under but we cannot.

The zoo said Cinnamon was comfortable where she was and they do not want to risk spooking her to move further away [Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World]

They said it looked as if Cinnamon was happy where she was.

At present she is comfortable, content, not short on food and not at risk to predators so it's better that we take our time and recapture Cinnamon with the least amount of stress possible, they added.

The zoo said there were several live traps in the area and these would still be checked throughout the day while the search operation was paused.

Mass searches would resume on Friday night unless things changed in the meantime, they added.

Are capybaras an endangered species?

Capybara are not an endangered species, according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature

They are sometimes referred to as the giant guinea pig and they are the worlds largest rodent species

Capybaras are native to South America and can grow to more than 1m (3ft) in length

They are highly social animals and are usually found living in small herds on grassland, in tropical rainforest, as well as in wetlands across the continent

They eat grass and aquatic plants and often eat their own droppings as digesting their food a second time helps to absorb nutrients

Capybaras have webbed feet and their eyes, ears and nostrils are on top of their heads, allowing them to stay mostly submerged in water for long periods of time

(Source: World Wildlife Fund)

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story

Related internet links
A bill under consideration in the Senate Environmental Affairs Committee would change the definition of toxic PFAS chemicals in Indiana, allowing their continued use by manufacturers. (Getty Images)

Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry says his citys water problems go back decades.

It falls between two watersheds and water drains away, he explained in a missive to constituents. There are no major aquifers nearby.

Lebanon leaders have been looking for more water since at least 2006. But it was this spring that the city of about 17,000 hit its allocation capacity.

Homegrown pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co. reserved 800,000 gallons of water daily for its project at the Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace (LEAP) Innovation District, according to Gentry. Lebanon has imposed a moratorium on new residential and other development since.

That also means LEAP cant entice other tenants until the water woes are solved. Gentry thinks the controversial district might lead to a solution.

Mayor Matt Gentry. (From city of Lebanon)

The city plans to work with Citizens Energy Group to connect itself to additional water  with an expected boost of 25 million gallons daily.

The project would include new water mains, booster stations and tanks, plus treatment plant upgrades, according to Citizens.

Its not the hotly debated long-haul pipeline stretching 40 miles between Lafayette and Lebanon. It also doesnt involve tapping water from other utilities or communities to sell to Lebanon, per Citizens.

Thats because the utility already works in and around Boone County.

The utilitys water system encompasses 10 treatment plans along a variety of bodies of water: Fall Creek, the White River and reservoirs at Eagle Creek, Geist, Citizens and Morse. It also has groundwater wells, spokeswoman Laura OBrien said.

Citizens Water already serves eight other communities wholesale water in a similar manner and Lebanon would simply become the ninth, she told the Capital Chronicle via email.

The utility and Lebanon plan to fund the six-year project with loans low-interest from Indianas Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which is fed with federal dollars. They would seek a maximum bond issuance of $700 million, according to Citizens.

Gentry said that amount is a purposefully conservative estimate.

Imagine (the) worst case possible scenario cost. I dont think itll actually end up being $700 million, but thats the high (end) you have to estimate based on, he told the Capital Chronicle.  Theyre trying to project forward; you know, they may be installing pipe in 2031.

The idea has rankled LEAP-skeptical utility consumer watchdogs.

This whole thing underscores the obvious  about why in the world were building large industrial complexes in the middle of the desert, said Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizens Action Coalition.

Our first concern over water resources is ensuring that households and citizens have water. Im not sure that that (loan) program was necessarily designed with large industrial projects, he said.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund has roots in 1996 amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA awards grants to states based on a survey of water system capital improvement needs, conducted every four years. States provide a 20% match.

Kerwin Olson (Photo from Citizens Action Coalition)

The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) handles the Hoosier States program. It uses paybacks from past loans, plus the annual federal funds, to provide Indiana utilities with low-interest loans for water infrastructure projects, spokeswoman Stephanie McFarland wrote by email.

Many projects focus on replacing lead pipes, building treatment plants and improving water quality but the criteria also mention improving a source of water supply.

The agencys project scoring worksheet emphasizes public health concerns like bacteria and chemical contaminants, alongside community income. It has a section for capacity development.

Loans and financing and bonds always come with risk, and so depleting a drinking water revolving fund for the purposes of supplying the enormously wealthy Lilly with water should be a concern, Olson said. Theres  lots of warranted skepticism here.

Others say its an appropriate use of the funds.

All projects funded through the IFAs (state revolving fund) program meet the EPAs programmatic requirements, McFarland wrote.

All water produced by Indianas water treatment plants is produced to drinking water standards; thus, it is all considered drinking water, Citizens OBrien noted.

Its a lot of money.

The State Budget Committee recently gave the IEDC permission to spend $50 million out of its Deal Closing Fund on the new Citizens water project. The quasi-public agency said it would hand the funds to the IFA for bond financing. The money would cover the first five years of debt service coverage.

McFarland wrote that IFA has used its most recent three federal capitalized grants to generate $500 million in loans to multiple utilities in each of the last three years. Lebanons project with Citizens would involve up to $700 million by itself  but not all at once.

Citizens has set a public hearing on the proposed project for 8 a.m. on September 25 at an Indianapolis office, according to a notice viewed by the Capital Chronicle. The address is 2150 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., building 1b.

And, she continued, Each loan is structured and limited to the amount that can be supported by utility revenues and/or other security pledged. It would be very unlikely that all the funds would be needed in any one year.

The projects leaders say current customers wont pay the price.

In his note to residents, Gentry said there would be essentially two utility districts: one for Lebanon prior to LEAP, and one for LEAP. The latter would pay for the project.

By my direction and design, the Lebanon Utilities and City teams have worked very hard to insulate and protect our current rate payers from any financial risk or impact of LEAP, he continued.

Citizens confirmed its existing customers would similarly emerge unscathed.

Gentry told the Capital Chronicle that the city would begin financing procedures in the fall, and work on its wholesale agreement with Citizens. He was aiming for October or November.

The process will involve city and utility public hearings, and will require council approval, he added.

He credited the contentious innovation district in his post to residents.

Because of the LEAP district, we are able to solve a long-time challenge and bringing additional water to Lebanon without Lebanons citizens paying for it. This is best possible case scenario for the citizens of Lebanon; which would not have been possible without the LEAP District.

Editor Niki Kelly and Reporter Casey Smith contributed reporting.

This story has been updated to clarify the loans must be repaid.

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City clears up concerns about strange structure near busy Austin bridge

Investigative Summary:

A Travis County man said something that caught his eye on his daily drive soon turned his curiosity into concern: what he considers strange structures near a busy bridge. Worried they were a sign of trouble with the bridge, he contacted KXAN. Investigator Mike Rush found out what the formations are and why theyre there.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  As he plays music in his south Travis County home, its clear Jeff Farris has a passion.

Always loved pianos, he said.

That passion extends beyond the music and into the mechanics. Not only can he tickle the ivories, but he also just as easily tweaks the strings.

Its all part of the job.

Travis County Resident Jeff Farris travels for his job as a piano tuner and noticed some concerning structures against the Slaughter Lane Bridge. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

Ive been tuning pianos in Austin since the late 80s, he said. A lot of studios, churches, peoples homes, you know.

The career nurtures Farris love of music, as well as his penchant for precision.

Neighbor takes action after KXAN investigates kids swarmed by mosquitos

Its very much like a circle of refinement, Farris said of his process.

But there was nothing refined about something Farris noticed on his daily drives, giant, Jenga-like blocks forming walls on all four corners of the Slaughter Lane Bridge in south Austin.

Jeff Farris stands in front of a big block wall stacked against the Slaughter Lane Bridge. (KXAN Photo/Mike Rush)

Farris became concerned wondering if the blocks were helping hold up the bridge. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

The block walls appear at all four corners of the Slaughter Lane Bridge in South Austin. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

An Austin city engineer tells KXAN the walls are not holding up the bridge and the bridge is safe. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

The city says the limestone blocks stop shifting that happened within the retaining walls of the more than 30 year old bridge. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

The city engineer says each block weighs about 3000 pounds. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

Farris thought the blocks looked haphazardly placed.

I couldnt imagine a reason why they were there, he said. It feels like theyre trying to support the bridge in case it falls down.

Thats why I contacted KXAN to see if they knew what is going on, Farris added.

KXAN Investigator Mike Rush spoke with Binaya Sharma, a supervising engineer with the city of Austin.

And his message is simple. There is nothing wrong with the bridge, Sharma said.

Sharma said the bridge is structurally sound. The city, he said, installed the limestone blocks, weighing about 3,000 pounds each, as a preventative measure after noticing some movement.

Austin neighbors going batty over constant construction

The Slaughter Lane Bridge was built more than 30 years ago, and Sharma said, over time, the existing, retaining walls along the four sides of the bridge, called mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, have shifted a bit.

The block walls, he said, stop the shifting.

This wall is not supporting any of the bridges structures, he said, referring to the block walls.

The city thinks the shifting in the retaining walls was caused by either a design or construction issue when the Slaughter Lane Bridge was built in the early 1990s.

Binaya Sharma, a supervising engineer with the city of Austin, tells KXAN Investigator Mike Rush the limestone block walls have been up for three years and are only a temporary fix. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

The big blocks have been in place for three years and Sharma said theyre only meant as a temporary fix while the city comes up with a plan, and the estimated $15 million it will take, for a permanent solution.

Theres no timetable on when the permanent fix will happen.

The William Cannon Bridge with more severe shifting, he said, had the blocks as well, until the city recently completed a permanent repair on it.

KXAN Investigates checked with the Texas Department of Transportation, which inspects the states bridges, and records show the Slaughter Lane Bridge scored a 74.9 in its most recent inspection in March 2024, which, according to a TxDOT spokesman, puts the bridge in the category of good condition.

Pioneer or guinea pig? Central Texas highway testing tech for driverless trucks

Its worth noting, whatever the score, TxDOT considers any bridge open to traffic to be safe.

I drive that every, almost every other day on this one, Sharma said, referring to the Slaughter Lane Bridge, There is no risk of driving over that bridge.

Thats music to Farris ears. I feel like its probably safe, 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.
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  The City of Decatur is co-hosting a Ride and Drive for everyone to try a variety of electric vehicles this weekend.

City officials are partnering with the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation for the event. Officials said participants can explore the future of transportation by test driving EVs, listening to IACT leaders talk about the newest technologies and learning about the financial incentives availble to help buy an Electric Vehicle.

Decatur installs Peace Poles throughout city

The event will take place on Saturday Sept. 21 at Progress City located at 4111 E 2nd Progress St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The City asked in a Facebook post for interested parties to RSVP on National Drive Electric Weeks website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
City of Erie celebrating its diversity with Welcome Week

The City of Erie is observing Welcome Week designating September 13 through 21 as a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Mayor Joe Schember issued a proclamation affirming the citys commitment to ensuring people of all backgrounds feel welcome in his city.

Get your tickets for the US Navy Bands show at the Warner Theatre in October!

Erie has an official welcoming city designation and people from 19 different countries settled here over the last year. But city officials said welcoming also means providing new Americans with a place that provides housing and employment opportunities as well as a sense of safety.

Here we have people from all over the world. We just swore in 12 more people last Friday and they were from 8 different countries, Mayor Schember said.

Local realtor speaks on local impact of fed cutting rates

People who are moving here through refugee resettlement are contributing to our economy. Theyre bringing new ideas, new ways of thinking about things and its really something to be celebrated on a larger scale, said Ashley Lawson, field office director for the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

A sign with Welcome written in a number of languages now greets visitors to city hall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- Today, the City of Springfield is sweeping roadways for signs that violate the city code.

The city says it will be removing signs placed in the public right-of-way. On private property, political signs cannot be illuminated and must be removed 48 hours after the election.

Eric Claussen  assistant director of operations for the City of Springfield  says this enforcement isnt to cause problems but to solve them.

Were definitely not trying to go out there and anger people with this process, but we do have a due diligence just to keep the community clean, Claussen said.

Jenny Lind Hall residents face another setback in elevator debacle

Signage and advertising in Springfield may soon begin to thin out as the city is strongly enforcing city codes 98-7 and 36-454, which outline the placement of advertising in the right-of-way and signs placed on private property.

Were sending a number of crews out to do a sweep of the entire community, focusing primarily on the major arterials and the collector roads, those higher volume, higher speed routes, where we have more of that safety concern, Claussen said. Were not going down every residential street and picking up signs.

He says that the signs can be dangerous for drivers if they are placed incorrectly.

A lot of times, you will see signs alongside the road hanging on poles and different things. It can obstruct a drivers view or if theres signs in the yard it can do the same, Claussen said.

Springfield entrepreneur announces candidacy for mayor

If youre unsure if your signage is properly placed, Claussen says there is a way to find out.

We have directed folks to the county assessor page. It has a lot of information on there, Claussen said. Theyre not exactly perfect, but it gives people an idea of what the right-of-way lines and property lines look like.

Any signage that has been picked up by the city can be retrieved at the Phil Broyles Complex Monday through Friday from 8-5 p.m. If they are not claimed by Nov. 1, they will be thrown away.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A man is on the run after Emory University police say he shot at one of his co-workers and pointed his gun at another.

Emory police issued an emergency alert for Emory Point area around 8:22 a.m. Thursday and asked people to avoid the area.

One student who lives in the mixed-used complex told Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach he woke up to screaming and looked outside.

Apparently they got into a scuffle and shots were fired, and thats when everyone started running. No one was hit as far as Im aware, Neil Pasawala said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police said there was a dispute between two co-workers at a restaurant in the building. One of the co-workers went to his car and came back to the kitchen with a gun.

The man shot at his co-worker and tried to leave the restaurant when he pointed his gun at a second co-worker. No one was injured.

The man left the scene in a 2021 silver Chevrolet Malibu with Georgia tag CXZ7407. Investigators said he was last seen wearing his navy blue uniform. Emory gave the all clear for Emory Point at 8:45 a.m.

The response time from the police was incredibly quick, so at least glad I know I live in an area where thats possible, Pasawala said.

Emory University said the man, who has not been identified, will be no longer permitted on Emorys campuses or in any Emory facilities.

Anyone who may have information on the suspect can contact investigators at 404-727-6111.

TRENDING STORIES

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IN OTHER NEWS




The highest point in Tennessee will once again be known as Kuwohi after the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians successfully lobbied the U.S. Board of Geographic Names.

The federal board on Sept. 18 unanimously approved the renaming of Clingmans Dome, the observation tower-topped mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians first settled the mountain, which they believed to be sacred, thousands of years ago. The name translates to the mulberry place.

When will leaves change? See predictions for Ohio, Kentucky region 

The 6,643-foot Kuwohi is one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with more than 650,000 visitors a year, according the National Park Service. It is the tallest point in Tennessee and the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

"This significant moment honors our ancestors and strengthens our connection to this sacred land," said Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Chief Michell Hicks in a written statement.

Who was Clingman?

The previous name honored Thomas Clingman, a U.S. congressman and senator from North Carolina who advocated for slavery and was expelled from the Senate because of his support for the Confederacy. He would later become a brigadier general in the Confederate Army.

Clingman was an avid explorer who measured several of the peaks that eventually made up the national park. The peak was named for him in 1859.

'There was no Taco Bell.' The worst bad reviews of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

What is Kuwohi?

Thousands of years before the mountain was named after a North Carolina senator, it was a holy place for generations of Cherokee. Medicine men came to the mountain to pray.

It's where the headwaters of the Little River form and where the tribe hid from U.S. soldiers during the forced Trail of Tears march to the West.

But how do you say it?

The name is pronounced ku-whoa-hee.

Renaming U.S. landmarks in national parks

Native names have been restored to other American peaks and sites:

First Peoples Mountain, Yellowstone National Park (previously Mount Doane)

Engine Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (previously Indian Creek or Injun Creek)

Denali, Denali National Park and Preserve (previously Mount McKinley)

Black Elk Peak, Black Hills National Forest (previously Harney Peak)

The Great Smoky (Mountains) National Park team was proud to support this effort to officially restore the mountain and to recognize its importance to the Cherokee people, Superintendent Cassius Cash said in a written statement. The Cherokee people have had strong connections to Kuwohi and the surrounding area, long before the land became a national park. The National Park Service looks forward to continuing to work with the Cherokee people to share their story and preserve this landscape together.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Clingmans Dome renamed Kuwohi in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
It can pay to track the investing legends. Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller put up 30% returns for 30 years when running his hedge fund, and he never had a down year for his investors. Clearly, he is one of the best investors out there, making it worthwhile to track what he is buying and selling.

While you shouldn't blindly follow the investing legends, it can be a great source of inspiration for potential new stocks to buy.

Luckily for individuals, large investment funds are required to disclose their buys and sells and overall portfolio each quarter. Recently, Druckenmiller's family office disclosed a new position in growing dividend payer Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM). Even though the stock has posted a total return of 36% year to date, Druckenmiller is indicating that he is still bullish on the stock.

Should you hop on the dividend growth train and buy Philip Morris International stock for your portfolio?

Growing volumes through new-age products

Philip Morris International is categorized as one of the tobacco companies in terminal decline. At the start of this year, the company sported a dividend yield of 5.5%, which is much higher than the average large-cap company. There is a narrative that tobacco is uninvestable due to the heavy usage declines for cigarette smokers.

This narrative began to change in 2024 for Philip Morris International. Why? Because of the undeniable growth of Philip Morris' new-age nicotine products. These products are led by Iqos heat-not-burn tobacco and Zyn nicotine pouches. There are more than 36 million active users of these smoke-free nicotine products, which has helped Philip Morris stabilize and begin to grow shipment volumes in the last few quarters. Last quarter, smoke-free gross profit grew 22.2% year over year, which led consolidated operating earnings to grow by 12.5%.

No wonder investors like Druckenmiller are excited about Philip Morris. The stock was trading at a sky-high dividend yield even though it had returned to top- and bottom-line growth. This is why the stock is up big this year and the dividend yield is down to 4.1%, one of its lowest levels in years.

Earnings growth equates to dividend growth

In 2024, Philip Morris is expecting to generate at or just under $6 in earnings per share (EPS). This is significant growth from the $5.02 it generated in 2023 and will be an all-time high if it is hit or surpassed. The company is seeing rapid earnings growth as its new-age products get more operating leverage and start contributing more and more to the bottom line.

Story continues

EPS is important to track as it is the lifeblood of Philip Morris' dividend payout each quarter. Recently, Philip Morris declared an increase in its dividend per share to $1.35 a quarter, which is equivalent to an annual payout of $5.40. This is still well below the company's guidance of $6 in EPS for the full year. If Philip Morris can keep growing its EPS over the next five to 10 years, it will have plenty of room to keep pushing the dividend per share higher and higher.

PM Dividend Per Share (TTM) Chart

The stock is (still) cheap

Philip Morris International's dividend yield has come down as the stock has gone up. But the stock still looks cheap at these levels. The company's dividend yield of 4.1% is well above the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield of 3.6% and has plenty of room to grow. Over the next five years, there is room for the company's EPS to hit $10. Assuming the dividend per share climbs to $9, that is a sky-high forward dividend yield of 7.1% based on the current stock price of $126.

There is a lot of income coming the way of Philip Morris international shareholders. Its dividend should keep growing year after year as more people switch from cigarettes to heat-not-burn and nicotine pouch brands. This makes Philip Morris International stock an easy buy for dividend growth investors today.

Should you invest $1,000 in Philip Morris International right now?

Before you buy stock in Philip Morris International, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Philip Morris International wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $708,348!*

Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.

See the 10 stocks 

*Stock Advisor returns as of September 16, 2024

Brett Schafer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Philip Morris International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller Just Added This Hot Dividend Growth Stock to His Portfolio was originally published by The Motley Fool
A Clinton woman was arrested after police say she sold drugs to someone who later died, according to a news release from the Clinton Police Department.

Officers began investigating the death of Keaton Merle Olson, 19, on February 28. According to the criminal complaint filed in Clinton County Court, on February 27 at about 10:42 p.m., Carroll County (Illinois) 911 Center received a call about an unresponsive person in the 5000 block of Route 84 in Thomson. EMS attempted lifesaving measures and took the victim, identified at Keaton Olson, to Mercy One Emergency Department in Clinton. Olson was pronounced dead at the hospital just over an hour later.

Investigators were able to access Olsons messaging records, which showed several messages between Olson and Camren Cady, 20 of Clinton. The messages indicated that on February 27, Cady delivered controlled substances to Olson in exchange for money. The delivery was made hours before Olson was found unresponsive at his fathers home. His father told investigators that he had driven Olson to Clinton to briefly meet someone, later determined to be Cady. Investigators seized pills at the scene that tested positive for fentanyl in a lab. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and listed acute mixed drug intoxication; cocaine and fentanyl as a cause of death.

Camren Cady (Clinton Police Department)

After a lengthy investigation, officers obtained an arrest warrant for Cady for delivery of fentanyl less than 5 grams, a C Felony. Cady was arrested on September 18 without incident by the Clinton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division. She is being held in the Clinton County Jail on a cash-only $50,000 bond. She has a preliminary hearing on September 27.

According to Iowa Code 124.401(1)(g), Delivery of Fentanyl Causing Death  A person who causes the death of another person while participating in a violation of this subsection (124.401(1)) and who is not entitled to protection undersection 124.418, shall be sentenced to three times the term otherwise imposed by law, and no such judgment, sentence, or part thereof shall be deferred or suspended. A C-Felony is a crime that can be punished by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $1,370  $13,660.

The Blackhawk Area Task Force, Carroll County Illinois Sheriffs Department and the Clinton County Attorneys Office assisted in the investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
A screenshot of the extortion page on the Medusa Blog, which is run by a hackers group. (Screenshot)

Six days are left before a hacker group threatens to release over 200 gigabytes of data pried from the Providence Public Schools Department (PPSD) if the struggling school district doesnt pay a $1 million ransom.

The hacker group Medusa is taking credit for the alleged breach which appears to include a cache of parent emails, phone numbers and addresses, as well as drivers licenses and identifying information for district employees work cell phones as of January 2024.

The potential data dump comes a week after the district sent a Sept. 12 letter to the PPSD community, noting irregular activity on the school districts network. The district enlisted a third-party IT company to determine next steps, after which internet access was shut down across the districts schools and offices to prevent any further damage. As classrooms returned to old fashioned forms of instruction, a forensic analysis started on the suspicious activity.

IT staff followed proper security protocols and worked to isolate the issue which has been contained, the letter read. School security systems and protocols remain active while classes continue.

Superintendent Javier Montanez provided an update in a letter dated Sept. 16: Currently, all internet-connected systems remain down as IT experts work diligently to assess the network and determine the next steps for a swift resolution.  We want to emphasize that, at this time, there is no evidence that PPSD data has been affected.

In another Sept. 16 letter, Montanez reiterated that initial findings did not show evidence that District data was compromised.

GoLocal Prov and national tech news outlet Comparitech have reported the ransomware group Medusa as the culprit. And Wednesday morning, Erlin Rogel, president of the Providence School Board, released a statement that the board would meet in executive session with Montanez during a regular meeting Wednesday evening.

The Providence Public School District has experienced a network security breach, and the school board intends to address it with urgency, Rogel stated Wednesday morning.

This evening, we will meet in executive session to learn from the superintendent how the breach occurred, what steps are being taken to resolve it, and how were supporting students and families during the outage. We also want to learn what liability resides with our network security vendor and what measures are being taken to ensure this doesnt happen again.

As is standard operating procedure, the District and their professional third-party IT agency contacted RI State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last Wednesday, Jay G. Wegimont, PPSD spokesperson, said in an email Wednesday. Please note that this was also done out of an abundance of caution and that the analysis is ongoing.

The Rhode Island Department of Education, which oversees Providence schools, is aware of the situation and is working closely with the district, said spokesperson Victor Morente.

It is our understanding that a forensic analysis of the network is underway which will provide more information on what occurred, Morente said. That is all that we have at this time.

Internal memos, invoices and potentially sensitive information

Ransomware works by encrypting files into unusable formats, then forces the datas owners to pay up, typically in a specified time frame. True to its snake-haired namesake, Medusa petrifies files into an unusable format which can only be decrypted by the attackers themselves. The group also releases the files publicly at the end of the countdown if the extortion amount isnt paid.

A ransom landing page was posted Monday, nearly a week after the network outage was announced. It includes a set of 41 watermarked screenshots meant to preview the data dumps contents. Some of the information was already publicly accessible, like requests for proposals and bid documents for district contractors.

But much of the data is not meant to be shared. Among the items previewed: Internal memos, invoices, computer inventories, student rosters and a meeting memo meant for the parents of a student who receives special education. Another spreadsheet appears to obscure student names but lists developmental disabilities. Some of the files appear to belong to individual teachers district-provided computers. The largest folder contains a number of subfolders with potentially sensitive information relating to human resources, technology, communications and special education.

Hackers appear to have given the school district options: For $100,000, the timer can be extended by one day. For $1,000,000, the data can be deleted or downloaded. The pages source code suggests the payment would be made in Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency.

PPSD is one of eight extortion attempts currently listed as in-progress on the Medusa blog. The most recent  Compass Group, a food services company in Australia  was posted Tuesday and has a ransom price of $2 million for nearly 800 gigabytes of data. Compass Group confirmed it is being extorted by Medusa to Cyberdaily.au on Wednesday.

The Medusa group is unusual among ransomware actors in that it maintains a presence outside the dark web, and has posted the spoils of its illicit activity on non-dark-web sites, according to cybersecurity researchers Unit 42. The group rose to prominence in 2023 and has conducted a number of ransoms this year, usually targeted at health, education, tech and manufacturing companies. The ransomware employs living-off-the-land techniques to successfully infiltrate targets, which means exploiting existing network infrastructure for vulnerabilities. Machines running Windows are the usual targets.

PPSD, meanwhile, still has a job posting online for a senior director of information technology. The role has been open since May. Wegimont acknowledged a request for clarification about whether the job is still open, but did not return a response by publication time Wednesday.

There were 13 full-time positions allocated for PPSDs information services in the 2024-2025 budget.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  All Taco Johns Michigan locations have closed.

Franchise owner Meritage Hospitality Group has closed all five of its Michigan locations, including the Taco Johns in Wyoming, Hudsonville and Caledonia. Those three locations all opened in February of last year.

We did make the difficult decision to close our Taco Johns restaurants. We appreciate our employees commitment and hard work as well as the communitys patronage as we have endeavored to make this concept a success, a Meritage spokesperson said in a statement to News 8.

Meritage said the last day of business for its Taco Johns locations was Sept. 12.

The now-closed Taco Johns location in Wyoming. (Sept. 18, 2024)

The company plans on reopening the properties as a different concept, Meritage said.

Inside WOODTV.com: Building West Michigan

(We) look forward to once again serving the community in days to come, the statement says.

Meritage did not provide details on what concept is set to take its place. A sign on the former Taco Johns location in Wyoming, located at 1730 28th St. SW near Burlingame Avenue, said the store is closed for rebranding.

The now-closed Taco Johns location in Wyoming. (Sept. 18, 2024)

Meritage had planned on building 50 Taco Johns restaurants by 2026, with the possibility of building 150 more. It was the biggest franchise deal in Taco Johns history, Taco Johns said at the time.

The Company has people and resources in position to scale Taco Johns across multiple states, Meritage CEO Robert Schermer Jr. previously said in a 2022 release on the plan.

Nick Finks, GRs oldest bar, set to reopen: Happy to be back

FILE  A photo of the Taco Johns location in Wyoming, Michigan on Feb. 3, 2023.

There are no Taco Johns locations left in Michigan, according to the Taco Johns website. The closest is now located in Michigan City, Indiana.

Based in Grand Rapids, Meritages other restaurants include several Wendys locations, along with Morning Belle and Stans Tacos. Its prior brands include the Twisted Rooster.

It currently has more than 380 restaurants in more than 16 states, according to its website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The school Fresno teenager Austin Ly attended joined forces with the restaurant he used to work at to raise funds for the 16-year-old after he was killed while riding his motorcycle in Fresno one week ago.

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant and Cantina organized Wednesdays fundraiser, which was hosted at Clovis East High School during the students lunchtime. The restaurant cooked up tacos, burritos, and quesadillas to fundraise in support of Austin Lys family.

Fresno teen honored by Clovis East classmates after fatal motorcycle crash

Were just thrilled with the community support, Reagan Educational Center Principal Ryan Eisele said.

[Guadalajara] set up here during lunch to sell food  and the line is just super long here to support Austin and the family.



















Ly was killed while riding his motorcycle on Sept. 10; his passing left a lasting impression on classmates. Principal Eisele says there has been a noticeable sadness on campus lately.

Its so tough for students to deal with, Eisele said. One day theyre with their friend in class and the next day theyre trying to process what happened.

Eisele says the entire campus has come together to console and comfort each other. He says students have been encouraged to use the various mental health support providers and resources available including counselors and school psychologists.

Its just hard to predict what the ripple effects are after a loss like this, Eisele said. But we do feel supported by our mental health support team in our district, were just were very fortunate for that.

Lys classmates and coworkers all showed up and showed out to raise funds, but Eisele says its not all about the food or even the money.

Some of the great things Ive heard in line here from our students is, were not here for the food. Were here to support Austin, Eisele said. To me, thats really what its all about.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | CBS47 and KSEE24.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Western Colorados candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives will debate on Saturday in Colorado Mesa Universitys Robinson Theatre.

Candidates for state races on the Western Slope will debate starting at 9 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m.

3rd District candidates Jeff Hurd and Adam Frisch are expected to begin debating at 6:35 p.m. following opening remarks from 2nd Congressional District candidate Marshall Dawson.

For more information on the event and to watch the live debate, visit Club 20s event 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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
CNN's Bash says you could 'start a drinking game' for every time Harris uses the same talking points

CNN's Dana Bash joked that you could play "a drinking game" every time Vice President Kamala Harris returns to her same talking points on the economy.

"When you listen to Kamala Harris on what she will do, you can almost start a drinking game every time she says small businesses,'" Bash told a CNN panel on Wednesday.

Bash played a clip of Harris speaking to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Philadelphia on Tuesday about her economic plan, where Harris reiterated her proposal to expand the tax credit for new small business owners from $5,000 to $50,000.

"She also talks about being a middle-class kid. Thats also the front of her answers," Semafor reporter David Weigel told Bash, as another example of her repeating talking points.

HARRIS SERVES UP WORD SALAD IN DC SPEECH: THE CHILDREN OF THE COMMUNITY ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE COMMUNITY

Weigel suggested Harris leans on her rhetoric because she doesn't "have an answer" to voters' most pressing concerns about prices.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"If you look at the interviews theyve been doing in local media, and theyve opened up a bit more since the debate, the first question is often, what are you going to do to lower prices? Which is a very hard question for an incumbent party to answer. And it has implications that are very Trumpian," he continued. "It is: Trump says hes going to do mass deportation, thatll decrease demand. Trump says hell explore more energy, thatll decrease energy costs."

"Democrats can point to the fact that inflation is actually- it was bad two years ago. Its not now," Weigel said. "What people want to hear is how do you make the prices go down? So everything she says is something realistic that could survive a fact check that answers a very hard question."

"There is not a plan to say that were going to lower the cost of your grocery bill to what it was in 2019. There was a pandemic. There was money supply inflation. You cant hit the button that makes that go away. But Trump has an answer that gets them through these questions. And Harris, I think, with a different set of incentives and a different relationship to something she can back up in a policy paper, she doesnt have an answer. So she goes to a larger, well, imagine a future where there are more businesses and this starts to ameliorate," he continued.

HILLARY CLINTON SAYS IT'S A DOUBLE STANDARD TO ASK HARRIS ABOUT HER POLICIES

A new poll ahead of Tuesdays ABC News Presidential Debate shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Trump by eight percentage points among likely voters in Virginia.

During her first solo TV interview since becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris gave a lengthy response about her "middle-class" upbringing when asked what "specific" plans she has to bring down prices for Americans.

She concluded her answer by bringing up her plan to expand the tax credit for new small business owners.

Harris has proposed raising the corporate tax rate to 28% from the current 21%.

Her campaign also reportedly told Marc Goldwein, vice president of the Committee for a Responsible Budget, that it supports all tax increases on high earners proposed by President Biden for the 2025 fiscal year.

During an address Wednesday at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 47th Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., Harris provided few specific details about the policies she would enact as president.

US President Joe Biden, from left, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff on the Truman Balcony of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

At one point, Harris spoke about providing families with the necessary resources so that parents can "raise their children well," though she did not say what resources or how they would be provided.

"I grew up understanding the children of the community are the children of the community, and we should all have a vested interest in ensuring that children can go grow up with the resources that they need to achieve their God-given potential," the VP said.

Harris also appeared to undercut her own proposed policy to institute a federal price-fixing plan for corporations, telling the crowd that "very few" corporations actually "jack up prices" for consumers in emergencies.

Fox News' Stephen Sorace and Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.





Original article source: CNN's Bash says you could 'start a drinking game' for every time Harris uses the same talking points
A police dog searches through the rubble of a store on Ehrenstrasse in Cologne following an explosion early Wednesday morning. According to police reports, the detonation occurred at a clothing store around 5:00 a.m. No injuries were reported. This incident follows an earlier explosion at a Cologne nightclub on Monday, which resulted in minor injuries to a 53-year-old man. Henning Kaiser/dpa

Police and prosecutors suspect disputes within organized crime groups are behind the recent spate of explosions in the western German city of Cologne.

"There are obviously unresolved issues in the milieu that still need to be settled," said the head of Cologne's criminal police, Michael Esser, at a press conference on Thursday.

There are already substantiated connections to organized crime groups in the Netherlands, he said, but so far there is nothing further to report. Investigations are ongoing.

Most recently, there was an explosion in a clothing shop on Ehrenstrasse, a popular shopping street, on Wednesday morning. The perpetrator had smashed the shop's glass entrance door and placed a shopping bag containing an incendiary device inside, according to investigators.

Seconds later, the entrance area was ablaze. Witnesses saw a man approximately 1.8 metres tall running away. The crime scene was only a few minutes' walk from Hohenzollernring, a major thoroughfare where an incendiary device had exploded in front of a nightclub on Monday morning. In this case, the suspect, who was wearing a hoodie, had presumably placed a shopping bag with an accelerant in front of the club's window and set it on fire.

There had already been multiple explosions in Cologne, as well as in other cities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which, according to preliminary police findings, are believed to be connected to disputes between drug gangs, including from the Netherlands.

Explosions in front of entrance doors are a frequently used means of intimidation by the so-called Dutch Mocro Mafia. This term describes drug dealers from the Netherlands, some of whom are of Moroccan descent.

The Dutch police confirmed to dpa that there had also been an explosion on August 24 in front of the Amsterdam branch of the same clothing chain that was devastated on Wednesday morning in Cologne. "Investigations into this are still ongoing," said a police spokeswoman.

Shards and pieces of clothing lie in front of a store on Ehrenstrasse in Cologne following another explosion in the city center early Wednesday morning. According to police reports, the detonation occurred at a clothing store around 5:00 a.m., with no injuries reported. This follows a previous explosion at a Cologne discotheque on Monday, which left a 53-year-old man slightly injured. Henning Kaiser/dpa
A truck loaded with explosives used in an attack attributed to ELN guerrillas against a military base, burns in Puerto Jordan

BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombia's government has called off peace talks with leftist rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN), its peace delegation said on Wednesday, following an attack which killed two soldiers and injured more than two dozen.

The decision is another devastating blow to President Gustavo Petro's cornerstone total peace policy, which looked to remove the ELN from its role in the Andean country's six-decades of internal armed conflict.

"Today the peace process is on hold. Its viability is severely diminished and its continuation can only go ahead with an unequivocal demonstration of peace by the ELN," the government peace delegation said in a post on X.

The government restarted negotiations with the ELN at the end of 2022 and held six rounds of talks with the rebel group in Mexico, Cuba and Venezuela.

The attack which caused the talks to be suspended took place on Tuesday in a rural area of Colombia's Arauca province, which borders Venezuela.

The talks had been in crisis for months after the government decided to begin separate negotiations with a unit in the southwest of the country that had split from the rest of the ELN.

Negotiations froze, with the ELN subsequently restarting kidnappings, an element of its arsenal it had given up during the talks.

Since the end of the ceasefire, the ELN ramped up offensives against the military and police and also resumed bombings on Colombia's network of oil pipelines, contaminating the environment with subsequent oil spills.

Colombia's military also restarted operations against the rebels.

The decision to suspend the peace talks implies the reissue of arrest warrants for the ELN's top commanders, who are currently based in Venezuela and Cuba, according to the government.

There was no immediate comment from the ELN.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Oliver Griffin and Stephen Coates)
GROVETOWN, Ga (WJBF)- Thursday night, the Columbia County School District continues its Lets Talk series.

Its an event held quarterly where school and community leaders invite parents and student to discuss difficult topics teenagers are dealing with.

They go over bullying, gang violence, drug abuse and vaping. And they will talk about something on every parents mind lately- school safety.

Its something many parents may want to learn more about since the rash of hoax threats following the September 4 shooting in Winder, Georgia.

Grandchildren of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn coming to CSRA

The goal is to provide education and awareness on these issues and engage the community on knowing the warning signs and the resources available.

School leaders say the forums have not been widely attended so far, but encourage both middle and high school parents to participate.

Because were seeing more and more activity at the middle school level. And so its just a good way for parents to learn, to educate themselves on certain things that are going around, different drugs that areupdates on drugs, gangs. What they can do to have that shared responsibility with school safety and its just a good opportunity for them to get involved, explained Penny Jackson, Associate Superintendent of the Columbia County School District.

Augusta VA hosting awareness events during Suicide Prevention Month

While a big focus is on students, its also to help educate parents.

And just trying to get the message out there on what to look for, ways parents can help. What the schools doing and just a good way for it to be a shared responsibility across the district, said Jackson.

Thursday nights public forum is from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Grovetown High School.

Its open to all middle and high school students and their parents.

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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus police are searching for the person responsible for a deadly hit and run early Wednesday morning.

The victim has been identified by police as 55-year-old Malvin Love. This occurred around 1 a.m. on East 5th Avenue in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood.

Watch: Police continue search for fatal hit and run driver

Police said Love was crossing the street and the 2012 Toyota Camry was driving west near Peter Avenue when they hit Love and kept driving. Witnesses said they saw the driver exit the Camry while it was still moving and run away. Police found the empty car, which they said was reported stolen weeks ago, not far down the street.

25-year-old man wanted, charged in northeast Columbus murder

This is not the first time Columbus has seen a person in a stolen vehicle harm others. NBC4 asked Mayor Andrew Ginther what more needs to be done to prevent more tragedies like this.

Continuing to work and asking the people to continue to work with the division of police, Ginther said. Weve seen a 31% reduction in homicides in violent crime because the community is working so closely with the police. Were seeing record high closure rates of getting criminals off the street that are engaging in dangerous and reckless behavior, like stealing vehicles and hitting innocent pedestrians.

Police have not given a description of the suspect at this time. They asked anyone with information about the incident to contact 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is RM6.93 based on Dividend Discount Model

Current share price of RM8.25 suggests Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is potentially trading close to its fair value

Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's peers seem to be trading at a higher premium to fair value based onthe industry average of -2,436%

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad (KLSE:HARISON) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

View our latest analysis for Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad

Is Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad Fairly Valued?

We have to calculate the value of Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad slightly differently to other stocks because it is a trade distributors company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 11%. Compared to the current share price of RM8.3, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= RM0.5 / (11%  3.6%)

= RM6.9

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.293. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Story continues

SWOT Analysis for Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Current share price is above our estimate of fair value.

Opportunity

HARISON's financial characteristics indicate limited near-term opportunities for shareholders.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine HARISON's earnings prospects.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad, we've put together three important elements you should consider:

Risks: You should be aware of the 2 warning signs for Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad (1 shouldn't be ignored!) we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! Other Top Analyst Picks: Interested to see what the analysts are thinking? Take a look at our interactive list of analysts' top stock picks to find out what they feel might have an attractive future outlook!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Column: California voters are fed up with crime and, apparently, the response by Democrats

Amy Jordan sweeps broken glass outside her boutique, Slone Vintage, after it was hit by smash-and-grab burglars in Burbank in 2021. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders vehemently oppose an anti-retail theft measure on the November ballot. But theyre being ignored by California voters who support the proposal overwhelmingly.

Maybe voters dont know about the governors and lawmakers strong opposition. Or maybe they do and dont care. Theyre following their own instincts and thinking that California  again  is too easy on bad guys.

The pendulum apparently is swinging back from left to center on crime and incarceration. Three decades ago California was over on the right with the war on drugs and tough "three strikes" sentencing for repeat felons. Then we gradually moved left by dramatically reducing punishment. Opinions continue to sway.

The support numbers are stunning for Proposition 36, sponsored by the California District Attorneys Assn. It would increase punishment for theft and hard drug offenses and impose required treatment for repetitive criminal addicts.

Read more: Your guide to Proposition 36: Stiffer penalties for some drug and theft crimes

The initiative is ahead by an astonishing 45 percentage points, according to a new poll of likely voters by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California: 71% to 26%, with only 3% undecided.

Thats unprecedented for a controversial ballot measure.

Well, controversial among politicians anyway. But seemingly not among voters.

I was surprised by the level of support, says Mark Baldassare, a pollster with the Public Policy Institute of California.

But he adds this caution: Propositions arent like candidate races. The bottom can fall out of them. And the campaign for and against 36 really hasnt started yet. Its easy for people to say no on a proposition rather than yes. Especially if someone comes along and points out a fatal flaw.

Sure. But dont bet on it. Opponents have a very steep hill to climb to conquer Proposition 36.

Its ahead among every demographic group, including Democrats by a landslide margin: 63% to 33%. Self-described liberals support it by 56% to 41%.

Baldassare notes that of the 10 state ballot measures, voters consider Proposition 36 the most important by far, his poll found.

Another independent survey last month by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies also showed the measure holding a huge lead: 56% to 23%, with 21% undecided.

IGS pollster Mark DiCamillo cited the great visibility of retail theft  caught on camera or witnessed personally by voters  as a reason for heavy support of Proposition 36.

Its kind of outrageous to voters, what theyre seeing, DiCamillo told Times reporter Mackenzie Mays. And theyre linking it to the approval of Proposition 47.

That proposition swung California to the left on crime punishment 10 years ago. Federal court pressure had mounted to reduce prison and jail overcrowding. The measure passed lopsidedly, reducing some felony crimes to low-punishment misdemeanors  including shoplifting when the stolen goods were worth less than $950.

Misdemeanor arrests are harder to make because a cop must witness a crime or possess a judges warrant. Anyway, judges began freeing petty thieves. So, cops stopped responding to shoplifting complaints. Merchants ceased bothering to report the crimes. And smash-and-grab thefts increased.

Read more: What exactly is Prop. 47? And how could California voters change it this year?

PPIC researchers recently reported on a yearlong study of Proposition 47s impact.

Under Prop 47, prison and jail populations plummeted as did arrests for drug and property crimes after certain offenses were reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors, the report stated.

But it said the pandemic also contributed to fewer apprehensions. As people stayed home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there were fewer encounters with police, resulting in fewer arrests, the researchers concluded.

At any rate, public pressure increased on Sacramento Democrats to do something  and they didnt for several years. They probably thought the growing anti-47 pushback would just fade. It didnt.

Newsom was one of Proposition 47s most vocal original advocates and has been a staunch defender.

We dont need to go back to the broken policies of the last century, he insisted. Mass incarceration has been proven ineffective and is not the answer.

Newsoms initial answer included trying to strongarm Proposition 36 off the ballot. It failed awkwardly, leaving legislative leaders perturbed at the governor.

Proposition 36 would roll back parts of Proposition 47. The governor backed a legislative package aimed at curtailing retail theft without significantly altering Proposition 47. But he concocted a nutty poison pill that would have automatically killed the Democrats own anti-crime legislation if Proposition 36 was approved by voters.

The aim was to coerce Proposition 36s sponsors into tossing in the towel and accepting the Legislatures offering. But Democrats rebelled at the governors bizarre scheme and refused to insert the deadly pill into their package.

The Legislature ultimately passed 13 bills that Newsom and Democratic lawmakers hope will satisfy voters demands that California do more to combat smash-and-grabs and shoplifting.

Read more: Newsom signs legislative crime package addressing organized retail theft

The bills they passed do some good things, but by and large theyre half measures, asserts Gregory Totten, chief executive of the California District Attorneys Assn. Our law [36] says consequences of stealing have to be ratcheted up.

The initiative also would impose tougher penalties for sales of deadly fentanyl and treat it similar to other hard drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. Some people possessing hard drugs could be sentenced merely to treatment.

Outside Sacramento, some major Democrats have heard the voters, read the polls and are supporting Proposition 36. They include Mayors London Breed of San Francisco, Todd Gloria of San Diego and Matt Mahan of San Jose.

But Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, a former state Senate leader who has spent his career trying to generate treatment for the drug-addicted homeless and mentally ill, opposes Proposition 36.

He contends that 36 offers a false promise of treatment. Itll fall short because the emphasis will be on law enforcement, not treatment of addicts, Steinberg predicts.

But so far, Newsom and Sacramento Democrats havent been leading anyone away from Proposition 36. Voters are headed in the opposite direction.

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.
Columnist issues chilling warning after second assassination attempt on Trump: 'It was like nothing happened'

Democrats are being warned about incendiary rhetoric against former President Trump, with one columnist arguing that Americans could become de-sensitized to political violence.

Columnist and author David Marcus explained the alarming difference in how Americans reacted to the first versus the second assassination attempt on the former president and the impact of polarized rhetoric during "Fox & Friends."

"This time, nobody changed the TV channel. Nobody talked about it. It was palpable," Marcus told Steve Doocy on Wednesday. "It was like nothing happened, and that was scary because when we get desensitized to these things, it can get really ugly, really fast."

TRUMP BLAMES BIDEN-HARRIS RHETORIC FOR LATEST ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, SAYS HE WILL SAVE THE COUNTRY

Marcus penned an op-ed this week, highlighting the fact that "people stopped in their tracks" after the first attempt on Trump's life, but when news of the second one broke, some bystanders responded with, "Are you surprised?"

"None of the networks cut away from the action for news coverage, my phone wasnt blowing up with notifications, and my guess is that 90% of the people down on the floor of the casino, or in the sportsbook, had no idea anything had even happened," he wrote.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"We all know that if such an attempt had been made on Vice President Kamala Harris  life, the games would not only have been cut away for the news, theyd likely have been suspended. But this is about more than media bias, its about social callousness," he continued.

This comes as many high-level Democrats have come under fire for branding Trump as a "threat to democracy."

Fox News' Peter Doocy had a terse exchange with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday when he pressed her and others in the Democratic Party who have chosen to keep calling the former president a "threat" even after a second attempt on his life over the weekend.

"How many more assassination attempts on Donald Trump until the president and the vice president, and you pick a different word to describe Trump other than threat?" Doocy asked.

DAY AFTER TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, PSAKI AND SEN. WARREN AGREE TRUMP'S BEHAVIOR 'PUTS US ALL AT RISK'

"I actually completely disagree with the premise of your question. The question that you're asking," Jean-Pierre shot back. "It is also incredibly dangerous in the way that you're asking it because American people are watching."

Meanwhile, Republican critics have been quick to fire back at their Democratic counterparts after it was revealed that reported bomb threats against schools in Springfield, Ohio, had originated overseas and were indeed "hoaxes."

Democrats previously blamed Republicans' rhetoric surrounding the Haitian migrant crisis in the town for what officials thought was a heightened security situation.

"Thirty-three threats; Thirty-three hoaxes," Gov. Mike DeWine announced during a press conference. "I want to make that very, very clear. None of these had any validity at all."

"We have people unfortunately overseas who are taking these actions," he added. "Some of them are coming from one particular country." He refused to clarify which country the threats were coming from.

TRUMP REVEALS NEW PLEDGE AMID HAITIAN REFUGEE CONTROVERSY: I WILL SAVE OUR CITIES

Marcus argued that Democrats, including Harris, who were critical of Republicans shining light on how the migrant surge has impacted the local community owe the American people an apology for jumping to conclusions.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says that all of the bomb threats in Springfield, OH have been "hoaxes"

"This whole thing is unconscionable," Marcus said. "We now know that the bomb threats to the schools in Springfield, Ohio, were foreign hoaxes We don't know from what country because Governor DeWine won't tell us, but these are most likely information operations meant to sow division. If so, well done."

"The Democrats and their allies in the media are pushing this," he continued. "It's bad that Trump and Vance are being absurdly blamed for Trump's own assassination. It's bad that the Democrats are very likely pushing an information operation, but the worst part of this is that the good people of Springfield, Ohio, who I just spent several days with, are being smeared as racist MAGA monsters who want to blow up schools."

"That is the clear implication and it is a damnable lie. These people deserve an apology from the media, and they deserve an apology from Vice President Kamala Harris."

Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.





Original article source: Columnist issues chilling warning after second assassination attempt on Trump: 'It was like nothing happened'
The News

The coming winter could prove the sternest of tests for Ukraines power supply, a new report from the International Energy Agency warned, as the country faces increasing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure  the most recent just hours after the reports release.

Ukraines electricity grid cannot keep up with demand, and a sizable deficit will remain even with the ongoing support of Kyivs European allies.

Heat supply is also at risk in multiple Ukrainian regions, particularly those along the wars front lines, and in the capital, Kyiv. The city of Kharkiv, among the worst-hit by the conflict, doesnt have nearly enough heat generators or boilers to meet its needs, the report found.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the bloc will provide Ukraine with an additional 160 million ($178 million) in energy aid this year, paid for by Russias frozen assets in the EU.

SIGNALS

Attacks on Ukraines grid may violate humanitarian law

Sources: Reuters, UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine

During the summer months, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure, leaving cities in the dark for hours at a time and damaging the grids longer-term ability to cope with the typical increase in demand that comes in wintertime. A UN report published Thursday stressed the attacks likely violate humanitarian law, because of their number and coordinated nature, and because Moscow openly acknowledges them. The damage done has cascading effects, hampering healthcare, businesses, education, and other civilian infrastructure, the report added.

Energy reconstruction is hampered by political infighting

Source: Semafor

Bureaucratic infighting and political machinations have significantly hampered efforts to strengthen Ukraines infrastructure against Russian attacks, the former CEO of Ukraines state-owned grid told Semafors Tim McDonnell. The country has rushed to restore energy capacity, which has been halved since the beginning of the war, but progress is impeded by anxiety from Western governments, development banks, and private investors that money and equipment sent to the country could be lost in a black pit of state inefficiency and self-dealing, the CEO said. Some of Kyivs recent policy decisions, like incentives to attract more private investment, are too little, too late, he added.

Russian escalation remains a concern for Ukraines allies

Sources: Politico, Ukrainska Pravda, UkrInform

The IEA report underscored the urgency of discussions among Ukraines allies as to whether Kyiv can use Western-provided long-range weapons to strike further into Russian territory; Kyiv has argued that doing so would be essential to hampering Russias efforts to further target its energy infrastructure. The US has expressed concern that doing so would escalate the war, Politico wrote, leaving Ukraine on tenterhooks as it continues to push for permission. Meanwhile, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly Thursday to ask member states to lift the restrictions on EU-provided weapons. Ukraine is being forced to fight with its hands tied behind its back, a French lawmaker told UkrInform.
The coming winter will prove the "sternest test yet" for Ukraine's energy grid, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday, as the EU announced additional aid to help the country weather Russia's attacks on its power infrastructure.

Echoing the stark warning over Ukraine's coming needs, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced she would travel to Kyiv for Friday talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, as the IEA put forward a 10-point plan to safeguard the war-battered country's energy security.

"We must do all we can to keep the lights on. And as winter is approaching, we must keep the brave people of Ukraine warm, while we also keep the economy running," the European Commission president told a Brussels press conference held jointly with IEA chief Fatih Birol.

The IEA report said that in 2022 and 2023 "about half of Ukraine's power generation capacity was either occupied by Russian forces, destroyed or damaged, and approximately half of the large network substations were damaged by missiles and drones."

"Ukraine's energy system has made it through the past two winters... But this winter will be, by far, its sternest test yet," the agency's executive director Birol said in a news release accompanying the report.

With Ukraine having lost more than two-thirds of its electricity production capacity since the Russian invasion, the report warned of a "yawning gap between available electricity supply and peak demand".

It urged European countries to expedite deliveries of equipment and parts to rebuild the damaged facilities and called for measures to protect them from drones.

Von der Leyen said the EU would make an additional 160 million euros ($178 million) available to help Ukraine through the winter.

These will include 60 million euros in humanitarian aid and 100 million euros for repairs and renewable energy, she said, adding the latter amount would come from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets in the European Union.

"I will be travelling to Kyiv to discuss these matters in person with President Zelensky tomorrow," von der Leyen said.

- Winter heating strain -

In the summer, when energy needs tend to be lower, Ukraine's capacity for power generation already fell more than two gigawatts below the peak demand of 12 gigawatts.

As demand for energy to heat homes increases in winter, the IEA predicts that the country's peak demand could increase to nearly 19 gigawatts.

"Strains that are bearable in the summer months may become unbearable when temperatures start to fall and supplies of heat and water falter," the report said.

The IEA said that power plants damaged by Russian attacks or occupied by Russian troops, such as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, urgently needed replacing or repairing, while the physical and IT security of critical infrastructure needed strengthening.

It also recommended increasing electricity and gas import capacity from the European Union, accelerating the decentralisation of electricity production and greater investment in energy efficiency.

It estimated the cost of necessary repairs and upgrades at $30 billion.

- Moldova energy security concerns -

Outside Ukraine, the IEA report warned that neighbouring Moldova's energy security could also be hit.

Most of Moldova's electricity comes from one gas power plant in the breakaway Transnistria region, which is backed by Russia.

Producing around two-thirds of the country's electricity, the Moldavskaya GRES power plant is largely fuelled by Russian gas imported via Ukraine.

But last month, Ukraine announced its intention to discontinue at the end of this year an agreement signed in 2019 allowing Russia to pump gas via its territory.

With the taps turned off, both the plant's gas supplies and Moldova's electricity security would be subject to "significant uncertainty", the IEA said.

As a result, the agency urged the country to secure its supplies by strengthening energy ties with its European neighbours, "with benefits for the wider region".

Set up under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, the IEA styles itself as "the world's leading energy authority".

Though not a full member, Ukraine joined the agency as an associated country in July 2022.

im-ub/ec/lth
Commentary: The US and China are talking again. But will it lead anywhere?

Whenever the topic of China comes up for discussion, President Joe Bidens administration has a talking point waiting in its back pocket: While the U.S. and China are global competitors, Washington seeks to ensure that relations are managed responsibly so competition doesnt veer into conflict.

U.S. officials, from Secretary of State Antony Blinken to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, have used this phrase so often that it has become a predictable tagline at news briefings and public events on U.S.-China policy.

Yet even talking points ring true once in a while. The very real sentiment across the U.S. national security apparatus is that ties with China, the worlds second-largest economy and second-largest military spender, are in a delicate state and need to be handled with the utmost care. Key to this objective is face-to-face communication with the Chinese officials who actually matter.

Not so long ago, getting high-ranking Chinese Communist Party officials on the phone was about as difficult as getting out of Chicago in Friday afternoon traffic. Beijing, irate about then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis 2022 trip to Taiwan, cut off most senior- and working-level communication with Washington on areas as diverse as maritime safety, defense and narcotics. Then came the 2023 balloon-gate episode, in which a large Chinese surveillance balloon meandered over the continental United States, creating a media frenzy that ended only after Biden ordered an F-22 fighter jet to shoot it down. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attempted to resurrect talks with his Chinese counterpart months later but got nothing more than a cursory handshake.

The frostiness, however, has melted as of late. Both sides seem to have concluded that icing each other out hasnt done their respective strategies any good. The change of heart isnt about making nice with the other side as much as it is about minimizing any disagreements that exist  and there are a boatload of them  and finding areas on the margins where both countries can explore common ground.

Last November, Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met just outside San Francisco and agreed to reopen the dialogue channels that were previously shut down.

There have been so many in-person interactions between U.S. and Chinese officials lately that its hard to keep track. In April, Blinken traveled to Beijing to meet with Xi and followed up those talks with another session in July, where he spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In May, Austin finally met with his counterpart, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, where he emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication between the two superpowers, the White House said. Sullivan had two days of discussions in August with Xi, Wang and Gen. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.

And last week, Adm. Samuel Paparo, the top military officer for U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific, held a video conference with Gen. Wu Yanan, Chinas commander of the Southern Theater Command, which covers the South China Sea.

If we didnt know any better, we might think the roller coaster-like relationship between Washington and Beijing was on the upswing.

Unfortunately, the bad times are still very much here. Constant communication is one thing; solving problems or even finding common ground on a specific issue is something else entirely. And right now, the U.S. and China are doing a lot of the former and very little of the latter. Both powers are using renewed dialogue channels to reiterate their core positions and lecture each other about why the other needs to change their policies.

Indeed, on the big items of dispute  Taiwan, the South China Sea, arms control, the war in Ukraine  the U.S. and China are still talking past one another.

The Taiwan issue is the most fraught, and its highly unlikely the U.S. and China will be able to come to any agreement on it in the near future  if ever. For Washington, the self-governed island is an oasis of democracy in East Asia, one that could live in peace and tranquility if it werent for Chinese military saber-rattling. Beijing, of course, views Taiwan as a renegade province led by a particularly rambunctious president named Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, who would love nothing more than to declare the islands independence from mainland China.

The South China Sea is just as fraught, with China pressing its expansive maritime claims through increasingly aggressive tactics and the U.S. continuing to make clear that any armed attack against a U.S. ally such as the Philippines would necessitate a U.S. response. Meanwhile, talks on arms control or risk reduction measures  the Pentagon assesses that Beijing could have as many as 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035  are in purgatory, with Chinese officials stressing that Washington has to come down to Beijings level before serious negotiations can begin.

At first, the war in Ukraine was a tertiary issue for the U.S. and China. Yet as the conflict approaches its third winter, the Biden administration is getting more vocal about the extent of Chinese assistance to Russian President Vladimir Putins war machine. Last week, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters that Beijing was sustaining Russias defense-industrial complex. China, unconvincingly, argues that such claims are outright fabrications.

In short, the worlds two top powers are still on the opposite ends of the spectrum over some very significant foreign policy issues. The latest discussions wont solve them. But the alternative  no discussions  is in reality no alternative at all.

____

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

___
Election signs cover the entrance to a polling location located at Curvin McCabe School in Pawtucket on Sept. 10, 2024. Nearly all signage is in English, aside from one telling voters there are Spanish-speaking poll workers on site, along with a number to report problems. (Photo courtesy of Common Cause Rhode Island)

The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing allegations that the city of Pawtucket failed to follow through on a federal consent order to assist Spanish-speaking voters during the Sept. 10 primary.

Spokesperson Jim Martin confirmed the review Thursday, two days after a letter sent by Common Cause Rhode Island to Pawtucket Registrar Kenneth McGill Tuesday warned the city about possible violations to the federal Voting Rights Acts language access requirements.

Executive Director John Marion wrote that Common Cause sent 25 volunteers statewide to assess the compliance of polling places with the American with Disabilities Act. Volunteers in Pawtucket were additionally tasked with ensuring polling locations were in compliance with a federal consent order reached in May, which mandated city officials provide election-related information in English and Spanish  including information at voting precincts and online.

The agreement was reached after the U.S. Department of Justice alleged local election officials failed to provide access to provisional ballots  which the city has disputed. Under the Voting Rights Act, bilingual ballots are required in any voting jurisdiction where residents with limited English proficiency account for more than 5% of the voting population.

Roughly 26% of Pawtucket residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What our volunteers discovered was alarming, Marion wrote. Not only did Pawtucket fail to clear the higher bar set by the consent order, it failed to clear the bar that was in place before the city was sued by the Department of Justice.

Volunteers reportedly found six of the citys 28 precincts were missing Spanish-language signs that either included what Voter ID is needed, the right to cast a provisional ballot, basic voting rules and other requirements, or the availability of a bilingual voter hotline.

Issues were reported to city officials, and Marion said they were mostly resolved by mid-afternoon on primary day.

While I am appreciative that the concerns we raised were addressed  it is distressing that not only were the polling places not set up correctly as late as the three oclock hour, after polls had been open for more than eight hours, there were still problems present at Pawtucket polling places, Marion wrote.

He asked city officials to double efforts to comply with the consent order during the general election on Nov. 5.

The city of Pawtucket and its Board of Canvassers issued a joint statement Thursday saying based on feedback received by local election officials, the September primary was a success.

Whenever any issue was brought to the BOCs attention, they were promptly addressed, their statement said. The city and BOC will continue to engage with the DOJ and interested stakeholders in efforts to improve the voting experience  we appreciate Common Cause of Rhode Island for notifying us of their concerns.

Rep. Karen Alzate, a Pawtucket Democrat of Colombian heritage, told Rhode Island Current she did not notice any irregularities during the primary, nor did she hear anything from constituents.

If this stuff is happening, we want to make sure our voters have what they need in the languages they need, she said in an interview Thursday.

Marions letter was also sent to the Rhode Island Secretary of States office, the Board of Elections, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island  the latter of whom was asked to send federal observers to all Pawtucket precincts during the general election.

The United States is in receipt of correspondence alleging ballot access issues for Spanish language speakers in Pawtucket, Rhode Island during the September 10, 2024 primary, and is reviewing it, Margin said Thursday. The federal government remains committed to enforcing our consent order with the City of Pawtucket, and ensuring that residents core civil rights to ballot access are upheld.

And that commitment, Martin said, includes sending federal observers to Pawtucket during the general election on Nov. 5. Federal officials previously monitored the citys elections during the 2023 special primary and general, along with the 2024 primary elections to make sure the state follows the Voting Rights Act.

Rosenberg declined to comment on whether observers noticed anything during the primary.

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HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP)  Employee volunteers with the Commonwealth Care Alliance gathered at the Cultivating For Community Farm in Hadley.

We harvested 217 pounds of fresh vegetables to give to three local food banks in the area, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, okra, radishes, and all kinds of lettuces, said Sharon Beauchemin, with the CCA.

Volunteers gathered here in Hadley at this acre-and-a-half community farm to do some weeding, harvest the produce, and prepare the farm beds. Lee Gadway told 22News that this is all part of an effort to help feed those who are in need of food. Just that one saving grace for people to be able to not have to worry about one more thing on top of their daily lives. Its just phenomenal to see peoples attitudes change when they get to have a strong healthy meal, said Gadway.

According to the Education Community Coordinator of the farm, Amanda Reynolds this was all made possible with the help of volunteers. On our farm, we really rely on volunteer help. We have a lot of things to do and with having 100 percent of our harvest being donated to three local food pantries it is crucial that we have volunteers come and help, said Reynolds.

If you are interested in volunteering at the farm, you can sign up for the volunteer shifts that are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

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.
Community faces ongoing battle to save beloved marsh: 'We need to do more to protect it'

Threats to Maine's largest salt marsh highlight the impact of the climate crisis and other factors on natural landscapes.

What's happening?

The 3,200-acre Scarborough Marsh is being hemmed in by development, while pollution, sea level rise, and increasingly frequent and severe storms are also causing problems, as the Portland Press Herald reported in conjunction with The Maine Monitor.

Marshes  this one is home to red-winged blackbirds, great egrets, spiny sticklebacks, bats, minks, and Harbor seals, among other wildlife  can usually migrate to stay healthy. If they have nowhere to go, though, the water can stagnate or rise, which kills vegetation or drowns the peat.

The nonprofit Friends of Scarborough Marsh is asking property owners to sell, donate, or conserve via easements their land to protect the area, which can bring tax breaks but usually does not return market value, per the report.

The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center has become prone to flooding, and one of its parking lots disappeared into the Nonesuch River. The town, along with Cape Elizabeth, recently approved the removal of a rarely used road through the nearby Spurwink Marsh, which "will restore tidal flow to 67 acres of the upper marsh," home to the endangered salt marsh sparrow, according to the Press Herald and Monitor.

Why is this important?

"We're talking a lot about the road, but for me, I think this is really about an investment in our marsh," Scarborough Town Councilor Jonathan Anderson told the outlets. "The marsh is really integral to who we are as a community and we need to do more to protect it even if [the road] wasn't getting flooded."

The report also noted that Route 1, where the Audubon Center is located, floods multiple times each year as a result of sea level rise and intense storms. The building's floor has been replaced, though state officials seeking a more permanent solution may raise or move the center.

The confluence of events is largely the result of anthropogenic climate changes. Our use of dirty energy sources to heat and cool our homes, power transportation, and support industry results in massive amounts of heat-trapping gases, enveloping Earth like a blanket. This drives the rapidly rising global temperature and causes extreme weather events to happen more often and with greater severity.

What's being done about the salt marsh and other natural areas?

The Scarborough Marsh is being protected as best it can, though with nowhere to go, the natural feature remains at risk. The larger issue is that we need to move faster to address the underlying issues, which "will undo a lot of the development progress made over the past years," according to the United Nations. "It will also provoke mass migrations that will lead to instability and wars."

This urgent problem can be addressed by switching to an electric vehicle, electrifying your home, and cutting the consumption of goods that contribute to planet-warming pollution.

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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Hawaiis State Capitol reflecting pools, long known for their stagnant and smelly water, are set for a transformation as plans to replace the water with art move forward.

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Originally intended to symbolize the ocean surrounding the state, the pools have suffered from years of deferred maintenance costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Chronic leaking into the Capitol buildings basement prompted the legislature to appropriate $33 million last year to fix the pools waterproofing and replace the water with an artistic installation.

Its a tremendous cost, but its something that has needed to be done for the last 20 years, said Gordon Wood, administrator of the Department of Accounting and General Services Public Works Division.

Wood explained that there is no longer a viable water source to fill the pools. The springs that weve been using are no longer usable. The Board of Water Supply will not allow us to use potable water because every day we lose about 25,000 gallons just through evaporation, he said.

Broadway returns to Hawaii with new 2025 lineup

The new installation will feature glass artwork that resembles the ocean. The original intention for the reflective pools around the Hawaii State Capitol was to represent all the different oceans and nearshore areas around the Hawaiian Islands, bringing them together like an amalgamation of different facets, said artist Solomon Enos, selected to create the artwork. The idea is to maintain that same intention; what was literally water to represent the ocean will now be glass to figuratively represent it.

The project is already underway, and in a highly unusual move, Enos has reversed the process by allowing the public to participate in the painting. This is what artists dont typically do, but I want to be more like a conductor, with the community bringing the music, he said.

The art being created on a canvas measuring about 109 inches by 60 inches will be scanned in Germany and enlarged into glass plates for two art piecesone on the House side and another on the Senate side.

Its the peoples house, and the people need to be felt, seen, and part of this, Enos added.

The artwork is part of the $33 million state appropriation and is open for public participation at Capitol Modern every day the museum is open through September and on a limited schedule in October. Enos welcomed walk-ins, stating, If you only have one minute, you can take that time to add five or ten marks to this canvas, and itll live on for generations.

The project also includes improvements to a 16-foot promenade around the pools, which they hope to complete by December 2026, in time for the next governors inauguration.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Details on how to participate in the Capitol pool art can be found at capitolmodern.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The sudden stoppage of the demolition of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge has left the community with more questions than answers.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) stopped the work in order to preserve evidence in an ongoing legal battle. Last month, the state filed a lawsuit against 13 companies, accusing them of failing to identify the bridges worsening structural issues.

BACKGROUND: RI stops Washington Bridge demolition citing ongoing legal battle

Many Rhode Islanders have changed their way of life due to the bridges closure.

I had to transfer my job up here because I just cant do the back and forth, one woman told 12 News. Im spending two hours to go back and forth to a job that used to take 15 minutes.

The start and unexpected stop of the demolition work has made the projects timeline even murkier.

Why, after all these months, do they have to stop demolition of the Washington Bridge when they had all these months to prepare for the evidence? Lou Medeiros of East Providence asked.

Some community members also expressed concern with the states choice for the demolition work. Aetna Bridge Company is both in charge of demolishing the bridge and one of the 13 companies named in the lawsuit.

MORE: Rhode Island sues 13 companies over Washington Bridge failure

Medeiros isnt confident the work will be completed anytime soon.

Itll be many years  this will take many years, he said.

12 News asked RIDOT whether the pause on the demolition was anticipated, but the agency has yet to respond.

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We recently compiled a list of the 13 Best Vacation Stocks to Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) stands against the other vacation stocks.

In early 2024, The World Travel & Tourism Council projected a strong year for travel & tourism, with the sectors global economic contribution expected to touch an all-time high of $11.1 trillion. As per the global tourism bodys 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR), travel & tourism should be able to contribute an additional $770 billion over its previous record. WTTC anticipates that ~142 countries, of the 185 analysed, are expected to outperform previous national records.

WTTC forecasts a strong future for the next decade, characterized by healthy growth and unmatched career opportunities. By 2034, the sector is expected to supercharge the global economy with a staggering $16 trillion, accounting for ~11.4% of the entire economic landscape.

Travel and Vacationing in 2024 and Beyond

In 2024, the travel sector continues to break boundaries. Mastercard Economics Institute expects that this momentum will continue, with consumers prioritizing meaningful experiences and earmarking more of their budgets to travel.

Apart from air travel, cruise vacationing saw extraordinary growth, outpacing 2019 records. Through 1Q 2024, the US travel story was characterized by contrasting outbound and inbound dynamics. By November 2022, the US travelers vacationing overseas (excluding Canada and Mexico) outpaced 2019 levels. As of March 2024, the US travel overseas stood at ~20% above that level.

In comparison, the visitor traffic arrivals in the US from abroad were ~6% below 2019 levels as of March 2024. At this pace, the Economics Institute estimated that foreign passenger traffic in the US is expected to surpass 2019 levels later in 2024.

As per the Conference Board survey of consumer attitudes and buying plans in the US, the data as of April 2024 demonstrates that around 1 in 5 of the survey respondents expect to travel internationally in the upcoming 6 months. This was the record high since the survey began in February 1967. During this similar time in 2020, only 1 in every 20 Americans wanted to travel.

Recent Trends in Vacations

A big trend for 2024 remains the preference for experiential traveling over traditional celebrations for achieving some milestones. A recent survey demonstrated that ~40% of respondents continue to plan vacations for celebrating milestone occasions in 2024. One major shift in travel trends is the concept of a journey as the final destination. While travelers are seeking rail journeys along with epic boat trips, some travelers are opting for extended stopovers in certain destinations. This helps in turning layovers into small vacations.

The Cruise Lines International Association expects that ~82% of those who have cruised are expected to cruise again. The vacation rental market has been pegged at US$99.6 billion in 2023 and should be able to compound at more than 3% between 2024 and 2032 (as per Global Market Insights). This is expected on the back of elevated demand from the younger generation as they seek unique and authentic travel experiences. Notably, millennials and Gen Z are prioritizing experiences rather than material possessions, resulting in an increased demand for engaging and authentic travel.

Therefore, growth in the vacation rental market should stem from the increased use of online booking platforms, advancements in AI-driven property management technology, and the adoption of remote working.

Our methodology

To list the 13 Best Vacation Stocks to Buy Now, we used the Finviz screener to compile a list of 20 stocks catering to relevant industries. We then ranked the stocks in ascending order of their hedge fund sentiment, as of Q2 2024, and chose the following 13 companies.

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).

10 Largest Cruise Ships in The World

A luxurious cruise ship sailing the deep blue sea, sun glistening off its decks.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) owns and operates cruise ships providing cruises to all major vacation destinations such as North America, United Kingdom, Germany, among others.

Market experts believe that Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) has been focusing on optimizing occupancy. This will help passenger counts and yields rise at a faster pace. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)s strategic initiatives, including fleet expansion and new markets, should add to its growth potential. Through continuous innovation and improved offerings, the company is well-positioned to increase its market share and drive future growth.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)s competitive advantage revolves around exceptional cost management and operational efficiency. In 2Q 2024, the company paid $6.6 billion of its debt, which is a testament to its financial stability. The companys reservations book remains strong as the company amassed ~$8.3 billion in client deposits for the upcoming trips.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) raised its FY 2024 net yield guidance (in constant currency) to ~10.25% as a result of continued robust demand. It also raised full-year adjusted net income guidance by ~$275 million. At the time of announcing its 2Q 2024 results, the company highlighted that its cumulative booked position for FY 2025 remains higher than 2024 in both price (in constant currency) and occupancy.

As per Insider Monkeys 2Q 2024 database, 53 hedge funds reported owning stakes in Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL). Argus upped their price target on the shares of the company from $20.00 to $25.00, giving it a Buy rating on 27th June.

Overall CCL ranks 3rd on our list of the best vacation stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of CCL as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued AI stock that is more promising than CCL 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.
RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Russell County community is remembering deputy Joshua Phipps, who lost his life in the line of duty on Monday.

I couldnt be more blessed to have a community that thinks the world of Josh and he thought the world of them, Sheriff Derek Polston said. He died a hero, and hell be sorely missed for sure.

RELATED | Deputy killed in Russell County shooting named

Russell Springs is masked in gray and mourning following the death of one of their own. Phipps lost his life in a Monday shooting on Blue Bird Drive.

Two years, two terms as sheriff, but I dont recall an officer in the line of duty death thats ever occurred in Russell County that I can remember and Im almost 59 years old, but it will take time and place that, the good Lord give us strength and thats what Ive relied on from the get-go, Polston said.

Just over 18,000 people call Russell County home and it seems as if everyone knew Phipps, including Julie Cowan.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

He was always smiling, he just seemed to always be in a good mood, Cowan said. And you know, just a good little boy, just extra special.

Cowan was Phipps third-grade teacher in 1995 and she told FOX 56 that she remembers him to this day, and shes not alone.

Just from making that Facebook post, I had kids that were in this class that have contact me, so I cried that night, Cowan said. I cried yesterday and today I was like well, some positives have already came from that because I reconnected with them and we talked about our class and it just did it meant a lot so hes already brought that to me.

Not only did Cowan know Phipps, but she knew his mother too. They worked at the same school.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

His personality was a testament to what kind of parents he had and what kind of raising they brought him up in, Cowan said. The person that he was was basically who she was her, and her husband and family.

But now, the community is left remembering Phipps and the person he was.

We stand at the wall, and we keep pushing, and know that in his likens, thats what he would want us to do, Deputy Sheriff Jackie Grider said. And he would have, he wanted us to keep pushing and taking care and serving the people like we always do.

Theres nothing I can say or do to help his parents and family and friends and his community, Cowan said. But we can think about him and smile because thats what Ive been doing today, trying to just think of the times we had.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Senate lawmakers approved a $3 billion budget stopgap for the Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday, preventing a threatened delay in the delivery of some veterans benefits checks next month.

The move came just two days after House lawmakers advanced the same appropriations measure, which also mandates a report from department officials on the reasons behind the departments budget shortfall within a month. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by President Joe Biden before the end of Friday.

Sept. 20 was the deadline given by VA leaders earlier this month for when they needed money approved by Congress to avoid benefits delays starting in October. On Wednesday, Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs told members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that education support and monthly disability payouts could be delayed days or weeks without the emergency funds.

The majority of the funds that we provide are delivered through direct deposit  and were working closely with the Treasury to find ways to compress that timeline, he said.

Congress moves to fix VA budget gap, but time is running out

The biggest risk is the 2% of veterans and survivors without that, 140,000 of the most vulnerable of our customers, many living in rural areas with more health conditions, who would have a delay of up to two weeks [for paper checks].

Jacobs and other VA leaders said the budget shortfall came as a result of record-high benefits approvals and medical services usage by veterans in the last fiscal year, much of it due to the PACT Act. That legislation, passed in August 2022, dramatically expanded eligibility for those services to veterans who suffered toxic exposure injuries while in the service.

Under that legislation, administration officials had up to 10 years to implement all of the new benefits and support. But the White House opted to accelerate that timeline earlier this year, which officials said led to the higher, unexpected budget pressures.

Through the first 10 months of fiscal 2024, VA staff granted disability compensation benefits to more than 1.1 million veterans and survivors, a new record. Nearly 413,000 veterans newly enrolled in VA health care services over the previous 12 months, up 27% from the same time frame a year earlier.

Despite approving the $3 billion lifeline, numerous Republican lawmakers criticized the department for not recognizing the budget issues sooner, leading to a near emergency situation.

House lawmakers included the oversight report language to hold the administration accountable for its budgeting errors, according to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. Bill sponsor Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said the measure demands accountability with real oversight to make sure every dollar is spent right.

Ahead of Thursdays Senate vote, lawmakers blocked proposals from Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, to withhold bonuses for senior VA executives in cases of budgeting issues and from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to rescind $2.9 billion from the Department of Energy to pay for the VA funding patch.

But Democrats in the House and Senate have downplayed the budgeting problem, saying that while the specifics were not known until recently, the extra expense from increased participation of veterans in department services was not a surprise.

This is not the time for partisan politics, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said during Wednesdays hearing. It is time to act to ensure that 7 million veterans and their families who are wondering whether theyll receive their benefit checks in the next 13 days get them.

VA officials have also asked for an additional $15 billion in the fiscal 2025 budget to cover increased benefits and medical care costs. Lawmakers are expected to debate that request after the November elections.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank behind Project 2025, recently endorsed two colleges in southwest Missouri but recommended against one in Springfield.

The new "Choose College with Confidence" guide released in mid-September included reviews of 280 higher education institutions including five  of the more than 60  colleges and universities in Missouri.

The rankings were coded green, yellow and red.

To determine its level of support, the guide used standard metrics such as graduation rate, average administrative cost per student and the percent of students admitted who actually enrolled. It also looked at the number of conservative versus liberal clubs; prevalence of diversity, equity and inclusion administrators and whether the institution had a bias response team, departments of ethnic or gender studies, or required diversity statements in hiring.

Southwest Baptist University, headquartered in Bolivar, and the College of the Ozarks just south of Branson were coded green and designated a "great option" in the guide.

Southwest Baptist University

SBU has a long track record of deep, rigorous curriculum that is taught from an unapologetically Christian worldview, and I am thankful to the Heritage Foundation for highlighting the great work happening on our campuses. said Rick Melson, president of Southwest Baptist University, in a statement to the News-Leader.

We are firmly committed to a free exchange of ideas that prepares students to land great jobs and to become well-rounded leaders in our society.

The University of Missouri, the flagship public institution in the state, was coded yellow and "worth considering."

Springfield's Drury University and Webster University in the St. Louis area were coded red. The guide listed them as "not recommended."

No other Show-Me State campus was reviewed in the guide including Evangel University, Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College. The guide reviewed an average of five colleges in each state but there are nearly 6,000 nationally.

Brad Johnson, president of the College of the Ozarks, said the institution was "deeply honored" to be recommended by the foundation.

"The Heritage Foundations commitment to identifying institutions that uphold academic rigor, integrity, and a strong moral compass aligns perfectly with the mission of College of the Ozarks. Our high academic standards, low student-to-teacher ratio, and academic accolades speak to our pursuit of excellence," said Johnson, in a statement.

"More importantly, we teach from a Christian foundation and worldview, firmly believing that truth exists and should guide both education and life."

Johnson added: "We commend The Heritage Foundation for their work in promoting institutions that uphold these values, and we remain steadfast in preparing the next generation to lead with faith, character, and conviction."

To get reaction to Drury's ranking in the guide, the News-Leader reached out to Kevin Kropf, executive vice president of enrollment management, marketing and communications.

He provided this statement: "Drury values inclusion  the belief that all students should feel welcome and comfortable to pursue their educational goals. This includes groups and individuals in the protected classes of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and other legislation, as well international students, veterans, rural, urban, and second career learners as every student is a vital part of the fabric of our institution. We congratulate all our students for their commitment to excellence and the impact they will make on their communities."

More: In Missouri, school districts still go after licenses of teachers who break contracts

What does the Heritage Foundation want to do with college education?

Project 2025, also referred to as the Presidential Transition Project, is a blueprint of proposed policy changes that was developed by more than 100 conservative groups. The work, led by the Heritage Foundation, includes a framework for transforming K-12 education and college education.

The plan calls for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and moving the Office of Civil Rights to the Department of Justice. Proposals include overhauling the accreditation process, giving parents access to student records, ending loan forgiveness, removing references to sexual orientation and gender identity from policies, and removing efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

In the college guide, which does not directly reference Project 2025, here is how the three categories are described:

Green: Great option  Represents a strong choice for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society. Offers an intellectually rigorous and well-rounded campus environment. Generally remains independent of extensive DEI administrative influence and offer a solid return on investment, evidenced by competitive post-graduation income levels and commendable four-year graduation rates. Typically upholds a conducive atmosphere for free expression, making them well-suited for those seeking academic excellence and ideological balance.

Yellow: Worth considering  These institutions on the whole may not be as strong of a choice for conservative students as "great option" schools, they have robust programs that foster rigorous academic study, the pursuit of truth, and a shared commitment to preparing students for informed citizenship in a free society.

Red: Not recommended  Exhibits a pervasive hostility toward diverse viewpoints and lacks robust core curricular requirements, undermining a well-rounded education. Often heavily influenced by ideologically driven administration agendas and DEI bureaucracies, frequently resulting in limitations on freedom of expression. Typically demonstrates weak returns on investment, evidenced by lower graduation rates and diminished post-graduation income.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Heritage Foundation endorses 2 Missouri colleges, warns against others
The employer of the six workers who were filling potholes when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed filed a claim against the Singaporean companies behind the massive container ship that felled the span.

Brawner Builders Inc., of Hunt Valley, alleges that Grace Ocean Private Ltd., owner of the 984-foot Dali, and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the vessels manager, negligently allowed an unseaworthy ship to depart March 26 on a doomed voyage.

This tragedy was preventable, attorneys for Brawner wrote. Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE, Ltd.s actions and decision to put an unseaworthy vessel into the water led to the collapse of the Key Bridge and deaths of the Brawner employees, and damaging the property of Brawner.

Brawner filed the claim Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for Maryland, asking a federal judge to reject the Grace Ocean and Synergy Marines request to limit their liability in the bridge collapse to the salvage value of the ship plus the revenue it stood to make from its cargo, which the companies estimated at $43.7 million.

Within a week of the deadly crash, the Singaporean companies sought protection under the federal Limitation of Liability Act of 1851. They also hired a lobbying firm to fight against proposed changes to the 19th-century law in Congress.

The more than 100,000-ton Dali departed the Port of Baltimores Seagirt Marine Terminal in the early morning of March 26, but didnt make it very far before it experienced two complete power outages, or blackouts, rendering the ship adrift within about half a mile of the bridge.

Without steering or propulsion, the Dali momentum sent it into one of the Key Bridges critical support columns, immediately collapsing the 1.2-mile span and sending seven Brawner Builders workers plummeting into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River.

Six men died, while a seventh survived the fall. An inspector with Eborn Enterprises, Inc., according to Brawners complaint, was able to escape to part of the bridge that survived the crash.

It took authorities more than a month to recover the bodies of Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, Jose Minor Lopez, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Alejandro Alex Hernandez Fuentes, Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval and Carlos Hernandez from the mess of steel and concrete tangled at the bottom of the shipping channel.

In addition to losing the invaluable lives of its employees, Brawner lost equipment and vehicles which was being used for the repairs and maintenance being performed on the Key Bridge at the time of its collapse, Brawners attorneys wrote. Brawner is seeking to recover  the financial impacts from the loss of six beloved employees and the injuries to one beloved employee, the loss of multiple vehicles, the loss of various equipment additions to the vehicles, and the loss of other equipment and tools that fell from the Key Bridge due to the collision.

Darrell Wilson, a spokesman for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, said in an email that the companies anticipated claims filed by the families.

The owner and manager will have no further comment on the merits of any claim at this time, but we do look forward to our day in court to set the record straight, Wilson said.

Brawners claim came alongside a bombshell claim filed Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Justice against the Dalis owner and manager.

Taking from its own investigation into what went wrong aboard the Dali, the Justice Department cited longstanding problems with the ships transformer, a critical component of the ships electrical system that converts high-voltage power to lower voltage power.

The Dalis transformer, the departments claim said, had long suffered the effects of heavy vibrations and had been retrofitted with braces, one of which had cracked over time, had been repaired with welds, and had cracked again. The vibration was so constant, the suit alleges, that it caused cargo lashings above the engineering spaces to work loose.

Justice Department attorneys wrote that a metal cargo hook had been wedged between the transformer and a steel beam in a makeshift attempt to limit vibration.

All claims must be filed in the case by Sept. 24.

Previous claims filed against the companies behind the Dali by the likes of the city of Baltimore and businesses impacted by the collapse, which interrupted operations at the bustling port, took from investigative updates released by the National Transportation Safety Board.

NTSB investigators determined that the Dali also experienced blackouts while at its berth in the port about 10 hours before it set sail.

The in-port blackouts, or total power losses, led crew members to switch breakers for the ships electrical power system, according to the NTSBs preliminary report on the Key Bridge collapse. The replacement breakers tripped shortly after it departed, causing the first of two complete power losses as it approached the bridge.

More recently, the federal safety investigators have narrowed their probe to an electrical component about the diameter of a soda can. The NTSB brought in representatives from the ships Korean manufacturer, Hyundai, to analyze the device, identifying a loose cable connection related to the component in the process.

_____

(Baltimore Sun reporter Hayes Gardner contributed to this article.)

_____
(BCN)  A man from Contra Costa County was sentenced by a federal judge to a year and a day in prison for tax evasion, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Rodeo resident Salman Salman, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion on May 8, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Salman admitted to falsely reporting the income he and his wife received from three businesses he owned and operated during the scheme. The businesses were The Plug Tattoo & Piercing, Inc., S&S Real Estate Investment Group, and Synergy Investment Group Ohio Inc.

In his plea agreement, Salman acknowledged that he failed to report more than $3.4 million paid to him by his companies for tax years 2016 to 2019. He claimed false and overstated expenses, all of which furthered his scheme to reduce his tax obligations, prosecutors said.

Man steals $10M from former SF employer; spends some proceeds on pet cloning: DOJ

Salman also confessed to underreporting capital gains and dividends subject to income tax by more than $2.4 million.

Prosecutors said he must serve 36 months of supervised release after his prison term. He is also ordered to pay $438,247 in restitution and a fine of $7,500.

Salman was ordered to surrender and start serving his sentence on Oct. 30.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Ukraine's parliament voted unanimously on Sept. 18 to dismiss the controversial lawmaker Mariana Bezuhla from her position as deputy head of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defense.

The central figure of many controversies, Bezuhla has repeatedly made headlines with her harsh criticism of the former and current military leadership, including ex-Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and his successor, Oleksandr Syrskyi, as well as former Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk.

The parliament's Committee on Rules of Procedure first supported a resolution to dismiss Bezuhla in January, but a decision was needed from each party faction in parliament.

Bezuhla was dismissed as the head of the subcommittee on civilian oversight over the military in July, a decision she claimed was a "reaction to speaking the truth about the problems in the Armed Forces."

She then resigned from President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party.

Bezuhla said that after five years on the National Security Committee, she has decided to transition to a role in the Foreign Affairs Committee to "show the truth to everyone."

She plans to continue to push for oversight on "the national security and defense sector, which is the foundation of working with the military in all successful countries, but which is very weak here."

Read also: They attack with quantity: With Ukrainian soldiers desperately defending Pokrovsk

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diegans driving through Convoy now have a colorful new sign greeting them.

San Diego crews began installation of the neighborhoods 30-foot gateway sign earlier this month, over a year after city leaders unveiled its design during an event in partnership with the Asian Business Association Foundation.

The vertical gateway sign, which features patterns that pay homage to the neighborhoods long history as a hub for Asian American and Pacific Islander-run businesses, is one facet of a multi-year plan to revitalize the Convoy District.

Convoy gateway sign as seen on Sept. 17, 2024. (FOX 5/KUSI)

Other projects in the revitalization plan included the full re-pavement of Convoy Street  the districts primary artery where the new gateway sign is located  and the construction of hundreds of new apartments at the old Dixieline Lumber store.

In a May 2023 press conference on the plan, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria described the new Convoy sign as a marker for the district as a cultural destination, similar to those in other city neighborhoods with those landmarks like North Park, Hillcrest and Little Italy.

San Diego Rodeo to return to Petco Park in 2025

The Convoy District is the direct result of decades of innovative Asian entrepreneurship and resilience that has turned this region into a top tourist destination, Jason Paguio, Asian Business Association president and CEO, said during the unveiling of the signs design in June 2023.

The Convoy Gateway sign will stand as a testament to the remarkable cultural and economic contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and businesses, he continued.

Gateway signs have long been a unique part of San Diegos identity, with more than a dozen erected in neighborhoods throughout the county. The signs have become a way to signify the unique character of a neighborhood while also nodding to the regions history.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The Cook County Board quietly passed a brand new property tax break Thursday that would give the nascent quantum computing development on Chicagos Southeast Side a substantial reduction on its bills for three decades, as many county homeowners are struggling to handle their own quickly increasing tax burdens.

The creation of the new incentive comes on the heels of Illinois landing PsiQuantum, a tech company that promises to invest billions to develop a commercially viable quantum computer at the dormant South Works site, the previous home of U.S. Steel. Chicago firm Related Midwest is the developer heading the project.

It passed the same week the board held a hearing about how to grant relief to county residents with growing property tax bills.

The tax break was not debated or discussed this week at the County Boards Business and Economic Development Committee meeting. It passed quickly and unanimously.

Much the same happened Thursday at the full County Board. This is part of our effort to support the attraction of PsiQuantum, board President Toni Preckwinkle said before the issue passed.

After the meeting, Preckwinkle released a statement applauding the move.

By offering this new targeted incentive that makes investing and operating a business in Cook County more attractive, were signaling to companies at the forefront of innovation that Cook County offers a competitive, supportive hub and ecosystem for investment and growth, Preckwinkle said. The incentive helps lay the foundation for a more prosperous future for our communities on the southeast side of Chicago  and the region as a whole.

Aside from the tax break, the county plans to spend $5 million to help develop the Quantum and Microelectronics Park at the South Works site, Preckwinkle said.

Tax incentives typically reduce assessed values and in turn, property tax bills, for the property owner in exchange for that business bringing vacant lots back on the tax rolls, expanding existing businesses or creating or protecting jobs.

But a property tax bill break for one means more cost for other property owners: When breaks reduce assessments, they spread the overall liability to taxpayers across the county.

Its unclear how much PsiQuantum could save on its property tax bill  it must still apply and be granted the break  but the incentive would cut its assessment by 15 percentage points.

Commercial properties are assessed at a higher rate than homes: Factories, stores and businesses are assessed at 25% of their market value, while homes and apartments are assessed at 10%. When calculating property tax bills, for example, a commercial property worth $1 million is assessed at $250,000. Quantum computing sites that qualify for the break would instead be assessed at 10% of their market value, so a $1 million property would receive a $100,000 assessment. That 10% rate would stay in place for 30 years, but could not be renewed.

The state is already offering the company a bevy of other incentives through the Manufacturing Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act. That includes capital grants, workforce development help, a low interest loan and other incentives worth $200 million. In exchange, the company must invest at least $1.09 billion and create at least 154 full-time jobs.

Gov. JB Pritzker dedicated half a billion dollars in the 2025 budget to develop the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at the former U.S. Steel site, where others could join PsiQuantum. His ultimate goal is to make Illinois a national quantum computing hub.

The new Class 8 MICRO tax incentive will apply to real estate in Cook County used for the manufacturing, research or development of semiconductors, microchips or quantum computers spurred by the MICRO Act.

County commissioners did dedicate much of Wednesdays proceedings to hearing how property owners caught off guard by volatile tax bills might benefit from a so-called circuit breaker. The idea  which has been gathering steam among some city and county elected officials  would offer a credit or rebate to certain low-income homeowners whose bills make up a high percentage of their income. County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas and County Board Commissioner Bridget Gainer have begun lobbying for such a change, with help from the state.

Gainer, who led the committee where both the new tax break and the hearing were held, said that as a former Chicago Park District employee in the 1990s, shed seen several failed attempts to develop the South Works site.

The quantum campus represented a huge leap ahead for business in Chicago and a bright spot for the struggling East Side neighborhood. After years of vacancy, any development at South Works, even with a tax break, would be a net positive for the county, she argued.

Were skipping over manufacturing and distribution and the warehouse and typical solutions, were jumping right to something amazing for us, Gainer said. The East Side, they needed help. This is exactly what tax incentives were created for.
CORTLAND, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Students in Cortland are coming together this month to educate each other about suicide prevention.

You are enough and You are loved are just some of the powerful messages that can now be found outside the front entrance of Cortland Junior Senior High School.

I feel like people just need to hear that they are loved, they are supported, they are cared about, you know, said Liz Scanlon, a sophomore at the school and vice president of the SADD program.

Its all part of the Chalk the Walk & Have the Talk event. Its being held for the second time this year for National Suicide Prevention Month. Its put on by members of SADD, short for Students Against Destructive Decisions.

We kind of want to break down the stigma when it comes to talking about things like suicide. Like I said, its a difficult topic and we just want kids to recognize the warning signs in their classmates, said Melody Scanlon, the nurse at Cortland Jr. High School.

The hallways are also filled with signs and posters, reminding students that help is available and they are not alone.

Its so critical to start the conversation about mental health, decrease stigma, make sure that people are aware that theres hope and help, said Greg Eves, communications manager at the Suicide Prevention Center of New York.

Students are encouraged to participate in the event. From Wednesday, Sept. 18, through Friday, Sept. 20, they can go outside during their free periods or learning blocks with a teacher, grab a piece of chalk, and spread a positive message.

I hope students can kind of just realize that theres other people who are there for them and can listen to them and that so many other people feel the same way they do and they dont have to feel alone, said Gabi Hooko, a junior at the school and the president of the SADD program.

Hoping to make a difference.

If you need help or know someone who does, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Click here to learn more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
Could New Evidence Get the Menendez Brothers Out of Prison?

Ryan Murphys new Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has brought the Menendez trial back into the public eye. In 1989, Lyle and Erik killed their parents, Kitty and Jose, in their Beverly Hills home. Afterward, the boys claimed it was self-defense after having suffered from years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

The crime became a tabloid sensation. There were two trials. The first had a hung jury, and in the second, Erik and Lyle were sentenced to life in prison without parole. At the time, the judge, Stanley Weisberg, barred the defense from including the abuse allegations in their argument. Now that the brothers story has regained traction, one of their defense lawyers, Cliff Gardner, is hoping to appeal their convictions.

Gardner claims theres new evidence supporting the Menendez brothers defense. Their team discovered a letter written by Erik to his cousin Andy in which he opened up about his fathers abuse. The prosecution suggested that the boys lied, and this letter proves otherwise. Its dated December 1988, months before Kitty and Jose died.

CBS News obtained a copy of the note. Here is part of what Erik wrote:

Ive been trying to avoid dad, he said. Its still happening, Andy, but its worse for me nowEvery night, I stay up thinking he might come inIm afraidHes crazy. Hes warned me a hundred times about telling anyone, especially Lyle.

A new witness has also come forward. According to CBS, a man named Roy Rosello said in a sworn affidavit that Jose assaulted him. Rosello claims the incident happened in the eighties when he was a member of Menudo, a Puerto Rican boy band that Jose signed to RCA Records.

With these two revelations, Gardner hopes the Menendez brothers could get out of prison. He told 48 Hours that the court mishandled their case. The boys were abused as children, he said. They were abused their whole lifeand this is a manslaughter case, not a murder case. Its just that simple.

In May 2023, Gardner filed a habeas corpus petition on the brothers behalf. They are still in prison, but that could change if their attorney gets his way. There are no further updates at this time.

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(Bloomberg) -- US lawmakers are signaling to China that the worlds second-largest economy and its companies face a tough slog in America for the foreseeable future, regardless of who controls Washington after the November election.

At a divisive point in the countrys campaign cycle, House members overcame partisan tensions to vote resoundingly last week to blacklist several Chinese biotech firms from lucrative US-funded research. It was a rare moment of accord that roundly neutralized Chinese lobbying efforts.

Bloomberg Intelligence says that the Biosecure Act, affecting five companies to start, has a high likelihood of becoming law as it now moves to the US Senate. BGI Group, BGI spinoffs MGI Tech Co. and MGIs US subsidiary Complete Genomics Inc., WuXi AppTec Co., and WuXi Biologics are the companies that would be impacted.

More bills are likely to follow.

One influential Democratic senator, Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, opened the door to broader legislation setting rules for Chinese technology companies rather what he calls a Whac-a-Mole approach targeting specific firms.

Strategic industries like artificial intelligence and advanced computing may be next, other lawmakers in both parties said. Temu, the online shopping giant, and other Chinese exporters face bipartisan efforts to eliminate a tariff exemption that has helped fuel their US business.

The House has also passed numerous other bills aimed at China, including ones targeting Chinese drones and the countrys dominance of the supply chain for electric vehicles.

The current decade has been marked by the economic race between the worlds two largest economies, with the US recently pulling further ahead than China in terms of nominal gross domestic product. The competition between the two powers is a major component of the economic platforms of both US presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, who waged a tit-for-tat trade war with Beijing.

Youre going to see a lot more legislation like this in the next Congress regardless of who wins the majority, said Representative James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who was key to the Biosecure Acts passage.

Theres a direct and immediate effect on businesses in both the US and China  even if much of that legislation never becomes law, said Lily McElwee, deputy director of the China studies program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

This creates, of course, a pretty uncertain environment for Chinese businesses seeking to sustain or expand partnerships with American firms, McElwee said.

Story continues

TikTok Playbook

The Biosecure vote comes on the heels of another legislative success: Aprils passage of legislation  now being contested in court  forcing Bytedance Ltd. to divest TikTok or face a US ban.

In both cases, Chinese firms and their lobbyists in Washington asserted that their US outposts posed no threat to US citizens or security and were unnecessarily and unfairly targeted. TikTok has more than 150 million users in the US, and Trump has vowed to save the app.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the top Democrat on the Houses China panel, said the firms affected by the Biosecure Act took a page out of the TikTok playbook of influence campaigns  and, like Bytedance, failed to persuade the vast majority of lawmakers.

Krishnamoorthi said companies like Chinas BGI Group  one of the targets in the House-passed bill  also use a complicated ownership structure to protect their US operations while maintaining ties to Beijing.

They operate in one company, it gets sanctioned; they set up another company, it gets sanctioned, Krishnamoorthi said.

China argues its companies are being unfairly targeted, saying the US is using a broad definition of national security to suppress foreign businesses and undermine fair competition..

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China will continue to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its own companies.

Tangled Web

The saga of Complete Genomics, a San Jose-based company, shows just how much  and how quickly  relations with China have shifted.

The Obama administration in 2013 approved BGIs purchase of the maker of high-end DNA sequencing machines. As the US became increasingly concerned about China, BGI spun off MGI Tech, and with it Complete Genomics.

The Department of Defense later put BGI, but not MGI, on its official list of Chinese military companies.

Complete Genomics has insisted its no longer part of BGI, does not collect sensitive genetic data on Americans, and was committed to American innovation. The company dismissed concerns about data collection as a bogus sci-fi narrative.

But while the companies are separate entities, the connections run deep.

BGI Groups co-founder and chairman, geneticist Wang Jian, also serves as chairman of MGI and owns 52% of MGIs stock through affiliated groups, according to a report published by Georgetown Universitys Center for Security and Emerging Technology in May.

Observing the growth of BGI Genomics and MGI Tech is watching Chinas industrial policies unfold in real time, wrote analysts Anna Puglisi and Chryssa Rask. Most of the companies other shareholders, they said, have direct or indirect ties to the Chinese government.

The Houses China panel recently pointed to a new study indicating MGI employees listed BGI as their employer and urged the Pentagon to add MGI to its list of Chinese military companies.

A BGI spokesman said Wang Jians shares in both companies dont indicate they are the same company. The companys spokesman also said BGI is not government controlled and its work is for civilian and scientific use only.

BGI and MGI both contested the studys conclusions via their lawyers. Puglisi, meanwhile, is testifying before the House China Committee Thursday on Beijings efforts to silence critics.

Puglisi in her prepared remarks accused the companies of threatening to bring the weight of our own legal system down on me in what she called lawfare.

The committee chairman, Republican John Moolenaar, said Puglisis story is part of a pattern the committee has seen of Chinese companies exploiting the US legal system with frivolous complaints to intimidate American critics, and said the committee would look for ways to stop it.

Complete Genomics, which has called the House-passed bill unconstitutional, warned that it would create a monopoly for the market leader for DNA sequencing equipment in the US, San Diego-based Illumina Inc. That, the company warned, would lead to higher prices, slow research and put the US at a disadvantage.

Due Process

Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern, who typically is a China hawk and has been sanctioned by the country, pushed to hold off on blacklisting the firms targeted in the House bill until the US government investigates the companies.

The bill, McGovern argued, lacked due process and was more reminiscent of how China acts than the US government. His argument worked with some colleagues, like fellow Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland, but only 81 lawmakers ultimately opposed the measure.

For McGovern, there was a hometown connection. WuXi Biologics, whose products are an important part of the global supply chain for prescription drugs, would be blacklisted just as it expands a factory in McGoverns district that would add an estimated 200 jobs.

McGovern said hed be prepared to shut down companies, even the one in his district, if there was evidence of bad behavior. But first, he wants a probe.

The bills backers, however, said there was already ample evidence. Wuxi Biologics executives, according to the China committee, participated in a 2023 event to build and strengthen the Chinese Communist Partys control over supply chains.

The company, meanwhile, is connected to another on the bills blacklist, WuXi AppTec. Like BGI and MGI, they purport to be separate companies but share a chairman, Li Ge, an American citizen and billionaire founder of Wuxi Apptec.

A Wuxi Apptec spokesperson said Li Ge, its chairman and CEO, is the non-executive chairman of Wuxi Biologics but has no role in its day-to-day workings.

--With assistance from Gerry Smith, Dong Lyu, Mackenzie Hawkins, Michelle Fay Cortez and Michelle Jamrisko.

(Updates with Puglisi, Moolenaar comments after Tangled Web subhed)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
More U.S. cities and states are starting to say "yes, in my backyard" as they struggle to meet the housing needs of growing populations.

The "YIMBY" movement is a political effort to tackle the country's housing shortage by increasing the housing supply with strategies like changing zoning codes and other regulations that limit home density. The United States is millions of homes short of what's needed to meet demand, according to the national nonprofit group "Up for Growth."

Minneapolis resident Bernice Duncan has been searching for a new home with more space for more than five years. The telehealth professional works from home in a cramped two-bedroom apartment she shares with her two adult sons.

"Everybody is not able to move freely, like you would in a in a house or, you know, having your own office space," said Duncan.

During the years she's been looking, property values have soared. With a $1,600 monthly housing budget, she says she's been priced out of the market.

"It's been a struggle," Duncan said. "As the economy continues to grow, your paycheck don't," she added. "You're not going to pay less than $2,000."

A line graph moving up and to the right. It shows the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area as defined by the US Census.

Saying "yes" to more housing

Twin-Cities YIMBY was formed in 2023 to advocate for policies that will generate more affordable housing options for people like Duncan. The group supports the elimination of zoning restrictions to allow for more home density across the Minneapolis area.

"In the past five years, our median housing price has increased by $100,000, which is a huge increase" said Paige Kahle, a realtor who founded Twin Cities YIMBY along with colleagues Nichole Hayden and Meghan Howard.

YIMBYs have been building a coalition of pro-housing advocates across the country to counter those who say "not in my back yard," known as NIMBYs.

"I think it's getting easier. But literally when you go to the local meetings, the city council meetings, planning commission meetings, there's still NIMBYs that are very loud and very organized and often kind of angry because they don't want this kind of housing near them," said Kahle.

But without a plan to bring housing costs down, Kahle says the shortage is hurting home buyers and renters alike.

"They're paying 50% of their income, 60% of their income on housing, which just isn't sustainable," she said. "We need more housing and we need it quickly," said Kahle. "Traditionally, how we've addressed the housing crisis is through subsidies, massive subsidies to bring down the cost of housing for folks. But there just aren't enough subsidies in the world to do that. So, we really need to look at these other mechanisms to increase the density and lower the cost of housing."

Minneapolis 2040: The city's plan

Addressing these concerns is the goal of the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Passed in 2018, the ambitious bipartisan bill implemented historic zoning reforms to increase the number of available housing units including:

The elimination of single-family-only zoning to permit build duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes in all neighborhoods. Height minimums for new residential buildings in high-density zones. The elimination of minimum parking requirements for new housing developments.

The plan has faced opposition from some homeowners who argue that increased density could undermine the character and charm of single-family neighborhoods.

"The 2040 Plan will hurt the uniqueness and architectural heritage of many neighborhoods," said one opponent during a 2018 City Planning Commission meeting.

Implementation of the plan was paused in 2022 after environmental groups filed a lawsuit arguing the plan may have severe unintended consequences to the environment. In May, a state appeals court ruled to lift an injunction on the plan, and just last month the Minnesota State Supreme Court denied a petition for further review of the objections, clearing the way for the plan to continue.

"People want a place that they can live, [where] they can afford to raise their family, that's safe and affordable. So, it's really been part of the ... regional conversation as well as the national conversation," said Alene Tchourumoff of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve.

Over the next decade, the Minneapolis Fed is using multiple data sources to track the economic impact of these changes made as part of the 2040 plan.

"We really wanted to have a deeper understanding of what the effects of the policy change would be, recognizing the fact that these important policy changes in housing often take a long time to actually manifest," said Tchourumoff.

There is some promising early data. According to a report by the Pew Charitable Trust, between 2017 and 2022, nearly 21,000 new units were permitted in Minneapolis  most in buildings with 20 or more units. In that same time, rents in the city rose by just 1%  far less than the rest of Minnesota, which saw a 14% rent increase.

Deregulation across the country

As Minnesota lawmakers consider expanding these rezoning reforms statewide, other states such as California, Oregon, Massachusetts and Montana have already implemented similar YIMBY policies.

The changes in Minneapolis are already making a difference for residents like Rebecca Hemmans, who became a first-time homeowner at 67 after viewing nearly 100 listings.

"I had this dream about living in a single-family home and sitting on my porch with my table of lemonade and glasses for the neighbors to wave at," Hemmans said.

To accommodate her budget, she chose to adjust her dream  instead of a single-family home, she purchased an attached townhome, and she's happy with the compromise.

"I don't have to check with the landlord to say, "Hey, can I do this or do that?" she said. "If I want to paint my walls orange, I can do that."

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Work to tackle the predicted shortfall is already underway [Getty Images]

Brighton & Hove City Council says it faces a potential budget shortfall of more than 105m over the next four years.

Councillors will be presented with a detailed update on its current financial situation at a cabinet meeting on 26 September.

The council says a new report will show increased costs and demand for key services, such as adult social care and homelessness, outweigh forecasted income.

The council's deputy leader, and cabinet member for finance, Jacob Taylor said: This is a challenging time for councils across the UK and it is vital we continue to identify cost pressures, and any resulting financial shortfalls, over the short and medium term."

'Protect key services'

Work to tackle the predicted shortfall, which includes a potential 36m deficit for the 2025-26 financial year, is already underway and the report recommends the cabinet works with senior council officers to take further action with a four-year financial plan.

The councillor said although more than 130m had been saved over a period of about a decade, a lack of funding was also to blame for the potential shortfall.

Mr Taylor explained that the council was "optimistic" about receiving more funding and "more sustainable" medium-term settlements going forward.

"But it would be irresponsible of us not to assess our financial situation on a regular basis and identify ways in which we can reduce some of these ongoing financial pressures and continue to protect key services," he added.

This comes shorty after councillors at Eastbourne Borough Council voted to cut 3m from its 2024-25 budget.

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Authorities in Kentucky called off the manhunt for the suspect they believe was responsible for a mass shooting on a remote stretch of highway after they located a body deep in the woodswith the help of a pair of YouTubers.

On Sept. 7, a gunman opened fire on cars driving down I-75 in Laurel County, Kentucky. The terrifying attack left five people seriously injured, including one person who was shot in the face.

Investigators later identified the suspect as Joseph Couch, 32, after finding his vehicle parked on an access road near the crime scene. An affidavit later obtained by WHAS 11 revealed that Couch purchased an AR-15 style rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition the same day as the attack. He later texted a woman, who tipped off police, Im going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least.

Kentucky Highway Gunman Shoots Fiveand Remains on the Loose

The shooting took place on a stretch of highway in the Kentucky woodlands with few businesses and no residences, Laurel County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Deputy Gilbert Acciardo said. He couldnt have picked an area that is any more remote and difficult for us to try and locate him, Acciardo said.

On Wednesday, investigators announced they finally made a break in the case. Around 3:30 p.m., state troopers found an unidentified body in the Laurel County woodlands

There were articles associated with the body, that at this time we feel is Joseph Couch, Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said at a press conference Wednesday. Were very confident that this brings closure in the search for Joseph Couch.

The body will be sent to a lab in Frankfort for positive identification, Burnett added.

Drivers stop on I-75 after reports of the shooting in Laurel County. Mount Vernon Fire Department/Reuters

But authorities werent the only people in the woods searching for Couch on Wednesday. A couple who run a local museum dedicated to the legendary feud between the Hatfields and McCoys were also searching for the suspect.

There was a coupleFred and Shelia McCoy, that advised the troopers that they were also in the searching for Joseph Couch, Burnett said. Almost immediately after that interaction between the trooper and the McCoys, the troopers and the McCoys stumbled upon an unidentified body.

Fred and Shelia, who also run a YouTube channel dedicated to the Hatfields and McCoys, live-streamed their search for Couch through the wilderness. Fred is also the retired police chief of the small town of Hustonville, Kentucky, he told the New York Times in an interview.

In a 30-minute live video, Fred and Shelia follow the path of vultures and a nauseating smell further into the woods.

It has to be down in the hollow here, Shelia points in the direction her husband is searching. Seconds later, he lets out a yell and proclaims found him! Here he is! Hes deteriorated!

Shelias camera captures a grainy image of the desiccated body, lying in the woods before quickly cutting out.

Burnett praised his law enforcement partners, including the Laurel County Sheriffs Office, the FBI, and the National Guardand also named the pair of live-streamers.

I want to recognize the McCoys, Burnett said. Theyve been very cooperative with our troopers, and provided troopers with relevant information.

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An equal justice statue sits outside the doors of the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

More information emerged Thursday about the confusion that wrecked plans for a trial next week on South Dakotas abortion-rights ballot measure, but no new trial date has been scheduled, while a motions hearing has been scheduled for nearly a month after the election.

A judge signed an order last month saying the trial would take place the week of Sept. 23 in Sioux Falls. On Tuesday of this week, the judge emailed the parties saying the matter still needed to be added to the court calendar. The email surprised lawyers on both sides who had been planning for the Sept. 23 trial.

Karl Thoennes, court administrator for the Second Judicial Circuit, said Thursday that the confusion stemmed from a series of judge reassignments following the scheduling order that was issued on Aug. 9.

The case was originally assigned to Judge John Pekas. After the scheduling order, he became aware of a surgery his wife needed, and he determined he would not be available the week of Sept. 23. Presiding Judge Robin Houwman reassigned the case to Judge Douglas Hoffman, but the plaintiff, Life Defense Fund, exercised its right to request a different judge. The matter was then reassigned back to Pekas.

Thoennes said court staff contacted the parties at that point and advised them that further proceedings should be scheduled on Pekas calendar. But the attorneys proceeded with the assumption that the trial was still scheduled for Sept. 23, while court staff proceeded with an opposite assumption.

Meanwhile, Life Defense Fund filed a motion asking the judge to decide the case in its favor without a trial. A hearing on that motion has now been scheduled for Dec. 2, after the Nov. 5 general election.

The lawsuit from Life Defense Fund challenges the legality of petitions circulated by Dakotans for Health to place the abortion-rights measure on the ballot. The measure is on the ballot no matter what happens in the lawsuit, because the deadline to remove the measure has passed. Life Defense Fund still hopes for a decision invalidating the measure.

Current South Dakota law bans abortions except when necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant female.

The ballot measure, Amendment G, would prohibit regulation of abortion during the first trimester. In the second trimester, regulations would be allowed if they are reasonably related to the pregnant womans physical health. During the third trimester, abortion could be regulated or prohibited, except when necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman, as determined by her physicians medical judgment.

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A Maricopa County Superior Court judge said that a ballot proposition to end partisan primaries in Arizona will have votes cast for it counted after all.

The ruling is the latest development in the ongoing saga around Proposition 140, which would amend the Arizona Constitution to create an open primary system in elections, though it wont be the final word.

Partisan opponents of the ballot measure will appeal the matter to the state Supreme Court, which last month took the unprecedented step of allowing the challenge to Prop. 140s place on the ballot to continue past the deadline for ballots to be printed.

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The proposal, known as the Make Arizona Elections Fair Act, would allow all registered voters to choose from all the candidates in the primary, regardless of their party affiliation, and the top vote-getters would advance to the general election, even if they dont represent different parties.

The proposition has been facing a litany of legal challenges, including one brought by the conservative Arizona Free Enterprise Club, who had contended that 38,000 of the voter signatures backers had gathered to qualify the measure for the ballot were duplicates  enough to put it below the minimum threshold to go to voters in November.

Initially, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Frank Moskowitz declined to consider the evidence of the duplicate signatures, citing a lack of time to evaluate them prior to the ballot-printing deadline. But the day before that deadline, the Arizona Supreme Court ordered him to reopen the case and determine whether there were enough duplicate signatures to disqualify Prop. 140.

The Arizona Supreme Court in that same ruling said that, if the trial court determines that Make Elections Fair did not collect enough signatures, Moskowitz should order elections officials not to count the votes for Prop. 140.

But after the backers of Make Elections Fair asked the high court to reconsider its order, citing 80 years of precedent and the courts own rules that were ignored, the Supreme Court this week walked back that decision.

In his ruling Thursday, Moskowitz agreed with Make Elections Fair, whose attorneys argued that an injunction against counting votes for Prop. 140 would be moot, considering the challenge is going well past the ballot printing deadline of Aug. 23. Previous rulings cited by the proponents showed that, despite there being no statutory requirement to resolve challenges before the deadline, many courts have erred on making sure to promptly decide cases due to that deadline.

Ballots for overseas and military voters will be sent out this weekend. Early ballots will be sent to other voters on Oct. 9.

Moskowitz also said in his ruling that the double counting of invalid signatures, as the challengers sought, would violate the state and U.S. constitutions.

This Court is unable to find any rational or other basis for double counting invalid signatures in this case, Moskowitz wrote. Applying the statutorily mandated double counting of invalid signatures in this case would unreasonably hinder or restrict the Initiative and unreasonably supplant its purpose.

The double-counting, Moskowitz argued, would increase the constitutional threshold of signatures a ballot initiative needs from 15% to 15.2% of voters, which he said is ultimately unconstitutional. Ballot initiatives require 15% of the number of votes cast for governor during the last cycle in order to qualify for the ballot.

Moskowitz also said the court has no authority to issue an injunction that would disallow votes from being counted if the initiative was found to be lacking the required amount of signatures, adding that the law that allowed for the challenge doesnt contemplate such a remedy.

That is not a sufficient basis for this Court to grant such a remedy, especially given the injunction allowable under (the law), the statute upon which Plaintiffs initially brought this action, does not include enjoining the canvassing of votes, Moskowitz wrote. Perhaps the absence of such express authority in statute is because the Legislature never intended for initiative challenges to go past the ballot printing deadline.

Backers of the measure celebrated the ruling and said they are confident Moskowitzs ruling will withstand an appeal to the Supreme Court.

This is an undeniable triumph for Arizona voters, said Sarah Smallhouse, the chair of the Make Elections Fair Committee. Prop 140 is officially on the ballot and every vote will be counted. This ruling solidifies that our democratic process cannot be undermined by frivolous legal tactics.

Chuck Coughlin, the political consultant running the Prop. 140 campaign, said in a press release that the Supreme Court should quickly affirm the trial judges thorough and well-reasoned ruling.

The conservative Arizona Free Enterprise Club contends that the initiative still lacks the required number of signatures and are hopeful that the Arizona Supreme Court will once again shoot down Moskowitzs ruling.

The bottom line is that, after the removal of the duplicate signatures, Prop 140 lacks the required number of valid signatures needed to qualify for the ballot, Arizona Free Enterprise Club President Scott Mussi said in a press release. We are confident that after a careful review of the facts, ruling, and trial court record, the AZ Supreme Court will again overturn this outrageous ruling by Judge Moskowitz and enjoin Prop 140 from being tabulated.

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Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME; Sarah L. VoisinThe Washington Post/Getty Images

In 1964, Courtland Cox was among hundreds of college students who traveled to Mississippi to help register Black people to vote, drawing strong opposition from the state's segregationists. The project, known as Freedom Summer, was a turning point in the civil rights movement.

Sixty years later, Cox, 83, is working with the NAACP to mobilize 300,000 volunteers to help get out the Black vote ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. To explain his lifetime commitment to the issue, Cox cited a quote from civil rights activist Ella Baker: We who believe in freedom cannot rest.

Coxs activism began at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where at 19 he joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Cox says he was inspired by events like the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and the bravery of the Little Rock Nine who desegregated their Arkansas high school in 1957 in the face of threats and physical harassment. He soon found himself participating in local sit-ins and helping organize the 1963 March on Washington. He tackled voter disenfranchisement head on with the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project. They used poll tax, literacy tests and violence to make sure that Black people did not vote, says Cox. It showed the country that Black people really wanted to vote and become part of the electoral process.

Over the decades, Coxs career veered into local and federal government positions focused on working with African American businesses. But hes continued to explore ways to help expand Black voting power and elevate the Black community in Washington, D.C.. His efforts with the NAACP this election cycle continues that work that began all those years ago at Howard.

People need to understand that this is not a straight line, this is a battle, says Cox. This is not about, We did this in 1960 and therefore everything will be alright. No, every day, it's a battle.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (DC News Now)  Police are searching for the suspects involved in a deadly shooting in Capitol Heights that broke out on Saturday, Sept. 14th.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said Anthony Okoye, 41, was shot and killed in the 1200 block of Marblewood Ave. at around 6 a.m.

PGPD offers $25K reward for information on deadly tire shop shooting in Capitol Heights

While police continue searching for the shooter, Okoyes coworkers at Ameritech, a tire service, are mourning his death.

Im sick. Im moving but Im sick, Ameritech supervisor, Cyril Acholonu, said.

Acholonu, who has been with the company for years, said Okoye was a friend to him.

Hes a hard-working man. He likes to work hard, Acholonu said. He speaks my language. [I] took him in like a younger brother.

Greenbelt celebrates 70 year anniversary of Labor Day Festival

Ancholonu said he thinks the company needs to have more security when it comes to robberies and crimes that happen near their Ameritech site.

You got to be careful. your life is more important than the money theyre asking for, he said.

PGPD is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  From Reid Street to South Street, car owners in Charlestons Eastside neighborhood dealt with flat tires this week after they were apparently slashed.

Its just like honestly so disappointing like thats how I started my day, Madi Mabey told News 2 Wednesday.

Charleston Police said at least 13 cars were hit in the overnight slashing spree Monday into Tuesday.

Mabey, a College of Charleston senior, said she was about to head to class Tuesday morning when she discovered her Jeep parked on Nassau Street had two of its tires slashed. She said the tires had three to four slashes, each.

I had posted something about it and one of my friends in my sorority texted me being like, I just got my tires slashed too, and there was like four other people who like I knew personally that got their tires slashed, Mabey explained.

Avery ONeal also attends the College of Charleston and lives in the same house as Mabey. She said her front right tire was slashed in the incident but has since been fixed. According to ONeal, the damaged tire was not the first issue shes had while living in the neighborhood.

Ive personally had one of my windows broken in. A rock was thrown through it. Ive also had my car mirror smashed in and then now Ive had my tire slashed, the college junior shared. So, its frustrating and I mean Ive only lived here for a little over a year.

Police said Elizabeth, Morris, and Mary Streets were also impacted by the unknown slasher. Mabey, forced to pay for new tires, said she hopes police find who is responsible.

And its just really like discouraging that someone decided that this is how they were going to spend like their early morning or night, just going around and just committing vandalism. Its just completely disrespectful and really sad for the City of Charleston, Mabey said.

Theres still no word on any suspects.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  All eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway have reopened after a crash, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Details about the crash werent immediately available, but traffic cameras in the area showed cars were a standstill.

A Clearwater spokesperson told News Channel 8 that a 20-foot trailer being towed by a vehicle detached and overturned. No injuries were reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Iowa's licensing boards are overseen by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing. (Photo by Getty Images)

State licensing officials have yet to file disciplinary charges against a chiropractor who allegedly admitted fabricating patient records as part of an insurance-fraud scheme.

Theodore Liautaud, a Marion County chiropractor who owns and currently practices at The Chiropractic Hut in Pleasantville, was criminally charged in April with felony insurance fraud, tampering with records and third-degree theft.

According to police, between January 2020 and January 2024, Liautaud collected insurance-provider information and personal information from at least six patients in order to submit fraudulent insurance claims.

A police report states that during an interview with law enforcement officials, Liautaud admitted to using the information from approximately 20 patients to create fraudulent medical records, but, according to police, he did not identify all of those patients for authorities.

Police allege the fraudulent medical records were then used by Liautaud to file with insurance companies fraudulent claims for payment.

Liautaud has pleaded not guilty in the case. After four continuances in the case, a pretrial conference originally planned for June 13 was recently rescheduled for Oct. 3.

State records indicate Liautauds license with the Iowa Board of Chiropractic remains in good standing with no record of any disciplinary action. Liautaud declined to comment on the case when contacted Thursday at The Chiropractic Hut.
Coca-Cola Philippines Policy on Plastic Sachets and Straws

In late September 2021, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI)the local bottling unit of The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) in the Philippinespledged to stop production of plastic sachets at its plant located in the Cavite province in the Philippines from 2022.

The beverage maker also committed to replace plastic straws with paper straws for its Nutriboost dairy line and Minute Maid juice range from 2022. These landmark moves have significant implications for the Philippines, which is battling the scourge of marine pollution.

With this decision, CCBPI will wind up its long-standing business of producing plastic sachets for products such as its powdered concentrates brand, Eight OClock. Company officials claimed that the bold decision to phase out non-recyclable plastic sachets and plastic straws from its product portfolio was due to the challenges in recovering such disposed plastic waste.

CCBPIs decision to ban plastic straws is indeed timely, given a mandate in 2021 by the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources to include plastic straws and coffee stirrers in its list of Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products and Packaging (NEAP). However, from an environmental point of view, the move to stop production of sachets is more significant given that sachets are at the heart of the plastic waste problem in the Philippines.

The so-called Sachet Economy of the 1990s led to the proliferation of single-serve sachets of consumer packaged goods (CPG) at pocket-friendly prices targeting low-income consumers. However, the majority of post-consumer-use sachets end up polluting the land and ocean. In its Philippine Brand Audit Results 2020 report, the global environmental coalition, Break Free From Plastic, outlined that 98% of total collected plastic waste in the Philippines was made up of non-recyclable single-use plastics, with sachets accounting for the biggest chunk. Unsurprisingly, 40 civil-society groups, including Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, Oceana Philippines, and Ecowaste Coalition, are lobbying the government to include more single-use plastic items including bags, cutlery, bottles, cups, and sachets in the NEAP list.

CCBPIs actions can inspire other CPG companies to take responsibility for their waste generation. Tangible steps from corporates to safeguard the environment can garner strong goodwill in the Philippines, given that 38% of Filipinos affirmed their complete loyalty to brands that support "green" or environmental matters in GlobalDatas Q3 2021 consumer survey. However, companies need to be careful not to engage in greenwashing by misleading the public with false or confusing eco-friendly claims, particularly in the online era where news spreads fast across the world over social media and other digital media.

Story continues

"Coca-Cola Philippines takes landmark step of phasing out plastic sachets and straws" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.







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MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Crowds of protesters mobbed a subway station in Manhattan Wednesday night in response to a police-involved shooting at a Brooklyn subway station on Sunday.

Demonstrators jumped the turnstiles at the West 4th Street station and chanted obscenities at responding NYPD officers, video shows.

More Local News

The chaos broke out onto the streets, as officers were seen detaining individuals involved.

The shooting on Sunday happened when police officers pursued a man accused of fare evasion, according to the NYPD.

Officers followed the suspect, Derell Mickles, 37, throughout the Sutter Avenue subway station after he allegedly didnt pay the $2.90 fare, according to the NYPD. He is accused of charging at the officers with a knife, which is when they fired their guns, police said.

Mickles, two bystanders, and an NYPD officer were injured in the shooting, according to police. A 49-year-old bystander was shot in the head and suffered brain damage, sources said.

The bystander, identified by his family as Gregory Delpeche, was heading to work when shots rang out. Delpeche had surgery to reduce swelling in his brain.

Another bystander, a 26-year-old woman, was grazed in the leg, according to sources.

Protesters also gathered on Tuesday to call for free public transportation. They argue there wouldnt be a need for enforcement activity underground if there was no cost to ride the subway. The NYPDs presence in the subway system increased following a string of crimes earlier this year.

Interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon and top brass from the NYPD addressed the Brooklyn subway shooting on Wednesday.

I want to state that some of the narratives discussed by people, that we shot someone over $2.90  which is wrong and frankly irresponsible, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said.

Officials noted the police body camera footage from the incident will be released in the coming days.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said police recently executed search warrants at two homes and three minors were contacted related to recent smash-and-grab burglaries of vape shops and gun stores.

According to CSPD, on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at around 1 p.m. investigators from the Metro Burglary Unit and the Motor Vehicle Theft Unit executed search warrants at two homes in the blocks of 4000 Morley Road and 1000 Mt. Werner Circle.

Police said the search warrants are related to a spate of recent smash-and-grab burglaries of vape shops and gun stores. One firearm and other evidence related to several burglaries were recovered.

Three minors were contacted during the searches, two of the minors were released to guardians and one was held in custody for unrelated warrants. Police said the investigation into the burglaries is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)International cybercriminals have reached a new low, preying on grieving families and loved ones during their most vulnerable times.

When a family is grieving, the last thing they are concerned about is a scam. Still, Check Point Software Global Chief Information Security Officer Pete Nicoletti said online criminals exploit grief and loss with a new scam.

When, you know, a family is in the middle of bereavement, you know, theyre getting emails from Facebook saying, hey, were the funeral home thats going to offer up streaming services of the funeral and everything looks legitimate, Nicoletti said. Its got the  you know, the person that just died, you know, its got to typically the right name of the funeral home. But everything from there out is fake.

Typically, scammers ask for a credit card number to provide a link to the funeral service stream, which they never provide because the website is fake. But Nicoletti said that is only one part of the rouse.

And number two, a lot of these, you know, in fact, thousands of examples I found during my research where they actually install password-stealing applications on your computer. So its a double its a double gut punch. You know, youre paying for something. Youre not getting youre getting password stealing malware on your P.C. and youre in the middle of a of a family disaster and problems.

Bossier Sheriffs Office warns of Bitcoin extortion scam

These internet bandits scan social media to learn about the deceased, steal photos, and gleam other pertinent points of information that can be weaponized against unsuspecting friends and family.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity and availability of funerals via the Internet increased. Since then, many funeral homes have offered live-streaming as part of the service to allow family members far away to be part of the service.

Nicoletti said these criminals use AI to aid in creating fake websites using a technique known as typosquatting. This is the practice of making intentional spelling errors in a well-known URL that most internet users would miss.

You know, in the case of these typosquatting examples, were seeing similar names to the the funeral home. That should be the official funeral home. But the typosquatters might throw a hyphen in there or they might throw, like I said, you know, characters that are  that you cant tell the difference, Nicoletti said.

He said they will also deploy the commonly used tiny URL, a program that shortens a URL using a combination of letters and numbers.

Nicoletti said typosquatting is a pain in the neck and wallet of consumers and corporations, who are constantly in the crosshairs of scammers looking to skim as much of their money as they can. The cybersecurity expert suggests discussing these financial schemes in everyday conversation with friends and family, especially elders or those who are not very tech-savvy.

What US cyber-savvy folks need to do is you need to make this a dinner conversation with people that just dont quite have those developed spider senses, you know? It used to be that everything in the on the Internet was true, right? Well, were finding out that thats not really the case. And the criminals are targeting older people because they know theyre not as savvy.

Tips to avoid cyberscams

Ensure information about the funeral comes from a trusted and known family member.

If you are asked for a credit card number  do not provide it.

Check your Facebook page settings to make sure that you control who can post on your page and tag you.

Use two-step or multifactor authentication on social media, banking, and email to minimize the potential for hacks.

Use a password manager.

Zonealarm is a free tool created by Checkpoint to prevent you from entering malicious websites.

Nicoletti said Checkpoint had discovered more than 6,000 funeral home domain names, all registered to a criminal gang waiting to trap unsuspecting victims in their fake funeral streams.

He also said the public should be aware of deep fakes that demand ransom for kidnappings that never happened. Nicoletti called cybercrime the third largest global economy after China and the United States.

If you think you or someone you know is the victim of a romance scam, FaceCheck provides reverse image searching to determine if you are talking to who you think you are talking to.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  District Attorney Bill Hicks addressed the growing presence of the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, also known as TDA, during a press conference held on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Hicks statement follows Governor Greg Abbotts declaration of the gang as a foreign terrorist organization, directing the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to increase efforts against TDA operations in the state.

Hicks expressed concern that the transnational criminal organization is using El Paso as a stepping stone to spread across the United States.

El Paso is not ground zero for TDA activity. We have what we believe to be TDA activity in El Paso, but so does Dallas. So does Houston. So does Colorado. So other communities are experiencing TDA activity, Hicks said.

The district attorney emphasized that Tren de Aragua differs from other transnational criminal organizations, making them a unique challenge for law enforcement.

We do not have a criminal gang database to identify who is and who is not a TDA gang member. As the governor mentioned, the Texas Department of Public Safety is going to initiate a from-scratch gang database, Hicks said.

Ammon Blair, a former Border Patrol agent, highlighted the difficulties in tracking TDA members due to a lack of criminal records from Venezuela and strained U.S.-Venezuela relations, which hinder information sharing.

Tren de Aragua built their entire criminal enterprise off the backs of eight million Venezuelans. So, if we just look at how they operate and then follow that pattern, we know that theyre inside of Venezuelan communities, that theyre kidnapping, that theyre extorting, that theyre governing and controlling them, Blair said.

Given the gangs rapid spread across South America, Hicks said the federal government is working closely with other countries to gather information for the new database.

Texas law enforcement is working with federal law enforcement. Federal law enforcement is working with Mexican law enforcement officials. Theyre also working with Colombian law enforcement officials, Peruvian law enforcement officials. International law enforcement officials are cooperating, trying to address TDA activity, Hicks said.

The El Paso County Sheriffs Office said they cannot confirm any gang membership in the arrests they have made so far.

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Dad Calls His Son, 12, a 'Hero' After Boy Saves Him from Bear Attack: 'He Really Held It Together'

Ryan Beierman said that his son, Owen, killed the bear with a rifle during a hunting trip

A hunter called his son a hero after the boy saved his life during a black bear attack in Wisconsin.

The incident occurred in Burnett County during a hunting trip on Sept. 6, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed to CBS affiliate WCCO and Minnesota Star Tribune.

Ryan Beierman, 43, of River Falls, told the Star Tribune that he and his son, Owen, 12, went hunting near Siren. They were in a tree stand above a bait station when Owen spotted a black bear.

As the bear started to approach, Owen fired on it with his rifle, injuring but not killing the animal, which then ran away. About 20 minutes later, father and son began a search for the wounded bear.

Not seeing a trail of blood near the bait station, the two employed a neighbors tracking dog to help in the search, Beierman recalled, per the Star Tribune.

Related: 35-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured After Surprise Grizzly Bear Attack in Grand Teton National Park

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We were sort of hung up in a thicket when we heard the dog yelp and sprint past us in retreat, the father recounted. Just then, I stepped into a semi-clearing. I said, There he is, Owen. '

Beierman added that he was reaching for his sidearm to issue a warning shot to scare the bear, which was about five to six feet away from them. However, the bear charged at the father, who fired his gun eight times but missed. Suddenly, he found himself lying on his back and fighting the bear.

He was in a stance like a cat about to pounce, Beierman told the Star Tribune. The next thing I know he was on me. He charged and knocked me down.

Related: 32-Year-Old Man Survives After Being Attacked by Bear, Then Shot by Hunter Who Tried to Stop Attack

I looked down and I see teeth and claws coming at my face, Beierman later told NBC affiliate KARE.

According to WCCO, the father attempted to pistol-whip the animal, which reportedly weighed about 200 pounds. Then, as he later recalled to the Star Tribune, Beierman saw a flash from the muzzle of Owens rifle.

I was flat on my back and could feel the bullet going through the bear, the father said, per the newspaper. Owen was a hero. He shot that bear and killed it on top of me.

I didnt think twice. I just shot it, Owen said, per KARE, while his father added, He performed under pressure that a lot of people wouldnt perform.

Beierman praised his son for his heroic efforts. I was proud of Owen, he said, per the Star Tribune. He really held it together. But after it was all over, you could tell he was pretty shaken.

Related: Tourist Mauled After Rolling Down Window to Take Selfie with Bear

Beierman was transported to the hospital following the attack. He suffered a sliced left cheek that required 23 stitches, fang marks on his forehead and puncture wounds on his right arm and leg.



The Wisconsin DNR said that Owen had a bear hunting permit, per WCCO. The department also confirmed to the Star Tribune that the hunt was legal.

PEOPLE reached out to Beierman on Wednesday, Sept. 18, for comment.



The DNR told Wisconsin Public Radio in 2022 that bear attacks in Wisconsin were rare. At the time, there were nine reported cases of injuries inflicted on people by bears since 2013.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Dallas officer arrested, charged with sexual assault of a child, police say

A Dallas police officer was arrested by Arlington police this week, accused of sexually assaulting a child, according to a news release.

Officer Brennon Wilkinson was taken into custody Monday, the release says. He faces charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child/sexual, and indecency with a child/exposure.

Wilkinson has been with the Dallas Police Department since 2020 and is assigned to the North Central Patrol Division, according to police.

He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs investigation, police say.
This story was updated to add new information.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia is retiring from the top law enforcement role in that city and will soon land at Austin City Hall as an assistant city manager overseeing public safety, the city of Austin confirmed to the American-Statesman.

Garcia will replace Bruce Mills, who served in that capacity but retired in August. The surprise announcement of Garcia's departure was first reported by the Dallas ABC-TV affiliate WFAA, which cited City Hall sources.

His first day in Austin will be Nov. 4, according to a memo obtained by the Statesman sent by Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to the mayor and City Council on Thursday afternoon.

Austin City Hall

Broadnax said in a statement to the Statesman that he's "excited" to have Garcia join his staff.

"His extensive experience and deep commitment to the communities he serves makes him the ideal leader to join my executive team," Broadnax said. "I am confident that under his leadership, our public safety efforts will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our growing city."

Garcia is following Broadnax, who left as Dallas's top executive earlier this year to assume become Austin's city manager. Garcia had been widely discussed as a possible police chief candidate for Austin this year, but he did not apply for the position.

After reports that officials in Austin and Houston were interested in hiring him as their police chief, the city of Dallas renegotiated his contract with a clause to keep him among the highest-paid police chiefs in Texas through at least mid-2027, The Dallas Morning News reported. His salary in Dallas is $306,440 with a $10,000 retention bonus paid to him every six months.

Garcia will be paid an annual salary of $327,600 in Austin, according to a city of Austin spokesperson. Austin salary data from April obtained by the Statesman through the Texas Public Information Act shows Mills at that time had an annual salary of $298,493. Three other assistant city managers had an annual salary of $298,500, the data shows.

Austin's executive-level assistant city manager positions are responsible for overseeing different city departments and functions. The public safety assistant city manager is tasked with overseeing the Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Downtown Austin Community Court, Forensic Science Department, and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

"In Dallas he introduced a comprehensive Use of Force Dashboard providing transparency and accountability, brought in experts to study use of force, worked with criminologists to develop a Crime Plan and supported the formation of a Community Advisory Board to ensure ongoing dialogue with residents, city leaders, and police associations," Broadnax wrote in the Thursday memo to the City Council.

Garcia's arrival comes shortly after Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis assumed the top cop position in Austin last week.

Born in Puerto Rico, Garcia has worked more than 30 years in law enforcement. Before joining the Dallas Police Department in December 2020, he served for 29 years with the San Jose Police Department, where he became chief in 2016.

In addition to being the police chief in Dallas, hes also the president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Two of Dallas' former top-level city executives also followed Broadnax to Austin early in his tenure. Jon Fortune, the former deputy city manager of Dallas, is now the deputy city manager of Austin, and Genesis D. Gavino, the former chief of staff for the city manager of Dallas, is a special assistant to the city manager.

Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax sent a memo Thursday to the mayor and City Council announcing that Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia will become an Austin assistant city manager overseeing public safety.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia coming to Austin
Dallas Police Department Chief Eddie Garcia announced his resignation Thursday, saying he is retiring from law enforcement, according to officials statements and documents obtained by media sources.

Garcia plans on becoming an assistant city manager for the City of Austin, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported. The police chief was appointed to the position in Central Texas to oversee the citys public safety departments, including police, fire and emergency services, according to a memorandum from Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax, obtained by WFAA.

In a memorandum sent by Garcia to Dallas police command staff and City Council members, the chief said leaving the police department was not an easy choice.

Deciding to step away from this profession has been one of the most challenging decisions of my life, Garcia wrote in the document.

While Garcia did not share his last day as Dallas police chief, Broadnax said his new position will take effect Nov. 4. Garcia said in his resignation notice that he would share more information in the days to come.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert issued a statement in response to Garcias resignation, extending their gratitude for his efforts.

We are immensely grateful to Chief Garcia for his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the safety of our residents. While we are sorry to see him go, we also know that big city police chiefs never stick around forever, the statement reads. We are fortunate to have had a capable, committed, experienced, and innovative police chief these last three and a half years.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

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According to Johnson and Tolbert, the city of Dallas saw a decrease in violent crime during Garcias three year-long tenure as the police chief, leading to his national recognition.

Johnson and Tolbert said they are going to focus on finding a new police chief to achieve the goal of making Dallas a safer city.

Garcias departure from the police department comes after Tolbert worked on a deal for the chief to stay in Dallas until at least mid-2027, promising to keep him among the highest-paid police chiefs in major cities in Texas, according to the Dallas Morning News. He was offered a $306,440.40 base salary and $10,000 retention bonus every six months, the DMN reported.

Although, the addendum of the chiefs offer letter did not show a formal agreement made between Garcia and Tolbert regarding a plan to stay until 2027, according to the DMN.

The only mention of the mid-2027 date in the document said Garcia would receive severance pay if he were fired without cause or ordered by the city manager to resign before then.

While Garcia did not formally accept the offer, he told the DMN in June that he intended on staying in Dallas.

I am excited to welcome Mr. Garcia as our new Assistant City Manager over public safety. His extensive experience and deep commitment to the communities he serves makes him the ideal leader to join my executive team, Broadnax said in the memorandum.

Broadnax was previously the city manager in Dallas and hired Garcia as police chief during his tenure.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The city of Austin has hired Dallas Police Department police chief Eddie Garcia as an assistant city manager overseeing public safety, according to an internal memo sent to the mayor and council members that KXAN obtained.

I am excited to welcome Mr. Garcia as our new Assistant City Manager over public safety, said Austin city manager T.C. Broadnax in a statement. His extensive experience and deep commitment to the communities he serves makes him the ideal leader to join my executive team. I am confident that under his leadership, our public safety efforts will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our growing city.

Broadnax also came from the city of Dallas, where he previously served as city manager.

Memo on Garcias hiring obtained by KXAN.

The position Garcia will fill was previously held by Bruce Mills, who retired last month. Mills was an Austin Police Department assistant chief before that.

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson and Interim Dallas city manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert also released a joint statement that said in-part:

We are immensely grateful to Chief Garcia for his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the safety of our residents. While we are sorry to see him go, we also know that big city police chiefs never stick around forever. We are fortunate to have had a capable, committed, experienced, and innovative police chief these last three and a half years. We wish him the best of luck on his next journey.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, as seen on Jan. 9, 2023. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

The South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, as seen on Jan. 9, 2023. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota Department of Corrections officials say correctional officers confiscated numerous items of contraband since locking down the state penitentiary and maximum security Jameson Annex on Sunday.

When the DOC announced the lockdown of its Sioux Falls prisons late Sunday night, the agency said it would not answer questions on why the lockdown began or how long it might last.

Searches since then turned up handmade weapons, other items that can be fashioned into or used as weapons, and unauthorized electronics equipment, according to a news release issued Thursday.

The lockdown was not prompted by an assault or fight, DOC stated, but was implemented as a proactive security measure.

The lockdown remains in place. The most recent count of inmates listed on the DOC website put the population of those two prisons at around 1,300.

Phone calls are being managed with service sometimes disrupted, according to prison officials. Inmates are getting food and medication in their cells, and have access to medical and mental health appointments or commissary.

The safety of our staff is the number one priority, Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said. The lockdown will continue until the search of the entire complex is complete.

Any suspected criminal activity uncovered during the lockdown will be referred to the state Division of Criminal Investigation, according to the DOC.

A piece of contraband confiscated during a lockdown at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (courtesy SD Department of Corrections)

There were lockdowns earlier this year after two bouts of unrest in March. The incidents had inmates trying to destroy gates and other DOC property, as well as lighting fires in their cells, according to court documents. Shouts of we want phones could be heard from outside the penitentiarys east hall. The incidents resulted in indictments for several inmates and two people outside prison facilities who are accused of collaborating with inmates on illegal activity.

The March incidents followed a decision by the DOC to temporarily shut down tablet-based communications for an ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed, and no explanation has been offered.

Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield also saw unrest in July, with inmates injured in two separate flare-ups of inmate-on-inmate violence the department said injured six people.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect a correction. An earlier version of the story said inmates did not have access to commissary, medical care or mental health care.

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ABUJA (Reuters) - Coca-Cola plans to invest $1 billion in its Nigeria operations over the next five years, the country's presidency said after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and senior executives of the soft drinks maker on Thursday.

Tinubu met John Murphy, president and chief financial officer of CocaCola, Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC - one of Coca-Cola's many bottlers worldwide - and several other company officials as he seeks to attract investment into the economy.

Bogdanovic told Tinubu that Coca-Cola had since 2013 invested $1.5 billion in Nigeria to expand its production capacity, improve its supply chain and on training and development, the Nigerian presidency said in a statement.

"I am very pleased to announce that, with a predictable and enabling environment in place, we plan to invest an additional $1 billion over the next five years," Bogdanovic was quoted as saying.

The investment announcement comes after Tinubu's government saw several multinationals like Procter & Gamble, GSK Plc and Bayer AG leave the country or appoint third parties to distribute their products due to foreign exchange shortages.

Tinubu, in office since May last year, said his government wanted to create an environment open to businesses.

"We are building a financial system where you can invest, re-invest, and repatriate all your dividends. I have a firm belief in that," he said.

Nigeria, with a population of more than 200 million is seen as a potential market for many global brands, but forex woes, red tape and policy inconsistency discourages some investors.

Bottler Coca-Cola HBC in April said its operating profit would rise this year, supported by strong demand for its coffee, energy and sparkling drinks even as prices were hiked to keep up with high costs and currency devaluation in countries like Egypt and Nigeria.

(Reporting by Felix Onuah, writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark arrives at the Munich's residence. Sven Hoppe/dpa

Danish Queen Margrethe II, 84, is in hospital following a fall at her summer residence, a palace spokeswoman told the Ritzau news agency on Thursday.

The queen, who has retained her title despite her abdication earlier this year, fell on Wednesday evening at Fredensborg Castle, north of Copenhagen.

Margrethe is in good condition but will remain at the University Hospital of Copenhagen for observation, the spokeswoman said.

The royal family's website states that Margrethe's scheduled attendance at an event on Friday has been cancelled.

At the beginning of the year, the queen handed over the throne to her eldest son, now King Frederik X, 56, after 52 years on the throne.

She explained her abdication by saying that she was concerned about her health.

In 2023, Margrethe underwent major back surgery. The queen has been using a walking stick at public appearances.
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  A Danville man has been sentenced to several years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing a gun as a felon.

Prosecutors with the Vermilion County States Attorneys Office said Deponshia Davis pleaded guilty last Friday to the Class 2 felony. The charge stemmed from a shooting almost exactly one year prior to the sentencing hearing.

Danville man sentenced to prison after weapons, drugs found in home

Evidence presented in court showed that on Sept. 12, 2023, Davis got into a fight with someone and shot him. Security cameras recorded the fight and the shooting, and the footage was used to identify Davis as the shooter. As a convicted felon, Davis is not allowed to own a gun.

Davis was arrested hours later and was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a weapon by a felon. He pleaded guilty to the latter charge and was sentenced to eight years in prison, with credit given for the year hes already served in custody.

Convicted felons illegally obtaining guns pose a threat to the safety of our community, and my office will continue to work with police to prosecute those found in violation of the law, States Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said in a statement.

After release from prison, Davis will have to spend one year on parole.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
In a world where innovation knows no borders, a new trend is rising in the tech ecosystem: national-interest startups. From aerospace and defense to critical infrastructure, these firms are ensuring that innovation directly supports national growth, security, and prosperity. As we approach an inflection point in Silicon Valleys evolution, the question arises: Can startups rebuild the foundations of an entire nation?

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is excited to bring together three distinguished leaders who are making waves in the national-interest startup space. Together, they will share their insights on how new technologies can scale rapidly while serving the strategic interests of their home countries.

Meet the speakers

Rebecca Gevalt, Managing Partner, Dcode Capital

Rebecca Gevalt is the managing partner at Dcode Capital, a venture fund that invests in high-growth technology companies that are poised to revolutionize the U.S. government. With her deep background in both the private and public sectors  including over a decade at the CIA  Rebecca is uniquely positioned to navigate the intersection of government and cutting-edge technology. Her expertise lies in scaling commercial technologies into the federal market, a mission that began with her role at Dcodes accelerator program and now expands to the broader reach of Dcode Capital.

Topher Haddad, Co-Founder and CEO, Albedo

Topher Haddad, co-founder and CEO of Albedo, is pioneering the commercialization of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) imagery, which will allow for unprecedented levels of resolution previously limited to government and defense. His company's upcoming satellite launch is set to disrupt the commercial Earth observation industry, enabling new applications across sectors like defense, agriculture, and utilities. Haddads background as an engineer at Lockheed Martin and his technical expertise in national security space programs make him a leader in the race to leverage space for national-interest applications.

Kai Kloepfer, Founder and CEO, Biofire

Kai Kloepfer, founder and CEO of Biofire, has brought to market the first biometric "smart gun" in the U.S., a feat that many believed impossible. His firearm, equipped with fingerprint and facial recognition, aims to prevent unauthorized access, significantly enhancing safety for users, law enforcement, and even national defense. Kloepfers journey from high school inventor to CEO of a venture-backed company speaks to his commitment to innovation in a highly regulated, politically sensitive space.

Join the conversation at Disrupt 2024

Join us on the Builders Stage at Disrupt 2024 and learn how these trailblazers are positioning technology at the heart of American dynamism  morphing entire industries in ways that prioritize national security, infrastructure, and economic growth. Their collective work is not just about disruptive technology; its about building the future of a nation.

Secure your spot today to be among 10,000 startup, tech, and VC leaders who'll be at Disrupt 2024, taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30. This is your opportunity to participate in a dynamic discussion panel and experience the startup epicenter of the year. Register for your pass here.
LEMON GROVE, Calif. ( FOX 5/KUSI)  A homicide investigation is underway in Lemon Grove after one person was shot and killed in the middle of a residential neighborhood Wednesday night, authorities said.

According to the San Diego Sheriffs Department, multiple calls came in shortly before 11 p.m. reporting gunfire in the 2200 block of Dain Court at Elkhorn Street.

Family demands justice after man stabbed, shot in East Village

Responding deputies found a 23-year-old Black man in the street with what appeared to be at least one gunshot wound to his torso. Authorities began life-saving measures while waiting for medics to arrive. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lt. Mike Krugh spoke with FOX 5/KUSI around 5 a.m. Thursday morning, explaining where authorities are in the investigation so far.

Right now, we dont have any suspect information. Weve been out here for about three hours, said Lt. Krugh. Were just collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, canvassing the area.

Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances and motivation behind the deadly shooting.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crime or who has any relative information is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Witnesses spoke with FOX 5/KUSI, describing the sounds of gunfire as terrifying. For instance, local resident Karla Reyes said she was recording a voice memo on her cell phone when the shots rang out.

I literally just went down on the floor and ducked. It sounded like it was very close, like it was literally right in front of us, Reyes recounted. So it was very scary. It was a very scary moment. I had to leave the house and go spend the night at my friends house, it was really scary.

Those who lived in the immediate area were escorted from their residences and out of the crime scene throughout the morning Thursday as the investigation continued.

Lt. Krugh said the department believe the shooting is an isolated incident.

We dont feel that theres a threat to the community. But like I like to say: if you see something, say something. Call us, but otherwise we do believe this is some sort of a isolated incident.

FOX 5s Elizabeth Alvarez contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
On her way to sing at a birthday party last month, Croatian pop star Severina Vuckovic was stopped and questioned about her political views by Serbian authorities. Around the same time, Aleksandar Matkovic started receiving death threats on Telegram. The first was in Serbian: We will follow you until you disappear, scum. A subsequent text was written in what Matkovica Serbian academic at the Institute for Economics in Belgrade who studies Marxism and economic historydescribed to me as garbled German. Another showed that the sender was just over a quarter-mile from the home of a friend he was visiting on the Adriatic Coast. Also around the same time, teams of police, armed with search warrants, showed up at the homes of five members of the environmental group Eko Straza (Eco Guard) and confiscated their cell phones and laptops.

What do the pop star, the academic and the environmentalists have in common? Like the tens of thousands of people whove rallied across Serbia in recent weeks, theyve all spoken out against the Anglo Australian mining firm Rio Tintos $2.4 billion plan to mine and process lithium in that countrys verdant Jadar Valley, near the town of Loznica. The company has said that the site could eventually produce 58,000 tons of lithium per dayenough to meet 90 percent of European lithium demand and power some one million electric vehicles. The Serbian government has eagerly backed the project. Its also garnered the enthusiastic support of the European Union and the United States, which on Wednesday signed an agreement with Serbia for strategic cooperation in energy. The EU, especially, hopes it can help diversify a supply chain now heavily concentrated in China and secure the bloc easier access to a mineral thats central to its electric vehiclecentric green industrial policy goals.

Many Serbians, thoughincluding those whod live closest to the projectworry it will devastate the regions agricultural production and poison the drinking water for millions. Critics argue it promises few upsides for either local residents or the majority of Serbians. Demonstrators want the project canceled. It wouldnt be the first time thats happened: After mass protests in 2022 shut down cities and railways, Serbias government revoked its approval of Rio Tintos plan for the Jadar Valley site in advance of federal elections that April, blocking further development. On July 11, 2024, Serbias Constitutional Court ruled that the decision was unconstitutional, laying the groundwork for the government to let Rio Tinto move forward.

Alongside a new wave of protests has come a new, more intensive wave of repression. Once news broke that Severina had been stopped at the bordershe was eventually allowed to passSerbian Interior Secretary Ivica Dacic said that she and other regional celebrities would be removed from lists of people whose public stances the government considers problematic. People whove participated in protests further report being questioned by police over Instagram posts, and might face criminal charges that could mean they spend years in prison. Rio Tinto is now attempting to have peer-reviewed research on the environmental impact of the Jadar project substantially changed or redacted, insistingalongside high-ranking members of Serbias ruling partythat its authors are spreading disinformation.

Bojan Simisic is the founder of Eko Straza, although his home wasnt among those searched by police in August. Members of that group are now waiting to see whether the government will build a case against them for calling for a violent change in the constitutional order, a felony charge. Such serious charges are a new development since the last round of protests, Simisic says. In 2021 there were police at my door. They came just to warn me not to organize or participate in protests, he said. More often, demonstrators were issued tickets fining them around 50 euros for minor infractions. Now theyre getting more aggressive, Simisic added. Its not just about the mine. We have to fight for basic liberties to protest. In response, Simisic helped organize a protest that drew tens of thousands of people to the grounds of state-run media outlet RTS on September 1, opposing the mine, the governments treatment of protesters, and the silence around both from Serbias tightly controlled media environment. Serbian officials did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story.

At the end of last month, a website run by an independent citizens group calling itself Kopacemo (We Will Dig) appeared, claiming to fight misinformation. The page features a registry of so-called ecological terrorists, including Matkovic and Simisic. Profiles of several dozen alleged ecoterrorists feature stylized black and white pictures set against cyberpunk-ish green and black backgrounds. Descriptions list whether theyve been arrested and take personal pot shots. Matkovics listing starts off by saying he has a speech impediment and tics and cant pronounce his Rs and Ls properly. A profile for another anti-mining activist states that he wears a bandanna over his head in a militant style, which is actually to cover the loss of his hair. Vladimir Stimac, a former basketball player featured on the site, has now filed a criminal complaint against its anonymous creators. Though its still unclear who exactly is behind the site, the group did indicate on X that it would give power of attorney to fight Stimacs charge to Vladimir ukanovic, a lawyer and member of the Serbian National Assembly with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucicss ruling Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS.





The powerful governments backing the Jadar Valley project have been relatively quiet about the protests against lithium development in Serbia; the governments crackdown on dissent; and ominous, anonymous threats to mining critics. That may be because of just how anxious they are to unlock sources lithium, a critical component in the batteries that power electric vehicles, cell phones, and other technologies. The Eurozones largest economy, Germany, is facing persistently high levels of unemployment. Its industrial sector has struggled amid low demand and high interest rates.

Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Germany has been forced to grapple with its decades-long reliance on cheap Russian gas not just to heat homes but to make chemicals and cars too. Historically important automakers like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler are laying off thousands of workers as they adjust to sluggish European demand, foreign competition, and electrification. Chinas somewhat chaotic quest to become a world-class E.V. manufacturer has started to bear fruit with juggernauts like BYD, which is now ably competing with U.S. and European E.V.s. Americas protectionist-minded investments in its own E.V. sector, though, have riled Europeans bound by their blocs strict spending and state aid rules, which largely prohibit the sorts of massive subsidies now flowing to U.S. automakers from the Inflation Reduction Act. To spur investment in its own green sector, the European Commission earlier this year passed the Critical Raw Materials Act, meant to build up the blocs supplies of and access to so-called critical minerals.

Not much is known about the strategic cooperation agreement the United States and Serbia signed this week. Per remarks from Jose W. Fernandezunder secretary for economic growth, energy, and the environmentthe agreement is meant to expand opportunities for U.S. companies to invest in Serbias energy sector, including in green energy projects, and will create a level playing field for U.S. companies that want to do business there. This agreement represents a multiyear effort, involving the close attention of specialists from five U.S. agencies, a State Department press release notes. This commitment of resources reflects the U.S. Governments strong support for U.S. investors and clean energy projects, as a means to drive a green transition and sustainable development. Lithium isnt mentioned in the official announcements put out by either country.

The Serbian government, of course, has plenty to gain from Jadars lithium. The project is well aligned with Vucics quest to attract foreign direct investment to Serbia by any means necessary. As Matkovic noted in the op-ed that attracted the threats, foreign investment in Serbias mining sector increased sixfold between 2021 and 2023, jumping from $132 million to $784 million; Serbias gross domestic product, meanwhile, has stagnated.

Not unlike U.S. cities bids to attract an Amazon headquarters, Serbians have found that courting big corporations often comes at a price: tax giveaways, weakened labor and environmental protections, and profits carried off to Frankfurt, New York, and the City of London. I think Serbia has reached a plateau when it comes to the impact of foreign direct investment, Matkovic said. We subsidize the hell out of foreign companies without any budget limitations. The more we subsidize, the less money there is and the more we need to go out and get from foreign investors. Vucics ruling SNS party has courted high rollers from geopolitical rivals in order to fuel that cycle, drawing investments from China, Russia, and the West even as those powers fight among themselves.

Having gotten his start in politics on the far right before serving as Slobodon Milosevics minister of information, Vucic has gradually moderated on certain fronts while consolidating control over Serbian media, state security forces, and his own party. Elections in Serbia are ostensibly competitive, yet the SNS has maintained virtual one-party control over Serbian politics and state institutions for over a decade. Though occasionally critical of Vucics ties to Putinparticularly since Russias invasion of UkraineEU and U.S. leaders have been willing to overlook some of the Vucic governments more authoritarian tendencies as its lithium reserves become a more realistic, attractive prospect. That could open the door to Serbias long-awaited ascension to the EU.

German Chancellor Olaf Sholz visited Serbia less than a week after Rio Tinto got its exploration license back. Alongside Vucic, Sholz oversaw the July 19 finalization of a memorandum of understanding between Serbia and the European Union. European Commission Vice President and Green Deal czar Maros Sefcovic attended the summit, as well. So did representatives from the Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis European carmakers now working on their own agreements for access to Serbias lithium for their E.V.s. The EU-Serbia deal establishes a strategic partnership between the bloc and the Western Balkan Nation to co-develop value chains for raw materials, batteries, and electric vehicles, aimed (per the European Commission) at supporting the development of new local industries and high-quality jobs along the electric vehicle value chain in full respect of high environmental and social standards while addressing the concerns of local communities with full transparency.





Its not clear that the Rio Tinto mine is respecting high environmental and social standards, though. A peer-reviewed study published in July in Scientific Reports, a journal published by Nature, states that proposed lithium mining in the Jadar Valley could present a constant threat of contamination to local waterways and endanger the water supply for about 2.5 million peopleroughly a third of the country. The study was based on an analysis of water, sediment, and soil samples collected from experimental drilling sites, deep mines, and the nearby Jadar and Korenita riversupstream, at, and downstream of the mine site where Rio Tinto has begun conducting exploratory activities.

Researchers found that the water downstream from the site had a mineral fingerprint for arsenic, boron, and lithium that was identical to what they found in deep mine waters, explained Jovan M. Tadic, a co-author on the report and affiliate scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratorys Climate Sciences Department. Upon reaching the site, it was immediately apparent that something was wrong, Tadic said, over email. Plant growth around the drill sites was stunted, and the area was littered with unsightly concrete and steel structures left behind after the drillings.

The resource slated to be mined in the Jadar Valley is a unique mineral compound known as jadarite ore, found not long after Rio Tinto began exploring the area in 2004. Besides lithium, it contains significant amounts of boron and arsenic, which will be, in some form, by-products of this mine. In our study, both were found to be leaking from the experimental drilling, Tadic notes. The process for extracting lithium from jadarite is somewhat novel; a Rio Tinto patent for recovering valuable materials from jadariteincluding lithium and boronwas just approved in August.

A person wearing a "Rio Tinto" helmet and orange vest examines trays of a grey mineral.

In response to the Scientific Reports article, Rio Tintos chief scientist, Nigel Steward, sent a letter to the journals editors asking for the studywhich underwent two rounds of peer reviewto be substantially changed or redacted. Joining Steward were Aleksandar Jovovic, Aleksadar Cvjetic and Nikola Lilic, all faculty at the University of Belgrade. All three were commissioned by Rio Tinto to create draft environmental impact assessments of the Jadar project; those assessments, undertaken voluntarily, are separate from those that the company will be legally required to conduct if the project advances. The company filed a request with Serbian regulators this week to begin establishing the scope and content of that environmental impact assessment. A spokesperson for Rio Tinto, Nikola Velickovic, noted over email that Rio Tinto doesnt have control over the conclusions made by independent experts, and that covering the costs of such studies is standard practice for mining firms. She added that it is not in the professional interest of the independent experts to be influenced in their analysis and conclusions, as that would damage their credibility.

Their complaints focused primarily on three areas: that authors overstated the size of the project area; that they didnt establish baseline findings, from before drilling had started; and that they had ignored the possibility that the contamination observed in their samples could have come from another source. Tadic acknowledged the paper had one minor typo that was completely irrelevant to its conclusions, but sees the call for more substantive changes (or retraction) as baseless. While Rio Tinto defines the parameters of its operations as the mine site itself, Tadic and his colleagues analyzed the much larger entire area that would be seriously affected by the mining operations, regardless of the nature of such operations. We used official numbers from the public and cited documents. They collected samples upstream of mining operations as a means of getting around not having baseline samples from before drilling began. We did not take samples before drilling began, he said, because we did not know where drilling would occur. Scientific Reports did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story. As of publication, no changes to the article have been made.

Asked to respond to the claims in the Scientific Reports study, Chad Blewitt, managing director of the Jadar project, began by calling Ratko Risticone of the co-authorsan aspiring politician. He argued that the article was all a part of the same disinformation the company had been dealing with since 2021, referencing an article lead author Dragana orevic published that year. He directed me to Stewarts letter to Scientific Reports and the draft environmental impact assessments commissioned by Rio Tinto. There is a persistent campaign of disinformation from those two authorsI cant speak to the other authorsagainst the project, Blewitt said.



Ristic, who is from Loznica, where the mine is based, did indeed run as the ultranationalist National Unity coalitions Belgrade mayoral candidate in 2023. Hes also the dean of the University of Belgrades Faculty of Forestry, and has published over 130 research papers dealing with erosion control, land degradation, hydrology, and other water management topics. As the Serbian news outlet N1 pointed out, orevica professor at the University of Belgrades Center of Excellence in Environmental Chemistry and Engineeringhas authored or co-authored more than 130 academic publications listed on the database ResearchGate. Rio Tinto head scientist Nigel Steward has just three.



The University of Belgrades Faculty of Biology has publicly distanced itself from Rio Tintos draft environmental impact assessment. Department faculty were recruited by a consultant to do fieldwork at the Jadar site in 2020, the results of which were eventually integrated into the draft environmental impact assessment Rio Tinto released in June. The biologists found that the Jadar project would have an extremely significant impact on local biodiversity and that the measures the company proposed to mitigate those impacts were insufficient. They disassociated themselves from the resulting report, they wrote, over concerns about inadequate and incorrect presentation of key data, risk factors, proposals for protection measures and conclusions in the published results of their study. Those were reviewed and edited by a Cambridge-based biodiversity consultancy, which the professors say is ultimately responsible for what went into the draft environmental impact assessment. Vucic called their warnings about the project brutal lies. In a statement to the press, Rio Tinto said it welcomed the facultys attempts at clear and precise communication about the Jadar project, though warned their statement could mislead the public.

Blewitt repeatedly referred to a disinformation campaign throughout our conversation. We have never seen a disinformation campaign like this anywhere in the world, he told me, while saying the company has sought common ground via community engagement sessions with local residents during its time in Serbia. Asked where all that disinformation was coming from, Blewitt laughed and said, Youre the reporter, refusing to clarify who or what might be behind such a campaign. He denied that Rio Tinto had any involvement in the threats against Matkovic, Kopacemo, or the Serbian governments treatment of mining critics.







Governmental officials have similarly suggested opposition to the mine is part of a shadowy disinformation campaign. Vucic has frequently implied that outside forces are plotting to overthrow his government. Hes repeated that message in response to this most recent round of protests, accusing mining critics of attempting to carry out a color revolution. Its a reference to the often Western-backed ousters of Eastern Bloc leaders, like the revolution that overthrew the Milosevic government in which Vucic served. Assembly president and former Prime Minister Ana Brnabic has made similar claims, speculating that Rio Tinto detractors are receiving financing on the order of tens of millions of euros to carry out a campaign of disinformation and a campaign of spreading lies and fake news with the aim of destabilizing Serbia. Russia, in turn, which Vucic credited for his coup intel, has praised his government for countering these attempts, in defending those principles that cause irritation in the West.

The U.S. ambassador to Serbia, Christopher Hill, has also recently stated publicly that opposition to lithium mining in Serbia is the result of disinformationfrom Russia. If you look carefully at some of these people out on the streets, Hill said at a conference last week, they were not Western environmentalists. They were Russia supporters. Hill elaborated that demonstrations featured people who were quite comfortable there defending Russias position in the world. And there they were out there protesting a lithium decision. What were they protesting? Are they so worried that Serbia may end up as a leader in electric vehicles? Is that what they were concerned about? Or were they concerned about something deeper? And I think what is going on is, to some extent, there is a counterattack against Serbia moving westward.



A spokesperson for Hills office declined to substantiate those claims on the record or respond to questions about crackdowns on peaceful protesters and the targeting of scientists. The State Departments Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyattwho recently voiced his support for Rio Tintos plans on Xalso declined to answer specific questions about the project, sending a more general statement over email. The citizens of Serbia understandably want to see this project developed in a way that respects the highest environmental, social and governance standards, Pyatt wrote. Ultimately, the sovereign decision regarding the issue of lithium will be made by the Government of Serbia, with intensive dialogue with its citizens, scientists, environment and mining experts. Like Hill, Pyatt suggested Russia has instrumentalized protests to pursue its own agenda in Serbia, as it does around the globe.



Pundits and politicians friendly to the Russian government, including right-wing extremists, have attended protests and otherwise spoken out about their opposition to lithium mining in Serbia. Protest organizers were outraged, however, at the suggestion that tens of thousands of people around the country were being manipulated by shadowy outside forces. Thats just pure propaganda, said Bojana Novakovic, a Serbian Australian actress whos been active in the anti-mining group Mars Sa Drine. We have nothing to do with Russia. The fact that there are individuals at protests who might support Russia is just as irrelevant as the fact that there are people at protests who want to be part of the European Union.



A spokesperson for the European Commission, Johanna Bernsel, declined to respond directly to questions about the contents of the Scientific Reports study, Rio Tintos attempts to have it altered or redacted, and the repression faced by mining critics. We are aware of the scientific discussions about the environmental effects of this project, discussions which include but are not limited to the study you mention, Bernsel wrote in an email. Whoever exploits any mine in the world in response to the global demand for critical raw materials should do it in a framework ensuring that the worlds highest environmental standards are applied.





Whats happening in Serbia isnt an anomaly. The threats facing Serbian activists are in some cases less dire than what their counterparts elsewhere face regularly. A report released last week from the nonprofit Global Witness found that mining was by far the biggest driving force behind killings of environmental defenders. Of the 196 environmental defenders killed worldwide last yearactual numbers are likely far higher25 were killed as a result of fights against mining and extraction projects; 23 of those killings were in Latin America. Neither is it historically uncommon for rich countries to stomach authoritarians and look the other way for the sake of cheaper raw materials. The only novelty now is that theyre doing so in the name of fighting climate change.



Climate policies meant to reduce emissions as quickly as possible, though, would probably focus elsewhere: on expanding and improving less resource-intensive forms of mass transit, for instance, and reducing carbon-intensive sprawl and car dependence simultaneously. Lithium would be important in either case; its not wrong to want to diversify hyperconcentrated supply chains. But the U.S. and EUs intense focus on electric vehicles suggests that theyre likely more interested in protecting their own legacy industries than the planets chances of flying past two, three, or four degrees Celsius of global warming.

As temperatures rise, the climate crisis is inflicting damage farther and farther north. Richer places once thought to be insulated from the extreme weather are now grappling with inescapable wildfires, unbearable heat and uninsurable homes. How countries respond to that crisis will alter landscapes in other ways. If this is normalized in the Balkansan already shaky regionIm not sure what the green transition is going to look like, Matkovic tells me. Serbia is already a source of precarious, outsourced labor for Chinese and European companies. If the Rio Tinto project goes through there, activists fear Serbia will become a de facto resource colony of the EUs wealthiest nations. And Serbia could be a preview, Matkovic worries, of what an uneven, too-slow energy transition has in store for many other less-developed countries peripheral to major powers and their climate plans: a violent and escalating situation in which raw materials and minerals are extracted from the periphery so the middle classes in the U.S. can continue to exist in the twentieth century and have cars as a status symbol.
This week, ProPublica released two studies tracing the deaths of two women to Georgias six-week abortion banthe first to be reported since the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Twenty-eight-year-old Amber Thurman took abortion pills but did not completely expel the fetal tissue from her body. She developed a serious infection and went to the hospital, where physicians would ordinarily have performed a dilation and curettage to remove the remaining tissue. In Thurmans case, however, physicians failed to act for roughly 20 hours. They waited to operate until the situation was dire, and Thurman died.

Candi Miller, a mother of three, suffered from lupus, diabetes, and hypertension, and she was warned that her health was so fragile that she might not survive another pregnancy. When she accidentally became pregnant again, she ordered abortion pills online. Like Thurman, Miller didnt entirely expel the fetal tissue and developed a serious infection. But Miller did not seek out care. Her family reported that she was aware of Georgias criminal abortion law and afraid of what would happen if she sought emergency care. Her husband found her unresponsive in bed, her 3-year-old daughter at her side.

A state medical committee subsequently concluded that Millers and Thurmans deaths had been preventable. And at least in Millers case, the committee drew a causal connection between Millers death and the states abortion ban.

Stories about physicians reluctance to provide emergency care to pregnant patients have become common since the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, both in the media and in court. Perhaps more wrenching still, we have expected to see deaths like Thurmans and Millers, based on what we know about the long history of abortions criminalization.

Abortion opponents have already argued that physicians could have legally intervened to save both Miller and Thurman. They might be right. But history makes clear that criminal laws create harm not only because they are too narrow or confusing or contradictory. Criminalization also causes harm because it generates fear, for physicians and patients, and that fear often has more to do with the fate of patients than with what any law actually says.

Reading the details reported by ProPublica is especially heartbreaking for anyone who has studied the history of abortion in America. For much of the nations past, most historians understand, abortion was permitted until quickening, the point at which a woman could detect fetal movement. The American Medical Association led a crusade to criminalize abortion in the latter half of the 19th century. Most of these criminal laws included an exception for the life of the patient, and state courts often afforded physicians (but not other providers) discretion when they acted in good faith to protect their patients lives and even health. There is considerable evidence that criminal laws didnt stop abortions in the late 19th century; indeed, the number of procedures seems to have increased. The abortion rate rose again during the Great Depression.

Then came a surge in criminal prosecutions in the 1940s and 50s, with prosecutors charging physicians even when nothing adverse happened to their patients. To protect themselves from liability, non-Catholic private hospitals often created so-called therapeutic abortion committees to confirm that a given procedure qualified under the life of the patient exception.

Convincing a hospital committee in the 1960s was complicated and expensive, and often, only white and relatively wealthy women managed to do it. As the historian Leslie Reagan has shown, the public hospitals on which most lower-income patients and people of color relied often didnt perform abortions, partly because of the legal risks of running afoul of state criminal laws. And patients themselves had legitimate fears that the criminal law would affect them tooperhaps because a family member would face prosecution, or because they themselves would be forced to testify or even be charged with a crime.

So even as abortion became safer in the 60s, and as overall rates of maternal morbidity and mortality declined, abortion-related deaths for Black women actually climbed in cities like New York. Women unable to get therapeutic abortions or afraid of criminal repercussions sometimes drank lye or used knitting needles to end their pregnancies. As Elizabeth Stevens wrote in 1966, it seemed to many that criminal laws would be hard to repeal, and some percentage of women who ended their own pregnanciesespecially those like Miller or Thurman, who were not white or wealthywould continue to face the death penalty.

None of this convinced those forming an emerging anti-abortion movement of the value of reform. Activists argued that exceptions for the life of the patient were unnecessary because the spread of antibiotics and the availability of cesarean sections had made pregnancy far less dangerous. Perhaps most often, anti-abortion activists insisted that women were menaced not by criminal laws but by abortion itself, which they described as a source of mental illness and physical peril.

To read Candi Millers or Amber Thurmans story is to realize how little has changed. The threat of criminal consequences still makes physicians reluctant to act. Confusion about the law makes people like Miller reluctant to even seek emergency care because theyre afraid they will face criminal consequences too.

If anything, new laws may have amplified these effects. Before Roe, as the historian Alicia Gutierrez-Romine has shown, penalties for providers were sometimes relatively light, at least for white male doctors, and many physicians faced no prison time. Georgias law, which does not clearly exempt women from criminal punishment, authorizes a penalty of 10 years in prison; Texas, which does exempt patients, imposes a sentence of up to life in prison. As courts interpret the new criminal laws, physicians often have less discretionin states like Texas and Oklahoma, state courts have ruled that a physicians decision must be objectively reasonable, and good faith is not enough.

What hasnt changed is the impact of the losses of Millers and Thurmans lives. Neither is likely to discourage conservative lawmakers from arguing that criminalization is the best way to honor human life. Some anti-abortion activists are stressing doubt about what caused either womans deatharguing, for example, that we cant know why Thurmans doctors waited to act. Least surprising of all, many in the movement argue that Thurman and Miller died because we dont criminalize abortion enough. Their deaths have already become part of a new call for a federal strategy to block access to abortion pills, whether through policy changes at the Food and Drug Administration or through the use of the Comstock Act, a 19th-century obscenity law, in a future Republican administration.

But the history of abortion in the U.S. is also one of resistance to criminal bans. The issue of the states power to criminalize abortion or related reproductive services is on the ballot in 10 states. The scope of the federal governments power to regulate abortionand the prospect of a ban enacted with or without Congressis on the ballot too in this years presidential race. It seems inevitable that there are more stories like Millers and Thurmans that we have yet to hear, but we still have some say in what comes next.
(Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images)

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.

By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock

When Pooja Mehtas younger brother, Raj, died by suicide at 19 in March 2020, she felt blindsided.

Rajs last text message was to his college lab partner about how to divide homework questions.

You dont say youre going to take questions 1 through 15 if youre planning to be dead one hour later, said Mehta, 29, a mental health and suicide prevention advocate in Arlington, Virginia. She had been trained in Mental Health First Aid  a nationwide program that teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness  yet she said her brother showed no signs of trouble.

Mehta said some people blamed her for Rajs death because the two were living together during the covid-19 pandemic while Raj was attending classes online. Others said her training should have helped her recognize he was struggling.

But, Mehta said, we act like we know everything there is to know about suicide prevention. Weve done a really good job at developing solutions for a part of the problem, but we really dont know enough.

Rajs death came in the midst of decades of unsuccessful attempts to tamp down suicide rates nationwide.

During the past two decades federal officials have launched three national suicide prevention strategies, including one announced in April.

The first strategy, announced in 2001, focused on addressing risk factors for suicide and leaned on a few common interventions.

The next strategy called for developing and implementing standardized protocols to identify and treat people at risk for suicide with follow-up care and the support needed to continue treatment.

The latest strategy builds on previous ones and includes a federal action plan calling for implementation of 200 measures over the next three years, including prioritizing populations disproportionately affected by suicide, such as Black youth and Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Despite those evolving strategies, from 2001 through 2021 suicide rates increased most years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Provisional data for 2022, the most recent numbers available, shows deaths by suicide grew an additional 3% over the previous year. CDC officials project the final number of suicides in 2022 will be higher.

In the past two decades, suicide rates in rural states such as Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming have been about double those in urban areas, according to the CDC.

Despite those persistently disappointing numbers, mental health experts contend the national strategies arent the problem. Instead, they argue, the policies  for many reasons simply arent being funded, adopted, and used. That slow uptake was compounded by the covid-19 pandemic, which had a broad, negative impact on mental health.

A chorus of national experts and government officials agree the strategies simply havent been embraced widely, but said even basic tracking of deaths by suicide isnt universal.

Surveillance data is commonly used to drive health care quality improvement and has been helpful in addressing cancer and heart disease. Yet, it hasnt been used in the study of behavioral health issues such as suicide, said Michael Schoenbaum, a senior adviser for mental health services, epidemiology, and economics at the National Institute of Mental Health.

We think about treating behavioral health problems just differently than we think about physical health problems, Schoenbaum said.

Without accurate statistics, researchers cant figure out who dies most often by suicide, what prevention strategies are working, and where prevention money is needed most.

Many states and territories dont allow medical records to be linked to death certificates, Schoenbaum said, but NIMH is collaborating with a handful of other organizations to document this data for the first time in a public report and database due out by the end of the year.

Further hobbling the strategies is the fact that federal and local funding ebbs and flows and some suicide prevention efforts dont work in some states and localities because of the challenging geography, said Jane Pearson, special adviser on suicide research to the NIMH director.

Wyoming, where a few hundred thousand residents are spread across sprawling, rugged landscape, consistently ranks among the states with the highest suicide rates.

State officials have worked for many years to address the states suicide problem, said Kim Deti, a spokesperson for the Wyoming Department of Health.

But deploying services, like mobile crisis units, a core element of the latest national strategy, is difficult in a big, sparsely populated state.

The work is not stopping but some strategies that make sense in some geographic areas of the country may not make sense for a state with our characteristics, she said.

Lack of implementation isnt only a state and local government problem. Despite evidence that screening patients for suicidal thoughts during medical visits helps head off catastrophe, health professionals are not mandated to do so.

Many doctors find suicide screening daunting because they have limited time and insufficient training and because they arent comfortable discussing suicide, said Janet Lee, an adolescent medicine specialist and associate professor of pediatrics at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.

I think it is really scary and kind of astounding to think if something is a matter of life and death how somebody cant ask about it, she said.

The use of other measures has also been inconsistent. Crisis intervention services are core to the national strategies, yet many states havent built standardized systems.

Besides being fragmented, crisis systems, such as mobile crisis units, can vary from state to state and county to county. Some mobile crisis units use telehealth, some operate 24 hours a day and others 9 to 5, and some use local law enforcement for responses instead of mental health workers.

Similarly, the fledgling 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline faces similar, serious problems.

Only 23% of Americans are familiar with 988 and theres a significant knowledge gap about the situations people should call 988 for, according to a recent poll conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Ipsos.

Most states, territories, and tribes have also not yet permanently funded 988, which was launched nationwide in July 2022 and has received about $1.5 billion in federal funding, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Anita Everett, director of the Center for Mental Health Services within SAMHSA, said her agency is running an awareness campaign to promote the system.

Some states, including Colorado, are taking other steps. There, state officials installed financial incentives for implementing suicide prevention efforts, among other patient safety measures, through the states Hospital Quality Incentive Payment Program. The program hands out about $150 million a year to hospitals for good performance. In the last year, 66 hospitals improved their care for patients experiencing suicidality, according to Lena Heilmann, director of the Office of Suicide Prevention at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Experts hope other states will follow Colorados lead.

And despite the slow movement, Mehta sees bright spots in the latest strategy and action plan.

Although it is too late to save Raj, addressing the social drivers of mental health and suicide and investing in spaces for people to go to get help well before a crisis gives me hope, Mehta said.

Cheryl Platzman Weinstocks reporting is supported by a grant from the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation.

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Huntington Beach Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark said in a statement that California's trans student privacy law "puts children at risk" and "is an unconstitutional invasion of the parent/child relationship by the state." (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Huntington Beach is once again battling with California, filing a lawsuit this week that seeks to block a new state law that prohibits school officials from requiring teachers to notify families about students' gender identity.

The lawsuit Tuesday, which names Gov. Gavin Newsom, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, asks that a judge declare Assembly Bill 1955 unconstitutional and prohibit the state from enforcing it.

The law, which was signed by Newsom in July, shields teachers from being forced to tell parents about a student's gender identity or sexual orientation without the child's consent. The law came after a lengthy fight between LGBTQ+ activists and conservative school boards advocating for parental rights.

Read more: Newsom signs bill banning schools from notifying parents about student gender identity

Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark said in a statement that the law "puts children at risk" and "is an unconstitutional invasion of the parent/child relationship by the state." America First Legal Foundation, a conservative nonprofit founded by Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller, is covering at least some legal expenses in the case.

"This is the same egregious piece of legislation that seeks to compel educators to keep secret from parents sensitive, private, and often life-saving information related to their childs gender issues and/or expression," Van Der Mark said.

The law does not bar educators from communicating information about a child's gender identity or sexual orientation to their parents when they believe it is necessary, such as when the disclosure would protect the child's health or safety. The measure also says that it merely clarifies students' existing privacy rights under the law, rather than enacting new ones.

Bonta's office said in a statement that the attorney general was "committed to providing his unwavering support to ensure every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy and inclusivity."

The city's lawsuit argues that a child transitioning or announcing their sexuality is a "personal and private issue, not an educational issue." However, supporters of the law say that it protects children who may not feel safe coming out to their parents.

In July, Chino Valley Unified School District sued the state over the law, saying that it infringes on the rights of parents.

The Huntington Beach City Council's conservative majority on Tuesday also voted to declare the city a "parent's right to know" city in terms of a child's gender identity or expression.

Huntington Beach's ordinance states that no educators in the city  including instructors, counselors or those who work in the city's libraries, parks and recreational facilities or other city staffers who may work with children  will withhold any information related to a child's gender identity, expression or sexual orientation from their parents with or without the child's consent.

Read more: Huntington Beach is sticking it to 'woke' California. Some residents ask at what cost

Councilmember Rhonda Bolton, who voted against the ordinance, said the lawsuit is a "breach of the city's fiduciary duty as stewards of the public's money."

"I'll give a gold star to whoever drafted the ordinance for creativity. This is some of the most tortured legal reasoning I have ever read," she said during a council meeting early this month. "The reason is the city doesn't have any jurisdiction over this matter of education policy and practice."

Huntington Beach has garnered a reputation for battling the state over various policy issues.

The state and the city sued each other in 2022 over requirements that the city zone to create more housing over the next decade. In April, California filed suit against the city again, alleging that its new voter ID law violates state law.

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.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Instagrams new age restrictions have gone into effect, and law enforcement says the features could help prevent internet crimes against children.

The move comes after Meta announced new Instagram teen accounts for those under 18 on Tuesday. With the new restricted teen account, sensitive content such as violence or those promoting an unhealthy body image will be limited.

It definitely will help us, Detective Fernando Rosario from Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force said.

New accounts, made by minors, will automatically be private; those with existing accounts will become private within the next 60 days.

Rosario said these accounts will also limit direct messaging  now, teens can only receive messages from those they follow.

The predators that are seeking teens will not be able to just message anybody, Rosario said.

From 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., all notifications will be silenced, and if someone sends a message during this time, it will automatically send a reply pretty much saying that its on a sleep mode.

Instagram will now notify children after they have been on the app for 60 minutes; however, they have the option to ignore it and keep scrolling.

Kids will have trouble lying about their age as the platform now has features to verify that type of information, such as uploading an ID or using AI.

I think were moving in the right direction, I dont think its going to stop it completely, Rosario said.

Those under 18, who have existing Instagram accounts, will see a transition in the next 60 days. However, 16- and 17-year-olds can turn it off, and those under 16 who have their parents permission can do so also.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | CBS47 and KSEE24.
Paramedics identified at least 10 out of the 140 passengers on board who needed medical attention.

Paramedics identified at least 10 out of the 140 passengers on board who needed medical attention. Photograph: Rick Bowmer/AP

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a Delta Air Lines flight after pressurization issues caused some passengers to say they suffered ruptured eardrums and nosebleeds and forced the plane to turn around.

On Sunday, the flight, a Boeing 737-900, was traveling from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Portland, Oregon, when it was forced to make an emergency landing back in Salt Lake City due to pressurization issues.

Speaking to KSLTV, one passenger, Caryn Allen, said she looked over and noticed her husband was leaning forward in his seat and had both of his hands over his ears. Allen then noticed other passengers in pain too, saying: I looked about a row behind me over on the other side of the aisle and there was a gentleman that clearly had a very bad bloody nose and people were trying to help him.

Related: US opens investigation into Delta after airline cancels thousands of flights

Similarly, another passenger, Jaci Purser, told the TV station that she felt like somebody was stabbing her ear and that she felt her ear pop. I grabbed my ear and I pulled my hand back and there was blood on it, Purser said.

Following the emergency landing, paramedics identified at least 10 out of the 140 passengers on board who needed medical attention and Delta offered to pay for the transportation to the hospital.

In a statement following the incident, Delta said: We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on September 15. The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs, KSLTV reported.

Delta technicians worked the pressurization issue on the aircraft successfully. It was taken out of service on the morning of September 15 and went back into service on September 16, the airline added.

The FAA said it was investigating the incident.
By Gustavo Palencia

TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - The world's top coffee body is set to request that the European Union postpone a requirement that imported beans come from areas not linked with deforestation, the group's head said on Wednesday.

The rule, set to take effect at the end of the year, would ban sales of coffee - as well as cocoa, soy, palm oil, wood, rubber and cattle - if companies are unable to prove the product comes from an area where forests haven't been cut down in recent years.

"We can't meet that date, it is not possible," said Vanusia Nogueira, director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), in an interview.

The ICO, a United Nations-linked intergovernmental group, represents more than 90% of coffee production and more than 60% of consumption worldwide. Top coffee producers such as Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia are member countries.

"It's a very ambitious deadline," Nogueira said. "We believe that by working with (EU leaders), they might be more open to postponing that date."

She did not specify for how long the ICO was looking to postpone the deadline.

Asked about the potential repercussions if coffee producers did not meet the deadline, Nogueira said the EU "will find some solution."

"The European people like coffee very much... they will not be left without coffee," she added.

Nogueira spoke at a coffee summit hosted by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Tegucigalpa.

The nearly three-dozen member nations of the CELAC are expected to close the summit with a declaration requesting the EU to postpone the deforestation requirement date, Honduran Deputy Minister of Coffee Growing Carlos Murillo said.

(Reporting by Gustavo Palencia; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX)  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching an investigation into the Delta Airlines flight that was diverted back to Salt Lake City International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a pressurization issue.

The flight was bound for Portland on Sunday, Sept. 15, when it was forced to divert back just 15 minutes after takeoff. Delta Airlines said the Boeing 737-900 aircraft was unable to pressurize above 10,000 feet.

Oxygen masks did not deploy but some of the 140 passengers on board the plane reported suffering bloody noses, bleeding from the ears, and headaches.

The flight was able to return to the airport safely and without further incident. Paramedics met with the flight after it returned to the Salt Lake International Airport and attended to about 10 passengers.

No one was transported to the hospital. All were moved to a different flight.

Flight delay? Why you probably should still wait near your gate

Delta Airlines released a statement after Sundays incident, saying in part, We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience.

The Boeing 737 aircraft was subsequently taken out of service and mechanics with Delta Airlines inspected the aircraft. The Boeing 737 was returned to service on Monday after technicians resolved the issue.

Delta planes sit at their gates on June 13, 2022, at Salt Lake City International Airport, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

According to the FAA, all pressurization incidents are investigated by the administration and regulations require airlines to file a report when aircraft systems or components require pilots to take emergency actions during flight.

Pilots are reportedly trained to make controlled descents to below 12,000 feet if there is a pressurization issue during flights. This is because flights below that altitude do not require supplemental oxygen.

The Boeing 737-900 is not part of the manufacturers newer MAX fleet, which was the center of an investigation earlier this year when a door plug blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon in January. However, the FAA recommended more thorough inspections of other Boeing aircraft, including the 737-900 model involved in Sundays pressurization incident.

FAA aircraft design regulations reportedly include extensive requirements to maintain cabin pressure and ensure there is a sufficient oxygen supply for both crew and passengers should there be a loss of cabin pressure.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Passengers said a pressurization issue on a Delta Air Lines flight Sunday left them with bloody noses and ears.

A spokesperson for the airline company said that Flight 1203 from Salt Lake City to Portland, Oregon, was unable to pressurize above 10,000 feet.

Crew members followed procedures to return to SLC where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs, the company said in a statement.

We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience, the statement read.

Passenger Jaci Purser told NBC affiliate KSL-TV of Salt Lake City that she felt her ear pop and then bubble because of the pressure in the cabin. She said it felt like someone was stabbing her in the ear.

Read the full story on NBC News.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Delta to pause flights between New York and Tel Aviv

FILE PHOTO: Delta Air Lines planes are seen at John F. Kennedy International Airport on the July 4th weekend in Queens, New York City

(Reuters) - Delta Air Lines said on Thursday it will pause its flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv through Dec. 31, due to escalating security concerns in the Middle East.

The airline said a travel waiver has been issued and urged customers to be prepared for possible adjustments to its Tel Aviv flight schedule, including additional cancellations on a rolling basis.

Concerns over a wider conflict in the Middle East have prompted international airlines to suspend flights to the region and avoid affected air spaces.

(Reporting by Utkarsh Shetti in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Former President Donald Trump appeared on a taped segment of Fox News' "Gutfeld!" Wednesday, complaining once again that the ABC News debate moderators bothered to fact-check him while falsely claiming that the debate audience "went crazy" for his performance. Host Greg Gutfeld chose not to fact-check Trump over the fact that there was no debate audience whatsoever, per the rules set by ABC News and agreed to by both campaigns.

"They didnt correct her once, Trump complained, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris. And they corrected me, everything I said, practically. I think nine times or 11 times. And the audience was absolutely  they went crazy.

MSNBC anchor Chris Hayes argued that the Republican candidate's remark validated concerns about his age and mental capacity.

"Trump talking about 'the audience' at the debate (where there famously was no audience) is more delusional and unsettling than any moment of Joe Biden misspeaking all year and its not close," Hayes wrote on social media.

As for Trump's complaint about fact checking: The discrepancy between him and the vice president corresponds to the number of falsehoods each candidate told. An analysis by CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale found that Trump made "at least 33 false claims," including falsehoods about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets, while Harris made "at least one."

Frankly, I dont have enough time here to run through each specific Trump false claim. I urge people to go to our CNN website or our app to read our teams detailed fact checks on this and a whole bunch more," he said. The one falsehood he highlighted for Harris was her claim that Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression"; the unemployment rate in January 2021, while high by modern standards, was the worst to begin a presidential term in the last 20 years, not since the 1930s.

That has not stopped conservative pundits from characterizing ABC's fact-checking as overzealous and unfair to Trump, who claims he had "great debate" despite viewers and pundits largely agreeing that it was "disastrous."

"You got a lot of people watching, we had 75 million people watching, something like that. You have to do well, you can't do badly," Trump said, adding that he wondered if the Democrats would swap Harris out of the ticket if she performs badly. The latter comment earned Trump some laughter and applause from the now-real audience.

On the day of the taping, Trump was in New York for a rally in which he suggested that he would win the state which he lost by more than 20 points in 2016 and 2020, unless Haitian migrants kill him first.
(Bloomberg) -- Former Republican elected officials including ex-Staten Island Congresswoman Susan Molinari crossed party lines to endorse the Democratic challenger to Representative Nick LaLota in a key US House race on eastern Long Island.

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Their support potentially boosts former CNN political analyst John Avlons appeal to political moderates in his bid to wrest a seat Democrats see as crucial to winning back the House majority.

Avlon depicted Molinaris and former Congressman Adam Kinzingers cross-over endorsements  among a group of others who include former Massachusetts GOP Governor William Weld  as reflective of his aim to rebuild the middle of our politics.

LaLotas campaign didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

LaLota is more conservative than the four other freshmen New York City-region Republicans swept into Congress in the 2022 midterm elections but more moderate than most House Republicans, according to the Lugar Center and Georgetown University. A fifth Republican from a Long Island and Queens area district elected in 2022, George Santos, is no longer in Congress, and that seat is now represented by a Democrat.

LaLota ranked 34th among House Republicans in 2023 on an index of bipartisanship jointly prepared by Lugar and Georgetown.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the New York race as potentially competitive but likely Republican. On Wednesday, the partys presidential nominee, Donald Trump, rallied supporters nearby, at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.

Molinari is politically prominent in the region. Her father, Guy Molinari, also served as a congressman and Staten Island borough president, and she served in Congress from March 1990 to August 1997, including a stint as the House Republican conference vice chairwoman.

In an age of division, John will help us rise past partisanship and will always put Suffolk County first, Molinari said, in a statement provided by the Avlon campaign.

Molinari also is part of a coalition of Republicans supporting Democrat Kamala Harris for President. They backed Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.

Kinzinger has been dogged critic of Trump. Before leaving Congress, he was one of only two Republicans who served on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol.

(Updates with additional detail in fifth paragraph)

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The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday called the Republicans stopgap funding fight fanatic-on-fanatic violence, calling out his colleagues for not being able to agree on what he said were two extreme views.

Theres nothing funny about it, you know, and it is serious business, but it just amuses me that, lets just call them the extremists within the Republican Party, cant even decide on how they want to be extreme together. I thought of it as sort of fanatic-on-fanatic violence last night, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said at The Hills Future of Defense Summit, which was sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

House Republicans on Wednesday evening shot down their own plan to avoid a government shutdown at the end of September, voting 202-220 on a funding package known as a continuing resolution (CR) that would have extended funding at current spending levels for six months, through March 2025. The bill also included the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, legislation pushed by former President Trump that would require people to show proof of citizenship to register to vote.

You had one group of people who were insisting that we had to have this ridiculous antivoting law and a six-month CR, and you had another group of people insisting no we have to dramatically slash the budget. They couldnt even get on the same page, Smith told The Hills editor-in-chief, Bob Cusack.

Fourteen GOP lawmakers voted against the package, including House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.). The outcome was a hit to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who had planned a vote on the same package last week but was forced to pull it off the floor after numerous Republicans voiced their opposition to the legislation.

The party remains divided over how long the short-term funding bill should last and if anything should be attached to it.

Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), who voted for the package, said concerning next steps, he believes theres going to be a convergence of different forces to be. And the question will be, who prevails in that process?

He predicted that the House will likely end up with a CR that doesnt have a whole lot of anomalies, and will only stretch three months to probably somewhere in the December time frame, if I had to guess.

Democrats, meanwhile, want a clean three-month CR with no legislation tagged on. All but three voted no on Johnsons effort; the three yes votes were Reps. Jared Golden (Maine), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.) and Don Davis (N.C.).

At a Wednesday hearing on the National Defense Strategy Commissions report, which calls for major defense hikes and took place ahead of the vote, Smith urged anyone who cares about national security to vote against the CR.

There are now 12 days remaining before a government shutdown.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editors note: This report has been updated to clarify former Sen. Kelly Ayottes support for New Hampshires current abortion law.

Democrats in New Hampshire see their best opportunity in years to flip the governors mansion in what is shaping up to be among the most competitive races for a state executive position this cycle.

Outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu (R) decided against seeking another term this year after holding the position for eight years. He has now thrown his support behind Republican former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is set to take on former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig (D).

Craigs allies acknowledge the obstacles she faces against a well-known figure like Ayotte, whose alignment with the popular Sununu may bolster her. But Democrats in the state are encouraged by signs that Vice President Harris is widening her lead over former President Trump, fueling hopes that she could help pull Craig across the finish line.

Its starting to just feel and look like the stars are aligning here, that first coattails do matter in presidential races, and all indications are that the Trump campaign has pretty much packed its bags here, said New Hampshire-based Democratic strategist Jim Demers, noting the lack of trips from the former president to the state.

New Hampshire has voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in every election since 2004 and mostly had Democratic representatives and senators in Congress for the past 15 years.

But it also elected Sununu as governor by increasingly comfortable margins, and the Republican has enjoyed strong approval ratings throughout his tenure.

The state also elected Ayotte to the Senate in 2010. She developed a reputation as a conservative on certain issues and a moderate on others, before narrowly losing reelection in 2016 by fewer than 1,000 votes.

She has now reemerged in the political arena running in the same state as her last election but in a much different political environment than in 2016.

Democrats have sought to go on offense against Ayotte for her recent embrace of Trump and her stance on abortion, an issue that has made some Republicans vulnerable in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Ayotte withdrew her endorsement of Trump in 2016 following the release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape in which Trump was heard bragging about touching women.

But she now supports his 2024 candidacy, telling a local outlet theres no question hes the right choice.

Ayotte has declared her support for the states current 24-week law that also includes some exceptions past that. But Craig supporters have pointed to her support for federal legislation limiting abortion to 20 weeks, her votes to defund Planned Parenthood and her shepherding of Justice Neil Gorsuch during his confirmation hearings to the Supreme Court.

Gorsuch was ultimately one of the five justices who voted to overturn Roe.

Why is she supporting Trump is also the bigger question. It drives at this fact that can you really trust Kelly Ayotte? Craig campaign manager Craig Brown told The Hill.

Emma OBrien, the states press secretary for the Democratic Governors Association, told The Hill that voters know Ayotte is only out for herself, accusing her of lying about her record on abortion and wholeheartedly embracing Trump.

While Joyce Craig is running to protect abortion rights, bring down costs, and keep Granite Staters safe, Kelly Ayotte has spent the last year reminding New Hampshire voters exactly why she cant be trusted, OBrien said.

Republicans maintain that Ayotte has been consistent in saying she supports the current law in New Hampshire, which most voters also back.

The Ayotte campaign has attacked Craig as being too liberal for New Hampshire, a state that has a reputation for being moderate in an otherwise very blue New England, and for her record as mayor.

Manchester, the states largest city, has dealt with homelessness for years, as polls have shown voters rate the cost of housing as one of the top concerns facing the state.

We saw the homeless camps, we saw the runaway drugs, we saw the instances of violent crime. Thats the sort of lack of leadership or failure of leadership [from Craig], Ayotte told a local radio station last week.

The Hill has reached out to Ayottes campaign for comment.

Joyce Craig failed Manchester and would do the same to the entire Granite State if given the opportunity, Courtney Alexander, communications director for the Republican Governors Association, told The Hill.

Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett, a former Ayotte staffer, said his former boss has an opening.

Its a partnership you develop with the people of New Hampshire. Chris Sununu certainly has it, he said. I think Kelly Ayotte has it. Shes been working the state very hard for over a year.

Ayotte has also run on a tagline of preventing the state from becoming Massachusetts, pointing to it as an example of liberal policies gone wrong.

Bartlett said this argument could resonate with voters who live in the state for a reason.

Were not New Englanders. Were Granite Staters. Theres a significant difference with all of our neighbors. And people will move to New Hampshire because they appreciate that lifestyle, limited government, lower taxes, lower spending, he said.

But he and Demers agreed that independent voters, who are truly in the middle and would vote for members of both parties, will decide what will likely be a tight outcome.

One poll released Tuesday from Saint Anselm College seemed to support that, with Ayotte leading Craig by just 3 points, within the margin of error. Both candidates overwhelmingly had the backing of their parties, while Ayotte led Craig by 3 points among independents, with 9 percent of respondents undecided.

It is true that the governors seat, unlike seats in Congress and so forth, tend to be viewed by New Hampshire voters  as more of bipartisan positions, said Dante Scala, a political science and international affairs professor from the University of New Hampshire. And so there is that potential there to get crossover votes.

Updated at 8:20 a.m. EDT

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
UPDATE (Sept. 20, 2024, 10:15 a.m. Eastern): After CNN published a story on Thursday afternoon about racist and salacious online messages allegedly posted by Republican Lt. Gov Mark Robinson, Robinson declined to drop out of the North Carolina governor's race. Read more about polling in the gubernatorial and presidential races in the Tar Heel State below.

***

The entire nation will vote on the next president of the United States this fall, but the election will likely come down to seven key swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With the outsized importance of these states, it's worth taking a closer look at the data we have in each of them  not just where the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump stands today, but also each candidate's path to victory and what issues could tip the election. First up: the Tar Heel State, North Carolina.

The history

When this election cycle began, pundits generally talked about the election coming down to six core swing states, not seven; North Carolina was a late addition to the party. Take just one look at the state's political history, and you can understand why: Republicans have won the state in 10 of the last 11 presidential elections. Since former President Barack Obama won here in 2008, North Carolina has been a perennial tease to Democrats, who have repeatedly come within a few percentage points of carrying it again but have yet to get over the hump. Even in 2020, when now-President Joe Biden's decisive popular-vote win carried him to victory in most other swing states, North Carolina still voted for Trump by 1 percentage point.

PHOTO: The results of the last six presidential elections in North Carolina compared with the national popular vote. (538 photo illustration)

But as the chart above shows, the fast-growing, racially diverse state is slowly trending in the right direction for Democrats. In the 2000 election, it was 13 points redder than the nation as a whole; in 2008, it was only 7 points redder. And in 2020, it was just 6 points redder. If that trend continues, it could just be a matter of time until Democrats carry the state once again.

The 2024 polls

That time could be now. Polls of the 2024 presidential election in North Carolina could scarcely be any tighter. As of Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. Eastern, the 538 polling average of North Carolina is tied. That makes North Carolina, at the moment, the closest state in the country.

PHOTO: 538's polling average of the 2024 presidential election in North Carolina as of Sept. 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. Eastern. (538 photo illustration)

If the current polls prove accurate, that would also mark a significant shift leftward for the Tar Heel State. Harris currently leads Trump by 2.8 points in 538's national polling average, so North Carolina appears to be only about 3 points redder than the nation as a whole. Of course, it's always possible that the North Carolina polls or the national polls  or both  wind up being off the mark.

The demographics

North Carolina has become a competitive state thanks to two main demographic factors. First, it has a lot of Black voters: Its citizen voting-age population is 21 percent Black, while the nation as a whole is just 12 percent Black. Black voters are strongly Democratic everywhere, but even more so in North Carolina. According to 2020 exit polls, 87 percent of Black voters nationally voted for Biden, but 92 percent of Black voters in North Carolina did.

Here in 2024, polls suggest Black voters in North Carolina remain about 5 points more Democratic-leaning than Black voters nationally. Eighty-three percent of Black voters in North Carolina support Harris, while 78 percent of Black voters nationally do, according to a straight average of crosstabs of Black support in polls conducted since Aug. 19.*

Of course, that's significantly less Black support than Biden received in 2020, at least according to exit polls. It appears that North Carolina hasn't been immune to Democrats' much-discussed losses among Black voters. So why is Harris polling so strongly in North Carolina? The answer appears to be newfound strength in North Carolina's fast-growing suburbs. According to the 2020 exit polls, only 39 percent of suburban voters in North Carolina opted for Biden  significantly lower than the 50 percent who did so nationally. But according to the crosstabs of recent 2024 polls, suburban voters in North Carolina are now supporting Harris at about the same rate (51 percent) as they are nationally (50 percent).

But Republicans still have one trump card in the Tar Heel State: its significant rural population. According to 2020 exit polls, 27 percent of North Carolina voters lived in rural areas, higher than in all six of the other main swing states. And rural areas in North Carolina have gotten significantly redder since Obama's win in 2008 (in the South, these areas tend to be more religious and conservative than in many Northern states). According to the 2020 exit polls, Biden won only 40 percent of the rural vote in North Carolina. And according to crosstabs of recent 2024 polls, Harris hasn't improved on that at all (although, importantly, she also isn't doing much worse, averaging 38 percent support among rural voters in the state).

The issues

Perhaps because of its late entry into the swing-state fray, North Carolina voters aren't quite as sure as others about how to think about this election: In the latest swing-state poll from Redfield & Wilton/The Telegraph, 9 percent of North Carolina voters said they "didn't know" what the most important issue in determining their vote would be. On average, in the other six major swing states they polled, only 3 percent of voters were undecided on their top issue.

Overall, the issues that voters in North Carolina cared about looked a lot like the other swing states: The top three issues in six of the seven states (including North Carolina) were the economy, immigration and abortion, with the economy pretty far ahead. But there were some key differences in North Carolina that may represent warning signs to Democrats in terms of how they should message in the state.

While the Democratic Party has made abortion one of the key planks of its campaign nationwide, the issue appears to be less salient in North Carolina than in other states. In the same Redfield & Wilton/The Telegraph poll, just 11 percent of North Carolinians said abortion was the most important issue in determining their vote, the lowest of any swing state. (In fact, no other state had less than 16 percent say so; three swing states were at 20 percent or higher.)

And North Carolina voters appear to be more conservative on abortion than the rest of the nation: In a recent poll from SurveyUSA/WRAL-TV, a plurality (43 percent) of North Carolina adults supported a six-week abortion ban, which is stricter than the state's current 12-week ban that has been in place for just over a year (39 percent opposed a six-week ban, and the remainder were undecided). This is significantly different from the national picture. While we don't have national polling from SurveyUSA to compare to, other recent national polls suggest that a six-week ban is deeply unpopular with Americans. In an average of national polls conducted in 2024, 29 percent of Americans said they supported a six-week ban, while 63 percent said they opposed it.

Another significant issue facing North Carolina residents is housing. According to the American Community Survey, the median home price in North Carolina grew from $193,200 in the 2017-19 survey to $280,600 in the 2020-22 survey, the seventh-largest increase in the nation in percentage terms. Recent data from other sources suggests home prices in the state have continued to rise since. And North Carolina voters are paying attention: In a Morning Consult/Bloomberg poll conducted in August, 92 percent of North Carolina voters said that housing would be "very" or "somewhat" important when deciding who to vote for in November.

And despite Harris's ambitious plans to lower housing prices nationwide, North Carolina voters remain split on which candidate they trust on the issue. According to the Morning Consult/Bloomberg poll, which was conducted after Harris's plans were unveiled, North Carolina voters trusted Harris to handle the issue of housing over Trump by only 3 points (47 percent to 44 percent).

The governor's race

Finally, the presidential race isn't the only election worth watching in North Carolina. The state will also elect a new governor to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. But this race, by contrast, doesn't look particularly close. According to 538's preliminary polling average of the race,** Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein leads Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson 49 percent to 40 percent.

Why the discrepancy with the presidential polling? Well, first, gubernatorial races  while they have become more nationalized in recent years  aren't as beholden to presidential partisanship as Senate and House races are (this is how you've gotten Republican Gov. Phil Scott in deep-blue Vermont). And even as Democrats haven't won a presidential or Senate election in North Carolina since 2008, they have won seven of the last eight gubernatorial elections.

But the more acute reason is that Republicans nominated a poor candidate in Robinson, who has a history of making right-wing and offensive statements. Among other things, he has called homosexuality "filth;" defended corporal punishment for children; said women shouldn't be leaders; expressed doubt about the Holocaust; made antisemitic comments about the movie "Black Panther;" and said the civil rights movement was bad for Black schools and businesses. And on Thursday, CNN reported that Robinson made racist and salacious comments on a pornography website's message board.

Some Democrats are even hoping that Robinson's unpopularity will rub off on Trump and cause him to lose the state. However, they shouldn't count on it. It's rare that a downballot race has a significant impact on the top of the ticket.

Footnotes

*Based on polls of likely and registered voters only (if a poll included results among both populations, we used likely voters). If a poll included both a head-to-head matchup between Harris and Trump and a version including third parties, we used the head-to-head version. Finally, if a polling organization (defined as a partnership between a pollster and sponsor, or a pollster alone if their work was not sponsored by an outside group) had more than one survey in the relevant time frame, only the most recent version was included. All polls conducted and released between Aug. 19 and 10 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 19 are included.

**We will release an official polling average for this race soon!

How Democrats could finally win North Carolina in 2024 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Democrats lash out at 'misinformed' Teamsters as union makes landmark non-endorsement

Several Democrats responded overnight to news that the Teamsters, under General President Sean OBrien, decided against issuing a presidential endorsement.

"Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before big business," OBrien said in a statement.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. who, like O'Brien, hails from the Boston area, called former President Trump the "most anti-labor president we have ever had."

"Its clear that these workers are misinformed or uninformed about Trumps record on labor," McGovern told the Washington Times. "His allegiance isnt toward working people."

McGovern, the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, said it is obvious that Trump supports "rich people" over the working class.

The Teamsters have not made a non-endorsement since the 1996 contest between former President Clinton and Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan. Their last GOP endorsement went to former President George H.W. Bush over then-Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis in 1988.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile, Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., tweeted that Harris had cast the tie-breaking Senate vote to "protect Teamsters pensions."

TEAMSTERS BOSS HAS NO REGRETS ON TIFF WITH SEN. MULLIN: SOUNDED LIKE HE WANTED TO DATE ME, NOT FIGHT ME

Horsford shared that Nevadas Teamsters councils had bucked the national organization and independently endorsed Harris.

"Shes fighting for us," Horsford said.

Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto, D-Nev., echoed Horsford, saying the Silver States Teamsters "know that Kamala Harris is a fighter for our union workers."

"I learned it from my father who was a Teamster in Las Vegas: when we stand together, we win," Cortez-Masto said.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the former House speaker, meanwhile, called the Teamsters decision "disappointing."

"Donald Trump refused to support a pension bill for Teamsters. It was Biden-Harris and Democrats who saved Teamsters pensions in the Butch Lewis Act of our American Rescue Plan  without one Republican vote," she said on X.

Trump, however, called the non-endorsement of Harris a "great honor" for him.

AUTO WORKERS FOR TRUMP LEADER SAYS THOUSANDS POISED TO BREAK FROM DEMS OVER GREEN POLICIES, JOB-KILLING REGS

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., speaks with President Biden.

"Theyre not going to endorse the Democrats. Thats a big thing," Trump said while campaigning in New York City. The GOP nominee added that the internal Teamsters vote showed about 60% of national membership support his bid.

A leading progressive in Congress, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called the non-endorsement "unfortunate" while adding that the Evergreen States sub-council still supports Harris.

"I think youre going to see more of that across the country," she told the Times.

In a more direct shot at OBrien, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., claimed the national leader has been "boosting Republicans all year while supporting anti-worker, anti-choice Senate candidates."

OBrien has reportedly reached out to some Republican lawmakers, like Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and JD Vance, R-Ohio, per the BBC, but it was the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation union that recently gave Hawley their endorsement.

Two U.S. Senate candidates whom the union did endorse, however, are Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

A spokesman for Harris campaign said in a statement reported by multiple outlets that Trump believes striking workers should be fired, while Harris "literally walked the picket line."

"The Vice Presidents strong union record is why Teamsters locals across the country have already endorsed her  alongside the overwhelming majority of organized labor," Lauren Hitt said.

In that regard, a council representing 35,000 Teamsters in the key swing state of Pennsylvania ignored OBriens non-endorsement and threw their weight behind Harris.

The board of Teamsters Joint Council 40, covering Pittsburgh, Erie, State College and Washington, held a separate vote, where they unanimously selected Harris.

"She is the best for our locals and best for our unions," council president Carl Bailey told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

O'Brien has also not been afraid to tussle with Republicans, as he and Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., nearly came to blows during a 2023 hearing in which Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., had to intervene as Mullin rose from his chair  after the men told each other to "stand your butt up."





Original article source: Democrats lash out at 'misinformed' Teamsters as union makes landmark non-endorsement
House Democrats are seeking outside help in deciphering conservatives plans for launching their Project 2025 agenda under the next Republican president.

Leaders of the Democrats Project 2025 task force  a group formed in June to push back against the expansive right-wing policy document  launched a confidential tip line Thursday designed to glean the details of that nebulous rollout strategy, which the groups behind Project 2025 are pushing to deliver in the first six months of the next conservative administration.

That 180-day transition playbook is the fourth of four pillars making up Project 2025  and the only one that hasnt yet been publicized.

Democrats are voicing concerns that former President Trump, if he wins a second term, will use the playbook to expand his power over virtually all executive agencies  including the Justice Department  to advance his own interests, even if they undermine those of the country.

The American people are deeply and rightfully alarmed about Trumps Project 2025  and weve only seen the tip of the iceberg since its architects refuse to disclose the secret Fourth Pillar of executive orders and emergency actions that would roll out in the first hours of a second Trump presidency, Reps. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), the co-founders of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force, said in a statement.

The MAGA authors of Project 2025 proclaim that it is part of a second American revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it be, the Democrats said.

Yet the American people on the left, right, and center want nothing to do with this revolution. They understand that Trumps Project 2025 is a dangerous scheme to take over the government, pack it with partisan loyalists, and control the lives of everyone who calls America home.

Last month, Democrats on the task force penned a letter to Kevin Roberts, the head of The Heritage Foundation, the powerhouse conservative group that spearheaded Project 2025, requesting he come to Capitol Hill to brief lawmakers on the fourth pillar.

Roberts ignored the entreaty, the Democrats said, leading them to introduce the tip line in hopes that other in-the-know figures will fill in the blanks.

The feckless leader of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, is afraid to respond to our inquiry about the secret Fourth Pillar but he has already said the quiet part out loud by admitting that Heritage is keeping this critical part of Project 2025 secret because it is too controversial for the public to see, Huffman and Pressley said.

The Heritage Foundation did not respond Wednesday to questions related to the fourth pillar.

The launch of the tip line is just the latest in a long series of Democratic efforts to highlight Project 2025 to voters heading into Novembers elections, when the race for the House, Senate and White House are all neck and neck.

Polls have consistently shown that voters, even many Republicans, are wary of some of the policy prescriptions that are central to Project 2025, including proposals to restrict abortion access; eliminate the Department of Education; deny the legitimacy of gay marriage; and end federal efforts to tackle climate change.

A number of the conservative groups that helped design the Project 2025 agenda are led by figures with close ties to Trump, including Russell Vought, who served as Trumps head of the Office of Management and Budget, and Stephen Miller, a former Trump speechwriter and senior adviser.

Trump, for his part, has sought to distance himself from the controversial document. During this months presidential debate, Vice President Harris framed Project 2025 as a dangerous plan that Trump would adopt if he were elected again  a charge Trump quickly refuted.

I have nothing to do with Project 2025, he said.

The issue has emerged as a major theme on the campaign trail, as Democrats seek to tie the agenda to Republicans up and down the ticket. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), who leads the House Democrats campaign arm, said the message is resonating with voters even as Republicans try to distance themselves from Project 2025s more controversial provisions.

Americans are well aware of Project 2025, and they dont like it, DelBene told reporters Wednesday in the Capitol.

Leaders of the Democrats task force are hoping to lend more fuel to that message with their new tip line.

Given the scorched-earth extremism of the published parts of Trumps Project 2025, and the evasiveness Heritage and its coalition have shown in hiding the most controversial elements of their scheme, we call upon the public  anyone who may have seen, authored, or come across any part of the secret Fourth Pillar of Project 2025  to share what information they have through our dedicated tip line, Huffman and Pressley wrote.

The American people deserve to see the secret 180-Day Playbook for a second Trump presidency so that they can understand how it would impact their government and their lives.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Condor Energies Inc.

CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Condor Energies Inc. (Condor or the Company) (TSX: CDR), a Canadian based energy transition company is pleased to announce that it has received its second natural gas allocation (Gas Allocation) from the Kazakhstan State authority responsible for gas distribution. The Gas Allocation will be used as feed gas for the Companys planned second modular Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) low carbon fuel production facility near the Kuryk Port on the Caspian Sea.



The second Gas Allocation will supply the Companys planned Kuryk LNG facility which will produce the energy-equivalent volume of 565,000 liters of diesel fuel per day and is sufficient to power 155 mainline rail locomotives. When combined with the previously disclosed first gas allocation for the Alga LNG facility, the total LNG fuel produced will have an energy-equivalent volume of over one million liters of diesel daily, while also reducing CO 2 emissions that is the equivalent of removing more than 58,000 cars from the road annually.

The second Gas Allocation will be obtained from the countrys existing pipeline near the Kuryk Port, where the Company has already acquired 16 hectares of industrial land for this LNG facility. The Company has also secured a 5 MWh electricity allocation that will provide power from the nearby electrical grid.

As Central Asias hub for transport and logistics, Kazakhstan is rapidly expanding given it has the most direct overland freight transit route linking China and Europe. Kazakhstans transportation sector is expected to drive near term economic growth and the country is investing billions of US dollars to modernize and expand roads, railways, ports, and airports. Condors Kuryk LNG facility will generate domestically produced low carbon fuel for rail locomotives and transport trucks operating between China and the Caspian Sea, and marine vessels used to move freight across the Caspian Sea between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Don Streu, President and CEO of Condor commented: We are very excited and appreciative to receive our second Gas Allocation in Kazakhstan and would like to express our deep gratitude to the various government authorities. This allocation further enhances our first-mover strategy of providing Kazakhstan with a long-term, sustainable domestic supply of LNG to fuel the countrys vast and expanding transportation sector. Condor has actively invested in Kazakhstan for more than 17 years and will utilize its knowledge, experience and implement proven technologies to build-up the countrys LNG customer base while also reducing their emissions, operating costs and transportation times.

The second gas allocation is significant as it enables Condor to generate additional LNG for the national railway as well as Kazakhstans Caspian Sea marine fleet, which is also rapidly expanding to meet the countrys transportation growth. We are very proud to be materially contributing to the success of Kazakhstans infrastructure expansion projects by introducing a low carbon fuel solution.

ABOUT CONDOR ENERGIES INC

Condor Energies Inc is a TSX-listed energy transition company that is uniquely positioned on the doorstep of European and Asian markets with three distinct first-mover initiatives: increasing natural gas and condensate production from its existing fields in Uzbekistan; an ongoing project to construct and operate Central Asias first LNG facility in Kazakhstan; and a separate initiative to develop and produce lithium brine in Kazakhstan. Condor has already built a strong foundation for reserves, production and cashflow growth while also striving to minimize its environmental footprint.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. Such statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used, such as anticipate'', appear, believe'', intend, expect, plan, estimate, budget, outlook, scheduled, may, will, should, could, would, in the process of or other similar wording. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, information concerning: the timing and ability to receive the second Gas Allocation; the timing and ability to construct the Kuryk LNG facilities; the timing and ability to produce the energy-equivalent of 565,000 liters of diesel fuel per day from the second Gas Allocation and the ability of this volume to power 155 mainline rail locomotives; the timing and ability to produce the energy-equivalent of over one million liters of diesel daily when combined with the previously announced first gas allocation; the timing and ability to reduce CO 2 emissions equivalent to removing more than 58,000 cars from the road annually; the timing and ability to receive the electricity allocation; the timing and ability to provide LNG for rail locomotives, transport trucks and marine vessels; the timing and ability to build-up the countrys LNG customer base while also reducing their emissions, operating costs and transportation times; the timing and ability to fund, permit and complete the planned activities; and the timing and ability to contribute to Kazakhstans infrastructure expansion projects.

ABBREVIATIONS

The following is a summary of abbreviations used in this news release:

MWh Mega Watt hour US United States

The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For further information, please contact Don Streu, President and CEO or Sandy Quilty, Vice President of Finance and CFO at 403-201-9694.




Michael M. Bell, seen here in a video he has posted to YouTube about his son's death, said this week his request to examine the bullet that killed his son in a police shooting 20 years ago has been denied by Kenosha's new mayor. (Screen capture | YouTube)

When the city of Kenosha elected a new mayor earlier this year, Michael M. Bell hoped he might get another chance to retrieve the bullet that killed his son 20 years ago.

Bell has sought the bullet to support his argument that there was a major discrepancy in the official account of his sons death at the hands of Kenosha police in 2004.

Mayor David Bogdala, elected in April, has rejected Bells request, as did his predecessor in the office, and on Monday, Bell told Kenosha alders he was withdrawing his offer to give $200,000 to local nonprofits in return for the bullets release.

The outcome means a continued stalemate in Bells effort to seek a new look at the circumstances of how and why a police officer shot and killed his son after a struggle.

On the night of Nov. 9, 2004, Michael E. Bell was being held by police officers and was shot in the head after he was arrested in the driveway of the home where he was living. Police had followed the younger Bell in his car back to his mothers house after encountering him on the street that night. The younger Bell scuffled with officers when police took him into custody.

Once officers regained control of Bell, an officer held him from behind against his car, his body over the hood of the vehicle, while several officers stood nearby.

Kenosha police officer Albert Gonzales shot and killed Bell when an adjacent officer shouted that Bell had grabbed that officers gun.

Which way was the shot fired?

The discrepancy in the incident centers on whether Bell had actually grabbed the second officers gun, and whether the fatal shooting could have been avoided.

The Kenosha Police investigation of the incident lasted 48 hours and cleared the officers involved. The investigation report depicted Gonzales on Michael E. Bells left and the second officer, Erich Strausbaugh, on Bells right.

The eyewitness accounts of Michael E. Bells sister and his mother, however, depicted Gonzales on Bells right, between Bell and Strausbaugh.

Autopsy findings also concluded that the bullet entered Bells head on the right side, supporting the eyewitness description of where Gonzales stood.

Under that scenario, Michael M. Bell argues, his son could not have grabbed Strausbaughs gun. Bell believes that Strausbaughs holster may have snagged on the side mirror of the car, giving the officer a mistaken impression in the heat of the moment that his gun had been grabbed.

It was an honest mistake that occurred in a very stressful moment, Bell said Wednesday.

Strausbaugh took his own life in 2010.

The elder Bell maintains that if Gonzales was between his son and Strausbaugh at that moment, as the witnesses described and the autopsy report appears to suggest, Gonzales could have known that Michael E. Bell did not, in fact, have Strausbaughs gun. Under those circumstances, Michael M. Bell believes, it was unnecessary for Gonzales to shoot.

He was in a position to know, Bell said.

Gonzales did not respond Wednesday to an email request for comment.

The quest for the bullet

In October 2019 Bell retrieved a piece of siding material from the house where the police encounter took place and saw an indentation that he thought resembled the impact of a bullet. An analyst who examined the material on Bells behalf reported evidence of lead on the indentation, possibly from a bullet.

Since that finding Bell has sought the release of the bullet so it could be examined and compared with the siding material. After courts rejected Bells lawsuit for access to the bullet, he made several attempts to persuade then-Mayor John Antaramian to authorize the bullets release and was refused.

In late 2023 Bell announced that in return for the bullets release, he would donate $100,000 to nonprofit groups in the community. He later doubled the offer to $200,000. He also said he would agree to indemnify the city for any legal liability as a result of the examination.

Antaramian never took up Bells offer. He did not run for reelection in April this year, and Alder David Bogdala was elected mayor.

Bell said Wednesday that with a new city chief executive, he hoped for a change in the citys stance. He said he met with Bogdala and the city attorney, Matthew Knight, on May 30 to discuss his request for the bullet and the nonprofit donation proposal.

Bell said he also presented them with a proposed indemnification agreement, but that they didnt even bother to respond to it.

On July 17 Bogdala sent Bell a letter denying the request, writing that because neither the material circumstances nor the basis for the request have changed, I believe that it is in the Citys best interest to adhere to the Circuit Courts decision which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.

Bogdala did not respond to requests for comment by email Tuesday and Wednesday through a telephone message left with his office.

Mayor Bogdalas refusal speaks volumes, Bell said during his remarks to the Kenosha city council Monday night. This goes far beyond protecting employees. Its about concealing the truth from citizens and taxpayers.

Investigation photo discrepancy

In addition to the issues raised by the conflicting evidence about the shooting, Bell and an ally, retired Kenosha Police detective Russell Beckman, said they have encountered another discrepancy from the scene of the incident, also involving the bullet.

Photos that were taken in the daytime after the shooting as part of the police departments investigation of the incident were released to Bell in the spring of 2020 after a public records request. The photos include small markers identifying various items at the scene, including a marker that was said to identify a bullet on the ground.

In one of those photos, however, the marker, and the bullet, are located several inches away from their location in the remainder of the photos.

Beckman told the Wisconsin Examiner Wednesday that whether the bullet was moved by people working at the scene or perhaps moved by a wild animal such as a squirrel, anything like that has to be documented.

Weather records for the day dont show any evidence of a gust of wind, he said. Someone had to move it, he said. Nothing in their report indicates why.

Beckman said a narrative describing the discrepancies in the pictures of the bullet was part of the material that he and Bell hoped to hand over to the Wisconsin Department of Justice in their effort to persuade Attorney General Josh Kaul to launch a new investigation of Michael E. Bells death and the police investigation that followed.

Kaul declined to do so, and Beckman petitioned the state Crime Victims Rights Board to take action against the attorney general. The agency declined, and Beckman is now seeking a judicial review in Brown County Circuit Court to countermand the boards decision.

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The U.S. Department of Justice Thursday night is visiting Madison County and evaluating compliance with a settlement agreement to resolve race-based discrimination complaints in public schools.

Madison County Schools spokesperson Erin Stewart said Wednesday the Department of Justice has been very involved in the district over the past year.

Representatives have been visiting the district for professional developments as part of the agreement the district entered with the DOJ.

This week, justice officials are making a district-wide site visit, Stewart said.

They are observing in our schools over the course of the week, ending their visit at the professional development planned for Friday, Stewart said. Madison County Schools is looking forward to their continued visits to the district.

The Richmond-Madison County Branch of the NAACP will meet with the DOJs Civil Rights Division. In addition to this outreach meeting, federal officials will conduct site visits and meetings for evaluating the Madison County School Districts compliance with a settlement agreement between the school district and the feds.

The agreement, signed in September 2023, primarily stemmed from the federal government determining there was an inadequate response by Madison County Schools to known harassment of Black students, including tolerance of racial slurs and epithets being directed at Black students, and disparate punishment of Black students relative to their white peers.

The authority for DOJ to have launched their investigation leading up to the September 2023 settlement was Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which includes protections for all students to receive equal education opportunities free of harassment and intimidation.

As part of the DOJ - Civil Rights Divisions visit, the agency will be hosting a 7 p.m. community outreach meeting in Room 138 of the Madison County Library.

Members of the NAACP Richmond-Madison County Branch, including the Branchs Education Committee members, will be attending and participating in the meeting to discuss any potential concerns, areas in which any improvements have been observed or reported, and to provide additional insights into the educational climate for children attending schools in the county and and surrounding area.

The NAACP is providing this update as part of fulfilling its mission to secure the political, educational, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

The DOJ opened its investigation in October 2021 under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and said the investigation uncovered numerous incidents of race-based harassment.

Black and multi-racial students were called racial slurs and subjected to other derogatory racial comments by their peers, the DOJ said in a statement.

Madison County Schools officials in response said they had fully cooperated with the investigation.

The investigation found that the school district didnt consistently or reasonably address the harassment, which included racial taunts and intimidation, and the harassment was at times reinforced by use of Confederate flags and imagery.

When the district did respond, it often failed to follow its own racial harassment policies and its actions were ineffective in addressing the broader hostile environment, the investigation found.

This inaction deprived Black and multi-racial students of equal access to the districts educational opportunities and led them to conclude that the district either condoned the behavior or would not take any action to help them, officials said.

Schools should be safe and supportive environments for all students, not places where they face racist harassment and abuse, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJs Civil Rights Division. Racial harassment inflicts grievous harm on young people and violates the Constitutions most basic promise of equal protection.

This agreement will create the institutional changes needed to keep Black and multi-racial students safe and to provide them with a supportive educational environment. We look forward to Madison County Schools demonstrating to its students and school community that it will no longer tolerate racial discrimination in its schools, she said.

Carlton S. Shier IV, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, said in 2023 the principles underpinning the investigation and settlement were straightforward.

All young people are entitled to seek their educational opportunities without facing racial harassment and abuse, and schools simply must adequately protect those entrusted to their care and instruction from that offensive, harmful behavior. With this settlement, Madison County Schools are now taking an important step consistent with those basic principles, Shier said.

Under the agreement, Madison County Schools will retain a consultant to review and revise anti-discrimination policies and procedures and support the school district as it undertakes significant institutional reforms, he previously said.
TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A man was hospitalized after a crash with a pickup truck near Walker, deputies said.

Around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, a 19-year-old from mid-Michigan was driving a Ford Focus east on Lake Michigan Drive and turned left on 8th Avenue, pulling into the westbound path of a Ford F-150 pickup truck. The truck crashed into the passenger side of the Focus, the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office said.

The driver of the Focus was injured and taken to the hospital, according to deputies.

A 20-year-old from the east side of Michigan, who was driving the truck, was not injured, deputies said.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The westbound lanes of Lake Michigan Drive were closed temporarily while deputies investigated 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 WOODTV.com.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  In September of 2021, Posey County Deputy Bryan Hicks nearly lost his life when he was shot while responding to a welfare check. After years of fighting, physical therapy, life adjustments and so much more, Deputy Hicks and his wife, Tammy, joined Jessica Costello in the Brad Byrd Studio for an update.

Alive Anniversary

On September 18, 2021, Deputy Hicks was shot while responding to a welfare check in the 600 block of Short Street in New Harmony. Officials say the homeowner, 70-year-old Paul Wiltshire, began firing at authorities outside the home, striking Deputy Hicks and critically injuring him. Wiltshire was charged with attempted murder, but he died from complications of COVID-19.

Three years later, Deputy Hicks is still alive, and his wife Tammy says she is proud of the progress he has made through physical therapy.

Just to see him being more independent, and just get that self-confidence and self-esteem  to go out in the community without me and be successful  so proud of him.

Tammy says that although Bryan has some trouble with aphasia, he has been able to have more full conversations when he is more comfortable. He has also returned to some outdoor tasks, and is even working with an instructor to be able to shoot a gun using his left hand.

Community support extends past the Tri-State

Over the years, the community in Posey County has helped raise money for Deputy Hicks, and celebrated his recovery. But Tammy says that support for Bryan has gone far outside the Tri-State.

Deputy Hicks throws first pitch at St. Louis Cardinals game

We were in Louisville not too long ago for a doctors appointment, said Tammy. And we stopped in a store, and we mentioned we were from Posey County. The guy waiting on us was like Oh I lived in Evansville for like 30 years, I know exactly where Posey County is  you look really familiar. And Bryan told him he was the policeman who was shot. This man in Louisville recognized him. Its just really gotten further than just the Tri-State.

Looking ahead

The two also discussed what will come next for helping Bryan, including the use of a bionic arm that helps complete action based on movements of his arm.

During the interview, Tammy said Bryan may work in the future to help motivate others going through similar struggles.

Previous: Deputy Bryan Hicks showing miraculous recovery two years later

We have come in contact with a lot of police officers that are in Bryans situation or similar situations, but they dont have Bryans drive. They feel like they just want to quit. Bryan has reached out to some police officers and tried to help them. I think hes more of a motivator than he realizes. He has a hidden talent that he doesnt think he has.

You can watch their full interview in the video player above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
County Durham is the only North East area to get a share of the funding [Reuters]

A council leader has urged the government to honour almost 72.8m of reallocated HS2 funding.

County Durham was awarded a share of the 4.7bn local transport fund earlier this year.

North East deputy mayor Martin Gannon revealed this week the region had not received confirmation Sir Keir Starmers Labour administration would hand over that funding.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said it was "committed to improving connectivity across the North and was working with devolved leaders to achieve this".

The local authority viewed the funding as essential for transport upgrades in County Durham between 2025 and 2027, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mr Gannon, who is also Labour leader of Gateshead Council, told the North East Combined Authoritys cabinet on Tuesday it would be "completely unacceptable" if Labour were to renege on the pledge.

Durham was a late joiner to the North East devolution deal [GEOGRAPH / DAVE PICKERSGILL]

County Durham is the only area in the North East to receive a share from the redirected 4.7bn pot.

The rest of the region is due to receive money separately from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), which Durham was excluded from as a late joiner to the North East devolution deal.

The 72.8m allocation announced in February this year was intended to make up for that, with Durham then to be included in phase two of the CRSTS programme beyond 2027.

Mr Gannon said: "We know the chancellor has made announcements about the 20bn black hole in the public finances and, as a consequence, we are awaiting official confirmation of the 73m of CRSTS funding for County Durham.

"Again, that will have to be confirmed by the Budget in October.

"It would be absolutely, completely unacceptable for us not to receive that funding we campaigned for and which was committed by the previous government."

Government 'committed'

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said her authority had "made very clear representations to government that we require this money in this region in order to continue to grow".

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Transport is an essential part of our mission to rebuild Britain, and we are committed to improving connectivity across the North  and working with devolved leaders to achieve this.

"We will set out more details on funding in due course."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

More stories from the BBC

Related internet links
Two Michigan sheriff's deputies are being hailed as heroes after they rescued a driver who experienced a medical emergency on a busy highway.

The Sept. 12 rescue was caught on camera and shows a silver truck moving erratically at about 5 mph on Gratiot Avenue in Mount Clemens, Michigan, before Macomb County Deputies Nicole Miron and Anthony Gross catch up to the vehicle.

In bodycam footage shared with ABC News, Miron instructs the 63-year-old driver to "stay there" before she climbs through open windows from the passenger seat of the moving patrol car into the passenger seat of the moving truck in order to save the driver.

PHOTO: During the rescue of a motorist, Macomb County Deputy Sheriff Nicole Miron had to climb into the drivers truck through their open window. The high-stakes rescue was on camera. (Courtesy of Macomb County Sheriffs Office)

PHOTO: During the rescue of a motorist, Macomb County Deputy Sheriff Nicole Miron had to climb into the drivers truck through their open window. The high-stakes rescue was on camera. (Courtesy of Macomb County Sheriffs Office)

"You good? You OK? Is this park?" Miron can be heard asking the driver before bringing the truck to a stop.

"When we pulled up next to him, you could see he kind of looks over at us -- he's in, like, a daze, confused. It clearly was some sort of medical issue," Miron recalled, speaking to "Good Morning America."

PHOTO: Macomb County Deputy Sheriffs Anthony Gross and Nicole Miron and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham appear on Good Morning America Sept. 19, 2024. (ABC News/GMA)

Miron said they were able to keep track of the moving truck during the incident.

"Luckily, we had a caller following the vehicle, so we're able to keep tabs [on] exactly where the vehicle was headed," Miron said.

PHOTO: Macomb County Deputy Sheriffs Anthony Gross and Nicole Miron rescued a motorist who experienced a medical emergency while driving on a busy highway. The high-stakes rescue was on camera. (Courtesy of Macomb County Sheriffs Office)

Gross was driving the patrol car while Miron engaged the driver.

"I was worried about trying to keep him safe and us safe, and with the heavy traffic in the area, and trying to stay as close as I could so that we could handle situation," Gross recalled.

Good Samaritans band together to save 71-year-old in fiery highway crash

As the two vehicles neared a busy intersection, Miron said they had to think quickly and act fast.

"I want to get him stopped before we entered that area, because I didn't know if he could hit somebody else, or they wouldn't see him and hit him. And it probably could have been a lot worse," Miron said, adding that it felt like time stood still.

12-year-old runs to get help after mom has seizure while driving

After the deputies saved the driver, he was able to get help. The Macomb County Sheriff's Office told ABC News the motorist is now "home and is OK."

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham lauded both Miron and Gross for their actions.

"I'm proud of both of the deputies for their actions. I consider them heroes," Wickersham said.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct sheriff's deputies Nicole Miron's and Anthony Gross' titles. A previous version referred to them as deputy sheriffs.

Sheriff's deputies hailed as heroes for daring highway rescue originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is fuming mad with state GOP lawmakers who he says arent doing enough to stop a ballot measuresupported by former president Donald Trumpthat would legalize marijuana in the state, according to a report in Politico.

State Republicans have kept mum on the issue, but the news outlet noted DeSantis recently started lashing out against his colleagues who, unlike him he says, arent fighting to stop possible legalization.

You say youre all about these issues, and then when its time to do something about it youre nowhere to be found, he told a Tallahassee church. That is what courageous leadership is all about.

Ron DeSantis Chosen School Board Candidates Face-Plant in Primaries

Former GOP state senator and legalization supporter Jeff Brandes told Politico he thinks at least half of Florida Republican legislators agree with Trump, secretly or otherwise, but they dont want to start a rift with DeSantis.

This is just evidence that the legislature is completely impotent when it comes to taking this thing on and doing this legislatively, Brandes told the outlet. They are unwilling to do the hard work because they dont want the smell of the devils lettuce on them.

DeSantis, the highest elected Republican in the state, and Mar-a-Lago resident Trump, the most prominent Florida Republican on the national stage, have taken radically different stances on weed legalization.

DeSantis claims the medical marijuana industry would expand into a commercial monopoly and that residents would have to deal with pesky joint smokers in public.

I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use, said Trump, in a post on Truth Social last week. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product. As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November. Trump added that, if elected president, he would support states rights to pass marijuana laws.

Amendment 3, which would legalize marijuana for adults aged 21 and up, needs at least 60 percent support at the ballot box. Florida voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2016 with 71 percent support, but Politico noted there were 400,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in the state at the time. Republicans now have one million more registered voters.

Polls have regularly show a majority of Floridians back the ballot measure, but that support could fall short of the 60 percent threshold. A late August survey by Public Policy Polling, commissioned by the environmentalist Clean and Prosperous America PAC, found 57 percent of registered voters were in favor, with a 3.4 percent margin of error making the outcome a tossup.

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.
Ron DeSantis speaking in Pinellas Park on Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that the Legislature needs to convene in Tallahassee before the end of the year to help condominium owners facing a deadline that could result in them having to pay extraordinarily expensive fees that many cannot afford.

The emerging crisis revolves around a bill the Legislature passed unanimously and DeSantis signed two years ago in response to the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, which resulted in the deaths of 98 people.

The legislation requires all condos 30 years and older to undergo inspections by a qualified engineer or architect by Dec. 31, so they can calculate how much money condo associations need to be set aside for repairs. Those repairs could run into millions of dollars, with unit owners hit with expensive special assessments and higher monthly fees.

We have to act this year, DeSantis said in Pinellas Park just after concluding a 45-minute roundtable discussion with Pinellas Republican state Sen. Nick DiCeglie and three condo association leaders in Pinellas County.

The Legislature isnt even coming into session until March of next year. That obviously is not appropriate, and it needs to be done before the end of the calendar year. So, I would very much mark your calendar at some point over the next three, three-and-a-half months  something will be done.

This was the second roundtable discussion with condo owners and association leaders that DeSantis has sponsored recently, as he and other state lawmakers work to discuss potential remedies before gathering formally to create new policies to aid condo owners. He didnt say there would have to be a special session per se, but that lawmakers must meet sometime after the election in either November or December to deal with the situation.

Florida lawmakers are scheduled to hold a post-election organization session on Nov. 19, when new members will be sworn in. The Florida House has scheduled its first committee week leading into the 2025 session for Dec. 2-6, while the Senate is scheduled to meet from Dec. 9-13.

DeSantis announcement comes a month after outgoing Senate President Kathleen Passidomo rejected the idea of a special session on the issue, saying that condominium laws could be addressed during regular committee meetings and the 2025 regular session.

You can call a special session without having the reforms lined up, the governor said in response to a question about calling for an earlier special session.

If theyre half-baked, people just run around like chickens with their heads cut off and you could end up generating a product that causes problems. So, were doing this very thoughtfully.  I think theyre going to want to call a session when theyre in anyway, so its going to happen, but weve got to do this thoughtfully, and we have to make sure that this is giving the relief that people need.

Progressive prosecutors

The governor was also asked (by a Phoenix reporter) about a question that hangs over the coming judicial elections in Floridas Ninth (Orange and Osceola counties) and Thirteenth (Hillsborough County) circuits as vote-by-mail ballots are about to be sent out ahead of the Nov. 5 election:

Would he once again suspend the Democratic state attorneys running for re-election  Monique Worrell and Andrew Warren, if they win in November?

Worrell faces nonparty-affiliated candidate Andrew Bain while Warren is running against Republican Suzy Lopez, both of whom the governor handpicked to succeed them over the past two years.

DeSantis chose not to answer the question directly, but instead took more than four minutes to bash both Worrell and Warren to a statewide audience watching the press conference while essentially making the case for their opponents.

When those folks were in office, they took the position that they didnt have to enforce laws that they disagreed with, he began. That caused people to be put back on the street who then victimized folks who should not have been victimized.

He said that Hillsborough, Orange, and Osceola counties were all much safer now than before.

Talk to [Hillsborough County] Sheriff [Chad] Chronister, talk to the folks who are on the beat in Osceola and Orange counties, people who work for the deputy sheriffs and police officers. They want a prosecutor who is willing to stand up for them against the criminals, he added.

Warren and Worrell argue the governor punished them for political reasons because they pursued progressive policies on which theyd won their elections.

The Phoenix reported last week that Thomas Feiter, an Orlando attorney who lost in the Republican primary election in the Ninth Circuit last month, has said that James Uthmeier, DeSantis chief-of-staff, told him in July that in fact DeSantis will suspend Worrell again if she wins the election.

Feiter said that discussion took place as Uthmeier pressured him to drop out of the race to pave the way for DeSantis appointee, Bain.

School threats

DeSantis also weighed in on the flood of violent threats by students in K-12 schools throughout the state in the past few weeks, generally as hoaxes.

It is not a joke to threaten violence at a school, the governor said. Some people think thats funny. Some people think that they can get attention from that; some people get a kick out of creating anxiety in the community. I can tell you that, in Florida, if youre doing that, youre going to be held accountable. And were going to prosecute you.

DeSantis praised Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who has made national news by threating kids making these threats with public embarrassment. Chitwood followed through on Monday by releasing a mugshot of an 11-year-old accused of making threats to commit a mass shooting at a middle school, USA Today reported. His office also released video of a perp walk.

Fake threat is not a joke, and well hold you accountable if youre doing that, he said.
HAMMONDSPORT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  In our final Destination New York segment of the year, we travel west to Hammondsport to visit the oldest continuously operated winery in the Finger Lakes.

Pleasant Valley Wine Company has been a staple in American history since 1860.

The historic stone and stucco buildings from the 1800s are nestled into the hillside just south of Hammondsport. Pleasant Valley produces 8 million gallons of wine each year from 500 acres of nearby vineyards. As the oldest winery in the region, its easy to get lost in the history. But tour guide Jonah Wilkinson says the company never loses sight of the original mission.

The wine is what makes it still awesome today. The fact that we have so many options, dry, many sweets as well, for many different people. Really, weve got something for everybody here, said Wilkinson.

Pleasant Valley has grown through acquisition to produce some of the best known brands of Finger Lakes wine including Great Western champagne, Widmer, Autumn Frost, Gold Seal, Millennium and Brickstone Cellars. Great Western has been popular through the decades, a favorite of Jackie Kennedy. Ronald Reagan stocked it on Air Force One. And its been used to celebrate World Series victories and to christen aircraft carriers.

This winery, you have to remember, has been here since before the Civil War. Thats a lot of time to cause such an impact, not just in the local area, but everything around us. And still to this day, its internationally renowned. A lot of people love our champagnes, said Wilkinson.

The winery boasts a sprawling welcome center that doubles as a wine tasting facility and a museum on viniculture in New York State. You can watch a video inside a giant fermenting barrel and see a timeline of the industrys expansion. That journey hit a major roadblock during the years of Prohibition.

13 years of not being able to produce what youre known for, its quite a feat to accomplish as a business, said Wilkinson.

Pleasant Valley was allowed to continue producing some communion wines. And it sold bottles of grape juice where, if you peeled back the label, you found step-by-step instructions on how not to turn it into wine. Plus the coopers who were employed to make the wine barrels were converted to producing furniture. You can see many of the pieces as you tour the old world-style buildings.

We still use the formal champenoise method today, its just a lot more streamlined than it used to be, said Wilkinson.

The winery was dug out of the hillside with some dynamite, but mostly by hand, creating a mile worth of caverns. While the technology has advanced over the years, the focus has remained on consistency.

We focus very hard on the fact that you can buy a bottle right now, then buy it 5 to 10 years from now and its the same thing you remembered. Thats not easy work, said Wilkinson.

Pleasant Valley has been operated by the Doyle family since 1995. In addition to producing their own wines, the winery makes private label wine for Sams Club, presses grapes for Welchs grape juice and stores wine for other Finger Lakes wineries. And its experimenting with other products while still celebrating the iconic offerings that put it on the map.

Everybody here really feels like a close-knit family. And we all aspire for the same goal, we all appreciate this place, and we all appreciate the history, and we all appreciate our wine, said Wilkinson.

All with a goal of producing fine wines for another 164 years.

The Visitors Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through December.

Wine tastings are $10.

To reserve a tour or order some wine, go to PleasantValleyWine.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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  New details have emerged regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct against former San Diego Unified Superintendent Lamont Jackson that lead to his departure last month after documents were released by the district.

The documents, which include legal claim letters from two former administrators that accused Jackson of making unwanted advances toward them, also allege current interim Superintendent Dr. Fabioa Bagula had played a role in enabling intolerable work conditions for district staff.

Both of the women, Monika Hazel and Tavga Bustani, described allegations in their letters that indicate a culture of quid pro quo harassment, where those who welcomed Jacksons overtures were given preferential treatment while the careers of those who did not were penalized.

Each are now seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in monetary damages for the lost income and other impacts that this purported culture caused, in exchange for them waiving their right to pursue litigation against the district, Jackson and Bagula.

The experiences of the administrators were at the center of the third-party investigation conducted ahead of Jacksons dismissal.

RELATED: San Diego Unified failed to prevent sexual harassment of students, feds find

A summary of the probe provided after the Board of Educations decision to release the superintendent from his role said it had found evidence showing it is more likely than not that he engaged in sexually-charged behavior, but was not able to substantiate quid pro quo claims.

Nonetheless, the documents raise questions about SDUSDs handling of sexual harassment claims with the revelation of new details about how the workplace culture fostered by Jackson  and Bagula  was perceived by district staff in the months before his firing.

This includes an anonymous letter from district principals sent to Administrators Association San Diego City Schools executive director Donis Coronel and forwarded to a SDUSD district official months before the investigation into the experiences of Hazel and Bustani was initiated.

The letter described several specific instances of apparent favoritism and retaliation in personnel decisions, and fear for pressing for clear rationales about these moves publicly. It is unclear whether references to Hazel and Bustani were among the decisions mentioned.

In a statement sent in response to a list of questions, district spokesperson Mike Murad said all claims and allegations raised by the two administrators against Jackson and Bagula had been thoroughly investigated, addressed and are now closed.

San Diego Unified remains committed to transparency, the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and to upholding the values of our community, he added.

When pressed about what concrete steps the district plans to take to better its response to sexual harassment allegations for both staff and students, Murad declined to comment in an email to FOX 5/KUSI.

Jacksons alleged advances to Hazel, Bustani

In their respective legal claims for monetary damages, the two administrators, Hazel and Bustani, describe similar allegations of workplace relationships with Jackson where career advancement opportunities appeared to be implicitly predicated on engaging with his sexual overtures.

Hazel, who was an area superintendent for the district before resigning in June 2023, said Jackson made promises of desirable job assignments at the same time as making flirtatious remarks to her, such as calling her his work wife and making comments on her appearance.

Jackson also at several points made suggestive invitations to spend time with him, her claim adds  asking her to go with him to a hotel room, to his home when his wife was not at home, and on a trip to Las Vegas. Hazel says all of these advances were rebuffed.

Then, in January 2023 after making a final rejection to Jackson, Hazel said she was demoted from her role to a teacher, which included a significant decrease in compensation that led her to seek employment elsewhere.

Jackson allegedly made similar remarks in his communication with Bustani, according to her legal claim. On several occasions in early 2022, Bustani said the former superintendent arranged to work with her alone and spoke with her about sexual intimacy  both directly and indirectly.

Lakeside Union School District exploring cell phone ban

During this time, Jackson also visited Bustanis home unprompted while she was on an extended sick leave, the claim said, where he allegedly prodded the then-chief of leadership and learning with uncomfortable questions about her relationship with her boyfriend.

This treatment appeared to shift in May of 2022, following months where the administrator said she rebuffed any advances made by the superintendent. According to her letter, Jackson began to act in overtly harassing ways toward Bustani, berating her in meetings.

The timing of the adverse treatment by Dr. Jackson evidenced a causal relationship with Ms. Bustanis refusal to give in to his advances, Linda Albers, Bustani and Hazels counsel, wrote in one of the legal claims.

Similarly with Hazel, Bustani was demoted from her role to a teacher in January 2023 and later resigned over the move, fearing financial ruin due to the loss of income as the sole earner for her family.

Prior to their demotion at the end of the 2022-23 school year, both had been with the district for over a decade and were described as well respected administrators with exemplary employment records.

Bagula and the perceived workplace culture

Both letters from Hazel and Bustani alleged Bagula as deputy superintendent had treated the two women in a highly antagonistic and threatening manner at different points leading up to their demotion. They also claim she had enabled Jacksons harassment.

According to Hazels claim, Bagula regularly treated her in hostile and offensive ways, publicly shaming her on multiple occasions in front of colleagues. In one of these alleged incidents, Bagula instructed Hazel to speak to her in a baby girl voice while cowering and bowing.

Bustani, on the other hand, describes initially getting support from Bagula. However, her claim says this changed as she rebuffed Jacksons advances, culminating in her demotion.

At the time, the administrator alleges she was told by Bagula that the rationale for the decision was because the district was going in another direction. She further claimed that the board of education had been told by Jackson that it was because she lacked initiative.

The conduct of Dr. Jackson  and ratified by Dr. Bagula  caused the terms and conditions of Ms. Bustanis work environment to be adversely altered, Albers, the administrators lawyer, wrote in Bustanis legal claim.

Murad, the district spokesperson, said in an email to FOX 5/KUSI Wednesday that these claims against Bagula had also been thoroughly investigated in the probe into Jackson, although it is not immediately clear whether they were determined to be credible.

The districts full report still has yet to be released beyond the summary provided last month and Bagula was not mentioned in the write-up.

However, the new documents appear to support the two administrators claim that there had at least been perceptions of a culture of favoritism fostered by both Jackson and Bagula.

Another document released alongside the legal claims is an anonymous letter signed by principals in the district, dated months before the district launched the investigation into Jackson.

In the principals letter, they described being perplexed as to why Dr. Jackson and Dr. Bagula are removing highly qualified individuals and dismantling teams and systems.

The letter speculated that misconduct by him and others factored into the decisions. It also alleged friendships, personal relationships, and favoritism were considerations in the elevation of staff into higher-level roles during the previous school year.

Parents demand action over mold found in school

There is a perception that appears Dr. Jackson is surrounding himself with these individuals on a quid pro quo basis, and it causes us to question whether he is prioritizing the well-being of the children and families in our San Diego Unified School District over his own agenda, the letter said.

Specific instances of employment changes were included in the letter, as well as in a fourth document showing the initiating of a quid pro quo harassment complaint against Jackson last year, although all identifying details were redacted when it was released by the district.

It is also unclear whether these allegations were part of the district-initiated independent investigation ahead of Jacksons dismissal.

The full statement provided to FOX 5/KUSI from the district by Murad on Wednesday can be found below:

The San Diego Unified School District took all claims and allegations seriously, and immediately engaged an independent third-party investigator with no ties to the District to conduct the investigation. This investigation began immediately upon the District becoming aware of the claims and allegations, in advance of formally receiving the complaints. The allegation of inappropriate conduct toward two former employees was found to be credible. All claims and allegations raised in the letters have been thoroughly investigated, addressed, and are now closed. San Diego Unified remains committed to transparency, the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and to upholding the values of our community.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) has had a rough month with its share price down 9.1%. But if you pay close attention, you might gather that its strong financials could mean that the stock could potentially see an increase in value in the long-term, given how markets usually reward companies with good financial health. In this article, we decided to focus on AstraZeneca's ROE.

ROE or return on equity is a useful tool to assess how effectively a company can generate returns on the investment it received from its shareholders. Simply put, it is used to assess the profitability of a company in relation to its equity capital.

See our latest analysis for AstraZeneca

How Do You Calculate Return On Equity?

ROE can be calculated by using the formula:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for AstraZeneca is:

16% = US$6.4b  US$40b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2024).

The 'return' is the income the business earned over the last year. Another way to think of that is that for every 1 worth of equity, the company was able to earn 0.16 in profit.

Why Is ROE Important For Earnings Growth?

So far, we've learned that ROE is a measure of a company's profitability. Based on how much of its profits the company chooses to reinvest or "retain", we are then able to evaluate a company's future ability to generate profits. Assuming everything else remains unchanged, the higher the ROE and profit retention, the higher the growth rate of a company compared to companies that don't necessarily bear these characteristics.

A Side By Side comparison of AstraZeneca's Earnings Growth And 16% ROE

At first glance, AstraZeneca seems to have a decent ROE. On comparing with the average industry ROE of 13% the company's ROE looks pretty remarkable. Probably as a result of this, AstraZeneca was able to see an impressive net income growth of 27% over the last five years. However, there could also be other causes behind this growth. For instance, the company has a low payout ratio or is being managed efficiently.

When you consider the fact that the industry earnings have shrunk at a rate of 2.4% in the same 5-year period, the company's net income growth is pretty remarkable.

Earnings growth is an important metric to consider when valuing a stock. The investor should try to establish if the expected growth or decline in earnings, whichever the case may be, is priced in. By doing so, they will have an idea if the stock is headed into clear blue waters or if swampy waters await. Is AstraZeneca fairly valued compared to other companies? These 3 valuation measures might help you decide.

Story continues

Is AstraZeneca Using Its Retained Earnings Effectively?

AstraZeneca's significant three-year median payout ratio of 76% (where it is retaining only 24% of its income) suggests that the company has been able to achieve a high growth in earnings despite returning most of its income to shareholders.

Additionally, AstraZeneca has paid dividends over a period of at least ten years which means that the company is pretty serious about sharing its profits with shareholders. Existing analyst estimates suggest that the company's future payout ratio is expected to drop to 31% over the next three years. As a result, the expected drop in AstraZeneca's payout ratio explains the anticipated rise in the company's future ROE to 29%, over the same period.

Summary

On the whole, we feel that AstraZeneca's performance has been quite good. Especially the high ROE, Which has contributed to the impressive growth seen in earnings. Despite the company reinvesting only a small portion of its profits, it still has managed to grow its earnings so that is appreciable. That being so, a study of the latest analyst forecasts show that the company is expected to see a slowdown in its future earnings growth. Are these analysts expectations based on the broad expectations for the industry, or on the company's fundamentals? Click here to be taken to our analyst's forecasts page for the company.

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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  An area roadway is receiving funding from the state for reconstruction.

The city of Arcanum in Darke County is receiving $750,000 through a neighborhood revitalization grant to assist in the reconstruction of South High Street. These grants are given to infrastructure considered critical or in poor condition.

Drought conditions worsen in the Miami Valley

Gov. Mike DeWine reports sidewalks, storm sewer lines and waterlines along the road will also be replaced. Two parking lots within the city are also set to be updated.

With this funding, we are addressing vital needs in communities across the state, said DeWine.

According to DeWine, 2,160 people will benefit from the necessary upgrades.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  During a joint press conference Thursday, both Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue appeared less than enthralled by a potential visit to the area by the former president who brought an unfounded rumor into the national spotlight.

As the mayor of Springfield, Ohio, I recognize the significance of former President Donald Trumps upcoming visit to our community, said Rue. The mayor then expressed concerns about the city resources that would be needed for a visit by the former president.

While the visit brings attention to our city, it also represents logistical challenges that require careful planning and allocation of our resources to minimize disruption of daily life. As a visit from the former president will undoubtedly place additional demands on our safety infrastructure, should he choose to change his plans, it would convey a significant message of peace to the city of Springfield.

Later on, Rue was a bit clearer, saying that a visit by either candidate for president, or their vice-presidential running mates, would tax the communitys resources.

Watch the press conference in the video player below:

Our community is on the front lines of the immigration debate, working to balance resources, uphold local values, and support those seeking a better life, said Rue.

DeWine says Homeland Security has assisted in organizing increased highway patrols amidst concerns about traffic safety with more drivers on the road.

Springfield in Crisis

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke Thursday about former President Donald Trump coming to Springfield.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Trump has repeatedly made false claims about migrants living in Springfield, and DeWine said several times the former president is wrong.

The meeting was held at Springfield City Hall to discuss the strain the city has been through since Trump made comments about the Haitians in Springfield during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, plus how the governor and mayor have requested additional resources to help.

TRENDING STORIES:

News Center 7 asked DeWine why he hasnt talked to Trump about what has been going on in Springfield.

I watched the comments and I didnt think it would do any good, DeWine said. He said last night that there were 33-thousand Haitians here-- thats wrong, yes thats wrong.

DeWine and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue were not shy about the need for help. With more than 40 different threats that have come in, law enforcement needs help responding to it all.

DeWine would not go into detail about the additional resources that would come to the area if Trump does visit. He noted that the Secret Service would take the lead and the state would assist as they always do.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Dewitt parents Jerry and Tamal Flore have been bound to stand trial in the 29th Circuit Court in Clinton County on a combined 26 felony child abuse charges, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday.

The Flores are accused of adopting children for personal financial gain and subjecting them to abuse under the guise of discipline dating back to 2007.

Booking images of Jerry and Tamal Flores (WLNS)

Jerry Flore, 58 faces 11 charges:

Counts 1-6: Child Abuse 1st Degree, a potential life-sentence felony;

Count 7: Child Abuse 1st Degree Committed in the Presence of Another Child, a potential life-sentence felony;

Count 8: Conspiracy to Commit Child Abuse 2nd Degree, a 10-year felony;

Count 9: Child Abuse 2nd Degree, a 10-year felony;

Count 10: Child Abuse 2nd Degree, a 10-year felony; and

Count 11: Interfering with a Crime Report, a 1-year misdemeanor.

Tamal Flore, 56, faces 17 charges:

Counts 1-6: Child Abuse 1st Degree, a potential life-sentence felony;

Count 7: Child Abuse 1st Degree Committed in the Presence of Another Child, a potential life-sentence felony;

Count 8: Conspiracy to Commit Child Abuse 2nd Degree, a 10-year felony;

Count 9-10: Child Abuse 2nd Degree, a 10-year felony;

Counts 11-16: Child Abuse 3rd Degree, a 2-year felony; and

Count 17: Interfering with a Crime Report, a 1-year misdemeanor.

The Flores were initially arrested on child abuse allegations in 2021, where they faced two first-degree and three second-degree child abuse charges regarding alleged physical and mental abuse. At the time, prosecutors claimed that they had thrown a child down a flight of stairs and beaten a child with a boat oar.

Their first-degree charges were later reduced to second-degree. However, prosecutors dismissed all of the charges in April of 2023 as the couple headed to a hearing.

Seven months later, though, Nessel issued charges against the Flores, as well as former Childrens Service Agency worker Joel Brown and his wife Tammy Brown, alleging the two couples conspired together to adopt dozens of children that they then went on to abuse.

Jerry and Tamal Flore spoke with 6 News about their case being dismissed. Apr. 27, 2023 (WLNS)

RELATED: Children respond to parents abuse allegations

Nessel alleged that the two couples adopted over thirty children and subjected them to systemic abuse for financial gainreceiving more than $1 million from the state, with Joel Brown using his experience as a child advocate to hide the abuse happening in the two homes.

At the time, Nessel said that the charges against the Flores that were dismissed were done so that the Department of Attorney General could conduct a more thorough investigation.

The Browns were not bound to serve trial on the child abuse offenses with which they were charged. Joel Brown still faces one count of Interfering with a Crime Report, a 1-year misdemeanor, and one count of Failure to Report Child Abuse, a 93-day misdemeanor.

The Department of Attorney Generals investigation into both families produced extensive evidence, presented at this weeks preliminary examination, of abuse. The evidence supporting the departments charges includes:

Investigative documents obtained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services;

Interviews with 10 of the adopted children (adults and minors), Child Protective Services and DHHS employees;

Photos and videos from the Flore home;

Adoption subsidy payment and medical benefit records; and

Medical evaluations on all potential victims.

The Flores are scheduled to appear in the 29th Circuit Court before Judge Shannon Schlegel on Oct. 14, 2024, at 9 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 WLNS 6 News.
Did you serve with VP nominees JD Vance or Tim Walz? Tell us about it.

Come November, vice presidential nominees JD Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, and Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, will be the first post-9/11 veterans to make it onto a presidential ballot.

Military Times would like to learn more about their time in uniform. Did you serve with Walz or Vance, who served under the name James D. Hamel? If so, we want to hear from you. When and where did you serve with them? What impression did they leave?

Send your thoughts to nikki.wentling@militarytimes.com and lshane@militarytimes.com.

Vance joined the Marine Corps in 2003 under the name James D. Hamel and served a four-year enlistment as a combat correspondent. He deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from August 2005 to February 2006. His last duty station was Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard. He joined the Nebraska National Guard in 1981, and he transferred in 1996 to the Minnesota National Guard, where he served in the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery. In August 2003, Walz mobilized with the unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was stationed in Vicenza, Italy.
NEW YORK (NewsNation)  After another unsuccessful attempt to keep Sean Diddy Combs out of jail after his sex trafficking arrest, the music moguls lawyers say the federal detention center hes being housed in has a track record of horrific conditions and rampant violence.

Combs, 54, was sent to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday  a place thats been described as hell on earth  after pleading not guilty in a case that accuses him of physically and sexually abusing women for more than a decade.

The food is inedible, from what Ive been told, Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo told reporters. Its way too hot in summer; sometimes theres no heat at all. In the winter, the toilet water has been known to freeze. Its violent. Someone like Mr. Combs might be a target for certain things. We cant let that happen.

What we know about the Diddy investigation

The facility, the only federal jail in New York City, has been plagued by problems since it opened in the 1990s. In recent years, its conditions have been so stark that some judges have refused to send people there. It has also been home to a number of high-profile inmates, including R. Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell and cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.

FILE  Media outlets set up cameras outside the main entrance of the Metropolitan Detention Center Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

FILE  The Metropolitan Detention Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York is shown Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

In a statement, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said: We also take seriously addressing the staffing and other challenges at MDC Brooklyn. An agency team is working to fix problems, including by adding permanent correctional and medical staff, remedying more than 700 backlogged maintenance requests and answering judges concerns.

A judge on Wednesday denied a request by Combs lawyers to let him await trial under house arrest at his $48 million mansion on an island in Miami Beach, Florida.

Past violence at MDC Brooklyn

Detainees have long complained about rampant violence, dreadful conditions, severe staffing shortages and the widespread smuggling of drugs and other contraband, some of it facilitated by employees. At the same time, they say theyve been subject to frequent lockdowns and have been barred from leaving their cells for visits, calls, showers or exercise.

In June, Uriel Whyte, 37, was stabbed to death at the jail. A month later, Edwin Cordero, 36, died after he was hurt in a brawl. At least four people detained at the jail have died by suicide in the last three years.

Who else could be charged in the Diddy investigation?

At least six MDC Brooklyn staff members have been charged with crimes in the last five years. Some were accused of accepting bribes or providing contraband such as drugs, cigarettes, and cellphones, according to an Associated Press analysis of agency-related arrests.

As of last November, according to court filings, MDC Brooklyn was operating at about 55% of full staffing, which was taxing to employees and added to its security woes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The drama surrounding Diddy's federal indictment continues, with new people ready to share their story in court.

The grand jury is reportedly ready to hear witnesses' narratives, with more people cooperating with the feds amid their ongoing investigation into the rapper's sexual assault allegations.

Diddy remains behind bars following his arrest and indictment on three criminal counts. He has been denied bail twice despite his desperate efforts for freedom.

A Sex Worker Is A Part Of The New Witnesses Against Diddy

MEGA

According to new reports, sources claim that at least one person has been subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury. They noted that others are also willing to help federal prosecutors in their case against Diddy.

Meanwhile, at least two new people plan to cooperate with the feds in their investigations and are willing to testify before the grand jury. One of these witnesses is a current sex worker.

The individual reportedly got involved with Diddy in 2014 and claims they will be interviewed by the feds in New York City later this month. Their story matches authorities' ongoing movements, as they are still gathering information and checking out potential witnesses.

Beyond the new grand jury witnesses and federal investigation, Diddy continues to fight for his freedom. TMZ shared that he was denied bail a second time on Wednesday, September 18, following his second offer to the court.

Diddy's Lawyer Is Fighting For Better Accommodations

MEGA

During Wednesday's hearing, the judge doubled down on their previous decision to hold Diddy in custody without bail until his trial officially begins. He remains in New York's infamous detention center, MDC Brooklyn.

Diddy's attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stressed that they weren't deterred by the judge's decision to keep his client in custody. He shared his plan to get the rapper out of MDC Brooklyn and into better accommodations.

Getting shut down twice must have been a brutal blow for Diddy, who desperately tried to win the court and prosecutors over with two tempting bail offers. The Blast shared that his first offer was $50 million and an agreement to let the feds track his movement.

However, his petition was rejected and followed by a second offer to limit his contacts. Diddy's legal reps claimed the security company responsible for logging all visitors at his Miami Beach home would hand over the information to the government nightly.

Diddy Vowed Not To Contact Women

MEGA

According to his second bail offer, Diddy claimed he would limit visitors to family, property caretakers, and friends not listed as co-conspirators in the federal indictment. He also vowed not to contact women outside his family like the mothers of his children.

The contact limitations seemed to be his way of addressing the court's concern about him contacting or intimidating witnesses. Diddy's legal reps also noted he wouldn't contact known grand jury witnesses.

The offer did not end there, as Diddy promised to submit to weekly drug tests. The proposal stemmed from the drug allegations in his indictment and the feds' claims that they found drugs in his New York hotel room when he was arrested on Monday.

The Music Mogul Claims He Is Innocent

MEGA

The Blast noted that Diddy made his first court appearance at a hearing on Tuesday, where he entered a not-guilty plea. He denied the criminal charges against him, including:

Racketeering conspiracy.

Sex trafficking by force, cause, or coercion.

Transportation to engage in prostitution.

The sex trafficking crimes allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2018, while the prostitution allegations happened between 2009 and 2024. The indictment accused Diddy of abusing his power, claiming he:

"Abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct."

Diddy allegedly used his music empire to "create a criminal enterprise," where his associates engaged in or attempted to engage in "sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice."

Diddy Won A Small Legal Victory Amid His Federal Indictment

MEGA

While Diddy failed to score bail, The Blast shared that he snagged a minor legal victory in his battle against a Michigan inmate. The plaintiff, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, accused him of sexual assault.

Cardello-Smith claimed he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Diddy at a Detroit party in 1997. He won a default judgment of $100 million because the rapper failed to file a response to his lawsuit.

However, Diddy won't be coughing up any money because his attorney, David Fink, convinced the judge to set aside the default judgment. He argued that Cardello-Smith had failed to prove he had effectively served the lawsuit per Michigan law.

With the judgment set aside, the case between Diddy and the Michigan inmate will proceed like any other lawsuit. However, will the embattled rapper fight this battle alongside his federal indictment or move for a dismissal?
Deputy Rob Prow said the visa scheme was essential to protecting the island's security [BBC]

The head of Guernsey's Committee for Home Affairs has defended the planned introduction of a digital visa scheme.

It comes after travel expert Simon Calder warned the scheme could cost the Channel Islands and the Crown Dependencies "somewhere around 4bn a year" in lost revenue.

The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a permit which non-British and non-Irish citizens, who currently do not require a visa, will need to enter the UK and the bailiwick.

Home Affairs President Deputy Rob Prow said the scheme was "absolutely essential to safety and security".

Talks under way

The UK Home Office announced it would begin to enforce the scheme between January and April in 2025, but the States said it was not expected come into force in the Channel Islands until towards the end of 2025.

Currently, a scheme allowing French day trippers into the bailiwick using only identity cards is in place until the end of the 2025 summer season - the ETA scheme requires people to travel with their passports.

Mr Prow said his committee was in talks with the Home Office on the introduction of the scheme.

"This is for safety and security reasons, this is about preventing people who we think could do society harm from entering the UK or the Common Travel Area," he said.

"I can assure you we are very much involved in discussing these schemes, which are absolutely essential to safety and security."

'No longer acceptable'

The introduction of the ETAs will mean an end to the French day tripper scheme, the States said.

Mr Prow said this was because identity cards were "no longer acceptable and passports have to be used".

"This is an international phenomenon all around the world now," he said.

"The ability for nationals, particularly French nationals, to travel on identity cards is diminishing, and the ETA scheme means visas are only issued to passport holders.

"We always said that it would be time-limited and the use of passports by French nationals will be the way forward in the future."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  A former Blount County teacher pleaded guilty earlier this month to five counts of offensive touching assault.

These guilty counts stem from incidents that happened in 2023, however, 6 News obtained several incident reports that show similar situations dating back to 2005.

Just disgusted, floored, I couldnt believe it, Kelsey Walter who is a parent within Blount County Schools. They have known this long it wasnt just you know the single 2019 incident that I have known about. Theyve known about this for 10-plus years. It just kind of made me mad because we as parents should be notified.

Kelsey Walter had kids at Eagleton Elementary School. Walter told 6 News that her oldest daughter had alerted her about Dalton in 2019.

Blount County Commission unanimously approves resolution for sexual misconduct investigation at schools

They told me they said, Yeah, we know what youre talking about. We have seen him like hug other girls, but he has never touched us or anything like that,' Walter said.

Dalton worked at schools in Walland, Friendsville, and Lanier throughout the years.

What we see too frequently is when teachers school hop. You get in trouble here, you get in trouble there, said 6 News Legal Analyst Greg Isaacs. Another thing in reviewing this case is troublesome this individual has been a PE teacher, hed been a special Ed teacher, hed been a teachers aide mostly at elementary schools and the younger the child the more difficult to articulate the abuse and the allegations.

Blount County Schools told 6 News they conduct 3 different background checks through the Department of Family and Children Services, the Department of Health, and IdentoGo through the FBI.

Walter believes a more thorough one needs to be done.

I think that they need to do a more in-depth background check, Walter said. If there has been any incidents that have been even remotely close to what he has accused of then thats an automatic no.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

The Blount County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution to investigate Blount County Schools and their handling of this situation on September 19.

We support a further and broader investigation of this, Blount County Commissioner Misty Davis said. There is just a lot of questions, seems like it was a little bit of lack of transparency with the longevity of the situation, so we just want to stand up for the community and figure out who knew what and when.

Dalton is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6.

EDITORS NOTE: This story was updated following the vote by the Blount County Commission.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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.

Problems with the University of Kentucky lab that was supposed to test racehorse samples for performance enhancing drugs began from the moment the national anti-doping regulatory agency, the Horseracing Safety & Integrity Authority, took over.

But racing officials didnt know how bad things were until they accidentally discovered lab director Scott Stanley had lied multiple times and faked test results, including on samples suspected in blood doping cases.

Now, after investigations by the integrity authority (commonly known in equine and racing circles as HISA, the private anti-doping regulatory body created in 2020 by Congress) and by UK auditors, the labs renowned director is being fired and federal authorities are looking into the significant issues uncovered.

Equine drug expert Scott Stanley, a UK graduate, had been recruited from California to Kentucky to establish an equine drug testing lab and serve as its director. Its a prestigious position that also included a professor position endowed by Keeneland with virtually no oversight.





Stanley has declined to be interviewed in the investigation process and could not be reached by Herald-Leader reporters on Wednesday.

Cristina Keith, Stanleys attorney, said in a statement: Dr. Stanley denies all allegations against him and is committed to responding to the issues raised by the University of Kentuckys Internal Audit of the Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab and the HIWU report of September 17, 2024. However, since criminal proceedings have been referenced, he has been advised not to comment further at this time.

Vials and syringes sit on a counter before being used in the detention barn where urine and blood samples from select horses are taken after each race at Turfway Park racetrack in Florence, Ky., in 2000. Samples are sent to labs for screening for prohibited substances.

The lab was established in 2019 through a contract with the U.S. Equestrian Federation to drug test show horses. In 2022, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission also began using the UK center to drug test Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse racehorses.

Director of UK equine testing lab fired, federal law enforcement investigating

When the effort to establish a national racing authority culminated in Congressional action in 2020, Stanley played a role.

He sat on the national committee that crafted HISAs Anti-Doping and Medication Control program that wrote the rules until he was asked to resign in spring 2023.

Stanley ran the University of Kentucky lab that had handled drug testing for the state since at least 2022. But with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission turning over testing control to the new private regulatory agency, Stanleys role was deemed a conflict of interest.

Unprofessional behavior, delayed test results

From the moment the new testing program began in May 2023, the behavior of Dr. Stanley and some of his staff ... was challenging, according to the regulators report. Stanley and his staff ignored emails and were frequently unprofessional, according to an investigation released by HISA on Sept. 18.

Stanleys lab repeatedly missed deadlines for reporting test results which caused significant inconvenience to horsemen, according to the report.

Stanley and his team blamed developers and the UK system. Results that were delivered lacked proper documentation and had to be revised multiple times.

In weekly calls with other lab directors, Stanley was disruptive and disrespectful to colleagues. And he and the UK lab staff developed such a contentious relationship with the staff of the Florida Gaming Control Commission and racetracks there that both asked to transfer analysis of their racehorse testing samples to another lab.

Some Florida sample collection workers threatened to resign because of treatment by Stanley. HISA raised the problem with Stanleys superiors at the University of Kentucky on multiple occasions and were told it would be addressed, but the issues remained unresolved.

By February 2024, HISA and its testing arm, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit that is runs the anti-doping program, had had enough.

Ben Mosier, executive director of the integrity and welfare unit, and HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus met with Nancy Cox, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment on Feb. 13 to tell her they would no longer be sending samples from Florida to the UK lab.

The Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab run by Scott Stanley is on the University of Kentuckys Coldstream Research Campus in Lexington.

Cox dropped her own bombshell at that meeting: UK was conducting a human resources-related investigation of Dr. Stanley and his management of the lab, the report revealed.

During the investigation, UK officials said, Stanleys access to the lab had been largely cut off.

Its unclear exactly what UK was investigating at that time. Auditors later documented two relationships Stanley had that may constitute a conflict of interest.

One involved Stanleys consulting with a maker of scientific equipment that supplied the UK lab while Stanley was being paid $20,000 a year since at least 2019. He only disclosed this relationship once, in 2023.

The other involved a personal relationship with a woman for whom Stanley created a lab position and orchestrated her hiring in October 2023, according to the audit.

In September, according to an exhibit in UKs audit report, Stanley emailed a draft cover letter for the woman. While her connections to the industry were disclosed on the application, auditors said, her relationship with Stanley never was.

She no longer works at the UK lab, Cox confirmed.

Scott Stanley wrote a letter on his labs letterhead to a teacher of a female lab staff worker to request an excused absence for what was apparently an overnight trip to Palm Beach to the Eclipse Awards.

In January 2024, Stanley sent a letter on the UK labs letterhead to one of the female employees teachers at Eastern Kentucky University requesting an excused absence from class for her assistance in-person for what was actually an overnight trip to Palm Beach, Florida, for the National Thoroughbred Racing Associations annual Eclipse Awards banquet.

Regulators end UK lab testing

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit stopped sending samples from Kentucky races to the UK lab three days after meeting with Cox in February. On March 1, UK advised the regulators Stanley had been removed as director of the lab.

At this point, according to the integrity and welfare units report, the regulators were not yet aware of any deficiencies related to the analyses performed on the samples sent to the lab.

But they knew that the lab had failed to detect one controlled medication, a corticosteroid used to control pain, submitted as part of a racing quality assurance program.

Despite all the delays and general rudeness, until February 2024 HIWU had continued to use the UK lab and in November 2023 had sent a blood sample from another lab. The sample had tested positive for erythropoietin, a banned blood doping agent known as EPO.

Stanley agreed to perform confirmatory analysis, which would require precise testing.

For nearly two months, the group called, emailed and asked Stanley in person for the results. Finally, in late December, Stanley said hed analyzed the sample once and had not confirmed the presence of EPO but Stanley said they would repeat the analysis to be sure.

In January 2024, Stanley told HIWU they hadnt found it.

Scott Stanley, a professor at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and former director of the Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab, is accused of falsifying horses drug test results.

Then a strange thing happened: In February, after the regulators stopped sending samples to UK, the agency contacted the lab to see how much of the blood sample was left because they were considering having it tested at another lab to corroborate the negative finding.

The UK lab gave a stunning answer: The computer system showed the sample had never been tested, had never been opened. It was still sitting, sealed, in the UK labs storage refrigerator.

HIWU informed UK officials that they had evidence of falsified test results, which UK auditors later confirmed. (A later analysis of the blood sample by another lab could not confirm the presence of EPO, according to the report.)

Both UK and the regulators began investigating the lab activities in March. Meanwhile, the Racing Medication Testing Consortium, a separate equine drug group that sets standards for labs, suspended the labs accreditation on March 7; this apparently was unrelated to HIWUs investigation.

UK begins investigating Stanley

UK Internal Audit began its investigation after learning about the falsified erythropoietin tests.

As the audit report makes clear, a lot was at stake: The horse industry generates $6.5 billion in economic activity, with $2.7 billion from the Thoroughbred sector alone. UK and specifically the College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment plays a major role in supporting this critical industry through its Ag Equine Programs.

Having a top-flight drug-testing lab in-state had long been a stated goal of the Kentucky horse industry.

The Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab run by Scott Stanley is on the University of Kentuckys Coldstream Research Campus in Lexington.

The auditors made several disturbing observations in their report: The kind of testing that Stanley had agreed to do on the EPO sample wasnt even possible at the UK lab as it had neither the equipment in its lab nor the standard operating procedures in place to perform EPO confirmation testing. Stanley had lied about his labs capabilities.

UK auditors went through the billing records for 240 samples and found that in four cases, all of which were evidence in investigations, documentation of the results was missing. In at least two of the cases, Stanley had emailed regulators that horses had failed drug tests but the records were missing.

While auditors werent able to substantiate other cases of falsified results, they found that the labs systems were so poorly controlled that Stanley had unfettered access to samples and the records with numerous opportunities ... that could potentially allow for sample tampering or records to be changed.

Any lab employee would be able to alter results while eluding identification, auditors said, a fact which has precluded (University of Kentucky Internal Audit) from determining whether any additional samples may have been altered, amended or otherwise falsified and by whom.

As lab director, auditors said, Stanley had such unhindered access that samples (could) be tampered with and resealed in the coolers, test results could be changed or misreported all while avoiding detection.

What HISA found

The racing regulators began interviewing current and former UK lab staff and combing through records of between 8,000-9,000 samples sent over eight months from Kentucky and Florida racetracks. And they began transferring samples still at the UK lab to other testing labs.

As they examined the records, racing regulators made another stunning find: Tests from nearly 150 separate blood and urine samples had failed initial screening, but the lab was missing documentation that they had followed up with more testing.

The regulators eventually determined some of the samples actually had received further testing, while others hadnt and the samples had been discarded.

Only 36 samples were still in the UK lab; these were tested at other labs, where the two results were confirmed and HISA will pursue the violations. Two other samples were ruled to be false positives, possibly because the remaining samples had degraded.

Stanley declines comment

HIWU requested an interview with Stanley through his attorney in June, but Stanley declined.

UK auditors also attempted to speak with Stanley, but he did not respond.

HISA has requested repayment from UK above $1 million for services that were never actually provided, according to the report and Lazarus.

Kentuckys racing authority, now called the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corp., is conducting its own investigation, according to executive director Jamie Eads. Its unclear how many samples from Kentucky might have been compromised or how many violations cases could be impacted, if any.

Eads said the University of Kentucky is cooperating with the investigation.
One of the leading providers of semiconductor memory solutions, Micron Technology, Inc. MU, recently flashed a bearish chart pattern after an eminent investment bank cut off its price target. So, whats next for Micron investors? Shall they sell the stock or have faith in Microns fundamentals and hang on to it? Lets see 

Micron Stock is Falling; Death Cross Pattern Appears

Microns shares and an array of other semiconductor stocks took a beating on Monday. The Micron stock slumped 4.4% and a death cross chart pattern appeared. The short-term 50-day moving average (DMA) went below the long-term 200-DMA, indicating an imminent downtrend.

Microns stock closed at $87.18 yesterday, while the 50-DMA was $104 below the 200-DMA at $104.75. For the Micron stock, such a death cross pattern happened for the first time since April 28, 2022.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Bearish bets have increased on the Micron stock, with analysts at Morgan Stanley MS slashing the price target as they remain pessimistic about the computer memory makers earnings growth in the coming quarters. Morgan Stanley said the Micron stock was $140 a share. But now they expect the shares to be as little as $100.

Will Micron Stock Turn Around?

Micron is known to be a cyclical stock, so naturally, the stock would face volatility along with the economy. However, the long term bodes well for the Micron stock mostly because of the boom in artificial intelligence (AI). After all, AI needs data centers that require a lot of memory, and Micron is a memory specialist.

In AI graphic cards, Microns high-bandwidth memory chips (HBM) are used by tech behemoths like NVIDIA Corporation NVDA. The AI industry is expected to grow beyond $184 billion in the current year and surpass $826 billion by 2030, according to Statista.

Management is optimistic about Microns HBM chips, and they are expecting the HBM market to notch $86 billion in revenues by 2030 from a meager $1.8 billion last year, a CAGR of 68%.

Management also confirmed that the company has already utilized its full production capacity to fulfill the ever-growing demand for HBM chips. Interestingly, Morgan Stanley analysts still believe that strong demand by AI companies for HBM chips will boost Microns bottom line.

What Fundamentals Say About MU Stock?

Micron is a cash-rich company. This helps the company get involved in tactical acquisitions and other growth initiatives that enhance shareholders wealth. The companys cash and investments came in at a solid $9.2 billion in the fiscal third quarter of 2024.

Story continues

Microns revenues are also expected to improve since the demand for DRAM memory is widely projected to be soon at an all-time high. As a result, the $1.20 Zacks Consensus Estimate for MUs earnings per share is up 160.3% yearly.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Buy, Hold, or Sell MU Stock?

Based on a strong cash balance, and an increase in demand for HBM chips, its just a matter of time before the Micron stock would bounce back. Moreover, the Micron stock is less pricey than its peers, encouraging one to buy the dip without burning a hole in the pocket. Per the price/earnings ratio, MU trades at 9.3X forward earnings, while the Semiconductor Memory industrys forward earnings multiple is 10.4X.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

However, if a death cross is playing on your mind, and has apprehensions about Micron stocks present performance, its prudent to wait for an opportune moment to buy the stock. Those who have already bought it, dont panic, investment in Micron would be beneficial in the long run. Micron has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Morgan Stanley (MS) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

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The Czech Republic has become the first country to place an order for Rolls-Royces mini nuclear reactors - Rolls-Royce /PA

The Czech Republic has become the first country to place an order for Rolls-Royces mini nuclear reactors, raising fears in Britain that skilled jobs and exports will disappear abroad.

Rolls said the deal, announced on Wednesday evening, would put the Czech state and the company at the forefront of small modular reactor (SMR) development globally.

It was hailed by UK ministers as an outstanding vote of confidence in British engineering.

However, industry sources on Thursday expressed exasperation over Whitehalls dithering on mini-nukes, as a domestic SMR competition drags on at home.

They fear that Rollss success in selling its reactors to the Czech government could mean that UK industry misses out on in-demand supply-chain contracts that go to rivals overseas.

As part of the deal, the Czech government has guaranteed a pipeline of initial work for Rolls by committing to at least three sites, with each expected to host multiple SMRs. Negotiations over the final details are currently under way.

One industry source told The Telegraph: While the UK dithers, other countries are getting on with it.

Another person familiar with the UK process warned: Frankly, you cannot blame Rolls or the Czechs for having the guts to make a decision.

This is about which governments are willing to set policies that make supply chain investments worthwhile  and companies will always prioritise where their order book is.

SMRs have been touted as a potential breakthrough that could dramatically cut the cost of nuclear power plants and the time required to build them.

But the technology remains unproven on a commercial basis, with countries and businesses jostling to see who will reach that milestone first.

The deal between Rolls and Prague comes as a surprise because executives at the company had previously complained that foreign governments were unwilling to commit to orders before London was itself signed up.

But Wednesdays announcement instead trumpeted the great opportunity for the Czech economy in going first.

The advantage for the Czech Republic is that Rolls-Royce SMR is just forming its supply chain, and Czech companies thus have a unique opportunity to stand at its birth and participate to the maximum extent possible, the Czech government said.

Thanks to this strategic cooperation, local companies will be able to participate not only in the development and implementation of the new small modular reactor, but also in the supply of SMR abroad.

It echoes comments previously made by Tufan Erginbilgic, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce, to the Telegraph.

In June, Mr Erginbilgic said: First-mover advantage on a new technology is very important.

Why? Because if you are the first one going into execution, you will build the supply chain, you will enable the supply chain.

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: This is very good news for Czech energy security, Czech power prices and the Czech supply chain, which will be well placed for projects there.

If the UK wants to secure similar benefit for our energy security, power prices and supply chain coming from an SMR rollout then we need to get on with choosing the technologies, the sites and the number of units.

Greater urgency than ministers have thus far signalled is needed  the longer they take, the longer the country will be exposed to volatile international gas markets driving energy costs up and undermining the health of the economy.

Domestic competition drags on

The UKs SMR competition was first announced in 2015 by former Conservative chancellor George Osborne, who at the time said it would pave the way for the first mini-nuclear reactors to be built in the 2020s.

However, it was not until summer 2023 that Great British Nuclear, the government agency tasked with shepherding a new generation of reactors into development, launched the official SMR design competition.

A shortlist of six companies was announced in October 2023 but initial timelines slipped, with bids submitted in early July  and one company, EDF, dropping out.

The remaining contenders  Rolls-Royce, GE Hitachi, Westinghouse, Holtec Britain and NuScale  were initially told that the shortlist would be reduced from five to four by late August, but has been delayed by a month following the July election.

Under the current timelines, it is hoped that a winner will finally be selected by late this year or early 2025. However, the Government has yet to confirm which sites will be made available for the first SMRs.

By comparison, Rolls has got on to a final shortlist of two contenders in Sweden already, and in Canada GE Hitachi has begun work on an SMR for the Ontario government.

Chris Cholerton, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: This important strategic partnership further strengthens Rolls-Royce SMRs position as Europes leading SMR technology, and will put [Czech state utility provider] CEZ, Rolls-Royce SMR and its existing shareholders at the forefront of SMR deployment.

Rolls-Royce SMRs will be a source of clean, affordable, reliable electricity for Czechia  creating jobs, enabling decarbonisation, reducing the reliance on imported energy and supporting the global effort to reach net zero.

Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, said on Thursday: This is an outstanding vote of confidence in British engineering and proof the UK is at the cutting edge of nuclear technology.

With our international investment summit one month away, were seeing the benefits of political and economic stability in this country.

Its fantastic to see expertise developed at home being sold to the world and supporting the global effort to reach net zero.

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 Democratic National Committee has launched a new voter registration campaign at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) in battleground states, The Hill has exclusively learned.

The campaign includes kiosk ads and I Will Vote posters across campuses in Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania. The ads will lay out what is at stake for young voters this election and how the controversial Project 2025 could affect them if Republicans gain control of the White House and House of Representatives.

Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), said young voters are critical to the coalition needed to elect Vice President Harris and her Democratic running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

The DNC is taking every opportunity to reach students where they are and make sure they have all of the tools they need to vote this November on the issues that matter most to them, Harrison said.

Enthusiasm among Latino and Black voters has skyrocketed since Harris became the top of the Democratic ticket.

In the weeks since Harris announced her presidential campaign after President Biden withdrew from the race, Voto Latino has registered 120,000 Latino voters.

Recent polling also shows that a majority of Black voters are just as excited this year, if not more excited, than in 2008, when then-Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) became the first Black president.

The DNCs latest campaign follows the committees new I Will Vote text line announced earlier this week. The line provides young voters access to voter information in English and Spanish. The information includes details on registering to vote and accessing important, state-specific voting information, from voting deadlines to polling and ballot drop-off locations.

Young voters futures and freedoms are on the line as Donald Trump and JD Vances extreme Project 2025 agenda threatens to undermine reproductive rights, rig the economy for the ultra-wealthy, and strip funding from HBCU and HSI campuses, Harrison said. This campaign is the latest investment to bring young voters the information they need to cast their votes by calling, texting, or visiting I Will Vote 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 The Hill.
Nine staff members of Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater were taken to the hospital Thursday for evaluation after an inmate smoked suspected synthetic marijuana and then a second inmate threw a container with an unknown substance from his cell, Minnesota Department of Corrections officials said.

One staff member was given Narcan after experiencing symptoms, and all but one was transported by paramedics. By Thursday afternoon, all nine had been treated and released. They include six correctional officers, two health services staff and a member of the maintenance staff.

The prison was put lockdown, which will remain in place through Friday, DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell said at a news conference.

According to the DOC, correctional officers responded to a cell just before 8 a.m. on a report of an inmate smoking an unknown substance. One officer experienced an adverse reaction that included lightheadedness, nausea and an increased heart rate. He was taken by ambulance to Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater.

Within a half-hour, two other correctional officers and a maintenance staff member reported experiencing similar reactions and were taken to the hospital. Later, another three officers who had responded to the incident or worked in the living unit began feeling ill, and two were taken to the hospital.

Separately, but in the same housing unit, an inmate threw a container with an unknown substance from his cell that landed near staff. Three staff experienced illness and were also transported to the hospital.

The inmate who was caught smoking the substance told investigators he had smoked a stronger than expected dose of synthetic marijuana, the DOC said.

While investigators have not completed testing for the specific substance from this incident, recent investigations have identified the presence of MDMB-4en-PINACA, soaked into paper and dried, the DOC said. PINACA is an indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid that is often purchased online and can be introduced into the facility through the mail.

Seeking solutions

he DOC and other correctional agencies across the country are using a number of strategies to stop synthetic substances from reaching inmates, including scanning mail through detection equipment. The Minnesota DOC also recently began photocopying mail at three prisons, including the one in Stillwater, as part of a pilot project, Schnell said.

In June, a 22-year-old inmate was found dead in his cell at the Stillwater prison. Schnell said at the time they believed he ingested synthetic drugs.

These synthetic substances are particularly dangerous because the chemical properties that comprise them are unknown and uncontrolled, he said Thursday. We are prioritizing our investigative efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for conspiring to introduce these substances into the secure correctional environment.

Schnell added, For the safety of our staff, we are reviewing and updating our emergency response protocols to suspected drug use incidents.

Related Articles
Hospitals in Lebanon are packed with people whose hands and eyes have been dealt serious injuries. The streets, meanwhile, are fraught with panic about which communication device might explode next.

People in the capital, Beirut, and beyond are shaken by two days of stunning attacks, in which devices owned by the militant group and political party Hezbollah have suddenly and near-simultaneously exploded in homes, grocery stores and street corners. American and Lebanese officials say Israel was behind the blasts, which killed at least 37 people, including at least two children, and injured nearly 3,000 more.

The streets of Beirut appeared largely back to normal Thursday, but people NBC News spoke with expressed fear and concern. Some said they were not going to work, while some parents said they were keeping their schoolchildren at home, fearful that more devices might detonate, as the nation awaited signals of how Hezbollah might retaliate.

Relatives mourn 9-year-old Fatima Abdallah, who was killed after hundreds of pagers exploded in a deadly wave across Lebanon.

In a speech Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah referred to the terrorist attack as unprecedented, noting that the explosions of roughly 4,000 devices wounded civilians, not just Hezbollah members.

He went on to call it an act of war against Lebanon, but did not specify how or when Hezbollah would retaliate.

As the impact of the operation on Lebanons civilian population fueled growing criticism  from human rights officials and even a former CIA chief  doctors who spoke to NBC News described being overwhelmed by the scale and severity of the injuries.

Most of the patients are very sick, with injuries to the eyes, to the hands, said Dr. Salah Zeineldine of the American University of Beirut Medical Center. The facilitys surgical rooms have been operating nonstop since the attacks, he said in a video message sent via WhatsApp on Thursday.

Medics collect blood donations in Beirut on Tuesday.

Medical teams are exhausted, he said, and the hospital has had to put scheduled surgeries on hold.

Dr. Elias Jrade, an eye doctor in Beirut, also said that he had seen some of the worst cases involving injuries to both eyes and facial lacerations.

Most of the victims were young men, Jrade said, but he said they had also treated women and children.

The pagers and walkie-talkies were used by Hezbollah, which has exchanged months of escalating fire and threats with Israel that have displaced and killed civilians on both sides of the border  but the devices could have been in anyones possession when they exploded.

Although designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Israel, Hezbollah is also a political party in Lebanon, embedded in the countrys civilian structures. The group said Thursday 37 of its fighters have been killed since Tuesday, but it did not specify if they were killed in the device attacks or Israeli strikes that have been carried out in southern Lebanon for months.

That has contributed to criticism of the attacks, which Lebanons prime minister described as technological war Thursday as he urged the United Nations to act to stop the Israeli aggression.

Former CIA Director John Brennan told NBCs TODAY show Thursday that detonating wireless devices was not an acceptable form of warfare because there is no way the Israelis would have known who was going to have these pagers at the time, calling it almost a fire and forget mechanism that Israel had employed.

The Lebanese army said Thursday that specialized units were detonating pagers and suspicious communication devices in various areas, warning the public to stay away from the blast sites and report any suspicious devices without approaching them.

There is a sense, Jrade said, that people are trying to avoid everything when it comes to electronic devices. I think thats become a national awareness, he added.

Lama Fakih, director of Human Rights Watchs Middle East and North Africa division, who is in Beirut, told NBC News the atmosphere on the ground is tense.

Soldiers secure the area for an ambulance to enter the American University hospital in Beirut on Tuesday.

I think, on the one hand, people are concerned about what more may come. You know, was this a precursor to a broader attack, and what that might be for the civilian population, Fakih said. The way that the attack played out, it also has just created a lot of panic, because these devices did explode in populated civilian areas. So theres this feeling that, you know, things could explode in and around me, if Im going to the supermarket, if Im walking down the street, theres a general sense of insecurity.

For many, the explosions also brought back painful memories of the deadly 2020 explosion at the Beirut port, when chemicals stored in a warehouse accidentally exploded, killing more than 200 people and devastated parts of the Lebanese capital, Fakih said. So it was very triggering as well, she added.

A man attends the funeral of people killed after hundreds of paging devices exploded in a deadly wave across Lebanon the previous day, in a south Beirut district, on Wednesday.

The attacks could constitute an international law violation because they did not distinguish between combatants and civilians, according to Fakih. Whether or not this amounts to a war crime does require further investigation, she said.

The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, said Wednesday that the fear and terror unleashed by the attacks was profound, adding that simultaneous targeting of thousands of individuals, whether civilians or members of armed groups, without knowledge as to who was in possession of the targeted devices, their location and their surroundings could violate international law.

The Israeli government did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News.

Charlene Gubash reported from Beirut, Yuliya Talmazan from London and Shira Pinson from Tel Aviv.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The documentary focused on East Tennessee-based Remote Area Medicals founder Stan Brock is headed for multiple worldwide streaming services in just a few weeks.

Brock started RAM in 1985, and since then, the organization has helped provide free medical, dental and vision care to more than 940,000 people since their first clinic in Sneedville in 1992.

A refuge: Advocate shares history behind Kuwohi after Clingmans Dome name change

In 2020, the documentary on Brocks life Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story was released after more than eight years in the making. The film, directed by British director Paul Michael Angell, was released about two years after Brocks death in 2018.

Brock, a British-born Amazonian cowboy and U.S. TV star dedicated his life to bringing health care to people in need. The film, in addition to telling about the impact of Stand Brock and RAM also shares how the organization has evolved to meet the needs of the community five years after Brocks death.

On Thursday, RAM shared with 6 News that Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story will be begin streaming Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Tubi on October 1, 2024. The website for the film adds that it will be available on YouTube and Roku.

Knoxville woman sentenced in murder-for-hire plot for wife of man she met on Match.com

In the last year, the documentary has been streamed in more than 700 movie theaters across the United States, but it will be having its UK premiere with a Q&A hosted by filmmaker Rob Delaney in London on October 1 at the Prince Charles Cinema.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Department of Justice announced Thursday it is opening a civil rights investigation into potentially racist policing practices within the Rankin County Sheriffs Office in Mississippi.

In April, five deputies from Rankin County were sentenced to prison for violating the civil rights of two Black men. Self-styled as the Goon Squad, the five white deputies beat and tortured Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker during a no-warrant home raid in January 2023.

The five Rankin County Goon Squad deputies who assaulted Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Parker are in prison. But our prosecution of the goon squad deputies does not mean that the inadequate practices that may have fostered it have ended, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said at a news conference in Washington. Our investigation will answer that question.

Clarke said the department will investigate whether deputies in the sheriffs office practice excessive force, unlawful traffic stops, searches and arrests along with racially discriminatory policing practices.

The Justice Department has initiated several investigations into law enforcement departments across the country over the last four years, including in Louisville, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; and Phoenix. Earlier this year, the department launched an investigation into the police department in Lexington, Mississippi, a town in Holmes County thats about an hour from Rankin County.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division holds a news conference on Nov. 8, 2023, in Jackson, Mississippi. The Justice Department has opened an investigation of the torture of two Black men by sheriff's deputies in Rankin County. The DOJ will investigate whether the sheriffs office engaged in a pattern or practice of excessive force and whether it used racially discriminatory policing practices, Clarke said Thursday. Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

These investigations involve a variety of allegations and circumstances, but they have one important thing in common. They can be the most effective means the Justice Department has at its disposal to prevent the tremendous harm that extends from unlawful policing, said Clarke, who leads the DOJs Civil Rights Division.

Hunter Elward, Daniel Opdyke, Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon and Jeffrey Middleton were sentenced to federal and state prison in April. Joshua Hartfield, an officer with the Richland Police Department, was also sentenced for his involvement.

Elward shot Jenkins in the mouth after officers kicked a door open in their home and shouted racial slurs at them while simultaneously punching and kicking the two men. The officers also sexually assaulted Jenkins and Terrell with a sex toy. The Justice Department said all six officers entered the home of Jenkins and Parker without any probable cause.

Jenkins and Parker filed a $400 million civil lawsuit against Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, alleging he was complicit in the actions of the officers involved. In May, another lawsuit was filed against Dedmon, alleging he tortured a Black man with a police dog.

The DOJ investigation illustrates the indispensable role of pattern or practice investigations in protecting our nations communities and their most vulnerable citizens, Clarke said.

Related...
The U.S. Department of Justice is pointing the finger at the owner and operator of the Dali container ship that caused the March collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which resulted in the death of six people and blocked access to the citys port for two months.

In a civil claim filed in a Maryland federal court, the DOJ seeks to recover $103 million in losses and damages from owner Grace Ocean Private Limited and operator Synergy Marine Private Limited. The damages would cover the costs incurred by the U.S. in responding to the disaster and clearing the wreck and bridge debris from the navigable channel to reopen the Port of Baltimore.

More from Sourcing Journal

This tragedy was entirely avoidable, the 50-page complaint read. The suit comes five months after Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott and the citys council filed its own similar complaint alleging criminal negligence in the accident.

The electrical and mechanical systems on the 985-foot Dali, the vessel that crashed into the Key Bridge, were improperly maintained and configured in a way that violated safety regulations and norms for international shipping, according to the DOJ. These problems precipitated a power loss and then a series of failures that culminated in the allision.

As a result, none of the four means available to help control the Dalithe Maersk-chartered ships propeller, rudder, anchor or bow thrusterworked when they were needed to avoid or even lessen the impacts of the incident.

The Justice Department is committed to ensuring accountability for those responsible for the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in the tragic deaths of six people and disrupted our countrys transportation and defense infrastructure, said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement. With this civil claim, the Justice Department is working to ensure that the costs of clearing the channel and reopening the Port of Baltimore are borne by the companies that caused the crash, not by the American taxpayer.

Principal deputy associate attorney general Benjamin Mizer blasted both Grace Ocean and Synergy, saying that they were both well aware of the vibration issues on the ship that could cause a power outage.

But instead of taking necessary precautions, they did the opposite, said Mizer. Out of negligence, mismanagement, and, at times, a desire to cut costs, they configured the ships electrical and mechanical systems in a way that prevented those systems from being able to quickly restore propulsion and steering after a power outage.

Grace Ocean and Synergy filed a court petition soon after the collapse seeking to limit their legal liabilitya routine procedure for cases litigated under U.S. maritime law. Their joint filing seeks to cap the companies liability at roughly $43.7 million.

The DOJ commented on that petition, rebutting that both companies sent an ill-prepared crew on an abjectly unseaworthy vessel to navigate the United States waterways. They did so to reap the benefit of conducting business in American ports. Yet they cut corners in ways that risked lives and infrastructure.

Grace Ocean and Synergy must be held fully accountable for the harm stemming from the incident, the DOJ implored. The department also asserts that punitive damages should be imposed to deter such misconduct.

The U.S. led the response efforts of dozens of federal, state, and local agencies to remove about 50,000 tons of steel, concrete and asphalt from the channel and from the Dali itself. However, the claim on behalf of the U.S. does not include any damages for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which is expected to be complete by fall 2028.

The State of Maryland built, owned, maintained, and operated the bridge, and attorneys on the states behalf also may file their own claim for those damages. Funds recovered by the state for reconstruction of the bridge will be used to reduce the project costs paid by federal taxpayer dollars.

Lawyers for three of the families who lost loved ones in the bridges collapse are also suing the Grace Ocean and Synergy for personal injuries.
The DOJ wants to fight peer-to-peer racism in Hartland Schools. Here's how

HARTLAND TWP.  Hartland Consolidated Schools is extending its monitoring agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, stemming from an investigation that began in 2021.

The HCS Board of Education voted 4-3 on Monday, Sept. 16, to approve the extension.

The DOJ felt it was necessary to extend the agreement through another school year, with the expectation that HCS focuses on addressing student-on-student race-based discrimination.

As part of the agreement, HCS will continue to monitor and track student behaviors involving possible racial harassment. School leadership will investigate and determine if discrimination, bullying, harassment or hazing occurred.

Hartland Consolidated Schools is extending its monitoring agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, stemming from an investigation that began in 2021.

The district will use a third party  Great Lakes Equity Center  to provide an outside view for staffers, according to the agreement. GLEC will consult with the district and provide services and resources to administration members. Students, parents and staff can take cultural surveys.

Why is the DOJ involved in Hartland Schools?

The DOJ began monitoring the district after a high school senior posted on social media in March 2021 she was harassed by her peers because she was Black.

Two years after posting about the racism she experienced at Hartland High School, Tatayana Vanderlaan filed a lawsuit against the district, as well as Superintendent Chuck Hughes, Hartland High School Principal Kate Gregory, Vice Principal Emily Aluia, and three of four boys who faced charges for their actions.

The federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Eastern District Court of Michigan in Detroit, alleged Vanderlaan was "exposed to an openly racist environment that, left unchecked, escalated into direct racial harassment and ultimately culminated in explicit threats of white supremacist violence, all of which was tacitly endorsed by teachers and by school and district leadership.

Vanderlaan said in 2021, after her post went viral, she had to be escorted off campus due to a threat of being "lynched."

The lawsuit states Vanderlaan continued to face harassment through the end of her senior year, despite notifying officials multiple times. She said the harassment caused her to miss several weeks of school, which resulted in lower grades and negatively impacted her plans to attend college to be a nurse or physician.

The case is currently in discovery.

What has HCS already done?

The DOJ said HCS has addressed discrimination, bullying and harassment on an administrative level, but concerns remain for the potential of student-on-student harassment.

The DOJ could filed a lawsuit against HCS, if the extension agreement wasn't approved. Trustee Glenn Gogoleski, who voted down the measure, wasnt worried, saying it would take months for the DOJ to initiate such a lawsuit. He was more concerned about potential lawsuits from parents whose children could be wrongfully accused of a crime.

Board President Meghan Glabach, Vice President Kristin Coleman, Secretary Cindy Shaw and Trustee Chris Costa voted in support of the extension. Treasurer Greg Keller and Trustee Michelle Blondeel joined Gogoleski in voting against it.

I cannot in good conscience even remotely support this, Gogoleski said.

Gogoleski said HCS administration has done "a fine job" handling the monitoring agreement thus far, but said he absolutely has no faith in the DOJ. He also cited concerns with GLEC, alleging documents on its website "relate to critical race theory."

I am no fan of that, and I will not let that invade our district whatsoever, Gogoleski said.

Blondeel and Keller said they took oaths to uphold the U.S. Constitution and believe going along with the agreement violates it.

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

I think all of us want whats best for the kids, Keller said. We may not all agree on how to get there, but I do think you need to take a deeper look at what you think the community is imploring us to do tonight.

Costa and Coleman said HCS doesnt want to be in this position. There were some boos from audience members after the board voted to approve the agreement.

Jason Woolford, a Republican running for Michigans 50th House District in November, encouraged the board to vote down the agreement during the call to the public. Woolford called it an overreach of our government.

The power belongs to the parents  the power belongs to those who we elected, Woolford said.

Jeff Scott, who is running for a partial term on the school board in November, said the district blatantly refused to pass any policies or procedures that address how such an agreement will be implemented and what the effect is on the students.

 Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Hartland Schools extends monitoring agreement with DOJ
TEFE, Brazil (Reuters) - The carcass of a baby dolphin lay on the sand bank left exposed by the receding waters in an Amazon lake that has been drying up in the worst drought on record.

Researchers recovered the dead animal on Wednesday and measured water temperatures that have been rising as the lake's level drops. In last year's drought, more than 200 of the endangered freshwater dolphins died in Lake Tefe from excessive water temperatures.

"We've found several dead animals. Last week, we found one a day on average," said Miriam Marmontel, head of the dolphin project at the Mamiraua Institute for Sustainable Development.

"We're not yet associating the deaths with changes in water temperatures, but with the exacerbation of the proximity between human populations, mainly fishermen, and the animals," she said.

With branches of major rivers in the Amazon basin drying up in this year's critical drought, the lake connected to the Solimoes River has shrunk, leaving less room for the dolphins in their favorite habitat.

The lake's main channel is 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep and roughly 100 meters wide, and it is used by all the boat traffic, from canoes to heavy ferries, Marmontel said. Two dolphins were killed recently when boats ran into them in the shallow water.

"Nobody thought this drought would come so quickly or imagine that it would surpass last year's drought," fisherman Clodomar Lima said.

While the dolphin deaths are nowhere close to last year's toll, the dry season has more than a month to go and water levels will continue to decline, the researcher said.

And it is not just the rare dolphin species that are suffering. Riverine communities across the Amazon are stranded by the lack of transport on waters too shallow for boats, and their floating houses are now on solid ground.

Even houses built on stilts over water are now high and dry a distance from the river shore.

Lake Tefe resident Francisco Alvaro Santos said it was the first time ever that his floating house was out of the water.

"Water is everything to us. It is part of our daily lives, the means of transportation for everyone who live here. Without water we are nobody!" Santos said.

(Reporting by Leonardo Benassatto in Tefe; Writing by Anthony Boadle in Brasilia; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Dont swim at these beaches on North Carolinas coast, officials say

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WNCN)  State officials have recommended against swimming at several beaches and areas along the North Carolina coast amid heavy flooding and impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8.

The storm system that moved ashore on Monday afternoon, dumped more than 18 inches of rain in New Hanover County, and more than 15 inches in parts of Brunswick County, according to North Carolina Emergency Management.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality advised against swimming at several beaches. Those beaches are in New Hanover, Carteret and Brunswick counties.

Massive flooding at NC coast after 18 inches of rainfall, high surf

Wilmington Fire Dept photo of a dog being rescued in Carolina Beach Monday.

Makatoka Rd in Supply. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriffs Office.

A Jeep fell into a washed out part of N.C. 211 between Dosher Cut Off and River Mist subdivision. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriffs Office.

US 17 underwater from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriffs Office.

A woman was safe after her car was pushed off US 17 near mile marker 25 in Brunswick County. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriffs Office.

Wilmington Fire Dept photo of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach water rescues Monday.

US 17 underwater from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriffs Office.

Wilmington Fire Dept photo of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach water rescues Monday.

East Moore Street washed out in Southport. Photo from Southport Police Dept.

Carolina Beach near Lake Park Boulevard. Image from Erica H Dunn

The Outer Banks where the north end of Ocracoke Island was partly underwater. Photo from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Sunset Harbor Road in Brunswick County. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriffs Office.

The agencys Division of Marine Fisheries also advised against swimming near Doe Drive in Emerald Isle due to the town pumping stormwater into the ocean. On Tuesday, officials added more areas  both ocean-side and sound-side  to the swimming advisory.

According to a release, floodwaters are being pumped into the ocean at Fawn Drive, 7th Street and 15th Street in Emerald Isle, as well as into the sound at Channel Drive.

These waters can contain pollutants such as waste from wildlife and pets, oil and gasoline from parking lots and waste from septic systems or sewers, a N.C. Department of Environmental Quality news release said.

Beaches in Brunswick and New Hanover counties where people should not swim include:

Holden Beach

Long Beach

Oak Island

Caswell Beach

Bald Head Island

Kure Beach

Carolina Beach

Wrightsville Beach

Avoid swimming near ocean outfalls, including the wet sand where the floodwater is pumped, state officials said.

Swimmers should avoid the waters until testing has indicated they are likely safe.

Officials said testing will begin on Tuesday and authorities will later release information about when it is safe for swimming.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Raffael Gasser has been named by Deutsche Bank to lead wealth management and private banking in Germany.

The bank provides services in this sector to clients in its home market who are wealthy, and ultra-high net worth. With effect from 1 November 2024, Gasser will take up the role and join the Private Bank Executive Council.

The member of the Deutsche Bank Management Board in charge of the private bank, Claudio de Sanctis, will be his supervisor.

Gasser worked at UBS in Zurich, where he oversaw the company's business with affluent clientele in Northern Europe. Before joining UBS, he worked for Credit Suisse for 14 years in a variety of high-level roles related to wealth management.

Previously, he served as the Head of Private Banking International, the division that catered to the needs of affluent global clients under Swiss management, and as a member of the Management Committee of Global Wealth Management.

Before that, he held the position of CEO of Credit Suisse in Luxembourg, where he oversaw the German market in addition to several other European subsidiaries.

The Swiss citizen launched his career in 2002 at Goldman Sachs, followed by a stint at McKinsey & Company from 2003 until 2009, where he worked on corporate finance and banking.

Furthermore, Gasser will be moving to Frankfurt and will collaborate closely with Dominik Hennen, head of personal banking at Deutsche Bank and Postbank, who is in charge of the company's whole retail division.

Hennen, who serves on the Private Bank Executive Council, also reports to Sanctis. Hennen will momentarily lead private banking until Gasser arrives, while Stefanie Ruhl-Hoffmann, head of the team for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), will take up brief oversight of wealth management in Germany.

Sanctis stated: Throughout his career Raffael has combined business areas several times, has consistently aligned the offering to the needs of the clients and has thus enabled new business and growth. With his deep knowledge of the German market, he brings the best experience to lead our business in the home market into the next phase: As the clear market leader among affluent and wealthy clients in Germany, we now want to continue to grow through a closer integration of Private Banking and Wealth Management. I am looking forward to further driving our strategy together with Raffael.

Gasser added: "It is a unique mandate to lead Deutsche Bank's Private Banking and Wealth Management as market leader in its home market. I am convinced that we can further expand our leading position through outstanding personal advice in combination with digital channels and data analysis. In addition, there is great potential in the comprehensive offering of the Global Hausbank and in connecting the Private Bank, Corporate Bank and Investment Bank, which is of particular interest to family entrepreneurs. I am pleased to join my new colleagues and the bank's excellent advisors and to give our best for our clients every day.

Story continues

"Deutsche Bank hires head of wealth and private banking in Germany" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, 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.
Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich holds a campaign sign and waves to motorists at the intersection of the Seward Highway and Northern Lights Boulevard in Anchorage on the morning of Aug. 20, 2024, primary election day. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich holds a campaign sign and waves to motorists at the intersection of the Seward Highway and Northern Lights Boulevard in Anchorage on the morning of Aug. 20, 2024, primary election day. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich after Trumps prior pick, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, withdrew from the race for Alaskas lone House seat.

America First Patriot Nick Begich won a primary against a Strong and Respected Candidate in Alaska, a State I love and won by large margins in 2016 and 2020. That Candidate has now withdrawn in favor of Nick, so this time, for the first time in years, we will have a REPUBLICAN against a Democrat  The Republican, Nick Begich, is outstanding, and he will win! Trump said in a post on social media.

Begich is the leading challenger to incumbent Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska. Also competing in Alaskas November general election are John Wayne Howe of the Alaskan Independence Party and Eric Hafner, a Democrat imprisoned in New York state.

Begich, via a prepared statement, thanked Trump for his endorsement and said there is a clear difference between Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and that only Trump has a pro-Alaska agenda and a record of supporting Alaskan resource development.

In a jibe toward Peltola, who has been equivocal in her willingness to support Harris, Begich said, Some candidates in this race dont want to tell Alaskans who they support for President  but Alaskans deserve transparency from their representative in Congress.  I am deeply honored to have his support in this crucial race.

Two years ago, Trump endorsed Republican former Gov. Sarah Palin in her unsuccessful U.S. House race against Peltola. In June, when Trump endorsed Dahlstrom, he claimed that Begich has Democratic tendencies and accused him of throwing the 2022 race to Peltola.

Begich, a longtime Republican, is from a prominent family that includes several Democratic politicians.

Despite Trumps endorsement, Dahlstrom finished 6 percentage points behind Begich in this years primary election, a tally that encouraged her decision to withdraw.

Election Day is Nov. 5, but some votes may be cast as soon as this weekend, as the Alaska Division of Elections begins mailing about 3,500 ballots to military and international voters.

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(WHTM)  A new Emerson College Polling/The Hill poll shows Donald Trump with a slight lead over Vice President Kamala Harris in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania.

The poll of 880 likely Pennsylvania voters conducted after the candidates first and possibly only debate showed Trump leading 48% to 47% with 4% undecided and 1% going to a third party candidate. Most third party candidates have been rejected from Pennsylvanias ballot or have dropped out of the race.













A promising sign for Harris is support among the polls undecided voters with 68% leaning toward the Vice President. When undecided voters are assigned to a candidate, Harris leads Trump 49.6% to 49.3%.

When asked who they believe will win the race, regardless of who they support, Pennsylvania voters told pollsters they believe Harris will be the 47th President of the United States.

More than 51% said they believe Harris will win compared to 48% for Trump.

Harris and Trump also had nearly identical favorable ratings with 48.6% said they had a somewhat or very favorable opinion of Harris and 48.8% saying the same of Trump.

The two candidates unfavorable ratings were also a mirror image with 44.6% feeling very unfavorable of Harris and 44.8% having the same feeling toward Trump.

The same poll also showed incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D) with a 5% lead in the race with 47% support to his Republican challenger Dave McCormicks 42%. The poll found 12% of voters are undecided with less than two months until Election Day on November 5.

Overwhelmingly, the top issue for Pennsylvania voters remains the economy at 52% in the poll. Threats to democracy was second at 12% followed by immigration, abortion, and healthcare in the single digits.

Emerson College Poll September_2024Download

Methodology

The sample size for Pennsylvania is n=880 with a credibility interval of +/-3.2%. Data was weighted by statewide voter parameters, including gender, age, race/ethnicity,

education, and voter registration/turnout data. The survey was administered by contacting respondents cell phones via MMS-to-web and landlines via Interactive Voice Response with respondents provided by Aristotle, along with an online panel provided by CINT. The survey was offered in English. Data was collected between the evening of September 15-18, 2024. The survey was conducted by Emerson College Polling and sponsored by Nexstar Media.

It is important to remember that subsets based on demographics, such as gender, age, education, and race/ethnicity, carry with them higher credibility intervals, as the sample size is reduced. Survey results should be understood within the polls range of scores, and know with a confidence interval of 95% a poll will fall outside the range of scores 1 in 20 times.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff blasted remarks made by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who said Vice President Kamala Harris "doesn't have anything to keep her humble" because she does not have biological children.

"We know that all parents, no matter how you become one, make the same sacrifices and revel in the same joys of raising children as any parent anywhere," Emhoff defended his wife while speaking at a campaign event in Brooklyn, New York, Wednesday evening.

"As if keeping women humble, whether you have children or not, is something we should strive for. It is not," the second gentleman said. "Women in this country will never humble themselves before Donald Trump."

MORE: Sarah Huckabee Sanders swipes at Kamala Harris for not having biological children

Emhoff referred to Sanders' comment as "unbelievable," and he expressed his appreciation for his wife, ex-wife Kerstin Emhoff, and their "big, beautiful, blessed family."

Harris is the stepmom to Cole and Ella Emhoff, her husband's children from his first marriage.

Kerstin Emhoff jumped to Harris' defense as well, responding to a video of Sanders on X.

PHOTO: In this Aug. 20, 2024 file photo Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff exits after speaking during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago. (Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

"Kamala Harris has spent her entire career working for the people, ALL families. That keeps you pretty humble," she wrote Tuesday.

MORE: Possible first gentleman Doug Emhoff? Who is Kamala Harris' husband?

Sanders had been speaking at a Michigan town hall with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday when she made the comments. "So my kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn't have anything keeping her humble," she said.

PHOTO: Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a town hall meeting moderated by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich., on Sept. 17, 2024. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images)

During a visit Wednesday to a Bitcoin bar in Greenwich Village, New York, Trump was asked about Sanders' remarks and whether Harris should be attacked for not having biological children.

"Well, I just don't know what I think about it, you know," Trump said during the event.

Ohio Sen. JD Vance previously commented on Harris and other women for not having children with his well-known "childless cat ladies" comment.

In the 2021 clip, which only recently resurfaced, Vance accused Harris and the Democrats of being "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."

MORE: JD Vance slammed for 'childless cat ladies' comment

There has been much backlash to Vance's remark, and some have even made mocked the comment by making it their own. Most famously, Taylor Swift signed her endorsement for Harris as a "childless cat lady."

ABC News' Will McDuffie, Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow, and Chris Donovan contributed to this report.

Doug Emhoff blasts Gov. Sanders' remarks about Harris not having biological children originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Doug Emhoff hit back at former Trumps former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders after she took a swing at Kamala Harris for not having biological children.

The governor of Arkansas said at a Trump town hall event in Michigan that her own kids kept her humble, adding: Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesnt have anything keeping her humble.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Makes Vance-Like Jab at Harris for Not Having Kids

At a campaign fundraiser on Wednesday, the second gentleman had his say on the matter, invoking his childrenCole and Ellato whom Harris is a stepmother.

They said that somehow, because Cole and Ella arent Kamalas quote, unquote biological children, that she doesnt have anything in her life to keep her humble, Emhoff told supporters, according to CNN. As if keeping women humble, whether you have children or not, is something we should strive for.

Emhoff and Harris family life has become a bizarre target of attack for Republicans, with Sanders joining the likes of Trumps running mate JD Vance in criticizing those without children of their own.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders starts the Trump town hall by taking a shot at Kamala Harris for not having biological children.



"So, my kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn't have anything keeping her humble." pic.twitter.com/URV9FZBqhv  American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) September 17, 2024

But the second gentleman also took personal offense to the latest GOP attack, saying that he and Kamala experienced the same joys of raising children as any parent anywhere.

There is nothing more important to me, Kamala and Kerstin than our kids, our big, beautiful, blended family, Emhoff said, referring to his ex-wife Kerstin Emhoff, the mother of his two children.

Women in this country will never humble themselves before Donald Trump, he added at the fundraiser in Brooklyn, where he also attacked the former presidents record with women.

We know what theyre really trying to do, Emhoff said. Its Dobbs. Its Project 2025. Its spreading hate and trying to pit women against each other, trying to pit us all against each other.

But Ive got news for him, he added. Women in this country are sick and tired of weak men trying to take away their fundamental rights and then ... gaslight you about it.

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.
DOUGLAS, Ala. (WHNT)  Douglas High School is making progress on a big project that will help students learn about agriculture on their campus.

Douglas High Schools Conservation Laboratory is now standing after it was built by students and volunteers over the summer. It will be used as a greenhouse and outdoor classroom to teach students about horticulture and agriculture science.

Huntsville Parks & Recreation will host Youth Pickleball Clinic

Students are currently learning agricultural construction skills while they finish the trim, hang doors and build tables for the greenhouse.

So our students can use this and learn more about anything from horticulture, hydroponics, different things related to our AG program, said Douglas High School Principal Brian Sauls.

The greenhouse at Douglas High was built using a $10,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield. A rainwater collection system to be used for sustainable irrigation is set to be installed between October and November.

They hope to start growing plants as soon as February 2025.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Smoke rises from the international airport that was attacked by insurgents in Bamako

(Reuters) - An elaborate attack by an Al Qaeda affiliate in Mali's capital this week killed some 70 people, diplomatic and security sources said on Thursday, while the government offered no figures on casualties.

Militants attacked an elite police training academy and the airport on Tuesday, demonstrating their ability to strike at the heart of Mali's capital. The country is fighting an insurgency that took root over a decade ago in its arid north.

The scale and complexity of the attacks further undermines the ruling junta's claims that security has improved since it booted out French and U.S. forces, and turned to Russia instead for security.

Two diplomats serving in the region, including one based in Bamako, said the death toll was believed to be in the 70s. Reuters could not independently verify the numbers.

A third diplomat based in the region said hundreds were believed dead and wounded, and hospitals had run out of beds to treat survivors.

Since the conflict in Mali erupted, violence has spread to neighbours in the Sahel region and reached the north of coastal countries. Thousands have been killed and millions displaced in the region, and some fighters are allied with Al Qaeda or Islamic State.

Tuesday's attack was claimed by Al Qaeda affiliate Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM).

Mali's ruling junta has said it suffered some losses, without providing details. A Malian newspaper reported that funerals for some 50 police cadets were to be held on Thursday.

Reuters was unable to obtain further details or confirm the services took place.

The attack was captured in videos published on social media that showed insurgents setting fire to the presidential jet and dead bodies at the police academy.

Only days prior, Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita, who seized power in a coup in 2021, said his army had considerably weakened the armed groups it is fighting with Russia's help.

The attack also comes on the heels of a battle with high casualties in July, when insurgents wiped out scores of experienced Russian mercenaries and Malian forces in fighting near Mali's northern border with Algeria.

(Reporting by Jessica Donati and David Lewis; Writing by Jessica Donati; Editing by Sonali Paul)
Twenty-four states signed onto a formal "comment letter" to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asking it to deny California a waiver that would allow Sacramento to compel visiting truckers to conform to its stringent emissions standards.

Any trucking company with 50 or more vehicles or $50 million in gross annual revenue would fall under the provisions that compel them to begin replacing their fleets with electric rigs in 2025.

The rules will apply to California trucks and those with out-of-state tags that operate in the Golden State for at least one day per year while meeting the above attributes.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said in a statement the move would unfairly give California "a slice of sovereign authority" over other states and highlighted how Mountaineers rely heavily on big rig commerce in their rugged, landlocked state.

EPA SUED OVER CAPRICIOUS BIG RIG EMISSIONS STANDARDS, AS CRITICS CLAIM IT COULD CRIPPLE CORN INDUSTRY

Nearly 85% of Mountaineer communities rely on trucks to deliver their goods, and the state has spent millions to expand its Robert C. Byrd Appalachian Highway System by creating wide, multi-lane trucking routes that carve through topography otherwise steep, windy and unsafe for tractor-trailers.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

More than 65,000 tons of goods are trucked through West Virginia daily, according to Morrisey, the states GOP nominee for governor.

The petitioners alleged that California's stringent restrictions on access to its state and ports will place an undue burden on commerce.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who is leading the effort, said California lacks the legal authority to export its electric truck mandate nationwide.

"Our comment calls on the Biden-Harris administration to favor the rule of law over its radical climate agenda and block Californias ban on internal-combustion trucks. Electric trucks are inefficient and costly and will harm Nebraskans by increasing the costs of interstate transportation, raising prices for goods, reducing demand for biofuels and burdening the electric power grid," Hilgers said.

Hilgers and his signatories also took issue with some of Californias reasoning for the standards.

"California points to its air quality to show that it has unique environmental problems that justify Advanced Clean Fleets (policy). But by relying on state and federal ambient air quality standards, California proves only that its severe air pollution conditions' are shared by much of the country," the letter said.

LAWMAKERS WARN EPA 'CLEAN POWER 2.0' COULD HAVE CATASTROPHIC IMPACT ON ELECTRIC GRID

The letter also argued that nowhere in federal law is it permitted for the state or feds to ban internal-combustion vehicles altogether. It also noted Californias key position as a hub for international trade and echoed other state prosecutors concerns about access to such being restricted for diesel-powered trucks in the future.

"California is playing games with Americas livelihood. This mandate doesnt just affect California  it weaponizes the states massive ports to force the entire nation to bow to an extreme environmental agenda," Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said in a separate statement.

Miyares, another signatory to the letter, called Californias pending policy an "export of [its] economic chaos."

"[That chaos has been] creating real harm across American industries and raising costs for families everywhere," Miyares said.

"The federal government should not preference California to the detriment of the other 49 states."

In addition to state governments, private trucking entities have also lobbied against the proposed waiver.

Officials at the American Trucking Associations said Wednesday they are "adamantly opposed" to what they call "unattainable" regulations.

"This destructive rule sets wildly unrealistic targets and timelines that are already creating confusion on the West Coast and threaten to cause severe disruptions to our supply chain nationwide," ATA President Chris Spear said.

"To protect our supply chain and achieve the cleaner future that we all want, EPA should reject this waiver," Spear said.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond added in comments to Ponca City Now that the mandate "overreaches and would do significant harm to the fossil fuels industry and spur chaos to the supply line from coast to coast."

"The far-left climate agenda being pushed by California must not be allowed to upend the rest of the United States. In effect, it is the tail wagging the dog," Drummond, another signatory, said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the California Air Resources Board, which has spearheaded the regulations and was originally founded in the 1960s in response to Los Angeles smog crisis, for comment.

Fox News Digital also reached out to the EPA and CARB for comment.





Original article source: Dozens of states urge EPA to deny California waiver making out-of-state trucks comply with electric mandate
DPS raising money for family of critically injured trooper following Ector Co crash

ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Texas Department of Public Safety has released more information about the trooper who was seriously injured while working at a crash early Tuesday morning.

According to DPS, Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, a U.S. Army veteran and recent graduate of DPS class A-23, was working on the crash in the westbound lanes of Highway 302, when a vehicle struck an Ector County Sheriffs Office vehicle, critically injuring Vasquez, who was outside the vehicle.

Trooper Vasquez was flown to a hospital in Lubbock and is in critical condition. ECSO Deputy Justin Toombs, who was in the vehicle at the time was injured as well.

RELATED: DPS trooper, ECSO deputy among three injured in Ector Co crash

The DPS Troopers Foundation is now raising money for the Vasquez family through Help-A-Hero. A fee is charged up front, with 100 percent of donations going toward the family.

You can learn more and make a donation on the Help-A-Hero 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.
ST. ALBANS, Queens (PIX11)  A father of three was hit and killed by stray bullets while driving in Queens during a senseless act of gun violence by a gang member on Monday, authorities said.

William Alcindor, a 66-year-old Queens resident, was shot and killed while driving in St. Albans around 4:50 p.m., according to the NYPD. Alcindor was driving eastbound on Baisley Boulevard and turning onto northbound Farmers Boulevard when he was shot, police said. He was not the intended target.

More Local News

The shooting stemmed from a dispute that occurred between a 15-year-old gang member and another rival gang member, according to the Queens District Attorneys Office.

Instead of walking away from a verbal altercation with a rival gang member, this teenage defendant allegedly drew his gun and sprayed bullets across Farmers Boulevard in the middle of the afternoon, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

The 15-year-old fired a handgun multiple times near a Popeyes restaurant, hitting Alcindor once in the head and twice in the chest, authorities said. This caused Alcindor to lose control of his vehicle and slam into a 23-year-old woman standing on the sidewalk, according to the Queens District Attorneys Office.

Woman pushed onto subway tracks in Brooklyn: NYPD

Alcindor was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead. The pedestrian suffered a concussion and a shattered leg and remains hospitalized, authorities said.

The 15-year-old suspect, whose identity hasnt been released, was arrested on Wednesday. He was charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He faces up to 15 years to life in prison if convicted.

A 66-year-old father of three is now dead and an innocent pedestrian is seriously injured because of the defendants alleged actions. Our thoughts are with the family of William Alcindor and the young woman who is now recuperating from her injuries as we prosecute this completely senseless act of gun violence.

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A ban on open burning in Preble County until further notice was announced Wednesday night by the Preble County Chiefs Association.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported Wednesday on News Center 7 at 11, Preble County issued a burning ban due to drought conditions.

Preble County is currently experiencing a drought, and the risk of fire is great, Dale Baker, West Manchester Fire chief and association president, said. No open burning will be permitted in Preble County until further notice.

TRENDING STORIES:

He stated that fire chiefs from the following 11 departments in the county agreed to the statement:

Camden-Somers Twp., Eaton, College Corner, Eldorado, Gasper Twp., Lewisburg, Northwest, Shawnee District, Verona, West Alexandria, and West Manchester.

Preble County joins Randolph and Union counties in Indiana already on county-wide burn bans until further notice, Storm Center 7 Weather Specialist Nick Dunn reports.

More than half of Indianas 92 counties are on a burn ban, while 29 of Ohios 88 counties are now on a burn ban.

Dunn said the area may see additional counties in Ohio added depending on what the drought monitor shows on Thursday.

>>RELATED: Drought means no bonfire as part of area high schools homecoming parade festivities

The drought has also forced some school districts to change their homecoming plans.

As reported Wednesday on News Center 7 at 11, Oakwood High School canceled its bonfire Wednesday night.

Instead of fire Wednesday night, families and students were treated to routines from the schools cheer squad, music from the schools band and speeches from football team members in anticipation of Fridays big game against Waynesville.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




Key Insights

UEM Sunrise Berhad's estimated fair value is RM0.74 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

UEM Sunrise Berhad's RM0.93 share price signals that it might be 24% overvalued

The RM0.95 analyst price target for UEMS is 28% more than our estimate of fair value

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of UEM Sunrise Berhad (KLSE:UEMS) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for UEM Sunrise Berhad

Crunching The Numbers

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM189.0m RM255.1m RM303.4m RM346.9m RM385.3m RM419.4m RM449.7m RM477.3m RM502.9m RM527.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 18.94% Est @ 14.32% Est @ 11.09% Est @ 8.83% Est @ 7.24% Est @ 6.14% Est @ 5.36% Est @ 4.82% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 13% RM168 RM201 RM212 RM216 RM213 RM206 RM196 RM184 RM173 RM161

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM1.9b

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 13%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM527m (1 + 3.6%)  (13% 3.6%) = RM6.0b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM6.0b ( 1 + 13%)10= RM1.8b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM3.8b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM0.9, the company appears slightly overvalued at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at UEM Sunrise Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 13%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.625. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for UEM Sunrise Berhad

Strength

No major strengths identified for UEMS.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Real Estate market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price exceeding the intrinsic value? For UEM Sunrise Berhad, there are three pertinent items you should explore:

Risks: Take risks, for example - UEM Sunrise Berhad has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does UEMS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
A Southern California man was arrested after a violent, drug-induced attack left one person dead and two others hospitalized.

The suspect was identified as Derick Laija, 34, from Ontario, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department.

On Sept. 17, deputies responded to a home on the 3300 block of Bluegrass Avenue in San Bernardino County shortly before 8 p.m.

Authorities discovered three people with injuries at the residence. One victim, Hadgu Abraham, 61, was found outside the home with blunt-force trauma to his head. He later died from his injuries.

His wife, Freweiny Abraham, 61, suffered injuries to her head and his son, Asmerom Abraham, 31, had injuries on his head, upper body and lower body. They were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Authorities learned the suspect, Laija, was living in a short-term rental near the victims home.

Lajia was believed to be under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms and was demonstrating erratic behavior at the time, deputies said.

He reportedly broke into the victims home and attempted to steal their car.

When the family confronted him, thats when he brutally assaulted them, officials said. A bat was also discovered at the crime scene.

Laija was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Detective Francisco Demara at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  About a quarter of Nevadas high school students are getting ahead in dual-credit programs, and schools see an opportunity to increase participation.

Former Gov. Brian Sandoval, now president of UNR, was in Las Vegas Wednesday touring Northwest Career and Technical Academy a day after the university touted the growth in its dual-credit enrollment around the state.

But the leader in Las Vegas is still College of Southern Nevada (CSN), where vocational training plays a big role alongside academics.

Dr. James McCoy, vice president for Academic Affairs at CSN, said dual credit is a pathway for success in college.

If theyre a dual-enrollment student, theyre college proven. They dont have to convince themselves that theyre college material or not college material, McCoy said. Thats particularly important for first-generation college students, which is the case for many in Nevada.

Dr. James McCoy, CSN vice president of Academic Affairs. (KLAS)

And if college isnt what they want, students can explore CSNs certificate programs that can lead directly to jobs in a variety of high-growth fields where workers are always in demand. McCoy said a mining company is paying for a visit this week involving Rancho High School students. A $70,000-a-year salary could be at the end of the rainbow.

In some vocational programs, employers are paying the cost of the class and providing a pipeline to work after graduation.

Working directly with high school counselors, CSN has lofty goals for increasing dual-credit enrollment.

Our goal is to make sure that every high school student who has a desire to enter into a dual-credit pathway has an access point regardless of the ZIP code they may reside in, regardless of who their family is, whether or not their mom or dad have never gone to college or they have no one in their family who have gone to college, McCoy said.

We want to make sure that every high school student has the potential to start college  and start it early, he said.

Rather than viewing 25% participation as an accomplishment, McCoy sees it as an untapped opportunity with room for every higher education institution to participate.

Theres not a college in this state  that hasnt been laser-focused in growing this aspect of our missions, McCoy said.

Still, today CSN is leading the pack because weve been at this for 30 years. Were still the largest provider of dual and early college-going experiences for students despite other institutions getting into the space, he said.

Statewide figures for the 2022-23 academic year showed CSN with the highest share  33.7%  of high school students enrolled in dual-credit programs. Nevada State University was second at 19.7%. UNLV was at 6.8% and UNR had 4.2%.

The UNR campus in Reno.

UNLV in Las Vegas.

Nevada State University in Henderson.

The Ralph & Betty Engelstad School of Health Sciences on CSNs Charleston campus.

A Monday news release indicated UNRs dual-credit Collegiate Academy has enrollment of 6,350 students for the 2024-25 academic year, including 4,236 students in Clark County. Officials said thats a 30% jump from 2023-24.

CSN had 5,221 students enrolled in dual-credit courses in 2022-23, but McCoy didnt have numbers for last year or projections for 2024-25.

(NSHE)

McCoy said theres room for everyone to grow, but CSNs niche in vocational dual-credit programs isnt available everywhere. Every one of us can offer English 101, he said.

UNR now lists 21 high schools in Clark County where its Collegiate Academy is operating.

The Collegiate Academy offers a rigorous pathway for Nevada students and helps build a strong foundation for their future, Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert said. We are grateful for the partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno as well as the enhanced instructional partnerships and development that it provides educators across the state.

Another aspect of dual-credit programs is that students tend to stay in the state  an important factor for continued economic growth in Nevada.

The Clark County School District did not respond to a Monday request for a phone interview on the topic.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Early voting begins Friday in Virginia: What you need to know

Starting Friday, Virginia voters can begin casting ballots in the presidential race and local elections.

While the general election is Nov. 5, early in-person voting begins Friday at all general registrars offices and will continue until Nov. 2. Voters do not have to provide a reason or fill out an application to vote early in-person.

Absentee ballots also can be requested and returned by mail. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot either in-person, by mail, online (vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee) or by contacting their general registrars office. No reason is needed to request an absentee ballot.

___

Whos on the ballot:

The candidates for president and vice president, U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, various local elections and a proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the ballot in Virginia. Check out The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press election guide for more information on the races and candidates.

757 Votes: The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2024 election guide

___

What do I bring?

At the registrars office or satellite voting location, voters must provide their name and address and show an acceptable form of ID or sign an ID confirmation statement. For a list of acceptable forms of identification, visit elections.virginia.gov/registration/voterid/.

Those who dont provide acceptable ID can sign an ID statement affirming their identity. If they do not sign an ID statement to affirm their identity, they may vote using a provisional ballot.

___

Where do I vote?

Below are the main early voting locations and operating dates and hours for 11 Hampton Roads jurisdictions, listed in alphabetical order. In addition to these locations, several localities will offer satellite locations. For a list of satellite offices and their operating hours, visit https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/early-voting-office-locations/.

Chesapeake  General Registrars Office, located at 411 Cedar Road, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The registars office will also be open from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 6 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

Hampton  Voter registrars main office at 101 Kings Way, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is also open 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 13 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

James City County  Office of Elections, located at 4095 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will be open Saturday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Norfolk  Office of Elections, located in Suite 100 at 810 Union St., has early voting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will also be open Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Newport News  Sixth floor of City Hall, located at 2400 Washington Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will also be open Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Poquoson  Council Chambers, located at 500 City Hall Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. This location will also be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

Portsmouth  The general registrar office, located on the first floor at 801 Crawford St., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office will also be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

Suffolk  The Suffolk Registrars Office, located on the first floor at 440 Market Street, is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as on Saturday Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

Virginia Beach  The Voter Registrars Office, located at 2449 Princess Anne Road, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will also be open on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Williamsburg  The Voter Registrars Office at 401 Lafayette St., is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

York County  Two Voter Registrar Office locations are available for early voting from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The locations are 5322 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, and 6614 Mooretown Rd., Ste. A, Williamsburg. Both offices will be closed on Oct. 18. They will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

___

Important dates to remember

Sept. 20: Early in-person voting begins.

Oct. 15: Deadline to register to vote, or update an existing registration. Voters may register after this date, through Election Day, and vote using a provisional ballot).

Oct. 16: Same-day registration begins. According to the Virginia Department of Elections, anyone registering and voting at the same time will have to cast a provisional ballot.

Oct. 25: Deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you.

Nov. 5: Election Day. Absentee ballots returned in person must be received by 7 p.m. All mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 5.

Nov. 8: All mailed ballots must be received by the general registrars office by noon.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
Theyre eating pets  another example of US politicians smearing Haiti and Haitian immigrants

Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.)

Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance continues to defend the false claim that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, have been abducting and eating area cats and dogs.

That outlandish idea has been thoroughly debunked since former President Donald Trump repeatedly raised it as an anti-immigrant talking point in the Sept. 12, 2024, presidential debate. Trump never mentioned where the migrants allegedly eating the pets came from, but many viewers understood it as a reference to Haitians, a population that Trump has previously degraded.

As debate moderator David Muir stated in his real-time fact check, there is no evidence that any pets in Springfield have been taken or consumed. NPR and other media outlets have also declared the rumor, which began with local right-wing advocates and officials in Springfield decrying the citys disorganized response to an influx of Haitian migrants in recent years, to be false.

The Republican tickets untrue rumors about Haitians in Springfield reflects a long history of prejudice toward Haitians in the United States. As a scholar of Haitian history and literature, I have identified three anti-Haitian ideas prevalent in the United States that will help put the Springfield story into context.

The unfitness of Haitians to govern themselves

In July 1915, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson invaded Haiti under the guise of restoring order and economic stability following the assassination of Haitian President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam.

Five years into what would become a 19-year military occupation, the American diplomat and civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson was sent by the NAACP to investigate the supposed benefits of the occupation. His resounding takeaway: The United States has failed Haiti.

In related pieces for The Nation and The Crisis, Johnson chronicled abuses ranging from extra-judicial killings of Haitian citizens  U.S forces killed 15,000 Haitians between 1915 and 1934  to the harassment and rape of Haitian women. Johnson said the U.S. occupation amounted to nothing more than a belief in the unfitness of the Haitian people to govern themselves.

By undermining Haitian sovereignty, Wilsons administration had successfully created a justification for seizing control of Haitian banks, rewriting its constitution and importing American Jim Crow-style segregation into the capital city of Port-au-Prince. This was a clearly racist presidential administration that hosted White House screenings of D.W. Griffiths anti-Black film Birth of a Nation, as historian Yveline Alexis demonstrates in her book Haiti Fights Back: The Life and Legacy of Charlemagne Peralte.

Racism, Alexis writes, was at the core of the seizure of Haiti and all interactions with Haitians.

The 4H disease

In June 2017, Trump reportedly stormed into a meeting on immigration from Haiti and repeated a slanderous anti-Haitian claim: They all have AIDS, he said.

The account, from author Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, shows the then-president repeating a falsehood that has circulated since HIV erupted in the 1980s.

Ever since a number of Haitians fell ill while at a Florida immigrant detention center in June 1982, Haitians became part of what the late public health expert Paul Farmer called the geography of blame that linked this highly communicable disease to certain places and people.

The federal government turned a small disease cluster into a migration policy designed to keep Haitians out of the U.S.

Betweeen 1981 and 1991, more than 27,000 Haitian asylum-seekers fleeing Jean-Claude Duvaliers dictatorship were intercepted off the coast of Florida and detained. The vast majority were repatriated, in part because of a deportation agreement with Duvalier and in part because stopping Haitians at sea was a screening strategy to prevent HIV/AIDS from spreading in the U.S.

The Reagan administration called the virus the 4H disease, referring to Haitians, hemophiliacs, homosexuals and heroin users. This designation spread harmful lies about four groups, but Haitians were the only nationality singled out as an at-risk population for contracting HIV/AIDS.

By the time the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed Haitians from its list of highest-risk groups in 1985, the damage had been done. Haitians in the U.S. were effectively vilified as vectors of a deadly virus.

As a young Haitian man in Port-au-Prince remarked to writer Martha Cooley in 1983, This 4H thing is just one more way to keep us out.

Haitis problems are homegrown

Haitis occupation by foreign forces has continued on and off in different forms since the U.S. invasion of 1915.

United Nations troops were stationed there for nearly two decades following the the 2004 ouster of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. After the devastating 2010 earthquake, they were joined by the Red Cross and Oxfam. As all three organizations have since acknowledged, their humanitarian interventions left numerous crises in their wake, including cholera, chronic corruption in rebuilding projects and a market for sexually exploiting young girls.

Still, Haiti has long faced the accusation that its instability is homegrown. It is widely portrayed in the U.S. as a basket-case nation incapable of managing its own affairs. Trump, as president, once dismissed the entire country as a shithole.

At present, Haitians are coping with overlapping crises that have U.S. fingerprints.

After President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July 2021, the Biden administration hand-picked Haitis interim prime minister, Ariel Henry, as its new leader. This undemocratic decision was such a resounding failure that in March 2024, Haitian gangs revolted against Henrys administration, unleashing a wave of gruesome violence that ultimately forced Henry out of office.

So many catastrophes in Haiti over the past four decades have created an overwhelming sense of insecurity among its people. Many hundreds of thousands have fled the country for the U.S., Dominican Republic, Brazil and beyond.

In July 2024, the Biden administration granted temporary protected status to 500,000 Haitian migrants in the U.S., allowing them to stay in the country, in recognition of the life-threatening conditions back home.

The people Trump insists are illegal aliens are in fact authorized U.S. residents from a country buffeted by American meddling in its politics.

A very old pattern

In barking about cats and dogs in Springfield, Trump, Vance and their right-wing supporters are spreading the same kind of anti-Haitian rhetoric that has sown a harmful distrust of Haitian migrants for over a century.

This is not the first time that we [Haitians] have been the victims of yon kanpay manti, said the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad in a press release following the debate, using the Haitian Creole phrase for a campaign of lies.

The result of such misinformation, it added, is mistreatment, hatred, and misunderstanding in the interest of politics.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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A worker tends to the exterior of the New Hampshire Savings Bank building in downtown Concord on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (Dana Wormald | New Hampshire Bulletin)

A block down Main Street in Concord, a mason is repairing the facade of the old New Hampshire Savings building.

I can see him from my office window, his body half hidden by scaffold netting the color of goldenrod. Hes working alone outside the top floor, the south-facing side, and as far as I can tell hes good at his job. Theres confidence in each movement, likely the product of both repetition and faith in this piece of the process to preserve the whole. If hes bothered by heights, he doesnt show it.

Its comforting, and uncommon, to see a problem and its solution so evenly matched. Gravity and exposure  time above all  create the cracks and the artisan diagnoses and heals. It is all so simple: Identify the fractures, fill in the fissures, and smooth out the lines. There is nothing simple about it: If the work is visible, that means its imperfect. That the structure still stands, whole and stable amid the onslaught of time, is its testament.

A romantic notion of the republic is that lawmakers are like masons, our dedicated and confident workers charged with shaping policy to address fractures and strengthen the whole. What often happens, though, is that so much time is spent arguing about the nature of the cracks and who is to blame for them  or even whether they exist at all  that the work never actually happens. Part of that is due to complexity (if you think creating a budget for a family of four is tricky try a state of 1.4 million or a nation of 330 million). But another part  and I think we can all see this  is that its just smarter politically to take on little (or nonexistent) cracks than the big ones affecting the common good.

That wouldnt be so destructive if the aversion to fully tackling major issues like affordable housing, child care, and education funding wasnt so often accompanied by a strategy of disingenuously scaring the bejesus out of the electorate.

I have a few requests in that regard. Please dont say migrants are coming to vote illegally, murder our families, or devour our pets. Please dont say we are in grave danger of turning into Massachusetts, whatever that means. Please dont say our public school teachers are plotting against America by teaching its history. Please stop punching down on our transgender and LGBTQ+ citizens. Please dont say our climate scientists or epidemiologists are lying to us to serve some darkly imagined end. Please dont, with so many hard but solvable problems that affect everyone, try to make people see enemies and threats everywhere they look.

There are too many real cracks in need of repair. The ones closest to the foundation  racism, sexism, and economic inequality  are so deep and so old that they are sometimes mistaken for part of the design. But they are ever urgent and primary, and the responsibility of repair is not on our lawmakers alone but shared across the population. And know this: Any politician who tries to make hay by exploiting those three chasms has no interest in serving all or preserving the whole.

That is a fact, and it is self-evident.

Theres a lot to do so we will keep at it, wont we? The repairs, I mean. Trowels rather than sledgehammers. I want new families to come to my town, and I want new affordable housing to shelter them. I want them filling up classrooms, sharing their stories and their cultures, and I want our teachers paid like executives. I dont want the burden of that cost to buckle our aging homeowners, so lets have a system of funding public education that is not fully reliant on property taxes. And while were at it, no mom or dad should lose money by going to work because of the high cost of child care, so lets fix that, too.

Thats a lot of mortar, I know. And its just for starters. But some old structures are worth the care, worth the effort and time.

Good bones, as they say.
Weve seen plenty of Chicago mayors do things that turned out to be wildly unpopular in retrospect. Richard M. Daleys disastrous parking-meter deal leaps to mind.

But Mayor Brandon Johnsons continued insistence on ending Chicagos use of the ShotSpotter gun-detection technology is one for the record books when it comes to head-scratching political decisions. He has taken action against the fervent wishes of a substantial majority of his constituents with full knowledge that hes doing so.

Polls show a vast majority of Chicagoans want to keep the technology, which data now strongly suggests is helping to save lives that otherwise would be lost to gun violence. But more importantly, it is the residents of the Chicago neighborhoods most devastated by this senseless mayhem who most want ShotSpotter retained. Those are the Chicagoans, the majority of them Black, that this mayor has vowed to rebuff.

Dont think so? Just look at the votes  and rhetoric  of their aldermen. Of the 17 Black aldermen who voted Wednesday on a Hail-Mary effort by ShotSpotters supporters to give police Superintendent Larry Snelling the authority to renew the ShotSpotter contract, 12 voted in favor. Three more who likely would have voted for the measure  Lamont Robinson, 4th; Walter Burnett, 27th; and Jeanette Taylor, 20th  took a walk, in the reported parlance of City Hall, and were absent for the vote. Its fair to assume they put their loyalty to Johnson over the wishes of most of the people they represent.

Voters in the wards represented by the 12 courageous Black aldermen who voted yes together gave Johnson 76% of their vote in the 2023 runoff election in which he beat Paul Vallas. Nearly a third of the total votes Johnson received in the runoff came from those 12 wards even though they accounted for just 20% of citywide turnout.

Ordinarily, of course, an alderman representing a ward the mayor dominated so thoroughly would figure to be a supporter of his priorities. That they arent in this emotional debate tells us everything we need to know about how people who live in those wards feel about ShotSpotter.

Take Ald. Desmon Yancy, 5th, for example. His remarks on the council floor were mainly about how torn he was personally regarding the issue. He made clear, though, that his constituents overwhelmingly support keeping ShotSpotter, and thats why he was voting to keep it. His ward includes South Shore, where gun violence is prevalent.

Other Black aldermen werent so conflicted. Listen to their voices. Monique Scott, whose 24th Ward includes violence-afflicted North Lawndale, said, You dont just snatch something without a plan (to replace it). That makes me scared.  You cant put a life over a campaign promise.

That last part stands repeating: You cant put a life over a campaign promise.

Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, represents the Bronzeville neighborhood and chairs the City Councils Finance Committee, arguably its most powerful. Addressing Johnson, Dowell said, This is about a gunshot detection strategy so that we know where gunshots are coming from. And we need that. I would ask that you keep this in place until we come up with another way.

Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th, represents a large chunk of Johnsons neighborhood of Austin. She was blunt. I dont even know why were discussing this, she said angrily. And, citing Johnsons decision in February to extend ShotSpotter only long enough so that it would stay in effect through the Democratic National Convention in August, she said, If its good enough for the DNC, then its good for us now.

Johnson won 80% of the vote in Mitts ward.

This page, along with a growing number of other voices in the city, strongly supports keeping ShotSpotter as a way to save the lives of gunshot victims who otherwise would die for lack of timely care. Aldermen spoke eloquently Wednesday on how people frequently dont call 911 when there are gunshots in parts of the city where that sound is heard all too frequently. Its clear that if we rely primarily on 911 calls, first responders in too many cases simply wont know until its far too late that someone has been shot.

Even one of Johnsons strongest allies, Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, while voting against the ordinance on Wednesday still implored the mayor to sit down with the aldermanic ShotSpotter advocates and negotiate a compromise. She suggested a short-term extension of the ShotSpotter contract while the city runs a process to solicit alternatives from other vendors  a tack Johnson has belatedly suggested in the face of the blowback from parts of the city he regards as his base.

That surely makes sense. A politician wanting to boost his reelection prospects seemingly would jump at such an opportunity.

So far, Johnson has pledged to veto the ordinance passed 33-14 on Wednesday and to allow the ShotSpotter contract to expire this coming Sunday.

That would be political malpractice of the highest order.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The idea of banning cellphones in Texas public schools received a big endorsement from the states top education leader.

While discussing recent student performance in key skills testing, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told the members of the Texas Senate Committee on Education Wednesday that he would encourage them to pursue this as a policy during next years session. He argued smartphones are negatively impacting student progress.

It just cant be turned on: Lake Travis ISD debuts phone ban on first week of school

At least from my perspective, cellphones are extremely harmful for student learning, Morath testified. And if it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state.

State Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, seemed open to the idea during Wednesdays hearing, citing concerns about young peoples mental health. State Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, commended several school districts that already took matters into their own hands.

While we make an attempt legislatively to ban cell phones from class, (Morath) said  and we have seen  superintendents have done it independently, and they are successful, Campbell said. So everything doesnt take legislation. It takes leadership.

If Texas lawmakers pursue a bill to accomplish this during next years regular legislative session, they would follow in the footsteps of at least four states that already passed laws banning cellphones in classrooms. At this point, those include Florida, Indiana, Louisiana and South Carolina. California could become the fifth state if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation that passed the state assembly.

Jenn Wood, a mother of two students in Austin, said shed like to see the state act because cellphones are a major distraction not just for learning.

If (students are) hiding behind their cell phone during passing periods, if theyre hiding behind their cellphone during lunch, theyre not looking people in the eye. Theyre not talking to people, Wood said Thursday. Theyre not growing and developing personal relationships, and thats a really huge hindrance on social development.

The Lake Travis Independent School District instituted a new policy this school year requiring phones to be turned off and put away during class. Now, grades prekindergarten through eighth grade are no longer allowed to use cellphones during the school day on campus.

Meanwhile, two years ago, the Thorndale Independent School District made students start locking up their phones during the school day in a magnetically sealed pouch.

Texas Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, said Thursday one of the first bills she plans to file during the upcoming session is related to this. Shed like the state to offer money so that districts can store students phones, like the magnetic pouches used in Thorndale.

Kids still keep their cell phones on them, in their backpack or in their locker. They can be taken out, of course, in any kind of emergency, but bell to bell, they are free from the constant notifications and the constant distraction, Troxclair said. That is where weve seen the most overwhelmingly positive results, and thats what I would hope to advocate for. Of course, Im never going to mandate something like this without funding and so I am already talking to our budget appropriators to make sure if thats what our school districts are interested in, lets provide them support, encouragement and funding to make sure that they can do it.

Critics of these proposals have often cited security concerns as driving their opposition since students would not be able to access their phones in the event of an emergency on campus. Eva Noyola, a mother of two students in Austin, said thats what would worry her, too, even though she supports the idea of not making cellphones available during class periods.

My concern about it is that, given the security situation that weve had in this state and in many other places in the U.S., is that things happen in schools, Noyola said Thursday. Sometimes theres emergency situations, and sometimes theyre really horrendous emergency situations. I really, really want my kid to be able to reach out to either ask for help or to call me in case of an emergency like that, so not having access to the phone through the entire school day is something that Im very hesitant about.

Troxclair, though, said Moraths support for a cellphone ban in classrooms could have sway when lawmakers return on Jan. 14 to begin debating bills.

We spend the largest portion of our state budget on public education, she said, so as a mom of young girls, this is the right thing for my kids, but also as a legislator whos appropriating billions of dollars to public education, we want to make sure that those monies, are used efficiently and effectively to teach children, not for anything else.

Recent data from Pew Research shows that cellphones are nationwide problem of distraction. That data shows 72% of high school teachers across the U.S. said cellphones create a major distraction among students, while 33% of middle school students as well as 6% of elementary school teachers said the phones are a problem.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In an effort to create more affordable homes, Gov. Newsom signs package of housing bills

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a package of bills designed to alleviate the state's housing affordability crisis. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a package of bills designed to alleviate the state's housing affordability crisis.

The new laws aim to boost the availability of housing in a variety of ways, including streamlining the approval process for certain projects and requiring that local municipalities create plans to house the most vulnerable Californians.

"The original sin in this state is affordability," Newsom said at news conference. "That is the challenge we are trying to address."

The bill signings Thursday follow a number of actions lawmakers have taken in recent years to make housing more affordable.

There have been big-ticket items like eliminating most single-family only zones to allow duplexes, as well as more under-the-radar efforts that have boosted construction of so-called accessory dwelling units and chipped away at the ability local governments have to block housing developments.

One of those lesser known laws is Assembly Bill 2011, a law from Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) that streamlined the approval process for housing projects on certain types of commercial land if developers reserve some units for lower-income residents.

On Wednesday, developer Thrive Living and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass celebrated the groundbreaking of what was billed as the first AB 2011 project to move forward in the city. The Baldwin Village development will consist of 800 apartments on top of a ground-floor Costco store. Just over 180 of those units will be for low-income households.

Read more: Housing tracker: SoCal home price growth shows signs of slowing

In his news conference Thursday, Newsom said the total housing package includes 32 bills and he signed seven at the event that tweak a number of existing rules to try to spur more housing.

One measure from Wicks, AB 2243, amends the law that Thrive Living used in Los Angeles. Under the new rules, developers will be able to receive the streamlined approval in more areas than they do now, including regional malls and land closer to freeways.

Another bill, AB 3093 from Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), requires that local municipalities plan for housing that will be available to households making up to 15% and up to 30% of the area's median income.

Currently, the lowest income bracket that communities must plan for is less than 50% of area median income, meaning in theory that cities could fulfill those goals by building housing just for people making 49% of local income.

Officials say that by adding the new, lower-income categories it will help create more housing for people who are homeless or at greatest risk of losing their homes.

Local municipalities will also face stricter penalties if they reject housing projects in ways that state law does not allow them to do.

Under Senate Bill 1037, from state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), communities will face civil penalties up to $50,000 a month for as long as a violation persists. The money will be deposited into a state fund and used to develop income-restricted housing in that community.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- Egypts government said it earmarked five areas on the Red Sea coastline to offer to investors for tourism development, looking to mirror a Mediterranean megadeal earlier this year that helped it overcome a grueling economic crisis.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The locations will include Ras Banas, a peninsula in southern Egypt sitting across from Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told reporters Thursday. He didnt identify the other spots, but cited the precedent of Februarys $24 billion investment by the United Arab Emirates to develop the Mediterranean headland of Ras El-Hekma.

That deal  which also saw $11 billion in investments elsewhere in Egypt  allowed the North African country to enact a long-awaited currency devaluation and unlock new International Monetary Fund financing, effectively ending two years of economic turmoil. Authorities are now seeking a steady supply of foreign direct investment from sales of state assets.

Madbouly said a $5 billion investment pledge from Saudi Arabia earlier this week would be an injection of new funds, not a conversion of Saudi deposits currently held by Egypts central bank. Private companies from the kingdom are also expected to invest up to $15 billion in the coming period, he said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The leader of the El Cajon Police Department will be stepping down later this year after over 29 years of service, according to a release from the city Thursday.

Chief Michael Moulton, who began his career with the department in November 1995, announced he will retire on Dec. 17.

Before serving as El Cajons 15th police chief, Moulton worked various positions from starting in the Community Policing Unit to becoming a detective in the Gang Suppression Unit, the release stated.

Family demands justice after man stabbed, shot in East Village

He was appointed as chief by city manager Graham Mitchell in September 2019.

Leading this department through the pandemic and the unprecedented challenges of 2020 was one of my proudest moments, Moulton said. The resilience of our officers and the support from our community helped us emerge stronger, and Im proud to have been a part of that.

During his time as chief, Moulton oversaw the hiring of 110 officers. The department currently has 199 full-time positions, including 136 sworn officers and 63 civilian staff.

Deadly shooting investigation underway in East County

He has lived in San Diego County since childhood and currently has two children  a son in college and a daughter in high school.

Always remember why youre doing this job. Our core mission is to protect and serve the community, and that should be the guiding principle in every decision, he said, addressing the department.

He added, To my successor, never lose sight of the importance of listening to your officers. They are the ones on the front lines every day and their insights are invaluable. For new recruits, understand that this is a noble profession, and while the challenges are many, the rewards far outweigh them. Make moral and ethical decisions, and you will have a long and successful career.

Moulton officially retires on Dec. 30. The city of El Cajon will start searching for his replacement in the coming months.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Elon Musk Says Warren Buffett Is Positioning For Kamala Harris Win With His $277B Cash Pile As Pro-Trumper John Paulson Warns Of Equity Market Exit

While Vice President Kamala Harris surges ahead in polls against her Republican rival Donald Trump, she hasnt found much traction in the business and investing world. Hedge fund manager John Paulson, the founder of New York-based investment firm Paulson & Co. said on Tuesday in a media appearance that he would pull his money off the market in the eventuality of a Harris win, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk flagged something even more ominous.

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Chalk & Cheese: The market timing and investor timing will depend on who the president is, said Paulson in an interview with conservative media outlet Fox News. Paulson is a pro-Trumper and a Republican donor, and the ex-president reciprocates the sentiment. In March, a Bloomberg report said Trump was considering the hedge fund manager for the role of Treasury Secretary.

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If Harris was elected [I] would pull my money from the market. Id go into cash, and Id go into gold because I think the uncertainty regarding the plans they outlined would create a lot of uncertainty in the markets and likely lower markets, he told Fox News.

Paulson is known for his profitable bet against the subprime mortgage in 2007.

While Trump wants to extend the 2017 tax cuts implemented during his term in office, Harris was planning to allow them to expire, he said, adding that the latter seeks to raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% and the capital gains tax from 20% to 28%.

Trending: Miami is expected to take New York's place as the U.S. Financial Capital. Here's how you can invest in the city before that happens.

The vice president has also proposed a 25% tax on unrealized gains for people having a net worth of $100 million or more, Paulson said. If implemented it would cause mass selling of almost everything  stocks, bonds, homes, art  I think it would result in a crash in the markets and an immediate, pretty quick recession, he added.

Musk Chimes In: When Mario Nawfal, who hosts shows and Twitter Spaces, shared the Fox News clipping of Paulsons interview, Musk said, [Warren] Buffett is already preparing for this outcome.

Story continues





Buffett is already preparing for this outcome https://t.co/fYT6s9uiHo  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 18, 2024

Trending: A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10  you can become part of the next big real estate boom today.

Musk, who has publicly pledged allegiance to Trump after the first assassination attempt against the former president in a Pennsylvania campaign rally, apparently referred to Berkshire Hathaway, the firm led by Buffett, divesting large positions in some of its key holdings.

Berkshire sold 115 million Apple shares in the first quarter and followed up the sales of another 390 million shares in the second quarter. At the end of June, the firm still owned 400 million Apple shares despite the disposals. At Berkshires annual shareholder meeting held in May, the investment guru said the decision to sell the firms biggest holding Apple was to raise cash to foot the federal tax bill and also in line with his intention to hold more cash during times of uncertainty.

The companys cash position at the end of the June quarter was a massive $277 billion.

Trending: Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are bullish on one city that could dethrone New York and become the new financial capital of the US. Investing in its booming real estate market has never been more accessible.

The Buffet-run investment holding company has also been trimming its stake in Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC), another of its core portfolio stocks.

The Berkshire chairman and CEO vouches for value investing  an investment strategy of betting on quality stocks that trade well below their intrinsic value. He rarely invests in techs, which qualify as growth stocks. Musk, for his part, has been sending feelers to Berkshire and Buffett via his social media posts regarding investing in his flagship electric-vehicle company.

Since Buffett is regarded as a model investor known for his risk-averse strategies, any decision to reduce his equity holdings could negatively impact sentiment toward stocks.

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This article Elon Musk Says Warren Buffett Is Positioning For Kamala Harris Win With His $277B Cash Pile As Pro-Trumper John Paulson Warns Of Equity Market Exit originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A shooting has closed the overpass at North Zaragoza and Loop 375 South on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in far East El Paso, according to the El Paso Police Department (EPPD).

EPPD said officers responded to a reported shooting on Sept. 18 in the area of I-10 and Loop 375 S.

The call came in at 4:37 p.m., according to EPPD.

Photo by Santiago Reyes  KTSM

No injuries are reported at this time and what caused the shooting is unknown.

In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced at 8:33 p.m. that all lanes on Joe Battle South at Montwood were closed for a couple of hours due to police activity. All lanes are now open now.

This is a developing story and will update once we learn more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Proposition 315 could slow down the rulemaking process and create potential bottlenecks for health care providers.

Thousands of vulnerable Arizonans now have an extra year to change their health plan after a protracted dispute over a $15.8 billion Medicaid contract.

Officials with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS (pronounced access), say anyone enrolled in the agency's long-term care program for elderly and physically disabled adults will no longer have to switch health plans by Oct. 1. Instead, they will have until Oct. 1, 2025.

The one-year delay was announced after a lengthy dispute over a seven-year contract worth $15.8 billion that AHCCCS awarded Dec. 1 to health plans owned by two large for-profit national health insurance companies  UnitedHealthcare and Centene Corporation.

UnitedHealthcare bid under Arizona Physicians IPA Inc., doing business as UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Centene Corp. bid as Health Net Access, Inc. doing business as Arizona Complete Health-Complete Care Plan.

The big change with the contract award is that AHCCCS selected two health plans instead of three, and ditched two Phoenix-based companies  nonprofits Banner Health (Banner-University Family Care,) and Mercy Care, who hold the current contract along with UnitedHealthcare. Banner Health and Mercy Care had re-bid for the contract, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona was a bidder, too.

Officials with Centene (Arizona Complete Health) said in an emailed statement that while they were looking forward to serving people in the AHCCCS long-term care population, they "understand and fully support" the agency's decision to delay the contract start date by a year, "to ensure a smooth transition for members, their families and providers."

There's no change for UnitedHealthcare since it already holds the contract. In an emailed statement officials with the Minnesota-based company said UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona has held the long-term care contract with AHCCCS since 1989 and the company looks forward to "our ongoing collaboration with state partners, providers and community organizations to help advance health outcomes for all Arizonans, including those in the long-term care program."

About 26,000 adults are enrolled in AHCCCS' Arizona Long Term Care System for elderly and physically disabled people, AHCCCS officials said. To qualify for coverage, individual adults must have an income that does not exceed $33,948 per year (including wages, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and disability or retirement pensions), and they must be disabled or frail enough to qualify to live in a nursing home, though they aren't necessarily living in one.

Administrative law judge sided with losing bidders

After AHCCCS announced the contract award, Banner Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Mercy Care all filed protests with the agency and in June filed a special action that asked for a temporary restraining order in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleging that AHCCCS failed to follow its own contract procurement rules.

UnitedHealthcare and Centene filed motions to dismiss the special action, which were granted by Judge Jennifer Ryan-Touhill on July 29.

On Aug. 9, administrative law judge Sondra Vanella sided with Banner Health, Mercy Care and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and recommended canceling the contract awards and re-opening the bidding process, writing in her recommendation that the procurement process had "serious flaws."

AHCCCS on Sept. 9 announced it would be ignoring Vanella's recommendation and the contract award would stand.

"The AHCCCS final decision is consistent with our review that AHCCCS followed proper procedure in administering the procurement," the Arizona Complete Health statement said. "We are grateful to the many stakeholders and providers who have expressed their support for our return to the ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) program and stand ready to serve these members on Oct. 1, 2025."

However, the matter may not be decided. The losing bidders by law are entitled to seek a review either by the agency or by a Superior Court judge.

AHCCCS officials announced on Sept. 12 that the agency would extend the contract transition by a year, which is confusing for enrollees, providers and particularly for the case managers who work for the health plans, said Dave Voepel, CEO of the Arizona Health Care Association, an industry organization that represents skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities.

"I don't think we're taking into account what the case managers are going through with all the back and forth," Voepel said.

At the same time, Voepel said, it was good that AHCCCS was taking time to ensure the transition process was completed correctly.

Extra year a relief, but problems remain, provider says

AHCCCS officials said they were evaluating operations and processes for the Oct. 1, 2025, transition and "members continue to be the agency's primary focus throughout this process."

Madison Rhodes, who co-owns a counseling service called AZ Health Path, is a contractor with Mercy Care and is relieved for the extra year, but wishes the agency had taken the recommendation of Vanella, the administrative law judge.

Rhodes' six-employee service works like a doctor who makes house calls, only her company focuses on counseling and makes visits to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals  wherever people are residing. AZ Health Path's nearly 200 clients include adults of all ages with a variety of challenges, including traumatic brain injuries, serious mental illness and physical impairments.

"These members are unable to get out in the community, so we go to them," Rhodes said. "We work with people who are anxious, depressed, and having life transition events, because it's traumatic sometimes to go from living on your own to a nursing home or a care facility. It's very hard for many people ... There aren't that many people who do what we do."

Rhodes is concerned because of AHCCCS restrictions that so far have prevented her from switching to become a provider for the newly contracted managed care organizations and worries her clients will lose counseling care.

Tighter oversight, meant to prevent a repeat of massive Medicaid fraud that occurred within the agency, has caused a paperwork nightmare for behavioral health providers, she said  a complaint that other providers have also made. The situation is a "big mess," she said.

"Some of them we've seen for years," she said of her patients. "It's hard for them to trust people in the first place because they've been disadvantaged and taken advantage of and they don't have a lot of access to care. And so we are a consistent source in their lives, someone who cares for them."

Reach health care reporter Stephanie Innes at Stephanie.Innes@gannett.com or follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @stephanieinnes.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Elderly and disabled people in AZ get time to switch Medicaid plans
Police and school administrators in Eldridge are investigating an anonymous report about threatening language from a student, according to a news release from the Eldridge Police Department.

Eldridge police and North Scott school officials received P3 reports on Thursday, September 12 at about 4:57 p.m., saying an incident occurred earlier in the day at North Scott Junior High School. The anonymous P3 report said a student made a verbal threat about an act of violence toward another student. School administrators and the Eldridge Police Department began investigating the report.

The Eldridge Police School Resource Officer contacted the family of the students involved in the incident. Administrators and the school resource officer contacted witnesses named in the anonymous threat and verified that the student had used language that could be perceived as a threat. The student in question will not be at school while the investigation is open.

School officials and the Eldridge Police Department are following policy to address the issue and have included the Scott County Attorneys Office in the process. A charge of harassment in the first degree, an aggravated misdemeanor, has been filed with the juvenile courts for review.

This investigation is separate from the first P3 tip received about school violence on Wednesday, September 11.

The release ends with a statement from the police department. We want to remind students that any threats of violence will not be tolerated in or outside of the schools. The Eldridge Police and North Scott School District want to ensure the safety of both students and staff and that North Scott Schools remain safe, secure and a positive place to learn.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry is currently touring the state to meet with local officials in preparation for the upcoming presidential election.

We want people to know the truth that elections are safe, and people can vote with confidence in Louisiana, Landry told NBC6. The Secretary of State broke down specific measures her office is taking to ensure there will not be widespread election issues.

Have you registered to vote yet?

Only our employees ever touch our equipment, she explained. They do the programming, they do the maintenance, and our policies and procedures include voter ID. Then, the physical security includes that our election equipment is never connected to the internet, despite what you may hear.

Landry mentioned that parts of the voting system could still be improved, but they are currently working towards that goal.

The system we have is 30 years old, and we would like to get a new system in place, she shared. But there are laws we have to follow and steps we have to take.

She also spoke about new guidance on voter registration drives, calling it a very minor change.

We had a voluntary program where people conducting voter registration drives could voluntarily give us their contact information, so we could contact them if there were any mistakes on the voter registration forms, she explained.

We are seeing a lot of activity. We always do in a presidential year, Landry said in regards to voter registration numbers. Its a big year for getting people to register to vote.

They anticipate votes in Louisiana will be 10% absentee, 35% in-person early voting, and 55% in-person on election day.

She continued, We encourage everybody to go out and vote in person if they can, and if theyre going to be out of town, they can request an absentee ballot.

We have several races every election cycle that are decided by just a few votes, and I know weve seen that happen here in Caddo parish recently, said Landry. So everybodys vote counts, and its really important to go out and vote and make your voice heard.

What does it take to run for local office?

Several voting deadlines are coming up. You can register to vote in person or by mail until October 7th. The last day to register to vote online is October 15th. Early voting starts October 18th and runs through October 29th.

The Secretary of State reminds voters to bring their photo ID when they do come to vote, due to voter ID laws.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
NewsNation)  NewsNations Brian Entin has uncovered discrepancies in the Ellen Greenberg autopsy report.

Greenbergs body was discovered Jan. 26, 2011, by her fiance, Samuel Goldberg, who told police he kicked open the apartment door after returning home from the gym and receiving no answer from Greenberg. Once inside, Goldberg said, he found his fiancee in the kitchen, leaning against a cabinet with a knife in her chest and 20 stab wounds. Greenberg suffered stab wounds to her torso, back and head.

Greenbergs death was initially ruled a homicide, then quickly reclassified as a suicide.

Harris leads Trump by 6 points after debate: Poll

Entin spoke to the prosecutor assigned to Greenbergs case, Guy DAndrea, who said there was no way it was a suicide. DAndrea said the medical examiner agreed to change the cause of death, but then DAndrea left the state attorneys office for private practice. The state attorney general took over and determined the cause of death was suicide.

DAndrea is especially concerned by the 911 call made by Greenbergs fiance. He said it doesnt make sense the fiance didnt notice a knife sticking out of Greenbergs chest until two minutes into the call.

Autopsy photos, which were not initially made public, show images of stab wounds and bruises. A steak knife can be seen sticking out of Greenbergs chest, along with blood and her eyes being open.

Greenberg also reportedly used Google to research suicide methods, but the searches werent added to her evidence file until years after her death.

The parents of Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg, who was found dead in 2011 with 20 stab wounds in what was deemed a suicide, have won the right to challenge the ruling, according to reports. | Photo credit: Ellen Greenbergs family

Parents of stabbed teacher question investigation

The family consulted two experts, one of whom determined that a stab wound to her brain would have resulted in severe pain, cranial nerve disfunction and traumatic brain signs as well as numbness, tingling (and) irregular heartbeat.

Expand the JonBenet DNA search: John Ramsey

That conclusion went against the findings in the medical examiners report, which determined that there was no damage to the spinal cord. But the Philadelphia Inquirer reported in 2019 that neuropathologist Dr. Lucy Rorke-Adams said she had no recollection of the case, despite being the doctor cited in the medical examiners report.

When Gov. Josh Shapiro was reportedly asked to review the case as attorney general, his office stood by the ruling. Greenbergs parents fear Shapiro never took the case seriously.

I think he (Shapiro) tried to keep his hands off it as much as possible. I think deep down he knew this was a hot potato, Josh Greenberg said. NewsNation has reached out to Shapiros office but has yet to hear back.

NewsNations Tyler Warnell contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Elon Musk amplified a flurry of false claims and misinformation Wednesday in a period of online activity which, even by his own standards, was fairly unhinged.

The billionaire edgelord is no stranger to a reckless post, already attracting the ire of the White House this week over a tweet in which he wrote no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala. Musk deleted that post which came just hours after the second apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trumpwhile passing it off as a joke, though the Secret Service apparently didnt see the funny side.

Secret Service Probes Elon Musk Joke About Killing Prez Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris

Some people might decide to be more cautious online after such a snafu.

But on Wednesday, Musk retweeted an X post to his nearly 200 million followers claiming there was a bomb threat in a car near a planned Trump rally on Long Island. The original poster deleted their tweet after the claim was shown to be wrong, while Musks own post about the matterin which hed written wow in response to the fake claimremains live as of Thursday morning.

The Tesla boss on Wednesday also reshared a post alleging that ABC News had falsely claimed the Springfield City Manager refuted Trumps debate statement about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio. The person speaking in the posts video, however, was not the city manager, CNN reports. It was actually Springfield resident making unproven claims based on comments that he had heard.

That didnt stop Musk sharing the misleading post came with the caption Always Be Cheating News, an apparent jibe at the ABC News moderators who swiftly fact-checked Trumps claims about Haitian immigrants during his debate with Kamala Harris.

Several hours later, Musk also shared a map projecting a sweeping electoral college victory for Trump in the November elections. Trending well, Musk wrote in his quote-tweet of the map.

The posts creator atrributed the map to Nate Silver, the pollster founder of FiveThirtyEight who now publishes on his Substack blog Silver Bulletin. But the map wasnt real, with the actual map shared on Silvers blog showing thatin contradiction to the posters claimsthe race remains, in Silvers words, a tossup.

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.
California's newest law could land social media users who post, or repost, AI deepfakes that deceive voters about upcoming elections in legal trouble. Governor Gavin Newsom suggests that AB 2839, which went into effect immediately after he signed it on Tuesday, could be used to reel in the retweets of Elon Musk, among others who spread deceptive content.

"I just signed a bill to make this illegal in the state of California," said Newsom in a tweet, referencing an AI deepfake Musk reposted earlier this year that made it appear Kamala Harris called herself an incompetent candidate and a diversity hire (she did not).

"You can no longer knowingly distribute an ad or other election communications that contain materially deceptive content  including deepfakes," Newsom said later in the tweet.

California's new law targets the distributors of AI deepfakes, specifically if the post resembles a candidate on California ballots, and the poster knows it's a fake that will cause confusion. AB 2839 is unique because it doesn't go after the creators of AI deepfakes, or the platforms they appear on, but rather those who maliciously spread them. Anyone who sees an AI deepfake on social media can now file for injunctive relief, meaning a judge could order the poster to take it down, or issue monetary damages against the person who posted it.

It's one of America's strongest laws against election-related AI deepfakes heading into the 2024 presidential election.

A sponsor that helped draft AB 2839, California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), tells TechCrunch this law can impact any social media user -- not just Musk -- who posts or reposts election-related AI deepfakes with malice. "Malice" means the poster knew it was false and would confuse voters.

"[AB 2839] goes after the creators or distributors of content, if the content falls within the terms of the bill," said CITED's policy director, Leora Gershenzon, in an interview with TechCrunch. "This is materially deceptive content that is distributed knowing it's false, with reckless disregard of the truth, and is likely to influence the election."

When asked whether Musk could face legal action for reposting deepfakes, Newsom did not rule out the possibility.

"I think Mr. Musk has missed the punchline," said Governor Newsom at a press conference Thursday. "Parody is still alive and well in California, but deepfakes and manipulations of elections -- that hurts democracy."

Specifically, the new law bans election-related AI deepfakes from TV, radio, phone, texts, or any communication "distributed through the internet." The bill is not exclusive to political campaign ads, which other laws have focused on, but also posts from everyday people. AB 2839 creates a window --120 days before a California election and 60 days after -- where there are stricter rules about what you can, and can not, post about political candidates on social media.

"The real goal is actually neither the damages or the injunctive relief," said Gershenzon. "It's just to have people not do it in the first place. That actually would be the best outcome... to just have these deepfakes not fraudulently impact our elections."

This law pertains to candidates for state and local elections in California, as well as federal candidates that will appear on California's ballot, such as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. If there's an obvious disclaimer on an AI deepfake, stating that it has been digitally altered, then AB 2839 does not apply to it.

Musk is already trying to test the will to enforce California's new law. Musk reposted the deepfake resembling Kamala Harris that Newsom referenced in his tweet on Tuesday, amassing more than 31 million impressions on X. Musk also reposted an AI deepfake resembling Governor Newsom on Wednesday, which received more than 7 million impressions.

Musk and X are facing other legal problems related to moderation. For instance, a Brazilian Supreme Court judge fined the X Corporation on Thursday for skirting the country's ban on the platform. The judge previously said X's failure to combat fake news and hate speech is harming Brazil's democracy.
An email address belonging to North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was registered on Ashley Madison, a website designed for married people seeking affairs.

An adviser to Robinson, granted anonymity to speak freely, confirmed to POLITICO that the email address in question belongs to Robinson. A spokesperson for Robinson said he had not made an account on Ashley Madison.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson denies that he ever created or used an account on this website, said Mike Lonergan, Robinsons communications director

Robinsons campaign also pointed to a website showing the email address in question has been compromised in multiple data breaches.

The discovery of Robinsons personal email address on Ashley Madison came as Republicans in North Carolina on Thursday cringed after CNN uncovered old posts purportedly made by Robinson on online pornographic forums  and as his chances of winning the governors race appear increasingly grim. Robinson recorded an interview with CNN set to air Thursday evening, denying various allegations against him of other online activities, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

On Thursday afternoon, CNN reported that Robinson, whom former President Donald Trump endorsed, had once posted comments on a porn website called Nude Africa, listing on the website his full name and an email address he was known to use for years  the same one that POLITICO found was registered on Ashley Madison.

Robinson, according to CNN, wrote about finding sexual arousal from recalling memories of peeping on women in public showers as a teenager, his affinity for tranny on girl porn, that slavery is not bad and that he referred to himself as a black Nazi! He told CNN he denied making the posts.

Robinson had already foreshadowed the nature of the allegations CNN would highlight, calling them salacious tabloid trash in a video his campaign released Thursday insisting he is remaining in the race and issuing a blanket denial of allegations being brought against him. The campaign published the video as political operatives in North Carolina and around the country were in a frenzy over the forthcoming CNN story.

Let me reassure you, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson, he said in the video, blaming his opponent, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, for leaking information against him to CNN. Folks, this race right now, our opponents are desperate to shift the focus here from the substantive issues and focus on what you are concerned with to salacious tabloid trash.

By Thursday night, prominent elected Republicans in North Carolina were speaking out against Robinson.

The comments reported in the article are disgusting, Sen. Ted Budd said in a statement after the CNN article posted. Mark Robinson says they are not from him. He needs to prove that to the voters."

And Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee told reporters on Thursday that the allegations are very concerning.

He says they're not true, Hudson said. I think he needs to assure the people of the state with a little more detail that they aren't true.

In a statement, Steins campaign said North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be governor, and that Stein remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone.

Robinson, who as lieutenant governor became a well-known conservative firebrand and faced scrutiny for remarks about women, LGBTQ+ people, Jews and others, was already lagging in the polls.

While its unclear whether Robinsons poor performance is having any negative effect on Trumps position there, the former president remains locked into a close race with Kamala Harris in the state, even as Robinson appears increasingly out of the running.

Trump won North Carolina in both the last two presidential elections  though by just over 1 point in 2020  even as Democrat Roy Cooper won the governors office both times.

An internal poll conducted for Trumps campaign found Robinson running 14 percentage points behind Stein, while Trump was leading Harris by 3 points in North Carolina, according to a person with knowledge of the poll. Public polling has also shown Robinson consistently behind Stein, in some cases by as much as 14 points.

Spokespeople for Trumps campaign declined to comment on the reported findings of the internal poll.

Two people familiar with the situation, granted anonymity to speak about the sensitive issue, told POLITICO the Trump campaign has not pressured Robinson to drop out of the race or to skip Trumps rallies in the state, despite a news report saying otherwise.

Trump is scheduled to hold a rally Saturday in Wilmington, North Carolina. Robinson last appeared with Trump when he made his way on stage during an Aug. 21 rally in Asheboro, North Carolina when Trump called up local sheriffs. Trump had not asked Robinson to come on stage.

Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  In efforts to save the endangered Attwaters prairie chicken, 20 Caldwell Zoo raised chickens will be released to the wild.

Buzzing with excitement: Caldwell Zoo announces birth of monkey

According to the zoo, over the past four months their bird team raised several chickens to support the populations recovery.

Courtesy of the Caldwell Zoo

Courtesy of the Caldwell Zoo

This program is essential, as habitat loss and hunting have driven this once-abundant species to endangerment, Caldwell Zoo officials said. Once numbering over a million across coastal Texas and Louisiana, today, only a small population survives in Texas.

The zoo said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visited in early September to collect the chickens that would be released at a protected Texas wildlife refuge.

Courtesy of the Caldwell Zoo

In collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife team, each bird was carefully tagged, dewormed and provided with any necessary medications before the big release, zoo officials said.

The Caldwell Zoo said the mission of their breeding and conservation program is to support the recovery of endangered species until the species reaches a stable population that can sustain itself.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  An Enon man is facing charges in relation to a fatal shooting that took place earlier this month.

Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck, Jr. announced the indictment of Aldayshein Brezae Morgan, 23 of Enon, on Sept. 19. Morgan has been charged in the shooting death of 32-year-old Korwyn Moore at Summit Square Apartments on Sept. 7.

Springfield mayor issues proclamation after safety threats

On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 7, Dayton police were sent to the 600 block of Summit Square Drive for a shooting. Upon arrival, they found a gunshot victim, identified as Moore.

Moore was transported to the hospital where he later died around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday from his injuries.

Using witness statements and video surveillance, police determined there had been an altercation in the parking lot between the victim and a resident when the defendant fired several rounds at the victim.

The Montgomery County Grand Jury has indicted Morgan on the following charges:

Two counts of Murder

One count of Felonious Assault  deadly weapon

One count of Felonious Assault  serious physical harm

Two counts of Tampering with Evidence

Morgan is currently at the Montgomery County Jail, held on a $1 million bond. He is set to be arraigned on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 8:30 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 WDTN.com.
BAE Systems has secured a $440 million contract from the U.S. Army to produce 220 additional Bradley Fighting Vehicles, partly replacing Bradley vehicles delivered to Ukraine. The contract will support the production of a new batch of M2A4, ensuring that the U.S. Armys Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) formations maintain and improve their operational capabilities.

The Bradley Fighting Vehicle, first introduced in the 1980s, is designed for troop transport and reconnaissance missions and provides significant firepower and protection. This new contract will produce the latest serially produced variants with enhanced armor protection, advanced targeting systems, vehicle electronics, and communication systems. The Army and BAE Systems have already introduced a more advanced Bradley, designated M2A4E1, equipped with the Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) and a more robust electrical system feeding that APS.

The U.S. Army plans to keep the Bradley platform operational until the XM30, its future replacement vehicle, is developed, slated for the 2030s.

Rafael Breaks Cover of Iron Dome Mission Modules

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased its new Iron Dome Mission Module at last weeks Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Australia and the Air Force Association Air, Space, and Cyber (ASC) event in Washington, D.C., this week. Utilizing a mobile radar sensor and a 10-canister launcher mounted on light tactical vehicles such as the JLTV, The Iron Domes mission module is a compact, flexible solution that can be integrated into various defense platforms, providing rapid response to aerial threats, including rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The module can be deployed in static and mobile configurations, making it versatile for different operational needs. (Read more)

Indias Light Tank Zorawar Completes Trial by Fire

Indias new light tank has completed its first live-fire trials and is expected to undergo limited user testing in the coming months. The Zorawar light tank has completed its first live-fire trials, marking a significant milestone in developing the nations Indigenous light tank program. The trials, held in desert conditions, demonstrated the tanks firepower and agility. The Zorawar is designed to address the needs of Indias army in mountainous and high-altitude borders like Ladakh and the north-east, where traditional heavy tanks struggle to perform. The Chinese already have the T-15 light tank deployed along their southern border with India. (Read more)

Hanwhas Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle Gets Safran PASEO Joint Fires

Safran is integrating the PASEO Joint Fires advanced day and night panoramic sight system onto Hanwhas Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The company announced this development at Australias recent Land Forces 2024 event. The PASEO system is designed to provide superior targeting, surveillance, and fire control, enabling the Redback to operate in various combat environments. (Read more)

Leopard 1 Tanks for Ukraine: Upgraded and Ready for Action

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have showcased newly upgraded Leopard 1 tanks, which are being prepared for deployment in their ongoing defense against Russian aggression. Originally designed in the 1950s, these tanks have undergone significant modernization to enhance their armor, mobility, and firepower.

Upgrades include reinforced passive and reactive armor, advanced targeting systems, and improved communication systems, allowing these tanks to perform in modern combined arms combat scenarios.

Most notable is the application of reactive protection tiles, covering the frontal areas of the turret and hull and overlapping the hull-turret junction areas, which are considered among the most vulnerable for these tanks. A collapsible frame can be erected over the turret, replacing the fixed cop cages previously used on armored vehicles. These assemblies are used as anti-drone structures.

The delivery of these tanks, part of ongoing Western military aid to Ukraine, demonstrates continued international support.

Ukraine Acquires More Bohdana Self-Propelled Guns

Ukraine has acquired 18 new locally produced Bohdana self-propelled guns (SPGs) to enhance its artillery capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The newly obtained systems are designed similarly to the French CEASAR truck-mounted howitzer.

The Bohdana has a 155mm that meets NATO standards, enabling the Ukrainian Army to leverage ammunition delivered by neighboring countries. Denmark has financed the acquisition of these units.

This acquisition is part of Ukraines broader efforts to modernize its military capabilities with support from Western nations. As the conflict continues, such advancements in artillery are expected to play a critical role in Ukraines ability to defend its territory and conduct offensive operations.

Israels Defense Force to Induct Elbit Systems Roem (SIGMA) Wheeled Howitzer

The Israel Defense Force artillery corps will soon receive the first Roem wheeled howitzer to replace the obsolete M-109s that entered operations in the 1970s. The new canon developed by Elbit Systems uses a 1010 wheeled chassis, mounting a gun module equipped with a 155/52 mm gun capable of firing standard artillery projectiles at a range of 40 km, at a rate of eight rounds per minute. The weapon is operated by a crew of three, compared to five operating the M-109s.

Azerbaijan Receives First Batch of Slovak DITA-L Wheeled Howitzers

Azerbaijan recently received the first batch of Slovak DITA-L wheeled artillery units produced by CSG Defence. The new DITA mounts a 155/45 mm gun module with an automatic loading system capable of firing five rounds per minute. Under the agreement with Czech defense company Excalibur Army, Azerbaijan will receive over 70 units of the 155 mm/L45 Dita howitzer. Two crew members operate the gun. This is the most significant order for Czech or Slovak artillery systems since 1989. In addition, Azerbaijan has recently announced plans to acquire 48 units of the 155 mm Nora howitzer from Slovakia. The new guns will complement Azerbaijans existing Russian-origin artillery inventory, which includes the 122 mm 2S1 Gvozdika, 152 mm 2S3 Akatsiya, 152 mm 2S19 Msta-S, and 152 mm Dana-M1M self-propelled howitzers.

French Air Force to Deploy New SAMP/T NG Air Defense System by 2026

The French Air and Space Force has announced plans to deploy eight SAMP/T NG (New Generation) air defense systems by 2030. The first will be delivered in 2026, and four additional units will be delivered by 2035, for 12 units. Earlier this year, Italy signed a contract with Europes Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) for the first four systems, the first of which will be delivered next year. The SAMP/T NG is an advanced variant of the existing SAMP/T system. The system sensors cover a range of 350 km; it is designed to provide enhanced protection against a wide range of aerial threats, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones.

The SAMP/T NG system integrates new radars and missiles, significantly improving its detection, tracking, and interception capabilities. One of the key upgrades is the Aster 30 Block 1 NT missile, which enhances the systems ability to intercept ballistic missiles at longer ranges and higher altitudes. The system will also feature Thales Ground Fire 300 radar, a new generation of radars that will improve target detection and engagement accuracy.

Iraq to Purchase South Korean KM-SAM Air Defense Systems

Iraq is set to enhance its air defense capabilities by acquiring eight South Korean KM-SAM air defense systems. The deal, valued at $2.63 billion, will be finalized next week, marking a significant step in Iraqs efforts to modernize its military infrastructure. This marks another step in expanding South Koreas defense exports in the Middle East, following previous deals with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

The KM-SAM, also known as Cheongung-II, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by South Korea. The Block II version systems currently in production are designed to intercept aircraft and missiles at up to 20 km and range up to 50 kilometers, providing a robust defense against aerial threats. Iraqs request to expedite the procurement of 2-3 batteries for these systems highlights its focus on strengthening its defensive posture amid regional security challenges.
(Bloomberg) -- Elon Musks X skirted a ban of the social media network in Brazil through an automatic update of its software, an association of Brazilian internet providers said Wednesday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Access to the platform abruptly returned overnight for many in Latin Americas most populous nation after a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordered it blocked last month in a clash with Musk. After waking to find X suddenly functioning again on their phones, Brazilian users were abuzz Wednesday with speculation on whether or not the ruling had been revoked.

The Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Providers, or ABRINT, explained later in the day that in its update X had changed its structure to use IP addresses associated with Cloudflare, a cyber security company in San Francisco. The internet-infrastructure provider works with millions of websites, helping many to route their traffic.

The structural changes in X make blocking the app much more complicated, ABRINT said in a statement. The group said that under Xs previous system, the platform used specific IP addresses, which can allow internet companies to identify where data is coming from.

Many of the IP addresses currently being used by X are shared with other legitimate services, such as banks and large internet platforms, making it impossible to block an IP without affecting other services, ABRINT added.

Return Very Soon

X, formally know as Twitter until Musks 2022 takeover, said the restored access for Brazilians was inadvertent and temporary, which resulted after the company changed network providers following its ban in the country.

While we expect the platform to be inaccessible again in Brazil soon, we continue efforts to work with the Brazilian government to return very soon for the people of Brazil, an X spokesperson said in a statement.

Cloudflare declined to comment. The Supreme Court did not respond to a request for comment, but local media reported it asked Brazils telecoms regulator, Anatel, to explain the unauthorized return of X.

Anatel said in a statement that it continues to monitor the blocking order. The surveillance results are reported directly to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is leading a campaign against fake news and hate speech, banned X in August after Musk refused to appoint a legal representative in Brazil and restrict certain accounts.

Story continues

The worlds richest man has tried to portray the judges efforts as a dangerous example of state overreach and an attack on free speech, while Moraes supporters say the campaign is necessary to clean up the internet.

Earlier Wednesday, Brazils telecoms regulator, Anatel, said there was no change in the Supreme Court decision to ban X, formally known as Twitter.

(Update to add X comment in sixth, seventh paragraphs. An earlier version corrected the spelling of company name in deckhead)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Enterprise mayor says government has not given the city resources needed to help Haitian migrants assimilate, authorities say growing community has not caused problems amid concerns

ENTERPRISE, Ala (WDHN)  Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper released a statement on Wednesday in which he called out the federal government for not assisting the city in helping Haitian migrants coming in.

First, I would like to say that we are sympathetic to the men, women, and children who leave their country to focus on building a better life, especially amidst economic hardship, political instability, social unrest, war, and natural disasters. We are aware that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas program allows refugees from Haiti to be placed in our

community. It is unfortunate that we, as a city, were given no advanced notice nor additional resources to accommodate this influx, Mayor Cooper said in his release.

In his statement, Mayor Cooper said there have been serious allegations of crime surrounding the Haitian community in the Enterprise area but said none of these allegations had been reported to law enforcement.

I urge you to let the appropriate authorities know so the claims can be investigated, said Mayor Cooper.

Authorities in Coffee County tell WDHN that law enforcement has not had any issues with the Haitian community in the area.

The mayor continued, claiming Secretary Mayorkas program has not given the city the resources to help the Haitian migrants assimilate into the community.

I met with some members of the Haitian community who settled in Enterprise. We discussed many things, to include our cultural differences and cultural norms. We want everyone in our city, who wants to work, to be gainfully and legally employed, said Mayor Cooper. We want everyone who comes here legally to be active, productive members of our community and to feel welcome in Enterprise. Afterall, our city is the epitome of triumph over adversity. Its a story we know all too well.

The mayor said he is working with other communities and seeking out city resources.

The topic of Haitian immigration in the United States recently took center stage after Republicans, including Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance, made no debunked claims that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, were abducting and eating pets. Reports show Ohios GOP Governor and other officials insisted there is no evidence of such behavior in the community.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
A solar energy array. Environmental groups are calling on Microsoft to bypass a planned gas-powered electricity project and instead focus exclusively on solar and wind power for its data center in Racine County. (Photo courtesy of the National Center for Appropriate Technology and the Agrisolar Clearinghouse | USDA)

A coalition of environmental and health groups has called on Microsoft to rely on clean energy generation instead of a proposed expansion of methane-fueled power for its planned Racine County data center  projected to become Wisconsin Electrics largest electric load.

In an open letter to Microsoft, the groups charge that the plan underway by We Energies to build new methane gas power plants will push our states climate goals out of reach, locking us into 30 more years of fossil fuels at a time when we all know we must rapidly transition to clean energy.

We Energies defended its plan Thursday, calling the gas plants an essential transition step as the company expands its clean energy portfolio.

Microsofts decision to build an artificial intelligence data center in Mount Pleasant has been highlighted as a Wisconsin economic development success story, but alongside that has come a growing awareness about the heavy demand that data centers and AI make for electric power.

In testimony to the state Public Service Commission supporting a proposed rate increase to pay for the cost of expanded methane power generation, a Microsoft consultant said the data center is expected to become the largest electric load served by Wisconsin Electric, the Milwaukee Business Journal reported. Wisconsin Electric is a subsidiary of We Energies.

The letter distributed Thursday by Clean Wisconsin and signed by a dozen organizations declares that if carried out, the utilitys plan will increase air pollution from nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, lead, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.

Its time for Wisconsin to leave these dangerous ways to produce energy behind, not double-down on dirty fuels in the name of new technology, the letter states.

Instead of backing the methane power build-out, the letter urges Microsoft to embrace expanding solar and wind power in Wisconsin to meet the increased demand.

Microsofts recently-announced plan to help fund a currently unspecified 250-megawatt solar project in Wisconsin is a good start, but this represents just a fraction of the data centers energy needs, the letter states. There must be more.

The letter cites Microsofts public claims of commitment to addressing climate change.

This data center project represents a critical opportunity to help drive change in Wisconsin and put us on a path to clean wind and solar, the letter states. Microsoft knows what we all know, that the window to make meaningful progress in the fight against climate change is closing, and the decisions we make right now matter.

In a statement Thursday responding to the letter, We Energies spokesman Brendan Conway said the new proposed natural gas generation plants were necessary to ensure reliable service as the company continues its move toward cleaner power sources.

Now more than ever, it is critical for us to have quick-start gas plants available and running in our state for those times when intermittent renewable generation cannot meet customers energy needs, Conway said. He called the gas plants the cheapest, most reliable and lowest carbon approach to support our customers when solar and wind are not able to provide enough power.

The proposed plants comply with EPA emission standards, Conway said. He added that We Energies continues to expand its clean energy production, spending more than $7 billion on solar, wind and battery storage capacity by 2028. The utility calculates that with those investments it will be producing four times its current output of non-carbon energy within five years.

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California environmental groups are contesting a proposed hydrogen project at the Port of Stockton, citing concerns over potentially harmful environmental impacts in an already heavily polluted area.

Their lawsuit filed Wednesday, which calls for a more thorough environmental review, highlights growing criticism from activists who argue that fossil-fuel based hydrogen projects are in conflict with the states climate goals despite receiving government support.

The groups argue that the planned hydrogen facility would lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, release air pollutants and threaten imperiled species. Unlike green hydrogen produced by renewable energy sources, the project relies on methane, a fossil fuel.

This is dirty hydrogen, delivered by dirty trucks, for potentially dirty uses. If the port wants to build this project, it must do a better job explaining how it will clean up all of this pollution, said Earthjustice attorney Katrina Tomas in a written statement.

At a time when the climate crisis is devastating our state with wildfires, the port approved a project that will increase greenhouse gas emissions and keep us hooked on fossil fuels.

The Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity filed the lawsuit in San Joaquin County state court, claiming that the Port of Stockton did not adequately assess the environmental impact of the project when it was approved in March.

Backed by Governor Gavin Newsoms office, the Stockton port hydrogen project is slated for development by hydrogen company BayoTech. It plans to produce hydrogen using methane, a process that emits carbon despite a state push for cleaner alternatives.

Designed to meet local demand for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, the plant is expected to produce a relatively minimal amount of hydrogen  two tons per day. The company claims its modular approach minimizes transportation-related emissions.

The plant will release an estimated 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

After its approval, the project drew immediate criticism from environmental advocates who called the project a missed an opportunity for clean hydrogen. The New Mexico-based company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

In the complaint, environmental advocates argue that the project was approved using an abbreviated, insufficient environmental review and questioned the plants long-term sustainability. It demanded a full analysis that considers alternatives to dirty hydrogen and analyzes community impacts.

The Port of Stocktons history of approving projects without adequate environmental analyses and mitigation cannot be repeated, said Mary Elizabeth, who comes from a family that has lived in Stockton for many generations and is involved in activism through the Sierra Club.

Critics are also concerned about BayoTechs use of renewable natural gas (RNG) credits, which can lower the reported carbon intensity of the hydrogen produced. While these credits are permitted under Californias low-carbon fuel standards, their environmental benefits are frequently debated.

Like all California ports, the Port of Stockton faces pressure from the state to transition to zero-emission operations. Roughly 40% of its equipment is now electric, but the port still relies heavily on diesel.

Hydrogen has been heralded as a means to decarbonize industries such as transportation and steel production, emitting no carbon when used as fuel. Yet extracting hydrogen can be expensive, and if done using fossil fuels such as methane, it can exacerbate pollution.

The U.S. government is investing heavily in hydrogen development, with an $8 billion fund for regional hubs and $100 billion in tax credits to encourage hydrogen production.

One such hub is ARCHES in California, a public-private partnership focused on clean hydrogen. As part of the partnership, the state recently received $1.2 billion from the Biden administration for clean hydrogen development.

However, ARCHES has rejected federal rules designed to prevent pollution, arguing that they would slow progress and undermine the states existing clean energy efforts. This stance has sparked criticism from experts who argue that proper regulation is essential to avoid the risk of worsening air pollution.
The Florida Commission on Ethics has dismissed a complaint filed against St. Petersburg City Council chairperson Deborah Figgs-Sanders that accused her of voting in favor of her donors.

A public report issued Wednesday states that the commission voted last week to dismiss the complaint for lack of legal sufficiency. It said no factual investigation took place and the conclusions do not reflect the accuracy of the allegations of the complaint, but a five-page analysis shows the allegations did not provide a legally sufficient basis for investigation.

It should always be intentional to respect and value the voices of all constituents, Figgs-Sanders wrote in a text to the Tampa Bay Times. It is my hope that the same energy expended to file the complaint is used toward meaningful actions that benefit the greater good of our communities and welcoming city.

Lakewood Estates resident and activist Bradlee McCoy filed the complaint in July alleging that Figgs-Sanders voted in favor of donors to her reelection campaign when their business came before the council. He documented how three donations she received from the Sugar Hill Group, the development group selected to redevelop city-owned Tangerine Plaza, line up with votes taken by Figgs-Sanders in support of the project. Those donations were reported in Figgs-Sanders campaign treasurer reports.

McCoy also used campaign records to allege that Figgs-Sanders also voted in favor of donors who would benefit from the citys deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and their development partner Hines to build a new stadium and residential and business district around it. He cited donations from Nicholas Pantuliano, whose property borders the planned Historic Gas Plant District, and Terri Lipsey Scott, the executive director of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, which stands to get $10 million from the deal.

The Ethics Commissions report says state law does not prohibit elected officials from voting on issues simply because they will affect campaign contributors and that those donors were not principals, relatives or business associates of Figgs-Sanders, which would be a violation.

The report said that the campaign contributions in question do not equate to the quid-pro-quo, criminal-bribery-like understanding required to indicate a possible violation.

A sufficient allegation under this statute requires more than a claim that something of value was given to a public officer who might, one day, be in a position to help the donor, the report read.

McCoy also noted that Figgs-Sanders son received a college scholarship from the Woodson before she was elected to the council. The report said that without substantive allegations that her sons continued receipt of scholarship was contingent on the vote, there is no basis to conduct an investigation.

There is no indication that this particular vote  or any money that the museum may receive if the development is approved  will financially affect her son or influence the scholarship that he is being paid, the report said.

In a texted statement, McCoy said he respects the states decision and rationale behind it. He said the state sets a minimum bar for ethical conduct and city officials should aspire to exceed it.

Taxpayers deserve to know that their representatives are acting solely in their best interest, free from questionable behavior or undisclosed conflicts of interest, McCoy wrote. Its not just about avoiding impropriety; its about avoiding even the appearance of it.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Fall leaf color in the area mountains should be typically vibrant despite a hot, dry summer in the valleys  and an East Tennessee State University (ETSU) professor says even the low elevations could impress thanks to recent cool nights and sunny days.

Deadly Dose: Regional recovery center offers escape from fentanyl

The mountains should look pretty good, Andrew Joyner, an associate Department of Geosciences professor and Tennessees official climatologist, told News Channel 11 Thursday, hours after the university released its first weekly fall color prediction.

A lot of the area at the higher elevations and in this part in Northeast Tennessee have received closer to average rainfall.

A scene along upper Gentry Creek in Mountain City in October 2010, elevation roughly 3,600 feet. (Photo: WJHL)

With elevations ranging from just over 1,000 feet to more than 6,500, the area typically has a long and varied fall color season. Throw in the diversity of species  trees common in northern forests still dot the higher elevations here  and the result is hard to beat, Joyner said.

We live in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country, and that includes our tree species, Joyner said. Some may be more impacted by drought or temperatures and others arent impacted in the same way, and so it gives us that huge variety where youre going to get some good color no matter what.

Early color a stress reaction; rain now could still help

In a news release, ETSU arborist Travis Watson said the years first half was favorable with a mild spring. Summer got hot and very dry, and Joyner said trees can respond to those conditions by beginning to drop leaves and turn colors early.

Fall color at around 1,900 feet elevation in Doe River Gorge, October 2012. (Photo: WJHL)

It can basically set off that response more quickly, and  oftentimes, if its going more quickly than it is more muted or brown, Joyner said. Those conditions also contribute to leaf falloff, which could make the color a bit sparser at the lower elevations.

Jackson Theatre prepares to open its doors for first time since 60s

If cool nights persist, though, Joyner said low-elevation color could still turn out pretty good. Recent rain may also help by reducing the number of leaves that drop early.

Recent nighttime temperatures have been a bright spot, especially for the lower elevations.

Cool nights help the trees kind of change those colors and make them more vibrant, Joyner said. For the past several years weve had warmer evenings in the fall and thats impacted leaf color.

It seems like the nighttime temperatures this fall have been closer to normal  so thats looking good.

Joyner said the drought and heat were significantly worse further down the Tennessee Valley, meaning Knoxville and Chattanooga are likely to have much less color than Johnson City, Kingsport and the other low-elevation towns and cities in Northeast Tennessee.

The university will update its fall color prediction model weekly on Thursdays at the ETSU News site.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
EU to provide 160 million for energy support to Ukraine before winter

The European Union will provide 160 million to help Ukraine prepare for another winter amid Russian attacks on the country's energy system.

Source: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a briefing, as reported by European Pravda

Details: "I can announce that we will make an additional amount of close to 160 million available for this winter. This includes 60 million in humanitarian aid for shelters and heaters, for example, and it includes around 100 million for repair works and renewables. And these 100 million come from the proceeds of the immobilised Russian assets in the European Union," von der Leyen said.

"It is only right that Russia pays for the destruction it caused," she added.

Von der Leyen highlighted that the EU has provided approximately 2 billion in energy support to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war. This figure is a minimum estimate, as it does not include the value of all the supplied equipment.

Ukraine has received over 10,000 generators and transformers through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Background:

Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, announced that to support Ukraine's energy system, which has been damaged by Russian attacks, the EU plans to increase electricity exports to Ukraine this winter and is preparing to supply energy equipment.

She estimates that Ukraine will face a difficult winter, though the situation will not be catastrophic.

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EU aims to cover 25% of Ukraine's energy needs in winter, von der Leyen says ahead of Kyiv visit

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Kyiv on Sept. 20 to discuss Ukraine's energy needs with President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said on Sept. 19.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels alongside International Energy Agency director Fatih Birol, von der Leyen said Russia "is trying to plunge the country into dark" as it destroyed 80% of Ukraine's thermal power plants and one-third of its hydroelectric capacity.

Zelensky said in his evening address on Sept. 19 that he is expecting "important talks" with von der Leyen in Kyiv regarding the energy situation.

Moscow has pounded Ukrainian energy infrastructure in numerous aerial strikes throughout the full-scale war, with the largest one being carried out on Aug. 26 with the use of over 230 missiles and drones.

"As Ukraine's friends and partners, we must do all we can to keep the lights on," von der Leyen said.

The EU executive arm's chief noted that Ukraine needs 17 gigawatts of power capacity for this winter and named three main vectors of the EU's energy assistance for the war-torn country.

These steps should cover around 4.5 gigawatts of capacity, which is roughly 25% of Ukraine's winter needs, von der Leyen said.

In the first step, the EU will assist Ukraine with repairing its energy infrastructure with the aim of restoring 2.5 gigawatts of capacity.

"As we speak, there is a full thermal power plant that is being dismantled in Lithuania and shipped piece by piece to Ukraine with our support," the EU official said.

The EU will also continue exporting electricity to Ukraine and improving energy connectivity. The bloc will supply 2 gigawatts of electricity this way, which is equivalent to the loss of power from the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, according to von der Leyen.

As the third point, the EU will boost decentralized and renewable production to stabilize the electricity flow in the country.

The EU will support Ukraine with 160 million euros ($178 million) ahead of winter to improve the country's resilience to Russian strikes, von der Leyen announced earlier today.

Around 60 million euros ($67 million) of the EU aid will go toward humanitarian aid such as shelters and heaters. 100 million euros ($111 million) will be spent on repairing energy infrastructure and developing renewable energy.

Speaking alongside von der Leyen, IEA chief Birol presented a 10-step action plan to help the country tackle the winter, which he said may be the "sternest one yet."

Read also: This winter will be the sternest test yet  IEA recommends 10 steps for Ukraines energy security

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A total of 400 million euros from the first tranche of revenues from frozen Russian assets, which the EU allocated for weapons for Ukraine, were used to finance Ukrainian defence companies: the production of Ukrainian howitzers Bohdana has already been paid for.

Source: Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, in an interview with European Pravda

Details: The diplomat recalled that the EU approved a scheme to use the proceeds of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine six months ago. In August, Brussels allocated the first 1.4 billion of these proceeds: several member states received funding for new arms supplies.

Quote: "But what is much more important is 400 million [euros] out of this amount are going to the Ukrainian defence industry system developed by Denmark. Denmark was the first country that has been contracting the delivery of the Bohdana howitzers.

So, we have entrusted the 400 million [euros] through Denmark to the Ukrainian defence industry which is, I think, quite a sizable sum. You actually have a poetic justice, right? These are the Russian assets that pay for the [Ukrainian] howitzers," the ambassador said.

She added that Denmark had contributed some of its own money to the 400 million euro from the Russian assets and thus placed a large order with a Ukrainian military plant.

She said that in the next tranche of frozen Russian assets, an even larger amount is to be allocated to finance the production of weapons directly by the Ukrainian defence industry.

"The plan is that from the next tranche, there is going to be an even bigger amount that will go directly to the Ukrainian defence industry. Because you produce [things] of the same quality for less money, quicker, you cut away the transport and logistics costs, and the companies pay taxes [to Ukraine], so you are helping the economy.

This is something I am particularly proud of because I was one of the very strong advocates of this system. And I am very happy it actually is happening now," the ambassador said.

Background: Ukraine has repeatedly called on its partners to allocate funds for production of the weapons it needs by the Ukrainian defence industry.

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EU allocates over $100 million from Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine in winter

The EU will support Ukraine with 160 million euros ($178 million) ahead of winter to improve the country's resilience to Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sept. 19.

Close to 100 million euros ($111 million) of the funding comes from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets in the EU, von der Leyen said.

"Russia must pay for the destruction it caused," von der Leyen said.

Russia launched nine coordinated attacks against Ukraine's electricity infrastructure between March and the end of August, striking facilities in 20 oblasts and destroying around 9 gigawatts of electricity generation capacity.

Around 60 million euros ($67 million) of the EU aid will go toward humanitarian aid such as shelters and heaters. 100 million euros ($111 million) will be spent on repairing energy infrastructure and developing renewable energy.

EU ambassadors agreed on May 8 to use the windfall profits from the frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction and defense needs. Kyiv is expected to receive roughly 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) every year, according to earlier discussions.

Read also: IEA recommends 10 steps for Ukraines energy security ahead of winter

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Close Up Of Woman Holding Smart Energy Meter In Kitchen Measuring Electricity And Gas Use

Households could save more than 100 on their energy bills by changing suppliers after three suppliers launched deals undercutting Octobers rising price cap.

From next month, a typical home will pay 1,717 per year for their gas and electricity when the cap  set by the regulator Ofgem  increases from its current rate of 1,568.

But British Gas, EOn Next and Outfox The Market have each launched one-year fixed-rate tariffs promising to beat this sum by up to 117.

The new deals will no doubt spark the return of energy switching whereby households shop around between suppliers for the cheapest tariffs. It was historically the best way to save money on bills but the practice died out at the start of the energy crisis in 2021 when dozens of suppliers went bust and low-cost deals vanished from the market.

Today, the cheapest one-year tariff available is the Outfox the Price Cap (Oct 24) Fixd Dual v1.0 deal. A household switching on to this fix would pay 1,600 on average over the year.

EOn Nexts Gust 12m v11/Next Fixed 12m v26 deal is the second best at 1,626, which is 91 cheaper than the price cap.

Meanwhile, the British Gas Fixed Tariff 12M v15 beats the cap by 90 at 1,627.

Ofgems price cap regulates the maximum amount companies can charge customers on variable-rate tariffs.

Prior to the onset of the energy crisis, households could undercut the cap by opting for a fixed-rate tariff which guarantees they only pay the advertised rate over an agreed period of time. Bills still vary depending on their energy usage but the rate they pay remains the same.

However, the majority of fixed-rate deals were wiped from the market by soaring wholesale costs in late 2021, sparked by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

It left households stuck on variable-rate tariffs meaning the amount they pay for energy fluctuates in line with wholesale costs. It also left them more exposed to changes in the price cap.

Experts said the latest deals show competition is slowly returning to the market.

Ben Gallizzi, of comparison service Uswitch, said: Millions of households will see their energy prices rise from October, so now is a good time to look around.

Tom Lyon, of price comparison website Compare the Market, said: If households are concerned about the potential energy bills increase, they could consider locking in a one-year fixed-rate deal now. Fixed-rate tariffs can work out cheaper than standard variable tariffs and youll be protected from any future price hikes when the oil and gas markets are volatile.

The October price cap will still be 6pc lower than last year when it was 1,834. However many households will be worse off due to the loss of government support and winter fuel payments.

Story continues

The Government has withdrawn a 400 energy bills discount launched in 2022 to offset households rising bills. And 10 million pensioners will be up to 300 worse off because of the removal of winter fuel payments.

From winter 2024, only pensioners who get pension credit and other means-tested benefits will be eligible for the support after Chancellor Rachel Reevess drastic cuts.

Energy market data provider Cornwall Insight predicts there will be another slight increase to the price cap in January 2025.

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EU Ambassador says that Ukraine can indeed join EU by 2030  video

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova believes that the forecast that Ukraine could join the European Union by the end of the decade is realistic.

Source: Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, in an interview with European Pravda

Details: The ambassador noted that Ukraine has "broken the matrix" with its initiative in seeking to join the EU, starting with an entry application filed in the first days of the full-scale war, and the relatively fast pace  compared to other candidate countries  may continue.

Quote: "As I said several times in previous interviews, I think that the goal that President Michel mentioned of Ukraine joining the EU by the end of this decade is not unrealistic. I think its realistic," said Katarina Mathernova.

Watch the full interview with Katarina Maternova about winter preparations in Ukraine, funding for weapons, and the country's EU membership

In response to European Pravda's remark about 2030 as a possible deadline, she said she believed this could happen.

"Its not only the technical process of the negotiations which does take time. You also have to have the political ratification by all member states because accepting a new member is a change of the EU treaty. So, it has to be ratified in whichever format is required by each of the member states, and that always takes time. In the case of the 2004 enlargement, it took about a year and a half," the ambassador added.

Background:

Mathernova also spoke about how the EU is preparing to support Ukraine during the cold season.

The ambassador believes that Ukraine will face a difficult winter, but the situation will not be catastrophic.

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The European Union plans to increase electricity export capacity to Ukraine and provide equipment to support the battered Ukrainian energy system during the cold season.

Source: Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, in an interview with European Pravda

Details: She said preparations for measures to assist Ukraine have been ongoing for several months.

Quote from Mathernova: "First of all, there are active discussions with ENTSO-E, which is the operators of the European continental grid, to which Ukraine and Moldova are connected, about increasing the capacity of the interconnection."

Details: The ambassador clarified that this is not about expanding the export lines, but rather increasing the regulatory limit for them, which is currently set at 1.7 gigawatts, even though it is technically possible to receive more than two gigawatts.

Additionally, the EU has allocated 200 million in grants for Ukraine.

Quote: "Half of [these funds will go] through the Energy Community Secretariat in Vienna and half of it [will go] through [the German institution] KFW. One [part] to support the Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian grid operator, and one  for the repair of the thermal power plants. Because thats where you can get the highest amount of gigawatts in the quickest amount of time. And a little bit [will be used for the] repair of renewable energy sources," Mathernova explained.

She also reiterated that large energy equipment is being supplied to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, not only from member states but also from other partners. The EU is organising and covering the logistics. The ambassador added that Ukraine has already received over 1,000 large industrial generators through this mechanism.

Watch the full interview with Katarina Maternova about winter preparations in Ukraine, funding for weapons, and the country's EU membership

Mathernova said that the EU is currently helping to deliver large turbines to Ukraine, which will also aid the country in preparing for winter.

She emphasised that the current preparations for winter highlight the importance for Ukraine to invest in distributed, decentralised energy sources throughout the country, making small-scale generation a priority. This means engaging local communities and businesses in the process.

Quote: "This is not something that only big energy companies and the state can invest in, you can have businesses from other sectors actually investing in local production. And in the mix of production, you can have [energy produced from the] biomass, geothermal [energy] with battery storage and renewable energy. You can have a mixture of different sources and that typically is more resilient," she concluded.

Background: Katarina Mathernova believes that Ukraine, with its energy system damaged by Russian attacks, will face a difficult winter, but the situation will not be catastrophic.

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Strong wind and heavy rains struck the region last week, including in Poland (Sergei GAPON) (Sergei GAPON/AFP/AFP)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday announced 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in funds for member nations reeling from "heartbreaking" devastation after the floods caused by Storm Boris.

The death toll from the storm which struck central and eastern Europe last week rose to 24 on Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

Von der Leyen spoke in the Polish city of Wroclaw alongside the leaders of four countries from the flood-hit region.

"It was for me on the one hand heartbreaking to see the destruction and the devastation through the floods," she told reporters.

"But I must also say it was on the other hand heartwarming to see the enormous solidarity between the people in your countries," she added.

Von der Leyen said the European Union had two sources -- cohesion funds and the solidarity fund -- that it could use to "help with funding to repair and reconstruct" the damage.

"At first sight 10 billion euros are possible to mobilise from the cohesion funds for the countries that are affected. This is an emergency reaction now," she added.

Strong wind and heavy rains struck the region last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five in the Czech Republic.

Von der Leyen met in Wroclaw -- a city also struck by devastating floods in 1997 -- with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, Slovakia's Robert Fico and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

amj/imm
EU chief travels to Kyiv with promise of fresh energy funds to get Ukraine through winter

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presents her new team for her next five-year tenure at the head of the bloc, during a press conference at the European Parliament, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Strasbourg. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen is traveling to war-ravaged Ukraine on Friday with the promise of 160 million euros ($180 million) in fresh energy funds to get the nation through the winter.

Von der Leyen told reporters that 100 million euros ($112 million) of the funds would come the proceeds of the Russian assets held in the EU because of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It is only right that Russia pays for the destruction it caused, she said.

The European Union estimates that about half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed, making the job of heating homes, hospitals and schools increasingly difficult as temperatures dip ahead of the third war winter that the nation will face.

Von der Leyen said Russia knew full well that bombing energy stations was hitting Ukraine where it really hurts. Morale to keep on fighting can be significantly sapped if millions shiver in the brutal winter for months on end.

We may see huge implications, said Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency. People will look to move around, to go to the places where they can have shelter and heating."

That makes international help all the more necessary, said von der Leyen.

As Ukraines friends and partners, we must do all we can to keep the lights on. And as winter is approaching, well, we must keep the brave people of Ukraine warm, while we also are keeping the economy running, she said.

Many of the upcoming efforts will go into repairing the damage done. Lithuania, for example, is dismantling a thermal power plant to ship it piece by piece to Ukraine for rebuilding there. With continued electricity exports from EU countries, von der Leyen said it would cover about a quarter of the nation's energy need in the coming months.

The EU is trying to decentralize energy production through the use of solar panels and other new technologies in Ukraine to make it more difficult for Russian attacks to have a direct impact on the energy grid. It would also help Ukraine become a greener economy, she said.

Overall, the EU estimates that it has provided Ukraine with at least 2 billion euros ($2.24 billion) in energy support since the February 2022 invasion. Von der Leyen said she will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss energy issues on Friday.

___

Find more coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
EU lawmakers say Ukraine must be able to strike targets in Russia

European Union lawmakers on Thursday called to lift "restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against legitimate military targets in Russia," a press release said.

The restrictions hinder Ukraines ability to fully exercise its right to self-defence and leave Ukraine exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure, the resolution said.

The motion was backed by 425 EU lawmakers gathered in Strasbourg, France, while 131 voted against the resolution and 63 abstained.

In the resolution, parliamentarians also deplored the declining volumes of bilateral military aid from EU countries to Kiev.

The lawmakers argue that the dwindling support paired with the restrictions on the use of Western military equipment risks offsetting efforts made so far to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

The resolution also calls for the EU's sanctions on Russia and its allies to be maintained and extended.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala speak during a press conference after their meeting in the town hall. Taneeek David/CTK/dpa

At least 23 people have now died in Europe's flood disaster as Austria begins planning for "years" of reconstruction and the European Union has pledged aid worth billions of euros.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday visited the Polish city of Wrocaw, where the flood wave has now peaked, and promised EU aid for regions affected by the severe flooding that hit Central and Eastern Europe in recent days.

Von der Leyen said that 10 billion ($11.1 billion) could initially be made available from so-called cohesion funds, one of the largest posts in the EU budget.

The EU's cohesion fund is intended to "reduce economic and social disparities and to promote sustainable development," according to the commission.

Normally, EU member states have to contribute to the fund if they want to benefit from it.

However, EU member states affected by the floods will be exempted from that rule.

"These are extraordinary times, and extraordinary times need extraordinary measures," said von der Leyen.

In Wrocaw, the commission president met with the leaders of affected EU member states, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Wrocaw still on edge

The water level on the Oder river flowing through Wrocaw peaked overnight and is expected to stay high for some time, the metrological authority said on Thursday.

The water level at the Trestno measuring station just outside the city of 630,000 people was stable at 6.31 metres. Usually the water is a little over 3 metres high.

The swollen tributaries of the Oder in south-western Poland remain a primary concern.

The flooding has caused widespread devastation across Central and Eastern Europe in recent days, from Romania to Poland.

In the outlying Wrocaw community of Marszowice, residents helped the emergency services to cover two leaks in the dyke along the Bystrzyca tributary with sandbags overnight, the city council said.

The waters of the Oder and its tributaries could stay elevated through Monday, forecasters said.

Germany offers to send soldiers to Poland to help with floods

Germany has offered to send Poland soldiers to help with its flood areas, but the details have not yet been agreed, the Defence Ministry in Berlin told dpa.

Earlier, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after a crisis management meeting in Wrocaw that Germany was ready to send soldiers to provide support.

"So if you see German soldiers, please don't panic. This is help. Just so there are no doubts," said Tusk.

He was referring to anti-German sentiment that remains widespread among parts of the Polish population, 85 years after Nazi German invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, which started World War II.

Czech Republic reports fifth flood victim, eight still missing

On Thursday, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan confirmed a fifth fatality from the flooding. At least eight others remain missing, including the occupants of a car that was swept away by a raging river.

In the Czech Republic, the hardest-hit area has been in the east near the Polish border.

President Petr Pavel has now visited the flood areas, including the badly affected resort town of Jesenik in the Jesenik mountain range.

He estimates that it will take years to repair the damage. In Jesenik, the town centre was at times submerged under several metres of water, with numerous buildings either collapsing or being demolished due to structural instability.

On the Elbe in northern Bohemia, not far from the border with Germany, the situation eased.

Austria estimates post-flood reconstruction to last 'years'

The damage caused by the recent floods in Austria will take "years" to repair, the governor of the state of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, said on Thursday.

Mikl-Leitner stated that the reconstruction "will not take days, weeks or months, but years," adding that "national solidarity" would be necessary.

The state of Lower Austria, which surrounds the capital Vienna, was particularly badly affected by the flooding.

Around 300 buildings in the state remain uninhabitable, down from around 1,400 just a few days ago. The authorities say they are still unable to accurately estimate the extent of the damage.

The federal government has increased the disaster fund to 1 billion ($1.1 billion). The fund can be used both to repair destroyed infrastructure and to pay for damage to private property.

Cautious sigh of relief as flood wave reaches east German state

The flood peak of the Elbe river has reached the section in the eastern German state of Saxony, the regional flood centre said on Thursday.

At the first monitoring station near Schona at the Czech border, the river level measured 6.54 metres in the early afternoon, well above the normal level of 1.58 metres.

Although water levels are gradually declining, the danger has not yet passed, officials said.

To the north, in the neighbouring state of Brandenburg, a more severe flood situation is anticipated along the Oder river early next week, with the state's environmental agency warning that the highest alert level, four, cannot be ruled out.

Crisis management teams are scheduled to meet later today to assess the situation.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala talk during a meeting in the town hall. Taneeek David/CTK/dpa

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala speak during a press conference after their meeting in the town hall. Taneeek David/CTK/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised to mobilize up to 10 billion ($11 billion) in funding to help central European leaders grappling with the worst flooding in decades.

Most Read from Bloomberg

I am here to reassure you that Europe stands by your side, von der Leyen said standing alongside several of them in the western Polish city of Wroclaw.

The sum will come from the EUs cohesion fund and wont require co-financing from member states to allow more flexibility, said von der Leyen, as extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures.

Central European heads of government praised that move. This is important, because we can then use it quickly to help people in this situation. There is no co-financing, which means it will be less complicated, said Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

The commission president also said that the funds can be used as pre-financing for investment.

We have to continue the development of flood infrastructure for the future, said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

Authorities in Poland and the neighboring Czech Republic have already warned that their economies will take a hit from the flooding, which has killed at least 20 people across the region. The catastrophe has laid bare the way shock weather events are becoming more commonplace, with record heat over the summer giving way to torrential rain.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has strived to stay ahead of the crisis as his government braces for a hit on top of a record deficit expected in 2025. The government in Warsaw has pledged at least 2 billion zloty in immediate aid. Tusk later told Polsat News television that Poland could end up with 5 billion in EU assistance.

In the Czech Republic, where floodwaters were dropping even as thousands of households remained without electricity and transport lines were disrupted, Fialas government announced plans to increase fiscal deficits this year and next to address the damage. A blow to Pragues ambitions to curb debt, the 2024 budget gap will widen some 12% from an original plan, by about 30 billion koruna, the Finance Ministry said.

Austria has raised its emergency response budget to 1 billion, and Nehammer said in a post on X that his government will be able to call on 500 million in EU cohesion funds.

In Wroclaw, residents were shoring up defenses along the Oder River, with many recalling the devastating flooding of 1997, when 65% of the city of 650,000 affected. Flooding crested overnight, with water exceeding levels predicted earlier, but the situation was stabilizing, authorities said.

--With assistance from Patrick Donahue and Agnieszka Barteczko.

(Updates with Tusks estimate for EU funds in eighth paragraph)

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A flag of the European Union can be seen in the flood waters of the German-Polish border river Oder. Patrick Pleul/dpa

At least 23 people have now died in Europe's flood disaster as the Polish city of Wrocaw sees the level of the Oder river peak and Austria begins planning for "years" of reconstruction.

The water level on the Oder river flowing through Poland's fourth-largest city Wrocaw peaked overnight and is expected to stay high for some time, the metrological authority said on Thursday.

The water level at the Trestno measuring station just outside the city of 630,000 people was stable at 6.31 metres. Usually the water is a little over 3 metres high.

The swollen tributaries of the Oder in south-western Poland remain a primary concern.

The flooding has caused widespread devastation across Central and Eastern Europe in recent days, from Romania to Poland.

In the outlying Wrocaw community of Marszowice, residents helped the emergency services to cover two leaks in the dyke along the Bystrzyca tributary with sandbags overnight, the city council said.

The waters of the Oder and its tributaries could stay elevated through Monday, forecasters said.

Germany offers to send soldiers to Poland to help with floods

Germany has offered to send Poland soldiers to help with its flood areas, but the details have not yet been agreed, the Defence Ministry in Berlin told dpa.

Earlier, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after a crisis management meeting in Wrocaw that Germany was ready to send soldiers to provide support.

"So if you see German soldiers, please don't panic. This is help. Just so there are no doubts," said Tusk.

He was referring to anti-German sentiment that remains widespread among parts of the Polish population, 85 years after Nazi German invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, which started World War II.

Czech Republic reports fifth flood victim, eight still missing

On Thursday, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan confirmed a fifth fatality from the flooding. At least eight others remain missing, including the occupants of a car that was swept away by a raging river.

In the Czech Republic, the hardest-hit area has been in the east near the Polish border.

President Petr Pavel has now visited the flood areas, including the badly affected resort town of Jesenik in the Jesenik mountain range.

He estimates that it will take years to repair the damage. In Jesenik, the town centre was at times submerged under several metres of water, with numerous buildings either collapsing or being demolished due to structural instability.

On the Elbe in northern Bohemia, not far from the border with Germany, the situation eased.

Austria estimates post-flood reconstruction to last 'years'

The damage caused by the recent floods in Austria will take "years" to repair, the governor of the state of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, said on Thursday.

Mikl-Leitner stated that the reconstruction "will not take days, weeks or months, but years," adding that "national solidarity" would be necessary.

The state of Lower Austria, which surrounds the capital Vienna, was particularly badly affected by the flooding.

Around 300 buildings in the state remain uninhabitable, down from around 1,400 just a few days ago. The authorities say they are still unable to accurately estimate the extent of the damage.

The federal government has increased the disaster fund to 1 billion ($1.1 billion). The fund can be used both to repair destroyed infrastructure and to pay for damage to private property.

Cautious sigh of relief as flood wave reaches east German state

The flood peak of the Elbe river has reached the section in the eastern German state of Saxony, the regional flood centre said on Thursday.

At the first monitoring station near Schona at the Czech border, the river level measured 6.54 metres in the early afternoon, well above the normal level of 1.58 metres.

Although water levels are gradually declining, the danger has not yet passed, officials said.

To the north, in the neighbouring state of Brandenburg, a more severe flood situation is anticipated along the Oder river early next week, with the state's environmental agency warning that the highest alert level, four, cannot be ruled out.

Crisis management teams are scheduled to meet later today to assess the situation.

Von derLeyen expected to visit Wrocaw today

Meanwhile, the European Parliament is calling for increased EU disaster relief support, with many members arguing that the EU's disaster response mechanism needs to be better resourced to handle crises of this scale.

Later today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Wrocaw, Poland, where discussions on EU financial assistance for the affected countries are likely to take place.

A man rides his bicycle through a flooded street in the town of Lewin Brzeski in southern Poland. Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A couple transports a dog in a rubber dinghy on the flooded street in the town of Lewin Brzeski in southern Poland. Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Parking lots at the train station in Tullnerfeld are under water, with a parking garage behind them. In Austria, the flood waters are receding slightly, but the situation remains tense and there is still a threat of dam breaches and landslides. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

Water flows through the Lower Elbe after it burst its banks following a heavy rainfall. Hajek Ondej/CTK/dpa
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presents her new Commission to media representatives during a press conference after the Conference of Presidents. The heads of state and government had previously nominated candidates for the College of Commissioners. Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is to visit Kiev on Friday, she announced in Brussels on Thursday.

The commission president wants to discuss help for Ukraine's energy supply ahead of the winter season with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said.

"As temperatures are dropping down, the European Union is ready to step up its support to Ukraine. We are preparing for the winter together," von der Leyen told journalists.

The EU is to provide an additional 160 million ($178 million) to Ukraine to help repair the damaged energy infrastructure, expand renewable energy, and finance shelters, von der Leyen said.
President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen (R) and Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) hold a press conference on the energy security of Ukraine and Moldova as winter approaches and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, at the European Commission headquarters. Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is to visit Kiev on Friday, she announced in Brussels on Thursday.

The commission president wants to discuss help for Ukraine's energy supply ahead of the winter season with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said.

"As temperatures are dropping down, the European Union is ready to step up its support to Ukraine. We are preparing for the winter together," von der Leyen told journalists.

The EU is to provide an additional 160 million ($178 million) to Ukraine to help repair the damaged energy infrastructure, expand renewable energy, and finance shelters, von der Leyen said.

Ukraine's energy infrastructure was under great pressure due to increasing Russian attacks on power plants, heating plants and transmission grids, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday.

"Strains that are bearable in the summer months may become unbearable when temperatures start to fall and supplies of heat and water falter, triggering further displacement of affected populations across the country and abroad," the energy agency said.

"Ukraines international partners have been providing much-needed

equipment and aid throughout the war, but todays acute situation demands further support," the agency's report said.

The situation could worsen as the days get shorter and colder, it said, with power supply to hospital, schools and other important facilities as well as the heat supply to major cities at risk.

The IEA called on Ukraine's partners to support the country to protect the electricity and heating supply, saying, "Ukraines energy system made it through two successive winters since Russias invasion, but the third promises to be the sternest of tests."

President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen speaks during a press conference on the energy security of Ukraine and Moldova as winter approaches and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, at the European Commission headquarters. Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen (R) and Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) hold a press conference on the energy security of Ukraine and Moldova as winter approaches and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, at the European Commission headquarters. Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
By Riham Alkousaa, Christoph Steitz and Robert Harvey

BERLIN/FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) - Shell's planned sale of a stake in the Schwedt refinery in Germany is being delayed by pending lawsuits by third parties, two people familiar with the matter said, stalling a divestment the company has waited years for.

The deal has been complicated by Berlin's stripping Schwedt's majority owner Rosneft of its control, but not its shares, following the severing of energy ties between Germany and Moscow in 2022.

Shell's planned sale of its 37.5% stake to Britain's Prax Group, was expected to close in the first half of 2024 "subject to partner rights and regulatory approvals", but completion is still pending.

The sources said the agreement has a clause stating that if the deal isn't closed by mid-September the parties need to agree an extension or renegotiate.

The delay stems in part from pending lawsuits, including an attempt by Rosneft to prevent the sale to Prax, one of the sources said, efforts that a German court this week said had little chance of success.

While the stake's value was put at around 155 million to 190 million euros ($173-212 million) it was attributed a negative equity value of around 14 million euros, according to sources and deal documents reviewed by Reuters.

Shell said it is continuing to work with Prax on finalising the sale. Prax Group said it would not make any further comment until the transaction was completed.

Rosneft did not reply to a request for comment.

Concerned about potential political repercussions, Berlin has so far shied away from expropriating Rosneft in Germany, something it can theoretically do under tightened energy security regulation.

Shell has been wanting to get rid of its stake in the refinery, which supplies around 90% of Berlin's fuel, for years and initially hoped to sell it to Vienna-based group Alcmene in 2021, a deal that was preempted by Rosneft.

A November ruling by the Berlin administration court that has given Alcmene, in theory, the green light to acquire Shell's stake in Schwedt has further complicated the process, the source said.

($1 = 0.8970 euros)

(Reporting by Riham Alkousaa, Christoph Steitz, Robert Harvey; Additional reporting by Matthias Inverardi and Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Jason Neely)
Floods in Italy due to Storm Boris pummelled the same area affected in May 2023 that killed 17 people (Andreas SOLARO) (Andreas SOLARO/AFP/AFP)

Italian authorities evacuated some 1,000 people from their homes as the tail end of Storm Boris pummelled a northeastern region that was devastated by deadly flooding last year, regional authorities said on Thursday.

The strong winds and rains which have swept across central and eastern Europe, killing 24 people, lashed the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions on Wednesday, leaving some towns under water.

Deputy Transport Minister Galeazzo Bignami told a press conference that two people were missing after they took refuge on a roof which then collapsed.

Schools closed and trains were cancelled Thursday as the rains lashed the same area hit by two floods in May 2023, which killed 17 people and caused billions of euros in damage.

Locals in Faenza told Local Team journalists they blamed authorities for fresh damage to their homes.

"There's one and a half metres of water in my house, again, after I'd just finished refurbishing it," one unnamed resident was quoted as saying.

Over 1,000 people have been evacuated, regional Emilia-Romagna authorities told AFP Thursday.

"We are in a full emergency," Ravenna mayor Michele De Pascale told Radio 24, saying the situation was "very similar to what we had last May (2023)".

"The population is on high alert," said Emilia-Romagna's acting president, Irene Priolo, told Radio Rai 1, adding that last year 45,000 people were evacuated but that the damage this time was not expected to be as extensive.

Priolo defended her administration, saying "so many construction works have been carried out" since the flooding last year.

Storm Boris has brought widespread flooding and torrential rain, with victims in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania.

Experts say climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as torrential rains and floods.

ide/rlp
Even before election, Trump, allies sue over claims that non-citizens might vote

By David Morgan and Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump and his Republican allies are ratcheting up baseless claims that the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election could be skewed by widespread voting by non-citizens in a series of lawsuits that democracy advocates say are meant to sow distrust.

At least eight lawsuits have been filed challenging voter registration procedures in four of the seven swing states expected to decide the election contest between Trump and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump and his allies say the legal campaign, which includes a wide-ranging challenge to the citizenship status of voters in Arizona, is a defense of election integrity.

But their court filings offer little evidence of the phenomenon that independent studies show to be too rare to affect election results, legal experts said.

"The former president is trying to do what he's done the last three times he's run, and set up this 'If I win the election is valid and if I lose the election was rigged' narrative," said New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat. Apart from his more recent presidential bids, Trump briefly ran in 2000 for the Reform Party.

The Trump campaign referred a request for comment to a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, who said, "We believe our lawsuits will stop non-citizen voting, which threatens American votes."

It is a felony offense for a non-citizen to vote in a federal election and independent studies have shown it rarely happens.

Backers of Trump's strategy say that even one illegally cast ballot is too many.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, told a congressional panel last week that non-citizen voting is a rarity but that enforcement is necessary to keep it that way. He said his office recently identified nearly 600 non-citizens from state voter rolls that contain about 8 million registrants in total.

"We found 135 this year that had voted. We found another 400 that were registered but hadn't yet voted. And this idea that it's already illegal? It's illegal to hijack airplanes, but we don't get rid of the TSA," LaRose said.

A study of Trump's false claims of widespread non-citizen voting in the 2016 presidential election showed only 30 incidents among 23.5 million ballots cast, accounting for 0.0001% of the vote, the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University said.

90-DAY RULE

Federal law prohibits large-scale changes to voter rolls within 90 days of an election as well as purges that target particular class of voters, such as recently naturalized citizens, which the U.S. Justice Department reminded states of in an advisory last week.

That fact, democracy advocates say, show that Trump and his allies' strategy in pursuing these suits is not to secure major changes in the electorate, but to lay the groundwork for contesting individual state results if he loses, both in the courts and by trying to persuade elected officials to take action.

"Lawsuits over non-citizens on voter registration rolls are meritless. But they're part of a weaponized public relations campaign to erode confidence in elections," said Dax Goldstein, senior counsel for the nonpartisan States United Democracy Center, which promotes election security and fairness.

While national opinion polls, including the Reuters/Ipsos poll, show Harris with a slight lead over Trump, the race is close in the seven most competitive states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

If a Harris win were to hang on just one or two states, a successful Trump challenge to a defeat in those states could be enough to reverse the election's outcome.

"Our elections are coming down to just dozens or hundreds of votes," said Republican Representative Anthony D'Esposito, who is seeking re-election this year in a toss-up New York district. "If one person that is not an American citizen has the ability to vote in our election, there is a serious problem."

TARGETING STATES, COUNTIES

The lawsuits, filed by the Trump campaign, the Republican National Committee, the allied America First Legal Foundation and Republican state attorneys general, primarily target state and county election processes, alleging that officials are failing to do enough to prevent non-citizens from registering or remaining on voter lists.

Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and an expert on election law, said that the lawyers bringing these cases have reason to use more careful language than Trump and his allies do in discussing them.

"The public messaging is aimed at trying to convince the Republican base that Democrats are trying to steal elections and there's a lot of fraud," Hasen said. "Once you get to court, you are subject to the rules of court, and I think you see lawyers being a lot more circumspect."

Trump tried unsuccessfully to overturn his 2020 loss to Democratic President Joe Biden in a campaign that included more than 60 lawsuits and inspired his supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Nearly all of the 2020 lawsuits filed by Trump and his allies were dismissed for lack of evidence and other issues.

Four of this year's lawsuits, filed in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Texas, claim that a 2021 Biden administration initiative involving federal agencies in efforts to promote voter registration is a partisan effort to register voters likely to support Democrats.

Ken Blackwell, a former Ohio secretary of state who chairs the America First Policy Institute's Center for Election Integrity, said on the social platform X last month that the Biden administration was staging an "attempt to weaponize federal agencies into a leftwing election operation that opens the doors to non-citizen voting."

A 41-page complaint filed in Kansas federal court by Republican attorneys general from nine states makes only one reference to voting by undocumented immigrants, alleging that the Biden administration failed to examine the risks that "illegal aliens" may try to register to vote.

The RNC and North Carolina state Republican Party have twice sued that battleground state's election board, making allegations on non-citizen voting. The lawsuits allege the state registered nearly 225,000 voters, about 3% of its total, with insufficient documentation and had not removed from the rolls people who self-identified as non-citizens when reporting for jury duty.

The state is narrowly divided politically with two Republican senators, a Republican-controlled legislature, but a Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, and an evenly split delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives.

A state elections board spokesperson, Patrick Gannon, said it had complied with the jury duty requirement and identified nine registered voters who had claimed not to be citizens.

Those nine will be asked to cancel their registrations if their citizenship status cannot be confirmed, Gannon said, adding that the state cannot force them off the rolls this close to Election Day.

Gannon said the second lawsuit, over an allegedly flawed registration form, "vastly overstates any alleged problems."

In Arizona, a lawsuit filed by Trump-aligned advocacy group America First Legal is seeking to force counties to further investigate about 44,000 voters -- about 1% of the statewide total -- who were allowed to register without providing proof of citizenship.

That dispute revolves around the state's two-tiered voter-registration system, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in state elections, but does not mandate it in federal elections.

But even some longtime Arizona political operatives say non-citizen voting poses no danger to local elections.

"It's not happening," said Chuck Coughlin, a Phoenix-based political strategist who ended his lifelong Republican registration in 2017 and is now an independent. "It's a MAGA narrative intended to gaslight Republicans about election integrity."

(Reporting by David Morgan and Andrew Goudsward, additional reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell)
A former CIA officer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting dozens of women while on assignment in the US and overseas.

Over a 14-year period, Brian Jeffrey Raymond, 48, lured women to his government apartment to abuse them, the US Attorney's District of Columbia Office said.

The FBI's joint investigation found hundreds of photographs and videos - dating back to 2006 - of at least 24 nude or partially nude women who were unconscious or incapable of consenting.

Raymond was caught when a naked woman screaming for help was seen on the balcony of his Mexico City residence in May 2020. He had been working for the US embassy at the time.

Warning: There are distressing details in this story

US attorney Matthew M Graves said the sentencing "marked him as a sex offender for life".

The former intelligence service employee was a "predator" who "lured unsuspecting women to his government-leased housing", where he drugged, stripped, sexually abused and photographed them, Mr Graves added.

There were more than 500 images found on Raymond's devices. The recordings, taken between 2006 and 2020, show him touching and manipulating the victim's bodies for hours.

In some cases, our US partner CBS reports, he was seen straddling and groping his unconscious victims. He opened their eyelids at times and stuck his fingers in their mouths.

After learning about the criminal investigation, he attempted to delete the pictures and videos.

Nicole Argentieri, a senior justice department official, said the verdict showed it doesnt "matter where those violations occur or who commits them".

Raymond admitted to drugging and creating obscene material with 28 non-consenting women, and drugging another two.

In November 2023, the California native pleaded guilty to one count each of sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, coercion and enticement, and transportation of obscene material.

As part of his plea agreement, Raymond further admitted to engaging in non-consensual sexual acts with four women and non-consensual sexual contact with six women.

Raymond met the women through various dating apps, and then drugged them while serving wine and snacks. Most of the women in his photos and videos could not remember their time with him.

During his employment by the government, he lived and worked in numerous countries including the US, Peru and Mexico.

In 2021, the FBI and the Department of States Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) - who conducted a joint investigation - asked for the publics help in seeking additional information pertaining to Raymond, and any potential victims.

At the time, the US Embassy in Mexico said some of the women in the photos and videos had not been identified.

At the sentencing, the FBIs assistant director in charge, David Sundberg thanked "the brave women who shared information that furthered this investigation".

Some said they only learned what had happened to them after the FBI showed them photos of the assaults, CBS reports.

Several victims - identified only by numbers - gave impact statements in court. Many of the women stared Raymond down as they left the stand.

One said: "I hope he is haunted by the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life".

In addition to his 30-year prison sentence, the judge ordered a lifetime of supervised release and ordered him to pay $260,000 (195,855) in restitution.

If you are affected by issues of sexual assault you can contact the BBC Action Line here
Ex-CIA Officer Who Drugged and Sexually Abused More Than 2 Dozen Women, Sentenced to 30 Years

Brian Jeffrey Raymond has also been ordered to pay $260,000 restitution to the victims and will be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico Brian Jeffrey Raymond

A former CIA officer who previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing and drugging more than two dozen women in multiple countries, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Brian Jeffrey Raymond, 48, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court on Wednesday, Sept. 18, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia.

He has also been ordered to pay $260,000 restitution to the victims and serve a lifetime of supervised release, while he will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.

As previously reported by PEOPLE, in November 2023, Raymond admitted to drugging and sexually assaulting several women at his embassy-leased housing in Mexico City and other locations between 2006 and 2020. He pleaded guilty to one count each of sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, coercion and enticement and transportation of obscene material.

Raymond photographed and filmed a total of 28 women who were either nude or partially nude without their consent while they were unconscious or incapable of consenting, per the release.

FBI via AP Brian Jeffrey Raymond

Many of the recordings show Raymond touching and manipulating the victims bodies while they were unconscious and incapable of consent, the release states, adding that Raymond tried to delete the photos and recordings after learning about the criminal investigation against him.

He also admitted to drugging and then engaging in nonconsensual sexual acts with four women and nonconsensual sexual contact with six women, according to the release.

When this predator was a government employee, he lured unsuspecting women to his government-leased housing and drugged them, said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. After drugging these women, he stripped, sexually abused, and photographed them. Todays sentence ensures that the defendant will be properly marked as a sex offender for life, and he will spend a substantial portion of the rest of his life behind bars.

FBI assistant director David Sundberg said Raymond exploited his trusted position as a U.S. government employee.

The FBI thanks the brave women who shared information that furthered this investigation, Sundberg said, per the release. We recognize our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners who helped bring Raymond to justice for his reprehensible crimes.

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.

Raymond was first accused of sexual abuse in May 2020 when a naked woman was seen screaming for help from the balcony of his residence in Mexico City, according to a statement from the FBI Washington Field Office and the U.S. Department of States Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Office.

Raymond admitted to having sexual intercourse with her, but the woman reported that she had no memory of events after consuming drinks and food provided by Raymond, the statement read in part.

An investigation into the ex-CIA officer began, and authorities found hundreds of photographs and videos on Raymonds electronic devices depicting unconscious and nude, or partially nude, women.

Almost all of the women in the photos and videos experienced memory loss during their time with Raymond and had no knowledge of the photographs, videos, or any physical contact, the statement added.

By July 2021, Raymond had pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse, in which the victims were incapable of consent, and one count of transporting obscene material, as previously reported by PEOPLE.

However, around a year later, Raymond withdrew his guilty plea, according to CNN, citing court documents. He was then indicted in 2023 on multiple sexual offenses.



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Read the original article on People.
A former CIA officer who drugged and sexually abused multiple women while he photographed and recorded a number of them unconscious was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison Wednesday.

A press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Columbia, hailed the U.S. District Court sentence after 48-year-old Brian Jeffrey Raymond, of La Mesa, California, pleaded guilty last November to one count each of sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, coercion and enticement, and transportation of obscene material.

Court documents said Raymond, while working in Mexico City, lured the women to his government-leased housing where he drugged and sexually assaulted them. The assaults continued between 2006 and 2020 in Mexico City and elsewhere, including Peru, in which he would photograph and record the women nude or partially nude while they were unconscious.

The recordings showed Raymond playing with his victims bodies, including opening their eyelids. He attempted to delete the evidence when he learned he may be in trouble.

Ex-CIA Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Drugged Women

As part of a plea deal, he admitted to nonconsensual sexual acts involving drugging with four women while admitting nonconsensual sexual contact with another six. He then admitted to drugging another 28 women and creating obscene material without their knowledge or consent, and drugging a further two women.

When this predator was a government employee, he lured unsuspecting women to his government-leased housing and drugged them, said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. After drugging these women, he stripped, sexually abused, and photographed them. Todays sentence ensures that the defendant will be properly marked as a sex offender for life, and he will spend a substantial portion of the rest of his life behind bars.

Raymond must also pay $260,000 restitution to the victims and was ordered by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, in addition to the prison term, to serve a lifetime of supervised release. After his prison release he must also register as a sex offender.

Accused CIA Rapist to Use Ghislaine Maxwell Playbook at Trial

According to the Associated Press, Raymond, with a graying beard and orange prison jumpsuit, sat dejectedly as he heard his punishment.

For 14 years, Raymond exploited his trusted position as a U.S. government representative to lure women into his confidence, said FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office. He then drugged and sexually assaulted them and took explicit photos and videos of them without their consent. The FBI thanks the brave women who shared information that furthered this investigation. We recognize our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners who helped bring Raymond to justice for his reprehensible crimes.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A former Memphis police officer on trial in the beating death of Tyre Nichols texted photos of a bloodied Nichols to his then-girlfriend, she said Wednesday during testimony.

Brittany Leake, an officer with the Memphis Police Department (MPD) who used to date Demetrius Haley, said Haley texted her and one of her family members a photo of Nichols that showed the 29-year-old leaning against a police car, bleeding from his mouth, wearing a torn shirt, appearing dirty and with his eyes closed, according to WATN, the ABC affiliate in Memphis covering the case in the courtroom.

Haley is on trial along with Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean, who were charged on Sept. 12, 2023, with violating Nichols' civil rights through excessive use of force, unlawful assault, failing to intervene in the assault and failing to render medical aid. These charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The officers have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

I wasnt offended, but it was difficult to look at, Leake said, claiming she deleted the photo, according to WATN.

PHOTO: This combo of booking images provided by the Shelby County, Tenn., Sheriff's Office shows, from left, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith. (Shelby County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Leake said she told Haley that Nichols needed to go to the trauma center, according to WATN. She claimed Haley previously sent her other photos from his patrols, including pictures of a burned suspect. Leake testified that she has never sent photos from the job in her two years as an MPD officer because it is against department policy, according to WATN.

Prosecutors on Wednesday also called to the stand Jesse Guy, a former Memphis Fire Department paramedic who cared for Nichols on the scene and in the ambulance that transported him to St. Francis Hospital, according to WATN.

Guy said when he first arrived on the scene, an emergency medical technician (EMT) told him Nichols just went out, according to WATN. Guy claimed he heard one of the officers say Nichols took something.

Guy testified that Nichols was unresponsive, had head swelling, scratches and marks around his neck and blood spilling from his mouth, according to WATN.

Its time to go, Guy told prosecutors he was thinking after Nichols had no pulse and was unresponsive to Narcan, an overdose reversal drug, according to WATN. I felt like something was going on.

Guy said he gave Nichols oxygen, intubated him, removed his wet clothes and attempted with no success to defibrillate his heart, according to WATN. After giving Nichols epinephrine, more oxygen and sodium bicarbonate, Guy said there was still no pulse.

I was trying to save his life, Guy said, according to WATN.

PHOTO: A photo of Tyre Nichols is displayed outside the sanctuary during church service at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church on January 29, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Guy claimed he decided Nichols must go to the closest hospital to get better care, according to WATN. By the time they arrived at St. Francis Hospital, the former paramedic said they were able to get Nichols heart beating again.

Guy noted that when he asked one of the officers involved in the encounter what happened, the officer responded with a sigh.

Never mind, Guy said he told the officer because the paramedic thought the policeman was going to give him B.S. according to WATN.

Guy said during cross-examination that EMTs on the scene when he arrived had not assessed Nichols and didnt tell him much about Nichols health status, according to WATN.

When defense attorneys asked Guy about information he received from the EMTs who were already on site, Guy claimed that the EMTs told him they heard Nichols moan in response to one of the medics.

Michael Stengel, Haleys attorney, asked Guy when he knew Nichols was going through a medical emergency, according to WATN.

When I laid eyes on him, Guy said.

Body-camera footage shows that Nichols fled after police pulled him over on Jan. 7, 2023, for allegedly driving recklessly, then shocked him with a Taser and pepper-sprayed him.

Officers allegedly then beat Nichols minutes later after tracking him down. Nichols, 29, died on Jan. 10, 2023. Footage shows the officers walking around, talking to each other as Nichols was injured and sitting on the ground. The incident triggered protests and calls for police reform.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said she has been unable to substantiate that Nichols was driving recklessly.

The prosecution told ABC News last week that they will not have any statements until after the trial. The defense attorneys did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

MORE: What to know about the death of Tyre Nichols

After the police encounter, Nichols was transferred to the hospital in critical condition. The medical examiner's official autopsy report for Nichols showed he "died of brain injuries from blunt force trauma," the district attorney's office told Nichols' family in May 2023.

Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., the two other officers who were also charged in this case, have pleaded guilty to some of the federal charges. Martin pleaded guilty to excessive force and failure to intervene, as well as conspiracy to witness tamper, according to court records. The other two charges will be dropped at sentencing, which has been scheduled for Dec. 5, according to the court records. Mills pleaded guilty to two of the four counts in the indictment -- excessive force and failing to intervene, as well as conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force, according to the DOJ. The government said it will recommend a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, based on the terms of Mills' plea agreement.

Tyre Nichols: What the video footage reveals, and questions that remain

The five former officers charged in this case were all members of the Memphis Police Department SCORPION unit -- a crime suppression unit that was disbanded after Nichols' death. All of the officers were fired for violating MPD policies.

ABC News' Deena Zaru and Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.

Ex-officer in Tyre Nichols beating case texted photos from fateful night, former girlfriend testifies originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CARDIFF, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Excess sand is clogging channels at San Elijo Lagoon, impacting the areas wildlife with several fish recently spotted dead, disrupting the local ecosystem.

Experts say the issue stems from sand added to protect the coast that is now moving into the lagoon, clogging channels and keeping water levels low.

Samantha Childs, a Solana Beach resident, noticed something unusual days ago and alerted FOX 5/KUSI.

There were just fish floating and I thought, whats going on? Childs said. She captured a rare sighthundreds of dead fish in the water.

FOX 5/KUSI joined Childs to scope out the issue days later. While most of the fish have disappeared, one was spotted during the hike.

It was sad because I really like animals, and seeing all those dead fish, I knew something was wrong, Childs added.

Dr. Patrick Abbott, a geologist and environmentalist from San Diego State University, explained that there are multiple factors at play.

The water has to flow. If it sits, stagnates, and you get heat waves, algae blooms, and dies off, the oxygen content drops. There are a lot of variables going on, Abbott said.

The accumulation of sand exacerbates the issue, clogging the channels and keeping water shallow. Abbott noted that natural forces, such as ocean tides, rivers, and rain, push more sand into the lagoon.

When you have a low spot like this, Mother Nature is going to fill it with mud and sand, Abbott explained.

While sand buildup can have some benefits, it also causes multiple adverse reactions.

You affect one part of a living system, and it affects others. You can never make one change without other changes happening, Abbott said.

The Nature Collective, the group responsible for rehabilitating the lagoon, believes there is hope, but it comes with a hefty price tag of about $1 million.

Sand is getting further into the inlet, and because of that, well need to identify an aquatic-based dredge to remove the sand and get the water flowing again, said COO Jennifer Bright of The Nature Collective.

Experts believe that if successful, the project could help maintain a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem for everyone to enjoy.

Having a healthy natural environment around you makes you feel connected to the world, said one local.

The Nature Collective has already removed sand from Cardiff State Beach four times to protect the lagoon, but it hasnt been enough. They are seeking funding from both state and local levels and hope to start the restoration process before the end of the year.

According to the rehabilitation group, they have been sending out requests for proposals to what they identify as several qualified operators for the crucial operation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Indian Army soldiers participate in a mock drill exercise during the Army Day parade in New Delhi

By Krishn Kaushik

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade despite protests from Moscow, according to 11 Indian and European government and defence industry officials, as well as a Reuters analysis of commercially available customs data.

The transfer of munitions to support Ukraine's defence against Russia has occurred for more than a year, according to the sources and the customs data. Indian arms export regulations limit the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser, who risks future sales being terminated if unauthorised transfers occur.

The Kremlin has raised the issue on at least two occasions, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart, three Indian officials said.

Details of the ammunition transfers are reported by Reuters for the first time.

Following the publication of this report, India's foreign ministry described it as "speculative and misleading".

"It implies violations by India where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous," ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.

"India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end user obligations and certifications," Jaiswal added.

The foreign and defence ministries of Russia and the defence ministry of India did not respond to questions. In January, Jaiswal told a news conference that India had not sent or sold artillery shells to Ukraine.

Two Indian government and two defence industry sources told Reuters that Delhi produced only a very small amount of the ammunition being used by Ukraine, with one official estimating that it was under 1% of the total arms imported by Kyiv since the war. The news agency couldn't determine if the munitions were resold or donated to Kyiv by the European customers.

Among the European countries sending Indian munitions to Ukraine are Italy and the Czech Republic, which is leading an initiative to supply Kyiv with artillery shells from outside the European Union, according to a Spanish and a senior Indian official, as well as a former top executive at Yantra India, a state-owned company whose munitions are being used by Ukraine.

The Indian official said that Delhi was monitoring the situation. But, along with a defence industry executive with direct knowledge of the transfers, he said India had not taken any action to throttle the supply to Europe. Like most of the 20 people interviewed by Reuters, they spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The Ukrainian, Italian, Spanish and Czech defence ministries did not respond to requests for comment.

Delhi and Washington, Ukraine's main security backer, have recently strengthened defence and diplomatic cooperation against the backdrop of a rising China, which both regard as their main rival.

India also has warm ties with Russia, its primary arms supplier for decades, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has refused to join the Western-led sanctions regime against Moscow.

But Delhi, long the world's largest weapons importer, also sees the lengthy war in Europe as an opportunity to develop its nascent arms export sector, according to six Indian sources familiar with official thinking.

Ukraine, which is battling to contain a Russian offensive toward the eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk, has a dire shortage of artillery ammunition.

The White House declined to comment and the U.S. State Department referred questions on Delhi's arms exports to the Indian government.

India exported just over $3 billion of arms between 2018 and 2023, according to data compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute think-tank.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at an Aug. 30 conference that defence exports surpassed $2.5 billion in the last fiscal year and that Delhi wanted to increase that to about $6 billion by 2029.

Commercially available customs records show that in the two years before the February 2022 invasion, three major Indian ammunition makers - Yantra, Munitions India and Kalyani Strategic Systems - exported just $2.8 million in munitions components to Italy and the Czech Republic, as well as Spain and Slovenia, where defence contractors have invested heavily in supply chains for Ukraine.

Between February 2022 and July 2024, the figure had increased to $135.25 million, the data show, including completed munitions, which India began exporting to the four nations.

Arzan Tarapore, an India defence expert at Stanford University, said that Delhi's push to expand its arms exports was a major factor in the transfer of its arms to Ukraine.

"Probably in the sudden recent expansion, some instances of end-user violations have occurred."

DISCREET DELIVERIES

Unlisted Italian defence contractor Meccanica per l'Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES) was among the companies sending Indian-made shells to Ukraine, said the former top Yantra official.

MES is Yantra's biggest foreign client. The executive said the Rome-based company buys empty shells from India and fills them with explosives.

Several Western firms had explosive filling capabilities but lack the manufacturing capacity to mass produce artillery shells, the executive said.

Yantra said in its 2022-23 annual report that it had agreed a deal with an unnamed Italian client to set up a manufacturing line for L15A1 shells, which the former Yantra executive identified as MES.

MES and Yantra India did not respond to emails seeking comment.

Customs data indicate that Yantra shipped $35 million worth of empty 155mm L15A1 shells to MES between February 2022 and July 2024.

Customs records also show that in February 2024, U.K.-based arms company Dince Hill - whose board includes a top MES executive - exported $6.7 million in ammunition from Italy to Ukraine.

Among the exports were 155mm L15A1 shells, which the customs declaration said were manufactured by MES for Ukraine's Defence Ministry and supplied for "promoting the defense capability and mobilization readiness of Ukraine."

Dince Hill did not respond to an email seeking comment. Its new owner, Rome-based Effequattro Consulting, could not be reached.

In another instance, Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente shared on social media in May an end user agreement signed by a Czech defence official that authorised the transfer of 120mm and 125mm ammunition shells from Munitions India to arms dealer Czech Defence Systems.

Pro-Palestinian activists had alleged that the Borkum, a vessel carrying Indian-made arms which had stopped in a Spanish port, was carrying the weapons to Israel.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported in May the final destination was actually Ukraine. A Spanish official and another source familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that Kyiv was the end user. Munitions India and CDS did not respond to questions.

Customs records dated March 27 show Munitions India had shipped 10,000 rounds of 120mm and 125mm mortar shells, worth more than $9 million, from Chennai to CDS.

FRIENDLY FIRE

Russia, which supplies more than 60% of Delhi's arms imports, is a valued partner for India. In July, Modi chose Moscow for his first bilateral international trip since being elected to a third term.

At another meeting that month in Kazakhstan between top Indian diplomat Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Lavrov, the Russian minister pressed his counterpart about Indian munitions being used by Ukrainians and complained that some were made by state-owned Indian companies, according to an Indian official with direct knowledge of the encounter.

The official did not share Jaishankar's response.

Walter Ladwig, a South Asia security expert at King's College London, said the diversion of a relatively small amount of ammunition was geopolitically useful for Delhi.

"It allows India to show partners in the West that it is not 'on Russia's side' in the Russia-Ukraine conflict," he said, adding that Moscow held little leverage over Delhi's decisions.

(Reporting by Krishn Kaushik in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Allison Martell in Toronto, Stephen Grey and Guy Faulconbridge in London, Gerry Doyle in Singapore, Belen Carreno in Madrid, Jonathan Landay in Washington, Jan Lopatka in Prague, Crispian Balmer in Rome, Rachel More in Berlin; Editing by Katerina Ang)
By Karen Lema and Poppy McPherson

MANILA (Reuters) -The United States has no immediate plans to withdraw a mid-range missile system deployed in the Philippines, despite Chinese demands, and is testing the feasibility of its use in a regional conflict, sources with knowledge of the matter said.

The Typhon system, which can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking Chinese targets, was brought in for joint exercises earlier this year, both countries said at the time, but has remained there.

The Southeast Asian archipelago, Taiwan's neighbour to the South, is an important part of U.S. strategy in Asia and would be an indispensable staging point for the military to aid Taipei in the event of a Chinese attack.

China and Russia have condemned the first deployment of the system to the Indo-Pacific, accusing Washington of fuelling an arms race.

China's foreign ministry said on Thursday it was very concerned about the plan to keep the system in place.

"It seriously threatens the security of regional countries and intensifies geopolitical confrontation," ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing.

The deployment, some details of which have not been previously reported, comes as China and U.S. defence treaty ally the Philippines clash over parts of the hotly contested South China Sea. Recent months have brought a series of sea and air confrontations in the strategic waterway.

Philippine officials said Filipino and U.S. forces continued to train with the missile system, which is on the northern island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea and is close to the Taiwan Strait. They said they were not aware of immediate plans to return it, even though the joint exercises end this month.

A Philippine army spokesman, Colonel Louie Dema-ala, on Wednesday said training was ongoing and it was up to Philippine authorities and the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) to decide how long the missile system would stay.

"It is up to the higher headquarters to decide on its stay, and most importantly the USARPAC because they own this, it is not our capability," he told Reuters.

A public affairs officer for USARPAC said the Philippine army had said the Typhon could stay beyond September and soldiers trained with it as recently as last week, engaging "in discussions over employing the system, with a focus on integrating host nation support."

A senior Philippine government official and another person familiar with the matter said the U.S. and the Philippines were testing the feasibility of using the system there in the event of a conflict and how well it works in that environment. Both spoke on condition of anonymity.

The government official said the Typhon - which is intended to be mobile and moved as needed - was in the Philippines for a "test on the feasibility of deploying it in country so that when the need arises, it could easily be deployed here."

The office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr did not respond to a request for comment.

'SLEEPLESS NIGHTS'

The U.S army flew the Typhon, which can launch missiles including SM-6 missiles and Tomahawks with a range exceeding 1,600 km (994 miles), to the Philippines in April in what it called a "historic first" and a "significant step in our partnership with the Philippines".

A satellite image taken on Wednesday by Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, and reviewed by Reuters showed the Typhon at the Laoag International Airport, in Ilocos Norte province.

The senior government official who spoke to Reuters said there were no immediate plans to withdraw it.

"If ever it will be pulled out, it is because the objective has been achieved and it may be brought (back) in after all the repairs or the construction would have been done," the official said, adding that there was strategic value for the Philippines in keeping the system to deter China.

"We want to give them sleepless nights."

ANTI-SHIP WEAPONS

The U.S. has been amassing a variety of anti-ship weapons in Asia, as Washington attempts to catch up quickly in an Indo-Pacific missile race in which China has a big lead, Reuters has reported.

Although the U.S. military has declined to say how many will be deployed in the Indo-Pacific region, more than 800 SM-6 missiles are due to be bought in the next five years, according to government documents outlining military purchases. Several thousand Tomahawks are already in U.S. inventories, the documents showed.

China has denounced the deployment of the Typhon several times, including in May when Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's defense ministry, said Manila and Washington had brought huge risks of war into the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in June cited the deployment when announcing his country would resume production of intermediate- and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in July assured his Chinese counterpart the presence of the missile system in his country posed no threat to China and would not destabilise the region.

China has fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in the South China Sea, which it mostly claims in full despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that backed the Philippines, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, the U.S. has said.

China says its military facilities in the Spratly Islands are purely defensive, and that it can do what it likes on its territory.

(Reporting by Karen Lema and Poppy McPherson; Additional reporting by Eleanor Whalley and Mei Mei Chu; Editing by Kim Coghill and Edwina Gibbs)
(Bloomberg) -- Lebanons death toll from a series of walkie-talkie and pager explosions this week rose to 37, according to local authorities, an illustration of the devastation wrought by suspected Israeli attacks aimed at Hezbollah militants.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A second wave of blasts on Wednesday killed 25 and injured more than 600, the Lebanese health ministry said. Some occurred at funerals for Hezbollah members who died the previous day when thousands of pagers  most of them carried by the Iran-backed group  exploded in supermarkets, streets and homes across the country. Two children were killed in the near simultaneous detonations on Tuesday and around 2,300 people were wounded.

The attacks have increased fears of a full-blown war between Hezbollah and Israel, which neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the operations. Israel has diverted more troops to its northern border with Lebanon in recent days, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declaring a new phase in the countrys battles against Islamist militant groups.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in attacks in the north of the country close to Lebanon on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement, without giving further detail. State-run Lebanese media reported Israeli warplanes flying over Beirut.

While there are few signals an invasion of Lebanon is imminent, Israeli officials have said diplomacy with Hezbollah is failing and theyll be forced into more aggressive action to move the groups fighters and weapons away from the border. Hezbollah will pay an increasing price, Gallant said on Thursday.

Israel continues to combat Hamas in Gaza and cease-fire talks have stalled, though the intensity of that conflict is easing. Israel remains committed to destroying the Palestinian group and retrieving hostages held in Gaza since the war began almost a year ago, Gallant said, but it is focused more and more on Hezbollah.

The commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, said Israel will face a crushing response for this weeks escalation and threatened the destruction of this cruel and criminal regime, according the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.

Hezbollah is the strongest of the Iran-backed regional groups targeting Israel, with tens of thousands of fighters and at least as many missiles and rockets, according to Israeli intelligence estimates. Many Israelis fear it could overwhelm their countrys vaunted air defenses in the event of an all-out conflict.

Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire since the war in Gaza erupted in October. They have largely limited their strikes to military targets, usually near the border area, where thousands have been evacuated on both sides. Hezbollah says its acting in solidarity with Hamas and wont stop its attacks until Israel agrees to a cease-fire in the Palestinian territory.

The US, which considers Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, is trying to calm tensions and is urging Israel not to escalate its attacks to the point of causing an all-out war.

Red Lines Crossed

Its unclear to what extent this weeks blasts in Lebanon have dented Hezbollahs fighting capacity. The group has said it will retaliate and its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, struck a defiant tone in a speech on Thursday.

Israel crossed all red lines and rules of engagement by blowing up the pagers and other devices, Nasrallah said. The attacks wont deter Hezbollah from firing on Israel until theres a truce in Gaza, he said.

He described the explosions as a huge security and humanitarian blow to Hezbollah and said many victims suffered injuries to their eyes. Israel was trying to kill thousands of people, he claimed.

The blasts were hugely embarrassing for Hezbollah and may have been designed to inflict a psychological blow. Israeli analysts have said the explosions will probably make it harder for the Shiite organizations leaders and commanders to communicate, since they will fear more of their devices have been sabotaged.

Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati said his country would ask the United Nations Security Council, which is set to meet Friday to discuss the situation, for a resolution to deter Israel from such attacks.

The premier as well as Speaker Nabih Berri, Hezbollahs main political ally in Lebanon, received calls from French President Emmanuel Macron, according to state-run media.

Hezbollah members often used pagers and walkie-talkies  gadgets considered obsolete in much of the world  because they were viewed as harder for Israeli security services to infiltrate given their low-tech nature. Speculation is rife about how the blasts were orchestrated  many cybersecurity experts say its likely explosives were planted inside the devices.

--With assistance from Dan Williams.

(Updates with latest military action in fourth paragraph, Iranian comment in seventh.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A family in Melbourne, Florida, is without power after Florida Power & Light says someone tampered with their electric meter, causing it to underreport electric usage. Michelle White, who lives in the home, told News 6 reporters a Florida Power & Light worker came to their home last Wednesday and turned off the power.

A letter taped on their door informed the family that illegal tampering with FPLs equipment has occurred at your location and that the tampering caused the meter to improperly under-register the electricity that your home has been using.

Don't miss

We viewed the bill in the amount of $12,245.92, White explained. I was like  this has to be a glitch in the system.

White says she has no idea who tampered with their meter. The family has been without electricity, including air conditioning, for a week and a half in 90-degree heat. Theyre using a power generator to run their childs nebulizer and a single AC unit.

I have a kid who takes a nebulizer every four hours, and he has an oxygen machine, White said. Ive even provided them with a paper from the provider saying they would need an extension. They dont care about it. They dont care about my kids. White told reporters.

The power company says the family is responsible for the bills 

Whites boyfriend and the homeowner, Alvin Knight, said the family called FPL for maintenance after one of the power lines coming into their home caught fire. According to Knight, thats when the company noticed the box had been tampered with. FPL replaced the box and never mentioned that the family would be held liable for any charges.

I would have never called you had I known that it had been jumped, he said. It would make me look as guilty as I dont know what, Knight told News 6.

When News 6 Reporters contacted FPL, spokesperson Kamrel J. Eppinger provided the outlet with a statement, stating :

Customers are responsible for ensuring their meters are not tampered with. If tampering is detected, we may back-bill a customer or an account for unpaid and unauthorized electricity consumption and charge investigation fees, as permitted by the Florida Public Service Commission.

Story continues

White claims that when she called FPL, they said they could restore the power in 24 hours  but only if she forked over $7,500.

I said, Who has this kind of money to throw down on one bill that they arent even responsible nor guilty for? Maam, this number just isnt realistic, White wrote on an online fundraising page.

Read More: Feeling broke on a $665K salary: This surgeon and his wife didn't realize their financial adviser may have been charging a high fee until Ramit Sethi set things straight

How to tell if your electric meter is tampered with

Electric theft is a common problem. Specialty seals, such as the one the White family says their meter had, are often used to determine whether meters have been tampered with.

The first step to determining whether your meter has been tampered with is to give it a thorough inspection. If you see a broken seal or cords you dont recognize, call the power company immediately.

You can also turn off all the breakers in your breaker box. This should stop all electricity from being used in your home. Then, check the electric meter. If its still running, that would indicate something is wrong. It could mean either some part of your home isnt on a breaker, which is dangerous, or someone is stealing your electricity. Contact a certified electrician to check your breaker box, then call the power company.

If you believe the power company isnt acting in good faith, contact your local Public Service Commission. This is a state-level agency responsible for making sure residents receive essential services, such as gas and electricity, in a safe and reliable manner.

While Florida statutes do allow power companies to turn off power for nonpayment, your state may have restrictions. Illinois, for example, restricts power companies from turning off power in extreme weather conditions, if youre on a payment plan, or if anyone who lives in your home is on active deployment. Depending on your state, you may have additional rights.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
(Bloomberg) -- Thousands of pagers and other devices exploding in Lebanon this week mark a new and deadly escalation in the use of supply chains against adversaries, giving new urgency to global leaders drive to reduce their dependence on technologies from rivals.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Lebanese officials believe the gadgets were rigged with explosives as part of an elaborate attack allegedly by Israel on Hezbollah, penetrating the Iran-backed groups procurement chain with links from Taiwan to Hungary.

While booby-trapped devices have been used in spycraft for years, the scale and violence of the attacks in Lebanon - which killed at least 37 people, including two children, and injured about 2,300 more - alarmed even some seasoned officials. They fear the globalized supply chains that help produce cheap goods and power global growth could become weapons in the hands of foreign adversaries.

When you depend on other nations for key inputs or technology you give them a back door into everything you do, said Melanie Hart, who until recently was a senior State Department official responsible for these issues and now is at the Atlantic Council. This is a demonstration of what it looks like to weaponize that dependence.

US officials have long acknowledged that the US is too dependent on China for a variety of goods and services and in recent years the government has begun seeking to move some vital supply chains, especially those that touch on national security, to the US, a process known as on-shoring, or moving them to friendly countries, known as friend-shoring.

If Israel can do this, China can do it too, said US Representative Seth Moulton. Long, opaque supply chains leave gaps that can too easily be exploited, and we need a strategy for closing them in close collaboration with our allies.

A former senior US intelligence official described the Lebanese blasts as just the latest and most dramatic of a number of supply-chain attacks underway around the world. They often take years to prepare and tend to be narrowly targeted to limit collateral damage, the official said, asking not to be identified to discuss matters that arent public. Interdiction operations - where goods are intercepted and tampered with before delivery to their ultimate recipient - are rampant, the former official said.

Infiltrating a supply chain is a pretty standard tool of intelligence services, said Holden Triplett, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation official. In the last few years, we seen it used mostly to collect information but as weve witnessed recently it can also be used for targeted killings.

The operation was put in place by Israel years ago as a measure to use in case of a major war with Hezbollah, according to people with knowledge of the plan. On Thursday, Israel carried out extensive air strikes across southern Lebanon, a further sign of its focus on Hezbollah and deep concern about the heavily armed Iran-backed militant group on its border.

China has prepositioned cyber attackers to wreak havoc on our critical infrastructure at a time of its choosing, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray warned in April. Its plan is to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break Americas will to resist.

US spies have a history of taking advantage of Americas dominance in many supply chains to insert technologies to target rivals, from the Stuxnet operation that struck Irans nuclear program to revelations over a decade ago that agents modified equipment from US tech companies shipped overseas.

Protecting against intrusion in the virtual world is especially difficult.

You have a lot of devices out there, whether theyre communication, whether theyre critical infrastructure, that already have malicious code inside, said Eran Fine, chief executive of Israeli company Nanolock Security, which secures industrial critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and disruptions along the supply chain.

Tom Katsioulas is among those calling attention to that danger. Hes been working on semiconductor security for nearly a decade, first with Mentor Graphics Corp.  now part of Siemens AG  and then with the Global Semiconductor Alliance. The technology to track chips exists but building a multi-company, multinational platform has been an uphill battle, he said.

Everybody wants security. Nobodys going to pay for it. And when things break, everybody blames somebody else, said Katsioulas, who left the chip organization and is now on the US Commerce Departments Internet of Things Advisory Board.

The government needs to allocate some of its Chips Act funding to semiconductor plants to jumpstart a program to begin tracking the components, he argued. Establishing a rigorous security system requires just $5 million to $10 million per plant, Katsioulas estimates. But critics tell him the cost escalates dramatically once you add up the hundreds or even thousands of parties involved in any typical chip supply chain.

People tell me, good luck, he said.

Washington isnt blind to the threat. Its sought to reduce or even eliminate reliance on Chinese firms for infrastructure and national security, including removing hardware in a program known as rip and replace.

But interdependence is hard to escape. Last year the US navy reduced the number of Chinese supplies in its critical technologies supply chains by some 40%, according to Govini, a government data analysis firm. But the Air Force and other defense agencies increased their dependence on China, according to the firm.

China, for its part, has long been engaged in a push for indigenous innovation to lessen the countrys reliance on foreign technologies from jet engines to computer operating systems. Last year, multiple Chinese agencies and government-backed firms ordered staff to stop bringing iPhones and other foreign devices to work.

Alternatives can be hard to find.

The U.S. can rely on high-tech partners everywhere  staunch allies, friends we share our deepest intelligence secrets with, said Hart, the former US official.

Chinas best options for friend-shoring are Russia, North Korea, and Syria, she said. Beijing is shopping for new friends in the global South but its hard to replicate the Western technology advantage.

Even going low-tech cant guarantee security, as events in Lebanon this week demonstrated.

Hezbollah had embraced pagers  a technology synonymous with the 1990s  in a bid to avoid US and Israeli surveillance.

Hezbollah decided to go low-tech to reduce its susceptibility to attack, but clearly you cant go so low-tech that you escape vulnerabilities, said Brad Glosserman, a senior adviser at Pacific Forum, a think-tank.

The bottom line is that in a world of grossly extended supply chains, vulnerabilities are part of the system, said Glosserman. Every organization has to buy things. Vulnerability is a fact of life.

--With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Alastair Gale, Yuki Furukawa, Donato Paolo Mancini, Katrina Manson and Jane Lanhee Lee.

(Updates with details of plan in ninth paragraph. A previous version of this story corrected the name of the Global Semiconductor Alliance.)

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Explosives put in devices before they arrived in Lebanon, says Lebanon's UN mission

People gather outside a hospital, as more than 1,000 people, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were wounded on Tuesday when the pagers they use to communicate exploded across Lebanon, according to a security source, in Beirut

By Michelle Nichols and Maya Gebeily

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A preliminary investigation by Lebanese authorities into the communications devices that blew up in Lebanon this week found that they were implanted with explosives before arriving in the country, according to a letter sent to the U.N. Security Council by Lebanon's mission to the United Nations.

The authorities also determined the devices, which included pagers and hand-held radios, were detonated by sending electronic messages to the devices, says the letter, seen by Reuters on Thursday. Israel was responsible for the planning and execution of the attacks, Lebanon's U.N. mission said.

The 15-member Security Council is due to meet on Friday over the blasts.

The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the militant group.

Israel has not directly commented on the attacks, which security sources say were probably carried out by its Mossad spy agency, which has a long history of carrying out sophisticated attacks on foreign soil.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
BEDFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Bedford County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) will have an increased presence at one high school on Friday following a threat investigation.

In a Wednesday Facebook post, BCSO said that the department was aware of a possible threat to Central High School during a pep rally. The BCSO, the Bedford County School System and school resource officers had reportedly been investigating the threat since becoming aware of it.

We are serious: TN D.A. discusses school threat investigations

At this time, we do not feel that there is a credible threat, the post reads, in part. Out of an abundance of caution, we will have extra deputies on campus at Central High School on Friday.

The BCSO encouraged anyone aware of threats against any school to immediately notify law enforcement as shared social media posts make investigations difficult.

This comes as the states Department of Safety & Homeland Security has investigated school threats 125 in just one week. Between August 1 and September 14, there were 321 threats reported to the state, though deputy commissioner of Homeland Security Greg Mays told News 2 that the actual number of threats made against Tennessee schools is likely higher.

Tennessee Sheriffs Association releases joint statement in light of increased volume of school threats

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday all saw arrests across the mid-state in relation to school threats. Additionally, a July 2023 law that made school threats a zero-tolerance offense led to a surge of expulsions in some districts.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FAA investigating after airline passengers report bleeding ears, headaches, bloody noses

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a Delta Air Lines flight leaving Salt Lake City last weekend developed cabin pressure issues and left some passengers with bleeding eardrums, headaches, and bloody noses.

The flight was traveling Sunday from Salt Lake City to Portland, Oregon, when pilots of the five-year-old Boeing 737-900ER aircraft noticed a pressurization problem and made an emergency landing back in Utahs capital, according to the flight log.

Passengers told television station KSL they noticed people bleeding as the plane decreased in elevation over the Great Salt Lake. Pilots announced they were returning to the airport but did not explain why, passenger Caryn Allen said. Oxygen masks did not deploy.

Allen described watching her husband cover his ears in pain while other passengers tried to help a man on the other side of the aisle who had an uncontrollable bloody nose.

Another passenger, Jaci Purser, told KSL it felt like someone was stabbing her inner ear.

I grabbed my ear, and I pulled my hand back, and there was blood on it, she said.

Paramedics met passengers at the gate and identified at least 10 people out of the 140 on the flight who required medical attention. They recommended that anyone who was bleeding go to the hospital for further evaluation, and Delta offered to cover those transportation costs, the airline said.

We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on Sept. 15, Delta said in a statement. The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs.

The airline said the plane was taken out of service Sunday and went back into service Monday after technicians resolved an issue that made the plane unable to pressurize above 10,000 feet, Delta said.

The Boeing aircraft involved in Sundays emergency landing is not part of the manufacturers newer MAX fleet, which came under investigation this year after a door plug blew off during a Jan. 5 Alaska Airlines flight while the plane was at 16,000 feet over Oregon.

However, the FAA in late January recommended more thorough inspections of other Boeing aircrafts including the 737-900ER involved in the incident over Salt Lake City because it shares the same door plug design as the MAX jets.

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Former President Donald Trump is littering his public remarks with fictional stories.

This isnt run-of-the-mill political spin, the kind of statistic-twisting and accomplishment-exaggerating that political candidates of all stripes engage in. Rather, the Republican presidential nominee is telling colorful lies that are completely untethered to reality.

Trumps inflammatory assertion about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, whom he baselessly accused at the September presidential debate of eating peoples dogs and cats, has received the most attention. But Trumps lower-profile recent public appearances, like rallies and interviews, have also featured wholly imaginary tales.

Here are 11 additional examples from the past month alone.

Harris and the military draft

At a rally in Las Vegas last week, Trump claimed his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, is talking about forcing Americans to serve in the military: Shes already talking about bringing back the draft. She wants to bring back the draft, and draft your child, and put them in a war that should never have happened.

Thats absolute bunk. Harris is not talking at all about bringing back the draft.

Harris CNN interview

Trump claimed during a Fox News event in Pennsylvania in early September that Harris had notes to assist her during the television interview she did with CNN in late August. He even performed an impression in which he portrayed Harris supposedly looking down at these notes.

She didnt actually have any notes.

Transgender children and schools

At an event held by a conservative group in late August, Trump claimed that schools are sending children for gender-affirming surgeries without their parents knowledge. He said, The transgender thing is incredible. Think of it. Your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation. The school decides whats going to happen with your child.

Trumps campaign subsequently made clear to CNN that it could not find a single example of such a thing having happened anywhere in the United States. Parental consent is required for gender-affirming operations; schools have not performed or approved these surgeries for minors behind their parents backs.

Even after Trumps campaign demonstrated that it couldnt substantiate the story, he repeated it days later at a Wisconsin rally in early September.

Harris and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Trump told a vivid story on Fox News in late August about how President Joe Biden supposedly sent Harris to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022 in an effort to prevent an invasion of Ukraine. Trump claimed Harris was sent to see Putin in Russia three days before the attack. She went. She said  she gave her case. He attacked three days later. He attacked three days later. He laughed at her. He thought she was a joke. Trump also told a version of the story at the September debate.

But this story, too, is wholly false.

Biden never sent Harris to negotiate with Putin  in fact, the Kremlin said in July that Harris and Putin have never spoken  and Harris did not travel to Russia just prior to the invasion. Rather, Harris traveled to a conference in Germany to meet with US allies, including Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky.

Harris identity

Trump claimed at a convention of Black journalists in late July that Harris used to only promote her Indian heritage, then all of a sudden made a turn and became a Black person. Defending the claim, Trump reiterated at the September debate that Harris had put out at some point that she was not Black.

None of that is true.

Harris  who was raised in a Black community and graduated from a historically Black university  has embraced her Black identity since her youth. While she has also fondly discussed her South Asian heritage, she never put out that she wasnt Black.

Harris 2020 primary performance

Trump has repeatedly claimed during the last month that Harris was so unpopular when she previously ran for the presidency, in 2019, that she was the very first candidate to drop out of the crowded Democratic primary. She was one of 22 people that ran. She was the first one to quit, he said at a Pennsylvania rally in late August.

Not even close.

In fact, 13 other Democratic candidates dropped out of the race before Harris did  including the sitting or former governors of Washington, Montana and Colorado; the sitting mayor of New York City; and sitting or former members of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Opinions of Roe v. Wade

Facing heavy criticism from Harris and others for appointing three of the Supreme Court justices who overturned the Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision in 2022, Trump concocted a tale that this unpopular decision fulfilled the wishes of everybody  including every Democrat.

Every Democrat, every Republican, everybody wanted Roe v. Wade terminated and brought back to the states, Trump said on Fox News in late August.

This is not even remotely accurate.

Roe was consistently supported by a majority of the American public, and it was overwhelmingly popular among Democrats  with 80% support or better among Democrats in many polls.

Elections in California

At a September press conference in California, Trump claimed that if I ran with an honest vote counter in California I would win California, but the votes are not counted honestly. He had delivered an even more colorful version of the claim in an interview in late August, saying, If Jesus came down and was the vote counter, I would win California, okay?

More rubbish.

The votes are counted honestly in California, as they are in every other state; Trump loses California because it is an overwhelmingly Democratic state that has not chosen a Republican presidential candidate since 1988. He lost the state in 2020, fair and square, by more five million votes and more than 29 percentage points.

A Man of the Year award in Michigan

Since 2016, Trump has told a lie that he was named Man of the Year in Michigan before he entered politics. Media outlets including CNN have repeatedly noted that Trump never got such an award and that the award doesnt even appear to exist. But Trump claimed at a Michigan event on Tuesday that he has now been vindicated.

The press said, Oh, it never happened. Well, then it did happen. They found out where it was, Trump said. But it was like 15 years ago, a beautiful area, but nobody remembered it; nobody remembered it all. All of a sudden, like through a miracle, they found out it did exist.

Thats a lie on top of a lie. The media has not discovered proof that Trump got a Michigan Man of the Year award.

His campaign didnt respond Wednesday to a request to explain what he was talking about.

Migrants, prisons and the Congo

For months, Trump has told a story about how the Congo has deliberately emptied prisons to somehow get its criminals to come to the United States as migrants. Many prisoners let go from the Congo in Africa, rough prisoners, he said at an August event in Arizona. At an August rally in Pennsylvania the week after, he said, In the Congo, in Africa: 22 people deposited into our country. Where do you come from? The Congo. Where in the Congo? Jail.

But Trump has presented zero evidence that the Congo has actually emptied any prisons for migration purposes. Representatives for the governments of both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the neighboring Republic of Congo have told CNN on the record that the claim is fiction, experts on the two countries say they have seen no evidence it is true, and Trumps campaign has ignored requests to offer any substantiation.

The jobs revision

After the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics announced in August that its annual revision of jobs data found that the economy added about 818,000 fewer jobs than initially reported for the 12 months ending in March, Trump told a story about how the government had been planning to announce this downward revision after November 5th, Election Day, but was forced to do so before the election because of a whistleblower  a patriot leaker.

Another fabrication. The Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly releases the preliminary revised data in August, and it had disclosed the precise date of this particular data release  August 21  weeks in advance.

William Beach, a conservative economist who was appointed by Trump to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wrote on social media: For those who think the big revision to the BLS jobs numbers leaked and was meant to come out after the election, remember that BLS always announces its draft revisions in August and announced this years date, August 21, many months ago. It is important to check your facts.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain and Monique Worrell, his suspended predecessor and current election opponent, lobbed a lot of claims and counterclaims during their first debate last week  and will certainly do so again in a second round Friday.

But how much of what theyre saying is accurate?

Speaking before the League of Women Voters of Orange County last week, the two discussed dropping violent crime rates  and who deserves credit  along with allegations of election interference and the claims about mishandled cases that formed the basis of Worrells suspension.

Fridays debate in the hotly contested race for the regions chief prosecutor is at 11:30 a.m. at the Citrus Club in downtown Orlando.

Heres a look at their arguments to date.

Is violent crime dropping, and who deserves credit?

Throughout the debate, Worrell said she oversaw the lowest violent crime rate this community has experienced in more than a decade as state attorney. Bain said his first 12 months in office since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to replace her last September also saw a drop in violent crime, namely homicide.

Taking credit for the trend, Worrell said, If they are lower now, youre welcome.

Bain retorted, But you werent in the office to do anything to reduce crime. So how are you connecting those two?

Its not clear what the support is for Bains contention about a drop in crime on his watch: A State Attorneys Office spokesperson said it doesnt track local crime rates, and Bains campaign didnt offer sources when contacted. While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement receives crime data from agencies across the state, only those from the Kissimmee and St. Cloud police departments have been published from this region.

That leaves an online database maintained by the Florida Department of Health, cited by Worrells campaign to back up her crime-rate analysis. The most recent data currently published on that site is from 2022. That means it cant corroborate Bains claims, but the available data does provide some support for Worrell.

In Orange County, violent crime  such as murder, sexual battery, kidnapping, assault and robbery  has dipped nearly every year since 2007, when the rate was 404.9 incidents per 100,000 people. Violent crime hit its lowest point in 2021, Worrells first year in office, with 199.8 incidents per 100,000 people. The following year, however, the rate went up 3%.

Violent crime in Osceola has also dropped in the last 15 years and was at its lowest in 2022, at 145 incidents per 100,000 compared to a rate of 327.1 incidents in 2007. That rate fell below Floridas average rate for the first time since 2003  unlike Orange, where violent crime has remained above state average throughout that period.

Preliminary crime data published by the FBI suggests a significant reduction in violent crimes in 2023 across the U.S., but is not specific to Central Florida. A midyear report by the Council on Criminal Justice, a collective of experts in the field, suggests that may continue in 2024, as a survey of 29 American cities (none in Florida) shows a 13% drop in violent offenses so far this year.

But does that mean either local prosecutor can claim responsibility for what is clearly a national trend? Between legal policy and community engagement, prosecutors do play a key role in tackling crime, but they are only one piece of a larger puzzle.

SeaWorld: Arctic flying theater in works for next year

The criminal justice council argued as much in 2022 when it issued its 10 essential actions to reduce violence, which was adopted this year by the U.S. Department of Justice. It cites approaches from supporting high-risk people already in the system to targeted policing to harnessing community resources, many of which are beyond the reach of a local State Attorney.

Some of its approaches, like violence interruption initiatives, are currently utilized in cities like Orlando, a partnership between city officials and organizations operating the program.

Keith Moses and other mishandled cases

A key talking point of Bains campaign, which is also a critique that Worrell faced while in office, is that she bungled cases involving defendants who later went on to commit new crimes.

Bain named one explicitly at last weeks debate: Keith Moses, whos charged with killing three people in Pine Hills last year  two years after he was arrested for possessing a stolen gun and a misdemeanor amount of marijuana.

Public records indicate reasons other than prosecutorial bungling are why Moses went free, as the amount of drugs found in that 2021 Orange County traffic stop didnt meet state testing requirements while body-worn camera video didnt show Moses throwing a gun out the window as deputies claimed. He also wasnt named in affidavits as the one carrying it.

The gun wasnt even tested for DNA until after his arrest on murder charges, with results inconclusive. And even if Worrell had convicted Moses on the weed charge, he likely wouldve been released in time to commit the killings of which hes accused.

Still, its hardly the first case shes been accused of mishandling, nor the first where support for the accusations was questionable.

Along with dropping the 2021 murder case against Kaylan Vega for lack of evidence, she was blasted by Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez for not prosecuting accused drug traffickers more aggressively. But a Sentinel investigation found deficiencies in the Osceola sheriffs own handling of the cases hamstrung many of those prosecutions.

Thats not to say there arent legitimate questions on how certain cases are handled, by both Bains prosecutors and Worrells. Expect the issue to be rehashed Friday and through the rest of the campaign.

Feiter lawsuit: Can feds get involved?

A lawsuit by former Republican state attorney candidate Thomas Feiter, whos accusing Gov. Ron DeSantis and high-level GOP officials of meddling in the primary to benefit Bain, added a twist to the tale of this race.

A core claim of the lawsuit is that Feiters GOP opponent, Seth Hyman, was encouraged to drop out to unite the conservative vote for Bain in exchange for political favors.

Worrell has repeatedly called for a federal investigation. Bain insists federal authorities cant get involved.

He appears to have the better end of that argument. Michael Morley, who teaches election law at Florida State University, told the Sentinel that launching a federal investigation would be a large stretch of federal law.

There are certainly types of misconduct that the federal government can investigate, but its really for things that prevent people from voting or violations of federal campaign finance law, Morley said.

The FBI makes it even clearer on its websites section on election crimes. While the agency vaguely says it can become involved when an election official abuses his duties, which Feiter has alleged, it says clearly when it should not take part: when the charge is trying to convince an opponent to withdraw from a race.
Faizon Love took to social media to express his thoughts after Sean Diddy Combs was arrested on allegations of sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and other crimes. In a clip reposted by The Shade Room, the actor did not agree with some of the actions being labeled criminal behavior.

We all heard about Puffy and I see a lot of people yeah yeah yeah Im confused, he began.

The Cassie [Ventura] thing, I understand. I think we should definitely lock this ni**a up [for] putting his hands on a young lady but I dont understand the other sh*t. Can yall help me? When has being nasty been a federal crime? And Im glad they told me. I didnt know there was a limit on baby oil.

Diddy performs onstage at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.

His comments refer to a troubling video released earlier this year, showing Combs violently assaulting Ventura in 2016. Additionally, he notes the indictment against Combs revealed, They seized cases and cases of the kinds of personal lubricant and baby oil that Combs staff allegedly used to stock hotel rooms for the freak offs, more than 1000 bottles altogether.

Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo claims his client knew he would be taken into custody on criminal charges.

He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal, Agnifilo added. To his credit, Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will not be granted bail.

Watch Faizon Loves commentary below.

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AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP)  As the days start to get cooler birds make their way from the north to the south, passing Massachusetts along the way.

The mass migration of birds towards warmer weather happens around the end of summer and beginning of fall. Some bird species such as the common night hawk were reported in early August. Patti Steinman with The Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary described the current state of migration season.

Right now were in the middle of hawk migration season. So this is a great time for naturalists and many people to observe these large birds, said Steinman.

Recent weather may have an impact on which birds pass through the Bay State. Warmer weather and southern winds make it harder for birds to migrate to the lower half of the U.S. . One environmental factor that has helped recently is the lack of rain.

Sometimes storms can actually throw them off course so that sometimes when we see these very different birds, birds that we usually dont see in our area sometimes can be found in western Massachusetts, said Steinman, Senior Naturalist at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.

The NOAA 8 to 14 day precipitation outlook suggests wetter than normal weather for most of the east coast. This could potentially slow doewn certain species that cant survive in cold conditions.

Some great places to go bird watching are high wooded areas such as Mt. Tom & Skinner Mountain.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
My family of 4 ate dinner at Hooters for the first time. Our $93 meal was a surprisingly good value.

I take my family to chain restaurants in search of good value. This time, we went to Hooters.

We loved our food  especially the boneless wings  and found the portion sizes to be generous.

One of my teens wasn't wild about the "Hooters Girls" outfits and the other was unphased.

It's a tough time to be a chain restaurant, especially if you're serving fast food.

Fast-food chains are scrambling as they lose the value wars to sit-down spots and worry about retaining current consumers and appealing to future ones. At the same time, rising fast-food prices seem to only be making sit-down chains look like a way better value.

Although I was never a big fan of sit-down restaurant chains, I recently began taking my family of four out to eat at them more often in search of good food and great value.

We've loved our meals at places like Bahama Breeze and Morton's and next up on our list was Hooters.

Here's how our first-ever visit to Hooters went.

Hooters got its start in Florida in 1983.

Hooters has Floridian roots. Terri Peters

The first Hooters opened in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983, after a group of businessmen with no restaurant experience had the idea to create a "place they couldn't get kicked out of."

The chain has hundreds of restaurants in over a dozen countries, though it closed dozens of "underperforming" locations in the US in June.

Hooters is known for its chicken wings, cold beers, and its "Hooters Girls"  servers who wear tiny orange shorts and Hooters tanks while they wait on customers.

My husband and I weren't sure how our teenage son and daughter would react to having dinner here, but since they'd asked us a few times what Hooters was like, we figured we'd give it a go.

We started our meal with a round of drinks.

The drink pours seemed generous. Terri Peters

Before we ordered appetizers and entrees, we started our dinner with a round of drinks.

My husband ordered a 25-ounce "Big Daddy" pour of beer ($7.50), and since this meal was before I stopped drinking alcohol, I chose the same size pour of hard cider ($9).

Because they were such large pours, we didn't need to order seconds and found that they lasted throughout our meal. My kids each ordered a $3 soda.

Next, we ordered mozzarella sticks.

The mozzarella sticks at Hooters had a great cheese pull. Terri Peters

As an appetizer, we split an order of Hooters' mozzarella sticks.

We paid $9 for six sticks and a side of marinara dipping sauce. The sauce was a bit thicker and chunkier than I prefer, but the mozzarella sticks were golden brown and perfectly cooked.

The cheese pull on each stick was on point, too.

My husband didn't love Hooters' traditional, breaded wing style.

My husband thought the breading soaked up too much sauce. Terri Peters

Hooters has wings in a variety of styles, from a traditional breaded type to "naked," which have no breaded coating.

Because the traditional style was Hooters' original variety, my husband opted for a $12 order of six of those tossed in hot sauce.

Although the meat inside each wing was moist and delicious, he wasn't a fan of the breaded coating, as he felt it soaked up too much of the sauce.

He also found Hooters' hot sauce to be lacking in heat, so he got a side of the 3 Mile Island Buffalo sauce, which was much spicier.

My boneless wings were so good that I daydream about going back to get more.

The Hooters boneless wings were tasty and flavorful. Terri Peters

To say I loved my $13 order of 10 boneless wings is an understatement.

Everything about the dish, from the crisp breaded coating to the moist chicken inside, was perfect. I chose to have them tossed in the Samurai Teriyaki sauce, which was flavorful and delicious.

The wings were even more delicious dipped in my side of blue cheese.

Both of my kids ordered burgers.

My kids had no complaints about their burgers from Hooters. Terri Peters

My daughter's $10 burger had two thick patties, and my son upgraded his to have an additional patty for $2 more.

Both burgers came with fries. My kids had no complaints about their meals, and both said the burgers delivered in terms of flavor and doneness.

Hooters is one of the few chain restaurants that serves curly fries.

We don't often see curly fries on the menu at chain restaurants. Terri Peters

A side of curly fries was normally $5, but we got them for a bit less because our server charged them as a side upgrade for my son's meal.

It's rare to find curly fries at any restaurant, so it was fun to nosh on them while taking a break from the spice and flavor of our wings.

We closed out our meal with miniature desserts.

We got two miniature desserts. Terri Peters

My husband and I were full, but when the server brought over a tray of desserts in tiny cups, my kids were quick to ask for cookies-and-cream mini cakes, which were $3 each.

I really loved the portion sizes since we often don't have much room left for dessert at the end of our meal. This gave us the chance to taste what Hooters had to offer dessert-wise without getting overly full.

Our meal cost nearly $100, but we would definitely return to Hooters.

Our meal at Hooters seemed like a good value. Terri Peters

I'd say our first trip to Hooters was pretty successful.

My daughter acted scandalized by the servers' outfits while my son seemed unfazed by all of the sexy fanfare  but our food was really, really good.

Although $93 seemed a bit high for a meal from such a casual chain, I felt the price was worth it. The portion sizes were large, and everyone enjoyed their meals a great deal.

The only thing we'd change if we went back is we'd order naked wings instead of breaded ones.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CHICAGO  A federal jury has ordered the Chicago Board of Education to pay $750,000 to the family of a child who was beaten in a Chicago Public School in late 2018.

The lawsuit was filed by Asia Gaines, the mother of J.C., who was a student at George W. Tilton Elementary School in West Garfield Park when the beating occurred in September of 2018, according to a spokesperson from the Chicago law firm Loevy & Loevy.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

According to the lawsuit, J.C. was only nine years old when his homeroom teacher, Kristen Haynes, arranged for her friend, Juanita Tyler, to come to the school to discipline the child.

The familys lawyers said Tyler was an estranged relative of J.C.s father, but the child did not know her personally. They added that Tyler had no authority to be on school grounds and had not sought permission from the childs parents or informed them about the incident.

We are pleased and relieved that this jury saw through the defendants ever-changing story and the Board of Educations attempt to avoid responsibility for the actions of its employee, said Al Hofeld, Jr., of the Law Offices of Al Hofeld, Jr. LLC.

Haynes, who had taught at the school for 15 years, was dismissed from her teaching position because of the incident.

In 2020, during a criminal trial, Tyler was found guilty of domestic battery, but Haynes was acquitted of battery and child endangerment.

On Wednesday, the jury found both Haynes and Tyler liable for the pain and the post-traumatic stress J.C. suffered because of the incident.

During testimony this week, Haynes was described as the disciplinarian of the school and was said to have kept two adult-sized leather belts in her classroom, which were known to students as Mr. Brown and Mr. Black.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

The Board of Education knows full well what Kristen Haynes did to J.C., said Julia Rickert, of Loevy & Loevy. Its attorneys argument to the jury today that such behavior could never happen in a CPS school was disingenuous and a betrayal of the public trust.

Wednesdays decision was handed down after six days of testimony and four and half hours of deliberation by a federal jury.

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TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Taiwan said Thursday that China's ban on imports of its fruit, vegetables, seafood and other goods violates trade rules, in the latest escalation of tensions between the self-governing island republic and its massive neighbor, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to annex it by military means.

The Taiwanese governments Mainland Affairs Council said the ban, which takes effect next week, ignores rules laid out by the World Trade Organization, of which both sides are members.

The move comes amid growing military, political and economic pressure on Taiwans government to concede to Beijings control. Taiwans semi-tropical climate and fertile soil have nurtured an agricultural industry valued at around $500 billion dollars, alongside high-tech corporations that produce the worlds most cutting-edge computer chips.

China's move harms the interests of farmers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and does nothing to improve relations between the two, the council said. China and Taiwan should seek dialogue through the WTO to resolve their differences, it added.

The WTO is one of the few forums through which discussion is possible between the two sides, which divided amid civil war in 1949. Chinese diplomatic pressure has barred Taiwan from the United Nations and reduced its number of official diplomatic allies to 12.

The Chinese ban appears to target rural Taiwanese, who for the past two decades have largely voted for pro-independence candidates but whose local officials have been courted by China with all-expense vacations and other enticements.

China has used trade pressure on countries such as Australia, South Korea and Norway over perceived political slights, using its market for resources and consumer goods as leverage, with mixed results.
Clacton MP Nigel Farage says people will target him if he holds face-to-face meetings [Matt Knight/BBC]

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he would not hold face-to-face surgeries in his constituency over fears the public will "flow through doors with knives in their pockets".

Mr Farage became an MP after he won a seat in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex in July.

He told radio station LBC he had been advised not to accommodate the "old-style" physical meetings between MPs and constituents.

Mr Farage said: "Do I have an office in Clacton? Yes. Am I allowing the public to flow through the door with their knives in their pockets? No, no I'm not."

When asked why Clacton residents would flow through the door with knives in their pockets, he said: "Well they did in Southend.

"They murdered David Amess and he was a far less controversial figure than me."

Conservative politician Sir David was fatally stabbed during a surgery in his Southend West constituency in 2021 by an Islamic State-supporting terrorist.

Following Mr Farage's claim that he had been advised not to hold in-person surgeries by the Speaker's Office, the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he would advise MPs to take advice from parliament's security team and "do so safely" if they asked him for advice on holding surgeries.

He said: "As a constituency MP in Chorley, I hold regular surgeries myself with constituents - and whenever a member asks for my advice on this matter, I always say that if you are going to hold constituency surgeries make sure you take advice from the Parliamentary Security Department - and do so safely."

A House of Commons spokesperson said: "The ability for MPs to perform their parliamentary duties safely, both on and off the estate, is fundamental to our democracy.

"The Parliamentary Security Department , working closely with the police, offer all MPs a range of security measures for those with offices or surgeries in their constituencies - helping to ensure a safe working environment.

"We do not comment on individual MPs' security arrangements or advice because we would not wish to compromise the safety of MPs, parliamentary staff or members of the public, but these are kept under continuous review."

'Jaywick needs improvement'

In a separate interview with BBC Essex, Mr Farage pledged to use his "national connections" to help regenerate the deprived coastal village of Jaywick.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has a 120m regeneration plan for the area.

He said: "The plan is ambitious but I will try and help in anyway I can. It would be a good thing but it does need cash.

"Jaywick needs more investment".

He added: "We can't pretend... MPs aren't miracle workers but there are circumstances were they can have a positive impact."

Mr Farage overturned a Conservative majority of more than 25,000 to comfortably win his seat.

Since becoming an MP, Mr he has faced claims he was not taking his job seriously.

The politician was accused of not prioritising his role after he spent time in the US endorsing Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
A train in England was sent back to its station of origin when two squirrels boarded and one of them refused to leave. Photo by Ray_Shrewsberry/Pixabay.com

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- A train to Britain's Gatwick Airport was canceled when a pair of mischievous squirrels boarded without tickets and proceeded to cause chaos for paying passengers.

The Great Western Railway said the train from Reading, England, to Gatwick Airport in London was diverted Saturday due to the squirrels on board.

Officials said human passengers were evacuated to other cars and a Network Rail employee tried to use food to lure the animals off the train at a stop in Redhill.

The train was ultimately sent back to Reading when one of the squirrels refused to leave.

"We can confirm that the 0854 Reading to Gatwick was terminated at Redhill after a couple of squirrels boarded the train at Gomshall without tickets, breaching railway byeclaws," a GWR representative told the BBC. "We attempted to remove them at Redhill, but one refused to leave and was returned to Reading to bring an end to this nutty tail."
There have been 70 confirmed bluetongue cases in England [BBC]

Farmers have called for a pause on all livestock imports to the island of Ireland due to the risk of bluetongue disease.

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and Irish Farmers Association (IFA) say there would be "significant consequences" for farmers if an outbreak was detected in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

Bluetongue  or BTV-3  can cause infertility and breathing problems in some animals but does not affect people or food safety.

There have been 70 confirmed cases in England and 700 cases in northern France.

'Now is the time to act'

UFU president William Irvine said it was "time to act" by pausing all livestock imports immediately.

Both the north and south of Ireland have managed to remain free from bluetongue to date, but the threat it now poses for our beef and sheep farms is huge," Mr Irvine added.

In England, restricted zones (RZ) are now in place in Kent, East Sussex, East Riding of Yorkshire and parts of Lincolnshire.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss urged farmers within bluetongue control zones to adhere to restrictions and remain vigilant.

The restrictions mean susceptible animals - which include cattle, sheep, goats and deer - cannot be moved out of the zone without a specific licence.

Keepers in the zones will also need to follow strict rules on animal movements.

[Getty]

What is bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease caused by infection with bluetongue virus.

Bluetongue virus is mainly spread by biting midges.

It affects:

Sheep

Catle

Other ruminants such as deer and goats

Camelids such as llamas and alpacas

Rarely, bluetongue can affect dogs and other carnivores if they eat infected material (such as aborted material and afterbirth).

It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.

Signs and symptoms are high fever, lameness, inflamed mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

This includes sores and ulceration, swollen neck and head, profuse salivation and nasal discharge.

Animals may also appear stiff and be reluctant to move due to swelling around the hooves.

Earlier this month, the UK government permitted the use of external three unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the UK.

'Acting fast'

IFA president Francie Gorman said the introduction of BTV-3 onto the island of Ireland would cause "serious disruption" to live trade for cattle.

"As farmers we must also ensure we are acting responsibly to protect our animals and the island of Ireland from the introduction of this disease," Mr Gorman added.

In a joint statement by the UFU and IFA, they said they were "committed to working together to protect every farm family on this island".

We do not want our farm families to experience the devastation of BTV-3 or for it to take hold in our livestock industry and we urge every farmer to help us protect our agri industry.

By acting fast, pausing imports of live animals, increasing awareness of clinical signs and ensuring high levels of biosecurity, we can reduce the financial and personal consequences of a BTV-3 outbreak."

The environment minister Andrew Muir said he is "concerned" about bluetongue and said he'd spoken to the president of the IFA and UFU on Thursday evening.

Speaking to BBC News NI's The View programme Muir said: ''I welcome their call, their call is to encourage good practice from famers around this. Any countries who have bluetongue within their nation, there is restriction in terms of movements, it is very important we keep this out of NI.''
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

CACHE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A Utah man died after his vehicle was struck by a train in the town of Cornish on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Lt. Doyle Peck of the Cache County Sheriffs Office, the man, 40  whose name has not yet been released  was crossing train tracks near 13400 N when the train collided with his vehicle.

Woman, 60, falls into scalding water at Yellowstone, suffers thermal burns

Peck said the crossing is unregulated and is in a rural part of the county. The train was traveling northbound and the man was traveling westbound.

The man was the only occupant of the vehicle and died at the scene. Peck said he was a local man from the area, but his identity will not be released until family members have been notified of his death.

Peck told ABC4.com that two other vehicles had crossed the tracks before the man was struck. Peck also said the train was alerting the vehicles and blowing its horn before the collision.

No other injuries were reported. There is no further information at this time.

Sorina Trauntvein contributed to reporting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Father of American hostage held by Hamas says Lebanon attacks treat agony with more agony

The father of an American hostage still being held in Gaza by Hamas criticized the deadly attacks in Lebanon that caused pagers and walkie-talkies to explode killing dozens, stating this pager, mission-impossible action, its like treating agony with more agony.

Adi Alexander, whose son Edan Alexander is being held, said in an interview on The Lead with Jake Tapper, that this vicious cycle of violence needs to stop.

Israel has not officially taken credit for the attacks, but CNN has reported that Tuesdays operation was a joint effort between the IDF and Mossad.

Alexander sat down with Tapper along with other family members of Americans being held by the terror group on Wednesday as the one-year anniversary of Hamass brutal October 7 attack approaches. As it stands the prospects of a deal being agreed that would free the hostages and halt the fighting in Gaza seem remote.

Instead, the conflict appears to be spreading. On Thursday Israel launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and on Wednesday Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated a new era of war is beginning.

On the ceasefire negotiations, Alexander called for President Joe Biden to have a tight conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him to stop moving the goalposts and stop undercutting your own negotiating team.

This conversation needs to happen as soon as possible, he added.

Netanyahu is scheduled to be in New York next week for the United Nations General Assembly, but a source told CNN that he will not meet with Biden.

Biden has previously suggested that Netanyahu is drawing out the conflict for the sake of his own political survival.

Iris Weinstein Haggai, whose parents were killed on October 7, said the US government needs to do more.

Its just unacceptable that were not doing all we can to push all countries and [the] international community to pressure Hamas and release these innocent hostages who are rotting, Weinstein Haggai said.

Several of the hostage families are in Washington this week, just under three weeks from the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. The families met with national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Wednesday, where they expressed frustration with the lack of tangible progress in ceasefire talks, according to a readout of their meeting.

Their visit comes weeks after the Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, from Hamas-controlled tunnels in Gaza. Days before Goldberg-Polins death was confirmed, his parents made a plea for their sons return at the Democratic National Convention.

Ronen Neutra, the father of Omer Neutra, said on Wednesday he was horrified by Goldberg-Polins death.

Where is the outrage? How can it be that an American was murdered, and yet people are in the streets in New York cheering for Hamas? Its the same organization (that) just killed an American, he said. So in that regard, where is the outrage?

As far as Prime Minister Netanyahu? I dont think I have much expectations from him Im afraid, Neutra added. What he says out of Israel in front of the American public and what he says in Israel that those two dont correlate.

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of another American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, said his expectations for a breakthrough in negotiations are low.

All Israelis are done listening to Prime Minister Netanyahu because clearly theres a gap between what he says in terms of his commitment to getting the hostages home and his actions, Dekel-Chen added.

Its clear to me, at least that hes coming to the United Nations certainly for domestic consumption in Israel, he said. What he says there, Im not sure that anyone is going to be listening unfortunately in the General Assembly.

Its just unacceptable that were not doing all we can to push all countries and [the] international community to pressure Hamas and release these innocent hostages who are rotting, he said.

CNNs Eugenia Yosef and Arlette Saenz contributed.

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Farmington woman employed at a behavioral treatment center in Fayetteville accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor has pleaded not guilty, according to court documents.

Stormy Ellison, 25, was arrested on August 15 on one count of sexual indecency with a child.

Stormy Ellison, 25 (Courtesy: Washington County Detention Center)

A police report said on August 14, a Department of Human Services hotline report was sent to the Fayetteville Police Department by an investigator with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division.

The DHS hotline report said that Ellison, a behavioral health associate at Piney Ridge Treatment Center, allegedly showed a juvenile resident nude videos and photos of herself.

Piney Ridge is described as a residential treatment center for children and adolescents struggling with sexual behavior disorders and mental health illnesses, according to its website.

The police report says the juvenile was interviewed and said that Ellison asked him questions about his virginity and sexual history using an app on her phone and reportedly proposed the two engage in sexual activity.

Employee at Fayetteville behavioral treatment center accused of inappropriate relationship with minor

They said the behavior started on August 6 and continued over the following couple of days. Ellison reportedly brought the juvenile food during that time and allowed him to speak with someone over FaceTime, which is against the centers policy, the police report said.

Ellison was later interviewed and initially denied the behavior but later claimed she couldnt remember if she did it or not.

The police report said she corroborated most of the juveniles statements, including using an app to discuss sexual acts.

She admitted to speaking to the juvenile about meeting for sex after he was released from the center but claimed she did not plan on doing that, according to the police report.

Ellison was a mandated reporter in a position of trust and authority over the juvenile victim due to her job duties, the report said.

Ellisons trial date has been set for January 10, 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
The FBI says Iran tried to send hacked files to Democrats. It's another sign of foreign meddling

FILE - The seal of the Department of Justice, Aug. 1, 2023, at the Department of Justice in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  When the FBI said this week that Iran had tried to provide Democrats with material stolen from Donald Trumps campaign, it was only the latest allegation of foreign interference with the U.S. election.

The 2024 presidential campaign is encountering a spate of efforts by adversaries to weaken faith in the outcome and potentially alter the results. While much of the attention has been focused on Iran, Russia is still seen as the biggest threat.

The Biden administration has moved aggressively in recent weeks to call out the operations in hopes of alerting Americans so they remain vigilant to wide-ranging, often hidden, foreign efforts to influence their views on hot-button social issues as well as the candidates.

A look at the latest development and broader concerns about foreign election meddling:

What Iran is alleged to have done

Iranian operatives stand accused of hacking the Trump campaign and attempting to spread internal communications they pilfered. They also sought access to the Democratic presidential campaign, but there's no indication those efforts were successful.

Several media organizations said last month they received apparently stolen information but declined to publish it. Politico, for instance, reported that it began receiving emails in July from an anonymous AOL account identified only as Robert that passed along what appeared to be a research dossier the campaign had apparently done on the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance.

The latest revelation came Wednesday when intelligence officials disclosed that Iranian operatives had offered people associated with the Biden campaign information stolen from the Trump side.

The FBI said a few people connected to Biden's reelection effort received unsolicited emails in late June and early July, before he dropped out of the race, that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from the Trump campaign.

The outreach to both the media and to Biden campaign associates suggests Iran was trying to pull off a hack-and-leak operation reminiscent of the Russian election interference that was meant to benefit Trump during his 2016 race against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

No signs Democrats accessed the stolen material

The effort fell flat: Theres no evidence anyone ever even responded to the emails.

Morgan Finkelstein, a spokeswoman for Democrat Kamala Harris' campaign, said in a statement that the material was not sent directly to the campaign but rather to just a few people associated with the campaign and that the emails looked like a phishing attempt or spam.

She said the campaign has cooperated with law enforcement ever since being made aware that Biden associates were among the intended victims of this foreign influence operation.

We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in U.S. elections including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity, she said.

Trump's unsupported claims

Despite the lack of evidence that anyone connected to the Biden or Harris campaigns tried to take advantage of the stolen material, Trump has seized on the FBI announcement. He falsely claimed on his Truth Social platform that the Harris campaign had been caught illegally spying on me.

"This is real election interference, not the phony crap theyve been trying to pin on me with Russia, Russia, Russia for years, Trump said in a Wednesday night campaign appearance.

That's a reference to an FBI investigation into whether the Trump campaign had coordinated with Russian operatives to tip the outcome of the 2016 election.

Though the investigation did not establish a criminal conspiracy, officials did determine that Trump associates actively welcomed the Russian assistance and hoped to exploit the help for political gain. That includes Trump, who on July 27, 2016, memorably said: Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press,

That was a reference to the 30,000 emails reportedly stored on the private email server that Clinton, his opponent, used as secretary of state. Within hours of his statement, Russian hackers for the first time targeted Clinton's personal office.

Why might Iran be doing this?

One goal, according to U.S. intelligence officials, is to stoke discord in the United States and to undermine public confidence in the integrity of an election that Tehran sees as consequential for its own security interests.

It's also not the first time, either. In the 2020 election, American officials linked Iran to a multi-pronged covert influence campaign intended to undercut former President Trumps reelection prospects that was likely authorized by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and implemented by Iran's military and intelligence services.

Intelligence officials have said Iran opposes Trumps reelection, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran.

Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge. A Pakistani man who spent time in Iran was recently charged in a plot to carry out political assassinations on U.S. soil, including potentially of Trump.

What other acts of interference have been detected?

Despite all the news around Iran, the U.S. government still regards Russia as the primary threat to the integrity of the election.

The Justice Department announced a pair of criminal cases this month that officials say exposes the lengths that Russia is prepared to go to influence the election.

One case charged two employees of RT, a Russian state media company, with funneling millions of dollars through shell companies to a Tennessee-based content creation firm to churn out English-language, pro-Russia videos, which have generated millions of views. Right-wing influencers linked to the Tennessee firm, Tenet Media, were kept in the dark about the Russian funding and worked unknowingly for a company that was a front for a Russian influence operation.

Another case involved a Russian government scheme to produce AI-generated content on bogus news websites that masqueraded as legitimate outlets.

Speaking Wednesday at a cybersecurity event, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said a more diverse set of actors than before was threatening elections.

They are acting more aggressively, Monaco said. They are doing so in a much more polarized environment than weve ever seen before. And theyre utilizing more and more disruptive technology.
FBI says Iranian hackers sent stolen Trump data to Biden campaign

Hackers from Iran sent emails to Joe Bidens aides that contained stolen material from Donald Trumps campaign, the FBI has said.

Officials believe that information taken from the former presidents team was sent in unsolicited messages to people linked to Mr Bidens re-election campaign in June and July.

Mr Biden and his team did not respond to the emails and there is no evidence that they saw any of the information.

A number of American media organisations, including Politico, The New York Times and The Washington Post were approached during the summer with leaked stolen information but said they also did not respond.

Iranian malicious cyber actors have continued their efforts since June to send stolen, non-public material associated with former President Trumps campaign to US media organisations, the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a statement on Wednesday.

Iran has denied interfering in American elections but in August officials warned that Tehran was trying to whip up discord ahead of the presidential vote on November 5.

The agencies did not provide details on the nature of the stolen material.

The FBI told Trump aides within the last 48 hours that information hacked by Iran had been sent to the Biden campaign, a senior campaign official told AP.

Intelligence officials believe that Tehran views a Trump presidency as more threatening to Iran than a Harris-led White House.

In a statement, the Trump campaign said Kamala Harris and Mr Biden should disclose whether they used the hacked material to hurt President Trump.

Mr Biden dropped out of the race for the White House on July 21 and was subsequently replaced by Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.

The Harris campaign called the emails from Iran unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity that were received by only a few people who regarded them as spam or phishing attempts.

Were not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign, a spokesperson added.

Irans permanent mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Officials have in recent months used criminal charges and sanctions against foreign adversaries who are trying to influence Novembers election, including an indictment targeting a covert Russian effort to spread pro-Kremlin content to US audiences.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth received word from the FBI that a suspicious package was intercepted from being delivered to a state building on Tuesday.

Massachusetts is not alonesuspicious packages have been sent to election officials in at least 15 states.

One suspicious package, sent to the Colorado Secretary of State was sent from the quote U-S Traitor Elimination Army. The National Association of Secretaries of State says it is similar to those sent to other states. The group condemned these packages, and the apparent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

This must stop, period, said the National Association of Secretaries of State. Our democracy has no place for political violence, threats or intimidation of any kind. Thus far, no injuries or hazardous materials have been reported, and several white powdery substances in letters were determined to be flour.

A spokesperson for the F-B-I Boston Office said their office is working with [their] partners to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters the public can be assured safety is our top priority.

Similar incidences of suspicious letters sent to election officials also occurred last November in at least 6 states. These incidents resulted in several evacuations, and several letters were found to contain fentanyl. These discoveries delayed ballot counting.

Secretary Galvins office told 22News that they can not comment on the incident because there is an open F-B-I investigation.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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The Federal Communications Commission will not be revoking ABCs broadcast licenses over this months debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Despite many conservatives (including Trump) calling for the agency to revoke Disneys broadcast licenses for ABC after the debate, the FCCs chair Jessica Rosenworcel wrote in a letter that, as an agency that stands for the First Amendment, it could take no such action.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy, Rosenworcel wrote in the letter, addressed to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) The Commission does not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage.

Out job at the agency is to license broadcast stations in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the Communications Act of 1934 as well as the rules and policies we have adopted pursuant to these laws, Rosenworcel continued. There are no exceptions.

Trump and a number of other prominent Republicans complained about ABCs handling of the debate and the questions and fact-checking from moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir. In some cases they embraced conspiracies like the idea that the network gave Harris the questions in advance.

Sen. Markey and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) had called on the FCC to reaffirm that it licenses stations based on the law, not based on the content of the network.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

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By Gabriel Araujo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Alphabet unit Google has agreed for the first time ever to purchase nature-based carbon removal credits from a Brazilian startup, its first engagement with carbon projects in the South American country.

Google will buy 50,000 metric tons of carbon removal credits by 2030 from Mombak, which purchases degraded land from farmers and ranchers or partners with them to replant native species in the Amazon rainforest, the firms said on Thursday.

Google, which had previously bought engineered removal credits, follows fellow U.S. tech giant Microsoft, which last year inked a deal to buy up to 1.5 million credits from Mombak.

The Brazilian startup and Google did not reveal terms of the deal. In 2023, when it sold credits to McLaren Racing, Mombak priced them at an average of more than $50 per ton.

"The vote of confidence for us and this sector in general that comes from Google stepping into this is a really positive signal," Mombak's Chief Technology Officer Dan Harburg said in an interview, hoping it would trigger more deals.

The announcement comes as companies and authorities gather this month in New York for its annual Climate Week.

Earlier this week, Facebook owner Meta agreed to buy up to 3.9 million carbon offset credits from Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual's forestry arm.

Google, Microsoft, Meta and Salesforce are the co-founders of the so-called Symbiosis Coalition, which pledges to contract for up to 20 million tons of nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030.

Carbon offsets allow companies to make up for greenhouse gas emissions by paying for actions to cut emissions elsewhere to meet corporate climate goals. Each credit represents a reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide emissions.

Critics of carbon offset markets, including Greenpeace, say they allow emitters to keep releasing greenhouse gases.

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by David Gregorio)
A funeral ceremony held for four people who were killed in Lebanon when pagers were detonated, in Dahiyeh neighborhood, south of the capital Beirut, Lebanon on Sept. 18, 2024. Credit - Houssam ShbaroAnadolu/Getty Images

First, on Tuesday, there were exploding pagers. On Wednesday, walkie-talkies began detonating, along with other electronic devices. Panic took hold of whole areas across Lebanonparticularly in Shia communities where Hezbollah are presentas devices designed to be held in the hand and close to the face blew fingers off hands and took out eyes.

We were confused at first, Joumana, who was visiting loved ones at a hospital in Lebanons capital Beirut on Wednesday, tells TIME. It sounded like gunfire. Then we saw cars, ambulances, and wounded people.

The ostensibly targeted devices carried by members of the militant and political group Hezbollah, whose members had been assigned the pagers, and the walkie-talkies pressed into service as back-ups. If the larger goal was fomenting fear, the success of the two-stage attack was palpable across Beirut.

The death toll stands at 37, including children. Of some 3,000 people admitted to 90 hospitals across the country, around 300 remained in critical condition on Thursday, according to Lebanons Minister of Public Health Firas Abiad. The Lebanese Red Cross has provided more than 200 units of blood for the wounded; blood banks were flooded with donors.

The remains of exploded pagers on display at an undisclosed location in Beirut's southern suburbs, Sept. 18, 2024. AFP/Getty Images

Read More: 6 Questions About the Deadly Exploding Pager Attacks in Lebanon, Answered

Many likened the twin attacks to terrorism, both because of its effect on the Lebanese population, and its profoundly alarming manner. Ever since Al Qaeda announced itself to the world with consecutive bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa in 1998, one-two attacks have been a favored way of amplifying fear and uncertainty. During the U.S. occupation of Iraq, a car bomb was often followed a by a second suicide bombing perhaps a half hour later, intended to boost the death count by claiming the lives of those who had rushed to help.



There is no world in which the explosion of hundreds, if not thousands, of pagers is not an indiscriminate attack prohibited by international law, Mai El-Sadany, a human rights lawyer and the executive director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, wrote on X. When those pagers were set off, there was no way to know if they would be in shopping markets, homes, or streets with busy traffic.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, but multiple press accounts and security officials point the finger at Tel Aviv.

In mourning from Tuesdays attack, nobody seemed to expect Wednesday.

A funeral was underway in Ghobeiry, a predominantly Shia southern suburb of Beirut where Hezbollah enjoys local support, when an exploding electronic device sent the crowd into chaos. I almost got hit, says Joao Sousa, a freelance photographer covering the event.



Lebanons Ministry of Public Health had called all of the countrys available medical workers to head to hospitals on Tuesday to deal with the large number of cases. Adding the injuries from the second wave, the chief medical officer at one of Beiruts top hospitals says the backlog of operations on Tuesdays wounded would take until the end of Thursday to clear.

A Lebanese woman reacts as she donates blood for those who were injured at a Red Cross center in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, on Sept. 17, 2024. Mohammed ZaatariAP

On Wednesday, his hospital admitted two more patients. One was a casualty from yesterday and one was from the day before because he needed a high level of care, says Salah Zeineddine, of the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC).

We remain on high alert and are trying to decongest by providing immediate and quick care to the injuries we had two days ago and discharge cases, he adds. Were still not accepting cold or scheduled elective cases just to save our resources should anything happen.

The country is on eggshells. Attacks on back-to-back days left many worried another one may be in the cards. On Thursday, Lebanese authorities banned pagers and walkie-talkies on flights out of Beiruts international airport. Industries that rely on such electronics are also changing communication strategies in the short termwith one event planning company telling TIME they will replace their walkie-talkies used to talk during weddings with WhatsApp.

Hezbollah was clearly the military target of the attack. But the organization is at once a heavily armed, battle-hardened militia and a political party with a social aid organization attached. It exists to oppose Israel, having come into existence, with the help of Iran, in response to the Israeli invasion of 1982 during the countrys 1975-1990 civil war, and subsequent occupation of southern Lebanon, which lasted until 2000. The two sides also fought a deadly 34-day war in 2006.

Read More: The Coming Israel-Hezbollah War

But the nature of this unprecedented attack has surprised many, and raised questions about how it was executed. The New York Times published a detailed account of a Mossad front company manufacturing the pagers as part of an elaborate ruse that many have likened to a modern-day Trojan Horse. The most high profile casualty was the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who lost one eye and sustained damage to the other.

Israel and Hezbollah have been in a low-grade war for almost a year, regularly trading missile and rocket fire across the border since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, a fellow ally of Iran, that killed 1,200 people. The near-daily fire has killed nearly 600 Lebanese, including more than 100 civilians, according to local health authorities. Attacks from Lebanon in that period have killed 46 Israelis, both civilian and military, according to the Israeli government.

Tens of thousands have also fled their homes on both sides of the border and have not returned.

Ambulances dispatched around Beirut, Lebanon, while security forces take precautions after a mass explosion of wireless communication devices on Sept. 17, 2024. Houssam ShbaroAnadolu/Getty Images

Hezbollahs Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah has said that his group will stop firing rockets and missiles across Lebanons southern border when a ceasefire is reached in Gaza, where at least 40,000 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Gaza healthy ministry, figures the U.S. and U.N. deem credible. Meanwhile, Israeli officials recently made a war goal to return the displaced Israelis to their homes in the north and have begun discussing plans to widen the war against Hezbollahwhich until now has predominantly targeted south Lebanon and parts of the countrys east.

Hezbollah has vowed a strong response. This strong blow did not and will not bring us down, Nasrallah said. We will become stronger, more resilient, and more capable.

In the meantime, the rattled people in Lebanon are waiting on tenterhooks for Israels next move. In the hours following Nasrallahs speech on Thursday, Israel flew jets over Beirut and carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, a medical worker from AUBMC was walking through town in her scrubs even though she was not going to or coming from work. I wear them at all times now, she says, just in case I have to run to the hospital again.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
(NewsNation)  There are growing fears a wider regional conflict could start in the Middle East as Israel conducted airstrikes in Lebanon on Thursday.

Thursdays airstrikes came as Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, gave a speech following two days of attacks in Lebanon this week. Pagers and walkie-talkies exploded, killing at least 37 people, including two children, and wounding 3,000. Nasrallah called the Israeli attacks terrorism and said they crossed a red line.

Israel has not taken responsibility nor denied a part in the device explosions, though the assault had the hallmarks of a Mossad operation.

Titan submersible hearing set to resume Friday

Democrats and Republicans were divided Thursday about Israels recent attacks and whether they could have an effect on negotiations in the Israel-Hamas war.

Im very, very troubled by the news about the recent strikes in Lebanon because I think it makes it much harder to find a hostage release in a cease-fire, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told NewsNation. Im also not happy about the fact that the U.S. was given no notice of this.

Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., on the other hand, said, You have to destroy terrorist organizations.

Thats the fastest way to get a peace deal, Ricketts said in an interview.

13 US Senate races that will determine the balance of power in 2024

While the device explosions widely believed to be carried out by Israel reportedly targeted Hezbollah, there were also an enormous amount of civilian casualties, according to The Associated Press. Hundreds of blasts went off wherever the holder of the device happened to be  in homes, cars, at grocery stores and in cafes, often with family or bystanders nearby.

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, called for calm, saying, Even one civilian casualty is one too many. Hennis-Plasschaert said in a statement that those involved in the conflict need to refrain from any further action, or bellicose rhetoric, which could trigger a wider conflagration that nobody can afford.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
GRAND RAPIDS  A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the family of a man who was shot and killed by Lansing police in December 2023.

Lansing Police Department officers shot and killed 33-year-old Stephen Romero around 11:27 p.m. Dec. 1, outside a home in the 1600 block of Massachusetts Avenue. They had been dispatched to the house for a call about a domestic assault in progress, and were told on the way that a woman had been shot.

The city and police department released a joint statement on Thursday.

"The loss of life is always a tragedy. The City of Lansing and the Lansing Police Department appreciates the Federal Court's thorough review of this case. Three different independent reviews, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Attorney General, and now the Federal Court have found no wrongdoing on the part of LPD in this matter and we thank each for their examination of the facts. Both Mayor (Andy) Schor and Chief (Rob) Backus continue to offer condolences to the family."

James Harrington, managing partner of Fieger Law, said in a statement that he plans to appeal the dismissal.

"The video of the shooting depicts the officers failed to de-escalate the situation and used excessive force when they chose to shoot and kill Stephen Romero outside his family's home," he said.

In December, days after the shooting, police released some body camera footage which the department said was "limited" and showed a "brief account" of what happened. Police also later said the woman hadn't been shot but 911 audio confirmed that officers were told that information on the way to the home.

Officers shot Romero after he was on his knees and had lifted up his shirt to reveal a firearm in his waistband. The video showed him placing his right hand on or near the gun before the video cut out.

The lawsuit, filed the month Romero was killed, accused officers, the city and LPD of unlawful use of force, saying Romero's actions were "slow and undisguised" and that he was complying with officers. The suit adds that "reasonable" officers would not have seen Romero as a threat and would not have used force.

In February, the city asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing its legal claims were "without merit" and that the officers are protected by qualified immunity. Attorneys for the city also wrote that the family cannot prove a Fourth Amendment violation, which protects people from excessive force or unlawful searches and seizures.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Hala Jarbou granted the motion and dismissed the lawsuit.

Contact reporter Matt Mencarini at mjmencarini@lsj.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @MattMencarini.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lawsuit over fatal Lansing police shooting dismissed by federal judge
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, hosted an event at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines April 13, 2024, to gain ballot access for the 2024 presidential election. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has again been rejected in his effort to have his name removed from Michigans ballot this November.

The latest setback came Wednesday when U.S. District Court Judge Denise Page Hood declined to grant Kennedys request for a preliminary injunction to halt the printing of ballots with his name listed as the presidential nominee of the Natural Law Party.

Defendant argues that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake, she wrote in her 18-page order. Reprinting ballots at this late hour would undoubtedly halt the voting process in Michigan and cause a burden to election officials.

The final deadline to get ballots printed and sent to military and overseas voters must be at least 45 days before the election, which would be Saturday.

Kennedy, 70, made the federal filing after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled Sept. 9 the environmental lawyers name would remain on the Nov. 5 ballot, despite his request that it be removed after he suspended his independent campaign on Aug. 23 and endorsed former President Donald Trumps bid for a second White House term.

Initially, the Michigan Court of Claims upheld the decision by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), led by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, that Kennedys request violated a section of Michigan Election Law concerning candidates nominated by minor political parties, saying they could not withdraw.

Hood addressed that point in her order.

If allowed to withdraw, the Natural Law Party will have no candidate on the ticket, no opportunity to replace Plaintiff, and risk losing access to the ballot in the next general election, she wrote. Plaintiff has not established an interest so substantial as to overcome that of the State in keeping his name on the ballot.

In Michigan, minor parties such as the Natural Law Party must have one of their candidates receive the equivalent of at least 1% of the total number of votes cast for the last winning secretary of state candidate, which in this case would be 2022. Thus if the Natural Law Party receives less than 24,679 votes this November, it could not appear on the 2026 ballot.

The only win Kennedy has received came from a unanimous ruling from a three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals (COA) that overruled the Court of Claims decision and said MDOS incorrectly interpreted state election law.

The Michigan Supreme Court order subsequently overruled that decision, sending Kennedy to the federal courts for relief. Its not clear whether he plans to appeal Wednesdays order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati.

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Tammy Reed, center, is suing the Missouri Department of Corrections for wrongful death of her son, Brandon Pace, at Tipton Correctional Center. In January, she was joined by Tina Burger, left, and her daughter, Bethany Pace, at a memorial service for the 382 Missourians who died in department custody in 2021, 2022 and 2023 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

Missouri corrections officers drenched an inmate with pepper spray and ignored his pleas for help for four hours, responding only when his screaming stopped as he died in the Tipton Correctional Center, a federal lawsuit filed this month alleges.

The events that led to Brandon Paces death on April 7, 2023, began when correctional officers intervened in an altercation between Pace and another inmate, according to the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

Both men were taken into administrative segregation in restraints.

When Pace refused to give up what corrections officers believed to be methamphetamine, the lawsuit states, they put him in a holding cell and ordered him to strip for a search. When he refused, the officers called the Correctional Emergency Response Team, a unit used in cases where use of force may be required to deal with an inmate who will not comply with officer instructions.

An officer from the team used a fire extinguisher-sized can of pepper spray, a type usually used for riot situations, to subdue Pace.

The officers took the MK-46 canister of OC and sprayed Mr. Pace with an excessive dose of the chemical agent at close range while Mr. Pace was in a confined space and, based upon information and belief, Mr. Paces hands were restrained behind his back and his legs shackled, the lawsuit filed on behalf of Paces mother, Tammy Reed, states. Mr. Pace began screaming in pain, gasping for air, and saying I cant breathe. He kept saying, Help me, I cant breathe, over and over.

The lawsuit names former department Director Anne Precythe, current acting director Trevor Foley, three deputy directors, the departments general counsel, former Tipton warden Brock Van Loo, medical care contractor Centurion Health, 12 corrections officers and a nurse as defendants.

The 11 counts in the lawsuit seek damages for wrongful death, civil rights violations and Missouri Sunshine Law violations for refusing to turn over any of the records, including video recordings, of the events prior to Paces death.

The lawsuit relies on statements from other men, held in nearby cells, for many of the allegations.

The Department of Corrections is duty-bound to protect those individuals like Brandon Pace, who are in state custody, said Lynn Ellenberger, one of Reeds attorneys . Theyre obligated to provide for his well being and for his care, and in this case, that was not done.

The department does not comment on pending litigation, Foley said last week.

Other death cases

The lawsuit is the latest in a string of cases filed this year related to inmate deaths. Despite a one-third reduction in the number of men and women being held by the department over the past decade, inmate deaths are at record levels.

In June, four former correctional officers were charged with assault and murder and a fifth was charged with involuntary manslaughter for the December death of Othel Moore while he was incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Moore, 38, was pepper-sprayed in the face multiple times, had his face improperly covered by a hood that blocked his nose and mouth and was left unattended in a cell for more than 30 minutes, according to documents filed in the criminal case.

The charges against one of the corrections officers have been dropped and the remaining defendants were charged with assault and second-degree murder in September by the Cole County Grand Jury. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 16.

The criminal charges came after four officers were fired in March and the warden at the Jefferson City prison was fired in June.

We take seriously our responsibility for creating the safest environment possible and will not tolerate behaviors or conditions that endanger the wellbeing of Missourians working or living in our facilities, the corrections department said in a statement issued after the charges were filed. The department has begun implementing body-worn cameras in restrictive-housing units at maximum-security facilities, starting with Jefferson City Correctional Center, to bolster both security and accountability.

The family of Othel Moore began publicly agitating for release of records, including video showing the actions of the officers, in the weeks following his Dec. 8 death. The case was investigated by the Cole County Sheriffs office.

No outside agency has investigated Paces death, said Tom Porto, an attorney working with Paces family.

Thats not going to be done until the facts are brought to light, Porto said. Theres not going to be an investigation from the police, from the prosecutors office, from the Attorney Generals Office, until you smack them with the facts right in their face.

Tony Wheatley, Moniteau County sheriff, said in an interview Wednesday that he has not received a complaint from the family about Paces death and he has not been asked to investigate by the department. His office has the necessary resources and no conflicts that would prevent him from investigating.

What really upsets me is, and this happens all the time, is everybody wants to blame the local sheriffs office because they didnt do anything, Wheatley said.

The only way he can act is if he gets a call, Wheatley said.

I have not once heard from the family, I have not once heard from the state, I have not heard from anybody on this, Wheatley said.

If Reed or her attorneys send him the complaint, Wheatley said, he will read it and evaluate whether it warrants further action.

The mother of another man who died in custody, Willa Hynes, won a $60,000 judgment against the department for withholding records in the death of her son Jahi, who died April 4, 2021, at the Southeast Missouri Correctional Center in Charleston.

Jahi Hynes, who was 27, was serving a 13-year sentence for first degree robbery when he hanged himself with a bedsheet while in solitary confinement.

On April 1, Willa Hynes filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing the department, Centurion Health and 11 corrections employees of negligence in allowing her son to possess the bedsheet and failing to conduct required checks on inmates in administrative segregation.

A hearing is set for Monday in Charleston on a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

The car that hit him

Paces death was one of 134 among people being held by the Department of Corrections in 2023. This year, with 96 deaths through Aug. 31, could exceed the record 136 deaths in 2022.

Only eight of the inmate deaths over the three years were executions of men sentenced for capital crimes.

My main concern being an organizer and an advocate is to make sure this information is publicized, said Michelle Smith, director of the Missouri Justice Coalition, who compiles data on inmate deaths.

Smith, who in January led a memorial service for the deceased inmates at the Missouri Capitol Building, said most elected officials have yet to take the problem seriously.

They think that I and other people are just being hyperbolic and exaggerating the issues at the Department of Corrections, she said. We need legislation, we need transparency, we need accountability at DOC.

In his opinion in the Hynes case alleging Sunshine Law violations, Western District Court of Appeals Judge Edward Ardini wrote that the department deliberately withheld public records, including video recordings and a death investigation report, to hinder her wrongful death lawsuit.

The department argued unsuccessfully that the material was inmate medical records protected from disclosure even to the family of an inmate.

The same violations are occurring in the case of Pace, his mothers lawsuit alleges. Reed, who is a former corrections officer, asked for all the video from that day that shows officers with her son. The video recordings being withheld include one recorded by a member of the emergency response team of the pepper spray being used on Pace.

Pace was autopsied two weeks after his death by the Boone/Callaway Medical Examiners Office and the toxicology tests showed methamphetamine and Narcan, used by officers as they tried to revive him. The report says Van Loo told the medical examiners office he investigated Paces death personally and that video showed Pace swallowing the methamphetamine.

Plaintiff has been denied all video evidence of the events that occurred that day  including the video defendant Van Loo says exists  despite lawful requests for such evidence, the lawsuit states.

The autopsy report lists the cause of death as accidental due to methamphetamine intoxication, the court filing states.

The lawsuit accuses Van Loo of lying to the medical examiners office by stating Pace was taken to a medical unit after he was seen ingesting the unknown substance, and that there was an emergency response in an attempt to revive him when he stopped breathing while in the unit.

Based on statements of other inmates in nearby cells, the lawsuit alleges other inmates at Tipton were charged with spurious infractions because they said things such as Rest in Pace or otherwise referred to Mr. Paces death, the lawsuit states. The correctional officer defendants did this to instill fear in the inmates to stop them from speaking about the brutality and callousness that led to Mr. Paces death.

In the recitation of events after Pace was doused with pepper spray, the lawsuit alleges the corrections officers joked about his agony. When corrections officer Billie Webb told another officer, Randy Witt, that Pace was saying he cant breathe, Witt allegedly responded, I dont give a f**k.

A nurse talked and laughed with another corrections officer stationed outside the cell where Pace was held but never entered the cell to check on Pace. She only did so at the urging of inmates after Pace had stopped crying out for help.

Defendant (Terry) Payne said to other correctional officers present words to the effect of, make sure you get the restraints off of him before the ambulance arrives, in an attempt to cover-up that Mr. Pace was restrained when he suffered and died, the lawsuit states.

The degrading comments about Pace by corrections officers did not stop when he died, the lawsuit alleges.

An inmate in administrative segregation said to Defendant (Earl) Roach, they killed that guy, referring to Brandon Pace, the filing states. Defendant Roach responded, we didnt kill him. He was kinda like a dog that ran out on the street, and we were just the car that hit him.

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Felony charges filed against Wisconsin man accused of sexually abusing child in Fox Lake over 2 decades ago

Felony charges filed against Wisconsin man accused of sexually abusing child in Fox Lake over 2 decades ago

FOX LAKE, Ill.  Felony charges have been filed against a Wisconsin man accused of sexually abusing a child in Fox Lake more than two decades ago.

According to officials from the Fox Lake Police Department, 78-year-old Arthur Jenkins was indicted by a grand jury in Lake County on 11 counts of possession of child pornography and six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under 13.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

The charges were handed down after an investigation surrounding the alleged discovery of child pornography in Jenkins home in Bristol, Wisconsin, in late January.

Police said around 4 p.m. on Jan. 21, officers were notified about the discovery of various media containing child pornography by a resident who was cleaning Jenkins home.

Felony charges filed against Wisconsin man accused of sexually abusing child in Fox Lake over 2 decades ago

Following an investigation, it was determined that the pornography had allegedly been produced by Jenkins while he was living in the 200 block of Orchard Place in Fox Lake between October 2001 and June 2002.

Police later identified and spoke with the sole victim.

A little over a week later, on Jan. 29, Fox Lake police and Kenosha County deputies interviewed Jenkins at his home, where he was subsequently arrested for possession of child pornography.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

On Sept. 11, 2024, the Lake County States Attorneys office presented the evidence to a grand jury which later issued the indictment.

Jenkins is currently being held at the Kenosha County Jail and authorities in Lake County are now working through the extradition process to bring him before the Lake County Courts.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
In keeping with its historical support of Latin American cinema throughout the years, the San Sebastian International Film Festival will this year make an extra push for Argentinas cinema industry, which has been in a state of crisis since March after its newly-elected far-right leader Javier Milei moved ahead with plans to withdraw all state funding from its film body, the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA).

The state body backs most Argentinian films, festivals and events  including major Latin American festival Ventana Sur (which has now been relocated from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, Uruguay)  and the impact the lack of funding will have on the countrys sector will be, according to many industry insiders, devastating.

More from Deadline

As a result, San Sebastian is hosting a day of action on September 24 and has teamed up with the Argentine Academy of Cinematography Arts and Sciences and producer Gabriel Hochbaum along with a raft of Argentinian production companies, filmmakers and journalists for the event. That day will see the world premiere of Official Selection title The Man Who Loved UFOs (El Hombre Que Amaba Los Platos Voladores) from Argentine filmmaker Diego Lerman as well as an international premiere of Nicolas Gil Lavedras non-fiction title Traslados. The latter, which was released in Argentina on September 5, focuses on the so-called death flights, one of the popular execution techniques used by Argentinas last military dictatorship.

We want to support Argentinian cinema because for them it is very complicated, says San Sebastian festival director Jose Luis Rebordinos. In this moment, the government is killing the industry of cinema in Argentina. He adds that on the day of solidarity, the festival will read a statement supporting the industry there.

Festival selection committee member Javier Martin, who is San Sebastians delegate for Latin America, says the crisis in Argentina reminds him of the situation of Spanish cinema in the 1960s and 1970s during the Francisco Franco dictatorship. There was this generation of very committed and intelligent filmmakers that managed to deal with censorship then, he says. There were so many projects that could never be made, and, in practice, this is the situation in Argentina now. This is not a moral censorship with Catholic values, but it is clearly an economic censorship and its going to be dramatic not only for Argentine cinema  but for Latin American cinema  because Argentina has always been one of the main minority co-producers in the region.

San Sebastian festival director Jose Luis Rebordinos

Buenos Aires-born producer Fernanda Del Nido, the producer behind Pablo Larrains Neruda and Rosas Wedding, says the situation is devastating in Argentina. If you cancel and stop all independent production for quite some time in a country like Argentina, its a killer, says Del Nido, who runs Barcelona-based production company Setembro Cine. And this could happen in any country, of course, but this could kill off the results of years of effort and investment.

She continues: I was lucky enough to finish two of our films that we shot there  The Wailing and Surfacing [both of which are screening in San Sebastian this year]. But the last month has been very difficult. There is so much concern of what will happen, and I can see it is going to be devastating and it will damage all the years of work and talent done by amazing industry professionals.

Spanish producer Marisa Fernandez Armenteros agrees. Its really sad because the stories in Argentina are amazing and necessary. They have amazing actors and an amazing industry  we cannot forget that Argentinian cinema is one of the best. But we have to approach this crisis with the same language as a politician and say, Lets create an industry and create talent and try to show this talent as a brand for the rest of the world. We need the stories of Argentina, its cinema, its TV and its amazing young talent.

Martin, who says the real impact of the new situation in Argentina wont be fully felt until next year, points to the fact that some of the biggest and most ambitious projects from renowned filmmakers have come from the platforms in Latin America, with Netflix backing projects in the festivals current lineup such as Alberdis In Her Place (a Chilean project) and Lermans The Man Who Loved UFOs. We will continue to see great production from some of the most renowned filmmakers there because of the platforms, but its going to be very hard for indie producers with smaller productions to finance their projects.

The 72nd edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival runs September 20-28, 2024.

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Ukraines parliament voted to approve a tax hike for the first time since the full-scale war broke out, turning to a politically unpopular move as the country continually struggles to find new sources of funding for its growing wartime budget.

The bill passed in parliament as part of a plan to fund a newly approved Hr 500 billion ($12 billion) defense spending increase for the year.

The country is facing a $35 billion budget deficit next year, and as Russias war continues in its third year with no end in sight, the country needs to find funding to keep its economy afloat and finance its war effort.

(Raising taxes) was put off to the last possible moment, when it really became obvious that if we do not collect this money, we will not have money to pay salaries to service people, Yuri Gaidai, senior economist at the Kyiv-based Center for Economic Strategy (CES), told the Kyiv Independent.

There arent many similar situations in history when a country in a war of such scale doesn't raise taxes, he said, but there is an unwillingness (in the government) to make unpopular decisions. The tax hike will fund around Hr 60.2 billion ($1.45 billion) in 2024 and Hr 122 billion ($2.94 billion) in 2025, according to the Finance Ministry.

"There arent many similar situations in history when a country in a war of such scale doesn't raise taxes."

The majority of the $12 billion defense budget increase will be financed through issuing domestic government bonds and reduced expenses from refinancing existing state debt. The tax law still needs to pass a second reading, which is not expected until next month, and then it will need to be signed by the president.

The Government of Ukraine has already exhausted all possibilities to quickly meet the additional needs of the military state budget without revising taxes, the Finance Ministry told the Kyiv Independent in a statement.

The Finance Minister and his deputies held dozens of meetings with representatives of leading Ukrainian economic and financial organizations, as well as analytical centers and associations from various sectors of the economy. All the participants in the discussions expressed their understanding of the importance and necessity of the prompt search for resources to meet the additional needs of the security and defense sector, the statement read.

A Ukrainian flag fluttering over the Verkhovna Rada building, on the Day of the National Flag, in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Aug. 23, 2024. (Roman Pilipey /AFP via Getty Images)

The bill will increase the added military tax from 1.5% to 5%, set higher taxes for self-employed people, retroactively double taxes on bank profits in 2024 to 50%, and raise taxes on the profits of other financial institutions to 25%, among other changes.

The increased tax on bank profits was not originally included in a draft of the bill that failed to pass earlier in the month but was expected by many after Ukraines banks made record profits in 2024 and after a similar retroactive hike was carried out in December 2023 for profits that year.

In August, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine faces a budget deficit of $35 billion next year, with $20 billion expected to be covered by the EU's Ukraine Facility program and by assistance from the International Monetary Fund. The remaining $15 billion needs to be sourced from partners or domestically.

An imperfect tool

The government has moved to raise taxes despite significant pushback from Ukrainian businesses, who argued the burden was unfairly placed on law-abiding businesses and that the government should do more to boost revenues from tax dodgers first.

Several prominent business leaders spoke out against the move when it was proposed over the summer. In a July statement, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine said that the proposed tax hike discriminates against bonafide transparent taxpayers, adding that losses from the illicit markets of excisable goods over the last year alone exceed $1 billion.

All efforts must be made to ensure that individuals and legal entities operating in Ukraine pay their fair share of taxes in effect today, the chamber said.

Raising taxes was a necessary and unavoidable decision, said Gaidai of CES. But in my opinion, this is not the best tax increase design possible, because it puts all the burden on those who already pay their fair share of taxes.

Even prior to the tax hike, Ukrainian men were increasingly avoiding official employment over fears of mobilization, moving into grey markets, or ceasing work altogether where they are harder to track by conscription officers. The burden of the new law falls disproportionately on those who have continued operating above board.

Separately, the decision to raise bank profit taxes was made over the objections of Ukraines central bank, which noted that banks were already taxed higher than any other sector of Ukraines economy.

We do not support the reapplying of the 50% income tax rate for banks this year, said Andrii Pyshnyi, head of the National Bank of Ukraine, during the banks monthly press briefing on Sept. 19.

A customer at a foreign currency exchange kiosk at night in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 18, 2023. (Andrew Kravchenko/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Unfortunately, we see that the risks and harms of this decision may actually outweigh the fiscal effect, he said, noting that the central bank already restricts bank profit distribution. All the profit of the banking system remains in the system and works for capital growth. Capital, accordingly, creates additional opportunities for credit support of Ukrainian business.

Pyshnyi said the bank is planning to discuss this with the Finance Ministry prior to the laws second reading.

Facing pressure to take action on illegal markets, Ukraines parliament also passed a new law to reform the customs service. Major business associations in Ukraine had championed the bill.

However, the change is not expected to increase budget revenues any time soon, because of the time needed to implement the reforms, which include a competitive process to select an independent leader and help with vetting from international partners.

I would say that this situation with the budget was one of the political enablers for this reform to actually be voted on. Because there is huge pressure from people and from businesses to actually not only raise tax rates but to work on more even tax compliance and on leveling the field, said Gaidai.

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Fierce fighting rages on the Kurakhove front in Donetsk Oblast on Thursday, 19 September. Combat engagements are taking place near the settlements of Tsukuryne, Heorhiivka, Kostiantynivka and Katerynivka. Ukrainian forces repelled 13 out of 36 Russian assaults.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 16:00 on 19 September

Quote: "The frontline situation is marked by heightened enemy activity on the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove fronts, where they are deploying all available military assets and personnel to accomplish their objectives."

Details: Meanwhile, the General Staff emphasises that Ukrainian defenders are preventing Russian plans from being implemented.

A total of 95 combat engagements took place throughout the war zone since the beginning of 19 September.

The Russians targeted settlements in Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts over the past 24 hours.

Russian forces also launched 11 airstrikes on the territory of Russia's Kursk Oblast, using 14 guided aerial bombs.

Fighting is taking place on the Kharkiv, Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Vremivka, Orikhove and Prydniprovske fronts.

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The fight had spilled out into the parking lot next to Jays Bar and Grill in the Vista. The yelling was turning physical just as a Columbia Police Department cruiser rounded the corner and turned on its blue lights on the night of Aug. 28, 2023. The crowd scattered, some running back towards the bar.

In the confusion, one man was punched and fell to the ground. His jaw was broken, his face cut and it appeared like hed lost some teeth, according to a police incident report. His friends were highly intoxicated, according to the police. At least one of the attackers, both described as two men in cowboy hats, according to the victims friends, was an employees at Jays.

The brawl was one of 22 incidents that the Columbia Police Department logged at the downtown Columbia bar between November 2022 and April 2024. Between January 2023 and June of this year, 162 calls to 911 have been made to 902 Gervais St., the address for Jays Bar and Grill.

While other businesses, including the Longhorn Steakhouse and the Columbia visitor welcome center, share that address, the vast majority of those calls were for incidents at Jays, said Michael Crowley, an inspector with the Columbia Police Department.

Records of complaints and calls, reviewed by The State, reveal a pattern of disorder told through repeated reports of underage drinking, fights, and alleged assaults by staff and patrons.

Among the incidents: officers described finding USC students so drunk they couldnt stand, covered in cuts and continuously vomiting outside the bar; an underaged woman drinking at the bar was knocked unconscious when she tried to intervene in a fight between a couple; another victim was dragged behind a dumpster and beaten to the ground when he told bouncers they were making his female friends uncomfortable.

Law enforcement officials have noticed.

Jays Bar & Grill has failed to operate and sell alcohol in a responsible manner, wrote Crowley in a 2023 letter officially protesting the renewal of the bars liquor license.

The bar has even been investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Department for permitting underage drinking, according to documents. But attempts to investigate incidents have allegedly met with interference and hostility from the staff and the bars owner, Jay Kalin.

Leaflet Map Example

Jay's Bar and Grill Location

An entrepreneur whose first store was a popular smoke and vape shop near the University of South Carolinas Greek Village, Kalins business model is providing a good time at a good price.

But his history of criminal charges for disorderly conduct, drug possession and manufacturing, and an allegation in an incident report of a violent sexual assault of an underage patron, raises questions about the environment at Kalins bar.

When reached by email, Kalin told The State he believed criticism against his bar was unfair. Kalin said his staff cooperated with law enforcement authorities and took steps to prevent underage drinking and fights at the bar. We are constantly learning and changing to improve our patrons experience. Kalin wrote.

Crowley acknowledged that since a sit-down in April with Kalin and his attorneys from the prestigious Strom Law Firm, they had seen some improvements at Jays. The bar has brought in new scanners and new managers, according to his lawyers.

But it may not have come soon enough.

On Aug. 14, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Revenue, which issues and regulates liquor licenses, issued a notice conditionally denying the renewal of Jays liquor license. In its letter, the department cited the Columbia Police Departments protest letter, a failure to submit proof of a liquor liability insurance policy as well as a finding that the bar lacks a reputation for peace and good order, in declining to renew the license. The bar has an opportunity to appeal the denial to an administrative court before its license expires on Nov. 12.

If the license isnt renewed, the bar might be forced to close.

Following the brawl on Aug. 28, 2023, cops spoke with a man who identified himself as Jay, the owner, according to the incident report. Jay refused to let officers inside of the bar and one of his managers refused to let them view surveillance footage, according to the incident report. Officers wrote that they saw Jay repeatedly attempting to lead someone, believed to be involved in the fight, out the back door of the bar before abruptly turning around when he saw officers.

Throughout the incident, one officer wrote in a report, Mr. Jay was adamant about officers not going into his establishment and repeated that his employees did not need to talk with Officers. Mr. Jay stated on numerous occasions that he did not like what Officers were doing and that he knew the law more than the Officers.

We have heard some complaints

In January, the Vista was shaken by an usual crime. A gong had vanished from its place inside of a yellow and blue art installation that sat outside of Jays Bar and Grill.

Above a sign that encouraged visitors to bang the gong to celebrate success, there was now only an empty hole. After a police report was filed, the heavy metal disk was found, badly damaged, in the yard of a home behind Columbias VA hospital.

Its disappearance aroused fury among the Vistas established boosters.

Were very upset about it, Columbia resident and video artist Lee Ann Kornegay, who helped raise money to bring the sculpture to the Vista, told TV station WIS. It makes me mad and sad that this beautiful piece of public art has been vandalized.

The culprits who cut the sturdy metal cables holding the gong in place were never found, but rumors circulated that videos on social media showed young revelers roughly banging the gong outside of Jays. The bar was never directly implicated in the gongs disappearance, but on Jan. 31, Kalin cut a $5,000 check to the Congaree Vista Guild, the districts business association, according to WIS.

The artwork dedicated to longtime Columbia public relations legend and Vista support Marvin Chernoff was restored after Jay Kalin paid $5000 to the Vista Guild to replace the missing gong.

Vista Guild came up to me and said something about it [and] I thought it was the right thing to do, Kalin told WIS at the time. They came to me with a problem, I just wanted to solve it.

But the sense that Jays was a magnet for chaos have lingered.

As the Vista has evolved into a nightlife destination, many feared that the warehouse turned arts district would become what Five Points used to be before the famously debauched late night district was tamed through lawsuits and bar closures. While fears of rampant disorder in the Vista have largely gone unfounded, Jays stands out, according to law enforcement and policymakers who spoke with The State.

Concerns about the bar have also been brought to the Congaree Vista Guild, the districts business association, of which Jays is not a member.

We have heard some complaints, said Abby Anderson, executive director of the Vista Guild. The Columbia Police Department is in contact with the guild about incidents they have responded to at Jays, Anderson said. And the guilds Clean and Safe Team, which is responsible for keeping the neighborhood neat and helping visitors, had been directly in contact with Kalin regarding trash, Anderson said. But, some things have been fixed and have gotten a little bit better, Anderson said.

Kalin refutes the characterization of his business. We feel our competitors are unhappy with our success and have come to you to smear our restaurants reputation, Kalin wrote in an email to The State.

But law enforcement records tell a different story. Of the 23 incident reports filled out by the Columbia Police Department since Jays opened, nine detailed assaults. Among the others are fraud, theft, public drunkenness, criminal sexual conduct and a missing persons report.

This is atypical for the other establishments in the Vista, Crowley, the Columbia police inspector, told The State.

Since the bar opened in late January 2023, Crowley said that officers were constantly responding to 911 calls, ranging from civil disturbances, fights, assaults, underage drinking and missing persons.

Thats a lot of manpower that were spending on a Friday or a Thursday night, Crowley said.

Jay Kalin

Among the most serious incidents brought to light in incident reports are allegations against Kalin himself.

An incident report from Sept. 17, 2023, alleges that Kalin sexually assaulted a woman in his car in the parking lot outside of Jays Bar and Grill. The incident report alleged that Kalin invited a guest, whose name is redacted but who he knew to be underage, to Jays and allegedly offered her free drinks if she agreed to follow him to the rear of the restaurant.

Kalin then proceeded to put his hand around (redacteds) neck and pushed (redacted) into the backseat of his black Porsche SUV where he allegedly covered her mouth to prevent her from yelling out, performed oral sex on her and spat on her before allegedly raping her, according to the incident report.

The victim was taken to Prisma Baptist Hospital by a friend who had come with her to the bar along with a family friend who owned a nearby business.

Kalin has not been charged with a crime in the Sept. 17, 2023, incident. In a statement, he wrote the accusations are patently false, and I deny the allegations in the strong (strongest) possible terms. No charges were ever brought, and this matter is closed.

A spokesperson for the Columbia Police Department said the investigation remains active, but Kalins attorney and South Carolina state representative Seth Rose told The State this was thoroughly investigated by law enforcement a long time ago and Mr. Kalin was not charged.

Rose told The State that they had provided evidence to law enforcement to show his (Kalins) innocence. Bottom line is Mr. Kalin did not sexually assault anyone.

But Kalin has faced criminal charges before. Over the past decade, Kalin, whose Facebook page describes him as being from Maryland and Myrtle Beach, has pleaded guilty on at least five occasions to infractions ranging from violating city ordinances to felonies.

In 2014, Kalin was convicted of a littering charge brought by the Conway Police Department. At a bench trial, he was found not guilty of a separate charge of being a minor in possession of alcohol.

The following April, Kalin was charged with entering a premises following a warning and was found guilty of violating a Conway city ordinance at a bench trial. In October he was charged with disorderly conduct and was once again found guilty at a bench trial of violating a Conway city ordinance.

Jays Bar and Grill in the Vista neighborhood late at night on Monday, July 1, 2024.

In September 2017, police at the University of South Carolina charged Kalin with felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana and psilocybin, according to court records. While prosecutors declined to prosecute the psilocybin charge, Kalin ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and he was given a five year youthful offender sentence, suspended to two years of probation.

In January 2019, Kalin was charged with four counts of manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance in Lexington County. He pleaded guilty to all four counts and received a five-year suspended sentence and two years probation.

That same year, Kalin, who wrote on social media that hed studied computer science at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and at Midlands Technical College, opened Jays Vape and Wellness Center on Gadsden Street on the far reaches of the Vista. Amidst a sea of parking lots and across the street from the University of South Carolinas Greek Village, the store, which advertises vapes, legal weed, tobacco and smoking accessories, thrived.

Looking to expand, Kalin told the Post and Courier in 2022 that he decided to open a bar, Jays, instead of another vape shop to avoid cannibalizing his already successful business.

That November, before the bar opened, Kalin was seen struggling to walk, stumbling in the street in front of his vape store, according to an incident report. When officers attempted to detain him, Kalin allegedly walked away. Once cuffed and inside of a patrol car, he spat at officers, according to an incident report.

The solicitors office declined to prosecute the case.

The Cheapest Place in the Vista

The space Jays took over, on the far end of the Vista near Senate Street, had sat vacant for almost two years after the previous tenant, World of Beer, closed during the pandemic.

The promise of the bar was simple: Jays would probably be the cheapest place in the Vista, Kalin told the Post and Courier of Charleston in May 2022. The dream, Kalin told reporters, was to create a space that welcomed everyone.

But trouble began almost immediately. Approximately one day after the bar opened, the Columbia Police Department received its first complaint about underage drinking at Jays, according to the departments protest letter.

In the first five months of 2023, the police received seven complaints of underage drinking at Jays.

The tolerance of underage drinking and irresponsibly serving alcohol has fueled much of the chaos, according to law enforcement.

Kalin disagrees, saying the bar takes steps to deter underage drinking. The bar employs the same forensic ID scanners that are in place in bars in Five Points, and the bars policy is to scan every patrons ID when they enter.

But based on reports to police, the technology hasnt been enough to deter underage drinking.

Jays Bar and Grill in the Vista neighborhood late at night on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Last September, a Columbia Police Department incident report described how officers responded to reports of two individuals being let into the location through the back door for the purposes of underage drinking. But the officers were barred by the staff from entering the bar.

An investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division into underage drinking at the bar was beset by staff attempting to obstruct and hinder SLED Agents, according to the letter from the Columbia police protesting Jays liquor license.

While SLED declined to comment for this article, the agency filed three administrative violations between February and May 2023 against the bar for serving underage customers.

Problems with authority?

In July 2023, Columbia officers wrote in an incident report that they were responding to a dispute in front of Jays. When the officer pointed out to a manager that the bar looked overcrowded, the manager denied it before announcing the bar was closed, pushing customers out and telling the cops that the bar would be empty before the fire marshal arrived.

This event once again shows that Jays Bar does not assist the Police when an incident occurs inside the bar, the report said.

A spokesperson for the Columbia-Richland Fire Department confirmed that it had taken administrative action against Jays twice in the past year for being over capacity. On one occasion the case was dismissed, on the other other the bar was fined.

In his statement to The State, Kalin said that his team was eager to assist law enforcement and it was the restaurants policy to cooperate with all law enforcement personnel and provide video and information upon request.

But six police incident reports specifically note Jays staff didnt give law enforcement officers access to cameras, whether by claiming the cameras werent working, werent hooked up or asking for a search warrant, despite the victims of the crimes being customers of the bar.

In February 2023, a woman accused of assaulting a Jays patron and bar staff told her victim, get away from my car before I start shooting. Officers investigating the scene were told that the bars cameras were not working.

That October, a woman alleged that she was assaulted by four other people while trying to break up a fight. Jays staff told police they could not provide footage of the fight due to them not having the VCR part of their system, according to the incident report.

This February, an underage customer was knocked unconscious after reportedly telling a woman fighting with a man, you dont deserve to be treated like that. The victim came to bleeding heavily with a cut to her head that required five stitches, according to the incident report.

Columbia police department officers noted in their report that the bar was refusing to give any video and told them officers arent allowed inside Jays.
We recently published a list of 10 Trending AI Stocks to Watch in September. Since Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) ranks 9th on the list, it deserves a deeper look.

Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research, said while talking to CNBC in a latest program that since 1990, the market on average gains about 18% between the last rate hike and the first rate cut. However, during the 30 days after the first rate cut, the market historically tread water, gaining less than one half of one percent.

Most of the action is below surface however, in the sectors, areas where a lot of the leaders be in the defensive areas but I have to add technology in there because investors dont want to be giving up on the growth, Stovall said.

Stovall pointed to another important historical data point regarding election years. He said that usually August and September are slow months in the stock market, but during election years the trend shifts to September and October, with markets historically rebounding in November and December once the uncertainty around the election subsides. The analyst recommended investors to position for a post-election rally which he believes buoys growth stocks.

For this article, we chose the top 10 AI stocks currently on investors radar following important news, earnings and analyst ratings. With each stock, we have mentioned the number of hedge fund investors. 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).

Is Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) Trending AI Stock to Watch in September?

manaemedia / Shutterstock.com

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 58

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) recently posted upbeat quarterly results and guidance amid strong AI server demand.

Morgan Stanley analysts noted a modest upside in Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) third-quarter results but kept an Equal-weight rating on the stock with a $21 price target. Analyst Meta Marshall commented that while more growth was expected from the Intelligent Edge segment, factors such as the ongoing deal with Juniper and slow demand in international markets likely tempered the results. Despite this, there was no indication of a further decline in global demand.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) saw its adjusted gross margin fall by 410 basis points year-over-year and 130 basis points sequentially, largely due to lower margins in its AI server business. However, the companys Server segment grew by 35.1% year-over-year, driven by the rapid rise in AI workloads, which also contributed to the lower gross margin.

Story continues

But analysts believe this decline in AI server margins is temporary because the companys AI offerings include both products and services. Services currently make up only about 10% of total AI revenue. As AI server growth stabilizes, the mix of higher-margin services should increase, boosting overall profitability.

Overall, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) ranks 9th on Insider Monkeys list titled 10 Trending AI Stocks to Watch in September. While we acknowledge the potential of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE), 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 HPE but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These Stocks.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Finding out at 87 who mum and dad were

Gladys Johnston, right, with her half-sister Annette Kohrs in Ireland [BBC]

A woman who was adopted in the 1930s has, at the age of 87, discovered the identities of her birth parents and met living relatives she never knew she had.

Gladys Johnston was three when she was adopted from an Irish orphanage and brought up in the Scottish Highlands as an only child.

At the age of 12 she found out she was adopted, but it has not been until now that she learned who both her parents were, with help from family in Scotland and BBC Alba documentary-makers.

Gladys said she wished she had met her half-sisters many years ago but added: "We are going to have to make the most of what we have left."

Gladys was adopted when she was three years old [BBC]

Gladys' mother, Catherine Kearney, was a servant working at a boarding house in Drogheda in Ireland when she became pregnant.

The father was a married man and it is believed he was unaware of the pregnancy, leaving Catherine to raise their child on her own.

Catherine gave birth in an orphanage in Dublin and, because of attitudes at the time about children born out of wedlock, she was coerced into giving Gladys up for adoption.

She was three years old when she was adopted by Mary and Duncan Cameron who lived in Ardtoe, a small community on Lochaber's Ardnamurchan peninsula.

Gladys was helped in tracing her mum, Catherine, eight years ago [BBC]

Gladys, who raised her own family in Scotland, told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "When I was quite young I was told the people I was living with weren't my parents.

"That was some blow to me. I just couldn't cope."

Gladys did not let on to her adopted parents she knew.

She said: "The parents that adopted me were absolutely lovely people. I never wanted to upset them in any way.

"I carried this suffering with me for a long time, thinking each day I might get there but certainly not doing anything while they were alive because they were so good to me.

"They gave me such a good upbringing and I was so happy there."

Discovering the identity of her dad, Joseph, completed Gladys' quest [BBC]

Eight years ago, with help from documentary-makers, Gladys traced her mother in Ireland. Sadly, Catherine had died just a few months earlier.

Gladys did discover that her mum had married and had another daughter.

But the search drew a blank on her dad.

She said: "I thought 'this is just half the journey. Ive traced my mother but it would be wonderful to find out who my father was'.

"And it bothered me a lot."

She added: "I yearned to find out who my father was before I died."

Gladys, front left, surrounded by family from Scotland and Ireland [BBC]

Last year, Mrs Johnston was encouraged by a granddaughter to do a DNA test offered by an Ancestry website.

The results, along with further research, led Gladys to discovering the identity of her father, Irishman Joseph Quinn, and finding two half-sisters called Mari and Annette.

It is not known how Joseph met Catherine, but it is believed he met her while travelling for his work as an electrician.

Gladys, who travelled to Ireland to visit her father's grave and is in regular contact with her sisters, said she felt relieved to finally know who her birth parents were.

She said: "I have joined a lovely, lovely family.

I never saw my mother during this lifetime, and likewise, I never saw my father during his lifetime.

"I am so pleased to have found out who he was. And now, I feel at peace."

The new documentary, Gladys: Story Complete, is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
"Fine with me if they decided not to visit": Springfield mayor tells Trump stay away following smear

The mayor of Springfield is the latest Ohio politician to push back against Donald Trump after the former president spread lies about the city's Haitian immigrant population.

During his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump gave airtime to a far-right conspiracy theory that insisted Haitian immigrants who had recently settled in Springfield were eating local pets. That story, which filtered into the Trump campaign by way of running mate JD Vance, is an admitted fabrication. That hasn't stopped a deluge of bomb threats and other disruptions in the town since the rumor took hold in GOP circles.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Republican mayor Rob Rue worried about the "strain" that a Trump visit would bring to Springfield.

It would be an extreme strain on our resources," he shared, per NBC News. "So itd be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit."

Rue's comments follow a similar sentiment from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. Over the weekend, the Republican governor countered Trump's claims about immigrants eating pets and lauded recent immigrants to Ohio.

"What we know is that Haitians who are in Springfield are legal. They came to Springfield to work. Ohio is on the move and Springfield has really made a great resurgence," he said, during an interview with ABC This Week.

Both President Joe Biden and Harris have countered Trump's claims about Haitian immigrants and accused the former president of spreading dangerous rhetoric.

This has to stop, what hes doing. It has to stop, Biden said in a press conference at the White House last week.
By Miguel Pereira and Pedro Nunes

VIZEU DISTRICT, Portugal (Reuters) -Firefighters tackling deadly wildfires in central and northern Portugal had doused the flames in the Aveiro district, one of the worst-hit, as of Thursday, and were focusing on eight large blazes still raging elsewhere.

After five days of ravaging tens of thousands of hectares of forest and farmland, destroying houses and claiming seven lives, the fires in Oliveira de Azemeis, Albergaria-a-Velha and Sever da Vouga, in the northwestern district of Aveiro, were no longer listed as active on the civil protection service's fires portal.

The flames left parking lots with lines of burnt cars, trees and roads with smoke still billowing in Albergaria-a-Velha.

"It was horrific, horrible, the fire passed by very quickly because of the wind but it was really bad," Maria Rodrigues, resident of the village of Macieira further north, told Reuters.

She worried about her 11 sheep. "Now they don't have anything to eat because there's nothing on the mountain," she said.

Cooler air temperatures with more humidity since Wednesday have helped the firefighting efforts after an unseasonably hot streak during which gusts of wind had fanned the flames.

"The weather situation looks set to improve going forward, however the next 12 hours will still be complex," civil protection commander Andre Fernandes told reporters.

On Wednesday, a 270-strong Spanish military emergencies team joined the effort to help exhausted emergency workers in the central Vizeu district adjacent to Aveiro. Nine aircraft were backing more than 700 firefighters combating flames near the town of Castro Daire in the district.

Spain, Italy, France and Morocco have sent water-bombing aircraft.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information Service showed that large-scale blazes had burned an area of more than 105,000 hectares (405 square miles) since Saturday, making this year's total of some 140,000 ha the widest burned area since 2017, when Portugal suffered two devastating waves of wildfires that killed more than 100 people.

That was well above the annual average of around 94,000 ha in the 2006-2023 period.

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service said total carbon emissions from the fires in Portugal hit a September record of 1.9 megatonnes through Sept. 18, nearly double the previous record for that month in 2003, and plumes of smoke were expected to reach western France in the coming days.

At least some of the dozens of fires across Portugal have been started by arsonists, motivated by possible commercial interest, spite or criminal negligence, authorities said. Police have arrested at least 14 people since Saturday suspected of starting fires.

(Additional reporting by Miguel Gutierrez and Sergio Goncalves, Writing by Andrei Khalip, Editing by Gareth Jones and Alex Richardson)
First Trump said Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating the pets. Now he says theyre destroying America

Donald Trump is doubling down on his bizarre and aggressive rhetoric against Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, saying that theyre destroying the country.

The former president promised his rally crowd in Uniondale, New York on Long Island that he would visit the small city which suddenly found itself in the midst of a vicious news cycle as Trump and his running mate JD Vance pushed false claims circulated online that Haitian migrants were stealing and eating domestic pets.

During the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on September 10, Trump said the Biden-Harris administration has been allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country.

A lot of towns don't want to talk about it because they're so embarrassed by it, he added. In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in. They're eating the cats ... They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame.

Both the Wall Street Journal and ABC News have reported that a staffer working for JD Vance was told by a Springfield official that the rumor wasnt true but that the Republican vice presidential hopeful still chose to spread the outlandish claim, which has led to bomb threats against schools and city buildings and feelings of fear in Haitian communities throughout the US.

On the morning of September 9, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck took a call from the Vance staffer.

Donald Trump said during his New York rally that he would visit Springfield, Ohio (AP)

He asked point-blank, Are the rumors true of pets being taken and eaten? Heck told the Journal. I told him no. There was no verifiable evidence or reports to show this was true. I told them these claims were baseless.

Vance had already tweeted about the rumor that morning. He kept the post up and pushed a more aggressive version of the claim the following morning, the day of the debate between Trump and Harris.

On Wednesday night on Long Island, Trump yet again went after the Haitian community in Springfield. Trump said he would visit the town as he continued to make false claims about the migrants in the city.

How about in Springfield, Ohio, they had 32,000  this is a little beautiful town, no crime, no problem  32,000 illegal immigrants come into the town, Trump said. So they almost double their population in a period of a few weeks. Can you believe it? And you know what? Theyve got to get much tougher. Im going to go there in the next two weeks. Im going to Springfield.

You may never see me again, but thats okay, he added. Whatever happened to Trump? Well, he never got out of Springfield.

The city of Springfield states on its website that YES, Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program. Once here, immigrants are then eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Haiti is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security for TPS. Current TPS is granted through February 3, 2026.

So the mayor of Springfield, and I think hes a very nice person, Trump continued. But instead of saying were getting them all out ... he says, very simply, were hiring teachers to teach them English.

Could you believe it? We are hiring interpreters. So when they go to school and take the place of our children in school, we have an interpreter. Each one will have a private interpreter. What the hell is wrong with our country? he asked.

Ohio state police have been called in to help protect schools, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Monday. Local officials also canceled an annual celebration of cultural diversity. This comes after Springfield City Hall, several schools, and state motor vehicle offices were evacuated last week following bomb threats. DeWine added on Monday that at least 33 bomb threats were made, none of them real.

The former president said on Wednesday night, Were getting them out of our country. They came in illegally. Theyre destroying our country. Were getting them out. Theyre going to be brought back to the country from which they came.

Republican Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said during a press conference at City Hall on Tuesday that a visit from the former president would be an extreme strain on our resources. So itd be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit.

I have to state the reality, though, that resources are really, really stretched here, DeWine added, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, Vance doubled down on Wednesday on calling the Haitian migrants in Springfield illegal even as theyre here legally.

The media loves to say that the Haitian migrants hundreds of thousands of them, by the way, 20,000 in Springfield, but hundreds of thousands of them all across the country, they are here legally, Vance said. And what they mean is that Kamala Harris used two separate programs, mass parole, and temporary protective status ... to wave a wand and to say, Were not going to deport those people here.

He added: Well, if Kamala Harris waves the wand illegally and says these people are now here legally, Im still going to call them an illegal alien. And illegal action from Kamala Harris does not make an alien legal. That is not how this works.
Flint woman with leukemia may be 1st to get stem cell transplant from deceased donor

(This story has been updated.)

A Flint woman is believed to be the first in the world with leukemia to successfully undergo a transplant using stem cells from the bone marrow of a deceased donor  a medical advance that could vastly expand the racial and ethnic diversity of bone marrow donors and potentially save the lives of thousands more people each year.

The woman, who is 68 and African American, had been treated and survived acute myelogenous leukemia once already. But the cancer recurred, and she had run out of treatment options, said Dr. Muneer Abidi, the physician who led the Henry Ford Hospital team that performed the procedure in Detroit.

"Once their disease relapse(s) ... then transplant is the only curative option," Abidi said Thursday in an online news conference. "Without transplant, you know, it would be difficult to say how long she would be able to survive."

A worker at Ossium Health's facility in Indianapolis prepares donated bone marrow from a deceased organ and tissue donor for later use in a cancer patient who needs a bone marrow transplant.

People with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma have bone marrow that can no longer create properly functioning blood cells. If chemotherapy and radiation treatments become ineffective, the only other option is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, he explained.

In those cases, doctors try to match patients with donors by typing a marker in their blood called human leukocyte antigen, or HLA. When a match is found, patients are first treated with chemotherapy or radiation to destroy their body's own diseased cells and weaken the immune system so they won't be as likely to reject the transplant.

Then, they are then given an infusion of stem cells extracted from the healthy, matching bone marrow donor. If the transplant is successful, the healthy donor cells take over production of blood in the person's bone marrow.

"These cells are smart enough that they know where to go," Abidi said. "They travel from the circulation into the bone marrow, and then, over a period of time, regenerate and restart the blood production process."

Dr. Muneer Abidi is the medical director for stem cell transplant and cellular therapy and director of the stem cell laboratory at Henry Ford Health. He led the transplant team that performed the first known bone marrow transplant using stem cells from a deceased donor.

Because there is a genetic component, the best matches often come from living blood relatives, such as siblings or parents. But not all patients have a close relative who is a match. And if they do, not all relatives are willing or able to donate bone marrow or blood stem cells.

For people of color, Abidi said, as many as 60% to 80% of people who need a bone marrow transplant cannot find a suitable match through the National Marrow Donor Program's living donor registry and die before they can get treatment.

A good match for the Flint woman couldn't be found with any of the living donors in the registry, said Abidi, who is the medical director for stem cell transplant and cellular therapy and director of the stem cell laboratory at Henry Ford Health. The woman also didn't have any relatives who matched and could donate bone marrow.

When it was clear a living donor match wouldn't be found in time, Abidi and his team at Henry Ford tried something new in collaboration with Ossium Health, a San Francisco-based bioengineering company that has been building a large bank of cryogenically preserved bone marrow from the spinal columns of organ and tissue donors after death at its facility in Indianapolis.

Henry Ford created a compassionate use protocol and got approval through its institutional review board to go through with the transplant using the bone marrow from the deceased donor; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration already had granted Ossium permission, Abidi said.

"To the best of my knowledge, this patient is the first one ever treated with preserved stem cells obtained from a cadaver," he said.

Ossium Health, which was founded in 2016, has partnered with 27 of the 56 U.S. organ procurement organizations to collect the bone marrow from the spinal columns of organ and tissue donors after death.

"The same donors that provide hearts, livers, lungs and kidneys, we've developed a process for obtaining bone marrow from those individuals and cryopreserving that bone marrow and banking it so that it could be used later," said Kevin Caldwell, the CEO and co-founder of Ossium Health.

The bones of a donor's spine must be recovered and put on ice within eight hours of the person's death, he said. They then are transported to Ossium's facility in Indianapolis, where the bone marrow is processed and cryopreserved at -190 degrees Celsius.

"At these temperatures, there is no biological or chemical activity and the cells can, in principle, remain viable for centuries if stably stored," he said.

Kevin Caldwell, CEO and co-founder of Ossium Health, a San Francisco-based bioengineering firm that has created a bank of cryogenically preserved bone marrow from deceased organ and tissue donors. The company is beginning clinical trials using the stem cells in the bone marrow to treat people with blood cancer.

It isn't surprising that the first leukemia patient in the world to benefit from Ossium's bone marrow bank is Black, Caldwell said, given that the genetic diversity of the living donor registry is so limited, it's difficult to find a match.

"There are about 170 million U.S. adults, which is a significant majority of our adult population, who are registered organ donors," he said. "Because of that, we're able to tap into a population that has all the diversity of America for the bone marrow bank. That means that our bank is generally more diverse than the (National Marrow Donor Program's) registry itself, which is a huge benefit to these patients.

"She had no other options available in the world. So we shipped cells to Henry Ford in early May. They did the infusion in mid-May, and the cells engrafted in early June," which, Caldwell said, is "faster than the average times you see for someone who received a bone marrow transplant from a living donor."

"The procedure went brilliantly and she's doing well today."

He said the woman is courageous and a hero for being willing to be the first to try this treatment.

"She's the first leukemia patient ever in the world to receive a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated deceased donor, and that's profoundly important, not just as a meaningful achievement of medical science, a first, but also for our broader health care system," Caldwell said.

Her successful treatment, he said, offers hope that Ossium might one day be able to fill a massive gap in the treatment of people with blood cancer, saving the lives of thousands each year who can't find a matching donor in time  "all because they didn't get lucky enough to have the right volunteer donor step forward or because one of their siblings didn't happen to be a match or didn't happen to be healthy enough to donate."

"It'll have profound implications ... and we're incredibly excited about it."

Stem cells extracted from bone marrow were collected from a deceased organ and tissue donor at Ossium Health's facility in Indianapolis. There, the cells were cryogenically preserved for later use in bone marrow transplants for people with blood cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma and meyloma.

After the Flint woman with leukemia was successfully treated at Henry Ford Hospital, Caldwell said another patient with acute lymphoid leukemia also underwent a transplant using the bone marrow of a deceased donor.

"The second patient in Utah is a man of mixed ethnicity, so he's half Hispanic and half Asian," Caldwell said. "This is precisely the population that's at greatest need."

That procedure also was a success, Caldwell said, and the patient is recovering.

Ossium is able to extract more bone marrow and stem cells from each deceased donor than can be safely or ethically taken from a living donor because a living donor still needs bone marrow to produce their own blood cells, Caldwell said. That means transplant physicians can either use that larger volume of bone marrow to treat multiple patients or to provide a single recipient with a more robust dose, which, he said, appears to produce better outcomes.

More: Henry Ford Health to finalize deal, combine with Ascension Michigan on Sept. 30

More: New mpox strain raises concern among scientists: What to know about cases, spread

And by cryogenically preserving the stem cells that have already been typed, it means that they can be quickly matched and are available for treatment within days, rather than months.

"Every day that you can shave off from the amount of time spent looking for a donor increases the patient's odds of ultimately surviving," Caldwell said.

Ossium now is working with Henry Ford Health and other medical centers nationally to launch a clinical trial called Preserve 1, using stem cells from deceased bone marrow donors to treat patients with acute leukemia who are younger than age 60.

"The study is open to patients of all backgrounds," he said. "The patients with the greatest need right now, the most severe, acute need and fewest options are statistically more likely to be people of color, and in particular, especially people with mixed ethnicity. ... We expect and anticipate that we'll see more of those patients ... and then over time, as the program advances, we expect to expand to an ever wider set of patients because we think the benefits are very broad for just humanity generally."

Ossium also offers the HOPE Program, for patients like the woman from Flint, who at age 68 didn't meet the criteria of the Preserve 1 clinical trial, Caldwell said, but still could benefit from a bone marrow transplant from its deceased donor bank.

Abidi said being able to use bone marrow from Ossium's bank will make an enormous difference for patients who have run out of other options for treatment.

"This is going to be a game changer," he said.

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Henry Ford transplants bone marrow stem cells of deceased donor
In Poland, several towns and villages have been devastated by the floods (Handout) (Handout/Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies/AFP)

The leaders of four countries hit by Storm Boris will meet Thursday in Poland with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to discuss aid for the flood-hit region.

The death toll from the storm which hit central and eastern Europe in recent days rose to 24 on Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

Strong wind and heavy rains struck the region last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five people in the Czech Republic.

In some places, the water "literally destroyed everything. The landscape is like that after a war, rather than a flood," Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak told reporters on Thursday.

The meeting of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, Slovakia's Robert Fico, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and von der Leyen will take place in Wroclaw, a historic city of 670,000 people in southwest Poland.

Struck by devastating floods in 1997, residents of Wroclaw had become increasingly concerned as the waters rose.

They reached their peak early Thursday.

While the water level is lower than it was in 1997, dams could be at risk if the high water lasts for several days.

On Thursday, Tusk warned during a crisis meeting in Wroclaw "against an atmosphere of unjustified euphoria and relief... that the worst is behind us".

But Wroclaw pensioner Ewa Powazka, 70, was optimistic.

"There are sandbags everywhere, something we didn't have in 1997. This time, the city began to prepare a few days ago," she told AFP.

"I hope it won't get flooded."

- 'Even better coordination' -

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will not be present at the meeting as he cancelled all his international engagements this week because of the storm -- even though his country has for now not been badly affected.

Romania's prime minister will also be absent because of a defence meeting.

Fiala said on X on Wednesday that the leaders would "discuss the possibilities for European financial aid to the Czech Republic and other countries in central Europe".

Commission deputy chief spokesperson Arianna Podesta told reporters that von der Leyen "will visit the area at risk in Wroclaw to assess the situation created by the recent heavy floods and rains that have hit Poland".

"She will discuss the actions taken by the authorities to respond to this crisis," she added.

Austria's Nehammer said: "We must use and expand the instruments that have been created for disasters like this. I will call in Poland for the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism".

The Czech Republic has already requested the activation of the mechanism to receive aid.

Nehammer said the summit would also discuss "an even better coordination of flood protection measures".

In Poland, several towns and villages have been devastated by the flood waters which have demolished houses, brought down bridges and heavily damaged road and rail infrastructure.

In some areas, residents still lack drinking water and electricity.

Grassroots funding initiatives have been organised across the country as local authorities begin to assess damage which could run into the hundreds of millions.

The Polish government says it has unblocked 470 million euros (two billion zloty, over $520 million) of direct aid to people and localities affected by the floods.

Austria has said its disaster relief fund will be increased to one billion euros to help flood victims.

burs-bo-amj/rlp
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A Florence man was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly threatened to kill a disabled family member over social media, the Florence County Sheriffs Office said.

Brandon Dean Powers, 21, also allegedly threatened to harm a local business which he recently was fired from. He is charged with making a threat to personal property, two counts of computer crimes and two counts of unlawful communication, according to a news release.

Powers is being held at the Florence County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

* * *

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.
Florida condos need a spending plan to make repairs  but theres an issue with the law

Florida is requiring condominiums to disclose their spending plans to make major repairs as part of the laws that went into effect after the deadly building collapse in Surfside.

But a state lawmaker appearing at a Miami Herald event this week disclosed that there are no consequences if associations dont comply.

There is that element were starting to see, Rep. Vicki Lopez, R-Miami, said at Wednesdays panel discussion at the United Way in Miami, Priced out of Paradise.

Boards are just like, What are they going to do to us? 

Lopez said legislators need to address creating penalties for condo associations that dont comply.

In January 2025, condos with buildings three stories or higher will owe the state a structural integrity reserve study, essentially providing a savings plan for repairs needed every 15 to 25 years.

Condo associations have to hire an engineer to inspect their communities for safety and repair concerns and explain how much they need in reserves. Each association will then have to start saving a year later, in 2026.

MORE: DeSantis wont call lawmakers to Tallahassee to address condo crisis. At least not yet

The looming costs come at a time when condominiums have increased condo fees and special assessments to make sure buildings are up to code and address immediate risks and concerns.

And condo residents are feeling it. Miami-Dade Countys median monthly condo assessment fee of $900 from April through June this year is up 59% from the $567 fee over the same stretch in 2019, according to data from Redfin.

The spiraling costs have become a burden to many condo residents, who suddenly find themselves unable to afford South Florida housing that was once affordable for them. Some condo residents have had to get a second job. Some retirees are returning to the workforce. And others are trying to sell and move elsewhere.

Its a building crisis for a region that has by far the most condo buildings in Florida.

MORE: Looking to buy a condo in Miami-Dade County? You now have the upper hand. Heres why

Ground zero are older buildings that were converted from rental apartments to condos in the 1970s, said Ned Murray, associate director of the Florida International University Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center. Even more recently, from 2003 to 2006, about 35,000 units were converted in Miami-Dade County, he said.

Condos were once safe and decent affordable housing, Murray said.

But the costly requirements, and the fallout from the Surfside disaster, are changing all that.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who also was on the Miami Herald panel, said the county is stepping in to help financially strapped condo owners with loans to pay for association repair assessments.

We cant afford for people to lose their homes. We cant afford to lose them, she said.

Lopez said condo associations have to comply with the laws.

That is another issue youll see us attacking this legislative session. There have to be consequences, she said. If less than 50% have even completed their structural integrity reserve studies, that tells me there are associations not paying close attention or are intentionally not complying with the law.

Alex Menendez asks a question about consequences for condo associations who fail to comply with new laws during the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Heralds Priced Out Of Paradise panel discussion at United Way Miami on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Miami, Fla. The event gathered real estate experts, local leaders and media members as they discussed South Floridas condo crisis.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not called for a special session on the issue.

Changes to the law were made after the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside in June 2021, killing 98 people. Many countywide and statewide changes went into effect within a year of the catastrophe, and now requirements for a reserve study to be submitted by January have raised a rising number of concerns.

Lopez sponsored Floridas new condo laws, and represents 667 condominiums in her Miami-area district, including those in parts of Little Havana. She said she wants to propose statewide penalties through building safety and structural integrity legislation as an incentive for boards to comply with the new laws and requirements.

From left to right: State Representative Vicki Lopez, R-Miami, FIU Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center Associate Director Ned Murray and Condo Vultures Peter Zalewski attend the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Heralds Priced Out Of Paradise panel discussion at United Way Miami on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Miami, Fla.

Wednesdays Miami Herald and el Nuevo Heralds Priced out of Paradise event also featured moderator Tom Hudson, WLRNs senior economics editor and special correspondent, and Peter Zalewski, founder of real estate consulting firm Condo Vultures.

The panelists gathered to discuss the rising financial pressures burdening condo owners in Miami-Dade, available resources and possible solutions.

Levine Cava characterized the condo issues as a serious problem and so many people are affected by this.
UPDATE: 9/19/24  Nikolas and Helen Harris pleaded guilty and were sentenced to five years of supervised probation.

OSAGE BEACH, Mo.  A couple from Florida has been arrested in Camden County after fleeing from child abuse and drug charges in Florida.

According to a press release from the Camden County Sheriffs Office (CCSO), Nikolas Adam Harris and Helen Elizabeth Harris were arrested on April 12. Both have been charged with possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs.

The U.S. Marshals Service contacted CCSO on April 12 for assistance locating two missing children from Escambia County, Florida.

An investigation by authorities in Florida had revealed the children were being inhumanely restrained and drugs were being made in the home where the two were squatting. Before law enforcement could seize the children per a court order, Nikolas and Helen Harris fled from Florida.

Joe Satriani and Steve Vai to perform at the Gillioz

U.S. Marshals tracked the parents to Missouri and later located Nikolas and Helen at a residence on Channel Buoy Drive.

A probable cause statement shows CCSO deputies searched the residence and found a blue canvas bag containing glass pipes and a small pill bottle containing a bag of a white powder substance. Two pipes field tested positive for methamphetamine.

In addition to the drugs and paraphernalia, law enforcement found a separate bag containing sex toys in the bedroom where kids clothing and toys were found.

The release states that the children were turned over to the Missouri Childrens Division, who are coordinating with Flordia authorities to take them to a safe place in an undisclosed location.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Amid a brazen, state-sanctioned disinformation campaign against a ballot measure to restore abortion rights in Florida  including visits to voters homes by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis election goon squad  doctors say the states ban is putting their patients lives at risk, forcing them to confront unfathomably dark medical scenarios, and some are warning they may be forced to leave the state if the measure fails this November.

The Planned Parenthood Health Center in Miami, Florida, has remained open, but since May 1, there has been a big sign in the lobby informing patients that, with limited exceptions, clinicians are not allowed to provide abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Many of the patients that Dr. Chelsea Daniels sees on a daily basis are not aware of the states ban before they see the sign.

Abortion was restricted in Florida  first after 15 weeks, and later after six weeks gestation  following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision ending the federal right to abortion in 2022.

A lot of times, people are truly just flabbergasted, Daniels tells Rolling Stone. This is the first theyre hearing about it.

For those whose period is more than two weeks late, its likely already too late to obtain care in their home state. The panic starts to build right away, says Daniels, a staff physician at the health center. Suddenly, theyre faced with this horrible situation where they either have to take days off work to receive care, or they have to continue a pregnancy that potentially is threatening to their life, or that could upend their life.

Since the law went into effect four and a half months ago, her office has experienced an influx not just of patients who are unaware of the new law, but also of referrals from local OB-GYNs and hospitals afraid of offering treatment themselves. Just a few weeks, Daniels says, she treated a patient with a non-viable, first-trimester pregnancy  a miscarriage, essentially  and a condition that most doctors and facilities should be able to easily handle.

She had four different ultrasounds confirming non-viability. We were her fifth appointment  and no one would act, because they were so afraid of what the law could do to them, Daniels says. That patients experience, she says, is emblematic of the current climate in Florida.

A new report, released on Tuesday by the nonprofit Physicians for Human Rights, confirms what Daniels is seeing for herself: that many Floridians dont realize that the states six-week ban is effectively a two-week ban, a vanishingly short window further winnowed by Floridas required 24-hour waiting period; that many doctors are delaying or refusing to provide necessary care out of fear of losing their medical licenses or going to jail; and that those doctors inclined to continue to providing necessary care have found navigating Floridas exceptions is a Kafkaesque nightmare.

One clinician interviewed by PHRs researchers described a patient with terminal pancreatic cancer who learned she was pregnant during a PET scan. Because she had been on and off chemotherapy and radiation for the better part of five years, because of her recurrences, her periods had been irregular for ages She has always wanted to be pregnant, but never could because of her treatments, the OB-GYN recalled. Her oncologist said, We have to stop treatment unless you have an abortion, essentially because this poses a risk to the pregnancy.

It took more than a week for that doctor to get the specific documentation that would justify a health exception under Floridas ban, then arrange for an abortion at a hospital that could accommodate her specific medical risks, a 4-hour drive away. You want to grab these Supreme Court judges and bring them in the room and say: Look what you are doing to people, the doctor told PHR. Let this woman be able to receive palliative chemotherapy, which is the least we can do for her, for Christs sake.

A separate OB-GYN who works inside a hospital recounted a heated disagreement with the nursing staff in their emergency room, who were refusing to provide medication to a patient with an ectopic pregnancy  a life-threatening condition that occurs when an egg implants in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. They were refusing to give it because they were concerned about the legality of giving it as an  they kept calling it an abortive agent, that doctor said.

A third doctor spoke of being hamstrung by unnecessary paperwork while trying to treat a patient experiencing a premature rupture of membrane, an emergency condition that can be fatal without intervention. Let us roll in with a brochure of state paperwork. Let us start filling it all out together, because  even though you know what you want  we have to do all this paperwork, the doctor recalled. There is still a delay that occurs with all of this that seems unnecessary in a situation where delay potentially could increase the chance of infection.

PHRs report, derived from interviews with more than 25 clinicians across the state, was published amid the DeSantis administrations ongoing efforts to sabotage Amendment 4, the ballot measure that would relegalize abortion in the state. Under Florida law, the measure needs to win the support of 60 percent of voters to pass.

First, DeSantis, Republican lawmakers, and the Heritage Foundation teamed up to add language  supposedly a financial impact statement  to the amendment, claiming it would result in significantly more abortions and fewer live births per year in Florida. It further asserts, An increase in abortions may negatively affect the growth of state and local revenues over time.

DeSantis Florida Agency for Health Care Administration  which oversees licensing for health care facilities and manages the states Medicaid program  has published a website platforming baseless, political attacks on Amendment 4. The site says the measure threatens womens safety, and argues: We must keep Florida from becoming an abortion tourism destination state.

The agency is also running TV and radio ads. One TV ad states that abortions are available before a childs heartbeat is detected, and in cases of rape or incest, and at all points in pregnancy to save the life and health of the mother. The ad directs viewers to visit the states misleading website opposing Amendment 4.

The ballot measures sponsor, represented by the ACLU Foundation of Florida, has filed a lawsuit against AHCA to have the website and the TV and radio ads taken down.

Beyond the state-sponsored disinformation campaign, DeSantis administration has dispatched Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers to question voters who signed petitions supporting the ballot measure.

In order to get the measure onto the November ballot, organizers for Amendment 4 collected 997,035 signatures from voters across Florida, but in recent weeks, some signatories have reported officers have come to their homes to question them about their signatures  signatures that were verified by the state itself months ago, before the measure was even approved.

We paid $1.1 million to the state of Florida to have them validate the signatures, says Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Yes on 4. The attempts to question that are very much the Florida playbook: When youre losing on an issue, its much easier to make accusations about malfeasance than it is to acknowledge a really unpopular policy.

She see the visits and the state-funded website attacking Amendment 4 as shameless efforts to intimidate and confuse voters. The state knows that abortion access is popular and doesnt want to speak to the actual issue at hand here, which is that Florida has one of the most harmful abortion bans in the nation, Brenzel says.

More from Rolling Stone

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(Bloomberg) -- Shares of Indian wireless carriers plunged on Thursday after the countrys top court rejected the firms request to re-calculate about $13 billion of past dues that they owe to the government.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The companies had filed a curative petition to the court contending that the telecom department had wrongly computed the amount. The petition was the final avenue to seek a revision of the top courts earlier ruling asking the telecom companies to pay their dues.

Mobile service provider Vodafone Idea Ltd. and network-infrastructure firm Indus Towers Ltd. were among the biggest decliners. Vodafone Ideas shares plunged 20% and closed below their follow-on offer price of 11 rupees apiece. This was their biggest single day slide since January 2022. Indus Tower ended 9% lower while Bharti Hexacom Ltd. declined 1.6%.

(Updates closing stock prices.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Screenshot of South Florida U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick on Sept. 19, 2024.

Two of Floridas top Haitian American lawmakers, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and North Miami state Democratic Rep. Dotie Joseph, joined in with other Haitian American lawmakers around the country on Thursday to denounce the false allegations by former President Donald Trump and Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, that have put a target on that immigrant community.

Vance and Trump have repeatedly alleged over the past two weeks that Haitian immigrants in Springfield have stolen and eaten dogs and cats, despite insistence by local and state government officials in Ohio that they are baseless.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Bryan Heck, the Springfield city manager, told a Vance staff member last week that there was no truth to the rumors of pets being taken and eaten. But by then, Vance had already posted the rumors to his 1.9 million followers on X, and Trump advanced the claim the next evening during the presidential debate viewed by more than 67 million people.

Since then, more than 30 bomb threats have been made against schools, government buildings, and city officials homes, forcing evacuations and closures, the Associated Press is reporting. The city of Springfield cancelled its annual celebration of diversity, arts, and culture due to the threats, and state police were deployed to city schools earlier this week.

Today we stand united in condemning the dangerous and xenophobic rhetoric spread by former president Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, Joseph said on a Zoom conference call organized by the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network.

Their words not only target the Haitian community, which is experiencing increased tension and accusations and problems around the country, but particularly in Springfield. The entire community is impacted by their spreading fear and division.

Joseph was born in Haiti and raised in Miami. She went on to graduate from Yale University and has represented her district in North Miami in the Florida House since 2018.

Joining her on the call was Broward-Palm Beach County U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the first Haitian American Democrat elected to Congress after winning a special election to succeed the late Alcee Hastings in January 2022.

Its not racist

Cherfilus-McCormick, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, not only criticized Trump and Vance for spreading the false narrative about Haitians in Ohio, but also Donald Trump Jr. for his comment last week that Haitian immigrants were less intelligent than people from other countries.

You look at Haiti, you look at the demographic makeup, you look at the average I.Q.  if you import the third world into your country, youre going to become the third world, the younger Trump said in an interview with Charlie Kirk on Real Americas Voice, a conservative broadcasting network, according to The New York Times. Thats just basic. Its not racist. Its just fact.

When you start talking about low IQs and genetic inferiority, what youre really doing is blowing the whistle to call out white supremacy organizations to become active and engage, Cherfilus-McCormick said. Its not surprising that we have so many threats and so much violence that is potentially about to ensue, and so, as Americans and as electeds, we have to stand up strong and make it very clear that there is no place for hate in our country.

She went on to say that many of the Haitian migrants living in the United States came through a humanitarian parole program created by the Biden administration that allows Haitians, Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter legally as long as they have a financial sponsor and pass background checks. The program first was launched for Venezuela in October 2022 and expanded to Haiti, Cuba, and Nicaragua in January 2023.

They are vetted for health and they are also vetted for social and criminal backgrounds, Cherfilus-McCormick said. Thats the only way that theyre able to come into the U.S. And so, once theyve passed this, theyre able to come in get their working papers. These people are not illegal, but actually came into this country legally.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis are fighting once again  this time over Floridas ballot initiative seeking to legalize marijuana use for adults in their shared home state.

Trump, running his third campaign for the White House in as many cycles, officially came out in support of the measure last week. Thats even as his vanquished presidential primary foe has invested significant political capital to defeat Amendment 3. DeSantis calls it a ploy by the states $2 billion medical marijuana industry to create a monopoly and says that its broad terms would allow people to carry dozens of pre-rolled joints and smoke them in public with no consequence.

Much like during the presidential primary  where most of the congressional delegation backed Trump, and state legislators went for the governor, save for a few prominent defectors  the states two most prominent Republican politicians are again forcing Republicans to pick sides. And although the governors concerns largely mirror most state Republicans long-established opposition to pot, DeSantis recently began chastising Republican lawmakers for not doing more to fight the measure and a separate initiative seeking to expand abortion rights.

You say youre all about these issues, and then when its time to do something about it youre nowhere to be found, DeSantis said during a recent discussion at a Tallahassee church. That is what courageous leadership is all about.

So far, most state Republicans have either stayed quiet on the issue or oppose legalization, and the state Republican Party has officially come out against the measure, vowing to fight it. State Sen. Joe Gruters  an ally of the former president  said he is the only Republican state lawmaker who supports the measure publicly.



But former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican who backed legalization in the Legislature before he was term-limited out, said he believes that at least half of Republican lawmakers support Amendment 3 privately even though they publicly oppose it. He said bills he authored on legalization that died in committee had many Republicans in the House and Senate privately signaling support, but none of them were willing to break ranks with DeSantis or the Republican legislative leadership at the time  or now.

This is just evidence that the Legislature is completely impotent when it comes to taking this thing on and doing this legislatively, Brandes said. They are unwilling to do the hard work because they dont want the smell of the devils lettuce on them.

Amendment 3 would legalize pot for people aged 21 and older if it earns at least 60 percent of the vote. The campaign supporting the measure believes it will need about half of that support to come from Republican voters.

History shows that it's possible for a pot-related initiative to surpass the 60-percent threshold, although the states makeup of registered voters has changed. Florida voters legalized medical marijuana with 71 percent of the vote in 2016, but that was also when there were 400,000 more Democratic voters on the rolls than Republicans. This year, the GOP has 1 million more registered voters than Democrats.



Amendment 3 would be a boon for the states medical marijuana industry  the largest of its kind in the nation  by allowing Floridas 25 state-licensed pot companies to expand into the recreational market. The measure is backed by the Smart & Safe Committee, which has collected more than $94 million in cash contributions mostly from Trulieve, which is the states largest medical pot company with roughly 150 retail outlets statewide.

When asked about Republican support for Amendment 3, Smart & Safe spokesperson Morgan Hill pointed to a June Fox News poll showing that 57 percent of Republicans support the measure. Floridians agree that its time to stop arresting adults for simple marijuana possession and that Floridians deserve access to safe, lab-tested products, Hill wrote in an email.

A spokesperson for Trumps campaign pointed to his posts on Truth Social in support of the amendment and declined to comment on DeSantis opposition. A spokesperson for the governor did not respond to a request for comment.

Beyond Trump voicing his support for the amendment, he has not been particularly involved in the campaign to get it passed. The same cannot be said for DeSantis opposition efforts. He has traveled the state railing against the amendment, and his political operation is deeply intertwined with efforts to defeat the amendment.

Both of Floridas top incoming legislative leaders  House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez and Senate President-designate Ben Albritton  are against Amendment 3. In a statement, Albritton wrote the states medical marijuana law already provides access for patients who need it.

I am seriously concerned about the harm Amendment 3 will bring to our state and our future generations, Albritton wrote. Legalizing recreational use will accelerate our behavioral health crisis, pose harm to our children at critical stages of development and increase impaired driving on our roads.



And outside of Gruters, who remains close with Trump, few current Republican officeholders appear willing to buck the governor or their chamber leaders. But Gruters appeared in a Smart & Safe campaign ad with a Democratic state senator, where he emphasized both his support for Trump and Amendment 3. Its not about politics, its about Florida, he says in the ad.

But the split in the party has been more pronounced in the grassroots. Just last week, the Smart & Safe Committee announced an endorsement made by the Florida Young Republicans.

The Florida Young Republicans hereby stand with President Trump on his positions regarding the Florida ballot measures, the group said of the endorsement.

But the Young Republicans endorsement was quickly followed by a separate statement released by a Tallahassee-based chapter of the organization, announcing its opposition to the measure. The statement is signed by more than 30 members from across the state.

Many members of the Capital Young Republicans chapter work for state agencies and bureaus overseen by the governors office. We are committed to ensuring that Floridians see Amendment 3 for what it truly is and urge all voters to reject it in the coming election, the chapters statement read.

And the split can get even more personal. The 2017 law that lawmakers wrote to implement the medical marijuana initiative was sponsored by the now-former state Sen. Rob Bradley, who is a Republican. Bradley said he supports Amendment 3 although his wife, current state Sen. Jennifer Bradley, who is also a Republican, opposes it.

Efforts to reach the current Sen. Bradley were unsuccessful.

We agree on 95 percent, but not this one, the former Sen. Bradley said.
Florida says abortions allowed at 'any stage in pregnancy' to save life, health of mother

Florida's two state health agencies clarified for doctors on Thursday morning that an abortion is allowed at "any stage in pregnancy" to save the life and health of the mother, according to a press release.

"Providers are reminded that Florida requires life-saving medical care to a mother without delay when necessary, and the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration will take regulatory action when a provider fails to follow this standard of care," the press release says in bold text.

The release, aimed to dispel what the state called "misinformation" about abortion in Florida, also says "miscarriage is not an abortion" in bold text and warns health care facilities and providers that a failure to provide life-saving treatment for pregnant women may constitute malpractice.

Around 100 activists and lawmakers from across the state gathered in the fourth-floor rotunda of the Capitol to mark the 47th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court, legalizing access to abortion, and to condemn Senate Bill 404/House Bill 265 which would require parental permission for minors to get an abortion Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020.

Florida law "defines 'abortion' to mean the termination of human pregnancy with an intention other than to produce a live birth or to remove a dead fetus. A miscarriage does not produce a live birth," the press release explains.

The announcement comes one day after Floridians Protecting Freedom held a press conference with doctors who explained their recent experiences with the state's Heartbeat Protection Act, which limits abortion to six weeks after conception with exceptions for rape and incest to 15 weeks.

Floridians Protecting Freedom is the group behind the proposed Amendment 4 on the November statewide ballot. It would revert Florida's abortion law to what it was before the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

On a Wednesday morning Zoom call, providers across the state explained their frustrations with the new law, saying it prevented them from helping pregnant women until they are "on the brink of death" or forced into dangerous or "heartbreaking" situations.

One provider, Dr. Chelsea Daniels, told the story of a patient who had four ultrasounds from four different clinics showing a nonviable pregnancy, yet it wasn't until the patient visited Daniels, her fifth doctor, that she was able to get an abortion.

"What if it had taken a sixth or a seventh doctor? Could she have become sick? Absolutely," Daniels said. "The fact that we are forcing patients to carry nonviable pregnancies like this for weeks and sometimes months is just beyond the pale."

She added: "That is what these laws do to people, and that is why these exceptions are not real, because they are not actually serving people, because they are not clinically applicable."

In Thursday's press release, the agencies mention "fatal fetal abnormality" as an exception to the abortion law along with rape, incest and human trafficking. The press release later explains the exceptions for rape, incest and human trafficking have a cut off for 15 weeks, but the agencies do not say whether that applies to "fatal fetal abnormality."

"The state can continue to spend their resources saying there's misinformation out there, but we're seeing the real life outcomes, and its just not good enough. That's why Amendment 4 is so important to get government out of these health care decisions," a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood in Florida told the USA TODAY Network  Florida.

Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book said she thinks opponents to Amendment 4 are nervous the measure will pass.

Senator Lauren Book speaks in favor of her amendment to SB 146, a proposed abortion bill in the Florida Senate, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022.

"The realities of the extreme abortion bans that exist have set in with the population," she said in a phone interview. "They're not happy, and they're going to the ballot box very soon, and (the state is) trying to obfuscate the reality that exists for women across our state."

"It's not going to work, because people know what's happening, that the Legislature has gone too far," she added.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state Republicans are opposed to Amendment 4, saying the ballot measure goes too far and is too vague. "The reality is, this whole thing is not what it seems. This is all built on deception," DeSantis said at a press conference in Orlando last week.

As previously reported, the Agency for Health Care Administration last week launched a webpage attacking the amendment, which must be approved by 60% of Florida voters this November to become the law of the land.

Floridians Protecting Freedom is suing the DeSantis administration for "dissemination of false, inflammatory, and misleading information," and wants a judge to order the removal of the webpage and any advertising that "interferes with the right of Florida citizens to propose constitutional amendments by initiative."

Defending the move, an AHCA spokesperson wrote in an email that it published the page as a way to "educate Floridians on the states current abortion laws and provide information on a proposed policy change that would impact care across the state." It claims on the webpage that the abortion ballot measure "threatens women's safety."

Amendment 4 will "create a lot of bootleg abortions clinics around the state," DeSantis said in Orlando.

"People are going to make money off of this, and people are going to make millions," he added.

The same week the website debuted, the Tampa Bay Times reported that the Florida Department of State is reviewing tens of thousands of citizen signatures from multiple counties that were used to get the amendment on the ballot. And DeSantis and the Florida House of Representatives paid outside consultants to try to sway the outcome over the ballot measure's financial impact statement.

More: Florida legal fight related to abortion amendment intensifies as accusations fly

Also, as previously reported, a complaint against DeSantis and other state officials is being fast-tracked through the Supreme Court.

DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Secretary Jason Weida are being challenged for what's been called "unlawfully us(ing) their offices and agencies to interfere with the election" for Amendment 4. The state has until Monday to reply.

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Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida: Abortions allowed at 'any stage in pregnancy' to save mother
A "Trump 2020" hat is seen as U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks in opposition to funding for the war in Ukraine on the House steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 26, 2023. Credit - Elizabeth FrantzThe Washington Post via Getty Images

It is a long-accepted political assumption that Americans dont vote based on foreign policy. Even when voters are aware of global affairs, they rarely rate them as important factors in their vote.

And yet, while a recent Gallup poll showed that only 10% chose a foreign policy issue as their top priority, the parties are deeply divided between two foreign nations. The Democratic Party has mostly aligned itself with Ukraine, while many Republicans express sympathy for, if not outward allegiance to, Russia.

Of course, there are nuances within both parties, especially among leadership. But voters reflect this divide as well. Sixty percent of Democratic voters believe the U.S. needs to do even more to support Ukraine. Among Republicans who support Trump, 75% oppose Ukraine aid.

This divide between the parties has occurred once before and influenced the outcome of a presidential election. Over two centuries ago, the first two political parties in America declared their loyalties to warring foreign nations with dramatic electoral consequences.

Read More: Ukrainians Fear What J.D. Vance Could Do as Vice President

In the 1790s, the Federalists cozied up to Great Britain, while the Democratic-Republicans sided with France. These preferences aligned with the parties policy choices. The Federalists called for a strong federal government, a powerful army and navy, and investment in trade and industry. Britain served as the nations largest trade partner and possessed the worlds biggest navy. On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans vision for the nation was based on the yeoman farmer with limited federal government and no standing army. They distrusted Britains monarchy, strong navy, wealthy central banking system, and monopoly of foreign trade. Accordingly, they were much friendlier to Britains longtime enemy, France.

These conflicting positions broke into the open in 1793 when France declared war on Great Britain, reigniting a centuries old battle. No longer were these debates theoretical. They now required taking sides in a deadly war.

President George Washington deployed the full weight of his unparalleled reputation to keep the nation neutral. But near the end of Washingtons presidency, French privateers began seizing neutral American ships carrying goods across the Atlantic Ocean. Washington retired a few months later, leaving his successor to deal with these provocations.

Read More: The Uneasy Alliance Between Kamala Harris and Volodymyr Zelensky

John Adams took the oath of office as the second President of the United States on March 4, 1797. His tenure would be dominated by the threat of war with France and the divide between the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists over foreign policy.

A few months after Adams inauguration, he sent a peace commission to France to negotiate a new treaty. The American commissionersJohn Marshall, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and Elbridge Gerryarrived in Paris full of hope and good intentions. But when Americans received no news of their whereabouts or progress for over six months, both sides of the political aisle interpreted the silence through a partisan lens.

Federalists worried that something had happened to the envoys in France. Had France declared war on the United States and news had not yet arrived? Were the envoys imprisoned? Had they been assassinated?

Democratic-Republicans believed the best of French intentions and the worst of President Adams. They were convinced that news from the envoys had arrived, but Adams was keeping the dispatches a secret because they revealed Frances reasonableness and cast the administration in a poor light.

On March 4, 1798, the first dispatches from France finally arrived and exposed the depths of French perfidy. The contents revealed French demands for humiliating apologies, corrupt bribes, and inappropriate loans to even begin diplomatic negotiations. The treatment of the American envoys demonstrated that the French ministry had no intention of negotiating in good faith.

The public backlash was swift and ferocious. Americans were furious at the insult to national sovereignty and clamored for war. Some Democratic-Republicans willingly left Congress, and others were driven out by voters in the elections that year. For example, prior to the 1798 elections, the North Carolina delegation consisted of nine Democratic-Republicans and one Federalist. After the elections that fall, it was seven federalists and three Democratic-Republicans.

Congress responded accordingly with a series of military measures, including a dramatic expansion of the army, the creation of a navy and naval department, and significant investment in coastal defenses. The Federalists seized the political opportunity, using military appointments to reward loyal partisans and expand party infrastructure.

By the end of 1798, however, the Federalist Party had begun to fracture. While President Adams and Alexander Hamilton were both nominally Federalists, Hamilton was much more extreme and led a faction called the Arch Federalists. They controlled the army apparatus and clamored for war against France. Meanwhile, Adams was backing away from the militaristic spirit. He had long believed neutrality would best serve American interests.

When back-channel communications from Talleyrand suggested peace was still possible Adams pursued diplomacy, not war. On Feb. 18, 1799, Adams nominated a new peace commission to Parispermanently driving a wedge through the Federalist Party. The following year, when the moderate Federalists, led by President Adams, tried to distance themselves from the British faction in their party, the Arch Federalists turned on their fellow party members with increasing vitriol.

Diplomatically, Adams gamble paid off. The Treaty of Mortefontaine, signed in October 1800, established peace between France and the United States, which has lasted for 224 years. However, voters cast their ballots before news of the treaty arrived in the U.S. The lack of a treaty and the split in the Federalist Party over his actions ensured Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams in the presidential election. Foreign policy had a significant impact on the outcome of the election for the first time.

Read More: History Shows How Dangerous 'America First' Really Is

To be sure, there are other elections with foreign policy implications, but they typically hinge on a candidate's support or opposition to war and not an allegiance to different nations. In 1940, both President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his Republican challenger Wendell Wilkie advocated for peace even as they both sided with the allies against fascism. In 1968, Republican candidate Richard Nixon and Democratic nominee Vice President Hubert Humphrey debated how to end the increasingly unpopular Vietnam War. Decades later, during the 2004 election, the candidates agreed on the importance of fighting terrorism even if they disagreed about how. President George W. Bush ran for reelection on a platform of three pillars of national security and foreign policy: defend the peace by fighting terrorists; preserve the peace by solidifying relationships with allies; extend the peace by spreading democracy and human rights across the globe. Democratic candidate John Kerry campaigned on his unwavering position that as President, he would not have gone to war without greater international support.

Both the 1790s and 2024 offer a different and rare dynamic, but also one that could prove decisive to the election. Like the Federalist split over diplomacy with France in the 1790s, there are still Republican voters who support a Reaganite foreign policy, NATO, and aiding democratic allies. Many voted for Nikki Haley in the primaries. While their votes are not sufficient to sway the Republican Party apparatus, their temporary defection to Kamala Harris and other Democratic candidates in 2024 could determine both the next president and the future direction of the Republican Party.

Lindsay M. Chervinsky, Ph.D. is a presidential historian and Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. She is the author of the new book Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents that Forged the Republic. She is on social media @lmchervinsky.

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
Criminal charges have been filed against the former Arnold police chief following a joint investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office and state police.

In August, AG agents and state police conducted a professional integrity test and placed almost $300 and fake OxyContin pills in a car abandoned at a local in Arnold. The vehicle then was reported to police and former chief Joshua Stanga, 41, responded.

During the operation, Stanga was allegedly seen taking the money and pills inside the car. According to a release, he reported the abandoned vehicle to state police but said he only recovered the pills and $35 cash, omitting the full amount.

This defendant is charged with offenses that betray the trust of the community which he was sworn to serve and the many officers who perform their duties every day with bravery and integrity, Attorney General Henry said. As we do in every investigation, we followed the facts. Here, those facts lead to the defendant being charged, regardless of rank or position.

Channel 11 spoke to one community member who told us she was disappointed in the allegations.

Since hes the chief, you know, you would think hed be better than that. Hes supposed to be protecting the area, Nichole Thompson said. Thats pretty sad.

Stanga is charged with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking, misapplication of entrusted property, obstructing administration of law, unsworn falsification to law enforcement, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Stanga has been on administrative leave from the Arnold Police Department since mid-August.

After being arraigned, he was released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Channel 11 did reach out to Stanga over the phone but did not hear back.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001 after he was involved in a New York City club shooting with the music mogul

Ron Adar / M10s / SplashNews; Steve Granitz/WireImage Shyne Barrow; Diddy

Shyne Barrow, who was once Combs' protege, shared his thoughts on the music mogul's arrest in a recent press conference

The politician said that Combs "destroyed" his life after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a New York City club shooting they were both involved in

Combs was arrested for sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution on Sept. 16

Moses 'Shyne' Barrow, a politician and former Bad Boy rapper, is speaking out about Sean "Diddy" Combs after his arrest in New York City on Sept. 16.

In a recent press conference held in his native Belize, Barrow, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives, shared his thoughts on Combs' recent arrest and accused the music mogul of having "destroyed" his life.

When I was an 18-year-old kid, just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud and be recognized for my talent and take over the world. I was defending him and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me. He pretty much sent me to prison, Barrow alleged, without providing details to back up his charges.

"Lets not lose sight of what the cold hard facts are. This is not someone who I vacationed with and someone who I enjoyed this great, intimate relationship of brotherhood. This is someone who destroyed my life, and who I forgave, and who I moved on, and for the better interest of Belize because he was in the position at that time to give scholarships and maybe to invest," he continued. "I would not deny attempting to bring the investment to Belize and bring the contributions to education.

Related: Sean Diddy Combs Seen Playing Hacky Sack in Central Park Day Before Sex Crimes Arrest

Ron Adar / M10s / SplashNews; Steve Granitz/WireImage Shyne Barrow; Diddy

Barrow, who was once Combs' protege, was also asked if he ever participated in Combs' "freak-offs." He said he did not.

In 1999, Barrow was convicted of first-degree assault for a shooting inside a New York City nightclub that left three people injured. Combs was also accused of shooting but during his trial he said he fired the gun in self-defense and was acquitted of all charges.

Under no circumstances whatsoever did I have anything to do with a shooting, Combs said in a press conference at the time. I do not own a gun nor did I have possession of a gun that night.

Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001. He was released in 2009 and subsequently deported back to Belize.

Scott Dudelson/Getty Diddy in Los Angeles in October 2019

At the time of Shynes sentencing, Combs said in a statement, "Shyne's sentence is unfair and extreme, as I know he had no intention of hurting anyone. My prayers are with him and his family. I'm shocked by today's outcome. I will continue to support Shyne throughout his appeal.

Combs was arrested for sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution at the Park Hyatt in Manhattan on Monday, Sept. 16, according to a federal indictment.

The following day, his indictment was unsealed and it outlined disturbing allegations against him, including the alleged "freak offs" which he would reportedly force victims to participate in.

The rapper allegedly used drugs to coerce and intimidate women to join the "freak-offs" and they were sometimes allegedly captured on camera without the victims' knowledge.

When Combs' Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided in March, more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil were recovered among the "freak off supplies."

Related: A Timeline of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sexual Assault Allegations and Arrest

During his arraignment hearing on Sept. 17, his attorney Marc Agnifilo said that Combs is in treatment and therapy for things that most respectfully he needs treatment and therapy for and hes getting that."

Combs pleaded not guilty during his court date and his attorneys proposed a $50 million bail package that would've included a $50,000 bond for him. However, he was denied bail and taken into custody as he awaits trial.

Prosecutors also alleged that Combs had what appeared to be drugs in his hotel room when he was arrested.

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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Court documents say 56-year-old Peggy VanDeKieft served as the Canton townships treasurer for 18 years.

Last summer, board members noticed questionable activities in the townships bank account. After terminating her position immediately, further investigation found that VanDeKieft had stolen nearly $559,267.84 over a seven-year period.

She pled guilty to one count of embezzlement, which is a class 3 felony in the state of South Dakota. The sentencing agreement was that the state would not ask for more than seven years in the penitentiary. Class 3 felonies to have the opportunity to carry up to 15 years of penitentiary time. So the cap versus the actual allowance under state law was a little bit different, Lincoln County Deputy States Attorney Joseph Meader said.

He added that VanDeKieft did this in four different ways. One was paying herself a salary of $80,000.

The final test of summer at Cherry Rock Farms

The second one is payments through whats called State Line Insurance, which we realized is a company that the township has no business relationship with. Those were all fraudulent transactions. And that came out to be just over $38,000, Meader said.

Meader said VanDeKieft also made up two insurance companies with no relation to the township.

Townships are a political subdivision. Thats primary purpose, is to utilize taxes to do many different things. But probably one of the primary things theyre in charge of is the infrastructure of their roads, Meader said.

KELOLAND News reached out to members of the township board. Some were unable to comment, but one said he felt sorry for the financial stress thats now been placed on the township.

Meader hopes this case can be a lesson to anyone who currently sits in a position of public trust.

When you violate the publics trust, that is a serious violation of the law, Meader said.

The judge sentenced VanDeKieft to five years in prison. Shes also ordered to pay $511,004.04 in restitution to the township.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICAGO  A former executive at Outcome Health  who was the star witness against his bosses in a trial last year  was sentenced to seven months in prison on Thursday for his role in what prosecutors have called a $1 billion fraud at the company.

Before sentencing, former Outcome executive Ashik Desai stood before the judge and apologized for his role in the fraud and pledged to do better.

What I did was wrong and illegal, Desai told the court. There is and was no excuse for my conduct. I will feel shame and remorse about my actions for the rest of my life.

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Durkin said during the sentencing hearing that he was impressed with Ashik Desais cooperation with the government and felt his remorse was genuine. But he also said he felt Desai and other Outcome leaders were intoxicated with the prestige of working for what was once one of the hottest startups in Chicago.

Its hard for me to understand, as with all the other co-defendants, how far everyone fell off the path, Durkin said before sentencing Desai. All I know is it was so unnecessary.

Desais sentence was far more lenient than those faced by former Outcome co-founder and CEO Rishi Shah, co-founder and former president Shradha Agarwal and former executive Brad Purdy, who were found guilty of fraud last year, following Desais testimony. Shah was sentenced in June to seven and a half years in prison, Agarwal to three years of confinement in a halfway house and Purdy to 27 months in prison.

Government prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Desai to 60 days in prison, while Desais attorneys and the U.S. Probation Office had recommended Desai be sentenced to one day of time served and three years of supervised release.

In its heyday, Outcome was one of the most talked about companies in Chicagos tech scene. Outcome sold advertising to pharmaceutical companies, and ran those ads on TVs and tablets that Outcome installed in doctors offices and waiting rooms. At its peak, Outcome, which Shah started while still a student at Northwestern University, had a reported valuation of more than $5 billion and more than 500 employees.

During the trial, however, prosecutors said that Shah, Agarwal and Purdy lied about how many doctors offices had screens and tablets running their content and then used those false numbers to overcharge drug companies for ads. Prosecutors said they inflated revenue figures used to raise money from investors and secure loans.

Desais sentence on Thursday reflected his cooperation with prosecutors as they went after Shah, Agarwal and Purdy. Desai began cooperating with the government at an early stage in the investigation, and he pleaded guilty in 2019 to one count of wire fraud, as part of a plea deal with the government.

Desai admitted that he altered return-on-investment reports and signed false affidavits given to drug companies stating that their ads ran on more screens than they actually did.

During the trial, defense attorneys for Shah, Agarwal and Purdy described Desai as the mastermind behind the fraud, concealing his actions from his unknowing superiors. They said he was an ambitious, charming wunderkind who lied his way to recognition and success at the company.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, argued that Desai was merely following his bosses lead. Desai said during the trial that he once looked up to Shah and Agarwal as an older brother and older sister.

Desai, now 31, began working as an intern at Outcome, which was then called Context Media, when he was 19 years old. By his early 20s, he had become the companys vice president of business growth and analytics and was earning $500,000 a year. He was supposed to go to medical school after graduating from Northwestern University but instead deferred his medical school enrollment, and ultimately gave up his spot in medical school, to work at Outcome.

Prosecutors argued in recent weeks that Desai should not face too harsh a sentence because in addition to cooperating with the government, he was also very young when he committed fraud and did not make millions of dollars from the fraud, like Shah and Agarwal did.

They also noted that hes worked to move past his mistakes at Outcome. He has another job now with an employer who is aware of his past actions and still supportive of him, prosecutors wrote. As part of his job, he meets with interns to discuss his actions at Outcome and the consequences.

Desais attorneys wrote in their sentencing memo: Ashik intends to formally share his story with business interns and graduates and educate them that the fake it until you make it scenario is just a euphemism for fraud and that if faced with a similar situation you must tell the truth, even it means quitting or walking away from a dream job.

Desais attorneys also worked to answer the question, in their sentencing memo, of why Desai didnt just quit working at Outcome when he discovered the fraud, rather than taking part in it. They cited his youth and inexperience, in addition to a profound need to please and a fear of failure.

Ashik knew it was useless to try to get Shah to abandon the fraudulent practice of selling inventory that Outcome did not have, Desais attorneys wrote. Ashik convinced himself that if he did not cover up this practice, the fraud would be exposed, and the company would fall apart. Taking his cues from Shah and cloaking himself in the culture of the company, Ashik justified his moral failures by focusing on the future and believing that it would all be okay in the end.

Before Desais sentencing, 58 of Desais family members, friends and co-workers also wrote letters to the judge attesting to Desais character, in hopes of earning him leniency.

Two other former Outcome employees, Kathryn Choi, a former senior analyst, and Oliver Han, a former analyst, also previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The two are scheduled to be sentenced in October.

____
A campaign sign posted in 2014 on Davian Sanchez's Facebook Page. (Screenshot)

A former Providence City Councilor will pay a $5,000 fine to settle a slew of decade-old campaign finance violations under an agreement approved by the Rhode Island Board of Elections Wednesday.

The fine charged to former Providence City Councilor Davian Sanchez  the highest imposed in more than two years  reflects failure to report more than $9,000 in donations, and another $9,000 in expenditures, during Sanchezs single, four-year term in office, which ended in 2014. Another $6,500 in campaign donations received during that time period did not include required details such as the name of the donor, while $1,200 spent from his campaign did not name who the money was going to. Sanchez also reported $1,800 in campaign expenses that lacked documentation proving the spending was related to his campaign, according to the agreement.

Sanchez, who was elected in 2010 to represent Providences Ward 11, declined to comment when reached by phone Thursday. According to the written order, however, he blamed his campaign treasurer for failing to meet campaign finance reporting requirements. Sanchez also denied receiving written communications or calls from the Rhode Board of Elections.

Not for lack of trying by state elections officials. For the last 10 years, the state elections board has sent regular notices to Sanchez regarding the nine campaign finance violations and eight missing reports, according to Ric Thornton, campaign finance director for the state elections panel.

Thornton, who recommended the amount of the fine to the elections board, said he tried to balance the severity of the violations against Sanchez ability to pay, along with other factors.

We want to make the penalty be punitive enough because the violations are serious, Thornton said in an interview Thursday.

The fine is higher than most penalties historically imposed under agreements for campaign finance violations, according to John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island. The last fine that exceeded $5,000 was a $6,000 penalty to State Rep. Ramon Perez, a Providence Democrat, under an August 2022 agreement.

But more significant to Marion than the amount of the penalty was the decade that passed between when the violations occurred and the audit began.

Thornton acknowledged that it was a long lookback, citing staffing issues and other resource constraints as explanation.

In a perfect world, I would not want to go 10 years, Thornton said. But anytime we do an audit, were always looking in the rearview mirror.

Thornton and his team relied on bank statements from Sanchez account, obtained by subpoena, to find the discrepancies between actual donations and expenses, and what Sanchez reported to the state. It was lucky that the bank records were still available, said Thornton, noting that statements older than seven years are often no longer on file.

Sanchez has until March 31, 2025, to pay the first $2,500 of his fine, with the remainder due by the end of the 2025 calendar year.

The settlement does not cover late fees incurred for missing quarterly campaign finance reports from 2014 to 2024, when his account was closed as part of the investigation. The state elections panel will set the fees for late and missing reports at a later date, Thornton said.

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A pastor was wrongfully let go from his position at a Fort Worth church due to baseless allegations of looking at inappropriate images, his attorney says.

Scott Crenshaw was terminated as senior pastor at Lake Country Church about two weeks ago, his attorney, Mark Lane, confirmed.

Crenshaw has not looked at any inappropriate images. That is an absolutely baseless claim on behalf of the elders, Lane said.

Theyve engaged in nothing but rumor mill and scandalous discussion with employees with malice, the attorney said.

Crenshaw joined Lake Countrys leadership in 2018 and was instated as its senior pastor two years later. This came after he was let go from serving as a senior pastor at New River Fellowship Church in Parker County in 2016.

In a statement at the time, Crenshaw said he viewed inappropriate images on his church computer at New River Fellowship.

According to a statement issued by New River Fellowships elders, Crenshaw agreed to seek counseling, the Star-Telegram reported in 2016.

When asked Wednesday about his termination at New River Fellowship, Lane said, the prior issue from a church eight years is not relevant to today.

Lane intends on sending a letter to Lake Country Church and two other individuals possibly involved to seek a public statement of apology from the elders and to restore Crenshaws position.

Its horrible to destroy a mans career, Lane said in a phone interview.

He is also seeking compensation for damages caused by the allegations, according to Lane.

When the elders were first made aware of the allegations, they initially offered for Crenshaw to take a 60-day sabbatical in his support, Lane told the Star-Telegram. The elders then rescinded their offer, offering a 90-day leave of absence. Two days after the offer for him to temporarily step down, Crenshaw was fired, according to Lane.

In response to the Star-Telegrams email request for a statement, Lake Country replied with, I have no comment.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Parents & teachers critique Fort Worth ISD superintendent, board

 Woman shot her boyfriend to death in Fort Worth home, police say

 Fort Worth breakfast favorite will move to West 7th Street

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Crenshaws release from the church comes after an exodus of North Texas pastors took place throughout the summer of 2024.

Resignations and terminations began when Gateway Churchs founder and senior pastor Robert Morris resigned in June. In a statement to church officials, Morris admitted to sexually abusing a girl decades earlier. The woman, Cindy Clemishire, who is now in her 50s, told media sources that the abuse took place in the 80s and 90s in Oklahoma and Texas beginning when she was 12 years old and Morris was in his 20s.
It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in Quantum Healthcare Limited's (Catalist:V8Y) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

Check out our latest analysis for Quantum Healthcare

Quantum Healthcare Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when insider Chin Thean Quek bought S$300k worth of shares at a price of S$0.002 per share. That implies that an insider found the current price of S$0.002 per share to be enticing. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. Happily, the Quantum Healthcare insiders decided to buy shares at close to current prices.

In the last twelve months Quantum Healthcare insiders were buying shares, but not selling. They paid about S$0.0033 on average. I'd consider this a positive as it suggests insiders see value at around the current price. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Quantum Healthcare is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find small cap companies at attractive valuations, this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insiders At Quantum Healthcare Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen a bit of insider buying at Quantum Healthcare. CEO & Executive Director Gim Chua Tan bought S$48k worth of shares in that time. It's good to see the insider buying, as well as the lack of recent sellers. However, in this case the amount invested recently is quite small.

Does Quantum Healthcare Boast High Insider Ownership?

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. It's great to see that Quantum Healthcare insiders own 71% of the company, worth about S$11m. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About Quantum Healthcare Insiders?

We note a that there has been a bit of insider buying recently (but no selling). Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, Quantum Healthcare insiders feel good about the company's future. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Quantum Healthcare. For instance, we've identified 4 warning signs for Quantum Healthcare (2 are a bit concerning) you should be aware of.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

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.
The Fort Worth Independent School Districts C rating remains unchanged after state education officials asked the district to re-check its math on self-calculated A-F scores it released last week.

Fort Worth ISD leaders released A-F accountability ratings for each campus, as well as the district as a whole, ahead of the districts Sept. 10 board workshop. District leaders said they calculated those ratings using the Texas Education Agencys formula. But the district did so without first confirming their numbers with TEA, which is barred from releasing official ratings under a court order.

On Tuesday, a week after releasing the grades publicly, Fort Worth ISD submitted its self-calculated scores to TEA for review. The agency flagged a number of areas where the districts figures differed from TEAs. Because of the court order, TEA officials couldnt say publicly what the issues were.

Fort Worth ISD spokesperson Cesar Padilla said Thursday that district leaders think only one campus  World Languages Institute, a school of choice that specializes in bilingual education  would see a letter grade change, falling from an A to a B. TEA confirmed Fort Worth ISDs overall score of 70, giving the district a C rating, Padilla said.

Texas schools arent likely to see official A-F ratings anytime soon. On Wednesday, a Travis County judge granted several school districts request to block TEA from releasing the accountability ratings. Those districts argue the ratings are invalid because theyre based largely on the results of state tests that were scored using automated grading systems. Districts across the state saw large upticks in the number of students receiving zeroes after the switch to automated grading.

This weeks injunction continues a previous court order issued last month, also blocking the release of A-F scores. TEA officials say they plan to appeal.
(BCN)  Four people were arrested Tuesday for allegedly burglarizing a business in San Franciscos Richmond District, according to police.

At about 9:39 p.m., officers were sent to a burglary in progress at a business in the 1600 block of Balboa Street. Upon arrival, police could see significant property damage to the business, but no sign of any suspects.

Detectives gathered evidence at the scene, including information about how many suspects were involved and what vehicles they used.

A short time later, plainclothes officers spotted the suspect vehicles near Interstate 80 eastbound at Octavia Boulevard and continued surveillance as the vehicles traveled to Oakland, according to police.

Man steals $10M from former SF employer; spends some proceeds on pet cloning: DOJ

The suspect vehicle was disabled near Eighth and Center streets in Oakland. The occupants, later identified as 27-year-old Enrique Johnson-Antunez of Emeryville and 33-year-old Valerie Brinkmann of Newark, were taken into custody.

Two additional suspects, identified as Esteban Vasquez Lara of Oakland and Elena Carlson, were taken into custody by the Oakland Police Department as they allegedly attempted to cash in stolen lottery tickets at a business in the area of 14th and Adeline streets.

All four suspects were booked at San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a felony, vehicle theft, possession of burglary tools, buying or receiving a stolen vehicle, vandalism, and vehicle registration fraud. Antunez was also booked for violating his parole.

Carlson was booked on suspicion of burglary in the second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
POTEAU, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA)  Four Panama High School seniors were hospitalized Sept. 18 after a two-car crash in Poteau.

A press release says around 3:51 p.m., Poteau police and LeFlore County EMS were sent to the Cavanal Scenic Expressway at Franzini Drive in Poteau on a call of a crash with injuries involved.

The preliminary investigation shows that a 2001 four-door Buick was stopped at a stop sign facing west on Frazini Drive at Cavanal Scenic Expressway. A 2003 four-door Mitsubishi was driving north in the outside northbound lane of Cavanal Scenic Expressway heading toward Frazini Drive. The Buick headed west from the stop sign into the outside northbound lane of Cavanal Scenic Expressway and was struck in the drivers side by the Mitsubishi.

Former Poteau High School head football coach under investigation by Oklahoma State Board of Education

The release says the driver of the Buick, a 17-year-old girl from Panama, and both passengers, a 17-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy from Panama were taken to hospitals by life flight in critical condition. Two were taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa. One was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 17-year-old boy from Shady Point, was driven by a private vehicle to Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau.

Poteau police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are still investigating the crash.

Panama Public Schools released a statement on Facebook regarding the crash. The post says counselors are available at both secondary and elementary sites.

We ask for prayers for these students, their families, our staff, our student body, and our community at this time, the post 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 KNWA FOX24.
Four students in Hays, Del Valle districts arrested after threats made to schools

Four students  two in Del Valle and two in Hays  were arrested and charged with making false alarms Wednesday after those two school districts fielded online threats.

The arrests come during a two-week period in which there's been an uptick in local student arrests related to a rash of false threats that have plagued school districts and concerned parents across the state and country.

In the Hays district, a 15-year-old student at Johnson High School was arrested Wednesday and charged with false alarm or reporting emergency, a felony, and with making a false report to police, a third-degree felony, according to the district.

The arrest comes after the district received a report that a student made a verbal threat against Johnson High School. A student reported the threat, Principal Rob Hensarling said in a letter to parents sent Tuesday.

Separately, a 14-year-old Johnson High student was arrested Wednesday and charged with use or threat of exhibition or use of firearm, a felony, according to the district.

In another letter to parents Wednesday, Hensarling said the district had received a report from a student of a peer making a verbal threat.

The two students were not an immediate danger to themselves or the campus, Hensarling said in the letter. Nonetheless, we always will take these threats seriously.

Hensarling stressed that, any threat made, whether thought to be a joke or not, will be taken seriously and lead to serious school and legal consequences.

Three Hays middle school students were arrested last week after the district faced threats. Two of those students were charged with making a false alarm or report. One student was charged with terroristic threat.

In Del Valle, two students were arrested Wednesday after the district fielded threats, according to a letter to parents sent from district administration.

Del Valle school police determined one post had come from a student in the district, officials said.

Del Valle ISD takes all threats seriously and will take immediate action to investigate and resolve threats, even if they are posted as a joke, the district wrote in a letter to parents. Posting threats can result in students being charged with making terroristic threats. Please understand that threats will have serious consequences for students, even copycat or prank posts.

The four arrests come as parents, students and school employees are on high alert after nearly two weeks of continued false internet threats to schools across Texas and the country.

On Tuesday, four middle school students were charged with making false alarms or reports after a social media post circulated threatening Bastrop Middle School.

Police arrested a 29-year-old man Sept. 11 and charged him with making a terroristic threat to Hill Elementary School in Northwest Austin. In the Eanes district, a student was arrested last week in connection to a threat made against Westlake High School.

In all cases, law enforcement officers and school administrators have assured parents there is no ongoing threat to local campuses.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Four Austin area students arrested after schools receive threats
Francois Hollande aiming for French presidency  despite record-low popularity after first term

Francois Hollande is aiming to become Frances president again, his allies have said, after he released a new book positioning himself as a credible alternative to the radical Left of Jean-Luc Melenchon.

Mr Hollande, 70, a socialist who prides himself on being Mr Normal in the John Major vein, was among Frances most unpopular presidents when he left office in 2017 after one five-year term.

His approval ratings were so low  just 3 per cent wanted him to run for re-election in May 2014  that he chose not to stand for a second term, paving the way for the election of Emmanuel Macron, his former finance minister.

Mr Hollande made the surprise decision to run in Frances July snap elections for the Left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) in the rural French Correze constituency, where he was elected as an MP. However, the elections resulted in a hung parliament.

The former president stood without informing Olivier Faure, the current head of the Socialist party, with whom relations have been execrable since Mr Faure gave his support to Mr Melenchon.

The NFPs largest single party is France Unbowed (LFI), whose figurehead is Mr Melenchon, the ex-Trotskyite firebrand and a sworn enemy of Mr Hollande.

By way of explanation for joining the alliance dominated by his nemesis, Mr Hollande said: Its an exceptional decision for an exceptional moment.

As president, he sparked international ridicule after being photographed on the back of a three-wheeled moped while taking breakfast croissants to actress Julie Gayet, who is now his wife.

Francois Hollande with his wife Julie Gayet at a French film festival in 2023 - Stephane Cardinale

Valerie Trierweiler, Mr Hollandes girlfriend at the time of the alleged affair, later took her revenge for laffaire du scooter with a bombshell memoir about the betrayal.

However, the former president has bounced back to such an extent that an Ifop poll placed him as Frances joint fourth most popular personality.

Analysts often likened him to a weeble, the childrens toy, which famously wobbles but doesnt fall down.

In a sign of his growing popularity, the love scooter he used for this secret trysts with Ms Gayet was sold in May for more than 20,000 (17,000) at auction, which was double its listed price.

He even agreed to sign a note confirming: This scooter is the one!

Mr Hollandes scooter sold for 20,000 (17,000) at auction - Jaques Demarthon

Mr Hollande has just published a book titled the Challenge of Governing in which he analyses the French Lefts fraught relationship with wielding power and the duel between two Lefts  one radical, the other more reformist.

He notes that whenever the reformist Left has been stronger, it has enabled the Left to win and govern.

But when the radical Left is stronger (than the reformist faction), it prevents the Left from coming to power.

A friend close to Mr Hollande told AFP that he was paving the way for a comeback and there was no doubt about his presidential ambitions, which always start with a new book in France.

He is prepared to go to any lengths to position himself as a resort figure in the 2027 elections to hoover up the centre ground between Mr Melenchon and Marine Le Pen, the source said.

The former French president with his then partner Valerie Trierweiler at the Elysee palace in Paris - Ian Langsdon

However, critics blame Mr Hollande for leaving the Socialist Party in tatters after he left the Elysee.

They say he betrayed the French Left after the 2012 election in which he branded finance his main enemy and proposed to slap a 75 per cent tax on salaries over 1 million, only to swerve Right and enact a pro-market labour law.

One Socialist MP said joining the NFP has helped him regain some Left-wing credentials and wash away some of his poor image. Its clever.

The former French president offered a glimpse of his ambitions on Sunday by pointing out that Mr Melenchon has failed to reach the second round twice in presidential elections and should throw in the towel.

Someone close to the Socialist party would stand a far better chance, he insisted, without naming names.

In April, Mr Hollande published a separate book explaining the European Union for children.

Asked why he was so popular with younger French people, he said: For those aged between 18 and 25, Im the president of their childhood. There was Father Christmas and the President. I was the President. They still like me.

Whether that affection can extend to the rest of the French electorate remains to be seen.

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A commando turned Paralympian has said it is "pretty incredible" he is to become a freeman of his village in honour of his medal success.

Gregg Stevenson and his partner Lauren Rowles, from Worcestershire, claimed gold in the mixed double sculls at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris earlier this month.

Stevenson, from Foulridge in east Lancashire, lost both his legs in an explosion while serving as a Royal Engineer Commando in Afghanistan 15 years ago.

There will also be an annual scholar prize in his honour at St Michael and All Angels Primary School and a play area is to be named after him, Pendle Council said.

Stevenson said it's been "an incredible whirlwind" since the Paralympics and being made a freeman is "an honour".

"I think it means I can graze sheep on the village green, so that's quite exciting," he said.

Making someone an honorary freeman or freewoman is the highest award a council can give to one of its citizens.

Alma Avenue play area will be renamed the Gregg Stevenson play area with a Paralympic plaque detailing his achievement, Pendle Council said.

Stevenson and Rowles to Great Britain's third successive gold in the mixed double sculls PR3 [PA Media]

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of the authority, said the honours were "so well deserved".

To have a Paralympic gold medal winner in Pendle is amazing and should be rightly celebrated."

Pendle Borough Councils armed forces champion, Foulridge councillor and chair of Foulridge Parish Council, Kevin Salter, said: "As soon as we heard of Gregg winning a gold medal, fellow parish councillors and villagers all wanted to do something to mark his outstanding achievement."

"We wanted to find a fitting tribute for Gregg, and I feel we have achieved that by making him a freeman of Foulridge, where he currently lives."

Rowles and Stevenson left it late to claim a thrilling Paralympic gold, taking the lead in the last 100m [PA Media]

He said: "Gregg has come a long way since being injured while serving in the Army.

"Despite initial struggles, he worked hard to regain his fitness and pursued opportunities to learn new sports.

He became interested in rowing after trying out for the Invictus Games in 2018 and since then has gone on to achieve many sporting accomplishments, culminating in his Paralympics gold medal, showing his sheer determination which makes him such a role model for future generations."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk

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PARIS (Reuters) - France edged closer to having a new government, more than two months after a hung election, as new Prime Minister Michel Barnier's office said he had pulled together a list of ministers he will submit to President Emmanuel Macron later on Thursday.

Macron appointed Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as prime minister two weeks ago.

Barnier has struggled to name a new government, underlining the complicated topography of France's political landscape after Macron's ill-fated decision to call a snap legislative election.

The early July vote delivered an unruly hung parliament that has left political unity hard to come by, leaving France to be ruled by a caretaker government.

It is now up to Macron to approve Barnier's cabinet.

The government's priorities will include improving the public's purchasing power as well as guaranteeing security, controlling immigration and better managing the public finances, Barnier's office said.

Barnier and Macron will meet at 19:15 (1715 GMT) to discuss the new cabinet, Le Monde and other media said, but it was unclear if the administration would be announced in the evening.

Citing comments by former prime minister Gabriel Attal to his party after meeting with Barnier, BFM TV said the government would comprise 16 ministers and 22 junior ministers, from centrist and conservative parties.

Neither Attal nor Barnier made any comment on that.

Settling on a list of names to lead France's key offices of state has been challenging, particularly as the next government will likely have to administer a politically toxic round of spending cuts or tax hikes to improve the country's fiscal mess.

Barnier will need to tread carefully to avoid irking opposition parties who could join up and topple his government with a no-confidence motion.

"The prime minister will have to learn how to engage with an assembly that resembles a cauldron of various sensibilities and temperaments to build a majority," EuroIntelligence said in a note.

(Reporting by Zhifan Liu, Tassilo Hummel; Writing by Ingrid Melander and Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Conor Humphries and Hugh Lawson)
(Bloomberg) -- French Prime Minister Michel Barnier met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris late on Thursday to propose a new government after two weeks of tense consultations with rival political groups.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Barniers office said the talks with the president were constructive and that the final makeup of his team would be announced by Sunday.

Getting the balance right will be crucial for the survival of the new administration, which could easily be ejected by a no-confidence vote in the divided National Assembly where no group has a majority following snap elections in July.

The first urgent test will come with the presentation of a budget bill to rein in Frances galloping deficit. The fiscal situation has deteriorated further over the summer under the watch of a caretaker government, fueling tensions between different parties over how to tackle the situation.

The prime minister presented the architecture and composition of his government that respects balance, his office said in a statement.

The presidential palace did not provide a list of new ministers, who can only be formally appointed by the president. According to reports in the French media, the new team would be largely made up of figures from Macrons centrist group and Barniers conservative Republicans party.

Agence France-Presse said Barnier proposed Bruno Retailleau, the leader of the Republicans in the Senate, as interior minister. The 63-year-old has been a vocal critique of Macrons past governments, demanding more fiscal discipline and taking a more conservative stance on social issues, including voting against inscribing the freedom of abortion in the French constitution.

The AFP and other media also reported that the prime minister will promote outgoing minister for European affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who is fluent in English, to the post of foreign minister. A member of Modem, the centrist party that is part of Macrons coalition in parliament, the 41-year-old is likely to stick with broad pro-European foreign policies and support for Ukraine. In a further sign of continuity, Sebastien Lecornu is set to remain defense minister, according to reports.

French media also reported that Laurent Wauquiez, the leader of the Republicans in the National Assembly, turned down the position of finance minister in a meeting with Barnier and other representatives of political parties earlier on Thursday.

Two little-known parliamentarians from Macrons group were tipped to take on key economic roles, according to AFP. Antoine Armand would become economy and industry minister while Mathieu Lefevre would be named budget minister, AFP said.

In previous governments, a finance minister has had authority over both of those junior posts and been responsible for European and international negotiations. It was not clear whether that architecture would be replicated.

According to Barniers office, he told the gathering of political parties on Thursday that his priorities include improving public services, controlling immigration, reinforcing Frances economic attractiveness and bringing public finances under control.

The former European Union Brexit negotiator and seasoned right-wing politician was appointed two weeks ago in a bid to bring an end to months of political uncertainty that followed Macrons decision to call a snap legislative vote.

(Updates with details on possible economy and budget portfolios.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Fresno police sergeant arrested in Roseville, accused of attempting lewd acts with child

A Fresno police sergeant was arrested Wednesday after authorities in Roseville accused him of attempting lewd acts on a child.

Sgt. Paige McQuay, 56, was placed in custody in Fresno after the Roseville Police Department said he was the subject of a sex crimes investigation, according to a news release from the Fresno Police Department.

He was accused of attempted lewd acts with a minor and of contacting a minor in an attempt to commit an offense, police said in the news release.

McQuay has worked with Fresno Police Department since 1993, according to the department.

He was placed on paid leave as the investigation is ongoing, police said.

This criminal investigation was initiated and conducted by the Roseville Police Department and the Fresno Police Department is cooperating fully with them, police said in the news release.

Details about the investigation were unknown. Lt. Chris Ciampa, a spokesman with the Roseville Police Department, did not immediately return a request for comment.

The Sacramento Bees Ishani Desai contributed to this story.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  High school students who would like to get a jump on college credits learned more about the dual enrollment program Wednesday night at FSU-PC.

The event was packed with dozens of middle and high school students and their parents.

The seminar was designed to let families know what options their 8th through 12th graders have when it comes to higher education.

Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management Susan Hogg said they want students to know about the opportunity to take college classes while still in high school.

Bay EDA discusses how tourism fuels the local economy

While I was out and about going into high schools, what I heard most was parents were interested in students more interested in learning more about FSU and also the collegiate school, Hogg said.

Students in 11th and 12th grade can apply for dual enrollment. They can take nine college credit hours with a maximum of 30 credit hours per school year. The dual enrollment classes are free.

For more information, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Jim Cramer: This Utilities Stock Is A Buy, Calls Wells Fargo A 'Winner'

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

On CNBC's Mad Money Lightning Round, Jim Cramer said Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is going to go higher, adding that it's a winner.

On Sept. 17, the San Francisco-based bank launched specialized Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for its Commercial Banking clients, expanding its API portfolio.

These APIs offer real-time data access aimed at boosting sales, improving liquidity, reducing credit risk, and cutting expenses for floorplan and channel finance clients across several industries.

Trending Now:

A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10  you can become part of the next big real estate boom today .

This is a paid advertisement. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Flagship Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus. Read them carefully before investing.

Your biggest returns may not come from the stock market. Invest the way colleges, pension funds, and the 1% do. Get started investing in commercial real estate today.

It's had too big a move up, Cramer said when asked about Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM). Let's move on.

On Aug. 1, Iron Mountain reported better-than-expected second-quarter financial results and issued FY24 AFFO guidance above estimates. Also, the company increased its quarterly dividend.

Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR) is a cold stock, Cramer said.

On Sept. 17, the company inked a multi-year, multi-million-dollar contract with Nebraska Medicine. As per the deal, Palantir will utilize its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) to enhance healthcare through transformative technologies.

The Mad Money host recommended buying PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG). That stock is a good one, rate increase or no, he added.

On Sept. 12, B of A Securities analyst Ross Fowler reinstated PG&E with a Buy and announced a $24 price target.

Keep Reading:

This article Jim Cramer: This Utilities Stock Is A Buy, Calls Wells Fargo A 'Winner' originally appeared on Benzinga.com
Top social media and video streaming companies are facing new scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which released a report Thursday morning accusing the platforms of vastly violating users privacy and failing to provide safeguards for kids and teens.

The 129-page report found that several social media and video streaming platforms carried out practices in the last four years that did not consistently prioritize consumers privacy.

FTC Chair Lina Khan said the report determined these platforms harvest an enormous amount of Americans personal data and monetize it for billions of dollars every year.

While lucrative for the companies, these surveillance practices can endanger peoples privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from identify theft to stalking, she wrote in a release.

Those surveyed in the report were Meta Platforms, YouTube, X, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, WhatsApp, Amazon  the owner of gaming platform Twitch  and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. The Hill reached out to the companies for further comment.

To carry out the examination, the FTC in 2020 asked the nine companies for information on how they collect and track users personal and demographic information and whether they apply their content algorithms or data studies to this information. The companies were also asked how they determine which ads and other content are shown to users and how their platforms might impact the youth.

The companies data management and retention practices were woefully inadequate, the FTC said, noting the companies have collected troves of data in ways consumers might not expect. This includes gathering data through online advertisement and buying information from data brokers, the report found.

Some of the companies are increasingly using the data for their artificial intelligence systems, though users were often left in the dark went it came to how their data was involved in these products, the FTC report stated.

The FTC noted each of its findings may not apply to each company, maintaining the report is instead a general summary of nearly four years of research.

The agency report separately looked at the impact of these practices on children and teens, finding they put such users at a unique risk. FTC staff pointed to social media algorithms, which may push harmful content such as dangerous online challenges that can prompt negative health consequences for children and teens, as a particular danger for young people.

Several firms failure to adequately protect kids and teens online is especially troubling. The Reports findings are timely, particularly as state and federal policymakers consider legislation to protect people from abusive data practices, Khan wrote Thursday.

The report comes as the privacy of users, especially children and teens, has captured the attention of various lawmakers and child safety advocates on Capitol Hill. The report came out a day after a House panel advanced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), pushing forward legislation intended to boost online privacy and safety for children.

KOSA would create regulations governing the kinds of features tech and social media companies can offer kids online and aims to reduce the addictive nature and mental health impact of these platforms.

While KOSA received overwhelming support in the Senate and advanced through the House committee, the legislation could face challenges on the full House floor. Some Republicans are concerned the bill could give the FTC sweeping authority and the potential censorship of conservative views, a House leadership source told The Hill this 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 The Hill.
Ga. Sisters, 70 and 71, Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide that Took Place with Their Father in Home

Deborah Hudson and her younger sister Deloris Hooker were found dead

70-Year-Old Sisters Found Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide

Police are investigating the deaths of two elderly sisters in Georgia on Sunday, Sept. 19, with evidence currently leading authorities to believe it was a murder-suicide.

The Chatham County Police Department said in a statement this week on social media that officers responded to the sisters home around 5:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, discovering the two women dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Witnesses on the scene said the deceased women were sisters, the police statement said. Witnesses said one sister entered the home, and shot the other sister before turning the gun on herself.

The Chatham County Police statement said investigators are currently waiting to receive the results of an autopsy report on the two sisters and that the investigation is active and ongoing.

Local WJCL and the Savannah Morning News reported that the Chatham County Coroner's Office has identified the two women as 71-year-old Deborah Hudson and 70-year-old Deloris Hooker.

Neighbors told local WTOC that the sisters 98-year-old father, who the sisters were taking care of at the house, was inside the home during the shooting and that there were ongoing issues between the siblings for years.

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WTOC reported that witnesses say Hooker, the younger sister, had recently become homeless and was trying to convince Hudson and their father to allow her to live in the house with them. Neighbors told the outlet that Hooker broke into the house through the backdoor and shot Hudson in the chest before turning the gun on herself.

PEOPLE has reached out to a spokesperson from the Chatham County Police Department for an update about the investigation.

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Gary has narrowly avoided becoming home to a controversial $600 million waste-to-fuel plant, marking a rare environmental victory in a city often burdened by industrial pollution. After a five-year battle, Fulcrum Bioenergys proposed facility has been suspended, ending fears that it would further degrade the citys fragile ecosystem.

This victory, led by community activists and environmental advocates, came as Fulcrum filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and failed to meet city requirements.



This is a great thing for Gary, and we feel proud of ourselves for having, you know, helped to raise awareness of the problems of this plant and future plants of this nature, said Valerie Denny, a local resident who helped lead the community action critiquing Fulcrum. This may not be the last one that we have to fight.



Fulcrum Bioenergy did not respond to Capital B Garys request for comment.



When rumors surfaced of the facilitys closure last month, residents gathered at Brownskin Coffee to celebrate. Drinks in hand, they toasted a rare community-led environmental win. The Fulcrum project is dead, the flyers read, as glasses of non-alcoholic champagne clinked and celebratory chatter filled the room.



While the community celebrated their hard-fought victory, the official reason behind Fulcrums downfall was more procedural. According to Gary Redevelopment Division Director Christopher Harris, Fulcrum failed to meet its construction requirements and recently failed to close on city-owned property in Garys lakefront Buffington Harbor, leading to a cessation of the project after a long five-year battle with the city.

GARD members toast a rare community-led environmental win. (GARD image)





The news was welcomed by residents, especially by the local environmental advocacy group, Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, or GARD.



I think we need to celebrate our victories because not only does it reinforce the work were doing, but also the community sees it, and also administrators, said GARD member Kwabena Rasuli. Hopefully, they think twice again before OKing stuff like this again.



Fulcrum arrived in Gary in 2018, touting a $600 million investment and 160 jobs, while offering only vague plans to convert trash into jet fuel. The citys chronic environmental hazards and preexisting plans for another waste facility across town fueled growing community concerns. Despite vocal opposition, Fulcrum secured a permit from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to build the biorefinery at Buffington Harbor. The community mobilized, with GARD leading the charge.



Rasuli, a Gary resident, recalled the frustration that drove him to join the fight.

Fulcrum is the reason why I got involved in GARD, Rasuli said. Were just tired of all this environmental degradation that continues to come to our city.



Many in the community shared Rasulis frustration and had long felt Gary was being treated as a dumping ground for hazardous projects. As the details of Fulcrums plans unfolded, concerns mounted over the potential environmental and health risks posed by the facilitys emissions. GARD fought the project, even filing legal action against the Indiana Department of Environmental Managements decision to grant the air permit, signaling the communitys refusal to give up. The fight against the waste-to-fuel plant quickly became emblematic of a larger struggle: balancing the citys already vulnerable environment with its dire economic needs.



We understand that, yes, the city needs to be funded, but at the same time, they want to attract more people to the city and build revenue by increasing the number of residents in the community, GARD member Jennie Rudderham said. And you cant attract people when what youre doing in the interim is throwing a polluting industry and setting up trucking facilities in the middle of neighborhoods. Its the exact opposite of what people look for when theyre looking to buy a home.



In one instance, Rasuli said he got a sombering answer after asking a city administrator how much the city needed the funds when a potentially polluting trucking company had proposed to come to the area during a previous administration.



I said, were not that desperate are we? He said, yes, we are. So they act like theyre desperate, but shouldnt do it at the expense of the people.



The downfall of Fulcrum in Gary had been a long time coming. Last December, Fulcrum defaulted on $289 million in bonds, used to finance its Sierra plant in Reno, Nevada  its proof-of-concept example for what was planned for Gary.

As recently as August, Fulcrum faced lawsuits from several companies for missed payments, including against the flagship site in Nevada for being over $2 million in default to contractors. Then, on Sept. 9, the bioenergy company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.



Fulcrum BioEnergy did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Capital B Gary.



When I was doing this research, there were kind of these proposals all over the country to do stuff like this, Denny said. And, one by one, theyve all fallen away.



Denny, who helped lead the community action critiquing Fulcrum by creating press releases and reports like Why is Fulcrum a Bad Deal for Gary, said that she first saw red flags while researching the company, citing lack of transparency in their waste to fuel process, doubts about its financial viability, and alleged net-zero carbon process.



We felt like they were liars. We felt like they werent transparent. We felt like they were polluters, and we felt it wouldnt work. And in fact, all the things turned out to be true, Denny told Capital B Gary.



Locals hope that this successful show of community action will inspire IDEM and local officials to consider long-term investments that are beneficial for the city and the health of its people.



I didnt sign up to be a guinea pig, she said, echoing the frustration of many who feared Gary was becoming a target for hazardous projects. I just want to trust that people who are in positions to make decisions are doing it holistically, considering all of the potential impacts.

The post Gary Celebrates the End of Waste-to-Energy Company Fulcrum BioEnergy appeared first on Capital B Gary.
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A symbol of peace is coming to downtown Gastonia just in time for an international dignitarys visit.

The phrase May Peace Prevail on Earth will be written on a 7-foot peace pole approved Tuesday night by the Gastonia City Council. It will be constructed by the Rotary Club of Gastonia at their pavilion off West Main Avenue, explained club representative Laurel Morris.

Task force to combat uptick in retail theft in Gaston County

It will be a reminder of the importance of peace and working toward peace, she said of the obelisk thats 4 inches wide on all sides.

The peace phrase will be written in eight languages: English, Spanish, German (for Gastonias sister city), Haitian-Creole, Slavic, Catawba Indian, Arabic and Hebrew.

Morris explained that it was important to recognize the Catawba nation to start with the people who were here first.

The Slavic translation will be present to honor Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. She is planning to visit Gastonia Nov. 7, and Morris would like to have the pole dedicated by her.

It really is a huge honor to host this dignitary at the Gastonia Conference Center, Morris 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 Queen City News.
CENTERVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  Mudlick Tap House is taking big steps towards opening its doors in Centerville.

Actually, even more accurately, the gastropub is closer to gaining doors and a building.

The city of Centerville celebrated the groundbreaking of Mudlick Tap House on Wednesday afternoon.

The restaurant will reside in Uptown Centerville and is projected to open next May.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gayle King has landed a new deal to continue her tenure at CBS Mornings, TheWrap has learned. However, details, including length of the contract and her financial compensation, are yet to be announced.

Kings contract was set to run out in 2025, after signing her last deal in early 2022 to stay on as a co-host of CBS Mornings.

The award-winning journalist has been a core tenant of the morning show since its inception in 2012, holding down the fort for a rotating door of co-hosts. King currently hosts the show alongside Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson.

The New York Post first reported this news.

During her time at CBS Mornings, King has spearheaded coverage that drives ratings, including recent interviews with Jay-Z; Megan Thee Stallion; Cherelle Griner, the wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner; and Breonna Taylors boyfriend, Kenneth Walker.

CBS Mornings announced a couple of shakeups to its programming earlier this year after coming third in ratings behind ABCs Good Morning America and NBCs Today. The CBS shows executive producer Shawna Thomas confirmed that they would be adding a third hour to match its competitors. The additional hour, titled CBS Mornings Plus, will launch Sept. 30 in select markets and on the networks streaming platform CBS News 24/7, with Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz as co-hosts.

King has also expanded her reach to other networks in the past year. Last November, King Charles, her one-hour talk show with Charles Barkley, premiered on CNN Primetime. The two gave their unfiltered thoughts on the biggest headlines of the week, though the weekly show ended its run in April with no renewal plans in place.

Her contract renewal, however, comes at a tricky time for Paramount, as they are facing budget cuts after Skydances acquisition of the media company.

The post Gayle King Inks New Deal to Extend Contract at CBS News appeared first on TheWrap.
A day will come when Gayle King decides to step down from her prominent role at CBS Mornings. But that day is not today.

King and CBS News have struck a deal to extend her contract, according to people familiar with the matter. King, who has been at CBS News since taking a role at the show once called CBS This Morning in 2011, last renewed her deal with CBS in 2022. CBS News declined to make executives available for comment. Kings decision was previously reported by The New York Post.

More from Variety

CBS extends her contact when its morning show has taken on a new fighting edge. CBS Mornings, like other CBS News programs, runs third in the ratings behind ABC News Good Morning America and NBC News Today, but in recent months has narrowed the gap with the ABC program in a critical audience category  people between 25 and 54, the demographic most coveted by advertisers in news programming.

For the week of September 9, for example, GMA won an average of 433,000 viewers between 25 and 54, according to Nielsen, while CBS Mornings attracted an average of 409,000. With CBS making headway in a meaningful way, the network would likely be loath to change personnel on the morning program.

CBS News has more in store for its morning show. On September 30, the Paramount Global network is expected to launch a third hour of the program, co-anchored by Tony Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz.

King renews her pact at a time when Paramount is under pressure to cut costs. The company, which is slated to be acquired by Skydance Media, has articulated a plan to trim $500 million off its corporate base, and has been winnowing down publicity and marketing staffers, among others. Skydance executives have said they expect to take even more out of the company following completion of the transaction.

King, who is easy to talk to on camera and off, is known for an ability to snare prominent newsmakers and cultural figures for revealing interviews  even if the topics are often not the ones her subjects wish to discuss. Some of her most recent gets include Shawn JAY-Z Carter, Cherelle Griner, Megan thee Stallion, Breonna Taylors boyfriend and Kenneth Walker.

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Aftermath of an Israeli strike on a house in Gaza City

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. officials now believe that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza is unlikely before President Joe Biden leaves office in January, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

The newspaper cited top-level officials in the White House, State Department and Pentagon without naming them. Those bodies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"I can tell you that we do not believe that deal is falling apart," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters on Thursday before the report was published.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said two weeks ago that 90% of a ceasefire deal had been agreed upon.

The United States and mediators Qatar and Egypt have for months attempted to secure a ceasefire but have failed to bring Israel and Hamas to a final agreement.

Two obstacles have been especially difficult: Israel's demand to keep forces in the Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt and the specifics of an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The United States has said a Gaza ceasefire deal could lower tensions across the Middle East amid fears the conflict could widen.

Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal on May 31 that he said at the time Israel agreed to. As the talks hit obstacles, officials have for weeks said a new proposal would soon be presented.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has killed over 41,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh; Editing by Eric Beech)
A general election forum has been canceled amid the unrest in Springfield.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7 has provided continuous coverage of the Haitian immigrants in Springfield and the reaction to comments from former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance.

Leadership Clark County announced on social media Wednesday that it has canceled its general election forum scheduled for next Thursday, Sept. 26.

TRENDING STORIES:

After careful consideration and thoughtful discussion with our Board of Directors, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this years general election political forum. Given the current events affecting our community, we believe this is the most responsible course of action, in alignment with our mission and prioritizing the safety and well-being of all involved, said Leigh Anne Lawrence, Executive Director.

The group hopes to offer this service again in the future.

Leadership Clark County said they would donate the budget slated for the forum to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




A new genetic analysis of animals in the Wuhan market in 2019 may help find COVID-19's origin

FILE - An elderly patient receives an intravenous drip while using a ventilator in the hallway of the emergency ward in Beijing, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

LONDON (AP)  Scientists searching for the origins of COVID-19 have zeroed in on a short list of animals that possibly helped spread it to people, an effort they hope could allow them to trace the outbreak back to its source.

Researchers analyzed genetic material gathered from the Chinese market where the first outbreak was detected and found that the most likely animals were racoon dogs, civet cats and bamboo rats. The scientists suspect infected animals were first brought to the Wuhan market in late November 2019, which then triggered the pandemic.

Michael Worobey, one of the new studys authors, said they found which sub-populations of animals might have transmitted the coronavirus to humans. That may help researchers pinpoint where the virus commonly circulates in animals, known as its natural reservoir.

For example, with the racoon dogs, we can show that the racoon dogs that were (at the market)  were from a sub-species that circulates more in southern parts of China, said Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona. Knowing that might help researchers understand where those animals came from and where they were sold. Scientists might then start sampling bats in the area, which are known to be the natural reservoirs of related coronaviruses like SARS.

While the research bolsters the case that COVID-19 emerged from animals, it does not resolve the polarized and political debate over whether the virus instead emerged from a research lab in China.

Mark Woolhouse, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, said the new genetic analysis suggested that the pandemic had its evolutionary roots in the market and that it was very unlikely COVID-19 was infecting people before it was identified at the Huanan market.

Its a significant finding and this does shift the dial more in favor of an animal origin," Woolhouse, who was not connected to the research, said. But it is not conclusive.

An expert group led by the World Health Organization concluded in 2021 that the virus probably spread to humans from animals and that a lab leak was extremely unlikely. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus later said it was premature to rule out a lab leak.

An AP investigation in April found the search for the COVID origins in China has gone dark after political infighting and missed opportunities by local and global health officials to narrow the possibilities.

Scientists say they may never know for sure where exactly the virus came from.

In the new study, published Thursday in the journal Cell, scientists from Europe, the U.S. and Australia analyzed data previously released by experts at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It included 800 samples of genetic material Chinese workers collected on Jan. 1, 2020 from the Huanan seafood market, the day after Wuhan municipal authorities first raised the alarm about an unknown respiratory virus.

Chinese scientists published the genetic sequences they found last year, but did not identify any of the animals possibly infected with the coronavirus. In the new analysis, researchers used a technique that can identify specific organisms from any mixture of genetic material collected in the environment.

Worobey said the information provides a snapshot of what was (at the market) before the pandemic began and that genetic analyses like theirs helps to fill in the blanks of how the virus might have first started spreading.

Woolhouse said the new study, while significant, left some critical issues unanswered.

There is no question COVID was circulating at that market, which was full of animals, he said. The question that still remains is how it got there in the first place.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Norwegian Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced plans to open a new missile production facility in James City County, Virginia, US.

Kongsberg will invest around $71m for the new 14,000sqm facility and an additional $30m in other costs, including engineering and software. This investment will reportedly create around 180 new job opportunities.

Located near key US Navy facilities, the new site will assemble, upgrade and repair Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM).

The company noted that the decision to situate this facility in the US was "heavily influenced" by the possibility that the Department of Defense could award a multiyear procurement contract to Kongsberg.

Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace said, The US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force are important customers for Kongsbergs NSM and JSM. Their demand signals gave us the predictability we needed to invest in the United States.

He added that the new site will allow them to better serve allies in the US and continue to expand that supply chain locally, building capacity and redundancy for these critical capabilities.

This adds to the companys recent investments in the US. This week, it announced a $10m expansion plan for its facility in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In the last few months, Kongsberg also announced new missile factories in Australia - Adelaide and Newcastle.

"Kongsberg boosts US defense capabilities with missile site in Virginia" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD)  Georgetown city council members on Thursday discussed a potentially new ordinance that would make it illegal to drive faster than five miles per hour through streets flooded with more than six inches of water.

We are in hurricane season, and we know there is the potential for severe flooding every year. What were doing as the council is being proactive, and thats what it means. Im just looking out for residents within our city, said Tamika Williams Obeng, a council member for Georgetown.

Similar ordinances have been passed in other low-cost municipalities like Charleston to prevent damage to nearby homes caused by car wakes.

Sometimes, cars will try to come through, and it only makes it worse because it pushes the water more into the house so that the barricades will help, said Gerald Williams, a resident on Sims Street.

News 2 spoke to some neighbors who said they felt like the ordinance was just a Band-Aid and that the more significant focus should be addressing the underlying infrastructure issues.

They closed out many of these ditches around here, and we dont have big pipes to handle the water flow. Rerouting the cars will not stop the flooding or water from getting into our homes, said Cassandra Jackson, a resident of Sims Street.

We will continue to update as officials release more information about the potential ordinance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 officer injured leg while chasing after Food Lion shoplifting suspect, officials say

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD)  An officer was injured Wednesday night while chasing after a shoplifting suspect.

Officers with the Georgetown Police Department responded to a Food Lion in Maryville around 8 p.m. to investigate a shoplifting. When the officer attempted to arrest the suspect, the person ran off.

An official with the department said the officer injured his leg while chasing after the suspect and required medical attention.

A K-9 unit out of the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office was requested to help search for the individual.

The suspect was eventually taken into custody. No other 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 WCBD News 2.
FILE - State Election Board member Rick Jeffares asks the crowd to settle down during a hastily planned State Election Board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Friday, July 12, 2024. The Georgia State Election Board, which once toiled in relative obscurity, now hosts raucous meetings where public comment spans several hours and attendees regularly heckle its members. (Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)

ATLANTA (AP)  Four years ago, Georgia was at the center of former President Donald Trump s attempts to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Democrats worry that Trump is at it again, even before the first votes have been cast.

Many Democrats in the crucial swing state believe Trump-aligned Republicans are laying the groundwork for another attempt to undermine the vote should the GOP nominee narrowly lose in November, this time by manipulating election rules.

The turmoil springs from a takeover of the Georgia State Election Board earlier this year by Trump allies after Republican lawmakers yanked the secretary of state, who had resisted Trumps efforts to subvert the election in 2020, off the panel. The new majority started making election rule changes that have alarmed Democrats, legal experts and democracy advocates.

One provides for an undefined reasonable inquiry before county election officials certify results, while another allows county election officials to examine all election related documentation created during the conduct of elections. Critics say those rules could be used by county officials who want to refuse certification, igniting a legal firestorm at a time when statewide results would need to be certified.

State Rep. Saira Draper, an Atlanta Democrat who was the party's state director of voter protection in 2020, said hindering a final statewide tally may not even be Republicans main goal.

Its not about whether theyre successful in stopping certification, she said. Its about injecting enough confusion to the process that you have a significant segment of the population that will not accept the results. I think theyre going to meet that goal regardless of what these judicial opinions say.

Despite widespread criticism, the board is scheduled to consider nearly a dozen additional rules when it meets Friday.

The board members pushing the changes say theyre trying to ensure the accuracy of the vote and dismiss concerns about attempts to delay or block certification.

The possibility of that happening now that they have more information is just not likely, board member Janelle King said. Its creating a narrative that doesnt exist.

The controversy playing out in Georgia has national implications, since the presidential race is expected to be narrowly decided by voters there and in six other swing states. Disrupting certification of election results, a once routine process that Trump politicized through his lies about the 2020 election, could hinder states' ability to meet deadlines for their electoral votes to be counted.

But some legal experts say the doomsday scenario of Republican-dominated local election boards refusing to certify vote counts and preventing Georgia from certifying its totals by an early December deadline remains improbable. Thats because state law and court precedent firmly state that county officials cant unilaterally discard votes and shall certify by deadlines written into state law, no matter how much local board members might distrust their results.

There is no wiggle room for local certifying officials to take matters into their own hands, said Lauren Miller Karalunas, a legal historian at New York Universitys Brennan Center. Their only duty during certification is to sign off on the completeness of the results.

The state board has no direct role in determining election results, but instead writes rules to ensure that elections run smoothly and hears complaints about violations.

Growing Democratic anxiety over the board majority and its actions mushroomed after Trump praised the majority members by name during an Aug. 3 rally in Atlanta, calling them pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency and victory.

Trump's focus on the administrative board shows how battles over voting and ballot-counting are a tool that both major parties use to motivate voters in Georgia. Many Democrats say protecting the right to vote is a key issue that particularly motivates Black voters. But it's also a driver for Republicans, with state Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon praising the takeover of the board in May. He later emailed proposed rules to board members and others, including an election integrity adviser at the RNC.

Many of the rules come from grassroots Republicans linked to a national web of election integrity advocates connected to lawyer Cleta Mitchell, who was on a call Trump made in January 2021 urging Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to help him find the votes needed to overturn his loss in Georgia.

Forces undermining the security of our elections argue that counties must certify election results no matter what -- even if they are fraudulent and illegitimate, the RNC said in a statement last month. The Establishment is fighting hard against these rules because they want to keep election systems that are easy to manipulate, with no transparency and no checks in place to prevent cheating.

To be clear, there was no widespread fraud in Georgias 2020 elections. While Atlanta's Fulton County has admitted double-scanning some ballots during a 2020 recount, those errors if anything benefitted Trump. Georgia's votes for president were counted three times, including one by hand, and each affirmed Democrat Joe Bidens win. Recounts, reviews and audits in the other battleground states where also clearly affirmed Trump's loss.

In a lawsuit seeking to declare the rules invalid, Democrats argue the state election board exceeded its legal authority. A trial is set for Oct. 1. A conservative group led by a former Republican state lawmaker also has filed a lawsuit saying the board is improperly using rules to encroach on the Legislatures authority to make laws.

Opponents of the board's majority also are trying to get Republican Gov. Brian Kemp to remove the three Trump-aligned members, alleging ethics violations. The governor so far hasn't acted.

With less than two months until Election Day and mail ballots already going out to military and overseas voters, county election officials say it's too late for new rules. The Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials has been repeatedly critical of many of the proposed changes, saying they provide little benefit, duplicate efforts of already-required procedures or invite local boards to refuse to certify results.

Karen Glenn, an election official in Butts County, located south of Atlanta, said she thought it was very irresponsible for the board to be pushing new rules on counties as local governments prepare for an election that could see record turnout.

We have a lot to do to prepare, so to implement a new rule right now, we have to stop, learn that, Glenn said in an interview at a training meeting for election officials last month. Its just too close. It could lead to mistakes, and we dont want to make mistakes. We already have low public confidence as is, so that only hurts us.

Some Republicans argue that county election boards can decline to certify election results. A Republican-appointed Fulton County board member is asking a judge to affirm that position in a lawsuit. But court decisions in Georgia and nationwide say officials can't refuse.

"That has been asked and answered hundreds and hundreds of times over more than a century, said Karalunas of the Brennan Center.

Certifying Georgias statewide vote in November is the job of Raffensperger and Kemp, not the State Election Board. Raffensperger, a Republican, has repeatedly signaled he will push counties to comply and called their duty to certify very clear and black-letter law.

We fully expect them to do their job. he said.
A Student Wrote This Song for His Murdered Teacher And You Won't Believe How Many People Listened To It

Two weeks after the deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, Isaac Sanguma is taking matters into his own hands to honor the four victims one of whom was his algebra teacher. The 16-year-old wrote an original song dedicated to the victims. Although it hasnt been released yet, the songs snippet has already reached over 15 million views on TikTok and has touched the hearts of all who listen.

Sept. 4 started off as a normal school day for the Apalachee High School junior. According to Sanguma, he bumped into his fourth period math teacher, Christina Irmie, 53, that morning, and she even took the time to check in on him. I had threw up yesterday, so she asked me if I was okay, Sanguma told Gayle King on CBS News. I be coming to class late, so she was begging me to come to class on time today, he continued.

But before Sanguma could make it to fourth period, 14-year-old Colt Gray walked into the school and opened fire. Sanguma and his second period class evacuated safely, and it wasnt until he got home that he learned Ms. Irmie was one of the four victims killed. I didnt know that was going to be my last time seeing her and talking to her, he said.

When asked to describe his teacher, Sanguma said she was really nice. He added even though he struggled with math and was retaking algebra with Irmie, she never made me feel ashamed about it. She never made me feel dumb.

In a recent TikTok post, he wrote, The day she died she had the fattest smile on her face with her lil dimples when she seen me... He continued, man I wish I could go back and give her [a] hug.

Like the greater Apalachee community, Sanguma is still trying to process the deadly shooting. So the 16-year-old, whose rap name is Lezone, transformed his pain into music honoring Irmie and the other victims lost (Mason Schermerhorn, 14; Christian Angulo, 14; and Richard Aspinwall, 39).

The lyrics of Sangumas song, titled Forever Irmie, paint the vivid picture of the devastating reality the Apalachee community must now face. He raps Im still trying to process this drama / Another mother lost her child, it couldve been my mama / Wont see Ms. Irmie for a while, man I cant cope this trauma.

tiktok-7415458969411407146

Its crazy two lil girls wont grow up with their father / School aint gon be the same, I gotta keep my guard up / Cant break down, I know Ms. Irmie want me to go harder.

Since Sanguma dropped the now viral snippet, over 300 TikTok videos have been made using its audio. He also said record labels are reaching out to sign him. His song is set to be released this Friday (Sept. 20).



Obviously still dealing with the loss of his schoolmates and one of his favorite teachers, Sanguma told the Atlanta Journal Constitution making the song is helping mebringing me comfort. He added, I really wanted a song that everyone could relate to.



The 16-year-old just wrapped up filming a music video for Forever Irmie on the schools campus, which is set to hit the Net after the songs official release. You can pre-save Sangumas song here.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
After a transgender woman was brutally murdered Wednesday in her home, Georgia authorities say they have detained a suspect.

Kesaria Abramidze, 37, was found dead with multiple stab wounds at her home in the Didi Digomi district of Tbilisi. Beka Djaiani, 26, was arrested Thursday morning after a swift investigation by law enforcement revealed he was at Abramidze's building around the time of her murder, according to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs via local outlet Jam News.

Authorities suspect that Abramidze's killer was her friend, and that he murdered her after an argument between the two before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage shows Djaiani waiting for the elevator in Abramidze's building, and running down the stairs about 15 minutes later. Law enforcement has also obtained the knife they suspect was used in the killing.

Public Defender Levan Ioseliani said in a statement via the outlet: "This horrifying murder is yet another proof that law enforcement agencies and the public are not aware of crimes committed on the grounds of hatred and gender identity. The response must be particularly strict. I hope that the perpetrator will be punished swiftly and severely."

Abramidze's murder comes just one day after the Georgia Parliament passed the so-called "On the Protection of Family Values and Minors" law, which includes restrictions on education, public discussion, and gatherings related to sexual orientation and gender identity. It also restricts access to medical services, including gender-affirming care, and the option to update gender identity on official identification documents.

The law has been condemned by the United Nations, with Human Rights Office spokesperson Liz Throssell saying the organization is "are deeply concerned that this law may encourage hate speech, lead to more incidents of violence, and reinforce stigma, intolerance and misinformation."



Chairman of the Bundestag's Committee on International Relations, Michael Roth, directly connected Abramidze's murder to the anti-LGBTQ+ law, stating on Twitter/X that "those who sow hatred will reap violence."



"Kesaria Abramidze was killed. Just one day after the Georgian parliament passed the anti-LGBTI law," he wrote. "I am deeply shocked and call on the ruling party 'Georgian Nightmare' to immediately withdraw the shameful law."
The de facto leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party stunned Georgians  who are rarely shocked by the turbulent political situation in the country  by declaring that Georgia should "apologize" for Russia's 2008 war against the country.

Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili's statement on Sept. 14 was a campaign promise made ahead of the upcoming October parliamentary election, and part of his party's larger trend of rapprochement with Russia.

But according to analysts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent, the suggestion that Georgia, rather than Russia, is at fault for the war may be a step too far and is unlikely to have a positive electoral impact for the Georgian Dream.

"This statement is not going to make the Georgian Dream any more popular with its constituents, those who already like them will vote for them no matter what, and those who are undecided, I think they will, for lack of a better term, be turned off by this statement," said Tinatin Japaridze, a risk analyst at the Eurasia Group.

"It's a lose-lose for Tbilisi, but a definite gain for Moscow because it is able to distance itself from taking responsibility for (the 2008 war)," Japaridze told the Kyiv Independent. The five-day war in 2008, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, the displacement of almost 130,000 people, and cemented the Russian occupation of around 20% of the country, has long been a hot-button political issue for Georgia.

"It's a lose-lose for Tbilisi, but a definite gain for Moscow."

While Ivanishvili's suggestion that Georgia should apologize to Ossetians, the minority ethnic group that predominantly lives in the South Ossetia region occupied by Russia, was the strongest statement to date, it was not the first time that Ivanishvili or other officials have blamed their own country for the Russian invasion of sovereign Georgian territory.

Read also: Georgian parliament passes anti-LGBTQ legislation

Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia and its consequences

The roots of the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia stretch back to Soviet times when an autonomous region for Ossetians was created after the Red Army took over Georgia in the 1920s and established communist rule. Across the border, in then Soviet Russia lay the North Ossetia autonomous region, where the bulk of ethnic Ossetians lived.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of Georgia, the majority of Ossetians were spread across the Russian North Ossetia, and the Georgian South Ossetia, now across an international border.

An ethnic conflict, inflamed and supported by Moscow, soon arose, resulting after the war's end in 1992 with divided control between Tbilisi and South Ossetian separatists in the region.

An unclear situation in South Ossetia remained in place until 2008 by which point Russia had given passports to a majority of the population.

Relations between the strongly pro-Western Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili (2004-2013) and Russia had deteriorated. Moscow began further fanning the flames of separatism and claiming that Georgia was planning a genocide of Ossetians. Militant groups in South Ossetia began firing on Georgian positions, and ultimately, Saakashvili decided to send troops into the breakaway region.

Russian soldiers sit in APC in the centre of Tskhinvali, Georgia on Aug. 12, 2008. (Dmitry Kostyukov / AFP via Getty Images)

Georgian women look at a convoy of Russian armored vehicles escorted by Georgian police on the road from the flashpoint city of Gori to Tbilisi near the village of Savsvebi, Georgia on Aug. 15, 2008. (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images)

In response, under the guise of protecting Ossetians, Russia sent its own military into the area, resulting in the five-day war and the subsequent Russian occupation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another region of Georgia where Russian-backed separatists had fought a war with Tbilisi in the 1990s.

During the war, Russian troops went far past the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia  both internationally recognized as sovereign Georgian territory  and drove armored columns just dozens of miles from Tbilisi.

According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, 224 Georgian civilians and 161 soldiers were killed during the war.

Read also: Russia announces willingness to help Georgian ruling party stay in power

The Blame Game

The war has been hotly debated across Georgia, Russia, and the West. Countless explanations have been given for how it started, who set it off, and who should be blamed.

A report by the Council of the European Union issued in 2009 claimed that Georgia was responsible for the war because it had set off hostilities through its shelling of the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali. The report said the Georgian attack was "unjustifiable" but also acknowledged that Russia went far beyond defending its own servicemen and Ossetian citizens and that the incursion past South Ossetia was "in violation of international law."

The report was criticized at the time for being overly deferential to Russia, a charge that has only increased since.

The European Council on Foreign Relations said in 2015 that the report had been influenced by Russian propaganda, and other think tanks like the Atlantic Council said that Russia was unequivocally to blame.

The European Court on Human Rights ruled in 2021 that Russia was responsible for a wide variety of human rights violations in the war.

The war has continued to be rethought and analyzed after Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, with many leaders and experts saying the international community's lack of proper response then gave the green light for Russia to later invade Ukraine.

But within Georgia, the war has become a political weapon, often employed by the Georgian Dream to smear Saakashvili  imprisoned since 2021 on charges he claims are trumped up by rivals  and his party, the United National Movement (UNM).

Russian soldiers place a Russian flag atop their tank in Tskhinvali, Georgia on Aug. 11, 2008. (Andrei Smirnov / AFP via Getty Images)

Ivanishvili and other officials have called Saakashvili and UNM "criminal" for starting the war, and have warned that their return to power (or any opposition party) would lead to renewed conflict with Russia.

"If one believes, like I do, that Ivanishvili has always been the Kremlin's instrument, with a task to bring Georgia back into Russian domination, then his current behavior can only be seen as the last steps of this plan," said David Zedelashvili, a constitutional lawyer and professor in Georgia.

In his statement about the need to apologize to Ossetians, Ivanishvili said: "Immediately after the Oct. 26 elections, those who instigated the war will face justice."

Tina Bokuchava, chair of UNM, said the remarks were "one of the most shameful, disgusting, treacherous statements," a sentiment that was echoed by other opposition politicians.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in August that the Georgian Dream would seek a constitutional ban of UNM and its affiliates if it secured a constitutional majority in the election. Many viewed the pledge as a plan to ban all opposition parties.

Read also: Family of Georgian oligarch Ivanishvili has undeclared real estate in Russia, investigation finds

The 'poison pill' confederation

The wrangling over history is the latest step in Georgia's heated political environment as the country prepares for a decisive election in October.

In the meantime, Georgia's relations with the West have fallen to a low point, particularly over concerns about the controversial foreign agents law passed earlier in the year. The EU has frozen Georgia's path toward accession to the bloc, and both the EU and the U.S. have halted aid packages, citing fears of democratic backsliding in the country.

Some in Georgia believe that Ivanishvili's statement, given the wider context of warming relations with Moscow, is setting the stage for a possible deal with Russia that could see the reintegration of South Ossetia and Abkhazia into Georgia in the form of a confederation.

A torn flyer showing Bidzina Ivanishvili, billionaire and former Georgian prime minister, on the ground in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 2024. ( Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

While Georgians across the board would be thrilled to see the return of the occupied territories, there is a widespread belief that such a plan as currently formulated would be a poison pill that ensures their reintegration on the Kremlin's terms.

"I think there's a lot of skepticism that Georgia can get the territories back anytime soon, whether it's under the opposition that may come to power or under the current ruling party," said Japaridze.

"It's a pie in the sky that the Georgian Dream is going to try to use."

The kind of concessions required to achieve reintegration with the consent of the Kremlin are unknown, and there are signs that Russian-backed authorities in South Ossetia and Abkhazia are not interested in such a deal.

"I don't think that Russia will even allow the project of confederation," Zedalishvili told the Kyiv Independent.

South Ossetian officials said the apology should be viewed in the context of domestic electoral politics, and added that "Tskhinvali expects not only verbal declarations but also practical steps" on key issues to move forward with any rapprochement.

The United National Movement (UNM) and Saakashvili are somewhat controversial in Georgia, opinion polls have found that a higher percentage of respondents said human rights abuses were the largest failure of the Saakashvili regime (27%). Failure to prevent the war came in second place, at 25%.

At the same time, a slight majority (55%) disagreed that the government did everything possible to stop the war from happening.

A convoy of Russian troops makes its way through the mountains in the direction of Tskhinvali near the town of Alagir on Aug. 16, 2008. (Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP via Getty Images)

Numerous surveys have found that an overwhelming majority of Georgians still believe that Russia is the primary threat facing the country. Only 3% of respondents said they wanted a pro-Russia government, according to a 2023 poll. At the same time, a plurality of respondents, including those who support opposition parties, said that Georgia's foreign policy should be "pro-Western, however we should maintain good relations with Russia."

The Kremlin certainly wants to maintain influence over Georgia, but it does not hold political developments there to the same level of importance as in Ukraine, Japaridze said.

"As long as (the Kremlin's) interests are not being challenged, and ideally, they are being represented by whoever is in the Georgian government as the ruling party, Moscow is okay," Japaridze said.

"I don't think that they are going to necessarily try to invade Georgia or try to annex Georgia. "I don't think they need to do that, as long as it's within (the Kremlin's) fold," she added.

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Germany expects to allocate an additional 400 million of military aid to Ukraine, according to a letter from Florian Toncar, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, to the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag (the German federal parliament).

Source: European Pravda, citing ntv

Details: Toncar, who is a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), cited the additional needs identified by the German Defence Ministry and the difficult situation Ukraine finds itself in with regard to the war against Russia.

The funds will be used to purchase military equipment from the German defence industry, according to Toncar.

Toncar wrote that the recent successes of the Russian Armed Forces have worsened Ukraines position, with Ukrainian forces suffering "extensive material losses" given Russias advantage in artillery and glide bomb use.

There is a "serious risk", Toncar wrote, "that Ukraine will lose its defensive battle without the aid being ramped up significantly".

Background:

On 17 September, it was reported that Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of Germany, hoped that the German federal government would approve supplementary funds for the supply of armament to Ukraine on top of the 7.5 billion earmarked for Ukraine in the 2024 German budget.

Earlier, German media reported that the current budget planning of the German federal government did not provide additional funds for the support of Ukraine, and additional applications of the Ministry of Defence of Germany regarding the military aid for Ukraine would no longer be approved on the chancellors demand.

At the same time, the German government denied its intention to curtail military assistance for Ukraine.

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Berlin has handed over 22 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, 61,000 155 mm rounds of ammunition, three Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns with spare parts, and other equipment in its latest delivery of military aid to Ukraine, the German government said on Sept. 19.

The tranche also included five Bandvagn 206 all-terrain vehicles, two air surveillance TRML-4D radars, and an all-terrain tracked carrier Warthog, as well as 112 vehicles from Bundeswehr and industry stocks.

Ukraine received 30 Vector drones, 20 Heidrun RQ-35 reconnaissance drones, 12 Songbird drones, six Hornet XR drones, and 20 naval drones.

Berlin further delivered three Beaver bridge-laying tanks with spare parts, a Dachs armored engineer vehicle with spare parts, and six Wisent 1 mine-clearing tanks.

The 22 Leopard 1 A5 tanks with spare parts were delivered under a joint initiative with Denmark.

Initially a hesitant partner, Berlin became Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S., although German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is still reluctant to supply some key capabilities, namely Taurus long-range missiles.

According to an agreed-upon federal budget, Germany's military aid to Ukraine will be cut by half next year when compared to 2024. Berlin has allocated around 8 billion euros ($8.7 billion) to Kyiv in 2024, whereas the next year's support is currently set at 4 billion euros ($4.35 billion).

Read also: Its personal  Why Germany still refuses to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

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Germany hands over large military aid package with more than 20 Leopard 1 A5 tanks to Ukraine

Germany has handed over a new military aid package to Ukraine, which includes, among other things, 22 Leopard 1 A5 tanks and more than 60,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition.

Source: the press service of the German government, European Pravda reports

Details: In addition to the 22 Leopard 1 A5s that the country handed over together with Denmark, as well as 61,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition, Ukraine will also receive:

5 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)

1 all terrain tracked carrier Warthog

3 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD with spare parts

2 air surveillance radars TRML-4D

10 machine guns MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks

1 million rounds of ammunition for firearms.

In particular, Germany provided Ukraine with 30 VECTOR reconnaissance drones with spare parts, as well as:

20 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN

20 unmanned surface vessels

12 reconnaissance drones SONGBIRD

6 Hornet XRs.

The new German package also includes:

3 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER with spare parts

1 armoured engineer vehicles DACHS with spare parts

6 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1 with spare parts

16 ground surveillance radars

2 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters

2 border protection vehicles

112 vehicles (lorries, vans, all-terrain vehicles);

8 tanker Zetros.

Since the beginning of Russia's armed invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Germany has provided Ukraine with materiel from the Federal Armed Forces' warehouses worth about 5.2 billion.

In addition, more than 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have received military training in Germany.

Recently, it became known that the German government is allocating an additional 50 million for the treatment of injured Ukrainian soldiers.

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced the country's plans to provide an additional 100 million in aid to Ukraine this winter.

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The News

Berlin has not approved any weapons exports to Israel since March, however officials denied that it has stopped approving weapons deliveries as policy.

Germany, a strong European ally of Israel, has faced a wave of legal challenges against the exports.

A source close to the German Economy Ministry told Reuters that it had stopped approving weapons exports due to the legal and political issues arising from court cases arguing the exports violate international law.

A German spokesperson told the German news agency dpa that there is no ban on arms exports to Israel, and there will be no ban.

Berlin has approved exports of just 32,000 in weaponry so far this year, down from 30 million last year, a significant drop for the country that provides Israel with about a third of its military imports, numbers from the German Economy Ministry showed.

SIGNALS

Germanys strong support for Israel may be starting to fade

Sources: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Die Zeit, Der Spiegel, Politico

German officials have long stressed that Israels security is Germanys reason of state, but the military campaign in Gaza has led Israels staunchest ally in Europe to tone down its support. The Holocausts legacy has made support for Israel a national obligation for Germanys leaders, with some officials going as far as to propose that anyone becoming a German citizen should declare allegiance to Israel. But that strong support has weakened Berlins reputation abroad as other European countries move away from alignment with Israel, officials told Der Spiegel, although some have countered that unlike many other nations, Germany still has some power to influence Israel. Still, Berlins tone has shifted, with some German lawmakers saying Israels actions may have violated international law.

Other European countries slow down arms shipments to Israel

Sources: The Guardian, NOS

Several other European countries have also slowed or paused arms exports to Israel, amid mounting legal cases and concern over whether they might violate international humanitarian law has grown. Spain and Belgium have paused all weapons sales. Meanwhile, earlier in September, the UK suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel, warning there was a clear risk that British weapons could be used to break international laws. And a court in the Netherlands ruled the country could not supply Israel with parts for F-35 fighter jets due to the legal risks, although Amsterdam has looked to get around the order by sending parts via the US, Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported.

US conducts internal investigations into arms transfers

Sources: The Washington Post, CNN, United Nations

US government watchdogs are close to publishing findings from multiple investigations of the countrys efforts to supply weapons to Israel, The Washington Post reported. Many former officials have said the transfers transgress US laws prohibiting support for foreign governments committing human rights violations. The US has previously said it was reasonable to assess that Israel had used American weapons in violation of international law, but stressed the challenges of reaching a conclusive finding. US officials have said they will continue to provide weapons to Israel, although the Biden administration earlier this year suspended a delivery of heavy bombs that a United Nations body said were likely too destructive for use in Gaza without causing significant civilian casualties.
PORTLAND, Ore.  Attorneys for the Federal Trade Commission and Kroger and Albertsons ended their three-week court battle the same way they started: diametrically opposed over whether the two grocery rivals should be permitted to join forces.

Lawyers for the regulator said the $25 billion proposed transaction would eliminate critical grocery store competition and lead to higher prices for consumers while endangering jobs for tens of thousands of workers and threatening communities with potential store closures and food deserts.

Parting thoughts as hearing concludes

Consumers depend on competition, FTC attorney Susan Musser told the court, dismissing the grocers argument that consumers were awash in competition with a variety of retailers selling food. Common sense says these arent a good substitute for supermarkets.

Attorneys for Kroger and Albertsons insisted the deal would boost competition by strengthening both companies as a unified company, repeated company promises to lower grocery prices by $1 billion and not to close stores or lay off front-line workers.

Millions of shoppers are going to see their bills go down, Kroger attorney Matt Wolf told the court, adding workers would see their pay increase and communities would enjoy Kroger stores in addition to proliferating Walmarts and Aldis.

Dueling concepts of competition

Fundamental disagreements define the case: regulators contend they must preserve competition among traditional grocery stores because they offer a unique consumer benefits, primarily a selection of tens of thousands of items under one roof. Thats a problem for Kroger and Albertsons who want to join because while there are retailers that are larger grocers, they are the No. 1 and No. 2 one-stop shop supermarkets, according to regulators vision of their industry.

Kroger and Albertsons contend their industry has changed and continues to do so and that regulators should consider any retailer selling food a grocery competitor. Such a viewpoint also makes it much easier to justify the transaction, which would give the combined companies nearly as large a grocery business as the largest grocer in the world: Walmart, which sold $264 billion in food in the U.S. alone last year.

While regulators consider supercenters like Walmart and Target as comparable, they dont consider such food-selling retailers, such as Costco, Aldi, Trader Joes or Dollar General as comparable peers, largely due to their much smaller selections.

Besides the irreconcilable views on peer groups, both sides sharply differ on how to evaluate local markets to determine if the merger would give the merged company too big a share of local sales. The debates over defining local markets resemble lawmakers attempting to re-draw legislative districts.

Story continues

What's next?

US District Judge Adrienne Nelson said she would take the case under advisement and promised to work as quickly as possible to render her decision on whether to grant a court order barring the deal as federal regulators continue their broader case in a court in Washington, D.C. Still, Nelson said she was offering no timeline for her ruling.

Both sides have until Sept. 27 to submit their final written arguments to the court, which Nelson will use as part of her deliberation.

While the proceeding was technically a hearing for a preliminary injunction, antitrust regulators say such hearings amount to a mini-trial where regulators must convince a judge they have a likelihood of ultimately winning their case. Many mergers that lose such hearings give up their plans to merge as losses mean unacceptable and expensive delays  an attorney for Kroger at the beginning of the hearing cautioned the deal will not occur if it loses the ruling.

More: Map shows all the stores slated to be sold in Kroger-Albertsons merger

Unions oppose the merger

A group of merger opponents led by six chapters of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, called Stop the Merger, said the hearing unearthed new details that made them even more opposed to the proposed deal.

Evidence that came out during the trial only elevated the level of concern from unions and the public at large about the looming harm that would be caused if the merger goes through, as well as increased the level of distrust of the CEOs and other executives running the companies, the group said Tuesday.

How big is this merger?

First announced in October 2022, Cincinnati-based Kroger wants to buy all outstanding shares of Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons, adding most of its employees and stores to its supermarket operation. To counter concerns about maintaining competition, Kroger has agreed to sell 579 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a grocery supplier that also operates about two dozen retail supermarkets, including Piggly Wiggly.

Upon completion, 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 approved, 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.

However, regulators at both federal and state levels have expressed deep concerns. They are worried C&S Wholesale Grocers' limited experience as a retailer will prevent it from being a strong competitor and that could lead to higher prices for consumers. They are also worried about the job security of the 60,000 workers that could be moved to C&S Wholesale Grocers.

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 and regulators spar to the end of hearing over Albertsons deal
Germany offering to send soldiers to Poland to help with floods

A man rides his bicycle through a flooded street in the town of Lewin Brzeski in southern Poland. Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Germany has offered to send Poland soldiers to help with its flood areas, but the details have not yet been agreed, the Defence Ministry in Berlin told dpa.

Earlier, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after a crisis management meeting in Wroclaw that Germany was ready to send soldiers to provide support.

"So if you see German soldiers, please don't panic. This is help. Just so there are no doubts," said Tusk.

He was referring to anti-German sentiment that is widespread among parts of the Polish population, 85 years after Nazi German invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, which started World War II.

Poland has been struggling with the effects of severe flooding since the weekend. Several towns in the south-west of the country have been devastated. Some 16,000 Polish soldiers are currently deployed, according to Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.

A woman stands in a flooded apartment in the town of Lewin Brzeski in southern Poland. Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Germanys SEFE Is Looking for More Gas Before Privatization

(Bloomberg) -- German state-owned gas company SEFE is looking to expand its supply base before being privatized later this decade, according to Chief Executive Officer Egbert Laege.

Most Read from Bloomberg

SEFE, or Securing Energy For Europe GmbH, was created after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 when Berlin nationalized the German operations of Gazprom PJSC. During the tumultuous period that followed  with Germany scrambling to replace the Russian gas that had met more than half its needs  it was cut off from supply but later Russia reinstated a long-term contract to buy liquefied natural gas from Yamal LNG in the Arctic region.

The company, which mainly provides gas to large customers and has a share of almost one-eighth of the western European market, has signed deals with various global LNG producers to keep gas flowing to Germany and avoid being overly reliant on one supplier. It is also talking to countries including Azerbaijan for pipeline gas, Laege said in an interview at the Gastech conference in Houston.

We made very good progress in building up our portfolio in 2023, he said. We clearly have an ambition to expand.

SEFE last year signed deals to buy gas from Norways Equinor ASA and LNG from Venture Global LNG Inc.s planned CP2 plant in Louisiana. Its current portfolio consists of 125 LNG cargoes a year, Laege said.

Maybe the number is, in the grand scale, not so amazing, he said. But more important is the speed with which the company is getting back on its feet, he said.

The European Union in June imposed a ban on transshipping Yamal LNG cargoes at the blocs ports, which comes into force in March. That shouldnt impact SEFEs cargoes from the Russian project because the company is not doing any transfers at the moment.

Its able to source supply for its Indian client nearer the South Asian nation, Laege said. Those Yamal cargoes that are optimized within the portfolio and not being delivered to India, are being unloaded at Dunkirk, France instead, according to SEFE.

The two long-term contracts, to buy Yamal LNG and to sell the fuel to Gail India Ltd. were inherited from Gazprom.

Meanwhile, SEFE is preparing for privatization, which Berlin is seeking to complete by the end of 2028.

Its absolutely on track, Laege said. We will probably go out with our equity story by the year 2026.

(Updates with comments on Yamal LNG cargoes in paragraphs 7, 8, 9)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Maria Martinez

BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany is set to approve close to 400 million euros ($450 million) in additional military aid to Ukraine, according to a finance ministry letter seen by Reuters on Thursday.

The funds are in addition to around 8 billion euros budgeted for Ukraine in 2024.

Germany is Ukraine's biggest supporter in Europe in terms of military aid. Ukraine has been backed by arms from its allies but is worried that support may drop as the war grinds on.

"In view of the continuously deteriorating military situation in Ukraine, there is a serious risk that Ukraine, without significantly increased material support, could be defeated in its defence campaign," the letter said.

Following a request by the defence ministry, the finance ministry in the letter is asking for the approval of the extra expenditure from the budget committee of the lower house of parliament.

Carsten Klein, member of the budget committee for the Free Democrats (FDP), welcomed the request for funds, saying that it showed Ukraine could rely on Germany's support.

"Ukraine urgently needs additional military material and equipment to defend its freedom and our values," Klein said.

The need for funds must be satisfied immediately to implement the measures in 2024 so they can have an impact during the remainder of the year, the finance ministry said.

The funds will be used to buy ammunition, fighting vehicles, drones and protective equipment, among other items.

The unplanned need for around 397 million euros has only become clear in the last few weeks, so it meets the constitutional and budgetary requirements of an unplanned need, the letter said.

If the budget committee approves the additional funds next week, the total amount of German military aid for Ukraine in 2024 will go up to 8.4 billion euros.

German aid to Ukraine will be cut to 4 billion euros in 2025, according to the draft of the 2025 budget, as the country hopes Ukraine will be able to meet the bulk of its military needs with the $50 billion in loans from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets approved by the Group of Seven.

($1 = 0.8986 euros)

(Reporting by Maria Martinez; Editing by Thomas Seythal and Conor Humphries)
Those aren't early Halloween decorations: giant Joro spiders, known for parachuting through the air, were spotted in Pennsylvania this month.

Six of the spiders were reported on Sept. 5, according to Joro Watch, an interactive monitoring program developed by the University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. An entomologist visited Pennsylvania's Bucks County and verified there were adult Joro spiders there.

What are Joro spiders?

Joro spiders, which are an invasive species native to Asia, can shoot out long strands of silk that get caught by the wind, carrying them through the air. Some have called them parachuting spiders because of the way they move.

They create large webs that can be up to 10 feet wide, according to PennState Extension.

A close-up view of a giant Joro spider seen in Japan on Nov. 5, 2022. / Credit: David Madison / Getty Images

Adult females are large and brightly colored, with legs up to 4 inches long, according to experts. Males are much smaller. While female Joro spiders are about an inch long, male Joro spiders have a body length of less than half an inch.

Female Joro spiders, known for their yellow and gray abdomens, will lay egg sacs holding 400 to 500 eggs.

The spread of Joro spiders  where are they headed?

Joro spiders were first found in the U.S. in Georgia in 2014, but experts believe that the invasive species may have arrived as early as 2010. Joro spiders have spread across the South in the years since. They've now been reported across more than half a dozen states.

In 2022, PennState Extension said that it was likely Joro spiders "will be able to spread throughout eastern North America at least as far north as Pennsylvania and possibly further in warmer, coastal areas." Researchers there thought it may take 35 years for Joro spiders to reach southeastern Pennsylvania, but said there were two ways Joro spiders could reach Pennsylvania more quickly.

One was if young and small Joro spiders were transported tens to hundreds of miles through the air after being picked up by strong winds and storms. The other way would be if they were transported to new areas by humans.

Jose R. Ramirez-Garofalo, an ecologist at Rutgers University's Lockwood Lab and the president of Protectors of Pine Oak Woods on Staten Island, in April told SI Live that "it is a matter of when, not if" the spiders arrive in New York and New Jersey.

Are Joro spiders dangerous?

While Joro spiders do have venom, their venom is weak. They also have small fangs, which makes it difficult to pierce human skin.

"We have no evidence that they've done any damage to a person or a pet," Clemson University assistant professor Dave Coyle, who has a doctorate in entomology, previously said.

If a bite does happen, PennState Extension said that it's less painful than a bee sting, and any localized pain and redness would quickly resolve.

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DALLAS, Ore. (KOIN)  The mystery surrounding the sudden disappearance of a 56-year-old father  who was an electrician and potentially very wealthy man  will mark 20 years in early October.

Glenn Pennie vanished from his rural Polk County property in 2004, just days ahead of when he was supposed to inherit the vast majority of $1 million-plus family estate.

Cold case investigators are hopeful this milestone anniversary will bring in fresh leads and tips, perhaps even one that solves the case.

Glenn Pennie, who disappeared from Polk County in Oregon 2004, seen in an undated photo released by the Polk County Sheriffs Office

Theres always somebody dying to tell you something. They cant keep it welled up inside forever, said Bob Acevas of the Polk County Cold Case Unit.

Most of the people in the cold case unit are one-time law enforcement that now volunteer to investigate a handful of unsolved, complicated cases in and around Dallas, about 20 miles west of Salem.

Pennies case remains the most high-profile and perhaps most intriguing.

You never know, someone may remember something a little bit differently, a little bit fresh, said Michael Black, another one of the investigators.

Pennie disappeared only one day before he was set to drive to Oakland, California for a final probate hearing, where detectives say he was due to inherit most of his fathers estate of old properties, rare coins and cash, worth over $1 million.

Glenn Pennies pickup truck was packed for a trip to Oakland when he disappeared from Polk County in October 2004 (Polk County Sheriffs Office)

Retired detective John Williams, who led the investigation for years, told KOIN 6 News theyve made runs at this case several times. We just keep hitting that wall.

For one thing, there wasnt a lot of direct evidence at the scene.

Williams said the house was a cluttered mess, and that the only thing they found was Pennies pickup packed for the trip to Oakland.

Neighbors never saw anything suspicious, and only alerted authorities after Pennie wasnt seen for a couple of days.

The subsequent, days long search of 53-square miles by law enforcement and volunteers netted nothing.

Glenn Pennie disappeared from Polk County in Oregon 2004. Law enforcement searched his property at that time. (Courtesy: Polk County Sheriffs Office)

The only thing investigators did learn is that the larger Pennie family dynamic was complicated.

Glenn told people, If anything happens to me, tell the police to look at my brother, Williams said.

In a KOIN 6 investigation from 2012, authorities also strongly suspected a family component to Pennies disappearance, although in a phone interview his brother Dale denied he was involved.

I had nothing to do with his disappearance, he told KOIN 6 News at that time.

In a series of more recent emails, Dale wouldnt do a phone or ZOOM interview, but did say This is going nowhere. People talk, I pass it on to the police.

To this day, there has never been an arrest in the case, and detectives exhausted other leads and tips that went nowhere.

Authorities say over the years, the value of the estate dwindled because of attorney and court costs, while the properties fell into disrepair. A good chunk of those valuable, gold coins also went missing from the fathers house.

Court documents from California suggest Glenns daughter eventually received a low, six-figure payout, while Dale got more than $25,000 worth of coins.

If Glenn were to disappear today, the Polk County team believe its likely the case would be solved.

You have dash cams in cars, you wouldve had traffic cams, more cell phone records of everyone involved, said Williams.

Law enforcement say there are still people in Oregon who know what happened, but short of a confession or huge tip the case will be tough to solve.

Finding Glenns body? That opens up a whole new avenue, said Williams. If we find Glenn, maybe thatll help us get to a point where we can pin it on someone.

Glenn Pennie, who disappeared from Polk County in Oregon 2004, seen in an undated photo released by the Polk County Sheriffs Office

Cold Case Unit Lead Investigator Ron Glaus said even something small could end up being something big if its the right information.

He believes someone might be thinking, There is something about that case Ive been thinking about for 20 years. Maybe its now time to share that.'

Reward for information about Glenn Pennies disappearance. September 18, 2024 (KOIN).

If you have any information on Glenn Pennies disappearance, leave a voice message for a detective at 503.623.9251, or e-mail: coldcase@co.polk.or.us

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GLENVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY)  Glenville State University (GSU) cut the ribbon on its new nursing facility on Wednesday and welcomed the community to come and see whats offered inside its College of Health Sciences.

Dean of Health Sciences Kevin Evans told 12 News that this is the second year of the college being on GSUs campus and were really trying to grow and really meet the healthcare needs of rural West Virginia.

The new nursing facility cost about $1.7 million, and Evans said that it took about six months to build. The facility has two clinical rooms for students to do analysis in, as well as numerous classrooms for instruction. Evans said that there will also be furniture coming soon, and nursing classes will officially begin in January 2025.

It is a joint program with Marshall University and so, we do have a lot of technology so we can have remote communications with them, be able to access cameras, videos from Glenville to Marshall, said Evans. He added that this partnership allowed the College of Health Sciences to get the nursing program accredited in its first year.

Maple Grove Cemetery looking for donations to honor deceased veterans

According to Evans, the college also has various other community partners across the state that have contributed to the growth of this program. With the program nursing students will be able to earn a Bachelor of Nursing in Science. Evans added that the college is currently in the process of developing additional undergraduate and graduate programs to help address healthcare needs in West Virginia.

This is progress. What we do in education is prepare our young men and women for the future, said GSU President Mark Manchin. Now in order to prepare them for the future, you must have quality facilities, quality instruction and all the accouterments that are necessary for success.

Manchin described the new facility as a gift to the students to continue to hone their skills so they go out into this world and be productive citizens, productive healthcare providers here in central West Virginia. He added that the students are excited and motivated about this center, which he feels will be an asset to them as they continue to navigate the program.

Sometimes it gets a little difficult, particularly the nursing program can be a challenge for students, Manchin added. Hopefullythis continues to give them the inspiration and motivation they need to go forward and go into this world and be successful.

Evans said that there will also be a health and wellness clinic coming inside the College of Health Sciences in the near future, but its not part of the nursing program. He said that for the clinic, they will be purchasing equipment to analyze peoples health and to help them develop a plan for nutrition, exercising and just staying healthy in general.

Manchin added that in the next five to seven years, the college is hoping to add a Physicians Assistant Program, a Nurse Practitioner Program, as well as other healthcare professions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Chris Moore and Austin Rush were working at Green Top Sporting Goods in Ashland, Virginia on Aug. 17 when a man walked into the store and said he had a large snapping turtle hed like to have weighed. It was a first for Moore.

Hed called the store earlier and said he had a huge turtle that might be a state record, Moore tells Outdoor Life. So, when he walked in later, we were expecting him  But wed never had anyone come in to weigh a turtle before. They usually bring us big fish.

Trapper Winston Marshall holds up the giant snapping turtle he nicknamed Godzilla. Photo via Facebook

Moore explains that the man who caught the turtle works a nuisance wildlife trapper. Hed trapped the snapper in a backwater stretch of the James River, and he brought it into the store in a large trash can.

I never saw one that big, and we stayed away from the front end of him, Moore says. The turtle was snapping at the trash can, looking pretty mean, [and] showing us he was boss.

The trapper, Winston Marshall of Nuisance Wildlife Services, carefully picked up the turtle by its shell, right behind its large, menacing head. The three men tied a line around it and hung it carefully from the stores certified scales. It weighed 57 pounds, with a shell length of roughly 18 inches. And although Virginia hasnt ever maintained records for giant snapping turtles, Marshall still wanted someone with the state to come look at it.

Virginia wildlife officials say the snapping turtle is a new record and the first of its kind. Photo via Facebook

We filled out a card for the trapper with detailed information about the turtle and signed our names to it as witnesses to it being weighed and measured, says Rush. Then Marshall left, and I believe he got with a state agency office that following Monday.

Sure enough, on Sept. 5, the Virginia Division of Wildlife Resources announced the first-ever snapping turtle record on social media.

Although DWR typically does not maintain size records for turtles, this one will definitely be recorded as the official state record, the DWR wrote on Facebook. For comparison, the agency said that common snappers in the state typically weigh around 25 to 30 pounds, or roughly half of what Godzilla weighed.

Read Next: Fisherman Catches Gigantic 200-Pound Snapping Turtle, Then Lands World Record Gar

Common freshwater snapping turtles are found throughout the eastern U.S., as well as in Canada. In U.S. waters, they are second in size only to alligator snapping turtles, which can weigh up to 250 pounds. Harvesting common snapping turtles in Virginia is legal, but only for residents.

Huge thank you to the folks at Green Top Sporting Goods for weighing in this magnificent animal, the DWR said in the Facebook post. Godzilla was released back where it was captured in Henrico County to live out his days prowling the waters of Curles Neck Plantation.
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.
A top-ranking North Carolina Republican says the news of the latest scandal involving Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running for governor, is not a shock to me.

CNN reported on Thursday a series of allegations detailing posts that are vulgar, racist, sexually explicit and derogatory, and tied the decade-old online postings on a pornographic website to Robinson himself through several identifying details, from his email address to a photo and common phrases. Robinson denies that it was him, and says as of Thursday evening that he will not exit the race.

North Carolinas Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell said it seems like anyone whos ever come in contact with (Robinson) has been fleeced. And this is just the latest example of the taxpayers and the donors getting fleeced.

Folwell, a longtime elected official who also served in the General Assembly, ran unsuccessfully against Robinson in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

His consultants, who have made hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars off him, are laughing all the way to the bank, Folwell said in an interview Thursday with The News & Observer.

The CNN report is concerning, said Rep. Richard Hudson, a North Carolina member of Congress who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, in a statement sent by a spokesperson for the NRCC.

The allegations involving Lt. Gov. Robinson in this new report are concerning. I am hoping Mark can reassure North Carolinians that each of these specific allegations are not true, Hudson said.

Similarly, Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Budd said in a statement through a spokesperson: The comments reported in the article are disgusting. Mark Robinson says they are not from him. He needs to prove that to the voters.

Former primary opponent on Robinson

Folwell recalled Robinson saying in a speech that anybody who criticizes him, Gods going to come down on a white horse and exercise His vengeance.

I guess theres going to be a lot of white horses, Folwell said.

As treasurer, Folwell serves on the 10-member Council of State with Robinson and other statewide elected officials.

State Treasurer Dale Folwell speaks during the Council of State meeting in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.

Folwell said that when it comes to dropping out of the race for governor, the only people who can make that decision are Robinson, former President Donald Trump and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, who previously led the NC Republican Party, because theyre the ones that selected him to start with.

Trump has endorsed Robinson, and brought him on stage with him briefly during a campaign rally in Asheboro in August. However, Robinson was not at a rally this week with Sen. JD Vance, Trumps running mate.

Scott Lassiter, a Republican candidate for state Senate, is calling for Robinson to end his campaign and let another Republican take his place.

Lassiter said that no one should feel obligated to support a candidate solely due to party affiliation, and called for Robinson to step aside.

Robinson said even before the CNN report came out that he will not leave the race, and denies the allegations.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson delivers remarks during the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, WI.

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican from Western North Carolina, said in a statement he finds the report shocking.

But in a world filled with stolen identities, social media spoofing, and many other types of mischievous online activity, I believe we should allow the Lt. Governor to make his case to the voters and they will determine the final outcome of that contest, he said.

Democrats response

Robinsons opponent in the governors race is Attorney General Josh Stein.

North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone, Steins campaign said in a statement sent to The N&O.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, at a event-naming ceremony for the Lenovo Center, was asked about Robinson ahead of the CNN story publishing.

So there is something special that has happened? I think every day could be a reason for him to have dropped out of the race. You know, hes the wrong choice for North Carolina, Cooper told reporters.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson, who is running for attorney general against Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, sent out a news release about the CNN story with photos of Bishop and Robinson together, asking if Bishop regrets his endorsement of Robinson.

Is he still proud to give Robinson his support? ... Or are Robinsons comments on Nazis and slavery a bridge too far, even after all the other controversy? Jacksons campaign wrote.

Other Democrats were already sending out fundraising emails off the Robinson news, including Democratic state House candidate Nicole Sidman, who is running against Republican N.C. Rep. Tricia Cotham. Cotham switched parties in 2023, delivering a supermajority to Republicans in the General Assembly.

Anyone who calls themself a Nazi, says Hitler would be a better leader than an American president, or advocates for the return of slavery  even in jest  shouldnt hold public office or a position of trust in the United States, Sidmans campaign email said, referencing the allegations in the CNN report.

Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Izzi Levy called it just the latest proof that Mark Robinson is unhinged, dangerous, and completely unfit to be governor.

Avi Bajpai and Chip Alexander contributed to this story.
Image via Getty Images

Republican leaders are siding with Arizonas Democratic secretary of state in a legal dispute over whether roughly 97,000 voters should get a full ballot this election, arguing that, despite the uncertainty that those voters ever turned in proof of citizenship, they still have a right to back their preferred candidates in local and state elections.

Nearly 100,000 Arizona voters should not be penalized for a mistake made by the government. We will not stand by as voters are disenfranchised, especially so close to an election, Gina Swoboda, the chair of the states Republican Party, said in a press release accompanying the announcement of the groups filing calling on the Arizona Supreme Court to not penalize the voters who inadvertently are not properly registered to vote.

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A law passed by voters in 2004 requires Arizonans to provide evidence of their citizenship status to be eligible to vote in local and state elections. The U.S. Supreme Court prohibited that same rule from being applied to federal elections, forcing Arizona to adopt a bifurcated system that allows voters who havent adequately proven their citizenship status to receive federal-only ballots.

The ability of almost 100,000 voters to obtain full ballots was jeopardized by the discovery of a 20-year-old coding glitch that affects how Arizonas Motor Vehicle Division shares information with the states voter registration database. Arizonans who signed up for a drivers license before October 1996 and then received a duplicate replacement that was used to register to vote after 2004  when voter registration requirements were updated  were marked as having sufficient proof of citizenship, even though they had never actually proved they were citizens to get their license.

Earlier this week, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a Republican, filed an emergency petition for special action with the state Supreme Court asking the justices to order that the affected voters should qualify for federal-only and not full ballots, unless they remedy the issue themselves by providing evidence of their citizenship status. While 97,000 is just a fraction of Arizonas 4.1 million total voters, leaving even that number of votes on the table is significant in a state thats become known for its tight races.

And Republicans sounded the alarm over the fact that the group is made up of older voters who likely lean Republican.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes weighed in on the debate. In his filing, Fontes advocated for preserving the status quo during the election and verifying citizenship statuses afterwards. Election deadlines are around the corner, wrote his attorney, Craig Morgan, and introducing new requirements this late in the year will only cause confusion and chaos. Ballots for military and overseas voters are set to be mailed this Saturday, and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 7, just two weeks away. Early voting begins on Oct. 9.

On top of that, Fontes added, theres no reason to suspect that the majority of the 97,000 are non-citizens. In fact, most of the evidence points to most of them being in the country lawfully and being eligible to vote.

Multiple studies have shown that non-citizen voting is extremely rare. And even if the affected voters werent asked to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote, they were still required to sign a statement affirming their citizenship status under penalty of perjury.

To deprive voters of the franchise, when there is no actual proof they should be so deprived, is undemocratic, unconstitutional, and must be avoided at all costs, Morgan wrote.

Fontes also pointed out that Richers request that the court downgrade the 97,000 voters from full ballots to federal-only ballots would require the court to wade into lawmaking  something that isnt within its authority and it should avoid. State legislators have passed laws directing election officials on how to handle voter list maintenance, how to move voters from active to inactive voting status and even how to cancel invalid registrations, but no state law exists detailing how to revise a voters eligibility.

Republicans backed Fontes argument, urging the court to keep things the way theyve been for the past 20 years. Attorney Andrew Gould, representing the Arizona Republican Party in an amicus brief, told the justices that preventing the voters from receiving full ballots would violate federal protections.

The First and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee a persons right to vote without undue burdens, and the National Voter Registration Act prohibits invalidating the registrations of voters less than 90 days out from any election, he noted. This year, that deadline was in August. Government clerical errors arent included in the list of exceptions, either.

The governmental failure to enforce state law regarding proof of citizenship must be corrected  but not on the eve of an election where doing so may cause massive voter disenfranchisement and would be unlawful, Gould wrote.

Republican legislative leaders also joined Fontes in requesting that the Supreme Court preserve the ability of the affected voters to vote for local candidates. In a motion to intervene, Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma said they agreed with Fontes assessment of the situation, though they added that they might have different philosophical and institutional perspectives that warranted their inclusion in the case. The duo argued that they should be involved because the debate concerns due process and fair notice conflicts with Arizonas voter ID law and, as lawmakers, theyre best situated to take on the constitutionality of state laws.

Until the Arizona Supreme Court issues a ruling in the matter, the ballots of 97,000 Arizonans remain in limbo. In the meantime, Fontes has told county recorders to make no changes, and has instructed them to shift operations to identifying affected voters if the high court disagrees with his argument.

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, a Phoenix Democrat, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requesting help for the Arizona Secretary of States Office in confirming the thousands of missing citizenship statuses.

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Amazon is the latest company to mandate employees return to the office. Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Many major companies are requiring employees to return to the office full or part-time.

Business Insider compiled a running list of the companies calling employees back.

The list includes companies like Amazon, Apple, and BlackRock.

On Monday, Amazon mandated corporate workers return to the office five days a week beginning January 2nd.

The Seattle-based tech giant is just one of the many companies calling their employees back to the office following the pandemic as COVID-19 restrictions have eased.

Major employers, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, have also abandoned the hybrid attendance policy they adopted during the pandemic and instead implemented full return-to-office mandates.

Several executives and leaders have said they believe productivity increases when workers are in the office together, while others hope to increase in-person collaboration. Even some CEOs who previously praised the flexibility of remote work have started backpedaling, pressuring workers to comply with RTO mandates with threats to track attendance or even fire employees who don't comply.

Here's a list, in alphabetical order, of major companies requiring employees to return to offices. Business Insider will update this list regularly.

Amazon

CEO Andy Jassy wrote in a September 16 memo that Amazon would be pulling the plug on remote work starting next year.

"We've decided that we're going to return to being in the office the way we were before the onset of COVID," Jassy said. "When we look back over the last five years, we continue to believe that the advantages of being together in the office are significant."

The CEO cited easier employee collaboration and connection and said in-person work would strengthen the company's culture, echoing his February 2023 memo, which mandated employees spend at least three days a week in the office.

Not everyone agrees. Some Amazon employees have taken to an internal Slack channel to criticize the new RTO policy, Business Insider's Ashley Stewart first reported, with one staffer writing that it is "significantly more strict and out of its mind" than pre-Covid operations.

"This is not 'going back' to how it was before," they wrote. "It's just going backwards."

The critical reaction is reminiscent of employees' response to last year's surprise return-to-office rule. Thousands of Amazon workers joined a Slack channel to share their thoughts, with some even organizing to file a petition against the change.

Story continues

Apple

In August 2022, Apple's senior leaders told workers they had to return to the office at least three days a week after previously requiring two days a week. CEO Tim Cook said the decision was meant to restore "in-person collaboration." Some employees fought back and issued a petition shortly after the announcement, arguing that staffers can do "exceptional work" from home.

Despite the pushback, Apple's hybrid work program launched the following month and is still in place.

BlackRock

Last year, BlackRock mandated employees return to the office four days a week. The investment firm, which is headquartered in New York City, intended to bring employees into its then newly leased office space  which spans 1 million square feet across 15 floors, according to Hudson Yards.

In a May 2023 memo sent by the company's COO, Rob Goldstein, and the head of human resources, Caroline Heller, the execs wrote: "Career development happens in teaching moments between team members, and it is accelerated during market-moving moments, when we step up and get into the mix. All of this requires us to be together in the office."

Additionally, the memo notified staffers that the firm is giving them the opportunity to work remotely for two weeks during a time period that is relevant in their country, in an effort to offer "seasonal flexibility."

Chipotle

The fast-food chain announced last summer that corporate workers work in the office four days a week, Bloomberg reported. Chipotle had previously required workers to show up three days a week, according to the report.

Citigroup

Citigroup asked its 600 US workers, who were previously eligible to work remotely, to return to the office full-time, Bloomberg reported. In a memo released by the investment firm in May, the majority of staff are reportedly still able to work a hybrid schedule, with up to two days a week outside the office.

HSBC Holding Plc and Barclays Plc also followed suit, mandating workers to come into the office five days a week, according to the report.

Vaccinated Citigroup employees across the US were asked to return to the office for at least two days a week in March 2022, an internal memo obtained by Reuters said.

Disney

In a January 2023 memo obtained by Business Insider, CEO Bob Iger told workers that starting that March, any Disney staff member working "in a hybrid fashion" would need to return to Disney's offices four days a week.

In response, over 2,300 employees signed a petition asking Iger to reconsider the mandate.

"This policy will slow, or even reverse, our post-COVID recovery and growth by creating critical resource shortages and causing irreplaceable institutional knowledge loss," signees wrote, according to The Washington Post.

Goldman Sachs

In March 2022, CEO David Solomon told Fortune that the company was asking employees to return to the office five days a week. Seven months later, he told CNBC that about 65% of staffers were working in the office.

However, some staff have failed to follow the policy a year into its implementation, causing senior managers to become frustrated and Goldman Sachs to further crack down on employees to return to the office full-time.

Google

In March 2022, Google employees in the San Francisco Bay Area and "several other US locations" were told to return to the office for at least three days a week starting the following month.

Last year, however, the company tightened RTO expectations, telling staff in an email that office attendance would factor into their performance reviews.

Google's Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi told workers in the memo that requests to work remotely full time will now be considered "by exception only."

Some employees expressed feeling "frustrated" with the new policy. One staffer previously told Business Insider, "We don't like being micromanaged like school kids."

IBM

IBM has made its feelings on in-person work strictly clear  telling managers to either come into offices or get out.

The company asked all its US managers to report to an office or client location at least three days a week, according to a January memo viewed by Bloomberg.

A source told the outlet that staff would have to live within 50 miles of an IBM office or client location. The memo reportedly told employees they had until August to complete their relocation arrangements, and those who were unable to comply with the new policy must "separate from IBM."

CEO Arvind Krishna previously told the news outlet that employees' careers could suffer if they work from home. He said that although he wasn't forcing his own staffers back to the office, he thought remote workers may struggle to get promotions.

JPMorgan

In April 2023, JPMorgan announced to employees in a memo that all managing directors must work in the office five days a week. The memo also reminded other workers of the current policy of working in-person a minimum of three days a week.

Despite some pushback from employees, CEO Jamie Dimon doubled down on the policy, saying disgruntled workers can choose to go elsewhere.

"I completely understand why someone doesn't want to commute an hour and a half every day, totally got it," he told The Economist. "Doesn't mean they have to have a job here either."

The company has also been collecting data on staff activity, including tracking attendance.

Meta

Meta updated its remote work policies in September 2023, requiring employees to head into the office three days a week.

It had also stopped offering remote work in new job listings. People familiar with the company previously told BI that hiring managers could no longer post new jobs that list the work location as "remote" or outside of an existing office.

The company doubled down on its RTO efforts in June of this year, telling workers that their attendance would be tracked daily and failure to comply could lead to termination.

However, some employees returning to the office said they were met with a lack of space and privacy, with one worker calling the mandate "a mess."

Redfin

In April last year, real estate company Redfin announced an updated return-to-office policy via a memo from CEO Glenn Kelman.

The memo noted that starting July 2023, Redfin would require "headquarters employees" who live within 20 miles of the company's Seattle, San Francisco, and Frisco offices to work from the office for a full day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Those who live beyond the 20-mile radius are required to visit the office in-person once a quarter for a day or more of meetings, the company said.

In order to hold employees accountable, the memo included a "no-exceptions" section, reading that "to determine your distance from an office, we'll use Google Maps, with the distance from your home address measured in miles driven over roads by car."

Salesforce

Salesforce told employees in an internal memo seen by The San Francisco Standard that the majority of workers will be called back into the office four to five days a week, effective October 1.

The new policy will be mandated for select staff in sales, workplace services, data center engineering, and on-site support technicians, according to the memo.

Early last year, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff revised the company's annual strategic plan, including return-to-office mandates, according to a draft shared in an internal Slack message viewed by Business Insider.

The updated draft return-to-office policy required nonremote employees to work three days a week in the office and employees in "non-remote" and "customer-facing" roles to work four days a week. Engineers must work from the office 10 days per quarter, down from 20 in the initial draft, which was updated based on employee feedback.

Snap

Snap implemented a new mandate in September 2023, requiring employees to work in an office at least four days a week. The change represented a shift from the company's former "remote first" policy, which allowed employees to work from home or elsewhere.

Employees previously told BI that some managers told them the company is able to track workers' WiFi connections to see who is complying.

Starbucks

In a January 2023 memo to corporate staffers, then-CEO Howard Schultz said employees within commuting distance would be required to return to the office at least three days a week.

Schultz said some staff had failed to "meet their minimum promise of one day a week" and also pointed out that Starbucks baristas didn't have the "privilege" of working from home. The executive had previously said he "pleaded" with workers to come back to the office.

Starbucks employees responded by signing an open letter protesting the company's return-to-office mandate.

Tesla

In June 2022, Tesla employees were notified of a mandatory return-to-office policy.

The email from Elon Musk included wording such as "If you don't show up, we will assume you have resigned," and noted that everyone at Tesla must work from the office at least 40 hours a week.

Musk, who has called remote work "morally wrong," nodded to his frequent presence at Tesla factories as the reason for the business' success. "If I had not done that, Tesla would long ago have gone bankrupt," he wrote in the email.

X

After buying X, formerly Twitter, in 2022, Musk told employees that not showing up to an office when they're able to was the same as a resignation.

Musk also told staffers in an email that remote work was no longer allowed and that employees were expected to be in the office for at least 40 hours a week unless given explicit approval to work elsewhere.

In 2023, X, then Twitter, National Labor Relations Board filed a formal complaint saying that X had illegally fired an employee who complained about Musk's RTO policy.

The complaint said that Yao Yue, a principal software engineer, criticized the mandate, tweeting, "don't resign, let him fire you." She also posted, "don't be fired. Seriously" in a company Slack channel.

Yue was then fired five days later and told it was due to violating an unspecified company policy.

Uber

In a memo obtained by Business Insider, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told employees that beginning in April 2022, Uber staffers in 35 of the company's locations were required to return to the office at least half the time. He added that on other days, staffers were allowed to work remotely and that some could be entirely remote if they got clearance from their managers.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently said remote work took away some of Uber's "most frequent customers," adding that "there is an audience who kind of stopped using us as frequently as they used to."

Walmart

Along with slashing hundreds of jobs, Walmart also asked previously remote employees in the US to move to offices.

Staffers located in smaller offices in Dallas, Atlanta, and Toronto are additionally being directed to the company's central hubs, including its headquarters in Arkansas or New Jersey, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The retail giant will still permit hybrid schedules as long as workers come in-person most of the time, according to the outlet.

Zoom

Zoom, the darling of remote work, said in 2022 that less than 2% of staffers work in person full time. However, last year, the video-calling company asked employees to return to the office.

Workers living within 50 miles of one of its offices were mandated to work there at least two days a week.

"We believe that a structured hybrid approach  meaning employees that live near an office need to be onsite two days a week to interact with their teams  is most effective for Zoom," a spokesperson previously said in a statement. "As a company, we are in a better position to use our own technologies, continue to innovate, and support our global customers."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Republican strategist Sarah Longwell minced no words with her damning description of the 2024 presidential campaign currently being run by GOP nominee Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance.

This is the most vicious, despicable, lie-filled campaign Ive ever seen, Longwell told CNNs Jake Tapper on Wednesday.

And that is comparing it to what was a pretty significantly indecent campaign that Donald Trump ran in 16 and 20, Longwell added.

.@SarahLongwell25 on the hateful rhetoric of the Trump campaign: This is the most vicious, despicable, lie-filled campaign Ive ever seen. pic.twitter.com/5CuZ6AyTDz  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) September 18, 2024

Longwell, the founder of the Republican Voters Against Trump group and publisher of the center right-leaning Bulwark website, made the claim during a discussion on Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) taunt of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris not having biological children.

Responding to conservative claims that Sanders wasnt actually jabbing at the vice president with her my kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesnt have anything keeping her humble line, Longwell said she didnt know how you can interpret her comments any other way.

But more importantly than that, she continued, JD Vance has been going on every weird bro podcast to make sure to talk about not just childless cat ladies, thats almost the funny part, but also that women in abusive relationships should stay in those relationships.

She added, The way that they defend people like Laura Loomer who are talking about how if Kamala Harris is in the White House, its going to smell like curry [] the way that they are currently terrorizing the people of Springfield with their racist smear about eating dogs and cats.

Related...
GOP lawmaker: It doesnt feel safe right now to be in politics

GOP lawmaker: It doesnt feel safe right now to be in politics

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R) said in a Wednesday interview on NewsNations Cuomo that she is more concerned with her safety as a member of Congress than when she served in the military, following apparent threats against her.

It doesnt feel safe right now to be in politics, and I really want to emphasize that were at a point in American history where you have people afraid to come to work, Luna said in the interview with host Chris Cuomo.

At the same time, Luna said shes still up for the job.

The Hill has previously reported on Luna saying she has received an increasing number of threats and doxxing attacks.

Over the last few weeks, I have received an increasing number of threats and doxxing attacks. An online page was encouraging strangers to send threatening packages to my home, she said in a statement Wednesday. This weekend, it escalated to a very serious shooting threat, and we are taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of my family, staff, and our district.

Luna added that the threat came after an apparent second assassination attempt against former President Trump on Sunday. She said that law enforcement was investigating the matter.

In the interview, Luna warned that someone will get killed, blaming rhetoric.

The fact is  this is becoming very escalated. And I cant emphasize this enough: If the rhetoric doesnt come down, someone will get killed, and I hope its not President Trump, Luna said.

When asked by Cuomo if Trump is missing an opportunity to change rhetoric in politics, Luna defended Trump, saying its really hard.

I know at the RNC [Republican National Committee], he spoke about unity, and he has changed his messaging a bit. But what I will say is its really hard. I even actually have faced this, she said.

She added that media plays a role in making it difficult to turn the temperature down.

But again, its hard, because theres so much online that I feel like journalism has turned more into opinion columns instead of reporting the facts, Luna said.

Cuomo airs weeknights at 8 p.m. ET.

NewsNation and The Hill are both owned by Nexstar Media Group.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In the midst of Donald Trump spewing lies demonizing Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio causing a spike in hate and bomb threats in the small midwestern town  Republican Senator John Kennedy opened up a new front in the GOPs war on non-white people. This latest assault came Tuesday in the form of baseless and vile accusations of terrorism by Kennedy against a leader in the Arab and Muslim American community. Ironically, Kennedys assault occurred during a Senate hearing to combat this very type of bigotry.

Even before Tuesdays exchange in the Senate hearing titled, "A Threat to Justice Everywhere: Stemming the Tide of Hate Crimes in America," Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, had already pushed back against people like GOP Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina who objected to addressing hate crimes against Arab and Muslimsdemanding instead the sole focus be on anti-Semitism. Apparently the fact that Muslims and Arabs in 2023 experienced a record number of hate crimesincluding the murder of six-year-old Palestinian American Wadea Al-Fayoume in Oct. 2023 by a man yelling anti-Palestinian comments-didnt merit concern by Graham. Durbin rightfully remarked, What we are trying to do is identify a problem in America that extends beyond the Jewish population, to the Arab population, to the Palestinian population, adding, All of those hate crimes are unacceptable." Republicans, for their part, did not acknowledge the killing of Al-Fayoume, whose mother was in attendance for the hearing.

Then came Kennedy  whose unabashed bigotry drew audible gasps from the audience. The Republican began his questioning of Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute and a longtime friend, by accusing her of supporting Hamas.

You support Hamas, do you not?

Berry  being the professional she is and having far less of a temper than me  calmly responded, Senator, oddly enough, Im going to say thank you for that question because it demonstrates the purpose of our hearing today. At that point, the Louisiana Republican interrupted, Lets start first with a yes or no.

Berry answered, Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization that I do not support. She then added, But you asking the executive director of the Arab American Institute that question very much puts the focus on the issue of hate in our country.

Kennedy continued to badger Berry, accusing her of supporting the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, saying, You support Hezbollah, too, dont you? Berry responded, Do I support Hezbollah? The answer is I dont support violence, whether its Hezbollah, Hamas, or any other entity that invokes it. So no, Sir.

Despite her saying no, Kennedy simply lied by declaring, You cant bring yourself to say no, can you? After she repeated her No, he then asked, Do you support or oppose Iran and their hatred of Jews?

After more back and forth along those lines with Kennedy again accusing her of supporting Hamas and making unconfirmed allegations against the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, he told Berry, You should hide your head in a bag.

Kennedys comments were despicable and hypocritical but not unexpected. The hypocrisy comes in Kennedy virtue signaling that hes concerned with terrorism when Kennedy himself is a vocal supporter of Trump who incited the Jan 6 act of domestic terrorismas the FBI has designated that attack. And Kennedy both peddled election lies that fueled that terrorist attack and was one of only eight senators to vote to overturn the 2020 election after the mob was driven from the Capitol. Kennedy apparently has no issues with terrorism when its in pursuit of GOP power.

The American Civil Liberties Union condemned Kennedys discriminatory and vitriolic attack in a statement. To use a hearing about the disturbing rise in anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and antisemitic hate crimes to launch personal and discriminatory attacks on an expert witness theyve invited to testify is both outrageous and inappropriate. This kind of racist rhetoric should be widely condemned. It has no place in Congress, or in politics.

The lack of surprise to Kennedys remarks comes from the fact that the GOP under Trump has become in essence an anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate group. While anti-Muslim bigotry simmered in the GOP for years after 9/11, Trump weaponized it in ways never before seen during his 2016 campaignmuch like hes currently doing versus the Black immigrants in Ohio.

Trump fabricated stories that thousands of Muslims in New Jersey cheered on 9/11 as the Twin Towers collapsed. He claimed Muslims in our nation were protecting terrorists, that Muslims were leaving mosques with hatred and death in their eyes and that Islam hates us. All of this built to a hate-filled crescendo when Trump in December 2015 called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

It was not surprising that Trumps non-stop demonization of Muslims during that campaign resulted in a dangerous spike in hate crimes versus Muslims and Arabs in 2015 and 2016 that jaw-droppingly eclipsed the number of hate crimes endured in the year after 9/11. Women wearing hijabs were punched, Muslim American students saw a spike in bullying and mosques were defaced by bigots using the word, Trump.

Kennedys smear of Berry was consistent with the years of hatred spewed by the GOP towards Arabs and Muslims. And if Trump sees a benefit to trafficking in bigotry against these two communities in the final six weeks of the campaign, we all know he will do just that.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

At the end of Kennedy's questioning, Durbin asked Berry if she wanted to add anything else. Berrys response summed up this incident well, Its regrettable that I, as I sit here, have experienced the very issue that were attempting to deal with today. Berry then added powerfully that the way this hearing was conducted by people like Kennedy and other Republicans is not how we keep Arab Americans or Jewish Americans or Muslim Americans or Black people or Asian Americans, anybody safe.

https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems/status/1836108743349604403

Shes right. But the GOP is not interested in keeping minority groups safe. They simply view us as red meat to target when it comes time to animate their base. And Kennedys comments Tuesdayalong with Trumps demonization of Black immigrantsare simply the latest examples of the hate that fuels todays GOP.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Texas Governor Greg Abbott awarded $2.4 million in Fund for Veterans Assistance grants to El Paso and Midland veteran service organizations.

The grants were provided to support services as part of the Texas Veterans Commissions (TVC) Grants Across Texas presentations, according to the news release by Abbotts Office

Texas is proud to offer crucial services to support the brave men and women who selflessly served in our nations military, said Governor Abbott. From financial assistance, to support for homeless veterans, and more, these Fund for Veterans Assistance grants reinforce Texas support for our heroes so they can lead successful lives in our state. Texans are forever indebted to our veterans and their families for the sacrifices made for our state and our country.

The following list is the grant recipients and the services they provide:

Adult and Youth United Development Association El Paso: $190,000 grant for financial assistance $495,000 grant for Housing for Texas Heroes

Child Crisis Center of El Paso: $197,000 grant for support services

City of El Paso: $100,000 grant for transportation programs and services

El Paso County: $300,000 grant for veteran treatment court program

Project Amistad: $300,000 grant for financial assistance $100,000 grant for clinical counseling

The Salvation Army El Paso: $250,000 grant for homeless veteran support

The Salvation Army Midland: $260,000 grant for homeless veteran support

YWCA El Paso del Norte Region: $300,000 grant for support services

The funding will provide services to over 2,1000 veterans and their families in 23 counties, according to Abbotts Office.

West Texas is known for its strong military community, and many veterans decide to call it home after leaving the service. I was myself stationed in Fort Bliss and was proud to call the Lone Star State my new home, said TVC Executive Director and Army veteran Thomas Palladino. These grant awards will make a big impact in the region with services ranging from homeless veteran support to home modifications in the Housing for Texas Heroes program.

According to Abbotts Office, the grants offer various services to veterans and their dependents from emergency financial assistance to transportation, legal services to family support services and home modification to rental mortgage assistance.

The TVC awards the grants in five categories: General Assistance, Housing for Texas Heroes, Veterans Mental Health Grants, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Veteran County Service Officers.

Funding for the grants is primarily by the Texas Lottery Commissions games, other sources of funding are from individual donation options on drivers licenses, licenses to carry a handgun, outdoor recreation licenses for hunting and fishing and vehicle registration, according to Abbotts Office.

Texas veterans who need assistance in their area can visit the Texas Veterans Commission website here for more information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  LGTBQ advocates celebrated Gov. Andy Beshears decision to issue a ban on whats known as conversion therapy on Wednesday.

The term is used to describe specialized counseling aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.

YouTube live streamers locate body near exit 49 on I-75 in Laurel County

The practice is now banned in Kentucky by executive order for those under 18. No federal or state funds can be used for the practice and the states licensure boards could also take action if a mental health professional practices it.

If they are licensed through one of these boards and they are doing this so-called therapy that harms our children, it puts them at an increased risk for suicide. Then rightfully, those boards are going to have the opportunity to look at whether that individual should be licensed or not, Beshear told reporters shortly after signing the executive order.

This is a victory for me, for my life, but also for the lives of my friends who are not here anymore because they went through these things, Brandon Long told FOX 56. Long, a Campbell County state representative candidate and ordained episcopal minister said that he went through multiple rounds of conversion therapy starting at 17 and continued as recently as 2019.

People wouldnt even pursue those options if they were not told they needed it. I wouldnt have pursued those things if I was not told by religious authorities in my life that theres something wrong with you that you need to get fixed, Long said of his experience.

However, not all who attended Wednesdays event did so in celebration. Some came to express the differences in their own deeply held beliefs over both the constitution and religion.

Deputy killed in Russell County shooting named

What this bill does is it silences anybody who would offer a different path, Tim Tysoe told FOX 56.

Tysoe, a member of Georgetowns Royal Spring Chapel, was among a group of Christian pastors at the signing, who believe the order silences affirmation therapy and that it creates complications over free speech.

No parent is forced to bring any child to any counseling. So this idea that children are being forced or manipulated or that parents are being somehow coerced to listen to this viewpoint is a total lie, Tysoe said.

Multiple GOP members of the Kentucky Senate released a joint statement that reads:

Time and again, the Kentucky Supreme Court has told the governor he lacks the power to create policy in the Commonwealth. Yet again, the governor is defying the Supreme Court, the General Assembly, and the doctrine of separation of powers.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

This executive order disregards the First Amendment rights regarding freedom of religion and speech and violates the fundamental parental rights and responsibilities for their children.

The executive order uses such vague and overbroad language that health care providers are at risk, and children will be left without needed mental health care.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said conversations are ongoing about what Utah and the United States can do to help two Utahns sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Congolese military court handed down the death sentence for Tyler Thompson Jr. 21, and Marcel Malanga, 21, along with 34 others late last week. The group was convicted on charges of participating in a coup attempt against the Congolese government in May.

During his monthly press conference in September, Cox said his office has had conversations with members of Utahs congressional delegation. Cox confirmed Utahs delegation was looking into what they could do from the United States.

Its a sad and tragic case, Cox said. I cant say much more than that other than those conversations are ongoing.

Woman, 60, falls into scalding water at Yellowstone, suffers thermal burns

Malanga had told the Congolese court that his father, Christian Malanga, had forced him and Thompson to take part in the attack. The younger Malanga said his father would kill the two if they did not follow his orders, according to the Associated Press.

Marcels mother, Brittney Sawyer, remains steadfast that her son is innocent and was following the orders of his father, who considered himself the president of a shadow government in exile. Thompsons family said their son believed he was going to Africa with Marcel Malanga on vacation with no intention of visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We continue to believe in Tylers innocence and will be pursuing all appellate remedies, The Thompson family said through a family attorney. We urge all who have supported Tyler and the family throughout this process to write your Congressmen and request their assistance in bringing him home. Thank you for standing with us.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington last week that the U.S. government was aware of the verdict and that embassy staff had been attending each of the proceedings. Miller declined to call the proceedings unfair, adding the legal process is ongoing and the U.S. will continue to stay engaged.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue would not say Thursday they're asking former President Donald Trump to cancel a promised visit to Springfield. But both Republican officials said it would be challenging for the city's already taxed security resources due to threats.

DeWine was in Springfield for a press conference to update how state agencies are backing up local law enforcement and beefing up the community's health care resources with two new planned clinics to help with the influx of Haitian immigrants.

More: 'We need help, not hate.' Springfield at center of national debate on immigration

Springfield was thrust into the national spotlight last week when Trump, his running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and other conservative figures began spreading unfounded rumors that the city's Haitian immigrants are eating pets and wildlife.

Schools, businesses, and public buildings in Springfield have faced evacuations after receiving a flood of threats since the community gained the national spotlight.

Rue said the town hall planned tonight by former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy presents logistical security challenges for the community. He urged attendees of the event to gather peacefully and be responsible when sharing information about Springfield.

"Words, particularly when based on false claims harm not only individuals, but entire communities like Springfield," Rue said.

Ramaswamy lives near Columbus and grew up in Cincinnati.

Rue and DeWine said a visit by Trump would be challenging but pledged that the city and state would make the necessary arrangements if Trump follows through on his intention to visit.

DeWine said he hoped Trump and Vance would stop spreading misinformation about Haitian immigrants who are here legally in Springfield, but he's not been in touch with the former president personally.

Trump falsely claimed Wednesday night that more than 30,000 Haitian immigrants have come to Springfield illegally in recent weeks. According to local officials, about 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants have come to Springfield in about four years and they are here legally under federal temporary protected status.

On Thursday, Rue also clarified that an emergency declaration proclamation he signed earlier this week is not an indication of immediate danger. He said it simply allows the city to quickly purchase resources to address threats without going through the usual bidding process.

Bomb-sniffing dogs and new health clinics coming to Springfield

Earlier this week, DeWine announced that the Ohio State Highway Patrol will conduct daily bomb sweeps at Springfield schools in response to bomb threats.

DeWine said threats continue to pour, including a bomb hoax Thursday at Clark State, which is holding classes virtually in the wake of threats. But law enforcement, he said, is responding quickly to check threats out and reopen buildings. He said they're bolstered by additional bomb-sniffing dogs provided by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"(To the scared Haitian community in Springfield), we are doing everything that we can to create an environment where they can live, that all the citizens of Clark County can live and thrive," DeWine said. "Everybody needs to lower the rhetoric."

DeWine also announced the state will help Springfield open two new health clinics for all residents to improve wait times for health care: a new mobile clinic that will open next week and a permanent clinic they're still looking for a location for. Rue and other local officials said that the large number of new residents has taxed their health care system, schools and social services.

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Springfield, Ohio in spotlight: DeWine provides update on immigration
If you drive a car or pickup truck in California, you care about the price of gasoline  especially if it spikes toward $7 a gallon, as it did in September 2022.

Perhaps youve heard that Gov. Gavin Newsom has called a special session of the Legislature to consider a law meant to prevent such price spikes. It would allow the state to mandate minimum supplies of gasoline be stored at California-based refineries. The special session starts with hearings this week on a bill to pave the way for the reserve. Heres a primer on the issue:

What is the Newsom plan?

If the Legislature passes the minimum inventory bill, refineries in California could be required to keep extra gasoline on hand, so when a refinery shuts down for planned maintenance or an unplanned problem, prices at the pump wont spike. Thats the theory anyway. The California Energy Commission would be charged with deciding whether a reserve should be created and how big it must be.

Read more: Refueling a hydrogen car in California is so annoying that drivers are suing Toyota

Where would this gasoline be stored?

It depends on how big a cushion the state might mandate. Spare capacity in existing storage tanks might suffice. Additional storage tanks might need to be built, according to the industry, and they might run about $35 million a tank. The states recently created Division of Petroleum Market Oversight reports that California refineries typically keep 15 days or more supply on hand, which tends to shrink by several days when a refinery shuts down for maintenance.

Who would pay the costs of a gasoline reserve?

The refinery companies.

How much?

Yet to be determined.

Won't those costs be passed along to consumers?

Most likely, although theyd be more evenly spread throughout the year. How much money, and how it would compare to temporary price spikes, cant be estimated until the state decides how big the gasoline reserve would be and how it would be managed.

Storage tanks at Chevron's Bay Area refinery in Richmond. (Josh Edelson / For The Times)

Is there more to the plan?

Yes. The law would allow the energy commission to impose requirements for minimum inventory not just for gasoline, but also for feedstocks and blending components used to create the final gasoline product. It also would require refineries to seek permission to reduce the mandated inventory level in times of high demand.

The commission could impose civil penalties up to $1 million a day for noncompliance. Refiners would be required to produce evidence that any production losses during maintenance wont adversely affect the transportation fuel market in California.

What is the California Energy Commission?

The commission was created as a policy and planning agency in 1975 as a response to the 1970s energy crisis. For decades it's served as the states go-to source for energy statistics and analysis. The state Assembly in recent years has granted the commission more investigatory and regulatory power, including state management of the electric vehicle public charging system. The Division of Petroleum Market Oversight, created in 2023, sits under the energy commissions umbrella and is headed by a lawyer with deep experience in antitrust law.

Read more: California will host a billion-dollar 'hydrogen hub.' What it means for our energy future

Does the commission have any experience in oil refinery management?

It appears to be a work in progress. In an email, Siva Gunda, the commission's vice chair, wrote, "The California Energy Commission has more than four decades of experience with the petroleum industry as part of our responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Information Reporting Act. Our longstanding expertise has been further strengthened by new tools and transparency provided by the [2023] California Gas Price Gouging and Transparency Law. Contracts with outside experts further enhance our capabilities."

The new legislation would create an expert committee with six members, who shall either hold an academic position in, or demonstrate expertise of, economics or business operations of the transportation fuels market. However, anyone who has worked in the oil and gas industry for the previous 12 months would be ineligible to sit on the commission.

What does the industry have to say?

California politicians and regulators do not have the technical expertise to be micro-managing refinery maintenance and construction projects or setting fuel inventory mandates for the private sector, said Susan Grissom, chief analyst for the trade group American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, via email. In fact, this legislation would disqualify those with real-world experience from providing any of this direction. This type of intervention from Sacramento is willfully negligent and much more likely to compromise safety and harm the regional fuel supply chain than help."

The Marathon oil refinery in Carson. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Any response to that from the governor?

Through a spokesman, Gov. Newsom and his senior climate advisor, Lauren Sanchez, declined to comment.

How about from industry experts?

Severin Borenstein, a UC Berkeley professor who heads the Energy Institute at Haas, said an inventory mandate could end up shaving price spikes a bit, but his research shows the main problem occurs closer to the retail level, where pricing remains opaque. The state has been looking into what Borenstein calls this mystery surcharge but has reached no conclusions.

The governors of Arizona and Nevada have come out against the plan. Why?

The vast majority of gasoline in Arizona and Nevada is pumped in by pipeline from California, New Mexico and Texas. Gov. Katie Hobbs of Arizona, a Democrat, and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, sent a joint letter to Newsom that reads in part: Despite ongoing conversations about the root causes of rising fuel costs, it is evident that increased regulatory burdens on refiners and forced supply shortages will result in higher costs for consumers in all of our states. With both of our states reliant on California pipelines for significant amounts of our fuel, these looming cost increases and supply shortages are of tremendous concern to Arizona and Nevada.

In a letter to the energy commission, the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Assn. said, If refiners are required to prioritize Californias reserve requirements, it could lead to reduced fuel shipments to Arizona, creating supply shortages and potentially leading to fuel scarcity in our state. This could severely impact the availability of fuel in Arizona, causing widespread disruption.

Read more: Early adopters, mainstream success, buyer's remorse  where is the EV market headed?

Has any state tried inventory controls before?

No. California is setting the pace. In 2023, Australia created a gasoline reserve. Unlike the California plan, the reserve was created for geopolitical strategic reasons. The country imports more than 90% of its gasoline. Although private industry pays most of the reserves cost, Australia has pitched in with hundred of millions in government funding.

What about the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve?

Thats a crude oil reserve, not gasoline. Created in response to the 1970s energy crisis, the reserve can store up to 700 million barrels of oil, most of it in underground salt caverns. Although it is intended as a cushion during war or other major emergency, presidents sometimes release reserve oil to soften retail gasoline prices.

The U.S. did maintain an emergency gasoline supply, the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve. It was created in 2014 in response to Hurricane Sandy, which severely damaged two refineries and caused 40 fuel terminals to shut down. But the reserve was recently depleted, with no plans for renewal.

When would the California gasoline reserve be created?

Not in time for any price spikes in the fall. If the government moves with unusual dispatch, its possible the rules and regulations could be in place by the end of next year.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Gov. Youngkin orders POW/MIA flag to be displayed for National POW/MIA Recognition Day

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a flag order to recognize National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Friday.

The order calls for all Commonwealth flags to be flown at full staff on public buildings and grounds in Virginia and to display the POW/MIA flag, according to Code of Virginia, section 2.2-3310.1.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is celebrated yearly every third Friday in September, honors the service and sacrifice of servicemembers who are, or were prisoners of war or reported missing in action.

The POW/MIA flag is also displayed on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans 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 WAVY.com.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Vincennes University Will host Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) quarterly meeting today.

Evansville teens work to make a difference on first-ever youth council

That meeting is set to take place at 1:30 p.m. central time. The IEDC is led by Indiana Secretary of Commerce, David Rosenburg and is governed by a 15-member board that is chaired by Governor Holcomb. The IEDC is charged with growing the states economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A Macquarie Group investment adviser has agreed to pay $79.8 million to settle charges in connection with overvaluing collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO) held in advisory accounts, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said.

The regulator found that Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust, which is a part of Macquarie Asset Management, overvalued about 4,900 largely illiquid CMOs in 20 advisory accounts, including 11 retail funds and also executed hundreds of cross trades that favored certain clients over others.

From January 2017 through April 2021, the firm, which managed a fixed-income investment strategy primarily focused on mortgage-backed securities, CMOs and Treasury futures, assigned the wrong prices to certain products and thus overstated the performance of client accounts, the SEC said.

Regulators found Macquarie attempted to minimize losses to redeeming investors by arranging cross trades with affiliated accounts, rather than selling the overvalued products into the market.

Macquarie Asset Management, which did not admit or deny the SEC's findings, said in a statement it has already begun remediation and is continuing the process, with the focus on clients.

Our business is built on the principles of integrity and accountability," the statement said. "This legacy matter is not consistent with how we do business."

(Reporting by Chris Prentice in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
GRACE explores love in Hawaii when not everyone was free

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Grace is an upcoming short film that is currently in the fundraising phase, and its creators are rallying support to bring their vision to life.

Jana Park, one of the films Executive Producers, has been instrumental in supporting local projects like Grace. Park, who formerly served as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Filmmakers Collective and is currently the Hawaii International Film Festivals Industry Manager, is dedicated to promoting Hawaii-based stories.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Ive moved over to HIFF, and Im thrilled to be part of an organization that supports local filmmaking, Park said.

Elizabeth Rian, the writer, actor (playing Ruth) and executive producer of Grace, is passionate about the films message. The short film is based on Rians own family history and focuses on her great aunt, Ruth, who lived in Honolulu during the 20th century.

Our film tells the story of Ruth, who was a schoolteacher and librarian at Haleiwa Elementary, Rian explained. She and her close friend, who is the inspiration for the character Grace, were remarkable women who traveled the world and faced societal challenges.

At that time, women who loved other women didnt have the freedom to pursue love. They had to be roommates or friends.

She and her close friend and roommate, who the character Grace is based off, were schoolteachers together, explained Rian.

This is the synopsis of the short film:

On a summer evening shortly after Hawaiis official statehood is announced, two queer women attend a dinner at one of their familys homes. Ruth, a spirited schoolteacher and Grace, the pastors daughter, hide their love for each other while Ruths prim sister tries to set her up with yet another man from church. Ruth doesnt want to be married; Grace doesnt want to be American. The two women spend a stolen moment together, considering a life in which they dont have to hide or pretend, even if its only imagined.

The film explores themes of identity and personal struggle during a time when strong-willed women often faced significant obstacles.

Its important to honor the stories of those who paved the way for us, Rian said. My great aunt didnt have the opportunities that we do today, and this film is my way of saying thank you for her sacrifices.

Currently, Park and Rian are focused on raising funds to complete Grace. They have already secured a grant but need additional support to cover production costs and ensure the films success.

We have an incredible cast interested in the project, but we need more funding to make it happen, Rian said. The proceeds from our fundraising events are crucial to bringing this film to life and sharing it with a wider audience.

Park emphasized the importance of local support for projects like Grace.

Both HIFF and the Hawaii Filmmakers Collective are dedicated to nurturing local talent and stories, Park said. Its about keeping our talent here and making sure Hawaii-based films get the recognition they deserve.

Rian and Park hope to provide valuable opportunities for local Pacific Islanders and Hawaii-based crew through this project.

We want to give more people the chance to work on set, get paid and learn from experienced professionals, Park noted. Its all about supporting and elevating our local filmmaking community.

As the festival draws near, the fundraising for Grace continues to gain momentum. Rian expressed gratitude for the communitys support.

Being part of this event and having the chance to share our story with you all is incredible, Rian said. Thank you for being here and for helping us make Grace a reality.

With local support and continued fundraising efforts, Grace aims to capture the essence of its powerful story and bring it to audiences both locally and beyond.

You can click here to find out how you can help support this film. You can click here to read more about the film project and the artists involved.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

The films journey underscores the importance of celebrating and preserving Hawaiis unique narratives.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Its been over 10 years but a Grain Valley, Missouri man is being charged in a rape that happened in August of 2013.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Thursday that Jason Dewayne Bell is charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.

Ex-KCPD detective DeValkenaere found liable in wrongful death lawsuit

According to court records, the Missouri Highway Patrol issued a report to Grain Valley detectives alerting them that Bells DNA was found in a sample collected from the victim in an August 2013 sexual assault.

In March 2024, the victim told detectives she went to a pub in Independence with others when the Bell started driving her to a parking lot near trucks and he sexually assaulted her in the vehicle.

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Detectives reported Bell had been a suspect in other sexual assault investigations.

A grand jury indicted Bell in August. Hes currently being held in custody.

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GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WOOD)  Grandville Public Schools says it will resume classes Friday after an alleged threat  which, investigators ultimately decided, was not credible  caused the district to cancel classes and evening activities Thursday.

On Thursday, the Grandville Police Department said the threat did not seem credible.

During the investigation it was discovered that other school districts in the state, and outside the state had received similar threat information, police wrote in a release.

Thursday evening, the district announced that classes would resume Friday, with extra staff members on hand to help in any way they can.

Based on the investigation in Grandville and investigations in other communities where this report has been made, this most recent report is not a credible threat to our school community, Superintendent Roger Bearup wrote in a letter to the community.

According to Bearups letter, a photo that has been circulating can be traced back to Arizona.

Grandville Public Schools closed Thursday for threat

The tip came in Wednesday evening from OK2SAY, a tipline program run by Michigan State Police where anyone can confidentially report threats, violent behavior and mental health crises involving students, school employees or schools.

Grandville Public Schools said it canceled classes Thursday out of an abundance of caution, saying there wasnt time to conduct a full investigation before Thursday morning. The district also canceled most Thursday evening activities, including home events, practices and extracurriculars.

I was happy they are taking the extra steps to figure out what was going on, but it was nerve-wracking because you dont know exactly what the story is, Treasure Cheatham, who has a child at Grandville High School, told News 8.

Safety is always the top priority, Bearup wrote to the community Thursday evening.

The decision to close school is not done lightly, he wrote. We will always err on the side of caution to investigate the credibility of any threat to our schools.

The Grandville Police Department asked the community to report any potential threats rather than spreading them on social media.

OK2SAY is available 24/7, and tips can be submitted in the following ways:

Call: 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729)

Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)

Email: OK2SAY@mi.gov

OK2SAY website: www.ok2say.com

OK2SAY mobile app is available for iPhone and Android.

News 8s Duncan MacLean contributed to this report.

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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is urging the public to use water "wisely" as the state's drought continues.

Areas in Hamilton and Clermont counties are experiencing moderate and severe drought, an updated map from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed Thursday. Severe drought conditions persists across most of Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Northern Kentucky.

Exceptional drought, the worst possible drought condition, is present in almost 10% of the state. Extreme drought, the second-worst condition, takes up 20% of the state.

The Drought Monitor is released Thursdays and ranks regions on a scale from D-0 to D-4, with D-0 signifying abnormally dry conditions and D-4 meaning exceptionally dry. Ohio is currently seeing what state officials are calling "historic" levels of D-4 dryness in the region.

The U.S. Drought Monitor's map of Ohio for Sept. 19, 2024.

The effects of drought are "diverse and complex", but the state could see reduced agricultural production, decreased transportation on rivers, limits on city water supplies, struggles to maintain water quality, stressed wildlife and reduced recreational activities as the drought continues and water becomes scarcer, an ODNR spokesperson said in a statement released Thursday.

Some of these effects have already materialized in parts of the state and in Greater Cincinnati.

The city of Columbus recently dipped into its reserve water supplies after some local reservoirs ran low, The Dispatch previously reported. And farmers in Greater Cincinnati are working far harder for less return than most can remember in recent history.

ODNR is working with businesses to mitigate these effects and encourage water conservation. It also has a few tips for how to conserve water at home.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources: How to conserve water at home

Only water lawns and landscaping during the coolest part of the day and follow local water restrictions.

Repair leaks and update old plumbing fixtures.

Take shorter showers. Five to seven gallons of water are used per minute in the shower.

Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when they're full. This can save hundreds of gallons of water per year, according to ODNR.

When will the drought end in Greater Cincinnati?

Ohio's drought continues to worsen week-by-week, with more and more of the state facing drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The Buckeye State could see a reprieve next week, when there is a chance for "wetter than normal" conditions Sept. 24 through Sept. 28, the National Weather Service in Wilmington said in a post on X. Short-term drought relief is looking up for Greater Cincinnati, with rainfall probable in parts of Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky early next week.

The United State's six-to-ten-day temperature and precipitation outlook.

The drought monitor recently updated its three-month outlook for the state, showing that the northern half of Ohio's drought will be removed entirely or at least improved in the near future. The drought in Ohio's southern half and Northern Kentucky will likely persist, according to the outlook.

Before the drought ends, Ohio will need several rainfall events to claw its way out from its dry spell, an NWS meteorologist previously told The Dispatch.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Is Ohio in a drought? What about Northern Kentucky? Map, tips, more
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ORLANDO, Fla. - Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Kevin J. Thibault will be stepping down from the position early next year, it was announced on Wednesday.

Founded in 1976, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, or GOAA, is a seven-member board; the mayor of the City of Orlando, the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, and five other members who are appointed by the Governor of the State of Florida. The authority oversees the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).

GOAA Chairman Tim Weisheyer read a statement from Thibault during a recent board meeting, where Thibault cited his wifes illness as the reason for his resignation. He said he needed to focus on her care in the coming years.

Thibault, who has seen success during his tenure, thanked Weisheyer, Immediate Past Chairman Carson Good, and the board for their support over the last two years.

"As a transportation professional, to serve as a state transportation secretary and now as the Chief Executive Officer of the 7th largest airport in the United States has truly been the epitome of a professional career well served," Thibault wrote. "When you look back at what has been accomplished in the past two years, I am confident that this airport is positioned for continued greatness in the years to come."

RELATED: A look inside Orlando International Airport's Terminal C

Thibault has served as CEO since March 2022, during which time passenger traffic at MCO jumped to more than 58 million, becoming the busiest airport in the state and one of the busiest airports in the nation and world.

Under Thibault's watch, MCO opened its new multi-billion-dollar Terminal C in Sept. 2022, and earlier this year, it was announced that the terminal would be expanded, using over $60 million of Federal Aviation Administration funds.

The 200,000-square-foot Terminal C features 15 gates for domestic and international flights and also connects to Brightline's train service. The $4.12 billion project also features large video walls.

Before joining GOAA, Thibault served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). He will step down, effective Jan. 31, 2025.
Disputing claims of a gang takeover and instead placing blame on an absentee landlord, tenants at several Aurora apartment complexes showed off receipts for rent payments, photos of trash pileups and dead mice they had trapped in their units. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

Aurora was thrust into the national spotlight in recent weeks as right-wing media amplified a false story claiming Venezuelan gang members had taken over apartment buildings in the Colorado city. Former President Donald Trump supercharged this misinformation when he mentioned it last week during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, which was viewed by tens of millions of Americans.

The swell of negative attention hurt the city and jeopardized residents. It has given cover to an out-of-state slumlord whos responsible for unbearable conditions at the apartment buildings. And the worst part is that the citys own elected leaders are to blame for so much of the fallout. They propagated bigoted falsehoods in reckless pursuit of partisan advantage and fame. They failed the most basic duty of any public servant  to protect the public.

It is true that about 40,000 migrants from Central and South America, including Venezuela, have arrived in the Denver area since December 2022. And its true that individuals associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua have been identified in Aurora. But they number 10, and the only thing they have taken over in Aurora is the dark imagination of right-wing conspiracy theorists.

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Unsafe conditions at the apartment buildings in question predate the uptick in immigration and have nothing to do with gangs. Denver Post reporting establishes that tenants of out-of-state landlord CBZ Managements Aurora properties endured unlivable conditions going back to at least 2020. The problems have included black mold, water leaks, a lack of hot water, broken appliances, sagging infrastructure, fees for amenities that didnt work or didnt exist, rodent and cockroach infestations, poor building security and slapdash repairs, the Post reported.

CBZ owned the Whispering Pines, Aspen Grove and Edge of Lowry apartment buildings, which were commonly cited in gang-takeover rhetoric. The company sought to deflect blame this summer by claiming the Venezuelan gang had assumed control of its buildings.

Conservative city officials jumped in, none more vocally than City Council member Danielle Jurinsky. She and two other council members in early August pushed the gang-takeover story. In an appearance on Fox, Jurinsky made an incendiary claim: This gang, they are marking their territory, they are putting up their gang-related graffiti on the blocks, on the areas they have taken over, and quite frankly, I have heard too many stories from too many property owners, business owners and residents to think this is anything other than a complete gang takeover in parts of our city.

Republican Mayor Mike Coffman, though he often chose more tempered language, in his own appearance on Fox told a national audience that several buildings in Aurora had fallen to these Venezuelan gangs.

Fox, the New York Post and other conservative media made this xenophobic falsehood a national story, especially after a video from a CBZ building emerged showing armed men appearing to enter one of the apartments, even though facts about the video and the people in it remain murky.

Through the growing firestorm, it was apparent that Jurinsky trafficked, at best, in conspiracy theories and misinformation. The Aurora Sentinel has documented since at least early August the lack of evidence for the most sensational gang claims. The citys own interim police chief in late August publicly debunked the gang-takeover assertion. Early this month, residents of the building where the video of armed men was taken participated in a press conference, where they insisted their slumlord owner, not a gang, was responsible for problems at the building.

If they're Venezuelan, it's hard to get jobs now.

 Raquel Lane-Arellano, communications manager for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

But the hateful tenor of the takeover story was too much for the anti-immigrant presidential candidate to pass up.

Theyre taking over towns, theyre taking over buildings, theyre going in violently, Trump said during the debate, referring to Aurora. He also, infamously, repeated a false story about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.

Thats when even Jurinsky apparently had second thoughts. The day after the debate, she and Coffman released a joint statement that said Tren de Aragua has not taken over the city. The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true.

Pure gaslighting. They acknowledged no responsibility for having spread those overstated claims themselves.

Anyway, it was too late. The damage to their own city and its residents had already been done. And more could be in store. After the debate Trump pledged to carry out the largest deportation in the history of our country, starting in Aurora. He had previously told a Wisconsin audience that removing Venezuelan immigrants from Colorado will be a bloody story.

Now Venezuelan residents of Aurora, many of them workers with families who have experienced many hardships before arriving in Colorado, are targeted for racist harassment and threats. The Colorado Sun interviewed tenants at the CBZ buildings and found that they are more scared of white supremacists and people with animosity toward immigrants than they ever were of a Venezuelan gang.

An Aurora Sentinel editorial noted that theres now widespread fear among immigrants, Latinos and others who are being demonized as a result of gang-takeover lies, which the paper called a dog-whistle race war against immigrants.

Former residents of one of the Aurora buildings, which the city condemned, face discrimination as they seek new homes because of the reputation of their previous residence, Raquel Lane-Arellano, communications manager for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, told Newsline.

If theyre Venezuelan, its hard to get jobs now, she said, adding that Trumps rhetoric creates a lot of fear.

The larger immigrant community in Colorado is caught up in the blowback. Someone called law enforcement Sunday on what they complained was a Venezuelan gang takeover of a park in Adams County. It turned out to be a completely lawful car-club gathering of Hispanic men, 9News reported.

Meanwhile, every minute of gang-takeover rhetoric distracted from the inhumane business practices of CBZ, which can afford representation from powerful law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and has faced scant accountability.

Thats what Jurinsky did to her own city. Thats what she did to the people who call Aurora home. Public officials, from the president to water board director, have a solemn obligation to safeguard the people who entrust them with power. The good name of the government is in their hands.

But Jurinsky, as well as Coffman and other conservative public officials who repeated lies, undercut the well-being of Aurora residents, put many of them in danger, and brought disrepute to the entire city. By spreading baseless claims, they made themselves more of a threat to Aurorans than any fictitious gang activity.

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ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece will start negotiations to buy a fourth Belharra frigate from France to strengthen its navy as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis, the country's defence minister said on Thursday.

Greece agreed in 2021 to get three new Belharra frigates for 3.0 billion euros ($3.34 billion), with an option for one more, as it aims to replace old units that have operated for more than 30 years in its navy.

"I am pleased to announce today Greece's intention to start negotiations to acquire one more frigate, the fourth of the same type," Nikos Dendias said at Lorian shipyards in France, without giving more details.

Dendias was speaking at a launch ceremony for the second French frigate. He added that three of the four Belharra will be able to carry "Scalp Naval" cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,000 kilometres (621.37 miles).

Athens has drawn up a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and also Rafale jets from France.

Its defence issues include its disagreement with NATO ally Turkey. The countries have long been at odds over issues including where their continental shelves start and end, energy resources, flights over the Aegean, and the ethnically partitioned island of Cyprus.

On Wednesday, officials told Reuters Greece planned to buy Switchblade drones from the United States, a type of weapon complement to the Spike anti-tank missiles Athens plans to send to its islands in the Aegean Sea.

"They will contribute to the creation of a rocket wall in the Aegean," Dendias said.

(Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas; editing by Barbara Lewis)
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  The Greenville Fire Department is looking for public input at their community meeting to introduce a new addition to their training.

They will be adding a new training structure off East Second Street that allows them to practice real rescue scenarios. The fire department is hosting the input meeting tonight to be transparent with the community they serve and to avoid any confusion if people nearby began seeing the fires.

Fire Chief Brock Davenport says he doesnt want his firefighters first time in an active rescue situation to be during a live fire rescue and that this structure allows for hands-on training for a lot of different scenarios.



We want to make sure that theyre well trained, well prepared to deal with these type of emergencies so that when we have an emergency like this in our community, were able to respond to it. Timely, effectively, and be able to mitigate the problem and save all the folks and, you know, potential damage to the structure, said Davenport.

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If youve noticed brown patches on your lawn, it may be more than a lack of water.

At this time of the year, grass can be destroyed by grubs that eat its roots. These pests are damaging high numbers of area lawns, especially those near the lake since they prefer sandy soil.

Wednesday nights city council meeting has potential to change current open container policy

The operations manager at Team Turf in Waterford explains how to tell if you have dry grass or grubs.

It looks like draught stress but its really theyre eating the root system. And when you pull the sod up, you usually see them right there underneath the sod, Tyler Hering, the operations manager for Team Turf.

Over 40 years later, new treatment looks to cleanup Lord-Shope Landfill

Preventative treatment for grubs needs to be done in May or June. If you already have grubs, Hering suggests using grub killer, reseeding and watering your lawn.

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Advocates in favor of guaranteed income march from the Colorado Capitol to the Denver City and County Building Sept. 18, 2024. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)

A coalition of organizations supporting guaranteed income gathered for a rally Wednesday to urge Denver officials to extend funding for the Denver Basic Income Project, which provides no-strings-attached cash assistance to people experiencing homelessness.

The Denver Guaranteed Income Now! Coalition formed in 2023 and includes over 30 organizations that support making guaranteed income a permanent strategy for addressing homelessness in Denver. Advocates for guaranteed income say it is an effective tool that has an immediate impact on peoples lives.

Mark Donovan, founder and executive director of DBIP, said its incredibly exciting and super frustrating at the same time to see the projects growing success and support from the community. The project has distributed more than $10.5 million to people unconditionally since its inception, he said.

When you see something thats working so well and has such potential, but then youre just not able to move it forward at the pace that would reach more people and reduce suffering and harm faster, you just feel this urge  to find a way, Donovan said. So were here to raise our voices and express that sense of urgency, but also to celebrate what we have achieved and this hope that we have.

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DBIP, which started in 2020, is the first and largest organization in the country to study the impact of direct cash assistance on people experiencing homelessness. Denver partnered with the nonprofit in 2022 as a priority of the citys Department of Housing Stability, providing $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, and the organization secured funding to continue through this month. The payments DBIP sent out to participants this week are the last payments the project currently has funding for.

Now the organization is asking Denver for $5 million to finish funding a third year for its initial cohort, whose members were the subjects of the University of Denvers Center for Housing and Homelessness Research randomized study on the project. The study found that participation in the DBIP led to improved housing outcomes for participants regardless of which funding level they were assigned to.

Rather than waiting 10 years for us to have adequate housing that we need, we can actually support people in a way thats meaningful to them today, and honor and respect their agency, and their dignity, and treat them just like we would like to be treated, Donovan said.

Just over 800 participants were randomly assigned to three cohorts for the DU study. One cohort received $1,000 a month for 12 months, another received $6,500 up front and then $500 a month for the remaining 11 months, and the last group, the control group, received $50 a month to complete a survey so the project has a solid baseline for comparison. Participants also received a cell phone with service paid off for the 12 months of the program. In the extended version of the study after the first 12 months, the control group got $100 a month, and the other groups both got $1,000 a month.

Hunter Ambrose was accepted into DBIP and randomly assigned to the control group right as she was losing her home at the time. While $50 a month might not seem like much, Ambrose said it made a difference for food and gas for her and her three kids.

Though it might not seem like a life changing amount, for me, it represented more than just financial relief, Ambrose said at the rally. It was a lifeline during some of the darkest moments of my life. It began to bridge the gap between despair and hope.

She was able to secure housing, and even published, with DBIPs support, her book on growing up in the Los Angeles foster care system.

I am grateful for the staff at DBIP who believed in me at a time when others didnt, Ambrose said. Your commitment to individuals in times of crisis is a testament to the strength of community and the power of kindness.

DBIP Program Manager Gwen Battis said the nonprofit is also asking for $10 million from the city to fund a full three years of a second cohort for 300 people up front. She said the coalition is trying to use the support it has from Denver City Council and other organizations to demonstrate how important this is to the community.

Last year, the (City Council) vote was almost unanimous to add the budget amendment to continue funding, so theyve been supportive from the start, Battis said. What were really trying to do now is loop in the mayors office, which we havent been successful doing yet.

I am grateful for the staff at DBIP who believed in me at a time when others didnt ... Your commitment to individuals in times of crisis is a testament to the strength of community and the power of kindness.

 Hunter Ambrose, a DBIP recipient

A group of advocates with the coalition and some DBIP participants went into the Denver City and County Building to ask Mayor Mike Johnstons office for a meeting after several dozen attendees marched there from the Colorado Capitol for the rally. Supporters with a variety of organizations showed up to support the push for more funding.

Were really hopeful that the mayor can lend his ear, meet with us, collaborate with us and be able to work alongside us to continue expanding an intervention thats already been proven to be successful, Battis said. We have the same objectives as him, and were just hoping to work together to be able to get more people housed and get more people into the situations that they deserve to be in.

But Johnstons office expressed doubt about DBIPs effectiveness Wednesday.

We are committed to using HOSTs limited dollars for programs that efficiently help as many people as possible get and stay housed, Johnstons press secretary, Jordan Fuja, said in a statement to Newsline, using an acronym for the Department of Housing Stability. Unfortunately, the data in the year-one report from the DBIP did not show a statistically significant difference in homelessness resolution between the groups that received large cash transfers and those who did not. Because the data showed limited results in the first year, HOSTs proposed budget does not recommend funding in 2025 for this program.

Denver City Council member Shontel Lewis, a consistent advocate for DBIP, spoke to supporters outside the city building on her lunch break between budget hearings. She said shes disappointed that funding for the project didnt make it into Johnstons initial 2025 budget draft and that advocates have to fight so hard for dignity for our neighbors.

Im disappointed that despite the Denver Basic Income Project having such incredible results in their pilot year, were still having to prove its worth, Lewis said, still having to seek out the mayor to ask for emergency assistance for $1.7 million to fund the remainder of the pilot year, since it isnt fully funded out the gate.

Lewis said guaranteed income is just one solution that will reduce reliance on public services and reduce homelessness. She said she will use her voice during the city budgeting process to ensure city dollars support the betterment of all citizens, not just the housed, not just the privileged.

To suggest that guaranteed income is more likely to be used for vices and unnecessary items is to dismiss the humanity of our neighbors in need, Lewis said. To expect our neighbors, at their lowest point, to overcome hardships without support is to lack compassion and empathy.

Organizations in the Denver Guaranteed Income Now! Coalition include DBIP, the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Community Change, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, the Womens Foundation of Colorado, the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, and the Colorado Peoples Alliance.

Its rare that pilots are as successful as the Denver Basic Income Project. This is the largest pilot of its kind in the nation and we have proven that this policy helps people find permanent housing, secure full-time work, and saves the city money, Hillary Jorgensen, Colorado Cross Disability Coalition co-executive director, said in a statement. Its time for Denver to make this one of their long-term solutions.

New data from the Census Bureau shows that poverty in the Denver metro area has increased since the pandemic, reversing a downward trend between 2012 and 2019.

Editors note: This story was updated at 5:38 p.m., Sept. 18, 2024, to include a statement from Mayor Mike Johnstons office and at 2:34 p.m., Sept. 20, 2024, to add the Colorado Peoples Alliance to the list of organizations in the Denver Guaranteed Income Now! Coalition.

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Marubeni and Hitachi Construction Machinery have set up a JV, ZAMine Service Brasil, to engage in mining equipment sales and maintenance services in Brazil.

This move is set to capitalise on the growing demand for mining equipment in the region.

The alliance between Marubeni and Hitachi Construction Machinery dates back to the 1970s, with similar joint initiatives in Australia and Ukraine.

Marubeni's subsidiaries and affiliated companies have also been distributing Hitachi's mining equipment across Latin America.

The new venture, ZAMine Brasil, will take over the operations previously managed by Marubeni Brasil.

ZAMine Brasil offers a comprehensive platform for products and services, leveraging Marubeni's business management expertise and customer networks along with Hitachi Construction Machinery's advanced technological capabilities.

The aim is to meet the diverse requirements of clients in the Brazilian mining sector.

ZAMine Brasils establishment is a strategic move by Marubeni to bolster its sales and service structure in the Brazilian market.

The company is committed to contributing to Brazil's development by harnessing the collective experience and capabilities of both Marubeni and Hitachi Construction Machinery.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Group is restructuring its mining business in South America, including Brazil. The move is aimed at generating sales revenue of Y300bn or more from full-scale independent business in the Americas in fiscal year 2025.

In July 2023, Hudbay Minerals and Marubeni sealed a memorandum of understanding for an exploration partnership related to the formers existing processing facilities in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada.

The agreement contemplated Marubeni financing between $10m and $15m in exploration expenditures on the project properties, with Hudbay acting as operator and conducting exploration work.

"Marubeni, Hitachi form JV for mining equipment sales in Brazil" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Guinea Ex-Junta Official Who Escaped Jail Is Captured in Liberia

(Bloomberg) -- A member of Guineas former military junta who escaped from jail in November has been arrested by police in neighboring Liberia, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Col. Claude Pivi was sprung from a jail in Guineas capital, Conakry, by a gang of armed men, together with three other inmates including ex-junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara, who was quickly recaptured.

A spokesman at the Ministry of Justice declined to comment at this time.

Pivi, a former minister of presidential security under Camara, is one of more than a dozen whove been charged over the killing of at least 150 people in a 2009 stadium massacre.

A Guinean court sentenced him in absentia in July to life imprisonment, a verdict which was appealed, said his lawyer Abdourahamane Dabo. Camara was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the attack.

A 500 million Guinean francs ($58,000) reward had been offered for information leading to Pivis arrest.

Guinea is the worlds biggest exporter of bauxite, a reddish ore used to produce aluminium. The West African country also has the worlds largest untapped iron ore deposit, which companies including Rio Tinto Plc are exploiting.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Colonel Claude Pivi has been on the run since last year's dramatic prison break in Conakry [AFP]

Guinea's most wanted fugitive - a former senior military officer who escaped from prison last November - has been extradited from neighbouring Liberia, along with his son.

Ex-Col Claude Pivi will now serve his life sentence after being convicted in absentia for his role in a massacre of opposition supporters at a stadium in the capital Conakry in 2009, Guinea's military prosecutor said.

He and his son, Verny Pivi, were arrested on the border of the two states during a routine security check on Tuesday.

Photos circulating online showed Pivi looking frail and handcuffed alongside his son, who is accused of orchestrating the prison break that freed his father.

Ex-military leader Moussa Dadis Camara was also freed, but was quickly recaptured.

He is serving a 20-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity.

The charges stemmed from one of the worst massacres in the nation's history - the killing of more than 156 people after troops opened fire at an opposition rally in September 2009 to demand a return of civilian rule.

Scores of women were also raped.

Known as "Coplan," Pivi served as minister of presidential security in Camara's regime.

The authorities had offered a reward of $58,000 (43,700) for his capture.

Pivi is back in the main prison in Conakry to serve his life sentence, military prosecutor Colonel Aly Camara said on Thursday.

"He was brought back to the central prison to serve his sentence in accordance with the law," Col Camara added.

His lawyer Abdourahmane Dabo confirmed to the BBC that Pivi had been returned home, however he expressed concern about the poor state of his health, describing him as "weak".

Following news of his arrest on Wednesday, Fatoumata Diariou Camara, one of those caught up in the violence at the rally, told AFP she was "overjoyed" that he had been recaptured.

"I pray that he will remain in prison forever," she said.

You may also be interested in:

[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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Sowing Discord

In March, the US government accused the founder of Moscow-based company Social Design Agency of orchestrating a "persistent foreign malign influence campaign" on behalf of the Kremlin.

The propaganda operation, dubbed "Doppelganger," involved spreading memes, deepfaked videos, and falsified documents online to alienate the West from Ukraine and its leadership following Russia's 2022 invasion.

The company is overseen by a top aide to Russian president Vladimir Putin, and has attempted to discredit Ukraine's military and political leadership by flooding social media with propaganda.

And as it turns out, infamously gullible billionaire and X-formerly-Twitter owner Elon Musk appears to have gotten duped by the campaign.

In October 2023, Musk shared a meme to his millions of followers showing Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky straining his face, with the caption reading: "When its been 5 minutes and you havent asked for a billion dollars in aid."

According to leaked documents obtained by a number of European media outlets, the meme  alongside a number of other posts that were not shared by Musk  was put together by none other than the Social Design Agency.

The incident highlights just how ubiquitous disinformation and propaganda have become on Musk's social media platform. And it's not just its users sowing chaos and spreading hate speech  the company's owner is actively contributing to the trend himself.

Mr. Fake News

It's far from the first time we've seen Musk actively sharing disinformation on X. Earlier this year, Musk shared a video on the platform that purported to show "armed communist Maduro gangs 'Colectivos' are now storming polling stations in Punta Cardon."

As it later turned out, that was a complete lie.

"Those are thieves stealing air conditioners and a woman can be heard in the video saying so," a community note appended to the post later read. "Voting in Venezuela is done on small computers that look nothing like what appears in this video."

Then last month, Musk replied to an easily disproven story about UK prime minister Keir Starmer "considering building 'emergency detainment camps' on the Falkland Islands."

"Just Elon Musk quote tweeting the co-leader of far-right party, Britain First, who is sharing a fake Telegraph headline," Politics.co.uk editor Josh Self tweeted at the time. "Utterly dystopian."

In flagrant disregard for his own platform's policies, Musk also shared an AI-generated video of vice president Kamala Harris in July.

It's a sad state of affairs: a billionaire US contractor actively spread Russian propaganda. And chances are he won't ever be held accountable  after all, X is his own echo chamber, and he does with it what he pleases.

More on gullible Musk: Gullible Elon Musk Falls for Fake News Again, Deletes Post
Haiti edges towards holding first elections since 2016

More than half a million Haitians have been displaced by gang violence, many of them women and children [Getty]

Haiti's government has taken a key step towards holding long-delayed elections with the creation of a body which will oversee the polls.

The nine-member provisional electoral council - set up on Wednesday - has been tasked with organising elections by February 2026.

The last time Haitians voted someone into power was in 2016.

Since then, armed gangs have seized control of almost the entire capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as large swathes of rural areas of Haiti.

So far, seven members of the provisional electoral council (CEP) have been named.

Among them are representatives of the media, academia, trade unions, and religious groups.

The creation of the CEP comes less than two weeks after a visit to Port-au-Prince by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who had urged Haiti's provisional government to move forward with the electoral process.

Blinken said setting up an electoral council was a "critical next step".

Presidential elections were last held in Haiti in 2016, when Jovenel Moise of the Tet Kale party was elected for a five-year term.

Since Moise's murder by Colombian mercenaries in July 2021, the post of president has been vacant.

In the following years, Haiti was governed by Ariel Henry, the man whom President Moise had nominated as his prime minister shortly before he was killed.

But when Henry left for a summit in Guyana on 25 February 2024, gangs seized the international airport in Port-au-Prince and prevented him from returning.

Henry resigned in April and a transitional presidential council (TPC) was created to lead the country until elections can be held.

The TPC named Garry Conille as interim prime minister, to serve until a democratically elected government takes over.

A Kenyan-led multinational security force was also despatched to help the Haitian police reign in the gangs.

While the multinational force has succeeded in rounding up some gang leaders, the power of these criminal organisations has grown to such an extent that Prime Minister Conille expanded the state of emergency to the whole country earlier this month.

The multinational force suffers from underfunding and so far only 600 Kenyans and a small contingent of Jamaicans have arrived in Haiti.

Last week, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres berated the international community for not offering Haiti more help: "I find it a scandal that it has been so difficult to mobilize funds for such a dramatic situation."
NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11)  Former President Donald Trump held his first rally since the second assassination attempt on his life last weekend, drawing criticism from one community in particular.

Members of the Haitian community gathered to protest against Trump and his running mate, JD Vance after comments were made about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, abducting and consuming dogs.

More Local News

Mimi Pierre Johnson immigrated when she was 9 and shes lived in Nassau County for the past 31 years. She says Trumps visit is a slap to the face for the Haitian community.

You are not only retraumatizing this community that is going through a lot in Haiti right now, but then you come to a place where you know theres a lot of us and you just think we are going to be quiet, said Johnson.

Thats why its so important to speak up right now, she added.

People like Donald Trump and JD Vance need to be accountable for the false statements they are spreading around. It is injuring not only the people in Springfield, but many people here in New York City where their kids are being bullied, said New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib met with former president Donald Trump in Michigan on Tuesday, shortly before Trump's town hall in Flint.

Ghalib told the Free Press "it was a productive meeting" in Flint of about 20 minutes and that Trump asked for his endorsement. Ghalib said he told Trump: "Im here to talk about that and how we can make it happen."

The mayor said he "then handed him an official letter with some details about our concerns and to invite him to come to Hamtramck if possible."

Ghalib added that Trump "asked me if I can endorse him and ask people to vote for him."

Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri also attended Ghalib's meeting with Trump. Altaheri told the Free Press that Trump campaign officials spoke with him about the logistics and security issues of a possible visit by Trump to Hamtramck.

Former president Donald Trump met with Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib in Michigan on Sept. 17, 2024, before Trump's town hall in Flint, Michigan. Ghalib met last year in Hamtramck with Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

The meeting is part of an effort by the Trump campaign to win over Arab American and Muslim voters, some of whom are upset with President Joe Biden over his policies in Gaza. Ghalib has been outspoken in support of Palestinians over the past year. He supported the renaming in March of a major street, Holbrook, to Palestine Avenue, in solidarity with Palestinians, and also backed the city resolution approved in May to divest from Israel.

Ghalib said that Trump "knew a lot about me prior to the meeting. We talked about various topics including the debates, the polls updates, the statistics of votes in Michigan and Wayne county, the Arab American concerns and the Yemeni Americans in particular."

Ghalib, an immigrant from Yemen whose city has the highest concentration of Yemeni Americans among cities in the U.S., said "we also talked about the situation in Yemen."

Hamtramck has the second highest percentage of Arab American residents in Michigan after Dearborn and also a growing Bangladeshi American population. The mayor and all six members of the Hamtramck city council are Muslim, the only all-Muslim city council in the U.S.

Last year, Ghalib held a town hall meeting with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser and now an outspoken conservative activist. Arab Americans in Hamtramck and other parts of Wayne County have also expressed frustration with the Democrats on social issues. In November 2022, Democratic candidates lost support in majority-Arab precincts in Dearborn after outrage over LGBTQ+ books in Dearborn public schools some said were sexually explicit.

Hassan Aoun and Rola Makki, Republican activists in Dearborn, were among those in Arab American communities in Michigan who attended the Flint town hall.

"A lot of people are shifting to the right," Aoun said of Dearborn's Arab American population. Aoun said many in the community were upset with how Vice President Kamala Harris responded to Muslim protesters who heckled her during a Romulus rally last month when she told them "I'm speaking" and then accused them of helping Trump. Aoun said that Trump would not support new wars.

"I will vote for Trump," Aoun said.

Last week, one of Trump's attorneys, Alina Habba, who's Iraqi-American, and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, met with Chaldeans at the Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield as part of Republican outreach to the Iraqi-American Christian community in Michigan. At the Republican National Convention, Habba spoke from the main stage, calling herself "a devout Catholic, a proud first-generation Arab American woman." Habba is believed to be the only speaker of Middle Eastern descent who spoke from the main stage at either the Republican or Democratic National Conventions this summer, said Arab American advocates.

More: 'Women are smarter than men' and 2 more themes from Trump's Michigan town hall

Hassan Aoun, also known as Hass Cash, a Dearborn resident and community activist talks with community members during the Dearborn Board of Education meeting in Dearborn on Oct. 10, 2022.

Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein and presidential candidate Cornel West visited Dearborn last week to court Arab American voters. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud met with Harris last month, but has not endorsed her.

Ghalib appeared to receive positive response from Arab Americans to his meeting with Trump.

Khalil Othman, of Dearborn, said Ghalib is a man with principles who respects religion. Othman, who once got into a tiff with late night host Stephen Colbert, has said he became Republican after being frustrated with Democrats over its policies in public schools.

Mohamed Alduais, of the Yemeni American Leadership Association in Hamtramck, also praised Ghalib's meeting with Trump, calling it important and historic. He said the community will help elect Trump.

The positive response on Facebook to Ghalib's meeting with Trump was in contrast to the negative response that Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad Turfe, the highest ranking official of Arab descent in the county, received last month after he endorsed Harris.

Dr. Yahya Basha, of West Bloomfield, a longtime Arab American and Muslim advocate in Michigan, said this week some are thinking of creating an 'Abandon Democrats' campaign amid frustration with state Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, charging 11 pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. On Wednesday, some Arab American groups held a press conference in Dearborn denouncing the charges, echoing the views of an earlier statement from ACLU Michigan criticizing Nessel's charges.

Michigan, which has the highest percentage of residents with Middle Eastern ancestry among all states in the U.S., is seen as a swing state.

Biden won Hamtramck in 2020, but in the Democratic primary in February, he lost in the city to the "Uncommitted" vote. The Uncommitted movement was started in Dearborn by Arab American activists opposed to Biden's policies in Gaza. Biden also lost to the Uncommitted vote in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights.

Elected officials in Wayne County of Arab descent who are Democrats have not been openly supporting Harris amid concern they will lose support in the community amid anger over the Biden administration's staunch support for Israeli's military.

Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib meets with Donald Trump in Michigan
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its been an ongoing mystery that weve been following for nearly two weeks; where is Tyler Weathersby?

KELOLAND News had an exclusive interview with Weathersbys wife and brother, who remain deeply concerned about his well-being.

Tyler Weathersbys wife, brother call for help

Its been extremely difficult. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of breakdowns, trying to hold it together for our children, Monalisa Perez said.

Monalisa Perez says she has no idea where her husband could be.

At this point? No, I dont, Perez said.

Perez says she and Tyler just had their baby six months ago, plus he has two stepchildren, thats why she strongly believes he would never just leave on his own.

Yes, this is out of character for him, Perez said.

Im hurt. You know, Im hurt because I know that this isnt my brother, Gregory Weathersby said.

We spoke with Tylers brother Gregory, who lives in Wyoming. He, too, doesnt believe Tyler would just disappear without a trace.

I would say Tyler. Tyler is a really open-hearted individual. He kind of wants to help everyone, Gregory said.

Since his disappearance earlier this month, family and friends have been doing organized searches to find Tyler and bring him home.

The public has been amazing. Theyve sent me a lot of different proof, a lot of behind-the-scenes things. Theyve been supporting the search groups, handing out missing person fliers, sending me video footage that they may have found of Tyler, different screenshots and proofs and different documentation that may lead to hopefully finding Tyler soon. Gregory said.

I think what the community is doing has been extremely helpful, just continuing to keep their eyes open and finding Tyler, Perez said.

Tylers brother says hes looking into hiring a private investigator and thats why theyve set up a GoFundMe page.



If you have any information on where Tyler might be, you are asked to call police or leave a tip with Crime Stoppers.

You can also find a link to South Dakotas missing persons page.

Tyler is one of more than a hundred people currently listed as missing in the state.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Harris to make abortion speech in Georgia after deaths of two women

Vice President Harris will travel to Georgia on Friday to highlight her support for abortion rights, likely focusing on the stories of two women whose deaths she blames on the states abortion ban passed by Republicans after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The Vice President will highlight the stark contrast between her commitment to fight for reproductive freedom and the devastating and deadly consequences of Trump Abortion Bans, her campaign said in an announcement.

Georgia is a battleground state, and Harriss visit comes after ProPublica reported on the deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller.

Thurman died of complications from taking medication abortion. She waited 20 hours in a suburban Atlanta hospital after seeking medical care for an incomplete abortion, and, according to a state medical board review, died largely because of the hospitals delay in treating her.

Miller died after declining to seek medical care for complications from abortion medication. Her family said she was afraid of getting medical help once it was clear the abortion was incomplete.

This is exactly what we feared when Roe was struck down, Harris said of Thurman in a Tuesday statement. In more than 20 states, Trump Abortion Bans are preventing doctors from providing basic medical care. Women are bleeding out in parking lots, turned away from emergency rooms, losing their ability to ever have children again.

Georgia law bans abortion after fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks into a pregnancy and before many know they are pregnant. Thurmans death took place two weeks after the law took effect in 2022.

Former President Trump repeatedly brags about his role in getting Roe overturned, and the speech is part of the Harris campaigns effort to tie the consequences of state abortion bans directly back to him.

Harris unveiled a new ad Wednesday featuring testimony from Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky woman who was impregnated as a child by her stepfather.

Duvall has become an outspoken advocate of reproductive rights, especially in her home state, where abortion is completely banned without exceptions.

She is joining the Harris campaigns reproductive rights bus tour on a stop in Pennsylvania, and she spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.

The Trump campaign responded to the ProPublica report by saying that its unclear why Thurmans life wasnt protected in the situation because Georgia law includes exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, incest and the life of the mother.

Abortion rights advocates argue exception rules are often vague and doctors are reluctant to perform emergency abortions out of fear of being prosecuted.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, DC, next week, according to three sources familiar with the planning.

The meeting comes amid concerns over the impact the American election results will have on the Russia-Ukraine war and US policy toward Ukraine as it seeks additional resources.

Asked Wednesday whether Harris will meet with Zelensky next week, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby suggested she might if the opportunity presented itself.

I know she has met with President Zelensky face-to-face on a couple of occasions, and I know shes spoken to him on the phone. I have little doubt that if the opportunity presents itself, and both of them can have another conversation, they will, but youll have to talk to her staff, Kirby told reporters.

Harris, along with President Joe Biden, will also meet with the president of the United Arab Emirates at the White House on Monday to discuss ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the crisis in Sudan and a number of bilateral and regional matters, Kirby said.

CNN reached out to the vice presidents office for comment.

Earlier Wednesday, former President Donald Trump said hell probably meet with Zelensky when he travels to the US next week. Trump spoke on the phone with Zelensky in July, but a meeting between the two leaders would mark their first in-person interaction since Trump left the White House.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Vice President Kamala Harris campaign is deliberately shutting out the press knowing it vexes reporters, sources close to the campaign told Axios.

Journalists and press groups have lambasted the Harris-Walz campaign in recent weeks for restricting access and rarely making its candidates available, while the Republican ticketespecially vice presidential candidate JD Vancehas been much more open and accessible to media.

Axios said the Harris team believes limiting interactions with the press is the right strategy, noting the negative coverage resulting from unscripted media appearances by their GOP rivals. One key example would be the slew of unforced errors by former president Donald Trump and Vance for spreading false rumors about migrants eating peoples pets in Ohio.

Harris Empowers Army of Surrogates as She Ignores the Press

The news site tallied up the number of print and television media interviews each presidential ticket has given since July 21: Vance, with 59 appearances, has been far and away the most accessible, followed by Trump with 14. Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has given just four interviews, and Harris three. In that period, Harris and Walz also held a combined zero press conferences, while Vance held 12 and Trump three.

Ian Sams, a spokesman for Harris, told CNN Harris is going where people get their news, and in every setting shes taking questionsoften tough onesabout her plans and agenda. He also mocked some of the methods Trump has used in an effort to influence the electorate.

Maybe were completely wrong and a two hour live space with Elon Musk or hawking some sketchy crypto venture is the best way to reach battleground swing voters, but I doubt it, Sams said.

In late August, the president of the White House News Photographers Association wrote a letter to Harris campaign slamming them for an unprecedented reduction in access.

You always just have to do enough national stuff to keep the press off your ass, Chuck Rocha, a Democratic strategist, told NBC News last week. I think she should do as many interviews as possible in battleground states, but the rest is a waste of time.

Trump himself pointed out the disparity in an unscripted appearance on Fox News talk show Gutfeld! on Wednesday (Axios tally of appearances did not include sitdowns with partisan commentators like the Republican tickets friendly interviews with Fox News personalities or Walzs with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow).

The interesting thing is she doesnt do interviews, Trump said, of why Harris isnt subject to more questions from the media. You would not see her come on to the show, I can tell you right now. She doesnt like doing interviews.

Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that the Harris campaign has promised more appearances on local and national outlets are on the way. The campaign also told Axios their candidates had been subject to questions, often tough ones, about important issues in media appearances, pointing to the vice presidents appearance with National Association of Black Journalists earlier this week.

Some Democrats have openly called on the ticket to better showcase its candidates. In a New York Times/Siena poll released earlier this month, 31 percent of those surveyed said they felt they need to learn more about Harris, while only 12 percent said the same about Trump.

More. More. More, Van Jones, a CNN commentator and former official in the Obama administration, said Tuesday evening. The polls show the more you see Kamala, the more you like Kamala.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Key Insights

Meridian Energy's significant state or government ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public

51% of the company is held by a single shareholder (New Zealand)

Insiders have bought recently

A look at the shareholders of Meridian Energy Limited (NZSE:MEL) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that state or government own the lion's share in the company with 51% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Individual investors, on the other hand, account for 36% of the company's stockholders.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Meridian Energy.

View our latest analysis for Meridian Energy

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Meridian Energy?

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.

We can see that Meridian Energy does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. 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 Meridian Energy's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Meridian Energy is not owned by hedge funds. Our data shows that New Zealand is the largest shareholder with 51% of shares outstanding. With such a huge stake in the ownership, we infer that they have significant control of the future of the company. With 1.9% and 1.8% of the shares outstanding respectively, The Vanguard Group, Inc. and Accident Compensation Corporation, Asset Management Arm are the second and third largest shareholders.

While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Meridian Energy

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

Story continues

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 information suggests that Meridian Energy Limited insiders own under 1% of the company. It is a very large company, so it would be surprising to see insiders own a large proportion of the company. Though their holding amounts to less than 1%, we can see that board members collectively own NZ$11m worth of shares (at current prices). It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

With a 36% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Meridian Energy. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

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. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Meridian Energy , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

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.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris plans to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, D.C. next week, CNN reported on Sept. 18, citing sources familiar with the arrangements.

The meeting comes less than 50 days before the U.S. presidential election, a race that has been characterized by dramatic upheavals and sharply contrasting views on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Zelensky will visit the U.S. next week to meet with President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 79th U.N. General Assembly in New York City. Harris will then meet with Zelensky herself in Washington, three sources told CNN.

Zelensky's U.S. visit is an opportunity for him to champion his Victory Plan for Ukraine, which he said on Sept. 18 is now fully complete and ready to present Kyiv's allies. Zelensky previously said he plans to present the details to Biden during their meeting.

The plan will also be presented to Harris and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky said.

Trump told a reporter on Sept. 18 that he will "probably" meet with Zelensky when he visits the U.S., but did not give any details or say that such a meeting had been planned.

While Harris's campaign rhetoric has echoed the Biden administration's support for Ukraine, Trump has refused to say he backs Ukraine's victory over Russia and has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Harris represented the U.S. at Ukraine's global peace summit in Switzerland in June, an international conference centered on Zelensky's 10-point peace formula.

Read also: Ex-US ambassador on Putins red lines and US role in Ukraine war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Harris plans to meet with Zelenskyy next week in Washington  Bloomberg

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is planning to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington next week.

Source: Bloomberg with reference to its sources

Details: Sources said Zelenskyy also aims to meet with US President Joe Biden in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, which will take place from 24 to 30 September.

Background:

On 18 September, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stated that he might meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week when Zelenskyy attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Zelenskyy stated that he intended to share his peace plan with both US presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy will address the UN General Assembly on 25 September.

Zelenskyy said at the end of August that he might meet with US President Joe Biden in September during the UN General Assembly.

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(Bloomberg) -- Kamala Harris plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy in Washington next week, according to a person familiar with the matter, as the Democratic nominee tries to broaden her foreign policy profile.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Harris has strongly supported President Joe Bidens steadfast support of Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion, which began in February 2022.

The encounter comes at a crucial time as Russian forces have made some gains in the deadlocked conflict as winter approaches.

Zelenskiy is expected to push for NATO and European Union membership, economic and security agreements and a continued supply of more advanced weapons as part of his victory plan when he visits the US, according to people familiar with the matter.

Hes due to present the plan to Biden when they meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly later this month. He is also keen to share the plans with Harris and former President Donald Trump.

During last weeks presidential debate, Trump, the Republican nominee, twice declined to say if he wanted Ukraine to win the war, instead saying he wanted the fighting to end and would have the two countries leaders meet and work out a deal.

Earlier: Ukraine Allies Start to Look at How a Cease-Fire Could Work

Harris seized on Trumps comments, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe if Trump hadnt lost to President Joe Biden in 2020.

At a campaign stop Wednesday, Trump told reporters he would probably meet with Zelenskiy next week as well, but did not give specifics.

CNN first reported the planned Zelenskiy-Harris meeting.

--With assistance from Hadriana Lowenkron.

(Adds Trump comment in ninth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The election is two months away and could come down to Pennsylvania, where recent polls indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris is enjoying increased support from young voters and people of color following her debate with former President Donald Trump. According to a Philadelphia Inquirer/New York Times/Siena College poll released Thursday, Harris has now taken a 4-point lead in the commonwealth.

The survey, conducted Sept. 11-16, shows Harris beating Trump 50% to 46%. It comes after Harris enjoyed a week of positive news coverage following the Sept. 10 debate, which even some Republicans deemed "disastrous" for the Trump campaign.

The same poll did not find Harris leading in the national race, however, suggesting she is tied with the Republican candidate at 47% a piece. Other recent polls have shown her with a modest lead, reflected in a 2.8% advantage in the 538 average of national surveys.

Another poll released Thursday by Marist College shows the race in Pennsylvania also tied at 49% each. That poll found that Trump (49%) has a slight advantage over Harris (45%) among independents who are likely to vote, roughly tracking with his performance in 2020 (44%), when he lost the state to President Joe Biden; Harris is underperforming within this voting group compared to Biden (52%). Trump (54%) also outpaces Harris among Pennsylvania voters who say they will vote in person, while Harris (68%) received a large majority of support among those who plan to vote by mail or absentee ballot.

A poll released Wednesday by Quinnipiac University, meanwhile, is closer to the Inquirer/Times/Siena findings, suggesting Harris is leading in Pennsylvania by 6 points, 51% to 45%. The same poll found Harris leading in Michigan 50% to 45% and in Wisconsin by 48% to 47%.
Harris targets Asian American voters with new ad on mothers influence

[Source]

Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday launched a new ad titled My Mother, aimed at Asian American voters in key battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia and Michigan.

The 60-second ad, part of the Harris-Walz campaigns $370 million advertising push, highlights Harris personal story and values instilled by her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a breast cancer researcher and immigrant from India. She taught us to never complain about injustice, but do something about it, Harris says in the ad.

Asian Americans, the fastest-growing voting bloc, saw the largest voter registration increase since 2020, suggesting that their support could be pivotal in tight races.

Trending on NextShark: India achieves historic double victories at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad

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Harris and Trump continue to focus on swing states

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The road to the White House continues to heat up as there are less than 50 days left till Election Day.

Donald Trump and his extremist allies will keep trying to pull us backward, Vice President Kamala Harris said.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump pressed his case to voters.

But we have to take back our country. We have to win. Were going to win, Trump said.

Both candidates are busy on the campaign trail with a big focus on improving the economy.

Its my ambition to get your energy bill within 12 months, down 50%, Trump said.

We will continue to lower the cost of groceries, for example, by taking on something that I think is very important to deal with, which is price gouging on behalf of big corporations, Harris said.

Harris addressed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Washington, D.C., on what another four years under former President Trump would look like.

If my opponent, Donald Trump wins, his allies in Congress intend to end Medicare and end Medicares negotiating power, Harris said.

New polling from Quinnipiac University shows Harris ahead in Pennsylvania and Michigan, with Wisconsin up for grabs.

Were going to say to Kamala Harris, the energy price raiser, you are fired. Were getting back to common sense energy policy. Were going back to Donald J. Trump, Sen. J.D Vance (R-Ohio.) said.

During a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, Trumps running mate, Vance, said there is no reason to support Harris.

She just flipflop on literally every single proposal she made in 2020. Now she says she doesnt believe, Vance said.

Harris will head to Michigan and Wisconsin to finish off the week while Trump will hold a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina on Saturday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HARRISON TWP., Ohio (WDTN)  Harrison Township has implemented a complete ban on all open burning due to the regions drought conditions.

Fire Chief Michael Crist issued the complete burn ban on Thursday, Sept. 19. The decision is a result of ongoing statewide drought conditions currently affecting our area.

With drought conditions persisting, we must take every precaution to protect our residents and property from fire hazards, Crist said.

Clark State investigating suspicious package

The township hopes this proactive decision will help protect the community from increased fire risk as dry weather continues.

All outdoor burning and flame-related activities are banned, including:

Open fires of any kind, including campfires and bonfires

Non-electric outdoor cooking methods, regardless of fuel source

Smoking (including cigarettes and similar devices)

Fireworks of all types

Flame-based displays or exhibitions (such as sky lanterns and cold spark machines)

Spark-causing recreational activities

Violations of the burn ban may result in citations or criminal prosecution.

Indoor cooking, electric outdoor cooking devices and the use of non-flame-based heating or electrical devices are still allowed. Exceptions to the ban include non-recreational activities like welding, blasting and other employment-related uses of open flames, approved by the Fire Marshal.

For more information or questions, contact the Harrison Township Fire 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 WDTN.com.
Multiple women have accused Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, the former owner of upmarket London department store Harrods where they worked, of rape and sexual assault, the BBC said on Thursday.

The allegations, made in a BBC documentary and podcast, are the latest to be levelled at powerful figures following the start of the #MeToo movement in 2017.

Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, was a prominent figure in British life for decades due to his ownership of Harrods.

A confidant of the late Princess Diana, his son Dodi died alongside her in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

More than 20 women have spoken to the BBC as part of a special investigation alleging assault and physical violence at properties in London and Paris.

Five women said they had been raped by him, according to the documentary "Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods" due to be broadcast later Thursday and the "World of Secrets" podcast.

Fayed had previously been accused of sexually assaulting and groping multiple women but a 2015 police investigation into a rape allegation did not lead to any charges.

Harrods' current owners said they were "utterly appalled" by the allegations of abuse, adding: "As a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise."

In July 2023, Harrods began settling claims with women who came forward with claims of sexual abuse by Fayed from the late 1980s to late 2000s.

Fayed sold the famous store in Knightsbridge in 2010 to the investment arm of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund for a reported 1.5 billion ($2.2 billion).

har/phz/ach
Harrowing footage shows US troops being fired at after VP Harris' claim of no Americans in combat zones

Harrowing footage shows US troops being fired at after VP Harris' claim of no Americans in combat zones

New video of U.S. troops being shot at overseas contradicts Vice President Kamala Harris claim the U.S. does not have troops in an active combat zone, according to Rep. Jim Banks.

The harrowing footage shows a firestorm of bullets and explosives targeting U.S. troops and was taken within the last "few months," according to the Indiana Republican, who obtained it from a service member.

The time and place of the footage cannot be divulged due to national security concerns.

During her debate with former President Trump last week, Harris boasted of the Biden administrations efforts to get U.S. troops out of war zones like Afghanistan.

MILITARY EXPERTS REJECT HARRIS CLAIM OF NO US SOLDIERS IN COMBAT ZONES

"There is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone in any war zone around the world, the first time this century," she claimed.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

U.S. troops stand in formation on Memorial Day 2024 in Iraq, a designated combat zone.

"That is just a complete lie," Banks told Fox News Digital. "This video proves that we have troops being fired on."

"Without a doubt," U.S. troops are being fired at regularly, added Banks, an Afghanistan veteran and Armed Services Committee member.

"We have troops currently in Syria. We still have troops in Iraq. We have troops in the Middle East. The Houthis are using our Navy ships as target practice. We have dangerous threats around the world, and Kamala Harris is trying to score cheap political points and lie to the American people right before the election to say that we don't have troops in combat zones," Banks said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS

Iraq and Syria are designated combat zones, and troops that serve there earn combat pay. The U.S. has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria. The Defense Department is in talks about a plan to pull Americans out of Iraq beginning next year.

In an operation last month, U.S. troops and Iraqi forces killed a senior commander with the Islamic State, in addition to several other prominent militants, for a total 14 ISIS operatives.

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., arrives for a House Republican members meeting as the conference continues to debate the race for speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Oct. 19, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Five U.S. troops were wounded in the raid itself and two were injured from falls during the operation.

The Islamic State group seized territory at the height of its power and declared a caliphate over swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014. It was defeated in Iraq in 2017, but attacks by ISIS sleeper cells across Iraq and Syria have been on the rise over the past few years.

A soldier from the U.S.-led coalition gestures toward schoolchildren during a joint U.S.- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces patrol in the countryside of Qamishli in northeastern Syria Feb. 8, 2024.

The Pentagon told Fox News Digital that service members are stationed in various dangerous locations but noted that those deployments are made by the executive branch and not due to wars declared by Congress.

"An aspect of military service includes serving in locations where hostile actions may occur," a 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," the official added. "The U.S. is not currently engaged in a war and does not have troops fighting in active war zones anywhere in the world."





Original article source: Harrowing footage shows US troops being fired at after VP Harris' claim of no Americans in combat zones
Harvey Weinstein appears in criminal court in New York on Wednesday. The former movie mogul pleaded not guilty to a new sex crime charge, as he awaits retrial on another unrelated case. Pool Photo by Seth Wenig/UPI

Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty Wednesday, in a New York courtroom, to one new indictment charging him with a first-degree criminal sexual act, as he awaits retrial on another assault case.

Weinstein, 72, was indicted last week after undergoing emergency heart surgery on Sept. 8. The former movie producer arrived Wednesday in a wheelchair at the Manhattan courtroom, where he entered a not guilty plea after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2006 in a New York hotel.

"Thanks to this survivor who bravely came forward, Harvey Weinstein now stands indicted for an additional alleged violent sexual assault," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.

The new indictment comes as Weinstein awaits a retrial in New York for a criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree.

Weinstein was convicted of rape in 2020, but the New York Court of Appeals overturned the conviction in April over "irrelevant" testimony and ordered a new trial, which is tentatively scheduled for November.

Harvey Weinstein appears in criminal court in New York on Wednesday. The former movie producer, 72, pleaded not guilty to a new sex crime charge after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2006 in a Manhattan hotel. Pool Photo by Seth Wenig/UPI

In its opinion, the court found the trial judge "erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts against persons other than the complainants of the underlying crimes."

"Under our system of justice, the accused has a right to be held to account only for the crime charged and, thus, allegations of prior bad acts may not be admitted against them," the court stated earlier this year.

Harvey Weinstein pleads not guilty in a New York courtroom Wednesday to a new sex crime charge, less than two weeks after undergoing emergency heart surgery. Pool Photo by Seth Wenig/UPI

Weinstein also was convicted last year on separate rape charges in California and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Despite more than 80 women accusing him of sex crimes, Weinstein has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and claims his encounters were consensual.

"Mr. Weinstein has been very consistent from the time of his investigation. He never forced himself on anybody," his attorney, Arthur Aidala, told reporters Wednesday.

"There were reports that there were going to be three indictments handed down today, and in fact, there is one indictment that was unsealed," Aidala added. "We're making the assumption that that's the only indictment that's going to be unsealed."
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Worst Cruise Stocks to Buy Now According to Short Sellers. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) stands against the other cruise stocks.

The cruise industry accelerated after taking a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), ~35.7 million passengers are anticipated to set sail in 2024. This translates to 6% growth as compared to 2019. JP Morgan Research highlighted that major cruise lines enjoyed a successful 2024 wave season between January and March when operators provided the best deals. CLIA highlighted that, in 2023, the passenger volume touched a record 31.7 million, exhibiting a rise of 7% over 2019 levels.

Wall Street experts believe that travel exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are well-placed to soar on the back of a resurgence in consumer demand for travel-related activities, supported by post-pandemic recovery and changing consumer behaviors. Amidst some short-term challenges, the long-term outlook for the travel sector is positive as a result of demographic shifts and an increased preference for experiential spending.

Positive Demographic Shifts Should Be a Primary Growth Enabler

Earlier, Baby Boomers used to make up the core consumer base for the broader cruise industry. Today, however, an increased number of younger travelers continue to come on board. As per CLIA, ~73% of Millennials and Gen X travelers mentioned that they would consider a cruise vacation. Also, a renowned cruise company has recently mentioned that half of its cruise customers are Millennials or younger. This is because of rising affluence. Moreover, according to the banks research, the spending capacity of Millennial customers has seen an increase of ~49% since 2019. Today, the average net worth of an individual aged 40 or under sits at ~$259K.

The cruises continue to attract more first-time passengers. The cruise companies are seeing new-to-cruise in their 2025 bookings, with this customer category rising by more than 30% versus a year ago.

The bank believes that cruise operators are improving and modernizing their offerings to make them appealing and highlighted that key operators continue to invest in new hardware, notably mega-ships and private destinations. This has been driving more eyeballs to the broader cruise and tourism industry, accelerating new-to-cruise acquisition. CLIA recently highlighted that the cruise industry has been deploying billions in new ships and engines which give flexibility to use low to zero-GHG fuels with little to no engine modification.

Story continues

Cruises Over Land-based Activities

According to a survey by the banks research division held in April, only ~29% of respondents have excess savings. Notably, ~45% of the respondents are expected to spend less in discretionary categories over the upcoming 12 months. This implies an increased cautious behavior even in the environment of moderating inflation.

This scenario is placing cruise voyages, that are cheaper than land-based vacations, in a strong position. Consumers are focused on value within discretionary categories. The value spread between cruises and land-based alternatives stood at 25%-30% today as compared to 10%-15% pre-pandemic. Despite higher inflation, cruise lines continue to focus on improved experiences, without compromising quality or service. This should further enhance their value.

Despite a tough consumer spending environment, both ticket and onboard prices increased over the past few months. This means that the demand backdrop is strong for the overall cruise industry. The banks research shows that more than 85% of tickets have been booked for 2024, with a focus now turning to 2025 and bookings already exceeding historical levels. Moreover, the industry should grow revenues by high-single digits over the upcoming 5 years, tapping ~3.8% of the global vacation market by 2028.

Our methodology

To list the 10 Worst Cruise Stocks to Buy Now According to Short Sellers, we used a Finviz screener to filter out stocks catering to the cruise business. Next, we narrowed our list of stocks by selecting the ones having high short interest. Finally, the stocks were ranked in ascending order of their short interest.

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).

Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) One of The Worst Cruise Stocks to Buy Now According to Short Sellers

GagliardiImages/Shutterstock.com

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH)

Short % of Float (As of 15 August): 8.09%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) operates a fleet of passenger cruise ships. It offers an array of cruise itineraries and theme cruises and markets its services via various distribution channels.

Short sellers believe that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) continues to struggle with low margins, increased costs, and elevated weighted cost of capital in comparison to returns on invested capital. In 2Q 2024, the companys total cruise operating expense came in at $1.45 billion as compared to $1.38 billion in 2Q 2023. The short sellers believe that margins for the company would be negatively impacted in 2H 2024 as costs continue to increase at a faster pace than total revenue. Also, the Red Sea sailings cancellation has impacted luxury brand performance, which has weighed upon 4Q 2024 expectations. Short sellers believe that increased oil prices and unfavorable foreign exchange might elevate costs in the remaining half of 2024.

However, Wall Street analysts believe that the strong demand for European, Caribbean, and Alaskan sailings should help it offset the short-term challenges. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH)s optimal book position saw an improvement as a result of better analytics and revenue management tools. Market experts opine that attractive itineraries, together with tactical revenue management, and data-driven marketing should continue to fuel sales growth.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) continues to focus on right-sizing its cost base and improving margins to strengthen the foundation for profitable growth. Its young average fleet and solid liquidity position should continue to provide competitive advantages.

The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on the shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) from $19.00 to $21.00, giving it a Neutral rating on 28th May. As per Insider Monkeys 2Q 2024 database, 31 hedge funds reported holding stakes in the company.

Ariel Investments, an investment management company, released its 3Q 2023 investor letter and mentioned Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH). Here is what the fund said:

Lastly, Cruise ship operator, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) traded lower in the quarter. The stocks strong price appreciation up 34.64% year-to-date  drove profit taking following an underwhelming outlook relative to Royal Caribbean Groups upward guidance revision. Notably, NCLH continues to deliver record cumulative bookings as well as increased occupancy capacity at higher prices. The company remains focused on right sizing its cost base and improving margins to strengthen its foundation for sustainable and profitable growth. Meanwhile, the company executed on its leadership succession plan, with 15-year veteran, Harry J. Sommers recent appointment to CEO. With an experienced management team at its helm, a young average fleet and solid liquidity position, we remain enthusiastic about the name.

Overall NCLH ranks 6th on our list of the worst cruise stocks to buy now according to short sellers. While we acknowledge the potential of NCLH as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that's more promising than the stocks on our list, 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 was originally published at Insider Monkey.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  It was a crime that made national headlines: When the body of Gary Ruby was found in his tub, encased in concrete.

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Juan Baron admitted his guilt in court in a plea deal but now claims he didnt understand and that he is innocent of the crime. I spoke to defense attorney Victor Bakke, who is not affiliated with the case. He says the court will likely be hesitant to let him withdraw his guilty plea.

Victor Bakke, defense attorney: His biggest challenge is the fact that he pled guilty.

Victor Bakke, defense attorney: Most of the time, when you see these types of motions, the person pled no contest, meaning they didnt say they did it.

According to court documents, Baron admitted to murdering Ruby, who was his boyfriend, and trying to cover it up by putting his body in a tub and encasing it with concrete at Rubys Hawaii Loa Ridge home.

Bakke, who is a defense attorney but is not affiliated with this case, says the court is very meticulous when a defendant takes a plea deal for such a serious crime. Baron was also provided an interpreter.

Residents protest plans for housing development at former Saint Francis School

Victor Bakke: So when the judges spend that amount of time trying to protect the defendant and they tell the judge that everything is correct and that theyre doing this freely of their own will, its very difficult to go back before that same judge and say, Oh, well, judge, you know, everything we just talked about, forget about that; I didnt understand.

Barons plea deal does not specify the length of time he would spend behind bars but suggests a minimum of 20 years for murder and 10 years for theft.

Victor Bakke: If the court does allow him to withdraw the plea, then he will lose the protections, if any, that he had under the plea agreement, and he will be forced to go to trial as originally charged.

Attorney Myles Breiner represented Baron at the time he pled guilty but filed a motion to withdraw counsel a few months later. He says, We stand by the hard work we did for Baron. In light of the charges, the plea agreement guaranteed him the possibility of parole. Absent the plea agreement, if convicted, he will very likely die in prison.

Daughter of slain Hawaii bicyclist speaks out

I spoke with Gary Rubys niece, who says this feels like an injustice.

Maia Ruby: Theres nothing that can be done about what happened to my uncle. Its not about retribution at this point; its about protecting everybody else.

Maia Ruby: Here is a man who has repeatedly lied, tried to withdraw his confession, and said that he didnt speak English well enough, but yet doctored serious legal documents. Its a travesty of justice that anybody will represent him.

Maia Ruby: This, to me, just seems to kind of be a farce of a legal system that revictimizes families.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Baron is now represented by attorney Randall Hironaka. KHON2 reached out to him for comment and are waiting for a response.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The debate about the debate is finally over. Thank goodness.

After weeks of sniping at each other on social media  and a silly, posturing encounter at the Missouri State Fair  Senator Josh Hawley and his Democratic challenger, Lucas Kunce, have finally agreed to a televised debate. It will be held on Halloween night (no jokes please) and televised on Nexstar Media Group stations across the state, including Fox4 in Kansas City.

Thats the good news. Less satisfying? It takes place just a few days before the Nov. 5 election, after the two-week absentee voting period starts in Missouri. That means a few of the Show-Me States voters will cast their ballots before getting a chance to see Hawley and Kunce square off in a face-to-face encounter.

A single, late-stage debate is better than nothing. But it is also less than ideal.

But at least the scheduling kerfuffle is over. Now we can look ahead to the debate itself, and the questions we hope to see both candidates answer. Here are five issues that Hawley and Kunce should address clearly on October 31:

Abortion: Missouri voters will decide the fate of the states abortion ban at the polls on Nov. 5. But that wont be the end of the abortion debate. The next president  and the next Congress  will decide whether federal law protects abortion access or restricts it even further after the fall of Roe v. Wade.

We already know about Hawleys anti-abortion stance. The question for him is how far he wants to use federal power to restrict reproductive rights: Would he vote for a national abortion ban? Would he back a Republican presidents efforts to use the existing Comstock Act  a little-used 19th century law  to curtail abortion access? As for Kunce, his pro-choice bona fides are clear. What restrictions on abortion, if any, does he think are appropriate?

Immigration: Both men have adopted tough rhetoric on border enforcement. Kunce, perhaps unexpectedly for a Democrat, has tried to outflank Hawley from the right on the issue, pointing to several votes by the senator against several bills that included funding for a border wall and additional agents for the Border Patrol. Wed like to see both men address whether they back Donald Trumps proposal for a mass deportation of millions of undocumented migrants  and whether theyre ready for the disruption to the economy and community life that would result. What levels of immigration are appropriate? And who, exactly, should we be keeping out of the country?

Labor: More than most Republican elected officials, Hawley has embraced pro-worker, pro-union rhetoric  even joining a picket line or two. But he has also opposed federal legislation to protect the right of workers to organize labor unions, saying it would hurt workers more than it helps. What federal policies would Hawley embrace to support and protect unions? As for Kunce: Labor union support for Democrats is getting slippery  the Teamsters this week announced they wont endorse the Kamala Harris campaign. Why does he think that is happening, and how can Democrats back that support?

And how will both men vote on Missouris referendum to raise the states minimum wage?

Debt: The federal debt is $28 trillion, about the size of the entire American economy. Is this sustainable? If not, how should it be addressed? What taxes should be raised? What programs should be cut?

Democracy: This is the elephant in the room after Hawleys decision to embrace Donald Trumps Big Lie  that the 2020 election was stolen  helped inspire the Jan. 6 insurrection. Whoever wins Missouris race for U.S. Senate will be in Congress the next time it is asked to certify a presidential election. Would Hawley ever vote to certify a Kamala Harris victory? Would Kunce certify a Trump victory? What can be done to restore faith in Americas democratic process?

There are other topics we hope to see covered as well: Ukraine, Gaza, China. The winner of the Hawley-Kunce race will have a lot on their plate over the next six years. The Oct. 31 debate will give us a glimpse of whether theyre prepared.
Missouri  We are less than 50 days away from election day and Missouris two senate candidates have agreed to a debate.

The live televised debate will be on FOX49 on Halloween night.

Hes been refusing to debate because he knows he doesnt want people to see the contrast between me and him until the very last moment, Democrat challenger Lucas Kunce said.

Ive been willing to debate him from day one and he hasnt wanted to, said Josh Hawley, the Republican incumbent.

Both candidates have agreed to the debate but the bickering continues.

Ive been trying to get him to do one for a long time, Kunce said. He keeps passing up on them and the only one hes agreed to right now is one on Halloween, on Oct. 31, you know, quite a bit after early voting has already started.

Im glad itll be broadcast across the state and they can expect from me straight answers on the issues weve been talking about, Hawley said. But they can also expect me to ask my opponent whos supporting in this election. Lucas Kunce is not answering if he supported Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Its strange.

Kunce is making his second run for senate, while Hawley has been in office since 2019.

Theyre going to attempt to buy this seat because he is their perfect candidate, Hawley said. He supports amnesty. He wants Medicare for illegals. He wants to end gas and diesel. He wants men in womens sports.

If we have Josh Hawley for another six years in the Senate, thats going to cost us $2 billion in the state, Kunce said. Like we literally cant afford to have him as our U.S. senator.

Kunce says he plans on using his skills from serving in the Marines to influence his policies.

I can take care of our veterans so that we have someone who understands what the problems are, because right now we are not getting taken care of, Kunce said. Were getting left behind and thanking us for a service like its not enough. We need a veteran in Congress. Im the only opportunity to make that happen this year.

Hawley recently released a report on the failures of the Secret Service during the first assassination attempt against Donald Trump. He says he plans to lean on his experience in this campaign.

We have got to protect Medicare and Social Security, Hawley said. We have got to close our borders and protect our kids and weve got to get crime down. And we can do that by getting tough on the border and tough on criminals.

A recent poll from Emerson College and The Hill shows Hawley up 11 points over Kunce.

For me, this is just about making it so everyday people can make their own decisions, Kunce said. And as a U.S. senator, I think my main job is to invest in the people of Missouri.

We have got to get refocused on what made this country strong, Hawley said. Weve got to fight for Missouri families, rebuild Missouri industry, get Missouri energy production back open. And Ill do all of 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Hays CISD: A total of 5 students arrested in connection with threats made against district

AUSTIN (KXAN)  Two more Hays County students were arrested Wednesday and accused of making threats to a high school in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, a district spokesperson said.

This now makes a total of five students arrested in Hays CISD in connection with threats made to the district, the spokesperson said.

Hays CISD: 3 students arrested, charged in connection with social media threats

The first student arrested Wednesday was a Johnson High School 10th grader who allegedly made the threat on Tuesday, the spokesperson said. The student was charged with one felony count of false alarm or report emergency and one felony count of false report to police officer.

The second student arrested was a Johnson High School ninth grader, and they were charged with felony exhibition, use or threat of exhibition or use of firearm, the spokesperson said.

Last week, three students were detained and charged in connection with social media threats circulating the district, according to Hays CISD. In a letter to parents, the Johnson High School principal said any threat made will be taken seriously, whether its a joke or not and will face legal consequences.

Wave of violent threats hit Texas schools

Other ISDs that experienced similar social media threats include Austin, Pflugerville, Marble Falls, Llano and Bastrop. Nexstar stations across Texas reported on threats to at least 20 schools just this month.

Ryan Chandler 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 KXAN Austin.
Motorcycle enthusiasts attend the 81st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Aug. 8, 2021, in Sturgis. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

State health officials are unable to pinpoint the cause of an unusual string of suspected overdose cases  including two deaths  associated with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

At least 12 cases with similarly mysterious symptoms were reported to the state, with six of the patients requiring intubation.

State Public Health Laboratory Director Tim Southern told the Opioid Abuse Advisory Committee at its August meeting that although the state lab performed comprehensive tests on blood from two patients, including one who died, the lab didnt find a substance connecting the cases.

Unfortunately we werent able to discover the culprit behind these very unusual clinical cases and overdoses, Southern said. Fortunately, these strange occurrences did end when the rally ended.

The lab can identify six main classes of drugs through blood toxicology tests:

THC, which is found in cannabis.

Amine, or amphetamine, a stimulant found in meth.

Benzo, or benzodiazepines, a depressant found in Valium or Xanax.

Opioid, a depressant found in fentanyl, heroin or prescription opioids, such as morphine or hydrocodone.

Barb, or barbiturates, which are depressants.

Cocaine, which is a stimulant.

The lab can also identify some other drugs through blood toxicology, such as xylazine, which was confirmed in South Dakota last year.

The first reported case of mysterious, overdose-like symptoms at the Sturgis rally happened around July 28, Southern said, and the last one was Aug. 7. The state received reports of patients with shallow breathing, seizures, hallucinations and some cardiac arrests.

Southern said some patients required multiple doses of sedatives, because it was very, very difficult to control the patients while they were transported to an emergency room.

The Health Department did not disclose identifying information about the two people who died. Because state officials found no single, linked cause for the medical events experienced by the two patients, the state could not corroborate that the cases were caused by overdoses.

South Dakota Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt said the episode serves as a warning ahead of next years rally to prepare for and report cases. She said her department wasnt advised of cases as they were happening, only after it was too late.

The two deaths linked to the overdose-like symptoms came in addition to at least 12 people who died in motorcycle crashes in South Dakota during the rally or in the days just before or after the official rally dates, according to information from the Highway Patrol. The state Department of Health does not track deaths specific to the rally.

The Highway Patrol also reported 155 arrests for driving under the influence in western South Dakota during the rally, 444 drug arrests, 54 non-injury traffic accidents and 35 injury accidents.

Tax collections from temporary vendors at the rally were $1.4 million, which was down 3% from last year, according to estimates by the state Department of Revenue.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with language clarifying the type of tax collections that the state Department of Revenue tracks at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

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A health care proposal suggested by Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance could gut a popular Affordable Care Act protection, making it legal for companies to charge more for or deny coverage of expensive medical conditions, including pregnancy.

Speaking at a Wednesday event in North Carolina, Vance said that if elected, former President Donald Trump would change health insurance regulations so that people who are healthier and use their insurance less can have cheaper coverage, while those with chronic conditions or who use health care more would have different insurance.

Thats the biggest and most important thing that we have to change, Vance said.

The Ohio senator made similar remarks in a Sunday interview. In last weeks presidential debate, Trump said he had concepts of a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, which expanded insurance to millions of Americans and instituted new consumer protections, including prohibiting health insurance from discriminating against people with preexisting medical conditions.

Vance has said that Trump would maintain those protections. But putting people in different insurance plans based on their health care would effectively undo them. The 2010 law created a single health insurance risk pool, so that people who use less health care effectively subsidize those who might need more  and beneficiaries pay the same premiums and deductibles.

Creating separate risk pools, as Vance suggested, would likely result in far less affordable insurance options for people who are sicker or have more medical conditions. Unless the federal government provides massive subsidies for people in the health plan targeted toward people who use their insurance more frequently, that coverage could be prohibitively expensive.

Vance has not specified if a new Trump administration would push to include subsidies, and the Trump campaign did not respond to a request for more details. Its also not clear how this would cohere with other promises Trump has made, such as requiring health insurance to cover in vitro fertilization, an expensive medical service that not everyone uses.

If enacted, a plan like this could have stark implications, undoing one of the Affordable Care Acts signature benefits and making health care particularly more expensive for women and transgender people.

What JD Vance is talking about is a very substantive change that would be a complete replacement of the ACA, and would look much more similar to what coverage looked like before, said Cynthia Cox, a vice president at KFF, a nonprofit health policy research, polling and journalism organization.

The proposal  based on the few details Trump and Vance have offered  could particularly affect people who can become pregnant. Before the Affordable Care Act took effect, health insurance plans were not required to cover pregnancy-related health care, which can be incredibly expensive, involving multiple doctors visits, medical tests, and labor and delivery itself.

Creating tiers of insurance risk pools would mean people who either might become pregnant or who are pregnant might need to buy separate insurance that would cost more, because it is targeted toward people who use more medical care. Insurance that covered pregnancy could also come with other deterrents  long wait times or very high deductibles  that would make it functionally far more difficult to use.

Even with comprehensive insurance coverage, pregnancy-related health care is already expensive. A 2022 analysis from KFF found that people with employer-sponsored health insurance  typically the most generous form of private coverage  paid on average almost $3,000 out of pocket when they give birth. The total cost, including what insurance paid, was just shy of $19,000. Depending on how Vances proposal were to be implemented, those costs could be passed back to patients. Since the ACAs implementation, multiple studies have found that women are less likely to forego health care because of cost, and are in general spending less out of pocket on medical needs.

Prior to the ACAs enactment, health plans could also deem being transgender as a preexisting condition, and would charge trans beneficiaries more for health insurance as a result.

Women largely use more health care and as a result cost more to insure, because they are more likely to use services like contraception, go to well woman health care visits and require certain cancer screenings. Because of that, women used to pay more for health insurance in general before it was outlawed by the Affordable Care Act.

Theres a lot in the ACA that certainly benefits women and its not clear whether that would stay or go, Cox said.

The politics of enacting Vances proposal are dicey at best. In 2017, Republicans repeatedly tried and failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Those efforts led to widespread GOP losses in the 2018 midterm elections. Now, more than 60 percent of Americans say they support the health law, in large part thanks to its protections for people with preexisting conditions.

To check your voter registration status or to get more information about registering to vote, text 19thnews to 26797.

The post Health plan floated by JD Vance could weaken protections for pregnant people appeared first on The 19th.

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'We need help, not hate.' Springfield at center of national debate on immigration

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  Springfield residents want to get back to normal.

In the last two weeks, the central Ohio city of nearly 60,000 has faced police cars outside of church services, 200 students absent from an elementary school amid bomb threats and a city commission meeting so packed that dozens of residents had to stream it on their phones outside the city hall.

More: How right-wing social media took false claims about Haitians eating pets to the debate

After Ohio's U.S. Sen. JD Vance posted claims without evidence about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating dogs and cats, and after former President Donald Trump repeated the claims during a presidential debate, residents and local officials have been left to deal with security issues, national media attention and hateful flyers and phone calls.

Springfield's moment in the national spotlight is going to continue as Trump now says he is going to the city in the coming weeks.

State and local officials say Trump's claims about Haitians eating dogs and cats are false. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also could not find evidence to support reports that immigrants were stealing geese around local parks and trails.

The claims have meant less attention to the real challenges facing Springfield and how it deals with the influx of Haitian migrants, according to Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, a Republican.

If I knew that my words were hurting people consistently, I would want to change that and I would want to not do that, Rue said. Im just asking them to move on and quit using us as a political tool. We want to get out of this political vortex that weve been caught up in.

In an interview on CNN last week, Vance said he was trying to draw attention to the immigration issues in Springfield. "If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what I'm going to do," he said.

Springfield has attracted national scrutiny after conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, spread debunked claims that Haitians in the community were stealing and eating peoples pets. Liz Dufour/The Enquirer

A rust belt city with growing pains

Springfield has been an industrial town since the late 1800s, but the city's median income dropped between 1999 and 2014 when manufacturing jobs declined in the U.S.

Springfield made an effort to attract more businesses, and companies expanded in the city in 2022. Those jobs in turn attracted immigrants and word spread quickly among the Haitian community.

Pierre Eric Jean, a Haitian resident of Springfield, said he moved to the city because it was the first place in America he had heard of.

"We Haitian people are here to work hard and help our family in Haiti," he said.

The city now has a "Little Haiti" neighborhood, a library branch with a French language section for Haitian residents, two Haitian restaurants and seven Haitian grocery stores.

Pierre Eric Jean said many Haitians in Springfield feel discouraged after the rimours Vance amplified gained traction and some Haitians are talking about moving out of Ohio.

City officials have wrestled for years with the impact of Haitian migration, which increased the population by an estimated 25%. Rue said the school district went from 200 to 2,000 non-native English-speaking students. He said their emergency responders are among the busiest in the state and end up providing primary care to residents because the health care system is overtaxed.

Back in July, Springfield City Manager Brian Heck penned a letter to federal officials  including Ohios senators  asking for help to address the citys housing crisis. The letter, read by Vance during a committee hearing, led to a Fox News interview with Heck and Rue.

Heidi Earlywine teaches English as a second language and has been acting as a liaison for the Haitian community in Springfield.

Springfield resident Heidi Earlywine said she noticed more complaints related to immigration at city commission meetings last year and believes it was related to the end of Medicaid continuous enrollment in March 2023 and increased visibility of homeless people in the city after a homeless shelter closed.

"What happens when you drive through town in 2023 is you see unhoused people and now you don't have your benefits anymore, right? And so those two things were a confluence of events where some people in town started rabble-rousing at city meetings," she said.

Then the bus wreck happened, Earlywine said.

In August 2023, Hermanio Joseph, an immigrant from Haiti, was driving a minivan and struck a Northwestern Local Schools bus that overturned. Eleven-year-old Aiden Clark died after being ejected from the bus and more than 20 other students were injured in the crash.

Joseph was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide and sentenced to a minimum of nine years in prison and a maximum of 13  years in prison in May.

"When that happened, it really made everything extra bad," Earlywine said.

Don and Marie Owens, Springfield residents of 40 years, agreed. They said the crash "absolutely" increased tension in the city.

Nathan Clark, Aiden's father, publicly asked residents and politicians last week to stop using his son's death as an excuse to say hateful things about immigrants. Clark asked politicians, including Vance and Trump, who've brought up his son's death, to apologize. He said to use his son as a political tool is "reprehensible."

But national attention on Springfield didnt stick until the days before the presidential debate when Vance and other Republicans amplified rumors about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets.

Once Trump repeated the claim to a national audience, everything changed, Rue said.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said during the ABC debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Members of the Haitian evangelical church in Springfield received threatening anonymous phone calls before the service on Sunday, Springfield resident Heidi Earlywine said. Earlywine teaches English classes affiliated with the church and requested a police presence outside on Sunday so the churchgoers would feel more safe.

City reckons with national attention, international threats of violence

Since the presidential debate, Springfield City Hall, two elementary schools, two hospitals, three grocery stores, two colleges and the Ohio Statehouse have received threats.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Springfield was the target of 33 bomb threats from another country, which all turned out to be hoaxes. Still, the threats derailed government and school operations and forced organizers to cancel its annual cultural festival.

As a human being, I hate to see a broad brush of lies spread against any group, Rue said. My heart goes out to those in the Haitian community that are experiencing this fear and this hate and would like it to stop.

Some residents spoke about the increased immigration at the Springfield City Commission meeting on Sept. 10, describing it as an "invasion" and expressing concerns about homelessness and fear of rising rents and housing prices and increased response times from police.

Springfield residents Don and Marie Owens said Trump's comments made the already-present division in the city "much worse."

Don and Marie Owens said their neighborhood was predominantly Black when they moved there in 1992 and now the neighborhood includes several Haitian families. Their grandson played with the children of a Haitian family growing up and now has a Haitian friend in school.

They have concerns about rising house prices but were upset to hear the rumors about geese and cats and say the Haitians in Springfield "got a raw deal."

Marie Owens said the situation is unfair to the Haitians and other Springfield residents.

"It's unfortunate that Trump said it and he had no clue whether it was true or false," she said. "It's a publicity stunt at our cost."

Marlee Karissa Merzius, 10, left, her sister, Sephora Merzius, 9, and friend, Rose Anne Telusma, performed Every Move I Make during the homecoming service at First Baptist Church in Springfield.

Some Haitians in Springfield are afraid to leave their houses

Luckens Merzius immigrated to Springfield from Haiti with his wife and two daughters six years ago. The family attends First Baptist Church in the city, where Sunday's church program includes a prayer request for the people of Haiti.

Merzius said many Haitians left Haiti for political reasons and a fear of violence and now they once again are feeling scared in their community.

Earlywine said she witnessed several phone calls to members of the Haitian evangelical church in Springfield in which the anonymous caller said "Go back to your f---ing country" and hung up. There were three police cars outside the church's service on Sunday.

Myriam Joseph, a Haitian woman who moved to Springfield in 2020, works as a home health care nurse and primarily cares for white residents. She said she feels afraid when she goes into their homes and residents ask her about politics, like whether she likes Trump or Harris.

Joseph said her 15-year-old son called her last week and asked to be picked up from Springfield High School because he was scared.

Myriam Joseph, a home health care nurse in Springfield, said she feels scared in her community,

DeWine announced the Ohio State Highway Patrol will conduct daily bomb sweeps at Springfield schools and encouraged parents to send their children back to school. Springfield City School District Superintendent Robert Hill said that attendance has been down in the district and there were 200 students absent from an elementary school with an enrollment of 500 students on Tuesday.

What's next for Springfield?

Local officials are concerned about a potential visit from Trump and say resources in the city are strained.

Rue noted at a press conference Tuesday that just a week before, the city was not facing the threats it's facing now.

Were trying to do these interviews to let the world know that Springfield is a beautiful city, Rue said. Were a hardworking city. Were a city that wants to move forward together. Weve always had to struggle for success, but we are here, we are trying to be a vibrant community, and we need help, not hate. We need peace, not unrest."

Cincinnati Enquirer reporters Amber Hunt and Scott Wartman contributed reporting.

Erin Glynn and Haley BeMiller are reporters for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. Reach out to Glynn at eglynn@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Springfield Ohio deals with being in spotlight over Haitian immigrants
HENRY COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN)  An inmate at the Henry County Jail died at a Dothan hospital just hours after his arrest.

The inmate was identified as 30-year-old Blythe Alexander Poston.

On September 18, at approximately 12:34 a.m., the Henry County Patrol Division conducted a traffic stop on Highway 95 North near County Road 48. During the traffic stop, three men, including Poston, were arrested, transported to the Henry County Jail, and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

In a release, Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship said that at approximately 5:24 a.m., Henry County Correction Officers noticed a change in behavior in Poston, requested EMS respond to the jail, and cleared him.

According to the sheriff, at approximately 8:16 a.m., Henry County Correction Officers observed another behavior change and notified EMS, who transported Poston to Southeast Health.

Sheriff Blankenship says at approximately 9:26 a.m., Poston was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Postons body has been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy.

The investigation has been turned over to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation at the request of the HCSO.

Stay with WDHN as we bring you the latest both on air and online.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
Warning: Discussion of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

Singer Cassie is "very hopeful justice would come" amid the latest news of Sean "Diddy" Combs's arrest.

Rob Kim / Getty Images

Back in November 2023, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura filed a federal lawsuit against Diddy, accusing the rap mogul of rape, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. The lawsuit was settled the following day, but his legal troubles were far from over.

Emma Mcintyre / The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

A month later, CNN aired hotel security footage from the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles that appeared to show Diddy punching and kicking Cassie and throwing her against a hotel floor as she tried to escape him.

Gotpap / GC Images

Since Cassie's lawsuit, seven more women and two men have sued Diddy, accusing him of sexual harassment, nonconsensual pornography, sex trafficking, and rape.

On Sept. 10, Dawn Richard filed another federal lawsuit accusing Diddy of sexual battery, harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unlawful imprisonment, and claimed she witnessed him abusing Cassie. Gilbert Flores / Billboard via Getty Images

In March 2024, federal agents raided Diddy's properties in Miami and Los Angeles.

Giorgio Viera / AFP via Getty Images

On Monday, Sept. 16, Diddy was arrested at a Manhattan hotel and charged in a three-count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty, and the judge ruled that he would be held without bail until his trial.

The unsealed indictment alleged that Diddy "abused, threatened and coerced woman and others, and led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction justice, among other crimes," according to a press release from Homeland Security. Mega / GC Images

While Diddy and his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, maintained his innocence amid these legal troubles, details from Cassies 2023 lawsuit closely match the graphic security footage released and his subsequent video apology.

BuzzFeed reached out to a rep for Diddy for a comment. Shareif Ziyadat / Getty Images for Sean "Diddy" Combs

According to a source obtained by People, here's where Cassie currently stands amid the latest news of Diddy's arrest. "The amount of courage it took Cassie to speak out, and be one of the first to speak out, can't be underscored enough," they said.

Taylor Hill / FilmMagic

"It was terrifying in a very real way. There have been so many people protecting Diddy for so long, and it's not an exaggeration to say her life was in danger through all this."

Johnny Nunez / WireImage

The source explained that the past year has been challenging for Cassie and her supportive husband of five years, Alex Fine, with whom she shares two daughters. "It's been really, really hard for her and for Alex as well, but he has been the biggest support," the source continued. "She was very hopeful that justice would come."

Paul Morigi / Getty Images for 1/ST

Over the past year, Cassie has maintained this perspective of hope. Following the release of the 2016 footage that showed her being physically abused, Cassie wrote in a May 23 Instagram post, "The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning."

Leon Bennett / Getty Images

"Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past."

Cassie walks on a city sidewalk at night, wearing a long, belted trench coat, black gloves, and pointed-toe boots

A person wearing a full-length coat with a brick wall pattern and various graffiti designs, sunglasses, and black boots, is standing on a city street at night

Gotham / GC Images, Rob Kim / Getty Images

"My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in," she continued. "I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don't cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone."

BuzzFeed has reached out to reps for Cassie for comment.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website.
HERNDON, Va. (DC News Now)  Police in Herndon are warning residents to be wary of a scheme that uses Google Maps to try to get money.

In a post on the X platform on Thursday, the Herndon Police Department (HPD) said that several residents reported getting emails containing an image of their home from Google Maps and their address.

HPD said that the email would threaten to release compromising photos of the recipient if they did not pay the sender bitcoin.

Maryland State Police warn residents of Gmail scheme

Police warned residents that these emails are a part of the scheme.

Do not engage with the sender and do not send any kind of payment, HPD said in its post.

Police said that this type of threat is hard to trace.

Similar schemes have been reported in Maryland and D.C. in the past 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(Bloomberg) -- Oil advanced as risk-on sentiment swept across wider financial markets following the steep interest-rate cut by the Federal Reserve.

Most Read from Bloomberg

West Texas Intermediate rose to settle just shy of $72 a barrel, while Brent futures climbed to settle close to $75 a barrel. Equities rallied across the globe as the Feds move reinforced expectations that the US economy will avoid a downturn.

In the oil market, the softer monetary policy outlook has fostered expectations of stronger future demand, supporting a more likely bullish outlook for crude prices further out, SEB analyst Ole Hvalbye said in a note. The move, driven by progress in managing inflation, reflects the Feds shift in focus towards supporting the labor market and the broader economy.

Investors are also closely watching developments in the Middle East after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared what he called a new phase in the war with regional Islamist groups. That has raised fears about a wider conflict that could involve Iran, an OPEC producer.

WTI is still on track for a quarterly loss on concerns over Chinas economic slowdown and ample supply. Adding to the bearish outlook, a measure of US gasoline demand fell further below 9 million barrels a day while jet fuel consumption ebbed for a third straight week, according to government data.

Meanwhile, US fuelmakers are getting ready to carry out the lightest preventive maintenance season in three years, which may help soak up excess supplies of crude, supporting oil prices that earlier this month touched the lowest in more than a year.

Shrinking US inventories could also underpin further price gains. Crude stockpiles at the key storage hub at Cushing, Oklahoma, are significantly lower than the five-year seasonal average and close to whats considered tank bottom levels.

To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter into your inbox, click here.

--With assistance from Sarah Chen.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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People watch the speech of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on a TV screen as they sit in a cafe in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Thursday. (Hassan Ammar / Associated Press)

With the rumble of Israeli warplanes buzzing overhead, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused Israel on Thursday of crossing all restrictions, red lines and laws with the two-day wave of deadly detonations of electronic devices.

Even as he vowed retaliation, Nasrallah acknowledged the attacks dealt an unprecedented blow to the group.

Nasrallahs address was his first televised appearance after thousands of handheld pagers and walkie-talkies exploded Tuesday and Wednesday, killing 37 people and wounding some 3,000 others.

A woman sits in a cemetery as she visits the graves of killed Hezbollah members in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Thursday. (Hussein Malla / Associated Press)

Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility for the attacks, but it is widely presumed to have carried them out. U.S. officials said they were given some details after the fact by Israel. It is believed Israel somehow intercepted a shipment of devices purchased by Hezbollah and packed them with explosives.

Nasrallah said the group has no intention of backing down. This big and powerful blow did not and will not bring us down, he said.

Amid fears the fighting will grow into a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon, both sides continued their tit-for-tat air strikes Thursday.

The Israeli military announced it was striking targets inside Lebanon to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.

As Nasrallah spoke from an undisclosed location, there were none of the usual gatherings in Hezbollah-affiliated convention centers to watch  a measure of the heightened security exercised by the group in the wake of what many say to be the most significant security breach it has faced since its inception.

The attack involved the simultaneous detonation of some 5,000 pagers distributed among Hezbollah fighters and officials across the country. A day later, roughly 1,000 walkie-talkies blew up as well. Hezbollah had resorted to older communication technologies in a bid to evade Israeli surveillance of cellphones.

This video grab shows a walkie-talkie that exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon, on Wednesday. (Associated Press)

In recent days, Israel has repeatedly telegraphed a more aggressive stance toward Hezbollah. On Thursday, the Israeli military said its chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, had recently approved new plans for the northern conflict zone. A day earlier, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the conflict was entering a new phase.

Gallant said Thursday he had been in touch overnight with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about Israels defense against Hezbollah threats.

Nasrallah said technical and security committees were investigating the incident. He downplayed the effect of the attack on Hezbollah's military leadership, saying higher-ranking commanders were unaffected because they were using older pagers.

Hostilities between Israel and Lebanon renewed after Hezbollah  an Iran-backed militant group and political party  launched rocket barrages into Israel on Oct. 8. Hezbollah said it attacked as a gesture of support for the Palestinian armed group Hamas, which has been fighting with Israel for nearly a year.

Although the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has remained relatively limited, some 90,000 people in Lebanon's south have been forced to flee their homes. In northern Israel, roughly 60,000 remain displaced.

Nasrallah said Hezbollah would continue to support Hamas.

Israelis take cover next to a shelter as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel, on Thursday. (Baz Ratner / Associated Press)

We say to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and Gallant, the Lebanese front will not stop before the aggression on Gaza stops, Nasrallah said.

The two-day attacks seriously disrupted Hezbollahs internal-communications abilities, but the group maintains a formidable arsenal of weapons.

Israeli analysts suggested that the electronic-device attacks were a prelude to a much-broader conflict.

You dont do something like that, hit thousands of people, and think war is not coming, retired Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, now a military analyst, told the Times of Israel.

Staff writer Bulos reported from Beirut and staff writer King from Tel Aviv.

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.
Women arrive to the American University hospital to check on their friends and family memebers. Eight people have been killed and some 2,750 injured in suspected coordinated explosions of hand-held telecommunications devices across Lebanon, Health Minister Firas Abiad said during a press conference in Beirut on 17 September. Marwan Naamani/dpa

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has said the back-to-back blasts of electronic devices across Lebanon which are widely assumed to have been caused by Israel amount to "a declaration of war."

In a much-anticipated televised speech on Thursday, Nasrallah said: "There is no doubt that we have been subjected to a major security and humanitarian blow, unprecedented in the history of our resistance and perhaps in the history of the conflict with the enemy."

"Over two days, in one minute every day, the enemy wanted to kill 5,000 people in two minutes without caring about anything," Nasrallah said.

"Our answer is, in the name of the martyrs and the wounded, that the Lebanon front will not stop until the aggression against Gaza stops, regardless of the sacrifices ... ," he said.

The blasts that hit Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday were "a major terrorist operation, an act of genocide, and a massacre, and amounts to a declaration of war," the leader of the Iranian-backed militia said.

As Nasrallah was speaking, Israeli warplanes broke through the sound barrier over the capital Beirut, with sounds like a bomb explosion causing panic.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least 37 people have been killed and some 3,000 injured across the country in the series of explosions that involved pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah.

Lebanese army soldiers secure the area for an ambulance to enter the premises of the American University hospital. Eight people have been killed and some 2,750 injured in suspected coordinated explosions of hand-held telecommunications devices across Lebanon, Health Minister Firas Abiad said during a press conference in Beirut on 17 September. Marwan Naamani/dpa
Hezbollahs leader has said bomb attacks using thousands of the Lebanese armed group's pagers and radios "crossed all red lines", and accused Israel of what he said represented a declaration of war.

In a much-anticipated speech, Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged Hezbollah had suffered an unprecedented blow, but he vowed it would continue fighting and inflict a just punishment.

Israel has not said it was behind the blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday, which Lebanese authorities said killed 37 people and wounded 3,000.

As Nasrallah spoke, Israeli warplanes caused sonic booms over Beirut, scaring an already-exhausted population, and others struck targets in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it was operating to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure and to bring security to northern Israel.

Eleven months of cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel sparked by the war in Gaza have killed hundreds of people, most of them Hezbollah fighters, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border.

Hezbollah has said it is acting in support of the Palestinian armed group Hamas. Both are backed by Iran and proscribed as terrorist organisations by Israel, the UK and other countries.

There were no surprises in Hassan Nasrallahs televised address on Thursday afternoon - his first public reaction to the exploding device attacks which created panic across Lebanon and raised fears of another major war between Hezbollah and Israel.

In what was a humiliating security breach, 12 people were killed, including two children, when pagers used by Hezbollah members to communicate blew up almost simultaneously across the country on Tuesday, according to Lebanons health minister. Another 25 were killed when walkie-talkies exploded the next day.

Reports citing Lebanese and US sources said Israeli intelligence operatives were likely to have planted small amounts of explosives inside the devices or their batteries.

The enemy crossed all rules, laws and red lines. It didn't care about anything at all, not morally, not humanely, not legally, Nasrallah said.

This is massacre, a major aggression against Lebanon, its people, its resistance, its sovereignty, and its security. It can be called war crimes or a declaration of war - whatever you choose to name it, it is deserving and fits the description. This was the enemy's intention, he added.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The Hezbollah leader acknowledged that this was a massive and unprecedented blow for his group, but he insisted that its ability to command and communicate remained intact.

Nasrallahs tone was defiant and he vowed a harsh punishment. But, again, he indicated that Hezbollah was not interested in an escalation of its current conflict with Israel.

The groups cross-border attacks, he said, were going to continue unless there was a ceasefire in Gaza, and that no killings or assassinations would return residents to northern Israel.

Shortly before the speech, crowds of Hezbollah supporters gathered in the capitals southern suburbs to bury two members killed on Tuesday. Some people said they had been shaken by the explosions, but that they were determined to resist.

The Israeli military hit targets across southern Lebanon on Thursday [AFP]

On Thursday morning, Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon fired two anti-tank missiles across the border, followed by drones.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said two Israeli soldiers were killed and a third seriously wounded.

The latest exchanges come at a time when Israel says its military focus has shifted away from Gaza to the situation in the north.

The IDF said on Thursday that its chief of staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, had recently completed approval of plans for the northern arena.

Later, at a meeting of military and intelligence chiefs, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said: In the new phase of the war there are significant opportunities but also significant risks.

Hezbollah feels that it is being persecuted and the sequence of military actions will continue, he added.

Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price.

It is not clear how Israel intends to achieve this goal. But reports earlier this week suggested that the general in charge of the IDFs Northern Command favoured the creation of an Israeli-controlled buffer zone inside southern Lebanon.

In his speech, Hassan Nasrallah called the general a fool and said that any such move would have dire consequences for Israel.
Hezbollah is on the backfoot. The first sign of that was the absence of a public gathering  typically consisting of high-level party officials and supporters  to watch the militant groups leader Hassan Nasrallah deliver a televised speech on Thursday.

The second sign was that Nasrallahs address  his first since two waves of attacks detonated thousands of Hezbollah wireless devices earlier this week  was very possibly pre-recorded.

The leader of the powerful militant group has not delivered a speech in person since the start of Lebanons last all-out war with Israel in 2006. But he will often make a point of proving that his broadcasts are being carried by a live transmission. In his speech last month, for example, Nasrallah referenced two sonic booms caused by Israeli jets that had broken the sound barrier over Beirut. These happened in the seconds leading up to the start of his address.

Thursdays speech was billed as a live transmission, but audiences were given reason to doubt around 20 minutes in, when Israel dropped flares over the Lebanese capital and sent windows shaking with a fresh wave of sonic booms. The roar reverberated throughout the city yet the Beirut-based militant leader neither flinched nor referenced the incident during his speech.

Israels fighter jets seemed intent to underscore the gains of Tuesday and Wednesdays attacks on Hezbollahs wireless devices: the group had been driven deeper underground.

Without a doubt, we have suffered a major blow, said Nasrallah in his speech on Thursday. (It is) unprecedented in the history of the resistance in Lebanon at least, unprecedented in the history of Lebanon, and it may be unprecedented in the history of the conflict with the Israeli enemy across the entire region.

Thousands of small explosions swept through the pockets and homes of Hezbollah members this week, targeting pagers on Tuesday, and then walkie-talkies on Wednesday; in all, the blasts killed at least 37, including some children, and injured nearly 3000. The attack, dystopian in its style and scale, blindsided the group that had opted for analogue technologies after forgoing cell phones to avoid Israeli infiltration.

Nasrallah vowed a reckoning but was scant on the details. The attack will be met with a reckoning and fair punishment in ways that they expect and dont expect, he said.

But he continued with an unmistakably subdued tone. However, because this battle was carried out by invisible faces, you must allow me to change my style, he said.

The reckoning will come. Its nature, scope, when and where  thats something we will definitely keep to ourselves, he added. Within the tightest circle, even within ourselves, because we are in the most precise, sensitive and deeply significant part of the battle.

People gather outside American University of Beirut Medical Center as more than 1,000 people were wounded when the pagers they use to communicate exploded in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 17. - Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

Nasrallah tried to buoy the sober speech by extolling what he described as strategic gains of nearly a year of confrontations with Israeli forces on the Lebanon-Israel border. He also vowed to continue striking Israeli positions until Israels offensive in Gaza ends.

Weve been saying this for 11 months; we might be repeating ourselves, but this statement comes after these two major blows, after all these martyrs, wounds, and pain, said Nasrallah. I say clearly: no matter the sacrifices, consequences, or future possibilities, the resistance in Lebanon will not stop supporting Gaza.

Responding to Israeli threats of creating a security buffer zone in Lebanons southern border area, Nasrallah struck a defiant tone, welcoming Israeli troops into the territory where he said Hezbollah militants would swiftly seize the opportunity to attack them.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, people are continuing to reel from the attacks that overwhelmed hospitals with wounded people, mostly with deep flesh wounds to the eyes and face.

Hezbollah will likely recede further into the shadows and regroup about their methods. During the 2006 war, the militant groups Al-Manar television was on air for the duration of the 34-day conflict, despite Israels heavy-handed bombing campaign.

Live broadcasts have long been hailed by Hezbollah as a symbol of defiance against the long arm of Israeli spyware, and their ability to keep broadcasting against the odds has been a point of pride for the group  lending it a mythical quality among its Lebanese constituents and even some of its detractors.

But this weeks attacks on wireless devices punctured that aura. Hezbollah  which literally translates into Party of God  has been rattled, forced to contend with the new reality that it is more exposed than it has ever believed itself to be.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Lebanese supporters of pro-Iranian Hezbollah listen to a televised speech of the party leader Hassan Nasrallah at a cafe in Beirut. Nasrallah said the pager attack which has killed 37 people and injured thousands crossed a 'red line' as fears of a wider war mount. Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Israel and Lebanon came closer to all-out war on Thursday as the death toll rose to 37 from explosions involving a slew of Lebanese communication devices and Hezbollah's leader vowed retribution.

About 3,000 people were injured in the blasts across the country, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad told a press conference in the capital Beirut.

Hundreds of pagers used by the Hezbollah militia simultaneously exploded on Tuesday and a second wave of communication devices - this time walkie-talkies - blew up on Wednesday.

Israel has not publicly admitted responsibility, but the country is widely assumed to be behind the coordinated detonations.

More serious injuries were reported after Wednesday's attacks as the walkie-talkie devices are significantly larger than pagers, Abiad said.

Most of the dead and injured were Hezbollah members and their families, hospital sources said. Lebanese sources have said that the militia group had been badly hit.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah called the back-to-back blasts "a declaration of war."

"There is no doubt that we have been subjected to a major security and humanitarian blow, unprecedented in the history of our resistance and perhaps in the history of the conflict with the enemy," he said.

He vowed, "in the name of the martyrs and the wounded, that the Lebanon front will not stop until the aggression against Gaza stops, regardless of the sacrifices."

He said the blasts were "a major terrorist operation, an act of genocide, and a massacre," and vowed punishment and retribution for an act of "unprecedented aggression."

He also commented on Israel's aim of returning people to the north, who have fled the area due to ongoing clashes.

"What you will do will increase the displacement of the displaced from the north and will eliminate the opportunity for their return," the leader of the Iranian-backed militia said.

As Nasrallah was speaking, Israeli warplanes broke through the sound barrier over Beirut, creating sounds like a bomb blast, generating panic.

Iran flies ambassador, patients out of Lebanon

Earlier, Iran evacuated its ambassador from Lebanon and 95 patients who were injured in pager explosions, officials said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited the injured diplomat, Mojtaba Amani, at a hospital in Tehran on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Iran flew 95 victims out of Lebanon, most of whom suffered eye and hand injuries.

Hezbollah is Iran's most important non-state ally.

Israeli army agrees on 'continuation of war' in north

In Israel, the Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi approved plans for "the continuation of the war" on the country's northern front, where it has been engaged in confrontations with Hezbollah for months.

The army did not give further details in Thursday's statement, merely saying Halevi "recently completed approval of plans for the northern arena."

Two Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanese attack

Two Israeli soldiers, a 20-year-old soldier and a 43-year-old reservist, died in the north of the country due to Lebanese shelling, the army said.

The Times of Israel reported that the reservist was killed in the western Galilee region by an explosive-laden drone launched by Hezbollah.

The younger soldier was reportedly killed in an attack by Hezbollah with two anti-tank missiles on Israel's northern border. Eight other soldiers were wounded, one of them seriously, according to the report.

This brings the official tally of those killed in Israel in the border area with Lebanon since October 8 to 48, including both civilians and soldiers.

Some 600 people have been killed in Lebanon during that period, most of them Hezbollah fighters.

Clashes continued as four people suffered minor injuries due to an Israeli airstrike near the port city of Tyre in southern Lebanon.

Reports: Lebanese rocket fire injures several in northern Israel

At least eight people in northern Israel were injured in rocket fire from Lebanon, according to Israeli media reports on Thursday.

One person was seriously injured, several media outlets reported.

The Israeli army said it had again attacked the Shiite organization's positions in several places in Lebanon during the night, including at an arms depot. It also confirmed missiles had been fired from Lebanon towards Israel in the morning.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli army post and said there had been victims.

Lebanese supporters of pro-Iranian Hezbollah listen to a televised speech of the party leader Hassan Nasrallah at a cafe in Beirut. Nasrallah said the pager attack which has killed 37 people and injured thousands crossed a 'red line' as fears of a wider war mount. Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah is the only man in Lebanon with the power to wage war or make peace, but he leads a life in hiding to avoid assassination by his movement's arch-enemy, Israel.

A wave of Israeli strikes on Friday hit Hezbollah's main bastion in south Beirut, and Israeli broadcasters said Nasrallah was the target.

A source close to Hezbollah denied the reports, saying that he was "fine".

Nasrallah enjoys cult status among his Shiite Muslim supporters, is equipped with a formidable arsenal far bigger and more modern than the national army's, and holds sway over Lebanon's institutions.

Nasrallah has rarely been seen in public since his movement fought a devastating 2006 war with Israel.

In 2011, the leader showed up at a religious procession in Beirut's southern suburbs and briefly greeting supporters before addressing the crowd on video from an undisclosed location.

In a 2014 interview with Lebanon's pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Akhbar, Nasrallah said that "the Israelis are pushing the idea... that I live far from people, that I don't see them or communicate with them."

He said that he regularly switched sleeping places, but denied that he lived in a bunker.

"The point of security measures is that movement be kept secret, but that doesn't stop me from moving around and seeing what is happening," he said.

Nasrallah is still occasionally photographed alongside other leaders of Iran-backed armed groups in the Middle East.

Very few people are believed to know where he lives. Officials and journalists who met Nasrallah in recent years described tight security measures that prevented them from knowing where they were being taken.

The vast majority of his speeches in the past two decades have been recorded and broadcast from a secret location.

- Supporting Hamas -

A gifted public speaker, 64-year-old Nasrallah is a master of cadence, swinging from humour to belittle his enemies to rage to fire up his 100,000-man militia.

The bearded, bespectacled cleric is never seen without traditional robes and the black turban that marks him out as a descendant of the prophet Mohammed.

He is married and has four surviving children.

He was elected secretary general of Hezbollah in 1992, aged just 32, after an Israeli helicopter gunship killed his predecessor Abbas al-Musawi.

Hezbollah is the only group that refused to give up its weapons after Lebanon's 15-year civil war ended in 1990, and Nasrallah insists that Israel remains an existential threat.

Since Hezbollah's Palestinian ally Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, Hezbollah has battled Israeli troops almost daily along the Lebanon-Israel border.

- Political force -

Born in Beirut's impoverished northern suburb of Burj Hammud on August 31, 1960, he was one of nine children of a poor grocer hailing from the tiny southern village of Bazuriyeh.

Nasrallah studied politics and the Koran for three years at a seminary in Iraq's Shiite holy city of Najaf, before being expelled in 1978 when the Sunni-dominated government turned on Shiite activists.

He then became heavily involved in Lebanese politics and gained much of his early experience in the Shiite Amal militia during the civil war.

But he broke away from Amal when Israeli troops marched on Beirut in 1982 to become one of the founders of Hezbollah.

He acquired his cult status in Lebanon and across the Arab world after Israel withdrew its troops from south Lebanon under relentless Hezbollah attack in May 2000, ending 22 years of occupation of the border strip.

Nasrallah's years at the helm of Hezbollah, or Party of God, have seen the group expand from guerrilla faction into the country's most powerful political force.

Hezbollah is admired by many Shiites in Lebanon for supporting local charities, building up health and education services in its strongholds and assisting the needy among its supporters.

But in divided Lebanon, the movement is also widely hated, including by those who dream of a nation free from sectarianism and where the rule of law prevails.

Nasrallah's personal popularity soared across the Arab world after a UN-brokered ceasefire ended the 2006 conflict with Israel, before suffering a blow when he sent fighters to neighbouring Syria to prop up President Bashar al-Assad's regime in the war since 2011.

bur-ami/ser
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A new high-tech manufacturing center broke ground in east Austin. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be a 50,000-square-foot facility dedicated to fostering modern innovation and increasing workforce development in manufacturing.

HICAM is the economic and workforce development nonprofit behind the project.

Goals for the center include:

Creating a hub for groundbreaking manufacturing

Fostering economic growth

Building a skilled workforce

The facility will serve as a co-working space for startups. HICAM Executive Director Marcus Metzger said theyll provide companies with the equipment to develop their technology in its early stages.

The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be located along the SH 130 corridor in East Austin, just minutes from Tesla. (Photo: HICAM)

The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be located along the SH 130 corridor in East Austin, just minutes from Tesla. (Photo: HICAM)

The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be located along the SH 130 corridor in East Austin, just minutes from Tesla. (Photo: HICAM)

I want people to come through, be inspired and leave knowing more than they did before, and with a brighter outlook on what they can do. Marcus Metzger, HICAM Executive Director

What kind of startups?

Metzger said theyll welcome startups working in robotics, machine learning, next-generation additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

This isnt just like chat bots, Metzger said. These are AI systems that can control your production floor and can give you reliable feedback.

U.S. Department of Defense expands new workspace in Austin

HICAM partnered with downtown co-working space, Capital Factory, to help find those startups. Capital Factory Founder Joshua Baer said its more important now than ever to produce these technologies locally.

Whats happening with HICAM is so critical right now, because its helping to bring manufacturing and really high tech manufacturing here to the U.S. and here to Texas, Baer said.

Workforce development

Another focus for the center is workforce development.

Our first goal is to create 150 new advanced manufacturing jobs in the east Austin area, Metzger said.

Itll offer an educational program where students can learn how to operate robots and 3D printing, among other things.

Our other goal is to provide workforce training for 1,000 people over the next three years, Metzger said. Its our goal to run certifications so you can come here and know nothing about robots, and over the course of eight weeks, gain the skills so that you can become an entry-level operator.

The center plans on opening up at the beginning of 2025. Later this year, it will open applications for manufacturing and robotics startups that want to be located in the space or participate in its accelerator 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 KXAN Austin.
The library on the former grounds of the Highlander Folk Center, in which Rev. Martin Luther King once lectured, is one of few buildings remaining on the Grundy County site closed by the state in 1961. (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

This story originally appeared on Tennessee Lookout.

This much is not in dispute: In 1961, the state of Tennessee took 200 acres of land from Highlander Folk School on Monteagle Mountain in Grundy County. Took, as in confiscated on bogus charges of alcohol sales without a license.

But the real reason for the confiscation stemmed from fears of civil rights and union activism after two decades of training now-icons such as Rosa Parks and Diane Nash at Highlander.

This much is also not in dispute: Five plots of that now subdivided land are owned by a nonprofit called the Tennessee Preservation Trust (TPT). The sale of those plots to Todd Mayo, the for-profit owner of The Caverns, a rural concert venue, is pending. And the current Highlander administration, which had its offer to buy the land rejected, is furious.

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Everything else  what happened to TPT, whether they ever had plans to sell the land back to Highlander, what might happen to those plots now and the land next to them that TPT doesnt own  well, the answers vary depending on whom you ask.

On the one hand, TPT preserved some historic buildings that might very well have been lost. On the other hand, the original (and some would say, still rightful) owner of those buildings has been shut out from determining what happens to them.

Still others question whether a group of white men are the right ones to tell the story of the storied civil rights training ground.

Its hard to understand what the motive would be for the Trust not to turn the land over to Highlander, says Denis Marlowe, a longtime neighbor whose mother worked at Highlander before the state raid. I can see it only one or two ways. Either youre getting a chance to make some money in this situation, or you dont agree with what Highlander might do with it.

A man in a T-shirt holding a banjo

Backed by Eleanor Roosevelt, training civil rights leaders

Over three decades, the tiny Highlander Folk School had a huge, outsized impact on both Tennessee and American history. In 1932, Myles Horton, Don West and James Dombrowski launched the Highlander Folk School on land donated by Lillian Wyckoff Johnson, a progressive educator. Johnson had built and run a model rural school and community center named Kindred Company (KinCo) since 1915 and wanted others to continue her work after retirement.

Attempts to organize local workers quickly drew the ire of businessmen, both in Grundy County and across Tennessee. Although then-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt had endorsed the school, by 1941 the FBI had launched its first investigation into Highlander for alleged communist activities, surveillance that would continue for over two decades.

A black and white photo of two men in suits and a woman

By the 1950s, Highlander had pivoted from labor to civil rights and became an instrumental part of the movement to fight segregation. Workshops led by activists Septima Clark, Esau Jenkins and Bernice Robinson taught Black citizens their rights, while other workshops taught white and Black adults together strategies to desegregate schools and businesses. (Parks famously attended a Highlander workshop four months before refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus.)

Martin Luther King Jr. visited in 1957, speaking in the library. Hortons wife Zliphia taught We Shall Overcome to Pete Seeger during a visit, who made it part of his repertoire, leading to its adoption as the unofficial civil rights anthem.

A story that hasnt been told

In 2013, in a splashy story in The Tennessean, historian David Currey announced big plans: The Tennessee Preservation Trust (TPT), of which he was then board chair, planned to buy 13.5 acres of the original 200-acre Highlander site with a $1 million national campaign.

Trying to get our hands on this piece of property allows us to tell that story again in the context of this rural setting, Currey told the paper at the time. This place has the potential to tell a story that hasnt been told.

A national campaign never really happened, but local donors stepped up and helped TPT buy three parcels on Old Highlander Road in May 2014. One parcel included what was left of the historic one-room library. In 2015, TPT purchased another parcel, followed by a fifth parcel in 2019  ultimately around 8.5 acres of land with three houses in addition to the library.

Two of the houses have been rentals for the past 10 years. The third house, a historic home used by Highlander, has been left empty. It has visible mold and other exterior damage  rotting floorboards on the porch, a gutter dangling, overgrown shrubbery trying to force its way inside.

Despite some renovations, the one-room library sits empty, too, paint already peeling off the cement blocks. Thats why the organization needs to sell now, says Phil Thomason, TPT board chair, who says the organization never intended to keep the property.

Our intent when we purchased it in 2014 was to restore the building back to its original design listed in the National Register of Historic Places and then sell it to a person, a benefactor, or an entity that we felt would be a really good steward of the property, says Thomason.

A house painted green with a porch set among trees

That steward, however, wont just be Todd Mayo. It will also be Currey, via a separate nonprofit called Kindred Cooperative in a nod to the original land owner. Last summer, months before Mayo put an offer on the land, Curreys TPT entered into a 99-year lease of the Highlander property with Kindred for a nominal annual rent. (Thomason says its something like $1 per year.)

Mayo says he was intrigued by the project when Currey approached him.

David communicated to me that he borrowed money to save this [property] and put it in a trust through TPT, but that  it needed to be sold and put into his nonprofit to carry on doing things there, Mayo says. I said, Man, Id love to help.

The TPT board voted to approve the sale for $600,000 in December 2023. Highlander put forth a competing offer of $800,000 cash in June, but the board voted against it.

The relationship that we had with Highlander was severed a couple of years ago by them  and they disparaged and had unkind words for my organization, Thomason says. [Before 2024] we always had the door open to them for an offer, but we never received anything in writing . [This summer] as we looked at the offer that Highlander presented, the timeline and other considerations just made it imperative that we move forward with Todds offer.

Per state law, the Tennessee Attorney Generals office must approve any sale by a nonprofit of substantially all its assets to another entity. That review is currently underway, and if the AGs office approves the sale, which Thomason seems confident will happen, Mayo will own the land by the end of the year.

The role of race in historic preservation

Ted Debro, a Black Birmingham businessman, worked with Currey to create an experience room in the basement of the 16th Street Baptist Church, examining the aftermath of the 1963 bombings that killed four Black girls.

We were very pleased with the work that he did, and I found him to be a very open and caring individual and one who really understood the story and how to pull that together, Debro says. I didnt find him to have a prejudice or a racist thought in his body.

But several people, including Highlanders current co-executive director, Rev. Allyn Maxfield-Steele, raised questions about whether an older white man is the right person to tell Highlanders story, given its storied history in the Civil Rights Movement.

That's what (Highlander staff) use when they don't get what they want  if you don't agree with them, then everybody's a racist.

 David Currey

As another white person, Ive grown to understand that were all in recovery from the deepest, entrenched pools of white supremacy that we grew up in, said Maxfield-Steele. But the deals that hes been willing to seemingly make without our consent and without our blessing and without transparency  thats the issue. And some people do call that white supremacist business practice.

This attitude is what enrages Currey.

Thats what [Highlander staff] use when they dont get what they want  if you dont agree with them, then everybodys a racist, Currey says. Thats not the case. I do a lot of work with a lot of African American communities around the South. Do you think if I was a racist they would want to do business with me?

A simmering fight for years

This anger  of Currey and Thomason toward Highlander, of Highlander toward the TPT  first came to a head in 2022, but it had been simmering for years.

Highlander didnt stop training activists when the center was forced off Monteagle. Now called the Highlander Research and Education Center, its been located in New Market, Tennessee, since 1971, after 10 years in Knoxville. The organization has continued to train grassroots organizers and work for social and economic justice, and if it ever ended up with the original land, they say that goal wouldnt change. But Highlander now has resources they didnt have in the 1950s  over 50 employees and an annual operating budget of around $9 million.

According to Maxfield-Steele, Highlander has been interested in reacquiring the site and has talked to Currey and TPT members multiple times over the past decade about making it happen.

In 2014, what we said was that we cant afford this now, but we believe this project is valuable, and our story is one that should be told by us, says Maxfield-Steele, explaining that Highlander was in the middle of a capital campaign at the time and couldnt afford any additional cost outlays. That was not something that it seemed that they were interested in pursuing.

Between 2014 and 2019, Highlander had occasional discussions with Currey about the sites direction but never received any offers in writing. In 2019, Howell E. Adams Jr., a donor who helped TPT purchase the parcels, told Highlander about the Kindred proposal. Maxfield-Steele thought parts of it were ludicrous  both historic Highlander and the current iteration of the nonprofit have long worked to help rural people  but he agreed to work on a plan.

You dont want (Highlander) there, so we slap a padlock on it in the 1960s. You dont want them back at the site now because they called you out for some nonsense, so we dont wanna sell it to you no matter how much money you got.

 Learotha Williams, Tennessee State University

But after emails back and forth, Maxfield-Steele says they couldnt get a commitment from Currey about what would happen with the land. The pandemic hit, and things quieted down until 2022, when TPT submitted an application to place the library building on the National Register of Historic Places without notifying Highlander.

There were citations that were wrong, Maxfield-Steele says. And we had never given any legal permission to TPT to submit anything.

The dispute made the news, but behind the scenes, Highlander made an offer to buy the land.

We said, we could cut you a check today, Maxfield-Steele says. And we offered to compensate [Currey] for his time in 2022.

Thomason says TPT never received an offer.

The fact that they objected to [the Register nomination] just told my board that they were not serious and would never provide an offer, Thomason says. Were there some minor inaccuracies? Thats correct. And those were corrected.

Since then, the two parties have not talked until Highlander learned this spring that Mayo had made an offer for the land. Staff drafted a counter-proposal and attached letters of support from prominent historians, activists and Grundy County neighbors, including Tennessee State Historian Carroll Van West. They also included information about partnering with MASS Design Group, the architectural firm that designed the National Memorial for Peace and Justice honoring victims of lynching in Montgomery, Alabama.

Highlander provided financial documents demonstrating that paying $800,000 cash for the site  again, $200,000 more than Mayo and much more than TPT originally paid for the land  was feasible. The board still voted against the plan.

On paper, it looks weird that they would turn down a significantly higher dollar amount, but it also looks bad that they would reject an 87-page document that included Septima Clarks family, MASS Design, Brent Leggs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Black Tennessee historians, and reputable folks from the region and outside the region, Maxfield-Steele says.

A man in a suit standing in front of a mural

Learotha Williams, a Tennessee State University professor and historian, was one of the supporters who submitted a letter, and he sees racism at play, whether intentional or not.

The preservation space that we work in is largely dominated by white males who have access to all of the properties, all of the mechanisms for preserving stuff, determining what was going to be preserved, how it was going to be preserved  in other words, who could tell the stories, Dr. Williams says. I can see the shock and anger emerging out of [the Register dispute], but nonetheless, this act is an act to punish Highlander, the same way that the sheriff said, Were going to punish Highlander by not allowing them into this site.

I dont see much difference between the two, Williams says. You dont want them there, so we slap a padlock on it in the 1960s. You dont want them back at the site now because they called you out for some nonsense, so we dont wanna sell it to you no matter how much money you got.

Tempers are unlikely to calm anytime soon. Currey expressed repeated outrage over being perceived as elitist and not knowing whats best for the land. Meanwhile, Highlander did not know that TPT had entered into the 99-year lease months prior to Mayos offer until told by this reporter, and now feels even more betrayed.

That TPT invited us to make an offer without disclosing a century-long lease which essentially voids ownership is deeply deceptive and only confirms what we feared all along  this was never a genuine invitation, says Evelyn Lynn, special projects organizer at Highlander.

Thomason, Currey and one member who spoke on background were the only TPT board members who agreed to talk. None of the other eight current members, nor several past members, returned calls or messages.

The interior of a building with a wooden ceiling, a table and fold-out chairs

Potential problems with Kindred and the appearance of a sweetheart deal

There are multiple problems with Kindred potentially running the site, at least as the nonprofit currently exists. The first appears to be a conflict of interest: Not only has Currey been an off-and-on member of the TPT board since 2010, but he also partners with Thomason professionally via his historic preservation firm, Thomason & Associates. The firms website states that Curreys company, Encore Interpretive Design, has provided planning and interpretation services for multiple projects.

And Currey is still intimately involved in TPT. Since the 2017 reporting year, he has filed every annual report with the Tennessee Secretary of States Office and since the 2018 reporting year, his home address has been listed as TPTs mailing and principal office address.

It is [my address] because I filed their annual report for them, because I used to be on the board, Currey says.

Curreys home address is also listed on all of Kindreds annual reports.

Both federal and state law say conflicts of interest should be avoided, but they are not technically prohibited.

When an organization makes a decision that is clouded by conflict, theres a reasonable concern that that decision was not made in the best interest of the general public, says Eric Franklin Amarante, a professor and expert in nonprofit law at the University of Tennessee Knoxville who has consulted with Highlander. If someone is still somewhat involved or maybe even intimately involved in the organization, but they dont maintain the title, thats still a concern.

Ive seen conflict-of-interest policies where the relationship described would not be technically considered a conflict, but if I were working at the IRS or state AGs office and I were reviewing it, Id be like, This just looks like a sweetheart deal.'

 Eric Franklin Amarante, University of Tennessee

Then, there are questions about the nonprofit status of TPT and Kindred. Currey says he created Kindred to raise funds because TPT lost its nonprofit status during the COVID era.

(TPT) didnt file some tax returns, and their board chair passed away from cancer  I was not on the board at that time  so we created Kindred so that we could finish the [library renovation], says Currey.

But his timeline is a little off. TPT did have its 501(c)(3) status revoked by the IRS in 2020 for failure to file an annual report for three years in a row, and it has not regained it. However, Currey filed to incorporate Kindred in 2017, and in July 2019, he announced that TPT planned to turn the site over to Kindred to manage.

In 2021, the IRS granted Kindred tax exempt status, but the nonprofit appears to have not been in compliance with state or federal law since 2017. According to the IRS, Kindred has yet to file the required Form 990 annual report for any year, possibly bringing it to the verge of also possibly having that status revoked. It also has not had a board of three people in place, as required both by state law and its own charter.

In annual reports filed with the state, Currey is listed as both the president and secretary of Kindred for 2017 and 2018. From 2019 through 2023, Nashville architect Brian Tibbs is listed as the board secretary. In a phone call, Currey said Tibbs is still on the board. Tibbs, however, says, I havent had any involvement with Kindred.

Thomason said he was unaware of Curreys lapses and blamed it on his lack of time.

However, Amarante says none of this looks good.

If I were counseling the client, I would say, This is a big transaction, basically all of your assets. And I would want to make sure that the entire transaction was clean of any self-interest, Amarante says. Ive seen conflict-of-interest policies where the relationship described would not be technically considered a conflict, but if I were working at the IRS or state AGs office and I were reviewing it, Id be like, This just looks like a sweetheart deal.

The form required by the AGs office to approve the sale requires a nonprofit to provide sufficient documents to identify any possible conflict of interest, self-interest, or self-dealing of any board member, officer, or director in connection with the Transaction.

The future of Highlander

Whether Kindred, Mayo or Highlander end up controlling the lots, one thing seems sure: It will likely take significantly more money and additional land purchases to create a destination landmark that draws tourists from outside the state.

Mayo says his current vision isnt to change much: Have elementary school children occasionally come by for a field trip, but otherwise keep it a quiet residential street where everyone minds their own business. The sale includes a preservation easement, which limits what can be built on the property.

A historic marker

I havent spent a lot of time thinking about that, Mayo says when asked if additional purchases could follow in the years to come. Youd have to look at it relative to the cost and the benefits.  I plan on keeping everything the way it is for right now.

Mayo says that he would like to restore the dilapidated home if its financially feasible. He may look into buying the house just south of the library, which will likely be on the market next year. He also plans to let the tenants in the other houses stay, at least for now.

Although he hopes Highlander ultimately gets their land back, Marlowe has a pragmatic take.

This whole thing has been almost like a fantasy, as far as having the property saved and preserved, Marlowe says. If weve learned anything in the last 70 years of fighting these fights its just the fact that youre there fighting doesnt necessarily mean that the earths going to be shook up and changed any time soon. Whats important is to not lose sight that they were fighting.

Lynn puts it more succinctly.David Currey wont be here in 99 years, Lynn says. But the Highlander Center will.

Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com. Follow Tennessee Lookout on Facebook and X.

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(Bloomberg) -- Palantir Technologies Inc. has won a $100 million contract that will extend access to artificial intelligence targeting tools to more US military personnel, giving them access to the companys digital warfare platform.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The platform, known as Maven Smart System, helps create a picture of the same battlefield on thousands of digital screens simultaneously. It draws on US intelligence data and uses computer-vision algorithms and AI-enabled software from other companies to help make sense of a situation and to find adversaries. The US military has used the system to help identify targets for air strikes in the Middle East this year, Bloomberg has reported.

Shannon Clark, head of defense growth at Palantir, said the contract would extend access to Maven Smart System to all five US military services  the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force  expanding the platform to tens of thousands more service members.

Selected units in specific locations so far have had access to the system, she said. Palantir in May won a $480 million contract to extend Maven Smart System to combatant commands, which run military operations in specific locations.

Maven, which relies on multiple contractors and AI providers alongside Palantir, started as a project in 2017 and is now a program of record mostly run by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The Defense Department has released little information about how Maven is used operationally. Bloomberg has reported the US has relied on it to offer targeting support to Ukraine, as well as for American operations in Yemen, Iraq and Sudan.

US defense officials have defended the departments use of computer vision and other machine-learning algorithms to inform such targeting decisions, arguing that it ultimately falls to humans to make decisions about battlefield actions. Some experts argue the system could encourage human operators to give undue trust to such machines, however. An advisory body convened by the United Nations on Thursday called on countries to limit military use of AI to prevent human rights violations and a possible new arms race.

The contract was announced by the Defense Department on Wednesday in a daily notice saying the Palo Alto, California-based company has been awarded a five-year contract to supply user licenses for its Maven Smart System AI tool along with related software support and hardware, with a top value of $99.8 million, according to the announcement.

Story continues

Intelligence analysts, operators and other military personnel in remote locations will now be able to access the system, connecting up information on the battlefield with Pentagon headquarters at the same time, Clark said.

A spokesperson for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency didnt comment on the contract but said NGA is continuously working on expanding Maven to all the services and all of the military commands.

Both Maven and Maven Smart System are important for a long-running Pentagon effort to connect the militarys sensors and weapons systems across the world, which it has yet to realize. The NGA spokesperson said their agency is working closely with the Pentagons chief digital and AI office on the effort.

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Hillary Clinton thinks Kamala Harris is hitting Donald Trump where it hurtsand she loves to see it.

Clinton stopped by The View to talk about how she thinks Harris is doing against Trump on Thursday, and shared how Harris has managed to take her advice to bait him to a whole other level. Back in 2016, in my acceptance speech at the convention, I said You cant trust somebody with nuclear weapons who you can bait with a tweet. Because hes definitely bait-able, she explained.

.@HillaryClinton to #TheView last week's presidential debate: "I was baiting [Trump] about nuclear weapons [in 2016], which I think is kind of important. [Vice Pres. Harris] baited him about his crowd size  so we learned a lot about how to expose him." pic.twitter.com/ljmRnLO61K  The View (@TheView) September 19, 2024

Earlier this month, Clinton told The New York Times what she advised Harris ahead of her debate with Trump. The more that [Trump] can be exposed on stage [the better]hes not a strong leader, Clinton said at the time. Hes not a stable leader. The more that can be exposed, the more people will have doubts about him. And thats really what this debate is meant to do, because the people already locked in to supporting either her or him are unlikely to change.

Clinton thinks Harris hit the nail on the head. [Trump] has a very fragile ego, she said, that has to be constantly buttressed and people have to tell him how great he is and he has to tell himself how great he is. And he has to have people around him who are constantly just giving him all of this emotional support. Clinton argued that Harris did an even better job of exploiting this obvious weakness of Trumps than she did.

Part of what [Harris] did so wellI was baiting him about nuclear weaponswhich I think is pretty important. [But] she baited him about his crowd size, which was much more effective, Clinton said. He doesnt care about nuclear weapons, he doesnt care about policybut his crowd size [gets his attention], she added.

That said, Clinton emphasized that the goal in baiting Trump is not just a gotchaits to show the public where his weaknesses lie. I think that [Harris] understood and did it so effectively because it wasn't about just scoring points against him in a debate. It was about exposing him [and] letting the American people see [him for what he is], she concluded.

As far as how she thinks Harris debate performance will affect things in the last leg of the election, Clinton added during an appearance on Morning Joe earlier in the day, I have no doubt the Harris-Walz campaign, like mine, will win the popular vote. But as we all know, that doesnt get you the election.

Hillary Clinton on Morning Joe: "I have no doubt the Harris/Walz campaign, like mine, will win the popular vote. But as we all know, that doesn't get you the election."



And on threat of Trumpism: "You may not be his favorite in a year... You think you're safe? Nobody is safe." pic.twitter.com/WP1uMJ2hRg  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 19, 2024

What needs to happen is what they are doingjust deeper, more intensely reaching out to people with the positive story, she added, responding to naysayers who comment Harris should talk more about policy. Go to the website. Thats where the policy is, she said. I had more policy than anybody had [when she ran], Clinton explained, but at the end of the day, thats not what caused people to vote for me or against me.

And, she added, The Harris campaign knows that.

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A Hillsborough County Deputy died in a fatal crash Thursday morning.

40-year-old Deputy Darell Brown was off duty in his personal vehicle while traveling U.S. Highway 301 when the crash occurred.

At approximately 7:45 a.m., a collision between Deputy Browns vehicle and a semi-truck occurred as Deputy Brown crossed into the southbound lanes of U.S. 301, causing a head-on collision.

Read: Suspect identified after deadly shooting at Lake Mary apartment complex, deputies say

The owner of the semi, a 32-year-old man out of Orlando, did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.

This tragedy comes at an incredibly difficult time, as our Sheriffs Office still grieves the loss of Deputy White. I humbly ask the community to pray for all those impacted by these painful losses, said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister. Deputy Brown was more than just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to many. His genuine warmth, commitment, and compassionate spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Deputy Brown has been with HCSO since January 2015.

Read: Student brings disassembled handgun to Ocoee High School, police say

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HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens said recent decisions by Hinds County supervisors will make residents less safe.

He said despite supervisors raising taxes, positions at the district attorneys office are being cut and salaries are being slashed. According to Owens, the cuts come despite his office already being under-funded and having the biggest caseload in Mississippi.

JTRAN resumes service after union workers strike

Today I was properly noted that the Hinds County Board of Supervisors cut 33% of our administrative and investigative staff. In addition, they reduced the salaries of four other employees just last week. The Hinds County Board of Supervisors adopted the budget for the fiscal year in a special meeting. In that meeting, they voted to raise millage rates, which means Hinds County taxpayers would pay higher taxes. The taxes would be used to pay for $450 million jail. I found out yesterday afternoon that supervisors submitted combinations to raise taxes and then taking more money, but they also cut the district attorneys office staff, Owens stated on Wednesday.

The district attorney said his previous requests for matters, such as increased funding for his office, were ignored by the supervisors.

In a statement to WJTV 12 News, Hinds County Supervisor Robert Graham, District 1, said, By law the board of supervisors has to balance their budget each year, nearly every department within the county government saw a decrease, not just the district attorney. The district attorney and members of the district attorneys office are state employees and receive a majority of their funding from the state, not the county.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  On Wednesday morning, the Sioux Gateway Airport welcomed a historic aircraft to honor Sioux City native and war general Bud Day.

The Commemorative Air Force brought the Gunfighter to the General Bud Day Airfield. The World War II fighter plane was built in the spring of 1945 and is one of the worlds most famous P-51 mustangs.

Midwest Honor Flight receives large check from church

Some people had the chance to ride in the world-renowned aircraft and experience what it was like for World War II fighter pilots.

To see an airplane that is still operating, to hear it operate, and to kind of pass along some of the lessons that we learned from veterans we talked to and got their stories from, I just think its important because it brings a whole other dimension to understanding what those people did during those days, said Peter Scholl, Commemorative Air Force P-51 Gunfighter pilot.

Woodbury County LEC opens ups for tour

For me, its just a way to taste history, if you will, Vietnam veteran and Days friend Brendan Burchard. Ive grown up my whole life, obviously very engaged with flying and the Air Force and all of that, but never would I have dreamed of getting to ride in a P-51 Mustang.

There are currently less than 150 P-51 aircrafts in the world in flying condition.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
St Albans is popular with London commuters and the average rent is more than 2,000 per month [Getty Images]

A historic commuter city that dates back to the Romans has topped the list of the most expensive cities to rent outside of London.

Tenants who live in St Albans, Hertfordshire, are paying an average of 2,307 per month, which is 71% above the national average.

Rightmove analysed average rents in more than 50 cities across Britain and found the most affordable cities were in the north of England, with Carlisle ranked as the best value at 791 per month.

The highest rents were mostly found in cities clustered around the east and south east of England, with Oxford and Cambridge in second and third place.

The exceptions were Bristol and Edinburgh, where renting a property on average costs about 1,700 per month.

Wrexham, Wales, came out as the fifth most affordable city with an average rent of 874 a month.

Edinburgh is the sixth most expensive city for rent, one of the few not in the East or South East of England [Morgan Spence/BBC News]

The national average advertised rent outside of London is a record 1,349 per month, Rightmove said.

The data was released as students prepare to start the new academic year.

Popular with London commuters, St Albans has the highest house prices outside the capital, with properties costing 17 times more than the average annual salary of those living there.

Tim Bannister, a property expert at Rightmove, said: "The rental divide across Great Britain is clear, with an average difference of just over 1,500 (per month) between the most expensive and cheapest cities.

"Many of these cities have seen rental growth of over 40% over the past five years, meaning it's likely to be a significant consideration when students are thinking about where to study, and those who have already graduated working out if they can afford to stay in that city and find a job."

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LONDON, Ohio (WCMH)  In addition to the latest in farming technology, industry exhibits, and educational booths, the historic drought Ohio is experiencing has also been a focal point of this years Farm Science Review.

Whatever the hot topic of the day, is typically talked about in all the buildings all day long, well, as you can imagine that is absolutely the topic of the day is drought, said Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. We have parts of the state of Ohio that at this point youre hearing farmers say this is the worst theyve ever seen in their lifetime.

Watch: Drought main topic of annual Farm Science Review

Farmers in drought affected areas have been harvesting between a third and a half what they would in a normal year, according to the farm bureau. They also said dry weather has forced many to start using their winter hay supply to feed livestock.

This is historic, this is something many farmers have not seen in generations if ever on their farm, said Ty Higgins, spokesperson for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. And we need to make sure they know the resources are out there to help them through.

Final language approved for Issue 1 redistricting ballot question

Aaron Wilson, the states climatologist, was also at the exposition. Drought information was posted in his area. He said he regularly fielded drought related questions from farmers.

This year obviously with the drought conditions that have really taken hold across the state, its impacting agriculture in a big big way, Wilson said. A lot of stress, a lot of farmers are feeling that stress as we enter the harvest season.

Information about what financial assistance farmers can apply for was also posted on the grounds at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. Wilson and the farm bureau stressed the importance of farmers mental health as well.

That peer to peer aspect and understanding theyre not alone in these challenges is one of the biggest things were going to have to lean on in order to get farmers through these challenges as far as a mental health aspect is concerned, Higgins said.

The last day of the 62nd Farm Science Review is Thursday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Historic steam locomotive to be displayed at Union Station for rail safety event

A piece of American history will be on display this weekend in downtown Los Angeles as part of a rail safety event at Union Station.

The San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society will be delivering its 1927 steam locomotive to Union Station as part of the two-day event.

The Historical Societys Santa Fe 3751 will be parked at Union Station on Track 15 during Rail Safety: Los Angeles, what organizers are calling the biggest rail safety event in Los Angeles in more than a decade.

September is Rail Safety Month, and on Saturday and Sunday, the Historical Society will be joining Amtrak, Metrolink, LA Metro and local law enforcement partners to raise awareness and inform the public to learn about rail safety and the massive machines that criss-cross the Southern California landscape.

A fully restored 1927 Santa Fe 3751 steam-powered locomotive is shown in this undated photo courtesy of San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society.

The fully restored, 874,000-pound steam locomotive will be joined by modern train equipment from Metrolink and Amtrak, as well as informational booths from the local transit agencies.

We could not be more excited to bring the message of safety around railroad tracks back to downtown Los Angeles, said Alex Gillman, vice president of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. Southern California is one of the busiest centers of passenger and freight railroad operations in the nation, and promoting rail safety is crucial for all our local communities.

Rail safety month is an increasingly important topic for the Golden State, as California ranked first in the nation for rail deaths involving trespassers, according to federal statistics. There were 190 deaths and 134 injuries related to those trespassing incidents in 2023, officials said.

California also ranked No. 2 in 2023 for highway-rail grade crossing collisions, with 172 crashes that resulted in 38 deaths.

Organizers hope that by putting these trains and other rail equipment on display, it will inform the public about the raw power and sheer size of the vehicles and encourage best practices around railroad crossings.

In addition to the 1927 locomotive, Metrolink will be displaying its own F125 locomotive and a specially designed passenger Cab Car which allows Metrolink trains to operate with the locomotive pushing or pulling from either side of the train.

The SBRHS restored Santa Fe 3751 sits at Los Angeles Union Station next to a Metrolink F125 Spirit locomotive in this undated photo courtesy of San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society.

A Metrolink F125 Spirit locomotive is shown in this undated photo courtesy of San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society.

Amtraks Operation Lifesaver painted locomotive, Amtrak 203, shown in this undated photo courtesy of San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society.

A Metrolink passenger Cab Car railcar is shown in this undated photo courtesy of San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society.

Amtrak will have a one-of-a-kind locomotive thats painted yellow and black like a railroad crossing sign. The Amtrak 203 is a diesel-electric locomotive that the national railroad system acquired as part of the 50th Anniversary of Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to stopping track tragedies.

All equipment will be on display at L.A. Union Station on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition to the local rail agencies and the Railroad Historical Society, local and regional law enforcement and fire crews will be on hand to present over the weekend.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Carlisle's Turkish Baths closed in 2022, after the council said it could no longer afford to run the site [BBC]

A community group has been handed responsibility for a heritage building housing Turkish baths dating back more than 100 years.

Carlisle's Turkish Baths closed in November 2022, after the city council said it could no longer afford the 26,500 a month required to keep the site open.

Cumberland Council, which took over management of the building when the authority was formed last year, has now voted to transfer the asset to The Friends of Carlisle Victorian and Turkish Baths group.

The public baths first opened in 1884, with the Victorian-style Turkish baths added in 1909. Today only 12 remain in operation in the UK, with the Carlisle baths the only such facility left in north-west England.

Funding challenge

A council meeting heard the community group would need to find substantial funding in order to reopen them.

Councillor Barbara Cannon, portfolio holder for financial planning and assets, described the building - on James Street - as an important part of the city's cultural heritage.

But she warned: "There's still a lot of work to be done."

Leader of the authority, Councillor Mark Fryer, said: "We wish them luck because it is very, very difficult to get funding.

"We've got to give them as much help as we can."

Carlisle's Labour MP, Julie Minns, led the Friends campaign to rescue the Baths, prior to her election victory in July.

The building was granted Grade II-listed status in 2010 and cannot be demolished, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

At Tuesday's meeting, councillors agreed a 25-year rolling lease for the building, with the final terms of any decision on the lease to be made by the council's director of resources, subject to an approved business case from the Friends group.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

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A demonstrator wears a huge keffiyeh on his back during a gathering in support of the Palestinian people, in Lyon, France, September 14, 2024. Photo by Matthieu Delaty Hans Lucas/AFP Credit - Hans Lucas via Getty ImagesMATTHIEU DELATY

Once used for sun protection from the blistering sun in Southwest Asia and North Africa, the kaffiyeh's function, and symbolism, has undeniably transformed over time. Its been spotted on high-fashion Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid, on the necks of students at college encampments, and covering the faces of activists at pro-Palestinian marches. Its been sold on the shelves of Urban Outfitters and Louis Vuitton, and subject to bans by the Australian state of Victoria, which barred legislators from wearing the scarf in parliament because of its political nature.

And in recent decades it has become widely recognized as a symbol of Palestinian nationalism and resistance. The link far predates the Israel-Hamas War, which has taken the lives of more than 40,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, when 200 Israelis were taken hostage and more than 1,000 were killed on the night. Just last week, the Noguchi Museum in New York City fired three employees for wearing it to work, banning clothing associated with political messages, slogans or symbols.

For Palestinians, the symbolism of the kaffiyeh can also be deeply personal. I embroidered my kaffiyeh with tatriz, which is the word for embroidery in Arabic, to express my connection to my homeland, not just as a symbol of resistance to what is happening today in the Israeli occupation, but as an expression of myself, says Wafa Ghnaim, a Palestinian dress historian and researcher.

What is the kaffiyeh?

The kaffiyeh is a square-shaped hand-woven checkered scarf with a wavy motif around the border representing olive leavesand oftentimes tassels along opposite sides. (Olive trees, which have been growing in Gaza and the West Bank for centuries, are a pivotal part of both Palestinian culture and the local economy.)

Though historically an Arab male headdress, today the kaffiyeh is worn by people of all races and genders across Southwest Asia, Northern Africa and beyond. There used to be many different patterns, sometimes different colors and designs. But the idea was having a scarf that was useful within a hotter climate, says Haitham Kuraishi, a tour guide at the Museum of the Palestinian People.

The black-and-white kaffiyeh is the one most commonly worn by Palestinians and those who wear the scarf in solidarity with the people living under tumult in the Gaza Strip. But other predominant colors of the kaffiyeh are popular in other territories. The red kaffiyeh, for instance, is more popular in Jordan, suggests Kuraishi.

A clothing item that dates back centuries

Kaffiyehs were first worn by Sumerians, part of an ancient civilization dating back to 4500 BCE, in what was then-known as Mesopotamia, according to Kuraishi. The scarf then took off among Bedouins, indigenous people in the desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula, partly due to its practical uses. If you were trudging through the desert, you could also use that scarf to cover your mouth from a dust storm, or a sandstorm, and [it was] also a way of just having shade, says Kuraishi. Until the early 20th century, kaffiyehs were primarily worn by Bedouins, to distinguish nomadic men from the villagers and townsmen, according to Ghnaim.

That changed after World War I when the League of Nations issued the British Mandate for Palestine, which was drawn up in 1920 and granted Britain responsibility for the territory that then comprised Palestine. That mandate also called for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people, according to the document. The resulting tumult broiled into the Arab Revolt of 1936-1939, which marked the first sustained violent uprising of Palestinian Arabs in more than a century, in a call for Palestinian sovereignty and independence, says Kuraishi.

Palestinian men put on the kaffiyah, and not just on their head, around their neck, as almost a uniform, adds Ghnaim. The kaffiyeh thus became a symbol of solidarity uniting working class Palestinians with the upper-class, who would typically also wear a fez.

Other prominent figures also popularized the scarf in the years to follow. Former President of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat, who once graced the cover of TIME magazine with the kaffiyeh in 1968, was well-known for wearing the scarf on his head in a triangular shape that mimicked the shape of Palestine, Ghnaim says. In the 1960s, Leila Khaled, a freedom fighter and leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinewhich the U.S. designated a terrorist groupalso wore the kaffiyeh. That move of wearing [the kaffiyeh] on her head as a woman, like a hijab, garnered a lot of attention [and] widespread popularity around the world, but also in the Palestinian community [and] diaspora, adds Ghnaim.

Recent adoption

The scarf has resurged in the fashion world several times in recent decades. In 1988, the same year that the Palestine National Council announced the establishment of the State of Palestine following a staged uprising against Israel, TIME wrote about the scarves' adoption by the American public. Then, TIME reporter Jay Cocks argued that the kaffiyeh, once a garment of choice among the political protesters and antimissile advocates of the 70s and early 80s had become politically neutral.

That connotation doesnt remain true today. In 2007, the New York Times reported that kaffiyehs were marketed as antiwar scarves by Urban Outfitters, though they were later pulled from stores due to the sensitive nature of this item.

Today, many Palestinians recognize that while the checkered scarf is a symbol of resistance, it's still undeniably tied with their own cultural heritage.

While other Arabic-speaking nations might have a similar pattern or design, [the kaffiyeh] doesn't have that added meaning of resistance against occupation and invasion that it does amongst Palestinians, says Kuraishi. Palestinians will wear it for weddings or graduations, not just protestsso good times and bad.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Hitman sent to kill Netanyahu by Iran is named as Israeli pensioner

A 73-year-old Israeli was arrested on Thursday for trying to kill Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, in an Iran-backed assassination plot.

Moti Maman, from Ashkelon, southern Israel, was smuggled twice into Iran, where talks were held over paying him as a hitman, according to Israeli security officials.

Yoav Gallant, the defence minister, and Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, were also allegedly discussed as targets in addition to Mr Netanyahu.

The Israeli citizen entered Iran... smuggled through the border hidden inside a truck cabin, an Israel Defense Forces statement read. He met with additional Iranian intelligence agents and was asked by them to carry out activities for Iran on Israeli soil, including promoting assassination attacks.

Mr Maman allegedly demanded an advance payment of $1 million (756,000) before carrying out instructions.

Eyal Besserglick, his lawyer, said his client had made an error of judgment and was cooperating with Israels intelligence agencies.

It can already be said that this is a person who has greatly assisted the security services of the State of Israel, whose children serve in the security forces, he added.

Iran wanted Mr Maman to kill Benjamin Netanyahu in retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas - Shutterstock /Abir Sultan

Israel claimed Iran asked Mr Maman to carry out the assassinations as revenge for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, on Iranian soil in July, which Tehran attributed to Jerusalem.

Mr Maman is a Jewish Israeli citizen who has spent an extended time living in Turkey.

In April 2024, the citizen, with the assistance of [two] Turkish citizens, agreed to meet a wealthy businessman in Iran named Eddie to promote business activities, a joint statement from Shin Bet and Israeli police said.

After being smuggled into Iran via the land border near Van, Turkey, he met Eddie as well as a man named Hajjah, an Iranian security operative, according to the statement.

During his time in Iran, the suspect was asked to carry out several missions in addition to assassinating senior Israeli officials, the statement said.

These are alleged to have included transferring money or a gun at predetermined points, photographing various crowded places in the country and sending them to Iranian elements, threatening other Israeli citizens activated in the country by the Iranian regime who did not complete requested tasks.

Moti Maman allegedly demanded an advance payment of $1 million before carrying out any Iranian instructions

The suspect travelled to Iran a second time when he was hidden inside a truck cab and smuggled across the border, the statement continued.

Mr Maman was then alleged to have demanded one million dollars up front for the task, which the Iranian authorities refused. Instead, he received 5,000 for participating in the meetings, the statement said.

Security assessments suggest that Iranians will continue their efforts to recruit operatives in Israel for intelligence gathering and carrying out terrorist missions in Israel, including approaching individuals with criminal backgrounds to fulfill these tasks, said a senior Shin Bet official.

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Undated Tupperware party in Sarasota, Florida.

Tupperware  the food storage company thats been used in households around the country since 1946  has filed for bankruptcy.

On Sept. 17, the Tupperware Brands Corporation announced it has voluntarily initiated Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. This type of bankruptcy allows debtors to reorganize their finances and assets with the help of the court to avoid shutting down.

A selection of Tupperware products.

According to the release, the Orlando, Florida-based company will seek approval from the court to continue operating during bankruptcy proceedings and plans to continue selling its products through sales consultants, retail partners and e-commerce.

Tupperware also says it will seek the courts approval to sell the business in order to protect its iconic brand and further advance Tupperwares transformation into a digital-first, technology-led company.

Over the last several years, Tupperwares financial position was severely impacted by the challenging macroeconomic environment, Laurie Ann Goldman, president and CEO of Tupperware, tells TODAY.com in an email. The company discussed several strategies before determining this as the best path forward, she says.

Tupperware intends to continue providing customers with award-winning, innovative products through our Tupperware consultants, retail partners and online at Tupperware.com, Goldman adds, noting that this process is meant to provide the company with flexibility as it transitions.

A Tupperware party in 1963.

Back in April 2023, Tupperware announced that it hired financial advisors to help improve its capital structure and remedy doubt in the companys ability to continue functioning. This was days after an SEC filing warned the companys stock was in danger of being delisted for not filing a required annual report.

The company said at the time that it was considering layoffs and that its board of directors and management were working to improve its finances. Tupperware added it was attempting to secure supplemental financing including taking on investors or new financing partners.

Tupperware says its agreements with independent sales consultants are not changing, and that it will continue to pay employee wages and benefits as well as compensating vendors and suppliers under normal terms for goods and services provided on or after the filing date.

Whether you are a dedicated member of our Tupperware team, sell, cook with, or simply love our Tupperware products, you are a part of our Tupperware family, Goldman said in a press release. We plan to continue serving our valued customers with the high-quality products they love and trust throughout this process.

Story continues

Tupperware stands at a market stall in Berlin.

Tupperware says it has kickstarted a plan to modernize itself, which includes bringing in new management, diversifying its way of business and implementing techniques to ensure its growth and survival.

The Company has made significant progress and intends to continue this important transformation work, the brand wrote in the release.

Over the years, Tupperware has fallen victim to genericization, a phenomenon where a brand becomes synonymous with the product its selling  to the detriment of that brand.

Quite a few folks were under the impression that Tupperware was a term for food storage containers rather than a brand name for a company that makes them.

well I just learned that Tupperware is an entire brand and not just a broad name for all plastic containers, wrote one person on X.

The public has reacted to the bankruptcy news with sadness and plenty of gentle jokes.

i knew that lifetime guarantee would do them over one day , one X user wrote.

tupperware filing for bankruptcy counts as a black day in mom history, wrote another, with someone else responding, the real bankruptcy was all the bottles we lost along the way.

Another X user said, Our Tupperware has held up to this day and was quality s---. Rubbermaid could never.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  HCC students were able to join El Centro for the Hasta Bajo: Reggaeton, Historia y Cultura Puertorriquena, workshop, which explores Reggaeton music and its history.

The Hasta Bajo project safeguards, educates, and exposes reggaeton to enhance its importance and value in contemporary Puerto Rican culture, and creates a conversation space for the community to make connections.

I think music is one of the best ways that we can connect with each other and hear, and thats the best way that we connect with our students, said Alexandra Santiago Bigas. Sometimes when people listen to reggaeton they point out that it has a lot of swearing or misogynistic tones to it and I think that its important to understand the history where it comes from and its origins to be able to listen to it consciously.

Reggaetons roots are in Black identity and the African diaspora. It features a blend of many styles, including dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, salsa, and bomba.

El Centro hopes that this workshop allows students to hear beyond the beat and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for reggaeton music.

This workshop exposes reggaeton to enhance its importance and value in contemporary Puerto Rican culture. It also allows students to make connections between the musical genre and the sociohistorical context it carries.

Its a beautiful way to connect Latin Heritage culture that were trying to experience with our students and learn something which is also what you want to do right you wanna always be learning about things that are outside of your sphere, said Julissa Colon, Director of El Centro at HCC.

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New data from John Hopkins Institute for Education Policys Homeschool Research Lab found that 90 percent of states that report homeschooling enrollment found increases for the 2023-24 academic year despite assumptions many made that home instruction would fizzle out after the pandemic.

Out of the 21 states that have reported homeschooling data from last academic year, only two saw a decrease in numbers: New Hampshire and Vermont. Nine states are still working on their enrollment numbers, and 21 states do not release the data publicly.

I think everybody knows that homeschooling went up during the pandemic. But people really thought that when schooling went back to normal, as the pandemic kind of waned, that everybody would go back to their normal way of educating. And so, every year, we keep thinking that the numbers are going to drop and the numbers are going to drop, and we keep not seeing that happening to the degree that we thought that it would in education circles, said Angela Watson, director of the research lab.

But tracking homeschoolers is a bit tricky due to how different states count who is getting home instruction.

In some states, homeschoolers are put under the private school umbrella, while in others, they can be counted as private school students but arent necessarily.

The numbers that we are reporting here are the actual numbers that come from this state. So we dont do any kind of estimating or adjusting or controlling, Watson said.

In some states, microschooling is very popular right now, and so lots of growth in microschooling. In some states, microschool students are legally classified as homeschool students, even if what theyre doing isnt happening at home, right? It looks much more like a private school in a lot of circumstances, but theyre legally classified, and they legally are counted under that homeschooling umbrella, she added.

In the case of New Hampshire, one of the two states that saw a decrease, the state is no longer counting those who are receiving public funding through the states Education Freedom Account as homeschoolers. Since the program was launched in 2021, homeschooling numbers have been down there.

North Dakota saw a record number of homeschoolers in the 2023-24 year, including a 24 percent jump from the year before. Rhode Island saw a 67 percent jump in homeschoolers.

While there is a clear growth trend in homeschooling, the reason for that growth is unknown. What is clear is that this time, the growth is not driven by a global pandemic or sudden disruptions to traditional schooling. Something else is driving this growth, the report said.

Also, it is important to note that these are counts of homeschooled students, not percentages. So the increase is even more interesting because the overall number of U.S. students is declining due in part to declining birth rates. In other words, ultimately we see that the number of homeschooled students is going up as the total number of U.S. students in going down, it concluded.

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DANVERS - Danvers Fire Department responded to a distress call at Honda North Dealership to an employee who collapsed.

Wednesday, Sept. 18th, the Danvers Fire Department and Northeast Regional Ambulance received a 911 call from Honda North Dealership of an employee who had collapsed and was not breathing.

The Honda North staff immediately began to preform CPR on the staff member, luckily the dealership had its own Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and applied it to the fallen staff member. Once applied, the AED had analyzed and delivered a shock to the staff member that successfully restored their heart to a normal and effective rhythm.

When the first responders arrived to the scene, the Honda North Staff were in the parking lot and directed the crews to the staff members location. Once there, the staff member had heart pulses back and was breathing on his own. The Danvers Fire Department was told that the staff member is doing well today.

Danvers Fire Department acknowledge and praise the staff of Honda North, saying on Facebook that, The actions of staff at Honda North absolutely saved this mans life. Danvers Fire Department had also confirmed with Honda North that a similar incident had occurred over 10 years ago, with the same result.

The Fire department reminded the importance of being CPR trained and having an AED on site and in public spaces. Honda North plans on purchasing additional AEDs and training their employees proper CPR training.





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(Bloomberg) -- A Hong Kong court sentenced a man to 14 months in prison for wearing a T-shirt with protest slogans, marking the citys first use of a new national security law to punish people accused of endangering the Chinese state.

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Chu Kai-pong received the sentence Thursday at the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts after he pleaded guilty earlier to committing an act with a seditious intention, local broadcaster Commercial Radio reported. The offense carries as long as 10 years in jail under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance passed in March.

That legislation, known as Article 23, bolstered the citys security toolkit, after Beijing imposed a law in 2020 thats been used to suppress dissent in the former British colony.

The 27-year-old was arrested in June for wearing a T-shirt with the slogan Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times A court previously ruled in a separate case that the display of those words could incite others to commit secession.

He also wore a yellow mask with the wording FDNOL  short for five demands, not one less. That phrase was used by protesters during anti-government demonstrations that rocked the financial hub in 2019, when participants demanded the withdrawal of a proposal that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

Chu was previously sentenced to three months in prison for wearing a T-shirt with the same slogan, under a colonial-era law that also criminalized sedition. The new Article 23 raised the maximum sentence from two years for first-time offenders to as much as a decade if the accused colluded with foreigners.

The 2019 unrest prompted Beijing to crack down on political opposition, with scores of pro-democracy activists now facing security charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Among them is former tycoon Jimmy Lai, who will take the stand to defend himself in November over collusion charges, while 45 others such as former student leader Joshua Wong are waiting sentencing on subversion convictions.

Two former editors found guilty for publishing seditious articles will be sentenced also in November, in the first sedition case involving a media outlet since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule.

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A Hong Kong man has been sentenced to 14 months in jail after pleading guilty to sedition for wearing a T-shirt with a protest slogan on it.

The jail term is the first handed down by the city's court under a new local national security law that was passed in March.

The law, also called Article 23, expands on the national security law that was imposed by Beijing in 2020.

Critics feared the law could further erode civil liberties in the city, while Beijing and Hong Kong defended it, saying it was necessary for stability.

Chu Kai-pong, 27, was arrested at a subway station in June wearing a T-shirt sporting the phrase "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times". He was also wearing a mask that read "FDNOL" - initials for another slogan, "Five demands, not one less".

Both slogans were frequently heard in large-scale protests in Hong Kong during the months-long anti-government demonstrations in 2019. Local media reported he was also carrying a box containing his excrement to use against people opposing his views.

Chu was arrested on 12 June, the anniversary of a key date of the 2019 protests when particularly large crowds took to the city's streets.

The court heard Chu told police he wore the T-shirt to remind people of the protests, according to Reuters. He was previously jailed for three months in a separate incident for wearing a T-shirt with the same slogan, as well as possession of other offensive items.

Chu has been remanded in custody since 14 June. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to one count of doing an act with a seditious intention".

In his judgement read out on Thursday, chief magistrate Victor So, who was handpicked by the government to hear national security cases, said Chu intended to "reignite the ideas behind" the 2019 protests.

He said Chu "showed no remorse" after his previous conviction, and that the sentence reflected the "seriousness" of the sedition charge.

The conviction and sentencing have been criticised by human rights groups. Amnesty International's China director Sarah Brooks described it as "a blatant attack on the right to freedom of expression", and called for the repealing of Article 23 in a statement.

The sentencing comes after a landmark ruling of another case last month, when two journalists who led the pro-democracy newspaper Stand News were found guilty of sedition. That marked the first sedition case against the city's journalists since Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China in 1997.
Cathay Pacific grounded its A350s after a Zurich-bound jet was forced to turn back to Hong Kong earlier in September (Anthony WALLACE) (Anthony WALLACE/AFP/AFP)

The engine defect in the Airbus A350 plane that led to the cancellation of dozens of Cathay Pacific flights in early September could have escalated into "extensive damage", according to a Hong Kong probe released Thursday.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific briefly grounded its fleet of A350s for inspections and repairs after a Zurich-bound plane was forced to turn back to Hong Kong on September 2.

The inspection found that components on 15 of the 48-plane fleet of A350s, powered by engines from the British manufacturer Rolls-Royce, had to be replaced.

On Thursday, investigators in the city said a post-flight examination found a "discernible hole in the (fuel) hose", "black soot observed on the aft section of the core engine, indicating signs of a fire" as well as burn marks.

"If not promptly detected and addressed, this situation... could escalate into a more serious engine fire, potentially causing extensive damage to the aircraft," said the report released by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA).

The preliminary report "should be regarded as tentative", a spokesperson for the authority said Thursday.

The AAIA also made a recommendation to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to require Rolls-Royce to "develop continuing airworthiness information, including but not limited to, inspection requirements of the secondary fuel manifold hoses" of the engines in question.

Cathay's incident prompted other airlines in Asia to carry out similar checks on their A350-900 and A350-1000 models, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 and XWB-97 engines, respectively.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency also mandated inspections on A350-1000s.

There are 86 such planes in service worldwide, according to the EASA.

Qatar Airways is the biggest operator of the 1000 version, with 24 in its fleet, followed by Cathay Pacific and British Airways, which both operate 18.

Airbus and Rolls-Royce earlier said they are cooperating with Cathay, but could not comment further pending the investigation.

hol/dhc/dan
Cathay Pacific grounded its A350s after a Zurich-bound jet was forced to turn back to Hong Kong earlier in September (Anthony WALLACE) (Anthony WALLACE/AFP/AFP)

A cleaning process leading to fuel hose degradation during refurbishment may have caused a recent Airbus A350 engine fire that triggered dozens of Cathay Pacific flight cancellations this month, the EU aviation regulator said Thursday.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also said it had widened the number of engine variants potentially affected by the suspected defect, which include Rolls-Royce engines powering A350-900s and A350-1000s.

Hong Kong-based Cathay briefly grounded its fleet of A350s for inspections and repairs after a Zurich-bound plane was forced to head back to the Chinese city on September 2.

Inspections found that components on 15 of the 48 planes in the fleet of A350s, powered by engines from the British manufacturer Rolls-Royce, had to be replaced.

The results of a Hong Kong probe released Thursday said the Zurich-bound plane's engine defect could have escalated into "extensive damage".

A post-flight examination found that a fuel hose had ruptured, as evidenced by a "discernible hole", burn marks and "black soot observed on the aft section of the core engine", the investigators said.

The fuel could have leaked through the ruptured hose and resulted in a fire that would have spread to surrounding areas, said the report released by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA).

"If not promptly detected and addressed, this situation... could escalate into a more serious engine fire, potentially causing extensive damage to the aircraft," it said, categorising the incident as "serious".

Five additional fuel hoses in the Zurich-bound plane -- which was manufactured in 2019 -- were also found to have either "frayed metal braids or collapsed structures", the authority said.

The AAIA recommended that the EASA require Rolls-Royce to "develop continuing airworthiness information, including but not limited to, inspection requirements of the secondary fuel manifold hoses" of the engines in question.

In its report, Hong Kong investigators said the Cathay flight crew saw an engine fire warning for the number two engine shortly after liftoff.

The crew declared an emergency "mayday" signal but later downgraded it to a call indicating an urgent situation.

The fire warning was cleared after 59 seconds, as the crew shut down the engine and used a fire extinguisher.

Thursday's preliminary report "should be regarded as tentative", a spokesman said.

- 'Precautionary measure' -

The Zurich-bound Cathay plane that was forced to return to Hong Kong was an A350-1000 model, the AAIA report said.

The Cathay incident prompted other airlines in Asia to carry out similar checks on their A350-900 and A350-1000 models, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 and XWB-97 engines.

The EASA also mandated inspections on A350-1000s as a "precautionary measure", noting that there are 86 such aircraft in service worldwide.

However, it said mandatory inspections of Airbus A350-900 engines were "not warranted at this stage".

Rolls-Royce said Thursday that it was continuing to work closely with regulators to support the ongoing investigation.

"The engine and aircraft system promptly detected and addressed the issue, as expected with such an incident," a spokesperson said.

Cathay said in a statement that it is "in full compliance with the EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive" referenced in the Hong Kong investigators' report.

The airline "continues to work closely with the airframe and engine manufacturers and regulator," it added.

Qatar Airways is the biggest operator of the A350-1000, with 24 in its fleet, followed by Cathay Pacific and British Airways, which both have 18.

Airbus declined to comment on the AAIA report, while the EASA have not responded to AFP's requests for comment.

Last November, Emirates chief executive Tim Clark expressed concerns about the durability and longevity of A350 engines.

Rolls-Royce has defended its Trent XWB-97 engines and said it is taking steps to improve their durability.

hol/imm/js
The proposed factory in Northumberland was at one point estimated to help create 8,000 jobs [Britishvolt]

A councillor says he remains hopeful a transformative gigafactory can be attracted to Northumberland despite the failed Britishvolt saga.

Plans for a factory producing electric car batteries at Cambois, near Blyth, were finally dashed in April when the site was sold to US investment firm Blackstone.

The company plans to develop an AI datacentre campus, with the investment hailed as one of the largest in the North East.

It followed a string of funding difficulties that saw start-up Britishvolt enter administration in January 2023, and a bid to restart work on the site by Australian firm Recharge Industries did not come to fruition.

The Blackstone development is estimated to create 1,600 direct jobs, including 1,200 long-term construction roles, and a further 2,700 indirect jobs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, the Britishvolt plans had been slated to create up to 8,000.

'Potential' for benefits

Speaking at a meeting of Northumberland County Councils cabinet, deputy leader councillor Richard Wearmouth revealed hopes for a similar project were not entirely dead.

It follows the new Labour government's pledge to reinstate the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

Wearmouth said: "There is the potential for some benefits from some of the new government's policies.

"We hold out the hope for attracting another gigaplant operator to our area.

"The government have reinstated that target. We will watch that space with interest."

The previous Conservative administration had announced plans to end the sale of new internal combustion-engined cars, but the deadline was pushed back last year by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Labour now plans to reintroduce the measure, although hybrid models  vehicles with both petrol and electric power - would still be allowed for sale until 2035.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

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Thats a house someone was living in: Mass. tries to rein in teardowns of smaller, older homes

Its becoming an increasingly common sight in many neighborhoods: a so-called McMansion crammed onto a small lot and surrounded by smaller homes.

Now there is a growing backlash against the trend of tearing down a small ranch or Cape and replacing it with a structure that has two to three times the square footage.

Around 8,000-9,000 of the lots which should have smaller homes, probably 1,000 have been converted to much larger houses via this teardown phenomenon, said Joe Matthews, a Needham town meeting member.

Thats continuing at a rate of 70 to 100 houses per year.

Matthews doesnt like the impact this is trend is having on his hometown. I think really what youve seen with these teardowns is an explosion of property values. Thats really shifted Needham decidedly out of having any middle-class presence.

Needham isnt the only community where developers think bigger is better.

Boston 25 News found a lot in West Roxbury where a small ranch has been replaced with a huge modern house.

In Brookline, a Cape was torn down and a much larger house is now under construction.

Mike Chavez, an architect with Social Impact Collective in Dorchester, said the trend for bigger homes has been happening over the last several decades.

In the 1960s, the average home size was about 1,500 sq ft. Now its about 2,500 sq ft. The interesting thing is that household size is actually getting smaller.

Newton City Councilor David Micley wants his city to be a place where people of diverse incomes and diverse occupations can afford to live.

He says Newton recently adopted measures to tap the brakes on teardowns.

The key tool that the council has is about what we allow to be built by right and what is built by special permit.

Those special permits are now required for structures that would exceed 2  stories and retaining walls over 4 feet.

Over the past few years, weve seen a number of big homes go up with really big retaining walls that allow them to build even bigger, Micley explained.

In 2017, Needham put policies in place to limit the size of a home after a teardown.

Matthews is pushing to toughen them up.

What is happening? Thats a split house that someone was living in a month ago and now youre destroying it just to make money when the state is suffering because of a lack of affordable housing. Were losing people to North Carolina, Virginia, Florida.

He adds that many of his friends are getting married and looking to buy homes. No one is looking in Needham.

Chavez believes its important to have a healthy mix of housing in a community.

Still, he says sometimes replacement ends up making sense.

From a teardown perspective, theres a lot of homes that were built very poorly a long time ago. So, theres this balance of trying to find out what to do.

He says that often leads to the conclusion that a house cant be reused and needs to be knocked down.

A lot of communities are trying to find the balance.

Affordable housing advocates arent just concerned about inflating prices will these bigger homes.

They also say all the labor and materials that are put towards building big houses means fewer resources are spent creating more modestly priced homes.

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Houston home invaders pose as DoorDash, tie up mom in front of kids before shootout with officer: police

Houston home invaders pose as DoorDash, tie up mom in front of kids before shootout with officer: police

Three men accused of invading a home Tuesday morning and tying up a mother before one allegedly shot an officer have been arrested and charged, the Houston Police Department said.

The homeowner, who is the woman's father, told local KHOU that it all started when his daughter saw the men holding a DoorDash bag, and she opened the door to let them know they were delivering to the wrong house. What resulted was an armed robbery and a shootout with police.

"As soon as she opened the door, he pulled a gun out of a DoorDash bag, and he forced entry," Ben Bates told KHOU. "They zip-tied my daughter, and she had her one-year-old and three-year-old, they proceeded to ransack the house. They didn't do anything with the kids but they did have her walking them through the rooms trying to find stuff to take."

CAUSE OF HOUSTON PIPELINE EXPLOSION AND FIRE IDENTIFIED AS AUTHORITIES RULE OUT TERRORISTIC ACTIVITY

Suspects Brian A. Garcia Chavez (left), Michael Perez (middle) and Raymond Perez (right).

Officers responded to the home following a neighbor's call for help. Once inside, they confronted two suspects. While suspect Michael Perez, 38, was being apprehended, Raymond Perez, 35, came out from a back room and started shooting, striking Officer S. Durfee in the leg, police said.

Officer Durfee returned fire but did not hit anyone, police said, adding that Raymond Perez took off running from the back door of the residence.

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Houston Police said a third suspect, identified as Brian A. Garcia Chavez, 18, was waiting in a vehicle and took off after the shooting.

JOCELYN NUNGARAY MURDER: HOUSTON PROSECUTORS SEEK ICE, CBP RECORDS ON ILLEGAL ACCUSED OF CHILD KILLING

Large response outside a Houston home where police say a home invasion took place before an officer was shot by one of three suspects.

Police said they caught Raymond Perez roughly one block away from the home. He was charged with aggravated assault against a public servant, aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

SWAT team officers found and arrested Garcia Chavez several hours later, police said. Both Garcia Chavez and Michael Perez were charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

Investigators and others can be seen standing outside a Houston home where three men were allegedly involved in a forced entry before an officer was shot.

The woman and her children were not hurt, KHOU reported.

Officer Durfee was taken to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and has since been released, police said. Durfee is expected to make a full recovery.





Original article source: Houston home invaders pose as DoorDash, tie up mom in front of kids before shootout with officer: police
Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of Doctor Care Anywhere Group PLC (ASX:DOC), it sends a favourable message to the company's shareholders.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Check out our latest analysis for Doctor Care Anywhere Group

Doctor Care Anywhere Group Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by insider Alexander Waislitz for AU$299k worth of shares, at about AU$0.07 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of AU$0.07. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. The good news for Doctor Care Anywhere Group share holders is that insiders were buying at near the current price.

Doctor Care Anywhere Group insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Doctor Care Anywhere Group is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership Of Doctor Care Anywhere Group

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Doctor Care Anywhere Group insiders own 48% of the company, currently worth about AU$12m based on the recent share price. This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Doctor Care Anywhere Group Insiders?

The fact that there have been no Doctor Care Anywhere Group insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Doctor Care Anywhere Group insiders think the business has merit. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. For example - Doctor Care Anywhere Group has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

Story continues

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- The battle for market share in US Treasuries is getting an extra dose of politics.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Howard Lutnick, the longtime chief executive officer of Cantor Fitzgerald LP, has lined up major US banks to back his plan to start competing with CME Group Inc. in Treasury futures.

Now the move from one of Donald Trumps closest allies on Wall Street is drawing attention from the other side of the aisle.

Without mentioning Lutnick or his new FMX exchange, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois  CMEs home state  warned of risks related to an ongoing debate over how FMX plans to handle a particular aspect of the market, according to a letter to the top US derivatives regulator seen by Bloomberg News.

It all boils down to whether the US should allow Treasury futures to be cleared abroad, with FMX having partnered with UK-based clearinghouse LCH Ltd.

On the surface, the debate centers on a technicality of the derivatives market, a topic usually left in the hands of specialists. But in an election year, the issue has reverberated on Capitol Hill.

I urge you to consider any potential risk to US regulators not having full authority over a clearinghouse in a foreign jurisdiction that is clearing US Treasury futures, Durbin said in an Aug. 21 letter to Rostin Behnam, chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The senator also warned about the potential impact on the stability of our nations sovereign debt.

BGC and LCH defended their plan, pointing out that their clearinghouse is fully licensed and will hold all collateral in the US. But the companies didnt directly say where futures will be cleared. A person familiar with the plans said the contracts will be cleared in London.

The US Treasury sells debt, seen as one of the worlds safest securities, as a way to fund Americas deficit spending. Most of it trades in the cash market, where buyers and sellers exchange securities that settle in a day, with a small percentage of the transactions being cleared by the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, a federal organization.

Investors primarily use futures to hedge their positions in the $27 trillion market. While CME is currently the dominant player, Lutnicks plan threatens to upend that.

CMEs market capitalization of roughly $78 billion dwarfs BGCs $4.8 billion market cap. But FMX is gradually taking more business. Its cash US Treasury platform, FMX UST, ended the second quarter with a market share of 30%, up from 23% a year earlier, BGC Group, the brokerage that was spun off from Cantor and is FMXs majority owner, said in a report, citing data from Coalition Greenwich.

SEC Moves In

The fight for control of the Treasury markets deepened after the Securities and Exchange Commission pushed through new rules requiring that most cash trading be centrally cleared. That compares to just over 10% of the market that now goes through FICC, currently the only central clearinghouse for cash treasuries.

CME, Intercontinental Exchange Inc. and LCH all expressed interest in grabbing a share of that market.

But the competition doesnt stop there. FMX is also challenging CMEs position in US Treasury futures and US interest-rate futures, with its SOFR contract expected to start trading next week  all in partnership with LCH, which already handles US dollar interest-rate swaps.

With all deals under the same clearinghouse, FMX says clients will receive significant capital savings on margins, the amount of money they need to put down as collateral to back their transactions.

At the end of the day for investors taking the risk, the ideal setup is having as many products within one clearinghouse, to maximize margin efficiency, said Kit Spicer, partner and co-head of finance, risk and compliance at Capco, a management and technology consulting company.

LCH will hold all futures collateral in the United States and all exchange of value will occur in the United States, as required by the CFTC, according to a statement from BGC Group.

In a separate statement, LCH said its directly registered with the CFTC to clear futures contracts, and that it holds all futures customer collateral in the US onshore, as required by the CFTC for the protection of such funds and assets belonging to U.S. firms. The clearinghouse added that its services are subject to direct regulatory oversight by the CFTC.

For CME CEO Terry Duffy, keeping his large share of the Treasury futures market is crucial. He has questioned whether FMX should be allowed to clear Treasury futures overseas.

With so many challenges already facing our country, it is hard to understand why our regulators would willingly introduce an unprecedented new risk by permitting trades of US sovereign debt futures to be cleared offshore under the jurisdiction of a foreign regulator, a practice the US has never before approved and that is not allowed by any other major country, Duffy said in a statement.

In a report to clients, Piper Sandler said that if the US government moves to block FMXs use of clearing partner LCH, we believe would ultimately lead to FMX failing to succeed in interest-rate futures.

Valid Argument

Although this may seem like a global economic system, its really US-based, said Chris Ferreri, a former Treasury broker at ICAP whos now chief operating officer at broker Hartfield, Titus & Connelly. If there is a crisis, what happens? If we have a US clearinghouse thats regulated by the US government, well have a better understanding where the risk is. If we have a clearinghouse outside, how do we know?

Ferreri called it a valid argument in the time of great stress.

Durbin warned that foreign regulators would prioritize the interests of their home countries, and that could have significant repercussions to US Treasury market volatility and liquidity, and ultimately to US borrowing costs, according to the letter.

US Treasuries wouldnt be the first market to clear at LCH. The London-based company already handles about 98% of cleared US dollar interest-rate swaps. Lutnick and his partners also started working on FMX and its futures contracts long before he was appointed to Trumps transition team.

Capcos Spicer, for one, said an increase in the number of players controlling the Treasury market will be a benefit.

Its good to have competition, Spicer said. Its best to have the risk spread out a bit, and not one dominant clearinghouse.

--With assistance from Liz Capo McCormick, Todd Gillespie and Naomi Tajitsu.

(Updates with source of data in 11th paragraph, adds chart after 11th paragraph.)

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Hualapai Tribal Chairman Duane Clarke (right) and Hualapai Tribal Member Ivan Bender (left) stand in front of the Sandra Day O'Connor Courthouse in support of their tribe before a preliminary injunction hearing on Sept. 17, 2024. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

When Hualapai Spiritual Leader Frank Mapatis visits HaKamwe, the tribes sacred spring, to conduct any type of ceremony, the area must be completely quiet so that he can hear the water and connect with the land.

Mapatis said that as part of his traditional ways of life, when he is in prayer at HaKamwe, he hears the water sing, and when it sings, he connects with the creator to conduct ceremonies.

He has provided purification, healing and coming-of-age ceremonies at HaKamwe for decades and visits the spring at least twice a month. The spring is also utilized for tribal members funeral ceremonies.

Not being able to hear the water, conduct ceremonies or provide traditional teachings to the Hualapai youth who join him during his visits to the spring are among Mapatis top concerns for the proposed exploratory drilling lithium project in the Big Sandy River watershed near the tribes sacred spring.

It would stop me from doing ceremony, he said about the drilling project as he testified in federal court on Sept. 17. He believes drilling in that area will traumatize the earth and water, and he would not want to use that area for ceremonial purposes due to that trauma.

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Mapatis said he could continue his ceremonial practices in other places, but they would not have the same impact as doing them at HaKamwe because of the waters healing properties.

It wouldnt be as effective in other areas, he added.

HaKamwe is featured in tribal songs and stories about the history of the Hualapai people and their connection to the land. According to the tribe, the historic flow and spring temperature are essential for its traditional uses.

Mapatis was one of several Haluapai tribal members who testified during the Sept. 17 preliminary injunction hearing at the U.S. Federal District Court in Phoenix, where the tribe is fighting to extend the pause on drilling for the Big Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project for the duration of the tribes lawsuit seeking to block the project entirely.

The project allows a mining company to drill and test more than 100 sites across BLM land surrounding one of the Hualapai Tribes cultural properties, among them HaKamwe, a medicinal spring sacred to the tribe.

Tuesdays hearing came after a federal judge granted the Hualapai Tribes request for a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, temporarily freezing the exploratory drilling project.

The restraining order was granted weeks after the Hualapai Tribe filed a lawsuit against BLM, following years of the tribe actively voicing its concerns about the mining effort.

HaKamwe is located within the Hualapai Tribes property known as Cholla Canyon Ranch, and the boundaries of the Big Sandy Valley project nearly surround the entire property. Only one portion of the tribes land does not border the drilling project.

The spring is recognized as a traditional cultural property and is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the tribes lawsuit claims that the projects approval violates the National Environmental Protection Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The lawsuit asks for full compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which includes having the BLM take a hard look at the exploration activitys environmental impacts and consider the implications of its actions on historic properties.

The lawsuit claims that BLM approved the mining project without appropriately considering a reasonable range of alternatives or taking a hard look at water resources under the NEPA and moved forward with the project without providing mitigation measures under the NHPA for HaKamwe and other resources essential to the tribe, thus violating both acts.

Out of concern for HaKamwe, the tribe submitted multiple public comments, sent several letters of concern, and participated in tribal consultations with BLM throughout the Big Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project planning phase.

Big Sandy, Inc., a subsidiary of Australian mining company Arizona Lithium, leads the project and has sought approval since 2019. Arizona Lithium is not a direct party in the Hualapai Tribes lawsuit, but it filed a motion to intervene in the case. Humetewa granted the request in August, allowing the company to defend against the tribes efforts to stop the project.

BLMs approval of the Big Sandy Valley Project allows the mining company to drill and test up to 131 exploration holes across 21 acres of BLM-managed public land to determine whether a full-scale lithium mining operation could be viable.

How we connect to our ancestors

Throughout the hearing, several Hualapai tribal members and supporters sat in the courtroom listening to the hearing while others sat outside the Sandra Day OConnor courthouse holding signs backing the tribe.

Hualapai tribal member Ivan Bender, 60, from Peach Springs, showed up to the courthouse in support of his community, carrying a flag that said, Protect Kakamwe. No lithium mining.

That spring has a life of its own, Bender said. The water source were trying to protect is part of our sacred waters.

The preliminary injunction hearing lasted more than six hours, during which Judge Diane Humetewa heard witness testimony from all parties involved in the case as she weighed the tribes request to keep the drilling on hold.

Testimony surrounded the way the project would directly or indirectly impact the Hualapai Tribes ability to carry out their cultural and traditional ways of life at HaKamwe, and whether the drilling that will take place as part of the project will harm the water that feeds into the hot spring.

Ka-voka Jackson, the director of the Hualapai Department of Cultural Resources, was the first witness, and part of her testimony focused on how the Hualapai Tribe utilizes the area for cultural and traditional purposes  and how drilling can directly affect those practices.

Jackson told the court that tribal members often visit HaKamwe for traditional practices or to gather and harvest culturally significant plants from surrounding public lands.

That is how we connect to our ancestors, Jackson said.

The tribes lawsuit states that the lithium project will create noise, light, vibrations, and other disturbances that will degrade HaKamwes character and harm tribal members use of the spring for religious and cultural ceremonies.

Jackson said the projects impacts could cause irreversible damage, affecting the water supply to the sacred springs and destroying the land.

(It can) create a lot of negative energy and create a hostile environment, she said.

As part of its environmental assessment, BLM listed several short- and long-term effects, including the temporary disruption to cultural practices at or near HaKamwe and an impact on native wildlife and vegetation of up to 21 acres.

But even with these effects included in the assessment, BLM concluded that Phase 3 of the Big Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project would not significantly negatively impact the quality of the area, so an environmental impact statement was not needed.

Visual, noise, and vibration effects from drilling activities would be temporary, BLM wrote in its final report. Coordination with and providing notice to the Hualapai Tribe of drilling activities in the vicinity of the HaKamwe may reduce impacts to cultural practices at or near the hot spring.

To provide the court with perspective on the distance of the drilling locations near HaKamwe, Ivan Martirosov from Navajo Transitional Energy Company testified on behalf of the defendants.

Martirosov is the project manager for the Big Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project with Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC), a mining and energy company owned by the Navajo Nation.

NTEC entered into a mining agreement with Arizona Lithium in March. Under this agreement, the Navajo-owned company is responsible for permitting, exploration drilling, mine design, environmental assessments and development for the Big Sandy Lithium Project. NTEC has worked with Arizona Lithium since December 2022.

Martirosov is in charge of overseeing and executing the Big Sandy Lithium Project. He told the court that he walked all approved drilling sites on foot and described the sites proximity to the Hualapais cultural property.

Of the 131 drill sites approved for the project, Martirosov identified 22 with a line of sight to HaKamwe, a majority located on the north side.

Martirosov said that he was restricted from accessing HaKamwe, noting that the drill sites that do not have a line of sight of the cultural property were due to distance and terrain.

BLM: Concerns are overblown

At the end of the day-long hearing, Humetewa ordered all parties to file briefs outlining their arguments for why the injunction should or shouldnt be granted. She said she would issue a ruling in the near future.

During the hearing, Humetewa said that she was tasked with determining what process BLM took in connection to NEPA and their Section 106 process.

The Section 106 process seeks to accommodate historic preservation concerns through consultation among an agency official and other parties interested in the undertakings effects on historic properties. The consultation aims to identify historic properties potentially affected by projects and seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects.

The process is usually conducted in four steps: initiating it, identifying historical properties within potentially affected areas, assessing any potential adverse effects on any eligible historic property, and seeking to resolve any adverse effects.

Humetewa said in court that she wants to know where in the records she can find BLMs engagement in those processes so she can fully understand the discussion about either approving or denying the project. That way, she said, she can understand what considerations went into the final environmental assessment and the NEPA assessment.

Earthjustice Senior Attorney Laura Berglan, who is part of the team representing the Hualapai Tribe, said she feels positive because their team presented all the points they wanted.

I think it went well and well see how it turns out, she added.

BLMs attorneys told Humetewa that the impacts this project will have on HaKamwe have been vastly overblown, noting how their expert clearly testified that the water and temperature will not change due to the drilling in the project.

The tribe had its own expert testify. Winfield G. Wright, a certified hydrologist and president of Southwest Hydro-Logic, said he produced a report for the tribe about the water sources that feed into HaKamwe. Wright said his analysis found that the groundwater system that flows into the hot spring is very fragile, and any disturbances around the area can disrupt the water, the chemistry and the temperature.

Wright said a mixture of shallow and deep waterways feed into HaKamwe, and the BLMs environmental assessment simplified identifying where the water comes from by saying a confined lower aquifer feeds it.

Its not a confined aquifer, he said, noting that the lower aquifer in the Big Sandy Valley is not the only source of water for the spring. The whole valley is connected because of the fractures.

But Peter Burck, a hydrologist with the BLM, testified that the lower fractures of the lower aquifer are a more likely source of water for HaKamwe.

Burck said that Wrights claim the water comes from multiple sources is not conclusive. He said he did not see anything in Wrights report that would lead him to conclude that the spring water source is a mixture of multiple flows.

He said that the likelihood of the drilling from Phase 3 of the Big Sandy Lithium Project encountering water or affecting the temperature of HaKamwe is low.

BLM also told the court that any visual and noise disturbances from the drilling does not qualify as irreparable injury and is instead temporary.

But Jackson said her tribe made a good case that the project would cause irreparable harm because they had people testify who had already experienced it.

This is irreparable; you cant go back and redo ceremonies, she said. Theres no such thing.

Jackson said she understands that the court wants more clarification on whether or not the BLM took the appropriate steps under the NEPA and NHPA policies before making a final decision.

We believe that they didnt take into consideration the effects on HaKamwe, Jackson said, adding that it is eligible for registration on the National Historic Register and a traditional cultural property.

Jackson said it deserves a thorough process included in the NHPA and NEPA.

I am proud of our people for sticking up for what we believe in and asserting our arguments, she said. Now, we just wait.

Hualapai Chairman Duane Clarke echoed Jacksons sentiments about how their team and tribal members presented a good case in court, and said he prays that the courts decision goes with the Hualapai people.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed an amicus brief before the hearing supporting the Hualapai Tribes request for the preliminary injunction.

The sacred HaKamwe spring has sustained the Hualapai people for generations, and its protection is critical for the Tribe, Mayes said in a written statement. The failure to properly evaluate the impact of this project on such an important water source is unacceptable.

The amicus brief urges the court to take action to protect Arizonas water resources from potentially irreversible damage posed by exploratory drilling near the Hualapai Tribes sacred spring.

The BLM must fulfill its obligations under NEPA and fully evaluate this projects impact on local water resources, Mayes said. I am proud to support the Hualapai Tribes efforts to protect their precious cultural and water resources.

The amicus brief highlights the risk of irreparable harm to Arizonas water resources if exploratory drilling is allowed to proceed without a comprehensive review. It also requests that the court grant a preliminary injunction to stop drilling activities while the case is being heard to protect Arizonas water sources from potential compromise.

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Huge python grabs Thai woman in her kitchen, squeezes her two hours before she can be freed

In this photo provided by Kunyakit Thanawtchaikun, a python coils itself around Arom Arunro's torso, squeezing her down to the floor of her kitchen in Samut Prakan province, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kunyakit Thanawtchaikun)

BANGKOK (AP)  A 64-year-old woman was preparing to do her evening dishes at her home outside Bangkok when she felt a sharp pain in her thigh and looked down to see a huge python taking hold of her.

I was about to scoop some water and when I sat down it bit me immediately, Arom Arunroj told Thailand's Thairath newspaper. When I looked I saw the snake wrapping around me.

The four-to-five-meter-long (13-to-16-foot-long) python coiled itself around her torso, squeezing her down to the floor of her kitchen.

I grabbed it by the head, but it wouldn't release me, she said. It only tightened.

Pythons are non-venomous constrictors, which kill their prey by gradually squeezing the breath out of it.

Propped up against her kitchen door, she cried for help but it wasn't until a neighbor happened to be walking by about an hour and a half later and heard her screams that authorities were called.

Responding police officer Anusorn Wongmalee told The Associated Press on Thursday that when he arrived the woman was still leaning against her door, looking exhausted and pale, with the snake coiled around her.

Police and animal control officers used a crowbar to hit the snake on the head until it released its grip and slithered away before it could be captured.

In all, Arom spent about two hours on Tuesday night in the clutches of the python before being freed.

She was treated for several bites but appeared to be otherwise unharmed in videos of her talking to Thai media shortly after the incident.

Encounters with snakes are not uncommon in Thailand, and last year 26 people were killed by venomous snake bites, according to government statistics. A total of 12,000 people were treated for venomous bites by snakes and other animals 2023.

The reticulated python is the largest snake found in Thailand and usually ranges in size from 1.5 meters to 6.5 meters (5 to 21 feet), weighing up to about 75 kilograms (165 pounds). They have been found as big as 10 meters (33 feet) long and 130 kilograms (287 pounds).

Smaller pythons feed on small mammals such as rats, but larger snakes switch to prey such as pigs, deer and even domestic dogs and cats. Attacks on humans are not common, though do happen occasionally.
Hundreds of elephants to be killed in Zimbabwe and Namibia as food and water resources run dry

Hundreds of elephants to be killed in Zimbabwe and Namibia as food and water resources run dry

Zimbabwe and Namibia have announced plans to slaughter hundreds of wild elephants and other animals to feed hunger-stricken residents amid severe drought conditions in the southern African countries.

Zimbabwe said on Monday it would allow the killing of 200 elephants so that their meat can be distributed among needy communities, while in Namibia the killing of more than 700 wild animals - including 83 elephants - is under way as part of a plan announced three weeks ago.

Tinashe Farawo, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, said permits would be issued in needy communities to hunt elephants and that the agency also would kill some of the overall allotment of 200 animals.

We will start culling as soon as we have finished issuing out permits, Farawo said.

Zimbabwe's elephant populations have become unsustainable

The elephants will be taken from an area where the population has become unsustainable, Farawo said. The hunting will take place in areas such as Hwange National Park in the countrys arid west where there has been increasing competition between humans and wildlife for food and water as rising temperatures make the resources more scarce.

Hwange has more than 45,000 elephants, but now has the capacity to sustain only 15,000, Farawo said. The country's overall population of about 100,000 elephants is double what the country's national parks can sustain, park officials say.

Elephants drink at a waterhole in Etosha National Park in Namibia on 23 September 2004. - AP Photo/Werner Pillich, File

The El Nino weather phenomenon has worsened the situation, with the parks agency in December saying that more than 100 elephants died due to drought. More animals could die of thirst and hunger in the coming weeks as the country enters the hottest period of the year, Farawo said.

Zimbabwe's Environment Minister Sithembiso Nyoni told Parliament last week that she had given the go-ahead for the culling program.

Indeed Zimbabwe has more elephants than we need, more elephants than our forestry can accommodate," Nyoni said.

She said the government was preparing to do like what Namibia has done so that we can cull the elephants and mobilise the women to dry the meat, package it and ensure that it gets to some communities that need the protein.

Related

Namibia elephant cull to reduce human-wildlife conflict

The Namibian government last month approved the culling of 723 animals, including 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 300 zebras and 100 elands, among others.

The animals will be sourced from five of Namibia's national parks, where it is also looking to reduce its elephant numbers amid conflicts between people and wildlife.

This is necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens," environment department spokesman Romeo Muyunda said. "This is also a prime example that conservation of game is really beneficial.

Botswana, which is between Zimbabwe and Namibia, has the world's largest elephant population at 130,000, but unlike its two neighbouring countries, it has not talked about slaughtering its elephants to feed its people.

Guyo Roba, a food security and agricultural expert with the Kenya-based environmental think tank Jameel Observatory, said government measures in Zimbabwe and Namibia were understandable given the extent of the drought and the state of their animal populations.

They are working against a wildlife population that is above their carrying capacity," Roba said.

So it may seem controversial initially, but the governments are torn between remaining faithful to some of their obligations at an international level in terms of conservation and supporting the population," Roba said.
More than 1,000 claims are stuck in a backlog in both the wage and civil rights divisions of Oregons Bureau of Labor and Industries. The agency responsible for resolving worker claims of wage theft, discrimination and harassment says it does not have enough resources to investigate all the claims.

A new report from Oregons Bureau of Labor and Industriesspotlights the hurdles barring the agency from enforcing critical protections for workers, from wage theft to civil rights and paid leave.

The agency, which is tasked with overseeing myriad worker rights, may need to dismiss more than 460 claims related to wage theft and minimum wage violations per year merely because it doesnt have enough investigators. In the civil rights division, 400 cases are on track to be thrown out by the end of the fall for the same reason.

Oregonians are losing an estimated $283 million to $405 million every year in minimum wage violations alone, according to an analysis cited in the State of the Worker report the labor bureau released this month.

Last year, InvestigateWest reported on the bureaus struggles to collect stolen wages and penalties even in the cases that it was able to investigate. Over an eight-year period, the bureau failed to collect nearly $5 million in unpaid wages and penalties that it had determined workers were owed.

State leaders, including Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, have cited the findings, including in the new report, as further evidence of the fallout that they link to decades of underfunding at the agency.

Oregon Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson will share the findings the State of the Worker report during legislative days this month. Stephenson is requesting a $17.9 million budget increase to strengthen the Bureau of Labor and Industries' ability to enforce worker protections.

Oregon Labor Commissioner to ask lawmakers for increase in operating budget

To make meaningful improvements, Stephenson said, the agency needs more money. She and other bureau leaders are planning to ask the state Legislature in 2025 for just that: a $17.9 million increase to its annual operating budget.

No worker should have to be told, Your rights dont fit within our budget, she said in an interview. It feels like we are being forced to triage justice, and were dismissing cases not because of the merits. Were just dismissing them because we dont have any resources.

The 30% bump would help the bureau recruit and retain key staff, reducing backlogs of more than 1,000 claims in both the wage and civil rights divisions, and increase its ability to hold employers accountable for upholding paid leave and retirement savings requirements. It would also help the bureau avoid steps that it says will be necessary without more resources.

Those measures include establishing an earnings threshold for wage claims, meaning the wage division would only investigate claims made by workers making less than around $60,000 a year. Without additional staff to enforce Oregons paid leave laws, the bureau will need to keep pulling investigators away from the wage and civil rights divisions, Stephenson said, which just makes the backlogs grow.

Oregonians have to know that this is the choice that were at, she said. We either dismiss hundreds, maybe thousands of claims, or we just allow this backlog to grow and grow. Its not a real choice, and we have the ability to do better.

As an independent state agency led by an elected official, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries isnt subject to the direction of Gov. Tina Kotek. But the request nonetheless reaches well beyond the 1% ceiling at which Kotek has instructed state agencies to cap their requested increases, according to the Oregonian/Oregonlive.

BOLI report notes ways the bureau tries to maximize it's budget

The labor bureau primarily needs more people, the report and Stephenson said, a claim that the numbers bear out: Today, the agency has one employee for every 20,000 workers in Oregon. By comparison, 40 years ago, there was one labor bureau employee for every 5,750 workers.

The report makes note of the ways that the labor bureau has tried to maximize its existing budget or make its processes more efficient. That includes using a method called strategic enforcement to focus on cases with the biggest potential to encourage compliance in an industry, and making information about how to follow disability and wage laws more accessible to employers. The bureau also began seeking penalty wages in all wage theft cases to incentivize compliance with the law.

While the Legislature has been historically willing to delegate enforcement duties to the labor bureau  including in 2024, when it cleared the way for the agency to more strongly enforce child labor laws  it hasnt always been so amenable toward increased funding to support that work. The requested budget increase doesnt just account for investigators, but includes office staff, customer service workers and personnel who can train employers on compliance to help them avoid violating the law in the first place.

Democratic leaders in the Oregon House declined an interview request through a spokesperson about the labor bureaus budget request. The spokesperson said House leaders are waiting on presentations that Stephenson will deliver during informational hearings on Sept. 23-25 that preview the upcoming session.

Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, also did not respond to requests for an interview.

But Stephenson said she thinks supporting workers and creating a fairer playing field for law-abiding employers can draw bipartisan support.

I think our focus is just going to be having the conversation of what it is that we value as Oregonians, Stephenson said. When I think about the backbone of our economy, I think about workers. I think its just a really simple expectation that we all have, that workers will get their pay, and will be able to work in the type of environments we want. So its very simple, but of course, its not easy, and it requires someone to actually uphold that expectation.

InvestigateWest (invw.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Reporter Kaylee Tornay covers labor, youth and health care issues. Reach her at 503-877-4108 or kaylee@invw.org. On Twitter @ka_tornay

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon BOLI faces hurdles to enforcing worker protections
Power restored after car slams into pole in Beaver Falls

Hundreds of people in Beaver Falls lost power overnight Thursday after a car crashed into a pole.

Beaver County 911 said a car sheared a pole and knocked down several power lines on Route 18. The road was closed between 40th Street and 38th Street for crews from Duquesne Light Company to repair the pole.

Dispatchers said the driver was not hurt in the crash.

Duquesne Light reported that around 336 people in Beaver Falls lost power due to the crash. Power has since been restored.

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People gather outside a hospital, as hundreds of members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, including fighters and medics, were seriously wounded on Tuesday when the pagers they use to communicate exploded, according to a security source, in Beirut

(This Sept. 19 story has been corrected to remove reference to lawyer Vladimir Kuzmanov, who has no link to Norta Global Ltd, and was misidentified)

By Nerijus Adomaitis, Krisztina Than and James Pearson

OSLO/BUDAPEST/LONDON (Reuters) - Bulgaria and Norway became new focal points on Thursday of a global hunt for who supplied Hezbollah with the thousands of pagers that exploded in Lebanon this week in a deadly blow to the militant group.

Security sources said that Israel was responsible for the explosions on Tuesday that killed 12 people, injured more than 2,300 and raised the stakes in a growing conflict between the two sides. Israel has not directly commented on the attacks.

How and with whose help the pager attack was carried out was not yet known, although so far there were possible leads in Taiwan, Hungary and Bulgaria.

It is not clear how and when the pagers were weaponised so they could be remotely detonated. The same question remains for the hundreds of hand-held radios used by Hezbollah that exploded on Wednesday in a second wave of attacks.

One theory is that the pagers were intercepted and hooked up with explosives after they left factories. Another is that Israel orchestrated the whole deadly supply chain.

Bulgarian authorities said on Thursday that its interior ministry and state security services had opened an investigation into a company's possible ties. They did not name the company they were investigating.

Local media reports said Sofia-based Norta Global Ltd had facilitated the sale of the pagers to Hezbollah. Citing security sources, national broadcaster bTV reported that 1.6 million euros related to the transaction passed through Bulgaria, and was sent to Hungary.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the claim.

Emails sent to a Norta email listed on Bulgarian company registration records were returned as undeliverable. The firm's founder declined to comment.

Images of destroyed pagers analysed by Reuters showed a format consistent with devices made by Taiwan's Gold Apollo. Gold Apollo said on Wednesday that the pagers were made by BAC Consulting, a company based in the Hungarian capital Budapest.

The owner and CEO of BAC Consulting, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, did not return multiple requests for comment by phone and text message.

On Wednesday, she told NBC News that her company worked with Gold Apollo but that she had nothing to do with the making of the pagers. "I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong," she told NBC.

Hungarian news site Telex reported that the sale was facilitated by Norta Global Ltd, citing sources.

Norta's Bulgarian headquarters are registered at an apartment building in the capital Sofia that is also home to nearly 200 other companies, according to a local company registry. There was no sign of Norta.

Content on Norta Globals website, , was deleted on Thursday. The website previously had English, Bulgarian and Norwegian language versions, and advertised services including consulting, technology integration, recruitment and outsourcing.

"Are you looking for an agile company to help you succeed or to find that tech solution just right for you? Look no further," the website had said, according to copies of the website reviewed by Reuters before it was altered.

Norta's founder, Rinson Jose, is based in Norway. He declined to comment on the pagers when reached by phone and hung up when asked about the Bulgarian business.

His neighbours in a quiet suburb of Oslo said they didnt know much about him. Amund Djuve, the CEO of DN Media, where Jose currently works, told Reuters he was aware of the reports and had alerted the police and security services. He said that Jose was travelling to the United States.

"We are taking these matters very seriously," Djuve said.

Oslo police said it had initiated "preliminary enquiries into the information that had come to light".

Norway's domestic intelligence agency, PST, said it was aware of the situation and declined to comment further.

There was no evidence of a link between DN Media and Norta.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Barsony-Arcidiacono of BAC Consulting, the Budapest-based company that was also linked to the sale of the pagers, vacated her apartment in Budapest on Wednesday, a neighbour told Reuters. Her door was ajar on Wednesday but closed on Thursday morning, said a Reuters reporter at the scene. No one answered the doorbell.

A Lebanese security source told Reuters that Hezbollah believed it was ordering the pagers from Gold Apollo and that they were produced in Asia, not Europe.

The source said Hezbollah considered it much easier for Israel's Mossad spy agency to operate in Hungary.

"It is possible that the Mossad created a European company," the source said.

(Additional reporting by Georgi Slavov in Sofia and Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam in Beirut; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Hunter Biden steps into a vehicle as he leaves federal court, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to federal tax charges. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  Hunter Biden will be sentenced on felony firearms charges in December after the judge agreed Thursday to a delay requested by the defense.

In June, President Joe Biden 's son was convicted in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.

He was initially scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13, but the judge agreed to delay the hearing until Dec. 4 after Hunter Biden's lawyers said they needed more time to adequately prepare.

The gun charges are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though he will likely face far less time behind bars or possibly avoid imprisonment entirely.

He also faces sentencing in California on Dec. 16 on federal tax charges he pleaded guilty to earlier this month. Those charges carry up to 17 years behind bars. He also faces up to $1.35 million in fines.

President Biden, who dropped his reelection bid in July, has said he will not use his presidential powers to pardon his son or lessen his sentence.

After his guilty plea on the tax charges, Hunter Biden said he wanted to spare his family another painful ordeal after his gun trial aired salacious and embarrassing details about a time in which struggled with a crack cocaine addiction. Hunter Biden said he's been sober since 2019.

I will not subject my family to more pain, more invasions of privacy and needless embarrassment, Hunter Biden previously said. For all I have put them through over the years, I can spare them this, and so I have decided to plead guilty.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Voters in Huntsvilles District 1 will soon decide wholl represent them next with Michelle Watkins set to again challenge incumbent Devyn Keith in next Tuesdays runoff election.

Just under 8% of people in Huntsville voted during the general election. Both Keith and Watkins know just how important itll be to make whatever difference they can with the runoff election just six days away.

City of Huntsville provides update on South Star music festival

Watkins led Keith by 9 percentage points in the general election but neither reached enough votes to secure a victory.

Keith, who says hes been able to transform his community, is touting his last eight years in office and feels his record speaks for itself.

Weve made a lot of difference and I think the best stories to be told are the ones you can review yourself and the facts you can reveal, Keith said. However, the two-term city councilman knows more work must be done.

Last year, Keith pleaded guilty to stealing from Walmart in a situation he says has clouded what hes been able to accomplish. Keith believes people should look at his time in office rather than judging him off one incident.

UAH College of Business Assistant Dean reacts to Federal Reserve interest cut

Im trying to get past the year and a half, its my first-time misdemeanor, Keith told News 19. Weve just been pushing towards things like Lakewood and the concerns that are going on in the city. I understand that this narrative might supersede eight years of hard work, but for a lot of people it doesnt.

Watkins, Keiths opponent says shes energized by the general election results, but she knows producing a bigger voter turnout will be key to winning.

Im aggressively seeking voters to support me, Im knocking on doors Im canvassing, Im showing up at events, and Im running like Im behind and not ahead, Watkins said.

Watkins herself dealt with a legal issue back in 2019 while on the Huntsville City School Board, but was acquitted of harassment charges.

Voter rights group speaks out about lawsuit regarding Alabamas voter purge program

Shes prioritizing being upfront with voters during the campaign process, something she feels Keith has not done.

Devyn pleaded guilty, Michelle Watkins pleaded not guilty and had a hearing where a judge vindicated her, Watkins said. If youre innocent, plead not guilty and go to court. People want a leader whos accountable, they want you to be a leader who has integrity and transparency so those are the things that I do.

Keith promises to continue delivering for District 1 and knows these next six days will be crucial.

Being accountable to their concerns from roads, to things like Walmart to things like whats going to happen with development on the parkway and getting in front of those voters, Keith said.

Watkins on the other hand is looking to usher in new leadership, but both feel change starts with the people theyre pleading with to go to the polls next Tuesday.

If you want to see change in thats in your community, the changes starts with you, Watkins said. You have to go out and vote, thats your civic duty.

The runoff election will be held next Tuesday and the city will announce the official results on October 1.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Vladislav Bakalchuk, the estranged husband of Russia's richest woman, was arrested and charged with murder on Thursday, his lawyers said, after a deadly shootout at the Moscow office of Russia's largest online retailer.

Two people were killed in a shooting on Wednesday just a few blocks away from the Kremlin at the Wildberries office, as a dispute over the company's future took a violent turn. Seven others were wounded, including police officers.

Vladislav and his wife Tatyana Bakalchuk, who filed for divorce in July, have been embroiled in a bitter and public tussle since Wildberries announced plans to merge with outdoor advertising firm Russ Group in June.

Tatyana founded Wildberries, Russia's answer to Amazon, in 2004, growing it from an online clothes reseller into a major marketplace for all kinds of goods.

Both parties blamed each other for Wednesday's shooting.

Vladislav said he had arrived for a pre-arranged meeting and that it was staff at the office who fired the first shots. Tatyana said Vladislav and his colleagues had tried to seize the office and that there was no meeting scheduled.

Vladislav's lawyers said he had been arrested and charged with murder and the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, something they said was a "blatant and unprecedented violation" of their client's rights.

The business dispute is centred around the merger that formed RVB, a new company with Robert Mirzoyan as CEO, which reduced Tatyana's overall stake to around 65% in RVB from 99% in Wildberries.

Vladislav at the time said his wife was being "manipulated". Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who stepped in to support Vladislav, called the merger an "asset grab".

Tatyana has dismissed both of those allegations. The Kremlin said the merger had won President Vladimir Putin's backing but he would not interfere with its progress.

In a tearful video message posted on Telegram early on Thursday, Tatyana said: "Vladislav, what are you doing? How will you look into the eyes of your parents and our children? How could you bring the situation to such absurdity?"

The affair harks back to the 1990s, when deadly corporate turf battles were commonplace as huge swathes of property were redistributed after the fall of the Soviet Union.

(Reporting by Alexander Marrow and Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
A new round in the perennial battle between Donald Trump and government ethics watchdogs is breaking out  this time, over his nearly $2 billion stake in Trump Media & Technology Group.

The GOP presidential nominee swore last week that he has no plans to cash out of his almost 115 million shares in the publicly traded parent company of Truth Social, the social media site. Trump, the companys majority shareholder, and a number of other insiders have been barred from selling for months under the terms of a prohibition set to expire on Thursday.

His announcement was immediately met with cheers by MAGA investors who are believed to account for a sizable portion of Trump Medias shareholder base and could face a decline in the stock if Trump were to sell. But Trumps position in the company is spurring an outcry from watchdogs who are worried that corporate interests or foreign actors could try to curry favor with the former president by buying stock in Trump Media or advertising on Truth Social.

Its a huge potential conflict of interest, said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, director of government affairs for the Project on Government Oversight, in an interview. Its all the same problems, but Id say ratcheted up a bit from last time.

Ever since Trump came to Washington in 2017, the billionaires business empire has been the subject of ethics concerns.

When elected, he retained ownership of his vast web of properties but turned the management of the Trump Organization over to his sons. Still, throughout his time in office, Trump was consistently hit with attacks about his ties to the business. His luxury hotel in the nations capital  located just blocks away from the White House at a building leased from the federal government  became the subject of particular concern.

Now, the growing attention toward Trump Media is the latest sign that Trump and his familys newer business ventures are bound for similar scrutiny if he wins back the presidency. In addition to Trump Media, ethicists have warned that World Liberty Financial  a cryptocurrency venture involving Trumps eldest sons, Donald Jr. and Eric  could pose a conflict of interest as Trump courts the burgeoning industrys support before November.

Spokespeople for the Trump campaign and Trump Media did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, told CNBC earlier this year that Trump would follow ethics guidelines if elected.

Owning the shares itself would not violate any ethics laws, according to Richard Painter, who was the chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush. But the Trump-Truth Social nexus raises a broader concern about the blurring lines between government and media, Painter said.

Story continues

This is a potentially dangerous situation, he said. The government shouldnt be controlling the press, [and] thats where we are in social media.

Trump Media, in the meantime, just keeps facing pressure from Wall Street.

The company was supposed to mark a new frontier in the former presidents business dealings, but it has repeatedly faced legal issues, regulatory investigations and, most recently, a falling stock price. Trump Media has been viewed by some as akin to a meme stock that trades on vibes rather than its underlying business. And of late, the vibes havent been great.

Shares in the company, which trade under the ticker DJT, fell more than 3 percent in trading Wednesday in the final run-up to the lock-ups expiration  extending a weekslong slide. And while Trump has said he has no plans to sell, other major investors whose shares are freeing up havent promised that and could soon flood the market with more.

DJT shares were down almost 4 percent Thursday, as of 1:15 p.m., even as the overall market rose.

Trump Medias stock has swung wildly over the course of the year, often on news of the former presidents pursuit of the White House.

Its the value of Donald Trump  the man, the persona, said Usha Rodrigues, a law professor at the University of Georgia.
UPDATE: Escaped inmate is back in custody, authorities say

UPDATE: Escaped inmate is back in custody, authorities say

UPDATE, 9/19/24, 12:25 a.m.: The Iberia Parish inmate who escaped jail on Wednesday is back in custody, the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office announced.

ORIGINAL STORY: IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)  An Iberia Parish inmate has escaped the jail, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office.

The sheriffs office is searching for 39-year-old Kristian Broussard, a pre-trial detainee held for second-degree murder.

According to a news release, Broussard escaped the jail at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Please contact the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office at 337-369-3711 if this inmate is spotted.

Broussard was arrested in January 2019 in connection with a shooting that occurred in the 4200 block of L. Theroit Road in Iberia Parish. That shooting claimed the life of 38-year-old Richard Southern. The shooting allegedly stemmed from an argument between Broussard and Southern.

When Broussard was arrested in 2019, he was taken into custody in Middletown, New York, and was later brought back to Iberia Parish.

This report will be updated as information becomes available.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
An iconic Churchill photo stolen in Canada and found in Italy is ready to return

Canadian Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister, Isabelle Mondou, left, and Andrea Clark-Grignon, Head of Public Affairs, unveil a photographic portrait known as 'The Roaring Lion', taken by photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941 of Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill, stolen in Canada in 2022, and returned during a ceremony at the Canada's embassy in Rome, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

ROME (AP)  Canadian and Italian dignitaries on Thursday marked the successful recovery of a photo portrait of Winston Churchill known as The Roaring Lion," stolen in Canada and recovered in Italy after a two-year search by police.

At a ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome, Italian carabinieri police handed over the portrait to the Canadian ambassador to Italy, Elissa Goldberg, who praised the cooperation between Italian and Canadian investigators that led to the recovery.

The 1941 portrait of the British leader taken by Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh is now ready for the last step of its journey home to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the hotel in Ottawa where it was stolen and will once again be displayed as a notable historic portrait.

Canadian police said the portrait was stolen from the hotel sometime between Christmas 2021 and Jan. 6, 2022, and replaced with a forgery. The swap was only uncovered months later, in August, when a hotel worker noticed the frame was not hung properly and looked different than the others.

Nicola Cassinelli, a lawyer in Genoa, Italy, purchased the portrait in May 2022 at an online Sothebys auction for 5,292 British pounds. He says he got a phone call from the auction house that October advising him not to sell or otherwise transfer the portrait due to an investigation into the Ottawa theft.

Cassinelli, who attended Thursdays ceremony, said he thought he was buying a regular print and quickly agreed to send the iconic Churchill photograph home when he learned its true story.

I immediately decided to return it to the Chateau Laurier, because I think that if Karsh donated it to the hotel, it means he really wanted it to stay there, for the particular significance this hotel had for him, and for his wife too, Cassinelli told The Associated Press.

The famous image was taken by Karsh during Churchills wartime visit to the Canadian Parliament in December 1941. It helped launch Karshs career, who photographed some of the 20th centurys most famed icons, including Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth.

Karsh and his wife Estrellita gifted an original signed print to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in 1998. The couple had lived and operated a studio inside the hotel for nearly two decades.

Genevieve Dumas, general manager of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, said on Thursday she felt immensely grateful.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everybody involved in solving this case, and ensuring the safe return of this priceless piece of history.

Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Powassan, Ontario, in April and have charged him with stealing and trafficking the portrait. The man, whose name is protected by a publication ban, faces charges that include forgery, theft over $5,000 and trafficking in property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000.
Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, will make his first appearance in an Ada County courtroom next week.

Idaho 4th District Judge Steven Hippler, who was recently assigned to the high-profile case, scheduled a status conference for Kohberger on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. The Idaho Supreme Court moved Kohbergers murder trial from Moscow to Boise and Kohberger was transferred by plane to Ada County this past Sunday.

Kohberger, 29, is accused of killing the four U of I students at an off-campus home in Moscow in November 2022. The victims were Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, both 20, and Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for Kohberger if a jury convicts him. Kohbergers defense attorneys have filed motions to have capital punishment struck as a possible sentence.

Kohbergers murder trial was scheduled to start in June 2025 by the prior judge on the case. But the venue change to Boise and switch in judges led to the trial date and location, and each of the proceedings leading up to it, being vacated  and possibly delayed.

Hippler is expected to set a new court schedule at next Thursdays status conference at the Ada County Courthouse.

The hearing will be first-come, first-served for seating. A livestream also will be available via the courts YouTube page: youtube.com/@idahofourthdistrictcourt.
'This winter will be the sternest test yet'  IEA recommends 10 steps for Ukraine's energy security

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Sept. 19 issued a 10-step action plan to help Ukraine's energy infrastructure tackle the coming winter.

The Ukrainian power grid has been heavily damaged during Russian aerial attacks, and it remains unclear how much of the infrastructure can be repaired before the temperatures drop.

Energy deficits necessitated rolling blackouts during the summer and autumn, with some officials warning that Ukrainians may have electricity for 6-7 hours per day in the upcoming winter.

The measures recommended by the IEA include "bolstering the physical and cyber security of critical energy infrastructure, expediting the delivery of equipment and spare parts for repairs, (and) accelerating the decentralization of power supply," according to a press release sent to the Kyiv Independent.

Kyiv previously said that 85% of Ukrainian energy facilities have been reinforced to withstand further Russian attacks.

The international institution also recommended "investing in energy efficiency" and "increasing the capacity to import electricity and gas from the European Union."

The IEA further said that Ukraine should prepare backup options for winter heating, like LPG heaters, and build up natural gas storage levels. Foreign partners should then coordinate their approaches for Ukraine and Moldova, as the two countries' security issues are closely linked.

Finally, the organization called for "laying the groundwork for a modern, market-based, resilient and sustainable Ukrainian energy system, well integrated with the EU system."

"The situation in Ukraine is one of the most pressing energy security issues in the world today," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said.

"Ukraine's energy system has made it through the past two winters thanks to the resilience, courage, and ingenuity of its people and strong solidarity from its international partners. But this winter will be, by far, its sternest test yet."

Russia launched a massive campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the winter of 2022-2023, causing large-scale blackouts amid freezing temperatures. Another wave of mass attacks came in the spring of 2024, destroying entire power plants along with much of Ukraine's generation capacity.

Read also: Why Russia still rakes in cash transporting gas through Ukraine: 4 key charts

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen speaks during a press conference on the energy security of Ukraine and Moldova as winter approaches and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, at the European Commission headquarters. Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The International Energy Agency (IEA) called on Ukraine's partners to support the country to protect the electricity and heating supply in a report issued on Thursday.

The IEA report warned that the coming winter could be the hardest yet for the embattled nation.

As Russia ramps up its attacks on Ukrainian power plants, heating plants and transmission networks, the country's energy infrastructure is under significant pressure, the IEA noted.

"Strains that are bearable in the summer months may become unbearable when temperatures start to fall and supplies of heat and water falter, triggering further displacement of affected populations across the country and abroad," the energy agency said.

The power supply to hospitals, schools and other essential facilities could be further impaired in winter, and the heating supply to major Ukrainian cities is at risk, the IEA said.

Ukraine's partners must improve the protection of energy infrastructure against attacks and cyberattacks, expedite the delivery of spare parts for repairs, decentralize the power supply and increase the capacity for electricity and gas imports from the European Union, it recommended.

Measures must be designed to lay the foundation for a modern, resilient and sustainable Ukrainian energy system that is integrated into Europe, according to the IEA.

"The Ukrainian energy system has withstood the last two winters thanks to the resilience, courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people and the immense solidarity of their international partners. But this winter will be by far its hardest test yet," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

The IEA's assistance measures, if implemented swiftly and effectively, could make a significant difference, Birol said.

President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen (R) and Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) hold a press conference on the energy security of Ukraine and Moldova as winter approaches and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, at the European Commission headquarters. Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen (R) and Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) hold a press conference on the energy security of Ukraine and Moldova as winter approaches and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, at the European Commission headquarters. Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
WALTON COUNTY, FL. (WMBB)  An illegal immigrant from Mexico was arrested for discharging a firearm from a vehicle in Santa Rosa Beach on Wednesday.

The Walton County Sheriffs Office was called to the area of Bella Boulevard following a call regarding a shooting in the area.

According to a witness, 29-year-old Jose Cruz Michua was stopped in a pickup truck in front of an address where they were working. As a result, deputies said he fired two shots in the air from a handgun.

WCSO officials confirmed no injuries were reported.

The drinks and good times will be flowing in Port St. Joe

Witnesses stated this had been an ongoing feud between those involved.

During an investigation, a spent shell casing was found below a work van located in front of the residence, investigators confirmed.

Deputies said they located Michua at his home where he admitted he was the driver of the truck.

After a search of the vehicle, a spent shell casing matching the one found near the van was found below the windshield wipers of Michuas truck, investigators wrote.

Michua was charged with discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement known as ICE, has placed a detainer hold on Michua. He was issued a $10,000 bond.

News 13 Pet Adoption Option: Maverick

If Michua makes a bond, ICE will have 48 hours from that point to assume custody. If Michua does not post bond, he will stay in custody until the completion of the judicial process in Walton County at which ICE will be given 48 hours to take custody.

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At least four of the illegal migrants who swarmed and beat up two NYPD officers in a shocking Times Square attack in January were apprehended by federal law enforcement as far back as July 2022 but were released without being deported, according to an interim congressional report into the incident.

The report also goes on to blast the Biden-Harris administration's record on immigration.

One of the migrants, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, had already been ordered to be deported  and then left the country and returned again  before the brutal attack took place.

Another one of the migrants was caught trying to enter Canada illegally after running from U.S. authorities, having crossed the southern border but was still released. A third migrant suspect was also arrested for shoplifting two separate stores and assaulting two store workers months before the Times Square attack and was not ordered to be deported.

MIGRANTS IN NYPD TIMES SQUARE ATTACK OFFERED PLEA DEALS, INCLUDING 1 JUST RE-ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING

New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been investigating former President Donald Trump for alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

The shocking revelations are detailed in a report released on Wednesday by the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, which is tasked with investigating the Jan. 27 caught-on-camera attack on a police lieutenant and officer. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio and Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock, R-Calif, subpoenaed the files on the migrants from Homeland as part of the report.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The incident sparked widespread condemnation and was followed by one of the suspects flipping two middle fingers at reporters' cameras after he was released from police custody. It also drew sharp attention to the migrant crime surge, particularly in New York City, which has catered to housing tens of thousands of migrants at taxpayers' expense. The attack took place in a busy tourist spot close to a migrant shelter.

Darwin Gomez-Izquiel, 19, in a Manhattan criminal court. Gomez-Izquiel accepted a plea deal for his role in the assault on two NYPD officers in Times Square.

The report also revealed an apparent inadequate vetting process of migrants, which has led to around 617,000 criminal migrants roaming U.S. streets, and criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for agreeing to plea deals with the Times Square attackers while at the same time prosecting former President Donald Trump over hush money payments.

The committee, citing data from several agencies, says that more than 5.6 million illegal migrants have entered the country under the Biden-Harris administration, with another 1.9 million illegal alien "gotaways" escaping into the country during the same time.

"The results are all too predictable: cities overwhelmed, public services crushed, and communities shattered by the criminality of some illegal aliens," the report states.

Wilson Juarez-Aguilarte, Kelvin Servita Arocha, Darwin Gomez Izquiel and Yorman Yoel Riveron-Rivero all entered the country illegally during the Biden-Harris administration, per the report, and have been charged with assault on a police officer and obstructing a governmental investigation.

Two have since agreed to lenient plea deals with Braggs office and none have been deported, according to the New York Post.

NEW YORK'S 'CATCH AND RELEASE' POLICIES FAIL TO HOLD CRIMINALS ACCOUNTABLE: POLICE REP

Wilson Juarez-Aguilarte appears in court at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in New York City on Friday, Feb. 16 2024. He was charged for his alleged involvement in the assault of two NYPD officers.

Juarez-Aguilarte, a Venezuelan national and suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, was ordered to be deported from the U.S. in February 2023, nearly a year before the Times Square attack. The report found that he crossed the southern border into Brownsville, Texas, in July 2022, refused to tell border agents why he left Venezuela and told border agents he was heading to Houston.

At some point, he left the U.S. and then re-entered the country in June 2023, near Champlain, New York, with a group of 14 other migrants  yet border agents released him again.

A Manhattan judge set his bail at $1 following the Times Square because the charges against him involved evidence tampering and not participating in the attack.

Servita-Arocha, an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member from Venezuela with tattoos that are "highly associated" with the gang, was apprehended about 10 miles from the northern border in January 2023 while walking with a group of eight other Venezuelan migrants in upstate New York. The group told border agents they "wanted to go to Canada" and had "illegally entered the United States from Mexico through Texas" a week earlier.

Border agents released him with a list of pro bono legal service providers.

A year later, he was one of four suspects arrested and released without bail over the attack. Bragg offered him a plea deal to serve six months in prison for pleading guilty to obstructing a government administration.

Gomez Izquiel, also a Venezuelan national, entered the U.S. illegally near Brownsville, Texas, in August 2023 by way of a raft across the Rio Grande River from Mexico, according to the report. He was picked up by Border Patrol and claimed that he entered the U.S. to seek asylum to find work to help his family financially and to obtain an education. He was processed and released after the National Crime Information Center query returned no criminal history for him.

Days later, and still not detained by ICE, he was said to be part of a group that robbed a Macys store in Queens Center Mall and assaulted an employee. Gomez Izquiel was accused of acting as a lookout for a group of three others who stole merchandise from the store. In late July 2024, Gomez Izquiel accepted a plea deal for the Times Square assault.

Meanwhile, the report also details how Riveron-Rivero crossed illegally into Brownsville, Texas, in May 2023 and was apprehended by border agents, who released him with instructions to report to ICE within 60 days, which he did in New York City in September 2023.

Officers issued a warrant for his arrest shortly before again releasing him on his own recognizance as long as he did not "violate any local, state, or federal laws or ordinances" or associate with known gang members or be associated with any such activity.

It is not clear why ICE officers issued the arrest warrant.

Two months later, Riveron-Rivero was accused of stealing pants at a New York City Nordstrom store and then punching and biting a worker in the face. He then tried to swipe a coat from Macys and also punched a store worker there. The report states he was released without bail after both arrests.

Riveron-Rivero is accused of grabbing, pulling and dragging the two cops to the ground in the Times Square attack. Hes been offered a deal for two years in prison in exchange for pleading guilty to second degree assault.

"New York City police officers were attacked because the Biden-Harris Administration allowed these illegal aliens to enter the country," the report states.

"The disastrous immigration policies of the Biden-Harris Administration have had real world consequences for American citizens. The effects of those policies will be felt for years to come, with criminal aliens in American neighborhoods harming families and hurting public safety across the country."

The report revealed that the countrys vetting process of migrants is almost non-existent since DHS has no way to determine if an alien has a criminal history in his or her own country unless that country reports the information to the U.S. government or the migrant self-reports.

The interim report also took aim at Bragg for accepting a plea deal Gomez Izquiel while at the same time engaging in "lawfare against the Biden-Harris Administrations main political opponent: President Donald J. Trump," referring to the hush money case he was prosecuting against Trump.

"As the Committee has highlighted, Bragg has abused his office to target President Trump for political prosecution, using a novel and convoluted legal theory to turn an otherwise misdemeanor record-keeping infraction into dozens of felony counts."





Original article source: Illegal migrant involved in Times Square police attack was ordered to be deported 1 year prior: report
A federal judge invoked images from the 1917 race riots in East St. Louis on Thursday at the end of a trial in a case challenging the constitutionality of the states ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines.

Judge Steven McGlynn, who has presided over the trial, called attention to the neighborhood just outside the courthouse, much of which was destroyed during a series of deadly attacks by a white mob against the citys Black population.

The official death toll was 39, but no one believes that, McGlynn said, noting that the true death toll was probably in the hundreds.

I wonder what would have happened, he said in a possible indication of how he intends to rule. I wonder what would have happened if they (the Black population) had had some of the weapons were talking about today.

Illinois lawmakers passed the assault weapons ban, officially known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, during a special lame duck session in January 2023. It came in response to numerous mass shootings across the country in which gunmen used AR-style weapons. Among those was a shooting the previous summer at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park that left seven people dead and dozens more injured or traumatized.

The trial in the Southern District of Illinois involved four cases, each with multiple plaintiffs who argued the law violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Throughout four days of testimony, a central issue has been whether the weapons and equipment covered under the law are commonly used in American society for lawful purposes such as self-defense, and thus protected under the Second Amendment, or military-grade weapons that state and local governments can more easily keep out of civilian hands.

Its a distinction the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals made when it first reviewed challenges to the assault weapons ban. In a 2-1 ruling in November 2023 that denied requests to block enforcement of the law while challenges proceeded, the appellate court said there is a long tradition of distinguishing between military and civilian weapons and that the states assault weapons ban respects and relies on that tradition.

That decision was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which said in July it would not hear the case until after the lower courts had conducted full trials.

The trial in the Southern District of Illinois began Monday with plaintiffs in the case presenting expert witnesses who argued the AR-style rifles and other weapons covered by the law are among the most popular firearms on the market in the United States and that they are suitable for self-defense and other purposes.

And they drew a sharp distinction between the semiautomatic weapons covered by Illinois law that can only fire one shot with each pull of the trigger, which they said have no practical value in a military setting, and fully automatic weapons that can fire continuously for as long as the trigger is pulled.

But the state has countered with its own expert witnesses who argued semiautomatic weapons like the ones covered under the Illinois law are actually more suited to military purposes than fully automatic weapons, which they said are less accurate, waste ammunition, and are prone to overheating and jamming in combat situations.

Jason Dempsey, a retired Army colonel who now works as a senior fellow at the left-leaning Center for a New American Security, said that during his tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, he never used his service rifle in fully automatic mode, and neither did the soldiers serving under him.

During cross-examination, though, plaintiffs attorney Andrew Lothson pointed out that Dempsey himself owns an AR-style rifle with many of the features that would make it illegal under the Illinois law. Dempsey replied that he does not favor a total ban on such weapons but believes people who own them should be trained in how to use them safely.

Another key question in the trial, and one that attorneys in the case have said they will address in written briefs, is whether there is a historical tradition the type of weapons covered by the Illinois law that dates back to the founding of the Constitution.

That is a relatively new legal standard first articulated by the Supreme Court in 2022 in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

During closing arguments, Lothson argued the law should be held unconstitutional because all the items covered by it are useful for self-defense and are not militaristic in nature. He also said neither the U.S. military nor any foreign military uses the semiautomatic-only weapons banned under the Illinois law.

But Kathryn Hunt Muse, of the Illinois attorney generals office, argued there is no functional difference between the assault-style weapons covered under the law and the M4 or M16 service weapons commonly used in the U.S. military.

Attorneys in the case still have 30 days to submit written briefs and exhibits as well as their own proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, which could form the basis of McGlynns final ruling.

McGlynn did not indicate when such a final ruling would be issued.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
Illinois high court says odor of 'burnt' marijuana not probable cause to search cars

Thursday's ruling by the the Illinois Supreme Court affects two separate cases: People vs. Redmond and People vs. Molina, both of which involved police searches after officers said they could smell burnt cannabis in the vehicles. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The smell of burnt marijuana is no longer grounds to search a vehicle, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The ruling stems from a traffic stop in 2020 during which officers pulled over Ryan Redmond for traveling 73 mph in a 70 mph zone on U.S. Interstate 80 in western Illinois. The officer who stopped Redmond said there also was a registration issue with the license plate.

During the stop, Illinois State Trooper Hayden Combs said he smelled a strong odor of burnt cannabis coming from the car, prompting him to search the vehicle.

He found one gram of marijuana inside the center console in a plastic bag, according to the court ruling. Redmond was cited for violating a state law that requires that cannabis being transported is kept in odor-proof containers.

Redmond denied smoking marijuana in the car and Combs said that while Redmond did not show signs of impairment during the traffic stop, Combs said Redmond gave evasive answers during questioning.

Redmond told Combs that he was headed from Des Moines to his home in Chicago along Interstate 80, a stretch of freeway that has been described by police as a "known drug corridor."

Thursday's ruling affects two separate cases: People vs. Redmond and People vs. Molina, both of which involved police searches after officers said they could smell burnt cannabis in the vehicles.

Thursday's ruling upheld lower court decisions affirming that the odor of burnt cannabis alone is insufficient evidence to perform a warrantless vehicle search.

"We also hold that the totality of the facts and circumstances known to Officer Combs did not provide probable cause to search Redmond's vehicle," the state Supreme Court ruling said.

"The laws on cannabis have changed in such a drastic way as to render the smell of burnt cannabis, standing alone, insufficient to provide probable cause for a police officer to search a vehicle without a warrant," Supreme Court Justice Scott Neville Jr. wrote in the Illinois high court's opinion Thursday.

The court noted in its ruling that since marijuana is legal in the state, and that there are a myriad of legal uses for the substance, the aroma of the burnt drug is not enough to justify a search.
An odor of burnt marijuana doesnt justify a search of a car without a warrant in Illinois, the state Supreme Court said Thursday.

The court affirmed lower court rulings that threw out evidence of a small amount of marijuana discovered during a traffic stop in Henry County in 2020.

It is illegal to drive and smoke marijuana. But lawyers for the driver argued that the smell of burnt marijuana is not enough to believe a crime has occurred, especially after Illinois legalized the possession of marijuana in 2019.

The driver denied smoking in the vehicle.

There are now a myriad of situations where cannabis can be used and possessed, and the smell resulting from that legal use and possession is not indicative of the commission of a criminal offense, Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. said in the 6-0 opinion.

A police officer said he searched the car because of the odor, the drivers evasiveness and Interstate 80s reputation as an east-west corridor to move drugs.

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In Microsofts own words on climate change, those of us who can afford to move faster and go further should do so. So why is Microsoft going backwards?

No matter how we vote, what generation we belong to, or what part of the world we live in, many of us have sweltered this summer. During one week in June, the world broke 1,400 temperature recordswith 1,300 people dying in the Hajj heatwave alone. That should remind us of our shared reality: Climate issues are among our most urgent challenges worldwide.

I am a Seattle-based, 32-year-old, plant-powered mountain athlete and climate activist who resigned earlier this year from Microsoft, a company hailed by one media outlet as the best ESG company of 2023. Now, I am co-leading a campaign to advocate for effective policy, inform standards, and build a cross-industry coalition to drive change. Before you dismiss me as an idealist tech worker disconnected from our oil-dependent economy, I want you to hear the backstory.

Leaving Microsoftover principles

I painfully quit a job I loved leading multiple global sustainability programs primarily because, after years of organizing internally to make change, I could no longer reconcile Microsofts strong public environmental sustainability stance with its assistance to the oil and gas industrya partnership that was dramatically increasing global emissions. I realized that internal pressure alone wasnt going to shift the incentives; the public and shareholders needed to know what was happening.

Corporations play a role in many of the greatest challenges of our time, and many have made strong pledges around labor and human rights, conflict minerals, or privacy. Over almost a decade at Microsoft, the challenge I devoted my career to was environmental sustainability. I was in good company, with Microsofts laudable sustainability commitments backed by thousands of world-class employees and programs.

Microsoft is extremely outspoken on the ethics of technology and sustainability. President Brad Smith has ardently emphasized the need to control whether technology is used "for good or ill," and has made strong statements on Microsofts role in climate change. Similarly, CEO Satya Nadella has stated to shareholders, "As we pursue our mission, we also recognize our enormous responsibility to ensure the technology we build benefits everyone on the planet, including the planet itself."

Im proud that the employee group I cofounded played a part in strengthening Microsofts environmental pledges. But even as the tech giant promulgates the urgency to act on climate for a shared future, its core business activities directly contribute to the climate crisis.

Story continues

The leader in 'responsible AI' is acting irresponsibly

As outlined in an explosive new article in the Atlantic, in truth, Microsoft's advanced technology is enabling a substantial increase in global emissions. The company dominates as the largest cloud provider of advanced technology (e.g. AI) to the fossil fuel industry, surpassing all other vendors combined. Its digital technology is contributing to staggering fossil fuel industry profits, with companies like Chevron last year producing more oil and natural gas than any year in the companys history."

Between 2018-19, Microsoft publicized explicit goalsincluding expand production with Exxon, generate new exploration opportunities with Chevron, and accelerate extracted and refined hydrocarbons with BP. In one Microsoft customer case study, Staale Gjervik, president of ExxonMobil subsidiary XTO Energy, revealed, Over the coming decade, we plan to drill thousands of new wells and build dozens of new facilities. Its challenging to keep up with that pace, but with [Microsoft] Azure, we have the digital technology to help support our growth

In 2020, following Microsoft's major carbon announcements and scrutiny from Greenpeace's "Oil in the Cloud" report, the company shifted the tone of its public communications, largely omitting such references from its public-facing materials. However, inside the company, the focus on increasing extraction flourished. Over the past four years, fossil fuel companies became among the top consumers of Microsoft's cloud and AI servicesand now, generative AI has supercharged the problem.

Analyst reports suggest that advanced technologiessuch as AI or machine learning (ML)have the potential to increase fossil fuel yield by 15%, contributing to a resurgence of oil and potentially delaying the global transition to renewable energy. The real-world impacts are staggering: A single such deal between Microsoft and ExxonMobil could generate emissions that exceed Microsofts 2020 annual carbon removal commitments by over 600%. I saw dozens of such deals during the time I was employed at Microsoft.

Internally, discussions highlighted the most significant application of generative AI for the oil and gas industry: optimizing exploration activities. AI was celebrated as a "game changer" and the key for the fossil fuel industry to continue to be competitive.

Microsoft makes billions of dollars from helping fossil fuel companies accelerate all phases of oil and gas production. This makes their claims of facilitating the transition to a decarbonized economy and establishing AI guardrails toward a nature-positive future seem to me to be misleading for shareholders, employees, and customers who trust and invest in Microsoft due to its strong sustainability reputation. While Microsofts public statements and reports highlight the beneficial applications of AI for sustainability, they crucially omit the fact that a substantial part of Microsofts business is providing technology to fossil fuel companies to increase production.

Even if AI reduces emissions per barrel, its role in boosting overall production leads to a net increase in global emissions. Enhanced efficiency translates into more drilling, which undermines the transition to renewables, as the additional fossil fuels brought to market far outweigh any modest extraction-related emission cuts.

Microsofts dual approachpromoting sustainability publicly while aiding fossil fuel expansion privatelycreates a misleading narrative that can obscure the true environmental impact of their business practices.

What needs to change

To be clear: While we were at Microsoft, my colleagues and I never advocated for the company to sever its ties with the fossil fuel industry; we understood we were still operating in a world dependent on oil. But we did argue that Microsoft needed to align its AI policies with broader global climate aims. The company needed to work to change the system, not capitulate to it.

Microsoft, and other AI companies, can do this by ensuring they are aligning their work in a way that supports climate policies. They can conduct audits of their impact, disclose the climate risks the application of their technologies pose, and actively shift revenue to renewable energy. Most importantly, doing these things and being transparent about the progress they are makingand the challenges they are facingwill encourage competitors to follow.

Relying on fossil-fuel companies to lead the clean-energy transition is risky, as their interests fundamentally remain tied to high-carbon activities. We can leverage their expertise without supporting their entire business, while public investment and green innovators drive the real shift to sustainable infrastructure.

Microsoft's influence can reshape market dynamics and set an industry precedent, akin to its decisions on facial recognition and Googles moratorium on custom AI for the oil and gas sector. As stated by Microsoft, If the world is going to meet net zero goals by 2050, companies need to use their entire ecosystem and all of their positions of influence. But this will only happen if they are transparent with the public about the progress they are making.

We presented these carefully considered recommendations to top Microsoft leadership, who enthusiastically agreed with us, but failed to follow through with implementation.

Microsoft has the capacity to do better than unfulfilled promises to employees and energy principlestheir response to our internal pressurethat fail to address the core issues. Microsoft, and the tech industry at large, must take responsibility for the emissions enabled by their technology and lead the way toward a truly sustainable future for all.

(Microsoft had no comment when contacted by Fortune.)

The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Last year, Idaho hit a 20-year high in traffic fatalities, with about 30 reported in Ada County. Now, the city of Boise and the Boise Bicycle Project are asking residents to imagine another way: streets that put pedestrians and cyclists first.

Bikers and cars make their way up N. 8th Street in downtown Boise, Idaho. The Boise Bicycle Project wants residents to reimagine some of the citys streets as a haven for walkers and bikers.

Theyre testing this idea with Boises first-ever Open Streets event, part of an international project that temporarily closes streets to motorized traffic and opens them to walkers and bikers. Open Streets allows for reimagining urban spaces and advocating for more livable and inclusive cities, according to the Boise Bicycle Projects website.

Youre walking in the middle of the street, and this is usually not a space thats safely open to you, Devin McComas, the director of the Boise Bicycle Project, told the Idaho Statesman by phone. The event, he said, is about envisioning that this is how the street looks shut down, and this is how it looks when a neighborhood is fully using it.

Featuring everything from a circus performer to a pedal-powered disco to a presentation about how to load your bike onto a public bus, the event is an outgrowth of Boises annual Goathead Fest, a parade, street festival and initiative to remove spiky goatheads  invasive puncture vines known to wreak havoc on bicycle tires, bare feet and pet paws  from the citys streets, according to the Boise Bicycle Projects website.

Sundays Open Streets event is an outgrowth of the pedal-powered, wonderfully weird, bona fide Boise Goathead Fest, a celebration of bike culture and removal of a spiky, invasive species, organizer Boise Bicycle Project says.

Boise will join more than 500 cities worldwide, and about 130 in the U.S., that host Open Streets events annually, according to a Boise Bicycle Project news release.

The event is set to close Latah Street on Sunday afternoon from about Emerald to Cassia streets, according to the release.

The Boise Bicycle Project is encouraging participants to commute to the event on a bike bus: a group of bikers who meet up in advance and follow a planned route to a destination. There are bike bus meetup spots around the city. Participants can find more information on the organizations website.

Surge in deadly Boise crashes spurs changes to protect bikers, walkers. Whats coming

Can you imagine this busy highway corridor in Boise as a walkable, bikeable neighborhood?

It cant continue this way: One Boise mans vigilante effort to stop speeding on the Greenbelt
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.
We have heard a whole lot over the past eight years about the need to revitalize blue-collar America.

But factories don't operate because presidents dump billions of borrowed dollars into places chosen for politically strategic reasons. Widgets don't get made and the supply chain doesn't keep churning along because the president orders itno, not even if he uses the word "hereby."

Mostly, the economy spins ever onward because individuals show up for work and produce something that other peopletheir employers, customers, clients, donors, etc.value and are willing to pay for, and then they do it again the next day.

The much-maligned Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, which has become the center ring of America's stupidest political circus over the past week, seem to have been doing exactly that: showing up.

"They are assembling car engines at Honda, running vegetable-packing machines at Dole and loading boxes at distribution centers," The New York Times reported earlier this month. "They are paying taxes on their wages and spending money at Walmart. On Sundays they gather at churches for boisterous, joyful services in Haitian Creole."

Sen. J.D. Vance's (ROhio) recent criticisms of the Haitian immigrants in Springfield lacked "real knowledge of what the workforce situation in Ohio is," Ross McGregor, CEO of Pentaflex Inc., which makes brake and axel parts for trucks, told Kevin Williamson for a must-read essay published this week by The Dispatch.

"I don't think [Vance] really understands from a boots-on-the-ground perspective what employers are dealing with in trying to have a consistent and reliable workforce," McGregor explained. "If he were to apply a business mindset to this situation, he would see the benefit that we get from simply being able to rely on somebody coming to work every day." (Emphasis added)

A Republican Party that was less blindfolded by its nativism and less committed to reassuring its supporters that cultural change is always badas opposed to being a natural part of the modern world, and a necessary part of a functioning, dynamic economywould see an opportunity to tell a different kind of story about Springfield. After all, the Haitians in Springfield are simply the latest chapter in the story of Ohio: a story that includes waves of immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and other parts of the world who came to Ohio to take the same sort of bottom-rung jobs and begin the process of working their way up the American economic ladder.

If acknowledging the reality of the role that immigration has played in America's history is too much, a saner group of Republicans could at least have used Springfield to draw a sharp contrast with the Biden administration's views on what drives economic growth.

Take the CHIPS Act, for example. In the two years since it passed, the Biden administration's attempt to spur semiconductor manufacturing in the United States has funded 23 projects in 15 states, according to the Commerce Department. Let's be extremely generous and assume that all 23 of those projects will reach their planned conclusions, and will eventually employ thousands of Americans.

Springfield, Ohio, is not one of those 23 locations. It will not be benefitting from the Biden administration's taxpayer-funded largesse.

What are the Springfields in the rest of the United States to do? Shall they simply fold their hands and pray that certain lobbyists push the right combination of federal officials in the proper direction to ensure that the next windfall of dollars from the money printer lands in their backyard?

This is the problem with industrial policy. It might benefit the government-picked "winners" but it does nothing for the places that don't get to host ribbon-cutting events and campaign speeches. It leaves everywhere else behind.

Even though immigration is ultimately overseen by the federal government, it's a bottom-up rather than a top-down solution. Let people into the country, let them work, and they'll go where the jobs are available and where the housing is cheap. They'll go to Springfield, and places like it.

And they'll show up.

"They come to work every day. They don't cause drama. They're on time," Jamie McGregor, chief executive of McGregor Metal, a family-owned business in Springfield that fabricates parts for cars and other vehicles, told the Times.

If nothing changed, Springfield would simply experience an ongoing slide into oblivion. The city has been losing population since the 1960s and more than a fifth of those who remain are below the poverty line. Translation: Anyone who had better economic prospects somewhere else was already gone, or on their way out.

"The real story is that for 80 years we were a shrinking city, and now we're growing," a local pastor told NBC News.

In other words, immigration isn't the cause of Springfield's problems. Stagnation is.

Is the influx of thousands of foreign-born workers going to be smooth? Of course not. Some culture clash is inevitable. More workers willing to pay market rates for housing and a more competitive local economy might make life marginally more difficult for, as Williamson writes, "a reliable Trump-voting constituency: marginally employed white people on the dole."

Vance and former President Donald Trump have rushed to amplify those culture clashesand knowingly exaggerate them too, as Reason's Jacob Sullum explained yesterday. In doing so, they've demonstrated how little they understand about what make an economy work and what makes a place successful. Thriving cities, even small ones, are home to a constant churn of cooperation and competition between newcomers and natives. Places that don't grow are doomed to die.

To the parts of America that have stagnated in recent years, Democrats offer little beyond the dangled promise of federal handouts, for factories or fatter welfare checks. In reality, that means residents of Springfield end up paying for economic development that happens elsewhere.

What a tremendous opportunity that could be for Republicans. Instead, Trump and Vance are only offering magical economic thinking and a conservative-branded version of picking winners and losers. Piling more tariffs onto foreign goods won't save Springfield, and mass deportationsof legal immigrants, as Vance has threatenedwould rob the town of a productive workforce.

What the Springfields of America need is more immigration, more dynamism, and less centrally planned industrial policy. There's little hope they'll be getting it soon.

The post Immigration Is Better Than Industrial Policy appeared first on Reason.com.
For months, Javier Palomarez urged the Biden campaign to shift its messaging toward Latinos. A former Obama adviser, Palomarez thought President Joe Bidens team focused too much on immigration and identity politics, and not enough on the economy. In May, a survey of U.S. Hispanic Business Council members  of which Palomarez serves as president and CEO  confirmed his concerns: When asked who they plan to support in the presidential election, Trump had a 10-point lead, 43% to 33%.

Now, four months later, Vice President Kamala Harris sits atop the Democratic ticket, and she is taking a different tack when approaching Latino voters: hammering a middle-class message on the economy, while speaking about immigration only sparingly.

Im delighted with where Kamalas campaign is going, Palomarez said. Hispanics are not a monolith. Were concerned about all the things every other American is concerned about.

Harris approach was on full display Wednesday, when she appeared at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institutes leadership summit in Washington, D.C. Her 25-minute speech focused almost exclusively on the economy, laying out her plan to combat housing shortages, lower costs and expand health care. When she mentioned immigration, it was only in passing, calling into question former President Donald Trumps promise of mass deportations. And when discussing Latino identity, it was only to draw a connection to her own middle-class upbringing, as the daughter of an immigrant mother.

I know where I come from, Harris told Latino politicians, business leaders and other attendees gathered at the conference. We have to put the middle class first. We have to put working families first, understanding their dreams, their desires and their ambitions deserve to be invested in, and it will benefit everyone.

The messaging strategy is a sharp deviation from Bidens efforts to court the Latino vote. In the final months of Bidens campaign, he made a hard push for Latino voters: His campaign launched the Latinos Con Biden-Harris initiative much earlier than other Latino outreach programs in past presidential cycles, and his campaign spent millions on Spanish and Spanglish advertising.

But Bidens message was largely focused on immigration and Latino identity, knocking Trump for his approach on both. In a Univision Radio interview in Nevada in March, Biden claimed Trump despises Latinos  while adding that Biden, on the other hand, understands Latino values. He frequently chided Trump over his past comments on immigrants and immigration, as well as critiquing Trumps immigration policy.

He says immigrants are poisoning the blood of this country, separated children from parents at the border, caged the kids, planned mass deportations systems, Biden said in March. We have to stop this guy. We cant let this happen. We are a nation of immigrants.

Focusing on immigration was seen as a key way to win over Latino voters, especially in Western battlegrounds like Arizona and Nevada. In a March memo written by Julie Chavez Rodriguez, then Bidens campaign adviser, proposals to fix our broken immigration system and secure the border were listed atop the issues that matter most to Western voters.

Now, several months later, Harris appeal to Latinos has sidestepped discussing immigration almost entirely  a message Palomarez endorses. Immigration is not the top issue to us, he said. Its important, but its not at the top. The economy is.

Harris has acted accordingly. In visits to Latino-heavy swing states like Arizona and Nevada, she has keyed in on a race-neutral economic plan, emphasizing it would benefit all Americans.

Emilia Pablo, Harris Nevada Latino Media Press Secretary, emphasized Harris plans on health care and housing to help Nevadans not just get by, but get ahead.

All across Nevada, Latinos are rallying behind the vice president because shes always fought for us, Pablo said.

One aspect of that plan  her housing policy  is a brilliant way to target Latinos, said Mike Madrid, a longtime Republican consultant.

How do you have a Latino housing plan without saying its a Latino housing plan? Madrid, author of The Latino Century: How Americas Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy, told Politico. The answer, and they nailed this masterfully, was by saying this housing plan is specifically targeted to those that have never owned a home or come from homeowners in their families. That policy, Madrid added, will overwhelmingly benefit Latinos.

That was the message Harris gave to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute on Wednesday. In her speech, she repeated her plan to help the middle class. She spoke about plans to lower grocery costs by ending price gauging; to incentivize home buying by offering down payment assistance; and to lower taxes for families by expanding the child tax credit. At times, she specifically referenced Latinos, like while mentioning the Biden-Harris administrations work to lower insulin costs: First of all, Latinos are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, she said.

But her message was largely focused on the middle class, not individual ethnic groups.

I see an America where everyone has an opportunity to own a home, to build wealth, to start a business, she said.

Harris mentioned immigration only twice during her speech: when talking about her mother, a South Asian immigrant; and to call into question the logistics of Trumps mass deportation plans.

Hows that going to happen? Harris said. Massive raids? Mass detention camps? What are they talking about?

Harris has gone mum on immigration, perhaps, because her current strategy is both unpopular among swing voters and her own progressive base. But the overall messaging switch  to push the economy, not immigration or identity politics  has seemed to work among Latino voters: her entry into the race coincided with a new jolt of enthusiasm among Latinos, and she quickly coalesced support from a wide swath of Biden-skeptical Latino voters.

It should not surprise anybody that after Kamala Harris made a 180-degree turn away from racial identity politics, started talking about housing and economic policy in those terms, and adopted essentially a Republican plan on border security, her numbers started to immediately correct back into the normal historical range, Mike Madrid told Politico.

On Wednesday, the message seemed to resonate: Harris speech earned loud, prolonged applause from her largely Hispanic audience, and just outside the auditorium, attendees lingered to praise her speech.

I think she obviously understands that the majority of Latinos are, in fact, working class people, said Gilbert Burgos, the interim president of the National Hispanic Medical Association. Those are the people that will, for the most part, benefit from the policies that shes trying to move forward.
Ginobeba Obregon, 34, of Immokalee, faces misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after authorities say she left a 6-month-old schnauzer dog named Bigotes in 110-degree weather.

An Immokalee woman faces misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after authorities say she left a 6-month-old schnauzer dog named Bigotes in 110-degree weather.

Ginobeba Obregon, 34, faces one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty.

According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, detectives with their Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance arrested Obregon on Tuesday after an investigation found she left the puppy in a hot pickup for over an hour while she shopped.

Detectives said Bigotes appeared in distress, although he was not injured and appeared to be in good health after the incident.

Child abuse arrest: Naples man arrested for video voyeurism, accused of filming minor at Coastland Center

Bigotes was on the center armrest, panting heavily, when deputies arrived at a Naples shopping plaza around 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The sheriff's office said the pickups engine was off and the windows were slightly cracked.

Sheriff's deputies assisted firefighters in getting Bigotes out of the pickup as the inside temperature reached 110 degrees.

According to authorities, Obregon told sheriff's deputies she left Bigotes inside the pickup for 30 minutes while she shopped at a boutique in the plaza.

The sheriff's office said a concerned citizen told sheriff's deputies she first observed the small white dog inside the pickup at 12:54 p.m. When she returned to the pickup at 1:56 p.m., Bigotes was still in distress inside the vehicle and contacted the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office investigation revealed Bigotes was left unattended inside the pickup for at least one hour and 15 minutes.

Obregon is next due in court Oct. 9 for her arraignment.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Immokalee woman accused of leaving puppy inside pickup
Incorrect mail-in ballots sent to more than 7,000 Virginia Beach homes, officials say

VIRGINIA BEACH  City officials are advising residents in certain districts to shred mail-in ballots that were sent to them in error.

Incorrect ballots were mailed to roughly 7,400 homes on Wednesday, according to the city.

Candidates for City Council in Districts 3 and 7, as well as School Board candidates in District 4, were printed in the wrong order on the mail-in ballots, also known as absentee ballots.

The Voter Registrars Office first heard about the issue late Wednesday night. Candidates and residents were notified Thursday.

Roughly 26,000 mail-in ballots were sent this week, including the 7,400 that were incorrect, said city spokesperson Ali Weatherton.

The citys vendor is reprinting corrected ballots for those specific districts, and affected voters will receive a letter explaining the error.

The vendor is reprinting ballots for City Council Districts 3 and 7 and School Board District 4. They will be mailed Saturday.

In-person early voting, which begins Friday, is not impacted, according to the city.

Residents who receive the incorrect ballot are being told to shred it or return the ballot to the office unmarked. If a resident sends the wrong ballot back, it will be hand-counted, according to the city.

757 Votes: The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2024 election guide

Virginia has specific policies that must be followed regarding the order of candidates listed on the ballot. The list order is determined by the time that the candidate files to run for the seat.

The Voter Registrars Office and Department of Elections proof the ballots before distribution, according to the city.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
Incredible moth spotted in England for the first time in 50 years: 'It gives a bit of hope for the future'

The Norfolk snout, an incredibly rare type of moth, has been spotted in England for the first time in more than half a century, the Guardian reported.

With its distinctive bulging "nose," the Norfolk snout may have fallen victim to overzealous collectors when it was declared extinct in Britain in 1971. Now, it has reemerged after Stoke Holy Cross residents Dave and Pauline Jones found one in the humane moth trap they had set up in their yard.

The Joneses at first didn't recognize the rare insect, understandably, and had to get the identification confirmed by experts.

"It's really exciting," moth expert and author James Lowen told the Guardian. "My hunch is that it has been here undetected.  Dave and Pauline Jones deserve lots of credit for looking at it critically. When things are going extinct everywhere and you find something that isn't going extinct after all, it's great. It gives a bit of hope for the future that this little thing has clung on and we're not clever enough to have found it until now."

The Norfolk snout is not the only species that was presumed locally extinct but has resurfaced recently. In California, the Southern California steelhead trout has slowly started to reemerge after facing extinction. Experts have lauded local conservation groups' efforts to preserve its natural habitat, allowing for the comeback.

Back in England, the large tortoiseshell butterfly also recently reappeared after a 60-year absence. This, too, is being taken as a positive sign of overall ecosystem health.

Some larger animals have also begun to reappear, too, such as tigers in Thailand. The surge in populations of these predators has been linked to the rise in prey populations, showing how the whole ecosystem is connected.

What all of these stories show us is that, although human activity has done immense harm to the environment, it is not too late to reverse course. Even in cases where certain species appear to have been wiped out completely, restoring their habitats has the potential to allow these endangered species to thrive once again.

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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  An independent review board has found Reverend Michael Swierz unsuitable for ministry, according to a Thursday release from the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

Earlier in the year, the Diocese announced Swierz was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation referencing an incident that occurred in the 1980s during his time at Saint Rose Parish in Girard. Swierz then resigned in June.

Following the Dioceses investigation, the findings were presented to an independent review board, whose task was to review the information and to present to Bishop David Bonnar a recommendation concerning suitability for ministry of Father Swierz.

2024-9-19-Bishop-Bonnar-letter-to-St.-Patrick-ParishDownload

The Independent Review Board is comprised of mostly lay people, with one experienced and

respected pastor of the Diocese, according to the release. Board members have expertise in the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults, the release adds.

The board determined the information shared showed a disturbing pattern of behavior, including serious boundary violations with minors, manipulation and abuse of power.

It unanimously agreed in its recommendation to Bishop Bonnar that Father Swierz is unsuitable for ministry, and, therefore, should not be allowed to return to active ministry.

The release states Swierz was informed of the boards recommendation.

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It is imperative in this difficult and painful moment that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and

behold his presence, for we believe that he is the way, the truth and life, said Bishop David Bonnar.

The case must now be forwarded to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, a department of the Roman Curia in charge of religious discipline of the Catholic Church.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
The News

European countries bought India-made artillery shells and sent the munitions to Ukraine to use in its fight against Russia, according to a Reuters investigation. India, one of Russias largest partners in trade, has done nothing to intervene in the redirections, which have been going on for more than a year, according to the report.

Russian officials seemingly protested to India about the transfers on at least two occasions, according to Reuters. Indias foreign ministry pushed back on the report, saying it was speculative and misleading.

India has sought to distance itself from the war, routinely abstaining from United Nations votes critical of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited both countries earlier this year, outwardly touting a peace message but also spotlighting the diplomatic tightrope India is trying to walk between Russia and the West.
Artillery ammunition manufactured in India is being diverted to Ukraine "despite protests from Moscow," Reuters reported on Sept. 19, citing customs data and nearly a dozen Indian and European government and defense industry officials.

One of Russia's strategic allies, India has maintained its close economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow since February 2022, with bilateral trade reaching a historic high in 2023.

India has publicly said it has not sent or sold artillery shells directly to Ukraine, but multiple sources told Reuters that New Dehli "has not taken any action to throttle the supply" to European countries, from where the munitions are diverted to Ukraine.

Indian-made shells have been flowing into Ukraine via Europe for over a year, according to Reuters.

Three Indian officials told Reuters that the Kremlin "has raised the issue on at least two occasions, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart."

Other sources told Reuters that India was producing a small fraction of the total ammunition being used by Ukraine, "with one official estimating that it was under 1% of the total arms imported by Kyiv" since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Reuters could not determine if the Indian munitions were resold or donated to Kyiv by European partners, but Czechia and Italy are thought to be among the countries delivering Indian-manufactured arms to Ukraine.

Czechia unveiled its initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine jointly with partners earlier this year amid shell shortages caused mainly by delays in U.S. assistance.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky told the Kyiv Independent in July that the initiative had secured funds for 500,000 rounds and hopes to finance 300,000 more by the end of 2024.

Several countries, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Canada, and the Netherlands, have since contributed funds to the Czech initiative. In February, Der Spiegel reported that Germany was conducting negotiations to procure ammunition from India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyiv on Aug. 23, marking the first time an Indian prime minister set foot in Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established over 30 years ago.

The visit came just weeks after Modi's trip to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Read also: Arms depot in Russias Tver Oblast built to withstand nuclear explosion heavily damaged by Ukrainian drones

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(L-R Back): Shehryar Ali, SVP and Country Manager for East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard; Lenin Oyuga, Head of Telco Commercial and Partnerships, Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Mastercard; Aliya Khanbhai, Tribe Lead for Next Financial Services Wealth and Insurance at Safaricom Plc; and Victor Odada, Head of M-Pesa Payments at Safaricom Plc. (L-R Front): Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA at Mastercard and Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom Plc. The executives signed an agreement between Mastercard and Safaricom Plc that will enhance payment acceptance and cross-border remittance services to over 636,000 M-PESA merchants in Kenya. (Photo: AETOSWire).

(L-R Back): Shehryar Ali, SVP and Country Manager for East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard and Victor Odada, Head of M-Pesa Payments at Safaricom Plc. (L-R Front): Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA at Mastercard and Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom Plc. The executives signed an agreement between Mastercard and Safaricom Plc that will enhance payment acceptance and cross-border remittance services to over 636,000 M-PESA merchants in Kenya. (Photo: AETOSWire).

(L-R) Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA at Mastercard and Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom Plc commemorating the agreement between Mastercard and Safaricom Plc that will enhance payment acceptance and cross-border remittance services to over 636,000 M-PESA merchants in Kenya. (Photo: AETOSWire).

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 19, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Safaricom and Mastercard have signed a partnership to accelerate the adoption of payment acceptance and cross-border remittance services in Kenya. This collaboration is set to benefit over 636,000 merchants using M-PESA, Safaricoms leading mobile money service.

Kenyas payment acceptance market continues to grow, with mobile wallet payments driven by M-PESA showing a 12.7% CAGR between 2020 and 2024. Leveraging M-PESAs extensive merchant network and Mastercards global payment infrastructure, this partnership will make more seamless, secure, and scalable payment solutions available to merchants, enabling them to serve customers across global markets. The partnership will also boost remittance services, streamlining cross-border transactions efficiently.

"We are proud to partner with Safaricom to build an inclusive digital economy that works for everyone, everywhere. We will enable the merchants to grow and contribute to the Kenyan economy," said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, EEMEA, Mastercard.

By embedding Mastercards omnichannel acceptance solutions across M-PESAs merchant space, the partnership is scaling digital payments across Kenya. Furthermore, by integrating Mastercards infrastructure, Safaricom will enhance cross-border money transfers, providing faster, more reliable transfers, while advancing its ability to support merchants in accepting digital payments.

"This collaboration with Mastercard unlocks new opportunities for M-PESA merchants, aligning with our mission to deliver innovative, customer-centric products. By combining our expertise with Mastercards global acceptance network, we are enabling businesses to provide more efficient and frictionless payment solutions to their customers, both in Kenya and beyond," said Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer, Safaricom Plc.

Safaricom and Mastercard are committed to foster innovation and financial inclusion within Kenyas evolving digital landscape. The first initiatives are expected to roll out in the coming months, advancing Safaricoms journey toward securing its acquiring license and providing merchants with cutting-edge digital payment solutions.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) www.mastercard.com

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Story continues

About Safaricom

Safaricom is the leading telecommunication company in East Africa. Our purpose is to transform lives by connecting people to people, people to opportunities, and people to information. We keep over 41 million customers connected and play a critical role in society, supporting over one million jobs both directly and indirectly. Our total economic value was estimated at KES 362 billion ($3.2 billion) for the 12 months through March 2021.

Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and with annual revenues of close to KES 264 billion ($2.9 billion) as at March 2021. Safaricom provides connectivity through a wide range of technology, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G in aggregate, covering over 99% of Kenyas population.

We run the worlds largest mobile payment system and Africas largest Fintech, M-PESA, the worlds first mobile money transfer system. By empowering over 28 million customers to transact, save or borrow money through their mobile phones, M-PESA has driven financial inclusion in Kenya to more than 82% of the adult population from a low of 25% and generated over KES 82.65 billion ($826 million) in revenue as at FY21.

Our subsidiary, Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia, plans to deploy a world-class network and services by mid-2022 to contribute to Ethiopias digital transformation.

Safaricom is an equal opportunity employer, actively recruiting staff from different backgrounds reflecting the communities that we serve. We are committed to equal gender representation at all levels. Our target is to achieve 50:50 senior management gender parity by 2025.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we continue to work towards improving energy and resource efficiency in our network and facilities to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption. We remain committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon-emitting company by 2050.

For more details, please visit www.safaricom.co.ke

For news, please visit: https://www.safaricom.co.ke/about/media-center/publications/press-release

For media-ready photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/safaricom_pr

*Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240919122413/en/

Contacts

Kanyi L. Mwangi, Communications Director

Kanyi.Mwangi@mastercard.com

Safaricom PR & Corporate Communications

Phone: +254722005211

PRComms@Safaricom.co.ke
How Indiana renters can get back as much of their security deposit as possible

In Indiana, landlords must return a tenants security deposit within 45 days if the rental property is left as good as it was found, excluding normal wear and tear, and the tenant provides a new forwarding address in writing.

But an IndyStar story found that what constitutes "ordinary wear and tear" on a property can be a gray area.

Former Butler University students and their parents accuse Weybright Management, a landlord that owns more than 90 homes near Butler's campus and other Indiana universities, of trying to squeeze thousands of dollars out of tenants to pay for routine maintenance.

Investigation: Major landlord near Butler tries to take students' security deposits. Then he charges more.

Landlords can funnel security deposit money toward unpaid rents, unpaid utility fees outlined in the lease and costs for repairing damages, but they must send tenants a detailed list of expenses within the same 45-day period. The Indiana Supreme Court has said landlords should aim to provide a detailed notice of damages "at the earliest opportunity" to encourage a dialogue with tenants and to prevent their dispute from going to small claims court, legal experts say.

It's unlawful for landlords to use a deposit to pay for general maintenance to the property due to normal wear and tear, experts with the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society, a network of attorneys who provide pro bono legal support to tenants, told IndyStar.

Tenants can do several things to improve their chances of receiving back most or all of their security deposit, according to legal advocates at ILAS and Housing4Hoosiers.

How Indiana renters can get back a security deposit

Before moving in, take photos and videos of the entire unit. Be sure to highlight any areas of concern.

Before moving out, thoroughly clean the property, leaving it at least as clean as you found it. Look for specific provisions in the lease about cleaning expectations. In a Weybright lease provided to IndyStar, for example, tenants agreed to clean the oven and the range; to leave the refrigerator defrosted, open and unplugged; to wash and wax floors; to clean the tub and sinks; and to shampoo any carpet with a specific brand of carpet cleaner or by hiring a certified private company.

Remove all your trash and belongings from the unit, even small items like silverware. Return any door or mailbox keys, access cards and parking passes to the landlord.

Make any needed repairs that you can while adhering to your lease.

Take photos and videos of the unit before moving out. Ask your landlord to walk through the property with you and see if you agree on the move-out condition. If you reach an agreement, list any damages in writing and ensure the list is signed and dated by both you and your landlord. Store the document until you get your money back.

More: 8 places to get help with landlord disputes in Indiana

Email IndyStar Housing, Growth and Development Reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana renters' rights for security deposits
One week after the Indianapolis police chief said his department is operating with the smallest force in the metro police department's history, the head of the city's police union presented his recommendations to address ongoing staffing woes.

The city budgets for just fewer than 1,750 officers. About 300 of those jobs are currently vacant. Mayor Joe Hogsett has tried without success to increase police staffing since he won his second term in 2019.

"We've been running on fumes. Our professional police officers have been making this work," Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police president Rick Snyder said during a Wednesday press conference. "They've been holding it together. They're tired. They're worn out."

Rick Snyder, president of the Indianapolis police union, discusses the officer shortage.

Snyder presented five recommendations to bolster and retain Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department ranks. The FOP's proposals, dubbed Operation Firewall, include increasing officer pay, extending shifts to create personnel overlap and getting backup support from Indiana State Police.

The FOP presentation comes as cities across the country are dealing with low police staffing. Attorney General Merrick Garland identified police recruitment and retention as top priorities last year, according to reporting from USA Today.

IMPD's ranks have dwindled while the city's population has grown. As veteran officers reach mandatory retirement age, they aren't being replaced with younger recruits. Some officers have left for other departments that offer more generous salaries and recruitment bonuses.

"We always say, 'well, it's happening everywhere in the nation,'" Snyder said on Wednesday. "Go tell that to the mom who just lost her child at 38th and College overnight. She doesn't care what's going on in the nation. She cares what's going on in Indianapolis."

The full list of Operation Firewall recommendations presented Wednesday:

Increase officers' base pay . IMPD officers who have been with the department for 15 years can expect to earn about $84,000 in base pay. Indiana state troopers, by comparison, earn $112,000 in their 15th year of service.

Lengthen shifts by two hours . Police currently work eight-hour shifts. Increasing officers' workdays by two hours will create overlapping shifts, so more officers will be working during busier times.

Supplement IMPD with backup from Indiana State Police. IMPD isn't the only law enforcement agency in Marion County, but they're all stretched thin, according to Snyder. IMPD called in reinforcements from ISP to help break up illegal street takeovers last weekend, and a longer-term partnership would quickly bring more officers to Indianapolis.

Collect fees for event security . During sporting events, concerts and conventions, officers are called away from their regular beats to direct traffic and patrol crowds. Snyder characterized this practice as publicly-funded private protection. He said that by charging a $3 fee to each Gainbridge Fieldhouse concertgoer, the city could have raised $1.6 million in 2023.

Increase chief pay: Chris Bailey is the fourth IMPD chief to serve since 2016. He made about $141,000 in 2023. Louisville's police chief makes almost $100,000 more annually. "We fear we are on the cusp of losing our chief of police and other IMPD executive staff to other communities who value such leadership and stability," Snyder said.

'Full accountability': Indy police union says it won't defend officers accused of sex crimes

The police shortage threatens public safety and officers' morale, Snyder said Wednesday. Low staffing also led the city to spend about $20 million on police overtime last year  more than eight times the budgeted amount.

The city's proposed 2025 budget would allocate about $338 million to IMPD, compared to about $324 million this year. IMPD requested funding for 1,743 officers in addition to money for more employee resources and civilian staff.

"IMPD is dedicated to creating an environment where officers and professional staff feel supported and empowered to perform their jobs effectively," a statement from IMPD read in part.

The FOP's contract with the city is set to expire at the end of this year. Negotiations for a new contract are ongoing, and terms will remain confidential until an agreement is reached.

Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. Contact her at rhmurphy@gannett.com or 317-800-2956.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police union seeks higher pay, state patrol support
JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesia's tax agency is investigating an alleged data breach that exposed the taxpayer identification numbers of millions of Indonesians, including President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, his ministers and his two sons, an official said.

A series of cyber-attacks have hit Indonesian companies and government agencies in the past few years, which experts attribute to the government's lax protection on personal data.

Teguh Aprianto, a cybersecurity expert, posted a screenshot on social media platform X on Wednesday containing the samples of national identity and taxpayer identification numbers of 6 million Indonesians, including Jokowi's and some of his ministers.

The tax agency is looking into the "circulating information of a data breach," Dwi Astuti, an official with the agency said late on Wednesday without providing details.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the legitimacy of the data breach. Jokowi said on Thursday that data breaches also happen in other countries and urged the relevant ministries to mitigate the problems imminently, state news Antara reported.

Teguh told Reuters exposing taxpayer data could attract targeted attacks from scam operations, which "could result in material or immaterial loss," adding it could also expose people's earnings or transactions data.

The alleged breach follows a ransomware attack in June that paralysed several government services such as immigration and operations at major airports, prompting the government to conduct an audit.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia and Stanley Widianto; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Tommasz Janowski)
(This story has been updated to add new information.)

An initial DNA test conducted on a body believed to be Joseph Couch, the suspected gunman in the Interstate 75 shooting that left five people injured in Laurel County, Kentucky, has come back inconclusive, officials announced Thursday.

According to a news release from the Kentucky State Police's Justice and Safety Cabinet, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralston said the Kentucky State Medical Examiner's Office conducted a soft tissue test on the body found Wednesday, but could not confirm its identity. The office will conduct a bone-based DNA test Friday, with results expected to be returned within 24-48 hours.

Ralston confirmed the cause of death is consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A toxicology test is also being conducted to determine if any drugs were present in the body's system.

An official autopsy report will not be made available until toxicology tests return, officials said.

Did Kentucky authorities find Joseph Couch in Laurel County?

Federal, state and local law enforcement continue a manhunt for suspected highway shooter, Joseph Couch, in the wooded area along I-75 about 8 miles north of London, Ky. on Sep. 9, 2024. This view is looking north of exit 49.

Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said Wednesday night that detectives are still investigating, but "articles associated with the body," including a weapon that was not specified, suggest the remains could belong to Couch.

Burnett Jr. said two residents, Fred and Sheila McCoy, were searching in the forested area for Couch behind Exit 49 when they crossed paths with a group of Kentucky State Police troopers. The troopers had detected a pungent odor, and shortly after, the group stumbled upon the body.

In a statement released Thursday morning, Kentucky state Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, thanked law enforcement and Fred and Sheila McCoy for their efforts, saying the search for Couch has likely concluded.

"Upon official confirmation from law enforcement, I hope we can finally put to rest the fears that have gripped our community for nearly two weeks," Storm said. "Im eager for a sense of normalcy to return to our lives and will be relieved to know our students, teachers, and school personnel can return to school free from the fear this cowardly man brought into their lives.

My prayers remain with all who were harmed by his violent actions."

Where was Joseph Couch located?

Authorities have been looking for Couch since Sept. 7 following a shooting that left five people wounded and 12 cars pierced with bullet holes. They located a body nearly 12 days later after scouring thousands of acres of rugged and densely wooded terrain in the Daniel Boone National Forest, where authorities believed Couch was hiding. Tuesday, officials announced that the manhunt efforts would be scaled back and resources would be reallocated toward community centers.

Commonwealth's Attorney Jackie Steele, the felony prosecutor for Laurel County, charged Couch in the incident with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault. Officials located Couch with the help of the McCoy's, near Exit 49 off I-75 in Laurel County.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Joseph Couch: Initial DNA test on body found in KY inconclusive
The Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union blasted the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster as an unsafe prison after inmates attacked five correction officers on Wednesday night.

Two of the correction officers suffered multiple stab wounds after being assaulted by incarcerated individuals inside the maximum-security facility, while three other officers were hurt while responding to the attack, the Massachusetts Department of Correction said.

All five officers, whose names werent released, were taken to nearby hospitals. There was no immediate word on the severity of their injuries, but the union said at least one of the officers was stabbed in the back and head.

In a statement released after the attack, the union said, Massachusetts Department of Correction, ENOUGH! Its been four years since you authorized the use of the tactical units and did a thorough institution-wide search! How much more do our members have to endure before you decide to keep them safe? The inmates are literally running the asylum. Do your jobs.

The facility was ultimately secured after the officers were rushed away for treatment and an investigation into the attack was launched. A heavy police presence remained outside the prison on Thursday morning.

Earlier this month, the Boston Herald reported that nearly 40 homemade, sharpened weapons were found inside the same prison.

A total of 38 manufactured weapons were seized after a prison guard was exposed to a synthetic cannabinoid and knocked unconscious, according to the newspaper.

Wednesdays attack remains under investigation.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Laura Loomer, a controversial right-wing figure, tried a dog food product on her show to promote it (Laura Loomer / X)

Earlier this month, right-wing political activist Laura Loomer posted a video tasting a dog food product that she claimed came from an amazing company - one that has pushed MAGA ideals and is a favorite on the conservative-favored platform Rumble.

The product, a dog food topper, comes from a company called Pawsitive, which has ties to other companies that promote ideas such as anti-vaccine rhetoric and hypermasculinity, which are often associated with far-right conservatives.

In the video, Loomer informs viewers that the dog food supplement is 100 percent human grade made from bison organs.

She positively highlights that it comes from protected Canadian bison so there are no hormones and no vaccines given to the bison.

It tastes like meat, Loomer said after sticking her hand in the bag and sprinkling a pinch of the dog food in her mouth. It actually tastes good.

It is unclear if Pawsitive paid Loomer to try the dog product or if she decided to do that on her own while promoting it.

I just ate dog food.



Its human grade. Which means you and your dog can share a tasty, nutrient dense treat together.



Order yours today: https://t.co/0m4u4NZzX3



pic.twitter.com/t86mpIEZXv  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 7, 2024

The Independent has reached out to Pawsitive for comment.

The video, which received approximately one million views on X, sparked some conversation about the company behind the dog food product and how Loomer  a close confidant of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump  came to love it so much.

Pawsitive is a Rumble-exclusive brand, but its website indicates its parent company is Stardust Group, which is founded and operated by entrepreneur Foster Coulson, Vanity Fair was the first to report.

Stardust Group is behind several other Rumble-exclusive brands such as 5GFree, a company that sells supplements and badges which supposedly protect against electromagnetic field exposure. (The World Health Organization says that theres no evidence that low-level electromagnetic field exposure is harmful.)

Other companies include 1175 Coffee, a free-speech promoting coffee brand, Unjected, a dating app for people who did not get Covid-19 vaccines and BeNaked, a supplement company that claims to be A Celebration of True Manhood.

Donald Trump and Laura Loomer pose at LIV golf event in August 2023. She promoted a dog food from a company that promotes many MAGA ideals (Laura Loomer / X)

The idea of alpha males or hypermasculinity is a popular concept among conservatives. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson released a documentary called The End of Men, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley wrote a book titled Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs.

Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump and could have a spot in his administration, elevated concerns about social media platforms censoring conservative ideals. One of the reasons he claimed he purchased Twitter was to create a less censored platform. Since then, hes found himself generating controversy with ideas he promotes. Recently, it was replacing government officials with high status males.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also endorsed Trump and is part of his presidential transition team, has long touted anti-vaccine opinions and spread misinformation about the pharmaceutical industry.

Though making pet food more bison-forward is not a platform of Trump allies, its unsurprising Loomer has teamed up with Pawsitive given its parent companys history.

Loomer is a controversial figure in Trumps orbit. She recently made racist statements about Vice President Kamala Harris that earned the ire of Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. But Trump has given Loomer a seat at his table, using her to help him prepare for the second presidential debate and traveling to events with her.

Her presence has escalated concerns within the Republican Party.
The overarching message was one of hope, which is perhaps surprising for a forum on solving world hunger.

Sharon Eubank, director of Latter-day Saint Charities and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Barron Segar, president and CEO of World Food Program USA, spoke to a packed audience on the BYU Campus on Thursday night at a forum hosted by the Ballard Center for Social Impact.

Ballard Center Director Eva Witesman sat down with Eubank and Segar to talk about how collaboration between the two organizations assists those in need. The Church of Jesus Christ and the World Food Program have been working together for more than 10 years, in almost 50 countries.

Segar was forthright and said that the churchs support is saving hundreds of millions of lives every year.

The church is our most important partner, he said, reiterating what he said earlier this year when he was in Utah.

In addition to an aspirational message, he also shared stark data: One in every three people in the world faces food insecurity, over 300 million people are suffering from hunger and of those, 37 million are facing famine. Today, the No. 1 driver of hunger is war and conflict around the world. And, as always, Segar said, the most vulnerable are the hungriest, specifically women and children.

Eubank was asked why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has chosen hunger as a top priority. After spending several years researching what would make the biggest difference, Latter-day Saint leaders determined that focusing on birth to age 5 would have the most impact. Children need to survive birth and their mothers need to survive birth. They need access to clean water and enough nutritious food that their brains can develop appropriately during that critical five-year window, and then they need to get started at school.

Local needs

Eubank and Segar also talked about local needs. There are hungry people in Provo, just as there are in Liberia. While there are differences, to be sure, there are also similarities: The people who live in each place have dreams and aspirations for themselves and for their children. Kids in Liberia dream of becoming teachers and doctors, engineers and police officers. The admonition to love thy neighbor as thyself applies equally to those close to us and those far away, they said.

Eubank was even more direct. You are more important than you realize, right where you live, she said. Often, she said, people think they need to travel internationally to be powerful in a humanitarian setting, but at home you speak the language, you know the culture and you can be involved in issues you care about every single day. What gets me more excited than any foreign location, she said, is what we can do in our own communities.

At the conclusion of the evening, Jill Piacitelli, associate director for the Ballard Center, and Rebecca Middleton, chief advocacy and engagement officer for World Food Program USA, took a few minutes to talk to BYU students about turning inspiration into action.

First of all, Middleton explained, there are at least three paths into having social impact. The first is a career in the field. The second is applying the lens of social impact to any job. And the third is being a person in the community. There is something for everyone, she said, and taking the first, small step can be transformational.

Piacitelli and Middleton shared three ways to get started. First, students were invited to learn and take action on the global hunger problem by going to a new initiative from the World Food Program, currently in its soft launch stage: Zero Hunger Generation.

Second, students were invited to get involved in their local community by searching for local service opportunities on the JustServe website.

Third, students were invited to participate in a Ballard Center End Hunger challenge to be completed by Oct. 16, World Food Day.

I have a lot of hope, said Eubank. The world is difficult and messy and its really hard, but its problems are not unsolvable. To seek the interest of our neighbor is what were committed to, she said.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson testifies during an interim committee meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Until June, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson hadnt considered the kind of havoc signal jammers could wreak upon law enforcement operations.

Thats when his office discovered one in the back of a car.

Robinson told an interim legislative committee last week that the office got a call about a burglary in progress. Staff used camera systems within the subdivision to locate a vehicle carrying the alleged burglars.

When an officer pulled the car over, his radio and computer stopped working, according to Robinson.

Signal jammers can block Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and more  impacting devices like phones, Ring doorbells and wireless alarm systems. Robinson said the one his office discovered had a mile range.

He spoke to an interim panel focused on criminal code, asking the lawmaker-dominated body to consider a new law criminalizing importation and various uses of the devices.

One doesnt have to take this too much further to see this has other uses as well, particularly from the terrorism aspect, Robinson warned.

He offered scenarios in which bad actors could interrupt medical devices at hospitals, police communications through surveillance towers, everyday Hoosiers mobile phones via cellular towers, and even traffic flow controlled by wirelessly operated traffic signals.

Signal jammers are illegal on the federal level. The Federal Communications Commission prohibits marketing, selling or using any device that interferes with authorized radio communications.

Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, said that even prisons cant use signal jammers to kill their contraband phone problems.

Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, asked why Indiana lawmakers should look at changes when the devices are banned federally.

Robinson replied that theres no state statute giving Indiana officers immediate authority to enforce the law.

Rep. Wendy McNamara, who leads the interim panel and the Houses Courts and Criminal Code committee, said she believed Robinsons office got lucky because it could have been much worse.

But, she indicated legislation addressing the technology might not immediately move.

To be honest, I dont think we have a formal idea of how to deal with these signal jammers right now, McNamara told reporters.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  One of the many people in attendance for the open house of Woodbury Countys new Law Enforcement Center was Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

Bird spoke at the event Wednesday morning. She said the new LEC building was impressive and that the facility is a testament to the support the local community has for law enforcement.

Morningside University now offering MBA program

The attorney general also spoke on what about the new LEC stood out to her.

I think one of the things that most impressed me about the facility is the size, that it is able to take care of the needs for this community for now and for the future, Bird said. And also the use of technology in that facility will help keep people who work there safer, as well as the inmates.

Bird said the new LEC is much safer for jail workers than the current LEC.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates updated the board on efforts to review DEI programs at its Thursday meeting. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The Iowa Board of Regents is working with board staff and state universities to analyze diversity, equity and inclusion programs and positions and ensure their compliance under a state law set to take effect next summer.

President Sherry Bates said during the board meeting Thursday that she, along with Regents Greta Rouse, David Barker and JC Risewick started this summer ensuring compliance with both DEI directives put in place by the board and Senate File 2435 at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa.

These requirements do not take effect until July 1, 2025, however, we have set a deadline of Dec. 31 to complete our work, and I want to reiterate that we will complete our work by Dec. 31, Bates said.

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Passed at the end of the legislative session, Senate File 2435 set the budget for public education in Iowa and codified rules relating to DEI offices and positions at public universities. Under the law, universities cannot create, maintain or fund DEI offices unless for purposes of compliance with accreditors or state or federal law.

Universities are expected to provide annual reports to the general assembly about their compliance with the law by Dec. 1 each year. The attorney general will handle any potential violations of the law.

The involved board members, alongside board staff and university leaders, reviewed state and federal laws and accreditation standards for the colleges, Bates said, and are now conducting a unit-by-unit analysis of DEI programs and positions to identify those required by law or accreditors and those that need another look with the possibility of making changes.

We are aware there have been instances, events or programs that can be perceived as going too far, Bates said. As we learn of them, we review them in the light of the law and address them appropriately. That has been our practice in the past and will continue to be our practice in the future.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is defined in the law as any effort to manipulate or otherwise influence the composition of the faculty or student body with reference to race, sex, color, or ethnicity, apart from ensuring colorblind and sex-neutral admissions and hiring in accordance with state and federal antidiscrimination laws, as well as efforts to promote special treatment of certain groups based on race, ethnicity or color.

It is also defined as efforts to promote policies, procedures or programming developed or implemented with reference to these demographics and sexuality and gender orientation, along with attempts to put out as an official stance of a university a particular, widely contested opinion referencing unconscious or implicit bias, cultural appropriation, allyship, transgender ideology, microaggressions, group marginalization, antiracism, systemic oppression, social justice, intersectionality, neo-pronouns, heteronormativity, disparate impact, gender theory, racial privilege, sexual privilege, or any related formulation of these concepts.

Before Senate File 2435 was passed, Gov. Kim Reynolds mandated the board of regents to develop recommendations, later adopted as directives, relating to DEI offices, positions and activities on the university campuses. These included eliminating unnecessary DEI offices and positions, ensuring all services are open to all students and examining methods of encouraging diversity of thought and perspective.

In response to the directives, state universities reworked or eliminated their DEI offices and certain positions, as well as rename or otherwise change certain programs.

The board will receive a report on the most recent reviews of university programs and the universities status in coming into compliance with the law at its November meeting, Bates said. When asked for additional details on where the teams are at in their review, board spokesperson Josh Lehman said the process is still ongoing and more details will be available at the November meeting.

This will not be a static effort, Bates said. We will continue to ensure we are following the law.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio on Thursday proposed barring Chinese manufacturers from evading tariffs by setting up factories in other countries like Mexico, Vietnam or Malaysia.

Rubio accused Chinese manufacturers of shifting production to other countries that face lower U.S. tariffs, saying it allowed them "to evade tariffs and flood the U.S. market with cheap goods." A House committee raised concerns last week about a Chinese auto parts firm that may have sought to evade tariffs.

Rubio in March had proposed legislation to extend higher tariffs to vehicles produced by Chinese automakers in other countries like Mexico.

Biden administration officials have also raised concerns about Chinese companies seeking to set up factories to avoid tariffs. A U.S. manufacturing advocacy group in February warned imports from Mexico of cars made by Chinese automakers "could end up being an extinction-level event for the U.S. auto sector."

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last week, the U.S. Trade Representative's office locked in steep tariff hikes on Chinese imports, including a 100% duty on electric vehicles, to boost protections for strategic industries from China's state-driven industrial practices.

The action, which marks the end of a more than two-year review of tariffs that had been imposed by former President Donald Trump, mostly left unchanged the top-line duty increases announced in May by President Joe Biden.

The Biden administration also left in place Trump's tariffs on over $300 billion worth of Chinese goods ranging from toys and t-shirts to internet routers and industrial machinery at rates of 7.5% to 25%.

The U.S. and Mexico in July announced new steps to fight the circumvention of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum by China and other countries that ship products through Mexico, implementing a North American "melted and poured" standard for steel.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, editing by Deepa Babington)
Iran envoy Malley may have been on 'classified White House call' after clearance suspended, watchdog finds

Iran envoy Robert Malley may have taken part in a "classified conference call" with the White House after his security clearance was suspended, according to the State Department inspector generals new report.

The State Departments Office of Inspector General (OIG) did not interview Malley and could not confirm that he had been on the call, but his deputy notified a White House official that "Rob will call in" and that Malley had "accessed the controlled office where the call would have occurred."

At the time of the call, Malleys clearance had been paused over misconduct allegations, but the envoy himself had not yet been notified. Malley  a controversial Washington figure who Republicans say is friendly to Iran  had been accused of storing classified information on his personal email account and phone.

That material was later accessed by a "hostile cyber actor," according to Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, the Foreign Relations Committee ranking member, and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the House Foreign Affairs Committee chair. They revealed this information in May.

Robert Malley, Vice President for Policy of the International Crisis Group speaks during the Forum MED Mediterranean Dialogues summit in Rome, Italy on Nov. 30, 2017.

BLINKEN TRAVELS TO EGYPT FOR CEASEFIRE TALKS

The FBI is investigating whether Malley committed crimes in moving classified information over to his personal email.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

OIG found that State had "deviated" from the normal procedure of clearance suspension by not letting Malley know until senior department officials had been made aware.

Department officials also restored Malleys access to sensitive but unclassified information after they had paused his clearance, worried that he might use a personal email account to conduct government business if they did not.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, Tenn., top Republican on the subcommittee on State Department Management, accused the Biden administration of colluding with Russia after the report.

"We see growing evidence of Iran collusion by members of the Biden-Harris administration amid the FBIs reported ongoing investigation into Special Envoy for Iran Rob Malleys mishandling of classified information and news reports that Malley and other Biden-Harris administration officials were part of the Iranian regimes malign influence network known as the Iran Experts Initiative," said Hagerty.

IRAN SENT STOLEN TRUMP CAMP MATERIAL TO THE BIDEN CAMPAIGN, FBI SAYS

Two people who had been commissioned by the Iranian Foreign Ministry to bolster the regime's image in the U.S. ended up as top aides to Malley, according to a Semafor report.

"The Inspector Generals report today includes new damning revelations about the cover-up, politicization, and systemic lack of accountability in the Biden-Harris Administrations State Department."

OIG found that a "lack of standard policies for political appointees and the lack of supervision of Special Envoy Malley led to significant confusion as to what work Mr. Malley was authorized to do following the suspension."

The department also "failed to consistently notify employees who regularly interacted with Mr. Malley that he was no longer allowed to access classified information," according to the report. It did not report the allegations against Malley to OIG, as required by law.

The Biden administration made Malley special envoy to Iran in April 2021. He reported directly to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and was granted a top secret security clearance.

On April 20, 2023, the Director of the Departments Office of Personnel Security and Suitability received a referral to suspend Malleys clearance pending an investigation, and the next day the director signed off on the referral. Malley, however, was not notified until the following day, April 22.

On April 22, the department also issued an information and facility access restriction (IFAR) for Malley. Days later, his access to facilities was restored, and he was allowed to continue working on unclassified matters.

He continued working until June 29, 2023, when he was placed on leave without pay and told to cease all department work. He was told that without a clearance, he could not perform the duties of the job.

Malley retains the title of special envoy to Iran to this day, even as his employment and clearance remain suspended. He will continue to hold the title until he resigns or his clearance is officially revoked.

"Instead of taking this seriously, the State Department and the White House have tried to sweep this under the rug and bury Mr. Malleys egregious violations of our national security. These revelations are quite damning, but not surprising," House Foreign Affairs Chairman Mike McCaul and Senate Foreign Relations top Republican Jim Risch said in a joint statement.

"Congress remains in the dark on how Mr. Malleys infractions impacted the conduct of the administrations disastrous approach to Iran, or affected the safety of Americans."





Original article source: Iran envoy Malley may have been on 'classified White House call' after clearance suspended, watchdog finds
DUBAI (Reuters) - Israel will face "a crushing response from the axis of resistance", Iran's Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami told Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday according to state media, after attacks on Lebanese Hezbollah's communication devices.

The axis of resistance refers to Iran-aligned armed groups in the Middle East, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis, and Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces.

Lebanon and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for the attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday that killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, although Israel has not directly commented on the attacks, which security sources say were probably carried out by its Mossad spy agency.

"Such terrorist acts are undoubtedly the result of the Zionist regime's (Israel) despair and successive failures. This will soon be met with a crushing response from the axis of resistance and we will witness the destruction of this bloodthirsty and criminal regime," Salami said in his message to Nasrallah.

Iran and Israel often threaten each other with the destruction of their respective regimes, following decades of tensions which culminated in Iran directly launching drones and missiles on Israel last April, following a deadly Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria.

Nasrallah spoke on Thursday, saying the deadly attacks that blew up Hezbollah radios and pagers "crossed all red lines" and "could be called a declaration of war."

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom, Editing by William Maclean)
Iranian hackers sent 'stolen' Trump campaign material to individuals associated with Biden campaign: FBI

The FBI and other U.S. intelligence agencies released findings that Iranian hackers have continued efforts to influence the 2024 presidential election, with "stolen" information from former President Donald Trump's campaign being sent to individuals associated with President Joe Biden's campaign before he left the race.

"Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Biden's campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trump's campaign as text in the emails," U.S. intelligence agencies said in a statement Wednesday.

"There is currently no information indicating those recipients replied," investigators said.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump talks to journalists, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. President Joe Biden at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 2024 Phoenix Awards, Sept. 14, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

MORE: Charges expected in Iranian hack of Trump campaign: Sources

Additionally, the FBI found that the Iranian government has "continued their efforts" to send "stolen" campaign materials to media organizations.

In June, Iran launched a phishing campaign against the then Biden campaign and Trump campaign -- with the Trump campaign operation getting internal campaign materials.

In mid-August, U.S. intelligence agencies -- the FBI, CISA and ODNI -- warned of this effort, and as of now, the effort still exists, according to the agencies.

"This malicious cyber activity is the latest example of Iran's multi-pronged approach, as noted in the joint August statement, to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our electoral process," investigators said.

"As the lead for threat response, the FBI has been tracking this activity, has been in contact with the victims, and will continue to investigate and gather information in order to pursue and disrupt the threat actors responsible. Foreign actors are increasing their election influence activities as we approach November."

MORE: Suspect pleads not guilty in alleged murder-for-hire plot against Donald Trump

On Wednesday, Trump's campaign released a statement, calling for more information from the Biden-Harris administration and disclosure of the material it received and whether they used it.

"Kamala and Biden must come clean on whether they used the hacked material given to them by the Iranians to hurt President Trump. What did they know and when did they know it?" Karoline Leavitt, Trump Campaign National Press Secretary, said in a statement.

Leavitt said the hackers are interfering to help Harris and Biden "because they know President Trump will restore his tough sanctions and stand against their reign of terror."

Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein said in a statement, "We have cooperated with the appropriate law enforcement authorities since we were made aware that individuals associated with the then-Biden campaign were among the intended victims of this foreign influence operation."

"We're not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign; a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt," Finkelstein added. "We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in U.S. elections including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity."

Intelligence agencies have assessed Russia, China and Iran as the biggest peddlers of influence operations in 2024.

In a statement Wednesday, Iran's Mission to the United Nations called the intelligence angenies' findings "fundamentally unfounded, and wholly inadmissible."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran does not engage in the internal uproars or electoral controversies of the United States," the statement said.

Iranian hackers sent 'stolen' Trump campaign material to individuals associated with Biden campaign: FBI originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Iranian hackers sent stolen Trump campaign information to people associated with Biden campaign

Iranian hackers sent unsolicited information they stole from Donald Trumps presidential campaign to people who were affiliated with Joe Bidens campaign over the summer, federal law enforcement officials said Wednesday.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a joint statement that in late June and early July, Iranian malicious cyber actors sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Bidens campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trumps campaign as text in the emails.

There is no indication that Bidens staff ever replied, the statement says.

A spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris campaign said that a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails.

We have cooperated with the appropriate law enforcement authorities since we were made aware that individuals associated with the then-Biden campaign were among the intended victims of this foreign influence operation, said Morgan Finkelstein, national security spokesperson for the Harris campaign.

Were not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign; a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt. We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in U.S. elections including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity.

A campaign official told CNN that the material was not used.

The Trump campaign said in a statement that Harris and Biden must come clean on whether they used the hacked material, claiming its further proof the Iranians are actively interfering in the election to help the Democratic ticket.

During a rally Wednesday night in New York, Trump claimed without evidence that Biden was involved in the hack despite the law enforcement statement.

Iran hacked into my campaign. I dont know what the hell they found. Id like to find out, couldnt have been too exciting, but they gave it to the Biden campaign. I cant believe it  oh yes I can, he said.

Iranian government-linked hackers have also previously unsuccessfully tried to hack the Biden-Harris campaign, according to US officials and private experts, but the activity disclosed Wednesday appears to be another Iranian attempt to disseminate information stolen from the Trump campaign.

Along with Russia, Iran has emerged as one of the most aggressive foreign powers trying to influence the 2024 US presidential election, according to US intelligence officials. And in doing so, Iran is using a hack-and-leak playbook that Russia used to try to sway the 2016 US election.

During the 2016 election, Trump famously called for Russia to find tens of thousands of emails belonging to Hillary Clinton, then the Democratic presidential candidate. Russian military intelligence hackers did steal emails from Clinton campaign officials and the Democratic National Committee and sent them to WikiLeaks in a bid to undermine Clintons candidacy, according to US intelligence and Justice Department reports.

CNN previously reported that Iranian government-backed hackers this summer stole internal Trump campaign documents and shared them with news organizations. The law enforcement statement Wednesday said that the hackers efforts to send information to US media outlets have continued.

The hack is one of several efforts by the Iranian government attempting to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our electoral process, the statement said.

Beginning on July 22, Politico reported, it had received emails that contained internal communications from a senior Trump campaign official and a research dossier the campaign had put together on Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance.

The New York Times and The Washington Post later reported that they, too, had been sent a similar cache, including a 271-page document on Vance dated February 23 and labeled privileged & confidential, that the outlets said was based on publicly available information.

The Iranian hackers did breach the email account of longtime Trump ally Roger Stone to target campaign staff in June, CNN has reported. US officials believe the hackers work for Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Investigators believe the suspected Iranian hackers breached Stones account and then used that email account to try to break into the account of a senior Trump campaign official as part of a persistent effort to access campaign networks.

The Iranian government has denied US allegations that it is trying to meddle in the November election.

Already devoid of any credibility and legitimacy, such allegations are fundamentally unfounded, and wholly inadmissible. The Islamic Republic of Iran does not engage in the internal uproars or electoral controversies of the United States, the Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations said in a statement to CNN.

Russia, meanwhile, has conducted its own covert influence operations aimed at denigrating Harris campaign, according to US officials.

Russian operatives have in recent weeks intensified their online attacks on Harris campaign by producing and disseminating videos promoting outlandish conspiracy theories aimed at stoking US racial and political divisions, Microsoft researchers said this week.

At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing Wednesday on foreign meddling in US elections, tech executives from Microsoft, Meta and Google touted their work to shut down fake accounts set up by Russian, Iranian and Chinese operatives on their platforms.

But multiple lawmakers on the committee worried that not enough was being done by the tech platforms on the issue. The panel invited social media platform X to testify, but the company did not send a representative, according to Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner.

An X spokesperson told CNN in an email that its invited witness to the hearing was its former head of global affairs, Nick Pickles, who resigned on September 6.

US tech companies have made uneven progress in curbing foreign disinformation on their platforms since the 2016 election, Warner said at the hearing.

Too many of the companies have dramatically cut back on their own efforts to prohibit false information [from foreign sources], the Virginia Democrat said.

Microsoft President Brad Smith told the lawmakers that every day we know that there is a presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

But this has also become an election of Iran versus Trump, and Russia versus Harris, he added.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Kaitlan Collins, Zachary Cohen and Artemis Moshtaghian contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Iranian Hackers Sent Unsolicited Dirt on Team Trump to Team Biden, FBI Says

Malicious cyber actors from Iran dangled sensitive material about former President Donald Trumps re-election campaign in front of President Joe Bidens campaign team, according to U.S. authorities.

Three federal agencies said Wednesday that the stolen, non-public information was emailed to journalists as well as individuals associated with the Biden campaign. The operation took place over June and July this year, before the president suspended his White House bid.

There is currently no information indicating those recipients replied, read a joint statement from the FBI, CISA, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The hackers have continued their efforts since June to send stolen, non-public material associated with former President Trump's campaign to U.S. media organizations, the statement continued.

The Trump campaign said in a statement to CNN that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris must come clean on whether they used the hacked material, claiming the operation marks further proof the Iranians are actively interfering in the election to help the Democratic Party.

What did they know and when did they know it? a spokeswoman asked the BBC.

In a late-night all-caps Truth Social post, Trump accused Harris and her campaign of illegally spying on him. To be known as the Iran, Iran, Iran case! he fumed. Will Kamala resign in disgrace from politics? Will the Communist Left pick a new candidate to replace her?

Iran Is Responsible for Hacking Trump Campaign, FBI Says

A spokesperson for the Harris campaign acknowledged to CNN that a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with material that appeared to be a spam or phishing attempt. The campaign has cooperated with law enforcement as it investigated the matter.

We condemn in the strongest terms any effort by foreign actors to interfere in U.S. elections including this unwelcome and unacceptable malicious activity, the spokesperson added.

The three federal agencies first publicly linked the hacking attempt to Tehran last month, warning that it was just one of the ways Iran was hoping to stoke discord ahead of the November election.

Both the Trump and Biden administrations have previously imposed sanctions on Iran.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Donald Fernandez was appointed as the new Chief of Police for the Sonora Police Department on Sept. 17.

According to a press release from the City of Sonora, Mayor Jaunita Gomez announced the appointment following a three-month recruitment process that brought various applicants across the state of Texas.

As Chief of Police, Fernandez expressed in an interview his plans to strengthen community relations and officer support. I would like to get the agency a little bit bigger, perhaps adding a coup;e more officers through grants and incentives, said Fernandez. If my guys arent happy, the citizens we serve wont be happy either.

Born in Del Rio, Fernandez graduated from Del Rio High School in 2001 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after, completing combat training at Camp Pendleton and serving with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines at 29 Palms, California.

After ending his enlistment during the Iraq war from 2003 to 2005, Fernandez returned to Del Rio, where he later joined the Del Rio Police Department in 2007. Holding many positions including Honor Gaurd, Detective and Field Training Officer. He also served in the Army National Guard for two years, earning an Army Achievement Award.

Before joining the Sonora Police Department, Fernandez transferred to the Garland Police Department, where he was a field training officer and most notably a member of the SWAT team.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Asylum seekers in Ireland with jobs could be charged up to 238 (200) a week for state accommodation and have to pay for food and services such as WiFi.

The Irish Government is considering the plans in moves to toughen its asylum rules amid concerns that its offer to migrants is more generous than other European countries.

EU rules allow member states to seek contributions ranging from 15 a week to 238 a week from working asylum seekers, depending on their earnings.

Officials have told the Irish Government that France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Hungary have similar schemes and that it could take up to two years to implement, The Irish Independent reported.

There have been a string of anti-migrant arson attacks and protests in Ireland, which is in the grips of a housing crisis, and where the number of asylum seekers almost doubled in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period last year.

The number of asylum seekers almost doubled in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period in 2023 - PA/Brian Lawless

A crackdown on migration by Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, has paid off for the Fine Gael leader. He took over from Leo Varadkar in April when Sinn Fein, the opposition, held a commanding lead in the polls.

That lead had lasted for about two years, but the Left-wing partys support collapsed in local and European elections in June after it was outflanked on immigration.

An Irish Times/Ipsos opinion poll, published on Thursday, had Fine Gaels best results since 2021 and Sinn Feins lowest since before the 2020 general election. The centre-Right Fine Gael climbed four points to 27 per cent, seven points clear of Sinn Fein, on 20 per cent.

Mr Harriss personal approval ratings jumped by 17 points to a 55 per cent satisfaction rating, which will increase pressure on him to call an early election before the March 2025 deadline.

The poll suggested the current three-party coalition government could be re-elected if a vote was held today.

In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders hailed a request to Brussels by the Dutch government to opt out of EU migration policy as a mini-Nexit. The hard-Right eurosceptic won elections last year on an anti-immigration platform but is not part of the Dutch prime ministers cabinet.

It will probably take a very long time. But still, this is a sign of a new wind blowing through the Netherlands, Mr Wilders said in parliament before making his nod to Brexit.

The European Commission, however, ruled out the Dutch request and said the current laws continue to be binding for the Netherlands. Hungary has said it too wants to opt out of European law on migration.

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In northwest Saudi Arabia, the artistic heritage of the AlUla oasis is literally carved into the landscape. From the enigmatic rock art of the Neolithic era, through the colossal statues of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, to the monumental architecture of the Nabataeans, AlUla was already steeped in artistic tradition when a new and distinctive art form began to emergeIslamic art. After the founding of Islam in 610 CE, the religion spread rapidly, and, in time, became associated with a recognizable style of artistic expression. Because of Islams Arabic roots, its art has often been associated with Arabia. The reality is far more complex: Islamic art drew little on Arabic artistic traditions.



The Islamic faith is a way of life: Religion touches almost every aspect of the daily experience, as well as the life journey. As such, Islam comes with a strong, unique, and unifying cultural identity that is reflected in its art. Islamic art encompasses much more than pieces created explicitly for religious purposes, such as an illuminated Quran or an intricately carved minbar in a mosque, it is the art of Muslim people everywhere. Any work created by a Muslim or for a Muslim over the 1,400 years of Islams existence falls under this classification, and the geographical and historical range of Islamic art is hugeand instantly identifiable.

Arabic art has evolved over the centuries and taken on distinctive nuances across the globe, but it is still highly relevant and instantly recognizable, as evident in the Design Space AlUla. This modern cultural hub celebrates the works of local and other designers and architects, while creating spaces for ongoing learning, exchange, and creative expression as well. Photograph by Nicholas Jackson

Initially, artistic expression was not fundamental to Islam: Art is not directly mentioned in the Quran or early religious texts. As the faith spread, conquered lands continued their own indigenous artistic traditions. However, as a unified Islamic state emerged under the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, a distinctly Islamic form of art was also emerging. But by this time, Islam had also moved far beyond its Arabian roots, and had embraced an array of cultural influences.



The reality is that Islamic art is different wherever it is found, displaying regional nuances and reflecting evolving tastes. However, for all its extraordinary diversity, there are four broad artistic themes that transcend place and time to be consciously recognizable as Islamic: Vegetative patterns, geometric patterns, figurative art, and calligraphy have long been consistently employed by Islamic artists to form a cultural cohesion across ethnically diverse followers of Islam. These four forms of artistic expression are found wherever Islam is practiced, and all have powerful stories behind them.



Intertwining plants, stems, leaves, and flowers are found on objects throughout the Islamic worldbut foliage patterns like these were not new. Such designs pre-date Islam, and are present in the cultures of ancient Byzantium and Sasanian Iran, where early Islam firmly established itself. This local artistic tradition was adopted, adapted, and developed by Islamic artists, and their experimentations spread through Muslim lands. By the 12th century, a highly abstract and distinctive style of Islamic foliage patterns had emerged. Found in architecture, textiles, and every form of object, this style came to be known as arabesque. These arabesque patterns were neither specifically Arabian nor religiously symbolic, but they remain a unifying feature of Islamic art.

A matrix of intertwining stems, leaves, and flowers form a striking pattern in this colorful example of arabesque art. The use of plant imagery predates Islam, but it was adapted and developed into this distinctive style by Muslim artisans in the first century. Photograph from Adobe Stock

Another instantly recognizable style of Islamic art is the geometric pattern: These abstract designs, often formed using circles, squares, stars, and polygons, can be linked to Islamic interest in mathematics and science. But again, while such patterns reached their peak through Islamic art, they were originally adapted from the classical traditions of Greece, Rome, and Sasanian Iran. Building on these traditions, Islamic artists elaborated and built on simple forms like circlesduplicating, overlapping, interlacing, and combining them into complex and intricate patterns that stress symmetry, balance, proportion, and order, while also offering the possibility of infinite expansion. Little wonder, then, that this is one of the most prolific forms of Islamic art in the world.

The abstract designs of geometric art are driven by mathematics and science. Often based on circles, squares, stars, and polygons, complex combinations create striking symmetrical designs that can be repeated ad infinitum. Photograph from Adobe Stock

Perhaps the most misunderstood influence on the emergence of Islamic art was that of figurative representationdepictions of humans and animals. Initially, figures continued to be widely used for decoration as they had been for centuries before Islam. But around the eighth century, the use of figurative forms in religious works was expressly forbidden by Islam, based on the belief that God alone could create living forms. This aligned with Christian thinking at the time, and both religions actively eradicated the human form from their religious art. However, figurative representation in secular art continued. Perhaps in deference to the religious prohibition, Islamic artists often stylized their figures, creating a great variety of figural designs. Though conspicuously rare in sculpture, stylized figures were integral to books, where miniature paintings supported the text for both aesthetic and practical reasonsproviding a visual aid for those who could not read.



The written word itself channels one of Islamic arts most distinctive and distinguished forms of expressioncalligraphy. And it is here that we find a profound connection to Islams origins in Arabia: The Quran was written in Arabic, and the Arabic script had a particular propensity for being written decoratively, which was eagerly cultivated by Islamic artists. During the seventh century, Kufic emerged as the preferred script for the Quran, and became the dominant calligraphy style. Named after the city of Kufa, located in now modern-day Iraq, this style has a geometric elegance that combines aesthetic beauty with a form and spacing that makes it demanding to read, serving to slow the reader down to concentrate on the word of God. Many forms of Kufic calligraphy emerged through the centuries, but the earliest example records the death of a caliph in 644 CEand is engraved on a rock in AlUla.

It is with calligraphy, like this example carved into the very fabric of a building, that we find a deep connection with Arabia. The Arabic script used for the transmission of the Quran was well suited to artistic adaptation, and artists experimented and perfected ways to balance aesthetic beauty with legibility. Photograph from Adobe stock

Today, Islamic art is still being carved into the landscape of AlUla. In 2022, Desert X AlUla brought together acclaimed international artists to create monumental works amid the red sandstone canyons of the desert. The temporary exhibition included a piece by Saudi artist Dana AwartaniWhere the Dwellers Lay. The concave structure, a homage to the ancient Nabataean tombs of Hegra, draws on Islamic arts reliance on geometric design. Indeed, Awartanis works often revolve around the highly codified and symbolically laden language of geometry. With works like these, the Islamic artistic tradition continues to thrive, embedded in a landscape that has hosted art for millennia.

Journey through time to discover the rich history of AlUla here.
(FOX40.COM)  Its starting to feel more like fall in Northern California as showers fell early Wednesday morning and continued sporadically into the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

While the Sacramento Valley got some light rain, some areas of the foothills and much of the Sierra can expect heavier showers and even thunderstorms.

According to radar from NWS, a dense storm system will arrive around 3 p.m. on Wednesday that will stretch from Blue Canyon to Dardanelle.

This storm system is forecasted to move over the Lake Tahoe Basin and western Nevada until midnight on Thursday.

Man arrested for allegedly intentionally starting Crozier Fire in El Dorado County

Another large storm system is also expected to form at this time from Quincy to Sierraville that has triggered a flash flood watch in the Park Fire Burn Scar due to potential debris flows.

The watch is active from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, where there is a 30 to 40 percent chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

The Sacramento Valley has the greatest chance of getting a few drops around 8 p.m. when fast-moving isolated showers will form over southern and western Placer County, southern Sutter County, northeast and east Sacramento County and parts of San Joaquin 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 FOX40.
The bodies of three men killed during an Israeli army raid lie on the roof of a building, and just below it, in Qabatiya near Jenin in the occupied West Bank (Zain JAAFAR) (Zain JAAFAR/AFP/AFP)

The Israeli military said on Thursday that an air strike killed four militants in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank.

Jenin is a bastion of Palestinian militant groups fighting Israel, and has been a focus of large-scale Israeli military raids launched in late August that the Palestinian health ministry says have killed dozens.

"A short while ago, the (Israel Defense Forces) struck armed terrorists operating within a vehicle in the area of Qabatiya in Jenin, as part of a counterterrorism operation," the military said in a statement to AFP.

A separate statement on its website said "an aircraft eliminated four terrorists in the Jenin area".

AFP photographed two male bodies on the roof of a building in Qabatiya, and a third corpse lying on a sheet of metal one floor below.

Since the large-scale raids began in late August, Hamas and another group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have claimed at least 14 of the fatalities as members.

Israeli forces have also arrested dozens of Palestinians and left widespread destruction in what European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell last week said aimed "to turn the West Bank into a new Gaza".

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, Volker Turk, said on September 9.

Violence in the West Bank has surged alongside the war in Gaza which began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Since October 7, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 682 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

At least 24 Israelis, including members of the security forces, have been killed in Palestinian militant attacks during the same period, Israeli officials say.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and its forces regularly make incursions into Palestinian communities, but the current raids as well as comments by Israeli officials mark an escalation, residents say.

mod-rcb/jd/it
(Bloomberg) -- Shares of SK Hynix Inc. plunged, leading peers lower, after Morgan Stanley cut its rating on the Korean memory chipmaker two notches citing its fading pricing power.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The stock dropped as much as 11% to the lowest level since Feb. 8. Among other Seoul-listed semiconductor shares, Hanmi Semiconductor Co. fell as much as 8.2% and Samsung Electronics Co. declined 3.4%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded SK Hynix to underweight from overweight and slashed its price target to 120,000 won from 260,000 won. The brokerage said the stock is now its least preferred among global memory makers.

We prefer moving up to quality in Samsung and value-oriented end markets, analysts Shawn Kim and Duan Liu wrote in a note. Memory conditions are beginning to deteriorate. It will get tougher for revenue growth and margins from here as we move past late-cycle conditions.

SK Hynix shares surged to a 24-year high earlier this year amid excitement over its supply deal with artificial intelligence leader Nvidia Corp. Despite dropping in the past couple of months the stock is still up more than 2% on the year compared with a loss of 21% for Samsung.

Korean stocks have been hit particularly hard by the global tech selloff on concerns over the realization of AI profits. Thursdays decline comes after a three-day Korean holiday during which US peers extended losses and analysts warned of weak demand for Apple Inc.s iPhone 16.

Amid the recent AI hype, the market underestimated the impact of excess inventory and overshipping on demand for memory chips despite continued high expectations for AI and enterprise server related products, according to Morgan Stanley.

Pricing conditions are showing the first signs of deteriorating in two years with contract prices settling well below producers quotations, the analysts wrote. Put simply: business is not so good, according to some leading sellers of memory.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Israel will continue to target Hezbollah, defence minister says

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant holds a briefing on the various possible developments in the campaign against Hezbollah on Israels northern border. Shira Keinan/GPO/dpa

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said military action targeting Lebanon's Hezbollah militia "will continue."

"Hezbollah feels persecuted," Gallant was quoted as saying by his office after a briefing on operational developments in northern Israel on Thursday.

But he added: "The sequence of our military actions will continue."

"In the new phase of the war there are significant opportunities but also significant risks," Gallant said.

The consultations with high-ranking military and secret service commanders had revolved around different scenarios in the fight against Hezbollah, according to the minister, with the aim of enabling those evacuated from northern Israel to return home.

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant holds a briefing on the various possible developments in the campaign against Hezbollah on Israels northern border. Shira Keinan/GPO/dpa
Israel had a hand in the manufacturing of pagers that exploded on Hezbollah operatives this week, with this type of "supply chain interdiction" operation having been planned for at least 15 years, a U.S. intelligence source confirmed to ABC News.

The CIA has long been reluctant to employ this tactic because the risk to innocents was too high, the source said.

Planning for the attack involved shell companies, with multiple layers of Israeli intelligence officers and their assets fronting a legitimate company that produced the pagers, the source confirmed to ABC News, with at least some of those doing the work unaware of who they were actually working for.

PHOTO: People attending a funeral for victims of Tuesday's pager attacks in Lebanon react after an explosion in a store, in southern Beirut, Sept. 18, 2024. (ABC News)

MORE: Israel launches strikes on Hezbollah in wake of device explosions

Israel's hand in the manufacturing was first reported by The New York Times.

One to two ounces of explosives and a remote trigger switch to set off the blast were planted in the pagers, according to the sources.

The last two days of explosions in Lebanon, triggered remotely with explosives inside pagers or walkie-talkies, have killed at least 37 people and wounded 2,931, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Al-Abyad.

Police officers inspect a car inside of which a hand-held pager exploded, Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) (Hussein Malla/AP)

PHOTO: The remains of exploded pagers are seen in Beirut's southern suburbs Sept 18, 2024, after hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on Sept. 17, 2024, killing at least nine people. (AFP via Getty Images)

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel grew wider on Thursday, with Israel launching strikes on Lebanon and Hezbollah returning fire.

ABC News has reached out to BAC Consulting -- the Hungary-based company contracted to produce the pagers on behalf of Gold Apollo in Taiwan -- but neither company has responded to our repeated requests.

The pagers were never in Hungary and the company was "a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary," a spokesperson for the Hungarian government told ABC News on Wednesday.

PHOTO: An ambulance arrives to American University of Beirut Medical Center as more than 1,000 people, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were wounded when the pagers they use to communicate exploded across Lebanon, in Beirut, Sept. 17, 2024. (Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)

MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: Death toll rises from pager, walkie-talkie explosions

In a speech Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the group's top leadership had old pagers, not the new ones used in the attack, which were reportedly shipped in the last six months. The group has begun a full investigation into the explosions.

"Not all of the pagers had been distributed and some of them were turned off," Nasrallah said.

"Over two days, the enemy wanted to kill at least 5,000 people. ... The enemy knew that the pager devices numbered 4,000," he added.

ABC News' Nasser Atta contributed to this report.

Israel had hand in manufacturing pagers that exploded in Lebanon: Source originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The powerful Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah continued to strike what it called military targets in northern Israel Thursday after thousands of its members were injured and several killed in an apparent Israeli operation using exploding pagers and other communication devices. The Israel Defense Forces said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon "to degrade Hezbollah's terrorist capabilities and infrastructure."

"The Hezbollah terrorist organization has turned southern Lebanon into a combat zone. For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields," the IDF said in a statement. "The IDF is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes, as well as to achieve of all of the war goals."

The IDF said a few hours later that the Israeli Air Force "struck hundreds of rocket launcher barrels that were ready to be used immediately to fire toward Israeli territory. Since this afternoon, the IAF has struck approximately 100 launchers and additional terrorist infrastructure sites."

Hezbollah had already vowed to retaliate against Israel for the exploding device attacks, and the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah, speaking Thursday, accused Israel of crossing "red lines" with its actions, which he said amounted to a declaration of war.

Israeli officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the explosions, which killed at least 32 people and wounded some 3,000, according to Lebanese health officials.

U.S. officials said the American government and military had no role in the device attacks, but CBS News has learned that the U.S. did get a heads-up from Israel about 20 minutes before the operations began in Lebanon on Tuesday, though there were no specific details shared about the methods to be used.

U.S. officials said Wednesday that the Biden administration did not believe a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah was inevitable, but it remained unclear how significant any further Hezbollah retaliation over the coming days could be.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday that his country's war with Iran's so-called proxy groups in the region had entered a "new phase," announcing a shift to northern Israel after 11 months of intense conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

"The center of gravity is shifting to the north through the diversion of forces and resources," Gallant said.

The Israel Defense Forces moved its 98th Division  comprised of several commando brigades  to Israel's north on Wednesday, a U.S. official and another source familiar told CBS News. The division had been fighting in Gaza.

"We are at the start of a new phase in the war," Gallant said Wednesday, adding that it would require "courage, determination and perseverance."

Shortly after Hamas sparked the ongoing war in Gaza with its Oct. 7 attack, its Hezbollah allies began firing rockets and drones at Israel from their strongholds across the border in southern Lebanon. Since then, Hezbollah and the Israeli military have exchanged fire almost daily, forcing tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border to evacuate their homes.

"We all feel suffocated by the situation. We don't breathe," Sarit Zehavi, an Israeli researcher focused on the northern border, who worked for 15 years in Israeli military intelligence and lives in northern Israel, told CBS News.

"On October 8th, basically, the war started here, with Hezbollah," Zehavi said. "Anti-tank missiles and drones through IDF positions at the beginning, but very quickly, it deteriorated to much more than that."

What is the history of the Israel-Lebanon border?

Israel and Lebanon are divided not by a traditional border, but by a "line of withdrawal" known as the Blue Line, which was established when Israeli forces withdrew from the Hezbollah stronghold of southern Lebanon in 2000. Prior to that, Israel had maintained a "security zone" to prevent attacks from Palestinian groups and Hezbollah on Israeli residents living in the border area.

The Blue Line is recognized by both Lebanon and Israel, and is monitored by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and Lebanese troops.

A map shows Israel and the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank, and Israel's borders with neighboring nations Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula (not labelled) to the southwest. / Credit: Getty/iStockphoto

When fighting broke out again between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, a new U.N. Security Council Resolution called for a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops once again from Lebanon. It also sought to check the extent of Hezbollah's power, emphasizing the importance of the Lebanese state exercising "its full sovereignty, so that there will be no weapons without the consent of the Government of Lebanon and no authority other than that of the Government of Lebanon."

Iran-backed Hezbollah has been able to maintain its power inside Lebanon and build up its arsenal, however, including its stockpiles of rockets, drones and anti-tank missiles.

"The reality is that, prior to October 7th, there was always a vulnerability, but Israel always thought it had been tamed," Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at the global affairs think tank Chatham House, told CBS News. "What October 7th has done, I think for Israel and Israelis, is reawaken them from, you know, that mirage that they were safe and secure. So going back to October 6th without altering the balance of power on Israel's borders and within Israel seems hard to do."

"They are launched against everything," Zehavi told CBS News of Hezbollah's attacks on Israel since Oct. 7. "Sometimes it's tanks, and sometimes it's homes. Sometimes it's farmers, and sometimes it's soldiers, and people are getting killed."

Tens of thousands of people displaced

Zehavi said around 60,000 Israelis remain displaced from their homes near the Lebanese border amid the ongoing violence since Oct. 7, making "ghost towns" of 43 communities there.

Residents "pretty much left their homes at the beginning of the war because they were afraid of Radwan Brigades, which are the elite unit of Hezbollah, and we were afraid that they will carry out an invasion, just like Hamas," Zehavi said.

Then there are areas which are slightly further away  between two and six miles from the border  where people are still experiencing Hezbollah attacks but have largely remained in their homes.

"Most of the fire is to the evacuated communities, but I can tell you that since June, basically about 15% of the attacks coming from Lebanon are to the areas which are not evacuated," Zehavi said.

She said Hezbollah rockets were relatively easy for Israel's Iron Dome defense system to shoot down, but the group's drones are sometimes able to get past aerial defense systems and have killed people. Anti-tank missiles are the most dangerous kind of attack, Zehavi said, because there is no warning and nothing that can be done to defend against them.

"They cannot be intercepted at all. And we don't have an answer to these. You only have a few seconds. You don't have alerts. They're just launched and hit and they're very accurate because Hezbollah has advanced anti-tank missiles," Zehavi said.

Zehavi said even if there is a cease-fire reached between Israel and Hamas that brings a cessation of the current hostilities with Hezbollah, too, the threat from the Lebanese group will remain.

"I don't think that Hezbollah is interested in a wide invasion now, but I think that the basic goal of Hezbollah is to carry out this kind of invasion when it's most comfortable to them," Zehavi said.

After Oct. 7, she said Hezbollah "lost the element of surprise, because IDF is prepared here. But imagine that we will have a cease-fire The people will come back to the communities  they will not be empty anymore, the communities next to the border."

"If Hezbollah will attack," she said, "the achievement will be greater, and they will be capable of killing many civilians. IDF cannot draft these reservists [currently guarding the border region] forever."

"The problem," said Chatham House's Vikal, "is that Israel's leaders aren't taking the real steps that could alter the balance of power," pointing to Israel's ongoing occupation of some Palestinian land and their calls for an independent state as what "gives air and energy to the movement."

"If [Israel] began to think more concretely about taking air out of the balloon and and addressing their domestic security crisis  not just through military means  but through an accountability governance and peace process, that would be the most disenfranchising way of protecting their security against, you know, a Hamas or Hezbollah or Iran even," Vikal said.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Dannon, asked about a possible escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border, told CBS News in August that "we cannot continue with the situation" with so many Israelis displaced from their homes.

"So either they [Hezbollah fighters] will move from the border, or we will have to move them," Dannon said.

"All of us feel, all of us share the feeling that we don't have a prospect," Zehavi said from her home in northern Israel. "We don't know where this is heading. There is a very high level of uncertainty. We don't know whether this is going to develop to a full scale war tomorrow because none of these problems were solved."

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In Finland, classes in recognizing fake news, disinformation

Ina Garten: Recipe for success
After several tumultuous weeks in Israel, mass demonstrations increasingly depict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as directly responsible for the fate of the hostages still held by Hamas. Despite mounting internal and international pressure to negotiate a deal with Hamas for the hostages release, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his opposition to such an agreement.

Reports in the Israeli and international media accuse Netanyahu of actively attempting to undermine any potential deal.

But despite all that public outcry, Netanyahus grip on power appears to be as strong as ever.

Hamas surprise attack on Israel nearly one year ago significantly damaged the popularity of Netanyahu and his governing coalition. The governments inadequate response to the attack, the prolongation of the conflict and the inability to secure the release of all surviving hostages eroded public trust in Netanyahu and his colleagues. Indeed, many anticipated that the government would be dismantled within weeks of the attack.

Yet, notwithstanding the historically low approval ratings of Netanyahu and his government, opposition parties have not been able to capitalize on the situation politically.

On the contrary, despite widespread criticism that the illiberal, religious and ultra-nationalist agenda promoted by Netanyahu and his coalition has severely weakened Israeli social cohesion and played a significant role in Hamas decision to initiate the attack, the government has renewed its efforts to push it through.

The forces currently shaping Israels political landscape are not simply a battle between Netanyahus conservative coalition and a more liberal opposition, nor one between hawks and doves, or pro-war and anti-war constituencies.

As a scholar of Israels culture, history and politics, I believe its much more complicated.

Dehumanization of Palestinians

The vast majority of Israelis greatly mistrust Netanyahu and his government and further believe that continuing the ground military operation in the Gaza Strip, as Netanyahu recommends, risks the hostages lives.

Consequently, most Israelis support a deal to return the hostages, to be achieved by agreeing to a cease-fire or even a pullout from Gaza.

It appears, however, that Israeli Jews also agree with Netanyahu that the ultimate goal of the war is to completely uproot Hamas, not to return the hostages, and that Israel is likely to achieve this with the continuation of the war.

To that end, they believe that Israel should not adhere to international laws of war in this fight. A significant majority thinks that crimes and abuses by Israeli soldiers and other security officers should be addressed leniently through disciplinary rather than criminal charges.

It appears, then, that the opposition of Israeli Jews to continuing the Gaza war and the escalating Israeli violence in the West Bank does not stem from their concerns about Palestinian suffering. Rather, their opposition comes from fear it will endanger the lives of the surviving hostages.

Shared worldview

The difference between the ruling coalition and many of its critics is thus less about worldview, strategy, tactics or the morality of the actions taken in Gaza, and more about an assessment of Netanyahus personality and the performance of his cabinet at times of crisis.

Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, spoke about Netanyahu very harshly in a recent interview: The only thing he cares about is staying in power. Hes been in power for too long. Hes interested in power per se and not the power to do good.

Hamas attack, the high civilian death toll and the failure to achieve a quick decisive victory, or even a semblance of one, have cost Netanyahu and his partners the support of the majority of Israelis.

If elections were held today, Netanyahu and his allies would be unable to form a government. But chances of early elections are slim: The current coalition has little interest in calling for new elections, and the majority it enjoys in parliament prevents the opposition from forcing one. That means any attempt to set an early election would need support from at least some members of the coalition.

The unlikelihood that they would be able to form the next government compels the parties within Netanyahus coalition to stick together and radicalize their agenda.

Intensifying their efforts to maintain their base, the coalition members insist that their demands should be acted upon now  public outcry, financial cost or international pressure notwithstanding. They appear to hope that by the time elections are eventually held in October 2026, they will have managed to shift voters back to supporting them.

Further, they see the war as an opportunity. The current state of emergency caused by the ongoing war provides the ruling coalition with a pretext to enact illiberal measures that undercut fundamental liberties, including the freedom of expression, of protest and of occupation.

This is the case all the more so when it comes to non-Jewish citizens of the state. Aggravated security concerns in the wake of the war and the fact that many of its critics share, in effect, its worldview allow the ruling coalition to enact legislation and administrative measures that previously met with much greater public and legal resistance.

People use a blanket to transport a victim after an Israeli airstrike hit a school in central Gaza Strip on Sept. 11, 2024. Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images

Hold on power is secure

It is no wonder, then, that the most radical elements in Netanyahus coalition, who explicitly promote racism, ethnic cleansing and genocide, have gained disproportionate influence over the government, coalition and the state as a whole.

Netanyahu and his government are unpopular, but their hold on power is secure. They enact policies that many Israeli Jews, though not Israeli Palestinians, support, whether implicitly or explicitly.

Internal tensions within Netanyahus coalition  such as those between the ultra-Orthodox and ultra-nationalist factions  could potentially bring it down. Yet each of those parties has a vested interest in its survival.

I believe only an extraordinary event could unseat Netanyahu: a general and unlimited strike supported not only by the Histadrut, which represents the majority of Israels labor organizations, but also by employers and the industrial and financial sector as a whole; a de facto or de jure military coup with the backing of all heads of Israels military, security and intelligence branches; or a military and financial embargo on Israel.

Given the extraordinary nature of these events, they are very unlikely.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Shai P. Ginsburg, Duke University

Read more:



Shai P. Ginsburg does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Israel has signaled readiness for war with Hezbollah after twin explosive attacks. Heres what we know

Lebanon is reeling after facing deadly back-to-back attacks targeting Hezbollah members  with pagers simultaneously exploding across the country on Tuesday, then walkie-talkies detonating in a similar fashion on Wednesday.

Panic, fear and grief have now gripped the country, with questions swirling about how the attacks could have been carried out, where the devices came from, and whether this latest development could plunge the Middle East into a wider regional conflict.

At least 37 people, including children, have been killed in the attacks, which Lebanese officials have blamed on Israel. Thousands more are injured  many maimed and in critical condition after communications devices exploded in their pockets or in their face.

After warning Wednesday that a new era of war was beginning, Israel on Thursday began to strike targets in Lebanon and says its top commander has approved plans for the northern arena.

Heres what we know so far.

What happened, when and where?

The first attack came on Tuesday afternoon when pagers exploded at the same time across several parts of Lebanon  including the capital Beirut, and in several towns in the central Beqaa valley, strongholds for the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Videos showed the bloody aftermath on streets and public spaces. In one CCTV video, a man was picking out fruit in a supermarket when an explosion detonated  leaving him groaning in pain on the ground, clutching his lower abdomen as panic breaks out around him.

Lebanese hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, with limited staff attending to hundreds of bandaged and bleeding patients  some of whom had to lie on the floor as more of the injured arrived.

Almost exactly 24 hours later, Lebanon was rocked by a second attack Wednesday, when walkie-talkies detonated in the suburbs of Beirut and in the south of the country.

One witness, who cannot be named for security reasons, described seeing a mans hands blown off by an exploding walkie-talkie while attending a Hezbollah funeral. Fires broke out in dozens of homes, stores, and vehicles, with videos showing smoke billowing on chaotic streets.

In a speech on Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah conceded the group had suffered an unprecedented blow. He said the twin attacks had crossed all red lines and pledged there would be a reckoning.

While Nasrallah was speaking, CNN reporters in the country heard a sonic boom as an Israeli military jet flew over Beirut and dropped what appeared to be flares over the city.

Minutes later, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it was striking targets to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.

Firefighters put out flames and a crowd gathers after a reported explosion in Saida, Lebanon, on September 18, 2024. - Mahmoud Zayat/AFP/Getty Images

Why would Israel target Lebanon now?

Hezbollah and Israel have been at conflict for decades  but the two have ramped up their cross-border attacks on each other since last October when the war in Gaza began, following Palestinian militant group Hamas deadly attack on Israel.

Hezbollah is part of a larger Iran-led axis across the Middle East spanning Yemen, Syria, Gaza and Iraq that has engaged in a simmering conflict with Israel and its allies over the past 11 months.

The axis has said they will continue striking Israeli targets as long as the war in Gaza goes on, rebranding themselves as a supportive front for Palestinians in the strip, as described by a senior Hezbollah leader.

Israel may have chosen this timing for the attacks because it believed Hezbollah had discovered the pagers capability  making it a use it or lose it moment, said an Israeli source familiar with national security.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may also have wanted to shore up domestic support. Officials and residents from the northern region have become increasingly vocal about the need to return to their homes after being evacuated due to attacks, piling pressure on the government to act against the threat of Hezbollahs rockets from southern Lebanon.

On Tuesday, Israel made it a new war objective to return Israels northern residents to their homes near the border  which has long been understood to be a political necessity.

People gather outside the American University of Beirut Medical Center, which saw an influx of injured patients after explosions in Lebanon's capital on September 17. - Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

How did it happen?

There are still many questions on how Israel might have carried out its attacks this week  and where the devices that detonated came from.

Hezbollah is highly secretive, and its leader has previously urged families to dump their cell phones to avoid infiltration from Israeli and US spyware. Thats why so many Hezbollah members and their families rely instead on low-tech wireless communication devices like pagers.

The pagers that exploded were new and had been purchased by Hezbollah in recent months, a Lebanese security source told CNN. The New York Times reported that Israel planted explosives next to the battery in each pager, as well as a switch for remote detonation, citing US and other officials.

When CNN tried to trace the pagers origin, it found a mysterious supply chain that stretched from Asia to Europe.

Damaged pagers in Lebanon bore the name of a Taiwanese manufacturer  but the company said the devices were instead made and sold by a Hungarian company in Budapest.

Hungarian authorities denied this, however, saying the Budapest firm was a trading intermediary with no manufacturing sites in the country.

CNN has tried to contact the company and its chief executive, but did not receive a response. However, according to NBC News, the chief executive confirmed in a phone call that her company worked with the Taiwanese manufacturer  but denied making the pagers and said she was just the intermediate. CNN could not confirm her statement.

Making things even stranger, the address for the companys office is in a residential area  where other people in the building said they hardly saw people coming to work, and that the Budapest company had never physically been to the building.

Late Thursday, The New York Times reported that the Hungarian company, BAC Consulting, was in fact part of an Israeli front, citing three intelligence officers briefed on the matter. The firm was one of at least three shell companies created to mask the fact that Israeli intelligence personnel were manufacturing the pagers, the officers told the Times.

Meanwhile, Lebanon said the walkie-talkies that exploded were a discontinued model made by Japanese firm ICOM.

The devices were not supplied by a recognized agent, were not officially licensed and had not been vetted by the security services, Lebanese authorities said. ICOM said the model was discontinued a decade ago, and it could not determine whether the ones used in Lebanon were counterfeit or shipped from its company.

A photo taken Wednesday in Beirut shows the remains of an exploded pager. - AFP/Getty Images

How have Hezbollah, Israel and the world responded?

Nasrallah said Israel will face a reckoning for its twin massacres. The head of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, told Nasrallah that Israel will face a crushing response, Iran state media IRNA reported.

The Lebanese government also condemned the attack as criminal Israeli aggression and a violation of their national sovereignty.

Lebanons Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told CNN on Wednesday he fears the consecutive attacks in Lebanon signal a move to an introduction to war, calling on the United Nations Security Council and the United States to help re-establish peace along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Its less clear what capacity Hezbollah might have to launch a counterattack if many of its members are wounded and key communication methods are no longer reliable.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appeared to reference the attacks on Wednesday during a visit to an air force base  praising the excellent achievements of the military and intelligence agency.

We are at the beginning of a new era in this war and we need to adapt ourselves, Gallant said.

After the IDF strikes began on Thursday, Gallant said: Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price.

It appears US officials were largely in the dark until reports emerged of the explosions, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Israeli officials notified the US that it was going to carry out an operation in Lebanon on Tuesday but did not give any details about what they were planning, the sources said.

The UN rights chief condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of international humanitarian law and urging an independent, thorough and transparent investigation. International NGO Human Rights Watch echoed his remarks, saying the inquiry should be prompt and urgently conducted.

CNNs Rob Picheta, Tamara Qiblawi, Christian Edwards, Mick Krever, Wayne Chang, Eric Cheung, Nectar Gan, Balint Bardi, Kara Fox, Oren Liebermann and Kylie Atwood contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Israels leaders have announced that the focus of the war is now shifting northwards from Gaza to Lebanon. This follows a lightening bolt delivered to the Hezbollah terror army in which dozens of terrorists were killed and over 3,000 wounded when their pagers and walkie-talkies exploded.

Its not clear yet how this extraordinary event, perhaps the greatest single blow ever inflicted on a terrorist organisation, connects to the announced strategic shift.

But what we do know is that the IDF is reinforcing the divisions that have defended against Hezbollahs daily attacks on the northern front for the past year. These reinforcements are coming out of Gaza, which is possible now because Hamas as an organised terror army has been destroyed.

Last week I drove with the IDF along the Philadelphi Corridor that forms the border between Gaza and Egypt. While Israel holds this terrain, Hamas cannot reconstitute. Although the fighting is far from over  there are still many hostages to free, terrorists to eliminate and tunnels to destroy  sufficient forces can now be released for the north.

The conflict may involve piling pressure on Hezbollah in the wake of the pager attacks to force them to cease fire and move north of the Litani river. If this fails, then a large-scale air and ground offensive may become necessary.

A struggle in the region wont be easy, but it can certainly be won. We have seen the extraordinary achievements of the IDF in Gaza, fighting from the air, on the ground and beneath the surface.

In the past 11 months they have killed an estimated 20,000 terrorists against 340 IDF deaths. On probably the most complex battlefield seen in modern warfare, they have also achieved great success in minimising civilian casualties and maximising aid deliveries.

Much of this experience from Gaza will be applied in Lebanon. There are differences of scale, terrain, population and tactics, but Hezbollah is another Iranian terror proxy like Hamas, trained, armed and equipped by Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Judging by events in Lebanon in the past few days, Israels intelligence penetration of Hezbollah is substantial, a factor that will have a major bearing on the prosecution of the war.

Severely damaging Hezbollah is not only in Israels interests but ours too.

In 2015, British security services, acting on Israeli intelligence, disrupted a Hezbollah bomb factory in London. Years before, Hezbollah was involved in killing hundreds of British and American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan by Iranian proxies.

Iran is the controlling hand behind the conflict in the Middle East, including with Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and attacks on US bases in Syria, Jordan and Iraq. Tehran has set itself firmly against Western interests in Europe by supplying arms to Russia for attacking Ukraine, and it is on the threshold of becoming a nuclear armed state.

Israel deserves Britains support as its multi-front war with Iran shifts northwards. It does not deserve our shameful arms suspension, abstention on a Palestinian initiated anti Israel vote this week at the UN, or Starmers hand-wringing message of deep concern over the pager attacks.

At a time when this country is trying to weaken Iran with new sanctions for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, these moves have the opposite effect and show diplomatic illiteracy.

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.
Dust and smoke billows after Lebanese army detonated a walkie-talkie that was found thrown away a day after several devises exploded killing pro-Iranian Hezbollah militants. Handheld walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah were detonated across Lebanon killing more than 20 fighters and injuring more than 3000 others. Stringer/dpa

Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi has approved plans for "the continuation of the war" on the country's northern front, where it has been engaged in confrontations with Lebanon's Hezbollah militia for months.

The army did not give further details in the statement on Thursday, but merely said Halevi "recently completed approval of plans for the northern arena."

Following a series of explosions involving electronic devices across Lebanon, in which at least 32 people were killed and some 3,000 injured, Halevi said on Wednesday that Israel was determined to enable some 60,000 Israeli citizens evacuated from the border area to return home.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the back-to-back blasts of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members and vowed retaliation.
Israeli police and intelligence services said they foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate top leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Moti Maman, a 73-year-old Israeli businessman from the city of Ashkelon, is accused of twice smuggling himself into Iran via Turkey to meet with intelligence officials directing would-be plots from Tehran.

The discussions allegedly included potential plans to attack Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet intelligence chief Ronen Bar and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, among others.

Police and Shin Bet said the alleged plots were intended as retaliation for the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Hanieyh in Tehran in July, which Iran blamed on Israel.

A joint police and Shin Bet statement also accused Maman of discussing the possibility of acting as a money courier for others in Israel, locating Russian and American elements for the elimination of Tehran's opponents in Europe and the U.S. and recruiting a Mossad "double agent."

FILE -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant attend a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 28, 2023. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP, File) (Abir Sultan/AP)

Maman's purported contacts were an Iranian businessman named only as Eddie, a man named Hajjah who was presented as an Iranian intelligence agent and other unnamed intelligence personnel.

The 73-year-old is alleged to have traveled to Iran twice -- in May and August 2024 -- following preparatory meetings with representatives of Eddie in Turkey, the first of which took place in the southern city of Samandag in April 2024, police said.

Maman was smuggled through the Turkey-Iran border twice, the second time "hidden inside a truck cabin," the statement said.

"The Israeli citizen demanded an advance payment of $1 million dollars before performing any action," police and Shin Bet said. "Iranian agents refused his request and informed him they would contact him in the future."

MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: Israel moves troops to Lebanon border after pager attack

Maman allegedly received the equivalent of about $558,000 in euros for attending the meetings with Iranian intelligence personnel.

Authorities indicted Maman on Sept. 19.

A senior Shin Bet official described the case as "very serious," adding that security assessments "suggest that Iranians will continue their efforts to recruit operatives in Israel for intelligence gathering and carrying out terrorist missions in Israel, including approaching individuals with criminal backgrounds to fulfill these tasks."

ABC News' Jordana Miller and Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.

Israeli businessman demanded $1 million to kill Netanyahu, other leaders, police say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Israel struck sites in Lebanon just as Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, was about to deliver his first statement since dozens were killed in pager and walkie-talkie explosions in Lebanon this week

Israeli jets triggered huge sonic booms during a speech by Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday.

Nasrallah, speaking for the first time since twin pager-and-radio attacks killed dozens across Lebanon, said Israel had crossed all red lines.

The attacks could be seen as a declaration of war, he added.

But his keenly-awaited address was disrupted by the sound of sonic booms from low-flying Israeli jets ringing across the Lebanese capital.

Minutes before he began, the IDF confirmed it had also struck a series of Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Nasrallah described the remote-controlled detonation of thousands of communication devices as a massacre.

Explosions happened in hospitals, in pharmacies, hospitals, in markets, in shops, in houses, in carsin streets where many civilians were along with women and children.

He added that he hoped Israel invades southern Lebanon, as it will create a historic opportunity for Hezbollah.

The enemy will face a severe and fair punishment from where they expect and dont expect, Nasrallah said in his closing remarks.

05:29 PM BST

Thats all for today

Were pausing our live coverage of the conflict in the Middle East for today.

Heres a roundup of the latest news:

Hezbollah will pay an increasing price, says Israels defence minister

Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs chief, vowed a severe punishment after Israel after it violated all red lines

Israeli jets triggered sonic booms during his speech after striking sites across southern Lebanon

A 73-year-old pensioner was arrested on suspicion of being hired by Iran to assassinate Benjamin Netanyahu

Mass funerals took place in Beirut for Hezbollah members killed in pager blasts

There is a fear and defiance in Hezbollah stronghold, according to our correspondent in Beirut

Death toll from walkie-talkie blasts rose to 25, taking overall death toll from explosions to 37

Benjamin Netanyahu accused Keir Starmer of undermining Israel

The Middle East is the closest it has been to an all-out war in 50 years, Saudi Arabias ambassador to the UK said

Read more:

05:20 PM BST

Israel defence minister: Hezbollah will pay increasing price

Israel will keep up military action against Lebanese Hezbollah, though the new phase of fighting does include significant risks, Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minsiter, said in the wake of Hassan Nasrallahs speech.

In the new phase of the war there are significant opportunities but also significant risks. Hezbollah feels that it is being persecuted and the sequence of military actions will continue, Mr Gallant said in a statement.

Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price, he added.

Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, said Hezbollah will pay an increasing price - Reuters

05:17 PM BST

Israel supplied exploding pagers to Hezbollah

Explosive pagers were used in attacks in Lebanon on Tuesday - AFP

Israel allegedly set up a shell company that has supplied Hezbollah with pagers since 2022, according to a US media report.

Pagers were used in an explosives attack in Lebanon on Tuesday, which left 12 members of the terror group dead and thousands injured.

A supply chain trail allegedly led to Hungarian firm BAC Consulting, which appears to have a contract to manufacture beepers under a licensing agreement from Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese company.

However, the Budapest-based company was a front and part of a secret operation to send pagers to Hezbollah in 2022, the New York Times claimed, citing intelligence sources.

Read the full story here.

05:09 PM BST

We dont want to see escalation, says Blinken

The US does not want to see escalation by any party in the Middle East, Antony Blinken said as he arrived in Paris for talks.

The US secretary of state did not explicitly condemn Israels detonation of hundreds of communication devices used by Hezbollah operatives.

But Washington, along with France, have urged both sides to avoid actions that could trigger all-out war.

The Paris meeting - scheduled to last just a few hours - will focus on the state of talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza and the situation in Lebanon.

04:42 PM BST

Watch: Sky News reporter interrupted by Israeli jets breaking sound barrier

04:36 PM BST

Two Israeli soldiers killed by Hezbollah strikes

Israel says two of its soldiers were killed by latest Hezbollah strikes across the Lebanon border.

The announcement came while Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was finishing his speech, where he vowed Israel would face a severe and fair punishment from where they expect and dont expect following the pager attacks.

04:32 PM BST

WHO: Explosions disrupt Lebanons fragile health system

Explosions in booby-trapped radios and pagers in Lebanon this week seriously disrupted its fragile health sector, the World Health Organization chief said on Thursday.

These events have seriously disrupted Lebanons already fragile health system, General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference, adding that the global body had distributed blood supplies and trauma kits in the country.

Mike Ryan, WHOs emergencies chief, said at the same briefing: The whole health system came under immense pressure very, very quickly.

04:28 PM BST

Watch: Funerals underway for Hezbollah fighters killed in blasts

04:18 PM BST

Israel will face crushing response from axis of resistance, says IRGC chief

Israel will face a crushing response from the axis of resistance, Hossein Salami, Irans Revolutionary Guards Commander, told Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday, Iranian state media reported.

The so-called axis of resistance refers to the informal Iranian-led military coalition that compromises of militant Islamist groups, including Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Shia armed groups in Iraq and Syria.

04:12 PM BST

IDF chief approves battle plans for northern front

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the chief of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), has approved battle plans for the northern front, the military said.

The northern front refers to the near-daily attacks launched by Hezbollah into Israel that has displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border.

The statement, which did not provide further details, came just as Hassan Nasrallah, the chief of Hezbollah, began his much-anticipated speech following the mass explosions of communication devices in Lebanon.

04:07 PM BST

Watch: Moment Nasrallah says Israel violated all red lines

04:05 PM BST

Hezbollah infrastructure not touched, claims Nasrallah

Hezbollahs command and control infrastructure was not been impacted in the pager attacks, Hassan Nasrallah has claimed.

He also said that senior Hezbollah commanders do not carry the pager models that exploded on Tuesday and Wednesday.

I reassure you our infrastructure has not been touched, he said.

03:59 PM BST

Pictured: Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hit the Tyre, in southern Lebanon - Anadolu

03:57 PM BST

We will not stop until Gaza war ends

Hassan Nasrallah vowed that Hezbollah would not give up its resistance against Israel, including the continued rocket and drone attacks, until the war in Gaza comes to an end.

The resistance in Lebanon will not stop supporting the resistance in Gaza, the West Bank and all the aggrieved, he said.

03:46 PM BST

Nasrallah promises internal probe into explosions

The chief of Hezbollah said the Lebanese militant group will not jump to conclusions, instead promising an internal probe into the explosions of thousands of communication devices used by the group.

03:44 PM BST

This attack did not bring us to our knees - Nasrallah

Hassan Nasrallah said that Hezbollah will not be brought to our knees by the pager attacks.

We cannot be broken by this blow, no matter how big or strong it is. And I can assure you faithfully and with confidence, this hard, unprecedented blow did not bring us to our knees  and it will not, he declared.

These are lessons to learn, Nasrallah he added, promising to improve security.

03:36 PM BST

Watch: IDF hits targets in Lebanon as Hezbollah leader speaks

03:33 PM BST

Pager attacks could be a declaration of war

Hassan Nasrallah is now well into his three-part speech and has described the pager attacks blamed on Israel as a possible declaration of war.

The Hezbollah leader said Israels level of a aggression is unprecedented in Lebanon, unprecedented in our struggle against the enemy, unprecedented in the region or the scale of whole world.

03:33 PM BST

Sonic booms heard as Nasrallah gives his speech

Israeli planes flew at very low altitude over Beirut as Nasrallah gave his speech. Sonic booms and massive explosions were heard.

Lebanese residents, already on edge following this weeks blasts across the country that the group blamed on Israel, were panicked fearing a major escalation.

03:27 PM BST

Nasrallah: This is very big hit for us

Hassan Nasrallah admitted that the pager blasts that have left 37 dead and 3,500 wounded was a very bit hit for us.

This was a big test for us, but we have managed, we will overcome this test with high spirits, he said in his televised address.

This was a very big hit but we will not fail.. we will be stronger, more powerful.

03:23 PM BST

Israel launches wave of strikes just before Nasrallah speech

Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday as the terror groups leader began his first statement since dozens were killed in a wave of pager and walkie-talkie explosions this week.



The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that its chief of staff had approved plans for the northern area, accusing Hezbollah of turning southern Lebanon into a combat zone.



For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields, the statement read.



The IDF is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes, as well as to achieve all of the war goals.



The IDF announcement came as Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs chief, accused Israel of crossing all red lines with the explosive device attacks.

03:20 PM BST

It was genocide, it was a massacre - Nasrallah

The Hezbollah leader then referred to the pager blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday as a genocide, a massacre.

Hassan Nasrallah said Israels intention was to kill 4,000 in one minute on Tuesday, and another thousand on Wednesday, adding that our enemy had partly failed.

03:17 PM BST

Nasrallah says Israel violated all red lines

In his speech, Hassan Nasrallah said the enemy, referring to Israel, violated all red lines by targeting hospitals, markets, shops, houses, cars, streets on Tuesday and Wednesday.

He said: What happened on Tuesday constitutes a violation of all laws and red lines, without regard for anything, neither humanitarian nor ethical.

Well call them the Tuesday massacre and the Wednesday massacre. Many disasters were avoided, as many wounds were minor, and a number of these beepers were switched off, while others had not yet been distributed, Nasrallah added.

03:10 PM BST

Nasrallah prays for those injured in blasts

Hassan Nasrallah, chief of Hezbollah, said he is praying for the thousands of those injured in the blasts, saying many of those suffered major wounds to their eyes.

He thanked the people of Lebanon for the biggest donation of blood in the countrys history.

03:03 PM BST

Hezbollah chiefs speech gets under way

Nasrallahs speech is now under way.

We will share updates as they come in.

Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, gives his first statement on the pager explosions

02:42 PM BST

Hezbollah chiefs statement due to begin shortly

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs chief, will give a statement in around 20 minutes after the explosions across Lebanon this week.

Hezbollah is a politically-influential Shia Muslim organisation which controls the most powerful armed force in the Middle Eastern country, which borders Israel.

The Iran-backed terror group ahs been trading blows with Israel since Hamas carried out its terror attacks on Oct 7.

Well bring you what he says as it comes in.

02:37 PM BST

German airline extends flight suspensions

German airline group Lufthansa has said it will extend a suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran and Beirut, as regional tensions soared following the deadly explosions in Lebanon this week.

Flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran will be cancelled until September 24, a spokesperson for the airline said. Flights to Beirut will be suspended until October 26.

02:19 PM BST

Watch: Amal flags flown during Hezbollah funeral

Flags from the political Amal movement were seen waving at funerals for Hezbollah fighters on Thursday.

The Amal Movement is a political party and former militia associated with the Shia community in Lebanon.

02:02 PM BST

More pictures from funeral of Hezbollah fighters

Mourners gather for the funeral of Hezbollah fighters who were killed in Beirut after a series of explosive device attacks - REUTERS

Hezbollah members carry the coffins of two of their comrades who were killed on Wednesday - AP

A young boy cries during the funeral of two Hezbollah fighters who were killed in Wednesdays walkie-talkie blasts - AP

02:00 PM BST

Hitman sent to kill Netanyahu by Iran named as Israeli pensioner

A 73-year-old pensioner has been unmasked as the Israeli citizen arrested on suspicion of plotting to kill Benjamin Netanyahu in a plan devised by Iran.

Israeli security services said they arrested Moti Maman in August after he attended two meetings in Iran where they asked him to assassinate the Israeli prime minister. Yoav Gallant, the defence minister, and Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, were also discussed as targets.

The Israeli citizen entered Iran...smuggled through the border hidden inside a truck cabin, an IDF statement read. He met with additional Iranian intelligence agents and was asked by them to carry out activities for Iran on Israeli soil, including promoting assassination attacks.

Mr Maman, who was smuggled into Iran in the back of a truck, allegedly demanded an advance payment of one million dollars before performing any action, the statement added. He was also allegedly given 5,000 for attending the meetings.

Eyal Besserglick, Mr Mammans lawyer, said his client made an error of judgement and is cooperating with Israels intelligence agencies.

It can already be said that this is a person who has greatly assisted the security services of the State of Israel, whose children serve in the security forces, Mr Besserglick added.

Israel claimed Iran asked Mr Maman to carry out the assassinations as revenge for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, on Iranian soil in July, which Tehran attributed to Jerusalem.

01:56 PM BST

Israel will use all means necessary to secure northern border

Continuing this afternoons press conference, the government spokesperson said Israel will use all means necessary to secure its northern border.

The spokesperson said: Israel is responding with force to this aggression by Hezbollah. We will use all means necessary to restore security to our northern border, and to safely return our citizens to their homes.

We will respond with force to this unprovoked aggression from Hezbollah, he added.

01:43 PM BST

Netanyahu rejects claims he jeopardised hostage deal

Benjamin Netanyahu completely rejects any accusation that he has jeopardised efforts to secure a hostage deal in Gaza for his own political gain.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, an Israeli government spokesperson said claims that Israel is holding up a deal echoes the propaganda of Hamas.

The prime minister has accepted every American proposal for the release of hostages, the spokesperson said.

01:33 PM BST

If people are nervous, they are not saying so

If people are nervous at the funerals getting underway in southern Beirut  and given that walkie-talkies exploded in the ones that took place yesterday they could be forgiven if they were  they are not saying so.

Ive spoken to one Hezbollah member who has brought his seven-year-old son to witness the funeral of Fadel Abbas Bezzi, a relative and Hezbollah fighter who died yesterday when his walkie-talkie exploded.

My son needs to be here whatever the risk, the man said. I am teaching him a lesson. We could all die soon and if we do the new generation need to understand what we are fighting for.

Two men are being buried today, Bezzi and Ahmad Ali Hassan, both of whom died yesterday.

The ceremony is a solemn one. Hezbollah fighters in camouflage uniforms and red berets have formed a guard of honour. A brass band is playing. Young Boy Scouts in Hezbollah scarfs are standing to attention near the funeral biers. Shia imams are standing by to lead the prayers.

Men and women waving yellow Hezbollah flags have gathered but in fewer numbers than yesterday  perhaps showing that there is more nervousness in southern Beirut than some are letting on.

01:15 PM BST

In pictures: funerals held for Hezbollah fighters killed in walkie-talkie blasts

Adrian Blomfield, our correspondent in Beirut, has sent us some pictures from funerals being held for Hezbollah fighters who were killed in Wednesdays walkie-talkie blasts.

A crowd gathers for the funeral of Hezbollah fighters who were killed in Wednesdays attack - Adrian Blomfield

Funerals are getting under way for Hezbollah fighters who were killed in Wednesdays walkie-talkie blasts - Adrian Blomfield

01:03 PM BST

Dispatch: Fear and defiance in Hezbollah stronghold

There is a mixture of fear and defiance in the Shia southern suburbs of Beirut, one of Hezbollahs chief strongholds, where funerals of those killed yesterday are due to get under way shortly.

Many are waiting for waiting for direction and reassurance from Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, who is due to address his followers this afternoon.

We are scared, says Sara, a teacher and supporter of the movement. We are scared of whats going to happen tomorrow. We are scared of whats going to happen in the next few hours. Everyone has questions. Nasrallahs speech will be a turning point. Either it will be a declaration of war or he will calm things down.

Sara told me she that one of her friends died in Tuesdays pager attacks and another seven were injured.

She was first alerted that something was wrong when she saw two men fall off their motorbike, something she believed was an accident at first until, over the next 45 minutes, she saw cars with shattered windows and more people lying injured on the streets.

We didnt know what was going on, whether it was a drone attack or something else.

12:33 PM BST

Gallant briefs US on Hezbollah threats

Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, revealed on Thursday morning that he had briefed the US on the threat his country faces from Hezbollah.

Mr Gallant said he also briefed Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, on Israels shifting focus towards the north near the border with Lebanon.

The defence minister revealed on Wednesday that Israel had entered a new phase of war as its focus shifted northwards.

Benjamin Netanyahu also vowed to return thousands of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north.

Spoke overnight with @secdef to reflect on the strategic, regional picture and to brief the Secretary on IDF operations in the southern and northern arenas, focusing on Israel's defense against Hezbollah threats.



I expressed my appreciation to the Secretary for his unwavering    - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) September 19, 2024

12:17 PM BST

Death toll from walkie-talkie blasts rises to 25

The death toll from Wednesdays walkie-talkie blasts has risen to 25, the Lebanese health ministry has said.

It takes the total death toll from both Tuesday and Wednesdays attacks to 37.

Thousands were injured.

12:04 PM BST

Netanyahu to meet with security cabinet at 5pm

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with his security cabinet ministers at 5pm UK time on Thursday (7pm local time).

It follows the revelation that the Israeli security forces foiled an Iranian-backed plot to assassinate him.

11:56 AM BST

Lebanons PM urges UN to act over Israels technological war

Najib Mikati, Lebanons prime minister, has urged the United Nations to take action over what he described as Israels technological war.

Mr Mikatis calls come ahead of a UN security council meeting on Friday.

Beirut almost immediately attributed the first wave of exploding pager attacks to Israel on Tuesday. A second wave then followed on Wednesday, killing 37 people across two days.

11:25 AM BST

Pictured: injured Israelis evacuated after Hezbollah attack

At least eight people were injured in Israel on Thursday in an anti-tank guided missile attack by Hezbollah near the Lebanon border.

Israels military evacuate injured people by helicopter after an anti-tank missile was fired into Israel by Hezbollah - REUTERS

11:10 AM BST

Iran warns US: time wont deter strike on Israel

Iran has warned the US that the passage of time will not prevent the Islamic Republic from carrying out strikes against Israel.

Irans armed forces general staff said on Thursday: We warn criminal America and its puppet regime in the region that passage of time will not deter Irans intention to avenge the cowardly assassination of Martyr Ismail Haniyeh.

Hamas terror chief Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31.

The Iranian military warned that Israel must pay for its stupid and vicious mistake.

The ultimate responsibility for deciding how Iran will respond to the assassination of Haniyeh lies with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader.

10:58 AM BST

Bulgaria to probe company links to Lebanon pagers

Bulgaria will investigate a company linked to the sale of pagers that exploded in a coordinated attack across Lebanon this week, the countrys state security agency said on Thursday.

DANS said that it is working with the interior ministry to probe the role of a company registered in Bulgaria, without naming it.

Bulgarian media reports alleged that a Sofia-based company called Norta Global Ltd had facilitated the sale of the pagers.

10:23 AM BST

Pagers and walkie-talkies banned from airport

Pagers and walkie-talkies have been banned from flights operating in Beiruts Rafic Hariri Airport, state media reported on Thursday.

Passengers have been told the devices will be confiscated if they are found.

10:06 AM BST

Hezbollah chief to give statement today

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs chief, will give a speech later on Thursday.

The terror groups chief is expected to speak at around 3pm UK time in the wake of a series of pager explosions targeting the groups members across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hezbollah vowed to uniquely punish Israel after the second wave of attacks.

Well bring you what Nasrallah says as it comes in.

Lebanons Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah giving a televised address - AFP

09:56 AM BST

Israeli accused over Netanyahu plot made error of judgement, says lawyer

An Israeli citizen who was arrested over an Iranian plot to kill Benjamin Netanyahu has said his client made an error of judgement and is cooperating with Israels intelligence agencies.

We have not yet seen the investigative materials, so at this stage it is difficult to go into the details of the case, Eyal Besserglick said, according to Hebrew-language media reports.

It can already be said that this is a person who has greatly assisted the security services of the State of Israel, whose children serve in the security forces, and who made an error in judgement in the context of his business, Besserglick added.

09:50 AM BST

Watch: eyewitness video shows explosion in Lebanon

A Lebanese member of the public caught the moment a Hezbollah radio device exploded in Lebanon.

09:40 AM BST

In pictures: funeral turns to chaos after walkie-talkies explode

Still reeling from a series of explosive pager attacks on Tuesday, those attending a funeral in Beirut yesterday hoped to show their defiance against Israel, who is suspected of being behind the simultaneous explosions.

But almost exactly 24 hours after the initial attacks, a series of walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah began to explode across Lebanon - including at a funeral for someone who was killed in the first wave of attacks.

Men carry the coffin of Mohammad Mahdi Ammar, son of Ali Ammar, the Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament - REUTERS

Women mourn over the coffin of killed Lebanese Hezbollah member Hussein Amhaz during his funeral in Baalbek - AFP

A device inside a car exploded during the funeral on Wednesday - AFP

09:09 AM BST

Iranian officials told to avoid phones

Iranian authorities have been instructed to stay away from their mobile phones, a former senior official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said.

Following the assassination of Martyr Haniyeh, various groups within IRGC intelligence and the Ministry of Intelligence have been actively investigating the case, said Mohsen Rafighdoost.

For instance, Mr Nasrallah was notified about the situation and in Iran, many officials were told to keep their mobile phones away from themselves, with instructions to hand them over for testing before using them again, he added.

He said Iran will definitely avenge the assassination of Hamas leader in the coming days.

08:46 AM BST

Iran devised Netanyahu plot as revenge for Hamas chiefs killing

The assassination plans were allegedly devised by Iran as revenge for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, in Tehran in July, Shin Bet believes.

But the Israeli suspect said he would not carry out any work for the Iranian regime unless he was first paid $1 million upfront, Israels Shin Bet intelligence agency claimed.

This request was denied by Iranian intelligence agents.

08:38 AM BST

Who was behind the plot to kill Netanyahu?

According to a Shin Ben and police investigation, the Israeli citizen behind an Iran-backed plot kill Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, was a businessman with strong links with Iranian nationals in Turkey.

In April 2024, the suspect agreed to meet with Eddy, a rich business man who was living in Iran, to advance business activity.

He had several meetings before being smuggled into Iran via a land crossing near the eastern Turkish city of Van, Shin Bet said.

Once in Iran, the Israeli man met with a member of Irans security forces. In that meeting, Eddy suggested the Israeli man carry out a series of missions in Israel for the Iranian regime.

The Israeli man said he would look into it before returning to Iran in August 2024 hidden in a truck.

He then went to meet Eddy again, where he was asked to assassinate one of Mr Netanyahu, Mr Gallant or Mr Bar.

08:30 AM BST

Netanyahu accuses Starmer of undermining Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Sir Keir Starmer of sending mixed messages over Britains support for Israel and undermining the countrys right to self-defence.

Israels prime minister criticised the new Labour government for suspending around 30 arms exports to Israel amid concerns they could be used in violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict.

Sir Keirs decision has caused diplomatic tensions with Israel and Mr Netanyahu, speaking to the Daily Mail, said: After the October 7 Hamas massacre, the previous British government was clear in its support.

Unfortunately, the current Government is sending mixed messages.

They say that Israel has the right to defend itself, but they undermine our ability to exercise that right both by reversing Britains position on the absurd allegations made by the ICC prosecutor against Israel and by blocking weapons sales to Israel as we fight against the genocidal terrorist organisation that carried out the October 7 massacre.

He also compared Israels fight against Hamas to Britains heroic stand against the Nazis.

Tensions in the Middle East have been heightened in recent days by detonations of electronic devices in Lebanon, including those used by Hezbollah. The militant group has blamed Israel for what appeared to be a remote attack.

08:25 AM BST

Israeli citizen arrested over Iranian-backed plot to kill Netanyahu

Israel has arrested one of its own citizens on suspicion of involvement of an Iran-backed assassination plot target several high-ranking officials, including the prime minister

Israeli security services said they had arrested the businessman, who was smuggled into Iran, where he allegedly attended two meetings to discuss assassinating Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, the defence minister, or the head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency.

The citizen was arrested in August 2024, before a series of exploding pager device attacks which killed more than 30 people and injured thousands across Lebanon and parts of Syria on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Both Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Yoav Gallant (R) were touted as targets in the Iranian assassination plot - REUTERS

07:57 AM BST

Israel hits military targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli jets and artillery hit multiple military targets in southern Lebanon overnight, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Thursday.

The military said air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam.

Israeli media reported that a number of Israeli civilians had been wounded by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon but there was no official confirmation.

Israeli airstrikes hit Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel - Anadolu

07:23 AM BST

Middle East closest to regional war for 50 years

The Middle East is the closest it has been to all-out war in 50 years, Saudia Arabias ambassador to the UK has told Sky News.

Prince Khalid bin Bandar called for renewed efforts to stop fighting in Gaza but said he struggled to remain optimistic about the situation on the ground.

The situation on the ground is getting worse and worse... I think this is the closest weve been to a regional war since 1973, he said.

07:12 AM BST

Blinken and Lammy to meet after walkie-talkie blasts

David Lammy and Antony Blinken will meet with their European counterparts in Paris on Thursday for further talks about the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

The Foreign Secretary and US secretary of state will meet with their French and Italian counterparts to discuss the Middle East and Ukraine, the state department said, with an inevitable focus on the exploding device attacks.

On Wednesday, Mr Blinken reiterated Washingtons belief that the conflict in the Middle East could be solved diplomatically and said any escalatory acts, like the device attacks, could stop a ceasefire in Gaza.

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, departs Cairo for Paris ahead of meetings with David Lammy and his European counterparts - REUTERS

06:49 AM BST

The Daily T: How and why did Israel blow up Hezbollahs pagers?

In the latest episode of the Daily T, The Telegraphs Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant tells us whether the plot against Iran-backed Hezbollah could trigger an an all-out regional war. Plus, Jotam Confino reports from Israel on how local media are reacting to the audacious plot.

06:19 AM BST

Netanyahu compares fight against Hamas to Britains heroic stand against the Nazis

Benjamin Netanyahu has compared Israels fight against Hamas to Britains heroic stand against the Nazis.

The Israeli prime minister has insisted his country is waging a just war with just means and claimed it is taking unprecedented measures to keep civilians out of harms way and comporting fully with international law.

Sir Keir Starmer has suspended some arms exports to Israel and also dropped the previous governments plan to challenge the International Criminal Courts (ICC) application for an arrest warrant against Mr Netanyahu.

Mr Netanyahu told the Daily Mail: Most recently, the new UK government suspended 30 arms licences to Israel, days after Hamas executed six Israeli hostages, sending a horrible message to Hamas.

These misguided decisions will not change Israels determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organisation that savagely murdered 1,200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens, and took 255 people, including five British hostages.

Just as Britains heroic stand against the Nazis is seen today as having been vital in defeating barbarism, so too will history judge Israels stand against Hamas and Irans axis of terror. Israel will win this war and secure our common future.

Netanyahu said Britain was misguided to reduce military aid to Israel - REUTERS

06:05 AM BST

They had gathered to defy Israel. Then it happened again

They had gathered in their thousands to defy Israel and lay to rest four of their comrades, victims of the pagers that had exploded in their hands or their pockets the previous day. Then it happened again.

As the shadows lengthened in the late afternoon on Wednesday, a single thud echoed through the crowd following one cortege through the streets of Hezbollahs strongholds in south Beirut.

Suddenly screams drowned out the resistance songs blaring out of the sound system and the crowd scattered  except for a man in a white top and black trousers who crumpled backwards onto the ground, his hands blown off, according to witnesses.

It was just the start.

Read more: They gathered to mourn pager attack victims  then a blast tore through the crowd

05:30 AM BST

Taiwan paying great attention to pager link

Taiwans national security team is paying great attention to the detonation of thousands of pagers targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, the islands defence minister said, after a Taiwanese firm was linked to the pagers production.

Taiwan-based Gold Apollo said it did not manufacture the devices used in the attack, and that they were made by a Budapest-based company which has a licence to use its brand.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said the government was closely watching developments.

After the news came out, my understanding is that at present the relevant national security bodies are paying great attention to this, he said, without elaborating. Koo was speaking on Wednesday, in comments embargoed until Thursday.

04:57 AM BST

US defence secretary talks with Israeli counterpart

The US defence secretary and his Israeli counterpart spoke on the phone on Wednesday following the escalation in violence in the Middle East in the past 48 hours.

Lloyd Austin spoke with Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister to review regional security developments and reiterate US support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Hezbollah and other Iranian allies, the Pentagon said.

Earlier on Wednesday Mr Gallant said that the country was shifting its military focus to the north towards the Lebanese border for a new phase of the 11-month war that has raged since the Hamas attacks on October 7 last year.

04:31 AM BST

Allister Heath: Israels bravery exposes Starmers lie

Sir Keir Starmer has turned against Israel, banning the sales of some weapons  a policy that Germany appears intent on following  and refusing to oppose lawsuits against the Jewish state, in an unforgivable moral inversion.

Labour has placed Britain on the side of those nihilists masquerading as human rights lawyers who negate the essential distinction between victims and aggressors, between rule-bound, democracies desperate to minimise civilian casualties, and bloodthirsty dictatorships for whom their people are pawns to be sacrificed.

Read more: Israels bravery has exposed the lie at the heart of Starmers foreign policy

04:07 AM BST

Japanese firm investigates walkie-talkies

Japanese firm Icom has said it is investigating after media reported that two-way radio devices bearing its logo exploded in Lebanon.

Icom said it had stopped producing the model of radios reportedly used in the blasts around 10 years ago.

The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company, the company said in a statement.

The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company.

It added that products for overseas markets are sold exclusively through its authorised distributors, and that its export programme is based on Japanese security trade control regulations.

All of our radios are manufactured at our production subsidiary, Wakayama Icom Inc, in Wakayama Prefecture, under a strict management system... so no parts other than those specified by our company are used in a product. In addition, all of our radios are manufactured at the same factory, and we do not manufacture them overseas.

Icoms office in Osaka - GETTY IMAGES

04:03 AM BST

Middle East headlines

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Heres what you need to know:

Israel on Wednesday declared a new phase of war after it was accused of being behind a second wave of remote-controlled explosions in Lebanon

Hundreds of walkie-talkie radios and other electronic devices began exploding in Lebanon on Wednesday afternoon (below)

It came after a near-identical attack on pagers the previous day

Lebanons health ministry said 20 people had been confirmed killed and a further 450 wounded

Hezbollah fired 20 rockets into Israel following the blasts, Israeli officials said

Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to deliver a televised address in response to the attacks on Thursday

The group has vowed to uniquely punish Israel

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.
Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter presented by Unisys. In this issue, steamship lines react to potential port strike; tariffs targeted; exploding pager supply chains.

Work Disruption Surcharge



LinkedIn

Strike fees  Starting in October, some steamship lines will issue surcharges in anticipation of the potential port strike on the East Coast. Lars Jensen, CEO at Vespucci Maritime, advises, Any shipper with inbound cargo on vessels therefore should by now also have a contingency plan for dealing with this.



CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and MSC have all announced work disruption surcharge fees that range from $800-$1,500 per twenty-foot equivalent unit.



When theres a capacity shortage, you can raise rates higher and faster than before  they learned this during the pandemic and applied it during the Red Sea crisis; rest assured, if we get a strike on the East Coast they will apply it again.  Lars Jensen



Analysts now warn that each day of the strike could take six days to recover from. This is especially precarious as holiday freight hits our shores for Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season.



FreightWaves

Strike and the election  The Biden administration and Kamala Harris are in a precarious situation as the strike looms. Democrats typically cater to unions and rely on their support. However, a prolonged port strike in the month leading up to the election would be horrible for Harris.



There are already enough issues with the economy; being labeled the candidate who ruined Christmas isnt going to gain votes.



Weve never invoked Taft-Hartley to break a strike and are not considering doing so now, a Biden administration official told Reuters.



According to FreightWaves, The ILA, representing 45,000 employees at three dozen ports from Texas to Maine, has said its members will walk off the job if a new contract is not in place by Oct. 1. Now, the Biden administration says it wont step in if there is a strike.







Brace for impact  With less than two weeks to go before the strike and negotiations stalled, the first East Coast port strike in nearly 50 years is headed straight for the holiday season. What do you think? Will the strike happen and how are you planning around it? Email me.

321 and done

FreightWaves

Loophole  Chinese e-commerce retailers have been leveraging the hell out a loophole that allows them to import goods under $800 duty-free. Unlike U.S. retailers, who import containers of goods and pay duties, many Chinese firms sell directly to consumers, allowing them to skirt tariffs via Section 321s de minimis exemption. Think Shein, Temu and even Amazon e-tailers.

Story continues



X

1 Million a day  ShipHeros Aaron Rubin estimates that the ruling would impact 1 million packages a day, it is a big deal.

When will this big deal happen? It could come as soon as Q4.



This is going through regardless of whether Trump or Harris wins the election. However, a Trump administration could mean even more tariffs for China  but thats a topic for another newsletter.



Happy Truck Driver Appreciation Week





LinkedIn

Just the other day I saw an influencer on LinkedIn suggest that we should all go to Buc-ees to show truck drivers our support. Thats a horrible and tone-deaf idea as Buc-ees doesnt even allow semitrucks at its locations.



So, how can you give back to drivers? Appreciate their time and stop causing them to lose money at your slow a** docks.



Exploding pagers: Supply chain story of the year?



X

Sourcing  When beepers started blowing up across Lebanon this week, it became almost immediately clear that they had been tampered with at some point in the supply chain.



MSNBC reports, An electronics manufacturer in Taiwan said Wednesday that a company based in Hungary made the pagers bearing its brand that were used by members of the militant group Hezbollah and exploded simultaneously across Lebanon on Tuesday.



U.S. officials say Israel was behind the attack, but it isnt entirely clear at what point during the manufacturing and delivery process that explosives were added to the targeted devices.



Good to know



X

Forget Founder Mode





FBM  Founder Mode has nothing on Freight Broker Mode. Wear the shirt that lets them know you grind. Head on over to WTTGear.com to get our latest merch! Use code WTTFans for 10% off.

WTT Friday

Trucker honored for 3M accident-free miles; NTDAW roundup; OOIDA teams with TAT  Friday live on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? were joined by Covenant driver Don Lord and his son. Combined, theyve driven for over 5 million accident-free miles! Don was just honored by Covenant with a check for $7,500 and a customized truck. Well find out how hes managed to stay safe while running enough miles to circle the globe 120 times.



Plus, a National Truck Driver Appreciation Week roundup featuring Noritta Taylor at OOIDA, Kylla Lanier at Trucker Against Trafficking, Nick LaFalce at RaceTrac and Jamie Hagen at Hell Bent Xpress.



Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXMs Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.

Now on demand

Cost parity with diesel is a must for semitruck electrification to get in gear

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week cynicism; spot market sputters

The rest of the noise

Thanks for reading, and feel free to forward this to a friend.



Tweet @ Dooner

Email me

Subscribe to the newsletter



Subscribe to the show

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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Or simply look up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player. Or, if you have SiriusXM, tune in to the show Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.



Exit through the gift shop: WTTGear.com



Dont be a stranger,

Dooner

The post Steamship lines add strike surcharges appeared first on FreightWaves.
Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

An aerial view from an airplane window shows the coast and the Raouche Rock with a general view of the Lebanese capital Beirut

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli military said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday, shortly before the movement's leader was due to give a speech.

It also said the military chief of staff had approved plans for Israel's north, which borders Lebanon.

The military said Hezbollah had turned southern Lebanon into a combat zone.

"For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields," it said.

"The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes, as well as to achieve all of the war goals," it said.

A separate military statement said that the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, had recently completed approval of plans for the northern arena.

The statements were released a few minutes before Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was due to deliver a speech for the first time since thousands of explosions in booby-trapped radios and pagers hit the Iran-backed Lebanese group.

The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, raising fears that a full-blown war was imminent.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied being behind the attacks but multiple security sources have said they were carried out by its spy agency Mossad.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Angus MacSwan)
An Israeli man has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a plot to assassinate prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu or other senior officials after being recruited by Iran, Israels internal security service has said.

The suspect  who was arrested in August  is a 73-year-old businessman with links to Turkey who had been smuggled into Iran for two meetings to discuss assassinating either Mr Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant or the head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, it was alleged in a joint statement from the Israeli police and Shin Bet.

The allegations date back to April, when when the Israeli man  named as Moti Maman  agreed to meet a wealthy businessman living in Iran for business purposes.

After being told by representatives that the Iranian businessman, identified only as Adi, could not leave Iran, the Israeli man was smuggled into Iran from eastern Turkey, where he met Adi and others, including a man identified as an Iranian security official, the statement claimed. It is unclear why Adi could not leave Iran.

The Iranians proposed that he carry out tasks for Iran, including transferring money or a gun, photographing crowded places or threatening other Israeli civilians operating on behalf of Iran who did not carry out the requested missions.

After returning to Israel, Mr Maman was allegedly smuggled back into Iran in a vehicle in August. During this visit, Iranian officials asked him to carry out terrorist attacks for Iran and made proposals for assassinating Mr Netanyahu, Mr Gallant or Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, as well as other operations.

The Israeli man is alleged to have asked for a payment of $1m before carrying out the tasks but Iranian officials refused the request, saying instead that they would remain in touch and paying him 5,000 for joining the meetings.

There was panic in Lebanon on Wednesday after a second wave of explosions, including some that hit mourners at funerals for those killed in blasts the previous day (AFP/Getty)

Mr Maman was indicted on Thursday. Eyal Besserglick, Mr Mammans lawyer, said his client made an error of judgement and is cooperating with Israels intelligence agencies.

It can already be said that this is a person who has greatly assisted the security services of the state of Israel, whose children serve in the security forces, Mr Besserglick added.

Shin Bet claimed the plot was seen by the Iranian officials as revenge for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, after which their efforts intensified. Israel was widely viewed as responsible for that attack, which came a day after Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed by an Israeli strike in Beirut.

Shin Bet claimed the latest arrest showed the efforts Iran was making to recruit Israelis to gather intelligence and carry out terrorist missions in Israel, including by using individuals with criminal backgrounds.

The allegations of the assassination plot come just days after Shin Bet uncovered what it said was a plot by Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior defence official, who was subsequently identified as the former army chief and defence minister Moshe Yaalon.

Mr Gallant declared his country was entering a new phase of war on Israels northern border on Wednesday, as Hezbollah was struck by the second attack in two days which caused thousands of walkie-talkies and pagers used by the group to explode.

At least 20 people were killed and 450 injured by the detonations on Wednesday, Lebanons health ministry said, just a day after 12 people died and nearly 3,000 were wounded by pager explosions in an unprecedented attack that Hezbollah has blamed on Israel.

Israel has not commented directly on those attacks but multiple security sources have said Israels spy agency Mossad was responsible.

Additional reporting by Reuters
By Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily

BEIRUT/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli warplanes carried out late on Thursday their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year of war, heightening the conflict between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah amid calls for restraint.

The White House said a diplomatic solution was achievable and urgent, and Britain called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The U.S. is "afraid and concerned about potential escalation," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told a briefing.

The intense barrage followed attacks earlier in the week attributed by Lebanon and Hezbollah to Israel that blew up Hezbollah radios and pagers, killing 37 people and wounding about 3,000 in Lebanon.

In Thursday's late operation, Israel's military said its jets over two hours struck hundreds of multiple-rocket-launcher barrels in southern Lebanon that were set to be fired immediately toward Israel.

The bombardment included more than 52 strikes across southern Lebanon after 9 p.m.(1800 GMT), Lebanon's state news agency NNA said. Three Lebanese security sources said these were the heaviest aerial strikes since the conflict began in October.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Israel's military vowed to continue to attack Hezbollah and said its strikes throughout Thursday hit about 100 rocket launchers plus other targets in southern Lebanon.

In a TV address on Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the device explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday "crossed all red lines".

"The enemy went beyond all controls, laws and morals," he said, adding the attacks "could be considered war crimes or a declaration of war."

Israel has not directly commented on the pager and radio detonations, which security sources say were probably carried out by its Mossad spy agency, which has a long history of carrying out sophisticated attacks on foreign soil.

The Lebanese mission to the U.N. said in a letter to the Security Council on Thursday that Israel was responsible for detonating the devices via electronic messages and explosives implanted in them before they arrived in Lebanon, in line with theories that have circulated since the explosions.

The 15-member Security Council is due to meet on Friday over the blasts. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the Security Council to take a firm stand to stop Israel's "aggression" and "technological war".

ISRAEL VOWS HEZBOLLAH TO PAY 'INCREASING PRICE'

As Nasrallah's broadcast aired, deafening sonic booms from Israeli warplanes shook Beirut, a sound that has become common in recent months but has taken on greater significance as the threat of all-out war has ramped up.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said late on Thursday that Israel will keep up military action against Hezbollah.

"In the new phase of the war there are significant opportunities but also significant risks. Hezbollah feels that it is being persecuted and the sequence of military actions will continue," Gallant said in a statement.

"Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price," Gallant said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his close circle of ministers for consultations, Israel's Channel 13 News reported.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in combat on Thursday in Israel's north, the Israeli military said.

'BIG HARSH BLOW'

Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel the day after the Oct. 7 cross-border attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas which triggered the Gaza war.

Since then, constant exchanges of fire have occurred. Although neither side has allowed this to escalate into full-scale war, it has led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the border area on both sides.

Nasrallah said Hezbollah hoped Israeli troops would enter southern Lebanon because that would create a "historic opportunity" for the Iran-backed group.

No military escalation, killing, assassinations or all-out war would return Israeli residents to the border area, he added.

Israel will face "a crushing response from the axis of resistance", Iran's Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami told Nasrallah on Thursday, according to state media, referring to a coalition of Iran-aligned militant groups including Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis, Hamas and armed groups in Iraq and Syria.

Speaking in Paris, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged restraint, adding he did not want to see escalatory actions by any party that make a Gaza-ceasefire deal more difficult.

The attacks on Hezbollah communications equipment sowed fear across Lebanon, with people abandoning electronic devices for fear of carrying bombs in their pockets.

Nasrallah said thousands of pagers had been targeted simultaneously, with some of the explosions happening in hospitals, pharmacies, markets, shops and streets busy with civilians, women and children.

Israel says its conflict with Hezbollah, like its war in Gaza against Hamas, is part of a wider regional confrontation with Iran, which sponsors both groups as well as armed movements in Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

Israel has been accused of assassinations including a blast in Tehran that killed the leader of Hamas and another in a Beirut suburb that killed a senior Hezbollah commander within hours of each other in July.

(Reporting by Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Nadine Awadalla and Clauda Tanios and Nayera Abdalla in Dubai and Maayan Lubell and Steve Scheer in Jerusalem; Additional reporting by Tom Perry and Walid Saleh in Beirut, John Irish in Paris, Michelle Nichols in New York, Stephanie Kelly, Andrea Shalal, Phil Stewart, Kanishka Singh, Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk and Anthony Esposito in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy, Alexandra Hudson and Cynthia Osterman; Editing by Peter Graff, Angus MacSwan and Rod Nickel)
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV)  Indiana State University announces the cancellation of a speaker series involving the editor in chief of the National Review.

Conservative Rich Lowry was scheduled to speak on campus on September 30th.



In a news release, ISU said the event was cancelled because of campus and community safety concerns. ISU also stated that it is important to stress that this cancellation is not intended to limit our neutrality on different political viewpoints.

Below is the news release from ISU:

Indiana State University prioritizes the safety of our students, campus community, and all invited speakers. In light of recent developments and following the advice of our public safety officials regarding campus and community safety concerns, we have made the decision to cancel Rich Lowrys scheduled appearance on September 30 as part of the Indiana State University Speaker Series. In accordance with university policy, this decision is consistent with our commitment to maintaining a secure environment and ensuring the well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and the greater Terre Haute community.

It is important to stress that this cancellation is not intended to limit our neutrality on different political viewpoints. Indiana State University remains firmly committed to fostering intellectual diversity and encouraging the respectful exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives.

The Indiana State University Speaker Series has a proud tradition of featuring speakers from multiple walks of life, representing a range of political, cultural, and experiential perspectives. We are actively working to identify opportunities to invite a speaker with a proven history of promoting intellectually diverse viewpoints to the Speaker Series, which will be announced at a later date.

We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of everyone involved in our efforts to ensure the safety of the Indiana State University and Terre Haute communities, as well as the guests we welcome.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROME (Reuters) -A storm system that has wreaked havoc across central Europe brought devastating floods to the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna on Thursday for the second year in a row, forcing people to leave their homes and schools to close.

A low-pressure system named "Boris" caused the worst flooding in more than two decades from Romania to Poland over the past week, killing at least 24 people before moving west.

"I have to say that it rained non-stop for more than 48 hours, non-stop. Boris has clearly decided to pick on our region," the acting president of Emilia-Romagna Irene Priolo told RAI public radio.

She said about 1,000 people had been evacuated overnight from their homes, but noted this was far lower than the 45,000 who had been forced to leave by the previous floods, which affected a larger area.

In May 2023, two rounds of torrential rain and mudslides killed 17 people and caused 8.5 billion euros ($9.5 billion) worth of damage in Emilia-Romagna, according to regional authorities.

On Thursday, schools were closed and rail services suspended in several provinces. In the town of Lugo, near Ravenna, authorities ordered the evacuation of all ground floor residences, after the local Senio river broke its banks.

"We are in a full emergency ... the event is very similar to what we had last May," the Mayor of Ravenna, Michele De Pascale, told Radio 24 broadcaster, adding however that this year's floods were more concentrated geographically.

Priolo said the 250 millimetres (9.8 inches) of water that fell in some areas was "comparable if not in some cases superior" to the rains from last year, but noted that only three rivers had overflowed, compared to 23 previously.

The national fire department said it carried out more than 500 rescue operations in Emilia-Romagna, including with the use of helicopters. Floods and mudslides were also affecting the neighbouring regions of Tuscany and Marche.

($1 = 0.8973 euros)

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini, editing by Crispian Balmer and Sharon Singleton)
'I've never seen this': Top Republican details level of Secret Service 'lack of cooperation'

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., described the level to which the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service have prevented the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) from obtaining crucial materials to investigate the failures that led to the assassination attempts against former President Trump.

"Things like the autopsy report, you know, the House has it under subpoena. We don't have it," he told reporters.

"[The] toxicology report; we don't have any of the trajectory reports. So, where'd the bullets go? We don't even know how they handled the crime scene," said Johnson, ranking member of the HSGAC Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI).

GOP SENS CALL ON SCHUMER, DEMS TO TAKE UP BORDER BILLS AS THEY TOUT IMMIGRATION VIGILANCE

Sen. Ron Johnson, right, described the specific requests that have yet to produce results from the Secret Service and FBI. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe is pictured on left.

The senator pointed to the amount of time that has passed since the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump, noting, "There's just basic information we should have right now, and we don't have it."

"We haven't been able to interview the sniper who took out [Thomas] Crooks," Johnson said. Crooks is the would-be assassin that, during the July 13 rally in Pennsylvania, opened fire, grazing the former president's ear, killing a rally attendee and critically injuring two others.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

According to the Republican, the sniper who shot Crooks was the first person he wanted to interview.

SECRET SERVICE TOLD LOCALS THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF BUILDING USED BY THOMAS CROOKS TO SHOOT TRUMP

Thomas Matthew Crooks

Further, he said they hadn't been provided any FD-302 forms by the FBI, which are used to investigate through results of interviews. Johnson pointed out that FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate told him during a hearing in July that the bureau would provide the forms as soon as they could.

"I haven't gotten one," he said.

"They've done 1,000 interviews. We've done 12," the senator said.

'AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE': SENATE REPUBLICANS CONDEMN PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY'S UN BID TO UNDERMINE ISRAEL

Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. of the U.S. Secret Service, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office attend a press conference on Monday, the day after an apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The Wisconsin Republican said the lack of information is consistent with slow-walking.

He also said that a recent briefing to the chairs and ranking members of both HSGAC and PSI from Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe did not provide the senators with any new information.

Johnson described that the few documents which had been provided to the lawmakers were "heavily redacted."

"And in this case, unusually. I've never seen this," he remarked of the redactions.

TOP SENATE DEMOCRAT 'ANGRY' OVER BIDEN-HARRIS ADMIN 'STONEWALLING' AFTER TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS

Noting that it wasn't his "first rodeo," Johnson recalled that redactions are normally black, blocking out certain parts of text. "These are just whiteouts."

"So, I don't know. Was it just a single word?" he asked.

He said in some cases it wasn't evident whether something had been obscured in the documents or not due to the white redactions.

"That's the level of opacity that we're getting in terms of their lack of cooperation with our investigation," Johnson added.

The Secret Service has reiterated that it is cooperating with Congress' investigations despite bipartisan outcry and accusations of "stonewalling."

In a comment to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the Secret Service said, "The U.S. Secret Service is cooperating with a wide range of reviews and investigations related to the attempted assassination on Former President Donald Trump. This includes multiple Congressional investigations, including inquiries by the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in the Senate, and a special bipartisan task force in the House of Representatives."

"Since July 13, we have provided more than 2,800 pages of responsive documentation to these entities and have made our employees available for interviews as requested. On Sept. 12, Acting Director Ron Rowe briefed members of U.S. House and Senate committees regarding the agencys mission assurance investigation. Given the volume of requests, the jurisdiction of requesters, and the finite capacity of resources and staff to respond, the U.S. Secret Service is prioritizing our responses to those listed above."





Original article source: 'I've never seen this': Top Republican details level of Secret Service 'lack of cooperation'
Prepare to be shocked: At around the time J.D. Vance started dissembling about Haitians eating peoples house pets, a Vance campaign staffer privately spoke with the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, where thousands of Haitians have settled. The Wall Street Journal reports that the official informed Vances staffer that online rumors of pet eating in the city were flatly false. But Vance then amplified the claim. Donald Trump followed suit, addingbecause nobody out-embellishes Trumpthat along with cats, Haitians are also consuming Springfields dogs.

They knew it was all a lie. But they kicked off this whole campaign of hate and demagoguery anyway.

These revelations should prompt a reconsideration of one of this campaigns ugliest moments: Vances defense of the pet-eating fabrication on CNN last Sunday. If I have to create stories to get the media to cover the impact of immigration, he said, then thats what Im going to do.

This move is really a form of whats been called sanewashingit repackages one of MAGAs racist lies as merely an effort to prompt a good-faith policy debate. And it has been widely analyzed as damage control, as an attempt to put positive spin on a lie after getting caught out for it. But if Vance went into all this knowingly, then its time for more scrutiny of the underlying position he is self-consciously articulating herethat lying in this manner is acceptable to force discussion of a supposedly overlooked public problemon its own terms, as its own act of grotesque public misconduct.

If it is OK to level such a despicable, dehumanizing smear at a vulnerable minority population to corral media attention in this fashion, then what sort of lying and propaganda about an exposed, assailable, encircled out group would not be justified? Does Vances code of political ethics have any limiting principle that you can discern?

Vance is now denying that he admitted anything untoward in that CNN interview. At a rally in Wisconsin on Tuesday, he slammed the media as dishonest for reading his CNN quote about creating stories as synonymous with fabricating them. In Vances new telling, he really meant he had created a story in the media; that is, he merely made immigration newsworthy, and didnt manufacture anything.

This tidy little claim is wrecked by the new reporting demonstrating that his campaign knew in advance that the created story was indeed a fabrication. But its worth digging more deeply into Vances broader insistence on the need to create stories for the nakedly instrumental purpose of redirecting the public debate.

For instance, take Vances most basic assertionthat the media wasnt covering the Haitian influx into Springfield before the pet-eating claim took off. This itself is nonsense. There were already national media stories analyzing it in depth, including ones that credited Vance himself with drawing attention to it in other, less dubious ways. What Vance really objected to is that these stories portrayed the situation as nuancedas a development with mixed but largely good effectsrather than as a purely negative one.

Whats more, Vances dishonesty about Springfield goes well beyond the pet-eating scam and strays into other really dangerous territory. Vance has repeatedly cited a need to draw attention to other problems supposedly inflicted by Haitians, again and again claiming that communicable diseases are on the rise and have skyrocketed.

You might describe this as the art of the secondary lie. Even as the pet-eating ruse sucked up all the attention, MAGA figures have advanced other claims along with it that have passed into the discourse with little scrutiny. Its a trick that MAGA propaganda often employs.

But its very hard to square Vances claims of skyrocketing diseases with official health data from Clark County, home to Springfield. That data shows that reportable communicable diseases in the countyexcluding Covid-19, which dwarfs all others and surged during the pandemic for many other reasonsactually have declined in a broad sense. Despite a rise in 2022 that was the exception, they were actually lower in 2023 than they were in 2021 (when the Haitian influx gained steam), which in turn was lower than 2020 (before their arrivals really got going). The overall trend from 2020 through the end of 2023 is downward, not upward.

If you look at all reportable diseases as a whole, theyre actually going down, Chris Cook, the health commissioner of Clark County, told me.

Vance has also specifically suggested that cases of tuberculosis and HIV are rising or even soaring. But according to the countys data, there was one case of T.B. in 2021, three cases in 2022, and four cases in 2023. OK, that sort of constitutes rising. But its a tiny handful of cases out of a county population of 135,000.

What about HIV? Well, in 2022the latest year of finalized datathere were around nine cases of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people in Clark County. That is up from five cases in 2020, but that nine cases is barely higher than the current rate across all of Ohio, which had seven new cases per 100,000 people in 2022. And if you look at the numbers of people living with HIV as a conditionas opposed to new cases of itthere are fewer per 100,000 in Clark County than there are statewide, Cook points out.

Every case of T.B. and HIV is serious. But there is no plausible way to describe any of that in Vances hyperbolic terms. Indeed, Cook describes those diseases as getting only a slight bump and suggests that singling out individual diseases is not particularly illuminating to begin with.

As a measure of total health of a population, Cook told me, individual diseases are less informative than trends of groups of diseases. And those trends are down. Its hard to see how anyone could seriously cast all this as a severe blight caused by Haitians.

At bottom, Vances whole purpose of running with the grotesque pet-eating lie has not been to draw attention to the story of Springfield, but to rewrite it. He wants to transform the Haitian influx into a symbol of immigration thats uniformly understood (as in the Trump-MAGA worldview) as a massive and disorienting alien invasion responsible for unleashing all manner of debilitating social and societal ills. This is what Vance means when he says the pet-eating ruse was necessary to highlight the suffering of the American people inflicted by current immigration policies, an absurd construction that reveals more about MAGAs own fear and loathing of immigration than it does about anything else.

Springfield simply does not tell that larger story. Yes, of course there are difficult challenges associated with this specific influx and with immigration more broadly. But Springfields own leaders see the arrivals as manageable, and theyve clearly been a positive for the city. Immigration has been helping revitalize other, similar Rust Belt communities in postindustrial population decline. Haitians assimilate well into U.S. society as a rule. And Vance has zero standing to lecture anyone about the broader handling of immigration, having joined with Trump to cynically kill the most comprehensive border and asylum management bill Congress produced in many years.

In a way, its useful that Vance described his zeal to create stories so candidly. Because we can now scrutinize this as its own act of public misconduct, one that telegraphs what a Trump-Vance presidency would really look like. Imagine this fondness for fabricating stories about immigrants supercharged by the federal bureaucracy and the White House press operation, and you get an inkling of what could be coming. The Springfield pet-eating lie is best seen as a cautionary talean extremely harrowing one.
Donald Trump and running mate JD Vances insistence on perpetuating lies about migrants in Ohio has continued despite all evidence to the contrary. As the Republican pair makes their own calls for Democrats to tone down their rhetoric, CNNs Jake Tapper said Wednesday, Its really, frankly, quite a sight to behold.

Even if the left has, at times, used language against the former president that has gone too far, that does nothing to erase eight years of dehumanizing and incendiary and, yes, violent rhetoric from Mr. Trump, he explained. Thats not how the space-time continuum works.

Tappers segment was in response to the thankfully unsuccessful second assassination attempt made against Trump, this time in Florida. [But] at the same time that theyre doing that, Trump and Vance and their minions continue to spread lies about Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, he noted.

The host then launched into an 8-minute takedown of each of the lies perpetuated by Trump and Vance  even as the pairs campaign knew that the debunked falsehoods about migrants in Ohio were made up. In a piece published Tuesday, the Washington Post reported that Springfield city manager Bryan Heck told the outlet that when speaking to a member of Vances staff, he said there was no verifiable evidence or reports to support the rumors, adding, I told them these claims were baseless.

In the weeks since the rumors began, both Trump and Vance have continued to push the racist allegations. At the same time, hospitals and schools in Springfield have been evacuated due to bomb and shooting threats, and residents are fearing for their safety. Unfortunately, when fellow Republicans have asked the pair to put an end to the lies, Trump and Vance have expressed frankly indifference and a little bit of indignance, as Tapper put it.

A look at Trump's past comments as he accuses others of dangerous rhetoric

Watch the video here: https://t.co/eIa9446TWV pic.twitter.com/6ycZNPGx3H  The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) September 18, 2024

So they continue to push these falsehoods about the migrants. At the same time, they demand that Democrats curb their rhetoric. Its really, frankly, quite a sight to behold, Tapper continued. He then played footage of Vance saying, Dont lecture Donald Trump about softening his rhetoric after two people tried to kill him. Tell Kamala Harris, tell Joe Biden, tell all of her surrogates who are saying things like, Donald Trump needs to be eliminated.'

After he noted that Vance appeared to find the word eliminated troubling, Tapper played several reels of footage in which Trump encouraged attendees at a campaign event to knock the crap out of a protestor; in another clip, he referred to his fellow Americans as vermin.

In 2016, Sen. Ted Cruz said that the Trump campaign was one that affirmatively encourages violence, Tapper added before he pointed out other instances in which Trump appeared to do exactly that: such as when he gave out what he said was President Barack Obamas address and a man was arrested after he was spotted driving a van full of weapons in the neighborhood.

The same man  Taylor Taranto  was also named in a wrongful death lawsuit that alleged his actions, in part, contributed to the 2021 death of Washington, D.C. police officer Jeff Smith, who died by suicide following the attacks on the Capitol on Jan. 6 of that year.

You can watch the entire segment from Jake Tapper in the video, above.

The post Jake Tapper Launches 8-Minute Takedown of Trump-Vance Hypocrisy Over Haitian Migrant Lies | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Jane Fonda and Michigan have more connections than youd think, including the fact that a Detroit political icon had a major influence on her career path.

In the early 1970s, the two-time Oscar winner was considering leaving Hollywood behind and moving full-time into activism. But Fondas friend and mentor Ken Cockrel Sr., the late Detroit City Council member and attorney who devoted himself to working for social justice, advised otherwise.

Jane Fonda spoke with the Detroit Free Press at the Franklin Hills Country Club before speaking at the Heart to Heart luncheon hosted by the Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan to support womens heart health.

He changed my life. He did. He took me under his wing, says Fonda, who's sitting on a couch at the Franklin Hills Country Club in the Motor City suburbs as she shares what happened. When I told him I wanted to leave acting and become an organizer  because he had sent me out in the field with UAW organizers; he wanted me to learn  he said: We have plenty of organizers. We dont have movie stars. You not only have to go back to your industry, but you have to take it more seriously. Own it. Do stuff you take seriously.'

Fonda continues: So I went and I formed a company. I made 9 to 5. I made 'Coming Home, all these movies. And thats because of Ken Cockrel.

Ken Cockrel Sr. in a 1970 photo.

At 86, the acclaimed actor, advocate, fitness guru and author of several books is a veritable poster woman for making the most of getting older. She is candid on personal issues and passionately engaged with political ones. Instead of reciting canned remarks and dropping as many celebrity anecdotes as possible during an interview, she approaches each question thoughtfully and from a relatable perspective.

In short, Fonda doesnt give a performance. She holds a conversation.

On Wednesday, Fonda was the keynote speaker at the Heart to Heart luncheon hosted by the Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan to support womens heart health. The 2024 benefit event raised roughly $375,000 that will go toward supporting the expansion of the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital advanced heart failure program and helping under-insured and uninsured women receive cardiovascular care.

Fonda entertained the crowd of benefactors during a question-and-answer session with WXYZ-TV (7 Action News) anchor Carolyn Clifford, sharing anecdotes about making On Golden Pond, the movie that won her father (Henry Fonda) his first Oscar months before his death from heart disease, and how she came up with the idea of getting Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton to join her in 9 to 5 the classic comedy about three secretaries and their sexist boss.

Her speech before the question-answer session also revealed her funny side. Standing onstage next to Heart to Heart event chair Debra Ernst, who introduced her, Fonda compared her own rather subdued gray suit to Ernsts vibrant, pink outfit by joking, Im the accountant! A few minutes later, Fonda quipped that she had been told what not to talk about, and Im sure youre all relieved to know I follow the rules.

While discussing the importance of her third act, the period of her life from age 60 to now, Fonda even brought up her split from her third husband, Ted Turner, describing how she realized later in life that she was worthy of being loved and adding with perfect comic timing, which had an effect on my marriage.

Photographer Daniel Fairs, of Chicago records the moment when Debra Ernst meets Jane Fonda before Fonda's speech Wednesday at the Franklin Hills Country Club.

Fonda 'redefining the third act' of life

At this particular moment, however, Fonda is taking some time before the luncheon to talk to the Free Press. And she is making a convincing case for the potential and wisdom that can define third acts.

Asked whether her generation of women  which boasts powerful figures like ex-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, 84; Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner Rita Moreno, 92; labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, 94; U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, 86; and groundbreaking feminist Gloria Steinem, 90, among others  is changing perceptions of aging, Fonda replies, "Totally. Older women are the fastest growing demographic in the world. We have stayed healthy and we have stayed mentally alert. So, along with millions of others, were redefining the third act.

And kicking some butt as well? I hope so, she says. Raising a ruckus.

Fonda, who revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and announced later that same year that she was in remission, says she is feeling "very well, thank you." She pays attention to maintaining her physical health. I work out, slooowly, she emphasizes. I eat healthy and I sleep nine hours every night.

Jane Fonda and Jon Voight won Oscars for 1978's "Coming Home," a Vietnam War love story.

She also considers maintaining a strong spirit as essential to aging well. People always say, You look so young for your age. Its attitude. Its staying curious, wanting to figure things out, wanting answers, being interested.

In recent years, Fonda has portrayed mature women onscreen with flair for both the hit Netflix series Grace and Frankie and popular movies about female friends like Book Club and 80 for Brady. But despite her continued success and the lengthy list of honors she has accumulated, she stresses that getting to where she is now, professionally and personally, wasnt easy.

I never assumed I could be anything. I grew up with no confidence whatsoever. Its taken me a lifetime to gain confidence and to feel OK about myself. And, believe me, most of that time has been spent working on myself. I mean, were born, and then, for the majority of us, its not so smooth sailing very often. We get a lot of scars. Things happen. And we spend the rest of our lives trying to recover from that and heal and make something of ourselves.

These days, she is facing questions about what she still wants to accomplish, and not in terms of fame or glory. Am I going to die feeling that Ive had a life of meaning? Am I going to feel that Ive done what I needed to do here? Those kinds of things. Im happy to say that Im working on all of that.

Instead of scaling back her commitments to causes in her mid-80s, Fonda seems to have doubled down on her activism, whether its for what she calls the existential crisis of climate change ("that means its going to determine whether there's a livable future" on the planet, she says) or the 2024 presidential race or women's rights.

When the topic of Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vances past childless cat ladies comment and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders apparent jab at Harris for not having biological children is raised, Fonda looks at the big picture of what women face today.

I think women are angry and thats good. We have a lot to be angry about. We still dont even have the ERA in our Constitution. We are one of the few countries where women are not in the nations constitution. Hopefully that is going to change soon. Our body integrity, our body agency, is being taken from us. We have every reason to be angry. Lets demonstrate how angry we are by voting for a woman in November, voting for a strong woman who can stand up for herself and be a great model for us and our children.

Fondas visit to southeast Michigan included stops in Ann Arbor to support presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running matet, Tim Walz. While canvassing door to door in the city for the Democratic ticket, Fonda hugged a woman who was visibly moved to meet her and wound up with a clip generating traffic on social media.

This isn't the first time Fonda has canvassed for candidates. "Ive had doors slammed in my face. Ive had people who did recognize me and were delightful. Its all over the place," she says of the reactions she encounters. " I get very nervous. I find it hard. I also find it one of the most wonderful things I can do. I learn so much. I usually tell people: Im really nervous, I hope you dont mind. But this is so important, Ive come anyway.

Fonda's many ties to Michigan

Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda have been regular collaborators, including on the Netflix comedy series Grace and Frankie.

Fondas life has intersected frequently with southeast Michigan. One of my very first boyfriends was from Grosse Pointe. I came and stayed with him, she says, reeling off some local ties. My second husband was from Royal Oak, Tom Hayden. My last boyfriend went to the University of Michigan and gave (a scholarship to) the music department there, Richard Perry.

Hayden, who died in 2016, was a University of Michigan alumnus, an influential anti-Vietnam War activist, a Chicago Seven trial defendant and a California state legislator. He and Fonda first met in 1970 at a conference held at U-M's Michigan Union. Perry, a successful music producer, is another U-M alum and the founder of an annual scholarship named after him for a deserving U-M musical theater major. Fonda attended the campus homecoming weekend with Perry In 2011.

She has traveled to Detroit with Motor City native Lily Tomlin, her co-star in Grace and Frankie and the films 9 to 5, 80 for Brady and Moving On. In 2017, Fonda and Tomlin campaigned for a fair minimum wage at Wayne State University. Two years later, they returned for A Fun Conversation with Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin at Detroits Fox Theatre.

In 1984s "The Dollmaker" Jane Fonda plays a Kentucky farm wife who arrives in Detroit after her husband goes to work in a factory during World War II.

And in yet another fondly remembered bond, Fonda won an Emmy for playing a poor farmer's wife in Kentucky who moves with her family to Detroit in the ABC 1984 TV movie "The Dollmaker."

As the clock ticks closer to the pre-luncheon meet-and-greet for the Heart to Heart event, Fonda has time for one more question. It's about patriarchy in government and whether it's time for matriarchy instead, but Fonda interrupts before it reaches the part concerning her thoughts on Michigan's Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

No. Unh-uh. No. When we talk about the patriarchy, its not to say that what we need is a matriarchy, she states firmly. What we need is democracy. The opposite of patriarchy is democracy. Democracy isnt just political; its economic. We dont have economic democracy. We have to fight for that. We dont have democracy in the bedroom. We have to fight for that.

Words matter to Fonda. So does fairness, equality and the future of the planet. No matter how old you are, you better plan on getting nine hours of sleep the night before if you want to keep up with this 86-year-old legend.

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jane Fonda says a Detroit politician changed her life and career
Japan May Beat the US to Install Its First Female Leader

(Bloomberg) -- Japan has a female candidate among the frontrunners to become prime minister in a vote this month, raising the possibility that a nation known for lagging on diversity may appoint its first woman leader before the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

While Kamala Harris battles with Donald Trump ahead of the November election that could make her the first female US President, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi has emerged among the top three prospects in Japans ruling party leadership race.

If she wins  an outcome that is still far from certain  her victory would represent a breakthrough for a country that has yet to see a female premier, finance minister or central bank governor. Given the Liberal Democratic Partys dominance in parliament, the winner of the Sept. 27 vote is virtually assured of becoming prime minister.

If a woman is chosen, it will mean that one glass ceiling will disappear, said Harumi Taguchi, principal economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. It will be a symbolic event for gender equality.

Still, theres some doubt over whether the hard-line conservative Takaichi, who has cited former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration, would seek to further the cause of women in leadership.

She has garnered support from the partys right wing and is considered the ideological successor to the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. That means she favors ramping up defense and economic security, while maintaining strong support for the economy through spending and a slower rate hike path for the Bank of Japan.

Whatever Takaichis fate, the wider picture is of a country that continues to languish near the bottom of global diversity rankings in political, administrative and corporate life. Only two of the record nine candidates in the current leadership race are women.

To really speed up progress, Japan needs to introduce something like a quota system, but the LDP wont do that, said Mari Miura, a professor of political science at Sophia University in Tokyo. By having two female candidates the ruling party is putting on a show for equality, but it doesnt really want to change.

Opinion polls in recent days suggest Takaichi is jostling with former cabinet members Shinjiro Koizumi and Shigeru Ishiba for leadership of the party. Both male, they have made more effort than her to appeal to women with their policies.

Takaichi herself has generally been less vocal about womens rights and less supportive of legislation linked to gender equality than the other female candidate, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who is lagging in the polls. Kamikawa calls in her policy platform for more support for those giving birth and raising children.

Takaichi favors keeping a law that forces married couples to share the same surname, an issue that has become a litmus test of how far candidates are willing to support women. Her two male rivals at the front of the leadership race are in favor of change.

Instead, shes called for more support for womens health, and considering tax breaks for housekeeping services.

Hailing from the conservative prefecture of Nara, Takaichi spent a period as a Congressional Fellow in the US. Shes a former professor of business studies who once played drums in a heavy metal band.

I also faced great difficulty when I first ran for election, Takaichi said when asked at a debate this month what to do about the dearth of women in politics. Its very important to change societys perceptions.

While countries like France, Germany and South Korea had comparable low levels of female representation in parliament in 1980, most advanced economies have made significant progress toward equality since then.

Japan, however, continues to struggle. As of October last year, only 10.8% of lawmakers in Japans more powerful lower house were women, compared to 29% in the US Congress, and 35% in the German Bundestag.

Yet the inclusion of more women in politics has shifted Japans legislative agenda in the past. Groups of female lawmakers pushed through a law aimed at preventing spousal violence in 2001, and succeeded in strengthening the sexual offenses law in 2017, according to a report by PwC Japan.

Male and female politicians have different policy preferences to some extent, said Rei Murakami Frenzel, president of the Murakami Family Foundation and the backer of a politics training school for young women. Having the opinions of female leaders reflected in the decision-making process will lead to better decision-making and better policies.

--With assistance from Paul Jackson and Alastair Gale.

(Updates with expert comments, further details)

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(Bloomberg) -- US equities will climb through the rest of the year with the Federal Reserves aggressive interest-rate cut bolstering the chances of a soft landing for the economy, according to a survey of Bloomberg Terminal subscribers.

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The rally will likely be too modest to take the S&P 500 Index above 6,000 before next year, with 44% of the 173 respondents to the latest Markets Live Pulse forecasting the benchmark will rise less than 6% from its Wednesday close and 19% expecting it to decline. The remaining 37% of those who took the survey expect a climb steeper than 6%.

An overwhelming majority expect a soft landing for the economy, with 75% forecasting that it will avoid a technical recession by the end of next year. A gain of 6% would roughly match the pace of the S&P 500s advances so far this year.

Stocks and bonds fell after the central banks first rate reduction since 2020. The S&P 500 dropped to reverse a gain of as much as 1% after Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned against assuming big cuts would continue and signaled borrowing costs may need to remain higher over the long term than pre-pandemic norms. Treasuries sold off as Powell expressed confidence there wouldnt be a recession.

The cautious expectations for stock gains from here underscore the uncertainty that still surrounds the Feds path  and the economy. Equities flip-flopped since a July peak, tumbling in early August and then again at the start of this month before recovering, as investors showed doubts the artificial intelligence boom can relentlessly drive profits higher. That theme looks to be lingering, with the survey showing a modest majority of 57% expect value stocks to outperform from here, while 43% see AI roaring back to take charge.

Survey respondents leaned into Powells assessment of a healthy economy, with 49% of them saying the best move now would be to add to equities holdings. There were 31% who favored buying bonds and the remaining 20% said it was better to add to cash or gold. Gold retreated 0.4%, paring this years rally that took the precious metal to a record.

The Feds first rate cut also clears the way for investors to focus on other potential headwinds for riskier assets, including the simmering tensions in the Middle East and the US elections set for Nov. 5. Survey respondents see a substantial impact on monetary policy as a likely outcome from the vote. Some 58% expect the Feds rate will be higher at the end of 2025 should Donald Trump win his way back to the White House, while the remaining 42% said the benchmark will be more elevated if Vice President Kamala Harris is victorious.

Story continues

Both candidates have laid out plans to boost spending, and neither have addressed concerns that the federal government may be on an unsustainable path as government debt balloons.

The MLIV Pulse survey was conducted among Bloomberg terminal clients immediately after the Fed decision by Bloombergs Markets Live team, which also runs the MLIV blog. Sign up for future surveys here.

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Japanese company says it ended production of walkie-talkies used in Lebanon blasts 10 years ago

Icom, Inc. said Thursday production of the walkie-talkies that exploded in Lebanon ended over a decade ago. Photo by Franck Robichon/EPA-EFE

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Japan's Icom Inc. said Thursday that it had not manufactured the walkie-talkies that exploded in attacks targeting Hezbollah throughout Lebanon on Wednesday.

Icom said in a statement it was investigating the matter in the wake of the attacks that used walkie-talkies featuring the company's brand name.

"The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014," the company said. "It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company."

Thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies allegedly used by Hezbollah members and loaded with explosives killed at least 32 people and wounded over 3,200 on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Explosives were inserted into the devices next to the batteries.

"The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company," Icom said Thursday.

Mitsuru Fukuda, professor of risk management at Nihon University, said these exploding communication devices could lead companies to tighten security in supply chains in response to what he said may be a new type of terrorism.

"This may increase pressure on companies to expand risk oversight of their supply chains," he said.

Israel is widely believed to be behind the attacks, with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant declaring Wednesday the blasts signaled Israel was at "the start of a new phase in the war" but Israel has not directly claimed responsibility for the attack.

Another Asian company, Taiwan's Gold Apollo, was the brand name on the pagers that exploded in Lebanon Tuesday.

But Gold Apollo founder Hsu Ching-Kuang asserted his company had nothing to do with the attacks. He said his company trademark was licensed to BAC Consulting, a Hungarian company.

Hezbollah characterized the explosions as "criminal aggression" and said Israel will "certainly receive its just punishment."
(Bloomberg) -- A 10-year-old Japanese child who was stabbed in southern China has died, a development that could further strain relations between the two countries.

Most Read from Bloomberg

On Thursday morning Japans Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa confirmed the death of the child, adding that the government was asking China to provide details of what happened and do its utmost to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens.

We understand that the attacker is in custody, and his motivations will become clearer following interrogation, Kamikawa told reporters. This sort of incident shouldnt happen in any country.

The student was stabbed in Shenzhen on his way to school on Wednesday. Japanese media reported that the boy was with his mother and was attacked about 200 meters from the Shenzhen Japanese School.

The Japanese government formally protested the attack, and the Chinese ambassador was summoned in Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Later on Thursday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his condolences over the boys death and repeated the request that China provide more information.

We will keep strongly requesting that Chinese authorities explain the facts of the situation, he said in a post on X. Its now been more than a day since the crime, and I have given instructions to strongly request an explanation as soon as possible, he said, adding that Japan insists that China protect the lives of Japanese citizens and work to ensure there was no repetition of this kind of crime.

Japans top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi refrained from commenting on the incidents potential impact on the two countries relationship Thursday, but echoed foreign minister Kamikawa by condemning the despicable act of attacking a child.

The incident added to a series of assaults on foreigners in China in recent months, and was at least the second to target Japanese nationals in China. In June, a Japanese woman and her child were attacked with a knife in the eastern city of Suzhou. A Chinese bus attendant was killed in that incident.

Japans government is still waiting for the authorities in Suzhou to provide a detailed explanation of that attack, with the consulate in nearby Shanghai saying they continue to request information from the city.

Chinese Reaction

On Wednesday official media in China mostly carried a terse statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian about the case, offering few details. Reports on the stabbing case by some outlets including Caixin and ifeng.com had been censored by Thursday morning.

On Thursday Lin said that the government was saddened by the incident and expressed its condolences to the family. He refused to answer repeated questions on the motive of the attacker, but said that this attack and the previous one in Suzhou were individual cases. According to Lin, the boy was a Japanese citizen with a Japanese father and a Chinese mother.

The boys death Thursday is likely to further damage ties between the two neighbors, which have been strained due to historical resentments, an ongoing territorial dispute, and other issues including Chinas reaction to Japan releasing wastewater from a destroyed nuclear power plant. Wednesday marked the anniversary of the 1931 Mukden Incident, which was the beginning of Japans invasion of Manchuria.

As if to underline those rising tensions, a Chinese aircraft carrier passed between two Japanese islands early on Wednesday morning, prompting Japan to lodge a protest with the Chinese ambassador. The Japanese protest also referred to a series of recent actions by China, likely a reference to a Chinese airforce plane which breached Japanese airspace last month, and the subsequent entry of a Chinese naval vessel into Japans territorial waters.

Japanese companies were already becoming much more hesitant about the Chinese market, with the slowing economy adding to the tense geopolitical relationship. Rising concerns about their personal safety will only add to those headwinds.

The number of Japanese living in China has fallen in recent years. In 2022, the last year for which data is available, there was around 102,000 Japanese registered as living in China according to official statistics. That was down a third from the recent peak in 2012.

In 2022 Chinas borders were still closed, pushing down the number of foreigners living in the country. After the reopening in 2023 there has been an increase in foreigners traveling to and living in the country, but concerns about personal safety may affect that trend.

--With assistance from Isabel Reynolds, Jing Li and Dan Murtaugh.

(Updates throughout)

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(Bloomberg) -- Democrats are seizing on JD Vances pitch to do away with a bedrock part of the Affordable Care Act, saying it would cause costs for chronically ill people to spike.

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At a rally on Wednesday, Vance said a second Trump administration would work to separate people into different risk pools, allowing them to choose a health care plan that works for them.

If you only go to the doctor once a year, youre going to need a different health care plan than somebody who goes to the doctor 14 times a year because theyve got chronic pain or theyve got some other chronic condition, he said, arguing that the change would be better for both groups.

Such a policy would effectively end the ACAs guarantee that people pay the same prices and get the same benefits regardless of their health status, a popular part of the program.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is trying to protect his endangered majority, slammed the idea.

Past Backlash

He said high-risk pools would mean going back to the days when having a pre-existing condition meant you pay far more for your health insurance. Thats right: under the Trump-Vance plan, anyone with a chronic condition  or an estimated 129 million Americans  could face outrageously expensive health care costs.

Backlash against an effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017 helped Democrats take back the House in 2018. The law is even more popular now, and covers more people. Many Republicans have sought to avoid the issue in recent years, but Vances comments have reinvigorated the debate less than two months before election day.

Independent Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia called the idea of weakening the ACAs protections a gift to Democrats, noting he successfully used the issue against his opponent in 2018.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, who is up for reelection, said hes willing to discuss ways to improve the health insurance market and lower costs, but rejected any change that would restore a two-tiered system.

He noted that high-risk pools had previously led to higher costs and fewer choices.

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Figures showed more than 37m was spent on temporary staff in Jersey's health department in 2023 - the figure for 2021 was just under 16m [PA Media]

Money spent on temporary healthcare and social workers has more than doubled in three years, official figures in Jersey have shown.

Deputy Max Andrews sent a written question to Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham asking how much the island's government had spent on staff who were not full-time States of Jersey workers in the health department.

In his response, Mr Farnham said the government spent 37.7m on agency health and social care staff in 2023, which was up from almost 16m in 2021.

The figures also showed the States spent 40m on temporary consultants in 2023, an increase from 33m the year before.

According to the figures published in Mr Farnham's response, the total spend on temporary health and social care staff in 2022 in Jersey just under 24m.

The figures also showed there had been a fall in the spend on temporary consultants between 2021 and 2022, with the total for the former reaching almost 40m.

Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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They were the shots heard around the world. One of them struck America's 45th president.

Months after gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks pulled the trigger that fateful Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania, questions still linger: what string of events allowed a 20-year-old gunman to climb to his sniper's perch and open fire on one of the most prominent political figures in the world?

Some, including former President Trump himself, insist it's a byproduct of a political climate that has reached a boiling point thanks to incendiary rhetoric.

Others argue the gunman's motives  and the details of that day  are still unclear.

Regardless, Fox News' Jesse Watters is on the case.

FBI INVESTIGATION OF TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT INVOLVES FULL FORCE OF THE DEPARTMENT, WRAY SAYS

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"It's a story of fearless courage but also stunning incompetence, and each revelation brings more questions than answers," the "Jesse Watters Primetime" host said of the July 13 shooting, leading viewers into the first episode of a new Fox Nation series covering the attempted assassinations of the former president.

Trump dropped to the ground shortly after firecracker-esque popping noises threw the massive outdoor crowd into a state of disarray. After narrowly escaping death, blood from his ear streamed down his face and Secret Service agents enveloped him.

Thanks to one last-second turn, he was still alive.

But the story would continue with a different antagonist just two months later when, in an apparent second assassination attempt, suspect Ryan Wesley Routh was allegedly spotted with a semi-automatic weapon pointed in Trump's direction at the Trump International Golf Course in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Thanks to eyewitnesses, he was caught that day and taken into custody, where he remains.

TRUMP ASSASSINATION PLOT EXPOSES RYAN ROUTH'S BOMB BUST, BARRICADE WITH ILLEGAL GUN IN PROFESSIONAL DEMISE

"Jesse Watters Primetime" host Jesse Watters explores the assassination attempts on former President Trump in a new Fox Nation show.

"One of the hallmarks of Donald Trump's presidential campaigns has always been his massive rallies," he narrated, leading viewers into the first episode of the Fox Nation series, "Jesse Watters: Attempted Assassination of Trump."

"But as you watch these rallies, you have to wonder: how does the Secret Service protect such a candidate from an assassin? In Butler, Pennsylvania, we learned a lot about that," Watters said.

Though information about both events remains limited, indicators point to premeditation in the days leading up to Crooks' attempt to assassinate Trump.

"All of this pre-planning told me he was mission-oriented. He knew what he wanted to accomplish," said James Fitzgerald, a former FBI profiler. Crooks had researched the distance between former President John F. Kennedy and his assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, who shot him fatally in November 1963.

"He [Crooks] signs up for this particular event on July 6, and then he starts searching about Oswald-Kennedy distances, so now we're in the research and planning stage. Next, we're coming to the preparation stage"

TRUMP BLAMES BIDEN-HARRIS RHETORIC FOR LATEST ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, SAYS HE WILL SAVE THE COUNTRY

It all seemed to happen right under the nose of the United States Secret Service, and that notion spawned a series of calls for investigations  including one requiring then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify before Congress shortly before stepping down.

"We were supposed to get a face-to-face briefing with the Secret Service snipers whenever they arrived, and that never happened," Jason Woods, a Pennsylvania SWAT team officer, told ABC News after the incident.

"That was a pivotal point when I started to think things were going wrong because that never happened" he added.

To follow Jesse Watters through the complex twists and turns of the assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, sign up for Fox Nation and begin streaming "Jesse Watters: The Attempted Assassinations of Trump."

CLICK HERE TO JOIN FOX NATION





Original article source: Jesse Watters reveals how 20-year-old nursing home worker turned into would-be Trump assassin
Airline giant JetBlue announced plans to build their first-ever airport lounges at Bostons Logan Airport on Thursday.

The lounges, spanning 11,000 square feet, will be in Terminal C and are slated to open in late 2025, according to the company.

Some of the features include:

A full-service bar for 21+ adults.

Private workspaces featuring fast and free Wi-Fi, numerous outlets, and free barista-made coffee bar beverages.

Complimentary food and beverage offerings.

Cozy seating.

New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport will also be opening a luxury lounge in late 2025.

Lounges have become an essential offering for the growing numbers of customers seeking premium experiences, and JetBlues lounges will further boost the value of our TrueBlue loyalty program as we expand our portfolio of JetBlue credit cards, said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. Customers have asked for a JetBlue lounge for years and we cant wait to unveil our take in New York and Boston.

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JetBlue is planning to open its first lounge by the end of next year as it continues its push to compete for premium travelers.

The airline announced Thursday it plans to open a lounge at its main base in Terminal 5 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport by late 2025, and plans to open a second lounge at Boston Logan International Airport "soon after."

Customers have asked for a JetBlue lounge for years and we cant wait to unveil our take in New York and Boston, President of JetBlue Marty St. George said in a statement. Lounges have become an essential offering for the growing numbers of customers seeking premium experiences, and JetBlues lounges will further boost the value of our TrueBlue loyalty program as we expand our portfolio of JetBlue credit cards.

Cruising Altitude: Search for airfare as much as you want, it has no effect on the price.

Although the airline didn't provide many details about the new lounges in the initial announcement, it did reveal that the JFK location will cover 8,000 square feet, and the Boston location will cover 11,000 square feet. Both lounges will feature complimentary food and beverage offerings and a number of different spaces for work and relaxation, branded with the airline's signature color palette.

Customers love the JetBlue experience, so were pulling through those thoughtful touches you find onboard our flights into the lounge experience, St. George said.

Who will get JetBlue lounge access?

After opening, JetBlue lounges will be available to TrueBlue Mosaic tier 4 members and transatlantic Mint business class customers. The airline said it will also soon announce a new premium co-branded credit card that will include lounge access as a perk.

Mosaic 4 and eligible credit card holders will also receive complimentary guest passes for the lounge. JetBlue plans to sell day passes and an annual subscription for lounge access but has not yet announced the pricing structure.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: JetBlue will soon offer airport lounges. Here are the details.
An architect's rendering of the new University of Oklahoma Hillel Center in Norman is shown.

A "home away from home" for Jewish students at the University of Oklahoma was demolished earlier this year, but a new "safe space" will soon take its place.

Members of the Oklahoma City metro-area Jewish community, along with friends and supporters, recently gathered to break ground on a new $5.4 million Hillel Center to be built at the same site where the former building once stood at 494 Elm Ave. on the OU campus in Norman.

More: Jewish students from OU get help preparing for Passover from Baptist church, OKC synagogue

"This new Hillel will be a state-of-the-art beacon of pride for all Jewish students  a home away from home," said Larry Davis, Oklahoma Hillels' board chairman.

Kasi Shelton, Oklahoma Hillels' executive director, said more than $4.6 million has been raised, and Hillel leaders hope to raise the rest of the funds by early 2025, and have the project completed later that year. Oklahoma Hillels is part of a global campus organization for Jewish students.

She spoke to people at the groundbreaking ceremony about making donations to the project, highlighting the need for Jewish students to have a safe space in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, and the subsequent start of the Israel-Hamas war.

Members of the Oklahoma City metro area Jewish community, along with friends and supporters, gather for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new OU Hillel building at 494 Elm Ave. on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman.

"What better way to ensure a bright future to the Jewish community of Oklahoma, the global Jewish people, and, of course, our local communities throughout this place, ... in the shadows of Oct. 7, in light of the unprecedented hostilities we face across the state and country and indeed around the world," Shelton said.

"This facility will stand as a center for Jewish Life and a beacon of the Jewish people. Our young people deserve nothing less."

Shelton said the Hillel building on the OU campus was completed in 1952, but the Jewish collegiate organization has been serving students at OU since 1943, initially as the Oklahoma Bnai Brith Hillel Foundation at OU. She said the new 5,500-square-foot building will not only serve Jewish students at OU, it also will be the headquarters for all of the colleges under the Oklahoma Hillels umbrella in the state. Schools with a Hillel presence include Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma City University and the University of Central Oklahoma.

The old building was demolished in spring 2024 after Hillel leaders could no longer acquire insurance for the structure due to its disrepair. Shelton said it was no longer in compliance with regulations and codes such as the Americans for Disability Act (ADA) and climate-related safety codes designed to protect the buildings' occupants from severe weather conditions.

The building was closed in August 2023, and Hillel religious services, holiday services and activities were moved to a building on the First Baptist Church of Norman campus.

Building will help with growth

Shelton commended Oklahoma Hillels' university partners for constantly checking in with Hillel leaders and to sharing important information. The Hillel leader said Oklahoma Hillels has grown, and she expects more growth on the OU campus once the new building is completed.

David Surratt, vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at OU, said OU supports the diverse fabric of its campus.

"The new Hillel building will provide opportunities for students to gather, share traditions and engage Jewish student life in ways that enhances the broader campus community and enriches the cultural and spiritual fabric of our university," he said in a statement.

"We are proud to support our student organizations, including OU Hillel, in their efforts to create spaces where every student feels connected and supported.

Shelton said such respect for inclusivity has been important, particularly because Jewish parents across the country became concerned about their students' safety after the Hamas attack on Israel, the Israel-Hamas war and pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses.

Oklahoma Hillel Executive Director Kasi Shelton and Oklahoma Hillels board of directors pose for a picture at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new OU Hillel Building on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman.

'Long time coming'

Shayla Witover, 22, an OU graduate student, said she has passed by the Hillel site several times, and she can't wait to see a new building taking shape there.

"It's been a long time coming," she said.

Rachel Rose, 25, an Oklahoma City University senior who started her academic career at OU, said she attended Hillel events while she was attending school in Norman.

"I think it's really important to have a space like this for Jewish students, especially given everything that's going on in the world right now  a place where Jewish students are together and feel safe and not have to worry about anything else, and just be together and be a community," she said.

More: Oklahoma City teen cooks up a project for animal welfare group

"I think my one of the things that have really been impressed upon me about being Jewish is the sense of community, and I think it's important to be able to facilitate that on a college campus."

Jake Greer, Oklahoma Hillels' newest engagement professional for students at the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University, said the Hillel building will be a "nice little anchor for students whether they are from Oklahoma or outside the state.

"We go coast to coast," he said.

Several community leaders came out to the Hillel ceremony.

"It's exciting that the kids will have a new place," said Jeff Goss, who serves as a Hillel board member and youth director at Emanuel Synagogue in Oklahoma City.

Sharing similar sentiments, Rabbi Abby Jacobson, spiritual leader of Emanuel Synagogue in Oklahoma City, said there is no replacement for a peer-led-peer-focused college group like Hillel, a place "which runs on our calendar, which eats our food, which talks about our issues."

"I remember as a college student how important Hillel was to me," she said. "So, I'm pleased that we have a new building for a whole new generation of students."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Students say new OU Oklahoma Hillel will offer safe place
Volleys of gunfire interspersed with explosions broke out in Bamako at around 5:00 am (0500 GMT) Tuesday (-) (-/AFPTV/AFP)

A jihadist attack in the Malian capital of Bamako targeting a military police training camp and airport left more than 70 people dead and 200 wounded, security sources said Thursday, one of the highest tolls suffered in recent years.

The attacks Tuesday in Bamako were the first of their kind in years and dealt a forceful blow to the ruling junta, experts said.

The death toll has put scrutiny on the junta's military strategy and its claims that the security situation is under control despite jihadists roaming the region for years.

The operation claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has prompted widespread shock and condemnation within the West African country.

Many Malians have taken to social media to demand accountability for what they consider a security lapse.

A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that 77 people had been killed and 255 wounded in Tuesday's attacks.

An authenticated confidential official document put the toll at around 100, identifying 81 victims.

The general staff acknowledged late Tuesday that "some human lives were lost", notably personnel at the military police centre.

Mali's military-led authorities have so far given no indication of any burials or future measures in response to the attacks, which were not mentioned in the minutes of Wednesday's cabinet meeting.

JNIM claimed that a few dozen of its fighters had killed and wounded "hundreds" from the opposing ranks, including members of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner.

The attack came a day after junta-led Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso marked a year since the creation of their breakaway grouping, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The three countries, which have been under military rule following a string of coups since 2020, have broken ties with former colonial ruler France and turned militarily and politically towards other partners including Russia.

Bamako is normally spared the sort of attacks that occur almost daily in some parts of Mali.

The West African country has been ravaged since 2012 by different factions affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

- Condemnation -

Volleys of gunfire interspersed with explosions broke out in Bamako at around 5:00 am (0500 GMT) on Tuesday.

JNIM fighters attacked a military police school and stormed part of the nearby airport complex, where a military facility adjoins the civilian one.

The jihadist group broadcast images showing fighters strolling around and firing randomly into the windows of the presidential hangar and destroying aircraft.

Condemnation poured in on Thursday, including from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Mali's neighbour Senegal, African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the UK embassy.

The French embassy in Bamako offered its "condolences to the government of Mali".

Jean-Herve Jezequel, Sahel project director at the International Crisis Group, told AFP that one hypothesis could be that "the jihadists are trying to send a message to the Malian authorities that they can hit them anywhere and therefore that the big cities must also be protected".

He said the aim could be to force the government to concentrate its resources in populated areas and have fewer troops in rural areas "where these jihadist groups have established their strongholds".

Against a backdrop of severe restrictions on freedom of expression under the governing junta, virtually no public figures in Mali have spoken out against the alleged security lapse.

The daily Nouvel Horizon, a rare dissenting voice, wrote on its front page that it was "time to apportion blame at all levels".

bur-amt/acc/js
FILE - Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at the Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Ga., Aug. 23, 2015. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

NEW YORK (AP)  Less than two weeks before his 100th birthday, former President Jimmy Carter is receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation, which has set aside its longstanding rule that the winner accept the honor in person.

The Ohio-based foundation announced Thursday that Carter was this year's winner of the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award, named for the late diplomat. In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his human rights advocacy and for brokering such agreements as the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.

Carter, who turns 100 on Oct. 1, is in hospice care in Plains, Georgia. His grandson, Jason Carter, will accept the prize on his behalf during a November ceremony that will honor the former presidents peace efforts and his authorship of more than 30 books  what the foundation calls the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.

For the past 17 years, one of the standing requirements to receive the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award was a guaranty that the recipient would appear in person in Dayton, OH for an on-stage interview and an awards ceremony," Nicholas A. Raines, executive director of the Dayton foundation, said in a statement. This year we have decided to waive that requirement and present the award in absentia, to President Jimmy Carter.

Jason Carter said in a statement that two of his grandfather's most enduring interests have been a devotion to literature and a near-constant pursuit of a peaceful resolution to conflict.

It is gratifying to have the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation choose to honor my grandfather with the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award for a lifetime of work melding two of his loves  literature and peace, Jason Carter added.

On Thursday, the Foundation also announced that Paul Lynch's Prophet Song won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Fiction and Victor Luckerson's Built from the Fire won for nonfiction.

Lynch and Luckerson each will receive $10,000. Fiction runner-up, The Postcard author Anne Berest, and nonfiction finalist, Red Memory author Tania Branigan, each get $5,000.
Roberto Machado Noa / LightRocket via Getty Images





Key Takeaways

TD Bank Group shares rose Thursday amid news that CEO Bharat Masrani is planning to retire next spring after a decade in the top role at the Canadian firm.

Raymond Chun, who currently leads the bank's Canadian personal banking operations, will become COO later this year and take over for Masrani when he retires in April 2025.

Masrani celebrated the decision to elevate Chun, and said the investigation into suspected failures of TD's anti-money laundering practices was his own responsibility.







Shares of TD Bank Group (TD) rose Thursday after announcing a succession plan for Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharat Masrani, who plans to retire in April 2025.

Raymond Chun, head of the company's Canadian personal banking operations, will be elevated to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) on Nov. 1, reporting to Masrani, and take over the top role once Masrani retires next spring. The bank said Masrani will work as an advisor to the bank through October 2025 before officially retiring after nearly 40 years with the company.

"I am honoured by the trust our Board has placed in me," Chun said. "TD is a critical part of our financial system and economy, and directly supports the financial goals of millions of households and businesses, and the aspirations of communities across Canada, the U.S. and globally."

Outgoing CEO Takes 'Full Responsibility' for Anti-Money Laundering Investigations

Masrani said the current investigations into the anti-money laundering practices of TD and other bankswhich are alleged to have failed to prevent the crime in the U.S."took place on my watch as CEO and I take full responsibility." The bank has said it expects to be penalized for its violations, and has set aside billions to deal with fines and other costs.

TD Bank shares were up 2.6% to $64.20 Thursday afternoon. They are little changed on the year.

Read the original article on Investopedia.
A Texas grand jury last week indicted the two suspects in 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray's June murder in Houston.

Franklin Pena, 26, and Johan Martinez-Rangel, 22, were indicted on capital murder charges in connection with Nungaray's murder, Harris County court records show.

Documents say Pena and Martinez-Rangel kidnapped the 12-year-old and caused her death by applying pressure to her neck.

Prosecutors are asking Google to release certain information after authorities recovered a phone in the water near Nungaray's body. Further examination of the phone revealed that Google applications had been downloaded onto the device, and prosecutors are asking to inspect information on those applications.

Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, left, and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel have been charged in the killing of Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston, Texas, on Monday, June 17.

Prosecutors are also asking for information from the suspects' initial encounters with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Authorities charged Rangel and Franklin Pena, illegal immigrants from Venezuela, with capital murder in July and said both suspects entered the United States illegally shortly before the slaying.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Jocelyn Nungaray

Jocelyn left her mother's apartment on the evening of July 17 to get a soda at a convenience store, at which point prosecutors say the suspects lured her out of the store and kidnapped her.

"In this case, the defendant lured a 12-year-old under a bridge where he and his co-defendant remained with her for over [two] hours, took her pants off, tied her up, and killed her , then threw her body into the bayou," Assistant District Attorney Michael Abner wrote in June.

Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, was found strangled to death in a Houston creek.

Jocelyn's mother testified before the House Homeland Security Committee last week about the impact of illegal immigrant crime on U.S. citizens.

"That Monday morning, June 17th, was terrifying," her mother told the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, three days before the grand jury handed down their indictments for the two suspects. "Waking up to know your child was missing and frantically searching the area where her phone was being pinged just two minutes away from her home, driving up to that exact location to see crime scene tape and officers by a bridge."

Nungaray told the committee Tuesday that the suspects threw her daughter off the bridge thinking the creek below would wash away their DNA.

"Because of the Biden-Harris administration open border policies, catch and release, they were enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program," Nungaray told lawmakers. "This meant that they were released into the United States. It was not even a full three weeks later that they would take my daughter Jocelyn Nungarays life."

Rangel is due back in court on Nov. 11.





Original article source: Jocelyn Nungaray murder: Texas prosecutors ask Google for information on illegal immigrant suspects
John Kirby denies US involvement in Lebanon device attacks: We want to see the war end

National Security communications adviser John Kirby shot down multiple questions Wednesday about possible U.S. involvement in the explosion of hundreds of electronic devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon.

"We were not involved in [Tuesday's] incidents or [Wednesday's] in any way. And I dont have anything more to share," Kirby said when asked to respond to the attacks.

Kirbys comments came hours after several blasts were heard around Lebanons capital of Beirut and other parts of the country. Hezbollahs Al Manar TV reported the explosions were the result of walkie-talkies detonating.

National Security communications adviser John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, D.C, Wednesday.

At least nine people were killed and another 300 were wounded in Wednesdays attack, according to Lebanons Health Ministry.

The explosions came just a day after pagers used by hundreds of Hezbollah members exploded throughout Lebanon and parts of Syria, killing at least 12 people  including two children  and wounding thousands more.

HEZBOLLAH'S NEIGHBORS: ISRAELI BORDER COMMUNITY UNDER CONSTANT ATTACK FROM TERROR GROUP

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Both attacks are widely believed to have been the work of Israel, which has been fighting with Hezbollah almost daily since Oct. 8, the day after a deadly Hamas-led assault in southern Israel triggered the war in Gaza.

Since then, hundreds have been killed in strikes in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, while tens of thousands on each side of the border have been displaced. Hezbollah said its strikes are in support of its ally, Hamas.

Reporters repeatedly pressed Kirby on Wednesday to say whether the U.S. was involved in the back-to-back attacks targeting members of Hezbollah or had been informed beforehand.

Kirby reiterated that he did not "have anything more to share today."

"We want to see the war end. And everything weve been doing since the beginning has been designed to prevent the conflict from escalating," Kirby said. "We still believe that there is a diplomatic path forward, particularly up near Lebanon."

The attacks have heightened fears that what has been intermittent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate into an all-out war.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Israeli troops Wednesday: "We are at the start of a new phase in the war  it requires courage, determination and perseverance."

Gallant made no mention of the exploding devices but praised the work of Israel's army and security agencies, saying "the results are very impressive."

Hezbollah announced three strikes on parts of northern Israel Wednesday, at least one of which took place after the latest round of explosions in Lebanon.





Original article source: John Kirby denies US involvement in Lebanon device attacks: We want to see the war end
Johnson's plan to avoid government shutdown goes down in flames as Republicans rebel

House Speaker Mike Johnsons plan to avert a partial government shutdown failed on Wednesday.

It was voted down 202 to 220, with two Republicans  Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky.  voting "present."

At least nine Republicans voted against House GOP leaderships bill, a six-month extension of the current years federal funding levels coupled with a measure to require proof of citizenship in the voter registration process.

Three Democrats voted in support of the measure  Reps. Jared Golden, D-Maine, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., and Don Davis, D-N.C.

The bill began hemorrhaging support soon after Johnson rolled it out during a conference call with House Republicans earlier this month  to the frustration of the majority of the House GOP.

CLUB FOR GROWTH POURS $5M INTO TIGHT HOUSE RACES AS GOP BRACES FOR TOUGH ELECTION

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A significant number of Republicans object to a stop-gap spending patch called a continuing resolution (CR) on principle  believing it to be an unnecessary extension of government bloat.

National security hawks expressed concern about the impact of a six-month funding extension on military readiness without added funds to keep up with rising costs.

The discord has caused tensions to run high within the House GOP.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a vocal supporter of the bill and author of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, said of fellow Republicans: "I would dare any one of my colleagues who are against this plan, come forward with a better plan that we will actually be able to move, pass, and unite the Republican Party to go beat Democrats."

"Dont predict failure and then be the reason why we fail  and thats what some of my friends are doing, unfortunately," Roy said on Steve Bannons "War Room" program.

Johnson allies have also pointed out that this plan would be a strong opening salvo in a negotiation with the Democrat-controlled Senate on government funding  the speaker himself has repeatedly said the SAVE Act is worth fighting for.

JOHNSON UNVEILS TRUMP-BACKED HOUSE GOP PLAN TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, SETS UP BATTLE WITH SCHUMER

Rep. Chip Roy is one of the strongest advocates for Johnson's plan.

Both Republican and Democratic leaders have conceded a CR is necessary to give congressional negotiators more time past the Oct. 1 deadline to hash out fiscal year 2025s priorities.

Democrats, however, have called for a "clean" CR free from conservative policy riders. And senior lawmakers in both parties argued that a CR through December is the best course of action to allow Congress to reevaluate after the election.

Johnson has repeatedly insisted he had no "plan B" beyond Wednesdays vote. He said as much to GOP lawmakers in a closed-door Wednesday morning meeting, two sources told Fox News Digital.

MCCARTHY'S 'FINAL STRUGGLES' THREATEN TO HAUNT JOHNSON'S GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN FIGHT

But with his initial plan defeated, Johnson is now caught between two warring Republican factions  one that wants him to leverage a partial government shutdown, and one that is reluctantly conceding that the House GOP could be left with no choice but to pass a "clean" CR into December.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, who initially backed the six-month CR plus SAVE Act plan, more recently advocated for congressional Republicans to shut down the government if they did not get "absolute assurances on election security."

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a town hall meeting moderated by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, on September 17, 2024.

A majority of Republicans, however, are publicly and privately conceding that they would bear the brunt of public anger over a government shutdown weeks before Election Day.

Vulnerable Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., insisted to reporters on Wednesday morning that "theres not going to be a shutdown."

When asked directly about Trumps insistence, Lawler answered, "Im not shutting the government down. My colleagues arent shutting the government down."





Original article source: Johnson's plan to avoid government shutdown goes down in flames as Republicans rebel
Kentucky State Police officials announced they believe the body found Wednesday near Exit 49 in Laurel County is suspect Joseph Couch, who they say opened fire at cars traveling on Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky just days ago.

Here's what we know.

London shooting London, Kentucky shooting: Sheriff's office identifies Joseph A. Couch as suspect

Did Kentucky authorities find the I-75 shooting suspect in Laurel County?

Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said Wednesday night that detectives are still investigating, but "articles associated with the body," including a weapon that was not specified, suggest the remains could belong to suspect Joseph Couch.

Burnett Jr. said two residents, Fred and Sheila McCoy, were searching in the forested area for Couch behind Exit 49 when they crossed paths with a group of Kentucky State Police troopers. The troopers had detected a pungent odor, and shortly after, the group stumbled upon the body.

The body was transported to Frankfort and is expected to be identified sometime Thursday.

Where was Joseph Couch located?

Authorities have been looking for Couch since Sept. 7 following a shooting that left five people wounded and 12 cars pierced with bullet holes. They located the body nearly 12 days later after scouring thousands of acres of rugged and densely wooded terrain in the Daniel Boone National Forest, where authorities believed Couch was hiding. Tuesday, officials announced that the manhunt efforts would be scaled back and resources would be reallocated toward community centers.

Commonwealth's Attorney Jackie Steele, the felony prosecutor for Laurel County, charged Couch in the incident with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault. Officials located Couch with the help of the McCoy's, near Exit 49 off I-75 in Laurel County.

Federal, state and local law enforcement continue a manhunt for suspected highway shooter, Joseph Couch, in the wooded area along I-75 about 8 miles north of London, Ky. on Sep. 9, 2024. This view is looking north of exit 49.

Details of Couch's London shooting

Laurel County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched around 5:30 p.m., Sept. 7, following reports of a gunshot victim on I-75 near Exit 49 and U.S. Route 25, roughly eight miles north of London. Officers noticed multiple vehicles parked on the side of the highway with shattered windows and visible bullet holes when they arrived. Twelve vehicles were found to have been shot on both sides of the roadway and five individuals were injured  all of them survived.

The shooting caused an hours-long closure of I-75 as the search for a suspect commenced. The Laurel County Sheriff's Department named Joseph Couch a person of interest that same night, later upgrading him to a suspect the next day as evidence against him mounted.

Authorities located Couch's car, a silver SUV, the night of the shooting. On Sept. 8, police found an AR-15 in the wooded area near Exit 49 of I-75, along with fully loaded magazines. Authorities said at the time that the weapon may have been used in the shooting.

An employee of a nearby gun shop, Center Target Firearms, confirmed to police that Couch purchased an AR-15 and 1,000 rounds of ammunition from the store the morning of the shooting, according to an affidavit released by the Laurel County Sheriff's Office. The firearm discovered by police matched the description of the one Couch purchased that day.

Couch also told the mother of his child via text that he was planning to "kill a lot of people" less than an hour before the incident, according to the affidavit. He added that he planned to kill himself afterward.

Who is Joseph Couch?

Couch, 32, is a former member of the Army Reserves. He resides south of Laurel County in Whitley County, Gilbert Acciardo, spokesperson for Laurel County Sheriff's Department, said.

A reward of $35,000 was offered for information leading to Couch's arrest.

On top of the attempted murder and first-degree assault charges, Couch could face charges related to other vehicle owners who have suspected damage from the shooting and his continued fleeing from police, Commonwealth's Attorney Steele said. He was also previously accused of threatening to kill a man and his dog.

Joseph Couch Officials believe body found near scene of I-75 London shooting could be suspected gunman

Where is London, Kentucky located?

The shooting incident broke out near London, a city in Laurel County, Kentucky.

The rural county sits in the southeast portion of the state and has a population of roughly 63,000, according to a 2020 Census estimate. Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest lies inside county limits.

It's about 90 miles south of Lexington and 154 miles southeast of Louisville.

At the crossroads of I-75 and Highway 80, Laurel County is primed for economic development and growth, according to the London-Laurel Economic Development Authority. The county is home to 17 manufacturers, 12 distribution warehouses and five food production sites.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Joseph Couch: Residents, troopers find body in forested area near I-75
Josh Stein plays it safe  and wrong  with his refusal to debate Mark Robinson | Opinion

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is running for governor in an usual way. Hes letting his Republican opponent do the talking.

Steins ads feature video clips of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons inflammatory statements on abortion. The approach has worked. Stein, a Democrat, has opened a wide lead in the polls by using Robinsons own words against him.

But now Stein says the sensibilities of North Carolina voters are too delicate to hear Robinson speak in a debate format. His campaign said this week that he will not accept Robinsons challenge to meet for a televised debate.

The campaign that has spent a fortune airing Robinsons most controversial remarks now says it will not give him a platform to be heard.

Mark Robinson has spent his entire public life spewing hate, lying about his record, and spreading dangerous and false conspiracy theories. A debate would only serve to legitimize him and provide a platform for his vile and dangerous rhetoric, and we wont be part of that, Stein campaign spokeswoman Kate Frauenfelder said in a statement.

Steins position is contradictory and disappointing. If he thinks Robinson is such a danger to the state, he should confront him face to face. If he wont take on a divisive bully, how effective will he be at standing up for North Carolinians as governor?

That politicians leading in the polls should avoid giving exposure to their opponents is standard political strategy. But in this case, Steins whole campaign has been about exposing Robinson for who he is. Why cant Stein come out from behind his ads and do it himself?

Robinson has invited that exchange. Im challenging you to a debate right now, Josh Stein, he said in a video posted on X. Come on down. Lets do this mano a mano and lets get it done.

If it doesnt get done, it will be the first debate-less gubernatorial campaign in the state since 1976.

In 2020, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper debated Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, a figure as deeply conservative as Robinson. In seeking the governorship in 2016, Cooper debated Gov. Pat McCrory twice.

Sen. Jesse Helms had noxious views on race and gay rights, but that didnt stop Gov. Jim Hunt or former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt from debating him in their runs for the U.S. Senate.

Steins ducking Robinson is about more than a flip flop on exposure. It breaks a tradition and suggests that as governor Stein would put polls ahead of principles.

As attorney general, Stein has built a reputation for integrity and commitment to the mission of his office. Going after Robinson on the airwaves and avoiding him on the stage undercuts that reputation.

Whats at issue is about more than one candidate protecting his lead and the other seeking to gain ground. Robinson is the GOP nominee because he represents the MAGA movement in all its coarseness and extremism.

Defeating Robinson isnt simply about outpolling him on Nov. 5. Its about pushing back against the movement that has driven Robinsons rise. That means taking on the MAGA movement, condemning its intolerance, puncturing its conspiracy theories and defending the electoral process.

Stein is North Carolinas top prosecutor. He should be willing to personally make the case against Robinson and MAGA in a prominent court of public opinion  a gubernatorial debate.

With more than a month before the election, there is time for Stein to reconsider his unconvincing claim that a debate will expose the tender ears of North Carolina voters to vile and dangerous rhetoric. The real danger is refusing to confront the speaker of that rhetoric and the movement that applauds it.










LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A Wayne County judge temporarily blocked shipments of radioactive waste to a hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township on Wednesday, amid a battle in the state legislature to ban radioactive waste disposal in Michigan.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to dispose of 6,000 tons of radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project, currently located at the Niagra Falls Storage Site in Lewiston, New York, at the Wayne Disposal facility located in Belleville, Michigan, according to publicly available slides available through the USACE website.

Under the plan, Wayne Disposal would receive approximately 25 trucks of radioactive waste a week.

A truck of radioactive waste. (USACE)

The first shipment of radioactive waste to Wayne Disposal was expected later this month.

However, on Monday, Van Buren Township, the Van Buren Township Fire Chief, the City of Romulus, the City of Belleville and Canton Township filed a civil suit against Wayne Disposal to stop the shipments out of a concern for the safety of the local community and environment.

It was in response to this suit that Wayne County Judge Kevin Cox filed a temporary injunction to block the shipments.

Democratic Michigan Representative Reggie Miller, who represents Van Buren Township and who introduced legislation to ban radioactive waste disposal in the state, claims that the judges temporary order aligns with the will of the people.

The people of Wayne County have spoken loud and clear: Our hometown will not be the dumping ground for toxic, radioactive waste, said Miller. The battle to keep waste out of our communitys backyard is far from over.

A hearing on this case is scheduled for Sept. 26.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An attorney representing the city of Memphis says conditions at Serenity Towers are horrible and the city is tired of babysitting a problem property.

Recently, the nearly 200 elderly and disabled tenants had to go without hot water and air conditioning for days, and there are claims of an ongoing pest infestation.

The city is bleeding resources in maintaining and managing, what I call babysitting, a problem property. And we are tired of it, City of Memphis counsel Carlissa Shaw told a judge Thursday.

A lawyer for the company overseeing Serenity Towers says they are still problem-solving.

 More on Serenity Towers

Thursdays hearing started with the environmental judge refusing to let those with Millennia Housing, the company that runs Serenity Towers, dodge their responsibilities.

I think we are just about at that point that we need a permanent solution, said Environmental Court Judge Patrick Dandridge.

Things ended with the representative for Millennia dodging our cameras.

A power surge at the beginning of the month left elevators out of order, no hot water and no air conditioning for days, nearly a week in some cases, inside a complex that houses elderly and disabled tenants.

Most of the issues are now up to code. But an even greater issue surrounds the ongoing problem with bedbugs.

Geoffrey Gaia, an attorney for Millennia, said one floor of the building is treated every two weeks, but the remainder of the building will be treated next Tuesday.

Remember that Millennia went through three pest control companies, and the original one was continuing to treat, even though they were not being paid, said Marcus D. Ward, special master for Serenity Towers.

Shaw, who represents the city, said Millennia hasnt paid any penalty throughout the litigation.

Millennia has failed to pay a dime, not one dime in fines in any of this litigation. They currently owe this court $36,012.75, Shaw said.

Shaw says the 169 tenants living there deserve better.

Millennia is a problem in our community. As a corporation they prey on the most vulnerable people, she said.

The city is set to conduct another sweep in which city code enforcement must go into every unit. There have already been three sweeps in which you, the taxpayer, are picking up the tab.

Shaw says it about more than finances  there are safety concerns for the workers who inspect the property.

The last time they conducted a sweep when they got home, they still had bugs coming from their bodies, she said. My best solution would be for the judge to order the owners of Millennia to come stay a night at their own property.

In the end the judge said four final words: I want this done  something both sides agree on.

We are fighting, and we are fighting not just for a Band-Aid of a solution, but a permanent solution that works for all of the residents, Assistant City Attorney Will Gibbons said.

Millennia will be back in court Oct. 3 and Oct. 15.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In a small but likely welcome win for Sean Diddy Combs, a Michigan judge has set aside a $100 million default judgment against the rapper in a case in which hes accused of sexually assaulting a now-inmate.

The judgment was originally handed down last week after Combs, 54, did not respond to Michigan inmate Derrick Lee Cardello-Smiths lawsuit. The suit accuses Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting Cardello-Smith in 1997 after the two met at a party in the Detroit area.

Combs attorney argued his client was never properly served the lawsuit in accordance with Michigan law.

The rapper will likely now motion to have the case dismissed. Judge Anna Marie Anzalone noted during Wednesdays hearing that Combs is likely to win the case since the statute of limitations had expired, according to TMZ.

Cardello-Smith, who is housed at the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility in western Michigan, is serving up to 75 years for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping charges from 2008 and 2019.

Combs meanwhile was arrested on Monday in New York City and hit with federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. He was ordered to be held without bail and transferred to Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center.

His attorney appealed and asked that bail be set at $50 million, which a judge denied on Wednesday.

The disgraced hip-hop mogul is facing a number of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse and trafficking.
Judge in Trumps classified documents case under fire for failing to disclose right-wing banquet

Judge in Trumps classified documents case under fire for failing to disclose right-wing banquet

The Florida federal judge who dismissed the special counsel classified documents case against Donald Trump failed to properly disclose her attendance at a 2023 banquet funded by a conservative law school.

The May 5, 2023, event at George Mason University was held in honor of the late conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and included attendees from the conservative legal group the Federalist Society and right-leaning judges from across the country.

One of the attendees included William H. Pryor Jr., chief judge of the 11th Circuit, which is currently hearing an appeal of Cannons decision in the documents case.

Cannon failed to follow a 2006 rule requiring judges to disclose within 30 days their attendance at paid seminars that could pose or suggest the appearance of a conflict of interest, according to reporting from ProPublica.

Judges administer the law, and we have a right to expect every judge to comply with the law, Virginia Canter, chief ethics counsel for the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), told the outlet.

Judge Aileen Cannon has had multiple issues with disclosing trips in recent years (AP)

Cannons annual disclosure form for last year was due in May but hasnt been posted, according to ProPublica.

The Independent has contacted Cannons chambers for comment.

Cannon has been flagged for past disclosure issues, not publishing disclosures about 2021 and 2021 trips to a luxury Montana lodge for a series of George Mason events until asked about them by NPR reporters.

Cannon, a Trump appointee, has been under scrutiny for her unorthodox July ruling dismissing the classified documents case against the former president.

In August, special counsel Jack Smith urged a federal appeals court to revive the case, arguing Cannons ruling that he was unconstitutionally appointed to prosecute Trump was nonsensical and in contradiction to widespread practice and past Supreme Court rulings.

CREW has filed to reverse Cannons decision and remove the Florida judge, arguing her decision was founded in a parallel legal universe and amounted to active judicial interference and advocacy.

High-ranking federal and appeals court judges have been under heightened attention in recent years, thanks to a series of ethics scandals surrounding gifts and other unreported financial ties at the Supreme Court.

Justice Clarence Thomas failed to report years of luxury travel supplied by Harlan Crow, a conservative Texas billionaire and GOP megadonor, which the justice blamed on poor legal advice and inadvertent mistakes.

Thomass wife Ginni is also under the microscope for her work as a conservative political activist, including lobbying the White House to continue to falsely claim Donald Trump won in the aftermath of the 2020 election.
Julie Chrisley asks judge if she can appear in civilian clothing for resentencing

With Julie Chrisleys resentencing hearing a week away, shes asking a federal judge if she can wear civilian clothing to the hearing and not a prison jumpsuit.

Chrisleys attorney filed the motion on Wednesday for the request, but so far the judge in the case has not made a ruling on the request.

An appeals court judge vacated Julies sentence in June over her 2022 fraud conviction with her husband Todd, whose 12-year sentence was upheld.

On Monday, the government filed its sentencing recommendation for next weeks hearing, telling the judge in the case that Julie Chrisley should still serve the seven years that she was sentenced to originally.

At the first sentencing, the government recommended a within-guidelines sentence; at resentencing, the government will urge the Court to do the same, namely, to re-impose the same 84-month sentence, which is within the new adjusted guidelines range, the government said in their filing.

Julies resentencing hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.

RELATED STORIES:

Todd and Julie Chrisley, mostly known for their reality TV series Chrisley Knows Best, and Peter Tarantino, their accountant, were found guilty in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks and the IRS out of millions of dollars and are serving a combined 15 years in prison.

The Chrisleys were originally sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison.

A federal judge ruled that Julie must appear for her resentencing in person after asking to do it remotely. She is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service as she gets ready for next weeks hearing.

Channel 2 Action News first started investigating the Chrisleys in 2017, when we learned that Todd Chrisley had likely evaded paying Georgia state income taxes for several years.

Court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News showed that by 2018, the Chrisleys owed the state nearly $800,000 in liens.

The couple eventually went to trial and a federal jury found them guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion.

RELATED NEWS:
In the highly competitive electric vehicle (EV) market, major players such as Tesla (TSLA), Rivian Automotive (RIVN), and Lucid Group (LCID) have encountered significant headwinds, with demand not meeting expectations. In this article, I will use the TipRanks Stock Comparison Tool to explain why I am bullish on TSLA and RIVN, and bearish on LCID. Ill also outline why I consider Tesla to be the best choice among the three automakers.

Despite a stretched valuation, I am bullish on Tesla. The companys shares currently trade at a forward P/E ratio of 97 times future earnings estimates, which is about 15% below its five-year average. This is largely due to a substantial decline of over 40% in the share price since it peaked in 2021, driven by weaker-than-expected EV demand and increased competition. Still, Tesla remains the top-selling EV maker globally.

Tesla had aimed for 50% growth in vehicle sales and production this year but instead has seen its revenue decline. In Q2, total automotive revenue was $19.8 billion, down 7% from a year ago. Teslas quarterly production and delivery figures in July showed 443,956 vehicle deliveries, which was about 5% lower than the previous year.

On the positive side, Q2 saw strong operational performance, with cash from operations up 18% year over year to $3.61 billion, and free cash flow of $1.34 billion. This marks a rebound from Q1 of this year when cash from operations fell 90% to $242 million, and free cash flow declined to negative $2.5 billion.

Is TSLA A Buy, Hold or Sell?

My bullish stance on Tesla isnt based on recent results but rather on its ambitious growth forecasts. Teslas future is increasingly tied to artificial intelligence (AI), Robotaxis, and robotics. The company is set to unveil its highly anticipated Robotaxi on October 10, which could serve as a major catalyst for the stock.

While some investors may not view Tesla as a major AI player, its large installed base and significant involvement in AI are noteworthy. Dan Ives, a tech analyst at Wedbush Securities, argues that Tesla is the most undervalued AI company. He believes Tesla could become a trillion-dollar concern as it stabilizes demand and improves its pricing model.

Currently, Wall Streets consensus on TSLA stock is that it is a Hold. This is based on 12 Buy, 16 Hold and eight Sell recommendations made in the last three months. The average price target of $208.98 implies potential downside risk of 8.10%.

Read more analyst ratings on TSLA stock

Rivian Automotive (RIVN)

Like Tesla, I am also bullish on Rivian Automotive. This is mainly because of the companys potential undervaluation vis-a-vis its ambitious production targets. After losing nearly 90% of its value since its 2021 initial public offering (IPO), Rivian now trades at an attractive price based on its cash position.

Story continues

With a market capitalization of $13.04 billion and $7.9 billion in cash and short-term investments, more than half of Rivians market value is tied to its balance sheet. However, based on its electric vehicle sales, Rivian trades at a P/S ratio of 2.5 times, which, while lower than Tesla, remains almost 3 times above the average for the automotive industry.

That said, the main challenge facing Rivian is achieving profitability and increasing the production of its electric vehicle models. The company aims to produce up to 215,000 vehicles annually by 2026, up from 57,232 vehicles produced in 2023.

Is RIVN Stock a Buy?

While Im bullish on Rivian, its important to point out the risks with this stock. Rivians unprofitability is a concern. In Q2 of this year, the company posted a net loss of $1.45 billion, up from a $300 million loss a year earlier. The companys year-to-date loss now totals $2.9 billion. However, as Wedbush analyst Dan Ives notes, Rivians primary issue is its quarterly cash burn of $800 million to $1 billion. This remains a concern as the company requires capital to scale production and meet demand. More recently, a $5 billion investment from Volkswagen (VOW3) has eased dilution fears.

Wall Street is generally positive on RIVN, with 22 analysts rating the stock a Moderate Buy. This is based on 11 Buy, nine Hold and two Sell recommendations made in the past three months. The average price target on RIVN stock of $17.24 suggests 31.10% upside potential.

Read more analyst ratings on RIVN stock

Lucid Group (LCID)

Regarding luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid, I hold a bearish position. This is because of the extreme decline seen in the companys finances and market value. The companys market capitalization has declined to $8.34 billion from more than $90 billion in 2021 when it went held its IPO. Despite the companys decline, the valuation multiples still remain difficult to justify.

Lucid trades at a 13 times P/S ratio, nearly double Teslas multiple and more than six times greater than Rivians. Additionally, the company reported a Q2 2024 net loss of $643.3 million, translating to approximately $268,000 in losses per vehicle sold, based on the delivery of 2,394 vehicles during the quarter.

The situation at Lucid would be more dire if it werent for funding from Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund (PIF). Thanks to that funding, Lucid holds $3.21 billion in cash and short-term investments. This year, the company raised an additional $1 billion for the production of its new SUV called the Gravity. Scheduled to launch in December this year, the Gravity is expected to be priced under $80,000, and may serve as a catalyst for LCID stock.

Is LCID Stock A Buy, Hold, or Sell?

My bearish view of Lucid is largely due to its focus on the narrow and niche luxury vehicle market. Consumers are clamoring for more affordable EVs in the U.S. and elsewhere. Morgan Stanley (MS) analyst Adam Jonas shares my bearish outlook, noting Lucids difficulty in keeping production costs below the selling price of its vehicles. This issue is further exacerbated by the high cost of its luxury model, the Lucid Air, which has a starting price of $69,900.

A total of 10 Wall Street analysts have a consensus Hold rating on LCID stock. This is based on eight Hold and two Sell recommendations made in the last three months. There are no Buy ratings on the stock. The average price target on LCID stock of $2.94 implies downside risk of 20.97% from where the shares currently trade.

Read more analyst ratings on LCID stock

Conclusion

I view Tesla as a top pick among this trio of leading electric vehicle manufacturers. The company has plenty of growth potential with its Robotaxis, AI and robotics. Rivian Automotive is also a Buy due to its upside potential and reasonable valuation. I am bearish on Lucid because its valuation is too high and profitability remains a challenge at the company.

Disclosure

Disclaimer
WEST PALM BEACH  A jury has found a Juno Beach Town Council member guilty of misdemeanor battery at the end of a one-day trial stemming from an altercation at a March candidate forum.

County Judge August Bonavita on Tuesday, Sept. 17, sentenced Marianne Hosta, 79, to nine months of probation on the charge, which carried a maximum sentence of one year in jail. The court will shorten the probation term to six months if Hosta complies with all its terms.

Those terms include having no contact with Bianca Giancoli Cooke, the other person involved in the dispute; taking an eight-hour anger management course; completing 30 hours of community service; and paying restitution funds in an amount that will be decided on Nov. 7.

PACs come to Juno Beach: Critical mailers target candidates in March 19 town election

Giancoli Cooke, 44, is the wife of former Juno Beach Mayor Alexander Cooke. She said in an email she was "relieved" by the verdict. "It is validating to see the truth acknowledged after such a difficult process," she said.

Although the town does not have an ethics code for council members, Giancoli Cooke believes Hosta should leave office as a result of her conviction, calling her behavior "unacceptable." Hosta, however, plans to remain on the council for the rest of her term, which expires in 2026. She and her attorney, Flynn Bertisch, declined to comment after the trial.

Hosta and Bertisch worked with the State Attorneys Office over the summer to reach a settlement, but chose to go to trial when their efforts proved unsuccessful.

Before sentencing her, Bonavita said it was unfortunate that the situation rose to the level it did.

The citizens of your community rely on you for your services and I think thats commendable, Bonavita told Hosta. Its unfortunate this happened.

Dispute over photographs, video led to altercation at Juno Beach campaign event

The Juno Beach Town Council, from left to right: Marianne Hosta, Diana Davis, Peggy Wheeler, Jacob Rosengarten and DD Halpern.

The altercation took place March 7 at a campaign event led by Cooke at the Brigadoon condominiums on Ocean Drive, where Hosta lives. Cooke lost in his reelection bid 12 days later.

The two women had once been friends, but their relationship devolved after Hosta joined the Town Council in 2023.

Giancoli Cooke filed a defamation lawsuit against Hosta the month before the altercation, alleging that Hosta in late 2023 asked people to complain to a government agency about Giancoli Cooke's treatment of family members.

Giancoli Cooke and her husband have strongly denied those allegations. Juno Beach police looked into them and determined they were unfounded. The defamation lawsuit remains before the courts.

How north county is growing: Wealthy newcomers, luxury homes changing family-friendly area

Giancoli Cooke told town police that she saw Hosta filming her with her cellphone on March 7 before the event started. She asked Hosta to stop, and she did.

Later, Giancoli Cooke began taking video of the event. Hostas husband, Ronald, noticed and whispered over to Hosta that he thought Giancoli Cooke was taking photos of her. As seen in a video shown in court, Hosta stood up and told Giancoli Cooke, Please dont, before covering the camera with her hand.

Giancoli Cooke was heard saying, Dont touch me. Are you crazy? before the video cut out.

Then, Giancoli Cooke testified, Hosta grabbed her right hand and wouldnt let go, a charge Hosta denied. She said she tried to pull Hosta away with her other arm. Hosta claimed that Giancoli Cooke hit her.

Giancoli Cooke said she then called 911 and went to a hospital after speaking with police. Doctors took X-rays and gave her a brace for one finger because its ligaments were torn, she said. A photo of Giancoli Cookes bruised, red and swollen right hand was shown in court.

Hosta denied that these events happened as Giancoli Cooke described them and repeated, No, no, no, when asked about it in court.

The six-member jury deliberated for about one hour before announcing its verdict.

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Judge rejects Juno Beach council member's request for fewer community service hours

A former math teacher, Hosta won her seat on the council in 2023. She moved to the town from North Palm Beach in 2014 and had lived in France before then.

Like other elected officials in the town of 4,000 residents, she publishes a regular newsletter highlighting her priorities, such as preserving Juno Beach's natural resources, and political positions.

Hosta asked the court to give her fewer community service hours so she could be home more to care for her husband. Bonavita denied the request.

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Ronald Hosta, 81, said in court Tuesday that the court proceeding has been stressful for both him and his wife.

I went into a clinical depression over the whole thing, he said. Ive never encountered something like this. Here is my wife in a criminal trial after trying to do something good by being a council member.

Hosta herself insisted throughout the trial that she did not touch Giancoli Cooke and that she did nothing to cause the altercation.

Im the type of person that when things go bad, I just cut it off, she said.

Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Juno Beach Town Council member guilty of misdemeanor battery
A jury on Wednesday convicted a man of murder in the brutal stabbing of a housemate at a mental-health group home in West St. Paul more than four years ago.

Dakota County jurors deliberated for less than an hour before finding John C. Adams, 43, guilty of second-degree intentional murder in the Feb. 17, 2020, death of 68-year-old David Eugene Rahn, who was found with stab wounds to his face, neck, back and upper extremities.

The guilty verdict followed a four-day trial before Dakota County District Court Judge Michael Mayer. He scheduled Adams sentencing for Dec. 20.

Adams attorney, Alex Rogosheske, declined to comment on the verdict.

Court records show that Adams was first committed as mentally ill and dangerous out of Hennepin County in October 2000. At the time of the murder, he was on a provisional discharge from the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter since November 2018, when he moved into the group home.

Court proceedings on the murder charge were suspended in May 2000, when a medical evaluation found Adams was incompetent to stand trial. Proceedings resumed last October when he was deemed competent following years of treatment at the state hospital.

According to the criminal complaint, a staff member heard a disturbance in Rahns bedroom and then Rahn screaming for help. The staff member tried to get inside, but Adams blocked the door and said it was okay.

While on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, the staff member said that it had become quiet in Rahns room and that something isnt right.

When the first responding officer arrived at the state-run group home at 1546 Christensen Ave. shortly after 4 a.m., he saw a shirtless man  later identified as Adams  running from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses building across the street and into the home.

Officers and medics gave CPR to Rahn, but he was pronounced dead. His injuries also included at least 20 knife wounds to one of his hands, which were consistent with defensive wounds, and blunt force trauma to his head.

Adams, who was in his bedroom, told officers that Rahn had busted into his room and attacked him. They wrestled, Adams said, before he ran and grabbed a knife to defend himself.

Adams said he threw the knife into a garbage can near the Jehovahs Witnesses building. Officers found a bloody, badly bent serrated knife in a white plastic bag that had electrical tape around the top of it. Bloody gloves were also found.

During an interview at police headquarters, Adams story changed. He said he had gone to bed sometime between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. Around 1:30 a.m., when he got up to use the bathroom, Adams said, he saw Rahn standing in Rahns doorway holding a knife.

According to Adams, Rahn told him to come inside, which he did. Adams told investigators that Rahn said he had nothing to live for and began stabbing himself. Adams said he tried to get the knife from Rahn but could not and that he believed Rahn was going to attack him.

Adams said he waited in a corner of the bedroom while Rahn kept stabbing himself before running out of strength. Adams said he then grabbed the knife, went across the street and cried before returning back to the group home.

Prior calls to the home

West St. Paul police records showed that officers responded to seven previous calls to the group home beginning in early 2014, when it first became licensed by the Department of Human Services. Calls included disturbing the peace, damage to a vehicle and two missing person reports.

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Adams was reported missing on June 23, 2019. That led to DHS filing a request that day in Hennepin County mental health court to revoke Adams provisional discharge. The request, however, was rescinded the next day by DHS after Adams was located and returned to the group home.

In the court filing, Soniya Hirachan, who at the time was the DHS medical director of forensic services, direct care and treatment, wrote that her team would follow up with Adams.

It is my expectation that (Forensic Community Support Services) and additional supports will ensure Mr. Adams returns to compliance with his provisional discharge plan so he can continue to be successful in his community reintegration, she wrote.
The Justice Department announced Thursday that it had expanded its investigation into the Rankin County Sheriffs Department where a self-described Goon Squad of deputies has been accused of torturing people for nearly two decades.

Investigators will seek to determine if the suburban Mississippi sheriffs department engaged in a pattern of unconstitutional policing through widespread violence, illegal searches and arrests or other discriminatory practices.

Since the Goon Squads sickening acts came to light, we have received reports of other instances where Rankin deputies overused Tasers, entered homes unlawfully, bandied about shocking racial slurs, and deployed dangerous, cruel tactics to assault people in their custody, Kristen Clark, the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Justice Department, said during a press conference.

Rankin County came to national attention last year after deputies, some from the Goon Squad, tortured two Black men in their home and shot one of them, nearly killing him. Six officers pleaded guilty and were sentenced to federal prison in March.

An investigation by The New York Times and Mississippi Today later revealed that nearly two dozen residents experienced similar brutality over two decades when Rankin deputies burst into their homes looking for illegal drugs.

During the press conference Thursday, Todd Gee, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, noted that journalists have compiled harrowing details of torture and abuse of Rankin County citizens.

He also recalled hearing first-hand accounts of alleged abuse from men and women, old and young alike, during community meetings in Rankin County.

If the Justice Department determines this is a pattern or practice, we will seek remedies, Gee said.

In a statement on Facebook, the sheriffs office wrote that it would fully cooperate with all aspects of this investigation, while also welcoming DOJs input into our updated policies and practices.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey has sought to distance himself from the brutality of his deputies, saying he was never aware of any of these acts.

But some of the deputies who pleaded guilty said during their sentencing hearings that they were rewarded for their use of violence or that they modeled their behavior on those who supervised them.

In some cases, residents who accused deputies of violence filed lawsuits or said they lodged complaints with the department.

The Times and Mississippi Today identified 20 deputies who were present at one or more of the incidents. They included several high-ranking officials: an undersheriff, detectives and a deputy who became a local police chief.

The investigation marks the 12th pattern or practice investigation into law enforcement misconduct by the current administration. Justice Department officials said previous investigations in other cities were followed by a reduction in use of force by the local officers.

The lawyer for Parker and Jenkins, Trent Walker of Jackson, Miss., said his clients are exceedingly happy about the investigation into the Rankin County Sheriffs Department and hope the department is held to account for its long and storied history of brutality, discriminatory policy and excessive force.
Juvenile helped beat a WWII veteran to death nearly 30 years ago. Now he may be released

A man convicted for the 1995 Modesto murder of an unhoused World War II veteran was found suitable to be released on parole, the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

Levi Anthony Oliver was 14 years old when he, his mother, his brother and two friends beat, carjacked, kidnapped and murdered 74-year-old William Smith because he was an easy target.

The group was looking for a car to steal so that Olivers mother could use it to obtain drugs.

Investigators said Smith apparently was sleeping inside his parked car near Yosemite Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue when he was attacked, The Bee reported in 1995.

When they decided Smiths 1967 four-door Ford sedan was the one they wanted, Oliver and his friend overpowered Smith and held him down as Olivers mother, Terry Harrison, took command of the vehicle, according to the DAs press release.

She drove the car to a park and pushed Smith out of the vehicle. The victim then was kicked in the head several times.

Oliver kicked the victim so hard that the victims teeth left marks on Olivers shoes, the release reads. Rather than leaving (Smith) at the park, Oliver helped put the victim in the trunk.

Smith tried to escape the trunk by kicking the lid and pulling the brake light wire, but to no success. With Smith still in the car, Oliver and two friends took the vehicle to a barn. When they got there, they became worried theyd be caught. So, they drove Smith into an almond orchard east of Hughson.

At the orchard, Oliver helped stuff the already bound and gagged Smith into an irrigation pipe. Oliver kicked Smith deeper into the pipe and told his friend to seal the valve, according to the release.

Afterward, Oliver and the two friends went for cinnamon rolls, the release reads.

Smiths decomposed body was found nearly a month later on July 20, 1995. He was identified by dental records, The Bee previously reported. The entire group of suspects was arrested a week after Smiths body was found. It included Oliver, his mother and his brother Arthur Oliver.

The trials and Olivers time in prison

In separate proceedings, Oliver, Harrison, Arthur Oliver and the two friends were convicted for their roles in Smiths murder. Oliver was found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping during a carjacking, carjacking and robbery.

The judge presiding over the case noted that Levi Oliver was already on probation at the time of the murder and felt he was already engaged in a life of crime before the murder was ever committed, according to the DAs release.

Oliver was sentenced to 25 years to life. In 1999, the Fifth Appellate District reversed his conviction of carjacking, but his sentence was retained.

While in prison, Oliver committed several rules violations including possession of drugs, possession of alcohol and fighting.

Why was Oliver deemed fit for parole?

In 2023, Oliver appeared before the Board of Parole as a youthful offender and was found unsuitable for parole. The reasons listed were based on his inability to address his triggers for anger, his lack of programming for substance abuse and his need to engage in therapy.

Regardless, another parole suitability hearing was advanced to this year.

The Parole Boards reasons for deeming Oliver suitable were mainly attributed to his youth at the time of the murder. It also acknowledged that all other defendants had already been released from prison. Oliver, the youngest of all the defendants, was the last one to remain in prison.

The board also observed Olivers feelings of remorse and believed Oliver showed signs of significant offender change, reads the DAs release.

A prison psychologist deemed Oliver as a low risk if released, and the board agreed.

Gov. Gavin Newsom still has to review the boards recommendation and determine whether Oliver will be released from prison on parole. This is expected to happen within the next four months.

Oliver is being held at the state prison in Mule Creek.
Kamala Harris used a stop in the Detroit suburbs to electrify her core supporters  and she brought in a major reinforcement.

Oprah Winfrey, who endorsed the vice president and spoke at the Democratic convention last month, headlined the event with Harris Thursday night in Farmington Hills, Michigan, as the campaign tries to target a broad swath of voters they hope to turn out in November.

The star-studded and, at times, deeply emotional 1.5-hour-long event, set up to mimic Winfreys former television show, was live streamed on multiple social platforms. The famous talk show host bounced around to hear from celebrities, advocates, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, supporters from various Harris-friendly groups, and campaign officials, including Harris campaign co-chair Jen OMalley Dillon. Roughly 30 minutes into the event, Winfrey invited Harris onto the stage, the two women, each donning pantsuits, sitting in chairs across from each other.

Hollywood celebrities like Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston, Julia Roberts, Chris Rock and Jennifer Lopez, lent their casual, zooming-from-my-kitchen appeal and provided a cozy setting for Harris to take questions designed to allow her to emphasize her core campaign messages on the economy, immigration, abortion and gun control. The armchair conversation allowed Harris to display a level of empathy for the challenges some Americans are facing while highlighting her personal bio, something she didnt spend much time on during her debate with former President Donald Trump this month.



The nature of the event speaks to the campaigns efforts to find new ways to introduce Harris to the public, as many voters remain unfamiliar with the vice president and her story. At one point the billionaire talk show host suggested something changed in the vice president when Biden stepped aside saying to her: You just stepped into your power.

You know, we each have those moments in our lives where its time to step up, Harris said. I felt a sense of responsibility to be honest with you, and with that comes a sense of purpose.

The guests themselves delivered their testimonials, wiping tears from their eyes. When Winfrey brought up the subject of abortion, reproductive rights activist Hadley Duvall, a woman who was raped by her stepfather and has shared her story in a Harris campaign ad, spoke about her experience. And the family of Amber Thurman, a Georgia woman who died after delayed medical care under the states abortion ban, were emotional as they spoke about their daughter and sister.

And this story is a story that is, sadly, not the only story of what has been happening since these bans have taken place, said Harris, who will continue to highlight this story tomorrow when she swings through Georgia.

Near the end of the program, Winfrey went to a survivor of the Apalachee High School shooting, Natalie Griffith. She sat between her parents, as her tearful mother spoke about their experience and vowed to enact change.

Dozens of pro-Harris groups attended the Winfrey-hosted show, called Unite for America, as Harris looks to energize some of her earliest backers. Polls continue to show a neck-and-neck race with Trump, whose campaign has appeared resilient despite a poor debate performance and efforts to hammer race-based attacks on immigration.

Nearly 70 unity groups were invited to participate, including Win With Black Women, Win With Black Men, White Dudes for Kamala, Black Women for Kamala and Cat Ladies for Kamala  as well as some more niche organizations like Poets for Harris and Adventurers for Harris: Democracy & Dragons. A few hundred supporters made up the small, in-studio audience.

When we leave this moment that were sharing here tonight, and you do what you can in your community, its not enough just to join us all, Winfrey said. We love having you here, but the rah, rah, rah moment is going to end. And then we need to get to work. We need to get busy.

The Farmington Hills campaign event, held at The Meridian, which is billed as a luxury event space that can hold more than 900 guests, was a welcomed celebratory respite from some of the headwinds the Harris campaign has experienced in recent days.

Just hours before the event, a pro-Palestinian grassroots organization, Uncommitted National Movement, announced it was not endorsing Harris, even as the group said it also opposes Trump and does not encourage votes for third-party candidates. The movement, which originated in Michigan and garnered more than 101,000 votes in the states presidential primary, cited the U.S.s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and the vice presidents unwillingness to commit to any significant policy shifts if she were to be elected.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which counts more than one million members and has deep ties to working class voters, also declined to endorse a presidential candidate. That announcement came Wednesday, just two days after Harris sat for a roundtable discussion at the groups Washington headquarters. The group cited a failure to find consensus with its membership, though POLITICO reported that the groups internal polling showed roughly 60 percent of its rank-and-file members broke for Trump after Biden dropped out. (A local Teamsters leader met Harris at the airport when she arrived in Michigan for the event.)

Questions also remain about how Harris will shore up key blocs of the Democratic base with less than 50 days to go until Election Day. The vice president has continued to widen her advantage among women, and shell swing through Wisconsin and Georgia on Friday, as she highlights the abortion issue and draws attention to the Thurman case.

But there are lingering concerns about Harris support among other groups, particularly Black men, which have for decades been the partys second-most loyal voting bloc. The latest polling has shown Republicans making inroads, in particular, with Black men under 50.

Black men represent a real opportunity for Harris and the Democrats, because its a constituency that they have won traditionally thats drifting away, and they need to bring those folks back in the fold, said longtime Detroit-based Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond.

Detroits as good a place as any in Michigan to do it, he added, citing the city is a historic heart of the Black community in the state. But he also suggested that an event headlined by Oprah would likely not be enough to sway Black men who may be on the fence about Harris.

Winfrey, during a conversation with Win With Black Men founder Khalil Thompson, said she'd met a Black man en route to the venue who told her he was voting for Trump, citing pandemic-era stimulus checks. And then asked Thompson what Black men should know about the election.

Well, what he doesn't know is that Congress actually paid for the check, and the American people paid for it, he said.



Later in the program, Winfrey brought on Meryl Streep, who joined virtually, and asked how she felt about the momentum behind Harris.

Oh, man this has been overwhelming to have the privilege to sit in and listen to the testimony of people here, she said before pausing, Hello, President Harris, which drew boisterous applause from the in-person audience as the Oscar-winning actress paused dramatically.

Not yet, Harris replied, 47 days.
CNN host Abby Phillip said Tuesday that Vice President Kamala Harris' interview with Black journalists "lacked specifics" on Wednesday, and specifically called out the vice president for not having a quick and "understandable" answer to a question about the economy.

"Black journalists today at the NABJ [National Black Journalists Association] pressed vice president Kamala Harris on policies from guns to the war in Gaza, but many of her answers lacked specifics," Phillip began.

The CNN panel discussed Harris' interview with Black journalists, as well as Hillary Clinton's assertion that it was a "double standard" to ask the vice president about policies.

Podcast host Kara Swisher said she didn't necessarily agree with Clinton, and noted that polls show people want to "know more" about Harris.

CNN's Abby Phillip said Tuesday that VP Kamala Harris' interview with Black journalists "lacked specifics."

59 DAYS: KAMALA HARRIS HAS YET TO DO A PRESS CONFERENCE SINCE EMERGING AS DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE

Phillip played a clip of Harris responding to a question about whether voters were better off than they were four years ago.

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"We came in during the worst public health epidemic in centuries. We came in after the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War and a lot of it due in large part to the mismanagement by the former president, as it relates to COVID and, obviously, January 6. And we had then a lot of work to do to clean up a mess. As of today, we have created over 16 million new jobs, over 800,000 new manufacturing jobs. We have the lowest Black unemployment rate in generations," Harris said.

Phillip argued that Harris should have something "quick" and "understandable" ready in response to a question like that, adding, "and that wasn't really it."

CNN political commentator Ashley Allison said she wished Harris would have alluded to the next four years in her answer to the question about whether Americans were better off during Trump's presidency.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"Answer the question," CNN political commentator Scott Jennings said. "She got the same question at the debate, and you know what else, why I went back and watched the debate again, every single policy question she got at the debate, she totally ignored and never answered. Why is it that she believes she does not have to answer to journalists who are asking pretty basic questions of a presidential candidate?"

Swisher said that Harris needed to be "specific while being vague."

CNN political analyst Colman Hughes suggested Harris keeping her answers vague was working for her.

"What has worked for Kamala Harris is literally to not make headlines, to give vague but presidential sounding answers to questions, and allow voters to project the image of who they hope she is onto her," Hughes said.

Hughes added that while he wanted to know more about her strategies on Russia and Ukraine, Harris "does tend to get into trouble when she answers off the cuff, she can be a gaffe machine when shes unprepared."

Following the interview, Politico reported on Wednesday that Harris refused to "veer off script." The report said Harris evaded questions about important issues, adding, "she did not break much ground or stray far from her talking points."





Original article source: Kamala Harris' interview with Black journalists 'lacked specifics': CNN host Abby Phillip
By Gabriella Borter and Stephanie Kelly

FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) -A star-studded virtual event hosted by Oprah Winfrey Thursday night to build enthusiasm for Kamala Harris' campaign was marked by teary moments and celebrity endorsements, drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers across social media.

Winfrey hosted the "Unite for America" event with activist group Win with Black Women, that aimed to register people to vote and bolster Harris in states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan that are set to decide the Nov. 5 election.

Shanette Williams, the mother of Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year old Georgia woman who died in August 2022 after a hospital treatment delay related to the state's restrictive abortion laws, told the audience: "You're looking at a mother that is broken, the worst pain ever that a mother, that a parent can ever feel."

Harris responded: "I'm just so sad. And the courage that you all have shown is extraordinary." Many in the studio audience of about 400 were in tears.

Natalie Griffith, a 15-year-old student from Apalachee High School in Georgia who was shot twice while in math class two weeks ago, sat with her parents in the front row.

What are we doing? asked Natalies mother, Marilda Griffith. We have a job, that job is to protect our children. We have to stop it," she said, as she and some in the audience, virtual and in-person, cried.

Harris and Democrats have promised to restore national abortion rights impacted by a 2022 Supreme Court decision and pass a ban on assault weapons often used in mass shootings.

Celebrities including comedians Chris Rock and Ben Stiller along with actors Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Bryan Cranston joined the event and offered their reasons for backing Harris or peppered her with questions.

"I want to bring my daughters to the White House to meet this Black woman president," Rock said.

Winfrey noted Harris' swift transformation after President Joe Biden stepped out of the race in late July, lauding Harris for "stepping into her power."

"You know we each have those moments in our lives when its time to step up," Harris said. Before Biden was forced out, Harris' strength as a presidential candidate was questioned by some Democrats in Washington, including Biden. But she has revived Democrats' chances, bringing in new fundraising and enthusiasm.

Harris had an unguarded moment, when Winfrey said she was unaware that Harris was a gun owner until her debate with Republican opponent Donald Trump.

If somebody breaks in my house, theyre getting shot, Harris said. "Probably should not have said that," she added.

Harris campaign advisers say nearly 200,000 people signed up to watch the livestream, and its YouTube audience was nearly 100,000 by the end. Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Twitch accounts for both Winfrey and Harris also showed the event.

Dozens of grassroots groups including Latinas for Harris, White Dudes for Harris and Win With Black Men that held virtual organizing and fundraising calls in the days after Harris became the Democratic nominee and Thursday marked the first time they all joined in one event.

In a recent Reuters poll, Harris led Trump 47% to 42%.

Harris was ahead in the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada and North Carolina, while Trump had greater support in Georgia, according to polling averages from aggregator FiveThirtyEight. They are tied in Arizona.

And while we have this extraordinary growing enthusiasm that the Vice President and Governor Walz are seeing everywhere, we are still in a margin of error race. It's tied. It's tied right here in Michigan. It's tied in all the battleground states," campaign chief Jen OMalley Dillon told the crowd.

Earlier Wednesday, pro-Palestinian grassroots organization the Uncommitted National Movement which has a large presence in Michigan, announced it was not endorsing Harris, even as the group said it also opposes Trump and does not encourage votes for third-party candidates.

(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Stephen Coates)
A 25-year-old Kansas City woman accused of driving drunk and hitting a cyclist, killing him, has been charged with DWI, court records show.

Emily A. Davis faces one felony charge of driving while intoxicated, resulting in the death of another person. During her first court appearance on Tuesday, Davis pleaded not guilty.

Davis was driving southbound on NW Tullison Road in Platte County around 5:30 a.m. Monday when her red Chevrolet Cruze hit the back of a bicycle being ridden by 25-year-old Xavier Anderson, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The force of the crash threw Anderson off of the bike, which swerved into an electrical pole just off of the roadway and broke into several pieces, according to court documents.

Anderson was transported to North Kansas City Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He was not wearing a helmet.

After a piece of debris from Davis car was found at the scene of the crash, a Riverside police officer pulled Davis over at a roundabout about half-mile from where the crash occurred, according to court documents. When an MSHP trooper arrived at the roundabout around 7 a.m., he determined that Davis had been drinking.

Davis allegedly told police that she had spent most of the previous night at Argosy Casino, where she drank from around 10 p.m. Sunday until about 2 a.m. Monday, according to court documents.

Davis is being held in the Platte County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond. She will next appear in Platte County court at 9 a.m. Oct. 1.

Andersons death was the 62nd traffic fatality recorded by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 2024, according to MSHP data. These deaths took place during 58 fatal crashes, according to MSHP data.

A total of 321 traffic crashes in Missouri have been caused by a drunk driver since the start of 2024, leading to five deaths and 122 injuries, according to MSHP data.
Editors note: We had incorrectly listed Jefferson County North as one of the districts with threats made against them. The correct district was Wamego Public Schools. The article has been updated to reflect the change. We apologize for the error.

KANSAS (KSNT)  Law enforcement in Kansas has been on high alert after a rash of school threats that have targeted at least 12 schools in the northeast Kansas area.

Six northeast Kansas school districts have had threats made against them recently, prompting some law enforcement agencies to heighten enforcement efforts.

Since Aug. 23, Nemaha Central Schools, Shawnee Heights Unified School District, Geary County Unified School District, Burlington Unified School District, Topeka Public Schools, Wamego Public Schools and the Kickapoo Nation School have dealt with threats against them.

Of the districts impacted, at least seven threats targeted middle schools, three targeted elementary schools and two targeted high schools. These threats only represent incidents within the northeast part of the state.

One local sheriffs office attributed the threats to a TikTok trend. On Sept. 11, the Junction City Police Department was made aware of threats circulating on TikTok against the Junction City Middle School. According to a social media post from Junction City Police, the threats stemmed from an apparent list of schools identified as targets for a potential school shooting.

Alligator snapping turtles are back in Kansas, what to know

According to The Associated Press, communities across the nation have been dealing with a rash of school shooting threats. In Florida, Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County posted the mugshot of an 11-year-old boy who was allegedly threatening to carry out a shooting at his middle school. The decision garnered both praise and criticism.

These threats appear to be part of a concerning online trend not unique to USD 475. Similar threats have been reported in other districts across Kansas, as well as in states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. JCPD is actively working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to investigate the origins of this post fully and ensure the safety of our schools. Statement excerpt from Junction City Police from Sept. 11



27 News contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Attorney Generals Office to see if theyve been keeping track of the threats made. Neither the KBI nor the AGs Office have a comprehensive list of the statewide threats. A KBI spokeswoman said it has been involved in a couple of threats but said most were investigated by local agencies and/or school police.

Action taken

In Wamego on Sept. 17, police responded to a threat after being informed of a group chat that mentioned violence to a school in the district. Police later found a photo of a firearm magazine was being shared by students in the community. The Wamego Police Department seized the magazine and confirmed there was no threat to students from the photo in question.

Topeka Zoo holding event for World Rivers Day

In Burlington, a threat from Sept. 12 was determined to not be credible. However, after consulting with the Coffey County attorney, and with recent incidents around the nation, the police department decided to detain the student.

On Aug. 30, an individual was arrested after police responded to reports of an active shooter threat at the Kickapoo Nation School in Powhattan. The incident prompted a police investigation.

On Sept. 18, the Nemaha County Sheriffs Office said it would be taking precautionary steps to prepare first responders in case of a crisis event. The sheriffs office posted to social media that it would be holding an upcoming Mass Casualty Drill involving several first responder agencies at the area schools.

Well with anything in life, its easier to do something the second or third time around, Nemaha County Sheriff Richard Vernon told 27 News. If it does happen, God forbid, it wouldnt be a first time for anybody and in our minds wed know how to do it.

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.
Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

In Kansas August primary, one out of every 50 ballots mailed by voters, roughly 1,000 in all, didnt count. Some arrived late. Others lacked a postmark.

The state secretary of state, Republican Scott Schwab, is now sounding the alarm about postal service unreliability, questioning whether slow or erratic delivery will disenfranchise voters in November. Election officials fear problems with postmarks, coupled with delays, could lead them to toss even more ballots this fall.

But one of the most obvious alternatives to mailing ballots  ballot drop boxes  remains contentious among Republicans.

While Kansans can use drop boxes this year, some Republicans have pushed to ban or restrict their use in recent years. The ongoing conflict over the drop boxes is largely rooted in baseless fears about their security that took hold as former President Donald Trump and his allies fomented false allegations of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

Postal delivery problems underscore the potential consequences of the drop-box battle. Voting rights advocates want an all-of-the-above approach to casting a ballot. But if the GOP-controlled Legislature eventually bans the boxes, voters will enjoy one less option to return their ballots in a state where early voting has only grown in popularity  and at a time when mail delivery is under strain.

The United States Postal Service has struggled for years with delivery problems and the Kansas City metro area is a hotbed of complaints. Members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, have sent letter after letter to postal service leaders voicing concerns. As recently as Tuesday, five of the regions U.S. representatives called on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to take action to improve service.

I voted by mail over the years, and I always assumed that my mail got priority, said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican whos worried about whether ballots will arrive on time.

As concerns with mail delivery rise, some state lawmakers want to require video surveillance of drop boxes or restrict them to places with election personnel present. Under current law, local election officials decide whether to use drop boxes.

Some counties keep them outside election offices while others place them near libraries and other public buildings  a strategy that can make them significantly more convenient for voters.

A ballot drop box in Wyandotte County.

Kansas state Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican who chairs the Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, said he could support drop boxes that are monitored, but called unmonitored drop boxes problematic.

The problem with the drop boxes is, if you look across the state, theres a variety of different ways theyre being instituted, Thompson said.

Thompson in March voted in favor of a bill that would have limited drop boxes to only advance polling locations and county election offices, a restriction that would have significantly curbed the convenience of location the boxes can offer. The state Senate rejected the bill, which contained many other election provisions, in an 18-22 vote.

The Legislatures ability to ban or restrict drop boxes may depend on whether Republicans maintain supermajority control in the state House and Senate. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed previous voting restrictions.

Thompson said drop boxes have got to come up next session.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican.

Drop boxes popular

Across Kansas, 167 drop boxes were in use for the 2022 election, according to the Kansas Secretary of States Office. Most counties either had between zero and two boxes. Johnson and Sedgwick counties  the most populous in the state  had the most, with eight and 14, respectively.

Nearly half of mail ballots in Johnson County are already returning via drop boxes. In Johnson County, about 46% of all mail ballots in the November 2023 general election were deposited in drop boxes, according to Johnson County Election Commissioner Fred Sherman.

If drop boxes were eliminated, some percentage of voters would probably return their ballots in-person at local election offices or simply vote on Election Day. But a significant portion would likely go into the mail.

We just had an election for secretary of state two years ago between a guy who wanted to ban drop boxes and a guy who didnt want to ban drop boxes, said state Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who chairs the Kansas House Election Committee.

Rep. Pat Proctor, who chairs the House Elections Committee.

In 2022, Schwab faced a Republican primary opponent, former Johnson County Commissioner Mike Brown, who opposed drop boxes and promoted conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Schwab defeated Brown by a 10-point margin, though Brown is now the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party.

The Republican voters of Kansas chose the guy who didnt want to ban drop boxes, so I think its pretty clear where the majority of my party is and its pretty clear where Kansans are. So I dont think that we ought to change anything, Proctor said.

Much of the opposition to drop boxes stems from the 2020 presidential election when some states quickly expanded their voting options as public health experts were seeking to limit the spread of COVID-19. Trump continued to oppose mail-in and absentee voting through the Republican primary this year but, after pressure from advisors, changed his tune and called absentee voting a good option in April.

Schwab has consistently made the same pitch to skeptical Republicans about drop boxes  that theyre less risky than sending your ballot through the mail, which often transports it out of state before bringing it back into Kansas. His election oversight has been praised across the political spectrum, though some far-right Republicans oppose him because he rejects election conspiracy theories.

Schwab sent a letter to DeJoy on Sept. 9 outlining his current concerns with postal delivery. Schwab wrote about the nearly 1,000 mail ballots in the August primary that werent counted because they either didnt have a postmark or arrived after the states three-day grace period following Election Day.

Kansas law requires all mail ballots to arrive within three days of Election Day  the Friday following the Tuesday. To count, ballots received within the grace period must contain a postmark from Election Day or before, which ensures they werent cast after the election.

The postal services delivery failure disenfranchised nearly 1,000 Kansas voters, Schwab wrote. He asked DeJoy to explain how the postal service will ensure every ballot is postmarked and that every ballot placed in the mail before Election Day will arrive on time.

As the chief election official in Kansas, I urge you to provide Kansans a clear explanation for your failure to provide service that enables Kansans to exercise their constitutional right to vote, and to articulate what action USPS will take to ensure that every ballot entrusted to the USPS for the November election is properly postmarked and delivered on time, Schwab wrote.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

Several Kansas City-area members of Congress followed with their own bipartisan letter to DeJoy on Tuesday. U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids, Emanuel Cleaver, Mark Alford, Jake LaTurner and Sam Graves wrote that their offices had received a growing number of messages about missing and delayed mail, along with reports of extended periods of no delivery at all.

The letter, which wasnt specifically about election-related mail, came after an audit report from the USPS Office of the Inspector General released last week found issues related to delayed mail and clearance times at three postal facilities in the Kansas City area. The audit, conducted in May, identified nearly 56,000 pieces of delayed mail.

Residents in rural, suburban, and urban communities across Kansas and Missouri rely on consistent and reliable mail service, and our postal workforce deserves better, the lawmakers wrote.

USPS spokesperson Mark Inglett in a statement advised voters that as a common-sense measure, they should mail their completed ballots at least one week before the deadline for the ballot to be received by election officials. Given Kansas three-day grace period, thats the Friday before Election Day.

The U.S. Postal Service is committed to the secure, timely delivery of the nations Election Mail. In 2024, just as we have in previous elections, the Postal Service will fulfill our role in the electoral process when public policy makers choose to utilize the mail as a part of their election system or when voters choose to utilize our services to participate in an election, Inglett said.

The postal service has a longstanding policy to try to ensure that every mailed ballot receives a postmark, Inglett said. Voters can ensure that ballots receive a postmark by going to the post office and requesting one when they mail their ballot, he said.

Numerous Kansas City residents have complained of postal service delivery problems in recent months.

Ending grace period?

Delivery problems have led Kansas Republicans to try to end the ballot arrival grace period. Without a grace period, postmarks wouldnt be necessary because all ballots would have to arrive by Election Day to count.

The Legislature in 2023 passed a bill that would require all ballots to arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Kelly vetoed the measure and an effort to override the veto fell short in the state Senate.

Ultimately, we dont want to make it harder to vote. But we also dont want to disenfranchise voters through no fault of their own, said Proctor, who supports eliminating the grace period.

Kansas is one of at least 16 states and the District of Columbia that allow mailed ballots to count if they arrive after Election Day, according to data compiled by the Center for Election Innovation and Research, a nonprofit group that works to build confidence in elections. Most have grace periods longer than Kansas for ballots that were postmarked on or before Election Day. Washington State, for instance, counts ballots arriving up to three weeks after Election Day.

Kansas state Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, a Wichita Democrat and the partys ranking member on the state Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, said she would prefer to extend the grace period.

But if were going to address it in the law, if that other route is the way that well go, then put it within the law that were going to inform and educate people of that change, Faust-Goudeau said.

Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, a Wichita Democrat.

Whatever happens with the mail, drop boxes offer a convenient way to ensure votes count, Faust-Goudeau said.

The state senator mentioned how post offices on Tax Day would set out extra mail drop boxes so taxpayers could get their taxes filed by midnight. She said shes never heard of any issues with those mail drop boxes.

Were in a different century now and we know that were moving fast  the drop boxes, I think we should utilize them to the full extent, Faust-Goudeau said, giving people that same option that they get if theyre using the drop box to meet that deadline of filing their taxes.
(Reuters) - U.S. railroad Union Pacific said on Thursday it expects its revenue to grow faster than volumes over the next three years, outpacing the market.

In the filing released ahead of the company's investor day event, Union Pacific forecast an earnings per share compound annual growth rate (EPS CAGR) in the high single to low double digit range.

The company said it will maintain an industry leading operating ratio over the next three years.

Better train speeds and shorter dwell time boosted the company's operating ratio in the second quarter from a year ago, helping it beat its quarterly profit estimates at a time when volume headwinds persisted, especially in coal.

Stephens analyst Daniel Imbro pointed that the company's EPS CAGR "could disappoint as the Street is currently assuming adj. EPS growth of 12% in 2025 and 10% in 2026."

Shares of the company were down more than 1.5% in morning trading.

Union Pacific said it will complete annual share repurchases of $4 billion to $5 billion starting 2025, adding that it looks to maintain a strong, investment grade credit rating.

It expects annual capital investments of roughly $3.5 billion to $3.7 billion over the next three years.

(Reporting by Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)
After pharmacist walkouts last year, CVS Pharmacy officials said they added staff to help alleviate customer waits (Scott Canon/The Beacon).

A year ago this week, 27 pharmacists walked off their jobs in and around Kansas City to protest understaffing, low technician pay and burdensome workloads at some CVS-owned pharmacies.

Their action forced about a dozen Kansas City-area pharmacies and 10 others in outlying areas to close anywhere from a few hours to two full days. It inspired walkouts at CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacies across the country later last fall.

And it sparked a nascent labor movement that is undertaking a national store-by-store campaign.

We had no idea what we were starting, said Ed Smith, a former CVS pharmacist who organized the walkouts. We were just fed up with our situation.

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Experts say the industry was ripe for an uprising.

Economic pressures, transformed buying habits and a worldwide pandemic have forced retail pharmacies to shut down, left pharmacists with overwhelming workloads and put regulators on guard against mistakes in your prescriptions.

Kansas Citys walkout and the wave of news coverage that came with it simply offered a jump start.

Go, go, go working conditions for pharmacists

The Kansas City pharmacists complained last year that CVS wasnt hiring enough pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, leaving them handling immunization appointments along with filling prescriptions, answering calls and dealing with customers.

On top of that, Smith said, pharmacists were assigned to help at the chains busiest stores but got no relief at their home stores. Smith had to go to a pharmacy in Blue Springs with a backlog of 3,000 prescriptions.

There were not enough terminals and not enough work space, he said. There were drugs all over the floor. You couldnt even find stuff. Ive never seen a store in worse shape. Ever.

In an emailed response to questions, Amy Thibault, a CVS spokeswoman, said that the company has brought in additional staff at that Blue Springs store, at 3201 South 7 Highway. She said the pharmacy has made significant improvements since last year and is focussed on serving its patients in a timely manner.

In response to last falls protests, Thibault said, CVS had hired more than 60 pharmacists in the Kansas City area, added dozens of pharmacy technicians and made other changes to ease workloads, like balancing some tasks between stores and directing patients to digital channels.

But chain pharmacies, which increasingly dominate the retail market, continue to face concerns about working conditions in some stores. When the COVID-19 pandemic put these stores on the front lines of testing and vaccinating patients, it only exacerbated the situation.

Every company, whether its Walgreens or CVS or any other corporate chain pharmacy, tries to get as much productivity with as little hours allocated as possible, said Shane Jerominski, the California pharmacist who co-founded The Pharmacy Guild, the fledgling labor union that is trying to organize pharmacists and pharmacy techs in stores around the country.

A 2022 survey by the Kansas Board of Pharmacy found that more than half of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Colorado pharmacists were struggling.

Of the roughly 1,000 pharmacists surveyed, half of whom worked for chains, only 37% said their workload-to-staff ratio allowed them to operate in a safe and effective manner.

https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/19429567/

Customers see it when they get stuck with long drive-thru waits or encounter lines inside stores that stretch into the potato chip aisle. And when getting a prescription filled requires waiting hours  or even days.

Pharmacists used to be busy if they filled 200 prescriptions, said John Yost, a pharmacist who co-founded Pharmacy of Grace, a charitable pharmacy in Kansas City, Kansas. Now a lot of the big chains are filling 500 to 1,000 prescriptions a day.

Workloads only got worse during the pandemic, said Russell B. Melchert, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy.

We started to see community pharmacists leave large chain settings, he said.

And with a shortage of pharmacists willing to take on those jobs  and a significant drop in the number of pharmacy school graduates  chains struggled to fill jobs.

As a result, some pharmacists say they have little time to counsel patients.

It got to the point where there was no time to have any conversation with people, said Nick Romo, who left a job at CVS two years ago to start Pharmington Drugs, an independent drug store in Overland Park. It was just head down to the computer. Go, go, go.

An evolving industry

CVS and Walgreens spent the 1990s and early 2000s buying up independent pharmacies and building brick-and-mortar stores. They wanted to capitalize on a rapid rise in the number of prescriptions Americans were getting, which came with an equally dramatic jump in prescription drugs on the market.

But the chains have spent recent years trimming costs, by reducing staff and closing stores, and leaning into new revenue streams.

They can make money when a pharmacist gives a vaccine, but they likely wont make much when they sell a drug.

Industry experts said thats where the difficulties arose for the pharmacists working at chain stores. To trim costs, theyve cut staff. To fortify profits, theyve added responsibilities.

The chain pharmacies really did take a big hit to morale related to their staffing models, said Jessica M. Bates, a clinical associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Kansas who has studied work satisfaction among pharmacists. Lots of pharmacists are exploring other options for a career outside of that setting.

Jillian Freeman, a pharmacy manager at a CVS in Liberty, said community pharmacists she knows just want to care for their patients. She said that the pharmacists who walked off the job last year were exaggerating problems. No matter which company pharmacists work for, she said in an interview arranged by CVS, they have faced added stress and pressure in recent years.

You can go to any competitor and its the same situation, Freeman said. Were facing going through COVID. Were facing vaccines and supporting the community.  And there continues to be an uptick in medications.

Fear of mistakes

Some pharmacists worry that the added responsibilities and pressures will lead to medical errors. So do regulators.

That led the Missouri Board of Pharmacy to adopt new rules in 2022 banning policies or procedures that could threaten patient safety.

The boards April 2021 guidance statement had cautioned against any dispensing or vaccination metrics/requirements that place unreasonable expectations on pharmacy staff (e.g., # of prescriptions or vaccines per hour).

And a December 2021 update to the statement, pointed to an alarming number of complaints still coming in about working conditions. They included pharmacies having excessive prescription backlogs and pharmacy staff not being given sufficient lunch or rest breaks and having to work extended stretches without days off.

Meanwhile, those workers now also handle vaccines and COVID testing, answer phones and manage a queue of drive-thru customers.

The Kansas Board of Pharmacy also has responded to a growing number of complaints about working conditions with rule changes. In July, the board passed rules that will require pharmacies to review a log of incidents  anything from medication dosage errors to patient information handling mistakes  more frequently. The review, meant to trigger changes so mistakes arent repeated, now must happen every two months instead of every three months.

When concerns voiced by pharmacists began indicating a potential impact on patient safety, said Alexandra Blasi, executive secretary of the Kansas board, that is when the board became engaged and involved.

Theres no clear data indicating that pharmacy errors are increasing. In most states, pharmacies have no obligation to report them to state regulators.

But last year, Californias Board of Pharmacy estimated that pharmacists in the state were making 5 million errors a year.

The Missouri Board of Pharmacy opened 507 complaints in fiscal year 2023 and took disciplinary action in 67 cases. One pharmacist license was revoked, two were voluntarily surrendered and 24 technicians were disqualified.

The Kansas Board of Pharmacy received 115 complaints in 2022. As a result of one of those complaints, the board ordered CVS to pay a $1,000 fine after an investigation found that its pharmacy at 12691 Antioch Road in Overland Park had supplied a patient with the wrong needles for her insulin. Instead of getting the prescribed eight units, the patient injected 10 times more because the needles were the wrong size.

The board noted in its order that the legally required internal report was weak in preventative measures to ensure the prevention of the same type of incident from recurring.

Labor takes a stand

After Kansas Citys walkout, Jerominski got serious about starting a union. Once The Pharmacy Guild got backing from IAM Healthcare, an arm of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Jerominski and other organizers launched a national campaign.

When their website first went up late last year, 30,000 people logged in all at once to fill out a labor union interest form, crashing the site.

Since, The Pharmacy Guild has led successful union elections at CVS Omnicare in Las Vegas and at CVS stores in Woonsocket and Wakefield in Rhode Island and a Walgreens in Vancouver, Wash.

Jerominski said more Pharmacy Guild union votes are on the horizon. That includes Kansas City stores, he said, although he declined to provide details. Labor unions are becoming more common across health care professions.

But the reality, said Gerald Friedman, a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, is that organizing chain pharmacy stores will be an uphill battle.

Youre going up against really large corporations, he said. You organize a few locations, and they ship those customers to mail order. You organize a few more locations, and they just close them down.

Both CVS and Walgreens said in written statements that they respect their employees right to unionize.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union already has a pharmacy branch that represents 20,000 CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid retail and pharmacy workers. But The Pharmacy Guild is focusing solely on pharmacists, technicians, interns and residents.

Kansas Citys pharmacists were successful last fall partly because their walkout drew national news coverage. And in response, CVS sent Chief Pharmacy Officer Prem Shah to Kansas City to meet with the disgruntled employees.

Smith said those meetings gave him hope that something might change.

I genuinely thought they would come in, fix the problems and wed move on, he said.

Smith still has the two-page memo he wrote just after an Oct. 13 meeting, detailing eight steps the company had agreed to take in response to pharmacists concerns. It included promises to limit the number of vaccines that stores had to give and increase the number of hours techs could work.

Smith ended his memo with clear optimism.

CVS has taken the team here in KC very seriously and saw that we had legitimate pain points that had to be addressed, Smith wrote. As I read through this list, more has been accomplished to improve our stores in the last 3 weeks than in the last 25 years.

But his hope was short-lived.

Smith said the company canceled vaccine appointments at some Kansas City stores for a time. And it sent workers in from other markets to help stores get caught up on prescriptions. But Smith said everything at his store went right back to where it had been before the walkouts  something CVS disputes.

Smith left CVS in January.

They put a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage, he said.

Now hes a pharmacist at a Walmart in Atchison, Kansas. And hes still working to organize pharmacy workers.

Maybe something stronger (like a union) can help change the industry, Smith said, because we obviously did not.

Correction: This story originally misstated when Shane Jerominski, a founder of The Pharmacy Guild, stopped working at CVS.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Missouri and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Editor's Note: This story was originally published by The Beacon, a nonprofit news organization serving Missouri and Kansas. The Star is republishing up to two stories a week as part of a new partnership with The Beacon.

A year ago this week, 27 pharmacists walked off their jobs in and around Kansas City to protest understaffing, low technician pay and burdensome workloads at some CVS-owned pharmacies.

Their action forced about a dozen Kansas City-area pharmacies and 10 others in outlying areas to close anywhere from a few hours to two full days. It inspired walkouts at CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacies across the country later last fall.

And it sparked a nascent labor movement that is undertaking a national store-by-store campaign.

We had no idea what we were starting, said Ed Smith, a former CVS pharmacist who organized the walkouts. We were just fed up with our situation.

Experts say the industry was ripe for an uprising.

Economic pressures, transformed buying habits and a worldwide pandemic have forced retail pharmacies to shut down, left pharmacists with overwhelming workloads and put regulators on guard against mistakes in your prescriptions.

Kansas Citys walkout and the wave of news coverage that came with it simply offered a jump start.

Go, go, go working conditions for pharmacists

The Kansas City pharmacists complained last year that CVS wasnt hiring enough pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, leaving them handling immunization appointments along with filling prescriptions, answering calls and dealing with customers.

On top of that, Smith said, pharmacists were assigned to help at the chains busiest stores but got no relief at their home stores. Smith had to go to a pharmacy in Blue Springs with a backlog of 3,000 prescriptions.

There were not enough terminals and not enough work space, he said. There were drugs all over the floor. You couldnt even find stuff. Ive never seen a store in worse shape. Ever.

In an emailed response to questions, Amy Thibault, a CVS spokeswoman, said that the company has brought in additional staff at that Blue Springs store, at 3201 South 7 Highway. She said the pharmacy has made significant improvements since last year and is focussed on serving its patients in a timely manner.

In response to last falls protests, Thibault said, CVS had hired more than 60 pharmacists in the Kansas City area, added dozens of pharmacy technicians and made other changes to ease workloads, like balancing some tasks between stores and directing patients to digital channels.

But chain pharmacies, which increasingly dominate the retail market, continue to face concerns about working conditions in some stores. When the COVID-19 pandemic put these stores on the front lines of testing and vaccinating patients, it only exacerbated the situation.

Every company, whether its Walgreens or CVS or any other corporate chain pharmacy, tries to get as much productivity with as little hours allocated as possible, said Shane Jerominski, the California pharmacist who co-founded The Pharmacy Guild, the fledgling labor union that is trying to organize pharmacists and pharmacy techs in stores around the country.

A 2022 survey by the Kansas Board of Pharmacy found that more than half of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Colorado pharmacists were struggling.

Of the roughly 1,000 pharmacists surveyed, half of whom worked for chains, only 37% said their workload-to-staff ratio allowed them to operate in a safe and effective manner.

Kansas Board of Pharmacy

Customers see it when they get stuck with long drive-thru waits or encounter lines inside stores that stretch into the potato chip aisle. And when getting a prescription filled requires waiting hours  or even days.

Pharmacists used to be busy if they filled 200 prescriptions, said John Yost, a pharmacist who co-founded Pharmacy of Grace, a charitable pharmacy in Kansas City, Kansas. Now a lot of the big chains are filling 500 to 1,000 prescriptions a day.

Workloads only got worse during the pandemic, said Russell B. Melchert, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy.

We started to see community pharmacists leave large chain settings, he said.

And with a shortage of pharmacists willing to take on those jobs  and a significant drop in the number of pharmacy school graduates  chains struggled to fill jobs.

As a result, some pharmacists say they have little time to counsel patients.

It got to the point where there was no time to have any conversation with people, said Nick Romo, who left a job at CVS two years ago to start Pharmington Drugs, an independent drug store in Overland Park. It was just head down to the computer. Go, go, go.

An evolving industry

CVS and Walgreens spent the 1990s and early 2000s buying up independent pharmacies and building brick-and-mortar stores. They wanted to capitalize on a rapid rise in the number of prescriptions Americans were getting, which came with an equally dramatic jump in prescription drugs on the market.

But the chains have spent recent years trimming costs, by reducing staff and closing stores, and leaning into new revenue streams.

Community pharmacists are juggling filling prescriptions with a growing list of other duties.

They can make money when a pharmacist gives a vaccine, but they likely wont make much when they sell a drug.

Industry experts said thats where the difficulties arose for the pharmacists working at chain stores. To trim costs, theyve cut staff. To fortify profits, theyve added responsibilities.

The chain pharmacies really did take a big hit to morale related to their staffing models, said Jessica M. Bates, a clinical associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Kansas who has studied work satisfaction among pharmacists. Lots of pharmacists are exploring other options for a career outside of that setting.

Jillian Freeman, a pharmacy manager at a CVS in Liberty, said community pharmacists she knows just want to care for their patients. She said that the pharmacists who walked off the job last year were exaggerating problems. No matter which company pharmacists work for, she said in an interview arranged by CVS, they have faced added stress and pressure in recent years.

You can go to any competitor and its the same situation, Freeman said. Were facing going through COVID. Were facing vaccines and supporting the community.  And there continues to be an uptick in medications.

Fear of mistakes

Some pharmacists worry that the added responsibilities and pressures will lead to medical errors. So do regulators.

That led the Missouri Board of Pharmacy to adopt new rules in 2022 banning policies or procedures that could threaten patient safety.

The boards April 2021 guidance statement had cautioned against any dispensing or vaccination metrics/requirements that place unreasonable expectations on pharmacy staff (e.g., # of prescriptions or vaccines per hour).

And a December 2021 update to the statement, pointed to an alarming number of complaints still coming in about working conditions. They included pharmacies having excessive prescription backlogs and pharmacy staff not being given sufficient lunch or rest breaks and having to work extended stretches without days off.

Meanwhile, those workers now also handle vaccines and COVID testing, answer phones and manage a queue of drive-thru customers.

Increasingly, retail pharmacies have needed to rely on more than selling drugs to make ends meet.

The Kansas Board of Pharmacy also has responded to a growing number of complaints about working conditions with rule changes. In July, the board passed rules that will require pharmacies to review a log of incidents  anything from medication dosage errors to patient information handling mistakes  more frequently. The review, meant to trigger changes so mistakes arent repeated, now must happen every two months instead of every three months.

When concerns voiced by pharmacists began indicating a potential impact on patient safety, said Alexandra Blasi, executive secretary of the Kansas board, that is when the board became engaged and involved.

Theres no clear data indicating that pharmacy errors are increasing. In most states, pharmacies have no obligation to report them to state regulators.

But last year, Californias Board of Pharmacy estimated that pharmacists in the state were making 5 million errors a year.

The Missouri Board of Pharmacy opened 507 complaints in fiscal year 2023 and took disciplinary action in 67 cases. One pharmacist license was revoked, two were voluntarily surrendered and 24 technicians were disqualified.

The Kansas Board of Pharmacy received 115 complaints in 2022. As a result of one of those complaints, the board ordered CVS to pay a $1,000 fine after an investigation found that its pharmacy at 12691 Antioch Road in Overland Park had supplied a patient with the wrong needles for her insulin. Instead of getting the prescribed eight units, the patient injected 10 times more because the needles were the wrong size.

The board noted in its order that the legally required internal report was weak in preventative measures to ensure the prevention of the same type of incident from recurring.

Labor takes a stand

After Kansas Citys walkout, Jerominski left his job at a Target CVS in California and got serious about starting a union. Once The Pharmacy Guild got backing from IAM Healthcare, an arm of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Jerominski and other organizers launched a national campaign.

When their website first went up late last year, 30,000 people logged in all at once to fill out a labor union interest form, crashing the site.

Since, The Pharmacy Guild has led successful union elections at CVS Omnicare in Las Vegas and at CVS stores in Woonsocket and Wakefield in Rhode Island and a Walgreens in Vancouver, Wash.

Jerominski said more Pharmacy Guild union votes are on the horizon. That includes Kansas City stores, he said, although he declined to provide details. Labor unions are becoming more common across health care professions.

But the reality, said Gerald Friedman, a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, is that organizing chain pharmacy stores will be an uphill battle.

Youre going up against really large corporations, he said. You organize a few locations, and they ship those customers to mail order. You organize a few more locations, and they just close them down.

Both CVS and Walgreens said in written statements that they respect their employees right to unionize.

A Walgreens at 135th Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union already has a pharmacy branch that represents 20,000 CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid retail and pharmacy workers. But The Pharmacy Guild is focusing solely on pharmacists, technicians, interns and residents.

Kansas Citys pharmacists were successful last fall partly because their walkout drew national news coverage. And in response, CVS sent Chief Pharmacy Officer Prem Shah to Kansas City to meet with the disgruntled employees.

Smith said those meetings gave him hope that something might change.

I genuinely thought they would come in, fix the problems and wed move on, he said.

Smith still has the two-page memo he wrote just after an Oct. 13 meeting, detailing eight steps the company had agreed to take in response to pharmacists concerns. It included promises to limit the number of vaccines that stores had to give and increase the number of hours techs could work.

Smith ended his memo with clear optimism.

CVS has taken the team here in KC very seriously and saw that we had legitimate pain points that had to be addressed, Smith wrote. As I read through this list, more has been accomplished to improve our stores in the last 3 weeks than in the last 25 years.

But his hope was short-lived.

Smith said the company canceled vaccine appointments at some Kansas City stores for a time. And it sent workers in from other markets to help stores get caught up on prescriptions. But Smith said everything at his store went right back to where it had been before the walkouts  something CVS disputes.

Smith left CVS in January.

They put a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage, he said.

Now hes a pharmacist at a Walmart in Atchison, Kansas. And hes still working to organize pharmacy workers.

Maybe something stronger (like a union) can help change the industry, Smith said, because we obviously did not.
WALKER, Mich. (WOOD)  The Kent County Sheriffs Office says a sergeant was hurt and the suspect got away after a physical altercation that stemmed from a traffic stop in Walker.

A black Dodge Durango was linked to recent purse snatchings in the county, according to a release from the sheriffs office.

Deputies say they learned the Durango was in the area of the Meijer near Alpine Avenue NW and Hillside Drive NW.

Deputies found the Durango and conducted a traffic stop around 10 a.m. Thursday, but the driver  identified as a 38-year-old Battle Creek man  got into a physical altercation with (the) Sergeant, and then ran, the release says.

The sergeant suffered minor injuries, according to the sheriffs office.

The office says the man wasnt found despite a lengthy search, but investigators know who he is.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

If you know anything, youre asked to contact deputies at 616.632.6125 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Kentucky bans 'conversion therapy'. What is it and is it allowed in Tennessee?

Kentucky took a step forward in protecting LGBTQ+ youth when Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order banning "conversion therapy" in the state. And while our neighbors to the north have taken this step, Tennessee still allows the widely discredited practice.

"This is not about red or blue," Beshear said. "It is not about politics at all, and to me, it's not even about gender or sexuality. It's about protecting our youth from an incubate practice that hurts them."

Kentucky joins 20 other states and regions that ban "conversion therapy".

Tennessee is one of 18 states that have no laws, or bans, surrounding the so-called practice which is usually used on minors whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual, according to data gathered by Movement Advancement Project (MAP), an independent, nonprofit think tank. Over the past several, Tennessee lawmakers have passed multiple laws that limit gender-affirming healthcare, that limit protections for LGBTQ+ residents and that have criminalized people living with HIV.

"Conversion therapy" is still widely practiced in the United States, even though it has been discredited and denounced by medical and psychological professionals all over the world.

What is 'conversion therapy'?

"Conversion therapy" is the practice of trying to alter somebodys same-sex orientation through counseling, according to the American Psychological Association. This practice, also known as reparative therapy, is still widely used even though it has been discredited by major mental health organizations, like the APA, as it is based on the false premise that same-sex attraction is a mental disorder.

"Ever since the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its diagnostic manual in 1973, it has been widely known that someones minority sexual orientation is not mental disorder to be 'cured' or 'treated'," reads an excerpt from the APA on the subject.

It is a practice that is used among all ages, but it is usually used in an attempt to stop same-sex attraction in adolescents.

According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 698,000 LGBTQ+ adults have undergone these efforts, 350,000 as adolescents, as of January 2018.

What is the impact of 'conversion therapy'?

For every "success" story that is touted by people who practice the so-called therapy, there are hundreds of people who have to deal with the aftermath of it, reports GLAAD.

A 2020 study by The Wiliams Institute found that lesbian, gay and bisexual people who experienced conversion therapy were almost twice as likely to think about and/or attempt suicide compared to peers who did not undergo it.

Rather than being therapy, so-called conversion therapy is a minority stressor that reinforces stigma and conveys that being LGB is abnormal, sinful, and should be rejected, said study senior author Ilan H. Meyer, Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. We found that people who undergo conversion therapy are at increased risk of suicide ideation and attempts. This is a devastating outcome that goes counter to the purpose of therapy.

Where in the U.S. is conversion therapy practiced?

There are conversion therapy practitioners all over the United States, according to a report published by The Trevor Project in 2023.

The group that helps LGBTQ+ youth find resources or helps those in crisis identified more than 1,320 conversion therapy practitioners across 48 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, this includes 605 (46%) who hold active professional therapists licenses and 716 (54%) operating in a ministerial or religious capacity.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What is 'conversion therapy'? Does Tennessee have any laws about it?
Kentucky couple say they found body later identified as the interstate shooting suspect after scouring the woods for days

When a gunman perched atop a cliffs ledge opened fire on a dozen cars on Kentuckys Interstate 75, wounding five people, it permeated surrounding communities with fear  and sent one couple into the woods to join the dayslong manhunt for the assailant.

For eleven days, officers scoured the vast, rugged wilderness of the Daniel Boone National Forest in the manhunt for 32-year-old suspect Joseph Couch, who authorities say texted a woman before the shooting that he planned to kill a lot of people and then kill myself afterwards.

Five days into the unsuccessful manhunt, Fred and Sheila McCoy set out in search for Couch in the dense wilderness  hoping for a piece of the reward being offered for information on him and aiming to bring safety to the community left on edge after the shooting. A $35,000 reward was available for information leading to Couchs capture, according to the Kentucky State Police.

The search area for Joseph Couch is seen in a photo released by Kentucky State Police spokesperson Scottie Pennington on September 9, 2024. - Trooper Scottie Pennington

You have to understand, this guy has been stressing this community out, Fred McCoy told CNN. Anyone who can sit up on top of a hill and take pop shots at cars is dangerous.

As Couch continued to evade capture day after day, schools were closed, authorities pleaded for nearby residents to avoid the wilderness, businesses were forced to lock their doors to customers and thousands of tips poured in from several states.

While community members donated blood to help the five hospitalized victims, law enforcement combed the colossal forest, spanning an area larger than Los Angeles and New York City combined. After grappling with treacherous terrain, including sinkholes, caves and thick brush they had to use machetes to slice through, authorities were still unable to locate Couch.

Then on Wednesday, the search came to an end.

In a 30-minute livestream on their YouTube channel, the McCoys told viewers they noticed a group of vultures swarming an area. When they neared it, they said a strong, foul smell emanated from the same spot.

My wife smelled something strong, and even I with a flu was able to smell it, and it was bad, Fred McCoy said.

After six days of searching, the McCoys had stumbled upon a decomposing body.

The livestream abruptly ended, then the couple went live again following their discovery.

You wont believe it, Sheila McCoy can be heard saying in the livestream. Oh my goodness gracious.

Like the McCoys, two troopers were drawn to the area by circling vultures and an odor of decay, Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said Wednesday. The four encountered each other in the woods, and almost immediately stumbled upon the body, he said.

Joseph A. Couch - Laurel County Sheriff's Office/Reuters

Kentucky State Police then announced the body authorities confirmed Friday to be that of Couch was found Wednesday afternoon in deep rural brush off Interstate 75 northwest of London, Kentucky, by two troopers and the McCoys.

The people of Laurel County can rest  much easier knowing that this manhunt has now come to a conclusion, Burnett said.

The body was found in the vicinity of I-75s Exit 49 in Laurel County, some 10 miles northwest of London and not far from the shooting site, state police said Wednesday. Earlier, authorities had said they found a vehicle registered to Couch on a forest service road off Exit 49, with an empty gun case inside.

Burnett said police initially believed the body was Couchs because items found with the body were associated with him.

A weapon was found where the body was located, Burnett said.

We appreciate everyone involved in the search and are grateful no one else has been hurt, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release Friday. We will continue to be there for those injured as well as the Laurel County community as they recover from this tragic situation.

The body was positively identified through DNA extracted from bone, state police said in a news release.

Due to extreme decomposition of the body, the soft tissue DNA test was inconclusive, but today we were able to use bone from the suspect to get a positive identification, said Kentuckys Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralston.

The autopsy showed Couch died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Ralston.

Investigators still havent announced a motive in the shooting, but they stated the investigation is ongoing.

I really wish that we could have located  Couch  alive. We could have asked him what his intentions were, Laurel County Sheriff John Root said at a Wednesday news conference. We could have put him through the courts  Id rather hed been alive, and he could have paid for what hed done.

Couple will get a reward, police say

While troopers were searching, voices in the area led them to the civilian couple, who also were separately looking for Couch, Burnett said.

Burnett did not address authorities earlier warning to people to stay away from the area.

Root offered praise for the couple.

Congratulations. Were proud, he said about the pair. Our one goal was to have this guy recovered.

Laurel County Crime Stoppers Coordinator Jimmy Phelps told CNN on Thursday he expects the couple will receive the full $35,000 reward.

Now, everyone can rest easy, Fred McCoy told CNN in a phone call as onlookers could be heard congratulating and thanking the couple.

Shooting left communities on edge

Before the shooting began, Couch texted a woman: Im going to kill a lot of people, Well try at least, according to a warrant for his arrest.

Later, less than half an hour before the shootings, Couch sent another message, according to the arrest warrant: Ill kill myself afterwards.

That day, Couch had bought an AR-15 with a sight and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, paying almost $3,000 in total, the arrest warrant said. According to the sheriffs office, Couch made the purchases legally.

Around 5:30 p.m. on September 7, Couch perched atop a cliffs ledge on the side of the interstate and used an AR-15 to strike 12 cars in Laurel County, about 9 miles north of London, authorities said.

This image released by the Mount Vernon Fire Department shows traffic stopped during an active shooting on Interstate-75 north of London, Kentucky, September 7, 2024. - Mount Vernon Fire Department

Bullets showered down onto I-75, puncturing cars, hitting five travelers and causing confusion among others who heard the noise but didnt immediately know what it was. Some injuries were severe, with one victim shot in the face and another across the chest, authorities said. The shooting moved authorities to shut down the highway for hours.

Though responding officers couldnt immediately find the shooter in the vast, densely wooded area near the highway, in less than a day they named a suspect  Couch, of Kentucky.

Investigators soon learned information they said further linked him to the shooting, including the text messages. The woman called 911 after receiving the texts and later showed police screenshots of the interaction, according to the warrant.

The warrant charged him with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault, Jackie Steele, commonwealth attorney for Laurel and Knox counties, told CNN.

Police said they hoped constant pressure and an intense search effort that involved drones, helicopter, dogs and dozens of officers would lead to the suspects capture.

The shooting and manhunt left communities in the area on edge as authorities urged residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

More than a dozen local school districts and several private schools canceled at least one day of classes last week, Root, the sheriff, said. And some businesses also took precautions, such as doing outside drive-throughs only and locking the doors, Root said.

Weve had school cancellations, weve had church cancellations. Peoples been in fear, thats not the normal here in Laurel County, Root said. So now that this has been discovered, I hope that our county can get back to whats normal.

The I-75 shooting marked at least the second interstate highway shooting in one week. Five people were wounded by gunfire and another person was hit by flying glass in Washington state after a series of shootings along I-5 in the Seattle and Tacoma areas.

At least 397 mass shootings have taken place so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as those in which four or more victims are shot, an average of more than 1.5 mass shootings every day.

CNNs Amy Simonson, Holly Yan and Nick Valencia contributed to this report.

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) on Wednesday signed an executive order banning conversion therapy for minors, adding to the list of 23 other states and the District of Columbia that had banned the controversial practice.

The debunked practice aims to change the sexual or gender identity of those who identify as LGBTQ. The American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and other medical and mental health groups have found that conversion therapy, also referred to as reparative therapy, is harmful and ineffective.

Kentucky cannot possibly reach its full potential unless it is free from discrimination by or against any citizen  unless all our people feel welcome in our spaces, free from unjust barriers and supported to be themselves, Beshear said in a statement. Conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids, including increased rates of suicide and depression. This is about protecting our youth from an inhumane practice that hurts them.

According to a 2023 survey by The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the LGBTQ community, 10% of LGBTQ youth across the U.S. have been threatened with conversion therapy, and 5% have been forced to endure it. The same organization also found that 28% of LQBTQ youth who attempted suicide in the previous year had been threatened with conversion therapy. An additional 28% were subjected to conversion therapy.

The number rises in Kentucky, where 21% of LQBTQ youth have been threatened with or subjected to the discredited practice.

This is about protecting our youth from an inhumane practice that hurts them.Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

As we continue to witness a historic wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced in states across the U.S., this executive order serves as a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ youth have allies and leaders who support them in every corner of our country, Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said in a statement, calling it a monumental step forward for protecting the health and safety of Kentuckys LGBTQ+ young people.

There have been 530 anti-LGBTQ bills proposed throughout the U.S. in 2024 alone.

Meanwhile, opponents argue that the executive order infringes upon religious freedom.

This executive order disregards the First Amendment rights regarding freedom of religion and speech and violates the fundamental parental rights and responsibilities for their children, members of the Republican Senate Majority Caucus said in a statement, which does not address the dangers of conversion therapy.

Beshear said Wednesday, It is not about politics at all, adding that its not even about gender or sexuality. Its about protecting our youth from an inhumane practice that hurts them.

Related...
Investigators are searching for a motive after a Kentucky sheriff was arrested for allegedly gunning down a judge in his chambers, officials said.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins at the Letcher County Courthouse Thursday afternoon, according to officials.

PHOTO: Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a judge. (Leslie County Detention Center)

A 911 caller reported shots being fired inside the courthouse, and responders found Mullins, 54, with multiple gunshot wounds, Kentucky State Police said. He had been shot in his chambers, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Stines, 43, allegedly shot Mullins "following an argument inside the courthouse," Kentucky State Police said. Officials said they had not determined if Stines used his "duty" weapon.

PHOTO: Judge Kevin Mullins (Letcher County Government)

He was taken into custody at the courthouse without incident.

Stines is cooperating with the authorities conducting the investigation, officials also said. It was unclear if Stines has an attorney.

PHOTO: Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines (Letcher County)

MORE: Body discovered near site of Kentucky interstate shooting believed to be suspect: Police

A motive remains under investigation, Kentucky State Police trooper Matt Gayheart told Johnson City, Tennessee, ABC affiliate WJHL.

No one else was in the judge's chambers at the time of the shooting, Gayheart said.

"It is an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the public," he said.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office will work with the Commonwealth's Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, Jackie Steele, as special prosecutors in the case.

The courthouse, located in Whitesburg, was closed on Friday, according to an order by Letcher County Judge/Executive Terry Adams.

Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft told Lexington, Kentucky, ABC affiliate WTVQ on Friday that the community has been "rocked to its core" by the incident.

"You'd never dream that anything like this is ever going to happen in your small town," she told the station, adding that both Mullins and Stines had been considered "two great pillars of the community."

PHOTO: Letcher County Courthouse in in Whitesburg, Ky. (Google Maps Street View)

Commonwealths Attorney for Letcher County Matt Butler recused himself from the case.

Butler not only worked with the sheriff, but had a "close, personal relationship" with the judge, he announced in a self-recorded video on Friday.

Butler and Mullins were formerly brothers-in-law when they were married to a pair of sisters, Butler said.

"His daughters are my nieces. My two oldest kids are his niece and nephew," Butler said. "As a brother-in-law, I will never forget how kind he was to my children."

And when the judge was a prosecutor and Butler was a public defender, they faced off in court, but always stayed friendly outside of court, Butler said

Butler in his message asked people to "pray for everybody involved.

Laurance B. VanMeter, chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, said in a statement he was "shocked by this act of violence," adding the "court system is shaken by this news."

"My prayers are with his family and the Letcher County community as they try to process and mourn this tragic loss. I ask for respect and privacy on their behalf," he said.

"While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way that we can," the Kentucky Court of Justice said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time."

Stines was deposed in a lawsuit on Monday. The lawsuit alleged the sheriff failed to investigate one of his deputies who sexually abused a woman in Mullins chambers.

Mullins had served as district court judge for Kentucky's 47th District Court, which presides over Letcher County, since 2009, when he was appointed by then-Gov. Steve Beshear, the father of the current governor.

He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and earned his law degree from the University of Louisville.

Letcher County, located along the Kentucky-Virginia border, is about 150 miles southeast of Lexington, Kentucky.

ABC News' Victoria Arancio, Jack Date, Darren Reynolds and Leah Sarnoff contributed to this report.

Kentucky judge shot and killed in chambers, sheriff charged with murder: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, told University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel, "I don't like that word, equity." (Getty Images)

If you want to witness firsthand how systemic racism works, you need only have been in Capitol Annex Room 154 on Tuesday, Sep. 17, for the Interim Joint Committee on Education, as Kentuckys lawmakers (who are, by-far, majority white) lorded over a hearing to allegedly discuss DEI: diversity, equity and inclusion in postsecondary education.

I say allegedly, because a good half hour into the testimony of University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto (who is white), the woman next to me (who is white) whispered what I (a white lady) had been thinking. Why are we here? What is the purpose of this meeting?

Capilouto emphasized that UK is making strides to be more nonpartisan, saying at one point we should welcome discomfort in hearing ideas. But we cant tolerate indoctrination, intimidation or disrespect. The lectern serves learning, and is not a pulpit for proselytizing.

And yet Capilouto said these words in a legislative hearing where you could feel the tension of intimidation permeate the room, and the pulpit of proselytizing was monopolized by lawmakers like Sen. Lindsey Tichenor (who is white) as she condescendingly lectured University of Louisville president Kim Schatzel (who is white) about how much she dislikes that pesky word equity.

Our Constitution talks about equality, Tichenor said, I dont love that word, equity.

Last year, the University of Louisville changed the name of its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to the Office of Institutional Equity in an apparent mad scramble to get ahead of potential anti-DEI legislation.

Schatzel responded by defining equity, but her clear answer was not clear enough for Tichenor to drop it. Equity, Tichenor said, assumes that theres an overall that everybody can have or comes in, you know, it leaves the same way. Thats just impossible. Were all different people. So I guess my question to you would be, why would you choose  the Office of Institutional Equity, as opposed to the Office of Institutional Equality, because that truly is more of our founding in the United States of America, that were all created equal.

Hold up. What now?

The dictionary defines equity as the quality of being fair and impartial.

The dictionary defines equality as the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Listening to Tichenor dig in was like listening to someone demand you acknowledge the difference between stepping out to use the restroom vs. the bathroom. But of course this back and forth was not about a word, it was about power. Tomato, tomah-to, use the word I want you to use to show your deference to me and prove publicly that I am the boss, that I hold the purse strings, that you report to me and will do as youre told, thank you very much.

Ah yes, this. Groveling publicly before the legislature. This is why we were all there. This was the purpose of the meeting.

There was also the unfortunate but predictable, oh-gosh-were-running-short-on-time remark from committee co-chair, Sen. Stephen West (who is white), after allowing such a big chunk of time up front for UK and U of L that they had to call the presidents of Eastern Kentucky University (who is white), Western Kentucky University (who is white), and Murray State University (who is white) to testify together and in a hurry.

Rude, dismissive, and humiliating.

Remember, this is the same GOP supermajority (of mostly white folks) who, for the second year in a row, could not be bothered to pass the Crown Act out of committee which would have outlawed discrimination on the basis of a hairstyle historically associated with a persons race.

And sitting front and center was Rep. Jennifer Decker (who is white), primary sponsor of an anti-DEI bill this past session, who, earlier this year, told an NAACP audience with a straight face that her white father was a slave.

It was a crushing disappointment to witness this two-hour hearing.

It was a crushing disappointment to watch silently as, one by one, five powerful university presidents (all white) groveled at the feet of majority-white lawmakers, promising that they have, of their own accord, already dismantled diversity offices, vowing that they are behaving  No DEI being practiced here, maam! We dont even say DEI, sir!  and will continue to fall in line. Did a Black lawmaker say a few words here and there? Sure, but nothing consequential.

It was a crushing disappointment to witness the cowering and cowardice on display from the leaders of our top universities, the very institutions we trust to teach our children to be bold and brave in learning as they grow into adulthood.

And it was embarrassingly obvious that in a legislative hearing alleging to address diversity, equity and inclusion, not a single person of color was handed a microphone and asked what they thought, even as one brave Black woman sat right there in the front row wearing a bright red t-shirt that read in bold white letters, Make America Not Racist for the First Time.

This is systemic racism at work.
Two days before the first execution in South Carolina in more than a decade, a key witness in the case against the condemned man has recanted his testimony.

In 1999, Steven Golden told a Greenville jury that he was robbing a Speedway gas station with Freddie Owens in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 1997. When the clerk, Irene Graves, would not open the safe, Owens shot the mother of three in the head, Golden told the court at the time.

Almost 30 years later, he says that was a lie.

Freddie Owens is not the person who shot Irene Graves at the Speedway on November 1, 1997. Freddie was not present when I robbed the Speedway that day, Golden wrote in an affidavit submitted by Owens attorneys to the South Carolina Supreme Court as part of a renewed effort to convince the court to stop Owens execution.

Now the South Carolina Supreme Court will have to weigh this revelation and decide whether to pause Owens execution, set to take place by lethal injection at 6 p.m. Friday. Last week, the Supreme Court declined to halt Owens execution after his attorneys claimed errors were made in his original trial.

As the only eyewitness to Graves murder, Golden was a central witness in Owens trial. Owens  who later confessed to killing a cellmate  maintained his innocence in Graves killing, and no forensic evidence connected him to the crime. CCTV footage from the gas station showed two men, one in a ski mask, the other identified as Golden, wearing a stocking over his head.

But recent revelations about his testimony have been central to attempts by Owens attorneys to halt the upcoming execution. In an affidavit filed in August, Golden said that prosecutors in 1999 offered him a secret deal that they would not pursue the death penalty if he agreed to testify against Owens.

In his affidavit field Wednesday, Golden said that he had ingested cocaine just prior to being arrested on Nov. 11, 1997.

The detectives told me they knew Freddie was with me when I robbed the Speedway, Golden wrote. They told me I might as well make a statement against Freddie, because he already told his side to everyone and they were just trying to get my side of the story. I was scared that I would get the death penalty if I didnt make a statement. I signed a waiver of rights form and then signed a statement on November 11, 1997.

Just 18 years old at the time, Golden said he felt pressured to sign the statement even though he knew it wasnt true.

In that statement, I substituted Freddie for the person who was really with me in the Speedway that night. I did that because I knew thats what the police wanted me to say, and also because I thought the real shooter or his associates might kill me if I named him to the police. I am still afraid of that. But Freddie was actually not there.

Golden did not name who he says actually shot and killed Graves.

While facing trial for murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime, Golden said that prosecutors offered him a deal to testify that the statement he signed for police was true. While Golden testified on the stand that prosecutors had not offered him a deal, this was a lie, he said.

Im coming forward now because I know Freddies execution date is September 20 and I dont want Freddie to be executed for something he didnt do. Golden wrote. This has weighed heavily on my mind and I want to have a clear conscience.

It is unknown whether courts will find Goldens statement credible. In a previous order declining to stay the execution, the five Supreme Court justices found that the death sentence was proportionate because of the strength of the evidence against Owens. As well as Goldens testimony, the court cited testimony from Owens then girlfriend as well as Nakeo Vance, who drove the getaway car. Vance testified that Owens told him that hed shot Graves and then asked him to dispose of the gun.

In a separate appeal, Owens attorneys have also asked the U.S. District Court in Columbia to pause his execution due to the lack of information about the drugs that the South Carolina Department of Corrections intends to use.
KINGSBURG, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Police in Kingsburg say a 14-year-old student has been arrested and booked into the Juvenile Justice Center after threatening a school staff member.

Police say on Tuesday, the Kingsburg Police Department was informed of a rumor circulating on social media regarding a potential threat to Rafer Johnson Junior High School. According to officials, the School Resource Officer immediately began interviewing and investigating once they were made aware of the threat.

School shooting during fire drill debunked, Visalia Police say

As the investigation continued it was learned that a 14-year-old student had made threats towards a school staff member unrelated to the initial threat made on social media.

The Kingsburg Police Department adds that all threats, whether spoken or written, are treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated.

Police also ask that parents speak to their children about making any type of threats towards anyone. They say even statements made out of anger or jokingly can cause fear.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | CBS47 and KSEE24.
Can China innovate and outcompete the US in their pitched battle for technological supremacy?

A 20-month investigation into the innovation performance of 44 Chinese firms across key technologies - including nuclear power, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and materials science - revealed a troubling yes for the US.

On Wednesday, analysts from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington think tank, presented their findings at a Capitol Hill event, urging US politicians and policymakers to tackle the challenges posed by Chinese innovation.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

"Overall we find that while the Chinese innovation system is not perfect, it is much stronger than it was previously understood," ITIF's Stephen Ezell told the gathering.

Evidence to date suggested China had yet to take the lead overall, but "it has pulled ahead in certain areas and in many others Chinese firms will likely equal or surpass Western firms within a decade or so", he added.

Chinese firms were performing "the best" in nuclear power, electric vehicles and batteries, Ezell said, calling its pace of innovation in advanced semiconductors modest.

The analysts assessed the companies based on their R&D investment, personnel, presence of internal innovation teams, international awards and market share, comparing these factors to global leaders in their respective fields.

China is likely 10 to 15 years ahead of the US in deploying fourth-generation nuclear reactors at scale, according to the findings compiled and written by Robert Atkinson, ITIF's president.

Now the world's second-largest economy is building more nuclear reactors than the rest of the world combined, having deployed more in the past decade than the US has in the last 30 years.

By 2030, China is expected to surpass the US in nuclear-power generation, as it already became the first country to operationally deploy advanced fourth-generation reactors with new designs and passive safety systems.

On the automotive front, Ezell described it as "amazing" that China manufactured a mere 5,200 cars in 1985 and this year is expected to churn out 26.8 million.

"That'll be 21 per cent of global share," he noted. "They're expected to hit 30 per cent of global share by the end of this decade."

Story continues

China is currently manufacturing 62 per cent of the world's electric vehicles and 77 per cent of the world's EV batteries.

An employee for battery manufacturing firm Gotion High-Tech works at a plant in Hefei, Anhui province. Photo: Xinhua alt=An employee for battery manufacturing firm Gotion High-Tech works at a plant in Hefei, Anhui province. Photo: Xinhua>

In biopharmaceuticals, the ITIF probe found that while China still lagged American and Western leaders, it was rapidly catching up. Between 2002 and 2019, China's share of global value added in the biopharmaceutical industry quadrupled to nearly 25 per cent.

In robotics, Ezell said "we found that the Chinese companies themselves weren't as innovative as their American, [South] Korean or Japanese peers, with the exception of Kuka", a German manufacturer of industrial robots acquired by Chinese appliance manufacturer Midea Group in 2016.

That said, China last year deployed more industrial robots than the rest of the world combined, the ITIF chief added. "This means that they're going to see the impacts of robotics and automation catalysing across the rest of their manufacturing economy."

As for semiconductors, the investigation found that China was about two to five years behind global leaders, with the latest advanced chip made by Huawei Technologies three years off pace.

In 2020, Huawei faced severe US sanctions that cut off its access to key chip supplies. Yet last year it surprised Washington by launching a new smartphone powered by a domestically produced advanced semiconductor.

This month the US Commerce Department announced new export controls on quantum computing and advanced chipmaking tools to protect American tech superiority. The interim rule included exemptions for countries that implement similar measures.

This followed the department's enactment of export controls in 2022 aimed at limiting China's access to advanced computing chips, hindering its development and maintenance of supercomputers and restricting its semiconductor-manufacturing capabilities.

And since the US government banned stateside chip makers from selling advanced semiconductors to China, American firms like Nvidia have created low-end versions of their most superior chips for the mainland market.

American software firm Nvidia, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, relies heavily on China for revenue. Photo: AP alt=American software firm Nvidia, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, relies heavily on China for revenue. Photo: AP>

The Chinese economy represented about 17 per cent of Nvidia's revenue for the year ending in January, down from 26 per cent two years earlier. Companies like Huawei have proved stiff competition.

Huawei's new Mate XT smartphone is challenging Apple's recently debuted iPhone 16 series in China. The device, billed as triple-foldable, has been in high demand, reportedly forcing Apple to sell its newest mobile products at lower prices.

Rick Switzer, who formerly worked on tech policy at the US State Department, warned on Wednesday that China was keeping pace on legacy chips used to make everything from washing machines to refrigerators to defence systems.

"If you don't control the legacy chips, you lose control of the entire fundamental foundation of technology," he said.

Switzer asserted that ITIF's report burst some myths about Chinese innovation hingeing on stolen tech from the West.

He cited a recent trip to the mainland by senior executives of American auto giant Ford, saying they found that Chinese EVs were not just cheaper but also "more innovative".

China "can innovate. They innovate all the time. They didn't steal their way there. They actually worked very hard to get there", Switzer said.

Tesla can attest to the challenge. In 2023, China's BYD emerged as the world's top EV manufacturer, selling about 3 million cars. In the same year, Elon Musk's firm sold 1.81 million vehicles globally, and in the first half of 2024, its China sales fell by 5 per cent.

Washington has paid heed. In May, US President Joe Biden imposed 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese EVs. He also said he wanted America by 2030 to produce EV batteries free of Chinese input such as critical minerals.

A Tesla Model X is positioned on a truck at a logistics drop zone in Seattle, Washington, in August. Although Tesla is one of the world's largest sellers of EVs, this year it is well off its 2023 pace of 1.8 million deliveries. Photo: Bloomberg alt=A Tesla Model X is positioned on a truck at a logistics drop zone in Seattle, Washington, in August. Although Tesla is one of the world's largest sellers of EVs, this year it is well off its 2023 pace of 1.8 million deliveries. Photo: Bloomberg>

Switzer noted that US researchers and research institutions have jointly published more papers with Chinese nationals and institutions than with any other country.

About 70 per cent of mainland students from the science and tech field do not stay in the US after studying in American universities, he added, as they end up working at Chinese companies and state-run labs.

"The ability to recycle innovation antibodies from recent graduates and postdocs who run through our system is one of the key elements" enabling China to stay innovative and be "a fast follower, a peer or an actual industry leader across the board", said Switzer.

Delivering closing remarks at the event, US congressman John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican and chair of the House select committee on China, said outbound capital and export controls remained critical to America's defensive strategy against China.

"Export and outbound capital restrictions are a necessary condition for our victory over the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], and by combining these types of tools with investments in our own innovation, we can achieve victory," he said.

Biden in August 2023 signed an executive order banning the flow of American capital to Chinese firms involved in advanced tech sectors such as chips, AI and quantum computing.

Emily Jin of Datenna, a Dutch-based data-intelligence platform firm focusing on the mainland, cautioned that China was "rapidly advancing and even leading in several cutting-edge fields to turn technological leadership into economic growth and geopolitical power".

Furthermore, she believed the country's ideological environment was "less contested than the one in the United States today".

Specifically, China's approach to industrial policy and tech upgrading "is backed by an almost unified ideological fervour that the United States currently cannot match".

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
What we know about body found in Nanticoke

What we know about body found in Nanticoke

NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  28/22 News is learning more about a death investigation in Luzerne County that we first reported Tuesday morning.

The body of 36-year-old Kelci Pamela Jones was found in the front yard of a home in Nanticoke.

The coroner says the cause and manner of death is pending toxicology results.

Its a scene that people in this Nanticoke neighborhood say they will never forget

Police converged on the 200 block of East Ridge Street just before 8:00 a.m. Tuesday when the body of a woman was discovered in the front yard of a home.

Luzerne County DA identifies body found in Nanticoke

I came walking to the door. A body. How horrible, horrible, Paulette, a neighbor, said.

Police identify the person as 36-year-old Kelci Pamela Jones from Nanticoke. Jones did not live in that neighborhood.

Investigators spent some four hours looking for potential evidence, any clue that might shed some light as to what might have happened.

Detectives also interviewed neighbors and other people who may have information about what might have led to the death of Jones.

The Luzerne County Coroner conducted an autopsy Tuesday and is expected to release a statement on Wednesday.

The police investigation is also looking at a possible drug connection that contributed to the death.

Jason Harlen is CEO of Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services and, while not commenting on the Nanticoke death investigation, tells the I-Team he is seeing a growing number of deaths in the region with a substance connection.

You know the doors never close here, unfortunately. We have a flow of clients who come through the doors with many issues including opioid use disorder- fentanyl overdose etc. So we continue to see it, unfortunately. Its a major major issue, said Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services CEO Jason Harlen.

The police investigation into the death of Jones is ongoing.

If you have any information about the death of Jones, you are asked to call Nanticoke police.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
What we know about the fire 'pandemic' plaguing Brazil

Wildfires have consumed millions of hectares of land in recent weeks in Brazil (EVARISTO SA) (EVARISTO SA/AFP/AFP)

Brazil is burning.

From the Amazon rainforest to the Pantanal wetlands, flames have consumed millions of hectares of forest and farmland in recent weeks.

Nearly two-thirds of Latin America's biggest country is under smoke.

While fueled by extreme drought, which the government says serves as "a demonstration of the gravity of climate change," many of the fires were set by "criminals," in the words of environment minister Marina Silva.

Here is what we know about Brazil's "fire pandemic," as Supreme Court judge Flavio Dino has described the state of affairs.

- What is the extent? -

According to data collected by satellites of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), a total of 188,623 fires have been identified in Brazil since the beginning of the year.

The total number for last year was 189,926.

The month of September 2024 has been the worst so far, with 61,572 fires recorded in 17 days compared to 46,498 for the whole of September 2023.

The number of blazes in the Amazon this month are already much higher than in 2019, when destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest sparked an international outcry that placed then president Jair Bolsonaro on the back foot.

The figures for 2024 are still far from the record of 393,915 fires recorded in 2007 -- more than a third in September that year alone.

But this time, "fires are burning in several regions of the country at the same time, which makes the problem more complex to manage," said Ane Alencar, scientific director of the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM).

- What are the causes ?

Brazil has been experiencing a prolonged drought since June 2023, according to Suely Araujo, public policy coordinator for Brazil's Climate Observatory -- a collective of non-governmental organizations.

Whatever rain did fall was "less than expected," resulting in dry conditions that can turn the slightest spark into a blaze.

"Climate change is at play, coupled with the El Nino phenomenon," said Araujo.

Alencar said most of the fires were deliberately set, most commonly by farmers clearing land.

Farmers can obtain government permission for such burning, but the practice has been temporarily banned because the fires can easily get out of control under current conditions.

However, "it is probably the law that is least respected in Brazil," Alencar told AFP.

Another culprit is the massive and influential agro-industry sector, which Alencar says has been found to deliberately set fire to public forests to clear land for farmers.

A third cause is more difficult to pinpoint: individual arsonists whose only motive is to "sow chaos," according to federal police chief Humberto Freire.

- What is the outlook?

INPE researcher Karla Longo said that if the fire starters are not stopped, the blazes "will continue until it rains."

The drought that has Brazil in its grips is likely to last until October, she added.

"The rainy season is supposed to start in the second half of October... but it may be delayed due to extreme dryness and low atmospheric humidity," added Ricardo de Camargo, a professor of meteorology at the University of Sao Paulo (USP).

Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has vowed to combat climate change and pledged to stop illegal deforestation of the Amazon by 2030, conceded on Tuesday that Brazil was "not 100 percent prepared" to deal with the latest wave of fires as he announced $94 million for the response.

"The authorities should do more, at all levels," said Araujo, who led the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, a federal agency, from 2016 to 2019.

She called for closer coordination between ministries, as well as between national and state governments.

Freire has called for tougher penalties for "environmental crimes."

lg/tmo/mlr/sst
What to know about the state's investigation into unlicensed 'traditional midwife' Heather Baker

For years, Heather Baker of De Pere has described herself as a "traditional midwife," author and educator who empowers women to give birth on their own terms.

A screenshot of Heather Baker's website attached to a state DSPS complaint.

But after being ordered to stop practicing midwifery without a license in Wisconsin a decade ago, Baker is now accused of risky and unethical practices in numerous births in other states and Mexico.

Baker did not respond to requests for comment as of Wednesday. She has not been charged by state or federal authorities with any misconduct.

Here's what to know about Baker and the ongoing state investigation against her.

What do we know about Baker?

Baker lives in De Pere, a suburb of Green Bay. She began practicing midwifery in 1996, before Wisconsin required midwives to be licensed. After the state began requiring licenses in 2006, Baker chose to remain unlicensed, according to her website.

By the 2000s, she was well-known in the Green Bay area as a midwife and home birth advocate. Baker has five children, delivering four of them at home "completely unassisted," according to her website.

She has authored several books, including Homebirth on Your Own Terms: A How To Guide For Birthing Unassisted, according to a complaint filed with DSPS and her website.

How many complaints have been filed against her?

Wisconsins Department of Safety and Professional Services is investigating 10 complaints against Baker, 48, spanning incidents in Florida, Rhode Island and Mexico, including a complaint regarding the recent tragic loss of an infant at a home birth in Sayulita, Mexico.

A DSPS legal team has been in contact with Baker, said John Beard, the departments communications director.

An excerpt from a letter written by a group of midwives in Mexico earlier this year regarding Heather Baker.

What do the complaints allege?

The allegations in the complaints match what eight Wisconsin women with knowledge of Bakers practices told reporters, including midwives, doulas, health officials and mothers who trusted Baker to provide them with a natural home birth experience.

Together, the interviews and complaints suggest several of Bakers practices appear to violate state regulations governing licensed midwives and standards of care accepted nationally by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The practices described by women include using drugs like misoprostol to induce labor, discouraging ultrasounds and other prenatal care, and failing to consult a doctor or certified nurse midwife if the mother develops risk factors like high blood pressure.

The complaints are considered unsubstantiated because they are still under investigation.

Baker is not licensed. Do her actions align with the role of a midwife?

The practices described in the complaints appear to run counter to the rules and principles governing licensed midwives.

In one instance, Baker told a mother in Mexico to delay her labor with progesterone until Baker could return from attending The Nutcracker in Wisconsin, a complaint stated.

Again, the complaints are considered unsubstantiated because they are still under investigation.

Ariel Maitlen (center) poses for a portrait with two her children, Tatum Hill (left), 11, and Eli Chovan (right), 8, on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Wrightstown Middle School in Wrightstown. Maitlen used Baker for two of her home births. Looking back, Maitlen said she know sees "red flags" in her experiences with Baker.

Is any other law enforcement agency investigating Baker?

Unclear. What we do know is three mothers in Wisconsin said they have recently been contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and asked to detail their experiences with Baker. A spokeswoman with the bureaus Milwaukee division said, in keeping with policy, the FBI does not confirm the existence or status of any investigative work.

What does an investigation by the state involve?

According to Beard, the DSPS spokesperson, the department's investigation could include a review of the complaints, the responses or documentation provided by the respondent, and other evidence either provided or gathered by the department. Evidence could be medical records, contracts, photos, witness statements, or any number of things.

What happens next?

Beard said if a licensed professional in Wisconsin is found to be violating the rules of practice in another jurisdiction, the state could potentially take action against their license to practice in Wisconsin based on an out-of-state violation.

However, if the individual is practicing without a license in Wisconsin, the options are limited. Wisconsin DSPS could issue an administrative injunction, demanding they cease specified activities, as it did with Baker in 2014.

DSPS could also refer the individual to their local county District Attorney for possible criminal investigation or prosecution.

In Baker's case, that would mean a referral is made to the Brown County District Attorney's Office.

Jessica Van Egeren is deputy breaking news editor and health enterprise reporter for the Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at jvanegeren@gannett.com. Alyssa N. Salcedo is a data and investigative journalist pursuing her masters in journalism at DePaul University. She can be reached at asalced4@depaul.edu.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about investigation into unlicensed midwife Heather Baker
Even breakfast staples are joining the growing list of recalled items this year.. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a voluntary Kodiak Waffle recall on September 13 due to the presence of plastic contamination in the products. Curious if your waffles were affected? Read on to learn more about the FDA recall of Kodiak Protein Waffles and how to stay safe.

Kodiak Waffle recall: Everything you need to know about the plastic contamination

Utah-based company Kodiak Cakes LLC  known for its healthier breakfast items  declared a voluntary recall for 7,300 boxes of Kodiak Protein-Packed Power Waffles, Buttermilk and Vanilla. The FDA issued the alert on September 13 and items were removed due to the presence of soft plastic film.

In this case, the FDA highlights a voluntary recall as an action that takes place because manufacturers and distributors carry out their responsibility to protect the public health and well-being from products that present a risk of injury or gross deception or are otherwise defective.

Multiple states had to remove waffle boxes from their stores including Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

What to look for during the Kodiak Waffle recall

In addition to the flavor and brand of waffles, knowing exactly which items have been called for removal is key to staying safe.

The recalled waffles have the UPC 705599019203 on their boxes, expire on January 10, 2026, and come in 53.6 oz containers or 40-count boxes. This recall is identified as class II by the FDA meaning use of, or exposure to, the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or an outcome where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

Many of the Kodiak Waffle boxes were bought from Costco

BING-JHEN HONG

Costco sells the waffles in 40-count boxes and recently issued a letter apologizing to customers who purchased them for any inconvenience caused.

At the time of the recall, no injuries or illnesses were reported from the affected waffles, but shoppers can return them to Costco for a full refund. The quality, safety and integrity of our products is our number one priority at Kodiak, wrote Lauren Breaux, the companys Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance.

According to the letter, products bought between July 15 and August 25 were all included in the recall. Only the buttermilk and vanilla option is affected at this time.

Anyone else who bought the waffles from Costco or elsewhere can call Kodiaks customer service line at (801) 328-4067, (which is available 24/7) or email flapjacks@kodiakcakes.com for any additional assistance they may require.

Kodiak Cakes LLC products are widely distributed

The family-owned company is based in Utah and only 13 states were affected by the recent recall. However, products from the brand are widely distributed.

Kodiak Cakes LLC is also known for its whole-grain pancake and waffle mixes, but they have items that are good for protein intake, single-serving options and healthier snacks. None of their other merchandise was affected by the waffle recall.

If you purchased Kodiak buttermilk and vanilla protein waffles, do not consume them. Discard the product to avoid potential health risks.

For more recall news

Golden Raisin Recall: 2 Batches Removed Due to Undeclared Sulfites

Perdue Recalls Over 167K Pounds of Chicken Products: What You Need to Know

Walmart Apple Juice Recall Expanded to 133,500 Cases Due to Arsenic: Updates
Thursdays Top Stories

Thursdays Five Facts

[1] Man who fell from the third story of downtown ABQ bar files lawsuit  In May 2023, Gabriel Romero went to Canvas Artistry off Central and 1st. A lawsuit says Romero was in a fight when security tried to beak it up one of the security personnel put Romero in a headlock before picking him up and carrying him to the patio. Romeros lawyer says Romero believed he was being jumped and tried to escape. He says security personnel lacked proper identification and the bar failed to provide police with surveillance footage, making Canvas Artistry culpable. The bar denies many of the allegations and says Romero propelled himself over the railing under his own volition.

[2] NM lawmakers express frustration over CYFD struggles, turnover rate  CYFD says it has a 28% vacancy rate and a 34% turnover rate. The agency says they have been to 62 career fairs this year, along with outreach at community events. Amid expressing their frustrations on the lack of progress in the agency, a number of lawmakers brought up the possibility of outside oversight over the agency. CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados said she is not opposed to outside oversight but isnt sure its the right move.

[3] Mostly dry & warmer temperatures before more rain chances  Conditions will warm up even more as temperatures will rise across the region. Near-to-above-normal high temperatures will ensue in the short term with near-normal low temperatures before the fall-like weather for the first weekend of fall.

[4] New Mexico veterans honored in Forgotten Heroes ceremony  42 New Mexico veterans will be remembered with a public memorial service in Albuquerque on Thursday. They will then be escorted by law enforcement to the Santa Fe National Cemetery, where they will be buried with military honors. The state Department of Veterans Services holds a Forgotten Heroes Funeral each year, providing a military funeral for veterans who are not claimed by family after death.

[5] Albuquerque homeowner wakes up to a raccoon intruder  An Albuquerque woman was woken up to a surprise visitor early Sunday morning. Amy Rosenbaum says she was woken up at 3 a.m., when she went downstairs she found a raccoon who had gotten in through a doggy door. The raccoon helped itself to the dogs food, some water and was resting on the couch. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish warns raccoons can become more desperate for food and shelter as the temperature begins to drop.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The controversial documentary "Russians at War" will be shown at the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) next month despite harsh criticism from Kyiv, the event's director said Thursday.

The documentary has sparked outrage since it was first shown at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, with some calling it a pro-Kremlin film that seeks to whitewash and justify Moscow's assault on its neighbour.

Ukraine added Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, who directed the documentary, to a national security blacklist on Monday, saying it spread "Russian propaganda" about Moscow's invasion.

The documentary was listed on the programme for the Swiss festival, which was sent out to media on Thursday, as a film portraying "Russian frontline soldiers in Ukraine (dealing) with the fragility of democracy".

The ZFF acknowledged Thursday that the film had already "made waves", and said it had received "protest letters".

"We can understand that the film evokes strong emotions in Ukrainians, but we will maintain its projection, because we consider that 'Russians at War' is an anti-war film," it said in a newsletter.

Like the 2022 German film "All Quiet on the Western Front", which won four Oscars for its depiction of the horrors of World War I, ZFF said the documentary "shows how young soldiers mostly are reduced to pulp".

ZFF director Christian Jungen told reporters Thursday that it was understandable that "Ukrainians are unhappy".

But he insisted that "films should incite discussion", adding that he considered the documentary an "anti-war film", according to the Keyston-ATS news agency.

- 'Propaganda' -

A spokesman for the Ukrainian foreign ministry warned the ZFF organisers Thursday that they risked ruining the festival's reputation by going ahead with the screening.

"This is a propaganda film that whitewashes war crimes, not a documentary," Georgiy Tykhyi said on X, formerly Twitter.

"Real Russians at war are invaders, war criminals, and rapists. Covering them up makes you complicit."

Before those comments, the Ukrainian foreign ministry had already said on X on Wednesday that it was "outraged" by the ZFF decision.

According to Trofimova's website, she has previously made documentaries in Syria, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo that have been broadcast on Russia's state-run RT television, which has been hit by sanctions from the European Union and the United States.

Jungen acknowledged that the director was "not unproblematic", stressing that the "Russians at War" documentary would be discussed at a roundtable event during the festival.

A number of stars are set to attend the ZFF, which runs from October 3 to 13, including Kate Winslet, Richard Gere and Jude Law.

apo/nl/fg
A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy was charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl two years ago, prosecutors announced Wednesday. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

A former Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl two years ago at his home in Cudahy, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Bryan Cardoso, 30, is facing one felony count of a lewd act on a child. Los Angeles County prosecutors allege that the assault involved "violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, and callousness," according to a news release.

This child has endured an unimaginable violation of trust, Dist. Atty. George Gascon said in a statement. The alleged actions of this deputy are reprehensible and unacceptable.

Read more: Sheriff's Department announces long-awaited policy banning deputy gangs

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Cardoso was relieved of duty nearly two years ago, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Department.

Detectives arrested him Thursday and the department said he was booked at the South Los Angeles sheriffs station. Jail records show he was released on $100,000 bond the same day.

The department called the allegation against Cardoso "extremely serious and a breach of public trust."

"As public servants, we are responsible for upholding the law not breaking it," the agency said.

On Wednesday, Cardoso could not be reached for comment and it was not immediately clear whether he had retained an attorney.

County records show he started working for the department in 2016, and was last assigned to the Century station.

The investigation in the case began in fall 2022, according to a copy of the probable-cause affidavit filed last year to justify a search warrant. That September, the East L.A. sheriffs station received two complaints alleging that a 13-year-old and her 17-year-old sister were sexually assaulted by a family members boyfriend, identified as Cardoso.

Read more: L.A. County sergeant demoted for 'gossip' after blowing whistle at Sheriff's Department

The younger girl alleged shed been assaulted in mid-June 2022, when her family went to a lake and visited Cardosos home afterward. Its not clear when or where an alleged incident involving the older girl may have occurred, and it does not appear to have resulted in criminal charges. Prosecutors did not mention it in Wednesdays news release.

According to the affidavit, the girls mother told investigators that shed told Cardoso and his girlfriend about the assaults before reporting the incident to police, but that hed denied it.

Investigators got a search warrant and seized Cardoso's and his girlfriends phones, the affidavit says. A forensic examination of the devices uncovered text messages between the pair discussing the alleged acts, though some of the texts allegedly had been deleted from Cardosos phone.

Cardoso is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 8 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown L.A. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison.

This is not the first time in recent months that current and former sheriffs deputies have faced charges involving allegations of sexual assault.

Last month, a former sheriffs deputy was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

In June, another former deputy was sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing four girls, whose ages ranged from 4 to 13.

And late last year, a deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting an inmate at the womens jail in Lynwood.

Times staff writer Libor Jany contributed to this report.

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 former Tory Minister Oliver Letwin once remarked to a colleague that it had taken him two years in office before identifying the most powerful person in the government. Our great United Kingdom is actually entirely run by a lady called Sue Gray, he said. Unless she agrees, things just dont happen.

That was 12 years ago, when she was a senior civil servant. Now, as Sir Keir Starmers chief of staff, she remains a power in the land and has a salary fitting her status. After Sir Keir agreed a new special adviser pay structure, she is better remunerated than himself. To some extent this is a consequence of successive prime ministers down the years pegging back their own salaries fearing criticism from the voters. Neville Chamberlain in 1937 had a salary of 10,000, equivalent to around 800,000 today. Sir Keir gets 167,000 which includes his MPs pay. Ms Gray receives 170,000.

The pay of scores of senior mandarins has long outstripped that of the Prime Minister; yet Ms Gray is no longer a civil servant but a political apparatchik, a choice she made.

Moreover, when Boris Johnsons chief adviser Dominic Cummings was awarded a big pay rise in 2020, Sir Keir denounced the move, contrasting it with a 3.50-a-week increase for nurses. Yet Mr Cummings was still paid less than Ms Gray is now.

The Tories are demanding to know whether proper processes were followed in overhauling the special adviser pay rates. However, this is not about procedure but an arrogant propensity to lecture the rest of us about ethical behaviour our leaders singularly fail to observe themselves.

For Labour chiefs to be seen taking big pay rises having just cut the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners is further evidence of this Governments breathtaking hypocrisy.

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.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Lackawanna man pleaded guilty to the charge of misprision of felony for his role in the kidnapping conspiracy of his sister that lasted for more than two years, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced.

Father, son indicted in alleged kidnapping conspiracy

In September 2021, 32-year-old Waleed Abughanem, along with his father and brother, allegedly forced the victim to stay in their family residence in Lackawanna for several weeks. In October, Abughanem drove her and other family members to an airport to travel to Egypt, and later to Yemen.

It is alleged that his father, Khaled Abughanem and brother, Adham Abughanem, intended to find a man for her to enter into a non-consensual arranged marriage.

From October 2021 until April 6, 2023, the victim was held involuntarily in the two countries. She did not have access to her passport and was not permitted to leave the country without her families approval as an unmarried woman, officials said.

Abughanem knew she was being held involuntarily and had his wife supervise her when he wasnt present. Upon his arrival back to the U.S. in December 2022, he gave a false statement to U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding his sisters whereabouts.

Charges remaining pending against Khaled and Adham. They are scheduled back in court next month.

Waleed is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 25.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA)  Red light camera violations netted $3.3 million in revenue, according to results reported by the city of Lakeland in accordance with a new state law.

Money was distributed from the 26,365 red light camera tickets to the city of Lakelands general fund, the state of Florida, and the camera vendor, Verra Mobility.

Earth will soon have a second moon  at least for a little while

The tickets were issued between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

I see every day, accidents, said Khaled Akkoush, owner of Fast Stop Food Stores at E. Memorial Blvd. and Lakeshore Drive in Lakeland.

Akkoush said detectives are in his store often asking for security video of crashes at the intersection.

I think if they put cameras, its gonna help lower accidents or lower traffic because I see many people dead actually in front of my eyes, Akkoush said.

That intersection is one of five listed this week by a city official as potential new locations for red light cameras if the city were to expand its program, which began in 2009.

The locations proposed by Lakelands traffic operations manager Theresa Schwartz were Kathleen Road at West 14th Street and Montrose Avenue, New Tampa Highway and North Chestnut Road, North Florida Avenue and George Jenkins Boulevard, Bartow Road and North Crystal Lake Drive, and East Memorial Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive.

We have over 150 I think signalized intersections in the city, Assistant Police Chief Hans Lehman said. We dont have that many officers out on each shift so its physically impossible to monitor every intersection so that does help us because its a force multiplier.

The 19th camera was added to George Jenkins Boulevard and Kathleen Road last year.

Its only been since last year that it was added, but the intersection of Kathleen at George Jenkins had a handful of angle crashes last year, Schwartz said. This year to my knowledge, there has not been an angle crash at that location yet.

One business owner who did not speak to News Channel 8 on camera said the cameras are a way for the city to make money.

I would venture to say some of those people that have said that have never done a death notification or given a next of kin notification, and those arent fun, Lehman said. Ive done a lot of them. I spent 10 years in our traffic unit.

In November, the city is holding a Vision Zero workshop to discuss safety measures to end serious injuries and deaths from traffic crashes.

City leaders are expected to discuss future locations for red light cameras and speed cameras in school zones.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
View of a stele with the Volkswagen logo in front of the plant building. The VW plant in Kassel is the second largest production facility of Volkswagen AG in Germany after the main plant in Wolfsburg. Swen Pfortner/dpa

Ailing German carmaker Volkswagen on Thursday declined a media report that it is planning to lay off up to 30,000 employees.

"One thing is clear: Volkswagen has to reduce its costs at its German locations," a spokeswoman said. "This is the only way the brand can earn enough money for future investments."

"How we achieve this goal together with the employee representatives is part of the upcoming talks," she said,a adding that VW could not confirm the figure mentioned.

German business magazine Manager Magazin reported that the carmaker could cut up to 30,000 jobs in Germany in the medium term. In addition, CFO Arno Antlitz is planning to cut funds for investments over the next five years to 160 billion, according to the report.

VW had previously set its medium-term planning target for the period from 2025 to 2029 at 170 billion.

VW is struggling with high costs in its core brand, VW Passenger Cars.

The carmaker has terminated its decades-old job security agreement with unions in Germany, and plant closures and layoffs are on the table.

Brand chief executive Thomas Schafer wants to raise the operating return to the target level of 6.5% in the coming years. Negotiations with trade union IG Metall begin next week.

According to Manager Magazin, the axe will be taken to the research and development departments in a bid to reduce costs.

Of the approximately 13,000 employees in those areas in Germany, some 4,000 to 6,000 will have to take their leave, according to some forecasts. Partial retirement and severance payments would not be sufficient to cover the numbers.

For years, investors have been criticizing VW's spending on investments, saying that this also reduced financial leeway for dividends for shareholders.
WILLOW STREET, Pa. (WHTM)  Students at the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center were dismissed early due to a social media threat.

West Lampeter Township Police said in a news release they were dispatched for an active shooter situation at the Willow Street branch of the school right before 9:30 a.m. The school was then put on lockdown when officers arrived.

The building was searched and police said there was no active threat. Students were then evacuated and a secondary room-to-room search was done. The students were accounted for and taken to Willow Street Mennonite Church where they were released to their parents while others left in their personal vehicles, police said.

We had to go through certain rooms that they had already looked through and checked and they were pointing their guns at us and they had the lights and everything, student Donovan Holmes said. They told us to keep our hands up, out of our pockets. Dont reach down. We had to walk the whole way out to the front with our hands up.

According to the release, a preliminary investigation indicated that the incident was prompted by a general vague threat that has been circulating on social media for the past several weeks. The caller who reported the threat came from a relative of a student, and police said there was no malicious intent by them, just a general concern for the students well being.

This isnt normal, Holmes mother, Felicia Reese, said. This isnt what happens in our town. This is stuff that we see in movies.

According to a statement from the schools Administrative Director Dr. Stuart Savin, all campuses were closed early out of an abundance of caution. The center will be back open on Friday.

The Lancaster County Career and Technology Center would like to thank our local law enforcement officials for their wonderful support and assistance throughout the day today, Savin said in a statement. We would also like to thank our faculty, staff and students at our Willow Street campus for the wonderful job they did to ensure that everyone was safe. The authorities have cleared the building. We are grateful and appreciative that out of an abundance of caution, they took the appropriate steps in order to keep everyone safe. This was not a credible threat and the building is clear. Lancaster CTC will be open tomorrow, Friday, September 20, 2024. Thank you for your grace and understanding throughout this process.

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Brownstown students were transported back to home school for the day.

Mount Joy campus students and those taking classes at the Public Safety center had been virtual to start the day due to sewer issues.

Multiple other agencies assisted police with the incident.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Tennessee left tackle Lance Heard is questionable for the Oklahoma game, according to the SEC student-athlete availability report released Wednesday.

Heard did not play in the Vols 71-0 win over Kent State last week due to precautionary reasons surrounding an injury.

No. 7 Tennessee (3-0) plays No. 13 Oklahoma (3-0) on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) in Norman. It will be Oklahomas first SEC game in program history.

Heres the updated availability status for Tennessee and Oklahoma players.

Tennessee injury report

DB Jourdan Thomas (out)

DB John Slaughter (out)

OL Shamurad Umarov (out)

OT Lance Heard (questionable)

DB William Wright (probable)

OL William Satterwhite (probable)

LB Ben Bolton (probable)

Oklahoma injury report

WR Jayden Gibson (out)

WR Jalil Farooq (out)

DB Gentry Williams (out)

OL Geirean Hatchett (out)

LB Dasan McCullough (doubtful)

TE Cade McIntyre (questionable)

OL Branson Hickman (questionable)

OL Jake Taylor (questionable)

WR Nic Anderson (probable)

WR Andrel Anthony (probable)

DB Kendel Dolby (probable)

OL Troy Everett (probable)

How SEC availability report works

This is UTs first appearance on the SEC student-athlete availability report, which began this season for conference games only.

The initial report is released on Wednesday night of an SEC game week with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes prior to kickoff of a Saturday game.

Prior to game day, players are designated by their school as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out for the upcoming game. On game day, they are designated as available, game-time decision or out.

Heres what those designations mean:

 Out: Will not play, 0% chance to play.

 Doubtful: Unlikely to play, 25% chance to play.

 Questionable: Uncertain to play, 50% chance to play.

 Probable: Probable to play, 75% chance to play.

Per the SEC policy, schools must accurately designate players participation status. If the school has knowledge that a player may not be able to participate in the upcoming game for any reason (injury, illness, suspension, ineligibility or personal matter), it must report it.

Failure to do so will subject schools to potential penalties ranging from $25,000 for a first offense to $100,000 for a third and further offenses.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Lance Heard injury update: Tennessee vs Oklahoma player inactive list
An anomalous seismic signal recorded for nine days in September 2023 was caused by the impact of massive landslide and tsunami in Greenland following the collapse of a glacier, new research has found. The source of the anomalous signal was confirmed Sept. 5 by an international team of researchers that included 68 scientists from 40 institutions in 15 countries. The glacier's collapse was due to climate change, and more collapses are expected in the future. No people were harmed.

The seismic signal crossed the globe in under an hour, from eastern Greenland to Antarctica, with massive waves sloshing against in stone walls of a narrow valley until they rung out through the earth like a big musical instrument for nine days  every 90 seconds. Thought they initially classified the signal as a "USO"  or, unidentified seismic object  they solved the mystery, reporting their findings Thursday in the journal Science.

When I first saw the seismic signal, I was completely baffled. Even though we know seismometers can record a variety of sources happening on Earths surface, never before has such a long-lasting, globally traveling 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," study co-author Stephen Hicks, of University College London Earth Sciences, said in a Friday release.

"We do know that the tsunami washed away vegetation and soils from the walls of the fjord, but we do not know yet what the impact on fauna might have been," Hicks told Salon in an email. "A specific research working group will likely study this in the near future."

The scientists said the landslide sent an estimated that 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice crashing into Dickson Fjord from a collapsing 1.2 kilometer-tall (roughly three-quarters of a mile high) mountain peak. The resulting splashdown sent water surging 655 feet in the air, then created a 360-foot wave that crossed 6.2 miles of the fjord.

After image of landslide site

The event was not observed by human witnesses, but the high-speed force of the waters stripped the plant life off the shoreline of the fjord, then traveled on to destroy cultural and archeological heritage sites at a research base 43 miles away from the initial crash  with the latter waves still reaching 13 feet in height by that time. No one was directly injured by the event, though the splashdown occurred in a routinely trafficked tourist route. In a western Greenland fjord in 2017, four people were killed and two villages permanently abandoned when a landslide triggered a smaller tsunami.

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As reported by Science, the team found a dark band of sediments on the glaciers face when they later visited the site of the 2023 event. The band was left by the tallest waves of the sloshing water in the valley, with a high-water mark that was more than twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

The study's lead author, landslide scientist Kristian Svennevig, of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, noted the historic first and attributing the breakthrough to international cooperation.

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. We only managed to solve this enigma through a huge interdisciplinary and international effort, he said.

The team confirmed that the tsunami was among the largest measured in recent history, and that this is the first known recording of sloshing water through the earth's crust. It is also the first known landslide and tsunami observed from Greenland, researchers said, "showing how climate change already has major impacts there."

Scientists at NASA's National Snow and Ice Data Center said last year that  regardless of the actions undertaken today  humanity will need to plan to for the likelihood of municipal failures in the coming decades, as sea levels are predicted to rise continually due to global warming effects of climate change.

Massive population shifts in the United States and elsewhere are expected as rising sea levels threaten to displace billions of coastal residents via inland flooding, causing widespread damage to public utilities  such as physical infrastructure for sewage and drinking water, telecommunications, electrical and transportation. The highest risks of the most extreme forms of this damage, NASA said, are associated with the potential for rapid ice sheet loss.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Lansing School District has stated to the community after two 16-year-olds were shot near Riddle Elementary School Tuesday.

These teenagers were students at Sexton High School.

Crime scene technicians take pictures of backpacks found at the scene (WLNS)

On Tuesday, police were dispatched to the corner of Riddle St. and W. Allegan St. near Riddle Elementary School at around 3 p.m. in response to a shooting, putting the school on lockdown. The two victims were transported to a local hospital. One of the teens was in critical condition and one was in non-life-threatening condition.

The shooting took place around four blocks from Sexton High School, from where the district says the students were walking home.

The school district will offer resources and assistance to those who request them, including counselors and support specialists.

See the full statement from the school below:

Dear Lansing School District Family, It is with heavy hearts that we inform you about an upsetting incident involving two of our Sexton High School students. Yesterday, as they were walking home from school, they were seriously injured. This news has deeply affected all of us, and our thoughts and prayers are with these students and their families as they continue their recovery. We know that this situation may raise concern and worry throughout our community, and we want to assure you that we are here for you. In times like these, its important that we stand together to support one another. The Lansing School District is committed to offering resources and assistance to anyone who needs it. We have counselors and support specialists ready to help students, families, and staff who may want to talk, process their emotions, or seek guidance. Please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact any of our school buildings directly or connect with our Office of School Culture at (517) 755-2800. Together, we will get through this as a community. Thank you for your support of the Lansing School District. Sincerely, Superintendent Shuldiner and District Administration Statement from Lansing School District, Sept. 18, 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 WLNS 6 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The former executive director of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department Foundation allegedly moved donations to a second nonprofit, took hundreds of thousands of dollars for himself, and got very upset when his staff would ask him about money, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Wednesday.

Thomas Kovach Jr. faces 19 theft charges, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported Tuesday. All the charges are felonies and range in value from $3,500 to $100,000. 8 News Now was not naming a second person named in court documents as that person was not charged with a crime.

According to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained, Metro police began their investigation in October 2023 after two current LVMPD Foundation employees  executive director Karen Marben and a board member  found questionable activities and expenditures when reviewing Kovachs tenure.

Marben was told from The Foundation staff they believed Kovach and [another person] were misusing funds for the past several years, police wrote in the documents. Marben was not able to get specific references to the misuse of funds at the time of the conversations. Marben stated she was told by all members besides Kovach and [the other person] were blocked out of their accounting system, which were identified as QuickBooks and Sage.

Kovach allegedly misused his position as executive director to move the nearly $350,000  across 19 different payments  to a second organization, Project Real. On its website, Project Reals leadership said the nonprofit [guides] students in understanding their constitutional rights, the intricacies of laws that shape daily life, and the value of lives rich with civic engagement.

According to Metro investigators, money at the LVMPD Foundation is divided into subaccounts for different causes: When money was donated to the Foundation, the recipient unit within Metro had their own sub-account in the accounting system and donations were documented within the specific sub-account, documents said. All funds went into a single bank account on which Kovach was a signer.

The payments to Project Real were classified using eight different subaccounts, police said.

These payments were hidden within other expense categories and gave the appearance the funds were spent on or provided to LVMPD entities or used to cover Foundation fundraising expenses, documents said.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation Executive Director Tom Kovach speaks. (LVCVA)

In May, a Metro detective and a financial analyst interviewed another LVMPD Foundation employee.

[She] stated her relationship with Kovach was frustrating, documents said. When she started with The Foundation, she was being contacted by captains with LVMPD, which were upset because they were not getting the money, which was approved by The Foundation. Captains would attempt to call [an employee] and would not hear from her. In return, they would contact [her] for answers. When [she] would speak to them, Kovach would get upset and tell her to have them contact him and only him.

That same person told police The Foundation was lacking money due to the funding of Metros new $25 million training center.

Another employee told detectives that in 2022, vendors started calling asking for their money, documents said. When the employee inquired about the money, Kovach reportedly said he would handle the situation.

[One employee] stated if you ever asked Kovach about money, he would get very upset and shut down the conversation, documents said. Other employees also noticed LVMPD Foundation money getting donated to out-of-foundation causes.

According to Project Reals executive director, Kovach would take most of the money for his salary as they did not have money in the bank account, the documents said. [W]hen they received donations, Kovach would pay himself instead of paying [the executive director] back.

A Foundation executive board member told police he became involved in reference to $300,000 raised for a conference.

When executive staff could not get ahold of Kovach, they were told The Foundation was taking 10 percent for administration fees, documents said. While looking over the balances and accounts it was believed that Kovach was misappropriated funds from The Foundation. It was decided to fire Kovach from The Foundation.

According to detectives, when LVMPD would reach out to Kovach and another employee about money in subaccounts, Kovach and the employee would not respond.

Kovach and [the other employee] would ignore them and not give them any, documents said. [The other employee] and Kovach were always moving money from sub-accounts to different sub-accounts. Kovach and [the other employee] were very sneaky and secretive with what was going on with The Foundation.

In all, Metro detectives suspect Kovach took more than $182,000 of the nearly $350,000 transferred to Project Real, documents said. From 2018 to 2022, Kovach received $600,000 from Project Real. The nonprofit itself received about $1 million during the same time.

Prosecutors issued a summons for Kovachs arrest on Monday, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. He was not due to appear in court until Oct. 28.

The LVMPD Foundation is fully cooperating with Metro and their investigation of this matter, Karen Marben, the current executive director of the foundation, said in a statement. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission and the community we serve.

In August, police searched Kovachs Henderson home, seizing electronics and other items, they said.

An attorney listed for Kovach did not return a request for comment Tuesday.

8 News Now Investigator David Charns can be reached at dcharns@8newsnow.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas Metro police will no longer release booking photos of pretrial detainees after a courts ruling, changing how media agencies identify arrestees across southern Nevada.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals determined disseminating a pretrial detainees photo was unconstitutional. The ruling came after a man sued Maricopa County, Arizona, for posting his booking photo online and keeping it on a searchable website even though the man was never prosecuted.

Las Vegas Metro police release booking photos as part of records requests, which media agencies, including 8 News Now, file daily. The department releases the photos, arrest reports, and other law enforcement documents through these requests unless the department deems the information should be withheld per law enforcement privilege. Metro rarely releases a photo without a request, except in high-profile cases when a news release is disseminated to the public.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is prevented from disseminating booking photos at this time, a department spokesperson said. This is due to a recent court ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals where the court held that the dissemination of a pretrial detainees booking photo to the public is generally unconstitutional.

The courts decision prevents the dissemination of the booking photo(s) you are seeking in this case at this time, a response to a records request from the 8 News Now Investigators said Thursday.

Each police agency and court in southern Nevada interprets the records law differently  for instance, some justice courts will release arrest reports, while others defer to police. In general, law enforcement documents, like arrest reports, are deemed public and releasable through the court system.

The man who sued Maricopa County argued his rights were violated when the county posted his name, birthday and other personal information alongside his photo  a practice that does not happen in Clark County.

LVMPD does not have a searchable mugshot lookup website like the one mentioned in the Maricopa County lawsuit. Metro, which runs the county jail, does have a system to search for inmates, but no photo or other identifiable information is provided other than a detainees name, age and the charges they face.

In its ruling, the court determined releasing the mans photo and keeping it online was a violation of his due process and constitutional rights.

The state may not punish pretrial detainees without an adjudication of guilt, the ruling said. [The man] plausibly pleaded a substantive due process claim against the county based on pretrial punishment. We therefore reverse the district courts dismissal. We affirm that courts dismissal of [his] procedural due process and Sixth Amendment claims.

It was unclear Thursday if the courts ruling would change Nevadas courtroom policy, which allows media agencies to cover pre-trial court hearings. The coverage of the hearings themselves would inherently identify a detainee by showing their face.

Henderson police too said it was determining how the ruling would affect releasing photos of pretrial detainees, though the department had not outwardly said it was changing its policy yet. Henderson, which runs its own jail, would provide booking photos as well.

It was unclear if Maricopa County would seek to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
When was the last time Louisiana voted blue in a presidential election?

Although widely regarded as a reliably Republican state, Louisiana has casted its electoral votes towards Democratic presidential candidates three times, most recently in 1996, when Bill Clinton secured the state's support for his reelection, having also done so in 1992.

The state first voted blue when it casted its electoral votes for Jimmy Carter in 1976, resulting in his White House win.

What were the reasons Louisiana voted blue in 1976, 1992 and 1996, and is it possible for the state to ever support a Democratic presidential candidate again?

Carter and Clinton's Southern upbringing appealed to Louisiana voters

In 1976, Jimmy Carter became the first Deep South candidate to appear on a national ticket in some time, said John Couvillon, a prominent Louisiana pollster, who noted that Carter's southern upbringing, agricultural background, and church deaconship made him the archetype for a 'typical southern Democrat,' thereby attracting Louisiana voters.

"It's also worth noting, however, that after four years in office, he lost Louisiana but he did better in Louisiana and other southern states than he did in the rest of the country," Couvillon said. "I would argue because of his southern origins."

Couvillon said in 1992 that third-party candidate Ross Perot's bid drew away potential voters from Republican President George H.W. Bush. Clinton's hometown in Hope, Ark., roughly 30 to 50 miles from northern Louisiana, created a cultural affinity reminiscent of Carter's in 1976, securing Clinton's appeal among Louisiana voters.

Clinton's 1996 reelection campaign received a significant boost due to several gambling referendums on the ballot, enhancing Democratic participation, Couvillon said.

"The overall political climate of Louisiana was much more hospitable towards Democrats back then than it is now," he said.

Former President Jimmy Carter made a stop at Community Renewal's Barksdale Annex Friendship House Thursday afternoon while taking a tour of Community Renewal neighborhoods in Shreveport and Bossier City.

Louisiana's changed political preferences dim chances of casting electoral votes towards Democratic presidential candidate

Couvillon noted that it is highly unlikely for the state to cast its electoral votes towards a Democratic presidential candidate again, given that the demographic groups consistently supporting Democrats, referred to as the 'coalition of the ascendant', are not present in Louisiana.

"We are a primarily rural state and the vast majority of Louisiana have lived here their entire life, and relative to the rest of the country, we have lower educational attainment levels and of course, were a religious state as well so all [of] those factors I described make Louisiana quite inhospitable for a national Democrat, he said.

Couvillon said that an overview of Louisiana's partisan voter registration shows a significant shift. Historically, Democrats held an advantage in the state, as the South was predominately Democrat. However, this advantage has steadily decreased over time, with the Democratic voter registration shrinking from approximately 230,000 in January 2021 to 95,000 currently.

Couvillon predicted that Louisiana will witness a transition to a Republican plurality in voter registration within 18 to 24 months, mirroring the party's control over key institutions such as the House, Senate, congressional delegation, BESE Board, PSC, and Supreme Court.

Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: When did Louisiana last support a Democratic presidential candidate?
An influential Latino civic engagement group is preparing to issue report cards for campaign policy positions on issues they say are critical to Latino representation, and former President Trumps grade is baked in.

The group, Mi Familia Vota (MFV), issued a yardstick for its ratings in its 2024 public policy agenda, which was shared with the Trump and Harris campaigns.

Were rating the priorities of the community, and we are rating the quality of the politicians at a time when were facing so many attacks in so many important issues in our community. Our top priority as an organization is to make sure that voters have all the information that they need from a trusted organization like Mi Familia Vota, said Hector Sanchez Barba, president of the organization.

Sanchez added that the group is in conversations with Vice President Harriss campaign to gauge the two organizations policy compatibility, but Trumps history will likely seal his fate in the new ratings.

What I can tell you in advance is that Donald Trump, based on his presidency, based on Project 2025, he gets an F. And not only an F, MAGA gets a warning sign from our community. The MAGA movement and Donald Trump are the biggest enemies that we have in the Latino community. [They dont] support any policy issue that were releasing today. Thats what we know for sure, said Sanchez.

The progressive groups Trump antagonism is not surprising, but the hold on a Harris ranking highlights the desire of Latino advocacy groups to play a bigger role in crafting Democratic policy positions.

MFV representatives told The Hill the group sent letters out to both campaigns on Tuesday, and had thus far not heard back from the Trump camp, while the Harris campaign was engaging in conversations.

The Hill did not immediately receive a response from either campaign.

Still, MFVs policy agenda is based on input from a broad array of right-, center- and left-leaning groups that together structured a Latino policy agenda when Sanchez led the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.

It included all the groups, from business groups to some conservative groups to very progressive groups. So its an agreement of where we stand as a community, and its an agreement of where we stand on the top policy issues, said Sanchez.

The MFV policy agenda is divided into eight categories, including voting rights, the economy, reproductive rights and immigration.

In each category, the policy agenda has a variety of general and specific prescriptions of varying impact. For instance, on immigration the group asks for federal statute to modernize its language to avoid labeling people as illegal, but it also outlines specifics on improving immigration and naturalization services.

Though MFV is mostly known for its turnout campaigns in key battleground states, the new rankings are part of the groups expansion from a voter turnout network into a player in the Latino policy space.

This is going to be a central tool for the Latino community to have good information. We are the community that receives the largest number of misinformation and disinformation  its affecting how Latinos and Latinas vote in the nation, said Sanchez.

There is a direct correlation between our quality of life and understanding the policy issues and making sure that we vote in historical numbers again.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert claimed a six-month stopgap bill woud screw over the US more than a Diddy freak off (Getty Images)

Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert tried to articulate her opposition to a government spending package bill by comparing it to freak offs  the alleged sex acts where Sean Diddy Combs coerced and drugged women to get them to participate for his pleasure.

This CR, this continuing resolution, that were going to vote on today, its going to screw our country more times over than a Diddy freak off Boebert said on Steve Bannons War Room podcast Wednesday.

The resolution the far-right congresswoman was referring to, is a piece of legislation that would prevent a fast-approaching government shutdown by continuing to fund the federal government at current spending levels.

She called the governments current funding chaos and madness while escalating it to the height of the allegations against Diddy.

Lauren Bobert appears on War Room where she discussed her dislike of the government spending bill because of opposition to a voting measure in it . She compared the proposal to a forced sex act that rapper Sean Diddy Combs made victims participate in (Real American Voices / War Room)

Combs, a music mogul, was charged with three federal crimes, including sex trafficking and racketeering, for allegedly running a criminal enterprise that aided him in abusing women physically, sexually and emotionally for more than a decade.

Federal prosecutors say the rapper directed freak off which allegedly included forcing women to participate in recorded sexual activities, often with male commercial sex workers, while under the influence of substances.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the counts and his lawyer insists he is an innocent man with nothing to hide. He is currently being held without bail while awaiting trial.

A courtroom sketch shows Combs appearing before a judge where he pleaded not guilty to three federal crimes (REUTERS)

Boebert invoked the reference to freak off seemingly to illustrate how dire she believes the continuing resolution would hurt the U.S.

That continuing resolution includes a measure called the SAVE Act which would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in national elections. Republicans in the House have already passed the measure but the Democratic-controlled Senate and President Joe Biden oppose it.

Boebert joined 13 of her Republican colleagues in voting against the spending bill on Wednesday evening in an effort to keep the SAVE Act alive  after former president Donald Trump insisted Republicans should vote against the continuing resolution.

I love the SAVE Act, Bobert said. I believe that President Trump was absolutely right that we should not fund the federal government without ensuring our elections are secure.

Non-citizens cannot vote in federal U.S. elections and have not been permitted to since 1924.

Despite this, Boebert said she is willing to shut down the federal government to secure elections  a reference to widespread false claims of election fraud.

Congress has until September 30 to come up with a plan to keep the government funded or operations would shut down on October 1  approximately a month before the November presidential election.
A bill to limit the use of DNA samples taken from crime victims and witnesses, as well as babies under the state's mandatory disease-screening program, advanced in an Assembly committee on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Getty Images)

New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill Thursday that would limit law enforcements use of DNA samples taken from newborns and crime victims.

The bill comes two years after the state Office of the Public Defender discovered that state police had used a babys blood sample taken as part of New Jerseys mandatory newborn disease-screening program to charge the childs father with a crime.

Under a bill Assemblymen Dan Hutchison (D-Gloucester) and Michael Inganamort (R-Morris) introduced in January, a DNA sample taken from a newborn  known as a blood spot  could only be used for disease screening. The bill also would permit law enforcement to use DNA taken from a crime victim or witness only to establish the identity of a person whos the subject of the criminal probe or prosecution for which the sample was obtained.

The bill includes two exceptions, allowing DNA material to be used if a parent provides informed consent or if a judge issues a warrant or order. A warrant requires investigators to show probable cause.

We want people brought to justice, but we need to keep intact the fundamental rights that make America the beacon of freedom it is, Inganamort said in a statement. Our Bill of Rights, specifically the Fourth Amendment, protects citizens against warrantless searches. While requiring a warrant, not a subpoena, might seem like an inconvenience, it is a fundamental protection against government overreach. We have to take the broader, longer view of these things.

State Attorney General Matt Platkin added some restrictions in June to law enforcements use of newborn DNA in response to two lawsuits over the constitutionality of the states secret practice of storing the blood spots hospitals take from newborns to screen for 61 disorders and then allowing their use beyond disease detection. His changes, though, still allow law enforcement to obtain blood spots by administrative and Dyal subpoenas, which do not require a showing of probable cause.

Members of the Assemblys judiciary committee considered the bill Thursday in Trenton, and unanimously agreed to advance it, after hearing from Fletcher Duddy, an assistant public defender in the state Office of the Public Defender.

That office, along with the New Jersey Monitor, sued the state in 2022 after state officials refused to release information about the newborn screening program. Another lawsuit filed by the Institute for Justice remains ongoing.

Thursday, Duddy urged lawmakers to tweak the bill to make it explicitly clear that newborn blood spots cannot be used for any law enforcement purpose.

If law enforcement does want to collect genetic samples, whether it be an adult, a child, a newborn, they can always apply for a warrant through the normal course, Duddy said.

The bill, which was introduced in January, has no Senate companion. This is the second time this bill has been introduced in the Legislature; the Assemblys judiciary committee also advanced it unanimously in 2022, but the bill failed to reach the Assembly floor or get a Senate companion in that session, too.

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(Bloomberg) -- Data center operator Princeton Digital Group bought land in India, Malaysia and Indonesia and secured power supply for the sites to boost its capacity by nearly 50%, seeking to capitalize on rising demand for artificial intelligence services.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The buildout is part of a $5 billion investment program and will happen in the next 12 to 18 months, Chief Executive Officer Rangu Salgame said in an interview. Itll boost Warburg Pincus-backed PDGs capacity by 500 megawatts.

The company is adding capacity in high-demand hotspots in Johor in Malaysia, just across the Singapore border, Jakarta as well as Indias Mumbai and Chennai. In these markets, the data center provider already caters to global technology companies, which are expanding across Asia to tap increasing demand for cloud and AI services.

PDG is considering a private fundraising round to raise as much as $1 billion, Bloomberg reported this week. The Singapore-based company said in July it plans to double the capacity of its data centers in three years to meet surging demand from AI developers and to add more than 300 employees in markets including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and India by the end of 2025.

AI has transformed the data center landscape in the past 18 months, said Salgame, with demand first rising in North America followed by Asia. By securing access and road map to full power in these locations, we continue to be positioned to meet the Pan Asia customer demand for scalable, AI-ready data center capacity, the CEO said in a statement.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Lawmakers took steps to revive a failed bill from last legislative session that would define and criminalize ritualistic child sexual abuse.

On Wednesday, members of the legislatures Judiciary Interim Committee voted to re-open Child Abuse Amendments, a version of a bill sponsored by Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, during the 2024 legislative session that appeared to have support, but was never voted on by either the Utah House or Senate.

The bill describes the stuff of nightmares, reminiscent of the satanic panic that swept through Utah decades ago, involving a number of high-profile allegations of sexual abuse involving devil worship.

Resources for sexual violence victims

If you have experienced sexual violence, call Utahs 24-hour Sexual Violence Helpline at 1-801-736-4356. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for free and confidential counseling. The following local resources are also available:

Native American domestic violence and sexual assault line: 1-833-688-4325

Rape Recovery Center: 801-467-7282

Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1-888-421-1100

YWCA Survivor Services 24-hour crisis line: 1-801-537-8600

University of Utah Center For Student Wellness Victim-Survivor Advocacy: 1-801-581-7776

Linea de Apoyo de Violencia Sexual las 24-Horas de Utah: 1-801-924-0860

Many of those allegations surrounding the satanic panic were later debunked. In 1995, investigators with the Utah Attorney Generals Office who interviewed hundreds of Utahns claiming to be victims of some kind of satanically-motivated abuse said criminal charges were only filed in one case, according to a Deseret News story at the time.

But survivors, some of whom who spoke to lawmakers Wednesday, have for years advocated for a bill targeting this uniquely traumatic abuse. Their experiences are so unimaginable they are often met with skepticism  and the abuse is so taxing that many possible witnesses die by suicide, police officers say.

In the words of Ivory, witness testimony describing ritualistic abuse makes you feel a little sick.

During the committee meeting, one survivor said her abuser would wait every day at her bus stop to kidnap her, starting when she was just seven years old.

The woman, who testified in favor of Ivorys bill last legislative session, described being offered up as a sacrifice to an evil, unknown deity in exchange for power with unfamiliar chanting, candles lit and strange symbols displayed.

The school never noticed or contacted my home. I felt invisible. My family never knew, and my sweet and very aware parents believed I was safe at school, she said. I was literally hunted, caught and raped with a live snake inside a pillowcase over my head, with my abuser chanting aloud and asking Satan to join us.

The woman said she blocked out memories of the abuse for decades, and that her abuser was never prosecuted.

Lt. Jason Randall with the Utah County Sheriffs Office said hes currently investigating a case that fits the definition of ritualistic. Two victims who could have testified have taken their own lives, and he said fear of being not believed might be preventing others from coming forward.

One of the biggest consequences in these types of crimes is the victims are minimized, he said. They are abused and then they are left in a mental state where, when they come forward, it can be so unbelievable they are completely marginalized.

Randall said codifying this particular kind of abuse  which he told lawmakers can include thousands of different offenses  would send a message to survivors that ritualized abuse is a crime investigators take seriously.

Under Ivorys bill, ritual abuse of a child would be a new, second-degree felony that prosecutors could use if a crime meets a certain threshold.

Ritual, in the bill, is described as a ceremony marked by specific actions, specific gestures, ceremonial objects, ceremonial clothing, religious texts, or specific words  designed to commemorate, celebrate, or solemnize a particular occasion or significance in a religious, cultural, social, institutional, or other context.

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Sexual abuse that involves a lengthy list of additional crimes could meet that definition, including torture, mutilation, human or animal sacrifice, bestiality and ingestion or external application of an organic substance or material.

The bill also defines some very specific actions  forcing a child to take drugs, enter a coffin or open grave that contains a human corpse, touch a mutilated human corpse or animal, or participate in an unlawful, unauthorized, or mock marriage ceremony are listed in the bill.

Ivory tried to pass a similar bill last legislative session, which resulted in a lengthy, emotional and graphic committee hearing where survivors and advocates described ritualistic abuse in detail. It sailed through the House Judiciary committee with just one lawmaker, Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, voting no because much of whats described in the bill is already illegal.

But it was never brought to the House floor for a vote and ultimately died when the legislative session ended, never getting any consideration from either the House or Senate. This time around, Ivory said he has strengthened the definition of ritual in hopes that more lawmakers will get on board.

There are certain things that are so heinous and hard to even talk about, that rise to the level of of needing heightened protection, both to punish and to prevent such such action, Ivory said on Wednesday. There are substantial, verified, credible allegations of these actions taking place right here in Happy Valley.

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Voters attempt to navigate long lines to participate in Republican caucuses and a presidential preference poll at Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (Kyle Dunphey/Utah News Dispatch)

For the second time in less than a month, Utah lawmakers on Wednesday yanked from a legislative committee agenda a discussion of the Utah Republican Partys chaotic presidential preference poll on Super Tuesday in March.

After previously being rescheduled from the Government Operations Interim Committees Aug. 21 meeting amid pressure from Republican party leadership, the committees Senate chair Sen. Dan Thatcher, R-West Valley City, put the discussion at the top of Wednesdays agenda with a full slate of presenters who showed up to the meeting expecting to discuss issues that left many Utah Republican Party members feeling frustrated and, in some cases, disenfranchised due to long lines, technical difficulties and problematic access for people with disabilities.

But when it came time to begin the presentation, the rest of the Government Operations Interim Committee (made up of a supermajority of Republicans) voted to strip it from the agenda to the anger of Thatcher, a Republican who has not shied away from breaking with his fellow GOP lawmakers on certain issues.

I am genuinely disappointed. Truly, deeply disappointed that we have people who came here today who just want to be heard, Thatcher said, after several other Republican lawmakers argued they didnt believe it was an appropriate discussion to be having at a legislative committee.

Thatcher said he knows it can sometimes be embarrassing or uncomfortable for people to answer questions around whether or not the presidential preference poll functioned appropriately or whether its the best way moving forward. However, he argued, if were afraid to even ask questions, I think it makes us look a whole lot worse than whatever those answers might be.

Thatcher argued its worth discussing what happened with the presidential primary election, whether or not there are people who wanted to be able to vote for the president that didnt get an opportunity to do so, whether or not were in compliance with Utahs constitution about being able to vote, and whether or not there is more benefit to doing it (in a caucus) that outweighs whether or not we are violating civil liberties.

Nearly 86,000 votes were cast in the Utah GOPs presidential preference poll  a turnout of 9.6% of the states 890,637 active registered Republican voters ahead of Super Tuesday. The results werent surprising. Former President Donald Trump beat his only remaining opponent at the time, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, 56% to 43% and won all of the states 40 delegates.

In reaction to the pulled agenda item, the Utah Democratic Party issued a news release in which it said its vice chair Oscar Mata had accepted an invitation to present on the issue and defend the right of every Utahn to cast their vote in a presidential primary.

If Republicans hadnt voted to continue their caucus night cover-up, Mata said in a prepared statement, I would have told them that every Utahn deserves to have their vote counted by professional election officials rather than partisan leaders. The decision by Republican politicians to protect themselves from facing accountability for disenfranchising their own party members is unacceptable, and frankly, reeks of corruption.

Its worth noting that Thatcher, a Republican, was the only one to vote against removing the agenda item, and Democrat Sen. Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, voted in favor along with other Republicans.

What are lawmakers refusing to discuss?

Utah law allows political parties to choose how they select their nominee for president. This year, the Utah Democratic Party opted to participate in the states presidential primary on March 5, while the Utah Republican Party decided to instead hold an in-person preference poll in conjunction with its statewide caucus meetings.

Wednesdays committee was scheduled to hear a presentation from Daryl Acumen, a data scientist from Draper and longtime member of the Utah Republican Party who has held several leadership roles, including vice chairman of the Utah County Republican Party. Hes also been an outspoken critic of the partys love of the caucus-convention system and its unsuccessful efforts to undo SB54, a 2014 law that set a dual route to the primary ballot, allowing candidates to bypass the convention system by gathering signatures to qualify.

After Super Tuesday, Acumen sent a text message to more than 410,356 Utah Republicans asking them to rate their experience with the partys presidential preference poll on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being very satisfied and 1 being very unsatisfied.

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According to his presentation, more than 10,400 responded, of which 6,001 rated 1 and about 260 rated even lower, minus one or zero. In all, Acumens presentation said nearly 73% of respondents were unhappy with their experience of the partys presidential preference poll. His presentation also included hundreds of quotes from respondents expressing frustrations.

One commenter, according to Acumens presentation, called the experience more excruciating than enthralling, more appalling than appealing  so much so in fact  that my wife is questioning whether she wants to ever go back to our neighborhood caucus again!

The committee was also slated to consider a report from the Disability Law Center, which found numerous obstacles hindering the voting process at the Utah GOPs caucus meetings, including limited parking and lack of greeters or signage leading to voter confusion. It also found none of the partys caucus meetings satisfied a simple list of standards for physical access and basic accommodations.

With facilities and accommodations failing to meet their needs, voters faced unsafe conditions, were denied equal access to information, or were unable to fully participate in selecting party leaders and/or cast their presidential preference vote, the Disability Law Center report says. These obstacles highlighted systemic issues within the caucus voting infrastructure, underscoring the imperative for reforms to ensure equitable access to the democratic process for all citizens.

However, the Government Operations Interim Committee stripped those items from its agenda after Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, said she read the materials included for Wednesdays discussion and its become clear to me this is not the appropriate place and the appropriate way to have this conversation.

We have materials that impugn members of the public, which I find completely inappropriate, she said. And using this committee to air personal grievances is both inappropriate and a waste of time for both this committee as well as the general public.

Gricius didnt elaborate on how the meeting materials impugn members of the public. But other lawmakers, including Rep. Kay Christofferson, R-Lehi, argued in favor of striking them from the agenda because the materials were not very objective. Christofferson pointed to a line in Acumens presentation that read, the purpose of the caucus system is to minimize participation and to block qualified candidates from the ballot.

Thats telling me theres an extreme bias, Christofferson said. I just dont feel like the meeting materials suit our needs.

Thatcher offered to remove Acumens presentation to quell committee members concerns so they could proceed with discussing the presidential primary, but Gricius argued the entire agenda item needed to be removed because the discussion had already been tainted.

This is an issue I would like to see heard, but we need to come at it from a clean slate, she said.

Unaddressed frustrations

After the committees vote to rip up the agenda item, attendees expecting to weigh in got up and left.

Nate Crippes, public affairs supervising attorney with the Disability Law Center, in an interview with Utah News Dispatch expressed some frustration, noting his organization is nonpartisan and has long been going to polling places to survey for accessibility and offer ways to improve voter access.

At this point we just wanted to share the report and get those concerns out there so we could improve the system, he said. If this is something the state is going to continue to do, our hope is to make it better.

Acumen was audibly incensed during a phone call with Utah News Dispatch after the committee meeting. He called Utah Republican Party Chairman Rob Axson a coward and criticized Utah lawmakers for avoiding the discussion and essentially ignoring concerns from thousands of Utah Republicans who were left frustrated by the Utah GOPs presidential preference poll.

Those people  those people  got shafted today, Acumen said. That makes me sick.

Axson, who said he and other Utah Republican Party officials had encouraged lawmakers both in August and this week to pull the discussion off their agenda, applauded the move, saying lawmakers recognized this was not the appropriate venue or jurisdiction for this conversation.

I commend them for recognizing the agenda item for being prejudicial and biased as well as not being the appropriate venue for the conversation, Axson told Utah News Dispatch.

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Axson said the partys decision on whether to hold a presidential primary or to hold a presidential preference poll is a private process.

We are private organizations, and we both  proceeded with our nomination process the way that we saw fit in accordance with what our party rules and what state law avails us, Axson said.

Thats where he and Acumen fundamentally disagree. Acumen said the Utah Republican Party is still operating under the delusion that they are a private organization. He pointed to a 1944 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that held states must make voting in primary elections equally accessible to voters of all racial backgounds, even if they dont manage the election process themselves.

No, youre not a private organization. Youre a semi-public organization when you take part in the election of public officials. You are an agency of the state. And the state has not only a right, but a responsibility to make sure your elections are free and fair, Acumen said.

Voters attempt to navigate long lines to participate in Republican caucuses and a presidential preference poll at Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (Kyle Dunphey/Utah News Dispatch)

Acumen said even under the best case scenario, theres no way the Utah GOP could accommodate all Utah Republican voters in its caucus system because there simply arent enough classrooms to accommodate all of them. Caucus meetings are typically held in the evenings in public school buildings.

The divides and animosity between Axson and Acumen were on full display in Utah News Dispatchs conversations with each of them.

When asked how the discussion would be prejudicial and biased, Axson referred to Acumens report and said it came from a known antagonist of the Republican Party.

At that, Acumen fumed, saying hes been a staunch member of the Republican Party since 1989. He said hes not an antagonist. Rather, he said, I think the caucus system is communism that disenfranchises voters. He criticized Utah Republican Party leaders for their love of the caucus system, which he called a cultural artifact of Utah that is supported by people who are more loyal to the caucus system than they are to conservative principles.

Look, the party today is obsessed with the caucus. It is a cult, he said. It is not conservatism.

Will the Utah Republican Party listen, look for ways to improve?

What about the issue at hand and the opportunity that was missed on Wednesday  to discuss solutions to problems that frustrated Republican voters during Super Tuesday?

Pressed on this, Axson acknowledged that 13 of the Utah GOPs caucus locations saw substantial problems, and there were a number of other locations that had room for improvement.

Weve been willing to listen to those recommendations and ideas from inside and outside of the party, he said. We have to be willing to learn from what goes well as much as we learn from what doesnt go well, and weve done that and we will continue to do well.

However, Axson said Acumen continues to gin up the same argument, the same fire, and to pour gasoline on it. He said he has a hard time believing Utah Republicans are just as upset today as they were on March 5, especially considering by Super Tuesday the election of Donald Trump to receive the nomination was already decided.

Axson said thats one reason why there was lower turnout  the race was practically already decided.

But to somebody who was upset then for whatever reason, we welcomed their feedback and I would welcome it still today, Axson said. But if theyre still as upset right now about that very issue, theres something else afoot.

Asked, however, about whether hell listen to the Disability Law Centers findings and recommendations, Axson said their report focused on public buildings.

I would encourage them to reach out to the appropriate avenue of having those addressed, which would be local school districts and the state school board, he said. If there are deficiencies in ADA compliance with the physicality of buildings, thats not the Republican Party who was merely a private organization renting time in the facilities.

As far as ADA accommodation, Axson said the Utah GOP is fully committed to being ADA compliant, and that includes providing accommodations and assistance to anybody that has specific needs that contact us, and we did that in the lead up to caucus and the lead up to convention.

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Lawrence ODonnell fought back tears while slamming Donald Trump and George W. Bush for their involvement in legalizing the criminalization of dilation and curettage (D&C) surgical procedures that saved his own mothers life when he was a child. In outlining how anti-abortion legislation has led to the injury and deaths of several American women, he spotlighted the recent case of Amber Nicole Thurman.

When I was six years old, my mother had the same medical procedure that Amber Nicole Thurman desperately needed to live, ODonnell said during his MSNBC series The Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell.

My mother had given birth to five healthy children, but she kept going. She was trying, trying to have a sister for her only daughter, trying for one more. And she suffered a miscarriage and she routinely had a D&C at a local hospital in Boston years before abortion was legal because D&C has absolutely nothing to do with abortion.

Watch the full segment below:

He went on to say the D&C procedure was widely accepted, even by the Catholic institution he attended as a child.

Our beloved Monsignor Bradley knew that when mothers in St. Brendans Parish had miscarriages, the doctors should give them whatever treatment they needed, ODonnell explained. Anti-abortion Catholic doctors performed that procedure routinely. There wasnt a single Irish Catholic politician in Boston, including the mayor and the district attorney, who ever tried to interfere with that medical procedure.

As the host began to reflect on how his mothers experience could have turned out differently, in the event that D&Cs werent available, he became emotional.

Their sisters were having that procedure. Their daughters were having that procedure routinely in anti-abortion Boston, because it has nothing to do with abortion. Nothing. If a politician interfered with that procedure and killed ODonnell said before breaking.

He then stopped to breathe, holding back tears as he collected himself. Killed my mother when I was six years old, whos going to tell that boy? Whos going to tell that six-year-old how his mother died and who is really responsible?

Thurman, who died two years ago at age 28, has been called the countrys first preventable abortion-related death since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 and abortion restrictions across the country were approved. According to ProPublica, Thurman suffered from an infection after taking abortion pills that did not expel all of the fetal tissue from her body. When she went to Atlantas Piedmont Henry Hospital seeking what is referred to as a common D&C (which scrapes the lining of the uterus to remove tissue), she was unable to receive it because the process was banned and made a felony, with minor exceptions, earlier that summer. While doctors monitored her, she stayed in the hospital in pain as her blood pressure began to drop and her organs started to fail. After a 20-hour wait, doctors started the procedure. But by that point, it was too late.

ODonnell blamed Trump, who has celebrated his involvement in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and George W. Bush, for their hand in making procedures like D&Cs inaccessible.

George W. Bush in his silent retirement in Texas made that routine medical procedure a felony, ODonnell said. Donald Trump is proud to noisily take credit for overturning Roe v. Wade and claiming that we all wanted that to happen, and he is pretending that he has no blood on his hands. Donald Trump is pretending that he had nothing to do with making a procedure, a routine medical procedure like a D&C, a felony. Amber Nicole Thurman would be alive tonight if the Supreme Court had not handed the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush. Without George W. Bushs appointees to the Supreme Court, Amber Nicole Thurman would be alive tonight.

He continued: Donald Trump took away the rights that enabled him to say to his girlfriend, What are we going to do about this? when she was pregnant. Donald Trump is telling American men, You dont get to have the option that I always had whenever anyone told me she was pregnant. Donald Trump could say, What are we going to do about this? every single time, to a wife or a girlfriend. And now, people are dying. Women are dying. The choices made by George W. Bush and Donald Trump are now killing people.

Watch the full Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell segment in the video above.

The post Lawrence ODonnell Fights Tears While Reporting on Preventable, Abortion-Related Deaths: Women Are Dying | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery and new information.)

A federal whistleblower lawsuit accuses insurance companies and hospitals of defrauding Indiana's Medicaid program of up to $700 million  money that could have helped prevent a $1 billion shortfall that prompted state officials to cut services.

The alleged overpayments were first flagged by the state's fraud detection contractor, but the lawsuit claims industry-friendly officials in the state's Medicaid office bowed to political pressure and in 2017 began curtailing efforts to recoup the improper payments. The lawsuit identifies as much as $724 million in suspected fraud, but acknowledges there could be duplications in the claims data or other factors that would reduce the potential losses to the state.

The alleged fraud includes a wide range of billing and claim practices that violate program rules, including duplicative claims and claims for services that were supposedly provided months  sometimes even years  after patients died.

In response to inquiries from IndyStar, most of the insurance companies and hospitals named as defendants declined to comment or said they were reviewing the lawsuit, but one called the allegations untrue.

Lawsuit filed by former Indiana state officials

Two former state employees filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis in 2021, but it was kept under seal until earlier this month. The former employees are James McCullough, who was director of program integrity for Indiana Medicaid until 2017, and James Holden, who was chief deputy and general counsel for the state treasurer's office until 2014.

They filed the lawsuit after obtaining reports from the state's fraud detection contractor, IBM Watson. The reports from 2018 to 2020 identify hundreds of millions of dollars in potentially fraudulent claims between 2015 and 2020 and recommend collection efforts.

The lawsuit claims McCullough routinely worked with IBM Watson to root out fraudulent practices and to caution insurers and hospitals about improper billing and claims.

But starting in late 2017, state Medicaid officials began "bowing to political pressure exerted by the health insurers and the hospitals lobby" and "improperly directed the Program Integrity team to significantly curtail its efforts to utilize IBM Watsons analysis and findings to recoup improper Medicaid overpayments" by managed care operators and major hospitals, the lawsuit says.

Alleged political pressure amid lobbying, contributions

The alleged political pressure came amid hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions and lobbying in recent years, which the lawsuit suggests created a revolving door between the state's Medicaid office and the health care industry.

For example, the lawsuit notes that an attorney and lobbyist from Hall Render, one of the nation's largest health law firms, was appointed state Medicaid director in 2017. That person left state employment in 2023 to become chief advocacy and public policy officer at Ascension St. Vincent.

The lawsuit names as defendants insurance companies that operate Medicaid managed care plans in Indiana, including Indianapolis-based Anthem. The lawsuit also names several major Indiana hospital chains, including IU Health and Ascension.

Sean Fitzpatrick, Ascension's vice president of external communications, said Wednesday in an email: "Ascension cannot comment on ongoing litigation but is committed to vigorously defending the organization and our associates against the untrue allegations in the complaint."

The fraud allegations come as the state is reeling from a massive Medicaid budget shortfall that state officials announced at the end of last year. The two problems are connected, according to the lawsuit.

"This misconduct... has contributed to the 'nearly $1 billion budget shortfall' for Indiana Medicaid that emerged in December 2023, which has led to significant cuts to services for the elderly and disabled children in Indiana," the lawsuit says.

State officials point to family caregiver program

State officials have offered a different explanation for the shortfall. Part of the problem was that the state Medicaid office based their previous projections on three-month-old data, but they also pointed to an unforeseen increase in the use of certain home and community-based health services for people who require nursing facility-level care.

One of the big drivers of that cost explosion was a sharp uptick in the use of a previously little-known program in which "Legally Responsible Individuals," such as parents or spouses, could receive an hourly wage to care for their family members with medically complex conditions.

To cut costs, the state transitioned these families to a different fee structure this summer that provides a daily rate to caregivers, but amounts to far less than the families were used to getting. The difference has been so stark for some families that two of them sued the state to block the changes from going into effect, and earlier this month, a judge granted their injunction.

The Family and Social Services Administration, the state agency that runs Indiana's Medicaid program, did not return messages from IndyStar seeking comment on the claims in the newly unsealed whistleblower case.

The lawsuit was filed under the state and federal false claims acts, which allow whistleblowers to bring cases on behalf of the government. The federal and state governments have an opportunity to intervene in the cases, but frequently decline and allow the whistleblower to proceed, as in this case. The whistleblower and governments then share in any money and damages recovered.

"We looked at this case along with the feds, but in the best interest of taxpayers we declined to intervene and directed our resources elsewhere," said a spokesperson for Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

The spokesperson said the attorney general's office "works tirelessly everyday to protect Hoosier taxpayers," noting that $87 million in Medicaid fraud has been recovered since Rokita took office.

An attorney for the whistleblowers, Li Yu of the New York-based law firm DiCello Levitt, said his firm "is honored to represent the whistleblowers in this qui tam lawsuit to seek recovery of much-needed funds for Indianas Medicaid program and to hold health insurers and major hospitals accountable for the Medicaid fraud alleged."

He said his clients aren't publicly commenting further on the case.

It's not the first whistleblower suit for one of the men behind the case.

After James Holden was terminated from the Indiana treasurer's office, he filed a complaint in 2020 alleging that then-Indiana Treasurer Kelly Mitchell violated state law in awarding contracts worth more than $6 million to firms linked to her political supporters. A judge threw out the case, saying Mitchell did nothing wrong in awarding the contracts without approval from other executive branch agencies.

Holden received a $92,500 settlement in a separate wrongful termination lawsuit.

Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X: @IndyStarTony.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Lawsuit: Indiana Medicaid overpaid providers by up to $700 million
FILE - Former Nissan Motor Co. executive Greg Kelly speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Tokyo, on Aug. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)

TOKYO (AP)  The six-year-old criminal case of Greg Kelly, an American ensnared in the scandal of Nissans former boss Carlos Ghosn, turned a page in a Japanese court Thursday, with his lawyer demanding justice with a verdict of total innocence.

Kelly, a former Nissan executive vice president, was arrested in 2018, on charges related to under-reporting the compensation of Ghosn, who led Nissan Motor Corp. for two decades. In 2022, Kelly was cleared of almost all counts and given a suspended sentence, which meant he didnt serve time. He was found guilty for just one of the eight years for which the compensation allegedly was under-reported.

The news traveled around the world, and Kellys reputation was tarnished literally on a global level, defense lawyer Yoichi Kitamura told the Tokyo High Court.

In his final arguments, Kitamura denounced the lower court verdict as unreasonable, saying it didnt make sense for Kelly to be part of a conspiracy for just the last year.

I close my arguments by demanding the court carefully consider the evidence presented, come to judgment based on law and evidence to hand down the verdict of totally not guilty, restoring Kellys reputation and realizing justice, Kitamura said, using the English word justice.

Presiding Judge Kazunori Karei promised a verdict on Feb. 4.

Kelly asserted his innocence from the start, as has Ghosn. Kelly returned to his home in Tennessee during the appeal and was not present in the courtroom.

Ghosn was also arrested and charged but fled to Lebanon while out on bail in 2019. He says he is innocent. Ghosn is unlikely to be ever tried as Japan has no extradition agreement with Lebanon.

Top Japanese executives tend to get far smaller salaries than their Western counterparts. When Japan began requiring top executives to disclose their compensation in 2010, Ghosns annual pay was cut by about half, or 1 billion yen ($10 million).

Testimony and documents presented during the trial showed Kelly tried to compensate Ghosn through possible post-retirement consultancy fees and paying him not to leave for a rival company, known as a non-compete agreement.

Kelly, a lawyer, says he was merely trying to retain Ghosn for Nissans best interests, using legal means, and the issues could have been sorted out in a board room, not a courtroom.

Prosecutors say theyre confident about their case, which alleges that Ghosns compensation was under-reported by 9 billion yen ($63 million) in filings over eight years through 2018.

___

Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://x.com/yurikageyama
What is the leadership structure of the LDS Church?

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Ahead of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints semi-annual General Conference, you might find yourself wondering, Who represents the Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? or What is the leadership of the Church like?

According to the LDS churchs Church Newsroom, the church is led by men called apostles, much like in the time of Jesus Christ. Fifteen apostles serve in the two highest offices, known as the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.

What is the Latter-day Saint general conference?

The First Presidency

The First Presidency of the LDS church is made up of three individuals and is the highest governing body of the religion.

The most senior apostle is the president of the Church, and he selects two other apostles as counselors, the Church Newsroom says.

The LDS Church states the First Presidency was established by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint religion.

The President of the Church is always the senior Apostlethe person who has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the longest time, the Church says.

Each Church President chooses his counselors, described as assistants to the president.

President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors sing a hymn during a session of General Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Tainui Wihongi, ABC4)

While all members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators, the term the prophet refers to the President of the Church, the Church says.

As of Sept. 18, 2024, the churchs First Presidency is made up of the following people. Each person is recognized with the title of President.

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Members of the Quorum of the Twelve, the second highest governing structure in the LDS Church (Courtesy: Church Newsroom)

The Quorum of the Twelve is the second highest governing structure in the LDS Church. This group traces its origin to the New Testament. It is made up of 12 people whom the First Presidency chooses through divine guidance or inspiration, according to the Church, which can come in many forms.

[Members of the Quorum] leave behind their regular work lives and devote their life to full-time Church service, the Church notes on its website.

Each member of the Quorum of the Twelve is addressed as Elder. The full list of the Quorum of the Twelve can be viewed on the churchs website.

Quorums of the Seventy / Area Seventies

General Authority Seventies, is another role referenced in the New Testament, according to the church. Members of the Seventy assist members of the Quorum of the Twelve in building the church worldwide. Along with General Authority Seventy members, there are also Area Seventies, who are leaders of a certain geographical area.

Regional and local leadership roles

Regionally, there are areas, made up of geographical regions (Northeast, Southwest, West, etc.). Utah is designated as a separate area, due to the large LDS population. Each area has a presidency, led by a General Authority Seventy member and his counselors, who are either fellow General Authority Seventy members or members of the Areas Seventy.

Locally, there are stakes, led by a stake president. A stake president serves a similar function to the leader of a Catholic diocese, in that he oversees a group of church congregations within a geographic area. Bishops lead individual congregations known as wards, similar to a parish. In areas with fewer members, members are in branches. A branch president serves in the same capacity as a bishop.

Presidents will have their own set of counselors, similar to how the First Presidency operates. Bishops will have whats called a bishopric. Identical to any presidency, he will have counselors.

Women in leadership

Women lead the Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women, which are all different groups within the church. Women presidents over these groups will choose two counselors to help lead members of the LDS church throughout the world. These members serve as General Officers for the Church.

These same roles of president and counselor are also reprised in stakes (for Young Womens Presidency), branches, and wards around the world.

After women in the religion reach the age of 12, they join the Young Women. The group was founded in 1869 and run by the daughters of Brigham Young, the Church states.

After turning 18, those young women join the Relief Society, which is the LDS Churchs organization for adult women.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Lebanese Americans in Michigan are in mourning this week after a series of attacks over two days in Lebanon involving pagers and walkie talkies led to 32 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries, one of the deadliest attacks in the Middle Eastern nation over the past year.

They are responding with prayers, vigils and services to remember the victims, some of whom include children and maimed civilians. A candlelight vigil is set for 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Islamic Center of America on Ford Road in Dearborn, one of the largest and oldest mosques in Michigan. The mosque, whose members are predominantly Lebanese American, also announced a fundraiser to help with medical relief for the victims. Another Dearborn mosque is planning a memorial service Sunday for one of the men killed in the blasts.

"My heart breaks for the Lebanese people during this difficult time," Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad Turfe, of Lebanese descent, wrote in a post on Facebook Tuesday night after the pagers attack. "As a proud Lebanese, I stand in solidarity with our community, both at home and abroad. Lebanon has always shown resilience and strength in the face of hardship, and I believe in the power of unity and strength in overcoming brutality and adversity."

The attacks this week in Lebanon are the latest in a year of attacks the country has faced as it battles Israel. Since October, at least 589 people have been killed in Lebanon according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the BBC reports. Some have also been killed in northern Israel, facing attacks launched from Lebanon.

One year ago this week, Turfe and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans visited Lebanon, meeting with community leaders and officials, including Nabih Berri, a former Dearborn resident who is the speaker of Lebanon's Parliament.

"We traveled across the beautiful country, experiencing its rich culture and history," Turfe said, referencing his trip in September 2023. "It was truly an experience of a lifetime. Sadly, today, Lebanon has suffered its worst attack since 2006."

Wayne County has the highest percentage of Lebanese Americans among all counties in the United States, according to 2020 census data. And Michigan has the largest number of Lebanese Americans among all states, more than 82,000 as of 2020. There are different faiths and sects within the Lebanese American community in Michigan: Shias, Sunnis and Christians. Israel has primarily targeted Shias in their attacks. Most of the Lebanese American population in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights are Shias with ties to the southern part of Lebanon, which has faced a number of attacks over the past year.

Officials with Lebanon's health ministry said 12 people, including two children, were killed in Tuesday's pagers attack, with almost 3,000 injured, and an additional 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured on Wednesday from walkie talkie attacks, Reuters reported.

"Many of us are still processing what just happened," Dearborn attorney Majed Moughni, of Lebanese descent, told the Free Press. "It's still an active crime scene where hundreds have lost their eye sight and thousands are permanently disfigured. This mass slaughter is shocking at the very least. I hope that the tools that we use on a daily basis (electronic devices) don't become the new weapons of mass destruction."

Israel has officially denied it was behind the attacks this week, but several media reports have said Israel's security and intelligence operations committed the attacks as part of its battle against Hezbollah, a group based in Lebanon. Israel maintains it is fighting a war against terrorists who threaten their people.

Moughni and other Lebanese Americans said U.S. officials should help bring peace to the region and urge Israel to stop its attacks in Lebanon and against Palestinians. They also worry that Israel is setting a precedent where personal devices will be used as instruments of terror that affect civilians.

"We live in a country that was founded on law and order, not one built on chaos and disorder," Moughni said. "We worked too hard to create a system of justice that support the protection of life and we hope that our elected officials not lose sight of that. We also pray that our officials lead the way out of this path of darkness and help end this barbarism."

Arab American convention: Dearborn mayor slams Israel for 'genocide' in address

In a statement Thursday, the Islamic Center of America condemned the attacks on both Lebanese and Palestinians.

"We can hardly begin to imagine the shattering impact these communities are enduring  from the complete destruction of homes and neighborhoods, to the devastating loss of families, including children, and the psychological trauma of living under constant threat of violence and terror," the mosque said. "Many are left with permanent physical injuries, children are forced out of school, and failing healthcare systems struggle to keep up with the evolving needs. ... We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon, where so many in our community have loved ones, and we urgently call for immediate action and accountability to end the deadly violence."

Muslims attend noon prayer at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Mich, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.

A prominent Muslim and interfaith leader, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, who leads the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, called the attacks in Lebanon "evil" and a "crime against humanity."

"The victims of these evil, inhuman, and criminal attacks include many family members and children who lost their lives or suffered the loss of body parts, including eyes, ears, and hands," Elahi said in his Facebook post. "Israel demonstrated that they can turn personal pagers and wireless devices into tools of terrorism. What if they do the same with your cellphone, computer, TV, vacuum, your microwave, your car, or even an airplane?"

Elahi told the Free Press this week's attacks and others like it over the past year are affecting the mental health of many Arab Americans. He asked government officials for help with counseling.

"I would like to urge the government to provide some support, particularly to the women and children in our community, who are constantly exposed to the distressing news of the Gaza genocide, the war in Lebanon, and the recent Israeli terrorist attacks through the pager explosions," Elahi said. "These individuals may require some healing and counseling to cope with the trauma they are experiencing."

Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lebanese Americans mourn deaths and injuries from pagers in Lebanon
For months, Wendy Rodas felt disempowered and silenced whenever she tried to reach out to her daughters Missouri elementary school.

The El Salvadorian mother of three, who primarily speaks Spanish, struggled to communicate with teachers, administrators and district leaders. She made repeated requests for the interpretation services that she  and all public school parents who dont speak English fluently  are legally entitled to.

In most of her exchanges with the school, Rodas said she wasnt even offered access to a phone translation service. If she ever needed to inform them of something like an absence or a kid running late, she had to rely on her older son to translate.

Wendy Rodas volunteers for Mision Despegue, an organization that works to empower Spanish-speaking families in Kansas and Missouri. (Wendy Rodas)

This reached a fever pitch in the fall of 2022, when Rodass daughter, then a 5th grader in South Kansas City, told her mom that two kids at school were touching her inappropriately in her private parts. When Rodas contacted the school to report this, they initially provided her with a phone interpreter, she said, but as the situation escalated over the next few months, communication dwindled.

At a meeting with district leaders to discuss the assault allegation and the attacks on her daughter that Rodas said took place afterward, the mom said she was denied any school-provided interpretation services.

I felt powerless, not being able to say what I wanted to say, how I wanted to say it, in the manner and moment that I wanted to say it, Rodas said in a translated interview with The 74. And it also made me feel bad. There were a lot of times that I felt  if I was not like them  because I cant speak the language  that I didnt belong there. I felt ignored.

Rodass experiences are not unique, according to interviews with over a dozen parents, advocates, lawyers and academic experts, along with a review of national data. Parents and families who speak a language other than English are frequently denied access to communication from their childs school in their primary language, often turning to Google translate, their own kid or a bilingual staff member who isnt a trained interpreter for issues as simple as their child being absent for a day or as complex and intimidating as a special education meeting or a school disciplinary hearing.

All of this can lead to a breakdown in trust between families and schools and harmful consequences for students  and its happening all the time in districts across the country, advocates say.

Its such a prevalent issue that everybody knows about it, said Nancy Leon, director of the D.C.-based immigration advocacy organization MLOV  Many Languages, One Voice. Its unspoken. Its expected. So sometimes its something parents dont even bring up to us because it just happens so frequently.

Its challenging to pin down just how widespread the problem is because a number of parents dont know that theyre legally entitled to these services, advocates say, and those who do know their rights are often afraid to report violations or unaware of how to tackle that process. Others still may feel embarrassed to request the services, viewing their status as shameful or a burden.

Another Missouri mom told The 74 that she marked on enrollment papers that she needed an interpreter, but then when her son got hurt at school one day, was put on the phone with someone whose Spanish was so poor that she just told them to speak to her in English.

One measure of the extent of the problem is the number of times children are called on to interpret for their parents at school. Tricia McGhee, director of communications at Midwest-based Revolucion Educativa, said they put that question to kids when the advocacy group is doing programming with Spanish-speaking families.

When they ask, Have you ever been [an] interpreter for your mom? They all raise their hand, she said. Every last one of them.

Countless examples

This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Civil Rights Act, which granted families the legal right to interpretation and translation services from public K-12 schools under Title VI.

Unlike for legal and medical interpreters, there is no national certification for education interpreters, though one is in the works, according to Ana Soler, chairperson at the National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Languages. This leaves those in education largely unregulated, which means that even when parents do get an interpreter, they might not have sufficient training or expertise. And, theyre frequently accessed through a phone service, described by some as check-off-the-box language access.

Related

Indigenous Language Interpreters Unite to Fill Gaps

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights received about 3,500 complaint allegations raising Title VI issues. Of those, only 54 were related to communication with parents who dont speak English fluently. They ranged from a child in Colorado denied access to free and reduced-price lunch  and later fined  because of miscommunication to a Rhode Island districts widespread use of untrained interpreters and translators. The previous year, there were even fewer communication-based complaints filed: just 34.

But experts, advocates and parents assert that these numbers represent a sliver of the problem.

Related

In California, Rebuilding Bilingual Education in Schools After an 18-Year Ban

We have seen countless examples of schools not providing interpretation at meetings, of parents going to schools and being told that there isnt anybody there who speaks their language and so they should come back at another time, said Rita Rodriguez-Engberg, director of the Immigrant Students Rights Project at Advocates for Children of New York.

Whenever we hear about an example in a school, we know that there are probably dozens of parents who have gone through the same thing at that school because were lucky enough to get the one parent to tell us about it, she added.

The legal standard: A very tricky balance

In 2021, just over 10% of K-12 students nationally were English learners. In some states the percentage of children whose parents are not fluent in English can be even higher, ranging from 33% in California to nearly none in Montana, according to Education Week research. And in 2021, about one-fifth of school-age children spoke a language other than English at home and about 4% also lived in limited-English-speaking households.

The 2023 Family Needs Assessment, which surveyed 980 families, the vast majority of whom identified as Latino with kids who are English learners, reported almost 60% of parents being at least somewhat concerned about the lack of access to translation or interpretation services at school.

In January 2015, the departments of Justice and Education released joint guidance outlining what these services should look like: Schools must communicate with parents in a language they understand and are prohibited from asking the child, other students or untrained school staff to translate or interpret.

Interpreters and translators must have knowledge of specialized terms in both languages and must be trained in the role, including the ethics of interpreting and translating. The document clearly establishes, it is not sufficient for the staff merely to be bilingual.

Its important that families understand this is not a favor theyre doing for you, said Soler. They need to provide you with language access that is quality language access  not just anybody that speaks a little bit of one language so that they can fulfill their requirements.

Despite their legal heft, these provisions are often misunderstood or flagrantly violated, experts and parents told The 74. And some argue the guidance doesnt go far enough.

Quite frankly, the verbiage is left up to interpretation, said Revolucion Educativas McGhee. So if I were passing laws, I would be much more specific about the requirements.

The standard is not completely clear when it comes to school staff who are multilingual serving as interpreters, said Paige Duggins-Clay, chief legal analyst at the Texas-based Intercultural Development Research Association, so its a very tricky balance.

And when these rights are not sufficiently met  and parents are hobbled in their efforts to advocate for their children  the consequences can be deeply harmful to both students and families.

Having a really engaged caregiver is critically important to the success of any young person, said Duggins-Clay, but especially a young person who might be new to the school community or might be learning to speak English and integrating into the broader school community.

Alejandra Vazquez Baur, fellow at The Century Foundation (The Century Foundation)

Often schools and districts claim interpretation and translation services are expensive and budgets are tight or they dont have access to certain languages locally, said Alejandra Vazquez Baur, a fellow at The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank based in New York City.

But, she said, these are all barriers that can be overcome.

Schools have also increasingly struggled to recruit and retain bilingual educators, though Vazquez Baur, who is bilingual and a former teacher, again emphasized that merely speaking another language is not enough.

Related

As Migrants Arrive, Some Schools Need More Buses, Books and Bilingual Teachers

When she taught in Floridas Miami-Dade County between 2017-19, she said she was frequently relied on to translate and interpret for families.

At the time, Vazquez Baur said, I did not realize that them calling me down for parent-teacher conferences for other teachers and calling parents for all the different things was against their right.

Superintendents and school leaders across the country want to fulfill their legal obligation and communicate effectively with their parents, but are often thwarted by an implementation gap, according to John Malloy, the assistant executive director for the Learning Network at The School Superintendents Association and a former superintendent in California.

The challenge comes from both pipeline and funding issues, he said: Theres a lack of professionals to fulfill that [legal] obligation, and then theres a lack of dollars to pay those professionals.

The problem is endemic, he added, noting, I think youd be hard pressed to find a district  even in the face of our legal obligations  who isnt struggling [with this].

In order to combat it, Malloy said, schools will require increased state and federal funding.

Too often in my experience  whether were talking special education, whether were talking Title IX, whether were talking this important and legal requirement related to access  were stretching dollars in multiple ways, the former superintendent of 15 years said. And at the end of the day, we are expected to do something that we might not actually have the resources to provide no matter how hard we try.

Until then, school leaders will continue to rely on other strategies, such as family members or untrained bilingual staff, according to Malloy.

The school principal of a rural, low-income district in Eastern North Carolina told The 74 that he was able to hire a front office secretary who is both bilingual and a trained interpreter.

Patrick Greene, principal of Greene Central High School, with a recent graduate, Derek Carillo. (Patrick Greene)

But most people arent that lucky, said Patrick Greene, who is in his 12th year as principal in Greene County Schools, a district of 2,700 students.

Finding a trained, bilingual staff member was important to him because his student population is now about a third Latino, with only one designated interpreter for the entire district. Greene said he was forced to schedule more official meetings, such as disciplinary hearings, around that lone staffers schedule.

He stays very busy, he said.

All of the great details are just gone

Alejandra, who moved from Mexico to Missouri two decades ago, gave birth to her son Danny three years after that. Described by his mother as a bright, hyperactive kid, Danny was in third grade when he was badly injured on the monkey bars at school.

Alejandra requested only her first name and her sons nickname be used because she feared retaliation from her sons school district.

After Danny walked himself to the nurses office that day  and after the initial interpreter spoke such poor Spanish that Alejandra told her to switch to English  it was the little boy himself who had to explain the fraught situation to his mom.

It was very frustrating, she added, because they ended up using my child as the interpreter.

This experience was not new, nor has it changed in the years since. Alejandra said that in general, when her kids were in elementary school, the school would make an interpreter available, but only if she scheduled an appointment ahead of time.

In middle school, there are no interpreters. You have to bring your own person that will help you. And for high school? Definitely not.

In general, even when interpretation has been provided, she described it as subpar and largely unhelpful, marked by translators who cross boundaries, interjecting their views into conversations in ways that she said were inappropriate and ultimately hurt her son.

Oftentimes, what Ive experienced is that when theyre part of the district, they insert themselves in the situation, she said. Their own bias comes in, they give their own opinions, and then they get in the way of the proper communication that should just be a bridge between one party and the other.

Its often in the face of these deficiencies that the student gets called on to translate. Not only is this a violation of the law, but also makes families feel disconnected from their schools and leads to an adultification of children, said Daysi Ximena Diaz-Strong, an assistant professor at the University of Chicagos School of Social Work.

It creates a kind of interesting family dynamic of parents wanting to support their kids, but having these sort of structural constraints, which then forces the kids to take on more responsibility within the home.

She said as someone who grew up as an immigrant and took on these responsibilities herself, It stays with you all the way through adulthood. You just know that you  are responsible for your familys well-being and that you must take on that burden at any expense  including your own.

Sometimes, students are even pulled to be translators for their peers, according to Hannah Liu, a policy analyst at the The Center for Law and Social Policy in D.C.

Its not just an individual school issue, she said, its a very widespread issue. And I think thats something thats been normalized in the immigrant child experience  We need to denormalize and say, OK, actually, we are not supporting our kids enough.

Tricia McGhee, director of communications at Revolucion Educativa (X.com)

McGhee, of Revolucion Educativa, said unless translation is requested in advance, its typically not available and even when established advocacy groups like hers make the ask, often its still not provided. What happens then, she said, is administrators will pull in someone like a bilingual secretary to fill the gap.

If the student is a middle schooler or above, they are doing all their own interpretation, she said.

McGhee said she once sat in on an emotionally charged disciplinary hearing for an English learner facing expulsion. His mom didnt speak English, so the school ultimately brought in a young, bilingual staff member who worked in the front office but had no training in interpretation.

As the meeting intensified, the staff member grew increasingly emotional and began to cry. McGhee said she turned to her and offered to take over.

McGhee said shes also witnessed meetings where bilingual staff members are burned out and frustrated after being repeatedly asked to do this work and therefore do the bare minimum.

Christy Moreno, community advocacy and impact officer at Revolucion Educativa and a trained language access provider, emphasized the harm that is done when this happens. Moreno interpreted the parent interviews for this article.

Oftentimes what I see and what I experience and what I hear about is meetings where when the information is translated into their language of preference, its summarized, she said. So all of the great detail, all of the very important things that need to be taken into consideration when families are making decisions about the educational experience of their children, are just gone. And so theyre disenfranchised. Someone else is making decisions for them without their true input and ultimately that impacts their student, the child.

Shes even seen cases in which legal documents, such as Individualized Education Programs, are translated using Google: Ive seen it many times, literally printed on the IEP where the top corner says Translated by Google Translate.

Its not really a system thats working, said Rodriguez-Engberg, from Advocates for Children. The problem is that there are resources and there is guidance and theres definitely a little bit of oversight, its just that Im not sure the schools are actually being held accountable.

Unlike federal laws that protect students with disabilities, she added, the enforcement mechanisms just arent very robust.

I want people to know my story

Wendy Rodas said her daughter was hospitalized in December 2022 as a result of being victimized in her Missouri school, and that her son was forced to translate a challenging conversation between his mother and the school principal about his younger sisters traumatizing experiences.

Eventually, frustrated by the schools lack of response, Rodas involved Child Protective Services and requested a meeting with the principal, superintendent and director of student services. She also requested an interpreter be present.

At this point, a skeptical Rodas also elicited outside help from Revolucion Educativa. On the morning of the meeting, the interpreter she had requested from the school wasnt there, she said. A staff member in the session tried unsuccessfully to access one on the phone. Finally, the Revolucion Educativa advocate, a trained interpreter, stepped in.

For the first time, Rodas said, I felt like I was finally able to say everything I wanted to say.

Rodas said she never saw the outcome of the investigation into what happened to her daughter. But in the year and a half since, the young girl has been healing through therapy and has transferred to another public school in the district, one that consistently offers translation through a phone interpreter, her mother said. This is better than nothing, but still feeling disconnected, Rodas continues to rely on outside services and volunteers.

Rodas is hoping for change  ideally a bilingual staffer is assigned at each school to facilitate communication between educators and families. And while reliving her daughters story is painful, she said she shares it to encourage other non-English-speaking parents to fight and advocate for their kids.

I want people to know my story so that they can know that if they have the courage  they can make change. I want people to have that courage so that they can speak up, so that they can go and find answers and say what they want to say. And I want them to know that it is possible to get effective communication  we just need to push and ask for it.
Guest Opinion. The Navajo Nation, its workers and families, have carried the heavy burden of uranium minings toxic legacy for decades. They have suffered the devastating consequences of exposure to radiation. Our land has been scarred by the extraction of an element that was once considered critical to our national security.

The harm it left did not end with the closing of the mines. It has continued for generations. Many Navajo citizens developed serious illnesses such as cancer and respiratory diseases. The toll of uranium mining is a profound chapter of our peoples history. It demands immediate and comprehensive justice.

As President of the Navajo Nation, its my duty to protect the health and wellness of my people. I have said enough is enough. We now face a repeat of history with this countrys renewed interest in uranium mining, and with uranium ore being transported across my peoples sacred land.

The Navajo Nation stands united with the affected uranium miners, Downwinders and their families. Together, we will march to the U.S. Capitol later this month alongside other tribal leaders and impacted communities to demand Congress act with urgency.

In August, I worked with our Navajo Nation Council to strengthen laws regarding uranium transportation to prevent more disasters from occurring from this deadly element.

Despite our concerns, laws, testimony and declarations, Congress failed in June 2024 when it allowed the 1990 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to expire. This failure in leadership left thousands of workers and their families in limbo. They were left without access to the critical health screenings or minimal compensation once provided by RECA. This is not a failure in policy. It is a failure in responsibility.

My message to Congress and the uranium mining industry is clear: do not start new mining and transport uranium across our lands when you havent even addressed the last crisis you caused.

The federal government and private companies knowingly exploited the Navajo people during the uranium boom. It concealed the dangers of radiation exposure from workers. It failed to provide my people with proper protective equipment.

Workers were not warned of the dangers as they drank water contaminated by mining operations and as families built homes from mining debris. They were unaware that these materials were poisoned. But others knew.

Governments have a duty to protect their people. In this case, the U.S. failed to do that.

Navajo uranium miners were men and women who were asked to serve their country by working in the uranium mines. They now suffer from debilitating illnesses. They have waited too long for justice. Further delay is unconscionable.

Thankfully, Congress has a solution available. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act, S. 3853, has passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support with a vote of 69-30.

Critically, this bill extends RECA benefits to those affected by uranium mining operations beyond 1971. It addresses the broader impact on Downwinders and other communities.

Uranium mines on the Navajo Nation remained operational until 1990. Any viable RECA extension must include uranium workers through that time. Any earlier cut-off date would leave a significant number of Navajo uranium workers without the recognition or compensation they deserve.

For over 30 years, the Navajo Nation has tirelessly advocated for these workers. It is unacceptable to leave them behind.

RECA has been sitting at the House Clerks desk since March 2024 awaiting action from Speaker Mike Johnson and House leadership. The House could act to reinstate RECA today.

Sadly, Speaker Johnson has prioritized dollars and cents over justice for the communities poisoned by our government. He has rejected every compromise solution, shortening the duration of the program from 19 years to just six years with reduced compensation. The speaker has refused to meet with us to share his objections directly with those affected.

The U.S. has spent untold billions on foreign aid and wars. Yet when it comes to protecting the lives of American citizens  specifically the Navajo people, who contributed so much in the interest of national security  the federal government turns its back.

We call upon Speaker Johnson to bring the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act to the House floor for a vote. The time for action is now.

Our march to the U.S. Capitol is not just about policy. It is about human live. It is about the countless Navajo families who have lost loved ones to cancer, who have watched their health deteriorate, and who continue to live in fear of what tomorrow may bring. It is about honoring the sacrifices made by uranium workers to ensure that their suffering is not forgotten.

We are not asking for favors. We are asking for justice. Congress has the opportunity to do what is right and rectify a historic wrong. The Navajo Nation will not rest until justice is secured for our people and for all those impacted by uranium mining. It is time for Congress to listen, to act, and to bring an end to this dark legacy.

Buu Nygren is the president of the Navajo Nation.

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
SEOUL (Reuters) - Alphabet's Waymo is in talks with South Korea's Hyundai Motor to outsource manufacturing of its self-driving vehicles, South Korean newspaper, Electronic Times, reported.

Officials at Waymo and Hyundai Motor have met more than three times to discuss a plan to use Hyundai's Ioniq 5 electric vehicles for Waymo's sixth-generation self-driving technology, the report said, adding that the plan includes replacing offerings from China's Zeekr with the Ioniq 5 models.

The report came as President Joe Biden's administration last week locked in steep tariff hikes on Chinese imports, including a 100% duty on electric vehicles, which will take effect on Sept. 27.

Regarding the media report, Waymo said in a statement to Reuters: "We'll decline to comment on speculation, but I can share that we are hard at work validating the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform and intend to introduce it into our fleet when ready."

Zeekr said: "There is no change to Zeekrs partnership with Waymo," adding that they are "actively working together to deploy the vehicles."

Hyundai Motor Group said: "nothing is determined at this stage about new businesses," referring to its plan to sell its vehicle platform to self-driving technology companies.

Motional, a self-driving technology unit of Hyundai Motor Group, earlier this year delayed plans to launch a robotaxi service with its next-generation Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxis until 2026 as it laid off hundreds of workers in the United States, TechCrunch reported in May.

Waymo has purchased vehicles from Stellantis and Jaguar Land Rover and integrated its technology into the base vehicles to offer autonomous ride-hailing services in Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Waymo is also testing its next-generation self-driving car technology using vehicles from Zeekr, the electric car brand of China's Geely Automobile Holdings.

Alphabet said in July that it planned a $5 billion investment in Waymo over a multi-year period, as the company is expanding its autonomous ride-hailing service areas.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Heekyong Yang in Seoul, Abhirup Roy in San Francisco and Zoey Zang in Shanghai; Editing by Ed Davies)
Is it legal in SC to own a military explosive? Myrtle Beach area man used one as door stop

Reality Check is a new Sun News series holding those in power accountable, shining a light on local issues, and answering readers essential questions. Have a question or concern we can answer? Email online@thesunnews.com.

A Market Common man in the Myrtle Beach area called police over the weekend after he came into possession of an unexploded military ordnance from a Realtor friend, a Myrtle Beach Police report said.

It turns out the bomb was a 4.2 inch mortar round that the man was using as a door stop, Horry County Spokesperson Mikayla Moskov confirmed.

While South Carolina law does not state if its illegal to own a military bomb or ordnance to use as a doorstop, its specifically illegal to have a weapon of mass destruction for terrorism purposes.

However, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives does have laws against owning such items. The department website states people must have a federal explosives license or permit in order to possess an unexploded military ordnance.

If police had not collected the bomb, its unclear how much damage it could have caused.

The item, as with any military munition, had the potential to contain explosive hazards, which if not handled safely, could cause grave injury to personnel or damage to nearby property, said Capt. Madeline Krpan, the 20th Fighter Wing chief of public affairs at Shaw Air Force Base.

Military personnel from the base helped Horry County police dispose of the shell Sunday morning near International Drive and S.C. 90. People on social media said that they felt and heard the boom from miles away.

How do you know if its an explosive device?

Signs that the military item you own is potentially an explosive device typically comes from the outer shell, according to the ATF Bureau. This includes the shell being made out of a coin-like metal, a cardboard shell, if the shell color is red, brown or silver and if the item is up to 6 inches long with a 1-inch diameter.

When purchasing old military equipment, dont buy it from a non-commercial location, like a garage sale, the ATF Bureau recommends. Also, make sure the person can prove what it is and where they purchased it.

Unless someone has an explosives license, they are not legally allowed to manufacture, store, transport or distribute explosive materials.

If someone suspects they may have an old military bomb, they should call the local police for help.

What kind of military ordnance was in Market Common?

Ammunition for a 4.2-inch mortar round was found in Market Common.

A 4.2 inch mortar acted as a small cannon and was used during various wars in the 20th century, including World War II, according to the 1975 book Mortars and Rockets by Peter Chamberlain.

Ammunition for 4.2 inch mortar rounds was first created for chemical warfare with the bullets being used for saturating enemy positions with gas. Later on, an explosive was created and became much more popular.

Its unclear whether explosive or chemical ammunition was bought by the Market Common man.

The 4.2 inch mortar round ammunition could weigh anywhere from 20 to 35 pounds, Chamberlain said in his book.

Myrtle Beach Police said the man got the ammunition to use as a door stop from a Realtor friend who was cleaning out a house. The person was trying to get rid of everything, which apparently included an unexploded ordnance.

Military ordnances arent a new find in Horry County

Having to dispose of a military munition isnt a new task for Horry County Police, according to reporting by The Sun News. The Carolina Forest area used to be a practice bombing range in the 1940s.

Military members would drop bombs or practice shooting on the area of land. Not all of the bombs dropped went off and have sat there for the past 70 years.

Now that the area is being heavily developed, many of these unexploded munitions are being found and destroyed, The Sun News wrote in December.

A 2018 a headline warns: More explosions likely in Carolina Forest after over a dozen pieces of ordnance were found as land was being cleared for The Park at Carolina Forest subdivision. Another story from the following week describes how an old mortar shell was discovered as a patio was being built for a home off Waterway Drive in North Myrtle Beach.

Those stories represent only a small sample of the thousands of munitions and remnants of WWII era munitions found in the former bombing range.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Lenexa Police Department says one of its detectives flew to El Salvador on Wednesday to arrest a murder suspect almost 19 years to the date of a deadly stabbing.

Lenexa police says the detective along with federal agents took Angel Maria Herrera, 42, into custody and brought him back to Johnson County to face first-degree murder in the killing of 30-year-old Maria Morfin-Rojas.

The department says officers found Morfin-Rojas stabbed to death on September 15, 2005 at Quivira Place Apartments near Quivira Road and W. 79th Street. According to an amended complaint, investigators believe she was killed on September 9, 2005, and Herrera stole her van and fled to Mexico before local authorities could arrest him.

Police chief shares concern over traffic tickets regarding new Missouri law

The Johnson County District Attorneys Office filed first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, theft and criminal damage charges against Herrera on on September 17, 2005, but he evaded arrest until April 27, 2023.

Lenexa police says its office was notified of Herreras arrest in El Salvador, and he was held pending extradition until Wednesday.

Herrera is currently in the Johnson County Jail and has his first appearance on Thursday afternoon. While the jail website shows his bond at $1 million, court records show that has been deleted. FOX4 will update with the latest information following his 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A former school official in California says she was forced out of her job because she is a lesbian, claiming that one school board member called her a witch and part of an LGBTQ coven in a lawsuit filed last month.

Rose Tagnesi, who worked as the director of Special Education Services at Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) in San Diego until this year, filed suit against the district in August, ABC affiliate KGTV first reported on Monday. According to court documents reviewed by the network, Tagnesi alleges that during her 28-year career with the district, she was told by at least one supervisor to keep a low profile because her sexual orientation would prevent her from being promoted. But even though she stayed closeted at work, Tagnesi claims, conservative school board members targeted her for opposing their anti-LGBTQ+ agenda, and harassed her until she resigned in February of this year.

Tagnesi also alleges that GUHSD school board trustee Jim Kelly called her and one of her subordinates witches who are part of an LGBTQ coven, per the lawsuit. Kelly also allegedly denigrated Tagnesi and the staffers competency, and is said to have claimed the subordinate only got her job because she is hot and Tagnesi is attracted to women. In a statement to KGTV, Kelly denied all of Tagnesis allegations against him; GUHSD declined to comment.

I dedicated my life to working with kids with disabilities, and to have this happen to me after 30 years of all the work  it was so painful, it was so traumatic, Tagnesi told KGTV in an interview. According to Tagnesi, she was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into her conduct and job performance in August 2023, which she described as a witch hunt. After the investigating attorney allegedly sent a text message celebrating another staff members dismissal that read one down, one to go  which Tagnesi believed was in reference to her  she had no choice but to leave GUHSD for another district, she claimed in the suit.

The suit alleges that Tagnesi was targeted because her sexual orientation ran contrary to East County values  a phrase that the district has previously deployed to roll back services for LGBTQ+ students. In August last year (the same month Tagnesi says she was placed on leave), school board members voted to cut ties with San Diego Youth Services (SDYS), a mental health care and suicide prevention program that also provides referrals for gender-affirming care. Despite students testimony that SDYS consistently provided life-saving support, school board member Dr. Gary Woods said the board needed to look for alternatives that best reflect East County Values, NBC affiliate KNSD reported at the time. Board members including Woods and Kelly voted to partner with a different organization, and did not comment on their votes following the meeting.

North Carolina Republican Candidate Falsely Claims Plus in LGBTQ\+ Includes Pedophilia

Michele Morrow, the GOP nominee for North Carolinas Superintendent of Public Instruction made the false statement on X.

Tagnesis departure also comes in the wake of accusations made over a kidnapping and trafficking incident that took place at GUHSD more than three years ago. In early 2021, then-16-year-old Tarynn Finn (who was on the districts special needs track) went missing for five days, after she was allegedly lured into a strangers RV while leaving campus. (The accused kidnapper pleaded guilty to sex crime charges in 2022.) The incident sparked an outcry among local parents, and prompted an investigation into four administrators accused of negligence, including Tagnesi  all four of whom were demoted to classroom positions in January 2024.

But the district has kept the results of that investigation strictly confidential, per reporting by the San Diego Union Tribune earlier this year. GUHSD officials reportedly rejected the papers public records request regarding the investigation in April, citing attorney-client privilege. Two other administrators who were investigated and demoted also sued GUHSD in May, saying they were never told why they were being investigated or even that allegations against them had been made. Tagnesi told a similar story in her comments to KGTV this week.

Ive never been told what I did. Ive never been told what I was accused of doing. Ive never been even asked a question, Tagnesi told the station. I want justice, and I want accountability, but most of all, I want it to stop, and I want there to be some awareness that its happening.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
Letters to the Editor: Is cheaper bacon really worth throwing away our democracy?

People watch the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in San Francisco on Sept. 10. (Juliana Yamada / Associated Press)

To the editor: After the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, I watched a televised focus group of undecided voters in Pennsylvania. I came away baffled by Trump-leaning voters who cited the drastic price increases of grocery items such as bread, milk and bacon. ("How can millions of voters still be undecided between Trump and Harris? Here are their reasons," column, Sept. 16)

Is it really not worth eating two slices of bacon versus four for breakfast (or even none at all) in order to continue to live in a county free of threats to imprison your political opponents? Do you really want to risk living in a Nazi-style nation so you can eat more bacon?

To me, that seems to be the simple choice. And yet, millions of voters remain undecided. Its truly baffling.

Gail Molen, Austin, Texas

..

To the editor: Apparently, the voting bloc that could decide the election comprises "undecideds" who haven't been paying attention, "double-haters" who don't like either candidate, and voters who are only paying attention to how the economy affects them in the short term.

In other words, the future of our country, even our democracy, depends on citizens who don't know, don't care, or don't think it matters either way. Democracy is being eaten away by the three-headed monster of ignorance, apathy and cynicism.

Can't we do better than this? In the Information Age, can't we nurture an educated populace that understands how its government works, citizens who care about the future and accept their responsibility to elect leaders who will serve with integrity?

I understand that people are preoccupied with earning a living, raising their kids and trying to find some meaning in life, but if the fate of our country is decided by the "undecided," then we are truly lost.

Laurie Jacobs, San Clemente

..

To the editor: I must be living in the Twilight Zone.

Trump tried to invalidate the votes of 81 million people in a free and fair election. The loser of the 2020 election, he wanted to stay in power regardless. He inspired a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol.

During the debate that these undecided voters watched, Trump did not apologize for any of that and still claimed he won the election. He made a false, racist and dangerous claim that legal immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating peoples' pets. His vice-presidential candidate is still defending that claim in interviews.

Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting a woman. He spread the racist lie that former President Obama was not born in this country. He was sued for defrauding students who attended his fake university, eventually settling for $25 million.

With a record like that, how can anyone believe that he cares about the American people?

Zareh Delanchian, Tujunga

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Letters to the Editor: Prop. 8 is still in California's Constitution. Voters can finally repeal it on Nov. 5

Then-California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris discusses the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8 in Los Angeles on June 26, 2013. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

To the editor: It's wrong to say that the U.S. Supreme Court "eventually overturned Proposition 8 in 2013." ("Kamala Harris was at the forefront of the battle for same-sex marriage," Sept. 15)

On May 27, 2009, plaintiffs filed an action in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco to challenge Proposition 8 on federal constitutional grounds. On Aug. 4, 2010, the district court ruled for the plaintiffs, concluding that "Proposition 8 both unconstitutionally burdens the exercise of the fundamental right to marry and creates an irrational classification on the basis of sexual orientation.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court decision. On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the parties pursuing the appeal did not have standing. Therefore, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the 9th Circuit opinion vacated. The district court decision remains the final holding. On June 28, 2013, same-sex marriages became legal again in California.

This is the reason Proposition 3 is on the Nov. 5 California ballot. Proposition 8 is still part of the state Constitution; Proposition 3 would remove it and enshrine marriage equality in the California Constitution.

Thomas DeBoe, Los Angeles

The writer is an attorney.

..

To the editor: Your article on Vice President Kamala Harris and same-sex marriage left out the fact that Californians voted no twice  first in 2000 with Proposition 22, then in 2008 with Proposition 8.

As California attorney general, she declined to argue for Proposition 8 at the U.S. Supreme Court, refusing to defend the will of the voters. Think about that as she runs for the highest office in the land.

Bob Launius, Oxnard

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

Why is Lizzette Reynolds still Tennessee education commissioner? This woman is not qualified to hold the position and should never have been appointed in the first place.

Obviously, because of her background, Gov. Bill Lee appointed her to help him pass his universal voucher plan for the public schools in the state.

She then enrolled to take classes to become a certified teacher, and received tuition assistance from University of Tennessee Martin, which she was not entitled to  because her primary residence was in Texas!

Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds interviews with the Tennessean at Tennessee Department of Education in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.

She recently took two unauthorized out-of-state trips to education conferences that were pro-privatization (re: anti-public school), and paid for by ExcelinEd, her former employer.

When Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville lodged a complaint with the ethics committee, Gov. Lees buddies on the ethics committee said that if she paid back the expenses for the conferences and admitted to no wrongdoing, no further action was necessary. Anybody else would have been fired.

Surely there must be a Tennessean more qualified, ethical and competent that her to do this job.

Rob Pilling, Nashville 37215

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: LETTERS: Tennessee education commissioner shows she's in the wrong job
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Children in Eastern Kentucky continue to battle food insecurity, but a group of dedicated Lexington Christian Academy students are determined to make a difference one step at a time.

Students gathered Thursday for the hunger walk to raise awareness of food insecurity, joined by leaders from the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) like president and CEO Guy Adams.

Man who died in Russell County shooting that killed Josh Phipps identified

In our lives, we all should figure out, one of the best things we can figure out is what is our mission in life. How do we commit our lives to something thats bigger than ourselves that makes a difference for others, Adams said.

After students worked to collect food, the walk represented how each step would make a big difference in the lives of those in need.

We will get that through our networks to a food pantry in Mount Vernon. Grateful bread. We will get it to the Eagle Food Pantry in, McCreary County, Kentucky, about five and a half miles beyond Cumberland Falls, and then an affiliated or partner food pantry in Magoffin County, the largest Magoffin County food pantry, water into wine, where we partner with them to help make sure that people have less food insecurity, Adams said.

School leaders saidsomething that continues to bring upperclassmen back each year, like sophomore Parker Geldhof and senior Winn Flynt.

Its just a great feeling. Ive been trying to get, as many sophomores as I know. Its, donate food. Its a great feeling knowing that theres people that in our backyard that we can help. We know how to do that, and how to apply it in our lives that way, Geldhof said.

I have family from Eastern Kentucky, and Ive seen some of my cousins, like I have a few cousins from around there, and Ive seen how they struggle and what they go through, Flynt said.

State Representative elect for the 76th district, Anne Donworth, said its encouraging to see the next generation put a foot forward for the cause, and it sends a message that others should follow suit.

I have seen a lot of organizations and groups that have worked to address food insecurity, and I think the more people get involved, the more likely we are to find good solutions. I think especially when we can encourage the next generation to get involved in solving some of our societal problems, thats just the most powerful thing we can do, Donworth said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

More information on CAP and how to help can be found here.

Home Page | Christian Appalachian 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 56 News.
(This story has been updated to add new information)

An altercation between a student and a staff member at Lincoln High School has led to the arrest of a 17-year-old girl, the Leon County Sheriff's Office says.

Portions of the fight, which broke out at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday during lunch time, were recorded by several students and shared by concerned parents on social media.

The teen was charged with attempted robbery by sudden snatching and battery of a school official  both felonies.

Leon County School District officials say the altercation began after a student attacked a hall monitor and took her phone.

The video, circulating widely on social media and in text threads, begins shortly after and shows a large crowd of students in the cafeteria surrounding a woman and a student wrestling on the ground. The woman, wearing a purple shirt and black pants, appears to kick a female student, who is wearing a white shirt, pink jacket and blue jeans off of her as she lay on the ground.

Several students surrounding the brawl successfully break up the fight pulling both individuals away from each other. After the student is pulled away, she walks off, and the staff member stands up and searches the crowd for her. Once she finds her, she engages in the squabble again, pulling her hair as the student then punches her.

The two are separated again, and the person recording follows the staff member, who then tells another student that she needs to find her phone. She appears disoriented.

The chaotic minute-long video has been confirmed by school officials to be the ending of the fight; it's not clear how long it lasted.

The student was arrested afterward and taken to the Leon Juvenile Detention Center.

"We are still reviewing the video, and it is still very much an open investigation," LCSO communications director Shonda Knight told the Democrat.

The staff member is on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Beyond the criminal charges, the teen also faces student discipline up to expulsion as part of the district's student code of conduct.

Word of the fight spread after Lincoln High School Assistant Principal Jennifer Tibbitts emailed parents through the school system's FOCUS portal at 1:50 p.m. Thursday to inform them of the incident.

"Today at lunch there was an incident involving a student and staff member. Other school staff and our school resource officers responded immediately. This incident is being investigated by Leon County Sheriff's office and will be handled accordingly," the message said.

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna and school board members had announced Wednesday  before the fight  a tour of district high schools to discuss safety and security concerns with students. A visit to Lincoln High was scheduled for Friday.

The latest security incident comes at a tense time at Leon County Schools, which has been grappling with non-credible threats that have caused students to skip school and a rash of arrests of students with weapons on campus.

There has been a surge of violent threats around Florida and the nation after a school shooting near Atlanta on Sept. 4 left four dead and nine injured.

Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Lincoln High brawl in school cafeteria leads to arrest of student
Senator Lindsey Graham hit the road this week, hoping to secure Nebraskas five electoral votes for Donald Trump.

The South Carolina Republican met with Governor Jim Pillen and more than a dozen Republican lawmakers Wednesday with the hopes of shoring up support for a bill that would make all five of Nebraskas electoral votes go to whoever wins the state, according to KOLN.

Nebraska splits its five votes, granting two of them to the winner of the states popular vote, while the other three are given to the winner of the three congressional districts.

Nebraskas Republican congressional delegation wrote a letter to Pillen Wednesday urging the state to return to a model where all the votes would be granted to the winner of the whole state. Such a bill would transform Nebraskas presidential election into a winner-take-all systemat the very last minute.

This change has the potential to hurt Harris in the increasingly tight presidential race. Currently, she has a chance to pick up an electoral vote in Nebraskas second congressional district, which includes the Democratic-leaning OmahaCouncil Bluffs metropolitan area. If the law changes, then the states five votes will likely go to Trump.

Grahams concerted efforts to pick up extra votes for Trump on the path to 270 shows just how desperate the former presidents campaign has become, as Harris closes the gap in key battleground states.

The longtime Trump ally seems perfectly aware of how badly things are going for the Republican nominee. He recently criticized Trumps debate performance, calling it a disaster, and practically begged Trump to stop hanging out with right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer.
A senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented to the Biden administration a new proposed ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, an Israeli official told CNN.

The proposal from Gal Hirsch, a close Netanyahu ally who serves as Israels coordinator for hostages and the missing, would see a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza, the release in one stage of all hostages held there in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and the safe passage for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to be exiled out of Gaza, according to Kan 11, an Israeli national broadcaster and CNN affiliate.

Reactions to the proposal have widely been that it will be a non-starter for Hamas, which has not commented on it.

It is unclear whether the proposal addresses the presence of Israeli troops in Gaza after a ceasefire and hostage deal  a key sticking point in stalled negotiations. And the idea that Sinwar would leave Gaza is seen as unlikely by American officials.

A separate Israeli source familiar with the negotiations said the proposal was not being discussed among the Israeli negotiating team as a basis for new negotiations with Hamas, which have been at a standstill for weeks now.

The Hostages Families Forum initially praised the outline, but later on Thursday called it a cynical and cheap manipulation.

This is fraud whose purpose is to thwart the new American initiative to release the hostages and stop the war in Gaza, the organization said. Soon we will celebrate a year of abandonment. This is a moral and value bankruptcy that the state has never seen before.

Talks stall

The proposal comes at a time when the prospects for a deal have never been lower. The families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza have expressed dismay at escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying that a widescale war there would only lower the chances of a hostage deal.

Joe Bidens national security advisers have no imminent plans to present the US president with an updated proposal in the Israel-Hamas war ceasefire negotiations, two senior administration officials told CNN  the latest indication that talks to end the conflict have seriously stalled.

Netanyahu will not meet with Biden during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly next week, an Israel source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Hirsch met early last week with Roger Carstens, the US special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, to discuss negotiations to free the hostages held in Gaza.

The notion of facilitating Sinwars exile has been discussed at various points in the negotiations as part of the later stages of an eventual ceasefire agreement, although there is no indication that Sinwar would agree to such terms.

Gershon Baskin, who has extensive experience negotiating with Hamas, told CNN that anyone who thought Sinwar would leave Gaza does not live in this world.

Gaza is Sinwars sea and he is a fish. A fish does not come out of the sea willingly.

Nonetheless, if the agreement included the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, it would come close to a deal that Hamas is ready for, Baskin added.

Previously, when the idea was raised of allowing top Hamas leaders like Sinwar to leave Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement, American officials said they thought it was unlikely Sinwar would agree. They cited Israels assassinations of Hamas leaders in foreign capitals, and said they believed Sinwar would prefer to die fighting Israel than to leave Gaza.

I even believe that we will agree to build safe passage to the chief terrorist, the new Hitler, Sinwar  safe passage to him and whoever he wants to join him out of Gaza, Hirsch told CNN earlier this month.

Correction: This story was updated to correct the spelling of Hirschs name.

CNNs Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The Little Star Foundation is providing a musical instrument set to kids to help grow a love for music in todays youth.

The foundation is donating 210 Band-In-A-Box kits to Savannah Chatham Public School System. The 10-piece set has everything preschoolers need to begin exploring music, rhythm, and a wide range of sounds.

The set includes a tambourine, cymbals, maracas, clacker, tone blocks, and a triangle. This collection of unique wooden musical instruments for kids is a great way spark a lifelong love of music.

Providing instruments to students is the primary function of The Little Star Foundation, said Tommy Holland, Executive Director of the Foundation. We think music can change lives and the boxes can get the youngest kids moving, grooving, and feeling the beat.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Living in a cult was all she knew  until a traumatic birth pushed her to escape

Morning Alexander grew up in the Homestead Heritage community  but decided to leave when her son was a toddler (Morning Alexander)

By the age of 30, Tabitha Haugh still hadnt been to the movies, had a first date, gotten a haircut or graduated from high school.

Most of her very sheltered existence had been spent in Homestead Heritage, a religious community in Waco, Texas, which she left last year.

I just cant stress enough how bleak life was there, she told The Independent.

Around 1,200 people make up the conservative Christian group, some of whom live on a 500-acre compound of crop fields and small homesteads near the Brazos River, surrounded by other farmland. Women have long hair and wear modest ankle-length dresses. Tourists visit Homestead Heritages handicraft shops and farm-to-table restaurant, and school children come by on field trips for horse drawn hayrides.

But those whove exiled themselves from the community say life inside is far more sinister, with a lack of education, adequate medical care and life options leaving them traumatized.The Independent spoke to six former members, four women and two men, who were born into Homestead Heritage and left the church as adults. Two of the women later filed a complaint with the state against the communitys midwife, who they say is unlicensed, practicing medicine illegally and left one of them with long term debilitating birth injuries.

The community midwife, Amanda Lancaster, told The Independent: I am deeply sorry that these individuals feel this way and that theyve chosen to involve the media without ever raising their concerns and grievances to me or others involved in their care.

A screenshot from a video about life at Homestead Heritage (Homestead Heritage)

The former Homestead Heritage members described the church as a cult that limits peoples autonomy and controls nearly every aspect of their lives under the threat of salvation. The former members say questioning the leaders authority wouldve been equivalent to questioning God.

The fact that you would even think of having autonomy means that you are in direct rebellion against God, said Tabitha.

When asked about the claims in this story, Josiah Wheeler, a spokesperson with Homestead Heritage, said in a statement that: "There is absolutely no truth to these allegations, and the assertion that we are anything other than an open, thriving church family is false.

As a child, Tabitha dreamed of becoming a doctor. Instead, her mother homeschooled her.

I learned the ABCs but that was pretty much it, Tabitha said during a recent phone call. There was no history, math, science, nothing.

At Homestead Heritage, women are expected to get married and reproduce. Instead of a high school education, former members say they were instructed to read thousands of pages of the churchs literature and write essays on it.

Tabitha Haugh, 31, while she was in Homestead Heritage, a conservative Christian community she calls a cult (Tabitha Haugh)

While we have found homeschooling to be very effective, each family is free to choose its own curriculum and teaching, Wheeler, the community spokesperson, said in a statement.

At 13, Tabitha had two jobs: as a dishwasher at Cafe Homestead and working at the organizations bakery. She worked four days a week, but claims she didnt get paid until she turned 19, as children in the community do not receive an income.

Her brother began working in a mechanic shop at age 12.

After seven years of washing dishes, Tabitha was promoted to server, a highly-regarded position for women. She kept the job for around a decade before she left the church last year.

Another was working with the midwifery team. Former Homestead members say the team delivered babies, looked after postpartum women, and also cared for older and dying members of the community.

Tabithas sister-in-law, Noa Haugh, 32, gave birth to her son at home with the groups midwives  just as her mother and sisters had done before her. Noa had never been to a doctor when she got pregnant at 25 in 2017. Noa was curious about the process and met with the churchs lead midwife, Amanda Lancaster, to discuss the upcoming birth.

I learned the ABCs but that was pretty much it.

Tabitha on her homeschooling experience

Noa says she asked Lancaster if she was licensed to practice midwifery. According to Noa, Lancaster replied that she was not, but reassured her that what she was doing was legal. Throughout Noas pregnancy, Lancaster performed cervical exams, used an ultrasound machine and provided prenatal care, Noa says.

Midwifery is an important part of Texass cultural heritage, and the regulation of midwifery, to ensure better oversight and continuing education, began in the state in 1983. Practicing midwifery without a license is prohibited in Texas. Anyone found to be practicing midwifery without a license can be charged with the unlicensed practice of medicine.

All mothers in my care sign informed consent forms, clearly acknowledging that I am not a state licensed midwife and that they are seeking personal support, not professional medical care, Lancaster told The Independent.

Lancaster says she is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). NARM certification does not require a college degree but involves training, clinical practice and an exam. Lancaster says she is also a licensed paramedic, and online Texas records confirm that.

For Lancaster to deliver the baby, Noa says, the couple had to agree not to sue the midwife if something went wrong.

In the event that mother, baby, or both should die or suffer permanent injury, the husband must ensure that it is clearly understood that he and his wife stood solely responsible for this birth and for all decisions and that the sisters attending were there as nothing more than family or friends, a copy of the churchs birth form given out when women fall pregnant, excerpts of which were reviewed by The Independent, said at the time.

We respect every womans right to give birth in the place and manner of her choosing, and there is no requirement for any particular healthcare choice, Wheeler, the spokesperson, said in a statement.

On the day she gave birth, Noa labored for seven hours, pushing for three of them. She says she did not receive pain medication, nor did she ask for it, because it went against church policy. Homestead denied this, claiming in a statement that it has no policy whatsoever on the use of pain medication.

As she struggled to push out her baby, Noa and two others in the room with her say that Lancaster considered performing an episiotomy, a surgical incision in the perineum and vaginal wall to make the opening larger for childbirth.

But then Noa gave birth to her son, and for a minute, everything was fine.

He was beautiful, she said. I had this amazing moment. And then I started hemorrhaging.

Noa had suffered at least a third-degree tear during the birth. Lancaster administered local anesthesia and sewed the area back together.

Noa Haugh, 32, with her husband and two children (Noa Haugh)

In cases of hemorrhage, my paramedic training allows me to handle these emergencies, Lancaster told The Independent. Suturing is included in our training, and we refer mothers to specialists for postpartum complications such as incontinence or prolapse.

Noa says she did not see any other medical professionals in the days and months following her birth and says the procedure left her with permanent injuries to her pelvic floor.

Noa and her husband left the church nearly a year later.

Youre so scared of stepping outside of the covering of God. Like if you step out of that covering, he could kill your child just to teach you a lesson

Morning Alexander on the fear of speaking out while in Homestead Heritage

When she became pregnant with her second child in 2021, she scheduled an appointment with a midwife at a birth center in their new home of San Antonio.

During the exam, Noa says the midwife told her that she had been improperly sewn up during her first birth, which led to her tissue not healing correctly. The midwife encouraged her to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the agency that enforces administrative rules and laws, and wrote a statement to accompany the complaint.

TDLR responded in September 2021 that since the incidents had occurred outside the departments two year statute of limitations, the complaint against Lancaster could not be investigated.

According to Noas medical records, her injuries were serious  they suggest she had suffered a rectocele, meaning a vaginal prolapse where the rectum bulges into the vaginal wall. Her rectocele results in an inability to move her bowels without placing digits in the vagina, the midwife wrote in a 2021 statement submitted to the TDLR. Had the repair following birth been done correctly, the pelvic floor muscles would have been joined together preventing the rectocele and resulting in a stronger pelvic floor.

Noa says as a result of her first birth, she spent her second pregnancy in significant pain. Every movement caused shooting pain down the inside of my thighs, Noa wrote in her own statement as part of the complaint. Intercourse became increasingly painful and then impossible.

A second woman, Morning Alexander, 32, joined the complaint against Lancaster filed in July 2021. She had two children while in the church and Lancaster served as her midwife both times.

Morning was just 20 when she fell pregnant for the first time in 2012. About 30 weeks in, she says she woke up in a pool of blood. Terrified, Morning called Lancaster.

Morning Alexander, 32, used to be part of a conservative Christian community she called a cult (Morning Alexander)

When Lancaster arrived, she rang the groups medical doctor  a physician who joined the church as an adult  and asked if Morning should go to the hospital.

He said yes, but Morning says he suggested church leaders pray about the matter first. After praying, the leaders gave their permission.

Morning says she went to a hospital in Temple, a 45-minute drive away, rather than the Waco hospital down the road because Heritage leaders told her the head of the NICU was a former abortion doctor. Weeks later, she returned to the same hospital to deliver her son.

Two years later, Morning went into labor at just 35 weeks pregnant with her daughter. Her baby was breech. She says that Lancaster manually turned her daughter out of the breech position and then broke her water using an amnicot, a medical glove with a pricked fingertip.

Shortly afterwards, the umbilical cord prolapsed, restricting oxygen to the baby. Morning pushed her daughter out quickly, and says Lancaster administered life-saving oxygen to the baby.

Afterward, she would not stop crowing about how she had always wanted to deliver a premature baby and this was her first time to do it, Morning said.

A representative for the TDLR told The Independent that unlicensed midwives cannot perform cervical exams, provide prenatal care, perform an episiotomy, administer anesthesia, suture third or fourth-degree tearing, manually turn a breech baby or break a pregnant persons water.

The allegations you sent me appear to stem from a misunderstanding and/or misrepresentation of the roles and practices within our community and its standard of care regarding childbirth and healthcare, Lancaster told The Independent. These allegations have only surfaced years after the births in question, after these individuals left our community.

She also shared a wider letter to The Independent about her experience which can be read in full below.

Amanda Lancasters response to The Independent (Amanda Lancaster)

Amanda Lancasters response to The Independent (Amanda Lancaster)

But the women involved say that they felt unable to speak up earlier.

The mindset that youre under is she knows whats best, Morning said. And youre so terrified of herYoure so scared of stepping outside of the covering of God. Like if you step out of that covering, he could kill your child just to teach you a lesson.

Occasionally family members or friends would leave Homestead Heritage and guide others on how to do it. The former members say it felt like giving up their entire lives, both Noa and Tabitha lost their homes.

For a while, its hard to deal with the ostracization, Morning said. You go to town and you see someone in the store and you want to just make a beeline for a different aisleMost of these people truly believe that you are the devil.

Morning Alexander, 32, with her son. She left a conservative Christian community she calls a cult (Morning Alexander)

Morning left Homestead Heritage in 2018, a decision she made as her son became a toddler and she disagreed with the churchs use of corporal punishment. She then started questioning the groups theology.

Once you start to pull on the thread, the whole thing comes out, she said.

Morning used the trauma she says she suffered during her pregnancies to propel her into becoming a doula and getting a nursing degree. She had gotten her GED when she turned 17 because her parents, who had previously left the church, wanted her to have some level of education, making it easier for her to go to nursing school once she left the church.

She recently graduated and landed her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse, at the hospital in Waco where she wanted to deliver her son.

Morning Alexander, 32, is in the process of obtaining her nursing degree after leaving a conservative Christian community she called a cult (Morning Alexander)

About a week after Noas son was born, she held him and realized she could not bring him up in the church. I cannot do what was done to me to him, she said.

They left October 2018, before his first birthday.

It was the most painful experience of my life, Noa said. I couldnt get out of bed for three days.

The couple managed to scrape together the funds needed for a deposit on an apartment in Waco, encouraged by friends who had already left the church.

Neither Noa nor her husband had high school diplomas, although he eventually found work at a damage restoration company in Austin. They put practically everything on credit cards at first.

The first time I went into Ulta Beauty I almost had a panic attack.

Noa Haugh on what it was like to leave the community

Their new life came with a lot of firsts for Noa: her first haircut, lipstick, manicure, and pair of jeans.

The first time I went into Ulta Beauty I almost had a panic attack, she recalled.

Noa felt like Homestead Heritage had stolen her life. I had no idea who I was or what I wanted, she said. They didnt prepare me for the world so that if I wanted to do something  anything  I could have. And I dont really have that option anymore.

We recognize the value of higher education and have doctors, lawyers, engineers, and a significant number of executive professionals, some in Fortune 500 companies, said spokesperson Wheeler in a statement.

For now, Noa is content raising her two young children, who are six and three, and seizing new opportunities, like when she saw Christian pop star Amy Grant in concert.

Tabitha stayed for another five years.

When she turned 30, she started questioning her life. She says church leaders hadnt allowed her to get married, with one telling her, as she explained, I was not worthy of being a wife at the moment because I was not showing wife character traits.

She drove to an overlook on the churchs property on a cold February night in 2023 and broke down crying. She remembers looking up at the stars and asking herself why everything felt so vast, yet her life felt shrunk down to nothing.

The next day, she went to work and told her boss she needed to take a step back from the church. Her manager fired her, she said.

Homestead denies that Tabitha lost her home and was fired after leaving the church, saying in a statement that the church member whose property she built her home on said she could remain living there as long as she wanted to and she did for a time.

When she decided to move, she told him she wanted $100,000 for the small house and he immediately paid her the asking price, the church says.

But Tabitha said she spent the next several months couch surfing or sleeping in her car. She moved to Dallas in June 2023, picking up a job at a steakhouse after she pretended she was there for an interview.

She graduated as valedictorian of her EMT certification class and is now studying to become a paramedic firefighter.

Shes also fallen in love, which she said is the best thing shes accomplished so far. Im so freaking happy, she said.

Tabitha Haugh, 31, skydiving in 2023 (Tabitha Haugh)

Last year, she tried skydiving.

After she jumped out of a plane for the first time, she felt the wind whipping her face. The parachute deployed and as she floated in the sky, hovering over Texas, she thought: Im in heaven.

Editors Note: This story has been updated with Homestead Heritages response to claims made by Tabitha and Noa Haugh.
CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  A local family-owned business continues to give back to the community thats supported it over the past 60+ years.

Read next: Mill Creek Park opens new recreation center featuring patio, playground, splash pad

Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods is holding its 13th annual Red, White and True Celebration beginning on Saturday, Sept. 21, and ending on Monday, Sept. 23. The celebration is meant to honor the community.

Were doing a little different this year. A little bit of a hybrid, said Steve Stack, who serves as the director of new business development for Baird Brothers. Were going to be open for business Saturday and then also on Monday so folks can stop out, see our salespeople, call in, talk to our phone sales staff, and have their questions answered.

If youve never been to Baird Brothers, youll learn exactly what the 64-year-old business is all about.

If they want to look at product, theyll be able to look at a product and get 10% savings across the board, Stack said. Saturday were going to have some close-out specials. So theres going to be a lot to see as far as product.

That also includes some brand-new product lines.

Were in the process of introducing a new product we ran across in Las Vegas last year at the National Homebuilders Show, Stack said. Its called a Wall Slat System and its decorative accent walls. People use it on walls, ceilings and its really unique. People will be able to see that Saturday. Its a neat product and it only takes one wall to change the feeling of a room.

The business is also doing giveaways from Saturday through Monday. You can register online or in the store.

You can register for 400 square feet of either red oak or hickory flooring, about a $3,000 value, Stack said. And the runner-up is a beautiful Baird Brothers workbench top on a standard assembly.

The free event will also raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank.

One thing we are doing this year is we reached out to the gang down at Second Harvest Food Bank. Great partners of ours, Stack said. So I would ask of the community, stop out, make a donation, bring some food in.

If youre shopping in the store during the event, the savings are automatic. If you are online shopping during the event, as you go through checkout, the code RWT2024 will give you a 10% discount at checkout.

You can see the doors, the hardwood flooring, the beautiful moldings, countertops, Stack said. Whether you just come out and browse, stop by, say hello, bring some groceries, put them in, put them in second harvest boxes. We love having the folks out here and we still want to express our appreciation to our customers.

Baird Brothers Red, White and True event is on Saturday, Sept. 21, and on Monday, Sept. 23. The business is located at 7060 Crory Road in Canfield. For more information, call (800) 732-1697 and visit them online at BairdBrothers.com. You can also follow them on Facebook.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Some flights out of James M. Cox Dayton International Airport could soon be delayed or even canceled if locally headquartered flight attendants start to strike.

Flight attendants from PSA Airlines, wholly owned by American Airlines and headquartered at DAY, have authorized a strike after failing to reach an agreement in long-standing contract negotiations.

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Over 99 percent of the airlines more than 1,300 flight attendants voted to authorize a strike, saying they need a contract that supports a living wage.

Our flight attendants are tired of waiting. They want a deal, said Lee Wilkes, MES AFA President at PSA Airlines.

If you have flown out of DAY and booked American Airlines, youve likely been aboard one of the PSA Airline flights.

We all know that the cost of living is affecting our everyday lives. So the urgency is very great. And we need to come to the table with a deal, said Wilkes.

If the strike were to happen, it could mean delays for those flying out of any airport that utilizes PSA Airlines flight attendants. This includes Charlotte, Washington D.C., Dallas and Dayton.

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Oh, it would really put me in a difficult position because obviously I wont get back to where I was originally coming from, which is family. My little one, my son. And it just it like, sets everything back, said Cordejah Smith, a flight passenger at Dayton International Airport.

Negotiations have gone on for a year and a half and even brought in federal mediation. However, an agreement has yet to be reached.

It took the company seven months to come back with an economic proposal that was just insulting, said Wilkes.

A key issue is a double-digit base pay wage increase to keep up with the cost of living. They say the raise is comparable to the increases that main-line American flight attendants have seen.

Wilkes says they are hoping they do not have to strike, but if they do, they could implement a system called HAVOC that could impact the entire airline and flyers.

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We could affect the entire operation, the entire airline. Or we could just pick a select few flights. But the union decides when and where and how to strike. We dont want to strike, but we will do whatever it takes to get an agreement, said Wilkes.

The negotiation team will meet with management next week. If no contract is met, they will go into a cool-down period for 30 days. After that, if an agreement still is not met, then flight attendants could strike.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pamela Barnes never thought she and her sisters would be sitting in a cold, dirty holding cell for trying to protect her familys land.

Just before sunset around 6:30 a.m., the 63-year-old gazed at the white walls chipped and peeling paint. Her eyes moved to the rusty, mold-covered vent above her. Her discomfort was eased a little by the presence of her sisters, Levarie Cloudy, 67, and Rosalind Stotts, 65, as they waited in the Shelby County Sheriffs Office in rural Center, Texas, a majority-white town of 5,200 residents near the Louisiana border.

But sitting in the cell for hours felt unbearable.

Claustrophobia set in as Barnes and Cloudy, a military veteran, tried to fight the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress. Cloudy had been denied access to a phone call twice, while Barnes was only able to briefly call her husband to inform him she wouldnt make his doctors appointment.

While in custody, Barnes felt her body shut down.

I didnt eat for two days. I have not been able to sleep properly. I have not been able to concentrate, Barnes told Capital B a week after they were booked on Sept. 4.

They waited hours for a judge to arrive and read them their rights. They didnt get released until sometime after 2 p.m.

The three sisters and their 48-year-old cousin Gabriel Williams turned themselves into the Shelby County Sheriffs Office after warrants were issued for their arrests. Williams was booked on Sept. 6. The department issued the warrants after local Constable Roy Cheatwood alleged they had tampered with their own water wells on their property, known as Williams Landing in nearby Joaquin, Texas. Joaquin, a town in the eastern part of the state, is 59% white, mostly conservative, and about 15 miles away from Center, where they were being held.

For the past year, the Williams family have been in a legal  and sometimes verbal  fight to take back their land from Cheatwood, a white elected official who they said took it by exploiting and deceiving a relative. The family alleged the constable improperly purchased it with an invalid deed with the signature of only one heir without a proper description of what tract of land was allegedly conveyed to him, according to a lawsuit they filed against him in Shelby County District Court.

The family told Capital B that the official has verbally threatened them, kicked them off their land, reported them to law enforcement officials, surveilled them, gave a tenant permission to build a structure on their property, and collected rent payments from their tenants. They say theyve been to the sheriffs department three times to report Cheatwood.

But, Cheatwood, who has served as District 3 constable since 2016, contends that Barnes and her relatives, who inherited the land, dont own their uncle Junior Williams lot. According to court filings, Cheatwood claims that he owns Juniors interest in the land, which he purchased about three months before Juniors death in October. Barnes and her sisters, however, accused Cheatwood of coercing Junior to sell his land. They said their uncle  a Vietnam War veteran struggling with cancer and substance abuse  was not in a mental state to consent to an agreement with the constable.

Cheatwoods then-attorney John Price, who also is the attorney for Shelby County, denied the allegations in court filings.

Roy Cheatwood would respectively show that he properly purchased all of the land and the fractional interest owned by Junior Lee Williams, the court filing said.

The Williams family is one of many Black families suffering from the consequences of heirs property, which is property or land passed down without a will. This disproportionately affects Black families in the rural South because their ancestors were subject to violence or dispossession, excluded from estate planning resources, or they didnt trust white lawyers during the time of few Black attorneys. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calls heirs property the leading cause of Black involuntary land loss. In some cases, families like the Williams say they experience intimidation, violence, and racism from those in power trying to seize their land.

Despite the Williams familys efforts to reach local and national news outlets and civil rights organizations, they told Capital B they have felt ignored.

The family has faced roadblocks both in and out of the courts, and its been nearly impossible to make any progress. Their city, county, state, and federal officials, including the prosecutors, are mostly white. With a lack of Black representation, there are concerns of whether the outcomes in court would go in their favor.

In Joaquin, where the property is located, theres no police department. The constable, who is elected by residents, serves as the next line of defense. The family says they feel trapped at every turn, with the courts stalling and the lack of response to emails or phone calls from their attorney, Aaron Bryant. The lawsuit is still in the early stages of the process. Bryant declined an interview and referred Capital B to his clients.

They also say their recent arrest was a retaliatory act by Price, the county attorney who served as counsel for Cheatwood in the lawsuit. Five months after the lawsuit was filed, Price submitted a motion to recuse himself as Cheatwoods attorney. The family says they filed a complaint against Price with the State Bar of Texas, alleging a direct conflict of interest. Price is married to District Attorney Karren Price, who the family says sent a verbal order to the local sheriffs department to take only the Williams family to jail if theyre seen on any part of the property. The family says the order didnt apply to Cheatwood, who they say still comes and goes as he wishes.

Neither Cheatwood nor his new attorney, Craig Fletcher, responded to Capital Bs requests for comment.

Karren Price declined to comment due to an ongoing investigation, even after Capital B shared the allegations.

Capital B emailed John Price the direct accusations made against him and his wife of conspiring against the Williamses. After initially declining to comment due to attorney client privilege, he issued a statement, writing: I can state the allegations being made by the Williams family are ridiculous and totally without merit.

Despite the challenges, the family isnt backing down.

A racist past never leaves

The Williams family lake, which merges into the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Sabine River that extends across the Texas-Louisiana state line. The family uses the river to fish. (Courtesy of Pamela Barnes)

The family originally owned 147 acres in 1950. It cost Andrew Williams, Barnes grandfather, more than a simple cash payment of $7,000 to own it. It took his blood, sweat, and tears. He had to work the land to pay it off. He paid a down payment of $3,000 and financed the rest, Barnes said. He paid $500 on October 1, 1950, and $500 each year until it was satisfied.

Then, he received the deed.

He and his wife, Acie Richard-Williams, used the land to farm and feed their family. Theyve hosted family reunions, memorials, and gatherings to fish on the property, which includes a lake. They have trailer camps and a boat launch that they rent out to generate income to pay for the upkeep of the water wells and property taxes. Theyve never sold property to anyone outside of the family, except to the Sabine River Authority, which purchased 50 or so acres needed to build a dam.

Since that purchase, there are currently 91 acres with more than 50 heirs who have an undivided fractional interest in the property. When the landowner dies without a written will, their assets, including land, will be divided up among their descendants if there are two or more individuals who own the entire property together. If there isnt a clear title of ownership, heirs cannot sell the property or use it for collateral or financing. In the case of the Williams family, they dont have any title issues and have clear land ownership, Barnes said.

Even though Barnes and her relatives inherited the property, most of them moved away due to the racism and prejudice they experienced growing up in Shelby County, they said. One of their great uncles, David Williams, was lynched in Center for allegedly saying something to a white woman at a local store, Barnes said.

When their cousin Gabriel Williams moved to a nearby town in 2018, he had to explain to the white residents who live near their property why he was visiting, fishing, or hunting near their land.

Theres several times that I had to call their mom, which is my aunt, to call these people  because they wanted to kick me off the bank from fishing, or they dont want me down there, Gabriel said. [They claimed] Im trespassing. Im doing this. Then, she had to explain to them who I am to every single resident.

When Barnes mother, Lee Vern, passed away in 2021, multiple family members stepped up to manage the property, particularly Junior Williams and his niece Accie Smith, who were raised in the same household together. Thats when Cheatwoods attempts to befriend Junior began, they say.

When my mother was managing that property [before her death], she would not let [Cheatwood] put a trailer down there. She would not rent a spot to him at all because her thing was she didnt trust him, Barnes said. Soon as she passed, he started to work on our uncle.

After Cheatwood informed the family hed rented a lot from Junior, they signed a lease agreement with him in February 2023. The relationship between Cheatwood and Junior caused friction in the family because they allege he took advantage of him due to his mental and physical condition and isolated him from his family.

Months before Juniors death, Junior signed a warranty deed for his share to Accie Smith on April 3, 2023, they told Capital B. A warranty deed is a legal document that provides the new owner protection against outstanding liens on the property or any future claims to the title of the property by other individuals.

When Cheatwood found out, Barnes said he had a confrontation with Smith. A few days later, they said Cheatwood took Junior to an attorney to get a will on April 28, 2023. About two months later, on June 30, Junior did a special warranty deed, which is often used for commercial property, to Cheatwood, according to the family. A special warranty deed is less comprehensive, and offers less protection to the new owner.

In residential property, special warranty deeds are frequently used in foreclosures and the forced sale of the property to satisfy a debt, according to Investopedia. When the family learned Cheatwood attempted to purchase Juniors interest in the land, they tried in November in trial court to evict him from the property, according to a court petition. Barnes and the Williams heirs filed a citation against Cheatwood in the Precinct 3 Justice Court in Shelby County. The attempt failed due to the judge dismissing the case, they said. According to a complaint filed with the State Commission on Judicial Court, the family members claimed Judge Tracy Broadway, who oversaw the eviction hearing, denied them the opportunity to speak. Rather than speak on the eviction, the family stated the judge allowed John Price to question the family about the deed related to Juniors land, the complaint said.

He abruptly dismissed the hearing without allowing me to give testimony, present evidence, or make statements regarding the breached lease agreement, Barnes wrote to the commission following the hearing last November. This hearing was not to determine the legality of a deed but to determine the EVICTION of a tenant.

The state judicial commission confirmed receipt of the complaint in a letter to Barnes on Nov. 27. It stated the allegations would receive a thorough review and investigation. After its consideration, the Commission may dismiss a complaint, impose sanctions against a judge or take other appropriate action.

She says she has not heard back from the judicial commission.

The fight to keep going

When Junior passed away in October, the family told Capital B, the efforts to surveil, follow, and intimidate family members ramped up, as they pursued the lawsuit and attempted to evict Cheatwood. Barnes recalled being followed by a white man at the car wash, which led to a confrontation at the gas station. There have been several confrontations on the property between the Williams family and Cheatwood that have led to the sheriffs department being called. Gabriel Williams says he had been surrounded and chased off the property. Most of the tenants no longer pay the family, either, even though they supply water and pay other bills. Now, Cheatwood collects the payments.

The tension came to a head on Sunday, Aug. 11.

The week prior, Cloudy, Barnes, and Gabriel met with Pixie Water Wells to ensure their two water wells were in compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They learned there was a leak, and somebody had been messing with the well, the specialist said. They paid Pixie Water $400 to fix one well, but the second well, which previously had been fixed, still had a major leak. Barnes placed a notice on the door to inform the tenants that the water would be turned off temporarily. They made sure to lock it up per TCEQ requirements.

When Gabriel went to check on the well, he found the note removed and the lock cut off. He replaced the lock the following day, only to find out it had been cut off again on Aug. 11.

On that evening, several family members were called to the property, and a heated argument ensued between the family and Cheatwood, and the sheriffs office reported to the scene. Later that evening, Gabriel, Barnes, and Stotts voluntarily gave a statement to the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office put out a statement the following day. There were numerous allegations made of criminal conduct of the Williams tampering with the well, as well as allegations of Official Oppression on Constable Cheatwood. The agency referred the case to the Texas Rangers, the criminal division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, to conduct an investigation into the allegations surrounding Cheatwood.

Three weeks later, Barnes, Cloudy, Stotts, and Gabriel were served arrest warrants for allegedly tampering with a water well. They were all charged with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. Gabriel had a felony charge tacked on for evading arrest. Capital B reached out to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office for information regarding the arrests. Initially, they said they didnt handle the case and had no previous arrests for the four family members.

By the end of the exchange, Leah Chase, administrative secretary for the sheriffs office, sent over booking sheets for each individual. Capital B later found out Cloudy had been arrested and requested her booking sheet as well.

The four are set to appear in Shelby County court on Oct. 15 at 8:30 a.m. on the criminal mischief charge  where John Price will reside as county attorney. A court date is still pending for Gabriels felony charge.

What started out as a battle in court to get back Juniors land has turned into misdemeanor and felony charges that could stick with the Williams family for the rest of their lives. For Gabriel, who works at a gas station and runs two poll precincts, it could affect his ability to work those jobs.

I have to have a liquor license for that in the state of Louisiana. If you get charged or you or if youre convicted of any felony, you cannot hold a liquor license for 10 years, he said. I couldnt get a job in any restaurant, which is what Ive done for the past 26 years.  Im 48 years old, and never had a felony in my life, and Ive lived in so many places that I get back here where its supposed to be Southern hospitality, its left the South.

Because of the incident, Barnes and Cloudy said their names had been smeared throughout the community. Rumors traveled that the two sisters went to jail for fighting each other. Above all else, Barnes is fearful about who may follow her when she travels. Cloudy, who takes heart, anxiety, and PTSD medication, said its been difficult to eat, sleep or drink.

This has been embarrassing, not to mention worried about us going to court [for a lawsuit and criminal charges], Cloudy said. Its like youre scared to open the door because of my PTSD. You dont know whos going to stop you, or if youre going to make it back home.

No matter what lies ahead, they said they will keep fighting.

I want other families to know if your parents, forefathers, or whomever, they sweated blood and tears for you to have an inheritance. Fight it. Go to whatever lengths you have to, Barnes said. Do not give it away, but fight because its your right.

The post Locked Up and Locked Out appeared first on Capital B News.
Long before his run for attorney general, Dan Bishop was a conservative hardliner

In 1997, an especially conservative 33-year-old lawyer named Dan Bishop ran for Charlotte City Council.

The debates then: whether some city services should be privatized, taxes, public funding for the arts and development.

Bishop ran against a more moderate and much older Republican incumbent. The political newcomer had support from Don Reid, an influential conservative already on the City Council.

Still, he lost.

Voters appreciate a sensible analysis of the issues rather than some blind ideology, his 70-year-old opponent, Charlie Baker, said after winning.

Bishop said he learned a simple lesson from the run.

I learned you cant win an election with yard signs, he said.

His profile has grown 27 years later, and hes found new allies. People who knew him in decades past say hes always been a hardliner, but a tactical one.

I had my way, and he had his way, said Debbie Ware, another conservative who ran for City Council against the old guard in 1997. And his way was professional and fine-tuned and prepared. My way was seat-of-the-pants. And when youre an attorney, you just dont do seat-of-the-pants.

She knew Bishop would have a long political career. Now, he faces the prospect of a historic election Nov. 5.

He wants to overturn a century-long trend by becoming the states first Republican attorney general since Zeb V. Walser in the 1890s. He has a good shot, one expert said.

This election is essentially a toss-up, Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, told The Charlotte Observer. A Carolina Journal poll in August showed Bishop ahead, 42% to 38%. A WRAL poll earlier this month showed Bishop down, 43% to 36%, with 21% undecided.

Bishop declined multiple interview requests for this story but answered questions over email Tuesday.

Bishops opponent is another Charlotte-area lawyer-turned-congressman, Jeff Jackson. The two have little else in common.

Rep. Dan Bishop debates Rep. Jeff Jackson in the state attorney generals race at the Charlotte Convention Center on Friday, June 21, 2024.

In his email to the Observer, Bishop said he is the youngest of five children, and that his parents from Bladen County and Guilford County grew up very poor.

After serving in World War II, his father made a career of dentistry in Charlotte, where he and his family have roots.

Bishop has been married to his wife, Jo, for 26 years. His son, Jack, is in law school.

A tough litigator on county board

Bishop returned to legal work and remained active in Republican politics after his loss in the City Council election. In 2000, he represented the state GOP when it sued Democrat Mike Easley, then the attorney general running for governor, for public records that could be used for opposition research.

Bishop filed in 2004 to run for the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners after some hesitation. Republican Carla DuPuy, the boards former three-term chairwoman, had re-entered politics and filed to run.

My gut tells me that I could not beat Carla if I wanted to, he said in an email to supporters, which The Charlotte Observer reported at the time. He liked her personally and didnt relish the idea of a bruising campaign, he added.

But about 100 people reached out to him and urged him to get back in the race. He did about a week later.

DuPuy, Bishop and another candidate filed for the District 5 seat. Bishop argued he would do more to cut taxes and DuPuy was more moderate than she let on.

Despite her three terms as board chair, he beat her. He faced no general election challenger.

Rep. Dan Bishop nominates Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., for speaker for the seventh round of voting in the U.S. House chamber in January 2023. The House was trying to elect a speaker for a third day.

He summed up his take on politics succinctly in a 2005 Observer profile when he was a new county commissioner.

There are a lot of people who think we should never have any partisan disagreement over anything and we should just get along, he said then. I dont think thats serving anyone. I think its very important to be pleasant to people and be professional with them, and to actively look for points of agreement, but its also just as important to tell them when theyre wrong.

A colleague remembered him that way.

Dumont Clarke, a Democrat who served on the board with Bishop, said Bishop was a true red conservative and a sharp, scrutinizing presence.

Bishop was cordial, and he had a good grasp on issues, Clarke said. But he remembered how often Bishop interrogated someone.

He has all the natural instincts of a litigator, Clarke said. It took the staff, the commission a while to get used to the fact that if they got up to make a presentation, Dan was going to treat them as a hostile witness and cross-examine.

Bishop learned the basics of local government during that time, he said in his email to the Observer Tuesday.

Serving as county commissioner gave me perspective on local government that now rounds out my experiences in the legislature and Congress, so that I bring a broad background in public service as well as a long and sophisticated legal career to the position of attorney general, he said.

The issues werent as partisan or controversial on the board. That would change with Bishops next election.

Legal work

After serving on the board for two terms, Bishop again focused on legal work in 2009.

He said he was proud to have spent three decades working as a lawyer, which spans more than 400 career appearances of record in the state and federal trial and appellate courts of North Carolina, including the 24 cases designated complex and litigated in the Business Court.

Hes also proud to have worked for a small firm most of his career, he said, representing the less wealthy litigant against well-heeled adversaries employing bigger, more expensive firms.

His longtime friend and former law partner, Todd Capitano, saw it the same way.

You know, at a small firm, youre not going to be hired to represent the Bank of Americas and the Wells Fargos of the world, Capitano said. More often than not, youre going to be representing somebody whos viewed as the underdog ... That was the kind of case that really got Dans attention.

He remembered Bishop as an attorney who planned, did not procrastinate and did good, thorough work.

Dans probably in the top two or three litigators that Ive come across in terms of just his legal acumen, his insight into law, his legal researching abilities, he said. He may be the hardest-working lawyer Ive ever come across, too. He digs into something.

Republican Congressman Dan Bishop speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb 23, 2024, in National Harbor, MD.

Bathroom bill architect

After a six-year political hiatus, Bishop announced a 2014 run for the state House of Representatives.

Im known to people in that House district, he told the Observer at the time. They know who I am. They know me to be conservative. They know me not to be a bomb-thrower, to be an effective advocate.

He ran against a Libertarian and won easily.

Im proud of North Carolinas boom decade, which the legislatures thoughtful pro-economy policies helped usher in, he said of his time in the General Assembly. We cut taxes, we kept in place proper and effective regulations and eliminated bureaucratic red tape. We helped return the state to a place in which people arent burdened by government, and from there determine their own success.

Many know him for something else in the legislature.

From the archives: Dan Bishop and North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore talk during a debate on House Bill 2.

In his first term, he landed at the center of one of the biggest controversies in North Carolinas recent history.

When Charlotte proposed a nondiscrimination ordinance that extended some protections to LGBTQ+ people, Bishop called it a radical transgender proposal that would serve as a political and legal overreach. There could be consequences in the courts or the legislature, he warned.

When the ordinance passed, he wrote House Bill 2, North Carolinas controversial and consequential bathroom bill.

That bill said people needed to use the public bathroom of their sex assigned at birth. It also barred cities and counties from setting their own minimum wage standards. Then-Gov. Pat McCrory, another Republican from Charlotte, signed it into law.

I think what were doing today is preserving a sense of privacy that people have long expected in private facilities, Bishop said when introducing the bill in committee.

The state and national backlash was swift and intense. Lawsuits were filed days after it became statute, and businesses canceled deals across the state.

In 2017, the General Assembly partially repealed HB2.

U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., poses with members of the Republican Women of Greater Charlotte after a lunch at Maggianos Little Italy in SouthPark in August 2023.

Bishop was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2016 against Democrat Lloyd Scher, serving there for two years.

Reporters and fringe activists obsession with HB2 is just weird, he wrote when asked about the bills legacy.

But does he think it should have stayed the law?

Women need to know I am committed to defending their rights when Im Attorney General, a commitment my opponent does not share, he said, referencing his opposition to transgender women participating in college and high school sports.





Embracing Trump

In 2019 he made his first run for national office.

He won a special election to represent District 9 in the U.S. House of Representatives after working directly with President Donald Trump and then-Rep. Mark Meadows, who would go on to be Trumps chief of staff. It happened as the Republican Party shifted, increasingly leaning on Trump.

We talked about a full embrace of President Trump and running a decidedly pro-Trump message about Day 5 or Day 6 of early voting, Meadows told McClatchy after Bishops victory. I saw the numbers start to change at that point.

The president took credit, too.

Dan Bishop was down 17 points 3 weeks ago, Trump posted on social media on election night. He then asked me for help, we changed his strategy together, and he ran a great race.

Rep. Dan Bishop debates fellow Charlotte-area Rep. Jeff Jackson in the state attorney generals race at the Charlotte Convention Center on Friday, June 21, 2024.

One county GOP chair observed that Bishops history with the bathroom bill, thought to be a political weakness, was in fact a strength in some parts of the district.

When they called him the bathroom bill sponsor, they thought they were attacking him, Robeson Countys Phillip Stephens said at the time. But in the rural areas that was seen as a compliment.

It was a sign of the politics to come.

Freedom Caucus

In Congress, Bishop has been one of the more prominent members of the Freedom Caucus, a group of Republican hardliners.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he joined a Reopen NC demonstration in Raleigh, where protesters urged Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper to lift a stay-at-home order that closed some businesses. Bishop has long been critical of an immigration system that he sees as too lenient, sanctuary cities and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whom he tried to impeach with the help of most Republicans in the House. And when Trump lost the 2020 election, Bishop was one of 147 Republicans who voted to overturn the results.

Dan Bishop, left, Republican candidate for the U.S. House ninth district in North Carolina, celebrates his victory over Dan McCready with supporters in Monroe, N.C., on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

Last year, he and other Freedom Caucus members tried to block Kevin McCarthy from becoming speaker as a government shutdown loomed. Bishop at first mulled over ousting McCarthy from the speakership, but voted against it.

Capitano, his longtime friend, said critical news coverage of Bishop often misses his true character. Bishop is selfless and a devoted friend, he said.

We had a lady we worked with who lost her daughter when she was in elementary school, he recalled. The way Dan sort of embraced that family and was there to comfort them was inspirational to me.

Capitano had mostly known him as an aggressive litigator at that point.

The abililty to comfort a grieving mom that we worked with was a side of Dan that I hadnt seen before, he said. But over the years, he said he saw other times where Bishops compassion helped someone.

Vision as attorney general

After months of rumor, Bishop announced in August 2023 that he would run to be North Carolinas attorney general so he could restore law and order, especially in cities like Charlotte and Asheville. He made the announcement back home on WBT, a radio station in Charlotte.

I think its a particular time to reinforce support for prosecutors and front-line law enforcement officers, he said then, adding that Congress was too slow-moving.

Congressman Dan Bishop, R-N.C., speaks to reporters outside the House chamber in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

He listed some priorities to the Observer.

He wants to end this dangerous practice, established by Democrat attorneys general over the past decade, of deciding which state laws to defend and which to ignore. He plans to support law enforcement and prosecutors in enforcing the law, including immigration law, he said. And he echoed that he would restore a culture of law and order, which he contended was eroded by Democrats who have held the office.

If elected, he said, he would challenge legally dubious national decisions.

The Biden administrations debt forgiveness, for example, mostly benefits college-educated liberals in big cities, many of whom already earn more than blue collar workers, he said. Its wrong to force the high school graduate factory worker to pay off student loans for a white-collar college graduate and especially wrong to abuse legal mechanisms to effect that result outside the law.

Attorneys general in Republican-led states have successfully challenged President Joe Bidens attempts at student-loan debt forgiveness.

Anyones race

Two other Trump-brand Republicans in Congress backed him: Floridas Matt Gaetz and Colorados Lauren Boebert. Bishops entrance into the race pushed out Andrew Murray, a district attorney in the mountains who previously served as Mecklenburg Countys top prosecutor and as a United States attorney.

Bishop touted Trumps endorsement at a rally this summer.

Everyone said: Who is he? the former president said, recalling when he endorsed Bishop before. Turned out to be an incredible congressman, but now hes running for attorney general, and hes going to be your next attorney general.

Its anyones race, said Cooper, the political science professor at Western Carolina University.

In the last attorney general race, Democrat Josh Stein beat Republican Jim ONeill by just 13,626 votes: 2,713,407 to 2,699,781.

Both candidates have name recognition, access to party networks, fundraising experiences, and experience in electoral politics, he wrote. Our last attorney general race was decided by fewer than 14,000 votes. I dont see any reason why this time should be any different.

From The Charlotte Observer in 1997: A rundown of the two candidates for City Councils sixth district.

Jackson has called Bishop an extremist, and Bishop has some criticism of his own.

Hes like a mannequin  he adopts whatever persona he thinks is best based on the political winds of the day, he said.

A Republican attorney general isnt actually so novel an idea in 2024, Cooper said. Democrats used to hold almost every office in North Carolina, he noted.

Its not that way anymore.

Asked if his political philosophy had changed since the his days as a county commissioner, Bishop wrote: Ive always been a conservative. What public office revealed to me is just how rotten political leaders unconstrained by law can be  many will use their power to try to advance their own ambitions.
A Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department deputy has been charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office announced the charges against 31-year-old Bryan Cardoso on Wednesday.

Cardoso is accused of sexually assaulting the 13-year-old at his home in Cudahy in 2022.

The crime, according to the D.A.s Office, involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, and callousness.

New LASD policy officially prohibits deputy gangs

The case is being prosecuted by the D.A.s Office Sex Crimes Division.

District Attorney George Gascon described the allegations against Cardoso as reprehensible and unacceptable, and vowed justice would be served.

I am heartbroken and outraged by the egregious assault on an innocent 13-year-old girl by someone who was entrusted with protecting our community. This child has endured an unimaginable violation of trust, Gascon said.

Cardoso is currently free of custody after posting $100,000 bond last week. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 8 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles.

If convicted, Cardoso could face up to eight years in state prison.

The case is being investigated by the LASD Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Former President Donald Trump introduces U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) during a rally at CenturyLink Center on November 14, 2019 in Bossier City, Louisiana. President Trump headlined the rally to support Louisiana Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone, who is looking to unseat incumbent Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards. " Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Last week, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy played the role of concerned politician with consummate flair when he made his way around southeast Louisiana, assuring Hurricane Francine victims he was there for them in their time of need.

This week, hes back in Washington and bringing the wrong kind of attention to our state.

If Kennedy was just marching out his faux corn pone personality yet again, his wearisome schtick would be easy enough to ignore. But our Republican junior senator went beyond the pale Tuesday with his unacceptable questioning of Maya Berry, director of the Arab American Institute, whom Kennedy said should hide her head in a bag.

The occasion was a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on antisemitism and anti-Arab hate. The topic has been at the forefront since last October when the terrorist group Hamas attacked a music festival in kibbutz Reim, killing more than 700 people and taking over 100 more hostage.

Since then, the Israeli death toll has surpassed 1,000 in subsequent Hamas attacks, while the Jewish states military response in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians.

The ongoing war has led to tense showdowns on U.S. college campuses, with politicians wandering into the fray. So you would think lawmakers would be careful not to add more fuel to whats already an incendiary situation, especially members of such an esteemed body as the U.S. Senate.

But not Kennedy, who felt compelled to demonstrate the need for such a hearing when he pressed Berry, an Arab American, to answer whether she supported Hamas and Hezbollah, another terrorist-connected political group.

Unfazed, Berry withstood the onslaught from Kennedy, who continued to ask whether she supported either group even after she made it clear she backed neither.

Oddly enough, Im going to say thank you for that question because it demonstrates the purpose of our hearing today, Berry told the senator.

Undeterred or perhaps unable to hear over his own prattle, Kennedy pressed on and finished with his head in a bag comment, drawing groans from other committee members. Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, then allowed Berry to respond.

This has been regrettably a real disappointment but very much an indication of the danger to our democratic institutions that were in now, she said in conclusion.

Kennedys boorish display will likely go over big with his more ardent constituents as well as folks on the far right who encourage such intolerance. This follows the senators pattern of Donald Trump-style demagoguery and playing up to the MAGA crowd, whose challenge to their leaders seems to be not how far can you take us? but how low can you go? in the contest to be the most hateful, insensitive and divisive.

During his political ascension, Kennedy actually held promise as a constitutional scholar and voice of reason and common sense. He delivered on the promise you would expect from a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Virginia School of Law and Oxford University. That held true even after he switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party in 2007.

But upon winning a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2017, Kennedy assumed a persona thats equal parts Foghorn Leghorn, Huckleberry Hound and Jar-Jar Binks  a chimera unwittingly spawned from the Sid and Morty Krofft laboratory.

Louisiana deserves better than a mean-spirited caricature in the U.S. Senate. At the very least, Kennedy needs to be sent a message that the level of rudeness he displayed Tuesday toward Berry doesnt sit well with the home crowd.

More importantly, Louisiana needs to have a zero-tolerance policy for the people we elected to represent us: No racism, no bigotry, no misogyny, no dogmatism, no more refusal to budge from intransigent views.

Until we do, brace yourselves for more embarrassment.

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. Follow Louisiana Illuminator on Facebook and X.
U.S. President Donald Trump introduces U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, during a rally at CenturyLink Center on Nov. 14, 2019 in Bossier City, Louisiana. (Photo by Matt Sullivan | Getty Images)

Last week, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy played the role of concerned politician with consummate flair when he made his way around southeast Louisiana, assuring Hurricane Francine victims he was there for them in their time of need.

This week, hes back in Washington and bringing the wrong kind of attention to our state.

If Kennedy was just marching out his faux corn pone personality yet again, his wearisome schtick would be easy enough to ignore. But our Republican junior senator went beyond the pale Tuesday with his unacceptable questioning of Maya Berry, director of the Arab American Institute, whom Kennedy said should hide her head in a bag.

The occasion was a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on antisemitism and anti-Arab hate. The topic has been at the forefront since last October when the terrorist group Hamas attacked a music festival in kibbutz Reim, killing more than 700 people and taking more than 100 more hostage.

Since then, the Israeli death toll has surpassed 1,000 in subsequent Hamas attacks, while the Jewish states military response in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians.

The ongoing war has led to tense showdowns on U.S. college campuses, with politicians wandering into the fray. So you would think lawmakers would be careful not to add more fuel to whats already an incendiary situation, especially members of such an esteemed body as the U.S. Senate.

But not Kennedy, who felt compelled to demonstrate the need for such a hearing when he pressed Berry, an Arab American, to answer whether she supported Hamas and Hezbollah, another terrorist-connected political group.

Unfazed, Berry withstood the onslaught from Kennedy, who continued to ask whether she supported either group even after she made it clear she backed neither.

Oddly enough, Im going to say thank you for that question because it demonstrates the purpose of our hearing today, Berry told the senator.

Undeterred or perhaps unable to hear over his own prattle, Kennedy pressed on and finished with his head in a bag comment, drawing groans from other committee members. Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, then allowed Berry to respond.

This has been regrettably a real disappointment but very much an indication of the danger to our democratic institutions that were in now, she said in conclusion.

Kennedys boorish display will likely go over big with his more ardent constituents as well as folks on the far right who encourage such intolerance. This follows the senators pattern of Donald Trump-style demagoguery and playing up to the MAGA crowd, whose challenge to their leaders seems to be not how far can you take us? but how low can you go? in the contest to be the most hateful, insensitive and divisive.

During his political ascension, Kennedy actually held promise as a constitutional scholar and voice of reason and common sense. He delivered on the promise you would expect from a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Virginia School of Law and Oxford University. That held true even after he switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party in 2007.

But upon winning a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2017, Kennedy assumed a persona thats equal parts Foghorn Leghorn, Huckleberry Hound and Jar-Jar Binks  a chimera unwittingly spawned from the Sid and Morty Krofft laboratory.

Louisiana deserves better than a mean-spirited caricature in the U.S. Senate. At the very least, Kennedy needs to be sent a message that the level of rudeness he displayed Tuesday toward Berry doesnt sit well with the home crowd.

More importantly, Louisiana needs to have a zero-tolerance policy for the people we elected to represent us: No racism, no bigotry, no misogyny, no dogmatism, no more refusal to budge from intransigent views.

Until we do, brace yourselves for more embarrassment.

This column was originally published by the Louisiana Illuminator which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Canva

State utility regulators have awarded a contract to a local company to administer Louisianas new statewide energy efficiency program, meant to cut down on power waste and ultimately save customers money.

Even though its taken more than a decade for the Louisiana Public Service Commission to strike the deal, there was still debate about starting the bidding process over again.

LPSC members voted unanimously Tuesday to contract with APTIM, the lowest bidder, as administrator of its energy efficiency program through 2029 for $24.5 million. The Baton Rouge-based firm outbid two other competitors by significant margins.

TRC, a Connecticut company with offices in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Alexandria, submitted a bid of $37.6 million. Frontier Energy of California bid $41.4 million.

The LPSCs new energy efficiency program will establish certain statewide energy savings targets. Hitting those targets could require the administrator to implement things such as appliance upgrades for large commercial buildings or help low-income customers insulate their homes.

While the idea might seem like a straightforward solution to cut back on waste, the utility companies vehemently opposed the idea and successfully delayed its adoption for years. A consultant the commission hired to write the basic guidelines for the program spent 13 years and over $500,000 trying to appease utility companies with agreeable rules.

Fed up with the delays, Commissioner Craig Greene, R-Baton Rouge, ended the stalemate in January and joined with the two Democrats on the commission to adopt what they say is a more consumer-friendly program than what the utilities wanted.

Still, Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, made a last-ditch attempt to stall the program ahead of Tuesdays vote, moving to restart the bidding process because he felt the amounts were too high.

Im just overwhelmed by the bid amounts on this, Skrmetta said. Theyre basically just monitoring a system. So Id like to ask the commission to consider putting this back out for a re-bid.

Skrmetta ultimately withdrew his motion and sided with the rest of his colleagues on the final vote to accept APTIMs low bid.

Commissioners issued a request for proposals in May to build and oversee the states new energy efficiency program. Nine companies responded, and three ended up submitting formal proposals. APTIM was both the lowest bidder and the only company headquartered in Louisiana.

Pointing to the wide margins between the bids, Commissioner Foster Campbell, D-Bossier City, wanted assurances that APTIM wasnt deliberately underbidding the contract with plans to later seek a larger payout.

I want to be crystal clear here that youre not lowballing this to come back and ask for more money later, Campbell asked APTIM executive Joel Freehling, who assured him that $24.5 million is the companys full five-year budget.

We have bid this based on our experiences in Wisconsin and other states and believe this is the cost, Freehling said.

APTIM has more than 475 employees in Louisiana and has worked in eight other states, including as the administrator for statewide energy efficiency programs in Vermont and Wisconsin.

Their work in Louisiana will begin in January with a one-year transition and an initial design phase. Eventually, APTIM is expected to monitor utility companies to make sure they are following through on any of the programs requirements.

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Given the tense security situation in the Middle East, German carrier Lufthansa is extending its flight ban to and from Israel, Iran and Beirut, the company said on Thursday.

The German airline said flights to Tel Aviv and the Iranian capital Tehran would be cancelled up to and including Tuesday and its aircraft flying in the region will bypass Israeli and Iranian airspace until then.

Flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut will also be suspended for longer than previously planned, namely until October 26. Beirut Airport was originally to remain off-limits for the Lufthansa Group airlines, which also include Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, until September 30.

The company said it would continue to monitor the situation and assess it in the coming days. Affected passengers can rebook to a later travel date free of charge or, alternatively, get a full refund of their ticket price.

On Tuesday, Lufthansa had announced that it was suspending its flights to and from Israel and Tehran until Thursday at least, following the suspected coordinated explosions of hundreds of portable radio receivers in Lebanon.
Lynchburg City Council will meet with the School Board in October

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)  The Lynchburg City Council called a joint meeting with the Lynchburg City School Board.

The meeting will occur on Tuesday, October 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. located at the Lynchburg Regional Alliance, 300 Lucado Place. This will be a replacement for the Councils normal Work Session.

Roanoke City Council votes to keep zoning changes

At 7:00 p.m. the Council will meet for their normal meeting in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at 900 Church Street.

On Tuesday, November 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the City Council will conduct a meeting to host legislators in the area for a dinner at the University of Lynchburg.

The dinner will take place in the Drysdale Student Centers West Room, on the third floor, at 1501 Lakeside Drive.

More information will be available soon and can be found at www.lynchburgva.gov

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)  The Lynchburg Police Department is working to identify a suspect in an armed robbery investigation after an incident that occurred at a local apartment complex on September 19.

The report came in on Thursday, around 7:55 a.m. stating an armed robbery occurred at the West Edge Apartments on Timberlake Road. LPD says the suspect allegedly stole a 2015 silver Mercedes C300 with a Virginia License plate.

TIMELINE: Manhunt ongoing in Salem for wanted man, child found safe

If you have any information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspect and vehicle, contact Detective Dubie at (434) 455-6102. You can also make an anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900 or online at https://p3tips.com/community/index.htm. You can also use the P3 app or text CVCS to 738477.

WFXR News will update you with additional information as this is an 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 WFXRtv.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was not surprised by the apparent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on Sunday, one day after the two spoke together at a Salt Lake City fundraiser.

Cox decried the rise in threats of political violence across the country, including in Utah, and said he was deeply disturbed by the second attempt on Trumps life in as many months, during his monthly PBS news conference on Thursday.

(Im) concerned about our country right now  the extremes that were seeing in political discourse that is leading, of course, to political violence, Cox said.

His remarks came as news broke that an Alaska man was arrested for threatening to assassinate six members of the U.S. Supreme Court and kill their family members.

Political violence by the numbers

Cox cited reports showing that threats against members of Congress have increased tenfold over the last several years, jumping from 900 in 2016 to nearly 4,000 in the first year of the Trump presidency, to over 9,600 in 2021 following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

The number of United States Capitol Police threat assessment cases fell to 7,500 in 2022 and rose again to 8,000 in 2023, the agency reported. Cox also mentioned an increase in serious threats against federal judges across the country  rising from 179 in 2019 to 457 in 2023. More than 40% of state legislators have experienced direct threats over the past three years, according to one national survey.

There has also been a significant increase in threats of violence against Utah officials, Cox said, including to himself and his family, and against lawmakers and judges. As of July 15, the Utah Statewide Information and Analysis Center had recorded 73 threat incidents toward Utah elected officials in 2024. Despite only covering seven-and-a-half months of the year, this total far exceeds the 49 threats recorded in 2023 and the 55 incidents recorded in 2022 and 2021.

Utah state Sen. Mike Kennedy, R-Alpine, who is the current GOP nominee for the 3rd Congressional District, experienced a threat of political violence firsthand in 2023 after he sponsored a bill banning child transgender treatments. The lawmakers home was vandalized with red spray paint across his garage doors, walls and driveway conveying a threatening message.

The Utah Senate referred to the event in a comment given to the Deseret News through a communications director.

Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen a rise in threats, highlighted by incidents such as the vandalism of Sen. Kennedys home, the statement said. We work closely with the Utah Highway Patrol to address issues and threats toward lawmakers. Additionally, we encourage everyone to share their views through constructive channels, fostering a culture of productive dialogue rather than resorting to threats or political violence.

What is Disagree Better?

An increase in political violence is an expected outcome of increasing political division and violent rhetoric, according to Cox.

I dont think we should be surprised to see this happening, but that doesnt mean that we should accept it, Cox said.

Cox called on Utahns, particularly those in positions of influence, to use their platforms at every opportunity ... to ask people to engage in a better way, to engage in a more productive way, to remember how to disagree without the hate and contempt, and certainly to push back anytime there is violence, and to do that across party lines as well.

From July 2023 to July 2024, Cox promoted his Disagree Better initiative as chair of the National Governors Association. The effort to decrease political polarization featured bipartisan ads with over 20 governors, trainings on healthy political dialogue and presentations on political violence.

In a story first reported by the Deseret News, Cox said he intends to continue Disagree Better as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to function as a convener, bringing depolarization research, bridge-building institutions and concerned citizens seeking to improve the quality of American politics all under one umbrella.

Cox endorses Trump

The day after a gunman nearly killed the Republican nominee for president in July, Cox decided to break with his longtime refusal to support Trump in his election campaigns. The governor wrote Trump a letter promising his help (including his vote), and expressing hope that Trump would use the opportunity to unify the country.

I made a commitment at that time, and I remain true to this, that Im going to do everything I can to help our country be better, to help reduce this rhetoric and the violence that were seeing, Cox said at the Thursday press conference.

When asked on Thursday whether he thought Trump had changed, Cox said he was hopeful after a short conversation he had with the former president on Saturday, when Trump held a fundraiser in a hangar at the Salt Lake City International Airport.

I also dont believe that Im important enough that President Trump is going to change or do things differently just because of me. But that doesnt mean Im not going to try, Cox said. Everybody can judge for themselves whats happening and what hes doing, but I am hopeful, and I have to be optimistic, and I will remain optimistic, and Im going to do everything I can to help him and others to try to bring our country together.

Cox took it as a positive sign that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both called Trump following the assassination attempt on Sunday. We need more of that, Cox said.
Im one of Rep. Grossbergs victims. I dont want anyone else to suffer like I have. | Opinion

On the evening of July 30, my 28th birthday, I received a phone call from a former friend and colleague whom I hadnt spoken to in months. She informed me that the Lexington Herald-Leader was working on a story about allegations of sexual harassment made against Rep. Daniel Grossberg and asked me to go on the record defending him.

In that moment, I felt a pit in my stomach start to grow at a seemingly exponential rate.

Warnings of the freshman Democrats penchant for creepy behavior towards young women have been commonplace in political circles since he was sworn in last year, but the anxiety I felt in that moment was more visceral. I had been dreading receiving a call like that for a different reason:

Im one of Rep. Grossbergs victims.

Within the week, I was sitting with my best friend by my side inside the Herald Leader offices, reading the written testimony I had shared with the LRC as part of their ongoing investigation into Rep. Grossberg.

I had remained silent for the same reasons that so many survivors of sexual misconduct do. I was afraid that Rep. Grossberg and his allies would smear me publicly and privately, that friends and loved ones would look at me with pity or disgust, that there would be negative consequences for my campaign.

I wish I could say that these fears were unfounded, but the truth is that in the month since the Herald-Leader published part of my testimony in a story on Aug. 20, identifying me as Woman A, every one of those fears has been realized.

Immediately after the article was published, my former friend who had called me on my birthday contacted me again. She was in a white-hot rage, screaming at me and calling me a liar. She threatened to destroy my career.

Grossberg and his attorney Anna Whites swiftly issued denials of the allegations, going so far as to suggest that survivors of his abuse simply dont understand his neurodivergent diagnosis, that we are making these claims as part of an intra-party power struggle.

When Gov. Andy Beshear suggested that Grossberg should seriously considerwhether a public office is the best or most appropriate place for him to be at this time, Whites responded by saying that Rep. Grossberg has given serious thought to his public service daily since elected.

Reading that statement, I couldnt help but wonderwas Rep. Grossberg giving serious thought to his public service when he got drunk in his office at the capitol, pressured me to drink with him even though he knew Ive been sober for years, interrogated me about my genitals, told me about his open marriage, and asked me if Id ever topped a man?

Let me be clear: I have nothing to gain politically or personally from sharing my story or identifying myself publicly.

When I sought the Democratic Partys nomination in the special election to serve the remainder of my late friend and mentor Rep. Lamin Swanns term, Rep. Grossberg was the first person to endorse me.

When I spoke to the LRC and the Herald-Leader about what happened to me, I had no idea that my opponent in my race for Lexingtons 4th Council District would be accused of sexual misconduct. Unsurprisingly, Rep. Grossbergs campaign staff have started supporting my opponent, with one member going so far as to make a financial contribution to her campaign after the Herald-Leader story featuring my allegations dropped.

Im coming forward and identifying myself publicly now because I dont want young women and girls in Kentucky to see sexual misconduct from elected officials go excused and, as a result, be deterred from seeking public office themselves.

Shockingly, the Legislative Code of Ethics does not include any provisions about sexual misconduct. Our legislature must address this glaring absence.

In the meantime, considering that Rep. Grossberg faces no opponent in November, the only feasible way for him to be removed from office at this point would be for him to resign.

So, Rep. Grossberg, I am once again urging youfor the good of your constituents, our party, and our Commonwealthto take accountability for your actions and resign from office immediately.

Emma Curtis is a Lexington resident and a candidate for the 4th District of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council.
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  The Macon County Health Department is offering free car seat checks this week.

Certified child passenger safety technicians will check if caregivers have the right seats for their childrens ages and sizes on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The checks will be held at Crossing Healthcare drive-thru facility, located at 990 N Water St. in Decatur.

City of Decatur offering electric vehicle test drives this weekend

For the most accurate checks, officials ask caregivers to bring the following if possible:

The child who rides in the car seat

The vehicles owners manual

The car seat instruction manual

Appointments are encouraged but not required, and can be made by calling the Health Department at 217-423-6988 and choosing option 6.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said car accidents accounted for on average three deaths and 429 injured of children 14 and younger each day in 2022. The correct car seats properly installed help save lives.

Officials said parents want to keep kids safe but many need a double check on how they are using their car seats.

Road work, hazard mitigation plan gains approval in Decatur

Unfortunately, many parents and caregivers underestimate the difficulty surrounding proper use regarding car seats, said Emily OConnell of the Macon County Health Department. They believe theyre protecting their kids, but almost half of car seats are either the wrong seat for the childs age and size, or the seats are installed incorrectly.

This week is Child Passenger Safety Week. More information on how to keep children safe can be found on the NHTSAs website or the Illinois Department of Transportations website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
At this point two years ago, with the Senate evenly split between the parties, Republicans felt nothing but optimism about their chances of taking control of the chamber. The GOP needed a net gain of just one seat, and Sen. Rick Scott, the then-chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, boasted that his party had a path to a majority with 55 seats.

That didnt happen. In fact, defying historical trends, Republicans managed to lose ground in the midterm elections, going from 50 seats to 49.

Two years later, the GOP feels even more optimism, and the partys confidence is rooted in reality. Republicans can control the Senate with a net gain of two seats, and with Sen. Joe Manchin retiring in West Virginia, the GOP, for all intents and purposes, has already flipped one seat from blue to red.

With that in mind, Republicans need to win only one more seat, which is entirely realistic: Democrats are having to fight tooth and nail to hold on to competitive seats in Montana, Ohio, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Maryland. To have a chance of a 50-50 split in the Senate, Democrats would have to win all of those seats.

That is, unless theyre able to flip a seat or two from red to blue.

Is that possible? The conventional wisdom is that every GOP incumbent is safe this year, but a recent report by The New York Times noted that Senate Democrats have their eyes on two of their least-liked colleagues.

Democrats have only two races to play offense in: Senator Ted Cruzs campaign in Texas and Senator Rick Scotts in Florida. Both men have never been personally popular in their states, but those states have been reliably Republican of late. Democrats like their candidates, Representative Colin Allred in Texas and former Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in Florida, but it would most likely take severe erosion of Mr. Trumps support to put those Senate seats in play.

Cruz barely won a second term in 2018, and this year, Allred looks like a candidate with plenty of crossover appeal. It was against this backdrop that Chris LaCivita, a senior campaign adviser for Donald Trump, wrote via social media last week, What the hell is wrong with the Senate race in Texas?

LaCivita added that, as far as hes concerned, its time to get some real professionals in to save Cruz. Implicit in the message, of course, is that Cruz needs saving.

Meanwhile, Floridas Rick Scott  who has won three statewide campaigns by incredibly narrow margins  last month started dumping quite a bit of his own money into his re-election campaign. Whats more, a handful of recent statewide polls have shown Mucarsel-Powell trailing the far-right incumbent by 5 points or less, raising Democratic hopes of a possible upset.

Lets also not overlook the fact that Sen. Gary Peters, the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for the second consecutive cycle, told reporters this week that his party is likely to spend more on the Texas and Florida contests.

In case that werent quite enough, theres Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska, a Republican who was widely seen as a shoo-in for re-election  up until very recently.

There is no Democratic nominee in the race, but independent Dan Osborn  best known for having led a labor strike at a Kelloggs plant in 2021  appears to be faring better than expected.

How do I know that for sure? Because Republicans are starting to target Osborn with attack ads, and if he werent picking up support, they wouldnt bother spending money in one of the nations reddest states.

Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In early August, Donald Trumps campaign made a provocative announcement: An Iranian group successfully hacked the Republicans 2024 operation in June. While the former president and his team have earned a reputation for breathtaking dishonesty, these claims were actually true.

In fact, the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a joint statement in mid-August on Iranian efforts to hack both parties presidential campaigns.

While Iranian officials have denied the allegations, new information about the scheme continues to come to light. NBC News reported:

Iranians sent unsolicited emails that included stolen material that was not publicly available from former President Donald Trumps campaign to people associated with his Democratic political rival, the FBI and two other government agencies said Wednesday. The FBI and officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said there was currently no information indicating that recipients associated with President Joe Bidens campaign had responded to the emails.

The basic details of the story, at least at this point, appear rather straightforward: If the allegations are accurate, Iran successfully breached the Trump campaign and obtained private information. Iran then offered stolen materials to Democrats; and Democrats ignored the outreach.

In fact, a Harris campaign spokesperson said in a statement, Were not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign; a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt.

NBC News report added, Three federal law enforcement sources confirmed the accuracy of the Harris campaigns statement to NBC News, saying law enforcement agencies tracked the stolen information from the Trump campaign and determined that several people linked to Bidens campaign received emails containing the information. The recipients never responded to the emails and may not have even opened them because they appeared to be phishing attempts, the sources added.

The Republican nominee responded to the news in a decidedly Trumpian way.

WOW, JUST OUT! the former president wrote in a hysterical screed, published to his social media platform. THE FBI CAUGHT IRAN SPYING ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GIVING ALL OF THE INFORMATION TO THE KAMALA HARRIS CAMPAIGN. THEREFORE SHE AND HER CAMPAIGN WERE ILLEGALLY SPYING ON ME. TO BE KNOWN AS THE IRAN, IRAN, IRAN CASE! WILL KAMALA RESIGN IN DISGRACE FROM POLITICS? WILL THE COMMUNIST LEFT PICK A NEW CANDIDATE TO REPLACE HER?

In case this werent quite enough, Trump published a follow-up item soon after, insisting that the vice president is getting illegal campaign help from Iran.

Evidently, the GOP nominee is under the impression that this story makes him look better and Harris look worse. Thats precisely backwards, and its worth understanding why.

First, Iran targeted both parties presidential campaigns. While Russia continues to target American elections in the hopes of putting Trump back in power, Tehran was an equal-opportunity hacker.

Second, the former president believes Iran gave information to Team Harris, but thats not what happened. Iran operatives apparently tried to give unsolicited information to Democrats, but they failed.

Third, Trump sees this as an example of the Harris campaign illegally spying on him, which is so utterly bonkers that its hard not to wonder whether the Republican understands what spying means in English.

Fourth, the GOP nominee apparently sees all of this as some kind of parallel to his Russia scandal, but the comparison quickly falls apart: Team Trump welcomed, received, benefited from, and lied about Russian assistance. Team Harris didnt welcome, receive, benefit from, or lie about Iranian offers of assistance, so the idea that the two are similar is absurd.

Finally, lets not forget that Trump is on record publicly endorsing foreign intervention in American political campaigns. In fact, in June 2019, the then-president spoke to ABC News George Stephanopoulos, who asked an important hypothetical: If foreigners offered Trump campaign officials information ahead of the 2020 election, should they accept the dirt or should they call the FBI?

I think maybe you do both, Trump replied. I think you might want to listen, theres nothing wrong with listening. If somebody called from a country, Norway, We have information on your opponent, oh I think Id want to hear it.

In other words, by Trumps own reasoning, the Harris campaign wouldve been justified responding to Iran  theres nothing wrong with listening  and perhaps even examining the materials Iran allegedly stole.

Fortunately for the integrity of our political system, thats not what happened.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
One of the more common complaints Ive heard about the media is that journalists are sometimes reluctant to use the word lie. News organizations will point to politicians whove pushed falsehoods and deceptive rhetoric, and media professionals will acknowledge those whove made untrue claims  but the word lie is approached with greater caution.

There are experts in journalistic ethics who can speak to this in more detail, but to summarize briefly, the hesitation relates to foreknowledge: When candidates for public office push arguments that are demonstrably wrong, can we say with certainty whether they know the arguments are demonstrably wrong? Or is it possible that theyve made a good faith effort to tell the truth but are simply mistaken?

Fortunately, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance keeps offering convenient case studies for journalism classes everywhere.

The Wall Street Journal reported this week, for example, that the Ohio senator and his staff were told his racist conspiracy theory about pet-eating Haitian immigrants wasnt true, but Vance and Donald Trump kept pushing the baseless claim anyway. They were, in other words, lying.

Just hours after the Journals article reached the public, a related example came to the fore. The New York Times reported:

Asked about Haitians immigrants legally working and living in the United States through Temporary Protected Status, Vance criticized the Biden administration for granting that status to Haitians, asserting that the government had illegally given them that protection and saying that he would still refer to them as illegal aliens anyway.

In other words, the Republican senator has repeatedly claimed that Haitian immigrants who are living and working in the United States legally are illegal aliens. Reminded of reality, Vance said he simply doesnt care and prefers to simply keep lying.

"I'm still gonna call them an illegal alien" -- JD Vance on Haitian migrants who are in Ohio legally pic.twitter.com/phe5yjiUyd  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 18, 2024

If Kamala Harris waves the wand, illegally, and says these people are now here legally, Im still going to call them an illegal alien, Vance said to applause at a rally. An illegal action from Kamala Harris does not make an alien legal.

The Republicans indifference toward reality remains breathtaking.

Did Harris give these Haitian immigrants Temporary Protected Status? No. Is it illegal for a president to give immigrants Temporary Protected Status? No. Did Vance care about these details after having been presented with the truth? No.

But just as notable as the senators indifference to the truth is his indifference to the law: As far as the GOPs vice presidential nominee is concerned, these Haitians are here legally, but since he disapproves of the relevant law, hes decided that theyre not here legally.

With each passing day, Vances dishonesty and radicalism becomes even more obvious.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The violent threats that have disrupted Springfield, Ohio, since Donald Trump repeated a racist lie about Haitian immigrants eating pets, during the presidential debate, follow a familiar pattern. The bomb threats that shut down elementary schools, the swatting attacks meant to intimidate community members, all form the sort of high-speed-networked harassment that over the last few years has largely focused on community events for queer and trans people. That may be because the same network of right-wing media influencers who spread a moral panic about groomers, leading to bomb threats, doxxing, swatting, and other threats of violence against Drag Story Hour events, has activated againas they do each time some new panic surfaces in the rights online information ecosystem. In both cases, they havent just spread lies; they have served as the go-to source of content for people willing to act on those lies.

Springfield, like too many communities across the country, is not in danger due to rumors and baseless claimsit is a community in the crosshairs of an informal yet highly engaged network, pushing violent propaganda that has repeatedly scapegoated people for destroying America, and activating those consuming this content to threaten and terrorize the groups being scapegoated. As the Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck recently told The Wall Street Journal, Were living the danger that misinformation and created stories leads to.

An earlier attempt to scapegoat Haitian immigrants in Springfield didnt reach a national audience, said Jared Holt, senior research analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, who investigates how extremist groups use technology. In August 2023, an 11-year-old boy was killed after a car accident involving a school bus and a car driven by a Haitian immigrant. Afterward, a neo-Nazi group called Blood Tribe tried to seize on this local tragedy. White supremacist movements have done this since forever, said Holt, to identify cases of white children who die in incidents involving immigrants, specifically non-white immigrants. The group has what appears to be a halfway-decent membership in the Midwest, Holt said, and they had been seen in Ohio before, attempting to intimidate attendees of a Drag Story Hour event, dressed in similar attire and making Nazi salutes, alongside a banner reading, Weimar Conditions Require Weimar Solutions.

This summer, near the one-year anniversary of the deadly car accident, members of Blood Tribe marched on Springfieldabout a dozen guys, some carrying swastika flags, some armed with rifles, most with their faces hidden. Afterward, the founder of Blood Tribe attempted to use a Springfield City Commission meeting to smear immigrants in the community and to recruit others to their racist cause, but he was thrown out by the city mayor. While this group now takes credit for the anti-Haitian lies spreading to J.D. Vance, Holt said hes skeptical.

The Trump campaign and MAGA also earlier attempted to use Aurora, Colorado, in their fearmongering about immigrants, but it didnt catch on, said Nick Martin, an investigative journalist and researcher who runs The Informant, an online publication that covers hate and extremism. Trump spoke about Aurora at a Wisconsin rally, not long before the debate, and lied about a community of Venezuelan immigrants in Aurora being a criminal gang taking over the city. Deportations, he said, would be a bloody story. Seeing the anti-immigrant lies spreading about Springfield, said Martin, this felt like take two for me.

But Martin could also see right away Springfield was different. The viciousness of the racism felt more extreme, but also, he said, there was just delight, throughout the MAGA world, for making these racist claims, these racist lies. With Springfield, A.I.-generated images quickly proliferated of Trump saving cuddly cats and dogs. For MAGA world, Springfield has now become a very easy shorthand for this very intense racism, he said. It is a way for Trump and adjacent political figures to reference an expansive corpus of anti-immigrant propaganda, from a nonexistent immigrant invasion, to its accompanying panic about immigrants replacing white Americans.

What changed, making the white supremacist propaganda ploy about cats and dogs successful where the white supremacist propaganda ploy about a car accident failed? Part of the difference may have been the way the pets lie was circulated on the social media site Xwhere it was picked up by what feels like a pretty familiar cast of characters, Holt said: these conservative influencers that essentially specialize in a form of moral panic. The anti-immigrant panic about Springfield quickly spread from an X account called End Wokeness, which had shared a Facebook post about allegedly missing pets, and from members of the crew that led the anti-LGBTQ groomers crusade: the early Pizzagate promoter Jack Posobiec and the infamous X account Libs of TikTok, run by Chaya Raichik. The MAGA folks are trafficking in the same sick and bigoted nonsense about Springfield, Ohio that the neo-Nazis carrying swastika flags were pushing a couple weeks back, Martin said on Bluesky on September 7before the presidential debate. Theyre repeating the same rumors and lies. But they obviously have exponentially bigger audiences. The day before the presidential debate, X owner Elon Musk re-shared a post by the X account for the Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, featuring an A.I.-generated image of Trump appearing to rescue a hyperreal cat and a goose in a pond.

Within a matter of weeks, the rights more successful campaign using the Haitian immigrant community in Springfield had wrought something that looked a lot like the anti-LGBTQ campaigns theyd led before. But the biggest difference may be that Trump so quickly elevated their campaign to the national stage.

Days after the debate, Springfield schools and hospitals began receiving bomb threats. About half of the students in the English as a second language class one Springfield woman ran for her Haitian neighbors didnt come to class the night after the debate, because they genuinely didnt feel safe leaving their houses, she told a reporter. A town hall organized by the news outlet The Haitian Times was threatened and couldnt meet in person. A group of Proud Boysthe neofascist group that Trump had instructed to stand back and stand by at a 2020 debate and who played a leading role on January 6showed up in Springfield and marched. When asked about the Proud Boys on Face the Nation that day, Vance said coldly, Of course, I dont align myself with the views of the Proud Boys, before immediately launching into more racist lies about immigrants, dismissing the Proud Boys as a tactic by the media to distract people. A Spectrum News reporter has been keeping a running list of places in Springfield that have either been placed on lockdown, evacuated, closed, or searched at some point over the last week due to threats. He has counted 33 separate bombs threats. Among them: Springfield City Hall, a threat that Mayor Rob Rue said specifically used hateful language towards immigrants and Haitians in our community. On Monday, elementary school kids got ready for picture day and were evacuated instead. There had been another bomb threat. Frustrated parents say they suspected it would happen, reported the journalist Amanda Moore.

Neither the Trump campaign nor the right-wing social media moral panic crew seem to be backing off this. Vance especially is unrepentant, all but admitting that he knows what he is saying is damaging to Haitians and isnt true. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Vances campaign knew before the debate that the racist stories about stolen pets were lies. If I have to create stories so that the American people actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, Vance said on CNN, then thats what I am going to do. And an unnamed Trump adviser told The Bulwark that the campaign is content to have this story continue in the news. We talk about abortion, we lose. We talk about immigration, we win, the Trump adviser told Marc A Caputo. Well take the hit to prove the bigger point.

We lack a good way to talk about what is going on when a major presidential campaignconsisting of a former president and a current senatorand a network of right-wing media influencers seem to be drawing from the same well of propaganda. Who is driving who? Underneath it all, underneath the campaign, underneath the information economy, there is a ready pool of anti-immigrant and racist ideas available to anyone who cares to tap into them. The presidential campaign, influencers, and the individuals making the bomb threats and neofascist groups descending on the town create a feedback loop for these ideas, reinforcing them, spreading them, fueling them.

Trump has already promised large deportations from Springfield, Ohio. Hes also said hell be going to Springfield in the next two weeksYou may never see me again, but thats OK. Got to do what I got to do, he said at a rally on Wednesday. Well see if he actually does show up. But he may have other plans: The same players are already trying to turn a handful of other cities into the next Springfield.
Madeline Sotos Mom Claims She Was 'Oblivious' to Boyfriends Alleged Sex Abuse, Even Though They All Shared Bed

Madeline Soto, 13, disappeared in February, and her mother's boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, is now accused by police of murdering her

Orange County Sheriff's Office/X

Madeline Soto, 13, was found dead days after she disappeared in February

Her mother's boyfriend is facing a murder charge in connection with her death

Police interviews show Madeline's mother Jennifer Soto breaking down as she learns details about the case

Authorities in Florida have released details about their investigation into the disappearance and killing of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, shedding light on the alleged sexual abuse police say the teenager experienced at the hands of her mothers boyfriend.

Madeline disappeared from her Kissimmee, Fla., home on Feb. 26, and her body was found in a wooded area on March 1, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said at the time. Prior to recovering her body, police arrested her mother's boyfriend, 37-year-old Stephan Sterns, on unrelated charges of possessing child sexual abuse material.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office has now released a video of their interview with Madeline's mother, Jennifer Soto, which took place on March 1, hours before the teenager's body was found, per Click 2 Orlando, which shared the video.



During the nearly three-hour interview clip, an investigator references Jennifer's claim that she, her boyfriend and Madeline all slept in the same bed together  and expresses suspicions that Jennifer knew about her boyfriend's alleged sex abuse.



Orange County jail Stephan Sterns (left); and Jennifer Soto being interviewed by detectives.

It seems like some of your emotions ... [are] not sincere. the investigator says to Jennifer.

I feel like some of your sadness is not real sadness," he adds.

Jennifer, who broke down in tears at times during the interview, pushes back.

If I knew anything, I promise you I would tell you, she says, offering to take a lie detector test.

I've never seen any signs, I tried watching her like a hawk, I thought I was doing a good job but I wasn't, she says, breaking down. I was oblivious to everything for four years.

In August, the sheriff's office released a case supplemental report. The report claimed that upon learning that police found photos and videos showing Sterns allegedly sexually abusing a child, Jennifer said, "He's been grooming and abusing my child," FOX 35, WFTV and Click 2 Orlando reported in August.



Related: Cause of Death Revealed for Madeline Soto, 13, Whose Mother's Boyfriend is Accused of Molesting and Killing Her

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.

Madeline died from strangulation, FOX 35 Orlando, WESH and Click Orlando reported in August, citing a medical examiner's report.

Osceola County, Fla., court records reviewed by PEOPLE show Sterns was charged with first-degree murder in April in connection with Madeline's death. Jennifer has not been charged in connection with the case.

Information about Sterns' plea to the murder charge was not immediately clear. He has pleaded not guilty to 60 counts of sexual abuse charges, per the Osceola News-Gazette. PEOPLE was not immediately able to reach his attorney.



If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
MAGEE, Miss. (WJTV)  Faculty at Magee High School worked with Magee police to quickly mitigate a potential threat on Tuesday.

Officials said a school employee noticed a man walking near the school with a machete and called police. They said the school went into lockdown and followed safety protocols.

Magee police said they were able to locate the man, who was identified as Willie Jones, walking away from the school with the machete still in hand. Jones was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine and transported to the police department.

Defense calls witnesses to the stand in Carly Gregg trial

Officials with the school district and the police department said theyre well-equipped to respond to a threat, and they want parents to know their children are safe at school.

Last year, we did a role-play, active shooter trainer at one of our elementary schools so that teachers could really get a feel for something if it were to happen. We have practice sessions, so we may go in and say, Okay, well, we have an active shooter, just to see. So, we do drills, and we talk to the teachers. Each school has a team that immediately goes into action once something happens, said Dr. Furlinda Travis, assistant superintendent of Human Resources and Operations at the Simpson County School District.

We always need to be prepared because you just may never know. Ninety-percent of the time you may never get a call to a school. But theres that five to 10-percent of times where something serious may happen, and so, we really need to be prepared, said Magee Police Chief Denis J. Borges.

No one was injured during Tuesdays incident.

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Arthur Barnard, whose son Arthur Strout died in the Lewiston mass shooting, speaks at a press conference in Augusta on Jan. 3, 2024. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

The Maine Gun Safety Coalition and allies launched a citizen initiative on Thursday to pass a red flag law after the state commission tasked with investigating the Lewiston mass shooting concluded that local law enforcement failed to enforce the states current yellow flag law.

The main difference between the laws are that under a red flag law, officially called Extreme Risk Protection Order, family members can directly petition a judge to temporarily limit someones access to firearms when they are in crisis, whereas current Maine statute only permits law enforcement to do so and requires a mental health evaluation before a judge can confiscate someones firearms.

Washington D.C. and 21 states have red flag laws, but Maine is the only state with a yellow flag version of this type of proactive violence prevention order.

The group said they are currently signing up volunteers to begin collecting petition signatures at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 5.

In the aftermath of last years tragedy in Lewiston, people in communities across Maine have asked what could have been done differently, said Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition and one of the citizen petitioners. The Lewiston report laid bare the inadequacies of the half-measure lawmakers passed in 2019. The commission did its part, and now the rest is up to us.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey established the Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston with a fact-finding mission, and it was not tasked to make policy recommendations, commission chair Daniel Wathen said during the press conference in which the report was released last month.

The commission concluded that the Sagadahoc County Sheriffs Office had sufficient probable cause to both take Card into protective custody and start a petition to confiscate his firearms under Maines yellow flag law, yet failed to do so. Further, the report noted that during public hearings held by the commission, several law enforcement officials testified that the yellow flag law is cumbersome, inefficient, and unduly restrictive regarding who can initiate a proceeding to limit a persons access to firearms.

The initiative to push for a red flag law is a coalition effort, called the Safe Schools, Safe Communities citizen initiative. It includes gun safety advocates, health care and mental health professionals, faith leaders, teachers, gun owners and veterans groups, among others.

One of the initiatives sponsors is Arthur Barnard, father of Lewiston shooting victim Arthur Strout, who wrote in a statement that the state Legislature has not done enough to prevent another mass shooting.

In the year since I lost my son, we went to Augusta and tried to get lawmakers to do the right thing and tighten this law up, and they fell short, Barnard wrote. Now were taking this common sense proposal directly to the people of Maine. If Extreme Risk Protection Orders could prevent just one more family from ever having to experience what Ive gone through  what my grandchildren are going through every day  its worth it.

Following the mass shooting in Lewiston on Oct. 25, 2023, that left 18 people dead and 13 injured, legislators considered a number of gun reform proposals.

Those that became law included a modification of the states existing yellow flag law that allows police to get protective custody warrants to use at their discretion to take dangerous people into custody and remove their weapons. The law also expands background checks for advertised sales and incentivizes checks for unadvertised sales.

The supplemental state budget provided more funding for the yellow flag law, which has seen increased use since the Lewiston shooting. Mills said earlier this month the law has been used a total of 392 times, 311 of which since last October.

A law creating a 72-hour waiting period for certain firearm purchases also passed narrowly.

However, the most ambitious gun reform last session, a proposed red flag law, never made it to a final vote. Mills also vetoed a proposal that would have changed the definition of machine guns to limit their use and required that firearms used in a crime be destroyed.

Meanwhile at the federal level, Maines U.S. senators are pushing for legislation to ensure the military uses existing state crisis intervention laws when a service member poses a threat to themselves or others.

Aside from Palmer and Barnard, the other citizen petitioners for Safe Schools, Safe Communities are Joe Anderson, a pediatric hospitalist in Lewiston, Cathy Harris, a retired teacher, Lisa Durkee, a minister, and Doug Rawlings, a veteran.

The Maine Secretary of States Office confirmed on Thursday that the group filed for a citizen initiative. They will need to collect 67,682 valid signatures (or 10% of the total votes cast for governor at the Nov. 2022 election). The filing deadline for appearing on the November 2025 ballot is 5 p.m. on January 23, 2025 and February 2, 2026 for the November 2026 ballot.

The Safe Schools, Safe Communities campaign has been endorsed by a number of organizations across the state, such as the Maine Medical Association, Responsible Gun Owners of Maine and Maine Summer Camps, as well as religious groups, including the Congregation Bet Haam and Episcopal Diocese of Maine.

This story was updated to include information from the Maine Secretary of States Office.

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Major discount chain is closing a Johnson County location. Sales go until its last day

Big Lots is closing more locations nationwide, including one in Olathe.

The Ohio-based discount retailer, selling home goods and more, will shut down the 140 S. Clairborne Road location. Its last day will be Nov. 24, employees told The Star.

Store closing signs hung in its windows Thursday afternoon.

The Johnson County closure is part of a second wave of mass closures this year. Earlier this summer, Big Lots said it would close hundreds of stores across the country.

In July, locations at 13637 Washington St. in south Kansas City and 7533 State Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas, announced they would close, though employees at both locations did not know when the last day of business would be.

Now, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is closing dozens more stores, Nexstar reported this month.

Big Lots still has locations in the Northland at 4826 N. Oak Trafficway, in Lees Summit at 901 E. Langsford Road, in Shawnee at 7408 Nieman Road, in Blue Springs at 603 S.W. U.S. Highway 40, and in Independence at 4201 S. Noland Road.

The Olathe location is currently offering up to 20% off merchandise.
(WJET/WFXP)A new report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has found that large social media and video streaming platforms have engaged in vast surveillance of users, monetizing their personal information with few safeguards.

The report follows a December 2020 order issued to nine social media companies requiring them to provide data on how they collect, use, and present personal information, their advertising and user engagement practices, and how their practices affect children and teens.

The orders included some of the largest social media platforms, such as Amazon.com Inc., which owns the popular streaming website Twitch; Meta Platforms, Inc.; YouTube LLC; Twitter, Inc. (Now X Corp.); Snap Inc.; Bytedance Ltd, which owns TikTok; Discord Inc.; Reddit, Inc.; and WhatsApp Inc.

While lucrative for the companies, these surveillance practices can endanger peoples privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from [identity] theft to stalking. Several firms failure to adequately protect kids and teens online is especially troubling. The Reports findings are timely, particularly as state and federal policymakers consider legislation to protect people from abusive data practices, said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan.

The report found that these companies collected and stored data, which the FTC said could indefinitely retain troves of data, including information about data brokers, users, and even non-users. Some of these companies were also found to fail to delete all user data in response to a user deletion request.

Not only did these companies collect this data, but several even encouraged the mass collection of their users data to monetize it, generally in the form of targeted advertisements.

After data was collected, users and non-users had little to no control over how their data was used by the companys automated systems. Some of these automated systems were said to be differing, inconsistent, and inadequate approaches to monitoring and testing the use of automated systems.

Protecting the data of children has been a growing concern, and it was found that many of these companies assert there are no children on their platform simply because their services were not directed toward children, while sometimes treating teenagers the same as adult users.

As a result of the findings, the FTC is calling on Congress to pass federal privacy legislation to limit the collection of this data, protecting consumers data rights, they also call on the companies to do more to create concrete and enforceable data minimization and retention policies. At the same time, companies should limit what data they share and adequately delete data when it is no longer needed.

One recommendation that a platform has acted on is recognizing that teens are not adults and providing those users with greater privacy protections under the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act Rule.

Instagram recently made teen accounts private by default as it tries to make the platform safer for children amid a growing backlash against how social media affects young peoples lives. Parent company Meta acknowledges that teenagers may lie about their age and says it will require them to verify their ages in more instances, like if they try to create a new account with an adult birthday.

Associated Press contributed to this report

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The Teamsters International Union will not be endorsing either candidate for president this election cyclebut that doesnt mean that the local chapters of the million-plus-member union will be taking the same stance.

On Thursday, several chapters of the Teamsters in key battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada, came out in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Harris-Walz ticket offers a comprehensive vision for Americaone that not only prioritizes economic fairness but also stands steadfastly by our nations workers, wrote Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 President Kevin Moore in a statement. Their record and future plans are exactly what our country needs to continue growing and prospering.

I urge all my Teamster members and fellow citizens to lend their support to this outstanding campaign, Moore continued. In conclusion, as a nation we must move forward to protect and grow the middle class. We are not going back!!!

Groups in Nevada, California, Hawaii, and Guam also came out in support of Harris, representing a collective 300,000 Teamsters. In a campaign email celebrating the local endorsements, the Harris-Walz ticket acknowledged that Teamsters groups in several other states, including Florida, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, had also backed the Democratic ticket.

Donald Trump, meanwhile, painted the national nonendorsement notice as a win for his campaign, telling reports after the fact that the nothingburger was a great honor.

Its a great honor, Trump said during a stop in New York City, reported Fox News. Theyre not going to endorse the Democrats. Thats a big thing.
Majority of Black swing-state voters back Harris, as Trump makes inroads with Black men: poll

Majority of Black swing-state voters back Harris, as Trump makes inroads with Black men: poll

New data from the Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion offers insight into Black voters' support heading into the 2024 presidential election.

The Howard University poll shows an overwhelming majority of Black voters in the seven swing states support Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Trump.

A whopping 82% of respondents told pollsters that they supported Harris compared to just 12% that backed Trump.

NEW POLL INDICATES WHETHER HARRIS OR TRUMP HAS THE EDGE IN THE MOST IMPORTANT BATTLEGROUND

Former President Trump participates in a Fox News Town Hall with Sean Hannity at the New Holland Arena in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 4.

Approximately 5% of respondents indicated they are undecided and the final 1% said they intend to vote for a candidate other than Harris or Trump.

The data shows a significant difference between age groups.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Approximately 89% of Black voters over 50 years old backed Harris, while only 8% backed Trump and 4% backed an alternative candidate.

AMERICANS FAVOR TRUMP ON IMMIGRATION, SUPPORT MASS DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, POLL FINDS

Among young Black voters, the majority still overwhelmingly backed Harris (75%), but support for Trump doubled to 16% and support for alternative candidates shot up to 9%.

This age difference was most obvious among men  men under 50 broke 72% to 21% in favor of Harris, contrasted against 88% to 10% among men over 50.

The Howard University poll surveyed Black voters over the age of 18 and registered to vote in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The poll was conducted from Sept. 4-11 with a total of 1,000 respondents and a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

Individuals were surveyed via landline, cellphone and text-to-web.





Original article source: Majority of Black swing-state voters back Harris, as Trump makes inroads with Black men: poll
Majority of Missourians support prohibiting cell phone access and later start times in high schools

ST. LOUIS  A poll by Saint Louis University and online marketing research company YouGov finds that a majority of Missourians support pushing back start times for high schools, as well as prohibiting cell phone use for students during school hours.

The August 2024 SLU/YouGov surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters between August 8-16. weighted the survey respondents to known characteristics (age, education, gender, and race) of registered Missouri voters. The margin of error on the weighted data is 3.79%.

Poll results reveal the following trends:

Over 72% of voters support prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones either during class or regular school hours; 78% agreed that cell phones should be banned during class (margin of error 5.3%)

52% of voters support having high school start times begin at 8:30 a.m. or later in their school district

Cell phone use in school has become a hot-button issue in recent years with the prevalence of school shootings across the country. Parents are concerned about being able to reach their children, or vice versa, in such circumstances or other emergencies. However, educators say cell phones are a distraction for students.





Ashley Burle, Ph.D., associate director of the Saint Louis University/YouGov poll and interim director of graduate admissions for Saint Louis Universitys School of Education, said the results showed more than two-thirds of Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters support a cell phone ban during school hours.

On the subject of school hours, the survey notes that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports later start times to promote adequate sleep in adolescents. The results were even more skewed among young respondents.

Among voters below the age of 45, 71% wanted to start high school at 8:30 a.m. or later, Courtney Vahle, Ed.D. Director of Operations at Saint Louis Universitys PRiME Center, said.

The PRiME Center in SLUs School of Education funded the August 2024 SLU/YouGov Poll. Its important to understand that the YouGov panel is comprised of 3.1 million U.S. residents who have agreed to take YouGov Web surveys.

See the full poll results and crosstab results below.

August 2024 SLU/YouGov Poll Top Line Results by KevinSeanHeld on Scribd

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Slu Poll August 2024 Crosstab Results by KevinSeanHeld on Scribd

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Man accused of killing person, setting fire may be connected to similar crime

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD)  A man accused of killing a person and then setting fire to a home in Summerville may be connected to a similar crime in a nearby community.

A bond court hearing was scheduled for Wednesday for Roger Levar Smalls. He appeared via video from the Dorchester County jail.

Smalls was arrested following a vehicle pursuit and faces a slew of charges including murder and arson.

Officers from the Summerville Police Department responded to a structure fire on Halcyon Drive on Tuesday morning. Firefighters entered the home and found a deceased individual.

Circumstances surrounding the fire and the suspicious-looking wounds on the victim raised some concerns. The victims vehicle was also missing.

Police sent out a BOLO for the vehicle, and the Charleston County Sheriffs Office initiated a pursuit when the vehicle was located. Smalls was driving the vehicle.

Smalls confessed to murdering the victim on Halcyon Drive, according to police.

The coroner told the victims family that he would be releasing the victims identity during a press conference scheduled for Thursday morning, and the Moncks Corner Police Department will be on hand for that announcement.

Law enforcement sources tell News 2 that Smalls was also the prime suspect in a similar homicide that happened in Moncks Corner about two years ago. Authorities were unable to definitively connect him to the crime at that time.

Officials say the homicide he has confessed to is similar in nature to the Moncks Corner homicide two years ago, which is why Moncks Corner police will be at the press conference.

The judge during Wednesdays bond hearing did not allow cameras in the courtroom. The hearing was quick.

Smalls was charged with murder, arson, first-degree burglary, grand larceny, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and desecration of human remains.

After reading those charges, the judge told Smalls that he would be denying bonding in this case. Only a circuit court judge or general sessions court judge can give bond for a murder charge.

Smalls has a November 12 general sessions court date.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
A man who allegedly fled the country after he was charged with the murder of a Lenexa woman in 2005 is now in custody after a nearly 20-year investigation, police said.

Angel Maria Herrera, 42, of Shawnee, Kansas, was charged in Johnson County District Court on Sept. 17, 2005, with first-degree murder in connection to the death of Maria Morfin-Rojas, 30, of Lenexa.

On Sept. 15, 2005, Lenexa Police officers responded to a report of suspicious activity at an apartment in the 11900 block of West 77th Terrace. They found Morfin-Rojas inside an apartment stabbed to death, said Officer Danny Chavez, a spokesman with the Lenexa Police Department.

Detectives quickly identified Herrera as a suspect in the case, Chavez said. They also learned Herrera had fled the United States to Mexico a few days prior to the discovery of Morfin-Rojas body.

Herrera was 23-years-old at the time of the alleged crime.

On April 27, 2023, Lenexa detectives were notified that Herrera had been arrested in El Salvador, and was being held pending extradition to the United States.

Since 2005, the same lead detective has been working the case, Chavez said. On Wednesday, he flew to El Salvador along with federal agents to extradite Herrera back to Johnson County.

Chavez said the case is a testament to the diligent work of investigators.

One of the challenges is, when you have an investigation thats that old, people can retire, people on the case can pass away and its sometimes more difficult. But in this case we have a detective who is not only still with us, but continued to pursue that case across the course of those (nearly 20) years, Chavez said.

Chavez said cases involving an international fugitive can present special challenges for local law enforcement.

In this case, the detective did not take that attitude, but instead continued to pursue it and stayed in touch with federal authorities as to the whereabouts of this individual until he came back on the radar back in 2023, Chavez said.

Herrera was booked into the Johnson County Adult Detention Center Thursday morning. He is due to appear in court for arraignment 1:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Johnson County District Court records.
A man has been accused of shooting a father who was trying to break up a fight that started on a school bus involving his daughter, according to authorities.

Kentarian Cross, 22, of Florida City, turned himself into police Wednesday after he allegedly shot and killed 47-year-old Johnny Lewis Stevenson on Tuesday, police say. Stevenson was intervening in a brawl involving several girls from Homestead High, including his daughter, when Cross fired the deadly shot, Miami-Dade Police say.

When police arrived at the scene about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, neither Stevenson nor Cross were there. A little while later, Stevenson, who police say lived in Florida City, arrived at Baptist Homestead Hospital before being airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center. He died during surgery there, police say.

Police say cellphone camera footage captured the incident, which was spread on social media. The video shows a group of girls fighting on a school bus before it cuts to an escalated fight with a large crowd in a residential neighborhood in Florida City. Soon after, gunshots can be heard and Stevenson falls to the ground, the video shows.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools says it was aware of the video clip involving students from Homestead Senior High School fighting and that the students involved will be disciplined according to the Code of Student Conduct, the district said in an email to the Herald.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office ruled Stevenson died from a gunshot wound to the torso, police say.

Cross is being held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces one count of second-degree murder with a weapon.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man led police on a foot chase that brought him additional charges after a warrant was filed for his arrest the day before.

Read next: Independent Review Board: Local priest determined unsuitable for ministry

Police responded to the 900 block of Stiles Street NW around 10 a.m. Tuesday for reports of an unwanted person. When they arrived on the scene, officers observed Christian White, who had an active warrant on the charge of burglary out for his arrest, sitting on the front porch.

Reports state he fled when he saw officers, running through nearby backyards. At one point during the chase, officers said White tore open a cellophane wrapper  which the officer in pursuit noted people use to hold drugs  and shoved the pills contained inside into his mouth, chewing them before they could be seized by authorities.

White was eventually apprehended after an officer deployed a stun gun.

Court records show White is charged with obstructing official business and resisting arrest. He appeared for video arraignment from jail on Wednesday. He is set to return to court Sept. 26.

Further records show White was indicted earlier in the year on unrelated felony charges of failure to comply with the order or signal of a peace officer and possession of a fentanyl-related compound. He is set to appear in court next week before a jury trial scheduled for Oct. 7 on those charges.

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The Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth was targeted on 4 August [PA]

A man who assaulted a police officer during unrest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has become only the third person in England to admit a charge of rioting.

The Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth was attacked and set on fire during disorder on 4 August, in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

Simon Orr, 38, from Tamworth, previously pleaded guilty to assaulting the female officer but denied riot charges.

He appeared at Stoke Crown Court via video link from prison to change his plea on Thursday.

Judge John Edwards told him it was a "sensible" decision and that he would be sentenced on 11 October.

The attack on the Holiday Inn Express came amid the disorder that swept the UK last month.

The riots and protests were in part fuelled by false claims on social media that the suspect in the Southport attack was an immigrant who had arrived on a small boat.

Police officers at the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth [PA]

The court heard Orr was also in breach of a suspended sentence order, having been handed a 17-week term in January for theft, assault and driving while disqualified.

Judge Edwards said: "The fact that you have pleaded guilty today is something that the [sentencing] judge can take into consideration.

"You have not left it to the day of trial [to plead guilty] which is very sensible if I may say so."

The court heard Orr was also in breach of a suspended sentence order [PA]

The charge against Orr was upgraded from violent disorder to the more serious charge of riot after a review of the evidence by prosecutors.

No details of Orr's involvement in the rioting were given to the court, but CCTV evidence will be played at a future hearing.

Defence barrister Jennifer Devans-Tamakloe told the court that Orr had mental health issues, which may need to be explored before his sentencing.

Emily Lenham of the Crown Prosecution Service said he was an active participant who was directly attacking police, especially after officers tried to control the situation.

When the disorder escalated, rather than leaving, Orr continued to play an active role; encouraging others to set fire to the hotel with people trapped inside  recklessly endangering lives," she said.

"Despite his clear involvement he attempted to minimise his conduct, claiming he had attended for a lawful protest.

"However, the strength of evidence against him left him no choice but to plead guilty."

In a separate hearing at the same court, Matthew Hodgekinson also pleaded guilty to having taking part in violent disorder.

The 33-year-old, of Halmerend, Newcastle-under-Lyme, admitted one charge relating to unrest in Stoke-on-Trent on 3 August.

Judge Sally Hancox said it was "almost inevitable" Hodgekinson would be facing a custodial sentence.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Man arrested again for stealing diesel for 2nd time in a month in Tampa

Man arrested again for stealing diesel for 2nd time in a month in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A man was busted for stealing diesel in his second arrest in a month, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office.

Around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to the area of Progress Boulevard and Falkenberg Road regarding a vehicle with a stolen Florida tag.

Florida woman left puppy in hot truck for over an hour while she went shopping: police

The driver, 26-year-old Jesus Alvarez-Moreno, reportedly had a strong diesel odor coming from the car, which had been modified to steal gasoline from underground fuel tanks.

Inside, deputies found a 300-gallon plastic cube container, with two 55-gallon plastic drums and car batteries. Two of those drums were filled with fuel.

Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office

Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office

Alvarez-Moreno, who was out on bond after having been arrested for the same crime on Aug. 23, is now facing charges including unlawful conveyance of fuel, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, attaching an unassigned tag, and not having a valid drivers license, the sheriffs office said.

Law-abiding citizens trying to run businesses in our community are affected by these crimes, Sheriff Chad Chronister said. This suspect has been caught stealing not once but twice and would have stolen more if not for our deputys swift response.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Man arrested for DUI after crash in Merced County, CHP says

MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A man has been arrested following a crash into a utility pole in Merced County, the California Highway Patrol said on Thursday.

CHP posted on social media that an officer had responded to a solo vehicle crash, where the driver allowed their vehicle to leave the roadway and collide with the utility pole.

After the crash, CHP says that the officer spoke with the driver and conducted field sobriety tests. The officer determined that the driver was under the influence and the driver was arrested.

California Highway Patrol  Merced

According to CHP, no one else was involved in the crash.

CHP says crashes like this are avoidable, and that impaired driving puts other lives in danger.

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Man arrested for sexual exploitation after tip from Florida agency

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  The Dorchester County Sheriffs Office has arrested a man for sexual exploitation of a minor after receiving information from an agency in Florida.

Casey Donald Marshall, 40, of Ladson is charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the second degree.

According to the Dorchester County Sheriffs Office, deputies executed a search warrant and arrest on the 9700 block of Table Mountain Lane in Ladson. Warrants were obtained after an extensive investigation prompted by information provided by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office in Florida.

Authorities say Marshall used an online messaging and community website to send explicit photos and messages out of state. During the investigation detectives linked Marshall to a nudist community in Osceola County.

Marshall is being held in the L C Kight Dorchester County Detention Center on a $65,000 cash surety bond.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident to call 843-832-0350 and request Detective Sergeant Kreig Griffin.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
(KRON)  A man has been hit with several charges after he allegedly threatened a person who had an Israeli flag on their car, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price said.

The incident happened on a freeway in Fremont on Sept. 12. A criminal complaint said that Jesus Hernandez, 40, saw a car with an Israeli flag and veered towards it.

He yelled slurs and death threats at the victim and pointed a replica firearm at them, Prices office said.

Ex-rocker asked Palo Alto woman for help with murder plot, witness testifies

He also used the replica gun to assault the victim after the cars exited the freeway into Fremont, the DAs office said.

KRON4 has reached out to Fremont police for more information about the nature of the assault.

Hernandez was charged with a misdemeanor hate crime, felony criminal threats and brandishing a replica firearm. He is due in court for a plea hearing on Oct. 31.

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BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WBOY)  A man has been charged after allegedly starting a fire at a residence in Buckhannon and then blaming it on someone else.

On Sept. 17, troopers with the Upshur County detachment of the West Virginia State Police responded to a residence on Farnsworth Avenue in Buckhannon to assist the Buckhannon Fire Department with a house fire, according to a criminal complaint.

While en route, troopers learned that two individuals were at the residence currently arguing over who started the fire, and when troopers arrived, they found evidence of a fire on the front porch which had already been extinguished, troopers said.

In the yard of the residence, troopers found multiple items which appeared to have been melted by fire, and scorching on the floor level of the porch, as well as approximately 2-2.5 feet up a piece of drywall, according to the complaint.

Woman charged after allegedly threatening to stab children then throwing knife at man in Buckhannon

Randel McVay

Troopers then spoke with a woman at the residence who said that Randel McVay, 39, had been in a verbal altercation with another individual at the home, and that the woman and that individual left the residence and began walking toward Weston because McVay threaten[ed] to cause physical harm to her, troopers said.

When the they had made it about a third of a mile away from the residence, McVay ran up to her yelling she had set the house on fire and then dialed 911 to report the fire, according to the complaint.

The woman returned to the residence to find the porch on fire and told troopers that there was no fire when she left the residence; troopers then spoke with McVay who said that, She let the porch burn, troopers said.

McVay claimed that he saw someone else light the fire, and when troopers asked McVay if he immediately contacted 911 to report the fire, he replied, No. She lit it and I was like what the f*** you doing. God dang, according to the complaint.

When troopers asked how the timeline added up if he watched the woman set the fire and caught up to her down the road, he became agitated and threw items from his hands on the ground and then faced troopers in a bladed stance, troopers said.

Upshur County Sheriff gives details following multi-county police chase

Troopers then attempted to detain McVay, at which point he began backing away while trying to pull his arm away, but troopers were able to place him in handcuffs, according to the complaint.

While in custody, after being read his Miranda statement, McVay gave multiple different accounts of how the fire started and his role in doing so, troopers said.

McVay has been charged with first-degree arson. He is being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail.

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Killeen, Tx (FOX 44)  Killeen police have arrested a 63-year-old Georgetown man accused of stalking his ex and threatening to kill her and members of her family.

David Ray Wade was booked into the Bell County Jail Wednesday after being arrested in Georgetown.

Killeen Police Department spokesperson Ofelia Miramontez said the female victims ordeal began after she had ended a seven-year relationship early this year. She first reported the problem in July. She told police that starting in May the mans behavior had become increasingly threatening, that she was receiving texts and social media posts. She told police she was being watched and tracked, with the man claiming to know where she was and who she was with. By the end of May, she said his messages had escalated, becoming overtly threatening. On May 25, after a series of texts, she said she received one stating, Im in Kill mode Please show up and bring your son, I will get you! I promise.

Miramontez said that throughout June and July 2024, despite the victim blocking the suspect, she continued to get harassing and threatening texts, alternating between accusations and attempts to win her back, while also making death threats. At one point, he stated he was going to kill her, mentioning that he had 35 rounds and would be in prison the next day. Police said he specifically threatened to kill her son and sister. By July 10, 2024, police said the threats intensified, with the suspect claiming to know her location and stating that he was coming to kill her and her boyfriend. That same day, she got a text saying that she, her son, and her sister would all be killed.

The victim said the man knew her workplace and claimed he had threatened to wait for her in the parking lot. Her employer contacted the Williamson County Sheriffs Office, and the suspect was arrested for making a terroristic threat. The victim expressed to officers that she feared for her life and believed the suspect would kill her if given the chance.

Detectives with the Special Victims Unit presented the case to the Bell County DA and on August 20, 2024, a complaint for Stalking was returned and Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson issued a warrant. On August 26, 2024, the United States Marshals Service- Lone Star Fugitive Task Force located the suspect in the 3600 block of Buffalo Springs, Georgetown, TX and arrested him without incident. He was transported to the Williamson County Jail.

He has since been transferred to the Bell County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
CHICAGO  A man has been charged after a home invasion and stabbing of two 19-year-old women on the South Side.

Marshal Shepherd, 19, is facing two attempted murder and one count of home invasion with a dangerous weapon after he was arrested Tuesday morning in the 4800 block of Drexel Boulevard.

Police allege earlier that morning, he broke into a home in the 6000 block of South Prairie Avenue and stabbed two women, both 19.

Previous: Two 19-year-old women stabbed in South Side home

He was placed into custody nearly two hours after the alleged incident, according to police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Cambridgeshire Police said it was called to reports of violence at a property on Tuesday morning [Getty Images]

A man has been charged with murder after the death of a man found seriously injured at a property.

Cambridgeshire Police said it was called to reports of violence in Histon Road, Cambridge at about 11:30 BST on Tuesday.

A 38-year-old man was treated by paramedics at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Jonathon Austin, 23, of Histon Road, Cambridge, has been charged with murder and is due appear at Huntingdon Magistrates' Court.

The victim has not yet been formally identified and a post-mortem examination is expected to take place later.

Det Insp Lee Martin said: "We believe this is an isolated incident but additional patrols have been put in place since Tuesday to reassure local residents.

"Our thoughts are with the victims family  who are being supported by specially trained officers."

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  A man has been arrested and charged in the Wednesday death of a woman Des Moines police initially considered suspicious.

Walter Bickham, 58, is charged with second-degree murder, according to Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department. Bickham is being held in the Polk County Jail.

Busy ERs make room after wave of shooting victims last weekend

DMPD officers and rescue personnel from the Des Moines Fire Department responded to a call for a medical emergency at a residence in the 1500 block of Capitol Avenue around 5:25 p.m. When they arrived, they found a 52-year-old woman in cardiac arrest. Medics provided care and the woman was transported to a hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, she died.

Sgt. Parizek said evidence indicated suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident including a laceration injury to the womans leg that caused significant blood loss at the scene.

The criminal complaint in the case said Bickham stabbed the victim in the leg during a domestic altercation causing her to bleed and he did not call police or for an ambulance to provide medical aid.

Bickham was detained at the scene.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 30th. Bickham is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.

The victims name has not yet been released by police.

This is the citys 12th homicide of 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Man charged with sexually abusing two minors in Lancaster County

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A man is facing charges after allegedly sexually abusing two young children in Lancaster County, according to the New Holland Police Department.

Police said they received a referral from Lancaster County Children and Youth stating that Jeffery Smith, 45, was sexually abusing two young children.

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Smith was charged with rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, and other related charges, according to police.

Both victims disclosed that Smith committed various acts of sexual abuse against them at a home in New Holland during interviews with the Lancaster County Childrens Alliance, per the police.

Police in Roanoke, Virginia, arrested and extradited Smith to Lancaster County on Sept. 10. There, he was arraigned by District Judge Jonathon Heisse on Sept. 17.

Smith was committed to Lancaster County Prison on $250,000 bail.

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FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  A Plainville man whos already behind bars has been found guilty of indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14.

David Puccio, 54, was convicted of the charge by a jury last week, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III announced on Thursday.

The incident happened back in November 2021 at a furniture store in North Attleboro. According to Quinn, Puccio touched a female employee inappropriately after she showed him around the store for about 45 minutes and he declined to buy anything.

When she asked what he was doing, Puccio allegedly said, Im sorry. Im Italian. I walk with my hands.

Puccio was sentenced to serve four and a half to five years in state prison. Quinn said that term will begin once Puccio finishes a separate five-year sentence he began serving in December 2022 for violating the terms of his probation connected to another indecent assault case involving a child in Norfolk County.

NEXT: Senate committee to vote Thursday on contempt resolutions for Steward CEO

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Man dies following car crash in Alderney

Police said appealed for witnesses to come forward [Getty Images]

A 66-year-old man has died following a crash involving a car in Alderney, police have said.

All emergency services were called to the single-vehicle incident at Fort Clonque at about 18:40 BST on Wednesday.

Guernsey Police said inquiries were ongoing and Alderney residents would see an increased police presence in the area.

Officers have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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Man who fell from the third story of downtown Albuquerque bar files lawsuit

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man suffered severe injuries from a fall off the third-story balcony at a downtown bar last year. The big question now is, was it his fault? Or the bouncers?

Story continues below

He cant walk, he cant talk, he is catastrophically injured in a life-changing event, said Adrian Vega, Partner at Buckingham and Vega Law Firm.

It happened last year on May 20, when 22-year-old Gabriel Romero went to a downtown bar in Albuquerque. After that night, his life would never be the same. He plummeted three stories down onto the pavement and changed his life forever, said Vega.

Now, Romero is suing Canvas Artistry, a restaurant during the day turned nightclub in the evening, off Central and First.

The lawsuit and the response from the bar both said a fight broke out between Romero and another man. When security personnel tried to break it up, the lawsuit said one of the bouncers placed Romero in a headlock before picking him up and carrying him to the patio.

We see three men all in black, black shirts, black pants, and when Mr. Romero believed he was being jumped and he had tried to escape that unfortunate incident said Vega.

The next thing Romero knew, he was on the ground. His lawyer said security personnel lacked proper identification. He also said the bar failed to provide police with needed surveillance footage making Canvas Artistry culpable. I think the why is accountability. And the hope is that there will be positive change in these bars throughout Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico, said Vega.

But the bar denied many of these allegations in a legal response that said, Mr. Romero propelled himself over the railing under his own volition.

They also denied the suggestion they withheld footage from police. But Romeros lawyer said the tragic incident could have been avoided, Because its preventable, its obvious, and its predictable.

KRQE News 13 reached out to the president of Canvas Artistry who said he does not comment on pending litigation. Albuquerque Police Department told KRQE News 13 they are not investigating as it is now a civil matter.

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A Williamson County jury on Tuesday found a man guilty of killing a 70-year-old grandmother who investigators believe had pulled over to assist him on the side of the road near Florence. The jurors later sentenced 28-year-old Joshua Anthony Gilbreath to 60 years in prison, the district attorney's office said in a statement.

Diana Pier was found shot to death Aug. 4, 2022, along County Road 245 outside of Florence. Officials said she had been driving home from visiting a relative in Round Rock when she stopped behind Gilbreath's vehicle, which was pulled over on the side of the road.

Joshua Gilbreath

Gilbreath was arrested nine days later in Round Rock, officials said.

More: Suspect arrested in death of Williamson County grandmother Diana Lynn Pier

During the trial, the defense argued that Gilbreath was legally insane at the time of the murder, Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick said in the statement Wednesday. However, he said, prosecutors Michael Waldman and John McMillin presented evidence suggesting Gilbreaths actions were influenced by alcohol and drug abuse.

According to her obituary, Pier and her husband were planning to travel to Italy to celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary. It said she was a legal secretary, a notary and worked at Exfluor/FluoroMed for 24 years as a document controller. She also led the children's story hour at the Florence Public Library as a volunteer, was on the board of Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery, was the bereavement leader of Christ Child Society and provided care to elderly people.

During the sentencing phase of the trial, Dick said, Piers friends and family provided testimony about her dedication to her family, friends, church and the community.

I am pleased that justice has been achieved for Diana Pier and her loved ones in this tragic case," he said. "While this sentence will not bring their loved one back, we hope this sentence provides some sense of justice to the many people who knew and loved Mrs. Pier. My office will continue to pursue significant punishment for those who commit such random, senseless violence.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Man gets 60 years in slaying of 70-year-old grandmother near Florence
Police chase that sent man to hospital result of domestic incident: Reports

BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  First News has learned that a police chase that ultimately led the hospitalization of the driver stemmed from a domestic abuse incident.

Police were called to a home in the 600 block of Afton avenue around 12:30 a.m. Thursday for reports of domestic violence, strangulation and assault. Reports state dispatch was informed the victim being strangled was eight weeks pregnant. Officers reported hearing children screaming in the background, as well as what reports describe as an ongoing physical fight.

The victim told police the incident began as an argument with the assailant, identified as Darnell Walker, a person known to her, before turning physically violent.

Walker then left the residence, at which point an officer initiated a pursuit.

The chase covered less than a mile and lasted approximately one minute, with top speeds estimated by authorities at approximately 85 mph, according to reports. It ended when Walkers vehicle struck a semi-truck in the area of Lake Park Road and Thalia Avenue.

WKBN

Reports state the car began smoking and emergency crews removed Walker, who was unconscious, from where he was pinned underneath the steering wheel. Walker was transported to the hospital with severe head injuries, reports state.

Ohio State Highway Patrol also reported to the scene to assist in the investigation of the crash.

Authorities say Walker will face charges of domestic violence, strangulation, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and failure to comply.

Andrew Peterson and Jonathan Renforth contributed to this report.

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FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is dead following an accident involving landscaping equipment in a Franklin neighborhood, officials said.

According to the Franklin Police Department, the incident occurred just after 9:40 a.m. in the Steam Valley Neighborhood on Thursday, Sept. 19.

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Authorities reported a preliminary investigation indicates the man was using landscaping equipment when he sustained fatal injuries.

The victims identity wont be released until family is notified, police said.

The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) have been notified about the incident. Additional details were not immediately released.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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Man pleads guilty in federal court to 2022 arrest on gun charge by Youngstown police

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man arrested in 2022 by city police pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to a gun charge.

Lamont McQueen, 33, entered his plea before U.S. Judge Pamela A. Barker in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 23.

McQueens charge stems from a June 17, 2022, arrest by Youngstown police when reports said he ran from a car that was being pulled over on Zedaker Avenue for driving very fast. He was found in a nearby backyard after he ran.

When asked if he had a gun, McQueen said he did and officers found an unloaded .40-caliber handgun on him, reports said.

Reports said a police dog was bought in to search and found a magazine for the gun in the yard where McQueen was caught.

The case was transferred to federal court in January and McQueen was indicted Jan. 30 by a federal grand jury.

In 2013, McQueen was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a 2012 shooting death in the driveway of his then East Lucius Avenue home when he shot a 19-year-old man as the two wrestled in the drive. He was released from prison in February, prison records show. That is the reason he is not allowed to have a gun.

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Man says he lied when he testified against inmate who is set to be executed

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Just days before inmate Freddie Owens is set to die by lethal injection in South Carolina, the friend whose testimony helped send Owens to prison is saying he lied to save himself from the death chamber.

Owens is set to die at 6 p.m. Friday at a Columbia prison for the killing of a Greenville convenience store clerk in 1997.

But Owens lawyers on Wednesday filed a sworn statement from his co-defendant Steven Golden late Wednesday to try to stop South Carolina from carrying out its first execution in more than a decade. The state Supreme Court has asked prosecutors and defense to finish their written arguments by Thursday afternoon.

Prosecutors have previously noted that several other witnesses testified that Owens told them he pulled the trigger. And the state Supreme Court refused to stop Owens execution last week after Golden, in a sworn statement, said that he had a secret deal with prosecutors that he never told the jury about.

On Wednesday, Golden signed another sworn statement saying Owens wasnt at the store when Irene Graves was killed during a robbery.

Instead, he said he blamed Owens because he was high on cocaine and police put pressure on him by claiming they already knew the two were together and that Owens was talking. Golden also said he feared the real killer.

I thought the real shooter or his associates might kill me if I named him to police. I am still afraid of that. But Freddie was not there, Golden wrote in his statement, which does not name the other person.

Golden testified at Owens trial, saying prosecutors promised to consider his testimony in his favor but he still faced the death penalty or life in prison. He was eventually sentenced to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, according to court records.

Im coming forward now because I know Freddies execution date is September 20 and I dont want Freddie to be executed for something he didnt do. This has weighed heavily on my mind and I want to have a clear conscience, Golden wrote in his statement.

Prosecutors have said Golden wasnt the only evidence linking Owens to the crime since other friends testified that they, along with Owens, had planned to rob the store. Those friends said Owens bragged to them about killing Graves. His girlfriend also testified that he confessed to the killing.

Prosecutors argued last week that Graves decision to change his story shouldnt be enough to stop the execution because Graves has now admitted to lying under oath, thereby showing that he cannot be trusted to tell the truth.

Additionally the timing of Goldens revelation to aid his confederate approximately a month from Owens execution is suspect as well, prosecutors wrote in court papers.

Also on Thursday, a group called South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty presented a petition with more than 10,000 signatures to Gov. Henry McMasters office asking him to reduce Owens sentence to life in prison.

Justice works for restoration. You cannot restore someone who you kill, said the groups executive director, Rev. Hillary Taylor, as she read from one of the comments on the petition.

McMaster, a Republican, has said he will wait to announce his decision on clemency until prison officials call him minutes before the execution begins.

Owens would be the first person executed in South Carolina in 13 years after the state struggled to obtain drugs needed for lethal injections because companies refused to sell them if they could be publicly identified.

The state added a firing squad option and passed a shield law to keep much of the details of executions private. The state Supreme Court then cleared the way for the death chamber to reopen this summer.

Five other inmates are also out of appeals and the state can schedule executions every five weeks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
DENVER (KDVR)  On Thursday, a 39-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for assaulting his pregnant ex-girlfriend in 2023.

Tomas Bandera was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections for first-degree assault  causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon as an act of domestic violence following a guilty plea.

The sentence stems from May 26, 2023, when the Adams County Sheriffs Office was called about an incident of domestic violence at a home along Coronado Parkway.

Family speaks out while 18-year-old fights for her life after being struck by vehicle

According to the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office, Bandera assaulted his ex-girlfriend repeatedly. The DA said Bandera also stole her stepmothers car and ultimately called the police on himself.

Bandera was taken into custody after leading police on a high-speed chase, the DA said.

At that time, the DA said the victim was six months pregnant and the assault caused a premature delivery of the baby. The victim suffered several injuries, but both she and her baby survived.

This case shocks the conscience, said District Attorney Brian Mason. The defendant brutally assaulted his pregnant ex-girlfriend and very nearly caused her death and the death of her unborn child. Im truly grateful that the mother and the baby survived, and that this defendant will spend a significant amount of time in prison for this horrific crime.

According to the DA, Bandera was on domestic violence probation for a prior misdemeanor assault of the same victim. The DA said Bandera stalked her before ultimately violating his protection order and visiting her house.

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The victim supported the release of information on this case in the hopes that her story would resonate with and help other survivors of domestic violence, said the DAs office in a press release.

Help is available for survivors of domestic violence. More information can be found on Adams Countys website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Man sentenced to life in prison for 2019 murder of Charlotte man: District Attorney

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Charlotte man has been sentenced to life in prison for murder during an attempted robbery in 2019, according to Mecklenburg Countys District Attorneys Office.

Travonte House, 32, is sentenced to life in prison without parole for first-degree murder. He will serve a concurrent sentence of 19-32 months for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CMPD: Teen turns self in for April homicide

Derrick Chambers, 31, was shot and killed on April 6, 2019, in the 7200 block of Barrington Drive.

Houses trial began on Sept. 9 and ended on Sept. 18 with a guilty verdict.

Officials said two co-defendants, Diyondre Wilson and Keniya Guyton, were previously convicted in connection with the crimes. Charges against a third co-defendant, Malik Benson, remain pending.

READ MORE: 3 more suspects, including 17-year-old, arrested in Barrington Drive homicide in April

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Leavittsburg man was sentenced Wednesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court after pleading guilty earlier in the year on charges tied to child sexual abuse material.

James Harper, 44, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and labeled a Tier 1 sexual offender. He is required to register with the sheriffs office once per year for the next 15 years.

Harper previously pleaded guilty in July to two counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and a pandering obscenity charge.

Prosecutors alleged pornography was downloaded to electronics belonging to Harper.

The victims in the case, a boy and a girl, were both under the age of 14 when the crime occurred. At the time of Harpers plea, the mother of the victims told the judge she had no objections to the terms of the plea deal arrangement.

The case was investigated in September 2023 by the Warren Township Police Department and the Trumbull County Children Services agency.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man is dead after police say he was shot to death in the airport area on Wednesday night.

Memphis Police say a little after 9 p.m., they responded to a shooting call in the 2800 Block of Airways Boulevard. A male victim was found shot from a gunshot wound.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

Shooting in Soulsville leaves 1 injured

No suspect information is available at this time. This is still an ongoing invstigation.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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WAIANAE, Hawaii (KHON2)  Prosecutors will not charge the Waianae man who shot and killed a neighbor who rammed into his home with a front loader before opening fire on Saturday, Aug. 31.

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The incident happened during a party where family members were in the carport when the neighbor reportedly used the front loader to ram multiple cars into the home.

Prosecutors said it is a case of self-defense or defense of others. Keamo-Carnate said he had already gone to sleep after the family party, but was woken up shortly after 11 p.m.

When I got up, we saw it. We started, just in disbelief and shock when he came in with their front end loader, he said.

Police said Hiram Silva got off the front loader and killed three women with an unregistered firearm before Rishard Keamo-Carnate stopped him with his registered handgun.

My family, my kid were in danger, he said.

Police records show Silva also tried to shoot four 55-gallon drums that held an unknown fuel. Keamo-Carnates lawyer said verbal threats from Silva went back decades.

Waianae family asks for healing related to neighbor shooting

And the police kept saying, you know, We cant arrest him because hes got gates. I never heard of police needing permission to go in to arrest someone, Michael Green said. He wanted to blow up the house and burn people down besides who he shot. And he was violating laws with that dome, with drinking and whatever else he was doing in there for years.

Police Chief Joe Logan said on Tuesday, Sept. 3 that previous cases were under review to see why officers were sent to Silvas home before. No update was given on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Rishard was initially taken into custody for second-degree murder after the incident and told KHON2 that the arresting officer recognized him from previous visits over Silvas threats.

Self-defense still being investigated after latest West Oahu shooting

I remember you, braddah, I sorry we couldnt, couldnt help you and I hope all goes well for you, he said. Yeah, he was praising me.

Being locked up, I was scared. The relief this morning was a blessing. I was crying and happy at the same time, but didnt know how to show it. Rishard Keamo-Carnate

Prosecutors announced their decision to not pursue the case against Keamo-Carnate on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

He still lives in the home and said the front loader was recently removed.

Hopefully we can start rebuilding on Monday. And were just taking it day by day, he said.

Cherell Keamo, Courtney Raymond-Arakaki and Jessyca Amasiu all died from their injuries.

In Hawaii, a person is allowed to use proportional amounts of force to defend themselves, said defense attorney Victor Bakke shortly after the incident.

Green said a civil lawsuit to go after the estate of Silva is in the works.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Temple, Texas (FOX 44)  A 20-year-old man shot during a struggle with a Temple police officer earlier this week has been released from the hospital and now has been arrested on felony charges.

Bond was set at $750,000 for John Reese Hutka, charged with aggravated assault against a public servant.

A statement issued by police said around 8:38 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Kasberg Drive on a welfare call regarding a 20-year-old subject that was slurring his speech. When the officer arrived and approached the man, after some initial dialogue between the subject, EMS, and the officer, the individual fled the residence east toward Pepper Creek Trail, entering a wooded area. The officer followed and attempted to detain the subject for the welfare concern, but the subject resisted, and an altercation with the officer ensued.

Police said that a supervisor, who was able to access the live feed monitoring feature on the officers AXON body camera could hear what sounded like the altercation, heard the subject yelling death threats at the officer, gunshots, and the officer advising that the subject was actively choking him, and calling out shots fired. The officer was able to detain the subject and take him into custody.

Aggravated sex assault suspect apprehended

Police said the subject sustained at least one gunshot wound to his upper left torso and was taken to the hospital, where he was listed as stable, The officer was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was also reported as stable.

Texas Rangers are investigating the incident with the officer involved on administrative leave pending the outcome.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
A man who survived a machete attack at his work is back home after nearly three months in Atlanta hospitals.

Channel 2 Action News has been sharing Chris Sullens journey to recovery since uncovering the crime in June.

The only thing that I really dread out of all of this is having to go to court, Sullens told Channel 2s Courtney Francisco.

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Coming home takes him one step closer to that milestone.

I wouldnt want anybody to go through this, Sullens said.

On June 20, he was at work at Advantage Homeless Day Center on North Ave. when according to police, a client of his, Cedric Smith, attacked Sullens with a machete.

The arrest warrant accuses Smith of hitting Sullens in the head with the machete five times.

It left Sullens on life support with a broken skull.

Doctors had to remove one of his eyes.

He was able to move from Grady Memorial Hospital to the Shepherd Center in Buckhead.

That facility specializes in traumatic brain injury treatment.

Now, hes home.

He laughed when he said Its tiring. Its just been go, go, go, go, go, Sullens said.

He said one of his first stops was back where the attack happened.

I made up my mind that I was just going to get it over with and not let it control me, said Sullens.

Sullens also gave his official statement to police investigators.

Plus, he got his two small dogs back.

They went right into the old routine, Sullens said. So, that really helped me a lot being back into my space.

He said a pet boarding business named Mutty Paws kept them for free.

On top of that, strangers have donated thousands to help ease his financial burden.

Sullens doesnt know when or if he will get to go back to work full-time.

He said he wants to begin volunteering and helping counsel others who are living with a traumatic brain injury.

His goal is to learn to drive himself again next year.

For now, he is living in the moment.

Im planning on taking some trips, having a little fun, and taking care of me right now, Sullens said.

Smith faces two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possession of a knife during the commission of a felony.

TRENDING STORIES:

Criminal records show Smith was out on probation when the attack happened.

He served prison time for cutting a man in the neck with a razor blade.

In 2013, he threatened a woman with a knife on an Athens sidewalk, according to court records.

A date for the Grand Jury hearing in this case has not been announced.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Chief Justice John Roberts, from front row left, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Neil Gorsuch, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and in back row left, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, arrive before President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Washington. | Shawn Thew

An Alaska man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly making threats toward six U.S. Supreme Court Justices.

Panos Anastasiou, 76, sent over 465 messages to the justices through the courts website between March 20, 2023, and July 16, 2024, according to Alaska U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker.

The messages contained violent, racist and homophobic rhetoric coupled with threats of assassination by torture, hanging and firearms, Tuckers announcement said.

During a court appearance Wednesday, Anastasiou was charged with nine counts of making threats against a federal judge and 13 counts of making threats in interstate commerce. He faces up to a total of 90 years in prison for each count of making threats.

We allege that the defendant made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Our justice system depends on the ability of judges to make their decisions based on the law, and not on fear. Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families, he added.

The indictment didnt mention which justices were targeted justices. The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority that has faced criticism over recent landmark decisions.

Political violence against this bench of justices has been especially high following the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. At the time, Garland upped the around-the clock-security for the justices.

A California man was arrested in 2022 after getting caught outside Justice Brett Kavanaughs house in Maryland while holding a gun, knife and other tools in his possession. He was charged with the intent to assassinate the justice and pled not guilty, as CBS News reported.

Earlier in February, the U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis told a House Judiciary subcommittee that he is deeply alarmed by increasing threats against the judicial system.

In the past three years, the number of threats against federal judges have more than doubled, as have threats against prosecutors and other court officials, Davis said, per CNN. I must state in stark terms that the current and evolving threat environment facing the judiciary constitutes a substantial risk to our democracy.
Manatee County deputies arrested three students on Wednesday for making written threats to kill, sheriffs officials said.

A sixth grader was arrested Wednesday morning at Buffalo Creek Middle School and two students at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy were also arrested after making threats Tuesday night. Deputies will continue to provide additional security at all schools when they receive information about threats.

Buffalo Creek Middle School administration learned about the threat the 11-year-old made through an instant messaging app. Deputies confronted the student at school and searched her belongings, but no firearms or weapons were found. She admitted to making the threat to deputies and was charged with writing electronic threats to kill, a second-degree felony.

Multiple students have been arrested today for making school threats in Manatee Co.



Sheriff Wells encourages parents to remind children of the consequences of making written threats to kill, a second-degree felony.



Details: https://t.co/ECyHDFPQwD pic.twitter.com/urvt0olY7w  Manatee Sheriff (@ManateeSheriff) September 18, 2024

Deputies began investigating two students at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy after a Snapchat message was reported for threatening to shoot up the school. Deputies were at the school Wednesday morning to investigate where the message originated. A 14-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy were arrested and admitted to creating separate posts. Both students will be charged with writing electronic threats to kill.

Schools across the country have seen a dramatic increase in threats of violence after the school shooting in Georgia that left four dead on Sept. 4.

"Students must understand the seriousness of making threats about school violence, said Sheriff Rick Wells. Make no mistake about it, if we have evidence that a student made a threat to kill, we will arrest them and take them to the Juvenile Detention Center. I encourage parents to remind their children of the consequences of making school threats.

Anyone who comes across threatening information is encouraged to report it to law enforcement or through the FortifyFL App.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Manatee County school threats: 3 students arrested, deputies say
Its that time of year again, when temperatures start to cool, leaves begin to change color and local brewpubs celebrate the annual autumnal celebration that is Oktoberfest  and Fremonts Five-0-Five Brewing Company is embracing its beer-making heritage.

This year will actually only be our second year of doing Oktoberfest, said Jesse Vitamvas, Five-0-Fives head brewer. We owe a lot of our brewing roots to the German monasteries and the German folks that were lagering beers and brewing beers in that fashion, years and years and years ago.

Five-0-Five is hosting its Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon to 10 p.m. in the taproom and outdoors along Fourth Street, which will be blocked off. There will be traditional-esque games like hammerschlagen, in which competitors hammer nails into a block of wood or tree trunk.

Its a good time, Vitamvas said. Its one of those games I found out about after college and its kind of just stuck in my mind, and its kind of a German-style game.

There will also be a stein-holding challenge, in which participants will be given a liter of beer or water, we havent really decided in a stein that they will then hold out in front of them, arm fully extended, for as long as they can.

Once it starts dipping, you spill or whatever, youre out, Vitamvas said.

All of the brews on tap on Saturday will be German-style, including a lager and a Munich Dunkel, from Five-0-Five and other local breweries.

And whats a beer festival without grilled meat?

Both Nicks Street Eats and Salt & Pepper BBQ will be on hand to ensure youre not drinking on an empty stomach.

It was only a year and a half ago that Salt & Pepper owners Steve Scigo and Bev Minnis took home $5,000 after winning the 2023 Fremont Creative Collective pitch competition and theyve been working hard to expand their business beyond their food truck.

Cooking out of a truck isnt too easy for 250-pound guys, Scigo said. The two blue collar schmucks, as Scigo put it, used their winnings to purchase restaurant equipment and renovate a location for a commissary kitchen.

Getting into a building was a blessing, Scigo said.

Minnis said that winning the pitch competition allowed them to chase what at the time he thought of as a pipe dream.

It kickstarted us to start something that we believed we could do, that we enjoyed, Minnis said.

After initially thinking they were going to be able to start cooking out of their new location back in March, the building had other ideas.

The building fought back, Scigo said. It took us til the end of August to be to the point where we could be inspected. We ran into 14-inch thick concrete floors, outdated plumbing, outdated electrical, had to build all new walls, all new ceilings, all new plumbing, all new electrical. So, yeah, it was a fight, but again, that $5,000 kind of gave us that shot in the arm, really kind of jolted us, I guess, into biting into the apple, so to speak, and just saying, you know what, were going to do this. We dont care what it takes or how hard we have to work. Were going to do this.

On Fourth Street outside of Five-0-Five Brewing, Salt & Pepper BBQ will be set up Saturday with a pork roulade with a secret filling of savory goodness thatll make you want to do a happy dance, according to their flyer for Oktoberfest.

Along with the pork tenderloin, patrons will also be getting a slice of rye bread that they imported from Iceland.

Theres a man thats in Iceland that, he digs a hole in the boiling volcanic sands right on the ocean there with the thermal activity and he buries the bread in a stock pot and lets it go all night and then he pulls it out and its closer to a honey cake, Scigo said. Its just something that kind of spoke to me and Bev.

Salt & Pepper BBQs pork roulade will cost $12 and comes with a slice of that Icelandic rye and a side. To get into Five-0-Fives taproom, there is a $5 cover charge. Beers are $6 and they will have commemorative half liter steins for sale while supplies last.
MANCHESTER - A Manchester woman was struck and killed Wednesday night on Route 70, according to police.

At 10:41 p.m., Manchester Police were sent to the area of Route 70 and Wilbur Avenue for a pedestrian who had been hit by a car, police said. There, officers found a blue 2016 Hyundai Accent with extensive front passenger side damage.

A pedestrian - later identified as Catherine L. Camargo, 37 - was lying in the roadway, according to police. The driver of the Hyundai was 48-year-old Adam J. Lilley, also of Manchester.

Camargo was pronounced dead on scene, police said. Lilley was uninjured.

An investigation revealed that the Hyundai, driven by Lilley, was traveling west on Route 70 prior to the crash, according to police. Shortly after passing the Green Acres Road intersection, the Hyundai hit Camargo who was standing in the westbound lane under low-light conditions.

Police said the Hyundai appeared to be in "satisfactory operating condition" and had all required lamps activated prior to the crash. Following the incident, Lilley pulled to the side of the road and dialed 9-1-1.

Jenna Calderon covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Manchester NJ pedestrian struck, killed on Route 70
NEW YORK  Disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein is facing sexual misconduct allegations from a new accuser, with the Manhattan district attorney on Wednesday unsealing an indictment accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman in the mid-2000s.

The new charge comes months after his previous conviction was thrown out and means Weinstein faces accusations of sexual misconduct involving three women in New York  two from the original indictment and the new, unnamed accuser.

Weinstein is accused of forcibly engaging in oral sexual conduct with a woman in the new incident, which happened sometime between April 29, 2006, and May 6, 2006, according to the indictment.

Not guilty, a frail-looking Weinstein said shortly after entering the Manhattan courtroom at 3:30 p.m. in a wheelchair, clutching a Bible and wearing a suit and blue tie to face the new charges.

The one-page indictment was released to the public Wednesday after remaining under seal because Weinstein, 72, underwent emergency heart surgery last week and therefore could not appear in court. The name of the complaining witness remains under seal.

Ms. Doe has not shared this story publicly before, nor does she want to be identified at this time, Lindsay M. Goldbrum, an attorney for the Jane Doe said in a statement. She will be fully prepared to speak her truth at trial to hold Mr. Weinstein accountable before a jury of his peers.

Prosecutors were scrutinizing several alleged sexual assaults by Weinstein involving three women who were not included in his first trial, including incidents in 2016 and the mid-2000s.

He is somewhat relieved, defense attorney Arthur Aidala said of his client outside court. Because, as you all know, there were reports that there were going to be three indictments handed down today, and in fact, there is one indictment that was unsealed.

Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey asked State Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber to consolidate the new indictment with the charges for which he had his conviction overturned into one trial, saying that separate trials would be extraordinarily ineffective and burdensome because the charges overlapped.

Thanks to this survivor who bravely came forward, Harvey Weinstein now stands indicted for an additional alleged violent sexual assault, DA Alvin Bragg said in a statement. This investigation is ongoing. If you have been sexually assaulted, I assure you that our team of dedicated prosecutors, investigators, social workers, and many more stand at the ready to support you."

Aidala said his client is on 19 different medications and remains in poor health. The lawyer pushed for Weinstein to continue to be held at Bellevue Hospital because of his ongoing health problems, instead of at Rikers Island.

Thats why he keeps getting sick and sent back to the hospital, because the conditions in which hes living are just, theyre just not fit for human consumption, Aidala said of the his clients stay at Rikers.

Earlier this year, the New York Court of Appeals overturned the film producers 2020 conviction for raping actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and sexually assaulting Mimi Haley, a former production assistant, in 2006. The court found the trial judge wrongly allowed the jury to hear testimony about uncharged incidents of sexual misconduct from three women.

The testimony portrayed defendant in a highly prejudicial light, the 4-3 decision read.

Bragg announced soon after that his office would re-prosecute the case with a new indictment, and Mann had previously said she would be willing to participate in a new case against Weinstein.

The significant new criminal charges leveled today against Harvey Weinstein show that this Grand Jury, like so many others, can see clearly through his facade for what he truly is: a predator who must be held accountable for his crimes, she said in a statement last week.

The retrial was tentatively scheduled to begin Nov. 12, but Lucey said Wednesday that schedule was unrealistic and asked the judge to move the date to January.

Weinstein has denied any wrongdoing, saying that any sexual activity was consensual. In 2022, he was found guilty in a separate rape case in California.

The next court date is set for Oct. 2.

--------
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  A Guilford County, North Carolina, man is being sought by Robeson County authorities after a 36-year-old woman was found Monday at a home in St. Pauls.

Alvino R. Wilson, 45, of Whisett, is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the killing of Shaunta Jones, 36, of Fayetteville. Wilson is considered armed and dangerous.

Robeson County deputies found Jones dead after they responded at about 12:15 a.m. Monday to a home on Britt Road in St. Pauls for a call of someone shot.

The case is being investigated by Robeson County deputies, Fayetteville police, Greensboro police, the Guilford County Sheriffs Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Robeson County Sheriffs Office at 910-671-3100.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mannequins flew around the moon on a path astronauts could soon take. Scientists just revealed how they fared

Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.

As Artemis II  NASAs mission that will send four astronauts to circumnavigate the moon as soon as next year  draws closer, a new study is revealing how well its Orion spacecraft will protect the crew.

The findings are based off data from Artemis I, a 25-day journey around the moon and back in late 2022. The Orion capsule on that mission, which followed a trajectory similar to the one Artemis II is set to take, was uncrewed but carried special nonhuman guests.

Two of them, mannequin torsos called Helga and Zohar, rode along as test of how much radiation astronauts might experience as they venture to the moon. The mannequins were made of materials that mimic the soft tissue, organs and bones of a person and, like the spacecraft, included detectors to track radiation exposure along the way.

Now, scientists have released the first results after studying the detector data, published Wednesday in the journal Nature. The findings show that the shielding technology used in the spacecraft was effective in mitigating radiation experienced on the trip.

The Artemis I mission marks a crucial step in advancing our understanding of how space radiation impacts the safety of future crewed missions to the Moon, said Sergi Vaquer Araujo, lead for the space medicine team at the European Space Agency, in a statement.

Araujo was not involved in the study. But the European Space Agency contributed five mobile dosimeters to measure radiation throughout the Orion spacecraft.

We are gaining valuable insights into how space radiation interacts with the spacecrafts shielding, the types of radiation that penetrate to reach the human body, and which areas inside Orion offer the most protection, Araujo said.

NASAs Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I mission was successfully recovered on December 11, 2022, off the coast of Baja California. - Regan Geeseman/NASA

Radiation worries

NASA has studied the impact of space radiation on human health for decades, dating back to the first crewed space missions of the 1960s. Data is also regularly collected from astronauts spending six months to a year aboard the International Space Station.

The station remains in low-Earth orbit, meaning it is partly protected by Earths magnetic field, as well as heavy shielding incorporated into the orbiting laboratorys design. Earths magnetic field also prevents cosmic rays from reaching the astronauts.

But for future missions to deep space, astronauts will stray far from Earths protection and will need to rely on a well-shielded spacecraft and protective spacesuits.

Long-duration space missions to the moon and Mars will expose astronauts to radiation from cosmic rays, or high energy particles that move through space. To reach outer space, astronauts will also have to travel through Earths Van Allen Belts, two bands of radiation that surround our planet like giant doughnuts, according to NASA.

Sensors embedded in the Orion capsule captured continuous radiation data on the journey from Earth to the moon and back for the first time, the researchers said. While there is some data from the Apollo missions, it was not collected continuously.

The sensors showed that radiation exposure within Orion varied significantly depending on the location of the detectors, according to the study authors.

A cosmic storm shelter

As Orion passed through the Van Allen Belts, the data showed the most shielded areas, such as the capsules storm shelter, provided four times more protection than the least shielded areas. The researchers determined radiation exposure in these spots stayed at a safe level for the astronauts to avoid acute radiation sickness.

The storm shelter is a very tight area used for storing crew supplies, said lead study author Stuart George, scientist within the Space Radiation Analysis Group at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, in an email. We found that the storm shelter was the most shielded area on the vehicle, which is good because it was designed that way!

Passing through the Van Allen Belts was considered comparable to the crew encountering a space weather event.

As the sun nears solar maximum  the peak in its 11-year cycle, expected this year  it becomes more active, releasing intense solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Coronal mass ejections are large clouds of ionized gas called plasma and magnetic fields that release from the suns outer atmosphere.

The core stage for the Artemis II rocket arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on July 24. - Kim Shiflett/NASA

When these outbursts are directed at Earth, they can affect spacecraft, satellites, the space station and even the electric power grid on the ground.

This helped us to validate our shelter design to protect crew from energetic solar particle events caused by space weather, George said.

Cosmic ray exposures, which can account for the majority of radiation astronauts might experience on long-term spaceflights, were 60% lower on Artemis I than those experienced by previous missions, including robotic missions to Mars, George said.

The team also noted a surprise in the findings. As Orion passed through the Van Allen Belts, the spacecraft did a flip to perform a thruster burn, ensuring it was on the right trajectory. During the flip, radiation levels inside the capsule dropped by 50% because the maneuver placed more of Orions shielding within the path of radiation, George said.

The measurements taken during Artemis I could inform the design of future human spaceflight missions, the study authors said.

Mannequin torsos Helga (left) and Zohar were returned to Earth by the Artemis I mission so researchers could see how much radiation they were exposed to. Zohar wore a protective vest. - Courtesy NASA

Planning for Artemis II

If a solar storm were to occur while the Artemis astronauts were in space, it could last for days.

The storm shelter concept has been changed for Artemis II since the smaller shelter aboard Artemis I might not be big enough for the crew to carry out normal operations if they had to remain there for an extended period during a solar storm, also known as a solar particle event.

On Artemis II, the crew will (bungee) tie supplies to the least shielded wall of the Orion spacecraft, George said by email.

This means that during an energetic solar particle event the crew will be able to use much more of the cabin while still being effectively sheltered from radiation. It will be really interesting to test this out in space, with crew in the loop.

The core stage for Artemis IIs powerful rocket arrived at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida over the summer, and assembly is already underway for the Artemis III rocket. Artemis III  slated for 2026  aims to land a woman and a person of color at the lunar south pole for the first time.

Meanwhile, the Artemis II crew, including NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, have been field training in Iceland. Although they wont make a landing, the crew will travel 4,600 miles (7,402 kilometers) beyond the far side of the moon to capture images of lunar surface features like craters from orbit.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch participates on August 1 in crew geology training in Iceland ahead of the Artemis II mission. - Robert Markowitz/NASA

Having humans hold the camera during a lunar pass and describe what theyre seeing in language that scientists can understand is a boon for science, said Kelsey Young, lunar science lead for Artemis II and science officer at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, in a statement.

In large part, thats what were training astronauts to do when we take them to these Moon-like environments on Earth.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  Valley Chapel Methodist Church kicked off its fundraiser on Wednesday for Wreaths Across America, a national program that lays wreaths on veterans burial sites across the country.

Valley Chapels fundraiser will benefit Maple Grove Cemetery in Fairmont and will work to ensure that the veterans buried there arent forgotten. This is the third year that the cemetery is participating in Wreaths Across America.

Maple Grove Cemetery Board President Marcella Yarenchuk told 12 News that wreaths are $17 each and that there are 342 veterans buried in Maple Grove Cemetery.

Honor Flight 2024: West Virginia Korean War vets visit The Forgotten War memorial

Thats a lot of money to try to raise yearly, and we ask other folks in the community and other organizations if they would like to sponsor a wreath even though it may not be for their loved one, Yarenchuk said.

According to Yarenchuk, there are veterans from every American war in Maple Grove Cemetery, including soldiers from the Revolutionary War, and many of them likely dont have relatives in the area to sponsor a wreath.

Wreath laying ceremonies will take place all across the country on Dec. 14, 2024. Maple Groves wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.

If youre interested in donating, you can call Marcella Yarenchuk at 304-605-0491

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
The $14 million Diversion Hub, shown in this rendering, includes land for the building and parking, valued at $2 million, donated by the Arnall Family Foundation.

Designers are eyeing property near the new location for the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub as a potential site for Oklahoma City to provide mental health and substance abuse services through the upcoming MAPS 4 Restoration Center.

Staff with the OKC-based ADG Blatt and the London-based Allford Hall Monaghan Morris design firms conducted a site study for about 3.4 acres at 611 N Western Ave., just southeast of the new location for the local Diversion Hub. Analysis for the proposed restoration center site included assessing the surrounding context and its history, past use of the land, potential environmental impacts, existing utilities, zoning requirements and site access for transportation.

In January, the city selected NorthCare, a nonprofit providing behavioral services throughout central Oklahoma, as the operating partner to manage the upcoming restoration center. AJ Kirkpatrick, director of urban planning at ADG Blatt, said the acreage at 611 N Western Ave. could potentially be donated for use by the Arnall Family Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2015 to focus on addressing criminal justice reform and child and animal welfare issues.

"Right now we have $1.1 million for land acquisition," Kirkpatrick said. "We had started to look at other sites before this was brought to our attention, but we felt like this was such an amazing opportunity because it checked so many of the boxes. And we had the potential to save that $1.1 million and put that back into our overall construction budget, which would raise it from about $17.4 to $18.5 (million), so we wanted to go ahead and have AHMM do this work to exhaust this as a potential site before we looked at anything else."

The MAPS 4 Restoration Center, budgeted at $24.5 million overall, is expected to include a medical clinic and pharmacy, a public inebriate alternative, a mobile crisis outreach team, supervised methamphetamine detox, substance abuse counseling, wraparound case management and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. The new facility was approved by voters in 2019 as part of a larger group of projects underneath the latest MAPS initiative, an ambitious $1.1 billion capital improvements program funded by a temporary one-cent sales tax collected between 2020 and 2028.

The building was proposed as a center for "crisis stabilization," or short-term treatment that helps people who are experiencing a mental health or substance abuse disorder return to pre-crisis levels. The approach is meant to reduce criminalization of mental illness and also address overcrowding at the local Oklahoma County jail.

More: Mental health treatment facility proposed for MAPS 4 would also help the county jail

Sue Ann Arnall, president of the Arnall Family Foundation

MAPS program manager David Todd emphasized that the MAPS 4 Mental Health and Addiction projects were still in their early stages. Even so, Kirkpatrick described the 611 N Western Ave. address as "a positive site" that fit much of the criteria the design team used to evaluate for a potential restoration center location, including proximity to housing density, residential need, accessibility for first responders and links to the existing health care system. Data such as reported mental health issues, suicide rates and drug overdoses among the population in the ZIP code also factored into the analysis.

In a statement Tuesday, philanthropist Sue Ann Arnall, the president of the Arnall Family Foundation, confirmed plans being discussed for the site.

"This area would make a great campus for organizations offering valuable services to people in need," Arnall said. "We purchased this land with the hope that other nonprofit service providers would need this space and we have offered it to the city as a gift specifically for the restoration center and mental health housing."

Related: OKC council approved operators for MAPS 4 Mental Health & Addiction project. Who are they?

Advantages to land donation, site location near new Diversion Hub

Chelsea Banks, Ward 2's representative for the MAPS 4 advisory board, said community subcommittee members had also seen the site analysis plan in early September and were appreciative of the Arnall Family Foundation's willingness to donate the property.

She acknowledged that current land costs for several city projects "that are really beneficial to the overall health of the community" were running high, and a potential land donation from the nonprofit would help offset that difficulty for the center.

"I'd just like to say thank you to the Arnall Foundation for considering this, to (ADG Blatt and AHMM) for working this plan up and really doing the due diligence to see if this site works," Banks said, "because it does seem like it's really quite a gift and could do a lot of good for the Diversion Hub, the entire area around and then our community at-large."

Kirkpatrick added that there were advantages if the new Restoration Center were built near the site for the new Diversion Hub, a nonprofit organization coordinating various programs and services for people navigating the criminal justice system. The "hub" partners with multiple agencies to offer client education, employment navigation, probationary services, family counseling, and mental health and substance abuse support.

But both the client base and the personnel needs at the Diversion Hub's current location continue to grow, and earlier this summer, final plans for a new Diversion Hub facility (also budgeted under the MAPS 4 program) were approved for 1216 Linwood Blvd.

Potential location for the upcoming MAPS 4 Restoration Center, currently being proposed for construction near the new Diversion Hub site.

"They like the fact that our facility would be 24/7, whereas the Diversion Hub won't be," Kirkpatrick said, "and there's some potential synergies between the two being collocated that we're hearing positive things about."

Project designers and MAPS officials had previously cited the Bexar County Restoration Center in San Antonio, Texas, as a model, and planners began meeting with Leon Evans, CEO of the Center for Health Care Service, in June 2022 to explore how to emulate what he had championed in Texas.

During a recent presentation of the potential restoration center site analysis to the MAPS 4 advisory board, AHMM Associate Director Daniel Hayes said the total area of the center could span 45,500 square feet.

"Obviously, this is just a sort of 'test fit' site analysis," Hayes said. "There's a lot more work to come to really refine the plan into a real proposal, but we're confident from doing this that this site is an adequate size for us to prepare to accommodate everything that's required."

MAPS 4 to have busy 2024: Coliseum updates, arena upgrades, and a hub for entrepreneurs

The Oklahoma County Crisis Center at 2625 General Pershing Blvd. in Oklahoma City opened in 2013. The facility is expected to serve as a model for how the upcoming MAPS 4 Mental Health Crisis Center will be designed.

New consultant included in contract for crisis center design

As part of the MAPS 4 program, the city is planning to construct another mental health crisis center separate from the restoration center. The $6 million MAPS 4 Mental Health Crisis Center will include space for patient assessment, detoxification, crisis de-escalation, counseling, respite and adequate sleep.

Architectural services with SA Studio for that crisis center were approved in April. But since then, architects have requested Behavior Health Facility Consulting to assist with the project's unique design, leading to further contract negotiations to include the additional work and a fee increase of $124,400.

"We toured several other crisis centers and realized that the project would really benefit if we could find somebody who is explicitly involved in crisis centers to where thats all they do: to be a consultant with this architect," Todd said. "And thats very common. With the wellness centers, we had geriatric-type consultants that helped us design those, and we felt like this is a good opportunity and a good place for a design-specific consultant to help with this project."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: MAPS 4 mental health facility could be built near Diversion Hub in OKC
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor in that state, denied the accusations put forth in a CNN story published Thursday that he left numerous graphic comments on a porn sites message board.

Let me reassure you, Robinson said in a video posted to social media ahead of the publication of CNNs piece, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson.

The words in question were posted to the message board of the porn website Nude Africa between 2008 and 2012, prior to Robinsons foray into elected office, under the user name minisoldr, which Robinson has allegedly used on a variety of other websites over the years, CNN reported.

Using that screen name, according to CNN, Robinson described himself as a black NAZI!

Robinson has been outspoken about his opposition to rights for transgender people. But of the many comments discovered by CNN was one left by minisoldr that spoke of being aroused by watching transgender porn.

I like watching tranny on girl porn! Thats f***ing hot! It takes the man out while leaving the man in! Robinson wrote, according to CNN. And yeah Im a perv too!

In his statement on Thursday, Robinson brushed aside the story as politically motivated and compared the allegations to those made about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Folks, this race right now, our opponents are desperate to shift the focus here from the substantive issues and focus on what you are concerned with to salacious tabloid trash, Robinson said, adding, And folks, weve seen this type of stuff in the past as well. Clarence Thomas famously once said he was the victim of a high-tech lynching. Well, it looks like Mark Robinson is too.

But Robinson may not evade the allegations against him the way Thomas did during his confirmation to the Supreme Court in 1991.

In a story published by the Assembly earlier this month, former employees and customers of porn shops in Greensboro, N.C., came forward to share how Robinson had been a frequent visitor at those establishments. Robinson campaign spokesperson Mike Lonergan called their accounts bulls***.

Robinson, who trails his Democratic opponent Josh Stein in polls, has already been under the microscope for his inflammatory rhetoric. In 2021, Robinson gave a speech in which he criticized affirmative action programs, saying that Black people were actually the ones who owed a debt.

If you want to tell the truth about it, it is YOU who owes! he told his audience.

He has cast doubt on the Holocaust that killed more than 6 million Jews in Europe, calling reports of it hogwash, and he has decried the LGBTQ+ community as filth.

In 2020, he proclaimed himself in favor of a total ban on abortion, without exceptions for the life of the mother, but in 2022 he expressed regret about paying his own wife to undergo an abortion in the 1980s.

An email address belonging to Robinson was also registered to Ashley Madison, a website catering to adults looking for extramarital affairs, Politico reported Thursday. One of Robinsons advisers, who was given anonymity by the publication, confirmed that the email address belonged to the lieutenant governor.

While former President Donald Trump has supported Robinsons candidacy for governor, calling him Martin Luther King on steroids at a rally on March 2, other Republicans have worried that he is almost certain to lose in November and his presence on the ballot could tip the state in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Thursday is also the deadline for a candidate to withdraw from the election.
Mark Robinson should quit the race for NC governor. If not, the GOP should shun him | Opinion

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican candidate for governor, acknowledges the crowd at the Trump campaign rally in Greensboro on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Donald Trump endorsed Robinson at the event.

Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson only has one reasonable option now: Quit the race for governor.

But despite a damning CNN report Thursday on his shocking internet postings from years ago, Robinson said he wont behave reasonably. Instead, hes staying in the race and compounding the damage from the CNN report by denying it.

Robinson says the comments posted on the message board of the porn website Nude Africa between 2008 and 2012 are not his. But the CNN report does a meticulous job of showing that the person posting under the screen name minisoldr is in fact Mark Robinson.

The posts include minisoldr describing himself as a black NAZI! and expressing support for reinstating slavery. He called civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Lucifer Koon! and a commie bastard. He told the story of how he was aroused when peeping on girls in a public gym shower when he was 14. Despite Robinsons recent statements condemning transgender people, minisoldr posted that I like watching tranny on girl porn!

CNN said many of the postings attributed to Robinson were so graphic, that it only included a sampling. Thank you, CNN.

Enough is enough. Robinson had already drawn national attention for his outrageous comments and past social media postings about gay people, the Civil Rights Movement and Jewish people. Hes gone from being an embarrassment to Republicans to being a stain on the entire state. Once he was mostly obnoxious and mean. Now, he has become creepy.

If Robinson wont leave the race, Republican leaders should explore ways to revoke his nomination. Failing that, they should call for all Republicans to abstain from voting in the gubernatorial race, or, better yet, vote for the Democrat in the race, state Attorney General Josh Stein. It will only add to the states embarrassment if, after all this, Robinson receives millions of votes.

As it is, the shame that covers Robinson is shared in part by his party. It was clear since before he won his first public office four years ago that Robinson was unfit to serve. He has a history of bankruptcies, unpaid taxes and inflammatory social media posts.

Despite no experience in government, he won statewide office largely because of a fiery pro-gun speech he delivered at the Greensboro City Council. The speech went viral and made him the darling of the National Rifle Association.

Once in office, Robinson demonstrated his unfitness time and again. He set up a task force to monitor teachers who, he said, indoctrinate children with liberal ideology. He ranted against abortion, even after he admitted he supported his wife getting an abortion before they were married.

Robinsons incendiary statements drew national attention and Republican applause. Former President Donald Trump called him Martin Luther King on steroids.

State Senate leader Phil Berger  the states most powerful Republican  waded into a three-way Republican gubernatorial primary to endorse Robinson. I just think hes got a good head on his shoulders. I think philosophically, hes generally in the right place, Berger said.

In the Republican primary, voters rejected two more qualified candidates  state Treasurer Dale Folwell and businessman Bill Graham  to nominate the bellicose Robinson. MAGA voters were drawn to his Trump-like brashness and his attacks on liberals.

Now, as the Bible-evoking Robinson might say in one of his church speeches, MAGA voters are reaping what they sowed.

An overwhelming loss at the gubernatorial level could be a drag on Trumps ability to win a state he must win to regain the presidency. He took North Carolina by only 1.3 percentage points in 2020.

In their MAGA fever, Republicans nominated an unfit and largely unknown person to lead the state. Now they are nearly certain to lose the governors race, have weakened the chances of Republicans down the ballot and have undercut Trump.

Republicans nominated Robinson because they delighted in how he owned the libs. Now they should disown him.
Mark Robinson

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

This is a developing story.

Multiple news outlets reported Thursday that Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the North Carolina Republican Party nominee for governor in the November election, is under pressure from his party and individuals within the Trump campaign to withdraw from the race.

The reports presaged a CNN story released today that highlighted newly discovered online comments Robinson made prior to his time in public office.

According to the CNN investigation, Robinson referred to himself as a black NAZI, a perv and said slavery is not bad in messages posted on a pornography website more than a decade ago.

The story, which sent leaks and rumors flying across North Carolina politics ahead of its publication Thursday, also says Robinson, who has repeatedly made statements hostile to transgender people, wrote that he enjoyed watching transgender pornography. He also said that he enjoyed peeping on women in public gym showers when he was 14 years old.

Robinsons comments, made years before he became a public figure, mark another scandal in a campaign for governor already known for controversial comments and speeches about race, gender, sexuality and a range of other issues.

Robinson, however, says hes not going anywhere.

The Carolina Journal  a news outlet owned by the conservative John Locke Foundation  first reported Thursday that there was Republican pressure for him to drop out of the race. In an emailed statement to NC Newsline, campaign manager Michael Lonergan said the report was complete fiction.

And in a video posted to social media Thursday afternoon, Robinson echoed that sentiment and blamed the news media and his opponent, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, for what he called outrageous lies and tabloid trash.

Let me reassure you, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson, he said. You know my words, you know my character and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.

In this race right now, my opponent is desperate to shift the focus here from the substantive issues and focus on what you are concerned with, to salacious tabloid trash. We cannot allow that to happen.

And he compared himself to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who once said he was a victim of a high-tech lynching.

Well, it looks like Mark Robinson is too.

Attorney General Josh Steins campaign said in a statement following the storys publication: North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone.

Prior to the CNN storys publication, Robinsons campaign cancelled two public events Robinson was scheduled to attend Thursday in Henderson and Norlina.

A woman who works at Skipper Forsyths BBQ in Henderson said the campaign called this morning to cancel the meet-and-greet because of rain. Rachels Whistle Stop Cafe also confirmed a mid-day event in Norlina was cancelled, but did not say why.

What a potential Robinson drop-out would mean for North Carolina ballots

State law requires candidates who wish to drop out of a race to do so prior to the first day on which military and overseas absentee ballots are transmitted to voters, which, as the result of recent court rulings issued in the case involving presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is tomorrow  September 20.

If Robinson were to withdraw from the race, the state Republican Party executive committee would choose a replacement. If the withdrawal were to occur after ballots are distributed, Robinsons name would remain on the ballot, and votes he received would go to the named replacement. State law would bar the GOP from selecting either of the candidates Robinson defeated in the March primary  State Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham.

Republican candidates wipe Robinson from social media, call on him to drop out

Multiple North Carolina Republicans down the ballot made efforts to distance themselves from Robinson on Thursday before the storys publication.

Senate candidate Scott Lassiter, who is running in Wake County and backed Robinsons opponent Folwell in the primary, called on the lieutenant governor to suspend his campaign in light of the most recent scandal.

Im running to represent the people of southern Wake County and our shared values, Lassiter said. It is now clear that nothing about Mark Robinsons campaign reflects those values. For the good of the state and our party, I believe he should suspend his campaign to allow a quality candidate to finish this race.

And the Republican candidate for Labor Commissioner, Luke Farley, allegedly deleted social media posts of him with Robinson, according to his Democratic opponent Braxton Winston II.

Farleys campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Other Democrats also weighed in on the story Thursday.

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross said Robinson wasnt fit to be governor before this story, and its even more clear today that he isnt fit to lead our state.

Timeline of recent key events in the North Carolina Governors race:

September 19, 2024  Democrat Josh Stein has a 11-point lead over Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson based on 54 polls, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.

September 18, 2024  Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance appears in Raleigh. He introduced Republican candidates for four of North Carolinas U.S. House seats; Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was notably absent.

September 17, 2024  Trailing by significant margins in recent polling, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson challenges Attorney General Josh Stein to a gubernatorial debate. In his video, Robinson calls Stein a liar and cowardly. A Stein campaign spokeswoman declined saying A debate would only serve to legitimize him and provide a platform for his vile and dangerous rhetoric, and we wont be part of that.

September 13, 2024  The state Board of Elections announces that all 100 counties will send military and citizen overseas ballots to people who requested them on Friday, Sept. 20. The first wave of absentee ballot mailings for all other voters will begin Sept. 24.

September 9, 2024  A Quinnipiac poll of 940 likely voters show Josh Stein leading Mark Robinson by 12 points

September 3, 2024  The Assembly publishes a lengthy investigative story with the accounts of six men who said the Republican gubernatorial candidate frequented Greensboro video-porn shops in the 90s and early 2000s. His campaign called the story ridiculous allegations.

August 30, 2024  Robinson began crisscrossing the state for a series of meet-and-greets at restaurants. His campaign has advertised it as the start of his Statewide Tour

August 27, 2024  Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson favorability lags far behind that of Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein. Robinson was viewed favorably by 30% and unfavorably by half the voters. Stein was viewed favorably by 44% of voters and unfavorably by 29%. Robinson talks about becoming the states first Black governor, yet 64% of Black voters in this poll had unfavorable impressions of him.

July 6, 2024  Nonprofit led by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons wife told to repay $132,000 after NCDHHS investigation

June 30, 2024  Lt. Gov. and Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson told a North Carolina church audience on that some folks need killing.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

This is a developing story.

Multiple news outlets reported Thursday that Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the North Carolina Republican Party nominee for governor in the November election, is under pressure from his party and individuals within the Trump campaign to withdraw from the race.

The reports presaged a CNN story released today that highlighted newly discovered online comments Robinson made prior to his time in public office.

According to the CNN investigation, Robinson referred to himself as a black NAZI, a perv and said slavery is not bad in messages posted on a pornography website more than a decade ago.

The story, which sent leaks and rumors flying across North Carolina politics ahead of its publication Thursday, also says Robinson wrote that he enjoyed watching transgender pornography. He also said that he enjoyed peeping on women in public gym showers when he was 14 years old.

Robinsons comments, made years before he became a public figure, mark another scandal in a campaign for governor already known for controversial comments and speeches about race, gender, sexuality and a range of other issues.

Robinson, however, says hes not going anywhere.

The Carolina Journal  a news outlet owned by the conservative John Locke Foundation  first reported Thursday that there was Republican pressure for him to drop out of the race. In an emailed statement to NC Newsline, campaign manager Michael Lonergan said the report was complete fiction.

And in a video posted to social media Thursday afternoon, Robinson echoed that sentiment and blamed the news media and his opponent, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein for what he called outrageous lies and tabloid trash.

Let me reassure you, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson, he said. You know my words, you know my character and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.

In this race right now, my opponent is desperate to shift the focus here from the substantive issues and focus on what you are concerned with, to salacious tabloid trash. We cannot allow that to happen.

And he compared himself to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who once said he was a victim of a high-tech lynching.

Well, it looks like Mark Robinson is too.

Attorney General Josh Steins campaign said in a statement following the storys publication: North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone.

Prior to the CNN storys publication, Robinsons campaign cancelled two public events Robinson was scheduled to attend Thursday in Henderson and Norlina.

A woman who works at Skipper Forsyths BBQ in Henderson said the campaign called this morning to cancel the meet-and-greet because of rain. Rachels Whistle Stop Cafe also confirmed a mid-day event in Norlina was cancelled, but did not say why.

What a potential Robinson drop-out would mean for North Carolina ballots

State law requires candidates who wish to drop out of a race to do so prior to the first day on which military and overseas absentee ballots are transmitted to voters, which, as the result of recent court rulings issued in the case involving presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is tomorrow  September 20.

If Robinson were to withdraw from the race, the state Republican Party executive committee would choose a replacement. If the withdrawal were to occur after ballots are distributed, Robinsons name would remain on the ballot, and votes he received would go to the named replacement. State law would bar the GOP from selecting either of the candidates Robinson defeated in the March primary  State Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham.

Republican candidates wipe Robinson from social media, call on him to drop out

Multiple North Carolina Republicans down the ballot made efforts to distance themselves from Robinson on Thursday before the storys publication.

Senate candidate Scott Lassiter, who is running in Wake County and backed Robinsons opponent Folwell in the primary, called on the lieutenant governor to suspend his campaign in light of the most recent scandal.

Im running to represent the people of southern Wake County and our shared values, Lassiter said. It is now clear that nothing about Mark Robinsons campaign reflects those values. For the good of the state and our party, I believe he should suspend his campaign to allow a quality candidate to finish this race.

And the Republican candidate for Labor Commissioner, Luke Farley, allegedly deleted social media posts of him with Robinson, according to his Democratic opponent Braxton Winston II.

Farleys campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Other Democrats also weighed in on the story Thursday.

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross said Robinson wasnt fit to be governor before this story, and its even more clear today that he isnt fit to lead our state.

Like Minnesota Reformer, NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Rob Schofield for questions: info@ncnewsline.com. Follow NC Newsline on Facebook and X.
MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The FBI is assisting state and local authorities in an investigation of recent violence and social media threats aimed at Marlboro County High School.

District officials moved the high school to e-learning this week after a student was shot and amid other violence and threats, Superintendent Helena Tiller said Thursday in a news release.

The FBI takes threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk, an FBI spokesman told News13 in an email on Thursday. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately.

Tillar said the law enforcement presence at the high school was increased on Monday in response to incidents of violence in the Bennettsville area that resulted in the shooting of one of our students. Then, on Tuesday, a fight involving six high school students led to threats against students and a modified lockdown.

Law enforcement swiftly investigated, resulting in an arrest and recommendations for expulsion, Tillar said in the statement.

News13 is working to get more information from authorities about the incident, which prompted the district on Wednesday to dismiss high school students early and switch to e-learning on Thursday and Friday.

We understand that these incidents have been alarming, and we want to be transparent about the steps we have taken to address them, Tillar said, adding that district leaders have had meetings with representatives from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the FBI, Solicitor Will Rogers, the sheriffs office Bennettsville police, McColl police and other local law enforcement agencies.

Tillar said there have been other threats.

Last night a threat was made against McColl Elementary Middle School, she said. This type of threat has been made against schools across the nation, including those in Georgetown and Horry Counties and found thus far to be a hoax.

Tillar said all of the threats have been thoroughly investigated and that no viable threat found. We are confident that it is safe to return to school on Monday, she said.

Tillar also said the district understands the communitys concerns.

However, it is crucial that we allow law enforcement to conduct thorough investigations before releasing any information to the public, she said. Premature disclosure could compromise ongoing investigations and jeopardize the safety of our students and staff. All decisions made by the Marlboro County School District are guided by the best interests of our students, faculty, and staff. We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we navigate these challenging times. Together, we will ensure that our schools remain safe and conducive to learning.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

* * *

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.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - A suspicious package bound for Marylands State Board of Elections office was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service before it could arrive, officials said Tuesday.

Jared DeMarinis, the states Administrator of Elections, confirmed the incident in a post on X, expressing gratitude for the prompt response by federal partners.

"SBE was notified by our federal partners that a suspicious package was en route to our office. The Post Office was able to intercept the package before it arrived today," DeMarinis wrote. "Thank you to our federal partners for prompt notification & assistance. We will not be deterred from our mission."

Authorities have not disclosed the contents of the package or additional details regarding the threat. However, officials are investigating the incident as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the security and integrity of election operations.

The Maryland State Board of Elections, like many election offices nationwide, has been under heightened scrutiny as they work to protect the democratic process amid growing concerns over election security.

SBE was notified by our federal partners that a suspicious package was en route to our office. The Post Office was able to intercept the package before is arrived today. TY to our federal partners for prompt notification & assistance. We will not be deterred from our mission.  Jared DeMarinis (@JaredDeMarinis) September 17, 2024

The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on Tuesday were investigating the origin of suspicious packages that have been sent to or received by elections officials in more than 15 states, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or that any of the packages contained hazardous material.

The latest packages were sent to elections officials in Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Rhode Island. Mississippi authorities reported a package was delivered there Monday, and the Connecticut Secretary of State's office said the FBI alerted it of a package that was intercepted.

The FBI is collecting the packages, some of which contained "an unknown substance," agency spokesperson Kristen Setera in Boston said in a statement.

"We are also working with our partners to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters," she said. "As this is an ongoing matter we will not be commenting further on the investigation, but the public can be assured safety is our top priority."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This article was originally published in Maryland Matters.

A group of Montgomery County parents has asked the Supreme Court to review the school systems refusal to let them opt their children out of classes that use LGBTQ+ books in lower elementary school grades.

The petition, filed last week, claims the school systems refusal to let parents opt their children out of the classes infringes on their religious liberty rights by exposing the children to gender and sexuality norms that contradict their religious beliefs.

The policy gives parents  who include Muslim, Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox families  no protection against forced participation in ideological instruction by government schools, as their petition claims.

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A Montgomery County school spokesman said the system was aware of the Supreme Court appeal and was reviewing it, but that the system would not comment on ongoing litigation.

The appeal is the latest twist in a case that began two years ago, when the schools unveiled a list of LGBTQ+-inclusive texts for use in the classroom. Those included books to be used in lower grades, including one for use in kindergarten and pre-K classrooms.

The books were introduced in the 2022-23 school year and are not part of a mandatory reading list for the classrooms but can be used by teachers in classroom instruction.

At issue are seven books in the lower grades, which include titles such as My Rainbow, which tells the story of a mother who creates a rainbow-colored wig for her transgender child; Uncle Bobbys Wedding, about a girl worried she will lose time with her soon-to-be-married uncle, until his boyfriend befriends her and gains her trust; and Pride Puppy, about a puppy lost at a Pride parade, which uses each letter of the alphabet to describe the people it might have met there. The last book, for kindergarten and pre-K, invites students to search for drag kings and queens, lip rings, leather and underwear, among other items, according to court documents.

In court documents, a school system official said the books were not planned to be part of explicit instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in elementary school, and that no student or adult is asked to change how they feel about these issues. Instead, the official said, teachers were expected to make the books available in the classroom, recommend them as appropriate for particular students or offer them as an option for literature circles, book clubs, or paired reading groups; or to use them as a read aloud in class.

Parents who objected to the use of the books were originally allowed to opt their children out of lessons that included the books. But the school system in March 2023 announced that opt-outs would no longer be allowed, beginning in the 2023-24 school year. It said parents can opt students out of parts of sex education, but not other parts of the curriculum, like language arts.

That sparked a lawsuit by a group of parents who objected on religious and secular grounds. They said they were not trying to ban the use of the books in Montgomery County schools but argued that, with no opt-out requirement, they were being forced to expose their children to ideas that conflicted with their firmly held religious beliefs.

So far, the underlying elements of the case have not been heard, merely the parents request for a preliminary injunction of the school systems opt-out policy, which the parents have repeatedly lost.

A federal district judge in August 2023 denied the parents request for a preliminary injunction and a divided panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling in May, writing that the parents had not met the high burden of showing that they were likely to win on their claim that the lack of an opt-out policy was actually coercing them to abandon part of their faith.

The majority opinion, written by Circuit Judge G. Steven Agee, said that because the record in preliminary injunction hearings was extremely sparse, the parents had not been able to connect the requisite dots to show that a burden on their First Amendment rights existed.

While the parents had shown that the books could be used in ways that would confuse or mislead children and, in particular, that discussions relating to their contents could be used to indoctrinate their children into espousing views that are contrary to their religious faith.  none of that is verified by the limited record that is before us, Agee wrote.

Should the Parents in this case or other plaintiffs in other challenges to the Storybooks use come forward with proof that a teacher or school administrator is using the Storybooks in a manner that directly or indirectly coerces children into changing their religious views or practices, then the analysis would shift in light of that record, Agee wrote.

The fact that parents might feel forced to forgo a public school education and pay for private school was not sufficiently coercive to be a burden on the parents First Amendment rights, based on the record so far, he wrote.

In a dissent, Circuit Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. said parents had met their burden for a preliminary injunction while the case was heard.

Both sides of the issue advance passionate arguments. Some insist diversity and inclusion should be prioritized over the religious rights of parents and children. Others argue the opposite, Quattlebaum wrote.

But the parents have made the case for an injunction of the opt-out policy for now, he wrote.

The parents have shown the boards decision to deny religious opt-outs burdened these parents right to exercise their religion and direct the religious upbringing of their children by putting them to the choice of either compromising their religious beliefs or foregoing a public education for their children, Quattlebaum wrote. I would  enjoin the Montgomery County School Board of Education from denying religious opt-outs for instruction to K-5 children involving the texts.

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: editor@marylandmatters.org. Follow Maryland Matters on Facebook and X.
UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A massive manhunt was underway Wednesday for home break-in suspects in Union County after a car chase, crash, and foot chase all went right through the HighGate neighborhood off Providence Road in the Weddington area.

The sheriffs office used a helicopter, dogs, and ground crews to search all afternoon.

They caught one suspect, but still havent tracked down the others.

Photo: Queen City News

Deputies dont believe the suspects are in Union County anymore.

The search happened near the Mecklenburg County line on Providence Road, so it involved law enforcement from two counties.

The crime scene rattled the neighborhood.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

Union County News

It makes you nervous, it makes you a little bit more cautious, said a neighbor who didnt want to use her name.

The sound was like a bang and startled the neighbors.

It was the suspects car smacking into a tree and crashing.

Deputies were after the suspects because they said they broke into a home in the HighGate neighborhood in the middle of the day on Wednesday.

But the suspects got a surprise because the people were home.

As soon as they called 911, the suspects took off, crashing their car and running away.

The search put schools on lockdown and neighbors on alert.

We saw sheriffs vehicles and sheriffs on foot running down Red Willow toward the crash and then it was chaos, said the neighbor.

The sheriffs office says they had as many as 40 officers from different departments all out searching for the suspects.

Queen City News crews saw an officer with a long gun flung over their shoulder on Providence Road during the search.

The back of our house, the woods, the reserves down to the creek, they were all over the place.

The break-in left neighbors uneasy and taking steps to stay safe.

I automatically lock my backdoors, said the neighbor.

The sheriffs office says theyre working to identify the other suspects.

Deputies say the home break-in appears to be an isolated case, and they do not believe there are any threats to the community.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The rate of Texas women who died because of pregnancy or childbirth rose sharply in 2020 and 2021 to the highest since the state started tracking maternal deaths in 2013. Even excluding deaths related to COVID-19, the numbers were worse than usual, reversing two years of progress in driving the maternal mortality rate downwards.

The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee released its report this month analyzing pregnancy-related deaths within one year of childbirth. The committee, which works on a several year delay, closely analyzed cases from 2020.

The maternal mortality rate in 2020 was 27.7 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 17.2 in 2019. With COVID-related deaths excluded, the rate was 24.2.

But the report shows, once again, that maternal mortality does not impact every community equally. Black women are about 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth than white women. Both Black and Hispanic women saw a sharp increase in pregnancy-related mortality between 2019 and 2020  for Hispanic women the rate increased nearly 9 points to 22.2, and for Black women more than 11 points to 39. But white women actually saw an improvement, with the mortality rate dropping nearly 3 points to 16.1.

In 80% of these cases, the committee determined there was at least some chance of saving the patients life  a decline from 90% from the previous report. A quarter of women died due to infections, the most common cause of death, followed by cardiovascular conditions, obstetric hemorrhage, embolisms and mental health conditions.

For years, the committees first recommendation to improve the states maternal mortality rate was the same: allow new moms to stay on Medicaid for 12 months after giving birth, instead of the two months Texas offered. In 2023, the Legislature approved that extension.

In the latest report, the top recommendations are a more general call to improve access to comprehensive health care services, as well as prioritizing resources for pregnant and postpartum patients in public health emergencies and engaging Black communities to address disparities.

Since the most recent case analysis is from 2020, it does not reflect any impact from changes to Texas abortion laws. In 2021, Texas banned almost all abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. In 2022, after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the state banned almost all abortions from the moment of conception. The law allows for an abortion to save the life of the pregnant patient, but dozens of women have come forward with stories of medical care delayed or denied because their doctors were confused or scared to treat them.

State Rep. Donna Howard, a Democrat from Austin and chair of the Womens Health Caucus, said in a statement Wednesday that legislators should work across partisan divides to address the increase in maternal mortality.

Texas has vast resources at our disposal that can, and must, be leveraged to improve health outcomes for Texas moms, she said.

Committee under fire

The maternal mortality committee, which was formed with bipartisan support in 2013, has come under increased scrutiny in the last few years.

In 2022, the report was delayed, with state officials saying they needed more time to do a complete review of 2019 cases. Advocates, in pushing for the report to be released, claimed Republican leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, didnt want it published ahead of the fall elections. It was released in December of that year, and showed many of the same challenges reflected in this more recent report.

During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers added additional positions to the committee, including two community member spots to replace the existing advocate role. While the previous position was filled by a Black woman who herself experienced birth trauma, both of the new spots were filled by doctors. The position reserved for a rural community member went to an anti-abortion OB-GYN from San Antonio over a labor and delivery nurse from the Rio Grande Valley, The Texas Tribune revealed in August.

Additionally, the Legislature appropriated $6 million in 2023 to create a new state-level tracking program for maternal deaths  and remove Texas from the Centers for Disease Controls tracking program as a result.

The report said the new system will allow for more efficient and timelier case identification. But at a committee meeting in June, chair Dr. Carla Ortique said participating in the national system alongside almost all other states was key to efficiently and effectively reviewing cases. She said at the meeting that it was unclear whether the legislation would allow for them to run the state and federal systems simultaneously, but she felt it was important for such a big state to continue to contribute to the national system.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission also recently declined to participate in a federal maternal health program that would have provided funding and technical assistance, Howard said in a statement. The agency said it would need legislative direction and appropriations to be able to participate, she said.
This is an adapted excerpt from the Sept. 18 episode of "Deadline: White House."

If you cant confront your opposing candidate on policy, you attack them personally. Were witnessing that tactic firsthand, as Donald Trump and the Republican Party continue to take swipes at Vice President Kamala Harris for not having biological children.

On Tuesday, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders became the latest Republican to levy that attack on Harris, telling the audience at a Trump town hall, My kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesnt have anything keeping her humble.

Let me tell you about the first time I met Harris. She was a sitting U.S. senator, and I was a professor and the senior vice president for social justice at the New School. I had been asked to deliver the convocation to the entering first-year class. In that speech, I focused on how important it was for society to come together as a we and not fall victim to the us vs. them mentality.

When I got offstage, I saw that I had received a text from then-Sen. Harris. At this point, I had never met her, but I know her sister well  so Im guessing thats how she got my cellphone number. Harris told me she thought I had done a good job and that she enjoyed my speech.

The reason Harris was in the audience listening to my speech was because it was her stepchilds first day of college. She didn't bring attention to herself that day. She sat in the back of the auditorium, a humble and supportive Momala, not a sitting senator seeking any attention for herself.

Tell me what you think a parent is and Ill tell you that a parent is someone who shows up. Not because theyre biologically related to you, but because its the right thing to do for the person you want to support  whether you gave birth to that child or not.

Harris is the type of leader who says Im going to care and understand that even if I havent had a child biologically, child care costs are a top expense for families. Shes a person who understands that if youre a child care provider, youre probably earning less than $30,000 a year and in most major cities, thats your rent.

So many of us have people we love, who we did not give birth to, who we care about, and who we will show up for. Still, Trump and some Republicans cant seem to comprehend that kind of compassion. And if you cant come up with a way to express compassion for others, all you can do is cling to your extremism.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Mayor: Alderman should apologize for offensive post that appeared to reference pager attacks

CHICAGO  Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday said Ald. Brenden Reilly should apologize for a social media post, since removed, that appeared to celebrate the deadly pager and walkie talkie attacks in Lebanon, calling the post beyond offensive.

Still, Johnson said he had no authority to hold the 42nd Ward alderman accountable. He said Reillys City Council colleagues could censure him, if they so choose.

Alders vote to give citys top cop control over future of ShotSpotter, mayor says hell veto measure

Look I didnt see the tweet, the mayor said. If thats what he did thats  beyond offensive and he should apologize for it.

During Wednesdays City Council meeting, Reilly posted a photo of a pager with the words Mazol Tov in the display on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. The Jewish phrase  misspelled in the shared image  is used to express congratulations.

The post drew swift criticism from several progressive alders. Pagers used by hundreds of members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded near-simultaneously Tuesday in Lebanon and Syria, killing at least nine people, including an 8-year-old girl, and wounding several thousand, officials said.

Reilly reportedly deleted the post about 20 minutes after it was posted.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
McConnell said he was staying out of the presidential race. Then he attacked Harris

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.

On Tuesday afternoon Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, evaded a question on Donald Trump on the premise he wasnt getting involved in the 2024 White House race.

Then on Wednesday morning, he unleashed a sweeping attack on Trumps Democratic opponent.

As McConnell hammered Vice President Kamala Harris for a series of policy flip-flops, he appeared to be committing a notable political reversal in the span of less than 24 hours.

The problem is not that the vice president doesnt have a record, McConnell said from the Senate floor Wednesday. Instead, the problem is that on issue after issue, Vice President Harris has, at one time or another, played both sides.

While McConnell has insisted for most of the year his political focus would be on the battle for the U.S. Senate  Its the only thing he cares about, an aide acknowledged in March  and not Trumps reelection, he also understands that Harris performance in a handful of states could have down-ballot effects.

McConnell believes Republicans can win back the Senate even if Trump loses to Harris, but the top-of-the-ticket margin of victory in states like Montana, Ohio and Maryland will be crucial.

So while he often uses Senate races as an escape hatch to avoid thorny questions about Trump, he has poked Harris when opportunities have arisen.

The most recent example came on Tuesday, when he was asked to field a question on whether Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, should stop fueling the unfounded rumors about Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

Im not going to get into the presidential race, he told reporters.

But hes now asking Harris to provide more answers on her record.

Harris flip-flops

He noted her previous position as a candidate in 2019 favoring the banning of fracking, a technique used to extract oil, natural gas and other resources from rock formations under the ground.

Harris now says she will not ban fracking.

McConnell also cited Harris sponsoring of the Zero Emission Vehicles Act, a bill that aims to require all cars be free of greenhouses gases by 2035.

These days, her campaign avoids getting pinned down about whether she would seek an electric vehicle mandate, McConnell said.

A Harris campaign spokesman, Ammar Moussa, wrote in August that Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate.

Then-Senator Harris also went on the record in support of the Green New Deal, including its make-work programs and job guarantees, McConnell pointed out.

Harris now instead has touted that the Biden administration has overseen the largest increase in domestic oil production in history, another sign of her move to the middle to become more palatable to voters skeptical of her more liberal roots.

McConnell even raised Harris past support for a federal ban on plastic straws. But an anonymous campaign staffer told Axios earlier this month she no longer holds that view.

Well, micromanaging fountain drinks is one thing. But as millions of Americans contend with the business end of the Biden-Harris climate and economic agenda, they ought to know precisely where the Democratic Partys nominee stands, McConnell asserted. Voters are fed up with flip-flops. And the vice president ought to come clean.

The Harris campaign did not respond to a Herald-Leader inquiry on McConnells comments.

McConnell: GOP can win Senate even if Trump loses
Who are the McCoys, the Kentucky couple who found the I-75 shooters body?

What prompted a Kentucky couple to go deep into the forest for six days and, on Wednesday, discover the body of a man who shot five people on Interstate 75 this month?

The couple called themselves bounty hunters on the hunt. A day before they found the body of 32-year-old Joseph Couch, who opened fire Sept. 7 on a busy stretch of interstate near Exit 49, about nine miles north of London, the couple told Kentucky state troopers their goal: get Couch off the streets and collect the reward money.

Trying to find $35,000, Fred McCoy told the troopers . He and Sheila, his wife of 38 years, had spent day five of their manhunt looking for Couch after noticing buzzard activity near where they said Couch fired at drivers on the interstate.

The next day, the couple was filming live on their YouTube page when they followed a trail of circling vultures and a foul smell to Couchs body.

Fred McCoy, left, and his wife, Shelia, as the couple looks for Joseph Couch in the forest near London, Ky. off Interstate 75 where he Couch fired on 12 vehicles Sept. 7, 2024.

Until their six-day search for Couch, the couples YouTube channel was mainly devoted to the famous feuding families the Hatfields and McCoys. They also posted occasionally about law enforcement, bookwriting and concealed carry classes.

Heres what we know about them so far  including an accusation of corruption in an Eastern Kentucky police department.

Kentucky couple related to Hatfields, McCoys

The couple operated the Hatfield & McCoy Museum in Liberty, which according to the website is closed until further notice. The museum, which opened in the 1970s in Ransom, houses what they say is the largest collection of artifacts dedicated to the Appalachian feud. The families battled each other from 1863-1891 in West Virginia and Kentucky.

Fred says he is related both the Hatfields and McCoys.

Fred McCoy accused sheriff of corruption

Fred retired in 2018 after more then 40 years in law enforcement. A former Marine, his last post was as fire and police chief in Hustonville, a rural city in Lincoln County. Before that, he served as a detective and deputy sheriff in Lincoln and Pike counties.

In 1989, Fred and another detective from the Pike County Sheriffs Department accused the sheriff of corruption, ranging from covering up a death investigation to dismissing traffic violations.

The two officers were dismissed three days after airing their claims at a news conference. They filed suit in August 1990 saying they were fired for publicizing corruption in the department. Almost five years later, the pair settled a $3 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against Sheriff Charles Fuzzy Keesee.

Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but McCoys lawyer at the time said was some money involved.

Couple are carry concealed instructors

According to the museums website, Fred and Shelia McCoy have two children. Shelia is a kindergarten teaching assistant with nearly 30 years experience and is a carry concealed instructor. The couple offers carrying concealed deadly weapons training and certification.

Shelias saying is: Its better to have a gun and not need it, as to need a gun and not have it.

A historian for the museum, Shelia has written several books including a HatfieldMcCoy cookbook. Together, the couple has also authored books.

Multiple attempts to contact the couple since Wednesday evening have been unsuccessful.

KY couple who livestreamed discovery of I-75 shooters body also showed area he shot from

Anything more KY than a couple who ran a Hatfield-McCoy museum finding a body? | Opinion
Nottinghams 19th-century Luddite movement took its name from the mythical King Ludd. Today, the movement lives in Brussels

When consumers across Europe collect their eagerly awaited new iPhones this week, theyll notice that the widely anticipated Apple Intelligence AI features are conspicuously absent.

While the UK, the US and other markets take the next step forward, the EU version of these products has been dumbed down as a consequence of regulation from Brussels, making every UK use of the Apple AI prompt a mini Brexit dividend.

Governments the world over are often tempted to think of new technology through the lens of problems that need solving with additional laws. Its a form of policymaking that has long been entangled with those claiming to protect the interests of workers.

Indeed, we saw the trade unions, who have donated more than 29m to the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmers leadership, predictably calling for prohibitive laws at last weeks TUC conference. None of this anti-innovation approach is new, and none of it has ever made anybody better off.

When 19th-century Nottingham textile workers adopted King Ludd from a local myth, they may have thought they were safeguarding their livelihoods.

Instead, had the Luddites been successful, they would have prevented the greatest revolution in productivity the world had ever seen  one which provided British families with high standards of living and built the basis of the modern economy we have today.

Today the Luddites live in Brussels, close to their French cousins who threw wooden clogs called sabots into the new machinery they so distrusted to equip their factories.

In its zeal to regulate a technology that its own regulators seem barely to understand, the EU has crafted a behemoth it now cannot control, introducing onerous compliance requirements alongside uncertainty across the board as to whom they apply to.

The effects of this regulate first, ask questions later approach to AI by the EU have been almost instant. Meta has pulled its most advanced AI models, designed for professional use, from the entire EU market.

Daniel Ek, of Spotify, (an early business case for the power of predictive AI) said the stark reality is that laws designed to increase European sovereignty and competitiveness are achieving the opposite and that many European chief executives, across a range of industries, cite a complex and incoherent regulatory environment as one reason for the continents lack of competitiveness.

Spotify chief Daniel Ek says laws designed to increase European sovereignty and competitiveness are having the opposite effect - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

In the same vein, this week a group of leading AI labs felt it necessary to take out a full-page newspaper advert warning of the dangers of the EUs regulation of AI. The uncertainty created by both the regulation itself, and by its inconsistent application, risks doing huge damage to the sector.

In the worst-case scenario, many labs will decide that even trying to comply is simply not commercially worthwhile, choosing instead to up sticks and flee to greener pastures outside of Brussels choke-hold.

Whilst all new technologies suffer a certain amount of hype, we should be in no doubt that we are on the precipice of an AI-powered revolution that comes about once a generation: what Mustafa Suleyman, of UK-based AI unicorn DeepMind, calls the coming wave.

From easing the burden on the NHS from an ageing population, boosting sluggish productivity or solutions to a changing climate, artificial intelligence is a key part of the solution. Certainly, without its application there seems no prospect of ending the addiction to low-wage, unskilled immigration or high public spending that cost us Conservatives dearly at the recent election.

A report titled Selecting the Best, published this week by the Adam Smith Institute, lays out how making gains in automation across the economy is essential to being able to reduce our dependence on low-skilled migration and boost incomes.

Forsaking that opportunity could leave us locked into a permanent cycle of higher numbers, lower wages, and the electoral consequences that will follow.

The vast amount of AI research being done in the UK today, and the models and products being developed, could see us holding an ownership stake in what will likely be the most valuable technology on the planet.

And yet, under a fog of uncertainty from Labour, we are precariously close to the UK losing its position as one of the worlds top three destinations for AI investment and research.

Even French president Emmanuel Macron seems to be catching wind of how uncompetitive Europe has become - Pierre Suu/Getty Images Europe

The EU has made its choice, with its EU AI Act creating chilling uncertainty that is seeing innovative companies bypass European capitals in the same way that trading routes once simply rerouted themselves around bandit country or silted harbours.

That sense of just how uncompetitive Europe has become seems to have finally dawned even in Paris, explaining the hurried exit of Thierry Breton, arch EU integrationist and one of the commissioners responsible for the EUs AI Act, after his nomination was pulled last week by President Emmanuel Macron.

For the UK to emulate Brussels  as Labour suggested it would in the Kings Speech  would be a disaster. In addition to mooted tax raids on wealth creators and interference with the freedoms of employers and employees to freely contract, it doesnt take the processing power of a supercomputer to predict an irreversible brain drain.

We already have a world-leading framework for AI, created under the previous Conservative government, which enables some of the brightest minds in the industry to work for the British people and with the industry through the AI Safety Institute.

Giving it up would be a slap in the face to the many people, companies, and labs who cooperated with the previous Government to build it only to be cast aside at the first opportunity to ape what is already turning out to be a failed model.

Labour would be wise not to throw this progress away purely to make a point about Brexit or to yield to its union paymasters. Britain would be immeasurably poorer if it is forced to look on, sabotaged by Westminster, as the next industrial revolution passes it by.

Andrew Griffith is the Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs and shadow secretary of state for science, innovation and technology

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Chairman Charles Tuggle Jr. hears a comment from board member Chris Richards during a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

The Megasite Authority of West Tennessee, the governing entity overseeing Ford Motors' Blue Oval City, convened in Jackson on Wednesday.

The board of directors discussed TDOT's road construction connecting to the megasite, waste and water treatment plant updates, and concluded by fielding public questions and comments from concerned community members.

Bringing 6,000 jobs, Ford's $5.6 billion investment in Blue Oval, announced in 2021, is poised to change the trajectory of Tennessee's industrial development, manufacturing electric vehicle batteries and T3 electric-powered trucks.

Announced in August, vehicle production has been delayed and is now expected to be operational by 2027. Battery production will still commence in late 2025.

Chairman Charles Tuggle Jr. speaks during a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

More: 'Give us our center back': Residents rally to reopen critical community center in Mason

More: Residents in Mason demand community benefits agreement from Ford, BlueOval City

More: Megasite Authority of West Tennessee approves Blue Oval suppliers

Water treatment and protection

The Megasite Authority is responsible for enforcing the water pretreatment plan, but approval is granted by the Tennessee Department of Conservation (TDEC).

The pretreatment policy continues to be formulated as TDEC currently stands as the controlling body but refers to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. No timeline has been determined for when the policy will be adopted.

In the conversation about water treatment and protection, Megasite Authority CEO Clay Bright noted the wellhead protection plan for the seven wells located adjacent to Blue Oval on Keeling Road and the two on-site.

Audience members film as Faye Knight speaks during a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

Representing "Protect Our Aquifer," a water advocacy nonprofit based in Memphis, Executive Director Sarah Houston spoke during public comment about the importance of implementing zoning overlays and avoiding below-ground tanks in the name of "best practice."

"It really dictates the placement of having this infrastructure, tries to push more spill prevention measures, and really focuses on hazardous materials," Houston said. "Memphis, Collierville, Millington, and Germantown, they all have this zoning ordinance, so it is the best practice and there's a lot of other states and cities throughout the country that have these zoning overlays."

She added that it prevents water quality issues and allows the state to avoid costly liabilities.

TDOT construction timeline

Bright updated the board on road construction around the site, detailing projected timelines for completion. Exits and new routes were proposed to maximize connectivity to the site from neighboring communities.

Chairman Charles Tuggle Jr. listens as Faye Knight speaks during a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

State Route 194, also referred to as TDOT's "Project Blue Oval" and eventually to become SR-468, is entering phase two with grading and excavating between Stanton-Somerville Road and Fredonia Road.

Beginning in November, traffic signals will be implemented along SR-222 and open to traffic by January 2025.

On the northern part of SR-222, phase one of the traffic switches for construction is complete while progress on widening northbound lanes, laying asphalt, and working on traffic swap continues. Completion is expected by October 2025.

Audience members listen in during a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

Expanding exit access lanes at Exit 42 and phase one of one ramp access for SR-222 is projected to be open to traffic by November 2025 and completed by May 2026.

Questions left unanswered

Tensions flared as the meeting neared its end and public comment began.

In addition to local residents, and some even traveling from Memphis, a dozen members of the Blue Oval Good Neighbors (BOGN) Coalition came to the Southwest Tennessee Development District for the meeting, expressing claims of being ignored by Ford.

Blue Oval Good Neighbor members listen in as during a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

BOGN is a grassroots advocacy group managed by Tennessee For All, which works for "all of us, not just big corporations and a wealthy few." Its membership is primarily comprised of residents from Mason, the predominantly black and neighboring town to Stanton.

In a petition with 800 signatures asking for a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement, BOGN members requested environmental protections, racial and economic equality, and union jobs.

The group publicly called on Ford during a Juneteenth organization in Mason after members claimed their emails and calls about a CBA and "having a meaningful seat at the table" had been ignored. A second rally was held in Mason on Aug. 7 following the closure of a critical community center, and again, called on Ford to negotiate a CBA.

Blue Oval Good Neighbors pose for a photo outside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building during a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

From emails and calls to leveraging social media, BOGN member Durwood Goings said communications efforts have been made to no avail.

"We wholeheartedly welcome Ford to the community, there's no doubt," Goings said. "Ford is known for building quality trucks and cars. We're asking Ford to help build quality neighborhoods, which is key."

Tipton County Mayor Jeff Huffman serves on the Megasite Authority board and on Ford's Equitable Growth Advisory Council, a committee tasked with relaying insight and studying potential obstacles that would limit a community's ability to participate in BlueOval City's projected economic growth.

The council is made up of local leaders like Huffman.

Eloise Thompson, a BOGN member and Mason resident, says the group has invited the council to meet with members of the community, to which no response was received. Huffman says he "wasn't aware of an invitation."

Tipton County Mayor Jeff Huffman speaks with Blue Oval Good Neighbor members after a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

Thompson asked Huffman two questions at Wednesday's meeting: When does the Equitable Growth Advisory Council meet and why has the council not attempted to engage with the BOGN coalition?

Huffman said he does not decide when the meetings are held and that it is left up to the chairperson. When asked who the chairperson was, he said he was "not sure who the chair is this year."

"We can meet right now, but I'm not sure exactly why you want me to meet. I don't represent Ford Motor Company, I represent the folks in Tipton County," Huffman said, speaking to Thompson. "What are you asking me to do? I'm still confused about what you want."

Tipton County Mayor Jeff Huffman speaks with Blue Oval Good Neighbor members after a Blue Oval Megasite Authority Meeting inside the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024.

Once the meeting was adjourned, Huffman met informally with the BOGN members who urged him to help connect them to the council. He suggested they reach out to Ford.

"I don't know how I would get Ford to agree to do anything," Huffman said, speaking to the group.

Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: BlueOval Megasite Authority discusses water treatment, TDOT 's role
The memories that shaped our lives in Fort Worth: What made WFAAs list and what didnt | Opinion

The modern history of Fort Worth is all about an assassination, a tornado and two mansion murders, plus the arrival of Americas biggest airline and the world at an airport the size of a cattle ranch.

Those were some of the Fort Worth highlights of Dallas-Fort Worth history since 1949, as chosen by WFAA/Channel 8 for its 75th anniversary special.

There is no doubt that the most memorable day is Nov. 22, 1963. It began in Fort Worth with a happy welcome breakfast for President John F. Kennedy, and the trail of assassin Lee Harvey Oswald led back here.

But the history of the last 75 years also includes stories of American wars fought and battles won, thanks to national defense workers at Bell Helicopter and what is now Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

WFAA anchors Chris Lawrence, left, and Cynthia Izaguirre, right, joined former anchors Gloria Campos, Tracy Rowlett, Iola Johnson and John McCaa for the stations 75th anniversary celebration.

And it also includes stories of courtroom battles for justice fought for nearly 70 years, from the day white residents in Mansfield rioted to keep Black students out of school to the day Opal Lee of Fort Worth saw Juneteenth signed into law as a national holiday.

Lee, now nearly 98, made WFAAs list. Her success and a nations jubilation were the No. 12 moment that most shaped Dallas-Fort Worth, up there with Jerry Jones buying the Dallas Cowboys and how the kidnapping and killing 9-year-old Amber Hagerman in Arlington sparked Fort Worth massage therapist Diana Simone to suggest the Amber Alert.

The Star-Telegram is a content partner with WFAA.

Here are more Fort Worth stories from WFAAs list, and a few that might have been considered:

Lee Harvey Oswalds gravestone in Rose Hill Park in Fort Worth.

An obvious No. 1: the assassination

WFAAs Dallas studio is very much part of the assassination, from the moment a program director broke into a cooking show to deliver the news. Later, witness Abraham Zapruder would walk in with what became the worlds most famous home movie.

But the story also began in Fort Worth, at a breakfast and rally covered mostly by NBC5 and KTVT/Channel 11 while the Dallas stations prepared for that citys events.

Within moments, reporters were tracing suspect Lee Harvey Oswalds path back to his nine-year home in Fort Worth.

On Sept. 11, 2001, American Airlines aircraft sat silently on the ramp around the AA maintenance hangar. Dozens of flights were delayed, sitting on the tarmac waiting for gates to open. All outbound Tuesday flights were canceled after multiple terrorist attacks utilized hijacked commercial airliners.

Five DFW Airport or airline stories

Fittingly, Fort Worth and Dallas shared city airport takes up the most space on WFAAs history list.

But two of the moments were tragedies: the 1985 crash of Delta 191 and the 1988 crash of Delta 1141.

Forgive me if I dont dwell on those.

In 1985, I was in the Star-Telegram newsroom. I kept the list of fatalities and answered phone calls all night from crying family members.

In 1988, I was on the scene. I interviewed survivors walking away as the plane burned directly behind them.

The airport made good news for its grand opening, for Fort Worth landing American Airlines and for the legal tangles  finally resolved  with Southwest Airlines over Love Field.

June 15, 1999: Billy Bobs Texas bills itself as the worlds largest honky-tonk.

Fort Worth moments that most shaped Dallas-Fort Worth

WFAA also chose:

 The 1957 opening of the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, now Interstate 30, that cut driving time between the cities from 55 minutes to 30.

 The horrendous 2019 killing of Fort Worth resident Atatiana Jefferson by police officer Aaron Dean, who had gone into her backyard unannounced.

 The 1981 opening of Billy Bobs Texas, the Worlds Biggest Honky Tonk, that drew worldwide attention to Fort Worth and the revitalization of the Stockyards.

 The yet-unpunished 1976 killings of 12-year-old Andrea Wilborn and mansion visitor Stan Farr at the former home of oil millionaire Cullen Davis in Fort Worth. Davis was acquitted in connection with Wilborns death.

 The 1995 Mayfest hailstorm that injured more than 400 people, 60 seriously, when it struck the Friday night festival crowd unexpectedly with softball-sized hailstones.

 The 1996 opening of Texas Motor Speedway, a booming success until stock car racing peaked in 2005.

 The 2000 downtown Fort Worth tornado that killed 2 people, injured 80 and damaged buildings across 4 miles near West Seventh Street and downtown.

 The 2013 drunken driving conviction of then-teenager Ethan Couch in the deaths of four people, followed by nationwide outrage when a psychologist said Couch had affluenza.

On Aug. 30, 1956, only white students entered Mansfield High School with an effigy hanging over the door. Black students who had attempted to enroll were turned away.

More moments that shaped our memories

Because the list started with WFAAs debut Sept. 17, 1949, it didnt include Amon Carters launch a year earlier of what is now KXAS/Channel 5, the first TV station between St. Louis and Los Angeles.

It also didnt include the Big Flood that inundated the near west side in May 1949, killing 10.

But starting in fall 1949, I also would have considered:

 The 1951 debut of the helicopter division of what is now Bell Textron Inc.

 The 1956 riot in Mansfield when more than 300 white people gathered, hanged three Black effigies and fought officers to stop three Black students from attending Mansfield High School. The students were sent to Fort Worth, and Mansfield did not desegregate until 1965.

 The 1962 removal of White and Colored signs from Leonards Department Store in downtown Fort Worth, months before worldwide attention for the opening of a mile-long light-rail subway line to the parking lot. Other stores took the signs down before Kennedys 1963 visit.

 The 1974 debut of the F-16 fighter plane, built for 40 years at what is now Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

 The 1979 groundbreaking that began the Sundance Square development in downtown Fort Worth.

 The 1999 mass shooting that killed seven at Wedgwood Baptist Church.

Im sure you remember more.
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that a Memphis graduate students social media posts were protected speech after the University of Tennessee Health Science Center temporarily expelled her from the school over posts made to the students private social media accounts in late 2020.

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that graduate student Kimberly Dieis social media posts, which had no connection with the university, could not be used to threaten academic punishment.

This ruling confirms what Ive known all along, Diei said. I have a right to express myself in my private life thats separate from school, and so do my classmates. I enrolled in pharmacy school to learn, not to have my taste in music and my thoughts on culture policed.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy student Kimberly Diei filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the school after she was expelled over social media posts.

The decision reverses a lower courts August 2023 ruling that dismissed the case, sending the case back for further argument.

Dieis speech did not identify her with the College, had no connection to her studies, and did not lead to disruption, the ruling stated. So unless the College had a genuine educational purpose for regulating Dieis speech, her communications fell safely within the confines of First Amendment protection.

The case centered around a number of posts made on Dieis personal social media accounts between 2020 and 2021. The accounts, under a pseudonym and with no mention of her university enrollment, contained various posts about fashion, song lyrics and sexuality  one post central to the complaint, for instance, was a joke made about a remix of Cardi Bs song "WAP."

More: UT College of Pharmacy student says she was expelled over social media posts, files suit

Diei was investigated twice by university administrators over her posts after the school claimed anonymous complaints were made about what administrators said were sexual, crude and vulgar posts.

The schools Professional Conduct Committee voted to expel her from the pharmacy program in late 2020, claiming her actions violated the schools professional behavior requirements  requirements Diei stated she had never received.

Kimberly Diei has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against University of Tennessee Health Science Center after she was expelled over social media posts.

The expulsion was reversed after lawyers from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, commonly known as FIRE, wrote a letter to administration affirming Dieis First Amendment rights to post on personal social media.

Shortly after, Diei filed a lawsuit against the university alongside FIRE.

Following the lawsuit dismissal in August 2023 and Dieis subsequent appeal, the Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic at Vanderbilt Law School filed an amicus brief in support of her case.

It is perilous for higher education institutions to stifle protected expression, said Jennifer Safstrom, director of the clinic. If schools are permitted to punish student speech online merely for being perceived as distasteful or lewd, it would have a significant and impermissible chilling effect on expression in collegiate and professional schools.

Kimberly Diei has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against University of Tennessee Health Science Center after she was expelled over social media posts.

FIRE praised the appeal courts Tuesday decision to affirm Dieis First Amendment rights.

The court affirmed what a young woman says about sexuality on social media has nothing to do with her ability to be a pharmacist, said Greg Greubel, a senior attorney at FIRE. Kimberly stood up for every American who hopes to have a personal life in addition to their professional life.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has not yet responded to a request for comment.

The USA TODAY Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Memphis pharmacy student wins appeal over 'vulgar' social media posts
Men accused in Upscale Cracc murder, stealing Rolex and other jewelry: Bragg

NEW YORK (PIX11)  Two men are accused of fatally shooting Javier Osorio-Mejia, a popular sneaker reseller Upscale Cracc, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced on Thursday.

Jayquan Straker, 35, of Brooklyn, and 28-year-old Marc Haygood, of Rochester, allegedly stole his jewelry and Rolex, then left him to die, officials said.

More Local News

As alleged, Marc Haygood and Jayquan Straker planned a violent murder as they followed Mr. Osorio-Mejia into Manhattan, stealing jewelry off his body after fatally shooting him, Bragg said. Mr. Osorio-Mejia was a well-known sneaker seller, entrepreneur, and father whose life was cut short in this senseless tragedy. I send my deepest condolences to Mr. Osorio-Mejias family and friends as they mourn his loss.

Osorio-Mejia, a sneaker reseller with over 50,000 followers on Instagram, was shot in SoHo back in June, police said.

Straker and Haygood allegedly followed Osorio-Mejia from a Queens club in a rented gray sedan. Investigators believe there was a chase at some point. The suspects allegedly pulled up next to Osorio-Mejias vehicle and shot at him three times, authorities said.

Osorio-Mejia was shot in the head and the leg. Straker and Haygood allegedly threw the victim to the ground and tore jewelry from him, according to court documents.

EMS personnel rushed Osorio-Mejia to a local hospital, but he could not be saved.

Jayquan Straker is facing the following charges:

Murder in the first degree

Murder in the second degree

Three counts of robbery in the first degree

Robbery in the second degree

Two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree

Marc Haygood is facing the following charges:

Murder in the second degree

Three counts of robbery in the first degree

robbery in the second degree

Two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree

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.
The European Parliament passed a resolution on Sept. 19 calling for EU member states to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons inside Russia, and accelerate weapons deliveries, "including Taurus missiles."

While Kyiv has received long-range missiles from partners like the U.S., the U.K., and France, Ukrainian forces are restricted from using the weapons to hit deep inside Russian territory due to Washington's claims this could escalate the war.

Germany has held back entirely on delivering long-range Taurus missiles, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz repeatedly citing a fear of escalation.

Germany will not allow Ukraine to launch attacks with German weapons far behind the front "even if other countries decide otherwise," Scholz said on Sept. 14.

His comments came after U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stopped short of lifting restrictions on using Western-supplied long-range weapons on Russian territory during their meeting in Washington on Sept. 13, despite media reports suggesting the restrictions could be lifted.

"Without lifting current restrictions, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defense and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure," the European Parliament's resolution said.

The text also called for member states "to accelerate the delivery of weapons, air defense systems, and ammunition, including Taurus missiles."

The resolution additionally called for EU states to "maintain and extend the Councils sanctions policy against Russia, Belarus, and non-EU countries and entities providing Russia with military and dual-use technologies."

The motion was passed with 425 votes in favor, 131 against, and 63 abstentions.

Read also: Its personal  Why Germany still refuses to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Methuen man accused of deadly shooting in Lawrence held without bail

A man was arraigned Thursday for his alleged involvement in a deadly shooting over the weekend.

Thomas A. Pizzaro, 33, of Methuen pleaded not guilty to the murder of 33-year-old Steven Hernandez, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker. He was ordered held without bail pending a hearing on October 11.

On September 14, police say officers responding to a report of shots fired on the 300 block of Water Street around 7 a.m. found Hernandez suffering from several gunshot wounds.

He was transported to Lawrence General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Pizzaro was identified as a suspect and was arrested in Boston on Wednesday without incident, according to authorities.

We greatly appreciate the work of the Massachusetts State Police and the Lawrence Police Department in pursuing this suspect following the murder of Steven Hernandez, said DA Tucker.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Metro police search for person accused of burglarizing over 20 Las Vegas businesses

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Metro police are searching for a person accused of burglarizing over 20 businesses throughout the Las Vegas valley.

Police said the burglaries occurred sporadically throughout the week however the burglaries usually took place in the early morning.

Metro police are searching for a person accused of burglarizing over 20 businesses throughout the Las Vegas valley. (LVMPD)

Metro police are searching for a person accused of burglarizing over 20 businesses throughout the Las Vegas valley. (LVMPD)

Recent surveillance police obtained showed the suspect wearing a hoodie and large work gloves walking with a distinct gait near a business before breaking in, police said. The suspect is accused of burglarizing over 20 businesses at this time.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact the Spring Valley Area

Command Patrol Investigation section by phone at 702-828-2639 or by email at

SVACPD@LVMPD.COM. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-

5555, or on the internet at crimestoppersofnv.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A former lawyer for the Mexican Mafia who was facing decades  if not life  in prison instead will have his prosecution ended without any jail time, supervised release or fines.

Gabriel Zendejas-Chavez was charged in 2018 with helping his locked-up clients relay information to other gang members, messages that aided drug distribution and exposed government informants, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

While that 2018 investigation focused on Los Angeles County jails, the FBI noted at the time that Chavez allegedly conveyed Mexican Mafia messages to members at different state and federal prisons.

He also allegedly provided the names of possible government informants and assisted with a plan to extort $100,000 from another gang.

"Black Hand" of Mexican Mafia

Chavez, 47, could have been sentenced to life in prison if convicted of four felonies related to criminal conspiracy, but instead, he pleaded guilty on Thursday to a single charge of misprision of a felony, an archaic term that indicates he knew a felony was being committed but did not report that information to authorities.

Hes scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 4, and his plea deal indicates hell avoid both prison and probation, as reported by legal reporter Meghann Cuniff on her Substack Legal Affairs and Trials with Meghann Cuniff.

Cuniff noted that the plea deal is a big change in approach from prosecutors, who had planned to retry Chavez alongside three others facing their first trial, including Mexican Mafia leader Jose Fox Landa-Rodriguez, after a jury couldnt decide on a verdict in his first trial in August 2022.

At issue is information that Chavezs attorney Meghan Blanco said shouldve been released before that first trial.

That information, related to notes about meetings with prison informants that prosecutors previously said never occurred, contradicts testimony in the first trial, Blanco explained in Cuniffs report.

Prosecutors admitted that they fell short in their responsibilities and missed documents that should have been produced prior to defendants first trial, Cuniff reports.

Though prison and probation are off the table, Chavez still expects to be disbarred, his attorney 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 KTLA.
The dead body of man, his arm marked with a tattoo of the Virgin of Guadalupe, lies covered on a street in La Costerita neighborhood of Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

CULIACAN, Mexico (AP)  Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador blamed the United States in part on Thursday for the surge in cartel violence terrorizing the northern state of Sinaloa which has left at least 30 people dead in the past week.

Two warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel have clashed in the state capital of Culiacan in what appears to be a fight for power since two of its leaders were arrested in the United States in late July. Teams of gunmen have shot at each other and the security forces.

Meanwhile, dead bodies continued to pop up around the city. On one busy street corner, cars drove by pools of the blood leading to a body in a car mechanic shop, while heavily armed police in black masks loaded up another body stretched out on a side street of the Sinaloan city.

Asked at his morning briefing if the U.S. government was jointly responsible for this violence in Sinaloa, the president said, Yes, of course ... for having carried out this operation.

The recent surge in cartel warfare 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.

On Thursday afternoon, another military operation covered the north of Culiacan with military and circling helicopters.

Traffic was heavy in Culiacan and most schools were open, even though parents were still not sending their children to classes. Businesses continue to close early and few people venture out after dark. While the city has slowly reopened and soldiers patrol the streets, many families continue to hide away, with parents and teachers fearing they'll be caught in the crossfire.

Where is the security for our children, for ourselves too, for all citizens? Its so dangerous here, you dont want to go outside, one Culiacan mother told the Associated Press.

The mother, who didn't want to share her name out of fear of the cartels, said that while some schools have recently reopened, she hasn't allowed her daughter to go for two weeks. She said she was scared to do so after armed men stopped a taxi they were traveling in on their way home, terrifying her child.

During his morning news briefing, Lopez Obrador had claimed American authorities carried out that operation to capture Zambada and that it was totally illegal, and agents from the Department of Justice were waiting for Mr. Mayo.

If we are now facing instability and clashes in Sinaloa, it is because they (the American government) made that decision, he said.

He added that there cannot be a cooperative relationship if they take unilateral decisions like this. Mexican prosecutors have said they were considering bringing treason charges against those involved in the plan to nab Zambada.

He was echoed by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who said later in the day that we can never accept that there is no communication or collaboration.

It's the latest escalation of tensions in the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Last month, the Mexican president said he was putting relations with the U.S. and Canadian embassies on pause after ambassadors criticized his controversial plan to overhaul Mexico's judiciary by requiring all judges to stand for election.

Still, the Zambada capture has fueled criticisms of Lopez Obrador, who has throughout his administration refused to confront cartels in a strategy he refers to as hugs not bullets. On previous occasions, he falsely stated that cartels respect Mexican citizens and largely fight amongst themselves.

While the president, who is set to leave office at the end of the month, has promised his plan would reduce cartel violence, such clashes continue to plague Mexico. Cartels employ an increasing array of tactics, including roadside bombs or IEDs, trenches, home-made armored vehicles and bomb-dropping drones.

Last week, Lopez Obrador publicly asked Sinaloa's warring factions to act responsibly and noted that he believed the cartels would listen to him.

But the bloodshed has only continued.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  School started just last month and there has already been a spike in lockdowns over students making threats. The states top law enforcement officer is now calling on lawmakers to increase penalties. The increasing frequency that its happening here in New Mexico hopefully will encourage lawmakers to sort of reassess the decision that exists under current law to treat threats of mass violence somehow differently, said New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez.

States Legislative Finance Committee discusses oil and gas regulation

Torrez said current state law isnt preventing students from making threats. Currently, its a misdemeanor and he said it should be a felony. He argued judges are reluctant to approve search warrants for juveniles suspected of misdemeanor crimes. Any threat of that kind should be a felony. There is no justification in my mind for this continuing to be a misdemeanor, said AG Torrez.

Numerous proposals to toughen penalties for criminal threats have failed in the legislature over the last four years.

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An international aerospace company seeking to collaborate with national defense agencies on surveillance and defense initiatives is considering Colorado Springs for a U.S. base.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday approved up to $759,034 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits over an eight-year period to attract the company to the Springs.

The unidentified company, assigned the code name Project Diamond, is described as a developer of a space surveillance system designed to offer predictive and robust space-based situational awareness services. The system utilizes a constellation of cost-efficient nanosatellites in LEO (Low Earth Orbit).

If the company chooses Colorado Springs, its expected to bring 61 new jobs at an average annual wage of $82,645, which is 130% of the average annual wage in El Paso County.

The jobs would include software engineers, systems engineers, business developers and HR and finance roles. The company is also considering North Carolina, Texas and California for its U.S. base.

The tax credits are contingent upon a number of conditions; at least 20 net new jobs would have to be created and maintained before any credits are issued.

The state Economic Development Commission approved job-growth incentives for three other projects on Thursday as well that could bring hundreds of jobs:

 Project Skyhawk is the code name for a company that develops micro-satellite systems and is considering moving its headquarters from Santa Clara, Calif. Its looking at Colorado  specifically the Denver area  and Utah. If it comes to Denver, it expects to create 141 jobs at an average annual wage of $126,589; those jobs would include accountants, specialists and engineers. The company employs 30 in the state.

The commission approved up to $1,910,438 in Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits to bring the company to Colorado.

In comparing Utah and Colorado, a company representative said the cost of doing business in Utah is less, but we feel like the talent pool in Colorado is better.

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 Project Bobcat is the code name for a company that is part of Colorados advanced manufacturing industry. Thanks to its growing business, state officials said, it needs to expand operations out of its current facility and is looking for a new building either in Boulder County or in Pennsylvania. It expects to create 314 net new jobs  including accountants, engineers, and manufacturing and IT employees  at an average annual wage of $97,493. It would also retain 101 jobs.

This project would support the states economic goals by retaining a well-established and valued advanced manufacturing company, retaining 101 jobs and adding 314 new, good-paying jobs in one of Colorados seven advanced industries, state officials said.

To that goal, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $5,581,873 in Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits and up to $397,315 in Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentives. The latter incentives require a commitment of local government funding that matches the state incentive; a municipality in Boulder County has offered $397,315 in rebates for development fees, business personal property taxes and other items.

 Project AX Experience reflects a medical device company that is looking to establish a medical education facility in the western half of the United States. In addition to Colorado, the company is considering Dallas and Salt Lake City.

Within Colorado, the company is eyeing Arapahoe County. It expects to create 100 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $133,200; the jobs would include lab technicians, project engineers and office managers. The company has more than 6,000 employees in the U.S., though none currently in Colorado.

The addition of a medical education facility in Colorado would offer training led by world-class surgeons and optimize the surgical experience for Colorado patients and beyond, said materials from the Economic Development Commission, which approved up to $1,673,558 in Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits.

Were anxious and excited to take our company further west, and based on the locations weve looked at, right now statistically Denver makes the most sense for us, a company spokesman said at Thursdays meeting.

The commission on Thursday also approved $2 million in refundable tax credits through the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credits Program for Project Lithium, the code name for a global Fortune 200 company that provides edge-to-cloud solutions, high-performance computing, AI, and enterprise data center solutions. The company, according to state officials, has operated in Colorado for more than 40 years and is seeking to consolidate its R&D activities from high-cost locations. Fort Collins has been identified as a potential site for that consolidation.

The CHIPS tax credit program was created through legislation in the General Assembly in 2023 to maximize incentives available to eligible semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries in the state.
Mexico ex-drug czar deserves life in prison for bribery, US says

FILE PHOTO: Mexico's Public Security Minister Genaro Garcia Luna attends a meeting with the Human Rights commission at the Senate in Mexico City

FILE PHOTO: Mexico's Public Security Minister Genaro Garcia Luna attends a meeting with the Human Rights commission at the Senate in Mexico City

By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Genaro Garcia Luna, who for several years led Mexico's fight against the country's violent drug trade, should spend the rest of his life in prison after accepting bribes to protect the cartels he was supposed to fight, the U.S. Department of Justice said on Thursday.

Garcia Luna faces an Oct. 9 sentencing in Brooklyn federal court before U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan, following his February 2023 conviction for engaging in a criminal drug enterprise, taking part in various conspiracies and making false statements.

Prosecutors said Garcia Luna, Mexico's public security minister from 2006 to 2012, took millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa cartel once led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, better known as El Chapo.

In exchange, he became an "essential ally and member" of the cartel, shielding members from arrest and providing aid as it shipped more than 1 million kilograms (2.2 million pounds) of cocaine through Mexico into the United States, prosecutors said.

"It is difficult to overstate the magnitude of the defendant's crimes, the deaths and addiction he facilitated, and his betrayal of the people of Mexico and the United States," U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a letter to the judge. "His crimes demand justice."

Garcia Luna, 56, faces a mandatory minimum 20-year prison term. His lawyer Cesar de Castro plans to submit his own sentencing recommendation.

"Nothing in the government's arguments surprises me," de Castro said in an email. "The only surprise was that it submitted the letter earlier than required."

Prosecutors said Garcia Luna essentially lived separate lives, working with U.S. counter-narcotics and intelligence agencies while secretly on the Sinaloa cartel's payroll.

His assistance to the cartel included providing tips about government investigations and rival cartels, prosecutors said.

"The defendant committed these egregious acts while outwardly branding himself as the enemy of drug cartels and the ally of the United States," Peace wrote.

Guzman is serving a life sentence at a Colorado maximum security prison after being convicted in 2019 on drug charges.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is not happy that the Texas National Guard has been installing razor wire along the Rio Grande river  facing her state.

Nexstars KTSM captured video showing troops putting up concertina wire and fencing on the riverbank in the El Paso, Texas, area Tuesday afternoon. The expansion came three days after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted on X that the state would triple its razor wire border barriers to deny illegal entry into our state and our country.

Gov. Abbott seems to be pushing to make Texas its own country without regard for his neighbors or the fact that Texas is already part of a great nationthe United States, said Grisham in a statement. If he doesnt think that New Mexico is important to the overall well-being of Texas, then he must be forgetting about the Permian Basin and the oil industry that straddles our two states. I dont see him laying concertina wire there.

This is not the first time Texas has acted on concern that illegal smuggling activity going on in New Mexico would spill into Texas. Earlier this year, the state extended its barrier at a spot where the river stops running parallel to Mexico and turns north into New Mexico.

The New Mexico-facing concertina barrier extends from West Paisano Drive to the Texas side of the Anapra, N.M., bridge between El Paso and Sunland Park.

According to Border Report, The Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station in southern New Mexico is one of the busiest in the nation in terms of migrant smuggling activity; many of the 171 encounters with deceased migrants this fiscal year have occurred in the desert near Sunland Park.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  A department that is drowning, that is how one lawmaker described the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department on Wednesday after getting briefed on the embattled agencys struggle to recruit and retain staff and increased repeat maltreatment rates from FY24.

Story continues below

At the Legislative Finance Committee meeting, lawmakers acknowledged CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados and staff have a tough job but are still at a loss at why the agency is still struggling.

When are we going to start making a difference? When? Ive been in here ten yearsIm looking at others who have been here much longer than me, its still an issue, said Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), Fix it, please.

Secretary Casados said the agency continues to have challenges recruiting and retaining staff. The agency has a 28.6% vacancy rate and a 34% turnover rate. We start to see that things are getting better and were hiring and then we have six or seven investigators quit, said Secretary Casados. Replacing those investigators is not just a matter of hiring someone new and handing them a caseload. It takes at least six months of training and getting them up to speed.

She told lawmakers the high turnover leads to other issues and prevents them from stabilizing the agency. Currently, it has 20 kids still sleeping in offices and investigators have higher caseloads than required by the Kevin S. Settlement.

To try and turn things around, CYFD has been to 62 career fairs this year, did outreach at community events like Zozobra and the New Mexico State Fair, and is partnering with Presbyterian to create a wellness program for employee mental health.

Right now, all they have is their coworkers and families to really talk that through. So, I believe establishing a strong workforce support program for them will really help in retention, said Secretary Casados.

Amid expressing their frustrations on the lack of progress in the agency, a number of lawmakers brought up the possibility of outside oversight over the agency. As I travel the country, I talk about how in New Mexico we are rebuilding the village it takes to raise a child, but unfortunately I feel like were failing the most vulnerable, said House Speaker Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque).

He warned the secretary he would bring back bills that died in previous sessions including ones that would bring outside oversight to CYFD. Secretary Casados said she is not opposed to outside oversight but isnt sure its the right move since the agency already has a number of councils and entities that oversee it.

I believe in oversight, I do. I think there is quite a bit of oversight right now. I think if we can enhance what advisory council doesthat could play that role, she said.

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Which Mexico are you? New Mexico furious after Texas installs razor wire along its border

Which Mexico are you? New Mexico furious after Texas installs razor wire along its border

In an effort to prevent migrant crossings from the southern border, Texas installed a razor wire along its border with New Mexico, not Mexico  upsetting the southwestern states governor.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on September 14 that his state would be TRIPLING our razor wire border barriers to deny illegal entry into our state and our country. However, rather than installing the razor wire along the Rio Grande river bank that faces Mexico, KTSM on Tuesday captured footage of Texas Army National Guard troops installing it along a bank that faces New Mexico.

This newly-laid barrier extends from West Paisano Drive to the Texas side of the Anapra, New Mexico, according to the outlet.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, told The Independent in a statement that Republican Abbotts latest move was a political stunt that will have will have no meaningful impact on our nations broken immigration system.

Texas National Guard installs concertina wire along Rio Grande river banks facing New Mexico (KTSM)

The Texas governor seems to be pushing to make Texas its own country without regard for his neighbors or the fact that Texas is already part of a great nationthe United States, Lujan Grisham said.

She continued: If he doesnt think that New Mexico is important to the overall well-being of Texas, then he must be forgetting about the Permian Basin and the oil industry that straddles our two states. I dont see him laying concertina wire there. The New Mexico governor then urged Congressional Republicans to stop holding up the carefully negotiated, bipartisan agreement they are deliberately stalling in Washington at the expense of our entire nation.

A bipartisan border bill designed to help deal with immigration failed in May after Donald Trump pleaded with his Republican allies in Congress to oppose it. Trump frequently blasts the Biden-Harris administrations border record, but he reportedly called his GOP loyalists to kill the legislation to prevent his Democratic 2024 rivals from getting a victory in a key election issue, a source told HuffPost at the time.

The Independent has emailed a representative for Lujan Grisham.

When asked about the new razor wire, Abbotts press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told The Independent in a statement: Texas has been so successful in securing our southern border, migrants are now illegally crossing into New Mexico, and then into Texas.

Mahaleris noted this isnt the first time that Abbott has directed the Texas National Guard to install a barrier along its neighboring state. Last October, Abbott announced on X that Texas was installing fencing along NEW Mexico border because our barriers around El Paso forced the migrants crossing illegally to enter into New Mexico. They then entered into El Paso from there.

This barrier has proven to be effective in deterring migrants who illegally crossed into the United States, Mahaleris continued. Under Operation Lone Star, Texas has allocated more than $11 billion of Texas taxpayer money for border security, deploying thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and DPS troopers, transporting migrants to self-declared sanctuary cities, installing strategic barriers, and building our own border wall. Texas will continue utilizing every tool and strategy to respond to the border crisis and protect Texans.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham blasted Texas Governor Greg Abbott clear after he called for a razor wire to be installed to face New Mexico (Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP)

Abbotts aggressive campaign to curb the migrant crisis is not new.

This expansion of the razor wire comes two years after he began busing tens of thousands of migrants across the country, installing a buoy barrier, and reports last year that border agents were ordered to push the people back into the water to go to Mexico. At the time a spokesperson for the governor denied the reports of orders to push migrants into the river.

The Justice Department even sued Texas in January over Senate Bill 4, which permits Texas law enforcement officers to arrest migrants for illegal entry and authorizes judges to order migrants to leave the country. Then-US Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta called the law clearly unconstitutional.

It was originally set to go into effect in March, but was blocked by a federal district court judge in February.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico National Guard members rescued a man who was trampled by a horse in an extremely remote portion of the Gila Wilderness in southwest New Mexico.

The four-person crew of the HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter arrived on the scene at around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and hoisted the man from the ground into the helicopter which hovered above. The flight medic noted the man was suffering from possible broken ribs, an injured ankle, and potential internal injuries, according to the National Guard.

Gov. Lujan Grisham responds to Texas placing razor wire facing New Mexico

The man was taken to Albuquerque where he was transferred to a ground ambulance and then taken to the hospital.



Im relieved we were able to airlift the individual from such a remote area, provide initial medical aid and transport them for further medical care, Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the NMNG Adjutant General, stated in a news release. Im proud of our team for handing the rescue with such expertise, once again highlighting what we do in the Guard to serve New Mexico and our communities. Thats our purpose.

The helicopter crew was comprised of Pilot in Command Capt. Chris Otero, Pilot Chief Warrant Officer 3 Carlton Charles, Crew Chief Staff Sgt. Ben Vasquez and Flight Medic Staff Sgt. Adam Gross.

This rescue marked the first use of the New Mexico National Guards brand new helicopter, which is specifically designed for Medical Evacuation, or MEDEVAC use.

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The officer involved in detaining Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill has been identified.

Officer Daniel Torres was placed on leave after the bodycam video showed Hill being thrown to the ground after a traffic stop outside of Hard Rock Stadium.

An employee profile shows since 1996, Officer Torres has received multiple complaints, including several allegations of use of force.

Read: Hit or miss? Tropical system in Caribbean could impact Florida next week

Officer Torres also has received 29 commendations for things like dedication to duty, professionalism, and assistance to the public.

Hill has asked the Miami-Dade Police Department to remove Officer Torres from the force.

Read: Access for All: Orlando Museum of Art offers free admission Thursday

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Frances new prime minister finally submitted a new government to Emmanuel Macron Thursday with the top post of interior ministry going to the Right-wing Republicans party.

The French presidents loyalists picked up many of the remaining positions in a move that enraged the opposition Left-wing alliance that came first in July snap elections.

According to French reports, Michel Barnier  the EUs former chief Brexit negotiator and himself a Right-winger  proposed Bruno Retailleau, the Republicans senatorial chief, as interior minister.

But Laurent Wauquiez, the Republicans chief, said he had turned down the powerful post of finance minister left vacant by Bruno Le Maire who had occupied the position since Mr Macron came to power in 2017. It was unclear who would get the post on Thursday.

Fellow Republicans party members Annie Genevard and Francois-Noel Buffet are taking the agriculture and overseas ministries.

Gabriel Attal, former French prime minister, second from right - AFP

Macroniste outgoing Europe minister Jean-Noel Barrot was reportedly set to be promoted to foreign minister after the French president proposed his ephemeral predecessor Stephane Sejourne to become Frances new EU commissioner.

Sebastien Lecornu, who is believed to enjoy a close relationship with Macron, is said to be staying on as defence minister.

France has been gripped by political deadlock, through the Olympic Games and beyond, since the surprise legislative ballot left it with a hung parliament. It left three main blocs in parliament on the Left, centre and nationalist Right with none in a position to command a workable majority.

Mr Macron rejected the Left-wing alliances proposed candidate for prime minister, Lucie Castets.

He finally ended the legislative limbo two weeks ago by appointing Mr Barnier to seek to cobble together a government after Marine Le Pens National Rally said it would not automatically veto his policies.

Sebastien Lecornu will stay on as defence minister - SHUTTERSTOCK

Mr Barniers efforts were reportedly at risk of foundering this week after outgoing prime minister Gabriel Attal said they would refuse to take part should his successor go ahead with his reported aim of raising taxes to tackle budget shortfalls.

But the 73-year-old Gaullist ex-EU Commissioner made it plain on Thursday that there would be no tax rises for the middle classes and the working French.

Mr Barnier told Right-wing and centrist groups at a meeting on Thursday afternoon that he was pondering a line-up of 16 main ministers including both their political families.

Gabriel Attal, his predecessor and now leader in parliament of Mr Macrons Renaissance party, was at the meeting and told allies that the list included 10 names from their centrist alliance.

Stephane Sejourne, Frances outgoing Minister for Foreign and European Affairs (R) with Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State - GETTY

A conservative politician, wishing to remain anonymous, told AFP the French president had stressed Mr Barnier could not give two top portfolios  such as the finance and interior posts  to Right-wing figures, irritating the prime minister.

Mr Barnier has reportedly struggled to get a Left-wing name on board.

Manuel Bompard, the head of France Unbowed, the party whose figurehead is Leftist firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, slammed the reported new government line-up as made up of all the losers from the last elections.

He called for demonstrations on Saturday against the biggest scam of the Fifth Republic.

Meanwhile, Aurelien Rousseau, an MP for the New Popular Front alliance quipped: What would it have be like if the Right had won the elections?

Laurent Wauquiez (L) and Bruno Retailleau - LUDOVIC MARIN/GETTY

It was not immediately clear when the full list would be officially announced to the public, although early Friday appeared likely.

The list is a government ready to act in the service of the French people, the premiers office said.

It said the immediate aims would be to improve French peoples standard of living, guarantee security and control immigration, enhance Frances economic attractiveness, rein in public finances and reduce the ecological debt.

Mr Macron could seek to veto Mr Barniers proposals but doing so would cause major tensions with his premier at this stage.

The new government came amid reports that Francois Hollande, the former Socialist French president, planned to run for re-election in 2027.

On Thursday, Mr Hollande said if Mr Macron was unable to form a new government by this weekend it would be serious for the country.



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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A bill drafted by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to codify employment rights of those with past marijuana use has passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

It now moves to the full Senate floor for consideration.

The DOOBIE Act (Dismantling Outdated Obstacles and Barriers to Individual Employment Act) was introduced in July, and would make it illegal for individuals to be denied federal employment or security clearances solely based on past recreational or medical marijuana use.

Current legislation allows federal employment and security clearances to be denied for marijuana use regardless of how the state an applicant lives in regulates the substance. 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized both medical and recreational use, and an additional state permits it for medical use.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) leaves the Senate Chamber following a procedural vote regarding a nomination on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Michigan legalized medicinal use in 2008 under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and recreational use in 2018 under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act.

The federal government must adapt its hiring practices to reflect the evolving legal and social landscape of our nation, said Senator Peters. My bill takes a crucial step by aligning federal policy with existing agency guidance, ensuring that past marijuana use alone doesnt automatically disqualify talented individuals from public service. This approach will expand our talent pool and create a fairer, more inclusive hiring process.

The DOOBIE Act has a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representativesthe Cannabis Users Restoration of Eligibility Act.

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Kristina Love won a $1 million prize from a Powerball ticket she bought "on a whim." Photo courtesy of the Michigan Lottery

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- A Michigan woman decided to mix up her lottery playing routine "on a whim" and won a $1 million Powerball prize.

Kristina Love, 74, of Traverse City, told Michigan Lottery officials she made an unusual choice when she visited the Family Fare store on East 8th Street in Traverse City.

"I usually only play Fantasy 5, but when I was at the store, I decided to buy a Powerball ticket on a whim," Love said. "Early the next morning, I checked my ticket and when I saw I won $1 million, I started screaming. My son ran in the room thinking something was wrong, until I said: 'I just won $1 million!' I must have looked the numbers over five more times after that to make sure I wasn't mistaken."

Love's ticket matched the five white balls in the Aug. 24 drawing: 05-15-21-24-43.

Love said she plans to use her winnings to buy a house and share with her family.
An unknown semiconductor company that had its eye on building a massive factory on thousands of acres of Port Washington farmland has decided not to follow through with the purchase, according to landowners and town officials.

In May, dozens of landowners in the Town of Port Washington received buying offers from Jeff Hoffman with the Milwaukee commercial real estate company Cushman & Wakefield/Boerke who negotiated contracts to purchase the town land for the microchip facility.

For months, the landowners have been in the dark with lingering questions on what company was seeking their land, what would happen to the almost 2,000 acres of sprawling farmland and how it would impact their community.

At the end of August, Hoffman called landowners to tell them the unknown company is apparently looking elsewhere.

What happens with their land now is still unknown.

Hoffman also told the landowners he is now courting other buyers for the almost 2,000 acres under contract, an area stretching north of Knellsville at the town's border with the city, east of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail and west of Interstate 43, according to the land owners and Town Supervisor Mike Didier.

Many of the property owners had feared the project could forever alter the quiet, rural life that many had sought in the town. In June, dozens of the landowners and town residents voiced their concerns at a Town Board meeting, according to minutes from the meeting.

Developing a semiconductor factory would have required that the City of Port Washington annex the land, and, in July, The Ozaukee Press reported that the city had hired two law firms and a financial adviser to guide it through a "large economic development project" that could entail annexation and creating a tax incremental financing district.

While the microchip factory is no longer on the table, other massive projects for the 2,000 acres still are.

Hoffman could not be reached for comment over the last two weeks about what kinds of companies he's now courting and why the Town of Port Washington wasn't chosen for the microchip factory.

Port Washington Mayor Ted Neitzke was also not able to be reached by phone. Neitzke and members of the Common Council signed nondisclosure agreements promising not to discuss the project, but Didier did not sign an NDA.

The landowners themselves are limited as to what they can say publicly about the situation due to their properties being under contract.

Didier was not surprised the microchip purchase fell through, saying he'd always felt it was a "long shot."

While he said it's still possible Hoffman will have to cancel the land contracts, he does think the land in Port Washington could still be a ripe development opportunity for potential new buyers.

"Geographically speaking, this is the first major area of big, open land going from Milwaukee up along the lake," Didier said, pointing out that it's "close to a major federal interstate highway and close to a large body of water, so I can see the possibility of interest."

The expanse of farmland is a product of the town's agricultural community, which has maintained that identity while neighbors like Grafton and Cedarburg have succumbed to pressures of development long ago, Didier said.

"Our agricultural space has been there, because that's what the people wanted."

However, Didier does believe a major development could be beneficial to the town and city.

For example, he said Charter Steel, which bought tons of land in Saukville in the 1970s, has benefitted the community there as a major employer.

"If that was vacant land today, and (Charter Steel) proposed (a development) there, I'm assuming everybody would lose their minds," he said.

Didier works as a real estate agent and has been talking to Hoffman about the land since May.

Hoffman has not told him the kinds of companies he's courting, but Didier has been researching large commercial land purchases and has suspicions the companies could be in the realm of artificial intelligence and big data, citing Wall Street Journal reports about those companies' hunger for data centers that serve as the backbone for AI, cloud computing and other internet technologies.

Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Microchip company no longer buying Port Washington land; another might
The ownership of The Citadel mall released a list of safety improvements this week ahead of a community conversation planned about the east-side Colorado Springs shopping center Friday, according to a news release.

The Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board banned all members of the military from going to the mall in July and then lifted the ban in September after a presentation by city leadership and mall ownership. The board  consisting of representatives from Fort Carson, Evans Army Community Hospital, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base and the Air Force Academy  has placed the mall on a three-month probation, a city of Colorado Springs statement said.

Business owners and city leaders worried a ban would hurt the mall, located off the northwest corner of Platte Avenue and Academy Boulevard, which has seen some revitalization efforts in recent years, including the opening of a church and a school. Coperni 3, a charter school that serves about 400 students, opened in 2019. Zeal Church opened earlier this year and draws a congregation of about 1,700 people on a Sunday. The mall is home to other schools and spiritual offerings, including The Catholic Center. Before lifting the ban completely, the board allowed people to go to the mall for educational and religious purposes.

In a statement, Namdar Realty Group said it has worked on several security updates:

AI surveillance camera test program, including the installation of nine new cameras covering all main entrances and the food court

Door repairs

Emergency PA system repair

Ongoing lighting repairs

Increase of overall security hours by 53 hours/week, including armed security seven days/week

Full review of on-site security policy and procedure with various adjustments made to suit the immediate needs better

Open discussions related to coordinating training activities for local Police/Fire/EMS on-site

Coordinated public events for community engagement alongside city and other local agencies

The Gazette reported on some of these safety improvements when the ban was lifted. But the ownership did not respond to a request for comment at the time.

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The statement from ownership said some additional improvements are planned.

"Namdar Realty Group is dedicated to continually enhancing the security standards at Citadel Mall, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors and tenants," the statement said.

The city of Colorado Springs is hosting a community conversation from 4-6 p.m. Friday at Zeal Church on the mall's west side. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The event will focus on safety and ensuring the mall is a welcoming hub.

The event will feature City Councilwoman Nancy Henjum, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez, Kevin Chadrjian from Namdar, city officials and Citadel mall tenants.

The Citadel, which opened in 1972, is one of the Springs' two enclosed regional shopping malls. Like many similar malls nationwide, The Citadel has taken hits over the years as brick-and-mortar retailers, who compete with Amazon and other online marketplaces, have closed, downsized or relocated to new and trendier shopping centers.
Vice Chair and President of Microsoft Corporation Brad Smith takes part in a press conference held by Microsoft Deutschland GmbH on the Group's investments in the AI sector in Germany. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Brad Smith, the president of technology giant Microsoft, on Wednesday issued a stark warning regarding foreign attempts to influence the US presidential election in November.

"The most perilous moment will come, I think, 48 hours before the election," Smith told a US Senate hearing on Wednesday. "That's the lesson to be learned from, say, the Slovakian election last fall."

Smith said two days ahead of the parliamentary election vote in the European country "a Russian group" released and pushed, including by amplifying the story with a top Russian official, a deep fake audio purporting to reveal a vote stealing plot. "The Russian government is very capable, very sophisticated, not just in technology but in social science," Smith said.

The Microsoft boss stressed "there are real and serious threats," including in the upcoming US presidential election set to take place on November 5.

The race for the White House may be between Republican candidate Donald Trump and the Democrats' Kamala Harris, "but this is also becoming an election of Iran versus Trump and Russia versus Harris," the Microsoft boss said.

"It is an election where Russia, Iran and China are united with the common interest in discrediting democracy in the eyes of our voters," Smith warned.

Just a few days ago, US authorities exposed a Russian sponsored campaign which deployed right-wing influencers. Accounts masquerading as the websites of news outlets like conservative channel Fox News and newspaper The Washington Post posted fake stories.

On Wednesday, a Russian group published a video of Harris, manipulated with the help of artificial intelligence, in which words were put into her mouth that she never said, said Smith.

The administration in Washington has accused Russia of interfering in the US presidential election campaign. Similar accusations had been made in previous elections.

Smith testified alongside Meta's Nick Clegg and Kent Walker, president and chief legal officer for Google's Alphabet.
Stephanie Jones, a mid-Michigan professional and mother of two, shares her story of receiving lifesaving abortion care in an ad supporting former state Sen. Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing) for Congress. | Photo courtesy of Hertel for Michigan

Stephanie Jones, 41, is a mid-Michigan professional and a mother of two. In 2016, Jones was pregnant for the second time, when an ectopic pregnancy almost cut her life short.

We were really excited to be pregnant for a second time. Like many young families, we were just elated and over the moon, Jones told the Advance in an interview Wednesday.

In an ad released Thursday in support of former state Sen. Curtis Hertels (D-East Lansing) congressional campaign, Jones describes losing blood and losing consciousness, as her pregnancy caused her uterus to rupture.

If I didnt have an abortion immediately, I would have died, Jones said in the ad.

Because of the federal protections surrounding abortion, Jones said she was able to access abortion care, telling the Advance that Roe v. Wade, the since-overturned Supreme Court case guaranteeing access to an abortion, had given her a second chance at life.

It was very touch and go, on the razors edge of life and death. And then once I was able to get stabilized, I spent a week in [an Intensive Care Unit] recovering from the trauma to my body, Jones said.

Without that abortion, my husband would have been a widower and my son would have been motherless, she said.

The ad only tells one part of the story, Jones said, noting that she later experienced another rare type of ectopic pregnancy that required an abortion and ended her ability to carry a child, later having her daughter through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy.

My life was saved, not once, but twice through abortion, Jones said.

When candidates like [Hertels Republican opponent, former state Sen.] Tom Barrett, when they talk about abortion and access to abortion and [banning] abortion with no exceptions, what theyre talking about is my exact case. And if there were red tape involved in the process for my doctor to have the ability to save my life, I would not have survived. We are talking about the difference of seconds and minutes between life and death, Jones said.

Several ads supporting Democratic candidates this cycle have featured women sharing their stories about abortion and reproductive health care, including Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly), whos running against former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) for U.S. Senate.

Hertel and Barrett are squaring off in one of the most competitive congressional races in the country in Michigans 7th District that could be decisive in determining party control of the U.S. House. Republicans currently hold a slim majority.

Hertel has repeatedly attacked Barrett on abortion with the ad accusing Barrett of supporting a national abortion ban, pointing to a bill Barrett introduced while serving in the state Senate in 2019 which creates penalties for individuals providing a partial-birth abortion, including up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000.

Partial birth abortion is a non-medical term for a procedure called dilation and extraction (D&X), which has been banned nationally since 2003.

Barretts bill would have applied the same penalties to a dismemberment abortion which it defines as disarticulating limbs or decapitating the head from the fetal torso and removing the dismembered fetal body parts regardless of whether the fetal body parts are removed by the same instrument, device, or object or by suction or other means.

Barrett also joined Republicans in the Legislature in supporting a failed attempt to reinstate Michigans 1931 abortion ban. Michigan voters in 2022 passed a constitutional amendment, Proposal 3, guaranteeing abortion rights.

While Barrett still opposes abortion, his campaign strategist Jason Roe previously told the Advance that Barrett does not believe Congress has the authority to override the will of the people of Michigan, and only they can amend the changes resulting from Proposal 3.

According to Roe, Barretts priority in Congress would be focused on preserving the Hyde amendment  which bans the use of federal funds for abortion, only allowing exceptions to pay for terminating pregnancies that endanger the life of the pregnant person or that result from rape or incest  and ensuring nonprofit crisis pregnancy centers continue to receive government funding.

Barrett has also told the Detroit Free Press he sees a role for Congress in ensuring doctors arent forced to perform abortion procedures in violation of their own consciences and minors arent transported over state lines to receive an abortion without parental consent as well as working to make adoption a more acceptable alternative to abortion.

Jones said voters should look to Barretts respect for the issue and respect for women, referencing an interview with the Washington Examiner where he discussed his decision to launch his second bid to represent Michigans 7th Congressional District after his 2022 loss to Slotkin in what was billed as one of the most expensive races in the nation.

In the interview, Barrett downplayed the possibility that abortion would remain an intense issue in the 2024 election cycle.

My opponent is not a woman. He does not have the depth of resources that Slotkin had. The top of the ticket should be far more competitive. The abortion proposal, which dominated the race and every race in America seemingly two years ago, is not on the ballot in Michigan this year, Barrett told the Examiner in reflecting on his 2022 loss. In addition to that, I feel like the same issues that we were really highlighting in 2022  cost of living, energy, national security, the border, crime, all of these things  are as bad or worse today as they were in 2022.

Jones disagreed.

[Barrett] feels its an insignificant issue that people are not concerned about and that it doesnt matter because his opponent is not a woman. And I would tell you my husband, who watched his wife nearly die and was really facing the idea that he was going to be raising our son on his own; my father, who you know as a retired UAW worker, watched his daughter nearly die without access to an abortion, not once, but twice. I would beg to differ that it does matter, even though hes not running against a woman, she said.

Jones noted that while she was given a second chance to share her story, for every story that is shared there are hundreds that go untold.

There are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of stories that people are not sharing because theyre still too traumatized, too scared to talk about. And that is we just need to remember that, because it is not a one off rarity. This is happening, you know, frequently in our state and across our country, and we just need to remind ourselves of that, Jones said.

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Attacks on militants wireless devices in Lebanon and Syria this week are amping up concern about ways in which the global electronics supply chain can be compromised  and the risks for companies operating in adversarial countries.

In the attacks, pagers and other hand-held communications devices linked to members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group exploded, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 3,000. Israel is reportedly behind the attacks, though it has not claimed responsibility.

Security experts and supply chain analysts said the attacks serve as a model for future adversaries on how to weaponize the complex and often-opaque supply chains for everyday items, which go through a bevy of forms and countries before arriving in stores.

Private sector companies and public officials alike are still taking stock of the policy implications, but it could motivate governments to further restrict the flow of sensitive technology and encourage companies to move more manufacturing back home or to friendly third countries. And it almost certainly will force manufacturers and transport companies to reexamine the security and transparency of their supply chains.

At the center of this operation is Budapest-based company B.A.C. Consulting, which ostensibly operated as a legitimate technology provider but was reportedly a front company covertly controlled by the Israeli government, according to reporting from The New York Times. But whether the devices were tampered with or compromised from the start, even the possibility that explosives could have been inserted during manufacturing or transport could cause companies to reconsider if their supply lines and their facilities are secure.

The attack is likely to create some degree of panic in the private sector, said Bill Reinsch, a former Commerce Department official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This could happen in other places and other sectors as well.

On Capitol Hill, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, also said he expected companies to be reevaluating the security of their global operations.



It does certainly point to the risks associated with supply chains, Himes said. I would imagine there's a lot of warehouse managers today, and you know, cargo ship owners who are doing a little bit of thinking about the security of their facilities.

The booby-trapped pagers are believed to have been designed with a trigger mechanism, according to Elijah J. Magnier, a Brussels-based political risk analyst who held conversations with Hezbollah operatives. An error message was then sent to the devices causing a vibration, prompting users to press buttons to silence them  inadvertently setting off the hidden explosives.

B.A.C. Consulting appears to have built credibility by conducting genuine sales of pagers and walkie-talkies to global customers, and the facade of legitimacy was key in securing orders from Hezbollah for communication devices, according to the Times.

International spokesperson for the Hungarian government Zoltan Kovacs wrote on X that B.A.C. Consulting had no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary, and that the referenced devices have never been in Hungary."

But with control over B.A.C.'s operations, Israeli intelligence services were allegedly able to modify the manufacturing process for the specific shipments destined for Hezbollah. Now questions remain about how these altered products were able to pass through international borders and reach their intended recipients in Lebanon and Syria without detection  and exposed glaring vulnerabilities in the current paradigm of technology procurement and manufacturing.

This is the most extensive, publicly-known physical supply chain attack weve ever seen, may even see for a while, said Dmitri Alperovitch, chair of Washington-based geopolitics think tank Silverado Policy Accelerator and co-founder of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. "Obviously there was some really exquisite intelligence that had to lead to the ability to interdict and plant explosives in thousands of devices."

Daniel Bardenstein, the chief technology officer and co-founder for software supply chain security company Manifest, argued that the attack shows that buyers, whether governments or private entities, must have a clearer understanding of what exactly theyre purchasing and from whom.

"We really need to change this paradigm globally about technology transparency," said Bardenstein, who also formerly served as the chief of technology strategy at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Other theories from some familiar with the Israeli militarys operations are that the pagers could have been compromised anywhere along the chain of supply.

"It can be on a ship, it can be in a factory. When you follow how the logistics go, it doesn't necessarily need to be in the factory itself, said retired Israeli Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, the founder and chair of the hawkish Israel Defense and Security Forum.

The covert operation triggered widespread distrust and paranoia of electronic devices across Lebanon, a sign of the wider impact such an attack can have.

If this pattern continues, it's not going to be good for consumers. It's not going to be good for businesses and it's not going to be good for governments, who cannot possibly screen all these complex supply chains to ensure that they're secure," added Vivek Chilukuri, a senior fellow and program director of the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for a New American Security.

The revelation of Israels operation against Hezbollah is also casting a harsh spotlight in Washington on the risks that come with relying on hardware and software originating from potential adversaries such as China  the worlds most dominant manufacturer.



"This incident is very unique, but it highlights the vulnerabilities that the U.S. and its allies accept by having so many of their hardware and software supply chains emanating from countries of concern, particularly China, said Mark Montgomery, senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense for Democracies. While this explosive device is an extreme outcome, its easy to envision malicious cyber payloads being inserted in hardware or software for later activation.

Chilukuri argued the tactic could move forward Washingtons push for domestically produced technology as the Biden administration seeks to decrease reliance on foreign adversaries such as China.

The B.A.C. was legally licensed to use products with Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, founder and President Hsu Ching-kuang told reporters outside company headquarters in New Taipei. Gold Apollo is known for making a wide range of devices including pagers, which can send messages without an internet connection.

The company previously touted its position as a significant supplier of pagers and walkie-talkies in Europe and the United States, which included intelligence agencies and emergency services among its buyers. But the exact course of action for industry  and intelligence agencies for that matter  remains elusive.

"It's truly amazing how little the technology buyers know about what exists either from a software perspective or from a hardware perspective, Bardenstein said. Are all the little sensors and cameras or processing components what they say they are?"

Daniella Cheslow contributed to this report.
Middle schooler charged after poking student with sharpened toothbrush in Murfreesboro, deputies say

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  Deputies in Rutherford County have arrested a 12-year-old boy who is accused of poking another student with a sharpened object at a Murfreesboro middle school.

According to the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office (RCSO), the incident took place at Siegel Middle School on Thursday, Sept. 19.

2 arrested after Rutherford County Schools receive more than a dozen threats in a two-week span

Authorities reported the 12-year-old, who is a seventh grader at the school, allegedly poked another student in the back with a sharpened toothbrush.

The boy is accused of showing off the sharpened object to other students in a common area outside of a restroom before the incident unfolded.

He ended up in a stabbing motion, hitting one student in the back with it, said Sgt. Irvin Turner. The student was not hurt. There was no bleeding and no skin was broken.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County

The 12-year-old was charged with aggravated assault and carrying a weapon on school campus, according to RCSO.

Although there were no injuries reported, authorities said the incident was taken extremely seriously.

We have to take these incidents extremely seriously, Turner said. The object he had could have caused serious injury.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

RCS Communications Chief James Evans said the student was expelled under the school districts zero-tolerance policy.

In addition, deputies said they took the seventh grader to the Rutherford County Juvenile Services Center where he awaits a Juvenile Court hearing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Charges were dropped this week against a former Millersville mayor accused of faking permits and documents while he was on the job, Sumner County District Attorney Ray Whitley confirmed Wednesday.

Tim Lassiter was charged in April with permit and document fraud in connection with a remodeling project at the Millersville fire department.

Whitley told The Tennessean Tuesday the charges were dropped after his office conducted an investigation.

"They could be brought back under certain circumstances, not that we intend to, but we dismissed it after investigating it further after the warrant was issued and felt like we could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt," Whitley said of the charges.

Millersville police chief Bryan Morris did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Millersville assistant police chief Shawn Taylor told The Tennessean in April that Lassiter's arrest was part of operation clean sweep, saying more arrests were possible, though no additional arrests have since been announced as of press time for this story.

Taylor said the department called in criminal forensic auditors and the state comptroller's office to look into public officials and the allocation of funds for the renovation project at the fire department, completed during the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget

Lassiter's arrest was tied to his construction company's involvement in the project. The fire department later failed a fire marshal code inspection.

The current situation in Millersville

Lassiter's arrest is part of a tumultuous 2024 in Millersville, which lies north of Nashville on the Sumner and Robertson County line.

The city has seen major turnover among leaders in the first six months of the year.

Three city managers, two fire chiefs and two police chiefs have been employed so far in 2024. There's also been significant turnover with administrative jobs in payroll and with the city recorder position.

The situation reached a fever pitch when Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents executed search warrants Sept. 4 on the city's police department and Taylor's home in Robertson County.

TBI spokesperson Susan Niland did not comment on the nature of the search.

Morris said the city requested months ago for the TBI investigate alleged criminal activity that occurred in Millersville before January 2024.

"These acts included police misconduct involving the employment of uncertified police officers, the printing of police commission cards, theft of city documents and city property, election fraud and voter fraud," Morris said in an earlier interview with The Tennessean.

Information collected during the TBI raid at City Hall was previously offered to state investigators, Morris said.

Following the search of his home, Taylor said in a social media post that TBI agents peed in his bathtub and tracked it around his home. TBI said in a statement that those claims were not true. A dog was found in a bathtub urinating and was taken outside by agents to finish, the agency explained.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: District Attorney: Fraud case against ex-Tennessee mayor not provable
House Speaker Mike Johnsons spending bill was rejected by Congress on Wednesday after 14 Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the stopgap measureseven after the speaker attached a Trump-endorsed voter registration act to the legislation.

The House now has until Sept. 30 to pass a spending bill or face a government shutdown.

Johnson previously scrapped a vote on the bill last week to spend the weekend rounding up support from hesitant members of his caucus. He also attached the SAVE Act to the legislation, which would prohibit states from registering non-citizens as voterssomething Johnson himself has admitted is already illegal under federal law.

Mitch McConnell Pleads With GOP Colleagues to Avoid Government Shutdown

If Republicans dont get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form, Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier on Wednesday.

Johnson was defiant, chalking the loss up to the legislative process at work. Speaking to a group of reporters, Johnson said the play that we ran tonight was the right play. Its the right fight for the American people. Its the one that they demand and deserve.

He added that there was plenty of time to draw up another playbut did not elaborate on what that might look like.

Johnson: We ran the right play..



Hannity: You keep saying it's the right play and you cant get every Republican to vote for it. That's your own party. pic.twitter.com/jsKlZnrfU3  Acyn (@Acyn) September 19, 2024

Later in the evening on Fox News, Johnson criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats for not bringing any of the Republican House majoritys appropriations bills up for a vote.

Theres nothing that we can negotiate because theres nothing on the table, Johnson told host Sean Hannity. Were pushed into this scenario, this dilemma, because of the Senates inability, or unwillingness, to do their job.

The Republicans who joined the Democrats to defeat the bill included Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Migrants are treated by Red Cross volunteers after disembarking from a Spanish coast guard vessel at the port of Arguineguin, on the island of Gran Canaria

By Natalia Siniawski

MADRID (Reuters) - Calm seas and gentle winds associated with the late summer in the Atlantic Ocean off Western Africa has prompted a renewed surge of migrants heading to the Canary Islands, local authorities said on Thursday.

Spain intercepted four boats carrying 222 migrants early on Thursday, in addition to the 13 vessels with 780 migrants that had already reached the islands this week, the Spanish maritime rescue services said on the platform X.

"The favourable sea conditions are driving a significant increase in arrivals," Fernando Clavijo, the Canary Islands' regional president, said on state-owned television.

The flow of migrants to the Spanish archipelago, which has 2.2 million inhabitants, has raised tensions between the regional administration and the central government over the care of about 5,000 underage migrants.

Spanish regulation requires local authorities to house migrants aged under 18, but infrastructure in the Canary Islands is overwhelmed and Clavijo has repeatedly asked the central government to force other regions to help.

Clavijo said he was optimistic the left-wing minority government was close to a deal with the conservative People's Party (PP) to allow the transfer of under-age migrants to the Spanish mainland. A previous attempt to reach a deal prompted the far-right Vox party to walk out of coalitions with the PP.

PP's leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo met Italy's Prime Minister Meloni on Thursday. In the past, he has praised her hard line on migration.

In the first seven months of 2024, the number of migrants crossing from Africa to the Canary Islands nearly doubled from the same period last year to 26,758, data from Spain's Interior Ministry shows.

Last month, Clavijo said charity groups estimated that as many as 150,000 more migrants were preparing a crossing from Western Africa.

In Italy, by contrast, the number of migrant arrivals has fallen following a pact between the European Union and Tunisia last year.

Italy plans to open migrant processing camps in Albania in the coming weeks.

(Reporting by Natalia Siniawski, editing by Inti Landauro and Barbara Lewis)
Russian authorities arrested Denis Putilov, the Head of the armoured vehicles service of the Central Military District, on 18 September on suspicion of taking a large bribe.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: On 18 September, the Russian Investigative Committee announced the launch of a criminal case against Putilov, accusing him of accepting a bribe of 10 million roubles (around US$107,000) in return for granting contracts related to the servicing and upkeep of military vehicles to an individual entrepreneur named Chudinov.

The Central Military District is home to the 90th Tank Division, and Putilov was likely closely involved in supervising the maintenance and repair of the tanks and other armoured vehicles that the division deploys in its combat operations in Ukraine.

Since Andrei Belousov took office as Minister of Defence in May 2024, there has been a marked increase in corruption investigations targeting high-ranking officials within the Russian Ministry of Defence. This development reflects Belousovs apparent determination to combat the corruption and inefficiencies that plagued the Ministry under the leadership of his predecessor, Sergei Shoigu.

Quote: "Putilov's links to Shoigu remain unclear as of the time of this publication, but his arrest suggests that Belousov is attempting to crack down on corrupt and ineffective officials who are responsible for the sustainment of Russia's military assets, particularly increasingly scarce armoured vehicles."

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New mini-moon to orbit Earth but wont stay in the neighborhood for long

New mini-moon to orbit Earth but wont stay in the neighborhood for long

Earth will soon have a visitor  and not of the extraterrestrial kind. Astronomers found a small asteroid that will orbit our planet this fall, becoming a "mini-moon" temporarily.

Earth only has one Moon, unless you count the asteroid Kamo'oalewa, which scientists believe came from a crater of the Moon anyway. However, for about two months this year, Earth will have another object orbiting the planet during a "mini-moon" phase.

According to a study published this week, the asteroid 2024 PT5 will orbit Earth in a horseshoe path from Sept. 29 until Nov. 25.

Asteroid 2024 PT was discovered on Aug. 7 using the Asteroid Terrestial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), a Nasa-funded instrument in Sutherland, South Africa. The ATLAS observatory consists of telescopes across Hawaii, Chile and South Africa that scan the skies every night, looking for new objects.

Asteroid Breaks Up Over Philippines Hours After Detection Serving As Reminder Of Bigger Threats To Earth

The Apollo-class asteroid is believed to be part of the Arjunas near-Earth objects, a secondary asteroid belt associated with the Earth-Moon system. Asteroid 2024 PT5 is about 10 meters across and is not expected to impact Earth but instead will orbit at a safe distance of about 1 million miles from the planet.

You will likely not be able to see the mini-moon because the object is only about 30 feet across and will require a telescope to see. Even then, it might be hard because 2024 PT5 is very dim and only visible at certain times of the day.

The asteroid won't make a full revolution of Earth, but astronomers are calling this a "captured flyby," in which the object makes a horseshoe path around Earth, getting pulled in temporarily by our planet's gravitational pull.

The mini-moon episode will end on Jan. 9 when the asteroid reaches as close as a little more than 1 million miles from Earth before "leaving the neighborhood of Earth shortly afterward," according to the study authors.

Based on the orbital dynamics and what scientists know about the asteroid, they believe it will return to Earths orbit again in 2055.





Original article source: New mini-moon to orbit Earth but wont stay in the neighborhood for long
The ban on installing wood burning stoves in new homes came into effect in April [Getty Images]

The Scottish government has temporarily dropped restrictions on the installation of wood burning stoves in newbuild homes or conversions.

The Scottish Conservatives, who campaigned against the regulations, described the move as a "humiliating U-turn".

Regulations known as the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) came into effect at the start of April. They said new homes and buildings were not allowed to use direct-emission heating systems including gas or oil boilers.

But the rules were put under review in May after concern a ban on wood burners would negatively impact on people living in rural areas.

The new rules were designed to help reduce air pollution and tackle climate change by encouraging builders to install clean heating systems such as heat pumps or heat networks.

But some opponents of the legislation had said they did not have access to the main gas supply and relied on log burners for heat during power cuts.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes previously said she had concerns about the ban, citing the impact it could have on older people in her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency.

A ministerial direction means that wood burners and other biofuel heating systems including peat can still be installed pending the outcome of the review.

'Deeply flawed ban'

Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan has written to council bosses across Scotland confirming that the restriction have been temporarily dropped.

His latter said: "The review is now concluding and we will implement the outcome of this by the end of December 2024."

Conservative deputy rural affairs spokesman Jamie Halcro Johnston described the move as a "long overdue climbdown" and welcomed the decision to halt what he called a "deeply flawed ban".

"Sustained pressure from the Scottish Conservatives as well as from our rural and island communities has now forced ministers into a humiliating U-turn," he said.

"The consequences of imposing such a ban on installing wood burning stoves in new homes would have been devastating for those that rely on them, especially when there are periods of extreme weather.

"However, with the lifting of this ban still only temporary, the Scottish Conservatives will continue to urge the SNP to do the right thing and make it permanent."

'Common sense'

The Stove Industry Association (SIA) has welcomed the announcement, calling it a common sense and progressive step.

The SIA had called for a review of the NBHS, arguing that modern wood burning stoves are a lower carbon-emitting heating option to direct electric heating.

SIA chairman Andy Hill said: We commend the Scottish government for taking this common sense and progressive step.

"This direction not only promotes the use of renewable energy sources but also provides homeowners with more options for efficient and sustainable heating.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has meanwhile repeated its opposition to wood burning to be phased out in urban areas because of pollutants given off.

It wants wood burning stoves to be phased out in urban areas, and support given to rural residents to transition to cleaner heat sources.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  While there was a glitch in Minnesota's new automatic voter registration system, Secretary of State Steve Simon said Thursday that nobody who was ineligible voted in the August primary as a result of the problem.

That had been one of the questions that Minnesota Republicans last week said was still hanging after Simon and other state officials said they had made changes to the system after flagging around 1,000 potentially problematic registrations.

Minnesota's new system went live in April. Residents who apply for state-issued IDs such as drivers licenses are now automatically registered to vote without having to opt in, assuming they're eligible to vote. And 16- and 17-year-olds can preregister to vote once they turn 18.

After discovering documentation problems, Simon said, workers at the Department of Public Safety, which issues driver's licenses, then did a hand review of all those automatic registrations, which totaled around 100,000. Out of an abundance of caution, he said, about 1,000 registrations were deactivated. Those people will be notified that they have to reregister.

The law is crystal clear. The law says this has to be airtight, Simon said at a news conference ahead of Friday's start of early voting in Minnesota. The state, along with Virginia and South Dakota, will be the first in the country to begin in-person voting in the 2024 presidential election.

Two people at the Department of Public Safety, not just one, will now review every application to make sure everything is in order before the applicants are added to the voter rolls, Simon said. He said that should prevent any ineligible people from being improperly automatically registered and allowed to vote in November.

I have every reason to believe that these steps that the Department of Public Safety has adopted will lead to that outcome. In other words, that we wont have the kind of glitch we saw, and then we wont have someone inadvertently or otherwise whos not supposed to vote voting, he said.

The lead Republican on the Minnesota Senate Elections Committee, Sen. Mark Koran, of North Branch, said he appreciated the changes but called for stronger checks for all voters.

Im encouraged their prompt response and ability to adapt will lead to fruitful conversations next year about putting in place a uniform voter verification process for every voter registration, Koran said in a statement. "No matter where or when you register to vote  when you get your drivers license online or at the polls  every voter registration deserves to have the same verification and review process across the state.

In Oregon, which has a similar automatic registration system, officials acknowledged last week that the state had mistakenly registered more than 300 noncitizens as voters since 2021 in what they described as a data entry issue that happened when people applied for drivers licenses. Of those, two had voted in elections since 2021. State and federal laws prohibit noncitizens from voting.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  Were learning more about a missing woman who was found dead  with detectives reporting a man connected to the investigation is dead too.

Westmoreland County detectives and Ligonier Valley Police were investigating the disappearance of 45-year-old Amy Shipley when they discovered her body in a makeshift grave.

The grave was found at a residence connected to her boyfriend, Robert Angelo, on Helens Lane in Cook Township. Detectives said they interviewed multiple people in recent days which led them to the residence frequented by Angelo. Investigators noted that the two had been living together.

Missing Pennsylvania woman found dead, investigation ongoing

Officials expected to file criminal charges against Angelo related to Shipleys death, however, when they went to his Ligonier home on Sept. 19, he was found dead. Detectives said it appeared he died from self-inflicted wounds.

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.

Westmoreland Countys forensic pathologist performed an autopsy on Shipley and they are currently awaiting more results before determining her cause of death.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mississippi River mayors agree to unify ports from the Corn Belt to the coast

A freight ship heads south on the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana in June, 2024. Aerial support provided by SouthWings. (Tegan Wendland/Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk)

Mayors from 10 states along the Mississippi River convened in Louisianas capital this week to announce a cooperative agreement among the working rivers ports.

In town for the annual Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative (MRCTI) meeting, the mayors also called upon the next U.S. President to prioritize several federal policy changes to support the 105 cities represented by the initiative.

On Wednesday, mayors from the Midwestern Corn Belt joined mayors from Louisiana to sign the Mississippi River Ports Cooperative Endeavor Agreement. The agreement is the first to ensure cooperation between the inland ports in the heart of the corn belt and the coastal ports of Louisiana that export 60% of the nations agricultural products.

The inland ports between St. Louis and St. Paul were not federally recognized until 2022, said Robert Sinkler, executive coordinating director of the Corn Belt Ports. With the support of MRCTI, the Corn Belt Ports initiative launched in 2019 to advocate for federal recognition of those ports.

Now, the corn belt and coastal ports will take on commerce-related policy actions together, for the first time in Mississippi River history, said Sinkler. The river moves nearly one trillion dollars in product through its ports annually, according to MRCTI. Maintaining the navigation capability on the river is a key part of the agreement.

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Drought disrupts commerce, drinking water

For the third year in a row, the Midwest is under extreme drought conditions, which have led to low water levels that threaten to disrupt barge transports carrying fuel and grain. The 16-month drought spanning from 2022 to 2023 cost the nation $26 billion. The drought of 2012 cost the Mississippi River corridor $35 billion.

Belinda Constant, mayor of Gretna, Louisiana, said that droughts often cost more than floods, but do not qualify as major disasters worthy of relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

We still are not able to capture federal disaster declarations for drought or intense heat, Constant said.

While drought is not considered a major disaster by FEMA, the president can declare one. President Joe Biden declared a federal emergency last September in Louisiana when the effects of drought caused salt water to intrude up the Mississippi River and threaten drinking water.

FEMA is not set up to provide relief for intense droughts or extreme heat, which are expected to become more extreme, according to the Fifth National Climate Assessment. The federal government does offer support through other agencies, such as farm losses through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Constant asked the next U.S. President to update FEMA regulations to include droughts and extreme heat. Earlier this summer, dozens of labor and environmental groups filed a petition to push FEMA to declare extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters, on par with other natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes.

Constant said the next administration should also create a mechanism to incentivize or compensate manufacturers and farmers who recycle water or reduce water usage during dry periods.

Louisiana is again dealing with drought. As of Sept. 13, 2024, the saltwater wedge had reached river mile 45, corroding drinking water infrastructure below Port Sulphur and inching toward Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana. Earlier this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on an underwater sill near Myrtle Grove to help slow the creep of saltwater intrusion for the third summer in a row.

But the drought impacts all communities along the Mississippi River, not just those in southern Louisiana. And 50 cities with a total population of 20 million people depend on the Mississippi River for their drinking water.

Memphis depends on the health of the corridor to power our international port and fuel our multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation and tourism industry, said Paul Young, mayor of Memphis, Tennessee. The tournament fishing industry is worth billions in revenue.

It is vital we work to safeguard the Mississippi River together, he added.

The Southern University ROTC Color Guard and Human Jukebox marching band perform for guests at the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative annual conference on Sept. 17, 2024. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator)

Advocating for the Mississippi River corridor as a whole

The 105 cities represented by MRCTI also called on the next U.S. president to advocate for the corridor both at home and internationally. We are asking the next president to please work with us to enact a federal Mississippi River program through which we can deploy infrastructure spending at a multi-state scale, said Hollies J. Winston, mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

On the global stage, MRCTI has advocated for the Mississippi River corridor at five United Nations climate meetings. Bob Gallagher, mayor of Bettendorf, Iowa, called on the next President to ensure that the nation remains a part of the Paris Agreement to sustain the corridors $500 billion in revenue.

Serving as a past co-chair of MRCTI along with being from an agricultural state, I know firsthand that U.S. participation in the Paris Accord helps us compete and move our commodities and goods across the world to other markets, said Gallagher.

Pulling out of the Paris Agreement could trigger tariffs for goods coming from a non-signatory nation. Leaving the international climate accord would place farmers and manufacturers at a potential disadvantage in the global market, said Gallagher.

In 2017, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. In 2021, on President Bidens first day in office, the U.S. rejoined the international agreement to limit temperature increases.

We cant afford to make any policy decisions that will jeopardize the $164 billion in agricultural commodities the Mississippi River makes possible every year, said Gallagher.

Mitch Reynolds, mayor of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and MRCTI co-chair, said that the advocacy work of the initiative is paramount to defending the health of the river and its communities.

The Mississippi River Ports Cooperative Endeavor Agreement unites the communities along the corridor in a shared commitment to protect, restore and manage the rivers resources sustainably, said Sharon Weston Broome, mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and host of the initiatives 13th annual meeting.

We urge the next administration to increase its focus on the river, its impact on the national economy and its continued need for stewardship, said Broome.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation. MRCTI is also a Walton grantee.
CHICAGO  The judge overseeing the bribery trial of former AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza, accused of funneling payments to an ally of Michael Madigan to win the speakers support, has declared a mistrial in the case.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman announced his decision Thursday afternoon, a few hours after the jury had communicated to the court that they appeared to be deadlocked.

What happens if we feel we are at a stalemate and feel that it wont change? a note sent out by the jury early Thursday said. The judge had sent the panel back to do more work.

Gettleman Thursday afternoon said a follow-up note indicated the situation had not improved.

We believe there is no possibility of coming to a unanimous verdict, the next note read.

The only earlier communication from the jury came Wednesday morning, when the panel sent the judge a note reading: The government indicates that for a bribe there only needs to be intent and no exchange. Is this consistent with the law?

This question seemed to hit at the heart of the case. Gettleman called the jury back out and reread several pages of the jury instructions dealing with the elements of the bribery counts, then urged them to read it again back in the jury room.

The instructions define bribery as a person giving or offering something of value to another person with the intent to influence or reward an agents of state government in exchange for an official act.

Gettleman told the lawyers he was not surprised by the confusion because the issue is complicated.

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.

The trial, which proceeded far quicker than the original three-week estimate, has offered an advance look at evidence that will be presented at Madigans own racketeering trial, which kicks off in less than three weeks.

According to prosecutors, La Schiazza schemed to pay retiring state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, a longtime Madigan acolyte, a total of $22,500 over nine months for doing little or no work for AT&T, even though he ostensibly was supposed to produce a report on the Latino caucuses in Springfield and Chicagos City Hall.

The arrangement, which was pushed by close Madigan confidant Michael McClain, came as AT&T was looking to pass the COLR bill, which stood to save the company hundreds of millions of dollars, according to trial testimony.

In closing arguments Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sushma Raju said the wheeling and dealing gave Acevedo a payday, La Schiazza a notch in his belt and AT&T the bill they had coveted for decades. But it left one constituency in the lurch.

It shorted the people of Illinois, who deserved a fair, transparent and honest legislative process, Raju said. What we got instead was a legislative process that was tainted by this defendant, who paid for the result he wanted. It was not lobbying  it was a crime, and Paul La Schiazza knew it.

But the defense painted a far different picture, one of common and legal dealings between the corporate and political worlds, where companies routinely seek to curry favor with politicians in order to get them to consider their agenda.

The legislation AT&T wanted passed, known by the acronym COLR, took years of legitimate, tireless hard work, and not just by La Schiazza, defense attorney Tinos Diamantatos told the jury in his closing remarks.

It was a team effort by AT&T to get something done lawfully and appropriately as the law allows them to do, Diamantatos said. This was no bribe.  The government failed to meet its burden. It wasnt even close.

Echoing arguments in the ComEd Four trial last year that featured similar accusations of bribing Madigan, Diamantatos on Tuesday called La Schiazza collateral damage in the governments zeal to bring down the powerful speaker, and urged jurors to end the nightmare La Schiazza has been living since finding himself in the prosecutions crosshairs.

Madigan, 82, and McClain, 76, are scheduled to go on trial Oct. 8 on racketeering charges alleging Madigans vaunted state and political operations were run like a criminal enterprise while utility giants Commonwealth Edison and AT&T Illinois put his cronies on contracts requiring little or no work.

_____
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves towards the crowd as he arrives to address the election rally in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

SRINAGAR, India (AP)  Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the main city in Himalayan Kashmir on Thursday to campaign for his party in the local election, the first such vote since New Delhi stripped the disputed regions semi-autonomy in 2019.

Modis visit to Srinagar city in the Kashmir Valley  the heartland of decades of anti-India rebellion  comes amid strong public opposition there to New Delhis changes five years back. That move revoked the regions semi-autonomous status, annulled its separate constitution, downgraded and split the former state into two centrally governed union territories Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir  and removed inherited protections on land and jobs.

The region has since remained on edge with civil liberties curbed and media freedoms gagged.

Authorities laid razor wires and erected road checkpoints to close the roads leading to the venue of Modis election rally in Srinagars main commercial center. Armed paramilitary troops and police in flak jackets patrolled the area, snipers and sharpshooters were positioned atop buildings near the venue.

The multistage election will allow Kashmir to have its own truncated government and a local legislature, called an assembly, instead of remaining under New Delhis direct rule.

However, there will be a limited transition of power from New Delhi to the local assembly as Kashmir will continue to be a Union Territory  directly controlled by the federal government  with Indias Parliament remaining its main legislator. Kashmirs statehood must be restored for the new government to have powers similar to other states of India.

We have said in the parliament that we will restore (the regions) statehood. Only BJP will fulfill this commitment, Modi said to a cheering crowd at the rally while referring to his Bharatiya Janata Party, without specifying any timeline for the return of statehood.

He called the ongoing election the festival of democracy in the region. Jammu and Kashmir is strengthening the democracy of India and I congratulate the people for this, he said.

Kashmir has been at the heart of a conflict between India and Pakistan after British rule of the subcontinent ended in 1947 with the creation of the two rival countries. Both administer part of it but claim the territory in its entirety.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the insurgency is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, a charge Islamabad denies. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the fighting, which many Kashmiri Muslims consider a legitimate freedom struggle.

Kashmir has remained an important part of a muscular rhetoric by Modi and his party colleagues in their outreach to the Hindu support base in India where few issues reach as broad a consensus as that the region must remain a part of the country at any cost.

Modis government has repeatedly said the changes would spur investment, bring more development and root out separatism in Kashmir. But critics and many Kashmiris fear this could dilute the regions demographics.

It seemed odd to claim that this place is celebrating democracy," said Siddiq Wahid, historian and former vice chancellor of a university in Kashmir. "For the past five years, it has been led by an unelected administration unfamiliar with the regions idiosyncrasies, it has been dismantled as a state, and unspecified executive powers of its Chief Minister and assembly transferred to New Delhi appointed administrators, he added.

New Delhi's centralization of power has increased public frustration over political stasis here, Wahid said.

Thursdays visit was Modis second to the Muslim-majority region to campaign for his party candidates in the ongoing election. Voting began on Wednesday, with a brisk turnout in the first phase.

The vote is the first in a decade, and the first since his Hindu nationalist governments 2019 move. Kashmirs pro-India political parties have promised to fight to undo those changes.

Last week, Modi addressed a similar rally in southern Doda district.

The second and third phases of the polling are scheduled for Sept. 25 and Oct. 1. The process is staggered for logistical reasons and to allow troops to move around to stop potential violence in the Himalayan region. Votes will be counted on Oct. 8, with results expected that day.

At the rally in Srinagar, Modi launched a scathing attack on Indias main opposition Congress party and the regional parties, the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, calling them three families responsible for destruction and bringing nothing but chaos and fear to the region.

I am sincerely working towards restoring peace here, he said.

Indias ruling BJP has a strong political base in the regions Hindu-dominated areas of Jammu that largely favor the 2019 changes and has won multiple seats from there in the past elections. But it is weak in the Kashmir Valley where the BJP has never won a seat.

The party has fielded only 19 candidates for the 47 seats in the valley while it is contesting all 43 seats in Jammu.

Modis party is not officially aligned with any local group, but many politicians believe it is tacitly supporting some parties and independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley who privately agree with it.

The regions main pro-India political parties accused the BJP of trying to manipulate the election and fragment the valleys vote through independents. About 43% of 503 candidates contesting in the Kashmir Valley are independents, in contrast to 35% in Jammu.
The alleged sexual assaults reportedly took place in London, Paris, St. Tropez and Abu Dhabi

Danny Martindale/WireImage Mohamed Al-Fayed

The late Mohamed Al-Fayed has been accused of rape by five women who worked for Harrods, the luxury London department store he owned from 1985 to 2010

The allegations against the late billionaire, who died last year at age 94, have been laid out in a BBC documentary, with the outlet hearing testimonies from more than 20 former staff members who claim Al-Fayed sexually assaulted them

Issuing an apology, Harrods said it was utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed

Mohamed Al-Fayed, whose son Emad El-Din "Dodi" Mohamed Fayed was killed in a 1997 Paris car crash alongside Princess Diana, has been accused of multiple rapes.

According to the BBC, five women have claimed they were raped by Al-Fayed  who died in September 2023 at the age of 94  when they worked at the luxury London department store Harrods, which Al-Fayed owned from 1985 to 2010.

The BBC revealed on Thursday, Sept. 19 that it had heard testimonies from more than 20 former female staff members who claim the Egyptian businessman sexually assaulted them, with the incidents allegedly taking place in London, St. Tropez, Abu Dhabi and Paris.



The allegations will also be laid out in a BBC documentary airing Thursday, Sept. 19, titled Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. The documentary will reportedly reveal evidence that alleges Harrods failed to intervene and helped cover up abuse allegations during Al-Fayeds ownership.

Many of the women also allege that when they began working directly for Al-Fayed they underwent medicals, including sexual health tests carried out by doctors, reported the BBC.

Danny Martindale/WireImage Mohamed Al-Fayed

In a statement released Sept. 19, Harrods said it was utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed.

These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms, the statement added. We also acknowledge that during this time as a business, we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.

Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty The then-Prince Charles with Princess Diana and Mohamed Al-Fayed in 1987

The statement continued, The Harrods of today is a very different organization to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010. It is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do. This is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved. This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees.

While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organization, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behavior can never be repeated in the future, it concluded.

Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Mohamed Al-Fayed

According to the BBC, one woman alleges that Al-Fayed raped her at his London apartment. I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over, she told the outlet.

Another woman also claims she was raped at the apartment in upmarket Mayfair when she was a teenager. We were all so scared. He actively cultivated fear, she told the BBC. If he said jump employees would ask how high. 

A woman named Sophia, who worked as the billionaires personal assistant from 1988 to 1991, also alleges he tried to rape her more than once and that she was sexually assaulted. I couldn't leave. I didnt have a [family] home to go back to, I had to pay rent, she told the outlet. I knew I had to go through this and I didnt want to.

Another of his personal assistants, Gemma, who worked for Al-Fayed from 2007 to 2009, claims he raped her at Villa Windsor in Paris, a former home of King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.

Alamy Harrods department store in London

Appearing in the BBC documentary, Gemma added that as part of the agreement for her leaving her job, she had to shred all evidence and sign an NDA in return for a sum of money.

She told the BBC that a shredding truck came to her lawyers office and a member of HR from Harrods was present.

Meanwhile, Tony Leeming, a former Harrods department manager of 10 years, told the BBC that he was aware of the abuse of women on the shop floor, but claimed he did not know about the allegations of assault of rape.

Al Fayed was a central figure in the fifth and sixth seasons of The Crown, with an episode dedicated to his rise from humble beginnings. The BBC documentary-makers reveal that several women came forward after seeing his sympathetic portrayal in the series, which highlighted Princess Dianas relationship with his son, Dodi, and their tragic deaths in 1997. Reflecting on The Crown, the woman identified as Sophia said, "People shouldnt remember him like that."

Antony Jones/UK Press/Getty ; Aaron Rapoport/CORBIS OUTLINE/Corbis/Getty Princess Diana; Dodi al Fayed

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Before his death, Al-Fayed faced a number of sexual assault claims in 1997, 2008 and 2017, per the BBC.

Of the women the outlet spoke to for the investigation, a total of 14 have brought civil claims against Harrods for damages. The department stores current owners started settling these in July 2023, according to the outlet.

Al-Fayed's son Dodi was in a relationship with Princess Diana when they died during a vacation in France in August 1997. The new couple was traveling in a car in Paris  with a driver and bodyguard  which was being pursued by paparazzi when their vehicle got into an accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel.

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.



Audiences in the U.S. can watch Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods on BBC Select on Friday September 20. BBC Select is available on major streaming platforms in the U.S. including Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Roku.

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Read the original article on People.
Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, whose son Dodi died alongside Princess Diana in a 1997 car crash in Paris, has been accused of rape by multiple women, a new BBC documentary claims.

In Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, which drops on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two today, more than 20 women put forward allegations of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and female violence.

More from Variety

The majority of the women making the allegations are former employees at Harrods, the luxury British department story Al Fayed owned for 26 years. They worked there between the late 1980s and 2000s and the assaults are said to have occurred in London and Paris, where he owned the Ritz hotel as well as a historic villa once belonging to Edward VIII.

Al Fayed died last year at the age of 94.

According to the documentary, which is accompanied by a World of Secrets podcast, also from the BBC, police investigated a rape allegation in 2015 but did not press charges. One woman said she went to police in 2018 but was told that Al Fayed, who had dementia, was too old to be prosecuted.

Thirteen women told the BBC they were sexually assaulted at a block of apartments in Park Lane, where Al Fayed would often offer female employees working late a place to stay. Four said they were raped.

A further nine women said they were sexually assaulted in Paris, with five women alleging attempted rape while one woman said she was raped.

The documentary also includes testimony from colleagues, including a senior manager at Harrods who said Al Fayeds behavior was known around the whole company.

According to the BBC, not only did Harrods fail to intervene, they helped cover up allegations of sexual abuse. In July 2023, they say, Harrods began settling claims with some of the women.

A number of women are now preparing legal claims against the department store.

In a statement, Harrods told the BBC they are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed, which they condemn in the strongest possible terms.

We also acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.

Al Fayed sold Harrods to the Qatari royal family in 2010 for a reported 1.5 billion. After his son Dodis death, he installed a memorial to Dodi and Diana in the store, which included a wine glass said to be from their last dinner together, a ring he claimed Dodi had proposed to the princess with and a copper statue of the couple holding a bird.

Due to his sons involvement with the princess, Al Fayed was a key character in the fifth and six seasons of The Crown, with an entire episode dedicated to following his rags to riches story.

Some of the women who told the BBC about their experiences with Al Fayed were unhappy with his portrayal in the Netflix series. Its not fair that he got he got to die with the legacy he did, said one.

Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods is directed by Erica Gornall (Ghislaine Maxwell: Making of a Monster). Mike Radford is executive producer while the producer is Cassie Cornish-Trestrail.

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Mohamed Fayed unveils a memorial to his son Dodi and Diana, Princess of Wales, at Harrods in 2005 - Reuters

Mohamed Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, is said to have raped and sexually assaulted a string of women who worked at the department store.

More than 20 women claimed they were sexually assaulted by the billionaire, who died last year at the age of 94, and five of those said they were raped.

The women, who worked at Harrods from the late 1980s to the 2000s, said assaults were carried out at the companys offices, in Fayeds London apartment or on foreign trips, often at the Ritz hotel in Paris.

It is claimed he would regularly tour the department stores sales floors to identify young female assistants he found attractive before isolating and attacking them.

The BBC revealed the allegations in a documentary and podcast called Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods. In the expose, the broadcaster claims Harrods not only failed to intervene but also helped cover up allegations against Fayed.

The current owners of Harrods said they were utterly appalled by the allegations, stressing that the company today was very different.

Bruce Drummond, a barrister from a legal team representing several of the women, said: The spiders web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark.

Alleged victim Sophia described the late Harrods boss as vile - BBC

Speaking to the BBC, one of his alleged victims, Sophia, who worked as Fayeds personal assistant from 1988 to 1991, said he tried to rape her more than once. She said: He was vile.

After Fayed was featured in two series of Netflixs The Crown, she spoke of her anger at his portrayal as a pleasant and gregarious character.

Sophie, who didnt give her second name, said: That makes me angry  people shouldnt remember him like that. Its not how he was.

Another alleged victim, Rachel  not her real name  who was 19 at the time, stayed in one of Fayeds apartments on his insistence instead of taking a taxi home after working late on Harrods business.

He then invited her to his personal apartment, where he asked her to sit on the bed, with his hand on her leg and a firm grip, she said.

She added: I made it obvious that I didnt want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over. I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And just going somewhere else in my head.

Rachel told the BBC: He raped me. Afterwards, you blame yourself. Youre there to do a job, and this is your boss standing there in front of you in a dressing gown. And so even when youre trying to get out of the situation, Im trying not to offend him.

Gemma claims she was raped by Fayed when they worked at Harrods - BBC

Gemma is another alleged victim who claims she was raped by Fayed.

Gemma was personal assistant to Fayed from 2007 to 2009. She told how she was subjected to an intimate medical check shortly after starting the job, which she now believes was to test for sexually transmitted diseases.

Asked whether she had to have an invasive gynaecological examination after starting the role, she told the BBCs Today Programme: Yes. So that was one of the selling points, was that, oh, you get these medical checks, and its really good.

You know, they sold it to me that they do mole-mapping, and theyll check you, screen you for breast cancer and all of that kind of thing.

So I just went along with the flow. It was all part of joining. They said you need to have it to be able to work in the chairmans office.

Fayed with Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles at the Harrods Polo Cup in 1987 - Princess Diana Archive

She added: The gynaecological tests kind of sold to me that it was like a smear test. And Id never had a smear test at that point, being 24. It wasnt on my radar, and I didnt really know what one involved.

So when I got there they did the smear test and went on to do other tests, one of which was checking my ovaries, which Id never heard of before.

And to this day, Ive never had one, never been asked to have one, and that was hugely invasive. That involved her inserting her hand and checking. To this day, I dont know why.

It was definitely looking for [STIs], because Ive still got the doctors reports, and they did list like, you know, clear for chlamydia or all of those kinds of things.

The relevance to doing an admin job versus having your ovaries checked doesnt make sense. But at the time, I was told that was what was required and if I wanted the job I had to do it.

In 2009, Gemma contacted a lawyer and provided him with transcripts of a tape she had recorded of Fayed allegedly making unwanted sexual advances towards her.

She received a payout from Harrods, but under the condition that she shredded all the evidence that she had gathered, she claimed in the documentary.

Harrods lawyers organised for a shredding truck to destroy the material, which also included transcripts of messages and voicemails from Fayed that were really quite nasty, she said.

Gemma said: I think they just wanted to get rid of it as quick as possible, and get rid of me as quick as possible.

She added: I was advised it would be in my best interest not to talk. That I was to keep it quiet.

All these years not being able to talk about something thats so unfair. Its so unfair to make somebody go through something like that and then expect them not to talk about it. Its cruel.

On Thursday night it was claimed that police twice tried to arrest Fayed in the year he died.

Another alleged victim, who went by the name Melanie, told the BBC how the former Harrods owner allegedly attacked her after being invited to his London apartment for a work meeting in 2007.

She claimed that she was told the Met planned to arrest Fayed last year and officers tried to arrest him twice. However, he was too unwell to be questioned. He died that August aged 94.

Victim was 15 when alleged assault took place

One alleged victim, who started working at Harrods in 2007 as a shop assistant when she was 15, told the BBC she went to the police accusing Fayed of sexual assault.

She said: I was a child when this happened. He was nearly 80 and I was 15. I spoke to my parents and we thought the best people to talk to were the police.

However, the case was dropped because of a lack of evidence, she said.

In the documentary, Fayeds security team is alleged to have known about his behaviour.

Tony Leeming, a manager at Harrods from 1994 to 2004, said security guards would gossip about Fayed groping people.

Steve, who was part of Fayeds personal security team from 1994 to 1995, said: We did know that certain things were happening to certain female employees at Harrods and Park Lane.

Another man, who was also part of his personal security team in the 90s, and is not identified in the documentary, said a woman leaving 60 Park Lane had told him that Fayed had asked her to sit on his lap.

John Macnamara, head of security and a former Met Police officer, allegedly threatened a victim who was going to speak to a Vanity Fair journalist, saying he knew where her parents lived.

Fayed had been accused of groping and sexually assaulting female employees across his lifetime, including a rape allegation that was investigated by police in 2015 but did not lead to any charges.

A controversial figure

Fayed was an Egyptian-born businessman who became a controversial figure in British public life  both for his dealings with MPs in the cash for questions scandal and as the father of Dodi Fayed, who died in the Paris car crash that killed Diana, Princess of Wales.

Fayed was a businessman in the Middle East before moving to the UK in the 1970s. He took control of Harrods in 1985 and purchased the Ritz hotel in Paris in 1979. He was also the owner of Fulham FC between 1997 and 2013.

In the decade after the deaths of his son and the Princess, he repeatedly claimed that Dodi had been murdered in a plot by the British establishment. But he was forced to reluctantly concede defeat after a six-month inquest in 2007 and 2008. The jury returned unlawful killing verdicts on both the Princess and Dodi, but pinned the blame on the drink-driving of chauffeur Henri Paul, who also died in the crash.

After 26 years in charge of Harrods, Fayed sold it to the Qatari royal family for a reported 1.5 billion in 2010. At the time, he said problems with pension fund trustees were behind his decision to sell.

Fayed died in September last year aged 94.

Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods is on BBC Two at 9pm on Thursday and is available on BBC iPlayer now. All five episodes of World of Secrets: Al-Fayed, Predator at Harrods are available on BBC Sounds

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.
Igor Gorgan, the former chief of staff of the Moldovan military, has been charged with treason, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on Sept. 19, citing the country's prosecutors.

The Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases said that Gorgan stands "accused in the case concerning alleged espionage on behalf of Russia."

The investigative outlet The Insider wrote in June that Gorgan had been an informant of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU) for years.

The Moldovan officer served as the chief of the General Staff between 2013 and 2016 and was reappointed to the position in 2019 under pro-Russian President Igor Dodon before losing the position again in 2021 at pro-Western President Maia Sandu's request.

Even after losing office, the general has been using his contacts in the Defense Ministry and has passed sensitive information on Moldova and Ukraine to Russia, The Insider wrote.

This reportedly included intelligence on military aid routes from Romania to Ukraine and on the political situation in Moldova.

While it is unclear when Gorgan's alleged cooperation with GRU began, their mutual communication reportedly became particularly active in April 2022, that is, shortly after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine.

Following the media investigation, Moldovan authorities launched a criminal case regarding data transmission related to the national defense system. The prosecutors said the investigation into "the nature and content of the allegedly transmitted information" is ongoing.

Gorgan has denied the accusations and called the media investigation fake.

Chisinau has been supportive of Ukraine throughout the full-scale war and cracked down on Russian subversive operations at home, expelling dozens of diplomats and embassy staff in July 2023 after revelations of espionage activities.

Russia's invasion sparked fears in Moldova of a possible spillover of hostilities, namely via the Russian-occupied Moldovan region of Transnistria.

Read also: What danger does Transnistria pose to Ukraine, Moldova?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
More than 100 former Republican leaders who served under Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Donald Trump have broken with their party by signing a letter endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president and warning that Trump is unfit to serve.

We expect to disagree with Kamala Harris on many domestic and foreign policy issues, but we believe that she possesses the essential qualities to serve as president and Donald Trump does not, the letter reads. We therefore support her election to be President.

We firmly oppose the election of Donald Trump. As president, he promoted daily chaos in government, praised our enemies and undermined our allies, politicized the military and disparaged our veterans, prioritized his personal interest above American interests, and betrayed our values, democracy and this countrys founding documents, it continues. In our view, by inciting the violent attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and defending those who committed it, he has violated his oath of office and brought danger to our country.

Trumps former Vice President Mike Pence  who did not sign the letter  is quoted, saying, Anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be president of the United States.

Wednesdays missive also calls out Trumps susceptibility to flattery and manipulation by Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping and unusual affinity for other authoritarian leaders as well as his contempt for the norms of decent, ethical and lawful behavior and chaotic national security decision-making.

The letter goes on to state, As many honorable Republican colleagues and military officers who served in senior national security positions in his administration have frequently testified, he is unfit to serve again as president, indeed in any office of public trust.

Among those who signed the letter are Admiral Steve Abbot, former deputy Homeland Security advisor to the George W. Bush Administration; Greg Brower, former FBI assistant director to the Obama and Trump Administrations; Chester A. Crocker, former assistant secretary of state to the Reagan Administration; and William H. Webster, former director of the CIA and FBI to the Reagan and George H.W. Bush Administrations, as well as several former Republican members of Congress and the Senate.

The post More Than 100 Former Republican Leaders Endorse Kamala Harris, Warn Trump Is Unfit to Serve appeared first on TheWrap.
'If you cant find a sanctuary to have your constitutional and statutory rights upheld in a court of law and be assured justice will be done to the best of our ability, what do we have left?' said Chief Magistrate Judge Michael Hegarty
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Runners with The 437 Project traveled west on Wednesday across South Dakota ahead of the Thursday beginning of their relay journey, an eastward trek on foot from the states border with Wyoming to its border with Iowa. Before their caravan left Sioux Falls, runners and volunteers took a moment to reflect on why the effort takes place. The run across South Dakota is a fundraiser for the Helpline Center, which connects people to mental health resources.

Mapleton Golf Club offers a look at project progress

We have more work to do, Helpline Center CEO Janet Kittams said. We have more people to reach, we have more people to help, and thats what The 437 Project is all about, is raising that conversation, encouraging people that they can reach out for help, that its okay, and that there is help, and theres hope out there.

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken helped launch the event.

In only three years the brand has really been established, people know what it is, and they know how important the cause is, TenHaken said.

And as psychiatrist Dr. David Ermer points out, anyone can contribute to the cause.

If you see somebody youre working with, a family member, a neighbor, struggling, reach out to them and say, Hey, can we talk? And ask if theyre doing okay, said Ermer, who serves as clinical vice president with Avera Behavioral Health.

The number in The 437 Projects name is a reference to the approximate mileage covered. Dr. Jon Buchanan of Sioux Falls, who is one of the dozen runners in 2024, shared an introspective message before the first mile of the collective journey on foot begins.

One of my favorite hymns in church has a line in it that says, In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye cant see,' Buchanan said. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are surrounded by quiet hearts, and each heart has its own sorrow. So I want you to take two things from that. Number one, if you have sorrow in your heart, dont be ashamed of it. Dont be afraid to tell people about it. Dont hide it. Its real, and its powerful, and it needs to be brought out into the open. And number two, go home and hug your kids. So many young people today suffer with mental illness.

KELOLANDs Dan Santella is also one of the 12 runners crossing the state; his reporting from the road continues Thursday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Following yesterdays unprecedented explosions targeting pagers belonging to thousands of Hezbollah members, which you can read about here, another wave of similar blasts has struck Lebanon. The second series of explosions seems to have targeted walkie-talkies used by members of the Iran-backed militant group, although there are suggestions that a variety of different electronic devices may have been affected. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for either of the two days attacks, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today declared the start of a new phase of the war with a focus on the northern front.

WILD FOOTAGE



Explosions can be seen all across Lebanon simultaneously. https://t.co/eOhIB1vtlOpic.twitter.com/s4npUJZX2W  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 18, 2024

NEW: Footage reportedly from Lebanon where you can hear dozens of personal radios explodinghttps://t.co/kz8YJwUen2 pic.twitter.com/otUGyd1kuK  Faytuks News (@Faytuks) September 18, 2024

This is what is left of the motorcycle that had a walkie-talkie in it that exploded today in Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/M2MUAt8Cj2  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 18, 2024

Now another series of blast in #Lebannon, Telecom devices 'Walkie Talkie' have reportedly exploded in #Beirut and various other areas of #Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/zcgMYvgx00  Nikhil Choudhary (@NikhilCh_) September 18, 2024

The latest reports from the Lebanese health ministry state that 14 were killed and more than 450 wounded in explosions that struck multiple cities across Lebanon today. Three of those killed were said to have been in the Bekaa region in the east of the country. Many of the injuries were reported to victims abdomens and hands, as was the case yesterday.

People and first responders gather at the scene of a reported device explosion in Saida in southern Lebanon on September 18, 2024. Photo by Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP MAHMOUD ZAYYAT

The Lebanese Red Cross said that more than 30 ambulances were deployed to multiple explosions in Lebanons south and east, with another 50 ambulances put on alert to support rescue and evacuation operations.

A Hezbollah source confirmed the nature of the attack, which so far bears many of the hallmarks of yesterdays series of explosions, which was widely attributed to Israel.

As was the case yesterday, when pagers were targeted, injuring more than 2,800 and killing 12, the explosions today were reportedly small in size.

A photo taken on September 18, 2024, in Beirut, shows the remains of exploded pagers on display at an undisclosed location. Photo by AFP 

Photos and videos from todays explosions showed various broken and burnt communication devices, among them multiple examples of the ICOM IC-V82 two-way walkie-talkie radio, a product made in Japan.

July 2022: United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) identified a handheld VHF Transceiver Two-Way Radio manufactured by Japans Icom Inc. (Icom) being used by Hezbollah.



In the photo a member of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Unit is shown with an IC-V82/IC-U82 pic.twitter.com/eZFq9o3S96  Daphne Tolis (@daphnetoli) September 18, 2024

Allegedly pictures of the new communication devices belonging to Hizbullah terrorists that exploded all over #Lebanon#Israelpic.twitter.com/g833JceoXo  paralel_universe (@ignis_fatum) September 18, 2024

It appears that Israel has now targeted Hezbollah walkie-talkies. pic.twitter.com/7AcwA1YLyf  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 18, 2024

One of the explosions took place during a funeral that was being held in southern Beirut for Hezbollah members killed yesterday.

Breaking: Thousands of Hezbollah radio devices ("Walkie-Talkie") have exploded during the past hour, in what appears to be the second wave of the attack..



Below is a footage from today, exploding during the funeral of another Hezbollah terrorist who was killed yesterday pic.twitter.com/o3ljPtgSZo  Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) September 18, 2024

In the wake of yesterdays explosions, there were reports that Israel had managed to put small explosive devices in thousands of pagers that were bought by Hezbollah.

Today, several solar power systems reportedly also exploded in peoples homes across Lebanon, according to the National News Agency, with at least one such blast injuring a girl in the town of al-Zahrani, south Lebanon.

BREAKING:



All types of electric devices owned by Hezbollah operatives are now blowing up in Lebanon and the region.



Apart from pagers and walkie-talkies, other devices such as fingerprint devices, solar power systems and radios are now exploding too pic.twitter.com/JLjsK2w7co  Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) September 18, 2024

There have also been pictures of exploded fingerprint readers, like the one in the tweet above.

Additional reports state that at least one of the models of walkie-talkie that exploded in Lebanon today was discontinued, but that Hezbollah got a shipment of them five months ago, around the same time that it appears to have received the pagers involved in yesterdays blasts. This would clearly point to the devices being tampered with before they arrived in Hezbollahs hands.

However it was achieved, todays events do at least suggest that many more types of electronic devices could have been modified into explosive devices, raising more questions about how the attacks were orchestrated, and whether more will come. The deeper implications of this dystopian development are something we have previously discussed at length.

UPDATE  The radios that were booby-trapped in advance by Israeli intelligence services and then delivered to Hezbollah were part of the group's emergency communications system which was supposed to be used during a war with Israel, sources tell Axios https://t.co/9xXP55rhnv  Faytuks News (@Faytuks) September 18, 2024

However, if Israel is now able to target Hezbollah members and associates via a variety of types of electronic devices, the last two days of attacks may also imply that Israel is poised to launch a large-scale campaign against the militant group.

Not only do these explosions help remove key Hezbollah figures from the equation, but they also greatly reduce the groups ability to communicate and maintain a chain of command. Then there is the significant factor of sowing fear and confusion within Hezbollah but also more broadly within Lebanon, comprising the groups ability to operate more freely. Overloading the hospitals with injuries would be another impact of these detonations that would benefit an opposing force prior to a campaign.

In a reflection of the chaos created by the blasts, there were reports today of Hezbollah members frantically pulling the batteries out of any walkie-talkies that had not exploded, and putting the parts in metal barrels, in case they detonated.



Two sources tell Axios that Israel's goal in the second wave of attacks today was to increase paranoia and fear in Hezbollah's rankshttps://t.co/TcrakLCzUy pic.twitter.com/CJulO0jn7Q  Faytuks News (@Faytuks) September 18, 2024

As TWZ editor-in-chief Tyler Rogoway has observed, if Israel invested heavily into such an exotic espionage capability, it may be compelled to use it to its maximum extent as rapidly as possible if there was imminent risk of it being compromised. Under ideal circumstances, such measures would be exploited prior to or just at the beginning of a major military operation in order to degrade the opposing for as discussed above. Now there are signs that Israel is about to launch just such an operation. There are also reports that the detonation of these devices was rushed out of fears that the operation would be uncovered.

Clearly, if you have the ability to detonate pagers and other electronic devices belonging to players in your adversary's ranks, you do it right before or at the start of a major military operation to:

1.) Take many players, including key ones, off the board

2.) Cripple comms  Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) September 18, 2024

International concern is building, too. Even before todays explosions, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was very important that civilian objects should not be weaponized.

The U.N. chief said that yesterdays explosions presented a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon and warned that everything must be done to avoid that. He continued:

What has happened is particularly serious, not only because of the number of victims that it caused, but because of the indications that exist that this was triggered, I would say, in advance of a normal way to trigger these things, because there was a risk of this being discovered.

Im deeply alarmed by reports that a large number of communication devices exploded across Lebanon & Syria, killing at least 11 people, including children, and injuring thousands.



All actors must exercise maximum restraint to avert any further escalation.  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 18, 2024

The European Unions top diplomat, Josep Borrell, described the device detonations in Lebanon as extremely worrying, noting that they had caused heavy, indiscriminate collateral damage among civilians.

There are now other signs from Israel that it may well be poised to begin a more concerted campaign against Hezbollah, including unconfirmed reports of movements of large numbers of troops and armor toward the border.

An entire Israeli Army brigade reportedly heading to Lebanon border. pic.twitter.com/oxoHQPsX2e  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 18, 2024

More IDF tanks spotted on Lebanon border. pic.twitter.com/QUDZ5Zz9R9  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 18, 2024

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the head of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said the country has drawn up plans for additional action against Hezbollah and is ready to strike.

Halevi also warned that Israel has many more capabilities that have not been used yet.

We have many capabilities that we have not yet activated we have seen some of these things, it seems to me that we are well prepared, and we are preparing these plans going forward. At each stage, the price for Hezbollah needs to be high, Halevi added.

Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi holds an assessment meeting after thousands of pager devices detonated in Lebanon, on September 17, 2024. Photo by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu

In a statement today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to return tens of thousands of Israelis who had been evacuated from towns along the northern border with Lebanon when Hezbollah stepped up its campaign of rocket attacks.

Taken together, and potentially driven by the need to rush the electronics detonations, these developments may well indicate that a large-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could be imminent, fueled by tensions that have increased dramatically in recent months.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)  Fiscal intermediaries are once again suing New York State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald over the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, September 18, plaintiffs argued that changing the program would violate their constitutional rights and endanger vulnerable populations.

Take a look at the complaint.

The ongoing conflict involves over 250,000 elderly, sick, or disabled New Yorkers who use CDPAP. This Medicaid program lets them control what health services they get, and customize their care at home.

Hochul does not plan to end the program, but she does want to replace over 600 local fiscal intermediaries (FIs) that administer it with a single state-chosen provider by October 1. New York has more FIscharacterized by detractors as middlemen siphoning tax dollarsthan the rest of the country combined. Her office said that the new plan would not change caregiver pay rates, that payments wouldnt be interrupted, and that participants wont need to reapply.

According to a spokesperson from Hochuls office, Our reforms will strengthen CDPAP, protect home care users, and cut out hundreds of middlemen to ensure taxpayer dollars are effectively serving the people who need them. Our plan does not change CDPAP eligibility for home care users and ensures that caregivers will continue receiving timely payment so they can keep providing the care that CDPAP users need.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are:

Principle Homecare: Founded in 2015, this minority-owned business serves over 200 CDPAP patients in the Bronx and will be forced out by the amendment due to ineligibility.

Marton Care: Founded in 2017 and serving 120 consumers in Brooklyn, it would have to close by April 1

Prompt Home Care: Founded in 2017 and with 700 CDPAP patients in the Bronx and Westchester County, it cannot compete for the new contract

Care Connect CDPAP: Founded in 2016 and serving 500 CDPAP patients in Brooklyn and Westchester County, it will lose its contracts to the amendment

The lawsuit said the change would destroy the industry, shutter many small and minority-owned businesses, cost thousands of jobs, inflate administrative budgets, and disrupt services for the vulnerable people who need them. The plaintiffs argued that the law disrupts existing relationships, limits bids from experienced providers, and reduces specialized services for rare languages or diverse cultures.

On June 17, DOH released a Request for Proposals to select a single statewide FI. The plaintiffs said the selection process for the new statewide provider could create a monopoly, because DOH never explained how bids would be judged, leaving bidders unclear about the system. An April 1 deadline looms large over the entire process.

The case in the Southern District of New York claims violations of constitutional rights, including the Contracts, Takings, Equal Protection, and Due Process Clauses. Amending CDPAP in this way, according to the lawsuit, breaks existing contracts, disrupts business, and unfairly disenfranchises the plaintiffs. They seek a jury trial, where they want:

A declaration that the CDPAP Amendment violates the Constitution A permanent injunction or court order to stop the amendment Fees, costs, and expenses paid

Also on Wednesday, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State (CDPAANYS) held a conference to prepare for Gov. Hochuls plan to outsource the entire program to one company. At the Renaissance Hotel in Albany, conference attendees talked about likely consequences, which they said include forcing patients into nursing or group homes.

An online petition characterized the changes as New Yorks plan to hand over home care to big business. It said that amending CDPAP represents a $40 billion deal without any statewide oversight that will bankrupt hundreds of small businesses, eliminate home care jobs, and force thousands of elderly and disabled New Yorkers into nursing homes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  More threats cause more evacuations in Springfield, this time targeting busy stores.

Reports came in for threats for at least one Kroger and two Walmart locations in the city. Those stores are now back open by Wednesday evening.

One of those affected Walmart locations is on South Tuttle Road. On Wednesday, shoppers and workers were evacuated because of a bomb threat.

Traffic stop leads to seizure of 6 pounds of meth

How much more can you take? I mean, Springfields, you know, getting out of control, said Springfield resident Josh Hennis. It makes me feel upset because I come to get my daughter some snacks for school and cant even get in the store. Another bomb threat. Here we are again.

This was just two days after Governor Mike DeWine placed the Ohio State Highway Patrol into Springfield Schools after the district received numerous bomb threats.

Its just a real shame that this is occurring. But, you know, we will deal with it and we are dealing with it. Kids need to learn. Thats the important thing, said DeWine.

The Kroger on East Main Street and the Walmart on North Bechtle Avenue were also evacuated.

My initial reaction was at least they left our babies alone today because theyve been literally sending bomb threats to our kids in schools, said Springfield resident Nicole Ali.

Ali said she kept her kids home from school until added security was in place. She says these threats are a distraction from the communitys real issues.

Man identified after body recovered from river in May

Like we have problems with traffic accidents. We have problems with resources. The Haitian community needs support. We need support. We need support to be able to support them. But all anybody cares about talking about is eating cats and dogs, said Ali.

In the last hour, 2 NEWS learned the Springfield Planned Parenthood on North Bechtle Avenue also received a threat this morning. However, they did not close.

A community-wide Hate Has No Home in Springfield peace rally is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Park Road in Springfield.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mother Of 2 Allegedly Shot And Killed By Ex At Their 6-Year-Old's Birthday Party

A Texas man who was previously suspected of shooting at his ex-girlfriends townhouse was taken into custody on Monday on suspicion of fatally shooting her in front of their two daughters at a birthday celebration.

Jalin J. Foreman, 27, was booked on one count of murder after turning himself in Monday. Houston authorities have accused him of fatally shooting Jalen Whitlock Easterling, 25, withwhom he shares two children, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by HuffPost.

Easterlings cousin, Ashlynn McBride, said in a GoFundMe appeal that the victim was a mother of two young girls, ages 6 and 4, and was celebrating the oldests birthday at the time of the shooting. McBride claimed that Foreman had been stalking and harassing her cousin before the shooting.

Police said in the probable cause document thatForeman and Easterling had dated for about a year before ending their relationship, and he has been giving her and her current boyfriend trouble since June 2023. He was also listed as a suspectin a drive-by shooting at Easterlings home in July.

Easterlings current boyfriend, who was with her at the time of the shooting on Sept. 12, told police that Foreman came to the victims home that day to give his daughter a birthday gift but was not allowed inside, according to the affidavit. Foreman went back to his car to grab a gun after getting into an argument with Easterling and her boyfriend.

Jalen W. Easterling was fatally shot while celebrating her 6-year-old daughter's birthday. Facebook

A witness who was on the second floor of the home told detectives that he heard Foreman screaming phrases like I know where you live and Come at me, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The boyfriend told police he went into the kitchen to retrieve a gun, believing a gunfight was going to happen with Foreman, according to witness statements in the affidavit. At this point, Easterling grabbed her kids near the door while her boyfriend and Foreman shot at each other.

During the shooting, Foreman allegedly shot and killed Easterling. Easterlings boyfriend then told the kids to go upstairs, according to the affidavit.

A witness said Foreman left the scene in his vehicle briefly after the initial gunfire but returned, yelling We going to end this now, according to the affidavit. Another witness who went outside after hearing the gunshots told police that Foreman yelled, I will reload. Come outside, lets finish this.

Responding authorities arrived at Easterlings home at about 8:35 p.m to find her dead at her doorway, according to the police document. She had at least one gunshot wound to the left side of her face.

Foremans attorney did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for a statement.

Related...
Mother says she wants answers after living with mold in Savannah apartment

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)A mother of three reached out to WSAV in an effort to get answers after she said that she and her family have been exposed to mold in their home for about a month now.

Diondria Lewis said she, her husband and their autistic children are dealing with the physical symptoms of living with mold, but its taking a tole her on her mentally as well. She said the Royal Dutch Villas has factual evidence that mold is growing.

We can see it and smell it, Lewis said. My kids are having health issues. They have allergies and asthma already, but now I hear them sneezing and coughing. Any mom who has kids on the autistic spectrum knows that anything can alternate behavior. So, they have been to therapists through school, and they have been telling me that they noticed a change recently.

Beach family asks Judge to recuse himself from latest lawsuit

Lewis showed WSAVs Sarah Smith her childrens bedroom, where she said the mold ruined dozens of their clothes and toys, leaving them no choice but to throw them away. Then she took a step further, moving her kids out of the room entirely. They are now all sleeping on the couch.

I need them to know how serious this is and to take this serious, Lewis said. This is our livelihoods.

When walking through the home, water can be seen on the damaged floors. The source of the mold, she said, is coming from the vacant apartment below her.

She said that shes trying to prevent her unit from getting that bad, or shes just hoping to get some of her money back and move elsewhere.

I pay a pretty penny for this, Lewis said. So, I would just like to be treated as a long-term tenant. A trustworthy, long-term tenant but you just treated me like a nobody.

WSAV has reached out to the Royal Dutch Villas for a statement or an update. We have not yet heard back at the time of publishing this article.

This is an ongoing story and when WSAV receives more information, we will update.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital after a crash in Allendale Township Wednesday afternoon.

Around 4 p.m., a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old woman from the Detroit area was headed west on Fillmore Street and went to turn into a driveway, according to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office. At the same time, a motorcycle driven by a 21-year-old Holland man went to pass the vehicle and the two crashed.

The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time, deputies say, and was conscious and talking when first responders arrived. He was taken to the hospital, the sheriffs office said.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured, deputies 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 WOODTV.com.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A motorcyclist was injured during a crash in north Abilene Thursday morning.

The crash happened at the intersection of EN 10th Street and Judge Ely Boulevard just after 11:00 a.m. A motorcycle and at least one other vehicle were involved.

One person, the motorcyclist, sustained serious injuries during the crash. They were rushed to the hospital, and police have begun marking the scene for investigation.

Their current condition is not known at this time, and no other injuries have been reported.

The investigation is ongoing. Stick with BigCountryHomepage.com for additional information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
The first mpox vaccines were delivered two days ago in Rwanda (Glody MURHABAZI) (Glody MURHABAZI/AFP/AFP)

Mpox vaccines have been administered in Africa for the first time, with several hundred high-risk individuals vaccinated in Rwanda, the African Union's disease control centre said Thursday.

The first 300 doses were administered on Tuesday near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a spokesperson for the AU's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) told AFP.

The DRC has been the worst-affected country, with nearly 22,000 cases and more than 700 deaths linked to the virus between January and August.

On a call with reporters, Africa CDC director general Jean Kaseya said vaccinations would start in the DRC in "the first week of October".

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals that can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.

Deadly in some cases, it causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like lesions on the skin.

The World Health Organization (WHO) last week prequalified an mpox vaccine, MVA-BN, for the first time, paving the way for the United Nations and other international agencies to procure them.

The Africa CDC says there has been a total of 29,152 cases and 738 deaths across 15 countries on the continent.

"Mpox is not under control," said Kaseya.

- Cases increasing -

A CDC spokesperson added that testing remained an issue, with only half of suspected cases tested, and said the agency was aiming for more than 80 percent.

WHO's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned in a briefing Thursday that they were not dealing with one outbreak, but "several" in different places, caused by different strains.

In particular, he highlighted the situation in Burundi and the DRC "where cases are continuing to increase".

According to the WHO prequalification, the vaccine can be administered to people over the age of 18 as a two-dose injection given four weeks apart.

With most mpox cases and deaths in the DRC in children, the WHO stressed the vaccine could be used "off-label" in infants, children and adolescents, as well as in pregnant and immunocompromised people.

"This means vaccine use is recommended in outbreak settings where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks," the WHO said in a recent briefing.

The agency also recommends single-dose use in outbreak settings where supplies of the vaccine are constrained. But more data is needed on vaccine safety and effectiveness in such circumstances, it stressed.

The currently available data showed that a single dose of the MVA-BN vaccine given before exposure had an estimated 76-percent effectiveness in protecting against mpox, it said. Two doses were estimated to be 82 percent effective.

er-rbu/jj
UPDATE: Nashville teen in custody after Southwind High School threats

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Another Memphis Shelby County School was threatened with a possible school shooting on Thursday, according to reports.

More than 120 school threats were reported last week across Tennessee. Kingsbury High School was one of the schools listed on a social media post with guns.

Governor Bill Lee and Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins were at Kingsbury Career and Technology Center on Thursday, in a planned visit.

While there, they addressed the acts of violence toward the schools.

Tensions rise as Southwind parents try to pick up kids in lockdown

Right now local and federal agencies are investigating who is behind each of these school threats. But leaders say they are not taking this lightly and the consequences go beyond breaking school rules.

It is not light-hearted that we take this, said Dr. Marie Feagins, Superintendent of Memphis Shelby County Schools.

Its important that we have meaningful conversations around school safety, said Governor Bill Lee.

This is the second day in a row Memphis Shelby County Schools have had a threat of mass violence.

It became ten high schools then 15 schools then it spread across the city and thats when we activated lockdown on all campuses, Dr. Feagins said.

Wednesday Police Chief CJ Davis confirmed three Whitehaven high school students were detained and taken in for questioning. But law enforcement leaders say there could be more arrests to come.

There are consequences, there are many laws that can be broken doing these threats and making these threats. There were a lot of resources deployed today, said Floyd Bonner, Shelby County Sheriff.

Memphis Police say threats of violence against a school are a class E felony offense. Making it clear that those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In our state, Class E felonies carry up to six years in prison.

School lockdowns began with threats against Southwind High

Conversations were held between myself, our security, and officers within the district, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriffs Department, Homeland Security, FBI, and the list goes on and so this a combination and a partnership of federal and local authorities to ensure that we the type of safety the level of calm to every degree possible, Dr. Feagins said.

Students were not put on lockdown Thursday.

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Colorado has 13 national scenic byways, more than any other state. Some of their greatest, shining moments come in the fall.

As the aspens turn gold around the state, here are five of those national scenic byways worthy of a road trip:

Grand Mesa

63 miles; Colorado 65 between Cedaredge and Interstate 70 outside Palisade

Western Colorados mighty flat- top mountain is coated in vibrant aspen and oak. Even better, the Grand Mesa is spotted by hundreds of lakes and several campgrounds. Its indeed worth an overnight, with endless trails to explore and fall foliage to behold, not to mention the sweeping view from Lands End Observatory.

Highway of Legends

101722-ot-legends-dg 03.JPG (copy) An old weathered barn with a backdrop of the Spanish Peaks can be seen along Colorado 12, the Highway of Legends. Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette

82 miles; incorporating U.S. 160 and Colorado 12 through Trinidad, Cuchara, La Veta and Walsenburg

Its an often overlooked drive in southern Colorado touring Spanish Peaks country. We last took it from Trinidad, passing historic, little-known hamlets like Cokedale and Stonewall, and rising to glorious aspen groves on either side of Cordova Pass above 11,700 feet. Along the way: lakes and legends told by stunning rock formations.

Silver Thread

09_16_18 aspens1026.jpg A truck drives north toward Lake City on Colorado 149 near Spring Creek Pass as the aspens show their colors on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.

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117 miles; incorporating Colorado 149 through Lake City, Creede and South Fork

From Blue Mesa Reservoir, the scenic byway runs south to the San Juan Mountains. Going that way, your first stop might be Lake San Cristobal, Colorados second-largest natural lake at the heart of Lake City. Next might be North Clear Creek Falls, en route to the once-great silver mining town of Creede and the San Luis Valley.

Top of the Rockies

fall colors Independence Pass on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016.

115 miles; incorporating Interstate 70, U.S. 24, Colorado 91 and Colorado 82 through Leadville, Minturn, Twin Lakes and Aspen

The name is for the altitude, largely above 9,000. Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway travels over the Continental Divide three times, once over Independence Pass, which might offer the best aspen showcase along the whole route. Thats no offense to another outstanding stretch off I-70, going over Tennessee Pass to Leadville.

Trail Ridge Road

092320-news-aspens 11.jpg (copy) A pair of aspen trees outside of Rocky Mountain National Park shows some color as trees in the areas start to turn gold on Sept. 22, 2020.

48 miles; U.S. 34 between Estes Park and Grand Lake

The thoroughfare through Rocky Mountain National Park has a distinction above National Scenic Byway. The Federal Highway Administration calls it an All-American Road, reserved for roads meeting two of six intrinsic qualities  archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic  and have one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. Not everywhere can you follow pavement to the high alpine.
JOPLIN, Mo.  Enrollment is moving into sharper focus at Missouri Southern with a new effort aimed at improving future numbers.

I love Missouri Southern. Its awesome. Theres a lot of really good opportunities here.

Neosho student Aubrey Costello is almost a junior but is still figuring out her future path.

Literature studies and want to be an English professor. But Im thinking of double majoring with environmental health science, so I hopefully can do something with conservation writing, said Costello.

Missouri Southern would like to see more students like Costellosomething that could happen through a new initiative.

More on MSSU

We are establishing a strategic enrollment council that the university is going to really take a deep dive into the students, from the time of recruitment all the way through graduation, said Dr. Shellie Hewitt, MSSU Associate VP of Admissions & Enrollment.

The university has seen mixed results in enrollment in recent yearsoften up in new students and graduate students but lower in returning students. Its a struggle facing many in higher education right now.

For years, weve been hearing about that enrollment cliff, where were not going to have that population anymore. So, a lot of universities, as well as Missouri Southern, are really looking at the other types of students that we serve, said Hewitt.

Dr. Hewitt sees that as a way to see what theyre doing right and where there are opportunities to improve.

For example, a lot of institutions since Covid have gone test-optional, right? And so, looking to see if the student demographic, how that is working out. Are we seeing a different student demographic, student profile, if you will?

MSSU had about 4,100 students enrolled in fall of 2023. Numbers for the current semester are expected to be released this week.

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Students walk near UC Berkeley Campanile Clock Tower at UC Berkeley last month. (Paul Kuroda/For The Times)

Multiple sexual assaults facilitated by spiked drinks were reported to UC Berkeley recently, according to school officials.

According to a WarnMe message sent to the community Tuesday, the incident occurred Friday around 11:55 p.m. on College Avenue. WarnMe is an emergency notification system to send warnings from campus police.

There were multiple instances of "drug-facilitated sexual assault-battery and aggravated assaults via poisoning," according to the message. The alleged assaults occurred at a residence on College Avenue and were recently reported to the school.

Read more: UCLA police name man arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting student in dorm

The incidents occurred off-campus and are being investigated by the Berkeley Police Department, said school officials, who declined to provide further details about the case, including whether the residence was occupied by university students or not. At least one fraternity and an off-campus home are on College Avenue.

Anyone who has information about the crime has been encouraged to contact Berkeley Police at (510) 981-5900.

Those who have been harmed by sexual violence should contact University Health Services' 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at (510) 643-7197, the Confidential Care Advocate PATH to Care Center at (510) 643-2005 or the Gender Equity Resource Center at (510) 643-5727.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA)  Multiple students at different schools were arrested for making online school threats, the Manatee County Sheriffs Office said.

A Buffalo Creek Middle School student was arrested on Wednesday for making a threat to another student. Deputies were notified of the threat and met with the student the next morning at school.

Deputies searched the students belongings, and no weapon or firearm was found. The student admitted to making the threat and was charged with written, electronic threats to kill, the Manatee County Sheriffs Office said.

Students must understand the seriousness of making threats about school violence. Make no mistake about it, if we have evidence that a student made a threat to kill, we arrest them and take them to the Juvenile Detention Center. I encourage parents to remind their children of the consequences of making school threats, Sheriff Rick Wells said.

Two students at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory School were also in custody and charged with making written threats about a school shooting, MCSO said.

Detectives were made aware of a Snapchat message of a school threat on Tuesday. Deputies provided security and searched for leads on where the message came from on Wednesday at Lakewood Ranch Prep, according to MCSO.

The investigation led to two students admitting to posting school threats. Both were charged with written, electronic threats to kill, deputies said.

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Muscogee County student shot dead while getting off school bus in Columbus, coroner says

One person is dead following a shooting in east Columbus, according to the Columbus Police Department.

An investigation is underway into a deadly shooting that occurred on Watkins Drive Thursday afternoon, according to police.

The victim has been identified as 15-year-old Earkavion Lee, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.

We believe he was shot getting off the school bus, Bryan told the Ledger-Enquirer.

Lee was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m., Bryan said.

Investigators are on the scene gathering information, according to a post on CPDs X account.

A shooting investigation is underway in the 2300 block of Watkins Dr. One person injured. Investigators are on the scene gathering information. Anyone with information is urged to call 911. #cpdga  Columbus, Georgia Police Department (@CPDGA) September 19, 2024

Police request anyone with information about this shooting to call 911 or 706-225-3161.

Bryan said Lee was the half-brother of 18-year-old Earkus Porter Jr., who died after being found shot in Belvedere Park in February, the Ledger-Enquirer reported.
The front cover of the Arab American News with the lead story of the electoral voice of Arabs and Muslims in Michigan is seen in the newspapers office in Dearborn

The front cover of the Arab American News with the lead story of the electoral voice of Arabs and Muslims in Michigan is seen in the newspapers office in Dearborn

By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Some Arab American and Muslim voters angry at U.S. support for Israel's offensive in Gaza are shunning Democrat Kamala Harris in the presidential race to back third-party candidate Jill Stein in numbers that could deny Harris victories in battleground states that will decide the Nov. 5 election.

A late August poll conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations advocacy group showed that in Michigan, home to a large Arab American community, 40% of Muslim voters backed the Green Party's Stein. Republican candidate Donald Trump got 18%, with Harris, who is President Joe Biden's vice president, trailing at 12%.

The poll, conducted by text message more than two weeks before the Harris-Trump Sept. 10 debate, showed Harris leading Trump 29.4% to 11.2%, with 34% favoring third-party candidates including Stein at 29.1%.

Harris was the leading pick of Muslim voters in Georgia and Pennsylvania, while Trump prevailed in Nevada with 27%, just ahead of Harris' 26%, according to the CAIR poll of 1,155 Muslim voters nationwide. All are battleground states that have swung on narrow margins in recent elections.

The Green Party is on most state ballots, including all battleground states that could decide the election, except for Georgia and Nevada, where the party is suing to be included.

Stein also leads Harris among Muslims in Arizona and Wisconsin, battleground states with sizable Muslim populations where Biden defeated Trump in 2020 by slim margins.

Biden won the 2020 Muslim vote, credited in various exit polls with from 64% to 84% of their support, but Muslim backing of Democrats has fallen sharply since Israel's nearly year-long action in Gaza.

The Uncommitted National Movement said on Thursday it would not back Harris even though it opposes Trump and won't recommend a third-party vote. It said Trump would accelerate the killing in Gaza if reelected but Harris had not responded to its request she meet with Palestinian Americans who lost loved ones in Gaza and had not agreed to discuss halting arms shipments to Israel.

A campaign spokesperson said Harris was committed to earning every vote and uniting the country, while continuing to work to end the war in Gaza. The campaign earlier declined to comment on the shifting dynamics; officials tasked with Muslim outreach were not available for interviews.

The Uncommitted movement rallied over 750,000 voters to cast uncommitted ballots in the Democratic nominating contests early this year to protest Biden's policy in support of Israel's war. Biden left the race in July and endorsed Harris, who then launched her campaign.

Harris has gone further than other Biden administration officials to voice sympathy with the Palestinians and has forcefully criticized Israels conduct while adhering to Biden administration policy, disappointing Arab American and Muslim voters.

About 3.5 million Americans reported being of Middle Eastern descent in the 2020 U.S. Census, the first year such data was recorded. Although they make up about 1% of the total U.S. population of 335 million, their voters may prove crucial in a race that opinion polls show Harris and Trump neck and neck.

On Tuesday, Harris called for an end to the Israel-Gaza war and the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. She also said Israel must not reoccupy the Palestinian enclave and backed a two-state solution.

But at closed-door meetings in Michigan and elsewhere, Harris campaign officials have rebuffed appeals to halt or limit U.S. arms shipments to Israel, community leaders say.

"Decades of community organizing and civic engagement and mobilizing have not manifested into any benefit," said Faye Nemer, founder of the Michigan-based MENA American Chamber of Commerce to promote U.S. trade with the Middle East.

"We're part of the fabric of this country, but our concerns are not taken into consideration," she said.

Stein is aggressively campaigning on Gaza, while Trump representatives are meeting with Muslim groups and promising a swifter peace than Harris can deliver.

Stein's 2016 run ended with just over 1% of the popular vote, but some Democrats blamed her and the Green Party for taking votes away from Democrat Hillary Clinton. Pollsters give Stein no chance of winning in 2024.

But her support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, for an immediate U.S. arms embargo on Israel and for student movements to force universities to divest from weapons investments have made her popular in pro-Palestinian circles. Her running mate Butch Ware, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is Muslim.

This month Stein spoke at ArabCon in Dearborn, Michigan, an annual gathering of Arab Americans, and was featured on the cover of The Arab American News under the headline "The Choice 2024." Last week in an interview with The Breakfast Club, a New York radio program, she said, "Every vote cast for our campaign is a vote against genocide," a charge that Israel denies.

TRUMP TEAM CAMPAIGNS FOR ARAB AMERICAN VOTES

At the same time, the Trump team has hosted dozens of in-person and virtual events with Arab Americans and Muslims in Michigan and Arizona, said Richard Grenell, Trump's former acting Director of National Intelligence.

"Arab American leaders in Detroit know this is their moment to send a powerful message to the Democrat party that they shouldnt be taken for granted," Grenell said. Trump has said he would secure more Arab-Israeli peace deals.

Biden defeated Trump in 2020 by just thousands of votes in some states, thanks in part to the support of Arab and Muslim voters in states where they are concentrated, including Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Biden won Michigan by 154,000 votes in 2020, but Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton there by fewer than 11,000 votes in 2016. The state is home to overlapping groups of more than 200,000 registered voters who are Muslim and 300,000 who report ancestry from the Middle East and North Africa.

In Philadelphia, which has a large Black Muslim population, activists have joined a national "Abandon Harris" campaign. They helped organize protests during her debate with Trump last week.

Philadelphia CAIR co-chair Rabiul Chowdhury said, "We have options. If Trump pledges to end the war and bring home all hostages, it's game over for Harris." Trump has said the war would never have erupted if he were president. It's unclear how he would end it. Trump is a firm supporter of Israel.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Heather Timmons and Howard Goller)
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Myrtle Beachs beach advisory committee heard details Wednesday about more than 1,300 calls the citys police department responded to during the recent summer tourist season.

Many of the calls were about beach tents, with beachgoers not always following the citys ordinances.

[There were] 297 times that we had to go out after the fire department, the beach services, to ask somebody to remove their tents, Beach Patrol supervisor Kevin Larke said. Thats almost 300 times where we had to go in and make them take it down.

Myrtle Beach police received more than 1,300 calls this summer. Officers went into the ocean 24 times and assisted people in two pools. The department also responded to 46 narcotics calls and made 11 arrests.

Officers also responded to more than 150 fireworks calls, which officials said was fewer than in 2023. Public intoxication led to 32 arrests, while 60 calls were made about disorderly disturbances, 25 of which ended in arrests. People reported suspicious calls for service 73 times.

Also on Thursday, the committee said the citys franchise agreement renewal for lifeguarding services is moving along. The agreement comes after Myrtle Beach City Council voted to last year to approve separating lifeguard duties from beach rental services. The first reading was last week, and second reading will be on Tuesday.

* * *

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.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Archaeologists finally solve mystery behind oldest tombstone in US belonging to English knight

The oldest known tombstone in the US belonged to an English knight and likely came from Belgium, according to a new study that sheds more light on trade routes linked to colonial America.

Archeologists have known the tombstone belonged to a knight and was set up in 1627 in Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. But it was unclear where exactly in Europe the slab made of black limestone came from.

The new study, published recently in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, assessed the carvings and inlays of the tombstone to trace its origins.

Scientists found that it had a carved depression that once likely held brass inlays of a shield, an unfurled scroll, and a depiction of an armoured man.

Scientists find oldest tombstone in America likely originated in Belgium (International Journal of Historical Archaeology)

Historical records indicate that two knights died in Jamestown during the 17th century  Sir Thomas West, in 1618, and Sir George Yeardley.

Sir Yeardleys step-grandson ordered a tombstone for himself in the 1680s with the same inscription as the black limestone one.

This led researchers to suspect that the 1627 tombstone belonged to Sir George Yeardley.

Sir Yeardley was born in Southwark, England, in 1588 and arrived at Jamestown in 1610 after surviving a shipwreck near Bermuda.

King James I knighted him when he went back to England in 1617. He returned to Jamestown in 1621 and died there in 1627.

Scientists analysed fragments of the tombstone and found tiny fossil microbes, many of which did not co-occur in North America. The microbe fossils, researchers said, co-occurred in what is now Belgium and Ireland.

They further narrowed down the tombstones source to Belgium, which was known at the time as the most common source of this type of limestone rock.

Therefore, the knights tombstone had to be imported from Europe. Historical evidence suggests Belgium, from where it was transshipped in London and on to Jamestown, scientists wrote.

We hypothesise it was quarried and cut to size in Belgium, shipped down the Meuse River, across the English Channel to London where it was carved and the brass inlays installed, and finally shipped on to Jamestown.

Jamestown archaeological site in Virginia (Marcus Key et al International Journal of Historical Archaeology)

The findings point to the extent of trade networks connecting Europe and Jamestown during colonial times.

These jet-black stones were the most in-demand and expensive in Europe at the time, according to the study.

Successful Virginia colonists who had lived in London would have been familiar with the latest English fashions and tried to replicate these in the colonies, researchers said.

The findings highlight the effort some colonists were willing to put in to commemorate themselves even during some of the harshest periods in the history of early American colonies.
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson on Thursday was linked to explosive far-right comments on racial and sexual politics posted more than a decade ago on a pornographic website in an investigative report by CNN. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- North Carolina's Republican gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, called himself a "Black Nazi" and supported reinstating slavery in comments made on a pornographic website, CNN reported Thursday.

Robinson, a Black conversative who has long described himself as a devoted Christian opposed to abortion and has voiced hostility towards transgender people, also said he enjoyed watching transgender pornography in anonymous comments made on the "Nude Africa" website more than a decade ago, according to CNN's report published Thursday afternoon.

Robinson, who has been enthusiastically endorsed by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, denied making the comments in a statement issued to the broadcaster, calling the report "tabloid trash."

Shortly before the report came out, he posted a defiant video on social media in which he vowed to continue his campaign even as some of his fellow North Carolina Republicans have reportedly urged him to drop out of his race against North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.

Most polls already showed Robinson decisively trailing Stein, likely hindering Trump's chances to win the crucial state.

CNN linked the comments made on Nude Africa under the user name "minisoldr" to an identical user name employed by Robinson on many different websites and applications across the Internet over the years, including on Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and elsewhere. The user name was also linked by CNN to an email address frequently used by Robinson.

Many of the comments made by "minisoldr" on the pornographic website were lewd and sexually explicit and directly contrast with Robinson's frequently inflammatory public positions as a far-right conservative who is vehemently opposed gay and transgender rights.

For instance, in comments on Nude Africa, Robinson discussed how much he liked transgender pornography.

"I like watching tranny on girl porn! That's f***ng hot! It takes the man out while leaving the man in! And yeah I'm a 'perv' too!," he wrote.

He also wrote about secretly "peeping" on women in public gym showers for sexual gratification as a 14-year-old.

In racially inflammatory comments, "minisoldr" maligned the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., attacking him so vehemently and in such racially charged terms that he elicited reactions from other users who accused him of being a white supremacist.

In a 2010 post, Robinson reportedly wrote, "I'm a black NAZI!" and later wrote that he supported the return of slavery, saying, "Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few."

"Let me reassure you -- the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson," Robinson said in the his video, adding he is "staying in this race."

That denial, however, has not prevented other North Carolina Republicans from pressuring him to step aside, according to state political sources who spoke to the Washington Post.

Should Robinson drop out, it would be too late to print up new ballots and so votes cast for him would instead go to a replacement designated by the state's Republican Party.
North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson once called himself a "Black Nazi" and shared pro-slavery comments on a pornography website's message board, according to a new report.

CNN unearthed sexually explicit and fascist comments posted by the gubernatorial candidate under the handle minisoldr on the Nude Africa forum. That username has been used extensively by Robinson across the internet. The profile was linked to an email address belonging to Robinson.

The comments, made more than a decade ago, stand in stark relief to Robinson's conservative public persona. Robinson, who previously argued that transgender women should be arrested for using public restrooms, interacted with multiple videos featuring transgender women.

I like watching tranny on girl porn! Thats f*cking hot! It takes the man out while leaving the man in! Robinson reportedly wrote. And yeah Im a perv too!.

Robinson has repeatedly quoted Adolf Hitler on the campaign trail and that tendency was on display in the forums of Nude Africa.

Id take Hitler over any of the sh*t thats in Washington right now! he said in 2012.

In one thread from 2010, Robinson denounced Martin Luther King Jr. as a commie bastard and suggested he supported slavery.

Slavery is not bad, Robinson wrote. "I would certainly buy a few.

In one anecdote, Robinson shared details of peeping on women in the shower as a teenager.

I sat there for about an hour and watched as several girls came in and showered, Robinson wrote. I went peeping again the next morning, but after that I went back the ladder was locked! So those two times where the only times I got to do it!"

Robinson's denied all allegations made by CNN, saying that the posts were not made by him.

This is not us. These are not our words. And this is not anything that is characteristic of me, Robinson said.Im not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.

Robinson canceled several campaign events ahead of the story being released, and is under pressure from Republican Party operatives to leave the swing state race. He told CNN that he would not bow to the pressure to drop out.

We are not getting out of this race. There are people who are counting on us to win this race, Robinson said.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Four women overcame challenges on Earth, to get humanity to space. They were honored with Congressional Gold Medals on Wednesday.

In Jim Crow America, there was no evidence that those four Black women would have a realistic chance to succeed, said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

But they did. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson worked in a segregated unit of human computers for the space program. Their calculations helped take people to space, and eventually, the moon. Theyre the inspiration for the award winning film, Hidden Figures.

Dr. Christine Darden was a renowned aerospace engineer and NASAs first Black female engineer.

They were the mathematical whizzes, these African American ladies, who made it possible for John Glenn to orbit, who made it possible to go to the moon, said Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.).

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow. Johnson, Vaughan and Jackson were awarded posthumously. Darden watched from home.

The women we honor today made it possible for Earthlings to lift beyond the bounds of Earth, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

Leaders said, they hope the stories of these hidden figures inspire the next generation of engineers and mathematicians.

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Day 10 of the Boulder mass shooting trial began with a photo of Ahmad Alissa smiling with two friends at Red Rocks Amphitheater in 2017.

The photo, showing a clean-faced Alissa during high school, came a few years before he started showing the changes that his family and the defense team sought to outline to the jury over the last few days.

Withdrawing, cutting out friends, not talking as much. Those were the first things that came, Mahmoud Alissa, the younger brother of the suspect, said of Alissa during his senior year of high school.

When he would speak, he would only talk a little, but it got worse as it continued, the brother said, adding it got to the point where he was incapable of making a sentence.

After high school in 2020 and 2021, Alissa would just mumble, his family said.

The jury was then shown a picture of Alissa at one of the familys restaurants in 2021. Alissa appeared to have gained significant weight. He had unkept hair and an indifferent expression  miles from the smiling photo at Red Rocks, just a few years prior.

Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia often begin experiencing psychosis in their late adolescence and early 20s, according to Dr. Joshua Hatfield, a forensic psychologist who evaluated Alissa for the defense team after the shooting occurred in 2021.

To Hatfield  who interviewed Alissa eight times throughout that year  the suspect was remarkably psychotic, remarkably ill.

The question is whether Alissa was criminally insane at the time of the shooting, something the prosecution is attempting to disprove after Alissa pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the 10 counts of first-degree murder and the dozens of other charges in connection to the mass shooting on March 22, 2021.

The rampage killed 10 people at the King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive.

Various family members took the witness stand over the past week, describing what they believed to be Alissas mental state prior to the shooting.

Mahmoud Alissa noted that he saw the suspect the day of the shooting talking and laughing in the bathroom. There was nothing  or no one  in there, he said.

The brother said a quick word to Ahmad Alissa and said he went to his room. He did not tell the family or police about what he had seen  because, he said, Alissa had been showing negative mental health signs for the past few years.

The two wouldnt see each other again until Wednesday in court, with the older brother sitting at the defense table, potentially facing life in prison or years in the state mental hospital.

Twentieth Judicial District Attorney Michael Dougherty questioned why Mahmoud Alissa didnt tell FBI investigators about the potentially psychotic incident in the bathroom. In fact, according to a recorded interview, the brother said Alissa was acting normal the day of the shooting.

Dougherty also asked why the brother didnt tell investigators that Alissas performance at work  the familys restaurant  had declined over the years, or that the family believed they were being watched by the FBI. The prosecutor implied with his questions that the family had changed their story in order to protect Alissa.

When theyre investigating, they only care about reasons or motives or why, the brother said. Theyre not caring about whether he was a good cook or not. During those times, I cant just mention something to them. They asked, theyre investigating. I give them what they need.

Cultural gap

The cultural difference in the family, who emigrated from Raqqa, Syria more than 20 years ago, may have been the main factor family members seemed to ignore the suspects mental health problems, according to an expert presented by the defense.

Oftentimes, individuals will be really scared about being rejected by their community or ostracized by their community, Dr. Ahmad Adi, an expert forensic psychiatrist who has both worked and lived in the Middle East, said, referring to how the culture regards mental health problems during his testimony Wednesday.

Middle Eastern cultures tend to be very collective, he said. Hence, these fears of the entire family being shunned out.

Middle Eastern families may often ignore mental health issues, or keep them under wraps, because of a lack of understanding and a dramatic increase in stigma in the culture, according to Adi.

For example, if community members find out a member of a family has a mental illness, they may stop going to a familys restaurants.

The Alissa family owned multiple restaurants in the metro Denver area.

Many individuals in the Middle East may attribute their mental health symptoms to not being religious enough or lapsing in their religious duties, Adi said.

Mustafa Alissa, the suspects father, testified Tuesday that he believed that his 25-year-old son was possessed by a spirit called a jinn.

According to Islamic Studies professor Andrea Stanton, a jinn is a creature mention in the Quran who is considered lower than humans and with a capricious nature.

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Its shameful in our culture if we say our son is crazy, the father testified.

Dougherty questioned whether the family should have assimilated to American culture and its openness to discussing mental illness over the familys 20-plus years in the country.

Just because someone has lived in the county for a long time or assimilated to other aspects of the culture does not necessarily mean that they have come to a good understanding of mental health symptoms, Adi responded.

On Tuesday, Mustafa Alissa agreed that other members of the family had received mental healthcare in the past, though the suspect had not, despite showing signs of schizophrenia since his teenage years.

Review of evaluations

The question of whether or not Alissa suffers from schizophrenia isnt in question.

In fact, it has been known since right after the shooting.

Hatfield noticed the symptoms within the first moment of their meeting. Alissa was reportedly darting his eyes around the room, speaking in short responses and taking a moment to process words.

Its like trying to pull teeth. Thats how it frequently felt, Hatfield said of interviewing Alissa, a sentiment all psychologists who worked with Alissa after the shooting have shared.

Hatfield said he believes that Alissa was guarded due to having constant audio hallucinations, something he admitted to and which he claimed had caused him to commit the shooting.

The psychologist described it as a massive internal world going on.

Alissa did not believe he was mentally ill, Hatfield said about their meetings in 2021. He wasnt asking for help or eliciting sympathy from Hatfield, he said.

I dont think he understood how sick he was, he said.

During a screening process on March 23, 2021, Alissa allegedly told doctors that he rarely heard voices and they had never told him to do harm, a significant difference from when he told psychologists later that the screaming voices are what caused him to commit the shooting.

Alissa was actively minimizing his mental illness to Hatfield, something the defense implied a person attempting to hide behind the guise of being not guilty by reason of insanity would not do.

Alissa asked for the death penalty and became upset when he realized it wasnt a possibility in Colorado, according to Hatfield.

In their rebuttal case, prosecutors called Dr. Ian Lamoureux, a forensic psychiatrist who reviewed the entire case and evaluations for the prosecution, to the witness stand.

Lamoureux argued that Alissa was not experiencing audio hallucinations at the time of the shooting, claiming that he didnt show any of the signs he does when he is experiencing hallucinations.

If you were to imagine someone standing beside you and screaming at you, you quickly understand that that would be very distracting, Lamoureux said. So, when I reviewed the King Soopers shooting video, it was quite remarkable to me just how focused and fixated he was.

The shooting and killing of Boulder Police Department Officer Eric Talley may be one of the biggest factors in proving that Alissa was not criminally insane and knew right from wrong at the time of the shooting, according to Lamoureux.

When Talley entered the store and moved toward Alissa, the latter took up a flanking position, indicating that he knew the police were there to enforce the law and his conduct caused the response. He did not try to greet them as if they were there to assist him in a mission, Lamoureux said.

Then, in evaluations during the following years, Alissa said that he was either going to die in a shootout or be arrested, showing that he knew what he was doing was illegal.

Regarding intent, Lamoureux pointed toward a collection of cellphone records prior to the shooting, with Alissa searching the internet for ways to make rifles automatic and how to make explosives.

There was a significant amount of evidence that Alissa went out with the intent to murder multiple people, according to Lamoureux.

The defense questioned the validity of Lamoureuxs conclusions by pointing out that he was paid around $150,000 by the 20th Judicial District Attorneys Office to evaluate the case.

The defense ended presenting witnesses on Wednesday. Closing statements are set to begin Friday afternoon.
ORLANDO, Fla. - NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than Thursday, Sept. 26, for the launch of the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague, the missions commander, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, a mission specialist, are currently in isolation as part of a pre-flight quarantine to avoid any illness before joining the Expedition 72 crew aboard the space station.

"Joint teams continue to work through prelaunch operations and hardware processing ahead of the first human spaceflight launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, while also monitoring weather ahead of liftoff," NASA tweeted.

This will mark Hagues third launch and second mission to the station, while Gorbunov will make his first trip to space.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague (left) and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov pose for portraits in their flight suits at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. Credit: SpaceX

As part of Crew-9, Hague and Gorbunov will join NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been aboard the space station since June after arriving on the Starliner spacecraft.

The two astronauts are expected to arrive at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida this weekend, where they will stay in quarantine at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building until launch.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than Thursday, Sept. 26 for the launch of the #Crew9 mission to the @Space_Station, with back-up dates on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28.



Joint teams continue to work through prelaunch operations and hardware processing ahead of pic.twitter.com/DDIwvxxexX  NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) September 18, 2024

Crew-9 is the ninth crew rotation mission to the space station with SpaceX under NASAs Commercial Crew Program. The crew is set to spend about five months on the orbiting laboratory, conducting spacewalks, research, and experiments before returning to Earth in February 2025 with Williams and Wilmore.

Backup launch dates are set for Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
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Representative Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House (fifth from left) joins other members of Congress, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, "Hidden Figures" author Margot Lee Shetterly and members of the families of Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan and Christine Darden for the presentation of the "Hidden Figures" Congressional Gold Medals in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. | Credit: U.S. Congress

Although they may never completely shed the label, the women who worked for NASA as human computers during the space race are no longer "hidden figures," and they now have a medal to prove it.



On Wednesday (Sept. 18), the women as a group and four individuals who have come to represent their collective experiences were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. As authorized by Congress, the medals were bestowed to Christine Darden and posthumously to Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan.



A separate Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal was also dedicated to all of the women who worked as mathematicians and engineers at NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) and NASA between the 1930s and 1970s.



"These women didn't just crunch numbers and solve equations," said Rep. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. "They actually laid the very foundation upon which our rockets launched and our astronauts flew and our nation soared."



"So today, for all their contributions to the space program and to society, it is my great honor to award these women with a Congressional Gold Medal," Johnson said.

closeup photo of five gold medals arrayed on a stage in front of a lectern with the presidential seal on it, with american flags in the background

Hosted by the Speaker, the ceremony brought together other representatives and senators, NASA officials and the families of Johnson, Jackson, Vaughan and Darden in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol in Washington. (Darden watched live from her home in Connecticut.)

Related: Facts about NASA's real 'Hidden Figures'



"The remarkable things that NASA achieves and that America achieves build on the pioneers who came before us, people like the women of Mercury and Gemini and Apollo," said Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator. "The women we honor today made it possible for earthlings to lift beyond the bounds of Earth."



The honorees' contributions to the space program were first brought forward in the 2016 book "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly, which in turn inspired the feature film by the same title starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer as Johnson, Jackson and Vaughan.



In support of the work of the Space Task Group, Johnson calculated trajectories for NASA's early human spaceflights, including the suborbital launch of the first American in space, Alan Shepard, and the first flight of a U.S. astronaut into Earth orbit, John Glenn. Johnson, who died in 2020 at the age of 101, was the first woman in NASA's flight research division to be credited as an author of a research report.



In 2015, Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A year later, NASA named Langley's then-new Computational Research Facility in her honor.



Vaughan led the West Area Computing unit at what today is Langley Research Center in Virginia, becoming the first African American supervisor at NACA. She later became a leading computer programmer as a part of NASA's analysis and computation division. Vaughan died in 2008 at the age of 98.



Earlier this year, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston marked the 55th anniversary of the first moon landing by dedicating one of its original buildings as the "Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo."

composite black-and-white photo showing four smiling, well-dressed older women

Jackson was the first African American woman engineer at NASA. Later in her career, she worked to improve the prospects of NASA's female mathematicians, engineers and scientists as Langley's Federal Women's Program manager. She died in 2005 at the age of 83.



In 2021, NASA honored Jackson with the naming of its headquarters building in Washington.



Darden, who today is 82, became an engineer at NASA 16 years after Jackson, wrote over 50 articles on aeronautics design and was the first African American of any gender to be promoted into the Senior Executive Service at Langley.



There were hundreds, if not thousands of other women, both caucasian and Black, who were stationed at NASA's facilities and centers, performing calculations before electronic computers were available. Many of their names have been lost to history, though their role is now widely known.



In recognition of them all, the stretch of E Street running in front of the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building was named "Hidden Figures Way" in 2019.



"To all of the other women who served our country throughout NASA's history as computers, mathematicians, data analysts, engineers and scientists, women who are still largely hidden figures, women from all backgrounds and from all corners of our great nation, I am delighted that we are celebrating you today as well," said Shetterly.



"It is quite an honor and a privilege to be here, representing the many women of Apollo and the space program who dedicated their lives and talent to making sure the sky is never the limit," said Andrea Mosie, said senior Apollo sample processor and lab manager at Johnson Space Center. "Thank you for intentionally seeking diverse opinions for solutions to humanity's challenges of living off the planet."

Related: Facts about NASA's Apollo 11 mission

closeup photo showing the fronts and backs of five medallions that honor pioneering female nasa mathematicians

RELATED STORIES:

 What was the space race?

 NASA unveils 'Hidden Figures Way' at headquarters to honor female space icons

 Author Q&A: Margot Lee Shetterly reveals NASA's 'Hidden Figures'

The Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act was first introduced in 2018 by the late Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.) and Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) into the U.S. House of Representatives. A companion bill followed in the Senate as led by Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and then senator (D-Calif.) and now Vice President Kamala Harris.



Enacted in 2019, the Hidden Figures act directs that Vaughan's medal be provided to the Smithsonian for display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.



Since 1776 and its presentation to George Washington, the Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded to individuals whose impact on U.S. history was likely to be recognized in the recipient's field for years to come. Only five other recipients have made contributions to space exploration: rocket pioneer Robert Goddard in 1959 and astronauts John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins in 2011.



As directed by Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury determined the design for each of the Hidden Figures gold medals. The U.S. Mint has produced duplicates of the medals in bronze, which went for sale at the end of Wednesday's ceremony.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2024 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
INDIANOLA, Iowa  A Native American activist group is voicing concern after the Indianola School Board decided not to vote on changing their school mascot.

The Great Plains Action Society is a nonprofit based in Iowa that works to amplify the voice of Native Americans on a number of issues. The Indianola mascot debate is just one that they are involved in.

Last week, school officials and community members gathered inside Indianola High School for a school board meeting where the mascot was a topic of conversation. The board decided not to vote on a measure and ended further discussions on changing the mascot name and school logo.

Teen arrested for threat of violence at Centerville High School, police say

Jessica Engelking, the representation director for the Great Plains Action Society, said that while she appreciates the school board for allowing a debate to take place, she is disappointed with the outcome because its dangerous for Native youth.

She said these mascots and imagery are linked to low self-esteem among Native youth, and that suicide is already a crisis for this demographic.

The use of mascots is dehumanizing, and that dehumanization affects the way people see Natives. They lumped us into the same category as lions and bears, said Engelking.

The Great Plains Action Society plans to continue to start conversations surrounding this topic to encourage the school board to reconsider its decision. The nonprofit is focusing its efforts on voting, specifically encouraging Natives to head to the polls when the time comes, especially during smaller elections like school board elections.

Engelking said they also encourage people to avoid using the mascot name despite the schools decision. Theyre encouraging people to say things like the Indianola Team or the Indianola School instead of the Indianola Indians. She hopes that statements like that would encourage the school board to change it.

According to the Great Plains Action Society, Indianola is just one of 27 school districts across Iowa that use Native imagery or names in their mascots or logos.

One Indianola resident says he believes the mascot is a sign of respect.

If you look at the state of Iowa, youve got many rivers, many other towns, many things that are named after Native Americans. I think if we take all these names away, will we lose the fact that Native Americans even existed? Thats my concern, said Indianola resident Byron Jennings.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The Nature Conservancy is working to help those affected by the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire. The conservancy is inviting community members to help them plant 5,000 drought-resilient seedlings on the burn scar this weekend.

FEMA extends home repair, rebuilding workshops in Ruidoso

The Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire scorched more than 340,000 acres between April and June of 2022 in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and in San Miguel, Mora, and Taos counties.

The conservancy is asking people to meet at the HPCC Watershed Alliance Building (617 5th Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701) at 10 a.m. this Saturday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  Since the era of Jimmy Carters Presidency, Nautilus Fitness Centers doors have been open to all residents on South Church Street in Spartanburg.

That was the case until the fitness center announced its closing their doors on September 30.

Weve negotiated the last two years and [the City of Spartanburg] pretty much said, you know, were going to file eminent domain unless you take this offer, and so we negotiated it back and forth, said John Lankford, Nautilus owner. So pretty much, weve been forced out.

In 2022, Spartanburgs County Council announced where theyre building its new joint city-government complex. This past July, the City of Spartanburg told 7NEWS that Nautilus sits where future sewage lines need to be placed for the project to continue and time was running out.

Lankford, a former Air Force veteran, claimed he was essentially forced to sell his building thats acted as the home of Nautilus since 1987.

[Its] something we did not look forward to at all, said Lankford. Im very sad, my wife is very sad [and] my son is very sad.

Nautilus first opened in 1978 and moved to its current location, 160 S Church Street, nearly a decade later. Its been the home gym of retired Spartanburg County School District 2 teacher Diane Pepper for the past two years.

It feels very much like a family, said Pepper. You see so many different age groups. Everyone. That, again, is very friendly. You walk away feeling like, you know, I had a really good workout, and I had a good time with local people that live here.

Pepper said she and her husband work out together at Nautilus, because a medical doctor recommended the gym. But now that its shutting its doors, Pepper will once again follow the recommendation of others, this time Lankford, and attend another nearby gym.

It was [John Lankfords] encouragement to go there and knowing that we will continue to see him and continue that relationship and then to see others here at the gym that are going to be transferring there [made us feel more at ease with the closure], said Pepper.

Lankford said he is selling all of the equipment inside of the gym because he has until October 31st to vacate the building.

7NEWS reached out to the City of Spartanburg for comment and received this reply:

As the agreement with Mr. Lankford has not yet been finalized, we will not have any comment at this time, said Christopher George, City of Spartanburg Communications Manager.

Lankford expressed sadness about the decision but said hes accepted his fate.

Im looking at it like Gods got a plan and Ive just got a go forward, said Lankford.

Below is the message posted on Nautilus doors:

To all members past and present. It is with great sadness that I write these words to you. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. For those of you who were with me in the beginning in September 1977, and for those who have been members for only a short time, lve always said Nautilus has the best members in word! At Nautilus you have been more than members. You have been family to Marilyn, Andrew, and me. The competitions, Christmas sweet potato pancake breakfasts, Sunrise services, and our many anniversary celebrations have been so special here at Nautilus. They will always be among my fondest and most cherished memories. My life verse for my business has always been Ecclesiastes 5:19, For a man to enjoy his work, and accept his lot in life, is indeed a gift from God. To have had my wife and son working along side me has been icing on the cake (which I would not eat)! As many of you already know, the city and county government has indicated that they will take our property unless we agree to sell. They no longer want us to be a part of downtown Spartanburg. We have fought this battle for over 2 years now. I could say a lot more about this, but Im trusting God and moving forward. The deadline weve been given to vacate is October 31. We have made arrangements with Trinity Health and Fitness behind Mary Black Hospital to honor your memberships if you so choose to take advantage of this opportunity. Craig Price is the owner and I have found him to be a great owner and will help you in any way he can during this transition. I will be there training my usual clients, and Marilyn and Andrew plan on being there to help as well during the transition period. I know that Trinity will provide an atmosphere similar to that of Nautilus, and I hope everyone will feel comfortable there seeing many familiar faces. I know there will be many questions so please feel free to ask Marilyn, Andrew or me about any concerns you may have. We plan on operating as usual until the end of September. Beginning in October we will be selling equipment and moving things out. Anyone who wants to come in during that time please feel free to do so, but your favorite piece of equipment may be gone. This is something none of us wanted, but I pray we will all make the best of it. Nautilus Fitness Center is the oldest independently owned and family operated gym in South Carolina, and you all have been a part of that. All the glory goes to God for without Him it would have never been possible. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1. I thank and love you all! Nautilus Fitness 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
An NC county wants to set term limits for its commissioners. Does state law allow that?

Citizens at a Lincoln County commissioners meeting Monday weighed in on a proposal to set term limits for the countys governing body  with most speaking in favor.

Lincolnton resident Alex Patton, who won the Republican primary for county commissioner in May and has previously served as a commissioner, spoke during the meeting.

Most boards in Lincoln County already have that, said Patton, who is facing no Democratic challengers in November. (In the Department of Social Services), you come off after two terms, and most of the boards Ive served on have been that way. You have to take time off.

Even Commissioner Carrol Mitchem, who has been on the board for 20 years, said the county should set an example for others in the state by implementing term limits. Mitchem ran for reelection this year but lost in the Republican primary.

I dont think you can be a real, true conservative unless youre in favor of term limits, said Mitchem.

Lincolnton resident Dale Punch used U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California, to make his case for the motion. Pelosi served as Speaker of the House for eight years, but stepped down when Republicans gained the House majority in 2022.

Think about term limits, Punch said. Think about what (they) do at Congress.

The prevailing proposal calls for enacting two four-year term limits, and requiring commissioners who have served consecutive terms to take four years off before running again.

But is that legal in North Carolina?

What does North Carolina law say?

Setting term limits for county commissioners goes against what is in the North Carolina Constitution, according to a blog post in Coates Canons NC Government Law, written by Robert Joyce, at UNC School of Government. Joyce is an expert on elections law, public employment law, local government law, and the law of governmental transparency.

The state Constitution outlines qualifications, which provides that anyone who is at least 21 and has never been convicted of certain crimes is eligible to run for county commissioner.

A 1992 N.C. Supreme Court ruling in Moore v. Knightdale Board of Education held that qualifications cannot be added in order to run for commissioner. In that case, the court struck down a law that required the holder of one elective office must resign before filing to run for another office if the terms would overlap.

The upper reaches of Mountain Island Lake form the border between Mecklenburg and Lincoln counties as it goes beneath Hwy 73 bridge near the Cowans Ford Dam.

An incumbent office holder who would be barred from running for reelection at the end of the imposed maximum number of terms would face an unconstitutional additional qualification for office, according to Joyces post. Only through an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution could term limits be imposed on any state or local elective office in North Carolina.

Lincoln County Attorney Megan Gilbert explained, if commissioners vote to implement term limits, the decision would need to be reviewed by the countys state legislators, N.C. Senator Ted Alexander or N.C. Rep. Heather Rhyne, who was appointed to replace Jason Saine in August.

Any change that happens would have to go through the state, Gilbert said. Its ultimately up to the legislature that proposes it as to how it can be written.

The decision would likely have to clear another hurdle, too.

Commissioner Bud Cesena told The Charlotte Observer that legislators typically wont submit proposals from counties at the state level unless the decision is unanimous.

The custom of the legislature is that if a county commission is not united  they will not even take it up, Cesena said. So, itll be interesting to see if it goes further.

Could other changes to the board be on the way?

Denver resident Byron Sackett, a former commissioner candidate whoalso spoke in favor of term limits, suggested the board implement districts to allow representation from all areas of the county.

Lincoln County commissioners are elected to at-large positions, meaning all five could be from the same area.

One of these days were going to be holding these meetings in Denver, North Carolina, Sackett said. I believe the power is going to be in Denver. Thats where the money is. Thats where the growth is at this time. Every county commissioner sitting up there is going to be from Denver if youre not careful about what you do.

Though Denver is the most populated area of Lincoln County, only one commissioner  Cesena  lives in the area. Glenn Fiscus was the lone Denver resident who ran for commissioner this year, but lost in the Republican primary.

Cesena told the Observer that voting by district could mean some seats on the board would automatically go to Denver residents due to its sizable population that is four times more than the western end of the county  a move that some voters could be opposed to.

Theres a lot of how should we do this? and how should we not do this? Cesena said. Obviously, Id like to have another person from the east on this boardbut I think we all work pretty well together.

Next steps

Mitchem made a motion to implement a limit of two four-year terms, with four years off for commissioners. With Commissioner Anita McCall absent, the vote was 2-2, so the motion failed.

Cesena countered with a motion to wait until the new board of commissioners are seated to make a decision, but the vote ended in another tie.

Im not opposed to term limits, Cesena said. What I am opposed to is moving through this so quickly.

Commissioners ultimately decided to leave the public hearing open until their Oct. 7 meeting for more citizen input The meeting will be at the Lincoln County Administration Building, 353 N. Generals Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.
Right now, North Carolina Board of Elections workers are busy preparing mail-in ballots for early voting.

The process has been delayed since last week after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sued to get his name off the ballot. The state Supreme Court sided with RFK Jr., which meant counties had to format and print new ballots. The old ballots with RFK Jr.s name are locked up in a secured area.

PREVIOUS: State board of elections to make deadline for absentee ballots

Dedicated staff across the state have been working nonstop to make sure everything is prepared for the new rollout.

At 12:01 a.m. Friday, overseas and military voters from Mecklenburg County who have requested to vote electronically will have their ballots hit their email boxes. For everyone else, Mecklenburg County elections staff members are working hard to make sure everything is ready for Tuesdays mailout.

Mecklenburg County says overseas/military voters who requested electronic ballots will receive them at 12:01 a.m.  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) September 19, 2024

The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections invited Channel 9s Joe Bruno Thursday to see how workers were preparing thousands of absentee ballots, putting all of the required information into envelopes that will be mailed out on Tuesday.

We have people who have worked weekends, worked nights. We just want to make sure we are doing everything correctly, said elections specialist Juan Cuartas. We just want to make sure we are doing everything efficiently.

Cuartas said that overseas and military voters can print it out and mail it back the old-school way.

They can do it through the portal that the state has, he said. And the other option is they can email it back to us, but they do have to sign a privacy waiver because we do have to duplicate those ballots when they come back to our office.

There were 166,000 people in North Carolina who requested mail ballots. More than 13,000 are military and overseas voters.

Political experts expect only 3% to 4% of all votes cast to be by mail.

I think with people having the convenience of in-person voting, I think that that will be again, the predominant dynamic at play, said Michael Bitzer, a political expert.

Mecklenburg County voters requested more than 27,000 ballots.

Anyone can request a mail ballot in this state. You do not need an excuse.

In-person voting starts on Oct. 17. Click here to check your registration status.

(PREVIOUS: Officials worry NC might not meet its absentee ballot distribution deadline)
Some North Carolina Republicans are bracing for the aftermath of news that broke Thursday about Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, their partys candidate for governor. And one Republican candidate for state Senate is publicly calling for Robinson to end his campaign and for another GOP candidate to replace him.

But Robinson called the allegations salacious tabloid trash in a video posted on social media.

CNN published Thursday afternoon a long, detailed story tying a series of graphic, offensive and racist comments to Robinsons online accounts, including a description of how they matched Robinson to the comments.

Robinsons alleged online comments made about a decade ago, which he denied to CNN in an interview as well, include saying Im a Black Nazi! and Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few.

He also described the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with racial slurs.

In the video statement released on X, formerly Twitter, Robinson also described the allegations as salacious tabloid lies and accused his Democratic opponents campaign of leaking the information that led to the forthcoming CNN story.

Let me reassure you the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson, he said. You know my words, you know my character and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.

Robinson, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has trailed in several polls in the governors race against Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein.

The Carolina Journal, a conservative publication, reported on Thursday that Robinson has been facing pressure to end his campaign.

Robinson was not at Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vances event in Raleigh on Wednesday.

The deadline for a candidate to withdraw is Thursday, since absentee ballots go out to overseas and military voters on Friday morning. If Robinson were to resign Thursday, the executive committee of the North Carolina Republican Party would select his replacement. Any votes that went to Robinson in the election would go to his replacement instead, according to state law.

The party is prohibited from selecting a replacement who already ran in the same race in this years primary. That means State Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham would not be allowed to replace Robinson.

Republican Senate candidate calls for Robinson to end campaign

Business NC reported that Robinson had been expected to defend himself on CNN Thursday in anticipation of a damaging story that allegedly deals with Robinsons activity in online messaging boards which included racist and antisemitic language.

A Republican candidate for the General Assembly has issued a public call to action in response to the most recent scandal about Robinson.

State Senate candidate Scott Lassiter, the Republican candidate in a southern Wake County district against Democratic Sen. Lisa Grafstein, said he has deep concerns about the allegations.

As a proud Republican, I stand for hard work, fiscal responsibility, and liberty. But no one should feel obligated to support a candidate solely due to party affiliation, Lassiter said in a statement.

Wrong is still wrong, and if the recent allegations against Robinson are true, combined with his previous public rhetoric, I believe its time for him to step aside. North Carolinians deserve a viable choice in this election.

Lassiter campaigned in the Republican gubernatorial primary for Folwell.

Lassiter previously sued Republican House Speaker Tim Moore over a relationship Moore had with Lassiters former wife. The lawsuit was later settled out of court.

Lassiter went on to say that for the good of the state and our party, I believe he should suspend his campaign to allow a quality candidate to finish this race.

Some Republicans are concerned that Robinson could drag down others in his party who are also on the ballot. There are more than 10 statewide races including governor up for grabs, as well as the balance of power in the General Assembly. Republicans have a veto-proof supermajority in the state legislature and are hoping to maintain that. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, finishing his second term, is limited to two consecutive terms and is not running for reelection.

Robinson rose to fame after his pro-gun rights speech at a Greensboro City Council meeting went viral, though he already had thousands of followers on Facebook. A steady stream of comments have been unearthed by news organizations throughout his time as lieutenant governor and as a gubernatorial candidate. Some are from before he ran for office, like when he said in a Facebook selfie video that women should keep (their) skirt down to avoid abortion , while several anti-LGBTQ+ comments and his remark that some folks need killing have been made while hes been lieutenant governor.

Robinson made the killing comments during a speech at a church during which he was talking about World War II and about freedom slipping away. He said wicked people should be punished by the military and police.

The now-closed nonprofit run by Robinsons wife, Yolanda Hill, is being scrutinized by the federal government and owes the state $132,000, The N&O previously reported. Robinson has called the scrutiny politically motivated.

Under the Dome

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If the presidential election somehow comes down to Nebraska, Republicans have a plan to make sure it works out in former President Donald Trump's favor.

Democrats haven't won Nebraska in a presidential election since 1968, but the Cornhusker State's post-1992 system of allotting three of its five electoral votes based on congressional district results allowed former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden to each pull one electoral vote in 2008 and 2020 respectively by performing well in the 2nd district, which includes the Omaha metro area. According to a report by the Nebraska Examiner, state Republicans want to stop the leak by passing legislation that would turn Nebraska into a winner-take-all state like every other state in the union except for Maine, and they're getting help from the Trump campaign.

GOP legislators had made this push before but were never able to find the 33 votes in the state senate necessary to overcome a filibuster. This time, however, they're as close as they have ever been, with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican, and some national GOP leaders turning up the pressure on a few remaining holdouts.

On Wednesday, Pillen and Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen hosted two dozen state senators at the Governors Mansion. Several of the attendees told the Examiner that there were skeptics who left the meeting with a much more cooperative attitude.

One of the potential defectors is state Sen. Mike McDonnell, an Omaha-area Republican who switched from the Democratic Party earlier this year. He once said that he would never support a winner-take-all election in Nebraska, but five people attending the meeting told the Examiner that he was now looking for a way to get to "yes." Republicans whipping votes for a winner-take-all system believe that McDonnell's support would open the floodgates for other wavering legislators.

Democrats insist the effort will fail.

Republicans are bullying legislators, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb told the Examiner. They do not have the votes, and this is all political theater for Trump.

One of the out-of-state actors urging a change is Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who visited the meeting at the Governor's Mansion to stress the national security and economic stakes of making sure Trump wins the election, which could come down to Nebraska's sometimes-errant electoral vote breaking a tie.

On Wednesday evening, Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., used his X account to post a letter from the five members of Nebraska's all-Republican House delegation supporting a switch to winner-take-all. It is past time that Nebraska join 48 other states in embracing winner-take-all, the letter said. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign told the Examiner that they and other Republicans have been calling, texting and going door-to-door for months in hopes that any holdouts would also hear from their own constituents over the proposal.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is set to receive a grant to boost the number of primary care physicians in Nevada.

The $3.9 million grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will help focus on medically underserved communities.

Congresswoman Dina Titus made the announcement on Wednesday and leads the Medical Student Education Authorization Act, legislation to authorize the program that sources the $3.9 million grant.

Nevada ranks 48th in the nation in shortages of primary care doctors, Titus said. This grant provides critical funding to public medical education institutions in the State to support medical student training and improve recruitment and retention of students.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  One organization benefiting from the generosity of Philanthropist Tom Golisano is Best Buddies Western New York.

Tuesday, Golisano gave away $360 million to 82 non-profits across Upstate New York. And some, are still processing the good news.

Tom Golisano donating $360M across Upstate NY nonprofits

Lindsay Jewitt with Best Buddies Western New York told News 8 she started with the organization when it came to Rochester eight years ago. Since then, shes seen it continue to grow.

And with that recent donation from Golisano, it will only take the mission further.

I think that people have invested in us. We invest back in them. Were hoping to bring more programs to the area. We have a really strong base of programs, Jewett told News 8.

Best Buddies International has a 37-year history of serving individuals with developmental disabilities and those feeling isolated. The organization works in schools, job programs, and community inclusion.

We want everyone to feel included, but not everyone does, Jewett said. And so how do you get to reach those people that dont feel included, that dont feel like they have a place in our community? And we help them do that, and thats been amazing to watch.

Tuesday, Jewett and her Board of Directors were invited to the Golisano Institute, along with other directors from non-profit organizations in the area. Thats all they were told.

When you walked in yesterday, you had assigned seating. It was just very different than something I had been to before, Jewett said.

Best Buddies Western New York: $1 million, Tom Golisano said as he donated that $360 million to 82 non-profit organizations. And 26 of those, specialize in intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The last 36 hours have been kind of whirlwind, because you never expect this to happen. So, you dont have a plan in place for how that money could be used. You have pipe dreams. And when you work in a field like disability rights, like theres so many things that we could be doing, and theres so many families that we could impact, so it just opens up so many more doors than we thought we probably would have had just by fundraising or doing grants in general, Jewett said.

Jewett said her first thought when she heard the announcement, while being surprised, is hoping to expand Best Buddies reach in the Western New York community.

It gives us a little bit of freedom. A lot of us are raising money, and this is not just for Best Buddies, but for any organization that is in the area. Fundraising is what we need to do in order to make our lives easier, and our programs work, and thats a burden when the economy is changing and when just money is tighter for families, Jewett said. Thats rare. You dont have somebody in the community that can do something like that. We all built that relationship with [Golisano], and I think that he values that relationship. And I think it goes back to our community and how we build relationships, and how we build trust within each other, that he knew that those funds that were given yesterday were going to be used properly and used in the right way.

Jewett told News 8 that $1 million donation will be distributed across four years. For a full list of donation recipients, click here.

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Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver (D) has won the special election to fill a vacant House seat representing New Jerseys 10th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.

McIver defeated Republican Carmen Bucco, a businessman, to serve the remainder of the term for the late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D), who died following a heart attack related to complications from diabetes in April. Her victory is not a surprise in the solidly blue district, the most liberal-leaning in New Jersey.

McIver and Bucco are also their parties nominees for a full term and will face off again on the ballot in November.

Payne posthumously won the nomination for the next term since the ballot deadline had already passed when he died and he was the only one running. The Democratic county committee members who make up the district selected McIver to fill in as the nominee in July, after she prevailed in the June special primary in a crowded field to replace Payne.

McIvers win will make her the second Black woman to represent New Jersey in the House, joining Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D), who was first elected in 2014.

This year has seen significant turnover within New Jerseys congressional delegation as a result of deaths and resignations. Along with Payne, the late Rep. Bill Pascrell (D) died at age 87 in August after being hospitalized for weeks, bringing an end to a nearly three-decade career in the House.

Democratic county officials selected state Sen. Nellie Pou (D) to fill in as the Democratic nominee to compete in November for the next term, but the seat will remain vacant for the remainder of the current term given the closeness of Election Day.

The state also has a new senator with embattled former Sen. Bob Menendez (D) resigning from his seat last month following his conviction on charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent. George Helmy, a former chief of staff to Gov. Phil Murphy (D), was appointed this month to serve as senator in Menendezs place.

But Helmy is expected to step down from his position following the November election. Menendezs seat was up for election, and Murphy is expected to appoint the winner of the race, either Rep. Andy Kim (D) or businessman Curtis Bashaw, as senator to start their time in office early.

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Palworld, a survival-strategy game known colloquially as Pokemon With Guns, is the target of a patent-infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo and the Pokemon Co.

Nintendo said the lawsuit against Pocketpair, the company behind Palworld, was filed Sept. 18 in Tokyo District Court. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against the alleged infringement and compensation for damages on the grounds that Palworld, a game developed and released by the Defendant, infringes multiple patent rights, according to Nintendo.

More from Variety

Nintendo will continue to take necessary actions against any infringement of its intellectual property rights including the Nintendo brand itself, to protect the intellectual properties it has worked hard to establish over the years, the company said in a statement Thursday.

Palworld was released in January 2024 and quickly became a hit. On its website, Tokyo-based Pocketpair says, Palworld is home to over 100 unique Pals, each equipped with a diverse set of skills to enhance the players adventure. Along your journey, you will also encounter formidable boss Pals that pose a challenge even for the most seasoned Pal tamers. Naturally, these boss Pals are also capturable.

Responding to the Nintendo/Pokemon Co. lawsuit, Pocketpair said that it has received notice of this lawsuit and will begin the appropriate legal proceedings and investigations into the claims of patent infringement.

At this moment, we are unaware of the specific patents we are accused of infringing upon, and we have not been notified of such details, Pocketpair said in its statement. Our goal as a company has always been to create fun games. We will continue to pursue this goal because we know that our games bring joy to millions of gamers around the world.

Pocketpair continued, It is truly unfortunate that we will be forced to allocate significant time to matters unrelated to game development due to this lawsuit. However, we will do our utmost for our fans, and to ensure that indie game developers are not hindered or discouraged from pursuing their creative ideas.

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No bail for ex-con, sidekick accused of killing Upscale Cracc, popular sneaker reseller, on SoHo street

A Manhattan judge denied bail to two men accused of stalking and fatally shooting a well-known sneaker reseller, saying that the murder accusations they face were the most serious charge a person can face in this state.

Judge Michele Rodney was not swayed by an attorneys argument, nor by the presence of the parents of one of the defendants accused of gunning down the victim, Javier Osorio-Mejia, 31, on a SoHo street in June.

Cops said Osorio-Mejias killers followed him in a rented car with stolen license plates all the way from a strip club in Queens just to snatch the flashy jewelry they saw him showing off on Instagram.

Steps were taken in the planning of these crimes to attempt to hide their identities, said Rachel Polisner, an assistant Manhattan district attorney.

She said the meticulously planned crime culminated with the sidewalk shooting of Osorio-Mejia, who was gunned down in the early-morning hours after he stopped his Range Rover along Greene St. near Grand St. in SoHo, to use a bathroom.

The victim, known professionally as Upscale Cracc, was grazed in the head and shot in the leg, and died from the loss of blood from the leg wound, authorities said.

Polisner said the crooks threw the wounded Osorio-Mejia to the ground, then ransacked his body for more than 40 seconds, tearing off his jewelry, plus a Rolex watch from his wrist.

Authorities charged Jayquan Straker, 35, and Marc Haygood, 28, with murder and robbery.

Haygoods parents traveled from upstate Rochester for the court appearance.

Officials said Straker fired the gun after getting out of the car that Haygood had been driving. They fled the scene in the rental car.

Marc Haygood and Jayquan Straker planned a violent murder as they followed Mr. Osorio-Mejia into Manhattan, stealing jewelry off his body after fatally shooting him, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said in a statement. Mr. Osorio-Mejia was a well-known sneaker seller, entrepreneur and father whose life was cut short in this senseless tragedy.

I hope they rot in jail, a woman cried out as the defendants left the courtroom.

Straker spent time in jail for his role in a 2010 Brooklyn armed home-invasion case.

Authorities said Straker and an accomplice, dressed as FedEx workers, stormed into a two-family Canarsie home and forced several adults and children, including a 10-year-old and a 6-year-old, to the ground at gunpoint.

One of the adult victims fought back, causing Straker to drop his gun. The 10-year-old picked up the weapon and shot at Straker but missed. Strakers accomplice, who fired his own gun during the clash without striking anyone, has never been caught, prosecutors said.

Straker ultimately pleaded guilty to burglary in the home invasion case.
This week, Elon Musk identified a new constraint for his Mars-bound ambitions. It wasnt the -85F surface temperature, or the 140 million miles hell need to travel. Rather, its something far more pedestrian: The fundamental problem is that humanity will forever be confined to Earth unless there is radical reform at the FAA, he posted on X.

That post followed a previous one in which he vowed to sue the government agency, arguing in a series of X posts that the FAA was politically motivated when it levied $633,009 in fines against SpaceX on Tuesday. One fine was for allegedly using an unapproved rocket propellant farm in a launch last year; the other was for using an unauthorized launch control room. SpaceX said in a letter to Congress Thursday it forcefully rejects the notion that the company didnt follow FAA launch procedure.

The FAA space division is harassing SpaceX about nonsense that doesnt affect safety, Musk posted, adding, I am highly confident that discovery will show improper, politically-motivated behavior by the FAA.

But Billy Nolen, the former acting administrator of the FAA in 2023, pushed back against Musks assertion that the FAA was unfairly targeting SpaceX because, as Musk implied, the billionaire's choice of political candidates to support.

As an agency, the FAA is about as apolitical as it gets, he told TechCrunch.

Nolen, who is now the chief regulatory affairs officer of aircraft company Archer Aviation, pointed out that FAA heads purposefully have five-year term limits. That means presidential administrations dont automatically get to appoint a new FAA leader each time a new party is sworn in. We don't operate on behalf of Republicans or Democrats, he said.

Musks meatier complaint was about the perpetual slowness of the agency. It really should not be possible to build a giant rocket faster than the paper can move from one desk to another, Musk said at the All-In Summit on September 10.

That was an argument that Nolen could empathize with. The FAA, he said, is burdened with an enormous mandate, yet there's never enough money.

The roughly $24 billion budget he was given during his time at the agency may seem like a lot of money. But, he said, about $19 billion was committed to salaries and operations and about $4 billion went to upkeep on an increasingly aging infrastructure.

The agency still has a lot of legacy systems, he said, pointing out that the FAA itself maintains over 200 air traffic control towers. Some towers are still using paper strips, he said, referring to how some towers are still tracking flights on paper.

Nolen said that the agency often doesnt have the budget for new technologies that could help it better regulate a rapidly growing space industry. The FAA has to be funded to the level of what our expectations are of having a world-class, best-in-class system, he said.

Now that Nolen is at Archer, a company working on newfangled electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft  one of the upstarts that tends to chafe against FAA bureaucracy  he's thought a lot about what agency changes could help new technology. Within his lifetime, he wants the FAA to become 100% fully predictive using artificial intelligence, he said.

Think of the sheer amount of data soaring through the sky every minute: A single Boeing 787 flight generates a half terabyte of data, according to a 2017 interview with a Boeing engineer. Imagine, Nolen said, the ability to pull all of that together, synthesize it and say, is there anything in that data that gives us pause?

He emphasized that it would help the agency move faster and speed up approvals for things like, say, SpaceX launches.

But Nolen also points out that the FAA relies heavily on experts, turning to engineers, founders, and academics to guide its policy, and Musks anti-FAA rhetoric is damaging. Nolen said its crucial for someone like Musk, who is one of the greatest creative minds we have, to cooperate and help the FAA understand what new age space companies need.

We don't ever want to be in a place where there's one set of rules, but if you've got enough money, they don't really apply to you, he said.
PETERSBURG  The citys public school system is taking the recent rash of school-violence threats as an opportunity to reiterate its zero-tolerance policy toward students making them.

While Petersburg City Public Schools has not experienced any threats, the system posted on social media Wednesday that it will not stand for the dissemination of threatening language or false threats. In a post on Facebook, PCPS asked parents to stress the consequences of that behavior with their children.

We want to be as vigilant and proactive as possible with this matter, the post said. As such, we ask that you discourage your children from engaging in this behavior and remind them there are serious repercussions when any threat is made.

Those repercussions include disciplinary actions and possible criminal charges.

Remind your children they cannot make threats, even as a joke, the post stated.

The system also asked parents to report any inapporpriate behavior or safety concerns.

Schools have been open in most central Virginia since mid-August  Hopewell operates on a year-round school calendar  and several have reported issues of threats and violence. Most of them have happened since a Tik-Tok video about a scammed threat to schools across Virginia went viral.

In Dinwiddie County, school superintendent Dr. Kari Weston said a middle-school student was disciplined after it was discovered through security alerts that they typed the word bomb on their Chromebook and then deleted it.

Another middle-school student is facing charges for reportedly threatened the school after being suspended for a fight.

Three schools in Chesterfield County were also targeted in so-called prank threats, as was one in Greensville County about 30 miles south of Petersburg.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg schools reiterate zero-tolerance policy on prank threats
A former Beaufort Marine pleaded guilty to five counts of animal cruelty after neglecting to care for five pets she was hired to watch by a Hilton Head Island couple, leaving one dog to die of starvation and another seriously injured. Her conviction included two felonies and three misdemeanors, corresponding to the two dogs and three cats that were left alone in the house for days on end.

Following a tense and tearful proceeding Wednesday afternoon, 21-year-old Victoria Spencer received a 179-day sentence followed by five years of probation and was ordered to pay $7,716 in restitution to the victims. Circuit Court Judge Carmen Mullen allowed her to serve time at the Beaufort County Detention Center rather than a state prison, asking her to turn herself in at the local jail by 6 p.m. Friday.

The sentence was stricter than prosecutors initial recommendation, which included no jail time in exchange for probation and restitution payments covering the pet owners veterinarian bills. After consulting with the cases attorneys and taking a 10-minute break to think about it, Mullen handed down her final sentence.

I understand you were young when this happened. You were 19 years of age, but you were also in the military; you were trained in certain ways to do what was right, Mullen told the defendant. We love our pets. We take care of our pets, and they cant take care of themselves  its our responsibility as humans to do that.

Because she had no prior criminal record, Spencer qualified for South Carolinas Youthful Offender Act, which gives judges the option to override certain sentencing guidelines for younger defendants and impose probation as an alternative to prison. In all other cases, state law requires a sentence between 180 days and five years for those convicted of felony animal cruelty.

The husband and wife from Hilton Head Plantation found Spencers profile on the online pet-sitting service Trusted Housesitters. She was asked to watch their two dogs and three cats for a nine-day period in September 2023, agreeing to regularly visit the home to feed the animals and let the dogs out of their kennels.

Ring camera footage showed that Spencers visits to the home at one point abruptly stopped, meaning the dogs were left in their crates without access to food and water, according to the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office. Different accounts of the event offer varying timelines  her defense attorney claimed a two-day absence while investigators at the time said the animals were left for five days.

Victoria Spencer, 20, pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to five felony counts of animal cruelty for neglecting five animals she was hired to pet-sit on Hilton Head Island, leaving one dog to die of dehydration. As one of the pet owners delivered an impact statement to the judge at the Beaufort County Courthouse, she primarily kept her gaze fixed forward.

Returning to the home on Sept. 14, 2023, Spencer discovered the horrific scene brought about by the neglect. Both of the Australian shepherds kennels were cluttered with feces and tattered bedding. One dog, Stryker, had died of dehydration. The other, Roxie, was severely dehydrated and had visible hair loss, with injuries to its snout, paws and nails from trying to escape its cage.

Police noted that the cats appeared uninjured but their food and water bowls were empty. Their litter box was reportedly completely full, with feces and urine found throughout the house.

Roxie survived after intensive medical care at two local veterinary hospitals, according to owners Jeff and Julie Tomlinson. The dog was back in good health about a month later, after weeks of carefully measuring his food portions to avoid refeeding syndrome.

Before leaving on vacation, the owners left Spencer two pages of detailed instructions on caring for the animals, including the names and numbers of two neighbors who could fill in as caregivers if conflicts arose, Jeff told the judge Wednesday afternoon.

But the really troubling part of the crime was that Spencer sent the owners misleading updates about the animals while failing to visit them, Jeff said. Addressing the court, he read excerpts of texts the couple received from the pet-sitter. One message claimed she had to run to work early but would take the dogs for a walk later that night.

In another text, Spencer reportedly expressed apprehension about leaving the animals alone for a six-hour period.

Ive never left them alone more than two hours, the message read. And boy, do I miss them.

A Hilton Head couples two Australian shepherds were reportedly left in their kennels for days without food or water by a Beaufort Marine pet-sitter, who pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to felony charges of animal cruelty. Stryker (left) died of dehydration, while Roxie survived after intensive care at local veterinary hospitals.

Defendant says Im sorry

Spencer received an other than honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines following her arrest, according to her defense attorney Chad Shelton. She moved back to North Carolina with her parents and began working at Food Lion, trying to put her life back together, he said. Under Mullens ruling, she will continue to undergo counseling.

Stopping the defense attorney mid-sentence, Mullen bluntly questioned the defendants actions: But why lie? Why send texts to the owners and say that she was going when she wasnt?

In response, Shelton said he chalked that up to being young.

In talking with Victoria in the last year, Ive never gotten the feeling that she dislikes pets in any way, he said. I think it was just things got overwhelmed in her life, and she didnt go and check on them.

With trembling hands and tears in her eyes, Spencer apologized to the victims and took responsibility for the neglect.

I want to mainly say Im sorry. If I would have known what was going to happen to the animals, I wouldnt have ever done anything like that, she said. Honestly, it is my fault, because it was my foolishness and my lack of knowledge ... for not putting two and two together. ... I want to put my life on track in the right way, and I want to show to everybody that I can be a changed person and a better person.

Shelton did not respond to a request for comment made Wednesday afternoon.

Was it a fair sentence?

Speaking outside the courtroom Wednesday afternoon, Jeff and Julie Tomlinson expressed relief that the court process had finally concluded  almost a year after the nightmare began.

Jeff spoke positively about Spencers heightened sentence, saying he thought his impact statement and their neighbors letters to Mullen helped convince the judge to impose jail time.

(Spencers) crime was putting animals in their crates, essentially a cell, he said. So if theres ever a crime that seems appropriate to have this type of sentence, it seems like it would be this.

The couple said Roxie was back to being a happy and healthy dog, but still wasnt quite the same since the incident. For months afterward, Jeff said, she would wander over to Strykers favorite spots in the house and look up at her owners sadly, wondering where her brother is.

Jeff added that Trusted Housesitters took full responsibility for the incident, paying the couples vet bills in full without being asked. Any restitution payments the couple received would be donated to Hilton Heads Plantation Animal Hospital and New River Veterinary Specialists in Hardeeville, Julie said, both of whom were instrumental in saving Roxies life.

The Beaufort Marine was hired via the online service Trusted Housesitters, whose website says all pet-sitters must complete a background check. We are incredibly sorry to hear of this terrible incident, a company spokesperson wrote in a statement.

In an statement shared Wednesday afternoon with The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette, the pet-sitting company said it had enhanced its screening process to avoid rare situations like these. Jeff highlighted the fact that Spencer was 20 years old when the incident occurred, falling below the 21-and-over requirement to become a member of Trusted Housesitters.

For that reason and more, Jeff said it was difficult to accept the defendants apology. He added that Spencer falsely claimed she was a member of the military police, an assertion that initially strengthened the couples trust in her.

She lied on her application. She lied about being an MP. She lied about watching the dogs. She is a liar, Jeff said. And therefore, its difficult to accept that statement.

Jeff and Julie made their way back to the courthouses parking lot, ready to begin the long drive home to Hilton Head Plantation. Back at the house, four furry friends would be happy to see them return.
VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A distinguished Binghamton University professor will discuss his impressive career and the importance of scientific advancement as Kopernik Observatory and Science Center celebrates an important milestone.

Stanley Whittingham was named as the keynote speaker for Koperniks 50th Anniversary Gala.

Whittingham is credited with inventing the lithium-ion battery, going on to win the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2019. He is currently heading Binghamton Universitys New Energy New York Coalition which has developed a host of innovative programs to support the growth of the battery and energy storage manufacturing industry in Upstate New York. Whittingham was also recommended for knighthood by King Charles, signifying the importance of his work on the world of science.

Koperniks 50th Anniversary Gala will be held on October 5 at the DoubleTree in Binghamton. There will be several exhibitions and displays, a dinner, and presentations celebrating the growth of the science center.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $100 per attendee. Registration must be received by September 26. To purchase, click here.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A group of arborists volunteered their time to honor veterans by trimming trees at Evergreen Cemetery on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Saluting Branches, a national nonprofit dedicated to beautifying the final resting places of U.S. veterans, selected Evergreen Cemetery for its 10th annual day of service on Wednesday. Arborists from multiple local tree care companies donated their time and resources to remove dead trees and branches around the cemetery.

Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew Putnam

Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew Putnam

Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew Putnam

Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew Putnam

Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew Putnam

Courtesy: City of Colorado Springs

Courtesy: City of Colorado Springs

For the volunteers who offered their support on Wednesday, the time spent cleaning up cemeteries where veterans are at rest couldnt be more rewarding.

Saluting branches is extremely rewarding to me because it combines my love for the arboricultural industry and also my passion to honor veteran service members, said Matt Puckett, a Forestry Supervisor of Colorado Springs.

According to the City, Evergreen Cemetery was established shortly after Colorado Springs was founded in 1871 and was deeded to the city in 1875 by city founder General William Jackson Palmer. The original 10 acres have grown to over 220, with more than 90,000 burials.

Many of the citys pioneers are buried at Evergreen Cemetery, including American prospector and philanthropist Winfield Scott Stratton, poet Helen Hunt Jackson, and General William Jackson Palmer. In 1993, Evergreen became only the second cemetery in the state to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Multiple local law enforcement agencies responded to several online threats being made against Colorado Springs-area schools Wednesday, and two local students face charges over false threats, officials said.

The two students are from two separate local schools and are facing charges for their "participation in spreading false information regarding threats to schools locally and nationwide," according to an El Paso County Sheriff's Office news release.

One student faces charges involving alleged interference of an educational institution, and the other faces charges for alleged false reporting and the interference of an educational institution. Their names were not released Wednesday because they are minors.

The investigation stemmed from information received by the Sheriffs Office over threats against school staff and students in multiple school districts.

School safety is a high priority for my office, and our commitment towards this mission extends beyond the hard work and dedication of our (school resource officers), said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. It is something at the forefront of the mind of every individual working in law enforcement."

Earlier Wednesday, Colorado Springs police reported investigating the "nonspecific" threats to area schools and confirmed through social media that there was no credible threat.
(KRON)  A man who killed a 2-year-old girl in 2011 has been granted parole, the Monterey County District Attorneys Office said.

David Leonardo was convicted of killing 2-year-old Priscilla Rose Hernandez in Castroville on Dec. 3, 2011. He was first granted parole in 2022, but that was overturned by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Monterey County deputies found young Priscilla unconscious in Leonardos arms with visible bruises, open eyes and a pale body. Leonardo was talking rapidly and was visibly upset, the DAs office said.

Leonardo, who was dating Priscillas mother, admitted to hitting his girlfriends daughter in the stomach. Priscilla was throwing a tantrum after her mother left the home, and Leonardo gave her a time-out. The girl then urinated and defecated in her pants, and Leonardo struck her in the stomach, according to the DAs office. Priscilla never spoke again.

Man steals $10M from former SF employer; spends proceeds on pet cloning: DOJ

An autopsy determined that she had been smothered in addition to being hit in the stomach. She suffered internal bleeding that killed her within minutes, prosecutors said.

Leonardo was originally sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder. He was granted parole in October 2022, but that was overturned by Newsom in March 2023.

On April 23, 2024, the California Board of Parole Hearings again granted parole to Leonardo. Priscillas parent and grandmothers were both at the parole hearing and pleaded with the board not to release Leonardo.

A Board of Parole panel had asserted that their grant was based on the work the inmate had done during incarceration to transform and rehabilitate himself, the DAs office said.

Leonardo completed college coursework and participated in other programs while in prison. In August, Newsom referred the grant back to the parole board for review, which affirmed it.

Monterey County DA Jeannine Pacioni opposed Leonardos release, saying his recollection of the murder omitted key aspects of the crime. He will likely be released after spending less than 13 years in custody.

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A long-planned Norfolk project aimed at protecting the city from major coastal storms is drawing criticism from residents of a historic neighborhood.

Residents of the West Freemason, a cobblestone-lined district near downtown, say a planned floodwall will block views and lower property values.

About 150 people from the neighborhood packed the Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA on Wednesday evening to learn about the citys floodwall project and criticize the city for what they said was a lack of inclusion in the planning process.

Were taking a sledgehammer  based on what I understand  for a problem that requires maybe a scalpel, Steve Sigmon, who has lived the in neighborhood for 20 years, said during the meeting.

In April 2023, Norfolk City Council members approved partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the $2.6 billion Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. The project would include construction of almost 9 miles of new or extended floodwalls along downtown Norfolk waterways, along with levees, tide gates, pump stations and other mitigation efforts across the city.

The federal government plans to fund 65% of the project, leaving the city and state to fund the remaining $931 million.

The first phase includes a floodwall stretching from West Ghent to Harbor Park. The first section of that phase is called phase 1A and extends from Berkley Bridge to Campostella. It is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in late 2025, according to a project timeline.

The stage that includes West Freemason  phase 1C  is planned for years later, project officials said during the meeting. Design has yet to begin, and construction isnt planned until at least 2027, according to the timeline.

Eric Thompson, president of the Freemason Harbour Condominium Association, said at the meeting his residents had no clue the project was happening. He told the officials he was amazed property values were not part of the projects impact analysis. A design document first reported by the Virginia Mercury shows one wall option cutting between two condominium buildings.

At the end of the day, this is the largest single asset for our households, Thompson said.

City officials at the meeting noted the Freemason designs were not finalized, and parts of the project still must be approved by city boards. At the meeting, Deputy City Manager Doug Beaver also expressed interest in taking feedback back to the Army Corps to revise or include in plans.

Weve done that in stage 1A and were committed to doing that in all subsequent phases, Beaver said.

Renderings shown to the City Council this year include potential alignment changes for some stretches of the floodwall around Waterside Drive.

West Freemason is part of the National Register of Historic Places, with some structures dating to the 1700s, according to previous Virginian-Pilot reporting.

Its also one of the citys wealthy, upscale neighborhoods. The median household income of the census tract that includes West Freemason and part of downtown Norfolk is $82,021, according to data analyzed by the Census Reporter website  roughly 35% more than the citys overall median household income . Two-bedroom condominiums in the area are regularly listed for $300,000 to $400,000 on Redfin.

Project officials at the meeting defended the floodwall, saying it would protect those properties from costly damage caused by major storms. According to the Army Corps, the city could save $122 million annually on property damage, health and safety concerns and economic resiliency.

In our minds, the cost of doing nothing is much higher, said Kyle Spencer, the citys chief resilience officer.

Freemason residents arent the only ones upset over the project. Residents of historically Black areas on the citys southside pushed the city to take a second look at the flood protection plan proposed for their neighborhoods  which included improvements to individual properties rather than construction of a floodwall.

When the council approved its partnership it asked the Army Corps to reevaluate whether the Berkley, Campostella and Campostella Heights neighborhoods could be included in the floodwall plans. However, the Corps did not receive funding for that study, at least for 2024, according to WHRO.

Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com
North Carolina GOP governor nominee vows to keep running after report on racial and sexual comments

FILE - North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Asheville, N.C., Aug. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson vowed on Thursday to remain in the race despite a CNN report that he posted strongly worded racial and sexual comments on an online message board, saying he wont be forced out by salacious tabloid lies.

Robinson, the sitting lieutenant governor who decisively won his GOP gubernatorial primary in March, has been trailing in several recent polls to Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the current attorney general.

We are staying in this race. We are in it to win it, Robinson said in a video posted Thursday on the social media platform X. And we know that with your help, we will.

Robinson referenced in the video a story that he said CNN was running, but he didn't give details.

Let me reassure you the things that you will see in that story  those are not the words of Mark Robinson," he said. "You know my words. You know my character.

The CNN report describes a series of racial and sexual comments Robinson posted on the message board of a pornography website more than a decade ago.

CNN reported that Robinson, who would be North Carolinas first Black governor, attacked civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in searing terms and once referred to himself as a black NAZI.

CNN also reported that Robinson wrote of being aroused by a memory of peeping women in gym showers when he was 14 along with an appreciation of transgender pornography. Robinson at one point referred to himself as a perv, according to CNN.

The Associated Press has not independently confirmed that Robinson wrote and posted the messages. CNN said it matched details of the account on the pornographic website forum to other online accounts held by Robinson by comparing usernames, a known email address and his full name.

CNN reported that details discussed by the account holder matched Robinsons age, length of marriage and other biographical information. It also compared figures of speech that came up frequently in his public Twitter profile that appeared in discussions by the account on the pornographic website.

Media outlets already have reported about a 2021 speech by Robinson in a church in which he used the word filth when discussing gay and transgender people.

Robinson has a history of inflammatory comments that Stein has said made him too extreme to lead North Carolina. They already have contributed to the prospect that campaign struggles for Robinson would hurt former President Donald Trump to win the battleground states 16 electoral votes, and potential other GOP downballot candidates.

Recent polls of North Carolina voters show Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris locked in a close race. The same polls show Stein with a roughly 10-point lead over Robinson.

Stein and his allies have repeatedly cited a Facebook post from 2019 in which Robinson said abortion in America was about killing the child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down.

The Stein campaign said in a statement after the report that North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor.

State law says a gubernatorial nominee could withdraw as a candidate no later than the day before the first absentee ballots requested by military and overseas voters are distributed. That begins Friday, so the withdrawal deadline would be late Thursday. State Republican leaders could then pick a replacement.

Trump has frequently voiced his support for Robinson, who has been considered a rising star in his party, well-known for his fiery speeches and evocative rhetoric. Ahead of the March primary, Trump at a rally in Greensboro called Robinson Martin Luther King on steroids for his speaking ability.

Trumps campaign appears to be distancing itself from Robinson in the wake of the report. In a statement to the AP, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the GOP nominees campaign is focused on winning the White House and saving this country, calling North Carolina a vital part of that plan.

Leavitt went on to contrast Trumps economic record with that of Harris, not mentioning Robinson by name or answering questions as to whether he would appear with Trump at a Saturday campaign rally in Wilmington, or had been invited to do so.

A spokesperson for Harris campaign, Ammar Moussa, said on X that Donald Trump has a Mark Robinson problem and reposted a photo of the two together.

The North Carolina Republican Party defended Robinson in a statement on X, saying that despite his denial of CNN's report, it wouldn't stop the Left from trying to demonize him via personal attacks. The party referred to economic and immigration policies as the predominant election issues North Carolinians will care more about instead.

The Left needs this election to be a personality contest, not a policy contest because if voters focused on policy, Republicans win on Election Day," the party said.

Scott Lassiter, a Republican state Senate candidate in a Raleigh-area swing district, did call on Robinson to suspend his campaign to allow a quality candidate to finish this race.

Ed Broyhill, a North Carolina member of the Republican National Committee, said he spoke to Robinson Thursday afternoon and still supports him as the nominee. In an interview, Broyhill suggested the online details may have been fabricated.

It seems like a dirty trick to me, Broyhill said.

On Capitol Hill, U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, chair of the House GOPs campaign committee, told reporters the reports findings were concerning. Robinson, he said, has some reassuring to do in the state.

Robinson, 56, was elected lieutenant governor in his first bid for public office in 2020. He tells a life story of childhood poverty, jobs that he blames the North American Free Trade Agreement for ending, and personal bankruptcy. His four-minute speech to the Greensboro City Council defending gun rights and lamenting the demonizing of police officers went viral  and led him to a National Rifle Association board position and popularity among conservative voters.

___

Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Chapin, South Carolina, and Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.
FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a campaign event in Asheville, North Carolina

By Daniel Trotta and Joseph Ax

(Reuters) -North Carolina's Republican candidate for governor promised to stay in the race on Thursday after CNN reported that he once called himself a "black NAZI!" and proposed bringing back slavery in comments posted on a pornography website.

Mark Robinson, an African American who denied making the comments, is North Carolina's lieutenant governor and running for governor in the Nov. 5 election against Democratic candidate Josh Stein, the state's attorney general.

North Carolina's gubernatorial campaign has implications for the presidential contest. The fortunes of high-profile candidates there could affect partisan turnout or enthusiasm in one of the closely divided battleground states that might swing the election between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

Robinson, 56, who was endorsed by Trump, has a history of inflammatory comments and issued a video denial on social media even before the CNN story published.

"Let me reassure you the things that you will see in that story - those are not the words of Mark Robinson," the candidate said, calling the CNN report "salacious tabloid lies."

"We are staying in this race," Robinson said.

In one October 2010 post on the pornography site, CNN said Robinson wrote: "Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few."

CNN said Robinson also posted a series of "gratuitously sexual and lewd" posts dating from 2008 to 2012 before he entered politics, and that it was reporting only a small portion of them given their graphic nature. Many contradicted his public stances on issues such as abortion and transgender rights, CNN said.

Reuters was unable to immediately verify the posts. CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours.

The North Carolina Republican Party stood by Robinson, saying Democrats were resorting to a smear campaign because they were losing on policy.

"Mark Robinson has categorically denied the allegations made by CNN but that won't stop the Left from trying to demonize him via personal attacks," the party said in a statement.

At least one North Carolina Republican, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson, called CNN's reporting "very concerning" and said he thought Robinson needed to do more to reassure voters the allegations were untrue.

Stein, his opponent, has featured some of Robinson's previous controversial comments in television attack ads and his campaign issued a statement condemning him on Thursday.

"North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be governor. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone," Stein's campaign said.

Following the publication of CNN's story, the Harris campaign posted video clips of Trump praising Robinson. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump is holding a rally on Saturday in the state.

Under North Carolina law, the deadline for Robinson to withdraw from the race would be Thursday at 11:59 p.m., the day before the state begins sending absentee ballots to military and overseas voters. If he were to do so, the state Republican Party's executive committee would select a replacement.

Absentee ballots with Robinson's name on them have already been printed for all 100 counties, and some counties have already begun receiving printed ballots for early voting and Election Day, according to a spokesperson for the state elections board, Patrick Gannon.

If a candidate withdraws and it is determined impractical to reprint ballots, any votes for that candidate will instead go to the replacement candidate.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta, Joseph Ax, Alexandra Ulmer and Moira Warburton; Editing by Paul Thomasch, Daniel Wallis and Lincoln Feast.)
The Red River Women's Clinic moved from Fargo to this location in Moorhead, Minnesota. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

The North Dakota Attorney Generals Office has asked a judge to keep the states abortion ban in place until the North Dakota Supreme Court has a chance to weigh in on the law.

South Central Judicial District Court Judge Bruce Romanick last week ruled that the law is unconstitutionally void for vagueness and found that pregnant women in North Dakota have a fundamental right to choose abortion before viability exists.

Now, the state wants Romanick to allow the ban to remain in effect until the Supreme Court decides on the states appeal of the ruling. In a Thursday brief, the state claimed the judges ruling was made in error and that a stay should be granted to prevent harm to pregnancies.

The Courts (summary judgment) order ignored the law of the case and plaintiffs own allegations when it concluded there exists, under North Dakota law, an unfettered and unlimited right to an abortion prior to viability, the state wrote in court filings.

The ban, enacted by the Legislature in 2023, makes abortion illegal in all cases except rape or incest if the mother has been pregnant for less than six weeks, or when the pregnancy poses a serious physical health threat.

A group of reproductive health care doctors and an abortion clinic filed suit against the ban in 2023, arguing that it infringed on medical freedom and was too vague to enforce.

The plaintiffs, which include reproductive health care doctors and the Moorhead, Minnesota-based Red River Womens Clinic, said in legal filings that the law puts pregnant patients and doctors in danger because it does not provide clear guidance on when abortions may be performed for health reasons.

The state has countered that the law is not unconstitutionally vague and that the ban was written with guidance from health care professionals.

The state also wrote that the ruling goes against the states interest in protecting pregnancies, arguing that innumerable unborn children are now at risk of needlessly perishing.

North Dakota does not have an abortion service provider. Red River Womens Clinic previously operated in Fargo, but moved to Minnesota after North Dakotas previous abortion ban went into effect.

The law will remain on the books until Romanick enters a formal judgment in the case. Romanick directed the plaintiffs to file a proposed judgment within 14 days of his ruling.

The abortion ban was signed into law in April 2023 just weeks after the North Dakota Supreme Court vacated a similar law restricting abortion access. That law, adopted by the Legislature in 2007, went into effect after Roe v. Wade was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022.

ND AG brief
Ji Seong-ho, the governor of the South Korean province North Hamgyong, wants to transform its port into a hub for trade with the UK - WOOHAE CHO

Since his dramatic escape from North Korea, using crutches to propel himself 3,700 miles across rivers, mountains and dense jungle to safe refuge in Seoul, Ji Seong-ho has vowed to fight for his former compatriots who still live under Kim Jong-uns cruel, authoritarian regime.

Last month, Mr Ji, 42, was offered a fresh chance to do so when South Korea appointed him the new governor of North Hamgyong province, his former home, where he was forced to beg for scraps as a child and was maimed in a horrific train accident while scrounging for coal.

For the next three years, Mr Ji will lead a government-in-waiting for the hoped-for reunification of the peninsula that was ripped apart by the 1950-53 Korean War.

As governor, he wants to create a world where residents of his destitute former province can eat meat soup with rice, said Mr Ji at his inauguration ceremony.

Mr Ji was forced to beg for scraps as a child under Kim Jong-uns authoritarian regime - JEAN CHUNG/THE WASHINGTON POST

In an interview last week in his grand office at the foot of Bukhansan, a mountain on the northern tip of Seoul, he told The Telegraph he had another goal  to transform Hamgyongs port of Rason from a suspected waypoint for North Korean munitions to Russia into a hub for trade with the UK.

The city was now being used to transport arms to prop up Moscows war in Ukraine, he said, but the route itself has a greater potential value for travel and the trade of resources that could stretch from east Asia to British shores.

In Mr Jis own words, his survival and astonishing political rise is nothing short of a miracle.

After an accident when he collapsed from hunger and fell between the carriages of a train, his limbs were so mangled that surgeons considered whether he was worth saving. They then proceeded to amputate his left hand and leg, sawing through bones without anaesthesia as he screamed in agony.

He later witnessed his grandmother starve to death in the brutal famine that swept the country in the 1990s. Realising he had no future in the dystopian dictatorship, he decided to attempt a dangerous escape to South Korea.

In Seoul he founded a human rights group to help other defectors escape and resettle - JEAN CHUNG/THE WASHINGTON POST

In previous interviews, he has described how he was unprepared for the extreme hardship along the route after he crossed the Tumen River into China and travelled often by foot to Laos and then on to Thailand.

As he scrambled through dense jungle and up steep mountainsides with the help of his crutches, he often broke down exhausted in tears and despair, praying to God for help and promising to live a good life if he made it to South Korea.

He beat the odds, arriving in Seoul with barely $50 to his name, and then learnt how to use a computer and synthetic limbs before he founded a human rights group to help other defectors escape and resettle.

His brother also escaped, but Mr Ji is still burdened by the grief of losing his father, who was caught trying to defect and tortured to death.

Ive found peace by surviving

Rather than break him, Mr Ji said it motivated him to work harder to improve lives in North Korea.

This pain that my family went through gave me the courage to become the proud son that I am when I visit the graves of my father or my grandmother, he said.

Ive already found peace by surviving, but the people in Hamgyong still live on without freedom, Mr Ji said. And if you know what freedom is and experienced it, you have the responsibility to act on it.

In 2018, he raised his crutches in the air as he received a standing ovation from US Congress after Donald Trump, then president, used Mr Jis harrowing tale to denounce the lack of freedoms under Kim Jong-uns iron-fisted rule.

Mr Ji received a standing ovation from the US Congress in 2018 - AARON P BERNSTEIN/BLOOMBERG

But Mr Jis ambitions to highlight the plight of North Koreans go far beyond symbolism.

In 2020, he was elected to the Souths parliament, where he advocated for greater measures to help defectors better integrate and overcome their trauma  a job he will continue in his current post as some 60 per cent of defectors come from North Hamgyong.

He now has the additional task to prepare a shadow administration and all its economic, trade, educational, social and humanitarian policies, to be ready in the event of the South and North reunifying.

South Koreas Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces reflects Seouls claim to be the sole legitimate government of the entire Korean peninsula, which has been divided by a heavily militarised border for more than seven decades.

An administrative chart hangs on Mr Jis office wall revealing the faces of dozens of officials already preparing the building blocks for a new modern society in Hamgyong.

People were now even worse off than when he lived there, said Mr Ji.

Regressing to the past

There is no growth in the Hamgyong area as it is regressing to the past, he said. This Kim Jong-un administration has cut off governmental resources along with trade from China, so the people living in Hamgyong are even more poor.

In January, Kim took the unprecedented step to reverse the dynastys previous long-standing policy of unification with the South, designating his neighbour instead as the principal enemy.

Seoul maintains its firm goal of unifying with the North, but younger generations of South Koreans, who have no living memory of the war and who are struggling with the cost of living, are hesitant to accept the inevitable high economic price of doing so.

But Mr Ji remains optimistic that reunification will happen, even if not during his tenure as governor.

In the meantime, the success story of the young beggar who conquered adversity to become a senior-ranking member of the Souths government is now being broadcast into the North through giant loudspeakers lining the border.

I was a victim of the North Korean regime and had a difficult life. My appointment as governor will give people hope, he said.

North Koreans still want reunification because they think it is the only way that their lives can get better, he added. The international community needs to give them courage.

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North Korea says it tested missile capable of 'super-large' warhead

A photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 19 September 2024 shows the North Korean Missile Administration successfully test-firing the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, a new tactical ballistic missile equipped with a 4.5-ton warhead. -/kcna/kns/dpa

North Korea successfully tested a new ballistic missile capable of carrying a "super-large conventional warhead," Pyongyang's state media reported on Thursday.

State-controlled KCNA news agency quoted the country's Missile Administration as stating the test-fire, held on Wednesday, went as planned. It added that ruler Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch.

"The new-type tactical ballistic missile was tipped with a 4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead," KCNA reported.

The test aimed to check the "accuracy of hit at medium range of 320 km and explosive power of the super-large warhead with a missile loaded with such a warhead," the agency continued.

The same type of missile had been tested in July, according to Pyongyang.

On Wednesday, South Korea's military said the North had fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles.

The missiles, fired from north of Pyongyang, flew about 400 kilometres, South Korean news agency Yonhap cited the general staff in Seoul (JCS) as saying.

North Korea is prohibited by UN resolutions from launching or even testing ballistic missiles of any range.

These are usually surface-to-surface missiles that can also be equipped with a nuclear warhead.

Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang significantly expanded its missile tests over the past two years, while sharpening its rhetoric against the US and South Korea. It has also strengthened its military cooperation with Russia.

A photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 19 September 2024, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (R) inspecting the test-fire of the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, a new tactical ballistic missile, equipped with a 4.5-ton warhead -/kcna/kns/dpa

A photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 19 September 2024, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) inspecting the test-fire of the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, a new tactical ballistic missile, equipped with a 4.5-ton warhead -/kcna/kns/dpa

A photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 19 September 2024 shows the North Korean Missile Administration successfully test-firing the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, a new tactical ballistic missile equipped with a 4.5-ton warhead. -/kcna/kns/dpa
A special meeting called by the North Myrtle Beach City Council 24 hours in advance decided the fate of Mike Mahaneys role as their city manager.

A reason was provided by the council.

City Manager Mike Mahaney did not pursue the hiring of a Grants Coordinator despite being urged to do so by multiple members of City Council on or about February 21, 2024, and February 22, 2024, the notice of removal approved by council said.

Mahaney received five votes in favor of removing him from his current position and placing him on administrative leave from Mayor Marilyn Hatley, Mayor Pro Tem JO Baldwin, Clarence Bubba Collins, Ray Trey Skidmore, Harry Hank Thomas and two no votes from Nicole Nikki Fontana and Jon Fred Coyne.

The meeting began with an Executive Session with council to discuss the 5-13-70 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, according to agenda documents.

While the council went into closed session at the beginning of the meeting, Mahaney held an impromptu presentation for the media and members of the public and handed out documents that include his resume and printed out slides from a recent presentation he gave until it was interrupted at 1:43 p.m. with North Myrtle Beach City Attorney Chris Noury returning to the room asking to speak with Mahaney.

The written reason for Mahaneys removal is because he did not hire a grants coordinator last February despite being urged to do so, according to Noury.

Mahaney left briefly before returning to inform the gathered members that the city attorney had asked him not to speak to the media and public until after the meeting to avoid any potential controversy.

I dont want to offend anybody, he said as he walked out of the council room.

On the last page of his resume addressed to the City of Fernandina Beach in Florida, where hes applied for a city manager job, he wrote, I do not think any community activists will contact Fernandina Beach with the dirt on me.

After council members came out of the session, they voted on the first agenda items and decided to place Mahaney on paid administrative leave. A second vote was taken to immediately move Assistant City Manager Ryan Fabbri to acting city manager.

Fabbri and North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley did not respond to repeated requests for comment in the hours leading up to the meeting.

Mahaney had originally scheduled a conversation at 1 p.m. prior to the scheduled council called meeting, but canceled it moments before after reporters had already arrived.

He had previously worked as the North Myrtle Beach City Manager for 14 years after he was unanimously selected by council for the position in 2010.

His current salary was listed as $253,000 annually, according to North Myrtle Beach public records. His resume said he also had a $1,000 a month allowance as part of his job.

Previous reporting shows that Mahaneys career with North Myrtle Beach has been mired in high-profile controversies over the past five years.

They include an investigation over alleged assault, wearing a police-issued body camera to a groundbreaking ceremony and the refusal to release his personnel file to local media.

The next step after this meeting includes a potential search for a new permanent city manager. State law dictates that Mahaney has the right to request a public hearing within five days of receiving the written notice of his removal.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  North Myrtle Beach City Council in a special-called meeting on Thursday voted to remove city manager Mike Mahaney.

A document obtained from the meeting says the council voted to remove Mahaney after he did not pursue the hiring of a Grants Coordinator despite being urged to do so by multiple members of City Council on or about February 21, 2024 and February 22, 2024.

The council approved a resolution to remove Mahaney, as well as another to place him on administrative leave. The decision was made in a 5-2 vote, with councilmembers Fred Coyne and Nicole Fontana voting against it.

Im here because I love it and Im proud of what we accomplished in the 14 years, Mahaney said. The things we accomplished here, in my opinion, have changed the face of North Myrtle Beach forever.

Mahaney was arrested in May 2022 on an assault charge, but the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division declined to pursue charges against him in November of that year. He became city manager in 2010.

All members of the city council declined to comment.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  The Northampton Board of Health discussed in a virtual meeting Thursday night, a proposal that would create a generational ban on nicotine products, in an attempt to mitigate the negative health effects of tobacco use.

The proposed bylaw would ban the sale of tobacco and vape products to anyone born after January 1, 2004; a group that will turn 21 next year.

I-Team: Cemetery headstones still damaged over a year after crash in Northampton

Its kind of taking peoples freedom away to do what they want with their own bodies, said Corrissa Fournier of Holyoke.

I think this ban would be good for the Commonwealth residents of Northampton, added Hannah Black of Northampton.

The ban mirrors one that passed in Brookline earlier this year, which banned the sale of nicotine products to anyone born after the year 2000. The ban was upheld in a ruling by the states highest court.

The Brookline ban paved the way for several other cities and towns in the Boston area to pass similar bans. Advocates for the proposal call it the Nicotine-Free Generation, hoping to wipe out the use of these products.

You know Im definitely not a smoker..and it definitely bothers me, my children, I dont want to see them develop any asthma or any other conditions negative to their health, added Black.

There has been a decline in people using traditional cigarettes. Numbers show young adults now turning to e-cigarettes vaping, and nicotine pouches rasing public health concerns.

You know one pouch is like smoking two and a half packs of combustible cigarettes that is how strong they are, expressed Northampton Health & Human Services Commissioner, Merridith OLeary.

Tobacco and nicotine companies now adays make their money is because making these colorful flavors and like good advertising but you can get around that by just saying with just stronger messaging instead of outright banning that stuff, added Zaahie Mohammad of Amherst.

We dont want to punish the people who currently smoke you know who are of age or the businesses in our community we want to help transition them away from the deadly product, said OLeary.

Tobacco retailers, however. In a statement sent to 22News, the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association said restricting the free choice of legal products to adults is fundamentally wrong, and that a ban does nothing to address under-age youth use of nicotine and tobacco products.

There will be a possible hearing in the near future where the Board of Health will make an official vote.

Thursdays virtual meeting starts at 5:30 P.M. via Zoom

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.
Northwest pear crop will be the smallest in 40 years. Heres what happened

Fresh pears could be harder to find in grocery store aisles nationwide in the coming year.

Bad winter weather and a record-setting freeze in January hit hard in Washington and Oregon, damaging much of this years expected pear crop.

It will be the smallest U.S. pear crop in 40 years, projected Wednesday by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.

Jim Morris, marketing communications manager at Pear Bureau Northwest, told the Tri-City Herald that there were two major factors leading to the dip.

Trees didnt produce as many blossoms this year. Then the blossoms that developed were damaged or killed by ice and freezing temperatures.

The crop in the Wenatchee area was the hardest hit.

After the freeze, as the pear grows, it gets this rust-colored ring called a russet, Morris explained. Its a cosmetic issue.

Damage to blossoms causes russetting on pears. It is a cosmetic issue and there is no impact on the quality or taste of the fruit.

Customers should expect to see more pears with russetting than usual in stores. Morris said the flavor of the fruit is not affected.

Pacific Northwest pear growers produce over 80% of the nations pears. Total pear production in 2024 is estimated at 10.6 million boxes, down 31% from the five-year average.

Near the Tri-Cities, the fruit trees grow west of the town in mountainous areas where theres volcanic soil and a pattern of cold nights and hot days.

Benton County has 207 acres of pears and Franklin County has 139 acres. Together, these counties account for a small percentage of Washingtons total pear production, which is 18,080 acres statewide.

The four growing regions in the Northwest are Wenatchee, Yakima and the Mid-Columbia in Washington state and in Medford, Ore.

Across all regions, harvest started in late-August for summer varieties like Starkrimson and Bartlett and is wrapping up now, with growers beginning to pick Bosc, green and red Anjou in early- to mid-September.

Green Anjou are the largest pear crop and available in stores year-round.

In stores, customers will first see California pears before the Northwest fruit become available. Green Anjou is the largest Northwest crop and available year-round.

Pears from Washington and Oregon are exported, with the largest amount going to Mexico and Canada.
Northwest suburban tax professional admits to stealing more than $1M from clients in 5-year scheme

Northwest suburban tax professional admits to stealing more than $1M from clients in 5-year scheme

CHICAGO  A northwest suburban tax professional admitted in federal court last week to stealing more than $1 million in client funds in a five-year scheme.

Adam Oliva, a 43-year-old Rolling Meadows resident, pleaded guilty on Friday, Sept. 13, to one count of wire fraud and one count of preparing a false tax return, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois announced Wednesday.

According to prosecutors, Olivas charges stemmed from a scheme that allowed him to fraudulently obtain over $1.1 million from more than 10 clients under false pretenses between 2015 and 2020.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Prosecutors said Oliva, who billed himself as a tax professional, operated under several names, including Oliva and Associates LLC and The Oliva Group LLC.

In a plea agreement, prosecutors said Oliva admitted to fraudulently inducing clients to give him money to purportedly pay their income taxes, but he instead kept the money for himself.

Prosecutors added that Oliva had also filed tax returns for some of the clients which falsely reflected no or lower tax liabilities in an effort to reduce the chances that the IRS would contact the clients about unpaid tax liabilities.

U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood set Olivas sentencing for Jan. 24, 2025, and prosecutors said the wire fraud count is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and the tax is punishable by up to three years.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

The theft of client funds is not Olivas first run-in with the law. In 2023, he pleaded guilty in a separate fraud case after he was found to be duping investors who had paid him to fund purported short-term loans to clients.

Prosecutors said Oliva had told investors that they would receive a 10% to 20% return on their investments, when in reality he kept the money, using it for personal expenses, like gambling, food and retail purchases.

Oliva is set to appear for sentencing in that case on Wednesday and could face up to 20 years in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
We will not let up: Number of Hays County inmates awaiting trial for longer than 3 years shrinks

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  Myles Martin said he loves working his job at Legend Equipment, a truck unfitting business in Pflugerville.

But he said before getting this job three months ago, it was difficult for him to find work.

They put you in jail for all that time, and then they keep shackles on you when you get out, he said.

Police arrested Martin for burglary in 2019  a crime he said he never committed. So he waited for his day in court to prove his innocence, he said.

I knew my court date was coming, and once that day comes, Im finally going to talk to a judge and they are going to say, Oh, wait, [youre in here] by mistake! And then I would go home. That didnt happen, he said.

Martin waited for his trial for almost three years. Once he did have his trial, Martin said his case resulted in an acquittal.

When you know you did not do something, it takes away all your power  you just feel powerless and trapped, he said.

Martins story is not completely unique. In March 2023, 25 defendants were awaiting trial in jail for longer than 1,000 days.

But Hays County announced Thursday the number of defendants awaiting trial for more than 1,000 days has reduced significantly. As of mid-September, that number has come down to only one.

When I took the bench in 2023, I was shocked to see the data showing how long defendants were waiting for trial, Hays County District Judge Tanner Neidhardt was quoted saying in a press release.

In July 2022, the average length of stay for pre-trial inmates was 104 days, and 4.3% were behind bars with no conviction for more than three years.

As of Tuesday, the median length of stay for pretrial inmates has come down to 78 days, and only one person, or 0.3% of pre-trial inmates, is behind bars with no conviction for more than three years, according to the Hays County Jail Dashboard.

The health of our legal system depends on the efforts of many  the courts are balancing and optimizing our dockets, the District Attorneys Office is looking hard at these cases, the defense bar has been ready, and our clerks are keeping the system going, especially now, he continued.

Neidhardt said court personnel efforts and Hays County Commissioners Court programs are behind the reduction in wait times.

I think all these participants are committed to continuing these efforts to reduce wait times for trial, Neidhardt said. Its the right thing to do for defendants, victims and the public. But there is more to do, and we will not let up.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
(Bloomberg) -- The event was always a head-scratcher.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Donald Trump was to make a campaign stop in deep-blue New York, fewer than 50 days before a presidential election that could very well be decided in the suburbs of Pennsylvania. His audience? College kids who experienced antisemitism. The Location: Gottliebs Restaurant, a deli in the heart of Satmar territory  an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic sect whose heterodox views on modernity and Zionism put them at odds with most American Jews.

To political pundits, he was in the wrong place. Instead of spending time in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the Republican presidential nominee would likely have been better served campaigning in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

But then, on the morning of the event, the death of the owner of the 62-year-old Jewish deli meant the event ended up canceled. It was another unusual moment in what has been an unprecedented presidential campaign.

A few twists, like the cancellation of the NYC gathering, have been merely surprising. Others have been more serious: two attempted assassinations and the replacement of the Democratic candidate just a few months before the election. And some have been simply hard to fathom, such as the extraordinary number of references to animals  from insults over childless cat ladies, unfounded rumors of pets being eaten, a bear and even a worm in the brain.

At Gottliebs on Thursday, a notice on the door said that the establishment will be closed until the middle of next week because Joseph Gottlieb had passed away. He had died of complications from pneumonia at the age of 75, his son Menashe said.

Just a day earlier, Menashe Gottlieb had been excited about the prospect of the Trump gathering. He went to the synagogue to pray for the success of the event, he told Bloomberg Wednesday.

The US Secret Service first approached him about the event on Sunday, when he was so surprised he thought maybe the whole thing was a prank. But then several agents, snipers and New York City police officials came to talk with him at his restaurant.

By 10 a.m. on Thursday, barricades surrounding the street where the restaurant stands were being gathered up by police officers. A dozen or so bystanders stood around in disbelief, trying to get more information about the canceled Trump visit.

Hes very pro-Israel, but we are very against Israel, absolutely, Menashe Gottlieb told Bloomberg on Wednesday, referring to his Satmar sect. I dont know how that works together. But he thinks Trump was a great president.

Some Hasidic Jews such as the Satmars dont support Zionism because they believe the Jewish state should only exist once the Messiah arrives. That doesnt mean they support violence against Jews in Israel.

The Satmar sect may be anti-Zionist in principle, but its biggest concerns are the rise of antisemitism as well as the progressive left and its impact on religious freedoms, said Max Hauer, a member of the Satmar sect who runs an e-commerce automation software company.

The Trump campaign didnt respond to requests for comment.

Trumps main campaign event in New York was in Long Island on Wednesday, when he pledged to lift a cap on the state and local tax deduction valuable to many states homeowners that he imposed as president.

The trip took him outside of the swing states likely to determine Novembers election outcome. While New York is Trumps home state  and he has said he thinks he can carry the state  no Republican presidential candidate has won the state since 1984.

A Siena College poll released Thursday shows Vice President Kamala Harris  the Democratic nominee  leading Trump in New York by 55% to 42% among likely voters.

Later on Thursday, Trump will be in Washington, DC, participating in an evening event on fighting antisemitism featuring ally and Republican donor Miriam Adelson. He is also expected to speak at the Israeli American Councils national summit.

--With assistance from Hadriana Lowenkron.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
NEW YORK  Winnie Greco, a senior City Hall adviser to Mayor Adams, reported in her latest financial disclosure that she has for decades owned a Bronx house that was raided by the FBI this year  raising questions why she didnt list the same property on previous financial forms.

Greco owns the property in Pelham Bay with her husband, according to her 2023 financial disclosure, a copy of which was recently provided to the Daily News by the city Conflicts of Interest Board. If the building on Gillespie Ave. was her primary or secondary residence before 2023, she didnt have to disclose it in two previous annual financial disclosures.

But if it wasnt her primary or secondary residence, she wouldve by law had to list it on her 2021 and 2022 forms, neither of which contain any mention of the property.

Grecos real estate holdings have become a more acute topic of interest lately, following an FBI raid in February as part of an investigation led by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn. The Gillespie Ave. home was one of two properties owned by Greco that the feds raided; the second building they hit is on the same block.

The full scope of that investigation remains unclear and no one has been accused of any wrongdoing. According to sources, investigators are scrutinizing trips Greco and Adams took to China funded by the countrys Communist Party. Greco has worked for groups that receive funding from Chinas government and used to run a company operating on its behalf in New York.

The issue of Chinese influence was a major factor in this months arrest of Linda Sun, a former top aide to Gov. Hochul and ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was charged by Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace with acting as a Chinese government agent by, among other things, blocking the two governors from meeting with Taiwanese officials and filtering out criticism of Beijing from their prepared remarks. The raids at Grecos homes are part of an investigation also led by Peaces office.

A Peace spokesman declined to answer questions about the Greco probe, one of four federal corruption probes swirling around Adams administration.

For weeks, Greco hasnt returned requests for comment on what the building on her 2023 form is being used for and why she didnt report it in her previous disclosures. Asked about the matter, Adams spokeswoman Liz Garcia said: Every employee is expected to accurately fill out their disclosure forms. If anyone needs to amend their form in some way, they have the opportunity to do so.

A neighbor to Greco, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The News he has only seen her once at the Gillespie Ave. property.

In her 2023 financial disclosure, which she was required to file as a senior city official, Greco reported she has owned the Gillespie Ave. building with her husband since 1988. The form describes it as a 1 family home worth upward of $250,000.

While senior city officials dont need to report their primary or secondary residences, they do under local ethics law need to disclose properties that arent their homes, especially if theyre renting them out. Grecos 2023 form doesnt disclose any rental income.

The Conflicts of Interest Board, which enforces city ethics law, doesnt comment on individual officials disclosures outside of enforcement announcements. But speaking generally, Carolyn Miller, the boards executive director, said city officials can face $10,000 fines and criminal prosecution if they intentionally fail to report assets.

The issue of Grecos finances was highlighted this week in a report by The City that noted the three annual financial disclosures she has filed since becoming a city official have not included any reported income, debts, gifts or participation in nonprofits besides her City Hall salary. Thats in spite of the fact that her first form covered 2021, when she wasnt yet a City Hall employee.

Greco, who has worked as Adams liaison to local Asian communities since his days as Brooklyn borough president, went on paid sick leave after Februarys raids. She has since returned to work and received a raise.

On the same day the feds searched Grecos homes, they also raided New World Mall in Queens, where Greco co-hosted several fundraisers for Adams 2021 campaign that drew donations from workers who claim they were illegally reimbursed for their contributions, The City reported this year.

The Greco inquiries continue as the Adams campaign remains under a separate investigation led by Manhattan federal prosecutors over allegations Turkeys government funneled illegal donations into campaign coffers. Manhattan feds are also pursuing two different investigations looking at questions of influence-peddling, unregistered lobbying and kickbacks on city contracts that resulted in some of Adams other top aides, including recently resigned NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, getting their homes raided and electronics seized.

The mayor hasnt been accused of wrongdoing.
NEW YORK  Lorna Beach-Mathura, who has accused Mayor Eric Adams of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit, missed a court-ordered deposition this month because she suffered an anxiety attack at the last minute that required her to seek medical attention, she wrote in a new court filing late Wednesday that pointed blame at the mayors team for her breakdown.

The day of my scheduled deposition, I woke up in an extreme state of duress, unable to breathe and hear properly with a hoarse voice, and throat pain. I became very concerned about my health. These symptoms greatly exacerbated my underlying anxiety and depression, and I realized that I needed to seek urgent medical care, Beach-Mathura wrote in the filing submitted in Manhattan Supreme Court.

Due to these unfortunate mental and health conditions beyond my control, I was unable to appear at my September 6, 2024, deposition. I apologize to the court and to everyone who was affected by my inability to appear.

Beach-Mathura, who worked with Adams in the since-defunct city Transit Police Department at the time of the alleged assault, attached medical records to her filing showing she was treated at a Manhattan urgent care on the day the mayors lawyer was supposed to depose her at his office. She was diagnosed with acute sinusitis, for which she was prescribed antibiotics and steroids, the records say.

Beach-Mathuras filing attributed her eleventh-hour health hiccup to the great emotional distress and anxiety caused by what she described as a concerted effort by the mayors allies and high-powered attorney, Alex Spiro, to portray her as a liar. She specifically pointed to statements disseminated by Adams office from Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and other supporters of the mayor who questioned whether she had ulterior motives in suing him.

I was  utterly horrified to learn that the mayor and/or the mayors office apparently collected quotes from women leaders saying terrible things about me, even though none of those women ever met me, she wrote.

A spokeswoman for Adams, who has vehemently denied the sexual assault claim, referred comment to Spiro, who didnt immediately respond to emailed questions.

Beach-Mathura also attached multiple exhibits to her filing aimed at pushing back on Spiros suggestion that she hasnt produced corroborating evidence for her claim that Adams sexually assaulted her over three decades ago while they were both at Transit Police.

One of the exhibits is an email Beach-Mathura sent on June 16, 2021  a week before Adams won that years Democratic mayoral primary  to the New York Posts tip line, in which she laid out her assault claim in extensive details that closely mirror the allegations in her lawsuit. She sent a similar message to email addresses for the mayoral campaign of Andrew Yang, one of Adams opponents in the 2021 race.

Eric Adams talks proudly about his career and professional accomplishments in the NYPD. Yet I havent heard him talk about his sexual harassment of a co-worker when he was a detective, she wrote in the message to The Post.

The Post didnt run a story about Beach-Mathuras claim in 2021. The paper didnt return a request for comment late Wednesday.

I did not hear back from either of my communications and as far as I know no one followed up, she wrote in Wednesdays filing. I felt that the people of New York City had been duped when I heard that Defendant Eric Adams had won the mayoral election.

Beach-Mathura, who currently resides in Florida, also wrote some of her relatives have recently been approached by one of Spiros law firm associates, Philip Jobe, who has introduced himself as an investigator.

I became even more concerned for the safety of my friends and family as well as myself, and my anxiety again skyrocketed, she wrote about Jobes visits.

Spiro, whos known for representing celebrities like Elon Musk and was retained by the city Law Department to defend Adams, asked a judge this month that Beach-Mathuras suit be dismissed because she failed to appear for the deposition at his Manhattan office. In an earlier Aug. 24 hearing, Spiro said Beach-Mathuras claims are fictitious and accused her of trying to deliberately slow-walk the proceeding.

Beach-Mathuras suit, filed in March, claims Adams, then a transit cop, tried to force her to perform oral sex on him in a car in 1993 after she approached him for help with an employment-related issue. When she refused his overture, he ejaculated on her leg and then dropped her off at a subway station, according to the suit, which seeks at least $5 million in damages.

The notice of claim for her suit was filed last November on the eve of the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, a New York law that gave sexual abuse survivors a one-year window to sue their perpetrators even if the relevant statute of limitations had expired.

_____
NEW YORK  An NYPD inspector has been tapped to become the departments First Amendment protest supervisor  a newly created position mandated by a federal legal settlement forcing police to overhaul how they handle demonstrations, the Daily News has learned.

The settlement was reached last September after talks between the city, various lawyers and advocacy groups and state Attorney General Letitia James, who had sued the NYPD in 2021 accusing the nations largest police force of various abuses during the George Floyd protests that roiled the city the year before.

Before taking on the new position, NYPD Inspector Joseph Hayward spent the bulk of his 25-year career in Brooklyn and Queens and has been cited 15 times for excellent or meritorious police duty.

He was accused of using excessive force during a November 2011 confrontation between police and Occupy Wall Street protesters at Zuccotti Park.

Brent Schmidt said he was watching police clear the park when Hayward, captured in a Reuters photo pinning Schmidt to a fence with his left hand, struck him repeatedly with a baton. Schmidt sued and received a $15,000 settlement from the city.

Hayward started his new assignment as First Amendment protest supervisor, working under NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, on Sept. 3. A department spokesman said Hayward needs some time before granting an interview about his plans in the new role.

The legal settlement creating Haywards job calls for someone with the rank of deputy chief or higher to fill the role, but it isnt clear if Hayward will be promoted to get to that rank.

The spokesman did say in a statement, however, that the NYPD has reenvisioned its policies for policing protests to deal with unique scenarios.

This will allow the NYPD to better calibrate its response based on specific conditions at each demonstration, ensuring it can enforce the law while protecting First Amendment rights, the statement said. In compliance with the settlement the NYPD has appointed a First Amendment executive to ensure the public remains safe and individual rights are protected.

Wylie Stecklow, a civil rights lawyer specializing in police accountability, said meetings he was part of with the NYPD leading to the federal settlement were done in good faith.

But now, he said, comes the real test.

My hopes are that this settlement agreement will serve as the underpinning of a new day in New York for First Amendment activity and that the police will honor it, Stecklowe said. And I hope they train their officers about First Amendment activity in a way that has been missing.

The NYPD is fond of saying it has the ability to work its way into a protest, arrest someone causing trouble, such as by throwing bottles, and still allow those marching peacefully to carry on.

Stecklowe said that has not been his experience.

Ive been litigating these kinds of cases against the city of New York for 20 years, he said. The reason Im able to sue them and get settlements is because theyre not handling protests properly. I think theres been a failure in training thats decades old.

The Daily News reported last year that a never-released internal NYPD report painted a damning picture of how police handled the protests that started two days after Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, by police in Minneapolis. There were nearly 1,400 arrests, scores of allegations of police brutality, numerous instances of rioting and looting and more than 400 cops assaulted.

The report noted that no single police commander was calling the shots, officers lacked timely intelligence in the first days of the unrest, and there was a failure to utilize highly touted resources to better control the situation.

Molly Biklen, associate legal director for the New York Civil Liberties Union, said Hayward will have his hands full.

He will have his work cut out for him in terms of developing a culture of facilitating free speech and minimizing arrests and uses of force in demonstrations, she said. That seems like the biggest issue. Can they go from taking a maximum aggressive position toward demonstrators and reporters to a different culture?

The settlement mandates a more gradual response at protests rather than an immediate show of force, and it prohibits the use of kettling, a process in which officers box in protesters and then move in to arrest everyone trapped inside the perimeter.

Hayward, according to the settlement, will oversee the development of all First Amendment policies and procedures as well as a training curriculum.

He is also charged with developing a culture of facilitating free speech, deploying police only when necessary, and minimizing arrestsand uses of force in demonstrations.

The city last year agreed to pay out about $21,500 to each of about 300 protesters arrested in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx after kettling prevented them from dispersing when an 8 p.m. curfew went into effect.

In a 2021 interview following his appointment as the commanding officer of the 71st Precinct in Crown Heights  replacing an inspector injured in a Floyd protest  Hayward said that while he was no fan of the defund the police movement he supported spending money on projects, such as building a new park, that affect positive change.

Records show that, including the Schmidt case, the city has paid out $265,000 to settle four lawsuits in which Hayward was named.

He was also issued a command discipline for a January 2012 incident in East New York in which he led a raid at a womans apartment following a call that someone there had a gun, according to Civilian Complaint Review Board records. The CCRB substantiated an abuse-of-authority allegation against Hayward, who was still a lieutenant at the time.
Sharp-tongued Candice Miller, Macomb Countys drain boss, has for years shot accusations at Oakland County.

Miller blames her neighboring county for causing massive pollution in Lake St. Clair from sewage overflows. On Wednesday, Oakland Countys low-key sewage czar decided he'd fling some flotsam and jetsam back.

Jim Nash, the Oakland County water resources commissioner, held a news conference at ground zero of Millers finger-pointing  a 2.2-mile long underground tunnel in Madison Heights, designed to hold stormwater mixed with sanitary sewage during heavy rains until the regional treatment plant in Detroit can handle the flow. Sometimes, in very heavy rainstorms, the big tunnel fills to overflowing, causing the excess to run east through Macomb Countys drains and into Lake St. Clair.

Dave Woodward, left, chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, stands next to Jim Nash, the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, as Nash speaks to media members during a press conference inside the screening room at the George Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin in Madison Heights on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

That excess is what Miller and her Republican allies like to call raw sewage or just sewage. Nash, a Democrat, labels the excess fully treated stormwater." He said the overflows that Oakland County sends into Macomb County during heavy rains, while not equivalent to drinking water, are screened, filtered, and disinfected with chlorine before leaving this facility, he said.

We follow all relevant laws, including the Clean Water Act, and we work in close partnership with the state to ensure that were meeting or exceeding standards, Nash said. Millers latest attacks are nothing more than a political diversion from the real problem  Macomb Countys failure to address their own infrastructure issues over the past decade, despite guidance and recommendations from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, he said.

More: Oakland County Republican Party sponsors clean-up of distressed area, owned by a candidate

More: Peace-loving folk singer quits race against Oakland Sheriff Bouchard but stays on ballot

In June, Nash told the Free Press that he would endure Millers salvos while working cooperatively with her on regional projects. He also said that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had begun two major studies, one addressing Lake St. Clairs water quality, the other analyzing causes of flooding across the region. Nash said hed wait for the results of those studies before responding to Macomb County. This week, Nash said he could wait no longer, especially now that Miller has made her claims a partisan political fight, enlisting Republican lawmakers in both Macomb and Oakland counties, as well as in Lansing.

Jim Nash, the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, speaks to media members during a press conference inside the screening room at the George Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin in Madison Heights on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

Nash insisted, There is no correlation between our operations and the beach closures and muck on Lake St. Clair. He said that findings by federal, state and regional agencies have shown: These problems at the lake are primarily caused by runoff from animal waste and fertilizer, as confirmed by Macomb Countys own health department data. In addition, state environmental officials have told Macomb County in a written report that the area should, among other improvements, eliminate numerous failing septic systems whose contents make their way into Lake St. Clair. Michigan is widely known as the only state without a statewide law governing septic system maintenance.

Nash's outburst follows a stream of accusations from Macomb County, where Miller has ranted for years about sewage overflowing into Macomb County from Oaklands big Kuhn retention facility  named after George Kuhn, former Oakland County drain commissioner and Berkley mayor who died in 2012. Although the Kuhn facility is just one of 23 similar retention basins in southeast Michigan, its considered the nations largest. That makes it a convenient target for Millers barbs. Nash is fully expected to win reelection this fall in blue-leaning Oakland County. Likewise, Miller is sure to be returned to office in red-leaning Macomb. Yet, although the two won't face each other on ballots, their spat has them running against each other in a campaign for public opinion.

Nash, first elected in 2012, at first heard little from Macomb County. His counterpart then was Anthony Marrocco, a fellow Democrat. Marrocco who is now serving a sentence of home confinement, following a three-month prison term for extortion. In 2017, following Millers years as a congresswoman, she was elected public works director in Macomb County. Soon after, Miller began blaming pollution in Lake St. Clair on Oakland County. This summer, she turned up the volume. In August, Miller referred to a recent rainstorm and said discharges from the Kuhn facility contributed to flooding in Warren.

Is this going to happen every time we get a few inches of rain  that Oakland County is going to discharge on us? Miller told reporters. She and others in Macomb County have said that Oakland County could prevent, or at least reduce, the volume of overflows by investing more in its sewage systems. Nash said Oakland's residents already invest far more heavily than Macomb's, and the usually mild-mannered former Sierra Club environmentalist of the year said so with a tone of exasperation.

Macomb County is just wrong on their baseless claims. Instead of pointing fingers at others, they need to do a better job treating water in their own county, he said.

Nash spoke while standing outside the Kuhn facility with Oakland County Commissioner Dave Woodward, D-Royal Oak, who chairs the county board. The two of them took special aim at Macomb Countys latest twist on this long-standing cross-county snit: getting state lawmakers to pass legislation that, aimed at Oakland County, "could cost residents billions of dollars in fines, subject operators to jail time, and allow local elected officials to control the federal pollution permits of neighboring communities." The same three bills would help Macomb County pay for overdue sewage and stormwater upgrades, investments that Oakland taxpayers funded themselves, Woodward said.

Taking aim at Miller, Woodward said: "You cross the line when you propose legislation that would cost my residents billions of dollars, when this county already is the state's leader in handling wastewater. Enough is enough. My call to Macomb County is, it's time to step up and do your part" to clean up Lake St. Clair.

More: Flint water crisis gets no mention at Trump event held in struggling Michigan city

Dave Woodward, chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, speaks to media members during a press conference inside the screening room at the George Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin in Madison Heights on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

Two hours before Nash and Woodward held their news conference, Miller's communication director sent media a video of Miller reiterating her allegations against Oakland County. A continuing theme is that Oakland County is releasing liquids equivalent to or similar to raw sewage. That's a scenario that state and federal environmental agencies would stringently prohibit. And they say it isn't happening. State regulators have repeatedly said that Oakland County is in compliance with their stormwater and sanitary sewage standards. That hasn't stopped Republican lawmakers from piling on. Last month, for example, state Rep. Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township, issued a news release in which he joined Miller in castigating Oakland County.

We cannot continue letting Oakland County dump millions of gallons of sewage into Macomb County surface waters. Our next-door neighbor, one of the wealthiest counties in the country, has been glossing over this problem for decades," the release said. Any discharges, while allowed under Oakland Countys federal wastewater permit, should be eliminated or substantially be reduced, Wozniak said.

The screening room sits inside the George Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin in Madison Heights on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

Oakland County officials say Macomb County needs to clean its own house. One thing that Nash and Miller agree on? That, despite this months long spell of hot dry weather, metro Detroit has been experiencing more intense rainstorms in recent years. Whether caused by climate change or something else, heavier rains tax sewer and stormwater systems, filling retention facilities and leading to overflows. Building more and bigger retention facilities would solve that but the cost is prohibitive, says SEMCOG  the regional planning group. One solution is for the state to pass legislation allowing local governments to charge higher rates on water bills, allowing counties "to effectively operate, maintain and construct stormwater infrastructure," said SEMCOG, in an email about the regional snit between Nash and Miller.

Another long-term solution may be green infrastructure  creating and restoring the way nature has always handled sudden flows of water, with vegetation and earthworks that absorb rainwater before it can overwhelm sewer systems. Both Nash and Miller agree that far more could be done with those approaches, and Oakland County recently introduced grants of up to $2,000 to residents who install green features on their property.

Nash said hed like to get along with Miller and her Macomb allies. Hes known for promoting regional approaches, and even won awards for doing so.

"I'd much rather be sitting around a table with her and coming up with regional solutions and better funding for these problems. Right now, obviously, that isn't happening," he said.

Contact Bill Laytner: blaitner@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Oakland County leaders insist, 'We don't send raw sewage to Macomb'
Ocean View businesses targeted in string of burglaries, suspect still at large

Ocean View businesses targeted in string of burglaries, suspect still at large

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A series of burglaries has shaken the Ocean View area, with police searching for a suspect responsible for multiple break-ins at local businesses over the past week.

Norfolk police seek help identifying man behind multiple business break-ins

Security footage from Subway shows the suspect entering the restaurant by cutting through the roof, leaving significant damage to the property.

According to an anonymous Subway employee, the suspect stole $500 during the Sept. 14 burglary. During the second break-in, the suspect reportedly spent about 45 minutes trying to open the stores safe before leaving through the roof once again.

The crime spree began Friday, Sept. 13, when La Tapatia, located on 9606 Granby St., was burglarized around midnight. The following night, a Subway restaurant on Ocean View Avenue was hit, followed shortly by Lupitas Mexican and Latin American Restaurant on 1st View Street.

Most recently, on Tuesday night, the same Subway was targeted again, along with a nearby Dollar General store.

David Corredor, an employee at La Tapatia, expressed hope that the public can provide tips to help police catch the burglar.

Norfolk police are relying heavily on security footage to identify and apprehend the suspect. Meanwhile, the owner of Lupitas Mexican and Latin American Restaurant said she believes the same man who robbed her business was an unhoused individual who they had fed the night of the break-in. The owner, who asked to be anonymous, said the person stole roughly $400.

Norfolk police urge the community to come forward. Anyone with information about the burglaries can contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit an anonymous tip using the P3Tips app.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A man rides his bicycle through a flooded street in the town of Lewin Brzeski in southern Poland. Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The water level on the Oder river flowing through the Polish city of Wrocaw peaked overnight and is expected to stay high for some time, the metrological authority said on Thursday morning.

The water level at the Trestno measuring station just outside the city of 630,000 people was stable at 6.31 metres. Usually the water is a little over 3 metres high.

The current flood wave is significantly lower than during the major Oder river flood of 1997, when the water level reached 7.24 metres in the city.

But Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned against underestimating the severity of the situation, saying it was "too early to announce victory."

The swollen tributaries of the Oder in south-western Poland remain a primary concern.

In the outlying Wrocaw community of Marszowice, residents helped the emergency services to cover two leaks in the dyke along the Bystrzyca tributary with sandbags overnight, the city council said.

The waters of the Oder and its tributaries could stay elevated through Monday, forecasters said.
In the past two presidential elections, evangelical Christians have thrown their support behind former President Donald Trump in what some viewed as astonishing numbers.

Trump procured 81% of the White evangelical vote in 2016  much more than former President George H.W. Bush, a mainline Protestant whose theology and policies were interpreted as closely aligning with evangelicals.

Again in 2020, about 8 in 10 White evangelicals stood by Trump, despite his issues of divorce, association with a porn star and crude language.

In office and as a candidate, Trump has said that he will defend Christian values as president.

Out of that observation came the idea for the new Center for the Study of Evangelicalism at the Colorado Springs campus of the University of Colorado.

Its the only such center in the nation, said professor Jeffrey Scholes, chair of the philosophy department, director of the Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life, and his new hat of director of the Center for the Study of Evangelicalism.

Were excited, as we hope it will be the hub for studies in this area in the world, he said.

Scholes, along with Paul Harvey, UCCS distinguished professor of history, and George Bayuga, UCCS assistant professor of anthropology, founded the center.

With two months to go until this years presidential election again with Trump as a contender in the race, the center opened this semester and is preparing for its first public event.

Tim Alberta, a staff writer at The Atlantic magazine and formerly chief political correspondent for Politico, will speak at 6 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave. The talk is free and open to the public.

Albertas topic is Evangelicalism, Politics and the Future.

Although the event is free, tickets must be reserved and presented at the event. For tickets, go to https://tickets.entcenterforthearts.org/5159/5160.

The son of an evangelical pastor, Alberta wrote the book, The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, which published in 2023. He also co-moderated the final Democratic presidential debate in 2019 for "PBS Newshour."

Alberta still considers himself an evangelical but has disassociated himself from conservative ideology and politics, having appeared with MSNBCs liberal TV commentator Rachel Maddow during the Republican National Convention.

The branch of Protestant Christianity crosses churches and denominations. Evangelicals subscribe to theological views recognizing the Bible as the ultimate authority, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as enabling the redemption of humanity, conversion through life transformation and activism in missionary work and social reform, according to the National Association of Evangelicals.

While America is not as religious or evangelical-leaning as it was, its still estimated that about 1 in 4 Americans define themselves as evangelical, according to the Cooperative Election Study, the largest academic survey focused on American elections. Fifteen years ago, 1 in 3 Americans identified as evangelical, according to the group.

Evangelicalism dates to the 17th century in the United States, Scholes said, and has a long history of hueing to the same theological principles.

Just over half a century ago, a certain set of politics began being associated with evangelicalism, with the Roe v. Wade decision that nationalized abortion.

White evangelicals helped Ronald Reagan win the presidency, and then you begin to see the tight intertwining of ones faith and ones politics, Scholes said.

I got to thinking this topic as it intersects with American politics needs to be more thoroughly studied at a public state university and in a city which is, for better or worse, known as one of the hubs of evangelicalism, he said.

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It seemed like locating the center in Colorado Springs and it serving the scholarly and community needs for the study of what evangelicalism is about was fitting.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, economic development leaders courted many large evangelical ministries to move their headquarters to Colorado Springs, including Focus on the Family, International Bible Society (now Biblica) HCJB World Radio (now Reach Beyond), the Christian and Missionary Alliance (which again relocated in 2021 to Columbus, Ohio), the Association of Christian Schools International, David C. Cook and other like-minded faith-based nonprofits.

The city already was home to giants such as Compassion International, Young Life, the Navigators and Summit Ministries.

Colorado Springs also was the birthplace of Amendment 2, which voters passed in 1992 to prohibit the Colorado from enacting anti-discrimination laws for gays, lesbians and bisexuals, and which the U.S. Supreme Court overturned. A fundamental evangelical group, Colorado for Family Values, promoted the initiative.

In January, the three professors received a $300,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, of which a good chunk is paying for the creation of the new center, Scholes said.

The center will study Colorado Springs evangelical community, produce a documentary on Colorado Springs involvement in the evangelical movement, and publish an edited version of the findings in a book, he said.

We are coming at this as scholars at a state university to open inquiry about what evangelicalism is and what does it mean to be an evangelical, and we'll involve the community, Scholes said.

The center has no political agenda: Its not that our goal is to trash evangelicalism or be a cudgel, nor is it to promote evangelicalism, he said.

We are investigating it from multiple disciplines  sociology, anthropology, economics, literature, history, theology and religious studies. No discipline is off the table.

However, the center is interested in examining the power of evangelicals at the ballot, Scholes said, since Its been a pretty reliable voting bloc for the past 50 years.

Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, said via email that through the Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life, Scholes has formalized his commitment to demonstrate and extend a generous and inviting spirit to the faith community of Colorado Springs.

In recent years, Daly said that he has spoken to some of Scholes students on campus, to engage and even respectfully spar with them, and Focus on the Family has hosted classes for Scholes students of religious studies at it headquarters, with positive results.

The visits always have been good-natured, interesting and enlightening, Daly said.

As evangelical Christians living in a pluralistic society, we value the opportunity to dialogue in good faith with those who may share a different perspective, he said. Its our hope and prayer that the new center will always reflect this commitment.

Todays generations, from Gen Z to millennials, have been confused about why their faith is intertwined with a political persuasion that may not represent their moral values, Scholes said.

They may have lost their faith but culturally speaking they are wrestling with how they may look and talk like an evangelical but say they dont believe in such and such, he said.

For example, they may take climate change seriously, while their parents do not.

Yet the evangelical culture remains firmly rooted for many, Scholes said: What is it about cultural evangelicalism that has staying power? Were interested in finding out. Theres a cocoon around evangelicalism that people are scared by it or confused by it or dont know what it is.

Gallup polls show younger Americans have weaker attachments to religion, with 35% of 18- to 29-year-olds saying they have no religious preference or identity with a specific faith, and just 22% indicating they attend church regularly.

Scholes said the three professors are seeking additional grants to permanently fund the Center for the Study of Evangelicalism, which does not yet have an office on the UCCS campus.
QUEENS, New York (PIX11)  An off-duty police officer was taken into custody Wednesday morning and faces multiple charges, authorities say.

Estarlin Rodriguez, 31, was arrested at 10:20 a.m. in Queens. He faces charges of harassment, petit larceny, and two counts of criminal mischief, according to police.

More Crime News

Sources tell PIX11 News that the off-duty officer went to get his things from a woman when he got into an argument with her. The officers relationship to the woman was not immediately made clear.

During the argument, authorities say Rodriguez broke a hookah device, slapped the woman across the face, and took her cellphone when she tried to call 911.

More Queens News

The woman was also placed in a headlock and cut her foot on a piece of shattered glass. Rodriguez allegedly then took his belongings and left the location.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
More than 1,000 workers at four prominent Boston hotels walked off the job Thursday morning in the third citywide strike since Labor Day, officials said.

Bostons hotel workers union, Unite Here Local 26, announced that nearly 1,200 room attendants, house persons, front desk agents, doorpersons, bellpersons, health club attendants, cooks, dishwashers, and banquet servers are now on strike at the Omni Parker House, Omni Boston Seaport, Renaissance Boston Seaport, and Westin Boston Seaport.

The striking workers, whose contract expired on Aug. 31, are fighting for a new deal with reasonable workloads and substantial wage increases, according to Unite Here Local 26.

We have been bargaining with the hotel companies since April. From day one, the Union has been transparent about our demands  we need livable wages, fair scheduling, and safe workloads. But the hotels have continued to disrespect us by offering crumbs, Unite Here Local 26 President Carlos Aramayo said. Its infuriating. These hotels would not be profitable without their employees, who have the skills, experience, and dedication to provide hospitality to guests at the highest level. Thats why workers are on strike: to make the hotels respect their work and pay them what they deserve.

This strike marks the third wave of Boston hotel strikes and comprises the largest number of workers. The first wave of strikes began in Boston and eight other cities during the Labor Day weekend, and about 2,500 hotel workers from 12 Boston properties have walked off the job in three waves of three-day strikes.

Workers from the first and second strike waves are employees of the Hilton Park Plaza, Hilton Boston Logan Airport, Hampton Inn & Homewood Suites at the Hilton Seaport, Fairmont Copley Plaza, The Dagny Boston, Moxy Boston Downtown, The Newbury Boston, and the W Boston.

Unite Here Local 26 workers in Boston say they would prefer not to go on strike, but feel they have no choice given the lack of meaningful progress in current contract negotiations.

I am on strike because I need a raise, and the hotel refuses to give us what were asking for, said Kaba Kamara, a Houseperson at the Omni Boston Seaport Hotel who has worked there since the hotel opened in 2021. It is always busy. I work full-time here, and sometimes I do overtime. But I still had to get a second job so that I can pay my mortgage and other monthly bills. My schedule is crazy  I dont have enough time to spend with my family, with my 10-year-old daughter. I believe that one job should be enough!

Unite Here Local 26 continues to warn travelers that labor disputes might disrupt their stay at Boston properties.

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The new $375 million Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale will help create food, animal feed and fuel, officials say

The new $375 million Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale will help create food, animal feed and fuel, officials say. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)

CHERRYVALE  While this southeast Kansas towns population peaked more than 100 years ago, the opening of the regions largest ever economic development project means its best days are ahead, Lt. Gov. David Toland said Thursday.

Toland spoke to a crowd of more than 100 state and federal lawmakers, economic development officials and construction company representatives who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale. The towns population peaked at 4,700 in 1920 and is now 2,200.

Toland, a Democrat and Iola native who also serves as commerce secretary, said the project reminds him of southeast Kansas glory days.

When heavy industry was pouring into this region and our towns were booming, Toland said of the early 20th century, it looked a lot like this, and were doing it again.

The $375 million plant, which began accepting shipments of soybeans in February, can house 49 million bushels of the crop and will help create food, animal feed and fuel, officials said. Now that its operational, Bartlett executives said, it will employ about 60 full-time workers.

Gov. Laura Kelly speaks at a Sept. 19, 2024, celebration for the Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale

This impressive facility is far more than a soybean crushing complex, said Gov. Laura Kelly. This is where community members will find new employment and where the growing demand for renewable biodiesel will be met.

Kelly said the construction of the facility is part of Kansas economic transformation that began when she took office in 2019. She said the state had attracted $20 billion in private investment and created or retained tens of thousands of jobs in the past five and a half years.

Were focused on creating opportunity everywhere, Kelly said, so that Kansans regardless of their ZIP code have the chance to  prosper in one of our states strong and vital communities.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, joined state lawmakers to celebrate the new facility and noted it had been 100 years since Cherryvale had a significant manufacturing facility.

Thats why this is so important, Marshall said. Its taken 100 years to bring something like that back to this particular community.

Bartlett, which was purchased by Savage in 2018, received both state and local incentives to ensure the plant landed in Cherryvale as the company conducted its nationwide search. Company executives said Kansas officials also quickly approved environmental permits and offered other assistance.

Bill Webster, vice president for Bartlett, said Toland gave him his home phone number.

This is a level of engagement that is not ceremonial or delegating, Webster said. It is hands-on, and it has made a profound difference.
The Catholic Conference of Ohio, which represents bishops from diocesan groups across the state, published a letter Thursday asking for the public to treat Haitian immigrants in Springfield with respect and dignity, warning against "unfounded gossip" and "scapegoating."

"Today, our nation is divided by partisanship and ideology, which blind us to the image of God in our neighbor, especially the unborn, the poor, and the stranger, the letter reads. "These negative sentiments are only exacerbated by gossip, which can spread quickly across social media with no concern for the truth or those involved."

Bishops from Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Steubenville, Youngstown, Parma and Canton signed the letter, released in anticipation of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29. The Catholic Conference is an umbrella organization representing "the Church's position before the Ohio General Assembly, various state departments, bureaus, agencies and other organizations."

Haitian immigrants living in Springfield were thrust into the national spotlight earlier in September when prominent conservative figures, including former president Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, began spreading unfounded rumors that the immigrants were eating pets and wildlife.

Schools, businesses, and public buildings in Springfield have faced evacuations after receiving a flood of threats since the community gained the national spotlight, The Dispatch previously reported.

Against this backdrop, Ohio's Catholic bishops asked people to recognize the immigrants' "infinite dignity" and integrate the newcomers into Springfield's social fabric.

"Like all people, these Haitians should be afforded the respect and dignity that are theirs by right and allowed the ability to contribute to the common good," the religious leaders wrote.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in adulthood, said he does not regret spreading the baseless claims because they brought attention to the issue of immigration.

"If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people then that's what I'm going to do," Vance told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, USA TODAY previously reported.

The bishops, citing a passage in scripture, called for the Catholic faithful and "all people of goodwill" not to perpetuate ill will based on unfounded gossip in their Thursday letter.

"Instead, we ask for prayers and support for all the people of Springfield as they integrate their new Haitian neighbors and build a better future together," the bishops wrote.

Catholicism is one of the more popular religions in Haiti, with an estimated 35 percent of residents identifying as Catholic, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Brian Hickey, the executive director of the Catholic Conference of Ohio, released a statement alongside the letter, praising Gov. Mike DeWine, local officials, local organizations and the state's Catholics for providing resources to Springfield.

"We are proud of Catholics throughout Ohio who give their time, talent, and treasure for their immigrant neighbors, recognizing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ transcends countries, cultures, and languages," Hickey said in the statement.

NHart@dispatch.com

@NathanRHart

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio bishops publish letter on Haitian immigrants in Springfield
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Crews have begun replacing aging lead pipes on the West Side of Youngstown but one local lawmaker says there are over 12,000 more lead service lines in the city that need replacing.

Representative Lauren McNally is supporting House Bill 534 which was recently introduced in Columbus. It would require public water systems to replace all their lead service lines within 15 years.

Today we are saying this is a priority of ours, said McNally.

While Youngstown is using $1.5 million in American Rescue funds to help pay for this work, other communities dont have the resources.

Communities are doing what they can with what they got but we dont have a statewide process  a plan, said State Representative Dontavius Jarrells, (D) Columbus.

Jarrells wrote House Bill 534. He says it would help cities obtain funding for water line replacement projects, especially in poor and minority communities where many of these lead lines exist  with close to 750,000 of them across Ohio.

That is detrimental to just our health and well-being of our current citizens, our aging citizens, our soon-to-come citizens, McNally said.

While lawmakers admit the state is already spending $21 million on water and sewer projects, they claim the cost of just replacing lines in Youngstown could be $36 million.

By putting more focus on the issue, were gonna say to the governor, were gonna say to colleagues in both chambers  we need to do more, said Jarrells.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is urging the public to use water resources wisely as dry conditions continue across the state.

The Division of Water Resources is urging Ohioans to minimize and reduce their water use as drought persists throughout the region. The division is working with partners to monitor the ongoing impacts of drought.

Water is a shared resource, making the consequences of drought diverse and complex, the media release states.

Drought conditions worsen in the Miami Valley

Potential impacts of drought include: reduced agricultural production, decreased transportation on major rivers, limitations on municipal water supply, challenges in maintaining water quality, stress on wildlife and reduction of recreation.

Around 77% of Ohio is under varied drought conditions. Because of these dry conditions, Ohioans are urged to conserve water.

Ways to practice water conservation include:

Abstaining from or irrigating lawns and landscaping only during the coolest part of the day and observing local watering restrictions, such as designated watering days/times

Repairing leaks quickly and updating old fixtures to more efficient types

Reducing shower time, which saves 5-7 gallons of water per minute.

Only running the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. This saves hundreds of gallons annually per household.

More resources and educational materials are available on ODNRs Water Conservation 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 WDTN.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Humane Society announced on Thursday its office has received seven homeless dogs displaced by Hurricane Francine.

According to OK Humane Society, with the support of ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) the animals were rescued from Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter.

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

Image courtesy ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue 7 dogs from Hurricane Francine alongside Ok Humane Society

During disasters like Hurricane Francine, collaborative efforts with local animal welfare agencies are crucial in ensuring the safety of shelter animals and facilitating their relocation to areas where they can find loving homes. This partnership not only safeguards the well-being of these animals but also optimizes resources to aid other animals in need, reflecting our collective commitment to animal rescue and welfare in times of crisis. Katherine Good, Senior Manager of Animal Placement Partnerships for ASPCA Shelter Services

OK Humane says, as part of the relief efforts, Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter

requested the emergency evacuation of homeless dogs. Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter officials, requested the emergency evacuation after the impact of the storm and subsequent flooding resulting in needed assistance for the homeless dogs animal care and enrichment.

The Oklahoma Humane Societys vision is to ensure the compassion and respectful treatment of animals. While we focus almost exclusively on Oklahoma City and the surrounding area, we also want to be a leader nationally and show the rest of the country that we care about animals that are displaced due to no fault of their own. Im happy we have been able to assist with a portion of the animals impacted by Hurricane Francine. I know Oklahoma residents will open their homes to help them find a new life here. Oklahoma Humane Society CEO, Mark Eby

The seven dogs will be made available for adoption at the Oklahoma Humane Society.

For more information on adoption opportunities, 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Authorities are asking the public to help identify two individuals who are suspected of stealing merchandise twice from the Boot Barn in Oklahoma City.

Police officials say the pair (see photo below) stole over $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Boot Barn near Memorial & Penn twice within a month.

Suspects in Boot Barn burglary, Image courtesy OKCPD

Suspects in Boot Barn burglary, Image courtesy OKCPD

If you recognize either of them, contact Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300 or okccrimetips.com.

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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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A voter fills out a ballot at a polling place in St. Luke's Methodist Church in Oklahoma City on Aug. 27. The state deleted voter registrations of more then 453,000 people, many of them voters who were inactive or moved out of state. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The removal of more than 453,000 inactive or ineligible Oklahoma voter registrations has prompted concerns over citizen disillusionment and calls for state residents to make sure they can vote in nearing elections.

State officials said the deletions have taken place since Jan. 1, 2021, and are part of routine maintenance that ensures voter rolls are up-to-date. Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the removals on Wednesday, saying they are part of a necessary process to ensure secure elections.

Some community leaders, though, responded to the announcement by urging the state to do more to register new voters and to better support Oklahomans who feel left out of the political process.

More than 2.38 million residents of the state are registered to vote, according to state Election Board data.

The state could engage more voters by automatically registering Oklahomans when they turn 18, become U.S. citizens or when they interact with a state agency, said Andy Moore, the CEO of Lets Fix This, a local organization focused on boosting civic participation.

I think our main position is the way that Oklahoma audits and maintains their voter list is good, Moore said. There are a lot of opportunities the state could take to try to register new voters, and they dont do that. I think thats where the imbalance occurs.

Oklahomans should confirm their voter registration before the next election, update it when they move to a new address and show up to vote, Moore said.

Voters must register by Oct. 11 to participate in the Nov. 5 General Election. Oklahoma has had some of the lowest rates of voter turnout in the past four presidential general elections, U.S. Census Bureau data shows.

If voting is important to you, dont take it for granted, Moore said.

Over the past three years, Oklahoma election officials removed 143,682 voters who moved out of state, 97,065 who died, 14,993 duplicate registrations and 5,607 people who were convicted of a felony, according to the Governors Office.

Inactive voters made up the largest share of the removals with 194,962. These are voters who havent participated in any election throughout four consecutive general election cycles, generally spanning eight years. They also would not have responded when the Oklahoma State Election Board sent them an address verification letter.

Voting is our most sacred duty as Americans  and every Oklahoman wants to know their vote is securely cast and properly counted, Stitt said in a statement. The State Election Board and the Secretary of States office continue to go above and beyond in their responsibility to ensure only eligible Oklahomans can vote in our elections. Their progress reassures me we will continue to lead the nation in election integrity efforts.

Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, said the removal numbers are alarming and shouldnt be celebrated by state leaders. Deleting registrations excludes more voters and doesnt solve any of the states most pressing issues, said Turner, who uses they/them pronouns.

Meeting Oklahomans need for a strong public education system, better health care, living wages and inclusive policies would enable residents to be more active voters, they said.

My first thought is how many people are in there that have been purged and dont know that theyve been purged, Turner said. All this is going to do is discourage people who are already less inclined to show up to the polls anyway in a deeply red state. And I think thats just deeply unfortunate.

Oklahomans might see fewer reasons to show up at the polls if they are part of marginalized groups that feel ignored or harmed by elected leaders, said Turner, who didnt seek reelection after four years in the state Legislature. They said others might be busy with child care or working multiple jobs.

Turner encouraged these voters to participate in elections, even if they feel excluded from the political system, and to engage in community organizing and run for office. They said Oklahoma needs more candidates who had to live on the other side of the policies that the Legislature has created.

I think its time that we start engaging and leaning into folks like that, Turner said. Those types of candidates dont look like establishment politicians. They dont look like the folks who are elected in the Oklahoma Legislature. So, I think those are the types of folks that need to be elected.

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

Over the last week, a disturbing spike in threats made toward Oklahoma schools has grown.

In just one week, roughly 33 schools have received threats. And on Sept. 17 alone, Oklahoma school districts Waurika, McAlester, Moore and Minco paused classes or locked down to investigate threats to their schools, all of which were found not credible.

School safety expert Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, a Cleveland-based consulting firm, says the spike in reported threats is not unique to Oklahoma, and that there has been a nationwide increase.

"It fits what I've seen for four decades," Trump previously told Axios Columbus. "After every high-profile shooting, you see an uptick for at least a week or two. There's a contagion effect where this spreads across the country."

That contagion effect can rear its head in different ways, Trump told The Oklahoman. Some are "swatting threats," which are often computer generated, can originate from across state or international borders and can hit multiple schools, districts and states at the same time.

On Tuesday, several schools in Oklahoma took precautions after a threat targeting "MHS" and Sept. 17 was circulated among students on Snapchat.

That specific screenshot circulated nationwide and schools across the United States, including in Minnesota and California, took precautions while investigating. In Oklahoma, the threat was found to be not credible, Moore Police Department announced Tuesday, but many schools statewide still closed or increased police presence during the day.

Threats like these can spread so quickly because they dont discriminate in the age of social media, Trump said.

It's not going to be within the context of the actual threat or narrowing down that area, even though the threat maker more likely was thinking of one specific school in one specific city when the threat was sent, and then it just catches like wildfire across social media, Trump said.

School threats in OKC

The Oklahoma City Police Department is actively investigating multiple threats toward schools. According to police department reports, 65 threats have been made in the Oklahoma City metro area since the school year began, and 33 occurred in the last week.

"These threats not only disrupt learning but also take up critical resources that should be focused on keeping our community safe. Were committed to protecting our schools and will continue to pursue every lead," the department released in a Facebook post on Thursday morning.

The Oklahoma City Police Department has said that some individuals have been identified, and information is being submitted to the district attorney's office for possible felony charges of terrorism hoax and threatening acts of violence.

How do false threats impact students, school finances?

In a letter sent to parents Tuesday, Moore Public Schools Superintendent Robert Romines said the district and city's efforts, time, resources and funding losses are "significant."

We try to be understanding as students do not always exercise the best decision-making skills. However, concerning these threats and re-posts of threats that are designed to further inspire fear and disruption, this must stop, Romines said.

He further detailed that individuals would face the most harsh disciplinary penalties and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This includes suspension for all of the current and succeeding semesters.

Oklahoma state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters condemned all threats that came in Tuesday.

These threats will not be tolerated. The safety of our students is my highest priority, and our agency is coordinating efforts with local districts and law enforcement. We are making all resources available and will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure our students safety and security.

What can parents do?

Romines noted that with the rise in social media, many platforms often refuse to share the information necessary to assist schools and law enforcement in identifying perpetrators.

Instead of blindly resharing, Romines asked parents or students to share their concerns with authorities so they can take steps as needed.

If you see something, say something. This is a great asset to the safety of all; however, we can only begin an investigation when we are contacted directly, Romines said.

Across the nation, Trump said reactive measures, like the ones outlined by Romines and Walters, are the appropriate course of action. However, there is pressure to balance the mission of schooling with upholding community relations.

[When I ask], they're closing not to solve a safety problem. They're closing to solve a school community relations and political problem that they have because of the anxiety and pushback they would receive for not closing, by parents, staff members, students, Trump said.

He said that balancing these two realities makes it difficult for administrators, but being able to communicate and operate effectively is good school safety leadership in his book.

The Oklahoma City Police Department said parents should have important conversations with their children about the seriousness of these offenses and how threats will be taken seriously, even if a person has no intention of carrying out the act of violence. The penalty for a person convicted of a terrorism hoax or threatening acts of violence is a prison sentence of up to 10 years per charge and applicable reimbursement costs for the investigation.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools reflect growing national trend of school threats
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has hired its next campus police chief.

Diana Cooley was announced as the new chief by the university Wednesday. She was officially hired on Sept. 5 and her first day will be Oct. 1.

Im excited about this opportunity and looking forward to being a part of the UCCS community, Cooley said in a school announcement. It is my commitment to campus that transparent leadership and cutting-edge policing practices will define my approach in this role.

Cooley has most recently served as Commander of Patrol Operations with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Police Department since July 2023.

Prior to this, she spent 16 years with the Aurora Police Department, serving in various positions and has also worked as deputy commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau where she led investigations into police conduct and ensured that complaints against the department were thoroughly and impartially reviewed.

UCCS spokesperson Chris Valentine told the Gazette that, in addition to her other qualifications, Cooley's prior experience on a UC campus made her an ideal candidate for the open position.

I am thrilled to welcome Diana to campus, UCCS Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Kathy Kaoudis said in the news release.

Featured Local Savings

Cooley will report directly to the vice chancellor.

She is committed to driving innovation in public safety, enhancing crisis preparedness, and fostering proactive and transparent community engagement," Kaoudis continued. "Diana is a fantastic addition to the UCCS family, and I am looking forward to seeing what she accomplishes here.

During the prior academic year, a double homicide occurred in a campus dorm room and the subsequent investigation by law enforcement led to community concerns regarding public updates and overall communication by law enforcement.

Cooley's appointment comes following former police chief DeWayne McCarver's resignation July 5 to be closer to family in Alabama. UCCS Deputy Chief Clay Garner acted as the interim chief prior to Cooley's hiring.

Cooley has also completed several leadership programs, including the Senior Management Institute for Police through the Executive Research Forum and the Executive Leadership Institute through the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

She currently serves on the Executive Council for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Colorado and also holds the role of Logistics Chief with the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation.
One injured after shots fired into Jackson home

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Capitol police are investigating after one person was injured after shots were fired into a home and vehicle.

The shooting occurred on Ash Street in Jackson around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 19.

Mississippi student found with pellet gun at bus stop

The homeowner told WJTV 12 News that her son was shot in the knee while he was asleep. Capitol police said he was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators said no arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Capitol police at 601-359-3125.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Rochester police have identified the victim who was shot and killed inside a Hollenbeck Street body shop.

Just after 9:00 p.m. Rochester police responded to Hollenbeck Street for the report of shots fired and were immediately directed to the auto shop where they found one man who was clearly deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.

On Thursday, police identified the victim as 29-year-old Christopher Romero-Warren, who worked at the body shop. Investigators said he was working late at the shop before the suspect went in and shot him multiple times.

RPD said Romero-Warren appears to have been the intended target, but no suspects are in custody. They are working to figure out a motive for the murder.

The Major Crimes Unit is asking anyone with information to call 911, Major Crimes Section at (585)-428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585)-423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
AP Photo/Ed Andrieski

One of the men who murdered gay college student Matthew Shepard in 1998 was denied a commutation of his sentence this week, the Wyoming Board of Parole has confirmed.

Russell Henderson, who along with Aaron McKinney was convicted ob homicide and hate crime charges for murdering Shepard 25 years ago, is currently serving two consecutive life sentences in Wyoming prison. Henderson applied for a reduction in his sentence earlier this year per the Boards regulations, which allow prisoners who have served at least 10 years of a life sentence to submit a commutation petition once every five years. But the board ruled against sending Hendersons petition to the governor, Executive Director Margaret White confirmed in statements to The Advocate this week.

Mr. Henderson filed a commutation petition which the Board considered in accordance with its policies, White said. The Board held a hearing on Russells petition and declined to forward the petition to the Governor. This matter is now decided. White did not comment further, citing the boards policy against disclosing information to anyone outside of prisoners and victims.

Henderson pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping in 1999 to avoid the death penalty for Shepards killing, now known as one of the most infamous hate crimes in modern U.S. history. In 2004, Henderson appealed his sentence for the first time, alleging that he was not made aware of what rights would be legally denied him as a result of his guilty plea; that appeal was ultimately unsuccessful.

The precise motivations for Shepards murder remain murky even decades later. At trial, McKinneys lawyer put forth an unsuccessful gay panic defense for his client, alleging that Shepards sexual advances baited the two men into violence, a story McKinneys girlfriend first supported but then recanted. Henderson and McKinney went on to claim that their true motivations were more closely tied to money and methamphetamines in later media interviews, but McKinney is said to have changed his tune again when interviewed in 2009 for The Laramie Project, a play commemorating the murder. Matt Shepard needed killing [...] I dont have any remorse, McKinney allegedly told one member of the theater company, as the Denver Post reported at the time. The night I did it, I did have hatred for homosexuals.

25 Years Ago, Matthew Shepards Death Changed How We See Anti-LGBTQ\+ Violence

Activists warn that the progress weve made in the last 25 years is at danger of slipping away as anti-LGBTQ\+ legislation and rhetoric are on the rise.

Shepards brutal killing went on to inspire candlelit vigils across the U.S. and a movement against homophobic violence, eventually leading to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, which established harsher criminal penalties for hate- and bias-motivated crimes. (The national outcry also indirectly contributed to the first Transgender Day of Remembrance, as trans advocates noted the discrepancy between media coverage of Shepards death and that of Black transgender woman Rita Hester.)

News of Hendersons denied commutation comes after Shepards mother Judy Shepard, cofounder of the nonprofit Matthew Shepard Foundation, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in May.

If I had the power to change one thing, I can only dream of the example that Matts life and purpose would have shown, had he lived, Judy Shepard wrote in a statement earlier this year. This honor reminds the world that his life, and every life, is precious.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
(This story has been updated to include new information.)

A 62-year-old Pekin woman is dead following a two-vehicle accident in rural Pekin on Thursday morning, according to Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley.

Authories were alerted at 9:51 a.m. Thursday, and ISP Troop 4 responded to a crash at the intersection of Thompson Street and Illinois Route 29 involving a Toyota passenger car and a truck-tractor semi/trailer, according to a preliminary investigation. Hanley pronounced the driver of the Toyota dead at the scene at 10:30 a.m. Her name is being withheld pending notification of her family.

An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning. Further information will be released following the autopsy. The case is under investigation by the Illinois State Police, Tazewell County Sheriffs Office, and the Tazewell County Coroners Office.

Pekin news: Pekin man pleads guilty to infant's murder, will serve 70-year sentence

Illinois Route 29 at Thompson Street is closed for the crash investigation.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Pekin news: One person dies during two-vehicle car accident
One of Russia's longtime allies says Putin's NATO rival is now a threat to his country

One of Russia's longtime allies says Putin's NATO rival is now a threat to his country

Armenia's prime minister said Putin's NATO-style alliance, the CSTO, "creates threats" for his country.

It's the latest salvo in a series of snubs from Armenia toward the bloc.

Armenia recently froze its membership in the CSTO, which was seen as a blow to Putin.

A former close ally of Russia said that President Vladimir Putin's NATO-style alliance, far from offering security guarantees, now "creates threats" for his country.

Armenia recently froze its membership in the six-nation Collective Security Treaty Organization of post-Soviet states, which has been seen as Putin's answer to NATO.

The CSTO also includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Speaking at an event Wednesday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the bloc "doesn't ensure its security obligations towards Armenia," according to the state media agency Armenpress.

He went on to say the CSTO in fact "creates threats for Armenia's security and Armenia's future existence, sovereignty, and statehood."

Armenia has increasingly pulled away from the bloc since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In February 2023, Pashinyan said "We are not Russia's ally" when it comes to the conflict.

The latest remarks come amid Armenia's broader attempts to reduce its reliance on Russian military support and to diversify its security partnerships, Armenian Weekly noted.

In late 2022, Pashinyan distanced himself from Putin in a group photo. Contributor/Getty Images

Armenia has not officially exited the CSTO but has spent months teasing its departure from it, following a year of snubs to the organization.

Pashinyan first said in February that he was freezing Armenia's membership, after months of not showing up at numerous CSTO events.

Experts have previously told Business Insider that developments within the CSTO have damaged Putin's prestige.

The alliance is widely seen as Putin's attempt to cement Russia's great-power status with the leadership of a NATO-style collective defense bloc  but in practice, this has rarely worked.

Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan have all left the CSTO.

Armenia feels it is justified in pulling away.

When Armenia appealed for help last year during clashes with neighboring Azerbaijan, Putin refused to send troops  a move that infuriated Pashinyan.

Asked Wednesday whether Armenia would restore its membership, Pashinyan said this would happen only if he got substantial answers to questions he had asked of the bloc for several years, Armenpress reported.

"The more no answers are heard, the more Armenia is distancing itself from the CSTO with every minute and second," he said, per the outlet.

Addressing whether his country had reached the point of no return with the CSTO, Pashinyan added: "If we haven't crossed it, then there is big likelihood that we will."

Read the original article on Business Insider
In the recent presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, both sides traded jabs without much regard for the opposition. It made sense, as pulling punches now could spell disaster for the presidential hopefuls. With election day less than two months away, the national stage in Pennsylvania was the perfect opportunity to sway middle ground voters that often determine the result of an election. Yet, in the heat of lax factual statements, one claim made by Trump sparked immense outrage in a large community.

Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants were eating people's pets, cats and dogs, in Springfield, Ohio. Not only are these comments harmful, but they are insensitive and dangerous. Assuming these stereotypes about immigrants, specifically those of Haitian descent, can be immensely damaging in the face of the plight and challenges these people face.

Springfield, Ohio, is reported to have approximately 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants from Haiti in their county. They are legally [there] as part of a parole program in the hopes that they can bring family members from Haiti into the United States. And yet Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have both been targeting this minority community with a lack of reasonable decency behind their claims.

Several reputable leaders from the city, including Springfields mayor, police chief and even the states governor, have said that these claims are far from true. Troubled by bomb threats at schools since the Trump-Vance pet-eating allegations, at least one with anti-Haitian sentiment, Springfield continues to battle this antilogic.

A cat sits on the porch on a tree-lined street in Springfield, Ohio, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. The area has attracted national scrutiny after conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, spread debunked claims that Haitians in the community were stealing and eating peoples pets.

We do not have any evidence that [this incident] has happened, and I've made it known in multiple interviews that this is absolutely not true, Springfield Mayor Bob Rue said on BBC Newshour, wanting to make clear that the weight of [politicians] words  can negatively affect communities.

Harsh rhetoric is not new in American politics. Immigrants have been falsely accused of bringing a multitude of undesirable ideas and practices into the United States for a long time  from disease to overpopulation. For centuries, millions flocked from Europe at first, and later Asia, to the United States to escape harsh living conditions and in pursuit of a fair chance of achieving the American Dream. Yet nativist ideology spread rapidly through the states time and time again, leading to limitations such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1924. Demoralizing language and actions were key in spurring these laws.

Now, both Trump's and Vances incendiary comments about Haitian immigrants seem to be nothing more than a weaponization of rumors for political gain. Similar tactics have been used by politicians in scapegoating other marginalized groups, such as Asians and Hispanics, as well. When prominent figures use their elevated platforms for statements viciously attacking minority groups, it only adds fuel to the fire by instigating hate crimes. Not only are the Haitians in Springfield at risk, but physical and verbal threats can harm all residents in the area.

More: JD Vance repeats baseless claims that Haitians in Ohio are eating pets: What we know

Its important to remember that immigrants make up an important sector of this country's workforce and contribute to their local communities. According to news reports, before Haitian immigrants arrived on the scene, Springfield had lost a quarter of its population over the past few decades, a startling decline for a once-booming agricultural economy. Now, Haitians are essential to the workforce, especially at Springfields Dole Fresh Vegetables, where they're hired to clean and package produce and to work at automotive machining plants. Their businesses, cultural foods and identities have merged into the Ohio city, transforming it into a bustling place of diversity. And this is the main reason Trump's and Vances threats of deporting these civilians is so detrimental.

A nation founded, in part, on the backs of immigrants should not use improper, falsified accusations as political leverage. This is not only offensive to Haitians but to all immigrants in the United States. The speeches talking about eating pets in Ohio are not just wrong but a sad distraction from more authentic issues at hand, such as the reformation of immigration laws. Empathy must come first to create a nation that includes and values its citizens and residents, regardless of their origin.

Alex Seojoon Kim is a high school student in Stillwater

Alex Seojoon Kim is a high school student in Stillwater.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OPINION: Lies about Haitians should not be used as political leverage
OPINION: Arizona Supreme Court could still rob you of your vote to change elections

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Frank Moskowitz decided that he would not nullify the votes of millions of Arizona citizens and negate the work of those who collected hundreds of thousands of signatures to put the Make Elections Fair Act (now called Proposition 140) on the November ballot.

But  the Arizona Supreme Court still could do just that.

It would be grotesque. It would be wrong.

But this is the court that validated the barbaric 1864 abortion ban (for which two justices face a retention vote.)

And the court already ignored 80 years of precedent by sending a challenge to the proposition to Moskowitz after the deadline for printing ballots had passed.

One side says the judge was right, other calls bias

The Make Elections Fair Act would flush Arizonas partisan primary election system down the toilet.

It would create a single open primary in which candidates from all parties (or no party) are on the same ballot and all registered voters participate. The top two vote-getters then advance to the general election.

HighGrounds Chuck Coughlin, which headed the campaign, said Moskowitzs ruling is a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.

You've already voted in: Arizona's last rotten primary election

He added, We are thrilled with the ruling today, which clears the way for Prop. 140s votes to be counted this November and for our campaign to begin in earnest. Simultaneously, we are upset that we had to endure this type of judicial intervention, designed to prevent the will of Arizonans  the constitutional right of Arizonans  to petition their own government.

On the other hand, those determined to keep Arizonas partisan primary system intact vowed to continue the fight.Scot Mussi, president of the Free Enterprise Club, which sued to keep the measure off the ballot, believes Moskowitz is biased.

He said of the judge in a prepared statement, From the moment he was unanimously rebuked by the Arizona Supreme Court for blocking the removal of nearly 40,000 duplicate signatures, Judge Moskowitz has been trying to find a way to place Prop 140 on the ballot, irrespective of whether it had enough signatures to qualify. Today he issued a ruling manufacturing that outcome  .

Negating your vote would be unprecedented

Opponents of the proposition said it didnt have enough valid signatures to get on the ballot.

The judge, however, pointed to the 80-day deadline for challenges. He also said that opponents double-counted some invalid signatures, making their argument questionable.

And he said there is nothing in Arizona law that allows judges to say votes cast on a ballot cannot be counted or certified.

Supporters of Proposition 140 say that if the Supreme Court went along with opponents, it would, essentially, be making law, not interpreting it.

Its an unnerving notion, and provides one more reason to be glad Arizona law allows citizens to periodically vote on whether or not to retain judges.

Its also a reason to cast a big fat NO vote on Proposition 137, which was forced onto the ballot by the Republican-controlled Legislature. It would end retention votes and effectively give judges jobs for life.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

For more opinions content, please subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: OPINION: Open primary votes will count, but Supreme Court could say no
OPINION: We asked readers if Marsha Blackburn should debate. The results are overwhelming

In 2018, The Tennessean organized a U.S. Senate candidate debate between then-U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn and former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen.

The stakes were higher then with an open seat vacated by outgoing U.S. Sen. Bob Corker. As co-moderator, I had a front row seat to what was called a "fiery" encounter between the pair, but the debate yielded answers and exchanges from the candidates on a variety of issues, allowing voters to compare them to each other.

Blackburn, a Republican, won that race, but now that she is running for reelection in 2024, there is no sign she wants to debate her Democratic opponent state Rep. Gloria Johnson, despite efforts by The Tennessean to organize one and insatiable demand on from commenters on social media.

Of the readers who responded to an unscientific poll in The Tennessean published Monday and closed Wednesday, 90% say they want to see this Blackburn-Johnson toe-to-toe.

This poll just gauges sentiment, but it offers some insights into how voters see the race and what they consider to be their top issues.

Here are the results to the questions, which received more than 2,700 votes:

Should U.S. Senate candidates Marsha Blackburn and Gloria Johnson debate?

Yes: 90.08%

No: 9.6%

Not sure: 0.32%

Would a U.S. Senate debate in Tennessee sway your vote?

No: 40.74%

Yes: 39.38%

Neutral: 19.88%

This results above confirm observations by Michael Bednarczuk, a professor at Austin Peay State University, in a guest opinion column published the morning of the Sept. 10 presidential debate, who wrote: "Viewing a debate may impact many attitudes and behaviors, but does it change who you support in the election?"

Still, as evidenced by the one-fifth of respondents who voted neutral, some people may still be on the fence.

Top issues for readers

Health care (including abortion): 28.1%

Inflation: 19.3%

Affordable housing: 18.4%

Public safety (include firearms laws): 16.5%

Jobs: 13.4%

Immigration: 4.3%

Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, speaks to reporters after the vote to vote to expel her failed at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Despite rhetoric around immigration and border security, poll respondents put health care, including reproductive rights, and cost of living issues up top.

On Tuesday, Blackburn voted with other Republicans to block the Right to IVF Act, protecting access to in-vitro fertilization treatments.

Johnson's campaign manager Cyrus Shick said in a news release: Time and time again, Marsha Blackburn has voted to strip Tennessee women of the right to make their own healthcare decisions."

In a June 13 statement, Blackburn said she supported access to IVF. Democrats are using fear tactics and the media to lie to the American people with a fake messaging bill before November. IVF is legal and available in every state across our nation. I fully support IVF and fertility-related services."

Top comments from the public

The Tennessean also invited poll respondents to share their answers to this question in a survey:

"Why do you think Tennessee Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn should or should not debate her Democratic opponent state Rep. Gloria Johnson?"

More than 300 individuals across Tennessee responded and below find a sample of respondents. The vast majority want to see Blackburn debate and many expressed disappointment that she has not held a public town hall meeting during her time in the Senate. There were a few respondents who opined that a debate would be a waste of Blackburn's time because she is heavily favored to win.

"No debate assumes/benefits the incumbent as the winner. Its unfair to both candidates, because ether are not afforded a platform. It is biased toward the incumbent. Thats not a good look." -- Kathleen O'Connell, Murfreesboro

"It would give Tennesseans the opportunity to hear from both about their stance on significant issues in a face-to-face forum. Critical component of the election process." -- Patricia Booker, Franklin

"Your survey results show it will not influence how half the people will vote. Not many would watch. It would be a waste of money and time." -- Ron Vigus, Thompson's Station

"Democracy thrives in the open. It is a long-standing and well conceived idea that both candidates should have to simultaneously face the public and each other to convince us that they deserve our vote." -- Alan Calhoun, Nashville

"She is my senator and I want to hear a discussion of issues." -- Kay Spearman, Ooltewah

"People on the fence need to see the difference and Marsha needs to defend her voting actions." -- Bevivian Keen, Lexington

"Senator Blackburn has good statewide support. Representative Johnson is focused on her big city issued without regard to the rest of the state." -- Leland Gray, Johnson City

Vivek Ramaswamy and Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn has a table conversation the Bitcoin 2024 conference at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, July 27, 2024.

"Because we have not heard from her in years. I receive her newsletter, but beyond that, she doesnt communicate with her constituents." -- Lindsay Farrer, Madison

"Complacency has no place in Democracy. Earn your votes." -- Zachary Doud, Hermitage

"Tennesseans deserve to hear from both candidates on the issues." -- Lori Bryant, Clarksville

"We deserve to hear them each state their case as to why she should be our representative." -- David Weatherspoon, Germantown

"Sen. Blackburn should debate Gloria Johnson in order to determine each of their views on the issues the country faces." -- Donna Langston, Knoxville

"Because its imperative that any Senator Republican or Democrat should be able to show us why her ideas are best for all of Tennessee." -- Wendy McCown, Cookeville

"Marsha Blackburn needs to debate Gloria Johnson to convince me to vote for her over Johnson." -- Shirley Brown, Maryville

"Sen. Blackburn is a conservative Republican who represents the overwhelming majority of Tennessee voters. Her opponent is an unserious poser." -- Bill Streich, Hendersonville

"Her constituents deserve to hear from her." -- Angela Frederick, Smyrna

"She should not, it would be a waste of her time." -- Elbert Thomas, Hermitage

"As an unaffiliated voter, it is helpful to see how candidates respond outside of their normal echo chambers. Neutrally run debate settings are ideal for getting to know candidates." -- Leah Jensen-Rader, Brentwood

State Rep. Gloria Johnson speaks during a rally in support of presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Knoxville's Market Square, Saturday, August 24, 2024.

"Regardless of ones political orientation, they should be open to discussing issues with their opponent. This shows how willing a candidate is willing to compromise and work through policy issues." -- Raymond Ni, Mt. Juliet

"We have seen some super biased and a bit hateful partisanship lately out of our representatives and senators. It would be nice to have other choices and to know what those choices stand for. A debate would be perfect between Blackburn and Johnson." -- Danna Michele Estes, Chapel Hill

"Because everyone goes on a job interview." -- Natalie Fesmire, Milan

"She has nothing to gain and everything to lose. She has a massive lead over Gloria Johnson." -- Jason Cole, LaVergne

"She should definitely debate Rep. Johnson. She has not been on the debate platform for over 6 years and I for one do not know where she stands on a multitude of issues." -- Bob Alley, Alcoa

"Because she is a public servant. She should be available to talk to the public at least for one debate." -- Barrett Scott, Memphis

"Marsha has not debated or held a public forum in over 7 years. She seems to only attend paid GOP fundraising events. Why will she not interact with constituents?" -- Erin Stone, Lebanon

"Johnson has zero chance of winning. Why should Blackburn waste time on her?" -- Michael McNeeley, Kingston

"It is critical that there be a debate so that we can weigh the candidates fairly." -- Robert Rushin, Chattanooga

"An informed voter is a smart voter." -- Gregg Hawkins, South Pittsburg

David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: OPINION: Tennesseans want a Blackburn-Johnson debate, here's why
On Aug. 29, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 1047  the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act  and sent it to Gov. Gavin Newsom for signature. Newsoms choice, due by Sept. 30, is binary: Kill it or make it law.

Acknowledging the possible harm that could come from advanced AI, SB 1047 requires technology developers to integrate safeguards as they develop and deploy what the bill calls covered models. The California attorney general can enforce these requirements by pursuing civil actions against parties that arent taking reasonable care that 1) their models wont cause catastrophic harms, or 2) their models can be shut down in case of emergency.

Read more: Will this California bill to regulate AI protect consumers or gut tech?

Many prominent AI companies oppose the bill either individually or through trade associations. Their objections include concerns that the definition of covered models is too inflexible to account for technological progress, that its unreasonable to hold them responsible for harmful applications that others develop, and that the bill overall will stifle innovation and hamstring small startup companies without the resources to devote to compliance.

These objections are not frivolous; they merit consideration and very likely some further amendment to the bill. But the governor should sign or approve it regardless because a veto would signal that no regulation of AI is acceptable now and probably until or unless catastrophic harm occurs. Such a position is not the right one for governments to take on such technology.

Read more: This controversial California AI bill was amended to quell Silicon Valley fears. Heres what changed

The bills author, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), engaged with the AI industry on a number of iterations of the bill before its final legislative passage. At least one major AI firm  Anthropic  asked for specific and significant changes to the text, many of which were incorporated in the final bill. Since the Legislature passed it, the CEO of Anthropic has said that its benefits likely outweigh its costs  [although] some aspects of the bill [still] seem concerning or ambiguous. Public evidence to date suggests that most other AI companies chose simply to oppose the bill on principle, rather than engage with specific efforts to modify it.

What should we make of such opposition, especially since the leaders of some of these companies have publicly expressed concerns about the potential dangers of advanced AI? In 2023, the CEOs of OpenAI and Google's DeepMind, for example, signed an open letter that compared AI's risks to pandemic and nuclear war.

Read more: Opinion: What's behind the AI boom? Exploited humans

A reasonable conclusion is that they, unlike Anthropic, oppose any kind of mandatory regulation at all. They want to reserve for themselves the right to decide when the risks of an activity or a research effort or any other deployed model outweigh its benefits. More importantly, they want those who develop applications based on their covered models to be fully responsible for risk mitigation. Recent court cases have suggested that parents who put guns in the hands of their children bear some legal responsibility for the outcome. Why should the AI companies be treated any differently?

The AI companies want the public to give them a free hand despite an obvious conflict of interest  profit-making companies should not be trusted to make decisions that might impede their profit-making prospects.

Weve been here before. In November 2023, the board of OpenAI fired its CEO because it determined that, under his direction, the company was heading down a dangerous technological path. Within several days, various stakeholders in OpenAI were able to reverse that decision, reinstating him and pushing out the board members who had advocated for his firing. Ironically, OpenAI had been specifically structured to allow the board to act as it it did  despite the companys profit-making potential, the board was supposed to ensure that the public interest came first.

Read more: Gov. Newsom signs AI-related bills regulating Hollywood actor replicas and deep fakes

If SB 1047 is vetoed, anti-regulation forces will proclaim a victory that demonstrates the wisdom of their position, and they will have little incentive to work on alternative legislation. Having no significant regulation works to their advantage, and they will build on a veto to sustain that status quo.

Alternatively, the governor could make SB 1047 law, adding an open invitation to its opponents to help correct its specific defects. With what they see as an imperfect law in place, the bills opponents would have considerable incentive to work  and to work in good faith  to fix it. But the basic approach would be that industry, not the government, puts forward its view of what constitutes appropriate reasonable care about the safety properties of its advanced models. Governments role would be to make sure that industry does what industry itself says it should be doing.

The consequences of killing SB 1047 and preserving the status quo are substantial: Companies could advance their technologies without restraint. The consequences of accepting an imperfect bill would be a meaningful step toward a better regulatory environment for all concerned. It would be the beginning rather than the end of the AI regulatory game. This first move sets the tone for whats to come and establishes the legitimacy of AI regulation. The governor should sign SB 1047.

Herbert Lin is senior research scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University, and a fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is the author of Cyber Threats and Nuclear Weapons.

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.
To say that Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon, has gone through a rough couple of days would be a massive understatement. The group  which runs Southern Lebanon as its own personal fiefdom, boasts tens of thousands of hardened fighters and possesses as many as 150,000 rockets in its inventory  is confronting a degree of internal chaos that its leadership isnt habituated to experiencing.

On Sept. 17, thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah members across Lebanon exploded simultaneously in what is very likely an operation conducted by the Mossad, Israels foreign intelligence agency. More than 2,700 people were injured, including Irans ambassador to Lebanon, and at least 12 people were killed in the explosions. The next day, a second wave of attacks occurred, this time targeting the handheld radios Hezbollah uses in the field. The attacks caused panic in Lebanon; the countrys Ministry of Public Health told hospitals to remain on maximum alert status to cope with the injuries. U.N. personnel in Lebanon were advised to remove the batteries from their phones as a precautionary measure.

By Hezbollahs own admission, the presumed Israeli operation was the "biggest security breach" the group has ever witnessed.

While information is still fluid, reports suggest Israeli intelligence agents intercepted a shipment of pagers to Hezbollah and tinkered with the devices (possibly by hiding explosive material into the pagers batteries) before allowing the shipment to continue on to Lebanon. When the pagers received a message disguised as coming from Hezbollahs leadership, the phones exploded. Its the kind of well-planned, highly orchestrated, technologically sophisticated covert action for which the Mossad is well known. And if anybody has any doubts, just ask the Iranians, who in 2020 watched as one of their top nuclear scientists, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated by a remote-controlled machine gun as he was traveling down a highway. The entire thing feels like an old episode of "24," the action-packed show starring Kiefer Sutherland from the early war on terror" of the 2000s.

Theres little doubt that Israel has scored a big tactical success. Hezbollah, one of Israels fiercest adversaries since the group was established in the early 1980s, will spend the next days, weeks and even months cracking down within its ranks, preoccupied with internal security and investigating how two similar, devastating strikes could happen within 24 hours of each other.

But as fascinating as the nuts-and-bolts of the operation are, there are deeper and more consequential questions at stake.

First, how will Hezbollah react?

The fact that Israel hasnt officially claimed credit for the explosions doesnt mean Hezbollah will hold off on attribution. Indeed, the group already blames Israel and is vowing to exact a price.

Presumably, Hezbollah means what it says; as one of the Middle Easts most powerful anti-Israel resistance movements, it cant afford not to respond in some way, shape or form, even if its only through some kind of symbolic strike on Israeli military infrastructure near the Israel-Lebanon border.

Recall that last month, after Israel conducted preemptive airstrikes against thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers, Hezbollah retaliated by sending its biggest fusillade of rockets and missiles against targets in northern and central Israel  320, to be exact. Fortunately, both sides chose to de-escalate after the daylong exchange of fire and return to the pre-August status quo, in which tit-for-tat fighting was largely confined to the Israeli-Lebanese border area. The latest Israeli attacks, however, risk unraveling that arrangement.

At the same time, Hezbollah isnt a rash, illogical actor. Although Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah wont admit it openly, he understands that Israel has escalation dominance in this nearly yearlong struggle and could bring Lebanon into the Stone Age if it so desires. Hezbollah is therefore in a very tricky position  refusing to retaliate makes the organization look weak, impotent and compromised, encouraging even more daring Israeli attacks; but going too far on retaliation is liable to give Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the excuse he needs to conduct the full-scale military operation that many within his government are clamoring for.

This is the last thing Hezbollah wants, if only because such a war  which would likely include an Israeli ground invasion to carve out a buffer zone in Southern Lebanon  would produce an economic and humanitarian catastrophe that would make the monthlong Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2006 look like childs play. Another war doesnt serve Hezbollahs interests.

Second, what is Israel trying to accomplish with these operations, exactly? Its difficult to know. Some accounts suggest that the altered pagers and radios were meant to be used during a war with Hezbollah, but that the trigger had to be pulled early because Hezbollah became suspicious that something was wrong with the devices. Viewed in this way, the Israelis decided to speed up the plots execution, lest all the time and planning they put into the operation proved to be wasted.

Regardless of the explanation, one wonders what Israels end-goal is with these operations.

Despite what some foreign policy heavyweights assert, tactical success doesnt automatically equate to a strategic accomplishment. Hezbollah, for instance, will evolve its own tactics, policies and procedures by battening down the hatches and ensuring its communications infrastructure  or whats left of it  is better prepared to withstand similar technological feats. As a consequence of being utterly embarrassed on the international stage, Hezbollah will now be far more careful with how it communicates and enforce more discipline within its ranks, limiting the amount of information that Israels intelligence services will pick up.

Finally, what does this entire episode tell us about the U.S.-Israel relationship today?

Bluntly put, this weeks covert action underscores that Israel is going to do what its going to do, notwithstanding U.S. reservations about a particular course of action or whether it undermines U.S. diplomatic initiatives in the process.

This is particularly the case if Washington continues to refuse any conditionality on the relationship. One day before pagers exploded in Beirut, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein was in Israel, trying to maintain some degree of calm between Israel and Hezbollah and trying to convince Netanyahus government that a wider war in Lebanon  particularly when Israeli troops are still fighting in Gaza  wasnt in anybodys interest. Despite the low odds, Washington hopes to strike a diplomatic arrangement that would avert conflict and allow hundreds of thousands of people in both Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon to return to their homes. Needless to say, that already difficult job has gotten a lot more difficult this week. Netanyahu knows this but doesnt care  ultimately, he has concluded that the U.S. will offer unconditional support regardless of what he does.

Which leads to one more question that should at the very least be debated: Is it time for the U.S. to disabuse Netanyahu of that notion?

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Ellicott School District 22 has sent students home from school Thursday morning after a lockdown.

An El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokesman, Kurt Smith, said that the lockdown and shortened school day was out of "extreme caution" for an unspecified investigation.

"There is no actual, credible threat to the school itself," Smith said.

Ellicott School District 22 did not respond to multiple calls by The Gazette for comment.

Featured Local Savings

The incident comes a day after the Sheriff's Office announced the arrests of two minors this week related to false threats.

The Colorado Springs Police Department said via X on Wednesday that officers were investigating multiple "nonspecific" threats to schools largely circulating on social media.

This article will be updated.
Its never a good thing when the moderator of a candidates event makes more news than the candidate himself  which is exactly what Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders did at a town hall event for former President Donald Trump in Michigan earlier this week.

In what looks like an attempt to appeal to women voters, the Trump team decided to deploy Sanders as a surrogate. But that seems to have backfired. During her introduction of Trump, Sanders talked about her children and how they keep her humble. She then added, Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesnt have anything keeping her humble.

At first blush, its easy to write off her words as another misstep that was poorly thought through from the Trump camp. And didnt Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, do enough damage with his comments about childless cat ladies already? But it appears theres something more vicious in Sanders comments, which seek to stigmatize a fellow woman in politics.

Knowing that Vice President Kamala Harris has two stepchildren who call her Momala, Sanders clearly meant it as a slight against Harris, personally, for not having biological children. The cruelty in this line should not be overlooked.

Nor should the political strategy. Sanders is no political novice. Before being elected the governor of Arkansas, she served two years as White House press secretary for Trump. There, according to her official website, she was a trusted confidant of the President, she advised him on everything from press and communications strategy to personnel and policy. By all accounts, Sanders is a seasoned professional and knows what Trump likes to hear  and also how to provide cover for him, which is why neither she nor the campaign should get a pass for remarks like those she delivered in Michigan.

Further, Sanders knows that Trump loves to use false characterizations, and sometimes nicknames, to attack his opponents. The problem for Trump is that nothing is sticking to Harris, which is why he often resorts to imposing an us vs. them narrative.

And Tuesday, Sanders sought to modify that narrative into an equally ugly one: Shes not like us, suggesting that because Harris doesnt have her own biological children, shes an other, and should be reviled for it.

Trumps campaign has often thrived off the most vile, controversial figures. It seems he will never turn away an endorsement, no matter how repugnant, if he thinks it will get him a couple of votes. In 2016, he would not disavow or condemn the endorsement of Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, claiming, I dont know anything about David Duke.

Fast forward to 2024, and we see Trump palling around with the far-right, racist, hate spewing, conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, shocking even some of his closest allies with the very public association. But, she does have a huge following, albeit among the most homophobic, bigoted haters on the internet  so its no surprise if Trump sees her as an asset.

Sanders comments have been ridiculed in the media and even condemned by Bryan Lanza, a senior campaign adviser to the Trump campaign, who said, I found that comment to be actually offensive. I dont know what more to say about that. Of course, Trump himself consistently uses identity as a means for division; Sanders just took it to another level.

Ironically, Sanders was probably chosen to moderate the event because Trump is facing a tremendous, perhaps historic, gender gap with women. Trump is desperate for female surrogates. But with friends such as Sanders and Loomer, perhaps Trump should just go it alone. He certainly cant do much worse. Then again, he's Donald Trump.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
With every passing day, the thought of JD Vance being a heartbeat away from the presidency gets more difficult to contemplate. From his comments about childless cat ladies to his suggestion that parents should have more powerthan people who dont have kids, the rhetorical skeletons in Vances closet have come back to haunt him.

Vance is now the least popular vice presidential candidate in modern history. Since his nomination to the Republican ticket, he has shown himself not to be ready for prime time.

The first-term senator offered the latest example during a Sept. 15 interview with CNN. As U.S. News reports, after first attributing the tales about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, to first-hand accounts from his constituents, Vance admitted to CNNs Dana Bash.that he and former President Donald Trump have been pushing false tales about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, to gin up media coverage on immigration.

This admission followed the usual complaints about the media. The American media, Vance suggested, totally ignored this stuff until Donald Trump and I started talking about cat memes. If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then thats what Im going to do.

You just said that youre creating a story, Bash responded. You just said that this is a story that you created, she repeated. Vance replied, Yes! before trying lamely to cover his tracks.

Vance seems to have learned from former President Trump, the unchallenged master of prevarication. Yet, as shocking as Vances admission was, his candor was refreshing. Trump never admits when he lies, even when confronted with iron-clad evidence of his falsehoods. That is because, as Matthew Yglesias said in 2017, Trump is more of a bullster than a liar.

The liar, Yglesias explained, wants to be seen as the one telling the truth. The bullsher just doesnt care. Thats Trump. During the course of the 2016 campaign, he said over and over again that America is the highest-taxed nation in the world, which isnt even remotely close to being true. But he kept saying it, despite having been called out repeatedly.

Listening to Vance on CNN, I didnt have the sense that he cared much whether what he said about Haitian immigrants was correct.

That politicians lie is hardly news (though Trump and his running mate may be in a special category). Various writers over the years have offered different justifications for lying in politics.

Plato, the famous ancient Greek philosopher, defended what he called the noble lie  that is, one that would have a good effect, making people more inclined to care for the state and one another.

But the noble lie, in Platos view, required the strongest justification. It should be the exception, not the rule, in political life.

Niccolo Machiavelli, the 16th century Italian thinker, offered a different view. Our experience has been that those princes who have done great things have considered keeping their word of little account and have known how to beguile mens minds by shrewdness and cunning. In the end, these princes have overcome those who have relied on keeping their word.

There was nothing noble about the pet-eating story Vance created; his falsehood did not make people more inclined to care for one another. Quite the opposite.

Vance also may have been willing to admit that he created a story because the MAGA faithful have a high tolerance for lies told by the leaders of their cause. That is why pointing out how much Trump lies makes very little difference to his supporters  or that Vance called Trump Americas Hitler before he was elected to Congress

Writing in the New York Times in 2018, Daniel Effron noted that In his first 400 days in office, President Trump made more than 2,400 false or misleading claims.Some supporters no doubt believe many of the falsehoods. Others may recognize the claims as falsehoods but tolerate them as a side effect of an off-the-cuff rhetorical style they admire. Or perhaps they have become desensitized to the dishonesty by the sheer volume of it.

For Effron, the key to understanding why Trump and Vances supporters put up with so many fabrications is that they are filtered through a partisan lens. When a falsehood resonate(s) with peoples politics, they tend to reflect on how the falsehoods could have been true. This strategy can convince supporters that its not all that unethical for a political leader to tell a falsehood.

Another explanation highlights the fact that the MAGA faithful identify with Trump and see him as embodying the will of the people. They accept his lies because they believe that what he says is designed to help them. As they see it, unfounded claims about migrants eating cats and dogs is just part of the effort by Trump and Vance to protect Americans from the dangers of illegal immigration.

This may explain why, as journalist Daniel Dale says, even though Trump spouts a seemingly endless stream of exaggerations, evidence-free accusations, implausible denials and other falsehoods  Trump has also managed a remarkable feat: maintaining a reputation among millions of Americans as a man of rare honesty.

In this context, supporters view the Republican tickets lies not as failures of character but rather as weapons of war. They are accepted as a means to win the moment.

Finally, Trump and Vance can get away with falsehoods because they are appealing to a constituency of angry people. As psychologists Jeremy Yip of Georgetown and Maurice Schweitzer have found, (A)ngry individuals are less concerned about the welfare of others, and consequently more likely to exhibit self-interested unethical behavior  (including) self-serving deception.

As the 2024 campaign moves into the homestretch, it remains to be seen whether Vance will give himself over fully to Trumps world of distortions and falsehoods. His cruel lie about Haitian migrants is not a promising sign.

Matt Lewis explains, In the MAGA culture war, you have to break some eggs to make an omelet. Whats notable this time is that Vance just confessed to breaking them on live TV.

Its one thing, he continues, for a pol to lie about his resume or voting record. Its another thing entirely to lie about innocent, vulnerable people whose lives might now be at risk.

Lewis then asks exactly the right question: What kind of person would be willing to do that?

In JD Vances case, the answer is that he is the kind of person of whom Machiavelli would be proud. On Nov. 5, voters will decide whether that is the kind of person they want to be entrusted with helping shape the fate of our republic and of the world.

Austin Sarat is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College. His views do not necessarily reflect those of Amherst College.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The numbers were important because they were so unexpected. Blasted on the front page of the Des Moines Sunday Register, New Candidates New Ballgame. Trump 47 Harris 43.

It was a turnaround of nearly miraculous proportion. The same poll, conducted in June with Joe Biden in the race had Donald Trump at 50 and Joe Biden at 32. In the two months shes been a candidate, Kamala Harris has erased most of Donald Trumps lead in Iowa. That doesnt mean the Harris campaign will now be spending money to win the state. Its nice to be within striking distance but Iowa is a red state with two Republican senators and unlikely to break faith with the GOP.

So why did fellow pollsters and analysts get so excited about the Iowa poll results? It was conducted by J. Ann Selzer, a nationally known pollster who cemented her reputation by being one of the few, maybe even the only one among her peers to recognize Trumps strength in 2016 when he won and 2020 when he lost to Biden but by a significantly smaller margin than what other name brand pollsters predicted.

If shes finding Trumps strength in Iowa has diminished, maybe shes on to something that extends beyond Iowa.

Harris Interview-Dodging Is All Part of the PlanApparently

There are other indicators too that Harris is doing a whole lot better than anyone imagined. She was not an impressive vice president. Her prosecutorial style made some Democrats wish Biden could appoint her to the Supreme Court and make room for another more congenial running mate.

Yet from the moment she was liberated to be the candidate, she has been pitch-perfect, vaulting the Democrats back into contention for the White House and meeting every test. How can this be given the early read on her as having one of the worst ratings for a vice president in modern history?

An NBC news poll in July of 2023 found her positive rating was 32 percent; negative was 49 percent, giving her -17 rating, the lowest for a vice president in the polls history.

Shes turned this around not entirely on her own, and for very good reasons, starting with the stakes of this race. Democrats understood from the moment Biden turned over the reins to Harris that she is the one thing standing between us and a second Trump presidency. Quibbles about this or that vanished. Harris too understood the stakes, and she rose to the occasion.

Secondly, Harris is still enough of a blank slate that unaligned voters are willing to look at her. She doesnt come across as a partisan warrior, and she is able to make her points and take positions without creating rancor.

More importantly, especially for a woman, she is proving to be likable, a tough test in todays misogynistic climate.

Kamala Harris at a campaign event at West Allis Central High School, in West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S., July 23, 2024. Vincent Alban/Reuters

Harris is a better candidate and a better person than Trump. Voters were yearning for an articulate candidate to represent the country, and Biden and Trump for differing reasons could not answer that need. Harris speaks to a younger generation, women, and minority groups far more than Trump or Biden.

The shortened campaign benefits Harris. Critics regard it as a form of cheating that she gets to evade the year-long battle that other candidates go through, that she doesnt get her turn in the barrel where she is pummeled for some real or imagined policy or character flaw.

Kamala Harris, center, takes a selfie with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), left, and his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman, right, after greeting supporters at John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria Airport on September 13, 2024 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Shes still new and exciting to many voters who are only now catching up with her candidacy. Can she sustain the enthusiasm in the less-than-50 days remaining. She cant do it alone. Taylor Swift can help as can the droves of Republicans, famous and not-so-famous, stepping up to cast their vote for Harris.

Shell continue to drive her critics crazy on the Republican side by so far refusing to sit down for a grilling with the major newspapers and networks and charting a media path through podcasters and influencers and daytime shows with specific audiences she needs to reach. The goal is not to make news, but to get the voters to know her and what shes about, and to get more specific only where it matters, like on how she would address the high cost of living. Otherwise, what shes doing is working, and she just needs to keep doing it.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm speaks at an electric substation in South Salt Lake on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Granholm highlighted the Biden-Harris administrations latest efforts to strengthen Americas electric grid, boost clean energy deployment, and support good-paying, high-quality jobs in Utah and across the nation. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Utah is quietly becoming an energy and national security leader. This year, Utahns will have the lowest electricity rates in the country, drawing from a diverse grid that includes solar, hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and fossil fuels. Low electricity prices are benefiting consumers while also driving investment from energy-heavy industries, especially AI.

Already, companies have announced plans to build two new AI data centers in Utah, adding to Utahs 27 existing facilities. A $600 million data center is being planned in West Jordan and another data center campus in Eagle Mountain will cover over 600 acres. Data centers like these will not only bring new investment into our economy but will also help America win the AI arms race with China, providing infrastructure to train powerful new models. With low energy costs and an AI-friendly business environment, Utah will likely see more projects. However, increased demand could increase electricity prices.

To meet the AI challenge and keep prices low, Utah must do one thing: build more energy infrastructure. Without more energy, electricity prices and emissions will increase, harming Utah consumers. Thankfully, our leaders can take commonsense steps to build energy dominance in Utah: streamlining permitting and preserving key energy tax credits. We need every electron.

Our federal leaders can begin by strongly supporting energy permitting reform. Recent permitting action in D.C. gives our federal delegation the chance to bolster Utah energy. Cutting cumbersome red tape will unleash energy, mineral and transmission resources, especially on our public lands. This will bolster Utahs economy and also increase our energy supply.

Reducing red tape around energy projects will also help reduce emissions. Almost all  97%  of new electricity capacity in 2024 comes from clean energy sources. With the average environmental impact statement taking 4.5 years to complete, reducing these timelines will increase investment in cleaner energy. Recent analysis suggests that by 2050, comprehensive permitting reform will reduce emissions by the equivalent of one year of U.S. emissions.

State and local leaders can also ensure a streamlined permitting process at home. For instance, families like mine have benefited from installing rooftop solar; taking steps to make installation easier can expand these benefits. Shortening permitting timelines for home solar installations will allow more Utahns to take advantage of our abundant sun, increasing our energy supply and families resilience to power outages.

Streamlining permitting for other energy projects is important, too. We can start with our state lands. Allowing assets like solar, wind and geothermal to be developed on already permitted oil and gas state land leases is an excellent way to reduce permitting timelines and achieve energy abundance. Increasing clean energy development on our state lands will also increase funding for public schools. However, for investment to pour in, energy economics must remain stable.

To unlock our energy potential, Utahs leaders cannot hamstring development by attacking recent energy tax credits, yet some in Congress have these credits in their sights.

While conservatives can legitimately criticize the process by which they were passed and the flaws of their legislative vehicle, a wholesale repeal of recent energy tax credits would hinder energy projects already under construction and increase electricity prices. In August, 18 House Republicans signed a letter making this exact point. Completely repealing the energy tax credits  many of which have conservative support  would disrupt investments already made, strand billions of dollars in assets and hurt our ability to secure long-term energy dominance.

Safeguarding investment in Americas domestic clean energy economy is crucial in our competition with China. Undermining these clean energy investments would increase electricity prices and emissions, not only harming our climate but also exposing Utah, already among the worst states in air quality, to health-threatening pollution. Our federal delegation should support, not undermine, these investments to protect the health and finances of Utah families.

Utahs brand of commonsense conservatism can meet todays challenges. Our principles of limited government, community and thoughtful stewardship have grown our economy and conserved our natural resources. Theres a reason why the U.S. News and World Report has named Utah the top state in the country two years in a row.

But we arent without challenges. To keep electricity prices low, beat China on AI and improve our environment, we must unleash Utah energy. By removing government barriers and preserving private sector investment, Utah can build energy abundance for generations to come.

Isaiah Menning is the external affairs manager at the American Conservation Coalition (ACC). He is from Murray, Utah. Follow him on X @IsaiahMenning.
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:

47 days to the election

Decision Desk HQ average : Kamala Harris +3.8, as of around noon ET today. Click here to see the latest numbers. PredictIt betting odds: 57 to 46 in favor of Harris.



Common Sense Trump

Donald Trump in his New York rally last night reminded me of 2016 Trump  lucid, on prompter with some genuinely funny riffs and some of the same core issues:

Calls for common sense

Hitting hard on immigration, though now more focused on deportation rather than building a wall

Laser-focused on his opponent

Cheering on union workers, like the Teamsters who refused to endorse anyone this year Since 1996, the Teamsters have endorsed a Democrat in every presidential election Watch the Teamsters president explain.



Famed journalist Mark Halperin a few weeks ago told us the election would be won by whoever could define the other as extreme.

Thought bubble: By definition, common sense isnt extreme.

Watch tonight: Halperin is back with his findings from a swing-state focus group on just this issue  and to discuss whether common sense is the answer.

Unserious: While Vice President Kamala Harris presents zero real policies (see below), Trump is using the white space to promise things to the left of Elizabeth Warren, like:

No tax on tips

No tax on overtime

No tax on Social Security

Free IVF

Legalization of marijuana

SALT restoration

10% cap on credit card interest

Reasonable people can agree they are unserious proposals  that said, theres nothing wrong with starting a conversation, especially when the other side isnt talking.

Watch tonight: Lauren Wright joins to discuss whether the outlandish promises mean anything.

Alex Thompson and Torey Van Oot deliver in Axios a hard-hitting body blow to the Harris campaign over their strategy to hide from the media.

Their piece reveals a remarkable calculus from the campaign: Her own people view the risk of her screwing up interviews more than the risk of headlines saying she wont talk. Maybe its a good bet  the American people dont trust big media They trust podcasters and Oprah Speaking of, Harris and Oprah sit down tonight.

The media earned its title of least trusted American institution For so many, being liberal or defeating Donald Trump is more important than their own relevance. In the 2010s, there was often an attempt to be fair  thats gone now. For example, political violence from the right presents a threat to democracy. Over the past three months, someone tried to kill the Republican nominee. And now this: An Alaska man arrested for threatening to kill six members of the Supreme Court. The article doesnt say which six, but based on the timing and the decision on the day of the threats, a safe bet says the six Republicans. Where are all the cable TV discussions quoting experts about the actions by the Left that threaten our democracy with political violence One more point : Remember Russia, Russia, Russia  the huge threat in 2016 of Russian influence on our election? The breathless coverage lasted years into the Trump administration And experts kept telling us Trump went easy on Russia because of it A few facts: President Joe Biden reversed Trumps maximum pressure campaign on Iran. He gave them access to tens of billions of dollars, which theyve used to kill Americans and attack Israel. The Iranian government just hacked the Trump campaign to help Biden. Where are the stories about Iranian collusion with the Biden campaign? I am a journalist  I ask questions. So here it goes: Does political violence and foreign interference only matter when it helps the Left?



Perp-walking Kids?

Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County, Florida, now perp-walks every kid who makes a threat at school  watch some of the videos here that he personally posts on Twitter.

One video here.

And another here.

He notes that they have had 207 threats since school started  now that is crazy!

He says its a warning to kids and parents that they will be publicly exposed.

Watch tonight: Sheriff Chitwood in his first national TV interview about whether its working  and if its time to start perp-walking parents too.

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the southern Lebanese village of al-Taybeh on September 19, 2024. (Photo by AMMAR AMMAR / AFP) (Photo by AMMAR AMMAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Did Israel Change Warfare?

So far. Hezbollah is licking its wounds  literally  after two days of Israel blowing up pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to the group.

Its one of the great intelligence operations in history  books will be written about it.

And all the American hand-wringing about escalation appears misplaced.

NSC spokesman John Kirby says, We dont believe that the way to solve where were at in this crisis is by additional military operations at all. We still believe that the best way to prevent escalation, to prevent another front from opening up in Lebanon is through diplomacy, which is why Mr. Hochstein was over in the region this week, and were still going to pursue those kinds of outcomes.

Iran knows Biden is terrified of escalation and will pay any price (in American lives) not to have war  therefore Iran will keep pushing both the United States and Israel through its proxies until its forced to stop.

Israel today flipped the administration two birds and bombed Hezbollah.

The public embarrassment of Hezbollah and Iran by Operation Below the Belt will further cement Israel as the dominant counterweight to Iran.

Iran has used the past year to continually humiliate and push out the United States from the Middle East. Its working. The Saudis, Emirates and others are now looking to Israel rather than the United States as the counterweight to Iran. Wow!

Prediction: As you have read in War Notes since Oct. 7, Hezbollah and Iran dont want a war with Israel, and Israel is forcing them to take a pounding.

Watch tonight: Phil Mudd, former counterterrorism official in the CIA and FBI, will join to discuss how Israel changed warfare and whether China can blow up our iPhones.

Fun link: There are currently millions of iPhone 16s en route to the United States  you can track them here  are we now stupid not to think China could have bugged them?

Tune into On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 7/6C on NewsNation. Find your channel here.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
When Dwight Eisenhower assumed the presidency in 1953, he had one immediate policy objective: to end the Korean War.

In July of 1953 the war came to an end, with an uneasy stalemate. That the war did not liberate North Korea from the grips of communism pained Eisenhower, but it did not cloud his strategic vision of the situation.

Speaking to the nation from the White House, late at night on July 26, he put it this way: Tonight we greet, with prayers of Thanksgiving, the official news that an armistice was signed almost an hour ago in Korea.And so at long last the carnage of war is to cease and the negotiations of the conference table is to begin.

Eisenhower was not afraid of conflict, yet he weighed the devastation of war alongside the potential good that could come from victory. He surveyed Korea and correctly concluded that a stalemate was the best plausible outcome.

That conviction is what drove him to end the war quickly. Continued fighting was not going to change the strategic outcome, but it would kill more people, deprive more families of seeing their loved ones again, and prevent alleviating the starvation that had set in on parts of the Korean peninsula. To Eisenhower, knowing when to stop a war was as important  both morally and strategically  as fighting a just war to total victory.

There are two lessons Americans ought to absorb from the Korean War when thinking about todays conflict in Ukraine. The first is that seeing a situation as it truly is, not as we would like it to be, is the foundation of good decision-making. Secondly, there is honor in bringing a war to a close, once you have accomplished the best plausible outcome.

The goal for the U.S. now should be to help Ukraine achieve a lasting, even if imperfect, peace. It wont feel like victory, but the alternative will be an ongoing disaster that will ensure ongoing suffering for the indefinite future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is once again requesting permission to use American weapons to strike deep in Russian territory. The argument is that such permission is all that stands between Ukraine and final victory.

Unfortunately, this is bad strategic calculus. As Lloyd Austin said last week: Theres no one capability that will in and of itself be decisive in this campaign.

The conflict has arrived at a stalemate. The precise territory each side controls will continue to shift, but the fundamental nature of the war has settled in, with neither side strong enough to win outright or become weak enough to collapse. This war, like many modern conflicts between two well-equipped and determined foes, could drag on for years, without any meaningful strategic change in the balance of power.

What would this mean, in real terms? It would mean skyrocketing civilian deaths, long-term economic decimation, trillions of dollars in military expenses, and a strategic opportunity cost for both Ukraine and the United States.

Ukraine has the opportunity to translate a hard-earned stalemate into a newly robust national identity. Peace for Ukraine can allow the country to focus its attention on rebuilding its economy and on expanding on its already strong civic culture. An imperfect peace in Ukraine would also allow the United States to turn its attention toward the Pacific, which is the most important area for American interests going forward for the next several decades.

The U.S. cannot end the war on its own. It is ultimately a Ukrainian and Russian responsibility to decide what agreement will end the war. The U.S. can, though, use its considerable leverage to persuade both Ukraine and NATO allies that now is the time to push for peace.

The U.S. could provide short-term economic aid to Ukraine but stop formal military aid by the end of the year. Both Russia and Ukraine could withdraw to January 2022 boundaries. The United States would not support Ukraine joining NATO, but would not give up the ability to assist Ukraine again in the case of a future conflict.

This plan would provide Ukraine a stronger level of strategic security than it has had in a decade.

Russia has spent nearly three years, tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars on the war, and suffered an incursion into its own territory. Vladimir Putin will spin a peace agreement as a victory, but it will be a clear strategic defeat. The U.S. would be able to refocus military and diplomatic resources in more pressing areas, while extinguishing the risk that American troops will be deployed to fight in Ukraine.

A return to Korea shows us an example of the kind of peace that is possible in Ukraine. Like in Korea, making peace with Russia would require Ukraine to give up some of its territory.

By late 1952, an imperfect divide was the best plausible outcome in Korea, and it is now the best plausible outcome in Ukraine. Ultimately, Ukraine must make this decision for itself, but the way for America to be a true ally to Ukraine is to use our influence to push for the best deal Ukraine is likely to get.

John Kitch is assistant professor of instruction in the political science department at Texas State University.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A mural in Milwaukees Riverwest neighborhood, depicting a Star of David morphed into a swastika, has understandably sparked outrage for suggesting that Israel is acting like Nazis in its war against Hamas. The image is highly offensive and misleading, especially for those of us who lost family members in the Holocaust. However, vandalizing the mural is only making the problem worse.

As a graduate of Marquette University with deep roots in Milwaukee, I understand the sensitivities surrounding controversial expressions in our city.

The Streisand Effect shows that efforts to silence or suppress something  whether an idea, statement, or work of art  often have the unintended consequence of amplifying its visibility. Thats exactly whats happening with this mural. Instead of fading into obscurity, the mural gains more attention with each act of vandalism. Every time someone defaces it, media coverage increases, further strengthening the message critics want to dismantle. What started as a divisive piece of street art now dominates conversations across Milwaukee and beyond.

Combining a swastika and the Star of David is an offensive misrepresentation

As someone who supports Israels right to exist and finds this false analogy offensive, I understand the impulse to act against it. The image, combining a swastika with the Star of David, is an offensive and entirely false comparison. But by vandalizing it, people only give the artist more opportunities to justify his message and create further division.

Leaving the mural intact may actually help the pro-Israel cause. The Milwaukee Common Council universally condemned the imagery, including Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, who, while expressing sympathy to the Palestinian cause, called the mural divisive and offensive. The analogy between Israel and Nazi Germany is demonstrably absurd, and the more people engage with the murals misrepresentation, the clearer its flaws become. This is why even those sympathetic to the Palestinian cause should cringe at this misrepresentation.

Nazi Germany orchestrated the systematic genocide of 6 million Jews, driven by an ideology of blind hatred. In contrast, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though tragic, revolves around territorial and national disputes. Comparing these two situations severely distorts history.

Israel has consistently sought peace with its neighbors, including Palestine

Israel operates as a state with a strong commitment to human rights. About 20% of its population consists of Arab-Israelis, who enjoy full citizenship rights, including the right to vote, run for office, and even serve on Israels Supreme Court. Arab-Israelis actively participate in all aspects of Israeli society, from politics to business. This reality stands in stark contrast to the brutal oppression and dehumanization Jews faced under Nazi rule.

Milwaukee must address reckless driving. My uncle was injured in a car accident.

Moreover, Israel has consistently sought peace with its neighbors, as evidenced by peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan and numerous attempts to negotiate with the Palestinians. Despite ongoing hostilities from groups like Hamas, which call for Israels destruction, Israel has repeatedly pursued diplomacy and coexistence. Comparing Israels defensive actions to the genocidal policies of Nazi Germany not only distorts the facts but also trivializes the Holocaust and the challenges Israel faces.

By trying to tear down this offensive mural, we only give its message more power. Instead, allowing it to stand invites people to scrutinize and debunk its false claims. Let the truth, rather than acts of vandalism, expose the inaccuracies and shift the narrative. Only then can we engage in meaningful dialogue, where facts, not misrepresentations, prevail.

Eli Federman has written for USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Daily News, Reuters, and others on religion, law, and the Middle East. X: @elifederman

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: OPINION: Milwaukee outraged by swastika mural. Vandals make it worse
Education in the United States remains incredibly partisan, and the presidential race offers no relief. Red states want less exposure to race and gender in schools; blue states want more. Red states expand school choice laws; blue states shrink them. Players on all sides pitch education as a zero-sum game. Even research is weaponized to demonstrate the superiority  or inferiority  of different types of schools, whether district, charter or private. Social cohesion across differences? In many quarters, this feels like a bridge too far.

Thats the bad news. The good news is that it doesnt have to be this way. In fact, for most places in the world, it isnt. Thats because most countries fund a wide variety of schools and hold them all accountable for academic results. This approach is called educational pluralism, and it animates school systems from Europe to Asia, from Canada to Australia and across southern Africa. The Netherlands funds 36 kinds of schools equally; the government of Indonesia supports secular and religious schools alike; the Australian federal government is the top funder of independent schools in the country because of their ability to close achievement gaps for low-income students. In fact, 171 of the 204 school systems tracked by UNESCO rely on public-private partnerships, the volunteer sector and community organizations to deliver education for all.

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In U.S. terms, educational pluralism means school choice and accountability by design. It acknowledges that schools that reflect distinctive norms and values often bring real benefits to students  so these governments fund a variety of school types. It also assumes that education is not merely a private good, but also a common project whose outcomes affect society as a whole; therefore, public concern and oversight of academic content is appropriate.

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Educational pluralism is not perfect, but if implemented with care, it can function as an escape valve against constant conflict; while it deliberately honors families diverse values, it also builds social cohesion by insisting that everyone share a broad base of knowledge, such as capital cities of the world, 20th century poetry, the history and impact of the American Revolution or the tenets of major religions. This common content would include, as a matter of course, exposure to a variety of viewpoints and beliefs without indoctrinating students as to their merits. For instance, the English government has funded religious schools since 1834 and secular schools since 1870, but all students in all schools learn about diverse religions and philosophies.

Here are three practical steps toward the pluralist ideal that elected officials and candidates alike in the U.S. could get behind.

The first step: Find a cross-partisan message that invites rather than condemns. This means putting down rhetorical weapons and eschewing charged terms such as educational marketplace (on the right) or privatization (on the left).

Second, focus on initiatives that welcome all schools. High-quality curriculum and instruction is a good place to start. Teachers in every school need access to rigorous materials that challenge students minds and enliven their hearts. They also need time to learn what the materials require in the classroom. This is exactly what a state department of education can provide across the board, and many  including Louisiana, Delaware, Rhode Island and Wisconsin  already do, though only for those who work in district schools. Why not teachers in any type of school?

Third, build the infrastructure to support both choice and quality. A great example is Indianapoliss The Mind Trust, a nonprofit that, since 2006, has recruited teachers into the state, launched four dozen charter schools and partnered with the citys public school district to design schools that by design meet their communities specific needs. They dont pit schools against each other; rather, they help all schools in Indianapolis grow stronger. Since 2021, the organization has partnered with the Indiana General Assembly and the state Department of Education to accelerate students academic recovery, in two ways. Indiana Learns gives eligible students access to math and reading tutoring, and Summer Learning Labs offer a rigorous, five-week, free or low-cost summer academic and enrichment program. The nation needs more of such thoughtful approaches that champion instead of demeaning teachers and set a high bar for academic success.

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Policies that fund a variety of schools with distinctive world views, while incentivizing the use of curricula that build robust knowledge across the major subjects, would constitute an unfamiliar both/and to an American audience. This approach asks a lot of teachers, parents and young people. But if Belgium, South Africa and many Canadian provinces can lean into productive pluralism, so can the United States.
Give someone a hammer, and the whole world will look like a nail to him.

This adage applies increasingly to the field of election law  especially to lawyers who have come to specialize in it and all the litigation that now surrounds campaigns and elections in America.

Train more individuals in election law and one will have more election controversies and lawsuits.

In the early 1990s, the field of election law did not exist. Dan Lowenstein, a professor of law at UCLA, produced the first textbook on election law. It is now in its seventh edition and joined by other election law textbooks.

Lowenstein, along with a handful of other legal scholars, taught election law in law school. But election law was esoteric and not a field of specialty for many.

Certainly, lawyers were hired to represent individuals who might be running for office, to help them with filings, navigating campaign finance or other routine matters surrounding elections. A lawyer might also be employed to help oversee what few legal challenges there were after an election if a recount was needed. Election law and lawyering were marginal pursuits.

But the real transformation in election law came in 2000 with Bush v Gore, which many said was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court when the two presidential candidates slugged out the counting of ballots in Florida in court. Prior to Bush v. Gore, in 1996 there were 108 election challenge cases, by 2020 there were 424.

Election law, as a field, came into its heyday in 2000 and since then, we have seen the dramatic growth of litigation, both before elections and afterward. Driving this growth in part is the teaching of election law in law school. More and more professors are teaching it, producing more and more election lawyers.

When all else fails, what do lawyers do as zealous for their clients?: They sue.

And so much of the litigation is driven by too much scholarship by professors, often advocating esoteric ideas in pursuit of promotion, tenure and status.

Over the years, these esoteric ideas and the election law cottage industry have propagated lawsuits leading to the dismantling of campaign finance laws in America and the equivocation of money with speech. It has perpetrated the belief in voter fraud and stolen elections. Or, in the case of Professor John Eastman, a discredited-from-the-start theory that the vice president could reject electoral votes when they counted.

As we saw in 2020, incessant yet genuinely unsuccessful and frivolous lawsuits to upend a free and fair election helped sow doubt to debunked claims that millions of votes were falsely cast or manufactured.

According to a Democracy Docket newsletter, already in 2024, we have seen well over 200 lawsuits brought before the election. Harris and Trump are lawyering up. Lawsuits, either challenging efforts to restrict voting rights or seeking to prevent such laws, are the source of many suits, as are ones directed at election administration or the counting of ballots.

It could get ugly. Consensus on establishing fair election law rules and procedures for letting the voters and not judges decide campaign outcomes is fueled and enabled by lawyers.

Among the unintended consequences of creating the field of election law has been the propelling of this increased litigation. Perhaps, according to another adage, too many election lawyers are spoiling the election broth.

David Schultz is Hamline University distinguished professor of Political Science and Legal Studies and an adjunct professor of law at the University of St. Thomas.

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A growing and alarming trend threatens to undermine the integrity of vital federal government set-asides for minority, women, veteran-owned and small disadvantaged businesses.

Unscrupulous companies, often backed by larger financial institutions, are exploiting loopholes and weak oversight to falsely claim status with the federal government as disadvantaged firms.

Federal contracting is a zero-sum game. When dollars are given to one company on a given contract, it necessarily makes them unavailable to another. Falsely claiming to be a small disadvantaged business takes away opportunities from real, deserving businesses that need these federal contracting opportunities to grow and thrive.

Two recent examples come to mind. First, Florida-based contractors HX5 LLC and HX5 Sierra LLC, together with their owner, agreed to pay more than $7.7 million to settle allegations of falsely claiming disadvantaged business status in June 2023. The companies were accused of misrepresenting the owners assets and failing to disclose payments to family members while securing contracts with NASA, the Army and the Air Force.

R&W Builders of Illinois paid $400,000 to resolve claims of fraudulently securing contracts meant for disadvantaged small businesses. The company allegedly collaborated with a qualified disadvantaged business but violated program rules by taking control of the joint venture and completing most of the work themselves.

These beliefs are deeply personal to me. I previously served as the special consultant to the head of the Small Business Association, during which time I drafted the standard operating procedures for the federal governments 8(a) minority business program.

The 8(a) program is a vital initiative designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses compete in the federal marketplace. This nine-year initiative provides participants with training, technical assistance and contracting opportunities to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

These policies and programs are lifelines for minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses and other disadvantaged enterprises. The opportunities they provide are essential for leveling the playing field, allowing these businesses to compete in a marketplace that has historically favored larger, more established corporations.

Its imperative that genuine small disadvantaged businesses can count on the access that the 8(a) and other similar programs provide. Small business set-asides provide an incredible opportunity for growth and innovation which federal agencies should encourage.

I have seen firsthand the procedures required for verification, which are extensive and time-consuming, but necessary. The SBA should absolutely lean on partners that can offer a wealth of knowledge and experience to help ensure protections for small minority-owned businesses.

Further, while government oversight remains essential, eligible and qualified small disadvantaged businesses should also have a direct hand in helping to close the loopholes that so clearly exist in the programs self-certification process.

Protecting the integrity of the small-business set-aside program is not just about fairness; it is about maintaining trust in the federal contracting system. Minority-owned businesses and other disadvantaged enterprises must be able to trust that the opportunities intended for them are not being siphoned off by companies that have no rightful claim to them. When this trust is eroded, the entire purpose of the program is undermined.

One solution to consider is robust oversight on firms that claim small disadvantaged business status. There are strict penalties for misrepresentation, such as fines up to $500,000 or up to 10 years of imprisonment, and/or both, and suspension and debarment from future contracts that should act as a significant deterrent, if enforced.

These steps, combined with leveraging advanced technologies for more effective monitoring, would go a long way toward safeguarding the integrity of the program. If minority and small disadvantaged businesses are to succeed in todays competitive marketplace, they must abide by the rules without interference by fraudulent companies.

The SBA is currently rethinking the small disadvantaged business program after federal court rulings and has placed a pause on new 8(a) applications and new rules and regulations will be coming out this fall.

My organization looks forward to enhanced collaboration with the SBA and other relevant federal agencies to drive immediate and decisive action to address this issue and prevent unqualified businesses from unfairly benefitting from a small disadvantaged business designation.

Preserving small-business set-asides for rightful recipients will ensure that the businesses these programs were designed to help are the ones that truly benefit from them, promoting fairness, equity and economic opportunity for all.

Roger Campos is the chairman and founder of the Minority Business Round Table.

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Recently implemented security upgrades at The Citadel mall have prompted a response from the mother of a girl who was paralyzed in a 2022 shooting at the shopping center.

I think it took too long, Marjorie Bell said at a Thursday Zoom news conference. Why did it take 2 years for (mall ownership) to finally do something?

On May 22, 2022, 12-year-old Makayla Anderson was shopping at The Citadel when an argument between two groups erupted into gunfire. Anderson, who was reportedly waiting for a ride home, was struck in the chest by a bullet.

As a result of her injuries, Makayla is paralyzed from the waist down and has lost partial use of her right arm, Bell said.

Last year, Stewart Miller Simmons, an Atlanta-based law firm representing Bell and her daughter filed a lawsuit against Citadel Mall Realty, Mason Asset Management and Namdar Realty, alleging substandard security practices that the law firm said led to the shooting.

These (recent) changes could easily have been done years ago, and were needed years ago, attorney L. Chris Stewart said of the case that is ongoing.

The city of Colorado Springs is hosting a community conversation 4-6 p.m. Friday at Zeal Church on the mall's west side. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The event will focus on safety and ensuring the mall is a welcoming hub.

The event will feature City Councilwoman Nancy Henjum, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez, Kevin Chadrjian from Namdar, city officials and mall tenants.

In July, the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board placed the shopping center on its list of establishments that are off-limits to active-duty service members. The board  consisting of representatives from Fort Carson, Evans Army Community Hospital, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base and the Air Force Academy  has since lifted the ban, placing the mall on a three-month probation.

The Citadels ownership group this week released a list of security improvements and updates, including repairs to its doors, lighting and emergency public address system; an increase in overall security hours (including armed security personnel); and a full review of on-site security policy.

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Stewart said on Thursday that Namdar Realty made the improvements only because its bottom line was threatened.

Its good that the military prompted these changes by barring their soldiers from going to the mall, he said.

What that shows you, and what were learning throughout our lawsuit, is that The Citadel mall and Namdar Realty only care about money. They put profits over people. So when they saw a large segment of their potential patrons were no longer going to be able to frequent the mall, suddenly theres a bunch of security updates and changes.

Kelley Simoneaux, a Washington, D.C.-based spinal cord injury attorney who also represents Bell and her daughter as part of the same lawsuit, said Makayla probably will need significant care for the rest of her life, at great expense to the family.

Theres no break for the family, theres no day off, and its lifelong, Simoneau said. Were going to make sure that the defendants in this case truly understand that impact.

Her mobility severely limited, Makayla gets around with the aid of an electric wheelchair, which she can operate with her fingers, Stewart said.

Shell never walk again. Shell never use that arm again, he said. But hopefully these (security) changes will prevent another Makayla from occurring in the future.

The Citadel, which opened in 1972 at the northwest corner of Platte Avenue and Academy Boulevard, is one of the Springs' two enclosed regional shopping malls. Like many similar malls nationwide, The Citadel has taken hits over the years as brick-and-mortar retailers, who compete with Amazon and other online marketplaces, have closed, downsized or relocated to new and trendier shopping centers.
In his play for Latino voters, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is running the risk that whatever Latino support hes assembled will crumble in the final weeks of the campaign. He and his campaign are looking silly at best and dangerous at worst.

Lets start with the silly.

In his quest for more celebrity endorsements from reggaeton stars, Trump misgendered Nicky Jam at a Las Vegas rally Friday. Latin music superstar Nicky Jam. Do you know Nicky? Shes hot, Trump said. Only when the music superstar, whos a man, walked onto the stage, did Trump notice his mistake. Oh, look, Im glad he came up, the former president said.

Despite the awkward moment, Jam eventually proclaimed in Spanish that its been four years and nothing has happened. We need Trump. Lets make America great again.

It was yet another instance of Trump insulting a Latino endorser before receiving their praise. A few weeks ago in Pennsylvania, Trump told Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA, I dont know if these people know who the hell you are, but its good for the Puerto Rican vote. Every Puerto Rican is going to vote for Trump right now. Well take it.

Ignoring the shot at his popularity, Anuel called Trump the best president the world has seen, this country has ever seen and urged Puerto Ricans to unite and vote Trump.

Many of Jams Latino fans, however, were clearly not voting for Trump. Jam deleted his Instagram endorsement after so many online comments blasted him. The legendary Mexican rock band Mana announced it would remove a 2016 song collaboration with Jam from music streamers, saying on Instagram that Mana does not work with racists.

Jam also heard it from "Dreamers," who called him out for what they said was his hypocrisy after publicly supporting undocumented youth just seven years ago. Now, Jam was backing a presidential candidate who openly calls for the largest deportation in U.S. history. As one immigrant rights activist texted me, It all feels like a betrayal.

That sense of treachery from MAGA-supporting superstars in the Latino community is no surprise. There are indeed Latinos moving to the extreme right based on the same beliefs other extreme Trump supporters espouse. Still, at a time when Trump and Republicans continue to cast all migrants as criminals not worthy of being in this country, such rhetoric feels directed at any Latino living in this country.

That brings us to the dangerous side of conservatives chaotic strategy. With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, a new Spanish-language ad from a Trump-allied group warns U.S. Latinos that while citizens have a right to vote, they should be aware that noncitizens cannot. The ad even stresses that noncitizens risk getting arrested for committing a federal crime even though, as the Brennan Center notes, such a crime is vanishingly rare.

This commercial could only have been made by people entirely out of touch with Latino voters, people who assume that all Latinos in the U.S. are surrounded by noncitizens. Read the 2024 Republican platform with its emphasis on mass deportation and youll likely walk away with the impression that all U.S. Latinos are foreign noncitizens.

The data, of course, would prove that wrong. As Pew Research noted just last week, for example, 3 out of every 10 Latino newlyweds are married to non-Latinos, with 41% of those new brides and grooms born in this country. That data slice tells a story of a changing demographic that is more English-dominant and crossing cultures. Painting Latinos as foreign invaders is a dehumanizing tactic now part of an official political campaign. The countrys Latino community is an integral part of the permanent fabric of this country, and the way Trump and Republicans continue to insist otherwise is insulting and politically dangerous.

But because Trump is Trump and his Latino strategy is bankrupt on ideas that will help Latino communities, this is likely what Latinos can expect till the election. Theres no indication that the hostile rhetoric will stop or that hell bother to learn who the Latinos who endorse him are. The sense of Latino community betrayal will be there and, each day, it will likely bring another old idea that wont stick to the wall.

For instance, after the Nicky Jam mess and the noncitizen voting ad, the Trump campaign published a video in which the former president, in the words of El Pais English, seems to dance to the rhythm of a well-known salsa song from the 1990s that no longer says Juliana, que mala eres (Juliana, youre so bad) but rather Kamala, que mala eres. (Goya Foods CEO and Trump supporter Bob Unanue also said this during his remarks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.)

Its not a new strategy. In 2020, a Spanish-language song about voting for Trump, from a Miami-based salsa band, became a social media smash. Back then, many Latinos questioned the judgment. Trump lost that election.

Trumps frantic Latino strategy has not only been insulting, but also predictable and dull. While it remains unclear how many Latino votes hell get, he has done a good job of pitting Latinos against one another and exposed those whove blindly worshipped a politician whose central tenet is xenophobia.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A big decision is currently being made at a Prosper Portland board meeting about a property near OMSI, which could end up as a Live Nation concert venue.

A city hearings officer originally approved the land use application for a developer to build a four-story concert hall that could hold up to 3,500 concertgoers. The site is now a vacant lot on Southeast Water Avenue between Water and Main Street.

Opponents like local nonprofit MusicPortland say its not right that this sale is happening the day before the City Council is set to hear their appeal of permits for the project. The organization, which represents local musicians and venues, wants to stop the project.

They believe it would be bad for local musicians, claiming Live Nation venues elsewhere take away business from smaller locations and pressure local musicians to work with them.

While Live Nation denies this, MusicPortland says the public should be involved in this decision.

This was supposed to be parking, office space and commercial industrial space for makers and artists. Thats what was approved in the public process, said board member Jamie Dunphy, who is also running for a seat in City Councils District 1. And it wasnt until 2022 that they pivoted when nobody needed office space and suddenly partnered with the largest monopoly in the music industry. There has been no public insight, no public input, and there are public dollars and public interests in this.

The U.S. Justice Department is suing Live Nation  the parent company of Ticketmaster  claiming it stifles competition and increases ticket prices. Oregon and Washingtons Attorneys General have joined in that lawsuit. Live Nation disagrees that its a monopoly, stating that competition has eroded Ticketmasters market share and profit.

On Thursday, the Portland city council will hear MusicPortlands appeal of the permits for the Live Nation project.

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(Bloomberg) -- Oprah Winfrey used her influence and popularity for decades to send fans into a frenzy, showering them with surprise gifts and turning them onto favored products and causes.

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Now Democrats hope she does the same for Kamala Harris.

The billionaire media icon will join the Democratic presidential candidate in a live-streamed town hall in Michigan on Thursday, an effort to get out the vote as some states begin distributing absentee and early ballots this month and to potentially sway undecided voters with under 50 days until Election Day.

The event teams a trailblazing entrepreneur with a candidate seeking to become the first Black woman US president in what polls show is a tight race against Republican Donald Trump.

The event in Michigan, one of three Blue Wall states critical to a Harris victory, will be in the Detroit metro area, where the campaign aims to maximize turnout to drive up statewide totals and counter Trumps support in rural areas.

Its not preaching to the choir, its getting the choir to sing, said Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, which works to mobilize women of color. Theyre turning up the volume on the urgency of the base to expand and deepen the capacity to win.

Virtual Rally

On Thursday, roughly 400 Harris supporters are expected to attend the two-hour event in person with thousands more expected to watch on platforms including YouTube, TikTok and Twitch.

The effort is being coordinated by Win With Black Women, which attracted national attention in July for bringing together Harris supporters the night after President Joe Biden exited the race to quickly raise $1.6 million. Jotaka Eaddy, founder of the group, which first worked with Winfrey in 2020, said tens of thousands of people listened to livestreams or calls of that event.

Thursdays Unite for America event aims to appeal to a wide variety of voters  more than 140 pro-Harris groups inspired by the success of the virtual gathering for Black women have been working together and are expected to participate, including Win With Black Men, Republicans for Harris and Cat Ladies for Kamala.

Winfrey will convey the importance of this election and how it connects to the day-to-day life of the people who are watching, Eaddy said.

While some members of the participating groups are already highly engaged in the race, others may need inspiration from Winfrey, Eaddy said. Its about both people who may not have been as motivated to vote and people who are motivated to help mobilize the vote across a wide swath of ethnicities and interests.

Cultural Force

Winfrey, worth $5.2 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, ended her daily talk show in 2011, but remains an influential cultural force.

Her early support of Barack Obama is credited with helping him win the 2008 Democratic nomination and she has been more engaged with Harris than any other campaign since. She surprised the Democratic National Convention with a primetime speech endorsing Harris, imploring voters to choose common sense over nonsense.

She still has an immense degree of respect and ability to convene people, said Craig Garthwaite, a professor of strategy at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management who co-authored a study about the impact Winfreys endorsement had on Obamas 2008 campaign.

Garthwaite found that in addition to her appeal to Black women, Winfrey was disproportionately effective in reaching middle-aged White women. Winfreys willingness to say she trusted Obama helped move some voters, according to Garthwaite.

The study concluded Winfrey helped Obama win one million votes that otherwise would have gone to Clinton in the closely contested primary.

Shes not on TV every day anymore and the media landscape is a lot more fragmented, so shes probably less influential than she was then but is still powerful, he said.

Winfrey made a surprise appearance on late-night host Jimmy Kimmels show on Tuesday to promote National Voter Registration Day.

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While Harris has many prominent surrogates, including Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, Winfrey has the advantage of being seen as less partisan. In her convention speech, Winfrey said she is a registered independent and emphasized Harris character more than her policy positions.

She ultimately endorsed Clinton in 2016 but did not hold any events for her and never formally backed Biden in 2020. Winfrey did host Biden and Harris for town halls run by her Oprah Winfrey Network  but not Trump.

The former president released a book last year that included a private letter Winfrey wrote to him in 2000 in which she says it is too bad were not running for office. Trump wrote that he still found the former talk show host amazing but that sadly, once I announced for president, she never spoke to me again.

Engaging Voters

Winfreys involvement will be particularly critical to engaging Black women in their 40s and older, whom Allison called the glue of the Harris coalition. Polls show Black women largely back Harris but they can also be influential in encouraging other members of their families and people in their communities to vote, Allison said.

Harris led Trump 76% to 12% with Black likely voters in a Suffolk University/USA Today poll conducted in late August. Democrats have expressed worries that more outreach must be done for Black men, a group where Trump has seized on economic anxiety to make inroads.

The town hall with Winfrey comes as Harris steps up her media engagements to reach undecided or disengaged voters, an effort where celebrities can help her breakthrough. As part of the new media blitz, Harris taped an interview with Wired on Wednesday.

The vice president picked up the support of Taylor Swift after last weeks debate and earlier this week pop star Billie Eilish. The cast of Scandal are reuniting to help launch a bus tour in Michigan focused on protecting abortion rights, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Harris on Wednesday was also joined by actress Chloe Grace Moretz on a call to organize young voters.

There is this belief, historically, that people wont actually listen to celebrities when it comes to endorsements. I think thats definitely not true, Garthwaite said. They definitely do influence peoples voting behavior.

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Waves of emotion washed over DeJuana Thompson as she stood in the convention hall in Chicago last month watching Vice President Kamala Harris become the first Black woman nominated for the presidency by a major political party.

I absolutely was overwhelmed with what can only be described as ancestral pride, said Thompson, who lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

But literally two seconds later, reality hit her, she said. I was like, Lord, we have work to do.

Around the country, Harris historic candidacy has unleashed a surge of activism among Black women like Thompson, who have long been a key part of the Democratic coalition but are now working overtime to advance the nomination of a woman who also shares their ancestry. On Thursday night, Oprah Winfrey  in collaboration with a group known as Win With Black Women  will hold a massive, virtual rally in the Detroit area, aimed at uniting groups of Harris supporters to turn out the vote. Harris is slated to participate.

In addition to the few hundred studio guests in the live audience, the Harris campaign said that nearly 200,000 people have signed up to view the Unite for America event  which will take place across several platforms, ranging from YouTube to Twitch. The rally, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET, is an outgrowth of a Zoom meeting that Win With Black Women hosted within hours of President Joe Biden ending his reelection bid on July 21.

That event quickly ballooned to more than 90,000 participants  between those on the Zoom and those tuning in through other means  delivering an early and powerful sign of Black female support for Harris historic bid.

There is a real clear understanding that this election is a monumental election, Win With Black Women founder Jotaka Eaddy told CNN.

Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority members are seen at a watch party in Pleasanton, California, for Harris' convention speech on August 22, 2024. - Juliana Yamada/AP

Groups led by Black women also are launching new political ventures to aid Harris. Alpha Kappa Alpha, the historically Black sorority Harris joined as a student at Howard University, recently created its first political action committee. Another Black sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, is undertaking its first ad campaign to get out the vote, with commercials running through September. The National Council of Negro Women, meanwhile, has joined together with its member chapters and dozens of affiliated groups, such as the Black youth organization Jack and Jill of America, on a drive to register Black women and young voters between the ages of 17 and 24.

It hits differently when someone who looks like me is at the top of the ticket, said Daria Dawson, executive director of the voter mobilization group America Votes and the first African American woman to lead the organization. Theres a renewed sense of urgency.

Hillary Holley, a veteran of Stacey Abrams unsuccessful campaigns to become Georgias first Black and first female governor, now runs Care in Action  the political arm of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

Harris ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket dramatically changed the outlook of activists on the ground and the donors who support their efforts, Holley said.

Before Bidens departure from the race, Holley, who lives and works in Georgia, had invited donors to an August 8 meeting in Atlanta to deliver a pep talk of sorts for contributors, reminding them of the elections stakes, even if they were less than enthusiastic about the presidents campaign.

But when Harris emerged as the partys standard-bearer, interest in the event soared, Holley said  with 80 donors, all but a handful of them Black women, gathering in the basement of a home in southwest Atlanta, suddenly eager to do more.

These Black women have been stepping up and really carrying Democrats over the finish line for years, decades and many, many election cycles, Holley said, because we knew we had to engage in elections to protect our communities.

Now, we get the best of both worlds, she added. We get to do it for a woman who deeply knows our struggles. Weve been waiting for this moment.

The campaign budget for Holleys group has jumped to $15 million  up from an original target of about $9 million, she said. Care in Action now plans outreach to 6.8 million voters in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina, with a goal of turning out women of color in those states who already are registered to vote but often sit out elections.

But Holley and other activists said their arguments to voters transcend Harris identity. Care in Action workers  who include nannies, house cleaners and other care workers  are focused on financial freedom and will point to Harris economic proposals as they work to persuade voters to back her in the weeks ahead, Holley said.

An attendee wears a "Black Women Lead" pin at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19, 2024. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/File

Black women lined this up

Black women make up one of the most reliable Democratic voting blocs  with 90% of them backing Biden in 2020, according to the exit polls. Their support for the Democratic presidential nominee soared to 96% in 2012, when Obama was last on the ballot.

The secret sauce of Black women is that its not just us, its how we motivate and influence, said veteran activist Melanie Campbell, chair of the Power of the Ballot Action Fund. We get the men to show up, our sons, our daughters, our nieces, our nephews.

Back in 2020, Campbell was among the Black women who urged Biden to pick a female African American running mate. And she was among the Black women who publicly urged Biden to remain in the race, following his poor June 27 debate performance.

Campbell said she feared that Democrats  once Biden left the race  would move to bypass the vice president. The message from Black women was: No, she got the 14 million (primary) votes he got, Campbell said. It was Biden-Harris.

And the groundswell of Black female support for Harris became apparent on the day Biden ended his bid when tens of thousands of people joined Win With Black Womens regular Sunday evening Zoom to rally behind the vice president, said Steve Phillips, a veteran Democratic strategist and donor.

Black women lined this up, he said.

The Win With Black Women meeting on July 21 quickly raised $1.5 million in about three hours, according to Eaddy, the groups founder. She said $20 million has now been raised by an array of grassroots groups aiding Harris campaign. (Some of those organizations, including White Dudes for Harris, Win With Black Men and Swifties for Kamala, have been invited to join Thursdays virtual rally with Harris and Winfrey.)

Attendees cheer as Harris arrives at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 12, 2024. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/File

Battleground North Carolina

In North Carolina, a state that Donald Trump won by about 74,000 votes out of some 5.4 million cast in 2020, groups led by Black women are crisscrossing the state in a scramble to expand the electorate. Black residents make up about 21% of the states population, and North Carolina is home to nearly a dozen Historically Black College and Universities.

Thompson, the Alabama activist, is the founder of Woke Vote, an organization that in 2017 helped elect Doug Jones as Alabamas first Democratic US senator in a quarter century. In this election, her work focuses heavily on a handful of states, including North Carolina and Georgia, which Biden won by fewer than 12,000 votes in 2020.

The Tar Heel State marked Trumps tightest margin of victory four years ago, and Harris is trying to become the first Democratic presidential contender to win the state since Barack Obama in 2008. Thompson, who worked on Obamas 2008 campaign in North Carolina, is focused on turning out rural Black voters in the eastern part of the state often overlooked by traditional outreach efforts, she said.

Black female organizers in the state also are extending their reach far beyond other Black women.

Janice Robinson is the North Carolina program director of an organization called Red Wine & Blue, which engages in relational organizing. She is encouraging diverse groups of suburban women to turn out their friends, neighbors and relatives for Harris and other Democrats in the Tar Heel State.

At a house party on a recent Friday morning in the Charlotte area, about a dozen people  mostly White women  gathered with Robinson to strategize over coffee, pastries and orange juice. Holding up her cellphone, she walked them through a tool to share information about the election with other North Carolinians in their contact lists.

People listen to the people that they trust, she emphasized.

Her goal is to get 40,000 voters to the polls in North Carolina.

In this screengrab from video, Janice Robinson, the North Carolina program director of Red Wine & Blue, speaks at a recent house party in Charlotte. - CNN

The North Carolina chapter of America Votes, meanwhile, is working with an array of other organizations to reach 4 million voters in the state  a record quadrupling of its outreach in past elections, said Ashlei Blue, the groups state director.

Deputy director Nervahna Crew is a veteran of several presidential elections in North Carolina, including 2016, when she logged so many miles door-knocking and literature-dropping for Hillary Clinton that she developed a cyst on her right foot. Crew said she worked overtime in that election, in part, to honor her grandmother Mary Starkey, a stalwart Democratic activist from Delaware who desperately wanted to cast a ballot to elect Clinton as the nations first female president but passed away in 2015.

This election cycle, Crews nonpartisan day job keeps her mostly focused on voter turnout rather than working directly on behalf of a candidate. But her commitment to making history in the presidential election hasnt waned, she said.

At the end of the day, what youre not going to do is blame Black women for not doing their job, she said. If were not successful this time around, it wont be because we didnt give it our all.

CNNs Ebony Davis contributed to this report.

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OREGON, Ill. (WTVO)  The Oregon Police Department was informed of alleged threats of violence made against Oregon High School reportedly planned for Friday, September 20th.

The threat was found on social media and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Rockford Office and Oregon School Administration are investigating the issue. All students involved would not be at school on September 19th, police said. No charges were announced.

Police said they believe there is no immediate danger to the school and it will remain open. There will be more officers around school grounds during the school day, according to police.

The Oregon Police Department takes all threats seriously and is committed to the safety of our community. We appreciate the ongoing support and cooperation of the Oregon School District, parents, and students as we work to resolve this matter, Police Chief Matthew Kalnins said in a statement.

On Friday, Oregon Police said, After a thorough investigation, both agencies have concluded that the threat was not credible. The student responsible for making the alleged threat had no plan to carry out any violence and did not have access to firearms.

While this matter has been resolved, both the Oregon Police Department and Oregon CUSD 220 are continuing to move forward independently to determine the appropriate consequences for those involved, authorities added.

On Wednesday, the Sycamore Police Department said it had received information about a planned threat against Sycamore Middle School made by a student on Snapchat. Authorities said the suspect was isolated from other students, and although it was determined they did make a post about a school shooting, there was no evidence that any violent act was imminent or thoroughly planned.

The suspect was charged with Making a Terrorist Threat, a Class X felony, police said.

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Oregon health officials urge people to stay up to date on their COVID shots and other vaccinations as the flu season approaches. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Oregon public health officials are asking Oregonians to take steps to protect themselves and others from the slew of respiratory illnesses likely to emerge again this winter.

COVID-19 is not the only culprit  other respiratory illnesses include influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, along with measles and whooping cough. Public health officials on Thursday encouraged people to get vaccinated and use other strategies to avoid getting sick, like hand-washing, avoiding indoor crowded gatherings and testing when symptoms appear. Face masks, while not mandatory, also help ward off illnesses, officials said.

Fortunately, we have some very effective tools to help people risk less and do more this respiratory season, Dr. Melissa Sutton, the health authoritys medical director for respiratory viral pathogens, said Thursday in a call with reporters.

Dr. Richard Bruno, health officer for Multnomah County, said the state has outbreaks currently of measles and pertussis, or whooping cough. So far, Oregon has had 31 cases of measles reported, the highest since 1991. None of those who contracted the highly contagious disease were vaccinated and two needed to be hospitalized, Bruno said.

Stay informed

For information about vaccinations, Oregonians can contact their health care provider, pharmacist or local health department.

Oregonians can also search for a clinic by ZIP code at vaccinefinder.org, by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org.

The Oregon Health Authority has more vaccination information available here.

Go here to track the Oregon Health Authoritys dashboard about outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

The last confirmed measles case was in mid-August, so Oregon may be near the end of the current outbreak, he said. However, now that children are back in school, more measles cases may emerge, Bruno said. Oregon schoolchildren are below the 95% vaccination rate thats needed for herd immunity or when enough people are immune to the disease so that it cannot easily spread.

Measles infects the respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body, often causing a high fever, cough, runny nose and rash. The measles vaccine is highly effective and required for school attendance though parents can opt out.

Oregons 550,000 schoolchildren are also required to be vaccinated against whooping cough, which has surged in Lane, Multnomah, Clackamas and several other counties. So far, 560 people have been infected with whooping cough this year compared with 26 cases in 2023, state data shows.

Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms that progress to an uncontrollable cough. Pertussis is caused by a bacteria, not a virus, which means its susceptible to antibiotics. If someone has a cough thats not getting better, they should see their health care provider, officials said.

Both measles and whooping cough are among the most contagious diseases in the world, Bruno said, and both have effective vaccines.

If someone has had measles in the past, received two vaccine doses or was born before 1957, they are immune, he said. With whooping cough, most people usually get vaccinated by age 12 and updated every 10 years as part of a tetanus booster shot, he said.

Fortunately, we have vaccines for all of these illnesses to help protect us, so please consider making sure you are up to date, Bruno said.

Groups of people who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses in general include young people, pregnant people, those with compromised immune systems and the elderly. Infants under 6 months old face the highest risk for RSV while adults older than 65 and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Public health officials said people in rural areas, which have fewer providers, should get vaccinated.

In Harney County, which is where I live, it can be three hours in a single direction to get to medical care, said Dr. Sarah Laiosa, public health officer for Malhuer and Harney counties. And I think its really important to do the things that we could do to prevent the severe disease so that they dont need to access that medical care that can be so hard to get to.

Laiosa said people should talk to their health care providers about vaccinations rather than rely upon untrustworthy sources.

Unfortunately, there is an incredible amount of disinformation on vaccines in the world today, and its important that people seek information from a health care provider they trust before deciding what is best for them, she said. I want to encourage everyone out there to ask your health provider questions you might have. They want to hear from you, and they want to inform you and empower you.

Outlook is unclear

At this point, officials dont know how severe COVID will be this winter.

Unlike other respiratory diseases, cases surged this summer in Oregon. Health authority data, based on wastewater surveillance, indicates that COVID cases are still on the rise in Canby, Florence and Medford, while cases are leveling out at many other sites. The prevalence of COVID in Hood River, Siletz, Lincoln City, Klamath Falls and Grants Pass has decreased.

Officials at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have formulated short-term forecasts for COVID but those were placed on hold during the summer.

CDC officials recommend that everyone stay up to date on their COVID shots because their effectiveness wanes over time. The latest booster shots, which were recently approved, are now available and are recommended especially for those who are at least 65 years old or at high risk of infection.

With influenza, officials look to countries in the southern hemisphere, which go through winter before the north, to figure out what strains are circulating and how severe the flu season might be. But this year theyve offered a mixed outlook.

We have a handful of countries who had quite severe influenza seasons, and then we have some countries that had really mild seasons, so we really dont have a clear picture of what were facing this year, Sutton said, adding thats why its important to stay updated on vaccinations.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand launched an effort on Wednesday to end a ban preventing the United States Postal Service from shipping alcohol with a new bill.

The senators USPS Shipping Equity Act would allow USPS to ship alcoholic beverages directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers 21-years-old and older in accordance with state and local shipping regulations.

While private shipping companies such as FedEx can already ship alcohol, a Prohibition-era ban prevents the USPS from shipping alcoholic beverages, the senators explained.

Portland pizzeria still one of the best in the world, but ranking changes

The bill would give the USPS two years to develop regulations and implement the law to ensure the agency can safely make the deliveries to adult consumers with identification checks in place.

In an interview on Wednesday with KOIN 6 News, Sen. Merkley said theres two key factors behind the push to include the USPS in shipping alcohol. First, USPS ships to rural destinations, so the bill could provide shipping access to alcoholic products for people living in these areas. Second, the bill could provide competition for shipping rates.

All American businesses deserve the same access to the U.S. Postal Service when it comes to delivering their products to their consumersand we all have a vested interest in making sure the USPS thrives, Sen. Merkley said. Finally eliminating a Prohibition-era ban on shipping wine, beer, and spirits through the mail will ensure that wineries, breweries, and distillers in Oregon and throughout America have another option to consider when it comes to selling their world-class products, while also helping to boost the competitiveness of the USPS.

Third set of human remains found in Gifford Pinchot National Forest since August

Citing a 2023 report from the International Wine and Spirits Record, the senators noted that direct-to-consumer shipping continues to soar with e-commerce sales anticipated to reach $40 billion by 2027; however, breweries, distilleries, and wineries face limited shipping options to get their products to consumers under current regulations.

We have a hugely-growing spirits industry in Oregon. Its grown from 2009, we had 14 spirits makers  thats something other than beer and wine  to now 100 and it accounts for a big sector of our economy, some $2 billion, Sen. Merkley told KOIN 6 News.

Merkley and Gillibrand said the USPS Shipping Equity Act would level the playing field for alcohol producers and retailers and would generate an estimated $190 million per year for the Postal Service.

3 arrested after warrant yields stolen mail from over 200 victims

The bill has received several endorsements including support from the American Postal Workers Union, the National Association of Letter Carriers AFL-CIO, the Brewers Association for Small and Independent Craft Brewers, and the American Craft Spirits Association.

The United States Postal Service and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission declined to comment on the proposed legislation.

The bill comes after the OLCC created a new program in 2023 that regulated third-party home alcohol delivery in an effort to make it harder for minors and visibly intoxicated people to obtain home deliveries.

Oregon leaders welcome WNBA franchises much-deserved return to Portland

The agency announced that companies such as Grubhub, Instacart, DoorDash and Uber Eats will be required to have a third-party delivery facility permit and will also be required to train their employees on proper liquor delivery.

The program followed Oregon lawmakers approval of House Bill 3308, a measure designed to further monitor who can accept booze from home.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Oregon Zoo has officially been honored for 50 years of continuous accreditation.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) presented them with the Half Century Award this week at their annual conference in Canada.

Portland ranked the best coffee city in the U.S., according to WalletHub

In a letter to the Oregon Zoo from AZAs board of directors, they wrote of the zoos decades-long commitment to maintaining the highest standards in animal care and welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, staffing, facilities, safety, guest services and more.

According to zoo staff, Oregon and Philadelphia are the only two zoos in the world to earn this distinction, becoming the first two to receive AZA accreditation in 1974.

We are deeply honored, said Oregon Zoo director Heidi Rahn. These awards are some of the highest accolades in the zoo world. They signify the respect of our peers from all across the country and beyond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A convicted Orlando serial rapist who is already serving two life sentences pled guilty to another sexual assault in a 36-year-old cold case Wednesday after the victim urged police to reexamine DNA evidence.

George William Girtman, 70, known as the Malibu Rapist for multiple sexual assaults in the area around west Orlandos Malibu neighborhood in the 1980s and 90s, agreed to a deal with prosecutors in which he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to just over three years in prison.

The plea was for Girtmans attack on Gail Gardner, a single mother assaulted inside her home in 1988. With advances in forensic science, she had the Orlando Police Department test her old rape kit for DNA evidence, leading to Girtman not only being identified as the suspect in her case after 33 years, but also in the cases of six other women from 1985 to 1990.

Girtman was subsequently re-arrested in 2021 and charged in relation to 15 cold cases. 16 charges  eight counts of sexual battery, seven counts of burglary and one count of kidnapping  besides Gardners case were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

At a press conference with Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain on Wednesday, Gardner said she was satisfied with the cases outcome  for now.

My strength would go towards  my purpose is to help those who have settled their time served and those who have not through their healing journey as survivors of sexual abuse, she said.

Survivor of Malibu Rapist praised for courage as Orlando detectives file charges in 15 cold cases

She has spent decades advocate for victims of sexual assault. Her efforts saw the Florida Legislature pass Gails Law in 2021 requiring a database tracking rape kits, for victims to be kept informed about the status of evidence in their case and for the kits to be submitted for testing within 30 days and and be processed within 120 days.

In a press release, State Attorneys Office spokesperson Jason Gunn said the other six victims were still able to give their impact statement at court along with Gardner.

The cases Girtman is suspected of being involved in are linked together by the geographical area and tactics he allegedly used. He would stealthily enter womens homes at night and would wake them up from bed with a knife to their throat. He would often target women with children and would threaten to return and harm the victim and the children if they contacted police. He even attacked the same women twice  sometimes years apart, according to court records.
ORLANDO, Fla.  A convicted Orlando serial rapist who is already serving two life sentences pleaded guilty to another sexual assault in a 36-year-old cold case Wednesday after the victim urged police to reexamine DNA evidence.

George William Girtman, 70, known as the Malibu rapist for multiple sexual assaults in the area around west Orlandos Malibu neighborhood in the 1980s and 90s, agreed to a deal with prosecutors in which he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to just over three years in prison.

The plea was for Girtmans attack on Gail Gardner, a single mother assaulted inside her home in 1988. With advances in forensic science, she had the Orlando Police Department test her old rape kit for DNA evidence, leading to Girtman not only being identified as the suspect in her case after 33 years, but also in the cases of six other women from 1985 to 1990.

Girtman was subsequently re-arrested in 2021 on 18 charges, including 10 counts of sexual battery with a deadly weapon, seven counts of burglary and one count of kidnapping. All 17 charges besides Gardners case were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

At a press conference with Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain on Wednesday, Gardner said she was satisfied with the cases outcome  for now.

My strength would go towards  my purpose is to help those who have settled their time served and those who have not through their healing journey as survivors of sexual abuse, she said.

She has spent decades advocate for victims of sexual assault. Her efforts saw the Florida Legislature pass Gails Law in 2021 requiring a database tracking rape kits, for victims to be kept informed about the status of evidence in their case and for the kits to be submitted for testing within 30 days and and be processed within 120 days.

In a press release, State Attorneys Office spokesperson Jason Gunn said the other six victims were still able to give their impact statements in front of Girtman at court.

The cases were linked together by the geographical area and tactics used by Girtman. He would stealthily enter womens homes at night and would wake them up from bed with a knife to their throat. He would often target women with children and would threaten to return and harm the victim and the children if they contacted police. He even attacked the same women twice  sometimes years apart, according to court records.

_____
Starting Thursday, families and friends of firefighters from around the world will meet in Colorado Springs for the annual Fallen Fire Fighter remembrance weekend, which dates back to the 1980s.

The weekend's main event is the 10 a.m. Saturday remembrance ceremony at Memorial Park, where the International Association of Fire Fighters will add the names of 306 fallen firefighters from the United States and Canada to the Wall of Honor.

Each honorees name will be read aloud followed by the tolling of a bell, and the name etched on a granite wall beside those who fell before them.

For the first time since 2011, a former member of the Colorado Springs Fire Department will be one of the honorees. Bobby Keese was a Colorado Springs Fire Department driver and engineer who died on Oct. 20, 2023, due to causes associated with his duties. Bobby Keese was a Colorado Springs Fire Department driver and engineer who died on Oct. 20, 2023, due to causes associated with his duties.

Keese joined the Colorado Springs Fire Department in May 1993 and served 30 years with the department, 24 spent as a driver/engineer.

Because of rain in the forecast for Saturday, the memorial has been moved up an hour and will now start at 10 a.m. instead of the typical 11 a.m. The annual Honor Ride procession will start at approximately 9:15 a.m. near the Olympic & Paralympic Museum parking lot and end near Memorial Park around 9:30 a.m.

The Fire Fighter Memorial Wall is located at the northwest corner of Memorial Park, and the ceremony will be held outside. Sunscreen is recommended alongside drinking plenty of water as temperatures are projected to be in the mid-70s. An umbrella also is also encouraged with rain developing toward the afternoon.

Curt Crumb, president of IAFF Union Local 5, who is helping run the event, says he is expecting nearly 15,000 people to flock to Colorado Springs for the weekend's events, with as many as 10,000 attending the ceremony on Saturday.

Crumb encourages those coming to the event to arrive early, because parking is limited and attendees probably will need to walk some distance to the ceremony.

Featured Local Savings

For downtown travelers, Tejon Street between Colorado and Pikes Peak avenues will be closed Friday and Saturday night for the annual bagpipe parade that will start at 8 o'clock. Roads will be closed for the remainder of the evening, Crumb said.

Below is a schedule of events that are open to the public:

Friday

4-6:30 p.m.  Family and friends gathering at Weidner Field featuring food, live music and games.

8 p.m.  Massed Pipes and Drums Band parade will begin in front of Jack Quinns, 21 S. Tejon St.

Saturday

11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Memorial service scheduled at the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial. After the ceremony, a shuttle will take attendees back to their hotels in 20-minute intervals.

8 p.m.  Massed Pipes and Drums Band parade begins in front of Jack Quinns, 21 S. Tejon St.

To learn more about this year's scheduled events and ceremony, click or tap here.
MILESBURG, Pa. (WTAJ)  Less than a year after an employee died in an accident while on the job, a Centre County trash hauling company has been fined by OSHA again and for the same safety violations that led to the tragedy.

Back in January, 38-year-old Nathen Kerstetter, an employee of Newman Hill, Inc., was killed in an accident after the driver of the garbage truck he was working on the back of failed to notice an overhanging tree while backing up.

ORIGINAL STORY: One dead after garbage truck accident in Centre County

OSHA fined Newman Hill $16,000 for the serious violation of having a loader riding on the back of the truck while in reverse. The driver faced only a charge of $200.

But now Kelly Kerstetter, Nathens mom, is speaking out because she feels lessons were not learned from her sons death. She said the same driver of the truck when her son was killed continues this dangerous behavior to this day.

I dont want anyone else to get hurt. They are not to have a loader on the back when theyre going in reverse to prevent what happened to my son from happening to someone else, Kerstetter said. I dont want that. I dont want any other family to go through what were going through.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Centre County garbage company fined over $16K for workers death

Kerstetter took videos of the truck backing up the street with a loader on the back. After she showed these videos to OSHA, the agency slapped the trash company with a second $16,000 citation in July. Yet, it is still happening.

OSHA-Newman-Hill-citation-July-2024Download

When we reached out to Newman Hill to ask about this OSHA citation and the steps the company has taken to fix the problem since Januarys fatal accident, the woman on the phone said, No comment, and promptly hung up.

But the company continues to avoid more than just WTAJ. Kerstetter said following her sons death, the company didnt so much as send a sympathy card.

I really havent seen any remorse condolences or received condolences from Newmans or the driver, Kerstetter said.

Januarys accident was not the first time the actions of this driver were called into question, according to Kerstetter. She said other loaders prior to her son were hurt by the same driver and that it was brought to the owners attention. One loader quit when it was left unaddressed.

Now Kerstetter believes her sons death could have been prevented if the company took action and hopes her message reaches them.

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If you would have taken care of some of the things that happened in the past with this driver, then my son might still be alive today, Kerstetter said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV)  The Oshkosh Police Department is welcoming therapy dog K9 Gema to the force, who follows in the paw prints of K9 Magic who tragically passed away in late 2023.

K9 Gema, who was professionally trained through the Journey Together program, is a 2-year-old female Yellow Labrador who will provide emotional support to both members of our community and Officers. Gema will be paired with Behavioral Health Officer Scott Sopata.

Sopata responds to behavioral health-related calls, and highly sensitive/emotional calls for service, as well as being used to support employees of the Oshkosh Police Department after Critical Incidents.

Manitowoc Rapids supervisors choose to contract with volunteer FDs over city of Manitowoc

K9 Gema, Oshkosh Police Department

Behavioral Health Officer Scott Sopata and K9 Gema, Oshkosh Police Department

Chief Dean Smith and K9 Gema, Oshkosh Police Department

Gemas love, kindness, and support will bring a sense of calm to high-stress situations and will be an important asset to both the Department and the City of Oshkosh, a release from the Oshkosh PD states.

I was very excited to hear that the City of Oshkosh and our Police Department wanted our facility dog program to continue. Magic opened so many doors of success and I know that Gema will continue that legacy while this program continues to grow. It was an honor to work with Journey Together, their trainers, and volunteers during this successor dog process. Behavioral Health Officer Scott Sopata

I love people: Students in Neenah surprise beloved 100-year-old Arline Dabill on her birthday

The release notes Oshkosh PDs sentiment towards mental health wellness, stating that it is a priority for both its employees and community members.

We are very excited to welcome K9 Gema to our team. She will continue the great work that K9 Magic started and will be a blessing to our community, said Chief Dean Smith. We are very thankful that Journey Together donated K9 Gema to our Behavioral Health Team.

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Ali Bongo claims his wife (pictured) and son are being tortured in detention [AFP]

Gabon's deposed President Ali Bongo has announced he will quit politics a year after he was toppled from power by a military coup.

"I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition," Mr Bongo said in a letter addressed to the Gabonese people.

The 65-year-old also called for the release of his wife and son who are in detention awaiting trial on corruption allegations.

It is not clear whether his statement follows any negotiations with the military rulers, or if he is hoping that by agreeing to quit politics, he will secure his familys freedom.

Mr Bongo suffered a stroke in 2018 and his health was a major source of concern for many in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

The army seized power last August, shortly after Mr Bongo was declared the winner of the election, which was disputed by the opposition.

He had led the oil-rich country since 2009 when he succeeded his father who had been in power for more than 40 years. The family had strong links to France, the former colonial power in Gabon.

The coup, led by Gen Brice Oligui Ngeuma, was greeted by celebrations at home but was condemned by regional and continental bodies, as well as France.

A week after the military takeover, the deposed president was released from house arrest but he has remained in the capital, Libreville.

Gen Nguema has so far taken a conciliatory approach towards the deposed president, saying he is free to go abroad.

But in his letter Mr Bongo said his movements remained restricted and subject to daily surveillance.

"My visits depend on the authorisation of the military. Isolated from the outside world without communications, without news of my family," he added.

He also called for an end to the "violence and torture" committed against his French-born wife Sylvia and son Noureddin and said they should both be released.

His wife and son are being held in pre-trial detention on allegations of embezzling public funds.

Mrs Bongo is facing charges of money laundering, forgery and the falsification of documents. She has not made any public comment on the charges.

Her lawyer, Francois Zimeray, last year criticised her detention and was quoted as calling it arbitrary and illegal.

Mr Bongo said both his wife and son were "helpless scapegoats", adding that his decision to quit active politics also applied to them.

The military authorities have not commented on Mr Bongo's statement but have denied previous claims they were torturing members of his family.

Mr Bongo and his family have been accused of enriching themselves at the expense of the nation during their decades in power - an allegation they deny.

Gabon is an oil-rich country, but one third of its 2.4 million people live below the poverty line, according to the United Nations.

While acknowledging the shortcomings of his presidency, Mr Bongo hoped the junta would end what he termed "national suffering" and pleaded for national reconciliation.

"I understand that despite the achievements made under my mandates, too many Gabonese people are still suffering and this remains my greatest regret."

Gen Nguema has promised that there will be free and fair elections leading to the establishment of a new civilian government.

However, he has not publicly commented on whether or not he will run for the countrys top job in polls that are planned for next year.

"I call on my country, its leaders and my fellow citizens to renounce vengeance and to write its next history with harmony and humanity," Mr Bongo added, pledging never to pose any threat or trouble during the country's transition.

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As North Texas endured triple-digit temperatures in mid-July and throughout August, children on summer vacation looked for a pool or splash pad to cool down at. Now that the school year is in full swing, the importance of getting children outdoors is still being prioritized, but the lingering high temperatures coupled with infrastructure woes are making it difficult to provide this need to students and children.

Texas is no stranger to the extreme heat. The Dallas-Fort Worth area reached a high of 107 on Aug. 19, almost one week after students returned to school in the Fort Worth Independent School District. Air conditioning woes also disrupted the first day of school last year in Fort Worth ISD as 25 campuses had cooling issues in parts of their buildings. As heat has been shown to lead to learning losses for students and medical complications for young children, its an issue thats becoming difficult to ignore. But as temperatures continue to rise across the United States and worldwide, the extreme heat is disrupting the array of benefits children receive when going outdoors.

A working paper published in January by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University digs into the specifics of how extreme heat negatively impacts child development and health, as children are more vulnerable to excessive heat. Their smaller bodies heat up more quickly, their body temperature regulates less efficiently because they are still developing, and they rely on their caregivers to provide them with water and cool environments.

The Harvard paper notes that the dangers of excessive heat during pregnancy, infancy and childhood receive less attention compared to the dangers it poses on older people and those with heart and lung conditions. Premature birth and low birth weight, learning loss for school-age children and heat-related illness and death are only a few of the impacts.

Children do not sweat as much as adults, which is a barrier to one of the bodys main cooling mechanisms. The inability for the body to cool itself properly can lead not only to kidney failure or seizures, for example, but it also leads to disruptions with learning loss, sleep quality and mental health, according to the paper. Learning loss comes into play as a hot classroom environment distracts students and teachers from focusing, and the heat itself is linked to slower cognitive function. Research shows heat has a direct correlation to school performance.

One analysis of school age children in the US, England, Sweden, and Denmark calculated that the temperature for optimal concentration is 72F or lower. Student performance on psychological tests and school tasks can be expected to increase on average by 20% if classroom temperatures are lowered from 86F to 68F, according to the paper. Conversely, studies show that school performance decreases as temperatures rise. In New York City, for example, learning losses increased by up to 50% when school day temperatures went above 100F compared to days above 90F.

Excessive heat can also perpetuate disparities that are already existing, said Dr. Lindsey Burghardt, the chief science officer at the Center on the Developing Child and an author of the paper. Burghardt is also the founding director of the centers Early Childhood Scientific Council for Equity and the Environment and a practicing primary care pediatrician.

Excessive heat disproportionately affects low-income communities of color that have been subject to discriminatory zoning and lending practices like redlining. The paper notes that lower-income students are more likely to attend schools with inadequate air conditioning compared to higher-income students. Additionally, Hispanic and Black households are less likely to have access to air conditioning versus white households.

Heat is so contextually important, and the ways that people are going to experience it really depend on what resources they have to access mitigating and cooling measures. That can be really, really different depending on where you live, Burghardt said.

The consequences of this are far-reaching because of the educational and developmental value of children spending time outside. For example, vitamin D plays a vital role for their immune systems and bone development, while free play allows them to build skills for troubleshooting, problem solving and multitasking. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, outdoor play also promotes better sleep, allows children to take appropriate risks and supports science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.

Audrey Rowland, founder and CEO of Green Space Learning and president of the Texas Association for the Education of the Young Children, oversees a nature preschool in north Fort Worth where the daily schedule of 40 infants, toddlers and preschoolers revolves around the outdoors. Rowland and her staff keep eyes on the heat index and air quality daily to determine if there needs to be a shift in times that the children are outdoors, but the outdoor spaces are built to be resilient against the Texas heat. They have big, mature trees for shade and man-made shade sails, in addition to a water pump and mister. The children always have access to cold drinking water as well.

On days when the air quality is lower, Green Space teachers pivot to activities that are more passive and expend less energy, such as reading or creating art, Rowland said.

The difference in kind of a nature preschool environment is that we have so many things to do outside, so were conducting a normal preschool outdoors. Theres art, theres science, theres dramatic play. Its not just run and climb and play, she said. Our classrooms open to the playground as well. Particularly in the summer, the doors stay open and children can move in and out as they need to as well.

Rowland noted how the topic has garnered the attention of lawmakers in a handful of U.S. states where its mandated that schools provide recess time every day while making it illegal to take it away as a punishment. Additionally, initiatives such as the National Schoolyard System, which increases tree canopy on public school grounds nationwide to provide shade and shield students from extreme heat, are creating the needed infrastructure to build resilience against climate change and its impact on children.

Being outside is so critical to learning and development, to increasing those neurotransmitters, to increasing dopamine and mood, Rowland said. Creating some strategies around being outside even when the weather isnt ideal is just basic care for children.

Dr. Lisa Patel, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Stanford School of Medicine and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, said the temperature at which humans cant adapt anymore is 115 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal humidity and many places around the world have shattered this record. The transition to renewable forms of energy and abandoning fossil fuels is a crucial step to avoiding a future where its unsustainable to be outdoors, she said.

We keep thinking that its going to be OK, we can adjust to the next thing thats coming, but theres a point at which, sure we could technically adapt, but were talking about a radically different childhood. Radically different ways of living than what we grew up with. This is the world we really want to live in? Inside all the time, because its too scorching hot to be outdoors? Patel said.

States can also make more investments in climate resilience, such as Californias $100 million investment that went toward creating spaces for people to go during extreme weather events like extreme heat, she noted. On a federal level, the funding issued to the Centers for Disease Control needs to be increased dramatically, she said.

We need to vastly increase the funding of both the CDC and increase the funding of the Office for Climate Change and Health Equity to be able to do this job of figuring out programs and educational initiatives and the kinds of initiatives that we need to keep people safe, Patel said.
Erie, Pa. (WJET/WFXP)  Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies announced one of the largest criminal arrests in Eries history on Thursday.

This comes after several raids were conducted throughout Erie and western Pennsylvania that resulted in the arrest of 22 individuals, with five more being searched for.

More than two dozen people from the Erie area were indicted on drug and firearms-related charges as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation (OCDETF).

According to FBI officials out of Pittsburgh, 27 people have been federally indicted for their alleged roles in drug operations and firearms violations throughout the region  22 of those people are from the City of Erie.

15 arrested after FBI, local police conduct several raids Wednesday morning

Together, officials allege the defendants in these cases made up a network of overlapping regional drug dealers based out of Erie.

In total, they were thought to be distributing more than two kilograms of cocaine, 12 kilograms of methamphetamine, two kilograms of fentanyl powder and more than 20,000 fentanyl pills.

Investigators with the Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) task force claim it amounts to several hundred thousand dollars worth of narcotics.

These cases are not about the number of defendants charged. They are about making a difference in the lives of ordinary people who just want to walk down the street or go to a playground without fear of encountering violent, armed drug traffickers, said United States Attorney Eric Olshan, Western District of Pennsylvania.

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Beyond the drug charges, devices known as switches have become prevalent in the area, and some have been taken off of the streets with these arrests.

Those switches are attached to semi-automatic weapons making them fully automatic and even more dangerous.

Olshan said they believe another drug network will step up to fill the void in the area after these arrests. But he said theyre already working to stop these people before they embed themselves into the community.

Were told many of these drugs were linked with the Mexican Cartel and made their way into Erie and the United States through checked baggage.

Erie police investigate child luring incident in North East

The cartels are using different technological methods. We cant really discuss them here, but were trying to stay out in front of this and develop techniques to stop them as they come across the border, said Christopher Giordano, assistant special agent in charge, FBI.

As of right now, the five men below are still at large, and investigators are tracking them down.

Raids conducted have been ongoing for the past four months, many happening Wednesday starting at 6 a.m. This is the third large-scale arrest operation in the Erie area in as many years.

But our work does not stop with yesterdays results. Today, we begin new investigations. We start fighting again to bring justice to these individuals that are pushing this poison and this violence into this community and communities all across western Pennsylvania, Giordano added.

Our resolve is stronger than theirs. Our office and our law enforcement partners standing here with us here today have been working out on the streets to keep our communities safe, free of drugs and gun violence, and are steadfast in our shared commitment to identify and prosecute those who put the public at risk, Olshan said.

The full list of alleged suspects can be viewed below. Indictments are legal accusations, all defendants are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

Defendant Charges 14 defendants charged in group one Colone D. Roberts  Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400g or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and methamphetamine

 Possession with intent to distribute 400g or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl

 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

 Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime Amajaeon D. Moore  Conspiracy to possess 400g or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute

 Attempt to possess 400g or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute

 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

 Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance Onyeah L. Roberts Possession of fentanyl Shaliel D. Wall  Conspiracy to possess 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of meth with intent to distribute

 Possession of 40g or more of fentanyl and possession of meth with intent to distribute

 Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime Dajuwon B. Faulkner Scat  Conspiracy to possess 40g or more of fentanyl and 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute

 Possession of 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute Oliver D. Williams Conspiracy to possess 40g or more of fentanyl and 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute Jamaine J. Gambill Conspiracy to possess 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute Noah D. Thomas Conspiracy to possess 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute Desmar D. Sansom Conspiracy to possess 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl Kory P. Durfey Conspiracy to distribute and possess quantity of fentanyl and meth Michael R. Nelson  Conspiracy to possess 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute

 Possession of 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute John A. Lauver  Conspiracy to possess 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute

 Possession of 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute Deborah L. Bean Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute meth Terrell L. Stonewall Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute meth 4 defendants charged in group two Thomas D. Moffett Tommy  Conspiracy to distribute and possess 40g or more of fentanyl and 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute

 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Jaymii A. Davis Conspiracy to distribute and possess 40g or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute Elisabeth M. Burger Conspiracy to possess 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute Paul S. Denning Conspiracy to possess a quantity of meth and fentanyl with intent to distribute Defendants charged individually Christopher E. Barnes Possession of 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute Darrian M. Brooks  Possession with intent to distribute 400g or more of fentanyl

 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon

 Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime Lee E. McLaurin Jr. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine Miciah R. McLaurin Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine Oarmell B. Douglas Mel Possession of 500g or more of cocaine, 40g or more of fentanyl, and 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute Oujacquan A. Jones Possession of 50g or more of meth and cocaine with intent to distribute Brendon Malone Possession of a machinegun Aaquil Pacley  Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute

 Possession of 50g or more of meth with intent to distribute

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Overdose deaths have continued to drop, now at their lowest level in 3 years, data shows

The estimated number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. have been dropping for months and are now at their lowest levels in three years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Deaths from overdoses dropped for the first time in five years in 2023, following a steady rise during the pandemic. However, the current number of overdose deaths still remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.

In April 2024, the latest month with data, the estimated number of deaths in the past 12 months was 101,168, according to the CDC. The last month with figures that low was in May of 2021, with 100,997 deaths.

PHOTO: An undated stock photo showing Fentanyl. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)

Data from other sources, such as emergency department visits and calls to EMS, support the downward trend, according to an analysis led by Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, a senior scientist at the Injury Prevention Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He tells ABC News that the data may point to 20,000 fewer deaths annually, or more.

While experts continue to explore possible reasons driving the decline, there are a few public health initiatives to curb drug overdoses that may be showing signs of success.

MORE: Drug overdose deaths fell in 2023, 1st decrease in 5 years: CDC

Enhanced access to naloxone, expanded treatment programs for opioid use disorder, and increased public awareness about the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl are likely playing significant roles in saving lives, said Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Childrens Hospital and an ABC News medical contributor.

Another potential explanation for the downturn, Dasgupta says, may be related to changes in the drug supply, such as more people using xylazine, a dangerous, non-opioid animal sedative that's often mixed with other illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

Xylazine makes people use less fentanyl, is the bottom line, Dasgupta told ABC News, while citing research that showed that those who overdosed and tested positive for xylazine had less severe health outcomes than those who did not have xylazine in their system. This could be due to the fact that those who used illicit substances, like fentanyl, mixed with xylazine may be using those substances less often, Dasgupta said.

PHOTO: In this April 23, 2024, file photo, an exhibitor shows attendees a rapid fentanyl detection test during the Multilateral Conference on Synthetic Drugs in Mexico City. (Yuri Cortez/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

We're seeing this pattern kind of happening that looks a lot like a change in the drug supply, more so than just explained by all the interventions in the public health space, Dasgupta added. It's probably a mix of all these things at the end of the day, but something really changed in the third quarter of last year.

Within each state, however, the decline in overdose deaths is not uniform among all people. Maryland, for example, experienced a decline in deaths among white populations, yet an increase among Black populations, Dasgupta points out.

Changes in drug overdose deaths also vary greatly by state, with some still experiencing increases in the past 12 months, CDC data shows. States with the greatest dips in overdose deaths over the past year, according to the same data, were Nebraska, North Carolina, Vermont, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, in that descending order.

MORE: Overdose reversal drug Narcan will be available to buy over-the-counter starting in September

PHOTO: In this Jan. 25, 2024, file photo, a used Narcan brand Naloxone nasal spray rests on the street after paramedics and police responded to a suspected fentanyl drug overdose in Portland, Oregon. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

While the national downward trend may continue, experts told ABC News it may not be permanent.

We've seen dips that have been erased a year later. So, I'm cautious. I feel like things really haven't cooled down yet, Dasgupta said. It feels like we've put the lid on the pot, but we're still at a rolling boil. There's still a lot of people dying of overdose.

It's crucial that we continue to intensify our efforts to address the root causes of the opioid epidemic, Brownstein said. We need to continue investing in comprehensive strategies that address the complex factors driving the opioid crisis.

Jake Goodman, MD, MBA is a psychiatry resident physician and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.

Overdose deaths have continued to drop, now at their lowest level in 3 years, data shows originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A bill in the Pa. Senate would require app-based employers like Uber and DoorDash to contribute to benefit accounts. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Delivery and rideshare apps like DoorDash and Uber would be required to contribute to an account to help their workers pay for benefits under legislation now being considered in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Supporters of the bill say it would provide a measure of protection for workers classified as independent contractors under Pennsylvania law who are not eligible for benefits such as workers compensation or unemployment.

But Senate Bill 967 received opposition from Democratic lawmakers in a vote by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia), the committees ranking Democrat, said before the 8-6 vote that while the bills intent of providing some support to app-based workers is admirable, it would make it more difficult for such workers to access benefits. He noted that labor unions including the AFL-CIO and Service Employees International Union 32BJ have opposed the bill.

While this might seem like increased flexibility, it effectively enables companies to avoid contributing to workers benefit accounts, further reducing the minimal protections offered, Street said, calling for a vote against the bill.

Street told the Capital-Star in an interview he believes the bill is overly broad because it would classify anyone hired through an app as an independent contractor not eligible for benefits.

Employers could frustrate the provisions of the law regarding employee benefits by hiring through an app, Street said. Just because someone is hired through an app does not mean that they are an independent contractor.

An amendment to the bill removed a requirement for companies to provide occupational accident insurance to workers, which Street said was one of the positive aspects of the original bill.

Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster), SB 967s prime sponsor, said that most gig workers prefer to maintain their independent contractor status and his legislation is an effort to provide them with well-deserved benefits and protections.

Indeed, most gig workers have a full-time job or access to benefits and utilize gig work to supplement their income, Augment said in a statement to the Capital-Star. I think its time for Pennsylvania to recognize this modern workforce and provide them with these benefits and protections while respecting their desire to keep the flexibility these jobs provide.

The bill is awaiting a roll-call vote by the full Senate.

DoorDash launched a pilot benefits account program in Pennsylvania earlier this year with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros support. It gives workers the option to enroll and receive a percentage of their earnings as contributions to a benefits account enabling them to save for retirement, pay health care costs or compensate for lost income. Shapiros office did not respond to a request for comment on SB 967.

In a statement, DoorDash said about 4,400 people who work for the company have signed up to participate. At the end of July, DoorDash had contributed $440,000 to participating workers.

In an interview arranged by a DoorDash spokesperson, DoorDash worker Jim Ryan of Natrona Heights, in Allegheny County, said he signed up for the program immediately after it was announced and said the account serves as a cushion for unexpected expenses and possibly a Disney vacation with his wife and grandson.

Ryan said the account also serves as an incentive to spend more time working for DoorDash because the benefit account contributions increase his earnings. But Ryan said his wifes employer provides their health insurance.

DoorDash and other gig economy employers have fought a national movement to have their workers classified as employees, which would give the workers access to benefits and protections under state and federal laws. DoorDash alone has spent $930,000 lobbying Congress so far this year, according to opensecrets.org.

Proponents of maintaining independent contractor status for gig workers say those workers value the flexibility of not having to work a set schedule and take assignments between other obligations.

Ryan said thats what drew him to DoorDash when his mother had a stroke, his wife was undergoing treatment for cancer and he and his wife started helping to care for their grandson.

Gabe Morgan, vice president and Pennsylvania director of SEIU 32BJ, said the Pennsylvania Legislature should be focused on giving gig workers the same protections that unions have fought for decades to secure. Lawmakers could also give gig workers the right to collectively bargain under state law, Morgan said.

Fundamentally we think the problem in Pennsylvania is that workers dont have enough rights and taking away rights because people work for an app is a terrible thing to do, Morgan said.

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Israel and Hezbollah traded new missile attacks on Thursday after a second day of exploding electronic devices in Lebanon that have killed at least 37 people and wounded 3500 more, raising fears of an all-out war.

Separately, Israel announced it arrested an Israeli businessman last month after he attended meetings in Iran and discussed assassinating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Reuters reported.

Multiple sources say Israels spy agency Mossad is responsible for the thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies that have exploded across Lebanon this week, saying the agency is targeting members of the Iran-backed political party and militant group Hezbollah. Israel has not yet commented on the explosions.

SIGNALS

The pager operation could have devastating consequences

Sources: John Spencer, Haaretz, The Guardian

The pager operation was unparalleled in its secrecy, lethality, ingenuity, audacity, and impact, an expert in urban warfare at the Modern War Institute wrote on X. Yet the attack did nothing to make Israel safer or secure the return of hostages, a columnist argued in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, saying it could instead trigger a war in the north that will dwarf the devastation in Gaza. The pager explosions produced what lawyers call excessive incidental civilian harm, one of the criticisms leveled at Moscow regarding its alleged war crimes in Ukraine, in a way that risks normalizing violations of international law elsewhere in the region, The Guardian argued in an editorial.

Pager bombings amount to psychological warfare

Sources: The New York Times, The Atlantic

The operation was long in the making, The New York Times reported: Small numbers of booby-trapped pagers began shipping to Lebanon in 2022, after a shell company was set up by Israeli intelligence officials. Israel was probably tempted to set off the explosives sooner, lest Hezbollah raised the alarm, but their psychological effect was all the more devastating because of how long they were in place: It is unsettling enough to know that your enemy found his way into the front pocket of your skinny jeans. It is even worse to know that he has been there for five months, The Atlantic wrote.
The operation that used pagers and walkie-talkies to kill members of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was ingenious  but was it legal?

Certainly, there are those who will argue that it was. That thinking goes like this: Hezbollah has been attacking Israel with rockets, and the pagers and radios purchased by Hezbollah could be expected to be used by the same people involved in decisions to send those missiles. As such, the killings, if carried out by Israel as is widely believed, would appear to be targeted and warranted. While some bystanders may die or be injured, they would likely be associated with Hezbollah, according to this line of thinking.

But that is not the right assessment, according to international law. Under law I have taught for over 40 years, hiding explosives in everyday objects makes them booby traps  and in almost every case, using a booby trap designed to kill is a crime.

Prohibited means of warfare

It is important to affirm that the acts that apparently led Israel to strike Hezbollah are also illegal under international law. In fact, Hezbollah, a nonstate armed group supported by Iran, has no right to use violence of any kind, let alone missile strikes targeting civilians in northern Israel.

Under international law, a nonstate actor gains the right to fight only if it is associated with a regular armed force of a sovereign state involved in armed conflict hostilities. And that is not the case with Hezbollah in Lebanon. This means each Hezbollah missile constitutes the commission of a serious crime.

But that fact does not give rise to any right of Israel to use booby traps in response.

A booby trap is defined by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the body charged with oversight and implementation of the Geneva Conventions and related treaties on the law of armed conflict, as a harmless portable object  but redesigned to contain explosive material. They are a prohibited means of warfare and are equally prohibited by law enforcement authorities.

In peacetime, police and other law authorities are restricted to using lethal force only in cases in which a life is immediately in danger. Carefully dismantling a device, adding explosives and sending them on to be used in homes or places of worship, for example, cannot be seen to be saving a life immediately.

And it is peacetime law that applies in Lebanon at this time. There is, under international law, no war currently taking place in Lebanon. Israel is involved in armed conflict hostilities in Gaza, not Lebanon. The intermittent attacks across the Lebanon-Israel border do not constitute hostilities as defined under international law.

Growing list of violations

Even if hostilities were occurring between Israel and Lebanon, as might well happen, Israel would have no right to use booby traps. In hostilities, an adversarys fighters may be intentionally targeted and killed. Ambushes and other clandestine operations are permitted. And the lives of civilians may be lost in doing so.

But weaponizing an object used by civilians is strictly prohibited in wartime. It is a form of killing treacherously, meaning with deception. It is the opposite of carrying weapons openly, as required by the venerable treaty the Hague Convention Annex of 1907  which is still binding law for all engaged in warfare.

Despite being clearly illegal for over a hundred years, the use of booby traps persists. During the terrorist violence that plagued Northern Ireland for decades, the anti-British Irish Republican Army deployed booby traps, in particular car bombs. Members of the group were regularly prosecuted under U.K. law. Members of the United States military would be prosecuted too if they decided to create and use a booby trap.

The use of booby traps adds to Israels growing list of post-Oct. 7 violations of international law. The country itself was the victim of a brutal criminal act by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. And international law permits significant, robust responses to such a crime. But it also sets strict conditions and limits  and it clearly holds that the use of booby traps goes beyond those limits.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Mary Ellen O'Connell, University of Notre Dame

Read more:



Mary Ellen O'Connell is affiliated with, in addition to the University of Notre Dame, the Global Commission on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain: https://hcss.nl/gcreaim/
Father of a police officer who opened fire and killed a man in custody on blasphemy allegations, sits at his residence in Quetta

Father of a police officer who opened fire and killed a man in custody on blasphemy allegations, sits at his residence in Quetta

By Saleem Ahmad

QUETTA, Pakistan (Reuters) - The family of a blasphemy suspect killed in custody in southwestern Pakistan has forgiven the police officer accused of killing him, saying they would not press charges "in the name of God".

Abdul Ali, 52, also known as Sakhi Lala, was shot dead last week in a heavily fortified police station in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, by police officer Saayd Mohammad Sarhadi, who had accessed the facility by pretending to be Ali's relative, police said.

"We will not fight the case," Ali's son Muhammad Usman told a press conference late on Wednesday, sitting with another brother and some elders from his tribal clan. "We have forgiven the police officer in the name of God."

One of the elders, Faizullah Noorzai, said the tribe would disown Ali. "We and our families are the kind of people who would sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Prophet Muhammad and his respect."

Blasphemy is punishable by death in predominantly Muslim Pakistan. No one has been executed by the state for the crime, but dozens of those accused have been lynched by mobs before trial.

Such killings are often glorified. The father of Ali's alleged killer, Haji Daad Muhammad, has been receiving visitors paying their respects at his house since last week's killing.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom says the South Asian country is one of the world's strictest and most frequent enforcers of blasphemy laws.

Blasphemy accusations fuelled mobs that attacked Christian neighbourhoods in the eastern province of Punjab, burning several churches and displacing hundreds of people last year.

A court will consider the plea by Ali's family for a pardon and decide whether to proceed with charging the officer, said a senior police officer who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Ali's alleged blasphemy centred on an argument he had had about politics and the Prophet Muhammad, according to a police investigator. He had been moved to the more secure police station after hundreds gathered outside the facility where he was initially detained, chanting that they wanted to kill him publicly.

(Reporting by Saleem Ahmad; Writing by Asif Shahzad; Editing by William Mallard)
The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the community's help in locating missing at-risk adult, 45-year-old Abbie Hefner.

Hefner was last seen Wednesday around noon in the area of North Chelton Road and Platte Avenue, police say.

She reportedly was wearing a blue and black hoodie, black pants, Nike sneakers and sunglasses.

If anyone knows of Hefner's whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact CSPD at 719-444-7000.
Parent arrested after incident at high school in Lexington, cops say. Heres what happened

A Midlands high school was placed under a security protocol Wednesday after the parent of a student illegally entered the building and threatened an employee, according to the Lexington Police Department.

The incident happened at River Bluff High School, Police Chief Terrence Green said in a news release. The Lexington 1 school is on Corley Mill Road, near the Saluda River and Exit 61 on Interstate 20.

Danielle Cato  a 34-year-old Lexington, South Carolina resident  was charged with disturbing schools and third-degree assault & battery, according to the release.

Police said they got involved when officers were alerted about a suspicious person, later identified as Cato, in the front lobby of the high school.

Cato had bypassed the security measures in the front office and entered the library, where she began to act aggressively toward a school employee, according to the release. Cato was yelling, cursing, and threatening to assault the employee, police said.

Information about why Cato bypassed security to go to the library and then acted aggressively was not available.

Her behavior caused the school to go into a secure status and students were evacuated from the common area as precautionary measures, according to the release.

Cato followed the victim to the front lobby when school resource officers were notified and the 34-year-old parent was arrested Wednesday afternoon, police said.

No injuries were reported.

Cato was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center, jail records show. She remains locked up and is scheduled to appear in a bond hearing Thursday morning, officials said.

If convicted on the misdemeanor disturbing schools charge, Cato faces a maximum punishment of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, according to South Carolina law. The maximum punishment for the misdemeanor third-degree assault & battery conviction would result in 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, per South Carolina law.
New Pawtucket charter school aims to shape next generation of educators

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI)  Teachers and staff at Legacy Academy High School, Pawtuckets new charter school, are celebrating a successful first month of classes.

Legacy High School is an extension of the Segue Institute for Learning, which previously served students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Founding Principal Mimi Tsiane said the school is dedicated to shaping future educators, with graduating students already Teacher Assistant Certified.

Our mission is creating educators of color of the future and also community leaders, Tsiane said. Were making sure that we create a curriculum that really targets and is tailored for them.

We really want to get these students excited about that, so that way we have a pipeline of educators of color here in Rhode Island, Segue Institute co-founder Melissa Lourenco said.

Are local school districts still dealing with teacher shortages?

The school offers free education to 400 students from Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Central Falls.

When our students walk into the classrooms, they see themselves, so they know that education is accessible for them and that education can be a place of success, Tsiane added.

The school has also gained support from nonprofit Teach for America, which aligns with its mission by providing equity-oriented teachers like English instructor Zyen Smoot.

Were becoming more open to having more deep conversations about the best ways we can educate our youth so they can have passion, Smoot explained. So that they can want to do something thats beyond just whatever theyve been taught, that they can do or whatever type of stigmas that may be placed upon them.

Tsiane told 12 News that plans are underway to move into a larger building for the next school year.

School construction projects create thousands of jobs

On Oct. 12, Segue Institute for Learning will celebrate its 15th anniversary at 325 Cowden St. in Central Falls with honorary guests Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. For more information on the event, click here.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  Wednesday evening in Springfield, community members gathered in peaceful protest of the false claims about Haitians.

On Park Road in Springfield, there was a parade of residents showing that hate has no home in the city. Signs displayed messages to the Haitian community that they have support.

More threats impacting Springfield, this time businesses targeted

Especially us as Haitians we need unity here. We need a Springfield united. So this sends out a big message. For those who have been spreading false information, now they can see we are not bad people, said Jacob Payen, Haitian Community Alliance spokesperson.

That support is reaching the Haitian community directly. Less than ten minutes from Park Road, you will find Rose Goute Creole Restaurant. The Haitian restaurant has been packed with patrons, all to show support in the face of uncertainty.

We just wanted to come down and support the Haitian restaurant and the Haitian people, said Columbus resident Bethany Fleisher.

Springfield YMCA getting $343K renovation

We drove over here to show our solidarity with the Haitian community here, said Columbus resident Jack Decker.

If we can support them in any way, and kind of push back against the people who are obstructing them, then thats a good reason to come, said Yellow Springs resident David Hergesheimer.

Some Haitian residents say they feel the support wherever they go, including Rodney Joseph. He says that ever since coming to the United States, he has felt welcomed. Even with the national spotlight on his new home  he still feels that welcoming spirit.

Police presence expected Thursday in Montgomery County

They see me, they talk to me, said Joseph. They make sure that I am not afraid of them. And honestly, I dont feel afraid, because they support me.

Other residents say they are ready and open to attending other events like this one to send a further message of unity.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Nancy Pelosi has criticised Mitch McConnell, the outgoing Senate minority leader, for failing to hold Donald Trump accountable for inspiring the violent January 6 mob to attack the US Capitol in a bid to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Pelosi, the former speaker of the House of Representatives whose office was vandalised in the attack, also told Semafor she felt sorry for McConnell, who has endorsed Trumps current campaign for the White House despite being repeatedly insulted by the former president.

McConnell knew what had happened on January 6, Pelosi said.

Related: Schumer says McConnell will go down poorly in history for rightwing policies

He said the president was responsible and then did not hold him accountable.

She added that she and other congressional leaders unsuccessfully begged Trump to send in the national guard while the mob besieged the building.

In the days after the riot  which resulted in five deaths at the time, with four police officers killing themselves in the following seven months  McConnell gave a speech on the Senate floor in which he said Trump was practically and morally responsible for provoking the events.

However, he voted to acquit Trump in a Senate trial after the House had impeached Trump for a second time. A Senate conviction, which needs a two-thirds majority to pass, could have barred Trump from holding elective office again. In the event, 57 senators  including just seven Republicans  voted to convict, 10 short of the numbers needed.

McConnells vote contradicted his belief that Trump was guilty, according to the book This Will Not Pass, by the New York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns. If this isnt impeachable, I dont know what is, the book quotes McConnell as saying, adding that he also said holding Trump to account should be left to the Democrats. The Democrats are going to take care of the son of a bitch for us, the book says he told two associates.

Explaining the contradiction, McConnell apparently told a friend: I didnt get to be leader by voting with five people in the conference.

In 2022, McConnell criticised the Republican National Committee for censuring Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, GOP House members at the time, over their role in a Democrat-led congressional investigation into January 6. Kinzinger and Cheney have since left Congress and are among several prominent Republicans who have endorsed Kamala Harriss presidential candidacy.

It was a violent insurrection for the purpose of trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after a legitimately certified election from one administration to the next, McConnell said in response to the censure.

Asked if she had any advice for McConnell  who will step down as the GOP leader in November but will remain in the Senate  Pelosi said: I feel sorry for Mitch McConnell.

Pelosi has not always been so scathing. She issued a generous tribute when McConnell announced his decision to step down from the Senate leadership, saying: Mitch McConnell is to be recognized for his patriotism and decades of service to Kentucky, to the Congress and to our country. He and I have worked together since we were appropriators  While we often disagreed, we shared our responsibility to the American people to find common ground whenever possible.

Trump has frequently targeted McConnell for abuse and has aimed racial slurs at his wife, Elaine Chao, who served as transportation secretary in his administration.

The former president has variously described McConnell as a broken-down crow, a stone-cold loser and a dumb son of a bitch.
The News

Nancy Pelosi blasted Mitch McConnell in an interview with Semafor on Wednesday, accusing the Senate GOP leader of failing to hold former President Donald Trump accountable for attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

McConnell knew what happened on January 6, 2021, the California Democrat and former House speaker told Semafors Kadia Goba at a Principals Live event. He said the president was responsible and then did not hold him accountable.

Asked if she had any advice for McConnell  who will make his own exit from party leadership but not Congress at the end of the year  Pelosi was withering: I feel sorry for Mitch McConnell.

Pelosis remarks come as Democratic concern grows about a possible attempt by Republicans to disrupt certification of the 2024 presidential ballot, if a GOP speaker is heading the House majority in January.

Pelosi, who now holds the title of Speaker Emerita, also voiced hopes that her successor as House Democratic leader will be speaker by that time: Hakeem Jeffries must have that gavel on Jan. 6, she said.

Know More

McConnell voted to acquit Trump in the then-presidents second impeachment trial following the Capitol riot of Jan. 6, while saying in a much-watched Senate floor speech that Trump was practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of that day.

After Trump won the GOP nomination, McConnell offered his endorsement, making good on his previous promise to endorse the eventual nominee no matter who prevailed.

Even as she criticized McConnell, Pelosi made clear that he was aligned with her and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in urging that National Guard troops be sent to the Capitol to help quell the riot.

We begged the president [Trump] to send the National Guard over and over again, Pelosi said.

Pelosi also told Semafor that she would support the Secret Services bid for more resources following two attempts to assassinate Trump, in agreement with the stance other Democrats have taken  though as a longtime member of the congressional committee in charge of federal spending, she wants the beleaguered agency to provide specifics on how it plans to use the new money.

We want to see the mission, the need, and the oversight of how that money is spent, but we certainly have to have our presidents and our candidates for president protected, Pelosi said.

She also addressed the frenetic climate on Capitol Hill following President Joe Bidens decision to end his reelection bid in July. At the time, Pelosi reportedly voiced her support for an open primary that would let candidates other than Vice President Kamala Harris enter the field; she then endorsed Harris soon after Biden bowed out.

Asked if she had reevaluated her initial position on the Democratic nomination, Pelosi made clear that Harris impressed her by rapidly clearing the potential field this summer.

I didnt change my mind. We had an open primary, and she won it, Pelosi said of Harris. Nobody else got in the race.

Notable

Pelosi indicated she wanted to avoid the appearance of a Kamala Harris coronation during a meeting with California Democrats, per Politico.

She issued a statement praising McConnell earlier this year after his decision to step aside from Senate leadership, released by her office.
A federal judge sentenced a 23-year-old Marine to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to illegally selling 22 ghost guns to undercover agents while serving on active duty at Camp Pendleton, California.

Christian Ferrari, of El Cajon, California, was sentenced Monday to 37 months on four counts of dealing firearms without a license, according to court documents.

Between March 13 and May 9, 2023, prosecutors say Ferrari sold 22 guns to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives undercover agents for more than $23,000 in four separate transactions, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California.

He faced a maximum penalty of five years and a $250,000 fine if convicted at trial, according to the release.

Ferrari enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2020 as a rifleman, according to information provided by Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He reached the rank of lance corporal in July 2021.

Missing ammunition on Pendleton leads to first article 32 hearing

Ferrari was last assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton. He deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from August 2021 to March 2022, according to Marine officials.

His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among others, according to Marine officials. He was discharged in April 2024. The type of discharge was not disclosed by Marine officials.

Multiple Marine supervisors and colleagues provided statements to the court in support of Ferrari at his sentencing. As part of his plea deal his attorney sought a two-year sentence, according to court documents.

In 2023, during one of the transactions, agents told Ferrari that the guns were going to be taken to Mexico, to which he responded, alright, perfect, according to court documents.

The term ghost guns is used by law enforcement to refer to privately made firearms, according to the release. Individuals buy parts and then use specialized tools to build the parts into a complete firearm.

Because they are not made by a licensed firearms manufacturer, they do not have serial numbers, which makes them nearly untraceable, according to the release.

By design, ghost guns are made to avoid regulation and slip past law enforcement, said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.

That often allows people prohibited from owning firearms  such as felons, people with domestic abuse charges or convictions or individuals with certain mental health conditions  to bypass background checks and illegally obtain weapons, said Christopher Bombardiere, ATF Special Agent in Charge of Los Angeles Field Division.

These firearms end up in the hands of criminals and are used in violent crimes, including homicides, robberies and gang-related activities, Bombardiere said.

After Ferraris arrest in May 2023 following his final sale to undercover agents, investigators learned that Ferrari had been building the firearms at a family members residence in Lakeside, California, about 45 miles away from Camp Pendleton.

Further analysis of Ferraris phone records revealed other conversations related to manufacturing and selling firearms and parts, including AR-15 style rifles, suppressors for firearms and full auto sears, which allow users to convert semi-automatic weapons to fully automatic weapons, according to the release.

In addition to the lack of serial numbers, the guns Ferrari built had barrel lengths of 9.25 inches and overall lengths of 28 inches, according to court documents. Those sizes make weapons more concealable than conventional standard or long-barrel rifles.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  A Pennsylvania state senator and former GOP gubernatorial candidate whose support for Donald Trump drew him to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 has sued a Canadian university and nearly two dozen academics over criticism of him and his research into World War I hero Sgt. Alvin York.

Sen. Doug Mastriano's defamation, racketeering and antitrust lawsuit, filed in western Oklahoma federal court, seeks at least $10 million in damages from defendants including history professors and the University of New Brunswick.

A motion seeking to have the case thrown out, filed Thursday by one of the defendants, argued that the case violates an Oklahoma law against lawsuits designed to stifle public debate, that it makes a defamation claim that isn't legally viable, and that Mastriano is trying to stretch antitrust and racketeering laws beyond recognition to silence critics of his scholarship.

Backlash against his research claims by experts in World War I history and on York  and from a faculty member at the Canadian university about how his degree was awarded  was the subject of a March 2021 story by The Associated Press. Mastriano, with former President Trump's backing, lost the Pennsylvania governor's race the following year to Democrat Josh Shapiro by nearly 15 percentage points.

York was awarded the the Medal of Honor for leading U.S. soldiers behind German lines in France during World War I to disrupt machine gunfire. More than 20 German soldiers were killed and 132 captured. A movie about York's heroics won Gary Cooper a best actor Academy Award, and the story was memorialized in comic books.

Mastriano is represented by Emmitsburg, Maryland, lawyer Dan Cox, a Republican who lost the Maryland governor's race in 2022 and spent most of 2023 as Mastriano's $46-an-hour state Senate chief of staff. Cox and Mastriano did not respond to messages seeking comment.

In seeking dismissal of the case, University of New Brunswick administrators and staff called it a dispute over academic protocol that should be resolved by an educational committee but instead has been dressed up as an international conspiracy. They argued Mastriano's allegation that he was harmed personally is not the type of injury to competition required for an antitrust claim.

Mastriano, the university defendants said, does not assert precisely what he contends were false and defamatory about the statements they are purported to have made. They called the lawsuit vague, conclusory and utterly incomprehensible.

University officials and lawyers did not respond to messages seeking comment.

In response, Mastriano argued in a filing that he does not have to recite the defamation word for word, becoming his own distributor of what is false, in order to well plead a defamation claim.

The lawsuit filed in May describes Mastriano as the victim of a multi-year racketeering and anti-trust enterprise seeking to derivatively steal, use and thereupon debunk his work, taking the equity and market therefrom," costing Mastriano millions in "tourism-related events, validated museum artifacts, book, media, television and movie deals." He says his publisher has greatly reduced publications and stopped possible second editions of his books.

He claims that he has been prevented from getting university job opportunities, that his book sales have been reduced and that the criticisms interfered with his short-lived interest in seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. As a result, he says, he has endured sleepless nights, physical illness and extreme emotional pain and suffering.

The lawsuit says Mastriano has been assessed by the Veteran Affairs (VA) administration as 100% disabled, but the retired colonel does not explain the how his service in the U.S. Army took a heavy toll on him.

He sued University of New Brunswick President Paul Mazerolle and professor David MaGee, the school's vice president of research, as well as professor Drew Rendall, who a few months before the 2022 election for Pennsylvania governor made public Mastriano's dissertation that was based on his research into York.

Another defendant is James Gregory, who as a University of Oklahoma graduate student and researcher into World War I history and York filed an academic fraud complaint against Mastriano with the University of New Brunswick. Gregory is now director of the William A. Brookshire LSU Military Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mastriano asserts that voters tied Gregory's criticism of Mastriano's scholarship to their decisions not to vote for him on several occasions, Gregory argued in the motion to dismiss. That's not an anti-trust violation  it's democracy.

The University of New Brunswick has been reviewing events around its decision to grant Mastriano a doctorate in 2013 for his York research, setting up an investigative committee whose work has been done out of the public eye. Mastriano sued three people he said constitute that committee, and they have also argued in a court filing the case should be dismissed.

Mastriano said he was in regular contact with Trump in the months after Trump lost the 2020 election and sought to overturn the results. Mastriano had been scheduled to speak on the U.S. Capitol steps during the early afternoon of Jan. 6 and had organized charter buses to Trumps speech. He was also photographed in the crowd outside the Capitol. Mastriano has maintained he broke no laws and has not been charged.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  It all started with a trip to the gym for Micah Repke.

Its definitely the phone call that you never want to get, said Johanna Repke, Micahs wife.

Micah told his wife he thought hed had a stroke at the gym. Later that day, his kids found him in his room unable to speak and they called 911.

The kids, thank goodness, knew what to do to call, Johanna said. It was just the scariest thing, the thing that you pray doesnt actually happen to your family, and then it does.

Brett Beachler of Beachlers Tire and Automotive Center started a car giveaway for families in need.

He said he knew exactly who the car was going to after he read the Repke familys story.

We sat in a room and I read all ten stories out loud, Beachler said. This was the one I couldnt get through without shedding a tear. And once I finished the story, everybody in the room was like, thats the one.

Micah is currently receiving care in Downers Grove, Illinois, where Johanna and their seven kids drive up to visit him.

Now, Johanna said she and her family are more than grateful for the support theyve been given and are excited for Micah to come home.

He is the cook in the family, and so it has been such a blessing to get meals from our church, from our community, Johanna said. Our friend had set up a meal train for us, and he said, You know what? In October, were not going to need it because Mike is going to love to come home and cook.'

Micah will be coming home to his family in early October.

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DCFS tried to contact Peoria mom before her infant sons death but she was a no-show

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The states Department of Children and Family Services tried to reach Andrea Luncsford earlier this month after being told there was a substantial risk to a child.

Deborah Lopez, a DCFS spokeswoman, said her agency had been talking to Luncsford as early as Sept. 6 due to a pending investigation that involved substantial risk of physical injury or environment.

That case, the agency said, was regarding her son, Grayson, who was born a few weeks prior.

UPDATE: Baby died after being in a hot car for a long period of time

That investigation originated in the Chicago area where she was living. Then, on Monday, the agency opened another investigation, saying they were investigating the young boys death.

These are active investigations, and we are not able to comment further; we are working with local law enforcement on both investigations, she said.

Another DCFS spokeswoman, Heather M. Tarczan, said the agency had made several attempts to visit the home of Luncsford.

Additionally, DCFS made multiple attempts to contact the mother by phone and when contact was finally made, a visit was scheduled by DCFS and agreed to by the mother but the mother and child were a no show, she said.

Lost parental rights

About two years before Andrea Luncsford appeared in a Peoria County courtroom charged in connection with the death of her one-month-old son, she was in another Peoria County courtroom where a judge terminated her parental rights for another child.

In 2022, Luncsford, then 23, was found unfit as a parent regarding a child who was then 1-year-old, according to records filed in the juvenile division of Peoria County Circuit Court.

The records detail how Luncsford failed to show for some hearings in court, was found to have tested positive for cocaine when the baby was born.

UPDATE: Mother charged with murder was acting erratically when officers arrived on the scene

Reporters and members of the media are allowed to review such court records and report on their findings as long as the reports do not reveal who the child is or give any details that could identify a child. That goes for both juvenile delinquency hearings as well as hearings in the countys abuse and neglect court.

A judge must give approval for such a request after a reporter or member of the media lays out, in detail, reasons why such a request should be granted and the veil of secrecy regarding juvenile matters be lifted.

In this case, Luncsford, now 25 and three days shy of her 26th birthday, stands charged with murder and endangering the life and health of a child for allegedly leaving her baby, Grayson Luncsford, in a hot car for an extended period of time, resulting in his death.

She faces up to 100 years in prison and will find out at 3 p.m. Thursday if she is to be held in custody at the Peoria County Jail pending the outcome of her case.

Juvenile records

Peoria County, like most counties within Illinois, has an abuse and neglect courtroom. In that room are child advocates, parents, attorneys and judges who are trying to resolve allegations of abuse, neglect or improper parenting.

Many times, a parent will heed the orders of the judge, take corrective measures  called services in courtroom parlance  and things are better. The goal is usually to return a child to their parents.

However, there are some times, either due to the nature of the allegations or the parents inability to comply with court orders, that more drastic measures are taken.

In this case, Luncsford came to the attention of Peoria County prosecutors shortly after her baby was born in early 2021. WMBD will not give many details regarding the child or her birth so its hard to identify the child who has since been adopted.

The reason? Cocaine in both moms and the babys body.

According to court records, the baby was in the neonatal ICU for several weeks before being released and placed into foster care. Her mother, Andrea, was around at the beginning but after the first week, did not visit or inquire about the welfare of her baby, the report said.

In fact, court records indicate that Luncsford did not see her child for several months after she was released from the hospital. DCFS, the document state, didnt know where she was until they saw a social media post listing inmates at the Tazewell County Jail.

Its that indifference that led a social worker to recommend termination of her parental rights, saying it was the childs best interest to remain with her foster parents.

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MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW)  A person who recently won $1 million on a scratch-off ticket in Murrells Inlet is keeping it a secret, lottery officials said.

The ticket was sold at a Refuel on Highway 17, and despite the new-found wealth, the winner isnt changing their life one bit.

I bought the ticket, scratched it and walked straight out of the store, the winner told South Carolina Education Lottery officials.

Two more top prizes of $1 million remain in Royal Millions game at odds of 1 in 1,560,000. Refuel #1057 in Murrells Inlet received a $10,000 commission for selling the ticket.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
UPDATE: Lucas has been found safe as of Wednesday evening.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the community's help in locating missing at-risk 13-year-old Elizabeth Rose Herndon, who goes by Lucas.

Lucas was last seen on Wednesday around 1 a.m. in the 8000 block of Telegraph Drive, police say. Lucas is described as being around 510 and 165 pounds with short brown hair and blue eyes.

Police say Lucas was last seen wearing a red/gray Stranger Things hoodie, black pants with white skulls on them, white high tops with red soles and a black backpack.

If anyone has seen Lucas or know of their whereabouts, they are encouraged to call CSPD at 719-444-7000.

According to Lucas's father, Adam Herndon/Collins, the family suspects Lucas may be with Kyron Tuetken.

Tuetken is on a most wanted list in the Colorado Springs area, sought on suspicion of sexual assault on a child-pattern of abuse.
Pallbearers prepare to carry body of fallen Philadelphia police officer Jaime Roman into the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  A Philadelphia police officer who recently died from wounds he suffered when he was shot during a traffic stop earlier this year was eulogized Thursday as a dedicated public servant who asked to be assigned to the community where he grew up so he could improve the lives of residents.

Jaime Roman, 31, was shot June 22 in the city's Kensington section and remained hospitalized until he died Sept. 10. The alleged shooter, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, initially was charged with attempted murder and other offenses. But following Roman's death, the charges were upgraded to murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and weapons counts.

Vazquez was the driver of a vehicle that Roman and another officer had stopped, authorities have said. He fled the scene on foot when the officers tried to question him about a gun holster found in the vehicle, but then turned back and started shooting at them with a gun he had in his waistband. Roman was hit in the neck and was taken to a hospital.

Vazquez was soon apprehended inside a nearby home where he had attempted to barricade himself, authorities have said. He remains jailed and is being represented by the Defender Association of Philadelphia, which normally does not comment on pending cases.

Roman had served on the force for more than six years and would have marked his seventh anniversary as an officer later this month. He was the married father of two young children, and his wife is also a Philadelphia police officer.

Among those attending the service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul were Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who spoke at the service, announced that Roman would be posthumously promoted to sergeant and that his badge numbers would be retired.
A Philadelphia teenager who authorities say wanted to travel overseas and make bombs for terrorist organizations will be tried as an adult.

The District Attorneys office made the announcement Wednesday as it disclosed more details of the allegations against Muhyyee-Ud-din Abdul-Rahman, who was 17 when he was arrested in August 2023. He is now 18, and his bail has been set at $5 million.

It was not immediately clear who is representing Abdul-Rahman. Court records for the case could not be located via an online search, and the district attorneys office did not immediately respond to a query about whether he has a lawyer. His father, Qawi Abdul-Rahman, a local criminal defense attorney who previously ran for a judgeship, was not in his law office Wednesday and did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Prosecutors say Abdul-Rahman conducted at least 12 tests on homemade bombs near his familys home before he was arrested and was close to being able to detonate devices with a blast radius of several hundred yards.

And as his knowledge of explosives increased, authorities allege, he conducted online searches that indicated at least some interest in striking targets including the Philadelphia Pride parade and critical infrastructure sites such as power plants and domestic military bases.

Law enforcement began investigating Abdul-Rahman after they received electronic communications between him and terrorist groups in Syria, prosecutors said. The communications indicated that Abdul-Rahman wanted to become a bombmaker for these groups, identified as Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ) and Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS).

KTJ is officially designated by the US State Department as a global terrorist organization and is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, prosecutors said. HTS also has a similar designation.

As the investigation into Abdul-Rahman continued, authorities learned he was buying military and tactical gear as well as materials that could be used in homemade bombs, prosecutors said.

Abdul-Rahman faces charges including possessing weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy, arson and causing or risking a catastrophe. Prosecutors said they sought to move his case to adult court due to the gravity of the charges and because the juvenile system was not equipped to provide adequate consequences or rehabilitation.

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR)  It has been a tumultuous few weeks for Jack and Sherry Buchanan after it was announced a QuikTrip gas station would be going up in place of the El Rancho Restaurant.

The Buchanans are partners in 1948 Holdings LLC and Observatory Holdings and stakeholders in the future of El Rancho after 1948 Holdings became the landowner for El Rancho in 2022.

Police seek e-bicyclist accused of running red light, crashing into car and fleeing

Sherry Buchanan sat down to speak with FOX31, where she shared they purchased El Rancho out of bankruptcy to save it from demolition.

This building came within several hours of being sold to another buyer whose intention was to tear it down, Sherry said. We did not want that to happen. We saw so much potential with this place. We still see a lot of potential for El Rancho.

El Rancho was first opened in 1948, and it is now starting to show its age.

Its a beautiful building. We all love it. Its a special place, the log architecture is gorgeous, we all fall in love with the history of the place, but the sad reality is, it is falling apart somewhat., Sherry said.

A look at the bar where beer and wine is kept on tap (KDVR).

The dining room in El Rancho boasts multiple windows with views of the divide (KDVR).

Booth seating and wood furniture have been kept true to when El Rancho first opened in 1948 (KDVR).

A bright front desk greets customers with a painting acquired from an old speakeasy (KDVR).

The guest area upstairs is currently under renovation, but it too has expansive mountain views (KDVR).

Seating upstairs has all been kept true to its history with old carpeting taken out to be replaced with wood flooring (KDVR).

After looking at many alternatives, they decided their best option was to move it across the street to a parcel of land that is currently being developed. A Marriott hotel is already in the works, and there was enough land down from the planned hotel for a restaurant.

We just had a pre-application meeting and went through the process of explaining this to Jefferson County. Wed like that restaurant to be El Rancho, Sherry said.

Then, they looked at the feasibility of moving a 76-year-old building. They met with structural engineers who told them they could do it. She admitted they would not be able to move the foundation, which was already seeing some wear and tear anyway, but everything else could be moved while saving the integrity of the structure.

See the latest traffic conditions in Denver on FOX31

We would build a new foundation, new mechanicals. A brand new kitchen, new energy-efficient technology. All the things that will make El Rancho a lot less expensive to run, Sherry said. At the same time, moving it across the street gives it incredible visibility from I70 so travelers are going to be far more apt to stop.

With the restaurant possibly getting moved to a new parcel of land, this would open up the site for QuikTrip to put in a gas station and convenience store. The chain company is working with the El Rancho owners to help them keep the restaurant from demolition.

We fielded many offers for this property from interested buyers, Sherry said. Unfortunately, none of them were interested in saving El Rancho, so we turned those offers down. Then, QuikTrip came along. And QuikTrip understood immediately the importance of saving this historic landmark for the community.

Not everyone has been on board with this arrangement. A petition has been in circulation which has garnered almost 1,000 signatures to stop QuikTrip and the moving of the El Rancho restaurant. People in the community against this development have said a gas station and further development in this area will take away from the community feel and draw in more traffic to the area.

They have also expressed concern for the historic building, stating if moving it does not work, it will get demolished anyway.

3 arrested for allegedly torturing a man for 14 hours

Sherry said she hopes to put some of those worries at ease by expressing her optimism for the future of El Rancho.

We have been hearing from seasoned restauranteurs across Colorado who say that if we move the building across the road, with you know, renovations and the better visibility from I70 and next to a brand new hotel, they are very optimistic for its success and they would like to be considered as an operator for the restaurant, she said.

Sherry also added that these petitions attempting to slow down the development of these sites could hurt, rather than help the historic icon, which could end up getting demolished if they do not move it soon.

Time kills deals is a very common phrase in the real estate world and that is absolutely true here as well, Sherry said. Theyre not going to cause delays for the hotel development, thats moving forward, theyre not going to cause delays for QuikTrips plans with the El Rancho property, that is moving forward as well. But they may be risking the window to move El Rancho.

The Buchanans have started their own petition to save El Rancho, and have written to the Jefferson County Historical Commission, to express their desire to get everyone on board to get things moving quickly, while also making it clear the El Rancho building cannot be saved where it currently is.

Were doing everything we can to save this place just like weve been doing for the last few years, Sherry said. Lots of folks have a special place in their heart for El Rancho and we know that you want to see this place thrive as much as we do.

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CHICAGO  Authorities in Chicago seek the publics help in identifying a suspect linked to the robbery of a Loop-area bank.

The robbery occurred on Monday, Sept. 16, just before 9:50 a.m. at Citibank in the 100 block of N. Michigan Ave.

According to FBI Chicago, the man displayed a demand note and implied he was armed.

FBI Chicago agents described the suspect as a white male with a medium build, 30 to 40 years of age, standing no taller than 5 foot 7 inches. According to authorities, the male suspect wore a black and white patterned hoodie with black pants and shoes.

The public can report tips anonymously at (312) 421-6700 and tips.fbi.gov.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
(NewsNation)  Ross Coulthart speaks with physicist and astronomer Dr. Beatriz Villarroel to discuss her discovery of nine transient objects in space that seemed to disappear and reappear on April 12, 1950, before any man-made objects went into orbit.

Villarroel discusses ruling out natural explanations, the VASCO project, the European Crash Retrieval Initiative, proving the 1952 Washington DC Flap, Donal Menzel infamously destroying 1/3 of the plate collection from the Harvard database and stigmas as a female Scientist in the UFO field.

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ST. LOUIS, Missouri (WKBN)  The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford to the Major League roster.

Fellow right-hander Kyle Nicolas was placed on the 15-Day Injured List with a left oblique strain.

To make room on the 40-man roster, reliever Ben Heller was transferred to the 60-Day Injured List.

Woodford previously appeared in six games with four starts for the Pirates earlier this season. He was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh at the end of August.

Prior to signing with Pittsburgh, he made two starts with the White Sox this season.

In eight games this season, Woodford has posted a record of 0-6 with an 8.01 ERA.

He spent four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2020-2023.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Pitt Community College is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month through their AmexCan Club.

The group invites students regardless of their ethnic background to come out and support the diverse culture of the Hispanic community. The celebrations started with a group bingo game using ethnic beans. Winners received a T-Shirt and a Hispanic treat of their choice.

Because theres so many of Hispanics here at Pitt County. So thats the opportunity to share more about our culture. And I told them, like a lot of people, youre more than welcome to come. Its not just for Hispanics as for everybody to share our culture, said Amy Arriaga, Vice President of AmexCan.

This is the first club representing Hispanic students at Pitt Community College. Throughout the week, the group will be holding events that will lead to their big Hispanic Heritage Month Festival next week.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Pitt Community College received a wrap-around grant through North Carolinas Finish Line Grant programs to help fund the schools food pantry.

$8,000 will go towards purchasing food items to distribute to students in need through the colleges food pantry and food cabinet. The pantry was established in 2014 and the number of students who receive food from it has increased over the years.

You can imagine if you have an empty stomach or if youre trying to figure out how youre going to put food on your table. Its hard to focus in class. Its hard to really even think about being successful in class. So this is going to have a huge impact and we are very grateful. Like when I heard that we got this grant here that we got this amount, I was like, This is awesome. This is going to help so many students, said Kim Riddick, PCC Counselor.

The food pantry is a significant service the PCC provides, along with personal counseling and community agency referrals. You can donate to their pantry through their Amazon Wish List.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
Pitt warning neighbors about road closures during Homecoming events

The University of Pittsburgh is getting ready to celebrate Homecoming.

The Homecoming Laser & Fireworks show will shut down part of Bigelow Boulevard and the intersection of Schenley and Roberto Clemente drives.

Bigelow Boulevard will be closed between Fifth and Forbes avenues from 7 p.m. Thursday through 2 a.m. Saturday.

The intersection of Schenley and Roberto Clemente drives will be closed for safety precautions from 8:50 to 9:35 p.m. Friday for the show.

The show is scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) As part of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the American Legion Post 68 in Pittsfield will be honoring Prisoners of War and Missing in Action for all wars.

The ceremony will include posting of the colors, a missing person table ceremony, rifle volley, and the playing of Taps. There will be a guest speaker as well.

U.S. and Massachusetts flags lowered to half-staff Friday

The event is being held on Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 295 South Street, Pittsfield.

For more information, contact the City of Pittsfields Veterans Services Department at 413-499-9433.

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.
Former President Donald Trump announced he will visit Aurora in Colorado and Springfield in Ohio in the not-too-distant future.

Im going to Springfield, and Im going to Aurora, Trump said during a rally on Wednesday.

The two cities have become focal points of the 2024 presidential election because of the national conversation surrounding immigration.

Regarding Springfield, claims of immigrants eating residents pets catapulted the small Ohio city into the national spotlight when the former president mentioned this during the presidential debate on Sept. 10.

What they have done to our country by allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country, Trump said during the debate, and look at whats happening to the towns all over the United States. And 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. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Aurora also took the spotlight during the debate following reports of a Venezuelan gang's activities in the city, with the former president blaming the Biden administrations border policies for the presence of Tren de Aragua, which originated in the Tocoron Prison in the South American country, in some of American's urban centers, including in metro Denver.

Meanwhile, the Aurora Police Department has scheduled a press conference this Friday to provide an update about its investigation into a shooting in August at an apartment complex and a viral video showing armed men barging into an unit.

The gang is linked to criminal activities that include human trafficking  particularly of immigrant women and girls  drug trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering, among others. In metro Denver, the gang's members have been accused of a jewelry heist, a beating, shootings, and barging into apartment units with rifles.

Initially, Aurora officials dismissed the assertion by a property management company that the presence of gang members precluded it from doing its work at an apartment complex and that it feared for the safety of its staffers and residents. The city called it an "alternative narrative" to the numerous code violations and the poor condition of the building.

Officials began walking back their statements after a video of armed men barging into apartment units surfaced and a cache of letters from a law firm representing CBZ Management  written a month before the federal government acknowledged TDA had extended its tentacles into Denver  became public.

Each new revelation  and there have been several  only served to raise public safety concerns and amplify election-year questions about the border crisis and illegal immigration. Notably, Aurora officials admitted that authorities had arrested people suspected  though not yet confirmed at the time of their apprehensions  of being members of the Venezuelan gang long before the media spotlight on the city.

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In August, the international law firm Perkins Coie  at the behest of a lender  wrote the city to share its investigation into alleged criminal activities at Whispering Pines apartments, a 54-unit complex in Aurora. The 10-page letter outlines a gang operation that includes establishing a lower-level presence last year that escalated into violence and intimidation with the goal of turning the apartment complex into a steady source of income for the gang.

The law firm said once the gang was entrenched at the complex, it used the units for illegal activities, including the prostitution of minors. The gang, the law firm added, "operated in the open," patrolled the area and "terrorized the community."

The evidence we have reviewed indicates that gang members are engaging in flagrant trespass violations, assaults and battery, human trafficking and sexual abuse of minors, unlawful firearms possession, extortion, and other criminal activities, often targeting vulnerable Venezuelan and other immigrant populations, Perkins Coie, the law firm representing U.S. Bank Trust Company, wrote on Aug. 9.

Trumps political opponents have maintained that such accusations about both cities are sensationalized and untrue.

Trump did not confirm a date for his visit to the cities. During the rally, the former president said it would happen in two weeks. Additionally, no details were provided about what such a visit would entail, whether it would be a political rally or some other event.

A few days ago, Trump promised to execute the "largest deportation" in American history, which he said will begin in Aurora and Springfield.

"We're going to have the largest deportation in the history of our country, and we're going to start with Springfield and Aurora," Trump said at a press conference at his golf resort near Los Angeles. "We're bringing them back to Venezuela," the former president also said, asserting anew that a notorious gang from the troubled South American nation is "now taking over cities."

Earlier on Wednesday, The Denver Gazette's news partners 9NEWS asked the city of Aurora if it was prepared for a potential visit by Trump.

We cannot speculate on the logistics of a presidential candidates possible visit but would work with their respective teams as we would at any other time, city spokesperson Ryan Luby said.

Denver Gazette reporter Nico Brambila and 9NEWS contributed to this report.
About 50 taxis will carry the kits in the first phase of the rollout [RAPAID]

Taxis carrying military-standard bandage kits for stab wounds could soon be on the streets in parts of south Wales.

A charity run by an ex-soldier and police officer hopes to issue 50 kits to cabbies in Cardiff, as part of an expanding network that includes six other UK cities.

Kits carried by taxi drivers, identified by stickers on their vehicles, could then be flagged down by members of the public if they are assisting anyone with a stab wound.

Its a grim fact that you can bleed to death in under five minutes, said Alex Chivers, co-founder of Rapaid.

The quicker treatment begins, the better your chances of survival.

Thousands of Rapaid kits are already in circulation around London, Manchester, Oxford, Exeter, Swindon and Plymouth, with Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan being the next areas to benefit.

The kits include bandages designed to stem serious blood loss, with Mr Chivers saying that having them as accessible as possible to the public was a priority.

From my experience as a police officer and the military, its normally the public that are the first people on scene before anybody arrives, before help comes, he said.

Its those first golden minutes that people need something.

Alex Chivers' experience with the military and the police convinced him that the bandages could also be of use to the public in helping stab victims [Rapaid ]

I just thought to myself, why have the public not got access to these bandages, and how can we get them out into the public domain?

Taxis are in and out of our communities day and night, theyre on all the high streets at night time. Theyre outside all the hot spots.

Figures show hospital admissions in Wales for assault with sharp objects has dropped recently, with 60 admissions in the year up to March 2024.

This was a 19% reduction on the previous year (74), and a 50% drop on the figures from five years ago (121).

The number of knife and sharp instrument offences recorded by police in Wales has also fallen slightly from a high of 1,680 in 2019-20, although the figures last year (1,584 offences) remained more than twice as high as they were a decade ago.

And with about half of those offences committed in the South Wales Police area, Mr Chivers admitted knife crime was still a problem within some communities.

Its better to have the kits and not need them, but if one bandage saves one life, then weve achieved what we want, he said.

The kits are not reserved only for victims of knife crime, however, with Mr Chivers saying that kits had already been used across the country for other injuries as well, such as those involving drunk revellers or broken glass.

The aim was not to burden taxi drivers with more responsibility, he added, and they could simply hand them over to bystanders helping someone in need.

Stickers in the window would identify those taxis carrying the kits, with those in Cardiff also including bilingual instructions to use the bandages and help the injured person.

What Id love to see is that these are on the taxis across the whole country, and it just becomes normal that they carry these, said Mr Chivers.

The Rapaid kits in Cardiff will include instructions for the public on how to use the bandages, in both English and Welsh [Rapaid ]

People have already been saved. Its just such a simple idea.

The scheme, launched in Cardiff on Friday, already has the backing of the council, taxi drivers and South Wales Police.

The authority are delighted that drivers in the city will be able to carry these kits and for the campaign to be available in the city, said Rhys Morgan, from Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan licencing section.

He added: Having the tools available across the city to assist in preparedness and response to serious accidents or emergencies is a step forward in providing support to the wider daytime and nighttime economy in the city.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A small planes door fell into a yard of a home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Tuesday, after which the plane made an emergency landing at Myrtle Beach International Airport.

The door fell into a yard in the Market Common, a residential area and shopping center just outside the airport, according to homeowner Wendy Hodges.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Hodges

Photo courtesy of Wendy Hodges

It was all intact and it was lying nicely between the two homes, said Hodges, who shared photos of the door to Facebook. When I saw it lying there, I was just pretty amazed, and I wondered what had happened to the pilot or whoever was in the plane.

The Diamond DA40 aircraft took off at 2:53 p.m. on Tuesday before turning around and landing at 3:01 p.m., according to data from FlightAware. The data shows the plane was initially headed to Florence Regional Airport in Florence County, South Carolina, and flew as high as 1,500 feet.

The single-engine plane owned by Lift Aircraft LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, sustained minor damage, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Two people were on board the instructional flight, but neither was injured.

No one on the ground was injured, either.

FAA investigating after Delta passengers bleed from ears, nose

A similar plane that made an emergency landing in May on a South Carolina highway was also registered to Lift Training Academy.

Shortly after takeoff, one of our aircraft experienced the loss of a cabin door. The crew aboard executed their standard response procedure to return to the field and landed without incident, Lift spokesperson Jon Austin told News13. The cabin door was subsequently recovered and will be examined as part of our investigation into this event.

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(NewsNation)  A small aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in South Carolina after the door of the plane fell into a residents yard, federal aviation officials said.

The plane, a Diamond DA40, landed eight minutes after it took off from Myrtle Beach International Airport on Tuesday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The landing was required after the door of the aircraft fell into a residential yard in The Market Common.

El Paso Zoo saves smuggled spider monkeys

Data from the flight-tracking website FlightAware indicated that the plane took off at 2:53 p.m. on Tuesday and landed at 3:01 p.m. The plane was initially scheduled to land at Florence Regional Airport.

The single-engine plane, which is owned by an Indianapolis company, sustained minor damage, according to the FAA. According to NewsNation local affiliate WBTW, two people aboard the plane were not injured. The aircraft sustained minor damage, according to the FAA.

Another small plane that is registered to the same Indiana company was also forced to make an emergency landing in South Carolina in May, the television station reported.

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Jets from several Nato countries are taking part in Cobra Warrior, which is a popular spectacle for aviation enthusiasts [Royal Air Force]

A major military exercise involving more than 50 aircraft is in full swing at RAF Waddington.

Cobra Warrior  which has attracted spectators from around the country  is designed to train RAF personnel in tactical air war operations.

Nato allies are also taking part in the annual event, including Canada, Poland, Finland and Norway.

Participants took to the skies above Lincolnshire on 16 September, with the exercise due to continue until 4 October.

Wing Cdr Colin Melvin is pleased to be training alongside Nato allies [Amber Macey/BBC]

Wing Cdr Colin Melvin, who commands the operation support wing at Waddington, said: "It's a lot bigger for us than it has been for a number of years.

"We've got multiple fast jets and multiple heavy aircraft supporting.

"It's always great to see our Nato allies and partners here and get the opportunity to train together."

Lt Col Ben Switzer, of the Canadian detachment, said the exercise offered a "unique and challenging experience".

The military exercise has attracted aviation enthusiasts from across the country [Amber Macey/BBC]

Staff from Waddington are running the operation, while aircrews from RAF stations at Lossiemouth, Brize Norton, Coningsby and Lakenheath are taking part.

Aviation enthusiasts have flocked to Waddington to watch the planes.

John Smith, 83, from Nottingham, who attends the exercise every year, said: "Im quite surprised by the number of people, it never used to be this busy.

"It seems everybody wants to come have a look."

Lt Col Ben Switzer, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said his team were benefiting from training in a new environment [Amber Macey/BBC]

Antony Hodges, 60, from Somerset, drove four-and-a-half hours to watch the planes fly over.

"Its always worth the drive, it's a great atmosphere and everyone is excited. I've come to see the Polish planes," he said.

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

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Poland, Latvia and Romania call for immediate bolstering of air defence on NATO's eastern flank

The defence ministers of Romania, Poland and Latvia have written a joint letter to their NATO allies stressing the need to immediately strengthen air defence efforts on the Alliances eastern flank.

Source: Delfi, citing the Ministry of Defence of Latvia, as reported by European Pravda

Details: At a meeting of defence ministers of the Bucharest Nine on 18 September, Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds urged the allies to find immediate collective solutions to strengthen NATO airspace.

Representatives of Romania, Poland and Lithuania attended the meeting, which was convened by Latvia, to discuss recent violations of NATO airspace by Russian UAVs, as well as steps to be taken at the national and Alliance level to strengthen NATO airspace. The joint letter to the allies was signed by the defence ministers of Romania, Poland and Latvia.

The Latvian Defence Ministry said Russian aggression continued to create risks and threats for NATO countries, including airspace violations by Russian drones. Over the past month, incidents involving Russian drones have occurred in Romania and Poland as well as in Latvia. This is a new reality that cannot be ignored or left without a response, Spruds stressed.

The ministers believe that NATO countries must reinforce their capability to detect, identify and neutralise low- and slow-flying objects and that rotational air defence must be implemented immediately.

In the joint statement, the ministers of the Bucharest Nine condemned Russias war against Ukraine. They also strongly condemned Russia for its numerous violations of NATO airspace in Latvia, Romania, Poland and other countries in the Alliance.

For reference: The Bucharest Nine is a platform for discussing security issues. Its members are Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

Background:

Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar said the Bucharest Nine (B9) countries are "deeply concerned" by the numerous flights of Russian drones and missiles into NATO airspace and a "decisive" response from NATO is required.

Earlier in September, a Russian attack drone was recorded as having crashed in Latvia.

The drone, which was equipped with explosives, had reportedly flown in from the territory of Belarus.

After this and other Russian drone crashes in Romania, NATO once again resumed the discussion about how it should respond to such incidents in its airspace.

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Polish journalist Marcin Terlik has reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had difficult talks over the exhumation of victims of the Volyn tragedy in September. Now the Poles reportedly expect to be able to put pressure on Ukraine regarding this during their six-month EU presidency that starts in January 2025.

Source: European Pravda, with reference to Terlik's article for Onet

Details: Terlik said that the Polish delegation was surprised by the style of communication of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the talks in Kyiv last week.

Terlik added that the position of Ukrainian politicians on the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy is disappointing for Warsaw, so the Polish Foreign Ministry is "planning certain measures".

He also noted that the Polish Foreign Ministry "has an idea" about using their upcoming EU presidency to pressure Kyiv.

The source, who is familiar with the talks, said that "Ukraine has taken a demanding position": "We know that Zelenskyy is under enormous pressure, but it cannot be that concessions go only one way. Meanwhile, Ukraine has taken a demanding stance. In the defence sector, we can understand this. But in other areas, it has to change."

Read more on the topic: Volyn (Volhynia) 1943: the future in labyrinths of the past

A Polish foreign ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the Volyn issue is currently Poland's "main and basically only demand".

Therefore, when Poland takes over the six-month EU presidency in January 2025, the country's Foreign Ministry supposedly plans to use Ukraine's European integration aspirations as a tool to put pressure on Kyiv.

"Sikorski was trying to persuade Zelenskyy to settle historical issues with Poland now, as he would pay a lower price for them than during the accession negotiations. This did not reach Zelenskyy," one of the sources told the publication.

He noted that after the meeting, it became known that Ukraine "would like Poland to open all the negotiating chapters [for EU accession] at the same time during its presidency", which would be "unprecedented and very complicated".

"Kyiv needs Warsaw's commitment to accession. And this is where there is room for conversation. We will help them if they help us", the journalist's source in the Polish Foreign Ministry emphasised.

At the same time, a Polish diplomat stressed that "military and defence issues will not be a bargaining chip" in negotiations with Ukraine.

Read the full interview with Sikorski for European Pravda here: "A Ukrainian barber cuts my hair in Warsaw. I ask him, shouldn't you be defending Ukraine?"

For reference: The Volhynia (Volyn) massacre is a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations involving the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, subordinate to the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists under Stepan Bandera, and the Polish Krajowa Army, with the participation of Polish Schutzmannschaft battalions (auxiliary police of collaborators), presumably Soviet partisans, as well as Ukrainian and Polish civilians in 1943 during World War II in Volyn. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy to be genocide of Poles.

Background:

In early September, Karolina Romanowska, the chair of the Polish-Ukrainian Reconciliation Association, became one of the first people in Poland to submit a private request to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to exhume the victims of the Volyn tragedy.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski believes that Warsaw is not making excessive demands on Kyiv in historical disputes and that it is too early to "leave history to historians".

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By Barbara Erling

WROCLAW, Poland (Reuters) - The European Union will make billions of euros available to help central Europe recover from severe floods, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, as she pledged support for regions that have been devastated by the deluge.

The worst floods to hit central Europe in at least two decades have caused widespread damage from Romania to Poland, killing at least 24 people, destroying bridges, submerging cars and leaving towns caked in mud and debris.

The flooding was caused by torrential rain that began last week and lasted for several days, causing rivers to burst their banks in several parts of the region.

"I am here to reassure you that Europe stands by your side," she told a news conference in the Polish city of Wroclaw, standing alongside leaders of the affected countries.

"This is a moment of need, of... natural disaster and we have all to stand together to overcome the challenge."

Von der Leyen said that 10 billion euros ($11.16 billion) would be made available from EU cohesion funds and that some of the conditions usually attached to such funds, such as co-financing by member states, would be lifted to make the response quicker.

She also said that money from the EU's Solidarity Fund, which supports member states hit by natural disasters, would be used to rebuild infrastructure.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told private broadcaster Polsat News that Poland could get 5 billion euros.

"What we need now is to quickly build, repair infrastructure, it will cost huge amounts of money, it would be tough to handle it from national budgets," said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, adding he was grateful for von der Leyen's concrete proposals for help.

Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said earlier on Thursday that the government would provide 30 billion crowns ($1.3 billion), about 0.38% of GDP, in a 2024 budget amendment and earmark 10 billion crowns more in the 2025 budget to help with flood damage.

Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said most power supply should be reconnected by Friday.

The country is holding regional elections this weekend and authorities said a satellite connection had been set up in places where mobile signal is lacking, to allow the vote to go ahead.

DEFENCES

Meanwhile, flood defences in Poland's third-largest city, Wroclaw, looked to have held firm on Thursday.

The flood wave that has inundated the Polish-Czech border region since the weekend reached Wroclaw overnight, but there were no signs of serious damage.

"The urban system withstood and absorbed the main wave of the floods that have been hitting Lower Silesia and neighbouring regions for a week," local authorities said in a statement on Facebook.

However, authorities warned that larger than usual levels of water would keep flowing through the city in the coming days.

Agnieszka Popow-Wozniak, 44, an employee at an infertility clinic who had cycled through the city, told Reuters the situation seemed to be better than expected, adding:

"There is no flooding in the city centre at the moment."

The army said 16,000 soldiers were helping out in the region, alongside police and thousands of volunteers.

Prime Minister Tusk said officers from Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW) had arrested a person who had dressed up in a soldier's uniform and falsely told members of the public that flood defences were going to be blown up.

Poland has warned citizens to be alert for disinformation about the floods.

In Hungary, towns were dealing with the rising Danube River, and Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the water level in Budapest was expected to peak on Saturday afternoon or evening, but that it would be lower than record levels seen in 2013.

($1 = 22.5260 Czech crowns)

($1 = 0.8964 euros)

(Reporting by Barbara Erling in Wroclaw, Pawel Florkiewicz, Alan Charlish, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk and Anna Koperin Warsaw, Kristina Than in Budapest, Jason Hovet in Prague, Sudip Kar-Gupta in Brussels; Editing by William Maclean and Frances Kerry)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Just weeks after a new Missouri law peeled back certain consequences linked to traffic violations, law enforcement is sounding the alarm.

If we keep clawing back the accountability and we dont stand up and say right is right and wrong is wrong and if you do wrong there are consequences for those actions where do we go as a society, Chief Adam Dustman of the Independence Police Department said.

Dustman is questioning the bills sponsor over concern in regard to the recourse municipalities have when enforcing traffic tickets.

Because for most of us when we see those lights flashing behind us, flashing, no doubt there is some level of fear, what have I done?

That is the very essence of this conversation because that could be going away.

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Part of Senate Bill 754 reads: This act provides that no court shall issue a warrant of arrest for a persons failure to respond, pay the fine assessed, or appear in court with respect to a traffic violation issued for an infraction.

Any mechanism that reduces the accountability of behavior in this case violations of the traffic law is not going to dissuade people from violating the law if anything its going to incentivize them to continue to violate the law, Dustman said.

The sponsor of this bill, Republican State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer, however, disagrees, saying the idea is that people should no longer go to jail for low-level crimes.

But Dustman has his thoughts as well.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

My concern is if these are people who should not be on the street and were continuing to reduce the accountability of these offenders who have shown a propensity to violate the law, are we really keeping our streets safe? Dustman asked the senator.

What I would say to that is that municipal police departments are able to send cases that they cant handle and municipal courts to the county prosecutors, Luetkemeyer responded.

Theyre [county prosecutors] overloaded just like were overloaded, so to add more to their plate or to assume that more can be added to their plate is fantasy in practice, Dustman said.

Now, there has been a push nationally, kind of what were seeing here, to decriminalize traffic violations.

The Fines and Services Justice Center wrote a report titled The Drive to Jail that details some of what we see happening here in Missouri.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department responded to FOX4 in a statement saying:

We have and will continue to enforce traffic laws across our city. Careless driving, speeding, seatbelt usage has led to far too many traffic fatalities in this city. Those will remain priorities for traffic enforcement.

But again, even once they give those tickets, Dustmans concern is that the recourse of putting a lien on someone, which is now the available recourse, is just not enough.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man suspected of assaulting and attempting to rob a pregnant nurse at the Trumbull Regional Medical Center was arrested Sunday.

Warren police were dispatched Sunday at about 8:18 p.m. with reports of a man assaulting a TRMC nurse in the parking lot, according to a police report.

Police were told the man assaulted a pregnant nurse while attempting to steal her car and then took off shirtless down Laird Avenue.

Officers were able to locate the man walking on South St. between Bonnie Brae and Homewood where he was arrested.

Police spoke with the victim as she was being treated in the TRMC emergency room.

The report states the woman was visibly pregnant, had injuries on her face and head, and blood was thick and clotted around her nose. She said she was experiencing pelvic pain and felt like her nose was broken.

ER staff began assessing if her unborn child had any injuries. The woman stated she was due Sept. 27.

The victim said she was sitting in her car after her shift ended when the suspect ripped her door open and forcefully pulled her out. She was able to push the man to the ground and tried to get back in the vehicle to lock the doors but was unsuccessful.

The victim stated the man then slammed her head against the car and began punching her in the face. She said she fought with the man for about three to four minutes before witnesses came to help.

During the assault, the woman stated she was able to reach into the car and sound the horn.

Another nurse at the hospital called 911 after hearing the car horn going off in the parking lot which brought her attention to the situation.

The suspect took off on foot when others came to the womans aid.

As an officer escorted the suspect into his cruiser, the suspect stopped walking and fell to the ground. Backup was requested in case he resisted arrest, the report stated.

Police spoke with ER staff who said just before the incident occurred, the suspect had checked himself out of the hospital against medical advice. He was there seeking drug rehabilitation treatment, ER staff said.

After his arrest, the suspect was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for an unknown medical issue.

Later, he was taken to the Trumbull County Jail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Police Responded to Report of 'Suspicious' Person. They Found a Vt. Politician and Family Dead

Brian Crossman Sr.,Erica (Pawlusiak) Crossman and 13-year-old Colin Taft were found dead on Sunday

Brian Crossman/Facebook Erica Crossman and Brian Crossman

Authorities in Vermont are investigating the fatal shooting of a family of three who were found dead over the weekend.

Brian Crossman Sr., 46, his wife Erica (Pawlusiak) Crossman, 41, and Ericas son and Brians stepson, Colin Taft, 13, were found dead in their Pawlet, Vt., home early in the morning on Sunday, Sep. 15, the state police said in a statement at the time.

Authorities were responding to a report of a suspicious person that led them to the home where they made the gruesome discovery, the statement said.

The deaths have been ruled as homicides, per police. The couple died from gunshot wounds to the head and Taft died after being shot multiple times, the medical examiner determined, per the statement. Brian was also shot in the torso.

Brian Crossman/Facebook Erica Crossman and Brian Crossman

Brian was a selectboard member in Pawlet, a town with fewer than 1400 residents.

According to the town governments website, he worked as a Liaison to Buildings and Development, Liaison to Town Highway Department. Selectboard members are officials elected by residents to oversee expenditures and enact ordinances, per the Associated Press.

On Tuesday, at their scheduled meeting, the selectboard issued a statement as Brians seat at the table was left with flowers and his name in a handwritten place card. Members and attendees observed a moment of silence in his honor, according to a video shared by CBS 6 Albany.

Brian Crossman was a friend and a neighbor, a hardworking community team member, selectboard Chairman Mike Beecher said at the meeting, according to WCAX, NECN and the Associated Press.

This tragedy that struck him and his family also hit our community very hard, he said, according to the video shared by WCAX and CBS 6 Albany. We are all shaken and grieving.

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.

Authorities say the killings appear to be an isolated incident but have not said if they have a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

State police is urging anyone with information that may be relevant to the case to contact the Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101 or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.



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Read the original article on People.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Boulder Police Department is trying to identify a man who was riding an e-bicycle on Tuesday evening and reportedly crashed into a car while running a red light, and then leaving the scene of the crash.

The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Police shared a video of the e-bike traveling south through a red light on 47th Street at Diagonal Highway (Highway 119). The area is just off of Foothills Parkway near Hayden Lake.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Police said the e-biker went through the red light and hit a Toyota Corolla that was headed east, causing significant damage to the car. The driver, a woman, was uninjured, the Boulder Police Department reported.

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The agency did not say if the bicyclist was injured, but the video appears to show the cyclist riding away.

This screenshot of a video shared by the Boulder Police Department shows a e-bike just after it allegedly crashed into a Toyota Corolla on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Police said the cyclist is described as possibly Latino or African American and is in his late teens or early 20s. The suspect was about 5 foot, 8 inches tall with a medium build. Police said he was last seen wearing a white or gray sweatshirt and brown or khaki pants.

Anyone who might be able to identify the man or who has information about the crash is asked to contact Boulder Police Crash Investigation Specialist Hanel at HanelJ@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling 720-648-2408 and reference case number 24-9744.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 seek publics help in identifying woman after aggravated assault in Boston

Police are seeking the publics help in identifying a woman after an aggravated assault in Bostons Mission Hill neighborhood.

The assault happened at 11:46 p.m. Saturday at 688 Parker St. in the citys Mission Hill neighborhood.

Police described the woman as a Black female, heavy set, approximately 40 years old, with braided hair and wearing a purple shirt and ripped blue jeans. She may frequent the Mission Main area, police said.

Anyone with information about this womans identity is strongly urged to call Boston Police detectives at 617-343-4275.

People can also call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line anonymously at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463).

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
Fresno police arrested one of the departments own sergeants on Wednesday after he was accused of attempting lewd acts on a child.

Sgt. Paige McQuay, 56, was placed in custody in Fresno after Roseville Police Department said he was the subject of a sex crimes investigation, according to a news release.

He was accused of attempted lewd acts with a child and contacting a minor in an attempt to commit an offense, police said in a news release.

McQuay has worked with Fresno Police Department since 1993, according to the department. He was promoted to sergeant in April 2023.

Fresno Interim Chief Mindy Casto said Wednesday during a news conference she had limited details on the incident, but noted the penal code he was accused of violating was for a child under 14.

Police confirmed after the news conference McQuay was arrested as part of a sting involving an officer who was posing as a child.

He was placed on paid leave as the investigation is ongoing, police said.

Casto said her department will cooperate with Roseville Police Department, which will pursue the criminal investigation. Fresno police would simultaneously conduct an internal investigation.

She asked for the communitys support during a painful process.

We have to let the process take its time, but again its painful, Casto said on Wednesday. We have so many officers out there doing the right thing and sacrificing for the community, and this is an embarrassment.

McQuay worked in the northeast policing district, and supervised about 15 officers on a patrol unit, according to Casto.

Roseville police said late Wednesday that McQuay was arrested as part of a sweeping undercover investigation to catch adults attempting to meet minors for sex.

Details on the others caught in the operation were not immediately available, according to Lt. Chris Ciampa, a spokesperson with the Roseville Police Department.

Detectives posing as children used messaging apps to catch adults allegedly in the act, Roseville police said.

Ciampa also said McQuay will very likely be extradited to Placer County to face charges. But McQuay was not in Roseville when the alleged crime occurred.

Paige McQuay, left, is seen with former Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama when McQuay was promoted to sergeant in a photo posted to the departments Facebook page on April 7, 2023.

Fresno police Sgt. Paige McQuay, 56, was placed in custody in Fresno after Roseville Police Department said he was the subject of a sex crimes investigation, according to a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.
A former Minneapolis police sergeant and security guard for Mayor Jacob Frey was charged on Wednesday for allegedly using Apple AirTags and police databases to stalk an ex-coworker with whom he had been in a romantic relationship.

Gordon Blackey, 59, is charged in Anoka County with two gross misdemeanors of harassment and unauthorized use of a tracking device and two counts of misdemeanor due to unauthorized acquisition of nonpublic data.

Blackey has worked with the police for over 27 years and served as Mayor Freys driver and bodyguard until May. The Mayor's office responded to a comment from Bring Me The News, saying Frey takes the charges seriously and that "the police department assigns security details, so we refer to their statement."

Courtesy of the Minneapolis Police Department on Facebook.

MPD confirmed it is aware of the charges and that Blackey "is an employee with the City of Minneapolis. Chief Brian OHara also released a statement on the incident, saying: I am, of course, very concerned about the charges, but Ill refrain from commenting further to maintain the integrity of the criminal legal process.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim, a sergeant with a Minnesota police department, discovered an AirTag in her car on March 18 after getting a notification on her daughter's iPhone. The iPhone showed that an unknown AirTag was actively tracking their movements, and she found it in the wheel well.

She recognized the last four digits of the phone number linked to the AirTag as Blackey's, and when she confronted him the following day, he admitted doing it because he "cared about her." The two had briefly dated for a year before the incident and were broken up, maintaining a friendly work relationship.

She expressed discomfort with the situation and told Blackey she no longer wanted to be around him despite their professional association.

Blackey invited her for a drink on April 30, which she declined. However, later that evening, while at a restaurant with friends in Blaine, she noticed Blackey sitting inside the restaurant. The complaint says despite Blackey acting friendly, she became concerned that he may have been tracking her location without her knowledge.

She became more alarmed as she remembered previous occasions when Blackey had appeared at events unannounced or displayed intimate knowledge about the details of her life.

Related: Minneapolis police officer fired after leaving shift for oral sex

She reported the incidents to her local police department on May 7. Following an investigation by the Anoka County Sheriffs Office, it was revealed that Blackey installed the AirTag in the victim's car without a court order and that he had used police databases to find private information about her.

Blackeys iCloud account contained photos taken on March 4 that showed a computer screen displaying private drivers license information. According to the complaint, this information was obtained from a state database accessible to police officers.

The private data that was found included the victim, her father, and the drivers license belonging to one of her coworkers.

Despite having no legitimate purpose, Blackey also allegedly accessed the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension database to obtain private information, such as the addresses of her father and coworker.

Blackey admitted to police in September that he placed the AirTag in the sergeant's car and had been tracking her location on "several occasions." He also admitted to using his access as a police officer to obtain private information from the BCA records about the victims without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

During a follow-up interview on July 19, the police sergeant said the emotional distress caused by Blackeys stalking had caused her anxiety, trouble sleeping, and issues with her work performance.

His first court appearance is scheduled for October 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Polish drink driver defends being over limit by saying drinking alcohol is normal at home

Radoslaw Jaroszek was banned from driving for 25 months, given a 12-month community order - SNWS

A Polish drink driver has defended himself for being nearly four times over the legal limit by saying alcohol is quite usual in his home country.

Radoslaw Jaroszek, 45, was selling ice creams from a van on the seafront in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in August when customers reported him to the police for appearing intoxicated.

The Polish national was found to have 131mgs of alcohol per 100ml of breath  almost four times the legal limit of 35mgs.

He admitted drink driving at Great Yarmouth Magistrates court on Wednesday, where he said it was normal to drink alcohol in Poland and that he did not know Britains drink-driving laws were so strict.

Jaroszek was working at the Norfolk seaside town on Aug 12 for Lamartis Ice Cream when customers noticed that seemed intoxicated and impaired while serving them.

It is quite usual to drink alcohol

Police were called and they then tracked him on CCTV as he drove the ice cream van through the town.

Officers who pulled Jaroszek over smelt liquor on his breath and found him unsteady on his feet, the court heard. A breathalyser test then found that he was significantly over the legal limit and he was arrested.

The lowest test of his breath recorded following his arrest was 105mgs.

Jaroszek, speaking through an interpreter, told the court that in Poland it was quite usual to drink alcohol and he did not realise UK laws about drink driving were so strong.

But he claimed that he had only had two pints of beer on the day of his arrest.

The court heard that he had previously told a probation officer that he did not usually drink and had only been doing so to cope with depression after his partner had a miscarriage.

Jaroszek was banned from driving for 25 months, given a 12-month community order including 100 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation requirement days, and ordered to pay 199 costs.

He was fired by Great Yarmouth-based Lamartis Ice Cream after his arrest and is still jobless.

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Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Crimea is a key point in any possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine and suggested "demilitarizing" the peninsula, Interfax-Ukraine reported on Sept. 19, citing the minister's comments at YES conference in Kyiv.

"We could put it under a U.N. mandate with a mission to prepare a fair referendum after establishing who the legal residents are and so on... And we could postpone it for 20 years," Sikorski suggested as one possible option, according to the news agency.

Russia has illegally occupied Crimea since 2014, sparking international condemnations and sanctions. The peninsula remains internationally recognized as Ukraine's sovereign territory.

"Crimea is symbolically important for Russia, and especially for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, but strategically important for Ukraine. Therefore, I do not see how they will be able to come to an agreement without demilitarizing Crimea," Sikorski said.

The Polish minister also voiced belief that the West made a mistake when it allegedly told Ukraine not to fight for Crimea in 2014.

"If Ukrainians had fought in Crimea, even symbolically, he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) would probably not have decided (to attack) Donbas," Sikorski said.

Some of Sikorski's comments prompted a pushback in Ukraine, namely among the Crimean Tatar community.

The Mejlis, the Crimean Tatars' chief executive-representative body, denounced the proposal about Crimea's status as "unacceptable and cynical."

"Crimea is a temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, and the first step to establishing peace should be the withdrawal of the Russian occupying forces from the territory of the peninsula," the statement read.

The Mejlis also considers any disputes on the "legality" of the peninsula's residents as "unnecessary and inappropriate."

"According to Ukrainian and international law, Crimea's 'legal residents' are exclusively citizens of Ukraine and persons who have established their permanent or temporary residence in accordance with Ukrainian legislation," the Mejlis said.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry later issued a statement saying that "the territorial integrity of Ukraine has never been and cannot be a subject for discussion or compromise. Crimea is Ukraine. Period."

Up to 800,000 Russian citizens have illegally settled in Crimea since the start of the occupation in 2014, Ukrainian authorities said last year. Russia's rule has also been accompanied by systematic repression and persecution of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars.

"Crimea is Ukraine. Russia has violated international law and must be held accountable for it," Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak said on his Telegram channel on Sept. 19, without explicitly referencing Sikorski's comments.

Tamila Tasheva, the presidential representative for Crimea, called the minister's statements "unfortunate, especially in view of the events that have taken place since 2014."

"After the illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014, the inhabitants of the peninsula suffered systematic human rights violations, persecution, and repression," Tasheva said.

"This especially applies to Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians who face discrimination, illegal detentions, and restrictions on freedom of speech and religion."

Ukraine stands firm on its 10-point peace plan that includes the full restoration of territorial integrity, Tasheva said, voicing hope for "further solidarity and support from our international partners in countering aggression and protecting the principles of international law."

While Poland has been a key ally to Ukraine during the full-scale war with Russia, Sikorski's trip to Kyiv was accompanied by an uneasy atmosphere.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Sikorski on Sept. 13 "was extremely tense; it could even be described as a dispute," the Polish outlet Onet wrote.

The Polish delegation was reportedly taken aback by Zelensky's tone, who criticized the supposed lack of Warsaw's support in Ukraine's EU integration and called for greater military supplies.

Ukraine's head of state also reportedly called out Polish leaders for bringing up the matter of the Volyn massacre in the current situation.

This refers 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.

Kyiv and Warsaw did not publically confirm any dispute during the talks.

Read also: Volhynian Massacre  the Achilles heel of Ukrainian-Polish relations

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  For 50 years, Roe vs Wade guaranteed a constitutional right to an abortion. Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling to overturn the landmark decision shifted the legal battle back to the states.

This November, South Dakota voters will take up Constitutional Amendment G.

It would essentially restore a womans right to an abortion in the state. A yes vote supports a state constitutional right to abortion in South Dakota, using a trimester framework for regulation:

During the first trimester, the state would not intervene in a womans pregnancy or decision to abort. During the second trimester, the state may regulate abortions but only for the physical health of the pregnant woman

And during the third trimester, the state may prohibit an abortion except when medically necessary.

Senator Mike Rounds tells KELOLAND News that he is against Amendment G.

Personally, I will vote no, and I would simply, with all due respect to the citizens of the state, ask them to also vote no and not put this into the constitution. There are things that occur scientifically, medically that you can address when you put things into statute, but if you put it into the constitution, you cant modify it by legislative action, said Rounds.

Former state lawmaker Nancy Turbak Berry, who helped launch the amendment, says the current abortion ban approved by lawmakers in Pierre isnt what South Dakota voters want.

Our current ban is extreme; there is not even an exception for rape and incest; there is not an exception for the health of the mother, said Turbak Berry. South Dakota voters twice before have rejected bans like that, and Senator Rounds and the rest of the political crowd around him they know full well South Dakotans dont want this.

Rounds says he believes we should always do whatever we can to save lives.

Mitchell Baseball Association silent on sentencing; Legion plans next steps

That means the mothers life, but it also means the childs life. And when you allow as this does with the way that it is written for abortions to be performed in the third trimester, said Rounds. Thats something that the vast majority of people of South Dakota would say, thats not what I thought this was all about.

Turbak Berry says in 52 years, South Dakota has never had an abortion at or near birth.

Heres why: if a woman is approaching the end of her pregnancy, she is near term, and for some reason, her health or life requires that the pregnancy be ended, doctors dont abort the fetus; they deliver the baby. And to suggest otherwise is just kind of insulting to both the medical profession and to the women of South Dakota.

I think most people in South Dakota when they realize that this allows for abortion up through the third trimester. I think they will think twice about putting that into the constitution, said Rounds.

For decades, the right-to-life folks wanted to convince everybody that abortion should be banned because their slogan was life begins at conception. That didnt work for them, said Turbak Berry. So now theyve gone to the other end of pregnancy and they are trying to scare everybody by talking about abortion at or near birth abortion in the third trimester, thats just nonsense.

The issue brings up strong opinions on both sides. South Dakota voters will vote on Amendment G on November 5th.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  In a poll released Thursday, the latest snapshot of voters in swing states shows North Carolina voters have shifted toward Vice President Kamala Harris in the race against former President Donald Trump.

Of all seven swing states surveyed in the CBS 17/Emerson College/The Hill poll, North Carolina was the only state to have the presidential race pivot from red to blue since late August. The margin, however, is very small.

North Carolina: A battle for the 1-point difference

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

In August, Trump held the one-point lead in the state with 49% of voters favoring him, compared to 48% favoring Harris. In September, the script flipped with 49% of respondents saying they would vote for Harris and 48% saying they would cast their vote for Trump if the election were held today. The remaining 3%in both pollssaid they are undecided or voting for someone else.

AUGUST RESULTS | Trump has 1-point edge over Harris in North Carolina, poll data shows

In this latest poll of 1,000 likely voters across North Carolina, the party affiliation most represented was Republicans at 36.6%, followed by Democrats at 33.8% and Independent/other at 29.6%, according to Emerson College Polling.

There has been modest movement in the presidential election since the late August Emerson

swing state polls before the presidential debate, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.

In both North Carolina and Arizona, Trump lost a point, and Harris gained a point. In Arizona, however, Trump still holds a 1-point lead.

Trumps support stayed the same in Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, while Harris support decreased by a point in Michigan and Nevada, and stayed the same in Wisconsin. In Georgia, voters appear to be leaning red with Trump gaining two points and Harris losing two.

Whos favored for NCs next governor?

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein

Polling across the swing states, including N.C., showed a trend of democratic candidates outperforming GOP candidates in statewide races.

For Attorney General Josh Stein (D), the gap got wider in the latest poll to give him an 8-point lead over Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R). While 48% said they would vote for Stein and 40% opted for Robinson, another 10% said they remain undecided. This is a one-point boost for Stein and a one-point decline for Robinson compared to August polling numbers.

Presidential prediction shows a consensus

Voters in every swing state were asked, regardless of who they support for president, which candidate they expect to actually be president after the 2024 election.

Voters in all swing states expect Harris over Trump to be president in 2024, by a 51% to 48% margin in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Voters expect Harris over Trump in Nevada 50% to 48%, Michigan 52% to 47%, and by the largest margin of 53% to 46% in North Carolina.

Methodology and acknowledgements: Data was collected between September 15-18, 2024 with a North Carolina sample size of n=1,000, with a credibility interval of +/-3%. The survey was conducted by Emerson College Polling and sponsored by Nexstar Media.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Hispanic registered voters consider halting gun violence a top political priority, ranking the issue alongside concerns about the economy and affordability, according to a poll shared with HuffPost on Thursday.

The nationwide survey highlighted the unique importance of firearm safety to a demographic that both parties struggle to reach, pointing to an opportunity for Democrats to broaden their appeal, given the partys strong support for tougher gun laws.

The national survey was conducted from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 by Global Strategy Group on behalf of the Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund, a reform group, and BOLD America PAC, which supports progressive Hispanic candidates.

When asked to rank the urgency of political issues on a scale of one to five, some 79% of respondents viewed stopping school shootings as the top political issue  the highest share that any single issue received. Increasing the affordability of everyday items like gas and groceries trailed close behind at 78%.

Latino voters expressed similar concern about mass shootings in general, with 71% ranking it as a top political issue.

Crosses are surrounded by flowers and other items at a memorial on June 9, 2022, for the victims of a shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. AP Photo/Eric Gay, File

The survey partially overlapped with the widely publicized mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, that left two students and two teachers dead, and nine others injured.

Fewer respondents viewed immigration reform (56%) or securing the border (53%) as top political priorities.

The poll mostly contains good news for Democrats.

A sweeping majority of the polls 800 respondents supported universal background checks (91%), laws mandating safe gun storage (91%) and red flag laws that temporarily prohibit people from possessing firearms if they present a danger to themselves or others (80%).

All of those positions have become standard for Democratic candidates, who generally favor gun control  including the partys presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.

This key voting bloc isnt picky when it comes to protecting their communities, reads a memo describing the poll results. They simply want to see common-sense action taken by their elected officials to put an end to the violence.

Republican nominee Donald Trump, by contrast, has pledged to roll back gun restrictions imposed by the Joe Biden administration that were aimed at imposing background checks on sales at gun shows and restricting forced-reset triggers that make guns shoot fast.

Thursdays poll found less support among Hispanics for banning assault weapons, however, at 63%.

That figure still stands well above the support for assault weapons bans typically found in surveys of the American public as a whole.

Public support for the proposal has ebbed and flowed over the last decade, often hovering below a simple majority. A Monmouth University poll of the general public last year found that 46% of respondents supported banning assault weapons.

Nearly two-thirds of Latino voters surveyed in the poll released Thursday felt that gun laws should be tightened. Only 11% wanted to loosen restrictions on guns, and about one-quarter favored the status quo.

Hispanic and Latino voters are clear: they are looking for candidates who will support commonsense solutions to the gun violence epidemic that our communities face everyday, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a co-chair of BOLD America, wrote in a statement. This poll shows that addressing gun violence is a top issue for Hispanic and Latino voters in this critical election cycle. We all want our communities to be safe from gun violence, and voters want their candidates to prioritize and clearly detail their gun violence prevention plans.

But the survey also indicated that Democrats may have to publicize their messages on gun safety more broadly to consolidate support for those positions among Latino voters.

Like other recent surveys, the poll found that Latino voters do not identify strongly with either party.

Some 49% of respondents leaned Democrat, while 35% leaned Republican. Nearly one-third identified as politically independent.

While a plurality of respondents said they would vote for Democratic candidates based on party affiliation, respondents were more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate who favored gun reform and against a Republican candidate who opposed it.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Democratic U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse holds a double-digit lead over Republican challenger Patricia Morgan in the wake of last Tuesdays primary, according to new survey results released Thursday.

The University of New Hampshire Survey Center Ocean State Poll of 738 likely voters in Rhode Island found Whitehouse at 51% and Morgan at 33%, with 11% still undecided and 6% saying they support another candidate. (No other candidates are on the ballot.)

Whitehouse, who won his seat when he defeated then-Republican Lincoln Chafee in 2006, is seeking a fourth six-year term in November. Morgan, a state representative and former candidate for governor, defeated Ray McKay in last weeks Republican primary to win the GOP Senate nomination.

Republicans havent won a U.S. Senate race in Rhode Island since 2000, when Lincoln Chafee succeeded his late father John. The last time a non-Chafee Republican won was 1930.

Where They Stand: US Senate candidate Patricia Morgan

12 News political analyst Joe Fleming called the poll findings not surprising at all, but said the Whitehouse campaign will be pleased to already have majority support.

Rhode Islands a very Democratic state, Fleming said. He has very high name recognition, while Patricia Morgan has less name recognition and a lot less money to get her message out. Whitehouse has been running campaign ads on TV since the summer, he noted.

The UNH survey of 738 Rhode Island voters was conducted online and by text message from Sept. 12 to Sept. 16, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. UNH already released results in the presidential race on Wednesday, finding Democrat Kamala Harris ahead of Republican Donald Trump in Rhode Island by 20 points.

Whitehouse is viewed favorably by 46% of voters and neutrally by 11%, while 37% of voters view him unfavorably. Morgan is far lesser-known, with 41% of voters having no opinion about her. Among those who do, Morgan is viewed favorably by 28%, neutrally by 11% and unfavorably by 21%.

Where They Stand: US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Views on Whitehouse are polarized. The senator is viewed favorably by 74% of Democrats, but only 17% of independents and 4% of Republicans. He is popular with female viewers, who view him favorably by a 55% to 28% margin, but slightly unpopular with men, whose views on Whitehouse are 40% favorable and 44% unfavorable. He is also underwater with seniors.

Whitehouse has a massive financial edge in addition to the other advantages of incumbency. He had $3.6 million in his campaign account as of Aug. 21, while Morgan had less than $150,000, according to their most recent Federal Election Commission reports.

She has to get more resources to get her message out to the voters and give them a reason not to vote for Sheldon Whitehouse, Fleming said.

Whitehouse is winning 57% self-described moderate voters and has 84% support among Democrats, but is only backed by 15% of independents. Morgan has room to grow among her party base, with only 79% of Republicans currently supporting her.

The incumbents supporters are also more locked in, with 85% of Whitehouse backers saying they have definitely decided to vote for him, compared with only 64% of Morgan backers.

Whitehouse and Morgan have been invited to a televised debate on WPRI 12 next month.

The poll also tested how Rhode Islanders plan to vote on whether to hold a constitutional convention, a question that appears on the ballot in the state every 10 years.

While one in three voters are undecided about the ballot question, among those who do have an opinion, 39% say they plan to vote yes on holding a constitutional convention, while 28% plan to vote no.

However, a majority of voters said they havent heard much yet about the ballot question, and over 40% acknowledged they dont feel they have much understanding about the issue of a constitutional convention.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Threads and Facebook.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
California voters overwhelmingly back the tough-on-crime ballot initiative that has dominated political discussion ahead of Novembers election, according to a new statewide poll released Wednesday.

Seventy-one percent of likely voters said they support Proposition 36, which would strengthen criminal penalties for repeat offenders of drug and theft crimes. The poll, conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, found that just 26 percent would vote against it.

Asked which measure on this years ballot they are most interested in, 26 percent of likely voters named Prop 36  far more than any of the other nine issue questions on the ballot in November. Three in four said they believe the outcome of the vote on Prop 36 is very or somewhat important.

The measure also got support from across the political spectrum: 85 percent of Republicans said they would vote Yes on Prop 36, as would 73 percent of independents and 63 percent of Democrats.

Prop 36 got the highest support among this years slate of 10 ballot measures.

Prop 3, a constitutional amendment that would remove dormant language banning same-sex marriage from the state constitution, also saw strong support among Californias likely voters: 68 percent support it, compared with 31 percent who oppose it. And 63 percent of likely voters said they would vote Yes on Prop 35, a measure to make permanent a tax on certain health care plans in order to fund Medi-Cal.

A majority of likely voters also say they would vote Yes on the two bonds on the November ballot  Prop 2, a $10 billion school construction bond, and Prop 4, a $10 billion bond to fund climate-related projects. Sixty-five percent said they would vote Yes, on Prop 4, and 54 percent said they would vote Yes on Prop 2.

The margins are tighter for other measures. A slim majority of voters would back both Prop 33, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation-backed measure to allow local governments to enact rent control restrictions (51 percent), and Prop 34, targeted at the AIDS Healthcare Foundations political activities (53 percent).

Voters were split on Prop 32, which would raise the minimum wage to $18 per hour: 50 percent support the proposal, compared with 49 percent who oppose it.

Just two of the 10 measures got less than 50 percent support: Prop 5, which would lower the voter threshold for approving public housing projects, and Prop 6, which would change the state constitution to outlaw involuntary servitude.

Just because a measure has support from a majority of voters is no guarantee it will pass: Ballot measures are prone to significant swings in public opinion over the course of a campaign.

Data from nearly two decades worth of surveys from the Field Poll, a longtime California statewide poll, found that to have a better than even chance of being approved by the voters, a ballot measure needed to start out with a statistically significant lead. Even then, just 60 percent of those measures were actually approved at the ballot box.

The PPIC poll also found Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump in California by 31 points, 60 percent to 29 percent.

Adam Schiff, the Democrat running for U.S. Senate, holds a similarly large lead over his Republican opponent, Steve Garvey: Schiff beats Garvey 63 percent to 35 percent.

Fifty-six percent of those surveyed in California said they were satisfied with the choice of candidates in the presidential race, up from just 36 percent who said the same back in April, when President Joe Biden was still Democrats presidential candidate.

The PPIC poll surveyed 1,071 likely voters between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9, and has a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points.
Offshore4sure campaign volunteers Jennie Pink and Ken Bate in the pop-up shop in Saxmundham [GUY CAMPBELL/BBC]

Campaigners battling to keep wind energy infrastructure projects offshore have set up a pop-up shop to highlight their concerns.

The group "Offshore4sure" said at least three projects, LionLink, Nautilus and SeaLink, would result in converter stations being built on agricultural land close to Saxmundham, Suffolk.

Volunteers set up a temporary information centre in the town's High Street outlining alternative options for an offshore grid, with substations on brownfield sites, such as at Bradwell, in Essex, and closer to demand.

National Grid said it was "good to see community groups creating opportunities for local people to share their views".

The pop-up shop aims to raise awareness about National Grid plans for converter stations [GUY CAMPBELL/BBC]

The information centre has been set up by Saxmundham Against Needless Destruction (SAND), which is working under the umbrella group Offshore4sure.

Charlotte Fox, a volunteer with Offshore4sure, said: "Our message is not doom and gloom because it's not over yet. There is still an opportunity to change things around.

"Even National Grid's own figures show that it will be cheaper to build an offshore grid, but they have a monopoly over projects, onshore, so if it goes offshore the projects would be open to competition.

"We can still avoid the needless destruction of our countryside. At Saxmundham there are going to be three, if not four, converter stations, and each one would be 27 metres high and would cover an area of 16 acres."

Volunteer Ken Bate, from Offshore4sure, said the pop-up shop would "let local people know what's really going on because they have an idea that something is happening but many have no idea of the sheer scale of what's being proposed".

Jennie Pink, a volunteer with the group, also expressed concern: "We have been kept in the dark about these plans, and people have now realised it's possible to step up and to exert some people power; otherwise we will lose what we value most dearly."

Consultations

National Grid said up to three of their projects proposed to co-locate converter stations at the same site at Saxmundham.

It said National Grid Ventures LionLink interconnector project had conducted two non-statutory consultations and the next chance for the community to feed into the plans for the project, including the converter station at Saxmundham, would be in 2025.

National Grid Ventures Nautilus interconnector project has conducted one non-statutory consultation on its proposals. Pending regulatory approval, the next opportunity for the community to comment would be during the statutory consultation in 2026.

National Grid Electricity Transmission project, Sea Link, has conducted three stages of consultation on its proposals. It expects to submit its Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate in early 2025.

Offshore4sure said a better solution "involving an offshore grid using the North Sea Corridor to transport power closer to demand is a realistic and viable option. Other European countries like Belgium, Holland, Germany and Denmark have chosen modular offshore grids for their offshore spatial design strategies".

A National Grid spokesperson said: "We understand that people have concerns about the impact of energy projects on their local area. Local knowledge and experience are crucial to the development of project proposals, as it helps us deliver the best possible project for the community and local environment with the least possible disruption.

"In addition to our consultations, it is good to see community groups creating opportunities for local people to understand projects and share their views.

"We will contact the organisers of the pop-up shop to help ensure they have accurate and the most up-to-date information about National Grid projects."

Offshore4sure says a better energy solution would "involve an offshore grid using the North Sea Corridor" [GUY CAMPBELL/BBC]

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portland is letting the immigrant and refugee community know theyre welcome in the Rose City with a week devoted to honoring them.

This years Welcoming Week, a series of events celebrating and offering a helping hand to immigrants and refugees, comes at a time when Oregon has been struggling with a surge in bias crimes.

Woman killed in NE Portland hit-run, suspect found

In the last decade, bias crime reports went from 10 in 2015 to nearly 170 in 2023, according to the Oregon Department of Justice. On a national level, a similar rise in bias crimes in recent years has been reported by the FBI.

On Wednesday at Portlands Alberta House, Welcoming Week celebrations included a block party with live music, international cuisine, games, and family-friendly activities. The event, slated for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., recognized the immigrant and refugee contributions to the citys diversity, culture and local economy.

A free resource fair was also held earlier in the day at Portland Community College Cascades Terrell Hall in North Portland. Offerings included legal services and other assistance, such as connecting community members with employment information, health insurance, food and opportunities in housing and education.

The PCC Legal Resource Center and the CLEAR Clinic put on the resource fair.

Abduli Jam, an immigrant from Senegal, told KOIN 6 News via translation from a friend that he was looking for a job and a place to live.

Jam traveled more than 6,000 miles to come to Portland in hopes of finding a place of his own. He was one of several immigrants KOIN 6 saw get connected to services at PCC Wednesday.

Coming from Africa, we dont have work, we dont have it nice, so he just come to support his family, Jams friend explained.

Portland Live Nation venue critics make their case

Isabel Lara-Hernandez, an immigration law paralegal with the PCC Legal Resource Center, told KOIN 6 News its important to break down barriers to get people the help they need.

It really does bring great joy when were able to help them with an asylum application and then a work permit, and I get pictures from clients of their kids, Lara-Hernandez said. And I get progress of all the jobs that theyre getting, or just all the work that theyre able to continue to keep doing.

Beyond employment, PCCs Legal Resource Center helps immigrants navigate the legal and criminal justice system, aiding with screenings, fines, record expungement, DACA renewals, name changes and more. Its an issue thats personal for Lara-Hernandez, whose parents immigrated from Mexico.

They came here with not knowing anything, not knowing where to go, I feel really lucky to be a person that could have helped my parents, and so thats how I see the people that are, that were helping, Lara-Hernandez said.

This year alone, the Oregon Department of Justice said there have been 233 anti-national original reports of bias so far in 2024, with 62 being anti-immigrant, 36 anti-Mexico and 27 against the Asian community.

A recent shift in who is being targeted has also happened, with gender identity and sexual orientation among the most impacted classes over the last 30 years. Race, class and national origin lead reports received within the last week.

Portland gets WNBA expansion franchise

The upcoming election, it does bring a sense of fear to community members, Lara-Hernandez said. And when someone in our community is falling behind, we want to make sure we make them feel supported.

During a Portland City Council meeting last week formally recognizing Welcoming Week, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared, I hope that together, we can continue to support the immigrant and refugee communities and ensure that Portland remains a place where everyone, no matter where they come from, knows that they belong.

Check the PCC Legal Resource Centers website for more information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Portsmouth police are seeking the publics assistance in identifying a man involved in a robbery on Wednesday.

The suspect reportedly entered a store on the 3900 block of Victory Boulevard, implying that he had a firearm. He took an undisclosed amount of money and tobacco products, according to deputies.

Portsmouth police released an image of the suspect, who can be seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and a black Philadelphia Eagles mask with white slides.

It is urged that those with information about this incident contact the Portsmouth Police Investigations Bureau at 7573938536. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Line at 1888-LOCK-U-UP. If leading to an arrest or the recovery of stolen items, a crime line callers tip could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

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 WAVY.com.
A cross on the road is silhouetted, as flames and smoke coming from a wildfire rise near Povoa de Montemuro

By Patricia Vicente Rua

LISBON (Reuters) - Portuguese police have arrested 14 suspected arsonists this week, who may have set some of the dozens of deadly wildfires raging across the country, contributing to the fire risks stemming from climate change and rural depopulation.

The blazes have claimed at least seven lives and destroyed houses, factories and tens of thousands of hectares of forest.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro on Tuesday promised tough "repressive action" against such crimes "committed in the name of particular interests", without specifying further.

Salvador Pinho Ferreira de Almeida, a Lusofona University professor specialised in civil protection, told Reuters there were strong signs of criminal activity, because many of the fires "started at night and it's very bizarre to see so many outbreaks and so scattered".

Researcher and criminologist Andre Inacio said arson was likely aggravating "a climate situation in which we have dry forests and very strong winds", even if the first outbreaks may have been accidental.

"The new fires that started at dawn didn't start by themselves. The prime minister did us a favour of saying what it really is," he said, citing possible economic interests, such as the purchase of burnt wood or land at lower prices, as reasons for intentionally setting fires.

Other reasons include mental health problems.

One case study called "Forest Fires in Portugal in 2017", showed that arson accounted for nearly 36% of the wildfires that killed 45 people in October 2017, about the same as negligent fire use, such as by farmers to clear land.

A 2019 paper by Portuguese researchers Jessica Rolho and Cristina Soeiro, who studied the behaviour of 260 arsonists - 90% of them male - showed that anger and revenge drove most to light fires, particularly women, while some 27% of the men used arson as an instrument for personal gain.

Experts also cited rural depopulation, which has led to overgrown vegetation covering stone barriers that used to serve as firewalls, saying the government needs to resume clean-up efforts that began after deadly 2017 fires.

"Not managing the landscape intensively enough is creating this explosive situation," said Lindon Pronto, Germany-based fire management expert at the European Forest Institute, adding that no hefty investment in the fire response capacity would solve the problem.

(Reporting by Patricia Vicente Rua, Andrei Khalip and Silvio Castellanos; writing by Andrei Khalip, editing by David Latona and Sharon Singleton)
New customs processes for parcels and freight have been delayed [Getty Images]

Two elements of the Windsor Framework which were due to be implemented at the start of the October have been delayed until next year.

The Windsor Framework is the Brexit deal which sets trading rules between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

New customs processes for parcels and freight have now been delayed until March 2025 at the earliest.

Some businesses had expressed concerns that there had not been enough time to prepare for the changes.

In a message to traders, HM Revenue and Customs said: "As our ongoing engagement with you has recognised, several events, including the General Election and the pre-election period, have impacted on the preparations of traders and the border industry.

"We recognise that more time will therefore be required to ensure full readiness for the new arrangements."

More on this story
Potential disturbance in the Caribbean to move into the Gulf of Mexico: NHC

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Three disturbances in the Atlantic and Caribbean are being monitored by the National Hurricane Center.

An area of low pressure in the Caribbean could form late this weekend or early next week, according to the NHC.

A tropical depression is possible as it gradually develops over the northwestern Caribbean Sea moving into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico through next week.

A chance of development in the next seven days is 40%.

In the central tropical Atlantic, the remains of Gordon is expected to interact with another area of low pressure in the next few days.

A tropical depression or storm could re-form in the next few days as it moves slowly northward, according to the NHC.

A chance of development in the next two days is 20%, with 40% within the next seven days.

Located a few hundred miles northwest of the remnants of Gordon, an area of low pressure brings rain and thunderstorm activity in the central and western tropical Atlantic.

Some development chances are possible as this system moves through the central and western tropical Atlantic in the next few days, according to the NHC.

A chance of formation is 20% in the next seven days.

Watch Tracking the Tropics on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. CT.

Be prepared with the 2024 Hurricane Guide and stay ahead of tropical development with the Tracking the Tropics newsletter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Power outages in Ukraine will last for 4 to 18 hours per day in winter  UN report

Experts, surveyed by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), forecast that power blackouts in Ukraine will last from 4 to 18 hours every day in winter.

Source: report by the experts

Details: "This winter will be very hard. People will likely face regular power blackouts throughout the country. Any new attacks, which will lead to more durable outages, may have catastrophic consequences," Daniel Bell, the head of HRMMU, said.

Bell stated that the consequences of the attacks will be durable and require a complex approach.

"National and international partners must unite the efforts to restore critical infrastructure and hold those who caused damages accountable," she said.

In the report, long-term consequences of Russian attacks were described based on the results of visits to power facilities, interviews with technical experts, representatives of power companies, locals and officials.

It was stressed that in winter the consequences of the destruction of the Ukrainian power system may be even more serious than in summer due to low temperatures. Experts, surveyed by HRMMU, state that power blackouts in winter will last from 4 to 18 hours every day due to the deficit in power generation.

As of June 2024, 73% of thermal power plants were put out of order. If in the winter 2022-2023 Russian attacks mostly targeted power transmission facilities, power generation facilities have become the main target since March 2024.

One of the big power companies the report refers to states that as a result, three times more power generating facilities were damaged in 2024 than in winter 2022-2023.

Background: The EU believes that a challenging winter awaits Ukraine due to its power system being damaged in Russian attacks but the situation will not be catastrophic.

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(Bloomberg) -- Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto won sweeping new powers to create new ministries and restructure existing ones, giving him more room to both pursue his agenda and reward allies.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Lawmakers, largely supportive of outgoing President Joko Widodo and his successor Prabowo, passed a revised law to remove a cap of 34 ministries in a plenary meeting on Thursday. He will also be able to reorder or spin off ministries under the changes, which will become law once Jokowi signs them.

This law aims to build an effective and efficient system, Minister of Administrative Reform Abdullah Azwar Anas told lawmakers today. The move will give the president flexibility to form ministries in line with national interests.

The changes could make it easier for Prabowo to create cabinet posts to distribute among his allies. The incoming president is backed by seven parties controlling 82% of seats in parliament, leaving just one in opposition. Jokowi, whose eldest son will be vice president, has already appointed some of Prabowos closest allies to strategic ministerial posts and agencies.

This is Prabowos way, said Dedi Dinarto, Indonesia analyst at public policy adviser firm Global Counsel, said before the laws passage. We can see that there is a symbiotic mutualism between Prabowo and his supporting parties, where both parties benefit.

Plans to establish the new ministries have been discussed and accounted for in planning for the 2025 state budget, according to deputy finance minister Thomas Djiwandono, who is also Prabowos nephew. The spending plan was also approved on Thursday.

Jokowi Pushes Legacy With Last-Minute Indonesian Cabinet Shuffle

Prabowo may expand his cabinet to 40 ministerial seats, according to a report by Bank of America. Two senior politicians within Prabowos coalition have said that number can go as high as 44, local media outlet Detik reported earlier.

Prabowo, who is set to become president of Southeast Asias largest economy in October, is said to be planning standalone government agencies for water security and revenue collection. The former general may also split up the Public Works and Housing Ministry, as well as the Environment and Forestry Ministry, according to local media reports this month.

Prabowo has said he wants to boost Indonesias growth to 8% per annum. But there are worries that larger government could increase bureaucracy and inefficiency, and add to the fiscal costs for a country thats building a new capital city and rolling out a roughly $29 billion free meal plan for children.

It will burden much of the budget because the new state agencies can have authority that overlaps existing bodies, Wasisto Raharjo Jati, an analyst at Indonesias National Research and Innovation Agency, said earlier, adding that the country at one point had around 100 ministers during the Sukarno administration, which ended in the 1960s. Other countries even tend to reduce ministers.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which is not part of the ruling coalition, said the next administration should weigh the effectiveness of a much bigger government structure and its fiscal impact.

But while Prabowo gets more power to restructure his cabinet, he also risks being shackled to the interests of his broad coalition, said Achmad Sukarsono, a Singapore-based associate director at Control Risks, who focuses on Indonesia.

Victorious Jakarta Protesters Send Warning to Indonesias Elites

Opposition will come through informal avenues like street protests and social media campaigns that can lead to unpredictable consequences, he said. Thus, for businesses, the improved political certainty of an unchallenged government comes at the price of higher risks from public actions.

--With assistance from Norman Harsono.

(Adds comment in third paragraph, notes budget approval in sixth, adds comment and analysis from 10th.)

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Pregnant mom, husband who drowned while snorkeling in Maui, leave behind toddler son

Loved ones and a church community are mourning the loss of a couple and their unborn baby following the apparent drowning of a pregnant Washington state woman and her husband in Hawaii.

Family identified the couple as Ilya Tsaruk and Sophia Kovalevich of Snohomish, a city about 30 miles north of Seattle.

"She was going to become a girl mom," her sister-in-law Tia Tsuark, who was with the couple with her husband Tony Tsuark on vacation on the island of Maui when they died, told local FOX 13. "They never came back to us."

Couple who drowned in Maui had been snorkeling, husband found 150 yards from shore

According to the Maui Fire Department, about noon on Saturday, firefighters and ocean safety personnel responded to a report of swimmers in distress along the north side of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve.

The agency learned a couple had been snorkeling, and first-responders on a jet ski located the pregnant 26-year-old woman in the water, took her to shore and began CPR. Crews returned to the water and located her 26-year-old husband on the ocean floor about 150 yards from shore.

He was also brought to shore where rescue crews administered CPR.

First responders attempted lifesaving measures, the agency reported, but the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

USA TODAY has reached out to the victims family and church.

Couple leaves behind 18-month-old son

The couple attended Sulamita Slavic Church where family said they sang in a worship group, according to an online fundraiser.

"We lost a dear sister and brother, daughter and son, and beautiful niece, but we know that heaven received and gained the three of them with open arms," Roseville, Calif. resident Andrew Tupikov wrote in the fundraiser he created to help the victims' family, including an 18-month-old boy named Logan.

"Ilya and Sophia both loved the Lord and were always serving in the church and serving people around the," Tupikov wrote.

As of Thursday, nearly 1,000 people had donated more than $134,000 to the fundraiser.

A celebration of life and funeral service, the fundraiser says, are set for Sept. 26 and Sept. 27.

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: Washington couple found dead in Hawaii from apparent drowning
Pregnant Woman's Death Was Ruled Suicide. Now, Police Think a Married Cop Killed Her: 'We Knew She Didn't Kill Her Baby'

Sandra Birchmore, 23, was found dead at her Canton, Mass., home on Feb. 4, 2021

Sandra Birchmore Facebook Sandra Birchmore

When she learned she was pregnant in late 2020, Sandra Birchmore contacted her cousin in Seattle with the exciting news. She woke me up at oclock in the morning to tell me, recalls Barbara Wright, 68. She was over the moon.

Unmarried, Birchmore immediately began preparing for the birth, buying toys, and looking in advance for a photographer to take pictures of her newborn. She was planning a social media announcement on Feb. 14, 2021Valentines Day. She had a friend make a sign that said, Im expecting a new little one to love. My own little Valentine, says Wright.

But, on Feb. 4, the news Birchmores friends and family received was tragic. That day, police officers performing a welfare check after Birchmore didn't show up for work found the 23-year-old teaching assistants body at her Canton, Mass., apartment. She was seated on the floor with a luggage strap looped around her neck and tied to a closet doorknob. Following an autopsy, Birchmores death was officially ruled a suicidebut those who knew her vehemently disagreed. I knew she didnt kill her baby, says Wright. I knew that above all else.

Stoughton Police Department/AP Matthew Farwell

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Authorities investigating Birchmores suspicious death agreed. They searched her home and phone and, they said, found evidence of an eight-year sexual relationship between Birchmore and a married police officer. On Aug. 28, 2024, prosecutors charged former Stoughton, Mass., police Det. Matthew Farwell, 38, with strangling Birchmore to death to stop her from exposing their relationship and then staging the scene to look like a suicide.

Related: Death of Woman Who Accused Cop of Sex Abuse Was Ruled Suicide. But Prominent Pathologist Doesn't Think So

Sandra Birchmore Facebook Sandra Birchmore

Sandra Birchmore survived years of grooming, statutory rape and then sexual violence, all at the hands of Matthew Farwell, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said in Boston on the day of the arrest. And when it became clear to Mr. Farwell that he could no longer control [her], he allegedly silenced her permanently. (Farwell has pleaded not guilty to premeditated killing a victim. His attorneys declined to comment.)

Raised by a single mother in the Boston suburbs, Birchmore was outgoing and curious about the world around her. From a young age she showed an interest in law enforcement and, when she was 12, joined the Stoughton Police Explorers, a mentorship program. Birchmore developed a friendship with Farwell, then 24, a volunteer instructor in the program. By 2012, the pair were exchanging messages on social media and meeting for tutoring sessions at the local library.

Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe/Getty Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara (on Aug. 28, 2024) called Birchmores death a horrific injustice.

For more on the death of Sandra Birchmore, subscribe now to PEOPLE, or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday.



FBI investigators say they discovered that Farwell first had sex with Birchmore when she was 15 and claim that he became controlling and abusive: Text messages allegedly exchanged by the pair show that Farwell tracked the location of Birchmores cellphone and punished her with violent sex acts when she told lies or got bad grades. Several times he allegedly asked her to play the role of victim in rape scenarios.

Prosecutors believe that in the fall of 2020after Farwells wife became pregnant with the couples third childBirchmore told Farwell she wanted a child of her own. Farwell allegedly agreed to impregnate her and, in return, she promised to keep quiet about their relationship.

Yet when Birchmore told him she was pregnant on Dec. 28, Farwell was angry, according to prosecutors. Birchmore told a friend, He wants nothing to do with the baby, they say.

On Feb 1, 2021, the day prosecutors believe Birchmore was killed, Farwell allegedly texted her at 9:08 p.m. asking if he could come by for a second. By 9:43, authorities claim, Birchmore was dead.



She will never be forgotten, according to her friends. Sandra was fun, gentle. All she ever wanted was to be loved, says pal Tiara Martin, 29. Adds Natalia Pimentel-Alves, 56, who had coffee with her every week, She wanted to be a teacher or a nurse, and to have a child. She didnt deserve this.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
President of European Commission to arrive in Kyiv on 20 September

Ursula von der Leyen, Head of the European Commission, has announced that she will visit the city of Kyiv.

Source: von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels on 18 September, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Von der Leyen expressed support on behalf of the EU for energy security of Ukraine amid the preparation for winter.

"I will be travelling to Kyiv to discuss these matters in person with President Zelensky tomorrow in our efforts to help Ukraine," von der Leyen said.

Background:

EU ambassador in Kyiv Katarina Maternova revealed in an interview for European Pravda how the EU was preparing to support Ukraine during the winter season.

Maternova believes that a challenging winter awaits Ukraine but the situation will not be catastrophic.

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The AARP poll was conducted between Sept. 11 and 13 following last weeks debate. People watch the ABC News presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump at a debate watch party at The Abbey, an iconic gay bar, on September 10, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A poll of voters statewide released Wednesday found that the presidential and Senate races in Wisconsin remain close, especially among older Wisconsin voters.

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris led Republican former President Donald Trump polled 49% to 48% in a head-to-head match up. Of those polled, 3% were undecided. When third-party candidates were included, Harris led Trump 48% to 45%.

The AARP poll interviewed 1,052 likely Wisconsin voters, including 600 voters over the age of 18 and an additional 452 likely voters aged 50 and older. The poll included in total 800 voters over the age of 50. It was conducted between Sept. 11 and 13 following last weeks debate and was conducted by Republican-leaning polling firm Fabrizio Ward and Democratic-leaning Impact Research.

When focusing on voters aged 50 and older, Trump had a narrow lead of 47% to 45%. Within this group, Trump had a 10-point lead with 51% of support from voters between the ages of 50 and 64, while Harris had a 6-point lead with 49% of support among voters 65 and older.

The poll represents a large shift from the last AARP poll done in Wisconsin, before President Joe Biden decided to leave the race. In the July poll, Trump led Biden 44% to 38% on a ballot that included third party candidates.

Wisconsin voters over age 50 are the biggest voting bloc and could tip the scale for any candidate in this election, AARP Wisconsin State Director Martha Cranley said in a statement. If candidates want to win, they should pay attention to the issues that matter to voters 50 and older, from protecting Social Security to supporting family caregivers.

Of voters ages 50 and older, 77% said a candidates positions on Social Security are very important in deciding whom to vote for in November. Other important issues among the age group included Medicare, helping people stay in their homes as they age and the cost of prescription drugs.

The poll also showed that the Wisconsin Senate race remains close. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is running for her third term, led Republican candidate Eric Hovde by 50% to 47%. Of the participants, 3% were undecided.

Among voters 50 and older, Hovde held a 1-point lead with voters between the ages of 50 and 64 favoring him by 11 points. Meanwhile, Baldwin held an 8-point lead among voters 65 and older. Independent voters favored Baldwin by 9 points.

The poll also asked participants about the Wisconsin Assembly, where new maps have put the majority in play for the first time in over 10 years. It found a 46% tie between Republicans and Democrats. With voters 50 and over, the generic Republican held a 6-point lead. Democrats held an 8-point advantage among voters 18-34, which drove the tied result.

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Arkansas House District 67

Karilyn Brown (R)

Karilyn Brown has served in the Arkansas House since being elected in 2014.

She was formerly a justice of the peace on the Pulaski County Quorum Court.

Im incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of Arkansas Right to Life! she posted on her campaign Facebook page in September. Her campaign website says that she is also endorsed by the NRA.

You need a representative that will support your ideas, fight for the needs of your community and earn your respect, her campaign website says.

Andrew Eberly (D)

Andrew Eberly is a tech professional and a U.S. Army veteran.

He is running on a platform of government transparency, public school funding and fair wages.

As someone who previously had top security clearances in the Army, I know why and when the government has a reason to restrict information and our state government has no reason to be hiding anything from you, he says on his campaign website.

It should be no question that we fund our public schools and keep public funds within our public schools The LEARNS Act takes money away from our already starved public schools.

There is a cost-of-living crisis right here at home. Working families deserve a break, and the mismanaged priorities at the State Capitol are a distraction, he says.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Brown and Eberly compete for Arkansas House District 67
Arkansas House District 69

David Ray (R)

David Ray was elected to the state House in 2020. Before running for elected office, he was a consultant, a communications strategist, chief of staff for Tim Griffin when he was Lieutenant Governor and the director of the conservative political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity Arkansas. He was an advisor on U.S. Sen. Tom Cottons Senate campaign.

He sits on the City, County and Local Affairs and Revenue and Taxation Committees and is chair of the Joint Performance Review Committee.

I have been a leader in the fight for lower taxes, limited government, and defending Arkansas family values from attacks by the radical Left. My goal is to protect our God-given individual liberties, he says on his campaign website.

Kwami Abdul-Bey (D)

Kwami Abdul-Bey is an election coordinator and organizer at the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. He is a former middle school social studies teacher and holds a master of public service degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

He is a co-founder of the Washitaw Youth Media Arts and Literacy Collective and the Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement and founder of Do-It-Yourself L.A.W. (Legal Advocacy Workgroups).

He served on the Little Rock Task Force for the Prevention of Youth Violence and the Little Rock Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission.

On his campaign website he says that he will push back against the idea that lawmakers should be allowed to collect unlimited, out-of-state dark money contributions, even while the legislature is in session doing the work for which the people of Arkansas elected them, and are paying them, to do!

It is time that the constituents of Arkansas House District 69 to take back our government from self-interested politicians who use their positions of power solely for personal gain and profit, he says.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Abdul-Bey and Ray compete for Arkansas House District 69
Leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza announced Thursday the group's decision not to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris while emphasizing their opposition to former President Donald Trump and third-party candidates who could help deliver the presidency to him.

"Vice President Harris' refusal to shift on the key issues like Palestinian human rights put us here," Layla Elabed  one of the founders of the movement  told reporters during a virtual news briefing Thursday.

The announcement comes after uncommitted delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago staged a sit-in protesting the denial of their request for a Palestinian American speaker. Uncommitted leaders said Harris then failed to satisfy their subsequent demand to meet with them and Palestinian American families in Michigan who know those killed in Gaza by Sept. 15. The group also said it gave Harris until then to provide a future date that would work for her schedule if she couldn't meet that deadline.

Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt in a statement said the vice president has met with  and will continue to meet with  Palestinian leaders as well as those from Muslim, Israeli and Jewish communities. "The Vice President believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans. Vice President Harris supports the deals currently on the table for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and for the release of hostages," Hitt said.

Since launching her presidential campaign, Harris has repeatedly said Israel has a right to defend itself in response to the Oct. 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel while saying too many innocent Palestinians have died. Since the war broke out, over 40,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Gaza health authorities. In a CNN interview last month, Harris said she would not shift course on President Joe Biden's arms policies which have included U.S. weapons transfers to Israel.

"Vice President Harris' unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear statement in support of upholding existing U.S. and international human rights law has made it impossible to endorse her," said Abbas Alawieh, another founder of the Uncommitted National Movement.

"Uncommitted" campaign manager Layla Elabed, left, and political strategist Abbas Alawieh speak about their goals on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at Jabal Coffee House in Dearborn.

Leaders of the movement said it wouldn't be appropriate to tell those personally impacted by the war how to vote and said they have reached different decisions themselves about how they personally plan to cast their ballots this fall.

Elabed grew emotional when asked how she planned to vote. As a Palestinian-American mother raising children in the U.S. with family in the West Bank, she said "every time I'm asked that question, it's like I'm being asked that question at a funeral." She said she plans to skip the top of the ticket while supporting Democrats further down the ballot.

Alawieh shared that he reached a different personal decision. "I believe my vote is not a love letter. I believe my vote is a chess move," he said, explaining his decision to vote for Harris. "She has made clear she does not share my antiwar values on this issue, but I am concerned with Donald Trump's very specific plans to suppress pro-Palestinian human rights organizing."

Republican National Committee Spokesperson Anna Kelly issued a statement defending Trump's record. "President Trump delivered historic peace in the Middle East while Kamala Harris has brought chaos and war around the world. Harris' fractured support within her own party is one of many reasons why President Trump will win on November 5," she said.

Lexis Zeidan  another uncommitted leader  said Harris' campaign is "courting people like Dick Cheney while sidelining these disillusioned antiwar voices and even pushing them to consider third-party votes or to sit this incredibly important election out."

Lexis Zeidan a national speaker on Palestinian issues speaks to the media about Michigan's uncommitted vote and what it could mean for the upcoming Presidential Election Saturday, April 13, 2024. The event she was a panelist on is entitled The Path to a Free Palestine History, Crisis, and Action and was held at University United Methodist Church in East Lansing.

When Cheney announced his support for Harris, her campaign chair said in a statement that Harris is proud to have his backing. Alawieh called Cheney the "posterchild for endless wars" and described the Harris campaign's embrace of the former vice president's support as a sign the campaign believes it can pick up more votes on the right. "I sure hope they're not wrong about that," he said.

The uncommitted campaign used the presidential primary to protest Biden's handling of Israeli military counterassaults in Gaza.

In Michigan's February presidential primary, over 100,000 Democratic voters cast their ballot for uncommitted after cease-fire activists launched a campaign urging voters to bubble in an option their eyes usually glaze over.

Supporters applaud uncommitted results reported at 10 p.m. from the Michigan Democratic primary during Listen to Michigan's election night gathering at Adonis in Dearborn on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

The last-minute campaign launched a few weeks before the primary election, and Alawieh said the Uncommitted National Movement told the Harris campaign they could repeat their mobilization efforts on behalf of Harris if she earned the group's endorsement.

Michigan 2024 Election: Pro-Palestinian delegates say Kamala Harris' election chances tied to Israel arms embargo

Biden lost to the uncommitted vote in a trio of Wayne County cities home to large Arab American and Muslim populations: Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck. Uncommitted also received high levels of support near college campuses in Washtenaw County. Leaders of the uncommitted movement have previously said their aim was to signal to Democrats that the Biden administration's Gaza policies could cost the party the White House this fall.

Eric Suter-Bull of Washington, D.C., left, holds a "Vote Uncommited" as a protest vote against Joe Biden as Mohamed Fateeh, 18, holds a AMPAC sign for potential voters to see as they enter Salina Intermediate School in Dearborn to cast their votes in the presidential primary onTuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

After Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris to replace him at the top of the ticket, the uncommitted campaign continued to push for a shift in U.S. foreign policy, calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and an embargo on U.S. arms to Israel.

It remains unclear how many Democrats who support those demands intend to support Harris, but some have told the Free Press they don't plan to back her unless they see a major shift in her foreign policy stance toward Israel. Polling averages show Harris and Trump in a very tight race in Michigan. The state is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could decide the election.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Uncommitted movement says Kamala Harris doesn't have their support
Leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza announced Thursday the group's decision not to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris while emphasizing their opposition to former President Donald Trump and third-party candidates who could help deliver the presidency to him.

"Vice President Harris' refusal to shift on the key issues like Palestinian human rights put us here," Layla Elabed  one of the founders of the movement  told reporters during a virtual news briefing Thursday.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 2024.

The announcement comes after uncommitted delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago staged a sit-in protesting the denial of their request for a Palestinian American speaker. Uncommitted leaders said Harris then failed to satisfy their subsequent demand to meet with them and Palestinian American families in Michigan who know those killed in Gaza by Sept. 15. The group also said it gave Harris until then to provide a future date that would work for her schedule if she couldn't meet that deadline.

Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt in a statement said the vice president has met with  and will continue to meet with  Palestinian leaders as well as those from Muslim, Israeli and Jewish communities. "The Vice President believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans. Vice President Harris supports the deals currently on the table for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and for the release of hostages," Hitt said.

Since launching her presidential campaign, Harris has repeatedly said Israel has a right to defend itself in response to the Oct. 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel while saying too many innocent Palestinians have died. Since the war broke out, over 40,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Gaza health authorities. In a CNN interview last month, Harris said she would not shift course on President Joe Biden's arms policies which have included U.S. weapons transfers to Israel.

"Vice President Harris' unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear statement in support of upholding existing U.S. and international human rights law has made it impossible to endorse her," said Abbas Alawieh, another founder of the Uncommitted National Movement.

"Uncommitted" campaign manager Layla Elabed, left, and political strategist Abbas Alawieh speak about their goals on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at Jabal Coffee House in Dearborn.

Leaders of the movement said it wouldn't be appropriate to tell those personally impacted by the war how to vote and said they have reached different decisions themselves about how they personally plan to cast their ballots this fall.

Elabed grew emotional when asked how she planned to vote. As a Palestinian-American mother raising children in the U.S. with family in the West Bank, she said "every time I'm asked that question, it's like I'm being asked that question at a funeral." She said she plans to skip the top of the ticket while supporting Democrats further down the ballot.

Alawieh shared that he reached a different personal decision. "I believe my vote is not a love letter. I believe my vote is a chess move," he said, explaining his decision to vote for Harris. "She has made clear she does not share my antiwar values on this issue, but I am concerned with Donald Trump's very specific plans to suppress pro-Palestinian human rights organizing."

Republican National Committee Spokesperson Anna Kelly issued a statement defending Trump's record. "President Trump delivered historic peace in the Middle East while Kamala Harris has brought chaos and war around the world. Harris' fractured support within her own party is one of many reasons why President Trump will win on November 5," she said.

Lexis Zeidan  another uncommitted leader  said Harris' campaign is "courting people like Dick Cheney while sidelining these disillusioned antiwar voices and even pushing them to consider third-party votes or to sit this incredibly important election out."

Lexis Zeidan a national speaker on Palestinian issues speaks to the media about Michigan's uncommitted vote and what it could mean for the upcoming Presidential Election Saturday, April 13, 2024. The event she was a panelist on is entitled The Path to a Free Palestine History, Crisis, and Action and was held at University United Methodist Church in East Lansing.

When Cheney announced his support for Harris, her campaign chair said in a statement that Harris is proud to have his backing. Alawieh called Cheney the "posterchild for endless wars" and described the Harris campaign's embrace of the former vice president's support as a sign the campaign believes it can pick up more votes on the right. "I sure hope they're not wrong about that," he said.

The uncommitted campaign used the presidential primary to protest Biden's handling of Israeli military counterassaults in Gaza.

In Michigan's February presidential primary, over 100,000 Democratic voters cast their ballot for uncommitted after cease-fire activists launched a campaign urging voters to bubble in an option their eyes usually glaze over.

Supporters applaud uncommitted results reported at 10 p.m. from the Michigan Democratic primary during Listen to Michigan's election night gathering at Adonis in Dearborn on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

The last-minute campaign launched a few weeks before the primary election, and Alawieh said the Uncommitted National Movement told the Harris campaign they could repeat their mobilization efforts on behalf of Harris if she earned the group's endorsement.

Michigan 2024 Election: Pro-Palestinian delegates say Kamala Harris' election chances tied to Israel arms embargo

Biden lost to the uncommitted vote in a trio of Wayne County cities home to large Arab American and Muslim populations: Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck. Uncommitted also received high levels of support near college campuses in Washtenaw County. Leaders of the uncommitted movement have previously said their aim was to signal to Democrats that the Biden administration's Gaza policies could cost the party the White House this fall.

Eric Suter-Bull of Washington, D.C., left, holds a "Vote Uncommited" as a protest vote against Joe Biden as Mohamed Fateeh, 18, holds a AMPAC sign for potential voters to see as they enter Salina Intermediate School in Dearborn to cast their votes in the presidential primary onTuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

After Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris to replace him at the top of the ticket, the uncommitted campaign continued to push for a shift in U.S. foreign policy, calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and an embargo on U.S. arms to Israel.

It remains unclear how many Democrats who support those demands intend to support Harris, but some have told the Free Press they don't plan to back her unless they see a major shift in her foreign policy stance toward Israel. Polling averages show Harris and Trump in a very tight race in Michigan. The state is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could decide the election.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Uncommitted movement says Kamala Harris doesn't have their support
Prince Harry & Meghan Want To Get 'Every Eligible Voter Informed' Ahead Of US Presidential Election

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation marked National Voter Registration Day with a call to empower voters and promote civic engagement.

On their website, the Sussexes shared a short message about the importance of voting, stressing the need to "make every eligible vote" count.

The message comes as Prince Harry prepares to return to the UK for an event without Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry And Meghan Promote Civic Engagement On National Voter Registration Day

MEGA

In recognition of National Voter Registration Day, observed on September 17, the Archewell Foundation, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, issued a brief statement on its website.

The statement read in part: "Voting is not just a right; it's a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities. At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one's political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters."

"Together, let's make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America's future," it continued.

The foundation also mentioned hosting a volunteer event, where participants wrote letters encouraging potential voters to register.

Referring to the event as a "meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities," they highlighted their use of Vote Forward's platform to create "personalized letters" for voters.

The post also included links to resources for checking voter registration status and spreading awareness about the importance of voting.

The US-based Royals Recently Joined A-Listers For Tyler Perry's Star-Studded Birthday Bash

MEGA

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex mingled with Hollywood stars last Saturday to celebrate Tyler Perry's milestone birthday.

According to the Daily Mail, Harry and Meghan appeared to be in high spirits as they were pictured leaving a $31 million mansion where the event took place in the backseat of a black Range Rover.

Meghan's outfit couldn't be seen clearly from the outside, but Harry wore a grey suit. They reportedly arrived at the venue around 7 p.m. and partied for 4 hours before leaving around 11 p.m., accompanied by a security detail and an unknown friend.

An employee from a lighting company hired to help decorate the event reportedly observed "a lot of music, dancing, and singing" as he left.

"Lots of speeches and food too. Everyone was having a lot of fun. It was a good party. There were a lot of famous people but I cannot say any more," the source said.

Prince Harry Will Be Visiting The UK Later This Month Without The Duchess

MEGA

Harry, who recently turned 40, is reportedly set to visit the UK later this month to attend a charity eventthe annual WellChild Awards, where he has served as a patron for 16 years.

The WellChild Awards, a significant event in Harry's calendar when he was a working royal, celebrate the courage of children with severe health conditions and recognize the dedication of their families and caregivers.

In a statement, Harry revealed he was honored to be attending "this year's WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs."

He added, "These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognize such extraordinary individuals."

Unfortunately, according to the Daily Mail, Harry will likely be making the trip alone, as there has been no indication that Meghan will accompany him to the event.

Meghan Markle Is Using The Global Spotlight On Her To Help Small Brands

MEGA

Since their move to the US, Harry and Meghan have remained largely non-partisan, though they've leveraged their influence to spotlight causes they care deeply about.

In a rare interview with the New York Times, Meghan discussed the significance of her fashion choices and the impact they have on the industry.

She said, "Times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven't gotten the attention that they should be getting."

The duchess added: "That's one of the most powerful things that I'm able to do, and that's simply wearing, like, an earring."

Meghan recalled a memorable moment when her support for Strathberry, a fashion brand, allowed the company to expand its workforce. The impact of that experience, she said, "changed everything in terms of how I then looked at putting an outfit together."

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Might Go On A Third Quasi-Royal Tour This Year

MEGA

Thanks to the success of their previous quasi-royal tours, the Sussexes are reportedly considering going on a third tour this year.

Though they have not officially confirmed any plans or potential destinations for a new tour, it's speculated that countries like Lesotho and Botswana are under consideration.

Harry last visited these countries in 2019 and is rumored to be considering a return, as they are closely linked to his charity, Sentebale. The charity's first initiative was established in Lesotho in 2006 in collaboration with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, while the Botswana project was launched in 2016.

An insider told Hello! that the Duke is well-positioned to continue participating in such tours alongside his wife, as he is accustomed to them.

They said, "That's his world, that's what he's used to, and that's what he knows. He can still add value."
Prince William Travels to Scotland for Key Campaign as Kate Middleton Returns to Work Behind the Scenes

The Prince of Wales is in Aberdeen to continue his work of making homelessness "rare, brief and unrepeated"

Russell Cheyne - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William at an event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sept. 19, 2024.

Prince William is in Scotland promoting his mission to end homelessness.

On Sept. 19, the Prince of Wales, 42, stepped out in Aberdeen to meet people working to end homelessness in the area and representatives from the Homewards Aberdeen Coalition. King Charles' son made the trip to thank those working to support those experiencing homelessness.

Addressing homelessness is a key focus of Prince William's public royal work, and his spokesperson has credited William's late mother Princess Diana's attention to the issue as an inspiration the Homewards program, of which Aberdeen is a participating city.

William's trip to Aberdeen  which is about an hour from Balmoral Castle, the royal family's summer retreat is Scotland  comes a week after his wife, Kate Middleton, announced that she has completed chemotherapy treatment in an emotional video message.

The Princess of Wales, 42, revealed in March that she was receiving treatment for cancer and has been outside of the limelight for much of this year to privately prioritize her health.

Russell Cheyne - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William at an event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sept. 19, 2024.

On Sept. 17, Kate had her first official work engagement since finishing chemotherapy when she held a meeting for her early childhood development project at Windsor Castle. The meeting marked her first Court Circular entry (the official record of engagements carried out by working royal family members) in all of 2024.

William's first stop was a visit to the Shelter Scotland's local office to learn more about the services they offer for those who are on the brink of being unhoused or are experiencing homelessness. The charity works to defend the right to a safe home and address the impact of the housing emergency on society. Shelter Scotland is part of the Homewards Aberdeen Coalition and will provide early intervention support for young people, honing in on training around financial literacy, tenancy skills and other educational programs for local schools, colleges and universities.

Russell Cheyne - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William at an event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sept. 19, 2024.

Related: The Creative Way Prince William Is Bringing His Mission to Help the Unhoused to New Audiences

There, Prince William got to meet staff at the Aberdeen office and individuals who have been supported out of homelessness through the organization.

The Prince of Wales then moved to a special event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen in collaboration with Homeless Network Scotland, where he met members of the Aberdeen homelessness sector and recognized their work in helping those in need. Guests were nominated by their organizations for their dedication to making change, and the event included lunch and inspirational speakers as well as the opportunity to network and learn.

William also met individuals to hear about their experiences in the local area and delivered a brief speech.

In June 2023, the Prince of Wales launched Homewards with The Royal Foundation to create lasting change to help end homelessness for good. Aberdeen is one of six U.K. locations (and the only one in Scotland) tapped as a flagship for the locally-led campaign, providing residents with the right resources to spark solutions around preventing and ending homelessness.

"Its a big task, but I firmly believe that by working together it is possible to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated," Prince William previously said in a statement about the goal of Homewards.

WPA Pool/Getty Prince William speaks at an event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sept. 19, 2024.

Related: Prince William to Star in Revealing New Documentary: All the Details!

Though Homewards was established as a five-year program, it's about much more than just the next several years for William  he has made clear that he is invested in this work for the rest of his life and is rooted in his experience alongside his late mother, Diana.

Prince William visited The Passage shelter in London when he was 11 with his brother, Prince Harry, when they were taken there by their mother. He later became a patron of Centrepoint, another homeless charity, even joining their sleep-out in London in 2009.

"This is something that means so much to him, and it meant so much to his mother. That first visit to The Passage has really inspired this work," the Prince of Wales' spokesperson said when Homewards was unveiled in summer 2023.

Russell Cheyne - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William speaks with Homewards Advocate Gail Porter at the Homewards Aberdeen event in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sept. 19, 2024.

Ahead of Prince Williams visit to Aberdeen, his office at Kensington Palace announced that Blue Light Card, the U.K.s leading discount provider for emergency services, NHS, the countrys social care sector and its armed forces, welcomed the homelessness workforce into its community. In doing so, Blue Light Card became an Activator of Williams Homewards program, according to a release.

Through this partnership, Blue Light Card joins companies like Pret A Manger and Homebase in support of Homewards. Adding the homelessness workforce to its community will recognize and support the estimated 60,000 people in the U.K. homelessness workforce, which includes housing officers, night shelter managers, outreach workers and many more, according to the release. By welcoming the sector, it is acknowledging the essential service they provide by working tirelessly every day, going above and beyond in a challenging environment, to prevent homelessness and ensure that people have a safe place to call home, the release continued.

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!

In survey results shared by Kensington Palace and gathered by St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, 52% of those working within the homelessness sector sometimes struggle to pay their bills. Nearly half have spent their own money on work-related costs, and 51% reported that they always or often feel at risk of burnout. Through this partnership with Homewards, Blue Light Card will provide practical ways for the homelessness workforce to save money and improve their own wellbeing, from discounts on groceries and utilities to coffees and meals out with friends and family after a long day at work.

This workforce may not be as easily identifiable as uniformed blue light workers like nurses, doctors, police or firefighters, but we see them, Alidad Moghaddam, chief executive officer at Blue Light Card, said in a statement. Moghaddam continued, Preventing and ending homelessness can only be achieved with the continued dedication of these very special people, and the impact they have is why they are so deserving of an offer thats dedicated to them. If we can play even a small part to support their health and wellbeing and show how much we value and appreciate them, we will do that.



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Read the original article on People.
SFFA claims: On Tuesday, the group reportedly sent letters to Princeton, Yale and Duke, questioning drops in Asian American enrollment compared to last year. SFFA claims to be positioning itself as a watchdog to ensure universities follow the new rules, suggesting that admissions numbers should not change drastically without race-conscious policies. The group, led by anti-affirmative action litigant Edward Blum, warned that racial diversity figures are inconsistent with "true neutrality" and threatened legal action if schools were found to be in violation.

What critics are saying: However, critics, like researcher OiYan Poon, argue that Blums actions are premature, as admissions fluctuate naturally year-to-year. The increase in students not disclosing their race or ethnicity, along with efforts to boost financial aid recipients, further complicates the numbers. Princeton defended its adherence to the Supreme Courts ruling, while Yale and Duke did not comment immediately. The battle over race-conscious admissions continues, with SFFA signaling an intent to investigate how personal essays are used in admissions decisions, as race can still be considered if mentioned in a students essay.
More people in Wales are using their savings or loans to pay for healthcare than elsewhere in the UK [Getty Images]

Private hospital admissions are at a record high in Wales, according to new figures.

There were almost 8,000 admissions to Welsh private hospitals in the first three months of 2024, the Private Healthcare Information Network said.

In the same period five years ago, the figure was just under 4,500.

Jeremy Miles, Wales' new health secretary, said he "doesn't want to see" patients having to turn to the private sector.

The Private Healthcare Information Network was established by the UK government in 2014 to offer independent information about private healthcare.

It said Wales was unique in the UK in that the dominant payment method for private treatment was self-pay - from savings or loans - rather than through private health insurance schemes.

Its figures show both self-pay and insurance-funded private hospital admissions were at record levels in the first quarter of 2024.

There were 2,175 private cataract removal surgeries between 1 January and the end of March this year.

Gwenan Roberts, 68, from the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, who recently paid to remove a cataract in her eye, said she felt fortunate she had the means to pay privately.

"I was facing losing independence within months - I wouldn't have been able to drive at night, possibly during the daytime too," she told Newyddion S4C.

"I decided I had to go privately because of the long waiting list."

Ms Roberts says she went private to avoid losing her independence [BBC News]

Ms Roberts said the surgery had improved her quality of life.

"Losing independence, especially in the countryside - you can't go anywhere, can't do anything. It's completely life changing.

"I don't have to rely on anyone else any longer. Within a week, I was back driving and I can see things much better now.

"I was fortunate I have the means to pay, but I appreciate that is not true for many others.

"It's such a simple treatment. A great many could be done very quickly and they could get rid of the extremely long waiting list swiftly."

Her local Member of the Senedd (MS), and Plaid Cymru's health spokesperson Mabon ap Gwynfor, said long waiting lists for NHS treatments were to blame for the increase in the number of patients paying for private health treatments.

"Those who have the means are able to pay for private care. That creates a two-tier health system here in Wales where the most deprived and the poorest and most vulnerable are left behind."

"We can't have that in Wales, that's not part of our tradition and the Labour government needs to step up and change that."

Conservative MS Tom Giffard also said he believed patients were being "forced" to go privately and addressing waiting lists should be the Welsh health secretary's "top priority".

Mark Exworthy, a professor of health policy at Birmingham University, said long waiting lists were a major factor behind the rise, but not the only one.

"It may be a sign of changing attitudes and changing expectations of what the NHS can deliver in a timely manner," he said.

He also said the private medical sector was changing the way it advertised to prospective customers.

"They're trying to recruit people for out-of-pocket spending rather than signing them up to longer-term insurance plans," said Prof Exworthy.

"People are tending to pay out of pocket, whether that's from their own savings or their month-to-month spending.

"That has huge implications for health inequalities as to who is able to afford these."

In a statement, the Welsh government said: "Long waits for ophthalmology have almost halved since their peak in April 2022 but we know there is more to do.

"Part of this work is the establishment of a regional cataract service, which will urgently reduce waiting times."
NEW YORK  A Jewish teacher who was targeted during a protest at a Queens high school over her support of Israel is suing New York City for failing to protect her and allowing antisemitic harassment  despite advance notice of the demonstration.

Karen Marder, who continues to teach at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, said its former principal and the broader public school system violated her civil rights by permitting antisemitic harassment and created a hostile work environment.

Ms. Marder remains deeply committed to her students and the Hillcrest High School community, despite the distressing events that took place, said attorney Michael Chessa. While she continues to seek justice through her lawsuit, her primary focus is on fostering an inclusive environment and promoting open dialogue to counter misinformation and intolerance. She will not be deterred from her mission to serve and support the school.

The lawsuit, filed early last week in a Queens trial court, included new details of arguably the most high-profile conflict of last year, as the New York City public schools struggled to respond to tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas war.

Marder attended a pro-Israel rally two days after Hamas Oct. 7 attacks and later posted a photo of herself holding a sign saying I stand with Israel on Facebook, according to the lawsuit. More than a month later, the photo was being shared on social media by students, who were planning a protest Nov. 20.

The teacher in court documents said she notified the school administration, who informed her they would log the threats she received. A day later, she emailed then-Principal Scott Milzcewski and others expressing concern for her safety but received no response.

The day of the protest, Marder met with Milzcewski  but said no concrete measures were taken to protect her. Milzcewski after the incident was reassigned to the Education Departments central offices to manage teacher development and evaluation.

The DOEs response was inadequate and focused more on addressing baseless allegations against [Marder] rather than ensuring her safety, reads the lawsuit, seeking monetary damages for her trauma.

By third period, she was called into the assistant principals office, where anti-terrorism, NYPD and school safety personnel interviewed her, according to the lawsuit. As the school day continued, she watched on monitors as students began gathering outside her classroom.

The complaint said she was hastily locked in a room by school staff, allegedly for her protection, as hundreds of the teens chanted for her termination. School property was destroyed, including at least a water fountain torn from the wall, according to videos reviewed by the Daily News. At the end of the school day, the NYPD escorted Marder to her car.

Videos of the protest began to spread on social media that night, while students found her address and family members names, court documents show. The next day, Milzcewski advised Marder to take a sick day until she was placed on leave for a line-of-duty injury.

I had a choice to transfer to a different school, Marder wrote in an USA Today op-ed in April. Many of my students hugged me and apologized for what had occurred.

I went back because I knew one thing: I HAD to talk with my students. I had to make them understand the context of my post and why it was posted when it was. I had to listen. I had to understand what messages they were absorbing and where they were coming from. I had to answer their questions, address their fears and confusions and simply be there.

Spokesmen for the Law and Education Departments did not immediately return a request for comment. Chancellor David Banks, a Hillcrest alum, has explained the students strong  but inappropriate  response to the suffering in Gaza that many of them are watching on social media. He said a number of the organizers were suspended.

I condemn clearly what happened at Hillcrest was a complete act of antisemitism, Banks testified at a congressional hearing on antisemitism in public schools in May. It will not stand on my watch.

Chessa, Marders attorney, has sued the Education Department before over a COVID-19 mask mandate at preschools and day cares, after the broader requirement was lifted in public schools.
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  Prosecutors with the Wichita County District Attorneys Office have responded to the appeal of the ground-breaking murder conviction of a man who sold a fatal dose of fentanyl in 2022.

PREVIOUS STORY: Appeal challenges first fentanyl murder convention in Texas

Jasinto Jimenez leaving the 78th District Courtroom (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Jasinto Jimenez, 23, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 45 years in prison in Wichita Countys 30th District Court for selling two pills containing fentanyl to Leigha Smith, one of which was later ingested by Andres Diaz in July 2022, ultimately leading to his death.

Jimenez has filed an appeal, arguing his murder conviction and 45-year prison sentence should be overturned because evidence introduced during the trial wasnt sufficient to prove that delivering fentanyl is objectively dangerous to human life, nor that Jimenez caused the death of Diaz since it was not Jimenez who gave Diaz the pill containing fentanyl.

The prosecution filed its reply brief with the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth on Thursday, September 12, 2024, urging the appellate justices to uphold the trial courts ruling and hold Jimenez accountable for the death of Diaz.

State argues selling fentanyl is clearly dangerous

In its reply, the state argued that the testimony of law enforcement officials, as well as expert testimony, proved beyond reasonable doubt that illegal fentanyl is capable of causing the death of individuals who ingest it.

The prosecution argued that Texas courts have upheld felony-murder convictions in which the predicate felonies were drug-related offenses, and that overwhelming evidence was presented in the trial that delivering fentanyl is an act clearly dangerous to human life.

PREVIOUS STORY: Precedent-setting fentanyl murder conviction in Wichita County

Jasinto Jimenez leaving the courtroom following a pre-trial hearing (Photo courtesy Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Citing case law from prior appeals, the prosecution said that Texas courts consider an act clearly dangerous to human life when fatal consequences are likely or obvious and that a defendant exposing a third party to a dangerous drug is also considered dangerous.

The state referred to the testimony given by Dr. Stacey Hall, a toxicologist at the North Texas Poison Center, who spent significant time discussing the potential dangers of ingesting unregulated fentanyl based on her experience.

Prosecutors also pointed to an interview between Jimenez and the Wichita Falls Police Department prior to July 2022, in which Jimenez admitted that taking fentanyl-laced pills himself was harming his body, and nodding when officers told him that teens in Wichita Falls were dying due to the drug.

Fentanyl compared to arsenic-laced pizza

The state also argued with a claim made in Jimenezs appellate brief, asserting that the delivery of the fentanyl was done at his home without any risk of death to any person.

Jasinto Jimenez during the first day of testimony. (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Had Jimenez sold pizza that he laced with arsenic, he would hardly be able to escape criminal responsibility for a resulting death merely because the pizza was eaten away from the point of sale, the reply brief said. Here, he sold an illicit poison while knowing it would likely be consumed elsewhere.

PREVIOUS STORY: Jury returns sentence in landmark fentanyl murder case

Prosecutors also contested a claim made in the appeal brief filed by Jimenez that no evidence was introduced to prove how potent the specific pill Diaz ingested was.

Of course, that particular pill was not subject to laboratory analysis after Jimenez sold it and after Diaz consumed it, the reply brief said. Nonetheless, the jury learned just how potent the pill was: it killed Diaz soon after he took it.

Diazs death was not only possible but foreseen

The prosecution then argued that Jimenez selling fentanyl was done under the assumption that someone would later consume it.

Jimenez was not selling a diamond ring or a watch that his buyer might have maintained and admired, the reply brief said. He was selling a consumable drug that he knew his buyer would use. The consumption of the drug was not, as Jimenez asserts, an unforeseen circumstance.

According to the states reply brief, the prosecution didnt need to prove that selling fentanyl was certain to cause death, only that it was dangerous to human life, rebutting a claim made by Jimenez that Smith also took one of the fentanyl pills and suffered no ill effects.

Leigha Smith testifying during Jimenezs murder trial (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

The clearly dangerous act of shooting someone with a firearm does not always cause death, but when it does, that act may prove felony murder, the reply brief said.

The state also countered Jimenezs assertion that the chain of causation was broken after Smith, who bought the fentanyl from Jimenez, gave one of the pills to Diaz, asserting that had it not been for Jimenez selling Smith the pills, Diaz would not have crushed it and snorted it, ultimately leading to his death, and therefore, he remains responsible.

READ MORE: Defendant found guilty in first fentanyl murder trial in Wichita County

The argument is commonly referred to as but-for causation, which argues that if an outcome would not have happened without the defendant acting in some way, then the defendant is criminally responsible for that outcome.

If one person puts money into the machine and another pushes the button to select a drink, they have both caused the coke to drop out of the machine, the reply brief said.

What happens next in the Jimenez appeal case?

In closing, the states reply brief requested that the appellate court overrule the two issues presented by Jimenez in his appeal brief and affirm the trial courts ruling.

Jimenez will now have an opportunity to file a reply of his own before the case is submitted to the justices of the Second Court of Appeals, who can either affirm the verdict and sentence, reverse the conviction, or remand the case for a brand-new trial.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
In Marcellus Williams clemency package, his mother describes him as the only mistake shes ever made. His father left him, too, unwanted. Now, on the brink of execution for a murder he says he did not commit, 55-year-old Williams has a legion in his corner. No one wants him to die  not the jurors who decided his fate years back, not the prosecutors office, not even the victims family. The only entity pushing for his execution, it seems, is the state of Missouri.

The prosecutors office, the very office that secured the conviction, that secured the death sentence, now says that there was error in the case, says Tricia Rojo Bushnell, one of Williams Innocence Project lawyers. Theyve conceded error, both in [terms of] racial discrimination, jury selection, and the contamination of evidence. But the state is still seeking to execute him. Thats a really troubling phenomenon for all of us. Whats the point?

Williams was initially convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 2003 for the 1998 murder of social worker and reporter Felicia Gayle in the suburbs of St. Louis. Prosecutors alleged that Williams robbed Gayle, then stabbed her to death, hiding her purse and husbands laptop in the trunk of his car. His girlfriend testified that she discovered the damning evidence, and that Williams confessed to the murder to her. The prosecution also alleged that Williams confessed to his cellmate, Henry Cole, while in jail for unrelated charges. The defense argued, though, that Cole and the girlfriend were felons who were out for the $10,000 reward money. Regardless, Williams was found guilty and sentenced to die in August 2017.

Hours before the scheduled execution, then-Gov. Eric Greitens (R) called for the process to be stayed in light of newly discovered DNA testing on the murder weapon, which suggested that an unknown man was, in fact, the killer  not Williams. (There was no other physical evidence tying him to the crime, the defense said.) To carry out the death penalty, the people of Missouri must have confidence in the judgment of guilt, Greitens said in the statement. Greitens then formed a Board of Inquiry to look into the new information.

However, in 2023, current Gov. Mike Parson (R)  who did not provide comment to Rolling Stone  dissolved that Board of Inquiry. This board was established nearly six years ago, and it is time to move forward, he said. We could stall and delay for another six years, deferring justice, leaving a victims family in limbo, and solving nothing. This administration wont do that. Withdrawing the order allows the process to proceed within the judicial system, and, once the due process of law has been exhausted, everyone will receive certainty. Its unknown currently what, if anything, that board found. Williams Innocence Project reps allege that the work was not finished. Regardless, Williams was given a new execution date of Sept. 24.

Williams team has continued to fight for him  even when it was discovered that the knife in question had been mishandled, and therefore the DNA evidence was inconclusive. As such, at an Aug. 21 hearing, prosecutors and the defense reached a compromise, deciding that Williams would enter a first-degree murder plea in exchange for life without parole, per the Associated Press. Both the judge and Gayles family signed off, but, due to the urgings of Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey  whom Parson appointed  the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the agreement and ordered an evidentiary hearing in late August. They refer to the evidence in this case as being weak. It was overwhelming, Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane said at the time. He did not return Rolling Stones request for comment.

On Sept. 12, that same judge upheld the death penalty for Williams, writing: Every claim of error Williams has asserted on direct appeal, post-conviction review, and habeas review has been rejected by Missouris courts. 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.

The battle continues, though. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office filed an appeal Monday evening, while the governor  who had ended the stay on Williams execution, citing a victims family in limbo  received a clemency petition. Rojo Bushnell says that while Gayles family is not certain that Williams is innocent, they dont want him to be executed. (They declined to talk to Rolling Stone.) Its actually a fallacy that most victims want those who harmed them  or their family members  dead. The Atlantic surveyed 10,000 such people for a 2023 report that found that victims are generally no tougher on crime than non-victims; they prefer rehabilitation over tough justice, even though theyve had firsthand experience with crime and the criminal-justice system.

Even jurors recanted their past decision in the clemency petition. 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, the foreperson said. An alternate juror opined: Having reviewed this information, I am disturbed that none of this was presented at trial and that the jury never had the opportunity to consider it. . . . I strongly believe that had this information been provided to the jury, it would have made a difference in the verdict and sentence.

Attorneys also asked for the federal court to reconsider a previously denied appeal that alleged that Williams jury was racially uneven. They wrote in their filing that the state used most of its peremptory strikes to block out six of seven potential jurors who were Black. Ultimately, the jury comprised 11 white jurors and one Black juror, the lawyers wrote in a filing on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Williams lawyers also filed a petition calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to review his case and stay his execution.

The execution of an innocent person is a tragic and irreversible failure of the justice system, Williams lawyers told Rolling Stone in a statement. As a society, clemency exists to ensure that, even if the court system fails, our elected leaders will not. When the life of an innocent person is at stake, our elected leaders must honor their clemency obligations and protect the publics confidence in our justice system by careful consideration of all evidence, old and new. But Mr. Williams chance at clemency was taken away from him, so we have turned to the Supreme Court for their intervention.

Williams is one of five men scheduled to be executed over the next week  and if he indeed dies on the 24th, he will be the 14th man put to death in the U.S. this year. His would-be execution comes at a crucial time for the death penalty in America  an election year. Former President Donald Trump is a huge supporter of executions; in a previous Rolling Stone report, a former White House official alleged that the current Republican candidate would fantasize about killing members of gangs and drug cartels: Fucking kill them all, he would say. An eye for an eye. They need to be eradicated, not jailed, he once said.

Trump is also a big fan of the firing squad, which, along with the electric chair, is now considered an acceptable form of capital punishment in the U.S. Thats largely because some drug companies have refused to provide drugs needed for lethal injection, in part because the method has the highest rate of botched executions bar none.

Meanwhile, the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris  once a critic of the death penalty  has seemingly gone silent on the topic, even after President Joe Biden promised in 2020 to stop federal executions and propose legislation to abolish the death penalty at the state level. The Democratic Party platform this year, for the first time since 2004, lacks any mention of the death penalty. The campaign has not returned several requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Williams is faring the best he can while he waits for the governor to either put a halt to his death or usher him toward the chamber  or for the Supreme Court to stop it. He has done other things in his past that hes not proud of, Rojo Bushnell says. Who he is today, though, is a kind person who cares about people, who wants to help people be the best version of themselves. Hes just such a great reminder that we get to decide. We have the option to become who we want to be.

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Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to reject former Sen. Bob Menendezs long shot attempt to have his guilty verdicts thrown out.

The current legal back and forth is unlikely to matter in the near term, since U.S. District Court Judge Sidney Stein would have to reverse the results of a corruption trial over which he presided.

But it previews a series of novel legal issues that could eventually send the case to the Supreme Court because of shifting legal theory around what the high court considers criminal corruption and questions about the scope of the Constitutions speech or debate clause, which grants lawmakers a form of immunity.

Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York filed a 150-page reply on Thursday that portrays the legal terrain as settled and Menendez as guilty as the jury found him to be in July. Menendez and two co-defendants found guilty of bribing him are expected to be sentenced on Oct. 29. The 70-year-old could spend the rest of his life in prison. The New Jersey Democrat resigned from the Senate in August.

The evidence during a two-month corruption trial was not merely sufficient to prove every count, prosecutors wrote, it was overwhelming."

Prosecutors argue that what counts as corruption is for the jury to decide, even following a 2016 Supreme Court decision that threw out corruption convictions of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and made it harder to prosecute politicians.

Prosecutors tried to slash through an argument by Menendezs attorneys about whether the actions the senator was found guilty of taking in exchange for gold bars and piles of cash were official acts that can be prosecuted.

The prosecutors said courts have rejected bright-line rules that would limit a jurys ability to determine whether a scheme involved an official act.

In an interview before the prosecutors filing, Jonathan Kravis, a former federal prosecutor who is now a partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson, predicted this would be their argument.

What the government is going to say is that its for the jury to decide, he said.

Prosecutors also argue Menendez overstates the scope of the speech or debate privilege provided by the Constitution to members of Congress. They wrote that courts should not just accept a legislators say-so about what is a legislative act protected by the privilege. Doing so, the prosecutors argued, would result in members of Congress becoming what the Supreme Court once warned against in a 1972 decision, which is super-citizens, immune from criminal responsibility.

Judge Stein received several letters from Menendez allies asking for mercy for the former senator, including one from Robb Watters, the managing partner of the Madison Group, who said Menendez is one of his best friends. They met in 1998, Watters said, working to help get medium range missiles for Israel.
Russell House looked unusually hostile on Wednesday night.

Often brimming with students carrying textbooks and Chick-Fil-A bags, the University of South Carolinas student union building on Greene Street was patrolled by state and local law enforcement officers. Metal barricades blocked the entrances, creating a winding path inside. It was in preparation of a roast of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, which featured two far-right personalities with a history of hateful public rhetoric.

Uncensored America, a student organization that claims to be a nonpartisan, nonprofit fighting for freedom of speech, hosted the event, with guests Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos.

McInnes, a writer and talk show host, is a founder of the Proud Boys, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled a hate group. He resigned from the group in 2018, Reuters reported, but remains deeply involved. Yiannopoulos, a right-wing media personality once nicknamed the pop star of hate, is known for his misogynistic, racist, xenophobic and transphobic views.

The event had been widely criticized by university, state government, and civic leaders since plans became public last month. The roast prompted USC leaders to organize an alternative event a few blocks away at the athletic fields next to the Sol Blatt physical education building.

Students and community members began filing into a Russell House ballroom around 7 p.m. Some donned campaign gear for former President Donald Trump. One man had a Lets go Brandon t-shirt, a popular slogan among opponents of President Joe Biden. One woman wore clothing supporting Palestine.

Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos speak during a roast of Kamala Harris at the University of South Carolina Russel House on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. The event was hosted by USCs chapter of Uncensored America.

When McInnes took the stage around 8:30 p.m., nearly all the chairs were full  about 180 were in attendance, not including media, police and university employees. Hecklers periodically yelled at the stage, some with insults and others with praise. A number of students walked out in protest telling the hosts to get a f------ life. By the time Yiannopoulos finished speaking around 10 p.m., the ballroom was about half full.

For an hour and a half, McInnes bashed, in a profanity-laced presentation, Harris and questioned her racial identity, her policies, and how she earned her success. He said he gave gave up the n word but wouldnt give up other slurs. Yiannopoulos spent most of his time listing which members of USC faculty and the USC student senate he intended to sue while insulting them, and asked what the f--- is a Gamecock?

Last week, the USC student senate denied Uncensored America some $3,500, USCs student newspaper reported. On Wednesday the student group announced it planned to sue the university over the denied funding.

However, the student senate did approve a proposal to increase campus safety during the event. When McInnes and fellow far-right figure Alex Stein was set to visit Pennsylvania State University, it was canceled due to threats of escalating violence, according to the Centre Daily Times.

Wednesdays event at Russell House did result in violence.

Graduate student Olivia Summers pushes Milo Yiannopoulos and Gavin McInnes for an answer to her question about immigration during a roast of Kamala Harris at the University of South Carolina Russel House on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. The event was hosted by USCs chapter of Uncensored America.

We intended just to have a fun comedy event about some things, maybe get some ideas that people dont usually hear, dont seek out, to listen to an alternate opinion, Brendan Connors, the president of USCs Uncensored America chapter, told The State. Were hoping that people were able to come and have fun, even if they disagreed.

Connors said he felt the event was a success.

Trav Robertson, former chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, attended the event. He called the event vulgar.

I am just so overwhelmingly saddened and disappointed, Robertson said. It was wholly inappropriate to allow (McInnes and Yiannopoulos) to be here tonight. I think every Democratic legislator ought to be looking at cutting funding for the university.

Former Democratic Party chairman Trav Roberts attended the roast of Kamala Harris to see what Milo Yiannopoulos and Gavin McInnes had to say. The event was hosted by USCs chapter of Uncensored America.

Outside of the Russell House, about 20 to 30 demonstrators held signs including Make Facists Afraid and Not on our campus - not anywhere. They spoke to students on campus milling around the student center.

I have a great affinity for the city, and I have a direct interest in maintaining it as a healthy and safe place to live, particularly for the LGBTQ community, and that is somebody that, or a group of people that, are being pretty directly targeted by Milo Yiannapoulos and Gavin McInnes, said Enid, a 26-year-old demonstrator who works in cybersecurity who declined to give her last name.

The conversations appeared civil even if people had different political views. The scene was calm as the roast began, even as a helicopter flew above campus.

We dont think hate speech has any place on this campus, said Houston Hackett, a sophomore at USC.

A small group of people stand outside barricades at the University of South Carolina Russel House where Milo Yiannopoulos and Gavin McInnes were speaking.

Across campus, the schools student government, Residential Hall Association and Carolina Productions hosted Blatt Bonanza as an alternative event with free food, a DJ, inflatable obstacle courses and other activities.

This will absolutely set the tone that this university is the University of South Carolina, and this is what we stand for. We stand for things like this in school unity, said Will Dorrah, the president of the Residence Hall Association.

More than 1,500 students attended the event at Blatt, a university spokesman said.

Its more so an event for our students to have a free and open space. So were not here in the message business, said Patton Byars, USCS student body president. Were here in the serving students business, and thats why we have so many students here, because they know that were serving them for free on this campus every single day, and this day is no exception.

When Uncensored America announced plans for the event, it drew immediate criticism.

Courtney McClain, a USC alumna and campus activist, created a petition calling for the events cancellation. More than 27,000 people signed it.

Days later, USC leaders released a statement condemning the the vile and juvenile rhetoric used to promote the event. But they also explained that as a public institution, the university is required to allow the event, citing students freedom of speech and open dialogue. The event was not endorsed by USC, however.

We remain steadfast in safeguarding the First Amendment rights of our students, even when we may be offended by their choices and statements, USC President Michael Amiridis and university board chair Thad Westbrook wrote. Censoring even the most hateful individuals and groups does not solve the problems we face in our society, and instead provides them with a platform to win more publicity and support.

The NAACP wrote to Amiridis, arguing the event violated university policy, and the promotional materials violated South Carolinas laws against obscenity.

Hate speech has long served as a weapon to undermine the progress of our nation, national NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement. If (USC)s leadership values their Black students, its only right they shut this event down. Our nations schools must remain havens for learning, not platforms for hate. It is imperative that the university takes swift action in this matter and protects the campus community from patterns of divisiveness and degradation.

More than 20 multicultural student groups at the university also signed a statement spurning the roast. The groups cited the Carolinian Creed, established as a statement of the universitys values in 1990, which asks community members to respect the dignity of all persons and discourage bigotry.

As students and leaders at the University of South Carolina, we are disheartened by the universitys consent in allowing a platform for individuals who peddle hate speech and conspiracies that promote violence against our communities, the statement read.

State Rep. Leon Howard state Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine, both Richland County Democrats; attorney and former state Rep. Bakari Sellers, and the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, among others, were very vocal in their disdain. They criticized the university for providing a platform for potential hatred and violence and called on the university to cancel or reconsider the event.

I want to express our profound outrage and deep concern, said state Rep. Ivory Thigpen, D-Richland, chair of the Black Caucus. While we fully support the First Amendment, this event poses serious risks by exposing students to hate speech and creating a hostile environment  something we cannot remain silent about.
John Amos E. Power Plant, seen in June 2013, is a coal-fired plant owned and operated by Appalachian Power, a subsidiary of American Electric Power in Winfield, W.Va. (Getty Images)

The West Virginia Public Service Commission on Wednesday issued an order dismissing a rate case from companies owned by American Electric Power that, if approved, would have increased electric rates for 461,000 electric customers in the state.

The rate increases were proposed by Appalachian Power Company and Wheeling Power Company, which are subsidiaries of American Electric Power. It would have raised rates nearly 18%  $28.72 a month  for residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month.

According to Wednesdays filing, the companies failed to include crucial financial information in their rate increase request  including a schedule of their long-term debts, background on their parent companys finances and information on revenue generated from surcharges, among other things  that is required for the commission to act on a tariff case.

Staff for the PSC, according to the order, offered the companies the chance to submit this information and avoid a dismissal. The companies refused, saying that they filed all necessary information. On Sept. 12, PSC staff reiterated that the application was incomplete and the information provided  some sent to staff after the initial filing  was not properly presented.

According to a response filed by staff, this is the third rate case that the companies have filed with the PSC without providing sufficient information. Without the complete filings, staff wrote, there is not an adequate amount of time for staff to review the case before theyre expected to rule on it in May.

In this case, the Companies had an unlimited amount of time to prepare a base rate tariff filing, the order reads. The Commission and other parties have only three hundred days to review that filing  Because a base rate case of the magnitude of this case requires opportunity for testimony, hearings and briefing, the amount of time that the Commission has to review the filing and gain an understanding of the financial data underlying the requested revenue requirements is much less than three hundred days.

PSC staff opted in the order to waive a requirement that the companies give a pre-filing notice 30 days before resubmitting the rate case, meaning it could be filed again immediately if all required information is included.

The 30 day notice for customers who would pay for the increase, however, still stands. That means even if a rate case were filed Thursday, it wouldnt be able to take effect until at least Oct. 19.

However, since so much work has already gone into this case  there are several intervenors with a vested interest in the rate increase, hundreds of letters of protest filed against it and dozens of documents filed by both the companies and PSC staff regarding it  staff did offer an alternative to refiling.

The companies could petition the dismissal ruling and enter an updated, complete filing as long as the effective date for the rate increase is 30 days from when the finalized request is submitted, according to the order. This would allow for all submitted documents  including any letters of protest, testimonies or information from public hearings  to be used moving forward instead of having to be reentered.

The initial rate case was filed on Aug. 2 and would have, if approved, affected customers in 24 West Virginia counties.

On Aug. 15, the PSC filed an order postponing the rate increase until May 29 to allow for further examination of the proposal. The hike was initially scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1.

To date, 273 residents have filed letters protesting the rate increases. Many say their families cant afford the hike. Most lament what feels to them like nonstop increases from the electric companies, which are compounded by rate increases from other utilities they rely on. Several voice concerns about living on a fixed income and worrying about having to go without electricity or skipping medications in order to afford their bills.

Appalachian Power customers have faced 14 rate increases from the company between 2017 and March 2023, according to the Charleston Gazette-Mail. In the last five years alone, according to Appalachian Power, residential rates for electricity have risen from $128.09 in March 2019 to $169.93 in June 2024. Thats a 32.6% increase in rates.

According to a 2022 review of electric utilities across the country, West Virginians paid the third highest total household electricity costs as a percentage of their income. Alabama and Mississippi, according to the study from the consumer advocacy group Citizens Utility Board of Illinois, were the only states where prices outpaced that of the Mountain State.

In July, the PSC approved a 1.61% increase for the companies residential payers  about $2.71 a month for those using 1,000 kilowatt-hours  for environmental compliance surcharges. That increase will garner about $35.6 million for the company and was reflected on ratepayers bills starting this month.

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ICT

Native authors may finally be here to stay.

Indigenous peoples have revered the power of stories since time immemorial, traditionally keeping their cultures and histories alive through story. But their presence as authors has vacillated for decades in the U.S. publishing world.

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From the early recognition of Indigenous writings in the late 1800s to the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning authors M. Scott Momaday and Louise Erdrich, Native authors have gained the literary spotlight but often faded slowly back into relative obscurity.

This time may be different, however. A new Native Renaissance may well be underway in the publishing world amid growing interest in books, poems and other writings by Indigenous authors.

About dang time, said Anton Treuer, of the White Earth and Leech Lake tribes and professor of Ojibwe language at Bemidji State University in Minnesota. Treuer has written a number of nonfiction books about language and culture, and recently released his first novel, Where Wolves Dont Die.

Author and language professor Anton Treuer, White Earth and Leech Lake tribes, released his first novel, Where Wolves Dont Die in June 2024. (Courtesy photo)

I think it was a surprise for the publishing world that one could have books with Black or Indigenous protagonists. And that those books could be popular, he said.

But is the recent increase in Native writers and other authors of color just a flash in the pan? Some in the book industry worry that the bump is a tortured short-term response by the corporate publishing world to calls for racial equity borne out of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Renewed interest

This isnt the first time popular culture has turned to Native writers.

Deborah Jackson Taffa, director of the Institute of American Indian Arts masters degree program in creative writing, noted a wave of popular interest in Native writing during the 1960s and 1970s that some have referred to as a Native American Renaissance.

Taffa, Kwatsaan and Laguna Pueblo, said the surge in political division, social unrest and anti-government sentiment during that period helped drive interest in Native authors as the public began examining long-held beliefs about racial and societal identities.

People started to look for alternative definitions of what it means to be an American citizen and began to look at Indigenous histories (as a way to explore their place in America), she said.

Similarly, as Alexandra Alter and Elizabeth Harris wrote in the The New York Times, the cycle is happening again with Black and other writers of color.

In 2020, workers took part in a day of action protesting racial inequities in the publishing industry in the wake of George Floyds murder and rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The publishing industry responded by publicly committing to diversifying their hiring and publishing practices.

Author Marcie R. Rendon, White Earth Nation, was surprised when the popularity of her Cash Murder Mystery Series soared. Her latest mystery novel, "Where They Last Saw Her," was released in September 2024. (Photo by Jaida Grey Eagle, courtesy of Soho Press)

In an internal audit, Penguin Random House, one of the countrys largest publishers, found that White writers accounted for 76 percent of its books released in 2019 to 2020, far higher than the U.S. White population, which makes up 60 percent.

Although publishers took steps to diversify their companies as during the Civil Rights era they often returned to the status quo once the pressure subsided or literary trends shifted, Alter and Harris wrote.

But there may be other factors driving popular interest in Native authors.

Author and filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat, Canim Lake Band Tsqescen, wrote in The Paris Review that he believes climate change and environmental interests  which captured the publics attention with Standing Rock and other activism  have put a spotlight on Indigenous thoughts and knowledge.

According to NoiseCat, Indigenous writers, speak with the authority of a people who have lived through genocide and survived to talk about it, in terms of confronting climate change.

NoiseCat is co-director of the documentary film, Sugarcane, which investigates unmarked graves at Indian residential schools. Sugarcane was selected for an Enterprise Documentary Grant in 2022 by the International Documentary Association, and had its world premiere on Jan. 20, 2024, at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the grand jury award for directing.

Still, however, Native authors represent a small portion of the works being published out of New York in what the industry calls the big four Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan, according Taffa.

But her hope is that the rising interest in Indigenous authors will continue.

We are only beginning to scratch the surface of the diversity of Indigenous peoples, languages and cultural ways, Taffa said.

Centuries of storytelling

Little data is available about the numbers of Native authors.

Data collected by The Atlantic in June 2024 show the percentage of novels written by Black authors increased from 4 percent in 2019 to 9 percent in 2023, and that the percentage of novels written by all other authors of color went from 8 percent in 2019 to 16 percent in 2023.

The other category included Indigenous, Asian, Latino, mixed-race, multiracial and biracial people.

Data for childrens and young readers books, however, show the presence of Native authors nearly doubled from 2018 to 2023, though the numbers remained shockingly low, moving from 1.4 percent in 2018 to 2.4 percent in 2023, according to the Cooperative Childrens Books Center School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

But the publishing industry remains overwhelmingly White. Remarkably, in an article for The New York Times, Just How White is the Book Industry? reporters Richard Jean So and Gus Wezerek found that in 2018, 89 percent of English language fiction books were written by White authors. The reporters concluded that the imbalance was probably linked to the fact that 85 percent of people who work in the publishing industry, acquiring and editing books, are also White.

Several Native authors and others in the publishing industry spoke with ICT about the resurgence, saying they are committed to ensuring the popularity of Native writers regardless of social trends.

They believe Native writers can withstand shifting pop-culture memes for the simple reason that Native people are great storytellers and that their stories touch on common human experiences and struggles.

Its not for lack of trying. Ancient Indigenous oral and written traditions in the Americas predate European contact by centuries.

Tribes such as the Tohono Oodham, Lakota, Ojibwe and many others employed various mnemonic styles of pictography to record and share stories and histories, long before White colonizers hit the shores of America.

Innovators that they are, Native folks soon grew inspired to write their own books after Europeans introduced the alternative form of storytelling. Although the publications held great interest for Native readers, their popularity among White readers varied.

Authors such as Zitkala-Sa, Lakota, a former music teacher at Carlisle Indian Industrial School more than 100 years ago, was among the early Indigenous authors to gain the mainstream literary spotlight. Then, beginning in the 1960s, another wave of Indigenous authors began.

Lakota author and activist Zitkala-Sa is pictured here in 1898. As a girl, she was forcibly sheared. As an adult, she wrote of the experience: I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit...now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder. (Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian)

During those initial Renaissance years, other Native authors gained popularity, including Momaday, Kiowa; Leslie Marmon Silko Laguna Pueblo; Vine Deloria Jr., Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; and Simon Ortiz, Acoma.

Momaday, Kiowa, who died in January 2024 at age 89, won a Pulitzer Prize in 1969 for his novel, House Made of Dawn.

Erdrich, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota, gained recognition in the early 1980s, and won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2021 for her novel, The Night Watchman. She was also named a Pulitzer finalist in 2009 for A Plague of Doves.

Author Louise Erdrich, shown here in 2008 in the Birchbark Books and Native Arts store she founded in Minneapolis, won a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2021 for her novel, "The Night Watchman." She also won the 2022 Berresford Prize for helping other artists in society through her bookstore. (AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File)

They have been followed by Tommy Orange, Kelli Jo Ford, David Treuer, Linda LeGarde Grover, Teresa Marie Mailhot, Mona Susan Power, Rebecca Nagle, and others.

And the trend appears to be growing.

Cash Blackbear mysteries

Marcie R. Rendon, White Earth Nation, was surprised and a bit shocked at the popularity of her Cash Murder Mystery Series, which follows a young Ojibwe woman named Cash Blackbear.

Her success, however, got off to a slow start.

I wrote the first book, Murder on the Red River, and got five years of rejection letters from agents and publishers, Rendon told ICT from her home in Minneapolis. I was told that people arent writing Native crime, and I was almost ready to just hang it up.

Author Marcie R. Rendon, White Earth Nation, was surprised when the popularity of her Cash Murder Mystery Series soared. Her latest mystery novel, "Broken Fields," is due out in March 2025. (Photo by Jaida Grey Eagle, courtesy of Soho Press)

But another Native writer, Debbie Reese of Nambe Pueblo and founder of American Indians in Childrens Literature, encouraged her to try Cinco Puntos Press, an independent press based in El Paso, Texas, that has since been acquired by Lee & Low Books.

Rendons first book was published in 2017, and then came the awards. In 2018, she won the Pinckley Prize for crime fiction for Murder on the Red River.

When I got the award I thought, Well, jeez, maybe I do know how to write, she said.

The fourth book in the series, Broken Fields, is due out in March 2025 from Soho Press, an independent publisher based in New York.

The publishing business, however, remains a mystery for most Native people.

I had done journalism. I'd written magazine articles, but it was a different thing to actually have a book published, Rendon said. I didnt know that awards were a thing.

Rendon soon learned that the recognition that comes with winning awards helped drive interest in her work. She has since won several awards, including the McKnight Distinguished Artist Award, and she was included in Oprahs 2020 list of 31 Native American authors to read right now.

Rendon is also part of a Native womens writing group, Women from the Center, based in Minneapolis. In addition to supporting each others writing, they share information about navigating the publishing world.

Native women are often taken up with dealing with everyday crises, Rendon said. We have our own trauma were trying to handle.

There are many good writers in Indian Country, she said, but they lack opportunity and support.

Our lives as Native people arent set up for success, she said. Were set up for struggle.

Now, at age 70, after raising children and grandchildren, Rendon has time to pursue a writing career. In addition to the Cash Blackbear mysteries, she has written childrens books, poetry and has a book, When They Last Saw Her, that came out in September 2024. Its a love letter to Native womens strength and resilience that explores themes such as complicated justice on reservations, missing and murdered Indigenous women, race and class.

Rendon was surprised that non-Native people enjoy her books.

I have a following of White rural readers, she said. The Cash Murder Mysteries are set in rural country and are about farming and the land. Many crime novels are set in big cities.

But its the appreciation from Native people that especially touches her.

Ive had so many Native women tell me, You wrote my story in the Cash Blackbear series, she said. That means a lot to me.

The recent responses have given her hope that Native authors are gaining recognition.

It seems like every 20 years theres been a rise in Native authors and then we disappear, Rendon said. This time it seems like our popularity might last.

A view from publishers

Author Cynthia Leitich Smith of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is doing everything she can to ensure the growing interest in Native literature is not a mere trend.

She teamed up with Rosemary Brosnan, one of the co-founders of We Need Diverse Books and an editor at HarperCollins Childrens Books, to create Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint launched in 2021. It was the first imprint at a major American publishing company dedicated to the works of Indigenous authors.

Smith is the author of several childrens books, including, Jingle Dancer and Indian Shoes.

The rising popularity of books written by people of color reflects the greater diversity in the world overall, according to Smith

Books with Black or Indigenous heroes or other people of color are more familiar to kids, Smith told ICT. They are living in a multicultural world.

The original plan with Heartdrum was to publish two to four books a year, Smith said.

Now were publishing nine books a year, which is a lot, and we just brought on a second editor, she said.

Depicting Native people who seem like real, live human beings is critical for kids.

We are everywhere and we ring true  when were seen as part of the fabric of everyday life, Smith said.

Keeping the perspective

Treuer said readers are interested in learning about different cultures, but need context in which to understand them. Those interests are building on the foundation of literature already established.

Weve had an emerging effort in the literary field of having people tell their own stories, he said. We need lots more of it because its starting to gain traction  Publishers are seeing that people dont only want to read about themselves; they want to understand other cultures but want to do so in a way that doesnt offend others.

Anton Treuer, an Ojibwe author, speaker and professor at Bemidji State University in Minnesota, released his first novel, "Where Wolves Don't Die," in June 2024. He is shown here in an undated photo at the university's American Indian Resource Center. (Photo courtesy of Bemidji State University)

In the past, Native literature has often been dominated by tropes and stereotypes of trauma and tragedy, he said. Until fairly recently, authors accepted the notion that they had to always have a strong White character at the center of the story.

People of color could be sidekicks, Treuer said.

His new novel, Where Wolves Dont Die, tells the story of a 15-year-old Native boy who is looking into a murder but embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding himself in the process.

Treuer describes the book as a thriller that is also a tender coming-of-age story about a boy finding his community, ancestors and family connection all while grappling with loss.

Were all interested in the human condition and our relationships as we look for connection, meaning and love, Treuer told ICT.

Its this common humanity and tension that drives a good story, regardless of the protagonists race or ethnicity, he said.

I've been telling stories my whole life in ceremony, winter legends and while working with elders, Treuer said. But Ive always deeply understood that Ojibwe relate to the world and get our teachings through story.

He continued, I wanted to do something different; I wanted to give people a window into the vibrant, living, beautiful culture that we [Ojibwe] still have today.

Treuer has developed educator guides to go along with his book that teachers can use in the classroom.

How to get published

So what advice would Native authors and editors offer to those who want to write a book?

The number one thing is that you have to submit your work to somebody, someplace, Rendon said. You have to take that risk and put your work out there. Maybe you wont get rejected and maybe you will, but at least youll have some idea of what you need to do differently.

Getting a writing mentor helps, too, she said.

The first step, authors advised, is to start writing.

Anyone who wants to write a book should, Treuer said. Sometimes we worry too much about how to say it or what others have said. If you have something to say, it will be interesting.

Smith said she is interested in hearing from tribal members or second-generation descendants to point them in the right direction.

They can email me; I have a whole list of resources to share, said Smith.

Our working theory is that we are not going to ever again settle for this mainstream publishing idea that we need to have only a single star, Smith said. We shine brightest when we shine together.

Editors note: ICT National Correspondent Mary Annette Pembers book, Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools, is expected to be released in April 2025 by Penguin Random House.

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Russian president Vladimir Putin can recruit all the troops he wants in his bid to make his army the second largest in the world. But, as is evident from the Russian militarys disastrous performance in Ukraine, when it comes to winning wars, it is the quality of the combatants, not their number, that ultimately decides the outcome on the battlefield.

When Putin launched his special military operation to conquer Ukraine, the Russian military dwarfed its Ukrainian adversaries by a ratio of around three to one in terms of manpower, and by around 10 to one in key war-fighting capabilities, such as combat aircraft and warships.

Yet, despite the numerical inferiority, the Ukrainians not only succeeded in thwarting the Russian invasion, they have achieved a number of notable battlefield successes. Their most impressive success has been to seize a sizeable chunk of territory in Mother Russia itself  the first time Moscow has suffered such an ignominious fate since the Second World War.

Moreover, Ukraines success  which also includes nullifying the threat posed by Russias Black Sea Fleet in Crimea  has come with devastating Russian casualty rates, at a level not witnessed since the brutal trench warfare of the First World War. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has estimated that the Russians have suffered more than 350,000 killed or wounded since hostilities commenced in February 2022.

Russian losses are truly monumental when compared with the 15,000 total fatalities the former Soviet Union suffered during its 10-year military campaign in Afghanistan in the 1980s, an era when Moscow could conscript recruits from all corners of the USSR.

These days, Putins recruiting pool is limited to the more modest resources of the Russian Federation, which makes it harder for him both to conceal the scale of the countrys losses from the Russian people and to replenish his front-line forces with fresh recruits.

Putins latest announcement, in which he issued orders for the Russian army to be increased by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen  a move that will make it the worlds second largest, after China  smacks more of desperation than a serious initiative to establish Russia as a major military superpower.

In a decree published on the Kremlins website, Putin has ordered the overall size of the armed forces to be increased to 2.38 million people, of which he says 1.5 million should be active servicemen.

This is not the first time Putin has attempted to militarise the Russian people in order to justify his invasion of Ukraine. The Russian leader announced the first wave of mass mobilisation in September 2022 after the Ukrainians moved on to the offensive, eventually recapturing the key cities of Kharkiv and Kherson. Since then the Kremlin has issued further compulsory conscription orders, the main effect of which has been to provoke a mass exodus of young Russians fleeing from the motherland.

Around one million Russians of fighting age have opted to leave the country rather than sacrifice their lives to the inhuman meat-grinder tactics that remain the preferred military option of the Russian high commands attempts to achieve success in Ukraine.

With ordinary Russians being made more aware of the pointless sacrifices required of conscripts serving on the 300-mile long Ukrainian front, Putin could well struggle to recruit yet more cannon fodder to sustain the Russian military effort.

Of equal concern for Putin will be the evidence that the Russian military has failed to make any significant gains in recent months despite being provided with extra men and equipment.

While Western military observers believe the Russian military is now bigger and stronger than since the start of the conflict, having seen its fighting strength increase by around 15 per cent, this has resulted in little improvement in battlefield performance, with the Russians only making modest gains in eastern Ukraine.

Putins desire to make the Russian military the worlds second largest should be seen, therefore, as an acknowledgement by the Russian leader that his military is failing to achieve its objectives and is struggling to maintain sufficient numbers of combat forces.

One of the central lessons to be drawn from the Ukraine conflict is that it is not so much the size of the military force deployed in combat that is key, as the ability to develop highly effective, well-equipped formations that can move quickly to capture and hold territory.

While Moscow has focused its efforts on promoting mass conscription, the Ukrainians have instead concentrated on using their more limited resources to develop a formation of highly-trained, well-disciplined combat brigades that have the ability to punch through Russian defensive positions, as was evident from the Ukrainian militarys Kursk offensive last month.

Despots like Putin might console themselves that they have one of the worlds largest armies at their disposal. But it is not much use if it proves to be ineffective against a smaller, but infinitely more determined, foe such as Ukraine.

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The former Queen will not be attending an event tomorrow as planned

Steffi Loos/Getty Images Queen Margrethe at a state banquet in Germany on Nov. 10, 2021.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark was hospitalized after falling at home.

On Sept. 18, the former monarch, 84, was hospitalized in Copenhagen after falling at Fredensborg Castle, according to multiple reports. Queen Margrethe was said to be doing well, but her appearance at an event the following day was canceled.

"Queen Margrethe was taken to Rigshospitalet yesterday evening after falling at Fredensborg Castle. According to the circumstances, the Queen is doing well, but is temporarily hospitalized for observation," Lene Balleby, the Danish Royal House's head of communications, said in a statement shared by Danish outlets B.T. and Ekstra Bladet.

Fredensborg Castle is a seasonal retreat for the Danish royal family, often used in the summer months. King Frederik's mother was due to make a royal engagement on Sept. 19 and appear at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Department of Archeology at Aarhus University. However, an update from the court confirmed her attendance was canceled, apparently amended following her fall. No further information was given.

MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images Queen Margrethe at Holmens Church in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 5, 2024.

Related: Meet Denmark's Royals: Your Guide to the Danish Monarchy's Family Tree

Queen Margrethe studied archaeology at the University of Cambridge in England and earned a degree in prehistoric archaeology, according to her royal bio, and has said that if she wasn't Queen, she would have been an archaeologist, per the Associated Press. Margrethe has continued in her working royal role, albeit with reduced ceremonial duties, following her abdication in January.

At the start of the year, Queen Margrethe made modern royal history when she abdicated on the 52nd anniversary of her accession, becoming the first Danish sovereign to voluntarily step down from the throne in nearly 900 years. The sovereign caused shock across the country when she announced the plan in December 2023, as she previously hinted that she intended to reign for life.

The move made her eldest son King Frederik X and his wife, Queen Mary, and the couple's four children  Crown Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 17, and 13-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine  each moved up a spot in the line of succession.

Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images (From left) Princess Isabella, Princess Josephine, King Frederik, Queen Margrethe, Prince Vincent, Crown Prince Christian and Queen Mary celebrate the King's birthday in Copenhagen on May 26, 2024.

Related: Prince Joachim of Denmark Says 'We've Moved On' from Queen Margrethe's Decision to Strip His Kids' Titles

Queen Margrethe had been the longest-reigning monarch in Danish history before relinquishing the role, and referred to both her record reign and back surgery that February in the speech revealing the news.

"In two weeks time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years. Such an amount will leave its mark on anybody  also on me! The time takes its toll, and the number of 'ailments' increases. One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past," Queen Margrethe began her traditional New Year Address, per an English translation.

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"In February this year I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future  whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation," she said. "I have decided that now is the right time."

Queen Margrethe appeared at the opening of the Sclerosis Conference ECTRIMS 2024 in Copenhagen on Sept. 18, attending the world's largest international medical research conference on multiple sclerosis. A cause close to heart, the Queen has been patron of the Sclerosis Association since 1959.

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MSNBCs Joy Reid had fellow network host Rachel Maddow as a guest on Wednesdays episode of The Reid Out where Maddow warned that Donald Trump outright doesnt want an American form of government in which elections decide whether or not hes in power.

Reid began the segment by discussing how Donald Trump is barely campaigning, with scant appearances in swing states and generally a low number of campaign appearances period. If you didnt know any better, youd think Trump isnt even really trying to win the election, Reid commented.

This led to a look into growing reporting on the ways Republican officials in Georgia are openly conspiring to disrupt the election in order to help Donald Trump regardless of whether he wins or not. The scheme in part involves pro-Trump officials on the State Election Board who are imposing burdensome, contradictory and legally suspect election rules changes, with the explicit goal of making it impossible to certify the results in the state.

After Maddow was introduced, she noted a Trump rally held in Georgia in August, where Trump praised those election board by name and announced that they are allied directly with him. And as Maddow noted, the state election board is supposed to be a nonpartisan institution.

Its the technocratic board that oversees the administration of elections in Georgia, and so him shouting them out by name, and claiming them as MAGA superheroes who were pit bulls for victory was a bad sign, she explained.

Republicans have been trying to refuse certification Since 2020, in all of the swing states, in a bunch of states that arent swing states, in more than two dozen, more than three dozen instances, they just refused to say here was the vote total in our most recent election, Maddow added. Theyre doing this leading up to the 2024 presidential election, when it seems very clear that no matter what the results are, theyre going to say theres no knowable result.

Maddow then how Georgias Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, is attempting to stop this. On Wednesday, he informed the state election board that their actions are illegal, in part because of how close we are to the start of voting, and ordered them to stop.

But theres no reason to think theyre going to follow this advice. They are really intent on sort of technocratically scuttling the process of tallying the votes, Maddow said.

Maddow then explained at length how these schemes work, and then reminded viewers, when Trump won the Republican primary in 2016, he said it was rigged. When he won the general election in 2016, he said it was rigged. Ran for reelection in 2020, he said it was rigged. When he lost, he said it was rigged. Hes already saying 2024 is rigged, she continued.

He doesnt think that elections are a real thing. He doesnt think that elections are legitimate, and he doesnt want an American form of government in which elections decide whether or not hes in power because he doesnt believe election results should be binding, Maddow went on.

You can watch the whole conversation between Reid and Maddow below:

The post Rachel Maddow Warns Trump Doesnt Think That Elections Are Legitimate | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
(NewsNation)  The mother of a woman who was raped and killed while hiking on a suburban Baltimore trail told lawmakers the suspect would have never been allowed in the U.S. if the Border Patrol had followed its own protocols.

Patty Morin delivered a powerful statement to members of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

If they had done the border protocols that were in place but was set aside, just a simple DNA swab, they would know that he had a INTERPOL warrant for murder in his home country, and thats why he was fleeing (to) the United States. They say that the borders are safe. We live 1,800 miles away from the southern border. Theyre not safe, she said.

Rachel Morins mom: Arrest doesnt change outcome

Rachel Morins body was found in Bel Air, Maryland, on August 6, 2023, and a suspect was arrested in Oklahoma ten months later. Victor Martinez-Hernandez, 23, of El Salvador, was in the U.S. illegally. He faces first-degree murder, first-degree rape and kidnapping charges.

Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., called the flood of inadmissible aliens across our sovereign borders  unprecedented in his opening remarks.

Green also cited statistics first reported by NewsNations Ali Bradley on Tuesday.

Just yesterday, prominent border correspondent Ali Bradley reported exclusive ICE figures showing since Biden-Harris ended Title 42 in May (2023), the administration has only removed around 23% of all inadmissible alien encounters, Green said in his opening remarks.

Rachel Morin was murdered one year ago. Where does the case stand?

In his remarks, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., defended the Biden administration with some additional statistics.

Border encounters are at their lowest levels in years. Since (the Biden) proclamation on June 4th, encounters along the border have decreased by 55%, Thompson said.

The administration has also removed more than 92,000 individuals to more than 130 countries and conducted over 300 international repatriation flights. Total removal and returns over the last year exceed total removal and return in any year since 2010, 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 NewsNation.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  As freight trains have grown longer, the U.S. has seen an increase in the number of a type of derailment caused by the forces of railcars pushing and pulling against each other, the National Academies of Sciences said Tuesday in a long-awaited report that urges regulators, Congress and the industry to reexamine their risks.

Railroads should take special care in the way they assemble trains that routinely measure more than a mile or two, especially those with a mix of different types of cars, the report said, echoing a warning the Federal Railroad Administration issued last year.

Long trains arent inherently dangerous. But if you dont have adequate planning on how to put the train together, they can be, said Peter Swan, a Penn State University professor who was one of the reports authors.

The increased use of long trains has allowed the major freight railroads  CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, CPKC and Canadian National  to cut costs because they can employ fewer crews and maintain fewer locomotives. The average length of trains increased by about 25% from 2008 to 2017. By 2021, when the report was commissioned, some trains had grown to nearly 14,000 feet (4,267 meters), or more than 2 1/2 miles (4 kilometers) long.

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The unions representing train crews have said that longer trains are harder to handle, especially when they travel across uneven territory, because of the way cars push and pull against each other. On a train thats more than a mile (1.6 kilometers) long, one section can be going uphill while another section is going downhill. Such trains are so long that the radios rail workers use might not work from the front to the back of them.

Anybody and everybody thats in rail safety knows that this is a problem. It cannot be overstated, said Jared Cassity, the top safety expert at the SMART-TD union that represents conductors. Long trains absolutely are a risk to the public and a risk to the workers and anybody with common sense can see that.

Mark Wallace with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen said Tuesdays report reinforces what engineers have long known: Long trains have a greater risk of derailing, have communications issues, and pose a threat to the public due to blocked crossings, among other issues. The union urged Congress and regulators to act quickly.

The railroads say they work to ensure their trains are safe at any length. The president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads trade group, Ian Jefferies, said many railroads use software that helps them model train forces before railcars are hooked together.

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As operations continue to evolve, railroads are pulling on three key levers  technology, training and infrastructure  to further enhance safety and reliability, Jefferies said.

But Cassity said countless derailments over the years have shown that software and the cruise control systems that help engineers operate a train are imperfect.

The number of derailments in the U.S. has held steady at more than 1,000 a year, or more than three a day, even as rail traffic decreased. Railroads say two-thirds of those are minor. Derailments have gotten increased attention since a disastrous one in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023 in which hazardous chemicals leaked and burned for days. That Norfolk Southern train had more than 149 cars and was 9,300 -feet-long. (1.76 miles long) But the National Transportation Safety Board determined that derailment was caused by an overheating bearing that wasnt caught in time by trackside sensors  not its length.

The biggest concern with long trains is related to derailments caused by the forces that can tear a train apart as it crosses the countryside. Tuesdays report said Congress should make sure the FRA has the power to address the dangers of those trains, and that agency should require railroads to plan carefully on how they handle them.

Railroads can make long trains easier to control by including locomotives in the middle and back of them to help pull and stop them, which is a common tactic.

The report said its also important for railroads to take great care in where they place heavy tank cars, empty cars and specialized cars like automotive carriers that are equipped with shock absorbers.

Union Pacific said mainline derailments are down on its network over the past five years. The railroad said technology plays a pivotal role in helping reduce variability and risk, and each year we invest billions back into our network to maintain infrastructure.

Most of the other major freight railroads didnt immediately respond to the report.

A Federal Railroad Administration spokesperson said it has urged railroads to ensure they train their employees adequately to handle longer trains and take other steps to keep them safe. The agency is also trying to gather additional data about long trains to assess their risks.

In addition to the derailment concerns, long trains can block crossings for extended periods, sometimes cutting off ambulance and police access to entire sections of their communities. They also cause delays for Amtrak passenger trains that get stuck behind monster freight trains that cant fit within side tracks that are supposed to allow trains to pass each other in such situations.

The report said Congress should give federal regulators the power to penalize railroads for causing such problems.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Flooding is becoming a more significant and frequent issue worldwide due to climate change, and residents in New York City are facing increased risks of being displaced from their homes.

What's happening?

As detailed by the Guardian in August, residents living in basement apartments across the city are in danger of losing their homes over the next few years as rainstorms and extreme weather worsen. A report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed that "more than 4,000 basement units house lower-income renters in areas at risk of major flooding," per the Guardian.

When Hurricane Ida throttled New York City with record rainfall and excessive floodwaters in September 2021, 13 New Yorkers died, 11 of whom drowned in basement apartments. In addition to those deaths, "hundreds more" were "displaced after flooding rendered their living quarters uninhabitable," the Guardian noted.

To make matters worse, the Guardian warned that the extreme rainfall experienced during Hurricane Ida is "a preview of what the area can expect thanks to a warming planet." According to climate science commissioned by the city government, New York City is likely to experience as much as 10% more rain over the next decade.

The dire situation has opened the eyes of residents who are now aware of how deadly extreme flooding and hurricanes can be.

"To be honest, I don't like thinking about it  Even right now, I panic when I hear the word 'rain,'" a homeowner in East Elmhurst, Queens, told the Guardian. "When they're expecting rain in the night-time, me and my husband are awake."

Why is this important?

With sea levels rising and extreme weather events becoming more frequent due to global warming, the risk of flooding is expected to worsen. These threats can be especially disastrous for basement apartments that are already prone to water damage.

Underground residencies in New York City were estimated at about 100,000 in 2008. Many of these apartments are illegal because they don't conform to codes. Low ceilings and a lack of full windows make them hazardous to disasters like fires and flooding.

"Those apartments are in a very special position where they are affordable, but that affordability comes at a very steep price during intense rain," Yana Kucheva, a City College of New York sociology professor who studies housing and environmental justice, told the Guardian.

What's being done about this?

Mayor Eric Adams' administration has made an effort to address these issues by crafting a proposal that would alter some of the zoning rules that hindered homeowners from upgrading their basements into legal apartments. A new state program was approved that allows legal basement apartments in 15 areas of the city.

Annetta Seecharran, executive director at Chhaya, a nonprofit group focused on the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in Queens, called the proposals "groundbreaking" and said they marked "major progress" over the last three years. However, Seecharran also noted that basement tenants have largely been dealing with the same material conditions since Hurricane Ida.

The Adams administration has tried to mitigate this by improving communication and community outreach to warn residents of possible flooding before extreme rainfall occurs. This past summer, drones outfitted with loudspeakers were flown over flood-prone neighborhoods to warn residents before severe rainstorms.

The city's emergency management agency, which sends out warnings about flash floods and heavy rains, created a new list for basement residents that now has more than 5,000 subscribers.

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.
'It's really sad': River dries up abruptly in Bakersfield, leaving thousands of dead fish

Dead fish lie on the dry bottom of the Kern River in Bakersfield. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

Over the last three weeks, ecologist Rae McNeish and her students have watched as a flowing river has abruptly dwindled to a dry riverbed.

While conducting biological surveys along the Kern River in Bakersfield, they have seen water retreat into stagnant pools and then vanish, leaving stretches of bare sand and cracked mud.

They have found some fish flopping helplessly along the banks, and masses of dead fish scattered on the riverbed by the hundreds.

We're all very surprised at how quickly things changed, said McNeish, an associate professor of biology at Cal State Bakersfield. Its really sad to see.

Rae McNeish, an ecologist, wades through the shallow remains of a drying Kern River. (Gary Kazanjian/For The Times)

The sudden loss of the river has come as a shock in Bakersfield, where residents had grown accustomed to seeing water flowing past parks and beneath bridges after two wet winters. Some compared the rapid desiccation to the effect of turning off a giant faucet.

The collapse follows an appeals court ruling that cleared the way for city officials and water managers to reduce flows upstream, keeping some water behind a dam and sending other supplies to farms. The shutoff of water has dismayed and angered environmental activists, who have argued in court that chronic overallocation and a rigid water-rights framework have caused profound harm to the river and its wildlife.

McNeish and a group of graduate students have been documenting their observations of the disappearing river, and have counted more than 3,000 dead fish.

California wildlife officials are now investigating whether the drying of the river constitutes a violation of state law.

Alexandra Brown, a graduate student in biology, left, and Rae McNeish, an ecologist, walk along the dry Kern River, where they have found thousands of dead fish. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

Its evaporating so quickly, McNeish said one morning last week as she walked the riverbed toward two stagnant ponds.

A stench of decay drifted in the air. Dead fish lay scattered on the sand, drying in the sun among buzzing flies.

McNeish, who has examined the fish carcasses since late August, has identified non-native species including bass, sunfish, bullhead catfish and mosquitofish. She and her students have also found native Sacramento suckers.

These are some of the biggest ones Ive seen, graduate student Alexandra Brown said as she approached several dead fish.

She stopped and took a picture of a nearly 2-foot-long carp, which lay glistening by the edge of a stagnant pool. The murky water was filled with the dark shapes of other fish that were swimming slowly, with nowhere to go.

Brown, who grew up in Bakersfield, said it has been disheartening and frustrating to see so many fish suffering as they are stranded by the receding water.

I was tearing up the first time that we started seeing the fish flopping, she said. There was nothing we could do.

Alexandra Brown, a graduate student in biology, measures a dead fish during a survey of the Kern River, which has abruptly dried up in Bakersfield. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

During her childhood, Brown enjoyed visiting a stretch of the river at Hart Memorial Park on the northeast side of Bakersfield, where there has long been flowing water. But for much of her life, the water has been so heavily diverted that the riverbed in the city has usually sat dry.

That changed in early 2023, when the river swelled with runoff from historic winter storms and resumed flowing through the city.

It's just really, really beautiful when you get to have a flowing river and see how much is supported by that, Brown said.

Now it's like hardly anything is left alive, she said. That there has been so much death is very, very disappointing, considering how full of life this was.

Read more: In Bakersfield, many push for bringing back the flow of the long-dry Kern River

McNeish said she was unaware that the rivers flow would shrink so dramatically when she started the ecological monitoring surveys with her students in July.

In late August, they began to notice the water retreating, leaving sandbars exposed. Since then, McNeish estimates that water has stopped flowing or dried up completely along more than five miles of the river.

McNeish said she hopes the data she and her students are collecting will provide a detailed picture of how the loss of flows has affected fish and other aquatic life, and will help local officials consider ways of avoiding such ecological damage in the future.

Walking on the sandy riverbed, McNeish used a yardstick to estimate how much the water had receded in an isolated pond since her last visit. She called it the snorkel pool, because she had previously snorkeled in clear water here and recorded video of the fish. Now, the pond was murky, and a cormorant stood hunting at the waters edge.

Ecologist Rae McNeish, left, and graduate student Alexandra Brown survey a pool in the drying Kern River where researchers had previously snorkeled and recorded video of fish. They found a cormorant hunting for remaining fish in the shrinking pond. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

Theres a lot of fish trapped here, and its good feeding grounds for this bird  for now, McNeish said.

At another point, McNeish stopped at a dry depression and poked her yardstick into tangled aquatic plants, finding dead tadpoles. Where days earlier there had been a pond, dozens of fish carcasses lay on the sand among clam shells.

There was water here on Saturday, she said.

The two drove upriver to another research site. They walked across a bike path and descended into the river channel, where they found shallow water flowing. McNeish said the water has been dropping at this site, too.

As McNeish and Brown stood chatting, a woman emerged from the vegetation and introduced herself.

Bonnie Compton said she has been living along the river for more than a decade. She said she lives in a tent with her husband, and they have been alarmed by the sudden drop in the river and the dying fish.

We used to be able to sit and watch the fish and enjoy the view, Compton said.

Bonnie Compton, who has lived along the Kern River for about 10 years, says she is upset that the water has been cut off and the river is drying up, leaving dead fish. "We want the water back," she says. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

This place had actually started to become beautiful again, and now its turning into the desert. Its horrible, she said. Theyre killing the fish. Theyre killing our wildlife. Everythings dying.

Compton blamed local officials and said she suspects the water shutoff is linked to efforts by city workers to dismantle encampments and drive away homeless people.

This is public ground, and theyre taking the water away from the public, Compton said. We want the water back.

Her demand echoes similar calls by environmental activists. When six environmental groups sued Bakersfield in 2022, they argued that allowing water diversions to dry up the river violates Californias public trust doctrine, the principle that certain natural resources must be preserved for the public.

Read more: New California water measures aim to increase fines for violators, protect wetlands

The city controls several weirs where water is diverted. Some of the water is used in Bakersfield, but much of it is used by agricultural water districts to supply farms that produce almonds, pistachios, grapes, oranges and other crops.

The appeals court ruling earlier this year froze a judges order that had for months required sufficient water to keep the river flowing and provide for fish. That decision effectively allowed for the river to dry up while the case is pending in Kern County Superior Court, said William McKinnon, a lawyer for the group Water Audit California, one of the plaintiffs. Environmental groups petitioned the California Supreme Court to challenge that ruling, but their petition was denied last month.

Until recently, water was left in the river because Bakersfield chose to do it, and now they don't choose to do it, McKinnon said. They turned off the water, and all the fish died. But we'll get to trial sometime.

The dewatering of the river and the mass fish die-off, which were first reported by the news website SJV Water, have sparked an outpouring of concern in the community.

Ecologist Rae McNeish, an associate biology professor at California State University, Bakersfield, left, and Alexandra Brown, a graduate student, examine insect larvae on a piece of wood that was lying in the dwindling Kern River in Bakersfield. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

Officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife received complaints and are reviewing information about the fish deaths as they investigate whether there was a violation of state law, said Julie Vance, the departments regional manager. One relevant provision, Section 5937 of the state Fish and Game Code, states that the owner of any dam must allow sufficient water at all times to pass to keep in good condition any fish that exist below the dam.

The investigation is somewhat complex because multiple entities control water in the city, Vance said.

Obviously, it's a really unfortunate situation, Vance said. I think everyone was pretty excited to have water in the river again, and it's unfortunate that it ended this way this summer.

Read more: Court orders California county to ensure groundwater pumping doesnt harm streams and fish

At a Bakersfield City Council meeting last week, several residents denounced the fish kill and urged council members to return water to the river.

Kelly Damian, a spokesperson for the group Bring Back the Kern, urged city officials to work together to create a healthy, flowing river.

We want our river back, Damian said. It is not an easy task. We are up against a lot. We're up against climate change, a vast network of canals. We're up against a highly financed industry, but really the most difficult thing that we are up against is an old way of thinking.

Councilmember Eric Arias told residents that he has heard their concerns and sees a need for better communication. He suggested starting regular meetings on the subject.

Three thousand fish dead in the river is a failure on our part, and I think we could do better, Arias said.

A dead fish lying on the bank of the drying Kern River is measured by Alexandra Brown, a graduate student in biology. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

The city said in a Sept. 3 news release that its water department was "reducing water flows" in the river to carry out infrastructure work, including maintenance of weirs and removal of sediment from the channel.

Councilmember Bob Smith stressed that the recent court decision led to the dewatering of the river.

We ran what water we had, what water we have rights to, as long as we could, Smith said.

The city has saved some supplies upstream in Lake Isabella reservoir to prepare for a potential dry year, officials said, and much of the river's flow is now being diverted to agricultural water districts.

Smith said he and other officials would like to get more water in the river and we will continue with you to work in that direction.

Ecologist Rae McNeish approaches a dead fish lying on the bottom of the dry Kern River in Bakersfield. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

Bakersfield City Atty. Virginia Gennaro suggested residents should take their message to agricultural irrigation districts that use much of the water, including Kern Delta Water Storage District and North Kern Water Storage District.

Talk to them about why you want water in the river, Gennaro said. Be as direct with them as you have been with us.

Damian said after the meeting that she was disappointed with the councils response.

I did not hear one single city leader say that they were really going to champion this issue, she said. This was performative leadership. It was not real leadership.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A new plan is in the works to redevelop a major building in downtown Atlanta.

The Georgia-Pacific building, a pink granite structure thats a part of the citys skyline, could be redeveloped into a set of restaurants and apartments.

On Channel 2 Action News This Morning, Channel 2s Linda Stouffer showed a first look at the big changes being proposed by Georgia-Pacific for the building on Peachtree Street.

Georgia-Pacific said it wants to re-imagine the whole city block, with a complete redo of the building and plans to bring in restaurants, new office spaces and outdoor areas.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

This transformative redevelopment is a significant step in moving Atlanta forward, turning an important block in the heart of the city into a vibrant and welcoming destination that breathes new life into downtown. This project aligns with many of our important Moving Atlanta Forward initiatives, including expanding much-needed housing options and fostering economic revitalization that supports local businesses, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement. With redesigned public spaces, new retail and restaurants, as well as easy access to public transit, we are creating a unique downtown neighborhood that will bring fresh energy to our city. This development will draw residents, visitors, and businesses alike, reinforcing our vision of a safe, inclusive, and thriving downtown  one that is family-friendly and nurtures new talent. Its about building a better Atlanta for everyonetoday and for the future.

Georgia-Pacific said the planned redevelopment would be a boon for businesses in the area and would create a welcoming neighborhood with easy access to amenities and entertainment for companies and their employees seeking to work in the downtown area.

Jannette Gue, a student, told Channel 2 Action News that in this part of downtown Atlanta, the community needs more places to eat.

TRENDING STORIES:

I feel like theres like a plethora of options in Midtown versus here, its really not that much, Gue said. Different cuisines or foods that have more nutrition in it.

NewsDrone 2 flew over the 51-story massive pink granite building, where on the top floors, Georgia-Pacific says they plan to put 400 apartments with views of Atlanta.

Georgia-Pacifics initial plans for a transformative redevelopment of this scale in the heart of Atlanta align perfectly with our vision to reimagine Downtown, Katie Kirkpatrick, president & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said in a statement. A catalyst for economic growth, this project will add momentum to others already underway and contribute to a world-class experience and vibrant neighborhood for years to come.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to Georgia-Pacific, who said theyre committed to keeping their corporate headquarters in Atlanta and called the plans for redevelopment an adaptive re-use of office space, which would make it one of the largest mixed-use redevelopment in the United States.

The company said they hope to start construction on the redevelopment next year, including a summer 2025 groundbreaking.

For now, Georgia-Pacific is looking for partners for the redevelopment spaces and is not ready to announce funding plans.

According to Georgia-Pacific, the proposed development includes:

More than 400 apartment units on the towers uppermost floors, among the highest in the Southeast

+/- 125,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space

+/- 600,000 square feet of Class A office space anchored by Georgia-Pacific and Koch Inc.

+/- 35,000 square feet dedicated to a large central plaza

More than 2,100 parking spaces plus adjacent MARTA and Atlanta Streetcar transportation access

Future multi-phase development plans include opportunities for a hotel and additional retail and residences

If realized, this will be more than just a redevelopment; it has the potential to generate economic growth and create mutual benefit for the city, local businesses, their employees, Georgia-Pacific employees and our vibrant community, Christian Fischer, president and CEO of Georgia-Pacific, said in a statement. The office landscape has changed, and we recognize that the adaptive reuse of our site and office tower can create greater long-term value. We are also acutely aware of the need for more residential, shopping, dining, and entertainment options in our downtown neighborhood, which is why Georgia-Pacific is excited to provide a space that will offer unmatched opportunity in Downtown Atlanta.

Construction is expected to be finished by Fall 2027.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Reform UK will be "a serious contender" at the next Senedd election, according to the party's leader Nigel Farage.

Speaking ahead of his party's conference in Birmingham, he said Reform could "win a lot of seats" in Cardiff Bay in 2026.

The party does not currently have any Members of the Senedd (MSs).

However, Reform hopes to capitalise on the more proportional voting system that will be in place for the next election to the Welsh Parliament.

"We've got these elections coming up in 2026, we've had the new announcement there'll be 16 super-constituencies, six members each, all elected under proportional representation," Farage said.

"We will be taking this seriously."

Reform won five seats at the UK general election, with Farage himself being elected to Westminster for the first time at the eighth attempt. However, none of those seats were in Wales.

Reform came second in 13 of the 32 Welsh constituencies at the general election, as it secured 16.9% of the vote across Wales - an increase of 11.5% compared to 2019 when it stood as the Brexit Party.

One of the seats where the right-wing party came second in July was Torfaen, where the party gained its first councillors in Wales soon after the election, when three independent members of the local council formed a Reform group.

One of them, Alan Slade, who was first elected as a Labour politician, said he was attracted by Reform's "common sense" policies.

The party's general election manifesto, which was launched in Merthyr Tydfil, included promises to freeze "non-essential" immigration, cut taxes for small businesses and scrap the UK's target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

"I think Reform needs a chance to show that it's a party of action rather than words, so that suits me, because that's exactly what I like to think I do," Slade added.

Alan Slade says there was vitriol and an "outpouring of support" for Reform councillors [BBC]

Asked about the criticism often levelled at Farage that he is a populist who promotes anti-immigrant sentiment, Slade said: "I don't know Nigel at all... but when people say 'populist', what does that mean?

"To me it means carrying out things that people want."

Slade said the response to the formation of the Reform group on Torfaen council was mixed, and the councillors had received some "pretty vitriolic" comments.

But there has also been "a real outpouring of support," he said.

Forecast of 14-17 Senedd seats

Reform's share of the vote in Wales at the general election was greater than Plaid Cymru, with four seats, and the Liberal Democrats, with one.

The party hopes its strong performance in July will stand it in good stead at the next Senedd election in 2026, under a more proportional electoral system.

Polling expert Dr Jac Larner from Cardiff University said Reform should be "very confident" ahead of that election, and that current polling suggests the party could win "somewhere between 14 and 17" Senedd seats.

He also suggested that if the Conservatives "continue to struggle", Reform could end up being the largest right of centre party in the Senedd, "and even - depending on what happens above them - potentially the official opposition".

Gary and Janet Taylor like Nigel Farage and voted Reform at the general election [BBC]

If Reform does win seats at the Senedd election, it would mark another anti-establishment breakthrough for Farage in Cardiff Bay.

He was the leader of UKIP when that party won seven seats in 2016, before in-fighting saw the group fall apart over the course of the Senedd term.

Farage later led the Brexit Party, which also had a group in the Senedd. The Brexit Party became Reform UK.

Why did people vote Reform in July?

In Cwmbran town centre, in Torfaen, Gary and Janet Taylor, both in their 70s, explained why they backed the party.

"I like Nigel Farage, I like his attitude, I like his straightforwardness, I think he's just one of those people who says something and really means it," said Mr Taylor.

"There aren't many politicians you can trust and when you find somebody you think their personality is trustworthy, it makes a big difference in what you do," added Mrs Taylor.

Another man said he would have voted for Reform, but he thought it would be a wasted vote because he did not think they "stood a chance" in Torfaen.

"Their policies on stopping the boats I agree with, because I think everybody's just had a gutsful, it's getting ridiculous the amount of people coming over," he said.

"I'm not a Nigel Farage fan," one lady said, "but I think he's got some good points."
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  They say a mountains view is best after a hard climb, and Lavita Hill knows this all too well after more than two years of effort to restore the Cherokee name, Kuwohi, to the tallest peak in the Smokies.

This week, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) approved restoring the name Kuwohi to Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hill and her friend Mary Crowe, who are tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), have been working since 2022 to restore the name to the mountain, which has been a sacred summit to the Cherokee since time immemorial.

Now, they have succeeded. The BGN, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), voted in favor of the formal request submitted by the EBCI to change the name of Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi. The vote came during the BGNs Domestic Names Committee meeting in Missouri.

White Pine Police: One person shot in road rage incident

Hill said in an interview with 6 News after the decision Wednesday that shes still in disbelief, but very grateful. She also spoke about the cultural significance of Kuwohi to the Cherokee People.

Many, many feelings but mostly gratitude, a little bit of disbelief, just because it was like, I cant believe this truly happened,' Hill said, describing her initial emotions on learning the news. Im shocked, but honored, and very happy.

Hill said that after Mount Doane was renamed to First Peoples Mountain in Yellowstone National Park, that was when she thought the Cherokee People could accomplish a similar change to a beloved mountain here.

From that point, we went to work, mainly through research, and learned that Clingmans Dome was actually named Kuwohi before it was ever Clingmans Dome, Hill said. It wasnt changed to Clingmans Dome until 1859, but for all of the period before that, it was Kuwohi. We were fortunate to find references to Kuwohi, going back several hundreds of years and therefore, its factual, that this was the true name of the mountain.

Previous Story: Clingmans Dome name change proposal approved, Kuwohi name restored to Smokies mountain

University of Tennessee geography professor Derek Alderman, who previously spoke about the Kuwohi name restoration effort, which is formally called Place Name Repatriation, said in 2022 that the effort was important not only for the Indigenous but for everyone.

I think its important for the restoration of that Indigenous name because on one hand, its obviously important to the Cherokee and its important to the Cherokee being that name  it refers back to their spiritual, historical connection to the mountain, Alderman said. That spiritual-historical connection should be recognized and it should be restored to public recognition. The other reason its important is  its important to all of us. Place names are very important educationally. 

Hill reaffirmed the Cherokee Peoples spiritual connection to Kuwohi, saying while the name means mulberry place in the Cherokee language, it means much more on a spiritual level.

Not only did our ancestors call the mountain Kuwohi, which means the mulberry place, this place, because its the highest peak in our local region in our area, it became like Church, Hill said. This was where our cultural leaders would go to pray, to seek guidance, just to talk to the Creator, and listen, in order to guide our people. We know that the medicine men would go there as well to gather the mulberries, and the mulberries were used as food and as medicine.

Cherokee oral teachings also tell stories of Kuwohi being a place where the first leaders or elders held their Council. Today, the EBCI Tribal Council meets in Cherokee, N.C. The Tribal Council approved the Kuwohi name restoration effort beginning in July 2022, and also approved the final application which was submitted earlier this year in February.

The total application was like 156 pages, Hill said, adding that they worked hard to gather the support from other governments in the region. We felt very lucky that we had all of that (support), we felt very blessed that all of these surrounding regions were willing to support the cause.

Fall Events around East Tennessee 2024

The two-year-long effort was comprised of frequent travel to other regional counties for support, many presentations, council meetings, city meetings, the research, and more  all culminated to Kuwohis name restoration.

The hardest part was simply, its been a long journey, Im tired, and every now and then I needed that extra push, and sometimes I was just scared, though, to go and present, and ask them to support our cause. It felt like I was walking into a room of strangers, Hill said. But, in every place, everyone was amazing. They were really nice to us.

The best view, after all, comes after the hardest climb.

Next up, Hill and the EBCI will be working with the National Park Services educational department to change the signage on the mountain, visitor centers and offering information at Kuwohi about the Cherokee Peoples history and the mountains cultural significance.

I want visitors to know that the land belonged to the Cherokee Indian before it ever became part of the National Park Service; before the Indian Removal happened, Hill said. This land belonged to the Cherokee people and the Cherokee People really worked to take care of the land, to use the land in a good way. So not only was it for spiritual purposes, but it was also  one thing that it became was refuge. During and before the Removal, our people went there and hid within those mountains. To be able to stay here. So, when the U.S. government was trying to round up our people into different stockades and move them out west, our people were brave enough, and strong enough and willing to go up there in freezing temperatures and survive  so that we could still be here today. There are a lot of reasons why we wanted the name restored, but for me, thats one of the main reasons.

Best ways to avoid the crowds in the Great Smoky Mountains this fall

According to the National Park Service, thousands of Cherokee were forcibly removed from their lands after the U.S. Congress passing the Indian Removal Act in 1830. Then, in May 1838, Federal troops and state militias began the roundup of the Cherokees into stockades. In spite of warnings to troops to treat the Cherokees kindly, the roundup proved harrowing. Families were separated  the elderly and ill forced out at gunpoint  people given only moments to collect cherished possessions. About 1,000 Cherokees in Tennessee and North Carolina escaped the roundup.

Kuwohi was a refuge, a sacred summit  now it can continue to serve as a place of learning, and healing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Waco, Tx (FOX 44)  A registered sex offender living in Waco was tracked down over the internet and has been arrested on child pornography charges.

Thirty-seven-year-old David Gonzalez Estrada remained in the McLennan County Jail on a quarter-million dollar bond after being arrested in the case developed by the Texas Attorney Generals Office.

The investigation began when the AGs office received multiple electronic Cyber Tipline reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children beginning in December 2021 and running to April 2024. Through online forensic work, a suspect in the case was developed.

An arrest affidavit stated that Snapchat and MediaLab/Kik had reported where a man had possessed, sent, or received files of child pornography. The affidavit stated that the suspects social media accounts were identified by a combination of date of birth, phone numbers and a common e-mail address across both social media platforms.

The affidavit stated that on April 11, 2024 MediaLab/Kik reported a user uploaded approximately fifteen files of child pornography via their social media platform. The affidavit further stated that on October 30, 2023 and October 31, 2023 Snapchat reported a user uploaded two files of child pornography via their platform.

On August 29, 2024 the investigator prepared and executed a search warrant though Google LLC for the suspect e-mail account which led to the identity of the suspect.

Woodway woman attacked with baseball bat, man held

During the investigation, it was learned that the suspect was a registered sex offender with the investigator able to contact the McLennan County Sheriffs Office and get address information for him.

An arrest warrant for David Gonzalez Estrada was obtained from McLennan County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Brian Richardson and the suspect was arrested and booked into the McLennan County Jail Tuesday on the second degree felony charge of possession of child pornography. Jail records showed he was also being held on a McLennan County charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former congressman Dave Reichert, a Republican, left, and Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, right, are seen on stage during the second debate of the 2024 Washington state governor's race, Sept. 18, 2024, in Spokane, Wash. (Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

When the two men vying to be Washingtons next governor debated last week in Seattle, Republican Dave Reichert seemed rattled and unprepared, stumbling through answers and unable to respond to Democrat Bob Fergusons criticisms.

Even Reicherts appearance  no jacket, no tie  signaled to some that he might not be taking this endeavor seriously.

Wednesday, when they met again in Spokane, the former congressman came in a suit and tie, and with his talking points ready.

A Democrat House, a Democrat Senate working together with, yes, a Republican governor. Mind-blowing, right?, he said in his closing comments to the audience in Fox Theater. We can show the country what it means for a divided state like Washington to come together to fix whats broken, change whats wrong and do whats right.

His closing offered a contrast to Ferguson, the state attorney general, who followed and sought to cast himself as the reformer who would change the culture of government in tackling the myriad challenges facing the state, on issues ranging from crime to housing costs to education.

You had a chance to hear two very different visions for the state of Washington, Ferguson said. I have never been satisfied with the status quo. We need a governor who is a change agent, at the same time a governor who will defend our core freedoms.

For Reichert, it was a stronger performance. Whether its enough to change the direction of his campaign is unclear.

Ferguson hammered Reichert for past positions on issues like abortion and climate change that could hurt the GOP contenders appeal with the moderate voters he would need to win.

And Democrats have had a lock on the job for 40 years, winning every gubernatorial election since 1984.

Ferguson won last months statewide primary with 44.9% of the vote followed by Reichert with 27.5%. At this stage, Ferguson has raised twice as much money as Reichert and recent statewide polling shows him with a comfortable lead among voters.

As he tries to gain traction, Reichert is zeroed in on Fergusons tenure as attorney general, seeking to tie him to policies put in place by retiring Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and the Democratic-controlled Legislature  policies he says are to blame for residents concerns about public safety and higher costs of living.

The winner of the Nov. 5 election will be Washingtons first new governor in 12 years.

The debate, hosted by the Association of Washington Business and Greater Spokane Inc., was likely the final time the two men will share a stage in this election.

Here are three notable takeaways.

Agreement on abortion

Ferguson contends abortion is the most critical difference between he and Reichert, who voted while in Congress to ban most abortions after 20 weeks. He assails his opponent for voting in Congress to defund Planned Parenthood.

On Wednesday, given a chance to question each other, Ferguson asked Reichert to explain to the women of Washington state why he wanted to unravel the states reproductive freedom laws.

Reichert said he doesnt and he wont. I will protect your rights ladies. You have the right to make that choice.

Later, each said they support the laws on the books regarding abortion, including the states stockpiling of the abortion drug, mifepristone.

DEI

Reichert was asked what guidance he would give to the executive branchs Office of Equity in light of growing opposition to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives in government, schools and businesses.

We all need to treat each other with respect and dignity. Do we really need a curriculum to teach people how to relate to each other, be kind to each other, respect each other no matter what color, race, creed or religion, he said. I dont agree with DEI but do agree with treating people with respect.

Ferguson seized on those comments, pointing to remarks by Reichert opposing marriage equality.

You talk about treating everybody with respect. You said marriage is only between a man and woman, and Im sorry, but that stings for LGBTQ Washingtonians. And I want those individuals to know that they have a choice of a governor who supports their freedom to marry the person they love, he said.

Reichert responded sharply, saying Ferguson lied about his position.

I happen to believe a marriage is between a man and a woman. Thats my faith, he said. You have the right to choose who you love. I am not going to impose my religion on you.

Donald Trump never came up

Throughout the first debate, Ferguson worked tirelessly to tie Reichert to former president Donald Trump, who is this years GOP presidential nominee.

He mentioned Trump so often that Reichert  who would publicly declare he would not vote for Trump or the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris  snapped: Youre obsessed with Donald Trump. Ive moved past that.

On Wednesday, Ferguson didnt bring up the former president.

How are the campaigns spinning it?

The contrast on the other side of the stage was hard to miss, as anti-choice Congressman Dave Reichert struggled for the second week in a row to explain his repeated votes for banning abortions while in Congress, Bayley Burgess, Fergusons campaign manager said in a statement after the debate. No matter what he says to mislead voters, the recordings of Reichert behind closed doors speak for themselves: he supports Trump and loves Trumps policies, he supports a national abortion ban, and he doesnt believe climate change is man-made.

Jeff Harvey, a senior political advisor to Reichert, said: Bob Ferguson lied, deflected, and spread fear to hide from taking responsibility for the failures of the status quo, which he supports, over the last 12 years since hes been Attorney General. Voters are fed up and are demanding change. They know we literally cant afford another four years of the same failed policies that have made the state of Washington one of the most expensive states to raise a family Its time to break up the status quo. Bob Ferguson wont do that. Dave Reichert will.
New report connects dire consequences to the expansion of common energy source: 'We found those numbers stunning'

A new report reveals the dark reality of the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to a recent article published in the Guardian, LNG exports are linked to a jump in premature deaths and are responsible for nearly $1 billion in annual health costs.

What's happening?

Greenpeace and the Sierra Club released a new report to the U.S. Department of Energy detailing the impact of LNG and quantifying the health risks of LNG terminals on surrounding communities. The findings underscore the link between air pollution from LNG export terminals and 60 premature deaths each year.

When natural gas is cooled down to a liquid state, it becomes liquefied natural gas, making it easier to transport and store. While liquefied natural gas is used to generate electricity in homes and processed to make plastic and petrochemical products, it releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere that pose a serious health risk.

After evaluating current LNG export terminals, the analysis found that those terminals alone will result in 2,020 premature deaths and $28.7 billion in health costs by 2050, per the Guardian. However, the analysis found that these numbers are far worse under a full buildout scenario, with 4,470 premature deaths and $62.2 billion in health costs.

"We found those numbers stunning," Andres Chang, a senior research specialist at Greenpeace who co-authored the study, told the Guardian.

Why is the new LNG report important?

Transport & Environment reports that liquefied natural gas is primarily made up of harmful pollutants, which enter the atmosphere and contribute to the planet's rising global temperatures. As a result, it poses a serious threat to the environment and also to public health.

When harmful pollutants enter the atmosphere, they reduce air quality and cause respiratory complications in vulnerable populations.

"We often hear about the LNG buildout impacting climate, which, of course, is true and devastating," Johanna Heureaux-Torres, an energy campaigns analyst for the Sierra Club and co-author of the report, told the Guardian. "But there's also public health ramifications, often for communities who are already overburdened."

What's being done about LNG pollution?

The research linking LNG export terminals to severe health risks is already substantial, according to the Guardian. Now, advocates are speaking out against LNG exports with the goal of stopping future LNG export terminals.

By denouncing pending LNG export applications, federal regulators could save an estimated 707 to 1,110 lives, per the Guardian report.

"Every regulatory agency that has the responsibility and the directive to protect people and communities? They have got to start actually doing that," James Hiatt, director of the environmental justice group For a Better Bayou, told the Guardian.

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.
District Judge Kevin Mullins was pronounced dead at the courthouse in Whitesburg. (Kentucky Court of Justice photo)

A sheriff in Eastern Kentucky has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a district court judge Thursday at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg.

Kentucky State Police said District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Mickey Stines, 43, was charged with one count of murder in the first degree, according to a news release by state police Thursday night.

Stines fatally shot Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse, state police said, and Stines was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

The Mountain Eagle reported Thursday reported that Stines had allegedly walked into the judges outer office, told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with Mullins alone. The two then went into the inner office, closed the door and those outside heard shots. Stines walked out with his hands up and surrendered to police. The newspaper reported that Stines had been seen handcuffed in the courthouse foyer.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear in a social media post wrote that hed been informed a Letcher County district judge had been shot and killed in his chambers. There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow, Beshear wrote on social media.

On Friday morning, Beshear, answering questions during a news briefing, said it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the investigation and appeared to allude to rumors circulating about motive. I know theres a whole lot thats out there on the internet and elsewhere. This is an active, ongoing investigation, Beshear said. As a former prosecutor and the former AG, Im not going to comment on any pieces of it to make sure that the state police can continue that investigation. They will follow the evidence. When they have it, they will comment on motive, and then it will be prosecuted by the Commonwealth attorney, Jackie Steele.

Letcher County Schools posted on social media that Kentucky State Police had advised them to go into lockdown Thursday because of the shooting.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman in a social media post wrote he and 27th Judicial Circuit Commonwealths Attorney Jackie Steele, who serves Knox and Laurel counties, would collaborate as special prosecutors in the case involving the deadly shooting and that the two would fully investigate and pursue justice.

Kentucky Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter in a statement Thursday night expressed shock at this act of violence and said the court system is shaken by the news. He said his prayers are with Mullins family and the Letcher County community as they try to process and mourn this tragic loss. I ask for respect and privacy on their behalf.

We will continue to monitor this situation. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share further details. We are committed to supporting law enforcement in their efforts and will avoid any actions that could impede their important work. Our priority at this time is the well-being and safety of the Kentucky Court of Justice family.

Mullins, of Jackhorn, was an assistant commonwealths attorney before being appointed district judge in 2009. He won election to the office in 2010. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville law school.

Stines, of McRoberts, was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022. The Mountain Eagle reported in 2019 that Stines worked briefly as a Neon police officer and for the Letcher County sheriff and then worked for six years as a court bailiff in Letcher County until becoming sheriff.
An explosive story from CNN alleges North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson made dozens of disturbing comments on a porn forum in which he referred to himself as a black NAZI! and expressed support for reinstating slavery.

According to CNN, Robinson said he liked watching transgender pornography and referred to himself as a perv in archived messages.

Breaking via CNN: Im a black NAZI!: NC GOP nominee for governor made dozens of disturbing comments on porn forum #ncpol https://t.co/Au1NWbWyVG  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) September 19, 2024

CNN also said Robinson went into detail while describing watching women in gym showers as a 14-year-old.

The news organization reports the comments were all made more than a decade ago, before Robinson entered into politics. They said they positively identified the username as Robinsons using a litany of biographical details and a shared email address between the two.

SPECIAL SECTION: The Political Beat

Robinson, a Republican, is campaigning against Democrat Josh Stein, the North Carolina Attorney General, to be the states next governor. In a post on social media Thursday, Robinson denied what he called salacious tabloid trash and alleged it came from Steins campaign.

I wanted to take a minute to address the latest outrageous lies coming from my opponents dishonest campaign: #ncgov #ncpol pic.twitter.com/RtteVUiozr  Mark Robinson (@markrobinsonNC) September 19, 2024

Let me reassure you, the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson, he said in the video posted just before 3 p.m. You know my words, you know my character.

Robinson ended his video by saying he plans to stay in the race for North Carolina governor. But already, calls are growing for him to suspend his campaign.

Stein later said in a statement: North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be governor. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone.

Scott Lassiter, a Republican nominee for the North Carolina Senate, said Robinson needed to step down to allow a quality candidate to finish this race.

Steins campaign called Robinson unfit to be governor.

North Carolinians already know Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor, their statement reads. Josh remains focused on winning this campaign so that together we can build a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone.

The first North Carolina ballots for the 2024 general election will be made available at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Late Thursday afternoon, Politico reported an email address that belongs to Robinson was found on Ashley Madison, a website for married people looking for affairs. It was one of Robinsons advisors who confirmed the email belonged to him, Politico reports.

Breaking via Politico: Email address belonging to Mark Robinson found on Ashley Madison



An adviser to the North Carolina Republican confirmed the email address belongs to him.https://t.co/Bau8GvrdXm  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) September 19, 2024

Officials with the North Caroling GOP released a statement on Thursday:

Mark Robinson has categorically denied the allegations made by CNN but that wont stop the Left from trying to demonize him via personal attacks. The Left needs this election to be a personality contest, not a policy contest because if voters are focused on policy, Republicans win on Election Day.

Democrats have no answers on the record-setting inflation and the open-border policies that have both defined VP Harris tenure in the White House and have decimated family budgets across North Carolina.

The Left can try to smear Mark Robinson all they want, but when voters go to the polls on Election Day, they are going to be asking one simple question: Are you better off now than you were four years ago? The answer is overwhelmingly no and thats why Republicans will win on November 5th.

Former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory discusses Mark Robinsons controversial comments

Former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory told Channel 9 Thursday night that Robinson was not vetted properly.

Im not surprised because there have been rumors and information swirling about him for years, McCrory said.

Party leaders should have known this information would eventually come out, the former governor said.

When you get to the governor level, you know the other side is going to do some serious vetting, believe me, I know, McCrory said. Ive had private investigators looking into my background.

Channel 9 caught up with Eric Heberlig, a political science professor at UNC Charlotte, by phone. The professor questions whether Robinsons history was widely known.

It would be surprising, to me, if this was relatively widely known in Republican circles that multiple candidates who are running for the Republican nomination against Robinson would not have used it in the primary when it could have made a difference, Heberlig said.

If 1% to 3% of Republican voters decided to stay home because of Robinsons issues it could sway, not only the race for president but several races on the ballot as well, Heberlig said.

Previous controversies

The allegations Thursday stand in stark contrast with comments Robinson has previously made about the LGBTQ-plus community.

Last year, Robinson delivered a sermon to members of a Mooresville church. He blasted churches that welcome LGBTQ-plus members in his remarks.

RELATED: Mark Robinson talks education and transportation funding with Channel 9

Yes, I said it. Makes me sick every time I see it, when I pass a church that flies that rainbow flag, which is a direct spit in the face to God Almighty, Robinson said at one point.

And in 2021, the Associated Press reported when the Human Rights Campaign, Democratic lawmakers, and the White House decried comments that he had made to another church congregation in Randolph County.

Theres no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth, Robinson told the Asbury Baptist Church congregation in Seagrove in June 2021.

Robinson recently sat down with Channel 9s Hunter Saenz about several issues affecting North Carolinians that he could have the final say on if hes elected as the next governor. On Friday, we told you about his stance on abortion. On Monday, we shared his views on education and transportation funding.

On Wednesday, Channel 9 learned there will be no debate for the North Carolina governors race for the first time since 1972. Thats despite both candidates expressing interest last week, according to The Assembly.

What if Robinson withdraws?

By law, if Robinson wanted to drop out of this race, hed have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday to do so. But as previously noted, Mark Robinson said he is not dropping out.

If Robinson changes his mind, he only has a couple of hours to do so. Heres what state law says.

The deadline for any statewide candidate, which includes a candidate for governor, to withdraw is prior to the first day on which military and overseas absentee ballots are transmitted to voters. That means to withdraw, Robinson would have to notify the State Board of Elections by 11:59 p.m. Thursday. The North Carolina Republican Party would then have the opportunity to select a replacement candidate.

Prior to the CNN and Politico stories dropping, Lt. Gov Mark Robinson said he is not dropping out. If he changes his mind, he only has a few hours to do so.



The deadline for any statewide candidate, which includes a candidate for governor, to withdraw is prior to the first day pic.twitter.com/ewUnqBYTfh  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) September 19, 2024

The Board would have to determine whether its feasible to print new ballots with the new nominees name, but odds are that wouldnt happen unless a court forced the state to do so.

The most likely scenario is that Robinsons name would remain on the ballot and votes cast for him would count for the replacement nominee.

Ballots are going out Friday at 12:01 a.m. to military and overseas voters.

Below, the North Carolina State Board of Elections shared a statement about what would happen if Robinson withdrew:

The deadline for any statewide candidate, which includes a candidate for governor, to withdraw is prior to the first day on which military and overseas absentee ballots [UOCAVA ballots] are transmitted to voters. See G.S.  163-113. North Carolina will begin transmitting these UOCAVA ballots on Friday, September 20.

To withdraw, the candidate must submit a written request to the North Carolina State Board of Elections that is received by 11:59 p.m. tonight. If a written request is received, the State executive committee of the applicable party has the option to select a replacement nominee. See G.S.  163-114.

If the party selects a replacement and certifies that name to the State Board, and ballots have been printed, then it would need to be determined whether it is practical to reprint the ballots with the replacement nominees name. See G.S.  163-165.3(c). Although, as provided in an administrative rule, After the official ballots for a general or special election have been printed and the absentee voting period has begun, the . . . resignation . . . of a candidate whose name appears on the official ballots shall not require that the ballots be reprinted. See 08 NCAC 06b .0104.

Absentee ballots for all 100 counties have been printed so that they can be mailed to UOCAVA voters on Friday and civilian voters on Tuesday, and counties have begun receiving their orders of printed ballots for early voting and Election Day. When ballots cannot be reprinted, a vote cast for the candidate whose name is printed on the ballot is required to be counted as a vote for the replacement nominee selected. See G.S.  163-165.3(c) and 08 NCAC 06b .0104.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: As mail ballots prepare to go out, leading NC Gov candidates visit area)




Report: more than $3B needed in next three years to repair Tennessees crumbling sewage systems

A stretch of the Duck River in Marshall County where a water treatment plant is proposed. Courtesy: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

A stretch of the Duck River in Marshall County where a water treatment plant is proposed. Courtesy: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Tennessee needs more than $3 billion by 2027 to repair, replace and expand wastewater treatment systems as infrastructure crumbles and population increases, a state analysis released Wednesday found.

The first-of-its-kind snapshot of Tennessees aging waste systems by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Affairs lays out looming and costly challenges ahead.

Many of the states sewage treatment plants are marked by a failure to maintain or upgrade systems, the report noted. Local governments have little financial leeway to upgrade and expand public systems. And nearly half of all decentralized waste systems  typically operated by for-profit companies to serve a single entity, such as a subdivision  fail to comply with minimum state environmental standards.

The report found that the state has invested heavily in upgrading wastewater infrastructure in recent years by distributing more than $500 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding, but it is likely that Tennessees wastewater systems will need to spend billions to pay for the repair, replacement and expansion of their infrastructure.

Many of the states systems are already under scrutiny by state and federal environmental regulators.

Scores of local government-operated waste systems are under moratoriums issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment Conservation because of sewage overflow problems. The moratoriums bar the facilities from any future expansions until the often-costly overflow problems are fixed. Increased incidents of flooding across the state may lead to more sewage spills, the report noted.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also found Clean Water Act violations in three Tennessee municipal systems: Springfield, Knoxville and Nashville. Nashville is now under a court-ordered agreement with the federal agency to make nearly half a million dollars in repairs to continue to serve its existing customer base.

The costs to local governments of fixing existing environmental violations could prevent investments in expanding facilities, even as the state population is projected to increase nearly 14% by 2042 to 7,980,650  a figure the studys authors note does not take into account the projected growth of 170,000 people expected in west Tennessee after Ford Motor Companys new BlueOval City electric vehicle plant opens for operation in 2027.

A significant number of Tennessees wastewater systems dont have long term plans or capital budgets, the report noted.

Without a proper plan, wastewater systems may struggle to maintain compliance with state rules and regulations, secure adequate funding for capital improvements, and address customer needs, it said.

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The Aspire of Donnellson nursing home. (Photo courtesy of Lee County Assessor's Office)

The Iowa nursing home that underwent an emergency evacuation last month was so short-staffed that workers had to call 911 on occasion for assistance and the director of nursing worked a 34-hour shift with few breaks, according to state records.

The records also indicate that hours before the Aug. 26 evacuation order was given at the Aspire of Donnellson nursing home in Lee County, about a dozen of the homes 31 residents were transferred to the care facility owners other Iowa homes, leaving 18 or so residents in the dementia unit. Hours later, those remaining residents were evacuated due to an unresolved fire-safety issue.

At the time, Beacon Health Management, the homes Florida-based owner, said the evacuation was triggered by a problem with the electrical panel that controls the fire alarms and sprinklers.

Two weeks after the evacuation, on Sept. 9, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services took the rare step of terminating Medicare funding for the home, effectively shutting off the homes primary source of revenue. The agency said only that it did so because the home had failed to come into substantial compliance with certain Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements. The home has yet to reopen.

State inspectors were at the home in August to investigate a backlog of eight complaints.

Owner cites financial health when asked about staffing

As a result of the August inspection, state officials recently published a 195-page report detailing 42 state and federal regulatory violations, many of them related to staffing shortages. The records show that while the home was decertified by CMS and its license to operate was revoked by the state, no fines for the 42 violations were imposed.

According to the inspection report, the homes former administrator told state officials she had been working weekends and cooking meals for residents to deal with staff shortages, adding that there were months and months of emails begging for help  presumably referring to written appeals for assistance she had sent to Beacon.

The inspectors reported that the former administrator said she had been told by Beacons management that she could not hire more staff without additional residents being added to the home.

State inspectors reported that they contacted the chief operating officer at Beacon and asked him whether he had prevented the Donnellson home from hiring additional staff until more residents were recruited.

According to the inspectors, the executive responded that he had, in fact, questioned whether the home was overstaffed, adding that he felt the number of nursing hours allotted to the home per day was a key performance indicator that helps skilled nursing facilities monitor their financial health.

The chief operating officer also indicated he had repeatedly notified the Iowa Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing that because the company owed a large amount of money to a temporary staffing agency it was having a hard time securing more temporary workers.

A spokeswoman for Beacon Health Management did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter Thursday.

No staff on the evening shift, so 911 is called

During the August inspection, a nurse who worked at the home tearfully told inspectors she was exhausted and felt like she had post-traumatic stress disorder due to the stress, anxiety and worry that situation might cause for her nurse licensure. She reportedly told inspectors she had worked multiple days and did not remember the last time she completed the necessary assessments of residents needs, adding that the staff had called 911 for help on Aug. 24 due to the fact that were no staff on the evening shift.

Another worker told inspectors of a separate incident that resulted in EMTs being summoned to the home. A resident, she said, started puking up blood and, when calling 911, a different resident fell up front, so two ambulances were called at the same time.

The homes director of nursing allegedly told inspectors she had been on duty for 34 hours just before the inspectors arrived, with only a couple two- or three-hour breaks. She allegedly stated that corporate was calling and texting people in an effort to get workers from sister facilities owned by Beacon to come to the Donnellson home. She allegedly explained it was an ongoing battle and was (getting) worse and worse, the inspectors reported.

One certified nursing assistant, or CNA, told inspectors the staffing shortage was so bad that all the staff could do was make sure people didnt get out of the building by wandering away, inspectors reported. An aide who sometimes worked with only the homes administrator to assist said she didnt feel safe in the facility. Another worker told inspectors the home was so short-staffed residents went without showers for a more than a week.

A CNA allegedly told inspectors that on Aug. 23 she had worked by herself for the whole building from 2 p.m. to 6 a.m.  although the inspectors report goes on to say there was also one nurse on duty for at least part of that time.

A licensed practical nurse told the inspectors that the home sometimes had only one employee working in the dementia unit and when it had two it had to rely on a kid from the kitchen.

The homes activities director told inspectors the homes administrator had forced management staff to work in the dementia unit to make up for the lack of licensed caregivers. I did what I was told to do, not by my own free will, the activities director reportedly told inspectors.

Sexual abuse, violent attacks and a resident death

As a result of the inspection, the home was cited for a medication error that may have contributed to a female residents death. The residents doctor had ordered the home to withhold the womans antiplatelet medication in the aftermath of a fall and a head injury on Aug. 9, since the drug can prevent blood from clotting and increase bleeding.

The home, however, continued to administer the drug, inspectors allege. Within a few days, the resident was taken to a hospital and died several days later after being diagnosed with a brain bleed.

The inspectors also noted there was no working fax machine in the building to send or receive physician orders, pharmacy orders or lab-test results. The director of nursing admitted the lack of a fax machine had created patient-care issues and said she didnt know whether the nurses who werent in a management position had access to a secure, work-related email address that could use used in lieu of a fax machine.

The home was also cited for staff-on-resident abuse, and for failing to prevent and report several instances of resident-on-resident sexual abuse and violent physical abuse.

Earlier this year, after a male resident was found in bed with a female resident, workers raised concerns the female resident might be pregnant. They contacted the womans doctor to obtain an order for a pregnancy test and the physician allegedly refused or failed to respond.

Later, two workers went to a store and bought a pregnancy test, collected a urine specimen from the woman, and performed their own test, one of the nurses told inspectors, to get everyone to shut up about it. The test indicated the woman was not pregnant.

During the inspection, state officials called the homes corporate owners to report that the homes residents were in immediate jeopardy as evidenced by the fact that the home was planning to use unlicensed support help  which could include kitchen, maintenance or housekeeping staff  to assist residents due to the lack of licensed or certified caregivers on the payroll.

By the end of the inspection, the home was cited for 12 separate conditions that each had placed residents in immediate jeopardy, including a lack of resident assessments and interventions, a lack of pain management, resident abuse, insufficient staffing levels, a lack of competent staff, significant medication errors, inadequate nursing home administration and building safety issues.

Beacon official first proposed an evacuation

At 6 a.m. Aug. 26, the day of the evacuation, the Donnellson home had no workers on hand to monitor the 17 residents in the homes east and west halls, according to state inspectors.

At 6:10 a.m. that day, a worker sent a text message to Beacons regional nurse consultant asking for assistance. Minutes later, the director of nursing told inspectors she did not know where to start in terms of addressing residents needs. Within the hour, the homes administrator entered the building and attempted to answer a residents call light but could not locate the residents room, inspectors reported.

Minutes after that, the regional nurse consultant arrived and with the assistance of another worker they were, after several minutes, able to locate the room where the resident had switched on their call light.

Twenty minutes later, the administrator was informed another CNA had quit and so a temporary-staffing agency was sending a worker who had to travel 90 minutes to reach the home.

Two hours later, at 9 a.m., company officials informed the state that the temporary worker who was lined up to work that morning called off and did not show up to work, inspectors reported. The companys regional vice president told the state she had no idea what else to do but to start evacuating residents and it would not be a popular decision with her corporation representatives above her but she felt she had no choice as they could not meet resident needs with the current staffing levels, inspectors reported.

It was then decided to move 13 of the homes 31 residents to the homes sister facilities while keeping the remaining residents in the dementia unit. Beacon operates nine Iowa nursing homes, all of which carry the Aspire name. Later that day, all of the remaining residents were evacuated.

The August incident was the second evacuation of the Donnellson facility in recent years. On Christmas Eve in 2022, the homes residents were evacuated with the assistance of the fire department and more than a dozen other agencies after a water line leading to the sprinkler system burst and flooded the building. The facility didnt reopen until October 2023.

Almost immediately after the Donnellson home reopened in October 2023, it was the focus of complaints. In November of that year, inspectors from DIAL investigated seven complaints and substantiated six of them. The home was cited for 11 regulatory violations, although no fines or penalties were imposed.

In April 2024, inspectors from DIAL visited the Donnellson facility again, this time to investigate a backlog of 10 complaints. Nine of the 10 complaints were substantiated at that time.

Governor opposes federal staffing mandates

According to data from CMS, 14% of Iowas 422 nursing facilities were cited for insufficient staffing in fiscal year 2023. Thats more than double the national average, which was 5.9%.

Only five other states  Hawaii, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico and Oregon  had a worse record of compliance with the sufficient-staffing requirement. Iowas neighboring states of Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri had no more than 2% to 6.8% of their facilities cited for insufficient staffing in 2023.

Over the past year, the Biden administration has called for the approval of a new rule that would establish, for the first time, specific minimum staffing levels for care facilities that collect taxpayer money through Medicare or Medicaid. That proposal has faced stiff opposition from industry lobbyists and many state and federal Republicans, including Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Last November, Reynolds and 14 other Republican governors sent Biden a letter saying the nursing home industry was facing a workforce crisis, particularly in rural areas. The governors predicted that minimum staffing levels would force over 80% of facilities nationwide to hire more staff and result in many of them closing.
The Republican chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in Arizona has endorsed a Democrat to replace him.

I am endorsing Joel [Navarro] because he is a man of integrity, because he is a dedicated public servant who fights for whats right, and because he has a record of serving the interest of all people regardless of the party, board Chair Jack Sellers said Wednesday in a statement emailed to The Hill.

Sellers endorsed Democrat Joel Navarro, who ran unopposed in a primary, according to election results from Maricopa County, rather than another Republican who came out ahead of him in July, Mark Stewart.

I appreciate the strategic nature of this situation, and while I find Jacks decision unfortunate, I respect it, Stewart said Wednesday in a post on the social platform X. Politics can be an interesting game, but my focus remains 100% on serving the people of this district and our community. Despite his choice to support my competitor, I still hope to rely on Jacks experience and expertise if we win. Jack has served our community with distinction, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.

Navarro embraced Sellerss endorsement, saying Wednesday in a post on X that he is humbled by his support.

To Jacks supporters & anyone else troubled by the attacks on our democracy, there is a place for you in my campaign #CountryOverParty, Navarro continued.

Back in 2021, the Republican-led Board of Supervisors in Maricopa County condemned a state Senate Republican-led audit of the countys 2020 election results via a letter. The letter to GOP senators announced that the board would end all cooperation with the Republican state senators efforts and alleged that state senators were allowing the Grand Canyon State to become a laughingstock when they were following false claims of election fraud spread by former President Trump.

You are photographing ballots contrary to the laws that the Senate helped enact, and you are sending those images to unidentified places and people. You have repeatedly lost control of your Twitter account, which has tweeted things that appear to be the rantings of a petulant child  not the serious statements of a serious audit, wrote the board.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Michele Morrow, the Republican nominee for North Carolina superintendent of public instruction, is facing backlash after making inflammatory and false claims about the LGBTQ + community. In a Monday evening post on X (formerly Twitter ), Morrow suggested that the + in LGBTQ+ includes pedophilia, a statement widely condemned by her Democratic opponent, Mo Green, and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.



The '+' refers to the "limitless sexual orientations and gender identities used by members of our community," according to the Human Rights Campaign. That, of course, does not include pedophilia.

Morrows comments came as part of a conversation about school student safety. Referring to teachers convicted of sex crimes, Morrow laid out her plans to enforce stricter background checks. However, she then escalated her rhetoric, attacking her opponent, Green. Morrow wrote, Mo Green has stated that the Parental Bill of Rights Does more harm than good, and he states he is proudly endorsed by Equality NC, whose mission statement is to promote LGBTQ+ power. NEWSFLASHthe + includes PEDOPH*L*A!! Mo Green will NOT keep our children safe!

 (@)

The Parental Bill of Rights, a piece of legislation passed by North Carolinas General Assembly in 2023, plays a significant role in Morrows campaign. The law, known as Senate Bill 49, outlines various rights parents hold over their childrens education , upbringing, and health care . It gives parents the right to direct their childs education and upbringing, access medical and educational records, and make health care decisions unless otherwise prohibited by law. The bill also mandates that parents are notified of significant changes in their childs health or well-being, including mental health, and prohibits discussions of gender identity or sexuality in grades K-4.

Critics of the Parental Bill of Rights, including Green, argue that it places unnecessary burdens on educators and can marginalize LGBTQ+ students. The bill includes a requirement that parents must be notified before any changes in a childs name or pronouns are made in school, which LGBTQ advocates say can out transgender and nonbinary students to unsupportive families, putting them at risk.

Green, a former educator, denounced Morrows comments on X, writing, Shes the wrong role model for the 1.3 million students in NC public schools. Instead of focusing on the real issues facing education, she spreads hate & falsehoods. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, welcoming, & inclusive.

 (@)

LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations also condemned Morrows comments. Jazmynne Cruz, communications director of Equality NC, criticized the harmful language in Morrows post.

Rhetoric, like what weve seen put forth by Morrow, is ultimately a profound injustice to our LGBTQ+ community at large, as well as to North Carolina residents as a whole, they wrote in a statement to The Advocate. When we look at where messaging such as Morrows leads, it brings us closer to a society in which fear and hate drive the policies we see implemented at every level of our government. Weve already witnessed the economic costs of such messaging holding a pervasive role in our legislation, and we deserve to proudly proclaim that North Carolina is home to everyone who inhabits it, no matter their background, origin, or identity.

Morrows controversial remarks come amid a political landscape where fellow Republican candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, currently running for governor of North Carolina, has also drawn heavy criticism for his extreme anti-LGBTQ+ views. Robinson has a history of making inflammatory statements, often equating homosexuality with pedophilia and calling LGBTQ+ rights movements a threat to society.

Robinsons rhetoric has included referring to homosexuality as filth and claiming that LGBTQ+ individuals are leading to the collapse of civilization. He has even gone so far as to say that transgender women should be forced to find a corner outside somewhere rather than use womens bathrooms, calling for their arrest if they enter public restrooms that align with their gender identity. His remarks about LGBTQ+ people have drawn national attention, with critics warning that his views encourage discrimination and violence against marginalized communities.

Human Rights Campaign senior organizing lead for North Carolina Rhys Chambers also weighed in, telling The Advocate, Politicians and folks running for public office need to show a commitment to honesty and that theyll serve all of their constituents if elected. But candidates like Michele Morrow and Mark Robinson spread dangerous and inflammatory lies about LGBTQ+ people to distract from the fact that they have no plans to make life better for the people of North Carolina. Their hateful rhetoric comes with consequences  it can be the spark that ignites discrimination and abuse against the LGBTQ+ community. Thats not going to sit right with the more than 3 million Equality Voters in North Carolina who prioritize LGBTQ+ equality when they make their electoral choices  North Carolina deserves better.

Morrows comments have deeper implications for LGBTQ+ youth, who are already facing high levels of mental health struggles due to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies. Data from The Trevor Projects 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People provides stark statistics. According to the survey , 41 percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, with rates even higher among transgender and nonbinary youth. Fifty-six percent of LGBTQ youth who sought mental health care were unable to access it, further exacerbating the crisis.

Research from GLSEN reinforces concerns about the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, showing that hostile school environments directly contribute to poor mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth. According to the organizations 2021 findings , more than 53 percent of LGBTQ+ students reported being verbally harassed at school due to their sexual orientation, while 24 percent reported being physically threatened or harmed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These students were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who did not experience such victimization.

Additionally, nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth reported that their mental health was consistently poor due to anti-LGBTQ+ policies and legislation. This issue is exacerbated by laws that restrict discussions about LGBTQ+ identities in schoolsnearly 2 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth said hearing about these laws made their mental health significantly worse.
Republicans are trying a new approach to abortion in the race for Congress

WASHINGTON (AP)  In the most contested races for control of the U.S. House, many Republican candidates are speaking up about womens rights to abortion access and reproductive care in new and surprising ways, a deliberate shift for a GOP blindsided by some political ramifications of the post-Roe v. Wade era.

Looking directly into the camera for ads, or penning personal op-eds in local newspapers, the Republicans are trying to distance themselves from some of the more aggressive anti-abortion ideas coming from their party and its allies. Instead the Republican candidates are working quickly to spell out their own views separate from a GOP that for decades has worked to put restrictions on reproductive care.

In New York, endangered GOP Rep. Mike Lawler, sitting at a kitchen table with his wife in one ad said, There can be no place for extremism in womens health care.

In California, GOP Rep. Michelle Steel explains her own journey to parenthood with in vitro fertilization and vows, I have always supported womens access to IVF, and will fight to defend it.

And in Arizona, GOP Rep. Juan Ciscomani faces the camera and says, I want you to hear directly from me: I trust women. I cherish new life. And I reject the extremes on abortion.

Its a remarkable new approach as the Republican Party works to prevent losses this November that could wipe out its majority control of the House. It comes in a fast-moving election season with high-profile and gripping stories of women's lives being upended and endangered by abortion restrictions.

The new strategy is both sanctioned and promoted by the House Republicans campaign arm, an acknowledgement of the GOPs failure to grasp the political power of womens reproductive care as an issue that would mobilize voters.

The Republicans have always known theyre actually on the wrong side of this issue," said Ilyse Hogue, former president of the group previously known as NARAL Pro-Choice America, who is now a senior fellow at New America, a think tank in Washington. She said the party's shift wouldn't surprise me.

With the election fewer than 50 days away, the House Republican candidates are real-time road-testing how to talk about womens access to reproductive care at a time when young women are more liberal than in decades.

On the national level, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, has both celebrated the Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization case overruling Roe v. Wade yet insisted it's best left to the states to decide whether to allow abortions. He's also distanced himself from the far rights longtime goal of a national abortion ban.

With Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris having replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the partys ticket, Democrats are capitalizing on the vice presidents ability to mobilize women, and others, and vow to reinstate reproductive care in a campaign whose rally-goers cheer: We are not going back.

The campaigns for control of the U.S. House are as tight as ever, with a few seats expected to determine which party holds the majority in the chamber, and whether Congress will become aligned with the White House or a potential opposition check on a new administration.

Republicans admit they did not expect abortion access to become such a determinative issue when the Supreme Court, in 2022, decided the Dobbs case that struck down Roe v. Wade, ending the right to abortion that had been the law of the land for nearly 50 years.

Voters didnt always mention abortion access as a top concern in the 2022 election, Republicans said, but it became disqualifying for candidates who were portrayed as too extreme. The anti-abortion movement's push for a national abortion ban and proposed rollbacks of fertility treatments sparked a new focus. That November's promised red wave of Republican election victories never materialized and the party barely won a House majority.

By summer 2024, polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed a solid majority of Americans oppose a federal abortion ban and a rising number support access to abortions for any reason. Thats an increase from 2021, a year before the Supreme Court decision.

In one contested San Diego-area House race, the Republican challenger Matt Gunderson speaks directly to the camera and declares: I'm pro-choice.

Jack Pandol, the communications director of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said that in 2022, Democrats spent hundreds of millions of dollars lying about Republican candidates positions on this sensitive and nuanced issue.

Republicans cant let Democrats lie any longer  they should be clear, direct, and forcefully push back against these false attacks.

Still, House Democrats are redoubling efforts to gain control of the chamber by focusing on House Republican candidates and their abortion views  past and present.

Republicans are trying to gaslight voters, said CJ Warnke, communications director of the House Majority PAC, which is the outside group supporting House Democrats.

House Majority PAC is pummeling Republicans with millions of dollars worth of campaign ads warning against extreme GOP views on abortion and reproductive care. It has pulled up the voting records, bill sponsorships and past commentary from both incumbents and newcomers and is promising to spend at least $100 million this election cycle on the issue in House races.

Democrats, too, have shifted to speaking more openly and forcefully in favor of reproductive care, led in many ways by Harris' example.

Rep. Suzan DelBene, the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, vowed, Well make sure the American people will know exactly how the Republicans have voted to restrict reproductive rights."

Congress has served as a key battleground in efforts to advance the anti-abortion agenda for decades, as Republicans have repeatedly proposed legislation to limit different types of abortion services, including late-term abortions.

Trump, along with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, orchestrated the confirmation of three justices to the nine-member Supreme Court  a historic accomplishment  during the former presidents term in office, fulfilling a longtime party goal of shifting the court to a conservative majority.

First celebrated as a conservative victory when the court overtured Roe v. Wade, the aftermath of the Dobbs decision soon became a political liability for Republicans as states began instituting abortion bans.

One of the nation's leading anti-abortion advocacy groups, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, is encouraging candidates in a strategy memo to recommit to ending abortion and portraying the Democrats as extreme in seeking to make abortion access available nationwide.

But GOP Rep. Lawler said it was important he address the issue head on because Democrats are attacking him as extreme on the issue. Voters have a right to know where I stand, Lawler said.

___

Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
New research finds overlooked outdoor spaces could play major role in public health: 'There's something special about them'

A growing body of research indicates that time spent in nature is a valuable wellness tool. You don't even necessarily need to go to a formal park to reap the benefits of green spaces, according to new research.

Grist reported on the study, where researchers in the Greater Melbourne area analyzed land-use data and how people interacted with it. They found that people were utilizing "informal green spaces"  like a strip of grass growing between a sidewalk and street or overgrown greenery running along a railway  just as much as formal parks.

The publication also noted that these oft-forgotten areas provide the same benefits that planned spaces do, such as wildlife habitat and opportunities to reunite urban populations with the outdoors.

That's great news, considering what we already know about the effects of nature on people. For instance, one study found a correlation between long-term exposure to green spaces and reduced risk of anxiety and depression.

Another study found that spending just 10 minutes in nature can help adults who are coping with mental illness, and this study found that people living near green spaces age more slowly.

Plus, green spaces  whether formal or informal  offer benefits for wildlife by providing habitat and food for a variety of species, including pollinators.

The new study highlights the importance of preserving informal green spaces alongside their formal counterparts.

"The fact that people are using informal green spaces, at least to me, indicates there's something special about them that's not provided by other formal green spaces," Hugh Stanford, an urban sustainability researcher at Australia's RMIT University and lead author of the paper, told Grist.

Alec Foster, an Illinois State University urban geographer who researched unmanaged green spaces in Philadelphia in 2019, told the publication: "These are things that the city might not necessarily be aware of. So thinking about how these green spaces perhaps provide opportunities for people to utilize them who might not have access to a park otherwise."

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Research reveals hidden danger of sharing beautiful photos online: 'It is possible to love species to death'

It's likely that you, at some point, have liked or shared a photo of nature on social media. But new research suggests that doing so could have detrimental effects  even if wholly unintended.

What's happening?

As detailed by The Conversation, "It is possible to love species to death." A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that there's a trend of direct and indirect disturbances to wildlife when a natural place goes viral on social media.

Direct disturbances can include disruptions to breeding and feeding, while indirect disturbances can include diseases and increased poaching.

"Viral photos of undisturbed natural beauty can lead thousands of people to head there," The Conversation explained. "As more people arrive, they begin destroying what they loved seeing on screen."

The study analyzed reports from around the globe of photographers  both amateur and professional  disturbing plant and animal life. The researchers were especially critical of overzealous tourists and photographers using "unethical practices" to get pictures of vulnerable wildlife, including using various lures and drones.

Photographers are known for using bird call playback (playing a bird's calls) to encourage them to appear. But using them incorrectly or too often can open birds to predators, change instinctive behaviors, or disrupt breeding.

Drones, on the other hand, can frighten many species of wildlife, causing them to break cover, try to escape, or become aggressive. There are also instances of birds being injured or killed by flying drones.

The researchers also report that eager crowds can accidentally trample wild flora. Even if not trodden over by the original photographers, vibrant natural flora can be at risk from location exposure. The researchers highlighted a rare orchid in Vietnam that recently went extinct in the wild after going viral online.

Why is this study important?

Social media photography can be a powerful conservation tool. Photography, when taken and posted mindfully, can promote environmental activism, encourage nature-based connections, and provide public education.

However, the photos you see on social media aren't always taken ethically  and that's the problem. This analysis highlights how critical it is to the health of wildlife and native ecosystems to leave nature undisturbed.

"Social media do not directly cause damage, of course," The Conversation wrote. "But the desire for positive feedback, visibility, or income can be very strong incentives to act badly."

For example, the critically endangered blue-crowned laughingthrush of China has a wild population of around 300. Sadly, so many people went to find and photograph the rare bird that it was forced to change how it nested to avoid flashlights and the sound of camera shutters, as noted by The Conversation and a separate study. And that's just one example of many.

What's being done to curb social media's impact on nature?

While there are definite benefits to promoting the beauty of the natural world on social media, the study's researchers call for codes of conduct around doing so. They also encourage more monitoring of wildlife posts, even if that might be challenging to implement on a large scale.

However, what social media users can do is monitor their own behavior and posting. The researchers recommend holding off on sharing images of rare flora until after flowering season is complete and using discretion when posting photos with location tags.

It's also important to be mindful of regulations around photography when at a national park or other regulated location. While the problem may not be you and your behavior, you could inadvertently lead people who aren't as mindful to a vulnerable wildlife location.

The researchers also encourage parks and land managers to ban drones from specific areas, which is already a popular restriction, and recommend making it harder to access environmentally sensitive areas.

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Advocates had challenged the constitutionality of a residency requirement in New Jersey's Medical Aid in Dying Act for the Terminally Ill Act. A judge has tossed the case. (Getty Images)

A federal judge has refused to strike down the residency requirement in New Jerseys physician-assisted suicide law, a court loss advocates declared a temporary roadblock.

U.S. District Court Judge Renee Marie Bumb on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit by two terminally ill women from Pennsylvania and Delaware, rejecting their claim that the residency requirement in New Jerseys Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act is unconstitutional.

Compassion & Choices, the Colorado-based nonprofit that advocates for access to medical aid-in-dying, sued the state in August 2023 on behalf of Judith Govatos, a Wilmington, Delaware, resident with stage-4 lymphoma; Andy Sealy, a Philadelphia resident with metastatic breast cancer; and two New Jersey doctors. They argued that restricting the law to New Jersey residents violates the Constitutions guarantee of equal treatment.

But Bumb did not agree and refused their request that she block enforcement of the residency provision.

The residence requirement makes sense: While medical aid in dying is permitted in New Jersey, it is indistinguishable from the criminal act of assisted suicide in neighboring states, Bumb wrote. By limiting the pool of eligible patients to State residents, the requirement is rationally related to the legitimate objective of protecting from out-of-state liability providers and advocates who assist terminally ill patients in seeking medical aid in dying.

The act, enacted in 2019, allows terminally ill, hospice-eligible, mentally capable adults to obtain self-administered, life-ending prescription medication. Almost 300 people were approved from 2019 through 2023 under the law to end their lives by self-administering prescribed medication, state data shows.

Govatos, 79, called the ruling a denial of compassion. Sealy died last month.

I dont want to die fearfully. I want to die affirming that Ive had this opportunity to be alive in this amazing world and to say goodbye and I love you to my family and friends, Govatos said in a statement.

Attorney David B. Bassett represented the plaintiffs.

We are confident that this decision is merely a temporary roadblock to ensuring access to medical aid in dying for all Americans, Bassett said in a statement.

A spokesman for the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office declined to comment on the ruling.

The lawsuit was the third nationally to challenge the residency requirement for a medical aid-in-dying law, according to Compassion & Choices. Nine states and Washington, D.C., passed such laws with residency requirements, but two  Oregon and Vermont  removed residency restrictions after court challenges, the group said.

Compassion & Choices has also lobbied states to remove a 15-day waiting period after patients initial requests for life-ending medication, saying the wait  meant as a safeguard  has become a barrier. A bill to abolish that provision in New Jerseys law has been introduced twice since 2022 but remains stalled.

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Homeless residents pack to leave after being ordered to vacate privately-owned property south of downtown Raleigh. High rents and deposit fee requirements are making it impossible for hundreds of thousands of low-income Americans to gain access to a permanent residence. (Photo: Greg Childress)

Shakamie appeared comfortable holding court last week to discuss homelessness with a reporter and several of his friends in the Circle K parking lot off of Highway 70 near the Interstate 40, south of downtown Raleigh. He and others in an impromptu circle were part of an encampment for people experiencing homelessness on the expansive, wooded lot behind the busy convenience store.

The Raleigh Police Department had recently paid a visit to the encampment to give inhabitants a deadline to move. Several of those encircling Shakamie had been part of a similar encampment a few miles east of the Circle K near the Raleigh-Garner border. Law enforcement officials closed that camp in April.

Shakamie declined to provide a last name or to be photographed for this story. He told NC Newsline that he recently served a 20-year stretch in prison and wished to remain mostly anonymous.

The native of Trinidad and Tobago with long, graying dreadlocks that would fall below his waistline if he unloosed them, talked animatedly about the struggles of people experiencing homelessness and the recent order by law enforcement officers to vacate the private property on which the inhabitants had set up camp.

Theyre homeless already, Shakamie said, referring to the people living in the encampment. So, when you run them out of here, youre creating a problem for the public because now they got to go on park benches, downtown, on peoples doorsteps.

A massive and vexing problem

Julia Milstead, spokeswoman for the City of Raleigh, said law enforcement officials had received numerous complaints about the encampment from individuals and nearby businesses.

Officers provided information to those camping on the property at I40 and South Saunders Street, Milstead said in a statement to media. No Trespassing signs are clearly visible, and officers informed those on the property that trespassing is illegal. In this case, officers provided verbal warnings rather than citations or arrests.

The statement noted further that the city is launching the Unsheltered Homelessness Response Pilot Program in order to provide a holistic approach to supporting individuals living unsheltered in the City while addressing the root cause of homelessness.

Those who were living in the encampment are not unique. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments (HUD) 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress reported that, at the time, more than 650,000 individuals in the U.S. were identified as homeless. That figure represented an increase of 70,650, or roughly 12 percent, over 2022. In North Carolina, nearly 10,000 people experienced homelessness, including 2,554 people in families with children, according to the HUD report.

A by-the-numbers snapshot of the homeless population in the U.S.

About 20 of every 10,000 people  653,104 people  experienced homelessness across the United States during a single night in January 2023. This is the highest number of people reported as experiencing homelessness on a single night since PIT count reporting began in 2007.

Six in 10 people experiencing homelessness were staying in sheltered locations, and four in 10 were unsheltered, that is, staying in a place not meant for human habitation.

Seven in 10 people experiencing homelessness were in households with only adults (71%). Households with only adults staying in unsheltered locations comprised the largest single segment of the total population experiencing homelessness (36%), followed by adult-only households staying in sheltered locations (35%).

Twenty-nine percent of people experiencing homelessness did so as part of a family with at least one adult and one child under 18 years of age, and most people in families were sheltered.

Less than one percent of people experiencing homelessness, 3,240 people, were unaccompanied children, people under 18 without a parent or guardian present.

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Black people such as Shakamie and several others who gathered to discuss the encampment are overrepresented among the population experiencing homelessness. While they make up 13% of the U.S. population and 21% of the population living in poverty, Black people comprise 37% of Americans experiencing homelessness and 50% of people experiencing homelessness as members of families with children.

Nowhere to go

Shakamie struggled to understand why the folks in the encampment were being forced out when the owner doesnt appear to have immediate plans for the property.

If they came in and were going to do some construction, I guarantee you none of those dudes [in the encampment] would argue with them, Shakamie said. They would give them no problem because they know now that a construction site is coming and we got no choice, we got to move.

Shakamie acknowledged that some people in the encampment struggle with drug and alcohol addictions. But high rents and a shortage of low-income housing is the major reason people choose to live in the woods, he said.

Wheres the low-income housing? he asked. I tried to go rent an apartment. When you go rent the apartment  $1,600  your monthly rent. Then they say I gotta pay three months or two months payment. The paycheck people making on them job  where you gonna get two or three months payment?

As reported by Raleighs News & Observer, rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,260 a month in August, which is down 3.8% month-over-month and 9.4% from a year ago, according to Zumpers recent rent report. The median rent for a two-bedroom unit was $1,560, which was down 2.5% from the previous month and 4.9% from 2023.

Shakamie also highlighted a major problem identified by many experts with respect to forced evictions of people experiencing homelessness from such wooded encampments. Where do they to go after theyre forced to leave?

Latonya Agard

Latonya Agard, executive director of the N.C. Coalition to End Homelessness, said the reality is that people living in encampments often have nowhere else to go.

The demand to go somewhere else without the resources and the support to do so is quite cruel and its ineffective, Agard said.

Improving the plight of unhoused people will require major shifts in policy and resources, she said.

We continue to do the same thing because we dont want to make the critical changes in our economy and our policies that would cause a shift so that people who need the most assistance and resources can get them, Agard said. There is profit to be made, unfortunately, and there are structures that are maintained by continuing to shuttle people from one section of the city to another and from one trauma to the next.

A possible ray of hope

Near the entrance to the wooded lot, inhabitants had begun to stockpile their belongings in preparation for the move. Bikes, chairs and borrowed shopping carts filled with clothing, tents, cooking utensils and other goods needed to survive outdoor living were parked under a large tarp.

Some inhabitants told NC Newsline that they planned to move to a wooded lot near Healing Transitions, a residential center for people (especially those experiencing homelessness) who are battling addiction. Healing Transitions doesnt own the property across the street from the center where people from the Highway 70/South Saunders Street site have already begun to pitch tents, a staffer told NC Newsline.

Several people from the encampment said members of Raleighs ACORNS (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking and Service) program had also visited. Members of the team work with residents in crisis and try to direct them to available resources. ACORNS combines social workers and law enforcement officers to help people in crisis using the most appropriate and least invasive interventions.

Families trying to stay together face extra challenges

Drayton Edgerton was living in the encampment with his wife. The couple planned to move to the Healing Transitions site, Edgerton said.

Thats where my sponsor is  he told us to come over there, said Edgerton, who asked that his photo not be published. Theyre going to help us get out of this little situation.

Edgerton said he and his wife choose the woods over homeless shelters. At shelters the two would have had to separate, he said.

Patrick O'Neill

Were not trying to get separated, let alone go to a dirty shelter, Edgerton said.

The couple has been together 10 years, Edgerton said, and have five children, including a child born June 26. The children, who range in age from 10 to almost three months, live with his sister, he said.

People experiencing homelessness are often critical of shelter policies that dont accept families with older children, pets or couples. Many of them would rather live in camps together than apart in a shelter.

When asked how his family came upon such hard times, Edgerton explained that he worked in a restaurant for 13 years. The family, he said, spent lots of money on hotel rooms and fast food before running out of money.

Patrick ONeill, a Wake County advocate for people experiencing homelessness, said many of the people he helps arent comfortable moving into shelters.

Some of the homeless people have paranoia or they had one bad experience and they dont go to shelters, ONeill said. The other thing is a lot of people have pets, they have dogs and they have cats, and they cant have those at shelters and couples cant stay together in shelters.

One possible model?

In Grants Pass, Oregon, the town whose ordinance banning camping in public spaces gave rise to recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding such policies, the city council recently agreed to set aside four sites for homeless campers.

Simmie Williams

According to media reports, the city-owned sites will have chain-link fencing, bathrooms, handwashing stations and trash service. Two sites are supposed to have security cameras. Homeless residents began moving into two of the sanctioned sites in late August.

ONeill thinks Raleigh should explore such a solution for its homeless population in addition to increasing its supply of affordable housing, particularly for people on the low end of the earning scale.

The people on the street arent even crying out for housing, they just want a plot of grass, an 8 x 8 plot of grass, where they can pitch their tent and not be harassed by the police, ONeill said. Were not willing to give them the bare minimum.

Simmie Williams is aware that some people see homeless encampments as a detriment to the community. Williams, a shy 29-year-old who quickly tells a reporter he was reared in foster care, sees the encampment on Highway 70/South Saunders Street as a supportive community for people struggling with mental health issues and addiction.

We make sure each other are OK mentally, physically and emotionally, Williams said.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Several Columbus residents are frustrated after another string of car break-ins, this time at the Tillmore at Quarry Trails apartments.

Residents said its the last place theyd expect something like this to happen.

Much like the break-ins in the Harrison West neighborhood last weekend, most said nothing was stolen. Either way, Zach Lee, said its not what he wanted to wake up to.

Watch: Multiple car break-ins reported at Columbus apartments

JewishColumbus responds to hate-filled rant during Worthington City Council meeting

I got an email this morning from the apartment complex company saying there was a rash of break-ins, Lee said. And knowing my luck, I figured they hit my car. So, I walked out and saw the broken glass right next to my car.

One cars steering column appeared to be completely ripped out. The car was towed from the parking lot.

One woman even had to take the day off work to clean up the mess left behind. Her passenger side window was smashed in. She said shed like to see more cameras within the complex.

Isaac Gray has been living in the complex for over a year.

They were pretty bold, Gray said. I mean youre encircled by apartments and windows.

Gray said part of the reason he moved in was because of the seemingly safe area, located in the middle of a Metro Park. He too, though, fell victim to the string of break-ins.

They broke the window, smashed it in. I honestly dont even know if they took anything, Gray said. They did that and then they broke the glove box, which was unlocked. Nothing was in there.

I mean, its in the middle of a MetroPark, Lee said. I figured itd be safe, but its also a bit more secluded to the main drags and 33 so maybe thats why they hit it.

Grays BMW was parked right next to his truck. It was left alone.

Luckily, I have something else I can drive for the time being, but a lot of people dont have that option, Gray said. And I know they tried to steal someones car. So, that ignition is just destroyed and you probably cant drive that.

Residents estimate the number of cars broken into could be close to 30.

It does suck that I might have to pay it out of pocket, Gray said. Its not something I want to do or have to think about.

NBC4 tried to obtain the report from Columbus police but were told it would not be made available Wednesday.

Its just worth it to take the extra five seconds when you get off work or youre coming home and you think, I got my laptop, Ill grab it in the morning or Ill leave it for work tomorrow, Gray said. You might as well just grab it. Theres no point. Its not worth the effort to just leave it.

25-year-old man wanted, charged in northeast Columbus murder

The apartment complex would not speak on the incident. It also would not comment on whether there is a security company that patrols the complex.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Residents protest plans for housing development at former Saint Francis School

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Residents of Manoa gathered today to protest plans by the Avalon Group to convert the old Saint Francis School campus into a housing development.

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The proposed project includes 79 homes and 14 condominiums, which the developers have stated will not be classified as affordable housing.

Hauula teen wins Gloria Barron prize for recycling initiative

However, they claim that approximately eight units will be priced within reach for most residents.

There will be a sticky jam in Kailua on Saturday

Community members voiced concerns over the potential for increased traffic and other issues that the development may bring to the area.

GRACE explores love in Hawaii when not everyone was free

In response to fire safety concerns, the Avalon Group assured residents that an emergency access road would connect the property to enhance safety.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

A public hearing regarding the Aria Lane development is scheduled for Monday, October 7, at 10:30 a.m., where residents will have an opportunity to express their opinions to city 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 KHON2.
The Gavel outside the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)

The Ohio Supreme Court will inevitably rule on abortion access decisions following the passage of last years reproductive rights amendment  meaning whichever justices are elected this year will help determine what abortion care looks like in Ohio.

Despite 57% of Ohio voters approving the 2023 amendment to enshrine reproductive rights in the states constitution, this did not undo the many anti-abortion laws that are on the books in Ohio.

If you came out and voted for the reproductive freedom amendment last year, you need to come back out and vote for Supreme Court justices who will enforce the amendment, not ignore it, said Abortion Forward Deputy Director Jaime Miracle. To make the reproductive freedom amendment a reality in our state, we need to have judges who will enforce it.

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Republicans currently hold a 4-3 majority on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Incumbent Democratic Justice Michael P. Donnelly is being challenged by Republican Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Megan Shanahan.

Incumbent Democratic Justice Melody Stewart is being challenged by incumbent Republican Justice Joseph Deters, who decided not to run for his current seat and instead chose to go up against Stewart.

Democratic candidate Lisa Forbes, of the Eighth District Court of Appeals, and Republican candidate Dan Hawkins, of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, are fighting for Deters open seat.

Ohio Right to Life endorsed the Republican candidates  Shanahan, Deters, and Hawkins.

Ohioans desire a strong and decisive judicial branch and with three of the seven seats on the ballot, it is crucial for pro-life voters to support these conservative candidates, President of Ohio Right to Life Mike Gonidakis said in a statement. We must get these three justices elected to protect life in our state.  Elections have consequences, and we are incredibly aware of the importance of these elections for the continued progress of the pro-life movement in Ohio.

Abortion Forward endorsed the Democrat candidates  Stewart, Donnelly, and Forbes.

Reproductive freedom and abortion rights are on the ballot in Ohio in 2024, but this time its in the form of judicial candidates, Abortion Forward Executive Director Kellie Copeland said in a statement. The Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment established a clear framework protecting everyones right to access abortion, but it is up to our court system to make sure that this amendment doesnt just become a meaningless piece of paper. We need justices that will enforce and not ignore it.

The seven justices on the Ohio Supreme Court will have the final say.

They will be the ones who determine whether or not the Ohio reproductive freedom amendment will get enforced or if theyll just ignore it, Miracle said.

Ohio has passed more than 30 different abortion restrictions on abortion and reproductive health care since former Ohio Gov. John Kasich took office in 2011, she said.

There are two ways to undo those laws  the legislature repealing them or the court ruling they are unconstitutional under the amendment.

Under our current legislature, its never going to happen, Miracle said. So the courts really are the only vehicle right now to get these harmful and dangerous abortion restrictions off the books.

A recent preliminary injunction was granted that temporarily paused Ohios 24 hour waiting period  meaning a woman seeking an abortion in Ohio no longer needs to go to an abortion clinic twice before the procedure.

It really was the first concrete example of what abortion access can look like under the reproductive freedom amendment and why its so important to have judges who enforce the amendment not ignore it, Miracle said. Its the difference between having a right and having that right in force. And thats what the court gets to decide.

This ruling also affects people in neighboring states with near total bans like Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Within hours of the Dobbs decision and the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Ohios six-week abortion took effect.

The Ohio Supreme Court could have taken action when they were asked to take action, and they did not, Miracle said. And the Republican incumbents who were running for office are still there, and so thats what a court can look like when its hostile to abortion rights.

Ohios six-week abortion ban law is in front of Hamilton County Court. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the abortion law with no exceptions for rape or incest in 2019.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on X.

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Squad Up

In a new interview, retired NASA astronaut and current Arizona senator Mark Kelly insisted that the US government could be doing much more to investigate credible claims about unidentified flying objects.

Speaking to GZero founder Ian Bremmer, the former twin astronaut didn't scoff at the idea that the truth may be out there.

"I've seen some compelling testimony from navy fighter pilots who... in a position of leadership in a squadron, have seen something very compelling," Kelly said.

As video from the GZero interview suggests, the senator and prior commander of the Space Shuttle was likely referencing ex-Naval pilot Ryan Graves' Congressional testimony last summer in which he described seeing a craft so strange while flying off the coast of Virginia a decade ago that his flight commander "immediately" called the mission off.

As Bremmer noted, that pilot was convinced that the unexplained object he saw flying over the water near Virginia Beach was "technologically not possible" by any known American or adversarial craft.

"In one case," Kelly said, "that is true."

Call to Arms

A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Arizona senator said that he feels Congress has an "obligation" to study what the government now refers to as "unidentified aerial phenomena" or UAPs  though as Kelly noted, there's virtually no distinction between UAPs and UFOs.

He will soon meet that obligation given that his committee just confirmed to The Hill that it will be holding its first UFO hearing since the headline-grabbing testimonies it heard last summer that involved, among other things, an ex-Pentagon whistleblower who claimed to have knowledge of the government reverse-engineering alien tech.

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, who chairs the subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities and who helped establish the Pentagon's UFO-hunting office, told the website that the hearing would likely be held in November.

When it comes to his own beliefs about or experiences with extraterrestrials, the one-time contender for Kamala Harris' running mate fell short of answering definitively.

"I get these questions all the time," Kelly said. "People think as I've been to space, maybe I have this special insight, or maybe I've seen something."

"While I've spent time orbiting the Earth," he continued, "I haven't."

It's far from a smoking gun, but a senator and former astronaut saying the US should be paying closer attention to UFOs almost certainly carries more credibility than an ex-military official who claims the Department of Defense is hoarding alien tech.

More on UFOs: Government Whistleblower Says There Was a Secret Pentagon Program to "Trap" UFOs
On Thursday, Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar celebrated his retirement  again.

Winegar served the department from 1993 to 2021. He came out of retirement in 2022 at the request of Mayor Lauren McLean after a turbulent two years at the department, when nine officers brought forward allegations against then-Chief Ryan Lee.

I was frankly surprised and certainly honored to receive a call and ask if Id be willing to consider coming back and serving as the acting chief for a time, Winegar told the Idaho Statesman at the time.

After thanking his wife, Zelphie, Police Chief Ron Winegar gives her a hug after removing his Boise Police Department badge at a farewell ceremony Thursday in front of staff, friends and family at City Hall West.

During his tenure, Winegar tried to help the department keep pace with the citys rapid growth. In 2022, he told the Statesman he aimed to hire more field trainers to bring the departments many new hires up to speed.

Now, we are just at the point where we can see the fruition coming, he said Thursday in an interview during a celebratory barbecue at City Hall West. With 24 new officers in the police academy, he anticipated the department would soon see a precipitous drop in overtime as they wrapped up their training and went to work.

Winegar expressed pride that crime in Boise had been dropping in recent years, but he said he was concerned by one troubling trend: a rise in assaults against officers.

Since COVID-19, hes observed a  keyboard warrior mentality, he said. Youre hiding behind anonymity, and theres just this vitriol and divisiveness and hatred that seems to be more prevalent online. But obviously, that spills over into personal encounters as well.

Over his career, Winegar said hes seen the department start to share more information with the community, particularly about officer-involved shootings.

In the 1990s, our media relations policy  well, there wasnt a policy, but our practice was to say no comment,  he said. Now, were releasing information quicker, more information. It might not seem like that  but trust me, so much more information is being relayed today than it was 30 years ago.

Friday is slated to be Winegars last day. It falls on the anniversary of the night he and another officer, Mark Stall, were shot while on duty. Stall died of his injuries that night. On Thursday, Winegar said he wished he had spent more time working on an idea for a proposed tribute to fallen officers: light posts at the scenes where Stall and Ada County Sheriffs Office Deputy Tobin Bolter were killed.

Thats personal to me, he said.

Boise Chief of Police Ron Winegar unwraps a retirement gift from Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford, left, and his department: A set of drum sticks engraved with Rock on, Ron.

As for whats in store in retirement, Winegar and his wife are planning a trip to Nova Scotia  and tackling all the home improvement projects that have piled up.

The garage finally has to be cleaned, he said.

Fresh look from old eyes: Boise police chief says BPD still needs to build trust

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Boise chooses its new police chief. He understands special trust needed with community
Richwood, W.Va., is currently drawing water from its backup source, Summit Lake, but the lakes water level is low due to the ongoing drought. (April George | Courtesy photo)

The ongoing drought has left the town of Richwood in Nicholas County with seven to 10 days worth of water supply for residents.

Theres some rain predicted for the area over the next few days, but it may not be enough to refill whats needed from the North Fork of the Cherry River, the towns main water source.

We had a little bit of rain yesterday that sort of maintinted us, and we are running normally right now, said Richwood Mayor Gary Johnson on Wednesday. I dont know where well be sitting next week. It just depends on what the good Lord gives us.

Nicholas County is classified as an area in extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Nicholas County Commission declared a state of emergency on Monday, placing around 1,200 residents under a water conservation ban that limits the use of water for showers, dishwashers, washing machines and more.

Ashley Kenney, who lives in Richwood, said the ban has brought changes to her home, where she raises four sons under 11 years old. She has limited her sons showers to five minutes per child.

With having a big family, theres always dishes and laundry and kids brushing teeth, Kenney said. I have tried to limit that as much as possible. Typically, I would wash dishes three times a day, but since we have low water, thats been pretty rough.

Im very hopeful that this rain increases everything, she added.

The town is currently drawing water from 43-acre Summit Lake, which has served as the typical emergency backup water source. The lake can offer about 30 days of water supply while still maintaining its fish population, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported.

Kenney said that the lake is noticeably low. You can walk all down there and see its in pretty bad shape, she said.

Johnson and other local leaders are working on contingency plans, which would require the approval of the health department, if the lake water isnt sustainable. One option is to determine if water is available at a nearby drilling operation and safe for use.

Theyre having the water tested, said Del. Thomas Clark, R-Webster, who represents the town of Richwood. Its not quite as drastic as it sounds, but if we dont get any rain in the next four or five days it could be drastic.

Clark said reached out to Gov. Jim Justices office for water. Johnson said that West Virginia American Water has offered to provide water in tankers to residents if necessary.

Were in the midst of making an emergency plan if we do run out, Johnson said.

Kenney said shed filled up jugs with nearby spring water in case the residents water supply runs dry.

If we cant get bottled water, well still be able to have a little bit, she said. I cant imagine what its going to be like if we do lose all of our water. It would be a nightmare with having children and cooking and cleaning.

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FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., led several Republicans in a bid to increase U.S. Secret Service (USSS) protections for presidential nominees in the wake of the second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

"Over the course of just 65 days, two deranged individuals have tried to kill President Donald Trump, and one was able to shoot him in the head," Scott wrote of his introduction of the Protect Our Presidents Act.

"It is unthinkable that this could happen in America today and demands the immediate action of Congress," he said.

'I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS': TOP REPUBLICAN DETAILS LEVEL OF SECRET SERVICE 'LACK OF COOPERATION'

Sen. Rick Scott's bill would codify that presidential nominees are entitled to the same protection as the sitting president.

"Today, I am leading my Republican colleagues to introduce the Protect our Presidents Act, which mandates that the USSS provide the same level of protective services to presidential nominees that it affords to sitting presidents."

"President Trump has great officers and agents working around the clock to keep him safe, but its clear that the vile rhetoric on the left toward President Trump has made him a target and more resources are required to ensure the safety of him and his family. I urge Senate Democrats to join Republicans to quickly pass this bill that will support the protection of President Trump and all future presidential nominees."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The Florida Republican was joined by various cosponsors, including Senate Republican conference Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., James Risch, R-Idaho, Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Tim Scott, R-S.C., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, John Cornyn, R-Texas, Cynthia Lummus, R-Wyo., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo.

HARRIS AND TRUMP DEADLOCKED IN PENNSYLVANIA AS FORMER PRESIDENT TRAILS IN OTHER 'BLUE WALL' STATES: POLL

The measure would require that the Secret Service give nominees for president a level of protection on par with the current president. However, a nominee is free to decline this.

It would additionally extend that presidential-level protection to vice presidential nominees, in this case to Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn.

GOP SENS CALL ON SCHUMER, DEMS TO TAKE UP BORDER BILLS AS THEY TOUT IMMIGRATION VIGILANCE

Additionally, the bill led by Scott would require regular reporting from the Secret Service to leaders of the House and Senate on the status of candidates' protection. Such reports would include threat levels, security measures, costs, amount of personnel assigned and any needs that are unmet.

On Wednesday, the Secret Service told Fox News Trump actually had the same level of protection on Sunday during the second assassination attempt, as he did when he was president. In fact, they told Fox News that not only had Trump's security increased from the first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, but that it was part of what helped thwart the attempt on Sunday.

SECRET SERVICE TOLD LOCALS THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF BUILDING USED BY THOMAS CROOKS TO SHOOT TRUMP

Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. of the U.S. Secret Service addresses the media at a press conference with updates on the investigation into the apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.

The USSS revealed that President Biden, Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris are all outfitted with counter snipers, counter assault, counter surveillance, protective intelligence and drone teams.

This high level of protection for presidential candidates would be codified by Scott's bill.

The House is set to vote on a similar bill, which has gained bipartisan backing in the lower chamber, on Friday. It would also grant major presidential candidates the same protection as sitting presidents.





Original article source: Rick Scott leads effort to up Secret Service protections after 2nd assassination attempt on Trump
By Marta Di Donfrancesco

ROME (Reuters) - Italy handed back to Canada on Thursday a famous photographic portrait of Winston Churchill that was stolen from an Ottawa hotel more than two years ago and sold at auction to an unsuspecting Italian lawyer.

The so-called "Roaring Lion" photograph was shot by Yousuf Karsh in 1941 just after Britain's World War Two leader had given a speech to the Canadian parliament.

With his hand on his hip, Churchill is seen scowling severely at the lens -- an expression that Karsh put down to the fact that he had just plucked a cigar from the prime minister's hand before releasing the shutter.

The picture hanged for years in the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, where the Armenian-Canadian photographer used to have a studio, but staff realised in August 2022 that their original image had been replaced with a signed copy.

A subsequent investigation found that their version had gone missing during the 2021 Christmas holidays and had been sold by an auction house in London in May 2022 to lawyer Nicola Cassinelli, who agreed to return it when he found out the truth.

"I think that if Mr. Karsh donated it to the hotel, it means that he really wanted it to stay there," Cassinelli said during a ceremony in the Canadian embassy to return the work.

He said he had paid 5,200 pounds ($6,895 ) excluding commission at the auction and had received only a partial refund. "I didn't get all the money back, but I did get a very funny story to tell," said Cassinelli.

The hotel director said the photo was an iconic image and an integral part of its history. "Its value far exceeded its monetary worth," said Genevieve Dumas.

Canadian media said a man from Ontario had been arrested and charged over the theft.

($1 = 0.7542 pounds)

(Reporting by Marta Di Donfrancesco; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
Rochester police identified the man who was shot to death Wednesday night in a city auto shop as an a employee of the business who appeared to be the intended target.

Christopher Romero-Warren, 29, of Rochester was working at the shop at 700 Hollenbeck St. when he was fatally shot inside the shop around 9:15 p.m., said Capt. Frank Umbrino of the Rochester Police Department. An employee, he was working late when someone entered the shop and "immediately opened fire," Umbrino said.

Romero-Warren was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.

Investigators said they are working to determine the motive, but that it appeared that Romero-Warren was the intendent target.

No one has been charged in connection with the killing, which marked Rochester's 42nd homicide of 2024, according to RPD's Open Data Portal.

Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is asked to call 911, RPD's Major Crimes unit at (585)-428-7157 or CrimeStoppers at (585) 423-9300.

This stretch of Hollenbeck Street is located just north of Route 104, between St. Paul Street and North Clinton Avenue.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Christopher Romero-Warren fatally shot at Rochester NY auto shop
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Police arrested Julian Argumedo, 27, for his alleged role in two fentanyl-induced deaths in May 2023.

On May 3rd, 2023, around 9:42 p.m., Rockford Fire and Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Blake Street for an overdose. Officials located three unresponsive people in the kitchen of the apartment.

Police said they located fentanyl on the kitchen table.

One victim was pronounced deceased the next day at OSF St. Anthony Hospital and another was pronounced deceased on August 19, 2023, at Swedish American Hospital. Both victims toxicology results were positive for fentanyl.

The third victim survived and was released on May 4th, 2023, from Swedish American Hospital. She requested to speak to officers about the incident.

One of the deceased victims wanted to purchase cocaine so she contacted Argumedo, according to reports. The victim told police they received the cocaine and ingested the drug but immediately felt sick.

Photo: Winnebago County Jail

The victim said she called the suspect to tell him what he sold to her made her feel sick and he said no no no and hung up.

The woman called 911 between the time the other two victims passed out and she also fell unconscious.

Police conducted a search warrant of the messages between her and Argumedo finding conversations about drug sales.

Argumedo was already lodged in the Winnebago County Jail on May 26, 2023, on unrelated charges.

The suspect has previously been convicted of intent to deliver cocaine and arrested for delivering fentanyl along with possession of controlled substances, according to court documents. He is currently lodged in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a projected parole date of April 2, 2025.

Argumedo is charged with two counts of drug-induced homicide and delivering fentanyl.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Tommy Frederick Allan, a Rocklin man convicted of one felony count of obstructing an official proceeding for his participation in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is now an instructor at Liberty Learning Ministries, a Christian education program run through The Family Church in Roseville.

Allan was one of thousands of protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in support of former President Donald Trump, who believed the 2020 election was stolen from him when he lost to President Joe Biden. Allan climbed a wall to enter the Capitol and was one of the few insurrectionists to enter the Senate chambers, where he stood at the dais with a stolen American flag and other protesters, including the so-called QAnon Shaman. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he was released in May of this year.

Tommy Frederick Allan of Rocklin, at left, is seen holding a U.S. flag in a photo from January 6, 2021, that was including in a federal complaint for his suspected role in the U.S. Capitol riot. He faces sentencing in December.

Now, he is an instructor of art and photography in a classroom setting for 6th-12th grade students.

The Sacramento Bee confirmed Allan and his wife, Hollie, both teach in the program. A Mr. Allan is listed on the website as an elective teacher for students in 6th-12th grades. An August 28 Liberty Learning Ministries Instagram post shows Allan standing in a classroom with Welcome to Mr. Allans Class! written on a whiteboard, with a caption indicating that the photos were from Back to Liberty Night.

The school, which is privately funded and independently run, is a private membership association, and not accredited. Children enrolled in the program are called learners, not students.

The program website emphasizes that Liberty Learning Ministries is not a school  its better. Learners are taught in a multi-age classroom setting, and programs are offered for students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade with the Abeka Christian school and homeschooling curriculum.

Liberty Learning is not accredited but provides a faith-based education that goes beyond the classroom and focuses not only on academics, but character, morals, and good citizenship, the website states. According to the program website, Liberty Learning Ministries is also committed to medical freedom and no vaccinations, or medical records, are required to enroll.

Allans position with Liberty Learning Ministries was first rumored on a Facebook page called The Voices of Placer earlier this month. A Liberty Learning Ministries Instagram post from August 29 shows Allan and the rest of the program staff at Red Door Escape Room. Allan, 56, did not respond to The Bees requests for comment or interview, and his employer, Pastor Matthew Oliver, declined to comment after several attempts to arrange an interview, but said in a public Facebook post that he is in the business of redemption and restoration.

Liberty Ministries and myself are in the business of redemption and restoration! he wrote. I have spent the last 25 years of my life working to see people restored and healed. The Sac Bee simply wants a headline that destroys lives and brings guilt and shame. We all have pasts. I am interested in building our futures.

Oliver is currently running for a seat on the Rocklin City Council. He ran an unsuccessful bid for the same position in 2022. He became a local right-wing firebrand in 2020 when he refused to close his Roseville restaurant and wine bar, House of Oliver, and eschewed Gov. Gavin Newsoms public health policies, including mask mandates.

Matthew Oliver, owner of three restaurants in Placer CountyHouse of Oliver, Olivers Brewhouse and Grill and Olivers Antler Steakhousesaid the countys attitude helped keep his business afloat Monday, March 7, 2022. The State kept putting politics as a priority above people and what we wanted to do was put our people first, said Oliver, who kept his restaurants open throughout the pandemic.

Olivers 2024 campaign has earned endorsements from two school board members at the Roseville Joint Union High School District, Heidi Hall and Pete Constant, and Jason Walker at the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District in the Roseville area.

Constant and Hall did not respond, and Walker said he did not have a comment.

Allan was sentenced in Dec. 2022 with a 21-month prison sentence, 36 months of probation, a $100 fine and a payment of $2,000 to the Architect of the Capitol after he scaled Capitol walls on a rope and stole the American flag as well as documents from the Senate chamber.

Allan did not engage in any physical violence on Jan. 6, but was one of few who entered the Senate chamber. He later admitted to destroying evidence by deleting his Facebook page, which included posts from the insurrection, and burning the documents hed stolen.

The insurrection resulted in the death of five people, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick. Legal consequences for both rioters and Trump continue to play out in federal courts.

More than 1,000 people have been charged with crimes stemming their role in the insurrection.

FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2021 file photo, violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump scale the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol in Washington. In the nearly nine months since Jan. 6, federal agents have managed to track down and arrest more than 600 people across the U.S. believed to have joined in the riot at the Capitol. Getting those cases swiftly to trial is turning out to be an even more difficult task. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Charges range from assault to using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. Trump was most recently indicted late last month with new charges for his efforts to overturn his loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, which resulted in his supporters rioting at the Capitol.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal prosecutors should not have charged Jan. 6 defendants for obstructing an official proceeding unless they destroyed or attempted to impair necessary records or documents.

Gillian Brassil of McClatchy DC contributed reporting.
BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Former NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana has a narrow lead over Romanian leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in the first round of Romania's presidential election, an opinion poll showed, with a wide pool of candidates fragmenting the vote.

European Union and NATO member Romania holds a two-round presidential election on Nov. 24 and Dec. 8, with parliamentary polls in between. As presidential powers include oversight of foreign policy, the new president will play a critical role in Romania's commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Eleven candidates have so far announced plans to run for president and replace outgoing Klaus Iohannis who completes his second and final term in December.

Although the role is largely ceremonial, the president's powers also include nominating the prime minister after elections, appointing judges and prosecutors and sending bills back to parliament for reexamination.

Conducted by pollster INSCOP Research, the survey showed 66-year-old Geoana gaining 21.4% of the vote in the first round and Ciolacu, 56, getting 20.3%.

Elena Lasconi, a two-term mayor of the town of Campulung in the central Romanian Arges county and leader of centre-right opposition Save Romania Union (USR) would rank third with 14.2%.

The leader of ruling coalition Liberals Nicolae Ciuca would rank sixth behind two ultra-nationalist candidates. The poll surveyed 1,102 people between Sept. 11-16 and has a margin of error of 3.0%.

"The competition in the first round will be much more contested than in previous presidential polls," said INSCOP Research director Remus Stefureac, noting the large number of candidates would split the vote and Romania's democracy faced a new situation - where a candidate might proceed to the second round with under 25% of the vote.

Previous opinion polls had Ciolacu, the leader of the ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) in first place. A PSD leader has not been president in Romania since 2004.

Geoana, a former PSD leader who lost a presidential election in 2009, is running as an independent.

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has appealed to parliament to approve the establishment of a training centre in the country for training Ukrainian marines.

Source: European Pravda, citing Euractiv

Iohannis emphasised in his letter to parliament the need to enhance and diversify the training of Ukrainian military personnel.

This proposal was made within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, which oversees a mechanism aimed at strengthening the countrys naval capabilities.

Reports show that Romania will support the training of Ukrainian marines within its existing capabilities.

Contributions from the international community will help sustain the centre's operations, while the UK will provide full funding for the initial phase of its development.

The centre is expected to operate for two years, subject to prior approval from military partners.

Romania also reserves the right to withdraw from its commitments at any time during the training process.

Background:

On 18 September, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha arrived in Romania on his first foreign visit in this position as part of his regional tour and met with his Romanian counterpart Luminita Odobescu.

They discussed energy sustainability, security in the Black Sea region, and military assistance for Ukraine.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Professor was honored nationally as an Engineering Unleashed Fellow.

Assistant Professor of Engineering Management Ami Momenipour, PhD, has been named an Engineering Unleashed Fellow, a national Kern Family Foundation program that honors faculty for their contribution to undergraduate engineering education, specifically entrepreneurial engineering.

The 2024 Fellows class includes 31 educators from 27 higher education institutions across the United States. And this year, marks the fourth straight year of at least one Rose-Hulman professor has been recognized as an Engineering Unleashed Fellow.

As part of this professional development, Momenipour will spend this school year participating in workshops that highlight entrepreneurial-minded learning. Momenipour plans to collaborate with STEM educators, including Engineering Unleashed network members, to explore how XR can be utilized to teach engineering and science concepts through Entrepreneurial Mindset Learning. This would establish a network of faculty members to exchange best practices, strategies, lessons learned, concerns, and challenges related to the use of XR technologies for educational purposes.

Through these professional activities and the opportunity to learn from colleagues, I have deepened my understanding of how the entrepreneurial mindset can be effectively integrated into engineering education and have had the chance to share these insights with other educators, said the Engineering Unleashed Fellow, Ami Momenipour.

At Rose-Hulman, Momenipour has developed and taught eight new courses within the Department of Engineering Management, covering facilities management, work analysis and design, safety engineering, and manufacturing planning and control. He also has worked with Engineering Design program students on several practicum courses and mentored graduate and undergraduate students on a variety of research and design projects.

Momenipour earned his doctorate in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Iowa, a masters degree in management information systems from Morehead State University (Kentucky), and a bachelors degree in industrial engineering from Azad University in Iran.

Five Rose-Hulman professors previously honored as Engineering Unleashed Fellows have been Adel Alhalawani, PhD, and Michelle Marincel Payne, PhD, in 2023; Miles Canino, PhD, and Namita Shrestha, PhD, in 2022; and Kosta Popovic, PhD, in 2021.

Engineering Unleashed is a community of more than 6,000 members from 380 institutions of higher education, supported by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network, a 60-partner educational collaborative that includes Rose-Hulman.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Slew of gun measures on the table in New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR)  Members of the New York State Assembly gathered in New York City after a shooting in Brooklyn to unveil additional statewide gun safety measures.

Assemblymembers Phara Souffrant Forrest and Monique Chandler-Waterman, along with State Sens. Jabari Brisport and Andrew Gounardes  all Democrats  joined State Sen. Zellnor Myrie to talk about bills S9904 and S9905/A10720.

The latter of those bills would codify a new specific legal definition for mass shooting as a shooting that injures or kills at least four people. Previously, a mass shooting required at least four deaths.

Passing the legislation would make it easier to access emergency funding, Myrie said.

These bills will strengthen New Yorks commitment to addressing the scourge of gun violence by creating a uniform standard for responding to incidents like [the West Indian Day Parade shooting on September 2], and ensuring that the State has the infrastructure needed to prevent them, Myrie said on Wednesday.

S9905 creates an official State Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP), whose responsibilities would include collecting data on gun violence and reviewing state laws and regulations on guns.

Meanwhile, a new Gun Violence Advisory Council would work to connect communities most affected by gun violence with resources to help them recover.

Another bill, S6649/A2882, passed in the last legislative session and awaits Gov. Kathy Hochuls signature.

It makes gun retailers in New York prominently display signage that warns that access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes, and/or unintentional deaths to children, household members, and others. It would also include information about when and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

At the federal level, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand sent out updated gun trafficking numbers and the results of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), an anti-gun-trafficking provision built around legislation she put together.

A Democrat, Gillibrand pointed out that New York already has some of the strongest laws around safely using firearms. Even so, she noted, the Iron Corridor (Interstate 95) supplies the Northeast with illegal guns from southern states with weaker gun control measures in place.

In the two years since implementing the BSCA, police seized over 3,000 trafficked guns nationally, with 1,000 just in the last six months. Owing to harsh state limits on weapons, police seized just 250 in New York over that same two-year period.

Meanwhile, Republican Congressmember Elise Stefanik introduced legislation to block states from requiring safety features on handguns such as:

A device that shows whether the gun is loaded

A mechanism preventing a gun from firing without a full magazine

Microstamping technology to mark bullet casings

Anything that accomplishes or easily converts into the above

Rep. Stefanik also called attention to the Modern Firearm Safety Act, which would ban implementing handgun rosters, aligning with a federal court that found Californias handgun roster requirements unconstitutional.

I am proud to introduce the Modern Firearm Safety Act to put a stop to the unconstitutional gun-grabbing agenda pushed on law-abiding American citizens, she said in a written statement in August. My legislation would ban Albany Democrats from imposing illegal handgun roster requirements meant to deter gun ownership. I will always stand up for our Second Amendment rights and provide a critical check to any entity attempting to encroach on their liberties.

For her part, Hochul wrote an op-ed in USA Today about banning AR-15s. Guns like the AR-15 were outlawed nationwide until the Federal Assault Weapons Ban was allowed to expire 20 years ago by the Bush administration and Congressional Republicans, she wrote. The AR-15 is now the common thread linking Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012 and a political rally in a Pennsylvania field in 2024.

Its the same type of weapon an 18-year-old white supremacist used to murder 10 people in a Tops supermarket in my hometown of Buffalo because of the color of their skin. And just days ago, an AR-15 enabled a 14-year-olda childto kill four of his classmates and teachers at Apalachee High School in Georgia.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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.
Russia is planning to increase drone production "almost ten times" this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Sept. 19, Kremlin-controlled Interfax news agency reported.

In 2023, the Russian army received about 140,000 drones of different types, according to Putin. This year, Moscow wants to produce 1.4 million, Putin said.

Throughout Russias full-scale invasion, Ukraine and Russia have heavily invested in drone technology, revolutionizing the way wars are fought.

For outnumbered Ukrainian forces, drones have been one of the key weapons to strike Russian warships, naval bases, oil refineries, and airfields inside occupied territories and deep behind Russia's lines.

"The key task is to produce a wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles, to establish mass production of such promising equipment as quickly as possible," the Russian president said at a meeting with Russia's military-industrial commission.

"Along with the development of drones, we also need to examine ways to destroy them with electronic warfare and conventional means."

Moscow wants to design, test, and produce drones using Russian special research and production centers. Russia is also developing naval drones, Putin claimed.

Russia has widely deployed drone capabilities during the war, both on the battlefield and to attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Ukraine has proven to be a pioneer in drone technology, with 1 million drones contracted by Ukrainian manufacturers through 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Kyiv has the production capacity to produce more than 3 million drones a year but requires financing from foreign partners, Deputy Strategic Industries Minister Hanna Hvozdiar said.

Read also: Despite hype around Ukrainian weapons tech, foreign investors remain gun-shy

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
TechCrunch

The U.S. Department of Justice says bankrupt EV startup Fisker's plan to make owners pay for labor costs related to multiple recalls is illegal, according to a new filing. The DOJ, writing on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), said in a filing submitted to Fisker's bankruptcy docket Monday that the "scheme" violates the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act in multiple ways. The agency told the court that it therefore objects to Fisker's proposed settlement plan, which lays out steps to liquidate the remainder of the company.
Russia and Pakistan hope to expand bilateral trade and improve their economic cooperation, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said during a joint press conference in Islamabad on Sept. 18.

Moscow also pledged support for Pakistan's bid to join the BRICS international alliance.

While Russia has faced increasing economic isolation due to Western sanctions following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade between Moscow and Islamabad has expanded, reaching $1 billion in 2023.

The nations hope to continue expanding their economic relationship despite the restrictions imposed by sanctions, Dar said during the press conference.

"Even today, we looked at how to expand our relationship, and overcome this constraint of the banking system, which you know are facing sanctions, which obviously constrains our relationship, the volume of our relationship could have been much bigger," Dar said.

Pakistan aims to expand cooperation with Russia "across multiple sectors," including the purchase of Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG.)

Russia will also back Pakistan's membership in BRICS, a bloc of countries that now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

"Of course, we would be supportive," Overchuk said of Pakistan's application to the bloc.

Pakistan applied for BRICS membership in 2023. The alliance will hold a summit in Kazan, Russia, in October.

Read also: Ukraines peace summit falls short of engaging Global South  can Ukraine expand its coalition?

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Russia redeploys 40,000 troops to Kursk Oblast as Kyiv's incursion continues, Zelensky says

Moscow has moved about 40,000 Russian soldiers to embattled Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Sept. 19.

Ukraine launched its cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast in early August, claiming to have seized around 100 settlements and over 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles).

Zelensky's latest figure of Russian soldiers redeployed to Kursk Oblast is lower than the one announced in early September, where he put their number at 60,000.

"We have also replenished our exchange fund," Zelensky said.

"All of this is important and affects the general situation in the war."

Ukraine's president said that Ukrainian soldiers managed to scale down Russia's "assault potential" in Donetsk Oblast, but described the situation as "extremely difficult." Fierce fighting is ongoing in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors.

Last week, Russia launched a counterattack in Kursk Oblast, which was halted on Sept. 18, according to the Ukrainian military.

One of the objectives of Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast was to force Russia to redeploy its forces from the front in Ukraine, primarily from the Pokrovsk sector.

In addition to pushing Russian troops away from the border, Ukraine has reportedly taken over 600 Russian captives and inflicted 6,000 casualties in Russia's region as of early September.

Read also: Russia striking Sumy Oblast due to Kyivs successes in Kursk incursion, Ukraines military says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian attack on retirement home in Sumy kills at least 1, injures 14

Editor's note: This story is being updated.

Russian forces attacked a retirement home in the city of Sumy with a guided aerial bomb on Sept. 19, killing one person and injuring at least 14 others, regional officials said.

A total of 221 elderly people lived in the retirement home, according to Ihor Kalchenko, a Sumy regional military administration official.

The attack partially destroyed two floors of the building, the Interior Ministry said. There are no people trapped under the rubble.

A total of 147 people have been evacuated.

"People are being moved to new prepared places. They need medical and psychological assistance," the governor said on national television.

"It (the attack) happened in the afternoon. People were having lunch or resting and were shocked."

Russia has intensified its attacks on bordering Sumy Oblast, which the military considers to be a response to Kyiv's success in the Kursk operation that was launched in early August. Ukrainian authorities are planning to evacuate a total of 45,000 residents from the region.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine's Kursk Oblast incursion has helped prevent the occupation of Sumy Oblast and its regional center, the city of Sumy.

Read also: They attack with quantity: With Ukrainian soldiers desperately defending Pokrovsk

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Russian attacks across Ukraine killed five civilians and injured at least 31 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on Sept. 19.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing all 42 drones launched by Russia overnight, as well as one Kh-59/69 guided air missile. Russia also launched three S-300/S-400 anti-aircraft guided missiles from Belgorod Oblast toward the city of Kharkiv.

No casualties were reported in Kharkiv, but 7 people were injured and one person was killed as a result of Russian attacks in Kharkiv Oblast over the past day.

Russian shelling injured three women and three men aged 50 to 85 in Kupiansk, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. In the nearby village of Hlushkivka, shelling injured a 50-year-old man and killed a 55-year-old woman.

In Zaporizhzhia, a guided bomb attack killed one 74-year-old woman and injured two other women aged 67. In total, Russian forces struck 12 settlements in the region 161 times over the past day, Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.

Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast came under Russian drone and artillery attacks over the past day, killing a 42-year-old man and injuring four people, including a 9-year-old boy.

The attacks damaged five high-rise buildings, two educational institutions two administrative buildings, a post office, and seven shops, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

Six people were injured in Kherson Oblast over the past day as a result of Russian attacks, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

Prokudin did not specify where the casualties were reported but said that Russian forces targeted residential areas in the main population centers of the region, damaging a high-rise building and three houses.

Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that 10 civilians had been injured in five different settlements as a result of Russian attacks over the past day.

In Sumy Oblast, two civilians were killed and two others were injured after the town of Krasnopil was targeted by Russian artillery and multiple rocket launchers.

Read also: They attack with quantity: With Ukrainian soldiers desperately defending Pokrovsk

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By Max Hunder

KYIV (Reuters) - Russia's campaign of air strikes on Ukraine's energy grid probably violates international humanitarian law, a U.N. monitoring body said on Thursday, as Ukrainians prepare for the toughest winter since Russia's invasion.

Over the course of its invasion, Russia has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Ukrainian electricity generation, transmission and distribution facilities.

The first big wave of strikes hit in the autumn and winter of 2022, a few months after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The strikes have continued throughout the war, though Moscow has markedly stepped up its campaign since March.

Each wave of strikes has left Ukrainian cities without power for hours at a time for weeks on end.

The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) focused its report on nine waves of strikes between March and August 2024.

"There are reasonable grounds to believe that multiple aspects of the military campaign to damage or destroy Ukraines civilian electricity and heat-producing and transmission infrastructure have violated foundational principles of international humanitarian law," the report said.

HRMMU said it had visited seven power plants that were damaged or destroyed by attacks, as well as 28 communities affected by the strikes.

Kyiv says the targeting of its energy system is a war crime, and the International Criminal court has issued arrest warrants for four Russian officials and military officers for the bombing of civilian power infrastructure.

Moscow says power infrastructure is a legitimate military targets and has dismissed the charges against its officials as irrelevant.

RISKS

The HRMMU said the attacks posed risks to Ukraine's water supply, to sewage and sanitation, to the provision of heating and hot water, to public health, to education and to the wider economy.

It highlighted a particular problem in urban areas, where most homes are linked up to centralised heating and hot water systems.

The report said that nearly 95% of Kyiv's residents relied on centralised basement heating systems whose output requires electric pumps to reach the upper floors of the building.

"Without emergency electricity supply, millions of urban residents could be left without heat," it said.

HRMMU cited experts as saying that Ukrainians should expect power outages of between four and 18 hours a day this winter.

The report also said that during the summer period of 2024, energy-related issues were the second most common reason that Ukrainians gave for fleeing the country.

(Reporting by Max Hunder; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Gareth Jones)
Russian Defence Ministry puts pressure on Putin to announce new wave of mobilisation  the WSJ

The Wall Street Journal reports that the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defence continues to put pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to announce a new wave of mobilisation to bring in additional troops and compensate for the Kremlin's losses on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, citing a source in Moscow

Details: The newspaper writes that in early 2024, the Russian Defence Ministry leadership, and the-then minister Sergei Shoigu in particular, suggested that Putin conduct mobilisation prior to his so-called "inauguration", but he refused, insisting on using only volunteers who sign contracts with the military.

In July, Putin attempted to increase the size of the army by doubling the one-time payment for new recruits to 400,000 roubles, or about US$4,300.

Citing its sources, the WSJ says that now, the Russian defence ministry, chaired by a different minister, is having problems with a shortage of manpower again, which is why Russia cannot arrange a major counter-offensive in Kursk Oblast.

"More and more people are saying mobilisation is inevitable," said one of the WSJ sources.

The Wall Street Journal notes that the pressure for the next wave of mobilisation is growing as the number of dead and wounded in the war in Ukraine has reached approximately one million.

"Russias problems are becoming more acute. With Moscows troops heavily engaged in capturing the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, Russia has turned to young and inexperienced conscripts and pulled troops from other parts of the front line in Ukraine to defend Russian territory," the WSJ writes.

The newspaper also notes that the Kremlin fears that another mobilisation could upset the balance in the Russian public's perception of the war, creating political risks for Putin.

Background:

The Wall Street Journal estimated that the combined losses of Russian and Ukrainian forces since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 could surpass one million troops.

Colonel Roman Kostenko, the Secretary of the Ukrainian Parliament Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence, said that the WSJ's figure of 80,000 Ukrainian military killed in the war with Russia was overstated.

On 18 September, Russia launched a website for the register of electronic summons  it is being tested in three oblasts: Ryazan, Sakhalin and the Republic of Mari El; the portal is to become fully operational on 1 November.

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Russian catering establishments are facing a "catastrophic" staff shortage due to the demographic crisis and an exodus of migrants.

Source: Russian online newspaper The Moscow Times, citing Russian newspaper Kommersant, which talked to industry representatives about the problems they face

Details: "We don't understand how we can staff a new restaurant if existing outlets have a 20% staff shortage," said Yevgeny Nichipuruk, founder of the Rakovaya gastrobar chain. He says the shortage of employees is now holding back the development of Russia's food service industry.

Elena Vanyashina, Development Director at Yasno Restaurants and HR Director of Gagawa, confirmed the problem. She believes the situation will only get worse as the demographic and migration crises gain momentum.

A study conducted by the job search portal HeadHunter and the Kroshka Kartoshka fast food chain indicates that the number of job vacancies in the catering sector increased by 28% between January and September 2024 compared to the same period last year.

The highest increase in demand was for cleaning staff, which grew by 41%, followed by delivery drivers at 31%, waiters and bartenders at 30%, bookkeepers at 29%, and managers at 22%.

Analysts estimate that Russia's food service industry lacks about 30,000 employees.

Background: Russian telecoms equipment manufacturers facing a shortage of domestic components have asked the government to reconsider the terms of import substitution.

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A Russian troll farm appears to be behind a fake story spread on social media about Vice President Kamala Harris allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run accident in 2011 that left a 13-year-old girl paralyzed, according to a new report by Microsoft published this week.

The report by the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center, released Tuesday, said Russian influence operations initially struggled to target Harris in the wake of President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 race. However, by late August, they managed to produce and distribute content viewed millions of times, implicating the Democratic presidential nominee and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in fake conspiracy theories in an effort to hurt her candidacy.

Storm-1516, a Russian troll farm, initially distributed a fake video meant to show Harris supporters attacking a Trump rally attendee in August. The clip was seen millions of times.

A few weeks later, the same group created a video using an on-screen actor who pretended to be the survivor of a fake hit-and-run accident allegedly involving Harris 13 years ago. That clip was included in an article featured in a fake website purporting to belong to a San Francisco news outlet, KBSF-TV. The web page was created shortly before the videos dissemination and went dark days after circulating the fake story, according to CBS News, which said posts on X, formerly Twitter, amplifying the story got about 7 million views. The story was also shared on other social media sites.

Microsoft researchers also found that a newer Kremlin-aligned group, which previously focused on creating videos around the 2024 Paris Olympics, pivoted to producing fake content to discredit Harris campaign, including a clip showing a nonexistent New York City billboard featuring baseless claims about the Democratic presidential candidates policies. That post received over 100,000 views on X in the first four hours it was shared after being originally posted on Telegram, the report said.

As we inch closer to the election, we should expect Russian actors to continue to use cyber proxies and hacktivist groups to amplify their messages through media websites and social channels geared to spread divisive political content, staged videos, and AI-enhanced propaganda, Microsoft researchers said.

Meanwhile, tech executives from Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta testified on Wednesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee about foreign threats to the 2024 U.S. elections. X declined to send a representative to the hearing.

Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, told the panel the company identified another A.I. enhanced video of Harris earlier in the day, which showed the vice president making comments she didnt actually make at a recent campaign rally, according to Bloomberg.

Smith also predicted an increased level of threat to the election in the two days leading up to Nov. 5.

The most perilous moment will come, I think, 48 hours before the election, Smith said.

Smith cited a similar incident in the lead-up to last year Slovakias election when a fake audio clip of one of the top candidates surfaced shortly before voters went to the polls, Bloomberg said.

Earlier this week, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, banned Russian state media organizations, including RT, from its apps over foreign interference activity.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the move unacceptable.

The U.S. State Department had previously leveled new sanctions on RT, accusing them of covert influence activities.

Related...
An air defence mobile firing group. Stock photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukrainian air defence assets responded to Russian attack drones twice in Kyiv Oblast on the night of 18-19 September.

Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Details: Local authorities also reported that Russian UAVs had been detected in Kyiv Oblast.

Quote: "Do not photograph or film the work of our defenders. Do not disregard safety rules. Stay in shelters until the all-clear is given."

Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported at around 05:00 that air defence was responding to Russian targets again.

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Aftermath of Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast. Stock photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram

Two people were killed and two were injured as a result of Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast on the night of 18-19 September and on the morning of 19 September.

Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Quote: "At night and in the morning, the Russians fired 19 times at the border areas and settlements of Sumy Oblast. A total of 38 explosions were recorded.

The enemy attacked Krasnopillia hromada with MLRS (10 explosions) and [tubed] artillery. As a result of the attacks, two civilians were wounded and two civilians were killed." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Details: The Russians also bombarded Sumy, Bezdryk, Mykolaivka, Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda and Esman hromadas.

Russian forces attacked civilian settlements with aerial bombs and FPV (first-person view) drones, and fired mortars.

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Russians drop guided aerial bomb on retirement home in Sumy, killing one person and injuring others  photos

The aftermath of the Russian attack. Kordon.Media

The Russians have struck a retirement home in Sumy with a guided aerial bomb. Sumy Oblast Military Administration reports that several people were injured and one person has died in hospital.

Source: Volodymyr Artiukh, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration, in a comment to Suspilne; Kordon.Media (Border.Media); Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES)

Details: The attack happened around 16:00 on Thursday, 19 September.

A Russian projectile hit a building of the retirement home. Volodymyr Artiukh said 221 elderly people lived there.

Some of the residents are bedridden. They were urgently evacuated from the building and are receiving medical treatment outside on the grass.

Residents of the retirement home after the Russian attack. Photo: Suspilne

Quote from Volodymyr Artiukh: "Several people were injured, and some of them are in a critical condition and have been hospitalised. No one was killed."

Residents of the retirement home after the Russian attack. Photo: Kordon.Media

Update: Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that one person has died of their injuries in hospital. Another nine people were injured.

It is reported that the homes residents are now being evacuated to other institutions. All the relevant services are involved.

The State Emergency Service has released a video of the aftermath and reported that 12 people were injured.

"The maintenance area and the fourth floor have been partially destroyed. A total of 147 people have been evacuated from the premises. There are no people under the rubble. One person has been killed and twelve injured," the SES noted.

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Russian troops are actively mining dams near Belgorod, likely in preparation for false flag operations in which Ukraine can be blamed for the environmental and humanitarian impact.

Source: Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational Tactical Group, on Telegram

Details: Sarantsev said that as well as building fortifications around Belgorod, the Russians are also mining general and special-purpose water supply systems.

Quote: "This could be regarded as a bookmark for the future  if, for example, the situation changes dramatically and the Russians have to blow up dams to slow down the advance of the Ukrainian defence forces. Or possibly Russia is preparing for false flag operations at hydroelectric facilities so that Ukraine can be blamed for the subsequent environmental and humanitarian impact."

Details: Sarantsev noted that such actions could be used to mobilise the Russian population and divert attention from the country's internal problems. The blowing up of hydroelectric facilities could cause large-scale flooding, leading to settlements being inundated and unleashing an environmental disaster.

Background:

In August, Russia announced the creation of new groups of forces to defend Belgorod Oblast due to the failure of the defence of Kursk Oblast.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border near the town of Sudzha, Kursk Oblast, on 6 August 2024.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on 27 August that Ukraine had captured 594 Russian soldiers since the start of the operation in Russias Kursk Oblast and controlled more than 100 settlements or 1,294 sq km of territory.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said these actions were aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent Russian military operations against Ukraine.

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has persistently downplayed the results of Ukraine's successful operation in Kursk in his attempts to convince the Russian public that the Ukrainian Armed Forces' control of Russian territory means nothing.

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As a local parent of two teenage daughters and a former San Juan Unified School District citizen advisory member, I believe our greatest responsibility is to create a safe and supportive environment where our students can thrive academically, physically and mentally. However, in recent years, the rise of vaping among high school and middle school students has threatened this very goal.

This is not just a local issue. Its a national issue that deserves a state and national response.

Opinion

Like many parents, Ive watched with increasing concern as flavored vaping devices become more prevalent in our schools. The 2023 California Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that more than 20% of California high school students have used tobacco products, with vaping being the most common at 18% (far surpassing cigarette smoking at 5%). Among those who use tobacco, a significant majority opt for flavored products, with 89.1% of vape users choosing flavored varieties.

Even more troubling? High school students report that obtaining vapes is relatively easy: nearly 49.9% purchase them from local stores, and 67.3% access them online.

Despite efforts to educate students about the dangers, many still dont fully grasp the risks associated with e-cigarette use. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued serious warnings about the health hazards of vaping, which include harm to the heart and lungs and negative effects on brain functions related to attention, learning and impulse control. Additionally, students who vape are at an increased risk of developing addictions to other harmful substances, potentially leading to a range of other serious issues.

The impact of vaping on academic performance is another serious concern. According to a 2021 study, students who used e-cigarettes were more likely to miss assignments, skip classes and report lower grade point averages compared to peers who do not vape. This correlation between vaping and academic decline should serve as a wake-up call to all of us.

Its not just about protecting our students health, its about ensuring they have the best possible opportunity to succeed in their education and beyond.

While parents, teachers and schools are doing everything in their power to steer students away from harmful behaviors, we cannot tackle this issue alone. Our state lawmakers and local officials have made advances enacting measures to ban flavored tobacco. But we also need real enforcement. Its simply a top-down approach solving this epidemic.

The Food and Drug Administration must step up and take decisive action to remove these dangerous products from the marketplace by tightening regulations, enforcing existing laws more rigorously and taking legal action against companies that continue to target our youth with their toxic products.

This is a united demand from bipartisan congressional leaders: Earlier this summer, members of both parties on the Senate Judiciary Committee voiced their frustration and concern while grilling FDA officials about their ability to keep up with the rapidly expanding vaping industry and their deceptive marketing strategies.

Our childrens future depends on the actions we take today. As leaders in our community, we cannot afford to let another generation fall prey to the vaping epidemic. Its a matter of national public health to ban these products and act swiftly and decisively to protect our childrens health and well-being. Together, we can ensure that our schools remain safe, healthy environments where every student has the opportunity to learn and grow without the looming threat of addiction.

Tab Berg writes on politics, education policy and communications, and is a broadcast commentator for several Sacramento news stations. He and his wife live in Fair Oaks along with two teenage daughters.
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper on Thursday called for the California legislature to pass stricter laws that punishes those selling fentanyl as a large amount of the deadly synthetic opioid is smuggled into his jail facilities.

The sheriff, who spoke at a news conference at the Main Jail in Downtown Sacramento, said his deputies have confiscated 500 grams of fentanyl that recently arrested inmates tried to smuggle into his two jail facilities this year.

That is enough fentanyl to kill the entire population of Elk Grove, Cooper said about the confiscated fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a powerful and potentially addictive drug that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. The California Department of Justice has said two milligrams of the opioid can result in overdose and potentially death.

To demonstrate how minuscule two milligrams is, the sheriff said a package the size of a sugar packet could contain 500 lethal fentanyl doses.

In the past 14 months, the Sacramento County Coroners Office determined that six out of eight inmates who died while in custody died from ingesting either fentanyl or other narcotics. He said the other two deaths were due to a medical condition and violence allegedly committed by another inmate.

Despite three physical searches, including a digital body scan and a strip search and a video warning about fentanyl played for inmates during booking, Cooper said fentanyl continues to be smuggled mostly by newly arrested inmates or those convicted and ordered to serve time in the jail. He said those dealing the drugs behind bars are preying on inmates addicted to narcotics.

Theyre ruthless, they dont care, Cooper said about inmates smuggling drugs into the jail. They secrete drugs in their body cavity; in their rectum.

He said the digital body scans can spot anomalies of inmates during the jail booking process, but sometimes the drugs are tucked so far into a body. Its impossible for us to catch it all, he said.

The body scan spotted an anomaly on one inmate, who was taken to a doctor to determine was what inside the body cavity. Cooper said the doctor didnt see anything hidden on the inmate, who in fact did have drugs in his rectum. The inmate and his cellmate suffered a drug overdose while in custody. Cooper said the inmate survived but his cellmate did not.

A year ago, a Sheriffs Office investigation into a spike in overdoses at the jail led to the arrest of six people, including a member of the jail medical staff, for their alleged involvement in an operation to smuggle drugs into the jail in exchange for money. Those arrested included Zareonna Harris, who was working on-call for Avid Healthcare Services, a county contractor. Harris is no longer an Avid employee, according to the company.

Proposition 36 and drug court

Coopers news conference on Thursday comes as California voters decide whether to approve Proposition 36, a November state ballot measure that will undo a handful of criminal justice reforms that were approved by voters in 2014s Proposition 47.

Prop. 36, pushed for by a coalition of district attorneys from across the state and major retailers like Target and Walmart, would crack down on retail theft and fentanyl. Its supporters argue it would close gaps in the states sentencing rules to bring more accountability.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and other top Democrats are opposed to Prop. 36. Newsom has said Prop. 36 could take away funding  required under 2014s Prop. 47  for drug treatment and other programs.

The sheriff said the California drug court system was successful in forcing convicted drug offenders into narcotics rehabilitation programs. After Prop. 47 went into effect, drug offenders only use drug court to have their criminal conviction expunged.

Bringing drug court back, hopefully through Prop. 36, will change that, Cooper said Thursday.

In July, Newsom lashed out at Prop. 36, which he said has less to do with addressing retail theft and is more of a drug policy reform that increases a drug possession charge to a felony. He said Prop. 36 will increase prison populations by tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, over the next decade at a profound cost to the taxpayers.

Narcan used at the jails

Cooper said fentanyl overdoses have become so prevalent that anyone found unconscious will likely be given naloxone, commonly known by its brand name Narcan, a nasal spray medication that can be administered to restore breathing to those suffering opiate overdoses.

What troubles me is the new normal, whether youre in the jail or the street, Cooper told reporters Wednesday. If youre found unconscious, theyre gonna administer Narcan ... and that is insane because we accept it.

The sheriff said deputies and medical staff at his jails have administered 75 doses of Narcan to revive inmates suffering from a suspected drug overdose this year. Jail staff also place Narcan in the jail cell pods to be accessible to the inmates. Cooper said jail staff have replenished 110 doses of Narcan in the opioid rescue boxes in the jail pods, so he worries some inmates are overdosing and not reporting it to jail staff.

Cooper said a hit of narcotics (or one-tenth of a gram) will sell on the street for about $50; and one gram of narcotics smuggled into a jail or prison can sell for $150 to $200. He said a pill smuggled into a jail or prison can cost $150.

If youre a drug dealer, youre in the business to make money, Cooper said. You dont care who you sell to or who dies from the product. Drug dealers are the scum of the earth.

The sheriff said played audio recordings of two calls to inmates, saying the inmates and their relative spoke in code about obtaining fentanyl inside the jail.

I did overdose twice here, though, one inmate is heard telling a relative in a phone call from the jail. Off fentanyl, I died twice right there in my cell. They brought me back. You know, they pronounce you dead. They said you were blue.

Then, the inmate and his relative quickly changed the subject of their phone conversation to the length of the inmates hair and how he planned to avoid a haircut until hes released.
Salvation Army hosts Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry in Menominee, providing food to hundreds of families in need

MENOMINEE, Mich. (WFRV)  The Salvation Army gathered on Thursday morning to hold a Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry, providing food to families in need in a drive-thru process.

According to the release, a Mobile Food Pantry contains about 15,000 pounds of food that has been sent on a truck, and provides food for hundreds of families in need.

Two Rivers community rallies to support seven-year-old battling cancer with fundraising events

The food was provided on a first-come, first-serve basis at the YMCA in Menominee. Salvation Army Core Officer Rhegan Stansbury said its the fourth year that theyve done this, and they do it once a month.

Families come through to get food, usually its fresh produce, but also some other items, Stansbury said. We usually serve 400-500 households, which can be up to 1,000 individuals were serving.

Stansbury said that while theres a good amount of regulars that show up, it requires a lot of volunteers.

Coordinating with community partners to get the funding, we were traveling to a lot of places before landing on the Y, Stansbury said. Its been a real blessing to have this location, its a great place to have people drive through and line up.

I love people: Students in Neenah surprise beloved 100-year-old Arline Dabill on her birthday

Each box comes with some seasonal produce, and sometimes bakery items or even meat and dairy, depending on what Feeding America can obtain.

For more information, visit Feeding Americas 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego International Airport has placed near the bottom of the list of large airports in North America based on a customer satisfaction study by J.D. Power.

The studys findings, released Wednesday, placed SAN 21st out of 27 large airports in its 2024 edition. Large airports were defined as those with 10 to 32.9 million passengers each year, according to J.D. Power.

Emboldened Fed lowers interest rates by half-point

The rankings were determined by overall passenger satisfaction across seven core dimensions: ease of travel, level of trust; terminal facilities; airport staff; departure/to airport experience; food, beverage and retail, and arrival/from airport experience.

The study was conducted between last August to July of this year.

Todd Gloria vs. Larry Turner: how to watch San Diego mayoral debate

John Wayne Airport in Orange County ranked the highest among large airports, followed by Tampa International Airport and Kansas City International Airport.

Just last week, California Sen. Alex Padilla announced SAN would be getting over $26 million as part of the Federal Aviation Administrations Airport Improvement Program. The funds are intended for installation of noise mitigation measures as well as a new Terminal 1 apron and updates to its taxiways.

In June, San Diego was awarded a portion of $187 million in grants as part of President Joe Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The airport received $23.5 million, the second largest sum for work during that round of grants.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is preparing several resolutions that would stop more than $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel, a longshot effort but the substantive pushback yet from Congress over the devastation in Gaza ahead the first year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.

In a letter to Senate colleagues on Wednesday, Sanders said the U.S. cannot be complicit in this humanitarian disaster. The action would force an eventual vote to block the arms sales to Israel, though majority passage is highly unlikely.

Much of this carnage in Gaza has been carried out with U.S.-provided military equipment, Sanders, I-Vt., wrote.

As the war grinds toward a second year, and with the outcome of President Joe Bidens efforts to broker a cease-fire deal and hostage release uncertain, the resolutions from Sanders would seek to reign in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus assault on Gaza. The war has killed some 41,000 people in Gaza after the surprise Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel, and abducted 250 others, with militants still holding around 100 hostages.

Sen. Sanders looks to lower the cost of popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs

While its doubtful the politically split Senate would pass the measures, the move is designed to send a message to the Netanyahu regime that its war effort is eroding the U.S.s longtime bipartisan support for Israel. Sanders said he is working with other colleagues on the measures.

Key Senate Democrats have been pushing the Biden administration to end the Israel-Hamas war and lessen the humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza, where peoples homes, hospitals, schools and entire Palestinian families are being wiped out.

Sanders resolutions would halt sales of missile systems, tank rounds and other weaponry, some that has been singled out for causing some of the most severe destruction in Gaza, and new fighter jets. Congress had temporarily stalled some arms sales to Israel earlier this year, as lawmakers have tried to warn against the rising death toll.

Netanyahu was invited earlier this year to speak before the U.S. Congress, and he delivered a combative address that put the growing divide in the U.S. over his war effort on public display.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, initiated the invitation to Netanyahu, but several Democrats boycotted the speech. Many top Democratic leaders spoke critically of the tone and content of Israeli prime ministers address to Congress.

Under the Senate rules, once Sanders introduces the resolutions next week, he can force a vote almost instantly for consideration. The measures are being proposed as a joint resolution of disapproval of the arms sales, which is a mechanism that allows congressional oversight of foreign affairs.

Sanders said he would have some backing for his proposal. But it is not expected to have support from a majority, 51 votes, in the Senate to pass.

In the House, blocking the Israeli arms sales would face even tougher odds, where Republicans hold the majority, and have largely sided with Netanyahus approach to the war with Hamas.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says the kingdom will not cease its tireless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital (Evelyn Hockstein) (Evelyn Hockstein/POOL/AFP)

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler said Wednesday that the kingdom will not establish ties with Israel until a Palestinian state has been created, in a blow to US efforts to seal a normalisation deal.

"We renew the kingdom's rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes of the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian people," Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the opening session of its advisory Shura Council.

"The kingdom will not cease its tireless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without one," he added.

Normalisation deals brokered by then US president Donald Trump in 2020 between Israel and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had ended a longstanding Arab consensus that there should be no normalisation without an independent Palestinian state and thrown the spotlight on their more powerful neighbour Saudi Arabia.

As recently as earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had been holding out the prospect of the swift establishment of ties with the Gulf Arab oil kingpin as a potential dividend for Israel from a ceasefire and hostage release deal for Gaza.

Blinken had said during a visit to Haiti on September 6 that he still hoped to seal a normalisation deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia before President Joe Biden steps down in January.

"I think if we can get a ceasefire in Gaza, there remains an opportunity through the balance of this administration to move forward on normalisation," the US top diplomat said.

The United States has readied a security package to offer Saudi Arabia if it normalises relations with Israel, Blinken said earlier this year, as it seeks incentives for Israel to support a Palestinian state.

As part of any deal, Riyadh is expected to insist on a path to statehood for the Palestinians as well as alliance-style security guarantees from Washington.

"In order to move forward with normalisation, two things will be required -- calm in Gaza and a credible pathway to a Palestinian state," Blinken told a meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.

But the hard-right Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains implacably opposed to Palestinian statehood.

And the high civilian death toll wreaked by Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza and the immense destruction caused to the Palestinian territory have put immense pressure on the kingdom to hold back from any major diplomatic opening.

bur/hme/kir/dv
SC 2-year-old boy dies at hospital after shooting in Chester County, police say

South Carolina police are investigating after a 2-year-old boy died in a shooting Wednesday in the Chester County town of Great Falls, officials said.

Rylin Burrell died after the shooting, said Terry Tinker, Chester County coroner. The child died at a hospital in Lancaster later Wednesday after the shooting on Washington Street, Tinker said.

No other details about the fatal shooting have been released.

The investigation at this point is focused on how an unsecured firearm was accessed, Great Falls Police Department Chief Olen Martin said in a statement.

A 7-year-old family member has been placed in the emergency protective custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services pending further investigation, a news release said.

Great Falls is a town of about 2,000 people along the Catawba River.

Investigators from the State Law Enforcement Division child fatality unit are involved in a joint investigation with local police, Martin said.

SLED is required under South Carolina law to investigate deaths of children.
SC deputy stomped on inmates groin multiple times, jabbed him in the face, SLED says

A former Berkeley County detention center deputy is behind bars after stomping an inmate in the groin and punching him in the face, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division says.

Aisha Zakiya Davis, 31, was charged Thursday with 2nd degree assault and battery and misconduct in office after she repeatedly stomped on an inmates private parts and punched him in the face while he was handcuffed, according to SLED.

Stomping on the inmates groin several times amounted to nonconsensual touching of the victims private area, an arrest warrant said.

Davis behavior also amounted to misconduct in office in that she acted in breach of her duty in good faith and accountability of the public, a warrant said.

Davis was booked into the Berkeley County detention center and released on a $10,000 bond, according to court records.
SC justices again refuse to stop Fridays execution, despite new claims of innocence

Media witnesses look at the lethal injection table in the execution chamber at the Utah State Correctional Facility after the Taberon Honie execution Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)

COLUMBIA  The state Supreme Court refused Thursday to halt Freddie Owens execution over new claims by his convicted accomplice that he played no role in the fatal shooting that sent him to death row.

Justices denial means Owens execution is still set for 6 p.m. Friday. He stands to be the first person executed in South Carolina in 13 years.

The only thing that could halt his execution is an unlikely reprieve from Gov. Henry McMaster.

Owens, who changed his legal name to Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah in 2015, was sentenced to death in 1999 for killing a gas station clerk in Greenville during a robbery, though he and his attorneys maintain he is innocent.

His death by lethal injection would be the first execution since the state Supreme Court ruled electrocution and firing squad are constitutional, clearing the way for death warrants to resume.

The state high courts ruling appears to cap a flurry of legal filings in what could be Owens final days.

A federal judge declined Wednesday to halt Owens execution over his attorneys latest federal challenge seeking more information about the drugs that will end his life. It was hours later that his attorneys tried again in the state Supreme Court with another motion calling for a halt.

Seeking a new trial, they pointed to claims from the only witness to the armed robbery and fatal shooting of Irene Graves 27 years ago.

In a declaration signed Wednesday, Steven Golden says he falsely testified that Owens was the shooter.

Owens wasnt even with him that night; the real shooter was someone else Golden still doesnt want to name out of fear of retribution, according to his two-page statement.

This court cannot, with any conscience, allow Owenss execution to proceed without a hearing on the compelling evidence that he is innocent, his attorneys said in their reply Thursday afternoon to Attorney General Alan Wilsons request to proceed.

The high court sided with Wilson.

This new affidavit is squarely inconsistent with Goldens testimony at Owens 1999 trial, at the first resentencing trial in 2003, and in the statement he gave law enforcement officers immediately after he participated in committing the crimes in 1997, reads their order issued roughly 24 hours before Owens is scheduled to die.

Justices dismissed the argument that the case evaporates without Owens testimony.

Prosecutors presented considerable other evidence in Owens first trial to support that he was not only present at the Speedway but fired the fatal shot, to include Owens confessions to his girlfriend, his mother, another accomplice and two law enforcement officers.

Goldens claims now that he committed perjury at two trials do not meet the exceptional circumstances threshold to stop Owens execution, they wrote.

Owens attorneys called it disappointing.

South Carolina is on the verge of executing a man for a crime he did not commit, said attorney Gerald King, adding his colleagues will continue advocating for Owens.

The courts denial puts the decision squarely before McMaster, South Carolinas former attorney general, who has steadfastly supported the death penalty but never had to make the final life-or-death call.

A group of activists gave McMasters office two petitions Thursday asking him to stop the execution. Each received more than 5,000 signatures. The hand delivery came a day after Owens attorneys made their formal request for a lighter sentence.

Despite the federal judges refusal to stop Owens execution over attorneys questions about the states drug supply, the lawsuit filed in Columbia last Friday will continue for the sake of other condemned inmates who will soon have to choose their execution method.

Executions could continue through March.

The next time the states high court might issue a death warrant would be Sept. 27, as per its own timeline. Justices agreed to schedule executions at least five weeks apart.

The order of upcoming executions will be based on the date of the crime that sent them to death row. That means next in line is Richard Moore, who was convicted in 2001 of killing a gas station clerk two years earlier.

The six men, including Owens, who face imminent execution are among 32 listed on South Carolinas death row: 15 Black and 17 white. However, one is on death row in California for crimes committed in that state.

Since the states last execution in 2011, four condemned inmates have died of natural causes or suspected suicide. Twenty others have been resentenced, though none have been exonerated, according to the state Department of Corrections.

Questions over lethal injection

In 2023, after two years of being unable to carry out an execution because the state couldnt secure the lethal drugs, legislators expanded a law promising to keep private the names of manufacturers who supplied them.

The law worked as legislators hoped. Corrections Director Bryan Stirling announced last September his agency had enough pentobarbital to carry out a death sentence by lethal injection. He assured Owens attorneys he had tested the states supply of drugs to ensure they were pure and effective, according to court filings.

But attorneys for death row inmates argued in last Fridays federal lawsuit that officials could, and should, tell them more.

Owens attorneys made a similar argument while mulling over which method to choose for his execution, which the states high court rejected.

Owens signed his decision-making powers over to his attorney, including selecting how he would die. He refused to choose for himself because he saw the act as similar to suicide, which is a sin in his Islamic faith, according to court filings.

In the end, his attorney chose lethal injection over the other options of electrocution and firing squad.

Since 1995, when the Legislature shifted the default method of carrying out a death sentence from electrocution to lethal injection, only three of the 39 inmates executed since chose to die in the electric chair, most recently in 2008, according to the Department of Corrections.

Legislators reversed state law in 2021, after Corrections supply of lethal drugs expired, to again make electrocution the default method. However, court challenges continued to put executions on hold.

But those delays may have come to an end.

Owens crime

Owens was convicted in 1999 of shooting Graves, a cashier at a Speedway convenience store, the night of Halloween in 1997.

Owens, who was 19 at the time, had been robbing stores in Greenville with a group of friends, including Golden.

Two of them robbed a Prestige Cleaners, then all four went to a Conoco before splitting up. Owens and Golden went to the Speedway, while the other two went to a nearby Waffle House, according to court records.

Around 4 a.m. Nov. 1, Owens and Golden entered the Speedway and demanded Graves open the safe. She couldnt because she didnt know the combination, she told them. Owens shot her in the head, and he and Golden took $37.29 out of the cash register, Golden testified to at the time.

Graves was a 41-year-old single mother to three children.

The Speedway was one of her three jobs. She also worked at Kmart and Bi-Lo, according to her obituary. One of her children was away at college. The other two were 8 and 10, the Spartanburg Herald-Journal reported at the time.

Graves and her younger children, Jeremy and Ensley, were very close, and she would often take them to dance classes and competitions, a victim coordinator testified during Owens original sentencing.

The night after his conviction in February 1999, Owens returned to the Greenville County jail to await his sentencing. There, he killed fellow inmate Christopher Lee.

Lee was a 28-year-old who was serving a 90-day sentence for traffic violations. Owens claimed Lee taunted him for his conviction, so Owens beat Lee, choked him and stabbed him with a pen, court documents say he told investigators later.

Lee had been planning to move to Myrtle Beach after he got out of jail and had a job as a carpenter for a framing company lined up, The Greenville News reported soon after his death. Family members said he loved auto racing and computers, the newspaper reported.

In court the next day, Owens described killing Lee in detail while on the stand. He confessed to investigators, telling them he killed Lee because I was wrongly convicted of murder, according to a statement published by the solicitor.

Owens never went to trial for killing Lee.

Prosecutors dropped that charge in 2019, soon after Owens ran out of appeals for killing Graves. The dismissal motion prosecutors used would allow them to raise the charge again if they chose, according to court documents.

Courts went back and forth on Owens death sentence.

The state Supreme Court twice sent Owens case back to a jury for resentencing, citing legal issues. Both times, the jury again recommended Owens be put to death.

In a motion Wednesday evening, Owens attorneys pointed to Goldens new statement claiming he was high on cocaine when police arrested and questioned him, and he lied about Owens participation to save his own life.

Golden received 30 years in prison for his role in the robbery. Hes up for parole in November, though hes not expected to be released until 2026, according to his inmate report.

A troubled childhood

Owens actions were a result of a troubled childhood, his attorneys have argued.

Owens was born prematurely to a mother who used drugs, including during her pregnancy. Both his biological parents and his stepfather abused Owens and his three siblings physically and emotionally throughout their childhoods. His father and stepfather dealt drugs and were often in and out of prison, according to court filings.

When Owens was 5 years old, he and his siblings were placed in foster care because they had been left at home alone with no food or electricity. He struggled in school, receiving failing grades and getting in trouble for fighting with other children. After repeating several grades, he dropped out of school in 9th grade, according to court filings.

There were literally no parental figures, no models who were not substance or violent criminals or both involved in his early life, one doctor wrote after evaluating Owens and his history.

Owens spent time in the states juvenile justice system, where other teenagers abused him physically and sexually, his attorneys have said.

At some point during his childhood, Owens suffered damage to his frontal lobe, the part of the brain that regulates a persons impulses and emotions. That led to violent and aggressive outbursts, anxiety, depression, paranoia and seizures, according to court filings.

Owens violent past made him take longer to emotionally mature and got him stuck in a cycle of violence, his attorneys have said. They pointed to his brain damage in 2021, when Owens was previously scheduled for execution, as a reason to keep him out of the death chamber.

The state Supreme Court denied that argument and instead halted his execution over since-settled legal questions. Inmates must meet a high bar to be considered incompetent for execution, so his attorneys never tried to get a hearing, they said previously.

In the weeks leading up to Owens execution, his attorneys instead focused on what they said were holes in his case.

No forensic evidence tied Owens to the scene of the crime. Prosecutors instead relied on a surveillance video that showed two people entering the gas station before one shot Graves, along with testimony from Owens friends and family, attorneys said.

But there was enough evidence to support that Owens was the one to kill Graves, the state Supreme Court replied in their rejections. Witnesses testified that Owens was wearing the same mask as the shooter and that he bragged about killing Graves afterward, justices wrote last week.

Owens attorneys also argued that Golden had a secret deal with prosecutors to testify against Owens in exchange for a lighter sentence. That was something Owens knew about, or at least could have found out, during his initial appeals process. But it never previously came up, and the time for that argument is past, the high court said in its order.

Besides, Golden openly conceded in his testimony at Owens trial that he was testifying to avoid the death penalty, justices wrote in last weeks denial.

In a petition asking McMaster for clemency Wednesday, Owens attorneys pointed to his age, brain damage and traumatic childhood, as well as the alleged legal problems they claimed in his appeals.

For all of these reasons, clemency is necessary and appropriate to prevent Khalils unjust execution, his attorneys said in a Wednesday news release.

What to expect Friday night

Before Owens is scheduled to die, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston will lead a candlelight vigil for him outside the prison, according to activist group South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Around 5:45 p.m. Friday, barring any court intervention, Corrections Director Stirling will call McMaster and Wilson, the attorney general, on their landline phones.

Stirling will ask Wilson whether Owens has any remaining appeals that should prevent his execution, then ask his boss, McMaster, whether he wants to grant Owens clemency.

This is the first time McMaster, a two-term attorney general, will face the question of whether to give a death row inmate clemency.

He has declined to say his decision ahead of time, telling reporters repeatedly that he will answer the question only when it is required by law. He has maintained his support for the death penalty once all other legal avenues have been exhausted as a form of justice for victims families.

No South Carolina governor has granted an inmate clemency since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed executions to resume in 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

If McMaster and Wilson both answer no, the execution will proceed.

In the death chamber at Broad River Secure Facility in Columbia, Owens will be injected with a fatal dose of pentobarbital, a barbiturate often used as a sedative. The same drug is often used to euthanize pets.

This would be the first time the state uses a single drug instead of its usual three-drug cocktail. Facing shortages of the other two drugs needed  a muscle relaxant and potassium chloride, which stops an inmates heart  the state joined at least nine others in using one drug for executions.

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State Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-Charleston, has resigned from the state House of Representatives, according to Speaker Murrell Smiths office.

Pendarvis name has been removed from the State House website. He filed to run for reelection this year and did not have any general election challengers.

Pendarvis, 35, was suspended from the bar by the South Carolina Supreme Court after he was accused in a lawsuit of legal malpractice and of committing unfair and deceptive practices under the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. The lawsuit  filed in April by attorneys Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter on behalf of Adrian Lewis, Pendarvis former client  claims that Pendarvis forged a clients signature in order to secure a settlement for a amount far smaller than was promised.

Serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives has been the honor of my life, Pendarvis wrote in his resignation letter. Because of my respect for this body and for the residents of my district, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my seat. The residents of District 113 deserve a representative who can devote full time to their needs, and I cannot do that at this time.
SCCSD comments on threat that continues to circulate through school district

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Community School District has sent out another email addressing a possible threat within the district.

Thursday morning, the school district said that they sent a message out to North High School families and staff about a social media threat that had been circulating.

The school district said that the message is the same one that popped up at other schools within the district earlier this week.

The school district continues to investigate the threat but believes that it is not credible.

Historic aircraft visits Sioux City to honor General Bud Day

The school District confirmed that all staff and students are safe and that the school day will continue has normal.

If you have a concern involving a possible safety threat at the school district you can report it to the school on their website or by informing the police. Safety emergencies should be reported to 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Update, 4:53 p.m., The Tompkins County Sheriffs Office has released the name of the suspect from the all-day search in Lansing.

According to Police, 19-year-old Yair Elver Perez-Raymundo was located and arrested at 2:07 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. Police said the second person who left the residence with Perez-Raymundo was also located and found unharmed.

Perez-Raymundo was arrested on the charges of reckless endangerment in the second degree, and menacing in the second degree, both Class A misdemeanors.

Police said Perez-Raymundo is being held at the Tompkins County Jail and is pending further processing.

Update: Police in Tompkins County have confirmed the suspect was found and arrested without incident, more information is expected soon.

LANSING, N.Y. (WETM)  A local school district was delayed Thursday morning as police continue to search for a suspect they say was responsible for a shooting/disturbance at a home in Tompkins County.

According to the Tompkins County Sheriffs Office, a search is currently underway for a suspect who fled from the scene of a shooting at a home in Lansing early Thursday morning.

Steuben County Sheriffs Office releases statement on recent social media threats

Police said that around 12:11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, deputies responded to a home on North Lansing School Road in Lansing for the report of shots fired. The report states there was a possible incident with the three residents of the home and that one of the residents made threats with and fired a long gun.

Police said the person who called 911 escaped the home and told police about the situation. Police added that while in the area of the residence, deputies heard more gunshots.

Police searched the home and the suspect was nowhere to be found, but a gun was recovered. Police said the suspect didnt own other weapons and believed the suspect and the other resident of the home escaped into the wooded area surrounding the residence.

Fall foliage predictions for fall of 2024

The search for the suspect was on and units from the Ithaca Police Department and the New York State Police arrived at the scene to do a wide search of the surrounding area alongside sheriffs deputies. A state police helicopter and special response teams were used in the search.

Police were in contact with the Lancing Central School District and decided to delay school for two hours while the search continues, preventing students from witnessing police activity while waiting for bus pick-ups.

Superintendent Pettograsso told police that school counselors will be readily available for students due to concerns students have for their safety as a result of the delay.

As of the writing of this article, the suspect hasnt been found but was identified and charges are pending. Police will remain in the area throughout the 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Financial disclosures filed in August 2024 show organizations backing private school vouchers poured money into lobbying during the last legislative session. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Financial disclosures filed in August 2024 show organizations backing private school vouchers poured money into lobbying during the last legislative session. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Americans for Prosperity and the American Federation for Children spent around $1.125 million on lobbying during this years legislative session as both pushed for a statewide private school voucher plan.

The expenses  reported as part of a Tennessee requirement for groups to publicly disclose lobbying expenses  continue to show the out-of-state spending behind Gov. Bill Lees plan to offer students $7,200 each in state-funded private school tuition.

The Tennessee Education Association, which opposed vouchers, spent $250,000, according to reports covering the period from Jan. 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024 and filed in August.

Americans for Prosperity and the American Federation for Children are national groups running Tennessee-based operations which hire local lobbyists and political staff. As part of their lobbying expenses, Americans for Prosperity included the money it spent on mailers supporting vouchers.

Koch Industries founder Charles Koch funds Americans for Prosperity. The American Federation for Children is funded by several wealthy individuals including Jim and Alice Walton, heirs to the Walmart fortune, and Betsy DeVos, the former education secretary under President Donald Trump.

Lobbying is one element of the expensive pro-private school voucher push. During the August 2024 primary election cycle, a group called the School Freedom Fund spent over $3 million backing pro-voucher Republican candidates through independent expenditures. In total, the pro-voucher groups spent over $4.5 million in this years primaries.

Campaign finance laws allow groups to spend unlimited amounts on independent expenditures as long as they dont coordinate with the candidates they are supporting. The pro-voucher groups also use loopholes in campaign finance rules to keep some details about donations from the public. Experts refer to these groups as dark money political organizations.

Spending on primaries and lobbying escalated from previous years, when these groups were significant spenders but not always among the top.

Pro-voucher groups spent a little over $1 million in the 2022 primaries, and groups like the American Federation for Children essentially doubled their yearly lobbying expenditures in 2024 compared to past years.

Hospital and health care groups among the top spenders in 2024

Among the other top 10 spenders on lobbying in 2024, three groups lobbied in the debate about whether a state board should have the right to approve or deny new hospitals to protect nonprofit chains from for-profit competitors.

The Center for Individual Freedom and HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit hospital chain in the United States, spent almost $1 million combined on lobbying in 2024 in favor of reforming the law, while the Tennessee Hospital Association spent over $300,000 opposing it. Americans for Prosperity also lobbied in favor of reform.

HCA told the Nashville Business Journal earlier this year it would likely benefit from any change to the certificate of need law. The Tennessee Hospital Association has resisted certificate of need reform for years because many of its hospitals use profitable procedures, like heart and knee surgeries, to offset charity care costs for patients who come to emergency rooms but cant afford to pay.

Lawmakers agreed to a compromise that would allow some facilities to open in counties without hospitals without needing approval from the states certificate of need board and shrink the area that current health care facilities can claim when trying to block new types of health care services.

Other groups topping the lobbying list include Ballad Health, which is resisting increased regulation from lawmakers and the state health department on its state-approved monopoly agreement.

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Japans prime minister has demanded an explanation from Beijing over the fatal stabbing of a schoolboy in the second knife attack on Japanese children in China in recent months.

The 10-year-old boy was stabbed by a man on his way to class Wednesday about 200 meters (650 feet) from the gates of the Japanese school in the southern city of Shenzhen, according to Chinas foreign ministry.

The child, whose father is Japanese and mother is Chinese, was a Japanese national, according to the ministry. He was taken to a hospital and later died of his injuries, authorities said Thursday.

A 44-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody, Shenzhen police said in a statement. The man was unemployed and had previously been detained twice on suspicion of damaging public telecom facilities and disrupting public order, state media in Shenzhen reported Friday, citing the police.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the attack a despicable crime and a serious and grave matter, and urged China to protect Japanese people in the country.

We strongly demand that the Chinese side explain the facts of the case. As more than a day has already passed since the crime, we have instructed them to provide an explanation as soon as possible, Kishida said.

Such an incident must never be repeated. We strongly urged the Chinese side to ensure the safety of Japanese people.

At a regular news conference Thursday, Chinas foreign ministry expressed regret and heartache over what it called an unfortunate incident and extended condolences to the boys family.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the case was being investigated and called it an isolated incident.

Similar cases could happen in any country, Lin said. China has always taken, and will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals in China.

The attack took place on a sensitive date, the anniversary of the 918 incident in 1931, when Japanese soldiers blew up a Japanese-owned railway in northeast China in a pretext to capture the region.

The emotionally charged day is commemorated in China as the start of Japans invasion, with state media and officials urging the public to never forget the national humiliation.

Chinese authorities did not mention the motive for Wednesdays attack. But nationalism, xenophobia and anti-Japanese sentiment are on the rise in the country, often fanned by state media.

In June, a Chinese man wounded a Japanese woman and her child in a stabbing attack in front of a school bus in Suzhou, eastern China. A Chinese bus attendant who tried to intervene later died of her injuries.

Following that attack, Japans foreign ministry told Japanese schools in China to review their safety measures, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa told reporters Thursday.

Ahead of the 918 anniversary, Japan asked China to take thorough measures to ensure the safety of Japanese schools, so we are extremely disappointed that this incident occurred in this situation, Kamikawa said.

Public attacks against foreigners had been rare in China, but a series of high-profile stabbings have raised concerns in recent months.

Two weeks before the Japanese mother and child were attacked in Suzhou, four American college instructors were stabbed by a Chinese man at a public park in Jilin in the northeast, after he bumped into one of them, according to Chinese police.

Chinas foreign ministry has described both attacks as isolated incidents and did not release further information on the motives.

Extreme nationalism

Rooted in bitter memories of Japans invasion and brutal occupation and fueled by present-day territorial disputes, Chinese public sentiment against Japan has flared into violence before.

In 2012, anti-Japanese protests broke out across Chinese cities over contested islands in the East China Sea. In a country where authorities rarely permit protests, the nationwide rallies seemingly went ahead with a degree of at least tacit official approval. Under the watch of police officers, angry demonstrators besieged the Japanese embassy in Beijing, ransacked Japanese restaurants and smashed Japanese-made cars in numerous cities.

Chinas largest cities host many Japanese businesses and people, including Shenzhen, a tech hub home to about 3,600 Japanese residents, according to Tokyos foreign ministry.

Some Shenzhen residents expressed shock and anger that the attack took place in a city that has long served as Chinas window to the world. Some left flowers and notes of apology to the deceased child outside the gates of the Japanese school, social media posts showed on Thursday.

The recent attacks on children have also raised fresh alarm among Japanese families living in China.

In recent years, Japanese schools in China have faced growing criticism and suspicion from extreme Chinese nationalists. Some online posts have called for the schools to be shut down, while others accused them of being breeding ground for spies.

After the knife attack in Suzhou, Chinas major social media platforms launched a crackdown on online hate speech targeting Japanese, removing content and shutting accounts promoting extreme nationalism.

But anti-Japanese sentiment has persisted. Following Wednesdays stabbing, some nationalists accused Japan of directing and staging the attack, while others questioned why Japanese schools still exist in China.

As news of the attack gained traction online, censors deleted articles citing Japanese media reports, which offered more details than the terse statements from the Chinese foreign ministry and Shenzhen police.

Comments critical of Beijings push to promote nationalism have also been deleted.

When will the anti-Japanese education and propaganda finally come to an end? asked a now-deleted comment on Weibo, a microblogging site.

If this continues, who will be willing to come (to China?) said another deleted post.

Lin, the spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry, said he believed the isolated incident would not affect exchanges between China and Japan.

We always welcome people from all countries, including Japan, to visit, study, do business and live in China, he said.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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A wolf is just one of many animals some children have claimed to identify as

A schoolboy has been allowed to identify as a wolf, according to reports.

The pupil claims to suffer from species dysphoria, a non-clinical condition in which an individual feels their body belongs to a different species.

Teachers at the secondary school in Britain are understood to be supporting the childs decision, the Daily Mail reports.

A growing number of schoolchildren have asked to be officially recognised as animals including cats, foxes, birds and dinosaurs.

Tommy MacKay, a clinical neuropsychologist, told the Daily Mail: There is no such condition in science as species dysphoria.

Its not surprising that we are seeing this in an age when many people want to identify as something other than they are.

Now we have a council which appears to accept at face value that a child identifies as a wolf, rather than being told to snap out of it and get to grips with themselves, which would be the common-sense approach.

Animal persona

Official documents seen by the newspaper are said to recognise that the student now identifies as an animal.

The local authority, which has not been disclosed, said the pupil belonged to a group who called themselves furries and identified with an animal persona.

The council said a well-being worker offered personal and specific support for such cases including counselling and help with learning, adding: There is very little specific guidance on species dysphoria.

The move is in line with Scottish government guidance called Getting It Right For Every Child (Girfec), according to the council.

A well-being wheel is being used to support pupils. The wheel is a diagram used in Girfec guidance that emphasises the importance of helping children overcome inequalities.

In November last year, a school in Wales was forced to deny that it provided litter trays for children who identify as cats. Parents of around 1,000 pupils at West Monmouth School in Pontypool, South Wales, were told that the school did not provide extra facilities for pupils who might identify as an animal of any kind.

This kind of behaviour is not acceptable

In a letter, Claire Hughes, the deputy head teacher, said: It has come to our attention that there appears to be a number of queries and concerns raised within the community regarding the use of litter trays at West Monmouth School.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that we do not and will not be planning on providing any litter trays at the school.

Whilst we are an inclusive and welcoming school, we do not make any provision for any pupils who might identify as an animal of any kind.

This kind of behaviour is not acceptable at school and as such, no provision is in place at school, such as litter trays.

In 2023, a school in East Sussex reprimanded students for refusing to accept a classmates decision to self-identify as a cat. A teacher at Rye College was recorded telling pupils they were despicable for expressing their belief that there are only two genders after another pupil was believed to self-identify as a cat.

The Telegraph discovered that a pupil at a secondary school in the South West was insisting on being addressed as a dinosaur.

At another secondary school in England, a pupil insisted on identifying as a horse, while another wore a cape and wanted to be acknowledged as a moon.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has taken steps that will give the Senate the option to set up a vote next week on a government funding extension as the threat of a shutdown looms at the end of the month.

After the House failed on Wednesday to pass a six-month GOP funding plan that included a controversial measure targeting non-citizen voting, Johnson has not yet said publicly what he plans to do next, but he told reporters that he is meeting with Trump later Thursday. Trump has called for a government shutdown if lawmakers cannot get the voting measure, known as the SAVE Act, passed into law.

Im not going to discuss the conversation with President Trump, Johnson said. Im going to meet with him in a little while.

Im not going to discuss details of it yet, but were in the middle of the decision process, Johnson told reporters, when asked about a backup plan to fund the government.

As Johnson charts his next steps, two sources familiar told CNN that GOP leaders are looking at potentially moving a short-term bill into December that would not include the SAVE Act and would instead fund government at current levels and include a series of additional spending on anomalies for disaster and other immediate needs, which is what Senate Democrats have been calling for.

The sources caution that nothing is final and the speaker is still weighing his options, but after House Republicans showed they are unable to pass a bill on their own Wednesday, there isnt much more leverage available. Many swing district Republicans have been clear with Johnson they dont want a shutdown in the final weeks ahead of the election.

Senate GOP Whip John Thune told CNN, My guess is the House will now, I hope, move to Plan B and give us something to work with. On timing, Thune said he thinks the House will act early next week in time for us to act. He added that it would be helpful for everybody if the House goes first.

Schumer criticized the Johnsons handling of the issue, saying at a news conference that the speaker totally flopped right on his face by trying and failing to pass the GOP plan.

Schumer did not say if hes spoken directly to Johnson about next steps, nor would he say if he is trying to get relief for natural disasters or more money for the embattled Secret Service into the bill. Not going to negotiate in public on this issue, he said.

GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has called for Republicans to shut down the government if they cant pass the voting measure known as the SAVE Act.

Many Democrats are pushing for an extension into December that would not include the SAVE Act, which is viewed as a non-starter in the Senate.

House Republicans dont seem to have any plan for actually keeping the government open, so the Senate will step in, Schumer said in floor remarks. Both sides are going to spend the next few days trying to figure out the best path remaining for keeping the government open. By filing today, Im giving the Senate maximum flexibility for preventing a shutdown.

Johnson, fresh off the defeat on the House floor on Wednesday, said he will draw up another play.

Im already talking to colleagues about their many ideas. We have time to fix the situation, and well get right to it. Im disappointed, he told reporters.

Johnson is under pressure as he navigates a narrow majority and as Trump pushes for the SAVE Act, which comes as the former president continues to sow doubts over election integrity in the run-up to November.

If Republicans dont get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form, Trump said on Truth Social earlier on Wednesday ahead of the House vote.

Schumer was asked about Trumps demand to congressional Republicans that they force a government shutdown if the voting proposal isnt passed alongside the funding measure.

Many Republican House members, as many of you have reported, are smart enough to know if there is a shutdown, it will be a Republican shutdown. That they know people know Democrats dont want a shutdown. And they realize that Donald Trump when it comes to legislating, doesnt know what the heck hes talking about, he said.

There will not be a shutdown. There never is a shutdown  hardly ever is a shutdown, said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois. But the fact that we have to come to the brink so many times is really embarrassing to the Congress.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Morgan Rimmer, Annie Grayer and Lauren Fox contributed to this report.

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Sean "Diddy" Combs is used to living in multimillion-dollar mansions. His new home is a notorious federal jail in New York City known for extreme violence and abominable medical care.

The Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn was the scene of two fatal stabbings in two months over the summer. And in April, MS-13 gang members stabbed an inmate 44 times in a shocking attack that was caught on camera.

The victim was one of the lucky ones: He survived.

The situation at the Metropolitan Detention Center, known as the MDC, has gotten so bad that judges have refused to send certain nonviolent inmates there.

Chaos reigns, U.S. District Judge Gary Brown wrote in a decision last month blasting the conditions at the facility, along with uncontrolled violence.

The detention center has housed a number of high-profile inmates in recent years, including Sam Bankman-Fried, R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell. They are kept in a segregated unit outside of the general population. Still, the conditions are horrid across the facility, according to interviews with more than a half-dozen defense lawyers and a review of court documents.

I have a client who spent 25 years in federal prison somewhere else, and hes like, 'Get me the hell out of the MDC,' defense lawyer Xavier Donaldson said. It has a way of breaking people.

A judge on Tuesday ordered Combs, who has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering, to be held without bail. Combs lawyers appealed, but the ruling was upheld Wednesday. That means he is likely to remain at the MDC until he goes to trial.

The facility came under the spotlight in the winter of 2019 when a power outage left inmates without light or heat for a full week during a brutal cold snap. Conditions for the detainees continued to deteriorate during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they were subjected to 24-hour lockdowns.

In 2021, the Justice Department shut down the citys other federal jail, the Metropolitan Correctional Center, two years after disgraced financier Jeffrey Epsteins death by suicide.

The Metropolitan Detention Center on Feb. 4, 2019 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

With the most violent federal offenders in New York now housed in the same facility and officials struggling to hire enough corrections officers, the MDC has only become more dangerous, according to defense lawyers and the head of the corrections officers union.

The agency as a whole has failed to assist MDC Brooklyn with the staffing crisis, hence allowing MDC Brooklyn to fail, the union head, Rhonda Barnwell, wrote in a memo to Bureau of Prisons officials in June 2023. What are you waiting for? Another loss of inmate life?

Her questions proved prophetic.

First came the stabbing on April 27, which was caught on surveillance cameras.

The victim was sitting alone at a table when a man sneaked up behind him and pulled out a shiv from his waistband. The man, whom prosecutors identified as an MS-13 gang member, stabbed the victim multiple times. Two other alleged MS-13 members pulled out homemade knives and joined in the attack, according to surveillance video obtained by NBC News.

It went on for about 37 seconds until a corrections officer showed up in the housing unit, causing the attackers to flee. The unidentified victim sustained about 44 stab wounds to his back, chest, abdomen, right arm and legs, according to federal prosecutors.

Two shivs were recovered  one 10.5 inches in length, the other 5.5 inches long. The lead attacker was identified as Luis Rivas, who is serving a 40-year sentence for a host of gang-related crimes, including nearly decapitating a 16-year-old boy in Queens, New York.

A 5.5-inch flat metal item that had been sharpened to a point was recovered from the defendant and one of the other assailants.

A 10.5-inch metal object that had been sharpened to a point was recovered from the defendant and one of the other assailants.

The stabbing marked the start of a spate of deadly violence.

On June 7, another inmate, Uriel Whyte, was fatally stabbed in the neck at the MDC, according to the Bureau of Prisons and the chief medical examiners office. Less than six weeks later, Edwin Cordero, 36, was stabbed by another inmate. He died July 17 of a stab wound to the chest, according to the medical examiner.

Mr. Cordero was a victim of MDC Brooklyns deplorable conditions, which are fueled by chronic overcrowding and understaffing, said his lawyer, Andrew Dalack. Until the federal government gets its act together to make the conditions at MDC Brooklyn more humane and secure, the solution is simple: Far fewer people should be detained there, period.

A spokesman said the Bureau of Prisons "takes seriously addressing the staffing and other challenges at MDC Brooklyn."

"That is why, earlier this year, the director appointed an Urgent Action Team to take a holistic look at the challenges at MDC Brooklyn," the spokesman added. "The teams work is ongoing, but it has already increased permanent staffing at the institution (including COs and medical staff), addressed over 700 backlogged maintenance requests, and applied a continued focus on the issues raised in two recent judicial decisions."

A series of cases of alleged medical neglect have drawn the ire of judges over the past year.

An inmate, Terrence Wise, was found to have a mass in his chest in February. But he wasnt told of the mass or provided any medical care for two months  even after he started coughing up blood, according to court records. He was eventually sent in April to a hospital, where he learned the cancerous mass had nearly doubled in size, according to court documents.

In another case, an inmate endured hours of extreme pain, with the MDC staff ignoring his cries for help, after his appendix burst in April. He was then forced to recover from surgery without pain medication, according to court documents.

This is not an anomaly, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall said at a hearing for the inmate, Jonathan Goulbourne, in May, according to the New York Daily News. "I am tired of hearing the defendants that are held at the MDC are not being provided with the necessary medical treatment."

A statute in the federal court system requires defendants who are out on bail to be remanded to jail after they are convicted. But in January, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman went so far as to cite the conditions at the MDC as an "exceptional" circumstance that allowed him to leave a defendant on house arrest ahead of imposing a sentence.

Furman cited the facility's dreadful conditions and said it has been found to be egregiously slow in providing necessary medical and mental health treatment to inmates to justify his decision not to send a man convicted of drug trafficking to the MDC.

Judge Brown offered an even more scathing assessment of the Brooklyn facility in his decision last month in which he vowed to place a convicted fraudster on house arrest if the man were to be placed at the MDC to serve his nine-month sentence.

Brown described the conditions as dangerous and barbaric. He also noted that each of the five months preceding his opinion was marred by instances of catastrophic violence at MDC, including two apparent homicides, two gruesome stabbings and an assault so severe that it resulted in a fractured eye socket for the victim.

The activities precipitating these attacks are nearly as unthinkable and terrifying as the ensuing injuries: drug debt collection, fights over illegal narcotics, resisting an organized gang robbery, internecine gang disputes and as-yet-unidentified brawls," he added in his written opinion.

The lawyer for defendant Daniel Collucci praised Brown.

He asked a lot of questions, did a lot of research and satisfied himself that that place is a hellhole, said the lawyer, Richard Kestenbaum.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Michigan judge set aside a default judgment that would have required Sean "Diddy" Combs to pay a Michigan inmate $100 million. (Mark Von Holden / Invision / Associated Press)

Sean "Diddy" Combs may be facing the heat of a damning sex-trafficking indictment, but the disgraced music mogul also landed a legal win in Michigan.

A Lenawee County circuit court judge decided Wednesday to set aside the default judgment that required the Bad Boy Records founder to pay $100 million to a Michigan inmate who sued Diddy over a sexual assault. Last week, Judge Anna Marie Anzalone had ordered Combs, 54, to pay accuser Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith $10 million a month starting in October after the mogul failed to show for a civil court hearing.

Read more: Sean Diddy Combs denied bail after pleading not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering charges

Attorneys for Combs filed an 83-page motion on Sept. 13 to vacate the judgment, alleging that Cardello-Smith, 51, did not properly serve Combs in accordance with Michigan law. The motion also claimed that the rapper had learned about the lawsuit only from reports about the large default settlement.

A legal representative for Combs did not comment to The Times on Wednesday. The Times was unable to contact Cardello-Smith, who filed his case against Combs without an attorney.

This week, Combs' defense alerted the court of alleged inconsistencies with Cardello-Smith's proof of service, alleging he had altered documents necessary for the court to hand down the default judgment, The Times was told.

Cardello-Smith is serving time in the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility for numerous criminal sexual offenses. He sued Combs in June, alleging he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Diddy during a June 1997 gathering at a Holiday Inn in Michigan.

Read more: Sean 'Diddy' Combs hit with $100-million default judgment in inmate's sexual assault suit

In his complaint, Cardello-Smith alleged that Combs touched him on his left buttock and offered him a spiked drink. After he accepting the drink, Cardello-Smith said, he passed out. He alleged that when he came to, he saw Combs having sex with a woman. The rapper allegedly said, "I did this to you too," according to the lawsuit.

Prior to filing this lawsuit, Cardello-Smith had been sentenced three times in Minnesota criminal court, each time after entering a plea agreement or pleading no contest. Charges against him run from criminal sexual conduct in the third degree to kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct in the first degree during commission of a felony. Five of the offenses occurred in September and October 1997, the same year as the alleged incident with Combs.

In last week's motion, attorneys for Combs described Cardello-Smiths allegations as objectively unbelievable, adding that the complaint provides a narrative that is impossible to follow. Prior to that, Combs' attorney Marc Agnifilo dubbed Cardello-Smith a "convicted felon and sexual predator" in a statement shared with The Times.

In addition to the pricey default settlement, Anzalone also set aside a temporary restraining order that Cardello-Smith had requested in August against the embattled entrepreneur. A hearing for the case is set for next month.

Read more: What to know about the Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrest, lawsuits, raids

Still, Diddy's legal woes are far from over.

The rapper, whose alleged history of sexual assault has come to light in the last year, was arrested Monday amid a sweeping federal probe into allegations of sex-trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to all charges  three counts of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution  in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Tuesday.

Combs will remain in a federal jail in Brooklyn, N.Y., pending trial, despite his attorney's requests for house arrest and bail on a $50-million bond.

Times staff writers Richard Winton and Hannah Fry contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers are desperate to get him out of notorious Brooklyn jail

Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs say they will keep fighting to have their client freed from the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., where other high profile defendants have also stayed.

Im not going to let him sit in that jail a day longer than he has to, said defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo outside a New York federal courtroom Wednesday.

His team wanted Combs to be placed on house arrest with a $50-million bond, but their request was denied.

U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter said Wednesday that a bail package that would have kept the hip-hop mogul under house arrest in his Star Island mansion in Miami  with security and no access to cellphones, internet or women apart from his family  was insufficient to release him pending trial.

Read more: A wall of secrets may crumble as feds call out enablers of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' alleged sex crimes

The facility, which has housed inmates including R. Kelly and Jeffrey Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, has a history of violence and squalid conditions.

In a letter to the court, Combs lawyers said that comparing him to Kelly and Maxwell  both of whom served time in the Brooklyn federal lockup while awaiting trial for sex trafficking  were not fair.

Sean Combs has never evaded, avoided, eluded, or run from a challenge in his life. He will not start now, Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, Combs lawyers, said in a letter to Carter on Wednesday.

The lawyers said there were major differences between Combs case and the others because Combs is not accused of trafficking minors.

Since March, he has even kept prosecutors informed of all his domestic flights and on Sept. 5, he moved into a Manhattan hotel knowing an indictment was likely coming.

Read more: What to know about the Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrest, lawsuits, raids

Citing past killings and suicides at the facility, Combs' attorneys argued he should not be kept there.

The courts "have recognized that the conditions at Metropolitan Detention Facility in Brooklyn are not fit for pre-trial detention," Combs attorneys argued in court documents.

In a ruling in August, U.S. District Judge Gary Brown said that allegations about the federal lockup involving "inadequate supervision, unbridled assaults and lack of sufficient medical care are supported by an increasing body of evidence, with certain instances that are irrefutable. He continued, Each of the five months preceding this opinion was marred by instances of catastrophic violence at MDC, including two apparent homicides, two gruesome stabbings and an assault so severe that it resulted in a fractured eye socket for the victim.

The detention center houses about 1,800 inmates.

Prosecutors have alleged that MDC was the scene of sexual assaults by guards on female inmates, according to the Associated Press. A federal magistrate in 2016 was reluctant to send a woman there, citing a report that said there was an absence of fresh, clean air, the complete absence of sunlight, and the absence of ANY outdoor time and activities.

Combs has been the subject of a sweeping federal probe since at least the beginning of the year and was arrested in New York on Monday.

Prosecutors unsealed their indictment against Combs on Tuesday, charging him with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail during that hearing as well.

Read more: Sean Combs abused women during 'freak offs' involving male prostitutes, drugs, violence, feds allege

The indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship. Combs then allegedly used force, threats of force, coercion and controlled substances to get them to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes in what Combs referred to as freak offs. Combs is accused of giving the women ketamine, ecstasy and GHB to keep them obedient and compliant during the performances.

The encounters, which prosecutors said sometimes lasted for days, were elaborate productions that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during and often recorded, according to the indictment. Prosecutors allege in a detention memo filed in court that the sex performances occurred regularly from at least 2009 through this year and that the hotel rooms where they were staged often sustained significant damage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Cassie Ventura, left, and Sean "Diddy" Combs arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story" at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills on June 21, 2017. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP)

Sean "Diddy" Combs will stay locked up in an infamous New York federal jail on sex-trafficking and racketeering charges after his attorney's request to have him put on house arrest with a $50-million bond failed.

U.S. District Court Judge Andrew L. Carter said Wednesday that a bail package that would have kept the hip-hop mogul under house arrest in his Star Island mansion in Miami  with security and no access to cellphones, internet or women apart from his family  was insufficient to release him pending trial.

Combs has been the subject of a sweeping federal probe since at least the beginning of the year and was arrested in New York on Monday. He arrived at the courthouse Wednesday from his cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The facility, which has housed inmates including R. Kelly, Michael Cohen and Jeffrey Epstein, has a history of violence and squalid conditions.

Prosecutors unsealed their indictment against Combs on Tuesday, charging him with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail during that hearing as well.

The indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship. Combs then allegedly used force, threats of force, coercion and controlled substances to get them to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes in what Combs referred to as "freak offs." Combs is accused of giving the women ketamine, Ecstasy and GHB to "keep them obedient and compliant" during the performances.

The encounters, which prosecutors said sometimes lasted for days, were elaborate productions that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often recorded, according to the indictment. Prosecutors allege in a detention memo filed in court that the sex performances occurred regularly from at least 2009 through this year and that the hotel rooms where they were staged often sustained significant damage.

During searches of Combs' homes in Miami and Los Angeles in March, according to the indictment, authorities seized narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant that Combs' staff would stock in hotel rooms for the sex encounters.

It was an incident during one of these productions in 2016 in Los Angeles that prosecutors point to as evidence that Combs is a danger and cannot be trusted to be released from custody.

In an incident captured on security video, Combs' former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura  identified only as Victim One in the indictment  is seen running down an InterContinental Hotel hallway before Combs catches up to her, repeatedly strikes her and throws a vase at her.

In court Wednesday, Judge Carter described the video of Combs assaulting Ventura as troubling.

Combs' attorneys said in court documents Tuesday arguing for his release that the woman in the video had struck him in the head and stolen his clothes after finding a picture of another girlfriend on his phone.

One of Combs' attorneys, Marc Agnifilo, told the judge Wednesday that, at the time of the video, Combs had problems with anger and drug addiction. Agnifilo said Combs and the woman seen in the video loved each other, had gone to rehab together, and had chosen to be intimate with a third person together.

But prosecutors painted a different picture, saying the video, first broadcast by CNN in May, showed a woman trying to escape coerced sex with Combs and a paid sex worker. They said Combs tried to unsuccessfully silence one of the hotel's security staff with a bribe and, on Wednesday, said Combs had threatened two other victims with releasing videos of them if they cooperated with authorities.

Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorney Marc Agnifilo exits Manhattan federal court on Tuesday after Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky denied Combs' request for bail after the rapper pleaded not guilty to federal charges accusing him of sex trafficking, transporting for the purpose of engaging in prostitution and racketeering. Photo by Louis Lanzano/UPI

Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain jailed while awaiting trial in the Southern District of New York federal court on sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation charges.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter Jr. denied Combs' request for a $50 million bail amount after prosecutors said he is a flight risk, a danger to the community and might intimidate witnesses and obstruct justice.

Carter ordered Combs to remain in detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while awaiting trial and throughout the trial's duration.

Combs' 14-page indictment, in which prosecutors accuse him of sex trafficking by force, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution, was unsealed Tuesday.

Federal prosecutors accuse Combs, 54, of establishing a "criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in ... sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice."

Justin Combs, son of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, exits the Manhattan federal courthouse after his father pleaded not guilty and was denied bail during his arraignment hearing Tuesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The charges arise from allegations that Combs and others held sex parties that Combs called "freak offs" that included distributing drugs, transporting sex workers across state and international boundaries and forcing women to participate.

If convicted, Combs faces potentially more than two life sentences in federal prison.

Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain in custody at a detention center in Brooklyn, N.Y.. throughout his trial after two federal judges denied his $50 million bail request in separate decisions Tuesday and late Wednesday. File Photo by Jason Szenes/UPI

Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges against him during an arraignment hearing Tuesday in the federal courthouse in Manhattan .

U.S. District Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied Combs' bail request Tuesday, but his attorneys appealed the ruling, which Judge Carter denied.

Tarnofsky said the crimes of which Combs is accused happen "behind closed doors" when initially ordering him to remain in custody.

Combs' defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued his client is "trustworthy" and could secure the $50 million bail with his Miami mansion worth an estimated $48 million.

Agnifilo also sought restricted travel for Combs, home detention and restricted visits from women if he were released.

The defense attorney said Combs sold his private plane and gave him his passport to hold along with the passports of five of his relatives.

Federal prosecutors accused Combs of trying to bribe security staff and threatening and interfering with witnesses of the alleged criminal acts.
Search for man missing in Kingston ends

KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Kingston police were searching for a man reported missing Thursday.

37-year-old Thomas Ogrodnick Jr. was reported missing by his family after last hearing from him on Monday, September 16.

Ogrodnick Jr. has since been found, Kingston Police tells 28/22 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 PAhomepage.com.
Miles Hudson, the infamous "Belltown Hellcat," is once again facing legal scrutiny in Seattle as new complications arise in his criminal case.

Hudson, who has earned notoriety for his reckless driving and defiance of court orders, is now under investigation for failing to meet multiple conditions of his court-ordered electronic home monitoring (EHM) as his criminal case continues.

On Sept. 13, Hudson missed a compliance appointment with the Seattle Electronic Home Monitoring Program, according to court documents.

Hudson also failed to provide critical documentation, including proof of employment with his mothers company, Emerald City Transitional Services, as well as court-ordered therapy records from a previous criminal conviction in Renton. Hudson was also unable to produce a time card or paystub, raising doubts about his claim of working from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., hours deemed "odd" for the type of work he says he does for his mother  moving elderly residents into new homes.

A report filed with the court by Sentinel read:

"On 09/13/2024 Miles Hudson reported for a compliance appointment. Mr. Hudson failed to provide proof of him working for his Mother and from his therapy ordered through Renton Municipal Court, Mr. Hudson did not provide a timecard or a paystub to show the time and dates worked. Mr. Hudson is requesting to be out from 5 pm to 3 am, which is considered odd hours of operations especially for him moving elderly into newer homes. As a result Sentinel is asking the court for approval to allow Miles Hudson to be out for work from 5 pm to 3 am."

The court will now decide whether to approve Hudsons request to be released from his apartment during these hours, a move that has sparked further skepticism due to his ongoing pattern of defiance.

Hudson, who was previously spotted violating a judge's order by driving his modified Dodge Charger on Seattle streets and posting to social media, remains under strict monitoring.

Hudsons pretrial hearing is scheduled for October, where Judge Andrea Chin will address his ongoing violations. If found non-compliant, Hudson risks facing additional penalties, including potential jail time for disregarding court orders.

The Seattle community has been vocal in its frustrations with Hudson, whose reckless behavior and loud car have disrupted neighborhoods, particularly in Belltown.

With a history of cyberstalking, harassment and reckless driving charges, Hudsons legal battles continue to attract attention as the city watches closely for the court's next move.

MORE BELLTOWN HELLCAT' NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

'Belltown Hellcat' spotted on tow truck in Kent: Reddit

Miles Hudson cites 'mistaken identity' to overturn judgment

Renton issues 25K warrant for 'Belltown Hellcat' amid criminal charges

Seattle judge grants evidentiary hearing for 'Belltown Hellcat's' 83K default judgment

'Belltown Hellcat' arrested at Seattle court hearing, banned from Instagram

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle newsletter.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Explosions rang out in Lebanon Wednesday at a funeral for leaders of the terror group Hezbollah, who were killed by exploding pagers just the day before.

We were not involved in yesterdays incidents or todays in any way, said John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White Houses National Security Council.

Kirby said thats the only information he can release.

I dont have anything more to share today, he said.

However, Middle East officials confirmed Wednesdays explosions also came from electronic devices, blowing up walkie talkies and solar equipment. They said these attacks have now killed more than two dozen people, including children and healthcare workers, with thousands more injured.

Lebanon and Hezbollah are blaming Israel.

These attacks are increasing fears across the globe that the conflict could escalate into all-out war.

We remain very clear about the importance of all parties avoiding any steps that could further escalate the conflict that we are trying to resolve, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In Egypt Wednesday, Blinken said the U.S. is analyzing how these attacks could impact a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

We have made a tremendous amount of progress over the past month, month and half, Blinken said.

Israeli officials said they are starting a new phase in the war and did not comment on these recent explosions.

We want to see the war end, Kirby 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 Queen City News.
The Old Capitol is a landmark at the University of Iowa and part of the official university logo. (Photo courtesy of the University of Iowa)

Iowa Writers 'Collaborative. Linking Iowa readers and writers.

Thirty-three years ago on a snowy Friday in November, the nightmare of mass school shootings shocked Iowa like it has never been shocked before.

It was 3:40 p.m. A former University of Iowa graduate student with a brilliant scientific mind, and a .38-caliber revolver, walked into a conference room in Van Allen Hall, the home of the universitys renowned Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Gang Lu, a native of China, pulled the revolver from his coat and in quick succession fatally shot two professors, Christoph Goertz and Robert Smith, and another Chinese grad student, Linhua Shan, who were seated at the large conference table. A handful of others in the room were spared.

Lu then walked down a flight of stairs to the office of the department chairman, Dwight Nicholson, where he fired a bullet into Nicholsons head, killing him.

Lu left the building and walked a couple of blocks west to Jessup Hall, the main U of I administration building. He went to the office of the associate vice president for academic affairs and mortally wounded T. Anne Cleary. On his way out, he paused to shoot a student clerical worker, Miya Rodolfo-Sioson, leaving her paralyzed.

With police officers closing in, Lu went upstairs to an empty classroom. There, he killed himself with a single bullet.

The gunfire was over  but the questions began.

Officials openness snuffed out misinformation, rumors

Gang Lus cold, methodical plan comes to mind today not just because of the magnitude of the awful events in Iowa City, nor because this crime spree was eight years before the massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado came to symbolize school violence.

The Iowa City events merit our review because prosecutors and law enforcement officials back then began providing details and analysis that evening of Nov. 1, 1991. In the days to follow, officials allayed fears and snuffed out rumors and suspicions with facts, details and first-hand accounts.

The response back then is markedly different from the way investigators clamped down on information and answers in the wake of the school killings in Perry last Jan. 4. Such shootings are not new in Iowa, but access to authoritative information to help communities understand these tragedies has changed.

Eight months after the Perry tragedy, parents, teachers and taxpayers have been stymied by the unwillingness of officials to provide authoritative information. Community pressure likely forced Dallas County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie to change her mind last week and now say she will release a summary of state investigators findings and conclusions.

State agents have finished their investigation. But Ritchie said she needs more time to decide whether criminal charges are warranted. She will not say when that will occur or how detailed her summary will be.

We know a Perry student, Dylan Butler, 17, fatally wounded high school principal Dan Marburger and sixth-grader Ahmir Jolliff. He also wounded two other school employees and five other students, but their names have not been confirmed. The horrible events ended when Butler took his own life.

Perry residents still do not know where, when or how Butler obtained the shotgun and pistol he had on Jan. 4. Residents still do not know whether rumors of Butler being bullied by some students are accurate. They still do not know whether his parents were aware he had the guns. Nor does the public know whether Butler was having mental health problems.

Perry and Iowa City are a study of contrasts

By contrast, consider the details made public in the days immediately after the awful afternoon in Iowa City. The morning after the killings, The Daily Iowan, the student newspaper, filled a four-page special section with details.

Three days after the shootings, the New York Times reported Johnson County Attorney J. Patrick White said of Gang Lu, He had a personal belief that guns were an important means to an individual to redress grievances.

When the first officer found Lus body in Jessup Hall, White said, Lu was still carrying the .38-caliber revolver used in the killings, as well as a loaded .22-caliber handgun.

The Times report included details from County Sheriff Robert Carpenter, who said records showed Lu purchased the .38-caliber revolver at an Iowa City sporting goods store five months before the killings. While Lu legally owned the two guns, he did not have a permit to carry them, Carpenter said.

White said Lu left a three-page letter in which all but one of his victims were named. The letter also included the name of U of I President Hunter Rawlings III, whose office was down the hall from Clearys. Rawlings was out of town that day.

The Times quoted White as portraying Lu as a darkly disturbed man who drove himself to success and destruction. Despite the perception he was an outstanding scholar in space physics, White said there was a sinister edge to Lus character well before the shootings.

The day after the killings, White told reporters the evidence shows Lu planned to murder faculty members who did not nominate him for an academic prize and who did not take his side in his appeal to reverse the decision to award the prize to Shan.

His state of mind was that of a premeditated, cold-blooded murderer, White said.

The Los Angeles Times reported on the final words Lu left before the killings. His comments were in the letter released by police after the shootings.

Lu wrote: I have finished what I am supposed to do here, which is to make right what was once wrong. So long, my friends, maybe we will meet again in another time at another place.

The letter helped the people of Iowa City understand what was going through Lus mind that terrible day. They learned this in the days immediately after the shootings. They did not have to wait eight months for answers.

Randy Evans is a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative and his columns may be found on his blog, Stray Thoughts.

Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors blogs to support their work.
Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., center, accompanied by Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ., left, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, center-left, and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., right, speaks about the need to protect rights to in vitro fertilization (IVF), on the Senate steps at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. | Ben Curtis

Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump called himself a leader on IVF at the presidential debate, while drawing a comparison with Vice President Kamala Harris on womens health issues.

His statement came months after Republicans in the Senate blocked a bill that would establish in vitro fertilization as a right, and after Democrats claimed Republicans were against fertility treatments.

The Senate blocked another IVF bill on Tuesday in a 51-44 vote that required 60 votes to pass. Only two Republicans  Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine  voted in support of the Right to IVF Act, which would establish a right to receive fertility treatment from a health care provider and empower the Justice Department to pursue lawsuits against those who hamper that right.

Republicans who opposed the bill argue they support IVF treatments, but dont favor putting mandates on insurance companies.

Democrats and Republicans support IVF. So, whats the issue?

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said the Democrats used the bill as a messaging opportunity, as Politico reported. The Republican senator added the bill included poison pills that Republicans find unacceptable.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the Republican whip, said Democrats are trying to politicize the issue.

Let me remind everybody that Republicans support IVF, full stop, Thune said prior to the vote, according to The Associated Press.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump loyalist from Georgia, defended Senate Republicans by saying shes against health care for all.

I think thats opening up a door that Republicans arent willing to open. Im not for government-mandated funding of IVF, she added, as NBC News reported.

Second time IVF bill blocked by Senate GOP

Republicans had blocked the same bill from passing earlier in June, but Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer forced a vote on it again.

Ahead of the Tuesday vote, Schumer, in a dear colleagues letter obtained by Punchbowl News, said, The American people deserve another chance to see if Senate Republicans will back up their words and vote for access to IVF or vote against it. Its that simple.

His move came after Trump vowed to require insurance companies to cover IVF treatments. Im announcing today in a major statement that 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, Trump said at a Michigan event last month. Because we want more babies, to put it nicely.

Why did Democrats propose an IVF bill?

Democrats proposed the bill earlier this year after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos should be considered as an unborn child under state law. The decision led IVF treatment clinics to pause their work, affecting millions of Americans who face infertility. Alabama lawmakers then passed another law with protections for IVF treatments and providers.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who introduced the U.S. Senate bill, said, Republicans proved that when the rubber meets the road they will do anything to get out of actually passing legislation that would protect womens right to access reproductive care.

In 2021, more than 86,000 infants, or 2.3% of infants born in the U.S., were conceived through treatments like IVF, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speaks to members of the media while visiting the State Departments Salt Lake City Passport Fair at the Bennett Federal Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney and his colleagues are attempting to curb widespread fraud by ending a COVID-19-era tax credit.

The Employee Retention Tax Credit, or ERTC  created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, and later expanded in 2020 and 2021  is a refundable credit available to businesses that paid wages during the height of the pandemic in 2020.

What is the Employee Retention Tax Credit Repeal Act?

The U.S. Department of Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network in a November 2023 report said more than $2.8 billion of potentially fraudulent ERTC claims have been under investigation.

Since this tax credit has a track record of attracting fraud, Romney said he thinks lawmakers will welcome the Employee Retention Tax Credit Repeal Act with open arms. The proposed bill will prevent the IRS from processing ERTC claims filed after Jan. 31, 2024, and expand penalties on fraud.

In a rare moment of widespread agreement in Washington, almost all members of Congress agree that we should eliminate the ERTC  which has been pervaded by fraud and cost nearly 200% more than originally projected, said Romney, R-Utah.

Stealing from the government is stealing from hardworking taxpayers. Instead of repurposing ERTC funds for future spending programs, we should eliminate this plagued credit now to lower our national debt.

What has the IRS said about ERTC and fraud?

In March this year, the IRS issued a warning to businesses to keep clear of unscrupulous and aggressive promoters who want to file questionable claims.

We remain concerned that unscrupulous promoters and numerous myths about eligibility for this credit could put well-meaning businesses at risk, said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. He warned employers should review the eligibility requirements before filing a claim for the ERTC.

Relying on a marketer who is looking to take a hefty percentage fee of the potential claim adds risk for well-meaning businesses given the ongoing IRS compliance work, Werfel added. During a private meeting with the Senate Finance Committee, Werfel admitted roughly 95% of the ERTC claims for this tax break were fraudulent, as The Associated Press reported.

Who else has cosponsored this bill?

Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., are co-sponsors of the bill. Tillis called the bill a critical step toward addressing Americas debt crisis.

Its past time to eliminate this fraud-ridden pandemic-era policy so we can concentrate on getting our fiscal house in order, he said.

Manchin remarked on the need for practical and timely solutions and highlighted a clear step forward for the IRS.

Congress established the ERTC during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage businesses to retain employees during such unprecedented circumstances, he said. As President Biden formally ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May 2023, its time for the IRS to move on, too.
Senate committee votes unanimously to hold Steward CEO in contempt of Congress

WASHINGTON (WPRI)  Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey and the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted Thursday to hold Steward CEO Dr. Ralph De La Torre in both civil and criminal contempt of Congress.

De La Torre failed to comply with the committees subpoena and was absent from last weeks hearing. The Texas-based hospital group operated about 30 hospitals nationwide and filed for bankruptcy in May.

Members of the Senate committee investigating Steward Health Cares financial issues voted unanimously to adopt two resolutions to hold De La Torre in contempt: one for civil enforcement and another for certification to the United States Attorney for criminal contempt.

Both resolutions will now go to the full Senate for a vote.

BACKGROUND: Senate committee to vote to hold Steward Health Care CEO in contempt

De La Torre has cited the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings as the reason for his refusal to testify.

Lawmakers have been vocal about his refusal with Senator Markey writing on social media on Wednesday, Dr. De la Torre remains in violation of our subpoena. I look forward to holding him accountable with tomorrows contempt vote.

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Sens. Tara Durant and Christie New Craig speaking at a Senate Education and Health Committee meeting on Sept. 17, 2024. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

A Senate committee meeting in Richmond focused on investigating the wave of Israel-Hamas war protests at several Virginia colleges and universities turned intense on Tuesday, as public testimonies extended beyond the scope of the events last spring and some Republican lawmakers accused the committee of excluding law enforcement officials from the dialogue.

Republicans on the Senate Education and Health Committee also opposed the hearings rules, which would not allow committee members to ask university and college representatives questions during their six-minute testimonies.

At the start of the hearing, committee chair Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, told lawmakers their questions would be submitted to the university reps after the testimonies were provided. She also added that law enforcement and campus police were invited to speak because they were included in the committees invitation to the universities.

We learn very little when there is an effort to just grab 30-second bites, and the opportunity to dive deeply into issues is something were not afforded during a General Assembly session, she said, but we have that opportunity now in a meeting that is really meant to develop insights and to dig deeper into and really learn from lived experiences of individuals who are sharing it today.

Sen. Ghazala Hashmi speaking at a Senate Education and Health Committee meeting on Sept. 17, 2024. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

On Tuesday, the committee listened to testimony from five university representatives who shared their responses to the demonstrations, and details about the involvement of law enforcement and campus police, institutional policies on public demonstrations and free speech, and their history of modifying their policies.

The committee also heard from multiple speakers in person and online who shared their negative experiences at the demonstrations, including some people who were arrested. The committee heard from 30 speakers in total.

Republicans said that the meeting, which was organized mostly by Democratic senators, was one-sided. They pointed to speakers remarks about police brutality, genocide, and claimed none of the speakers were Jewish, despite several speakers being from the Jewish community.

I hope we can continue this conversation, said Sen. Christie New Craig, R-Chesapeake. I hope we can bring everybody together because fact-finding means everyone has to come together to figure out a way to find a resolution to this. So Im praying that we can do that.

Sen. Mark Peake speaking at a Senate Education and Health Committee meeting on Sept. 17, 2024. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, and other Republicans questioned the chair about the decision to hold questions and not directly invite law enforcement. Peake left the room for 15 minutes after the university representatives finished their remarks.

I needed to calm down, Peake said, adding that he initially believed the committee would have been able to question the speakers.

Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole was in attendance, while members of the Capitol Police provided security. Cole said he looks forward to discussing officers role in the protests and noted that members of some campus law enforcement teams were assaulted and hit with bear spray, hammers, and rocks.

During Tuesdays hearing, Senate Republicans released a statement urging their Democratic counterparts to immediately stop this unacceptable attempt to legislate in secrecy. A new committee should be convened where law enforcement and Jewish community representatives can present, and Senators can ask questions.

No Democratic lawmakers expressed opposition to how the hearing was run. House lawmakers are scheduled to have a similar meeting on Sept. 26.

In May, lawmakers in both chambers formed select committees to examine campus safety at Virginias colleges and universities after more than 125 people were arrested last spring at four campuses  the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia.

Over the past several months, demonstrators and faculty members have criticized college administrators and law enforcement for their handling of anti-war protests, including using pepper spray to clear encampments. Demonstrators have largely called for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, highlighting the deaths of thousands of Israeli and Palestinian citizens, and urged an end to the anti-semetic activity on campuses.

Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, expressed concern about trying to legislate institutions responses to the protests.

Im not sure we should have a legislative policy on this, VanValkenburg said, adding that Virginia universities are wildly different and since case law on the subject is evolving, the legislature shouldnt be overly prescriptive.

Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole speaking at a Senate Education and Health Committee meeting on on Sept. 17, 2024. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

No future meeting date was set at the end of Tuesdays committee hearing. Hashmi said testimonies and existing policies will be compiled for the committee to consider. The list of speakers for a future meeting has not been arranged.

I think overall, our colleges and universities have good policies in place thats part of their requirements, and theyve done that for decades, and there may not be a need to correct anything, she said.

Her main concern, Hashmi said, are new policies that have been implemented without going through that process of shared governance, and thats what I want to catalog and assess whats happened, and then see how the universities are going to address that.

The American Association of University Professors Chapter at the University of Virginia has criticized UVAs administration for working to implement new disciplinary and protest policies with no student input from faculty members and students, according to an Aug. 21 letter to the president and provost.

Walt Heinecke, immediate past president of the AAUP UVA Chapter, said the chapter is continuing to urge the Faculty Senate to reject the policy changes made by the universitys Faculty Senate Executive Council at its upcoming meeting on Friday, adding, we believe the policy changes should be suspended until faculty, students and staff fully vet them.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Thursday that he will act later in the day to advance a bipartisan government funding bill after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) failed to pass a partisan six-month funding measure that was tied to voter registration reform.

Schumer said the Senate now may have to act first to avoid a government shutdown, even though government funding bills are supposed to originate in the House.

Later today, Ill file cloture on a legislative vehicle that will enable us to prevent a Trump shutdown in the event that the Speaker does not work with us in a bipartisan, bicameral manner. Both sides are going to spend the next few days trying to figure out the best path remaining for keeping the government open, Schumer announced on the Senate floor.

With funding for many federal departments and agencies due to expire on Sept. 30, Johnson and other House GOP leaders have yet to unveil a plan B bill that could muster enough votes to pass the lower chamber.

The six-month funding stopgap tied to legislation that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration failed Wednesday by a vote of 202 to 220, with 14 Republicans voting against it.

Democrats say the proposal to require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration is a poison pill that cant pass Congress, and many lawmakers in both parties say they dont want to punt the annual spending bills for fiscal 2025 until March.

Former President Trump urged Republican lawmakers before Wednesdays vote to let the government shut down if Democrats dont agree to stricter voter registration rules.

If Republicans dont get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape or form, he wrote on Truth Social, referencing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.

Schumer, Johnson, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) still have time to negotiate a three-month funding resolution over the next few days, but time is running short.

GOP senators say they would prefer for Johnson to bring a clean three-month continuing resolution to the floor in the next few days so the House can preserve its traditional role of acting first on funding bills. But they are prepared to work with Senate Democrats to pass a bill first if Johnson cant muster enough votes to get a funding stopgap passed through the House.

By filing today, Im giving the Senate maximum flexibility for preventing a shutdown. Democrats and Americans dont want a Trump shutdown. I dare say most Republicans, at least in this chamber, dont want to see a Trump shutdown, Schumer said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BOSTON (AP)  Members of a U.S. Senate committee looking into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care adopted two resolutions Thursday designed to hold CEO Ralph de la Torre in contempt  one for civil enforcement and another for criminal contempt  for not testifying before the panel.

The votes come after de la Torre refused to attend a committee hearing last week despite being issued a subpoena. Both resolutions will be sent to the full Senate for consideration.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said de la Torre's decision to defy the subpoena gave the committee little choice but to seek contempt charges.

For months, this committee has invited Dr. de la Torre to testify about the financial mismanagement and what occurred at Steward Health Care, Sanders said at Thursday's hearing. Time after time, he has arrogantly refused to appear.

In a letter sent to the committee Wednesday, Alexander Merton, an attorney for de la Torre, said the committees request to have him testify would violate his Fifth Amendment rights.

The Constitution protects de la Torre from being compelled by the government to provide sworn testimony intended to frame him "as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts health care system," Merton wrote, adding that de la Torre would agree to testify at a later date.

Our concerns that the Hearing would be used to ambush Dr. de la Torre in a pseudo-criminal proceeding were on full display last week, with the Committee soliciting testimony from witnesses calling Dr. de la Torre and Steward executives health care terrorists and advocating for Dr. de la Torres imprisonment, Merton added.

The resolution for civil enforcement of the subpoena instructs the Senate legal counsel to bring a lawsuit in the District Court for the District of Columbia to require de la Torres testimony before the 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.

Even though Dr. de la Torre may be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Even though he may be able to own fancy yachts and private jets and luxurious accommodations around the world. Even though he may be able to afford some of the most expensive lawyers in America, Dr. de la Torre is not above the law, Sanders said.

Texas-based Steward, which operates about 30 hospitals nationwide, filed for bankruptcy in May,

Steward has been working to sell a half-dozen hospitals in Massachusetts. But it 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 this month approved the sale of Stewards other Massachusetts hospitals.

Steward has also shut down pediatric wards in Massachusetts and Louisiana, closed neonatal units in Florida and Texas, and eliminated maternity services at a hospital in Florida.

At the same time, de la Torre has reaped hundreds of millions of dollars personally and bought a $40 million yacht and a $15 million luxury fishing boat, Sanders said.

Ellen MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Boston, testified before the committee last week that under Steward management, patients were subjected to preventable harm and even death, particularly in understaffed emergency departments.

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 taken 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.
A bipartisan pair of senators is introducing a bill that would let the U.S. sanction countries that support the Chinese Maritime Militia  one of Beijings tools for gray zone operations, or those that fall below the threshold of war.

The legislation comes from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Mitt Romney, R-Ut., who is retiring in January. Its modeled after an amendment Romney proposed to Congress annual defense policy bill  the National Defense Authorization Act  which still hasnt passed with lawmakers caught in an election-year morass.

The bill would give any administration the authority to put financial penalties on outside backers of the maritime militia, ostensibly a fleet of commercial fishing vessels but one that is trained by, and often operates alongside, Chinas military.

A decade ago, the group helped China take control over Scarborough Shoal, a disputed feature in the South China Sea. Its also harassed American naval ships before.

A 2021 report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that the maritime militia includes around 300 vessels operating around the Spratly Islands, which also sit in the South China Sea, every day. Their goal is mainly to enforce Chinas expansive claims over the area, denying access to other countries that also assert sovereignty there.

Such behavior from the Chinese Coast Guard, another part of Beijings fleet, has flared up this year around Second Thomas Shoal and other features in the sea, where Chinese ships have intercepted, rammed or seized resupply missions from the Philippines to sailors stationed in the area.

This summer, president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the death of a Filipino sailor in such a clash would approach an act of war from China, which could potentially drag the U.S. into the conflict, given its defense treaty with Manila.

A Republican congressional aide likened the new bill to preventative care. After Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. rushed to tighten sanctions on Moscow in an effort to punish and eventually degrade the war effort. Those sanctions have since expanded to other supportive countries, a network that has broadened as Iran, North Korea and China increasingly back Russias military or defense industry.

Were a conflict in the western Pacific to break out, the Senators dont want the administration to lack authority to punish such behavior.

By providing the necessary authority to sanction the entities that provide support to this militia fleet, Congress can equip the administration with a tool to send a message that the United States will not allow Chinas increased aggression in the region to go unchecked, Romney said in a statement.

The aide said that the administration did not specifically request the authority, and noted that its use is entirely up to the discretion of the administration.

Chinas gray zone activity has been a consistent challenge for the U.S. and its partners in the region, who either dont have a large enough coast guard or navy to respond or dont know how to do so without appearing to overreact.

Ensuring freedom of navigation is critical to our national security, the security of our allies and the global economy. But over the past decade, the Peoples Republic of China has sought to extend its control in the South China Sea by expanding its maritime militia, Kaine said in a statement, explaining his rationale for the bill.
The News

Senegals president hoped calling a legislative election would shore up his power in Parliament. But a new opposition movement and uncertainty about the strength of his alliances means the outcome of his move is unclear.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the dissolution of Parliament late last Thursday and called for a parliamentary election on Nov. 17. Opposition politicians, most of whom were in the party of Fayes immediate predecessor Macky Sall, had made up the majority of the legislature. Faye hopes to secure more seats in the election to ease the path of his legislative agenda through Parliament, say analysts.

But, despite Faye having been swept to power in a presidential election in March, his PASTEF party is not assured of securing a majority. Senegals National Assembly was made up of a 51%-49% balance, with Salls BBY coalition making up the slim majority. But each political party has few reliable allies.

Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who was defeated by Faye in the presidential election, launched a political movement in recent days that could also affect the electoral map.

His movement pledged to build solid alliances and usher in a new era of institutional dialogue and shared progress.

Political essayist Souleymane Gassama, also known as Elgas, told Semafor Africa that Fayes gamble could backfire. Discontent is not general, yet, but the state of grace is running out of steam, he told Semafor Africa.

Know More

Faye took the step to dissolve Parliament after a number of clashes over planned legislative changes.

The pledge of open collaboration with the parliamentary majority in the interests of the Senegalese people has been an illusion, said Faye when he announced the dissolution of Parliament.

He criticized the refusal of lawmakers to uphold the mandatory budget debate scheduled on June 29, and the move by Parliament on Aug. 29 to block attempts by Fayes coalition to abolish two advisory bodies that Fayes coalition deemed unnecessary and vowed to dismantle during the presidential campaign.

Joels view

Faye may have jettisoned a legislature where his party and allies were in the minority, but the parliamentary electoral math remains difficult ahead of the Nov. 17 poll. First, the current government coalition is still technically in the minority in Parliament, hence the dissolution.

Secondly, Amadou Bas base accounts for a third of the electorate, judging by the last presidential election.

Faye and his party cant count on the support of all supposed allies. Some members of parliament joined Faye and Sonkos coalition as a way to oppose Sall, but without fully supporting their overall platform. Some of them have already been disappointed by the government over the perception that it has reneged on promises, such as the idea of opening public jobs to open candidacies instead of appointing their own people directly.

We cant rule out the possibility of the country finding itself again with the current figuration, with half the National Assembly voting for the current government, and half of it rooting for the opposition, said Gassama.

But, irrespective of whether Fayes gamble pays off, its clear that the disjointed relationship between the presidency and Parliament wasnt sustainable. Maurice Soudieck Dione, a politics professor at the Universite Gaston Berger of Saint-Louis, in Senegal, said the president had to act to give himself the best chance of transforming his proposals into laws.

There needs to be some coherence between the presidential and parliamentary majorities so that the president can concretely implement the program on which he was elected, Dione told broadcaster RFI.

Room for Disagreement

A political activist opposed to Sall, the former president, said the dissolution of parliament was the start of a clear transition in the way the country was being run. The country is moving from a rather grotesque situation to a semblance of normality, Dakar-based Balla Dieye told Semafor Africa.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Weve had some warm temperatures so far this September.

According to NOAA, August 2024 was the warmest August on record.

The global average temperature for August was 2.29 degrees above the 20th-century average of 60.1, making it the warmest August on record. This also marks the 15th month in a row of record-high global temperatures.

Ken Parsons of Chicopee told 22News, Well I think the humidity has been awful this year compared to years in the past that I can remember so the heat and the humidity has been abnormal.

The Annual Global Temperature Outlook indicates that there is a 97% chance that 2024 will rank as the warmest year on record. So far September has been a pretty warm month, especially for us here in western Massachusetts.

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.
One woman seated behind Donald Trump at his recent Tucson, Ariz., rally told a local news station that she was temporarily blind by the next day

Justin Sullivan/Getty

At least six people who attended a recent Trump rally in Arizona suffered unsettling eye injuries from an unknown source following the event, according to reports.

Multiple guests at Tucson Music Hall on Sept. 12, who were seated behind the former president on the rally stage, began experiencing intense eye pain afterward, NBC affiliate KVOA-TV reported.

"As soon as we left and we stepped outside my eyes were burning," Mayra Rodriguez told the news station. By the end of her 90-minute drive home to Phoenix, Rodriguez said she had decided to seek emergency treatment at a hospital.

"The emergency room staff, from the triage nurse to the PA [physician assistant] asked, 'Are you sure you didnt get sprayed with something? Your symptoms look like you got sprayed with something,' " she told KVOA.

Related: Donald Trump Says He Will Not Debate Kamala Harris Again: 'Polls Clearly Show That I Won'

The next day, Rodriguez  who rose to prominence in GOP circles as a Planned Parenthood director turned anti-choice advocate  was experiencing temporary blindness.

"I cant see anything when I try to open my eyes. I see a bright light. It hurts, it hurts a lot to open my eyes. I have this cold cloth I put on and take off constantly. It's horrible," she explained.

Her vision was improving as of earlier this week, per KVOA.

Related: Donald Trump Releases Eras Tour Campaign Shirts Days After Taylor Swift Endorses His Opponent

Justin Sullivan/Getty

Two other rallygoers, a brother and sister, offered similar stories.

"It kept getting worse and worse, my eyes were watering a lot, my nose started running then I started feeling my face get really flushed and my neck felt like it was on fire and it just progressed from there," the woman said.

Her brother added, "It was all focused on my eyes, my eyes were red like hell you know, it's unbearable. I couldnt handle it."

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.

Forty-eight people were selected to be onstage with Trump, and they were split up behind him to the left and right, according to Newsweek. None of those seated to the left reported any injuries, per the publication.

The Trump campaign told Rodriguez it was investigating the incident, and in a statement obtained by the news station, said it "has been collecting information."

"We remain committed to the countless patriots that attend our high-energy, high-impact rallies across the country," the statement said.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Six people who sat behind former President Donald Trump at a rally in Tuscon, Arizona last week were left with strange eye injuries, including one who says she was nearly blind the day after, according to a report from local station News 4 Tucson.

One of the victims, anti-abortion activist Mayra Rodriguez, told the station her eyes began hurting after leaving the rally last Thursday.

As soon as we left and we stepped outside my eyes were burning, she said.

Police Respond to Suspicious Occurrence Ahead of Donald Trump Rally

Rodriguez eventually went to the ER for treatment, where staff reportedly told her it looked like she was sprayed with something.

The emergency room staff, from the triage nurse to the PA [Physicians Assistant] asked are you sure you didnt get sprayed with something your symptoms look like you got sprayed with something, she told N4T.

Mayra Rodriguez said she was left unable to open her eyes due to her horrible symptoms News 4 Tucson YouTube

When the news station followed up with her the day after the rally, she reported being nearly blind and said that it hurts a lot to open my eyes. Doctors were ultimately unable to determine the cause, but she slowly improved over the following days.

Rodriguez thought it might have been the result of allergies until she learned that five other people in her section reported similar symptoms. Meanwhile, rallygoers who sat on the other side of Trump seemed to be fine, N4T reported.

A brother and sister who also experienced symptoms spoke to the news station.

It kept getting worse and worse, my eyes were watering a lot, my nose started running then I started feeling my face get really flushed and my neck felt like it was on fire and it just progressed from there, the sister said, while the brother described the pain as unbearable and said his eyes were were red like hell.

The Trump campaign told the victims and News4 it was investigating the incident. The Secret Service said it was not made aware of the reported injuries but that there was no known threat to the former president at the 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.
MINNEAPOLIS  Thunderstorms rolled through the Upper Midwest and Plains on Thursday, producing at least one tornado in Minnesota and damage in at least four other states.

The storm activity formed along a cold front that stretched from Canada to the southern Plains.

Ahead of the severe weather, more than 4 million residents were put under alerts, including Severe Thunderstorm Watches and a Tornado Watch.

Tree damage in St. Louis County, MN

Video from near the banks of Lake Elora in Minnesota showed at least one large tornado as it rolled through the Cloquet Valley.

Immediately after the storm, trees were reported snapped and some structures received some damage.

Other storm reports included large limbs being snapped in Kansas and even a camper being flipped over during damaging wind gusts in Chautauqua County.

More severe storms are not what Minnesotans wanted after two rounds of destructive storms already tore through the state on Aug. 26 and Aug. 29.

No fewer than 11 tornadoes hit the state, which averages only eight for the month of August. In addition, there were also over 100 reports of damaging winds.





Original article source: Caught on video: Fall severe weather produces tornado in northern Minnesota
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Francisco Mayor London Breed has announced plans to double the citys goal for homeless shelters and temporary housing. Increased investments in the citys family homelessness and pipeline projects have put the city on track to reach its 2028 goal by next year, according to the mayors office.

As a result, Mayor Breed has directed the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to amend its 5-year homelessness plan. That plan, the Home By the Bay plan, was released in July 2023 and was intended to cut unsheltered homelessness by 50 percent.

The plan, which was data-driven, according to Breeds office, indicated that the city needed 1,075 new shelter beds by 2028. On Thursday, Mayor Breed announced that with the beds already added under the plan and with the current pipeline projects, the city will hit that goal sometime in 2025.

Man steals $10M from former SF employer; spends some proceeds on pet cloning: DOJ

Once that planned pipeline projects are completed, the city will have 4,560 beds, 1,060 more than the 3,500 beds the city had when the plan was launched. That would be an increase of 90% since Mayor Breed took office in 2018.

With the city nearing the goal for its five-year plan, Mayor Breed has directed the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to double the shelter and temporary housing goal in the Home By the Bay Plan.

City workers are out every day working hard to deliver new shelter and housing and to bring people indoors, said Mayor Breed. Im proud of our commitment and the new shelter beds weve added, but weve got more work to do. We will keep doing what is necessary to add shelter beds, while doing the work to add permanent housing options so people have the ability to come indoors off our streets and get on the path to long-term housing stability.

According to the mayors office, during the first year of the Home By the Bay plan, San Francisco sheltered nearly 10,000 individuals and helped 5,250 people move from homelessness to housing. The plan has also helped provide over 8,200 people with prevention support like rental assistance to keep them from falling into homelessness to begin with.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was in San Francisco on Thursday where he signed into law SB 1395, the Interim Housing Act. Authored by Bay Area State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), the bill is intended to address Californias housing and homelessness needs by expanding access to interim housing statewide.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The Sioux Falls Police are asking the public for any information they can provide to authorities about the possible whereabouts of Tyler Weathersby.

What happened to Tyler Weathersby?

Weathersby has been missing for over two weeks, after he left for a morning walk on Sept. 4. and didnt return.

While SFPD spokesman Sam Clemens did not have any updates to give, he asked the public to give whatever information they can to police or report it on Crime Stoppers.

Weve had over 100 leads from the public and weve really exhausted all of those leads, Clemens said at Thursdays police briefing.

Tyler Weathersbys wife, brother call for help

Clemens said detectives continue to work on the investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its something school districts in KELOLAND and across the nation have been dealing with, school threats, typically on social media.

Wednesday morning, families in the Sioux Falls School District were alerted to another social media threat that was circulating overnight.

Henry school addressing bullying and hazing

The district says a middle schooler is believed to be the source of the threat, and police were in contact with the family.

Sioux Falls School District Superintendent Jane Stavem says the district takes every school threat seriously.

Today it was a local threat that we dealt with and we dealt with it very swiftly and effectively in partnership with our police department, Stavem said.

Investigating school threats can become taxing for law enforcement.

We dont have the luxury of just dismissing one, and so when one comes up we have to go forward and we have to investigate each one, and that includes a lot of late night phone calls between our SRO lieutenant and school staff as we work through different issues as theyre reported, Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said.

The threats can also take a toll on students, staff, and families.

Thats one of the consequences of this behavior too is that we cant allow it to continue. We have to have people who can come to work, come to school, we do teaching and learning, and we preserve what happens in our schools and thats why we are going to continue to address things as they happen, but we also need parents to partner with us. They have to be aware of what their children are doing online, Stavem said.

Stavem says if you learn of a possible school threat, report it to law enforcement or the school administrator, instead of reposting it on social media.

Typically what happens when you start to repost is the misinformation follows and then people are looking to social media for good information, and thats not where it happens, Stavem said.

Classes went on as scheduled Wednesday.

Stavem couldnt say what the specific consequences would be for the student, but she says any student who causes a threat or disruption is going to face school discipline and possible legal consequences.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sheriff calls the border wall 'racist' while seated next to mom of woman allegedly killed by illegal migrant

An Arizona sheriff told House lawmakers Wednesday a proposal for a wall on the southern border has a "racist component" to it unless a wall is built on the United States' border with Canada as well.

Testifying before the House Committee on Homeland Security on the border crisis, Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway explained how immigrants have a positive economic effect during an inquiry from Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.

"They actually reduce price inflation. You see help wanted signs all over the United States. If you add productivity to the economy, it makes the economy more productive," Hathaway said.

Hathaway then addressed calls for a wall on the southern border with Mexico.

BIDEN-HARRIS BORDER CRISIS: VICTIMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIME TESTIFY IN HOUSE HEARING

Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway testified before House lawmakers Wednesday.

"I hate to use the R word, but it's the 800-pound gorilla in the room," he said. "There's a xenophobic aspect to this. There was never a proposal to build a wall on the northern border, on the Canadian border. There was never any intent to aggressively enforce Title 42 on the Canadian border."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Title 42 is a Trump-era policy established during the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed U.S. officials to turn away migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border because of health concerns.

"So, you know there is this kind of racist component to it that we kind of all ignore, but its there smoldering in the background," Hathaway said.

His remarks came as he sat next to the mother of Rachel Morin, who was allegedly killed last year in Maryland by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador.

TOP HOUSE COMMITTEE SHREDS BIDEN-HARRIS ADMIN ON BORDER CRISIS IN NEW REPORT: ASSAULT ON THE RULE OF LAW

Patty Morin, whose daughter was killed, testifies during a House Committee on Homeland Security at the U.S. Capitol Sept. 18, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

"An illegal immigrant that was a gotaway from El Salvador had waited for her on the trail. I was told that they grabbed her, dragged her through the woods, raped her, strangled her, murdered her," Patty Morin told lawmakers.

"We were told that her body was blanketed in bruises. And I can tell you from looking at her when I went to the funeral home that it was probably the most graphic thing that I've ever seen."

The Biden administration has come under fire from Republicans over its border policies that have allowed record numbers of illegal migrants to enter the U.S.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., scalded Hathaway, questioning him about his knowledge of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

Rachel Morin was dragged off a hiking trail Aug. 5, 2023, and brutally murdered.

"And you're a sheriff?" Gimenez asked. "That's one of the most violent gangs that's coming out of Venezuela. That's coming through your town."

The congressman, an immigrant from Cuba, also took issue with Hathaway's assertion that supporting a border wall is racist.

"I believe that immigration should be legal immigration. I disagree with illegal immigration. Am I a racist?" Gimenez asked before the sheriff doubled down on his border wall argument.





Original article source: Sheriff calls the border wall 'racist' while seated next to mom of woman allegedly killed by illegal migrant
"Kids need to realise that what they post and send on social media is not private," Sheriff Chitwood said [Getty Images]

A Florida sheriff frustrated by a series of false school shooting threats released a mugshot of an 11-year-old child as well as two other young people accused of threatening to carry out attacks.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood, of Volusia County, Florida, posted the photo of the 11-year-old boy on social media after he was arrested.

Every time we make an arrest, he told a news conference last week, your kids photo is going to be put out there... so that everybody can see what your kids up to.

His efforts to name and shame has stirred debate, with some accusing the sheriff of being a "vigilante" and others defending the move as a means to deter crime.

Sheriff Chitwood said his department arrested the 11-year-old after he threatened to carry out a school shooting with a written list of names he planned to target. The child, who BBC News is not naming due to his age, then allegedly said it was a joke.

He was charged with the felony of making a written threat of a mass shooting, Sheriff Chitwood wrote in his post, noting that police recovered a number of weapons including airsoft rifles, pistols and fake ammunition.

Florida law allows juvenile records to be released only when individuals are charged with a felony, unlike in many other states and countries where juveniles would be granted anonymity.

On Wednesday, two other young people, aged 16 and 17, were arrested and charged with a felony for allegedly threatening a school shooting in a Snapchat.

They too claimed it was a joke, the sheriff said.

He posted video of the pair exiting a police car in handcuffs and then being processed at a jail.

Since the sheriff posted the social media images and videos of the alleged suspects, there has been a debate online about his decision.

Some social media users suggested the move would deter potential offenders. "Glad you are bringing these kids into custody and showing them this is not funny, they need to be disciplined," a Facebook user wrote under one of the sheriff's posts.

But others expressed concern about the potential impact on the children and teenagers.

Daniel Mears, a criminology professor at Florida State University who researches school shootings, told the Associated Press that juvenile records "were supposed to be confidential for a reason".

"The idea was that kids would have a second shot in life, Prof Mears said, while noting that school threats are treated differently.

Sheriff Chitwood, meanwhile, said he was unsure if the public shaming would work but "something has to be done".

"Kids need to realise that what they post and send on social media is not private," he wrote on social media. "It will get reported to us."
Lebanese army explosives experts work on preparing the site to explode a walkie- talkie that they found thrown away a day after several devises exploded killing pro-Iranian Hezbollah militants. Handheld walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah were detonated across Lebanon killing more than 20 fighters and injuring more than 3000 others. Stringer/dpa

The families of Hezbollah victims who were standing near the American University Hospital of Beirut looked weary, sad and depressed just thinking that their loved ones lost their sight, fingers or arms within just a few seconds.

For two days in a row, Lebanon was shaken by waves of explosions from numerous technical devices, presumably coordinated by Israel, in areas controlled by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia.

"The situation among the wounded we have treated is catastrophic," Bahaa Noureddine, chief ophthalmologist at the American University Hospital, said on Thursday.

Since Tuesday, Noureddine and his team has performed over 40 operations on injured people. He added that 25 operations are still pending.

"Most of the injured are suffering from shock and depression," he said. The psychological effects are "very, very strong and serious."

"The relatives are also in shock, too. They cannot believe that their family members have gone blind or lost an arm or fingers within a few seconds," says Noureddine.

Most of the injured he treated were between the ages of 20 and 35. "There were also some women," he said.

Shock was also prevailing among non-Hezbollah members as well as the regular Lebanese population, who were already traumatized in 2020 when a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut port exploded killing more than 200 and injuring 6,000 others.

"I'm afraid to touch my cell phone," said 30-year-old Amir from the port city of Tyre in southern Lebanon.

Amir is one of many Lebanese who now fear to walk on the street, and keep away from cars for fear that there is a device that might exploded.

According to official figures, around 3,000 people were injured and 37 killed in the explosions of numerous electronic devices on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Many of the victims are said to be Hezbollah members, but there were also civilians among them. According to the authorities, at least two children were killed.

"The Lebanese population has become more and more vulnerable over the years, especially since 2020. This will add to their suffering and put them in a state of depression," psychiatrist Elio Sassine told dpa.

Lebanon has been in a state of limbo for almost a year in which it has often been on the brink of going into open war with its neighbour Israel.

"We are exhausted," said Nour, a student from the southern suburbs of Beirut.

"We haven't had any peace for months," she said.

Women arrive to the American University hospital to check on their friends and family memebers. Eight people have been killed and some 2,750 injured in suspected coordinated explosions of hand-held telecommunications devices across Lebanon, Health Minister Firas Abiad said during a press conference in Beirut on 17 September. Marwan Naamani/dpa
Alex Jones photographed the eel before it slithered back into the water [Warwickshire Wildlife Trust]

A guide has told of the "hugely exciting" moment one of his groups discovered a rare species of fish near Coventry.

Alex Jones, from the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, was taking members of the public around the River Sherbourne when somebody pointed out what he realised was a critically endangered European eel.

The find was made on 7 September, the first day of Coventry's River Festival.

It was a remarkable first for the river and a significant moment for conservation efforts in the city, the trust said.

Mr Jones confirmed the sighting when it was pointed out to him and took a photo of the fish before it disappeared from view.

"To have an eel sighting in the River Sherbourne, especially so close to the city centre, shows the potential that the Sherbourne has to recover and improve ecologically," he said.

"This is a hugely exciting discovery."

The critically endangered European eel was found near Coventry city centre [Warwickshire Wildlife Trust]

The eel is a red-listed species, meaning it is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

They are thought by scientists to migrate large distances, travelling from the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean to European rivers.

The recording has since been submitted to the Warwickshire Biological Records Centre for documentation.

The find was "fantastic and vitally important to help our understanding of this species", a spokesperson for the centre said.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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A shooting outside a St. Paul school stemmed from a fight between young people and they later told police that talk of gang affiliations came up, according to a court document filed Thursday.

A 14-year-old boy was wounded in the leg outside Washington Technology Magnet School while classes were going on inside, and a 16-year-old boy is charged with second-degree assault.

Police responded at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday to the building, which houses both a middle school and a high school, off Rice Street and Arlington Avenue after receiving a report of shots fired outside the school.

The juvenile petition against the 16-year-old gives the following information from prosecutors:

A person whod been flagged down about a fight in the parking lot reported seeing three students who left the school earlier; two were middle school students and one a high school student. The witness said two males were on Nebraska Avenue and they all began to fight.

A parent picking up her child from school was in her vehicle with her daughter and two small children. She saw a male pull out a handgun and fire two shots at three males, and heard him say, Im going to be back at you all  I got you. She later identified the 16-year-old as the shooter.

Responding officers noticed a male dart out into traffic, like he was running from something, the petition said, adding that he matched the description of the shooting suspect. He was identified as a 16-year-old and is now charged.

Officers found the injured 14-year-old at his home. His leg was bandaged and it appeared he was grazed by a bullet to the inner thigh. He was wearing pants that had two holes in them, consistent with entry and exit holes from a single gunshot.

The 14-year-old said hed gone to Washington to bring his friend his backpack. He said two males approached and asked if they were Four Times (4X is a gang of the Karen ethnic group, according to the petition).

One of the males pulled a gun and the 14-year-old said his friend was going to hit the male, but he fired at them. He realized he was shot a short time later.

Police later found a spent casing that appeared to have been run over by vehicles.

An investigator met with the 16-year-old, who said he went to the school to walk his girlfriend back up there, the petition said. He was walking home when he said three dudes came up to him and asked if he was affiliated with a certain gang. He asked them if they were asking that because he was Black.

The 16-year-old said the males started approaching him in a fighting stance, one threw a punch at him and he weaved out of the way, the petition continued. He said he was running, heard a loud boom and saw people scatter. He said he ran because he was confused and thats when he was stopped by the police.

The teen entered a not-guilty plea in juvenile court Thursday and remains in the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center.

Related Articles
Shots fired at residence in Tompkins Co., suspect arrested

UPDATE: Police say the suspect, 19-year-old Yair Elver Perez-Raymundo, was located and arrested at 2:07 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19.

He is charged with reckless endangerment in the second-degree and menacing in the second-degree, both Class A misdemeanors.

LANSING, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  The Tompkins County Sheriffs Office was called to a shots fired incident at a residence on North Lansing School Road in the town of Lansing around 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, September 19.

Three residents allegedly had a dispute and one made threats and then fired a long gun, said the Tompkins County Sheriffs Office.

One of the residents then fled and called 911. Deputies arrived and heard more gunshots, according to the sheriffs office.

While searching the residence, deputies found the suspects long gun but did not find the suspect.

The suspect and the other resident were believed to have fled into the woods surrounding the residence, said the sheriffs office.

New York State Police and the Ithaca Police Department helped search the area and used the New York State Police helicopter.

As the search continued, the decision was made to delay school for two hours for the Lansing School District to avoid students from being exposed to police activity while waiting for the bus, the sheriffs office said.

The suspect has been identified but has not been located at this time.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish Coroners Office has identified a motorcyclist who was killed in a west-central Shreveport accident last Saturday.

According to the news release, the motorcyclist was traveling westbound on September 14 at 3:30 p.m. when he left the road in the 5400 block of Hollywood Avenue, striking a caution sign and a tree.

WATCH: Docuseries Beyond the Headlines: Firearms Impact & Responsibility

Caddo Parish Coroners Office (CPCO) identified the victim as 59-year-old Dale James Whitenack of Greenwood.

The Coroner said Whitenack died at Ochsner LSU Health Hospital at 3:52 p.m.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Karen Weiss as its seventh president.

Officials say Dr. Weiss brings over 25 years of experience in higher education to her new role and has been a dedicated member of the SIC family since 1993, when she first joined the college as a part-time adjunct instructor in communications. Dr. Weisss academic credentials include a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Higher Education from Oakland City University. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication with a minor in Public Relations, both from Illinois State University. According to SIC, her commitment to academic excellence and student success has been evident throughout her career, particularly during her tenure as Vice President of Academic Affairs at SIC, where she played a role in overseeing academic programs and maintaining accreditation standards.

Officials say she is a current member of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents (ICCCP) and has previously served as President of the Chief Academic Officers Group for Illinois Community Colleges. Her community involvement includes being an active member of the Harrisburg Rotary Club, serving multiple terms on the Norris City-Omaha-Enfield School Board and participating in various local initiatives such as the Enfield Mule Days Association and the Carmi Chamber of Commerce, where she once served as President of the Board of Directors.

Physical loss loans offered for residents affected by July tornadoes

SIC explains in her new role as president, Dr. Weiss aims to continue strengthening SICs fiscal sustainability, promoting accountable learning and keeping the college firmly student-focused.

I am eager to engage with the community to share my vision and work together to realize our collective potential for Southeastern Illinois College, said Dr. Weiss

Officials say to provide an opportunity for students, faculty and community members to meet Dr. Weiss and learn more about her vision, SIC will be hosting one Meet and Greet session. This informal come-and-go event will take place on September 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carmi City Council Room.

For more information about the Meet and Greet event, people are asked to please contact Kathy Volkening, SIC Executive Assistant to the President and Board, at Kathy.volkening@sic.edu or 618-252-5400, ext. 2101.

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ST. LOUIS  The Army Corps of Engineers revealed new signs that will be going up at property where low-level radioactive materials are known to exist. The 196 warning signs going up along Coldwater Creek will go up with the property owners permission. They will start to go up in November.

The Missouri Coalition for the Environment says that the signs focus mainly on subsurface risks, overlooking surface-level contamination. They also lack universal warning symbols and use potentially misleading terminology like low-level.

Nuclear waste contamination from World War II and Cold War-era activities has affected 19 locations across the United States, with several sites concentrated in the St. Louis area. Between 1942 and 1957, Mallinckrodt, a company in St. Louis, produced uranium for the Manhattan Project under a government contract. The resulting nuclear waste was initially stored in hundreds of thousands of drums and buried near St. Louis Lambert International Airport on a 21.7-acre site.

Shooter found not guilty for killing man who was looking for help

The waste was eventually relocated. Some was transported to Colorado, while the remainder was distributed between the West Lake Landfill and another landfill on Latty Avenue in Hazelwood. A portion of this waste leaked from both the Latty Avenue sites and the airport location, contaminating Coldwater Creek.

In July 2023, newly released government documents revealed that officials were aware of the risks posed by radioactive waste to residents near Coldwater Creek as early as 1949. Despite this knowledge, federal authorities consistently minimized the potential dangers, often describing the risks as minimal or low-level.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A Sioux City man charged with first-degree murder has pleaded not guilty.

According to court documents, Edmund Pendleton, 38, was arraigned on Sept. 9. He is charged with first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm.

On Aug. 25 at about 1:11 a.m., a man called 911 saying that a woman, later identified as Danielle Dolan, 46, of Sioux City, had shot herself while in a bedroom in a house on the 300 block of 19th Street. First responders arrived and found Dolan with a gunshot wound to her head and a gun in her left hand, unresponsive. She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

However, at the time of the incident, a female resident of the home said she heard a gunshot and an evil witch laugh from Pendleton upstairs, documents state. Pendleton then came downstairs looking for another male resident of the home. That resident was the man who would later call 911.

Woodbury County LEC opens up for tour

The man told police that the gun found in Dolans hand was the same he had given Pendleton to protect the house.

The State Medical Examiners Office conducted an autopsy and determined that Dolans cause of death was a homicide based on the bullets trajectory. They also determined that the gun was more than two-to-three feet away when she was shot.

Court documents state that Pendleton was not at the residence when police first arrived. He was later arrested on Aug. 29.

Pendletons jury trial is set to begin Nov. 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

Wesley Thoene contributed to this report.

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Aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Qabatya near Jenin

Aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Qabatya near Jenin

RAMALLAH (Reuters) - Six Palestinians were killed and 18 others injured by Israeli forces during a military raid in the occupied West Bank city of Qabatiya, the governor of Jenin told Reuters on Thursday.

The governor, Kamal Abu al-Rub, said four of the injured are in critical condition, and that Israeli forces withdrew from Qabatiya after destroying infrastructure in the area.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Violence has surged in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, with almost daily sweeps by Israeli forces that have involved thousands of arrests and regular gunbattles between security forces and Palestinian fighters.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta; Writing by Clauda Tanios and Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Daniel Wallis)
Mike ONeal, a longtime hunter, surveys an expanse of the Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness Area. (Photo: John Partipilo)

If youve spent time in one of the Souths designated wilderness areas, you likely know the feeling of being truly alone with nature. While the terrains may differ  some are home to coastal swamps, others preserve towering trees or sweeping mountain landscapes  the experiences are remarkably similar: the areas provide unmatched solitude and some of the most unique ways to get into the outdoors. These incredible places are made possible thanks to the Wilderness Act, which turned 60 years old earlier this month.

The Wilderness Act was signed into law on September 3, 1964. With the stroke of his pen, President Lyndon Johnson offered permanent protections for areas where, in the laws words, the Earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

Of course, today we know areas that are untrammeled by man are a myth: Indigenous peoples had been using lands across the countries for millennia before Europeans arrived. But wilderness designation was nevertheless an essential bulwark against the unrestrained appetites of the colonizers. The laws signing remains one of the most important moments in the fight to protect some of the nations most important public lands.

The Wilderness Act had an immediate impact in the South. North Carolinas Shining Rock and Linville Gorge Wilderness Areas were established by the legislation, becoming two of the countrys original wilderness areas. Tennessee wasnt far behind; the Gee Creek, Cohutta, and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Areas became the first in Volunteer State just nine years later.

President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law on Sept. 3, 1964, and September annually is Wilderness Month. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

These and other wilderness areas continue to be popular in the South. Studies show that nine out of ten Southerners support the preservation of Wilderness Areas and think more public lands should be protected. Even those who have yet to visit a wilderness area can appreciate their ability to filter water for nearby communities and create habitat for rare and endangered animals

But in the decades since the law was signed, the South has lagged behind when it comes to creating wilderness. Today, fewer than three percent of the nations wilderness acres are in the South.

This is especially concerning because the South can benefit the most from additional public lands protections. It is the fastest-growing region in the country, and that rapid growth puts incredible pressure on our public lands. The South also has a long history of extractive industries degrading public lands. Even today, some of the regions best wilderness candidates are threatened by development. Just up I-81 in Virginia, the Mountain Valley Pipeline recently clear cut its way across the Brushy Mountain Roadless Area, scarring this previously intact area forever.

Now, grassroots groups across the South are hoping to fend off these threats for good by fighting to protect more of the regions public lands. In Virginia, advocates are pushing to create the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area and working to expand wilderness areas in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. In Arkansas, a proposal to expand the Flatside Wilderness is gaining steam. In North Carolina, theres a strong push to get Craggy Mountain  one of the states most iconic places  designated as a National Scenic Area with wilderness components included.

Wilderness areas can only be created by an act of Congress, and while these kinds of proposals spark intense conflict in the American West, they often receive bipartisan support in the South. For evidence, you dont need to look any farther than the mountains of East Tennessee, where the most recent southern wilderness bill, the Tennessee Wilderness Act, established nearly 20,000 acres of wilderness in the Cherokee National Forest in 2018. The bill was introduced by then-Sen. Lamar Alexander and supported by fellow Republicans as well as Democrats. In an era of extreme partisanship, wilderness areas can at times seem like one of the few things Southern politicians can agree on.

So, as the Wilderness Act enters its seventh decade of existence, dont just celebrate by enjoying a wilderness area, but get involved in efforts to preserve some of the Souths most important landscapes.

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SLED charges former Berkeley County detention deputy with assault and battery, misconduct in office

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  State police on Thursday charged a former Berkeley County detention deputy with assault and battery and misconduct in office.

The incident happened last May while the deputy, Aisha Zakiya Davis, was employed at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.

According to affidavits released by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Davis is accused of stomping a victim in his groin area several times, which caused nonconsensual touching of the victims private parts.

Documents further state the former deputy also struck the victim with a closed fist while they were restrained in handcuffs.

The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office asked SLED to investigate the matter.

When we became aware of the allegations, I immediately contacted SLED to investigate. SLEDs case findings resulted in a former Detention Deputy facing charges, said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis. We expect all employees to uphold their oath and the law.

Davis is charged with second-degree assault and battery and misconduct in office and booked into the Berkeley County Detention Center.

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People near St. Charles, Missouri might have gotten an early wake-up call on Thursday morning. A small earthquake, registering 2.6 on the Richter Scale, struck around 3:30 a.m.

While Thursdays earthquake wasnt an issue, the question looms, When will the next big one hit?

A 2.6 earthquake would feel more like a large truck passing, or distant thunder. It falls below the threshold of a minor earthquake. While Thursdays earthquake was the first in St. Louis this week, 10 earthquakes near the New Madrid Seismic Zone have struck this week.

For decades, the New Madrid fault has been a topic of discussion about when the next big earthquake will happen. In 1990, a scientist claimed they had pinpointed the day and December 10, 1990, was when New Madrid, Missouri would be hit with a large earthquake. Reporters camped out, shirts were sold, and people were left waiting for something that never happened.

The 1990 earthquake never happened, but thats not to say a large earthquake has never hit the Bootheel area. In 1811, one of the strongest earthquakes in United States history had an epicenter in New Madrid, Missouri.

The 1811 earthquake was so strong it caused the Mississippi River to flow backward and volcanoes of red clay mud to spout from the ground.

With the history of the New Madrid Fault, and the current activity, the state of Missouri is urging people to stay aware. Registrations for the 2024 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill is now open.

Missouri ShakeOut will be held at 10:17 a.m. on October 17, 2024. Missouri is one of 14 participating states.

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SMCSO: Maryland high school student to face criminal charges after saying he had a gun on campus

ST. MARYS COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The St. Marys County Sheriffs Office (SMCSO) said a high school student is facing criminal charges after he told another student that he had a gun on campus.

On Thursday morning, SMCSO received a report that a Chopticon High School student told another student that he had a gun. The Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to the schools campus immediately and located the student who made the statement.

Threat made to DC schools prompts increased police presence

Deputies worked with high school administrators and the Board of Education Safety and Security team to search the student and the schools campus.

SCMSO said authorities did not find a gun during the investigation. However, the student will still face criminal charges, according to deputies.

The Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information about this incident to call Corporal Alvey at 301-475-4200 ext. 8107, or email Artina.Alvey@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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Snoqualmie residents have been hit with worrying emails, threatening to expose them. The Snoqualmie Police Department (SPD) is warning residents not to respond to a sextortion scam.

SPD stated, via a Facebook post on Tuesday, residents in Snoqualmie and North Bend have been concerned for their safety after receiving emails threatening to send out embarrassing sexual data if they do not pay.

More scams: Bellevue under attack from ongoing Bitcoin scam

Police said the sextortion scam is an AI-generated scam. The scammers threaten to send out photos, videos, etc. to family members or friends unless they pay a ransom within 24 hours. The email contains personal information including the victims address and and a Google Maps photo of their house. SPD said some information is obtained from open source and other information is most likely from security breaches.

SPD stated the remaining sections of the two-page message arrive as a PDF attachment and include claims the scammers have malware on the users computer called Pegasus. The scammers say they can see everything the person does on their computer and are watching them.

The Snoqualmie Police Department urges residents who receive scam email not to respond and not to pay the ransom, the department wrote in its post. Delete the email!

SPD added FBI tips to avoid falling victim to a scam. The first tip is that people should never send compromising images of themselves to anyone, no matter who they are or who they say they are. The second tip is that people should not open attachments from people they dont know and to be wary of opening attachments even from people they do know. The third FBI tip is that people should turn off and/or cover any web cameras when they are not using them.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Leaders from Microsoft, Meta, and Googles parent company Alphabet were on Capitol Hill.

They were there to shed light on their effort to combat foreign meddling in the upcoming election.

There are real and serious threats, said Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith.

Just weeks before the election, leaders from Microsoft, Meta and Googles parent company Alphabet are cautioning Americans to be on alert.

The tech giants say Russia, Iran and others are ramping up efforts to spread disinformation online.

Theyre seeking to sew discord among Americans, said Metas President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg.

At a hearing, they assured senators they are using new tactics and tools, including AI, to detect and remove posts by foreign actors.

Weve removed over 200 hundred networks since 2017, said Alphabets President and Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker.

Senators pointed to recent posts that appeared to slip through the cracks.

These look exactly like the Washington Post, said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.).

Committee chairman Democratic Senator Mark Warner pushed the tech giants to do more, not just before Election Day, but after, as well.

My gravest concern is over the level of misinformation, disinformation that may come from our adversaries after our polls close, said Warner.

The tech leaders say theyre committed to protecting U.S. citizens from foreign influence this election cycle but vowed not to go overboard.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio says the companies went too far during covid-19 and ultimately censored American citizens.

There are some people who got their accounts locked outbecause they questioned the efficacy of masks, said Rubio.

Notably missing from the discussion was X, formerly known as Twitter, the company declined to attend.

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Social media apps and video streaming services are still facing scrutiny from U.S. regulators over youth safety and privacy concerns. (Photo illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Major social media platforms and video streaming services that gather a "staggering" amount of data from their users have failed to protect young people and safeguard online privacy, the Federal Trade Commission said Thursday.

"These surveillance practices can endanger peoples privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from identity theft to stalking," FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. "Several firms failure to adequately protect kids and teens online is especially troubling."

The agency, which is focused on protecting consumers and enforcing antitrust law, released a 129-page report that analyzes how some of the world's largest social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube collect and use vast troves of data they gather from users. The findings highlight the mounting scrutiny online platforms face from regulators and lawmakers seeking to combat technology's potential harms as they become more deeply intertwined with people's daily lives.

Politicians and consumer advocates have long been critical of how companies such as Facebook compile information on users that is utilized to target ads at people based on their interests, location, gender and other information. There also has been alarm over how teens are grappling with the potential downsides of social media, including the sale of illegal drugs and comparing themselves with their peers.

The report stems from information the FTC ordered the largest social media and video streaming platforms to turn over in 2020. Those companies include Snap; Facebook, now Meta; Google-owned YouTube; Twitter, now X; ByteDance, which owns TikTok; Discord; Reddit; and Meta-owned WhatsApp.

The responses showed how companies collected information on unwitting consumers about household income, activities elsewhere on the internet, their location and more. Tech platforms gather this information from ad tracking technology, data brokers and from users who engage with posts online, giving companies a glimpse into their interests. Some companies failed to delete data on people who had requested that they do so, the report said.

Even though most social media platforms require teens to be at least 13 to create accounts, people can easily lie about their age and the platforms collect data from teens in the same way they do for adults, according to the report.

In attempts to fend off the ongoing criticism, social media companies rolled out features aimed at giving parents more control over their chidren's online experience. This week, Meta said it would make accounts for teens younger than 18 private by default, stop sending notifications to minors during certain times and provide more parental controls. Snap, which held its annual conference Tuesday, said it was partnering with Common Sense Media to develop a program so families know more about potential online harms.

Lawmakers, including in California, have been trying to address data privacy and youth safety concerns by passing new laws. But they've also faced legal hurdles because of a section of federal law that shields online platforms from being held legally liable for user-generated content.

Meta and Snap declined to comment on the report. Meta is a member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, which said in a blog post that the group was "disappointed" by the FTC's characterization of the digital ad industry as one that engages in mass surveillance.

Discord, which lets users to communicate through text, video and voice calls, tried to distinguish itself from other social media platforms, noting that it doesn't encourage people to scroll endlessly by providing a running feed of comments.

The FTC reports intent and focus on consumers is an important step. However, the report lumps very different models into one bucket and paints a broad brush, which might confuse consumers and portray some platforms, like Discord, inaccurately," Kate Sheerin, the head of U.S. and Canada public policy at Discord, said in an email.

The platform, which is popular among people who play games, has shied away fromads but started to run them this year.

Google, which owns YouTube, said in a statement that it had the "strictest privacy policies" and outlined several measures it takes to protect children, including not allowing personalized ads for users younger than 18.

In a statement, a spokesperson for X said the company has made "tremendous strides in protecting users safety" since the FTC requested information from 2020. The company said only about 1% of Xs US users are between the ages of 13 to 17.

"X takes user data privacy seriously and ensures users are aware of the data they are sharing with the platform and how it is being used, while providing them with the option of limiting the data that is collected from their accounts," the statement said.

Other companies listed in the report didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The FTC noted that its findings have limitations because technology and a companys practices can change. The companies responses to the FTC reflected their practices from 2019 to 2020, according to the report.

The agency included recommendations for companies and urged Congress to enact a law that would protect user privacy and grant consumer data rights. Companies should take steps to minimize potential risks, the FTC said, such as only collecting data that are necessary, being more transparent about their practices and having better default protections for teens and young people.

"As policymakers consider different approaches to protecting the public, focusing on the root causes of many harms  and not just the symptoms  is key," the report said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  A Somerset County man is facing charges after he allegedly illegally killed three deer and a raccoon out of season.

Dakota Stevanus, 21, of Markleton is facing charges for allegedly being caught by a State Game Warden on private property, according to the criminal complaint. On Oct. 26, 2022, a State Game Warden who was off duty was archery hunting on private property. The warden, who had permission to be there, noticed a man carrying a scoped rifle.

The warden noted that he identified himself to the man, later identified as Stevanus, and asked him what he was hunting. Stevanus told him he was hunting coyotes and when asked to provide a valid ID and a hunting license he refused and left the scene.

Altoona teen charged as adult, accused of threats to kill grandfather and friend

The warden, once on duty, contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission in an effort to search for Stevanus. The warden ran into a man who allegedly admitted that Stevanus was staying with him at a residence on Old Hickory Flat Road.

According to the affidavit, a search was applied for and obtained to inspect the home that Stevanus was staying at. Police searched the residence and took Stevanuss phone as evidence.

Stevanus is accused of killing three whitetail deer and a raccoon while his hunting and trapping license was suspended and while they were out of season, according to the charges filed. He was also allegedly trespassing on property, possessed a big game license tag that was not his own and had drug paraphernalia on him.

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He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 31.

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Before he would talk about the shooting on Interstate 75 and the apparent death of his son, Dale Couch Sr. offered sympathy to the five people hospitalized.

The father of Joseph Couch told The Courier Journal he was stunned when his son was identified by police as the lone suspect in the Sept. 7 highway shooting, and his heart goes out to the people that were injured and the community. Its tragic.

None of the people who were hit by gunfire were killed, and all five have been released from the hospital, authorities said Thursday, a day after the body of the suspected gunman was found in a wooded area near the site of the shooting.

A manhunt that lasted more than a week ended Wednesday evening, when police announced the remains had been found. Police are still awaiting official identification of the body, but they said articles found with the body lead them to believe it is the suspect.

Public school classes in the region that had been suspended have resumed, and the search that captivated the region has ended.

But questions still remain, particularly for the father of the suspect.

He hadnt seen his son since April 2023, he said during a phone call Thursday, when the two crossed paths at a funeral for a young family member in London, Kentucky.

The elder Couch moved to Indiana years ago. He's no longer married to the suspected gunmans mother, and said he rarely sees many of his family members in the Bluegrass State.

During that April interaction, Couch said, his son seemed fine. He encouraged him to take a trip up north to visit him at his home, and to bring along his grandson, born in 2016.

I was impressed, Couch said, noting Joseph Couch had been working in southeastern Kentucky setting up soda sales stands in shops. He was doing quite well for himself and his son.

But clearly, Couch said, something snapped. And the events of the past two weeks have left him searching for answers.

More coverage: I-75 shooting 911 calls paint chaotic scene near London

An affidavit released last week by the Laurel County Sheriffs Office while the suspect was on the loose said the younger Couch sent a text message to the mother of his son less than an hour before the shooting, saying he planned to kill a lot of people before killing himself.

The 32-year-old man, who lived in the area of the shooting, is believed to have fired at cars traveling south on I-75 from a vantage point near Exit 49 before fleeing into the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest, leaving behind his car and an AR-15 hed purchased just hours earlier from a gun shop in London.

It took authorities (and a couple who were out searching, as well) 11 days to find the former Army Reserve members body.

Couch spoke with authorities after his son went missing. He talked with the FBI and told Laurel County Sheriff John Root hed cooperate if there was anything I could do to help, he said.

But he hasnt lived near his son for several years.

Its a distant relationship, Couch said, but it wasn't hostile. He said he hadnt been in touch with him in the lead up to the shooting, though he regrets not reaching out beforehand.

His theories on what could have happened are just speculation, and police have not said what the gunman's motive may have been.

An image of Joseph Couch circulated by the Laurel County Sheriff's Department during the search for the suspected I-75 shooter.

Couch has seen the affidavit and the text message his son sent to the mother of his child. He said other family members have said custody issues could have been on his mind.

In late 2020, the couple came to a joint custody agreement, according to court records. An aide for the law firm that represented him in that case said his attorney would be unable to comment, and an attempt to reach the child's mother was unsuccessful.

The elder Couch described himself as a recovering alcoholic, with more than 25 years of sobriety under his belt, but he said he was concerned substance abuse could have been an issue for his son, as well.

He never knew his son to be a drug user, but was told by another family member that they had found empty bottles hidden in his bedroom.

I know he was drinking, and bottles under your bed, thats a sign.

It leaves Couch to wonder. He said he still has questions, and his son isnt here to answer.

I want the truth to get out, because hes my son and I love him, Couch said. I dont want the people to view him the wrong way, but the truth is always better. And if theres anything I can mention that will help other people going through the same thing  if youre under the influence, if that was the case, or if theres a mental illness going on, reach out and talk to people. You dont have to do nothing crazy.

Reach out, because this could happen to anybodys children, or anybody.

From London: Kentucky community reckons with I-75 shooting aftermath amid search for suspect

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Joseph Couch's dad says 'something snapped' with I-75 shooting suspect
Corporate greed

Smoking has been down significantly since it was banned from most restaurants and public places. What did the tobacco companies do? They created vaping. Now it is used at epidemic levels especially by kids. It still contains tobacco and comes in flavors. This is why we need regulations. Corporations are only interested in making money

Protect Trump

Why does the Biden administration have unlimited funds for illegal immigrants, but cant protect a presidential nominee?

Enlighten me

An open question to those suffering an acute case of Trump Derangement Syndrome. You keep screaming that Donald Trump wants to destroy democracy. He has already served four years in the Oval Office. Why did he not destroy democracy then?

Now its the Dems?

After all the mass killings, the blame was placed on mental illness or a lone gunman. Donald Trump has two attempted assassinations, and now Trump blames the Democrats. He takes no responsibility for his constant rhetoric about non-White people. Also, both of the gunmen were White.

Drop in the bucket

Oregon found 300 non-citizens who were registered to vote. Oregon has 3 million registered voters.

What could go wrong?

In From the Wires: The US Naval Academy says race-based admissions necessary. Well, of course we need more DEI officers in charge of nuclear submarines. I mean, what could go wrong with a minimally proficient Captain being responsible for the lives of a crew on his ship? Carrying a nuclear launch key? No problem. The important thing is the staff photos on the wall looking like we care. This is a load of road apples. I never checked the Huey drivers skin color when he was taking me to or from harms way. Nope, they were all angels to me. All deserved respect for their courage and qualifications. Maybe there should be an effort to upgrade the education system rather than just continuing social promotions into positions of serious responsibility.

No more

Why do WLOX meteorologists continually make reference to Facebook weather prediction chatter? We viewers are not interested in the uninformed opinions of weather laymen and, if we were, we would go to Facebook for that.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.
Indigenous people in southern Africa may have been painting long-extinct creatures from 260 million years ago, even before Western archaeologists described the fossils.

In a thought-provoking new paper, evolutionary biologist Julien Benoit argues that the rock paintings of La Belle France in the Free State Province of South Africa are an overlooked form of Indigenous paleontology.

The depiction of a tusked animal, which was painted nearly two centuries ago, is probably not a made-up creature, Benoit explains, but a recreation of a beast that once lived in the region more than 260 million years ago.

In the painting, the creature is long and thin, which is why the rock panel is called the Horned Serpent.

The Horned Serpent panel and an illustrated recreation with more clear details. (Benoit, PLOS ONE, 2024)

But Benoit, who works at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, has a different perspective. He says the animal resembles a dicynodont  a four-legged, toothless and tusked ancestor of today's mammals, whose fossils are abundant and conspicuous in the Karoo Basin.

This basin is described by some as a "palaeontological wonderland". It covers much of what we now know as South Africa, although the fossils deposited here came from before the Gondwana supercontinent broke up.

Artistic representation of dicynodont Daptocephalus found in the Karoo Basin. (AnnieI/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Benoit argues that the rock wall painting of a toothed creature, made by the Xam-ka e people, is suggestive of a 'geomyth'  an oral or written tradition used to explain geological events and phenomena, like fossils or natural features of the landscape.

The curve of the creature's spine is reminiscent of the 'death pose' often seen in the fossil arrangements of dicynodonts.

"The painting was made in 1835 at the latest, which means this dicynodont was depicted at least ten years before the western scientific discovery and naming of the first dicynodont by Richard Owen in 1845," says Benoit.

"This work supports that the first inhabitants of southern Africa discovered fossils, interpreted them and integrated them in their rock art and belief system."

According to reporting from The New York Times, Benoit first noticed the resemblance between the Horned Serpent and a dicynodont in a book from the 1930s. When he went to see the original artwork for himself, he found several exposed fossils of dicynodonts in the vicinity.

The tusked animal of the Horned Serpent panel compared to the skull of a dicynodont. (Benoit, PLOS ONE, 2024)

The Indigenous cultures of southern Africa are known collectively as San, and according to colonist accounts, a local San myth tells of large animals, bigger than hippos or elephants, that once roamed the area.

Today, archaeological evidence suggests that San ancestors found and transported fossils like these over great distances.

In a 2019 paper, Benoit, paleontologist Charles Helm, and several other colleagues argued that there was a "rich, underappreciated body of evidence for Indigenous awareness of fossils and geological phenomena."

In time, they predicted a "diverse non-western, Indigenous palaeontological and geomythological heritage will probably become evident in southern Africa."

The painting of a tusked animal in Karoo is Benoit's first fleshed-out example.

Artistic representation of dicytodon Kannemeyeria simocephalus, found in the Karoo Basin. (Nobu Tamura/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Perhaps the Xam-ka e people interpreted the skulls of dicynodonts as once-living creatures, integrating the animals into their worldview and their art.

The downturned tusks on the Horned Serpent panel are pointed in the same direction as dicynodont tusks  the opposite to elephants and warthogs. In fact, no living animal in Africa has tusks like this.

"The skin of the tusked animal is dotted," writes Benoit, "which is not unusual in San rock art, but is also consistent with the warty mummified skin preserved in some dicynodont fossils in the area."

Benoit's claims are almost certain to attract heavy debate over the potential for ancient cultures to interpret fossils as intact animals. Claims of protoceratop fossils inspiring myths of griffins, for example, have recently drawn criticism from researchers who point out a lack of supporting evidence.

The painting could be interpreted as a seal eating a fish or a land animal eating a snake. But the U-shape is too short for that, Benoit argues, and usually in San rock art, snakes and fish have more identifying features. The lines are also too thick to be whiskers or blood, he says.

"Even if one considers that the Horned Serpent panel has a purely spiritual meaning, it does not invalidate the hypothesis that the tusked animal itself may have been imagined based on a dicynodont fossil," argues Benoit.

"The spiritual and paleontological interpretation of this painting are not mutually exclusive."

The study was published in PLOS ONE.

Related News
South Carolina DOT plans emergency repairs on Highway 501 bridge near Galivants Ferry; one southbound lane closed

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The South Carolina Department of Transportation is planning emergency repairs on the Highway 501 bridge over Little Pee Dee River, a news release said.

SCDOT decided to close a southbound lane on the bridge near Galivants Ferry after a routine inspection. The closure will allow crews to begin making repairs.

Drivers are asked to slow down and stay alert for crews working while traveling through the area.

For more information and updates, click here.

* * *

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.
BENTON, Ill.  A Marion, Illinois, man appeared in U.S. District Court on Thursday to be sentenced on charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Missouri said Michael D. Mitchell, 36, pleaded guilty in May to two counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

The FBI Springfield Field Office received an online tip from an internet platform that a user had uploaded child pornography. The platform provided the IP address to investigators. Agents tracked the IP address to Mitchells home, where they found eight pieces of child sexual abuse material on his phone.

The judge sentenced Mitchell to 97 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
In this aerial view, wind turbines stand at the recently inaugurated Arkona offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea on June 5, 2019, off the coast of Sassnitz, Germany. (Photo by Axel Schmidt/Getty Images)

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has identified two spots on the Oregon Coast for floating wind farms. Some of the most powerful and consistent winds in the world are located off the southwest Oregon coast, according to the Oregon Department of Energy. The pictured turbines were photographed in 2019 in Germany. (Axel Schmidt/Getty Images)

Officials from the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are suing the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management over its decision to greenlight two areas off the Oregon Coast for potential floating wind energy projects.

The southern Oregon tribe  which passed a resolution against floating offshore wind energy in those areas last November  filed its suit Friday in U.S. District Court in Eugene against the ocean energy bureau, accusing it of violating two federal laws meant to protect the environment and culturally significant areas.

The decision to file this legal action was not taken lightly, Brad Kneaper, chair of the tribal council, said in a news release. We would much rather work collaboratively with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to determine where the best places are to develop wind energy, minimizing the impacts to the coast and our people.

The suit comes two weeks after federal officials announced they would hold an auction for companies interested in surveying and proposing floating offshore wind energy farms in two lease areas. One area, a 61,000-acre site, is located 30 miles off the coast of Coos Bay, while the other, spanning nearly 134,000 acres, is located 20 miles off the coast of Brookings. If fully developed, wind farms on the two sites could generate more than 3.1 gigawatts of renewable energy, enough to power 1 million homes, federal officials said.

Tribal officials say the two proposed offshore areas are in the tribes ancestral territory and that the areas are home to fish and other marine species and have views of significant cultural, historic and economic significance to the tribe.

Kneaper said in the release that the tribe is willing to withdraw the lawsuit if the October lease sale is delayed and the bureau commits to assessing the cumulative and future impacts of wind energy development not just along the Oregon Coast, but also across all development areas being auctioned off along the West Coast.

BOEM does not discuss pending litigation through the media, John Romero, a spokesperson for the ocean energy bureau, said in an email.

The lawsuit

In the suit, the tribe, represented by attorney Rick Eichstaedt of the Spokane-based law firm Rey-Bear McLaughlin, accused the ocean energy bureau of violating the federal National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, as well as the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires federal agencies to protect culturally significant sites.

The tribe claims the agency failed in an environmental assessment to consider not just the current impacts of surveying and potentially developing the areas for wind energy, but also future impacts as well as the cumulative effect of wind power generation along the entire West Coast, not just off the coast of Oregon.

The bureau has auctioned five areas off the California coast for floating wind energy projects. In July, it released an environmental assessment of the two Oregon lease areas, and said there would be no significant impact to people or the environment as companies survey, study and plan proposals.

Any projects proposed by developers would need to go through another environmental impact analysis, and the public and interested parties would also be able to comment before it could be approved and built.

Kneaper said the July assessment ignored the cumulative and future impacts of wind development, and failed to identify alternative areas that did not have the same cultural and historic importance for the tribe and marine species.

The tribe has consistently urged that BOEM delay moving forward with wind energy development until a better understanding is made of the impacts to fish, wildlife, the marine environment and cultural resources important to the tribe, he said. No one, including BOEM, has an understanding of how wind development will impact the fragile marine environment.

Kneaper accused the bureau of being driven by politics and ignoring concerns among coastal residents. In November, Coos County residents will vote on a ballot initiative to oppose offshore wind development, and a coalition of independent fishing boat operators, seafood companies and industry groups have also asked Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek to intervene to stop floating offshore wind development from moving forward.

Wider picture

Under Oregons climate change policies, the state needs to curb its greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. The Climate Protection Program, which is currently being redone by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, has set a target of reducing emissions from fossil fuels in Oregon by 50% by 2035 and by 90% by 2050.

Wind energy will be needed to help achieve those goals, officials say, and offshore wind is slated to be part of the solution. The Oregon Department of Energys latest energy report said the state needs about 20,000 megawatts of energy to come from offshore wind by 2050 to meet that target.

The Biden administration also has wind energy plans. It is planning for up to a dozen offshore wind energy auctions through 2028, with the hope of developing a total of 30 gigawatts of wind energy  enough to power more than 10 million homes  on the East and West coasts to be deployed by 2030. The Oregon sites would account for about 10% of that, according to the bureau.

Oregon Capital Chronicle originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, it is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.

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MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's foreign ministry condemned this week's attacks targeting mobile communications devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, saying they constituted a violation of international humanitarian law and threatened the region's stability.

"We call for restraint on the part of all actors," the ministry said in a statement. "It's necessary to avoid a further escalation of violence and the risk of open war with unforeseeable consequences."

Spain's condemnation came hours after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid.

(Reporting by David Latona; Editing by Inti Landauro)
Motion to recognise Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuela polls is tabled in Spain's Senate

Motion to recognise Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuela polls is tabled in Spain's Senate

MADRID (Reuters) -Spain has denied involvement in talks between Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez and President Nicolas Maduro's government for his flight to Spain, before which he signed a letter saying he accepted Maduro's election victory.

Maduro was proclaimed the winner of the South American nation's disputed July vote by electoral and judicial authorities, a claim rejected as false by the opposition.

Gonzalez's letter included an undertaking to limit political activity once in Spain and was signed at the residence of the Spanish ambassador to Caracas, where Gonzalez had taken refuge before his departure.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, held up printed photographs of what he said was the moment the document was signed in his presence as well as that of his sister, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, and Spain's ambassador to Venezuela, Ramon Santos.

However, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that his government did not invite anyone to visit Gonzalez at the ambassador's residence.

"The Spanish government, and of course the ambassador, did not take part in any negotiation of any document of any type," Albares said.

Gonzalez, who was granted political asylum in Spain earlier this month, said in a video message released on Wednesday the letter was signed under "coercion, blackmail and pressure."

On Thursday, a senior figure in Spain's opposition People's Party (PP) said Madrid had been complicit in removing Gonzalez from Venezuela, thereby ensuring Maduro would stay in power.

"Beyond watching someone being blackmailed live, it's clear that Spain is involved in perpetuating Maduro as a dictator," PP Vice Secretary Esteban Gonzalez Pons told local radio.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Gonzalez sought to clarify the Spanish government's role prior to his leaving Venezuela.

"The diplomatic efforts carried out had as their sole purpose the facilitation of my exit from the country, without exerting any type of pressure on me," he said in the statement.

Spain's foreign ministry insisted the government had nothing to do with the letter or negotiations for Gonzalez's exit.

"When Gonzalez asked to be received at the Spanish ambassador's residence, he had the guarantee that he could see whomever and make whatever arrangements he decided necessary regarding his situation," it said in a statement.

"The foreign minister gave direct instructions to the ambassador not to interfere in any steps the opposition leader might take."

Gonzalez left Venezuela following the issue of an arrest warrant accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes after the election.

Both Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez have been targeted by European Union sanctions and travel bans since 2018.

Venezuela's national electoral council proclaimed Maduro the victor of the July 28 presidential election, prompting allegations of fraud and widespread protest as the opposition published vote tallies online which they said showed Gonzalez had won.

Earlier this week, a U.N. report said Maduro's government escalated repressive tactics to crush peaceful protests and keep power in the aftermath of the South American country's disputed election.

(Reporting by Corina Pons and Inti Landauro; Writing by Aislinn Laing and David Latona; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, William Maclean and Sonali Paul)
Iowa voters will not only cast their votes for candidates in the upcoming general election, but will also have the opportunity to decide if two measures are added to the state constitution.

Its one of the few opportunities Iowa voters have to weigh in directly on statewide public policy.

In many states, voters will make decisions on ballot issues that were initiated by voter petitions, bypassing the state legislature.

Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2024, ballot initiatives related to abortion access have played a prominent role in many states that moved to restrict the procedure. Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting abortion and reproductive rights in 2023, and states like Kentucky and Kansas saw initiatives to restrict the medical procedure fail during the 2022 midterm elections.

Several states, including Iowas neighboring states of Nebraska, Missouri and South Dakota, will consider ballot measures to restrict or protect abortion access in the upcoming election. Additionally, multiple states will weigh in on other high-profile issues through ballot initiatives like non-citizen voting, marijuana legalization and their states minimum wage.

In many of these cases, these subjects were brought onto the 2024 ballot through a petition system, where statutes or constitutional amendments can be brought to voters following a successful signature drive.

Iowa does not have this system. Instead, the only statewide ballot initiatives Iowa voters will see are constitutional amendments that have been passed as resolutions through two consecutive general assemblies. Voter approval in a general election through a simple majority is the final step needed to amend the Iowa state constitution.

This year, Iowans will consider two amendment proposals, making the final decision on whether they will be enshrined in the state constitution. Heres what to know:

Gubernatorial line of succession

One of the constitutional amendments Iowans will vote on this year is about the states gubernatorial line of succession. Iowans will vote on whether whether to repeal and replace a section of the Iowa constitution dealing with what happens if an Iowa governor resigns, dies or is removed from office.

The proposed new language would clarify that in these circumstances, the lieutenant governor will take over the position of governor until the end of the elected term. The measure also clarifies that this change will create a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor, allowing the new governor to appoint a new lieutenant governor to fill the position.

The amendment would change Article IV, Section 17 of the Iowa State Constitution to be:

Lieutenant governor or lieutenant governor-elect to become or act as governor or governor-elect. If there is a temporary disability of the governor, the lieutenant governor shall act as governor until the disability is removed, or the governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office. In case of the death, resignation, or removal from office of the governor, the lieutenant governor shall become governor for the remainder of the term, which shall create a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor. This section shall also apply, as appropriate, to the governor-elect and the lieutenant governor-elect.

This issue came up after Gov. Kim Reynolds  formerly lieutenant governor under former Gov. Terry Branstad  took the top office when Branstad resigned to join former President Donald Trumps administration as U.S. ambassador to China. While Reynolds became governor, former Attorney General Tom Miller issued a legal opinion in 2017 that stated Reynolds had technically not vacated the position of lieutenant governor, and could not formally appoint someone to the position.

Reynolds appointed former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg to the position in May 2017. However, until he and Reynolds won reelection in 2018, the person to fill the office of governor if Reynolds left would have been then-Senate President Jack Whitver.

The measure received bipartisan support when it passed through the Legislature, but some Democrats voted against the proposed amendment while asking for legislative approval to be added to the appointment process. Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, said in 2023 that he believed the lieutenant governor should be confirmed by the Iowa Senate, similar to how Senate approval is needed when the governor appoints heads of state agencies.

My concern is the lack of oversight from the Legislature on who would be chosen for this position, Zabner said. For a position as important as lieutenant governor, I think its very important that the Legislature have a say in at least confirming the appointment and making sure that it is a reasonable person.

Discussion about the amendment has also recently been driven by Greggs resignation as lieutenant governor earlier in September. Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, said there has been some confusion over the language because of questions about who will fill the new vacancy in the lieutenant governors office.

The coincidence of timing is why there is that added level of confusion, Matson said in an interview with the Iowa Capital Dispatch. But the amendment only applies to when someone is lieutenant governor and becomes governor, because the person who was governor has stepped down or left office for some particular reason.

Reynolds is currently able to appoint a person to serve as her lieutenant governor without stipulations or legislative approval  and has said she plans to make an appointment for the position later this fall. The person appointed will serve for the remaining term of office, until the next gubernatorial election  in this case, until 2026.

The problem that arose in 2017 came about because of the attorney generals ruling that Reynolds had not officially vacated the office of lieutenant governor after succeeding Branstad. The constitutional amendment is only meant to address circumstances where the Iowa governor leaves their position, and will not have an impact on Reynolds ability to fill Greggs position.

Voting age, citizenship language

Another proposed constitutional amendment would would repeal and replace Article II, Section 1 of the Iowa State Constitution to read:

Only a citizen of the United States of the age of eighteen years, who shall have been a resident of this state for such period of time as shall be provided by law and of the county in which the citizen claims the citizens vote for such period of time as shall be provided by law, shall be entitled to vote at all elections which are authorized by law. However, for purposes of a primary election, a United States citizen must be at least eighteen years of age as of the next general election following the primary election. The required periods of residence shall not exceed six months in this state and sixty days in the county.

The change would codify in the state constitution that 17-year-olds are allowed to vote in primary elections if they will be age 18 by the general election, in addition to modifying the voting age from 21 to 18. These voting age regulations are already in practice under state law, but would simply be added to the state constitution if voters approve the measure in the general election.

The amendment also includes a language change, replacing the wording that every citizen of the United States who meets voter requirements can participate in the states elections to instead state only a citizen of the United States with needed qualifications can vote.

The amendment passed through the legislative process with unanimous support in all four votes.

What constitutional amendments could Iowans see on future ballots?

Though Iowans will only cast their votes for two measures during the 2024 general election, there are other proposals working through the legislative process that may appear on the ballot in future years.

Iowa Republican lawmakers, who hold a majority in the House and supermajority in the Senate, passed two proposed constitutional amendments related to taxes during the 2024 legislative session.

House Joint Resolution 2006 would amend the state constitution to require a two-thirds majority vote of legislators for passing increases to individual or corporate income tax rates. Another proposal, Senate Joint Resolution 2004, would enshrine a flat individual income tax rate in the state constitution.

Democrats argued during session that these proposed constitutional amendments would hurt the states ability to respond to financial problems, and could mean that future lawmakers are forced to pursue taxes that disproportionately impact lower- and middle-income families, like increased sales or grocery taxes.

However, Republicans including Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, said these policies are in place in many Democrat-led states constitutions, and that the sky did not fall, every example of dystopian future did not happen.

These measures passed largely along party lines in the Iowa House and Senate during the session. However, theres still time before Iowans will see the tax proposals on a general election ballot. First, the measures must be approved during the next general assembly that will begin after the 2024 election.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday called for a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, as Lebanon said 37 people had now been killed by booby-trapped hand-held devices.

"Today the risk of escalation is once more increasing in a dangerous way" in Lebanon, Sanchez told a news conference in Madrid after more than an hour of talks with visiting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.

"So we must again make a fresh appeal for restraint, for a de-escalation and for peaceful coexistence between countries, in the name of peace," he added.

Abbas also called for a new peace conference in the Spanish capital aimed at ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, modelled on the 1991 Madrid talks that led to the 1993 Oslo accords.

Urging a two-state solution, long a cornerstone of international attempts to end the decades-long conflict, Sanchez said a Palestinian nation "living side by side with the state of Israel" was the only way to "bring stability to the region".

Abbas's visit was his first to Spain since Madrid took the decision to recognise a Palestinian state on May 28. Ireland and Norway took the same decision in May.

"Why is this a good thing? Because Palestine exists and has the right to have its own state," Sanchez said.

Abbas expressed his thanks for Sanchez's support and Spain's recognition, urging "all states that have not yet recognised us to do so".

Neither Sanchez nor Abbas referred directly to the explosions of electronic devices that rocked Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday in the latest escalation of tensions.

Israel has not yet commented on the unprecedented wave of attacks in which Hezbollah operatives' pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in supermarkets, on streets and at funerals.

But Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday called on the United Nations to intervene in what he called Israel's "technological war" against it.

Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad said Thursday 37 people had been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the explosions of the devices over the last two days.

- Palestinian state recognition -

Even before that stunning act of apparent sabotage, tensions were running high in the Middle East, in large part due to the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Since the war began, Sanchez has positioned himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause within the European Union.

His socialist government has increasingly taken highly critical positions towards Israel's conduct of its campaign against Hamas, rival to Abbas's own Fatah party which controls the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank.

"The international community and Europe cannot remain impassive in the face of the suffering of thousands of innocents, largely women and children," he added.

Israel's military offensive has killed at least 41,272 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to data provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has acknowledged these figures as reliable.

Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack which sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Out of 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

bur-mdm/sbk/imm
stamp duty for downsizers

Are you looking to downsize but put off by stamp duty? Email: money@telegraph.co.uk

Empty nesters should be spared stamp duty when they downsize, the UKs leading banks have told Labour.

A new report by trade body UK Finance found that stamp duty can be a major financial barrier for older property owners looking to move into smaller homes.

Abolishing the tax for last time buyers aged 55 and over would help alleviate Britains housing shortage by freeing up more spacious properties for younger families, it said.

Around four in ten homes across the country are under occupied  meaning they have bedrooms lying empty  according to a 2023 government housing survey.

UK Finance, which represents more than 300 firms including 120 mortgage lenders, said the threat of a large tax bill is deterring these homeowners from downsizing.

Stamp duty land tax is charged on the purchase of homes worth more than 250,000, or 425,000 for first-time buyers. The rate gradually tapers up, from 5pc to 12pc for the most expensive properties.

This means a stamp duty bill of 10,000 for a property costing 450,000 in England, unless you are a first-time buyer.

The UK Finance report said: The UK housing market is grappling with a shortage of affordable, secure and suitable homes for people at different life stages.

We believe that well-considered policies, backed by evidence whilst acting on lessons learned from the past, could address the challenges the housing sector faces.

Research by the Centre for Ageing Better found that four million people over the age of 55 would like to move home, but only a fifth anticipated being able to do so for a variety of practical and psychological reasons.

UK Finance added: Removing these obstacles could help a significant number of wouldbe homeowners.

The report also urged the Government to maintain the current nilrate stamp duty bands in England at their current levels for firsttime buyers.

The threshold for first-time buyers to avoid paying stamp duty was raised from 300,000 to 425,000 in Liz Trusss mini-Budget of 2022. For home movers, the threshold was raised from 125,000 to 250,000.

However, these changes were only temporary and are due to end in March 2025.

David Hollingworth, of brokerage L & C Mortgages, said: When you want people to free up houses more suited to families, stamp duty is one of the big hurdles putting people off.

Moving is expensive and just because youre downsizing doesnt mean youre not going to be hit with a large bill. And it often comes at a time when older people may be considering how their retirement finances and income will look.

Story continues

In July, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner unveiled plans to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years to solve the countrys housing shortage.

The Government was approached for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
2 more KY students arrested for school terroristic threatening. Speak with your children.

Two Eastern Kentucky students from separate schools were arrested Wednesday and charged with terroristic threatening in the latest in a series of incidents that have landed Kentucky juveniles in jail.

A Harlan County High School student was charged with second-degree terroristic threatening, a felony, school district officials said in a Facebook post.

A juvenile student in Floyd County was charged Wednesday with second-degree terroristic threatening involving an incident at Prestonsburg Elementary School, Floyd County Schools district officials said in a Facebook post.

As many as seven Kentucky students have been charged recently with making threats against K-12 schools.

The Harlan County arrest follows an in-depth investigation into threats shared to social media this week, implying the posts targeted Harlan County High School students.

The student was taken into custody by the Harlan County School Police Department officers at the school early Wednesday and transported to a juvenile detention center in Breathitt County.

The investigation revealed the student obtained screenshots from other social media sources and reposted to an HCHS 2028 Snapchat group.

The student never reported the alleged threats to law enforcement or any school official. By publishing the false statements, the student created fear of death or physical injury among students, parents and school personnel, police said.

We urge parents and guardians to speak with your children about the seriousness of making and/or sharing social media threats, Harlan County Schools Police Chief Matt Cope said in the Harlan school district statement.

We have been aware and investigating at least two generic threats being circulated at schools all over the nation which are now being shared by our students and some adults locally. The sharing of the threats by students, parents and others in the community certainly hampers the investigation and creates fear among our students and families. I would hope that parents are responsible and notify school officials or law enforcement when they hear or see any indication of a threat.

Both of these threats are non-specific and have been reported all over the country, Cope added.

One of the threats being reshared by a social media group makes it appear to be a local threat, but the same exact threat is being seen nationwide on various social media platforms, he said

The students who are resharing these nationwide threats are spreading fear among other students and parents, said Harlan County Superintendent Brent Roark in the district statement. We want to assure parents that we are addressing each of these reshared social media posts to the fullest extent possible.

Roark said the school districts police department worked diligently to identify the student who reshared the threats in an effort to create and spread fear.

We will charge those making threats to the fullest extent of the law possible, he said

In the Floyd County case, Prestonsburg Police, after a thorough investigation determined that the student had made implicit threatening statements to other students during the school day, the Floyd school district statement said.

No firearm was found on school property and no students or staff were in imminent danger, Floyd County Schools officials said.
U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson of Shreveport presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to the families of the trailblazing Black women known for their computing and engineering skills who helped lead America in the space race during nearly five decades of anonymity.

Their story was elevated by author Margot Lee Shetterly, whose book "Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race" was adapted into a film in 2016.

"Their work proved that our strength as a nation lies in our ability to harness the talents of all of our citizens and to look beyond divisions and into new frontiers where we all work together" Johnson said in presenting Congress' highest honor Wednesday. "It's my great honor on behalf of our nation to say thank you."

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Shreveport presented the Congressional Gold Medal on Sept. 18, 2024 to the families of the "Hidden Figures" who helped lead the U.S. in the Space Race.

Johnson specifically recognized Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and Christine Darden, but noted all the women know as "human computers" in the space program through the 1970s.

"These four women and all those who worked at NASA and its predecessor, helped us look both ways to the future we can create in the frontiers that are still ahead and to the people who need our care and attention right here at home," Johnson said. "The hidden figures helped us venture ahead into the heavens where we learned more about ourselves."

"This has been a long time coming," Johnson said. "At a time in America when our nation was divided by color and often by gender, these women dared to step into the fields where they had previously been unwelcome."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the Hidden Figures "proved an unassailable fact  our diversity is a strength."

More: Speaker Mike Johnson of Shreveport predicts red wave for Congress, Trump to take White House

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Speaker Mike Johnson of Shreveport honors Hidden Figures of Space Race
Protecting the animals that live in our oceans can be challenging, especially because so much of the world depends on some of these animals as a major food source. Unfortunately, animals sometimes get trapped in the traps we use to catch fish and other seafood and need our help to regain their freedom. Recently a humpback whale off of the British Columbia coast needed help, and a team of specialists worked tirelessly for four days to free the ocean giant.

ABC News shared a 3-minute clip on Wednesday, September 18th of a specialized team from Fisheries and Oceans Canada working against the clock to help the whale free itself from more than 50 fishing lines. Watch on to see the precision and effort that it took the team to free the whale.

What an accomplishment for this team! I wish the clip was longer, so we could've watched the whale swim away. I wonder if they tagged it so that it could be monitored. I hope that from here on out the whale gets to live a long and healthy life, never running into fishing lines or any other human contraption again!

ABC News fans were impressed and thankful for the team's efforts to free the humpback whale and left more than 2,500 comments. @Mamal was in awe and said, "Wow! How the whale knows these people were there to save him!" and @River man added, "She will have some scars but shes free." Another commenter pointed out, "Thank you for doing this. You can see how tightly the ropes were, the whale was bleeding."

Related: Divers Game of Hide and Seek With Humpback Whale Is Giving People Anxiety

More About the Humpback Whale's Rescue Off the Coast of British Columbia

As you could see in the video, the whale wasn't only caught in fishing line, but other items were attached to the lines as well including fishing gear and floats. I'm not sure if the floats kept the whale from being able to fully submerge, but I sure hope not.

Paul Cottrell, a marine mammal coordinator for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, told CBC radio, "I've never seen anything like it. The animal couldn't open its mouth and then the body wraps." They found the trapped whale completely by luck. Cottrell was conducting a necropsy on a deceased fin whale in Prince Rupert, British Columbia when they found the humpback whale.

Sadly, the number of whale entanglements due to fishing lines and other nets and traps is on the rise on the U.S. west coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded nine entanglements in 2007, 46 in 2015, and 67 in 2022. It's sad that these animals can't live peacefully and without our interference in their natural homes.

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.
Haitians like goat. Thats the meat for Haitians.

Romane Pierre, the manager of Rose Goute Creole Restaurant in Springfield, Ohio, looked tired but happy as he rushed to take orders from customers. The most popular item on the menu, he said with a grin, was rice and beans with goat. It was supposed to be Pierres day off, but the Haitian eatery had seen a huge increase in business in the days after the national spotlight turned its focus on Springfield.

The story, which youd need to be from Mars not to know by now, began in early September, when rumors popped up on social media that Haitian immigrants in the small Ohio city were stealing and eating pets. The rumors gained traction when former President Donald Trump referred to them during the presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trumps running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, continued to spread the lie, even as Vances constituents in Springfield became the target of dozens of bomb threats, prompting schools and government offices to close or switch to doing business online.

But in an aging (albeit recently resurgent) retail strip center in south Springfield anchored by a Family Dollar store, Rose Goute Creole was open for business. Even though it was a weekday afternoon, at a time when the staff normally would have been refilling napkin dispensers and preparing for the dinner rush, the place was almost half-full with diners.

Jim and Jackie Shulman had driven over from their home in Columbus to visit Springfields history museum and had decided to stop into the restaurant, which itself has been the focus of social media posts. Photos online showing crowds lining up to get plates of Haitian food had piqued their interest.

Before those social media posts about Rose Goute Creole appeared, we didnt even know it existed, Jim Shulman said. I think its great.

He smiled broadly as his wife packed up several to-go cartons. Rose Goute Creole serves enormous portions, and most diners followed the Shulmans example and took home leftovers.

That included a couple sitting at the table next to the Shulmans.

Jeffrey Tilley and Coretta Thomas, from the Dayton suburb of Huber Heights, heard all the rhetoric, Tilley said. So we decided to do our part and spread the love. And the first thing you know, we run into some good people, he said, nodding to the Shulmans.

I feel sorry for people who are missing out on some good food, Thomas said. We are definitely coming back. We usually go to Los Mariachis, but now we have a couple places.

Ohioans often joke that the South doesnt begin below the Mason-Dixon lineit actually begins below Interstate 70, the east-west highway that neatly bisects the state, running straight through the centrally located capital city, Columbus.

Theyre not entirely joking. Drive less than an hour east from Columbus, and less than an hour west along the interstate, and remnants of the South and its violent, racist past manifest themselves in surprising ways.

To the east of Columbus is Buckeye Lake. Built in the early nineteenth century as a reservoir for the Ohio Canal, the lake became a recreational area in those days for vacationing Ohioansincluding members of the Ku Klux Klan, which had experienced a revival in the early twentieth century. Buckeye Lake was so popular with the Klan that the once-thriving interurban rail line ran special cars to transport Klansmen and their families to the area. The Grand Dragon of the Indiana Klan, D.C. Stephenson, even had a summer home at Buckeye Lake, and under his leadership in 1925 the Klan held a gathering billed as the largest Konclave in the United States, with an estimated 75,000 white-robed Klansmen in attendance. (This was just before he viciously raped and murdered a young woman who worked on an adult literacy program.)

While the lakes past as a Klan haven is forgotten among many Ohioans, the place remains 97 percent white, according to the 2020 census.

To the west of Columbus, meanwhile, is Springfield. There, a home built in 1850the Gammon House, after owners George and Sarah Gammonplayed a crucial role during the Civil War as a stop on the Underground Railroad. While some runaway slaves continued north, others set down roots in and around the Springfield area, which over the decades has held some important distinctions in the Black community. In 1875, Springfield-based Wittenberg University admitted its first Black student. Less than 20 miles south of the city is Wilberforce University, founded in 1856 as the nations first private historically Black university. Near to that school is the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center. And in 1966, Springfields City Commission appointed Robert Henry as the first Black mayor in Ohio.

Even so, Springfield has hardly been without racial conflict.

In March 1904, a mob of white residents stormed the jail and seized Richard Dixon, a Black man accused of killing a police officer. The mob killed Dixon, strung up his body from a pole and continued shooting the corpse, then destroyed and burned Black neighborhoods in the city. Two years later, an altercation between a white man and a Black man sparked another riot, with a white mob burning down a significant portion of a Black neighborhood.

With such a fraught history, then, it seems almost inevitable that a self-described hillbilly who grew up in the Southor rather, south of I-70, about 50 miles outside of Springfieldwould break out a rhetorical noose and string up an unsuspecting group of Black migrants who, much like their predecessors during the Civil War, simply sought refuge and work in a small Ohio city.

Its important to note that Haitians were invited to come to Springfield. In 2014, the city began its Welcome Springfield initiative to attract newcomers to replenish its dwindling population.

But while most Haitians in the United States live in Florida or the Northeast, the small population of Springfieldjust over 58,000 in 2022means that even a few thousand newcomers are noticeable and have put a strain on the communitys social services.

Rose Goute Creole opened last year in Springfield to serve the influx of Haitian immigrants. Wedged between a Latin Market and a Beauty Depot in a retail strip that could be in any neighborhood in America that has seen its share of ups and downs, Rose Goute quickly gained a good reputation, with online reviews giving it top ratings for Best Caribbean food.

A few days after bomb threats shut down many schools and government offices, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine talked about the important role that Haitians are playing in Springfields efforts to rebuild from a long decline.

Springfield has really made a great resurgence with a lot of companies coming in, DeWine said in an interview with ABC News. These Haitians came in to work for these companies. What the companies tell us is that they are very good workers. Theyre very happy to have them there. And frankly, thats helped the economy now.

Those hard-working Haitians clearly include the Rose Goute Creole staff. As Pierre shuttled in and out of the kitchen, placing orders and picking up trays to deliver to the sit-down dining crowd, he spoke in Haitian Creole to customers waiting to pick up bags of carry-out meals.

A few feet away, Scott Roderick and his wife, Kelly Kight, were just beginning to dig into the food piled high on their plates.

I was here with my brother Dave when it opened about a year ago, Roderick said. We had read about it. Dave and Ihes a vegetarian, so hes always on the lookout for a new place. He continued: Kelly and I are very adventurous eaters. We live about five miles south of here, and after Dave and I checked it out, I said to Kelly, Weve got to go back.

Looking around at the other diners, he added, Im glad to see were not the only ones with a brilliant idea to stop in for a meal.

Weve lived in Springfield about eight years now, and I remember there was a Kroger in the shopping strip. This part of south Springfield was a food desert until about five years ago. I think Springfield has done a good job bringing this area back.

While the nasty headlines swirl around them, Springfielders and Ohioans are making a point of saying no to Trump and Vances toxic messageand making Romane Pierre work overtime. When asked if business has been good since the restaurant became a cause celebre, he stopped his perpetual motion for a brief moment, sighed, and shook his head: Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Very, very good business.
Springfield mayor seizes emergency powers to help deal with threats after Trumps false claims about migrants

The mayor of Springfield, Ohio, issued a proclamation Thursday giving himself temporary emergency powers as the city faces multiple threats of violence following false claims about Haitian immigrants in the community.

We are addressing these threats with the seriousness they warrant and are taking immediate steps to ensure the security of both our community and our employees, Mayor Rob Rue said in a statement. Our commitment to preventing harm is unwavering.

For the last two weeks, the small Ohio city has been hit with multiple bomb threats on schools, government buildings and residences, forcing evacuations and closures.

The political turmoil arrives after former president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance amplified false claims that immigrants in Springfield were abducting and eating peoples pets as a way to promote their anti-immigration policies.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue issued a proclamation to seize emergency powers in the city amid threats after Republicans false claims about migrants (Forbes/YouTube)

Local and state officials, including Governor Mike DeWine, have all said those claims that immigrants are eating pets are not true but the city is still facing an increasing number of threats.

Mayor Rues proclamation will allow him to take command of Springfields police and other resources in order to address ongoing issues.

Under Springfields bylaws, the mayor is the sole determiner of what constitutes public danger or emergency. After making a proclamation, the mayor can temporarily govern the city.

This will enable departments to respond more efficiently to emerging risks, including civil unrest, cyber threats, and potential acts of violence, the proclamation states.

The Independent has asked the mayors office for further comment.

The proclamation will last until public safety risks cease.

A mural in Springfield, Ohio. Donald Trump and his running mate claim, without evidence, that Haitian immigrants are eating residents pets (Getty Images)

Over the last few years, Springfield has seen an influx of Haitian immigrants. They have been granted temporary protected status in the United States as Haiti faces a violent political crisis.

Despite this, Trump and Vance have called them illegal and used Springfield as an example of a city that is in shambles due to the increase in immigrant residents.

That all came to a head during the second presidential debate, when Trump said he saw and heard on television that immigrants were eating cats and dogs.

Before the debate, Vance amplified the false claims on social media. He has defended his statement, claiming his constituents filed reports. But he acknowledged that it doesnt mean the claims are necessarily true.

Already, officials have been redirecting resources to Springfield as they face a growing number of threats. DeWine announced on Monday he would send state troopers to schools that have faced bomb threats.

Resources in the city are stretched, DeWine and Rue have said.

The former president has indicated he would like to visit Springfield but officials have warned that it would be a strain on the city that is already working around the clock to negate threats.
In the year since Illinois got rid of cash bail, St. Clair Countys chief judge says the new system is working  and its making the metro-east county safer.

Those who perhaps were dangerous had the ability to bond out  if they had enough money  and many of those people did, said Judge Andrew Gleeson, chief judge of Illinois 20th Circuit based at the Belleville courthouse. They actually got to be on the streets, making our community less safe.

The change, which took place Sept. 18, 2023, was a monumental shift in Illinois criminal justice system, the judge said.

In the past year, if the state or county want to keep someone in jail, prosecutors have to convince a judge that the accused should remain detained at a pretrial hearing. In turn, public defenders and states attorneys have picked up extra workloads, arguing the case about release within the first 48 hours of an arrest.

Gleeson spoke with St. Louis Public Radio metro-east reporter Will Bauer. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Will Bauer: Youre one year into no cash bail in the state of Illinois. When you look back on that year, and you reflect, what comes to mind?

Andrew Gleeson: We had a monumental transition to make. Effectively, the legislation changed the processes for the criminal justice system as Ive known it throughout my whole career, which is almost 40 years now. And it meant that every aspect of that process was affected. My judges were involved. The states attorney, the public defenders, the circuit clerks, the sheriff, the Public Building Commission here in St Clair County  and it was a monumental task. And as I look back on it now, Im proud to say that all of those people, cooperating and collaborating, have made that transition effectively work.

Bauer: One of the biggest logistical hurdles that eliminating cash bail put on the criminal justice system that one could argue is the extra workload that the local states attorneys and the local public defenders have. From your vantage point, how have they adapted over this one year in the new system?

Gleeson: I have to praise the public defenders office and Cathy MacElroy, the chief public defender, and the states attorneys  but particularly the public defenders office. They already had a significant caseload, and this was additional work. They have stepped up to the plate. They have been ingenious in some ways in rearranging their day-to-day dockets so that they have the ability to operate in this realm efficiently. So, with that said, we still need resources as we go through this process, and we realize the needs. We need to make sure that we are publicly stating that. My public defenders definitely need more resources  more people  and were working on that.

Bauer: Is that a conversation youre having with the county board to get more resources?

Gleeson: Im having that conversation with every level of government that has some involvement in the funding, in the allocation of resources in the state of Illinois  and one of those would be the St. Clair County Board.

Bauer: Maybe one of the most common things that you might have heard from critics  I heard it quite a bit  was that the elimination of cash bail could make the state less safe. And the simple theory behind that is because people accused of less egregious crimes no longer have to stay in jail under this new system. Do you think Illinois has gotten less safe in this one year since?

Gleeson: The idea that we are assessing that level of danger to the community at large and or to any individual person before we allow someone to be out on bail is, I think, the counterargument. Were safer under this present system. And then, probably just as important, is now we are upholding our obligations to the Constitution of the United States and the rights of us as individual citizens in this country. We are deemed to be innocent until proven guilty. Bond is only set to make sure that you appear in court. So, when we talk about these things, were talking about somebody who has not been adjudicated guilty in a court of law yet. So, the assessment of how dangerous they are to us  and whether theyre going to reappear for court  is what we should have probably been doing all along.

Bauer: As we go forward, what lessons, if any, are we learning in a world without cash bail, and what changes or improvements need to be made here in St. Clair County?

Gleeson: The first one we already talked about, and that was the concern about having dangerous people on the street and the community being less safe. That would have been one thing that, obviously, its a giant concern to both the courts and to the community at large. The second is: Are people going to show up to court? So, the purpose of bond is to ensure that they show up for their court dates. And I think everyone whos been involved in the system as long as I have was leery of the thought that were going to let people go with really  to a degree  with no catch to bring them back in. And, surprisingly, the academics were correct. There is no meaningful difference at this point that we can discern as to whether you post bond, or you dont, as to whether youre going to show up in court. And, actually in some ways, the recidivism is down as opposed to up. I dont know that any of those things are statistically valid yet. I dont know that we have a big enough data set to make that [claim], but those are our initial observations. I am periodically making those inquiries because I think its important for me to be able to have that understanding and ability to give feedback to the administrative offices and to my colleagues.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A staff member at a church in Peculiar, Missouri is facing charges for allegedly downloading and sharing child pornography.

Cass County prosecutors on Tuesday charged 29-year-old Andrew Lovisone of Greenwood with two counts of first-degree promoting child pornography.

The crimes are believed to have happened between July and August of this year.

According to court documents, Cass County detectives began looking into multiple cyber tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The emails associated to these cyber tips all had Lovisones name in them.

Kansas cult leaders convicted of forcing children to work 16-hour days without pay

A subpoena was sought for an IP address, which had been geo-located to the Peculiar area. The subpoena response showed the IP address belonged to the First Baptist Church in Peculiar, according to court documents.

Further investigation revealed Lovisone as a staff member at the church. Videos from July 28, 2024, on the churchs Facebook page and YouTube page are titled: Pastor ordination service for Andrew Lovisone.

A search warrant was conducted at the church and Lovisones residence in Greenwood where he was taken into custody.

During an interview with detectives, court documents say Lovisone confessed that he had been using applications to download and share child sexual abuse materials. When asked about a cellphone that had been recovered from him when he was taken into custody, he said a detective would locate pictures and videos as young as 12 years old, according to court documents.

Lovisone also stated the downloads and uploads happened at both the church and his residence after hours during the week.

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He is currently being held at the Cass County Jail with no bond.

The Cass County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with additional information on this case to call (816) 380-5200.

FOX4 has reached out to First Baptist Church for a response on Wednesday, they gave us the following statement on Thursday morning:

We are aware that Andy Lovisone has been charged with two counts of promoting child pornography (1st Degree). We are deeply concerned by these charges that are not condoned by the church and are strongly contrary to our beliefs. The church has been in communication with law enforcement and will continue to fully aid the investigation. Andy Lovisone has been suspended from his duties at the church at this time.

Pastor Nic Wilson and Deacon Board of FBC Peculiar

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Staff to be offered contracts after three months under zero-hours crackdown

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has clashed with Cabinet members over how far reforms should go - Simon Walker/Deputy Prime Minister's Office

Companies could be forced to offer all staff regular hours after three months as part of a crackdown on zero-hours contracts.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told bosses and unions in a private call on Wednesday that they were working on a policy which could force employers to offer zero-hours workers a regular contract after 12 weeks.

One person involved in the discussions said the legal obligation would follow McDonalds lead, after the fast-food chain offered staff the chance to switch to contracts with minimum guaranteed hours back in 2017. At the time it said most chose to stay on flexible contracts.

A Whitehall source said ministers wanted to put forward the three-month idea on the call as it was easier to get a yes or a no from bosses on a specific figure and then flesh out the details from there.

Businesses and unions on the call were split over whether three months was the right amount of time, one source said, with one business executive understood to have suggested a longer period while a union representative made the case for a shorter one.

The discussion, which was supposed to be an in-person roundtable but was moved to a video conference call at the last minute, comes as ministers race to pin down the details of the Governments flagship workers rights reforms.

Discussions are ramping up as the Government gets closer to unveiling its employment rights bill next month.

Labour has been promising to ban exploitative zero-hours contracts as part of its package of reforms, but the details are still being thrashed out following a pushback from businesses earlier this year which led to a decision not to ban zero-hours contracts outright.

A government insider said reforms were aimed at ending one-sided flexibility. Proposals being worked up include forcing companies to pay people for late-notice shift cancellations so that workers are not in a position where their shift is cancelled when theyre already on the bus to work.

Hospitality and leisure bosses have been warning that a ban would make it harder to hire and cause unintended consequences for the economy.

Advocates of zero-hours contracts also argue that they offer staff the flexibility to work when suits them.

Around 1.1m people in Britain, or 3.4pc of the British population, are currently on zero-hours contracts in the UK, according to The Work Foundation at Lancaster University.

The Government has pledged the biggest overhaul of workers rights in a generation, but there are concerns among business leaders that some of the changes could backfire.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said that only 26pc of businesses are confident they can absorb the cost of the plans without a negative impact on growth, investment or jobs.

Whitehall sources told The Telegraph earlier this week that Ms Rayner and Mr Reynolds disagreed over how far plans to hand workers full employment rights from day one in a job should go.

The split is understood to centre on how probation periods will work under the new system.

Ms Rayner is understood to be pushing for full-employment rights from day one following a short probation, while Mr Reynolds is said to favour a probation of almost a year.

Day one rights is proving very difficult, a Whitehall source said. Angela is less keen on a longer probation period, Reynolds thinks nine months is reasonable.

Its unclear if an agreement will be reached.

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(KRON)  Overnight encampments will no longer be allowed on the Stanford University campus. University officials made the announcement as part of their new Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom at Stanford guidelines rolled out on Wednesday.

If unauthorized tents are seen past 10 p.m., they will be removed, Stanford officials said.

The university is also prohibiting disruptions on its campus, meaning demonstrations such as the ones some students performed in the spring graduation ceremony are now unauthorized. Violators are subject to disciplinary action, the university said.

Stanford officials say protests are still encouragedjust not in most places on campus. Instead, university officials are urging students to demonstrate in White Plaza, an event space often associated with demonstrations on the Stanford campus.

White Plaza can be used for spontaneous protests and demonstrations by Stanford affiliates without advance permission, the university said.

The university also emphasized part of its 1986 policy on campus disruptions, claiming that anybody a university official believes to be violating the disruption policy must identify themselves through formal ID and by removing any face covering if necessary.

More details on Stanfords new guidelines can be found here.

In June, an award-winning student journalist for the Stanford Daily was arrested while covering a pro-Palestine protest outside the Stanford campus presidents office.

In August, both the University of California and Cal State University systems banned overnight tent encampments.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  The states Legislative Finance Committee convened with leaders of various departments to discuss regulation and oversight of the oil and gas industry. The main point of concern was pollution.

One shelter, three employees: only homeless shelter in Espanola asking for state help

The New Mexico Environment Department identified over 300 oil plumes they call methane super emitters. There will be immediate causality for these operators once notified to take control of their methane emissions, said Secretary James Kenney, New Mexico Environment Department.

The environment department also found elevated ozone levels across multiple counties which they said exceeded federal standards. They said raising fees on the industry will help reduce that pollution.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
South Carolina lawyer and Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-North Charleston, stands accused of legal malpractice for allegedly misleading a client and forging legal documents. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A South Carolina legislator has resigned his state House seat representing North Charleston amid an ongoing lawsuit from a former legal client and investigation into its allegations.

Democrat Marvin Pendarvis, an attorney, turned in his resignation Monday, effective immediately.

His departure from the Statehouse comes five months after a former client sued him, claiming Pendarvis settled his lawsuit without his knowledge, forged his signature for the $10,000 settlement, and then tried to buy him off to prevent the allegations from becoming public.

The day after Adrian Lewis filed his complaint in April, the State Law Enforcement Division confirmed an investigation into Pendarvis. In May, the state Supreme Court suspended his law license.

SLED is still investigating, a spokeswoman said.

Serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives has been the honor of my life, Pendarvis wrote in his resignation letter to House Speaker Murrell Smith, dated Sept. 16 and provided to the SC Daily Gazette on Thursday.

Because of my respect for this body and for the residents of my district, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my seat, reads the three-sentence resignation. The residents of District 113 deserve a representative who can devote full time to their needs, and I cannot do that at this time.

The letter provides no further information about Pendarvis decision or its timing. First elected in a 2017 special election, he faced no opposition for re-election this year.

Former Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-North Charleston, (on the upper right) walks down the Statehouse steps with his fellow legislators before the inauguration ceremony in Columbia, S.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. (File/Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

The SC Daily Gazette was unable to immediately reach Pendarvis or his attorneys for comment.

Ronald Richter, an attorney for Lewis, said the lawsuit against the now-former legislator continues.

The entire situation, the entire circumstance is just disappointing, Richter said.

Pendarvis, who was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 2014, represented Lewis in a 2021 unlawful arrest lawsuit against the Dorchester County Sheriffs Office.

According to Lewis lawsuit against Pendarvis, Pendarvis largely ignored Lewis while representing him, and then settled the case without his permission.

Lewis received a pair of checks  one for $5,000 in December 2023 and another for $1,666.67 in March 2024  with no explanation from Pendarvis, only the promise that he had a lot more money coming. The checks were simply marked disbursement, according to the lawsuit.

What Lewis said he did not realize at the time is that his case had already been settled by Pendarvis.

According to his lawsuit, Lewis found out in March only because he called the sheriffs department attorney, and that lawyer gave him a copy of the settlement document. He alleges the document includes a forgery of his signature, along with witness signatures from Pendarvis. The lawsuit includes the signatures as exhibits.

After Lewis realized Pendarvis had settled the case, the lawsuit alleges, Pendarvis tried to bribe him with offers of cash and to pay off his mortgage.

Even though Pendarvis has resigned, the State Election Commission has not yet received an official withdrawal notice. So, hes officially still a candidate for re-election.

Regardless, its too late to take him off November ballots, which are already finalized and will shortly be mailed to overseas voters, according to the election agency.

The timeline for a special election to replace Pendarvis wont be finalized until the agency receives the withdrawal notice.

Senior reporter Jessica Holdman contributed to this story.

Letter to Speaker (002)
Jason Ravnsborg, former attorney general of South Dakota, speaks during a hearing about the future of his law license on Feb. 14, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre while his legal team looks on. (David Bordewyk/SD NewsMedia Association)

Jason Ravnsborg, former attorney general of South Dakota, speaks during a hearing about the future of his law license on Feb. 14, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre while his legal team looks on. (David Bordewyk/SD NewsMedia Association)

The former South Dakota attorney general who accidentally killed a man with his vehicle in 2020 will lose his license to practice law in South Dakota for six months under the terms of a ruling released Thursday by the state Supreme Court.

The suspension is effective immediately.

Jason Ravnsborg was impeached, convicted and removed from office in 2022 by the South Dakota Legislature for his actions after the collision just outside of Highmore, which killed pedestrian Joe Boever on Sept. 12, 2020.

The state Supreme Court ruled that Ravnsborgs conduct after the crash and during the investigation was unbecoming of an attorney, particularly one whod been serving in a position of trust as South Dakotas top law enforcement official. Ravnsborg, a Republican, was elected in 2018.

Ravnsborg will be required to reimburse the court and the State Bar of South Dakota for the costs of the proceedings prior to the return of his license. The opinion does not specify an amount.

False statements during investigation

The Thursday ruling on his suspension criticized his decision to stay on as attorney general as the criminal case against him proceeded.

He pleaded no contest in 2021 to two misdemeanor charges, not admitting or denying his mobile phone use while driving and his illegal lane changes. He also settled a civil case brought by Boevers family.

The South Dakota Supreme Court conducts a hearing Feb. 14, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre about former attorney general Jason Ravnsborg's law license. From left are Justices Patricia DeVaney, Janine Kern, Steven Jensen, Mark Salter and Scott Myren. (David Bordewyk/SD NewsMedia Association)

It is evident, even as of the time of oral argument to this Court, that Ravnsborg failed to consider how his actions following the accident and the subsequent investigation, would impact his offices ability to fulfill its duties in such a way that maintained the publics confidence, the state Supreme Courts opinion says.

The ruling also calls out Ravnsborg for lying to investigators about whether hed used his cell phone during the Sept. 12 trip. An accident reconstruction showed that he wasnt looking at his phone at the time of the crash, but a forensic investigation of the device found that hed spent much of the trip using it. Ravnsborg initially denied using his phone at all.

His evolving explanation regarding the extent of his cell phone use while driving involved actual dishonesty and misrepresentations, the ruling said. He only reluctantly admitted that he looked at stuff on his phone after he was confronted with specific information found on his phone.

The states high court also called out Ravnsborg for noting his position as attorney general when he reported the crash, as well as in previous traffic stops, as inappropriate.

Shorter suspension than first recommended

The Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of South Dakota recommended a 26-month law license suspension. Ravnsborg contested the boards recommendation, though hed voluntarily ceased to practice law. A referee, retired circuit court judge Bradley Zell, ruled that the board had overstepped in some of its conclusions. Ravnsborg had still behaved in a manner worthy of censure, Zell decided, but not suspension.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case in February.

Jason Ravnsborg, left, is interrogated after the car he was driving struck and killed a pedestrian in rural South Dakota. Ravnsborg, who was the state's attorney general at the time, was ultimately impeached and removed from office. (Image from House Select Committee on Investigation files)

Chief Justice Steven Jensen, writing for the court, disagreed with the referee and wrote that Ravnsborg had been dishonest and acted in a manner unbecoming of an attorney.

The opinion did not uphold the 26-month suspension, however. Jensen pointed to the case of the late former Governor and Congressman Bill Janklow, who ran a stop sign and killed a motorcyclist in 2003.

Janklows law license was suspended for 26 months, but Jensen wrote that the Janklow case involved a felony reckless manslaughter conviction. Ravnsborgs case involved two low-level misdemeanors  crimes that, unlike Janklows, would not result in an automatic suspension of his law license.

The opinion also says that Ravnsborg was a well-respected public servant for most of his career, having served in the military prior to joining state government, marking another reason a six-month suspension is more reasonable.

Ravnsborg told the court in February that he does not plan to practice law in South Dakota after these proceedings are concluded.

Even so, the opinion says, the suspension should signal that his behavior was a breach of his ethical responsibilities as an attorney and are worthy of sanction.

While Ravnsborg is unlikely to continue practicing law in South Dakota, we conclude suspension is necessary to preserve the integrity of the profession and deter like conduct by other attorneys.

Ravnsborg is currently registered as the chair and treasurer of a statewide political action committee named $99 for Freedom, according to campaign finance documents on file with the secretary of state.

The committee had about $28,000 cash on hand as of its most recent campaign finance disclosure, which was money transferred from Ravnsborgs prior candidate committee, Jason for South Dakota, in 2023. The PAC had not contributed to any campaigns or spent any money beyond office supplies and bank fees as of May 20, the date of the organizations last public filing.

Calls to the phone number listed on the campaign finance reports were answered with an automated message saying the line had been disconnected, or that the number had been changed.

An email sent to the committees listed email address was not immediately returned.

Ravnsborg decision

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The Iowa Board of Regents heard Wednesday from state universities about impacts from the delayed FAFSA cycle. (Photo by Richard Stephens via iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Despite delays and other challenges faced by universities and students this past FAFSA cycle, state university officials said during an Iowa Board of Regents meeting Wednesday they share some optimism for the new cycle set to begin this winter.

Admissions leaders from the states public universities presented to the board of regents about the impacts of the last FAFSA cycle on enrollment numbers and demographics for this fall and expressed their hope for the next go-around, even with another scheduled delay.

University of Northern Iowa Director of Admissions Terri Crumley said that while universities saw the biggest change in the FAFSA form itself being delayed from October to December, the greatest impacts of a FAFSA cycle plagued with stops and glitches was the fact that they didnt start receiving financial aid reports until mid-March.

This delay, as well as further issues with the data universities were receiving, caused financial aid awards to be pushed back until April, which Crumley said created challenges for both families and financial aid staff at colleges. UNI serves a higher percentage of low-income and first-generation students than its peers, she said, and not being able to work with them consistently on figuring out financial aid was difficult.

Our counselors tend to really reach out to Pell Grant recipients a special way, because we know that they need additional assistance, and not having that data to know who those students were, not knowing which students filed the FAFSA, and who did not file the FAFSA was very problematic for a period of time, Crumley said.

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The University of Iowa saw a record number of applications this spring, Assistant Provost and Executive Director of Admissions Kirk Kluver said, and a few thousand students had already accepted their offers, but staff had no way of knowing how enrollment would turn out once financial aid offers went out.

Financial aid records began to trickle in on March 12, and just over a month later, the university started sending out offers.

There were weeks in the spring where we feared we would be under-enrolling, and there were weeks where we had real fears that wed be over-enrolling, which would cause some significant challenges on our campus with housing, orientation, and course availability, Kluver said.

However, Kluver said the UI ended up with enrollment numbers right around its target, at just over 5,200 first-year students and more than 1,000 transfer students.

While first-year student applications at the UI were up 8.1%, the number of those applicants who also filled out the FAFSA had decreased by 8.3% from last year, Kluver said. Nationally, the number of high school seniors who filled out the FAFSA is down 9%, according to the National College Attainment Network.

Of the enrolled first-year class, FAFSA filings dropped from 87% to 86% while Pell Grant recipients increased by almost 2% to 19.3%, which Kluver said hes heard has been common across the U.S. Other areas of concern included the share of first-generation students, which remained steady at around 20%, and first- to second-year retention rates, which Kluver said hit 90%.

Iowa State University Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Admissions Katharine Suski said during the presentation that the delays with the financial data looked to have a larger impact on nonresident students, both out-of-state and international, than on Iowa students.

Nonresident students waited longer to make their enrollment decisions after financial aid offers were released, Suski said, which in turn delayed enrollment and budget management, housing coordination and orientation attendance, among others. However, ISU saw acceptances and enrollment from resident students throughout the FAFSA cycle.

My interpretation is that students were willing to commit earlier and without financial aid packages due to the strong value offered by Iowa State as a regent university, Suski said. Even without knowing their financial aid awards, they knew that their Iowa State education would be affordable.

Some students are still having issues even after getting their FAFSA submitted, Kluver said. The UI has found about 200 students who havent had their financial aid disbursed despite getting the form filed and accepting awards. The university has waived any late fees and is working with the impacted students to figure out their aid.

Financial aid teams at the universities are still looking into impacts from other changes to the FAFSA, such as changes to applicants coming from families with farms or businesses, or who have multiple students in college at the same time. Kluver said the UI saw several students come in and try to find solutions to the possibility of their aid being reduced as a result of these shifts.

Next years FAFSA will be released fully to the public on Dec. 1 after a phased rollout to certain groups starting in October. In past years, the form has become available to all students in October, but Kluver said those in higher education are feeling confident about the timeline.

Kluver and others at Iowas universities are eagerly awaiting to see if things go as planned on Dec. 1, he said, and are hoping for a positive outcome of receiving financial aid records by mid-December.

Looking ahead, however, we are optimistic, as we always are in admissions, Crumley said.

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A woman holds a 2-1/2 week-old baby in Stamford, Conn. Some states and hospital systems have updated their policies on drug testing for pregnant women and newborns, aiming to better support patients who are in recovery from substance use disorder and combat racial disparities in testing and reporting. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Some states and hospital systems have updated their policies on drug testing for pregnant women and newborns, aiming to better support patients treatment and recovery from substance use disorder and combat racial disparities in testing and reporting.

Under federal law, medical professionals must notify child protective agencies when an infant has been affected by the mothers substance use, including alcohol use. However, the federal rules  which were updated in 2016 in response to the opioid epidemic  emphasize that substance use disorder on its own doesnt constitute child abuse, and require states to develop their own plans of safe care to promote the long-term health of the newborn and the mother.

But federal law doesnt define affected, and testing and reporting policies vary from state to state and even from hospital to hospital. As the opioid crisis continues, some of the nations most prominent hospital systems and a handful of states have enacted or are considering less punitive approaches, as long as the baby is in no imminent danger.

One impetus for the shift is research showing that Black pregnant women are more likely to be drug tested and long-standing disparities in how Black and Indigenous families are treated by child welfare agencies. Mental health conditions and substance use have also emerged as leading causes of maternal death, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The data about bias in child welfare reporting related to pregnant/birthing peoples substance use has been around for decades, Sarah Roberts, a legal epidemiologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco, wrote in an email to Stateline. Roberts tracks testing policies across the country.

Whats changed, Roberts said, is a growing awareness of the harms of over-testing and over-reporting to child welfare agencies.

Only two states, Minnesota and North Dakota, have laws that require drug testing of pregnant patients in certain circumstances, such as when there are complications during birth that point to the possible use of drugs or alcohol, according to an analysis by If/When/How, a reproductive justice nonprofit. And only four states (Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin) mandate the drug testing of newborns in certain circumstances.

The data about bias in child welfare reporting related to pregnant/birthing peoples substance use has been around for decades.

 Sarah Roberts, a legal epidemiologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco

But hospitals and clinicians are often confused about their own state laws, said Joelle Puccio, director of education at the Academy of Perinatal Harm Reduction, which provides information to pregnant women and parents who use drugs.

What actually happens is always more punitive, more surveillance than what is actually required by the law, and it always falls more heavily on Indigenous, Black and other families of color, said Puccio, who has worked as a registered nurse in perinatal and neonatal intensive care for two decades.

Mass General Brigham in Boston, one of the most highly respected hospital systems in the country, announced changes to its perinatal reporting policy in April as part of a broader effort to eliminate practices that might unwittingly perpetuate structural racism.

Provided the baby isnt in imminent danger, the hospital will now conduct toxicology testing only with written consent from the pregnant patient and will only report positive results to child welfare authorities if clinicians determine the baby is suffering or in imminent danger. Mass General Brigham also will move away from considering a babys exposure to drugs or alcohol  including a mothers medication treatment for opioid use disorder  as automatic grounds for reporting abuse or neglect. This is to combat the stigma pregnant patients often report facing while on such medication treatment, leading them to fear health care settings.

The single biggest deterrent for people engaging in care was the concern that if they went on buprenorphine or methadone, lifesaving treatment for their opioid use disorder, that they would have an open case with the Department of Children and Families, said Dr. Davida Schiff, director of perinatal and family-based substance use disorder care at Mass General Brigham. We know that buprenorphine and methadone reduce the risk of overdose.

Dr. Allison Bryant Mantha, an OB-GYN and associate chief health equity officer at Mass General Brigham, said one priority of the policy change was to lessen room for bias.

When you allow people to have a lot of their own discretion, that sometimes is where biases kind of creep in, she said. Sometimes minimizing variability gets you to equity.

Legislation has been introduced in the Massachusetts Senate that aims to protect parents from scrutiny from child welfare authorities or criminal prosecution when their infant has been affected by in-utero substance exposure.

Other states already have approved such policies. Since 2019, Connecticut has directed health care providers to shield the identity of the parents when reporting a positive test to child welfare authorities, and to instead offer supportive services. That year, New Mexico also passed a law that removes substance use disorder from being considered abuse or neglect on its own.

And in 2020, Colorado updated its definition of child abuse and neglect to exclude cases in which a newborn tests positive for substance or alcohol exposure and the mother is on medication-assisted treatment.

But hospital staff still express confusion about state law, said Britt Westmoreland, a doula and addiction recovery specialist at the University of Colorado College of Nursing.

Ive had hospitals have policies that are more punitive than state law, Westmoreland said, and I have addressed that directly by educating them on what the state law is.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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In June, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, signed a bill mandating that all public school classrooms display a poster of the Ten Commandments. Just over a week later, Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters declared that "every teacher, every classroom in the state will have a Bible in the classroom and will be teaching from the Bible in the classroom," later telling PBS News Hour, "the separation of church and state appears nowhere in the Declaration of Independence or Constitution."

Since 2023, four states have attempted to mandate or are considering legislation mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Arizona legislators actually passed a Ten Commandments mandate, but Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs ultimately vetoed the bill. In Utah, lawmakers passed a watered-down version of a bill that originally mandated classroom posters of the Ten Commandments but by the time it became law in March instead required the text be incorporated in classroom instruction.

Many critics insist that mandates forcing schools to display the Ten Commandments or teach from the Bible are obviously unconstitutional attempts to put religious instruction in public schools. Louisiana's "law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and long standing Supreme Court precedent," says Heather Weaver, a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union. "The separation of church and state means that the government can't use our public schools to religiously indoctrinate or convert students."

In July, a group of parents sued Louisiana, arguing that its law violates their own and their children's First Amendment rights. The law "unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state's favored religious scripture," their suit reads. "It substantially interferes with and burdens the right of parents to direct their children's religious education and upbringing."

But many lawmakers don't seem concerned about potential legal challenges.

"Look, there are people that don't believe in our Constitution and we can post that on the walls," Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told Newsmax in June. "This is a document that has historical roots in our country's foundations. The United States Supreme Court has recognized that."

"If we get sued and we get challenged, we will be victorious," Walters told PBS News Hour. "The Supreme Court justices [Donald Trump] appointed actually are originalists that look at the Constitution and not what some left-wing professor said about the Constitution."

Why are so many states attempting to infuse religious texts into the classroom?

The most obvious reason is that the Ten Commandments have become yet another front in our never-ending education culture war. As public schools in some blue states have come under fire for pushing progressive politics in the classroom, some Republican politicians seem to be attempting to squeeze in some ideological indoctrination of their own. The debate around Louisiana's bill, for example, was dominated by lawmakers who insisted that a Ten Commandments mandate would make children behave better and in accordance with Christian values.

"I really believe that we are lacking in direction. A lot of people, their children, are not attending churches or whatever," said state Rep. Sylvia Taylor (DLaPlace), a co-author and co-sponsor of the Louisiana bill, debating in its favor. "We need to do something in the schools to bring people back to where they need to be."

It's hard not to view these bills and directives as pure political theater.

Even if a bill mandating that schools display the Ten Commandments gets struck down, legislators supporting the bill still get to tout their record as strident Christian conservatives. In Oklahoma the memo following Walters' announcement bore little resemblance to his original statement. It stated that the Bible and the Ten Commandments would be "referenced as an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, or the like"a directive much more likely to pass constitutional muster. Formal guidance released in July inched closer to the line, adding a requirement that every classroom be provided with a Bible, along with directives that students be taught skills like literary analysis using Bible stories as examples.

For now, a federal judge will decide whether Louisiana's Ten Commandments mandate can be enforced.

"Hundreds of thousands of kids are going to be required to see these displays every day in every classroom," Weaver says. "This is an obvious attempt to use our public schools to convert kids to Christianity. We live in a democracy, not a theocracy."

The post States Are Trying To Force the Bible Into the Classroom appeared first on Reason.com.
STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV)The Statesboro Police Department (SPD) is requesting the publics help to locate a runaway juvenile.

On Thursday, SPD posted on Facebook asking for help finding 14-year-old Ariel Nash. SPD said that Nash left her residence in Park Place Apartments and may be in the company of a male from South Carolina.

Anyone with information should contact Det. Katie Reese at 912-764-9911 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD website using the Submit a Tip 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 WSAV-TV.
Stearns County announced Thursday that it was selected as a high intensity drug trafficking area by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The county previously applied for the designation but was unsuccessful, according to a county statement. With this years success, Stearns County joins four others in being selected nationwide.

Fortunately, this designation and program will open doors for us to better investigate and collaborate with other agencies to combat the drug problem and to hold those accountable who poison our communities with controlled substances, Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka said.

A recent overdose: Alleged drug dealer throws urine-soaked shorts at police amid Waite Park Aldi arrest

Having the HIDT county status gives officials access to federal intelligence analysts, federally funded training for officers, and federal funding options to investigate those involved with controlled substances. The Stearns County Sheriffs office will work with agencies in the North Central HIDTA group, which includes Minnesota and Wisconsin, the according to the release.

Stearns Countys new designation comes after a slew of fentanyl-related arrests and Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force investigations, including a St. Cloud Police Department SWAT team deployment resulting in a large-scale operation on Breckenridge Avenue.

Unfortunately, Stearns Countys location in Central Minnesota allows us to be a hub or distribution point for the trafficking of controlled substances, Soyka said. We have seen an increase in methamphetamine over the years along with a recent explosion of fentanyl pills in our area. With that comes the trafficking throughout Minnesota, but also the tragedy of overdoses.

Fentanyl trafficking: MN Senator Klobuchar, Rep. Craig introduce bill to crack down

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., also expressed his approval for the designation. He wrote to the program's director in March, saying Stearns County had 131 non-fatal and 23 fatal overdoses in 2023, alongside a 14-year-old and a 14-month-old falling victim.

After many conversations with law enforcement officials in Stearns County, there is a clear and immediate need for additional resources to combat the illegal drugs pouring into our communities, Emmer wrote in a release.

Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Feds deem Stearns County deemed high intensity drug trafficking area
North Carolina Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein is surrounded by a group of prominent Republicans who endorsed his campaign for governor on Thursday in Raleigh. (Photo: Ahmed Jallow)

On the same day that his opponent, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, faced calls from within the Republican Party to withdraw from the race following a CNN investigation, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein received the endorsement of a group of prominent Republicans Thursday in the race to be North Carolinas next governor.

Stein held a press conference Thursday morning in Raleigh to launch the Republicans for Stein coalition, where he touted endorsements from former state Sen. Richard Stevens and other current and former Republican elected officials, along with business leaders from across the state.

When we work together, we accomplish great things for the people of this state, Stein said in a speech touting the endorsement. Thats what leadership is, and thats exactly how I will lead as the next governor of North Carolina.

In his remarks, Stevens criticized Robinson for his divisive rhetoric, warning that it could drive businesses away if he becomes governor. Mark Robinson has made a name for himself by spreading division and calling fellow North Carolinians all kinds of hateful names. In my opinion, his leadership style would tarnish our reputation across the country, he said.

Stevens, a former Wake County manager, served five terms in the state legislature before resigning in 2012.

Other current and former GOP officials lending their names to the effort Thursday included: Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners chairman Steve Morris, Stanly County Commissioner Peter Asciutto, former State Senator Jim Davis, former State Representative Chuck McGrady, and state Representative Chuck Neely.

Regarding his decision to decline a debate with Robinsondespite having previously expressed openness to the ideaStein said he gave it a lot of thought and opted not to give his opponent a platform.

Mark Robinson is a fringe candidate, Stein said. He says that women are not called to lead. He says women have abortions because they cant keep their skirts down. He says some folks need killing. He calls gay people filth and even more despicable insults than that, and I decided its not my job to give him a platform.

Stein also noted he has held 60 town halls and over 300 community meetings across the state. Robinson, who is trailing Stein significantly in the polls, called for a debate in a video released on social media Tuesday.

Ive already agreed to the Spectrum debate, Ive already given them multiple dates, Robinson said during the video, in which he calls Stein a liar and cowardly. You have not answered.

Other speakers at Thursdays event included businesswoman Parker Wilson, who expressed her disappointment in the current direction of the Republican Party.

My family and I were all proud conservatives, and we deeply held to the belief that the GOP was the party of freedom and personal choice, Wilson said. The party of my youth no longer holds to those values, evidenced by the fact that Mark Robinson has been nominated to lead it.
Steinberg says time as Sacramentos mayor has been rich

(FOX40.COM)  Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg gave his final State of the City address on Thursday as he closes the chapter of leading Sacramento in his decades-long political career.

If we and I have not finished the task of solving all the complex challenges before us, I hope these years have gotten us closer to achieving them, Steinberg said.

In Steinbergs eight years as mayor, many of the capital citys challenges have evolved, including crime.

According to statistics presented by Steinberg, crime city-wide is down 13.6% on top of the 18% reduction in 2023.

Sacramento Walk of Stars ceremony celebrates newest honorees

Homelessness is another issue that Steinberg inherited and has been an ongoing battle for the city.

While homelessness rose statewide, we saw a 41% reduction, Steinberg continued. Not solved, but progress.

A point of pride for Steinberg is the ongoing development of Aggie Square on Stockton Boulevard in South Sacramento.

He says that continued development of the site promises to bring more job opportunities and housing.

This is not just another project, Steinberg said. It will produce 5 billion dollars once its built out, annually.

Steinberg reflected on his time as mayor and said It has been rich in its challenges and difficulties and just the extraordinary times were living through, but its also been rich in achievement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME; USAFacts

After Steve Ballmer retired as the chief executive officer of Microsoft in 2014, his wife suggested he join her in her philanthropic work with foster children. He had thought it was mostly the governments responsibility, but his wife told him, We can do a little more, a little better, he recalls. He soon found himself more curious about how the government gets and spends its money: Who pays taxes and how much? How much does that go to helping low-income communities?

And most importantly: why wasnt all of this information more accessible?

This led in 2017 to the launch of Ballmers passion projecta nonprofit, nonpartisan website called USAFacts that breaks down government data for the public in a straight-forward, accessible manner. For Ballmer, the project is meant to cut through the cherry-picked facts of so much political discourse to help people engage in a proper debate grounded in whats going on. He likens USAFacts reports to 10-Ksa form that U.S. public companies file with the Securities and Exchange Commission each year with critical information about their business.

Just as businesses need to present themselves to their shareholders, to customers, so I think government should have to, Ballmer says.

In August, USAFacts released its first in a series of videos, called Just the Facts. One features Ballmer speaking for about 14 minutes on immigration, including the meaning and numbers behind terms like unauthorized immigrants and Temporary Protected Status. Another on the U.S. federal budget digs into the costs of entitlement programs like Medicaid and Social Security. Neither video could be described as thrilling. Yet each has drawn millions of views on YouTube. USAFacts is also paying to run its videos on some Fox Network affiliates and NewsNation, according to USAFacts spokesperson Jessica Piha-Grafstein.

We hope it can sort of inform the electorate coming into whats going to happen in November, says Ballmer.

The idea of releasing government data in a format that the public can understand isnt novel, Ballmer says, pointing to a quote by James Madison that he finds inspirational: A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps both.

I believe that, Ballmer says. [If] we want to have a popular government, we better have popular information or we will get a tragedy; we will get a farce. And I might worry sometimes about our political environment going those directions.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
More than a dozen Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate agreed Thursday that Congress should hold Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre in contempt for ignoring a subpoena and refusing to testify about the financial crisis at the massive health care system he oversees.

The Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 20-0 on one civil and one criminal contempt resolution.

Committee chair Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, said members had no choice but to pursue contempt votes after de la Torres repeated refusal to appear before the panel to answer questions about Stewards collapse and its effect on patients.

Dr. de la Torre is not above the law. If you defy a congressional subpoena, you will be held accountable, no matter who you are, Sanders said.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., top center, along with fellow Senators and staff look to the empty chair reserved for Steward Health Care System CEO Ralph de la Torre that sits empty after de la Torre failed to show and testify at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing to examine the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Ranking Republican member Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana added that de la Torres testimony would be essential to understanding how Stewards hospitals failed.

Through an attorney, de la Torre on Wednesday signaled he planned to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights and slammed the committees work as designed to frame Dr. de la Torre as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts health care system. He has also argued that hes unable to speak publicly while bankruptcy proceedings continue.

One resolution the committee adopted Thursday calls on Senate Legal Counsel to file a civil suit seeking to force de la Torres participation. The other would refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for criminal prosecution over de la Torres failure to comply with the subpoena.

Both resolutions will advance to the full Senate for consideration.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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(Bloomberg) -- US senators investigating the collapse of Steward Health Care voted Thursday to pass civil and criminal contempt resolutions against the embattled health systems chief executive officer after he defied a subpoena to testify about his role in the alleged mismanagement of the firms funds.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The vote comes after Ralph de la Torre, the companys CEO and majority owner, failed to comply with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions first subpoena since 1981. His rationale for his absence during the Sept. 12 hearing was to avoid potentially jeopardizing Stewards precarious bankruptcy, and he sought to postpone his Congressional testimony until after it concluded.

Time after time, he has arrogantly refused to appear, said Senator Bernie Sanders, the chair of the committee that issued the subpoena. Therefore, Dr. de la Torre has given us no choice but to move forward this morning on two resolutions to enforce the subpoena and hold him accountable for his actions.

The bankruptcy of one of the nations largest private health systems has drawn ire from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle amid allegations of insufficient care.

Corporate executives are frequently called to appear before Congress when their business is under heavy scrutiny  but de la Torres refusal to testify was a rare move. The Sept. 12 hearing moved forward anyway, with nurses and local elected officials testifying instead, citing harrowing reports of deficient care as Stewards finances depleted.

A lawyer for de la Torre said last weeks hearing was seemingly designed as a vehicle to violate Dr. de la Torres constitutional rights in a Sept. 18 letter to Sanders. De la Torre was being targeted as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts health care system, the letter added.

Both resolutions will now be advanced to the full Senate for consideration. The resolution for civil enforcement of the subpoena instructs Senate Legal Counsel to bring a civil suit in the District Court for the District of Columbia to require de la Torres compliance with the subpoena and his testimony before the committee.

The criminal contempt resolution would refer the issue to the US Attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute de la Torre for failing to honor the subpoena. If the US attorney presses charges, the executive could be sent to prison.

Today we are making clear to Dr. de la Torre and the other CEOs, private equity investors and corporate executives who treat the health-care system like their own personal piggy bank, that your millions do not shield you from accountability to a legal order issued by the United States Senate, said Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey during the vote.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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There will be a sticky jam in Kailua on Saturday

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Aloha Bites has some super exciting news. The popular company known for making delicious jams, preserves and sweets is opening a brand-new store in Kailua.

This new spot is called Aloha Bites Kitchen, and its going to be a fantastic place for everyone who loves tasty treats.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Aloha Bites has been a favorite here in Hawaii for a long time, and now theyre ready to welcome even more fans to their new store. To celebrate this big moment, they are throwing a special launch party on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Its going to be a teatime party; so, you can enjoy yummy snacks and drinks while checking out the new store.

The launch party is going to be a lot of fun. Youll get to taste some of the best jams and sweets from Aloha Bites, meet the friendly people who make them and maybe even take home some treats for yourself.

Plus, its a great chance to spend time with family and friends. If you want to join the celebration, just head over to Aloha Bites Kitchen in Kailua on the big day.

Dont forget to bring your loved ones along and share the exciting news with them too! You can find more information about the event on their Instagram page @aloha_bites.

Aloha Bites has also been featured on a show called Living 808, where they talked about their delicious products.

If you missed it, you can watch the segment on YouTube. Just search for Living 808 and Aloha Bites, and youll see what all the fuss is about!

For more details, you can visit the Aloha Bites here. And if you have any questions, you can always give them a call at 808-722-2705.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

So, mark your calendars for Sept. 21 and get ready for a sweet time at the Aloha Bites Kitchen launch party!

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Stillwater PD say there have been over 100 car burglaries just this year

STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR)  The Stillwater Police Department are investigating more than 100 car burglaries in just this year.

Karastein Kirkpatrick and her boyfriend had just finished playing disc golf when they were returning to their van and found it surrounded by police.

LOCAL NEWS: Still no charges in possible hate crime on Campus Corner

We came back and there was three officers standing up at our car. They had let us know then that we had been the victim of a break in, said Kirkpatrick. I was terrified. I was scared. I was hurt.

The thieves busted out the passenger side window and stole Kirkpatricks purse.

I started crying because I ran to the car and immediately looked in the window and my bag was gone, said Kirkpatrick.

Van broken into while playing disc golf

Van broken into while playing disc golf

Van broken into while playing disc golf

Van broken into while playing disc golf

Van broken into while playing disc golf

Van broken into while playing disc golf

But thanks to a good Samaritan, Kirkpatricks purse was later found in a ditch just a few miles down the road.

The only thing missing was her drivers license and medical marijuana card.

There was no cash in my wallet or anything. It was literally just my bag and wallet that had personal identification, said Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatricks vehicle was one of two that were broken into at the park.

Stillwater Police Lieutenant T.J Low said theyve responded to 122 car burglaries since January.

43 of those have had their windows busted out and stuff taken from inside, said Low.

Low said 19 guns have been stolen from vehicles this year and so far only five have been found.

Its just anything they can get their hands on, said Low.

Low said car break-ins have happened throughout the city and if you see something, say something.

Just dont leave any valuables in your car that you dont want taken. Call 911 if you see something suspicious around, said Low.

Stillwater Police said now that college is back in session, a lot of the recent break-ins have happened at apartment complexes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his State of the State address in the House chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol in February. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

A group of Republican governors are pushing back against clean energy mandates  and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has joined the effort.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu announced the new Governors Coalition for Energy Choice Tuesday, citing rising costs.

I hope that America continues to lean heavily into innovation, not just a regulatory fix and setting artificial demands that are, I think, lofty, sound good on paper, dont get there and then ultimately lead to higher prices and a disgruntled populace, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said.

He said some renewable mandates are ideological statements not based in reality.

Lets invest in innovation and lets not set goals that are out of reach, he said. Ill continue to advocate for more investment, like were doing here in the state of Indiana, to embrace alternative sources. Add, so its addition to our portfolio, and that then encourages competition, and that hopefully would lead to a lowering of cost.

Others involved are the governors of Georgia, Tennessee, Wyoming, Arkansas, South Dakota and Virginia, according to a news release.

Stitts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Everyone wants reliable energy, whether that be electricity, heating and cooling, and transportation. One thing is clear  states that enhance energy choice also enjoy lower energy costs, increase reliability, and attract businesses and employment opportunities, Louisianas Landry said. As Governor of a major energy producing state, I know that it is important to sustain those trends for the benefit of residents and businesses.

The organization says it aims to ensure continued energy choice, minimize permitting and other regulatory barriers, limit expensive energy mandates, focus on energy infrastructure affordability and reliability, and coordinate to manage energy resources and the environment.

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Storm Boris is battering the north-east and central regions of Italy, days after causing widespread flooding in central Europe.

More than 1,000 residents in the north-eastern region of Emilia Romagna have been evacuated, while towns in the central region of Marche reported serious flooding and disruption. Two people have been reported missing.

On Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced 10bn (8.4bn) of EU funding for affected countries.

Von der Leyen made the announcement after meeting the leaders of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria to discuss aid for the flood-hit region.

The meeting was held in the Polish city of Wroclaw, in southwestern Poland, which has been threatened by high river levels for days.

Speaking at a news briefing afterwards, Von der Leyen said: "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures".

Her comments came as Italy became the latest country to suffer the fury of Storm Boris  a low pressure system which swept across Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Austria, killing at least 23 people.

Schools across Emilia Romagna have closed. Some roads were impacted by landslides and railway traffic has been severely disrupted.

Authorities warned residents to stay out of their basements and to relocate to the upper floors of their homes.

Schools, libraries and parks were shut in Ravenna, and the University of Bologna cancelled exams and lessons.

The city of Faenza has been the worst-affected, with the levels of the two rivers crossing it rising rapidly overnight.

Residents quoted by local media said they had had to leave their homes in dinghies in the middle of the night. High river levels have also caused the sewage system to overflow.

Faenza is one of the worst-affected cities in Emilia Romagna [EPA]

But authorities in nearby Bologna said on Thursday morning that river levels in the city were under control, although the weather alert is set to continue until Friday for most of the region. Red warnings for flooding and landslides have been issued for eastern Emilia Romagna.

Falconara on the Adriatic coast has seen 204mm (8 inches) of rain since Wednesday, well over September's average of around 67mm. Over 300mm of rain were recorded over the Apennine mountain region.

The rain will ease through Friday, and the weekend is looking largely dry but as seen in other parts of central Europe, the flooding risk may continue.

For residents of Emilia-Romagna, Storm Boris echoes the severe  and deadly - flooding the region faced just over a year ago.

In May 2023, 13 people died after six months' rainfall fell in a day and a half, leading to more than 20 rivers bursting their banks.

Tens of thousands of people had to flee their homes and the flooding caused billions of euros of damage.

Although the worst of Storm Boris appears to be over across much of the region, the levels of the Danube River are still rising in Hungary. Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Wednesday the water level in Budapest was expected to peak on Saturday afternoon or evening, but that it would be lower than record levels seen in 2013.

The recent events in central Europe fit with expectations of more extreme rainfall in a warming world, although it is not yet possible to quantify exactly how much of a role climate change has played.

However, climate scientists have been warning for years about extreme rainfall events like these occurring as the planet warms.
Explosions in the Russian town of Toropets. Screenshot: video on Telegram

Continued Ukrainian strikes on Russia's rear logistics facilities, in addition to the destruction of ammunition stockpiles and the storage facilities themselves, will lead to greater operational pressure on the Russian military.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: Ukrainian strikes on targets in Russia could affect offensive operations throughout the entire line of contact in Ukraine if Ukrainian troops have the material base, capabilities and authorisation to conduct a large-scale campaign to strike logistics and support facilities in Russia.

The ISW pointed out that Ukrainian troops carried out a series of HIMARS strikes on Russian ammunition depots across occupied Ukraine in the summer of 2022, which forced Russian troops to disperse their ammunition depots and reduced the efficiency of Russian logistics at the time.

Quote: "Repeated strikes against ammunition depots within Russia that cause similar levels of damage to the strike in Toropets may force a similar decision point on the Russian military command to reorganise and disperse support and logistics systems within Russia to mitigate the impact of such strikes.

Russian forces may not have addressed vulnerabilities at many logistics facilities within Russia due to the sanctuary space that restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-provided weapons have generated, although the Toropets facility is not within range of Western systems fired from Ukraine.

The lifting of restrictions on the use of Western systems and the continued development of Ukraine's own long-range strike capabilities may allow Ukrainian forces to more effectively exploit such Russian vulnerabilities."

More details: The ISW also noted that in July 2024, Ukrainian forces struck another Russian ammunition depot near Sergeevka, Voronezh Oblast, and further Ukrainian strikes on Russian ammunition and missile depots could also destroy a significant portion of Russian materiel.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 18 September:

Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone strike against a Russian missile and ammunition storage facility near Toropets, Tver Oblast on 18 September.

Continued Ukrainian strikes against rear Russian logistics facilities within Russia will generate wider operational pressures on the Russian military beyond the individual destruction of ammunition stockpiles and logistics facilities.

Russian authorities arrested the head of the Central Military District (CMD)'s armour service on 18 September on suspicion of receiving a large bribe. This is yet another corruption case against a high-ranking Russian military official since Andrei Belousov's appointment as Russian Defence Minister in May 2024.

An unsuccessful armed assault against several offices of Russia's largest online retailer Wildberries in Moscow City highlights the fragility of Russia's domestic stability.

Armenian officials continue to criticise the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) amid worsening bilateral relations between Armenia and Russia.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned Israel for simultaneously detonating thousands of pagers belonging to Lebanese Hezbollah (LH) members across Lebanon and Syria on 17 September, signalling Russia's continued rhetorical alignment with Iran's Axis of Resistance against Israel.

Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Russian forces regained positions in Kursk Oblast.

Russian forces recently advanced along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, within Toretsk, southwest of the city of Donetsk, and in eastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The Russian State Duma announced on 18 September that it approved a bill in its first reading that proposes releasing Russian servicemembers serving in Ukraine from criminal punishment associated with cases actively being tried in Russian courts.

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BOSSIER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A middle school student was arrested after threats against the school were discovered on social media.

The Bossier Parish Sheriffs Office said the 13-year-old student at Benton Middle was arrested after a concerned parent raised the offices awareness of the threats posted on a social platform by the student. BPSO said the child faces the charge of terrorizing.

Parkway student arrested after peers report social media threats

Sheriff Whittington encourages parents to discuss the dangers and consequences of making threats on social media or other venues with their children. Parents should emphasize to young people that serious criminal charges could come even if the threats are deemed false.

Bossier Parish Public Schools provided the following letter from Benton Middle School to parents on Thursday morning:

BMS-Parent-Letter-091924Download

To report information about this or any other crime to the Bossier Sheriffs Criminal Division, call 318-965-3418.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The University of Marylands chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine filed a federal lawsuit against the school Tuesday after the organizations approval to hold a vigil on Oct. 7 was revoked.

Palestine Legal and the Council on American-Islamic Relations sued on behalf of the student group in U.S. District Court against the University System of Marylands Board of Regents, the University of Maryland, College Park, and UMD President Darryll Pines.

Even though Im glad we took this action, my preference would have been that we didnt have to do that at all, that we could have planned our event and executed it to its greatest effect so that we can have the most awareness about our mission, said Abel Amene, a member of the SJP executive board and a fourth-year student at UMD.

The lawsuit alleges that the student groups First Amendment rights were violated after it was no longer allowed to hold an interfaith vigil Oct. 7, a year after an attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on Israel sparked the war in Gaza. The attack killed around 1,200 people and about 250 were taken hostage. Since then, the war between Israel and Hamas has killed more than 40,000 in Gaza, according to August numbers from Gazas Health Ministry as reported by The Associated Press.

The First Amendment does not allow campus officials to establish free expression-black-out days, even on occasions that may be emotional or politically polarizing, the lawsuit argues.

UMD SJP had submitted a reservation for McKeldin Mall, a 9-acre grassy area in the middle of campus where students can reserve space, in July, and received approval. The vigil was meant to include other events such as teach-ins about Palestinian history, culture and solidarity among between Palestinians and other marginalized groups as well as a display of kites and interfaith prayers.

In an August meeting, Pines and Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Perillo told UMD SJPs executive board that they had received pressure from groups inside and outside of the University to revoke the groups reservation, according to the lawsuit. But Pines and Perillo said they were committed to protecting students free speech, the lawsuit said.

Letters had been sent to university officials about SJPs reservation, which the lawsuit alleges were based on stereotypes about the student group and disagreement with its perceived message. CAIR and the Islamic Maryland Action Network launched an action campaign in response to the letters, sending more than 15,000 letters to the university, said Zainab Chaudry, director of CAIRs Maryland office.

The intention behind this campaign was to push back against that pressure and to compel university officials to not pick sides or not engage in viewpoint discrimination by amplifying one side over the other and allowing students who support Palestinian human rights, as well all human rights, to have their say in being able to express themselves and engage in campus activities just as they would if they were championing any other cause, Chaudry said.

During a Sept. 1 meeting with UMD administrators, SJP was told its Oct. 7 reservation was revoked, and Pines and Perillo explained that the university would announce that only university-sponsored events would be allowed on that date, the lawsuit said.

Pines sent a letter to the campus community Sept. 1, announcing that after consulting with the University System of Maryland, Jointly, out of an abundance of caution, only university-sponsored events promoting reflection would be hosted.

USM also released a statement Sept. 1, saying universities were doing all they could within the law to protect student safety and their right to free expression. A later clarification said the system is asking campus communities to encourage activities that support a Day of Dialogue.

The university pointed to the Sept. 1 letter, declining to comment on the lawsuit, and a spokesperson for USM said the system does not comment on pending litigation.

In response to the Sept. 1 letters, SJP and Jewish Voice for Peace released statements denouncing the universitys decision. The Jewish Student Union at the university posted a statement saying the group was reassured by the decision to host only university-sponsored events and shared that an event to memorialize Oct. 7 will be held at Maryland Hillel.

We are grateful to be on a campus where our leadership has our safety at heart, and are unafraid to make difficult decisions, the statement read.

Ari Israel, executive director of Maryland Hillel, which serves one of the largest and most dynamic Jewish campus communities, according to the website, expressed gratitude for Pines leadership in a statement sent to The Baltimore Sun.

Under the circumstances, we believe the University emphasized being thoughtful about student safety and are appreciative of the Universitys decision regarding student gatherings on October 7th, the statement read.

The lawsuit calls for an injunction allowing SJP to hold its event Oct. 7, declare Pines Expressive Conduct Ban as unconstitutional and award the student group damages for the violation of First Amendment rights as well as the cost of attorney fees. What SJP wants is to hold its event Oct. 7, Thats it, Amene said.

We just want to have our rights restored and be able to organize as any other student organization would, and reserve space as any other organization would, Amene said.

_____
Britain is beset by a feeling of listless decline.

There is a sense that nothing works anymore, that the taxation the government collects (at its highest level since 1948) is being squandered, and that the countrys best days are firmly behind it. Against this backdrop, a degree of malaise is perhaps to be expected: The Conservative Party, recently thrown out of office after 14 uninterrupted years in power, has left public services and the public finances in a wretched state.

Yet the prevailing sense of pessimism feels deeper, more enduring. Few appear to believe that Prime Minister Keir Starmers new Labour government can reverse the decline. The sense of despair is felt most acutely in parts of England where racist rioting erupted in August. The initial spark for the violence was the senseless and horrific murder of three young girls who were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga session in the northern seaside town of Southport on July 29. Eight other children and two adults were seriously injured in the brutal and senseless attack.

In the immediate aftermath of the murders, far-right social media influencers used social media to spread false rumors that the main suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker named Ali Al-Shakati. Posts claiming that the attacker was a Muslim, a refugee, a migrant, or a foreigner received 27 million impressions on X in the 24 hours after the killings. In response, far-right groups descended on Southport the day after the stabbings and attacked a mosque, vandalized homes, and looted local shops. Over the ensuing days, anti-immigrant riots spread to other towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland.

A mob of white men chanted, We want our country back and get them out as they set fire to a hotel that housed asylum seekers in the northern town of Rotherham. In Tamworth, Staffordshire, and Yorkshire, groups of men attempted to storm more hotels housing asylum seekers. The violencethe worst rioting Britain has experienced in at least 13 yearsprompted a U.K. judge to release the name of 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana as the main suspect in the Southport killings, lifting an anonymity order that had been in place because of his age. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff, Wales, and is not a Muslim.

Rising resentment in the U.K.

Social media must share some of the blame for the disorder that followed the killings in Southport. It is clear that X has a disinformation problem under the ownership of Elon MuskMusk himself boosted Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist and high-profile spreader of disinformation about the attacks in Southport. Yet social media is the bugaboo for just about everything nowadays, and there are more profound causal factors at play when it comes to explaining the riots. This is clear from a cursory look at where the worst outbreaks of violence occurred.

Seven of the U.K.s most deprived areas experienced unrest in August. These were Blackburn, Blackpool, Hartlepool, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, and Middlesbrough. Sections of the right-wing media have sought to portray the unrest as motivated by legitimate concerns about immigration. It is a familiar lament: Britains borders are too porous, multiculturalism has failed, politicians refuse to listen, and the frustrations of the white majority have inevitably boiled over in the streets. Immigrants are an effective scapegoat for people who feel victimized by remote and abstract economic forces.

It is true that a sizable number of people in Britain are unhappy with current levels of immigration. Net migration was unusually high in 2023 at 685,000, driven by an increase in non-EU citizens coming to the U.K. Many of these people came to Britain as international students or on work visas, particularly for work in health and social care. Moreover, anti-immigrant sentiment is not as pervasive as the violence might suggest. A recent survey found that 40 percent of Britons think immigration has had a positive impact on the country compared to 35 percent who disagree.

Opposition to immigration has risen compared to a few years ago. In the same survey, a slight majority (52 percent) said they would like to see immigration reduced. Yet opposition to immigration remains lower than it was before Brexit, and the Conservative Party lost the recent general election while running on a Stop the boats campaign slogan (a reference to migrants illegally crossing the English Channel in small vessels).

Further, a large majority of the British public has been revulsed by the recent riots. A recent survey by YouGov found that 85 percent of the public opposed the recent unrest. Voters for Reformthe right-wing populist party led by Nigel Faragewas the only group showing any significant level of support for the riots, at 21 percent.

The idea that the violence that rocked the U.K. this summer was driven solely by concerns about multiculturalism and immigration is hard to square with the reality that some of the worst outbreaks of disorder occurred in places with relatively little diversity. Hartlepool in the north of England, which saw some of the worst rioting, is 96.6 percent white British. In Rotherham, where rioters tried to torch a Holiday Inn Express that they believed contained refugees, 91 percent of the population identifies as white. The population of Blackpool, another epicenter of the recent disorder, is 94.7 percent white.

Opposition to immigration may be one causal factor, but so is the gradual breakdown of the social contract. Globalization has left behind the aforementioned towns and resentment is being directed at those assumed to be its chief beneficiariesa Brahmin-like political elite, the media, and the usual historical scapegoats: foreigners and immigrants. That the previous government often chose to put up unprocessed asylum seekers in hotel accommodationsto the tune of 8.2 million British pounds ($10.8 million) a dayin poor areas merely rubbed salt in the wound.

Gains for the far right in Germany.

Other European countries are grappling with similar resentments. In Germany, the Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) beat Olaf Scholzs Social Democrats into second place in Junes European elections and has been making strong gains in the east of the country over recent years. The partys program constitutes one long scream of resentmentat immigrants, at Europe, at Ukraine, and at the political elites whom they blame for those things. The AfD won almost one-third of the vote in Thuringia, a state of 2.1 million people that is the poorest region in the country, during the state election that took place on September 1. Bjorn Hocke, the regional leader of the AfD, has called for Germany to make a 180-degree turn in the way it remembers its past, including the Nazi era.

The recent stabbings across Germany by Muslim migrantsin particular the attack in Solingen, a city of 160,000 people near Cologne, that left three people deadhave also boosted support for the AfDs anti-migrant agenda. There have been around a dozen Islamist-motivated attacks in Germany since 2000, including one in 2016 in which an Islamist extremist drove a lorry into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring many more. The lead suspect in the Solingen attack, a 26-year-old with suspected links to ISIS, came to Germany from Syria in 2012 as a refugee. His asylum application had failed, and he should have been deported but wasnt. Just hours after the stabbing, Hocke posted a video on social media with the caption Hocke or Solingen. Alice Weidel, the AfDs national co-leader, responded to the attack by calling for an immediate five-year ban on immigration and naturalization.

Six million people migrated to Germany between 2013 and 2022, and 1 in 5 inhabitants is now foreign-born. Immigration is undoubtedly a source of resentment in parts of Germany, particularly in the east. Before the creation of the AfD in 2013, the anti-Islam group Pegida picked up support in the former East Germany and staged weekly marches in the Saxony city of Dresden, sometimes attracting as many as 20,000 people. Yet in Germany, as in Britain, there are other profound structural factors at play.

The states where the AfD is strongest have much lower rates of immigration than almost anywhere else in Germany. The far-right has enjoyed particular success in places that were once at the beating heart of East German industry. Three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, while the gap between western and eastern Germany has narrowed, those in the east still lag behind when it comes to after-tax income. According to 2021 figures, east Germans have 11 percent less disposable income than their western compatriots. A recent study found that half of east Germans believe their region is economically stagnating.

Though German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to reduce immigration following the stabbings in Solingen and the surge in the AfD vote, politicians in Germany face a dilemma: The German population is aging while its workforce is shrinking. Experts suggest the country needs about 400,000 skilled immigrants a year to plug labor shortages. A recent poll of 900 German businesses showed a majority see the AfD as a risk factor when it comes to attracting skilled migrant workers to the east of the country. And the malaise of the east appears to be slowly infecting the rest of the German economy, which presently stands on the brink of recession.

Why its not just immigration.

Back in Britain, the country is riven by deep fractures between the places where people are doing well, led by London, the southeast, and a few northern cities like Manchester; and the places where they are not, including small towns and rural areasmainly but not exclusively in the north of England. A higher-than-average percentage of people living in so-called left-behind towns like Blackpool are in poor health and are more highly dependent on public services such as the National Health Service (NHS), which is itself highly dependent on migrant workers. Patient waiting lists in the NHS have grown four times faster than the number of nurses recruited and almost 12 percent of nursing vacancies are currently unfilled. Britains reliance on migrant workers is not going to end any time soon.

It is noticeable that the rioting that shook Britain in August was most pronounced in once prosperous parts of the country that have never fully recovered from the deindustrialization policies of the 1980s and 90s. According to a 2023 report by the IPPR think tank, the U.K. is the worlds most regionally unbalanced advanced economy. Most of the U.K.s best-performing regions in terms of GDP are in London and surrounding areas. Manufacturing and industrial jobs have been replaced by work in knowledge-intensive and service industries, which advantage university graduates over less-educated workers. As industry has disappeared, the social fabric has very often been shredded.

The institutional affiliations and support networks that existed alongside the industries of the past have mostly withered away. The trade union movement is a husk of its former selfthere are now just 6.4 million people who are members of trade unions in the U.K. down from a peak of 13 million in 1979and churches and social clubs sit empty (in the decade since 2009, church attendance has fallen between 15 and 20 percent). Nowadays many working class people get their news exclusively from online disinformation hubs.

The August riots prompted much chatter in the British media about the challenges facing multiculturalism. But a more pressing problem for the U.K.as well as other deindustrialized or deindustrializing nationsmay not be how to integrate migrants into the social fabric, but how to reintegrate sections of the native population into a global economy that seems to have little place for them. A failure to do so may see further outbreaks of violence as the left behind classes go in search of more radical answers.

Read more at The Dispatch

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Sun Metro has been awarded an additional $50,000 to continue providing free rides to veterans and their immediate families.

The Texas Veterans Committee General Assistance Grant was initially $50,000 but was recently increased to $100,000. The additional funds will be used for veterans and their dependents on the Citys Fixed Routes and the LIFT paratransit service, according to the City of El Paso news release.

Our continued efforts to provide accessible transportation options reflect our commitment to serving the veterans in our community. We are proud to reinstate this program to support Veterans and their families, said Sun Metro Director Anthony Dekeyzer.

The program offers free rides by giving the vet or family member 30-day passes for the Fixed or Brio busses, according to the news release by the City.

According to the City, the program is on a first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to funding availability, with participants requesting new passes within one week of the current pass expiration date.

Eligible military vets will be able to schedule and ride LIFT paratransit services for free, according to the City.

To apply, veterans and their dependents can call Sun Metro at (915) 212-3333 or visit the Texas Veterans Commission Transportation Program and Services Free Fare website here.

Over 250 veterans and their families use the free services and the city expects more eligible people to sign up to use the program.

Participants who previously used the program do not need to reapply, they can call Sun Metro to confirm their information, according to the City.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
A group of women in Jhulasan have been offering daily prayers for Sunita Williams [Kushal Batunge]

American astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been stuck in space for 107 days and the earliest they can return to Earth is in February. People in Williams' ancestral village in India have been praying for her safe return. BBC Gujarati's Roxy Gagdekar Chhara reports.

Residents of Jhulasan in the western Indian state of Gujarat take pride in the fact that Williams has a connection with their village.

The village was once home to Williams' father and grandparents. The astronaut visited the village three times - 1972, 2007 and 2013 - after successful space missions.

Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 58, took off for an eight-day mission on 5 June but got stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced problems. They will now return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX.

In Jhulasan, locals hold daily prayers for Williams' safe return, keeping an oil lamp burning as a symbol of their hopes. For her 59th birthday on Thursday, they've organised a space-themed exhibition, hoping she'll visit again after another successful mission.

Williams' ancestral home still exists in the village [Kushal Batunge]

Jhulasan, a village of 7,000, is filled with memories of Williams' ties. A library named after her grandparents still stands, though in poor condition, as is her father Deepak Pandya's ancestral home. Pandya, a neuroscientist, died in 2020.

A school, which Williams' had donated funds to during one of her visits, has a picture of her grandparents in the prayer hall. When Williams was felicitated at the school in 2007, her relative Kishore Pandya got a chance to meet her.

I went to her and said with my limited knowledge of English, 'I am your brother'. She shook hands with me and said, 'Oh! My brother!' I still cherish that moment, he said.

Williams' father moved to the US to pursue higher studies in 1957. There, he met and married Ursuline Bonnie, and they had Williams in 1965.

Seven years later, the family visited Jhulasan for the first time since Deepak Pandya had left. It was a moment of celebration for the village and they gave a warm welcome to the family by taking them around in a procession.

Sunita Williams in a traditional Indian turban during her visit to Gujarat in 2007 [AFP]

Bharat Gajjar, 68, who used to work as a carpenter back then, recalled the event fondly. I still remember a young Sunita and others riding on camels as they toured the village," he said.

Madhu Patel is among a group of women who offer daily prayers at a local temple for Williams.

We are proud of her achievements. Nasa and the government should do whatever they can to bring our daughter back safely, Ms Patel said.

While they wait for her return, her work and words continue to be a source of inspiration to many. Manthan Leuva, who is studying for a banking exam, recalls one of Williams' speeches.

"She said 'love what you do and you will get success'. I find that thought deeply inspiring," he said.
JAMESTOWN, Ky. (FOX 56)  Lyndon Godby spends a lot of time fishing with his sons in Lake Cumberland, but hes not trying to pull up catfish or bass. Hes looking for treasures.

It could mean a cell phone, an anchor, wallet, keyswhatever a treasure is to them, he said.

MORE SPIRIT OF THE BLUEGRASS:

As many as 15 times a week, he suits up and jumps in, challenging himself to find things boaters and swimmers think are lost forever.

Godby said, A lot of the times youll get, Oh youll never find that or thats long gone, and it might be, but I like to give them hope. I wouldnt come out if I thought it was wasting my time.

Godby, who is a member of the Eli Fire Department and assistant chief of Russell County Search and Rescue, said treasure-hunting dives are a nice diversion from the boating accidents and drownings he often responds to.

Its very calming atmosphere when youre down there. Its just you trying to help somebody else out. Thats it.

Volunteers step up to keep grocery shelves stocked in Wilmore

Godbys 15-year-old son, Braydin, also dives. People find them through a Facebook page called Lake Cumberland Treasures and More. They recently found Ashley Harts watch while looking for something else. She said she lost it after jumping off a cliff into the water.

I was just so surprised, Hart said. I could not believe my luck and that it still works.

Not every sunken treasure is small. Earlier this summer, Godby pulled up a mobility scooter that had gone off a dock.

We found it at 107 feet.

Lake Cumberland covers 65,000 acres and is 101 miles long. So its very important that if you lose something, you pinpoint that location as accurately as possible. Godby advises boaters to mark locations with anchors and flotation devices.

Treasure hunters seek Kentucky agates

The sooner they call me the better.

Because of his work as a first responder, Godby knows several other divers he can call on if hes not able to go on a sudden search. A lot of my friends are willing to lend a hand, he said.

Perhaps the most rewarding mission was when he and his son helped an autistic boy who was devastated when his beloved blanket went overboard. The boy, who is from Cincinnati, has had the blanket since he was a baby and takes it with him everywhere. Godby said he will never forget the boys ecstatic reaction when he found out it had been recovered.

Every dive has a story. Megan Fraser was part of a group that lost four cell phones when a jet ski tipped over.

And he was like, I dont know if I can get four phones,' Fraser said. But he did and when he came out, my phone was still playing music. She still laughs about the song that was playing Jelly Rolls Save Me.

And then he proceeded to hold my daughters friend as she cried, Fraser said. There were tears, because one of the phone cases carried a sentimental souvenirthe drivers license of the girls mother, who had recently died.

Artists Attic is called a hidden treasure in the heart of Lexington

The finders fee varies depending on the time it takes and the distance traveled and the Godbys mostly work on a donation basis. Sometimes theres no charge at all, but those who lose cherished items are more than willing to pay. The divers say the biggest payback is a happy reaction.

Thats the big thing, when you come up with it and their smiles and cheers and laughter and everything, thats something I mean, you cant really replace with any price, Lyndon Godby said.

Many people know Lake Cumberland from shore to shore, and sometimes they have to call on a couple people who know it top to bottom.

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In our Reality Check stories, CDT journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? cdtnewstips@centredaily.com.

A planned appearance on Penn States campus Thursday by conservative media personality Charlie Kirk drew hundreds of supporters, dozens of protesters and accusations about the university shutting down the event early  which the university vehemently denied.

Kirk is the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization dedicated to organizing high school and college students and promoting principles of free markets and limited government, its website states. Turning Point USA has thousands of chapters across the country, including Penn State, which promoted Thursdays event. With Kirk was Jack Posobiec, a far-right political activist.

Kirk, who appeared on Pitts campus Wednesday with his Youre Being Brainwashed tour, has been accused of antisemitism and has recently amplified the unsubstantiated allegations that Haitians are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

The tour stop was on the HUB lawn, with a few booths set up that encouraged people to register to vote and had informational items and pins. When Kirk arrived, he and other organizers handed out hundreds of red Make America Great Again hats to the large crowd.

Charlie Kirk poses for a photo with fans during the Turning Point Youre Being Brainwashed Tour on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

Onward State reported that as Turning Point USA representatives were speaking and introducing Kirk, their mics were cut in the middle of a segment. Later on, an organizer with a megaphone said the university shut down the event. Chants of F--k Penn State followed.

Instead of a formal speech or sitting at the booth to talk with students, Kirk made his way through the crowd and took selfies with people and signed the MAGA hats. Organizers walked around with voter registration forms and political stickers. In a Facebook post, the Centre County Republicans said they registered more than 230 voters during the event.

Rumors that the university shut down the event swirled on social media, with Posobiec resharing several posts on X (formerly Twitter) that said Penn State shut down the event and didnt allow them to speak.

Hundreds of Penn State students gathered on the HUB lawn to see Charlie Kirk on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 as part of the Youre Being Brainwashed Tour. Kirk handed out Make America Great Again hats, signed autographs and took selfies.

But a Penn State spokesperson told the Centre Daily Times that Penn States student chapter of Turning Point USA only requested to have a table set up to distribute information, which was approved. The chapter never made a request to have a speaker, nor did they follow Penn States policy for having a speaker, Lisa Powers, assistant vice president for strategic communications at the university, said.

Regardless, Charlie Kirks presence on campus is permitted under the First Amendment as well as under Penn State Policy AD 51 Use of Outdoor Areas for Expressive Activities, which provides guidance to those who wish to engage in speaking at outside locations at Penn State, Powers wrote in an email.

Penn States policy prohibits the use of sound amplification equipment between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., she said. The policy does allow amplification at Old Main between noon and 1 p.m.

The student leaders of Turning Point USA were aware of this limitation and were explicitly reminded this morning before their event began that amplification was not permitted, Powers wrote. After the event started, the group was asked to stop using amplification due to its violation of AD 51, which the University must enforce uniformly across events and groups.

Penn States Turning Point USA chapter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Powers said the university is a a strong supporter of free speech and did not ask the group to end their activities or event. It could have continued without sound amplification, Powers said.

Penn State upholds free speech and expression as a foundational element of our democratic society and we remain committed to open dialogue, she said.

Counter protesters stand on HUB Lawn in response to Charlie Kirks Youre Being Brainwashed Tour on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

The event was met with a group of protesters that had several chants, including No hate. No fear. Racists are not welcome here, and Turning Point, turn around, get off our campus now.

The group, Penn State Student Committee for Defense and Solidarity, also had an online petition that demanded the university administration deny Kirks event, make policy changes that would prevent far-right extremist organizers like Kirk from coming to campus, and to dissolve Turning Point USA as a registered campus organization. The petition garnered 232 signatures as of Thursday afternoon.

Some Kirk supporters yelled back at the protesters with brief USA! USA! chants and others took pictures with their MAGA hats on in front of the protesting group. Things remained peaceful and the protesters left around 1 p.m. A handful of uniformed police were staggered around the HUB lawn.

Another Turning Point USA event is planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Thomas Building with Vivek Ramaswamy, who ran for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

Charlie Kirk takes selfies with students on Penn States HUB lawn on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Kirk handed out Make America Great Again hats and signed autographs.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota Supreme Court has taken away the law license of former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg for six months.

The states high court publicly released the disciplinary decision on Thursday.

IM28: Tax cut on human consumption or only groceries?

The justices found that Ravnsborg violated several standards of practice.

While Ravnsborg is unlikely to continue practicing law in South Dakota, we conclude suspension is necessary to preserve the integrity of the profession and deter like conduct by other attorneys, Chief Justice Steven Jensen stated in the decision.

Ravnsborg pleaded no contest to traffic violations after his car struck and killed pedestrian Joe Boever, who was walking along U.S. 14 at the west edge of Highmore.

The South Dakota House of Representatives impeached Ravnsborg after the crash and the South Dakota Senate voted to remove him from office. He became the first state official forced to involuntarily step down in the history of South Dakota.

Ravnsborg addresses South Dakota Supreme Court, denies ever seeing Boever

Ravnsborg argued his case in front of the Supreme Court in February. The Disciplinary Board of the South Dakota State Bar filed recommendations to the Supreme Court against Ravnsborg on May 19, 2023.

Ravnsborg was impeached in 2022 for his involvement in a deadly crash. More than a year earlier, he hit Joe Boever while driving near Highmore. Ravnsborg told investigators he thought he hit a deer. Boevers body was discovered in the ditch the next morning.

On July 26, Ravnsborg posted on his Facebook page that he had graduated from the Army War College. He is a U.S. Army Reserve officer and combat veteran who has served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq.

The justices in their decision on Thursday found that Ravnsborg violated Rule 8.4(c) which prohibits a lawyer from engag[ing] in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation[.]

Chief Justice Jensen wrote that Ravnsborg wasnt truthful with investigators about the use of his phones prior to the crash.

Ravnsborgs responses demonstrated a concerted effort to avoid criminal liability, through dishonesty and misrepresentations, which violated Rule 8.4(c), Chief Justice Jensen stated. Finally, Ravnsborgs patent dishonesty concerning the use of his phone, as well as the developed forensic evidence, raise genuine questions about the integrity of his statements regarding the night of the accident. This conduct, particularly considering Ravnsborgs prominent position as attorney general, reflected adversely on the legal profession as a whole and impeded the administration of justice.

The justices also found that Ravnsborgs conduct as attorney general violated two other rules governing attorneys.

Rule 8.4(d) states that [i]t is professional misconduct for a lawyer to: engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice[.] Rule 8.4(e) states that [i]t is professional misconduct for a lawyer to: state or imply an ability to influence improperly a government agency or official or to achieve results by means that violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law[.]

Regarding rule 8.4(d), Chief Justice Jensen wrote, It is evident, even as of the time of oral argument to this Court, that Ravnsborg failed to consider how his actions following the accident and the subsequent investigation, would impact his offices ability to fulfill its duties in such a way that maintained the publics confidence. During this time, Ravnsborg concealed himself from the public eye, failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the ongoing investigation, and perhaps most importantly, did nothing to reassure the public that he could continue to perform his responsibilities as attorney general while the investigation and criminal prosecution continued.

The chief justice continued, Each decision he made was influenced by personal aspirations and political survival rather than his responsibility to serve the public and uphold the integrity of his office. Ravnsborgs actions cast a cloud of needless scrutiny on the office of the attorney general. His actions raised genuine doubts about whether he could fulfill his responsibilities as

the States chief law enforcement officer.

The justices also found that Ravnsborg violated the professional rules of conduct on several occasions prior to the crash when he was stopped for speeding and told law enforcement officers that he was the attorney general.

In each instance, the officer released Ravnsborg without issuing a citation. A review of each video shows ill-disguised yet successful efforts by Ravnsborg to use his position as attorney general to avoid culpability, Chief Justice Jensen wrote.

This pattern of conduct continued on the night of the accident, the chief justice continued. Ravnsborg introduced himself to the 911 operator on the night of the accident as the attorney general. After the operator answered Ravnsborgs call, Ravnsborg immediately stated, this is the Attorney General[,] and did not use his real name until asked by the operator later on in the call. At that moment in time, there was no legitimate reason to identify himself as the attorney general. These interactions display an ongoing pattern of conduct of using his professional title to improperly influence government officials or receive special treatment.

The justices said Ravnsborgs use of his title on these occasions were violations of both rules 8.4(d) and 8.4(e).

The State Bar disciplinary board had recommended that the court issue a 26-month suspension of Ravnsborgs law license, similar to what the court did to former Governor and U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow after he was found guilty of felony reckless manslaughter in the death of a motorcyclist.

But in this instance, the Supreme Court found that Ravnsborg had pleaded no-contest to two traffic violations. The justices noted other distinctions.

Ravnsborg has not practiced law since his impeachment, and he indicates that he does not plan to practice law in South Dakota after these proceedings are concluded. We recognize that between his military service and involvement in state government, Ravnsborg has been a well respected public servant for most of his career. He was decorated on several occasions for his military service and is under consideration for a promotion to colonel in the Army Reserve, Chief Justice Jensen wrote.

On the other hand, the chief justice stated, In the course of this disciplinary proceeding, Ravnsborg has not acknowledged or accepted responsibility for this conduct but has continued to justify his actions.

The court therefore arrived at a six-month suspension for Ravnsborg. It began Thursday.

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Surgeons like Elias Jaradeh have been working around the clock to treat thousands of wounded people [Reuters]

A Lebanese surgeon has described how the sheer volume of severe wounds from two days of exploding device attacks forced him to act "robotic" just to be able to keep working.

Surgeon Elias Jaradeh said he treated women and children but most of the patients he saw were young men. The surgeon said most of the patients he saw were severely injured and many had lost the sight in both eyes.

The dead and injured in Lebanon include fighters from Hezbollah  the Iranian backed armed group which has been trading cross-border fire with Israel for months and is classed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and the US.

But members of their families have also been killed or wounded, along with innocent bystanders. Elias Jaradeh described the wounded he treated as looking "mostly civilian".

The bomb attacks  which killed 37 people including two children  have been widely blamed on Israel, which has not claimed responsibility.

Warning: This report contains graphic details

Dr Jaradeh, who is also an MP for the Change parliamentary bloc, was working at a specialist eye and ear hospital where some of the most severely wounded people were sent. He said it had taken a toll on the medical teams, himself included.

"And, yes, it's very hard," the surgeon said. "You have to dissociate yourself. More or less, you are robotic. This is the way you have to behave, but inside, you are deeply injured. You are seeing the nation injured."

Surgeons like Dr Jaradeh worked for almost 24 hours continuously on the wounded, many of whom have lost their eyesight or the use of their hands, the country's health minister told the BBC.

Eye specialist Prof Elias Warrak told BBC Arabic that in one night he extracted more damaged eyes than he had previously in his entire career.

"It was very hard," he said. "Most of the patients were young men in their twenties and in some cases I had to remove both eyes. In my whole life I had not seen scenes similar to what I saw yesterday."

Health Minister Firass Abiad told the BBC the victims' injuries would prove life-changing.

This is something that unfortunately will require a lot of rehabilitation, he said.

About 3,200 people were injured, most of them in Tuesday's attack which saw thousands of pagers detonated.

Wednesday's attack, which detonated two-way radio devices, wounded about 450 people but was responsible for 25 deaths, twice as many as in Tuesday's blasts.

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Abiad told the BBC the attacks constituted a war crime.

The whole world could see that these attacks occurred in markets, he said.

These were not people who were at the battleground fighting. They were in civilian areas with their families.

Witnesses described seeing people with severe wounds to their faces and hands after the attacks.

Journalist Sally Abou al-Joud says she saw patients "covered in blood" at hospitals, where ambulances were arriving "one after the other within the minute". Most injuries she saw were "in the faces and the eyes".

"Were talking about hands injured, severely injured fingers torn, Ive heard some doctors say we need to perform amputation surgeries to remove hands... they need to perform surgeries for eyes to remove them," she said.

One woman told BBC Arabic on Thursday that what they had seen was a "massacre in every sense of the world".

"Young men were walking in the street with injuries to their hands, waist and eyes... they were unable to see anything," she said.

In the aftermath of Tuesday's blasts, writer and politician Tracy Chamoun said she saw one man with his eye blown out and another "had half of his face ripped off". She had been driving in southern Beirut - a Hezbollah stronghold - at the time.

Many Lebanese in Beirut say the device attacks have reignited their trauma from the Beirut port explosion four years ago.

At least 200 people were killed and 5,000 injured when thousands of tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at a warehouse in the port blew up, sending a mushroom cloud into the air and a supersonic blastwave tearing through the city.

"We remembered such painful scenes... it is something truly terrifying," one woman told BBC Arabic. "A state of confusion, discomfort and anxiety is dominating all Lebanon... what happened to us four years ago is being repeated now.

In the aftermath of the exploding pagers and radio devices the Lebanese army has been destroying suspicious devices with controlled detonations, while walkie-talkies and pagers have now been banned onboard all flights operating at Beirut's Rafic Hariri Airport - the only operational commercial airport in Lebanon.

More than 90 of those injured are now in Iran receiving further treatment, according to Tehran's embassy in Lebanon.

That includes Iran's ambassador, Mojtaba Amani, whose condition has been described as "very good" by the embassy in its statement.

Officials didn't elaborate on how serious the injuries suffered by the other transferees were.

Abiad said the "weaponisation of technology was something very serious, he said, not only for Lebanon but also for the rest of the world, and for other conflicts.

Now we have to think twice before using technology, he said.

Soldiers have been detonating suspect devices [Reuters]

On Thursday Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah described the device attacks as a "massacre" and a "declaration of war" as Israel carried out air strikes on southern Lebanon and jets flew over the capital at low altitude, creating a deafening noise.

The Shia Muslim organisation is a major political presence and controls the most powerful armed force in Lebanon.

It has been trading near-daily cross border fire with Israel since Israel began its retaliation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian group attacked southern Israel last October. Hezbollah says it is acting in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Israel has said it is changing its military focus to its border with Lebanon, with the aim of returning tens of thousands of displaced residents to their homes. Hezbollah has previously said it would stop firing if there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

Both Dr Jaradeh and Health Minister Abiad are pessimistic about the chances of peace any time soon. Dr Jaradeh described the escalation in Lebanon as a "rebound effect".

"I think whatever happens, it doesn't matter how you end up the world, but if you don't reach a peace, permanent peace process, that protecting everyone and giving the right to everyone, so we are preparing to another war," he said.

Abiad said Lebanon needed to prepare for the "worst-case scenario".

"The two attacks in the last day, show that their intent (Israel) is not towards a diplomatic solution," he said.

"What I know is the position of my government is clear. From day one, we believe that Lebanon does not want war.

Additional reporting by Carine Torbey in Beirut
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WVNS)  One suspect was arrested after an early morning shooting in Greenbrier County.

According to Greenbrier County Dispatch, deputies responded to a call of a shooting in on Glen Andrew Road in the White Sulphur Springs area of Greenbrier County at 2:55 AM on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

The identity of the suspect has not been released. One person was injured in relation to the shooting. Their status remains unknown at this time.

The Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office remains on scene. They were helped in the investigation by members of the West Virginia State Police, Lewisburg Police Department, White Sulphur Springs Police Department, and White Sulphur Springs EMS.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Stick with 59News for more updates.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The suspect allegedly involved in an Overland Park attempted armed robbery, in which shots were fired, is charged.

Sulif Wilkins is facing seven charges in Johnson County, including attempted capital murder.

According to the Overland Park Police Department, around 5:15 a.m. Tuesday, the officers responded to a caller who reported an aggravated assault.

Officers responded to the area but could not locate the suspect on foot but later found him on a traffic camera sitting on a car in the parking lot of a nearby business.

Shatto Milk owner calls out Mayor Lucas, Kansas City following business break-in

The owner of the car exited the business and confronted the suspect. The suspect pointed his gun toward the owner but did not fire his weapon. The owner of the vehicle ran back into the business and called police.

As officers arrived, they reportedly observed the suspect committing an armed robbery in the parking lot. The suspect had a high-powered rifle later found to be illegally modified.

On-scene officers then took cover and told the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect then aimed his firearm at one of the officers and shot several times.

The suspect eventually dropped the gun, allowing police to place them in custody.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Wilkins is scheduled for his first court appearance on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

Hes currently being held on a $5 million bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Police are searching for a theft suspect who assaulted a grocery store worker in Orange County.

The incident occurred on Aug. 26 at a Stater Bros. supermarket located at 2630 W. Edinger Ave. in Santa Ana.

Witnesses said the woman entered the store, took items off the shelves and placed them inside a large tote bag, according to Santa Ana police.

She attempted to leave the store without paying and was stopped by employees.

Surveillance cameras captured the assistant manager confronting the woman outside the entrance.

As he attempts to take her bag, she punches him in the face. Another worker attempts to take her bicycle to prevent her from leaving but she hangs on to it.

Security cameras captured the female suspect punching the stores assistant manager when she was confronted for stealing on August 26, 2024. (Santa Ana Police Department)

Security cameras captured the female suspect punching the stores assistant manager when she was confronted for stealing on August 26, 2024. (Santa Ana Police Department)

The female suspect is wanted for assaulting a worker during a theft in Santa An aon August 26, 2024. (Santa Ana Police Department)

The female suspect is wanted for assaulting a worker during a theft in Santa An aon August 26, 2024. (Santa Ana Police Department)

The woman eventually fled the area on her bike. On Sept. 18, police confirmed the woman remains at large.

She was last seen wearing all-black clothing, a black hat, some jewelry and was carrying a large, black purse.

Her black mountain bike has large white lettering on the lower frame area, police said.

Anyone who recognizes the woman or has information on the incident is asked to contact Detective S. Park at 714-245-8360 or email Spark@santa-ana.org.

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An investigation is underway after the Ohio Secretary of States office received a suspicious package.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said his office is one of at least 15 election offices nationwide that received a suspicious package, according to a spokesperson.

The package is believed to contain a powdery substance that investigators found to be non-hazardous in other states.

TRENDING STORIES:

Fortunately, we were notified by our law enforcement partners to be on the lookout for this package, and we were able to intercept it before it reached our office, said Secretary LaRose. The security of our employees and all election officials across Ohio is a top concern as we enter a critical period in the election cycle.

Governor Mike DeWine approved extra security protection for Secretary LaRose, the spokesperson said.

Weve now seen two assassination attempts directed at a presidential candidate, and the FBI is actively investigating several threats here in Ohio, LaRose stated. We need to lower the temperature of our political discourse and send a clear, bipartisan message that we resolve our elections in this country with ballots, not bullets.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




SUV runs off Columbia road and down embankment into tree, killing driver, SC cops say

One person was killed Wednesday when an SUV ran off a Richland County road and crashed into a tree, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The single-vehicle collision happened at about 7:25 a.m., said Master Trooper William Bennett.

A 2019 Kia SUV was driving east on Old Kelly Mill Road in Columbia, and at the intersection with Kelly Mill Road it ran off the right side of the road, according to Bennett.

The SUV went down an embankment and crashed into a tree, Bennett said.

The SUV driver was taken to Prisma Health Richland hospital and later died, according to Bennett.

The Richland County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the driver.

Bennett said the driver was the only person in the SUV, and no other injuries were reported.

There was no word if the driver was wearing a seat belt.

Information about what caused the SUV to veer off the road was not available, but the wreck continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol.

Through Sunday, 629 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 36 people have died in Richland County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 61 deaths in the county in 2023, DPS reported.
A demonstrator holds flags of Taiwan and the United States in support of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during an stop-over after her visit to Latin America in Burlingame

By Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's combat effectiveness has improved thanks to its deepening security partnership with the United States and other friends and "allies" but this is kept deliberately low key, the island's defence minister said.

Democratically governed Taiwan, which is claimed by China as its own territory, does not have treaty based defence relations with Washington or any of its allies, though the United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and military officials from both sides do conduct visits and training.

Beijing frequently erupts with anger at any hint of countries having military ties with Taiwan, and has repeatedly sanctioned U.S. arms companies for selling weapons to Taipei.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in comments embargoed until Thursday, Defence Minister Wellington Koo made rare comments about those relations, given their sensitivity.

"In the past few years, Taiwan, the United States and other friends and allies have continuously strengthened security partnerships and continued to expand and deepen military cooperation," he said.

"This has contributed to the improvement of the national military's combat effectiveness and regional peace and stability."

Cooperation focuses on "substantively improving" combat effectiveness rather than just "formality", Koo said.

"The Defence Ministry has never publicised this foreign military cooperation with great fanfare. This is to take into account the international situation and respect for our friends and allies; it is also to avoid unnecessary interference," he added, in a veiled reference to China.

Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has been staging regular exercises around the island for five years.

China held "punishment" war games around Taiwan in late May shortly after Lai Ching-te took office as president in anger at what Beijing viewed as "separatist" content in his inauguration speech. Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

The Republic of China's government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists and it remains Taiwan's official name. No peace treaty or armistice has ever been signed.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Taiwan announced Thursday that same-sex couples consisting of a Taiwanese and Chinese spouse are now legally able to register their marriages in the democratic island (Yasuyoshi CHIBA) (Yasuyoshi CHIBA/AFP/AFP)

Same-sex Taiwanese-Chinese couples are now legally able to register their marriages in Taiwan, Taipei said Thursday, recognising cross-strait unions for the first time.

Taiwan has long been at the forefront of Asia's burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement, becoming in 2019 the first place in the region to legalise marriage equality.

But tensions between Taiwan and China -- which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory and maintains daily military movements around it -- have meant cross-strait couples were not afforded the same right.

Meanwhile, heterosexual couples consisting of a Chinese and Taiwanese spouse face a more complicated process than other international couples, needing to first marry abroad and then pass an interview in Taiwan before registering their marriage.

But "from now on, same-sex couples can now be subject to the regulations of heterosexual couples," said Liang Wen-chieh, the spokesman for Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council -- which handles cross-strait affairs -- during a regular briefing.

They would first have to be legally wedded in one of the 35 countries that recognise marriage equality, and after submitting their marriage certificate and other documents, "relevant agencies will conduct interviews with the couple".

"Only after passing the interview on the border (at the airport and ports) can they enter the country to register their marriages. This is our current principle for cross-strait marriages," he said.

Liang added that the rules governing heterosexual cross-strait marriages have long been in place "to prevent cross-border fake marriages and avoid problems of national security and social order".

With Thursday's announcement, "the government upholds the principle of treating same-sex marriage and heterosexual marriage equally," he said.

There are currently around 360,000 Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens on the island.

They have to wait six years to apply for citizenship in Taiwan -- twice as long as those from other countries.

Separated from mainland China by a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) waterway, Taiwan has its own government, military and currency. Beijing has said it will never renounce the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control.

aw-dhc/dhw
Details of the decision: Beginning Sept. 19, Taiwanese-Chinese same-sex couples can legally register their marriages in Taiwan, provided they marry in one of the 35 countries that recognize same-sex marriage such as the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Couples must first submit their marriage certificate and other necessary documents, followed by an interview conducted by relevant authorities. This announcement builds on Taiwans 2019 landmark legalization of same-sex marriage and represents a significant shift in policy that previously excluded Chinese spouses from the same legal rights.

Why this matters: The MAC said the new regulations are part of the government's commitment to treating same-sex and heterosexual couples equally. The longstanding framework for cross-strait marriages  which includes interviews to prevent fraudulent marriages  remains intact, with national security and social order as key considerations, spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said. While the latest move is seen as a step toward greater equality, activists point out lingering hurdles, such as same-sex couples still having to marry in a third country. This imposes higher economic and social barriers compared to their heterosexual counterparts. China, for its part, still does not recognize same-sex marriage, adding complexity for Chinese spouses seeking permanent residency in Taiwan.
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar

KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban administration is in control of 39 Afghan embassies and consulates globally three years after it took over Afghanistan and the previous Western-backed government collapsed, the acting foreign ministry said on Thursday.

No international government has formally recognised the Taliban administration, though China and the United Arab Emirates have officially accepted its ambassadors in their capitals.

Many governments, especially Western nations including the United States, have said the path to any formal recognition of the Taliban will be stuck until they change course on women's rights and re-open high schools and universities to girls and women and allow their full freedom of movement.

The Taliban say they respect rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and that restrictions on its banking sector and a lack of recognition are hindering its economy.

After the collapse of Afghanistan's republic government in 2021, foreign embassies were thrown into disarray with many issuing documents such as visas and passports that in some cases the Taliban have said should not be recognised.

The Taliban has appointed its own diplomats to head several embassies, including ambassadors accepted in Abu Dhabi and Beijing and a charge d'affaires in neighbouring Pakistan. At some missions, diplomats appointed under the previous government work with Taliban authorities.

"Thirty-nine embassies and diplomatic affairs obey the central authority, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said the Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at a press conference in Kabul.

He added that his ministry had sent dozens of diplomats to 11 countries in the past year, including Turkey, Russia, Iran and Pakistan.

Muttaqi said Afghanistan would send a new ambassador to Uzbekistan this week and expected Russia to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations "soon".

In July, the Taliban said it was cutting ties with at least 14 Afghan diplomatic missions, adding it would not honour passports and visas issued by those embassies, mostly based in Europe.

(Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar; Writing by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Alex Richardson)
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Tammy Joy Carlton, a remarkable spirit whose dance through life was as vibrant as her name, embarked on her final journey on September 15, 2024, just one day after her 62nd birthday.

Born on September 14, 1962, in the heart of Warren, Ohio, she was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew her and she departed this world in the same town that had been the stage for her entire, beautiful life.

Find obituaries from your high school

Tammys life was a testament to resilience, love and the power of human connection.

She was the loving daughter of Sandra Carlton, who survives her and the late Thomas Carlton, Sr., and she now joins her father and her brother, Thomas Carlton, Jr., in the realm of everlasting peace.

Her love and legacy live on through her devoted children, Cassie Ohl and her daughters and Harley Hoagland, who, along with his wife, Nicole, blessed Tammy with four adoring grandchildren. Her life was enriched by the companionship of her boyfriend, Dave, who stood by her side through lifes twists and turns. Tammys brother, Ralph, his son, Matthew with Kim and their daughter, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Deb and Randy and their children, Cory (with his wife, Danae) and Dana (with her husband, Kendrick), who together with their two children, added to the joyous clamor of family gatherings.

Tammys educational journey began with her graduation from Bristolville High School, a time when the seeds of her future endeavors were sown.

Her professional path was marked by a dedication to service, as she worked tirelessly as an STNA, channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into her own cleaning company, and passionately served as a CDCA and peer supporter.

She was a living example that ones past does not dictate the future, as she transformed her life and became a beacon of hope for many through her involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous.

Her interests were as diverse and passionate as her personality. Tammy found solace in the rhythm of Indian drum circles, the thrill of riding motorcycles, and the tranquility of camping under the stars. She approached jigsaw puzzles with the same tenacity and patience that she applied to every aspect of her life, finding joy in piecing together the myriad parts of a challenge to reveal the grand picture. Tammys zest for life was contagious and she danced through every moment with a heart full of gratitude and a soul that sought celebration. Her life was a dance to the music of time and she moved with grace, strength and an unyielding zest for life that inspired all who had the pleasure of crossing her path.

To have known Tammy was to know the embodiment of courage, compassion and a free spirit. She was a motivational force in her community, a woman who turned her own trials into triumphs and used her experiences to uplift and empower others. Her laughter was a melody that resonated in the hearts of those she touched and her memory will continue to be a symphony of inspiration, love and unending joy.

As we bid farewell to Tammy Joy Carlton, let us honor her legacy by living fully, loving deeply and dancing through lifes challenges with the same courage and enthusiasm she exemplified. Her journey on this Earth may have ended, but her spirit soars free, reminding us that every day is a gift and an opportunity to create joyous memories that will echo through eternity.

Arrangements handled by Borowski Funeral Services & Oak Meadow Cremation Services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tammy, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Friday, September 20 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI)  A Taunton man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, according to acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy.

John Campbell, 41, was indicted in August 2023 for trafficking oxycodone pills across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts between July 2022 and June 2023.

Levy said Campbell sold pills to an undercover agent on four separate occasions and was overheard discussing prices and quantities during intercepted calls. Police seized oxycodone pills, along with a scale and rubber bands, during a search of his home last July.

Prosecutors said Campbell also received pills from his co-conspirator and co-defendant, Kenneth Veiga, who pleaded guilty earlier this year. Veiga was sentenced in July to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Campbell faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2025.

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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.
Taylor Swift wants you to register to vote. KC election officials say do this first

When Taylor Swift encourages people to register to vote, they do it.

She championed voter registration last week while endorsing Kamala Harris for president. More than 400,000 people in just 24 hours followed her advice to visit vote.gov, a federal voting information site.

Voter registration campaigns right now are in high gear locally and across the country, on college campuses, in churches, on Broadway and on social media where stars including Queen Latifah and Sally Field are encouraging people.

Local election officials cant say whether Swifts pitch has had any impact on registrations locally, given how many other efforts are also underway. But theyre busy.

We are seeing kind of an uptick in voter registration numbers overall, Fred Sherman, Johnson County Election Commissioner, told The Star. Its difficult to say if it is specifically because of any one celebritys push or movement. But we are seeing an uptick.

In honor of National Voter Registration Day tomorrow, the Broadway company of Hamilton headed into the booth to record The Election of 2024. Were proud to partner with @WhenWeAllVote and @VoteRiders to make sure everyones voice is heard at the polls. Register to vote now! pic.twitter.com/hcAPw9Yf5y  Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) September 16, 2024

WICKED has teamed up with @HeadCountOrg for @BroadwayVotes to empower everyone to be seen and heard! Register to vote or check your voter registration at https://t.co/lL7B3Jgt7L for a chance to win a trip to Oz and MORE. #WICKED pic.twitter.com/UB5P53Uge6  Wicked the Musical (@WICKED_Musical) September 18, 2024

Dont you just adore Sally Field?



Please visit https://t.co/1dUF8lQV2l to check your registration. If you have the option in your state, register to vote by mail. Its a great option for many!



Dont sit this one out!#RegisterAndVoteForDems#DemsUnited pic.twitter.com/2gW015KgHF  Justice Seeker  ~ Keep moving forward (@tizzywoman) September 17, 2024

With voter registration deadlines looming, election officials in the Kansas City area working overtime to process all those requests say voters can help make that job easier if they do one small thing.

Check your current voter status before you register to vote so you dont needlessly register twice, which creates more work for busy election offices like Shermans prepping for Election Day, Nov. 5.

I would say, probably only about 1 in 5 submittals were getting right now are brand new voter registrations, said Sherman. Most of the ones were getting are probably either duplicates or someone may change their address or their phone number, something like that.

Most of the forms were getting are not brand new voters.

Avoiding duplicate registrations

Officials with the Jackson County Election Board also are finding duplicates in the mix of forms from new voters and people updating their information.

Once you register with us or with the Secretary of States office, its a done deal, said the boards co-director Sara Zorich. Not that you shouldnt follow up. You should.

But when you continue to re-register and re-register, through the DMV, the Secretary of States office, you send us another card, its just a duplicate. And we still have to go through the same process that we go through before we can determine whether its a duplicate or not.

That has been happening quite a bit. So we may have thousands more registrations but half of those could be duplications.

The voter registration deadline in Kansas is Oct. 15 and Oct. 9 in Missouri. Election officials on both sides of the state line are working a current uptick in applications, not unusual for a presidential election year, they say.

Asking people to check their voter status first is by no means meant to discourage them from registering, Sherman emphasized.

Its almost selfishly were saying do that because it does create additional work, said Sherman. Any voter registration form or application thats submitted we have to work and process and post.

So in the grand scheme of things having people register to vote is good. Yes, we encourage that. And if in doubt, its better to submit a new form than not.

But it would be much more amenable in terms of our resources and efforts if people check first before they just blindly submit something.

Zorich said that some folks worry if they cant find their voter information online and wind up registering again, just in case, which also causes some problems because we still have to go through and process and find out that, oh, that is a duplicate.

Sherman also thinks some voters basically following what the celebrities and folks are encouraging people to do, to register to vote do so without first making sure theyre not already registered.

Record registration

Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day, when Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced the state crossed a milestone with 2 million registered voters, expected to grow before the October deadline.

WHAT A DAY Our team of democracy data nerds are gleefully crunching the numbers to see just how hard #NationalVoterRegistrationDay 2024 crushed it yesterday



BUT we can safely say that all of the success is thanks to our star-spangled awesome team of over 5500 Partners - pic.twitter.com/QUWa5qEcMz  National Voter Registration Day (@NatlVoterRegDay) September 18, 2024

Release: Kansas Surpasses 2 Million Registered Voters Ahead of November Election #ksleg #kselections pic.twitter.com/BSK8bcblzY  Kansas Secretary of State (@KansasSOS) September 17, 2024

Sherman said his office is still trying to catch up ... in processing all those voter registrations. So were not completely up to date if people have turned stuff in or made a request in the last week or so.

As far as new registrations, Zorich said, I dont know anything about an uptick just because someone is endorsing a candidate. What we have seen is the registration deadline is coming up ... National Registration Day, there was a big push for that.

I know we had thousands (of registrations) pop in over the weekend. But that doesnt seem necessarily abnormal for getting closer to the election and with the deadline coming up. There have been lots of groups that have been encouraging voting and it isnt just because of one person.

Voters in both Missouri and Kansas can register to vote online, where they can also check and update their voter information if they, say, change their address, name or want to add or change a party affiliation.

Missouri voters can see all their options at the Missouri Secretary of States website where it keeps a voter registration portal where you can verify your registration.

Registering in Kansas can be done online or by filing a paper document.

I remind Kansans that the most secure way to register is through VoteKansas.gov, Schwab said in a statement Tuesday. The use of a .gov address ensures security and lets Kansans know they are accessing an official government site, rather than a third-party one.

That voter look-up is where well post sample ballots and they can look up their polling site location for Election Day and they can check their voter registration status as well and see their voting history, Sherman said.

That technology and information is out there and is available. And I realize not everyone demographically is going to be comfortable getting online and checking.

But instead of just blindly sending out new voter registrations it would be most helpful to us election administrators if youre current and up to date and checking it first before submitting anything new.
DECATUR  When Bill Lowery became a Christian in 1966, it set off a lifetime's commitment to sharing that message with as many people as he could.

Lowery, who died Sept. 14, joined the Jesus People movement after seeing a story about it in Time Magazine in 1971, founded the Christ is the Answer mobile ministry, and spent his entire life spreading the Gospel.

He was 81 and acted like he was 31, said his brother, the Rev. Doug Lowery of Maranatha Assembly of God, where Bill Lowery's services will be held. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, with another hour of visitation 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, and funeral services at 11 a.m. He will be buried in Weldon, next to son Todd, who died of cancer.

He was most recently living in Florida, theoretically retired, his brother said with a chuckle, but had not given up preaching the Gospel.

The Jesus People movement was aimed at reaching hippies and young people who would never attend church.

So many lives got turned around (because of the movement), Lowery said. A complete transformation, set free from drugs and alcohol, and they went into ministry, went on and got involved in a Bible-believing church.

Bill Lowery told everybody he met about Jesus, and his Christ is the Answer ministry touched literally thousands of lives. He trained and sent out missionaries all over the world: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Mexico, the Philippines. People from all of those places are expected to come to the service, Doug Lowery said.

As a young man, he was a force to be reckoned with, Doug Lowery said. He had that one focus, getting people saved, and was an evangelist even to a fault. He went fishing for souls. His whole life was doing that.

Growing up like that, living in countries all over the world, and watching her father smuggle Bibles behind the Iron Curtain and lead worship with Christians who had to sing and pray in whispers for fear of the authorities, left a lasting impression on daughter Heidi Haynes.

"One thing it did was instill in me a love of the Lord, to share the love of Jesus, and a love of people around the world," Haynes said. "There is nobody that can't come to Christ and be healed and find peace and joy and grace for living out their life."

Lowery not only spread the Gospel, he mentored others to do so as well, like Jonathan Kelm, a native of Decatur now living in North Carolina.

We will miss him but I doubt he will miss us, Kelm said. He is walking in glory and receiving his reward. He served the Lord faithfully for more years than Ive been alive.

Remembering the 'Jesus People' who visited Decatur in the 1970s June 4, 1972: 'They were once in the dark, but now they worship Christ' June 10, 1972: Language all their own Aug. 10, 1972: Jesus People rally draws 750 people Aug. 13, 1972: Jesus People are expected to return to Weldon in spring Aug. 25, 1973: Jesus People preacher Lowery calls crusade Miracle on Wheels Sept. 16, 1974: Jesus People plan to keep witnessing despite arrests Sept. 18, 1974: Group rejects offer of free booth space Sept. 28, 1974: Jesus People fill jail past capacity Oct. 19, 1974: 'Preliminary injunction bars Jesus People from Kmart' Aug. 13, 1986: Evangelists come, go quietly July 23, 1987: Jesus People vow to obey higher court
PINETOWN, N.C. (WNCT)  WNCT is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the people and unique cultures across Eastern North Carolina.

One local school system has several teachers who are sharing their heritage with the students. At Northside High School in Beaufort County, youll hear the Spanish language and see the culture.

Students are learning that culture from someone who knows it first-hand. We are from Costa Rica. I was teaching for about 11 years in public schools, then after that, I decided to get involved in a program called Participate Learning,' Arelis Oconitrillo said.

The program brings teachers from around the world to North Carolina schools. I really like to share the culture. And so, the idea is that I come here and teach a culture from Costa Rica here, and then the culture that I learn from here, I can teach back in Costa Rica, Oconitrillo said.

Mrs. Os students learn every day about Hispanic cultures. We have a lot of different cultural projects. For example, we do virtual trips to different Hispanic countries. We do a lot of infographics about Hispanic countries, she said. We do a lot of biographies about outstanding Hispanic people. We also have, for example, in order to try to work with my students about the Latino food.

The students are engaged in the learning as well. Rehearsing or doing conversations and role plays and all that stuff, I see that my students are really motivated and happy when they come to class, Onconitrillo said.

The goal of the class is not just to learn parts of a new language but to expose students to ideas outside of Beaufort County.

The idea is to try to give this lesson so they can be like more open-minded and they can see that there is the world is not only what they see here, but a lot of different things they can face outside, Oconitrillo said. So, that is the idea, I try to get them ready to be global citizens and think about whats going on all around them.

Oconitrillo was just recently named Northside Highs Teacher of the Year. Im so passionate, but I was so humbled that I got it. I was so humbled that my colleagues, they chose me as a Teacher of the Year because this is something that makes me really proud, she said.

While living here in the U.S. and leaving her home country behind has had its challenges, Oconitrillo said sharing her Hispanic heritage is priceless.

Leaving my extended family was the hardest things that I faced, she said. But its been worth it. Right now, that I see that being a win to win experience. I have learned a lot from here and still have learned a lot from me. I have found every single day in my classes, I love my classes, I love my students, and when I see happy faces, it makes the journey worth it.





Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
This story was updated to add new information.

WASHINGTON  The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said Wednesday it won't make an endorsement in the 2024 presidential election, choosing not to throw the union's support behind either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump.

The move is a blow to Harris, the Democratic nominee who has touted her union backing on the campaign trail in her push to win the key Rust Belt battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

It marks the first time the Teamsters has skipped an endorsement in a presidential election since 1996, having supported the Democratic nominee in each election that followed.

"Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business," Sean O'Brien, Teamsters' president, said in a statement following a nearly one-year candidate review process.

More: 'So goes Pennsylvania': Inside the Harris-Trump fight for top 2024 battleground

President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Sean OBrien speaks on stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The union's General Executive Board arrived at the decision during a meeting Wednesday in Washington after Teamsters leaders met with Harris on Monday. The union's leaders met with Trump in January.

Teamsters, one of the nation's largest unions, has 1.3 million members including truck drivers, freight workers, airline pilots and zookeepers, among a wide range of other workers.

Teamsters leaders commended Harris' support of the pro-union PRO Act in Congress and her opposition to "right-to-work" laws that undermine unions. Trump, on the other hand, would not commit to vetoing a national "right-to-work" law, the union said in a statement, which it called a "red line for the Teamsters."

But neither candidate in their interviews, according to Teamsters, agreed not to intervene in labor disputes under the Railway Labor Act, which gives Congress the authority to set contracts in the rail and airline industries. To avert a freight rail shutdown in 2022, Congress approved a new contract for rail workers that lacked support of Teamsters' members.

"We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries  and to honor our members right to strike  but were unable to secure those pledges," O'Brien said.

More: Harris leads Trump in Pennsylvania  and two bellwether PA counties  exclusive poll finds

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts during a campaign event in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Teamsters' rank-and-file members support Trump, polls find

Trump has courted the backing of rank-and-file union members  even if he lacks the endorsement of their unions  as he looks to match the working-class coalition that won him the 2016 election.

Ahead of its announcement, Teamsters released internal polling data of members that found the majority of them back Trump over Harris, even as leaders of other unions have widely backed the vice president.

In a phone survey of Teamsters members taken last week, 58% said they support Trump and 31% said they back Harris. An electronic survey taken over the summer found a similar 60-34% margin in favor of Trump.

When President Joe Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee, a Teamsters straw poll taken in the spring and summer found rank-and-file members backed Biden 44%-37% over Trump, according to the union. However, the straw poll used a different methodology, with members voting in person at Teamsters town halls.

"While the Executive Board of the Teamsters is making no formal endorsement, the vast majority of rank-and-file working men and women in this important organization want President Donald Trump back in the White House," the Trump campaign said in a statement.

Trump, campaigning in New York, told reporters, "It's a great honor. They're not going to endorse the Democrats. That's a big thing."

In response to the Teamsters' decision, Harris campaign spokeswoman Lauren Hitt pointed to several local Teamsters chapters that have endorsed the vice president  including some that broke with the national union Wednesday.

Teamsters Joint Councils 7 and 42, which includes 300,000 members in California, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam, endorsed Harris shortly after the national union's announcement, as well as Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 and Teamsters Joint Council 39, which represents all Teamsters in the state of Wisconsin.

"While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career," Hitt said. "The Vice Presidents strong union record is why Teamsters locals across the country have already endorsed her - alongside the overwhelming majority of organized labor."

Hitt added: "As the Vice President told the Teamsters on Monday, when she is elected president, she will look out for the Teamsters rank-and-file no matter what  because they always have been and always will be the people she fights for.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called the Teamsters' decision "disappointing" in a statement. "Donald Trump refused to support a pension bill for Teamsters. It was Biden-Harris and Democrats who saved Teamsters pensions in the Butch Lewis Act of our American Rescue Plan  without one Republican vote," Pelosi said.

More: Kamala Harris needs Latinos to win these swing states. They say she has more to do

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign town hall meeting, moderated by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in Flint, Michigan on September 17, 2024.

Teamsters president spoke at RNC convention

Teamsters endorsed Biden over Trump in the 2020 election. But for months, Teamsters leadership held off announcing its 2024 endorsement decision even as nine of the nation's 10 largest unions endorsed Harris, including United Auto Workers, the AFL-CIO and United Steelworkers.

In August, O'Brien became the first Teamsters president to speak at the Republican convention over the union's 121-year history, a move that angered many Democrats.

"Democrats, Republicans, and independents proudly call our union home, and we have a duty to represent and respect every one of them," O'Brien said in a statement. "We strongly encourage all our members to vote in the upcoming election, and to remain engaged in the political process. But this year, no candidate for President has earned the endorsement of the Teamsters International Union."

Although Teamsters has typically backed Democratic presidential nominees, the union has endorsed its share of Republicans, including presidents George H.W. Bush in 1988, Ronald Reagan in both 1980 and 1984 and Richard Nixon in 1960 and 1972.

Like 1996 and this year, Teamsters also did not endorse in the 1976 election between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.

Contributing: Reuters

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teamsters opts not to endorse Harris or Trump in 2024 election
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Teamsters union is making waves in the presidential election by choosing not to endorse a candidate.

Although both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump met with the union, Teamsters president Sean OBrien announced on Wednesday that neither had made a convincing enough case.

Its a position that we took because both candidates didnt commit to the core issues that we need to get accomplished, OBrien said.

This is the first time in nearly 30 years that the Teamsters arent endorsing a presidential candidate.

Former President Trump is claiming victory anyways, because of a poll that Teamsters released showing in a September poll of their members 58% supported Trump compared to 31% supporting Harris.

I was honored to receive the endorsement of the rank-and-file membership of the Teamsters. I love the Teamsters, Trump said.

RNC Strategic Communications Director Tommy Pigott argues that support is because Trump has a better agenda or workers.

Hes going to make us energy dominant. Hes going to make sure we lower taxes for working Americans, and hes going to make sure the American workers comes first when it comes to our trade policy, Pigott said.

Many local Teamsters unions are breaking with their National Parent Union to throw their support behind the Harris campaign.

One of those is the Michigan Teamsters Local 299, where Kevin Moore is president.

Kamala Harris has got the same vision as we do here in Michigan. Shes a fighter for working class people, Moore said.

He says VP Harris has a proven record of delivering for unions, like when she cast the deciding vote in favor of a law to rescue pensions for millions of retirees.

Their retirement is not an entitlement. It was 40 and 50 years of hard work. And she made sure that was safeguarded, Moore said.

Other major unions have also endorsed Harris, including the United Auto Workers and the American Federation of Teachers.

AFT President Randi Weingarten says even more important than endorsements is what happens on Election Day.

Youre going to see the overwhelming number of union members vote for Harris and Walz, Weingarten 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 Queen City News.
Is Teamsters union endorsing Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? Here's what you need to know

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the country's biggest unions, said on Wednesday it will not endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential election.

Teamsters decided not to back either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. It marks the first time in more than 25 years the union has skipped an endorsement.

The move is a blow to Harris, the Democratic nominee who has touted her union backing on the campaign trail in her push to win the key Rust Belt battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

"Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business," Teamsters' president Sean O'Brien said in a statement following a nearly one-year candidate review process.

In Louisville, Teamsters Local 89 represents workers at UPS, the city's largest employer and the location of the shipping company's biggest global facility. The Courier Journal recently reported that the union is trying to help workers from DHL and Amazon in Northern Kentucky to unionize.

Teamsters Local 89 announced their own endorsement on Thursday.

Here's what you need to know:

Who is Teamsters endorsing in 2024 presidential election?

The union's General Executive Board arrived at the decision of not endorsing either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in the 2024 General Election. The decision was made during a meeting Wednesday in Washington after Teamsters leaders met with Harris on Monday. The union's leaders met with Trump in January.

Teamsters leaders commended Harris' support of the pro-union PRO Act in Congress and her opposition to "right-to-work" laws that undermine unions. Trump, on the other hand, would not commit to vetoing a national "right-to-work" law, the union said in a statement, which it called a "red line for the Teamsters."

But neither candidate in their interviews, according to Teamsters, agreed not to intervene in labor disputes under the Railway Labor Act, which gives Congress the authority to set contracts in the rail and airline industries. To avert a freight rail shutdown in 2022, Congress approved a new contract for rail workers that lacked support from Teamsters.

"We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries  and to honor our members right to strike  but were unable to secure those pledges," O'Brien said.

Who is Teamsters Local 89 endorsing?

The Louisville-based Teamsters branch announced Thursday they are endorsing Harris and Walz.

2024 election: Louisville Teamsters union endorses presidential candidate despite no national endorsement

How did Harris and Trump respond to no endorsement from Teamsters?

Trump, campaigning in New York, told reporters, "It's a great honor. They're not going to endorse the Democrats. That's a big thing."

In response to the Teamsters' decision, Harris campaign spokeswoman Lauren Hitt pointed to several local Teamsters chapters that have endorsed the vice president  including some that broke with the national union Wednesday.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called the Teamsters' decision "disappointing" in a statement. "Donald Trump refused to support a pension bill for Teamsters. It was Biden-Harris and Democrats who saved Teamsters pensions in the Butch Lewis Act of our American Rescue Plan  without one Republican vote," Pelosi said.

Who do Teamsters union members support?

Trump has courted the backing of rank-and-file union members  even if he lacks the endorsement of their unions  as he looks to match the working-class coalition that won him the 2016 election.

Ahead of its announcement, Teamsters released internal polling data of members that found the majority of them back Trump over Harris, even as leaders of other unions have widely backed the vice president.

In a phone survey of Teamsters members taken last week, 58% said they support Trump and 31% said they back Harris. An electronic survey taken over the summer found a similar 60-34% margin in favor of Trump.

When President Joe Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee, a Teamsters straw poll taken in the spring and summer found rank-and-file members backed Biden 44%-37% over Trump, according to the union. However, the straw poll used a different methodology, with members voting in person at Teamsters town halls.

"While the Executive Board of the Teamsters is making no formal endorsement, the vast majority of rank-and-file working men and women in this important organization want President Donald Trump back in the White House," the Trump campaign said in a statement.

Teamsters Joint Councils 7 and 42, which includes 300,000 members in California, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam, endorsed Harris shortly after the national union's announcement, as well as Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 and Teamsters Joint Council 39, which represents all Teamsters in the state of Wisconsin.

"While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career," Hitt said. "The Vice Presidents strong union record is why Teamsters locals across the country have already endorsed her  alongside the overwhelming majority of organized labor."

Hitt added: "As the Vice President told the Teamsters on Monday, when she is elected president, she will look out for the Teamsters rank-and-file no matter what  because they always have been and always will be the people she fights for.

More from The Courier Journal: After union win at UPS, Teamsters set sights on a major Northern Kentucky employers

Teamsters past candidate endorsements

Teamsters endorsed Biden over Trump in the 2020 election. But for months, Teamsters leadership held off announcing its 2024 endorsement decision even as nine of the nation's 10 largest unions endorsed Harris, including United Auto Workers, the AFL-CIO and United Steelworkers.

Although Teamsters has typically backed Democratic presidential nominees, the union has endorsed its share of Republicans, including presidents George H.W. Bush in 1988, Ronald Reagan in both 1980 and 1984 and Richard Nixon in 1960 and 1972.

In August, O'Brien became the first Teamsters president to speak at the Republican convention over the union's 121-year history, a move that angered many Democrats.

"Democrats, Republicans, and independents proudly call our union home, and we have a duty to represent and respect every one of them," O'Brien said in a statement. "We strongly encourage all our members to vote in the upcoming election, and to remain engaged in the political process. But this year, no candidate for President has earned the endorsement of the Teamsters International Union."

Is this the first time Teamsters didn't endorse a candidate?

No, this is not the first time Teamsters has not endorsed a presidential candidate.

Still, it marks the first time the Teamsters has skipped an endorsement in a presidential election since 1996, having supported the Democratic nominee in each election that followed. Teamsters also did not endorse in the 1976 election between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.

What is Teamsters?

Teamsters is one of the nation's largest unions. It has 1.3 million members including truck drivers, freight workers, airline pilots and zookeepers, among a wide range of other workers.

Teamsters Local 89 represents UPS workers in Louisville. The shipping company is the city's largest employer and has its biggest global facility in Louisville.

Courier Journal reporter Olivia Evans contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Teamsters union won't make endorsement for Kamala Harris or Donald Trump
President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Sean OBrien speaks on stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 15, 2024. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters declined to endorse a candidate for president Wednesday, although both parties sought the support of the nations largest union.

The groups General Executive Board voted Wednesday to abstain from an endorsement, citing a split among members and a lack of firm commitments from either major party candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, on labor issues.

The refusal to endorse can be viewed as a loss for Harris, the Democrat. The union has endorsed the Democrat in every presidential election since 2000, including Trumps opponents, Joe Biden in 2020 and Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Each campaign sought the endorsement of the 1.3-million-member union, hoping it would buoy their candidate in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin  the closely contested industrial states considered crucial to an Electoral College victory in November.

And the unions leaders held in-person meetings with each candidate, seeking to extract policy commitments. But those commitments were not forthcoming, according to a statement from the union explaining the decision not to endorse.

Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business, Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien said in the statement.

We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries  and to honor our members right to strike  but were unable to secure those pledges.

OBrien encouraged the unions politically diverse membership to remain active during the election season.

Democrats, Republicans, and Independents proudly call our union home, and we have a duty to represent and respect every one of them, OBrien added. We strongly encourage all our members to vote in the upcoming election, and to remain engaged in the political process. But this year, no candidate for President has earned the endorsement of the Teamsters International Union.

However, by Wednesday night, locals in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Nevada and Michigan announced they would back Harris, along with other locals that had earlier issued endorsements. Along with these locals, the Vice President has received the overwhelming support of organized labor because, while she has spent her entire career championing labor, Donald Trump celebrated firing striking workers and his Project 2025 agenda would fundamentally undermine the right to organize, the campaign said in a statement.

Teamsters Joint Council 32 representing members in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin also endorsed Harris.

Trump preferred in member poll

In an electronic poll the union released Wednesday, rank-and-file Teamsters preferred Trump, the Republican, over Harris 59.6% to 34%.

In a statement, the Trump campaign touted the poll results.

While the Executive Board of the Teamsters is making no formal endorsement, the vast majority of rank-and-file working men and women in this important organization want President Donald Trump back in the White House, the unsigned statement read.

The electronic polls results were a reversal from a previous straw poll that showed members supported President Joe Biden to Trump 44.3% to 36.3%. Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris in July.

The mere question of whom Teamsters would endorse marks a significant shift toward Republicans. Unions, including Teamsters, have historically backed Democrats.

Trumps populist appeal appears to have upset that tradition.

OBrien had a prime-time speaking role at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this summer, though he did not endorse Trump. It was the first appearance by a Teamsters president at a Republican National Convention in the groups 121-year history.

Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was a teachers union member before entering politics.
Wioleta Murawski was remembered on an online fundraiser as a "wonderful mother, sister, friend, and colleague who touched the lives of many"

GoFundMe Wioleta Murawski

A New York man accused of fatally stabbing his wife in front of their teenage son has pleaded guilty to the womans murder, authorities said.

Ryszard Murawski, 44, pleaded guilty on Sept. 17 to second degree murder for killing Wioleta Murawski in her backyard in January, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in a press release.

On Jan. 3, the couples 15-year-old son called 911 after returning home from his friends house to find his mother screaming for help in the backyard, per the release. The teen told police that he witnessed his father stabbing his mother with a large serrated knife.

The teen, distraught during the duration of the call, begged the police for help as he desperately tried to save his mothers life, the release states.

Prosecutors said the boy jumped on his father and struggled with him until his mother was able to break free. The woman made it across the street before collapsing with her son by her side, according to the release. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

After the stabbing, which prosecutors said was caught on his home surveillance system, Ryszard fled the scene in a black GMC pick-up truck. He was taken into custody after a police chase that ended when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the side of a building, per the release.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ryszard Murawski

On a GoFundMe campaign created in the wake of her death, Wioleta was remembered as a wonderful mother, sister, friend, and colleague who touched the lives of many.

Wioleta dedicated her life to raising her [two] sons and giving them a brighter future, the fundraisers description reads. She was an outgoing person who gave her best. She was an amazing friend who always helped without expecting anything in return.

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.

Tierney called the murder a tragic case of domestic violence, noting how the couples son is left with horrific trauma after witnessing the crime.

This defendant will now have to pay for his actions in prison, Tierney said in the release. Domestic violence is never the answer. I urge anyone in an abusive relationship to reach out for help through our partner agencies linked below. In an emergency, always call 911.

Prosecutors said Ryszard faces 22 years to life in prison and is expected back in court on Oct. 17.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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Read the original article on People.
A self-confessed fascist has been jailed for more than five years after leaving a trans woman with a trainer imprint on her face after he attacked her.

Alex Hutton, 19, left the victim hospitalised after using mixed martial arts moves on her, said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

It said Hutton, from Morriston, Swansea, held extreme racist, transphobic and homophobic views.

Hutton, also known as Alex Edwards, appeared before Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire after pleading guilty to terror offences and an assault motivated by hostility toward the victim because she was trans.

He was sentenced to a total of five years and four months in custody, plus an extended sentence with a further five years on licence.

Hutton had previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act and arrested last November.

The arrest came after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public that they had seen a video on Huttons Instagram in which he claimed to have kicked an unidentified person in the head.

The video also contained far right imagery.

Hutton was subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order restricting his use of the internet and mobile phones after previous convictions for possessing terrorist documents and publishing statements that encouraged terrorism, the CPS said.

It added that police investigated his phone use and found he had distributed extreme videos encouraging and glorifying terrorism.

Hutton has been given a custodial sentence totalling five years and four months [Counter Terrorism Policing Wales]

There were references to "cleansing London" of non-white people and Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, homophobic and transphobic messages.

He shared Nazi extremism and racist videos from the Ku Klux Klan, and bragged about planning terrorist attacks, the CPS said.

He spread messages on Instagram and messaging app Telegram where he talked of wanting to kill anybody who was not white.

"Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023," said Counter Terrorism Policing Wales investigations chief Det Ch Insp Leanne Williams.

"There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope todays outcome provides her with some comfort."

Hutton, she said, demonstrated a "clear intention" to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism.

Bethan David, of the CPS, said Hutton was a "dangerous young man", adding that his "unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole".

"He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views," she added.
UPDATE: Suspect vehicle linked to hit-and-run crash that seriously hurt teen located

SAN MARCOS (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities are investigating a hit-and-run collision that left a teenager with serious injuries Tuesday night, according to the San Diego County Sheriffs station in San Marcos.

A preliminary investigation determined the teenager was riding an e-bike around 9 p.m. near the intersection of W. Mission Road and Knoll Road when he was hit by a pickup truck.

Victims identified in Barrio Logan shooting; man arrested on suspicion of murder

The teen was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.

Meanwhile, the pickup truck fled the scene following the collision, according to deputies. The suspect vehicle is described as a lifted 2019-2021 white GMC Sierra with damage to its front end, including a broken headlamp, fender and antenna.

The San Marcos Sheriffs Station is asking anyone with more information to come forward and contact them at 760-510-5200.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DARKE COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN)  A driver was flown to Miami Valley Hospital after a crash involving a car and semi truck in Darke County.

According to the Darke County Sheriffs Office, deputies were sent alongside Versailles first response crews to the intersection of State Route 47 and Conover Road for an injury crash. This occurred around 3:20 p.m. on Sept. 18.

No students reported injured in Beavercreek school bus incident

Upon arrival, it was discovered that a 2006 Pontiac G6, driven by a 16-year-old female, was traveling northbound on Conover Road when she stopped at the intersection at State Route 47.

The teen then pulled out into the intersection and was struck by a 2019 Kenworth tractor-trailer that had been traveling eastbound on State Route 47.

The teen driver had to be mechanically extricated from the vehicle and was flown by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital with serious injuries. Her current condition is unknown.

The semi truck driver was uninjured.

This crash remains under investigation. The Darke County Sheriffs Office accident reconstruction team and Ohio State Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement are assisting with the investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  A 17-year-old was shot in the leg near a high school on Staten Island Thursday afternoon, according to the NYPD.

The teenager was shot just before 1 p.m. inside a playground near St. Marks Place and Wall Street, not far from Ralph R. McKee CTE High School, according to police. He was taken to an area hospital but was expected to survive, police said.

More Local News

Sources told PIX11 News the teen had just left the school before shots rang out.

New York City schools have seen turmoil this week. In Queens, two students were caught with guns at a school in Flushing Thursday afternoon, according to the NYPD. On Monday, students at a Williamsburg school were evacuated after a bomb threat was called into the NYPD, police said.

The Department of Education did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
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.
NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A Tennessee man who led Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office deputies in a multi-county pursuit Tuesday morning was found with a firearm and marijuana.

Man found guilty of 2021 capital murder of East Texas pastor

According to the sheriffs office, a deputy attempted to pull over a speeding 2020 Toyota at around 7:15 a.m. on US 259 near Central Heights school zone.

41-year-old Christopher Michael Chaney, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail

The driver identified as 41-year-old Christopher Michael Chaney, of Ashland City, Tennessee, fled and reached speeds of 120 mph, the sheriffs office said.

Nacogdoches Police Department officers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers reportedly assisted in the pursuit as Chaney continued to flee toward Garrison on U.S. 59.

As the pursuit continued, Chaney was observed throwing several items from the vehicle along U.S. 59, the NCSO said.

As the chase extended into Timpson, Shelby County law enforcement also assisted.

Chaney finally surrendered to law enforcement near the intersection of State Highway 87 and FM 415, the sheriffs office said.

Deputies retraced the route, and found suspected methamphetamine, prescription pills and a firearm, the sheriffs office said. When Chaneys vehicle was searched, an additional 1.8 pounds of marijuana was discovered in two packages.

Hearing for suspects of alleged dog fighting ring gets delayed

According to officials, Chaney told deputies he threw the drugs out of the vehicle during the pursuit because he knew he was in Texas where the laws were strict.

Chaney was charged with possession of a controlled substance, evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence and possession of marijuana. He is being held on a total bond of $90,000 at the Nacogdoches County Jail.

The sheriffs office said the investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Tesla shares first render of its new Megafactory located outside of the U.S.: 'Speeding up construction'

Tesla is continuing to diversify its business, showing again that it's much more than an electric vehicle brand churning out Cybertrucks and Model Ys.

As Electrek reports, a new Megafactory devoted to creating Megapacks is rapidly taking shape in Shanghai. The company shared a render of the planned completed plant alongside an image of the current progress, which was estimated at 45%.

Grace Tao-Lin, Tesla VP of China, provided the update on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. In comments translated by Electrek, the exec wrote: "Tesla's first energy storage Gigafactory outside the United States is also speeding up construction, with a progress of about 45%, striving to run at the 'Tesla speed' and 'Lingang speed' again."

The planned final render featured solar panel roofs, which aligns with the sort of clean energy the Megapacks will be expected to house.

Megapacks are large-scale, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that utilities and other companies can use to increase their clean energy storage and scale up their infrastructure projects. According to Tesla, each unit can store "enough energy to power an average of 3,600 homes for one hour."

Megapacks are starting to power projects from California to Australia, which can take pressure off the energy grid and ease the transition to clean power. Consumers can get involved as well by modernizing their homes and becoming less reliant on fossil fuels and the grid.

The Shanghai Megafactory is set to become Tesla's second plant dedicated solely to producing Megapacks, as opposed to EVs. When completed, the plant will nearly double Tesla's total energy storage production capacity, according to Electrek.

Similar to Tesla's growing dominance in EV charging with its Supercharger network, Megapacks provide an opportunity for the company to thrive outside of its vehicles.

Earlier this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed in an earnings call that Megapack sales are growing significantly faster than EVs. That growth led to record profitability for Tesla's energy business.

Commenters on Electrek were enthusiastic about the Shanghai Megafactory's progress.

One wrote: "The high growth rate in energy storage is really the only thing that interests me about Tesla anymore."

Another put it simply, asking for "MORE MORE MORE Megapacks."

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.
TEXAS COUNTY, Mo.  A man from Licking, Missouri has been charged after demanding the return of his cat and firing several shots at his mothers residence.

Online court records show 24-year-old Halley Swade Bindl has been charged with two counts of first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

A press release from the Texas County Sheriffs Office (TCSO) says deputies were dispatched to a house on Cameron Road at around 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 17 where the victim said Bindl was shooting at her house with her and her husband inside.

According to a probable cause statement from TCSO, the victim had contacted the Licking Police Department earlier in the day because she was worried about her sons behavior, including threats Bindl had made to take his own life. When Bindl showed up at his mothers house, he told her he was moving to Wyoming and was there to pick up his cat.

Chappell Roan to perform on Saturday Night Live

Documents say the victim told deputies she couldnt get Bindls cat inside a crate and asked Bindl to come get the animal, but he refused. The victims husband locked the doors, according to the probable cause statement, and Bindl attempted to force his way inside.

The victim also told TCSO that Bindl had put on a mask and was hiding behind a tree in the front yard when he fired at her home. After she called 911, the victim said Bindl kicked in the front door and threatened to shoot her husband. Documents say Bindl followed the victims husband through the house at gunpoint before deputies arrived.

The probable cause statement says deputies found approximately 15 spent shells near the tree where Bindl was standing when he fired on the residence. They also located the gun inside his car, along with a semi-automatic nine millimeter that was on his person when he was taken into custody.

TCSO deputies attempted to interview Bindl post-Miranda but couldnt, documents say, and deputies noticed Bindl appeared to be intoxicated and could not keep the same train of thought.

Bindl is currently being held in the Texas County Jail without 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
A Thai woman has been rescued by police after being strangled by a python for more than two hours.

The 64-year-old woman, who gave her name as Arom, was doing the dishes at home on the outskirts of the Thai capital when she felt several bites on her leg, she said in a police video obtained by CNN that captured the attack. The snake just shot forward and bit me, she said.

The python then wrapped itself around her until she fell to the ground. She struggled to free herself from the snakes tightening coils for two hours without success, according to the police.

The woman cried out for help, but no one answered initially. Eventually, one of her neighbors heard her distressed calls and sought assistance from police.

We were shocked to see the lady was tied down on the floor with the python wrapping around (her), Police Major Sergeant Anusorn Wongmalee of the Phra Samut Chedi Police Station in Samut Prakan, a province south of Bangkok, told CNN on Thursday. The snake was really big.

In footage filmed by police, Arom was seen sitting on the floor of a small room, trapped in the grip of the python, which had wrapped itself around her waist.

It took rescuers about 30 minutes to free her, after which she was sent to the hospital for treatment, according to the police.

The snake escaped afterward, police said, adding: We couldnt catch it.

Thailand is home to 250 snake species, including three varieties of pythons  the reticulated, Burmese and Blood  according to Thai National Parks.

Pythons are not venomous, but they kill by suffocation, coiling themselves around their prey and squeezing tight to constrict blood flow before swallowing their victims whole.

According to Thailands National Health Security office, some 12,000 people were treated for venomous snake and animal bites in the country last year. Twenty-six people died from snake bites during that period, official figures show.

The attack on Arom is the second such incident in the country to attract global attention in recent weeks. Last month, a man had his testicle bitten by a python while sitting in the bathroom.

He managed to survive the encounter by hitting the snake with a cleaning brush before calling a security guard to help remove it, according to local media.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand wants to work with warring sides in Myanmar to repair a key highway cutting through the conflict-ridden country as it seeks to stabilise borders areas and keep trade routes open, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Thursday.

Thailand has the support of the ASEAN regional bloc and India in the push to rebuild parts of the Asian Highway 1 (AH-1) that has been damaged by recent fighting, he told reporters.

Laos, the current chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has also asked Thailand to host a regional meeting on Myanmar before the end of the year, he said, without providing further details.

"I don't think Myanmar problems can be addressed militarily, but through constructive dialogue," Maris said.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since February 2021, when its powerful generals ousted an elected civilian government, triggering a protest movement that has morphed into an armed rebellion against the ruling junta.

The military government has lost control of swathes of the country and the economy has been crippled.

ASEAN has barred the generals from attending its summits until progress is achieved on a 2021 peace plan devised by the bloc, which the junta agreed to but has failed to follow. That agreement includes dialogue between all sides in the conflict.

An important trade route, the AH1 stretches more than 1,500 km (932 miles) from Myawaddy on the Thai-Myanmar frontier to Tamu on Myanmar's border with India.

The area around Myawaddy, previously a conduit for more than $1 billion of annual border trade, saw fierce fighting earlier this year as rebel fighters pushed the junta out of the frontier town.

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Writing by Devyjot Ghoshal; Editing by John Mair, Martin Petty)
The European Commission will tell Apple the measures it has to take, and the company is expected to follow them.

The European Commission is done waiting for Apple to comply with the rules of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). It has started proceedings designed to ensure that the company complies with its interoperability obligations as one of DMA's designated gatekeepers, which are made up of the industry's largest and most important players. The commission explained that under the DMA, it has the right to "adopt a decision specifying the measures a gatekeeper has to implement to ensure effective compliance," and it's giving Apple six months to comply with the measures it comes up with if it doesn't want to face huge fines.

One of the areas the commission will focus on is iOS connectivity for connected devices, such as smartwatches, headphones and virtual reality headsets. The manufacturers of these products "depend on effective interoperability with smartphones and their operating systems," the commission said. It plans to specify how Apple should provide effective interoperability that would allow non-Apple devices to easily pair and connect with iPhones, as well as to get notifications. The commission will also look at the process Apple set up to address developers' requests for third party interoperability with iOS and iPadOS.

"Today is the first time we use specification proceedings under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue," EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. "We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this. This process will provide clarity for developers, third parties and Apple. We will continue our dialogue with Apple and consult third parties to ensure that the proposed measures work in practice and meet the needs of businesses."

Back in June, the commission issued its preliminary findings for an investigation it opened on Apple. It found that Apple breached DMA rules because it wouldn't allow App Store developers to freely tell users about alternate payment options outside of its ecosystem. The company told Engadget that time that it "has made a number of changes to comply with the DMA in response to feedback from developers and the European Commission" over the preceding months.

Apple has made several changes to its system to avoid getting fined in the EU, including opening up iOS and iPadOS to third-party app stores and allowing developers access to its NFC technology. It has also withheld new features from European users due to DMA rules, however, including Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring on the Mac and SharePlay Screen Sharing.

The company told Bloomberg that it has conjured ways that would allow developers to request additional iOS and iPadOS interoperability while protecting its users' security. It added that undermining its systems' protections would put its European users at risk. As the news organization notes, the commission could launch an investigation into Apple if the company doesn't comply with the measures it comes up with over the next six months. If found guilty, the company could face a fine worth 10 percent of its global annual revenue.
Thermal power station equipment destroyed by Russians is put on display in Kyiv  photos

Ukraines power engineers have organised the first-ever installation showing what equipment from a thermal power plant looks like after it has been hit by Russian strikes.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia; DTEK, Ukraines largest private energy industry investor

Details: The installation, entitled The Battle for Electricity, has opened in Kyiv's Kontraktova Square.

A power transformer devastated by Russian attacks has been installed in the centre of the capital. It withstood several hits by projectile wreckage but was eventually totally destroyed.

Quote from DTEK CEO Dmytro Sakharuk: "The transformer has quite a history. After the attack, it burned for a day because it was impossible to contain the fire. And unfortunately, due to the extensive damage, it is beyond repair. Weve installed it in Kyiv so that everyone can see this with their own eyes, just as power engineers at thermal power plants and other energy facilities do. Despite all the challenges and the daily risk of coming under enemy fire, Ukrainian power engineers continue their battle for electricity."

The thermal power plant transformer was on fire for a day.

Photo: DTEK

DTEK notes that this is what a lot of Ukraines energy infrastructure facilities look like. The industry has suffered more than 1,000 Russian attacks since October 2022.

Russia has destroyed almost 90% of all Ukraines thermal generation and 45% of hydro generation infrastructure.

Quote from Yurii Sheiko, First Deputy Energy Minister: "Energy infrastructure in every oblast without exception has been affected by the attacks. In between large-scale missile strikes, the enemy launches drone attacks on energy facilities across the country almost every day, especially in frontline oblasts."

The installation of destroyed thermal power station equipment. The text reads: "This is where your electricity comes from".

Photo: DTEK

Background: Burnt-out Russian military equipment was exhibited in the centre of Kyiv in May 2022. A few months later, the exhibition was digitised, and a virtual model was created.

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Editors Note: The video above first aired in May 2024.

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Odessa College will be hosting its third annual car show on Saturday, in support of local auto tech students and the community.

OC said this years events include 150 to 200 vehicles in 41 different classes of vehicles on display for everyones enjoyment. Classes of vehicles include classic and modern vehicles, muscle cars and low-riders, imports, SUVs, trucks, and more.

This is our third year to have this community event, and it has grown every year. The vision for the auto diesel technology program and the OC Sewell Auto Tech facility has been to benefit the general public and the students in our program. This event is one of the ways that we do that, said Auto Diesel Technology Department Chair Rob Turner.

We are fortunate to have community partners such as Sewell Family of Companies, Rogers Ford of Midland, Warren CAT, Summit Fleet, Chevron Fab Lab, and others who support our students, graduates and the program. They also work together generously to cover all costs of the Car Show, so that all of the proceeds may go to the Elijah Barrera Memorial Scholarship for our students, added Turner.

Elijah, a member of the first group of the Automotive Student Service Education Training program, graduated in May 2022. Elijah was then involved in a motorcycle accident on the following Sunday and died. His fellow students suggested a scholarship that was to be presented at the first OC Car Show in August 2022 be named in honor of Elijah.

RELATED: OC partners with GM, Kubota for two new automotive programs

Community partners have since donated to grow the scholarship, with any current or future students of the auto diesel program being eligible to apply for the scholarship through the OC Foundation.

Representatives from Odessa College, community partners, and other companies and organizations, such as Odessa Fire Rescue, will be available to speak to attendees about opportunities available to students and graduates in their fields.

The third annual Odessa College Car show will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 21 at Odessa College Sewell Auto Tech, located at 2425 East 8th Street. You can learn more about the scholarship and OCs auto tech program on the Odessa College 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 Yourbasin.
CA BOCES is among the latest school systems in the Southern Tier dealing with threats of violence after a social media post said there would be a shooting at BOCES's Belmont CTE Center Thursday.

BOCES officials said they were notified by the Wellsville Police Department at around 9 a.m.

According to BOCES, the post said there would be a shooting at 11:30 a.m. at the county Route 48 education complex.

"Although law enforcement informed BOCES this is not a credible threat, situations like this must be taken seriously," CA BOCES Superintendent Scott Payne said. "BOCES is taking additional steps at the Belmont Center to not only ensure the safety of everyone ... but to also make sure everyone is secure in knowing that these types of matters are taken seriously."

Payne said BOCES is putting additional "monitoring" in place and has stepped up a police presence at the building.

"Please be assured, BOCES will be working with law enforcement to determine the source of the post," Payne said. "Should you have any information about the post or source of the post, we encourage you to contact the New York State Police or your local law enforcement agency."

Payne said questions and concerns may be directed to him by calling 716-376-8254.

According to Dr. Colleen Taggerty, interim superintendent of the Wellsville Central School District, the threat did not reference Wellsville schools.

In a message on the district's ParentSquare communications system, Taggerty said the BOCES threat comes during a "concerning nationwide trend" of similar reports.

"Several BOCES across the state have been managing online Snapchat posts with threats of violence at their facilities," she said.

More: New Steuben County law sets harsh fines, penalties for illicit pot sales

'Swatting hoaxes' also impact Steuben County, others in Southern Tier

The threat in Allegany County followed on the heels of others in Steuben, Chemung and Broome counties. Earlier this week, the Steuben County Sheriffs Office said social media threats that circulated through other school districts in the region also identified the Corning High School and BOCES.

The Sheriff's Office said the "swatting hoaxes" were deemed unfounded.

"They appear to be part of the same larger pattern of hoaxes circulating through the northeast United States. We are working closely with our Steuben County School Districts, our School Resource Officers, local and federal law enforcement partners to monitor the situation," stated the Sheriff's Office. "We will be increasing visibility at schools countywide as a precaution. There does not appear to be any credibility to these posts.

"We will remain vigilant and follow through with all reported threats and take appropriate action. We would remind the community to immediately report any threat or concerning behaviors to law enforcement."

Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: CA BOCES taking 'additional steps' after Belmont shooting threat
Israel launched a series of strikes on Hezbollah targets Thursday as the war against the Lebanon-based group widened in the wake of two consecutive days of deadly explosions triggered in wireless devices.

Israel said it has carried out hundreds of strikes in Lebanon on Thursday. Earlier, Israel said it hit at least 30 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including a weapons storage facility, adding it will continue to "operate against the threat of the Hezbollah."

"The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure," the Israeli army said Thursday afternoon. "The Hezbollah terrorist organization has turned southern Lebanon into a combat zone. For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields."

MORE: Israel had hand in manufacturing pagers that exploded in Lebanon: Source

Israel also instructed residents in the north to reduce movements, avoid gatherings and stay near shelters and protected areas.

Two large sonic booms shook buildings in Beirut on Thursday as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivered a speech on this week's device explosions. The IDF strikes come as Nasrallah said the use of the devices in civilian areas crossed all laws and red lines.

"This criminal act is a major terrorist operation, an act of genocide and massacre and amounts to a declaration of war," Nasrallah said.

"The only way to return the displaced to the north is to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. What you are doing will increase the displacement of the displaced from the north and will remove the opportunity for their return," Nasrallah said.

PHOTO: People watch a televised speech by the leader of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah from a cafe at the entrance of the Sabra camp for Palestinian refugees in Beirut's southern suburb, Sept. 19, 2024. (Anwar Amro/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the southern Lebanese village of al-Taybeh, Sept. 19, 2024. (Ammar Ammar/AFP via Getty Images)

The last two days of explosions in Lebanon, triggered remotely with explosives inside pagers or walkie-talkies, have killed at least 37 people and wounded 2,931, Lebanese Health Minister Firass Al-Abyad said in a press conference Thursday.

Prior to announcing the strikes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his intention of returning tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north of the country, parts of which have been emptied by the threat of Hezbollah attacks.

Two IDF soldiers were killed by Hezbollah rockets in the north on Thursday, the army said.

"This is a new phase of the war, it includes opportunities but also significant risks. Hezbollah feels that it is being persecuted and the sequence of military and defense actions will continue," Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Thursday following the airstrikes.

The Israeli rhetoric was punctuated by the two waves of explosions in Lebanon.

Pager devices exploded on Tuesday prompting chaos in the capital Beirut and across the Hezbollah militant group's southern heartland. On Wednesday, walkie-talkies exploded, some during funeral processions being held for militants killed in Tuesday's explosions.

PHOTO: Smoke rises from the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as pictured from Marjayoun, near the border with Israel, Sept. 18, 2024. (Karamallah Daher/Reuters)

An ABC News source confirmed that Israel was behind the Tuesday pager attacks. Israeli leaders have not publicly commented on either round of explosions.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said 12 people were killed and 2,323 wounded in Tuesday's pager detonations, and another 25 people were killed and 608 wounded in Wednesday's walkie-talkie blasts, according to Al-Abyad.

The Lebanese health minister told reporters that he does not want to comment on security and political matters, but he said "it is certain that what happened in terms of aggression is considered a war crime, as the majority of the injuries were recorded in civilian areas and not in the battlefield, and the government is doing its duty and has called for a meeting of the U.N. Security Council, and human rights organizations are doing their duty on this issue."

Hezbollah said 20 of its members were killed in Wednesday's walkie-talkie explosions. Another 11 were killed in Tuesday's pager explosions in Lebanon and Syria, bringing the overall death toll for the group to 31.

MORE: 20 more dead, 450 injured as new round of explosions rocks Lebanon: Health officials

The Iranian-backed group blamed Israel for both waves of explosions and vowed a "reckoning."

The militant group claimed several retaliatory strikes into Israel this week -- including on Thursday morning -- with Israel Defense Forces warplanes and artillery responding.

Cross-border fire has been near-constant since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began attacks in protest of the Israel Defense Forces operation into the Gaza Strip -- the response to Hamas' Oct. 7 infiltration attack into southern Israel.

But as Gallant told reporters on Wednesday, "I believe that we are at the onset of a new phase in this war."

PHOTO: A firefighter works to put out a blaze after rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel Sept. 18, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/Reuters)

A source confirmed to ABC News on Wednesday that Israel's 98th Division is being deployed from Gaza battlefields to the north of the country.

"We are determined to change the security reality as soon as possible," Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, head of the IDF's Northern Command, said. "The commitment of the commanders and the troops here is complete, with peak readiness for any task that will be required."

The war, U.S. officials have long warned, could spiral into a broader conflict involving Iran -- a prime benefactor of both Hezbollah and Hamas.

Notable casualties demonstrated the multinational nature of the crisis. A detonating pager injured at least 14 people in Syria, where both Hezbollah and Iranian forces have been active for several years in support of its President Bashar al-Assad.

MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: Israel moves troops to Lebanon border after pager attack

Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amini, was also among the thousands injured, Iranian officials said. Tehran "will duly follow up on the attack against its ambassador in Lebanon," the country's ambassador to the United Nations said in a letter to U.N. leaders on Wednesday.

Israel and Iran have already exchanged significant strikes since Oct. 7. Israel assassinated a top Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Syria in April and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. Iran fired a huge barrage of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to Zahedi's killing.

This week's bombings in Lebanon raised the possibility of further action, whether overt or covert. Police announced on Thursday that an Israeli citizen was arrested on suspicion of working with Iranian intelligence to assassinate leaders including Netanyahu and Gallant.

PHOTO: People attending a funeral for victims of Tuesday's pager attacks in Lebanon react after an explosion in a store, in southern Beirut, Sept. 18, 2024. (ABC News)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated U.S. appeals for calm during a press conference in Egypt on Wednesday, where he traveled for fresh Gaza cease-fire talks.

"Broadly speaking, we've been very clear, and we remain very clear about the importance of all parties avoiding any steps that could further escalate the conflict that we're trying to resolve in Gaza," Blinken said.

A conflict spreading to other fronts, he added, is "clearly not in the interest of anyone involved."

The U.S., Blinken and other American officials said, were not involved in or pre-briefed on the remote explosions that rocked Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Gallant spoke with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin three times in two days, the latest conversation on Wednesday reaffirming the "unwavering U.S. support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran's other regional partners" and the need for de-escalation, a Pentagon readout said.

U.S. officials were notified by Israeli counterparts on Tuesday that they were planning an operation against Hezbollah, but did not provide any details about what they were going to do, U.S. officials said.

ABC News' Ghazi Balkiz, Will Gretsky, Morgan Winsor, Luis Martinez, Shannon K. Kingston, Ellie Kaufman, Nasser Atta, Jordana Miller and Marcus Moore contributed to this report.

Israel launches strikes on Hezbollah in wake of device explosions originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Throngs of Black Students Move to Atlanta for College. What if They All Registered As Georgia Voters?

Morehouse College student Marchellos Scott performed some political calculus this summer when he registered to vote in Georgias Fulton County for this years presidential election instead of casting a ballot in his native state.

I understand that Georgia is a swing state and I want to ensure that Im giving a lot to keep Georgia blue, Scott told Capital B Atlanta in July.

The 21-year-old senior from Clarksdale, Miss., said he and other members of the Morehouse College Democrats registered more than 100 students to vote during their National Voter Registration Day drive on campus Tuesday.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz visited Morehouse the same day to help Scott and his peers encourage their classmates to exercise their voting rights ahead of the Nov. 5 election between current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Scott said convincing students from other states who both live and attend college in Georgia to vote here instead of their hometown has been a key voter engagement strategy this election cycle.

Some of the roughly 41 million young people across the nation who became eligible to vote this year live in Georgia, where the last presidential election was decided by less than 12,000 votes. Many college students like Scott come from partisan red or blue states where their votes wont have as much influence in the presidential election as they likely will here in Georgia.

States like Mississippi  its not changing anytime soon, Scott said on Wednesday. If we have other avenues to vote so that its really making an impact, thats what we told students to do. I think thats all a part of voter education and voter awareness.

The office of Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says its perfectly legal for college students to register and vote here in Georgia as long as they can prove they live here and meet the legal voting requirements. (Must be at least 17.5 years of age, must be U.S. citizens, cant be actively serving a felony conviction sentence, and cant have been declared mentally incompetent by a judge.)

The avoidable risk of mail-in voting

Voter engagement groups like New Georgia Project, Black Voters Matter, and the Georgia NAACP say they have discouraged college students from using absentee ballots to help them avoid being disenfranchised on Election Day.

The nations current U.S. Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, who was appointed by Trump in 2020, has faced criticism previously for administrative actions resulting in mail processing delays, which may have prevented some Americans from getting their mail-in ballots on time during previous election cycles.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, has been one of the federal lawmakers pressuring DeJoy to improve mail delivery services ahead of the November election. DeJoy has said the postal service is ready to deliver the mail on time this election cycle.

The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors sent a letter to DeJoy on Wednesday that urged him to enact proposed new procedures designed to eliminate delays at least a month before the election.

Looking a little crucial

Fulton County Voter Education and Outreach Manager Lashandra Little said she often asks students whether theyd prefer to send a riskier mail-in ballot back home or vote early in-person in Georgia, the state where theyll be living while theyre in school and can have a greater electoral impact.

Once I phrase it to them that way, most of them say they want to vote here, Little said.

The argument has been persuasive for people like Clark Atlanta University student Arianna Anderson. The 20-year-old Chicago native said she has lived in Atlanta for three years. On Tuesday, she registered to vote here for the first time.

Im almost done with my schooling here, and I think this is where Im gonna be [living], so I just decided to register here, Anderson said. This time around, its looking a little crucial.

Anderson is an elementary education major and aspiring teacher who said shes concerned about Trump eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, a policy proposal included in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations now-notorious, conservative political playbook for a second Trump presidency.

Trump has repeatedly disavowed Project 2025 despite it being co-authored by members of his first administration.

The Department of Education is on the verge of being crucified, so I think its important to vote, Anderson said.

Fellow Clark Atlanta student Queensheba OConner, 22, a New Orleans native, also changed her voter registration to Georgia on Tuesday.

Im based in Georgia, and I only go home to visit, she said. I need to make sure my vote counts.

The post Throngs of Black Students Move to Atlanta for College. What if They All Registered As Georgia Voters? appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
Tim Walz emphasized abortion policy during Macon visit. How could it impact the election?

Abortion remains a hot issue in Georgia after Tim Walzs visit to Macon Tuesday.

Walz, who is the governor of Minnesota and Kamala Harris running mate, emphasized abortion as a major issue during a visit to the Macon-Bibb County Democrats headquarters.

Its going to be neighbor to neighbor, doorknock to doorknock, Walz said. Do you like the (policy) where women die because they cant get health care that they should be able to get if they need reproductive care?

His remarks follow Kamala Harris releasing a statement Tuesday morning discussing a report by ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative outlet, that made waves in the abortion debate across the nation. The report details the story of a woman who died in Georgia after not being able to receive an abortion.

ProPublica confirmed it found at least one other case of a woman dying in Georgia after not being able to access a legal abortion.

Women are bleeding out in parking lots, turned away from emergency rooms, losing their ability to ever have children again. Survivors of rape and incest are being told they cannot make decisions about what happens next to their bodies. And now women are dying, Harris said. These are the consequences of (former President) Donald Trumps actions.

Abortion can be a touchy subject in Georgia  which has historically leaned Republican  but this cycle, democrats have leaned into it, and believe it could be the key to victory.

Abortion has been a big issue in Georgia for years

For Georgia, this election cycle isnt the first time abortion has become a flashpoint.

In 2019, Georgia passed a bill that banned abortion at six weeks, when fetal cardiac activity can first be detected. The legislation sparked outrage in Georgia and beyond, and a federal judge overturned the law about a year after its passage, citing Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protected abortion rights.

However, in June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a new ruling, Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, and said individual states can decide whether or not abortion is legal. Georgias six-week abortion ban was reinstated.

Abortion rights advocates were outraged, and since then abortion has featured as a major talking point in multiple state and federal election cycles.

Why is abortion so important for the Harris campaign?

Harris has placed abortion rights at the center of her campaign, especially in Georgia. Earlier this month, the Harris campaign held an event focused on abortion with politicians, activists and personalities stumping for her on the issue.

Julia Callahan, co-founder of Middle Georgia 4 Choice who was involved with Walzs visit and the Harris campaign event earlier this month, said abortion is a topic many women feel passionately about.

Callahan credits an abortion for saving her life. She was pregnant with twins in 2022, shortly after Roe v. Wade was overturned, when she miscarried one of the fetuses. However, the fetus did not expel properly, leaving tissue inside her body.

Her doctors held off on operating on her out of fear of harming the remaining viable fetus, but Callahan continued to become more ill. After a month of non-stop vomiting and excruciating pain, doctors finally gave her medication to abort the nonviable fetus.

I can understand peoples perception of thinking that abortions are (only) elective procedures, but theyre not, Callahan said. I really didnt understand it until I ended up being one of the women who was turned away from an emergency room in search of care for my miscarriage, and I almost died during that experience.

According to data from the Pew Research Center, 64% of women believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Those same numbers also show the percentage of Americans who believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases is rising in the years following the Dobbs decision.

How did Georgia end up at the center of this debate?

Callahan said Georgia is unique because its abortion ban compounds multiple issues.

Georgia has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the nation, with 33.9 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2021, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The national average between those years was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Callahan said Georgias abortion ban makes it harder for women, particularly women of color, to access lifesaving care, and may risk exacerbating Georgias maternal mortality crisis.

Were one of the worst in the nation when it comes to our mothers surviving childbirth and pregnancy, Callahan said. With Georgia being such an epicenter of women experiencing the effects of the six week abortion ban, its important we discuss it here.

Researchers at Tulane Universitys School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine found in 2021 that states with more abortion restrictions had higher rates of maternal mortality.

During his visit, Walz said Georgia also carries an immense amount of electoral power.

Its going to be a close race, likely down to a few states, Walz said. Georgias probably the center of that.

Georgia, which traditionally voted for Republicans in elections past, flipped for President Joe Biden in 2020 and helped him secure the White House. The race between Harris and Trump is a dead heat in Georgia.

Abortion has already shaped other elections in the state. A nonpartisan race for a state supreme court seat drew enormous amount of attention when former Democratic Rep. John Barrow challenged incumbent Andrew Pinson. Pinson was appointed to the court by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who championed the six-week abortion ban.

Barrow focused his bid on abortion rights, and while he ultimately lost, drew attention and turnout thats rare in nonpartisan judicial races.

By capitalizing on abortion rights, Democratic politicians, activists and supporters are optimistic they can turn Georgia blue once again.

Without those conversations, we really, as a community, cannot heal and have the conversations where we find common ground, Callahan said. And thats what really matters to Americans, its people receiving health care and getting what they need.
HENDERSON, N.C. (WNCN)  New information and a detailed timeline have been released in the Vance County death of Javion Magee.

The Vance County Sheriffs Office put out the information shortly after meeting with Javion Magees family members and their attorneys on Wednesday, around the same time the family attended a press conference.

The below timeline and investigative findings show the journey of Magee, a 21-year-old truck driver, who left Pennsylvania for a delivery to North Carolina before being found dead the next morning in Vance County.

As reported by CBS 17 previously, Magee was found dead at the base of a tree with a rope around his neck.

Man found dead with rope around neck in Vance County, sheriffs office says

INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS

Pathologists with the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiners Office have conducted an autopsy. Preliminary findings from that autopsy show Magee did not have any defensive wounds and there were no signs of physical or sexual assault. Further findings of the autopsy are pending a toxicology report.

Investigators found that the rope was wrapped around his neck a total of 11 times and the other end of the rope was wrapped around a tree branch. The rope was tight.

Further, a cardboard wrapper for the blue rope was found lying next to Magee with the Ozark Trail brand on it, which is sold at Walmart.

To get a more complete picture of what happened before his death, investigators said they are now submitting search warrants to access Magees phone.

TIMELINE

The following timeline was compiled using 911 calls, witness statements and the GPS on Magees commercial vehicle he was operating for his job as a truck driver.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

~1 a.m.  Javion Magee leaves Hazelton, Pennsylvania after picking up a load of goods to deliver to the Walmart Distribution Center in Henderson, N.C.

6:50 a.m.  Truck makes a stop at a truck stop on Highway 207, 12 miles North of Ashland, VA for approximately one hour.

7:50 a.m.  Truck leaves the truck stop and travels on Highway 1 South, making its way toward N.C.

8:50 a.m.  Truck continues onto I-85 South in Petersburg, Virginia, traveling south into North Carolina.

10:04 a.m.  Truck enters Vance County and travels to Chex Truck Stop in Middleburg. Surveillance video shows Magee walking into the truck stop alone, using the restroom and getting food. Magee is seen walking back to his truck and getting in his truck alone.

12:21 p.m.  Truck leaves Chex Truck Stop traveling south on I-85 into Henderson.

12:37 p.m.  Truck arrives at the Walmart Distribution Center in Henderson and the contents are unloaded.

4:53 p.m.  Truck leaves the Walmart Distribution Center. Within five minutes, GPS shows the truck is idling in a dirt parking area in front of 285 Vanco Mill Road in Henderson. This is approximately  mile from the Walmart Distribution Center.

5:44 p.m.  Truck travels northwest on West Andrews Avenue.

5:49 p.m.  Truck pulls onto Young Street and is idling.

5:53 p.m.  Truck goes to a parking lot at the corner of West Andrews Ave. and Vance Street.

At this time, the sheriffs office said Magee exited the truck and walked to a local smoke shop at 422 East Andrews Avenue to purchase tobacco products. Surveillance footage shows Magee is alone while purchasing something at the store.

~6:01 p.m.  Truck leaves the area, traveling west on Andrews Ave. to the intersection of I-85 and merges onto I-85 south.

6:11 p.m.  Truck travels to the Walmart Supercenter located on N. Cooper Drive in Henderson.

At this time, the sheriffs office said Magee is seen on surveillance footage from at least five cameras walking into the store, purchasing a blue in color Ozark Trail rope, and exiting the store again, while alone.

VIDEO: Footage appears to show Javion Magee buying rope at NC Walmart day before he was discovered dead

Magee was wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and dark-colored crocs. While exiting the Walmart, he is seen leaving the store with the blue rope in

his hand.

Walmart surveillance video appears to show Javion Magee with a blue rope in his hand while exiting the store. (Vance County Sheriffs Office)

6:22 p.m.  Magee returns to his truck to leave the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter.

While leaving, the sheriffs office said Magee was seen stopping and exiting his truck. He gave $228 in cash to a homeless person sitting at the entrance. Investigators found and interviewed this person. He allegedly told this person, I dont know how much it is, but if I had more I would give it to you.

6:28 p.m.  Magee pulls into the Hampton Inn Hotel located on Ruin Creek Road and parks around the back of the building. Surveillance footage from the hotel shows Magee walking from the back of the hotel to the front wearing the same clothing and carrying a black backpack.

6:32 p.m.  Magee speaks to the hotel clerk and exits the hotel at 6:34 p.m., walking towards the back of the hotel.

6:35 p.m.  Truck is turned on and is seen on video surveillance leaving the hotel parking lot and making a right turn onto Ruin Creek Road.

6:45 p.m.  Truck approaches the intersection of Andrews Ave and US-1 Highway.

6:50 p.m.  Truck exits US-1 Highway onto Vanco Mill Road.

6:52 p.m.  Truck pulls back onto the dirt lot at 285 Vanco Mill Road and the ignition is turned off.

The sheriffs office said surveillance footage from the area shows Magee exiting the drivers side of the truck and walks alone towards the wood line on the eastern side of the dirt lot with an object in his hand.

Magee walks around a trailer and to the front gate of a tractor and truck repair shop before walking back to the wood line of the lot, investigators said.

7 p.m.  Surveillance video shows Magee re-enter the truck and the GPS shows the truck ignition is turned on. From the video, it does not appear Mr. Magee has anything in his hand at the time he re-enters the truck.

7:28 p.m.  Truck is still in an idling state.

7:30 p.m.  Ignition is turned off for a final time.

Investigators said Magee is seen on video walking away from the truck towards the trees, alone, and he does not return.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

10:08 A.M.  Vance County 911 received a call from the owner of the repair shop, reporting a man with a rope around his neck on the outside of the fence at 285 Vanco Mill Road.

The 911 caller stated that the male was not breathing and appeared to have died by suicide.

The investigation began shortly after Vance County EMS, Bearpond Fire Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office officials responded to the scene.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A mentally ill woman who pushed a passenger into a moving subway in Times Square was sentenced to 12 years in jail on Thursday for an attack the victim described as a nightmare, like a scene from a horror movie.

Anthonia Egegbara, 32, was hit with the jail time for a 2021 attack that left a 42-year-old New Jersey woman, Lenny Javier, with a broken arm, a broken nose, a fractured chin and ongoing emotional trauma.

The painful memories were enough to keep Javier out of Manhattan Criminal Court, where Egegbara was sentenced. But she provided a powerful victims impact statement that explained the agony of her frightening ordeal.

I found myself in some part of a nightmare, like a scene from a horror movie that Id watched before, Javier wrote in a letter read aloud by Andrea Kimmel, an assistant Manhattan district attorney.

The fear crawled into my life like an insect. I look at my face in the mirror and still see physical marks that have changed my features, and will be there forever; being the victim of a violent, cruel crime has forced me to live with anxiety.

Prosecutors said Egegbara was sitting on a bench inside the 42nd St. subway station on Oct. 4, 2021, when she got up, rushed over to Javier and without any warning pushed her into an oncoming, northbound No. 3 train.

The caught-on-camera attack shows Javier getting shoved so hard into the side of the moving subway that she lost a shoe as she fell onto the platform. Had the push happened a fraction of a second earlier, the victim would have been thrown right in front of the hurtling train.

Egegbara fled the station, but she was arrested the next day.

The question Why me? stayed in my mind, Javier wrote. My life was shattered. The nightmare stayed and persisted ever since.

Egegbara, who suffers from schizophrenia, had been arrested at least seven times before, according to NYPD records; the three most recent incidents involved her allegedly kicking or biting other women on the train.

Egegbara, who was charged with assault, pleaded guilty last month to the attack on Javier.

Javier filed a lawsuit last year against the MTA for not doing enough to protect passengers from the known problem of violent mentally ill people.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Two parents in Crockett County, Tennessee were arrested and charged with child abuse Wednesday after authorities say they repeatedly burned their child with an object.

Amanda Young, 33, and Jeremy Young, 42, are both charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect, a felony. They will appear before a judge Thursday, the Crockett County Sheriffs Department said.

The injuries were verified during an investigation with the help of the Department of Childrens Services. The child may require medical attention to recover, authorities said.

Student arrested for making threats against Crockett County school

Crockett County authorities called it an emotional case for their officers.

If a parent or caregiver feels overwhelmed when caring for their children, there is no shame in asking for help, the department said in a 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 WREG.com.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -A close ally of President Vladimir Putin warned Western governments on Thursday that a nuclear war would ensue if they gave the green light for Ukraine to use long-range Western weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia.

Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the lower house of parliament and a member of Putin's Security Council, was responding to a vote in the European Parliament urging EU countries to give such approval to Kyiv.

"What the European Parliament is calling for leads to a world war using nuclear weapons," Volodin wrote on Telegram.

His message was entitled "For those who didn't get it the first time" - an apparent reference to a warning by Putin last week that the West would be directly fighting Russia if it let Ukraine fire the long-range missiles onto Russian territory.

The Ukraine war has triggered the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, which is considered to be the time when the two Cold War superpowers came closest to intentional nuclear war.

The outgoing head of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, told The Times this week that the Kremlin leader had declared "many red lines" before but not escalated conflict with the West when they were crossed. Putin's spokesman said his comment was dangerous and provocative.

In a non-binding resolution adopted on Thursday, the European Parliament asked EU countries to "immediately lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against legitimate military targets on Russian territory."

Volodin wrote: "If something like this happens, Russia will give a tough response using more powerful weapons. No one should have any illusions about this." He said it appeared to Moscow that the West had forgotten the vast sacrifices made by the Soviet Union in World War Two.

He said Europeans should understand that it would take Russia's RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, known in the West as Satan II, just 3 minutes and 20 seconds to strike Strasbourg, where the European Parliament meets.

(Reporting by Reuters; writing by Mark Trevelyan and Guy Faulconbridge, Editing by William Maclean)
Tourist, 30, dies after losing her leg in shark attack off Canary Islands

Tourist, 30, dies after losing her leg in shark attack off Canary Islands

A German tourist died from a rare shark attack near the Canary Islands while she was swimming alongside her catamaran off the northwest coast of the popular travel destination.

The unidentified 30-year-old woman was sailing on a British-flagged catamaran that had departed from the island of Gran Canaria Saturday, Sept. 14, when the shark attacked.

One of her legs was bitten off during the attack, which happened shortly before 4 p.m. local time.

Authorities confirmed to Reuters that emergency personnel flew 320 miles to the spot of the attack to evacuate her, but she died from the wound in the helicopter.

AUSTRALIAN SURFER SPEAKS OUT AFTER BIGGEST SHARK IVE EVER SEEN' RIPPED HIS LEG OFF

A woman died after being attacked by a shark while swimming near the Canary Islands.

After the incident, Spain's rescue service, the Salvamento Maritimo, investigated the attack.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

TEENAGER GOING FOR A QUICK SWIM SEVERELY INJURED IN SHARK ATTACK

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the organization has only recorded six confirmed shark-related incidents in Spain's history.

Shark attacks are rare with a total of 69 confirmed unprovoked attacks happening worldwide in 2023, the ISAF said. Of those 69 attacks, 14 were fatal.

Spain has had six confirmed shark-related incidents in its history, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File.

The report noted that shark attacks disproportionally occur in Australia, with 22% of attacks happening in the land down under.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Salvamento Maritimo for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: Tourist, 30, dies after losing her leg in shark attack off Canary Islands
At town hall, Trump mixes up Alaska and Afghanistan with confusing remarks on oil

Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president in 2024, speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024, in New York City. Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president in 2024, speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

In remarks praising his own decision to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, former President Donald Trump repeatedly confused ANWR with Afghanistans Bagram air base.

The remarks came during a town hall meeting on Tuesday in Flint, Michigan, when the Republican presidential nominee said that if he had been re-elected in 2020, he would have continued to grow domestic oil production.

We would have been now having so much money coming out of the energy, he said. We just had the best. We have Bagram in Alaska, they say it might be bigger than all of Saudi Arabia.

Bagram is an air base the United States abandoned during its withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump frequently repeats an incorrect statement about the oil potential of ANWR as a refrain in campaign events. He made a similar statement in a meeting with Republican members of the U.S. Senate and in a social-media talk with Elon Musk.

Trump signed a tax law that included a provision written by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, that requires the federal government to hold two oil lease sales in ANWR.

The first lease sale took place in the last days of Trumps administration but saw few bids.

The Biden administration suspended, then canceled the bid results, sparking lawsuits from the state-owned Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, which won several tracts.

Contrary to Trumps remarks, the oil potential of ANWR is far less than that of Saudi Arabia.

ANWR is believed to contain about 10.4 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil, while Saudi Arabias proven oil reserves exceed 260 billion barrels.

Technically recoverable means that current technology would allow the oil to be produced, but it doesnt necessarily mean it would be produced at current prices.

I got it approved, Trump said. Ronald Reagan couldnt do it, nobody could do it. In their first week, they terminated it. Check that one out, Bagram. Check that one out.

Trumps confusion sparked derision from opponents of the Republican candidate.

Trump mistook a wildlife refuge in Alaska for an Afghan airbase. His brains are turning to mush, wrote one of the critics, author Stephen King, on social media.

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POLAND TWP., Ohio (WKBN)  Poland Township officials have just announced the newest fixed rate for the townships natural gas aggregation program.

Officials said theyve established a 24-month fixed rate of $3.73 per Mcf for program members. The new rate will run through the October 2026 billing cycle.

Residents can expect a letter from IGS energy to arrive shortly providing more information, if it hasnt already. The letter will explain the rate, terms and conditions of the offer.

Eric Burns, director of aggregation of Independent Energy Consultants, said residents who are currently participating in the program will receive an opt-out and do not need to take any action to remain in the program.

Residents who have not chosen a supplier and receive their gas supply from Enbridge Gas Ohio (formerly Dominion Energy Ohio) will also receive an opt-out letter. If they wish to be added to the program, they should simply do nothing and they will automatically receive the new rate, Burns said.

The natural gas program was approved by voters in November 2009 and is available for residents and small businesses in the Township.

We are pleased to make this rate available for our residents and small businesses, said Eric Ungaro, Poland Township trustee. The fixed rate will give them price protection and budget stability for the next term. As before, our program has no early termination fee.

The township reminds residents the aggregation program is optional. The Public Utility Commission of Ohio provides a list of other publicly available offers on its website.

Residents should contact IGS Energy at 1-877-353-0162 with any questions regarding 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 WKBN.com.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Travis County District Clerks Office issued a warrant on Sept. 13 for a convicted arsonist who failed to appear at his sentencing hearing earlier that day, according to court records.

Previous: Man accused of starting multiple dumpster fires arrested

Richard Dale Price, 60, had pled guilty to felony arson causing reckless damage to a building.

Mugshot of Richard Dale Price (APD)

Austin Fire Department arson investigators arrested Price while investigating a number of dumpster fires occurred in north Austin. An AFD arson investigator allegedly spotted observed Richard Dale Price walking near a dumpster fire, according to an April 2 press release from the Austin Police Department.

At the time, Price was charged with one felony count of arson and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief. Travis County court records show that Price was only convicted of felony arson.

The public is directed to contact their local law enforcement if they encounter Price.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Opening statements are expected in Berkshire Superior Court in the Michael Cook murder trial, as hes accused of killing his wife, Charli Cook.

North Adams man indicted for wifes 2019 murder

Michael Cook Sr. of Chase Avenue in North Adams is accused of brutally attacking his wife 41-year-old Charli Cook on July 11, 2019. She was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield where she died due to her injuries nearly five months later.

According to Charli Ann (Gould) Cooks obituary, she died on December 1, 2019. Charlie graduated from McCann Technical School in North Adams and worked as a CNA at a nursing home in Williamstown.

Mr. Cook was arrested and charged in July 2019 after the assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and assault and battery on a family or household member. Those charges have since changed after his wifes death.

A grand jury in Berkshire Superior Court indicted Mr. Cook in October 2020 for the murder of Charli Cook stemming from the grisly attack.

Berkshire DA: Wife brutally attacked by husband has died

Our thoughts remain with Charli Cooks family and friends and I thank the grand jurors for their careful consideration of the facts as investigators, prosecutors, and advocates continue to seek justice for this horrific crime, former Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

Michael Cook is a registered level 3 sex offender in Massachusetts, which means he is classified at a high risk of re-offending. In 2011 he was convicted of three counts of rape of a child with force and one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age.

Michael Cook (2019 photo courtesy SORB)

The murder trial is held with a jury at Berkshire Superior Court in Pittsfield. The Commonwealth is being represented by attorneys Rachael Eramo, Jocelyn Ann McGrath, and Amy Winston. The attorneys listed for Mr. Cool include Patrick Nicoletti and Mary Anne Stamm, both with offices in Springfield.

Berkshire DA: North Adams man held without bail after trying to kill his wife

Opening statements begin on Thursday.

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.
Two Republican strategists, one of them an adviser to former president Donald Trump, have condemned their partys gratuitous and offensive attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris for not having biological children, arguing itll blow their chances with women voters in November.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was the latest GOP official to make the baffling charge that having stepchildren is somehow a knock on Harris character, and did it with Trump by her side at a rally in Michigan Tuesday.

My kids keep me humble, she told the crowd. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesnt have anything keeping her humble. Huckabee Sanders also mispronounced Harris first name, something Trump has repeatedly and deliberately done.

Kamala Harris Dismantles Donald Trumps Attack on Her Race

Republicans have been unable to refrain from making weird remarks about Harris not having biological children. Most notably, unearthed comments that Trumps running mate, JD Vance, made in 2021, referring to Harris as a childless cat lady earned widespread condemnation earlier this year. Hordes of right-wing commentators, meanwhile, have attacked Harris family, including her stepchildren.

Jon McHenry, a Republican pollster and strategist, told the Boston Globe that what Huckabee Sanders said amounted to a gratuitous slap and cautioned that more anti-women rhetoric from Republicans could drive down support in areas key to victory in November.

The Trump campaign needs to minimize the gender gap, he told the Globe. Those comments, rightly or wrongly, are taken a lot more seriously by women voters than male voters, and the places that Donald Trump needs to not necessarily win but minimize losses, like the suburbs, are places that I think thats going to have an outsized effect.

A New York Times/Siena College poll released Thursday shows Harris has a 14-point national lead among likely women voters. Overall, Harris and Trump are locked in a dead heat at 47 percent, according to the survey.

Trump campaign senior advisor Bryan Lanza also expressed outrage after hearing Huckabee Sanders remarks.

I, too, was blessed to have a stepmother, said Lanza, in an appearance on CNN NewsNight. I wouldnt be here, I wouldnt be able to have normal conversations, without a stepmother.

Trump 2024 Senior Advisor Bryan Lanza is outraged at Sarah Huckabee Sanders' 'offensive' comments at Trump town hall where she slammed VP Harris for not having any biological kids



'I'm disappointed in Sarah for saying that. I'm sure I'm going to get criticism from the campaign.' pic.twitter.com/K8tk8bbtAw  Katelyn Caralle (@Katelyn_Caralle) September 18, 2024

I found that comment to be offensive, he added. Im disappointed in Sarah, Im sure Im going to get criticism from the campaign, but I have to defend somebody who was a stepmom. Its a tough job, its usually a difficult dynamic and we should reward that.

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FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump greets Polish President Andrzej Duda at Trump Tower in New York

By Gram Slattery

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump's joint appearance with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the battleground state of Pennsylvania has been canceled, according to a source familiar with the Republican presidential candidate's plans.

Trump and Duda had been planning to attend the unveiling of a monument at a Polish-American Catholic shrine north of Philadelphia on Sunday. If the event had gone forward, it would have marked a rare instance of a foreign leader appearing alongside a U.S. presidential candidate on the campaign trail.

It was not immediately clear why the appearance was canceled or if Trump would meet Duda at another time or place.

Voters of eastern European descent have become highly sought after in the final weeks of the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Pennsylvania, in particular, is home to a sizeable Ukrainian-American and Polish-American population. As the state is among the most competitive in the nation, this demographic could help determine the outcome of the election.

Harris has said that Trump would fail to stand up to aggression by Russian President Vladimir Putin if he wins the Nov. 5 election, a claim the Trump campaign denies.

A who's who of foreign leaders will be arriving in the United States in the coming days for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he will "probably" meet next week with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and he has also said he will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Polish embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Ross Colvin and Deepa Babington)
The Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, leaves the stage after speaking during a campaign rally at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 18, 2024, in Uniondale, New York. Trump held his first rally after Saturdays apparent assassination attempt, the second one in two months after being injured at a rally in Butler, Penn. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will depart from the presidential swing-state map with visits to Ohio and Colorado in the coming weeks to continue to promote debunked viral stories smearing immigrant communities in those states.

At a Wednesday evening rally in New York, Trump said he would visit Springfield, Ohio, and Aurora, Colorado, towns that he and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, have singled out as being harmed by immigration.

Trump falsely claimed during the Sept. 10 presidential debate that Haitian migrants in Springfield ate residents pets. Debate moderators corrected the statement, which has also been disputed by officials including the states Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. But Trump continues to cite the town to support his hardline immigration position.

Speaking to supporters in Uniondale, New York, on Wednesday, he falsely claimed that migrants in the town were there illegally and said 32,000 arrived in a matter of weeks.

Estimates from official sources based on government data range from 12,000 to 20,000 Haitian arrivals since 2020. Most are in the country legally, with many given temporary protected status that allows migrants from certain countries affected by violence and other circumstances to live in the United States.

Trump described Springfield and Aurora  where a separate viral rumor imagined Venezuelan gangs took over an apartment building  as dangerous places, without evidence to support that claim, from which he might not escape.

Theyve got to get much tougher, he said of Springfield city leaders. Im going to Springfield and Im going to Aurora. You may never see me again, but thats OK. Gotta do what I gotta do. Whatever happened to Trump? Well, he never got out of Springfield.

Neither Ohio nor Colorado is among the seven competitive states that will decide the presidential election, but the stops would serve to highlight Trumps focus on immigration as his core campaign issue.

Hispanic heritage

The Trump campaign framed immigration in a different way during a call with reporters Thursday morning celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

On the campaign call, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican whose parents emigrated from Cuba, said life was better for all Americans, including Hispanic Americans, during Trumps presidency than under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

Rubio focused on economic factors and fear of crime.

That impacts everybody, he said. I think it has special meaning in the Hispanic American community because you have to understand that whether it was your parents, your grandparents or yourself, you came here because you wanted a better life. They werent happy with their life somewhere else. It was unsafe. You couldnt get ahead. And so they came to the United States in hopes of fulfilling their dreams and their hopes for themselves and for their families.

In a White House event for Hispanic Heritage Month Wednesday, Biden touted job numbers for Hispanic Americans, saying his administration oversaw the lowest Hispanic unemployment rate on record.

Biden criticized Republican rhetoric on immigration, celebrating the United States identity as a nation of immigrants, calling on Hispanic Americans to vote for Harris against Trump in November.

This is the single most consequential election in maybe the lifetime of anyone standing here, because it matters, he said. The other team doesnt see the world like we see it. They dont have the same attitude we have. They are the most close-minded people Ive ever dealt with.

White dudes

A pro-Harris group representing a different demographic launched a $10 million ad campaign in battleground states Thursday.

White Dudes for Harris released a one-minute video ad, the first in the eight-figure campaign, targeting white male voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, according to a news release from the group.

White men vote more Republican than other groups and have backed Trump by wide margins in his previous White House runs. His successful 2016 campaign won white men nationwide by a 62% to 32% margin, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump carried Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin by a combined 80,000 votes in 2016.

The ad opens by bemoaning that Trump had damaged white mens reputation. A male narrator then compliments Harris and vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs approach.

Theyre actually talking to guys like us  no lectures, no BS, the voiceover says. Just real solutions that protect our freedoms and help us take care of the people who matter.

Oprah and Adelson

The Harris campaign is scheduled to hold a virtual event with famed actress, producer and former talk show host Oprah Winfrey on Thursday evening.

Organizers expect the event to reach more than 200,000 people in real time, with additionally tens of millions likely to see clips shared afterward.

Trump is scheduled to appear with conservative megadonor Miriam Adelson in a Washington event titled Fighting Anti-Semitism in America. Adelson is Jewish and a vocal advocate of U.S. support for Israel.

Friday, Harris will campaign in Georgia and Wisconsin.

Trump is scheduled to hold a rally Saturday in North Carolina.

Polling snapshot

Polls published Wednesday and Thursday showed a mixed view of the race.

Harris and Trump were tied nationally at 47% in a New York Times/Sienna College poll that surveyed likely voters from Sept. 11 to Sept. 16. Harris led, though, in the key state of Pennsylvania, 50% to 46%, in the same poll.

A separate poll, conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, showed the Keystone State deadlocked at 49%.

Marist found Harris led by 1 point in Wisconsin, 50% to 49%, and by 5 points in Michigan, 52% to 47%.

Those states, along with Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina, will likely decide the election.

Nebraska pushed to adopt winner-take-all

Two other races, though, could be competitive.

Maine and Nebraska both allocate two electoral votes to the winner of the state popular vote, and the rest by congressional district.

Purple districts in each state will likely go to the candidate who loses the state overall, though some Republicans are pushing Nebraska to adopt a winner-take-all system.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen discussed the issue Wednesday with state senators, and the states all-Republican congressional delegation endorsed a winner-take-all approach in a Wednesday letter posted to X.

Nebraskas statewide electoral votes are nearly certain to go to Trump, whose campaign has pressured state officials to nix the current system.

States Newsroom reporter Ariana Figueroa contributed to this report.
Trump donor to help build sci-fi smart goggles for the US army

Headsets that use augmented reality technology play an increasingly important role on the battlefield - Jason Amadi

A defence technology start-up led by 32-year-old billionaire and Republican Party donor Palmer Luckey has signed a deal with the US Army to provide futuristic combat goggles as part of a $22bn (17bn) project.

Anduril, which develops military drones and artificial intelligence software, will work with Microsoft to develop the new headsets, based on augmented reality technology where virtual images are projected over the real world.

The Integrated Visual Augmentation System is designed to act as a soldiers heads-up display, providing live battlefield data and night vision capabilities.

The system will be attached to a helmet but can be flipped up and down while in the field. Using Andurils Lattice software, the headsets will be able to provide information on real-time threats across the battlespace, such as incoming drones or missiles.

The project, which has been in development since 2018, has already gone through several versions of the goggles, with soldiers previously complaining the device was too heavy and could lead to headaches and nausea.

Microsoft secured a leading role on the programme in 2021. It previously developed the Hololens virtual reality headset. The goggles contract could ultimately be worth up to $22bn.

The project will now also involve Mr Luckeys start-up, Anduril, which is valued at $14bn and backed by Peter Thiel, a prominent Silicon Valley investor and backer of Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate.

This is Andurils bread and butter, and weve been building the backbone for this for years, Mr Luckey said.

This project is my top priority at Anduril, and it has been for some time now. Its one of the Armys most critical programs being fielded in the near future, with the goal of getting the right data to the right people at the right time.

Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, with his companys Lattice Ghost Drone - Dan Tuffs

In an interview with Wired, he said planned heads-up display was a classic sci-fi concept, inspired by novels such as the 1950s book Starship Troopers.

He added the aim of such a headset would be to give soldiers the vision that Superman has, and then some, and make them more lethal.

Mr Luckey, a former Facebook executive, is known for founding Oculus, the virtual reality company that was snapped up by Mark Zuckerberg in 2014.

As a teenager, Mr Luckey built a series of prototypes for his Oculus Rift headset from scratch, relying on crowdfunding, with the company ultimately sold to Mr Zuckerbergs Facebook for $2bn.

The eccentric entrepreneur, who typically wears Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops in the otherwise conservative defence industry, is a prominent Republican Party supporter and donor.

He has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Republican candidates and political groups, and earlier this year said: My big league support for Donald Trump is no secret.

His politics led to clashes during his time at Facebook, after Mr Luckey donated funds to an anti-Hillary Clinton campaign. He was later ousted from Facebook in 2017, although the company has repeatedly insisted he was not fired because of his political views.

Mr Luckey founded Anduril, a defence company named after a sword from The Lord of the Rings, after leaving Facebook.

Anduril has since developed Ghost, a man-portable drone designed to provide reconnaissance that has been used by Ukraines armed forces.

It is also in the process of developing Barracuda, a flying drone designed to deliver up to a 100lb missile while operating in a swarm designed to overload air defences.

Last year, it signed a 17m deal with the UKs Ministry of Defence to develop counter-drone technology for RAF bases.

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In the early 1970s, a graffito circulated among the public toilet stalls of California that admonished: If you voted for Nixon you cant shit here because your assholes in Washington. I feel the same way about Donald Trump, even though he isnt president at the moment (and, God willing, never will be again). Thats because Trumps noisome influence lingers within the federal judiciary as it busily sets about repealing whats left of the New Deal.

The latest example is a preliminary injunction, issued Monday by a federal judge in Fort Worth, Texas, that effectively endorses a reactionary campaign led by Elon Musk to dismantle the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency that enforces laws to protect labor organizing. Amazon, Trader Joes, and Starbucks have joined the parade, filing similar lawsuits. As the sprite Ariel famously observes in Shakespeares The Tempest: Hell is empty and all the devils are here.

The judge who issued this weeks sulfuric injunction, Mark T. Pittman, was elevated to the bench by Trump in 2019. The plaintiff here is not Musk but Findhelp, an Austin-based company that makes software for employers of home health care workers. According to the Office and Professional Employees International Union, which organized Findhelp tech workers last year, Findhelp committed various unfair labor practices in connection with negotiating a union contract. The NLRBs general counsel, finding merit in the OPEIUs complaints, scheduled a hearing September 23 before an NLRB administrative law judge. But before this hearing could take place, Findhelp filed suit to prevent it. This week, Pittmans injunction did so, on the grounds that the NLRBs reliance on administrative law judges violates the Constitution.

Note that Pittmans injunction does not block any particular action by the NLRB, which never had time to hear the case. The ruling is simply against the NLRBs 89-year existence.

Pittmans injunction followed two similar injunctions blocking NLRB investigations, both in July. The first injunction was issued in Waco by Judge Alan Albright, whom Trump elevated to the bench in 2018. Albrights injunction shielded Musks SpaceX from an NLRB administrative law judges inquiry into Musks quite obviously illegal firing of eight engineers for circulating a letter (to read it, click here and scroll down) that accused Musk of maintaining a sexist culture at the firm. The only difference was that when Albright ruled, an administrative law hearing had already taken place.

The second injunction was issued a mere six days after Albrights. Judge Jeffrey Brown, a district court judge in Galveston, whom Trump elevated to the bench in 2019, blocked the NLRB from holding an administrative law hearing on an alleged unfair labor practice (retaliation against an employee engaging in protected labor activity) by Energy Transfer, a natural gas pipeline firm. As in the Findhelp ruling, Browns injunction prevented the NLRB hearing (scheduled for October 29) from taking place.

All three cases cited SEC v. Jarkesy, which the Supreme Court decided a mere month before the first two injunctions. The decision concerned one George Jarkesy, a hedge fund manager whom the Securities and Exchange Commission nailed for securities fraud. An SEC administrative law judge fined Jarkesy $300,000, required him to relinquish $685,000 in ill-gotten gains, and booted this scofflaw out of the securities industry.

The Supreme Court voided the SEC ruling on the grounds that Jarkesy was denied his right to a jury trial. But even if you accept the high courts reasoning (which I dont), it isnt obvious why Jarksey should apply to NLRB proceedings. Jarkesy said an administrative law judge may not impose a civil fine or exile somebody from his profession. But the NLRB can do neither. The only remedy it can impose on employers is reinstatement of a fired worker with back pay, or posting certain notices at work, or recognizing a labor union, or good-faith bargaining toward a union contract. Civil fines are explicitly prohibited. They shouldnt be (and under the Protecting the Right to Organize Act they wouldnt be). But they are. And Ive never heard of the NLRB even trying to shut anybodys business down. Why would it? The people who petition the agency either work at the offending business or wish to return there.

All this explains why Judge Laurie Michelson, a federal judge in Michigan, earlier this month denied a preliminary injunction request against the NLRB brought on grounds similar to those in these other caseswithout even mentioning Jarkesy. Instead she cited a Supreme Court decision from 1935, Humphreys Executor v. U.S., that barred President Franklin Roosevelt from removing William Humphrey, an appointee of his Republican predecessor, Herbert Hoover, from the Federal Trade Commission. Four months after FDR fired Humphrey, the deposed commissioner very obligingly had a stroke and died. But before Humphrey departed this vale of tears he filed suit to regain his job. His heirs kept the case going and recovered his back pay.

The antiregulatory right would have you believe that administrative law judges are some novel regulatory apparatus, but the NLRB has had them since the 1930s, when they were called trial examiners. Theyve enjoyed civil service protection since 1940. Only the term administrative law judges is (somewhat) new; according to Andrew Strom, an associate general counsel at the SEIU, it dates to the 1970s.

I would gladly go back to calling administrative law judges trial examiners if I thought it would appease reactionary warriors against the administrative state (who themselves have been around since the late 1940s but were never taken seriously much before now). But of course, this crowd wont rest until there are no regulatory agencies left. Donald Trumps got their back, and even if he loses in November his Supreme Court majority does too. That can only start to change if Kamala Harris is elected president. If you want American businesses to romp free of supervision, all in the name of populism, then Trumps your guy. Otherwise, please vote Democratic.
UNIONDALE, Long Island (PIX11)  The first rally by Donald Trump since the second assassination attempt on his life last weekend had law enforcement on Long Island doing all they could to ensure the safety of the former president, as well as the safety of the massive crowd that came out to show support and possibly gain entry to the event.

People came to the Nassau Coliseum from across the Tri-state region, as well as from much farther afield.

More Local News

We took the redeye, said Amy Lee, one of the first people to enter the coliseums parking lot in order to get in line for the event, referring to an overnight flight. Got here about 5:00 a.m., she continued. When asked where shed come from, her response was terse. San Diego, she said.

The grounds opened at 8:40 a.m. for the 7:00 p.m. event. An entry line formed immediately, even though doors didnt open until 3:00 p.m.

Tim OHanlon was near the front of the line. He said that hes an active member of the Fordham University Young Republicans, and felt it was imperative to attend.

Its just so historic, he said. I just want to see it for myself.

He was by no means alone, not by any stretch. Police estimated that at least 50,000 people showed up for the rally, but the coliseum has fewer than 16,000 seats.

Photos show scenes outside Trump rally on Long Island

To ensure the safety of the tens of thousands of people on-site, the Nassau County Police Department had snipers on every nearby rooftop and had a helicopter in the air. It was the exception to the no-fly zone and was needed in a variety of ways, including when the department received a false report around 9:00 a.m. about explosives and a gun, from a man who was on the perimeter of the coliseum grounds.

He said he saw something go into the woods with explosives and a gun, said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, in an interview. He said that hed deployed officers and the helicopter to search. There was nothing in the wooded area.

The man whod filed the apparently false report, said Ryder, had also claimed that he was a law enforcement officer training his dog to be a K-9 officer. Neither proved to be true, the commissioner said. Officers have detained the man.

The police also provided security coverage for protesters against Trump.

Florida will launch criminal probe into apparent assassination attempt of Trump, governor says

The New York Democratic Party held one of a variety of demonstrations along the coliseums southern perimeter. Former Governor David Paterson was among a variety of elected officials at the protest. It was led by Jay Jacobs, the state chair of the Democratic Party.

Jacobs said that the Trump rally would feature Long Islands three Republican congressmen, Anthony DEsposito, Andrew Garbarino, and Nick LaLota, appearing with the former president. That taints them with voters, said Jacobs, the Democratic Party chair.

They now own all of the crazy things that Donald Trump says, he said.

As night fell, people kept coming by the hundreds. Even though they could not gain admission to the coliseum, many remained on site to watch the rally on large digital screens posted around the perimeter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Former President Donald Trump made a bizarre appearance at a cryptocurrency-themed bar in New York Citys Greenwich Village on Wednesday, where he signed autographs and handed out what he dubbed crypto burgers.

These suckers are good, too, the former president said as he handed out burgers, in a moment captured during a Fox News live broadcast. This is a crypto burger actually you should name themname them Bitcoin and a crypto, Trump said.

Trump was surrounded by a gaggle of reporters and a crew of crypto enthusiasts at PubKey, a small bar in a West Village basement less than a block away from New York University dorms. His youngest son, Barron, began classes down the street at NYUs Stern School of Business earlier this month.

The visit to his deep-blue hometown of New York City comes amid slumping swing-state polling for the former president. A new Quinnipiac poll released on Wednesday showed Harris widening her lead in the crucial states of Pennsylvania and Michigan by over five points. Other recent polling, including a more favorable NYT/Siena poll released last week, still shows the two candidates neck-and-neck in a number of key swing states.

The former president made a stop in Manhattan before traveling to Long Island for a rally at Nassau Coliseum. Spencer Platt

The bar reposted footage on social media of Trump fumbling with a device and scanning a QR code before declaring he became the first president or ex-president to ever make a transaction with Bitcoin.

I think its a great place, I just made the first transaction in Bitcoin, Trump told the crowd of what he called crypto maniacs to cheers and rapturous applause.

JUST IN:  Donald Trump uses #Bitcoin to pay at a bar in New York. pic.twitter.com/ZAkeW5AH5g  Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) September 18, 2024

It was not immediately clear whose wallet Trump used for the transaction, or how much Bitcoin was exchanged. Bitcoin transactions are listed on a public ledger, but are anonymous unless the user reveals their wallet address.

The former president, who once said that Bitcoin seems like a scam, has made a U-turn and gone all-in on cryptocurrency in recent months. Trump spoke at a Bitcoin conference in Nashville, made an appearance on a cryptocurrency broadcast on Monday, and has been touting a new crypto venture launching with the help of his sons, Don Jr., Eric, and Barron.

On Monday, he also bragged about his youngest sons knowledge of cryptocurrency. Barrons a young guy, but he knows it. He talks about his wallet, hes got four wallets or something.

This Is Why Billionaire Tech Bros Are All in for Trump

Trump also told reporters at the bar he was bullish on winning the Empire State in November.

Were here because we want to win New York, and I think thats gonna happen, the former president said.

Trump has yet to carry the state of his birth in a presidential election, but still has made highly publicized campaign appearances in the Empire State in the pastincluding a well-attended rally in the Bronx earlier this year. He is set to speak to a large crowd at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island later on Wednesday night.

Most polls taken in New York since Harris launched her campaign in July have the Democratic nominee winning the state by over 10 points, according to FiveThirtyEights polling aggregator.

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(NewsNation)  Former President Donald Trump returned to his home state to hold a rally in Long Island, New York, with 48 days left until Election Day.

Trump, for his part, leaned heavily on his alarmist message about immigration at the rally in Uniondale, focusing the bulk of his remarks on the subject.

Were just destroying the fabric of life in our country. And were not going to take it any longer. And you got to get rid of these people. Give me a shot, Trump said.

In his nearly 90-minute address, Trump confirmed plans to visit Springfield, Ohio, and Aurora, Colorado, following unsubstantiated claims about Haitian migrants. He also campaigned for New York Republicans in crucial congressional races.

Where Trump and Harris stand on issues that matter to voters

Trump addressed the recent decision by the Teamsters union not to endorse him, stating he was honored to receive the endorsement of rank and file Teamsters despite the lack of official union backing.

The former president accused Iran of hacking his campaign and providing materials to the Biden campaign, calling it foreign election interference.

Focusing on crime, Trump promised to stop the Kamala crime wave, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris. He criticized the current administrations border policies, stating, I want to be known as your border president. Kamala will be known as your invasion president.

The former president also announced plans to officially designate the ground zero site at the World Trade Center as a national monument so the heroes there will be preserved for all time.

He ripped into Democratic leadership in New York City and state, blaming them for homeless people living in what he called horrible, disgusting, dangerous, filthy encampments, and even the conditions on the New York City subway, which he called squalid and unsafe and promised to renovate.

What the hell do you have to lose? he said in asking for their votes.

Before heading out to the suburbs, Trump stopped at a Bitcoin cafe in New York City. Trump has recently embraced cryptocurrency and helped launch his familys new cryptocurrency venture Monday night.

While New York is generally considered to be a reliably blue state, the former president has said a few times over the last few months that he believes New York and neighboring New Jersey could be in play this year. Theres not a lot of polling data coming out from the state, but a recent poll from Siena College taken in late July and early August gave Vice President Kamala Harris a 14-point advantage.

In hopes of swaying voters, hes planning on focusing on key issues, including the cost of living in New York and how its soared in recent years.

Should you refinance your mortgage? Heres what to consider

On the border issue, Trump said of the Biden-Harris administration, When they got in, they let everybody pour into our country. When I got elected, I believe it was the border that was the biggest thing and I fixed it and I did a great job, Trump said. I wanted to mention it in 2020 and my people would say, Sir, nobody cares about the border. They dont care because I had it fixed. Now I got to fix it again.

There hasnt been a lot of attention paid to New York, with pollsters focusing on major battleground states, but Trump is still doing his best to pitch his message to voters. Thats especially true after 2022, when Republicans made some gains during the midterm election.

However, one of those districts flipped back to Democrats after the resignation of GOP Rep. George Santos. But Republicans are still emphasizing the area, including Long Island, in hopes of retaining control of the House of Representatives and potentially picking up some new seats for the party.

By holding a rally in Uniondale, Trump was focusing on an area that could be key to Republicans maintaining control of the House. His party is trying to protect 18 Republicans in Democratic-heavy congressional districts that Joe Biden carried in 2020, particularly in coastal New York and California, and going on offense to challenge Democrats elsewhere.

Long Island in particular features one of the most closely watched races, between first-term Republican Rep. Anthony DEsposito and Democrat Laura Gillen. DEsposito is a former New York police detective who won in 2022 in a district that Biden won by about 15 percentage points in 2020.

Trump posted Tuesday on his Truth Social platform that the GOP has a real chance of winning New York for the first time in many decades. In that same post, Trump also pledged that he would get SALT back, suggesting he would eliminate a cap on state and local tax deductions that were part of tax cut legislation he signed into law in 2017.

The so-called SALT cap has led to bigger tax bills for many residents of New York, New Jersey, California and other high-cost, high-tax states, and is an important campaign issue in those states, particularly among those New York Republicans serving in districts Biden won.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
North Carolina Lieutenant Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican Partys controversial candidate for governor, is under new scrutiny for several admissions he appears to have made on a message board for the porn site called Nude Africa before his political career began. CNN reported on Thursday Robinson referred to himself as a black NAZI! on the site, where he also expressed support for reviving slavery, and admitted to enjoying porn featuring trans performers.

Robinson has argued against allowing trans people to use the bathroom of their gender identity, reasoning that women need to be protected from men who would take advantage of such facilities. But on Nude Africa, Robinson fondly recalled sneaking as teen into a spot in a public gym where he could watch women shower. Ahhhhh memories!!!! he wrote.

As a Republican candidate for governor, Robinson has repeatedly compared abortion to murder; online he shrugged at the news of a celebritys abortion, writing, I dont care. I just wanna see the sex tape!

Robinsons activity on the website began in 2010, long before he was a public figure. On the website, CNNs KFILE found that Robinson used the handle minisoldr, the same username Robinson has adopted across a variety of online platforms including Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. The user also listed his name as mark robinson, used Robinsons email address, and shared biographical details that aligned with Robinsons.

In another post on Nude Africa in 2010, Robinson and bragged that if slavery were still legal, he would participate. Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few, he wrote.

The next year, Robinson railed online against Martin Luther King Jr., describing him in such vitriolic terms  a commie bastard, who was worse than a maggot,  that another user questioned if minisoldr was a member of the KKK.

Im not in the KKK. They dont let blacks join. If I was in the KKK I would have called him Martin Lucifer Koon! he responded.

In 2012, when Barack Obama was president, Robinson wrote that hed take Hitler over any of the sh*t thats in Washington right now!

He also

Before the news of Robinsons posts went public, the conservative Carolina Journal was already reporting that individuals inside the Trump campaign were pressuring Robinson to drop out of the race, and advising him that he was no longer welcome at joint campaign events in the critical battleground state. Robinson failed to appear at a previously scheduled event with J.D. Vance in Raleigh on Wednesday, with his office announcing that he tested positive for Covid. On Thursday, amid swirling speculation about a forthcoming story, Robinson canceled his own campaign events in Vance and Warren counties.

Ahead of the storys publication, Robinson appeared in a video on X flatly denying the report and committing to staying in the race. Guys, the newsmedia is at it again, my opponent is at it again. You all have seen the half-truths and outright lies of Josh Stein on these ads over and over again. Now a story leaked by him to CNN is appearing now, Robinson said in the video posted Thursday afternoon. Let me reassure you, the things you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.

Robinson went on to compare himself to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who was credibly accused of sexual harassment before his elevation to the high court in 1991. Clarence Thomas famously said he was the victim of a high-tech lynching, well, it looks like Mark Robinson is too  by a man who refuses to stand on stage and debate me about the real issues that face you. Instead, they want to focus on salacious tabloid lies, he said. Were not gonna let them do that. Were staying in this race, we are in it to win it, and we know that with your help, we will.

Thursday evening is the deadline for a candidate to leave the race. Ballots  which were delayed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s efforts to remove his own name from  are currently being printed in the highly-competitive state. Voters are expected to begin receiving ballots as soon as Friday.

North Carolina, with its 16 electoral votes, is a critical state for the Trump campaign. If the campaign loses there, it can likely only win the election with a full sweep of all other battleground states. Robinson has consistently lagged behind his opponent, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, in polls of the governors race, even as surveys have shown Trump neck-and-neck with Kamala Harris in the state.

Trump himself appears aware of how closely his fortunes are tied to Robinsons. Just a few weeks ago, at a joint rally in Asheville, Trump praised Robinson as a great one, adding, to himself and the crowd, Hes gotta win. Hes got to win. Hes got to win. The former president has lavished praise on the lieutenant governor and urged Republican donors to support him. Robinson was given a prime speaking slot at the Republican National Convention.

Trump, clearly a fan, has repeatedly compared Robinson to Martin Luther King on steroids, including at a rally in Greensboro earlier this year, when Trump recalled watching, from his airplane, Robinson speak on TV.

I was listening and I said to the people on the plane, Watch this: This is Martin Luther King on steroids. Okay? Now, I told that to Mark. I said, I think youre better than Martin Luther King. I think you are. Martin Luther King times two. And he looked at me and I wasnt sure  was he angry because thats a terrible thing to say, or was he complimented? I have never figured it out, the former president told the crowd at a March rally in Greensboro. He reiterated the Dr. Martin Luther King on steroids line at an NRA event in May.

At a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser late last year, Trump encouraged Republican donors to quadruple whatever they were contemplating giving to the Robinson campaign  and beyond giving money, he told them to cherish Robinson as well.

We have to cherish Mark  hes a star, Trump told a gathering of wealthy supporters at his private club. You have to cherish him. Its like a fine wine because thats what you have  you have a fine wine [T]his incredible booming voice, and the beautiful rhetorical statements Hes just an outstanding guy. I hope you can back him, and write checks for him.

As recently as a few weeks ago, the Trump campaign was doubling down on its support for Robinson, despite his long, diverse history of controversies. RNC co-chair, and Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump told Bloomberg in late August that she was unconcerned about the possibility Robinson could be a drag on the former presidents performance in North Carolina.

In fact I would say its the opposite. Donald Trump typically helps out the candidates in these races, down-ballot races, she countered. So thats not a concern at all.

Thursdays report is not the first time the self-styled Christian conservative has found himself embroiled in allegations of salacious behavior. In the 90s and early 2000s, Robinson allegedly spent five nights a week in several of Greensboros windowless, 24-hour video-pornography stores, including one called Gents Video & News.

A number of men interviewed by The Assembly, a North Carolina-based investigative outlet, attested to Robinsons voracious appetite for porn. One employee, Louis Money, told the outlet that Robinson would typically preview two videos a visit, but purchased hundreds of bootleg videos directly from him. He was good for at least one a week, Money said, describing Robinsons preference as super hardcore content that he had traveled outside of the state to acquire. Every night that I worked, which would have been five nights a week, I saw Mark, he said. He was spending a good amount of money.

Robinsons campaign categorically denied Moneys claim but five other men  customers and employees of Gents and its sister store, I-40 Video & News  backed up his claims.

CNNs report is also by no means the first time Robinson has landed in hot water over racist, sexist, and transphobic comments. He has an extremely long history of demonizing marginalized groups both as a private citizen and in his political career. In 2021, Robinson referred to LGBTQ people as filth, and shortly after heterosexual couples were superior to homosexual couples. Hes also likened LGBTQ relationships to cow shit, stated that he missed the days when women couldnt vote, repeatedly denied the Holocaust, spread conspiracies about Jewish people, and claimed mass shootings were karma for abortions  just to name a few.

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Trump plans appearance with Polish president, claims he will 'probably' meet Zelensky next week

Former U.S. President and current Republican candidate Donald Trump is reportedly planning a joint appearance with Polish President Andrzej Duda and believes he will "probably" meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky next week, Trump and sources close to him said on Sept. 18.

Foreign leaders, including Zelensky and Duda, are convening in New York City over the next few days for the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations.

"Probably, yes," Trump answered when asked by a reporter if he plans to meet Zelensky during his visit to the U.S. He did not provide additional details on any planned meeting.

Trump is also planning a joint appearance with Duda at a monument at a Polish-American Roman Catholic shrine near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sources familiar with the arrangements told Reuters on Sept. 18.

The plans are not yet finalized, the sources said.

If the joint appearance goes forward, "there will definitely be an opportunity to exchange a few words and talk about the most important topics," the source said.

Malgorzata Paprocka, an aide to Duda, said that Duda's office did not initiate a meeting with Trump. Organizers invited both Duda and Trump to the unveiling of the monument, and it was not clear if Trump would in fact attend, she said.

Read also: Politico: Poland has a secret weapon to turn Donald Trump against Russia

Pennsylvania is a battleground state in the U.S. presidential election and boasts a large Polish-American population. Vice President Kamala Harris leveraged the Polish-American community in a critique of Trump during the Sept. 10 debate, also held in Pennsylvania.

"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," she said.

Duda, a nationalist politician, has expressed staunch support for Ukraine's defense against Russia while maintaining that Poland's interests come first and forging close ties with Trump and other U.S. Republicans.

Trump and Duda met in New York City in April to discuss a range of foreign policy issues, including Russia's war against Ukraine.

During the debate against Harris, Trump refused to say outright that he hopes Ukraine will defeat Russia.

Trump and Zelensky have not met in person since Trump's first term in office. Zelensky spoke with Trump via phone on July 19.

Zelensky said in August that during his September visit to the U.S., he intends to present the details of his Victory Plan for Ukraine to U.S. President Joe Biden as well as to presidential candidates Harris and Trump.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Trump pledges to visit city where pet-eating rumors originated, despite Republican mayor warning against it

Donald Trump has revealed he will be visiting Springfield, Ohio in the next two weeks after spreading a baseless rumor that Haitian residents are eating pets.

The former president made the announcement at a rally in Uniondale, New York on Wednesday night.

Earlier that day, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, a Republican, revealed he would be fine if Trump skipped a visit as it would be an extreme strain on our resources. Mayor Rue, City Manager Bryan Heck and Ohios Republican Governor Mike DeWine have all repeatedly debunked the claim.

Springfield residents lives continue to be disrupted as Trump and his running mate JD Vance have doubled down on the baseless conspiracy theory. Haitian residents have said theyre afraid for their safety, and at least 33 bomb threats have been made in Springfield since the rumors hit the national stage, DeWine said this week. Some threats included hateful language targeting the Haitian community, local officials said.

Donald Trump speaks to supporters in Uniondale, New York on Wednesday night. Trump revealed he will visit Springfield, Ohio, the town where he falsely claimed Haitian immigrants are eating reisdents pets (REUTERS)

At his rally on Wednesday, Trump said: Im going to go there in the next two weeks, Im going to Springfield and Im going to Aurora. You may never see me again, but thats OK. I gotta do what I gotta do.

The former president was also referring to Aurora, Colorado, a city he has falsely claimed was being taken over by Venezuelans.

You look at Aurora in Colorado, Trump said during his September 10 presidential debate against Kamala Harris. They are taking over the towns. Theyre taking over buildings. Theyre going in violently.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue (left) speaks to City manager Bryan Heck. Both city officials have debunked Trumps claim that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in the city (REUTERS)

Last month, rumors began flying on social media that a Venezuelan criminal gang had taken over The Edge at Lowry Apartments in the city after surveillance video emerged showing armed men roaming the halls and entering a unit.

Interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris addressed the rumors, clarifying that the complex was not taken over by Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization.

Weve been talking to the residents here and learning from them to find out what exactly is going on, and theres definitely a different picture, Morris said on August 30.

Last week, officers arrested 10 people connected to Tren de Aragua, according to the Aurora Police Department. The group was arrested on various charges related to alleged assaults, shootings and hit-and-runs.

A Springfield police officer speaks with a community member following a church service in support of the Haitian community. As Trump and his allies spread untrue rumors about the city, Haitian residents say theyre afraid for their safety (AP)

Tren de Aragua has not taken over the city, despite recent overstated claims, according to Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member and Public Safety Chair Danielle Jurinsky.

[Tren de Araguas] presence in Aurora is limited to specific properties, all of which the city has been addressing in various ways for months, the officials said in a joint statement, according to USA Today.

Venezuelan residents of Aurora are afraid for their safety following the rumors. Moises Didenot, a Venezuelan migrant and resident of The Edge at Lowry Aparemnts, told local outlet Westword hes afraid for his life.

I go to work at five in the morning, and Im already afraid for my life that someone is going to do something  because Im Venezuelan, theyre going to do something, Didenot said. Weve all already been threatened with a flier saying were all criminals. Im afraid someone is going to do something out of hate.
Trump Says Hes Going to Springfield but Might Not Make It Out Alive

Donald Trump said he is going to Springfield, Ohio, in the next two weeks despite the mayors plea for him not to visit after his incendiary jibes about immigrants eating pets.

Doubling down on his remarks, Trump told a rally on Wednesday that he may not make it out of the beleaguered city alive.

Im going to go there in the next two weeks. Im going to Springfield, the GOP presidential nominee told supporters in Uniondale, New York.

You may never see me again, but thats OK. Got to do what I got to do, he added. Whatever happened to Trump? Well, he never got out of Springfield.

GOP Mayor to Trump: Dont Come to Springfield After Your Dog-Eating Slurs

Trump was speaking just one day after Springfields Republican Mayor Rob Rue said a Trump visit would be an extreme strain on our resources.

So, itd be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit, he added.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine claimed that while a Trump visit would be very welcomed he added: I have to state the reality, though, that resources are really, really stretched here.

DeWine said there have been at least 33 bomb threats in Springfield since Trumps remarks at the presidential debate with Kamala Harris when he claimed: 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.

Although Trump didnt identify the ethnicity of the immigrants he was referring to, both he and running mate JD Vance have targeted Haitian immigrants. The claims have been denounced as bogus by local officials, and a police report that Vances campaign cited in support of the outlandish theory turned out to be about a missing cat that was ultimately found in their owners basement.

DeWine said some of the bomb threats in Springfield came from one particular country, but he refused to say which one.

Trump also said he is going to Aurora, Colorado, another city he targeted over its Venezuelan community. In the debate, he repeated debunked rumors that a Venezuelan gang had taken over an apartment complex in the city.

The Trump campaign has not provided details about when he plans to visit Springfield and Aurora in the next two weeks.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Trump Says He Will Go To Ohio City Hes Spread Racist Lies About

Former President Donald Trump said he plans to visit Springfield, Ohio  the city of which he has spread lies about migrants eating residents pets  despite local officials saying the town already has an intense strain on its resources.

Trump told a rally in New York on Wednesday that he plans to visit Springfield sometime in the next two weeks, describing the city as an emblem of immigration destroying the country. He has repeatedly shared lies about an influx of Haitian migrants there eating neighbors cats and dogs, a racist smear first shared on the campaign trail by his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio).

They had 32,000, this is a little beautiful town, no crime, no problem, 32,000 illegal immigrants come into the town, Trump told his supporters. So they almost double their population in a period of a few weeks, can you believe it?

You know what, theyve gotta get much tougher, Im gonna go there in the next two weeks, he declared. You may never see me again but thats OK. I gotta do what I gotta do.

Trump says hes going to Springfield in the next two weeks: You may never see me again pic.twitter.com/4dkXp8hlIr  Acyn (@Acyn) September 19, 2024

Springfield has an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Haitian migrants, many of whom came to the U.S. legally under a provision known as Temporary Protected Status. The program allows foreign nationals from some countries facing serious disasters or political turmoil to remain in the U.S. The Biden administration extended TPS status for Haitians in June until at least Feb. 3, 2026.

Vance also doubled down on his own rhetoric at a rally in North Carolina on Wednesday, falsely accusing legal migrants in Springfield of being illegal aliens.

The mayor of the city, Rob Rue, has acknowledged the surge in population has put a strain on local resources, but he has rejected all claims that pets have been in danger in the town.

Rue said earlier this week he would be fine if Trump decided not to visit the region, saying the furor over the claims has already placed an extreme burden on Springfields resources.

Springfield is a community that needs help, Rue told The Washington Post last week. He added at the time that political leaders should not hurt a community like, unfortunately, we have seen over the last couple of days.

The town has been subject to more than 30 bomb threats since the rumors began to spread, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) recently ordered state troopers to the area who will be stationed at local schools.

Related...
Trump says he will visit Springfield, Ohio, 'in the next two weeks'

Former President Donald Trump at a rally in Uniondale, N.Y., on Wednesday evening.

Former President Donald Trump said at a rally Wednesday that he would travel to Springfield, Ohio, the focal point of unsubstantiated claims targeting Haitian migrants, "in the next two weeks."

"Im going to go there in the next two weeks. Im going to Springfield, and Im going to Aurora" in Colorado, Trump said at a rally in Uniondale, New York.

Trump has pushed baseless claims that Haitian migrants in the beleaguered Ohio city are eating pets, which have repeatedly been debunked. His running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, and the ticket's allies have also spread the lie.

As for Aurora, Trump has repeatedly spread debunked rumors related to Venezuelans in the city.

Social media posts spread online falsely claiming that a Venezuelan gang had taken over an apartment complex, which local officials denied. Trump has repeatedly invoked both Springfield and Aurora at his rallies.

"You may never see me again, but thats OK. Got to do what I got to do," Trump added. "'Whatever happened to Trump?' 'Well, he never got out of Springfield.'"

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, a Republican, said at a news conference Tuesday that a visit from Trump "would be an extreme strain on our resources."

"So itd be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit," he said.

NBC News has reported that Trump planned to visit Springfield "soon."

As Trump, Vance and their allies repeatedly spread false claims about the city, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said at least 33 bomb threats have been made in Springfield. DeWine, a Republican, said some of them are coming from "one particular country," which he declined to name.

The president of the Haitian Community Support Center in Springfield told NBC News that the conspiracy theory has made Haitians "scared for their lives."

Trump has spread false claims about Haitian migrants at his rallies and during his debate last week against Vice President Kamala Harris.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs," Trump said, falsely, during the debate. "The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there."

Springfield officials said there are "no credible reports" to support the claim.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for further information about his plans for a trip.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Donald Trump appeared to express surprise Wednesday that a woman, Kamala Harris, is somehow doing better than Joe Biden in the election race against him.

In a freewheeling and mostly lighthearted appearance on the Fox News talk show Gutfeld!, Trump as is typical rattled off a few recycled old bitsmilitary pilots who look better than Tom Cruise and told him they saw UFOs were brought back from June, for example.

But when it came time to discuss his second Democratic opponent in this years presidential election, the Republican nominee appeared taken aback that someone of the opposite gender was doing comparatively well.

[Joe Biden] was pretty much gone, Trump said of Democratic machinations that eventually forced the president to drop out of the race earlier this year. They said, Joe, its over, youre getting out... and they were very nasty He got out.

And they put her in, the former president added. And she somehowa womansomehow shes doing better than he did. Trump emphasized the words a woman by sitting up straight and putting both hands in front of him, lightly cupping the air.

Recent polls also suggest Harris is also doing better than Trump, including a Fox News poll released Wednesday that has her up two points nationally.

Trump then reverted back to his canned bits, saying he doesnt think Harris success can last because shes so weak on people coming in, she was the border czar. Harris was never given the portfolio of border czar, according to officials, and was instead tasked with diplomatic efforts to reduce poverty and other factors that cause emigration from Central and South America.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Another burgeoning conservative outlet has been tied to Russia, with former advisers to Donald Trump coordinating directly with contributors for Kremlin state media.

Former Trump policy aide George Papadopoulos and his wife, Simona Mangiante, have become involved with Intelligencer, a growing conservative site heavily critical of the war in Ukraine (the right-wing site has no apparent connection with New York magazines Intelligencer). Nearly half of the companys board members are former aides, surrogates, or fake electors for Trumps previous campaigns, The Guardian reported Thursday.

The sites financial backing did not indicate that it had received funds directly from the Kremlin. Instead, Intelligencer began as a subsidiary of a right-wing radio station in Australia that covers a host of conservative U.S. issues, including climate change denial and Covid-19 conspiracies, until George Eliason, an American journalist with experience in Ukraine, took over the website. In recent months, Intelligencers conspiracy-laden articles have been shared by the likes of Alex Jones and former Trump aide Roger Stone.

Intelligencer appears to be one of several [Russia-friendly] operations targeting the upcoming U.S. elections, leveraging a network of far-right figures and disinformation tactics, Olga Lautman, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, told The Guardian.

Intelligencer is far from the only conservative site thats been busted in a recent government crackdown ahead of the November election. Earlier this month, another pro-Trump media groupTenet Mediafolded under the pressure of a Justice Department investigation that found the company had been backed to the tune of millions of dollars from Russian state-controlled media.

The DOJ indictment accused Tenet and its founders of receiving nearly $10 million from employees of Russia Today as part of a scheme to create and distribute content to U.S. audiences with hidden Russian government messaging, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement.

The Russian funds paid for videos by popular far-right personalities, including podcaster Tim Pool and Lauren Southern. Pool described himself as a victim in the Tenet scandal.

The switch to utilizing more overt methods to sway American voters, including relying on conservative influencers, is a decidedly new strategy for Russian propaganda outfits.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has increasingly been forced to rely on networks of proxies and influencers whose conspiracist brand generates income and audiences through social media monetization and some of whom Russia has now been caught covertly subsidizing, Emma Briant, an associate professor of news and political communication at Monash University in Australia, told The Guardian.

But while conservative media tried to wash its hands of the Tenet scandal, the Trump campaign did not, with Trump campaign senior adviser Alina Habba chalking the indictment up to another hoax.

A $10 million payment to some podcasters who had no idea from some ties allegedly to Russia is now going to make a spin on Russia backing Trump, Habba told Fox News last week.
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

Donald Trump has promised to use sweeping new tariffs to fund everything from tax cuts to child care. But economists say the new import charges are unlikely to create anything close to the revenue boom he would need.

The Peterson Institute for International Economics calculates that a 10% tariff on all imports, plus 60% on China  ideas Trump has floated if he wins in November  could raise $225 billion a year, without factoring in blowback from fresh trade tensions. Analysis by Bloomberg Economics based on an across-the-board tariff of 20%, a figure thats also been mentioned by Trump, arrives at potential annual revenue of between $300 and $400 billion.

Read More From Bloomberg Economics: Trump, Laffer and the Hunt for Tariff Trillions

By comparison, the tax and spending promises that Trump has rolled out so far would add somewhere between $5.2 trillion and $6.9 trillion to federal deficits over the next decade, according to analysis by the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

Reconciling the gap wont be easy in an era of already surging government debt. Whats more, some tariffs  like the ones Trump slapped on China  are expressly designed to reduce or redirect trade flows. To the extent they succeed, it means there are fewer imports to be taxed, and less revenue.

Scott Bessent, a Trump adviser and the founder of hedge fund Key Square Group, says his own calculations are that a 10% across-the-board tariff and a doubling of duties on Chinese imports would raise between $2.5 trillion and $3 trillion over 10 years.

Bessent acknowledges that tariff collection would likely decline over time, since the primary goal would be to realign trade and bring more production inside the US. But he says that shift would create domestic jobs and generate growth that will help fill the governments coffers, even if the corporate tax rate is cut to 15% as Trump has proposed.

Its a good thing if the tariff revenue goes down and if the revenue from income taxes goes up because of more production at home, Bessent said. The idea is not to replace income tax, he said, but to create a hybrid model.

Trump himself has cited the era of William McKinley, who as a lawmaker and then president in the late 19th century was known for his advocacy of tariffs. Back then  before the introduction of taxes on household and corporate income that today bring in the lions share of federal receipts  tariffs were the leading source of government revenue.

But part of the argument that McKinleys Republican party made for increasing tariffs was that theyd lead to fewer imports and thus less revenue, helping to reduce the large budget surplus that the US was running at the time, according to Douglas Irwin, an expert in the history of trade policy at Dartmouth College.

Trump has also proposed funneling money from tariffs into a sovereign wealth fund that could invest in manufacturing hubs, defense and medical research.

President Trump successfully imposed tariffs in first term AND cut taxes for hardworking Americans here at home  and he will do it again in his second term, Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaigns national press secretary, said in a written response to questions. President Trumps plan will result in millions of jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars returning home to American shores.

The campaign also points to a recent study by the Coalition for Prosperous America, a group that has long pushed for higher tariffs, which found a 10% universal tariff would create 2.8 million US jobs and raise enough cash to fund tax refunds for lower- and middle-income households.

Still, skeptics say the fiscal windfall will fall short. One case study is the China tariffs that Trump imposed in his first term and the Biden administration has broadly maintained.

US customs revenues from China surged after the tariffs were imposed in 2018, according to the Peterson analysis, but then peaked in 2022 and dropped sharply last year.

That reflects shifts in trade as businesses shuffle their supply lines to evade the tariff dragnet, while consumers seek lower-taxed alternatives.

And the higher the tariffs, the bigger the shifts. Trumps proposed new charge on China would wipe out about 90% of the $600 billion trade between the worlds two biggest economies by the time of the next US election, according to Bloomberg Economics.

The big takeaway is that raising tariffs lowers imports, offsetting some of the boost to customs revenue from higher rates, said Maeva Cousin at BE. That tends to lead to declining receipts over time.

Hard Decisions

Meanwhile, trading partners likely wont take the tariffs lying down. If they retaliate by taxing American goods, the result could be a blow to US exporters and a drag on growth.

Power Curbers  a company based in Salisbury, North Carolina  is an example of the kind of business that is vulnerable to trade-war escalation. It makes concrete paving equipment thats used for roads, curbing and highway safety barriers, and generates about one-quarter of revenues from overseas.

Stephen Bullock, the companys president, said that retaliatory tariffs would hurt investment and jobs at the firm, which employs 120 workers in the US.

Our best growth opportunity is global and in developing countries that are making infrastructure investments, he said. Thats where our opportunities are, and tariffs could severely impact our ability to grow. We would have to make hard decisions.

Broader damage to exports would likely slow the economy, which translates into higher government spending on things like benefits, and lower tax revenue  offsetting the fiscal gains from tariffs.

When you are hitting the economy with negative shocks, it automatically hurts the budget, said Kimberly Clausing at the Peterson Institute.

Trumps first-term China tariffs were slammed by many Democrats at the time, but theyve subsequently won bipartisan approval. In fact, President Joe Biden has approved tariff increases on billions of dollars in Chinese goods to go into effect this month.

That hasnt prevented Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic candidate for the Nov. 5 election after Biden withdrew in July, from attacking Trumps latest tariff proposals. Shes sought to label them as a Trump sales tax that would raise costs for middle-class families by thousands of dollars a year.

Whatever kind of tax they are, the tariffs would fall a long way short of filling the hole in the governments budget, said Irwin. If you want to fund the federal government with tariffs, thats not going to happen, he said.

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Former President Trump is leaning on prominent surrogates to help soften his image and broaden his appeal among female voters ahead of Novembers election.

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) moderated a town hall-style event in Wisconsin last month where she spoke of her own fertility struggles, teeing Trump up to discuss his proposal for the government to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization treatments.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) used her GOP convention speaking slot to describe Trump as a boss who cared about working moms, and she told a Michigan crowd Tuesday night that women would help put him back in the White House.

Republican National Committee (RNC) co-Chair Lara Trump is a frequent presence on the airwaves and had a prime speaking slot at the GOP convention in July where she sought to humanize her father-in-law.

Obviously using high-profile, effective surrogates is nothing new. But I think hes been very strategic in how hes used them, said Sean Spicer, who served as White House press secretary during Trumps first term. He has appeared with them; [Tuesday] night was a town hall, so it wasnt just a bunch of speeches. Its a little bit more personal and engaging.

Trump has had trouble winning over female voters in each of his past two presidential campaigns, and polling has shown he once again trails Vice President Harris, who has rapidly consolidated support among female voters since she replaced President Biden atop the Democratic ticket. Harris has made reproductive rights central to her campaign, blaming Trump for the end of Roe v. Wade and the restrictive abortion bans subsequently passed by states across the country.

The former president and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), have at times amplified womens concerns about their campaign through their rhetoric.

In addition to taking credit for ending Roe v. Wade, Trump has attacked the appearance of his female critics, including multiple women who have accused him of sexual misconduct. He has mocked Harriss intelligence and her laugh, and on Sunday posted I hate Taylor Swift on social media, attacking arguably the most famous pop star in the world.

Vance, meanwhile, has faced scrutiny for comments during his Senate campaign in which he mocked Harris and other prominent Democrats as childless cat ladies, suggesting they did not have as much of a stake in the future of the country as people with children do.

The Trump campaign has argued the former president is the better candidate on issues women care about, including the economy, immigration and public safety, and that personality should not be a deciding factor.

The campaign has also used prominent female voices to depict the former president as a caring father and grandfather and as someone who supported working moms while he was in the White House.

Lara Trump has been central to the effort to turn out more female voters for the GOP nominee. In an exclusive statement to The Hill, the former presidents daughter-in-law praised him as a champion of women long before it became a politically popular thing to do.

Whether hiring a woman to build Trump Tower, elevating numerous women within The Trump Organization to the rank of executive or filling his White House with women, this is a man who has truly always wanted the best person for any job, especially when that person happened to be a woman, Lara Trump said.

Im looking forward to engaging more with women on the campaign trail over the next 47 days to ensure that we remind everyone that it wasnt so long ago when we had lower gas prices, more affordable groceries, safety and security here at home and abroad, and peace through strength with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, she continued.

Others who have hit the campaign trail for Trump include Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the highest-ranking woman in House GOP leadership, and Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), who traveled with Vance this week.

One notable absence has been former first lady Melania Trump, who has scarcely been seen in public since her husband launched his third White House bid in 2023 aside from attending one night of the Republican convention in July.

President Biden won 57 percent of female voters in 2020, compared to 42 percent who voted for Trump, according to exit polls. Women made up 52 percent of the electorate.

In 2016, Hillary Clinton won 54 percent of female voters, while 41 percent backed Trump, exit polls showed.

Polls have shown Harris outpacing Trump with female voters.

The vice president has repeatedly highlighted what she calls Trump abortion bans, blaming the former president for the restrictive laws that have been enacted since conservative Supreme Court justices whom he appointed helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris during last weeks debate hammered Trump on the issue of abortion, calling bans that make no exception for victims of rape or incest immoral.

And one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said at the debate.

An ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted after the debate showed the vice president leading by 9 percentage points among women, 53 percent support to 44 percent, and running essentially even with Trump among men. Harris fared particularly well among young women, the poll found, with the vice president leading by 23 points among women aged 18-29.

A New York Times/Siena College poll conducted after the debate found the vice president up even more among women, 53 percent to 42 percent. The poll showed Trump leading with 56 percent support to 39 percent among men.

A Trump campaign official said there would likely be additional events in the coming weeks specifically focused on winning over and energizing female voters.

The women of this country love Donald Trump and are going to make sure we do our part, Sanders told Michigan voters Tuesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

No One Is Safe

The Trump-Vance tickets unbridled racist attacks on Haitian immigrants in Ohio  as a proxy for attacking immigrants and people of color everywhere  continue unabated deep into the second week of serving as a centerpiece of a campaign that was searching for a way to gain traction against Kamala Harris.

In a troubling sign of how the xenophobia at play here may be yoked to the powers of the federal government in a Trump II presidency, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH, ironically) insisted on continuing to call the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio illegal aliens even though they are legal immigrants.

When confronted by a questioner about the Haitians being in the country legally, Vance played to the crowd and, with stubborn grandiosity, stuck to his false claim denying them their legal status:

This is just shocking. Mr. Vance is blatantly calling a legal action illegal. Ive studied my whole life how democracies break down. This is how it happens folks. I hope he really doesnt believe this. Politicians say a lot of crazy things during elections. I fear he might. https://t.co/7VDfLWFXgi  Michael McFaul (@McFaul) September 18, 2024

As NPR noted, Vances remarks had the additional effect of calling into question whether a not insignificant portion of the immigrant community would lose their legal statuses if Trump wins. Combined with the specter of Trumps threat of mass deportations if he wins, the rhetoric that the Republican campaign is staking the race on continues to blur the line between legal and illegal immigration in a way that puts immigrants of all statuses at risk.

In other developments:

TPMs Nicole Lafond: Ohio Republican Leaders Gently Beg Trump To Please Not Visit Springfield

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and his wife have traveled to Haiti at least 25 times and helped found a school there named after their late daughter.

Adam Serwer: The Real Reason Trump and Vance Are Spreading Lies About Haitians

WSJ: How the Trump Campaign Ran With Rumors About Pet-Eating MigrantsAfter Being Told They Werent True

By The Numbers: Pennsylvania

WaPo poll: Harris leads Trump in Pennsylvania 48%-47% among both likely voters and registered voters.

NYT/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena College poll: Harris leads Trump 50%-46% among likely voters in Pennsylvania.

NYT/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena College poll: Harris and Trump are tied 47%-47% among likely voters nationwide

2024 Ephemera

The national Teamsters union is declining to issue an endorsement in the presidential race for the first time in almost three decades.

More than 100 former GOP national security officials and members of Congress endorsed Kamala Harris, calling Donald Trump unfit to serve again as president.

The Guardian: Emails obtained by the Guardian reveal a behind-the-scenes network of county election officials throughout Georgia coordinating on policy and messaging to both call the results of Novembers election into question before a single vote is cast, and push rules and procedures favored by the election denial movement.

Unwelcome and Unacceptable Malicious Activity

AP: Iranian hackers tried but failed to interest Bidens campaign in stolen Trump info, FBI says

TPM Exclusive

A trio of Democratic senators on the relevant committees  Judiciary and Intel  have told TPM they favor a Senate investigation into murky claims surfaced last month by the WaPo that Egypt allegedly funneled $10 million to Donald Trump to boost his 2016 campaign  an allegation that was being probed by federal investigators until they were reportedly stymied by the Trump DOJ.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press have moved to unseal court documents related to the story.

Oh 

ProPublica: Federal Judge Aileen M. Cannon, the controversial jurist who tossed out the classified documents criminal case against Donald Trump in July, failed to disclose her attendance at a May 2023 banquet funded by a conservative law school.

House GOP Is Doing House GOP Things

Punchbowl, with the punchy lede:

At the outset of September, House Republican leaders told us they were going to spend the weeks before the election dividing Democrats and uniting the GOP. But in forcing a vote on a six-month CR with the SAVE Act  a move that failed badly on the House floor Wednesday night  Speaker Mike Johnson succeeded in spending a week dividing his party and lessening his already minuscule leverage with the Senate.

Sign Of The Times

A bipartisan group of four members of Congress are proposing a constitutional amendment to ensure continuity of government in the event of a mass casualty attack on the national legislature.

For The Record

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an executive order banning conversion therapy for minors.

Riveting

The NYT has the best rundown of Israels staggering one-two punch against Hezbollah using exploding pagers Tuesday then exploding walkie-talkies Wednesday.

Ghosts Of Joe McCarthy

This may be the most outrageous conduct Ive ever seen from a member of Congress in a committee hearing.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) has patented his country bumpkin schtick  and believe me when I tell you its pure schtick  but it wore thin a long time ago. His atrocious behavior Wednesday in relentlessly and falsely besmirching the leader of an Arab American group was neither home-spun nor folksy.

It was racist, inflammatory, intellectually dishonest, and put Maya Berry and Arab Americans everywhere at personal risk of physical harm by labeling them as terrorist sympathizers on the basis of their religion and ethnicity:

.@SenJohnKennedy: You support Hamas, do you not?@AAIUSA's Maya Berry: Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization that I do not supportYou asking the executive director of the Arab American Institute that question very much puts the focus on the issue of hate in our country? pic.twitter.com/h7WU3ePLOu  CSPAN (@cspan) September 17, 2024

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump said he plans to visit two towns that have become flashpoints in the national debate over immigration and the center of unfounded conspiracy theories the former president has promoted about migrants.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Im gonna go there in the next few weeks. Im going to Springfield and Im going to Aurora, Trump said at a rally in Uniondale in New York on Wednesday.

Trump has seized on the towns of Springfield, Ohio and Aurora, Colorado, in his messaging on immigration, casting the towns as overrun by migrants who have threatened the health and safety of residents.

During his Sept. 10 debate with Democratic rival Kamala Harris, Trump promoted unsubstantiated claims that Haitian immigrants in the town of Springfield are eating neighbors dogs and cats. Trumps comments sparked controversy and public safety concerns after the city received bomb threats to schools and hospitals. City officials say there are no credible reports of migrants eating household pets.

Trump has also repeatedly claimed that Aurora has been overrun by migrant gangs from Venezuela.

The former president has has focused on illegal immigration and highlighted incidents of violent crime committed by migrants or where immigrants are suspects, seizing on polls showing that immigration is a major concern for voters. Trump has drawn criticism over his language, including for calling the border crisis an invasion and accusing migrants of spreading crime and disease across the country.

My heart breaks for this community, Harris said Tuesday in response to a question about Springfield, Ohio during an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists.

When you are bestowed with a microphone that is that big there is a profound amount of responsibility that comes with that, Harris said without mentioning Trump directly. Especially when you have been, and then seek to be, again, President of the United States of America.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
(The Hill)  Former President Trump pledged to travel to Springfield, Ohio, after false claims that he and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), have made about Haitian immigrants eating pets in the city.

Trump said at a rally in New York on Wednesday that he would go to the town in the next two weeks and also go to Aurora, Colo., where discussions of gang activity from Venezuelan migrants have been exaggerated but still become a part of the national conversation on immigration.

Im going to go there in the next two weeks. Im going to Springfield, and Im going to Aurora, Trump said. You may never see me again, but thats OK. Gotta do what I gotta do. Whatever happened to Trump? Well, he never got out of Springfield.

The Republican presidential nominees comments come as widespread attention has been given to Springfield, where false claims of Haitian migrants eating pets surfaced after conservative national figures like Charlie Kirk and Elon Musk posted about them.

Vance then posted about the claims, saying his office has received many inquiries from Springfield residents about migrants abducting their neighbors pets and local wildlife.

The Springfield Police Department has said it has not received any reports of anyone stealing or eating pets.

Trump also repeated the false claim during the presidential debate with Vice President Harris last week.

Springfield city manager Bryan Heck has said these types of false allegations are distracting from the real issues that the city is facing with the burden that increasing numbers of immigrants are placing on city resources like housing and healthcare.

NBC News had previously reported that Trump planned to visit Springfield soon. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue responded to that reporting by saying that a visit would be an extreme strain on our resources and that Trump not visiting would be fine.

As the claims have gained attention, more than 30 unfounded bomb threats have been made throughout the city at schools, the state motor vehicle office and city hall.

The city of Aurora has also received attention in the national immigration discussion, with conspiracy theories spreading of Venezuelan gang members taking over apartment buildings there. Some members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua have been operating in Aurora, a handful of whom have been arrested, but the city police have denied that any apartment buildings have been taken over.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has canceled his previously planned campaign appearance with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Reuters reported on Sept. 19, citing sources familiar with Trump's campaign schedule.

The previous day, anonymous sources told Reuters that Trump planned a joint appearance with Duda at a monument at a Polish-American Roman Catholic shrine near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The reasons for the cancelation were not specified. It is unknown if Trump and Duda plan to meet elsewhere on the campaign trail.

Foreign leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and Duda, are convening in New York City over the next few days for the 79th General Assembly of the U.N.

"Probably, yes," Trump answered when asked by a reporter if he plans to meet Zelensky during his visit to the U.S. He did not provide additional details on any planned meeting.

Pennsylvania is a battleground state in the U.S. presidential election and boasts a large Polish-American population. Vice President Kamala Harris leveraged the Polish-American community in a critique of Trump during the Sept. 10 debate, also held in Pennsylvania.

"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," she said.

Duda, a nationalist politician, has expressed staunch support for Ukraine's defense against Russia while maintaining that Poland's interests come first and forging close ties with Trump and other U.S. Republicans.

Trump and Duda met in New York City in April to discuss a range of foreign policy issues, including Russia's war against Ukraine.

Read also: US Ambassador Brink: We have some sense of contours of Zelenskys victory plan

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
EAST LANSING  Michigan State's board hasn't removed embattled Trustee Rema Vassar's indemnification, but they aren't paying her legal bills either, court filings show.

The Detroit Democrat, in the midst last fall of a fight among board members over her conduct and allegations of bullying, obtained her own attorneys as MSU hired a law firm to investigate the allegations against her. MSU trustees are indemnified, which means the university pays their legal bills should they be sued in connection with their elected positions.

Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly, R-Clarkston, told the State Journal earlier this month the university was responsible for paying for Vassar's legal fees related to the investigation, unless she took action to sue the university.

MSU, however, hasn't paid nearly $300,000 in fees from Vassar's attorneys incurred since March.

In recent weeks, her attorneys from Rochester-based Miller Law filed a notice of intent to sue with the Michigan Court of Claims, seeking payment.

Miller Law wrote in the filing the university failed to "respond to invoices, and subsequent demands for payment, from Miller Law in March, April, and May 2024."

Miller Law is seeking $281,745 from MSU, the filing shows.

'We're not undoing previous indemnification'

The date of Feb. 28 is at the center of the firm's dispute with MSU.

On that date, the university released the findings of a report from Washington, D.C.-based Miller & Chevalier, the firm MSU hired to investigate the allegations. The firm found numerous examples of alleged misconduct relating to Vassar, including accepting favors from donors and launching personal attacks against former interim president Teresa Woodruff and then-Faculty Senate Chair Jack Lipton.

Within hours, MSU Vice President for Legal Affairs Brian Quinn emailed Miller Law and told them their services were no longer needed, and that the university would not be paying them any more money.

Emily Guerrant, spokesperson for the university, said Wednesday that Feb. 29 was the absolute last day MSU covered Vassar's legal fees associated with the misconduct investigation. The board's indemnification policy states if a trustee wishes to have legal costs covered by the university, the rest of the trustees have to agree.

She said trustees agreed to pay Vassar's legal bills only for the duration of the investigation, which concluded with Miller & Chevalier's report on Feb. 28. For any continued coverage, the trustees would have to approve covering her legal fees a second time.

Since MSU told Miller Law they would no longer be paid, Guerrant said, the university was under no obligation to pay the firm for work done in March, April and May.

"We're not undoing previous indemnification," she said. "Just not paying for future representation."

Kelly did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

MSU paid Miller & Chevalier more than $2 million for the investigation. Total costs were nearly $2.4 million, including $318,979 Miller Law Firm billed for representing Vassar from December to February, and $7,000 to Royal Oak-based attorneys Ahmad & Akbar, who represented Trustee Dennis Denno, D-East Lansing, in the investigation.

'Our work is not done'

Vassar's attorneys, including firm partner Kevin O'Shea, didn't think their work was done on Feb. 28 and pursuing legal action, he said, was a "last resort." O'Shea said meetings to settle the dispute were proposed and agreed to by Quinn but never followed up on.

Quinn, through Guerrant, declined to comment.

O'Shea said his firm was retained for the investigation into allegations of Vassar's misconduct. Although MSU's investigation was complete and their findings were released, that didn't mean their work representing Vassar was done.

The board censured Brianna Scott, D-Muskegon, who made the initial claims against Vassar, as well as Denno, and Vassar. It also referred Vassar and Denno to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for possible removal from the board.

"They decided to drag this out by referring (Vassar) to the governor for removal," he said. "The governor has not made a decision yet, so our work is not done."

O'Shea also believes that Quinn telling him he would not be paid by the university after Feb. 28 was a way of attempting to stop any rebuttal Vassar might have to the findings in the report. In March, O'Shea's firm released a statement calling the investigation "inaccurate," "incomplete," "flawed," and that it lacked due process.

Work has stopped, for now

Miller Law isn't doing work on Vassar's behalf now, O'Shea said, and stopped in May. But, he said, the door is open for continued representation if Whitmer takes action to remove her from the board.

O'Shea has previously said they were not taking "future options" off the table, in reference to her being treated "unfairly" by the university.

Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com, or follow her on X @sarahmatwood.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Legal fight could be brewing over unpaid legal costs for MSU Trustee Rema Vassar
HUBBARD, Ohio (WKBN)  At the Hubbard joint meeting between the Hubbard Township Trustees and the Eagle Joint Fire District Trustees, the two boards debated the recent actions of Trustee Rick Hernandez  when he talked with the chief about his wifes social media posts.

I kindly asked if he could talk to his wife and refrain from the association with this gang thats out here. This lynch mob is what they are, said Trustee Hernandez.

Township Trustee Bill Colletta said Hernandez made a poor choice and should write a letter of apology to the chiefs wife, Paula Stanish, while township trustee Jason Tedrow was concerned about Stanish filing a First Amendment lawsuit.

I dont agree with you squashing peoples First Amendment rights. If you run into them at the Dairy Queen, thats fine. You do not contact him in relation to his job to discuss this, to put pressure on him to get somebody so you can run around and do as you please and project an image that isnt true, said Tedrow.

Fire District Attorney Chip Comstock said no ones First Amendment rights were violated since everyone  both at this meeting and on social media  was able to say what they wanted.

Tedrow also questioned if the township trustees could remove Hernandez from the fire district board to which Comstock said no.

That decision was up to the fire district trustees who gave no indication they would remove Hernandez

So for you to sit there and say that I bring down the fire department because I dont approve of you as a candidate for the Trumbull County Commissioners is ridiculous, said Stanish.

Stanish and Hernandez argued whether her previous statement was true.

I know what your call to my husband was about and the texts that you followed up with posts that I made, said Stanish.

Township resident Vicki Mattessich said whatevers going on between Hernandez and Tedrow needs to stop.

If you two have something against each other, then the two of you meet. I dont care if you go to the Manhattan and have a beer and talk about it and say look what is your problem with me, Mattessich said.

Hernandez said that Comstock  the attorney for the fire district board  said a letter of apology to Stanish was not necessary since everyone continued to discuss the issue both in person and on social media.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is coming to the Covelli Centre to bring back a beloved holiday tradition that hasnt been performed in more than a decade.

Read next: Watch live as crews clean up demolition debris at Realty Building site

The Lost Christmas Eve is the third and final volume of TSOs Christmas trilogy and is billed as a rock holiday tradition and rock opera that includes a laser light show.

You know, we got off the road. We had a wonderful tour last year, and we started talking about what to do this year, back in January, said TSO lead guitarist Al Pitrelli. One of the things that we all realized is that we hadnt played Last Christmas Eve in its entirety in about a dozen years or so. The last time we did it was in 2013.

The Lost Christmas Eve was written by the groups late founder Paul ONeill. It tells the story of a bitter businessman alone on Christmas in New York City. A chance encounter leads him to a life-altering phone call with his son he abandoned decades ago.

The story is filled with TSOs high-energy vocals and instruments but is also a dazzling spectacle of lasers and pyrotechnics which get bigger and better every year.

Technology has advanced so much over that dozen years that our crew is now able to bring it to life visually in ways that they couldnt have imagined back then, said Pitrelli. If you think about the first tour in 1999, the first time we ever came through Ohio, we only had one box truck and fog machine. Last year we counted, I think, 22 tractor-trailers, 12 busses, and a lot of fog machines.

The group also remains true to ONeills vision by TSO by donating money from each ticket to charity.

From the very first show, he said, Hey, I want to donate $1 from every ticket sold to a different local charity so that we can give back to the communities that we come through,' said TSO vocalist Kayla Reeves. We just sold our 20 millionth ticket. So, I mean, a dollar doesnt seem like much, but if you add it up over the course of 25 years, Paul ONeill absolutely has been able to make a positive impact throughout these communities that we come to.

The group is also excited to return to Youngstown for the holiday season.

We see the people of Youngstown come back year after year, and we get the pleasure of getting to watch their families grow because they do make this their holiday tradition and they do come back, said Reeves. Its such a huge responsibility on us to give them a better show year after year.

Musically its fantastic. It covers all genres. Visually, its nuts. Everybody in the arena can relate to it and make it a story about themselves, said Pitrelli. And Ohio is like the epicenter of TSO touring. Thats where it all began back in 1999 so its very exciting to come back.

The Lost Christmas Eve Tour will feature two performances on Friday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and start at $52.99.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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.

In south Tulare, literally on the other side of the tracks, a group of homeless residents lives in a city-approved, open-air dirt lot  an alternative to more dangerous sites and one that officials bureaucratically refer to as a designated encampment area.

The progressive project has yielded some important successes, including reduced suicides and the consolidation of city, county and nonprofit services into one place, allowing for more efficient delivery of social services and medical services to the people who need them.

Its definitely tough living in the industrially-zoned area. There are rodents, signs of human addiction, lots of dogs roaming and plenty of complaints from the men and women who live there. Sobriety is not required, though recommended through available onsite counseling. Drinking alcohol and using cannabis discreetly is allowed. Harder drugs are technically forbidden on the premises.

Most of the dozens of large tents that fill the roughly 2-acre site are reinforced with various types of wood and other materials to provide added protection from the elements.

The best thing I can say about this place is that it gives you a shelter, said Manuel, 71, a homeless veteran who declined to provide his last name. He thinks he was better off on his own.

But, theyre doing their best, Manuel said about the encampment staff.

La Abeja, a newsletter written for and by California Latinos

Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter centered around Latino issues in California.

Manuel, who withheld his last name, 71, is a veteran and has been living at Tulares temporary encampment for two years. Manuel said there are good and bad aspects to the encampment, but feels he had it better at a previous location. Photographed Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

As cities in Central California enact stricter anti-encampment rules, Tulare leaders tout a more humane approach, with Mayor Terry Sayre calling it probably the most progressive city in the county when it comes to homelessness. The citys use of a designated encampment site since January 2023 offers a different strategy against the crisis at a time when other local governments in the Central Valley have already enacted tougher laws without having comprehensive plans in place to increase access to housing, critics have said.

A crackdown with stricter anti-camping rules has been underway since June when the U.S. Supreme Court said it was OK to jail and fine homeless individuals for violating local anti-camping ordinances. Gov. Gavin Newsom followed up with his own July decree that said local governments should work to clear encampments. He more recently threatened to withhold state funding for municipalities that fail to take action.

The current situation has some local governments and the state at odds. Local leaders say that addressing the homelessness crisis is as difficult as it has ever been, with rising rents and not enough shelter beds for those who might want to go inside. Finding real solutions is tougher and more complex than simply enacting new ordinances, they, and many others, say.

Tulares progressive approach, for all its good intentions, has its pluses and minuses.

This is not a substitute, this is not an emergency shelter, this is not permanent housing, said Alexis Costales, the citys housing and grants manager. This is ongoing maintenance.

Costales said there is room for improvement at the city-sanctioned site, but he stressed that the consolidation of resources into one place increases service providers potential reach to an average of 140 residents at any given time. And the number of suicides by train  the main catalyst for the project  has decreased in the homeless population, which used to line the tracks on the west side of town with tents before the encampment opened.

Logistically, this presents an opportunity to really meet folks where they are, address some of their basic needs and work on housing, Costales told The Fresno Bee last week during a tour of the site.

Its also meant to be temporary for the city of about 70,000 residents  at least 284 of them homeless at the time of the January 2023 count. Tulare has succeeded in moving more than 100 people into permanent housing over the past two years with help from state grants, Costales said. The City Council on Tuesday also unanimously approved more than $9 million in contracts for the construction of a brick-and-mortar shelter on the Hillman Health Center campus one block from the encampment. That facility will have 200 beds with the ability to scale up to 400.

City Manager Marc Mondell describes the approach as Tulare first, with services prioritizing homeless people who have ties to the city and county.

The federal Interagency Council on Homelessness  a DC-based agency dedicated to partnering with local governments to end homelessness  is examining Tulares encampment to gleen lessons for other local governments. So is staff from the city and county of Fresno. A group was scheduled to visit the encampment Thursday.

The city is always interested in learning from different cities deploying different models, Spokesperson Sontaya Rose said in an email to The Bee about Fresnos planned visit.

The city and county of Fresno each recently authorized jail time and fines as potential punishments for people who illegally camp in public places. Advocates have criticized these measures as harsh and failing to account for a shortage of local homeless shelter beds.

Donny Earp fills a container with water from the only working spigot for the residents at the City of Tulares temporary encampment Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Earp said two other spigots were broken by residents and management has locked them until a new system preventing further damage is installed.

Dedicated homeless camps have run in Fresno in the past, though not government-sanctioned. Fresno advocate Dez Martinez, with We Are Not Invisible, operated a safe camp on state property under Highway 41 for more than a year. Funded by donations, it closed in 2021. Martinez said the camp became too difficult to operate without help from the city and other agencies. She did not return messages left from The Bee for this story.

Not housing, but ongoing maintenance

Tulares temporary encampment is considered a low barrier operation that primarily serves people who have histories as local residents. A background check must indicate that the encampment would be a proper place for them, Costales said.

They come voluntarily and from different walks of life. Some require more help and a longer stay than others.

The goal should always be permanent housing, Costales said.

Residents have access to case managers who are charged with putting them on a path to permanent housing. Three days a week, various nonprofits provide donated food, supplies and a shower trailer. Twice a week, Tulare County and Adventist Health provide mobile medical and social services. There are porta-potties and barbecue grills for residents, as well as two former transit buses that serve as cooling and warming stations when the weather requires it.

The rules can be difficult to enforce. There is an overnight security guard, but the encampment is not staffed 24/7.

One middle-aged homeless man, who declined to provide his name, said many neighbors disregard the rules and use drugs on-site. He said local gang members sometimes enter the encampment to sell drugs. Costales said the city hopes to install check-in booths soon to monitor entry into the encampment and prevent unwanted visits.

Donny Earp, who got out of prison after 15 years, has lived at Tulares temporary encampment since November 2023, living with his dad in one of the tents until his dad passed away. Now in his own tent, Earp says its a struggle. Many residents of the camp disregard pride, upkeep and cleanliness. Photographed Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Tulare Police Chief Fred Ynclan said in an email to The Bee that the department gets a lot of calls from the encampment, but also noted the benefits of having a large group of homeless people in one location rather than spread across the city.

This helps for police response and medical aid during an overdose, a matter where time is essential, Ynclan said. The police department supports the encampment.

The present sanitation issues bother some of the residents, including Donny Earp, who said he tries to keep his living area clean.

But people dont care, he said. They leave their trash on the ground. They let their dogs run around.

The initial policy allowed two dogs per campsite. But because of limited veterinary resources and cooperation from residents, Costales said the site has stopped accepting new dogs until staff can get a better handle on the situation.

He said fixing the sanitation issues would also require buy-in from the clients.

This would be a team effort where you would want clients to say, Yes, it makes sense not to leave food out or I need to pick up my dog waste,  Costales said.

Despite its issues, he said there have been few serious behavioral problems. He said complaints from nearby home and business owners have fizzled out. Overall, most residents are amicable and take their work with their service providers seriously, he said.

And thats attributable to the housing outcomes that we mentioned, he said. I dont think we get those without guests and our unhoused neighbors being resilient and trusting in the service providers, because its a two-way street.

Sayre, Tulares mayor, said encampment residents will be moved into the shelter currently under construction once its ready for occupants.

Until then, Manuel, the homeless veteran, will have to stay in the encampment.

Where would he be if he didnt live there?: Probably in heaven, he said.

A man carries Grocery Outlet bags to a tent as we look inside the City of Tulares temporary encampment located at the south end of town Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

A woman locks her bike at a campsite as we look inside the City of Tulares temporary encampment located at the south end of town Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

A man tosses water on the dry dirt ground between tents to mnimize dust as we look inside the City of Tulares temporary encampment located at the south end of town Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

A chained dog is seen among piles of feces as we look inside the City of Tulares temporary encampment located at the south end of town Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Tom Marchbanks, an alcohol and drug counselor with the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, left, sits with other representatives of city agencies and non-profits ready to offer help to residents at the City of Tulares temporary encampment. Marchbanks and others said they offer their services every Tuesday. Photographed Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 in Tulare.

An American flag flies amid tents as we look inside the City of Tulares temporary encampment located at the south end of town Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Feces is seen to the right as a dog is shown tied to a campsite at the City of Tulares temporary encampment located at the south end of town Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Tent sites are seen as we look inside the City of Tulares temporary encampment located at the south end of town Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.

The dappled starlight and swirling clouds of Vincent van Goghs The Starry Night are thought to reflect the artists tumultuous state of mind when he painted the work in 1889.

Now, a new analysis by physicists based in China and France suggests the artist had a deep, intuitive understanding of the mathematical structure of turbulent flow.

As a common natural phenomenon observed in fluids  moving water, ocean currents, blood flow, billowing storm clouds and plumes of smoke  turbulent flow is chaotic, as larger swirls or eddies, form and break down into smaller ones.

It may appear random to the casual observer, but turbulence nonetheless follows a cascading pattern that can be studied and, at least partially, explained using mathematical equations.

Imagine you are standing on a bridge, and you watch the river flow. You will see swirls on the surface, and these swirls are not random. They arrange themselves in specific patterns, and these kinds of patterns can be predicted by physical laws, said Yongxiang Huang, lead author of the study that published Tuesday in the scientific journal Physics of Fluids. Huang is a researcher at State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences at Xiamen University in southeastern China.

The Starry Night is an oil-on-canvas painting that, the study noted, depicts a view just before sunrise from the east-facing window of the artists asylum room at Saint-Remy-de-Provence in southern France. Van Gogh had admitted himself to an asylum there after mutilating his left ear.

The researchers studied the 14 whirls or eddies in van Gogh's celebrated painting. - Yinxiang Ma

Using a digital image of the painting, Huang and his colleagues examined the scale of its 14 main whirling shapes to understand whether they aligned with physical theories that describe the transfer of energy from large- to small-scale eddies as they collide and interact with one another.

The Starry Night and turbulence theories

The atmospheric motion of the painted sky cannot be directly measured, so Huang and his colleagues precisely measured the brushstrokes and compared the size of the brushstrokes to the mathematical scales expected from turbulence theories. To gauge physical movement, they used the relative brightness or luminance of the varying paint colors.

They discovered that the sizes of the 14 whirls or eddies in The Starry Night, and their relative distance and intensity, follow a physical law that governs fluid dynamics known as Kolmogorovs theory of turbulence.

In the 1940s, Soviet mathematician Andrey Kolmogorov described a mathematical relationship between the fluctuations in a flows speed and the rate at which its energy dissipates.

The team also studied the clouds in the painting "Chain Pier, Brighton," created by British artist John Constable in 1826-7. - De Agostini/Getty Images

Huang and the team also found that the paint, at the smallest scale, mixes around with some background swirls and whirls in a fashion predicted by turbulence theory, following a statistical pattern known as Batchelors scaling. Batchelors scaling mathematically represents how small particles, such as drifting algae in the ocean or pieces of dust in the wind, are passively mixed around by turbulent flow.

This is cool. Indeed this is the type of statistics you would expect from algae blooms being swept around by ocean currents, or dust and particulates in the air, said James Beattie, a postdoctoral researcher in the department of astrophysical sciences at Princeton University in New Jersey, in an email. Beattie wasnt involved in this study but has conducted similar research on the artwork.

In my paper, I only ever really looked at the large (swirls in the painting), so I didnt see this second relation, he said, referring to the Batchelors scaling.

An amazing coincidence

This image of Jupiter's Great Red Spot taken by NASA's Voyager 1 in 1979 also shows turbulent flow, according to the study. - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Of course, Huang said, van Gogh would not have been aware of such equations but likely he spent a lot of time observing turbulence in nature.

I think this physical relationship must be embedded in his mind so thats why when he made this famous Starry Night painting, it mimics the real flow, Huang said.

Beattie agreed: Its an amazing coincidence that Van Goghs beautiful painting shares many of the same statistics as turbulence, he said.

This makes some sense  the models have been constructed to try to capture the statistics of eddies and swirls on multiple scales, each swirl communicating with other swirls through the turbulent cascade. In some sense, Van Gogh painted something that represents this phenomenon, so why shouldnt there be some convergence between the theoretical models and the statistics of Van Goghs swirls?

The study team performed the same analysis and detected the same phenomenon in two other images, one a painting, Chain Pier, Brighton, created by British artist John Constable in 1826-7, and the other a photograph of Jupiters Great Red Spot, taken by NASAs Voyager 1 spacecraft on March 5, 1979.

Unlike The Starry Night, this painting lacks well-defined swirling patterns, but the clouds are rich of structures with different scales, resembling those frequently seen in the sky, the study noted of Constables artwork.

The researchers studied the brushstrokes made by van Gogh, who painted the work after admitting himself to an asylum in southern France. - Yinxiang Ma

On display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, The Starry Night is an enormously popular work of art that has been recreated in Lego bricks, drones and dominoes.

Huang said that scientists had long struggled to describe turbulent flow in fluid dynamics in a way that would allow them to predict the phenomenon and that a complete explanation remains a prevailing mystery of physics. A thorough understanding would help with weather forecasting, flight turbulence and many other processes, he said.

Even after more than 100 years (of) study, we even dont know how to define this complex phenomenon, Huang said. Its extremely important, but its extremely difficult.

The fact that The Starry Night matched statistical models of turbulence even though the artwork doesnt actually move could suggest that the statistical methods and tools are less precise than scientists may have thought, Beattie said.

The painting cant be precisely measured because its actually not turbulence.  (I)t has no kinetic energy, he said.

However, Beattie said that he was a huge fan of the work of art and that it reflected universality and the beauty of turbulence.

I deeply love the fact that I can take my understanding of the turbulence in the plasma between galaxies and apply it to the turbulence between stars, between Earth and the Sun or in our own lakes, oceans and atmosphere, he said.

What I take away from studies like this is that (van Gogh) captured some of this universality in the beautiful (Starry Night), Beattie added. And I think people know this. They know that something wonderful has been embedded in this painting and we are drawn to it.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
'The escalation in the region is alarming,' said Fidan (Ahmed HASAN) (Ahmed HASAN/AFP/AFP)

Turkey on Thursday accused Israel of seeking to expand the war in Gaza to Lebanon with the "alarming" wave of deadly explosions that swept though Hezbollah strongholds.

"The escalation in the region is alarming," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on state-run TRT television. "We see Israel mounting its attacks towards Lebanon step by step."

The blasts have killed 32 people in two days, including two children, wounding more than 3,000 others, according to Lebanese health ministry figures.

Israel has not commented on the unprecedented operation in which Hezbollah operatives' walkie-talkies and pagers exploded in supermarkets, at funerals and on streets.

But its defence minister Yoav Gallant, referring to Israel's border with Lebanon, said Wednesday: "The centre of gravity is moving northward."

Turkey blamed Israel for the blasts.

"We have come to a point where these operations carried out by Israel have become increasingly provocative, and in return, Iran, Hezbollah and elements close to them have no choice but respond," Fidan said.

Hezbollah is an ally of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been fighting a war in Gaza since its October 7 attack on Israel.

For nearly a year, the focus of Israel's firepower has been on Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.

But its troops have also been engaged in near-daily clashes with Hezbollah militants along its northern border, killing hundreds in Lebanon, most of them fighters, and dozens more in Israel.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati to offer his condolences over the wave of deadly blasts.

Erdogan is a vocal critic of Israel's offensive in Gaza.

- 'Large-scale' -

Fidan, who was head of Turkey's spy agency before being appointed foreign minister, said of the method of mass explosions: "This is something that intelligence organisations use very often.

"But this one was on a large scale," he added. Israel's campaign risked extending beyond the entire region, he warned.

"While we are currently thinking about Lebanon, there is always a risk of a war that may involve Jordan, Egypt, and the entire region," he said.

"Does Israel want permanent peace or does it want to eliminate everything it sees a threat by using classical war methods?" he asked.

"Currently, the fanatic government in Israel is pursuing a strategy to eliminate all threats," he added.

"The international system needs to stop this before it is too late. This madness does not only harm Palestinians but also hijacks Israelis' future."

Fidan, who has pursued an intense diplomatic push to facilitate a ceasefire, joined a meeting to discuss the Gaza crisis in Jordan Wednesday.

Asked if Turkey's military had taken measures after the latest blasts, a defence ministry source said the armed forces used only local and national communications systems and software.

"We review measures and develop new ones as part of lessons we learn from the operations we carry out and after developments including the war in Ukraine and (blasts) in Lebanon," the source added.

fo/jj
ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey is reviewing its measures to secure the communication devices used by its armed forces after the deadly blasts in Lebanon, a Turkish defence ministry official said on Thursday.

Hand-held radios used by armed group Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon's south in the country's deadliest day since cross-border fighting erupted between the group and Israel nearly a year ago, stoking tensions after similar explosions of the militants' pagers the day before.

The blasts appeared to throw Hezbollah, Iran's most powerful proxy in the Middle East, into disarray, and occurred alongside Israel's 11-month-old war against Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza and heightened fears of an escalation and regional war.

The Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Turkey's military exclusively used domestically-produced equipment but Ankara had additional control mechanisms in place if a third party is involved in procurement or production of devices.

"Whether in the operations we carry out, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and as with the Lebanon example, measures are reviewed and new measures are being developed as part of the lessons learned following each development," the official said.

"In the context of this incident, we as the Defence Ministry are carrying out the necessary examinations," the person added, without providing further detail.

In Tuesday's explosions, sources said Israeli spies remotely detonated explosives they planted in a Hezbollah order of 5,000 pagers before they entered the country.

The unprecedented attacks have prompted concerns over cyber-security around the region.

Iraq's national security council said on Wednesday it would take preventive measures against any possible breach from electronic imports, adding that intensive security checks will be implemented on imports along with stronger border checks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday told state-owned Anadolu news agency that establishing an independent agency for cyber-security specifically was on the government's agenda after President Tayyip Erdogan voiced a necessity for it, and added it would be formed "very soon".

Hadi Al Bahra, president of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, told Reuters in an interview in Istanbul on Thursday that the blasts in Lebanon had prompted some opposition forces in northern Syria to rethink the security of communication devices and supply chains.

"It's a point of concern for them and they are reviewing their gear," he said of the Syrian National Army, an opposition faction backed by Turkey which controls swathes of territory in northern Syria.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Additional reporting by Timour Azhari in Baghdad and Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul; Editing by Daren Butler, William Maclean)
Petanque was played by members of the St Clement-Cancale twinning group [BBC]

The organisers of a Jersey twinning partnership say they are starting to see more interest after activity stalled during the pandemic.

The St Clement Twinning Committee hosted 33 people from the town of Cancale in Brittany, France, after they twinned in 2010.

Twinning partnerships aim to build relationships between towns and cities from different nations.

Committee chairwoman Bernadette Cooper said plans were in place for more activities and projects between St Clement and Cancale.

"Covid affected things quite badly because nothing happened for a couple of years," she said.

"It's really now just starting to take off again."

Ms Cooper said other projects in the pipeline included naming a road after Cancale, a tree planting in Len's Wood and using technology to show cultural events in both places.

Cancale Mayor Pierre-Yves Mahieu said twinning partnerships had many positives [BBC]

Cancale Mayor Pierre-Yves Mahieu said it was great to be back in the island.

"The first thing we have to remember is Cancale is not so far from Jersey," he said.

"And the second thing is there is great people in St Clement and Cancale.

"When they work - when they practice something together - I think it's very good for the people, for our towns, for our countries."

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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TWINSBURG, Ohio (WJW)  Thomas Misconin is a happy, healthy toddler who loves playing with trucks.

And at just 18-months old, hes already been credited for saving his mothers life.

So, I went in for my first 8, 9-week ultrasound. Everything looked great, heartbeat looked good, Allison Misconin told FOX 8.

$100K scratch-off winner sold at local gas station

But it was during her 20-week ultrasound, that her doctor discovered a mass on her right ovary.

A biopsy revealed that at 22-weeks pregnant, the then 28-year-old would have stage 1 ovarian cancer.

The Cleveland Clinic oncology social worker, becoming a cancer patient herself.

I was angry that we went into this ultrasound being so excited and so happy, and obviously a little nervous. But happy we were able to see our little baby on the screen, and all of that got kind of taken away from me in that moment, Allison shared.

As the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, ovarian cancer is a serious, yet one of the most under-recognized threats to womens health.

Unlike other cancers that may be a little bit more common in women, say breast cancer and colon cancer, this is not a cancer that is caught early because we dont have any way to screen for this cancer yet, said Robert DeBernardo, MD.

Dr. DeBernardo is a gynecologic oncologist at Cleveland Clinics Hillcrest Hospital.

He says while progress is being made for early screenings, women must be proactive about their health.

Message number one is we have a symptom, an abdominal symptom thats not going away in three weeks, well guess what? Its not the flu, its not something you ate, its not the menopause, get it checked out. And dont take no for an answer, Dr. DeBernardo urged.

Ovarian cancer often has vague symptoms that may include abdominal discomfort, bloating, urinary frequency, fatigue, weight change and changes in bowel movement.

Dr. DeBernardo removed Allisons cancerous cyst, her right ovary and fallopian tube.

New plans announced for Geauga Lake

Allison was induced at 37-weeks and gave birth to her baby boy Thomas, who she now calls her guardian angel.

Women get diagnosed in stage 3, stage 4 and thats a very serious time to be diagnosed. I got very lucky that they found this at stage 1 and had I not been pregnant, I dont know if I wouldve found this, Allison said.

Allison and husband Matt plan to grow their family soon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two Bay Area schools in Top 5 of Forbes best colleges list

(KRON)  Once again, Stanford University and UC Berkeley are rated as two of the most prestigious universities in the country. In Forbes 2024-25 Americas Top Colleges list, which was released earlier this month, the two Bay Area colleges ranked in the top five.

Stanford was ranked second overall, and UC Berkeley placed fifth on Forbes 16th annual top colleges list. Princeton University took home the top spot at No. 1 while fellow Ivy League school Yale was ranked fourth. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranked third to round out the top five.

San Francisco among Best Coffee Cities in America

Forbes: Top 10 Americas Top Colleges List

Princeton University Stanford University Massachusetts Institue of Technology Yale University University of California, Berkeley Columbia University University of Pennsylvania Harvard University Rice University Cornell University

The ranking mirrors last years list almost identically. In Forbes 2023 list, Stanford was ranked one spot lower at No. 3 while UC Berkeley remained at No. 5. The top five colleges list from a year ago remained the same with some slight order changes.

Berkeley consistently ranks in the top tier nationally and globally, a reflection of the outstanding work of our faculty, students and staff. University of California, Berkeley spokesperson

Forbes ranked a total of 500 colleges across the country.

Other Bay Area institutions to make the list: Santa Clara (No. 61), San Francisco State (No. 137), University of San Francisco (No. 165), Sonoma State (No. 168), Saint Marys College (No. 175), San Jose State (No. 235), Cal State Maritime Academy (No. 337), Cal State East Bay (No. 369), Dominican University (No. 387) and Menlo College (No. 459).

Unlike The Wall Street Journals college list, which was also released this month, SJSU did not rank highly on Forbes list.

WSJ gave SJSU a higher-than-expected ranking of sixteenth overall. The news outlet also had Stanford and UC Berkeley ranked high at No. 3 and No. 8, respectively.

WSJ Best Colleges list: Bay Area school makes surprising entrance into Top 20

Methodology

Forbes used slightly different metrics from WSJ to compile its top colleges list. Therefore, some were given drastically different rankings in each of the two lists.

Forbes factored in the following metrics:

Alumni salary (20%)

Debt (15%)

Graduation rate (15%)

Return on investment (15%)

Forbes American Leaders List (15%)

Retention rate (10%)

Academic success (10%)

The Forbes American Leaders List is part of what sets our rankings apart, Forbes wrote. The list aims to gauge the leadership and entrepreneurial success of a colleges graduates.

You can view Forbes full best colleges list HERE. More on Forbes methodology can be viewed here.

KRON4 reached out to both Stanford for comment on the Top 5 ranking by Forbes. We did not hear back in time for publication.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two charged over '1.5m of cannabis' in Peterhead

Two men have been charged after drugs estimated by police to be worth 1.5m were seized in an Aberdeenshire town.

A search warrant was executed in Peterhead's Queen Street on Tuesday.

Police Scotland said a "large cannabis cultivation" was discovered.

Two men, aged 25 and 26, were arrested and charged and are due to appear at Peterhead Sheriff Court.
The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training recently fired to deputy directors and a third supervisor left. The agency is responsible for training and certifying law enforcement officials in Oregon. (Courtesy of Portland Police Bureau)

Two deputy directors at the Oregon agency that trains and certifies police officers were fired last month and a third employee quit, public records obtained by the Capital Chronicle show.

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training fired Brian Henson and Staci Yutzie, both deputy directors, on Aug. 30, agency records show. A defensive tactics coordinator, Richard Daniel, resigned on Aug. 15. Henson worked at the agency more than 20 years as did Daniel, Sam Tenney, the agencys spokesperson said. Yutzie spent more than 11 years there.

Due to the sensitivity of personnel matters, we are unable to comment or provide additional information, Sam Tenney, a spokesperson for the agency, said in an email to the Capital Chronicle.

With a 237-acre campus in Salem, the agency plays a major role in law enforcement in Oregon. It trains new hires for about 200 agencies across the state so they can perform patrol and other work. And it has certified more than 41,000 public safety and security professionals in Oregon, including 911 dispatchers, private investigators and firefighters.

The agency has the equivalent of nearly 185 full-time budgeted staff, but its total headcount is 448 because many employees are part-time instructors.

In July, the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com reported the three officials were placed on administrative leave in May and under a personnel investigation, though the agency did not disclose the reason for that. In a LinkedIn post two weeks ago, Yutzie confirmed she had left the agency but did not disclose the circumstances.

After 11 years of breaking the mold at DPSST and in police training in general, I am off to new adventures, Yutzie wrote.

Yutzie declined to elaborate in a private message to the Capital Chronicle, but said: I wholeheartedly stand behind the work I did for public safety and the citizens of Oregon. She added that she was a dedicated and decorated public servant who has successfully addressed some of Oregons most pressing police training challenges.

We built a contemporary training program that has empirically demonstrated its effectiveness and established us as national and international leaders in police training. The mission of DPSST will always hold a place in my heart, and I am confident that the training team will continue to serve Oregon well, she said.

A deputy director for 13 months, Yutzie also worked at the agency as a class training coordinator, program development coordinator in charge of public safety training academy programming and training division director.

Yutzie said in her message to the Capital Chronicle that under her leadership her team had eliminated a training backlog that had developed over the last five years due to high turnover at police agencies.

New police officers are required to attend the 16-week basic police training course at the agencys academy within 90 days of their hiring. The backlog made it difficult for police departments across Oregon to hire and train their officers in a timely manner.

In June, Castle and Kotek announced the state had eliminated the backlog. With additional legislative funding, the agency added three 60-student classes and three additional 40-student classes through a partnership with Oregon State Police.

On Wednesday, Tenney said the backlog is still eliminated, with the agency enrolling new officers within 90 days, as required by state law.

A long career

Hensons long career at the agency included top level management. In April 2022, then-Gov. Kate Brown appointed Henson as acting director when Jerry Granderson, an FBI retiree, left the post after about a year. For the past decade, he was a deputy director, according to his LinkedIn profile. Henson could not be reached for comment.

DPSST board meeting minutes from April, a month before Henson was placed on leave, said he was the deputy director and also served as the agencys chief of staff for Phil Castle, who was appointed by Gov. Tina Kotek as the agencys director in February 2023.

A spokesperson for the governors office declined to comment on the firings or whether the governor has confidence in the agencys leadership.

The safety agency also declined to comment on another high-profile issue in recent months: the arrest of David Babcock, who most recently worked as the agencys training safety coordinator. He was arrested and charged April 29 with misdemeanor harassment of a Marion County deputy in Marion County Circuit Court. The charge, related to an incident at his house, accuses Babcock of subjecting a deputy, Jorge Ramirez, to offensive physical contact on April 27.

Tenney, the agencys spokesman, said Babcock remains on administrative leave. He is due to face trial Dec. 6.

Its unclear if the two firings are related to Babcocks case. The employees went on administrative leave within weeks of Babcock being charged.

Editor-in-chief Lynne Terry contributed to this story.

CORRECTION: Richard Daniel was an employee at the Department of Safety Standards and Training but did not have a supervisory role. A previous version of this story said he was a supervisor.

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Two Georgia deaths are tied to abortion restrictions. Experts say abortion pills they took are safe

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to speak about abortion Friday in Georgia, where two womens deaths have been tied to a state law that mostly bans the procedure after roughly six weeks.

Amber Thurman died after waiting 20 hours for a hospital to treat complications that occurred after she took abortion pills. Reported by ProPublica earlier this week, the case is the first publicly reported instance of a woman dying from delayed care tied to a state abortion law.

The news organization also reported on the death of Candi Miller, a woman with lupus, diabetes and hypertension who took abortion pills she ordered online. An autopsy found fetal tissue that hadnt been expelled and a lethal combination of painkillers, ProPublica reported. The states maternal mortality review committee did not believe abortion medication caused her death.

Still, the fact both women used the pills  mifepristone and misoprostol  may raise questions about whether they are safe. Here are some facts.

What safety limits have been imposed?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone in 2000 as a safe and effective way to end early pregnancies. The drug, which blocks the hormone progesterone, also primes the uterus to respond to the contraction-causing effect of another drug typically used along with it, misoprostol. The pills are used in more than six in 10 abortions nationally.

There are rare occasions when mifepristone can cause excessive bleeding that requires emergency care.

Because of that, the FDA initially imposed strict safety limits on who could prescribe and distribute it  only specially certified physicians and only as part of three mandatory in-person appointments with the patient getting the drug. The doctors also had to be capable of performing emergency surgery to stop excess bleeding and an abortion procedure if the drug didnt end the pregnancy.

Over the years, the FDA reaffirmed mifepristones safety and repeatedly eased restrictions, culminating in a 2021 decision doing away with any in-person requirements and allowing the pill to be sent through the mail.

In 2022, a coalition of anti-abortion groups filed a federal lawsuit against the FDA challenging the agencys long-standing approval of mifepristone. Justices ruled in June that the abortion opponents lacked the legal right to sue and preserved access to the medication.

How often are there serious problems?

Abortion opponents say the more lax restrictions resulted in many more emergency complications. But that argument lumps together women experiencing a range of issues with mifepristone  from the drug not working to people who may simply have questions or concerns but dont require medical care.

OB-GYNs say a tiny fraction of patients suffer major or serious adverse events after taking mifepristone.

A legal brief by a group of medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says: When used in medication abortion, major adverse events  significant infection, excessive blood loss, or hospitalization  occur in less than 0.32% of patients, according to a highly regarded study with more than 50,000 patients.

The definition that scientists generally use for serious adverse events includes blood transfusions, major surgery, hospital admissions and death, said Ushma Upadhyay, one of the authors of that 2015 study.

The prescribing information included in the packaging for mifepristone tablets lists slightly different statistics for what it calls serious adverse reactions. It cites ranges for how frequently various complications occur: 0.03% to 0.5% for transfusion; 0.2% for sepsis and 0.04% to 0.6% for hospitalization related to medication abortions. The ranges reflect findings across various relevant studies, experts said.

Why do patients go to the emergency room?

Mifepristones labeling also lists a complication that most medical groups dont consider a serious or major adverse event: ER visits, which ranged from 2.9% to 4.6%. The current FDA label lists going to the ER as an option if patients experience prolonged heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or a sustained fever.

But ER visits dont always reflect big problems, doctors told The Associated Press.

Some people may go there after a medication abortion because they want to be checked out or have questions but dont have a doctor, said Upadhyay, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Others, she said, dont want to go to their primary care provider about their abortion because of stigma.

A study she co-authored in 2018 found that slightly more than half of patients who visited the ER because of abortions received only observational care. Some, Upadhyay said, dont receive any treatment.

How effective is the medication?

Mifepristone results in a completed abortion 97.4% of the time, according to U.S. studies cited in the FDA label.

But in 2.6% of cases, a surgical intervention is needed. And 0.7% of the time, the pregnancy continues.

Thats compared to a procedural abortion in a clinic, where the chance of the procedure failing to end a pregnancy is extremely, extremely low, probably less than 0.1%, said Dr. Pratima Gupta, a board member for the college of OB-GYNs.

Any time a procedural abortion is done, the clinicians ensure that it was a complete abortion by examining the tissue that is removed or performing an ultrasound during or after the procedure, she said.

Gupta, who has done abortion procedures for more than 20 years, said there are very few complications from abortion  any kind of abortion, medication or procedural abortion. A recent study suggests thats just as true for medication abortions that happen in a clinic, a doctors office or at home with the help of telehealth.

How does mifepristones safety and effectiveness compare to other drugs?

The FDA makes drug approval decisions on a case-by-case basis, weighing effectiveness, safety and other factors.

No drug is 100% effective, and many common medications dont work for a significant portion of patients.

Antidepressants typically help between 40% and 60% of people with depression. New antibiotics approved by the FDA often resolve about 70% of infections.

Since 2000, roughly 6 million patients have taken mifepristone, according to the FDA. A 2021 review of agency records looking for deaths that were likely related to the drug identified 13, or .00027% of patients.

Medical organizations supporting mifepristones availability say the drugs safety  given the rate of deaths  compares to ibuprofen, which more than 30 million Americans take in any given 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 WFLA.
Two injured in crash involving Motor Carrier Enforcement vehicle in Lebanon County

LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Two people were injured in a crash involving a State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement vehicle Wednesday.

The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. on Route 22 at Racehorse Drive in East Hanover Township.

A State Police spokesperson said the Motor Carrier Enforcement vehicle was travelling along Route 22 when a vehicle entered its lane of travel.

That second vehicle rolled.

The Motor Carrier Enforcement officer was taken to a local hospital and released with minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle suffered moderate injuries.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Two killed during police operation in New Caledonia

Unrest broke out in mid-May in New Caledonia over a planned expansion of the electoral roll that indigenous Kanak people fear would leave them in a permanent minority (GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT) (GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP/AFP)

Security forces in New Caledonia killed two men during an overnight operation, the public prosecutor said Thursday, taking the death toll to 13 after months of unrest in the French Pacific territory.

An AFP journalist witnessed clashes erupt between French police and civilians in Saint Louis, a heartland of the independence movement just south of the capital Noumea.

Public prosecutor Yves Dupas said security forces on an observation mission fired two shots after being "directly threatened by a group of armed individuals".

The first "hit a man, aged 30, positioned as a lone gunman, in the right side of the abdomen," Dupas said in a statement.

"The second shot hit a man, aged 29, in the chest."

Police were looking for around a dozen people suspected of involvement in attacks on security forces.

"We're not terrorists, we're not in a state of war," said one mother in the village where the security operation was taking place.

Unrest broke out in mid-May in New Caledonia over Paris's plan for voting reforms that Indigenous Kanak people fear would leave them in a permanent minority, crushing their hopes for independence.

Some demonstrators barricaded roads and burned or looted cars, businesses and public buildings.

France sent thousands of troops and police to the archipelago, almost 17,000 kilometres (10,600 miles) from Paris.

In violence not seen since the near-civil war of the 1980s, hundreds of people were injured and the material damage was estimated at around 2.2 billion euros ($2.4 billion).

The electoral change -- which requires altering the French constitution -- has effectively been in limbo since President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament for new elections that in July produced a lower house with no clear majority.

While unrest in the South Pacific territory has ebbed since mid-July, the road to Saint-Louis in the south of the archipelago's main island Grande Terre remains closed.

For the 1,200 inhabitants of Saint-Louis, the only way in or out is by foot after presenting an ID at checkpoints in the north and south.

Only emergency services and ambulances can otherwise cross into the village.

Almost all other roadblocks across New Caledonia have been lifted, but a curfew between 10 pm and 5 am remains in place.

Since June 19, 13 pro-independence activists have been arrested. Seven are currently in prison, including five in mainland France.

cm-asl/lb/ach
FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday announced that the United States had thwarted a China-backed botnet that had infected more than 200,000 computer devices in the United States. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. authorities have thwarted another China-backed botnet, freeing hundreds of thousands of infected devices in the process, FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

The head of the United States' domestic intelligence and security service made the announcement Wednesday during his keynote speech at a cyber summit in Washington, D.C.

He said the botnet was operated by the Chinese government-sponsored hacker group known as Flax Typhoon who used it to target critical infrastructure in the United States and overseas as well as public and private entities and those in academia and the media.

A botnet is a collection of computers hijacked by hackers via malware, and in this case consisted of hundreds of thousands of Internet-connected devices from routers to cameras, digital video recorders and storage devices that the hackers used to "compromise systems and exfiltrate confidential data," he said.

The network of infected devices was dismantled by federal authorities last week, with the Justice Department on Wednesday explaining in a statement that more than 200,000 infected devices, constituting more than half of the botnet, were located in the United States.

According to the Justice Department, these devices gave the hackers the ability to conduct malicious cyberactivity under the guise of routine Internet traffic.

A court-authorized law enforcement operation saw U.S. authorities take control of the malicious infrastructure and disabled the hackers from using the infected devices.

Authorities said that during the disbanding operation, Chinese hackers attempted but failed to intervene.

He also identified for the first time that Flax Typhoon operates under the guise of being a legitimate information security company known as the Integrity Technology Group, which is based in Beijing.

According to the Justice Department, the company had built an online application that allowed customers to log in and control specified infected victim devices, including with a menu of malicious cyber commands using a tool called "vulnerability-arsenal."

Wray added that the company's chairman has publicly stated that for years they have collected intelligence and performed reconnaissance for Chinese government security agencies.

"This was another successful disruption, but make no mistake: It's just one round in a much longer fight," Wray said.

"The Chinese government is going to continue to target your organizations and our critical infrastructure -- either by their own hand or concealed through their proxies. And we'll continue to work with our partners to identify their malicious activity, disrupt their hacking campaigns, and bring them to light."

U.S. authorities in January disrupted a China-backed malware botnet that consisted of only routers. Hundreds of U.S. home office routers had been infected by the Chinese Communist Party-backed hackers known as Volt Typhoon, before it was similarly dismantled by U.S. authorities.

In late August, Microsoft had issued a threat intelligence memo identifying Flax Typhoon as "a nation-state activity group" that was targeting dozens of organizations in Taiwan and elsewhere.

It said the hackers had been active since mid-2021.

Wray said the Flax Typhoon botnet had caused "real harm to its victims," offering a company in California as an example, explaining it had suffered "an all-hands-on-deck cybersecurity incident, and IT staff needed to work long hours to remediate the threats and replace hardware -- all of which took swaths of the organization offline and caused a significant financial loss."

Accompanying the announcement, the National Security Agency along with its partners in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Britain published an advisory describing Integrity Technology Group's tactics, techniques and procedures.

The #FBI, @US_CYBERCOM, @NSAgov and other partners have released a joint #CybersecurityAdvisory to warn about a PRC-linked botnet, consisting of hundreds of thousands of compromised devices, which threatens US networks. Click for details and mitigations: https://t.co/idpk1P73Fu pic.twitter.com/io1Qm7G2dw FBI (@FBI) September 19, 2024
The United Nations overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Wednesday demanding that Israel urgently end its illegal occupation of Palestinian land, a vote that comes just weeks before Israels military offensive that has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches one year.

Out of the U.N. General Assemblys 193 member states, 124 of them voted in favor of the resolution presented by the Palestinian mission to the world body. Fourteen states voted against the resolution  including Israels closest ally and primary weapons supplier, the United States  while 43 states abstained. There are no vetoes in the General Assembly, unlike the 15-member Security Council.

Please stand on the right side of history, with international law, with freedom, with peace, Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour, who introduced the resolution, told the body on Tuesday. The alternative is what you witness every day on your TV screens. And what the Palestinian people are enduring in their flesh. A different reality is possible. It starts now, and here. Free Palestine.

The nonbinding resolution demands that Israel brings an end without delay its unlawful presence of occupied Palestinian territories like Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Israeli government must end its illegal occupation by withdrawing all of its forces and evacuating its settlers from Palestinian land within the next 12 months, according to the draft.

In addition, the resolution calls for Israel to pay reparations to Palestinians for damage accrued by its occupation, and urges member states to impose sanctions on those responsible for maintaining Israels presence in the territories, and halt weapons transfers to Israel.

Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations speaks to the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. The world body voted in favor of a resolution demanding that Israel urgently end its occupation of Palestinian territories. Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images

This is a shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authoritys diplomatic terrorism, Israels U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, said following the vote  accusing the General Assembly and the Palestinian Authority of being sympathetic to Hamas, whose militants killed about 1,200 people and captured hundreds in Israel nearly one year ago.

Since then, the Israeli military has killed more than 41,000 people in Gaza and rendered the territory virtually unlivable. Aid groups say the collapse of necessary food and medical infrastructure has caused a humanitarian catastrophe, while multiple U.N. member states and human rights experts have described Israels ongoing violence as genocidal.

The resolution was drawn from a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice that said Israels decades-long presence in the Palestinian territories is illegal and must urgently come to a halt. According to the court, Israel violated international law by capturing Palestinian land by force during the 1967 war, giving it no right to sovereignty over the territories.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that she voted against the one-sided resolution because it did not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization and will not bring about tangible progress for Palestinians. The U.S. has unconditionally supplied Israel with weapons and has condemned efforts by the international community to hold the Israeli government accountable.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a U.N. Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East on Monday in New York City. The U.N. General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution demanding Israel urgently end its decades-long occupation of Palestinian lands. Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images

Palestine is considered a Permanent Observer State after the U.N. rejected its request to become a member state in 2011. Having Permanent Observer status allows Palestine to still participate in U.N. proceedings  except for voting on draft resolutions and decisions in bodies like the Security Council, General Assembly and the six main committees.

In April, Palestine renewed its request to become a member state by sending a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who forwarded it to the Security Council. The following month, the General Assembly passed a resolution that upgrades Palestines observer rights at the body, allowing the state to submit and introduce proposals, make statements on behalf of a group, fully participate in U.N. conferences, and elect delegates of the State of Palestine as officers in the plenary and the main committees of the General Assembly.

Mansour said that peace in the region can only be possible if there is a just, two-state solution to the long-debated Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the 1967 borders. And that such a solution cannot be reached if states believe this is not the right time for such action, he said.

I stand on this podium, at this historic and tragic juncture, to tell the Palestinian people that a change is going to come, that their fate is not endless suffering and agony, that freedom is their birthright and their destiny, Mansour told the General Assembly. We are not a people too many. We are not a problem. We are a nation that asks for nothing more than your nations, but can accept nothing less.
A U.S. Senate bill will raise bounty for leads on Venezuelas Maduro to $100 million

A U.S. Senate bill to be introduced Thursday by Florida Republicans Rick Scott and Marco Rubio will increase a reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelas strongman Nicolas Maduro from the current $15 million to $100 million.

Maduro was indicted by the U.S. Justice Department in 2020 on drug-trafficking charges. The State Department has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Maduros arrest or conviction.

According to the Stop Maduro Act text, the U.S. government will not pay the reward using taxpayers money. Instead, it would use assets already withheld in the United States that were confiscated from Maduro and his allies. Held assets amount to nearly $450 million, Scotts office said.

Earlier this month, federal authorities seized a plane regularly used by Maduro that had been detained in the Dominican Republic, valued at $13 million.

Florida Republican Mario Diaz-Balart will introduce a companion bipartisan legislation in the House, co-sponsored by Florida Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida Republicans Carlos Gimenez, Maria Elvira Salazar and Mike Waltz, Puerto Ricos representative Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon and New Jersey Republican Chris Smith.

The U.S. government and others around the world have accused Maduro of stealing the recent July 28 presidential election with the help of the countrys Electoral Council and Supreme Court, which are under his control. He was declared the winner despite overwhelming evidence that he lost to the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.

The opposition gathered and published online tally receipts from more than 80% of the voting machines, showing Gonzalez won at least 67% of the votes. Despite repeated calls by foreign governments, the Electoral Council has yet to publish its data.

The Venezuelan people overwhelmingly voted for a new day of freedom and democracy on July 28 when they elected Edmundo Gonzalez in an effort led by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Sen. Scott said. Its clear Maduro will not step down on his own and I urge my colleagues to support this bill to rid Venezuela and the world of Maduros oppression and make way for President-elect Gonzalez to bring democracy, freedom and opportunity back to Venezuela.

Gonzalez fled Venezuela for Spain last Sunday following arrest threats by Maduros government officials. In a video Wednesday, he said he was forced to sign a letter by the powerful brothers Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez, the vice president and president of the National Assembly, accepting Maduros alleged electoral victory for him to be allowed to leave the country or face imprisonment.

Either I signed, or I faced the consequences, he said, speaking of a meeting at the residence of the Spanish ambassador in Caracas. There followed very tense hours of coercion, blackmail, and pressure.

Forced exile of Edmundo Gonzalez raises questions about Bidens approach to Venezuela

The bill comes as governments worldwide grapple with how to deal with the electoral fraud in Venezuela.

Foreign policy experts have been advising the Biden administration to raise the bounty and revoke licenses to U.S. company Chevron and other foreign companies to extract oil from Venezuela to deny Maduro resources and increase the consequences of staying in power. But the administration has yet to act on those proposals.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned 16 Venezuelan officials in the National Electoral Council and the Venezuelan Supreme Court who helped Maduro steal the election.

Also last week, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin introduced legislation to prohibit U.S. companies from trading Venezuelan oil until the legitimate results of the July 28, 2024 election are respected.

On Thursday, the European Parliament officially recognized Gonzalez as president-elect, a move the Biden administration has resisted without explanation.
U.S. warns all parties against escalation in the Middle East

Israel's military evacuate injured people by helicopter after an anti-tank missile was fired into Israel from Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel

By Daphne Psaledakis and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday warned all parties in the Middle East against escalation as tensions between Iran-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah and Israel remained high, saying Washington's priority is to find a diplomatic solution.

"We will continue to stand by Israel's right to defend itself, but we don't want to see any party escalate this conflict, period," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a regular briefing.

The Middle East is on edge after deadly attacks that blew up radios and pagers of militant group Lebanon-based Hezbollah, killing 37 people and wounding around 3,000 and overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the group.

While calling for calm, Miller acknowledged the limits of U.S. diplomacy.

"We have been engaged in the region for some time, and of course, since October 7th we have been engaged to try to bring down tensions. But ultimately, yes, every country is responsible, and every entity is responsible for the actions that they take."

A source familiar with the matter said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has postponed a trip to Israel planned for next week. Miller declined to comment on Austin's schedule but said Washington will continue talks with Israel.

"I will say that we continue to engage with our Israeli counterparts on this. As publicly reported, Amos Hochstein was just in Israel on Monday, pressing the need for deescalation, pressing the need for a diplomatic resolution," Miller said.

White House Special envoy Amos Hochstein visited Israel this week to discuss the crisis on the northern border where Israeli troops have been exchanging missile fire with Hezbollah forces for months.

Lebanon and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for the device explosions, which Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah said "crossed all red lines". Security sources say the attacks were probably carried out by Israel's Mossad spy agency, which has a long history of carrying out sophisticated attacks on foreign soil.

Israel has not directly commented on the attacks.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk and Anthony Esposito; Editing by Mark Porter and Cynthia Osterman)
The News

The Middle Easts geopolitical turmoil is dominating headlines, but the UAEs president has different priorities for his first state visit to Washington: business and tech.

While acknowledging security concerns are a constant in the region, the UAE is fully focused on an economy-first, prosperity-first agenda, Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, told reporters during a briefing in Dubai on Thursday.

In next weeks meetings with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Sheikh Mohamed will discuss Gaza, Sudan, and counter terrorism, Gargash said. But the UAE is primarily seeking to deepen its cooperation with the US to bolster its economy and build new industries that can replace oil revenue as the world enters what he called the fall season of the hydrocarbon age.

Gargash referenced Microsofts $1.5 billion investment in G42 as an example of how tech partnerships are evolving. The UAE has the capital to invest in the latest AI models, he said, and theres also a deep understanding of technology at the leadership level, noting that Abu Dhabis deputy ruler Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed has had discussions at a technical level with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Know More

The UAE isnt ignoring the conflicts in the region, and is actively engaged in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other areas of unrest. The US-UAE relationship was historically centered on oil and defense, and is now moving more toward commerce and tech, Gargash said.

Denis Balibouse/Reuters

There are more than 60,000 US citizens living in the UAE, he noted, while a million Americans visit annually, and trade is more than $50 billion a year. More than half the new firms that registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre this year are from the US, he said.

Sheikh Mohamed has met Biden several times, and Harris visited the UAE twice  once to convey condolences after the death of former president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed in 2022, and then during COP28 in Dubai last year.

Notable

Semafor reported on how the UAE got the US to bless its AI ambitions.

Robert F. Worth profiled Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for The New York Times Magazine in 2020
UCLA police, who were called on to handle some of the nation's largest campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war last spring, are asking for approval to double their stockpile of pepper balls and sponge rounds, obtain eight more projectile launchers and purchase three new drones.

The University of California Board of Regents will consider the requests by UCLA, along with the other nine UC campus police departments, on Thursday. All California law enforcement agencies are required by state law to report annually on the acquisition and use of weapons characterized as military equipment." A UC spokesman called the police requests a "routine agenda item" not tied to protests or other particular incidents.

"All of the campuss requests are for non-lethal alternatives to standard-issue firearms, enabling officers to de-escalate situations and respond without the use of deadly force," UC spokesman Stett Holbrook said in a statement. "The requested items are essential for maintaining operational readiness, supporting ongoing training programs, and above all, ensuring public safety."

But several UCLA faculty members and students have spoken out against the requests for more weapons, saying they were wrongfully used against peaceful protesters last spring. A video posted on the social media platform X showed a UCLA police officer armed with a launcher as a phalanx of officers in riot gear with batons pushed back a crowd of protesters contained in a narrow walkway on June 10.

"They're shooting bullets! They're fing shooting people!" one protester yelled on the video.

Robin D.G. Kelley, a UCLA professor of American history, spent the night in the hospital with his student who was shot in the chest with a projectile during the June 10 protest. The student, hospitalized for two days, suffered a contusion to the heart and a bruised lung and remains so traumatized that they have postponed law school studies, Kelley said.

The report set for review by regents said UC weapons were primarily used for training during calendar year 2023, the time frame examined. The use of weapons during the spring protests will be reported next year. But Kelley and others said their experience with police during the demonstrations raised myriad questions.

"The obvious burning question is this: Why does UCLA or any university campus need this kind of weaponry?" Kelley said. "Clearly the weapons are not to keep mobs off campus; they are to be used against our students and us."

Read more: Police report no serious injuries. But scenes from inside UCLA camp, protesters tell a different story

The issue drew fire from some speakers in public comments at the regents meeting Wednesday at UCLA. Isabella Arzeno Soltero, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering who joined UCLA last year, said she was appalled to witness the campus "flooded" with police and private security last spring and the deployment of military weapons against students, faculty and staff who were peacefully protesting.

"The UC should prioritize safety through de-escalation, not militarization," Arzeno Soltero told the regents, asking them to vote down the weapons requests. "We should reallocate these funds to resources that enhance education and the welfare of our students, not tools of oppression."

Two members of UCLA's undergraduate student government, President Adam Tfayli and Representative Tommy Contreras, said they were outraged by the weapons request. They said they could only assume that UCLA was stockpiling weapons to use against student protesters this fall.

"This is a direct assault on students and an outright betrayal of our educational values," said Contreras, a third-year student majoring in political science and public affairs.

The UC board memo on the issue said that use of the equipment last year drew no complaints and did not result in any violations of university policy. No UC campus receives surplus military equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense, the memo said.

University weapons requests

UCLA police are requesting up to 3,000 more pepper balls to add to their inventory of 1,600; up to 400 more sponge and foam rounds, double the current stockpile of 200; eight more projectile launchers and three new drones.

UC Berkeley is requesting four new drones, a "kinetic breaching tool" to force open locked doors, another hazardous devices robot and 300 more sponge rounds.

UC Merced wants five projectile launchers and 100 sponge rounds, requests approved last year but not yet purchased.

UC San Francisco is asking for 11 rifles, 10 projectile launchers and three drones. The department requested more weapons because it added 16 officers as it took over policing at St. Francis and St. Marys medical centers, Holbrook said.

Read more: Photos: Clashes at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on California campuses

UC Santa Cruz has also requested two drones, which were approved last year but not yet purchased.

Holbrook said the drones will assist in search and rescue operations and aid public safety by providing "essential support in crime scene reconstruction by delivering comprehensive aerial data."

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.
With its medieval church and picturesque village green, the tranquil hamlet of Friston in eastern England should be an unlikely place for a showdown with the UK government and an energy giant.

But Friston, population 341, is on the frontline of a bitter green energy battle between locals in the rural county of Suffolk and those who want to locate a vast energy hub there.

If the plans by National Grid -- backed by both the new Labour government and its Conservative predecessor -- go ahead, it will see the area transformed by steel and concrete for onshore substations.

Undersea cables from offshore windfarms would make landfall somewhere on the nearby coastline before being sent a few kilometres inland via huge "cable trenches", requiring years of disruptive construction work.

The government wants to decarbonise electricity supply by 2030. The Suffolk campaigners back that transition to renewables.

They warn, however, that current plans to bring green energy from offshore wind turbines into the grid via the planned infrastructure will be an ecological and tourism "catastrophe".

Thousands of jobs in Suffolk depend on the year-round visitors who flock to the county's beaches, coastal resorts and unspoilt countryside.

The area is particularly renowned for its protected birdlife.

Opposition to the plans could certainly appear to be driven by "nimbyism" -- the opposition to something being built or done in your local community, even if it has to be done elsewhere.

Suffolk residents are understandably keen to preserve their rural haven.

But the campaigners, who believe offshore infrastructure would both be less destructive and more efficient, argue the issues are far bigger.

- 'Laughed at' -

"We've been laughed at, because they say we're just nimbys. We've been mocked," said Fiona Gilmore, a former strategic adviser to emerging market countries, who set up the Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS) campaign group in 2019.

Branding her and other critics of the scheme "nimbys" -- or "not in my backyard" -- is just a convenient way of dismissing their justifiable concerns for nature and the environment, she added.

Those include the irreversible potential destruction of acres of heathland, habitat, coastline and wetland.

Adam Rowlands, of the bird protection body RSPB, said the dispute was far more than "just a local issue" and posed a real risk to the nearby North Warren nature reserve.

"A nationally important population spends the winter on those marshes," he said.

The RSPB "absolutely sees the need to transform our energy grid and infrastructure", he added.

"But we need to do that in a way that doesn't exacerbate the biodiversity crisis," he said, adding that offshore options also had disadvantages for marine ecology that had to be considered.

SEAS argues that the UK's North Sea neighbours such as Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are already building offshore hubs and that these could work for the UK too.

The actor Ralph Fiennes, who spent his early childhood on the Suffolk coast, has thrown his support behind the drive for offshore alternatives.

"Yes, yes, yes to green power a million times over, the planet is lost without it," said Fiennes in a short film he made highlighting the ecological cost of the plans.

"But our very real human connection to the coast that defines us will be undermined and eroded unless we... implement that vital green power with a forward-thinking and environmentally enlightened vision," he said.

Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, however, this week appeared to reject campaigners' pleas for a pause to reconsider the plans.

On Tuesday he vowed to "take on the blockers, the delayers, the obstructionists" to build clean energy infrastructure.

- 'Not listened to' -

The campaigners say they have been shaken by the way they have been treated by a system they describe as "not fit for purpose".

Despite spending hours preparing submissions for the various hearings organised as part of the planning process, Gilmore said the overwhelming impression campaigners had was of "not being listened to".

And she said the mental health issues for those caught up in the row were "massive".

People in Friston, near the market town of Saxmundham, "have been living with this nightmare hanging over them for over five years", she said.

"You can't just treat people like this."

Fellow campaigner Charlotte Fox, a retired intensive care anaesthetist, said she initially accepted National Grid's decision, believing it and the government were working in the national interest.

But after doing some research she said she concluded that there was now a "perfectly viable alternative option that is cheaper, better, faster" without the destruction that would be caused by what she considers an outdated scheme.

"What is the point of causing all this destruction and damaging the biodiversity that we are trying to save in the first place?"

har/phz/gv/lb
UK power company group says 1 million homes must undergo critical upgrades annually by 2030: 'We are committed to helping households'

To meet energy demand reductions for buildings in the United Kingdom, National Westminster Bank Group reported that 1 million homes need to be upgraded with insulation treatments annually by 2030.

Sustainability Magazine reported that the banking giant joined forces with British Gas and other groups to retrofit 1,000 social housing homes. This project aims to provide a model landlords can follow to make retrofitting more accessible and affordable.

Retrofitting involves upgrading and modifying existing structures to make them more energy-efficient. It's great for power bills and the environment but can be expensive to execute, potentially reaching 35,000 ($45,800, for reference) for the average home in the U.K.

This project aims to explore financing solutions and efficiency options that would lighten the burden for landlords while improving home comfort for residents.

In addition to British Gas and NatWest, other groups involved in the consortium are Places for People, Tallarna, and Sero. Pineapple Sustainable Partnerships lead the overall effort.

Dan Rosenfield, Managing Director for Net Zero at British Gas, told Sustainability Magazine: "As part of our ambition to energise a greener fairer future, we are committed to helping households to decarbonise in a way that is simple and affordable."

Retrofitting homes across the U.K. will reduce energy demand and save residents money on power bills. The effort will also significantly decrease carbon pollution output, helping to secure a safer future for our planet.

Energy efficiency and more affordable energy sources are hot topics in areas all around the globe as we work together to lower consumer expenses and stop rising global temperatures.

Entrepreneurs have developed super-efficient tiny homes, scientists regularly make impactful upgrades to solar panels, and even power companies are contributing to energy advancements.

The project for 1,000 home upgrades is just one step the U.K. is taking to reduce energy demand and meet climate goals, but it's an important step that could have a long-lasting impact.

Greg Reed, CEO at Places for People, told Sustainability Magazine: "By participating in this project, we're driving progress towards our own sustainability goals while supporting the industry in developing innovative, scalable solutions to achieve net-zero emissions."

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.
UK team performs surgery to fix rhino's broken leg, an operation they say is world's 1st

A team of over ten vets  including specialist surgeons, anaesthetists, and animal keepers  have on Thursday performed what they described as a ground-breaking world-first surgery on a Rhino with a broken leg.

Amara is an almost 2-year old Southern white rhino whose home is the Knowsley Safari Park near Prescot, in northwestern England.

Vets say they performed a lengthy "world first medical procedure" on the Rhino, who had suffered a broken leg.

"Earlier this year, Amara began limping on her right front leg," Knowsley Safari Park told ABC News in a statement. "The Knowsley Safari team brought in specialist equine surgeons from the University of Liverpool to help with the diagnosis, where radiographs confirmed a fractured ulna."

PHOTO: A team of veterinarians perform a medial procedure on Amara, a rhino with a broken leg, at Knowsley Safari in Merseyside, England, in a photo distributed by the safari on Sept. 19, 2024. (Knowsley Safari Park)

The ulna -- also known as the ulnar bone -- is a long forearm bone that stretched from the elbow to the wrist in humans. For Rhinos, the Ulna is associated with the lower front leg of the animal.

The safari park says no records or documentation exists worldwide for this form of surgery, the team having to use expertise in treating horses with similar injuries to apply it to Amara for the groundbreaking surgery.

"Under anaesthesia in Amara's enclosure, the large team performed a lengthy operation, including key-hole surgery of Amara's wrist, in a procedure lasting five hours."

Dr. David Stack, senior lecturer in Equine Surgery at the University of Liverpool, says the surgery was "unlike they have experienced previously."

PHOTO: A team of veterinarians perform a medial procedure on Amara, a rhino with a broken leg, at Knowsley Safari in Merseyside, England, in a photo distributed by the safari on Sept. 19, 2024. (Knowsley Safari Park)

"Due to the unprecedented nature of the procedure, we didn't know how much room we would have to operate, or how much of the affected area we would be able to see," Stack said.

He added, "We were unsure if the cast would be strong enough and how Amara would cope with such a restriction on her limb. We hoped that she would accept it and that she would be able to move around, get down and, importantly, back up again but this was unchartered water."

The Zoo says Amara wore a full limb cast to support her leg and was kept in her enclosure to minimize her movement. The zoo says she is doing "well" with her treatment and wearing the cast, which is set to be removed in May, the zoo told ABC News.

PHOTO: A team of veterinarians perform a medial procedure on Amara, a rhino with a broken leg, at Knowsley Safari in Merseyside, England, in a photo distributed by the safari on Sept. 19, 2024. (Knowsley Safari Park)

Southern white rhinos are commonly found in savannahs of southern and eastern Africa. The species is today listed as 'near threatened' due to 'decades of rampant poaching' for Rhino horn, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

The zoo describes Amara as a Rhino known for her "boisterous play," a trait the zoo says is typical of her species.

"Treating Amara has been a truly ground-breaking veterinary journey incorporating many firsts which we will now document should another animal team encounter similar scenarios in the future, though we very much hope the notes are never needed," said Stack.

UK team performs surgery to fix rhino's broken leg, an operation they say is world's 1st originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Britains competition watchdog is putting more fashion companies on alert for potential greenwashing.

After securing formal agreements from Asos, Boohoo and George at Asda to use only accurate and clear sustainability claims in March, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has written to 17 well-known fashion brands to review their marketing practices, including the use of vague or overly broad terms such as sustainable, labeling products as recycled when only certain elements can be described as such, and grouping products into eco ranges without specifying the criteria for their inclusion.

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The move dovetails with the publication of a green claims in fashion guide to help brands adhere to the U.K.s Green Claims Code when making environmental declarations. It also comes at a time when legislators are increasingly cracking down on fuzzy or inaccurate claims that could mislead consumers into thinking a product is more virtuous than it actually is. The European Union, for instance, is poised to ban nebulous language such as environmentally friendly, natural, biodegradable, eco and climate neutral unless theyre accompanied by substantive evidence that demonstrates them to be true. Already firms such as H&M have nixed eco-collection designations like Conscious Choice because of finger-wagging from Dutch and Norwegian regulators.

The CMAs guide draws from the conclusions of its investigation into the Asos, Boohoo and George at Asda, which began in 2022 as part of a broader look at the increasing number of environmental marketing claims emerging in the apparel and footwear retail space.

The watchdog group said that it was concerned that the assertions made by the businesses were too ambiguous and that the criteria they used to decide which items to feature in curated ranges such as Asoss Responsible edit, Boohoos Ready for the Future and Asdas George for Good might be lower than consumers could reasonably expect from their descriptions and presentation. Other pitfalls, the CMA said, included missing information about what a certain fabric was made from, the inclusion of products in collections when they dont meet criteria, and a lack of clarity about whether statements about fabric accreditation schemes and standards referred to particular products or their manufacturers overall practices.

This hands-on guide will allow fashion retailers to really get to grips with their obligations under consumer lawand also means theres no excuse for using misleading green claims, Hayley Fletcher, the CMAs interim senior director of consumer protection, said in a statement.

The letters the CMA sent, it said, set out to remind the 17 unnamed brands that it will soon have augmented authority under the 2024 Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act to fine businesses up to 10 percent of their global turnover if they fall afoul of consumer law.

Weve cautioned a number of well-known brands to take a close look at their practices, consider this guide, and make sure theyre not overstepping the mark when they promote their green credentials, Fletcher said. All fashion companiesfrom designer labels to budget-friendly brands or independent boutiquesmust be transparent and honest with their customers or risk enforcement action.
Indian artillery shells, procured through European intermediaries, have been supplied to Ukraine for over a year. Despite Russian objections, India has neither interfered with nor halted this trade.

Source: Reuters, citing 11 Indian and European government officials and defence industry sources

Details: Reuters says the Kremlin has raised the issue of halting the supply of shells at least twice, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Indian law restricts the use of exported weapons only to the declared buyer, but this law is not enforced.

Reuters sources indicate that despite India's official stance of non-involvement in the supply of ammunition to Ukraine, some European countries, such as Italy and Czechia, regularly transport Indian shells to Ukraine. Specifically, the Italian defence contractor Meccanica per l'Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES) purchases empty shells from India, fills them with explosives, and ships them to Ukraine.

Customs records show that the exported ammunition included 155 mm shells and 120 mm and 125 mm bombs.

Two sources in the Indian government and defence industry told Reuters that Ukraine uses less than 1% of Indian-made weapons out of the total amount of ammunition imported by Kyiv.

According to Reuters, India is using the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to increase its arms exports. Customs data shows that Indian ammunition exports to Europe have increased from US$2.8 million to US$135.25 million since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

India has maintained a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine, not joining Western sanctions against Russia, which supplies more than 60% of India's arms imports.

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Ukraine joins NATO drone countermeasures exercise for first time ever

The Netherlands is hosting an exercise under the auspices of the North Atlantic Alliance to test counter-drone systems, running until 20 September. This is the first time Ukraine has participated in the exercise.

Source: European Pravda, citing the press service for NATO

Details: Over 450 people from 19 NATO member states and three partner countries took part in the annual NATO Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technical Interoperability Exercise (C-UAS TIE).

"More than 60 counter-drone systems and technologies such as sensors, drone-on-drone systems, jammers and cyber interceptors were tested live," the Alliance said.

They added that Ukraine's direct participation in the exercise is part of the NATO-Ukraine Innovation Cooperation Roadmap, which the parties approved at the summit in Washington in July 2024.

"Exercises like the C-UAS TIE provide a unique opportunity to address pressing challenges together, such as drone autonomy and interoperability while also learning from Ukraines battlefield experience in countering small drones," the press service said.

The integration of counter-drone technologies into NATO's integrated air and missile defence is essential for strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture.

Background:

The Alliance's exercises come amid several incidents of Russian drones entering the airspace of its member states.

Earlier, the defence ministers of Romania, Poland and Latvia urged the Allies to immediately implement a rotational NATO air defence model and to strengthen NATO's deterrence, surveillance, reconnaissance and air patrol activities on the Alliance's eastern flank.

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(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine is in talks about supplying Azeri gas to Europe through its network of pipelines but hasnt yet reached an agreement.

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Kyiv and Moscow are both willing to find a solution that could involve swapping supply with Azerbaijan, according to people familiar with the talks speaking on condition of anonymity. Ukraine wants to prevent Russian gas traversing its territory but there is acknowledgment that some gas sold as Azeri could originate in Russia, one of the people said.

Talks are still continuing on alternatives to keep gas flowing through Ukraine to Europe once a pact with Russia expires at the end of the year, the people said.

European benchmark gas prices settled 6.1% lower at 33.08 a megawatt-hour, the lowest since late July. Earlier in the day, they slumped as much as 9.1% after a media report about a possible deal.

The end to the transit deal in its current form is almost inevitable. Some European government and company officials have in recent months been seeking alternative ways to keep the gas flowing, including buying from Azerbaijan or Turkey. Kyiv wants to cut Moscow off from the billions it gets from sales to Europe but doesnt want to forfeit its estimated $800 million a year in transit fees.

Europe has tried to wean itself off Russian gas since supplies were cut following the invasion of Ukraine. Several eastern states continue to receive it through a pipeline that crosses Ukraine. That agreement ends this year, potentially cutting off countries such as Austria and Slovakia from about 15 billion cubic meters of supply.

Read: IEA Anticipates End of Russian Gas Flows Via Ukraine

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in July said a deal to replace Russian gas with Azeri supplies was one of the proposals being discussed. However, Azerbaijans gas production is insufficient as a full substitute. That means a swap using Russian gas could be an option.

A swap where Azerbaijan might take Russian gas for itself and instead export its domestic gas volumes to the EU appears most likely in our view, Adnan Dhanani, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said in a note Thursday.

Output from the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic, the main gas producer, is forecast to rise in 2025 but domestic consumption will soak up much of that increase, consultants Energy Aspects Ltd. said, leaving a small amount for exports. There is also limited spare capacity on Turkeys pipeline with Azerbaijan.

There is little way to reroute Russian supply to avoid Ukraine, Energy Aspects analysts wrote in a note in July. An easier option might be a GazpromSocar financial swap, but this effective re-labeling of Russian gas is likely to face opposition from both Ukraine and European leaders.

For Russias part, President Vladimir Putin said hes ready to keep supplying gas to Europe but has alternative export routes via Turkey if a deal cant be found.

--With assistance from Elena Mazneva and Anna Shiryaevskaya.

(Updates with gas prices in fourth paragraph, analyst comment in eighth.)

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Key developments on Sept. 19:

Russian attack on retirement home in Sumy kills at least 1, injures 14

Russia redeploys 40,000 troops to Kursk Oblast as Kyiv's incursion continues, Zelensky says

European Parliament backs Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, Taurus missiles delivery

Russia mining dams in Belgorod Oblast, Ukraine's military claims

Germany delivers over 20 Leopard 1 tanks, Gepard anti-aircraft guns, other aid to Ukraine

Russian forces attacked a retirement home in the city of Sumy with a guided aerial bomb on Sept. 19, killing one person and injuring at least 14 others, regional officials said.

A total of 221 elderly people lived in the retirement home, according to Kalchenko.

The attack partially destroyed two floors of the building, the Interior Ministry said. There are no people trapped under the rubble.

A total of 147 people have been evacuated.

Rescue workers respond at the site of a Russian aerial bombing of a city's retirement home on Sept. 19, 2024 in Sumy, Ukraine. (Eugene Abrasimov/Suspilne Ukraine via Getty Images)

"People are being moved to new prepared places. They need medical and psychological assistance," Governor Volodymyr Artiukh said on national television.

"It (the attack) happened in the afternoon. People were having lunch or resting and were shocked."

Russia has intensified its attacks on bordering Sumy Oblast, which the military considers to be a response to Kyiv's success in the Kursk operation that was launched in early August. Ukrainian authorities are planning to evacuate a total of 45,000 residents from the region.

Russia redeploys 40,000 troops to Kursk Oblast as Kyiv's incursion continues, Zelensky says

Moscow has moved about 40,000 Russian soldiers to embattled Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Sept. 19.

Ukraine launched its cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast in early August, claiming to have seized around 100 settlements and over 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles).

Zelensky's latest figure of Russian soldiers redeployed to Kursk Oblast is lower than the one announced in early September, where he put their number at 60,000.

"We have also replenished our exchange fund," Zelensky said.

"All of this is important and affects the general situation in the war."

Ukraine's president said that Ukrainian soldiers managed to scale down Russia's "assault potential" in Donetsk Oblast, but described the situation as "extremely difficult." Fierce fighting is ongoing in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors.

Read also: They attack with quantity: With Ukrainian soldiers desperately defending Pokrovsk

European Parliament backs Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, Taurus missiles delivery

The European Parliament passed a resolution on Sept. 19 calling for EU member states to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons inside Russia and accelerate weapons deliveries, "including Taurus missiles."

While Kyiv has received long-range missiles from partners like the U.S., the U.K., and France, Ukrainian forces are restricted from using the weapons to hit deep inside Russian territory.

Germany has held back entirely on delivering long-range Taurus missiles, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz repeatedly citing a fear of escalation.

"Without lifting current restrictions, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defense and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure," the European Parliament's resolution said.

The text also called for member states "to accelerate the delivery of weapons, air defense systems, and ammunition, including Taurus missiles."

The resolution additionally called for EU states to "maintain and extend the Councils sanctions policy against Russia, Belarus, and non-EU countries and entities providing Russia with military and dual-use technologies."

The motion was passed with 425 votes in favor, 131 against, and 63 abstentions.

Read also: Its personal  Why Germany still refuses to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

Russia mining dams in Belgorod Oblast, Ukraine's military claims

Russia is placing explosives at dams in its own Belgorod Oblast, possibly to stage provocations and accuse Ukraine of causing environmental damage, a spokesperson of Ukraine's Kharkiv group of forces said on Sept. 19.

Belgorod, lying only some 25 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, is one of the Russian cities most directly impacted by Moscow's war against Ukraine.

The city has come under numerous strikes, and ground clashes have taken place in Belgorod Oblast, most recently as part of Ukraine's cross-border incursions ongoing since early August.

Military spokesperson Vitalii Sarantsev said that Russia is not only fortifying the Belgorod area but also mining dams, a move that can serve various purposes in the future.

"If the situation changes dramatically, Russia may blow up the dams to slow the advance of Ukrainian forces," Sarantsev suggested.

"We can also assume that Russia is preparing provocations at the dams to blame Ukraine for environmental and humanitarian consequences." This can be used to mobilize the population and divert attention from internal problems, he added.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Sarantsev did not mention any specific dams in the statement quoted by the Kharkiv group of forces. In Belgorod Oblast, there are 1,100 ponds and four artificial water reservoirs, including the Belgorod reservoir south of the city, covering an area of over 2,500 square kilometers (960 square miles).

Read also: Ukraines victory delayed by Wests fears of Russian defeat, Canadian-Ukrainian lawyer turned soldier says

Germany delivers over 20 Leopard 1 tanks, Gepard anti-aircraft guns, other aid to Ukraine

Berlin has handed over 22 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, 61,000 155 mm rounds of ammunition, three Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns with spare parts, and other equipment in its latest delivery of military aid to Ukraine, the German government said on Sept. 19.

The tranche also included five Bandvagn 206 all-terrain vehicles, two air surveillance TRML-4D radars, and an all-terrain tracked carrier Warthog, as well as 112 vehicles from Bundeswehr and industry stocks.

Ukraine received 30 Vector drones, 20 Heidrun RQ-35 reconnaissance drones, 12 Songbird drones, six Hornet XR drones, and 20 naval drones.

Berlin further delivered three Beaver bridge-laying tanks with spare parts, a Dachs armored engineer vehicle with spare parts, and six Wisent 1 mine-clearing tanks.

The 22 Leopard 1 A5 tanks with spare parts were delivered under a joint initiative with Denmark.

Read also: EU aims to cover 25% of Ukraines energy needs in winter, von der Leyen says ahead of Kyiv visit

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's air defence forces down all Shahed drones and aviation missile

Ukraines air defence has intercepted 42 Shahed attack drones and a Kh-59/69 air-to-surface missile on the night of 18-19 September.

Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram

Quote: "The occupiers struck Kharkiv Oblast with three S-300/S-400 missiles from Belgorod Oblast, one Kh-59/69 guided missile from the airspace of [the] temporarily occupied [territories of] Zaporizhzhia Oblast and 42 Shahed attack drones (launch areas: Russias Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Kursk)."

Details: Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile troops, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units of Ukraines defence forces were involved in repelling the attack. As a result of the combat efforts, all 42 attack drones were destroyed.

In addition, the Kh-59/69 missile was intercepted on the eastern front.

Air defence was responding in Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts.

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On Thursday, 19 September, Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that compromises on the territorial status of Crimea are unacceptable. This comes after Radosaw Sikorski, the Polish Foreign Minister, proposed holding a referendum there under certain conditions.

Source: European Pravda

Details: The foreign ministry stressed that the territorial integrity of Ukraine "has never been and cannot be a subject for discussion or compromise", and this is supported by both the Ukrainian Armed Forces, partners and international law.

Quote: "Crimea is the centre of gravity of Europe's security architecture. Its full recovery is possible only after complete liberation of the entire territory of Ukraine, including the Ukrainian peninsula," the statement said.

The ministry expressed its expectation of support from partners to force Russia to withdraw from Crimea and bring it to justice for violations of international law and crimes committed.

"All efforts should be aimed at achieving these goals as soon as possible and not satisfying, in one way or another, the Kremlin's appetites at the expense of the interests of Ukraine and international law," the foreign ministry stated.

The foreign ministry did not explain why it voiced this message, although it came after Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski's proposal for resolving the status of Crimea was circulated by Ukrainian media.

According to Sikorski, Russia and Ukraine will be unable to reach an agreement on the status of Crimea, but "we could put it under a UN mandate with a mission to prepare a fair referendum after verifying who the legal residents are and so on... And we could postpone it for 20 years."

The international community, including Poland, does not recognise Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Sikorski himself confirmed this position in February of this year.

The Council of the European Union adopted a decision on 17 June to extend the sanctions imposed by the EU in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation until 23 June next year.

In June, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued its verdict on the merits in the first interstate case, Ukraine v. Russia (re Crimea), recognising the systemic violations of human rights committed by the Russians in occupied Crimea.

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The film Russians at War by Russian director Anastasia Trofimova, which caused widespread protests in Ukrainian society, is to be shown at the Zurich Film Festival. This decision was condemned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Details: Foreign Ministry, cited by European Pravda

Details: The Ukrainian authority expressed their outrage over the plans of the Zurich Film Festival to include the Russians at War in its programme. The ministry condemned attempts to give Russia the floor in terms of art.

"We strongly condemn any attempts to give Russia the floor in terms of art in order to whitewash its war crimes, while Russian troops continue to commit atrocities against Ukrainians," the Foreign Ministry said.

Background:

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) earlier set a new date for the presentation of the controversial film Russians at War by a Russian director after cancelling the first screenings amid a barrage of criticism.

In response, the Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto, Oleh Nikolenko, expressed his outrage at the decision of the organisers of the TIFF to screen the scandalous film.

The film Russians at War was screened on 5 September at the Venice International Film Festival. The director stated that she spent seven months with a Russian battalion fighting in Ukraine, and it was a shock for her to see that they were "absolutely ordinary guys with families and a sense of humour".

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Ukraine's General Staff does not expect men of military age to return from abroad  Ukrainian MP

Serhii Rakhmanin, MP from the Voice (Holos) party believes that the return of Ukrainians liable for military service from abroad is highly unlikely, as most of those who wanted to defend the country have already arrived, and the rest will try to avoid mobilisation.

Source: Serhii Rakhmanin, member of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda

Details: Rakhmanin noted that the issue of returning conscripts is complicated due to international agreements to which Ukraine has adhered, and without the willingness of relevant countries to meet Kyiv halfway, it will be extremely difficult to solve the problem.

Quote: "Frankly speaking, I have spoken to representatives of the General Staff, and they do not really count on these people. They don't believe that they will be able to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, even if a political decision is made. I think that today it is more talk than a realistic prospect.

Everyone who wants to defend Ukraine has already come from abroad. Those who have not come and will not come  they will find an opportunity to evade it."

Details: He also noted that it may be worth focusing on communicating with this group of citizens through the diaspora, diplomats and foreign politicians who support Ukraine, although Rakhmanin himself is somewhat sceptical.

Background:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned to the authorities of Western states Ukrainians fled to with a request to send men of military age back to Ukraine but they did not agree.

In early August, the Ministry of Defence reported that about 88,000 people liable for military service had updated their military records abroad.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, about 5 million Ukrainians remain refugees in Western countries.

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Investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine. Photo provided by a source of Ukrainska Pravda

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has served a clergyman of a monastery in Kyiv, which is part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), with a notice of suspicion. The reason is that the cleric justified Russias war against Ukraine.

Source: press service of the SSU; a source of Ukrainska Pravda in law enforcement

Archimandrite Volodymyr

Photo provided by the source of Ukrainska Pravda

Details: The name of the person of interest was not mentioned in the statement of the SSU; however, sources of Ukrainska Pravda report that it is Archimandrite Volodymyr (Oleksii Rakk) of the St. Vvedensky (Presentation of Mary  ed.) Monastery of the UOC-MP where the SSU conducted searches on 18 September.

The investigation reports that the clergyman, aged 39, justified the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on social media and spread fake news about the social and political situation in Ukraine.

Based on collected evidence, the investigators of the SSU served the archimandrite with a notice of suspicion of justifying, recognizing as lawful and denying Russian armed aggression against Ukraine and the glorification of its participants

Russian roubles confiscated from the clergyman

Photo: the Security Service of Ukraine

Quote from the SSU: "The investigation of all the circumstances of the crime is ongoing. The sanction of the Article of the Criminal Code of Ukraine of which [the clergyman] is being accused of provides for the punishment of five years of imprisonment with confiscation of property."

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Daniel Bilak is a Canadian-Ukrainian lawyer living in Ukraine for decades, taking on critical roles in what has been a rollercoaster career amidst Ukraine's fight to prosper while defending its freedom.

He has played a big role in attracting investment into the country, first as a lawyer and later, from 2016 to 2019, as chief investment advisor to Ukraine's prime minister and head of the government's UkraineInvest agency.

After Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022, Bilak joined Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces and is now part of a unit that protects Kyiv's skies from Russian drones and missiles.

As a partner at the Kyiv offices of Kinstellar, Bilak simultaneously continues work as a lawyer.

Kinstellar has advised German defense industry giant Rheinmetall on forging a cooperation agreement with Ukraine's state-owned arms concern Ukroboronprom that involves joint maintenance of military equipment provided by Germany, as well as the future "transfer of technology, (and) joint production of selected Rheinmetall products in Ukraine."

While still Ukraine's defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov issued an award to Bilak recognizing his work "For Support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

The Kyiv Independent interviewed Bilak, asking the lawyer-turned-soldier about how the West sees Ukraine, why it takes so much time to receive the required arms and military technology, and how safe it is for companies, including military ones, to invest in Ukraine.

The Kyiv Independent: There are discussions in the West that people are getting tired of helping Ukraine. What would you say to those who feel this way?

Daniel Bilak: These people who say they're tired of Ukraine have never faced an enemy like the one that we are facing. The gruesome brutality of a genocidal colonial empire is an awesome thing to behold.

It's absolutely astounding that we have held them off. We've been supported by our allies, but not enough. And this is the biggest problem that the West and democracies have  understanding that Ukraine is at the epicenter of global change, but also the epicenter of global security.

What happens here is going to determine what happens in other places, in the Middle East, in Taiwan, in Southeast Asia, and in Africa. Because if we have dictators running around unhinged, unfettered, and completely without any sort of accountability for their actions  we will see the end of the international world order.

We're repeating all of that, this soft appeasement. I mean, the Poles of all people, the Latvians, the Romanians are afraid to shoot down Russian Shahed (Iranian drones provided to Russia) that invade their airspace.

(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's great strategic victory to this point has been getting inside the heads of U.S. President Joe Biden and Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz, especially. There are others that he has forced to self-deter.

For six months, we basically held them off by ourselves at enormous cost when the Americans and our other allies were not funding us. We were begging for anti-missile systems to at least close the skies over Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, which were being just pulverized. Seven Patriot missile systems we asked for out of a hundred that are in Europe, and nobody gave us anything.

The burning 12-story residential building hit by Russian forces on Aug. 30, 2024, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. (Governor Oleh Syniehubov/Telegram)

The Kyiv Independent: How do you explain that?

Daniel Bilak: The West is really playing with fire in not understanding that its own security, especially the security of the European continent, runs through Ukraine. And unless you stand up to dictators, they will always double down.

Putin has gotten inside their heads. He's got all these red lines, and everybody's afraid to cross. I mean, this is a guy who hid inside a bunker for two years because he was afraid of a virus. It's highly unlikely that he's going to launch a nuclear war.

In fact, the heads of the CIA and British MI5 basically said the other day in an interview that he's just gaming us, and he's making the Americans and the Germans especially self-deter.

It's not just that they're afraid of Putin. They're afraid of the consequences of what happens if Russia loses. They are afraid of us winning.

They know we can win this war and defeat the Russians.

We drove them out of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Had our allies not stopped us, we probably could have won this war by the spring of 2023. But this fear of what happens if Russia loses is basically creating a situation where they're holding us on a tight leash.

It is morally repugnant to have a policy that says we will not allow the Ukrainians to defend themselves by giving them long-range weapons to hit Russian targets inside Russia that are killing Ukrainian citizens.

"It is morally repugnant to have a policy that says we will not allow the Ukrainians to defend themselves."

And that is something that the leaders of our allies are going to have to be held accountable for. And there's no reason for it because of this great fear of some sort of escalation. We crossed all of Putin's red lines, from HIMARS to battle tanks, to the Black Sea, to other systems.

And now we crossed the ultimate red line, which was invading Russia in Kursk. And what was Putin's response?

By invading Kursk, by invading Russia, Ukraine has shown that all of these red lines don't mean anything.

Read also: ATACMS restrictions subject of intense consultations between Ukraine and allies, Sullivan says

The Kyiv Independent: Why don't they want Ukraine to win?

Daniel Bilak: Because they're afraid of Russia losing. They're afraid of the consequences in case Russia collapses.

This is the same thing that happened in 1991 when George H. W. Bush came to Kyiv and gave his so-called 'chicken Kyiv' speech to warn Ukrainians against suicidal nationalism.

'Don't leave the Soviet Union,' because they were worried about what would happen to the nuclear weapons. Well, in the end, everything worked out. We actually gave up the nuclear weapons that were on our territory and let the Russians keep theirs, and now we have the situation that we're actually paying for that decision.

The Kyiv Independent: Is it safe to invest in Ukraine now?

Daniel Bilak: Our firm, Kinstellar, works (on this) very, very deeply  the most immediate trend is investing in the defense sector. And that includes large prime contractors, as they're called. These are global giants  Rheinmetall, KNDS, Babcock, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, all of whom are looking to invest in Ukraine. As well as the military technology sector, which is involved, especially in the drone space.

It's very hard for me to even convey what a seismic shift this is in the economy and for the military.

When I was at UkraineInvest, I was trying to hive off Antonov from Ukroboronprom, which is now called Ukrainian Defense Industries. It wasn't even a company  the government called it a defense concern, and it had hundreds, if not thousands of companies under it. It was a monopolist.

All of that has now changed. And a lot of these big companies are coming into Ukraine now for the first time  nobody was ever allowed in before. But now they're coming in with their investments, their technology, their know-how. And they are doing joint ventures with state-owned enterprises to build a Ukrainian, dynamic economic hub.

It's easier to do defense manufacturing now in Ukraine than in almost any other place in Europe, because we have a very big need for that.

Then you have the other side, which is drones. We are advancing technologically.

Some British companies told me we're 30 years ahead of them because our technologies go through iterations and generational changes every three months instead of every three years. And nobody can keep up with this pace of change.

And so there are ways for Ukrainian drone companies and drone companies abroad to work together because they need access to our technologies, and we need access to some of their technologies and to their components. We want to swap out the Chinese components and use British, or U.S., or German  or from other countries.

Photo for illustrative purposes. A Ukrainian air intelligence soldier carries a drone in the direction of Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 10, 2024. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)

We will become a really essential part of the global supply chains of these military giants down the road.

Once the war ends, we will continue to produce military goods, but we will have lots of other things to do. The construction and infrastructure sector is going to be a massive undertaking. We have whole cities to rebuild.

Energy sector is also part of it, but we are not going to go back to building massive Soviet hydroelectric or nuclear plants. We may move to small mobile nuclear reactors, or to something smaller for district heating operations. We can't make these (military) targets of big plants anymore.

So the national security aspects are going to become part of the design of the economic aspect of rebuilding Ukraine.

Read also: Russian POWs on their capture in Kursk Oblast: Commanders just disappeared

The Kyiv Independent: Let's talk about the Russian narratives that are spread about Ukraine abroad. Do you think that Ukraine succeeded in messaging to the West about the Russian war against Ukraine? What can be improved? What should change?

Daniel Bilak: Russia has been doing disinformation for many years.

It is very complicated for Ukrainians to get their message out. I was trying to do that when I was at UkraineInvest, but you have to have people willing to listen.

And unfortunately, Russia has 'useful idiots' in the media in the West, or paid agents. These echo chambers have a positive view of Russia and a negative view of Ukraine. And it's very difficult to break that.

I think the war started doing that, but we still see the reporting in many Western newspapers as being sort of slanted towards 'Russia's so much bigger and it's so much stronger.' And none of that has any basis in reality on the ground, but it's a matter of the perceptions. And once those public perceptions are formed and they're in the heads of policymakers, media, and the general public, it's really hard to break.

There has been some great reporting in the United States and in other countries about what's happening in Ukraine and how resilient we are.

Russia's preparing for a war with NATO. And I think that NATO countries are starting to understand that. The chiefs of the defense staff of many NATO countries have spoken about this. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talked about this.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his speech at the meeting in Zaryadye Hall, marking the City Day in Moscow, Russia Sep. 7, 2024. (Contributor/Getty Images)

Everybody knows that within 3, or 5, or 7 years, there could be a major war with Russia if the Ukraine issue isn't solved. And Russia knows it's not ready to fight NATO militarily.

So what it's trying to do is undermine the faith of people, of citizens in democratic countries, in the legitimacy of their institutions  that there is no truth, that there is nothing you can really do. (Russia is) creating fake websites and NGOs that then fund extremist groups.

It's a very, very sophisticated disinformation campaign, plus sabotage.

The only way you can deal with it is, to tell the truth, but you need influencers to tell the truth or to point out the facts, just as the United States did with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is still doing with other Russia plans to create false flag operations.

The Kyiv Independent: If there's one Russian narrative that is the most dangerous at the moment that has been spread around, what is it?

Daniel Bilak: The Russian idea that Ukraine has no hope of winning, and the West should stop supporting it because it's a waste of time. 'Get them to the table and capitulate.'

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Ukraines drone attacks on Russian oil refineries are trying to achieve what Western sanctions couldnt: grinding down what fuels Russias war machine and the backbone of its economy in an echo of the Allies' oil bombing campaign on German assets in World War II.

Since the start of the year, Ukrainian drones have hit around 33 oil assets, mostly refineries, in Russia, OSINT group Liveuamap told the Kyiv Independent. Although Kyiv has not confirmed the exact number, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in June that over 30 oil targets have been hit, some in regions bordering Ukraine near Russian military staging areas and others as deep as 1,500 kilometers into Russia.

Oil refineries, which turn crude oil into products like gasoline and diesel, are the Kremlins cash cow. Just last month, Russia earned an estimated $520 million per day from crude exports and oil product sea exports, according to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

An infographic showing the locations of Ukraine's attack on Russian oil assets in 2024. (Lisa Kukharska / The Kyiv Independent)

The viral videos of drones slamming into refineries have boosted morale in Ukraine and undermined the Kremlin. However, the tangible impact may not be as great as Ukraine initially hoped. While oil companies have likely spent tens of millions of dollars repairing facilities, its a drop in the ocean compared to their multibillion-dollar turnover.

While Ukraines campaign has significantly diminished the volume of Russias oil refining, this has not had a strategic effect on Russia, a Western official told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.

"These strikes are primarily aimed at fuel refining installations that are supporting Russian front-line forces rather than the economy as a whole.

Ukrainian drones can fly greater distances than ever before, putting over half of Russias total refining capability in the firing line, which totals around 3.7 million barrels per day, according to a report from the U.K.-based Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES).

Russia claims the strikes make little difference, saying last week that it has improved its air defense. However, the oil sector has classified its production and output data, hinting that the situation could be worse than they are letting on, according to Talya Vatman, Russia, Caspian, and Black Sea Programme Manager at the International Energy Agency (IEA).

While all statements from Russian oil companies and the Kremlin are in lockstep, saying that there is no impact, this decision looks like a strategic one that could imply that production has been hit, she told the Kyiv Independent.

According to Vatman, the strike on Sept. 1 at Gazprom Nefts Moscow oil refinery will significantly impede its production capability after a blaze at the Euro+ refining unit forced operations to shut down.

While the campaign has not altered global prices for oil products, Vatman said the attacks could bruise the reliability of Russian oil product imports. In response, traders may turn away from Russia and look for alternative, more stable sources.

Russias flammable fuel industry rattled but not burned out

But traders that continue to import cheap Russian crude and oil products are likely not afraid of the volatility and risks, according to Sergey Vakulenko, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center and former head of strategy and innovations at Gazprom Neft.

He noted that the effects of the attacks were strongest following a heavy drone campaign by Ukraine in March that targeted 14 refineries. Gasoline production dropped from 850,000 metric tons per month to 770,000 metric tons in April and May, according to CREA. By July, Russia's oil refining had reduced by around 17%, a NATO official told reporters.

Russia has since bounced back from the March attacks and sea exports have steadily risen since May. They are still below the levels in the first four months of the year, likely due to OPEC+ restrictions in summer and an extended government ban on gasoline exports until the end of the year.

This measure has been taken in the past when the domestic gasoline supply-demand balance has been very tight, and authorities are worried about prices on the domestic market going up," Vatman said.

An infographics of Russian's oil export revenue. (Lisa Kukharska / The Kyiv Independent)

While sea export volumes have improved, their revenues dropped by 7% month-on-month in August, according to CREA. But the declining revenues are less likely to do with the attacks and more down to sliding global oil prices, according to Vakulenko.

Ultimately, Russias oil sector is too big to feel a substantial impact from drone attacks, Vakulenko wrote in a Carnegie report. While drones are cost-effective, they can only carry payloads between 550 kilograms; enough to impair sensitive parts of the refineries, like distillation towers, but not enough to wipe it out completely.

The situation could change if the West allows Ukraine to use Western-made long-range missiles on Russian territory. Missiles can carry hundreds of kilograms of explosives, inflicting far more damage, Vakulenko said. Although they are unlikely to be able to destroy multiple oil refinery installations at once, he added.

Read also: Russia struggles to control finances as Ukraine invasion spending soars

Moreover, missiles are pricey, with each one costing over $1 million, and Ukraine is unlikely to use them on assets like oil refineries as it could also be politically problematic with the West, Sascha Bruchmann, a visiting fellow at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS), told the Kyiv Independent.

But missiles could wreck Russias air defense systems, forcing Russia to relocate the remaining systems away from oil assets and closer to the frontline, he added. This may pave the wave for fleets of drones with higher payloads to penetrate Russias airspace undetected, he said.

Missiles and drones reinforce each other and give commanders more flexibility, he said.

So far, the attacks have largely concentrated on oil refining rather than exploration and production assets. Ukrainian drones have also hit Russias electricity infrastructure, which could also be a target for long-range missiles to cut off Russias military and defense industries.

Even if Ukraine manages to take out all the refineries within its reach, Vakulenko says Russia can still cover its military, domestic, and economic needs and could turn to neighboring Belarus to recuperate the losses.

Photo for illustrative purposes. The Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez oil refinery, operated by OAO Lukoil, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on Dec. 4, 2014. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

This does not mean Russias oil industry is in the clear. Western embargos are beginning to bite, leading to longer export distances and higher transport costs for Russian companies which depletes their profits and subsequently taxes for Russias state budget, Petras Katinas, Energy Analyst at CREA, told the Kyiv Independent.

Sanctions are also hindering Russian oil companies' ability to modernize and update their IT systems, which rely on Western technologies. Companies could face operational difficulties and lower inefficiency without access to replacements or updates, causing disruptions in refining and production capabilities, Katinas predicts.

Moscow is also battling with oil companies that are surreptitiously seeking higher profits, Katinas claims. Certain companies are buying gasoline at lower domestic rates and reselling it abroad for more, driving up domestic demand and prices.

Prioritizing premium markets, like China, India, and Turkey, gives higher returns to companies but undermines the governments strategy to balance domestic needs with international market pressures, Katinas said.

While a complete collapse of the Russian oil sector is unlikely in the short term, it does face substantial risks and challenges that could lead to long-term decline, he added.

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The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) of Ukraine has put Andrii Odarchenko, MP from the Servant of the People (Sluha Narodu) party, on the national and international wanted lists, as he is accused of attempting to bribe the management of the country's Ministry of Reconstruction. Earlier it was reported that Odarchenko had fled abroad.

Source: the HACC session on 19 September

Quote: "The court ruled that the request of the prosecutor to put the accused Odarchenko on the national and international wanted list shall be granted.

The accused Andrii Odarchenko, born on 2 November 1978, a native of Kharkiv, shall be put on the national and international wanted list."

Details: The judge emphasised that the decision comes into force from the moment it is announced and is therefore not subject to appeal.

The Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reiterated that on 18 September Odarchenko did not appear in court and did not inform either the court or the prosecutor of the reasons for his absence. The MP was scheduled to be questioned in court on that date.

The defence of the accused also failed to inform the court about the whereabouts of their client, stating that there was no contact with him at the moment.

The court will consider the prosecutor's motion to forfeit the bail paid by Odarchenko to the state and change the measure of restraint to a stricter one on 23 September.

Background:

On 21 November 2023, Andrii Odarchenko was served with a notice of suspicion by SAPO and NABU for attempting to bribe Mustafa Naiiem, Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development.

The MP wanted funding for repairs at a university where he was chancellor (his contract has been suspended) to be allocated from the Fund for Elimination of Consequences of Armed Aggression.

In November 2023, the court imposed on the MP a preventive measure in the form of detention with an alternative of UAH 15 million (US$360,000) bail.

Odarchenko made the bail. He was also imposed with the relevant procedural obligations, including giving up his passports for travelling abroad and wearing an electronic monitoring device.

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The Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) has dismissed MP Mariana Bezuhla from the post of Deputy Head of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence.

Source: MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak on Telegram; Bezuhla on Facebook

Quote from Zhelezniak: "The parliament dismissed Mariana Bezuhla from the post of deputy [chairman] of the Defence Committee and even a member of the committee. There were 252 votes in favour of this decision."

Details: He also said that the MP "was transferred to the [Parliamentary] Committee on Foreign Policy".

Bezuhla said she had worked in the National Security, Defence and Intelligence Committee for 5 years and that "more than half of the bills adopted by the Committee" were her ideas.

She also stated that she had decided to move to the Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation in order to "expand activities" and "show the truth to everyone ".

"Our entrenched, corrupt military 'soviet-style' system cannot be overcome without real development of cooperation with partners. Besides their internal political squabbles, there are several objective reasons why our aid is being so carefully rationed: the military system is not trusted...

It is impossible to manage this purely through internal forces  not just due to a lack of weapons, but also due to the inability to rebuild the system. So I will show the truth to everyone: to partners, to the world, to those who help us, and I will ask for help," the MP said.

Judging by her post, Bezuhla plans to focus on "reform in the special services," in particular, the Security Service of Ukraine; changes in the military justice system based on international experience, as well as "a number of fundamental issues that need to be resolved within the framework of international cooperation".

"I dedicate every moment of my life to the struggle, and now this struggle will not only continue but will also take on an international dimension. Additionally, all my posts will now have an English version... P.S. I retain my security clearance and access to state secrets, of course," the MP stressed.

Background:

On 5 January 2024, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence recommended that MP Mariana Bezuhla be removed from her position as Deputy Chair of the Committee.

On 10 January, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk ended the parliamentary session early after a group of MPs blocked the rostrum demanding that the issue of Bezuhla's dismissal be put on the agenda. He stated that Bezuhla would be dismissed from her position as deputy head of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence only after a decision by the conciliation board of parliamentary factions and groups.

On 5 July, MP Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, said he would file a complaint against Bezuhla with the State Bureau of Investigation, as he believed she had disclosed information from a closed meeting of the committee.

On 17 July, Bezuhla resigned from the Servant of the People faction.

On 17 September, the MP submitted a letter of resignation from her position as deputy chair of the Defence Committee and asked to be transferred to the Foreign Policy Committee.

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Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, voted on Sept. 19 to rename 327 settlements that had names related to the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union.

Ukraine's parliament outlawed most Soviet and communist symbols, street names, and monuments as part of a decommunization process in 2015, and many cities, which had received new names under the Soviet authorities, were renamed to reflect their Ukrainian identity.

President Volodymyr Zelensky then signed a law in April 2023 that banned naming geographic sites in Ukraine after Russian figures or historical events in response to the Russian invasion.

Lawmaker Roman Lozynskyi described the decision as "truly historic" and "what should have been done 33 years ago," when Ukraine gained its independence.

"Names imposed on us by Moscow over the centuries will finally be sent to the dustbin of history."

"Towns and villages will return to their historical names, or receive new ones proposed by local councils," Lozynskyi said.

The cities to be renamed include Chervonohrad in Lviv Oblast. The city, whose name refers to the color red, was called Khrystynopil until it was renamed by the Soviet authorities in 1951.

Read also: No Country for Love examines the cost of survival for Ukrainians in past wars

The new name, Sheptytskyi, was the name of a Ukrainian bishop from the region.

The village of Krasnohrad in Kharkiv Oblast, whose name also refers to the Russian word for the color red, will be renamed Berestyn, after the nearby river of Berestova.

The city of Druzhba in Sumy Oblast has had the name Khutir Mykhailivskyi restored. This was the city's original name before it was changed to Druzhba, meaning Friendship, by the Soviet authorities in 1962.

The start of the full-scale invasion the city regularly comes under attack due to its location just a few kilometers from the border with Russia.

Novomoskovsk, a city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, has been renamed Samar, which refers to the original name of the local Cossack settlement, which was renamed after Moscow in 1794.

According to Lozynskyi, the Verkhovna Rada still needs to make a decision on the naming of another 200 settlements across Ukraine.

Read also: Who were the Ukrainian Cossacks?

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Ukrainian Parliamentary defence committee says no demobilisation will occur until war is over

There will be no demobilisation of military personnel until the war and martial law are over, says Serhii Rakhmanin, a Ukrainian MP and member of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence.

Source: Rakhmanin in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda

Quote from Rakhmanin: "There can be no demobilisation by definition until martial law is lifted and the war ends one way or another. There is a presidential decree on mobilisation. The moment the decree on demobilisation is issued, all those mobilised will be discharged into the reserve."

Details: He clarified the statement made by his faction colleague Roman Kostenko regarding possible demobilisation. According to Rakhmanin, he meant "dismissal from military service".

"For example, if you have certain health problems or certain family circumstances. The idea was to expand the category of these people to include those who had served a certain number of months," he explained.

Rakhmanin recalled that during the discussion of the mobilisation law, he proposed discharging from military service, even during martial law, those citizens who were drafted during mobilisation and had served for at least 24 months, including 18 months directly in combat zones, in accordance with combat directives and orders.

Nevertheless, the MP noted that the General Staff believes that "since the end date of the hostilities is unknown and the scale of the hostilities is unlikely to change, they remain opposed to the early discharge of citizens from military service."

Background:

In June, Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence from the Holos (Voice) faction, told Ukrainska Pravda that Ukraine's General Staff was satisfied with the current pace of mobilisation. Should this pace remain unchanged by the end of the summer, a draft law on demobilisation may be presented to parliament.

In July, when asked about the potential consideration of a draft law on demobilisation, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, referenced the Central Rada as an example and emphasised that demobilisation is not undertaken during wartime.

The Central Rada was a Ukrainian national parliament that existed from 1917 to 1918, serving as the governing body of the Ukrainian People's Republic during a crucial period of Ukrainian history. It adopted a law on demobilisation despite the challenging military situation of the time, which proved to be an unwise strategy.

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Palestinian and other diplomats celebrated after the resolution was passed by 124 votes to 14, with 43 abstentions [Getty Images]

The UN General Assembly has adopted a Palestinian-drafted, non-binding resolution demanding Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months.

There were 124 votes in favour and 14 against, including Israel, along with 43 abstentions. As a non-member observer state, Palestine could not vote.

The resolution is based on a July advisory opinion from the UN's highest court that said Israel was occupying the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip against international law.

The Palestinian ambassador called the vote a turning point in our struggle for freedom and justice. But his Israeli counterpart denounced it as diplomatic terrorism.

Although the General Assemblys resolutions are not binding, they carry symbolic and political weight given they reflect the positions of all 193 member states of the UN.

It comes after almost a year of war in Gaza, which began when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 others as hostages.

More than 41,110 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

There has also been a spike in violence in the West Bank over the same period, in which the UN says more than 680 Palestinians and 22 Israelis have been killed.

The advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - which was also not legally binding - said a 15-judge panel had found that "Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and that the country was under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence... as rapidly as possible.

The court also said Israel should evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and make reparation for the damage caused to all the natural or legal persons concerned.

Israel has built about 160 settlements housing some 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967. The court said the settlements have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law, which Israel has consistently disputed.

Israel's prime minister said at the time that the court had made a "decision of lies" and insisted that the Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land.

Wednesdays General Assembly resolution welcomed the ICJs declaration.

It demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory... and do so no later than 12 months, and comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law.

The West Bank-based Palestinian Authoritys foreign ministry described its passing as a pivotal and historic moment for the Palestinian cause and international law.

It emphasised that the support of almost two thirds of UN member states reflected a global consensus that the occupation must end and its crimes must cease, and that it reaffirmed the Palestinian peoples inalienable right to self-determination.

Israels foreign ministry called the resolution a distorted decision that is disconnected from reality, encourages terrorism and harms the chances for peace, adding: This is what cynical international politics looks like.

It said the resolution bolsters and strengthens the Hamas terrorist organisation and sends a message that terrorism pays off and yields international resolutions. It also accused the Palestinian Authority of conducting a campaign whose goal is not to resolve the conflict but to harm Israel and vowed to respond.

The US, which voted against the resolution, warned beforehand that the text was one-sided and selectively interprets the substance of the ICJs opinion.

There is no path forward or hope offered through this resolution today. Its adoption will not save Palestinian lives, bring the hostages home, end Israeli settlements, or reinvigorate the peace process, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.

The UKs ambassador, Barbara Woodward, explained that it had abstained not because we do not support the central findings of the ICJ's advisory opinion, but rather because the resolution does not provide sufficient clarity to effectively advance our shared aim of a peace premised on a negotiated two-state solution.
At UN Iran and Europeans to test diplomacy with US election looming

By Parisa Hafezi and John Irish

DUBAI/PARIS (Reuters) - Iranian and European officials will meet at the U.N. General Assembly in New York next week in a test of whether the two sides can find a path back to diplomacy over Iran's nuclear programme, while lowering tensions with Israel and the West.

In his first trip to the West since his election in July, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will land on American soil six weeks before a close Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election that could put former President Donald Trump - a staunch opponent of compromise with Iran - back in office.

Three Iranian officials told Reuters that Pezeshkian, a relative moderate, will deliver a message that "Tehran is open to diplomacy", while emphasizing that Tehran will not bow to pressure.

Iran's leaders hope to see an easing of U.S. sanctions over its nuclear programme. But relations with the West have worsened since the Iranian-backed Hamas militant group attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7 and as Tehran has increased its support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

Overshadowing the General Assembly are explosions this week of pagers and hand-held radios used by the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, raising fears of a wider Israeli-Arab conflict.

It is unclear whether the Europeans and Iranians can find areas for compromise in New York. Iran has accelerated its nuclear programme while limiting the U.N. nuclear watchdog's ability to monitor it.

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3 and the sole European powers to sign on to a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have pushed for a tougher policy to pressure Tehran back to dialogue, fearing that Washington's electoral distractions have emboldened Tehran and left little room for diplomacy.

Pezeshkian may have little room to yield. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, not the president, calls all the shots on Tehran's nuclear and foreign policy.

"Iran's rulers believe that the tense standoff with the West over Iran's nuclear programme should end ... but through negotiations from a position of power not pressure," said an Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Kelsey Davenport, director of non-proliferation policy at the Arms Control Association advocacy group, said substantive talk before the U.S. election were unlikely.

But interim steps, such as Iran receiving some sanctions relief in return for expanding IAEA monitoring of its nuclear facilities, could be possible.

De-escalation is feasible. I think it would benefit both sides, Davenport said.

IRAN SIGNALS WILLINGNESS TO TALK

Khamenei signalled in an August speech a willingness to resume nuclear negotiations. The appointment of Abbas Araqchi as Iran's foreign minister also sent a positive signal - he was one of the key architects to the 2015 accord that limited Iran's ability to enrich uranium in return for a lifting of Western sanctions.

But scepticism remains on both sides over what can be achieved with the U.N. meetings, where Pezeshkian and Araqchi are set to meet European officials.

For the Europeans, who remain party to the nuclear deal abandoned by Trump in 2018, there is a sense that Tehran's leadership will not change course and that a broader accord encompassing the nuclear programme and Iran's geopolitical role is unrealistic for now.

That's particularly true given Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel last April and its alleged transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

"I think we are looking for less for less. You do something on this and we do something on that. If talks resume it will be transactional and not transformational," said one European diplomat.

A second Iranian official said Tehran welcomes "the less for less idea as the circumstances are far uglier than 2015".

The United States, its European allies and Tehran's arch foe Israel accuse Iran of using its nuclear programme as a veil for efforts to try to develop the capability to produce weapons. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

SNAPBACK SANCTIONS

The West has few levers to pressure Tehran amid concerns the next U.S administration, be it led by Trump or current Vice President Kamala Harris, will need time to review policy.

That could leave too little time to put a joint action plan together before October 2025, when U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which enshrined the nuclear deal and provided the power to restore U.N. sanctions, expires.

"That risks taking away our principal tool of pressure on Iran so we have to apply pressure now," said a senior European official.

The E3 have yet to decide if and when to "snap back" sanctions, but for several months have raised the spectre of doing so to try to restore some leverage on Iran before the new U.S president is inaugurated at the end of January.

Highlighting their frustration at the outgoing U.S. Biden administration, the E3 went ahead in June with a resolution rebuking Iran at the U.N. atomic agency despite American reservations that it could exacerbate an already tense geopolitical atmosphere.

European diplomats and a U.S. official have said the Biden administration has tried to keep the Iran file off the president's desk to make room for other priorities.

"With their election approaching, the Americans are not ready for serious negotiations ... However, if necessary, we will initiate contact with the Europeans and will not wait for the U.S.," Araqchi told state television on Sept. 15.

A State Department spokesperson said that the United States is "closely coordinating with the E3 on our approach to Iran, including with regard to Irans concerning nuclear advances."

The 2015 deal is all but dead and the international unity during that deal, when Russia and China stood alongside Western powers, no longer exists.

"Given the tortured history, a future deal is likely more difficult to achieve and less effective in curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions," said Ali Vaez, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.

(Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay in Washington; Editing by Don Durfee and Howard Goller)
The News

The Uncommitted campaign of anti-war Democratic delegates said Thursday that it could not endorse Kamala Harris for president, after spending the weeks since the partys convention trying to get her to oppose further military aid to Israel.

Vice President Harriss unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear statement in support of upholding existing US and international human rights law has made it impossible for us to endorse her, said Abbas Alawieh, the co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, and a delegate from Michigan.

On a call with reporters, Uncommitted organizers said that they would not support Donald Trump or a third-party candidate like Green Party nominee Jill Stein and independent Cornel West. Alawieh said that he would cast a ballot for Harris, while other activists might leave the top of the ballot blank.

Formed during the Democratic primaries, when pro-ceasefire voters marked uncommitted on their ballots instead of Joe Biden, uncommitted activists represented less than 1% of delegates to the DNC in Chicago. They used that event to draw more attention to their cause, demanding that the party let a Palestinian-American speak from the main stage, while convincing hundreds more delegates to endorse an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

But they did not get a speaker in Chicago, and the Harris-Walz campaign did not meet its next demand: A meeting with organizers by September 15.

We urge uncommitted voters to register anti-Trump votes and vote up and down the ballot, said Layla Elabed, another co-founder of the group. Our focus remains on building this anti-war coalition, both inside and outside the Democratic Party.

Davids view

The Harris campaign has walked a narrow line on Gaza, pledging to support Israel while saying that it wants a ceasefire that would allow hostages to be freed.

Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed: Children, mothers, Harris said in last weeks ABC News debate. 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.

But anti-war activists have heard that for nearly a year, and the Uncommitted movement  which, unlike some protesters, wanted to work inside the Democratic Party  says that the administration cant be credibly pro-ceasefire while sending arms to Israel.

That tension was visible at the DNC. One delegate who unfurled a Stop Arming Israel banner during Monday nights programming was whacked by a delegate, holding one of the Biden signs on polls handed out during the presidents speech; the US Council of Muslim Organizations has asked for hate-crime, battery, and personal injury charges to be filed against the delegate who hit her.

Abbas, Elabed, and other organizers kept reaching out to the campaign anyway, warning that crucial 2020 Biden voters, particularly in Michigan, would refuse to support the ticket without a ceasefire. Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American member of Congress, has yet to endorse Biden after voting uncommitted in the February primary.

The Trump campaign and its allies have also tried to widen the gulf between anti-war voters and Democrats. During his last swing through southeast Michigan, Trump met with Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib to lobby for an endorsement; in 2020, Biden won his largely Arab-American city with 84% of the vote.

Notable

In Slate, Josephine Riesman and S.I. Rosenbaum argues that Harris tone may matter as much as her rhetoric and positions, which are largely the same as Bidens: There is reason to believe Harris is trying to signal that she is sympathetic with the cause of Uncommitted or open to their goals.
Uncommitted group declines to endorse Harris, but says it still opposes another Trump presidency

Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and former President Donald Trump (R) | Getty Images

Updated 4:18 p.m. 9/19/24

A pro-Palestinian protest movement within the Democratic Party has declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a statement issued Thursday, Uncommitted National Movement leaders say that with the failure of Harris to meet Palestinian American families in Michigan who lost loved ones to U.S.-supplied bombs in Gaza and to discuss their demands for halting arms to Israel and securing a permanent ceasefire, the group could not offer an endorsement.

Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, is running against GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump.

However, the group said they still oppose a Trump presidency, whose agenda includes plans to accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing, and were not recommending a third-party vote, which they acknowledged could help inadvertently deliver a Trump presidency given our countrys broken electoral college system.

The Uncommitted National Movement conducted a sit-in protest last month outside of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, advocating for a Palestinian American speaker, a request that went unfulfilled. The group had about 30 delegates out of more than 4,500 that helped Harris secure the nomination.

In our assessment, our movements best hope for change lies in growing our anti-war organizing power, and that power would be severely undermined by a Trump administration, said the group. We urge Uncommitted voters to register anti-Trump votes and vote up and down the ballot. Our focus remains on building a broad anti-war coalition both inside and outside the Democratic Party.

In response, Abandon Biden movement, which was stridently opposed to Bidens reelection in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise Hamas attack on Israel, said the Uncommitted groups stance was a half-measure.

Translation: We cant endorse Kamala, even though wed like to, because the community we claim to represent would tear us apart. So instead, were going to publicly state that we dont support her while also not endorsing any alternative, effectively helping her win, said the group, which rebranded itself as Abandon Harris, saying it seeks to rally Muslim-Americans and their allies against the Harris-Walz ticket. This action is a direct response to Kamala Harriss support for the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

One of the uncommitted delegates was Abbas Alawieh, who told the Michigan Advance in July that their ultimate goal is to to see more unity in the Democratic Party, although he stressed that it has to benefit all Democrats, including Palestinian Americans and Arab Americans.

That was echoed in the groups statement Thursday.

Building on the work of Uncommitted, we invite stakeholders in the Democratic Party coalition  progressives, civil rights, labor, racial justice, reproductive rights, climate, immigrant rights, disability justice, people of faith, young people and more-to join us in our campaign to push our Democratic Party leadership to align with the majority of Democratic voters who support the urgent call for a stop to illegal and morally reprehensible weapons transfers through our campaign, Not Another Bomb, both now and in the next administration, stated the group.

The Harris campaign also issued a response.

The Vice President believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans, said campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt. Vice President Harris supports the deals currently on the table for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of hostages. She will continue to meet with leaders from Palestinian, Muslim, Israeli and Jewish communities, as she has throughout her vice presidency.

This story was updated with a statement from the Harris campaign.

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Uncommitted group declines to endorse Harris, but says it still opposes another Trump presidency

Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and former President Donald Trump (R). (Photos by Getty Images)

A pro-Palestinian protest movement within the Democratic Party has declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a statement issued Thursday, Uncommitted National Movement leaders say that with the failure of Harris to meet Palestinian American families in Michigan who lost loved ones to U.S.-supplied bombs in Gaza and to discuss their demands for halting arms to Israel and securing a permanent ceasefire, the group could not offer an endorsement.

Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, is running against GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump.

However, the group said they still oppose a Trump presidency, whose agenda includes plans to accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing, and were not recommending a third-party vote, which they acknowledged could help inadvertently deliver a Trump presidency given our countrys broken electoral college system.

The Uncommitted National Movement conducted a sit-in protest last month outside of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, advocating for a Palestinian American speaker, a request that went unfulfilled. The group had about 30 delegates out of more than 4,500 that helped Harris secure the nomination.

In our assessment, our movements best hope for change lies in growing our anti-war organizing power, and that power would be severely undermined by a Trump administration, said the group. We urge Uncommitted voters to register anti-Trump votes and vote up and down the ballot. Our focus remains on building a broad anti-war coalition both inside and outside the Democratic Party.

In response, the Abandon Biden movement, which was stridently opposed to Bidens reelection in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise Hamas attack on Israel, said the Uncommitted groups stance was a half-measure.

Translation: We cant endorse Kamala, even though wed like to, because the community we claim to represent would tear us apart. So instead, were going to publicly state that we dont support her while also not endorsing any alternative, effectively helping her win, said the group, which rebranded itself as Abandon Harris, saying it seeks to rally Muslim-Americans and their allies against the Harris-Walz ticket. This action is a direct response to Kamala Harriss support for the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

One of the uncommitted delegates was Abbas Alawieh, who told the Michigan Advance in July that their ultimate goal is to to see more unity in the Democratic Party, although he stressed that it has to benefit all Democrats, including Palestinian Americans and Arab Americans.

That was echoed in the groups statement Thursday.

Building on the work of Uncommitted, we invite stakeholders in the Democratic Party coalition  progressives, civil rights, labor, racial justice, reproductive rights, climate, immigrant rights, disability justice, people of faith, young people and more-to join us in our campaign to push our Democratic Party leadership to align with the majority of Democratic voters who support the urgent call for a stop to illegal and morally reprehensible weapons transfers through our campaign, Not Another Bomb, both now and in the next administration, stated the group.

This story was originally published by Michigan Advance. Like Maine Morning Star, Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan J. Demas for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and X.

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The Uncommitted movement, the pro-Palestinian group critical of the Biden administration's handling of the war in Gaza, announced Thursday that it will not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, but also does not recommend a third-party vote in November.

The group made the announcement as Harris campaigns Thursday in Michigan, home to sizable Arab American and Muslim populations that could hold outsized sway this year in the crucial swing state. The movement was founded to push voters to vote "uncommitted" on primary ballots rather than punch a ticket for Biden to register their discontent with his tight support for Israel amid the bloody war in Gaza.

The group said in a statement that "Harris's unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear campaign statement in support of upholding existing U.S. and international human rights law has made it impossible for us to endorse her."

MORE: Israel launches strikes on Hezbollah in wake of device explosions

Still, the group added that it "opposes a Donald Trump presidency, whose agenda includes plans to accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing" and "is not recommending a third-party vote in the Presidential election, especially as third party votes in key swing states could help inadvertently deliver a Trump presidency given our country's broken electoral college system."

"We urge Uncommitted voters to register anti-Trump votes and vote up and down the ballot. Our focus remains on building a broad anti-war coalition both inside and outside the Democratic Party," the group said.

The statement comes before Harris campaigns in Detroit, where she'll both rally with supporters and hold an event with Oprah Winfrey.

PHOTO: Demonstrators protest in support of the Palestinian people outside of Northwestern High School where Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak to union workers, Sept. 2, 2024, in Detroit. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Uncommitted has remained a thorn in the Democratic Party's side since the war in Gaza kicked off last year following Hamas' brutal attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials. The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began.

The group repeatedly criticized Biden, and Uncommitted votes in Democratic primaries raised concerns about cracks in the president's base of support, even before a ruinous June debate tanked his campaign. Uncommitted netted more than 100,000 votes in the primary in Michigan, where Trump won by about 11,000 votes in 2016.

The movement has demanded that Harris meet with Palestinian-American families who have lost family members in Gaza, as well as support an immediate cease-fire (which she has done) and an arms embargo on Israel (which she has said she opposes). Uncommitted activists also waged a sit-in at the Democratic National Convention after the party refused their demand to have a Palestinian speaker make an address.

The Harris campaign has said she will continue to meet with leaders from Palestinian, Muslim, Israeli and Jewish communities.

MORE: 20 more dead, 450 injured as new round of explosions rocks Lebanon: Health officials

Harris, for her part, has sounded a more empathetic tone than Biden about the civilian death toll in Gaza but has insisted on Israel's right to defend itself and refused to make the kind of policy shifts from Biden that the Uncommitted movement sought.

Harris' campaign sounded a similar note in a statement, with a spokesperson vowing that she would "work to earn every vote, unite our country, and to be a President for all Americans" and "will continue working to bring the war in Gaza to an end in a way where Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination."

PHOTO: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a watch party at Cherry Street Pier after the presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Uncommitted organizers have also remained vociferously opposed to Trump, who has bear-hugged Israel and used "Palestinian" as a slur.

The war in Gaza has loomed large in Michigan given its electorate and tight statewide margins.

A super PAC affiliated with Republicans is running ads in Michigan ZIP codes with heavy Muslim or Arab populations highlighting Harris' support for Israel and second gentleman Doug Emhoff's Judaism, a seemingly back-handed attempt to hurt support for the Democratic ticket there. Harris' campaign is also running digital ads targeted to heavily Arab neighborhoods in and around Detroit emphasizing her statement that she "will not be silent about human suffering in Gaza."

MORE: Teamsters union opts to not endorse any presidential candidate

In a sign of how contentious the war has been, critics of the administration's approach to Gaza have been in turn critical of each other.

"Translation: We can't endorse Kamala, even though we'd like to, because the community we claim to represent would tear us apart. So instead, we're going to publicly state that we don't support her while also not endorsing any alternative, effectively helping her win," Abandon Harris, another group that wants the U.S. to take a tougher stance in its relationship with Israel, said in a statement.

PHOTO: Joekul Hara, left, leads pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest in support of the Palestinians who have died in Gaza outside of the Arab American National Museum, Aug. 11, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Still, Michigan Democrats touted Uncommitted's statement, particularly urging against third-party votes, as the best-case scenario for Harris given that the policy shifts they were asking for would have been difficult for the vice president to swallow.

Jim Ananich, the former Democratic state Senate leader in Michigan, dubbed the statement "close to a win."

Josh Hovey, a Michigan communications strategist, added that "the best case would have been a full endorsement because the margin of victory will likely be very close again this year and Harris needs to win this state if she's going to win the Electoral College."

But "this is the second-best scenario and sends a message to Harris that they need her to do more on this issue while also recognizing that her victory is the one that is most likely to result in the U.S. taking a stronger approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis," Hovey added.

Uncommitted movement declines to endorse Harris, but encourages against Trump, third-party votes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Microsoft announced it will provide Microsoft 365 Copilot AI software for up to 68,000 Vodafone employees across multiple countries.

In a statement, Microsoft said Vodafone deployed Copilot to improve productivity, innovation, and efficiency.

The AI will reduce repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on other work.

The deal follows a 190-year partnership between Vodafone and Microsoft signed in January 2024.

Vodafone is using Microsofts genAI to deliver service to customers including powering TOBi, Vodafones online chatbot that speaks 15 different languages.

The telco is also using AI to hyperscale its IoT platform, develop new financial services for businesses, and overhaul its global data centre strategy.

Vodafone will now integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot into most areas of its business, from customer service to product development, network management to sales and marketing.

Microsoft 365 Copilot embeds genAI into Microsofts applicationsWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, and OneDriveenabling users to draft emails, analyse data, summarise meetings and documents, generate marketing content, and create imagery, among other applications.

Our AI journey is focusing on three areas: operational efficiency inside the organisation; rewiring the business to provide an enhanced customer experience; and unlocking growth opportunities through new products and services that we can create around generative AI, commented Vodafone chief technology officer Scott Perry.

Copilot will help drive all three, he stressed.

Microsoft claimed genAI capabilities empowered Vodafone employees to be more creative and productive.

Its not about doing more work, its about doing better quality work and being more customer-focused, added Perry.

And its about improving the efficiency of the entire business, from the mobile and fixed broadband network and digital platforms, to our retail stores, online services, and customer care centres.

Generative AI is transforming every industry and we look forward to unlocking the benefits this powerful technology will bring to all aspects of Vodafones business, said Microsoft UK CEO Clare Barclay.
The Uncommitted movement has announced though it opposes another Donald Trump presidency and doesnt recommend voting for a third party in November, it will not be formally backing Kamala Harris bid for the presidency. The move is a sharp rebuke to the vice presidents refusal to endorse more aggressive policies towards Israels indiscriminate tactics in Gaza and bring an end to the war ravaging the region.

Vice President Harriss unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear campaign statement in support of upholding existing U.S. and international human rights law has made it impossible for us to endorse her, Uncommitted wrote in a statement on Thursday.

At this time, our movement 1) cannot endorse Vice President Harris; 2) opposes a Donald Trump presidency, whose agenda includes plans to accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing; and 3) is not recommending a third-party vote in the Presidential election, they added, noting that third-party votes could swing Novembers election in Trumps favor.

Uncommitted also cited the Democratic National Conventions refusal to allow a Palestinian speaker to address the convention and Harris failure to meet with members of the Uncommitted movement after the DNC as factors in their decision.

https://twitter.com/uncommittedmvmt/status/1836760479517270218

Uncommitted began as an electoral protest movement during the Democratic primaries, urging voters opposing the Biden administrations continued provision of military aid to Israel to vote uncommitted on their ballot. In Michigan alone, over 100,000 voters participated in the protest, representing 13 percent of the primary electorate. Nationally, Uncommitted managed to secure 700,000 primary votes and 37 delegates in the nominating convention.

Following Bidens exit from the race, the movement hoped to make progress toward its goals through Harris. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israels offensive against Gaza, and as ceasefire talks stall in a perpetual state of negotiation and sabotage by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, Uncommitted has pressed for the U.S. to cut off arms sales to Israel.

Uncommitted has demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a weapons embargo against Israel, and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territory.

For many supporting the movement, Harris tightrope walk between affirming support for Israel, and condemning the human suffering in Gaza is not enough without a concrete plan of action to end the carnage.

During her acceptance speech at the DNC, Harris declared that she will always stand up for Israels right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.

At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking, Harris added. President [Joe] Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.

The administration has made little progress on the call to action.

We came together, first in Michigan, and then in state after state to insist that even through our pain and grief, we must organize to save lives, advance policies that build rather than destroy, and create a future where not another bomb from our country drops on a civilian anywhere in our world, Uncommitted wrote on Thursday.

We are proud to have grown our movement, even as our government continues to send bombs that destroy families. Our organizing around the presidential election was never about endorsing a specific candidate; it has always been about building a movement that saves lives, they added.

More from Rolling Stone

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Good morning!  Heres a look at what you need to know about North Carolina politics today, from correspondent Stephanie Loder and our politics team.

What did she say now? NC Republican superintendent of schools candidate Michele Morrow is drawing fire and ire for erroneously claiming that the plus in LGBTQ+ is linked to pedophilia, according to a report by T. Keung Hui and Emily Vespa.

Morrow is far from being correct.

Fact check: The + holds space for the expanding and new understanding of different parts of the very diverse gender and sexual identities, according to Princeton Universitys Gender and Sexuality Resource Center

Morrow made the anti-gay comment this week in a social media post on X after her opponent Democrat Mo Green, the former superintendent of Guilford County Schools, was endorsed by Equality NC which she said promotes LGBTQ+ power.

Green condemned Morrows comment, which he said was another example in Michele Morrows long history of spreading hatred, encouraging violence, and proving shes unfit to lead our public schools.

Here are some facts:

According to the Zero Abuse Project, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from abuse and sexual assault, most child molesters are heterosexual.

In most child sexual abuse cases, the alleged abuser is the heterosexual partner of a close relative of the child, a 1994 study found.

Morrows campaign didnt respond Wednesday to a request for comment from The News & Observer.

Dan Bishop, Jeff Jackson and why theyre running for NC AG

A pair of North Carolina lawyers serving in Congress have set their sights on a return to state government.

Avi Bajpai reports on the backgrounds of Reps. Dan Bishop and Jeff Jackson and their decisions to leave Washington to campaign for NC attorney general. Both served in the General Assembly before running for Congress.

Democrats talk abortion, guns and pet eating at Asheville rally

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz took center stage at a rally on Tuesday in Asheville. Here are three takeaways from the event from The Charlotte Observers Nora ONeill:

Walz denounced former President Donald Trumps GOP running mate JD Vance for his comments about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, abducting and eating pets.

Walz supports expanding abortion rights.

A Second Amendment supporter and gun owner, he wants gun laws that will prevent school shootings.

Former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr, a former Republican for almost half a century, said the GOP doesnt care anymore about protecting democracy. He called it the party of Donald Trump, JD Vance and Mark Robinson.

Heres what else the Under the Dome politics team has been working on:

JD Vance spoke Wednesday about illegal immigration, the First Amendment and housing cost increases during a rally in Raleigh, Kyle Ingram and Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi report.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper plans to headline a Raleigh fundraiser to benefit Nicole Sidmans campaign for an east Mecklenburg County state House seat as she tries to unseat Republican Rep.Tricia Cotham, according to a report by Mary Ramsey of the Charlotte Observer.

Heres what our colleagues at other media outlets are reporting:

Donald Trump leads Kamala Harris by 3 points in the latest Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll of Georgia , the AJC reports.

WRAL is reporting on an AI-generated political TV ad that will begin airing next week. The ad is described as a parody about Republican Mark Robinson in the NC governors race.

The deadline to register to vote in the 2024 election in North Carolina is approaching, and WBTV reports what types of identification are acceptable.

Voter Guide

In the latest candidate questionnaires from our 2024 Voter Guide, see what candidates for NC agriculture commissioner have to say about the issues, and learn more about their biographies.

Two candidates for that job answered our questions:

Sean Haugh, Libertarian.

Sarah Taber, Democrat.

Check your inbox tomorrow for more questionnaires, and lots more #ncpol news.

You can sign up to receive the Under the Dome newsletter at newsobserver.com/newsletters . Want your friends to get our email, too? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up.

We want to know what you would like to see in the Under the Dome newsletter . Do you like highlights from the legislature? Political analysis? Do you have a question youd like The News & Observer team to answer? Tell us here. You can also email us at dome@newsobserver.com

Dont forget to follow our tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast for more developments.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  The United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties has launched a new fund to support community services in Springfield.

The Springfield Unity Fund was announced on Thursday, Sept. 19 following several press conferences by Gov. Mike DeWine and local leaders this week.

Springfield mayor issues proclamation after safety threats

United Way works closely with local organizations and the immigrant population. Its goals are to mobilize the community and provide the resources needed for effective assimilation and long-term success. Donations will be distributed through Springfields social services.

In a press conference on Tuesday, DeWine highlighted the need for translation services as well as infant and child healthcare. DeWine recently pledged $2.5 million in funding over the next two years to support Springfields infrastructure.

There are two ways to contribute: submit a donation online or text unityfund to 53-555.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
University of California Police asking for more non-lethal weapons in wake of pro-Palestinian protests

Police departments across the University of California system are asking for more non-lethal weapons in a process officials call routine, but with memories of the handling of last springs pro-Palestinian protests, many are skeptical of the idea.

The police department at UCLA is one of nine schools asking University of California Board of Regents for a stockpile of weapons on Thursday. UCLA in particular is asking for pepper balls, sponge rounds, eight more projectile launchers and three drones.

A representative for the UC said that the agenda item on Thursdays meeting was routine and was not at all connected to pro-Palestinian protests earlier this year. In fact, they said, regents were reviewing reports from the use of non-lethal weapons used in 2023 across UC campuses, not 2024.

Still, public comment portions of Thursdays meeting at UCLA were full of opposition from students and faculty alike.

Said simply, these munitions can and do cause major injuries, including lethal ones, said UCLA Chancellors Postdoctoral Fellow Jonah Walters.

The response from the UCLA community stems from pro-Palestinian protests on campus in April. Over a period of several days, students formed an encampment on campus, calling for the university to divest from Israeli-invested companies.

A large encampment of pro-Palestinian protestors gathered on the UCLA campus on May 1, 2024. (KTLA)

As time went on, the encampment was met with more hostility. At one point, in late April, the encampment was attacked by pro-Israeli counter-protesters, leading to a night of violence.

That night, resulting in an unknown amount of injuries, led the university to action. In the early hours of May 2, officers dismantled the encampment and deployed the use of non-lethal weapons, like the ones that UC police asked regents for on Wednesday.

At least 15 injuries were reported in those incidents, according to officials. Police used force, including non-lethal gas and non-lethal bullets, on both occassions.

A UC spokesperson indicated to the media that the request for more non-lethal weapons was essential for training operations and for maintaining operational readiness.

As of Thursday afternoon, it was not clear if the request from police would be honored by regents.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The University of Hawaii at Manoa has reached a significant milestone this fall, surpassing 20,000 students for the first time since 2013.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

As of September 17, enrollment stands at 20,012, marking a 4% increase over last year. Official numbers will be released in early October.

This achievement reflects the hard work of many who have built an exceptional enrollment management program to attract students from Hawaii and beyond, said UH President David Lassner. But its not just about bringing students in; its also about keeping them here, thanks to our outstanding faculty and support staff.

There will be a sticky jam in Kailua on Saturday

In addition to overall enrollment growth, UH Manoa is welcoming a record 3,123 first-time freshmen this fall. This marks the third consecutive year the university has welcomed more than 3,000 freshmen, following the historic milestone reached in 2022.

These numbers highlight UH Manoas reputation as a top-tier university that offers a world-class education at an affordable cost, said Provost Michael Bruno. This success is the result of years of dedicated effort and effective communication about our strengths.

Community invited to create pool art around the State Capitol

The university also reported impressive increases among specific student demographics among the incoming freshmen:

1,849 are Hawaii residents, up from 1,581 in fall 2023

489 identify as Native Hawaiian, a rise from 382 last fall

406 identify as Filipino, up from 355

Im proud of the growth in our Native Hawaiian and Filipino student populations, as supporting these underrepresented groups has been a top priority, said Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun. The changes we made to the merit scholarship program have played a key role in this success.

GRACE explores love in Hawaii when not everyone was free

Despite challenges with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process this year, UH Manoa managed to boost enrollment. The federal governments updates to the FAFSA form were delayed and faced technical difficulties, creating uncertainty for students.

Thanks to our Financial Aid staffs proactive efforts, we were able to navigate the FAFSA delays effectively, Chun noted. This year, we disbursed $81.6 million to over 11,400 students, compared to $74.6 million for more than 9,900 students last year.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Final enrollment figures for the University of Hawaiis ten campuses will be announced in October. As of mid-September, enrollment was up at eight campuses, with a systemwide increase of 2.8% compared to a 1.8% rise last fall.

Fall 2024 Student Body Profile at UH Manoa:

62% (12,439) local students (up 5% from 2023)

31% (6,232) out-of-state U.S. students (up 2% from 2023)

6% (1,245) international students (up 5% from 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 KHON2.
Born in 1756, Mozart was a child prodigy and began composing at a very early age under his father's guidance (Francois GUILLOT) (Francois GUILLOT/AFP/AFP)

A previously unknown piece of music composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he was probably in his early teens has been uncovered at a library in Germany, researchers said Thursday.

The piece dates to the mid- to late-1760s and consists of seven miniature movements for a string trio lasting around 12 minutes, the Leipzig Municipal Libraries said in a statement.

Born in 1756, Mozart was a child prodigy and began composing at a very early age under his father's guidance.

Researchers discovered the work at the city's music library while compiling the latest edition of the so-called Koechel catalogue, the definitive archive of Mozart's musical works.

The newly discovered manuscript was not penned by Mozart himself but is believed to be a copy made in around 1780, the researchers said.

The piece was performed by a string trio at the unveiling of the new Koechel catalogue in the Austrian city of Salzburg on Thursday.

It will receive its German premiere at the Leipzig Opera on Saturday.

The piece is referred to as "Ganz kleine Nachtmusik" in the new Koechel catalogue, according to the Leipzig libraries.

The manuscript consists of dark brown ink on medium-white handmade paper and the parts are individually bound, they said.

The Koechel catalogue describes the piece as "preserved in a single source, in which the attribution of the author suggests that the work was written before Mozart's first trip to Italy", according to the municipal libraries.

The young Mozart had been known to researchers up until now "mainly as a composer of piano music, arias and symphonies", Ulrich Leisinger of the International Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg said in a statement.

A list by Mozart's father had alerted academics to the existence of "many other chamber music compositions" by the young artist, which were all thought to have been lost until the emergence of the string trio, Leisinger said.

"Since the inspiration for this apparently came from Mozart's sister, it is tempting to imagine that she kept the work as a memento of her brother," Leisinger said.

hex-fec-sea/yad
Published by Yahoo! News, KRVS, WWNO, Louisiana Illuminator

A bulk liquid storage facility in southeast Louisiana and a local environmental group announced Thursday they are partnering to create a neighborhood air quality monitoring system.

International-Matex Tank Terminals plans to install four new stationary air monitors in St. Rose, Louisiana. The companys main 216-tank storage facility is near a majority Black neighborhood in St. Rose where residents have long complained of headaches and respiratory issues they blame on toxic emissions from the premises. IMTT recently was fined for violating the federal Clean Air Act.

The four sensors, which IMTT will spend $42,000 a year to install, operate and maintain, will become part of the Louisiana Environmental Action Networks Community Air Monitoring Network .

LEANs efforts were jumpstarted in 2023 with a $500,000 grant from the EPA, which the community-based nonprofit used to deploy a fleet of mobile air monitoring vehicles along a 300-mile route between Baton Rouge and New Orleans known as Cancer Alley in late 2023 and early 2024.

The deal with IMTT is the first of what LEAN hopes will be a series of agreements with industry to install stationary air monitoring equipment in these heavily industrialized communities.

We are excited to welcome IMTT into our coalition of environmentally conscientious organizations dedicated to protecting the health and quality of life of everyday people, said MaryLee Orr, LEANs co-founder and executive director. Our Community Air Monitoring Network will provide a clear, hyper-local understanding of the environment in neighborhoods, allowing us all to make informed decisions to improve lives.

LEAN argues the states existing 40-monitor system is insufficient to accurately measure air quality across Louisiana's diverse landscape where thousands of residents live intermingled with hundreds of pollution sources.

Some St. Rose residents are fighting to stop construction of a proposed $4.6 billion blue ammonia plant that would store its liquefied ammonia on the IMTT site, where ethanol, diesel and petroleum products are already stored. That company, St. Charles Clean Fuels, says its massive blue ammonia facility will play a key role in the countrys transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.

IMTT believes deeply in its responsibility to be a good neighbor, and we have demonstrated to all stakeholders, including other industry leaders, the value of listening to and collaborating with communities, IMTT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carlin Conner said in a prepared statement. Working with LEAN on the Community Air Monitoring Network is another opportunity to showcase one of the many ways that we care for the people who live and work along the Mississippi River.

The storage facility recently failed an on-site inspection by the EPA which found that the company neglected to identify hazards that could cause accidental releases of hazardous chemicals, had failed to conduct the appropriate equipment testing and failed to maintain safe work practices.

In July, the EPA announced a consent agreement with IMTT that included a $23,568 civil penalty. The company also agreed to make $150,000 worth of upgrades to reduce annual air emissions and unsafe pressure build-up in its storage tanks, the EPA said.

IMTT said in its news release that community engagement is now a pillar of its strategy to help accelerate the countrys energy transition, reduce carbon emissions and invest in lower-carbon operations to combat climate change.

The company says it has spent $1.6 million in the last year to upgrade its St. Rose storage facilities to tamp down odors and minimize emissions using technology that the company says goes beyond what state and federal regulations require.

New air-monitoring equipment would be installed in St. Rose, La., under a new partnership between a local bulk storage facility and a nonprofit environmental group. (Google Maps)

The four monitors IMTT will install will replace the temporary air monitoring station Louisianas Department of Energy and Environmental Quality removed from St. Rose in 2023. LDEQ did not immediately respond when asked why the agency removed the monitoring system or what its findings there were.

The joint announcement said the monitors will be positioned deep in the surrounding neighborhoods, close to homes near the IMTT storage facility. The devices will be solar-powered and account for wind speed and direction to better identify the sources of airborne compounds, officials with the company said.

Kimbrelle Eugene Kyereh, founder of local nonprofit Refined Community Empowerment, expressed concerns about the announcement, saying she and other members of her organization had not heard of the deal.

St. Rose, La., resident Kimbrelle Eugene Kyereh, left, says her community suffers from chemical smells emitted by International-Matex Tank Terminals bulk liquid storage site. IMTT announced Thursday its installing four air monitoring sensors in Kyerehs neighborhood in collaboration with the Louisiana Environmental Action Network. She is seen walking down her street with her father, Alphonse Eugene Sr. (Akasha Rabut / Floodlight)

Kyereh has been leading the fight to block a blue ammonia plant proposed in St. Rose. Shes a member of the community panel IMTT consults with but was unaware of the partnership until contacted by Floodlight. (Kyereh said she was traveling out of the country this summer and may have missed discussions about the project.)

It says the monitors will be solar powered. We have concerns that wont be substantial enough, she said. Also, what type of chemicals will be monitored and tested and where are they going to put them (monitors)?

IMTT is the first local industry to join its community air monitoring network, according to LEAN.

This year, Louisiana lawmakers passed a law implementing new standards that will prohibit data collected through community air monitoring programs like LEANs from being used in enforcement or regulatory actions tied to the federal Clean Air Act.

IMTT and LEAN began talks in July in response to concerns raised by local residents who were members of the companys St. Rose community advisory panel.

LEAN plans to use these devices to monitor for airborne compounds that local residents have the most questions about, Orr said. And we hope this inaugural partnership with IMTT leads to even more cooperation between residents and companies along the lower Mississippi River that produce, store and transport a vast array of goods used around the world.

Floodlight is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powerful interests stalling climate action.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ)  If youre an Elk County or Clearfield resident in need of assistance with items such as your social security or taxes, youll be able to get some help next week.

A staff member of Congressman Glenn GT Thompson will be helping people out on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Theyll be in the St. Marys district office of state Rep. Mike Armaninion along South Street.

Our district offices are frequently contacted about federal government issues and we refer those callers to Congressman Thompsons office, Armanini said. Thursday is an opportunity for concerned constituents to ask questions and express their concerns with federal agencies directly to a member of his staff.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

Appointments are not needed to attend. Anyone with questions about this event or any state government issue can contact Armaninis DuBois office at (814) 375-4688 or his Clearfield office at (814) 765-0593.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Upcoming winter will be most difficult for Ukraine's energy sector  International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that the upcoming winter will become the most serious test for Ukraine's energy sector since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion.

Source: The Guardian

Quote from The Guardian: "The upcoming winter will be the most serious test for Ukraine's energy network since the Russian invasion, as numerous power plants have been destroyed or damaged."

Details: The IEA proposed ten measures to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure but did not say which ones.

"Ukraine's energy system has survived the last two winters But this winter will certainly be the most severe test yet," IEA Director General Fatih Birol said in a press release accompanying the report.

The report states that in 2022 and 2023, "about half of Ukraine's generating capacity was occupied by Russian forces, destroyed or damaged, and about half of the large grid substations were damaged by missiles and drones."

Ukraine has lost more than two-thirds of its electricity generation capacity since the Russian invasion, so there is a "significant gap between available electricity supply and peak demand."

Birol says Ukraine's energy system will face its biggest energy security challenges this winter.

He called on European countries to speed up the supply of equipment and spare parts to restore damaged facilities and take measures to protect them from drone attacks.

Background:

The experts interviewed by the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) report that power cuts will last from 4 to 18 hours daily in winter.

The EU's energy aid to Ukraine ahead of the upcoming winter will be "in three areas: repair, connection and stabilisation".

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KINGSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Leaders, faculty and students at the University of Rhode Island (URI) are celebrating the construction progress of the Fine Arts Center on Thursday.

A ceremonial beam signing will be held under a tent behind the building at 10 a.m.

Construction on the 56-year-old building is expected to cost about $100 million. The money has been funded by a voter-approved bond of $57.3 million, along with state and University funds.

The project includes the construction of a 71,000-square-foot, three-story academic building that will feature a new theater lobby and art gallery on the first floor.

Along with modern classrooms, the project will create technical areas for digital art and media, recording studios, improved acoustics, and more public space and natural light.

Construction is scheduled to be completed in September 2025. The signed beam will be lifted into place this fall or early winter.

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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.
COMPANY NEWS: Radware, a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, has been named a major player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) Enterprise Platforms 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US51795524, September 2024).

The report noted, Behavior-based detections and multiple machine learning models are powering threat detection for better detection accuracy, especially with zero-day threats. The report also noted, Proactive threat intelligence, crowd sourced and in-house sourced, including the ERT Threat Research Center, improves detection of zero days and advanced threats.

We believe the IDC MarketScape for WAAP Report helps validate our market position and acknowledge our continuous innovation, said Radware chief marketing officer Sharon Trachtman. Our AI-powered solutions are designed to help organizations protect against a threat landscape that is constantly shifting. This includes adapting policies in real time to mitigate automated attacks and maintaining a high level of security with low levels of false positives, so no legitimate traffic is blocked.

Radware has received numerous awards for its application and network security solutions. In addition to IDC, industry analysts such as Aite-Novarica Group, Forrester Research, Gartner, GigaOm, KuppingerCole, and Quadrant Knowledge Solutions continue to recognize Radware as a market leader in cybersecurity.

About IDC MarketScape

IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilises a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each suppliers position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of technology suppliers can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective suppliers.

About Radware

Radware is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The companys cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radwares solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.
US Air Force names second and third B-21 Raider bases

The U.S. Air Forces newest bomber is officially getting two additional homes.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall approved basing locations for the B-21 Raider at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the service announced Friday.

The Air Force previously selected Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, as the B-21 Raiders first base.

B-21 Raider bomber conducts test flights at Edwards Air Force Base

The aircraft, which is the first bomber the Air Force has introduced since the Cold War, is intended to become the backbone of the Air Forces flexible global strike capability, according to the Air Force. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the stealth bomber will come equipped with nuclear capabilities, as well as regular munitions, and be able to assist with manned and unmanned operations.

The B-21 Raider made its first test flight Nov. 10, 2023, out of Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.

We continue to achieve B-21 production milestones; through digital engineering and open architecture design, we are getting an agile strategic deterrent that delivers a decisive response as required, said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, in a release.

The Air Force released the first video of the B-21 in flight Wednesday.

Airmen and defense industry representatives discussed the B-21 programs progress this week at the Air and Space Force Associations Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

Thomas Jones, sector president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said the program was conducting two flight test flights in a given week in preparation for the B-21 Raiders life as a daily flyer.

The Air Force anticipates purchasing at least 100 B-21s, which will replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers.
The Kyiv Independent spoke with the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink on Sept. 19 on the sidelines of the National Media Talk, an annual journalism conference held in Kyiv, and supported by USAID and Internews.

The following is the transcript of the interview:

The Kyiv Independent: Thank you for doing this, and for supporting this event  thats important for the journalistic community. Something that we are watching very closely now is President Volodymyr Zelensky's upcoming visit to Washington next week. What are your expectations for the visit?

Ambassador Brink: I was so delighted today to talk to media, government, and civil society representatives at a very important media event in Kyiv, even in wartime circumstances. Free media, independent media is very important to Ukraine's aspirations to join Europe, to join NATO. It's a delight to be here.

With regard to President Zelensky's visit to the United States. I know my president is very much looking forward to hosting him in the United States. I know he will have other meetings as well. We're looking forward to hearing his views on the future. He has said very clearly that he's going to present those to President Biden. President Biden and his team will be glad to do this meeting with President Zelensky and follow up.

The Kyiv Independent: We know that President Zelensky is going to present his victory plan, which is now fully complete, as of yesterday. Have you had a chance to take a look at it? What do you expect from it?

Ambassador Brink: President Zelensky has been very clear that he is going to show this plan first to President Biden. He and his team have been true to that. We have some sense of the contours of this plan, and of course, we're working hand in glove with the government to support your victory in many different ways. It'll be very positive for us to receive the details of the victory plan and be able to work together to follow up on this.

The Kyiv Independent: Is the U.S. still ready to support Ukraine's full victory, meaning the return of all territories, including Crimea, and the full military defeat of Russia?

Ambassador Brink: Look, our position has been very clear as articulated by the president, as articulated by Secretary Blinken when he was just here last week in Kyiv. We support Ukraine and its victory in its win against Russia's aggression. Now our support is in support of a vision of Ukraine  sovereign, independent, democratic, prosperous, integrated into Europe and into NATO. So that vision is a vision from Ukrainians, and it's a vision of the future that we support. That's our position. We're leaving the details of the war, the details of when and how to negotiate up to your democratically elected president.

The Kyiv Independent: Should we be hopeful about a change in the U.S. policy on allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian territory?

Ambassador Brink: I'm not going to get ahead of where my president and administration are. We have heard the request. I can tell you we will continue to support Ukrainians in your effort to fight against Russia's aggression. We will continue to adjust and adapt how we are supporting you, and we will work really closely and are working very closely with your government and administration in order to achieve that goal.

The Kyiv Independent: What can you say to Ukrainians and supporters of Ukraine from around the world who are watching anxiously what's going to happen with the U.S. presidential election and how it will impact the war and the future of Ukraine?

Ambassador Brink: Well, in my position as the president's representative in Kyiv, I cannot comment on our politics. What I can say is this: I spend a lot of time in America, in many parts of America, on the East Coast, on the West Coast. I'm from the Midwest. There is strong bipartisan support for Ukraine, for your fight for freedom, for the values that we share together, and for the future that you envision for yourself. This is important for your country, but it's also important for European security and U.S. vital national interests. That's my view. That's the view of foreign policy experts across the political spectrum. That's the administration's view. And so that well of support is very important to have and one which we are going to use to keep supporting your effort to fight Russia's aggression.

The Kyiv Independent: We're talking today at the National Media Talk, an event focusing on media in wartime. As you very well know, at the beginning of the year, Ukrainian journalists raised concerns about certain attempts at intimidation, surveillance, and so on. What is your message to those actors in Ukraine who are willing to try to suppress free media during wartime and who see independent journalism as a threat?

Ambassador Brink: Our position is very clear on free media. It is vital, it's critical. Efforts of harassment and intimidation  wherever they come from  against independent and free media don't have a place in a country that's trying to move into the EU or NATO.

The Kyiv Independent: There's been a government reshuffle recently that has attracted a lot of interest. Is there anything that the embassy is watching especially closely within the reshuffle? The civil society has been raising concerns a lot lately about the consolidation of power in the energy sector, specifically with Minister Herman Halushchenko and with the firing of the chief of Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi. Is this an area that you're watching? Do you have any comments on that?

Ambassador Brink: The members of the government  that is up to the democratically elected leader of your country, President Zelensky. With regard to your energy situation, that is something that we also strongly support in terms of your ability to defend yourself against Russian missiles and drones, but also to repair and protect the energy infrastructure. We are going to continue in that regard to do everything possible to support your preparations for this winter. We have spent $324 million this spring to put about three gigawatts back into your grid. We have another $825 million that we are spending to do many aspects of repair, protection, and assistance to distribution. So we're going to continue in that way.

What I would say about this is that strong corporate governance that is done according to OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) standards is vital for donor confidence and private sector investment, which is what Ukraine needs for its recovery.

The Kyiv Independent: Just to clarify, do you mean that the firing of Kudrytskyi was potentially a threat to proper corporate governance?

Ambassador Brink: I don't want to comment on the specifics of how it happened, but I can say that a strong adherence to international standards  that means OECD standards in corporate governance in SOEs (state-owned enterprises), especially SOEs like Ukrenergo and other energy SOEs  is vitally important to your future.

Read also: They attack with quantity: With Ukrainian soldiers desperately defending Pokrovsk

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Delivery drivers at Eaze in California voted to unionize in 2023, with more joining this year, but supervisors are awaiting decisions from the National Labor Relations Board.

Delivery drivers at Eaze in California voted to unionize in 2023, with more joining this year, but supervisors are awaiting decisions from the National Labor Relations Board. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The largest cannabis delivery service in the US faces a growing backlash in southern California from shift supervisors who said they are paid less than the workers they supervise, struggle to make ends meet on low and stagnant wages, and are at odds with the company over their right to form a union.

Nearly 600 delivery drivers at Eaze in California voted to unionize in 2023 with the United Food and Commercial Workers, and secured a first contract earlier this year after threatening to strike in April.

More of the firms workers have unionized this year  an additional 100 drivers and staff at other California depots joined UFCW Local 770, while drivers in Sacramento unionized in March with the Teamsters  but shift supervisors have been left in limbo.

Related: Workers at California cannabis-delivery service threaten unprecedented strike

Supervisors at Eaze are awaiting decisions from the National Labor Relations Board. While the company has argued they are unable to form a union because they are in management roles, workers claimed they should be allowed to unionize due to low pay and a lack of authority.

Eaze has been plagued by financial troubles. Its assets were sold at public auction to an unidentified buyer last month. For now, the company claims it is unable to make changes to workers pay.

I am not making enough money to survive, said one shift supervisor at Eaze in the Los Angeles area, who requested to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. Im on food stamps, but those benefits have started to decrease. I cant afford to repair my car if it needs it. I cant afford to eat out. And Im not the only person thats going through these kinds of financial problems.

Workers said their most recent pushes for raises to the company have gone ignored, with staff receiving no annual wage increases.

The number we were asking for was $27 an hour, the shift supervisor recalled, but we were planning on negotiating down to $25 an hour plus a yearly wage structure. Because, as it is right now, we are functionally running the depots.

They see us as the lowest on the totem pole, and they just they dont feel the need to compensate us. They treat us as if we are extremely replaceable, and they keep adding responsibilities to our plate every day.

Staff alleged they have been cross trained to perform duties outside their job scope, without being compensated for doing so, and that they struggle to live on $18 an hour, just above the $17.24 an hour minimum wage in Los Angeles county.

The labor strife at Eaze comes as the cannabis industry has been steadily growing in the US, as more states have legalized recreational use. The sectors workforce rose by 5.4% last year. Annual sales increased in 2023 by 10.4% to $28.8bn. Labor unions have been organizing workers in the industry to try to ensure this growth and expansion doesnt come at the expense of workers.

Other shift supervisors at Eaze, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity,described their struggles with their current level of pay.

The drivers make more than us now, which, if were supposed to be their management, makes no sense to us, said another supervisor in the Los Angeles area, who explained that drivers make over $20 an hour, plus mileage compensation and tips. Its happened so many times, where a couple days before payday, I dont know if Im going to have enough gas to even make it to work, and Ive actually borrowed money from drivers.

Some of them are comfortable enough with lending me money like that, but also its kind of embarrassing that Im supposed to be your supervisor, but I need to borrow money from you because I dont know if I can actually make it to work.

They also alleged the depot where they work has been plagued with pest infestations including mice, roaches, and ants, and claim that they are frequently understaffed and have to take on extra workloads if a coworker calls out or leaves early. This makes it difficult to be able to take breaks, the supervisor said, adding that their depot manager rarely shows up on site because they manage two depots simultaneously.

When a manager does decide to show up, it feels very much like an absentee parent trying to spend time with their kid, they added. Everyone currently employed is looking for a different job.

A third shift supervisor in the Los Angeles area said: It feels like Im gasping for air some weeks getting simple things like groceries that I have to hold off while I get by on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The supervisor said they had been delaying medical care because they could not afford the out of pocket costs, even with health insurance. Were currently fighting for a wage raise, and theres been no confirmation from the company whatsoever that were going to get that raise, they said. Then you look at McDonalds, for example, standard employees are making $20 an hour, and thats not even supervisors or managers. Thats standard employees. Nobody should have to come in at a supervisory or management role for minimum wage.

An inventory specialist supervisor at Eaze in the Los Angeles area alleged a lack of organization inside the company. To get an answer from somebody in upper management to figure out and process things properly, its like a game of telephone, they said. Who wants to pick up the phone? And whos going to tell us what what to do? And then it may be the right or wrong answer.

Related: Booming US cannabis industry seen as fertile ground for union expansion

A unionized driver at Eaze in the Los Angeles area explained the pay discrepancy has caused issues with morale and the work environment.

Although we won our contract, Im most disappointed about the fact that they were successful in keeping the supervisors out of the union, because theyre on their own. They have no one to advocate for them, and theyre clearly being taken advantage of, the driver said. Its pretty clear they were given a title to keep them from unionizing. They dont get paid like management. Theyre underpaid and they dont have authority to really do much.

Eaze declined to comment on the record. The companys assets were sold at auction on 6 August amid ongoing strife between investors, including the billionaire founder of Netscape, James Clark.

The company also said it is currently working with the new ownership to maintain operations and employees. It claimed to be complying with the collective bargaining agreement with UFCW.
By Patricia Zengerle and Mike Stone

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pro-Ukraine U.S. congressional leaders and President Joe Biden's administration are near an agreement to seek a one-year extension of $6 billion in military aid for Ukraine that is due to expire this month, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

There is bipartisan support for the plan to include the extension of the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) in a Continuing Resolution, a short-term emergency spending bill that the Senate and House of Representatives must pass in the next 11 days to avoid a Sept. 30 government shutdown, they said.

The issue comes at a crucial time in the war, as Russia pummels Ukraine's energy grid ahead of the critical winter months.

Reuters reported on Sept. 5 that Biden's administration has been engaged in urgent discussions with lawmakers about how best to keep the funding from expiring before it can be used.

The issue has become more urgent as the deadline approaches. The House of Representatives failed on Wednesday to pass a funding bill supported by the chamber's Republican leaders that included a controversial voting measure backed by former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the Nov. 5 presidential election, and opposed by Democrats.

That bill did not include an extension of the Ukraine PDA authority.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Thursday the Democratic-led Senate would prepare its own temporary spending legislation that would avert a shutdown. Negotiations on that bill are continuing, but the sources said it is expected to include the one-year extension of the Ukraine aid.

It was not yet clear whether Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who held up Biden's last Ukraine spending request for months, would support a Senate spending bill including the extension for Ukraine.

Johnson's office did not respond to a request for comment. A State Department spokesperson declined comment.

Another congressional aide, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, said there are "active conversations" involving relevant House committees and Johnson's office about an extension of PDA authority.

The $7.8 billion of Presidential Drawdown Authority was a key component of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine that easily passed both the House and Senate in April after months of delay by Republican opponents of Ukraine aid. PDA allows the president to transfer defense articles and services from U.S. stocks in response to emergencies.

However, most of the $7.8 billion in PDA in the bill has not been used, largely due to supply-chain issues, leaving officials scrambling to find a way to keep the remaining $6 billion from expiring as the Sept. 30 deadline - the end of the 2024 fiscal year - approaches.

PDA has been the primary mechanism the Biden administration has used to ship weapons to Ukraine.

Congress has approved nearly $175 billion of aid and military assistance for Ukraine and allied nations since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Much of that has come in the form of long-term funding for U.S. defense production, as the Pentagon looks to replace equipment sent to Kyiv. Ukraine supporters have stressed the benefits for U.S. industry as they look to overcome resistance from a vocal bloc of Republicans who say taxpayer money should be spent at home, not sent abroad.

Companies like RTX's Raytheon in Arizona which makes Patriot missile systems and General Dynamics' 155 millimeter artillery plants in Pennsylvania, are receiving contracts for products that will replace those sent to Ukraine using PDA. Arizona and Pennsylvania are among the "swing" states expected to decide the presidential election.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Don Durfee and Matthew Lewis)
For some U.S. lawmakers, keeping forced-labor-tainted goods from entering the country isnt enough.

On Thursday, Senators Marc Rubio (R-Fl.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) introduced Senate and House versions of a bill that would require the Treasury secretary to instruct the American heads of international financial institutions to oppose loans to projects that pose forced labor risks or involve a state-owned or heavily state-influenced entity, particularly from Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

More from Sourcing Journal

Thats not all: The No Funds for Forced Labor Act, they said, would require the institutions to not only explain how they vet projects for forced labor red flags but also relate how they track, mitigate and potentially reverse any risks. The Treasury, too, would have to supply a report that lists any projects that international financial institutions have greenlit but may involve forced labor within a year of the laws enactment and annually for the next five years. It would also have to detail any efforts undertaken by those companies executive directors to convince other countries to oppose projects that could utilize forced labor.

Forced labor is a horrific practice witnessed worldwide, Rubio said in a statement. In China, the Chinese Communist Party continues with its grotesque campaign of genocide against Uyghurs and other minorities. We have a moral duty to ensure our nation isnt tied to any purchases tainted with the forced labor of humans.

That it would be these legislators to propose the measure isnt surprising. Wexton has been hawkish on Shein, the Chinese-founded e-tail giant that has been linked to Xinjiang cotton in the past, though it says it no longer sources the fiber from China. Last May, Wexton led a coalition of nearly two dozen House of Representatives members to urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to hold off registering Shein until it can independently certifyfree from state influencethat it doesnt employ forced labor from Chinas persecuted Muslim minorities. The lawmaker is also behind the Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act, a proposed amendment of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act that would require publicly listed companies to disclose imports of manufactured goods and materials that are sourced in whole or in part from the Xinjiang or through state-sponsored labor transfer schemes trafficking Uyghurs and Turkic ethnic groups to other parts of China.

Rubio and Merkley, for their part, co-authored the legislation that would become the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which for the past two years has imposed a rebuttable presumption that all goods made in whole or in part in Xinjiang are the product of forced labor and therefore barred from the U.S. market under Section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act. Since 2022, nearly 4,000 shipments valued at $750 million have been turned away under the prohibition, according to Customs and Border Protection. Of these, almost 1,100, worth $23.1 million, involved apparel, footwear and textiles.

Rubio previously wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for an investigation into Shein and its bitter rival Temu for the use of forced laborsomething that both have vehemently deniedand to add them to the UFLPA Entity List if they are found to be in violation. Merkley is the co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which has been urging the cross-agency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to expand the Entity List and more fully account for bad actors in the supply chain.

Our tax dollars should never inadvertently go toward projects using forced labor, Merkley said. This bipartisan bill builds off our Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to ensure the United States is not complicit in this horrific human rights abuse. We need to send a strong message against slave labor wherever this evil appears.
The US led on nuclear fusion for decades. Now China is in position to win the race

The bustling city of Shanghai marks national celebrations with world-famous light shows, illuminating its skyscrapers with dazzling colors, like beacons of Chinese innovation.

It is here that scientists and engineers work around the clock to pursue the next big thing in global tech, from 6G internet and advanced AI to next-generation robotics. Its also here, on an unassuming downtown street, a small start-up called Energy Singularity is working on something extraordinary: nuclear fusion energy.

US companies and industry experts are worried America is losing its decades-long lead in the race to master this near-limitless form of clean energy, as new fusion companies sprout across China, and Beijing outspends DC.

Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun and other stars, is painstakingly finicky to replicate on Earth. Many countries have achieved fusion reactions, but sustaining them for long enough to use in the real world remains elusive.

Mastering fusion is an enticing prospect that promises wealth and global influence to whichever country tames it first.

The city of Shanghai by night. - Lam Yik Fei/The New York Times/Redux

The prize of this energy is its sheer efficiency. A controlled fusion reaction releases around four million times more energy than burning coal, oil or gas, and four times more than fission, the kind of nuclear energy used today. It wont be developed in time to fight climate change in this crucial decade, but it could be the solution to future warming.

The Chinese government is pouring money into the venture, putting an estimated $1 billion to $1.5 billion annually into fusion, according to Jean Paul Allain, who leads the US Energy Departments Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. In comparison, the Biden administration has spent around $800 million a year.

To me, whats more important than the number, its actually how fast theyre doing this, Allain told CNN.

Private businesses in both countries are optimistic, saying they can get fusion power on the grid by the mid-2030s, despite the enormous technical challenges that remain.

The US was among the worlds first to move on the futuristic gambit, working on fusion research in earnest since the early 1950s. Chinas foray into fusion came later that decade. More recently, its pace has ratcheted up: Since 2015, Chinas fusion patents have surged, and it now has more than any other country, according to industry data published by Nikkei.

Energy Singularity, the start-up in Shanghai, is just one example of Chinas warp speed.

It built its own tokamak in the three years since it was established, faster than any comparable reactor has ever been built. A tokamak is a highly complex cylindrical or donut-shaped machine that heats hydrogen to extreme temperatures, forming a soup-like plasma in which the nuclear fusion reaction occurs.

Plasma confined in Energy Singularity's tokamak during an experiment. - Energy Singularity

For a fledgling company working on one of the worlds most difficult physics puzzles, Energy Singularity is incredibly optimistic. It has reason to be: It has received more than $112 million in private investment and it has also achieved a world first  its current tokamak is the only one to have used advanced magnets in a plasma experiment.

Known as high-temperature superconductors, the magnets are stronger than the copper ones used in older tokamaks. According to MIT scientists researching the same technology, they allow for smaller tokamaks that can generate as much fusion energy as larger ones, and they can better confine plasma.

The company is planning to build a second-generation tokamak to prove its methods are commercially viable by 2027, and it expects a third-gen device that can feed power to the grid before 2035, the company said.

In contrast, the tokamaks in the US are aging, said Andrew Holland, CEO of the Washington, DC-based Fusion Industry Association. As a result, the US relies on its allies machines in Japan, Europe and the UK to further its research.

Holland pointed to a new $570 million fusion research park in eastern China under construction, called CRAFT, on track to be completed next year.

We dont have anything like that, he told CNN. The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has been upgrading its tokamak for 10 years now. The other operating tokamak in the United States, the DIII-D, is a 30-year-old machine. Theres no modern fusion facilities at American national labs.

Theres a growing unease in the US industry that China is beating America at its own game. Some of the next-generation tokamaks China has built, or plans to, are essentially copies of US designs and use components that resemble those made in America, Holland said.

A staff member welds parts together at the CRAFT fusion research park in in Hefei, eastern China, in September 2023. The BEST tokamak will be built next to CRAFT. - Xinhua/Shutterstock

Chinas state-funded BEST tokamak, which is expected to be completed in 2027, is a copy of one designed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Holland said, a company in Massachusetts working with MIT. The two designs feature the same kind of advanced magnets Energy Singularity is using.

Another machine being built by a private Chinese company looks very similar to one designed by the US company Helion, Holland said.

There is a long history of China copying American tech, he added.

Theyre fast followers and then take the lead by dominating the supply chain, Holland said, using solar panel technology as an example. Were aware of this and want to make sure thats not the way it goes forward.

CNN did not receive a reply from Chinas National Energy Administration when asked whether state-funded fusion research had copied or been inspired by US designs.

Lasers vs. tokamaks

Nuclear fusion is a highly complex process that involves forcing together two nuclei that would normally repel. One way to do that is to turn up temperatures in a tokamak to the tune of 150 million degrees Celsius, 10 times that of the suns core.

When they bind, the nuclei let off a large amount of energy as heat, which can then be used to turn turbines and generate power.

The US has been a fusion leader for decades; it was the first nation to apply fusion energy in the real world  in a hydrogen bomb.

In the early 1950s, the US military tested a series of nuclear weapons in the Pacific Ocean that were boosted by gases that created a fusion reaction, resulting in an explosion 700 times the power of Hiroshima blast.

Sustaining nuclear fusion for long periods is much more challenging, and while China races ahead with its tokamaks, the US is finding an edge in other technology: lasers.

In late 2022, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California shot nearly 200 lasers at a cylinder holding a fuel capsule the size of a peppercorn, in the worlds first successful experiment to generate a net gain of fusion energy. That means more power came out of the process than was used to heat the capsule (though they didnt count the energy needed to power the lasers).

A component in the laser system at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where scientists successfully achieved "ignition" to produce a fusion reaction. - Damien Jemison/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

There are yet more ways to achieve nuclear fusion, and the US is hedging its bets on a variety of technologies.

Its not impossible that approach could pay off.

We dont know exactly which is going to be the best concept, and it may not be one, said Melanie Windridge, a UK-based plasma physicist and CEO of Fusion Energy Insights, an industry monitoring organization. There may ultimately be several viable approaches for fusion power, she told CNN. And then it will come down to costs and other factors in the longer term.

But the tokamak is the best-researched concept, she said.

Over time, its had the most research put into it, so its the most advanced in terms of the physics, said Windridge. And a lot of the private companies are building on that.

With the money China is putting into research, the tokamak concept is rapidly evolving. Chinas EAST tokamak in Hefei held plasma stable at 70 million degrees Celsius  five times hotter than the core of the sun  for more than 17 minutes, a world record and an objectively astonishing breakthrough.

Mikhail Maslov of the UK Atomic Energy Authority described it as an important milestone, adding that running long plasma pulses remains one of the biggest technical challenges to commercializing fusion energy.

While Chinas government pours money into fusion, the US has attracted far more private investment. Globally, the private sector has spent $7 billion on fusion in the last three to four years, about 80% of which has been by US companies, the DOEs Allain said.

In the US, what you have is that entrepreneurial spirit of being able to really think outside the box and innovate and really address some of these gaps, not just in science, but also in the technology, he said.

But if the Chinese government continues to invest more than $1 billion a year, that could soon eclipse US spending, even in the private sector.

And if those investments pay off, colorful celebrations in Shanghai will not only be powered by fusion, they will cast China in a whole new light.

CNNs Shawn Deng contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
US ranks last on key health care measures compared with other high-income nations, despite spending the most, report says

The US spends more on health care than any other high-income country, but a new report suggests that Americans are sicker, die younger and struggle to afford essential health care.

Compared with nine other high-income nations, the United States ranked last overall this year, with a lower life expectancy and higher rates of death and disease despite spending the most on health care, according to the report, released Thursday by the independent research group The Commonwealth Fund.

The three top-performing countries in the report were Australia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

This report reveals that our health system is continuing to lag far behind other nations when it comes to meeting our citizens basic health care needs. The US spends more on health care than any other country, and Americans are sicker, die younger and struggle to afford essential health care. We spend the most and get the least for our investment, Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of The Commonwealth Fund, said in a news briefing.

As a primary care doctor, I see the human toll of these shortcomings in our system on a daily basis. I have patients who need medications they cant afford. I spend time going back and forth with insurance companies who have denied care I know my patients need, and I see older patients who arrive sicker than they should because theyve spent the majority of their lives uninsured, Betancourt added.

This report underscores the many lessons we could learn from others on how to strengthen our health care delivery and outcomes, he said. It provides a blueprint for health leaders and policymakers on how the US can achieve more equitable, affordable care for all Americans.

Countries with highest health care rankings

Researchers at The Commonwealth Fund compared and analyzed the performance of health systems across 10 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The researchers took a close look at how the health systems performed on 70 measures across five key domains in those countries: access to care, the health care process, administrative efficiency, equity and health outcomes. The assessments were based on data from the World Health Organization, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Our World in Data and international surveys that the Commonwealth Fund conducts.

The countries with the highest overall rankings across the five key areas were:

1. Australia

2. The Netherlands

3. The United Kingdom

4. New Zealand

5. France

The countries that had the lowest overall rankings across the five key areas were:

6. Sweden

7. Canada

8. Switzerland

9. Germany

10. The United States

When the researchers analyzed each country by each key domain, the United States ranked last on access to care, indicating that Americans face the most barriers to accessing and affording health care. The nation also ranked last in health outcomes, including acute illnesses, chronic diseases and death.

The researchers noted that people in the United States live the shortest lives and face the most avoidable deaths among the 10 countries, and the US had the highest rates of excess deaths related to the Covid-19 pandemic for people younger than 75, according to the report.

The United States ranked ninth in equity, indicating that disparities persist in how people with various incomes and from different backgrounds may access and experience health care. The country also ranked ninth in administrative efficiency, indicating that doctors and patients in the US are more likely to report problems related to insurance approvals and billing.

Administrative requirements can cost time and money for patients and doctors, Reginald Williams II, vice president of international health policy and practice innovations at The Commonwealth Fund, said in the briefing.

Many countries have simplified their health insurance and payment systems, usually through legislation, regulation and standardization. For example, other countries apply standardized payments to all physicians for services, and do that on a regional basis, so that doctors know what theyll be paid, and patients know what portion theyll be responsible for, he said. They make it much simpler.

The one domain for which the United States ranked high was the care process, which suggests that the health care it delivers includes aspects or attributes that are considered essential for high-quality care.

The researchers noted that all countries have something to learn from one another. Yet there were relatively small differences in the overall performance among all of the countries except the United States, which was the only clear outlier.

The other nine countries may have different health care systems, but they all had universal coverage, the researchers wrote, which ensures that any copayments for health services are small, improving both access and affordability.

A lot of the lagging performance of the United States health care system has to do with access to care and equity of care, both of which are heavily influenced by the availability and quality of insurance, Dr. David Blumenthal, former president of The Commonwealth Fund, said in the briefing.

The United States lags both in having 20-plus million Americans still uninsured  7% to 8% of the population  though an historic low, still very high by international standards, he said. It also lacks in terms of the ability of lower-income people to get access to basic services.

Additionally, the researchers found that health care spending was similar in the other countries but not in the US, which spends far more on health care than its peers yet has the worst overall performance.

The two countries with the highest overall rankings, Australia and the Netherlands, had the lowest health care spending

To improve the state of its health care, the US can expand insurance coverage, shrink disparities in care, and reduce the administrative burden and complexities of insurance plans, the researchers wrote.

Its also important for the United States to invest in interventions outside of health care to address the social drivers of health: poverty, homelessness, hunger, discrimination, gun violence, substance use, Williams said.

The report also called for a more robust primary care system in the United States.

For instance, primary care physicians in the Netherlands are required to have coverage after hours. As a person in the Netherlands, you always can get access to your primary care physician or a covering physician, 24/7, and that, of course, is not true in the United States, Blumenthal said.

Americans are most likely to report difficulties getting after-hours care, resulting in their having to use emergency rooms for after-hours care, he said. Thats a very simple intervention that would reduce the cost of care, reduce the access problems and reduce the administrative complexity of care.

The American electorate makes the choices

The upcoming US presidential election could play a significant role in the future of the nations health care system, Blumenthal said.

The American electorate makes choices about which direction to move in, and that is very much an issue in this election, he said. If we are continuing to lay the foundation for improvement of our health care system, elections that result in expansions of insurance coverage, based on the existing programs, would take us in the direction that makes us closer in performance to other international comparisons.

The rankings in the new report parallel those in a paper that The Commonwealth Fund released last year that found the US had the highest rates of deaths from avoidable or treatable causes and the highest maternal and infant death rates yet still spends more on health care than any other high-income country.

Were not getting the best value for our health care dollar, Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, who was not involved in either report, said last year.

To help fix the holes in the US health care system, Benjamin said, there are three steps the nation can take.

Were still the only nation that does not have universal health care or access for all of our citizens, Benjamin said.

Second, we dont do as much primary care prevention as the other nations, and we still have a public health system, which is fractured, he said. The third thing is, we under-invest compared to other industrialized nations in societal things. They spend their money on providing upfront support for their citizens. We spend our money on sick care.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, is facing pressure to drop out of the race (Grant Baldwin) (Grant Baldwin/GETTY IMAGES/Getty Images via AFP)

The Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina rebuffed calls Thursday to drop out of the race following a report that he called himself a "Black Nazi" and made other incendiary comments on a porn website message board.

A number of Republican officials in North Carolina are reportedly pressuring Mark Robinson to drop out, fearing his candidacy could impact the presidential contest between the party's nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.

The battleground state of North Carolina, where Robinson is currently serving as lieutenant governor, is expected to play a pivotal role in the November White House election.

Robinson denounced the report by the CNN cable television network as "salacious tabloid lies."

"We are staying in this race," Robinson said in a videotaped message. "We are in it to win it."

Asked about the CNN report about Robinson, Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokeswoman, said "President Trump's campaign is focused on winning the White House and saving this country.

"North Carolina is a vital part of that plan," Leavitt said.

Robinson, who has been endorsed by Trump, is currently trailing his Democratic opponent Josh Stein in the polls and his campaign has been dogged by some of his controversial past comments such as calling the Holocaust "hogwash."

According to CNN, Robinson was active more than a decade ago on the message board of a porn site called "Nude Africa," calling himself a "perv" and a "Black Nazi" and making lewd and sexually graphic comments.

Robinson, who is African American, also attacked civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, calling him a "commie bastard," CNN said.

He also allegedly said on the message board that slavery is "not bad... I would certainly buy a few."

As a candidate, Robinson has pushed for a ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, denies climate change and is a strong advocate for gun rights.

cl/acb
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced updates to its sanctions list on Sept. 19, adding the names of five entities and one individual in violation of regulations the U.S. has placed on North Korea.



"Today's action holds accountable parties that have assisted (North Korea) and Russian sanctions evasion," said Treasury official Bradley Smith.

"The U.S. remains strongly committed to leveraging all our available tools to disrupt this and other schemes intended to support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and enable (North Korea's) illicit access to the international financial system."



North Korea and Russia have deepened their military and political cooperation since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.



"North Korea would be first, then there is no one for a long time, and then everyone else," Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, said earlier in September, discussing countries that offer the most military support to Russia.



In January, the U.S. announced sanctions on a Russian state-owned airline involved in the transfer of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russia. South Korea has warned that North Korea may be supplying Russia with tactical guided missiles and over six million artillery shells.



MRB Bank, the "International Settlement Bank" LLC, one of the entities updated as violating sanctions on North Korea, has been providing banking services in Russian-occupied territories under the control of Russia's Central Bank since 2014.



One of the involved sanctioned North Korean entities has been designated as serving as North Korea's primary foreign currency exchange bank and "is vital to the illicit financial networks (North Korea) uses to finance its WMD and ballistic missile programs," the Treasury said.

Read also: An evil axis  JP Morgan CEO issues stark economic warning over Russia, Iran, North Korea

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Bloomberg) -- US authorities on Wednesday accused Iranian hackers of emailing stolen information from Donald Trumps presidential campaign to President Joe Bidens campaign team, as well as to journalists.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The operation, which occurred over the summer, appeared to be an effort by Iranian hackers to dupe people working for the presidents campaign to act on spearphishing emails. That would have allowed the intruders to get into emails and computer systems  essentially trying to hack the Biden campaign with material hacked from the Trump campaign.

Investigators dont have any evidence that anyone from Bidens campaign replied to the emails, according to a notice from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

The emails were sent in June and July, before Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaigns national press secretary, called Wednesdays disclosures further proof the Iranians are actively interfering in the election to help Kamala Harris and Joe Biden because they know President Trump will restore his tough sanctions and stand against their reign of terror.

Both the Biden and Trump administrations have imposed sanctions on Iran.

The Harris campaign said in a statement that were not aware of any material being sent directly to the campaign; a few individuals were targeted on their personal emails with what looked like a spam or phishing attempt.

Irans permanent mission to the United Nations said in a statement that the allegations were fundamentally unsound and that the US hadnt shared any evidence of the hack.

US authorities have escalated efforts to combat foreign influence operations and interference before the November election, with particular focus on Russia, Iran and China.

The allegations revealed Wednesday follow an inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that became public last month after a report from Microsoft Corp. described efforts by the Iranian government to access email accounts of presidential campaign staff members.

A hacker group with suspected ties to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps called Mint Sandstorm is suspected of successfully infiltrating the campaign of Trump, a US law enforcement official said at the time.

--With assistance from Akayla Gardner and Augusta Saraiva.

(Updates with Iran statement in eighth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
COMPANY NEWS: Rimini Street, a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support, products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software, and an AWS partner, announces the successful global adoption of its VMware support, security and consulting services by clients headquartered across four continents.

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A crowd of about 150 people attended a controversial University of South Carolina student event featuring far-right political commentators on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A University of South Carolina student event featuring a pair of controversial far-right political provocateurs drew some 150 attendees. Before it started, protesters both outside the event and on Statehouse grounds criticized it as hate speech.

Unlike at other college campuses where speakers sparked protests, no violence erupted Wednesday.

The small group of protesters outside the event stood behind barriers far from the event entrance with signs bearing messages such as zero tolerance 4 hate. The group largely dispersed as the event started, though several entered and argued with the speakers when they took the stage a little before 9 p.m.

A crowd of about 150 people attended a University of South Carolina student event featuring far-right political commentators and founder of the Proud Boys, Gavin McInnes, on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

The event sponsored by the USC chapter of Uncensored America was billed as a roast of Vice President Kamala Harris with roastmasters Milo Yiannopoulos and Gavin McInnes, founder of the Proud Boys. The marketing for it featured a vulgar spelling of Harris first name.

Beforehand, alumni, students, professors, legislators and the NAACP criticized the states largest university system for allowing it to happen. More than 27,000 people signed an online petition calling on the school to shut it down.

University administrators have stressed the speakers do not reflect the schools view, and that they were neither invited nor endorsed by the college. But they declined to stop it as a matter of constitutionally protected free speech.

As a university, we denounce hate and bigotry. We condemn the vile and juvenile rhetoric used to promote this event, USC President Michael Amiridis wrote in an Aug. 27 email message to students.

Censoring even the most hateful individuals and groups does not solve the problems we face in our society, and instead provides them with a platform to win more publicity and support, because their message was silenced, he continued.

Attendees filed into USCs student center for the evening event, past a police presence that mostly outnumbered protestors and barriers not normally seen on Greene Street, which were set up in anticipation of a protest. All chairs in the room were full.

Their reasons for going ranged from being fans of the speakers to just being curious to wanting to heckle the two men.

Im not big on politics; I really just came to people watch, USC sophomore Sydney Livingston, of Conway, told the SC Daily Gazette.

I kind of want to mess with them honestly, said political science student Aidan Thomas.

For Will Castellow, a music major from Mount Pleasant, it wasnt his first Uncensored America event. He attended a debate on potential pornography bans that the group hosted last November and was interested to hear what the speakers had to say.

Last week, USCs student government voted to reject Uncensored Americas funding request of $3,600 to help pay for it, the Daily Gamecock reported.

Castellow said he did not think the pushback against Wednesdays event or the funding denial was fair, stating other political and activist groups have received funding in the past no matter their message.

And student Emily Whitaker questioned why the elevated security was needed. She said she hasnt seen such measures put in place for other events on campus involving opposing views. As an example, she pointed to a drag show that took place the first week of classes.

About a half-mile away on a campus recreation field, an alternative event was held for students with inflatables, yard games, food and a jazz band, TV station WACH Fox reported. The line to get in stretched down the street and Amiridis, the college president, was in attendance.

Inside, the audience was split between those who cheered the speakers on and those who booed and interrupted. While no one was arrested or forcibly removed, several were approached by police officers in the room and asked to quiet down. Others shouted at the speakers as they stood and walked out.

What attendees heard was some commentary on Vice President Harris political views, remarks questioning her racial heritage and misogynistic comments about her rise in political office  as well as profanity-laden insults flung back and forth between the speakers and people in the crowd. The event lasted about 90 minutes.

Hours earlier, on the steps of the South Carolina Statehouse, about 40 people gathered in opposition, with speeches by members of civil rights groups and several Black state legislators. A smaller crowd stood protesting outside the event.

Freedom of speech has been used as an excuse to cover up for hate since our Constitution was adopted. So, it is our First Amendment right to speak against hateful rhetoric in our country, said Tiffany James, president of the Columbia chapter of the National Action Network, a national group founded by the Rev. Al Sharpton.

The Statehouse protest was held separately, instead making their statement by intentionally not showing up to the event.

Do not give them the pleasure of seeing your face, said Oveta Glover, president of Columbias NAACP chapter.

We will not go along quietly or silently, but we will stand for what is right, said Rep. Ivory Thigpen, D-Columbia, who chairs the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.

Because hate speech leads to hate acts, and this history of hate is not so long or so far removed, said Thigpen, who lost his bid for a Senate seat in June.

Hamilton Grant, a Columbia Democrat running for Thigpens House seat representing Columbias northeast suburbs, called it a sad day in South Carolina when white supremacists are invited with open arms.

Yiannopoulos, a British writer who refers to himself as a fabulous supervillain, has been criticized for his Islamophobic, misogynistic and transphobic viewpoints. He is a former editor at Breitbart News, the alt-right news platform co-founded by former President Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon  a job he resigned from in 2017  and former chief of staff for Kanye Wests fashion brand Yeezy.

McInnes  who was born in London, raised in Canada and lives in New York  is the founder of the Proud Boys. The Anti-Defamation League says the self-described western chauvinist group is a a right-wing extremist group with a violent agenda, while the FBI describes them as an extremist group with ties to white nationalism.

McInnes announced in 2018 he was leaving the group, though he continues to be associated with it.

Protests the next day

Campus protests continued Thursday evening.

About 100 students marched, without incident, from the student center to the Statehouse chanting hate on campus has got to go and calling on university officials to codify the schools values statement, known as the Carolinian Creed, into an enforceable student code of conduct.

Taking the creed from a statement of values to a set of rules requiring respect for others, the rejection of bigotry and the commitment to integrity, as leaders of the group called for, could have broad consequences for speech and gatherings, potentially reaching into First Amendment protections.

The students werent specific on how they want to see those rules enforced, to include who would decide when theyre broken, how offenses would be reported or suggested punishments.

The group also said it wants to go further with rules added to the universitys constitution prohibiting hate speech on campus.

Finally, students said they want to see the universitys guidelines for promotional materials posted on campus  which do not allow for crude language or images  expanded to social media posts by student groups that include the universitys name or branding.

That would have prevented the vulgar reference in the marketing of Wednesday nights event.

Im disappointed that the school I love and attend has allowed and fostered an environment where hatred can thrive, said Julio Domingo, of Columbia, a senior and first-generation Latino student at USC. To the marginalized students on campus, let us not be dismayed by this. We belong on this campus, and this is our school as much as it is for any other students.

Others who shared stories included a transgender student who said a student at the event made a derogatory statement about their gender. A second student read from a friends social media post about Islamophobic statements directed toward her at the event.

Disgusting is what I call last night, said USC senior Shalaia Myers, of Columbia.

At least one group, the Philadelphia-based Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression  which ranks freedom of speech on college campuses  applauded the university for its free speech stance.

Last year, the organization ranked USC as one of the worst colleges in the country for free speech. This year, it made the largest improvement of any other school, coming in at 34.

The ranking is based on school policies and surveys of students, which show that USC students now feel more comfortable expressing their views on a variety of topics, the foundations David Volodzko wrote in commentary published in The Post and Courier.

Let us know what you think...
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT)  The Jimmy A. Payne Foundation recently made grants totaling $502,689 through the USM Foundation to support 17 projects at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

For the 2024-25 academic year, the following projects and programs will benefit from the latest grant cycle:

Academic Affairs

Jimmy A. Payne Foundation Gap Annual Scholarship

Apple Design Lab

Student Affairs

Student Accessibility Services Testing Center

Wellness Eagles

College of Nursing and Health Professions

The Childrens Center for Communication and Development (CCCD) A wall to help reduce high frequency sound while children are on the playground

Shared facility with DuBard School and CCCD on the Gulf Park Campus

Clinical Observation Recording System (CORS)

USM teams to host 2024 Trick or Treat at The Pete

College of Business and Economic Development

The Hatchery

College of Arts & Sciences

USM Dance Studio Theatre Renovation

Boulderburg Geotrail

Interactive models in general chemistry

Computer Science Sensory (neurodiverse) Room

Computing Research Center

College of Education and Human Sciences

EHS Nest

The Graduate School

Dissertation Completion Grants

University Libraries

de Grummond Childrens Literature Collection Curatorship Endowment

NY Times Newspaper Database

Established in 1989, The Jimmy A. Payne Foundation awards grants for projects annually to support USM.

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Robert Axson, Chair of the Utah Republican Party, talks with a member of the media after a legislative committee hearing held in the East Senate Building of the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A state legislative committee declined to hear complaints about the Utah Republican Partys caucus-night presidential poll for the second time on Wednesday, citing biased presentations, the independence of party organizations and an alleged conflict of interest with the committee chair.

Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, who is chair of the bicameral Government Operations Interim Committee, intended to have the committee listen to critics of the state GOPs decision to combine the primary nomination process with the neighborhood caucus system.

Scheduled to speak were Integrity Matters founder, and former Utah County GOP vice chair, Daryl Acumen; a representative of the nonpartisan Disability Law Center; Weber County Clerk-Auditor Ricky Hatch; a representative of both major political parties in Utah; and Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, who sponsored legislation in 2019 guaranteeing the option of government-run, vote-by-mail primaries on Super Tuesday,

All 12 of Thatchers fellow committee members voted to remove the item from the agenda on Wednesday, less than two months after the same presentations were canceled out of a worry that GOP chair Rob Axson lacked sufficient time to prepare for the hearing, Thatcher said.

This time, lawmakers, including Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Salt Lake City, Rep. Mike Petersen, R-North Logan, and Rep. Kay Christofferson, R-Lehi, argued the presentation materials from one critic  Daryl Acumen, a former GOP vice chair in Utah County  were biased against the caucus system.

This is a conversation that does need to happen, but not in this way, Gricius said. We need to come at it from a clean slate.

Attendees leave after a legislative committee declined to hear complaints about the Utah Republican Partys caucus-night presidential poll during a hearing held in the East Senate Building of the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

What happened in Utahs Republican presidential preference poll?

The state GOPs presidential preference poll, held on Super Tuesday, March 5, was criticized by lawmakers and voters for being inaccessible and insecure. Website crashes and disorganization contributed to a low turnout of less than 10% and the disenfranchisement of Utah voters who were unable to attend the caucus proceedings at schools across the state, according to Acumen.

In the days leading up to the caucus, Acumen was behind a mass text sent to 162,000 Utah Republicans declaring that Utahs primary election (was) canceled and asking voters to email, text and call Axson to voice their opposition. Following the election, Acumen sent out a text surveying GOP voters about their experience with the caucus and, again, directed their comments to Axson.

Acumen had planned to share a summary, and some specific examples, of the 11,700 responses he received, compiled into a 338-page binder. Acumen had also planned to share the results of his informal text survey of Utah Republicans. He said the results showed roughly 73% of GOP voters were upset about the way the party chose to participate in the countrys presidential candidate nomination.

Everyones mad across every demographic, Acumen said.

What will the Utah Republican Party do differently?

Regardless of public opinion, the presidential preference poll falls outside the purview of state legislative action because it was a private party process, not a state-funded election, Axson said: The jurisdiction is the issue. The poll represented a non-binding indication of how Utahs national delegates would vote at Julys Republican National Convention, Axson told the Deseret News.

But the party has attempted to learn from its mistakes that night, Axson insisted. Increasing the number of venue locations is an actionable step that will be taken in the future, Axson said, while claiming the technological failures during the preference poll were the result of a denial-of-service cyber attack, not the number of simultaneous users.

Members of the committee, including Gricius and Petersen, implied Thatcher wanted to elevate Acumens criticisms because his sister works at Integrity Matters LLC. Thatcher called the accusation irrelevant  every lawmakers siblings have jobs, he said  and a personal attack on his integrity.

What we heard here today in this committee, loud and clear, is that they dont feel like they have any responsibility or obligation to hear from these people, Thatcher told the Deseret News following the vote. This is literally the committee that oversees elections for the state of Utah. So if concerns and questions and complaints about elections in the state of Utah are not to be heard in that legislative committee, then where is the appropriate place?
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reaffirmed his support for Donald Trump on Thursday even as the former president has continued to spread insults and inflammatory statements on the campaign trail  a behavior Cox said he hoped Trump would abandon when he endorsed him in July.

The governor, long seen as a moderate Republican in the manner of Mitt Romney, shocked political observers and Utah voters when he pledged his support to Trump after the July assassination attempt on the former president. Cox did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020, and he said days before the shooting that he would not vote for him this year.

In a letter of support, Cox urged Trump to treat his political opponents with basic human dignity and respect and said he believed Trump could save the country by emphasizing unity rather than hate.

Trump said after the assassination attempt that he had no plans to change  as demonstrated by his recent remarks about Haitian immigrants  but Cox told reporters he remains hopeful that the Republican presidential nominee will adopt more unifying rhetoric.

I have to be optimistic, and I will remain optimistic, and I'm going to do everything I can to help him and others to bring our country together, Cox said. I also dont believe that Im important enough that President Trump is going to change or do things differently just because of me, but that doesnt mean Im not going to try."

A small city in Ohio has been inundated with hoax bomb threats since last weeks presidential debate, when Trump falsely accused members of Springfields Haitian community of abducting and eating people's pet cats and dogs. During his presidency, Trump had questioned why the U.S. would accept immigrants from s-hole countries" such as Haiti and some in Africa.

Days after the debate, Cox introduced Trump at a private fundraiser in Salt Lake City. The governor, who is running for reelection and has not in turn been endorsed by Trump, said he had a conversation with the former president that Saturday in which he again encouraged him not to sow division.

Trump has also gone after his opponents racial identity, falsely claiming earlier this year at a conference for Black journalists that Vice President Kamala Harris turned Black after previously emphasizing her South Asian heritage.
Utah Mans Cruise Ship, Bought on Craigslist, Now Sinking After He Spent Over $1 Million Restoring It

The 'Aurora' began to "sink in 13 feet of water and discharge pollution," the U.S. Coast Guard announced in May

United States Coast Guard View of the 'Aurora'

A man from Utah spent over $1 million restoring a cruise ship he bought on Craiglist that has begun sinking.

Technology entrepreneur Chris Willson revealed in an interview with CNN Travel that he and his long-term partner, Jin Li, spent 15 years restoring the Aurora  a 293-foot vessel  after purchasing it online in 2008. The ship also features 85 cabins, a swimming pool and a theater.

While Willson didn't disclose the original cost of the vessel, he said in the interview published on Wednesday, Sept. 18, that he was able to "work out a really good deal with the owner."

Willson recalled immediately falling in love with Aurora after discovering a few facts about it. The boat was originally named the Wappen von Hamburg, built by Germany after World War II, inspired The Love Boat and was featured in the 1963 film From Russia with Love.

CDFW Spill Prevention/Response View of the 'Aurora'

He told CNN Travel that Aurora spent a year docked at Rio Vista, Calif., around three years at San Franciscos Pier 38, and was docked at Herman & Helens Marina, around 24 kilometers from Stockton, Calif., in 2012.

"Id gotten quite a ways. I think we had 10 areas solidly restored and refurnished meticulously," he said about his work on the vessel. He ended up selling the boat in October 2023 after locals took issue with the dormant ship, reports CNN Travel.

Related: He Saw the Plane Crash That Killed His Mom. Now He's CNN's Aviation Correspondent: 'Keep Going'

"These were kind of major areas. So we were pretty proud of that. So we were doing a pretty good job. We had marine engineers involved," continued Willson. "(There was) no lack of people coming out to loan a hand."

x View of the 'Aurora'

While the identity of the individual who brought the Aurora has not been publicly shared, the U.S. Coast Guard announced on Wednesday, May 22, that it had begun to "sink in 13 feet of water and discharge pollution."

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

"It has been determined the ship has suffered a hole and is taking on water and is currently leaking diesel fuel and oil into the Delta Waterway," added the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office in a post on X.

United States Coast Guard Workers in front of the 'Aurora'

The U.S. Coast Guard announced in late June that contractors hired by a Unified Command tried to refloat the Aurora and remove "an estimated 21,675 gallons of oily water, 3,193 gallons of hazardous waste, and five 25-yard bins of debris."

Related: 72-Year-Old Man Who Says He's 'Past My Expiration Date' Buys Home in Italy to Increase Life Expectancy

"Extensive surveys suggest that no recoverable oil remains onboard. There were no observations of oiled wildlife throughout the response," the U.S. Coast Guard's press release said, noting that the City of Stockton had "hired contractors to maintain pumps within the vessel to address potential water ingress and monitor the vessel."

x View of the 'Aurora'

The city's community relations officer, Connie Cochran, told CNN Travel that when the Aurora sank, it had "no clear ownership," and Stockton officials are figuring out how to dispose of the vessel.

She added that the ship is a "public hazard" and "danger to the environment," however, the city hopes a portion of it can be "recouped."



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.

In a recent post on a Facebook group page chronicling the restoration of the Aurora, Willson said that the "new owner has consistently reached out to every pertinent agency, fervently proclaiming his ownership status, and has provided unequivocal legal documentation confirming his ownership."

PEOPLE has reached out to the city of Stockton for comment.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
A Utah teen is fighting for her life after a car surfing accident, raising the alarm on a growing social media trend .

15-year-old Ava Broadhead is in a medical induced coma due to an "extreme brain injury" after falling from the top of a moving car, according to Fox 13 .

The teen, who was looking forward to attending homecoming, will now have to relearn how to walk, talk and even tie her shoes.

'DEMURE,' TIKTOK'S LATEST TREND, HAS SOCIAL MEDIA USERS HOOKED ON LIVING WITH MODESTY

"Ava was involved in a serious accident while attempting car surfing, a dangerous trend that has unfortunately become popular among teenagers. She was thrown from the car, suffering severe brain trauma," the GoFundMe page for Broadhead says. "What was meant to be a moment of fun has now left Ava in a hospital gown, with half her head shaved, fighting to recover."

The incident is raising eyebrows across the nation as some are blaming social media for promoting dangerous trends to children.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Unfortunately, with social media, there are ebbs and flows to these types of trends and right now this trend has been picking up," Sgt. Aymee Race with the Unified Police Department told Fox 13. "I mean, it stems from the eighties, and movies, to 10 years ago. This was a significant trend and now here we are again with this trend picking up."

Fox News Digital chatted with Times10 CEO and founder Ben Ricciardi, who says the dangerous internet trends are "alarming."

"Here's the thing with social media: things move very quickly," he said. "New trends pop up daily, both dangerous ones and non-dangerous ones. One of the other ones was I show speed by jumping over a speeding car, which most of these things are fake by the celebrities or influencers and then people go and try it, thinking they're not fake, and there are sometimes catastrophic results."

Ricciardi explained that the youth follow trends because they want the attention that social media has crafted.

"I think what's happened is the youth wants to be the center of attention, which is what social media has created," he explained. "What trends are is being the first onto something and the faster a young person feels like they are the first onto something, maybe it will be their big break to get them famous or have their classmates see it and become more popular."





Original article source: Utah teen in critical condition after 'car surfing' accident as concerns grow over online trend
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  A Utica man faces sexual abuse charges after he forcibly touched a woman at a Lansing Street residence, according to Utica Police.

Officers were called to the 200 block of Lansing Street at approximately 2 pm on Wednesday, September 18. Upon their arrival, they spoke with the victim who claimed that an individual  later identified as 38-year-old Antonio Pugh  followed her to the rear of a residence.

While at the rear of the residence, Pugh allegedly attempted to forcibly engage the victim in sexual activity. The victim also stated that during the course of the activity, the male forcibly touched her. However, the victim was able to flee before any further acts were committed.

During their search, police noticed a male  later identified as Pugh  allegedly hiding in an adjacent yard. The male was detained and positively identified as the suspect.

It was also learned during their investigation that Pugh was registered as a Level 3 Sex Offender, the highest level in New York State according to the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Pugh was subsequently transported to the Utica Police Department. He is currently being charged with:

first-degree Sexual Abuse, a Class D Violent Felony.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Vance spread Springfield rumors even after his staff was told they were false, news report says

VANDALIA, OHIO -Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ohio Republican U.S. Senator JD Vance. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images.)

More than a week ago, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vances staff was told by Springfield officials that a racially charged rumor Vance had been amplifying was false, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. Despite a wave of death and bomb threats directed at the community, Vance, a U.S. senator representing the city, hasnt backed off.

Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, has said that hes trying to highlight what he claims are failures by his political opponents to enforce immigration laws. But the multitude of falsehoods about Black immigrants told by Vance and his running mate, former President Donald Trump, have an ugly history and could fuel racist violence, an expert said.

Spreading these racist lies on a national stage has seriously disrupted civic life in the Springfield community, said Lindsay Schubiner, program director of Western States Strategies, a nonpartisan advocacy group which seeks to counter white nationalist and paramilitary organizations, among other aims. Its not surprising to hear that (Vance) knew these stories were false and continued to spread them with enormously dangerous consequences.

A Vance staffer didnt respond Wednesday when asked whether the senator was concerned about the consequences of knowingly repeating false statements about Springfield.

On Sept. 9, after Vance had already promoted claims that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating neighbors pets as well as poaching local wildlife, a Vance staffer called Springfield City Hall to ask if there was any truth to the rumors.

He asked point-blank, Are the rumors true of pets being taken and eaten? City Manager Bryan Heck told the Wall Street Journal. I told him no. There was no verifiable evidence or reports to show this was true. I told them these claims were baseless.

The following morning, Vance, undeterred, again fanned the flames.

In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants, he posted on X at 9:58 a.m. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

Six minutes later, he followed up.

In short, dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots, the man who would be second in line to the presidency wrote. Keep the cat memes flowing.

During that evenings presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris taunted Trump by saying that during many of his rallies, the audience starts to stream out long before he finishes speaking. Trump took the bait and went on a disjointed tirade that ended with him echoing Vances false claims.

Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump said. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

A barrage of threats started the next morning  death threats against Springfield city officials and at least 36 bomb threats so far against schools, government buildings and health care facilities.

Some of them explicitly cited the presence of so many Haitians in the community. Racist fliers, which were attributed to a Kentucky Ku Klux Klan group, also have been circulated, per multiple media reports.

Racist lies about immigrants eating pets are not new. Forbes on Sunday reported that 40 years ago, it was Asian refugees who were blamed for supposedly eating dogs. A neo Nazi group pushed the latest version involving Haitians in Springfield before Trump did.

Despite the threats, over the days following the debate, Trump, Vance and Ohio Republicans such as Attorney General Dave Yost and U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno continued to promote the rumors.

And amid the threats  and amid Springfield Republican Mayor Rob Rues plea for elected officials to stop repeating debunked conspiracy theories  Republican Lt. Gov. Jon Husted made a joke about the situation.

In April, Trump called undocumented immigrants animals. On Friday, he said hed deport the Haitians who are in Springfield.

Despite what Trump said, the vast majority of the Haitians in Springfield are there legally. Even so, Moreno echoed the call for deportation.

All the rhetoric is scaring people of Haitian descent around the country, the New York Times reported Friday. Painting Haitian immigrants as pet-eating monsters recalls earlier Trump falsehoods, such as when in 2017, he told White House staff that Haitians all have AIDS, the story said.

In addition to eating pets, Vance also has been claiming that Haitians brought disease to Springfield. But the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday reported that according to the Clark County Health Department, cases of infectious disease are at their lowest point in nearly a decade.

Such targeting of a minority group has contributed to several racist massacres in the United States.

J.D. Vance has elevated racist conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants with no basis in fact, Schubiner of Western States Strategies said. This is a tactic we see anti-democracy actors use again and again: bigoted fear mongering to build political power.

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Vance spread Springfield rumors even after his staff was told they were false, news report says

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate JD Vance greet supporters during the rally at the Dayton International Airport on November 7, 2022 in Vandalia, Ohio. (Photo by Drew Angerer | Getty Images)

More than a week ago, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vances staff was told by Springfield officials that a racially charged rumor Vance had been amplifying was false, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. Despite a wave of death and bomb threats directed at the community, Vance, a U.S. senator representing the city, hasnt backed off.

Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, has said that hes trying to highlight what he claims are failures by his political opponents to enforce immigration laws. But the multitude of falsehoods about Black immigrants told by Vance and his running mate, former President Donald Trump, have an ugly history and could fuel racist violence, an expert said.

Spreading these racist lies on a national stage has seriously disrupted civic life in the Springfield community, said Lindsay Schubiner, program director of Western States Strategies, a nonpartisan advocacy group which seeks to counter white nationalist and paramilitary organizations, among other aims. Its not surprising to hear that (Vance) knew these stories were false and continued to spread them with enormously dangerous consequences.

A Vance staffer didnt respond Wednesday when asked whether the senator was concerned about the consequences of knowingly repeating false statements about Springfield.

On Sept. 9, after Vance had already promoted claims that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating neighbors pets as well as poaching local wildlife, a Vance staffer called Springfield City Hall to ask if there was any truth to the rumors.

He asked point-blank, Are the rumors true of pets being taken and eaten? City Manager Bryan Heck told the Wall Street Journal. I told him no. There was no verifiable evidence or reports to show this was true. I told them these claims were baseless.

The following morning, Vance, undeterred, again fanned the flames.

In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants, he posted on X at 9:58 a.m. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

Six minutes later, he followed up.

In short, dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots, the man who would be second in line to the presidency wrote. Keep the cat memes flowing.

During that evenings presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris taunted Trump by saying that during many of his rallies, the audience starts to stream out long before he finishes speaking. Trump took the bait and went on a disjointed tirade that ended with him echoing Vances false claims.

Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump said. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

A barrage of threats started the next morning  death threats against Springfield city officials and at least 36 bomb threats so far against schools, government buildings and health care facilities.

Some of them explicitly cited the presence of so many Haitians in the community. Racist fliers, which were attributed to a Kentucky Ku Klux Klan group, also have been circulated, per multiple media reports.

Racist lies about immigrants eating pets are not new. Forbes on Sunday reported that 40 years ago, it was Asian refugees who were blamed for supposedly eating dogs. A neo Nazi group pushed the latest version involving Haitians in Springfield before Trump did.

Despite the threats, over the days following the debate, Trump, Vance and Ohio Republicans such as Attorney General Dave Yost and U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno continued to promote the rumors.

And amid the threats  and amid Springfield Republican Mayor Rob Rues plea for elected officials to stop repeating debunked conspiracy theories  Republican Lt. Gov. Jon Husted made a joke about the situation.

In April, Trump called undocumented immigrants animals. On Friday, he said hed deport the Haitians who are in Springfield.

Despite what Trump said, the vast majority of the Haitians in Springfield are there legally. Even so, Moreno echoed the call for deportation.

All the rhetoric is scaring people of Haitian descent around the country, the New York Times reported Friday. Painting Haitian immigrants as pet-eating monsters recalls earlier Trump falsehoods, such as when in 2017, he told White House staff that Haitians all have AIDS, the story said.

In addition to eating pets, Vance also has been claiming that Haitians brought disease to Springfield. But the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday reported that according to the Clark County Health Department, cases of infectious disease are at their lowest point in nearly a decade.

Such targeting of a minority group has contributed to several racist massacres in the United States.

J.D. Vance has elevated racist conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants with no basis in fact, Schubiner of Western States Strategies said. This is a tactic we see anti-democracy actors use again and again: bigoted fear mongering to build political power.

This story was originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Ohio Sen. JD Vance (R) said Wednesday he would continue to falsely call Haitian migrants living legally in the United States illegal aliens, doubling down on his racist rhetoric once more after spreading lies about immigrants eating peoples pets.

Vance was asked about Haitians living in Springfield, Ohio, and how he planned to remove the estimated 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants living there. The city has seen a surge in immigration in recent years but was unexpectedly thrust into the national spotlight after Vance and later former President Donald Trump bolstered lies about the citys newcomers eating local cats and dogs.

The senator, who is Trumps running mate, dialed up his attacks against the Haitian community on Thursday.

The media loves to say that the Haitian migrants, hundreds of thousands of them by the way  they are here legally, Vance said during a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. And what they mean is Kamala Harris used two separate programs, mass parole and Temporary Protected Status, she used two programs to wave a wand and to say were not going to deport those people here.

Well if Kamala Harris waves the wand illegally and says these people are now here legally, Im still going to call them an illegal alien, he went on. An illegal action from Kamala Harris does not make an alien legal, that is not how this works.

"I'm still gonna call them an illegal alien" -- JD Vance on Haitian migrants who are in Ohio legally pic.twitter.com/phe5yjiUyd  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 18, 2024

His comments are misleading: An estimated 300,000 Haitians have been granted residence in the United States under a provision known as Temporary Protected Status, which allows foreign nationals of some countries facing disasters or political turmoil to live in the U.S. legally.

Haiti has been rocked by a series of disasters and political upheaval, and President Joe Biden identified the country as a pillar of his effort to expand pathways for legal entry into the U.S. last year.

The Biden administration in June extended TPS status for Haitians until Feb. 3, 2026, which could be renewed again at a later date.

The U.S. also allows foreign nationals to apply for humanitarian parole to enter the country under urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons.

City officials in Springfield, Ohio, have a dedicated webpage confirming that Haitians are living there legally under U.S. programs and noted that while city resources are strained, the city is an appealing destination for those looking for jobs and a lower cost of living.

The Wall Street Journal also published a new account from a city official in Springfield on Wednesday, who said Vances staffers called to ask about the rumors of migrants eating pets earlier this month.

I told him no, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck told the paper. There was no verifiable evidence or reports to show this was true. I told them these claims were baseless.

Vance ran with them anyway.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has called on political leaders to stop attacking the community, saying the rhetoric was hurting residents. The city has seen more than 30 bomb threats in recent days.

But Trump and Vance have both continued to attack immigrants on the campaign trail, part of their broadsides against Harris and the Biden administrations policies along the U.S. southern border with Mexico. Trump has also vowed to enact the largest-ever deportation if he is reelected to the White House.

Related...
Robert Lilly of Grassroots Leadership speaks during a press conference as organizations advocate for council at first appearance, or CAFA, outside the Travis County Administration Building Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Local advocacy organizations are urging the County Commissioners Court and the Travis County sheriff to implement counsel at first appearance for all people arrested and detained in the Travis County Jail.

Travis County commissioners approved $7.5 million to fund a permanent program to provide defendants with a defense counsel at bail hearings.

The money will largely pay for 43 new full-time employees to operate the program, known as counsel at first appearance, seven days a week. Magistration proceedings, the hearings in which a municipal judge sets bail and jail release conditions, have long been held without a prosecutor or a defense attorney involved. Civil rights and immigration activists, along with defense attorneys, have argued that counsel at first appearance is a necessary remedy to this.

A pilot version of the program, which provided defense counsels about twice a week, began in April and has served nearly 1,000 individuals. Vicki Ashley, the county executive over justice and public safety, previously said the county intended to increase the number of shifts in which it provides a counsel as soon as it increased its staffing. Now, the county could contract with new staff as early as Oct. 1, to offer defense counsels seven days a week.

The Commissioners Courts final allocation came $900,000 higher than the county staff recommended three weeks ago. Among other things, the additional money will pay for four more staff positions, two of which are set to be in-person Spanish-language interpreters.

At their Tuesday meeting, commissioners congratulated staff members and stakeholders on the achievement  more than a year in the making  and voted unanimously in favor of the allocation.

Weve done great work, Precinct 3 Commissioner Ann Howard said after thanking staff. "But these are not one and done things. These are commitments to how were going to be a community."

Whats funded?

The two in-person interpreters were the most significant addition to the funding plan. About 13% of individuals served during the first months of the trial program were Spanish speakers, according to Travis County data.

Immigrant activists had expressed frustration at the initial staff recommendation to only fund virtual interpretation services. Many activists argued the county should do more to protect the rights of the regions immigrant community amid the political climate created by the currently stagnant Senate Bill 4  a Texas law that would allow state and local police to arrest and deport people suspected of being in the United States without legal authorization  and amid the overhanging risk of deportation an undocumented person faces when in contact with the criminal justice system.

The nuance and clarity of in-person interpreters make them better guarantors of a defendants legal rights, immigrant activist Carmen Zuvieta told the American-Statesman in Spanish: Were not computers or electric things; were human beings.

In her presentation to the commissioners, county criminal court administration director Jennifer Kraber said her department will do its best to expedite the interpreters' hiring, but she suggested it won't be a quick process.

We normally have difficulty hiring interpreters in-person during the day. This is (for) nights, on the weekend, holidays, she said.

The county will also hire two new magistrate judges. It will fund five new employees each for the district attorney and county attorneys offices, including six total lawyers. It will also fund six new defense lawyers through its Community Legal Services program and the Capital Area Defenders Service, along with caseworkers for those two agencies and the Public Defenders Office.

The sheriffs office will receive funding for four new officers. That money, county budget director Travis Gatlin said, could go to overtime until the sheriffs office reduces its large officer shortage.

How long did this take?

Travis County has considered implementing a counsel at first appearance program since at least 2022, when it first ran a short-lived pilot program. Conversations on again offering the program reemerged late last year and picked up speed earlier this year.

In March, activists brought up the topic at a Commissioners Court session. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas sued Travis County in April, suggesting it was violating the constitutional rights of people who have been arrested by not providing counsel at first appearance. Test runs for the program began that same month.

In his presentation, Gatlin said the county hopes to expand the counsel at first appearance program to twice the size next year, a move which he said would double the programs cost.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Travis County funds program to have defense attorneys at bond hearings
Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez claims the regime forced him to sign a letter recognizing Nicolas Maduro as the winner of July's disputed presidential election.

"Either I signed or I would face consequences," Gonzalez explained in a video posted to social media. "There were very tense hours of coercion, blackmail and pressure." The letter, according to Gonzalez, was a condition for his escape to Spain, where he arrived on Sunday after weeks in hiding.

Venezuela's National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of the July 28 election, citing 51 percent of the vote for Maduro and 44 for Gonzalez. But the official results were never released. Instead, the opposition published its own data, claiming that Gonzalez won a decisive victory with 67 percent of the vote, compared to just 30 percent for Maduro.

Despite international support for the opposition's findingsincluding recognition from the U.S. and other countriesVenezuela's high court, controlled by Maduro's allies, claimed the opposition's data were false.

Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez, accusing him of "crimes associated with terrorism." Denying any wrongdoing, Gonzalez went into hiding the day after the election until his escape to Spain.

In his video statement, Gonzalez claimed that Maduro's aides arrived at the Spanish embassy in Caracas with the letter demanding his signature. The letter required Gonzalez to recognize Venezuela's national authorities, limit his public activity abroad, and refrain from representing the Venezuelan state in any formal or informal capacity.

Shortly after Gonzalez's video statement, the head of Venezuela's national assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, presented the signed letter on national television, claiming it was signed voluntarily. The letter itself, however, says it was meant to be confidential.

"If you signed under pressure, how is it that one of your daughters still lives in Venezuela peacefully, with her family, as regular Venezuelans?" Rodriguez asked. He also threatened to release audio recordings of his conversation with Gonzalez if the opposition leader did not take back his claims.

Despite threats, Gonzalez remains defiant. Speaking from Spain, he continues to refer to himself as the "president-elect of millions and millions of Venezuelans who voted for change, democracy, and peace." He vowed to "fulfill that mandate," regardless of the regime's pressure.

The post Venezuela Opposition Leader Forced To Sign Letter Backing Maduro appeared first on Reason.com.
The presidential candidate of the Venezuelan opposition Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia arrives at the Santo Tomas de Villanueva school to cast his vote during the presidential elections. Jeampier Arguinzones/dpa

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez said he was put under pressure to sign a document recognising the electoral victory of President Nicolas Maduro, in a post on X.

Gonzalez is currently in Spain and said his signature was a condition imposed by Maduro's government for letting him travel to Spain, in Wednesday's post.

His statement came after the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, presented the signed document on Wednesday, in which Gonzalez purportedly acknowledged "the decisions made by the judicial organs within the framework of the constitution."

Gonzalez asserted that he accepted these terms under duress at the Spanish embassy in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.

"There were very tense hours of coercion, blackmail and pressure," he said.

The Venezuelan opposition says Gonzalez, its candidate, won July's contested presidential election which installed authoritarian Maduro for another six-year term.

The US and several Latin American countries recognize Gonzalez as the winner of the election and the European Union also questions the official result.

Gonzalez travelled to Spain on September 8 and applied for political asylum. Previously, a warrant for his arrest had been issued in Venezuela on charges including sabotage, conspiracy and usurpation of functions.

He said at that moment, he thinks he would be more useful as a free man to fulfil "the tasks entrusted to him."

"A document that has been signed under coercion is absolutely null and void due to a serious error in consent," he said.

After the election on July 28, the loyalist electoral authority declared Maduro, who has been in power for 11 years, as the winner but did not publish the detailed results.
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report)  Four Venezuelan nationals confined in a federal immigration facility for almost a year are challenging the legality of their detention.

Three nonprofits on Friday petitioned for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of the migrants. Theyre asking a federal judge in New Mexico to declare that their prolonged detention  from nine to 11.5 months  violates due process, and to order U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release them from the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral.

ICE allows rare look inside migrant holding facility

Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, and the Center for Constitutional Rights brought the civil lawsuit against the facility and ICE on behalf of Luis Eduardo Perez Parra, Leonel Jose Rivas Gonzalez, Abrahan Josue Barrios Morales and an individual only identified as M.R.R.Y.

The asylum-seekers passed credible fear interviews at the border that temporarily allowed them to stay in the U.S. An immigration judge later ordered their removal from the country. The repatriation got complicated due to deteriorating relations with Venezuela since the U.S. tightened sanctions on the Nicolas Maduro regime.

Bill ensures border agents, officers get paid should government shut down

One of the migrants bringing the lawsuit allegedly was placed in solitary conferment for refusing to be removed to Mexico instead of Venezuela. Two others declined to go to Mexico because they know acquaintances who were harmed or kidnapped there, documents filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico show.

Detaining people for prolonged periods without any meaningful recourse, especially after they have every reason to believe they should be released, not only violates their constitutional rights but inflicts severe psychological and physical harm, said Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney for ACLU of New Mexico.

Blimp to help Border Patrol spot illegal activity in desert

Border Report reached out to ICE but was told the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

As of March 2024, some 4,379 Venezuelan migrants were in ICE custody at detention facilities all over the country.

ICE detention centers  and especially Otero County Processing Center  have a well-documented track record of ruthlessly stripping people of their humanity simply for being from a country that government officials do not like, said Mikaila Hernandez, an attorney and justice fellow at the Center for Constitutional Rights. Our clients are facing indefinite incarceration because U.S. foreign policy is impeding their deportations. [.] It is time to end the funding of these rampant human rights violations and abolish the caging of migrants.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

The defendants named in the lawsuit include Dora Castro, the Otero County Processing Center warden, ICE El Paso Field Office Director Mary De Anda-Ybarra, and the national leaders of ICE, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Edmundo Gonzalez has now been granted asylum in Spain [Getty Images]

Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has said he was "forced" to recognise President Nicolas Maduro as the winner of July's disputed election before being allowed to seek asylum in Spain.

In a video message, Gonzalez said Maduro's aides had coerced him into signing a letter while he was hiding in the Spanish embassy in Venezuela's capital Caracas earlier this month.

But Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly and a key Maduro ally, said Gonzalez had willingly written his signature.

Electoral authorities loyal to Maduro announced him the victor in the election - something which was disputed by Gonzalez, and many sections of the international community.

In Wednesday's video message from Madrid on X, Gonzalez, 75, said Maduro's aides had brought him the letter, claiming that "I had to either sign it or deal with the consequences".

"There were very tense hours of coercion, blackmail and pressure.

"At that point I considered I could be of more use free than if I were imprisoned," Gonzalez said, describing the signed letter as "worthless".

Gonzalez, who has now been granted asylum in Spain, referred to himself as the "president-elect of millions and millions of Venezuelans who voted for change, democracy and peace", vowing to "fulfil that mandate".

Maduro ally Jorge Rodriguez presented what he said was the letter signed by Gonzalez of his own volition [Reuters]

Following Gonzalez's statement, Maduro ally Rodriguez presented the letter, which he said was signed by Gonzalez of his own volition.

At a press conference in Caracas on Wednesday, he also gave Gonzalez "24 hours" to take back his assertions, saying that otherwise he would publish audio of their conversations debunking the opposition candidate's claims.

If you signed under pressure how is it that one of your daughters still lives in Venezuela peacefully, with her family, as regular Venezuelans?

"Venezuelans can think in one way or another and all of them have a place in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Here there's no place for violence or fascism," Rodriguez said.

He also showed photos of an alleged meeting between himself, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez and Gonzalez at the Spanish embassy in Caracas on the eve of the opposition candidate's departure earlier this month.

Prior to his departure for Spain, a Venezuelan judge had issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez, accusing him of conspiracy and of forging documents, among other "serious crimes" - all things Gonzalez denied.

Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) claims Maduro, 61, won 52% of the vote in the 28 July elections. It gave Gonzalez 43%.

The opposition, however, said it had evidence Gonzalez had won by a comfortable margin, and uploaded detailed voting tallies to the internet which suggest Gonzalez beat Maduro convincingly.

The US, the EU and the majority of foreign governments have refused to accept Maduro as the winner without Caracas releasing detailed voting data to prove the result.

The CNE has said it cannot publish the voting records because the data has been corrupted by hackers.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A woman was arrested Thursday after allegedly shooting a man.

The Laurel County Sheriffs Office said 40-year-old Amy Simpson, from London, was arrested around 9:40 a.m. two miles north of London.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Authorities said deputies were dispatched after a report of someone being shot.

A man was found with a gunshot wound to his leg and he was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Deputies were told that the suspect had fled. Authorities found Simpson a short time later at a home off Love Road.

The sheriffs office said their investigation revealed that a verbal altercation led to the alleged shooting, and a pistol was recovered.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

Simpson was charged with first-degree assault and lodged in the Laurel County Correctional 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 FOX 56 News.
An armed security guard at an Arlington elementary school has been fired after leaving their duty belt, which included a handgun and pepper spray, in a restroom on campus Tuesday, officials said.

The security officer, who was contracted through Tier One, left the belt in the restroom at 1:25 p.m. A staff member found it at 1:31 p.m. and reported the incident, the principal of Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language said in a letter to parents. No students entered the restroom during that time.

The Arlington ISD appreciates the swift action taken by Tier One to remove the campus security officer from the district and immediately address protocols with their staff members, the letter states.

Tier One spokesperson Timothy Grega told the Star-Telegram that the officer was immediately placed on suspension and then terminated following an investigation. The company is also conducting a policy review.

According to Grega, Tier One school security officers are only allowed to use campus restrooms clearly designated for adults. The restroom at Jones Academy was shared by adults and certain ages of students, he said.

School security officers carry a duty pistol, spare magazines, pepper spray, handcuffs, a radio and a tourniquet on their duty belts, Grega said. As a result of this incident, there will be an emphasis on responsibility and accountability for all items included in officer training.

The security guard had been with Tier One less than a year and didnt have a background in law enforcement or military, Grega said.

Kacie Elwood told KXAS-TV that her two children attend Jones Academy, and the incident prompted her to have a hard conversation with them about what to do if they or a friend ever find a gun at school.

Very scary situation, Elwood said to KXAS.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Parents & teachers critique Fort Worth ISD superintendent, board

 Woman shot her boyfriend to death in Fort Worth home, police say

 Fort Worth breakfast favorite will move to West 7th Street

[Get our breaking news alerts.]
When is the vice presidential debate? How to watch JD Vance, Tim Walz faceoff

The 2024 presidential campaign is entering the final stretch as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump jet around from state to state.

With a little more than a month remaining until election day, the next big event is the vice presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Here's what you need to know about the debate and voting in Delaware.

When is the vice presidential debate?

Vance and Walz will debate Tuesday, Oct. 1 in New York City. The debate will be hosted by CBS News.

The debate will be moderated by "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell and "Face the Nation" moderator and CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

How to watch the vice presidential debate

The debate will be on CBS. CBS will also allow audiences to watch live news streams through their website.

Who is Norah O'Donnell

Norah O'Donnell is the anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News," anchor of CBS News Election Specials, including primary, debate and election nights, and a 60 Minutes contributing correspondent. She is covering her seventh presidential election and has interviewed every living president of the United States.

Who is Margaret Brennan?

Margaret Brennan moderates "Face The Nation with Margaret Brennan." She is also the Network's chief foreign affairs correspondent based in Washington, D.C. Brennan became moderator of "Face the Nation" in February 2018 and quickly became known for her tough but fair questioning of world leaders, politicians and policymakers.

When is Election Day 2024?

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

When is the deadline to register to vote in Delaware?

The voter registration deadline is the fourth Saturday before the general election. The deadline for the general election is Saturday, Oct. 12.

Is there early voting in Delaware?

Yes, early voting for the general election begins Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 3.

How to register to vote in Delaware

There are multiple ways to register to vote in Delaware:

You may register to vote online at ivote.de.gov.

You may register to vote by downloading and printing a form from the Department of Elections website, de.gov/vrapp. Complete your application, sign your name, and submit your completed form to the Department of Elections.

You may call the Department of Elections Office in your County to have a voter registration application mailed to you to complete. Completed voter registration applications for new registrants must be postmarked by Saturday, Oct. 12, for the general election, to make the voter registration deadline.

You may register in person at a Department of Elections office during regular business hours, Monday  Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please bring an ID showing your name and current Delaware address.

Where else can I register to vote in Delaware?

You can also register to vote at certain government offices:

Division of Motor Vehicle offices when applying for, renewing or updating a Driver's License or State ID Card

State Service Centers (Department of Health and Social Services) when applying for services

Department of Labor: Division of Training and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

WIC Program offices when applying for services or assistance

Armed Forces Recruitment Offices when applying for services

Some Social Security offices

Institutions of higher education when you register for classes

You can also change your voter registration record at any of these locations, election offices or polling places.

What ID should I bring when registering to vote?

You need to provide one of the following with your application:

Delaware driver's license or state ID card

Copy of a current utility bill that shows your name and address

Copy of bank statement that shows your name and address

Copy of government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Vice presidential debate 2024: When is it? How to watch Vance, Walz
Members of Virginia's commission to study the displacement of Black families by state-funded colleges and universities seen at the group's first meeting in August 2024. (Ty Jackson/Laaces Ouut Media)

A Newport News task force, one of two recently established groups in Virginia investigating the historic displacement of Black communities by the states public universities, is facing allegations that it has not been open about its operations.

The six-member local government and university joint initiative, along with a separate nineteen-member statewide panel, is seeking potential redress for Black residents that were uprooted to make way for university expansion.

At the state commissions first meeting in August, Joni Ivey, a member of both bodies, appeared to address public criticism calling for greater transparency of the local working group.

It seems as if were quiet, but were working deeply to get knowledgeable about the information, Ivey said.

The Newport News task force, which began working in April, is reviewing decisions made by city and university officials that led to the destruction of a Black middle-class community. These decisions were the focus of an investigative series by the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO and ProPublica, which examined the widespread displacement of Black residents by American colleges and universities. In the 1960s, an all-white Newport News council seized 60 acres to halt the Black communitys growth and build what is now Christopher Newport University (CNU). The universitys expansion overtime led to the acquisition of remaining homes. Today, only five remain.

Nearly all of the local task force members appointed by Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and CNU President Bill Kelly are current city council and university officials. The lone citizen representative is Ivey, community leader and retired Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va. Task force meetings are also closed to the public.

Iveys remarks follow a Daily Press editorial letter from a Newport News interfaith group, Pastoring the City, which also criticized the task force for lacking direct representation of the impacted community.

We were unhappy that no resident of Johnson Terrace or other representative of the Shoe Lane neighborhood were named to the task force, their editorial stated. Pastoring the City demanded a timeline reflecting task force activities, Shoe Lane neighborhood appointments, and assurances that CNUs 2030 expansion will not include any more neighborhood homes.

The Virginia Mercury sent Jones, Kelly and the task force a list of detailed questions about its appointments and operations. Neither answered questions directly, but responded with a Sept. 17 statement from CNU chief spokesperson Jim Hanchett indicating the local group is currently focused on documenting all properties that once existed on CNUs main campus and as we are able, meeting with the families currently living in that area of land and families who formerly lived in that area of land.

We continue our work, and will report on our progress as it is made, the statement read.

Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany and CNU Provost Quentin Kidd told the Virginia Mercury in a separate statement on August 20th that the task force is in the process of scheduling interviews with impacted families.

The families will inform the ultimate recommendations and final report this task force produces, Bethany and Kidd wrote.

Like the interfaith group, Minerva Douglas, who owns one of the remaining homes in the neighborhood displaced by CNU, questions their exclusion.

Why didnt they include at least one person from (our) group to be on the task force? Douglas asked. It looks like they just overlooked us.

The latest call for transparency highlights the lack of clarity on the broader Newport News communitys role in task force proceedings. Multiple statements have indicated that the city would collaborate closely with the community as well as CNU students, faculty, staff, alumni and administration. However, what remains unclear is whether community collaboration includes plans to consult with the citys larger population while investigating the matter. Letters provided to the Virginia Mercury also suggest that at least two requests to Jones and Kelly for community or citizen appointments to the task force have gone unanswered.

Why didn't they include at least one person from (our) group to be on the task force? It looks like they just overlooked us.

 Minerva Douglas, who owns one of the remaining homes in the neighborhood displaced by Christopher Newport University

Audrey Perry Williams, a Newport News historian who participated in a November 2023 CNU-sponsored panel discussion about the displaced community, provided a letter dated February 5th, that she said she sent to Jones and Kelly after the task forces announcement, advocating for resident appointments.

I do hope the task force will invite the members of the affected community that are still living in the area, wrote Williams, and those that are no longer living there.

Williams told the Virginia Mercury she hasnt received a direct response from Jones or Kelly, though she says the Mayors office sent a receipt acknowledging her letter.

In April, a week after Jones and Kelly named final members to the task force, concerns about the absence of a public process for membership were raised at a social justice conference on CNUs campus. Pastoring the City hosted that discussion. According to their editorial, they sent letters afterwards to Jones and Kelly requesting a public call for citizen participation and a task force appointment from their organization. Andrew Millard, who penned the editorial on behalf of the group, told the Virginia Mercury those requests also went unanswered.

We want to make sure this task force doesnt ignore the residents, because theyre the ones whove been most impacted by this, Millard said in an interview.

Neither the cIty of Newport News nor Christopher Newport University would confirm if Jones or Kelly responded to letters from Williams or Pastoring the City. Additionally, they did not clarify if the two would consider adding new task force members. Questions about whether public participation or review of task force proceedings would be offered were similarly not addressed.

In a joint statement, the city and university reiterated the task forces focus on researching the removal of the Shoe Lane community and the expansion of CNUs campus.

Task Force members are hard at work fulfilling this charge, their Sept. 17 statement read. Hanchett further clarified with the statement provided that neither the City or the University are involved in its day-to-day activities.

Prior statements from the task force have noted that the research of the group is the first of a three-phase plan that includes developing recommendations and implementing them. Amidst recent frustrations, the task force sent an update to reporters on Aug. 15 and posted an update on Aug. 19 stating the group was constructing a research timeline. The group or its co-chairs did not answer questions about when or if they would make a research timeline publicly available.

However, Bethany and Kidds update indicated that the task force has not yet completed its first phase, which they described as the longest and most robust and would include interviews with families as well as historians, policy makers and experts. The task force leaders also stated that the research would inform recommendations and they would seek feedback from families to refine them.

The task force has not addressed questions seeking information on the number of family interviews the group has confirmed. The Virginia Mercury reached out to the five remaining households. Two households reported speaking to a member of the task force informally. Three said they have not received any correspondence.

A member of one of those families, Dwayne Johnson, said he and his relatives have not heard from the task force. Johnson suggested that the city and university offer more oversight and open task force meetings to the families as a gesture of good faith.

Theres a lot of mistrust there because of how theyve handled things in the past, Johnson added. Are we going to be trusting of them? They have to really show us something to even earn a little bit of it,

Gail Guynn, a remaining homeowner, also told the Virginia Mercury that the community as a whole hasnt received official communication informing them of the task forces plans and shed like to see more details on its members, its mission, action steps, how our input would be incorporated.

While the Newport News group is working independently of the state commission, at some point their work may overlap, as the statewide group plans to consult with Virginia universities for its own research. The Virginia commission will assess what forms of compensation, if any, might be appropriate for impacted families or their descendants.

At the state commissions August meeting its chair, Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond, said she expects all universities to cooperate with requests for information. McQuinn also underscored the commissions commitment to repair harm caused to Virginias Black families.

Across this nation this has happened, said McQuinn. Im hoping that as Virginians and (the) General Assembly, that we could say were ready to take on the challenges. Were ready to stand in the face of this and address it.

Editors note: At the state commissions first meeting in August, members received a briefing from Brandi Kellam, the reporter who wrote this story and who led the WHRO/VCIJ investigative series on Black families displaced by the development of Virginia colleges and universities. Kellam is not a member of the state commission nor the Newport News task force.

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Roanoke man wins $1M lottery ticket during stop for an energy drink

Roanoke man wins $1M lottery ticket during stop for an energy drink

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  A Roanoke man is taking home a 1 million dollar lottery ticket after stopping for an energy drink.

Nicholas Foxx, of Roanoke, Va. was visiting family when he stopped at A1 MinI Mart at 1308 Main Street in Altavista, to buy an energy drink and some Virginia Lottery scratch-off tickets.

After Foxx scratched the tickets, he found that his 20x the Money ticket was a $1 million winner.

Foxx said, I thought I was reading it wrong! he told Lottery officials. You dont know anyone whos hit the Lottery for that amount of money!

He chose the cash option of $625,000 rather than the option of taking the full $1 million prize over 30 years.

Small business owners pause lottery sales to protest Gov. Youngkins changes to a bill meant to legalize skill games

Any store that sells a $1 million winning ticket will receive a bonus of $10,000 from the Virginia Lottery.

There have been 4 top prizes in 20x the Money game which means that two prizes are still unclaimed. Prizes range from $10 to $1 million.

1 in 1,958,400 are the chances of winning the top prize with the chances of winning any prize being 1 in 3.65.

The Virginia Lottery donates all prizes to Virginia School Districts K-12.

For more information visit the Virginia Lottery Giving Back 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 WFXRtv.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The state of Kansas is holding a virtual job fair open to jobseekers and employers later this month

People looking for a job are encouraged to attend the final statewide job fair of the year. The virtual fair will take place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

The reliable and resourceful Kansas workforce is attracting a record number of companies to our state, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. And having so many new jobs is creating opportunities for Kansas jobseekers looking to take the next jump in their professional careers.

Kansas State Fair releases 2024 attendance numbers

The KANSASWORKS job fair portal is equipped with a training video and list of participating employers. It is recommended that applicants dress professionally because video interviews are possible.

Registration is required to participate in the virtual job fair. Click here to register.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  While Vivek Ramaswamy isnt on the ballot this November, it seemed like he was running for something Thursday during his visit to Springfield, the industrial Ohio city thrust in the center of the nations immigration debate and presidential race.

A long line stretched the length of a city block downtown to attend the town hall hosted by the Cincinnati-area native, biotech billionaire and former Republican presidential candidate.

Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy hosted a town hall meeting in Springfield on Thursday.

More than 2,000 people had tried to get into Springfields Bushnell Event Center, according to Ramaswamy. Only 250 people were allowed in the small, first-floor room, prompting Ramaswamy to tell the crowd he regretted not booking a larger room. Police had a heavy presence outside the town hall and shut down the block to traffic.

Ramaswamy's visit came at a tense time for Springfield. Since President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, have spread debunked rumors about Haitians eating pets, bomb threats have closed buildings around town, including Springfield City Hall and multiple elementary schools.

City officials have said there's no evidence of any Haitians eating people's pets.

The town hall came together last minute, Ramaswamy said. He had the idea this past Saturday while having dinner with his wife and some friends. Ramaswamy lives in Columbus' Upper Arlington suburb.

"We were talking about what was happening in Springfield," Ramaswamy said. "It felt silly for me not to be here ... Thursday was the first day I could be here."

Ramaswamy sidesteps questions on cats and dogs

One thing they wouldn't talk about at the town hall is cats and dogs, Ramaswamy told the media an hour prior to the event. He sidestepped several questions from reporters about whether he believed the debunked accusations of immigrants eating cats and dogs.

"I'm not here to talk about the issues the media has really loved to obsess over," Ramaswamy said. "Cats and dogs, we're not talking about it. We're talking about human beings who have been affected in this community."

While one or two of the residents at the town hall brought up the pet rumors, most of the residents instead focused on other concerns with Springfield's growing Haitian population. They blamed the immigrants for an overburdened health care system and a rise in crime. One woman claimed an immigrant chased her daughter in a Walmart parking lot and a man with a machete followed her daughter to work.

Springfield officials, according to the city's frequently asked questions page, have not expressed concerns about Haitians causing violent crime.

"Haitians are more likely to be the victims of crime than they are to be the perpetrators in our community," according to the city's FAQ.

Several blamed the Haitians for traffic problems calling them bad drivers. Tensions have heightened since last year when Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian immigrant, crashed a minivan into a Northwestern Local Schools bus carrying 52 students headed to their first day of elementary school. Aiden Clark, 11, died after he was ejected from the bus, while more than 20 other students were injured.

Many turned their ire on the local mayor and city commission, who they felt didn't listen. Multiple speakers bristled at being labeled as racists. Springfield resident Diana Daniels told the crowd they just want to be heard.

"We are at the stage right now where we've been put down and called racist, not only in print but also to our face at city commission meetings," Daniels, 68, said. "Now we're at a level of desperation."

Pro-Trump crowd turns out

Few, if any, Haitians were in the audience at the town hall, despite Ramaswamy saying he invited "diverse voices from the local community, including Haitian immigrants."

Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, pictured before a town hall meeting in Springfield on Thursday.

Many in the crowd sported Trump hats and shirts. Some had hats with Ramaswamy's name on it. They cheered when Ramaswamy talked of deporting immigrants. Several people shouted for him to run for president or governor, which drew applause. He just smiled in return.

Since ending his presidential campaign in January after a fourth-place finish in the Iowa Caucuses, Ramaswamy hasn't announced his future political plans. During the Republican National Convention, he said he'd "strongly consider" running for senator in Ohio if Vance should become vice president.

The crowd cheered when Trump's name was mentioned and jeered when President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' names came up.

Ramaswamy said he met with leaders of Springfield's Haitian community as well as Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and other city leaders at city hall earlier Thursday.

What's happening in Springfield, Ohio?

Ahead of the town hall, Rue, a Republican like Ramaswamy, urged attendees to gather peacefully and be responsible about sharing information about Springfield.

Springfield has attracted national scrutiny after conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, spread false and debunked claims that Haitians in the community were stealing and eating peoples pets.

"Words, particularly when based on false claims harm not only individuals but entire communities like Springfield," Rue said.

Two days earlier, Rue held a press conference with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine talking about the threats the town has received since it became the center of the immigration debate.

"We did not have threats seven days ago," Rue said Tuesday "We did not have these concerns seven days ago. We did not have these hundreds and hundreds of dollars spent in Springfield from the state of Ohio in support seven days ago. We do today."

Rue said a potential visit from Trump or Harris would strain resources and that "it would be fine with me if they decide not to make that stop." Trump has announced plans to visit Springfield soon. Ramaswamy said he should.

"To the extent my visit here and President Trump's visit here ... opens up this kind of dialogue that we're not able to have in this country, yes, I do think that's a good thing in moving us forward," Ramaswamy said.

"

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Here's what happened at Vivek Ramaswamy's town hall in Springfield
Volusia County Chair candidate Randy Dye waves at vehicles passing by at the intersection of Woodland Boulevard and New York Avenue in DeLand on primary election day.

In a potentially difference-making move, the Volusia County Republican Executive Committee voted Wednesday to endorse Randy Dye for county chair.

Dye finished second to incumbent Chair Jeff Brower in the Aug. 20 primary election, but the race was close enough to force a November runoff. Both men are Republicans, but the race is technically non-partisan, meaning Rs won't appear by their names on the ballot.

Volusia County has become a red county, and with the party sending out voter guides that include Dye's name and not Brower's, some number of voters will choose Dye.

Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower, shown at a political forum in Daytona Beach in July, will not be endorsed by his own Republican Party in the November 5 election.

And it is likely exponentially more voters will cast ballots in November than in August, so there's a lot of opportunity for Dye, who got 28% of the primary vote to Brower's 42%.

In 2020, more than 262,000 people voted in the Volusia Couty chair's race, as compared to a little over 57,000 in the 2024 primary.

Both Brower and Dye spoke to the nearly 250 REC members who participated in the vote Wednesday, Volusia Republican State Committeeman Vic Baker said. While Baker wouldn't release an exact figure, he said Dye won by a better than 2-to-1 margin.

Neither Dye nor Brower immediately responded to messages Wednesday night.

The Republican Party of Florida allows county executive committees to endorse in R-versus-R races under Rule 8.

Under that rule, REC Chairman Paul Deering is allowed to bring such races to membership for a vote, although it's not a requirement. Deering avoided further rancor by deciding not to have a vote on the other November race involving two Republicans, Ormond Beach mayor involving Susan Persis and Jason Leslie.

Prior to the vote, both Dye and Brower were given time to make their pitches to the committee members.

Brower supporters left unhappy.

"Jeff won the majority of the ... primary votes," Tim Ryan, a precinct committeeman and former REC treasurer, wrote in a text. "The division and anger is unbelievable."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Who did Volusia County Republican Party endorse in county chair race?
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a press conference after a meeting with heads of government affected by the floods at City Hall. Christoph Soeder/dpa-ENR-Pool/dpa

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged billions of euros in EU aid for regions affected by the severe flooding that has hit Central and Eastern Europe in recent days.

During a visit to the major Polish city of Wrocaw, von der Leyen said that 10 billion ($11.1 billion) could initially be provided from so-called cohesion funds, one of the largest posts in the EU budget.

The EU's cohesion fund is intended to "reduce economic and social disparities and to promote sustainable development," according to the commission.

Normally, EU member states have to contribute to the fund if they want to benefit from it.

However, EU member states affected by the floods will be exempted from that rule.

"These are extraordinary times, and extraordinary times need extraordinary measures," said von der Leyen.

In Poland, she met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Their nations have been affected by severe flooding, and several people have died.

Tusk thanked von der Leyen for the quick and unbureaucratic assistance. "It took us exactly 45 minutes to agree on our expectations and to get satisfactory explanations from the European Commission," he said.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico talk during a meeting in the town hall. Christoph Soeder/dpa-ENR-Pool/dpa

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala speak during a press conference after their meeting in the town hall. Taneeek David/CTK/dpa
At least half a dozen states could decide on major changes to their election systems this fall, as organizers push for revamps that would do away with traditional party contests in favor of open, all-candidate primaries.

Colorado in August became the latest state to officially qualify such an effort for the November ballot, following Arizona, Idaho, South Dakota, Montana and Nevada. The specifics of the proposals vary by state, but organizers broadly argue that closed party primaries put voters at a disadvantage and stoke political polarization.

Of all of the factors that are fueling polarization, our elections  the design of our election system  is the most tractable, is the most solvable, said Nick Troiano, executive director of the election reform nonprofit Unite America, which has championed the efforts.

The common denominator between all six states pursuing open primaries is that they will replace traditional partisan primaries with an open, all-candidate primary, which allows all voters to vote for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation, Troiano said.

Here are some of the states moving to open up their primary systems:

Arizona

In Arizona, where voters outside the two major parties make up most of the states electorate, Make Elections Fair Arizona wants to put all primary candidates on the same ballot.

Right now, Arizona independents can vote in the primaries for most offices, but they have to request a partisan ballot first.

The fastest growing part of the electorate are unaffiliated voters, and theyre inherently treated unfairly in the system, said Chuck Coughlin, a Phoenix-based consultant for the campaign.

Assuming the measure clears in November, the Arizona state Legislature would then need to decide how many candidates would advance under the new system and whether ranked-choice voting would go into effect.

But theres been some fierce opposition to the proposed changes, Coughlin said.

The states major parties sued to block the effort, according to the Arizona Mirror, and another ongoing legal challenge questions whether the initiative got the number of signatures it needed to go before voters.

Colorado

In Colorado, organizers also want to shift from a model wherein unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in one of the two major party contests and implement instead a top-four, all-candidate primary and ranked-choice voting system for the general election.

It makes sense that, in a state like Colorado, where almost 50 percent of voters now are independents, that an open primary where youre not forced to pick one or the other, but where you can vote for any candidate, regardless of party, in every election, has such broad public support, said Curtis Hubbard, a Democratic consultant for the push behind Proposition 131.

But, as in other states, the measure faces an uphill climb. The state Democrats are opposing the measure, and the Green Party has swung at wealthy donors behind the effort.

Idaho

Idaho closed its primaries more than a decade ago, though parties are allowed to decide for themselves whether to accept unaffiliated voters. Last year, the GOP-led state Legislature passed a ban on ranked-choice voting in any state elections.

But this cycle could see another shift in the Gem State, with voters set to decide on plans for an open, top-four primary with ranked-choice voting in the general election. Proposition 1 would repeal the existing law.

Idaho Democrats already allow unaffiliated voters to take part in their own party contests. State Republicans are urging voters to oppose the measure.

Montana

There are two measures on the ballot in Montana that could reshuffle the Big Sky States election system. One would implement a top-four primary for most offices, while another would require candidates to win a majority, rather than a plurality, of votes to take the seat.

Montanans for Election Reform is behind both measures, arguing that open primaries let voters choose the person, not the party.

In Montana, unaffiliated voters can already pick which party primary they want to take part in, but the proposal would group all candidates together on one primary ballot.

Nevada

During the midterms, voters in Nevada approved a ballot measure that would amend the state constitution and shake up the states system, opening up a top-five primary to all voters, regardless of party affiliation, and implementing ranked-choice ballots for the general election.

The proposal cleared with roughly 53 percent support, but the Silver State requires constitutional initiatives get through two successive cycles before they can go into effect, and Nevadans will face the question a second time this fall.

Whether that will happen is unclear. Though the measure eked out a win two years ago, its continued to face opposition in the state.

South Dakota

Back in 2016, a nonpartisan elections measure got on the ballot but failed before voters in South Dakota. This cycle, organizers are trying again, pushing to amend the state constitution and set up a top-two primary system.

The proposal would open up primaries to all candidates and voters, but the measure would advance just the top two contenders, without ranked-choice voting.

Republicans dominate the state, where Democrats havent been elected statewide since 2008, and make up the biggest share of registered voters. The GOP primaries are currently closed, while Democrats primaries are semi-open.

But both major parties are reportedly opposed to the measure. Republican leadership has argued unaffiliated voters need to get involved with a party, while Democrats worry it could disadvantage their minority in the general election.

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A Wake County high school students speech claiming that her English class read graphic, incestual sexual content has gone viral on social media.

Lorena Benson, 15, a sophomore at Athens Drive High School in Raleigh, spoke to the school board this week claiming that her Honors English class recently read a story about the sexual encounters of two cousins. Benson said shes leaving Athens Drive due to the class reading assignment.

I am deeply bothered and deeply disappointed, Benson told the school board on Tuesday. I have decided to leave Athens Drive High School because I should not have to deal with pornographic, incestual sexual content taught to me in my classes.

BREAKING NEWS: A 15 year old minor at Athens Drive High School in Wake County, NC, is forced to read a pornographic book in class, that talks about putting a banana in a tomato ! She is now leaving this school. LISTEN TO HER TRAUMATIZING STORY! This is why my new documentary pic.twitter.com/YBfQIJeXrj  John K. Amanchukwu Sr. (@REVWUTRUTH) September 18, 2024

A video of Bensons comments posted on X had drawn more than 150,000 views and 3,300 likes by Thursday morning.

A district spokesperson said Thursday that Wake is reviewing Bensons claims. No other details were provided about what the district said is an ongoing human resources investigation.

Claims of graphic, incestual sexual language

Benson told the board that she had lived for 11 years in the Dominican Republic before her family moved to North Carolina three months ago. Benson said she had been happy attending Athens Drive until last Fridays Honors English class.

Benson alleges that her English teacher asked the students to independently read a story and discuss it in class with their classmates.

There was a part in the story that made me feel very uncomfortable and I looked around and saw the same expression on other students faces, Benson claimed.

Benson didnt name the story but claimed it involved two cousins who had fallen in love. Benson also claimed the story included dialogue of you tried to fit what you both called his banana into what you both called your tomato.

Even after reading it again, it makes me feel very uncomfortable, Benson claims in the video. This graphic, incestual sexual language should not be taught in any class, much less an Honors English class.

Benson claimed the assignment outraged both her and her parents.

In my Healthful Living Honors class I am being taught about brain functions and development, Benson said in the video.  I was taught that teenage brains like mine are not fully developed yet and we must be careful about what we engage in during these years.

Benson went on to claim that because shes a teenager whose brain isnt yet fully developed, she should not be taught what she called graphic, incestual sexual content in class.

Video cited by Morrows campaign

Bensons comments come amid a heated debate both in Wake and nationally about what are age-appropriate books for students to read in school.

John Amanchukwu, a local pastor and conservative activist who has often criticized the Wake school board, posted a video Tuesday of Bensons speech. Amanchukwu cited the speech to promote his upcoming documentary 22 Words: Exposing The Loss of Decency in American Education.

15 year old minor at Athens Drive High School in Wake County, NC, is forced to read a pornographic book in class, that talks about putting a banana in a tomato! Amanchukwu claimed on X. She is now leaving this school. LISTEN TO HER TRAUMATIZING STORY!

Amanchukwus post was highlighted by Michele Morrow, the Republican nominee for state superintendent of public instruction. Morrow has also frequently attended Wake school board meetings to criticize district policies.

Thank you to this brave, young student for coming forward and exposing what is really happening in our schools, Morrow posted on X on Wednesday.

Morrow also accused Mo Green, her Democratic opponent, of wanting to keep what Morrow called sexually explicit materials available to children.

Green responded that reading material and curriculum must be age-appropriate.

I am sure there is a local process for this to be investigated, as it should be, Green said in a statement Thursday. As State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ill work to ensure parents, teachers and administrators are communicating and theres transparency.

But my opponent is mainly focused on demonizing teachers and bullying students of diverse backgrounds, which only hurts our schools.

Past incident at Athens Drive High School

Bensons speech comes after Wake investigated allegations in 2023 that a teacher at Athens Drive High had students read aloud about masturbating to pictures of nude movie stars. The passage was an excerpt from the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.

Citing employee privacy laws, a district spokesperson said Thursday Wake is prohibited from discussing investigations of a particular employee.

The district has previously said the incident was discussed as administrators developed a new policy that says teachers must talk with other school staff about a reading passage before it is read aloud.
Israeli military strikes Hezbollah as its chief responds to wave of device blasts in Lebanon

TEL AVIV  The Israeli military launched a new wave of attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday after two days of device explosions that left the Middle East fearing all-out war.

The attack on southern Lebanon involved airstrikes and artillery, but Israeli ground forces had not crossed the border, an Israeli official told NBC News.

The Israel Defense Forces announced the strikes  which it said were aimed at degrading the groups capabilities and infrastructure  just as the leader of the Iran-backed militant and political group began a much-anticipated response to the stunning attacks using walkie-talkies and pagers.

Two soldiers were killed in combat in northern Israel, the IDF said. Lebanon's Public Health Ministry reported four people were injured in raids on a town in southern Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency.

There were 52 Israeli air raids across a wooded area of southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to the news agency.

Israel's military said its air force hit about 100 Hezbollah launchers and other infrastructure sites it alleged were "ready to be used in the immediate future to fire toward Israeli territory."

At least 37 people, including two children, were killed and thousands were more injured across Lebanon, the countrys health minister said early Thursday  a rising toll from the wave of attacks that left the country reeling and the region on the brink.

As the world urged against further escalation after months of devastating war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israel indicated its focus had shifted to its northern border with Lebanon, declaring a new phase to its simmering monthslong conflict with Hezbollah.

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to this "new phase" in a video posted to X, noting that it will bring both risk and benefits. He warned that Hezbollah will pay an "increasing price" as time goes on.

"Hezbollah feels that it is being persecuted, and the sequence of military actions will continue," Gallant said. "Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes."

In Lebanon, the attacks left Hezbollah in disarray and an already beleaguered country rattled, with hospitals overwhelmed and the public fearful that mobile phones or other devices may explode.

In a speech Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said, There is no doubt that we have been exposed to a major and severe security and humanitarian blow, referring to the device explosions as an unprecedented terrorist attack and noting that the explosions of roughly 4,000 devices wounded civilians, not just Hezbollah members.

He went on to call it an act of war against Lebanon but did not specify how or when Hezbollah would retaliate.

The enemy has crossed all red lines and all laws in this attack, Nasrallah said, vowing that Israelis would not be able to achieve their goal of repopulating Israels evacuated northern areas without ending its military aggression and reiterating that Hezbollah "will not stop before the aggression on Gaza stops."

As Nasrallah spoke, Israeli warplanes flew over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier with sonic booms shaking the capital, in what appeared to be a show of might.

The Lebanese Army said Thursday that specialized units were detonating pagers and suspicious communication devices in various areas, warning the public to stay away from the blast sites and report any suspicious devices without approaching them.

A former senior Israeli security official told NBC News that the devices were detonated not as part of a strategic decision but because the military was trying to act while it was still possible to use the explosives.

The former official said Israel does not plan to go to war with Lebanon as of now.

The timing was not a strategic decision, but of necessity, because it became a kind of use-it-or-lose-it situation, the former official said.

The Israeli military said it was "operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes, as well as to achieve of all of the war goals."

In northern Israel earlier Thursday, at least eight people were injured by anti-tank fire from across the Lebanon border, health authorities said.

The center of gravity is moving northward  resources and forces are being allocated [to this front], Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday in an address at an air base, without mentioning the explosions. We are at the start of a new phase in the war  it requires courage, determination and perseverance on our part.

Gallant, in a separate post on X, said he spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin overnight, briefing him on IDF operations in the southern and northern arenas, focusing on Israels defense against Hezbollah threats.

Two U.S. officials told NBC News that Israel told the U.S. it was going to do something in Lebanon but did not give any details and that the U.S. was caught by surprise when the reports of the pager attacks emerged Tuesday.

While Israel has not taken direct responsibility for the attacks, the militants and Lebanese officials also pinned the blame on Israel.

The country's foreign minister, Abdallah Rashid Bouhabib, is set to participate in an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council in New York on Friday.

Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, described the device explosions as "indiscriminate," "insane" and "barbaric" in a statement Thursday. He also criticized the U.S. for its continued support of Israel, which he described as a "savage and murderous regime."

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reiterated the position Thursday that the U.S. supports Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist groups but that the U.S. does not want to see escalation in the region.

"We think that the best way to solve the very real security challenge that Israel faces is through a diplomatic resolution that would allow thousands of Israeli citizens to return home and allow thousands of Lebanese citizens to return home," Miller said.

Exploding devices leave a trail from Taiwan to Bulgaria

Lebanons civil aviation agency Thursday directed all airlines flying out of its main airport in Beirut to prohibit passengers from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies, NNA, the state news agency, reported.

The agency also prohibited their transportation via freight cargo.

The Lebanese Telecommunications Ministry identified the exploding devices Wednesday as Icom V82s, a type of handheld walkie-talkie.

Osaka, Japan-based Icom said Thursday that it had not shipped that model for 10 years after it ceased production of the unit.

Icom walkie-talkies on display at a store in Tokyo.

Theres no way a bomb could have been integrated into one of our devices during manufacturing, Yoshiki Enomoto, a director at Icom, said outside the companys headquarters Thursday.

"The process is highly automated and fast-paced, so theres no time for such things," he told Reuters.

Enomoto added that the company cannot confirm whether the devices shipped by Icom to the Middle East a decade ago were involved in the explosions because it did not put any hologram stickers on them, a common way of verifying the authenticity of products.

Icoms website lists the V82 as one of its most counterfeited products.

No parts other than those specified by our company are used in a product, Icom said in a statement. The firm declined a request for further comment.

As authorities across the world scrambled to track how the devices that exploded made their way into the hands of Hezbollah, Bulgarias state news agency said Thursday that the country was investigating the possible involvement of a company registered there, without directly naming it.

Images of the pagers bore the name of a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, Gold Apollo, which said the devices were made by a Hungarian firm, BAC Consulting, that it said was authorized to use Gold Apollo's logo for product sales in certain regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are entirely handled by BAC."

Whether original Gold Apollo products were tampered with or entirely fake ones were manufactured was still being investigated, a spokesperson for the Taiwanese Economic Affairs Ministry told NBC News.

Hungarian officials said that BAC Consulting was just a trading intermediary and that none of the pagers had been in the country.

The company's chief executive, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that her company worked with Gold Apollo. But when she was asked about the pagers, she said over the phone: I dont make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong."

Barsony-Arcidiacono has not responded to requests for further comment.

Raf Sanchez reported from Tel Aviv, Mithil Aggarwal from Hong Kong, Yuliya Talmazan from London and Doha Madani from New York.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Warming Shelter to close Oct. 1 despite efforts to keep it open

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Officials at The Warming Shelter in Sioux City say the shelter will still, in fact, be closing on Oct. 1.

Wednesdays news comes after the shelter announced a fundraising effort aimed at keeping the doors open through the winter. More than $19,000 was donated as part of a GoFundMe campaign.

Woodbury County Disaster Recovery Center to close permanently

At Mondays city council meeting, several people made pleas for help. Council member Dan Moore said the city offered a $150,000 contribution to keep the shelter open this winter, but the shelter was also asking for a five-year commitment.

Shelter treasurer Joe Twidwell says community-wide support never materialized, leaving the board of directors with no option. In making the announcement, Twidwell said it is sad seeing people distance themselves from the homeless population.

They were somebodys son or daughter or aunt or uncle or somebody you graduated high school with, he said. Its just so sad that theyre able to distance people, make them not be a brother or sister that we have a responsibility for.

Weve had some of the toughest cases, and weve actually been able to get them in their own stable living situation where they can sustain it and be happy and healthy and in their own home. executive director Shayla Moore said.

The Warming Shelter first opened its doors in 2013 after Twidwell, a community advocate, expressed concerns that someone could die on the streets during winter months. Nine years later in 2022, the shelter transitioned to year-round services.

Currently, the shelter houses 80-100 people on any given night. That number grows to more than 125 a night during the winter season.

It was kind of a massive shock to me hearing that first they were trying to raise the money, former resident Tim Dalton said. But then I found out they will close on Oct. 1, and I was like, what?

Woodbury County LEC opens ups for tour

I havent seen the Chamber [of Commerce] do anything except call a couple meetings, concerned citizen Dave Bernstein said. No output from that, Downtown Partners has done nothing, and yet most of our homeless folks in our city live downtown. Its a problem thats not going to go away by us ignoring it and its really I think a low point in this community to a certain extent because theres just a lack of ownership and leadership.

Between now and Oct. 1, The Warming Shelter says it will be working with other area agencies as well as city neighborhood services to identify housing options that may be available.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  As a bill to attract more federal dollars to the Bay State moves to the governor, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is filing her own federal bill meant reform the way disaster relief is distributed to states  changes she says could benefit Massachusetts as weather-related emergencies become more frequent.

Sens. Warren, Ted Cruz of Texas and Congressmen Brian Babin of Texas and John Garamendi of California filed the bill Thursday to amend the law that dictates that the federal government can provide funding to communities recovering from major disasters.

Currently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency distributes dollars to states that reach a certain threshold of need.

FEMA intervened in New York and Vermont last summer after severe flooding across the Northeast, and though there was significant damage in parts of western Massachusetts that qualified for some federal help, most of those towns didnt access the same FEMA grants as parts of other states that hit damage thresholds.

As of August 2023, Essex County met a threshold of $3.6 million in damages, but Massachusetts overall had to reach roughly $12.6 million tied to the summer storm to be eligible for the same federal public assistance program as its neighbors.

Certain households qualified for separate FEMA programs, or other federal grant help, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated seven Massachusetts counties as primary disaster areas after flooding in July 2023 to access federal loan support  but in some instances of that storm-torn summer, when the Bay States neighbors were receiving federal assistance, Massachusetts didnt qualify for help.

Under the bill, all communities directly affected by a major disaster would be eligible for FEMA relief, regardless of state or county lines.

They were hurt just as badly as other communities, but they were on the wrong side of the state line. So since most of the communities that were affected were on the other side of the [New York] state line, federal law kept our Massachusetts communities from qualifying, Warren said in an interview with the News Service. Disaster does not follow state or county laws. They go where they go, and we need the relief dollars to go where the problem is.

A second part of the bill would allow FEMA to declare major disasters based on cumulative damage to a community. It would modify the definition of a major disaster from one event, to include emergencies over the preceding 12-month period for which the governor sought a major disaster declaration, even if none of the disasters individually reached the threshold for federal relief.

If a community gets hit by three big disasters instead of one giant disaster, theres no federal help available, Warren said.

Disaster relief has been a topic of growing concern on Beacon Hill in recent years as towns and cities have experienced a rise in natural disasters that require greater emergency response than their local resources can support alone.

The state provided $20 million in relief aid during the summer 2023 flooding, and the Healey administration launched a somewhat unusual fundraiser campaign soliciting private donations to help farmers recover from the event.

Gov. Maura Healey also proposed this year to divert a portion of excess capital gains tax revenue toward a proposed Disaster Relief Trust Fund, which could be tapped to help various sectors of the economy respond to incidents like severe flooding and strong storms.

The Legislature did not adopt the administrations proposed funding mechanism, instead dedicating $14 million from a consolidated net surplus at the end of the year. The closeout supplemental budget that Healey filed last week includes an additional $11 million to seed the fund immediately, according to the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

As the climate crisis grows, natural disasters and emergencies are going to become more and more frequent, Warren said. Weve seen that right here at home, from floods in Leominster to North Adams. Strong, federal, state and local government partnership is critical to help people who have been devastated.

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PLYMOUTH, N.C. (WNCT)  Washington Regional Medical Center is partnering with Shriners Childrens in Greenville, South Carolina to bring a telehealth program into Eastern North Carolina.

Patients will meet with a Shriners board certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon virtually, then they will then figure out the next steps for care whether that be physical therapy locally or having the patient travel to South Carolina for surgery.

If that is the case, Shriners has volunteers that take patients from North Carolina to South Carolina. This brings a certain amount of notoriety to Plymouth. It also begins to center the childrens population on one facility to be able to access care that they normally would have to travel hours for, Chief Executive Officer of Washington Regional Medical Center Frank Avignone said. It might be all the way to Charlotte in some cases and were able to bring that type of care and that level of care to Plymouth, North Carolina.

Click the video above for more information.

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CHARLESTON  Sheriff McNutt was a stop-over visitor at police headquarters this morning, having in custody William Cuppy of Charleston, whom he was returning to the state hospital at Kankakee. Cuppy was a paroled patient who escaped from the hospital and later has been in the care of his wife at Charleston, but whose condition became such this week that he was returned for further treatment...MATTOON  Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Walker and son Ralph will arrive in the city in a few days from Grand Rapids, Mich., where they have resided for a few months and will again make this city their home. Mr. and Mrs. Walker and family moved from this city some time ago, he having employment with the Northwestern Jobbing Company, but he has recently been assigned to the southern territory, necessitating their return to this city...MATTOON  The Mattoon Art Club reopened its course of study, after adjournment in the spring for the summer, with a meeting on Thursday night. Miss Anna Pape was hostess to the club at her home, 804 Broadway. The club has taken Italian art as its study this year and the program committee has arranged a delightful series of programs. Included topics on Thursday evening included: "Transition from Pagan to Christian Art," and "Illumination of Manuscripts." Miss Pape, assisted by her sister, Mrs. Fred Krick, served refreshments after the program.

Jack Frost may not arrive in Coles County until late October, an area weather observer said today. That would make farmers very happy, farm adviser Louis Christen told the JG. Dalias Price, weather observer at EIU in Charleston told the Journal the fall through November may be "mild." He said a long-range weather forecast issued by the national weather service "calls for a mild three months. Since the first part of fall has been cool, the latter part should be milder," said Price...MATTOON  Gasoline prices at some Mattoon service stations have dropped a cent per gallon in the past few days. A JG survey today showed that the lowest price for regular was 54.9 cents per gallon  a price which several stations quoted. The lowest price until the past few days was 55.9. The price of regular varied from the low of 54.9 to 60.2. Unleaded gasoline prices range from 55.9 to 62 cents per gallon...CHARLESTON  Admitting the Nixon pardon has damaged his campaign, Bill Young, Republican candidate for the 22nd Congressional District House seat, lashed out Wednesday at his democratic opponent. Young, from Danville, told a news conference President Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon could have an effect on the November election. "I think the Ford pardon hurt my campaign," Young said. He called the President's action premature. "I think the American people still desire and deserve all the facts about Watergate," Young said. He said the facts behind Watergate would hopefully emerge during future trials on the cover-up charges...MATTOON  The introduction of the new model cars for the coming year generates the excitement of the fall season, Robert Thompson told the Kiwanis Club Wednesday at the Sheraton Inn. Thompson, owner of Thompson Auto Sales, Lincoln and Mercury dealership and president of the New Car Dealers Association, told the club about some of the regulations placed on the industry and answered questions he said he felt were on the minds of most people  the questions concerning the catalytic converter. He referred to the device as "a new start for 1975." Thompson read from a manual answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the catalytic converter.
Russian troops have been caught on film panicking and repeatedly swearing in the aftermath of a Ukrainian air strike.

An explosion on Wednesday in Pochepsky, a Russian district to the north of the Ukrainian border, left a group of soldiers confused as to whether a fighter jet or drone had struck a nearby building.

Damn it, damn it, one man is heard saying over the sound of something swooping towards the ground, in a video circulated on social media.

A loud explosion follows and the view from the camera is completely engulfed by the sight of bright orange flames. The group of shoulders are then seen scuttling along the floor on their hands and knees as they get away from it.

F--k it, one of the soldiers screams. Another voice can be heard saying amid the panic: Looks like it was a drone, f--king hell.

As they sprint from the scene of the strike, the men begin to ask themselves whether it could have been a fighter jet.

No, no, its definitely a drone, one of the men shouts. No, that was a fighter jet, another responds.

We better not be standing there. F--k, thank God were alive, holy s--t, one man yells, his voice shaking.

Greater ability to strike deep inside Russia

The panicked scenes occurred on the same day as a long-range attack hit one of Russias largest ammunition depots.

It highlighted the potential of what Ukraines forces could achieve if Western governments allowed them to strike targets deep inside Russia with Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles.

The ammunition dump at Toropets, some 240 miles west of Moscow, would have been a perfect target for either of the missiles, which have been donated by the British, French and Americans.

The Storm Shadows bunker-busting warhead could have been used to penetrate any hardened bunkers used to store ammunition, while Americas ATACMS, armed with cluster munition warheads, would have been able to scatter thousands of bomblets to detonate any Russian ammunition being stored in the open air.

By Wednesday afternoon, around 30,000 tons of shells were reported to have exploded, with secondary detonations still ongoing.

Ukraines SBU security service told local media outlets that Ukrainian drones had literally wiped off the face of the earth a large warehouse of the main missile and artillery department.

Toropets is nearly 300 miles from the Ukrainian border, a demonstration of Ukraines improved drone-strike capabilities.

While at the outer reaches of the Storm Shadows maximum range, the threat of the missiles use inside Russia would prevent Moscow from storing ammunition so close to the front line.

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(KMID/KPEJ)  Whippets, or the use of nitrous oxide to get a high, has been happening for decades, but it recently made a resurgence among teens through social media.

It started on TikTok when a man in a fast food establishment took a hit from a flavored whipped cream canister called Galaxy Gas, before showing off his deep voice and racking up millions of views and shares. Other people were quick to follow.

Now, when you search Galaxy Gas on TikTok, a warning pops up, saying some substances can be dangerous when misused. TikTok has also scrubbed a lot of controversial viral clips.

The Galaxy Gas website has also issued a disclosure you must agree to before scrolling. They issued a statement saying their products are for culinary food use only, and misuse of any kind is prohibited.

WATCH: Texas charcuterie board breaks world record

Nitrous oxide is laughing gas, so dentists and surgeons use it for procedures, but doctors say its just not safe for teens to use without medical assistance, because it could be deadly.

These children have underdeveloped brains. Theyre getting instant gratification high, and theres no oversightyou can die from one use of this, one prolonged, abnormal, wrong misuse, no supervision, you can die, said Dr. Sulagna, the founding physician at Misra Wellness.

A U.S. substance abuse study from a few years ago said around 13 million Americans ages 12 and older had misused nitrous oxide in their lifetime. Dr. Misra said its all about reminding teens that the short-term high isnt worth the potential long-term brain damage.

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Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr and other officials are slated to testify about Biden administration policies Thursday morning before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee.

The hearing comes as scrutiny swirls around telecom companies that have transmitted calls using artificial intelligence (AI) to influence the 2024 presidential election. Last month a telecommunications firm was fined $1 million for a robocall that used a voice mimicking President Bidens that encouraged voters to skip the polls in New Hampshire earlier in the primary season.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel proposed a rule in July that would require callers to disclose the use of AI on robocalls.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

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A baby pygmy blue whale has been freed after becoming trapped under a wharf in New Zealand.

The mammal, approximately 14 to 15 metres in length, became stranded on Kawau Island, off New Zealands North Island, on Monday. Local residents spotted it in distress.

The whale was freed after part of the dock was removed. It was then guided out of the bay, and was later spotted swimming in deeper waters.

New Zealands Department of Conservation described it as a highly unusual situation and said officials were actively monitoring the area this week for more potentially stranded marine life.

A sub-species of the worlds largest animal, the existence of pygmy blue whales was first recorded in 1966.

While true blue whales can grow up to 33 metres in length and weigh up to 200 tonnes, pygmies are slightly smaller. They grow to around 24 metres and weigh about half as much.

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.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WWTI)  A Watertown man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug charges.

The United State Attorneys Office in Syracuse said that 44-year-old Stuart Chambers was sentenced Thursday in federal court.

Jefferson County man charged with alleged hate crime

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office, Chambers pleaded guilty to attempted possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute.

The attorneys office stated that Chambers travelled to Syracuse from Watertown on January 30 and purchased what he believed to be one pound of methamphetamine and nine ounces of cocaine, which he intended to distribute.

Officials also said that he further admitted that, before he committed this offense, he had previously been convicted in federal court in the Middle District of Pennsylvania of Possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute.

Chambers was also sentenced to serve an additional two years in prison for violating the conditions of supervised release from his prior offense. He was also ordered Chambers to serve an eight-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit  Syracuse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com.
LONDON (Reuters) - Weak demand for green products is curbing needed investment of up to $700 billion in low-carbon projects in heavy-emitting industries such as aluminium, steel and cement, an initiative launched at last year's United Nations Climate Summit says.

Over 450 large-scale industrial projects globally are seeking hundreds of billions of dollars of investment to slash carbon emissions, the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) said in a statement on Thursday.

The ITA was set up at the COP28 summit in Dubai to stimulate needed investment in green projects.

The six heavy industry sectors examined in the report  aluminium, cement, chemicals, steel, aviation and shipping  contribute approximately 30% of all global CO2 emissions, the ITA said.

"To keep on track with Paris-aligned climate targets, a critical mass of large-scale projects... must reach their final investment decision in the next 2-3 years," the group said.

But project developers have not secured firm commitments from buyers for low-carbon products such as green steel and sustainable aviation fuel in order to secure the necessary finance, it added.

"The lack of clear, sustained demand for low-carbon products is the single biggest barrier to investment. Businesses and financiers cannot commit to these projects without market certainty," said Faustine Delasalle, executive director of the ITA Secretariat.

The ITA is active in Brazil and the United Arab Emirates, providing targeted support to project developers, the statement said.

(Reporting by Eric Onstad; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 23: Former Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives remarks at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on August 23, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.Kennedy announced that he was suspending his presidential campaign and supporting Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump.(Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

The Wisconsin Elections Commission on Thursday asked the state Supreme Court to take up Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s lawsuit seeking to force his name off the presidential ballot in the state, bypassing the Court of Appeals.

Kennedy has been trying for weeks to get his name off the ballot after filing nomination papers to get his name on the ticket but then later dropping out of the race and endorsing former President Donald Trump. More than 8,000 Wisconsin voters signed nomination papers to put Kennedy on the ballot. WEC ruled that state law requires a candidate who files the proper paperwork to get on the ballot to remain on the ballot unless they die.

Kennedy has been trying to get off the ballot in a number of states, succeeding in a few. His effort comes as polling has shown that his support largely draws votes away from Trump.

Earlier this week, a Dane County judge dismissed a lawsuit from Kennedy against the WEC decision and on Wednesday the states District 2 Court of Appeals, controlled by a conservative majority, took up the case.

In its request for the Supreme Court to take up the case, WEC said that Kennedy is seeking extraordinary relief and the case should move to the states highest court because it is highly time sensitive and hugely consequential for the people of Wisconsin.

If Kennedys effort is successful, the remedy is now complicated because local election clerks have already put hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots into the mail. An effort to print new ballots would be hugely expensive to county clerks across the state. Kennedys attorneys have suggested placing white stickers over his name on the ballots  a remedy that is available under state law if a candidate dies.

WEC added that the Supreme Court should accept the case and issue a final resolution, avoiding a temporary decision at the appeals court that will still end up at the Supreme Court level.

This Court should provide final resolution of this case and avoid an interim appellate court decision that disrupts or casts doubt on that process, or causes clerks to commence an all-hands-on-deck stickering effort, WECs petition states.

When it accepted the case, the appeals court asked a number of questions about the viability of the stickers, including if electronic machines would be able to handle their use. The appeals court had asked for Kennedys attorneys to file briefs in the case by Thursday with responses from WEC by Friday.

In its petition to the Supreme Court, WEC calls the proposal of the stickers a logistical nightmare.

Kennedy appears to recognize that it is too late to reprint the ballots, which already are on their way to municipal clerks and absentee voters, including overseas and military voters, the petition states. He proposes that all can be solved by requiring local clerks to create and affix stickers to every Wisconsin ballot, but that solution would ignore state law; force clerks to spend tens of thousands of hours creating and affixing stickers; and, as the circuit court put it, create a logistical nightmare that could threaten the accuracy of the election results and confidence in the election.

As part of its request to bypass the appellate court, WEC Technology Director Robert Kehoe stated that more than 340,000 absentee ballots have been sent to voters in the mail. He also said that he is unaware of any clerk ever placing stickers on ballots in the administration of an election, adding that the stickers could cause problems with votes being counted.

The voting tabulation machines tested and certified for use in this state by the Commission are calibrated to read even a light mark so that no vote goes uncounted, and a sticker in the target area of an oval or error could register a double vote, Kehoe stated. Even a shadow or wrinkle (for instance, caused by how the sticker is applied) on an optical scan ballot can cause the voting tabulation machine to register a vote.

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Bryan, TX (FOX 44)  In 2006, back when nearly no one had heard of West Nile, Chief Investigator Donnie Manry was diagnosed with Neuroinvasive West Nile  leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

The pain went from my neck all the way down both sides of my spine. When I leaned my head forward it felt like someone was just ripping my muscles apart, Manry explains.

Before his fateful bite, Manry was a perfectly healthy 25 year old who worked as a sergeant for the Bryan Police Department. He spent seven months in the hospital after the bite  and after laying in bed for three to four of those months, Manry finally was able to move his toes. A moment in which he says was epic.

But it would still be a long road to recovery.

Overnight, my wife went from being a newlywed with a blended family to being a single mom of three. And doing everything, for the household, financial, for the kids, everything, says Manry.

Manry says he wouldnt have got through that difficult time of his life without his wife and kids. He says its important to educate yourself about this virus because it can happen to anyone.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The West Palm Beach City Commission has approved the new contract between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police, bringing another round of large pay raises to officers and nonsworn civilian employees.

With the previous three-year agreement expiring, the union and the city came to terms on a new deal that will mean a 22% pay increase for officers, sergeants and lieutenants in fiscal year 2025. The biggest part of that pay increase 17%  is a market adjustment that takes effect with the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, and the other 5% is a step pay boost that goes into effect on the employee's work anniversary. Nonsworn civilian employees will get a 15% market adjustment and a 5% step pay increase for a total pay raise of 20%.

In 2026 and 2027, the contract, approved on Monday, Sept. 16, calls for officers, sergeants, lieutenants and nonsworn civilian employees to get a 3% cost-of-living pay increase and a 5% market rate adjustment for a total pay increase of 8%. The cost-of-living increases are the first the city will provide to police employees since 2009.

West Palm Beach city administrator Faye W. Johnson (left) and Mayor Keith James.

Negotiations for a new deal for the city's police captains will resume in November, City Administrator Faye Johnson said.

The 2025 police department pay raises  far larger than the 3% cost-of-living pay increases that other unionized city employees are set to receive  come on top of even bigger raises police employees got with the union contract they negotiated in 2021.

That deal included raises for police officers that ranged from 15% to 29% and 10% to 15% for nonsworn civilian employees.

The gigantic pay increases are all designed, Johnson said, to make sure the city remains competitive in the marketplace for police department employees.

The city administrator said the new deal, which was ratified by the FOP in August, will move West Palm Beach police employees up the ladder of pay among Palm Beach County law-enforcement agencies.

Officer pay will go from 15th to second. Sergeant pay will to to third from eighth, and lieutenant pay will rise to fourth from fifth. Starting pay for police officers will rise to $73,714 from $63,000, putting beginning pay in the city second behind only the $77,860 starting salary for police officers in Boca Raton. The boost in starting pay necessitates an increase across all pay bands in the police department, so the pay of more experienced employees isn't outstripped by those just coming on board.

"We think this is an incredibly big accomplishment to get out starting pay into second place in the market," Johnson said.

WEST PALM NEWS: City will keep property tax rate steady, but soaring home values means higher bills

The new union contract also brings other benefits to police employees. The city will increase its pension contribution. Officers will now have 120 days instead of 90 to prepare for the testing needed for promotions. Holiday overtime pay will go to double time from time and a half. And employees can use vacation and sick pay to get 100% of their salary while out on worker's compensation, which used to be capped at 66% of an employee's pay.

Johnson said the deal will cost the city $7.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and has already been accounted for in the budget the City Commission will consider for final approval on Sept. 25. The total cost of the deal will be $11.6 million.

Mayor Keith James urged City Commission members to vote in favor of the deal.

"I think we end up with a very good deal for both sides and hope my fellow commissioners will agree," James said.

They did, voting unanimously in favor of the new contract.

"I'm happy to see a lot of the changes and the increase that will enable us to attract and retain some of the best people to protect our citizens," Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi said. "A lot happens in the city of West Palm Beach. A lot of good happens in this city, but there's some things that happen that aren't so good. We rely on these police officers to be there for us when we need them. We have to be there for them when they need us."

Sign up for our Post on West Palm Beach weekly newsletter, delivered every Thursday!

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Police union, West Palm Beach strike deal for substantial pay raises
While the Golden States Democratic leanings in the presidential contest are well known, California is home to several swing districts that make the state critical this year in determining which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives.

Additionally, voters will elect a new U.S. senator, decide several ballot measures and weigh in on numerous local races.

Heres what you need to know:

When is the election?

Election day is Nov. 5. But in California, its really an election month, with all 22.2 million registered voters in the state receiving mail-in ballots. They are scheduled to be sent by Oct. 7.

What are voters deciding on?

The presidential race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Trump is at the top of the ticket and receiving the lions share of attention. Californians will also decide if they want Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff of Burbank or Republican former Dodgers star Steve Garvey to take the Senate seat held for decades by Democrat Dianne Feinstein, who died last year.

Given that Californias statewide electorate skews heavily Democratic  a Republican has not won statewide since 2006  these contests are not very competitive.

But California could determine control of Congress. Ten House races in the state are rated as competitive by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, with the most contested districts in Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties and the Central Valley. The Republican and Democratic parties and outside groups are pouring millions of dollars into the state trying to sway these contests.

Voters will also weigh in on 10 statewide ballot measures.

The most contentious is Proposition 36, which would increase penalties for some theft and drug crimes, an effort to roll back parts of a prior voter-approved ballot measure, Proposition 47, that sought to decrease prison overcrowding by reducing some felonies to misdemeanors. Many law enforcement officials have blamed that 2014 initiative for increasing homelessness and crime in California.

Voters will also be asked to raise the states minimum wage to $18 per hour with Proposition 32, and sign off on two $10-billion bonds  one to build and modernize K-12 schools and community colleges (Proposition 2) and another to respond to climate change with funding for flood control and fire protection (Proposition 4).

Other statewide measures ask voters to reaffirm a right to same-sex marriage, limit forced labor in prisons, make permanent a tax on managed healthcare plans that is set to expire in 2026, and restrict how healthcare providers  notably the AIDS Healthcare Foundation  can spend revenue from prescription drugs.

Voters will elect 100 state lawmakers to represent them in Sacramento  80 Assembly members and half of the 40 members of the state Senate. Democrats are likely to maintain veto-proof supermajorities in both houses, but voters are poised to send many new people to the Legislature this year due to the unusually large number of races without an incumbent.

What about Los Angeles County and L.A. city races?

Los Angeles County residents will choose among municipal, judicial and school board candidates.

The contest drawing the most attention is between Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon and challenger Nathan Hochman  a referendum on criminal justice policy.

Voters will also be asked whether to double the countys quarter-cent homelessness sales tax that is set to expire in 2027 (Measure H). If approved, the new tax, which would fund affordable housing, rental assistance and programs to help prevent and reduce homelessness, would remain in effect unless repealed by voters.

Proposals to expand the county Board of Supervisors from five to nine members and to elect the county executive officer (Measure G) are also on the ballot.

In the city of Los Angeles, voters will be asked whether to create an independent redistricting commission for the Los Angeles City Council (Charter Amendment DD) and the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education (Charter Amendment LL), fallout from the leaked audio of city leaders making racist comments as they discussed redrawing district lines. A charter amendment would also strengthen the Ethics Commission (Charter Amendment ER).

There are also three City Council races on the ballot, including the contest between former state Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian and small-business owner Jillian Burgos to replace City Council President Paul Krekorian, who has been in office for 15 years. Councilmembers Kevin de Leon, who was among the city leaders caught making disparaging comments in the leaked audio, and Heather Hutt, who was appointed to replace Mark Ridley-Thomas after he was indicted and later convicted in a federal corruption case, are seeking reelection against challengers Ysabel J. Jurado, a tenants' rights attorney, and Grace Yoo, an attorney and neighborhood council member, respectively.

How do I check if Im registered to vote?

Californians can check their status online with their drivers license or state ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number here.

Read more: How to vote in California's Nov. 5 election

Can I still register to vote?

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 21. You can register online here.

Paper applications are available at county election offices, libraries, DMVs or post offices. You can also request one by mail by calling (800) 345-VOTE(8683) or emailing Elections Division staff . Paper applications must be postmarked or submitted at a county elections office 15 days prior to the election, which is Oct. 21.

People who fail to meet the deadline can register as conditional voters. Information on how to register can be found here.

Where can I find a voter guide?

The state and county will mail guides to every registered voter. You can see the state-issued guide online here. Check out guides by Times reporters here.

Can I vote if I dont have a permanent address?

Unhoused people, those living off the grid and others who dont have a permanent address are eligible to vote as long as they are U.S. citizens and California residents who are older than 18, not serving in prison for a felony conviction and not deemed mentally incompetent by a court.

People who lack permanent addresses can receive voting materials at shelters, P.O. boxes and businesses, though they cannot register to vote with addresses for P.O. boxes or businesses.

Voters displaced by the wildfires can have their mail ballot sent to another address by calling their county election office or visiting registertovote.ca.gov. Even if they set up mail forwarding with the Postal Service, their mail ballots will not be forwarded unless their address is changed with elections officials.

Every voter has the right to cast a ballot in person on election day.

Read more election guides

More election news

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.
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KSHV)  Pleasant Grove ISD used money from a 2022 bond package to help fund a complete overhaul of their high school cafeteria.

Its much larger, much brighter serves more people than the old one did. Its a completely different style, says Haley Turner, Director of Marketing and Communications at Pleasant Grove ISD, Its very grab and go kind of giving it that collegiate feel.

With a new and improved cafeteria came a new and improved menu.

So this year, we partnered with Red River Beef Company. So all of the beef that is being served at our cafeterias across the district K through 12 is coming from Red River Beef, says Turner.

The district says its a win-win, benefiting the students and local businesses.

Report: Louisiana has worst school lunches in United States

Were really excited about that partnership because it allows us to source our food locally and support our local community while still giving the students very high-quality meals, says Turner.

They say they are already seeing positive results from the students due to the high-quality meals and the new space to eat them in.

Weve seen a lot more participation in meals this year, where a lot more students were bringing their lunch. We have a lot more kids opting to eat in the cafeteria, and theyre enjoying the meals, says Turner.

The district says the cost of this partnership is comparable with more traditional suppliers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Where did Kamala Harris go to school? Here's a look at her college journey

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed over his education credentials during their first debate in Philadelphia. But what is the VPs educational background?

The Democratic presidential candidate attended Westmount High School in Montreal, Canada, from 1977 to 1981 after her mom, Shyamala Gopalan, got a teaching job at McGill Universitys medical school and a research position at Jewish General Hospital.

After graduation, Harris attended Vanier College in Montreal for a year before transferring to Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C., and graduated with a degree in economics and political science in 1986.

In her 2019 memoir, Harris wrote, That was the beauty of Howard. Every signal told students that we could be anything  that we were young, gifted and Black, and we shouldnt let anything get in the way of our success.

More: Did Trump go to Wharton School of Business? A look at his education

During her time at Howard, Harris actively engaged in campus life. She served on the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council as a first-year representative, joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and participated in the debate team.

Reflecting on her U.S. undergraduate experience, Harris has consistently praised the university for shaping her identity and ambition. In an interview with Howard Magazine, she noted, The thing that Howard taught me is that you can do any collection of things, and not one thing to the exclusion of the other. You could be homecoming queen and valedictorian.

Vice President Kamala Harris (C) greets members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority after speaking at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on July 10, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. The Vice President spoke to approximately 20,000 members from her sorority in a continued effort to rally support ahead of the upcoming November Presidential election.

More: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kamala Harris' sorority, launches political action committee

Following her undergraduate studies, Harris attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she served as president of the Black Law Students Association. She earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1989 and was admitted to the California Bar the following year.

Harris continues to celebrate her educational journey by occasionally visiting Howard University to support students and participate in campaign events. In April 2023, she returned to campus to advocate against restrictions on reproductive rights.

The vice president attributes much of her career success to her educational experiences and her mother, who often reminded her, Kamala, you may be the first to do many things. Make sure you are not the last.

Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where did Kamala Harris go to college? Educational history, explained
Where polls showed Mark Robinson in NC governor's race before Thursday's allegations

Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina Mark Robinson was taking heat Thursday after a report from CNN detailed comments he allegedly left on a pornographic site.

The Robinson campaign denied that the postings were from the lieutenant governor in a Facebook video and statement to USA TODAY that blamed the story on is opponent Democratic opponent, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.

Robinson has vowed he will not drop out of the race.

Polls in recent weeks have shown Robinson trailing Stein, sometimes by double-digits.

As allegations surface against Robinson, here is a look at the current polling for North Carolina Governor.

Polls consistently show Stein leading Robinson

In the last two weeks, polls have shown a clear lead for Stein.

A poll released on Sept. 7 by Survey USA and sponsored by WRAL-TV in Raleigh had Stein up by 14 percentage points.

Two polls released the next day, one by Quinnipiac University and Morning Consult showed Stein up by 12 and 13 points,. respectively.

Polls released on Wednesday showed a tighter race, with Victory Insights giving Stein a 5-point edge and Emerson College showing the Democrat had an 8-point lead.

Includes reporting from James Powel and Savannah Kuchar

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: Where Mark Robinson stands in polls as allegations emerge Thursday
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NewsNation)  The White House, looking to highlight the impact of the Biden-Harris administration on everyday Americans, will unveil an Investing in America content series Thursday, with a first-hand account of how high-speed internet changed one familys life.

No matter what side of the aisle youre sitting on, everyone needs internet, Camille Smith said in an exclusive one-on-one interview with NewsNation ahead of the White House rollout.

Camille and Emile Smith live in rural Seneca, Wisconsin. For more than a decade, they struggled to get high-speed internet as they also ran a small family business, Sebastian Specialty Hardwood. The Smiths feared for the future of the business without high-speed internet access.

Trump to New York: Im asking for your vote

Along with their neighbors, the Smiths began advocating for internet service expansion, and finally got it in July of last year. They credit the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with finally bringing modern internet speed to their town. The Smiths say it also helped persuade their son to come home to join the family business.

The Investing in America video will showcase achievements of the Biden-Harris administration, as well as demonstrate that President Joe Biden is still on the job.

We know that some of the most powerful content and most powerful moments are when President Biden speaks directly with people who are impacted by his agenda, White House spokesperson Rachel Thomas told NewsNation.

Camille and Emile Smith are the first ones [in this series. They] were able to access high-speed internet in their community because of President Biden and Vice President Harris American Rescue Plan. Its changed their lives for the better, Thomas added.

Bill OReilly: Some polls may be oversampled with women

The effort officially launched in a South Court Auditorium event earlier this month at the White House, where Biden met virtually with a group of Americans who the president said were partners in the progress weve made together.

The digital series launches Thursday with the Smiths being the first interview.

The White House says the series will bring the president and viewers directly into the small business or living room of Americans who are talking about the impact Bidens agenda has had on their lives, and how it has laid the foundation for a brighter future for them.

The White House said there will be more Investing in America episodes featuring Biden and everyday Americans in coming weeks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Whooping cough is on the rise in Kansas

Whooping cough is on the rise in Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  State health officials are urging doctors to be on the lookout for cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says there have been 98 cases in the state so far this year, more than double the 41 cases reported by this time last year. Across the U.S., preliminary data shows more than four times as many cases this year as last.

Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness. It may start like a common cold, but the coughing can last for weeks or months. It is known as whooping cough because of the whooping sound people make during coughing fits.

Wichita man sentenced for road rage shooting

A dozen of the 98 cases in Kansas have been in babies under 12 months of age. That age group is at greatest risk of having severe complications from pertussis.

It is preventable with vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

DTaP for young children at 2, 4, 6 and 15-18 months and 4-6 years of age.

Tdap for preteens 11 through 12 years of age.

Tdap for pregnant persons during weeks 27-36 of each pregnancy.

Tdap for adults who have never received a previous dose.

The KDHE is asking health care providers to test patients who have symptoms and prescribe antibiotics for people who are still in the infectious stages of the illness. Others in the family may also need treatment.

Health care providers must report all cases of pertussis to their local health department or the KDHE within 24 hours of suspicion or detection.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Why Brazilian officials want to pave a highway in the Amazon rainforest

A government plan to pave a highway in the Amazon rainforest is prompting concerns from environmentalists who say the development will cause more wildfires in the region.

But for those who live in remote areas of northwest Brazil, the highway could serve as a lifeline to modern civilization, experts argue.

The current road is 560 miles long and mostly dirt. It connects the Amazon-adjacent states of Amazonas and Roraima to the rest of the country.

PHOTO: Aerial view of an illegal fire in the Amazon rainforest on the banks of the BR-230 (Transamazon Highway), near the city of Labrea, Amazonas state, northern Brazil, Sept. 4, 2024. (Michael Dantas/AFP via Getty Images)

The road is difficult for most vehicles to navigate, Naue Azevedo, a litigation specialist for the Climate Observatory in Brazil, a network of 119 environmental, civil society and academic groups, told ABC News. The unpaved road has led to a lack in modern development in many rural areas, he added.

Paving the road, however, would pose dire consequences for the already degrading rainforest, Azevedo said.

The construction of BR-319, the formal government nomenclature, would likely lead to a "fishbone pattern" of deforestation extending from the roadway, Rachael Garrett, a professor of conservation and development at the University of Cambridge, told ABC News.

MORE: Brazil experiencing record-breaking wildfires as persistent drought affects the Amazon rainforest

Moreover, the exposure to outside communities could harm indigenous groups living in the Amazon, Garrett said.

Added Azevedo: "From an environmental standpoint, paving this road will be so detrimental for the Amazon rainforest, which we all know is crucial -- both to Brazil and the world in general."

PHOTO: BR-319 (ABC News)

Aside from the further deforestation, environmental crimes, such as illegal logging and mining, would likely increase without proper governance in the region, Azevedo pointed out. Criminals would have easier access to remote areas and authorities would not be able to stop illegal activities, he said.

Brazil is experiencing one of the worst drought emergencies in history, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Rapid deforestation in the Amazon is reducing the amount of rainfall, therefore exacerbating the drought and risk of extreme wildfires.

MORE: 'Out of control' fires ravage the Amazon region

Paving the road, however, would have social benefits for the residents nearby, according to Garrett, who has heard concerns from residents about having access to hospitals, schools and goods.

"There are really good, moral reasons, from the perspective of people living in this region, to have roads being paved," she said.

PHOTO: Aerial view of an area of Amazon rainforest deforested by illegal fire in the municipality of Labrea, Amazonas State, Brazil, Aug. 20, 2024. (Evaristo Sa/AFP via Getty Images)

The controversy over the construction of BR-319 has been going on for years. In 2022, a permit to pave the highway was issued by former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, whose administration favored development in the Amazon.

But in July, a federal court suspended the permit following a lawsuit by the Climate Observatory, citing the need for protective measures to be put in place to control deforestation before paving begins.

"We asked the judiciary branch to stop this licensing process," Azevedo said. "The pathway is still there, but they will not be ... allowed to build anymore. So, it will stay as it is right now."

MORE: Forests in Brazil emitting more carbon than they absorb due to climate change: Study

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva promised last week to pave the road while on a visit to an indigenous community in the state of Amazonas.

PHOTO: Aerial view showing timber logs near the city of Humaita, Amazonas state, northern Brazil, Sept. 4, 2024. (Michael Dantas/AFP via Getty Images)

"We cant leave two capitals," Lula said, adding that the construction will be done "with the utmost responsibility."

Lula's administration has appealed to reinstate the permit suspended by a federal judge.

MORE: Experts explain how the Brazilian wildfires became so devastating and what can be done to save the rain forest

Ensuring governance surrounding the construction of the highway is of the utmost importance, Azevedo said, adding that the health of the rainforest depends on it.

"We can't undo the damage that has already been done, but we could probably conserve and preserve what's the left of it," he said.

Why Brazilian officials want to pave a highway in the Amazon rainforest originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Why the cost of water for poor Black Detroit voters may be key to Kamala Harris winning  or losing  Michigan

The threat of violence was in the air at the TCF Center in Detroit on Nov. 5, 2020, after former President Donald Trump claimed that poll workers in the city were duplicating ballots and that there was an unexplained delay in delivering them for counting.

Both claims were later debunked.

Emboldened by Trumps rhetoric, dozens of mainly white Republican Trump supporters banged on doors and windows at the vote-tallying center, chanting, Stop the count!

But Detroits poll workers, most of them Black, finished tallying the ballots. In the end, 95% of voters in Detroit, the largest city in Michigan and the one with the most African Americans  78% of residents  cast their ballot for Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee.

We are political science and sociology professors at Wayne State University in Detroit, where we teach about the relationship between race, religion and politics. Our research has identified two groups of African American voters in Detroit  one that will clearly support Kamala Harris and another that is critical for her to win over if she wants to win Michigan.

Firmly in Kamalas camp

Those African Americans most likely to vote for Harris in November 2024 are strong Democratic partisans who feel that Trump threatens Black political strides toward democracy.

Harris can also rely on members of Detroit nonprofits like the NAACP, Black Greek organizations, and religious congregations connected to advocacy groups such as MOSES, the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee.

But what of the working-class and poor Black Detroit residents who tend not to be as heavily connected to the Democratic Party and are less involved with grassroots organizations that advocate on their behalf? These are the individuals who inconsistently vote in presidential elections but that recent history has shown could be key to winning Michigan, a crucial swing state.

Donald Trump supporters outside of the TCF Center in Detroit to protest the counting of votes in the 2020 general election. Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Small bumps in voter turnout matter

While Detroits voters helped Biden win the state and the White House in 2020, such was not the case for Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The difference was due in part to lower voter turnout.

In 2016, 95% of the Detroiters who voted in the presidential election opted for Democratic nominee Clinton. Still, she lost Michigan by 0.2%  fewer than 11,000 votes.

One contributing factor to the difference in Michigans presidential election outcomes between 2016 and 2020 was Detroits lower voter turnout in 2016 relative to 2020.

In 2016, Detroits voter turnout was 48.6%  compared with 50.88% in 2020. Detroits higher voter turnout in 2020 contributed to Biden winning Michigan in 2020 by a margin of less than 3%.

Let us suppose that 2016 and 2020 are guides to 2024. In that case, Harris ability to win Michigan in November is less about losing Black voters to Trump than her ability to motivate Black voters in Detroit and across the state to show up to the polls. This is key because African Americans, at roughly 13% of the U.S. electorate, overwhelmingly vote Democratic when they vote.

In many respects, 2020 served as a referendum on Trumps management of the COVID-19 epidemic, which had an outsize impact on Black Americans, who were nearly twice as likely as white Americans to die from the virus.

That election also served as a referendum on Trumps racial politics. During the summer of 2020, with the nation embroiled in protests against anti-Black police violence, Trump framed the protesters as anti-American and criminals.

It therefore makes sense that in 2020, the vast majority  over 90%  of African Americans nationwide stated that concerns about racism and COVID-19 motivated their vote.

Looking toward the 2024 election, a question that looms large is: Will the Black voter turnout in Detroit be closer to 2016 or 2020?

Quality-of-life issues key in 2024

In early 2024, quality-of-life concerns about crime, vacant buildings and affordable housing were the top three issues that Detroit residents want their city and the U.S. government to address, according to the Detroit Metro Area Communities Study.

Similarly, an August 2024 poll by Suffolk University and USA Today found that roughly 6 in 10 Black voters in Michigan mentioned the rising cost of living, crime and health care as motivating their willingness to vote.

These same issues are at the top of Black voters minds nationwide. A February 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation Poll reported that over 90% of Black Americans believe that the presidential candidates should discuss the rising cost of living and health care, and three-quarters believe they should discuss protecting the Affordable Care Act.

The 2024 election is a crucial moment for these issues to be addressed.

Detroits ongoing water concerns

When it comes to working-class and low-income people in Detroit, a key cost-of-living issue is the cost of water.

As Detroits city government attempted to shore up its finances following its 2013 bankruptcy, it began to more aggressively target residents who were delinquent in their water bills. The city shut off the water of more than 141,000 residents between 2013 and 2020.

As of 2023, 27% of Detroit households  about 170,000 people  are at risk of having their water shut off due to unpaid water bills. The 60,000 people in arrears for unpaid water bills owe an average of US$700.

A worker shuts off water to a home in Detroit. Joshua Lott via Getty Images

In response to this crisis, local grassroots organizations, many of them faith-based, like the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, organized community members to push for legislation that ties water bill rates to residents income.

In October 2023, Michigan Democrat State Sen. Stephanie Chang introduced a series of bills to do just that, but the bills have languished in the Housing and Human Services Senate Committee.

An April 2024, a metropolitan Detroit survey we conducted revealed that 87% of Black Detroiters support these water affordability bills.

Harris ability to generate Black voter turnout in Michigan thats similar to 2020, particularly in Detroit, may hinge on her ability to articulate the federal governments plans to address cost-of-living concerns. This includes securing federal grants for cities, like Detroit, to subsidize water rates for its working-class and low-income residents.

While Harris did not explicitly address the issue of water affordability during her Labor Day visit to Detroit, she did tell the audience that, unlike Trump, she would not impose a national sales tax on everyday items. She also pledged to keep prescription drug prices affordable and strengthen the Affordable Care Act.

Will Harris message that Detroiters cost of living will fare worse under a Trump administration be enough to energize Black Detroiters to vote for her?

This is a crucial question for her 2024 campaign in Michigan, where she and Trump are in a statistical tie among likely voters.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Ronald Brown, Wayne State University and R. Khari Brown, Wayne State University

Read more:



R. Khari Brown receives funding from the Louisville Institute, Wayne State University, and the Religious Research Association.

Ronald Brown does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Here's Why Diddy Came to NYC Before His Federal Arrest?

With Diddy now in federal custody, more details are coming out on why the disgraced music mogul was in New York, seemingly enjoying life just days before his arrest.

The Bad Boy records founder came to New York 11 days before he was arrested at Manhattan hotel Monday evening. Marc Agnifilo, his attorney, confirmed that he was in the city to cooperate with the authorities.

But even in the few days before he was taken in by the feds, it seems that Diddy was engaging in more illegal activity.

According to PEOPLE, authorities found multiple bags of a pink powder, which they suspect to be narcotics. During his arraignment on Tuesday, Assistant United States Attorney Emily A. Johnson told a federal judge that they are currently testing all the bags of powder found in his room  and based on previous seizures, it could be ecstasy.

Like Puffs attorney, Johnson also made it clear that the mogul was waiting, potentially for his arrest and was expected to be on his best behavior. But since they potentially found drugs in his hotel room, prosecutors used that to argue that Diddy would continue breaking the law until he was detained by authorities.

Agnifilo did not address the allegations during Combs arraignment on Tuesday, according to PEOPLE.

But amid this legal fiasco, Diddy did secure a rare legal win just a day after his arraignment.

Last week, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith learned he would be awarded $100 million in his civil suit against the disgraced music mogul. In the lawsuit, he claimed that he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Diddy at a Detroit party in 1997. Allegedly, the two met while Cardello-Smith was working at a local restaurant in the area.

But in a surprising turn of events, a Michigan circuit court judge has reversed the ruling, meaning that the Bad Boy Records founder no longer has to pay the $100 million.



For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
More than a thousand workers are participating in the strike [Reuters]

For the past 11 days, about 1,500 workers of South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics have been striking work in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, leading to major disruptions in production.

The plant in Chennai city, one of Samsung's two factories in India, employs nearly 2,000 workers and produces home appliances, contributing about a third to the company's annual $12bn (9bn) revenue in India.

The striking workers gather at a plot of land near the 17-year-old factory daily, demanding that Samsung recognise their newly-formed labour union - the Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU). They say that only a union can help them negotiate better wages and working hours with the management.

The protest, one of the largest Samsung has seen in recent years, comes even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been courting foreign investment by positioning India as a viable alternative to China for manufacturing activities.

Samsung India has released a statement saying that the welfare of its workers was its top priority. "We have initiated discussions with our workers at the Chennai plant to resolve all issues at the earliest, it said.

Hours earlier, the police had detained around 104 workers for undertaking a protest march without permission. The protesters were released in the evening.

"The workers have decided to strike work indefinitely till their demands are met, said A Soundararajan, member of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (Citu), backed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Citu has backed the new union in the factory.

The workers have three key demands: Samsung must recognise the new union, allow collective bargaining, and reject competing unions as about 90% of the workforce belongs to SILWU, said Mr Soundararajan.

The Chennai plant contributes about $4bn to Samsung's annual $12bn India revenue [Reuters]

Workers, earning an average of 25,000 rupees ($298; 226) a month, are demanding staggered raises totalling a 50% increase over the next three years, according to Citu.

Citu also alleged that workers at the plant were being "pressurised to finish each product - like a refrigerator, washing machine, or TV - within 10-15 seconds", work non-stop for four to five hours at a stretch, and do their jobs in unsafe conditions.

Mr Soundararajan also alleged that workers were pressurised by the management to leave the new union and that their families were threatened as well.

The BBC has sent Samsung India a detailed set of questions for a response.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu's Labour Welfare Minister CV Ganesan said he had assured union officials that talks were under way to resolve their issues. "We will fulfil the demands of the workers," he said.

Sijo*, a protester, said that he arrives at the protest site daily at 08:00 IST (02:30 GMT) and stays until 17:00, joining hundreds of workers in their blue Samsung India uniforms.

The union arranges for lunch and water for the protesters, while a makeshift cloth tent protects them from the elements. There are no washroom facilities, so the workers use the outdoors.

"Since the factory was set up, employees have been working without complaints or a union. But things have been getting bad over the past couple of years, and now, we need the support of a union," Sijo said.

He added that his pay doesn't keep pace with the cost of living and that this has put a strain of his family's finances.

Up until 2020, the Samsung Group was known for not allowing unions to represent its workers. But things changed after the company came under intense public scrutiny after its chairman was prosecuted for market manipulation and bribery.

In July, Samsung workers in South Korea went on strike to demand more leaves and better pay [Reuters]

Millions of Indian workers join trade unions - often backed by leftist parties - who use their political clout to enforce labour laws and negotiate better conditions. "Foreign companies set up in India but resist following local laws on workers' rights to association and collective bargaining," alleged Mr Soundararajan.

Many prominent multinational companies, including Apple and Amazon, have set up factories in India. But labour rights activists allege that many of them underpay and overwork their Indian employees and collude with state governments to clamp down on workers' rights.

Shyam Sundar, a labour economist, said multinational corporations use various "human resource strategies" to prevent workers from forming unions in developing countries like India.

For one, they fiercely oppose workers joining external, politically-backed unions and encourage them to form "worker-led" internal ones. "This ensures that the management has some control over the union's activities," Mr Sundar said.

Mr Soundararajan alleged that management at the Chennai plant had also approached workers with this solution, which they refused. The BBC has reached out to Samsung India for a response.

The second way, Mr Sundar said, is by hiring young, unskilled workers, especially from rural areas, by attracting them with a good starting salary. "These 'trainees' are promised to be made permanent employees after a couple of months, but this doesn't happen. The salaries too stay stagnant or have very low increments."

The rapid growth of "flexible workers" - employees hired on contract - has become a key strategy of multinational corporations to stop unionising by ensuring a pliant workforce, he added.

According to the latest government statistics, every two in five workers employed in factories in India in 2022 were contractual labourers, making up about 40% of the workforce in industrial establishments.

"Companies use the threat of re-location or non-expansion to discourage state governments from enforcing labour laws," Mr Sundar said. "But workers can leverage global labour unions to pressure companies to abide by international labour laws," he added.

*Name changed to protect the worker's identity

With inputs from Vijayanand Arumugam from BBC Tamil and Nikhil Inamdar from BBC News
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks about Floridas 6-week abortion ban during an event at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on May 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Fla. Credit - Joe RaedleGetty Images

Before rising to the top of the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris championed safe, legal access to abortion. On the campaign trail she has promised that if Congress passes legislation restoring reproductive freedoms, as President she would sign it into law. Recent reports show that restrictions on abortion implemented since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade jeopardize womens lives and have led to a rise in infant deaths.

This is especially significant for African American women, who are poised to suffer the worst outcomes of six-week abortion bans in places like Georgia and Texas, since Black women account for an estimated 40% of those seeking to end pregnancies. That statistic reflects a web of interconnected factors such as poverty, lack of access to quality health care, and high maternal mortality rates. Plus, history shows that in the absence of choice and contraception, Black women have gone to painful and often harrowing lengths to be self-determining.

Prior to the passage of the 13th Amendment ending slavery, enslaved Black women were literally property and denied control over their reproductive systems. Enslaved women were often raped and forced to breed because their progeny amplified enslavers wealth. Further, the children they conceived of their own volition, birthed, loved, and cared for could be sold for a profit or to repay enslavers debts, never mind being subject to the quotidian brutality that enslavement itself entailed.

Read More: Reproductive Rights Are Taking Center Stage at the DNC

Against this backdrop, enslaved women found ways to end pregnancies, sometimes using herbs to induce menstruation, or they committed infanticide. Some hoped to spare children from the horrors of slavery. Others took a different view of the matter. For example, Letty, an enslaved woman, was indicted for crushing the skull of her newborn in Virginia in 1822. She told investigators, If the child had been one of her own colour, she would not have done as she did. Lettys extreme act and her sentiments gesture toward the trauma of interracial rape that marked so many enslaved womens lives, and the refusal by some women to mother infants stemming from it.

After Emancipation, Black women set about reclaiming and redefining their womanhood. The restoration of virtue and bodily sanctity were of paramount importance, and many felt that having a child out of wedlock would threaten those aims. Single mothers faced dire financial implications as well as harsh judgments by the broader society.

Even families with two parents struggled and often could not afford another mouth to feed. Most Black families relied upon the income of several working family membersmothers and fathers and daughters and sons able to secure employment did so and usually contributed to the household. But even with multiple revenue streams, poverty was grinding.

Moreover, the post-Emancipation period brought its own set of cruel ironies for Black women. While enslavement was outlawed, in a practical sense rape and sexual abuse were not, because the law failed to protect Black victims. African American women remained particularly vulnerable to sexual assault as domestics working in white peoples homes and would have faced degrading stigmas from any pregnancies resulting from those assaults, in addition to the distressing circumstances.

We dont have statistics for how many Black women sought to terminate such pregnancies over a century ago. But its clear that women used a variety of tactics to do so, demonstrating their desperation and their fury at the unfair restrictions over their lives. Some went to root doctors who prescribed herbal abortifacients, an unreliable solution since the elixirs could be toxic to women, frequently fatally so. Others went to underground abortionists who performed procedures that at the time, could be quite dangerous and deadly. Newspapers from the time were littered with accounts of women and girls who died from criminal malpractice, frequently a euphemism for botched medical abortions. Some women bled out quickly, while others suffered as they died from painful infections.

Read More: Rape Led to 64,000 Pregnancies in 14 U.S. States With Abortion Bans, Study Says

Given the great risks of available abortion options, some women decided to conceal their pregnancies, carry to term, and kill the infants after birth, as Henrietta Thompson did in Philadelphia in 1887. Impoverished, pregnant, and unwed, she gave birth and, according to court records and newspaper accounts, placed the infant in a cesspool. Upon discovery of her actions, she explained to police officers that she had to go out and work for a living and could not afford to pay its board.

Other women abandoned newborns at centers colloquially referred to as baby farms. At best, these operated as infant care centers for working mothers. On the other end, however, some proprietors subjected the children in their care to neglect that could lead to malnutrition, illness, and even death.

Mattie Burke, a Black woman operator of a notorious baby farm in Philadelphia in 1914, was charged with causing the deaths of three infants in her care. Pictures of their emaciated corpses were shown in court. Even as the mothers were distraught, one of the women defended Burke. For some, she and similar practitioners performed what was considered a necessary evil. So, while papers decried the squalid conditions in which the infants were kept and the fact that a single tin of condensed milk was shared among the children in Burkes care for a week, new mothers continued to patronize such haunts with newborns in tow.

Read More: How American Women Could Lose the Right to Birth Control

Women pressed for legal access to safe and effective birth control and, in 1960, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral contraception. Five years later with Griswold v. Connecticut, the Supreme Court protected the right to use contraceptives. In 1973, the Supreme Court upheld abortion rights. The decades after the passage of Roe v. Wade were not without flaws, but access to abortion paired with the advent of widely available birth control afforded Black women and girls greater avenues to avoid conceiving before they were ready to parent and safely end unwanted pregnancies if they did. These allowed them to be the stewards of their own reproductive systems.

But with the Dobbs decision overturning Roe, and with more than a dozen states banning abortion completely or severely limiting access, those gains are vulnerable. Today, a lack of access to abortion doesnt just imperil Black womens health, it also leaves them at greater risk of criminalizationas we saw in Ohio in 2023, for example, where a Black woman named Brittany Watts who had a miscarriage was arrested on charges of having abused a corpse. (The charge against her was ultimately dismissed.)

It would be easy to leave histories like Lettys, Henrietta Thompsons and Mattie Burkes in the past, but their legacies demonstrate something essential. Denying women choice does not prevent them from terminating pregnancies. Rather it compels those with few options to take dangerous risks to exercise reproductive rights. That might seem like hyperbole, but recent research suggests that only a fraction of rape and incest victims in states with bans have access to safe, legal abortionseven when those same states claim to have exceptions for these scenarios. No women and girls should have to face such horrors in America in the 21st century.

Kali Nicole Gross is the National Endowment for the Humanities Professor of African American Studies at Emory University and author of Vengeance Feminism: The Power of Black Womens Fury in Lawless Times (Seal Press, 2024). Follow her on Threads @kalinicolegross.

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
TUSCOLA  A Tuscola man was sentenced to one day in prison for giving a false oath or account in a bankruptcy proceeding.

In addition to the prison sentence imposed Sept. 13, Aaron Gillison, 40, was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $76,995 in restitution.

Gillison had previously pleaded guilty to the offense. The Federal Bureau of Investigation became aware of Gillison after a series of complaints to various local law enforcement agencies from Central Illinois homeowners.

"One impacted homeowner won a civil judgement against Gillison and his company," the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a news release.

U.S. District Court Judge Colin S. Bruce was presented evidence during the sentencing hearing the government had from the previous bankruptcy proceeding. "Gillion falsely claimed that he had not used business funds for personal expenses, nor had he co-mingled client funds with his own personal accounts," the release stated.

The FBI investigation uncovered Gillison had actually spent or moved funds from different accounts during the year before declaring bankruptcy.

"Gillison had transferred approximately $65,000 from a business account into his personal account, wrote nearly $22,000 in checks to himself from the business account, and spent more than $10,000 in business funds on personal purchases, such as fishing gear and outdoor equipment," the news release stated.

Gillison had no criminal history before the incidents, the judge noted during the sentencing hearing. Bruce also pointed out Gillison had a job and would be able to pay the restitution while he was employed.

The charge carried a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Springfield Field Office investigated the case with assistance of several local law enforcement agencies.
Why Knoxville US Postal Service jobs aren't moving to Nashville after all

In a reversal from an earlier plan, the United States Postal Service won't move Knoxville jobs to Nashville.

Thirty-one positions in Knoxville, Johnson City and Chattanooga had been slated to be consolidated to Nashville, according to a post office report. Instead, those jobs staying local because of a USPS plan to save up to $3 billion every year.

The postal service can now absorb the cost of keeping positions in Knoxville, according to a Sept. 18 release.

While the pot office had touted there would be no employee layoffs if it shifted operations from Knoxville to Nashville, employees would have faced the choice to move to Nashville, commute the almost three hours there, transfer to another city or quit the post office all together.

With the new plan, employees shouldn't be impacted. In fact, the postal service said in the release that its investment in the Knoxville Weisgarber Road facility is expected to enhance shipping abilities, which it said would lead to increased plant activity and more staff.

The facility will serve as a local processing center, which mails and ships local packages, letters and flats from one Knoxville location to another. USPS' $9 million investment there will go toward workplace amenities such as lighting and renovated breakrooms and bathrooms.

How is the USPS cutting costs?

The postal service has proposed reducing costs and optimizing service with improvements including:

Adjusting pick-up and drop-off times between post offices and processing plants for areas where post offices are far from regional hubs. USPS says this will reduce transportation costs, reduce carbon emissions and truck trips and enable earlier mail processing.

Expanding daily reach for most classes of mail, which will result in faster delivery.

Committing to a three-day delivery standard for local first class mail.

How we got here

The reversal is the final chapter of a saga that started in November when the USPS announced it would move some operations from Knoxville, Johnson City and Chattanooga to Louisville, Kentucky.

The change was part of the post office's Delivering for America plan designed to slash delivery costs and make the postal system more efficient.

The postal service had a public meeting in November to explain the plan, though some critics said it simply fulfilled a requirement instead of offering detailed information about what the change would mean for workers and post office users.

Days later, U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett wrote a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy saying the meeting was a waste of time.

"Worse, the arrogance on display by the USPS and its management during this so-called meeting or listening session is unacceptable," he wrote, adding that members of his staff reported that valid questions were not answered.

In April, the postal service changed course and said positions would be moved to Nashville, not Louisville.

Then in May, it said the consolidation would be delayed until 2025. News of the decision to delay consolidation came in a letter from a bipartisan group of U.S. senators. Almost 60 processing plants around the country were set to undergo the similar consolidations.

DeJoy said that delay was in response to elected officials' concerns.

Now, four months later, consolidation for the Knoxville plant isn't happening at all.

"Our proposed operational strategy, which is currently under review by the (Postal Regulatory Commission), will generate substantial savings for the Postal Service," DeJoy said. "This strategy provides a solution that will ensure our organization can cover the cost of local originating mail processing operations in the Knoxville facility."

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: US Postal Service reverses course, decides to keep Knoxville jobs here
The Trump-endorsed candidate in North Carolinas gubernatorial race could soon lose his spot on the ticket due to an in-house ouster.

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson is a Hitler-quoting, gay-bashing, conspiracy-touting antisemite, and has drawn immediate comparisons to Donald Trump for his bombastic orations and loyal GOP following, along with his own laundry list of controversies.

On Thursday, a bombshell CNN report revealed that Robinson had written on a pornography websites message board about his desire to own slaves, his peeping in womens locker rooms, and his enjoyment of transgender porn.

The comments were made long before Robinson entered electoral politics. CNN connected the account to Robinson via a litany of common biographical details and a shared email address. He also used his full name on his site account.

I like watching tranny on girl porn! Thats f*cking hot! It takes the man out while leaving the man in! Robinson wrote in one comment on the site, Nude Africa. And yeah Im a perv too!

Robinson repeatedly denied any connection to the account, instead telling CNN in an interview that the story amounted to salacious tabloid lies.

The story was initially leaked to CNN, as well as local Raleigh news outlet WRAL, by Robinsons opponent, Attorney General Josh Stein, the Carolina Journal reported.

In light of the story, the Trump campaign reportedly told Robinson that he was no longer welcome to attend rallies for either candidate on the Republican presidential ticket, according to an anonymous source that spoke with the Journal. Robinson had been scheduled to appear at a rally for J.D. Vance on Wednesday but backed out after his office announced Robinson had fallen ill.

But despite growing pressure to back outwhich included calls from local Republican strategists for Robinson to exit in order to save Trumps chances in the battleground stateRobinson released a video statement ahead of the CNN report announcing his intention to stay in the critical race.

Let me reassure you the things that you will see in that story are not the words of Mark Robinson, Robinson said. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.

That butts Robinson up against the deadline to withdraw from the race: Thursday evening. If he does exit, the North Carolina Republican Party Executive Committee would be required to choose a replacement candidateless than 50 days before the election.

The scandal is an unusual test of mettle for the exceedingly controversial politico. Robinson has shared a host of his disturbing positions online, including posts in which he minimized the horrors of the Holocaust, claimed a satanic marxist had made the movie Black Panther to pull shekels out of Black audiences, likened women getting abortions to murderers, and derided gay people as filth and maggots. Robinson has also expressed archaic views about womens role in society, telling a Charlotte-area church in 2022 that Christians are called to be led by men.

Robinson has also suggested that schools wouldnt be getting shot up if Christian teachings were forced into the classroom, and told a congregation at Asbury Baptist Church that public schools had taken a nosedive since mandatory prayer had been excised from curriculums.
Why are nearly half of KC-area marijuana micro-licenses tied to secretive companies?

Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

This summer, Missouri awarded 57 marijuana micro-licenses across the state. The licenses were meant to help small and minority-owned businesses break into the industry, which has been dominated by large companies.

But nearly half of the 15 licenses awarded in the Kansas City area went to secretive LLCs tied to a Wyoming company whose true beneficiaries cant be easily identified. Seven of those licenses are connected to the Wyoming-based incorporating service called Wyoming Corporate Services that prides itself in keeping information private.

While the unknown groups or people behind the LLCs appear poised to cash in, Kansas Citians like Suzette Leftwich were left out. Leftwich, who is Black, was one of hundreds of applicants denied a micro-license to open a dispensary in July.

Were working against, you know, forces that we dont even know exist. It makes me angry, said Leftwich, who said she has never met another dispensary owner who is Black. It doesnt seem like its homegrown people that are, you know, creating these dispensaries.

The state listed the proposed address of Leftwichs dispensary along Troost Avenue.

I have money, I have business credit, I have friends that are willing to invest, said Leftwich, who works in human resources. And we put all of that into this application process the last couple, you know, the last two rounds.

Suzette Leftwich is seen at her home on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Kansas City.

Revelations about the out-of-state LLCs come as questions regarding predatory behavior in the program have cast a cloud over the states marijuana industry. The state in October stripped licenses from a Michigan-based company that had been accused of using predatory practices to flood the first round of the lottery and obtain licenses.

The Michigan-based company had come under fire for offering to pay eligible people to enter lotteries awarding licenses for underserved groups in Missouri, Illinois and Maryland, according to reporting from The Star, Missouri Independent and the Chicago Sun-Times.

A January report released by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, or DHSS, also found that more than 40% of the applicants for the first round of the micro-license lottery were from outside of Missouri.

The businesses or people behind the new round of winning LLCs largely remain a mystery. The Star requested application documents from the state but DHSS said the records were closed to the public.

In an email, DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox said that every applicant was required to submit documentation showing they were eligible for the program. That criteria is geared toward lower-income individuals and minority groups and includes having a net worth less than $250,000 or a prior marijuana-related charge.

Cox said the agency was currently conducting a 60-day verification process to investigate the eligibility of the winning license holders.

She did not respond to a question asking whether the state was concerned about the licenses tied to Wyoming but pointed to a 2021 federal ruling that barred Missouri from enacting a residency requirement for medical marijuana licenses.

Ties to Wyoming

The little information available about the licenses connects them to Wyoming Corporate Services in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The company incorporates, or sets up, businesses for clients.

Business records show that each of the seven LLCs was organized by one of two current or former employees of the company: Jasmine James or Sierra Sanders.

LLC organizers dont have to be owners or members of the LLC, according to documents with the Missouri Secretary of States Office.

Neither James nor Sanders responded to an email from The Star.

Therese Hoard, a manager for the company, said in a phone call that the the company would only provide information about who was behind the LLCs or license-holders through a subpoena.

What we do is we just incorporate businesses for clients, Hoard said. So if we would have incorporated any type of business there, it would have been at the direction of a client requesting it.

The companys website encourages businesses to incorporate in Wyoming, touting the states low costs and zero business license fees. The state has some of the strongest privacy laws in the country, helping to turn the state into one of the worlds top tax havens, The Washington Post reported in 2021.

The seven licenses were among 15 dispensary or marijuana wholesale licenses awarded in Missouris 5th and 6th Congressional Districts. The 5th Congressional District covers the inner ring of the Kansas City metro while the 6th Congressional District stretches across northern Missouri and includes Clay and Platte counties.

Two other licenses tied to the Wyoming company were awarded in the 4th Congressional District, which stretches from the southern part of the Kansas City metro to central Missouri.

One wholesale or cultivation license, for example, was awarded to a company called DRAMA DUNES LLC, which listed its proposed address along Squire Court in Grain Valley. Business records name Sanders from Wyoming as the organizer.

Records posted online by DHSS list a person named Yossi Sarshar, who appears to own a nightclub in Dallas, Texas, as the designated contact for the license and another one with a proposed address in Excelsior Springs. Sarshar is also listed as the contact for 41 other licenses submitted to the state.

A person answering texts to a phone number for Sarshar initially responded to messages from The Star but stopped responding when asked about the marijuana license.

A designated contact for another license hung up the phone when asked about the license. Another did not respond to two voicemails left over multiple days.

John Payne served as the campaign manager for the efforts to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana in Missouri. He said in an interview that he had not heard about the micro-licenses tied to Wyoming.

Thats a new one to me, Payne said. Once the state reviews the winning licenses, Payne said he planned to start reaching out to the license-holders.

Payne, whose name appeared on more than 300 micro-license applications to the state, has also been accused of predatory practices within the program, according to the Missouri Independent. For some applications, Payne recruited eligible Missourians for the licenses and had them sign contracts that would give him and his partners a majority of the profits of the business.

Concerns about the program

Not all of the licenses awarded in the Kansas City area were hard to track.

Hunter Schmitt, a local attorney, won one of the micro-licenses through an LLC called Flower to the People and hopes to open a dispensary in the metro. Schmitt is listed as the designated contact for the company and his business partner, attorney Nicolas Cirese, is the LLC organizer.

Schmitt said he qualified for the license after being prosecuted for a past felony marijuana possession charge. That arrest also fueled his desire to become a lawyer, he said.

We understand that its a big climb uphill, as were going against big and even out-of-state companies, he said. Thats part of the reason we named our LLC Flower to the People, is so that we could get this product to the people of Kansas City.

When informed about the licenses tied to the Wyoming company, Rep. Richard Brown, a Kansas City Democrat, said he would like to see the state revisit how it issues micro-licenses. Specifically, he said that the state should not cap or limit the number of marijuana licenses issued in the state.

Limits on licenses, he said, is why were starting to see the shady deals take place.

My concern is the people that were previously prosecuted and persecuted for marijuana are now being denied entry into the legalized business, said Brown, who is running for lieutenant governor. And these licenses were set up so that marginalized peoplehave opportunity to get in.

Chase Cookson, a professor at Saint Louis University based in Kansas City and a marijuana legalization activist, said that large companies flooded the micro-license lottery across all of the states eight congressional districts.

I continue to be concerned that this program is not going to serve the purpose that it was designed to serve, he said. In particular, Im concerned that its not going to serve folks from disadvantaged communities here in the state of Missouri.

Cookson raised concerns about how the micro-license program was designed as well as the overall economic system that allows people to take advantage of opportunities to make a profit. He said he expects the same tactics during the third lottery round next year.

Its not going to meet the purpose of creating some kind of intergenerational wealth in the communities that have been most disadvantaged by prohibition, he said. Im frustrated, but also I think we all saw this coming.

The states micro-license program was included in the 2022 constitutional amendment when voters legalized recreational marijuana. It was touted as a way to help marginalized groups, particularly those impacted by the war on drugs.

Leftwich, from Kansas City, saw in the program an opportunity to join the market.

Being from parents who were denied opportunities because of their race in Kansas City, I mean, you know, definitely it felt great to be able to open a business here and make money from that, she said.

But, after being denied a shot for the second time, Leftwich has questions about the integrity of the program.

Its just angering that we still dont have the opportunity. You just dont know whats going on behind closed doors, she said. For half of (the licenses) to even have a commonality, its like theres something going on somewhere.
Margery Koveleski says Why Springfield? is something shes been hearing a lot lately.

Everybody asks the question, says Koveleski, a community activist and translator in the Ohio city whos been helping its growing Haitian population.

Springfield is now home to thousands of Haitians. Last weeks presidential debate thrust the small city into the national spotlight, prompting even more people to wonder how a Haitian community has taken root there  and why.

Heres a look at some key questions, and the answers we know so far.

How many Haitians are living in Springfield?

Theres no official tally. Mayor Rob Rue told CNN the citys population has grown about 25% over the past three years, in part due to the arrival of Haitian immigrants.

Between 12,000 and 15,000 immigrants are living in Clark County, which includes Springfield, according to estimates on the citys website. Of that group, an estimated 10,000-12,000 are Haitian, according to a July presentation from the countys health commissioner, who cited data from school and social services officials.

The 2020 Census estimated about 60,000 people were living in Springfield, and 2022 data from the American Community Survey indicated about 2% of the citys population was born outside the US.

Did a government program send them there for resettlement?

No. Immigrants have chosen to live in Springfield due to its low cost of living and available work, according to a city website, which notes that no government entity is responsible for the influx of Haitians into Clark County.

Any system is going to struggle with the rapid population growth we have seen, Clark County Health Commissioner Chris Cook told the Springfield City Council in July as he stressed the importance of getting more resources and funding to help.

This is not part of a federal resettlement program.  Its not someplace it was planned, and its not someplace those resources initially go by policy, he said.

So how did they end up there? And why was Springfield their destination?

Officials and Springfield residents whove spoken with CNN say employment opportunities and word of mouth drew an influx of immigrants to the city.

Koveleski, the interpreter and community activist in Springfield, said word that jobs were available spread quickly among Haitians family and friends.

Volunteer teacher Hope Kaufman leads Haitian students during an English language class at the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield, Ohio, on September 13, 2024. The small US city has become the center of racist conspiracy theories targeting its Haitian immigrant community, leaving some in fear for their lives. - Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Before you know it, she told CNNs Omar Jimenez, it was almost like, If theres a good Friday sale and you got a great deal at Macys, you tell all your friends, and the stores are packed.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said businesses in the area are grateful to have the help of a growing labor force.

Ohio is on the move, and Springfield has really made a great resurgence with a lot of companies coming in. These Haitians came in to work for these companies, he told ABC on Sunday. What the companies tell us is that they are very good workers. Theyre very happy to have them there, and frankly, thats helped the economy.

Has something changed with Haitian immigration to the US?

Yes. In recent years, the number of Haitians in the US whove been given permission to work here legally has grown.

In January 2023, the Biden administration announced Haitians would be among a new group of nationalities eligible for a program officials hoped would create more lawful pathways into the US and decrease pressure at the border. Under the program, applicants are vetted and must have a sponsor in the United States. Approved participants are granted travel authorization and permission, known as parole, that allows them to enter the United States legally.

More than 210,000 Haitians have been paroled into the US through the program, according to data released this week by US Customs and Border Protection. And Haitians make up the largest share of participants in the program, which also provides pathways for Cubans, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.

Department of Homeland Security officials have credited the program with decreasing illegal border crossings, but its also drawn criticism and legal challenges from Republican attorneys general whove argued the program itself is illegal. Officials paused the program for several weeks this summer over fraud concerns but restarted it last month, saying theyd added additional safeguards and vetting for sponsors.

Cook, the Clark County health commissioner, pointed to the parole program as one of several immigration routes the communitys Haitians had taken to the US. He also cited a family reunification program that allows lawful permanent residents and citizens to bring family members legally to the US, and to humanitarian parole granted at the border.

The Biden administration also expanded deportation protections for Haitians in the country earlier this year, estimating that about 300,000 people would be newly eligible for temporary protected status under the designation.

Has this happened before?

The situation in Springfield follows a familiar pattern, according to Julia Gelatt, associate director of the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institutes US immigration policy program.

We know that immigrants tend to move to places with economic opportunity, and then, once immigrants settle in a new destination where there are jobs and where life is good, then they tell their friends and family, whether back home or in other parts United States, and then people follow their social networks, Gelatt said. Weve seen this since old European migration waves, but also more recently.

In the 1990s, for example, tensions flared as immigrant populations seeking work moved into small towns and cities in the Southeast.

When theres a fast pace of change within a locality, that tends to be where we see more tensions emerge over the cost of immigration or over social differences, she said. The tensions that were seeing in Springfield, and also the patterns, are things that have played out across the United States in many periods of our countrys history.

Whats bringing Haitian immigrants to the US?

Theres a long history of Haitian immigration to the US in response to political instability, economic crisis and natural disasters, Gelatt says. More recently, intensifying gang violence following the 2021 assassination of Haitis president has driven many to leave the country.

Haitis had severe economic challenges, and more recently, just an immense gang presence that has really threatened rule of law and safety for many people in Haiti, and disrupted the operations of many basic functions of the country, Gelatt said.

Some more recent Haitian arrivals to the US had been living for years in South America but left the region when job opportunities dried up.

Some Haitians who had been living in South America and had kids there and were building their lives made a secondary move to the United States, where they saw greater economic opportunity for themselves, Gelatt said.

Is the parole program connected to similar increases in immigrant populations in other parts of the US?

Its quite likely, given what history has shown us about immigration patterns, but we dont yet have government data breaking down where participants in this program or their sponsors live. CNN has reached out to US Citizenship and Immigration Services to request that data.

An April report from the House Homeland Security Committee listed airports around the country where participants in the program have arrived in the US. That report, based on data from January-August 2023, listed Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and New York City as the top destinations, with a total of more than 160,000 arrivals in those airports.

The report also lists more than 50 other airports in the US and Canada connected with the program, including in Cincinnati and Columbus, but does not specify the number of arrivals in those Ohio cities.

Whats been happening in Springfield since the immigrants arrived?

Last weeks baseless comments from former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate, accusing migrants in Springfield of eating pets, drew national attention to the city. The claims have been widely discredited, but the spread of misinformation has tapped into real concerns from locals about the citys growing pains, people living in the area told CNN.

Members of the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio  from left, Lindsay Aime, James Fleurijean, Viles Dorsainvil and Rose-Thamar Joseph  stand for worship at Central Christian Church on September 15, 2024. - Jessie Wardarski/AP

In a July letter addressed to Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Tim Scott of South Carolina, City Manager Bryan Heck said housing shortages have presented a crisis for the city as far back as 2018 and that the citys expanding population has added stress.

DeWine, Ohios governor, said this week he was providing additional state support for the city to help with stress on healthcare and public safety systems due to the influx of immigrants.

But in an interview with ABCs This Week, the Republican governor stressed the economic benefit the Haitian immigrants are bringing to the city.

When you go from a population of 58,000 and add 15,000 people onto that, youre going to have some challenges, and some problems, and were addressing those, he said.

But he described the Haitian immigrants as a positive influence.

People who want to work, people who value their kids, who value education, you know, these are positive influences on our community in Springfield, he said, and any comment about that otherwise, I think, is hurtful and is not helpful to the city of Springfield and the people of Springfield.

CNNs Chelsea Bailey, Omar Jimenez, Meridith Edwards, Chris Boyette, Jack Forrest and Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Donald Trumps obsession with election fraud that doesnt exist in any significant form could drive the country into a government shutdown  and may even put the Republican House majority at risk.

In a fresh show of governing futility, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday failed to pass a six-month extension of government funding, with a measure attached to please Trump that makes it harder for Americans to vote.

The Republican nominees demands for a bill that targets noncitizen voting, which is already illegal, pushed Johnson into a corner with no obvious exits, raising the possibility of a Washington crisis in the run-up to Election Day that could blow back on the GOP.

The gambit has zero chance of producing a new law  since Democrats who control the Senate oppose it. And Johnson couldnt even get 16 of his own members to vote for it for various reasons  including unreconcilable demands by some arch conservatives for massive budget cuts, which also have no chance of making it into law because of the reality of divided power in Washington.

Johnson now appears to have little choice but to negotiate with Senate Democrats on a short-term funding measure. But given the tiny House GOP majority and Trumps looming presence, every step the speaker takes will be perilous  especially if he hopes to cling to his job if Republicans succeed in holding the House in November.

Trump seems to be setting the GOP up for an intra-party fight that could turn into a disaster in November.

The history of government shutdowns suggests that the party with control of the House  which has initial responsibility for the public purse  usually pays the biggest political price. And if the speaker cannot beat a deadline of October 1 to fund federal operations, the government could partially shut down.

The former president isnt in the habit of asking Republican Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell for advice. But the Kentucky veteran warned on Tuesday that the one thing you cannot have is a government shutdown. Itd be politically beyond stupid for us to do that right before the election, because certainly wed get the blame.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson departs a press conference with Republican leadership on Capitol Hill on September 18, 2024. - Win McNamee/Getty Images

A potential self-inflicted wound for the GOP in Trumps birth state

Ironically, Trump was on Wednesday in the state where his stand could wreak the most political damage for House Republicans. He held a big rally in New York, even though hes part of a tiny minority of people who think he can deliver his birth state in November.

More importantly, New York is also home to several hugely competitive House races that went red in the 2022 midterm elections and paved the way for the slim GOP majority. A political crisis over a shutdown that angers voters would, therefore, risk sweeping some of the most vulnerable Republicans in the country out of their seats.

One of the most threatened Republican lawmakers, Rep. Mike Lawler, from the states 17th Congressional District, predicted on The Source with Kaitlan Collins Wednesday that the drama would end without a shutdown and that a funding bill would pass without the voting measure Trump wants included.

The reality is that we are not shutting down the government with 45 days to go before the election, Lawler, who supported the legislation, said.

Another at-risk New York Republican, Rep. Marc Molinaro, who got a shoutout at Trumps rally in Uniondale, voted for Wednesdays package  but signaled he did not support driving the country to the brink to make a political point. We have to support the continuity of government, Molinaro told reporters.

The elections measure, which already passed the House in a standalone vote earlier this year, would require documentary proof of US citizenship to vote in an election. Critics warn such a law could disenfranchise citizens who lack such documentation and say the legislation is a fix for a problem that does not exist.

Johnson has been happy to indulge Trumps voter fraud claims  both after the 2020 election and this cycle. But his desire to please the former president and his base is leading him into a deep governing hole. The Louisiana Republican has also not provided evidence to back his claims that hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants could vote in November.

It is not yet clear how far the ex-president will push this issue  given that the election registration measure is doomed. One possible interpretation of Johnsons decision to bring the issue to the floor on Wednesday is that he wanted to demonstrate to his party, and even the ex-president himself, that the fight is hopeless.

And so now we go back to the playbook, draw up another play, and well come up with a solution, the speaker told reporters, amid rising frustration among some members of the House GOP majority about the lack of clarity on the way forward.

But Johnson lacks any obvious play that will get him out of his jam.

A vote that only succeeded in brewing more GOP frustration

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene  the Georgia Republican who is a fervent Trump supporter and who has been a constant irritant for Johnson  voted present on Wednesday. But she wouldnt say whether she supported closing down the government. She instead declared the speakers strategy a complete failure and added, We werent here in the entire month of August and could have finished our 12 separate appropriations bills.

The building showdown on Capitol Hill is far from the first time that Trumps personal political goals have threatened to hurt his party. His backing, for instance, of a cast of weak candidates in the 2022 midterms  mostly because they endorsed his false claims of election fraud  appeared to be a factor in the failure of an expected red wave. And the ex-presidents antics promoted senatorial candidates that went onto lose in swing states, costing the party control of the Senate.

Trumps pressure on Johnson also helps explain why the narrow House GOP majority is often pushed into extreme situations and confrontations that it cant win but that have led to this Congress being one of the least productive in modern history. Johnson, who took over from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year, has often found it impossible to govern.

The willingness of Republican leaders to showcase Trumps false claims of election fraud is also a menacing omen ahead of an election that the ex-president is already implying will not be free and fair. As he did in 2020, the Republican nominee appears to be laying the ground to argue that he was cheated out of victory if he loses to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

For example, the ex-president wrote on his Truth Social Network on Wednesday before the House vote: Democrats are registering Illegal Voters by the TENS OF THOUSANDS, as we speak - They will be voting in the 2024 Presidential Election, and they shouldnt be allowed to. There are no facts that back up the claim. But Trump warned: If Republicans dont get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form.

Former President Donald Trump at a campaign on September 18, 2024, in Uniondale, New York. - Frank Franklin II/AP

Trumps decision to hold a rally in New York puzzled many strategists, since its not a competitive state in November. But the ex-president relishes appearing on his home patch  and repeatedly celebrated his huge crowd at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. And given that Trump attracts blanket coverage on conservative media and plans to swing through battleground states in coming days, he probably didnt lose much by rallying supporters in his original home state.

If nothing else, he had fun, ripping Harris repeatedly over her economic and immigration policies, mocking President Joe Bidens age, denying the existence of climate change and portraying New York City as gripped by violent crime.

We are going to win New York, Trump roared, claiming that he was the only Republican who could put the Empire State on the map on a day when the Teamsters Union declined to make a presidential endorsement after backing Democratic candidates in recent decades. This was a blow to Harris that reflected Trumps success in transforming the once-corporate GOP into a party that is now able to court working-class voters.

Nice seeing you again, the ex-president, who now spends most of his time in Florida, told his crowd as Puccinis aria Nessun Dorma rang out as he left the stage.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Wichita Falls Wichita County Public Health District is receiving more funding to support people with Alzheimers and dementia.

During Tuesdays city council meeting, councilors approved the receipt of 150 thousand dollars from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) grant.

Thriving: Baby girl doing well a year after liver transplant

Health district officials said this funding will allow them to address ADRD challenges and improve access to resources in their 11-county area. The grant provides funding for one and a half full-time employees.

To learn more about the Wichita County Public Health District and the services and programs it provides, visit its website.

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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 Texomashomepage.com.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Wichita man was in court Wednesday, where a judge sentenced him in connection to a road rage shooting in June 2023.

Kaeden Murphy, 23, was sentenced to 34 months in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon on July 11.

The shooting happened on June 21, 2023. The Wichita Police Department received multiple calls around 5:30 p.m. for a shooting in the 4400 block of S. Broadway.

Kansas DCF denies records request in case where childs remains found

The victim was shot in the leg by Murphy. They were taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said it was an argument that led to the shooting. The victim was driving a moped while Murphy was driving a pickup truck. Officers used the FLOCK camera system to find and arrest Murphy.

The judge also ordered Murphy to pay $4,947.65 in restitution to the victim in 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 KSN-TV.
On Monday, Sept. 16, veteran storm chaser Aaron Jayjack was live in North Carolina during a tropical rainstorm, reporting back to AccuWeather broadcasters Bernie Rayno and Bree Guy. In the middle of the broadcast, a nearby bridge partially collapsed, sending an SUV into a creek.

It was a stark way to showcase just how hard coastal North Carolina was hit by the storm, with the town of Southport receiving some 23 inches over 24 hours. But it was also a good example of how important the mantra "turn around, don't drown" is when dealing with flooding rain.

Luckily, Jayjack and another bystander rescued the driver, who escaped with minor injuries. Jayjack returned to the AccuWeather Network to reflect on the historic day and the moment when he had to become not just a storm chaser but a first responder.

The historic storm first made landfall on the southeastern North Carolina coast, unleashing massive amounts of rain. "A band of rain set up like a firehose, dumping rain by the truckload, first on Carolina Beach and then on my location, Southport," Jayjack said.

Amidst tornado and flash flood warnings, stranded and stalled vehicles were the norm, which set the tone for Jayjack's timely rescue. The storm chaser emphasizes that this underscores the importance of why it is always dangerous to drive through a flooded road. You just never know what's going on underneath those waters.

As AccuWeather has reported, it takes only 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet and only 12 inches to sweep away your vehicle. If you're trapped by moving water, get to the highest possible point and call 911. Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Remember, turn around and don't drown. Floodwater is often deeper than it appears and can hide hazards like sharp objects or electrical wires.

As for North Carolina, Jayjack says that though the tropical rainstorm is gone, he was stuck in Southport for many hours afterward, dealing with washed-out roads and other trecherous conditions, before being able to leave the area on Tuesday morning. Now, the cleanup process begins.
Wilson County shooting suspect taken into custody in Bethpage

SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A shooting suspect was taken into custody early Thursday morning in Sumner County.

The Sumner County Sheriffs Office reported deputies were looking for a white Chevy Tahoe involved in a shooting out of Wilson County.

The shooting happened in the 6000 block of South Commerce Road in Watertown around 3 a.m.

Wilson County deputies arrived to find a male victim lying on the living room floor with a gunshot wound. The victim told deputies he did not know who shot him.

The victims mother told deputies she heard her son screaming and brought him into the house to call 911. A neighbor heard a gunshot, followed by a pause, and then two additional gunshots. After the gunshots, a white man banged on her window for help and she called 911.

Man calling for change after two loved ones killed on SR 109 in Wilson County

Sumner County deputies reportedly located the vehicle around in the Bethpage area near Highway 31E and Gifford Lane.

Dewight Corley (Courtesy: Sumner County Sheriffs Office)

The driver, Dewight Corley, was taken into custody a short time later during a traffic stop, according to officials.

While searching the vehicle, deputies reportedly found a loaded firearm, shell casings and multiple windows that had been shot out.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Corley, a convicted felon, is now facing several charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and felony evading.

In 2017, Corley and his brother, Randall Corley, were accused of shooting a father and son in Lebanon.

No additional information, including the condition of the shooting victim, was 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 WKRN News 2.
The warning about our beloved pets appeared for the first time in early September, in a post on a community Facebook page called Springfield Ohio Crime and Information.

The post claimed a Springfield resident who had lost her pet cat arrived home from work one day to find Haitians butchering the animal in their front yard.

They were carving it up to eat, the post said.

The accusation was shocking, but, in at least one way, it was like any other post on any other neighborhood Facebook page. Someone heard a rumor and decided to share it. No evidence. No eyewitness. Just someone with a story to tell and an internet connection.

The Springfield page is a tiny outpost in a vast online world, so that might have been the end of it. But within days, the claim that Haitian migrants were eating pets in Springfield raced around the world, fueled mainly by right-wing influencers on the social media site X.

The rumor traveled from the private Facebook page with about 8,000 members where it first appeared, to a large, loosely connected network of conservative activists, to a presidential debate stage, where former President Donald Trump repeated the allegation on live TV to 67 million Americans.

The consequences came swiftly. A national political firestorm erupted, Haitian migrants said they felt unsafe in the community and authorities reported 33 bomb threats that forced the evacuation of public buildings and the deployment of state police to every school in Springfield.

It didnt matter that there was no proof to back up the story, or that city officials declared it was false, or even that the woman who posted it, a Springfield resident named Erika Lee, would later delete her post and say she regretted sharing a rumor unsupported by evidence.

All that mattered was that the story became yet another way to enrage, excite and exasperate millions in a deeply divided America.

It just exploded, Lee told NBC News. I didnt think it would ever get past Springfield.

This is how it happened.

Sept. 5, 6:02 p.m.  LemmiesLuLu, @BuckeyeGirrl

A conservative X account, @BuckeyeGirrl, shares a post from a small community Facebook group in Springfield, bringing attention to the rumor about Haitians eating pets.

Soon after Lees post appeared on the private Facebook page, it showed up again on X when a conservative account, @BuckeyeGirrl, shared a screenshot of the post. This time, the potential audience was much larger.

The owner of the account, a self-described Springfield native and Trump supporter, introduced Lees post about Haitians eating pets as evidence supporting previous claims by BuckeyeGirrl that Haitians were eating ducks they took from the city park. Well, now its your pets, she wrote.

Although BuckeyeGirrl only had about 2,000 followers at the time, the post started making the rounds on X among other conservative influencers and activists. In a little over a week, almost 1 million people on X had viewed the post. At least some of those viewers had bigger followings than BuckeyeGirrl and would soon join her in spreading the rumor.

Sept. 6, 3:13 p.m.  End Wokeness, @EndWokeness

The X account End Wokeness shared the original Facebook post about the Springfield pet rumors, alongside a photo of a man carrying a goose. The post supported the claim that Haitians were eating pets and geese, but the photo was taken in Columbus, not Springfield.

The next day, in the early afternoon, an X account called End Wokeness, shared the image from Lees Facebook post with its more than 3 million followers. The person or people who maintain the End Wokeness account are anonymous, but theres no mystery about their political views. The account, which sometimes posts dozens of comments and images a day, regularly mocks liberals, praises Trump and ridicules journalists.

When End Wokeness shared Lees Facebook post Sept. 6, it placed it alongside a photo of a Black man carrying a dead goose, suggesting it was taken in Springfield. But it wasnt. According to the photographer, who asked not to be named when he spoke to The Columbus Dispatch last week, he took the photo in Columbus in July and shared it online via a Reddit channel. I hate that the picture that I took is being weaponized to use against immigrants, he said.

Sept. 7, 8:27 p.m.  Ian Miles Cheong, @stillgray

Online influencers posted video of a woman in Canton, Ohio, to support claims that Haitians were eating pets in Springfield.

On Sept. 7, a conservative influencer named Ian Miles Cheong, who has 1 million followers on X, shared a video of police arresting a woman accused of eating a dead cat.

The video had nothing to do with Springfield or Haitians. Instead, it involved a woman in Canton, Ohio, who faces animal cruelty charges and a mental competency hearing in October. But the video, like the photo of the man carrying the goose, quickly became part of the social media narrative about Springfield.

Cheongs post eventually got 5.8 million views. Those views matter to Cheong because he makes money from his X account, either through subscribers or ad revenue shared with X. In 2023, Cheong said in an X post that he earned $16,259 from ads connected to his posts. He didnt say whether he made that money over weeks or months, but X rewards accounts that generate high engagement with viewers. The more people interact with his posts, the more money Cheong can make.

Sept. 8, 9:29 a.m.  End Wokeness, @EndWokeness

An X account shared a video of Springfield resident Anthony Harris accusing Haitians of eating ducks and geese taken from the park.

More videos emerged on X the next day when multiple accounts began sharing clips from an Aug. 27 Springfield City Commission meeting. At that meeting, a Springfield-based YouTuber named Anthony Harris, who regularly posts videos of himself musing about life or asking strangers random questions, told city officials that Haitians were eating ducks and geese from the park.

Theyre in the park grabbing up ducks by their neck and cutting their head off and walking off with them and eating them, he said. Harris, who was wearing a sweatshirt promoting his candidacy for Clark County Mayor, which is not an elected position in Clark County, offered no evidence to support his claim.

How did he hear about it? He was tagged in a Facebook post by a Springfield woman, who heard the story from her co-worker, who heard it from her brother-in-law, who claimed to have seen a Haitian man kill a goose in front of children.

Sept. 9, 12:25 a.m.  Tyler Oliveira, @tyleraloevera

Tyler Oliveira, a YouTuber with an X account, went to Springfield and began posting video of his interviews with residents on Sept. 9. Some repeated stories about Haitians eating pets without offering evidence.

The day before the debate, on Sept. 9, a YouTuber with an X account named Tyler Oliveira began posting a series of short videos of himself doing man-on-the-street interviews with Springfield residents, including Anthony Harris. Some interviews focused on complaints about problems, such as rising housing costs, associated with the recent influx of immigrants in Springfield. Others zeroed in on the rumors about disappearing pets.

In one video, a man used a racial slur to describe his Haitian neighbor. In another, a man said hed heard that Haitians had been caught driving a van filled with 100 cats, which they intended to eat. Weve lost a whole bunch of cats, he said.

Other influencers began posting similar videos, which were widely shared and viewed at least in part because Xs algorithm promotes posts featuring videos and images, especially those that generate large numbers of replies. By contrast, posts that include links, such as those that take viewers away from X to mainstream news sites, dont appear as often in users feeds.

Sept. 9  Jack Poso, @JackPosobiec | Elon Musk, @elonmusk | Benny Johnson, @bennyjohnson

Right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec posted a meme of Trump, while another account declared that Haitian migrants "TERRORIZE" Springfield. Elon Musk shared a meme of Trump hugging a kitten and a duck that was originally posted by the Republican Party's House Judiciary Committee.

Then came the memes. The social media furor over the pet rumors in Springfield inspired a flood of AI-generated photos of Trump saving cats from zombies, cuddling ducks in ponds and protecting Springfield from migrants. The images were shared by conservative voices, including X owner Elon Musk, prominent politicians and monetized accounts.

The GOPs House Judiciary X account, which has almost a half million followers, posted a photoshopped image of Trump hugging a duck and a kitten. When Musk shared that post, it got more than 84 million views. Because Xs for you news feed emphasizes popular posts, like the one Musk shared, content like the Springfield rumors began showing up more often in users feeds, including the feeds of those who didnt typically follow conservative accounts.

Sept. 9, 10:22 a.m.  JD Vance, @JDVance

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance spoke up on his X account on Sept. 9 about Haitian migrants in Springfield, falsely claiming they were illegally in the city and repeating unsupported claims that Haitians had abducted and eaten pets.

The rumors got a major boost early on Sept. 9 from JD Vance, Ohios junior senator and Trumps running mate, when he reminded X users that hed been complaining about Haitian migrants in Springfield for months. He embraced the latest rumors as one more reason to remove them from the city, even though authorities said most were living and working there legally.

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country, Vance wrote. Conservatives on X praised Vance for joining the fray, while Democrats and others complained that a potential future vice president shouldnt amplify rumors that they said were rooted in racist tropes about immigrants.

Sept. 9, 6:23 p.m.  Charlie Kirk, @charliekirk11

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk claimed in a Sept. 9 post that there was a "widespread outcry" among Springfield residents about claims that Haitian migrants were eating pets.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, jumped to Vances defense and celebrated his decision to share the Springfield rumors. Kirk, who once called white people the most hated class in America today, had been posting on X about Haitian migrants in Springfield for days.

In his Sept. 9 post, Kirk criticized journalists for pointing out there was no evidence to support the claims about eating pets and suggested he and other right-wing voices were the only ones speaking for Springfield residents. Kirk included in his post the video of Anthony Harris talking about Haitians eating ducks. The claim, Kirk said, is supported by a widespread outcry from Springfield residents.

Sept. 10  Charlie Kirk, @charliekirk11

Donald Trump Jr. posted about a "leaked 911 call" in an X post on Sept. 10. The 911 caller provided no evidence and local authorities later said there was no proof of the claim.

On the day of Trumps debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Donald Trump Jr., Kirk and others took to X to declare they had confirmed the rumors of Haitians eating animals in Springfield.

Their source? A leaked 911 call from a man who told the Clark County Sheriffs office he saw four Haitians carrying dead geese near a creek. The man provided no evidence. City officials and state investigators later said they also found no evidence to support the claim. When The Enquirer called the phone number the man gave dispatchers, the person who answered said it was a wrong number.

Soon, however, others would cite the 911 call as proof there was truth behind the rumors about Haitians in Springfield. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, was among them. In a post a day later, Yost said residents who claimed Haitians were killing and eating ducks and geese would be competent witnesses in court.

Sept. 10, 6:11 p.m.  Laura Loomer, @LauraLoomer

Right-wing activist Laura Loomer shared a meme about gun-wielding MAGA cats hours before the Sept. 10 presidential debate.

A few hours before the debate, far-right activist and failed congressional candidate Laura Loomer, who some Republicans have referred to as toxic, racist and a crazy conspiracy theorist, posted a meme of cats wearing MAGA hats and carrying guns. It was a screenshot of a post from Trumps account on Truth Social. Trump also posted a meme of himself on a plane, surrounded by cats and ducks.

At the time, according to national media reports, Loomer was traveling with Trump. Its not known why she was with him, but for days she had been amplifying the rumors about Haitians eating ducks, geese and pets in Springfield. The Biden-Harris regime has imported over 20,000 cannibalistic Haitians who are now killing peoples pets and hunting domestic animals on the streets of Ohio, Loomer wrote in one of her posts.

Sept. 10, 7:56 p.m.  Charlie Kirk, @charliekirk11

After posting for days about the false claims of Haitians eating pets in Springfield, conservative activist Charlie Kirk reported that his team in Springfield found "EVERYONE" had heard stories about pets being eaten.

Six days after the rumor about Haitians eating pets appeared on Facebook, the tale had reached millions of Americans, been endorsed by politicians and traveled across social media platforms, such as Tik Tok, X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Late on Sept. 10, about an hour before the debate, Kirk declared in an X post that the rumors hed been sharing for days were being talked about by EVERYONE his team spoke to in Springfield. He cited this as further proof that the claims hed been popularizing were real. Likewise, some of those residents repeated rumors theyd seen online from influencers like Kirk as proof the claims were real.

The relationship between those spreading the rumors and those viewing them online had become a kind of feedback loop, amplifying the claims even more.

Sept. 10  Trump-Harris presidential debate

The debate changed course when Harris needled Trump about his rally crowds. Trump was soon getting fact checked about immigrants eating pet cats and dogs. pic.twitter.com/TrrRt292sY  Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) September 11, 2024

Early in the debate, Trump mentioned the rumors about Springfield. Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, he said. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

According to Google Trends, which measures terms people are searching on Google, interest in the Springfield rumors shot up immediately after Trump mentioned them in the debate. Searches related to Springfield more than doubled in the 24 hours after the debate.

What's happening now?

Trump and Vance doubled-down on the claims on social media days after the debate.

In the days after the debate, Trump leaned into the Springfield rumors, even as local officials, police and Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said they were untrue and harmful.

Trumps posts on Truth Social mirrored many of those that had appeared on X and other social media accounts in the days leading up to the debate, including the 911 call, the video of Anthony Harris talking about Haitians killing geese in the park, and memes depicting cats and ducks in peril. One meme he posted featured AI-generated cats standing in front of a sign that said, Dont let them eat us.

Vance, his running mate, also continued to share false claims related to migrants eating pets. On Sept. 14, Vance shared a post from conservative activist Christopher Rufo, purporting to show someone cooking a cat on a grill in Dayton, Ohio. The origin of the video is unknown. Officials in Dayton said the claim was "baseless."

"If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what I'm going to do, Dana, because you guys are completely letting Kamala Harris coast," Vance said on CNN.

Five days after the debate, on Sept. 15, Vance defended his promotion of baseless claims that Haitians were eating pets in Springfield, telling CNN's Dana Bash the claims came from his constituents. None of those constituents, however, had provided proof. And local and state officials continued to say the claims were false.

Vance didn't back down. "The American media totally ignored this stuff until Donald Trump and I started talking about cat memes," Vance said. "If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what I'm going to do."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How false pet-eating claims in Springfield reached the debate
Death toll from 2nd wave of communication device explosions in Lebanon rises to 14, injuries up to 450

Xinhua) 08:08, September 19, 2024

Photo taken on Sept. 18, 2024 shows a wireless communication device in the hand of a Hezbollah member, the battery of which was removed after a wireless communication device exploded during a funeral, in Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in explosions of wireless communication devices across Lebanon on Wednesday rose to 14, with injuries up to 450, said the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Explosions were heard Wednesday afternoon in Beirut's southern suburb and several regions in southern and eastern Lebanon.

Security reports indicated that a wireless communication device exploded in Beirut's southern suburb during the funeral of four Hezbollah members, with similar explosions igniting fires in cars and residential buildings, resulting in several injuries.

Local media said the devices involved were identified as ICOM V82 models, walkie-talkie devices reportedly made in Japan. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene to transport the injured to local hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army Command issued a statement urging citizens not to gather near the sites of the incidents to allow medical teams to enter.

So far Hezbollah has not commented on the incident.

The explosions followed an attack a day ago, in which the Israeli military allegedly targeted pager batteries used by Hezbollah members, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including two children, and approximately 2,800 injuries.

In a statement on Tuesday, Hezbollah accused Israel of being "fully responsible for the criminal aggression that also targeted civilians," threatening to retaliate. Israel has not yet commented on the explosions.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel is at "the beginning of a new stage of the war" against Hezbollah.

Photo taken on Sept. 18, 2024 shows motorcycles damaged in explosions of communication devices in Baalbek, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Sept. 18, 2024 shows a motorcycle damaged in explosions of communication devices in Baalbek, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Sept. 18, 2024 shows a vehicle damaged in explosions of communication devices in Baalbek, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Since hundreds of pagers exploded almost simultaneously across Lebanon on Tuesday, killing multiple people and injuring thousands, CNN has learned the explosions were the result of a joint operation between Israels intelligence service, Mossad, and the Israeli military.

Almost exactly 24 hours later, walkie-talkies detonated in a fresh wave of explosions Wednesday across Lebanon, a security source told CNN.

The suspected attacks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah are the latest in a series of covert operations that Israels government refuses to acknowledge but which are alleged to have been carried out by Israeli operatives.

Munich massacre response

Israels alleged history of planting explosives in telecommunication devices goes back as far as 1972, as part of its revenge for the killing of 11 Israelis, including athletes, at the Munich Olympics, which was carried out by the Palestinian militant group Black September.

In response, Israel launched Operation Wrath of God and spent years tracking down those involved in the Munich Massacre.

Mahmoud Hamshari, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) representative in Paris, was among those targeted. Unidentified operatives reported to be linked to Israeli intelligence broke into his home and planted a bomb in his phone, before another person  posing as an Italian journalist  arranged a telephone interview with Hamshari. When he picked up the call and identified himself, the bomb was activated remotely.

The engineer

Tuesdays attacks reminded many of the 1996 killing of Yahya Ayyash, Hamas chief bombmaker known as the engineer, responsible for killing dozens of Israelis.

Ayyash was killed in Gaza after his cell phone, which had been packed with 50 grams (1.76 ounces) of explosives, blew up near his head. After his killing, dozens of Israelis were killed in four retaliatory suicide bombings.

Firefighters try to put out a blaze after an explosion in Saida, southern Lebanon, on Wednesday. - Mahmoud Zayat/AFP/Getty Images

Iranian nuclear scientists

Since 2010, five Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in foreign-linked assassinations, as Israel tries to prevent its greatest adversary from developing nuclear weapons. In August 2015, at the height of the assassinations, then-Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon cryptically told the German magazine Der Spiegel that he could not be held responsible for the life expectancy of Iranian scientists.

Experts believe Israel and the United States were responsible for deploying the complex computer virus called Stuxnet that destroyed centrifuges at an Iranian nuclear facility in 2010.

Iranian officials have said they believe the cyberattack, which targeted centrifuges including those at the Natanz and Bushehr nuclear plants, originated in Israel and the United States, but neither country has commented on the malwares origin. Notably, Stuxnet was one of the first times a cyberattack had a manifestation outside cyberspace, causing the centrifuges to spin out of control unnoticed. The pager attack is seemingly another instance of a cyberattack causing a physical consequence, unlike stealing money from a bank account or taking down a website.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was Irans chief nuclear scientist, was assassinated east of Tehran in 2020 by a remote-controlled machine gun operating out of a nearby Nissan. Iranian officials said the weapon had used artificial intelligence and facial recognition to detect Fakhrizadeh and open fire, before the car, reportedly packed with explosives, self-destructed.

Top Iranian officials blamed Israel for the assassination. Israel did not comment.

Military personnel carry Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's flag-draped coffin in Tehran in November 2020. - Iranian Defense Ministry/AP

Human intelligence

While many of these assassinations have a sci-fi aspect, experts stressed that each operation requires high levels of human intelligence that raised questions about the security protocols of Israels adversaries. After Fakhrizadehs assassination, intelligence analysts stressed that a country or actor would still have had to smuggle in specialist equipment to stage the operation.

After this weeks events, some speculated that the explosions could have been caused by an Israeli cybersecurity breach that caused the lithium batteries in the pagers to overheat and detonate.

But David Kennedy, a former US National Security Agency intelligence analyst, told CNN the explosions were too large for this to be a remote and direct hack that would overload the pager and cause a lithium battery explosion.

Kennedy said it was more likely that Israel had human operatives in Hezbollah who were able to intercept the supply chain and tamper with the devices. The pagers would have been implanted with explosives and likely only to detonate when a certain message was received, he said.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that Israel had hidden explosives inside a batch of pagers ordered from Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo and destined for Hezbollah, and that a switch was embedded to detonate them remotely, according to unnamed American and other officials briefed on the operation.

In some instances, Israel is thought to have relied on human intelligence assets to assassinate its enemies rather than high-tech operations. In July, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran by an explosive device that had been covertly hidden in the guest house where he was staying, two months before it was detonated, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

However, Iran claimed that Haniyehs assassination was carried out by a short-range projectile, contradicting the information told to CNN.

The Iranian government and Hamas say Israel carried out the assassination. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.

CNNs Jeremy Diamond, Tamara Qiblawi, Oren Liebermann and Charbel Mallo contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The German woman was traveling as a crew member on the Dalliance Chichester catamaran

Alamy rescue vessel

A German woman died after she was attacked by a shark in the Atlantic Ocean between Spain's Canary Islands and West Africa on Monday, Sept. 16, according to Reuters, CNN and Deutsche Welle.

The 30-year-old woman who has not been publicly identified was traveling as a crew member on a British vessel, the Dalliance Chichester catamaran, per The Telegraph. On Saturday, Sept. 14, the boat had sailed southbound from the Gran Canaria capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Two days later, she was swimming beside the catamaran when she was attacked by a shark that bit off one of her legs, authorities said. After she lost her leg, she suffered a heart attack, the outlets reported.

Related: Florida Named as Shark Attack Capital of the World  with U.S. Waters the Global No. 1 for Bites

Alamy Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

A spokesperson for Spain's sea search and rescue agency, Sasemar, told CNN that the shark attack took place 319 miles south-southwest of Gran Canaria and 112 miles west of the city of Dakhla, Western Sahara. Sasemar and Spain's emergency services contacted Moroccan counterparts for assistance since they were closer to the victim, but the Moroccan services reported they did not have appropriate rescue equipment in the area, per Deutsche Welle.

Coastguards flew from Gran Canaria to the area, evacuated her and transported her to a helicopter. But she succumbed to her injuries in the aircraft, Reuters reports.

Her body was taken to the Doctor Negrin Hospital in Gran Canaria. She was officially declared dead after her body arrived at 11:05 p.m. local time, per Sky News.

Related: How to Avoid a Shark Attack and What to Do If Bitten? An American Lifeguard Association Expert Weighs In

Getty stock photo of a shark

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Shark attacks near the Canary Islands are rare, and only six confirmed deaths have been recorded in that area, per the Florida Museum of Natural History.

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Read the original article on People.
Woman, 77, punched in the face on the UWS: NYPD

Woman, 77, punched in the face on the UWS: NYPD

UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11)  A 77-year-old woman was punched in the face by a stranger on the Upper West Side Friday, and police are still searching for the attacker.

The woman was on West 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue around 2 p.m. when a man punched her in the eye, police said.

Teen arrested after subway stolen, crashed in Queens: NYPD

Police have not made any arrests Thursday, according to the NYPD.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Woman accused of setting man up to be carjacked, shot

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A woman accused of setting a man up to be carjacked and shot outside of a Frayser Elementary school back in July has now been arrested.

Chanderrica Palmer, 20, is charged with criminal attempt first-degree murder, carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm/commission of a felony.

Woman accused of stealing $19k from employer to shop, pay car note

On July 28 at midnight, officers say they responded to an aggravated assault call at Whitney Elementary School in the 1200 block of Whitney Avenue. A male victim was found shot and bleeding profusely, police say.

The victim stated that he and a female friend, later identified as Chanderrica Palmer, were sitting inside his car when a man armed with a gun approached him, demanding he get out of the car.

According to reports, after the victim got out of the car, he was shot in the back. The male suspect then reportedly left the scene in the victims Ford Focus.

The victim was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.

Woman holds property manager at gunpoint during eviction: MPD

Officers say they were able to find four .22 caliber shell casings at the scene.

On September 12, the victim positively identified Palmer as the woman who lured him to the elementary school.

On September 18, police say Palmer voluntarily arrived at the Violent Crime Unit to speak with investigators. Palmer admitted to setting the victim up to be carjacked and shot.

Chanderrica Palmer is currently held in jail on a $1,502,500 bond. She is due back in court on Friday morning.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Diddys arrest this week likely brought a lot of relief to his alleged victims, but some people are feeling a bit more triumphant. A woman who claims the 54-year-old artist shot her in the face during the infamous 1999 nightclub shooting involving Jennifer Lopez is celebrating the fact he was taken into custody.

Natania Reuben, the alleged shooting victim, told Daily Beast that she learned about the Bad Boy founders arrest from her daughter Nirvana. She says, Mommy, guess whos in custody?' she recalled. I asked her if it was somebody locally in town that we know. And shes like, No, hes bigger.'

Reuben said that upon learning the former REVOLT chairman was arrested, she said she screamed out to God, Thank you, merciful father!' This catharsis came from the traumatic experience she had in 1999. She was at the same party as Puff and J. Lo which ended in gunfire after the mogul got into an argument with a drug dealer. Reuben said that she saw the Bad Boy co-founder shoot her in the face.

I watched him, Natania Reuben told Daily Beast. I saw him with my own eyes. She was hit in the middle of her eyes with a 9mm bullet and felt like she got struck with Paul Bunyans flaming-hot sledgehammer when she got shot. I called out to God and said, Dont take me. Im not finished raising my kids, I have work to do,' she said, referring to her two sons.

Reuben ended up testifying against Diddy in his trial, but the surgeons werent able to remove fragments from her face and provide ballistic evidence to support her testimony. Puff was acquitted and settled the civil lawsuit with Reuben, paying her $1.8 million. Shyne, his artist at the time, ended up being sentenced to 10 years in jail despite Reuben claiming that his label boss shot her.

She described seeing him getting arrested over 20 years later as one of the best days ever, but acknowledged that he may not have been able to harm so many more people if he was convicted in the 1999 shooting trial. Now, he is facing racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges on top of rape and sexual assault lawsuits that were filed over the last almost year.

Diddy and his legal team claim that he is innocent, despite the raids from March revealing he had over 1000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, dedicated sex rooms loaded with sex toys and bondage gear, and hidden cameras for his Freak Offs.

More from VIBE.com

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A woman died on his doorstep nearly 2 years ago. Now hes facing new charges

A Pasco man accused of allowing a woman to die outside of his trailer is back in court in a case linked to her death.

Joe Cruz Garza, 58, spent three months in and out of court after the November 2022 death of Breanna Gooldy.

More than a year after prosecutors dropped a murder charge, Garza is back in court accused of violating a no contact order and stealing Gooldys identity.

Its the latest turn in a case where Garza was let out of jail on an initial protection order violation only to face new charges for murder days later. The Franklin County Prosecutors Office was fined $1,000 for failing to turn over evidence and those charges were dropped in January 2023.

All after Garza allegedly refused to get help for Gooldy, 24, because he didnt want to go to jail for violating the court order.

The new charges were filed in Franklin County Superior Court in July, and a summons was issued. A warrant was issued in early September after he didnt show up.

Garza was released again from jail, but a $1,500 warrant was ordered after he failed to show up for a hearing on Tuesday.

Pasco womans death

Garza and Gooldy had a troubled relationship leading to the 56-year-old Garza being ordered by the court Oct. 17, 2022 to stay away from her, according to court documents.

But witnesses said it wasnt long before Gooldy was staying at his travel trailer behind a Pasco convenience store.

A witness reported that two days before she died, Garza had hit Gooldy in the face, injuring her. She allegedly told a witness that Garza was mean, and he was going to kill her, according to court documents.

On Nov. 5, 2022, Garza claims Gooldy was tripping inside his trailer. She began breaking things before crawling outside. He claims she hurt herself in the process.

He said he tried to get her to come back inside but she fought him off. Another man told police he tried to help Garza bring her inside but they couldnt move her.

The men put a blanket over her and left her outside. Security camera footage shows Garza go outside several times between 1:30 a.m. and 6:20 a.m. on Nov. 6, 2022, according to court documents.

When Gooldy stopped responding to him and felt cold to the touch, he called 911.

He told investigators he waited to call for help because he didnt want to go to jail for violating the court order.

Police found her wrapped in two extremely damp blankets and a curtain and her body temperature had dropped to near 70 degrees. She died at the hospital 11 hours later.

Court documents dont explain how Garza used Gooldys identity.

Charges and delays

After Gooldy died, Garza was initially arrested for violating the protection order.

The autopsy determined that her injuries didnt cause her death so Pasco police said they believed Garza should be charged with manslaughter.

In the meantime, his attorney argued that Garza should be allowed to be released without bail, saying most of his convictions were old and non-violent offenses, such as drug possession and car theft.

However, Deputy Prosecutor Frank Jenny argued at the time that Garza had 69 convictions over the years and judges needed to issue many warrants to get him to court.

But it was the prosecutions delay in turning over evidence to the defense that led Superior Court Judge Diana Ruff to release Garza.

Garza spent nearly two months in jail and it was just eight days before his trial on the protection order violation was set to begin when prosecutors turned over the evidence they planned to present.

On Jan. 9, 2023, four days after Garza was released from jail, prosecutors charged him with murder and he was rearrested.

Three days later on Jan. 12, 2023, prosecutors asked to pull back the murder charge but with the option to refile it, and Garza was released from jail again.

Garzas attorney at the time, Charlie Dow, argued that the prosecutors shouldnt be allowed to refile the case. Judge Norma Rodriguez disagreed and allowed the prosecutors to drop the charges in a way that they could be refiled.
Woman Freed After Being Strangled by Python for 2 Hours: 'I Saw the Snake Wrapping Around Me'

Thai woman Arom Arunroj, 64, remained in a python's tight coiled grip for an hour and a half until authorities came to the scene and rescued her 30 minutes after arrival

Getty Stock image of a reticulated python

A woman was rescued after being strangled by a python for more than two hours in Samut Prakan, Thailand, per CNN, The Guardian and Associated Press.

In the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 17, Arom Arunroj, 64, felt several bites on her leg when she was doing dishes at her home, which is located roughly 21 miles south of Bangkok. The snake just shot forward and bit me, she said, per CNN.

I was about to scoop some water and when I sat down it bit me immediately, Arunroj told Thailands Thairath newspaper, per the AP. When I looked I saw the snake wrapping around me.

I grabbed it by the head, but it wouldnt release me, she said. It only tightened.

The python emerged and wrapped itself around Arunroj until she fell to the ground. She was unable to free herself from the snakes tightening grip around her waist. She remained trapped in the animals grasp for two hours on the floor of a tiny dark room.

Related: How Pythons Kill: Expert Explains Shocking but 'Extremely Rare' Case of Woman Swallowed by Giant Snake

Getty Stock image of an African rock python

Arunroj shouted for help but wasnt immediately met with assistance. Eventually one of her neighbors heard her and called authorities for help, per The Guardian.

Upon arrival, police and animal control kicked down her door, prodded and hit the snake with a crowbar to move it away from Arunroj and release her from its grip. She was freed within 30 minutes of their arrival, and authorities then sent her to the hospital to be treated for several bites.

We were shocked to see the lady was tied down on the floor with the python wrapping around [her], Police Major Sergeant Anusorn Wongmalee of the Phra Samut Chedi Police Station in Samut Prakan said, per CNN. The snake was really big.

She had probably been strangled for a while, because her skin was pale, Wongmalee said, per The Guardian, adding, It was a python, a big one. I saw a bite mark on her leg but [knew] there might be some elsewhere too.



Related: Missing Mom of 4 Found Dead Inside Massive Python in Indonesia: Reports

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Per reports, the python was 13 feet long and weighed more than 45 lbs. Authorities confirmed the snake escaped after the attack.



While pythons are not venomous, they can kill people by suffocation. The snake species will coil itself around their prey to constrict blood flow, and then swallow their victims whole.

According to Thai National Parks, there are 250 snake species in Thailand, three of which are types of pythons: the Reticulated, Burmese and Blood.

Given the large number of snakes in the country, 12,000 people were treated for venomous snake and animal bites in the country in 2023, and 26 of those people, according to Thailands National Health Security office, per CNN.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Residents on North Peoria Avenue said a U-Haul pickup truck that had a dead baby inside had been parked in a driveway for several hours and the windows had been rolled up.

Also, the mother of dead boy, admitted she was alone with the child for the better of the day and that she had fed him several bottles, leaving one propped up in the 1-month-olds car seat so he could fed himself, a prosecutor said.

Those are new details that was revealed during a pretrial detention hearing for Andrea Luncsford, 25 and three days shy of her 26th birthday, who stands charged with murder and endangering the life and health of a child for allegedly leaving her baby, Grayson Luncsford, in the pickup.

Peoria County Judge Mark Gilles ordered her held in custody at the Peoria County Jail noting she was a real and present danger to the community.

The offense of murder that carries a minimum prison sentence of at least 20 yeas and a maximum of up to 100 years, he said. Ive considered that an infant child whose only source of nourishment was his mother. He was failed and the proof is evident of that.

Luncsford could be heard trying to defend herself but was shushed by the judge, who told her not to talk about the case. She was clad in the orange jumpsuit of a jail inmate and could be heard sobbing and crying over the video conferencing call.

When one hears about the last several hours of this childs life, one would not even treat an animal that way, he said, then noted Luncsford was convicted of the malicious treatment of animals and sentenced to 30 days in jail in South Carolina.

Peoria mom on trial for infant death lost rights for another child

Luncsford faces up to 100 years in prison and will find out at 3 p.m. Thursday if she is to be held in custody at the Peoria County Jail pending the outcome of her case. She will next appear in court on Oct. 9 for her arraignment as a grand jury will likely hear the case before then.

UPDATE: Mother charged with murder was acting erratically when officers arrived on the scene

The charges allege Luncsford failed to provide basic nutrition and care in that she left the baby in the vehicle.

Just after 7 p.m., Monday, Peoria police were called to the 2400 block of North Peoria Avenue on a report of a dead baby. Thats near the intersection of East Archer Avenue.

A relative pulled the child out of the vehicle but he had already died, said Coroner Jamie Harwood, who estimated the baby had been dead for at least four hours but likely more. He said the cause of death was dehydration and hyperthermia.

Shes been held in the county jail since then while attorneys prepared for the detention hearing which is required under the states Pretrial Fairness Act, a part of the sweeping criminal justice overall known as the SAFE-T Act.

The hearing is akin to a mini-trial on the nature of the charges and the defendant. The facts arent hashed out as much but rather, its about can the state overcome the presumption of pretrial release by showing a judge that a person is dangerous or a risk to flee.

Her attorney argued against the detention, saying her client was willing to take drug treatment courses. The attorney said her client also wanted mourn the loss of her baby as well as the babys father who died a few weeks ago.

Prosecutor Deb Shelby pushed back, saying that there were no conditions that could keep the community safe. Also, that Luncsford was not from the area, she was a risk of flight.

And the judge also noted that while Luncsford wanted to bury her child, that It was her actions that caused the boys death.

Her criminal record, Gilles, didnt help, having two prior convictions for aggravated battery to a peace officer in 2023 in McLean County and 2019 in Peoria County. Nor did her self-reporting drug habit where Luncsford allegedly said she was taking $20 a day worth of crack cocaine.

Shelby reiterated the factual basis that was laid out in court on Wednesday. She described the chaotic scene on Monday night where Luncsfords father and brother had to block her from leaving the home on North Peoria Avenue. Her father, the prosecutor said, banged on the window and when she stopped, he opened the door and screamed, you killed my grandbaby.

A neighbor said the pickup had been there for a while at the house. The windows had been rolled up. The baby had been in the vehicle and according to a forensic pathologist, likely had been dead for at least 12 and possibly up to 24 hours.

That was due in large part to the condition of the boys body.

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Driving the news: Davis admitted that she attacked the student because she was Chinese, stating that it would be one less person to blow up our country. Davis' lawyers argued she was mentally unfit for trial, but after receiving proper medication, her condition improved. In January, the judge ruled her competent, allowing the trial to proceed. Davis is expected to be sentenced to no more than six years in prison in December.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  A 47-year-old woman was sentenced to federal prison on Tuesday for her role in an embezzlement scheme against Wisconsins largest city.

According to a release, Kelly Whitmore-Behling, 47, formerly of Milwaukee, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for her role in an embezzlement scheme against the city of Milwaukee.

Wisconsin State Patrol conducts 800+ traffic stops on significant highway over summer months

Court records show that Whitmore-Behling and her co-defendant were employed by the city of Milwaukees Department of Public Works. Their responsibilities included disposing of vehicles and equipment that were no longer needed.

Between June and Sept. 2022, they executed an embezzlement scheme, selling the vehicles and equipment for cash and pocketing most of the proceeds for themselves.

The City of Milwaukee lost over $350,000 in revenue and was forced to incur additional expenses to replace missing vehicles and equipment.

Ms. Whitmore-Behling abused a position of trust and harmed not only the City itself but also every taxpayer who lives and works in Milwaukee, said U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad. Her conduct caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of loss and risked undermining public faith in city government. I commend everyone who played a role in seeking to hold Ms. Whitmore-Behling and her codefendant accountable for their actions.

Court records also revealed that Whitmore-Behling gambled extensively at a local casino during the same period. The scheme ended when the co-defendants were suspended from work, and authorities conducted a thorough equipment audit that revealed the scope of their fraud.

56 million ButterBurgers? Culvers releases 2023 statistics on National Cheeseburger Day

Ms. Whitmore-Behling was a public employee who cheated not only her employer but the citizens of Milwaukee by embezzling city funds to further her own greed, said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. The FBI is committed to investigating matters of public corruption, such as Whitmore-Behling, in which government employees betray the trust of the public for personal gain.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department.

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Jennifer Heath Box speaks during a news conference under the 17th Street Causeway bridge in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, about the time she spent in the Broward Sheriff's Office Main Jail. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  Jennifer Heath Box had few worries as she exited her cruise ship at Fort Lauderdales port on Christmas Eve 2022.

The Texan and her husband had spent six days at sea celebrating with her brother, a Georgia police officer who had just completed cancer treatment. In two hours the couple had a flight home to Houston, where they would spend Christmas with their Marine son, who was leaving for a three-year deployment in Japan, and two other adult children.

But according to a federal civil rights lawsuit filed Thursday by Box against the Broward County Sheriff's Office, its deputies wrongly arrested her as she disembarked and then jailed her for three days, subjecting her to a body cavity search and blasting her cell with death metal music and freezing air.

Deputies accused the 50-year-old financial systems administrator of being a much younger woman with a similar name who was wanted in Harris County, Texas, for felony child endangerment. Harris County had mistakenly put Box's photo on its warrant, but none of the other information matched.

Ive never done anything to where I would find myself on the other side of bars," Box said at a Thursday press conference near Port Everglades, Florida. "It was really difficult for me because I had to call my kids and tell them that I wasnt going to be there for Christmas.

Box said while being booked, a male inmate tried to enter her cell several times, which she called terrifying. She said even after Harris County told Broward they had the wrong woman in custody, she wasnt released for another day and missed her son's departure.

It was humiliating, degrading, Box said of her treatment.

The Broward Sheriffs Office issued a statement Thursday saying while it sympathizes with Box, the department and deputies Peter Peraza and Monica Jean did nothing wrong. It blames the situation on its Texas counterparts.

The BSO deputy (Peraza) followed the appropriate protocols in handling this matter, and after receiving confirmation of the Harris County warrant, arrested Ms. Box, the statement said. Had it not been for the arrest warrant filed by the Harris County Sheriffs Office, Customs and Border Patrol would not have flagged Ms. Box, BSO would not have been notified and she would not have been arrested.

The groundwork for Boxs mistaken arrest was laid when she boarded the ship nearly a week earlier. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol conducts background checks on cruise passengers and matched her to the Harris County warrant. When her ship returned, she was already targeted for arrest.

Border Patrol officers stopped Box after she scanned her ID to leave the ship and summoned Peraza and Jean.

While it was Box's photo on the warrant, she and her attorneys say the deputies and later their supervisors refused to acknowledge several obvious discrepancies. Boxs middle and last name were not the same as those on the warrant. She is also 23 years older and 5 inches (13 centimeters) taller than the real suspect and has different colored eyes, hair and skin tone.

Charges against the real suspect were dropped days later by Harris County prosecutors, who called the case weak.

Box's attorney, Jared McClain of the nonprofit Institute for Justice, said they aren't suing Harris County because it simply had one employee make a mistake. He said Broward sheriff's officials, on the other hand, repeatedly refused to look at the evidence and work to correct a mistaken arrest that should have been obvious, even when contacted by Box's police officer brother.

At none of those red flags did anyone in Broward County stop and say, Maybe were making a mistake here. Maybe we shouldnt put this woman in jail over Christmas. So thats why were here in Broward County, McClain said.

The lawsuit does not seek a specific monetary amount, but McClain said the arrest cost Box and her family thousands of dollars in additional hotel and legal costs.

Body camera video shows that Box, wearing a sweatshirt reading Santa Baby, and her husband are flabbergasted when told she is being arrested, but they remain calm. In return, the deputies never get physical with her or raise their voices.

Box tried to point out the warrant's discrepancies, but Peraza pointed to the matching photo and said he had to arrest her. Box removed her jewelry, handed it to her husband and then put her hands behind her back to be cuffed as passersby watched.

After Box was placed in Peraza's patrol car, the deputy again seemed to study the warrant. He opened the door, asked Box again for her full name, which she provides. She points out that both Jennifer and Heath are common names. He slowly closes the door as he again reads the warrant, but then drives her to jail.

Box says even though the jail was extremely cold, she was given a thin jail uniform while the guards wore stocking caps, heavy jackets and gloves. She said she and her cellmate slept together back-to-back to keep warm.

Finally, a day after she says Broward learned of Harris County's mistake, she was released. She said she expected an apology, but none was given.

Instead, she says, she was told stuff happens.

__

Associated Press writer Ken Miller in Edmond, Oklahoma, contributed to this report.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  Jennifer Heath Box had few worries as she exited her cruise ship at Fort Lauderdales port on Christmas Eve 2022.

The Texan and her husband had spent six days at sea celebrating with her brother, a Georgia police officer who had just completed cancer treatment. In two hours the couple had a flight home to Houston, where they would spend Christmas with their Marine son, who was leaving for a three-year deployment in Japan, and two other adult children.

But according to a federal civil rights lawsuit filed Thursday by Box against the Broward County Sheriffs Office, its deputies wrongly arrested her as she disembarked and then jailed her for three days, subjecting her to a body cavity search and blasting her cell with death metal music and freezing air.

Deputies accused the 50-year-old financial systems administrator of being a much younger woman with a similar name who was wanted in Harris County, Texas, for felony child endangerment. Harris County had mistakenly put Boxs photo on its warrant, but none of the other information matched.

Ive never done anything to where I would find myself on the other side of bars, Box said at a Thursday press conference near Port Everglades, Florida. It was really difficult for me because I had to call my kids and tell them that I wasnt going to be there for Christmas.

Box said while being booked, a male inmate tried to enter her cell several times, which she called terrifying. She said even after Harris County told Broward they had the wrong woman in custody, she wasnt released for another day and missed her sons departure.

It was humiliating, degrading, Box said of her treatment.

The Broward Sheriffs Office issued a statement Thursday saying while it sympathizes with Box, the department and deputies Peter Peraza and Monica Jean did nothing wrong. It blames the situation on its Texas counterparts.

The BSO deputy (Peraza) followed the appropriate protocols in handling this matter, and after receiving confirmation of the Harris County warrant, arrested Ms. Box, the statement said. Had it not been for the arrest warrant filed by the Harris County Sheriffs Office, Customs and Border Patrol would not have flagged Ms. Box, BSO would not have been notified and she would not have been arrested.

The groundwork for Boxs mistaken arrest was laid when she boarded the ship nearly a week earlier. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol conducts background checks on cruise passengers and matched her to the Harris County warrant. When her ship returned, she was already targeted for arrest.

Border Patrol officers stopped Box after she scanned her ID to leave the ship and summoned Peraza and Jean.

While it was Boxs photo on the warrant, she and her attorneys say the deputies and later their supervisors refused to acknowledge several obvious discrepancies. Boxs middle and last name were not the same as those on the warrant. She is also 23 years older and 5 inches (13 centimeters) taller than the real suspect and has different colored eyes, hair and skin tone.

Charges against the real suspect were dropped days later by Harris County prosecutors, who called the case weak.

Boxs attorney, Jared McClain of the nonprofit Institute for Justice, said they arent suing Harris County because it simply had one employee make a mistake. He said Broward sheriffs officials, on the other hand, repeatedly refused to look at the evidence and work to correct a mistaken arrest that should have been obvious, even when contacted by Boxs police officer brother.

At none of those red flags did anyone in Broward County stop and say, Maybe were making a mistake here. Maybe we shouldnt put this woman in jail over Christmas. So thats why were here in Broward County, McClain said.

The lawsuit does not seek a specific monetary amount, but McClain said the arrest cost Box and her family thousands of dollars in additional hotel and legal costs.

Body camera video shows that Box, wearing a sweatshirt reading Santa Baby, and her husband are flabbergasted when told she is being arrested, but they remain calm. In return, the deputies never get physical with her or raise their voices.

Box tried to point out the warrants discrepancies, but Peraza pointed to the matching photo and said he had to arrest her. Box removed her jewelry, handed it to her husband and then put her hands behind her back to be cuffed as passersby watched.

After Box was placed in Perazas patrol car, the deputy again seemed to study the warrant. He opened the door, asked Box again for her full name, which she provides. She points out that both Jennifer and Heath are common names. He slowly closes the door as he again reads the warrant, but then drives her to jail.

Box says even though the jail was extremely cold, she was given a thin jail uniform while the guards wore stocking caps, heavy jackets and gloves. She said she and her cellmate slept together back-to-back to keep warm.

Finally, a day after she says Broward learned of Harris Countys mistake, she was released. She said she expected an apology, but none was given.

Instead, she says, she was told stuff happens.

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A woman in Thailand suffered the horror of a 20 kg and 13-foot long python coiled around her for about two hours before police rushed to her aid. The python bit her several times and kept squeezing tighter while the woman attempted to free herself. Moreover, even after she grabbed the snakes head, she continued to live through the torture. Odds were stacked against the woman as she endured the agony for a long time. However, she eventually survived the near-fatal encounter.

Woman rescued after two hours of 44-pound python wrapping around her

A 64-year-old Thai woman named Arom Arunroj had an encounter with a 13-foot python inside her house in Samut Prakan, a province in Bangkok. According to The Guardian, Arunroj was washing up at about 8:30 p.m. when the incident took place. During an interview with a local news outlet, she said, I looked at it, and it was a snake. She even tried fighting the serpent and cried around for help.

CBS News reported that Arom Arunroj was about to scoop some water, but when she sat down, the snake bit her. The python wrapped itself around her torso, beating her down to the kitchen floor. At one point, the woman tried to grab the snake by its head, but the python only tightened its hold on her.

Eventually, her neighbor, Sgt Maj Anusorn Wongmali Anusorn heard her cries and called for help. He kicked down her door to see the snake wrapped around her. Describing the incident, he said, She had probably been strangled for a while, because her skin was pale. It was a python, a big one. I saw a bite mark on her leg but [knew] there might be some elsewhere too. Furthermore, he tried to even help the woman, trying to poke the snake and get it away from her.

After he rang for assistance at about 10 p.m., police arrived with members of the She Poh Tek Tung Foundation, a rescue organization. In the first responders footage of the 13-foot python encounter, Arunroj was on the floor with the snake wrapped around her waist. After rescuing her, they took her to the hospital for treatment.

The post Woman Survives Near Fatal Encounter With 13-Foot Python appeared first on Mandatory.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  A woman was arrested on a warrant issued in 2022 after reports from the time state she used a stolen drivers license in an attempt to purchase a vehicle.

Read next: Police chase that sent man to hospital result of domestic incident: Reports

Jessica Marker, 35, was arrested by authorities in Stark County and turned over to the Boardman Police Department on account of an active warrant for her arrest. Marker is facing felony charges of identity fraud and theft by deception.

A report filed May 28, 2022 stated a female victim reported her wallet, including her drivers license, stolen from her vehicle the previous year in Cuyahoga Falls. Since then, her identity has been used by a woman on traffic offenses and numerous bank accounts were opened in her name throughout Ohio, reports state.

The victim of the fraud told police she received a message from an employee of a Boardman car dealership on May 27, 2022, stating a man and woman entered the business and attempted to purchase a vehicle using her drivers license.

Employees suspected the woman was lying about her identity and when confronted, the suspects fled the scene, reports state. Detectives were provided security footage of the incident.

Now, just over two years later, Marker was arrested in connection to the incident.

Marker is set to appear before Judge Joseph Houser for arraignment on the charges Thursday evening.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Since 2021, Woodbury Countys new Law Enforcement Center has been under construction. Now, officials are just about ready to open their doors to inmates and the public.

This project was monumental, said Dan Moore with Sioux Citys city council.

Going from our old jail to here, its stepping into another world, said Chief Deputy Tony Wingert with the Woodbury County Sheriffs Office.

Roughly six years ago, the first steps were made to begin the project for the new LEC building due to several issues with the downtown facility.

Victim in Sioux City shooting arrested, charged with burglary

Even ten years ago, when I became a district judge, it was readily apparent that the old facility was not meeting the needs of the judicial branch, the sheriffs department, or the community at large, said Patrick Tott, the Chief Judge for the 3rd Judicial District.

In late August, the keys to the building were handed over to Woodbury County. Staff have slowly set up their offices, and they say they are loving the new facility.

The technology, the first thing off the top, I mean, the most important thing is technology, Wingert said. The cameras that we have, the alarm systems, the fire systems, everything is just, its 21st century. I mean, the stuff that we had was built in 1987.

While the building is ready to hold inmates, the process of moving everyone and everything over is expected to take time.

Were still operating a facility downtown, so we cant really take everything from downtown out here until the move, Wingert said. Its a juggling, balancing act. As we get closer, well start stationing more and more stuff that were going to need out here, but we still have to keep half of it downtown.

While waiting for the final move to begin, officials are using this time to learn their way around the facility.

Cash payments to no longer be accepted at Sioux City Citizens Convenience Center

We did some training earlier, then we sort of backed off just because we werent sure when substantial completion was going to happen, but weve really ramped it up, Wingert said. Were paying overtime for people to get out here to get used to the systems to find their way around to were actually practicing moving people, pretending to be inmates, were moving them around the building, seeing how long it takes for things to happen, said Wingert.

Before opening the building for tours, Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan thanked former sheriff Dave Drew and the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors for insuring this project made it to completion.

This project has been anything less than smooth sailing, to say the least, Sheehan said. And I credit the people that were willing to stand there and take some of the verbal abuse that came along the way because without their strong leadership, this project could have faltered at any point and been just mothballed and never come to fruition.

Wingert says they are still trying to narrow down a date to bring in the inmates.

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Under World Bank President Ajay Banga, the development lender has committed to raising the percentage of its total financing committed to climate change mitigation and adaptation (Jemal Countess)

The World Bank announced Thursday that it delivered a record $42.6 billion in climate change financing in the last financial year, up 10 percent from a year earlier.

The development lender has looked to boost its climate financing commitment under new president Ajay Banga, who took over last year on a pledge to reform the 80-year-old Washington-based institution.

In December, the Bank committed to raising the proportion of its annual financing that goes to climate change adaptation from 35 percent to 45 percent starting in the fiscal 2025 year, which began in July.

But it came close to that objective this fiscal year, announcing in a statement on Thursday that around 44 percent of the World Bank Group's total financing of $97 billion had a climate financing component.

This figure included lending, along with other financial instruments such as grants and guarantees, a World Bank official told AFP by email.

That financing assisted in "supporting efforts to end poverty on a livable planet, investing in cleaner energy, more resilient communities, and stronger economies," the Bank said, adding: "there is more to do."

The largest contributors were the International Development Association (IDA), the bank's concessional lending arm, and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which together delivered $31 billion, the World Bank said.

da/bgs
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - More than 130 world leaders will meet at the United Nations next week, faced with wars in the Middle East and Europe threatening to spread, frustration at the slow pace of efforts to end those conflicts, and worsening climate and humanitarian crises.

While the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Russia's war in Ukraine are set to dominate the annual high-level U.N. General Assembly, diplomats and analysts say they don't expect progress toward peace.

"The wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan are going to be the three main crisis-points in focus at the General Assembly. I don't think we are likely to see breakthroughs on any of them," said Richard Gowan, U.N. director at the International Crisis Group.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week told Reuters that the wars in Gaza and Ukraine were "stuck with no peaceful solutions in sight."

Concerns about a spillover of the Gaza conflict to the broader Middle East have again escalated after Lebanese militant group Hezbollah accused Israel of detonating pagers and hand-held radios in two days of deadly attacks. Israel has not commented on the accusation.

"There is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon, and everything must be done to avoid that escalation," Guterres told reporters on Wednesday.

The war in besieged Gaza was triggered by a Hamas attack on civilians in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, two weeks after world leaders finished their annual gathering last year.

Mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have yet to broker a ceasefire and global patience has waned nine months after the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly demanded a humanitarian truce and as the Gaza death toll reaches 41,000.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who has long accused the U.N. of being anti-Israel - and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 26.

DIPLOMATIC SPEED-DATING

The annual gathering of world leaders to mark the beginning of each new session of the General Assembly is often referred to as diplomatic speed-dating.

While the event is anchored by six days of leaders' speeches to the assembly, much of the action happens on the sidelines with hundreds of bilateral meetings and dozens of side events seeking to focus the global spotlight on the main issues.

Also looming this year is the prospect of a new U.S. administration. Republican Donald Trump - who cut U.N. funding and called the global body weak and incompetent while in office from 2017 to 2021 - faces Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in a Nov. 5 election.

"Clearly in the back of everyone's mind is going to be a guy called Donald Trump," Gowan said. "I think in a lot of the private conversations around the General Assembly ... the number one question will be what will Trump do to the organization."

This year side events will be held on the war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where famine has taken hold, international efforts to help Haiti fight gang violence and the Taliban crackdown on women's rights in Afghanistan.

Guterres on Wednesday poked fun at himself, saying he has "no power and no money."

"There are two things the Secretary-General of the United Nations has, and I have to say that I've been using them," he told reporters. "One is my voice, and nobody will be able to shut it up. And second is the capacity to convene people of goodwill to address and solve problems."

IRAN, UKRAINE

Western accusations about Iran's role in the Middle East - Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthis are aligned with Tehran - and support for Russia's war in Ukraine also shadow this year's U.N. General Assembly.

European powers seek to revive efforts to rein in Iran's nuclear program and Iranian and European officials are due to meet in New York next week to test their mutual willingness to engage.

Iran's comparatively moderate new president Masoud Pezeshkian will address the United Nations on Tuesday.

Pezeshkian "will focus on detente, building confidence with the world, and de-escalation," a senior Iranian official said, but he will also "stress Iran's right to retaliate" against Israel if needed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address the high-level General Assembly gathering for the third time since Russia invaded his country. He is due to address a meeting on Ukraine of the 15-member Security Council on Tuesday and the General Assembly on Wednesday.

Zelenskiy has a plan to push Russia to diplomatically end the war that he wants to present to U.S. President Joe Biden this month. He also wants to share it with both of Biden's potential successors, Harris and Trump.

Some U.S. officials have already been briefed on elements of the plan.

"We think it lays out a strategy and a plan that can work. And we need to see how we can promote that as we engage with all of the countries' heads of state who will be here in New York ... we do have hope to make some progress," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters on Tuesday.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually addressed the General Assembly in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has not physically traveled to New York for the event since 2015. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is instead due to speak to the General Assembly on Sept. 28.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Howard Goller)
World Naked Bike Ride is back in Portland, this time with new team

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Its not a Portland summer unless you see hundreds of bike riders rolling through city streets without their clothes on, isnt it?

After the Portland World Naked Bike Ride announced it would not have enough volunteers to host the annual ride in the buff, another team has taken up the job.

Deadline approaches for three winning, unclaimed Oregon Lottery prizes

Now the World Naked Bike Ride Portland will bare all on Saturday, Sept. 21 starting at 3 p.m. at Colonel Summers Park.

According to the teams website, the new organization originated in 2024 to ensure this important ride continued and was led and organized by responsible and conscientious leaders who care about making a difference in the World.

The event kicked off in the city in 2004, and is one of the worlds largest events  drawing in 10,000 participants in 2019. Despite the change of leadership, this years ride will remain a protest against the dependency on fossil fuels.

This ride isnt about the leaders, its about making a protest and drawing attention to Cyclists vulnerability, oil dependency and the need to put people and the environment over profits, according to the website.

Cape Disappointment reopening camping reservations after construction delay

Organizers say this protest is an effort to protect residents, The Columbia Gorge and hundreds of miles of fragile environments. It also seeks greater protection for the workers, union members, engineers and freight workers who would be the first impacted by an accident.

It is not yet clear how large of a crowd this years World Naked Bike Ride will build.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the original Portland World Naked Bike Ride have told KOIN 6 News they plan to host their next ride in 2025 with an adequate amount of volunteers.

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WEST UNION, W.Va. (WBOY)  WV Batman with Heroes4Higher, aka John Buckland, visited Doddridge High, Middle and Elementary schools, as well as the Early Learning Academy on Wednesday to spread messages of positivity and inspiration to students.

Though this isnt Batmans first time visiting the school district, his message differed, focusing this time on the recent spike in school threats across the region.

Buckland as WV Batman at Doddridge County High School (WBOY image),

For each age group, Batman shared a different message, and for high and middle schoolers, he shared his traumas and hardships; he even took off his mask. Though at every place he visits, Batman sticks to teaching four messages: Never give up, always do the right thing, help other people and never be a bully.

Swiss Embassy recognizes West Virginia town for preserving heritage

In his speech, Batman spoke on how the youth mental health crisis is often ignored and overlooked, though it is one of the biggest issues faced in society today.

If we go through stuff, then the whole goal is to use that stuff to help other people going through stuff. This is my mission; its been 12 years this month. I take it very seriously, its been to Poland, its been to Ukraine, its been all over this country and I hope it just continues to grow because something has to change with this generation of kids. If it doesnt change with this generation, its going to be rough in 20 years, said Buckland.

Batman also uses his platform to visit children with terminal illnesses and give them a ride in his Batmobile. You can learn more about Batman and his message through the Heroes4Higher website.

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Access to X was temporarily and inadvertently restored in Brazil amid a ban after the social media platform began using Cloudflare servers. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/ UPI

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The social media platform X was temporarily available again in Brazil amid a ban as the result of an update to its servers, the company said.

The Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Providers, or ABRINT, said that X users with the social media app on their smartphones received an automatic update, allowing them to access the platform after X began using IP addresses linked to the Cloudflare service.

"Switching to Cloudflare makes app blocking much more complicated," ABRINT said. "Unlike the previous system, which used specific IPs that could be blocked, the new system uses dynamic IPs that change constantly.

"Many of these IPs are shared with other legitimate services, such as banks and large Internet platforms, making it impossible to block an IP without affecting other services."

ABRINT said local providers cannot take action on their own without officials' guidance from Brazilian officials because a mistaken block could affect other companies. For now, Brazilian authorities are waiting for a technical analysis and instructions to determine how to move forward and turn X off again.

X's Global Government Affairs confirmed that it switched to Cloudflare after a ban on the platform in Brazil left its infrastructure to provide service to Latin America no longer accessible in Brazil.

"To continue providing optimal service to our users, we changed network providers," X said in a message on its platform. "This change resulted in an inadvertent and temporary service restoration to Brazilian users."

X said it expected the platform to be "inaccessible again shortly" in Brazil due to the ban imposed after he tech giant's owner Elon Mush refused to name a representative in the country that officials can confront to address concerns. The court decision on Sept. 2 left the country's 40 million X users without the social media platform until Wednesday.

"We continue efforts to work with the Brazilian government to return very soon for the people of Brazil.
Multi-million dollar yacht loaded with fireworks, ammo goes up in flames

A 100-foot yacht docked in Marina del Rey that had fireworks aboard erupted in flames Wednesday night.

Crews with the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to reports of the blaze at 2201 Basin A just after 8:30 p.m. and told KTLA that two passengers onboard at the time of the fire were able to escape without injury.

Its unclear exactly how the fire started, but Sky5 reporter Gil Leyvas said the yachts owner reportedly told firefighters that in addition to fireworks, there were approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition on the starboard side of the vessel, presumably below deck.

In footage posted to the Citizen App, heavy flames could be seen engulfing the vessel as firefighters pulled into the area and began dousing the flames from the street, a firefighting boat and the docks.

Damage seen to a boat named The Admiral after fire ripped through it while it was docked in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Tony Pepper)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

A large boat with fireworks onboard erupts in flames in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (Citizen)

Damage seen to a boat named The Admiral after fire ripped through it while it was docked in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (KTLA)

Damage seen to a boat named The Admiral after fire ripped through it while it was docked in Marina del Rey on Sept. 18, 2024. (KTLA)

As crews worked to contain the blaze, which threatened nearby boats and structures, fireworks began exploding from the vessel.

Aerial footage captured by Sky5 showed the large boat, named The Admiral, sustained heavy damage from the fire.

Even as firefighters knocked down the worst of the blaze and dense black smoke billowed off the vessel, which began listing to the side, flames could still be seen burning below deck.

Just before 10:30 p.m., Sky5 captured aerial footage of The Admiral sinking as water from firefighters weighed the vessel down, causing it to take on even more water.

First responders had set up a boom in the area where the boat was docked to capture any contaminants, including diesel fuel, coming from the vessel as it was sinking.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
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.

Are you registered to vote? Check your voter registration here.

With a summer that saw President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race and two assassination attempts on former president Donald Trump, the 2024 presidential election has brought multiple shocking, historic moments in the run-up to November. The press has been there every minute, chasing developments in the campaigns of the Democratic and Republican tickets.

Two of those journalists are NBC News Washington correspondent Yamiche Alcindor and correspondent Dasha Burns. Alcindor pivoted from covering Bidens campaign to focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris after she became the nominee this summer. (She's covered Harris for much of her career). Burns has focused on the Trump campaign, primarily reporting from the Rust Belt. In a pair of phone interviews, Teen Vogue spoke to the two young journalists about how to cover an ever-changing election and what it means to be a reporter.

This conversation has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

Teen Vogue: How did the presidential debate between Trump and Harris change the race and how youll be reporting on it?

Dasha Burns: This was the first time that we got to see the contrast of these two candidates, not just in the substance of what they said on policy, on the issues, but the contrast in tone, the contrast to approach, the age and gender and race. You could not get two more polar opposite people running against each other in this race.

Yamiche Alcindor: I've talked to some voters who say that after the debate, they saw Vice President Harris as coming out on top, that she was really having a better performance and coming out stronger, and that they want to support her [But] there are some people who are still undecided, and as we can see in the polls this is still very much a tight race.

TV: What have you been hearing from voters more broadly?

YA: So, for the Trump supporters that I've talked to, they really feel like the country's going in the wrong direction They feel like gas is too high, groceries are too expensive, and that Donald Trump, during his presidency, really had the answer for those problems. For people who are now supporting Vice President Harris, they say that they have some of the same concerns, which are that they, too, are concerned about the costs of living. They, too, are concerned about how to survive and thrive. They, too, are concerned about the border and immigration and how all that is playing out. But, their view is that Vice President Harris and the Democrats have the solution and that solution is to continue with a lot of the policies of President Biden.

DB: The overall sentiment is just a lot of frustration and looking for somebody that speaks to the issues. And it's why you hear whether they're on the left or on the right, people getting a little exasperated with the personal attacks and with politicians who make things about themselves rather than about the people, and really seeking out some authenticity in the people that are representing them.

TV: How do you go about getting voters to speak with you, especially those who are hesitant to speak with the media?

YA: So, I approach this the way I approached it when I was starting out as a reporter. My first job was at a local weekly African American newspaper. And I was taught back then to just be genuinely interested in people, be really interested in listening to people, and make sure that you're not coming with a sort of preconceived notion. And, as a result, you get people to open up by just being genuinely interested in their lives.

TV: Is there something that the press needs to do more reporting on? Are you reflecting that in your coverage?

DB: We tend to get distracted by the latest shiny thing. I think that's something that's a danger for our industry. Whatever the catchy headline is, there's an instinct right now to just run in that direction. One thing that our political team has been prioritizing is, let's think before we sprint. If we want to get there, we want to be fast, but we want to be accurate.

TV: What has been the most challenging aspect of covering this election?

YA: It's a challenge at times to get people to tell you what they really think about things. But I also think that that's the beauty of being a reporter who's genuinely interested in why people see the world as they do I also think it's challenging sometimes because you have to talk to people for 30 minutes before someone tells you what they really think about this election. I appreciate the fact that even in a television report, where sometimes our stories can be three minutes or four minutes or two minutes, I work at a place where we have so many different platforms that we can tell the stories in so many different ways.

TV: Whats your journalistic philosophy?

DB: I was in Butler, Pennsylvania, during the assassination attempt on the former president and it was something that shook me. You know, it wasn't easy to get through that, but it really crystallized why we do what we do. How important the public service is of informing voters in moments of chaos and confusion, of getting viewers accurate, clear information as these situations are developing. And it's when your sort of mental fortitude is tested. You just kind of remember the fundamental reason you're doing this, the thing that drives you to push through exhaustion, anxiety, and situations of crisis because it matters. The fourth estate matters.

YA: What informs my journalistic philosophy is the Constitution. I love the fact that our profession is written into the founding documents of our country, that freedom of the press was something so important that the people who were founding America decided they needed to make sure [journalists] were part of that. So, to me, it's about ensuring that we have a free press and that I'm using the responsibilities of being part of that free press in the best way possible.

Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Yellowstone hiker airlifted to hospital with third-degree burns after walking off-trail near Old Faithful

Yellowstone hiker airlifted to hospital with third-degree burns after walking off-trail near Old Faithful

A 60-year-old hiker was burned by scalding water while walking off-trail in a thermal area at Yellowstone National Park on Monday, injuries which required her being airlifted to hospital by helicopter, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced.

The woman, from New Hampshire, was walking off-trail in the afternoon with her husband and leashed dog near Mallard Lake Trailhead at Old Faithful when she broke through a thin crust over scalding water and suffered second and third-degree burns to her lower leg, officials said.

The woman and her husband went to a park medical clinic where they were evaluated. The woman was then transported via helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, which is about 90 miles away from the Wyoming park, for further treatment.

SEE IT: YELLOWSTONE'S BISCUIT BASIN EXPLODES AS TOURISTS RUN AWAY FROM FALLING DEBRIS

A woman at Yellowstone National Park looks on. A hiker was airlifted to hospital with burns from "scalding water" while walking off-trail in a thermal area at Yellowstone National Park on Monday, the National Park Service said.

The husband and dog were not injured, officials said.

The NPS says visitors should stay on boardwalks and trails in hydrothermal areas and exercise extreme caution as the ground in these areas is fragile and thin with scalding water just below the surface.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Pets are prohibited on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry and in thermal areas.

YELLOWSTONE AT 152 YEARS OLD: HERE ARE 152 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT AMERICA'S FIRST NATIONAL PARK

Water temperatures can exceed 400F deep within the plumbing system of Old Faithful, the parks most famous geyser. Geysers and other thermal features are evidence of ongoing volcanic activity beneath the parks surface.

This is the first known thermal injury at the park this year, the NPS said. Mondays incident is under investigation and no further information was provided.

The most recent thermal death occurred in July 2022 when a 70-year-old man from Los Angeles died in an unwitnessed incident at a hot spring in the West Thumb Geyser Basin. The mans shoe was found floating in a hot spring weeks after he had disappeared.

The sinter cone of the Old Faithful Geyser steaming between eruptions in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

In June 2016, an Oregon man died after slipping and falling into a scalding hot spring while looking for a place to "hot pot," the forbidden practice of soaking in one of the park's thermal features.

Yellowstone is famous for its wildlife, scenery, geysers and hot springs, with more than 4.5 million people visiting the park in 2023.





Original article source: Yellowstone hiker airlifted to hospital with third-degree burns after walking off-trail near Old Faithful
New York man wanted for murder arrested in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A New York homicide suspect was arrested in Youngstown Wednesday afternoon.

Members of the US Marshals, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), New York Police Department Detectives, U.S. Secret Service, and the Youngstown Police Department worked together to arrest Jose Feliciano, 49, according to a release from the US Marshals Service.

They arrested Feliciano in the 1900 block of Wolosyn Circle without any problems, the release stated.

Feliciano was wanted by the New York Police Department since an incident at a Brooklyn, New York bar on Feb. 10 in which a bouncer was stabbed in the neck.

According to the release, the victim, Laurence Hopkins, 61, was stabbed while trying to help his female coworker involved in an altercation with patrons of the bar.

Law enforcement said they believed Feliciano fled the state shortly after the murder. A warrant for his arrest was issued in June.

Members of the regional fugitive task force began searching for Feliciano immediately.

Criminals will not find a place to hide in northern Ohio. Members of our task force will work with law enforcement across the country to ensure that those wanted for violent crimes are caught and held accountable for their actions, said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott.

Feliciano will remain in custody in Ohio until hes extradited back to New York.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Yosemite marmot rescued after being found in vehicle compartment

YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A marmot, an animal that is known to inhabit Yosemites high Sierras was recently rescued after hiding in a vehicles engine compartment in a city in El Dorado County  an area that they are not native to, the El Dorado County Fire Protection District said on Tuesday.

Officials with El Dorados County Fire Protection District say the marmot was found inside a vehicle, inside a fire station in Pollock Pines, a city in El Dorado County.

According to officials, a local resident recently visited Yosemite and was shocked to discover one hiding within the engine compartment of her vehicle.

El Dorado County Fire Protection District

El Dorado County Fire Protection District

Firefighters assisted in removing some vehicle components to access the marmot. Officials say that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded and assisted in safely removing the marmot from the vehicle.

Officials say that marmots are known to inhabit Yosemites high county above 6,500 elevation.

The marmot was secured and will be relocated back home, according to officials.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | CBS47 and KSEE24.
How to get young Kansans to vote? Focus on issues they care about. | Opinion

With a coveted Taylor Swift endorsement rolling out for Kamala Harris earlier this month, everyone seems to be talking about the engagement of young voters this election cycle.

Young people  typically, this is measured as those under the age of 35  are often touted as apathetic and not caring about politics.

But political science research suggests this assertion couldnt be further from the truth. Young people are very interested in political issues, theyre just less willing to engage in mainstream forms of political participation, such as voting and joining political parties.

Theyve replaced these traditional forms of democratic participation with alternative approaches, including social movements, rallies, protests, and consumer boycotts.

The 2022 election cycle in Kansas shows us, perhaps even more than previous generations, that young people are issue voters. Theyre less mobilized by candidates and parties but they are mobilized strongly by salient political issues.

In 2022, the issue was the fall of Roe v. Wade and Kansas constitutional amendment on abortion access.

The week following the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the average age of new voter registrations was 25. During that same week in 2020, the average age of new registrants was 36.

This increase in voter registration among young people led to their higher-than-normal turnout in the primary election that year.

In the 2022 primary election  which featured a direct vote on a state constitutional amendment to roll back abortion rights  37.4% of registered voters under the age of 40 cast a ballot. The amendment was defeated by a margin of 6-4.

However, if we compare turnout to the 2024 presidential primary in March of this year, young voter turnout drops significantly. Only 1.5% of all registrants under the age of 40 cast a ballot.

In total, only 7.1% of registered voters turned out in this election, but the age disparities are stark. For comparison, 17.4% of registered voters aged 65 and older turned out.

Even among registered Democrats and Republicans, turnout was 20.1% for those 65 and older and only 2.3% for those under 40.

This suggests that young voters are not necessarily translating strong issue preferences into partisan vote choice, but when issues are directly on the ballot they turn out in droves.

Whichever candidate or party can overcome this youthful rejection of traditional political participation by finding ways to connect themselves directly with specific policy issues will have the potential to sway every election.

Academic scholarship on civic engagement points to four factors that increase political participation: trust (in government and others), resources (time, money, knowledge), engagement (psychological engagement, attitudes, efficacy), and invitations (from activists, elected officials, parties, candidates).

Historically, young people have had the lowest levels on all of these indicators.

But the tide seems to be turning. Nationally, young people had higher than average turnout in the 2018 and 2020 elections. Here in Kansas, they had higher than average turnout in 2022.

These higher turnout levels were in direct response to candidates and parties targeting young voters and their policy preferences.

Young people represent a significant portion of the electorate and as they become a larger share of eligible voters, their influence on elections and policy decisions only grows.

Their engagement has the potential to shift political priorities and electoral outcomes.

Dont count out Kansas young voters.

Alexandra Middlewood is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.







Note: All Kansas voter registration data in this column is from IKE Lab, a project affiliated with Wichita State University focused on data and analysis regarding Kansas elections.






YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Its Hispanic Heritage Month and YSU has a full line-up of events to celebrate.

Wednesday night, the university hosted a movie night outside of Maag Library. The film shown was Coco.

Its just one of the many events planned for the month. The main event is the Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Oct. 12 in the Kilcawley Center. It will be a festival with cultural displays, music, dancers, food, and vendors.

It is important for us at YSU that we continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Its been celebrated at the university over 25 years where we organize various events in collaboration across departments on campus and also in the community, said YSU Library Co-Director Ana Torres.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
LONDON, Ky. (WDKY)  Authorities believe the body of a man suspected of shooting and wounding five people on a Kentucky interstate highway has been found.

Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said during a press conference that the body found Wednesday is believed to be Joseph Couch, of Woodbine, Kentucky.

Burnett said accessories found with the body have led them to conclude it is him. A weapon was also found at the site. He said the cause of death will be determined in an autopsy.

Authorities hoped the discovery would end an intense, nearly two-week search that had area residents on edge.

People have been in fear, Laurel County Sheriff John Root said during the press conference. Thats not the normal here in Laurel County. So now that this has been discovered, I hope that our county can get back to whats normal.

Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people

Kentucky State Police said on X that troopers located the body near Exit 49 on Interstate 75, just outside of the small town of London. Burnett said troopers had been in contact with a couple, Fred and Sheila McCoy, who were also searching the area with a group at the time.

A live stream video posted to the couples YouTube channel, Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures, showed them tracking vultures Wednesday afternoon near the interstate.

At one point during their search, they started to pick up on the smell of decaying flesh, which led them to the body. The livestream, which lasted around 30 minutes, ended about one minute after they found the body and called out to the rest of their search group.

You know, I want to recognize the McCoys because theyve been very cooperative with our troopers and provided troopers with relevant information, Burnett said.

Video below: Previous coverage on search for suspect following shooting along I-75 in Kentucky

The discovery comes 12 days after five people were injured in a highway shooting in the area.

On Sept. 7, five people were injured and 12 vehicles were damaged in a shooting near Exit 49 on I-75 near London. Authorities quickly identified a person of interest, 32-year-old Joseph Couch, after finding a vehicle registered in his name nearby.

The next day, Couch was named a suspect. As WDKY previously reported, authorities had been alerted hours before the shooting that Couch had texted a woman saying he was going to kill a lot of people. An emergency cell site tracker was placed on his cellphone, which pinged near Exit 49 just over an hour after shots were fired.

Couch had purchased a rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition the same day of the shooting, investigators determined. A rifle case was found in his abandoned vehicle, as well as a semi-automatic weapon. While Couch was named a suspect, authorities warned they had not determined who had fired the weapon.

Laurel County, located in southeastern Kentucky, remained on edge for days as authorities searched the heavily wooded area near Exit 49 for Couch.

On Tuesday, searchers were pulled from the woods to bolster patrols in nearby communities as schools reopened.

We feel like well be better off to protect our communities by moving those personnel, Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. said. This is the best plan that we have going forward. We have looked at every possible scenario. Weve looked at every piece of equipment, technology that we can utilize, and this, from what we have discovered so far in this search, this is the best plan moving forward.

Authorities said Monday they had searched and cleared over 28,000 acres of land in the Daniel Boone National Forest while searching for Couch. Cameras were placed in the woods to continue monitoring for activity.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington previously told reporters that he hoped Couch would run out of resources and walk out of the woods. Pennington also noted that if Couch had died, buzzards could gather overhead, which could be a sign for searchers.

And some people say, Well, what if hes not alive anymore? Well, were going to stay in the woods till we find him, Pennington said last week. And, you know, thats our job. If hes dead or alive. Its our job to try to find him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Reports said a man told police early today his SUV was taken at gunpoint while he was sleeping inside it with his dog inside.

Officers were called about 1 a.m. to a home on Salt Springs Road for a report of a carjacking and when they arrived a man told them he was sleeping in the SUV, which was parked in a driveway when someone came to his door, pointed a gun at him and demanded whatever was in his pockets.

The man said he gave the thief $3,000 that was in a bank envelope and then demanded the keys, reports said. Reports said the victim had the keys and he drove away in the SUV with the mans dog still inside.

A short time later police got a call of an accident at Burlington and Margaret avenues that the SUV was involved in. When officers arrived there was no driver but the dog was still in the SUV and uninjured.

Police took the dog back to the victim, reports said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Zelensky to meet Biden, Harris and Trump in the US next week

US President Joe Biden is set to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House next week, the administration in Washington said on Thursday.

Zelensky is planning to meet with Biden next week Thursday, while also holding separate talks with US Vice President, and Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, it said.

Zelensky recently hinted at the prospect of meeting Biden in Washington again and announced he was looking present the US president his plan for victory in the war against Russia.

Zelensky's office also officially announced the planned trip on Thursday.

Zelensky is first scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York and hold talks on the sideline of the event.

Besides meeting with Biden and Harris in Washington, he is also expected to meet with members of Congress, as well as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who will face Harris in the November 5 election.

Details about the planned meeting with Trump were initially not available.

Zelensky is also looking to meet with representatives of US arms manufacturers and energy firms, it said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the White House on Sept. 26 to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

"The leaders will discuss the state of the war between Russia and Ukraine, including Ukraines strategic planning and U.S. support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Zelensky is heading to the U.S. to attend the 79th U.N. General Assembly in New York and present a five-point victory plan to the American leadership. U.S. officials said they had been acquainted with elements of Zelensky's strategy and voiced belief "that (it) can work."

Biden, who sat in the White House throughout the full-scale war and played a key role in building the pro-Kyiv coalition, will leave office next January. While positioning Washington as Ukraine's leading military donor, the Biden administration has attracted criticism over its careful and piecemeal approach to providing aid.

Kyiv has increasingly criticized its partners in recent weeks, saying that despite the $61 billion U.S. aid bill being passed in April, the assistance is trickling down too slowly and is not enough to equip even "four out of the 14 brigades" the country is mustering.

Ukraine is also still expecting a decision on long-range strikes in Russia with Western arms, something that Washington has been reluctant to approve.

Early next year, Biden will pass over the keys from the White House either to Democratic candidate Harris or her Republican challenger, Donald Trump. Former President Trump said he would "probably" meet with Zelensky next week, as the Ukrainian leader said he wants to present the victory plan to him as well.

Trump's possible return to the White House is causing concern in Ukraine. The pro-Trump wing of the Republican Party blocked the U.S. aid bill in Congress for months earlier this year, which proved detrimental to the situation on the Ukrainian battlefields and contributed to the loss of a key city of Avdiivka.

Statements and rumors coming from Trump's inner circle also suggest he might seek to pressure Ukraine to cede territory or give up its NATO aspirations to achieve a quicker resolution of the war.

The ex-president has repeatedly said he would end the war within "24 hours if reelected" and evaded a question about whether he wants Ukraine to win during a recent debate with Harris.

Read also: We asked 5 prominent Ukrainians to respond to Trump Jrs Negotiate with Russia op-ed

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Zelenskyy to meet Biden, Harris as Ukraine pushes US to loosen restrictions on long-range weapons

WASHINGTON (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington next Thursday for talks with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as he presses for the U.S. to allow Ukraine to use Western-provided weapons to strike deeper into Russia.

Im looking forward to hosting my friend President Zelenskyy of Ukraine next week at the White House, Biden said in message posted on X. During his visit, Ill reaffirm Americas commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence.

The Biden administration still is not convinced that it should give Ukraine the authority to launch long-range missiles deeper into Russia, and U.S. officials say they are seeking more detailed information about how Kyiv would use the weapons and how they fit into the broader strategy for the war.

U.S. officials said they have asked Ukraine to spell out more clearly its combat objectives should the administration green light loosening restrictions on long-range weaponry.

Administration officials are concerned that loosening restrictions would have limited impact and come with great risk. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week warned that Russia would be at war with the United States and its NATO allies if they allow Ukraine to use the long-range weapons.

U.S. defense officials have repeatedly argued that the long-range missiles are limited in number and that Ukraine already is using its own long-range drones to hit targets farther into Russia.

Zelenskyy is notably meeting separately with Harris, who is looking to succeed Biden.

She last met with the Ukrainian president in July at an international gathering in Switzerland to discuss the war, shortly before Biden announced he was abandoning his bid for reelection and endorsed Harris.

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he would move to quickly end the war should he win the November election.

His running mate, Sen. JD Vance, said in a recent interview with the Shawn Ryan Show that Trump's plan would include establishing a demilitarized zone, and Ukraine would not reclaim territory that Russia occupies and would agree not to join NATO.

___

AP writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed reporting.
Zelenskyy to visit US next week: meetings with Biden, Harris and Trump planned

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the United States next week.

Source: Serhii Nikiforov, spokesperson for Zelenskyy

Quote: "Among other things, the Ukrainian president will deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly, meet with representatives of American defence and energy companies, the Ukrainian community and hold bilateral talks with leaders of countries and international organisations on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with US President Joseph Biden to present the Victory Plan. The Ukrainian president expects to discuss the details of this Plan and the US support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom."

Details: In addition, Zelenskyy plans to meet with US Vice President Kamala Harris, representatives of the US Congress from both parties and the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

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Attendees take a closer look at the Apple iPhone 16 during an announcement of new products at Apple headquarters Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Juliana Yamada)

Apple is giving more people the chance to test a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone coming out Friday.

The free update was made available Thursday to an audience that has signed up to test Apple's software before it's released to all iPhone owners next month. As of Thursday, only two premium iPhones that came out last year contain the souped-up processor required to power the AI features included in the update, but that will change Friday when four new iPhone 16 models reach store shelves.

All the iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped to handle the new technology, which the company is marketing as Apple Intelligence. That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhones AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google.

The AI features are being promoted as one of the main reasons to buy an iPhone 16, so releasing a test version of the software powering the technology now may prod more consumers to splurge on one of the new models as soon as possible

The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. The testing of the AI software is beginning just a few days after Apple released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, to all its earlier iPhones.

Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date.

Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures.

But the initial update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it.

Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work last year's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max because they have the special computer chip that's required. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset.

But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones that are still in use, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device.

That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.
New England residents will soon have more power at their fingertips thanks to the world's largest battery with a whopping 85-megawatt output, set to be built in Maine by energy storage startup Form Energy.

While numerous large-scale battery installations exist worldwide, most use lithium-ion batteries, which come with several downsides. Lithium-ion battery prices have dropped recently, but the technology is still quite costly. In addition, they typically have a storage capacity of four hours or less and can ignite or explode in rare cases.

For these reasons, Form Energy is opting for iron-air batteries for the massive battery project. These batteries need only air, water, and iron to operate, harnessing the power of rust and a non-flammable water-based electrolyte to store and discharge energy, as Interesting Engineering explained.

Iron-air batteries are around 90% less expensive to install than lithium-ion and have a much longer duration  around 100 hours of energy output. Plus, there's no fire risk and a much lower environmental impact.

The battery will be deployed in Lincoln, Maine, where a paper and pulp mill once stood. According to Interesting Engineering, the Department of Energy awarded Form Energy $147 million for the 8,500 megawatt-hour capacity battery project, and the company expects it will be operational by 2028.

"While other energy storage solutions, such as pumped hydro plants, have much bigger capacity, this will be the first installation at such a scale using battery technology alone," Interesting Engineering explained.

As Canary Media detailed, the project is much-needed in New England since its grid is vulnerable because of finite supplies of oil and gas. Environmental regulations prevent the construction of new pipelines in the region, forcing northeast states to rely on liquified natural gas imports.

This is especially problematic in the winter when energy demand spikes during cold snaps and power plants must burn oil when gas reserves dwindle.

However, with the world's largest battery storing excess clean energy from wind and solar farms, it will reduce New England's reliance on dirty fuel sources and make the grid more resilient during peak hours or extreme weather.

In addition, having more energy available could help reduce electric bills for residents and lower pollution levels in the area. Plus, Canary Media reported that Form expects the project to bring about 100 short-term construction jobs and five to 10 permanent positions to the region, making it a win-win-win for people, the electric grid, and the planet.

"The New England grid is moving quickly to address its vulnerabilities from a reliability standpoint and its ability to bring on additional low-cost renewables," Form co-founder and CEO Mateo Jaramillo told Canary. "Having multiday-duration storage gives them more levers to solve that complex challenge they have for their grid."

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.
Happy new smartphone season to all who celebrate. Its that time of year again, when the tech giants pull out all the stops to persuade you to upgrade your gadgets.

Recently weve seen Google launch the latest Pixel 9 handsets, followed by Apple unveiling the iPhone 16.

In July, Samsung released the latest versions of its foldable phones, the Z Flip6 and Z Fold6, and Huawei has just upped the ante in that department by unveiling a handset called the Mate XT, in China, which contains two folds, folding the screen into thirds.

With smartphone sales slowing worldwide, the marketing messages getting pushed out are increasingly dazzling.

Apple boss Tim Cook promised that the iPhone16 would redefine what a smartphone would do, whatever that means. Google product management vice president Brian Rakowski waxed lyrical about the stunning design of the gorgeous Pixel 9 (whisper it: it still looks a lot like a black rectangle to me).

Huawei now has its own consumer brand song, it says in its press material, which powerfully expresses the pursuit of dreams, highlighting that every breakthrough and success the company has achieved stems from a belief in dreams.

Yes, we are still talking about phones.

Both Apple and Google have gone big on baked-in AI features. Googles new Magic Editor can add AI generated content into existing photos, as well as remove the bits you dont want (with varying degrees of success, in my experience).

Apple Intelligence on the iPhone16 includes ChatGPT-maker OpenAIs tech being embedded into the digital assistant Siri  which many argue has long been in need of an update.

But has anyone actually said that they want all of this stuff?

Camera quality is said to be one of the main concerns when people buy a new smart phone [Getty Images]

Mobile phone expert Ben Wood, from research firm CCS Insight, said that while AI features aim to make digital life easier, theyre not necessarily on top of everybodys wish list.

I think that most people now know what they want from a phone, with one of the most important things being the camera, he says.

The phone designers also know this. The tech spec of every new handset camera is usually an improvement on the previous generation. But even this isnt a guaranteed sales generator any more.

What is definitely happening is that people are holding on to their phones for longer. Back in 2013 there were 30 million phones sold annually, adds Mr Wood. This year it will be around 13.5 million.

There is of course an ongoing cost of living crisis affecting peoples spending decisions. And theres also an environmental price tag attached to every handset, all of which contain rare elements and precious metals.

In addition, there is a growing trend, especially among parents and young people, to try to step away from smartphones entirely.

A number of UK schools are reviewing their smartphone policies, and a few have already opted for an outright ban. Pupils starting at the public school Eton this term were issued feature phones (sometimes, rather unpopularly known as dumb phones), and I have heard of several other institutions, both in the private and state sectors, which are considering following suit.

The mobile phone network EE recommends that children below the age of 11 shouldnt have smartphones at all.

Nova Eden leads the north and west London branch of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, which urges parents and schools to collaborate to delay the age at which children are given the devices.

We are not anti-tech, we are just pro-childhood, she says. We would like to see tech companies develop a child friendly phone, offering only essential features such as calls, messaging, music, and maps, without any additional functionalities.

Some campaign groups are concerned that kids spend too long on their phones [Getty Images]

Dr Sasha Luccioni, a research scientist at the AI firm Hugging Face, says that so far, this message does not seem to be getting through.

Theres increased talk of digital sobriety in the way we build and use technology  but it sounds like smartphone designers are going in the exact opposite direction, she says.

I put this to Apple, Google and Samsung. The latter said: "Samsung users can choose how they use their Galaxy phones that best fits their needs. For example, digital wellbeing features allow users to select what features they use, when they use them and for how long, such as setting a screen time limit on specific apps they want to restrict."

One company that is listening to the growing calls for reduced phone functionality is the Finnish firm HMD  which still makes basic Nokia handsets. Last month it launched a Barbie-themed phone in collaboration with toymaker Mattel, and I tried it out. The two words I would use to describe it are: functional. And pink.

Like most feature phones, it has no apps, no app store, no selfie camera, and only one game. If you want to listen to music theres an FM radio.

CCS Insight forecasts that around 400,000 feature phones are likely to be sold in the UK this year  nowhere near enough to knock the iPhone off the top of the list of the worlds most-sold handsets any time soon, but not a bad market space.

I just checked my own screentime over the past seven days, and I averaged around five hours per day, This is admittedly a sobering statistic  but it wasnt all doomscrolling (honest). My phone is a work tool, its also what I use for banking, shopping, directions, health tracking and keeping track of family plans, as well as, yes, gaming and social media.

I think the thing we always forget is that there's a tremendous amount of benefits from using smartphones, says Pete Etchells, professor of psychology and science communication at Bath Spa university, who has written extensively about the issue of screen time.

We tend to focus a lot more on the negatives. It's always worth bearing in mind that these are technologies of convenience. They help us. There are some good aspects to them as well.

Read more global business stories
A proposal to build a medical office building on the northwest corner of 70th Street and Nebraska Parkway pitted developers against city planners Wednesday and highlighted the challenges of the busy intersection.

Plans for Glenbrook LLC to build 51,000 square feet of office space for a medical clinic include allowing access to the area from Nebraska Parkway  one of the main topics of discussion during a public hearing before the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission.

Whether the proposal  which includes requests for a zoning change, use permit and comprehensive plan amendment  moves on to the City Council for a vote remains to be seen.

After nearly two hours of testimony Wednesday, the planning commission recommended approval of the zoning, permit and plan amendment on a 4-3 vote. But moving the proposal forward to the City Council takes five affirmative votes, and because two commissioners were absent Wednesday, theyll take another vote at the Oct. 2 meeting.

Although much of the discussion focused on allowing access to the medical clinic from Nebraska Parkway, city officials learned through this proposal that the decision to allow access remains under the purview of the state.

But city planners oppose it because, they say, the roadway has for the past 40 years been an expressway and their policies dont allow driveway access off of it for that reason, despite two exceptions. City policy requires street access to be at least a half-mile apart.

Access is unwise and not in keeping with the long character of trying to develop an expressway within the community. An expressway is a very different kind of street than an arterial, City Planner Steve Henrichsen said.

Developers argue that semitrailer traffic has been reduced since the opening of the South Beltway and that allowing such access is an innovative solution for a complicated property.

Innovation often requires us to be the first to implement new solutions, said David Clausen, associate general counsel for U.S. Property, a commercial property development company. We shouldnt let fear of the unfamiliar prevent us from embracing smart, forward-thinking urban design.

For example, he said, the roundabout at 14th and Superior streets was new at the time but now roundabouts operate safely throughout the city.

Despite the debate, it turns out that although ownership of the portion of the Nebraska Highway 2 within city limits  now called Nebraska Parkway  transferred from the state to the city when the South Beltway opened, access rights remained with the state.

The state, though it initially denied the request, changed its mind.

The city did not, and it still has control over whether to allow the zoning change, comprehensive plan amendment and whether to issue a use permit that would allow waivers to various setbacks.

City officials recommend denial of those requests, in part because of access off of Nebraska Parkway, which would be a right-hand turn lane with a deceleration lane into the property from the westbound lanes just west of the 70th Street intersection. Developers also would create a right-hand turn lane from 70th Street. The city would oppose access to the property from 70th Street.

But planners also say residential development, as the comprehensive plan calls for, is a better use of the land.

Henrichsen said a residential development would have access from 69th Street, which is part of the Southfork neighborhood. He said residential development in the area would require less grading, and said the proximity to Nebraska Parkway hasnt deterred other residential developments.

But Rob Otte, senior general counsel with U.S. Property, said theyve tried to interest builders in residential developments in the area to no avail, largely because of traffic and noise.

Ive met personally with some builders, he said. There is not a builder that would take that site.

Henrichsen also argued there is sufficient space available for commercial development, and in recent years many commercial sites have been developed as residential areas because of lack of demand.

Clausen said their proposal is a targeted development to increase access to health care in Lincoln and Henrichsens argument is concerning.

This statement sends a chilling message to the business community, one that is detrimental to our citys economic future, he said. In a state and a city that desperately needs development dollars for job creation and broadening the tax base, we should be fostering an environment that welcomes investment and not discouraging it.

Developers have worked extensively with the Southfork Neighborhood Association, which was most concerned about increased traffic, and supports the development. Developers have agreed upon an extensive set of covenants, which include restrictions on various issues such as buffers, landscaping, retail uses and integrating solar energy.

But other residents in other neighborhoods, including those in the Country Meadows Neighborhood Association, oppose the development. They are concerned with increased traffic in the area, light and noise and more commercial development encroaching on residential neighborhoods in the area.

Public safety is the concern we have at Country Meadows, said resident Jeff Woita, who said the speed limit should be lowered. Its a dangerous intersection. Its almost like an autobahn.

Commissioner Dick Campbell made a motion to approve the requests, saying he cant see another solution for that property.

I came in ready to deny this thing, he said, but changed his mind. I think the turn lane theory theyre proposing makes the most sense for traffic in that entire intersection area.

Commissioner Maribel Cruz said the city and county have a comprehensive plan for a reason, and expert staff making recommendations that are best for the entire city.

Cruz, Gloria Eddins and Brett Ebert voted against recommending approval. Campbell, Cristy Joy, Rich Rodenburg and Lorenzo Ball voted for it.

Top Journal Star photos for September 2024
A spectacular art action in Budapest by an artist of the youngart online gallery in collaboration with Absolut has resulted in the repainting of a bench in Hajos Street, near the Opera House.

The initiative was inspired by Andy Warhol's Blue Painting, a work of art that was rediscovered a few years ago, depicting the Absolut bottle, which will soon be exhibited to the public for the first time in Europe in Stockholm.



From mid-September, passers-by will also be able to see an eye-catching bench, repainted in Budapest's sixth district, in Hajos Street, thanks to a collaboration between the youngart online gallery and Absolut.



The public space initiative pays tribute to Andy Warhol's 'blue' painting, whose discovery in 2020 was a global sensation, and which will be exhibited to the public for the first time thanks to Absolut and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.



The painting will be on show at the Spritmuseum in Stockholm as the centrepiece of the new exhibition Andy Warhol, Money On The Wall on 17 October.



More than just an ordinary bench

Warhol found pop culture and everyday objects an inexhaustible theme. He often photographed urban benches, for example, which he saw as the sites of exciting encounters, great conversations and intimate moments - a concept that also inspired the bench painting project by Absolut and youngart.



The bench was repainted by visual and street artist Orsi Fleith (MixedFlo), who is known for her socially critical, dialogue-sparking works. The bench she transformed pays homage to Warhol's well-known works and also to the rediscovered Blue Painting: painted in blue with expressive brushstrokes, it also evokes one of the iconic artist's most recognisable motifs, the banana, in blue and pink.



"The aim of youngart is to connect young, talented artists with the public, to give them exposure, and our collaboration with Absolut reinforces this ambition. In addition, with this action we are also evoking the spirit of Warhol: we are bringing art closer to the people on the street with a completely ordinary object that is used by everyone, and at the same time we are turning the bench on Hajos Street into a work of art", said Panka Radics, head of youngart gallery.
The European Commission will start deducting the 200 million euro fine from the funding payable to Hungary as the country has failed to pay by the deadline, the EC's spokesperson said.





The second deadline of payment of the fine imposed in a ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union on June 13, after Hungary missed the first, was on September 17.



Balazs Ujvari said the Commission was mulling whether to deduct one lump sum or instalments.



In connection with a daily fine of 1 million euros, Hungary was also required to notify the EC on measures it would take to align its procedures with those ordered by the CJEU which imposed the fine in connection with the country's migration practices, Ujvari said.



The Hungarian authorities have given no response, and so the EC has sent the first request for payment, Ujvari said. The fine for the period between June 13 and September 17 comes to 93 million euros, and Hungary has 45 days to pay it, he added.



In the ruling issued last December, the CJEU said Hungary was "not respecting" EU legislation, including those on international asylum and on returning illegal immigrants to their home countries.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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The so-called "pager issue" poses no security risk to Hungary, the state secretary for international communication and relations said on Facebook.

Hungary's position is that "authorities have confirmed that the company in question is a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary", Zoltan Kovacs said.



"It has one manager registered at its declared address, and the referenced devices have never been in Hungary."



"During further investigations, Hungarian national security services are cooperating with all relevant international partner agencies and organizations,"he said.







Pagers used in Lebanon detonations shipped by Bulgarian firm, Hungarian company was 'only used on paper' - Telex

The pagers used in detonations in Lebanon were purchased by a Sofia-based company from Taiwan, news portal Telex has reported, adding that the Hungarian company linked to the case did not play an active role in the supply of the devices.



Telex cited Zoltan Kovacs, the state secretary for international communication and relations, as saying that the company in question "is a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary" and that the devices themselves "have never been in Hungary".



Hsu Ching-Kuang, the CEO of Gold Apollo which distributes the device, told a press conference on Wednesday that the AR-924 pagers ordered by Hezbollah were manufactured under license by a company called BAC. Hsu and the company's first official statement only said that the pagers were manufactured by a European company with an office in Taipei, but later BAC Consulting Ltd. of Budapest was specifically named as the company responsible for the production and distribution of the devices.



Telex's sources said BAC Consulting Ltd. was merely an intermediary in the transaction and had not actually carried out any activities itself. The company does not even have an office and is only registered at the address of a headquarters service provider, Telex said.



"Sources with knowledge of the case told us that the managing director of BAC Consulting, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, was in contact with a Bulgarian company, Norta Global Ltd, based in Sofia. Although on paper it was BAC Consulting that signed the contract with Gold Apollo, Norta Global Ltd. was actually the one behind the deal," the portal said.



It added that it was not BAC Consulting, but rather the Bulgarian company, that imported the pagers from Taiwan, and was also the one that arranged the sale and delivery of the equipment to Hezbollah.



The Bulgarian company is owned by a Norwegian individual and is registered to a headquarters service provider, Telex said. It was founded in April 2022 and, on paper, is engaged in project management, but it is presumed that it does not manufacture anything.



According to Telex's sources, Barsony-Arcidiacono only acted as an intermediary, and the Hungarian company was only needed to cover up the Bulgarian thread.



Telex cited Barsony-Arcidiacono confirming to NBC News that her company had indeed worked with Gold Apollo, but when asked about the pagers and the detonations, she said, "I don't make pagers. I'm just the middleman. I think you misunderstood the situation."



The portal cited EU foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano as warning against jumping to conclusions. "The reasons and how it was done, how it was organised, needs to be investigated," he said.



It cited the Government Information Centre (KTK) as saying in response to a query by news portal Hvg.hu that "there is freedom of enterprise in Hungary. The company in question has never received any assignment for any projects from the Hungarian government and has never applied for any authorisation by the government. It operates as a private business."



DK calls for convening natl security cttee over Lebanon pager blasts

The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) has proposed convening parliament's national security committee over the mass pager attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon.



DK leader Ferenc Gyurcsany told an online press conference on Thursday that "a Hungarian intermediary company ... acting as a front company for the Israeli secret services" was linked to the case.



"Israel and the government of [Benjamin] Netanyahu ... is in a close alliance with [the Hungarian] government," Gyurcsany said. "So one possibility is that our ally established a front company in Hungary without our knowing, using it to attack a terrorist organisation."



"An obvious consequence of this is that if this becomes public, Hungary, too, can become a target of terrorist attacks," he said. "It wouldn't be right if we didn't know about this."



Gyurcsany said it was "also a problem" if the government had known that Israel's secret services were using Hungary as a "front", adding that he did not believe "Hungary should have authorised this".



Zoltan Kovacs, the state secretary for international communication and relations, said on Facebook on Wednesday that the matter "poses no security risk to Hungary". The Hungarian authorities, he said, "have confirmed that the company in question is a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary". "It has one manager registered at its declared address, and the referenced devices never entered Hungary," he added.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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The local unit of Universal Leaf Tobacco (ULT) expects the quality of this year's tobacco crop to be "slightly" lower than last year's, but still good, ULT Magyarorszag's agronomics director told MTI.

Tibor Fekete said ULT expected to buy over 2,000 tonnes of Virginia tobacco and close to 400 tonnes of Burley tobacco this season. The harvest is expected to finish by the end of September, he added.



Meanwhile, FK 2000 completes HUF 276m grain store investment

Agribusiness FK 2000 has completed a HUF 276m grain store investment in Felsopahok (W Hungary), the company told MTI.



FK 2000 was awarded a HUF 138m European Union and state grant for the project.



FK 2000 grows wheat, maize and sunflower on an area of more than 250 hectares. Earlier, because of a lack of storage capacity, it sold 60-70pc of its crop immediately after the harvest.



The company had net sales revenue of HUF 162m in 2023, public records show.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.
The Italians and the Hungarians are two freedom fighter people that never surrender, never give up their freedom and never give up their countries to foreigners, the prime minister said in Pontida, in northern Italy, where he addressed as guest speaker the annual rally held by Matteo Salvini's League party.
Omara Portuondo Pays Tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club in Budapest: A Special Concert and Unique Opportunity for the Hungarian Audience on October 6, 2024

We are pleased to announce that Omara Portuondo, the living legend of Cuban music, will pay tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club. This special concert is not only an opportunity for music lovers to hear one of the greatest icons of world music live, but also one of the key stops on Omaras farewell tour.



Born in Havana in 1930, Omara Portuondo has become a defining figure not only in Cuban music but on the global music scene as well. Throughout her career, she became known as one of the leading artists in the filin genre, which blends American torch songs with Cuban jazz. Through the Buena Vista Social Club project, Omara gained recognition not only in Cuba but around the world.



The Buena Vista Social Club was a tremendous gift for me and forever changed my life. I decided to stay young and learn something new every day," Omara stated.



The Buena Vista Social Club gained worldwide fame in 1997 when American guitarist and producer Ry Cooder brought together this iconic Cuban band, with Omara Portuondo as the only female member of the group. That same year, they made their debut in the United States on the legendary Carnegie Hall stage. The global success of the Buena Vista Social Club film and album launched Omara into a new chapter of her life, allowing her to win the admiration of multiple generations of fans.



Over the years, she has participated in numerous world tours and has been recognized with many awards and accolades from the music world. Her latest album, "Vida," won a Latin Grammy Award and was also nominated for an American Grammy. Through the Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo's name became forever intertwined with the richness of Cuban music and the history of world music.



The legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club is at the heart of Omara Portuondos 2024 tour, with performances in Spain, the United States, and Hungary. Her concert in Budapest offers a unique opportunity for Hungarian fans to experience the musical heritage of the Buena Vista Social Club live, while also getting a closer look at the iconic artist. The concert promises special moments, as Omara will perform some of the greatest songs of her career, evoking the richness and magic of Cuban music.



During the performance in Budapest, the audience will not only enjoy a musical presentation but also experience a true Latin celebration, where the passion of Cuban culture and music come together. Omara Portuondo has always brought deep emotions to her performances, and this concert will be no exception. The evocation of the Buena Vista Social Club's musical legacy is an experience not to be missed.





Don't miss the chance to be part of this special evening, which brings the brilliance of the Buena Vista Social Club and Omara Portuondo to Budapest!



Tickets:

eventim.hu



The concert is organized by the Green Stage Production office, whose motto is:

"The protection of our Earth, and therefore our conscious goal, is to be able to calculate the Ecological Footprint of the given events from the energy consumption data necessary for the implementation of every concert or performance we organize, and as a result of these calculations, plant as many trees in our country as can offset this created ecological footprint.
New Delhi: Accenture Plc, a leading global consulting and technology firm is pushing back the timing of most staff promotions by six months. As per report by Bloomberg, in an internal blog post shared with employees, the tech firm announced that promotions, typically announced in December, will now be announced in June 2025. This adjustment will affect the companys extensive workforce of over 750,000 employees around the world.

We are permanently changing our primary promotion date from December to June, which is when we have better visibility of our clients planning and demand, the company said in a statement.

Accenture Withholds Pay Raises in India and Sri Lanka in 2023

Last October, Accenture announced it would not be giving salary increases to its employees in India and Sri Lanka for 2023 except where legally required or for essential roles. With over 300,000 employees in India, had postponed promotions for senior management till June 2024.

Accentures shares in March experienced their biggest drop in four years after the company lowered its revenue growth forecast for fiscal 2024. The new prediction of up to 3 per cent growth was down from the earlier estimate of 5 per cent.

Similar to many of its rivals, Accenture significantly increased its workforce during the pandemic to handle growing demand. However, more than a year ago the company revealed plans to reduce its staff by 19,000 positionsroughly 2.5 per cent of its total workforceover the next 18 months.

Other consulting firms, such as McKinsey & Co., Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers have also cut staff in response to the economic slowdown. Despite this a recent increase in demand for automation and AI projects has provided a welcome boost.
New Delhi: The government has raised the cap on refund amounts for small depositors of the Sahara Group Cooperative Societies to Rs 50,000, up from the previous limit of Rs 10,000, a senior cooperation ministry official said on Wednesday.

The government has so far released Rs 370 crore to more than 4.29 lakh depositors of Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies through the CRCS-Sahara refund portal.

"With an increase in the limit of refund amount to Rs 50,000, about Rs 1,000 crore payment will be made in the next 10 days," the official said.

Last week, the cap on refund amount for small depositors was raised to Rs 50,000 each from Rs 10,000, the official said.

The government is vetting the claims of depositors carefully before releasing the refund.

Following a Supreme Court order, the CRCS-Sahara refund portal was launched on July 18, 2023, for submission of claims by genuine depositors of Sahara Group's four multi-state cooperative societies for refund of their legitimate deposits.

The societies are Sahara Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, Lucknow; Saharayn Universal Multipurpose Society Ltd, Bhopal; Humara India Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, Kolkata; and Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd, Hyderabad.

In accordance with a Supreme Court order dated March 29, 2023, an amount of Rs 5,000 crore was transferred from the Sebi-Sahara Refund Account to the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) on May 19, 2023.

The disbursement of money digitally is being monitored by Justice R Subhash Reddy, a Supreme Court judge.
New Delhi: The new tourism minister of Thailand, Sorawong Thienthong is considering reintroducing a 300 baht (Rs 750) tourism tax, as per Business Standard report. The tax was initially approved by the Thai cabinet in 2021 but was put on hold by the previous administration under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin due to resistance from the private sector.

This decision follows Sorawong's recent pledge, made after he took office on September 16, 2024, to boost Thailand's tourism revenue to at least 3 trillion baht this year.

"I believe the collection of tourism fees benefits the tourism industry since the revenue can be used for the development of infrastructure and attractions, as well as to ensure tourist safety," The report quoted Sorawong as saying that while this is a possibility, more time is needed to evaluate it thoroughly before making a decision.

How is Thailand's tourism tax structured?

Thailand's tourism tax is structured as follows: air travelers are charged 300 baht (approximately Rs 750), while those entering by land or sea pay 150 baht (around Rs 380).

Those exempted from paying Thailand's tourism tax include:

- Children under the age of two

- Transit passengers

- Diplomatic passport holders

- Individuals with work permits

What are some other countries that impose a tourism tax?

Many popular cities and countries around the world charge a tourism tax. Here are a few examples://

- Edinburgh and Barcelona: Charge a regional tax and a city surcharge, which can be up to several euros per night.

- Paris: The tax is based on the type of accommodation and its star rating, with higher fees for luxury hotels.

- Venice: Has a fee that varies depending on the location and type of accommodation.

- Austria: Implements a nightly accommodation tax, which differs by province.

- Belgium: Has a tourist tax that varies by city and the hotel's size or rating, with Brussels charging up to around 7.50 (approximately Rs 702) per room.

- Bhutan: Charges visitors a daily fee of $100 (around Rs 8,395) to limit the number of tourists and preserve its environment and cultural heritage, with this fee expected to remain until at least 2027.
NEW DELHI: When Atishi takes oath as Delhi Chief Minister on September 21, she will enter history books as being only the third woman to accomplish the feat after BJP's Sushma Swaraj and Congress' Sheila Dikshit. Atishi's elevation to the top post comes at a crucial juncture for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is looking to return to power in the Delhi Assembly polls early next year as well as for the government, which will have to fast-track pending policies and schemes for public welfare.

The senior leader will have her task cut out after assuming office and will be running against time to ensure implementation of schemes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 and doorstep delivery of services among others. However, Atishi is not new to rising to such situations. Her induction into the cabinet also happened when the government was going through testing times following the arrest of deputy chief minister and the then Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's trusted lieutenant, Manish Sisodia last year in excise policy case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Atishi, along with Saurabh Bharadwaj, joined the Delhi government following the resignation of Sisodia and Satyendar Jain. Atishi, 43, took to governance, heading 13 major portfolios in the Kejriwal government, including those of finance, revenue, education and public works department.

She was unanimously chosen as the chief minister-designate during the legislature party meeting here on Tuesday.

Even though Atishi joined AAP in 2013, she stayed in the background working as an adviser to the government on education-related policies and made a foray into electoral politics only in 2019 when she unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls from East Delhi against BJP's Gautam Gambhir. Before venturing into active politics, Atishi dropped her surname Marlena, a portmanteau of Marx and Lenin, since she wanted that her political affiliations should not be misconstrued.

In 2020, Atishi again contested elections, this time the Delhi Assembly polls, and was elected as an MLA from Kalkaji. The fact that she enjoys the confidence of Kejriwal and Sisodia paved the way for her to succeed Kejriwal. Atishi's parents Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi were Delhi University professors. She received her Bachelor's degree in History from Delhi University's St Stephen's College and topped her batch.

She also holds postgraduate degrees in Education and History from the University of Oxford.
Amid the ongoing controversy over the use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddoos during the previous regime, a lab report has surfaced confirming that the laddoos offered to devotees as prasad at Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh contained animal fats and fish oil.

The row over the Tirupati laddoos erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in making the famous Tirupati laddoos. He also demanded stern action against those involved in it.

Following Naidu's claims, a report by NDDB CALF has revealed that the samples of the ghee used in making Tirupati laddoos contained foreign fat, including palm oil, fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of a pig), according to reports. NDDB is a private laboratory focused on testing animal feed and milk and milk products.

Lab report of samples sent from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam that were sent to National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat for testing.



TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy says, "...The lab reports of samples certify that beef tallow and animal fat - lard, and fish oil https://t.co/jwHKaS3erw pic.twitter.com/9eZasbkewh  ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

Earlier in the day, the YSRCP slammed Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu for claims pertaining to Tirupati laddoos and said this has undermined the deity and hurt the sentiments of the devotees.

State Congress chief Y S Sharmila, sister of YSRCP president and former CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, demanded a CBI probe to ascertain Naidu's claim. She assailed the CM and YSRCP for indulging in 'heinous politics' over the preparation of Tirupati laddoos.

During an NDA legislative party meeting on Wednesday, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that the previous YSRCP government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara temple and used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making laddoos.

Sharmila said Naidus allegations hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus who consider Lord Venkateswara as a revered deity. Immediately constitute a high-level committee or investigate with the CBI whether animal fat was used instead of ghee, said Sharmila in a press release.

Senior YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy noted that Naidus allegations have undermined the hallowed nature of the deity and hurt the sentiments of the devotees. It is unimaginable to even say that animal fat was used in the consecrated food offered to the deity and the laddoos given to devotees. There is no other heinous attempt than alleging that animal fat was being used, said Subba Reddy.

I believe in Venkateswara Swamy, and you (Naidu) claim to be a devotee too, so come, lets swear before the deity. I am ready to take an oath before the deity. I will come and swear along with my family, he said, demanding Naidu if he stands by his allegations.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its manifesto for upcoming Haryana Assembly Elections which are scheduled to be held on October 5, 2024. The saffron party's 'Sankalp Patra' includes promises such as monthly financial aid for women, the construction of industrial cities, free medical treatment, government jobs, housing projects, and various welfare schemes targeting different sections of society.

Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda released the party's manifesto for the Haryana Assembly Elections in Rohtak, Haryana. Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and a candidate from Ladwa constituency for upcoming polls were also presentKey Promises Made By BJP.

Key Promises Made By BJP

The party promised to give 2 lakh govt jobs.

BJP's Haryana manifesto also said cooking gas cylinders at Rs 500 under Har Ghar Grihini Yojna.

Every Agniveer hailing from Haryana will get a guaranteed govt job, says BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' released in Rohtak.

BJP promises Rs 2,100 per month for women under Lado Lakshmi Yojna.

We will establish separate welfare boards with sufficient budget for the welfare of the small backward communities (36 castes).

We will increase the amount of monthly pensions for all social communities based on a scientific formula linking DA and pensions.

We will provide full scholarships to students from Haryana belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes (SC) who are pursuing medical and engineering courses in any government college in India.

The Haryana state government will provide a guarantee for loans of 25 lakh, in addition to the Mudra Yojana, for all entrepreneurs from Other Backward Classes (OBC).

We will make Haryana a global education hub that provides training in AI and modern skills.

We will establish an international-level Aravalli Jungle Safari Park spanning 10,000 acres in South Haryana.

We will guarantee government jobs for every Haryana firefighter.

The saffron party's 'Sankalp Patra' includes promises such as monthly financial aid for women, the construction of industrial cities, free medical treatment, government jobs, housing projects, and various welfare schemes targeting different sections of society.

We will launch Rapid Rail (RRTS) services with the support of the Government of India between Delhi and Palwal, Delhi and Dharuhera, Delhi and Rohtak, and Delhi and Panipat. Additionally, we will operate an intercity express metro service from Bata Chowk, Faridabad, to Sector 56, Gurugram.
India on Thursday strongly reacted to summons issued by a US court to the Indian government over the civil suit filed by pro-Khalistan separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun alleging a plot to assassinate him. This included the recent killing of a prominent leader of the Khalistan movement, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia.

Besides the Indian government, Pannun also sued several senior intelligence officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta. As per the summons, a reply has been sought within 21 days.

Reacting to Pannun's lawsuit against the Indian government in the US over an 'assassination' attempt, New Delhi said that the summons was "completely unwarranted." Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that this particular case has been lodged, but it doesn't change our views about the underlying situation.

"As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged, It doesn't change our views about the underlying situation. I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known. I would also underline the fact that the organization so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organization, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India," Misri said during the afternoon briefing.

#WATCH | On designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun filed lawsuit against Indian govt in US over 'assassination' attempt, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular pic.twitter.com/qAbYrc177C September 19, 2024

Pannun, designated as a terrorist by India, is seeking damages from India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, R&AW officer Vikram Yadav, and Nikhil Gupta, accused of attempting to murder Pannun. Gupta is currently being held in a Brooklyn prison awaiting trial. According to the Times of India, Pannun's lawsuit, filed in a New York federal district court, claims the Indian government was involved in the assassination plots. India has denied any involvement.

Nijjar was gunned down outside his gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., in June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September 2023 that the assassination appears to have been ordered by India. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has charged four Indian nationals residing in Canada with Nijjar's murder.

One of the defendants in Pannuns lawsuit is Nikhil Gupta, who is currently held in a Brooklyn prison while awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot. The other officialsVikram Yadav, Samant Goel, and Ajit Dovalremain in India and have not been charged. While this action is only indicting the foot soldiers, this lawsuit is really against the government of India, Canada based The Globe and Mail quoted Pannun as saying.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday refuted a report that claimed that artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers were diverted by European customers to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. The MEA termed the report "speculative and misleading" and said that India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items.

In a statement on Thursday, the MEA said, "We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous. India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items."

"India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end-user obligations and certifications," the ministry further stated.

MEA issues a response to media queries on the Reuters report on the diversion of Indian Defence Exports to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/VDsUtQTvU2  ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

The clarification comes after a Reuters report claimed that the transfer of ammunition to aid Ukraine's defense against Russia has been ongoing for more than a year.

"Indian arms export regulations limit the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser, who risks future sales being terminated if unauthorised transfers occur," the report stated. It further alleged that New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade, even after protests from Russia. "Moscow has raised the issue on at least two occasions, including during a meeting in July between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar," the report claimed.

In the report, the news agency quoted two Indian government and two defence industry sources claiming that New Delhi produced only a very small amount of the ammunition being used by Kyiv.

One of the officials estimated that it was under 1 percent of the total arms imported by Kyiv since the war began. In the Reuters report, it was revealed that the war-torn Ukraine is battling to contain a Russian offensive toward the eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk, which has a dire shortage of artillery ammunition.
RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: The junior doctors in West Bengal called off their 40-day protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar medical college and hospital in Kolkata. While announcing the end of their strike, the junior doctors said that they will resume their duties on Saturday. It is pertinent to mention that emergency services will be resumed; however, OPD services will remain suspended.

This comes after the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government accepted most of the demands of the medics. Meanwhile, there have been massive floods in south Bengal where health services are required on priority. Speaking on the development, Dr. Aqeeb said that the protesting medics have achieved a lot during the agitation, but many things remain unachieved. He also said that although the protest has been called off, the agitation is not over.

"On the 41st day of the protest, West Bengal Junior Doctors Front wants to say that we achieved a lot during our agitation, but many things remain unachieved... We made the Kolkata Commissioner of Police resign and the DME and DHS resign. But this doesn't mean the agitation is over. We will take it forward in a new way. We have received a directive from Nabanna after our meeting with the Chief Secretary yesterday. In the directive, we have been assured that safety and security implementations will be made, but it has not been specified when... Threat culture has claimed the life of 'Abhaya'... We still demand that the principal secretary be removed and action be taken on threat culture... Tomorrow we are organising a rally from Swasthya Bhawan to the CGO complex and end our protest. We will keep a close watch on the administration after we resume our duties... If we find anything out of place, we will come back stronger. We are returning to work on Saturday and resume essential services. OPD and OT services will remain suspended because we want to ensure that measures are taken to ensure the security of female colleagues. Our agitation will continue. Justice for Abhaya will always be our priority, and our eyes are on the Supreme Court hearing and on the steps taken by the government," the medic said.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Dr Aqeeb says, "On the 41st day of the protest, West Bengal Junior Doctors Front wants to say that we achieved a lot during our agitation, but many things remain unachieved... We made the Kolkata Commissioner of Police resign and the DME, DHS https://t.co/ESVrACsWF1 pic.twitter.com/doJGiK1Qq3  ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been visiting the flood-hit areas since yesterday. The last meeting with the doctors was attended by the Chief Secretary on Wednesday, during which the demands and suggestions pertaining to security were accepted.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Secretary wrote to the Principal Secretary, giving instructions to ensure adequate availability of on-duty rooms, washrooms, CCTVs, deployment of police and security personnel, which would include women, mobile police teams for surveillance at night, a central helpline, panic buttons, and alarms.

In the early hours of Wednesday, doctors announced their decision to continue their protest over the RG Kar rape and murder case. The medics had declared that they would persist with their sit-in and abstain from duties.

The stance remained firm despite the state's response to their previous demands, which included the appointment of Manoj Kumar Verma as the new Kolkata Police chief in place of Vineet Goyal and the dismissal of two senior health department officials.

The doctors, following a lengthy general body meeting that extended from the evening into the night, had dubbed these administrative actions as merely a "partial victory" for their cause.
Twin attacks have struck Lebanon recently. On Wednesday (September 18) walkie-talkies were used to detonate explosives, killing at least 20 people and injuring 450 in an attack aimed at Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and paramilitary group. This came just a day after pager blasts claimed the lives of at least 12 people, including children, and left thousands injured across the country.

Israels defence minister described the situation as the start of a new era of warfare, indirectly admitting the countrys involvement in the surprise attacks that have brought the region closer to a larger conflict. Yoav Gallant stated, The focus is shifting north, referring to the border with Lebanon.

A former Indian military intelligence officer, on his part, told a media outlet that the recent events in Lebanon signalled the start of a new kind of warfare. He explained that phones could now listen to conversations, making them a weapon. This shows a big change in how modern warfare is being fought.

Pagers Journey: Asia to Hezbollah

According to a Lebanese security source who spoke to CNN, Hezbollah had purchased the pagers that exploded in recent months. The New York Times, citing US and other officials, reported that Israel had placed explosives near the battery of each pager, along with a remote detonation switch.

When CNN investigated where the pagers came from, they discovered a supply chain that went from Asia to Europe. A Taiwanese electronics company revealed that a small European firm had produced the pagers connected to the deadly attack on Hezbollah members in Lebanon.

At Gold Apollos, a very ordinary office on the outskirts of Taiwans capital, company founder Hsu Ching-kuang denied producing the pagers used in Tuesdays (September 17) attack with their brand name. He later suggested that a Budapest-based company, BAC Consulting, might be responsible, but this claim is unsubstantiated.

Gold Apollo stated that BAC was entirely responsible for the design and production of the products. Hsu, the founder, mentioned that his company had begun working with the Hungarian firm around three years ago. These claims raise more doubts about who actually made the devices and how they ended up in the hands of the Hezbollah. However, Hungarian officials rejected Gold Apollos claims, clarifying that the Budapest-based company was only a trading middleman and had no manufacturing facilities in Hungary.

Counterfeit Walkie-Talkies Suspected

A Japanese company, ICOM, which produces walkie-talkies and radio devices for marine, aviation and land users, and considers itself a world leader in the amateur radio market, as stated on its website, said on Thursday that the model of its walkie-talkie connected to the explosions in Lebanon had been discontinued 10 years ago and had not been shipped from their company since then.

The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was manufactured and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 until October 2014. The company also mentioned that production of the devices batteries had stopped. Since the products did not have a hologram seal to identify fakes, they could not confirm if the devices were originally shipped by them.

Lebanons communications ministry reported that the walkie-talkies used in Wednesdays attack were an older model, the IC-V82, manufactured by a Japanese company. According to the ministry, the IC-V82 radios were not obtained from an official dealer, did not have proper licences and had not been checked by the security authorities.

India Faces Newer Warfare Challenges

The former Indian military intelligence officer who spoke to a media outlet on the recent events in Lebanon signalling the start of a new kind of warfare explained that the expression that phones could now listen to conversations, turning them into weapons meant that mobile phones or other communication devices were being used to secretly monitor, or eavesdrop on, peoples conversations, meaning to secretly listen to a conversation without the speakers knowing about it.

This information can then be exploited for harmful purposesspying, gathering sensitive data, or manipulating situations. In this context, phones are no longer just communication tools, but are being turned into instruments of warfare, used for surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The officer added that he had often mentioned that controlling the electromagnetic spectrum was key to dominating future battlefields. Think of the electromagnetic spectrum as an open ocean. Those who control the main routes hold the power. It is similar to the Suez Canal. The seas may be open, but the one who controls the canal controls a significant part of global power.

The electromagnetic spectrum refers to the range of all types of energy waves, such as radio waves, microwaves and light, which help us communicate, see and transfer data. Controlling this spectrum means managing how these waves are used, which can be crucial for technology and defence.

Col. Bakshi, a former senior military officer, while speaking to Russian media Sputnik, used Russia as an example to highlight how warfare had changed. He pointed out that, instead of traditional weapons, such as grenades and machine guns, drones were now being used to directly deliver explosives into enemy territory. According to the Colonel, future wars will not take place on traditional battlefields, but will be fought behind the scenes, relying more on covert and technological strategies.

The Colonel has warned that relying too much on foreign software and hardware could lead to big problems globallyand not only for India. He has pointed out that, if such a service as Google were to go offline for just 3-4 hours, it could cause widespread panic. If people rely too much on technology and it is suddenly taken away, it will feel like being naked in public, explains the Colonel.

A few years ago, Bombay faced a power outage and, in Delhi, hospitals were hacked, causing confusion for three days as no one could access patients records or their medical histories. So, imagine this happening nationwide, where everything relies on data. From daily tasks to using your Aadhaar card, if someone blocks your ability to receive OTPs, banks could shut down. The resulting chaos would be overwhelming and truly frightening.

Software Origins a Red Flag for India?

Sanjiv Arora, a cyber security expert, told Sputnik that the Lebanon explosions seemed to have been triggered by modified pagers used in the attack. It was unlikely that any manufacturer would produce these pagers as regular items, since global compatibility standards were typically set by such organisations as the IEEE or IETF.

Experts highlighted that such countries as India were becoming more reliant on technology, particularly for services related to data verification and banking. India needs to be cautious about whom we buy technology from and what kind of features we choose. Are we buying standard products? Or are they customized, which can increase the chances of bugs and errors.

We should adopt a detailed monitoring strategy that does not just focus on potential attacks or errors, but also keeps an eye on any unusual activities or inconsistencies. By examining all irregularities, we can identify hidden issues early on and prevent them from turning into major problems. This broader approach ensures that nothing gets overlooked, improving overall security and reliability.

(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
Advanced technologies are enhancing productivity and efficiency, setting the stage for significant improvements in the sector. This evolution promises to elevate Assam's agricultural landscape, harnessing cutting-edge solutions to drive progress and establish new standards of excellence in farming practices.

Assams rice yield currently stands at 2.4 tons per hectare, below the national average of 3.5 tons. This gap highlights the tremendous opportunity for improvement through digital innovations. Advanced technologies like IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, and smart irrigation systems are set to boost crop yields and optimize resource use significantly. Enhanced early pest detection and blockchain for transparency will strengthen food safety and ensure traceability.

Additionally, digital platforms will simplify access to government schemes, making information and application processes more transparent and efficient. Combined with robust digital training for farmers, these innovations promise to transform challenges into opportunities, paving the way for Assam's bright and prosperous future in agriculture.

Embracing Digitalisation in Agriculture in Assam

Digitalization is not merely a trend but a powerful force of transformation in Assam's agriculture. It equips farmers with innovative tools to enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. This force is reshaping agriculture in profound ways, and all stakeholders must embrace these changes to remain competitive and ensure the sustainability of Assam's agriculture.

In Assam, digitalisation is making significant strides with impactful initiatives:

Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board Portal: Enhances procurement and fertiliser distribution.

NERACE Platform: Bridges Northeast India with global markets.

NESACs Remote Sensing: Offers early flood warnings and risk assessments.

Mission Basundhara: Improves land management.

Krisarthak: Delivers financial literacy.

Pathar Bazar: Provides timely crop advisories.

These initiatives build a robust foundation for digital growth, boosting connectivity and digital literacy to further empower Assam's agriculture sector.

Advanced Technologies Driving Modern Agriculture:

Precision Agriculture: With GPS and IoT sensors, farmers can monitor soil health, crop conditions, and weather patterns in real-time, enabling data-driven decisions and optimized resource use.

Predictive Analytics: AI and machine learning are not just predicting but actively shaping the future by forecasting pest outbreaks, disease risks, and yield predictions. This allows farmers to take proactive measures and minimize losses. These tools enhance confidence in farming practices by safeguarding against unforeseen challenges.

Irrigation Management: Smart irrigation systems adjust water usage based on soil moisture and weather forecasts, promoting water conservation and reducing operational costs.

Supply Chain Efficiency: Digital platforms are revolutionizing the supply chain, directly connecting farmers with buyers, eliminating intermediaries, and ensuring fair pricing and timely delivery.

Farmer Education: Mobile apps and online platforms provide valuable access to agricultural training, market information, and expert advice, equipping farmers with essential knowledge and resources.

Opportunities For Advancing Assam's Agriculture Sector:

"With the Assam Government's IT initiatives, we see immense potential for transformative improvements across multiple sectors. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI-driven analytics, cloud computing, and mobile platforms, we can empower local communities, enhance governance, and streamline service delivery. We aim to build scalable, sustainable solutions that drive digital transformation and create long-term value for the people of Assam."

 Venkat Lakshminarasimha, Head of Solutions, Dexian India

A positive and proactive approach that blends modern technology with supportive policies is essential to revolutionize Assam's agricultural sector. By fostering innovative practices through targeted campaigns and training, farmers can confidently embrace new methods. Cooperative farming and incentives for high-yield seeds will address land fragmentation and significantly boost productivity.

Key Strategies To Elevate Assams Agriculture Include:

Customized Applications: Implementing Agri Stack and Digital Crop Surveys to streamline data collection and integration with government systems.

Cloud Transformation: Utilizing scalable and secure cloud infrastructure for seamless data integration and real-time analytics.

Cognitive Computing: Leveraging advanced AI technologies like Mistral and GPT-4 to offer valuable predictive insights.

Complex Data and Analytics: Providing actionable insights to optimize production and decision-making.

Advanced Agricultural Monitoring: Combining Satellite-Based Crop Health Tracking with AI/ML for Effective Pest and Disease Detection.

Blockchain: Enhancing transparency and traceability in supply chains.

FinTech and E-commerce: Improving farmers' access to credit, insurance, and online marketplaces.

Assams agricultural sector can experience transformative growth and innovation by embracing these advanced technologies and supportive practices.

Conclusion

"Leveraging our experience in supporting the Bihar Government to introduce 10 impactful policies that enhanced the livelihoods of 18 million farmers, Dexian is poised to help the Assam Government harness data-driven insights to design effective agricultural policies. Our commitment is to foster sustainable growth and innovation in Assam's agricultural sector," says Venkat Lakshminarasimha, Head of Solutions, Dexian India

BIHAN is a transformative digital platform that revolutionized agriculture in Bihar through real-time data collection and analysis. Developed by Dexian in collaboration with the Government of Bihar, BIHAN addresses critical challenges such as limited technology access and fragmented data. By enhancing policymaking, optimizing resource allocation, and empowering 18 million farmers, BIHAN drives sustainable growth. Dexian deeply appreciates the steadfast support and funding from Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which fuels the mission and helps Dexian create a lasting impact.

The AgriTech solutions being introduced are set to transform Assam's agricultural landscape. These innovations address critical challenges in irrigation, predictive analytics, pest management, and precision agriculture by leveraging state-of-the-art digital platforms. The aim is to enhance farmers' productivity, sustainability, and financial inclusion, aligning seamlessly with Assam's vision for a modern, resilient agricultural sector. By combining data-driven insights with advanced technology, digital initiatives are poised to drive significant growth and progress, advancing agricultural excellence and reaching new heights for the sector.

About Dexian India

Dexian is a global leader in talent consulting and technology solutions, driving innovation and long-term growth for organizations. We combine People, Processes, and Technology to help clients meet their business objectives and tackle challenges. Specializing in recruiting top global talent, Dexian provides access to a diverse talent pool in technology, finance, and other fields. Our NextGen technology solutions foster digital excellence, innovation, and superior customer experiences. We also help establish Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as innovation hubs, offering strategic benefits, operational efficiencies, and cost optimisations for global expansion. In AgriTech, Dexian transforms agriculture with solutions that benefit farmers, agricultural professionals, and consumers across the entire value chain. Since 1994, Dexian has been dedicated to empowering businesses, with over 12,000 employees in 70+ locations worldwide, serving 250+ Fortune 500 companies with a customer-centric approach.

Contact

Venkat Lakshminarasimha  Head of Solutions, India, and Middle East at Dexian India

Venkat Lakshminarasimha exemplifies transformative leadership with his adeptness at turning complex challenges into groundbreaking solutions. His empathetic and transparent approach builds trust and fosters clear communication, while his visionary mindset motivates teams to strive for excellence. Renowned for his expertise in Agritech and advancing Global Capability Centers (GCCs), Venkat has significantly impacted digital innovation across his regions. His leadership has shaped Dexians technological landscape, particularly in application development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and business intelligence.

Venkats global influence is evident through his management of operations in the US, Middle East, and India and his key role in strengthening government partnerships in various states in India. By enhancing Centers of Excellence in AI, data science, and AR/VR and adopting a consultative approach to software development, Venkat continues to propel Dexian Indias journey toward innovation and excellence. His dedication to advancing technology and fostering collaborative relationships underscores his impact on the industry.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts sponsored feature, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
The second round of talks between junior doctors and the West Bengal government failed to resolve the ongoing strike. The doctors expressed that they were "unhappy" with the outcome and would continue with their agitation and cease work movement.

On the 40th day of the strike, the talks ended without resolution due to the state government's refusal to provide written minutes of the discussions, the doctors claimed.

After stepping out from Nabanna, the doctors said that the state government agreed on issues regarding safety and security in hospitals but did not give any concrete assurances.

"We are not happy with the outcome of the meeting. Although the state government agreed with a lot of issues regarding safety and security in hospitals, they did not give us any concrete assurances," the doctor said, PTI reported.

On Wednesday, the West Bengal government invited junior doctors protesting the RG Kar rape-murder incident to a meeting at the state secretariat at 6:30 PM, in response to their request for a new round of talks.

"The talks are inconclusive. The meeting with the Chief Minister on Monday was held on a positive note, but today's meeting was not at all positive. We have been asked to provide a draft of our other demands to the Chief Secretary, and then they will look into it," said another doctor, PTI reported.

Minutes from Wednesday's talk, released by the West Bengal government, reveal that junior doctors have called for the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the Principal Health Secretary for alleged misconduct over the past 4-5 years, including the promotion of a health syndicate.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a rainfall alert for Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu on Friday, September 19. These states may also experience thunderstorms and lightning.

The national capital has been experiencing continuous rainfall over the past few days. However, the IMD's forecast for Thursday indicates that there will be lighter rain as generally clouds are likely to move across the sky. Delhi may also see thunderstorms accompanied by strong surface winds today with a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 23 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD.

IMD Forecast For Maharashtra

The weather department has issued a warning for light to moderate rainfall likely to occur at several locations in the Konkan-Goa and North Madhya Maharashtra districts, as well as in isolated areas of South Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada.

Squally winds with speeds of 45 to 55 km/h, gusting up to 65 km/h, are expected over the western parts of the Southwest Arabian Sea and the adjoining West Central Arabian Sea, including the Somalia coast. IMD advised fishermen to not venture into these areas during this period.

IMD Forecast For Karnataka

The weather department said that light to moderate rain is very likely to occur at many places over Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka. Additionally, light to moderate rain is expected at isolated locations in the Belagavi, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu districts. Mainly dry weather is anticipated in the remaining districts of interior Karnataka.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has sparked controversy by saying that Pakistan and the Jammu-Kashmir National Conference-Congress alliance share a common goal regarding the restoration of Article 370 in the Union Territory. In an interview with Geo News' senior journalist Hamid Mir on Capital Talk, Asif affirmed, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." when asked about Pakistan's alignment with the National Conference-Congress alliance on restoring Article 370 and 35A .

Asif further claimed that Article 370 could be reinstated if the NC-Congress alliance comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir. "I think it is possible," he said, citing the significant influence of the National Conference and Congress in the region. Asif said he believes that the valley's population has been highly motivated on this issue, increasing the likelihood of the National Conference coming to power, especially since they've made restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's status an election issue.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Hamid Mir's Capital Talk on Geo News that "Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are united in their efforts to restore Article 370 and 35A in Jammu & Kashmir." This significant statement comes in the context of pic.twitter.com/PkQZYeqqfn  Parijat Saurav Anand (@saurav_par93070) September 19, 2024

BJP Lashes Out At Congress-NC Alliance

Reacting to the Pak Defence Minister's statement, BJP leader and its IT Cell head Amit Malviya lashed out at the NC-Congress alliance and accused Rahul Gandhi led Congress of "always siding with those inimical to India's interest?"

Taking to social media platform X, Malviya wrote, "Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conference's position on Kashmir. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mir's Capital Talk on Geo News says, "Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A". How is it that, from Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress, are always seen on the side of those inimical to India's interest?"

Earlier NC Patron Farooq Abdullah reiterated his party's stand saying that the alliance would definitely try to restore the special status if voted to power. "How many years BJP took to abrogate it (Article 370)? By God willing, we will also restore it. It (Article 370) is the heartbeat of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 and 35 A will be restored," Farooq Abdullah told reporters.

Former CM Omar Abdullah also expressed hope about the return of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Nothing is impossible. If it were impossible, the Supreme Court would not have given the verdict in favour of Article 370 thrice...If today a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court has announced a verdict against Article 370, then isn't it possible that tomorrow a seven-judge constitution bench will give a verdict in favour of Article 370," Omar had said.

Notably, the assembly polls are being held in Jammu and Kashmir in three phases. The first phase of voting was held on September 18. The second phase of voting will take place on September 25 and the third on October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi today lambasted opposition parties including the National Conference and Congress while addressing a rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra. PM Modi said that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance are on the same page.

"We will not allow Pak agenda to be implemented in J&K. No power on earth can bring back Article 370...Separatism, and terrorism have been weakened following the abrogation of Article 370. They will be stamped out fully," said PM Modi.

PM Modi also said that no power can restore Article 370. He was responding to recent statements made by National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Omar Abdullah yesterday said that abrogation of Article 370 is not 'god's decision' and can be overturned with a favourable government in place.

On the other hand, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in an interview with Geo News, expressed that there is a 'high chance' the Congress-National Conference alliance could secure victory in the upcoming Assembly elections and assume power in Jammu and Kashmir. He further stated that Pakistan and the alliance are aligned on their goal to restore Articles 370 and 35A, which have been made a key issue in the election campaign.

Prime Minister Modi also urged the votes to ensure the political sunset of Congress, NC, and PDP, which have 'inflicted wounds' on the region for years.

Addressing a poll rally in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, Modi also accused the Congress leadership of insulting Hindu gods and goddesses under a 'well-thought-out conspiracy' and due to a 'Naxal mindset.

Earlier, addressing a rally in Srinagar, PM Modi said, "The three families of the Congress, NC and PDP inflicted wounds on the people here for years together. We have to ensure the political sunset of these parties by pressing the button next to the lotus, the symbol of the BJP. It is the BJP that prioritised your interests and ended the decades-old discrimination with the region."
A row erupted after Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said that Pakistan and the Jammu-Kashmir National Conference-Congress alliance share a common goal regarding the restoration of Article 370 in the Union Territory. In an interview with Geo News' senior journalist Hamid Mir on Capital Talk, Asif affirmed, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same," when asked about Pakistan's alignment with the National Conference-Congress alliance on restoring Articles 370 and 35A.

The statements from the Pakistani Minister drew flak from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which lashed out at the National Conference and the Congress for playing up the agenda of Pakistan during the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, saying that it has again been made clear that the grand old party and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. Attacking Rahul Gandhi, the Union Home Minister said that he has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen.

"Pakistan's Defence Minister's statement about Congress and JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen... Congress Party and Pakistan forget that there is Modi Government at the centre, hence neither Article 370 nor terrorism is going to return in Kashmir," the former BJP chief said.

      370  35A    JKNC                                             September 19, 2024

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala slammed Asif's remarks and said that the Congress, National Conference, and INDIA bloc are continuously trying to join hands with Pakistan. " Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata HaiThe question is, what is this relation of the Congress party and NC with Pakistan called? ... We can see how the Congress Party National Conference and INDIA Alliance are continuously trying to join hands with Pakistan," Poonawala said.

#WATCH | BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala says, "The question is what is this relation of Congress party & NC with Pakistan called?... We can see how the Congress Party National Conference and INDIA Alliance are continuously trying to join hands with Pakistan..." pic.twitter.com/dIgZv2ye4b  ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, who is the party's in charge of the Jammu and Kashmir elections, on Thursday took a strong note of the statement and said, "His statement has completely exposed the NC and the Congress for pursuing the Pakistan agenda."

"It not only demonstrated Pakistan's intention to interfere in the J-K elections but also established that the Abdullahs of the NC and the Gandhi family in the Congress have been taking directions from Pakistan forces to cause disruption and disturbance in the territory," Chugh said.

Chugh sought an explanation from the Abdullahs and the Gandhi family to clarify their links with the Pakistan ISI. "It was reprehensible that an anti-national alliance has been dancing to the tunes of Pakistan forces to fool the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

"In the past also, it was clearly demonstrated by the Abdullahs that they would rather follow the agenda dictated by the Pakistan ISI to deprive J&K of its due development and progress. It has been the foremost agenda of the Abdullahs and the Gandhis to keep J&K on the boil so that their vested political interests are protected at the cost of the common man in J&K," he further said.

Chugh asserted that the BJP has taken a strong exception to this alliance of the Pakistan forces with the NC and the Congress. "The BJP takes a strong exception to this dangerous alliance of the Pakistan forces with the NC and Congress and warned the people of J-K against falling into this anti-national trap at a time when voting has started for the assembly elections in the territory," he said.

On Pakistan Defence Minister's remarks on Article 370, BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, "This clears that Congress, Pakistan, and NC have the same intentions, agenda, and mindset. Pakistan's Defence Minister supporting the Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370 has exposed Congress' face in front of the people. In every election, Congress sings the praises of Pakistan. Even during the Airstrike and Surgical Strike, Congress raised questions on our own soldiers... Why is Rahul Gandhi always standing with the anti-national powers? Why does he support the 'Tukde-Tukde' gang? .. Now they want to reinstate Article 370. 45,000 people were killed. How many more corpses do they want to see?".

#WATCH | Delhi | On Pakistan Defence Minister reportedly backed Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370, BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, "This clears that Congress, Pakistan and NC have same intentions, agenda and mindset. Pakistan's Defence Minister supporting the Congress-NC pic.twitter.com/UjobPT5LZj  ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024

During the intervirw, Asif also claimed that Article 370 could be reinstated if the NC-Congress alliance comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir. "I think it is possible," he said, citing the significant influence of the National Conference and Congress in the region.

Asif said he believes that the valley's population has been highly motivated on this issue, increasing the likelihood of the National Conference coming to power, especially since they've made restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's status an election issue.
Mumbai: In a candid conversation with beauty mogul Huda Kattan on the show 'In Conversation with Kay Beauty & Huda Kattan', actress Katrina Kaif opened up about her struggles with self-image and how her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal, provides gentle support during her moments of insecurity.

Katrina Kaif recently released a video of herself in a conversation with beauty mogul Huda Kattan on her YouTube channel.

Katrina, who has frequently expressed her commitment to promoting self-acceptance through her beauty brand Kay Beauty, revealed that she often finds herself critiquing her physical appearance, particularly when it comes to weight fluctuations.

"I'll be sitting and talking with my husband or getting ready for an event, and I'll be complaining about something about my physical appearance," she explained.

Kaif emphasized the importance of kindness, stating, "I have to remind myself every single day to apply the same kindness to myself that my cosmetics brand stands for--'It's Kay to be You.'"

The 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' actress also shared how her husband Vicky Kaushal's response to her insecurities serves as a grounding reminder while navigating through the insecurities.

"He'll sit there and go, 'Aren't you the one who keeps telling everyone it's Kay to be You and it's okay to be you however you are?'" she shared, reflecting on how his words help her regain perspective.

"It's that gentle reminder that says, 'Hey, one second. This is what this is about, and this is why I started this brand,'" she said.

Since entering the beauty industry in 2019, Katrina has successfully transitioned from a celebrated actress to a thriving entrepreneur.

On the film front, Katrina Kaif was last seen in 'Merry Christmas', directed by Sriram Raghavan.

The film, which premiered on January 12, 2024, features Katrina in the role of Maria, alongside acclaimed South Indian actor Vijay Sethupathi.
Mumbai: Sana Khan left the industry in 2020 and announced her decision that she is quitting as it's her creator's order to serve humanity. Sana who quit the industry 4 years ago, in her recent podcast spoke about embracing Islam and what changed in her life. Sana appeared on Rubina Dilaik's podcast where she spoke about how she didn't realise going naked from being a simple girl. In the podcast with Rubina, the actress questioned her when and why she chose to embrace her religion.

Watch the video of Sana Khan talking about how she was unhappy in the glamorous world.

Sana said," Kabhi Kabhi hum baatein toh achchi achchi logo se karte hai, but hamara body language is not very welcoming. Hamare Mai kaha jaata hai betiyan rehmat hoti hai, bete neymat hote hai. "

She added that how she was so happy with the news of Rubina having twin daughters and had a desire to have twins too. She even joked that she realised why God didn't give her twins as she isn't capable. Sana even added, how she was lost in the glamour world," I started questioning myself why I am not happy, my journey from full sleeves to backless, muje pata hi nahi chala ki kab muje Shaitaan ne as a woman nanga kar dia." She even called her husband a diamond.

Sana Khan is a mother of a one-year-old son and named him Saiyad Tariq Jamil, she welcomed him in July 2023.
New Delhi: The makers of Kanguva treated the audience to an electrifying trailer that has set a high bar, with fans eagerly awaiting the films full release. The South Indian film industry is surely reaching newer heights with each of its Pan-India releases. Now, Studio Green is back with yet another exciting announcement of Kanguva hitting the big screens on November 14, 2024.

Its intense visuals, dynamic performances, and captivating music have already created a buzz, suggesting that Kanguva is poised to be a major hit. Taking to social media, the makers shared a thrilling poster along with the caption:

KANGUVA RELEASE: STORY, PLOT AND MUCH MORE

Directed by Siva, Kanguva is the biggest and most expensive film of the year. With an estimated budget of over Rs 350 crore, it's bigger than Pushpa, Singham, and several other big films. Moreover, the film has been shot across seven different countries on various continents. The makers had a very specific look in mind, as this is a unique film set in the prehistoric period. They even hired experts from Hollywood for key technical departments such as action and cinematography. The film also boasts one of the biggest war sequences ever, featuring over 10,000 people.

Studio Green has partnered with top distribution houses to release the film on a massive scale across the globe on November 14, 2024.
Ignoring your partner can lead to relationship issues, but being overly attentive can also create problems. In a strange case from Japan, a man found himself in trouble after repeatedly calling his wife over 100 times a day.

The wife didnt always answer his calls, so the man resorted to calling from unknown numbers when she didnt respond. While calling a spouse a few times a day might be normal, this husband took it to an extreme, leaving his wife distressed and frustrated. She was so troubled by his behavior that she decided to take legal action against him.

According to reports, the 38-year-old man from Amagasaki, Japan, called his wife around 100 times daily. Whenever she answered, he would hang up without saying a word. His actions became suspicious as he would never call while at home or when playing video games on his phone. This led the wife to grow increasingly suspicious of him.

Eventually, the 31-year-old woman decided to report the strange calls to the police. She also shared her suspicions about her husbands involvement. Authorities launched an investigation and soon discovered that her husband was indeed behind the calls. On September 4th, he was arrested under Japan's anti-stalking laws.

When questioned, the husband explained that he made so many calls because he loved his wife. His response left everyone puzzled. Police noted that this was the first case in Amagasaki where a husband had been caught harassing his own wife.
At least 32 people have died and over 3,250 have been injured after walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded in their strongholds throughout Lebanon over the past two days, as per the NDTV reports. This tragic incident has heightened concerns about the potential for an all-out war with Israel.

Here are the key highlights of the incidents

- In the latest attacks across Lebanon, at least 20 people lost their lives and over 450 injuries, according to Al Jazeera.

- Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the beginning of a "new phase" in the war, emphasising that the focus has now shifted to the northern front.

Gallant shared a post on X and said, "We are at the start of a new phase in the war - we are allocating resources and forces to the northern arena and our mission is clear: ensuring the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. To do so, the security situation must be changed."

- Lebanon's Information Minister Ziyad Makari stated that the country does not fear Hezbollah's response but rather "Israel and its crimes." He described the recent events as a new type of warfare, adding that investigations are underway by both the state and Hezbollah, Hindustan Times reported citing Al-Jazeera TV.

- On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We will return the residents of the north securely to their homes," in a brief video message, without providing further details, Hindustan Times reported. He also emphasised that facilitating the return of evacuees has become a formal objective of the war, suggesting that military action may be the only way to halt Hezbollah's rocket attacks and allow civilians to safely return to their homes in the north.

- The Lebanese Ministry of Health on Tuesday instructed health workers to urgently report to work considering the large number of injured people being transferred to hospitals, ANI reported citing CNN. Officials have also urged people to donate blood in anticipation of increased need.

- Hezbollah blamed Israel for the pager explosions and vowed to seek retribution. In response, Lebanese officials urged individuals to dispose of their pagers.
As Lebanon reels under the impact of pager and walkie-talkie explosions, Israel launched a full-scale attack in Lebanon on Thursday. The latest assault came shortly after Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was delivering his first address since thousands of explosions in radios and pagers struck the Iran-backed Lebanese group earlier this week.

In the latest strikes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted several locations related to the terror group Hezbollah. In a post on X, the IDF said, "The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shieldshaving turned southern Lebanon into a war zone. The IDF is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes and achieve war goals."

The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.



For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them and used civilians as human shieldshaving turned southern Lebanon into  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 19, 2024

Thursday's strikes came at a time when Nasrallah was giving a televised speech condemning recent attacks in the country. During the address, the leader of Hezbollah said that the mass bombing attack on the groups communications devices in Lebanon and Syria was a severe blow and said that Israel had crossed a red line.

He also vowed that the group would emerge stronger and continue its daily strikes into northern Israel.

As Hassan Nasrallah delivered televised speech, Hezbollah and the Israeli military traded fresh strikes over the border. According to news agency AP, Israeli war planes flew low over Beirut and broke the sound barrier. The impact of the strikes scattered birds and prompted people in houses and offices to open windows to prevent them from shattering.

The attack came as Israeli leaders have warned that they could launch a stepped-up military operation against Hezbollah, saying they are determined to stop the groups fire to allow tens of thousands of Israelis to return to homes near the border.

Nasrallah said the group has launched a probe to ascertain how the bombings were carried out. Yes, we were subjected to a huge and severe blow, he said. The enemy crossed all boundaries and red lines, he further stated.

He vowed that Hezbollah will keep going on with its attacks along the border with Israel as long as the war in Gaza continues. The Lebanese front will not stop before the aggression on Gaza stops, he said.

(With AP Inputs)
China will certainly be "high on the agenda" at the Quad Summit set to be hosted by US President Joe Biden in Delaware's Wilmington on September 21, US National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Wednesday (local time).

While addressing a press briefing, Kirby stressed that it would be irresponsible if the Quad leaders do not hold talks about the challenges that exist in the region caused by China.

When asked to what extent China will be a focus of the Quad Summit, Kirby stated, "I think it'll certainly be high on the agenda. I mean, there's not an opportunity when you get together with these particular leaders, the Indo-Pacific, Quad, where you in fact it would be irresponsible if they didn't talk about the challenges that still exist in the region caused by aggressive PRC military action for instance, unfair trade practices, tensions over the Taiwan Strait. I have no doubt that that all those issues will come up."

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, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It is the first time Biden will host foreign leaders in his hometown.

When asked whether Quad nations view China as a threat to the Indo-Pacific region, John Kirby said, "I think you'd have to talk to the leaders about their particular view of the PRC. But, I think we all have a common understanding about the challenges that the PRC is posing, but each of them is a sovereign country; they get to decide for themselves what their relationship is going to be with the PRC and how that looks; each of them has a different relationship with the PRC, including us."

John Kirby said that Biden will meet Quad leaders individually and the four together in a larger plenary session where they will discuss expanding cooperation on various critically important issues.

Speaking about the upcoming Quad Summit, he said, "The President will meet individually with each of them, and then we'll also gather together in a larger plenary session where they will discuss expanding cooperation across a range of critically important issues. We believe that you'll see coming out of this summit that the Quad is more strategically aligned and more relevant than ever before."

"I think you can expect a robust agenda aimed at delivering concrete benefits to the people of the region as they all identify priorities such as health, security, natural disaster response, maritime security, quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technologies, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity. You'll also see some announcements that demonstrate our intention to make sure that this special partnership the Quad endures and in fact thrives over the long term. We'll have more details, of course to share on the specific deliverables as we get a little closer to the weekend," he added.

When asked if Biden intends to press PM Modi on human rights during their bilateral meeting, Kirby responded, "There's not a conversation that he has with foreign leaders where he doesn't talk about the importance of respecting human and civil rights and that includes with Prime Minister Modi. He did when the Prime Minister was here in the United States and and I'm sure that, as appropriate, he'll do going forward. I'm not going to get ahead of the conversation but he never shies away from talking about our concerns over human and civil rights anywhere in the world."

Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. 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.

PM Modi will be in the United States from September 21 to 23, during which he will take part in the Quad Summit and address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.PM Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware.

Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025.

At the Quad Summit, the leaders will review the progress achieved by the Quad over the last one year and set the agenda for the year ahead to assist the countries of the Indo-Pacific region in meeting their development goals and aspirations, a Ministry of External Affairs release said.

PM Modi will address 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'.

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister will address a gathering of the Indian community on September 22 in New York.

He would also be interacting with CEOs of leading US-based companies to foster greater collaborations between the two countries, according to the MEA release. He is also expected to interact with thought leaders and other stakeholders active in the India-US bilateral landscape.
Pro-Khalistan separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is making headlines as he sues the Indian government and several senior intelligence officials, alleging they plotted two assassination attempts against him, the Times Of India reported. This includes the recent killing of a prominent leader of the Khalistan movement, Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Pannun, who is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada is a designated terrorist in India.

Pannun, designated as a terrorist by India, is seeking damages from India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, R&AW officer Vikram Yadav, and Nikhil Gupta, accused of attempting to murder Pannun. Gupta is currently being held in a Brooklyn prison awaiting trial. According to the Times of India, Pannun's lawsuit, filed in a New York federal district court, claims the Indian government was involved in the assassination plots. India has denied any involvement

Nijjar was gunned down outside his gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., in June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September 2023 that the assassination appears to have been ordered by India. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has charged four Indian nationals residing in Canada with Nijjar's murder.

One of the defendants in Pannuns lawsuit is Nikhil Gupta, who is currently held in a Brooklyn prison while awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot. The other officialsVikram Yadav, Samant Goel, and Ajit Dovalremain in India and have not been charged. While this action is only indicting the foot soldiers, this lawsuit is really against the government of India, Canada based The Globe and Mail quoted Pannun as saying.

They were successful in killing Mr. Nijjar. The same would have happened to Mr. Pannun if not for the fact that the person Mr. Gupta tried to hire was an undercover U.S. agent," His lawyer, Matthew Borden, said while speaking to the The Globe and Mail.

This lawsuit arrives just days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the United States. Although the Indian High Commission in Ottawa declined to comment and the Indian embassy in Washington did not respond, Pannun clarified that Modi is not named in the suit because of his diplomatic immunity.

Pannuns group is behind an unofficial global referendum for Khalistans independence from India. He intends for the lawsuit to hold the Indian government accountable for its alleged role in the assassination plots, although his lawyers acknowledge that pursuing justice through criminal courts may prove difficult.

Pannun has faced backlash in the past for his inflammatory remarks, including a warning to Sikhs not to fly on Air India, citing safety concerns. This comment was tied to the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people after taking off from Montreal.
What are Kyiv and Warsaw afraid of and how to reconcile Ukraine and Poland?

   Author Volodymyr Kravchenko ZN.UA international politics columnist

Ukraine does not have so many reliable friends to allow itself to have another enemy. Especially one like Poland. After all, in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, our country largely depends on this Western neighbor. Including in the field of logistics: weapons and humanitarian aid from all over the world come to Ukraine mainly through Polish territory.

But it is worth noting that in the last year and a half, Ukrainian-Polish relations have been periodically shaken and they are not stable. "Skeletons" hidden by Kyiv and Warsaw after February 24, 2022, are increasingly falling out of secret closets. At first, it was the issue of transit of Ukrainian grain through Poland and its sale on the Polish market. Then came the demand of Polish road haulers to return permits for international road transport for Ukrainian truck drivers. Now it is the policy of historical memory of the two countries.

In an interview with Le Monde, the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry Radoslaw Sikorski said that Ukraine must find a solution regarding the Volyn tragedy, primarily in the issue of exhumation, before the political leaders of Poland take tougher and more decisive measures. Three weeks ago, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said unequivocally: Ukraine will not be a member of the European Union if it does not resolve historical issues with Poland.

Such statements sound like an ultimatum.

For most of Ukrainian society, Warsaw's demands are incomprehensible. They cause indignation and return mistrust to Poland. Why does the Polish government increase tensions, returning again and again to the topic of the Volyn tragedy? Didn't the presidents of the two countries make a gesture of reconciliation in the past, when they said  "we forgive and ask for forgiveness"? After all, only the Russian Federation benefits from the rise in temperature in Ukrainian-Polish relations. Therefore, for many Ukrainians who are losing loved ones due to Russian military aggression, who feel the blows of Russian missiles and drones every day, who live in the absence of electricity, who have problems with water supplies, the threats of representatives of the Polish government look like a knife in the back and an unpleasant setup on their part. But for Poles, the position of the Polish authorities regarding the Volyn tragedy is an attempt to restore historical justice and pay their last respects to the victims.

Polish society took Kyiv's ban on search and exhumation work on the territory of Ukraine very painfully. The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance made this decision several years ago in response to the destruction of monuments to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) soldiers in Poland. It was proposed to resume the exhumation process in Kyiv after the legal monuments were restored. However, the Poles restored the monument on Mount Monastery without a list of the fallen soldiers. As a result, the ban remained in force.

The position of the Ukrainian authorities causes indignation among the Poles: it is not Christian to act this way. And since the topic of the Volyn tragedy has become part of Poland's domestic political track over the past ten years, any Polish government will constantly raise the issue of both the Volyn tragedy and the resumption of search and exhumation work with Kyiv's political leaders. Otherwise, this will affect the attitude of voters towards the ruling political force.

Indignation at Kyiv's actions is superimposed on the ever-increasing irritation in Polish society towards the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the country. (But this could end badly for Poland itself, because if Ukrainians leave for jobs with higher salaries in Germany, Sweden, and other countries of the European Union, then the Poles will be left without the Ukrainian labor force that is so necessary for the Polish economy and with jobs where there will be no one to work.)

As Daniel Shelyhovskyi, coordinator of Eastern Europe programs at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), notes, "public opinion in Poland is changing. Along with these moods, the government's policy towards Ukraine is changing. Within the current ruling coalition, there has long been a struggle between supporters of aid to Ukraine and skeptics, and it is the latter that is gradually gaining strength."

Against this background, the ban on exhumation means a further deterioration of bilateral relations. Despite such a prospect, the Ukrainian government does not give permission for search and exhumation work. Why is this so? It is not only that political leaders in Kyiv believe that Warsaw will act pragmatically and will not openly break with each other during the Russian-Ukrainian war and will maintain support for Ukraine. "The parties have lost trust in each other. And now political leaders in Kyiv are afraid that if they allow exhumation, the Poles will put forward new demands. "Political leaders in Warsaw do not trust either, suspecting that the Ukrainians will not fulfill their obligations," explained Serhii Herasymchuk, deputy head of the Foreign Policy Council of the independent analytical center in the field of foreign policy and international security called "Ukrainian Prism," in a comment to ZN.UA.

Ukrainian and Polish experts note that Warsaw is seeking to take advantage of the situation when Ukraine is dependent on Poland and resolve the maximum number of problematic issues in Ukrainian-Polish relations in its favor. "At the moment, a consensus is being formed among the main political forces in Poland that the resolution of the dispute over history will be a condition for Ukraine's accession to the European Union," wrote Daniel Shelyhovskyi on the Telegram channel.

Such an approach is nothing new. It is enough to recall the Macedonian case on the way to the European Union: Macedonia faced opposition from Greece due to disputes around the name of the country and Bulgaria  due to the identification of the Macedonian language. And in the case of Greece, Skopje was forced to change the name of the country to Northern Macedonia.

But it is worth noting that such a policy of Warsaw naturally causes indignation of the political leaders of Kyiv: during the Russian-Ukrainian war, when the Ukrainian nation is being formed and a pantheon of national heroes is being created, the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the red-black flags are a symbol of the struggle for independence. (At the same time, Ukraine condemns the crimes against civilians that were committed by some units of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)). On Bankova Street, political leaders also take into account the fact that if the Ukrainian government fulfills Warsaw's inflated demands, Ukrainian society will not agree to this, and then protests will begin on the streets of the country. "In Poland, in recent years, a new consensus has been formed and strengthened by law regarding the Volyn tragedy: it is genocide, for which the "criminal organizations, namely the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)" are guilty. And since the asymmetry of guilt within the framework of such an interpretation of common history is enormous, it is impossible to talk about mutual forgiveness, as was the case even in the case of Polish-German reconciliation. "This position has become the political mainstream for Polish politicians of most major parties," Nadiia Koval, a lecturer at the Kyiv School of Economics and an expert on Ukrainian-Polish relations, noted in a comment to ZN.UA.

At the same time, the topic of the Volyn tragedy overlaps with the problems of cooperation between Ukraine and Poland in the defense sector.

For example, Ukrainians are surprised why Warsaw, being a participant in the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), has not contributed a single zloty. But if in Kyiv, political leaders say that the Poles can do more, because by helping Ukraine, they are also defending their country, then in Warsaw they believe that Ukrainians are not grateful enough to Poland for the assistance already provided. At the same time, the Polish side is concerned about both the increased influence of Ukraine and the prospect of strengthening Kyiv's contacts with Berlin and Paris, bypassing Warsaw.

The crisis in bilateral relations was clearly evident last Friday at a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Radoslaw Sikorski. According to the Polish publication Onet, the atmosphere between Zelenskyy and Sikorski was extremely tense, and, according to the participants in the conversation, one could even talk about a quarrel. According to Onet sources, the Poles seemed to be at least surprised by the style in which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tried to communicate with the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry. Judging by this meeting, it is unlikely that Kyiv will lift the ban on exhumation in the near future. And yet, it is necessary to find a way out of the current situation. Andrii Deshchytsia, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland in 2014-2022, believes that Ukraine should act like a mature European nation, that is, lift the ban on exhumation and allow burials. In his opinion, such permission will significantly relieve tension in Ukrainian-Polish relations.

"Ukraine and Poland have different opinions about the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). And this is normal, because the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) fought for Ukrainian statehood. Just as the Home Army tried to preserve Polish statehood within the borders of 1939. Unfortunately, civilians died during this fight. We must demonstrate that we share the pain that the Poles are experiencing, trying to find the bodies of their relatives and bury them in a Christian manner. We understand this desire and it is very familiar to us. After all, many Ukrainians who lost their relatives during the Russian-Ukrainian war want to bury them with dignity," Andrii Deshchytsia said in a comment to ZN.UA. However, permission for exhumation only solves part of the problems in Ukrainian-Polish relations. There is also a more global problem, namely the diametrically opposed assessment of the Volyn tragedy by Ukrainians and Poles: if in Ukraine it is considered ethnic cleansing, then in Poland it is considered genocide. And although Kyiv suggests leaving history to historians, Warsaw does not agree to this.

"After the position of the Polish side has radicalized and become ultimatum-like, it is very difficult to conduct a dialogue on historical issues," Nadiia Koval states. According to Serhii Herasymchuk, a way out of this situation could be the creation of a multilateral commission on the Volyn tragedy with the involvement of European historians. "Otherwise, we will not reach an agreement and will run into a dead end of mutual accusations and inflated expectations," believes the expert of the independent analytical center in the field of foreign policy and international security called "Ukrainian Prism".

Ukrainian-Polish relations are burdened with mutual grievances and a difficult shared history. But it is worth noting that our two countries need each other. And close political, economic and military cooperation is impossible without trust and dialogue. Ignoring the problems in the hope that everything will resolve itself only worsens the situation and contributes to the growth of mutual distrust. And we really dont want Poland to turn into a second Hungary for us.

A year and a half ago, commenting on the prospects of Ukrainian-Polish relations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram channel that in the future, there will be no borders between our peoples: political, economic, and  what is very important  historical. Now, we again have conflicts due to differences in the interpretation of events in our common history and a quarrel with the Polish Foreign Minister

Many will test our strength, because in some things we are objectively very strong, and in others we are weak. In this situation, we need to learn not to aggravate relations, but to understand where the red lines are for us, and where there is a place for reasonable compromises.

Read this article in Ukrainian and russian.

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12500 N.E. Tenth Place  Bellevue, WA 98005  JPFO.org  800-869-1884  info@jpfo.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Sep 19, 2024 Contact: James Jones

BELLEVUE, WA  JPFO is issuing a travel warning to Jews and other 2A supporters and urging an economic boycott for Middlesex County, Massachusetts after Newton Police arrested Scott Hayes for defending himself from a violent, antisemitic attack.

Scott Hayes was peacefully exercising his rights protected under the First Amendment with a small group of people in the town of Newton, MA. A person in the group was carrying an Israeli flag when a man began yelling antisemitic remarks at the group from across the street, calling them "sick" for supporting Israel.

After a few words were exchanged, the man charged across the street, tackling Scott Hayes to the ground and attempting to wrap his arms around his neck in order to cause even more harm than he had already done. At that point, Mr. Hayes exercised his natural right to defend himself, pulled out a gun and shot the assailant in the abdomen. After freeing himself from the man's clutches, Scott retreated and attempted to get his assailant medical attention. The assailant is expected to survive.

Mr. Hayes was arrested by the Newton Police who sought and obtained a criminal complaint against him for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The District Attorney is pursuing charges against Mr. Hayes for having defended himself against a violent antisemitic attack. While many state officials in Massachusetts have, for years, been enemies of the Second Amendment, this latest event is a record-breaking atrocity even for them. State actors actively defending violent antisemites while leveling criminal charges against those who defend themselves against them, sends up a warning for all Jews to steer clear of Massachusetts, if at all possible, especially Middlesex County. Antisemitism is on the rise and now we have state officials in Massachusetts formally and proudly defending it.

"It's unconscionable," said JPFO Projects Director James Jones, "that state actors are now openly promoting antisemitic violence by prosecuting people who defend themselves against it. 'Never Again!', is the famous saying, yet here we are again. This is beyond politics and beyond the pale. The state agents responsible for this egregious and erroneous prosecution must be held to account."

You can help support Scott Hayes by contributing to his defense fund at

https://gofund.me/eb875a16

#####
An artist from a delegation of Sichuan Performing Art Troupe performs face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, California, the United States, on Sept. 18, 2024. A delegation of China's Sichuan Performing Art Troupe staged cultural performances to students at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center on Wednesday. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)



For 8-year-old American student Samantha, the dazzling art of Chinese opera face-changing not only brought her into a magic world, but also inspired her to learn Chinese culture and language.



With just a turn of the head, a wave of the hand, or even a blink of the eyes, Chinese performers, wearing colorful costumes, could change face masks in less than a second, drawing cheers and applauses from hundreds of students at the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, a public school in Pacoima, Southern California.

"That's so cool. I love Chinese performances. I want to visit China," wowed Samantha, a third grader at the learning center.

Face-changing, known as "Bian Lian" in Chinese, an ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera, was part of the performances presented by a delegation of the Sichuan Song and Dance Troupe to students at the learning center on Wednesday.

Co-sponsored by the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association and the Chinese Culture Development Center in Los Angeles, the performances featured Chinese drama and dance, martial arts, Kung Fu tea art, acrobatics, puppet show, and calligraphy art.

"It's my first time watching Chinese cultural performances. I love the Chinese puppet show. I want to learn more about China," Alexa, a third grader at the learning center, told Xinhua.

The whole stadium of students burst into cheers and claps when Chinese performers presented them panda dolls as gifts.

"They (panda dolls) are so cute. I just can't wait to visit the new giant pandas at San Diego Zoo," 8-year-old Kiteya told Xinhua.

The learning center has maintained exchange programs with Chinese schools since its founding over 30 years ago. It has Chinese language lessons for its high school students.

"It's the first time we've had Chinese performers visiting our campus. I want our students to have exposure to different cultures including the Chinese culture. I want them to understand differences and similarities between us," Cinthia Rodriguez, the school's principal, told Xinhua.

"I want them to understand that even though we're miles and miles apart, we can still have connections," she added.

This year, the learning center had several Chinese students visiting for a week. Some high school students of the learning center also traveled to China for a week.

"For the Chinese students that came here, our students were really excited to talk to them about what's school like over there, what do you eat, what do you like to do... In the high school, the students that have gone to China have said it's been an amazing experience and they've really enjoyed it," Rodriguez told Xinhua.

Calling U.S.-China relations very important in the world, Rodriguez said she hopes to see more people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, especially the younger generations.

Hudd Huddleston, a teacher of Chinese language at the learning center, told Xinhua he has been teaching 9-12 graders Chinese, and the students have great interest in Chinese language and culture.

The learning center has partnerships with schools in Beijing and Shanghai, and soon will establish links with schools in China's Sichuan Province, according to Huddleston.

"We hope one day we can visit China," said Hugo Efrain Flores, a student parent who was invited to watch the performances.

"We are all friends. We are all the same," he told Xinhua.

Los Angeles is the second and last stop of the Chinese troupe's U.S. tour, which also took them to Hawaii.
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

Vote

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Two long-time educators and community volunteers will lead this years Oktoberfest parades.

Sister Mary Ann Gschwind has been named the Maple Leaf marshal and Debra Keller has been named the Torchlight marshal.

It is only the second time in the festivals 63-year history that two women have been named marshals in the same year. The two were announced Wednesday night at Copeland Park.

Meet the marshals Mary Ann Gschwind Family : Only surviving child of Art and Maggie Gschwind; deceased brother, Gus, and sister, Jeanine

: Only surviving child of Art and Maggie Gschwind; deceased brother, Gus, and sister, Jeanine Education : St. Rose Convent High School, 1958; Bachelor of Arts in English, music minor, Viterbo College, Master of Arts in English, Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; Ed.S., Educational Administration, Michigan State University in East Lansing

: St. Rose Convent High School, 1958; Bachelor of Arts in English, music minor, Viterbo College, Master of Arts in English, Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; Ed.S., Educational Administration, Michigan State University in East Lansing Retired educator: Teacher and administrator mainly in the U.S., but also in the Czech Republic; FSPA vice president, archivist

Teacher and administrator mainly in the U.S., but also in the Czech Republic; FSPA vice president, archivist Volunteer work: More than 30 boards and many committees since 1980; currently 10 boards and five committees.

More than 30 boards and many committees since 1980; currently 10 boards and five committees. Hobbies/interests: Reading, playing piano; knitting; crocheting; walking; traveling Debra Keller Spouse : James Keller

: James Keller Family : Sons Anthony Keller, Matthew Keller, Robert Keller; daughter Kristen Martin; grandchildren Norah Keller, Alayna Keller, Violet Martin, August Martin, George Martin.

: Sons Anthony Keller, Matthew Keller, Robert Keller; daughter Kristen Martin; grandchildren Norah Keller, Alayna Keller, Violet Martin, August Martin, George Martin. Education : Logan High School; Bachelor of Science from UW-L; Masters of Education from Viterbo.

: Logan High School; Bachelor of Science from UW-L; Masters of Education from Viterbo. Retired educator: Jefferson Elementary, 1985-2005; Franklin Elementary, 2005-09; Northside Elementary, 2009-15, current substitute teacher in La Crosse and adjunct professor at Viterbo

Jefferson Elementary, 1985-2005; Franklin Elementary, 2005-09; Northside Elementary, 2009-15, current substitute teacher in La Crosse and adjunct professor at Viterbo Volunteer work: Trinity Lutheran Church; From the Heart Food Pantry; Northside Children Clothes Closet; Monday Meals; various school-related activities and groups

Trinity Lutheran Church; From the Heart Food Pantry; Northside Children Clothes Closet; Monday Meals; various school-related activities and groups Interests/Hobbies: Traveling; camping; hiking; water sports; family activities

Maple Leaf marshal

Gschwind knew she had been nominated but was caught off guard when selected. The 2013 Torchlight Marshal Patti Lokken had invited her to help with a project in April. When Gschwind got to Lokkens home, three former parade marshals congratulated her.

My first thought was Wow! Is this for real? says Gschwind, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

She was thrilled because she has always enjoyed Oktoberfest. Gschwind was extra grateful, seeing her selection as a recognition of all Franciscan Sisters in La Crosse who are celebrating the 175th year of their founding in Milwaukee, and their presence in La Crosse since 1871.

Its a perfect year to be parade marshal, she said.

After the initial surprise, Gschwinds next concern was getting to Oktoberfest commitments on time.

I could not imagine driving myself to all the events and finding parking places, she says. The former marshals assured her she would have Grenadier escorts throughout the week.

Gschwind grew up in La Crosse, so she remembers Oktoberfests early years. Her dad was a city policeman, and she remembers the extra work he and his colleagues put in.

Since moving back to La Crosse 22 years ago, Gschwind has always attended the parade, usually viewing it from the end of Main Street. She has attended many Festmaster Balls. And, she has written letters of support for a few royal family members, sung an Edelweiss blessing for some events, and enjoyed Fest Family visits at St. Rose Convent.

Now, Gschwind will lead the Saturday parade. The theme on her Fest button is Be happy which is part of her standard email closing: Dont worry, be happy.

Gschwind looks forward to getting to know this years Royal Family and Grenadiers, along with having fun and visiting schools and nursing homes. Shes also excited about attending events she hasnt frequented before, such as Opening Day.

Religion has been a major part of Gschwinds life. Because her mother was Lutheran until she converted for marriage, Gschwind often called herself half Lutheran.

When her parents both worked the 3 to 11 p.m. shifts  along with her fathers police responsibilities, her mother was a nurse  Gschwinds maternal grandmother stayed with her and taught her prayers. Her grandmother often took her to the German Lutheran Church for services and funerals. Her immediate family took her to Mass.

During her freshman year at Aquinas High School, Gschwind felt called to be a Franciscan Sister. She entered the convent in 1955 and in 1958 graduated from St. Rose Convent High School.

Gschwind made vows on Aug. 12, 1960. She loved teaching high school English for several years.

More importantly, I have loved being an FSPA, Gschwind says.

Throughout her career, Gschwind has focused on being a teacher, administrator and FSPA archivist. She has been involved in countless nonprofit boards, ranging from Catholic Charities to the Womens Fund of Greater La Crosse. Since her retirement after 20 years as FSPA archivist, she also enjoys guiding chapel tours while observing the reactions of visitors when they first see the beautiful building.

Torchlight marshal

As a native North Sider, Keller said, I was humbled to be asked and excited to be able to (lead the parade).

Keller spent three decades of teaching on the North Side.

Since retiring in 2015, Keller has been a substitute and interim teacher in La Crosse and an adjunct professor at Viterbo.

Keller has selected Schools Make a Difference as the theme for her button she will hand out to festgoers. She has seen firsthand schools strengthen families, while serving as a positive social influence.

Keller recalls seeing the impact at Jefferson Elementary on Hmong refugees when they arrived in the 1980s, creating a safe and caring social setting for children from many diverse backgrounds. She says working with refugees was life changing.

We successfully overcame the academic gap that existed between high poverty schools and higher socioeconomic schools by adopting the attitude that all kids can find success if given the support and tools they need, she explains. Jefferson was recognized as a Wisconsin Promise School for multiple years because of its success in academics and creative after-school programming before closing its doors in 2005.

In retirement, Keller enjoys working at the Childrens Clothes Closet at Trinity Lutheran Church, which provides used and new clothing to kids in need. Another favorite is the churchs annual Northside Neighborhood Block Party which gathers neighbors for a night of free food, music and an opportunity to access positive community resource information.

Kids in need receive new back-to-school shoes so that the first day they step into school with a bounce in their step, she says. The Block Party is a wonderful night of awesome camaraderie and family building.

Becoming a marshal, Keller expects Oktoberfest will change a bit for her family who celebrates the festival as a family reunion. They maintain a spot every year on both Oktoberfest parade routes.

Its a very intergenerational gathering, she explains. Last year our familys kids and their friends kids filled the curbside route with a group larger than ever  from grandmas and grandpas to babies. Its always a great time to connect and catch up with those special people in our lives.

Keller says she and her husband, James, look forward to joining the Royal Family.

Meeting all the special people who gather in good cheer and friendship will be awesome, she says.

Nominations for both marshals are accepted year-round at oktoberfestusa.com.

In Photos & Videos: Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade 2021

IN PHOTOS and VIDEOS: The 2022 Torchlight Parade

COLLECTION: 61st Oktoberfest in 15 videos 1991 Oktoberfest Festmaster Karl Friedline signs the German National Anthem Brian Jackson touts the beautiful weather that greeted the 2022 Oktoberfest 2022 Oktoberfest dignitaries loosen up on stage prior to the tapping of the golden keg Copper Box with Jambalaya at Oktoberfest WATCH NOW: West Salem Middle School Band plays the Torchlight WATCH NOW: Amanda's Academy of Dance performs at Torchlight WATCH NOW: Linclon Middle School Band plays the Torchlight WATCH NOW: Logan High School Band play the Torchlight Parade WATCH NOW: Double Take plays "Soul Man" at Torchlight Parade Watch: Festing in the Morries Heritage Hofbrau Haus Watch: Mrs. Oktoberfest float in the Maple Leaf Parade WATCH NOW: La Crosse Firefighter Pipes and Drums play the Maple Leaf Watch: Maple Leaf Parade Fest royalty Watch: The Navy at Maple Leaf Parade Watch: The Executives with The Board Store

IN PHOTOS and VIDEO: The 2022 Maple Leaf Parade
You are here: Arts

Children visit Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by Du Yi/Xinhua)

The Chinese government on Wednesday released guidelines to promote the high-quality development of educational travel in the field of archaeology.



These guidelines highlight the benefits of utilizing China's abundant archaeological resources for educational purposes. The guidelines state that educational travel "is conducive to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture, as well as enhancing the public's scientific literacy and humanistic spirit."

Educational travel, also known as study travel, combines education and tourism to provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on educational experiences and research-based learning outside the traditional classroom setting.

Provincial cultural relics administrative departments are instructed to compile and publish a list of suitable locations for archaeological study travel.

Institutions involved in archaeology, including archaeological site parks, museums, research institutes, and excavation sites, are encouraged to organize educational travel activities, according to the guidelines.

To ensure the quality of archaeological study travel, the National Cultural Heritage Administration will oversee the certification of qualified bases and incorporate such travel into the development and operation of national archaeological site parks and related museums.

The administration will also support the establishment of industry organizations dedicated to archaeological study travel, aiming to improve curriculum development, design, and mentor evaluation.

Moreover, the guidelines emphasize the importance of prioritizing public welfare in archaeological study travel. Efforts should be made to provide more affordable products and services targeting young people, while also offering appropriate fee reductions for special groups such as low-income families.

In the guidelines, the government stressed safety and the orderly operation of study travel activities.

Cultural relics administrative departments at all levels are required to closely monitor the facilities, visitors, and activities related to study tours, taking necessary measures to rectify any issues or suspend operations if necessary.

China's 55 national archaeological site parks received over 67 million visitors in 2023, an increase of 135 percent compared to the previous year. The surge highlights the growing popularity of such parks as a new hot ticket in cultural tourism.
Chinese car manufacturers emerged as the best-selling brands in Indonesia's electric vehicle (EV) market in August, surpassing other Asian competitors, according to data from the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries (GAIKINDO) released on Wednesday.

China-based BYD came at the top EV producer that gained the most popularity in the Southeast Asian country, recording a total of 2,971 unit sales, with Seal and Atto 3 being the most favorite series. Two other Chinese EV brands, Chery and Wuling, followed closely, each selling more than 400 units.

"BYD has recorded extraordinary achievement in terms of order, even if compared to other Chinese brands," GAIKINDO said in an official statement on its website.

South Korean EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq and Kona Electric, recorded significantly lower sales, with 182 units each.

Chinese EVs are gaining popularity in Indonesia as the demand continues to grow.
The United States Congress has honored four women known as the hidden figures of the space race with its highest civilian award.

The Congressional Gold Medal was presented Wednesday to the families of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and Christine Darden at the U.S. Capitol. Only Darden is still living. The 82-year-old watched the ceremony from her Connecticut home.

Lawmakers recognized the four Black mathematicians for their critical work early in the space program.

They also presented a medal to all the women who worked as mathematicians, engineers and "human computers" in the American space program from the 1930s to 1970s.

Margot Lee Shetterly wrote the 2016 book Hidden Figures about the Black women mathematicians who supported the space program in the 1960s. It was made into a movie of the same name in 2017.

"By honoring them, we honor the very best of our country's spirit," Shetterly said at the ceremony.

The early space program employed hundreds of women to work as mathematicians at what is now NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia. But, the Black mathematicians were not permitted to work with the white mathematicians because of racial separation policies at the time. The Black researchers work went unrecognized for years.

The team used pencils, slide rules and mechanical calculating machines to calculate the paths of rockets and orbiters in the atmosphere and in space. The path is called the trajectory.

Our office computed all the trajectories, Katherine Johnson told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in 2012. You tell me when and where you want it to come down, and I will tell you where and when and how to launch it, she explained.

In 1961, Johnson did trajectory research for the Freedom 7 Mission, the first to carry an American into space. The next year, she checked the calculations made by a new NASA computer for astronaut John Glenns planned orbits around the planet.

John Glenn did not trust the new computer. Days before the launch, he told NASA, Get the girl to check the numbers. John Glenn become the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962.

Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015  the nation's highest civilian honor. Her work at NASA helped open doors for many other women to take part in the space program.

Dorothy Vaughan rose to become NASA's first Black female supervisor. Mary Jackson was NASA's first Black female engineer. And Christine Darden is best known for her sonic boom research.

Im Jill Robbins.

Adithi Ramakrishnan reported this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

_________________________________________

Words in This Story

figure  n. a digit representing an amount (as of money earned or points scored) also, a bodily shape or form especially of a person

calculate  v. to find (a number, answer, or the like) by using mathematical processes

sonic boom - n. a loud explosive noise caused by the shock wave from an aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound.

What do you think of this story? Write to us in the Comments Section.
Chinese migrants are going all over the world, from Mexico to Thailand and beyond.

But one country has become increasingly popular among Chinese migrants: Japan.

Many Chinese who choose to move to Japan are wealthy or highly educated. They like the countrys ease of living, rich culture and immigration policies that favor highly skilled professionals.

Intellectuals

Jia Jia is a writer and speaker at the University of Tokyo. Eight years ago, he was briefly detained in China on suspicion of writing a call for Chinas top leader to resign.

Jia planned to move to the United States. But after experiencing the coronavirus outbreak in China, he was in a hurry to leave, and his American visa application was delayed. So, he chose to go to Japan instead.

In the United States, illegal immigration is particularly controversial. When I went to Japan, I was a little surprised. I found that their immigration policy is actually more relaxed than I thought, Jia told The Associated Press.

Li Jinxing is a Christian human rights lawyer who moved to Japan in 2022. Li sees similarities to a time over one hundred years ago. Back then, Chinese intellectuals such as Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, went to Japan to study how the country modernized.

On one hand, we hope to find inspiration and direction in history, Li said of himself and like-minded Chinese in Japan. On the other hand, we also want to observe what a democratic country with rule of law is like. Were studying Japan. How does its economy work, its government work?

Changing immigration policy

Over the past 10 years, Tokyo has softened its position on immigration. The policy change was a result of the countrys low birthrates and ageing population.

Foreigners now make up about two percent of its population of 125 million. But the Tokyo-based National Institute of Population and Social Security Research says that percentage is expected to reach 12 percent by 2070.

Chinese are the most numerous newcomers to Japan. Of the 3 million foreigners living in Japan last year, Chinese represented about 822,000, government data shows. That number is up from 762,000 a year ago.

In 2022, Chinas zero COVID public health policies led many of the countrys young or wealthy citizens to leave. There is even a term for it: runxue, using the English word run to suggest running away to places considered safer and wealthier.

For intellectuals like Li and Jia, Japan offers greater freedom than China. But for others, such as wealthy investors and businesspeople, Japan offers property protections.

Property protections

A report by investment migration company Henley & Partners says nearly 14,000 millionaires left China last year. That is the most of any country in the world. Japan was a popular destination for Chinese millionaires.

Q. Edward Wang teaches history at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Wang said a major reason is concern about the security of wealth in China.

Protection of private property, which is the cornerstone of a capitalist society, that piece is missing in China, Wang said.

In addition, the weakening Japanese yen makes buying property and other local assets a good deal.

And while the Japanese economy has not had major growth recently, Chinas economy is facing problems. The property market is in crisis and stock prices have stayed at the level they were at in the late 2000s.

If you are just going to Japan to preserve your money, Wang said, then definitely you will enjoy your time in Japan.

Internet-based business leaders are among those leaving China after Communist Party crackdowns on the technology industry. For example, billionaire Jack Ma, a founder of e-commerce company Alibaba, took a position at Tokyo College, part of the highly respected University of Tokyo.

So many wealthy Chinese have bought apartments in Tokyos costly buildings that some areas have been called Chinatowns, or Digital Chinatowns. The term describes how many of the homeowners in those places work in high-tech industries.

Life in Japan is good, said Guo Yu, an engineer who retired early after working at ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

Guo does not concern himself with politics. He loves Japans snow in the winter and is a superfan of its hot springs. He owns homes in Tokyo and in other places.

Like Guo, many Chinese moving to Japan are wealthy and educated. The Japanese government has been careful about who it lets stay, placing importance on people to fill labor shortages for factories, construction and health care for the aged.

It is crucial that Japan becomes an attractive country for foreign talent so they will choose to work here, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said earlier this year.

False warnings

Chinese ballet dancer Du Hai said he has found a chance to use his talent in Japan. Leading a class one recent weekend, Du showed dance positions to a class of Japanese students.

Du liked Japans large ballet community, filled with professional groups and talented dancers. But he was also worried about warnings that Japanese people were unfriendly.

Such warnings turned out to be false, he said with a laugh. Now, Du is considering getting Japanese citizenship.

Of course, I enjoy living in Japan very much now, he said.

Im John Russell.

And Im Ashley Thompson.

Yuri Kageyama and Dake Kang reported this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_________________________________________

Words in This Story

migrant  n. a person who moves from one country, place, or locality to another

application  n. a formal, written request

controversial  adj. describes a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views

relaxed adj. able to change to account for peoples needs

intellectual  n. a person who enjoys study, reflection, and careful thought

inspiration  n. the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

cornerstone  n. a basic element, a foundation

asset n. a thing that has value that can be measured

preserve  v. to maintain; to keep alive, intact, or free from decay

crackdown n. a campaign against a group or a behavior that uses law enforcement and strong punishments

crucial  adj. important

attractive  adj. arousing interest

talent n. the ability to do a job in a skilled and effective way
08:09

In a departure from the recent monetary policy stance by holding interest rates steady in eight straight meetings, the United States Federal Reserve announced a steep 50 basis points interest cut in its latest review meeting.





Investors globally were certain that the US central bank would cut rates, but they were looking for the quantum of the cut.





The US Federal reserve monetary policy committee decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 50 basis points to 4.75 to 5.0 percent.





"The committee has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent, and judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," Fed said in its statement.





"In considering additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks," it added.





Investors across financial markets globally were waiting for fresh cues from the outcomes of the two-day US monetary policy review meeting, particularly the extent of interest rate cut.





Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell had recently indicated that it was time for the US central bank to reduce interest rates as inflation rates aligned with its target.





Addressing the much-awaited Jackson Hole Symposium last month, Powell said that 'the time has come for policy to adjust' but stopped short of hinting at the quantum of interest rate cut.





Inflation worries: Inflation has been a pain point for the policymakers in the US, who wish to bring retail inflation to 2 per cent on a sustainable basis.





The silver lining is that the latest inflation data (for August) showed that the inflation rate is steadily moderating towards the intended target.





US inflation fell to 2.5 per cent in August, and is slowing aligning with the intended 2 per cent target. For much of the past three years, inflation ran well above the US central bank's 2 per cent goal, and labour market conditions were extremely tight.





Impact on stocks in India: Foreign portfolio investors seemed to have upped their investments in India, hoping for a better return on investments with high chances of interest rate cuts in the US.





FPIs have been net buyers here in India.





Domestic stock indices had been rising substantially of late, possibly due to inherent strength in domestic market fundamentals. Indian markets surged strongly this week, reclaiming record highs.





Loosening monetary policy in the US through rate cuts typically leads to flight of capital to markets where policy rates are high. The steeper the rate cut in the US, the more is the tendency of flight of capitals to alternative investment destinations, including India.





It is to be seen how Indian stocks react to the Fed outcome, when the market bell rings Thursday morning. On Wednesday, Sensex and Nifty closed marginally lower, as investors awaited Fed announcements. -- ANI
Madison police were called to break up a fight at Black Hawk Middle School, 1402 Wyoming Way, on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers were sent about 2:10 p.m. Wednesday for a fight in progress at the North Side school, officer Korrie Rondorf said in a statement.

Officers learned that a fight was instigated in a hallway, with multiple students becoming involved. One student was injured when they kicked in a glass window, Rondorf said.

The fight was broken up with multiple students receiving restorative justice tickets and two being taken to the Dane County juvenile jail, Rondorf said.
Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn on Wednesday released a proposed 2025 budget totaling $903 million, a reduction from the record-setting $937 million proposed last year by former County Executive Joe Parisi, who retired in May.

Kuhns budget includes funding the expansion the Sunshine Place community resource center, as well as the creation of a new dementia care unit. It includes investments in affordable housing, conservation and a variety of other initiatives. It includes funding to move forward the planned expansion of the Alliant Energy Center.

Kuhn said the proposal seeks to prioritize unmet community needs while limiting total spending to match expected declines in revenue.

Not all budget requests and worthy proposals have been funded, because it is a year of tough choices, she said.

The bulk of the spending  $813 million  would fund county operations. Thats about $26 million more than Parisi proposed and $24 million more than the County Board ultimately approved for 2024.

The remaining $90 million in the 2025 budget proposal would be used for capital projects. Thats about half of the size of the $179 million capital budget the board adopted last year and is the smallest capital budget the county has proposed since 2021.

The 2025 budget includes a net staffing increase of 47.8 full-time equivalents.

The budget includes a 1.47% increase in the countys property tax levy, to $259.9 million. That would mean an increase of about $17.04 to the tax bill of the average Madison home, valued at $457,300 in 2024, Kuhn said.

The county property tax rate would fall under Kuhns proposal, from $2.73 for every $1,000 of property value in 2024 to $2.57 in 2025.

The County Board will hold public hearings on the proposed budget Oct. 9 and on committees recommendations Oct. 28. The board is set to deliberate on Oct. 30.

More funds for social services

Increasing access to social service programs and nonprofit partners is again a priority for the county.

Kuhn announced her budget at the Elver Park Neighborhood Center on Madisons Southwest Side because it is a community resource building, she said.

The center houses one of the 17 Dane County offices of Joining Forces for Families, a county-supported program that connects families to needed services. It would get an additional staff member under Kuhns budget.

The budget includes $2 million toward the expansion and renovation of Sunshine Place, a hub for community groups and resources in Sun Prairie, as well as $10 million for the Dane County Affordable Housing Development Fund.

The proposed budget would increase staffing in the Department of Human Services, including multiple roles devoted to the countys aging population.

In addition to creating a dementia crisis stabilization unit in Adult Protective Services, the budget would establish multiple interpreter and language access positions in the Department of Human Services. It would also fund specialized translation services at the Badger Prairie Health Care Center, where the dementia unit would be located.

The budget would provide $50,000 to help senior centers offset the rising cost of transportation. And it would sustain or increase the countys support for harm reduction, wellness, reentry and jail diversion initiatives.

A push for the Alliant Energy Center

The planned redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center campus, which has stalled in recent years, remains on the countys priority list.

Kuhns budget would give the project $1.5 million to help the expansion of the Exhibition Hall move forward, as the county looks first to update its design and later to make improvements to the facilitys HVAC system and other infrastructure.

The county will put plans back on track, despite the delay caused by the pandemic, a summary in the budget document says.
Photo taken on June 6, 2024 shows an electric car at a charging station near the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]

The EU has ignored fresh proposals from Chinese automakers aimed at resolving the dispute over Chinese EVs in the European market, undermining efforts to ease tensions through dialogue.



The decision to impose tariffs on China-made EVs, despite several offers from Chinese manufacturers, has sparked a new wave of outcry within the bloc.

Growing opposition

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, during a recent visit to China, voiced his opposition to the proposed EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, urging the EU to reconsider and seek a compromise with China to avoid a trade war. His concerns were echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who also criticized the tariff plan.



In May, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned against levying tariffs on Chinese EVs, saying that "a wider trade war where we block each other's products is not the way to go for industrial nations such as Germany and Sweden."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban described the tariffs as a "brutal" punishment against Chinese automakers and called for open competition.

These dissenting voices suggest that the decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs lacks unanimous support among all EU member states. "Many believe that this is a step towards a trade war between Europe and China, which will ultimately harm the European economy," said Croatian political analyst Mladen Plese.

German automotive expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Bochum, said that such a protectionist approach might push EU automakers to increase investments in China, the world's largest car market and a leader in the rapidly growing EV industry.

He warned that protectionism and tariffs are misguided strategies and would result in losses for Germany and the EU.

"The European Commission's punitive tariffs hit German companies and their top products. Cars become cheaper through more competition, open markets, and significantly better business conditions in the EU, not through trade war and market isolation," said German Transport Minister Volker Wissing in a message posted on X.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store openly opposed punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs. In a recent interview with Chinese media, he emphasized that as a non-EU member, Norway is not bound by EU policies. "Consumers in Norway should have access to the cars they want to buy," he stated.

Impact on automakers, consumers

The EU's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, intended to protect the bloc's auto industry, may instead stifle growth and restrict European consumers' access to more affordable Chinese EV models, analysts said.



Germany's auto industry has long thrived in an open market. However, these tariffs are expected to drive up prices, reducing competitive pressure on European automakers to develop more affordable EV models, which are currently in limited supply.

"The European manufacturers do need to be challenged," noted Rico Luman, a senior economist at ING focusing on transport, logistics, and the automotive industry.

Chinese EV makers have gained a competitive edge in the global market through rapid production growth, advanced technology, and cutting-edge innovations, noted Luman.

Sjors ten Tije, manager of the Dutch Association of Electric Drivers, said that European manufacturers rely heavily on Chinese parts and additional tariffs would hamper Europe's automotive development.

Higher tariffs will result in higher EV prices, making it harder for consumers seeking clean transportation to find affordable models, he added.

"The transition to electric driving may be delayed. This could ultimately lead to less available funds for research and development," said Maarten Steinbuch, professor in Systems and Control at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Slowing down green transformation

Experts warn that in addition to disrupting trade and collaboration between the EU and China, the tariffs on Chinese EVs could jeopardize the EU's planned transition to a greener economy.



Piotr Gadzinowski, former editor-in-chief of the Polish newspaper Trybuna, emphasized that cooperation with China in the EV industry is crucial for the EU to meet its climate goals.

Gadzinowski noted that tariffs on Chinese EVs would impede the promotion of electric vehicles in the EU, especially in countries with low EV adoption.

Supply chain disruptions and the breakdown of collaborative research efforts could negatively impact both European and Chinese manufacturers, further straining EU-China relations, he said.

Eric De Keuleneer, executive director of the Brussels-based University Foundation and Emeritus Professor at the ULB Solvay Brussels School, urged EU policymakers to consider the tariffs' impact on Europe's green transition and industrial development, emphasizing the importance of Chinese support in providing affordable batteries, which would benefit both European consumers and automakers.

Dick Roche, former Irish minister for European affairs, questioned the logic of imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs, given the EU's green transition goals. "Technological change will be a key driver of the green and digital transition in Europe. Like it or not, China happens to be a leader in technologies vital for Europe's progress towards carbon neutrality," he said.
TWIN FALLS  Sometimes you dont have to steal a lot to be charged with grand theft.

While the crime is widely considered to be one that adds up to a loss of more than $1,000, a woman was sentenced Thursday for the offense after making two dozen trips to the Twin Falls Walmart, stealing a little bit at a time.

The monetary loss was less than $600, but it has meant jail time for her, and Tiffany Lynde Dastrup, 48, was handcuffed and sent away on a rider program with 365 days of retained jurisdiction, with an underlying sentence of a minimum four years in prison.

It all made for an unusual case, District Judge Blaine Cannon said, and he had quite a lot to say when it came down to sentencing.

Dastrup, whose employment through Spark was to gather online orders for customers, was accused of making 24 separate trips to Walmart, but instead of taking just items for customers orders, she threw in extra merchandise in the bag for herself that she did not pay for.

It didnt add up to a huge amount  the loss for the first noted theft on March 16, 2023, was $62.06, and loss after another incident the next day was put at $120.24.

Under Idaho law, crimes can be charged as grand theft if the aggregate loss is more than $50 during a criminal episode of up to three days.

Capt. Dennis Clark of the Jerome Police Department told the Times-News that he believes not many people are aware of the law.

Obviously, they know they are engaged in criminal activity, but most likely not aware that they are at a felony level, Clark said.

Other crimes that can be charged as a felony and yet not reaching the $1,000 mark includes the deliberate killing of livestock worth $150 or more, theft of a public record, theft of a firearm, or when the property consists of a check, draft or order for the payment of money upon any bank.

As to whether that type of crime is charged as a felony can depend on the circumstances of the case, Clark said.

Dastrup reached a plea agreement after a drawn-out court process, and charges of four counts of grand theft were whittled down to two.

This is generally a misdemeanor, defense attorney Craig Cannon said, although acknowledging the law that allows for the charge. It is worth noting the amount of money that is in play here.

Cannon urged Judge Blaine Cannon (no relation) to consider the relatively small dollar amount of the loss, and base sentencing off that. Restitution was set at $517.05, and the attorney said a suspended sentence with probation was appropriate.

Deputy Prosecutor Kiel Willmore, however, emphasized that Dastrup entered the retail store 24 times. Prosecutors could have also charged her with burglary, he said.

Dastrup has faced other charges since the incidents at Walmart, including attempted strangulation and domestic battery, but those charges were dismissed.

She admitted to having an alcohol problem, and was taking a program at Renaissance Refuge in Heyburn.

While her thefts were not a violent crime, the offense is hurtful to society, the judge said.

Its like stealing from the community and everyone who shops there, Judge Cannon said, noting that losses from theft, plus expenses for running security systems, are passed on to customers.

The judge presides in Cassia County, and said he sees multiple cases dealing with people stealing from the Burley Walmart.

The numbers are mind-boggling, he said.

The problem of theft in retail creates problems for local owners Local shops in downtown Twin Falls experience various levels of shoplifting, which hurts their business and morale.

Dastrup, in her statement to the court, said she takes full responsibility for her actions and said she now realizes her substance abuse problem interfered with her being able to think logically when it came to the Walmart thefts.

Judge Cannon said that although Dastrup appears sincere, he cannot guarantee another similar crime wont happen in the future if she received probation. She had multiple failed attempts to wean herself off alcohol, he said.

Dastrup was sentenced to a fixed sentence of four years with four years indeterminate, with the rider program of 365 days retrained jurisdiction.

Successfully completion of the program will allow her to get probation afterward, although Judge Cannon said that he will be made aware of any slip-ups.

I know it wont be easy, he said, but said many former inmates have told him that the rider programs have been beneficial for them.
Rep. Simpson cosponsors bill to

add a third federal

judge for Idaho





This week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024, or the JUDGES Act. This legislation will add critically needed federal judgeships to resolved currently understaffed and backlogged courts, including an additional federal district judgeship in Idaho.

As Idahos population grows, so does the number of court cases, Rep. Simpson said. Adding a third district judgeship will reduce backlogs and ensure Idahoans have their cases addressed in a reasonable and timely manner. It is long overdue for Idaho to have a third district judge to meet these needs, and I look forward to seeing this critical legislation get across the finish line.

Dozens of federal district courts across the country are plagued by staggering caseloads and multi-year backlogs, officials say. The Judges Act would create 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035. Congress last authorized a second federal judgeship for Idaho in 1954.

Also:

D.L. Evans Bank donated $15,000 to the Cassia County Fair Foundation last week. The donation will contribute to completing the construction of the new Pari-Mutuel building at the Cassia County Fairgrounds in Burley, which will house the Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing and betting during the Cassia County Fair and Rodeo. The building is situated underneath the fairs new grandstands and was a key element of this years extensive upgrades and renovations at the fairgrounds. For more information about the foundation, visit https://cassiacountyfair.com/foundation/

.

The Idaho Community Foundation and Twin Falls Mayor Ruth Pierce invite the community to join them for the South Central Celebration of Philanthropy from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Stone House Event Center in Twin Falls. With support from D.L. Evans Bank, Oppenheimer Companies, Boise Cascade, U.S. Bank Wealth Management and Chobani, the event will honor the spirit of generosity and highlight charitable investments that enrich South Central Idaho communities. The evening will feature a dinner, no-host bar, live grant-making and philanthropic recognition, culminating in the presentation of the Friend of the Foundation Award. The keynote speaker for the evening will be Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and President of Chobani. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.idahocf.org/

.

 Times-News

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Paris, FranceA group of companies including Meta and Spotify blasted the European Union Thursday for its fragmented and inconsistent decision-making on data privacy and artificial intelligence (AI).

The firms along with several researchers and industry bodies signed an open letter claiming that Europe was already becoming less competitive and risked falling further behind in the age of AI.

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The signatories called for harmonized, consistent, quick and clear decisions from data privacy regulators to enable European data to be used in AI training for the benefit of Europeans.

The letter takes issue with recent decisions under the 2018 general data protection regulation (GDPR).

Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, recently halted plans to harvest data from European users to train its AI models after pressure from privacy regulators.

In recent times, regulatory decision making has become fragmented and unpredictable, while interventions by the European Data Protection Authorities have created huge uncertainty about what kinds of data can be used to train AI models, said the letter.

A European Commission spokesperson said at the time that all companies in the EU were expected to abide by data privacy rules.

Meta has faced record fines for breaching the privacy of users, including a single penalty of more than one billion euros under GDPR.

As well as data privacy rules, Europe became the first regional bloc to frame major legislation aiming to stop abuses of the technologyits AI Act coming into force earlier this year.

Meta and other tech giants have increasingly delayed products for the European market, claiming they were seeking legal clarity.

Meta delayed the EU-wide release of its Twitter alternative Threads by several months last year.

Google has similarly held back the release of AI tools in the EU.
The "Taiwan independence" stance and provocative actions of Taiwan authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, are to blame for the mainland's recent decision to cancel its zero-tariff policies for certain products from Taiwan, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council has announced recently that it will stop implementing the policies of exempting import tariffs on 34 agricultural products originating in Taiwan starting from Sept. 25, 2024.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed strong support for the move.

Initially in 2005 and again in 2007, the mainland, guided by the conviction that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are of the same family, exempted import tariffs on a total of 34 agricultural products originating in Taiwan, covering fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, according to Chen.

This effectively helped relevant products expand their markets on the mainland, bringing tangible benefits to workers in the island's agriculture and fishery industries, he said.

However, since Lai took office as the island's leader, the Taiwan authorities have obstinately adhered to a "Taiwan independence" stance, making continuous provocations to seek "independence," escalating cross-Strait hostility, and obstructing exchange and cooperation.

They continue to unilaterally restrict imports of over 1,000 agricultural product types from the mainland, Chen said.

"We always respect, care for, and are committed to bringing benefits to our compatriots in Taiwan," Chen said, adding that the mainland will continue to welcome and support farmers and compatriots from Taiwan to develop on the mainland.

He also warned that pursuing "Taiwan independence" will only bring disaster and harm to Taiwan, and that those who support "Taiwan independence" will only undermine their own interests.
The incumbent Philippine National Police (PNP) chief on Thursday told lawmakers that 24 of his predecessors are now under scrutiny after a retired military intelligence officer alleged that one of them was taking monthly bribes from Alice Guo and may have helped facilitate her short-lived escape.

During the Senate budget deliberations for the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies, Police Gen. Rommel Marbil said his organization is not happy about the bombshell revelation of retired Major General Raul Villanueva.

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Villanueva made the revelation before the Senate in his capacity as security and monitoring cluster head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), the agency that regulates all gambling activities in the country, including online gaming operations.

Marbil chided the retired Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) head for making such an ambiguous allegation that can potentially taint the reputations of recent PNP chiefs.

Since he [Villanueva] is under oath, [he has] to tell us [the name of the corrupt PNP chief] because it affects the whole [PNP] organization. And remember, its not the whole organization of the PNP alone. It is peace and order being affected by what he said, he pointed out.

Meanwhile in the House hearing, former Cebu City congressman and mayor Tommy Osmena alleged that retired Police Col. Royina Garma, who is reportedly close to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was allegedly receiving P1 million a week in payola when she was chief of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao City.

I was made aware that in the previous hearing that Col. Garma said that our differences was personal. I just want you to know Mr. Chairman that I did not know her, Osmena told the joint panel.

Osmena said he opposed Garmas transfer to Cebu after receiving information that she is collecting P1 million a week as chief of the CIDG in Davao City.

Marbil told Senators that his office is writing a letter to Villanueva to demand that he identify the corrupt PNP chief he referred to during Wednesdays hearing on illegal Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) or recant his allegation.

He has to tell us the name or else you have to clarify to the Senate that no such thing ever existed, said the national police chief.

Still, Marbil assured, We are investigating 24 of our former CPNP [chief Philippine National Police].

It remains unclear why the supposed internal probe includes 24 former police chiefs.

Since the PNP was established in March 1991, when the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police broke off from the AFP, there have been 28 national police chiefs, with Marbil being the 28th.

Seven PNP chiefs served during the Duterte administration, with six of them still living.

There have so far been six PNP chiefs since the Marcos administration took office.

Only these 11 PNP chiefs have served since the first POGOs arrived in the Philippines during the early part of the Duterte presidency.

Meanwhile, during the budget hearing for his agency, DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos expressed confidence that Marbil can ably probe Villanuevas allegations.

Everybody wants to know who but let the chief PNP answer that one, he said.

Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: 24 ex-top cops under probe for allegedly helping Alice Guo escape
Why be afraid? Why back down?

By Marchio Gorbiano

Almost 200 environmental activists were murdered last year, with the toll especially heavy in South America, according to rights group Global Witness.

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Here are the stories of three campaigners who have faced violence and repression trying to stop wildcat gold mining in Ecuador, illegal shrimp farming in Indonesia and a controversial oil project in Uganda.

We have a responsibility

Daniel Frits Maurits Tangkilisan has been assaulted, arrested and prosecuted for his activism to protect a national park, but he is unbowed.

Why be afraid? Why back down? Your home should be defended, the 51-year-old told AFP in Jakarta, where is awaiting a new ruling in legal proceedings against him.

Born and raised in the Indonesian capital, he fell in love at first sight with the remote Karimunjawa Islands National Park off Java on his first visit in 2011 and settled there.

Daniel began to notice the growing impact of illegal shrimp farms, which began to proliferate around 2017.

Run-off from the farms killed off seaweed and forced marine life to move further from shore, impacting the livelihoods of fishing communities, he said.

In 2022, Daniel helped start the #SaveKarimunjawa movement, which pushed for a local zoning law banning the shrimp farms.

But his activism made him a target  he was threatened, assaulted and put in a chokehold, and fellow environmentalists received death threats.

He was arrested in December 2023 over allegations of hate speech stemming from a Facebook post criticising illegal shrimp farming.

A local court sentenced him in April to seven months behind bars.

The conviction was overturned on appeal but prosecutors took the case to the Supreme Court, insisting he should not be recognised as an environmental activist.

This is a price that must be paid, Daniel said of the threats and legal battles.

And his activism has had some success, with recent government inspections forcing many illegal operations to shut.

We have a responsibility to our children, grandchildren and future generations, he said.

If you give up you say goodbye to your future.

Hell on Earth

Abdulaziz Bweete grew up in Kawempe, a shanty town in the Ugandan capital Kampala, and saw first-hand the devastating impact of environmental change in poorer communities.

I have grown up seeing floods around but I had not interested myself in what is causing floods, he told AFP.

It took two things to galvanise the 26-year-old  going to university, and seeing the Uganda governments response to climate protests.

Bweete was among a group of student organisers who marched on parliament in July with a petition opposing a multi-billion-dollar oil project that campaigners say will badly affect a delicate environment.

He and several other young activists were arrested, charged with illegal assembly, and held in Kampalas maximum-security Luzira prison until August.

He told AFP he and fellow protesters were beaten by police.

The activist was previously imprisoned and arrested following rallies in the capital.

All I can say is prison is a hell on Earth, he said.

We dont have freedom of protest in this country, he said, glancing around nervously in

Kyambogo Universitys lush campus setting.

Demonstrations in Uganda  ruled with an iron fist by President Yoweri Museveni for four decades  are often met with a heavy-handed police response.

Bweete said politics and climate change go hand in hand.

If we have good leaders, we can have good climate policies. This is a long struggle, but we are determined to win, he insisted.

Defend life

Alex Lucitante, a leader of the Cofan Indigenous people on the border between Ecuador and Colombia, won a historic legal victory in 2018 over mining companies in the Amazon, striking out 52 gold mine concessions.

It helped win him the Goldman Environmental Prize  the Nobel of environmental defenders  two years ago.

But despite setting up a system of patrols and even drone surveillance, it has not stopped gold prospectors violating their territory.

The destruction is still going on all around our land, and the threat is stronger, he told AFP, telling of illegal mining, deforestation and threats from armed groups.

Today, the situation is particularly critical in our territories, said Lucitante.

It all happens in plain sight and with the knowledge of the authorities, which are sometimes

linked to illegal actors operating in the area, he added.

The environmentalist has urged global leaders to listen to the voice of Indigenous communities and hear their plea to defend life.
Following the example of Namibia, Zimbabwe plans to cull 200 elephants to help feed communities hit by severe famine following the worst drought in nearly four decades, according to the countrys wildlife authorities.

Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks), confirmed on September 18, the cull, stating: We are planning to cull at least 200 elephants across the country, though specific details are still being finalized.

The culling, Zimbabwes first in 36 years, will take place in Hwange, Mbire, Tsholotsho, and Chiredzi districts. The approach mirrors Namibias recent strategy, where 83 elephants were culled, and the meat distributed to drought-affected communities.

Zimbabwe is home to over 200,000 elephants within a transboundary conservation area shared with Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. However, Zimbabwes parks are only designed to support 55,000 elephants, and the current population of 84,000 has led to increased human-wildlife conflict. Fifty people have died from elephant attacks in Zimbabwe, Farawo noted.

In addition to addressing the overpopulation of elephants, Zimbabwe has been advocating for the reopening of the ivory trade under the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). With a stockpile of ivory valued at over $60 million, the country remains banned from selling it despite its successful conservation efforts.
Domingos Simoes Pereira, the Speaker of Guinea-Bissaus dissolved parliament, has called for the resumption of parliamentary work on September 20. He announced a series of meetings with the parliamentary bureau, parliamentary group leaders, and the standing committee.

According to press releases issued on Wednesday September 18, the first meeting will take place with the parliamentary bureau members, including Pereira as president, and vice-presidents Fernando Dias and Satu Camara, along with secretaries Dan Yala and Gabriela Fernandes. This will be followed by a meeting with the leaders of the four parliamentary groups, and an hour later, the standing committee, which holds the powers of the parliamentary plenary, will convene.

These meetings will focus on several critical issues: the countrys socio-political situation, an assessment of the political and constitutional implications of sovereign body actions, the current state of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court of Justice, and the expiration of the National Elections Commissions executive Committee, elected during the 9th legislature.

Parliament was dissolved in December 2023 by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who cited a serious institutional crisis centered on the legislative body.
Morocco continues to support African capacity-building in the field of health care and remains ready to receive more candidates from member States for internships, fellowships, and medical clinical training, Moroccos Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, Azzeddine Farhane, said on Wednesday.

Speaking at an event organized on the sidelines of the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the Agencys Rays of Hope initiative, Farhane recalled last years designation of the Rabat National Institute of Oncology (INO) as an IAEA anchor center, as part of the long-standing partnership between Morocco and the IAEA.

Even prior to the establishment of an anchor center in Rabat, INO had been designated since 2003 as a regional training center for the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), he added, pointing out that the Institute has trained numerous doctors, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists.

The diplomat also pointed out that since its launch, Morocco has supported the Rays of Hope initiative, subsequent to the two side-events chaired by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to mark World Cancer Day in 2021 and 2022.

Morocco, as president of the 64th session of the IAEA General Conference, hosted a high-level panel on cervical cancer in Africa, said Farhane, noting that subsequently a resolution was submitted by the G77 and adopted to support IAEAs efforts in the fight against cancer.

The Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to mitigate the impact of cancer worldwide and in Africa in particular, is nowadays deemed successful and a high-impact IAEA flagship program.
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:

Cardiovascular risk factors (particularly metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes) alter coronary microvascular function and increase the risk of atherosclerotic disease, which itself leads to changes in the coronary microcirculation. Credit: CNIC

A study carried out at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Madrid, Spain provides crucial information about the effect of cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis on the network of microvessels that irrigate the heart in symptom-free middle-aged individuals.

The study, published in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, highlights the importance of assessing coronary microvascular function in individuals with no known cardiovascular disease in order to improve the prediction of atherosclerosis progression and future cardiovascular risk.

Coronary microvascular function is the capacity of the microvessels in the heart to regulate blood flow and supply oxygen, crucial determinants of heart health. The study used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to measure blood flow at rest in the coronary microvasculature of 453 asymptomatic middle-aged participants in the PESA-CNIC-Santander (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis) study.

The results demonstrate that impaired coronary microvascular function is directly associated with the presence of cardiometabolic indicators such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes, as well as with subclinical atherosclerosis (the presence of fatty lesions in artery walls before the appearance of symptoms) in peripheral or coronary arteries.

"Our findings suggest that coronary microvascular function could play a crucial role in the prediction of long-term cardiovascular risk in apparently healthy individuals," explained Dr. Ana Devesa, first author on the study. "Physicians should consider the use of microvascular dysfunction as an early marker in the assessment of cardiovascular risk."

The study was led by Dr. Borja Ibanez, who is the Scientific Director at the CNIC, a cardiologist at Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz and a group leader in the Spanish cardiovascular research network (CIBERCV).

Dr. Ibanez emphasized the value of examining PESA study participants, "The PESA population covers a crucial age group for the early detection of cardiovascular disease. By assessing microvascular function in this population, we were able to identify patterns that might have been hidden in other groups. Focusing on this age group gives us a unique window of opportunity for the implementation of primary prevention strategies, before the appearance of clinical symptoms."

Dr. Valentin Fuster, CNIC General Director and leader of the PESA study, stressed the clinical implications of the results, "Our results show that coronary microvascular dysfunction is a key indicator that should be considered in routine clinical practice. These findings could lead to changes in the way we monitor and treat people with cardiometabolic risk factors, even before they show symptoms of cardiovascular disease. The ultimate goal is to improve prevention and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events."

Over a three-year follow-up, atherosclerosis progression was less pronounced among participants who had better coronary microvascular function at the start of the study. This result underlines the potential of microvascular function as a key marker in the stratification of cardiovascular risk and the prevention of future events.

Overall, the study shows that, in a large cohort of asymptomatic middle-aged individuals with no ischemic heart disease, the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and systemic atherosclerosis is associated with altered coronary microvascular function.

The higher the burden of cardiometabolic risk factors and the greater the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis, the stronger the impairment of coronary microvascular function. Moreover, preserved coronary microvascular function is associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis progression.

More information: Ana Devesa et al, Coronary Microvascular Function in Asymptomatic Middle-Aged Individuals With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.08.002

Provided by Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)
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The vaccination campaign against mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo is to begin on October 2, the public health institute said Thursday, as the country registered more than 24,000 cases of the virus.

The campaign will last for ten days, Adelard Lofungola, the doctor heading the mpox response team, said at a press conference in Kinshasa.

"We will first focus on medical personnel, children, and key groups" such as sex workers, Lofungola said.

As well as logistical challenges facing the vaccination rollout, health authorities will also have to convince certain "communities to avoid self-medication", he said.

The vaccine doses must be kept at a temperature of -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) and transported across a territory four times the size of France.

DRC is at the epicenter of the mpox outbreak and has recorded 24,035 cases and 789 deaths since January, according to official figures released Thursday.

The central African country has received 265,000 vaccine doses donated by the European Union and the United States, manufactured by the Danish laboratory Bavarian Nordic.

But the Bavarian Nordic vaccine is intended only for adults.

The foreign affairs ministry has said it signed a "memorandum of understanding" with Japan on Wednesday for the delivery of five million vaccines, which can be given to children.

"We hope that this vaccine for children will arrive" before October 2, Lofungola said, adding that the first two deaths had been reported recently in the relatively unaffected province of North Kivu in the east.

"A 14-day-old newborn and an 8-year-old child. The first case is a mother-to-child transmission, detected late," he said, while saying that for now "the situation is under control at the local level".

Several mpox epidemics are currently present in Africa, but the outbreak in DRC has become complicated with the appearance of the Clade 1b virus variant.

Specialists say it is difficult to assess how dangerous and contagious the new variant is.

In Africa, mpox is now present in at least 14 countries including Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville and the Central African Republic, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Creative expression interventions, such as fictional storytelling, could improve the lives of people living with dementia, according to research from the University of Surrey.

Between 2020 and 2022, Dr. Stephen Fay led a study in Medellin, Colombia, focusing on creative expression for 70 individuals with dementia. The unexpected shift online due to the COVID-19 pandemic extended the study from a 10-week pilot to an 18-month creativity and communication lifeline for the participants and their families.

This transition also enabled the first-ever evaluation of the online delivery of the storytelling method used (known as TimeSlips), yielding promising results.

Dr. Stephen Fay, lead academic on the project and Lecturer in Spanish at the University of Surrey, said, "Storytelling, especially in a collaborative and creative context, taps into a fundamental human need for connection and expression. Even when memory fades, the ability to create and share stories can remain, offering a profound way to communicate and experience joy."

Dr. Fay found that engagement with the study enhanced quality of life, boosted mood and positive self-perception, and reduced isolation by creating new and strong social bondsto which the online format was no obstacle.

Dr. Fay is now working to bring this research and its positive results back to the U.K. through his Digital Tools for Wellbeing with Dementia (DoWell) study.

In collaboration with the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group (the U.K.'s leading advocacy organization for and by people with dementia) and with Goldster (a commercial provider of innovative digital well-being programs for older people), the DoWell Study aims to deliver the proven well-being benefits of creative expression activities.

It will also call on the participants' expertise to evaluate how accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable these activities are for people living with a dementia diagnosis.

Based on their feedback, the study will help create guidelines for designing future digital creative expression programs. Finally, the study will use participants' creative outputs to foster positive conversations about living with dementia.

Participant voices: Testimonials of Creativity and Joy

A central part of the DoWell Study is empowering people with dementia to rediscover and explore their creativity. The results so far are very promising:

Regarding accessibility: "It's like jumping into a swimming pool where you don't know what the temperature's like and realizing it's bloody cold and perhaps you don't really want to be there. But this was a gradual getting in, and feeling, "Ah, it's warm. This is nice. I feel safe. I feel comfortable. Perhaps I'll have a go. I might even get to a point where I'm out of my depth and still feel OK."

Regarding enjoyability: "I got so many other things done that day because it really lit the blue touchpaper."

Regarding inclusivity: "I would never have dreamed of doing any writing until all this started, and now I can't stop!"

One participant, Marilyn, wove memory and imagination together in a creative story about a school choir trip in the 1960s told from the perspective of the hotel mouse, Herr Gunter Ground. Another participant, Anne-Marie, used storytelling to reflect on family history, describing her VIP trip to the Houses of Parliament years after her Suffragette great-great-grandmother had chained herself to the railings outside.

Dr. Fay continued, "Our study highlighted a potent rediscovery of creative passion and flair by participants who had insisted they weren't creative people and who are living with a disease commonly associated with a radical loss of expressive ability."
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Credit: AI-generated image (disclaimer)

Mpox vaccines have been administered in Africa for the first time, with several hundred high-risk individuals vaccinated in Rwanda, the African Union's disease control center said Thursday.

The first 300 doses were administered on Tuesday near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a spokesperson for the AU's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) told AFP.

The DRC has been the worst-affected country, with nearly 22,000 cases and more than 700 deaths linked to the virus between January and August.

On a call with reporters, Africa CDC director general Jean Kaseya said vaccinations would start in the DRC in "the first week of October".

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals that can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.

Deadly in some cases, it causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like lesions on the skin.

The World Health Organization (WHO) last week prequalified an mpox vaccine, MVA-BN, for the first time, paving the way for the United Nations and other international agencies to procure them.

The Africa CDC says there has been a total of 29,152 cases and 738 deaths across 15 countries on the continent.

"Mpox is not under control," said Kaseya.

Cases increasing

A CDC spokesperson added that testing remained an issue, with only half of suspected cases tested, and said the agency was aiming for more than 80 percent.

WHO's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned in a briefing Thursday that they were not dealing with one outbreak, but "several" in different places, caused by different strains.

In particular, he highlighted the situation in Burundi and the DRC "where cases are continuing to increase".

According to the WHO prequalification, the vaccine can be administered to people over the age of 18 as a two-dose injection given four weeks apart.

With most mpox cases and deaths in the DRC in children, the WHO stressed the vaccine could be used "off-label" in infants, children and adolescents, as well as in pregnant and immunocompromised people.

"This means vaccine use is recommended in outbreak settings where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks," the WHO said in a recent briefing.

The agency also recommends single-dose use in outbreak settings where supplies of the vaccine are constrained. But more data is needed on vaccine safety and effectiveness in such circumstances, it stressed.

The currently available data showed that a single dose of the MVA-BN vaccine given before exposure had an estimated 76-percent effectiveness in protecting against mpox, it said. Two doses were estimated to be 82 percent effective.

 2024 AFP
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An examination of millions of patient visits to primary care physicians shows that mental health concerns are second only to musculoskeletal complaints in everyday care. One in nine patients was seeking care primarily because of a mental health concern.

"These primary care physicians are the gatekeepers," said study leader Avshalom Caspi, the Edward M. Arnett Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. "The primary care physician data allows us to actually see people at their first contact with the health care system."

Researchers examined more than 350 million primary care visits for 4.8 million people from January 2006 to December 2019, as recorded by the Norwegian government. Each visit's principal health concern was coded by the physicians, enabling the researchers to take a deep dive into what these doctors are seeing every day. The study appears in Nature Mental Health.

"The idea was basically to see what parts of the body are they treating," said Caspi, who has co-developed a measure for the pace of a person's aging process. "It turns out that 12% of all the encounters that primary care physicians have are for mental health problems. So of the 350 million encounters, they have over 40 million mental health encounters."

The data cover 14 years, ending in 2019pre-pandemicand reflects a purely Norwegian population with socialized health care. Norway is one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, with effectively zero extreme poverty, and ranks seventh on a global measure of happiest countries, while the U.S. isn't even in the top 20.

But the insight into how much mental health figures into routine primary care is still valuable, Caspi said. "This is the complete record of people aged zero to 100, from all walks of life."

The prevalence of mental health concerns was about equal to the number coming in for respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, and more than coming in for infections, injuries, digestive, skin, urological or sensory issues.

Caspi said the most important takeaway is that the volume of mental health encounters being seen by primary physicians is second only to aches and pains. While it's mostly depression or anxiety, they are seeing "diverse and complicated conditions," including psychosis. "As I look at all this, I'm just staggered by the complexity of the mental health issues primary care physicians are having to contend with," said Caspi.

Depression, sleep disturbance, stress and anxiety, memory problems and substance abuse led the list. But concerns also included ADHD, learning problems, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, sexual issues, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.

An analysis of primary-care encounters. Credit: Nature Mental Health (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00310-5

Caspi adds that it is also important to note "this isn't just happening at one point in the lifespan, it's happening everywhere, among all age groups," he said. Mental health concerns peaked in the 40s, when 1 out of every 5 visits to a primary-care physician was for a mental health issue.

"A primary care physician, on any given day, is going to encounter mental health issues in pediatric patients, in geriatric patients and among middle aged adults," Caspi said.

"This report underscores what has become increasingly evident in medicine: without targeted efforts to expand mental health services within the primary care setting, the medical system will not meet the mental health needs of those that it serves," said Dr. Damon Tweedy, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke Health, who was not involved in this study.

Post-pandemic, this trend is also unavoidable in pediatric primary care, said Malinda Teague, an assistant clinical professor in the Duke School of Nursing, who was not involved with this study. "Even if it's a regular well-child visit, almost every child is coming in with some concern about behavior, anxiety, depression."

Caspi stops short of suggesting that primary care physicians need to become more educated in mental health, but he would like to see mental health professionals better integrated into the primary care model. "You go to see your GP and you've got a mental health problem. And they say 'let's go right down the hall and get you set up.' That's called a warm handoff, and the VA has been good about that."

Teague agrees and notes that Duke pediatric primary care already has a similar model, but she says it is not enough. "These embedded mental health clinicians are quickly at capacity and can't see all the patients that are in need. Primary care providers must be competent and confident in handling common mental health conditions to provide this access to care for their patients."

"The American Academy of Pediatrics made a recommendation a few years ago that every child 12 and up should be screened for depression at every visit," Teague said.

"I can tell you though, that doesn't happen. You've got someone coming in for an ear infection, or coming in for a cough. Who's screening them for depression? Because of our fee-for-service model, the time limits on patient visits don't really support that very well," she said. "As a result, these screenings are only happening at yearly check-ups and we are missing enormous opportunities to help."

Regardless, Caspi encouraged patients to share their mental health concerns with their doctors. "Don't be shy," he said. "Because they are seeing this a lot."

More information: Avshalom Caspi et al, A nationwide analysis of 350 million patient encounters reveals a high volume of mental-health conditions in primary care, Nature Mental Health (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00310-5 Journal information: Nature Mental Health
This photo shows a view of a ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

On Wednesday morning, as sirens howled in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, drivers honked their horns while pedestrians stopped their steps to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China.

On Sept. 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for the attack. Later that night, they bombarded barracks near Shenyang.

In 1995, Hao Songqing, a worker who had retired from a tape factory in Shenyang, wrote a letter to the Shenyang municipal committee of the Communist Party of China, suggesting ringing air-raid alarms to remind people not to forget the national humiliation.

His suggestion was approved, and Shenyang has sounded the air-raid alarm to commemorate the September 18 Incident for 30 consecutive years, starting in 1995.

In the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang at 9:18 a.m. Wednesday, people gathered and held a ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident and the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

He Zhongling, one of the designers of the 9.18 Monument in the museum and a retired professor of Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, said the skeleton and bone elements on the monument's base symbolize the martyrs who died in the war. Its main body is shaped like a calendar with bullet holes, representing the pain of the war.

"The purpose of designing this monument is to tell people to remember history and not forget the national humiliation," said He.

About 3 km from the museum lies the Beidaying (Northern Grand Barracks) site that the Japanese troops bombarded. At the exhibition hall of the site, visitors can revisit the gruesome history through more than 400 historical photos, over 200 relics, electronic maps, scene restorations, panoramic sand tables and other modern techniques.

"For peace, people commemorate the war," said Fan Lihong, curator of the 9.18 Historical Museum, adding that the number of visitors to the museum has continued to surge and many people come here to remember history and salute the martyrs.

"Telling the history is not to perpetuate hatred, but to remember the truth and give strength to today's people," said Fan.

When the siren sounded on Wednesday, Gong Zhigang was driving a high-speed train passing areas near the 9.18 Historical Museum.

"At that time, the Japanese built railways on Chinese land to plunder resources and wage war. Today, our high-speed railway is one of the leaders in the world with a maximum design speed of 350 km per hour," said Gong.

"We have to draw experience and strength from history and pursue for a better future," he added.

The commemoration was also held across the country on Wednesday.

In Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, 500 people gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. Six delegates struck the Bell of Peace to mourn the victims and remind the public not to forget national humiliation.

Many other Chinese cities, including Haikou and Chengdu, also sounded sirens on this day to remind people to remember history and cherish peace.

The September 18 Incident in 1931, at which Japanese troops began the bloody invasion of China, foreshadowed World War II and made the country the first to resist fascism.

During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which lasted until 1945, China suffered a total of 35 million military and non-military casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in World War II.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Oregon Health & Science University researchers have found that despite legislation in 19 states requiring insurers to cover a 12-month supply of contraception, patients aren't receiving a year's worth of their prescription; most receive just three months or less.

Their study, recently published in the journal JAMA Health Forum, shows that policies requiring coverage of a 12-month supply of short-acting hormonal contraceptionmost commonly the birth control pillhave not been fully implemented, resulting in no substantial increases nationally in year-long prescription orders. This leaves many patients at an increased risk of unintended pregnancy.

A common cause for decreased effectiveness with the pill is breaks in use, often due to running out of a prescription or a lapse in obtaining a refill. However, dispensing a longer-term supply of contraceptionsix or 12 monthsis linked to improved continuous use, fewer breaks in coverage and health system savings.

"The decision of when or if to become pregnant is deeply personal," said Maria Rodriguez, M.D., M.P.H., professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the OHSU School of Medicine and director of the OHSU Center for Reproductive Health Equity. "It shouldn't be impacted by a delay in getting to your pharmacy for a refill, or a pill package running out while on vacation."

To address this barrier, policymakers in 19 states have enacted 12-month contraceptive supply policies, which require insurers to cover the cost of dispensing a full year of coverage at once per prescription. However, the OHSU researchers found that these policies have not been fully implemented and have failed to change current prescribing practices.

Using a difference-in-difference model, which compares changes in outcomes over time between populations, researchers looked at oral pill, patch and ring contraception prescriptions among nearly 4.8 million female Medicaid enrollees ages 18 to 44 in 36 states11 states with the 12-month supply policy, and 25 without. Researchers found that in 10 of the 11 states with the policy, an increase in the proportion of contraception dispensed was smaller than one percentage pointmeaning just a nominal improvement in year-long prescription orders.

"Our findings suggest a significant gap in knowledge both for patients and prescribers, and we hope this serves as a call to action to make 12-month supplies the standard prescribing practice," Rodriguez said. "This is low-hanging fruit for improving birth control access, especially for people who live in states with more restrictions on reproductive health care."

For coverage policies to be effective, insurance companies must comply with and be held accountable for following the revised coverage guidelines, Rodriguez said. Similarly, clinicians would need to change their standard prescribing patterns to write for an extended supply of contraception, and pharmacists would need to dispense the full supply.

The research team says full implementation of these policies will require outreach to contraceptive users, prescribers, pharmacists and payers, as well as enforcement from state governments. A federal policy mandating coverage of a 12-month supply is another strategy to support access, as it would require all insurers, including private payers, to cover 12-month contraception supplies.

Rodriguez encourages patients to feel empowered to ask about their contraceptive options and advocate for choices that are the best fit their personal preferences, lifestyle and family planning goals.

"In our current health care landscape, where reproductive rights are constantly under attack, it's critical to remove barriers and ensure broad access to contraception," Rodriguez said. "We need providers to follow this prescribing practice as their default and patients to know that it's their right to ask for it."

More information: Maria I. Rodriguez et al, Twelve-Month Contraceptive Supply Policies and Medicaid Contraceptive Dispensing, JAMA Health Forum (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.2755 Journal information: JAMA Health Forum
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South African public health power couple Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim have worked for decades on fighting the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV.

Through decades of pioneering work on fighting the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV, South African public health power couple Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim are credited with saving thousands of lives.

Married for 36 years, the epidemiologistsboth aged 64are internationally respected for their work on stopping deadly infections such as HIV/AIDS, TB and the coronavirus.

On Thursday, they received the Lasker Award for public service, a top recognition for medical research described as the US equivalent of a Nobel prize for science.

The couple have "stemmed the course of the HIV/AIDS scourge", including by launching research labs and training hundreds of scientists across Africa, the New York-based Lasker Foundation said.

They used science to dispel myth and propaganda about AIDS, it said.

The award was a "humbling moment" and "pinnacle of a research career", Salim told AFP at the Center for the AIDS Program of Research (Caprisa), where he is director, in the east coast city of Durban.

"Inspiring," said Quarraisha, the center's scientific director, saying it marked "the transformative power of science being recognized, and being recognized from Africa."

The couple's focus on HIV followed their move to the United States in 1987 to work on their master's degrees at Columbia University. HIVfirst reported in 1981was ravaging New York.

Salim Abdool Karim is a globally recognized HIV researcher.

HIV explosion

"You couldn't spend a day without discussing HIV in New York," recalled Salim. When the couple returned home to South Africa, it was the "next big challenge", he said.

The country went on to record some of the highest numbers of infections in the world, becoming an epicenter of a pandemic that has claimed around 42 million lives globally, including about 3.9 million in South Africa since 1999, according to UNAIDS.

"It was in our communities, in our populations. We were trying to change behavior around sex at a time when people didn't talk very easily about sex, when the apartheid state was also trying to control who you had sex with," said Quarraisha.

After the racially segregationist apartheid system ended in 1994, she was appointed national AIDS control program director.

But the new government was in denial about the scale of HIV/AIDS and its poor response is estimated to have cost 2.5 million lives between 1999 and 2010, according to UNAIDS.

The Lasker Award notes: "Over the objections of the South African government, their research led to the development of the anti-retroviral treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), that reduced spread by 39 percent."

The couple has received the Lasker Award for public service for their work in HIV/AIDS research.

"They defined approaches to treat common co-infections of HIV and tuberculosis, and after five years, these deaths decreased by over 50 percent."

One of Caprisa's achievements was the pioneering of a topical gel to protect women from infection.

New infections in South Africa have dropped to 150,000 in 2023 from a peak of around 520,000 in 2000. Up to 8.3 million people in the country had the virus in 2023.

Leading causes for new infections are violence against women, young women in relationships with older men and transactional sex, Quarraisha said.

'Complementary perspectives'

Salim became a household name in South Africa as a government advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was often on television giving measured advice and updates.

"If I go to the shopping mall now... people will come up to me and say, 'Thank you very much, professor'," he said.

Quarraisha Abdool Karim says she wants to see more global cooperation in public health and the development of African talent and initiative.

Both born in the KwaZulu-Natal province, the couple prioritize time with their three children but have no plans to hang up their lab coats.

Quarraisha wants to see more global cooperation in public health and the development of African talent and initiative.

"When we work together, as my husband and I show, we bring different but complementary perspectives," she said. "We are able to raise the science to levels that you can't individually do."

"We are now working on some new strategies to provide long-term prevention against HIV," Salim said. "We have some really good innovations and some good research under way. It's going to keep us busy for quite a while."

 2024 AFP
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Overview of study protocol. Credit: BMJ Open (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086733

The working environment must be improved to improve the retention of A&E (accident and emergency) doctors, according to the first ever study of why emergency doctors stayrather than why they leave.

The study in the BMJ Open entitled "How do we retain doctors in emergency medicine?" is by Dr. Dan Darbyshire from Lancaster University Medical School, who is himself an emergency doctor.

He said, "The findings suggest that the working environment is a threat to retentionit needs improving. Retention is important as more experienced and senior doctors perform fewer unnecessary tests, make better decisions, and get fewer complaints. High turnover is correlated with poor organizational performance."

Staff retention is a particular challenge in emergency medicine, with a 2021 workforce survey by The Royal College of Emergency Medicine revealing that:

50% of staff were considering reducing their working hours

26% were considering taking a career break or sabbatical

32% said this was due to workload pressures and 35% said this was due to burnout

69% of Clinical Leads revealed that locums were being used to fill permanent posts

22% of consultants were considering retiring early

There was a shortfall of 2,0002,500 A&E consultants in the UK in 2021

Dr. Darbyshire spent over 132 hours of observations over 11 weeks in a UK hospital emergency department including 41 interviews with doctors.

Staff members complained the emergency department was often loud, "windowless but bright," and invariably either too hot or too cold.

One interview participant described how the environment "could quite easily become a source of frustration that would make me not want to come into work." There was "no staff toilet," no changing room"that's where I get changed, in the storeroom."

All these frustrations were worsened by overcrowding.

One doctor said, "One of the things I [would] try [was] getting some headspace, so if it all got a bit too much I would go to a quieter part of the department, so maybe go sit in the seminar room and write in there for 10 minutes, or in resus if it wasn't a bomb site."

Missing or misfunctioning equipment was a source of frustration and staff found it inconvenient and embarrassing to take a piece of equipment to a patient only for it to fail to work. Staff improvised, with for example, a doctor using a stethoscope to test reflexes as they could not find a tendon hammer.

Dr. Darbyshire said, "Many things would have to change for the clinical space in the emergency department to improve. Crowding, exit-block, hospital-wide capacity problems, and difficulty accessing social care in the community are problems beyond the power of an individual department or even the specialty to resolve.

"Individual emergency departments can improve aspects that are within their control. Adequate break facilities, a changing room and a staff toilet, spaces for education and handover that are fit-for-purpose, are all achievable and would impact the workplace experience."

The study looked at strategies employed by doctors to keep working in A&E despite the pressures. These included education, with senior staff prioritizing the education of more junior staff.

Dr. Darbyshire said, "The junior doctors in our study were made to feel that their learning was important to the team by the actions of those leading the team. The value placed on their education as an intrinsic part of their work created space to develop in the emergency department, and they felt this fostered sustainability in their careers. Likewise, for the consultants, these elements of education enriched their interactions with trainees and made a qualitative difference to their daily working lives."

Community was also important, created by brief interpersonal interactions between emergency department workers.

One doctor said, "So, I think in terms of the department we are quite a tight knit group, there is a lot of human interaction with the team as well, which I quite enjoy, and I'd say so yeah, that's kept me going."

Other retention strategies included portfolio careers rather than full-time working work, as well as self-rostering. Participants reported that a good rota helped retention and a bad one hindered it while both annualization and self-rostering enabled staff to plan essential parts of their lives such as childcare and family holidays, respond to unexpected events, and meet training requirements.

Another strategy was mentorship, which provided a way to manage the demands of a career in emergency medicine long term.

Dr. Darbyshire said, "This paper shows that it is not enough to fund initiatives to encourage people to join the specialty; it is also vital to understand what makes them stay to ensure that investment in the clinical workforce is sustained over time."

More information: Daniel Darbyshire et al, Retaining doctors in emergency medicine: an ethnographic study of emergency departments in England, BMJ Open (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086733 Journal information: BMJ Open
Chinese authorities on Thursday made arrangements to guard against the impact of the approaching Typhoon Pulasan, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Typhoon Pulasan is expected to make landfall on the coast between Xiangshan in Zhejiang Province and Pudong in Shanghai on Thursday afternoon or evening, according to meteorological authorities.

Affected by the typhoon, parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Fujian will experience heavy rainfall from Thursday to Friday. Parts of Zhejiang and Anhui should also expect downpours.

China's eastern regions are facing a complex, grim situation with the successive impacts of Typhoon Bebinca and Typhoon Pulasan, multiple authorities said at a joint meeting on Thursday.

The ministry has called for efforts to secure maritime safety, keep a close eye on winds, rains and tides, and implement precautionary measures. Responses to onshore gales and heavy rainfall should also be ensured, and solid disaster relief and rescue preparations should be made.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has maintained a Level-IV emergency response to typhoons in Zhejiang, Shanghai and Jiangsu, and teams dispatched to the affected regions by the headquarters have been continuing to aid disaster relief work.

China has a four-tier flood control emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response.
Billionaire philanthropist Leon Cooperman spent a lot on the hat he was wearing with the NJPAC logo.

Im at a stage in my life where Im swapping money for apparel, Cooperman, 81, a former Goldman Sachs partner and Omega Advisors founder, said Wednesday at a groundbreaking for what New Jersey Performing Arts Center officials called a transformative project in Newark that will include an arts education center with his name on it. This hat cost me twenty million.

Cooperman joined fellow Goldman Sachs alumnus Gov. Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, NJPAC CEO John Schreiber, and other public officials and business leaders in scooping a shovel full of ceremonial dirt piled in a parking lot where the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center is to be built.

The Cooperman Center, a 53,000-square-foot contemporary structure designed by the Weiss/Manfredi architectural firm, will be just one component of a $336 million mixed-use development on the 12-acre redevelopment area anchored by NJPACs red brick concert hall and event space overlooking a bend in the Passaic River in the states largest city. The overall projects projected completion date is fall 2027.

Other components will include a 350-unit, 24-story apartment tower with 10,500 square feet of office space and another 12,600 square feet for retail. In compliance with Newarks zoning ordinance, 70 of the units, or 20%, will be for tenants with low or moderate incomes. The tower, known as ArtSide and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will be at the southeast corner of Center and Mulberry streets, along a reopened block of Mulberry that was closed when the arts center was built three decades ago.

The arts center itself will also undergo updates and a redesign of its southern facade along Mulberry, which is now a loading area but will get a pedestrian-friendly facelift for the blocks reopening.

Today we are celebrating the first major expansion of our campus since we opened our doors in 1997, said Schreiber, now in his 14th season as CEO. Today we make good on our promise to be an effective, useful, engaged and intentional anchor cultural institution, right here, committed to Newark in its ongoing equitable and inclusive development.

NJPAC has become recognized as one of the largest and most far-reaching arts centers in the nation, attracting artists and events ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Americas Got Talent, providing educational programs that reach tens of thousands of students a year, and hosting hundreds of free concerts and events annually in surrounding communities.

NJPACs opening in 27 years ago helped drive downtown Newarks renaissance in recent decades. Consistent with one of its founding missions, to spur local economic growth, the arts center has become a property developer, with projects that include One Theater Square, a 24-story apartment tower completed in 2018 with 245 apartments and 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, which was said to be Newarks first new residential high-rise since the citys violent civil unrest of 1967.

Leading Wednesdays event, Schreiber thanked dozens of public officials, corporate executives, board members and other NJPAC donors, and arts center staffers. He recalled the Mount Rushmore of NJPAC: Gov. Thomas Kean, who conceived of an arts center in Newark as an economic engine for the states largest city; former Mayor Sharpe James, an early supporter; philanthropist and Newark native Ray Chambers; and Schreibers predecessor, NJPAC founding CEO Lawrence Goldman, the only one of the four on hand Wednesday.

In turn, the arts centers current CEO was thanked just as profusely.

Thank god for John Schreiber, said Baraka, who praised his commitment to equity and diversity in the arts centers programming and programs. Among other things, Baraka praised the development projects plans for memorials commemorating a cemetery for enslaved Africans and their descendants that once occupied the NJPAC property, and the Lenni Lenape indigenous people who had lived on the site before that.

The streets of Newark have always been steeped in the arts, said Baraka, a spoken word artist and a 2025 gubernatorial candidate. This is a city where jazz and hip hop are in the breeze, and every wall without a mural is just a canvas no ones yet claimed.

The governor said he and his wife, Tammy Murphy, cannot wait to see this campus come to life.

As more than 20 speakers spoke and spoke in the lot across the street from NJPAC, workers worked on a new plaza directly in front of the arts center. Jazz and African drum music punctuated the start and end of Wednesdays event.

Apart from the $20 million gift from Cooperman and his wife, Toby, financing for the project includes millions more in individual and corporate contributions, and $200 million in state tax credits approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in February. The tax credits are through the EDAs Aspire program, created under the 2020 New Jersey Economic Recovery Act authored by State Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, the Senate Majority Leader, and Assemblywoman Eliana Pinton Marin, D-Essex, both of whom were on hand Wednesday.

Newark City Councilwoman LaMonica McIver made what is likely to be one of her last appearances as a member of the local ruling body, with her win in Wednesdays special election to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. representing New Jerseys overwhelmingly Democratic 10th Congressional District. McIver recalled something Baraka once told her about events like Wednesdays, which are welcome markers of a projects initiation, but pale in comparison to its completion.

I like groundbreakings, McIver said. But I love ribbon cuttings better.

A rendering of the Cooperman Center, planned for the southwest corner of Center and Mulberry Streets, across the intersection from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com
Yellowstone National Park officials on Friday released more than 20 minutes of descriptive video, including three officers' body cam footage, from a Fourth of July shootout with 28-year-old Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner at Canyon Village.

The shooting unfolded at around 8 a.m. when the Florida man armed with a semi-automatic rifle approached law enforcement rangers posted near a dining facility at Canyon Lodge. The video from chest-mounted cameras shows Fussner firing toward the service entrance.

The first body camera footage, from an agent identified as officer number two, begins about 10:30 minutes into the full video. It shows the right hand of an officer armed with an automatic rifle step into the Canyon Lodge loading bay and fire several rounds as the suspect, clad in what appears to be black clothing, rushes from left to right. No audio is present for the first 30 seconds.

Then the piercing wail of a fire alarm can be heard as another officer off-camera shouted, "Don't move!"

"Are you good?" officer two shouted to his colleague, who is not shown.

"I'm hit in my (redacted) but I'm all right," the injured man replied. The officer, who was wounded in a lower extremity, was later treated and released from an area hospital.

"Agent on the ground!" the officer calls out on his radio, his breath coming in heaving gasps.

He then turns to tell people on a nearby stairwell to leave.

"Hey, go upstairs move! You, go! Go!" he shouts, and then calls for emergency medical service.

The video is then played in slow motion.

The film goes on to explain that at about that time, officer number 3, whose body camera is not on, rounded the outside corner of the building and fired at Fussner.

"Fussner falls to the ground," the video narrator noted.

Officer two then retreats back through Canyon Lodge and onto the loading dock from a side door. From behind a dumpster, the officer provided cover as officer number four approaches Fussner. Jogging from near where officer number three fired, he called for cover before unclipping Fussner's rifle sling and moving the rifle behind another officer who is aiming at the fallen Fussner, a Milton, Florida, resident working in the park.

Officer four then ran back through the building, through the dining room and down a hall to check on the injured officer who is sitting in a stairwell.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," the injured officer replied.

Again the video is slowed down to show officer four removing Fussner's rifle and noted: multiple magazines for the rifle were later found on Fussner along with a semi-automatic pistol.

Officer number five's video shows him jogging from the Grizzly Lodge toward Canyon Lodge as about a dozen shots can be heard in the background.

"Get back in your dorm," he shouted along the way. "Tell everyone to stay in the dorm!"

As he approaches Canyon Lodge, he yells at a couple crouched behind the front driver's side wheel of a station wagon to stay down. As he nears officer three, someone shouts that the suspect is down and not moving.

At the time of the incident, the dining room was occupied by about 200 people.

More than 20 Park Service law enforcement rangers, including the park's special response team, had been dispatched to Canyon Village early on July 4 after a woman called 911.

The video includes a recording of a female Xanterra security guard contacting the 911 communications center to report a woman was hiding with other people in a Grizzly Dorm bathroom.

When reached by park law enforcement, the victim said she had been held against her will by Fussner in a residence at Canyon Village.

According to the video, Fussner "allegedly came to the employee's residence in Canyon Village armed with a knife and handgun."

The woman also reported to law enforcement rangers that Fussner threatened to kill her as well as others the following day at the employee dining room, according to the video and Park Service reports. Fussner's threats also allegedly included a mass shooting(s) at July 4th events outside the park.

While searching for Fussner, officers found his unoccupied and unlocked car in the main Canyon Lodge parking lot with a handgun near the center console.

"At 8:05 a.m. Fussner emerged from the woods with a semi-automatic rifle and encountered an NPS law enforcement officer near the Canyon Lodge," the video narrator said. "Fussner fired at officer number three; note, officers number one through number three are numbered in the order they fired at Fussner.

"After shooting at officer number three, Fussner moved directly toward the loading dock firing through the doorway into the hall at officer number one.

"Officer number one returned fire and was shot by Fussner during this exchange. Officer number two could not return fire due to officer two's position in the hall."

The video then shows the view from inside the hall looking out to the loading dock. "Investigators documented multiple entry and exit holes from gunfire," the video noted.

Opposite that image, to the right, is a photo showing the interior wall behind officer one's location. "Many bullets penetrated consecutive walls of the building when Fussner fired at Officer #1," the photo is captioned, with 11 holes identifiable.

Only three of the five officers present activated their body cameras. The officer who was wounded, officer one, did not have their camera on during the entire shooting. Officer two did not activate their camera until after officer one was shot, although it did capture them firing at Fussner. Officer three did not turn on their camera until after the shooting, although it shows them firing at Fussner. Officer four did not activate their camera until after the shooting. Officer five activated their camera after hearing the sounds of gunfire and running towards the shootout.

Park policy is to activate the cameras prior to "contact with individuals, except when faced with an emergency situation requiring immediate action to preserve life or safety."

Following the shootout, Cowboy State Daily interviewed Fussner's mother. She said investigators told her the hostage reported "Lucas said he wanted to go to the dining hall in Canyon Village and 'shoot Jew-babies.'"

Following the report to authorities, an alert was sent to surrounding law enforcement agencies warning them to be on the lookout for Fussner, providing a description of his vehicle. A recording of the warning was posted on Facebook.

The Park Service press release did not indicate how long the delay was between the officers' arrival and the shootout.

The incident is still being investigated by the FBI. Fussner was a Xanterra Parks and Resorts employee. The company provides concession services such as retail, camping, food and lodging inside Yellowstone.

Less than a week later, another concession employee at Tower-Roosevelt village was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after being disciplined for an error and responding by commenting the area should be the site of the next park shooting.

The July 4 Yellowstone shooting was the 120th officer-involved shooting in National Park Service history, according to NPS Ranger News. The first officer-involved shooting in Yellowstone came sometime between 1916 and 1920 when former Chief Scout Jim McBride was shot by a poacher, Ranger News reported.

Violent crime is rare in Yellowstone Park. In 1997, in the Frog Rock area 6 miles east of Mammoth, there was a murder-suicide involving a 69-year-old Idaho mother and the shooter, her 48-year-old son. The pair had been on the lam following a check fraud and auto theft scheme, according to the Cowboy State Daily.

In 1985, near Old Faithful, a 22-year-old park employee was beaten to death by a co-worker. In 1978, in the Boiling River area north of Mammoth Hot Springs, a California 17-year-old was shot dead by a man he was traveling with.
Adani Airport Holdings Limited confirmed it paid $50,000 (around Kes.6.47 million) to the Kenyan government as a review fee for its Kes.242 billion ($1.85 billion) proposal to take over and upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

The Indian infrastructure company, in a replying affidavit filed on Tuesday, September 17, addressed a case brought by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on September 9, which seeks to block the deal.

Adani states it deposited the review fee into the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Facilitation Fund and submitted the required documents for its privately initiated proposal (PIP).

According to the companys lawyers, Upon submission of the PIP, Adani Airport Holdings Limited duly paid the review fee of USD 50,000 to the Public Private Partnership Facilitation Fund, as required by law.

They also confirmed that all necessary pre-approval documents, including incorporation, tax compliance, and financial records, were provided to facilitate due diligence by the PPP Directorate in coordination with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).

Adani states that on March 18, the Kenya Airports Authority acknowledged receipt of the proposal and confirmed that the project was approved to proceed to the development phase, specifically the feasibility study phase. The company claims it later submitted a feasibility study report, which detailed the environmental and social impacts, financial plans, and outlined how the project would offer value for money to the Kenyan public.

Additionally, Adani provided a preliminary operating plan for the project. Court documents show the plan aligns with national infrastructure goals and aims to address long-standing infrastructure issues at JKIA.

The company insists that the project is still in the review and due diligence stages, refuting claims made by KHRC and LSK that JKIA had already been leased to Adani for 30 years. Adani calls such claims a misrepresentation of facts.

In Tuesdays filings, Adani revealed it first became aware of JKIAs deteriorating condition through Kenyan media, prompting it to submit a proposal to the KAA on March 1, 2024, to invest in the airports improvement.

On September 9, the court halted any further action on the proposed lease until the case is fully resolved. The case will be mentioned again on October 8.
Peter Odhiambo Agoro, Chairperson of the Consortium of Civil Societies in Kenya, was released after posting a Ksh.100,000 cash bail at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). He faced arrest on Tuesday for allegedly extorting Kes.3 million from an unnamed CEO of a State corporation.

Agoro fell victim to a sting operation led by EACC detectives, who apprehended him at a city hotel while he was receiving the first installment of Kes.1.5 million.

EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi stated that Agoro demanded the bribe to prevent the publicization of allegations regarding procurement malpractices against the parastatal CEO.

In response, Agoro denied the allegations, claiming his arrest aimed to silence activists who oppose corruption.

Ngumbi confirmed Agoros release on Wednesday and indicated that investigations into the case are ongoing. He mentioned that once the investigation file is complete, it will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Ngumbi also warned some rogue civil society actors, accusing them of abusing their positions to obtain information and blackmail government officials for financial gain. He emphasized that the commission will investigate all such cases and take appropriate action against the offenders.

Agoro must appear before the EACC in two weeks.
The Court of Appeal has postponed the hearing of Gilbert Masengelis appeal, despite urgent requests from the acting Inspector-General of Police for an expedited resolution.

Masengelis lawyer, Cecil Miller, explained that the appeal was filed under urgent conditions because High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi had granted Masengeli a grace period until September 20. Without resolution by that date, Masengeli faces a six-month jail sentence for contempt.

In his application, Masengeli argued that requiring him to appear before Justice Mugambiwhile challenging the entire decisionwas inappropriate and could compromise the integrity and urgency of his appeal.

Masengeli claimed that the High Court judge condemned him without hearing his case, denying him an audience through his legal and recognized agents.

By convicting the applicant without hearing his case, the judge also denied him the right to present a mitigation, despite objections from the applicants counsel, Miller stated in the appeal.

Masengeli further contended that the court conveniently ignored an affidavit explaining the polices position on the missing brothers Jamil and Aslam Longton and activist Bob Micheni Njagi, and insisted on his court attendance.

He argued that his physical presence was unnecessary, as he had already sent Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Langat to represent him and had submitted an affidavit from Directorate of Criminal Investigations officer Kitengela.

The superior courts decision condemned me unheard, grossly violating my non-derogable right to a fair trial as provided under Article 25 of the Constitution, Masengeli added.

He suggested that Justice Mugambis decision might have been influenced by external factors. Moreover, the applicant requests that the honorable court recognize that if he is sent to jail, he will not be able to recover the time and freedom lost if his appeal succeeds after his imprisonment, Masengeli stated in his affidavit.

Justices Gatembu Kairu, Weldon Korir, and Aggrey Muchelule have rescheduled the matter for next week, following a request by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for additional time to respond.

We have considered the application by the LSK and find it reasonable to grant them sufficient time to file their response, Justice Kairu said in the ruling.
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor announced that authorities have positively identified all 21 victims of the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Oduor confirmed that they have started contacting the victims relatives.

We have received the DNA results for the 21 victims of the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, and all bodies have been identified through DNA, he stated.

He added that the government chemist was able to match the samples obtained from the bodies of the victims and the parents.

Dr. Oduor reported that a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Red Cross, and counselors is assisting families with the burial process. He conducted the autopsy with support from other forensic experts.

Also Read  Hillside Academy Owner Announces Changes and Support Plans After Fire

The collection of DNA samples for victim identification began last week. The tragic fire claimed the lives of 21 boys and left at least 14 others injured. The DCI noted that the fire burned 19 bodies beyond recognition, making DNA analysis essential for identification. Two pupils died in the hospital while receiving treatment.

While the cause of the fire remains unknown, DCI detectives are actively investigating to uncover the details.

The investigating team is working around the clock, recording statements from persons of interest and making significant progress in this inquiry, the DCI reported.
On Tuesday, Kenyan Police and Haitian officers conducted security patrols in Delmas, leading to the arrest of several gang members.

Godfrey Otunge, head of the Command mission, announced that the raid captured members of the Chen Mechan and Pierre 6 gangs, including two gang leaders.

Otunge detailed that the operation caused many gang members to flee as officers intensified their efforts.

Some of the key areas that the joint operations have been able to recapture and maintain dominance patrols include various streets in Delmas, the commander reported.

The joint operations incorporated different formed HNP Units that saw the key areas pacified with several gangs members fleeing in consternation, he added.

The security operations also resulted in the destruction and removal of several barricades set up by gangs to block officers access to their residences. Among these was a double wall erected by the 400 Mawazo gang on a road leading to the streets of Delmas.

Otunge also revealed that, over the past few days, the Haitian government received multiple truce requests from gang leaders. However, he confirmed that the administration would not consider these requests.

A number of gang leaders have been sending emissaries for truce and dialogue, Otunge stated.

But the joint message from Prime Minister Garry Conille, Director General HNP Normil Rameau, and MSS Force Commander SAIG Godfrey Otunge is clear: Surrender, lay down your weapons, and be prepared to face prosecution for the atrocities you have committed, Otunge declared.
Members of Parliament have approved the Income Tax Regulations Bill (Charitable Organizations and Donations Exemptions) 2024 targeting churches, NGOs, and other tax-exempt institutions.

The National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, endorsed the new tax regulations proposed by former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndungu in a meeting with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials.

The Bill sets out the criteria charitable institutions must meet to qualify for tax exemptions on their income. It also specifies which donations will be eligible for tax deductions.

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga reported that some churches and NGOs were profiting from ventures unrelated to their charitable missions.

Many tax-exempt organizations are engaging in businesses which are unrelated to charitable purposes for which they are established to undertake without ploughing back such gains to the main objectives of the organization, Wattanga stated.

KRA Deputy Commissioner Maurice Oray supported this view, calling for stricter regulations. The Committee approved the new tax recommendations, with Chepkonga stating, We have reviewed the regulations and are satisfied that they comply with the law.
Over 2,000 Njuri Ncheke elders from Meru have endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the new leader of the Mt. Kenya region.

During a gathering at their sacred shrine in Ncheru, Tigania West, Meru County, the elders announced their decision to cut ties with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, expressing confidence in Kindiki as their new link to President William Ruto.

Led by newly appointed Meru County chairman Adrian Aruyaru, the elders from both Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties showed strong support for Kindiki, highlighting his consistent collaboration with the President.

The elders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, emphasizing their commitment to the current government. They urged both Governor Mwangaza and her Tharaka Nithi counterpart Muthomi Njuki to collaborate closely with President Ruto to foster regional development.

Moreover, the elders called for unity between Mt. Kenya East and Mt. Kenya West to ensure the regions overall progress.

Their endorsement of Kindiki reflects a significant shift in leadership dynamics in the Mt. Kenya region, aiming to strengthen political ties and development initiatives under President Rutos administration.

This comes a little over a week after elected leaders from the Mt. Kenya East region also endorsed CS Kindiki as their leader.

During a press conference on Monday, representatives from Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties announced their unanimous decision to designate Kindiki as the key link between them and the Executive.

At the same time, Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas allies have discredited Kindikis endorsement as Mt.Kenya leader.

Led by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa, the DPs allies alleged the endorsement was a strategy to push Deputy Gachagua out of the political scene.

Thangwa accused the MPs of plotting to impeach Gachagua and press charges against him to redistribute political positions among themselves. He strongly defended Gachagua, affirming that the DP will remain the political voice of the Mt Kenya region.

It is their plan to unite, bring an impeachment motion, remove him from office, jail him, and give positions to others, Thangwa explained. Let me remind them that we voted for Gachagua as the mountain, and we will not allow anyone to touch him.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu has provided two useful links for Kenyans interested in working in Germany.

Last Friday, Kenya and Germany signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Sharing of Labour, Talent, and Mobility in Berlin. This agreement allows Germany to welcome skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers through a controlled labor migration program.

Njogu highlighted the urgent need for labor in German companies, driven by demographic differences between the two nations. She stated that Kenyans can explore job opportunities in Germany by visiting the websites Make It In Germany and Deutschland.de.

During her Wednesday interview on Spice FM, Njogu noted that the agreement addresses the recognition of Kenyan skills, accreditation, and certificates.

Also Read  PS Njogu Clarifies President Rutos Claims of 250,000 Germany Jobs for Kenyans

The PS also highlighted ongoing efforts to align various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. She mentioned, For instance, we are exploring how a TVET institution in Kirinyaga can collaborate with one in Bremen to facilitate co-learning, co-teaching, and exchange programs.

Njogu emphasized that the two countries would facilitate the transfer of skills and technology through these job opportunities, providing Kenyans with good jobs, competitive wages, and valuable experiences.

However, she advised that learning the German language would significantly enhance applicants chances in the job market.
NAEP is the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. NAEP hosts a blog and the site provides links to a variety of resources and tools, which are highlighted below.

Show NAEP Tools and ResourcesHide NAEP Tools and Resources NAEP Information for Educators - Find answers to frequently asked questions about NAEP, view the types of questions featured in the surveys and assessments, and learn how to access the data.

NAEP Data Explorer (NDE) - Create customizable tables and graphics to display NAEP results.

NAEP Questions Tool - Search thousands of questions by grade, year, and content area. Test your students on the questions from NAEP assessments, and create customized assessments.

NAEP Test Yourself - Have your students select a subject and test themselves using NAEP questions.

NAEP Science Interactive Tasks - Test your students' 4th, 8th, and 12th grade science skills with interactive computer and hands-on tasks.

NAEP Survey Questionnaires - Access the student, school, students with disabilities or limited English proficiency, and teacher questionnaires from 20032016, which include questions about students' opportunities to learn both in and out of the classroom and students' educational experiences.

NAEP Frameworks - Read about the NAEP assessment organizing frameworks, which are the blueprints that guide the development of the assessment instruments and determine the content to be assessed.

NAEP-TIMSS Linking Study - Learn how this study links the NAEP scale to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) scale so that states may compare the performance of their students with students in other countries.

The Annual Reports and Information group produces several reports each year that draw from over 25 surveys by NCES and other government agencies. These wide-ranging data sources allow our reports to provide a comprehensive view of key issues facing the U.S. education system.

The primary purpose of the more than 70 Fast Facts on the website is to provide users with concise information on a range of educational issues, from early childhood to adult learning.

The National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE) is one of the four centers of the Institute of Education Sciences (the other centers are NCES, National Center for Education Research, and National Center for Special Education Research). NCEE conducts rigorous evaluations of federal programs, synthesizing and disseminating information from evaluation and research, and providing technical assistance to improve student achievement through the work of the evaluation division and the knowledge utilization division that includes:
Hangzhou teacher brings art and inspiration to Tibetan boarding school

08:10, September 19, 2024 By Luo Wangshu ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Art classroom at the Gala Boarding Elementary School at the Gala township of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. (Photo by Luo Wangshu/CHINA DAILY)

In the mountainous Gala township of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province, a unique art initiative is creating waves of transformation.

Wu Pengbo, an art teacher from Jinghua Elementary School in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has spent nearly a month at the Gala town boarding school in Yajiang county, revolutionizing the role of art in the lives of the students.

Wu, 36, arrived with the intent to support and enhance art education at a school that previously lacked a dedicated art teacher.

"I thought my presence could provide much-needed support," he said. However, the experience has turned out to be mutually transformative.

"Art doesn't need to be taught; it's an innate ability. My role is to provide materials and create an environment," Wu said.

A corner of the art classroom at the Gala Boarding Elementary School at the Gala township of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. (Photo by Luo Wangshu/CHINA DAILY)

Upon his arrival, Wu quickly revitalized the school's underutilized art classroom, which had superior facilities compared to his own in Hangzhou.

"The school has an excellent art room with all the necessary equipment. Before I arrived, no one was using these materials. Since my arrival, teachers have introduced me and the art room to students, encouraging them to use it during their free time. They began to come," Wu said.

He established an art club, inviting enthusiastic students to the studio during their free time and on weekends.

"Since they are boarders, they have about an hour of free time every afternoon, which many students use to visit the art room," Wu said.

Currently, around 30 students visit the art studio daily, and over 100 come on weekends, with classrooms often filled to capacity.

The art room is well-equipped with plaster busts for basic sketching, as well as an assortment of painting tools and supplies in the adjacent storage room at the Gala Boarding Elementary School in the Gala township of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. (Photo by Luo Wangshu/CHINA DAILY)

Enriching the lives of boarders

The school, housing 1,314 students, including about 600 boarders, has seen a remarkable shift in student engagement.

"Wu's presence has greatly supported our art education and enriched the lives of our boarding students," said Mao Chengjun, the school principal.

Wu takes only Sunday mornings off to gather inspiration outdoors. By 2 pm, he returns to school and informs the students that they can come to the art room to paint starting at 3 pm, according to the principal.

Wu, a graduate in oil painting, believes his primary role is to guide and inspire.

"I encourage students to draw confidently, as many haven't had professional guidance before and aren't familiar with many art tools," he said.

He has started providing sketching lessons to 12 students, observing notable progress in their work. One student, he highlighted, showed remarkable improvement after just three attempts at drawing basic shapes. "This is a very talented student," Wu said.

Wu's approach goes beyond mere instruction; he aims to foster self-confidence among local teachers who previously lacked professional training in art education.

"Art is innate, and many teachers here understand beauty but lack confidence. I hope to convey this idea and encourage them to inspire their students to create," he said.

Principal Mao supports Wu's vision, recognizing the impact of having a professional art educator.

"Students have shared how Wu has taught them not just to appreciate art but also how to start creating it. We hope to continue utilizing the art studio effectively even after his departure," he added.

Wu Pengbo, an art teacher from Hangzhou of Zhejiang province is sorting students' paintings at the Gala township of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. (Photo by Luo Wangshu/CHINA DAILY)

Education aid initiative

As part of the support initiative between Shangcheng District of Hangzhou and Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Wu will spend two months at the school.

Although his time is brief, he hopes to make the most of it by helping the school utilize the art room effectively and encouraging students to manage the studio independently.

"Students who truly love painting will come to the studio during their free time," Wu said.

Wu wants to convey two key messages to the students: that painting can benefit their future, such as for higher education, and that painting is a joyful activity.

In the art room, he has divided the space into two areas  one for free drawing and one for sketching instruction.

The art room is well-equipped with plaster busts for basic sketching, as well as an assortment of painting tools and supplies in the adjacent storage room.

Wu believes that art can transform individuals and is already seeing changes in his students.

"The students are eager to come and are very happy," he said, adding that the students follow classroom rules willingly and require no disciplinary intervention.

Wu Pengbo, an art teacher from Hangzhou of Zhejiang province is sorting students' paintings at the Gala township of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. (Photo/Xinhua)

Despite most students having no prior foundation in art  80 percent of whom have never drawn under professional guidance  Wu believes they can reach the same level as students in Hangzhou.

"The children here are very imaginative. I hope that even after I leave, they will continue to find joy in painting," he said.

Sangzhu Lhamo, a shy 13-year-old sixth grader, is particularly fond of the art room. Her home is about 150 kilometers from the school, a four-hour drive away, so she spends most weekends at school.

"I really like going to the art room. Painting is a happy thing," she said.

"Previously, the school had no dedicated art teacher, and other teachers, who were not professionally trained but served as substitutes for art teachers, sometimes lacked confidence," Principal Mao said.

He plans to have those teachers learn art education from Wu so they can continue guiding students after he leaves.

"All students have one art class per week. I also support Wu's suggestion to let students manage the art room themselves," the principal said.

The principal further noted that students have expressed their fondness for Wu and their enjoyment of painting.

"Students told me they didn't know how to start drawing before. Wu has taught them not only how to appreciate art but also how to begin creating it," he added.

Wu's arrival in Garze is part of China's educational aid policy for the Xizang autonomous region and other Tibetan prefectures in the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Yunnan, aiming to boost education quality and close gaps between Xizang and other parts of China.

The head of the Education Bureau of Shangcheng District, Xiang Haigang, said they have sent their best teachers for educational support.

"I have never considered art education as a secondary subject. In the journey toward modernizing education in China, art, sports, and labor education are all extremely important. Deploying our outstanding teachers to relatively underdeveloped areas brings significant improvements and meets fundamental needs for comprehensive development," he said.

In developing areas, there is often a shortage of teachers for so-called secondary subjects. Such education allows children to experience and discover beauty, helping them understand what constitutes a good life in the future, which is crucial in the educational process, he said.

He also believes that art teachers can help Tibetan students better record and pass on their ethnic culture through art. "Additionally, it helps children recognize that Tibetan culture is also a part of Chinese culture," he said.

Xiong Bingqi, director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, noted that art education is lacking in underdeveloped areas in China, with a shortage of teachers and insufficient attention from local governments.

Having teachers provide support in these areas is beneficial, but the extent of its effectiveness depends on how the teachers approach their work, Xiong said.

Art supplies are stored in the art classroom of an elementary school at the Gala township of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. (Photo/Xinhua)

A true family

Though Wu has been at the school for less than a month, he has forged strong bonds with students and teachers.

"I have gained immensely from this experience. I am very happy here, not only with the professional achievements in art but also in my interactions with colleagues and students. They are genuinely wonderful and simple people, and spending time with them has been very joyful," he said.

Wu has also found inspiration for his artwork. "I have always been interested in Tibetan culture. Although I had lived in Xizang areas before, this is my first time in a school setting. My understanding has deepened significantly, which has been very helpful for my painting. I am creating works related to this experience, and the biggest realization is that we are very similar. Han and Tibetan people truly are one family; there is no real difference. Even in terms of appearance, I feel quite similar to them now, and communication is smooth without any barriers," he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
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The New Zealand-China Youth Dialogue on Cultural Exchange was held in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 10.

Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), hosts the opening ceremony in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 10. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]



The event was sponsored by the China International Communications Group (CICG) and organized by its subsidiary institute, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS). The Global Young Leaders Dialogue is a featured program of ACCWS and this event was the first time for ACCWS to host a youth dialogue event in New Zealand thereby promoting cultural exchange between young people in the two countries.

With a theme of "New Technologies Promote Mutual Learning and Innovation among Civilizations," the event provided a platform for youth from both countries to learn from each other where they exchanged their experience and enhanced the bilateral friendship with the help of new technologies. Some 80 guests on the youth cultural communications field from the New Zealand-China Friendship Society, the Auckland University and the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre attended the Dialogue.

In his speech at the event, former Prime Minister of New Zealand Sir John Key mentioned that New Zealand was the first developed country to recognize Chinas full market economy status, and reach the bilateral agreement with China on Chinas entry into WTO, as well as start negotiations with China on bilateral free trade agreement. He said he was very glad to see youth are becoming "the investors" of friendship between New Zealand and China as well as among all countries around the world, which will further maintain friendships between peoples of all countries.

Speaking highly of the development of China-New Zealand relations in recent years, attendees believe that there is huge potential for the two countries to deepen cooperation and consolidate friendship. They hope the youth of both countries can seize the opportunity of the digital revolution to enhance communication and enrich cooperation for the bilateral strategic partnership.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the South Korea-China Parliamentarians' Union, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with a delegation led by Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the South Korea-China Parliamentarians' Union, on Wednesday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said he appreciated the contributions the union has made to promoting the friendship between the two countries.

Wang said China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) should be good neighbors with mutual trust and good partners that undertake mutually beneficial cooperation, no matter how the international or regional situations change.

Noting the continuity and stability of China's policy toward the ROK, Wang expressed the hope that the ROK side would meet China halfway, consolidate political mutual trust and push for the sustained, steady and sound development of China-ROK relations.

China is willing to study measures to facilitate personnel exchange between the two countries further, and welcomes people from all walks of life in the ROK to visit the country, Wang said. It stands ready to expand comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with the ROK, work together to safeguard the principles of free trade, and maintain stable, unimpeded production and supply chains, he added.

Kim and other lawmakers in attendance said the union stands ready to join hands with the Chinese side to strengthen strategic communication, increase personnel exchange, tap into cooperation potential and promote the ROK-China friendship.

They also said that the union is willing to adhere to multilateralism and safeguard free trade alongside China, and to jointly promote peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
How did we get here?

Its a  perhaps the  question reverberating across the nation: what are the stakes for American democracy and how will the upcoming presidential election shape the future of the United States and the wider world?

Thanks to the Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry, the community can contemplate this topic together over the next year, benefiting from the insights of Emory faculty scholars and outside experts. The exploration of Democracy: Past, Present, Future will kick off with a keynote address featuring historian Steven Levitsky, who co-authored  with Daniel Ziblatt  two recent and influential studies, Tyranny of the Minority (2023) and How Democracies Die (2019).

Confronting what imperils democracy

Serving as the David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and professor of government at Harvard University, Levitsky is a national voice on democratization, authoritarianism and political parties. He will join forces with Emorys Carol Anderson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of African American Studies and author of One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy, on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m. for the lecture and discussion Why Democracy Is in Danger.

Although Levitsky has much to say about democracy that is sobering, pointing to the fact that Western democracies  face growing illiberal threats from within, he is also hopeful. He notes, for instance, that as many democracies exist today as in the early 2000s, despite an overall weakening in support for them.

Emory is uniquely poised to convene this consequential conversation. In Feb. 2023, the Mellon Foundation awarded the university a multiyear, $526,000 grant to create a center  known as the Imagining Democracy Lab  that advances civic engagement and democratic participation between Emory and community organizations based in and around Atlanta.

Anderson and Bernard Fraga  associate professor of political science and a specialist in race, elections and voter behavior  lead the lab. Fraga is the author of The Turnout Gap: Race, Ethnicity and Political Inequality in a Diversifying America (2018), which  among its key findings  demonstrates that elections are increasingly unrepresentative of the wishes of all Americans.

As she looks forward to her discussion with Levitsky, Anderson observes: Its appropriate that we are having the conversation in the Deep South where, during Jim Crow, democracy withered so badly that the Nazis came to the U.S. to take notes. The Souths electoral, judicial and educational assaults were unrelenting. But so was the will to be free. Democracy began to revive because of mass civic engagement. We know how to meet the challenge to democracy.

As Emorys hub for the humanities, the Fox Center will be a fitting host for these discussions. As its website attests, Democracy is measured, on one hand, by the state of political institutions and governance practices: policies, elections, legal apparatus and judicial mechanisms. At the same time, art, education and public cultures provide spaces where democratic belonging and freedom are actively and creatively shaped.  Humanities research and creative works also play a critical role in analyzing and advancing democratic ideals and institutions.

October panel discussion to delve further

Following the September keynote, the Fox Center will host a second event on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. in The Michael C. Carlos Museums Ackerman Hall with The Guardian. The Guardian has a dedicated democracy team in the U.S. that reports on elections, voting rights and threats to democratic institutions and individual rights. The paper has hosted similar live events on democracy, including one at the University of Chicago.

The Oct. 23 event will be a panel discussion  The Fight to Vote: The Past, Present and Future of Voting Rights in America  on the historic threats to democracy featuring Anderson and Alan Abramowitz, Alben W. Barkley Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science. They will discuss voter suppression and race as an undergirding element to oppression. Guardian reporters Sam Levine and George Chidi will participate in the panel discussion, and a fireside chat will follow.

We are incredibly proud to partner with the Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry, Imagining Democracy Lab and Professor Anderson, who has been a trusted advisor and contributor to the Guardians voting rights coverage, says Kira Lerner, democracy editor for Guardian U.S. At this critical moment, engaging audiences in meaningful conversations about the risks we face as well as the response to them is more important than ever.

Annual themes and key words: new directions at the Fox Center

The 2024-25 academic year marks the first that the Fox Center will be guided by a central organizing theme. It is one of a number of new initiatives launched since Carla Freeman took over as director in 2023. Freeman spent last fall interviewing other directors and visiting some of the most vibrant humanities centers across the country, seeking inspiration and new models to enhance the scope and impact of the centers work.

Supporting humanistic inquiry is at the heart of the centers mission. That means, on the one hand, remaining committed to providing a peaceful and nourishing environment for individual faculty to pursue the concentrated effort required for long-form writing projects. It also means making the interdisciplinary humanities more visible on and beyond Emorys campus.

By exploring different fellowship models and programming initiatives, we aim to become an even more dynamic space for intellectual engagement, experimentation and collaboration. Among our faculty, there was a lot of interest in introducing a thematic approach, and democracy emerged organically this year. As the thread connecting all of the residential Fox fellows interrogating the comparative histories of democracy in this pivotal election year, the theme offers us a perfect opportunity to engage the wider campus and to highlight the urgency and vibrancy of humanistic inquiry, says Freeman.

Assessing democracy through many lenses

In selecting this years fellows, we found especially compelling those whose research interests are resonant with a panoramic view of democracy  from nationalist political movements to a range of expressive musical and poetic forms of protest. We welcomed projects investigating democracy across international contexts and time periods and were eager to support interdisciplinary approaches employing a range of methodologies and approaches, including public and digital humanities, Freeman indicates.

As the applications flowed in from external postdocs, along with Emory faculty, graduate and undergraduate fellows, it was clear that the democracy theme had sparked additional interest. We got a superlative pool of candidates and were thrilled to hear that, for our postdoctoral fellows, the alignment of the democracy theme led them to choose Emory over other opportunities, notes Freeman.

As part of the newly expanded fellows program, the Fox Center will now welcome two Atlanta-area scholars: Timothy Barouch will join as a visiting Democracy Fellow from Georgia State University, along with Veronica Zebadua-Yanez from Spelman College.

Of the Emory faculty fellows, three are from Emory College of Arts and Sciences and one from Candler School of Theology.

Aisha Finch, associate professor and director of graduate studies for the Department of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies, is joining the center this year and observes: Black feminist scholars and racial justice activists in Latin America have long been engaged in reimagining the possibilities, parameters and practices of democracy. My work considers the ways they have turned to the historical example of cimarronaje (marronage)  or escape from slavery  to rethink the possibilities of civic and political life.

She adds, In so doing, they have revised the terms of democracy itself, aligning their democratic visions with the kind of freedom that enslaved people forged through an audacious refusal of the logic of plantation slavery and racial capitalism.

Michael Allen is joining as the NEH Postdoctoral Fellow in Poetics, having recently completed his doctoral studies at Harvard University. While in residence, Allen will pursue two projects.

The first one asks how British poets after World War II dealt with the rise of American cultural power. As these poets came of age, Britain shifted from the center of a global empire to a small democratic country on the edge of Europe. In this period, says Allen, we can see British poets questioning whether they should adopt literary forms, popular music, historical narratives and more from the large and powerful English-speaking democracy across the Atlantic.

His second project asks how American poets participated in democratic debates over urban renewal in postwar America. As architects, politicians and social activists argued over whether to save neighborhoods or bulldoze them, poets reflected these points of view in works that cherished or demolished established literary forms, Allen says. Research for both endeavors will find him plunging into the incredible richness of the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library, part of the holdings of the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library.

Allen considers the centers democracy theme urgent and adds: Democracy is more than a mechanism for selecting leaders, as we can see from how often that mechanism threatens to break down. Democratic institutions can only thrive in a democratic culture, a culture of shared participation in an unfinished and unfinishable project.

In the spring, each of the postdoctoral fellows will have an opportunity to invite a senior scholar to campus for public talks and as key interlocutors to engage with their own work, says Freeman.

A year brimming with ideas and events

Two other new programs launched by the Fox Center will spotlight the scholarship and creative work of Emory faculty. The center will sponsor and co-host book launch celebrations for faculty authors across humanistic fields, with five such celebrations already scheduled for 2024-25. And a new podcast series, hosted by the Fox Centers associate director Mae Velloso-Lyons, will air in concert with the fellows emerging research and faculty book launches.

Called the year of elections, 2024 is when half the world will vote and shape the political profile of their nations and the geopolitical climate at large.

My hope is that that the Emory community will engage in a number of new ways with the Fox Center and that together we will help humanistic inquiry flourish. By examining democracy together not only as an important subject for comparative and historical analysis  but also as a matter of political urgency in real time  we hope to foster stimulating debate and dialogue. The insights generated over the course of this year should contribute to the national conversation and to the intellectual culture and civic engagement of our campus, and I am excited about centering our activities in this way, Freeman concludes.
Every element of you is essential to your personal and professional journey throughout life. The Student Wellbeing Festival is an opportunity to celebrate that journey and what makes you who you are.

With events happening Sept. 23-25, the festival offers Emory students the opportunity to take a break from their daily routine and connect with themselves and each other.

The events will offer a variety of food, fun activities and giveaways. Highlights include arts and crafts, meditation, sound baths, a smoothie station, lawn games, puppies, yoga, DJs and an exciting Comedy and Conversations event.

Students must bring their EmoryCard to participate in activities.

The Emory Student Wellbeing Festival is a chance for our students to have fun and practice well-being in a variety of ways  from snuggling puppies to playing games to engaging in meditation, says Claire DePalma, event team leader and special advisor to James Raper, associate vice president of health, wellbeing, access and prevention. We will have a little bit of everything!

The festival is hosted by Campus Lifes Center for Student Wellbeing in partnership with a range of Emory departments and colleges, including Campus Lifes Student Involvement, Leadership and Transitions (SILT) initiative; Goizueta Business School; Rollins School of Public Health; the School of Medicine; and the School of Nursing.

Comedy and Conversations kicks off the celebration

The adage Laughter is good for the soul is as true today as ever  and how the festival will begin.

The celebration of student well-being begins on Monday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) in Harland Cinema. Comedy and Conversations will provide popcorn, snacks and giveaways. The first 150 student attendees will receive a $10 voucher to use the next day at the Emory Farmers Market.

Comedy and Conversations is an immersive experience that uses comedy as a tool to engage with topics that can be hard to talk about, including mental health. The event will be hosted by comedian and Whats Good, Atlanta? podcaster David Perdue and social curator, community leader and Emory alum Munir Meghjani.

Follow with a full day of fun

Events continue Tuesday, Sept. 24, with a variety of activities centered around Emorys eight elements of well-being: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, physical, professional, relational and spiritual. Students are encouraged to play and practice the skills critical to lifelong holistic health.

We are committed to this inaugural event becoming an annual opportunity for our community to gather together, have fun, uplift one another and increase awareness of the many aspects of well-being, Raper says.

The festival will be a way all Emory students can kick off their academic year integrating well-being practices into their Emory experience, says Raper. No matter where we are in our journey, there are always ways to have fun and learn a little bit along the way.

Sunrise Yoga on the first-year residence hall quad at 7:15 a.m. and Yoga on the Green at Goizueta Business Schools Patterson Green at 8 a.m. are great ways to get in a stretch before classes.

From 12-3 p.m., the festival takes over McDonough Field and Emory Student Center (ESC) multipurpose rooms with a bevy of activities that coincide with the Emory Farmers Market. Activities include meditation, sound baths, trivia, flower crowns, Jenga, Spike Ball, a smoothie station, puppies, music, and arts and crafts. There will be snacks and giveaways during activities in both spaces.

Students are invited to Lounge on the Lawn from 4-6 p.m. in the School of Medicine courtyard, where lawn games and other activities will be available.

Then, at 5 p.m., students are invited to chill out at Scoops with Swoop on McDonough Plaza. Bring your EmoryCard and kick back with some sweet treats, listen to cool beats and hang out with Swoop and friends.

The festivities continue

The fun continues Wednesday, Sept. 25, with Wonderful Wednesday on the ESC Promenade from 12-2 p.m.

Students of Rollins School of Public Health and the School of Nursing can participate in Wellbeing Wednesday in the courtyard near their buildings. Look for details through the schools.

Wrap up the afternoon through a Natural Movement Workshop, hosted by Goizueta Business School on Patterson Green from 4:30-5:30 p.m. All students are welcome.

Again, remember to bring your EmoryCard to enjoy the full range of festival activities. Learn more about the Student Wellbeing Festival.
A Mount St. Marys University summer service trip to Tanzania exceeded the expectations of Emily DiGiovanni, C25, an elementary education major. I knew I would gain insights that would stick with me forever, and that I would make connections I never forget, and I did, DiGiovanni reflected. She was one of six Mount St. Marys University students and alumni who traveled to the Congregation of the Resurrection parish and schools in Buhemba, Tanzania.

DiGiovanni shared this experience with two alumni, three other current students, and two faculty members, Professor of World Languages Susann Samples, Ph.D., and trip leader Charles Strauss, Ph.D., associate professor of history. Strausss 13-year-old son, Charlie, completed the group.

In Tanzania, the Mounties stayed with and worked alongside another beloved Mount community memberProfessor Emeritus Rev. James Donohue, C.R. Fr. Jim, as hes known around campus, is a priest and member of the Congregation of the Resurrection and has worked at his congregations mission parish in Buhemba, Tanzania for several years.

The travel time and distance alone made us all aware of how far away from home we were, but within minutes of reaching the parish and school community, we experienced the hospitality and joy of the place. We felt like we had found a second home with Resurrectionist priests and the people in Tanzania who have welcomed them, said Strauss.

The group spent their two-week visit assisting in the work of the Resurrectionists, attending Mass at their church, observing classes at the parishs elementary school, touring the soon-to-open secondary school, and meeting school students and local families.

We had many conversations in the evenings to unpack all that everyone experienced in their new surroundings in Tanzania, Donohue shared in his five-part blog series, written for the Congregation of the Resurrection website.

Particularly memorable days included seeing 150 parishioners being baptized or receiving their First Communion, walking eight miles of Tanzanian countryside to visit the homes of sick locals, and exploring Serengeti National Park and Lake Victoria. Despite their short visit, members of the group formed meaningful bonds with the students and locals around the parish.

What was most special was meeting people, going into their homes, and sharing a meal with them. Sometimes I went with our group, other times I went with the novices. It never mattered who I went with, the people were always welcoming, said Matthew Schwanke, C24, one of the alumni who went on the trip.

For DiGiovanni, the hospitality of the Resurrectionists and especially the locals was also a highlight of her experience. One particularly memorable moment was when children from the school invited me to their homes to meet their families and have a meal with them. I felt so loved in their community and felt at home, she noted.

That feeling of finding a home away from home was deeply impressed, and both Schwanke and DiGiovanni shared that they plan to go back to Buhemba as soon as they can.
Cash-strapped Sri Lanka secures debt deal before vote

President Ranil Wickremesinghe's government had announced a deal with bondholders in July, but ultimately walked away from it. Photo: AFP

Sri Lanka secured a deal on Thursday with international bondholders to finalise a prolonged debt restructure, a key International Monetary Fund demand to repair the island nation's ruined finances.



The announcement came two days before Sri Lanka holds its first presidential election since its unprecedented 2022 economic crisis, which saw months of food, fuel and medicine shortages and sparked widespread social upheaval.



Creditors holding more than half of international sovereign bonds and foreign private loans to the South Asian nation agreed to a 27-percent haircut on their loans, a government statement said.



"Sri Lanka is pleased to report that it has reached an agreement in principle... on the terms of a comprehensive restructuring," it added.



The country's austerity measures under the IMF programme have been the central issue during campaigning for Saturday's presidential poll.



International Sovereign Bonds account for just over US$12.5 billion of the island's foreign debt, which stood at US$46 billion during Sri Lanka's first government default in 2022.



President Ranil Wickremesinghe's government had announced a deal with bondholders in July, but ultimately walked away from it in the belief its provisions were economically unsustainable.



As part of Thursday's deal, bondholders also agreed to an 11-percent haircut on overdue interest payments accumulated since the default.



The deal will still have to be approved by parliament during its next session in October.



Wickremesinghe's two main challengers in Saturday's vote have also vowed to renegotiate any debt deals if elected.



The crisis two years ago brought enduring economic hardship and street protests that toppled then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was forced into temporary exile after a mob stormed his compound.



Sri Lanka secured a US$2.9-billion bailout from the IMF in 2023 after doubling taxes, withdrawing energy subsidies and raising prices of essentials to shore up state revenue.



The IMF has said Sri Lanka had returned to growth after a record 7.8-percent recession in 2022, but warned its economy was still not out of the woods.



In June, the government concluded a deal with its bilateral lenders to restructure its official credit amounting to US$6 billion. (AFP)
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China has decided to impose countermeasures against nine U.S. military companies for arms sales to China's Taiwan region, according to a decision published on the Chinese foreign ministry website on Wednesday.

The decision said that the United States recently has once again announced arms sales plans to the Taiwan region, which has seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, interfered in China's internal affairs and undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pursuant to Articles 3, 4, 6, 9 and 15 of China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China decided to take the following countermeasures against Sierra Nevada Corporation, Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC, Cubic Corporation, S3 AeroDefense, TCOM, Limited Partnership, TextOre, Planate Management Group, ACT1 Federal and Exovera:

Their movable, immovable and all other types of property in China will be frozen.

Organizations and individuals in China will be prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with the above-mentioned enterprises.

The decision will become effective from Sept. 18, 2024.

In response to a query concerning recent U.S. plans to sell arms to China's Taiwan region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique of 1982; seriously violates China's sovereignty and security interests; damages China-U.S. relations as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait; and sends an erroneous signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

"China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this, and has lodged stern representations with the U.S. side. China has taken firm countermeasures and announced that it will impose sanctions on nine U.S. military companies," he said.

The United States continues to arm Taiwan, supporting Lai Ching-te and Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in their stubborn pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and their provocations regarding the one-China principle, Lin noted.

This once again proves that the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the greatest saboteur of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait are the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and the conniving support of external forces led by the United States, he added.

It should be noted that the DPP authorities are attempting to seek "Taiwan independence" through military build-up, and the United States is determined to help advance that agenda by arming Taiwan, Lin said, adding that any such actions will only backfire and lead to disastrous consequences, ultimately ending in failure, Lin said.

He stressed that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests, and it is the most important red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations. No one should underestimate China's firm will and strong ability to oppose "Taiwan independence" and defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China urges the United States to abide earnestly by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, immediately end its dangerous trend of arming Taiwan, cease its conniving with and its support of "Taiwan independence" forces, and stop undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Lin said.

China will take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said.
Top: Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane (center) cheers a Saluki Step Ahead agreement with John Wood Community College on Sept. 18 during a virtual ceremony with (from left) Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management; Sarah Jiter, director of undergraduate admissions, and Josi Rawls, associate director for transfer relations. Bottom: John Wood Community College President Bryan Renfro (left) signs the agreement as Shelley Barkley, vice president for academic and student affairs, looks on. (SIU photo by Russell Bailey; JWCC photo provided)

SIU Carbondale inks agreement to improve access for John Wood Community College students

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondale strengthened its commitment to students in western Illinois with an agreement to bring the expertise of a doctoral research university to qualified John Wood Community College students by providing the option to earn their bachelors degrees remotely and at a lower cost in 12 academic programs.

SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane and John Wood Community College (JWCC) President Bryan Renfro signed the agreement for the Saluki Step Ahead program on Sept. 18 during a virtual ceremony.

Established in 2021, the program enables students who graduate with an associate degree from partnering community colleges to complete their SIU bachelors degrees online in accounting, business administration, criminology and criminal justice, early childhood, elementary education, health care management, history, industrial management and applied engineering, information technology, nursing (RN to BSN), psychology and radiologic sciences.

We are pleased to collaborate with John Wood Community College to provide another option for place-bound students in this region, Lane said. If these students cannot come to Carbondale to complete their education, we will bring the experience and resources of a doctoral research university to them.

Lane added that this Saluki Step Ahead agreement fits well with the universitys strategic plan, Imagine 2030, and its pillars of student success and partnerships.

Signing the Saluki Promise transfer agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an important step in our mission to provide clear pathways to higher education, Renfro said. With the Saluki Step Ahead program, SIU is coming directly to our students, offering the unique opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degree entirely online in select programs. This partnership not only ensures a smooth transition but also allows our students to stay in Illinois while accessing top-tier research-level degree programs at a lower cost.

Founded in 1974 and admitting its first students in August 1975, JWCC has about 1,900 students this fall. The college has more than 25 associate degree transfer programs and offers more than 50 certificate and applied associate degree programs. The college has a main campus and workforce development center in Quincy, with education centers in Baylis, Mt. Sterling and Pittsfield.

JWCCs district is nearly 2,400 square miles and encompasses all of Adams, Brown and Pike counties, and portions of Calhoun, Cass, Hancock, Morgan, Schuyler and Scott counties. About 93,100 residents live in the college district.

The John Wood Community College agreement brings SIU Carbondale to about 50 Saluki Step Ahead partnerships the university has with community college campuses in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. That includes pacts with 44 of the 48 community colleges in Illinois.

Students in the Saluki Step Ahead program pay the community college rate for their first two years. In the third and fourth years, they receive annual $4,000 scholarships.
Anne Marie Hamilton-Brehm, left, associate dean for library affairs at SIU Carbondales Morris Library, and Juniper Oxford, program coordinator with SIUs LGBTQ Resource Center, with books donated by the Student Multicultural Resource Center and from the librarys Ralph E. McCoy Freedom of the Press collection. (Photo by Russell Bailey)

SIUs Banned Books Week includes donation of 500+ books to Morris Library

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  A celebration of donated books to Southern Illinois University Carbondales Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) and a continuing focus on the harms of censorship will highlight Banned Books Week, which runs Sunday through Saturday, Sept. 22-28, at Morris Library.

The SCRC will host a free, public reception with refreshments at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, in the librarys Hall of Presidents and Chancellors to celebrate the addition of more than 500 books about diverse communities, donated by SIU Carbondales Student Multicultural Resource Center.

The donation has become part of our McCoy First Amendment (Freedom of Speech, Religion, and the Press) collection, which began in the 1960s to support the right to read by preserving books that had been challenged or spoke to issues of disadvantaged groups, said Anne Marie Hamilton-Brehm, associate dean for library affairs. Along with challenged books ranging from adult to childrens literature, the collection preserves many volumes on health care. The donated books speak largely to the lived experience and issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, women, African Americans, immigrants and Native Americans.

Hamilton-Brehm noted that many titles recently challenged and banned from schools and public libraries have been written by or about members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.

The books are available to the public by request to read at the SCRC from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

We are very excited to see this collection of books have its home at the Special Collections Research Center, where it will be open to researchers of all backgrounds and experiences, said Juniper Oxford, program coordinator with the LGBTQ Resource Center. Many of the most commonly banned books across the nation are LGBTQ-related  which stifles our collective understanding of the most basic components of our beings. With such an effort to obliterate the diversity of history, we must make an effort to remember those voices. It is vital that we preserve and uphold a broader and more detailed vision of our collective history, told through a diverse multitude of perspectives.

Rise in book challenges

Statistics from the American Library Association show an unprecedented rise in book censorship and unique titles being challenged in 2023 compared with 2022, said John Pollitz, dean of library affairs at SIU Carbondale. There were 4,240 unique books titles targeted for censorship last year. Before 2021, the average number of challenged titles was 273 per year, he added. Public libraries and school libraries are affected most often, with higher education libraries receiving 2% of the challenges.

In June 2023, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation outlawing book bans in Illinois, becoming the first in the nation to do so. Morris Library has incorporated the ALAs Library Bill of Rights into its mission statement.

The law protects the freedom of libraries to acquire books without restrictions as they see fit for their communities and campuses, Pollitz said. The Illinois State Library has taken the lead in promoting the adoption of the American Library Associations Library Bill of Rights. In fact, when Morris Library last applied for a grant from the State Library, we were obliged to certify that we have officially endorsed that document in order to be eligible for state funding.

McCoy First Amendment Collection

Morris Librarys Freedom of the Press collection was established by the librarys first director and journalism professor Ralph E. McCoy. The collection, housed in the Special Collections Research Center, consists of thousands of books, pamphlets, manuscripts and letters that document the history of censorship in the English-speaking world over the last four centuries. Morris Library purchased McCoys renowned collection in 1981.
"Deeply troubled by the extensive damage caused by the recent torrential rains and flooding in Andhra Pradesh. The Adani Group stands in solidarity with the people of Andhra Pradesh and humbly extend our support through the Adani Foundation with a contribution of Rs 25 Cr to the relief effort," Chairman Gautam Adani posted on X, sharing a photograph of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Adani Group's Karan Adani.

Flood waters have subsided now. Residents in the affected areas were shifted to relief camps. Indian armed forces were deployed to provide relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had inspected various flood-affected areas. The Chief Minister met the affected people in the area and assured them to do everything possible to help them build their lives back to normal.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also visited Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Later, Chouhan met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and handed over the preliminary report of damage caused by the flood and heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh, and neighboring Telangana. (ANI)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Yashika Energy Systems, Next2Sun Germany, and Wattkraft India during the just concluded RE-INVEST 2024, aimed at groundbreaking transformation in renewable energy. Gujarat hosted the 4th RE-INVEST Global Renewable Energy Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST), organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) this week. This partnership introduces an innovative vertical solar technology that promises not only to generate clean energy but also to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by enabling continued farming on the same land. The dual-use approach is expected to transform India's agrarian economy while making substantial strides towards energy independence and climate action. "This partnership aims to address the growing concerns over land usage in conventional solar installations, which often displace valuable agricultural land. By implementing Next2Sun's innovative vertical bifacial Agri-PV systems, we will enable dual land use--allowing farmers to continue agricultural activities while also generating renewable energy," said Yash Kishorkumar Gupta of Yashika Energy Systems. "With the support of governments and agricultural associations in both India and Germany, our goal is to launch pilot projects across India, with plans to scale this sustainable technology for nationwide adoption," said Gupta. This initiative comes at a critical time, as India seeks innovative ways to meet its growing energy needs without compromising its agricultural strength. The introduction of Next2Sun's vertical bifacial solar technology tackles a key challenge faced by traditional solar farms, which often require vast areas of land--land that could otherwise be used for agriculture. This unique approach allows solar panels to be installed in a vertical orientation, generating energy from both sides while maintaining the ability for farmers to cultivate crops below. The pilot projects, which will range from 100 kWp to 500 kWp, are designed to showcase the effectiveness of vertical bifacial solar technology across different regions in India. The MoU signing was witnessed by several key dignitaries, including Sascha Krause-Tunker, CFO of Next2Sun AG, alongside Svenja Schulze, the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Pralhad Joshi, India's Minister of New and Renewable Energy. "With the support of both governments and the agricultural community, we are confident that these projects will set a new benchmark for sustainable development in India. We believe this will inspire others to adopt similar solutions and transform how we think about land use and energy production," added Sascha Krause-Tunker, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the partnership. At COP26 held in 2021, India committed to an ambitious five-part "Panchamrit" pledge. They included reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, and reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. India as a whole also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070. India meets a sizable portion of its energy needs through fossil fuels, and various renewable energy sources, are seen as an avenue to reduce the dependence on conventional sources of power. (ANI)
ReNew, a leading renewable energy company, on Thursday clarified that news carried in certain sections of media in Nagpur was misleading. The news reports had stated that ReNew has "abandoned" its proposed project in Nagpur due to "unrealistically high power tariffs" and inconclusive discussions with government officials. They alleged that ReNew is transferring its investment from Nagpur in Maharashtra to Dholera in Gujarat. The news reports are "not only misleading and factually incorrect but also irresponsible", the company said in its response statement. In Maharashtra, the company is planning to invest in the upstream value chain of solar manufacturing, and it is not investing in similar projects in Gujarat or any other state. "ReNew is one of the largest renewable energy companies in Maharashtra and stands by its commitments in the state," the company said. The company has an installed capacity base of 550 MW in Maharashtra and an additional 2000 MW under construction. It is on track to install 2000 MW by 2025-26, with investments of Rs 15,000 crore. Working in tandem with the state government, ReNew is also considering setting up green hydrogen manufacturing capacities in the state along with pumped hydro storage, projects that are likely to create around 30,000 jobs. ReNew is supplying 550 MW of power to Maharashtra Discom MSEDCL at a very competitive rate and is playing a significant role in enhancing clean energy in the state, with its existing and committed investments in the state close to Rs 100,000 crores. "ReNew deeply values its relationships with the state of Maharashtra and is a committed partner in the state's clean growth," it added. As per ReNew's website, it has a contracted portfolio of 15.6 GW as of August 15, 2024. In addition to being a major independent power producer in India, it provides end-to-end solutions in a just and inclusive manner in the areas of clean energy, and value-added energy offerings through digitalization, storage, and carbon markets that increasingly are integral to addressing climate change. (ANI)
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 19: Phoenix Overseas Limited excels in trading and manufacturing agricultural commodities, animal feeds, fashion accessories, and food preservation, proposes to open its Initial Public Offering on September 20, 2024, aiming to raise Rs 36.03 Crores with shares to be listed on the NSE Emerge platform. The issue size is Up To 56,30,000 equity shares at a face value of Rs 10 each. Equity Share Allocation * Qualified Institutional Buyer - 8,02,000 Equity Shares * Non-Institutional Investors - At Least 23,00,000 Equity Shares * Retail Individual Investors - At Least 22,46,000 Equity Shares * Market Maker - 2,82,000 Equity Shares The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized for Funding of working capital requirements, Pursuing Inorganic Growth Initiatives and the general corporate purpose. The issue will close on September 24, 2024. The Book Running Lead Manager to the Issue is Khandwala Securities Limited, and The Registrar to the Issue is Cameo Corporate Services Limited Aparesh Nandi, Chairman and Managing Director of Phoenix Overseas Limited, expressed, "As the company prepares for its IPO, we are proud to reflect on our journey and achievements. From being recognised as a Three-Star Export House by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, we have built a diversified business spanning agricultural exports, jute and fashion accessory manufacturing, and food preservation. The upcoming IPO marks a significant milestone in our journey. It will fuel our future growth by allowing us to strengthen our presence in emerging markets, expand our product portfolio, and enhance our global reach. With a solid foundation in agricultural exports, jute manufacturing, and cold storage solutions, we are well-positioned to scale our operations, drive innovation, and capitalize on new opportunities in an ever-evolving global landscape. This move will reinforce our commitment to delivering consistent value while positioning us for long-term success." Rinav Manseta, Associate Director of Khandwala Securities Limited said, "Phoenix Overseas Limited is set for an exciting leap forward with their upcoming IPO. This move represents a crucial opportunity to drive further expansion and innovation, particularly as the industry experiences robust growth. The company has consistently showcased impressive progress across its diverse business segments, from merchant export and manufacturing to food preservation. This IPO will provide the necessary capital to strengthen their financial foundation, fuel strategic acquisitions, and support long-term business objectives. We are confident that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on these industry trends and achieve continued success, and we look forward to being part of their journey as they enter this new phase." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has given a thumbs up to India for its fight against money laundering and terror financing. India has achieved a significant milestone by securing a 'Regular Follow-up' rating from the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. In a mutual evaluation report titled 'Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures', FATF said India has the main structural elements that are required for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism system to be put in place, including a high-level commitment to address such issues; political stability; stable institutions and rule of law. India has achieved strong results in its technical compliance with the FATF Standards. However, the report noted that major improvements are needed to strengthen prosecution, protect the non-profit sector from terrorist abuse, supervision, and implementation of preventive measures. India's high-level commitment to address such issues is reflected through the measures it has taken over the years, and at multi-lateral fora, the FATF report said. FATF is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering. In 2001, its mandate was expanded to include fighting terrorism financing. In the 365-page report, it noted that India has implemented a system that is effective in many respects. Particularly good results are being achieved in the areas of money laundering and terror financing risk understanding; national coordination and cooperation; use of financial intelligence for money laundering, predicate offences, and terror financing investigations; depriving criminals of their assets; preventing misuse of legal structures; the implementation of targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation; and international cooperation. Also, it noted that a key strength of the Indian system is its continuous domestic coordination and cooperation on such serious issues at both the policy and operational levels at the central and state levels, which has improved since the last assessment. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the sole competent authority mandated to investigate money laundering activities. The ED pursues money laundering related to fraud and forgery in line with predicate crime risks to a large extent, but less so with other offences in particular trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling, and drug trafficking. "The number of money laundering convictions over the last five years has been impacted by a series of constitutional challenges (resolved in 2022) and the saturation of the court system," the FATF report read. Although the number of prosecutions and convictions has started to increase, the backlog of pending cases remains considerable, it noted. Competent authorities responsible for asset recovery have a broad set of powers available, enabling them to seize and confiscate property of suspects in a wide variety of circumstances. The ED makes "significant" use of powers to attach (seize), depriving criminals of proceeds and helping prevent asset flight, resulting in assets valued at EUR 9.3 billion attached over the last five years, it added. As per the report, India's main sources of money laundering originate from within India, and from illegal activities committed within the country. "These proceeds may be laundered within India, laundered abroad, or laundered abroad and returned to India for re-integration into the licit economy," the report read. India's largest money laundering risks are related to fraud including cyber-enabled fraud, corruption, and drug trafficking. Notably, it said India is not an attractive destination country for criminal proceeds, relative to the size of its economy and population, although cross-border risks for money laundering and terror financing (with funds moving into and out of the country) are present. Reacting to the lauding by the FATF, India's Ministry of Finance said that this was a testament to the cocuntry's commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. "India joins an elite group of just four G20 nations with a 'Regular Follow-up' rating from FATF. A significant milestone and a proud moment in our fight against money laundering and terrorist financing," the finance ministry said. "With a substantial effectiveness rating, we continue to foster global collaboration in the fight against financial crimes," it added. A substantial effectiveness rating in the evaluation demonstrates that India's robust use of financial intelligence is pivotal in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, the finance ministry said. (ANI)
In a candid conversation with beauty mogul Huda Kattan on the show 'In Conversation with Kay Beauty & Huda Kattan', actress Katrina Kaif opened up about her struggles with self-image and how her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal, provides gentle support during her moments of insecurity. Katrina Kaif recently released the video of herself in a conversation with beauty mogul Huda Kattan on her YouTube channel. Katrina, who has frequently expressed her commitment to promoting self-acceptance through her beauty brand Kay Beauty, revealed that she often finds herself critiquing her physical appearance, particularly when it comes to weight fluctuations. "I'll be sitting and talking with my husband or getting ready for an event, and I'll be complaining about something about my physical appearance," she explained. Kaif emphasized the importance of kindness, stating, "I have to remind myself every single day to apply the same kindness to myself that my cosmetics brand stands for--'It's Kay to be You.'" The 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' actress also shared how her husband Vicky Kaushal's response to her insecurities serves as a grounding reminder while navigating through the insecurities. "He'll sit there and go, 'Aren't you the one who keeps telling everyone it's Kay to be You and it's okay to be you however you are?'" she shared, reflecting on how his words help her regain perspective. "It's that gentle reminder that says, 'Hey, one second. This is what this is about, and this is why I started this brand,'" she said. Since entering the beauty industry in 2019, Katrina has successfully transitioned from a celebrated actress to a thriving entrepreneur. On the film front, Katrina Kaif was last seen in 'Merry Christmas', directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film, which premiered on January 12, 2024, features Katrina in the role of Maria, alongside acclaimed South Indian actor Vijay Sethupathi. (ANI)
The former One Direction star made the exciting announcement during a surprise appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on September 18, as per People magazine.

In a playful reveal, Malik, 31, emerged from behind the curtain wearing a black leather jacket, coffee mug in hand and took over Fallon's laptop to perform his new single, 'Stardust,' from his latest album, 'Room Under the Stairs', released on May 17.

He then dropped a note on Fallon's desk, which the host read aloud to the audience.

"Hey Jimmy, great to see you, mate," Malik's note began.

"I'm going on my first-ever tour this autumn. So maybe when you're done picking apples with your buds, you can come check out my Stairway to the Sky tour across the US and UK," the note read as per People magazine.

The intimate 11-city tour kicks off on October 23 in San Francisco, CA, and includes stops in major cities such as Las Vegas, Washington, DC, and New York City, before heading to the UK for additional shows.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DADxhosOKX6/

The North American leg will conclude on November 2 at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

After a short break, Malik will perform in Edinburgh, UK, on November 20, with subsequent stops in Leeds, Manchester, London, Wolverhampton, and Newcastle, wrapping up the tour on December 3.

Presale tickets for the "Stairway to the Sky" tour will be available starting September 19, with general sales opening on September 21 at 11 am local time through his official website, inzayn.com.

Tour Dates:- October 23, 2024 - San Francisco, CA - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium- October 25, 2024 - Las Vegas, CA - The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas- October 27, 2024 - Los Angeles, CA - Shrine Expo Hall- October 30, 2024 - Washington, DC - The Anthem- November 2, 2024 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom- November 20, 2024 - Edinburgh, UK - O2 Academy- November 23, 2024 - Leeds, UK - O2 Academy- November 24, 2024 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo- November 26, 2024 - London, UK - Eventim Apollo- November 29, 2024 - Wolverhampton, UK - Wolverhampton The Halls- December 3, 2024 - Newcastle, UK - O2 City Hall

Earlier this year, Malik held his first solo headlining gig at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire, a milestone since his departure from One Direction.

The performance featured tracks from 'Room Under the Stairs', and Malik described the night as "unforgettable," as per People magazine.

In heartfelt moments during the concert, he expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support and said, "I missed this." (ANI)
Netflix has announced the renewal of its series 'Ancient Apocalypse' for a second season, with Graham Hancock returning as the host and superstar Keanu Reeves joining the cast. The new season will explore the Americas, delving into the mysteries of ancient civilizations and their potential connections to historical cataclysms, according to Deadline. Netflix has also released an official clip to confirm the news on its social media channels. In the upcoming season, Hancock, a British journalist and author, will investigate evidence supporting his theory that a sophisticated civilization was lost during a series of catastrophic events that marked the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 12,800 to 11,600 years ago. The episodes will take viewers to various locations across the American continent, including New Mexico, Peru, and Brazil, areas that have been largely overlooked in archaeological research concerning humanity's origins, as per Deadline. Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in 'The Matrix' and other major films, will accompany Hancock throughout the series. The actor is expected to share his perspectives on storytelling as a means of cultural preservation, adding a unique dimension to the exploration of these ancient mysteries. While the first season of 'Ancient Apocalypse', which premiered in 2022, garnered positive viewership ratings, it has also faced criticism. Indigenous groups in Arizona have expressed concerns about the filming of Season 2 in their region, according to Deadline. Despite these issues, ITN Productions, which produces the series, has stated that filming locations were selected based on editorial considerations. Hancock commented on the new season, stating, "Exploring the mysterious origins of civilization has been my passion for many years. The Americas have remained largely unexplored in this context, and my purpose in the series is to examine compelling new evidence that I hope might spark healthy debate in the archaeology community," reported Deadline. Ian Russell, Head of International Programmes at ITN Productions, added, "Known as a disruptor who challenges traditional ideas about this period of history, Graham uses his skills as a journalist to talk to experts and indigenous communities to put his theory to the test." 'Ancient Apocalypse: The Americas' is set to be executive produced by Bruce Kennedy and directed by Marc Tiley, with post-production managed by Ed Bengoa. (ANI)
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The death toll from severe flooding in Myanmar has reached 268 people, with 88 still missing as of Wednesday morning, according to the Information Team of State Administration Council late Wednesday.

The floods, triggered by heavy rains, have impacted multiple regions and states in Myanmar, including Nay Pyi Taw, Kayah, Kayin, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Shan and Ayeyarwady.

The floods have destroyed roads, bridges, homes, offices, schools and other buildings, the information team said.

The government will give cash support to the bereaved, and more aid will be given based on the level of damage in the affected areas, it added.
Pop star Justin Bieber's mother Pattie Mallette has expressed her excitement and joy about becoming a grandmother for the first time. This heartfelt announcement comes less than a month after Justin and his wife, Hailey Bieber, welcomed their son, Jack Blues Bieber, in August. In a recent Instagram Story, Mallette shared a video featuring Molly Shannon's beloved 'Saturday Night Live' character, joyologist Helen Madden. Accompanying the clip, she wrote, "How do you like being a Grandmother!" In the video, Shannon's character exuberantly declares, "I love it, I love it, I LOVE it! Every second of it--I love it!" Mallette, 49, has openly shared her affection for baby Jack, posting shortly after his birth, "Oh my heart. Welcome baby Jack!! I love you so much! Thank you, Lord. What a miracle!" Additionally, she celebrated the couple's new journey with a heartfelt tweet that read, "CONGRATULATIONS @justinbieber & Hailey. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BABY JACK!!" Hailey's father, Stephen Baldwin, also chimed in, replying, "Amen. Congratulations to you and may God continue to bless our family." Mallette has previously expressed her pride in watching Justin step into fatherhood. On Father's Day in June, she posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, stating, "You've always wanted to be a dad ever since I can remember. You have so much love to give. You're gonna be the best daddy ever. You already are. LOVE YOU!!" https://www.instagram.com/p/C8R4Culudtd/?img_index=1 Though Justin, 30, and Hailey, 27, have maintained a relatively low profile since welcoming their son, they have been open about their aspirations for a family. In a 2020 appearance on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', Justin mentioned, "I'd love to have myself a little tribe. I am going to have as many as Hailey is wishing to push out--it's her body and whatever she wants to do--I think she wants to have a few." The couple's journey began with a surprise engagement during a trip to the Bahamas in July 2018, followed by a courthouse wedding in New York City on September 14, 2018. They celebrated again in a larger ceremony in South Carolina with family and friends a year later. This year, they renewed their vows in a private ceremony in Hawaii, which also served as an announcement of Hailey's pregnancy. Justin Bieber and Hailey announced the arrival of their son, Jack Blues Bieber, with a touching Instagram post on August 23, featuring a close-up of Hailey holding their baby's tiny foot. (ANI)
FNCC President Ghattamaneni Adiseshagiri Rao met with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday at the Chief Minister's residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, and handed over the cheque.

Earlier this month, Megastar Chiranjeevi also contributed Rs. 50 lakh to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to support flood victims in the state.

Many other celebrities have joined the cause.

Mahesh Babu posted on X, asking everyone to help the victims, and actor Allu Arjun has also provided financial aid.

In a post on X, Allu shared that he donated "Rs 1 crore in total to the CM Relief Funds of both states to support the relief efforts. Praying for everyone's safety."

"I'm saddened by the loss and suffering caused by the devastating rains in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In these challenging times, I humbly donate Rs 1 crore in total to the CM Relief Funds of both states to support the relief efforts. Praying for everyone's safety," Allu Arjun wrote on X.

NTR Jr also donated Rs 1 crore to the Chief Ministers' Relief Fund.

He took to X to express his concern for those affected by the floods and said he is "deeply moved" by the recent floods in two Telugu states and is announcing a donation of Rs 50 lakh for each of the two affected states.

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. (ANI)
Zoe Saldana is set to make a powerful return in the second season of Lioness, as seen in the gripping new trailer. In the trailer for the second season, Saldana's voice sets the tone with the line, "There's no such thing as a moral war. There's survival, and there's surrender." The intense opener offers the first glimpse of the much-awaited return of the Paramount+ espionage thriller from Taylor Sheridan. The star-studded cast is back, including Laysla De Oliveira, Genesis Rodriguez, Michael Kelly, and executive producers Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman. Season two of Lioness will premiere on October 27 with two episodes. "How did we get to where we are today? Nobody's innocent. Nobody," Freeman's character tells Kelly. Elsewhere, Kidman's character warns that trust is scarce, and Saldana's character asks a new recruit, "Do you love your country? Your country needs more." According to the logline, season two follows the CIA's fight against terror as it moves closer to home. Joe (Saldana), Kaitlyn (Kidman), and Byron (Kelly) enlist a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a hidden threat. With pressure mounting, Joe must face the personal sacrifices she's made as the leader of the Lioness program. The cast also includes Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hebert, Jonah Wharton, Thad Luckinbill, and Hannah Love Lanier. The first season of Lioness premiered in July 2023 and became the most-watched worldwide series premiere on Paramount+ with nearly 6 million viewers in its first week. The show is part of Taylor Sheridan's successful lineup, which includes Tulsa King, Yellowstone, and Mayor of Kingstown. Inspired by a real U.S. military program, Lioness follows Joe as she tries to balance her life working for the CIA and the ongoing war on terror. "[Sheridan] has a great deal of admiration for the real work that gets done when we're all sleeping, so he takes it upon himself to highlight this world," Saldana told The Hollywood Reporter. The series is executive produced by Sheridan, Kidman, Saldana, David C. Glasser, and others, and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. (ANI)
Anil Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor starrer popular Disney+ Hotstar series, 'The Night Manager', has been nominated for the Best Drama Series category at the 2024 International Emmy Awards bringing global recognition to the Indian adaptation of the British series of the same name. The crime thriller is set to compete against top international dramas, including 'Les Gouttes de Dieu' from France, 'The Newsreader - Season 2' from Australia, and 'Iosi, El Espia Arrepentido - Season 2' from Argentina. In a statement shared by his PR team, Anil Kapoor, thrilled by the nomination, said, "It's just been brought to my attention that our Indian adaption of the night manager has been nominated for an international Emmy. I remember when the offer came in I was conflicted." "It offered me the opportunity to play a character so complex , but also on the other hand the huge responsibility of trying to add a newness and an authenticity to a part that had been played so masterfully by Hugh Laurie. This validation from the emmys in addition to the tremendous love that we have received from fans worldwide is a worthy reminder that hard work always pays.. i am ecstatic and hungrier then ever before for what's to come," Kapoor added. The Indian version of 'The Night Manager', which is directed by Sandeep Modi also features Tillotama Shome, Ravi Behl, and Saswata Chatterjee in supporting roles. The nominations for the 2024 International Emmy Awards were announced on Thursday, with 56 contenders from 21 countries competing across 14 categories, as announced by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Indian comedian Vir Das, who won an award last year for his stand-up special 'Landing,' will host the International Emmys in New York on November 25.(ANI)
Junior doctors of West Bengal Junior Doctors Front said on Thursday that the officials have refused to agree to all their demands after the meeting with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant in Nabanna held on Wednesday evening. Speaking to ANI after the meeting, a junior doctor said, "When the meeting was going on, then the Chief Secretary agreed to accept all our demands, but after the meeting, our demands were refused as they did not focus on our demands. There were things that were not discussed; they asked us to mail. What is the point of writing mail after holding a meeting? What we wanted was not given to us, and they even refused to provide us in writing. We have submitted our demands, and our protest will continue because we are upset with the meeting." Meanwhile doctor Shaintini said, "Today when we went in, we were very hopeful...for 41 days we have been on streets demanding for basic human rights, justice, and a threat culture to end. We not only demanded our own healthcare facility to improve but also for patient care to improve. When we asked for the meeting, we were told that we needed to email them whatever our needs are and based on that, they would verify that email and will circle back to us with certain central directors. We right now feel very hopeless. We were very hopeful when we walked in...we want the protest to end...we are forced to continue this protest...protest will continue until all our demands are met" This came after junior doctors from West Bengal Junior Doctors Front met West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to discuss their unfulfilled demands. Earlier, the West Bengal government reached out to the junior doctors and agreed to meet them after their request. Following the meeting with the protesting doctors on Tuesday (September 19), the West Bengal government accepted some of their demands, including the removal of the police chief of Kolkata and two senior health officials. On Wednesday, the officer in charge of Tala Police Station, Abhijit Mondal, was suspended by the Kolkata Police. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested Mondal in connection with RG Kar rape-murder case on September 14. (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured all possible steps to ensure quick relief and rescue operations in affected areas of Odisha's Balasore district. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the government is fully prepared and taking all necessary measures to control floods in the swollen Subarnarekha River. "Several parts of Balasore district remain marooned following flood triggered by heavy rainfall in the past couple of days. All possible steps are being taken to ensure quick relief and rescue operations in the affected areas...The state government is fully prepared and taking all necessary steps to control floods in the swollen Subarnarekha River," Odisha CM Majhi said. He has also directed the authorities in the Water Resources department to prepare a roadmap for permanent remediation of the emerging flood situation. On Wednesday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the flood situation in Balasore district with senior State and district officials. The CM stated that all possible steps are being taken to ensure quick relief and rescue operations are underway in affected areas. The Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X, "The state government is fully prepared and taking all necessary steps to control flood in the swollen Subarnarekha river. The authorities in Water Resources department have been directed to prepare a roadmap for permanent remediation of the emerging flood situation." Odisha CM Majhi conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas on Wednesday. Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, Manorama Mohanty, on Saturday, said, "Yesterday's depression has intensified into a deep depression and is currently located over Bangladesh and adjoining areas of Gangetic West Bengal. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and maintain its intensity today before weakening over the next 48 hours. The state is expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next two days. In the next 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall is expected across most districts in North and South Odisha. Isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall are expected in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts. Fishermen are advised to avoid entering the sea until September 16." She further added that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur in isolated places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Angul, and Dhenkanal districts. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson ANS Prasad on Wednesday said that the initiative of "One Nation, One Election" is a crucial step towards realising India's vision for 2047 as a global superpower and this initiative aims to synchronise India's electoral cycles, promoting unified governance, development, and democracy. Prasad further said that "One Nation, One Election" can ensure India's policy stability and effective governance, which will be further helpful in achieving the central government's vision of 2047 for the nation. "By streamlining the election process, reducing election fatigue, and conserving resources, India can ensure policy stability and effective governance, essential for achieving its 2047 goals," he said. Calling the "One Nation, One Election" initiative "visionary", Prasad said that this initiative is poised to transform India's democratic landscape and propel the country towards unprecedented growth and prosperity. In a statement, ANS Prasad said, "India's vision for 2047 encompasses multiple key aspects. Economically, the country aims to become the world's third-largest economy, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Energy independence is another vital goal, with a focus on renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels, and promoting electric mobility." He further said, "Good governance is also a critical component, with citizen-centric, data-driven, and technology-enabled governance systems designed to foster excellence, innovation, and integrity. Social development is equally crucial, empowering all citizens through education, healthcare, and women's safety." Highlighting the benefits of the initiative, Prasad said, "The "One Nation, One Election" initiative is expected to bring a new sense of freedom, enabling citizens to participate in elections with joy and unity, working together for the nation's progress. This collective effort will strengthen India's democratic framework, ensuring stability and continuity in governance." ANS Prasad further said that "One Nation, One Election" initiative will help India in achieving its vision for 2047. "With careful planning and implementation, this revolutionary concept will propel India towards achieving its vision for 2047. The stage is set for India's ascension to global leadership, and the "One Nation, One Election" initiative will be a defining moment in this journey," Prasad said. "As India continues on its path to greatness, its impact will be felt globally, inspiring other nations and cementing its position as a beacon of hope and prosperity. The world will witness India's transformation into a leading economic powerhouse. India's rise to global prominence will be fueled by the collective aspirations and hard work of its citizens. Together, they will overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come," he added. The BJP spokesperson called the "One Nation, One Election" initiative a "cornerstone" for India's success and said, "With unity, determination, and visionary leadership, India will become a shining example of what can be achieved when a nation comes together to achieve greatness. The future looks bright for India, and the "One Nation, One Election" initiative will be a cornerstone of its success." He further stressed that unity and determination among Indians are essential for the success of the "One Nation, One Election" initiative. Prasad said, "As the nation marches forward, its people will reap the rewards of progress, prosperity, and unity. PM Modi's leadership and vision will continue to guide India towards realising its full potential. The success of "One Nation, One Election" will depend on the unity and determination of India's citizens. With this collective effort, India is set to script a glorious chapter in its history." The Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, with urban body and panchayat polls to be held within 100 days. The High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, constituted under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year. The government said that the report, comprising 18,626 pages, is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023. (ANI)
In a shocking incident, 20-25 houses were set ablaze by unidentified miscreants in the Mufassil Police Station area in Krishnanagar in Bihar's Nawada. According to Sunil Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sadar Nawada, initial investigations suggest that a land dispute may be the primary cause of the violence. No casualties have been reported in the incident till now. "On September 18, 2024, an information was received that several houses were burned in Krishnanagar, within the Mufassil police station jurisdiction. Upon arrival at the scene, we observed that approximately 20-25 homes had been set ablaze. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties so far. Initial findings suggest that property disputes may be the underlying cause. An investigation is underway, and some individuals have been detained. Those responsible for this incident will face severe consequences," SDPO, Sadar Nawada, Sunil Kumar said while speaking to ANI. Expressing shock over the incident, Bahujan Samaj party Chief Mayawati asked the Centre to aid the victims."The incident of burning down many houses of poor Dalits in Bihar's Nawada by the goons and ruining their lives is extremely sad and serious. The government should take strict legal action against the culprits and also provide full financial help for the rehabilitation of the victims," Mayawati wrote in a post on X.Former Deputy Chief MInister of Bihar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also lashed out at the NDA for atrocities against DalitS, adding that the state was under 'JungleRaj.'"More than 100 houses of Dalits were set on fire in Nawada. There is fire all over Bihar under the rule of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is carefree, NDA allies are unaware! The poor are burnt, die - what do they care? Atrocities on Dalits will not be tolerated," Yadav wrote in a post on X.Condemning the incident, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took potshots at the double engine government in Bihar, raising concern over the safety of Dalits in the NDA ruled state. Kharge said that the incident is yet another proof of the " jungle raj of the NDA double engine government." "It is extremely condemnable that around 100 Dalit houses were set on fire, firing was done and everything of the poor families was snatched away in the darkness of the night. The BJP and its allies' utter indifference towards the Dalits and the deprived, criminal neglect and promotion of anti-social elements is now at its peak. Prime Minister Modi is silent as usual, Nitish is carefree in his greed for power and the NDA allies are speechless," Kharge wrote on X. (ANI)
A case of alleged sexual harassment has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and former minister Munirathna and six others in the Ramnagar district of Karnataka. The case was registered at Kaggalipura police station in the Ramnagar district on Wednesday night. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under IPC Sections 354A, 354C, 376, 506, 504, 120(b), 149, 384, 406, 308. Apart from the BJP MLA Munirathna, six other individuals have been charged in the case, including Vijay Kumar, Sudhakara, Kiran Kumar, Lohit Gowda, Manjunath and Loki. As per the complaint, the incident was happened at a private resort under the limits of Kaggalipura police station. Munirathna is currently in the custody of Bengaluru police for allegedly threatening a contractor. The Special Court of People's Representatives will hear his bail plea in this regard today. Munirathna is likely to be detained near the jail if bail is granted, as he is in judicial custody. However, if the bail is denied, the Kaggalipura police will file a body warrant and take him into custody as per the procedure. Munirathna was taken into custody on September 14 night by Bengaluru police for allegedly threatening a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor. According to Kolar Superintendent of Police (SP) B Nikhil, Munirathna was taken into custody by Bengaluru police with the help of Kolar Police while he was travelling to Andhra Pradesh. He was taken into custody near Kolar. Police has registered two FIRs at the Vyalikaval police station against Munirathna. The cases stem from complaints lodged by contractor Chelvaraju, who has accused Munirathna of harassment and threats. The first case involves issuing a death threat, with four individuals named in the FIR including Munirathna, VG Kumar, Abhishek, Vasanth Kumar. The FIRs include charges under sections 37, 506, 505, 385, 420, and 323. Chaluvaraju has alleged that Munirathna threatened him by saying, "What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you." He claimed that the MLA had demanded a commission in connection with a contract. According to the contractor, he offered Rs 1 lakh, but Munirathna refused and insisted on the full amount. The contractor further alleged, "MLA Munirathna has threatened me to pay Rs 20 lakhs. If I don't pay, he said the same fate as Renukaswamy will happen to me." He also accused Munirathna's elder sister's son of being involved in the murder of Renukaswamy. An audio clip had also gone viral, allegedly featuring Munirathna using abusive language and threatening a Dalit person, the contractor, and his wife. (ANI)
Calcutta Medical College Superintendent Anjan Adhikari was questioned by the CBI on Thursday regarding the RG Kar Medical College woman doctor's rape and murder case. He was called to provide information about TMC MLA and West Bengal Medical Council President Sudipta Roy. Speaking to the media after his meeting with the CBI, Adhikari said, "Sir (Sudipta Roy) did call, and I was in touch with him often, we mostly about how the functioning and work were going. I wasn't aware of any incident. I only came to know about the incident through the media." Meanwhile, Junior doctors from the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front expressed dissatisfaction after officials failed to agree to all their demands following a meeting with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant at Nabanna on Wednesday evening. Speaking to ANI, a junior doctor said, "When the meeting was going on, then the Chief Secretary agreed to accept all our demands, but after the meeting, our demands were refused as they did not focus on our demands. There were things that were not discussed; they asked us to mail. What is the point of writing mail after holding a meeting? What we wanted was not given to us, and they even refused to provide us in writing. We have submitted our demands, and our protest will continue because we are upset with the meeting." Another doctor, Shaintini, added, "Today, when we went in, we were very hopeful... for 41 days, we have been on the streets demanding basic human rights and justice. We not only wanted our healthcare to improve but also patient care. After the meeting, we feel hopeless. We want the protest to end but are forced to continue until all our demands are met." The junior doctors have been protesting for over a month, seeking improvements in healthcare and working conditions. Following the meeting, the state government accepted some of their demands, including the removal of the Kolkata Police Chief and two senior health officials. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police suspended Abhijit Mondal, the officer in charge of Tala Police Station, after his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the RG Kar rape-murder case. The junior doctors have requested another meeting with the state government to address unresolved demands. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant accepted their request, and a 30-member delegation will meet officials today. (ANI)
 Flash

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Wednesday held a phone conversation with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on enhancing trade and economic cooperation.

He, who leads the Chinese side to China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, said that China is ready to work with Britain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and restart the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.

China is also willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Britain, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and expand cooperation in finance, green economy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, among others, he noted.

Reeves, who leads the British side to the dialogue, said that Britain is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China to lay a stable and lasting foundation for the development of long-term and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
Common people flocked to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Group Centre Canteen in Langjing on Wednesday to purchase essential commodities and basic needs. Home Minister Amit Shah launched this initiative to provide goods to the people of Manipur at reasonable prices. As part of this initiative, 21 existing Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandars (KPKBs), along with 16 newly established outlets, have been opened for the local public in the state of Manipur. One customer at the Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB) praised KPKB for selling products at very low prices. "There are lots of products available at very low prices. This is excellent. It would be even better if they could stock more items. They offer products at 30-40 per cent less than market prices. This initiative is very good. It's difficult to buy goods here because the roads are blocked, and prices have increased. Since we can buy these items at lower prices, it is beneficial for us," he said. Another customer said that KPKB is a wonderful facility for the people. "(Here products) are one-third of the regular price. It's a wonderful facility, and I think this is a great service from KPKB. I appreciate and salute KPKB," he said. Speaking to ANI, Group Centre CRPF IGP Vipul Kumar said that all CRPF personnel have been working diligently to ensure the availability of all commodities in stores. "Under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, this initiative to provide daily commodities to the people of Manipur has been launched and has taken off from today. The response is very good. All our officers have been on their jobs to ensure all commodities are available in stores. More bhandars have opened up as well, to expand coverage--16 in valley districts and 8 in hill districts," IGP Kumar said. The Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandars (KPKB) is open for common people from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm for four days a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, respectively. The Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandars (KPKB) are open to the public from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. KPKB provides a wide range of consumer goods at prices lower than market rates. (ANI)
BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda has written a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in response to a letter Kharge had earlier addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, Nadda slammed Kharge's attempt to defend Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling it an effort to "polish a failed product." Nadda began his letter by pointing out what he described as Rahul Gandhi's "history" of disrespecting both the Prime Minister and the OBC community. He highlighted Gandhi's controversial statements, including calling the Prime Minister a "thief" and using other inappropriate language. Nadda questioned Kharge's defence of Gandhi, asking, "Due to what compulsion are you trying to justify Rahul Gandhi?" He also mentioned past remarks made by other Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, who had referred to Modi as a "merchant of death." Nadda criticised Congress for glorifying such statements and asked, "Why did the Congress forget about political purity then?" He further accused the party of ignoring political standards while claiming to uphold political dignity. Nadda claimed that Congress has now become a "copy and paste" party under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, alleging that the party has adopted "evil ways" under pressure from its "famous prince." He stated that Congress leaders have insulted Prime Minister Modi over 110 times in the last decade and listed derogatory terms allegedly used by Congress leaders. Nadda wrote, "Kharge ji, what has not been said by your leaders about the Prime Minister? Sometimes it is said 'Modi, your grave will be dug,' sometimes 'a lowly person,' 'a bastard,' 'merchant of death,' 'a poisonous snake,' 'a scorpion,' 'a rat,' 'Ravana,' 'Bhasmasur,' 'good-for-nothing,' 'will die like a dog,' 'will bury Modi in the ground,' 'a demon,' 'evil,' 'a murderer,' 'Hindu Jinnah,' 'General Dyer,' 'a cataract patient,' 'a pickpocket,' 'a dirty drain,' 'a black Englishman,' 'a coward,' 'modern incarnation of Aurangzeb,' 'Duryodhan,' 'a Hindu terrorist,' 'a donkey,' 'impotent,' 'the watchman is a thief,' 'Tughlaq,' 'we will cut Modi into pieces,' 'bastard Modi,' 'a traitor,' 'illiterate,' 'useless.' Even his parents were insulted. In the history of independent India, no public leader has been insulted as much as the country's Prime Minister by your party. Furthermore, those who abused the Prime Minister were given higher positions in Congress. If I start listing such examples, a separate book would need to be written. Didn't such statements and actions shame the country? Didn't they tear apart political decorum? How did you forget this, Mr. Kharge?" Nadda also condemned Rahul Gandhi for allegedly supporting anti-national forces, dividing communities, and making controversial statements on issues like Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned, "Is the Congress party proud of Rahul Gandhi because he hugs Pakistan-loving anti-India people, supports terrorists, seeks foreign intervention in India's democracy, instigates caste and reservation politics, or insults Hindu Sanatan culture?" Nadda further accused Congress leaders, from Sam Pitroda to Imran Masood, K. Suresh to Digvijay Singh, Shashi Tharoor to P. Chidambaram, of attempting to defame the country. He claimed that Congress is inciting divisions within the country and glorifying anti-national forces, asking why Kharge does not address these issues. Nadda concluded by accusing Congress of damaging Indian democracy through actions such as imposing emergency rule, supporting triple talaq, and weakening constitutional institutions. He said that Congress's "Mohabbat ki Dukaan" is actually promoting "casteism" and "anti-nationalism." (ANI)
FIRs have been registered against Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and Karnataka LoP and BJP leader R Ashoka on Wednesday for allegedly posting spreading false information on the clashes in the Nagamangala town of Mandya in Karnataka. The FIR against Shobha Karandlaje claims that the Union Minister in a social media post on X, accused the Mandya Police of "arresting" a Lord Ganesh idol. The FIR has been filed under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS 2003) - Section 192. This section refers to wantonly giving provocation to cause riot in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS 2003). In her defence the Union Minister says she will face the FIR but an NIA enquiry needs to be ordered into the incident at Naagamangala. "I demand an NIA inquiry into the Nagamangala incident where banned PFI agents attacked Ganesha procession & burned around 25 shops. Locals report unfamiliar faces, raising concerns of anti-social elements from Kerala. The Karnataka govt must be held accountable for this failure. This is not just a local issue but a national security threat, with clear signs of banned group, PFI trying to spread unrest. I will not be intimidated or silenced. If an FIR is filed, I will face it . Justice must prevail, and those responsible must be brought to justice," she posted onX. Meanwhile in the complaint against LoP R ashoka, it is alleged that Ashoka had posted video clippings of an incident that occurred somewhere and connected it to the Nagamangala incident. The case has been filed in the Nagamangala police station. LoP R Ashoka lashed out at Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara and said that the FIR should first be filed against Parameshwara for "giving false information" to the people and calling the incident 'minor' and 'accidental'. Terming registration of an FIR against him as a sign of "cowardice act", Ashoka called the state government a "weak government" who, according to him, is unable to prevent "riots" in the state. In a social media post on X, R Ashoka wrote, "Home Minister @DrParameshwara, who is supposed to find and file case against the fanatics responsible for the communal riots that took place during the Ganesha discharge in Nagamangala, as if "the one who can't help, has escaped", is the height of cowardice. The incompetent Home Minister @DrParameshwara himself, even though it has been a week since the incident that shook the state at Nagamangala, which is only 130 km from Bengaluru last Wednesday night, he has not visited the place and conducted an inspection. If they had gone to the scene of the incident and heard the cries, moans, anxiety and outrage of the terrified locals who had lost their property, they would have understood the seriousness of the situation. But they have no sense of duty......" The tweet added, "Although scenes of petrol bombs being used in Nagamangala, scenes of stone pelting, and vandalism of vehicles and shops are circulating on social media and media, an FIR should first be filed against Home Minister Parameshwar for giving false information to the people that this is a 'minor' incident and an 'accidental' incident. An FIR should be filed against the police who gave wrong information to the minister. It is a sign of cowardice that a weak government that cannot prevent communal riots, a dull government that cannot stop fanatics, has filed an FIR against me." Taking it further, Ashoka hitting out at the government, said nobody can intimidate him through filing FIRs as he has spent time in jail for religion. There is no question of compromise on the protection of our country, religion, protection of Hindus, Hindu festivals and festivals. I was the one who spent time in jail for religion during Emergency, Ram janmabhoomi struggle. I can't hide my voice even if I file a hundred such FIRs. Don't fear your big threats. https://x.com/RAshokaBJP/status/1836609430537769306 Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara defended the FIR's saying, " We are not doing hate politics. We are acting as per the law." Earlier on September 12, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigate the Nagamangala incident in which a riot broke out over allegations of stone pelting at a Ganpati immersion procession in Nagamangala. (ANI)
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party on Thursday. His comments followed BJP President JP Nadda's letter and a statement by Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who claimed that the Congress party and the National Conference are aligned with Pakistan's interests regarding the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Bhandari accused the Congress of failure to address numerous insults directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and of displaying double standards and anti-national behaviour. Speaking to ANI, Bhandari said, "Whatever JP Nadda has written is what the people of the country are also saying: Rahul Gandhi is a failed product." He argued that the Congress party has repeatedly abused PM Modi without condemnation. "The country knows that Congress has abused PM Modi many times... But did Congress condemn all this?" He highlighted past incidents where Congress leaders used derogatory language against Modi, including the term "maut ke saudagar" used by Sonia Gandhi, and criticised the party for justifying rather than condemning such remarks. Bhandari added, "Rahul Gandhi was talking about inciting violence against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from a public forum, saying he would be beaten with a stick, a 'Gutter-Ka-Keera' (dirty drain worm) would be cut into pieces." Bhandari also questioned Congress's stance on nationalism and its ties with anti-national elements. He said, "Today, it has been established from Nadda ji's letter that the product the Congress party is trying to launch has failed in 2014, 2019, failed in 2024, and will fail in 2029 as well." Furthermore, Bhandari condemned Congress for allegedly aligning with Pakistan's interests. He referred to comments by Pakistan's Defense Minister about Congress's position on Article 370 and accused the party of collaborating with Pakistan. "When Article 370 was in force, Pakistan used to spread terror in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, it is clear that Pakistan is using Congress and the National Conference as a front," Bhandari said. He also challenged Congress to explain its position on Article 370 and its perceived alignment with Pakistan, adding, "Congress party and the National Conference want Jammu and Kashmir to go back to the dark days when separatism was the norm."(ANI)
Lashing out at the Congress party for opposing one nation, one election initiative, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar said that in the past the Congress party proposed to bring GST but later started opposing it. He added that they (Congress) are confused and that is why they have been thrown out. "When Model Code of Conduct is imposed, development works are stopped. This (One Nation One Election) is a good idea so that progress continues and people do not have any problems. In the past also Congress proposed to bring GST, later they opposed it. Their minds are confused that is why people have thrown them out. Even today their existence in politics is diminishing..." said the Maharashtra minister. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal expressed strong support for the one nation, one election initiative. Emphasizing that the ongoing elections hindered the government process, Jaiswal highlighted that the multitude of elections not only disrupts government operations but also stalls vital national development. "I want to congratulate the Prime Minister and the entire cabinet for making a significant decision. The country faces constant anxiety due to elections happening year-round. With multiple elections taking place, government functions are often stalled, hindering national development. The concept of 'one nation, one election' aims to complete all elections within six months," Jaiswal said while speaking to ANI. The Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, with urban body and panchayat polls to be held within 100 days. The High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, constituted under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year. The government said that the report, comprising 18,626 pages, is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023. (ANI)
A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is being held at the Parliament Library Building in the capital on Thursday. Several members of the committee, including the chairman Jagdambika Pal, Asaduddin Owaisi, etc., were present in the meeting. In the meeting, the committee listened to the views or suggestions of some experts and stakeholders, including Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, Chanakya National Law University, Patna; Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz; and All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board, on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Notably, the Joint Parliamentary Committee will also conduct a meeting on September 20 where it will hear the suggestions of All India Sajjadanashin Council, Ajmer, Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Delhi and Bharat First, Delhi, on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Earlier, the meeting scheduled for September 18 was postponed after some members requested for the same. Speaking to reporters, Jagdambika Pal on Wednesday, said, "The meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee was to be held on 18, 19 and 20 September. But some of our members said that Ganesh Chaturthi is on the 17th and Eid-e-Milad procession is being taken out in Maharashtra today. Due to this, today's meeting has been postponed. The meeting will be held on 19 and 20 September as scheduled." The fourth meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, was held on September 6. During the meeting, senior officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made a presentation before the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Several stakeholders, including the Zakat Foundation of India and the Telangana Waqf Board, put forth their views, suggestions, and oral evidence on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Eariler on September 13, a group of Muslim Social Workers and Islamic Scholars during a meeting in Delhi expressed their support to the government, emphasising that doubting the government's intentions is not appropriate. Speaking 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 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 said. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday criticized the BJP's 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, saying that it is practically not possible. "The Congress party does not believe in One Nation, One Election, practically it is not possible...They want to ease out all the state parties. They feel that only national parties should survive. In the federal structure, you cannot do that. They are taking a big risk. The Congress party completely opposes," Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar told ANI. Stating that multiple elections hindered government functions, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal on Thursday expressed strong support for the one nation, one election initiative. Emphasizing that the ongoing elections hindered the government process, Jaiswal highlighted that the multitude of elections not only disrupts government operations but also stalls vital national development. "I want to congratulate the Prime Minister and the entire cabinet for making a significant decision. The country faces constant anxiety due to elections happening year-round. With multiple elections taking place, government functions are often stalled, hindering national development. The concept of 'one nation, one election' aims to complete all elections within a six-month period," Jaiswal said while speaking to ANI. BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan also hailed the move, stating that it will lead to "political stability". "This decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will further consolidate and strengthen our nation building and federalism. But it will also very importantly, reclaim the original spirit and sanctity of our Constitution as given to us by Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar and other architects. If you see, from 1952 to 67, there were simultaneous polls in the country. But Indira Gandhi's Congress toppled democratically elected state governments nearly 39 times. This broke the synchronous cycle of simultaneous elections," Kesavan said. The Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, with urban body and panchayat polls to be held within 100 days. The High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, constituted under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year. The government said that the report, comprising 18,626 pages, is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023. (ANI)
Reacting to Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif's claims on the Congress-NC alliance regarding the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a scathing attack on Congress, said on Thursday that his statement has made clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. In a post on microblogging site on X, Amit Shah wrote, "Pakistan's Defence Minister's statement about Congress and JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen." Citing examples of Congress demanding proof of air strikes and surgical strikes, Shah accused Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi of supporting "every anti-India force" for years, which eventually has hurt sentiments of Indians. He further cautioned Congress and Pakistan, saying that as long as Modi government is in the centre, neither Article 370 nor terrorism can return to Kashmir. The tweet added, "Be it asking for proof of air strikes and surgical strikes or saying objectionable things about the Indian Army, the tune of Rahul Gandhi's Congress Party and Pakistan has always been the same and Congress has always been hand in glove with the anti-national forces. But, Congress Party and Pakistan forget that there is Modi Government at the centre, hence, neither Article 370 nor terrorism is going to come back in Kashmir." https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1836674300637766143 Meanwhile responding to the comments of the Pakistan Defence Minister, former JK CM Omar Abdullah said Pakistan should not interfere in India's electoral process. "What does Pakistan have to do with us? We are not even a part of Pakistan, let them take care of their country. I don't think they should interfere in our elections or comment on our elections. They should save their democracy, we are participating in ours," Omar Abdullah said. Earlier speaking on Geo News to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show Capital Talk, the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Khwaja Asif replied, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." Pakistan's Defence Minister also claimed that that Article 370 could return should the NC-Congress alliance come to power in JK. "I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif told Geo News. (ANI)
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing his "Hitler governance" and "appeasement policy" for the Mandya clashes. Addressing a press conference, Shobha Karandlaje said, "Such incidents in Karnataka happening because of your appeasement towards one community. You have given such freedom to speak and do such acts against Hindus. You took back the cases which were against PFI and left out, such traitors creating such situation in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah's Hitler governance, appeasement policy, acting our workers of FIR, Jail creating such situation in Karnataka." FIRs have been registered against Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and Karnataka LoP and BJP leader R Ashoka on Wednesday for allegedly posting spreading false information on the clashes in the Nagamangala town of Mandya in Karnataka. Referring to the Mandya clashes, Karandlaje further accused Karnataka government for appeasing one community, which is leading to such incidents. "You can file hundreds of cases against us. Your partner has also filed case against me in Chennai. They asked for my apology. I have told them we'll fight it, I'm not and nowhere going to apologise for anything that I said," said the Union Minister. Citing the purported example of "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans being raised in the legislative assembly of Karnataka, Karandlaje remarked that one side they (state government) celebrate Constitution Day and the other side they are killing it through such acts. "Palestine flags are being raised in Karnataka. Yesterday Ashok Chakra in the Indian flag was replaced with Urdu words in the Nandini layout in Bengaluru. We heard Pakistan Zindabad in Vidhan Soudha. What's the wrong thing we did when we asked a question? You have filed a case against me and R. Ashok to please minorities; you're killing the democracy. You one side celebrate Constitution Day, and the other side you're killing it," said Karandlaje while addressing the press conference. Lashing out at the state government, she further questioned CM Siddaramaiah for not visiting the site of the clash in Nagamangala and the government's inaction on the purportedly increasing incidents of raising slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad." She said, "Your home minister gives silly statements related to the Nagamangala incident. Chitradurga, Mysore, Belagavi and in many programs such slogans were raised. In Mysore, during the Eid Milad celebration, the slogans of Pakistan Zindabad were raised. Why didn't CM and Home Minister visit Nagamangala? It means you don't have respect for Hindus, Hindu Gods." Earlier in the day, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, reacting to the registration of FIRs against BJP leaders, said that the law will come into force when they go beyond the limit. "Shobha Karandlaje is a Union Minister and R Ashoka is LoP, when they go beyond the limit, naturally, the law will come into force," said the Karnataka Home Minister as he defended the decision to file the FIRs. G Parameshwara further dismissed the BJP's claims of politicising the issue and said when there is a cause of action, there will be a reaction, which led to the registration of FIRs against them. (ANI)
After Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance were on the same page on the restoration of Article 370, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said on Thursday that he does not know what Pakistan says. Speaking to ANI, he said, "I don't know what Pakistan says. I am not a Pakistani; I am an Indian citizen." On the Jammu Kashmir Assembly Polls, he said that everything would be clear in front of the people on October 8. "Wait till October 8, everything will be clear. The first thing I will do is bring back the Darbar Move. We have both been caused a loss because of the Darbar Move. People used to go there in the winter in the Darbar Move. There was a relationship between Jammu and Kashmir. In summer, they used to come here to finish the work. You can go and ask the people how much loss they have suffered because of the Darbar Move," he said. Earlier, the BJP has lashed out at the Congress-National Conference alliance after Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said that Pakistan and the alliance were on the same page when it came to the restoration of Article 370 in the Union Territory. BJP leader Amit Malviya in a post on X said, "Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conference's position on Kashmir. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mir's Capital Talk on Geo News says, "Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A". How is it that, from Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress, are always seen on the side of those inimical to India's interest?" BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, "The question is what is this relation of Congress party & NC with Pakistan called?... We can see how the Congress Party National Conference and INDIA Alliance are continuously trying to join hands with Pakistan..." Earlier speaking on Geo News to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show Capital Talk, the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.Khwaja Asif replied, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." Pakistan's Defence Minister also claimed that that Article 370 could return should the NC-Congress alliance come to power in JK. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Thursday hit out at the National Conference and the Congress for playing up the agenda of Pakistan during the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Taking a strong note of the statement of Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, Chugh, who is also party in charge of J-K elections, said, "His statement has completely exposed the NC and the Congress for pursuing the Pakistan agenda." Chugh said "It not only demonstrated Pakistan's intention to interfere in the J-K elections but also established that the Abdullahs of the NC and the Gandhi family in the Congress have been taking directions from Pakistan forces to cause disruption and disturbance in the territory." Demanding an explanation from the Abdullahs and the Gandhi family to clarify their links with the Pakistan ISI, Chugh said, "It was reprehensible that an anti-national alliance has been dancing to the tunes of Pakistan forces to fool the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "In the past also it was clearly demonstrated by the Abdullahs that they would rather follow the agenda dictated by the Pakistan ISI to deprive J&K to its due development and progress. "It has been the foremost agenda of the Abdullahs and the Gandhis to keep J&K on the boil so that their vested political interests are protected at the cost of the common man in J&K", he said. Chugh said "The BJP takes strong exception to this dangerous alliance of the Pakistan forces with the NC and Congress and warned the people of J-K against falling into this anti-national trap at a time when voting has started for the assembly elections in the territory." Meanwhile responding to the comments of the Pakistan Defence Minister, former JK CM Omar Abdullah said Pakistan should not interfere in India's electoral process. "What does Pakistan have to do with us? We are not even a part of Pakistan, let them take care of their country. I don't think they should interfere in our elections or comment on our elections. They should save their democracy, we are participating in ours," Omar Abdullah said. Earlier speaking on Geo News to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show Capital Talk, the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Khwaja Asif replied, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." Pakistan's Defence Minister also claimed that that Article 370 could return should the NC-Congress alliance come to power in JK. "I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif told Geo News. (ANI)
BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu on Thursday said that he does not hold any regret and won't apologise for calling Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi a "number 1 terrorist". He added that the Gandhi family burnt Punjab and consequently the state lost generations of lives. "Why should I regret it? We in Punjab have lost our generations. The Gandhi family burnt Punjab...I express my pain as a Sikh. I am a minister later, a Sikh first. If Gurpatwant Singh Pannun endorses it (Rahul Gandhi's statement) what will you say?" said Bittu. When asked if he would apologise for his statement, Ravneet Singh Bittu said, "Kharge sahab should apologise. He should clarify if the Congress party agrees with Rahul Gandhi. You need to ask Sikhs. Bring any Sikh from the Congress party who is not allowed to carry a turban, wear kada and visit Gurudwara." He added that such statements would create a communal divide in the country. "They want to radicalise Sikhs. They are pained when we point out Rahul Gandhi. Who will answer on what he spoke against Sikhs? We have worn the brunt in the past and they enjoy themselves sitting in Delhi and visiting abroad." Notably, Rahul Gandhi triggered a political lash after he commented on the condition of the Sikh community in India. He had said that that fight in India as a Sikh was about whether he would be allowed to wear a turban or kada, or allowed to go to a Gurudwara. Following this, Khalistani separatist leader Pannun came out in Gandhi's support calling it a "bold and pioneering statement grounded in the factual history of Sikhs since 1947" and that it "corroborates with Sikhs For Justice's stance on the justification of Punjab's Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan." Pannun has been declared a terrorist in India by the Ministry of Home Affairs over sedition and secessionism. He is the co-founder of the banned outfit SFJ. In response to this, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu stoked a controversy by calling the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi a "number 1 terrorist". "Rahul Gandhi is not Indian; he has spent most of his time abroad. He does not love his country because he goes overseas and criticises India. His words have been praised by separatists and those involved in making bombs and weapons. Those who try to blow up planes, trains, and roads are supporting Rahul Gandhi. He is the country's number one terrorist and the biggest enemy whom the agencies should catch," Bittu stated earlier. (ANI)
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, said on Thursday that, in the last three years of the Ministry of Cooperation, nearly 60 new initiatives have been introduced. He added that the 10 initiatives launched in the last 100 days will significantly contribute to making the cooperative sector more comprehensive. Addressing the National Conference on the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Cooperation in the first 100 days of the BJP government's third term in the Centre organised here in Delhi, Amit Shah asserted that the Modi government is accelerating the rural economy through cooperatives. "When the Ministry of Cooperation was established, its aim was to revive cooperatives in every district and village across the country, modernise their laws and culture to fit the times, and shape them into a new framework. This would help create new employment opportunities in a country of 1.4 billion people, allowing individuals to live with dignity through their own means," he said. "In the last three years, nearly 60 new initiatives have been taken, and the 10 initiatives we've launched in the last 100 days will significantly contribute to making the cooperative sector more comprehensive," Shah added. The Ministry of Cooperation was established by transferring the existing entries related to cooperation and cooperatives in the business of the erstwhile Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare, vide Cabinet Secretariat's Gazette Notification dated July 6, 2021. Shah also highlighted that the Centre has linked various services--such as affordable food shops, low-cost medicine shops, petrol pumps, LPG gas cylinder distribution, and water supply systems--with PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies). This will help strengthen the three-tier cooperative structure, with two lakh PACS to be established in every panchayat. "As PACS strengthen and their numbers grow, district banks will automatically become stronger, which will, in turn, strengthen state cooperative banks," Amit Shah said. The Minister of Cooperation further emphasised that providing women employment will be achieved through "White Revolution 2.0" because the income from dairy will be attributed to women. "Prime Minister Modi has launched a significant campaign for natural farming, and strengthening animal husbandry will support natural farming, as animal manure plays a key role in its success. Today, we are launching White Revolution 2.0, and I want to assure the Animal Husbandry Department that this is the government's top priority and will receive full budgetary support," he added. Amit Shah also mentioned that the government conducted an experiment to see the impact of opening bank accounts for people involved in cooperative activities in cooperative banks and institutions. "We also provided debit and credit cards to women associated with primary cooperative societies like dairy production societies to empower them. We saw excellent results from this initiative. In Panchmahal and Banaskantha districts (in Gujarat), we launched a campaign in which over 400,000 new bank accounts were opened in cooperative banks, and more than Rs 500 crore was deposited in just two districts. Additionally, 1,732 micro ATMs were established, and 20,000 new credit cards were issued, leading to approximately 24 lakh digital transactions," he mentioned. "So far, across the state, over 900,000 accounts have been opened, and deposits in cooperative banks have increased by around Rs 4,000 crore. Now, we need to take this initiative to the national level. Today, the Ministry of Cooperation has a database for every panchayat and every state," he added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his "Devta" remarks made during his US visit and said "it is an insult to our faith" and "Congress should be punished for this". He also accused Congress of "Naxal mindset" and alleged it had "insulted the Dogra culture of Jammu". Addressing an election rally in Katra, PM Modi also accused Congress of deepening the divide between Jammu and Kashmir. "In the name of mohabbat ki dukaan (shop of love), he is selling nafrat ka saaman. Congress can put our faith and culture at stake for a few votes anytime. The Congress heir went abroad and said that our 'Devi-Devta' are not gods... It is an insult to our faith. Congress should be punished for this... They don't say all this just for the sake of it, or as a mistake. It is a planned conspiracy. It is a Naxal mindset that has been imported from other countries... This Naxal mindset of Congress insulted the Dogra culture of Jammu," PM Modi said. "They do not see anything except their vote bank; that is why they only deepened the divide between Jammu and Kashmir over the years. They have always discriminated against Jammu... We have brought Jammu to the mainstream," he added. During an interaction in his visit to the United States, Rahul Gandhi said in India "a Devta doesn't mean a god, as many believe." "Devta in India actually means a person whose internal feelings are exactly the same as his external expression, meaning he is a completely transparent being, it does not mean god. If a person tells me everything he believes or thinks and expresses it openly, that's the definition of a Devta...What's interesting about our politics is how do you suppress your own ideas, how do you suppress your own fears, greed, or ambitions and observe other people's fears and ambitions," he said. In his remarks, PM Modi said BJP has prioritised growth in Jammu and Kashmir and sought to end the decade-long struggles of the people here. "Kashmir is an important part of faith and cultural identity. We need a government that can respect and promote both of these aspects. Congress, for the sake of votes, will not hesitate to jeopardise our faith and culture," he said. He said assembly polls will determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir and continued his attack on "three families". "These elections are important to end the political legacy of the three families of Congress, NC and PDP which kept the state in ruins. To make this happen, the Lotus must bloom in Kashmir," PM Modi said. The first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir was held on September 18 on 24 assembly constituencies and saw a voter turnout of 61.13 pc. Polling for the second and third phases in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday commended the Indian Navy for playing a crucial role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean, terming the region as valuable & sensitive in view of the economic, geopolitical, trade and security aspects. Addressing the second edition of Naval Commanders' Conference in the national capital today, Singh pointed out that India was once a landlocked country with sea shores, but now it can be seen as an island country with land borders. "A large part of the world's trade passes through the region, which makes it valuable. At the same time, incidents like piracy, hijacking, drone attacks, missile attacks and disruption of sea cable connections in the seas make it extremely sensitive. Our Navy has made a significant contribution in protecting the economic interests of all stakeholder nations of Indo-Pacific and in smooth movement of goods in the Indian Ocean region. Its anti-piracy operations are garnering appreciation not only in India but also globally. India is now seen as a preferred security partner in this entire region. Whenever need be, we will ensure security in the region," he said. The Defence Minister asserted that the Indian Navy's growing strength in the Indo-Pacific region should not be taken for granted and called upon the Commanders to continue introspection from time to time, and be prepared for every situation in today's volatile global scenario. Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's endeavour to make the Indian Navy more potent by inducting state-of-the-art ships, submarines etc., for its capability development, with focus on being Aatmanirbhar. He highlighted that 64 ships and submarines are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, and orders have been placed for 24 additional platforms. "In the last five years, more than two-third of the Navy's modernisation budget has been spent on indigenous procurement, resulting in accelerated development of the domestic defence ecosystem," he said. While Rajnath Singh praised the Navy's indigenisation efforts, he exhorted the Commanders to explore ways to further strengthen the resolve of achieving 'Aatmanirbharta'. He exuded confidence that the vision to transform the Navy from a 'Buyer' into a 'Builder' will be helpful in making it fully self-reliant by 2047. The Defence Minister also spoke on the significance of jointness and optimum utilisation of resources. He stated that while Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have their own strengths, mandates & ways of working, there is need for more coordination to strengthen the maritime security of the country. The conference is the apex-level biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational and administrative issues among the Naval Commanders. Held against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics, regional challenges and complexity in maritime security situation in West Asia, the conference plays a crucial role in shaping future course of the Indian Navy. (ANI)
Reacting to Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif's claims on the Congress-National Conference alliance regarding the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday said that the Congress is following in the footsteps of Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. "What affection does Congress have with China? What affection does the Gandhi family have with Pakistan?... Pakistan says that its thoughts align with Congress and NC. It is clear now that you (Congress) are following the footsteps of Jinnah (Muhammad Ali Jinnah). You want to break Jammu and Kashmir. The people of the nation will answer Rahul Gandhi and Congress," Sirsa said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attacked Congress and said that his statement has made clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. In a post on a microblogging site X, Amit Shah wrote, "Pakistan's Defence Minister's statement about Congress and JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen." Citing examples of Congress demanding proof of air strikes and surgical strikes, Shah accused Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi of supporting "every anti-India force" for years, which eventually has hurt sentiments of Indians. He further cautioned Congress and Pakistan, saying that as long as PM Narendra Modi government is in power at the Centre, neither Article 370 nor terrorism can return to Kashmir. Speaking on Geo News to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show 'Capital Talk', the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Khwaja Asif replied, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." Pakistan's Defence Minister also claimed that that Article 370 could return should the NC-Congress alliance come to power in Jammu and Kashmir. "I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif told Geo News. (ANI)
According to the police, the businessman received a threat call from the accused, who claimed to be members of the Bambiha gang.

"On October 16, a businessman received an extortion call from someone claiming to be from the Bambiha gang. A case was registered for extortion and intimidation based on the complaint. A team was formed, and through technical surveillance and human intelligence, two persons have been arrested," said Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amneet Kondal.

The arrested accused have been identified as Parminder, a resident of Muktsar, and Sushil from Sirsa district.

The Bathinda SSP also said that the police recovered a .32 bore pistol, four cartridges, a bike, and a mobile phone from their possession.

She added that both accused were habitual offenders with several cases registered against them.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday ripped into the Congress-National Conference partnership in Jammu and Kashmir accusing the political alliance of pandering to Pakistan's interests. Addressing a public rally in Katra the Prime Minister suggested that the Congress-NC alliance is being applauded in Pakistan. PM Modi used the term 'Balle Balle' to note that the neighbouring country is very happy with the manifesto of the Congress-NC alliance and has openly extended its support. The Prime Minister's remarks follow Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif statement in an interview in which he said that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance were on the same page on the restoration of Article 370. PM Modi warned voters in Reasi against voting for the Congress-NC, saying that if the alliance comes into power, Jammu and Kashmir will see bloodshed due to terrorism. He said that Congress-NC wants to implement Pakistan's agenda in Jammu and Kashmir. "We will not let Pakistan's agenda be imposed in Jammu and Kashmir. No power in the world can bring back Article 370 in J&K." PM Modi said. "Every vote given to Congress will implement the manifesto of the PDP and NC. They want to bring back Article 370. This means they want bloodshed in the valley again. The Congress-NC alliance is being applauded in Pakistan. Pakistan is very happy with the Congress-NC manifesto and has openly extended its support. There may not be enthusiasm about the Congress-National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, but the neighbouring country (Pakistan) is very enthusiastic about them. Pakistan is going 'Balle Balle' (having a great time) over the Congress-National Conference alliance. Pakistan's Defence Minister has openly come out in support of the Congress-NC alliance. He says their agenda is the same as that of Pakistan," the Prime Minister said. Earlier speaking on Geo News to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show Capital Talk, the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Khwaja Asif replied, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." The Pakistan Minister also claimed that Article 370 could return should the NC-Congress alliance come to power in JK. "I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif told Geo News. (ANI)
The Indian Army on Thursday organised the second edition of General SF Rodrigues Memorial Seminar at Pune to pay tribute to the late Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). The Seminar was based on the theme 'National Security @2047' and included deliberations on critical aspects in the form of Fireside Chat Sessions on 'Audit of India's Defence Posture' in session one and 'Armit Kaal-The Road Ahead (Blueprint on Capacity Building)' in session two. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, during his keynote address, reminisced about the late General SF Rodrigues, 15th COAS and former Governor of Punjab, while mentioning his contributions in modernising the Indian Army, induction of women in the Short Service Commission, and vigorous push to the UN Mission's strength underscoring the military diplomacy. He alluded to the changing geopolitical landscape, diffused global response and differing international rule-based order. "Striking a balance between national interests and global responsibility, India is manoeuvring between power play and adversarial competition. India has made major reforms to strengthen the higher defence management and its defence capabilities," he said. He highlighted that catheterization is an impending reality and one that is likely to manifest sooner than later. "New organisations like Space and Cyber Commands are steps in the right direction. The military, as a crucial pillar of national security, must evolve into an inclusive, multi-domain, multi-dimensional force beyond the current single-service, single-domain focus," he said. "Economically, we have embarked on a journey to self-reliance for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Investing in future technologies, research, and development remains vital for achieving self-reliance in critical areas and creating an India-centric and India-dependent region, particularly within the Indo-Pacific framework. India must emerge as a stable, secure, mature, and inclusive alternative power," Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth added. In the second session, discussions were held on the blueprint for capacity building, including strategic collaborations and international relations. The session also included an interesting discussion on the dynamic military landscape of the country and its neighbourhood. This session was chaired by Lieutenant General Raj Shukla (Retired), and the speakers included Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retired), Jayadeva Ranade and Major General Rajiv Narayanan (Retired). (ANI)
Congress leader KC Venugopal said on Thursday that BJP President's reply to the letter written by Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to Prime Minister Modi over NDA leaders controversial remarks on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition P Rahul Gandhi "smacks of arrogance". In a post on X, Venugopal said, "BJP President JP Nadda's reply to INC President Kharge ji smacks of arrogance and clearly shows that since the PM could not even get himself to respond on this very serious issue, the attacks on Rahul ji have his full support." "The BJP is single handedly responsible for the plummeting standard of political discourse in India," he added. Nadda today wrote to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in response to a letter Kharge had earlier addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, Nadda slammed Kharge's attempt to defend Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling it an effort to "polish a failed product." Nadda began his letter by pointing out what he described as Rahul Gandhi's "history" of disrespecting both the Prime Minister and the OBC community. He highlighted Gandhi's controversial statements, including calling the Prime Minister a "thief" and using other inappropriate language. Nadda questioned Kharge's defence of Gandhi, and asked, "Due to what compulsion are you trying to justify Rahul Gandhi?" Nadda accused the Congress party of damaging Indian democracy through actions such as imposing emergency rule, supporting triple talaq, and weakening constitutional institutions. He said that Congress's "Mohabbat ki Dukaan" is actually promoting "casteism" and "anti-nationalism." On September 17, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking strict action against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders who made controversial remarks about Rahul Gandhi. In his letter Kharge highlighted that the violent language used by leaders of the BJP and its allied parties is dangerous for the country's future. This followed Union MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu's remarks, where he suggested that Rahul Gandhi is not Indian and if an award for catching the "number one terrorist" existed, it should go to Rahul Gandhi. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad had also offered a reward of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who cuts off Gandhi's tongue. (ANI)
Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma on Thursday launched the state's new flagship initiative, the "Handholding Scheme" (Bana Kaih), during an official ceremony at Vanapa Hall in Aizawl for entrepreneurs and farmers to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance and support to entrepreneurs and farmers across the state through a series of targeted programs designed to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency, according to a press release by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Government of Mizoram. The Handholding Scheme comprises five key components, as outlined in the government guidelines. The main feature is a collateral-free and interest-free bank loan. A financial support package for selected progress partners (beneficiaries), offering loans up to Rs 50 lakh through partner banks. The state government will serve as a guarantor for these project loans under existing national credit guarantee schemes, added the DIPR release. Beneficiaries who consistently repay their loans may also benefit from interest subvention of up to 100 per cent, providing significant relief and encouragement to those who meet their repayment obligations. This system of loans may be the first of its kind in India. The scheme also includes the Chief Minister's Special Category Scheme, which provides grant-in-aid of up to Rs 1 lakh. This grant is intended for individuals who are not in a position to avail loans while having a livelihood project that can be significantly boosted by a small grant, added the release. Another important component of the Handholding Scheme is market support. As part of this initiative, the government has introduced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for four key crops: Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Birdeye Chilli. If and when the farmer can not find a market rate less than the government-declared rate, they shall be given support price upto the government rate. Furthermore, in a pilot phase, Paddy from Kolasib and Mamit districts will be procured at a minimum support rate of Rs 30 per kilogram starting this year. Another important component is support to the implementing department. Since the government of Mizoram declared a year of consolidation, the Handholding Scheme shall be implemented as a Pilot Phase for this financial year. (ANI)
Delhi's Saket Court has directed Delhi Police to file an FIR against a man for submitting a forged and fabricated medical report to seek extension of his interim bail. His plea of extension of interim bail was dismissed by the court. The man identified as Trilok Chand Chaudhary is an accused in a cheating and forgery case registered by the Economic Offence Wing (EoW, South) in the year 2022. The court on Wednesday directed the applicant, Trilok Chand Chaudhary, to surrender before the jail superintendent within one day. "It appears that the applicant has placed on record a forged and fabricated document in the court in the form of a medical prescription dated 11.09.2024. Copy of this order along with copy of prescription dated 11.09.2024 of Apollo Hospital be sent to SHO, PS Saket with direction to register FIR against the applicant and to investigate the matter," Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Dr. Sugandha Agarwal said in the order passed on September 18. ASJ Agarwal said that today the verification report has been filed by IO in the court, which is supported by the report of Dr. S.K. Gupta himself. As per said report and the certificate issued by Dr. S.K. Gupta, the applicant has never visited his OPD on 11.09.2024 and was not examined by Dr. S.K. Gupta on the said date." Further, a bare perusal of the medical prescription of the applicant dated 11.09.2024 and the earlier report dated 02.09.2024 by Dr. S.K. Gupta shows that two handwritings are completely different. The further observed, " Even the signatures of Dr. S.K. Gupta appearing on earlier medical documents are completely different from the signatures appearing on prescription dated 11.09.2024." "Further in all the earlier medical documents, Dr. S.K. Gupta affixed his seal along with the signatures but on the prescription dated 11.09.2024, no such seal has been affixed," the court said. It was submitted by the counsel for the accused that, as per the applicant, he visited the junior doctor of Dr. S.K. Gupta on 11.09.2024. However, the applicant was unable to reveal the name of said doctor whom he visited. The court said that if that were the case, then, the name of the treating junior doctor would have been mentioned with his signatures. The above circumstances show that the applicant has placed on record a forged and fabricated prescription of the doctor in order to get a favourable order from the court. The applicant was admitted to interim bail for a period of 4 weeks vide order dated 03.08.2024 on medical grounds. An application was moved stating that applicant is seeking only extension of said interim bail on medical grounds. It was submitted that the applicant has a long history of chronic heart disease. He has undergone bye-pass surgery in the year 1995 itself. It was also stated that during his custody, on 30.06.2024, his condition had deteriorated and he was rushed to the emergency department of the jail dispensary. Subsequently, as the jail dispensary was unable to manage his health, he was taken to Safdarjung Hospital several times. The treating doctor at Safdarjung Hospital has advised implanting a stent after the angiography was conducted, it added. It was also stated that after being released on interim bail, the Trilok Chand Chaudhary immediately took steps for his medical treatment. He visited a clinic on 05.08.2024, then to Fortis Hospital on 08.08.2024 and subsequently was admitted at Apollo Hospital in emergency on 20.08.2024. It is contended that despite taking regular treatments, the applicant is suffering from uncontrolled diabetes and therefore, no procedure like implanting a stent or surgery could be planned. It is further stated that, as per the medical reports of the applicant, he has 100 per cent blockage of heart arteries, and therefore, his health condition is vulnerable. On the other hand, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Manish Kumar for the State, assisted by the Counsel for the complainant as well as the Investigation Officer (IO), vehemently opposed the bail application. It was submitted by the APP that, as per medical prescriptions placed on record, the condition of the applicant was always opined to be stable and no ground is made out for extension of interim bail. (ANI)
West Bengal Medical Council cancelled the medical practitioner registration of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's former principal Sandip Ghosh on Thursday. Ghosh has been arrested in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case as well as financial irregularities related to the College. West Bengal Medical Council in a notice said, "In view of non-receipt of any explanation what-so-ever even after lapse of 13 days from you in response to the "Show Cause Notice" issued by this Council vide No. 24202421 C/ 372024 of 6th September 2024, your name is removed from the Register of Registered Medical Practitioner being maintained by this Council w.e.f. 19th September 2024 in terms of the provisions contained under section 25(a)(ii) of the Bengal Medical Act, 1914 (as amended) read with section 37 (iii) of the Code of Medical Ethics adopted by this Council." Earlier this month, ED reached the residence of the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, at Chinar Park in Kolkata to carry out a search operation.ED had registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe money laundering charges against Sandip Ghosh in the financial irregularities case. On September 10, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court remanded Sandip Ghosh and three others to judicial custody till September 23 in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital financial irregularities case. The Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Sandip Ghosh on September 2. Ghosh was under investigation for alleged corruption and financial irregularities at the college and hospital, following a directive from a single bench of the Calcutta High Court, which ordered the CBI to probe the matter. Earlier on August 26, the CBI also concluded a second round of polygraph tests on Dr Ghosh as part of their investigation into the rape-murder of a woman doctor at the institution. A woman trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra on Thursday attacked Congress after Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif backed the Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370 and questioned the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi about the reason behind the support he is getting from Pakistan pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. "The way Defence Minister of Pakistan have supported Congress and said that Pakistan has the same stand as Congress concerning Article 370 and 35A - to restore them. Pakistan is a terrorist state and a minister of the terrorist country is openly supporting Congress...It's not new, when the Union HM tabled the bill to abrogate Article 370, the leader of Congress in the House said that it's a bilateral issue, and even Sonia Gandhi was directing him to say so,' Patra told ANI. He further alleged that not only Pakistan but Pannun has also supported Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. "I want to ask Rahul Gandhi what is the reason that, be it Pakistan or Pannun, all the terrorists support him... What kind of coalition is there between Congress and Pakistan? They have named their alliance as INDIA - INDI alliance but they are maligning the name of our country," he added. BJP leader Shazia Ilmi alleged that the National Conference, the Congress party, is seeking support from Pakistan. "This is no secret that how National Conference and Congress have always stood with secessionist forces. That is why, the National Conference manifesto clearly mentions that Articles 370 and 35A will be restored. They have made such announcements and Rahul Gandhi is silent...Now, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says that as far as restoration (of Article 370) and statehood are concerned, they stand with the National Conference and Congress and are on the same page. It means he has a mindset the same as National Conference and Congress when it comes to Kashmir...It has now become clear that together with the National Conference, the Congress party is seeking support from Pakistan and Pakistan is extending them the support," Ilmi said. The Prime Minister's remarks follow Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif statement in an interview in which he said that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance were on the same page on the restoration of Article 370. Earlier speaking on Geo News to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show Capital Talk, the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Khwaja Asif replied, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." The Pakistan Minister also claimed that Article 370 could return should the NC-Congress alliance come to power in JK. "I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif told Geo News. (ANI)
The Delhi government has approved replacing the current Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric alternatives, aiming to promote cleaner transportation. This decision comes as the existing Gramin Sewa vehicles near the end of their 15-year lifespan and are in deteriorating condition. In a briefing on the decision, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said, "The Delhi Government, under the guidance of CM Arvind Kejriwal, is committed to making Delhi's public transportation system more sustainable and environmentally friendly." "By replacing the old Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric ones, we are not only taking a significant step towards reducing pollution but also enhancing the travel experience for commuters. These new electric vehicles will offer greater comfort and efficiency, improving the overall quality of life for Delhi's residents," he said. The government has also put forward the guidelines for replacing Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric versions. According to an official release, the owner of a Gramin Sewa vehicle who wishes to buy a new electric vehicle must first apply online. This process is done through a faceless platform using Aadhar for verification. If Aadhar is unavailable, an enrolment ID can be used. Once the application is submitted, the Registering Authority will issue a No Dues Certificate (NDC) within seven days. The authority will ensure there are no unpaid taxes, fines, or legal issues with the vehicle, and that it is clear on the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) database. If any issues are found, the owner will be notified and must resolve them within seven days. "After receiving the NDC, the vehicle must be taken to an authorized scrapping facility within 15 days. The owner will get a Certificate of Deposit (COD) once the vehicle is scrapped," the release said. With the NDC and COD, the owner can purchase a new electric Gramin Sewa vehicle, which can carry six passengers, from any authorized dealer. The release also mentioned that after purchasing the new vehicle, the owner must apply for its registration. This process is also faceless and requires documents like the NDC, COD, Aadhar, tax invoice, and other paperwork from the vehicle manufacturer. The Registering Authority will verify all details and update the vehicle's registration under the Gramin Sewa Scheme. The new vehicle will receive a permit for the same route as the old one. Introduced in 2011, Gramin Sewa vehicles run on clean fuels like CNG and have a seating capacity of six passengers, excluding the driver. These vehicles primarily operate in rural areas, unauthorized and resettlement colonies, and JJ clusters. Currently, more than 2,000 Gramin Sewa vehicles are in service across Delhi. (ANI)
Bihar legislative assembly Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday criticised Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's remarks over the incident of arson in the State's Nawada district accusing him and his son of following the "RSS school" of thought. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader also slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government and said that the BJP in the power at the Centre and in the State, and they should take action against the cuprits. Responding to Jitan Ram Manjhi's allegation that 90 per cent of those involved in the incident were RJD supporters and were from a particular caste, Tejashwi Yadav said, "He (Jitan Ram Manjhi) and his son have studied in RSS's school. Whatever the BJP and RSS tells him he gives a statement based on that. Who is in power right now? They are in the government both at the Centre and in the state. They should take action against the culprits, who is stopping them? Tejashwi said. Union Minister Manjhi, in a post on social media platform X said, "There is a strange drama of the opposition in our country. The opposition people first get the Dalits tortured and then turns the incident into an issue and raises questions on the working style of the government. 90 per cent of the people arrested in the Nawada incident belong to a particular caste and are RJD supporters. Will Rahul Gandhi now say something on this or will he remain silent?" In a shocking incident on the night of September 18, about 20-25 houses were set on fire by unidentified miscreants in the Mufassil Police Station area in Krishnanagar in Nawada district. Providing crucial details on the arson incident Nawada Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDO) Akhilesh Kumar on Thursday confirmed that atleast 15 people have been arrested in the case. According to Sunil Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sadar Nawada, initial investigations suggest that a land dispute may be the primary cause behind the arson incident. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi called for immediate action against the culprits emphasizing that the State police must swiftly take measures to rehabilitate the victims Lashing out at the NDA government and accusing them of sheltering anarchists who intimidate the Bahujans, Rahul said that the silence of the Prime Minister on such an incident is a "seal of approving" this big conspiracy. Union Minister Chirag Paswan also expressed strong condemnation over the incident and described the act as "extremely shameful and reprehensible." As a major ally of the NDA government, Paswan called on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take decisive action. "I demand that such culprits be arrested as soon as possible and given the harshest punishment," he stated, emphasizing the need for financial assistance for the victims. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu minister Tha Mo Anbarasan on Thursday said that Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, is likely to be announced as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu within the next 7 to 10 days. "Udhayanidhi Stalin is likely to be announced as Deputy Chief Minister within 7-10 days or maybe even tomorrow," Anbarasan told reporters. He further said that the party is planning the DMK Diamond Jubilee public meeting, which is scheduled for September 28. "We are planning the DMK Diamond Jubilee public meet, which is scheduled on September 28, at Kanchipuram Pachayappa's College For Men Ground. The meeting will be led by CM. Alliance party members will attend, participate and address it. The public meeting will be coordinated by Kanchipuram South District and North District," Anbarasan said. Earlier on Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin dismissed the speculation regarding his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Udhayanidhi said that such decisions will be taken by the Chief Minister and asked the media to not do it on his behalf. On the Deputy CM post, Udhayanidhi asked, "Who said like that?" "CM will take the decision, and you don't take a decision on it. All ministers are and will be with CM. You have to ask the CM. It is totally CM's right to decide about it," he added. (ANI)
US firm General Atomics is expected to replace the MQ-9B Predator drone at the earliest to carry out surveillance missions for the Indian Navy as per the requirements projected in the contract between the two sides. As per the lease agreement between the Indian Navy and the US firm, they are supposed to fly a certain number of hours every month to meet naval requirements and that can't be done by one bird only. They will have to replace the crashed bird to meet the contractual obligations, defence officials told ANI. The Indian Navy has also briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the crash that took place off Chennai on Wednesday. The Indian Navy had signed a lease contract with the American firm under the Contractor Owned Contractor Operated (COCO) model right after the Galwan clash in 2020. American drone pilots fly the drones for the Indian Navy missions sitting in an Indian Navy base near Chennai. The Indian Navy has been using drones for surveillance missions in the Indian Ocean Region to keep an eye on Chinese military and intelligence-gathering vessels, along with operations against pirates and other elements in the area. The Indian Navy had yesterday stated that a MQ-9B Predator High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft (HALE RPA) encountered a technical failure on Wednesday, after which the aircraft was navigated to a safe area over the sea and carried out a controlled ditching at sea off Chennai. "A detailed report has been sought from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)," it added. "The MQ-9B Predator drones (HALE RPA) flying for the Indian Navy are operated by General Atomics under a lease agreement between the Indian Navy and the American firm. The Indian side pays only for the services provided by the vendor and the drones are flown by the pilots from the vendor side. The Indian side has asked for a detailed report from the vendors on the accident," Navy officials said. (ANI)
As Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif backed the Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday called it "unfortunate" and said that Congress is standing with Pakistan. "The statement of the Pakistan Defence Minister proves that Pakistan, the Congress party and NC have the same intentions and agenda. That's why Rahul Gandhi gives anti-national statements, asks for evidence of an airstrike and surgical strike and makes objectionable comments about the Army. This is very unfortunate. Today, Rahul Gandhi's Congress is standing with Pakistan. PM Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of this nation. Neither Article 370 will reinstate nor terrorism will exist. Their (Congress, NC and Pakistan) plans will never succeed," Chouhan told reporters. Meanwhile, the working president of J-K BJP, Sat Sharma, said that Congress and NC political parties have always supported "separatism" in Jammu and Kashmir. "These political parties have always supported separatism here. Pakistan has always spread terrorism here. That's why today the Pakistan Defence Minister has given such a statement...These political parties have always worked on the orders of Pakistan...Pakistan's interference in the matters of India will not be tolerated," Sharma said. BJP candidate from Udhampur West Assembly constituency, Pawan Kumar Gupta, reacted to the Pakistan Defence Minister reportedly backing the Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370 and said that Congress has never been able to understand the people of Kashmir. "Congress, PDP and NC have always misused Article 370...You cannot have a nation within a nation...Their demand is irrelevant. Those who were most troubled by the abrogation of Article 370, it was China and Pakistan. If Congress and NC are troubled by this on the same note, then there is no place for such parties in the politics," Gupta said. Earlier speaking on Geo News to senior journalist Hamid Mir in a show Capital Talk, the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page regarding the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Khwaja Asif replied, "Absolutely. Even our demand is also the same..." The Pakistan Minister also claimed that Article 370 could return should the NC-Congress alliance come to power in J-K. "I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and Congress have very big importance over there. The population of the valley has been motivated a lot on this issue and I believe, there is a chance that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made this an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored," Asif told Geo News. (ANI)
The Indian Army on Thursday said that women soldiers from both India and the US are playing pivotal roles in every phase of the exercise in Yudh Abhyas 2024. "Yudh Abhyas 2024 stands as a proud testament to the power of Nari Shakti, with women soldiers from both India and the US playing pivotal roles in every phase of the exercise. From tactical operations to leadership positions, these empowered and skilled women showcase their strength, resilience, and professionalism on the global stage. As they lead from the front, they are not only breaking barriers in defence but also paving the way for greater gender equality in the armed forces. Together, they symbolise the future of international military cooperation and women's empowerment," South-Western Command, Indian Army posted on X. Earlier on Wednesday, the Spokesperson of Defence said that over 1,200 Indian and US troops are currently pushing their limits in Rajasthan's rugged terrain, honing firepower and endurance in real-time counter-terrorism drills. India and US army personnel are training together to bolster interoperability and enhance synergy between forces of both nations in the 20th edition of the Joint Military Exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2024.' In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said, "Over 1200 Indian and U.S. troops are currently pushing their limits in Rajasthan's rugged terrain, honing firepower and endurance in real-time counter-terrorism drills. This isn't just training--it's a powerful display of trust and strengthened bilateral bonds." In another post, the spokesperson stated, "Troops of India and US hone their skills during Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024 underway in Rajasthan. Tactical drills, including quick response, planning, and combined field training, are strengthening the interoperability and joint capability of the two Armed Forces." Notably, army personnel have been training together at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, since September 9 and will continue till September 22. The Indian Army has released a video showcasing the joint training exercises, highlighting the participation of troops from both nations. "Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024: Troops of Indian Army and USA train together to bolster interoperability and enhance synergy between forces of both the Nations in the 20th edition of the Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024, between #India and USA, at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan," the Indian Army said on X. (ANI)
"With this, a total of 37 people have tested negative so far," George said.

A high-level meeting led by Minister Veena George evaluated the current situation on Thursday.

Kerala Health Minister's office further informed that 268 people are on the contact list till now.

"Among the contact list, 81 are healthcare workers. There are 177 people on the primary contact list and 90 people on the secondary contact list. Of the primary contact list, 134 people fall under the high-risk category. Two people showing symptoms have been admitted to Manjeri Medical College Hospital today. Including these two, six people are receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College Hospital, while 21 are admitted to Perinthalmanna M.E.S. Medical College Hospital," it said.

It further mentioned that those on the contact list are being provided with adequate mental support.

"Today, 265 people, including 40 individuals, were offered mental health support through the call center. As part of the preventive measures, field surveys in the Mampad, Thiruvali, and Vandoor panchayats have been completed. Surveys have been conducted in a total of 7,953 households, and 175 fever cases have been reported through the survey," it added.

Earlier on September 17, Veena George met Union Health Minister JP Nadda in Delhi regarding the Nipah outbreak in Malappuram.

It is important to note that outbreaks of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) have been reported in Kerala in the past, with the most recent one occurring in 2023 in the Kozhikode district. (ANI)
Addressing the press conference, Pandey said that he has been thinking about entering active politics for a long time.

"I am not joining a party but a family. I wanted to join the Congress way back in 2004, but didn't get a chance," Pandey said.

Calling himself a 'secular' minded person, the retired IPS officer said that no other political party except the Congress follows secular ideology.

"As a retired police commissioner, I can say how false cases were filed against me," he added.

In a post on X, Mumbai Congress President said that she is glad to welcome former DGP of Maharashtra and former CP of Mumbai Sanjay Pandey to the Congress family.

"I am glad to welcome former DGP of Maharashtra and former CP of Mumbai Sanjay Pandey ji to the Congress family today. His integrity and dedication to upholding justice, even when facing politically motivated charges by BJP, reflect the core values we stand for," Gaikwad posted on X.

She further said that Pandey has been a beacon of honesty, always prioritising democracy and constitutional morality, even under severe pressure.

"Throughout his career, Shri Pandey Ji has been a beacon of honesty, always prioritising democracy and constitutional morality, even under severe pressure. His experience and steadfast commitment will strengthen our collective fight for truth and justice. Looking forward to working together for a better, fairer India," she added.

Pandey is a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who retired from service on June 30, 2022

The retired 1986-batch IPS officer was arrested in 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal phone tapping of National Stock Exchange (NSE) employees. The Delhi High Court subsequently granted him bail. (ANI)
Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge met with Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, on Thursday in the national capital and requested the establishment of a US Consulate in Bengaluru. They discussed various topics, highlighting Karnataka's status as India's leading technology hub. Minister Kharge also formally requested the establishment of a US Consulate in Bengaluru, presenting a letter from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that underscored the significance of this initiative. Priyank Kharge made a compelling case for a US Consulate in Bengaluru, citing the city's thriving business environment and the frequent travel of residents for visa services to Chennai and Hyderabad. With a significant number of students and tech professionals from Bengaluru visiting the US, a local consulate would expedite visa processing and greatly benefit the tech community. The US Ambassador expressed a positive outlook regarding the establishment of a consulate, indicating that the matter would be reviewed post-US elections. Minister Kharge assured the Ambassador of his full support in this endeavour.The Minister encouraged the formation of sister city partnerships between the US and cities and cities beyond Bengaluru in Karnataka. This initiative aims to enhance economic, business, and technological investments, fostering significant cultural exchanges in commerce, health, education, and technology.Minister Kharge highlighted the shared values and interests that establish this relationship, paving the way for accelerated development in the technology corridor.Kharge outlined Karnataka's ambitious plans to establish a semiconductor hub, identifying four potential clusters within the state. He noted the successful establishment of the Apple assembly line in Karnataka and expressed a desire to attract more US companies to set up operations in the state, emphasising Karnataka's potential to become the leading electronics manufacturing hub in India. Minister Kharge's meeting with Ambassador Garcetti marks a significant step towards enhancing US-Karnataka relations and positioning the state as a global technology and manufacturing leader. Karnataka, home to over 570 Global Capability Centers (GCCs), is a leader in the GCC talent market, attracting companies from across the globe. The state has become a preferred destination for enterprises seeking to enhance digital capabilities, innovate software products, and develop platform engineering. Karnataka is set to launch India's first comprehensive GCC policy, crafted with input from industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders. This pioneering initiative aims to maintain the state's leadership in the global GCC ecosystem. The policy will create a supportive environment for GCCs and attract investments by aligning with Karnataka's unique ecosystem. The launch is expected to take place soon, marking a significant step for the state. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Tika Ram Jully on Thursday slammed the Centre for not taking any action against objectionable statements made by BJP leaders at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Addressing reporters during a protest at Shaheed Smarak against the remarks, the Congress leader said that the BJP leaders are trying to spread violence and trying to incite the people. "The kind of language being used by the minister, calling Rahul Gandhi a terrorist, and calling for his murder, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi or even Amit Shah are not taking any against such comments. It looks like this is happening by the orders of the BJP. Unhone nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabaat ki dukaan kholi hai (Rahul Gandhi has opened shop of love in the market of hatred)," said Jully. Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra also participated in the protest and said that Rahul Gandhi is not afraid of such threats adding that it is condemnable that no BJP leader is denouncing these comments. "They are using violent language and no complaints are being registered against them. There is a BJP government at the centre and they haven't released a statement that such language is wrong. There is talk of cutting off Rahul Gandhi's tongue, of him being killed like his grandmother, and the leader of the opposition is being called a terrorist," Dotasra said. He further added, "PM Modi's silence is deafening. As someone whose family has made the ultimate sacrifice for the country, with his father and grandmother being martyrs, he should be ashamed to remain silent. Despite travelling the world, he hasn't uttered a word condemning the use of such language." He also said that the BJP is trying to tear apart the Constitution as they believe in the ideology of Nathuram Godse. "We said it before, these (BJP) are people who want to tear apart the constitution, they follow the ideology of Nathuram Godse. We will protest against this and we will show them their place by pushing them out of power, in villages, states, wards, the national level all places we would do the work. It is not like the government is doing any good work, even in Rajasthan the government is not doing some great work. They don't even know from where their government starts and they don't even know what work to do where. Go to any minister, MLA, or even CM, they say no one listens to them, so tell us who is incharge," he said Dotasra also said that BJP the Union Cabinet approving the One Nation One Election proposal is all just a 'jumla', and that they won't be able to pass such a change. "All the other promises, of giving 15 lakh rupees, giving jobs to 2 crore people daily, even with the women reservation bill, they passed it but now no one can say when it will be implemented," he said. Earlier, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu stoked a controversy by calling Rahul Gandhi a "number 1 terrorist." "Rahul Gandhi is not Indian; he has spent most of his time abroad. He does not love his country because he goes overseas and criticises India. His words have been praised by separatists and those involved in making bombs and weapons. Those who try to blow up planes, trains, and roads are supporting Rahul Gandhi. He is the country's number one terrorist and the biggest enemy whom the agencies should catch," Bittu stated earlier. Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana, Sanjay Gaikwad also made controversial remarks about the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. He offered a reward of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who cut off Gandhi's tongue. He stated, "The kind of statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has exposed the true face of the Congress. During the Lok Sabha elections, they sought votes by spreading lies that the Constitution was in danger, claiming the BJP would change it. Today, in America, he said that the reservation system established by Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar would be dismantled. These words have come from his mouth. Whoever cuts his tongue, I will give them Rs 11 lakh." Meanwhile, Maharashtra Police have registered an FIR against Gaikwad. The FIR has been filed against Gaikwad under sections 351(2), 351(4), 192, and 351(3) of the BNS at Buldana City Police Station. (ANI)
For the first time in the International Cooperation Alliance's (ICA) 130-year history, the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference will be hosted by India. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) will host the conference in collaboration with 17 other ICA member organisations. This event will be organised with the special support and guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, the IFFCO said in a release on Thursday. The ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference will be held in New Delhi from November 25 to 30, at the Bharat Mandapam. According to the release, the programme themed "Cooperation: The Door to Prosperity for All" will increase the visibility of Indian cooperative societies on a global platform. It will provide an opportunity to Indian cooperatives to showcase their achievements, challenges and contributions, thereby promoting the Indian cooperative model. The event will mark the official announcement of the United Nations International Year of Co-operation 2025. As per a release, the conference is expected to bring together 1,500 guests, including the Prime Minister of Bhutan, President of the United Nations Economic Council (UN ECOSOC), President of the International Cooperative Alliance, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, and representatives of more than 100 countries, including the United Nations. The ICA Global Conference aims to promote cooperatives as people-centric, purpose-driven institutions and inspire global collaboration. Measures to promote the engagement of youth and women with cooperative societies will also be deliberated. Participants may register on the official website of ICA. "The main theme of the event will be discussed through four plenary sessions, with four sub-themes: "Policy and Building the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem," "Reaffirming the Co-operative Identity," "Nurturing Purposeful Leadership to Create Prosperity for All," and "Building the Future: Prosperity for All in the 21st Century," the IFFCO release added. An exhibition related to cooperation will also be organised, through which IFFCO will showcase its achievements and that of the Indian Cooperative Movement to friends from all over the world. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of achieving 'prosperity through cooperation' has received global recognition under the leadership of India's first Union Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah," the release said. As per the release, the Amit Shah-led ministry has taken several key decisions that have established India's cooperative movement as a leading force in the world. Be it tax reforms, creating a national database of PACS, or computerisation of PACS--many fundamental reforms were made under the leadership of Amit Shah. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, enacted in 1984, was modified in 2002, in keeping with the spirit of the Model Cooperatives Act. This enabled the long-awaited reforms by the cooperative sector, such as holding transparent elections, legal protection to the interests of cooperative stakeholders. These decisive actions promoted the spirit of cooperation in India. (ANI)
A joint operation launched by Army along with Manipur Police on Thursday resulted in the recovery of seven IEDs, weighing approximately 28.5kg in the hill region of Manipur near Bongjang and Itham villages in Imphal East district. The potential threat to life and property was averted. Acting on specific information, columns of the Indian Army and Manipur Police acted swiftly and launched an extensive search operation incorporating Army Explosives Detection Dogs. The operation resulted in recovery of seven IEDs, weighing approximately 28.5kg, said PRO Ministry of Defence. The IEDs were diffused by experts from Army Engineers. The recovery has prevented a major disaster and saved precious lives. (ANI)
Bahraich Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) on Thursday informed that new and innovative methods are used to capture the last "killer" wolf as part of 'Operation Bhediya'. DFO of Bahraich, Ajit Singh, while speaking to ANI detailed various methods to bring out the last wolf from hiding, including placing stool and urine samples of wolves, and playing sounds of female wolves through a speaker. Notably, the wolf pack was responsible for nine deaths and 50 injuries since July "We are using new techniques. We are placing samples of stool and urine of the wolf, we have also put up sound system that plays the sound of a female wolf. We are trying all of this so that if it is somewhere nearby, it comes out. But if it is not nearby, the experiment will fail. Where we have used these new techniques, there itself we have installed a system to capture the wolf," said the DFO. Singh has also said that although the water has receded, the whole area is still not dry, with the wolf still going around and searching for a place and a partner. "The place he was staying at, the water has pooled around the area, even if the area is drying up, the ground is still soft, its (wolf's) paws will still sink in. So it is going around the area somewhere and also looking for a partner. Both the place of the incident and the place where the wolf was staying was filled with water, so it might be roaming somewhere," the DFO added. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department had initiated "Operation Bhediya" to apprehend the pack of wolves responsible for recent attacks in 25-30 villages under Mahsi tehsil in the Bahraich range of Bahraich Forest Division. The Forest department had captured the fifth 'killer' wolf on September 10. On Tuesday, An 11-year-old boy was allegedly attacked by a wolf in Mohan Pipri village of Bahraich in the early hours of the morning. According to the family, at about 2 am in the morning while the family were asleep on the roof of their home a wolf attacked Mohammad Umar's son Imran Ali. The Forest Department in Bahraich had installed snap cameras at most of the probable habitats of wolves in the area to monitor any movement by them, which would also help the forest department to learn about the movement of the wolves in order to catch them. (ANI)
"We would like to thank PM Modi for this. It is a result of his farsightedness. This will benefit the nation; it will save time and money. Due to frequent elections, MCC (Model Code of Conduct) is imposed frequently and this halts development work. If Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections are conducted simultaneously, this will benefit the country immensely," Sai told reporters here.

Several opposition parties have slammed the Centre over the One Nation, One Election decision.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh alleged that "BJP is a party of one nation, one corruption and one nation, one commission".

He alleged that the BJP "is running fake propaganda" that a lot of money gets wasted in holding elections.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also opposed the Centre's move saying that it will adversely affect regional parties.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, with urban body and panchayat polls to be held within 100 days.

The High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, constituted under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year.

The government has said that the report, comprising 18,626 pages, is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023. (ANI)
Delhi's Rouse Avenue court on Wednesday acquitted former Congress MLA Asif Mohd Khan and six others accused in the 2010 case of rioting and damage to public property. This case pertains to an FIR registered at Jamia Nagar Police Station in 2010. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Taniya Bamniyal acquitted former MLA and six others accused of rioting and damaging the public property, giving them benefit of doubt. "Accordingly, this court hereby accords the benefit of doubt to the accused persons for the offences under sections 186 (obstructing a public servant from discharging the official duty), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting with deadly weapon), 332 (harming a public servant while on duty), 353 (use of criminal force against the public servant while on duty), 427 (mischief causing damage to property) of the IPC and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to the Public Property (PDPP) Act and holds the accused persons not guilty of commission of said offences," ACJM Tanya Bamniyal said in the Judgement of September 18. The court acquitted accused persons, namely Asif Mohd. Khan (ex MLA), Wahab, Siraj, Aqeel Ahmad, Javed Nisar Khan, Mukaram Agha alias Mikki and Nawab Ahmad are acquitted of the offences under sections 186, 147, 148, 332, 353, and 427 of the IPC and Section 3 of the PDPP Act. While acquitting the accused persons, the court said that there is no gain, saying that if two reasonably, probable and evenly balanced views of evidence are possible, one must necessarily concede to the existence of a reasonable doubt. It further said, " The aforementioned lacunae in the story of the prosecution render the version of the prosecution doubtful, leading to the irresistible conclusion that the burden of proving the guilt of the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt has not been discharged by the prosecution." "Thus, this court is of the view that the prosecution has failed to bring on record any cogent evidence in order to prove the commission of and guilt of accused persons u/s 186/147/148/332/353/427 of IPC and Section 3 of PDPP Act, beyond reasonable doubt, thus, entitling the accused persons to benefit of doubt," the court said. The court also said that the prosecution could not prove specifically as to which accused persons amongst them broke the door of the SHO room as well as the potted plants at the premises of the police station. "Since the prosecution could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that the public property was damaged due to the act of accused persons namely Asif Mohd Khan, Wahab and Mukaram Agha alias Mickey, therefore, commission of offences under Section 3 of PDPP Act is not proved," the court said. After the completion of investigation, the charge sheet in the instant case was filed on 07.06.2022. The delay in filing the charge sheet was condoned by Predecessor of this court on 28.06.2022 and cognizance of the offence was taken. On 29.10.2022, all the accused persons were discharged from the present case. However, a revision petition was filed by the State against the order of discharge and the same was allowed. Thereafter, the matter was remanded back to trial court for framing of charge against the accused persons. As per Prosecution, on 15.03.2010 the FIR was registered on the complainant SI Jitender Singh. He had stated that on 14.03.2010, at around 10:45 PM, the then MLA of the area Asif Mohd. Khan came to the police station, Jamia Nagar with his 150-200 supporters and started raising slogans against Pravez Hashmi. It was further stated in the complaint that Asif Mohd Khan with his 3-4 supporters came inside the police station and started putting pressure on the police officials to lodge an FIR at his instance and arrest the accused persons. It was also stated in the complaint that at around 11:20 PM Parvez Hashmi (then Rajya Sabha MP) came to the police station with some of his supporters and on seeing them, supporters of Asif Mohd Khan started sloganeering against him and started pelting stones on the walls of police station and when the situation got out of control of the police staff, a warning was made to all the people through loud hailer that it was against the law and they should disperse but the crowd did not listen. Due to stone pelting, Constable Om Prakash and Head Constable Prakash Chand sustained injuries a vehicle of MLA Asif Mohd Khan and MP Pravez Hashmi including police station property got damaged. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President, K T Rama Rao (KTR), has condemned the derogatory remarks made by Congress MLA Danam Nagender against MP Kangana Ranaut, saying that "no political goal should justify disrespect towards women." BJP Mahala Morcha leaders gave a memorandum to Telangana Women's Commission chairperson Nerella Sharada to take immediate action on the Congress MLA. In a post on X, KTR expressed his dismay over the vile language used, stating, "No political goal should blur the line of respect towards women. The vile language used by Congress MLA Danam Nagendar against MP Kangana Ranaut is unacceptable. I may not agree with her opinions or her party's ideology, but the level of discourse should never sink to such lows." https://x.com/KTRBRS/status/1836706474644439228 KTR further criticised the silence of Congress leaders at national and state levels, questioning whether their lack of response indicated approval of such behaviour. He pointed out the contrast in how BRS leaders have historically responded to disrespectful remarks. "Mr Rahul Gandhi when Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma made disgraceful remarks about your mother Sonia Gandhi Ji, let me remind you that it was KCR Garu who stood up first and immediately condemned those comments, even before your own party members in Telangana, including the current CM Revanth Reddy, chose to respond. We uphold ethics and decency above all, KTR wrote. He emphasized that a heinous crime, whether it be rape, murder, or a degrading remark against a woman, should be condemned with equal intensity. KTR called on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to set a higher standard within his party and instil values of decency and respect towards women in his cadre. "Political affiliations do not determine respect for women. This is about basic human decency," KTR concluded, urging all political leaders to rise above differences and maintain ethical standards in public discourse. Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha leaders gave a memorandum to Telangana Women's Commission chairperson Nerella Sharada to take immediate action on the derogatory comments made by Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender on Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut. "We condemn the statement made by Danam Nagendra, MLA Khairatabaad, on Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut. The Congress leader and Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender has made very derogatory remarks about Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut. By calling her a courtesan in the films, he has stated, Kangana Ranaut plays roles of a courtesan (Bogam) in Bollywood movies," BJP Mahala Morcha leaders said in a letter to the Telangana State Women's Commission. "He also questioned her authority to comment on and criticise her fellow MP Rahul Gandhi, implying that her acting roles disqualify her from engaging in political discourse. By saying this, he has outraged the modesty of women. It is not only an insult to Kangana Ranaut but also to all the women artists across the country. Also, by calling her "Bogam," he has brought in caste based discrimination in this context," BJP Mahala Morcha leaders added. (ANI)
The fifth sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Thursday, witnessed a heated debate regarding the rights of the Muslim community and the majority population, sources said. The meeting in Parliament included contributions from Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of Chanakya National Law University, Patna, representatives from the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. According to sources, the meeting began with Prof. Mustafa presenting his views and briefing committee members on various aspects related to Waqf Board's and Islamic traditions. While he supported many provisions of the bill, he raised objections on a few points, referencing practices from Hinduism and other religions, as well as longstanding Islamic traditions. However, several MPs from the BJP and NDA sharply questioned his arguments, leading to a heated exchange between a BJP MP and some opposition MPs. Additionally, a BJP MP accused an opposition member of misconduct. The All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz also gave a detailed presentation before the committee, strongly supporting the bill. After the presentation, the President of the Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, Parvez Hanif said that when someone donates property to the Waqf Board, the deed specifies that the funds should be used for the welfare of Pasmanda Muslims. "This bill has been introduced to end the ongoing corruption in the Waqf Board and related societies. It addresses the rights of the Pasmanda community. That is why we have to support this bill. We have also answered the committee members' questions and will submit the requested documents within 10 days. Until now, the Ashraf (upper class) group and communal politics have controlled everything. That is why they see this bill as an attack on themselves and are opposing it. We are 85 per cent of the population, and they are only 15 percent," Hanif told ANI. Dr. Faiyaz Ahmad, an advisor to the Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, added that this is the first time any government has spoken about granting backward Muslims their rights. "We have suggested that Dalits and tribals within the Muslim community should also be included in the board through amendments, which would be a positive step. Additionally, representatives from every section of Hindu society should also be included in the board, which would be a welcome move," Ahmad said. Dr. Faiyaz accused the so-called elite Muslims of spreading misinformation from the outset, claiming that mosques would be taken away and lands seized. "This is the same argument made by the Muslim League during the time of partition, and now it's being repeated by the Ashraf or elite Muslims. However, nothing like that is written in the bill. Some reforms have been made to the previous bill. If something is documented, it is always better. In Islam, the Nikahnama (marriage contract) has been written for 1,400 years. So, if a Nikahnama is valid in Islam, why can't a Waqfnama (waqf deed) be written? Both the Quran and the Constitution call for documentation," he added. The Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz alleged that the attitude of opposition members in the committee was uncooperative and that they were trying to distract from the main issues by raising unnecessary questions. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also presented its detailed stance during the meeting, strongly opposing the bill. According to sources, the AIMPLB strongly opposed the bill, arguing that in Islam, worship and charity are integral parts of faith, as commanded in the Holy Quran in numerous verses. It is a matter of faith for every Muslim that charity leads to closeness to God. With this singular objective, Muslims dedicate their properties for charitable purposes, which are deemed pious or religious according to Islamic faith. The AIMPLB further explained that the entire system of creating Waqf as per the intentions of the 'Waqif' (the person who establishes the waqf)--including using the property for charitable, pious or religious purposes, preserving the property to ensure its continued use for these purposes, and managing the property in accordance with the Waqif's intentions--is all part of the concept of Waqf. The sources said that the AIMPLB representatives added that Waqf not only involves the individual rights of the Waqif but also brings in the community's or religious denomination's rights based on the Waqif's intentions. Therefore, a Muslim's right to dedicate property for charitable, religious or pious purposes, to define the benefits derived from that property, to identify beneficiaries and to appoint a manager for the property are fundamental elements of Waqf creation and are protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. The AIMPLB claimed that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, interferes with the rights of the Waqif to create, administer and manage Waqf properties. It also violates the usage of Waqf properties and the rights of the Waqf property managers. During the AIMPLB's presentation, a BJP MP raised the issue of non-documentation of Waqf properties, leading to a heated exchange between Committee Chairman Jagdambika Pal and some opposition members, sources said. Opposition members also alleged that despite the bill being under consideration by the Parliamentary Committee, many BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have been publicly discussing the bill, which they argue is an attempt by the BJP to pressure the committee. The Joint Parliamentary Committee will hear the views and suggestions of the All India Sajjadanashin Council, Ajmer, Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Delhi, and Bharat First, Delhi, on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on September 20, 2024. (ANI)
"Our government has planted 2 crore saplings in one day. Our government will plant 50 crore saplings in the coming 5 years," added the Rajasthan CM.

The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign was inaugurated by PM Modi on June 5, World Environment Day this year.

Under this campaign, he urged people to plant a sapling in the upcoming days as a tribute to their mothers. He also requested participants to share a picture of themselves planting the sapling using the hashtags #Plant4Mother.

The PM highlighted the need to protect the environment and shared his tree-planting experience, encouraging others to follow suit.

PM Modi further highlighted the collective efforts made by India over the past decade, which have increased the nation's forest cover.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swacchta Abhiyaan, the CM said, "PM Modi also works for social concerns. Swachhata Abhiyan was started from October 2."

The Chief Minister while communicating directly with the farmers from the stage said, "Our government will fulfill every promise. Our government considers the 8 crore people of the state as its own people."

Earlier on Tuesday, CM Sharma inaugurated, 'CM Employment Festival' and laid the foundation stone for the PM Housing Scheme and various development projects.

During his address, CM Sharma reiterated his commitment to providing 4 lakh government jobs, as previously promised.

"We work for the 8 crore people of Rajasthan. We do not concern ourselves with whether the Vidhan Sabha has MLAs from our party or another. Our government is committed to fulfilling the demands of the people... We promised to provide 4 lakh government jobs in five years, and we will deliver. We also pledged to create 6 lakh private jobs, and I assure you, we will surpass this target," said Sharma. (ANI)
West Bengal Assembly Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari hit out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the government did not work at all on pre-monsoon work and infrastructure in the last three years adding that the precautionary measures ahead of monsoons were not taken. Suvendu Adhikari said, "Pre-monsoon work has not been done for the last three years. This is a flood-prone area. The government did not work at all on infrastructure in the last 3-4 years. The government is busy with only two things- appeasing the 30 per cent population for vote bank, and poll distribution (distributing money during the election). Mamata Banerjee government has finished irrigation in the state, which has affected nearly 15-20 lakh people. Mamata Banerjee has failed as the CM. Our embankments are breaking one after the other. Precautionary measures ahead of monsoons were not taken." He further said that when the excess water is released from Jharkhand then there is a committee called Damodar Valley River Regulation Committee DVRRC. "In DVRRC there are representatives from the West Bengal government. The water release has been going on for the last 100 years. Before water is discharged from DVC there is a protocol such as taking permission from the West Bengal government and evicting people to safe places. DVC did all these activities. CM is roaming in affected areas for photo op. People do not have clean drinking water." he added. He said that part of Bankura, Hoogly rural, Part of West Midnapore, a small part of East Midnapore, and a part of Howrah are affected by floods. Adhikari further said, "The only solution is that Mamata Banerjee should step down. The priority to tackle the flood situation is the involvement of the NDRF and providing relief to the victims. She has stopped all relief work and is roaming around for photographs." Earlier West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visited the flood-affected areas in Howrah and Panskura in Medinipur on Thursday and put the blame on the Centre's negligence for failing to carry out dredging at DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation), which she said released water resulting in floods in several districts of the State. She said that the DVC released more than 5 lakhs of water despite her request. Banerjee said, "This has never happened before. We conduct meetings from time to time. I personally called the DVC chairman. I requested them not to release too much water. Our state is boat-shaped. In North Bengal floods occur due to water from Nepal and Bhutan. And here floods occur due water from Jharkhand. In Malda, floods occur due to water from Bihar and dredging not taking place in the river Ganga. DVC has released more than 5 lakh cusecs of water." (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for the Indore-Ujjain Six Lane Road Project in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district on Thursday and graced 'Safai Mitra Sammelan' on the occasion. The President also honoured 'Safai Mitras' and praised that Madhya Pradesh has achieved a leading position in the field of urban and rural sanitation. Addressing the gathering, the President said, "Avantika (Ujjain's former name) is the holy and pious city of Baba Mahakal. The Gupta period was the golden age of Indian history and at that time Ujjain was an important city of India with an ancient tradition of culture and civilization here. 2000 years ago, Ujjain was an excellent centre of transportation besides being the centre of international trade. The great poet Kalidas has given a wonderful depiction of the vastness and grandeur of Ujjaini in his 'Meghdoot'. The importance that Alkapuri city has in Devlok, is the same importance that Ujjain city has on earth. I bow down to Baba Mahakal, Avantika city, and the holy Kshipra river." "Many efforts are being made for the integrated development of Ujjain and the state. Bhoomi-pujan of Ujjain-Indore six lane road has been performed in Ujjain today. Vikram Udyogpuri Medical Devices Park is being built here. Expressways and elevated corridors are being built in Madhya Pradesh. I wish all the best for the success of these efforts," she added. Talking about cleanliness, the President said that cleanliness in India has become a nationwide campaign and the goal of complete cleanliness in the country has to be achieved by 2025. "In the last 10 years, cleanliness in India has become a nationwide campaign. In the second phase of the cleanliness campaign, we have to achieve the goal of complete cleanliness in the country by 2025. Work is in progress towards total freedom from open defecation and excellence in solid and liquid waste management in the country. We have to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi's ideal of cleanliness," she said. Madhya Pradesh has achieved a leading position in the field of urban and rural sanitation. Many cities of Madhya Pradesh have been declared the best cities for cleanliness. Indore has been declared the cleanest city in the country for the 7th consecutive time. Bhopal has become the cleanest capital, the President said. "Sanitation workers are frontline cleanliness warriors. I feel proud to honour them today. We will protect the safety, dignity, and welfare of sanitation workers. Arrangements are being made to eliminate man-holes and clean them through machine-holes. Efforts are being made to benefit Safai Mitras under various welfare schemes of the central and state governments. Madhya Pradesh has done remarkable work in this field," she said. Meanwhile, CM Mohan Yadav said that the day became historic and brought new gifts. "Today the President has inaugurated the construction of a 6-lane road worth Rs 1692 crore to connect Indore to Ujjain. With this, Ujjain will be connected not only to Indore but to the entire country and made easily accessible," CM Yadav said. "This day will be written in golden letters. The day has become historic and has brought new gifts. Avantika, situated on the banks of the holy river Kshipra, which has existed in every age and period, has always symbolised the progress of people through the dimensions of its development in every era. It is said that whoever comes to the banks of Kshipra with hope, God fulfils it," the CM said. The message of cleanliness has been given through Safai Mitras in all areas of development. Cleanliness fortnight is being observed from the Prime Minister's birthday, September 17 to October 2. The fortnight underlines the Prime Minister's passion for cleanliness and also makes one realise the important role of sanitation workers. Sanitation workers stand like a strong wall between sickness and life, the CM said. Madhya Pradesh stood second in cleanliness among all the states of the country. Also, Bhopal has received the title of the cleanest capital of the country, thus strengthening our bond with cleanliness. Indore has achieved this distinction among the cleanest cities in India for seven consecutive times, the CM added. (ANI)
Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda alleged that former Chief Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and BS Yediyurappa looted public property under the guise of forethought and conspiracy by denotifying 1 acre and 11 guntas of government land in the name of a deceased person and registered it in the name of Kumaraswamy's relative. "Kumaraswamy and Yediyurappa jointly denotified 1 acre and 11 guntas of government land in Survey Numbers 7/1B, 7/1C, and 7/1D in Gangenahalli, Bangalore, in the name of a deceased person and registered it in the name of Kumaraswamy's relative. With this, they systematically looted public property under the guise of forethought and conspiracy," said Krishna Byre. Speaking at a press conference at the KPCC office on Thursday, he said, "The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) had acquired 1 acre and 11 guntas of land in Survey Numbers 7/1B, 7/1C, and 7/1D in Gangenahalli village in 1976 for the construction of a layout. The land acquisition process, which began in 1976, was completed by 1978. So why did Kumaraswamy show unusual interest in a case that had nothing to do with him when he was the Chief Minister?" "In 2007, a person named Rajashekarayya, a benami who had no connection to the heirs of the land or the case, filed an application with then CM Kumaraswamy to denotify the land acquired in 1978. There is no clear information on who Rajashekarayya is. However, Kumaraswamy immediately directed officials to take action on the application," he added. "Despite officials clearly responding that the land acquisition process, initiated in 1976, was completed in 1978, Kumaraswamy continued to push for action, asking officials to re-examine and take legal action. Why did he persist?" questioned Gowda. "Furthermore, around the same time, Kumaraswamy's aunt executed a General Power of Attorney (GPA) with 21 original landowners. After this, due to political instability, the BJP-JD(S) coalition government collapsed, and Kumaraswamy resigned. Yediyurappa then became the Chief Minister. Despite the fact that both leaders had been at odds with each other, Yediyurappa also directed officials to take action on the same application. Why?." the Karnataka Minister questioned. According to documented evidence presented by Gowda, despite clear opposition from senior officials, including then Chief Secretary Jyotiramalingam, Yediyurappa ignored their advice and ordered the de-notification of the land, which had already been acquired in 1978 under Section 16/2. The land was denotified in 2009-10, nearly three decades after it had been acquired. The systematic and premeditated nature of this scam is evident, the Karnataka Minister said. The denotified land was in the name of a deceased person, and after that, it was transferred to Kumaraswamy's aunt and eventually to his relative. This land, which was worth hundreds of crores and meant for the poor, was looted in a joint operation by two former Chief Ministers. "The signature of the then CM Yediyurappa on the government order is clear. What Kumaraswamy had ordered, Yediyurappa implemented by denotifying the land, and the land ultimately ended up with Kumaraswamy's relative. Isn't this a betrayal of the people of Karnataka? Isn't this a case of systematic fraud and public property being looted under forethought and conspiracy?" Gowda asked in outrage. "Moreover, Lokayukta officials are investigating the matter. Yediyurappa approached the High Court to dismiss the investigation, but the court not only dismissed his appeal but also fined him Rs 25,000. Hence, the Lokayukta should immediately complete the investigation and submit a report, and those responsible should be punished," he added. Ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao and Santosh Lad were also present at the press conference. (ANI)
Spokesperson of Defence said on Wednesday that Over 1,200 Indian and US troops are currently pushing their limits in Rajasthan's rugged terrain, honing firepower and endurance in real-time counter-terrorism drills. India and US army personnel are training together to bolster interoperability and enhance synergy between forces of both nations in the 20th edition of the Joint Military Exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2024.' In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said, "Over 1200 Indian and U.S. troops are currently pushing their limits in Rajasthan's rugged terrain, honing firepower and endurance in real-time counter-terrorism drills. This isn't just training--it's a powerful display of trust and strengthened bilateral bonds." https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1836242698266931506 In another post, the spokesperson stated, "Troops of India & US hone their skills during Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024 underway in Rajasthan. Tactical drills, including quick response, planning, & combined field training, are strengthening the interoperability & joint capability of the two Armed Forces." https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1836034409083904016 Notably, army personnel have been training together at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, since September 9 and will continue till September 22. The Indian Army has released a video showcasing the joint training exercises, highlighting the participation of troops from both nations. https://x.com/adgpi/status/1835589119000355239 "Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024 Troops of Indian Army & USA train together to bolster interoperability and enhance synergy between forces of both the Nations in the 20th edition of the Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024, between #India and USA, at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan," Indian Army said on X. On Sunday, the army personnel took a break and visited the historic Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Around 600 soldiers from the US have arrived in India, and they were brought to Junagarh in groups by bus and taken on a guided tour of the fort. The American soldiers were amazed by the historic Badal Mahal, Ranivas, and artillery. (ANI)
China will certainly be "high on the agenda" at the Quad Summit set to be hosted by US President Joe Biden in Delaware's Wilmington on September 21, US National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Wednesday (local time). While addressing a press briefing, Kirby stressed that it would be irresponsible if the Quad leaders do not hold talks about the challenges that exist in the region caused by China. When asked to what extent China will be a focus of the Quad Summit, Kirby stated, "I think it'll certainly be high on the agenda. I mean, there's not an opportunity when you get together with these particular leaders, the Indo-Pacific, Quad, where you in fact it would be irresponsible if they didn't talk about the challenges that still exist in the region caused by aggressive PRC military action for instance, unfair trade practices, tensions over the Taiwan Strait. I have no doubt that that all those issues will come up." 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, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It is the first time Biden will host foreign leaders in his hometown. When asked whether Quad nations view China as a threat to the Indo-Pacific region, John Kirby said, "I think you'd have to talk to the leaders about their particular view of the PRC. But, I think we all have a common understanding about the challenges that the PRC is posing, but each of them is a sovereign country; they get to decide for themselves what their relationship is going to be with the PRC and how that looks; each of them has a different relationship with the PRC, including us." John Kirby said that Biden will meet Quad leaders individually and the four together in a larger plenary session where they will discuss expanding cooperation on various critically important issues. Speaking about the upcoming Quad Summit, he said, "The President will meet individually with each of them, and then we'll also gather together in a larger plenary session where they will discuss expanding cooperation across a range of critically important issues. We believe that you'll see coming out of this summit that the Quad is more strategically aligned and more relevant than ever before." "I think you can expect a robust agenda aimed at delivering concrete benefits to the people of the region as they all identify priorities such as health, security, natural disaster response, maritime security, quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technologies, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity. You'll also see some announcements that demonstrate our intention to make sure that this special partnership the Quad endures and in fact thrives over the long term. We'll have more details, of course to share on the specific deliverables as we get a little closer to the weekend," he added. When asked if Biden intends to press PM Modi on human rights during their bilateral meeting, Kirby responded, "There's not a conversation that he has with foreign leaders where he doesn't talk about the importance of respecting human and civil rights and that includes with Prime Minister Modi. He did when the Prime Minister was here in the United States and and I'm sure that, as appropriate, he'll do going forward. I'm not going to get ahead of the conversation but he never shies away from talking about our concerns over human and civil rights anywhere in the world." Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. 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. PM Modi will be in the United States from September 21 to 23, during which he will take part in the Quad Summit and address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.PM Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025. At the Quad Summit, the leaders will review the progress achieved by the Quad over the last one year and set the agenda for the year ahead to assist the countries of the Indo-Pacific region in meeting their development goals and aspirations, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. PM Modi will address 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. (ANI) On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister will address a gathering of the Indian community on September 22 in New York. He would also be interacting with CEOs of leading US-based companies to foster greater collaborations between the two countries, according to the MEA release. He is also expected to interact with thought leaders and other stakeholders active in the India-US bilateral landscape. (ANI)
Jaipur Foot US, a subsidiary of the world's largest organisation for the differently-abled, Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), commonly known as Jaipur Foot, and BRUHUD, one of the largest organisations for seniors in New York, came together to wish Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 74th birthday and celebrated the Indian leader's birthday on Tuesday. PM Modi celebrated his 74th birthday on Tuesday. He was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat. The occasion featured a millet-based lunch and the event also honoured BMVSS founder and Chief Patron, Padma Bhushan Dr. DR Mehta, who is currently on a ten-day visit to the United States. The celebration was held at SAAR, a prominent Indian restaurant near Times Square, the first Indian restaurant in New York to introduce a millet menu last year, following the initiative of Jaipur Foot US and the Indian Consulate in New York. This was in response to the United Nations declaring 2023 as the "International Year of Millets" at the request of PM Modi. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot US, spoke at the event and praised Modi as India's most "consequential" Prime Minister, noting that in his ten years in office, PM Modi has emerged as one of the world's most influential leaders. He highlighted PM Modi's unique ability to maintain strong relationships with both US and Russian leadership, and said, "We pray for his long and healthy life, as both India and the world need his leadership now more than ever." Bhandari further stated that BMVSS was founded by Dr DR Mehta in 1975, and since its inception, it has benefitted over 2.2 million differently-abled individuals across 43 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America through 109 completely free artificial limb fitment camps known as 'Jaipur Foot.' Out of these, 28 camps have been fully sponsored by the Government of India under the 'India for Humanity' initiative. Bhandari also expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for making BMVSS a partner in the 'India for Humanity' initiative, launched to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Under this initiative, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has organised 28 international camps, with the 29th camp scheduled to take place in Mongolia. The Jaipur Foot team is set to depart for Mongolia on September 22. (ANI)
Taiwan has strongly condemned China's move to end tariff exemptions on 34 agricultural and aquacultural products from Taiwan, according to a report by Central News Agency Taiwan. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) condemned the move by China that it will end tariff exemptions on 34 products from Taiwan, which will be effective from September 25, and called the decision "economic coercion." The MAC in a statement released on Wednesday, said that China's decision to scrap tariff exemptions on the 34 products represents a "weaponisation" of trade and asserted that the decision "does not contribute to the long-term development of cross-strait relations." "This only leads to resentment among Taiwan's farmers, fishermen and the general public, and does not contribute to the long-term development of cross-strait relations," the MAC said in the statement, according to Focus Taiwan. Notably, in a statement released on Wednesday, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China had said that bans and restrictions imposed by the Taiwan region on the export of mainland products thwarted cross-Strait economic as well as trade cooperation. The statement further said that import tariffs on such agricultural products shall be implemented under relevant existing provisions, according to a report by Xinhua. The products affected by the end of import tariff exemption from September 25 include fruits -- coconuts, betel nuts, pineapples, guavas, mangoes, pomelos, papayas, peaches, plums, sugar apples, starfruit, wax apples, jujubes, persimmons, and loquats, the Chinese Ministry of Finance informed. The affected products also include vegetables as well as seafood products like cabbages, cauliflowers, loofahs, bok choys, Chinese cabbages, bitter melons, onions, carrots, lettuce, taros, wasabi, pomfrets, mackerels, hairtails, flatfish, herrings, bass, shrimps and mussels, Focus Taiwan reported. Notably, Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China views the island as part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, even by force if necessary. Meanwhile, China has also said that it will take countermeasures against nine US military-industrial companies in response to the announcement of arms sales to Taiwan, according to a report by Taiwan News. According to a foreign ministry statement, the nine US companies that will face countermeasures from Beijing are Sierra Nevada Corporation, Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC, Cubic Corporation, S3 AeroDefense, Teko TCOM, Limited Partnership, TextOre, Planate Management Group, ACT1 Federal, and Exovera. The countermeasures came after the US announced on September 16 the approval of a possible sale of aircraft spare parts to Taiwan for USD 228 million (NT 7.26 billion), as per Taiwan News. (ANI)
The Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his belief that the next Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) would be Justice Mansoor Ali Shah. PPP Chairman Zardari said that in his view, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will be the next Chief Justice. "Justice Qazi Faez Essa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah were part of the Bench that announced the historic decision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's murder," adding that he has lot of respect for these two judges, the PPP in a press release said on its website. Notably, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged in 1979, two years after his government was toppled in a military coup by then chief of the Army Staff General Ziaul Haq. The Dawn also quoted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as saying that "CJP Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah are both respectable figures." He added, "Both were part of the bench for Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's case, and they should not be made controversial... CJP Isa is the first chief justice who reduced his own powers and agreed to the Practice and Procedures Act, because it was the will of parliament," according to Dawn. The PPP chairman also expressed his belief in winning over Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the proposed legislation that allows the establishment of "constitutional courts," as envisioned by the PPP and PML-N. Notably, before the 2024 general elections, the JUI-F chief was one of the closest allies of the PML-N and the PPP and headed the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance -- which ousted PTI founder Imran Khan from office through a no-confidence motion in 2022. The PPP also supported reducing the age for a judge at the time of appointment. The government had also proposed to increase the age of Chief Justice for three years making it 67 years. However, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) opposed it and suggested keeping the retirement age to 65, the release said. (ANI)
Ghana, once the last sight of home for countless Africans forced into slavery, became the birthplace of the African independence movement and Pan-Africanism in the 20th century.

The country declared its independence on March 6, 1957. As the "Father of Ghana," Kwame Nkrumah called in his book "Africa Must Unite" for the unification of all African nations to achieve true independence and prosperity.

"Ghana's fight for independence was not just about freeing one country, it was about liberating the entire continent from colonial rule and restoring African unity," said Ghanaian historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong. "Today, African nations are striving to overcome historical legacies and build a united, prosperous future."





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Amidst the communication device explosions in Lebanon, United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant on Wednesday to review regional security developments. During his conversation with Gallant, Austin reiterated "unwavering US support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran's other regional partners." The Pentagon, in a press release, further said that Austin stressed the US' efforts to de-escalate tensions across the region and reaffirmed the priority of achieving a Gaza ceasefire deal that will bring home hostages held by Hamas. "The Secretary emphasised the US commitment to deterring regional adversaries and efforts to deescalate tensions across the region. The Secretary reaffirmed the priority of achieving a Gaza ceasefire deal that will bring home hostages held by Hamas, and an enduring diplomatic resolution to the conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border that will allow civilians on both sides to return to their homes," the Pentagon said. Notably, coordinated attacks across Lebanon targeted communication devices that resulted in devastating consequences. In the latest attacks, at least 20 people lost their lives and over 450 were injured, authorities said, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The latest attack came just a day after 12 people were killed and more than 2800 others were wounded in a coordinated explosion of pagers in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Gallant has declared the start of a "new phase" in the war and asserted that the focus is now on the northern arena. Sharing a post on X, Gallant said, "We are at the start of a new phase in the war - we are allocating resources and forces to the northern arena and our mission is clear: ensuring the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. To do so, the security situation must be changed." Hezbollah had blamed Israel for the pager explosions on Tuesday and pledged retribution. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials urged people who possess pagers to discard them. (ANI)
Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reiterated the need to amend the constitution on the basis of need and essence, as the main law of the Himalayan Nation marks its ninth year of promulgation. Addressing the nation on the occasion of Constitution Day and National Day, the Prime Minister stressed that the constitution should be amended to make it lively and match with the changing time course. "Constitution should be made timely. It means we have to change or remove those provisions that do not go along with the changed context. I think that the constitution should be amended on the basis of letter and meaning, which would further prove the essence of change or fill the gaps that exist. Amend those provisions in the existing constitution that need to be amended, the provisions which do give ease in access," Prime Minister Oli said while addressing the nation at the Republic Day celebration event held at the Army Pavilion. "The political instability that we have seen for now can be resolved through amending the constitution. There is an obvious concern about it. I want to assure you that regarding the issue of constitution amendment, we will not only look into the parliamentary mathematics, not only the concerns of those parties who are on board the government but of all the parties to stand together, and efforts would be made for it," the Prime Minister added. The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal was promulgated on September 20, 2015 (Ashoj 3, 2072 BS) by the Constituent Assembly, as an achievement of the Nepali people's seven-decade-long struggle, sacrifices, and popular movements. The Constitution of Nepal, consisting of 35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules, has embraced a federal democratic republic, inclusive democracy, proportional inclusive representation, secularism, and other principles. The Constitution is committed to building a prosperous nation based on democratic values and norms, with a dedication to socialism. The government has been celebrating the day the Constitution was promulgated as Constitution Day and National Day every year. As Nepal's constitution marks its ninth birthday, a National Day musical performance is scheduled at Durbar Marg in Kathmandu organised by the government. Remarks from Oli come at the time when the Madhesh-based parties who still are protesting against the constitution demanding its amendment, has announced not to celebrate the day expressing their reservation over the provisions of the main law of the nation. The Constitution of Nepal-2015, which was promulgated through the Second Constituent Assembly, is yet to get appraisal from Madhesh-based parties. The First Constituent Assembly of Nepal, which failed to address the issues, has travelled a long way and reached to the point of now, analysts have been claiming. The political parties at different points in time had formed a commission to work on the federal structure of Nepal which had suggested for 10 and 11 provinces modules but political parties on their own divided the nation into 7 provinces, which is still contested and dissipative. The Madhesh-based parties, who have been on protest along with the birth of the new constitution, have been demanding for changes in constitution, which bars them from taking over executive posts of the nation. Immediate protests of those parties over provisions of the constitution resulted in the death of more than 100 protestors and sit-in protests in the border halting supply into the nation, which threw the daily life of the nation out of gear. This has continued for nearly half a decade but no solution is seen. (ANI)
Pakistan's ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has shifted its focus to addressing concerns of the legal fraternity after failing to secure support from its former ally, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), for passing a constitutional amendment package in parliament, according to a report by The Express Tribune. Now, the key representatives of the legal community will review the proposed amendments and share their recommendations. The committee will include the vice chairman and executive committee chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council; the president and general secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the vice chairmen and executive committee chairmen of the provincial bar councils. During a meeting between Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and SCBA representatives, a decision was taken that a committee consisting of bar representatives will carefully think about the proposals for changes to the judicial system of Pakistan, including the formation of the Constitutional Court. The committee will submit its report in seven days. It was agreed that in the final draft of the amendment package, the proposal of the legal fraternity would be included, The Express Tribune reported. The SCBA in a statement, acknowledged that parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution and also said that such amendments should not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. Notably, the 'Constitutional Package' had failed to make its way to the parliament even on Tuesday as the Pakistan government deferred presenting the proposed amendments, saying that it would bring the legislation before the house after a consensus had been achieved, Dawn had reported. Although the package was not presented to parliament, a draft of the proposed constitutional changes began circulating widely on social media and mainstream outlets, offering a glimpse into the government's plans for the judiciary. According to leaders from the PML-N, this draft was not intended to be the final version. The government plans to incorporate feedback from opposition parties before finalising the document. The proposed constitutional package has sparked speculation about a possible extension of the Chief Justice of Pakistan's tenure, who is set to retire in October this year and changes to the judicial procedure. The government has been tight-lipped on the proposed amendments to the Constitution but clarified that the package will not be person-specific and would give the authorities ingress in the judicial procedure. (ANI)
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday said that the upcoming visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Quad summit emphasises several important aspects, including bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral, and asserted that the agenda of the summit includes developing Indo-Pacific region, and implementing Sustainable Development Goals. The remarks by Misri came during a briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States for the upcoming Quad summit. Elaborating on the events which will be taking place in the US during PM Modi's visit, Misri said, "PM Modi will be visiting the US from September 21-23. This visit combines very important aspects. It has very important bilateral aspect to it, very important plurilateral aspects to it and equally important multilateral aspect to it. There will be interaction with a variety of foreign partners at the level of the Prime Minister. There will be interaction with the large Indian diaspora in the US. And there will be engagement with a host of business and industry leaders, amongst others." He added, "PM's first talk will be in Wilmington, Delaware, which is the hometown of President Joe Biden. That is also the venue of this sixth Quad summit..." Misri further informed that from Wilmington, the PM will travel to New York, to attend the Summit of the Future. He said, "He (PM Modi) will also have a number of engagements throughout these three days. On September 21, there will be Quad summit; the bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Quad summit. A special event on the sidelines of Quad summit will be Cancer Moonshot event. On September 22, PM will have an interaction with the Indian diaspora. This is being organised by the community in Long Island, New York..." Speaking on the objective of the Cancer Moonshot initiative, Misri said, "Through the Cancer Moonshot initiative, the Quad aims to implement innovative strategies to prevent, detect, treat, and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families, and to begin with, we intend to collaborate to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region." The Foreign Secretary also said that PM Modi will engage with several tech CEOs during his three day visit. "There will be a technology roundtable with a number of tech CEOs where we will have the opportunity to discuss the tech investment landscape and the opportunities that are available here," Misri said. "There will be several other meetings with stakeholders and bilateral meetings with head of states," he added. "On September 23, PM will address the Summit of the Future in the United Nations General Assembly. There are a few more bilateral meetings that are being fixed up on that day," Misri informed. Elaborating on the agenda of Quad, Misri said that the Quad's constructive agenda continues to "develop the Indo-Pacific, implementing Sustainable Development Goals, delivering public goods, and having a strong focus on peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." He added, "Our agenda includes covering health security, climate change, critical and emerging technology, HADR, connectivity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism." The Foreign Secretary also noted that the upcoming visit offers the Quad leaders, the opportunity to view progress achieved in the last one year and set the agenda for the next year. Elaborating on the bilateral meetings with President Biden, Misri said that the India and US will exchange agreements. "At the bilarteral meeting with President Joe Biden, there will be an opportunity for both sides to exchange a few agreements -- Indo-Pacific economy related framework agreements, and India-US drug framework," Misri said. On the possibility of meeting with former US President Donald Trump, Misri said, "There are many meetings with the Prime Minister right now which we are trying to fix. Right now, I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting, whether the meeting has been fixed or not. We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings." Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States from September 21 to 23 during which he will take part in the Quad Summit and address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. PM Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21. Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025. At the Quad Summit, the leaders will review the progress achieved by the Quad over the last one year and set the agenda for the year ahead to assist the countries of the Indo-Pacific region in meeting their development goals and aspirations, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. PM Modi will address 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. 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. (ANI)
Niaz Baloch, the central committee member of the Baloch National Movement, in a statement given during the United Nations 57th Human Rights Council's general debate, highlighted the ongoing dire humanitarian crisis in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. Niaz Baloch, the Deputy Coordinator of the Baloch National Movement's foreign department on Wednesday claimed that human rights organizations have for a long time ignored the worsening issue of human rights brutalities in the Baloch community. https://x.com/BNMovement_/status/1836375175777886652 According to the statement, "I want to bring this counsel's attention to the crisis that has long been neglected by the international community, the resistance in Balochistan. This region which is filled with rich history and culture is now facing some of the worst human rights abuses in the modern world". "Since the forced annexation of Balochistan in 1948, the Baloch people have highlighted systematic state oppression and brutality by the Pakistani state. Their basic human rights which we all hold dear and have enshrined in international law are routinely violated. Recently the Baloch Yakjehti Committee organized a civil movement advocating for the safe release of Baloch missing persons, has become the target of severe state crackdowns" he added. While referring to the recent crackdown of the Pakistani defence forces on Demonstrators gathered in Gwadar alongside the Baloch Raaji Muchi the BNM member stated that "When peaceful demonstrators gathered in Gwadar for the Baloch Raaji Muchi, or national gathering, on 28 July 2024, they were met with violence. The security forces killed three innocent Baloch youths, wounded many others, and used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters. In Talar, participants were held by the Frontier Corps for over a week without food and water. Niaz Baloch also highlighted the crackdown orchestrated by Pakistan's defence forces on Baloch students and student leaders, Baloch claimed "Many Baloch political student organizations are being harshly targeted by the state simply for advocating for the self-determination of Baloch people. The Baloch national movement has been subjected to an unofficial ban, and its leaders, including Chairman Ghulam Ahmad Baloch, have been tragically killed". (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed the lawsuit filed by pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as an "unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations" over the 'assassination' attempt against the Indian government in the US. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that it doesn't change India's views about the underlying situation, now that the case has been lodged. "As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesn't change our views about the underlying situation. I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known," the Foreign Secretary said in a press briefing on Thursday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US. Pannun is an India-designated terrorist who holds American and Canadian citizenship. "I would also underline the fact that the organization so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organization, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India..." Misri said, on Pannun filing a lawsuit against the Indian govt in the US over 'assassination' attempt. Pannun is an India-designated terrorist who holds American and Canadian citizenship. Earlier in November, the US Justice Department unsealed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a US-based leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement and a citizen in New York. The Justice Department claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination, which was foiled by US authorities, according to prosecutors. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the Justice Department stated. India in November last year formed a high-level inquiry committee to address the security concerns highlighted by the US government. The Ministry of External Affairs said that India takes such inputs seriously since they impinge on national security interests as well, and relevant departments were already examining the issue. (ANI)
In a recent statement, Shukur Samsak, chairperson of the Swedish Uyghur Committee, condemned the Chinese government's ongoing persecution of the Uyghur people in East Turkistan. Samsak alleged that the Chinese government is committing genocide in East Turkistan. In a post on X, Samsak highlighted the dire situation, stating, "Since its occupation of East Turkistan in 1949, the Chinese government has been committing a relentless genocide, brutally slaughtering millions upon millions of Uyghurs, ripping families apart, harvesting and selling their organs, sterilizing the women, and erasing their very existence." https://x.com/Shukur_Samsak/status/1836649805382045803 Samsak emphasized that more than 10,000,000 Uyghurs and other Turkic people have been imprisoned in concentration camps, tortured, executed, starved, brainwashed, organ harvested, forcibly sterilized, sexually assaulted, forcibly enslaved in labour camps, and subjected to unspeakable atrocities. Over 1,000,000 Uyghur children have been kidnapped from their parents to be tortured, organ harvested, sexually assaulted and raised as Chinese Patriot Citizens--an entire generation being erased before our eyes. https://x.com/Shukur_Samsak/status/1836649805382045803 In his statement, Samsak also questioned the global community's response: "Where is the outrage for East Turkistan? Where are the protests for these millions of innocent lives? We've mobilized for causes far less grave, yet the world watches in silence as a genocide unfolds. How much longer will humanity look away? We must act before it's too late." Samsak called on the Swedish government to formally recognize China's ongoing genocide and occupation of East Turkistan. "Sweden must take a firm stand for human rights, freedom, and justice," he urged. He concluded by emphasising the need for collective action to support the restoration of East Turkistan's independence and to end the global silence that perpetuates these atrocities. As the situation remains critical, the Swedish Uyghur Committee encourages citizens and policymakers to advocate for the rights of the Uyghur people and to stand against the ongoing injustices in East Turkistan. The Uyghurs are a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority group with distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious practices. In recent years, there have been widespread reports and allegations of human rights abuses by the Chinese government against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in East Turkistan. (ANI)
The United States has identified and dismantled a botnet campaign orchestrated by hackers linked to China, aimed at infiltrating American infrastructure and various internet-connected devices, Voice of America reported. According to the report, during a cyber summit in Washington on Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray announced the disruption of what he referred to as Flax Typhoon, describing it as part of a broader campaign by Beijing. The FBI director further stated, "Flax Typhoon hijacked Internet-of-Things devices like cameras, video recorders, and storage devices--things typically found across both big and small organizations. And about half of those hijacked devices were located here in the US." He added that the hackers were operating under the guise of an information security company named Integrity Technology Group, which gathered data from corporations, media outlets, universities, and government agencies. "They used internet-connected devices--this time, hundreds of thousands of them--to create a botnet that helped them compromise systems and exfiltrate confidential data," he said. Flax Typhoon's activities were disrupted last week when the FBI, in collaboration with allies and operating under court orders, seized control of the botnet and targeted the hackers as they attempted to switch to a backup system. "We think the bad guys finally realized that it was the FBI and our partners that they were up against," Wray said. "And with that realization, they essentially burned down their new infrastructure and abandoned their botnet." Wray noted that Flax Typhoon seemed to build upon the techniques and exploits of another hacking group linked to China, called Volt Typhoon, which was identified by Microsoft in May of the previous year. According to the report, the Chinese hacking group Volt Typhoon utilized office network equipment, such as routers, firewalls, and VPN hardware, to penetrate and disrupt the communications infrastructure in Guam, which houses essential US military facilities. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in America rejected the US accusations on Wednesday. Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told VOA via email in response to the allegations about the Flax Typhoon. He said, "Without valid evidence, the US jumped to an unwarranted conclusion and made groundless accusations." Liu further stated, "The US itself is the origin and the biggest perpetrator of cyberattacks. We urge the US to stop its worldwide cyber espionage and cyberattacks, and stop smearing other countries under the excuse of cybersecurity." The FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have previously cautioned that hackers directed by the Chinese government, such as Volt Typhoon, have been preparing to execute destructive cyberattacks that could endanger the physical safety of Americans. After Wednesday's announcement by the FBI, the US National Security Agency (NSA) released an advisory urging anyone with a device affected by Flax Typhoon to install the necessary patches.It said that as of this past June, the Flax Typhoon botnet was using more than 260,000 devices in North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. (ANI)
US lawmaker and the Chairman of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition With China, John Moolenaar has highlighted China's interventions and malicious intentions of harming the US and countries located in the South China Sea. Moolenaar, in a statement given on Wednesday said, "I, along with many Americans, believe that, unbridled economic engagement with China would lead to democracy in China and prosperity at home. And that, as we know, has not come to pass. From militarization of the South China Sea to unabashed economic and coercion, market manipulation to flooding our communities with fentanyl, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has shown its true colours. The CCP has taken technological tools that we had given them to form new surveillance chains to hold the Chinese people in bondage, they try to extend these chains around the world, including to America itself". While highlighting China's attempted malpractices in the economic field, the US lawmaker stated "They see economics as an extension of politics, one in which they win by eliminating the competition". Moolenaar in his statement, added that China frequently uses joint ventures and capital investments to manipulate, eliminate and steal market-dominating technology to forcefully capture a country's business by flooding the country's market with CCP-backed, cheaper products. In another event, Secretary of the US Air Force Frank Kendall, in a keynote address given at the Air & Space Forces Association convention in Washington, said, "I've been closely watching the evolution of China's military for 15 years. China is not a future threat; China is a threat today," Kendall, in his address to key US Air Force officials, highlighted that in his 15 years of closely observing China's activities, he has noticed that, the Chinese Communist Party continues to heavily invest in capabilities, operational concepts and organisations that are specifically designed to defeat the United States and its allies' ability to project power in the Western Pacific region, including weapons targeting U.S. land and sea assets like air bases and aircraft carriers. Calling it a major threat and concern, the US Air Force official stated he has also witnessed other countries raising alarms concerning China's growing capabilities and intentions in the Indo-Pacific region. Kendall, while highlighting China's repeated attempt to invade Taiwan, said, "I am not saying war in the Pacific is imminent or inevitable. It is not. But I am saying that the likelihood is increasing and will continue to do so." (ANI)
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday praised India's efforts to tackle illicit finance, however, warned the country of serious terrorism and terrorist financing threats, including those related to ISIL or Al Qaeda. "India achieved a high-level of technical compliance across the FATF Recommendations and has taken significant steps to implement measures to tackle illicit finance. Nevertheless, India needs to continue to improve its system as its economy & financial system continue to grow," posted FATF on X. Lauding India's measures to tackle illicit finance, the joint FATF-APG-EAG report added, "India has implemented an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) framework that is achieving good results, including on risk understanding, access to beneficial ownership information and depriving criminals of their assets." It also praised Indian authorities for making good use of financial intelligence and co-operate effectively, both domestically and internationally. Meanwhile, the global body to combat money laundering and terrorist financing warned India to focus on concluding the prosecutions and convicting and appropriately sanctioning terrorist financiers. "India faces serious terrorism and terrorist financing threats, including related to ISIL or Al Qaeda. India as a strong emphasis on disruption and prevention and has demonstrated its ability to conduct complex financial investigations. Nevertheless, the country must continue to improve its system as its economy and financial system continue to grow, in particular ensuring that money laundering and terrorist financing trials are completed and offenders are subject to appropriate sanctions; and taking a risk-based and educative approach with non-profit organisations. The country needs to ensure that measures aimed at preventing the non-profit sector from being abused for terrorist financing are implemented in line with the risk-based approach, including by conducting outreach to non-profit organisations on their terrorist financing risks," added the report. https://x.com/FATFNews/status/1836718628856529349 https://x.com/FATFNews/status/1836718633197723787 India is the largest country in the world by population and has the largest diaspora. It is a lower-middle income country with one of the world's fastest-growing economies that is currently the world's fifth largest economy. India's main money laundering risks originate from illegal activities within the country, these risks relate primarily to fraud, including cyber-enabled fraud, corruption and drug trafficking. India pursues money laundering related to fraud and forgery in line with predicate crime risks to a large extent, but less so with some other offences such as human trafficking and drug trafficking. The country needs to address the backlog of money laundering cases pending conclusion of court processes, added the report. Praising India's efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the report said, "India has made significant steps in financial inclusion, more than doubling the proportion of the population with bank accounts, encouraging greater reliance on digital payment systems, and making use of simplified due diligence for small accounts. These efforts have supported financial transparency, which in turn contribute to AML/CFT efforts." Despite the size and institutional complexity of the Indian system, Indian authorities cooperate and coordinate effectively on matters dealing with illicit financial flows, including the use of financial intelligence. India also achieved positive results in international co-operation, asset recovery and implementing targeted financial sanctions for proliferation financing, the report added. Indian authorities also have a comprehensive understanding of the money laundering, terrorism and proliferation financing risks but need to do more to share insights on these risk across all relevant stakeholders. There is a good understanding of risk and application of preventative measures in the financial sector, especially by commercial banks, although less so by some other smaller financial institutions. Financial Institutions are taking steps to apply enhanced measures to politically exposed persons (PEPs), however, India needs to address the issue of lack of coverage of domestic PEPs from a technical compliance perspective and ensure reporting entities fully implement these requirements. Implementation of preventative measures by the non-financial sector and virtual asset service providers, and supervision of those sectors, is at an early stage. India needs to improve implementation of cash restrictions by dealers in precious metals and stones as a priority given the materiality of the sector. Following the assessment, India is placed in "regular follow-up" and in line with procedures, will report back to the Plenary in three years. (ANI)
China commemorates Sep 18 Incident

08:37, September 19, 2024 By Xu Keyue, Xing Xiaojing and Yu Xi ( Global Times

Peoples Liberation Army soldiers participate in a ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province, September 18, 2024. The ceremony was held to mark the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident in 1931 when Japanese troops began the bloody invasion of China. (Photo: Xinhua)

Air raid sirens sounded in cities across China, ordinary citizens paid silent tributes, historical materials disclosed for the first time unfolded once again the tortured history to the public, and social media was flooded with messages of "Never Forget the National Humiliation"!

China observed the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident on Wednesday, marking a day of paying a poignant tribute to the past and making a clarion call for peace.

While the war has long since ended, recent developments have reignited concerns among peace-loving people in China and the wider international community. Japan's record military budget and provocative words and actions on the Taiwan question and South China Sea issues, coupled with the controversial ritual offering by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the infamous Yasukuni Shrine last month, have raised alarms about the dangerous trend of turning right in Japanese politics, observers warn.

Also, as Japan approaches the presidential elections of its ruling Liberal Democratic Party in late September, major factions dissolving amid political funding scandals has led to a chaotic situation in this election. The ineffective faction-led intra-party competition mechanism may give rise to populist politics designed to attract attention, further complicating Japan's political landscape and increasing uncertainty about its future direction, according to Chinese observers.

In Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province, the September 18 Incident History Museum hosted a ceremony that brought together representatives from various sectors of society to honor the fallen heroes.

In a significant exhibition at the Memorial of Northeast China Revolutionary Martyrs, a rare national-level artifact was unveiled on Wednesday - a 1939 map detailing the Japanese military's systematic immigration of settlers into Northeast China, CCTV reported.

On Chinese social media, the resonance of this commemoration was palpable. As of press time, the topic "93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident" has garnered approximately 230 million views on Sina Weibo.

In an interview, reflecting on the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident, Yuji Miyamoto, president of the Japan-China Friendship Center and former Japanese ambassador to China, shared his insights on the historical significance of this event.

"The starting point for our reflection on history must be the September 18 Incident," Miyamoto noted.

Xiang Haoyu, a research fellow in the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies, China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times that we still need to be vigilant against Japan's moves to stir up geopolitical conflicts and fuel an arms race in the region, bringing a negative impact on regional peace and stability. The fundamental reason for this is that Japan lacked an objective understanding of and deep reflection on its past, said Xiang.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
SIEM REAP, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian officials said here on Thursday that the future of Cambodia's tourism is inseparable from the inflows of Chinese tourists and investors.

Cambodian Ministry of Tourism's Secretary of State Prak Phannara said the Southeast Asian country is eager to see more Chinese tourists and investors as the kingdom has been well-prepared to welcome their comebacks after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The growth of Chinese tourists is an important opportunity, not only to boost the development of the tourism industry, but also to create investment opportunities in different sectors," he said at the Cambodia-China Tourism Forum 2024 in northwestern Siem Reap province.

"Cambodia and countries around the world have considered China as a strategic partner and the most important source of market for their economic growth and national development," he added.

Phannara said tourism has contributed almost 13 percent to Cambodia's gross domestic product (GDP), generating numerous direct and indirect jobs for locals.

He said during the first seven months of 2024, Cambodia received 3.75 million international tourists, a rise of 23.2 percent. Of the number, about 460,000 were Chinese tourists, representing an increase of 45.7 percent.

China used to be the biggest source of international tourists to Cambodia in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era, he said, adding that the kingdom received 2.36 million Chinese tourists in 2019, accounting for 35.7 percent of total international tourist arrivals.

In a bid to revitalize the Chinese tourism market to Cambodia, he said the kingdom has reintroduced the "China Ready" strategy and will organize throughout this year several events such as gastronomy, culture of Buddhism, and travel fair, among others.

Speaking at the forum, Siem Reap Provincial Deputy Governor Dy Rado said the province, home to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, is ready to welcome more Chinese tourists.

"We need more Chinese tourists," he said. "The growth of Chinese tourists is vital to help boost our tourism industry."

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said the Chinese tourism market has played a pivotal role in Cambodia's economic landscape, significantly boosting local businesses and creating numerous job opportunities.

"With its stunning temples, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Cambodia has become a favored destination for Chinese travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion," he told Xinhua.

Sinan said that to attract more Chinese holidaymakers, Cambodia needs to enhance digital marketing strategies on popular Chinese platforms like WeChat and Weibo.

Crafting bespoke travel packages that highlight unique cultural experiences and culinary delights will surely resonate with them, he added.

"Additionally, streamlining visa processes and offering Mandarin-speaking guides can greatly enhance their travel experience, making Cambodia even more appealing," he added.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy, in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate.

The kingdom received 5.45 million international tourists in 2023, generating a gross revenue of 3.08 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Ministry of Tourism. 
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that he spoke to the new Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and congratulated him on his appointment. In a post on X, he said, "Spoke with the new Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha today. Congratulated him on his appointment. Look forward to working with him." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1836717854449660212 Sybiha said that he wanted to build on Prime Minister's Narendra Modi's historic visit to Kyiv and talks with Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskyy. He said in a post on X, "I spoke with S Jaishankar to build on Narendra Modi's historic visit to Kyiv and talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We agreed to take our bilateral relations forward in all promising areas of cooperation. We exchanged views ahead of UNGA and coordinated next steps in political dialogue." https://x.com/andrii_sybiha/status/1836717508516032623 The telephone conversation between both leaders took place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled trip to the United States, where he will be meeting with leaders of the Quad, including US President Joe Biden on September 21. When asked if PM Modi will meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy during his upcoming US visit and if any side has requested a meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "I'm not aware of a request at this particular time, in so far as these bilateral meetings are concerned. As I said, we are still finalizing the exact agenda of the bilateral meetings." Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy on August 23 signed several documents during the former's visit to Kyiv in sectors including culture, agriculture, food industry, medical products regulation and cultural cooperation. The two leaders witnessed the signing of four agreements. These include the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Food Industry; MoU on Cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation; MoU on Indian Humanitarian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects; and Programme for Cultural Cooperation for 2024-2028, a press release by Ministry of External Affairs said. (ANI)
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the US will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between Prime Minister and President Joe Biden, where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States. Foreign Secretary Misri said that the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) event will provide PM Modi with the opportunity to thank both US President Biden, and Japanese PM Kishida for their leadership. The remarks by Misri came during a briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States for the upcoming Quad summit. In a press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "...This is also going to be kind of a farewell event in so far as the Quad is concerned for President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan and therefore, the Quad event provides the Prime Minister with an opportunity to thank both leaders for their leadership in giving momentum and salience to the Quad partnership." Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. "There will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between Prime Minister and President Biden where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States which today covers almost every aspect of human endeavour through the 50 plus engagements and bilateral dialogue mechanisms that we have between the two sides" the Foreign Secretary said. "We also expect to have bilateral meetings with the leaders of Japan and Australia," he added. Elaborating on the events that will be taking place in the US during PM Modi's visit, Misri said, "PM Modi will be visiting the US from September 21-23. This visit combines very important aspects. It has very important bilateral aspects to it, very important plurilateral aspects to it and equally important multilateral aspect to it. There will be interaction with a variety of foreign partners at the level of the Prime Minister. There will be interaction with the large Indian diaspora in the US. And there will be engagement with a host of business and industry leaders, amongst others." He added, "PM's first talk will be in Wilmington, Delaware, which is the hometown of President Joe Biden. That is also the venue of this sixth Quad summit..." Misri further informed that from Wilmington, the PM will travel to New York, to attend the Summit of the Future. He said, "He (PM Modi) will also have a number of engagements throughout these three days. On September 21, there will be Quad summit; the bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Quad summit. A special event on the sidelines of Quad summit will be Cancer Moonshot event. On September 22, PM will have an interaction with the Indian diaspora. This is being organised by the community in Long Island, New York..." On the possibility of meeting with former US President Donald Trump, Misri said, "There are many meetings with the Prime Minister right now which we are trying to fix. Right now, I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting, whether the meeting has been fixed or not. We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings." PM Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21. Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025. At the Quad Summit, the leaders will review the progress achieved by the Quad over the last one year and set the agenda for the year ahead to assist the countries of the Indo-Pacific region in meeting their development goals and aspirations, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. PM Modi will address 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the United States this weekend, where he will participate in the Quad meeting and hold bilateral discussions with world leaders, including US President Joe Biden. He will meet top CEOs in a roundtable and take part in the UN 'Summit of Future' during his visit. He will also address the Indian diaspora at Long Island. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States is taking place in the backdrop of his recent visits to Ukraine and Russia. India has expressed that it is ready to support the peace initiative in the Russia-Ukraine crisis. President Putin also said that BRICS nations, which include India, could act as mediators in potential peace talks. Following PM Modi's visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also visited Moscow. World leaders will converge in the United States for the UN summit this month, and Quad meet will take place on September 21. India is treading cautiously about peace proposals. On whether India will discuss peace initiative and bring any proposal, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday that New Delhi is talking with partners and leaders at this point, and it depends on how much consensus it will be able to build on the issue. "As you know, the Prime Minister recently visited Russia and Ukraine, and after those visits, he also held discussions with leaders, including President Biden and President Putin. Our National Security Advisor also had discussions with President Putin during his visit to Russia. So, I can only say at this point that these talks are ongoing between the leaders. As for putting forward any proposal, we'll have to see how much consensus is reached and whether we can reach a stage where a proposal can be put before a larger audience," he said. "I think we need to wait a little, and at the right time, we will be able to update you on this," he added. Quad meeting is taking place at US president Joe Biden hometown Delaware. PM Modi will also hold standalone bilateral meetings with US, Japan and Australia on the sidelines of Quad Summit. Ministry of External Affairs has informed that several other meetings with world leaders are being worked out. "We are involved in set of several conversations with several important partners and leaders at this point of time. These conversations are work in progress and we will update you on results of this conversations at the right time. At present moment, we remain engaged with our interlocutors on these very important issues," the Foreign Secretary said. On meeting with US president Joe Biden, officials here said scope of relations between India and US is very wide and on bilateral part there will be substantive discussions. Both leaders will review global strategic partnership between India and US which covers every aspect of human endeavour through the 50 plus engagement and bilateral dialogue mechanisms India and United States will also exchange agreements on Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and India-US Drug Framework during the visit. Prime Minister will be visiting the US from September 21 to 23. (ANI)
His trip focused on understanding India's infrastructure and development strategies, particularly at Mundra port, a crucial component of the IMEEC initiative.

Accompanied by his diplomatic and military advisors, as well as Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, Mestrallet met with key economic stakeholders involved in the project.

The delegation toured the terminals and newly established renewable energy facilities in the area.

This transnational rail and shipping corridor represents a significant shared interest for both India and France.

Mestrallet noted, "The existing direct shipping line between Mundra and Marseille is an asset that offers competitive transit times for exports and imports."

He emphasized that major French and European companies, such as CMA-CGM, will play a vital role in enhancing sea connectivity across the Indian subcontinent.

He further stated, "IMEEC will distinctly strengthen our partnership in three strategic priorities: low-carbon energies, digital data, and port-to-port partnerships."

The project aligns with the EU's "Global Gateway" connectivity strategy and is expected to become a flagship initiative.

This visit follows Mestrallet's first trip in January 2024, when he accompanied President Emmanuel Macron to India for the Republic Day celebrations, during which IMEEC was highlighted as a strategic area of cooperation.

In the coming months, France will collaborate with Indian officials and businesses to advance the IMEEC pre-project phase. Mestrallet plans to return to India for further discussions in New Delhi in November, underscoring France's commitment to this transformative initiative. (ANI)
The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for becoming the first country in the world to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy. This significant milestone marks a new era in global public health efforts, an official release stated. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that by stopping the transmission of Leprosy, they are freeing people from the stigma and suffering. "WHO congratulates Jordan on this impressive milestone," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Leprosy has afflicted humanity for millennia, but country-by-country we are stopping transmission and freeing individuals, families and communities from its suffering and stigma," Ghebreyesus added. Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia who heads WHO's Global Leprosy Programme "Jordan's elimination of this age-old disease is a historic milestone in public health and a huge success for efforts to eliminate leprosy globally," Wazed said. "The fight against leprosy around the world is more than a fight against a disease. It is also a fight against stigma, and a fight against psychological and socio-economic harm. I congratulate Jordan on its achievement," she added. Jordan has not reported any autochthonous cases of leprosy for over two decades, a testament to its strong political commitment and effective public health strategies to eliminate the disease. Following up on the Ministry of Health's interest in verifying the elimination of leprosy, WHO commissioned an independent team to assess this situation. After an extensive review, the verification team recommended that WHO acknowledges leprosy has been eliminated in Jordan. "Jordan's elimination of leprosy is an achievement that will transform the discourse around this age-old, stigmatizing disease," said WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy. "As the first country to achieve this target globally, Jordan stands as an inspiration to other countries, encouraging them to enhance their efforts and overcome barriers to achieve this remarkable feat," he added. Jordan's success sets a worldwide precedent, showcasing what can be achieved with strong political commitment, dedication, collaboration and strategic planning, the statement added. Although Jordan has successfully eliminated leprosy, WHO and the Ministry of Health both stress the importance of maintaining robust surveillance systems to detect and manage future potential cases, including foreign-borne cases, without discrimination. "Jordan's journey highlights the power of sustained efforts in public health and the potential of global collaboration to overcome even the most challenging public health issues," said WHO Representative to Jordan, Jamela Al-Raiby. "This success was made possible by the leadership of the Ministry of Health, strong collaboration between WHO and the Ministry, and technical support provided by WHO at all three levels. We remain committed to continuing our support for Jordan, addressing its needs and empowering it to ensure the sustainability of this success which adds to the list of public health achievements Jordan has accomplished," Jamela added. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and eyes. Left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability. Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that still occurs in more than 120 countries. More than 2,00,000 new cases are reported every year. (ANI)
It has been over a year now that Pakistan's government has taken harsh steps to forcibly deport Afghan refugees to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The country, however, forgets that several of the deported refugees are born in Pakistan or have valid ID proofs to prove their citizenship in Pakistan. A review report released on Wednesday by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) highlighted severe flaws in Pakistan's citizenship laws, arguing that both laws need to be revised to comply with Pakistan's international legal obligations and the customary law of refoulement of refugees. https://x.com/HRCP87/status/1836397005041713161 The HRCP report highlights that the flawed definition of 'foreigner' in the Pakistani constitution has allowed the persecution of refugees under the Foreigners Act 1946. And, contrary to popular understanding, the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 unequivocally grants the right to nationality to anyone born in Pakistan, but this provision has simply not been applied correctly in the deportation process of refugees. According to the HRCP report, titled Who Belongs: The Foreigners Act 1946 and Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951, Pakistan's legal framework recognises only two distinct and broad categories of individuals concerning their relationship with the state: citizens and foreign nationals. It does not contain an adequate legal protection framework for refugees, despite Pakistan being amongst the largest hosts of Afghan refugees for almost half a century, nor does it contemplate a scenario where an individual lacks citizenship of any country and is therefore stateless. Additionally, the refugees in Pakistan are not recognized as a distinct group of people different from foreigners or possible citizens under national law. The same report also highlights that in defining the category of individuals considered as foreigners, a critical examination of the Pakistan Citizenship Act of 1951 is indispensable. The HRCP report added that a review of the Foreigners Act 1946 and the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 reveals clear gaps in the protection of refugees and citizenship rights. Moreover, both laws predate the formation of the Constitution of Pakistan in 1973 as well as several of Pakistan's international human rights commitments (such as under CAT, ICCPR, CEDAW, Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) etc.). Therefore, they fall short in encompassing commitments to guaranteeing fundamental rights granted in the Constitution and international law. The report also highlighted that Pakistan must develop oversight mechanisms to prevent arbitrary use of powers and force against those deemed non-citizens, especially refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons under wide powers granted through various provisions of the Foreigners Act 1946. Additionally, the HRCP report also suggested that the administrative stakeholders in Pakistan must uphold the fundamental international human rights law principle of non-refoulement and the prohibition of collective expulsion by developing appropriate mechanisms and allocating resources that ensure an individual assessment of the protection needs of refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons with due process. (ANI)
The educational scenario in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) highlights the region's ongoing neglect, with many locals expressing frustration over the government's failure to implement effective reforms. Schools often lack basic facilities and resources, leading to subpar educational outcomes. Parents and students alike lament the insufficient investment in public education, leaving them with few viable options. This neglect not only hinders individual growth but also stifles the overall development of the community, prompting calls for urgent government intervention to address these critical issues. While expressing his frustration against the PoJK administration for underdevelopment of educational infrastructure a resident of POJK lamented, "The educational infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is in a state of disrepair, leaving residents feeling deprived and frustrated. Poor schools, limited job opportunities, and high education costs have exacerbated the situation. Parents are forced to make significant financial sacrifices to afford private schools, which have become lucrative businesses." The resident said that after completing education, people struggle with unemployment. He stated, "However, even after completing their education, many young people struggle to find employment. Local residents are dismayed by the government's inaction in addressing these issues. Corruption, inadequate facilities, teacher shortages, and a lack of job prospects have fuelled a sense of despair among the youth." He said that PoJK residents yearn for better administration. He added, "For years, residents of POJK have yearned for a better administration that prioritizes their development. However, the reality on the ground suggests that their concerns and aspirations are largely ignored." There is considerable dissatisfaction among POJK residents due to what they perceive as neglect from both local and national authorities. Critics argue that both the POJK government and Islamabad are more focused on political strategies and election campaigns rather than addressing urgent development issues. This perceived neglect exacerbates existing problems and deepens the frustration of the people. POJK grapples with a complex mix of historical issues, administrative difficulties, and socio-economic challenges that impact its current conditions. The region's intricate political status and governance problems continue to hinder its development and affect the quality of life for its residents. (ANI)
Noting that China and India are the two biggest developing countries in the world and both have the responsibility of improving the livelihood of people, China's Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said on Thursday that President Xi Jinping and PM Modi have reached many important consensus which means that the two countries are not competitors but co-operators and are development partners, not threats. "China and India are the two biggest and developing countries in the world. Both of us have the important responsibilities of developing the economy and improving the livelihood of people. China is determined to build itself into a great modern socialist country by the middle of this century and India has a vision of Vikasit Bharat by 2047... For a long time, China and India had a very close cooperation - in 1950s, China and India put forth the five principles of peaceful coexistence, which have become basic norms of international relations and also fundamental principles of international law, which have made historical contributions for greater cause of human progress," Xu Feihong told reporters. "In the new era, President Xi Jinping and PM Modi have reached many important consensus - that means China and India are not competitors but cooperators. We are developmental partners, not threats. This consensus provides guidelines for our bilateral relations... We have enough wisdom and capabilities for the right path and to get along with each other," he added. Earlier, speaking at an event here, the Chinese Ambassador said that India is implementing initiatives such as "Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)" and "Make in India" and is committed to becoming a global manufacturing hub. "China is advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts and promoting high-standard opening up, which will provide new cooperation opportunities to all countries including India. We are willing to strengthen exchanges of modernization experience with India, jointly make the cake of cooperation bigger, and better benefit the two countries and two peoples. The economic and trade structures of China and India are highly complementary. We welcome more Indian commodities to enter the Chinese market, and more Indian enterprises to invest in China. It is hoped that the Indian side could provide a sound business environment for the Chinese enterprises in India. The foundation of China-India people-to-people friendship is profound," he said. The Chinese envoy said that since 1990s, India has actively promoted economic and social reforms. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Indian government put forward the policy of 'Reform, Perform and Transform', and India's economy maintains rapid development and people's living standards improve continuously. I would congratulate on the achievements India has made through reforms. Only China and India can understand how many efforts should be made to promote reform in a country with a population of 1.4 billion. We are willing to enhance experience-sharing on reforms with the Indian side, synergize our development strategies, learn from each other's strengths and make progress together," he said. Xu Feihong said that at the conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, President Xi Jinping reiterated that China's resolve to stay on the path of peaceful development will not change. "The leaders of China and India reached important consensuses such as 'China and India are partners rather than rivals, and are not threats to each other but opportunities for each other's development'. They not only point out the direction for the development of bilateral relations but also provide important guidelines for the two countries to promote modernization," he said. The Chinese envoy said that at present, China-India relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development. "Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar twice in the past two months and met with Indian National Security Advisor Mr Ajit Doval a few days ago. They had in-depth communication and reached an important consensus on the improvement of bilateral relations," he said. India and China held the 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) on August 29 in Beijing. The two sides had a frank, constructive and forward-looking exchange of views on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to narrow down the differences and find early resolution of the outstanding issues and they agreed for intensified contact through diplomatic and military channels. The two sides decided to jointly uphold peace and tranquillity on the ground in border areas in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two Governments. It was reiterated that restoration of peace and tranquility, and respect for LAC are the essential basis for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations. During an interaction in Geneva recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that 75 per cent of disengagement problems with Beijing had been sorted out and the two nations "still have some things to do." Jaishankar also underlined how India and China never had an easy relationship in the past. "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. (ANI)
The Israeli Deputy Chief of Mission, Fares Saeb, attended the inauguration of a Virtual Reality (VT) lab here in New Delhi on Thursday and said that Israel sees India as a very important power, both regionally as well as globally. While speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the event here, Fares Saeb said, "We see India as a very important power--regionally and globally, and we are very happy that we have this small part of this advantage of India and this movement forward that you have now." Saeb added that the idea behind the inauguration of the VR lab is to inculcate new emerging technology in different fields across various sectors. He also underscored the importance of virtual reality in the field of education and said that it might be the "next step in making education affordable." Deputy chief of Israel mission in India, Fares Saeb, notably attended the inauguration of the VR lab as part of project Disha in the national capital. The Israel Embassy has donated VR lab as part of Project Disha. The Disha Project boasts cutting-edge infrastructure, featuring augmented and virtual reality content powered by advanced devices with 128 GB storage, 6 GB RAM, XR1 Chipset processors, with a content repository of 800 VR capsules and 1,500 AR technology modules. The STEM content is fully aligned with the Government of India's curriculum, and even includes a virtual tour of Israel. "The idea is to use virtual reality as a new emerging technology in different fields, for example, medicine..." the Deputy Chief of Israel Mission said. "Translating this new, very important technology into different fields, especially in education is an important step because it's not only making education much more fun and visual for kids and children in the big cities, but it might be the next step in making education affordable and accessible in rural areas," he added. Notably, India and Israel are strategic partners and the bilateral ties between the two nations are warm and forward-looking. In 2022-23, the two countries jointly celebrated 30 years of the elevation of bilateral ties to full diplomatic relations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Israeli diplomat Fares Saeb began his new assignment as Deputy Ambassador of Israel to India some time ago, replacing Ohad Nakash Kaynar. Saeb wished him success in his next role. "I'm very excited to begin my new assignment as Deputy Ambassador of #Israel to #India, especially at this stage of the relationship between our countries. I wish @KaynarOhad great success in his next role, as this is the second time I'm replacing him, it's in my interest," Saeb had stated in a post on X previously. Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Israel in July 2017 and it was the first time that an Indian PM visited Israel. Later in January 2018, Netanyahu arrived in India for a five-day visit. PM Modi received him at the airport and the two leaders warmly greeted each other. PM Modi was also one of the first world leaders to condemn Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. However, India has also called for a complete ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. India has also put its weight behind the 'two-state solution' to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict. (ANI)
Nepal on Thursday lit up under fireworks and organized a concert in front of the former royal palace celebrating the completion of nine years of promulgation of their constitution. The "National Day Concert" held at Durbar Marg or the King's Way drew thousands of spectators who sang and danced to the beats of the music. 32 artists, representing all the seven provinces of the nation also performed at the celebration. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also arrived at the concert venue and sang "Rato ra Chandra Surya", a song that explains Nepal's national flag and emblem. Oli appeared on the stage waving the national flag and lip-syncing the song when an artist was singing the song alongside his spouse, Radhika Shakya. "We all are enjoying the patriotic songs that are being played during the concert, celebrating the national day with fanfare. I would like to extend wishes of 'National Day' the 'Constitution Day' and request all to celebrate it with grandeur," the Prime Minister said, briefly addressing the crowd. Oli had dressed casually. He wore jeans, a shirt, a jacket and a black cap to the concert venue. Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also attended the "National Day Concert" along with Prime Minister Oli. More than five thousand security personnel of Nepal Police and Armed Police were mobilized for security during the event being held on the street in front of the former Royal Palace, the Narayanhiti. In between the performances, fireworks were also displayed to the public. The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal was promulgated on September 20, 2015 (Ashoj 3, 2072 BS as per the local calendar) by the Constituent Assembly, as an achievement of the Nepali people's seven-decade-long struggle, sacrifices, and popular movements. The Constitution of Nepal, consisting of 35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules, embraced a federal democratic republic, inclusive democracy, proportional inclusive representation, secularism, and other principles. The Constitution is committed to building a prosperous nation based on democratic values and norms, with a dedication to socialism. (ANI)
Garment factory workers buy food in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 19, 2024. Cambodia on Thursday set a new monthly minimum wage for the country's garment, footwear and travel goods industry at 208 U.S. dollars for 2025, up 1.96 percent from the current 204 dollars, Labor and Vocational Training Minister Heng Sour said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Thursday set a new monthly minimum wage for the country's garment, footwear and travel goods industry at 208 U.S. dollars for 2025, up 1.96 percent from the current 204 dollars, Labor and Vocational Training Minister Heng Sour said.

His remarks came after the National Council for Minimum Wage voted on a monthly minimum wage of 206 dollars for next year, which was then upped an additional two dollars by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

"This new minimum wage for garment, footwear and travel goods factory workers will take effect from Jan. 1, 2025 onwards," Heng Sour said.

Besides the monthly minimum wage, the workers will also receive other monthly fringe benefits, including an extra 10 dollars per month for regular attendance and an extra 7 dollars per month for transportation and rent, he added.

The garment, footwear and travel goods sector, the kingdom's largest foreign currency earner, consists of about 1,538 factories and branches with approximately 913,000 workers, according to the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training.

The Southeast Asian nation exported these products worth 6.24 billion U.S. dollars during the January-June period of 2024, up 16.4 percent from 5.36 billion dollars over the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise. 

Workers leave a garment factory for lunch in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 19, 2024. Cambodia on Thursday set a new monthly minimum wage for the country's garment, footwear and travel goods industry at 208 U.S. dollars for 2025, up 1.96 percent from the current 204 dollars, Labor and Vocational Training Minister Heng Sour said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

Garment factory workers buy food in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 19, 2024. Cambodia on Thursday set a new monthly minimum wage for the country's garment, footwear and travel goods industry at 208 U.S. dollars for 2025, up 1.96 percent from the current 204 dollars, Labor and Vocational Training Minister Heng Sour said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann on Thursday met the Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and discussed Indian politics and Indo-German relations. In a post on X, he said, "Great discussion today with the Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Useful exchange on Indian politics and Indo-German relations." https://x.com/AmbAckermann/status/1836739379269689350 Earlier on Monday, Svenja Schulze, Germany's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development said that Germany has the technical know-how and experience in the renewable energy domain and it wants to invest in India. "With this technical know-how, we want to invest in India, bringing India nearer to its 500 GW renewable energy target," the German minister told ANI, on the sidelines of the three-day renewable energy-focused event Re-Invest 2024 in Gandhinagar. "Foster renewable energies are in both (of our) interests," the German minister said. At COP26 held in 2021, India committed to an ambitious five-part "Panchamrit" pledge. They included reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, and reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. India as a whole also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070. Participating at the Re-Invest 2024, the German minister said they were here in India with a large delegation to deepen the partnership between Germany and India. "We want to foster renewable energies. We are convinced that the big challenges of the world, climate change, we can't solve these problems, but we need India to do so," the German minister told ANI. "We need India to step up in their engagement in renewable energies. And that is something Germany has a lot of competencies," she said. (ANI)
US State Department's Hindustani Spokesperson, Margaret Macleod, has said that Quad since its inception has been working to make the lives of people better in the Indo-Pacific. She said that US President Joe Biden is hosting Quad Summit in Delaware, as it is his state and he wants to showcase the importance of his personal ties with Quad leaders. In an interview with ANI, Macleod stated that the next joint statement of Quad will include cooperation between the four nations in various sectors, including cyber security and maritime security. Highlighting the importance of Quad in Indo-Pacific, she said, "Quad, since its inception, has been working to make the lives of people better in the Indo-Pacific region. President Biden decided to host this meeting in Delaware because it's his state and he wanted to show the importance of his personal relationship with Quad leaders." "In the next joint statement, we will hear about the cooperation in various sectors, including cyber security, health security, and maritime security. Then we will also talk about how we can deal with the water and air challenges. The White House has not yet announced agenda of the bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi during his US visit. So I will not say anything about that before the White House's announcement," she added. US President Joe Biden is set to host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders summit in Delaware on September 21. The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India. 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. She stated that there is a lot of cooperation between India and the US, including education, space cooperation and advanced technology cooperation. She said that the US' ties with India will remain important irrespective of who becomes president in the elections set to be held in the US on November 3. Emphasizing the strong ties between two nations, Macleod said, "If I talk broadly, there is a lot of cooperation between the US and India, including education, space cooperation, and advanced technology cooperation. I think there is a lot to talk between India and the US." "US is a democracy, like India is also a democracy. We choose our President through elections held after every four years. The relationship between India and the US has been strengthening over the years. I'm saying with full confidence that this partnership is bipartisan. Our Congress has bipartisan resolution which places emphasis on priorities of Quad. Whoever becomes the president of the US, the relationship with India will remain important. This meeting is not about individual interests, but our collective interests are also high. Our social gain is very high. In the next joint statement, you will hear about the areas in which we intend to cooperate," she added. She said that Quad is not a security alliance. However, she added that Quad, since 2022, decided to start a new program, Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness. She said that China is being aggressive in the South China Sea. Calling China "aggressive" in the South China Sea, Macleod said, "Quad is not a security alliance. But, the truth is that China is being aggressive in the South China Sea. Apart from the Quad, the United States is holding a lot of consultations with the Philippines. We have released statements regarding our actions. For maritime security, Quad has been working on the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain awareness. Since 2022, our Quad countries have been providing more information to each other and neighbours so that every country in the Indo-Pacific can secure maritime borders." Speaking about China's recent actions in the South China Sea, US State Department spokesperson said, "Apart from that, the United States is seeing that China is doing a lot of aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Recently, a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft was attacked, and their workers faced danger. Our US government clearly said that the People's Republic of China government shouldn't do such acts." Quad brings together four countries - India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, with a commitment to work as a force for global good and to support an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States from September 21 to 23 during which he will take part in the Quad Summit and address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. PM Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. At the Quad Summit, the leaders will review the progress achieved by the Quad over the last one year and set the agenda for the year ahead to assist the countries of the Indo-Pacific region in meeting their development goals and aspirations, a Ministry of External Affairs release (MEA) earlier said. PM Modi will address 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister would be holding bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discussing issues of mutual interest. He will address a gathering of the Indian community on September 22 in New York. (ANI)
Lauding India's role in the Quad, the US has said that it expects and sees India as a leader within the Quad and expressed gratitude for its leadership. While addressing a press briefing, US National Security Council Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, Mira Rapp-Hooper, said that the US' Indo-Pacific strategic mentions that it seeks New Delhi's role as a leader in the region and is increasingly partnered with Washington, DC. When asked about India's role in Quad, Mira Rapp-Hooper said, "When it comes to the role that we expect India to play, we expect and indeed see India as a leader within the Quad. I think, the best encapsulation of, you know, the way we think about India's role is captured in our Indo-Pacific strategy, where we say that the United States seeks an India that is increasingly a leader in the region and increasingly partnered with the United States." "The Quad has been an ideal venue through for which, through which rather we can work together because it not only allows for the critical exchange of strategic views where, of course, we are, as I say, increasingly aligned, but it also allows us to identify opportunities and priorities that not only matter to the United States or its traditional treaty allies like Australia and Japan, but really matter to India. So you see that through the Quad, we are increasingly working on projects in South Asia, which of course is a huge strategic priority for the government in Delhi. And we're grateful for India's leadership," she added. Mira Rapp-Hooper said that this year's Quad Summit was scheduled to be held in India. However, she added that the decision to change the venue was taken considering the schedules of the four leaders. She stated that Prime Minister Narenda Modi agreed to swap host years with the US and US expects Quad leaders to meet in India in 2025. Asked whether the next Quad Summit will take place in India, she said, "Yes, we do expect next year's Quad Summit to take place in India. When we were planning for this year's Quad Summit. India was, exactly as you say, scheduled to host. But as we looked at all four of these leaders schedules, it became increasingly clear that the best way to make sure that they met and have the time that they wanted to have these deep discussions would be this weekend here in the United States. So, Prime Minister Modi graciously agreed to swap host years with us and we do expect all four Quad leaders to meet in India next year." PM Narendra Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21. Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday that PM Modi's upcoming visit to the US will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement with US President Joe Biden, where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States. While addressing a press briefing on PM Modi's visit to the US, Misri said "...This is also going to be kind of a farewell event in so far as the Quad is concerned for President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan and therefore, the Quad event provides the Prime Minister with an opportunity to thank both leaders for their leadership in giving momentum and salience to the Quad partnership." He said, "There will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between Prime Minister and President Biden where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States which today covers almost every aspect of human endeavour through the 50 plus engagements and bilateral dialogue mechanisms that we have between the two sides." "We also expect to have bilateral meetings with the leaders of Japan and Australia," he added. (ANI)
The News

NAIROBI  Kenyas President William Ruto faces mounting pressure over a series of controversial proposals by an Indian conglomerate to upgrade aging infrastructure in the country.

The Adani Group, founded by billionaire Gautam Adani, is seeking to manage and operate the countrys largest airport  the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)  in a 30-year lease. The proposal would see the conglomerate invest $1.85 billion to upgrade facilities at the airport. Adani also pitched a $725 million proposal to construct around 400 kilometers of power transmission lines.

The proposals have been publicly endorsed by senior officials and Rutos allies. The administration has generally argued that, with Kenya currently burdened by expensive debt repayments and citizens opposed to tax hikes, public private partnerships such as the ones proposed by Adani offer a useful alternative. Ruto himself has endorsed PPPs as a way to ensure JKIA remains competitive in the region. But experts question whether taxpayers would get value for money, and criticize a perceived lack of transparency.

The airport proposal was first disclosed earlier this month by a whistleblower on X sparking widespread uproar. It also emerged that Adanis privately initiated proposal ran contrary to a recommendation for the government to undertake an open bidding process for the airport upgrade project.

Know More

A Nairobi court last week temporarily stopped the government from acting on the Adani proposal for JKIA. Civil society groups argued that the country had other ways of raising the $1.85 billion Adani is proposing to spend on upgrading taxiways and other facilities at the airport. The activists described the proposal as irrational. Lawyer Dudley Ochieng, in court documents, said the Adani proposal was unaffordable, adding that it threatened job losses and exposed the public.

And Ketraco has been hard pressed to explain its relationship with Adani and the status of its proposal. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Monday said the proposal by Adani Energy was still under review, even as he emphasized that close to $5 billion was required over the next 20 years for a complete revamp and expansion of Kenyas power transmission infrastructure.

Martins view

The mystery surrounding the proposals by Adani and its negotiations with the government fueled the controversy. More open and participatory processes that include the public could have resolved many of the issues before they emerged.

Workers at the airport, for example, went on strike last week over the Adani-JKIA proposal, fearing for their jobs if it sailed through. Some analysts also fear that a deal with Adani to upgrade transmission lines could translate to higher energy costs for Kenyans.

But, ultimately, it is an economic question. How to finance the development and upgrades of key infrastructure without taking on expensive debt or turning to tax hikes  which sparked a massive youth-led revolt this year that saw 60 people killed.

Anderson Njuki, a Nairobi-based economist, told Semafor Africa that the current administration was likely to roll out even more public-private partnerships to finance major infrastructure projects. This, he said, was because it was short of options with debt repayments accounting for nearly 70% of its revenues. Njuki, however, asserted that improved transparency would be necessary to avoid reprisals by the public and courts.

Room for Disagreement

Adani this week defended itself in response to a court case seeking to block its proposed 30-year airport concession. The company said its proposal was still under review, and maintained that due process had been followed. Adani further backed its proposal, saying PPPs offered the necessary capital infusion to expedite upgrades and modernize infrastructure.

The View From India

Leaders of the Indian National Congress, the largest opposition party in India, have criticized the proposal by Adani to take over Kenyas biggest airport and its potential impact on Indias global reputation. They also questioned alleged ties between Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Ministers collusion with the Adani Group has contributed to the erosion of Indias strength and led to unprecedented setbacks on the global stage, a party leader said.
If C&J charges for parking, NH should get the money

Sept. 17  To the Editor:

C&J Bus Lines wants to charge for parking at its Portsmouth depot claiming that the lot gets full sometimes. I believe the real reason they want to charge for parking is to make more money. The lot is state owned and was made to make it affordable and convenient to fly from Logan Airport and work in Boston.

C&J built its own lot in Seabrook and charges to park there. Despite making money on parking, it did not lower the ticket price. Maybe the reason the Portsmouth lot occasionally gets crowded is people who used to catch the C&J buses to Logan and South Station in Newburyport now drive to Portsmouth to avoid paying for parking at Seabrook.

The State of New Hampshire built and owns the depot. If anyone should make money from parking it is the state not C&J.

Walter Hamilton

Portsmouth

Cars are seen parked in front of the C&J Bus Lines' terminal at Pease in Portsmouth.

It would make more sense to honor Amerigo Vespucci

Sept. 17  To the Editor:

Advocates celebrating the re-designation of an October day as Columbus Day who as Italians proclaim Columbus as one of their brethren have a lot to learn. Christophoro Columbo was Catalon. Every single word of his writings were in Catalonian. That he was from Genoa is a myth long disproven.

So, without having to make false claims about a Catalonian explorer, Italian-American New Hampshireites can still take some pride in an entire hemisphere being named in recognition of the undisputedly Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. I think "America" gets enough publicity all by itself.

John Robinson

Portsmouth

Guns and voting: We have it backwards

Sept. 18 To the Editor:

A quick Google search of voter fraud finds an Arizona State University poll shows an average of 344 cases of voter fraud nationally. According to the conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, there were103 cases of confirmed election fraud between 2005 and 2022 with 107 million votes cast, an average of 6 fraudulent votes per year.

Compare that with 48,204 deaths due to gun violence in 2022, of which 27,032 were from suicide, 19,651 were from homicide, 463 were unintentional accidents, and 643 were fatally shot by law enforcement. Also, gun deaths are the leading cause of deaths for American children.

There is a national effort to restrict voting due to voter fraud, particularly from Republican lawmakers, while little or no effort is being made to curb gun violence. Millions of Americans are having their voting rights restricted for such a tiny handful of voter fraud incidents. Meanwhile, thousands of Americans, including children, are losing their lives with virtually no effort being made to tighten our gun laws to keep semiautomatic rifles out of the hands of would-be assassins like the 14-year-old boy who killed 4 people in Georgia last week, or the two men who tried to assassinate former President Trump.

The reason, in part, may be due to the fact that the right to bear arms is in the Constitution, but not a right to vote. For the sake of our lives, our freedoms, and our democracy, we need to change that, for surely, we have it backwards.

James Fieseher MD, FAAFP

Dover

Trump's closest advisors have warned us. Will we listen?

Sept. 17  To the Editor:

Responding to Ms. Russells rebuttal of my earlier letter, her own words prove my point. Trump signed a memo (written by John McEntee, whoever that is) ordering the immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan, and presented it to General Milley who told him he was out of his (expletive deleted) mind. To acknowledge that Biden messed up the withdrawal doesnt change the simple fact that Trump was out of his (expletive deleted) mind and still is.

Just look at his desperate efforts to bolster his failing campaign with racist dog whistles (Haitians kidnapping and eating pets) and the promise of a new round or Red Scare/McCarthyism (landing on the pejorative Comrade Kamala.)

Vice President/Candidate Harris pointed out at the debate that all of his advisors who tried to be the adult in the room have said that returning him to the White House endangers our country. These are people who are not ideologically aligned with VP Harris, but who endorse her because her opponent is dangerous and the Republican Party has become a personality cult (with our own Governor Sununu now onboard.) Trump boasts that he fired them all as incompetent. Are we pretending that Rudy Guiliani and John Eastman are competent? Both have been disbarred! Are these architects of the fraudulent electors scheme the kind of guys we want advising our next president? No. We do not.

Jeffrey Cooper

Portsmouth

JD Vance wrong to accept dangerous 'facts of life'

Sept. 17  To the Editor:

JD Vance, dismissed school shootings as a Fact of Life. For Vance, since school shootings happen, we should accept them because shootings are a fact of life.

What other facts of life would Vance have accepted? Lets go back a bit and envision Vances advice for past problems. What about lead in gasoline? Vance would do nothing about it because, for Vance, lead pollution is a fact of life. Hed advice: accept it and move on.

Republicans claimed requiring seat belts, air bags, catalytic converters would sink the auto market. No sinking occurred and now we are safer and breath cleaner air. Before seat belts, catalytic converters, and air bags, hundreds of thousands of people died from accidents and polluted air. Since accident and pollution were facts of life, Vance would have let them slide.

Before Title IX female athletes took seconds or didnt play sports. Title IX paved the way for today where American women won more Olympic medals than men. Ignoring female athletes was a fact of life that Vance would have accepted along with death and taxes.

Vance should get his facts straight. It is a fact that school shootings occur; however, by adding the phrase of life Vance dismisses them. It is fact of life, for example, that we must die. It is not a fact of life that children must die by gun violence. Vance is wrong. He was also wrong when he dismissed childless women as cat ladies. He got it wrong again when he said Ohio citizens from Haiti eat pets.

It is a verifiable fact that Vance gets it wrong time and again. Though it is not a fact of life that Vance will constantly get things wrong, he seems to be working on it.

John Michael Atherton

Dover

Haitians need our empathy, not misinformation

Sept. 15  To the Editor:

Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, I started traveling there once or twice a year as part of a non-profit group that runs a medical clinic and builds homes. I joined a large and disparate Seacoast community, devoted to helping the people of Haiti. Sadly, COVID ended those trips for many of us. The poverty I saw there was staggering. Families living in lean-tos flooded every time it rained. Families getting by on barely one meal a day, only surviving because of remittances from relatives, lucky enough to get to the US. Equally staggering was the Haitian peoples resilience, devotion family, and warmth toward us as they endured the poverty they were born into - poverty created and reinforced at various times by Western powers including us. I quickly learned that Haitians like many of us here view education as the key to the future. So each day we would see children emerge from huts on their way to school, amazingly in spanking clean and carefully ironed clothes. Really not different from what we see as our children wait for the school bus except for the huts and the ironed clothes. Only the luck of birth separates the affluent among us from Haitians and others living in poverty.

Ironically, the disseminators of the baseless accusations about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, enthusiastically welcomed into their fold in August a just failed presidential candidate (Robert F. Kennedy, Jr), one who had once proudly posted/boasted on social media about eating a dog.

Judy Spiller

Kittery Point, Maine

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: If C&J charges for parking, NH should get the money: Letters
The News

CERN, the European particle-physics collaboration that operates the Large Hadron Collider, will expel hundreds of Russian-affiliated scientists from its laboratories.

The Geneva-based organization decided to cut ties with Moscow after Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, ending nearly 60 years of collaboration, and the agreements are now lapsing. Russia has never been a full member but worked closely on nuclear physics.

Scientists tied to Belarusian institutions already saw their contracts end in July, and any Russian-linked scientists will lose access, as well as residency permits, in December.

CERN will, however, maintain links with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, an intergovernmental center near Moscow, a decision that is controversial for some researchers.

SIGNALS

Russias invasion has suffocated scientific collaboration

Sources: Times Higher Education, SwissInfo, Science Business

Many Western governments asked their research institutions to cut ties with their Russian counterparts after the invasion of Ukraine, reducing scientific collaboration between Moscow and the West. Some Russian scientists have warned that cutting them out will only strengthen Vladimir Putins hand: He will use it as an argument to convince the Russian people that the countries around him are enemies, a physicist told SwissInfo. Its not just the West that has pulled back: The Kremlin has also become more suspicious of academic projects with foreign researchers, and many Russian researchers are fearful of the consequences of international collaboration, the trade publication Science Business reported.

China becomes Russias biggest science partner

Sources: Science Business, Politico

China is now Russias biggest scientific collaborator, overtaking Germany and the US last year in terms of joint research articles, Science Business reported. The ties with China arent actually growing that much, it is just the ties with the west that are shrinking, a Russian researcher told the news outlet. Moscow is also providing China with sensitive military technology in exchange for its support for Russias war machine, US officials warned last week. The capabilities that Russia is providing is support in areas where previously they had been frankly reluctant to engage directly with China, a top US State Department official told reporters, saying this included new technologies for submarines and missiles.

Geopolitical rivalry threatens US-China scientific cooperation

Sources: Nature, Semafor

Geopolitical tensions are also complicating research cooperation between the US and China. A key science pact between the two superpowers lapsed in late August, although a US State Department spokesperson told Semafor that the two remain in communication about the agreement, which dates back to the start of US-China diplomatic ties in 1979. While the deal is largely symbolic, it has become a bellwether for scientific cooperation between the countries. Experts suspect Washington may not have the appetite to sign an agreement with Beijing before the US presidential election, as Democrats do not want to come across as soft on China.
PAWTUCKET  The city has become the poster child for this year's election controversies, with allegations by Common Cause Rhode Island of recurring "violations of the Voting Rights Act," months after promising corrective actions in a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, said that on primary day, "our trained, nonpartisan 'Election Protection' volunteers documented several violations of the Voting Rights Act in Pawtucket.

"These violations came despite the city's prior agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to provide critical language access to Spanish-speaking voters, as required by federal law."

As examples, he said: "Our team observed missing or inadequate signage in Spanish, including information about voter ID requirements, provisional ballots, and a bilingual voter hotline  all essential for ensuring that every voter, regardless of language, has the resources they need to participate in our democracy."

Marion sent a formal letter to Pawtucket election officials documenting the findings and "demanding an investigation and immediate corrective actions before the November general election.''

He asked the state Board of Elections to exercise its oversight powers to make sure Pawtucket complies with the law, and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island to "send additional federal observers to all Pawtucket polling places'' during the 20 days of early in-person voting and Election Day.

Marion explained the reason Common Cause focused on the former mill city was the consent order entered in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island on May 23, 2024, to resolve a lawsuit the Department of Justice filed against Pawtucket.

The lawsuit alleged the city failed to provide Spanish-language assistance and did not allowing qualified voters to cast provisional ballots, in violation of federal voting laws.

"Language barriers should never prevent an eligible voter from being able to fully participate in the democratic process, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said at the time.

Providing bilingual materials and language assistance for those who are limited English proficient will ensure that these citizens have a meaningful opportunity to participate in our democracy. We will continue to confront any barriers that stand between voters and the ability to cast their vote."

Under the consent decree, Pawtucket was required to provide all election-related information in both English and Spanish at polling places and online, and to ensure in-person language assistance was available at all early voting sites and at polling places on Election Day.

The consent decree also required that "all voters who are registered to vote have a right to cast a provisional ballot if their name is not found on the registration list. The consent decree also provides that federal observers may monitor election day activities in polling places in the City of Pawtucket."

According to Marion, "What our volunteers discovered [on Sept. 10] was alarming.

"They documented numerous violations of the consent order. Those violations not only included the extra remedies required of Pawtucket by the consent order, but also basic signage that is required for all Rhode Island communities."

"In other words, not only did Pawtucket fail to clear the higher bar set by the consent order, it failed to clear the bar that was in place before the city was sued by the Department of Justice."

For example, he said "one of our volunteers informed us that precinct 2602, the Curvin McCabe School at 466 Cottage Street, only displayed signs in English. ... That same volunteer submitted pictures from precinct 2622, the Cunningham School at 40 Baldwin Street. Again, the state-provided signage was in English only."

Despite assurances from Mayor Donald Grebien's Chief of Staff Ryan Holt that the city would address these and other problems, Marion said, a second volunteer reported similar problems at polling stations at St. Theresas Church and the the Portuguese Social Club, including, No sign offering assistance with Spanish.

Contacted again, Marion said, Holt again promised the city would address the problems.

While appreciative of Holt's efforts, Marion said: "It is distressing that not only were the polling places not set up correctly as late as the three oclock hour, after polls had been open for more than eight hours, there were still problems present at Pawtucket polling places."

In response, a spokesman for the City of Pawtucket said: "We appreciate Common Cause of Rhode Island for notifying us of their concerns. The few issues that they did identify and notify us about on September 10th were addressed promptly.

"For example, after being notified that Spanish language voting information had not been posted at 6 out of 28 Pawtucket polling places, the [Board of Canvassers] quickly posted this voting information in Spanish,'' spokesman Christopher Hunter, who doubles a a spokesman for the state Board of Elections, said.

Despite Common Cause's findings, Hunter said: the city has "been working closely with the U.S. Department of Justice ... to ensure that our City's Spanish speaking residents are able to exercise their right to vote.

"This work has included hiring a bilingual elections coordinator, translating all information about voting in elections into Spanish, recruiting dozens of Spanish speaking poll workers for all Pawtucket polling locations, enhanced poll worker training with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, and setting up a hotline for Spanish speaking voters to obtain information and report any concerns."

Jim Martin, the spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office, told The Journal: "The federal government remains committed to enforcing our consent order with the City of Pawtucket, and ensuring that residents core civil rights to ballot access are upheld.

"To that end, federal monitors will be observing polling at the upcoming general election on November 5, and any Rhode Islander with information relevant to ballot access issues is encouraged to contact this office," he said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Common Cause RI alleges voting rights violations in Pawtucket
The woman was sailing around the Canary Islands on the British-registered Dalliance Chichester

A German tourist has died after a shark bit off her leg in the Atlantic south of the Canary Islands, the first death caused by a shark attack in the waters around the islands in history.

Spanish authorities dispatched an air force helicopter to rescue the woman, but she died while on board as it travelled to one of the archipelagos hospitals.

The 30-year-old woman, who has not been named, was on a cruise on a British-registered pleasure boat when the attack happened shortly before 4pm on Monday.

It has not been reported how it took place, but shark-related incidents off the coast of north-west Africa and near the Canary Islands are extremely rare.

The crew of the Dalliance Chichester catamaran reported the emergency to Spains coastguard at 3.55pm on Monday.

At the time, the vessel was situated about 300 miles south of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and just over 100 miles from Dakhla, Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony over which Morocco claims to have sovereignty.

Spains coastguard asked Morocco if its rescue services were available to offer assistance, but the Moroccan coastguard said it did not have resources in the area.

The Spanish coastguard also issued an alert to all shipping in the area near the Dalliance Chichester, with one vessel responding by taking medical supplies to the catamaran.

Authorities in the Canary Islands decided to send a Spanish air force search and rescue helicopter, with a military plane supporting the mission.

The helicopter came from Gran Canaria and took the injured woman on board at around 8.05pm. The woman, who had one of her legs severed by the shark, reportedly suffered a fatal cardiac arrest during the rescue flight.

The crew of the Dalliance Chichester catamaran reported the emergency to Spains coastguard at 3.55pm on Monday - A/NPZ/SM

According to online maritime traffic monitoring navigators, the Dalliance Chichester had left Las Palmas de Gran Canarias port last Saturday and headed south.

The International Shark Attack File, compiled by the Florida Museum of Natural History, said Mondays attack was the first confirmed incident involving a shark in waters near the Canary Islands that had resulted in death.

The file mentions six confirmed incidents in the area since records began in the 16th century, with a seventh considered probable.

No shark incident had previously been documented in the area where Mondays attack took place. The closest, apart from those in the Canary Islands, was reported in the African archipelago of Cape Verde.

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.
JD Vance has suggested that he will continue to call Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio illegal aliens despite knowing that theyre here legally.

During a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday, Vance was asked by Politico what would happen to migrants in the country under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, such as many of those in Springfield, during a possible second Trump administration. The Republican vice presidential nominee was also asked how the administration would go about deporting migrants in the country legally.

The media loves to say that the Haitian migrants hundreds of thousands of them, by the way, 20,000 in Springfield, but hundreds of thousands of them all across the country, they are here legally, Vance said. And what they mean is that Kamala Harris used two separate programs, mass parole and temporary protective status ... to wave a wand and to say, We're not going to deport those people here.

He added: Well, if Kamala Harris waves the wand illegally and says these people are now here legally, I'm still going to call them an illegal alien. And illegal action from Kamala Harris does not make an alien legal. That is not how this works.

Many of the Haitian migrants currently in the US came to the country under the Biden administrations TPS and Humanitarian parole program, which allows migrants from Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela to come to the US legally if they have a sponsor and meet certain requirements. Some who are eligible can wait in the country as their permanent immigration status is ironed out.

JD Vance said he would keep referring to migrants in Ohio as illegal aliens (AP)

The city of Springfield states on its website that YES, Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program. Once here, immigrants are then eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Haiti is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security for TPS. Current TPS is granted through February 3, 2026.

Several reports have now confirmed that an aide to Vance was told by a Springfield official previously this month that the claims about Haitian migrants stealing and eating domestic pets were baseless but that former President Donald Trumps running mate went ahead and spread the claims anyway, according to the Wall Street Journal and ABC News. On September 9, city manager Bryan Heck told a Vance staffer in a call that the claims were baseless.

But Vance chose not to remove a post on X that he shared that very same morning claiming that reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

The following day, Trump made the same claim during the presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Vance campaign handed The Journal a police report to try to back up their claims, but the report turned out to have been based on a mistake. The woman who filed the report, Anna Kilgore, had lost her cat and believed her Haitian neighbors may be to blame. But her cat came back home unscathed several days later, and Kilgore apologized to her neighbors. She told ABC News that she believed that her neighbors could have been behind her cats disappearance because of rumors being spread on Facebook and TikTok.

I wish I could take it all back, she told ABC News.

Appearing on CNN over the weekend, Vance said he had to create stories to make the US media focus on immigration.

If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then thats what Im going to do because you guys are completely letting Kamala Harris coast, he said.

He then claimed that the rumors come from firsthand accounts from my constituents. I say that were creating a story, meaning were creating the American media focusing on it.

I didnt create 20,000 illegal migrants coming into Springfield thanks to Kamala Harriss policies. Her policies did that, he added on Sunday.
Soldiers and volunteers in southwestern Poland have laid sandbags near swollen rivers around the city of Wrocaw to protect homes and businesses after days of flooding across Central Europe.

Along with Austria, the Czech Republic and Romania, Poland has been hit hard by floods following record rains in the region that began last Thursday.

Authorities have reported 23 deaths, with seven each in Poland and Romania, five in Austria and four in the Czech Republic.

The fourth death in the Czech Republic was reported on Wednesday when police said they found the body of a 70-year-old woman who was swept away by waters on Sunday in the town of Kobyla nad Vidnavkou near the town of Jesenik, located in the badly hit northeast.

The weather has since improved, with warm and sunny conditions in the Czech Republic, Poland and elsewhere. Water levels were falling in some places, allowing authorities and residents to clean up debris.

Firefighters inspecting safety of houses following heavy flooding in the town of Stronie Slaskie, southwestern Poland, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. - Tomasz Fijoek/KG PSP

Firefighters in Poland have been pumping water out of flooded streets and basements. But some areas are still under threat  particularly in southwestern Poland.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has held crisis meetings in Wrocaw with local officials and rescue services, urging protective measures and saying his government would help those affected.

Related

Soldiers and residents in Marcinkowice, near Wrocaw, laid sandbags near a bridge over the Oawa River, whose waters flow into the Oder, the major river that rises in the Czech Republic and runs north through Poland to Germany.

The community leader of the town of Oawa, Artur Piotrowski, described the situation as difficult. He told the Polish state news agency PAP that two villages in a low-lying area have been flooded since Monday and residents have refused to evacuate.

Residents paddle through a flooded street in Bohumin, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 - Darko Bandic/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

Thousands of Polish soldiers were in action. Some evacuated people and animals from flood-affected areas and distributed food and drinking water. The army also posted on X on Wednesday that it had set up a field hospital in the town of Nysa after patients had to be evacuated from a hospital there earlier this week.

Soldiers have built a temporary bridge in the town of Guchoazy to replace one that was washed away by the flooding. Residents in another flood-damaged town, Stronie Slaskie, have appealed to Tusk to send someone to take charge of cleanup and recovery efforts, saying they have so far been chaotic and inefficient.

Experts have been preparing for flood threats due to the cresting Oder River in Opole, a city of some 130,000 residents, which seems to have avoided any major flooding, and in Wrocaw, home to about 640,000 residents, which suffered disastrous flooding in 1997.

The European Union's head office said on Wednesday that the floods in Central Europe and the deadly wildfires in Portugal are joint proof of a "climate breakdown" that can only be mitigated with drastic action.
VALLETTA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Malta on Thursday released commemorative stamps to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Addressing the stamp release ceremony, Peng Yijun, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Malta, highlighted China's profound achievements over the past 75 years in areas such as economy, science, technology, culture, social development and stability.

"China has become a responsible global actor and is glad to go forward hand in hand with true friends like Malta," Peng said. He noted that the bilateral relations between China and Malta "showcase mutual respect, equality and amity between countries different in social system and size."

Gavin Gulia, chairman of Malta Tourism Authority, highlighted the increasing numbers of Chinese tourists visiting Malta and Maltese travelers going to China. "We believe that tourism is the best way for people-to-people exchange and the best means to foster friendship," he said.

"In the future, we not only hope to invite more Chinese friends to visit Malta, but also wish for more Maltese people to travel to China, to experience its diverse customs and personally feel the warmth of this distant, friendly nation," Gulia said.

Charmaine St John, mayor of Santa Lucija, Malta's first sister city with China, expressed her hopes for deepening ties. "Whether in times of adversity or smooth sailing, we will remain true to our original aspiration, enhance mutual understanding, and hope to increase interaction and visits between the two sides and substantially promote sister city cooperation and exchanges," she said.

The stamp collection which consists of two stamps, presents the map of Malta, as well as the Beijing landmark Tian'anmen Square which has witnessed the 75 years of the grand National Day celebrations and the development of China. 
A Vermont local official was found shot to death along with his new wife and stepson in their home over the weekend, state police have said.

Brian Crossman, his wife Erica and her 13-year-old son, Colin Taft, were found in their house Sunday morning. A relative, whose clothes were soaked in blood, called the police, waited at a nearby school and led them to the grim scene, according to local paper the Bennington Banner.

Police have ruled all three deaths homicides, but no arrests have yet been announced.

Crossman was recently elected to the select board of Pawlet, Vermontthe small town of around 1,400 people where he lived. In the role, he was part of a council responsible for monitoring the towns spending and enacting new laws.

Brian and Erica had married just months prior, in June.

A neighbor and relative, who wished not to be named, told the Banner that the couple had been working to fix up Brians family farm.

Its hard to even make sense of what happened, the neighbor said. I just know three people are dead, and thats not good.

The five-person select board still met on Tuesday as usual, with flowers in Brians place at the table, NECN reported.

Brian Crossman was a friend and neighbor, a hardworking community member who just this year stepped up to join the Pawlet Selectboard, the boards chairperson, Mike Beecher, said in a statement. This tragedy that struck him and his family has also hit our community hard, and we are shaken and grieving. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating loss.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The News

US officials will today raise complaints over Beijings alleged economic overcapacity in talks with their Chinese counterparts.

Washington and other Western capitals argue Chinese companies are manufacturing too much, leading to a flood of underpriced goods that undercut their own domestic companies.

Those worries are amplified by Chinas slowing economy, which makes it harder for the country to absorb its own production: Each year, it manufactures as much steel as the rest of the world combined, and exports are suddenly surging, up by 35% on the previous year. Beijing dismisses such concerns, arguing that Washington simply wants to constrain its growth.

SIGNALS

Global South braces for redirected cheap Chinese goods

Sources: Foreign Policy, Rhodium Group

Western resistance to Chinas export-heavy economic model has emerging economies like Indonesia, Thailand, and India  which once viewed China as a crucial partner  worried that excess production will harm their markets instead, an Asia expert noted in Foreign Policy. Being flooded with Chinese goods could exacerbate the problems of premature industrialization in these countries, making it more difficult for them to reach advanced levels of income, he argued. Chinas dominance is bad for competition, and makes other countries vulnerable to changes within its domestic environment, two China experts argued for the Rhodium Group.





Emerging economies have less to offer a more developed China

Sources: Atlantic Council, Financial Times

Emerging economies previously benefited from Chinas rapid export growth by supplying it with food and fuel for energy production, but may struggle to ride the wave this time around, the Atlantic Council argued. Beijings move up the value chain requires advanced technologies that emerging economies typically dont produce, and theres little domestic demand for low-value-added goods from low- and middle-income countries. This can create a vicious cycle: In Pakistan, for example, businesses are turning to cheap rooftop Chinese-made solar panels as electricity prices rise, but mass adoption risks making the power provided by the countrys own grid unaffordable, Pakistans energy minister told the Financial Times.
A 27-year-old Yarmouth man who was reported in 2021 to have an intellectual disability is facing charges related to two incidents involving young children  one in 2021 and another in July  according to Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois.

A grand jury has indicted Ryan Evans on charges related to a 2021 incident, including unarmed burglary, assault to rape a child, assault and battery, malicious destruction of property less than $1,200, larceny under $1,200, and attempt to commit burglary, the DA's office announced in a release issued late Wednesday afternoon.

The indictment further charges him with assault to rape a child, two counts of indecent assault and battery, andenticing a child under 16, stemming from allegations of an encounter with a child in July.

An arraignment was set for Thursday morning in Barnstable County Superior Court but was rescheduled to Sept. 23 because the defense attorney failed to appear, according to court records.

Both cases were investigated by the Yarmouth Police Department Special Victims Unit. Assistant District Attorney Courtney Scalice, who heads the DA's Child Abuse and Vulnerable Victims Unit, is prosecuting the cases.

Most recently, on July 9, a young boy was lured behind the bathroom at Peter Homer Park in South Yarmouth by a male who was later identified as Evans, according to the DA's office. The boy was able to get away and, according to the DA, Evans fled on a bike. Since he was required to wear a GPS monitor as a condition of his release following a previous alleged incident in 2021, police were able to use the device's location data "to place him at the park, behind the bathroom," at the time of the alleged offense, the DA said.

The previous incident occurred on July 6, 2021, according to the DA, when Evans is alleged to have been inside a young girl's bedroom when she woke up and screamed, resulting in her father chasing him out of the house and making a 911 call. In Wednesday's statement, the DA's office noted that a neighbor with a young son reported someone had tried to break into her home on the same night."Fingerprints recovered at both houses matched Ryan Evans," according to the DA's announcement about the indictment.

Evans was arraigned in Barnstable District Court a few days after the 2021 incident on the same charges listed in the indictment released Wednesday. At the time, Judge John Julian ordered Evans committed to Worcester Recovery Center for further examination. His mother, Beverly Evans, asserted that her son had never broken into anyone's house or tried to touch a child, and that he didn't know what was going on.

In 2021, Evans' mother further revealed that her son was diagnosed with an intellectual disability when he was 13. He was born in Jamaica and came to the U.S. in 2019. While in Jamaica, he did not complete school, getting to the 10th grade before dropping out and entering the workforce.

Heather McCarron can be reached at hmccarron@capecodonline.com.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Yarmouth man indicted in cases involving young children. What we know.
As early voting begins on Friday, here is a look at what is on the ballot in the Lynchburg area.

Virginians can cast ballots for president and U.S. Senate, and will have the chance to weigh in on a statewide referendum regarding a proposed tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a soldier who died in the line of duty.

The candidates for president are Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee; former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee; Jill Stein of the Green Party; Libertarian Chase Oliver; independent Claudia De la Cruz; and independent Cornel West.

The candidates for U.S. Senate are Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Republican Hung Cao.

The statewide ballot question is whether the state Constitution should be amended so that a tax exemption currently available to the surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty.

Currently, the Virginia Constitution allows the General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the surviving spouse of any soldier the U.S. Department of Defense determines to have been killed in action. The proposed amendment would expand this tax exemption to all surviving spouses of soldiers the U.S. Department of Defense determines to have died in the line of duty.

In the 5th Congressional District, which in the Lynchburg area includes the City of Lynchburg, all of Amherst, Appomattox, Campbell and Nelson counties, and a portion of Bedford County, state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, faces Democrat Gloria Tinsley Witt.

For voters in Lynchburg, city council ward races are on the ballot. According to Virginia election law, party affiliations of the city council candidates will not appear on the ballot.

Here are the candidates, with party affiliation, for Lynchburg City Council races in this years general election:

City Council Ward I

City Council Ward II

City Council Ward III

City Council Ward IV

Lynchburg City Council passed an ordinance earlier this month moving the polling place for the fourth precinct in Ward III from Compassion Church of the Nazarene to Heritage High School. The Lynchburg General Registrars Office will send notices to affected voters in the precinct 30 days prior to the election.

Absentee voting by mail and early in-person at the general registrars office begins on Friday. A ballot drop box will be available at the registrars office at 825 Kemper St. in Lynchburg.

The last day to register to vote or submit a change of address for this years general election is Oct. 15. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct 25. The last day for early voting in-person is Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the registrars office.

On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ballot drop boxes will be available at polling places and the registrars office during voting hours on Nov. 5.

An acceptable form of ID is required to vote in person. Voters may confirm their polling place through the Virginia Department of Elections citizens portal.

The easiest way to register to vote or check registration status is visiting the Virginia Department of Elections citizens portal. Same-day registration is available to let voters cast a provisional ballot at any Lynchburg precinct.

After polls close on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. election results will be tallied on the Virginia Department of Elections website.

For more information on voting in Lynchburg, visit the citys elections website at https://www.lynchburgva.gov/507/Elections.

Amherst County

In Amherst County and the other surrounding counties, the federal elections and state ballot question are the same as in Lynchburg. There are no countywide contests on the ballot. In the Town of Amherst, though, three incumbents and four newcomers are running for three seats on Amherst Town Council in the Nov. 5 election.

Councilors Sharon Turner, Michael Driskill and Kenneth Watts are seeking re-election, while residents Sonny Sundaramurthy, Jared Martin, Jason Eagle and Shannan Carter filed to run and qualified for the ballot.

Early voting starts in Amherst County on Friday at the registrars office inside the county courthouse at 113 Taylor St. in Amherst. Early voting will take place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on voting in Amherst County, visit the registrars website at https://www.countyofamherst.com/department/index.php?structureid=10.

Appomattox County

In-person, early voting in Appomattox County will take place at the registrars office at 367 Virginia Ave. in Appomattox starting on Friday. Early voting hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the Town of Appomattox, five candidates are running for three at-large seats on the town council. Councilmembers James Boyce Sr. and Jane Allen are running for re-election, while Claudia G. Puckette opted not to run again. Residents Diamond E. Lawing, McKinley D. Cardwell and Stephanie A. Pawelczyk are also runninig for town council in Appomattox.

The Town of Pamplin City in Appomattox County also is holding town council elections. Each of the councilmembers, however, is running unopposed.

For more information on voting in Appomattox County, visit the registrars website at https://www.appomattoxcountyva.gov/225/2024-General-Special-Elections.

Bedford County

In Bedford County, early in-person voting for the general election will be held at the Bedford County Gym at 1059 Turning Point Road in Bedford, starting Friday.

In the Town of Bedford, four candidates are on the ballot running for the same total of seats up for grabs on Bedford Town Council in the Nov. 5 election.

Todd Foreman, who currently serving his first term on council, is running along with newcomers Jaithan C. Jai Ippolito, Dwight O. Evans and David C. DC Foster. Bruce Hartwick, who lost his seat in the November 2023 election, has stated on his personal Facebook page he is running as a write-in. The four candidates chosen will serve new four-year terms.

For more information on voting in Bedford County, visit the registrars website at https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/government/departments-offices-o-z/voter-information/election-information.

Campbell County

In-person, early voting for Campbell County residents for the general election will be starting Friday at the registrars office at 41 Courthouse Lane in Rustburg from 8:30 to 5 p.m.

In the towns of Altavista and Brookneal, mayor and town council seats are up for election.

For more information on voting in Campbell County, visit the registrars website at https://www.co.campbell.va.us/623/Election-Information.

Nelson County

In Nelson County, in-person, early voting will be held, starting on Friday, in the registrars office at 571 Front St. in Lovingston from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Along with the federal races and the state ballot question, Neely T. Hull is running unopposed for Nelson County treasurer for an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Previous Nelson County Treasurer Angela Hicks, who was first elected as treasurer in November 2011, retired on Aug. 1.

In June, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors announced there would be a special election on Nov. 5 to fill the treasurers seat for the remainder of Hicks term.

For more information on voting in Nelson County, visit the registrars website at https://votingnelsoncountyva.org.
The Lynchburg Republican City Committee violated its own bylaws when it agreed to schedule a special meeting to vote on the censure and removal of Mayor Stephanie Reed and Vice Mayor and Ward IV Councilman Chris Faraldi from the party, the Republican Party of Virginia said Tuesday.

The Republican Party of Virginias general counsel reviewed the effort to oust Reed and Faraldi from the LRCC and found it violated Article III, Section B, paragraph 4 of the LRCCs bylaws, according to the state party.

This section of the LRCCs bylaws states that elected officials who ran as the Republican Partys nominee and whose district includes all or part of the city of Lynchburg shall be an Ex Officio Member of the Lynchburg Republican Party through the end of the organizational year in which they leave office.

Both Reed and Faraldi are therefore not subject to removal from the LRCC as long as they hold office, the state party said.

On Sunday, the LRCC announced a special meeting had been scheduled for Oct. 15 where members will vote on a petition that calls for the censure and removal of the mayor and vice mayor from the party.

The petition, signed by 30 Lynchburg Republicans, also calls on Reed to vacate the office of mayor and allow city council to reorganize its leadership. It also calls on Faraldi to immediately withdraw from the Ward IV general election. The LRCC has close to 100 members.

Veronica Bratton, chair of the LRCC, had not responded to a request for a comment at the time this article was published.

The latest effort to oust Reed and Faraldi from the citys Republican Party is the culmination of nearly two years of party infighting.

Among elected officials, Ward III Councilman Jeff Helgeson and At-large Councilman Martin Misjuns have been leading the charge against fellow Republicans Reed and Faraldi. U.S. Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, also has criticized Faraldi for voting for Reed as mayor in January 2023 after the Republicans gained a majority on city council.

On the matter of the LRCCs effort to censure Reed and Faraldi, the Republican Party of Virginia said the sole mission of the state party and its 125 subordinate committees across Virginia, including the Lynchburg GOP, is to elect Republicans to public office.

It is not to police or punish elected Republicans through censure and other adverse actions, the state party said. For this reason, the Republican Party of Virginia does not recognize censure actions by our subordinate member committees and therefore deems such actions to be null, void, and without effect.

In its statement, the state party reminded its affiliated committees to avoid any distraction from the crucial mission that all Lynchburg and Virginia Republicans are united behind: Electing Donald J. Trump, Hung Cao, John McGuire, and all nominated local candidates on November 5th.

We know that Republicans in Lynchburg and throughout the Commonwealth want their elected officials and Republican leadership to focus their attention where it belongs: On highlighting Democrat failures and the proven success of common-sense conservative policies, the state party said.

Last week, Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson was in Lynchburg to welcome Cao, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

The LRCC declined to identify the 30 Republicans who signed the petition to oust Reed and Faraldi. The party also said the planned vote on Oct. 15 will be conducted by secret ballot due to documented evidence that Reed and Faraldi have engaged in retaliatory actions against fellow Republicans.

The petition states Reed has used her office to intimidate Lynchburg residents and threatened a libel lawsuit against an LRCC member for expressing his protected views about her conduct as mayor.

Reed declined to address the Republican Party of Virginias statement when contacted by The News & Advance for comment.

Instead, Reed highlighted her schedule for Tuesday, which included visiting with city social services employees and then reading to first graders at Dearington Elementary School. The mayor also reiterated that the Lynchburg community is where my focus is every day.

Faraldi had not responded to a request for comment at the time this article was published.
AKITA, Sep 20 (News On Japan) - The Tohoku Shinkansen came to a halt for five hours on Thursday due to an unexpected mid-journey separation of the linked Hayabusa and Komachi trains, 30 minutes after passing Furukawa Station with a total of 320 passengers on board.

The Komachi No. 6, departing from Akita, was coupled with the Hayabusa No. 6, which had started from Morioka Station, at 7:37 a.m.

The Hayabusa train resumed operation three and a half hours later, shortly after 11:30 a.m., and the Komachi followed soon after.

However, the impact of the incident was widespread. Operations between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori were temporarily suspended. Not only were the Tohoku and Akita Shinkansen affected, but cancellations also extended to the Yamagata Shinkansen, affecting approximately 45,000 people.

In the past, there have been incidents of couplers detaching on conventional rail lines. A recent example occurred in November last year when the coupling between an electric locomotive and passenger cars on the Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka failed, triggering an emergency stop. This was classified as a serious incident that could have led to an accident.

However, this is the first time such an event has occurred on the nations fastest Shinkansen. According to JR East, the trains were traveling at around 315 km/h at the time of the separation.

A Hayabusa passenger stated, "There was no sign of anything unusual; the train came to a quiet stop. I thought it was just a regular temporary stop-and-go situation. Then the driver made an announcement, mentioning a problem with the coupling."

A Komachi passenger noted, "There wasn't much impact. I was wondering why we stopped. The speed just gradually slowed down and we came to a stop."

This incident is the latest in a string of Shinkansen troubles this year. In January, a power outage occurred between Ueno and Omiya, causing a full-day suspension in some sections. The incident was likely due to a catenary wire drooping and making contact with the train. There was also a collision between maintenance vehicles on the Tokaido Shinkansen, resulting in a derailment.

Typically, uncoupling operations are performed at stations, so why did the trains become uncoupled mid-journey?

JR East has stated that there were no visible issues with the coupler, and the cause is still under investigation.

Additional Details on the Incident:

The accident occurred when the Komachi train from Akita was coupled with the Hayabusa at Morioka Station, heading toward Tokyo. The separation happened between Furukawa and Sendai, while the train was traveling at 315 km/h. After the separation, both trains traveled nearly 5 kilometers before coming to a stop, and at that point, they were about 300 meters apart.

The coupling process involves two projections fitting into each other, and so far, JR East has reported no abnormalities with the coupler. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.

Railway journalist Jun Umehara offered insights into the potential causes: "A failure in the electrical system may be to blame. Coupling and uncoupling are typically done with a button, and usually, the trains will not uncouple while moving faster than 5 km/h. It's possible that a malfunction in the electrical system sent a wrong signal."

JR East also explained that, for safety reasons, the automatic braking system is triggered when the coupler disengages, applying brakes to both trains simultaneously. To prevent a collision, the rear trains brakes are applied more forcefully than those of the front train. Additionally, the conductor on the Komachi was in the car next to the driver's cab and, sensing the problem, rushed to the front of the train to manually apply the emergency brakes.

Umehara warned, "This could have led to a serious accident. If the separation had occurred on a curve or a slope, the front car could have decelerated faster, potentially leading to a collision. A thorough investigation is essential to prevent a recurrence."

Source: ANN
Sep 20 (News On Japan) - Four high school students, aged 16 to 18, have been arrested on suspicion of injuring a third-year junior high school boy in a park in Machida City, Tokyo, in May of this year.

The group called the boy to the park, hit him with a wooden stick, and aimed two airguns at him, reportedly telling him, "If you can catch five BB pellets, we'll let you go," before firing.

The incident reportedly arose from a dispute between the boy and one of the attackers, concerning a girl who was dating one of the high schoolers.

Source: ANN
Dubai has consistently been a global hotspot for business, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Its strategic location, innovative infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make it a prime destination for setting up and growing a business. Here are nine compelling reasons why Dubai is an ideal location for business setup, including insights into the Dubai Airport Free Zone, company formation in Dubai Mainland, and tips for finding the best business consultant in Dubai.

Strategic Location

Dubais geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa offers unparalleled access to global markets. It serves as a major gateway for trade and commerce between East and West. It is making it an attractive hub for international businesses looking to expand their reach. The citys proximity to emerging markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It provides a significant advantage for companies aiming to tap into these growing economies.

World-Class Infrastructure

Dubai boasts a world-class infrastructure that supports business operations and growth. The citys state-of-the-art facilities include the Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest airports in the world, and the Dubai Airport Free Zone, a key area offering seamless logistics and trade facilitation. Dubais advanced transport networks, including its modern metro system, highways, and ports, further enhance connectivity and ease of doing business.

Business-Friendly Environment

Dubais government has implemented a range of policies to create a business-friendly environment. This includes offering various free zones with specialized regulations and incentives to attract foreign investment. In addition, the UAEs economic policies are designed to support business growth. They include zero percent corporate tax rates in many free zones and simplified business registration processes. For those considering company formation in Dubai Mainland, the streamlined regulatory framework and supportive business environment make it an attractive option.

Access to a Diverse Market

Dubais diverse and cosmopolitan population provides businesses with access to a wide range of consumer demographics. The citys multicultural environment fosters a unique blend of market needs and preferences, offering opportunities for businesses to cater to various segments. Whether youre targeting local residents, expatriates, or tourists, Dubais diverse market presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive.

Robust Legal Framework

Dubai offers a robust legal framework that protects investors and businesses. The UAEs legal system is based on a combination of Islamic law and civil law, providing a clear and structured approach to business regulations. The introduction of new laws and amendments, such as those related to intellectual property rights and commercial disputes, ensures a secure and transparent environment for business operations.

Supportive Government Initiatives

The Dubai government is proactive in supporting business growth through various initiatives and programs. Government entities such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) offer resources, guidance, and support for businesses. Additionally, Dubais ongoing commitment to innovation and technology is evidenced by initiatives like Smart Dubai, which aims to transform the city into the worlds smartest city through digital innovation and technology.

Access to Funding and Investment Opportunities

Dubais financial sector is well-developed, providing businesses with access to funding and investment opportunities. The city is home to numerous banks, venture capital firms, and investment funds that cater to a range of business needs. Dubais status as a financial hub also attracts international investors and private equity firms, offering additional avenues for securing capital and expanding business operations.

High Quality of Life

Dubai offers a high quality of life, which can be a significant factor in attracting top talent and professionals. The citys modern amenities, world-class healthcare, and educational institutions contribute to a high standard of living. Additionally, Dubais safety, cleanliness, and recreational facilities make it an attractive place for expatriates and their families, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.

Efficient Company Formation Processes

Dubais efficient company formation processes are a key advantage for entrepreneurs and investors. Setting up a business in Dubai is streamlined, with various options available depending on the type of business and location. The Dubai Airport Free Zone, for example, provides a hassle-free setup with benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, no import/export duties, and full repatriation of profits. For those opting for company formation in Dubai Mainland, the process has been simplified with clear guidelines and support from government agencies.

Finding the Best Business Consultant in Dubai

Navigating the business setup process in Dubai can be complex, especially for newcomers. Engaging with the best business consultant in Dubai can provide invaluable support. These experts can guide you through the regulatory requirements, assist with documentation, and ensure compliance with local laws. They also offer strategic advice on the best business structures and locations, helping you make informed decisions and set up your business efficiently.

Conclusion

Dubai has a combination of strategic location, world-class infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and supportive government initiatives. It makes it an ideal location for business setup. With its diverse market, robust legal framework, and access to funding, the city offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. Additionally, the efficient company formation processes and high quality of life further enhance Dubais appeal as a business hub.

Whether youre considering setting up a business in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, exploring options for company formation in Dubai Mainland, or seeking expert advice from the best business consultant in Dubai, the citys dynamic environment and resources provide a strong foundation for success. Embrace the opportunities that Dubai offers, and leverage its advantages to build and grow your business in this vibrant metropolis.
By Ikenna Ngere

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has firmly denied any involvement in a purported plan to remove the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

Naija News reports that this comes after a viral social media post alleged that Ganduje was leading a renewed effort to dethrone the emir, a claim the former Kano State governor has dismissed as baseless.

The controversy stems from a previous incident during Gandujes tenure as governor, when Emir Sanusi was removed from his position, a decision upheld by the courts.

Many at the time speculated that the ruling was influenced by the government of the day.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Ganduje, speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, categorically distanced himself from any fresh moves against the Emir.

He stressed that since he no longer holds the office of governor or speaker of the states House of Assembly, he has no authority over such matters.

The statement also ridiculed the idea that Ganduje would be plotting to influence the emirates affairs, noting that his current focus is on leading the APC and ensuring the continued success of the party.

The statement read, Ganduje has nothing to do with the present enthronement or dethronement of Emir Mohammad Sanusi in Kano. It should be noted that he is no longer the executive governor or the speaker of the House of Assembly and therefore cannot have anything to do further with the Emirship of Kano.

It is laughable that Ganduje who has left office as governor for some years now would be accused of masterminding a fresh plot to remove or enthrone an Emir. He is now very busy with leading the APC. He is satisfied with the enormous contributions he made in terms of massive dividends of democracy, infrastructural developments, and the good governance he provided while he held sway as governor.

Those who are behind this sinister move to malign the APC national chairman have revealed the clandestine and dangerous motive of the sponsors to create bad blood between Ganduje and the presidency.

Let me reiterate here that he has great respect for the national leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu. The relationship has been very cordial and no amount of blackmail can destroy the solidity of the partnership.
By Udeze Ekene

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has alleged that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, was fully involved in banditry activities in the state.

Governor Dauda Lawal further alleged that Matawalle as governor, kept some bandits in the Zamfara State government house.

Lawal stated this on Wednesday in an interview with Television Continental (TVC). He demanded that Matawalle resign his position as Minister.

Govern Lawal said, There were a lot of issues in the past with my predecessor. In fact, let me say this is very categorical. If I were him, I would resign and face all the allegations against me. And that would have been more honorable because from all the information were getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of these banditry issues.

Typical is the fact that there was a permanent secretary when his children were abducted; it was unfortunate that he had to pay ransom through the government house. And it was also very clear based on all the allegations that bandits were being kept at government house. You know, there are so many issues.

The Zamfara State Governor explained that the appointment of the former governor as Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Tinubu was unfair to the people of the state.

He advised Matawalle to resign from his position and clear his name.

So for me, honestly, if I were him, I would step aside and face this allegation until I clear my name before I come back and continue my job. That should have been more honorable. And how can you imagine all these allegations against him? And hes still the Minister of Defense. I mean, that is unfair.

This man could have been honorable, stay aside, face all these allegations, clear his name and then come back and continue to do whatever he wants to do. Whether he wants to remain as minister or he wants to do something else, that would have been more honorable as far as Im concerned. If Im in that position, believe me, Ill put in my resignation letter, Governor Lawal added.
Two decades after the U.S. government designated Vietnam as Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for tolerating or engaging in religious rights violations, religious freedom has deteriorated despite the designations initial successes, a new report states.

Vietnams 2004 designation as a CPC led to a binding agreement to improve religious rights the following year, but international religious freedom (IRF) policymakers have noted backsliding since then, states a report this month by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

Vietnam is a challenging case for IRF policymakers as the government met nearly all conditions of the 2005 agreement, the USCIRF report states. Yet, inconsistencies in the application of these policies mean that religious freedom conditions have broadly deteriorated.

The United States has maintained a strong level of discourse with Vietnamese leaders, but additional guardrails are needed to secure robust religious freedom in the country, the report states.

Vietnams CPC designations in 2004 and 2005 marked the only time that such an action led to a binding agreement for religious rights, according to the report. The CPC designations, combined with waivers on presidential actions such as sanctions and efforts toward the binding agreement, show how the State Department can encourage a violating government to take visible, constructive action, USCIRF notes.

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Under the May 2005 binding agreement with the State Department, Vietnam committed to implement new religious rights legislation, instruct local authorities to obey the new laws and facilitate processes for religious groups to open worship venues. Vietnamese officials were also bound to reopen churches closed in the Central Highlands, outlaw forced renunciations of faith and issue guidelines to speed up registration of congregations.

USCIRF noted in 2005 and 2006 annual reports that Vietnam responded to the designation, diplomacy and engagement by international civil society organizations by releasing from prison several prominent advocates for democracy, free speech and religious freedom and issuing instructions that included prohibiting officials from forcing people to renounce their faith. The prohibitions of forced renunciations, however, did not specify criminal penalties for those who carry out these practices.

Vietnam also issued Decree 22, which streamlined processes for registration and obtaining permits, deadlines for official responses to applications by religious groups and, in some cases, religious groups can expect a written explanation on why their application was denied, according to the report.

The CPC designations offer evidence against the argument that the United States should let national interests and security concerns keep it from designating a strategically important country as a CPC, USCIRF states.

As one interviewee who was a senior State Department official at that time noted, rather than breaking the relationship, the extensive engagement with the Vietnamese around the CPC designation and the development of the binding agreement led to deepening relational ties and mutual respect, the report states. The official recalled that in his subsequent engagements with other countries, he could cite Vietnam as an example of the positive outcomes of engaging with the United States and seeking substantive changes to protect religious freedom.

Vietnam registered an unprecedented number of religious groups, and within a year of the withdrawal of CPC in 2006, the United States granted permanent normal trade relations status and approved Vietnams accession to the World Trade Organization.

While these policies dramatically improved Vietnamese economic conditions, and the government made clear improvements on some religious freedom issues, USCIRF and other observers argued that the CPC withdrawal and trade normalization had been premature, the report states. In the years to follow, enforcement of new laws governing religion in Vietnam remained regionally uneven, while overarching rights abuses against dissenters and minorities continued.

In its 10-year retrospective, USCIRF suggested that elements of the U.S. administration pursuing trade goals in Vietnam rushed the withdrawal of the CPC status as human rights sanctions would have undermined those goals.

When Vietnam passed a new Law on Belief and Religion in 2016, stakeholders observed that while the law does include language on rights to freedom of religion and belief, it further entrenches the states firm grip on defining allowable practice and stifling dissent, the report stated.

In 2022, the State Department placed Vietnam on its Special Watch List for the first time and repeated the designation in 2023.

Sanctions are among the actions the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) calls on U.S. administrations to impose on CPCs, but Vietnam is among those countries that have been granted presidential waivers from sanctions.

Backsliding

Vietnams control over religious registration processes and its persecution of unregistered groups have led to continued religious rights violations, according to the report.

Although Vietnam is a highly religiously diverse society, state authorities have frequently opposed the registration of minority religious organizations, often for perceived political reasons, the USCIRF report states.

Groups enduring frequent legal and administrative abuses include Montagnard and Hmong Protestants, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao and Unified Buddhists, Duong Van Minh, and the Falun Gong, the report states. Lack of oversight on local authorities has created significant imbalances in how Vietnam has applied laws and regulations on religion and belief to these groups.

Even among registered groups, state authorities have near total control over the approval and content of religious activities, gatherings, and appointment of leaders, USCIRF reports. Dissidents, including religious leaders, have faced harassment, physical abuse, imprisonment, and surveillance. The governments interference has extended to the confiscation of property, closure of religious institutions, and censorship of religious materials.

Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report notes that Vietnamese officials are not sure how to react to increased international scrutiny of their freedom of religion record.

The 9.6 million Christians out of a population of 100 million mainly Buddhist people saw a slight decrease in pressure from families and local communities according to the 2024 WWL, with Vietnam dropping to 35th place from 25th the previous year among the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

However, there has also been an increase in violent attacks on believers and church buildings, and in the number of church leaders arrested, the WWL report notes. But despite such intense pressure to renounce Jesus, many hold on to their newfound faith with remarkable courage.

Protestants and converts from Buddhism or indigenous religions face intense pressure and violence for their faith, especially in the remote areas of central and northern Vietnam, according to the WWL report.

Most believers belong to ethnic minority groups, like the Hmong, and face social exclusion, discrimination and attacks, the report states. Their homes are sometimes destroyed, and they are forced to leave their villages. Church meetings face constant surveillance and frequent raids.
By Oladipo Abiola

A Source has claimed that the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, specifically instructed that no official should attend to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, when he visited the agency on Wednesday.

The source claimed the manner in which Bello came to the EFCC was unacceptable to the commission and a breach of protocol.

According to the source, Bello was able to skip some normal procedures in the EFCC because he came with a sitting Governor, Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who has immunity.

The EFCC, however, said it cant be intimidated by anybody or allow itself to be compromised by any political institution.

The anti-graft agency also called out Governor Ododo for the role so far played in the case involving Bello.

Upon realising that Bello came with the governor and some dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him.

His manner of coming to EFCC was a breach of our protocol. No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor.

To the EFCC, he came with grandeur which is contrary to our procedures.

There are stages of documentation which Bello skipped because he was with the governor who has immunity.

The EFCC also did not invite the governor. So, what was the basis for accompanying Bello to our headquarters in Abuja?

We have not been comfortable with the roles of the governor in this case.

After fulfilling all procedures of documentation, Bello was expected to come with his lawyer(s) and not a governor or Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

We cannot be intimidated or subject our system to political pollution.

This made the Executive Chairman of EFCC to direct that no official should attend to Bello. He must undergo due process like every invitee, a source told The Nation.

The EFCC also accused the media team of the former Governor of trying to promote propaganda by saying Bello was already in EFCC custody.

The commission was unhappy with the pre-emptive propaganda in the media by Bellos team which had created false impressions.

There was a narration that the ex-governor was already in EFCCs custody, the source added.

Naija News recalls there was drama on Wednesday when the media team of Bello said the former Kogi State Governor honoured the invitation of the EFCC by appearing at its headquarters in Abuja but the EFCC, through its spokesperson, denied having Bello in its custody.
Sam Dutcher had just finished running errands when the 18-year-old's Honda Pilot suddenly began to accelerate, even though his foot wasn't on the gas pedal. The brake wouldn't work, he couldn't shift into neutral, and before long, the runaway SUV was speeding into the western Minnesota count
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said it signed a deal with Bavarian Nordic to acquire 500,000 Mpox jabs to be sent to Africa urgently.

The vaccines will be funded by Gavis First Response Fund, a new financial mechanism created in June 2024 to make cash rapidly available to purchase vaccines in health emergencies.

The Mpox outbreak was declared a global health emergency with its epicenter DRC suffering 700 deaths this year and 22,000 cases.

It is estimated that 10 million vaccines are needed to meet demand, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for most cases, only received 100,000 vaccines earlier this month.

The vaccines, to be acquired by Gavi, received prequalification from the WHO on September 13, and Bavarian Nordic will be ready to supply them pending the signing of a supply agreement with UNICEF, Gavis alliance partner, which will be delivering these doses.

The First Response Fund was designed in collaboration with Gavi donors and partners specifically to provide rapid early funding for emergencies such as mpox. Using it today to fund the first direct transaction for vaccines in support of equitable access and the global response, just over a month since mpox was declared a public health emergency, takes us a long way towards our goal of protecting those most at risk, Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance said in a statement.
Africas rapid population growth is expected to lead to an increased demand on air travel, with Boeing expecting a robust annual growth rate of 6.4% in passenger traffic across the continent.

Boeing, in its latest commercial market outlook, expects Africas commercial fleet to more than double by 2043.

Regional aviation associate AFRAA estimates there will be a 15% growth in passenger traffic for African airlines in 2024 alone, compared to the previous year.

Currently, over 60 airlines operate approximately 500 Boeing aircraft in Africa, reflecting nearly eight decades of partnership between the manufacturer and the region.

To meet the burgeoning demand, Africa will need to recruit and train 76,000 new pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crew, effectively tripling the current workforce, according to Boeings outlook.
Moroccos justice minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, and his Gabonese counterpart, Paul Marie Gondjout, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Rabat to enhance judicial cooperation between the two nations.

The MoU aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation by expanding into technical areas of judicial administration, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and organizing scientific meetings to leverage the strengths of both countries judicial systems.

This agreement is part of efforts to reinforce the historical and cultural ties between Morocco and Gabon and to support African integration. It underscores the role of legislation in improving judicial administration in response to economic and social changes.

Following the signing ceremony, Gabonese Minister of Justice Gondjout praised Morocco as a model for judicial reform, highlighting the cooperation as a valuable opportunity to advance Gabons judicial system.

He emphasized the long-standing and evolving relationship between the two countries and expressed a desire to deepen exchanges for mutual benefit.

Gondjout stated that enhancing bilateral cooperation in the judiciary will boost local capacities and elevate the standard of justice in both nations, paving the way for a future marked by justice and stability.

Minister Ouahbi described the signing of the MoU as a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between Morocco and Gabon. He emphasized that the agreement represents a shared vision to build a robust, modern justice system capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

Ouahbi noted that strengthened judicial cooperation will yield tangible results, improving justice systems and reinforcing the rule of law, thereby enhancing the regional and international standing of both countries.
The World Bank plans to utilize guarantees to draw more international financing to Morocco, said Hiroshi Matano, Executive Vice President of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

We believe that these guarantees can help Moroccan borrowers (corporate and public institutions and non-sovereign risk counterparties) diversify their financing sources with private capital, Matano said in an interview with MAP.

The initiative is expected to support Moroccos transition to greener energy, bolster its status as a global trade and logistics hub, modernize transport infrastructure, and enhance human capital development, the WB official said during a recent visit to Morocco.

MIGA has already issued nearly 810 million in guarantees to finance the construction and expansion of the Rabat campus for Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), he recalled, adding that this operation sets the stage for future projects, including the expansion of the Tangier Med port complex and potential investments in the railway sector.

We are also exploring opportunities to assist Moroccan companies in exporting or investing internationally, Matano underlined, recalling that MIGA launched last July a guarantee platform to facilitate both inbound and outbound investments, particularly in Africa.

Matano noted the increasing role of African banks, including Moroccan institutions, as key financiers across the continent. We want to support African banks and investors in the same way weve supported global financial players, he stated.

During his visit to Morocco where he met with government officials and executives of public institutions, Matano discussed how the World Bank Group can align its efforts with Moroccos development priorities, focusing on high-productivity sectors such as education, healthcare, renewable energy, water, and transport. These align with Moroccos New Development Model for 2021-2035.

This visit provided an opportunity to explore collaborative avenues to support Moroccos ambitions through World Bank Group guarantees, he said, reaffirming commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Morocco and the World Bank.

Created in 1988, MIGA aims to promote foreign direct investment in emerging economies by mitigating non-commercial risks and enhancing credit for private investors through guarantees. Since its inception, MIGA has issued over $87 billion in guarantees for more than 1,000 projects, including wind farms, railways, and educational institutions.

The World Bank Groups Guarantee Platform aims to streamline processes and enhance accessibility to guarantees, targeting an annual issuance of $20 billion by 2030 to expand its impact in client countries.
Could Lisa Murkowski be the queen of America in 2025? Photo: Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

There are a lot of possible power configurations in Washington that could emerge from the noise and drama of this very close general election. At the moment, the presidential contest is as close to an absolute dead heat as you can imagine, and there are legitimate fears it will go into overtime just like the 2020 race. Control of the House is also teetering on a knifes edge; the best bet (historically) is that whichever party wins the presidential election will also win a majority in the House, but it really could go either way based mostly on a handful of districts in noncompetitive presidential states like California and New York.

The closest thing we have to a solid betting proposition is that Republicans will likely flip the Senate. They need to gain just two net seats to put that chamber out of reach of the Democrats, even if a newly elected Vice-President Tim Walz is the tie-breaking vote. With Joe Manchins retirement, Republicans are sure to pick up one seat. And the landscape is such that Democrats are playing defense nearly everywhere else in potentially losable races in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and, most of all, deep-red Montana (yes, Democrats are praying for upsets in Florida and Texas, but there may not be enough money on the planet to beat Ted Cruz or Rick Scott in a presidential year). So the GOP could flip the Senate if Democrats fall just one Senate race short of an unlikely sweep of competitive contests, no matter what happens to the House and the White House (though a Trump victory would, of course, make GOP control of the Senate even more likely by giving Republicans the vice-presidential tie-breaking vote).

What, then, will a Republican Senate mean for the country? For one thing, we do not know who will be running the chamber: Longtime Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is stepping down at the end of this Congress, and his conference will choose a successor after Election Day. At present, three senators, all much closer to the MAGA wing of the party than McConnell, are in the running: front-runner John Thune, close competitor John Cornyn, and Trumpy insurgent Rick Scott. Its possible another contender (e.g., Steve Daines) will emerge, but one of the two Johns is most likely, which would mean a cooperative help-mate for a Trump administration or an obstructionist if not actively revolutionary opposition to a Kamala Harris administration.

A Republican Senate as part of a Republican trifecta controlling both executive and legislative branches would play an important and perhaps central role in shaping the much-dreaded Trump 2.0 legislative agenda. As many of Trumps likely congressional initiatives (particularly the assault on non-defense programs eagerly contemplated in Project 2025) as possible would be packaged into a budget reconciliation bill that skirts any potential Senate filibuster by Democrats and makes potentially massive changes in tax and spending policies via simple up-or-down partisan votes. Its what former House Speaker Paul Ryan called a bazooka in my pocket, a way to impose one-party rule on Washington with breathtaking speed so long as party discipline holds.

But thats why the margin of Republican control may truly matter: Just as maverick Democrats Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema wielded outsize power in a 50-50 Senate in the first two years of the Biden administration, someone like Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski could very definitely hold the keys to the kingdom in a 50-50 Senate controlled by her party. She is, indeed, the only senator who could theoretically switch caucuses in the foreseeable future. She doesnt face voters again until 2028, and her voting base back home (and the ranked-choice voting system Alaska now uses) is organized around independents and Native Alaskans who dont really want their senator (who has routinely defied Donald Trump) to be a loyal Republican.

Should Republicans control the Senate as a Harris administration takes office, the chamber could potentially be a graveyard not only for legislative initiatives but for judicial- and executive-branch nominations and (if any are in the offing) treaties. Whoever is in charge of the Senate Republican conference will have powerful leverage over the White House, and notably progressive nominations may simply not be made to keep the confirmation machinery moving. If Democrats control the House as well, a Republican Senate would be the main locus of opposition to the new administration, with party rank and file (particularly if Donald Trump is still stirring the pot with MAGA activists) demanding total obstruction of Harriss agenda. Republican Senators will also have an eye on a relatively favorable 2026 landscape, aware that the nonWhite House party typically makes gains in midterm elections.

All in all, its likely a Republican Senate could be a moderating influence on a rampant Trump administration and a serious problem for an ambitious Harris administration. In either event, Democrats should strongly consider forging some new bonds with Murkowski and boning up on Alaskas priorities.
In August 2024, David Lloyd Jr.  the father of a young missionary killed with his wife, alongside a local mission director, by an armed gang in Haiti  released a written update about the ongoing work of Missions in Haiti, Inc. on the gang-dominated Caribbean island.

David Lloyd III, 23, and his wife Natalie, 21, married in June 2022, were killed on May 23 2024 during an armed gang raid alongside local mission director Jude Montis, 45, as previously reported by Christian Daily International. David Lloyd Jr, father of the younger David, vowed at the time to carry on the work of Missions in Haiti Inc, which he founded with his wife Alicia in 2000.

The ministry is focused on helping children living in poverty in Haiti, bringing the gospel through projects such as a House of Compassion providing schooling for youngsters, Good Hope Boys Home for boys who lost everything in the hurricanes of 2008, and a weekly church program for children.

David Lloyd Jrs August update recalled the terrible events of May 23. Details of the events are not all known, but the trio were under fire for two hours and the gang broke into a small house in a compound and killed them.

Haitian children and staff, locked for safety in the House of Compassion during the gang raid, heard the younger Davy preaching as he was killed.

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A lot of people heard the gospel message that night and for many it was probably the first time that they had heard it, wrote his father, in the August newsletter. It was a couple weeks after the murders that I learned of Davys preaching.

Prior to that I had asked God many times, how could you allow this to happen, when so many times before you showed up to protect us?

Then, after hearing how strong Davys voice was carrying the gospel message through the night air and the strength he had even after the first [gang] group pistol-whipped him and slammed his head into the concrete walls several times, causing blood to flow from the wounds and most likely causing major head trauma.

I still dont have all the answers, but I now realize that God did show up and He gave Davy anointing like he had never had before.

The previous newsletter had recalled with excitement the fact that Davvy and Natalie had joined the mission in Haiti as full time workers.

Davy and Natalie had a deep love for the people of Haiti, they witnessed firsthand the daily struggles of the average Haitian, Lloyd recalled. Davy, Natalie and Jude knew that Jesus is the only answer for Haiti and they shared that vision with the people in our area every day.

Jude Montis had been mission director for 20 years, involved in all aspects of the ministry and we all loved Jude dearly.

I still dont understand the why, but we are resolved to keep trusting God and we believe that something great will be accomplished for His Kingdom through the testimony of these three, wrote Lloyd.

We are comforted knowing that the minute their souls left their bodies, they were in Heaven in the presence of Jesus!

Looking to the future has been extremely challenging for all those who loved Davy, Natalie and Jude.

We should have updated you on the current status of Missions in Haiti several weeks ago, but every time I tried to put my thoughts down on paper, my mind would go blank and I would become overwhelmed with emotion, wrote Lloyd. This is without a doubt the most difficult letter I have written during my 26 years as a missionary in Haiti.

The mission base is still controlled by hundreds of gang members. The ministry has been unable to return to the area. The mission, school, church and bakery remain closed until the gang situation is resolved.

All the main staff and children from the House of Compassion and the boys home have been relocated to a safer site with food and shelter. This unanticipated measure has cost the mission a lot of money to get the new location back into a usable condition.

Our older boys jumped in and helped with the move and the renovations and we are grateful to them for all their hard work! Our children will be able to continue their education at the new facility.

Lloyd gave thanks for the generous financial donations given. For example, funds have replaced a truck stolen during the armed gang raid. Offerings sent to help the family of Jude Montis were also appreciated, which helped pay for his funeral and to support his widow and two children.

Jude and his wife were in the process of building an elementary school in the area where his wife owns some land, and we have committed to provide the financial support that will enable Judes wife to finish building the school as soon as things are safe in that area, wrote Lloyd.

Lloyd wrote that more than 100 gang members from the north of the island took part in the murders and property destruction during the terrible events of May 23.

We will probably never know what prompted the gang to act that evening, but reportedly they were high on drugs and alcohol and full of satan.

Lloyd wrote that the general picture for Haiti still seemed bleak. The U.S. had supplied weapons and Kenya had sent police to try and battle the gangs. But little progress had been made to restore stability and bring the gangs under control. Some 12,000 gang members control the daily lives of about 12 million Haitians, according to Lloyd, and 30 innocent people are killed on the island every day, including children.

There is a deep sense of hopelessness and despair throughout Haiti. Please keep us in your daily prayers as we seek Gods will and direction for our ongoing works in Haiti.

Lloyd has made three trips back to Haiti since the murders, including with Natalies father, Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker.

Our Haitian kids were definitely glad to see us and we really enjoyed spending time with them and our staff.

Lloyd vowed that Haiti is our home and our hearts are there with the people of Haiti. Even so, those involved from the outside in the mission are working through a very difficult healing process and our mental state will not allow us to live in Haiti full time.

Plans ahead include monthly visits, and particularly to show staff and children that they are loved and not abandoned.

We do hope and we believe that at some point the gangs will be controlled or eliminated and we will be able to reopen the House of Compassion, our schools, our church and our bakery.

Lastly, Lloyd vowed that the mission would never give up on the peoples of Haiti.

To quit now would dishonor Davy, Natalie and Jude and the ultimate sacrifices they made for the people of Haiti. As Natalies father, Ben Baker, said in an interview, Places that are the darkest need the most light. Haiti needs Jesus!
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images

If you are one of those registered voters who is inclined to cast a ballot only if it really matters, this is your time. With less than six weeks left until Election Day and several states about to send out mail ballots, polls are showing a presidential race that appears to be settling into a dead heat both nationally and in the battleground states. The gold-standard national New York Times-Siena survey that dropped on September 19 is illustrative. Among likely voters, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are tied at 47 percent. If minor-party and independent candidates and independents are identified in the poll, Harris and Trump are tied at 46 percent. Each is given a favorable rating by 48 percent of likely voters. Similarly, recent high-quality national polls from Quinnipiac and CNN show a tied presidential race.

In the FiveThirtyEight polling averages, with 29 national polls taken after the September 10 Harris-Trump debate now in the vault, Harris leads Trump by 2.7 percent (48.2 to 45.6 percent). Her lead was 2.5 percent the day of the debate. Its now safe to say she got a small bounce that didnt last long (her post-debate lead peaked at 3.3. percent). She has, however, led Trump in these averages from the day Joe Biden dropped out of the race and designated her as his preferred successor. Theres no clear evidence that the second attempted assassination of Trump changed the race either. Its too early to say the contest has become impervious to any game-changing moments, but the polls show two huge and roughly equal voter coalitions with a lot of stability.

If you assume Trump will for the third straight general election benefit from some sort of Electoral College advantage due to wasted votes for the Democrat in deep-blue states like California and New York, then Harriss current national popular vote lead is highly consistent with a dead-even outcome in the only count that actually matters. Nate Silvers current probabilistic forecast of the actual winner shows Harris with a small and not very stable advantage of 55 percent to 45 percent for Trump.

Polling in the seven battleground states also shows a close, tense competition, with the old Biden-Trump pattern of division between Democratic-leaning Rust Belt and Republican-leaning Sun Belt states reemerging to some extent. Per FiveThirtyEight, Harris leads in the three Blue Wall Rust Belt states: in Michigan by 2.6 percent (48.5 to 46.0 percent); in Wisconsin by 2.1 percent (48.8 to 46.6 percent); and in Pennsylvania by 1.2 percent (48.3 to 47.0 percent). She also has a very small lead of 0.6 percent (47.5 to 46.9 percent) in limited polling from Nevada. Meanwhile, Trump is maintaining small leads in the three other Sun Belt battleground states: 0.9 percent (47.9 to 47.0 percent) in Arizona; 1.2 percent (48.4 to 47.2 percent) in Georgia; and 0.4 percent (47.8 to 47.4 percent) in North Carolina.

All these states, to be clear, are ridiculously close and could go either way; indeed, the Washington Posts polling averages show no candidate leading by more than a single point in any of them. But new Sun Belt battleground state polling from Times-Siena reinforces the impression that Trump is regaining strength in the Sun Belt other than in North Carolina, where the GOP has been battered by a new scandal surrounding gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson. Times-Siena shows Trump leading by five points (50 to 45 percent) in Arizona, by four points in Georgia (49 to 45 percent), and by just two points in North Carolina (49 to 47 percent).

The map shows that the two candidates continue to have multiple paths to 270 electoral votes. If the election turns out as current polling indicates, Harris would win 276 electoral votes and Trump would win 262. But losing Nevada (the state where she has the smallest lead) would knock her down to the bare minimum of 270 electoral votes. Another source of anxiety for Democrats is the fact two key states where Harris is leading, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, were ground zero for polling errors underestimating Trumps vote in 2016 and 2020.

In terms of the key target voting groups, Harris and Trump are continuing to form coalitions similar to those that prevailed in the Biden-Trump contest of 2020. In the new Times-Siena national survey, Harris leads among under-30 voters by 58 to 37 percent; among Black voters by 79 to 15 percent; among Hispanic voters by 51 to 39 percent; and among white voters with a college education by 61 to 36 percent. Trump leads among seniors by 51 to 44 percent; among non-college-educated voters by 56 to 38 percent; and among white non-college-educated voters by 66 to 30 percent. The gender gap in this survey (Harris leading among women 54 to 42 percent, and Trump among men by 54 to 40 percent) is almost identical to the one that appeared among validated voters in the Clinton-Trump contest of 2016 (it was smaller in 2020).

Times-Siena shows 5 percent of the electorate planning to vote for non-major-party candidates (with Libertarian Chase Oliver and Green Jill Stein each holding 2 percent); in 2020 1.9 percent actually voted for non-major-party candidates. The trend lines following Robert F. Kennedys withdrawal from the race (and removal from the ballot in some states) indicate the non-major-party vote will be lower than the polls are showing right now. Turnout indexes continue to look positive, as has been the case since Harris replaced Biden.

We dont know if this is going to rank with the closest presidential elections ever (i.e., the near-ties in the national popular vote in 1960, 1968, and 2000 and the razor-close fights for electoral votes in 2000, 2016, and 2020). But at this point, it is among the most unpredictable, particularly if you consider the high probability that Trump will contest the results if he loses. Hang onto your sensibilities and if you care about the results, dont relax for a moment.
Photo: Kamil Krzacynski/AFP/Getty Images

Mark Robinson, the Republican lieutenant governor of North Carolina who is now running for governor, made dozens of incendiary comments on a porn message board years ago, CNN reported Thursday.

Posting under a pseudonym, Robinson called himself a Black Nazi who supported the return of slavery in the U.S. and repeatedly excoriated Martin Luther King Jr. He also wrote that Adolf Hilters book, Mein Kampf, is a good read, according to a followup report from the Washington Post published Friday.

In a video released minutes before CNNs original report came out, the lieutenant governor denounced the allegations as salacious, tabloid trash and vowed to stay in the race. Let me reassure you. The things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson, he said. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.

I wanted to take a minute to address the latest outrageous lies coming from my opponents dishonest campaign: #ncgov #ncpol pic.twitter.com/RtteVUiozr  Mark Robinson (@markrobinsonNC) September 19, 2024

Clarence Thomas famously once said he was the victim of a high-tech lynching, he said. Well, it looks like Mark Robinson is, too.

CNN reports that Robinson made numerous comments on the porn site NudeAfrica between 2008 and 2012 under the username minisoldr, a name that the outlet linked to Robinson through old social-media accounts, including a past X profile that used that name. On the porn site, he described at length his sexual proclivities, including peeping on women in a public-gym locker room as a teenager and later fantasizing about the incident. He also frequently used homophobic and transphobic slurs.

In one comment from 2010, he indicated that he didnt care if a celebrity had gotten an abortion. I dont care. I just wanna see the sex tape! he wrote. (He has been virulently anti-abortion during his campaign.)

Robinson, who has publicly questioned some of the events of the Holocaust, allegedly used antisemitic slurs and displayed an affinity for Hitler. In one 2012 comment, he expressed a preference for the dictator over then-president Barack Obama. Id take Hitler over any of the sh*t thats in Washington right now! Robinson said. Per the Post, Robinson also wrote that Mein Kampf was very informative and not at all what I thought it would be. Its a real eye opener.

The report also alleges that Robinson made several incendiary comments against King, in particular:

In a series of seven posts in October 2011, Robinson disparaged Martin Luther King in such intense terms, calling him a commie bastard, worse than a maggot, a ho f**king, phony, and a huckster, that a user in the thread accused him of being in the KKK. Robinson responded by directing a slur at King.

Before the article even came out, the Carolina Journal reported that Robinsons staff, as well as members of Donald Trumps campaign, had been pressuring the lieutenant governor to drop his bid for governor as the CNN report loomed. Michael Lonergan, a Robinson spokesman, told the National Review at the time that its complete fiction that he will drop out from the race. A senior Trump campaign adviser denied that the campaign was trying to push Robinson out.

Robinson has been trailing behind his Democratic opponent Josh Stein, the North Carolina attorney general, in recent weeks. A Quinnipiac University poll from earlier this month had Stein leading Robinson 51 to 41 percent among likely voters. Robinson previously appeared alongside Trump at a March rally ahead of the primary election. During that appearance, the former president referred to Robinson as, Martin Luther King on steroids. After the CNN report was published, Sabatos Crystal Ball, which analyzes elections, altered its ranking of the North Carolina race to favor Democrats.

The Crystal Ball team has just met in emergency session, and in the fastest rating change in our history, we are moving NC GOVERNOR from Lean D to LIKELY D. https://t.co/fzQhXMSRbS  Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) September 19, 2024

Congressman Richard Hudson, the head of the House GOPs campaign arm, told Punchbowl News, The allegations are very concerning. He says theyre not true. I think he needs to assure the people of the state in more detail that they arent true. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis sounded more resigned in a late night X post:

It was a tough day, but we must stay focused on the races we can win. We have to make sure President Trump wins NC and support the outstanding GOP candidates running for key NCGA and judicial races. If Harris takes NC, she takes the White House. We cant let that happen. #ncpol  Thom Tillis (@ThomTillis) September 20, 2024

The allegations emerged with little time left for Robinson to drop out, if he wanted to. Per the North Carolina Board of Elections, candidates had until 11:59 p.m. Thursday evening to submit a written request to withdraw from their race. The NCBOE received no such request.

The North Carolina Republican Party released a statement Thursday night which said that Robinson has categorically denied the allegations made by CNN. The state GOP accused the Left of trying to demonize him via personal attacks.

Though the state party is sticking by Robinson, Trump appears to be putting some distance between the two. The Associated Press reports that the lieutenant governor wont be in attendance at Trumps Saturday rally in Wilmington, North Carolina following the controversy.

The Harris-Walz campaign immediately jumped on the report, attempting to tie Trump directly to Robinson amid the controversy by sharing photos of them together as well as clips of Trump praising the gubernatorial candidate. They also released a new campaign ad, highlighting Trumps past praise of Robinson in contrast with his inflammatory rhetoric.

In additional reporting, Politico found that Robinsons personal email address was registered on Ashley Madison, an online dating site aimed at married people who are seeking to have an affair.

Earlier this month, the Assembly, a local news site, reported that the lieutenant governor frequented a Greensboro porn shop in the 1990s and early 2000s. The outlet spoke to several former employees of the establishment who allege that Robinson would visit the store as often as five times a week to watch videos. A spokesman for Robinson campaign has denied the allegations in the article.

This post has been updated.
Photo-Illustration: Adam Maida. Photo: Getty Images.

In 1998, a prematurely silver-haired, baby-faced priest named C. John McCloskey was dispatched by Opus Dei, the secretive right-wing Roman Catholic group, to Washington, D.C., to minister to some of the worlds most powerful men. He arrived at the Catholic Information Center, which the organization runs, on K Street, the lobbying district of the nations capital, to act as a kind of lobbyist for the nations soul. Before being ordained, the priest had spent a few years on Wall Street at Citibank and Merrill Lynch. And even after taking his vows, he retained his dealmakers personality.

From his office at the CIC (which bills itself online as the closest tabernacle to the White House  providing sacramental access to busy Washingtonians for seven decades), to the capital citys private clubs and white-linen restaurants, McCloskey  known to the flock as Father John  set about networking. In a few years, he succeeded in converting some of the most influential American conservatives of his time, among them Robert Bork, columnist Robert Novak, Kansas senator Sam Brownback, Larry Kudlow, Newt Gingrich, as well as lesser-known figures like right-wing publisher Alfred Regnery. Fox News host Laura Ingraham credits Opus Deiconnected lawyer Pat Cipollone with her conversion.

Father John is gone  removed from his post by a sex-abuse scandal, he died last year  but the CIC is still on K Street. It is still run by Opus Dei (Latin for the Work of God), which is not focused on ministering to the masses (and if it were, it would be failing spectacularly, as more Americans are leaving the Catholic Church than joining it, by as much as four to one). Instead, it is focused on marshaling the people who have various forms of authority over the masses (Opus Dei reportedly calls them the intellectuals) to its various revanchist causes. The group targets, and attracts, people like Donald Trumps current running mate, J.D. Vance, a convert to conservative Catholicism by way of Opus Deiconnected clergy and influencers.

Wait, Opus Dei, you say? That menacing group of self-flagellators to which albino assassin-monk Silas belonged that lies at the center of the web of conspiracies in The Da Vinci Code? In the Tom Hanks movie, Paul Bettany played Silas. The group was admittedly fictionalized to up the drama in the thriller, but it does, in fact, exist and has for nearly a century, one of the more exotic of the many factions within the vast Catholic Church. It would seem to be precisely the kind of mysterious clique with tentacles into the elites that would pique MAGAs conspiratorial fever. But the CIC, which doubles as the Opus Dei office in Washington, and the national network of wealthy and powerful right-wing Catholics affiliated with it are among the most effective forces in MAGA world and the American Christian-nationalist movement. It is allied with Protestant Evangelicals in many of its goals but is more hierarchical and often more institutionally organized. Opus Dei can marshal centuries of intellectual heft of the Church behind it.

A great deal has been written this year about the resurgence of the Catholic right in America. This is not President Bidens liberal Catholicism. In surveys, American Catholics as a whole are firmly in the mainstream in their political opinions, from contraception to divorce, gay marriage to abortion rights. But there is an elite vanguard on the rise that holds much more conservative views  many of these elites have some association with Opus Dei  and has sought to influence policies that might be enacted in a second Trump presidency. The now-infamous Project 2025 was cooked up under the auspices of the Heritage Foundations conservative Catholic and Opus Deiconnected president, Kevin Roberts. All three of the Trump-appointed Roe-wrecking Supreme Court justices (two of whom are Catholic) got there thanks in part to the tireless dark-money-funded efforts of the right-wing Catholic Leonard Leo, a major CIC donor who has also become the go-to conservative disburser of anonymously donated big bucks to political causes. The three other justices in the Dobbs majority are hard-right Catholics. Beyond the high court, current and former Washington power lawyers and influencers have Opus Dei connections. The current CIC board chairman, Brian Svoboda, is a partner with the big-shot law firm Perkins Coie. Former board members include Trump-administration attorney general Bill Barr, Trump White House counsel Pat Cipollone, and Kirkland & Ellis partner Thomas Yannucci. Opus Dei affiliates sit on the board of another giant in the right-wing political-donor network, the Bradley Foundation (which is currently pouring money into the rightist stream, including far-right Trumpist groups run by Stephen Miller and Charlie Kirk).

Details of the Opus Dei network in the American capital are a significant part of a new, deeply researched book by British financial journalist Gareth Gore, Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy Inside the Catholic Church (Simon & Schuster; October 1). Gore traces the history of the cultish organization from Francos Spain through its expansion globally and, finally, to the groups rising influence in Washington and the American conservative movement. (Opus Dei declined to comment for this piece, although it had expressed preemptive concern about the book when its publication was announced.)

Opus Dei runs colleges and elite private schools around the world as well as institutions like the CIC, all designed to attract and mold the influential. It has residences where its most dedicated members  numeraries, some of whom are ordained priests, as was Father John  live under strict regimens tailored to ward off the sensual temptations of the secular world even while encouraging participation in it. The residence in Manhattan houses numeraries in a 17-story building on 34th Street called Murray Hill Place, which has separate entrances for men and women.

Officially, Opus Dei has 3,000 members in the U.S., and Gore was told 800 of them are in Washington. Not all are numeraries living in the residences; there are supernumeraries who live among the rest of us. (There are also those called cooperators who are not officially members but are associated with the group and its various activities.) The names of numeraries and supernumeraries are not public unless the members want them to be. And Gore says the numbers dont reveal the extent of the groups influence: When I first started writing the book, I became obsessed with establishing who is a member. I decided to give up on that. It is a rabbit hole down which you will be hunting forever. What he found is that under every stone, you find a whole ecosystem of Opus Dei affiliates.

Opus Dei has seen its sway rise and fall in the Vatican over the decades, with the more traditionalist popes, including John Paul II and Benedict, more sympathetic. Recently, the more progressive Pope Francis has tried in various ways to rein in the forces of conservativism. But right now, in the U.S. anyway, the organization is on a roll.

Opus Dei founder Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer (center) prays in Argentina in 1974. Photo: Opus Dei Archive for Franco Origlia/Getty Images

Opus Dei was born in another period of conflict and turmoil not unlike ours: 1920s Spain, just before anarchists and socialists pitted themselves against authoritarian Falangists and monarchists, with the latter groups winning and forming what would become the longest running military-junta government in Europe, Francisco Francos regime. The founder of Opus Dei was a priest, Josemaria Escriva, now Saint Josemaria, who envisioned a lay brotherhood of men who would engage in the Work of God, a brotherhood that ultimately thrived under Francos fascist regime.

From the beginning, the organization had cultish qualities. The founders instructions total hundreds of pages that dictate every aspect of life within Opus Dei. Life in the residences for the low-level numeraries could be harsh, in keeping with the founders ascetic, urge-denying ideal. Numeraries slept on wooden boards, and some, according to court records Gore references, worked for 12 hours a day for little or no pay. The corporal mortification that The DaVinci Code made much use of is, in fact, real. A former numerary told the Mail on Sunday in 2005 about the whip and the cilice (a spiked garter members strap on their thighs) at an Opus Dei house. As a member of Opus Dei, I was expected to undertake a weekly discipline of private self-flagellation 40 strokes with a waxed, corded whip former member John Roche wrote. We were encouraged to draw a little blood and frequently told how the Father [Escriva]  drew so much blood that he spattered the walls and ceiling with it.

Escrivas rigorous spirituality was in service to a greater goal, bending adherents to the rules and morals of their creed: The disease is extraordinary  and the medicine is just as extraordinary, wrote Escriva. We are an intravenous injection, inserted into the circulatory torrent of society  to immunize the corruption of mankind and to illuminate all minds with the light of Christ.

After spending six years on the book, Gore concluded that Opus Deis position of power in Washington today represents the fulfillment of the founders dream : Id summarize it as nothing less than the complete re-Christianization of society  of everything from education to politics, the courts and the private life of each and every citizen, Gore said in an interview.

The modern era of power and influence dates back to Father John and the CIC in Washington. The CIC was supposed to be just a shopwindow for Opus Dei, Gore writes. But within a decade, it became a hub for converting powerful D.C. players to a version of Catholicism shared by a tiny minority of American Catholics.

In the decades since Father John first came to Washington, numerary priests, affiliated converts, and their allies have worked in the courts and in league with non-Catholic faith-based politicians to crush reproductive rights, oppose gay marriage, and bash down the wall between church and state through Congress and at the Supreme Court. The conservative Catholic convert community in Washington includes some power players in this long game: One is Ginni Thomas, who converted in 2002, not long after Opus Dei associate Leonard Leo shepherded her husband, Clarence, through contentious nomination hearings and Anita Hills sexual-harassment allegations. Ginni Thomas has credited the Opus Deiaffiliated Scalias  Maureen Scalia, wife of the late Supreme Court justice Antonin Nino Scalia, has been spiritually directed at Opus Dei  for bringing Thomas back to the church. Both Nino and Maureen [Scalia] really loved and prayed Clarence back to the Church, Ginni Thomas has said. Clarence had grown up Catholic, and even considered becoming a priest, but had fallen away.

There is a certain gift that Opus Dei has, McCloskey said in a telephone interview with the New York Times during his heyday, in terms of dealing with people of influence. In only a few years, Slate called him the Catholic Churchs K Street lobbyist. The Catholic Herald called him the unofficial chaplain to the upper echelons of the Republican Party who ran his converting operation like the brokerage business.

Gore writes that this is exactly what Opus Dei leaders had hoped of Father John. Opus Dei leaders had identified McCloskey as a promising influencer when he was just a supernumerary in New York, then summoned him to Rome for training to become a numerary priest for just such a career.

Gore says that almost from its beginnings in Spain, Opus Dei aimed to target the most powerful people in society. The conversion process was systematic. They identify the intellectuals, as they call them, Gore said. They invite them to Mass, to talks for spiritual guidance sessions, and to Opus Dei retreats. They tell them that they are just trying to help ordinary Catholics to live out their faith. But, the whole time they are courting you, the numeraries and priests are collecting information.

During his research, Gore learned the organization keeps detailed records on priests and numeraries to gauge how serious a potential convert or members Catholicism is, who is in their networks and families, and how much money theyve got  information even gleaned sometimes, he said, from Confession, which officially is under seal of confidentiality.

Opus Dei has more in common with the KGB or the Stasi than it does with other parts of the Catholic Church, Gore said. It has this meticulous recordkeeping. I spoke to one prominent D.C. conservative who said he had incontrovertible evidence that McCloskey had collected deeply personal and compromising information about him during Confession and then passed it on to senior members of Opus Dei.

(One actual American spy is known to have been Opus Dei: FBI agent Robert Hanssen was a notorious double agent arrested in 2001. He died last year in prison, where he was serving a sentence for sharing national security secrets with the Soviets, including names of collaborators who were killed. Hanssen had confessed his role to an Opus Dei priest 20 years before he was arrested.)

McCloskeys high-level converts testified to his charm and tenacity. A few doses of Father McCloskey and well turn this country around, his convert Larry Kudlow, former Trump-administration director of the National Economic Council, said. Kudlow, who converted after recovering from a drug and alcohol addiction, had said of him, Once Father John gets his claws into you, he never lets go.

McCloskey was an effective converter but far from saintly in his personal life. Gore says McCloskey certainly strapped the spiked garter on and practiced the weekly self-whipping the group requires of its numerary priests  but corporal mortification did not quell the urges.

In November 2002  the same month he appeared on NBC saying that priests accused of sexual misconduct ought to be protected  a woman he counseled lodged a complaint with Opus Dei that he had been touching her inappropriately during their sessions. For a year after the woman made her allegation, McCloskey continued to appear as a regular on national political talk shows, including Crossfire and Meet the Press, and on the Eternal Word Television Network, a conservative Catholic cable channel.

Father John McCloskey (left) and Father Richard McBrien of the University of Notre Dame on Meet the Press in 2002 during the priest sex-abuse scandals. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

But in December 2003, McCloskey abruptly and without public notice disappeared from Washington. In 2005, Opus Dei quietly paid the woman almost a million dollars  a pile of money that came with a nondisclosure agreement. The payoff was not revealed until 14 years later, when the woman approached the Washington Post after reading a glowing article about McCloskey, who was by then ministering in Palo Alto. She told a reporter she had decided to tell her story, according to the paper, in order to help other women come forward (two more did).

Opus Dei spokesman Brian Finnerty  who broke down in tears talking about it  told the Post the settlement for McCloskey was the only sexual-misconduct settlement Opus Dei had ever paid out in the U.S. and that it was covered by a special contribution specifically for it. He declined to name the donor.

The telegenic Opus Dei priest is gone, but the converted politicians and influencers and their potent and well-financed allies have grown increasingly powerful in the decades since his work in the capital. And his style of anti-democratic warrior religiosity is now the norm in MAGA politics.

Do I think its possible for someone who believes in the sanctity of marriage, the sanctity of life, the sanctity of family, over a period of time to choose to survive with people who thinks its OK to kill women and children or for  quote  homosexual couples to exist and be recognized? No, I dont think thats possible, McCloskey said in a Boston Globe story published in the early aughts and recounted in Gores book. I dont know how its going to work itself out, but I know its not possible, and my hope and prayer is that it does not end in violence, But, unfortunately, in the past, these types of things have tended to end this way. If American Catholics feel thats troubling, let them. I dont feel its troubling at all.

In an episode from the early aughts that Gore recounts in his books, McCloskey actively encouraged [Kansas senator Sam] Brownback and other powerful politicians in his orbit to reconsider how they thought about democracy. How many constituents do you have? McCloskey challenged a group of senators. Four million, nine million, twelve million came the answers from around the room. May I suggest, the priest replied, that you have only one constituent?

That moment, Gore writes, changed Brownbacks life. He was soon leaving the United Methodist flock and kneeling in the CIC chapel, receiving the sacraments of initiation under Father McCloskeys hand.

In October 2022, three months after the Dobbs decision, the CIC hosted a $25,000-a-table dinner at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington to bestow its highest honor, the John Paul II New Evangelization Award, to right-wing fundraiser and Opus Dei benefactor Leonard Leo. Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas has called him the No. 3 most powerful person in the world. But his role in overturning 50 years of settled law affecting the private lives of hundreds of millions of Americans had perhaps catapulted him even higher in the eyes of the assembled ideologues.

Clad in a tux, his face shiny with perspiration so that he kept pushing his round glasses up his nose, Leo singled out the well-heeled guests as an oppressed minority and claimed his work in D.C. was a war with the Devil.

Catholicism faces vile and amoral current-day barbarians, secularists, and bigots, Leo said in a 20-minute speech still viewable on YouTube. These barbarians can be known by their signs: They vandalized and burnt our churches after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, they show up at events like this one trying to frighten and muzzle us. He assails the current-day bigots, the progressive Ku Klux Klan  they repeat the KKK canard that Catholics want this country to be dominated and controlled by a theocracy. The lawyer-lobbyist launched into a brief history of the Catholic Church versus its enemies, starting with the Christians repelling the Ottomans at Vienna in the 17th century, and concluded: Catholic evangelization faces extraordinary threats and hurdles. Our culture is more hateful and intolerant of Catholicism than at any other point in our lives. It despises who we are, what we profess and how we act. Our opponents are not just uninformed or unchurched; they are often deeply wounded people whom the Devil can easily take advantage of.

The CIC is among the many recipients of some of Leos donor money. His name is on a plaque of benefactors who paid for a recent renovation of the headquarters, but the organizations gratitude is on display in other ways. The first image a visitor entering the building confronts in the foyer is not Christ on a cross but a large portrait of a smiling, modern-day teen girl with a bearded fair-haired man (presumably Jesus) holding his hand over her head and, behind him, a blurry nun. The girl in the painting is Margaret Mary Leo, Leonard Leos daughter. She died in 2007 at age 14 from complications of spina bifida. The portrait was painted by Igor Babailov, a prolific artist whose oeuvre consists mostly of powerful right-wing men  Justice Samuel Alito, George W. Bush, Rudy Giuliani, and anti-abortion fanatic and Dominos Pizza CEO Thomas Monaghan are a few of his subjects. Also Putin, the pope, and Prince Andrew.

As it turns out, the Supreme Court released its Dobbs decision on June 24, which also was the date of the Feast of the Sacred Heart in the Catholic calendar that year. That feast is associated with Margaret Mary Alacoque (16471690), a saint who happens to share her name with Leos late daughter. Leo suggested to a pair of New York Times writers that it seemed possible the chief justice timed the ruling release to that date. When the CIC reopened after a renovation in September 2022 that Leo helped pay for, months after the Dobbs decision, the Babailov portrait of Margaret Mary Leo hung in the foyer. Some D.C. Catholics have claimed miracles in her name, a signal of a possible move to beatification. Sainting the offspring of a wealthy benefactor is a very 13th-century thing to do.

Leo has denied being an Opus Dei member. To me, its clear Leonard Leo is a supporter of Opus Dei. Whether he is a member I dont know, and in many ways I dont care, says Gore. His actions speak for themselves.

Leo put big money behind the work Father John started. His network and power have steadily grown with the three decades of right-wing advances, juiced by the 2010 Citizens United ruling and, in 2021, by a $1.6 billion windfall, after a secular Jewish Chicago billionaire, Barre Seid, signed over his electronics business  to a nonprofit trust set up by Leo. That sum enables Leo to spend $200 million annually without touching the nut, according to philanthropy experts. He is currently promising to dole out $1 billion with preference to conservative groups with plans to weaponize their ideas. Its not impossible to imagine future historians regarding Leo as the Robert Moses of a theocratic America. Even without that extra billion, Leos network of donors is vast and includes secular billionaires as well as hard-right Catholic money. Neil and Ann Corkery (married longtime D.C. operatives and former Opus Dei members), Tim Busch (who has publicly and approvingly referred to the U.S. Supreme Court as the Leo Court), and anti-gay crusader Sean Fieler are a few of the Opus Deiconnected moneybags financing the conservative agenda. Leo-connected networks poured at least $50 million into the organizations behind Project 2025, according to Accountable.US. Project 2025 contains numerous proposals that align with Opus Dei concepts of how society should be ordered, from banning abortion to increasing the power of a conservative presidency, to making heteronormative marriage a national policy goal.

Leo has also done well enough personally that in 2018 he purchased a $3.3 million mansion in Maine near Acadia National Park. Using money from a fund he controls called the Sacred Spaces Foundation, he paid the Portland Roman Catholic diocese $2.7 million for the local church, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Northeast Harbor, Maine. He made his wife choirmaster.

Leos connection to Opus Dei is also more personal  and more mysterious. Leonard Leo has said that his late daughters attachment to religion inspired him to become more religious, and since her death, he goes to daily Mass as often as possible. He has told stories, published in Catholic journals and a book, about how she underwent grueling surgeries, lived her life in a wheelchair, but developed a love for priests and nuns that was exemplary.

A Washington-area Opus Dei supernumerary named Austin Ruse, president of the fiercely anti-LGBTQ Center for Family and Human Rights, published a book about children whose short lives point us to Christ and included supposed miracles Leos disabled daughter had worked after death. In his book and subsequent articles in the Catholic media, Ruse described at least three miracles (the requisite number for beatification) attributed to Margaret Mary Leo.

When I reached out to Ruse to ask if there was a move underway to beatify Margaret, he immediately tweeted his denial, which he then deleted. But by collecting and reporting the possible miracles, he appears to have set the stage for the process to begin.

Gore believes Leonard Leos record of successful activism and Trumps receptivity to the Opus Dei issues plus the Vaticans slight move to the left under Francis have together attracted more right-wing Catholic money to the conservative cause and Opus Dei. With recruitment beginning to trail off around the world because of an increasing incompatibility of its message to speak to the vast majority of Catholics, Opus Dei presented itself as a champion for disgruntled American Catholic billionaires, which, Gore writes, offered Opus Dei a new lease on life.

Now Leo and his fellow crusaders have a chance to not only remake the Supreme Court in their image but also the White House itself. J.D. Vances path to conversion began with Opus Deiconnected priests and other converts, starting with Rod Dreher, a convert himself and post-liberal writer staunchly opposed to gay marriage. Dreher has since moved from the U.S. to live in Viktor Orbans Hungary, where he works for the Danube Institute, and has converted to Orthodox Christianity. Dreher has approvingly compared Vance to a young Orban.

After Vance published Hillbilly Elegy, Dreher interviewed Vance for an article and apparently talked religion with him. He later connected Vance with Dominic Legge, a priest and former Justice Department trial attorney who has proclaimed, A legal system  is ultimately subordinated to the highest common good, which is God himself. This fall, Opus Dei will bestow on Legges organization, the Thomistic Institute, the same New Evangelization Award that it gave to Leonard Leo.

Vance has written that he was initially moved to consider Catholicism by reading Augustines City of God after listening to a Peter Thiel talk about the miseries of the self-centered yuppie meritocracy. Thiel is not Catholic  he was raised an Evangelical Protestant  but was influenced by the mimetic desire theory of French Catholic professor Rene Girard at Stanford.

Thiel was also close to the priest who ran the Opus Dei house on the Stanford campus. After his term at Stanford, Father Arne Panula was appointed vicar of Opus Dei, based in New York, from 1998 to 2002. He later became director of the CIC in D.C. until his death in 2017. Among his observations, delivered from hospice and published in a book: What we call feminism is the attempt to flee both of the punishments handed to Eve: the pain of procreation and the pain of turning to men for approval and self-esteem.

Opus Deis general posture toward women is that they exist to be wives and mothers. Josemaria Escrivas words in the last century remain as doctrine for the organization: In the care she takes of her husband and children, a woman fulfills the most indispensable part of her mission. Anti-feminist writers Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review and Mary Eberstadt have served on the CIC board.

Now awash in conservative donor money, the group is in the process of expanding its reach into new generations. It is opening 40 Opus Dei schools around the U.S., Gore said. The endgame is the complete re-Christianization of society from the top down, by targeting the elites first. They have all kinds of initiatives aimed at young people, Gore says. They already have todays elite. And now theyre going after tomorrows.

The only downside of Leos success  for him and Opus Dei  is that all that winning has attracted unwanted notice. Journalists digging into his finances have made allegations of self-dealing and personal enrichment including directing funds to Ginni Thomas  that Leo has denied.

These allegations attracted the attention of the Washington, D.C., attorney general. As of June, the AG was still looking into these financial trails, although Leo, through his attorney, has vowed not to cooperate. (In revenge for that prosecutorial intrusion, Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican of Ohio, opened a counterinvestigation into the D.C. AG.) Meanwhile, Leo recently promised to spend $1 billion of his dark-money war chest to crush liberal dominance.

This story has been updated to clarify that Rod Dreher has converted from Catholicism to Orthodox Christianity and that Dominic Legge will be accepting the New Evangelization Award on behalf of his organization.
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 21: People hold signs during a protest against recently passed abortion ban bills at the Georgia State Capitol building, on May 21, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgia heartbeat bill would ban abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected. The Alabama abortion law, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey last week, includes no exceptions for cases of rape and incest, outlawing all abortions except when necessary to prevent serious health problems for the woman. Though women are exempt from criminal and civil liability, the new law punishes doctors for performing an abortion, making the procedure a Class A felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison. Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

Amber Nicole Thurman would be alive today if it werent for anti-abortion Republicans in Georgia. As ProPublica reported this week, the 28-year-old developed a rare complication in 2022 after receiving a legal medication abortion in another state. Her body had not expelled all the fetal tissue from her uterus, which meant she needed a routine dilation and curettage, or D&C. Her local hospital was well-equipped to perform the procedure. The problem was state law. Georgia had just made it a felony to perform D&Cs with few exceptions. Physicians who broke the law could be prosecuted and face up to a decade in prison, ProPublica explained.

So Thurman waited twenty hours in total as sepsis, a serious but treatable infection, began to spread through her body. By the time doctors finally began to perform her D&C, she was too ill, and her heart stopped during the procedure. Her dream of attending nursing school would never come to pass. She would never see her young son grow up. Her family and friends could only grieve. A state maternal mortality review committee later concluded that Thurmans death was preventable, and that there was a good chance she would have lived had the hospital had performed a D&C earlier.

Confronted with the circumstances of Thurmans death, abortion opponents may try to blame the medication she took to end her pregnancy. But that tactic exaggerates the danger posed by abortion-inducing pills. Out of nearly 6 million women whove taken mifepristone in the U.S. since 2000, 32 deaths were reported to the FDA through 2022, regardless of whether the drug played a role, ProPublica reported. Of those, 11 patients developed sepsis. Most of the remaining cases involved intentional and accidental drug overdoses, suicide, homicide and ruptured ectopic pregnancies.

Conservatives should reckon, too, with the death of Candi Miller, a 41-year-old Georgia woman who needed an abortion because doctors had told her another pregnancy would be medically dangerous for her. Miller ordered medication from AidAccess but, like Thurman, her body retained some fetal tissue. She lingered at home, getting sicker and sicker, until her husband found her unresponsive in bed. Her family told ProPublica that she did not visit a doctor due to the current legislation on pregnancies and abortions. A state committee of maternal health experts concluded that she did not die because of the medication shed taken, that her death was also preventable, and that she perished as a result of the states abortion ban. The fact that she felt that she had to make these decisions, that she didnt have adequate choices here in Georgia, we felt that definitely influenced her case, a committee member told ProPublica. Shes absolutely responding to this legislation.

The deaths of Miller and Thurman are not accidental, but proof that abortion bans work exactly as designed. Their proponents have resisted legislative attempts to widen or create exceptions to save the life of the mother; the result is a legal regime that is profoundly dangerous for pregnant women. Miller and Thurman were also Black women, which meant they were more susceptible to preexisting conditions that make pregnancy more dangerous, and faced extra obstacles as they navigated a medical establishment made even more hostile than usual by anti-abortion legislation. Miller lived with lupus, a condition three times more common in Black women than white, ProPublica reported, and both women lived in Georgia, where Black women are three times more likely than white women to die of pregnancy complications.

When abortion bans kill, they reveal their true purpose: to grant a handful of extremists power over the lives and deaths of American women. Women arent human beings to these extremists; to them, there is nothing real about female suffering. Women are not flesh but abstractions, and their deaths are remote. What matters, instead, is the fetus  in reality a non-person, a possibility only, but a useful tool by which an extremist may discipline a woman for any infraction imaginable. Abortion opponents will hardly admit this and burrow into rhetoric about human dignity and the sanctity of life. In death, however, we see the truth. The further a woman falls from a far-right ideal of white Christian womanhood, the more severely she must be punished.

Other women have almost certainly died as a result of Georgias abortion ban, ProPublica noted. We may yet learn their stories in time. When we do, abortion opponents will not learn from their deaths; any grief they express will be meaningless. Their philosophy isnt just anti-woman but anti-human. They denied Thurman and Miller the full extent of their humanity, and now both women are dead. Abortion bans dont save lives, but take them instead.
Jim Pillen, wannabe electoral-vote thief. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images

With the major-party presidential candidates in close battles in a sparse landscape of battleground states, every electoral vote matters. There are scenarios where either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins 269 or 270 electoral votes. Part of the underlying picture is that each of them has been expected to snag a single Electoral College vote from one of the two states (Maine and Nebraska) that allocate them by congressional district. Biden won the Omaha-based Second Congressional District of Nebraska in 2020, when Trump won the largely rural Second Congressional District of Maine. Polls are showing the same outcome is likely this year.

So the two campaigns have hungrily looked at a potential gain or loss of an electoral vote if either state moved toward a winner-take-all system. But only Nebraska, pushed aggressively by Team Trump, has seriously moved toward taking that step in 2024. It hasnt happened yet, in part because of internal Nebraska Republican dissension and in part because Maine Democrats have threatened to retaliate and make the whole exercise pointless. But now, at the very last minute, the heist may be back on, as the Nebraska Examiner reports:

The national Republican push to help former President Donald Trump win all five of Nebraskas Electoral College votes is ramping up again, and this time it might work.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday hosted two dozen state senators at the Governors Mansion, along with Secretary of State Bob Evnen, the states chief election official.

Several who attended the meeting said some senators who had wavered earlier showed more support now for changing Nebraska to the winner-take-all system of awarding electoral votes this year.

Governor Jim Pillen has talked off and on in recent weeks about calling a special session of the legislature (the states second this year) to give Trump this very special gift if he could secure the votes to overcome a likely Democratic-led filibuster. Now hes bringing in some outside help:

State senators at Wednesdays meeting at the Governors Mansion heard from Trump ally U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about the national security and economic stakes if voters dont return Trump to the White House.

A national GOP spokeswoman said Grahams visit shows how seriously Republicans are treating the need for Trump to win Nebraskas 2nd District. Some have argued it could break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.

One Republican legislator involved in this skullduggery dismissed complaints about such a last-minute change by citing the substitution of Harris for Biden on the Democratic side. Apparently, rules of fair play no longer matter, if they ever did, to Trumps backers.

So why didnt Pillen (and Lindsey Graham, and Trumps other operatives) put on a full-court press earlier? This explanation from Politico Playbook is persuasive:

Back in April, when the Nebraska idea was first gaining steam, Maines Democratic House Majority Leader Maureen Terry issued a statement indicating that if Nebraska made such a move, she would push for a like-for-like move in her state, which delivered one electoral vote to Trump in 2016 and 2020.

[Democratic] Gov. Janet Mills would be required to call a special session of the legislature. But the stickier wicket is in the timing: A bill only becomes law in Maine 90 days after its passed, unless the bill receives a two-thirds vote in each chamber (Democrats currently have majorities, but not supermajorities). Were 46 days away from Nov. 5, and 87 days from Dec. 16, when electoral votes are set to be cast.

More than likely, the electoral-vote robbers chose to postpone their gambit until it was too late for Democrats to neutralize the theft in Maine.

It appears the effort to nail down the votes needed to pull off the Nebraska heist will come down to a very small handful of state senators. All sorts of horse-trading could ensue. But there are good odds Republicans will rig the Electoral College by one vote, and unless a creative lawsuit is in the offing, no one will be able to do anything about it.
A Camp Hill man was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly made a threatening phone call to a veterans hospital in Montgomery, authorities said.

Michael Barnett, 61, was charged with making terroristic threats and rendering false alarm to a hospital, according to a release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail with an $18,000 bond.

Authorities said that the Central Alabama Veterans Medical Center in Montgomery received a threatening call to the crisis hotline around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Special Agents with ALEA's State Bureau of Investigation responded to assist with the lockdown and search for the suspect.

The lockdown at the Central Alabama Veterans Medical Center has since been lifted. Authorities said no one was injured.

ALEA declined to share any more information in this case and said the investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, ALEA said the findings will be turned over to the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office.
So the public can't see how guilty he actually was?

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Things always have a way of getting out.

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No fair 



I wanted to see him make a mess of himself.

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rude rude

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Ah yes, a true sign of someones innocence

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c'mon, cops, we'll let you ignore the law this one time.

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Not since Cats (2019) have I ever wanted to see a clip of an asshole so badly

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Please put a trigger warning on this post. Im having flashbacks.

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Boo hiss tomato tomato etc

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So tmz is just full of quitters now I see

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What is a FOIA request for if not to see the footage? This is unpatriotic!

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wow, tmz is protecting him, huh?

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the tour's already messed up dude

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He's coming to Mexico and it looks like he's going to have 2 sold out shows and I'm like... gente estupida 

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I feel like people go to everything that can go to and don't hate since we have limited offerings.

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What tour?

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eh. whatever. i don't care in cases where police brutality wasn't the issue.

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very ot but is your icon R. Pattz in Mickey 17? I can't wait to see that movie



Edited at 2024-09-19 11:05 pm (UTC)

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yes!  he was too cute and I'm actually checking the book out of the library tomorrow

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The cops not wanting to release body cam footage is typically a sign the cops are (as usual) being shady.

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hm! good point.

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Siri please play what goes around comes around or cry me a river. Your choice.

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Villainous cops vs JT being an asshole, one of these things is not like the other. And Long Island cops?!, nope!

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Ain't cops decision sounds like. It's the prosecutors office that agreed to it - so it happened through court.

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Over the past couple of weeks, oil markets have been marred by a storm of top-down macroeconomic fears that fed momentum-following algorithms, resulting in an extended oil price fall exacerbated by a final stage of gamma hedging by banks. The overwhelming bearishness among money managers took positioning in crude oil and oil products to the most bearish extreme since the start of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008.

As expected, a big oil price selloff ensued: front-month Brent crashed to $68.68 per barrel (bbl) intra-day on 10 September, the lowest price since 2 December 2021. Whereas oil prices have rebounded some $5/bbl in the week since, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have pointed out that this is a fairly limited bounce given the extremes in speculative positioning, and warrants a larger short-covering rally.

Regarding the near-term oil price trajectory, StanChart has conceded that obtaining a clear short-term directional signal from fundamentals is almost impossible in such a dislocated market, with the groups machine-learning tool SCORPIO recently thrown out of whack and making fairly inaccurate oil price predictions. However, StanChart points out several key bullish drivers.

First off, there is no supply glut, with September on track to become the tightest month of the year due to seasonal demand strength and supply outages in Libya, as well as the U.S. Gulf. StanChart has predicted that Libyan oil might take longer-than-expected to return to the markets. Two weeks ago, oil prices fell after the former governor of Libyas central bank suggested that an agreement with Tripoli and Benghazi authorities that would restore full oil exports was Imminent.

Related: Oil Prices Rise on Jumbo Fed Rate Cut



Back then, StanChart argued that the nuances of the negotiations were significantly more complicated than market commentary had implied. Well, little substantive progress has been made after two rounds of negotiations, with the experts reporting that Libyan crude oil exports clocked in at 550 kb/d, roughly half the pre-crisis level of about 1.2 million barrels per day (mb/d). StanChart sees the reduction in output lasting significantly longer than the market is currently expecting, suggesting that the market has got ahead of itself in pricing the immediate resolution of an actually unresolved crisis.

Second, no supply glut is likely in at least Q4-2024 and H1-2025 if OPEC+ producers keep to their commitments. Last week, StanChart reported that oil markets are overlooking the imminent removal of even more barrels from the markets in the coming months. Back in July, Russia, Iraq and Kazakhstan submitted their compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat for overproduced crude volumes for the first six months of 2024. According to OPEC, the entire over-produced volumes will be fully compensated for over the next 15 months through September 2025, with Russia paying back a cumulative 480 kb/d, Iraq 1,184 kb/d and Kazakhstan 620 kb/d.

According to StanChart, the compensatory output cuts by the three OPEC members work out to a combined 370 kb/d reduction in October, and then an amount varying between 162 kb/d and 206 kb/d for November 2024 through to September 2025. StanChart has worked out that adding the compensation schedule to the recently announced reduction in targets due to delaying the implementation of tapering will result in OPEC production clocking in at 530 kb/d lower in Q4-2024; 540 kb/d lower in Q1 and Q2-2025 and 560 kb/d lower in Q3-2025, if all commitments are kept.

StanChart has argued that the market's current assumption that there will be no compensation reduction is wrong because its highly unlikely that other OPEC+ countries would take it lightly. StanChart says Saudi Arabia, in particular, is unlikely to accept any further backsliding on promises made by the overproducers, noting that the high-profile visits to Iraq and Kazakhstan by the OPEC Secretary General, Haitham al Ghais suggests that OPEC intends to follow up on the promised cuts.

I received strong assurances that Iraq continues to be fully committed to the DoCs ongoing market stabilization efforts. During this visit, Iraq presented clear and determined steps to compensate for overproduced volumes and gave assurances that it would achieve full conformity going forward, al Ghais said after visiting Baghdad.

In yet another bullish catalyst, the latest weekly data by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that crude inventories at WTIs pricing point at Cushing, Oklahoma, fell for the fifth successive week and for the ninth week in the past 10. Crude inventories fell 1.7 mb w/w to a 10-month low of 24.69 mb, and are now 11.25 mb below the five-year average.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Arabia exported 5.74 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil in July, down by 306,000 bpd from June, and the lowest export level since August 2023, the latest data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI) showed on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia, the worlds top crude oil exporter, typically lowers its crude oil exports in the summer as it uses more crude domestically for direct burn at power plants. Electricity demand in the desert in the summer months is soaring amid scorching temperatures.

Saudi Arabia saw its direct use of crude rise by 211,000 bpd in July, to 770,000 bpd, a 7-month high, according to the JODI data which compiles self-reported figures from individual countries.

Crude oil production in Saudi Arabia increased in July, by 111,000 bpd to 8.94 million bpd. Despite the rise in production, exports fell, suggesting that the increase was used up by direct crude use for power generation.

Even with the July rise in crude oil production, Saudi Arabia fulfilled its pledge to keep output at around 9 million bpd as it said when it announced its voluntary 1-million-bpd cut on top of its share of reduction as part of the OPEC+ deal.

Going forward, Saudi Arabia is looking to attract more customers in Asia, where demand has underwhelmed so far this year.

Earlier in September, the Kingdom slashed its official selling prices (OSPs) for October to Asia, amid worsening refining margins in China and the wider Asian region and weaker Dubai benchmark prices.

The price of Saudi Arabias flagship grade, Arab Light, to Asia for October was cut by $0.70 per barrel compared to the September pricing.

As a result, demand from the largest refiners in China has increased, while nominations from major private refiners with allocated import quotas have held stable for the next month.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The CEO calls for a more balanced conversation about the future of energy, informed by realistic science and data, rather than driven by political agendas.

Wirth warns that these policies are hindering the transition from coal to natural gas, a cleaner energy source, and are harming America's allies by threatening reliable energy supplies.

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth argues that the Biden administration's green policies, particularly the moratorium on new LNG export permits, are undermining US energy security and raising energy costs.

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth delivered a dire warning at Tuesday's Gastech conference in Houston, criticizing the Biden-Harris administration's radical energy policiesspecifically the moratorium on new liquefied natural gas export permits. He warned these policies have driven up prices and "undermined energy security" for America's key allies.

Wirth said "attacks on natural gas" and a moratorium on new LNG export permits at terminals along the Gulf Coast had put "politics over progress" and would derail climate efforts, such as the transition from coal to NatGas.

"It raises energy costs by taking potential supply off the market," the CEO of US's second-biggest oil producer said, adding, "It threatens reliable supplies of LNG, undermining energy security for our allies. And it slows the transition from coal to natural gas, meaning more emissions not less."

He continued, "When it comes to advancing economic prosperity, energy security and environmental protection, an LNG permitting pause fails on all three."

In January, the White House halted new licenses to export LNG. At the time, we pointed out to readers that this move by far-left radicals in the Biden-Harris administration, which appeared to punish Texas over the border dispute, was possibly part of a campaign by wealthy donors, including the Rockefeller family - to pressure the government into shifting away from LNG.

Wirth has called out the Biden-Harris admin before for their ridiculous attacks on fossil fuel energy while they claim a climate crisis will doom the planet unless more solar panels and windmills are installed on the grid.

In 2022, the executive told Bloomberg TV in an interview that the last refinery built in the US was in the 1970s. He said, "My personal view is there will never be another new refinery built in the United States."

The good news in July is that a federal court overturned the LNG permit export moratorium. However, since the ruling, no licenses have been issued amid uproar industry-wide over disastrous green policies pushed by the White House.

Wirth said: "Instead of imposing a moratorium on LNG exports, the administration should stop the attacks on natural gas."

Domestically, the unprecedented strain on the US power grid is beginning to materialize due to electrification trends, including power-hungry AI data and EVs. Regional grids nationwide are winding down fossil fuel power generation with unreliable solar and wind, yet any new nuclear power development (the ultimate clean energy power source) could take years and or decades to come online.

He indicated that switching from coal to gas could be "the single greatest carbon reduction initiative in history."

Yet, there is no compromise with climate activists in the federal government. It's unreliable green energy or nothing.

Wirth called for a "more balanced conversation about the future of energy," adding, "These choices should be informed by realistic science and impartial data, untainted by advocacy agendas."

Instead of listening to children and radicalized climate activists who wear crisis blinders and can't possibly make rational decisions, it's time to bring back folks into positions of power in the government who are based in reality. The era of letting woke politicians run the show has been abysmal and is nation-killing on a long enough timeline.

By Zerohedge.com

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A Christian mother of four children on Wednesday (Sept. 18) received the death sentence after a judge convicted her under Pakistans blasphemy laws, her attorney said.

Shagufta Kiran, 40, was convicted under Section 295-C of Pakistans widely condemned blasphemy laws for insulting Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, which carries a mandatory death sentence. Attorney Rana Abdul Hameed said Additional Session Judge Islamabad Muhammad Afzal Majoka also sentenced Kiran to a fine of 300,000 rupees ($1,077 USD) after her three-year trial.

She was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on July 29, 2021, in Islamabad for allegedly sharing blasphemous content in a WhatsApp group in September 2020. Her husband and two sons were also taken into custody during the raid but were later released.

The complaint against Kiran was registered by a Muslim named Shiraz Ahmed Farooqi, who alleged that she had shared content disrespectful of Islams prophet, Hameed told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. However, Kiran has maintained that she has not authored the content and had forwarded it in the WhatsApp group without reading it.

Formerly a nurse, Kiran had joined several interfaith WhatsApp groups, where she proclaimed the gospel and defended her Christian faith. One such group, Pure Discussions, was administered by the complainant, Farooqi, Muhammad Ameer Faisal of India and Muhammad Jaleel of Canada.

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Hameed said Kiran was a brave woman who remained steadfast during the trial.

I met her after the judge issued the sentence and can confirm that she is very hopeful of a positive outcome from the superior courts, he said. However, she misses her family a lot and wants to reunite with them as soon as possible.

The attorney said he will file an appeal after the court issues the detailed order. He said the verdict did not come as a surprise as 99 percent of those charged under Section 295-C are convicted by trial courts under pressure from Islamists.

If you examine all cases of 295-C, the trial courts tend to convict the accused even if the cases against them are very weak, Hameed said. This is due to the pressure of the religious groups and fears of mob violence. If you analyze all cases of 295-C, you will see that all the convictions of the trial court are overturned by the superior courts.

Nearly 3,000 persons have been accused of blasphemy since 1987, according to the Center for Social Justice (CSJ). The actual scale of abuse of these laws may be three to four times higher, it noted in a report.

It stated that hundreds of accused were incarcerated last year in Pakistan, with 552 detained in prisons in Punjab Province alone. At least 350 persons remained behind bars as of June, according to the report, adding that 103 new persons had been accused of blasphemy this year between January and June.

The report stated that at least seven persons accused of blasphemy have been killed by individuals or mobs across Pakistan since January. A total of 94 people accused of blasphemy were killed in mob attacks between 1994 and 2023.

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.
Venture Global, a U.S. producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourced from North American basins, has secured ~1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG regasification capacity at Greeces new Alexandroupolis LNG receiving terminal for five years, starting in 2025, Reuters reports, noting that the new South-North Vertical Corridor will shore up Europes energy security by allowing alternative supplies of natural gas to be imported into the region.

This move further integrates our business by growing our assets across the LNG supply chain including LNG production, shipping and regasification. As a major point of entry for LNG into Central and Eastern Europe, this strategically important infrastructure will be a game changer for the regions ability to diversify their energy and access a secure and reliable energy supply. Venture Global is proud to support these efforts as a strategic partner with volumes from both Plaquemines LNG and the future CP2 LNG," Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel said in a press release.

Renewable Energy Displacing Gas In Europe

Norway and the U.S. have replaced Russia as Europes biggest gas supplier: last year, Norway supplied 87.8 bcm (billion cubic meters) of gas to Europe, good for 30.3% of total imports while the U.S. supplied 56.2 bcm, accounting for 19.4% of total. However, the U.S. is the biggest LNG supplier to Europe: last year, the U.S. accounted for nearly half of total LNG imports by the continent, marking the third consecutive year in which the United States supplied more LNG to Europe than any other country.

Whats interesting here is how fast this has happened: the U.S. supplied 27%, or 2.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), of total European LNG imports in 2021; 44% (6.5 Bcf/d) in 2022; and 48% (7.1 Bcf/d) in 2023. Obviously, Russias war in Ukraine has played a big part in growing Europes appetite for U.S. gas. Meanwhile, Europes capacity to accept LNG is increasing. Europes LNG import, or regasification, capacity is on track to expand to 29.3 Bcf/d in 2024, a 33% increase compared with 2021. Currently, Germany is adding the most LNG regasification capacity in Europe, with developers in the country having added 1.8 Bcf/d in 2023 and on track to add another 1.6 Bcf/d in 2024.

On a global scale, the United States shipped a record 56.9 million metric tons of LNG during the first eight months of 2024, surpassing 54.3 million tons from Australia and 53.7 million tons from Qatar during that period. That marks the second straight year that U.S. exporters have topped global export rankings.

Unfortunately, Europe has bought considerably less LNG from the U.S. in the current year, with shipments from January through August dropping by 22% Y/Y. The slowdown has largely been triggered by a sharp climb in European power generation from renewable energy sources, which remain a priority for Europe's power utilities. Solar and wind power's share of electricity generation in Europe jumped from around 16.4% in 2022 to 20.5% so far in 2024 while fossil fuel generation's share dropped from around 44.6% in 2022 to 36.6% so far this year. As you might expect, coal-fired power has taken the biggest hit in Europes energy mix, although natural gas generation's share has also declined, from around 26% in 2022 to 22% so far this year.

The latest Europe natural gas rally has lost momentum, with natural gas futures dropping below 35 per megawatt-hour, the lowest in seven weeks, thanks to warmer weather forecasts and ample gas inventories. Europes gas inventories are 0.1 bcm higher than the corresponding time a year ago however and 8.6 bcm above the five-year average. Storage capacity utilization for the entire continent stands at 93.4%; 95.6% in Germany, 94.9% in Italy and 91.4% in the Netherlands.

U.S. gas producers are currently going through hard times, with a 25% Y/Y drop in average LNG export prices during the first half of 2024 cutting revenues by $4 billion from the opening half of 2023 to $13.2 billion. That was the lowest half-year revenue total since the first half of 2021, and marks a more than $12 billion fall from the second half of 2022 when U.S. export earnings from LNG peaked.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Wall Street analysts at Citi have predicted that a deficit in the oil markets driven by OPECs recent decision to delay tapering in oil production cuts as well as the ongoing suspension of Libyan oil exports will temporarily offer support for Brent prices in the $70-$75/barrel range in Q4 2024, as reported by Reuters.

However, Citi has warned of "renewed price weakness" in 2025, with Brent on a path to $60 per barrel thanks to a surplus of one million barrels per day.

Oil prices have rallied over the past week, with dated Brent for November delivery rising from a 2-year low of $69.19/barrel on September 10 to an intraday of $74.50 at 10.40 am ET on September 19 while WTI crude for October delivery has jumped from $65.75/barrel to $71.11 over the timeframe.

Commodity analysts at Standard Chartered are even more bullish on the oil price outlook, and have predicted that no supply glut is likely in at least Q4-2024 and H1-2025 if OPEC+ producers keep to their commitments. Last week, StanChart reported that oil markets are overlooking the imminent removal of even more barrels from the markets in the coming months. Back in July, Russia, Iraq and Kazakhstan submitted their compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat for overproduced crude volumes for the first six months of 2024. According to OPEC, the entire over-produced volumes will be fully compensated for over the next 15 months through September 2025, with Russia paying back a cumulative 480 kb/d, Iraq 1,184 kb/d and Kazakhstan 620 kb/d.

StanChart has worked out that adding the compensation schedule to the recently announced reduction in targets due to delaying the implementation of tapering will result in OPEC production clocking in at 530 kb/d lower in Q4-2024; 540 kb/d lower in Q1 and Q2-2025 and 560 kb/d lower in Q3-2025, if all commitments are kept.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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This policy change could significantly impact the business models of major retailers and reshape the e-commerce landscape.

The Biden administration announced plans to close the de minimis loophole, which allows goods valued under $800 to enter the US duty-free.

Amazon and Walmart were planning to ship goods directly from China to consumers to avoid tariffs and compete with Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu.

Under mounting pressure from Chinese retail giants like Shein and Temu, American behemoths Amazon and Walmart have been cooking up a scheme to dodge tariffs and slash costs - but a new move by the Biden administration might just rain on their parade.

For months, these U.S. retailers have been quietly plotting to overhaul their business models, aiming to ship more goods directly from Chinese factories straight to your doorstep. By doing so, they'd cut out pricey U.S. warehouses and stores, all while skirting hefty tariffs using a little-known loophole in a century-old trade law.

This loophole, known as "de minimis," lets importers bypass U.S. taxes and tariffs on shipments valued under $800. The result? Chinese platforms like Shein and Temu have been flooding the market with dirt-cheap products, leaving American companies scrambling to keep up.

But on Friday, the Biden administration threw a wrench in the works. In a surprise announcement, officials declared plans to slam the door on many Chinese imports exploiting the de minimis ruleespecially clothing items. The crackdown aims to curb the tsunami of duty-free packages pouring into the country, predominantly from China.

While the changes won't happen overnight - the proposal will undergo industry scrutiny before finalization - the message is clear: The free ride is coming to an end, the NY Times reports.

Amazon had been gearing up to launch a discount service capitalizing on direct-to-consumer shipments from China, insiders revealed. Walmart, even if reluctant to shake up its model, felt the heat to consider similar tactics to stay competitive.

"It's get on board or get left behind," said Steve Story, executive vice president for customs and international trade at Apex Logistics International. "If you don't get online and embrace this, you're going to be overshadowed by Shein, Temu, and Alibaba."

Story admitted he's assisted Chinese sellers in dodging tariffs by shipping through Amazon's fulfillment centers, thanks to a 2020 customs ruling allowing Chinese firms to act as "non-resident importers." Essentially, they can send products tariff-free to themselves via Amazon warehouses scattered across the U.S.

Traditionally, retailers hauled shipping containers loaded with goods from China to U.S. ports, then trucked them to warehouses and stores before reaching consumers. Now, many are bypassing this route, opting to individually package and ship items directly from China under the de minimis rule. This method not only avoids tariffs but also skirts the need for extensive warehousing.

The numbers are staggering. Packages entering the U.S. under the de minimis rule have skyrocketed to over one billion in 2023, up from a mere 140 million a decade ago. China is the chief contributor, sending more packages than all other countries combined.

American businesses are pissed - saying that the rules create an uneven playing field since brands with U.S. stores and warehouses are subject to more in tariffs compared to those shipping directly to consumers.

"De minimis is like a big tax incentive the U.S. is giving you to take the job somewhere else," lamented Peter Bragdon, general counsel at Columbia Sportswear. "It changes the math."

Mike Hesse, CEO of Nebraska-based Blue Ox, which manufactures tow bars for RVs, discovered Chinese knockoffs of his products being sold on Amazon and slipping into the country via de minimis.

"They're a safety issue, plus consumers are duped into thinking they're buying an American-made product," Hesse fumed. "That's how de minimis is affecting me."

Some companies have accused Chinese firms of dirty tricks, like falsifying invoices to sneak pricier items under the $800 threshold or faking shipping documents to send bulk goods duty-free.

Meanwhile, some retailers have shifted warehouses to Canada or Mexico. From there, they can swiftly and legally ship items duty-free into the U.S. when orders roll in - taking more American jobs with them.

As the Biden administration tightens the screws on de minimis shipments from China, fears are mounting that imports from our neighbors might surge as companies look for new loopholes.

Even Chinese giants are bracing for impact. Shein says it's open to reforming the tariff exemption and will adapt to keep customers happy. Temu has started highlighting products from "local warehouses," a move seen as hedging against regulatory changes.

"This is clearly a strategic move to limit exposure to any regulatory shifts," noted Juozas Kaziukenas, founder of e-commerce intelligence firm Marketplace Pulse.

All eyes are now on Washington. While lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have floated proposals to narrow the de minimis exemption, it's uncertain whether they'll rally behind a unified plan.

"The reason we really would like to see certainty is so everybody can plan business accordingly," said Donald Tang, executive chairman of Shein, just a day before the administration's bombshell announcement. "If everything is hanging in the middle... it's not good for the business planning process."

For Amazon, Walmart, and countless others, the race is on to adaptor risk being left in the dust.

By Zerohedge.com

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The U.S. has sanctioned the Social Design Agency and its associates, and indicted several individuals involved in the campaign.

A trove of leaked records from a Russian disinformation campaign reveals how Moscow sought to discredit Ukraine and Western governments that support it while also trying to boost support for far-right political parties in the European Union.

The documents obtained by a consortium of European media outlets and shared with Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, highlight the internal operations of the Social Design Agency, a Moscow-based company that the United States says has led the propaganda campaign at the Kremlin's behest.



The campaign included a diverse mix of memes, falsified videos and government documents, and a network of websites impersonating legitimate news outlets across Europe to disseminate fake stories aimed at undermining Western support for Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.



The records state that one meme denigrating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that was shared on X by its billionaire owner, Elon Musk, and garnered 86,000 reshares was a creation of the Social Design Agency.



The leaked records, some of which were made public this month as part of a U.S. indictment, were first obtained by the German outlets Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR, which then shared the documents with Schemes and several other news organizations. They were leaked by an anonymous source who told reporters the Social Design Agency had been hacked.



The Social Design Agency is led by Ilya Gambashidze, who was hit with U.S. sanctions along with the company and its associates in March over the company's influence operation, dubbed Doppelganger.

Gambashidze did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.



U.S authorities, who seized 32 Internet domains linked to Doppelganger earlier this month, said the effort was overseen by Sergei Kiriyenko, a top Kremlin official and confidant of President Vladimir Putin.



In a video presentation included among the leaked records, Gambashidze addresses the camera wearing a hoodie emblazoned with patches reading "Russian ideological troops" and "commander of special forces."



According to the video presentation, Gambashidze's team had produced 39,899 pieces of content from January to April this year, including more than 30,000 "posts," more than 4,600 videos and video memes, and some 1,500 articles.



These include a fake story made to look as if it had been published by the German newspaper Bild claiming that Ukrainian refugees in Germany, while trying to burn a Russian flag, had set fire to the home of Germans who had given them shelter.

The influence operation, Schemes found, also produced falsified Ukrainian government documents, including a forged order purportedly issued by the country's top military commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, equating surrender by Ukrainian military personnel to treason.

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy was appointed Ukraine's top military officer earlier this year.

The stated purpose of the forgery, according to the leaked records, was to "discredit the military-political leadership of Ukraine and demoralize the armed forces."



The influence operation also targeted Europe's political landscape, including the June European Parliament elections, with the goal of helping right-wing forces that would promote pro-Russian narratives, the leaked records show.



One document suggests "conducting a complex counter-campaign against the liberal globalists, their platform, and prominent representatives," including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with a primary focus on Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Poland.



The plan included efforts to paint "liberals and globalists" as fearmongers, including about a possible Russian attack on the EU; to portray support for LGBT rights as detrimental to children's mental health; to stoke discontent over high inflation and unemployment; and to accuse "EU globalists" of trying to transform Europe into a "totalitarian military camplike Ukraine."

A document detailing the Social Design Agency's strategy for influencing European elections, including boosting support for far-right parties.

The records also show the influence operation sought to boost the electoral fortunes of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party and France's right-wing National Rally.



One stated goal was to make more than half of German citizens "unwilling to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of defeating Russia" and promote the narrative that the United States is using Germany in an economic and hybrid war against Russia.



The operation also bombarded Ukrainian state institutions and media with comments via an online bot network that produced nearly 34 million comments from January to April, according to one internal document.

By RFE/RL

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The EU has removed Nikita Mazepin and Violetta Prigozhina from its sanctions blacklist, following a pattern of delisting individuals every six months.

On September 11, the European Union approved the rollover of the asset freezes and visa bans that the bloc has imposed since February 2022, mainly on Russians, for undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine. But with the six-month prolongation, there were also two deletions to the blacklist of over 2,300 people and companies: Nikita Mazepin, a former Formula One driver and son of the Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin; and Violetta Prigozhina, mother of the late Russian oligarch and Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Deep Background: These deletions follow a pattern in which a few people are delisted every six months ahead of the formal rollover dates in mid-March and mid-September. This time around, the discussions on the removals were concluded on a lower political level already in July in what some diplomats in Brussels refer to as the biannual "sanctions dance."

Normally, the discussions are initiated at the behest of Hungary, which has been publicly critical of the bloc's sanctions policy. Typically, Budapest presents a number of sanctioned people to the other member states in political working groups that it wants taken off the lists in order to give its go-ahead. (Rollovers require unanimity from all 27 EU member states.) These have tended to be heavy-hitter oligarchs with extensive Russian business interests and Kremlin ties such as Alisher Usmanov, Pyotr Aven, Viktor Rashnikov, Mikhail Fridman, Dmitry Mazepin, Grigory Berezkin, and Vyacheslav Moshe Kantor.

Previous rounds have shown that most other member states militantly oppose taking such people off the lists. They have argued it would undermine the whole idea of EU sanctions if people close to President Vladimir Putin were removed and have countered by suggesting that the sanctions should only be prolonged once a year instead of twice. Compromise has always been reached, but the result is a weakened sanctions instrument. Plus, Budapest usually manages to leverage its veto, extracting political favors from Brussels in other policy areas.

After this diplomatic tug-of-war, lawyers from the Council of the EU, one of the bloc's main decision-making bodies, usually step in to resolve the issue by proposing a list of so-called "weak cases" with less legal justification to be sanctioned.

As the EU claims to be an entity guided by the rule of law, its lawyers must be able to present evidence that can be found in the public domain. And like with every other EU policy, those on the sanctions list can -- and do -- take the EU to court. Some of those sanctioned have already won cases against Brussels, and they include both Prigozhina and Nikita Mazepin.

Drilling Down

This is, of course, a slight blow for the Russia sanctions regime, but the EU has been here before. In March, three other names were removed -- Arkady Volozh, co-founder of the Russian Internet giant Yandex; Russian businessman Sergei Mndoiants; and Jozef Hambalek, a Slovak national and head of the Russian nationalist Night Wolves motorcycle club in Europe.

In my conversations with them, EU diplomats have tried to play down the latest deletions, saying it could be much worse. Prigozhina and Mazepin weren't that big of players anyway, they say, and the important thing is that the high-rolling oligarchs -- such as Mazepin's father -- are still blacklisted

There is already talk about who will be delisted at the next opportunity in March 2025. During the EU ambassadors meeting in Brussels on September 11, the Hungarian and Slovak diplomats pledged that, for the next rollover, they will aim to remove Gulbakhor Ismailova, the sister of Usmanov who has been linked to various key Russian assets.

The statement, circulated among diplomats and seen by RFE/RL, noted that "in our view, the grounds on which the listing of Ms. Ismailova have been based, no longer hold. Ms. Ismailova should be removed from the sanctions list." Based on this, Slovakia and Hungary will maintain this position during the next review.

Will there be any more? It seems like family members of oligarchs are increasingly seen by EU lawyers as "weak cases," as it is legally difficult to prove that spouses and children are directly connected to the Russian war machine.

Two possible candidates for the removal would be Galina Pumpyanskaya and Aleksandr Pumpyansky, the wife and son of Russian oligarch Dmitry Pumpyansky. An EU court annulled the sanctions against Aleksandr Pumpyansky in 2023, so he is certainly seen as being a "weak case."

Two others on the blacklist, Aven and Fridman, have both won cases in EU court against their sanctions. The same as with Pumpyansky junior, they remain blacklisted because Brussels has argued that the cases they won in EU courts concern old listing criteria and refer to a previous sanctions period.

By RFE/RL

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A fire broke out at Greece's Agioi Theodoroi oil refinery on September 17, disrupting operations at one of its two key crude processing units. The facility, operated by Motor Oil Hellas, is Greece's second-largest refinery, processing around 175,000 barrels per day. Despite the damage, the refinery is operating at over 50% capacity due to its complex configuration, according to company sources.

The fire, which saw multiple fire crews, helicopters, and emergency vehicles respond, led to localized evacuations and disrupted transportation in the area, including road and rail closures near Kineta and Corinth stations. While three workers were reported with minor injuries, no serious casualties occurred. Authorities are expected to maintain a strong security presence until the fire is fully extinguished.

The disruption at this key facility has raised concerns about potential supply impacts in the region, although the refinery's reduced, yet ongoing, operations may help mitigate a full shutdown scenario. The fire also adds pressure on European refining capacity at a time when global markets are already sensitive to supply shocks, making the recovery and safety measures at Agioi Theodoroi crucial to the energy sector's short-term outlook.

Motor Oil Hellas has yet to provide a clear timeline for full restoration of services at the facility, leaving the market to monitor developments closely.

In 2022, Greece exported more than $16 billion in refined petroleum products, making the country the 18th largest exporter of petroleum products in the world.

Petroleum is Greece's top export by far, although it imports almost all of its crude that it then refines. The country's top sources for Crude are Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Libya.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Securing Energy for Europe, or SEFE, is trying to build a stronger supply base before its privatization, planned to take place before 2030.

SEFE is the entity that the German government created after the nationalization of Gazproms German business soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

For most of that year, Europes biggest consumer of Russian gas struggled to secure enough supply and ended up with SEFE sealing a long-term LNG supply deal with another Russian companyNovatekto be supplied from the Yamal LNG facility.

At the end of last year, SEFE also signed a big, long-term deal with Norways Equinor. Worth some $55 billion, the deal would see Equinor supply the German state firm with 10 billion cu m of natural gas annually over the period between 2024 and 2034. There is also an option for another five years of supply.

This year, another LNG deal followed, this time with Emirati Adnoc. This one is for 1 million tons of liquefied natural gas, delivered annually for a period of 15 years. LNG deliveries will be made from Adnocs Ruwais LNG project, which is currently under development in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi.

The definitive LNG agreement is contingent upon a final investment decision on the project, including regulatory approvals, and the negotiation of a definitive sales and purchase agreement between the two companies, SEFE said at the time.

The Ruwais LNG project is expected to be the first LNG export facility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to run on clean power, making it one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world. This could have been a big factor in SEFEs decision on that deal given the German governments prioritization of climate change over everything else.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The largest bank in the Netherlands, ING, is further restricting its energy financing by halting all new general financing to so-called pure-play upstream oil and gas companies that continue to develop new oil and gas fields.

ING, which has already announced some financing restrictions to fossil fuels in recent years, unveiled new steps in its policy for energy financing in its annual Climate Progress Update 2024 published on Thursday.

We will stop all new general financing to so-called pure-play upstream oil & gas companies that continue to develop new oil & gas fields, the bank said. This policy is applicable with immediate effect and includes general corporate financing and bonds.

ING also announced a next step on LNG driven by guidance from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the bank said.

We will stop providing new financing for new LNG export terminals after 2025, it added.

ING added, The urgency of climate change is undeniable and ING wants to play a leading role in accelerating the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

ING is one of many European banks that have restricted financing to oil and gas in recent years.

UK banking giant Barclays, Europes biggest lender to fossil fuel projects, announced in February that it would drop direct funding for new oil and gas projects.

UKs HSBC said that at the end of 2022, it would stop funding new oil and gas field developments and related infrastructure as part of a policy to support and finance a net-zero transition.

Frances biggest bank, BNP Paribas, said in May 2023 that it would no longer provide any financing for developing new oil and gas fields, regardless of the financing methods.

Meanwhile, regional banks in North America have been striking more deals to lend money to the oil, natural gas, and coal industry in recent years, while many European lenders have either shrunk financing for fossil fuels or pledged to lower their exposure to the sector.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The nuclear energy industries in Russia and the West have remained interdependent after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which partly explains Europes unwillingness to impose sanctions on Russias nuclear sector, the World Nuclear Industry Status Report showed on Thursday.

Despite repeated callsnotably by the European Parliamentthe nuclear sector remained exempt from sanctionsa clear indication of dependency on Russia in the field, according to the annual industry report which assesses nuclear energy developments in the world.

The authors of the report found that interdependence between Russia and its Western partners remains significant.

For example, Russian state firm Rosatom is implementing all 13 nuclear power reactor construction sites started outside China over the past five years. As a result, Western providers of parts for the nuclear industry, such as Frances Arabelle turbines, do not have any foreign customers besides Rosatom, the report noted.

The close mutual industrial and market interdependencies between the Russian nuclear industry and its Western counterparts at least partially explain European hesitations to impose sanctions on the nuclear sector, the report reads.

The Russia-West interdependence remains as many allies of the U.S. and the EUwith the notable exception of Germanyhave turned to nuclear to step up energy security and depend less on energy commodities since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Despite being an industry notoriously known for years of delays and huge cost overruns, a global nuclear power renaissance is underway.

The comeback of nuclear energy is expected to drive a record-high electricity generation from nuclear in 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said early this year.

Even as some countries phase out nuclear power or retire plants early, global nuclear generation is expected to rise by nearly 3% per year on average through 2026, according to the IEA. The key growth drivers will be the completion of maintenance works in France, restart of some nuclear power plants in Japan, and new reactors coming online in China, India, South Korea, and Europe, among others.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Aramco has awarded a $2-billion contract to Saipem as part of the capacity expansion of the huge Marjan offshore field in Saudi Arabia, the Italian engineering group said in a statement.

The new contract is part of an existing long-term agreement between Saipem and the worlds largest oil company.

Saipems scope of work involves the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of wellhead platforms topsides, wellhead platforms jackets, tie-in platform jacket and topside, rigid flowlines, submarine composite cables, and fiber optic cables.

This is the second contract the Italian group has won with Saudi Aramco this month.

In early September, Saipem was awarded two contracts worth a total of $1 billion to install jackets, Production Deck Modules, pipelines, and subsea power cables at the Marjan, Zuluf, and Safaniyah oil fields in Saudi Arabia.

Aramco was instructed early this year by the Kingdoms leadership to stop work on expanding its maximum sustainable capacity to 13 million barrels per day (bpd), instead keeping it at 12 million bpd.

Despite the reversal of the capacity increase policy, Saudi Aramco continues work to expand crude capacity production at several fields, including the Marjan, Berri, Dammam, and Zuluf crude increment projects.

In its half-year report last month, Saudi Aramco said that it continues to work on projects to maintain its 12 million bpd maximum sustainable capacity and preserve operational flexibility.

The Dammam development project, which is expected to add crude oil production of 25,000 bpd later this year and 50,000 bpd in 2027, progressed construction. The Marjan and Berri crude oil increments, which are expected to add production capacity of 300,000 bpd and 250,000 bpd, respectively, by 2025, continued with procurement and construction activities. Finally, the Zuluf crude oil increment, which is expected to provide a central facility to process a total of 600,000 bpd of crude oil from the Zuluf field by 2026, moved forward with engineering, procurement, and construction activities.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Shell Plcs (NYSE:SHEL) planned sale of a stake in the Schwedt refinery in Germany is facing delays due to pending lawsuits by third parties, Reuters has reported. Shell's planned sale of its 37.5% stake in the refinery to Britain's Prax Group, was expected to close in the first half of 2024; however, the deal has hit a snag after Berlin stripped majority owner Rosneft of its control, but not its shares, and put it under a trusteeship shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The lawsuits include an attempt by Rosneft to prevent the sale to Prax.

Berlin is looking to nationalize Rosneft's German assets, including its 54.17% stake in the Schwedt refinery. According to German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, the process to dissolve the trusteeship has begun within the government and is currently at the hearing stage. Berlin has extended the trusteeship twice.

Previously, Poland reassured Germany that it could step in and supply the Schwedt refinery with crude if Kazakh oil supplies were halted in possible retaliation for Berlin's moves against Rosneft. Poland says its capable of replacing the whole Kazakh volume, about 1-1.2 MMtpy

The three refineries run by Rosneft Germany provide some 12% of Germanys total refining capacity, and the Schwedt refinery near Berlin is key. This refinery, on the border with Poland, supplies fuel to the Berlin-Brandenburg region. The oil that feeds these refineries comes from the Druzhba pipeline, which previously transported Russian oil to Germany via Ukraine. The refineries were set up specifically to refine this oil.

Whereas the Russian oil that goes through Druzhba was not included in the EUs oil embargo, Germany, nevertheless, stopped importing Russian crude and replaced it with oil from Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan was able to reach an agreement with Russian energy company Transneft to use the Druzhba pipeline to export oil via Russia and Belarus to Adamowo-Zastawa in Poland.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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During her annual state of the university address Thursday, University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li revealed plans for a major overhaul of the campus engineering building to help Nebraska build a high-tech workforce.

Li said planning is underway for a $107 million expansion and renovation of the Peter Kiewit Institute Building, which houses UNOs information science and technology college as well as select engineering programs administered by the University of Nebraska-Lincolns engineering college.

She noted the PKI Building that began UNOs move south of Pacific Street into what is now called the schools Scott Campus was first constructed in 1997  the year before Google was founded.

She also said projections are that the information technology college, which currently enrolls 1,000 undergraduates, will double in size by 2030. That makes expansion of the facility a critical strategic investment for meeting the states workforce needs, she said.

It is quite simple: If we want to respond to the states dire need for more technology workers, we will all need to stand firm behind the PKI expansion, she said. We must increase the input of students so we can expand the output of tech professionals.

Part of the future student growth will come from UNO offering one of the nations first bachelors degree programs in artificial intelligence. She noted UNO is now one of only 14 universities nationally set to offer an AI degree, joining a number of Ivy League institutions.

In an interview, Li said the first $5 million needed for planning of the PKI expansion is included in the university systems next two-year budget request to the Legislature. Another $22 million in state funds would later be sought for construction.

The rest of the cost  some $80 million  would come from the philanthropic community. She said there has already been much donor interest in the project.

Now in her fourth year as UNO chancellor, Li also spoke of the long-term budget challenges the university faces, saying she wants to work with new NU system President Jeffrey Gold to make sure the university has adequate funding to serve its students.

While UNO has long had a student body of around 15,000 students, she said university budget consultants suggest that based on its current budget model, its optimal enrollment would be around 12,500.

Rather than turn our back on these students, she said she would instead advocate with university leadership to make sure UNOs funding needs are adequately met.

She noted during her remarks that while UNO educates 33% of the students in the university system, it receives about 11% of the annual state appropriation from the Legislature.

I will continue to demand a fair distribution of resources, one that does not leave our students, faculty and staff disadvantaged, and one that allows us to grow, she said.

In the interview, Li said she was not suggesting UNO should receive one-third of the universitys state appropriation. But she said she looked forward to future discussions with Gold on what an appropriate allocation is.

She said she knows Gold understands UNO, having served four years as chancellor of the campus while he concurrently served as chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

I believe Jeff is very open-minded, she said in an interview.

During her remarks, Li expressed pride in UNOs role in helping its students  85% of whom come from the Omaha metro area  climb the socio-economic ladder.

She noted 36% of UNO students are eligible for federal Pell grant assistance, and more than one-third are first-generation college students. She said the university has also worked hard to keep tuition low, among the lowest in the state and the nation.

A Nebraska Department of Labor study found more than two-thirds of UNO graduates are still living and working in Nebraska five years after graduation, the highest rate of any of the universitys four campuses.

This is proof that investing in UNO is investing in Nebraskas workforce, Li said. We fight to bring talent in and keep talent for the state.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2024
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Gov. Aminu Tambuwal as winner of the governorship election in Sokoto state

Fatimah Mukhtar, returning officer for the election, said Tambuwal, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polled a total of 512,002 votes to beat Aliyu Ahmed of the All Progressives Congress (APC)who garnered 511,660 votes.

Tambuwal won with a margin of just 342 votes.

Ahmed was Tambuwals deputy before the governor defected from APC to PDP and he refused to follow his boss. The governor was leading in the March 9 election that INEC declared inconclusive.

So far, winners have been declared in two of the five states where supplementary election took place on Saturday. In Plateau, Simon Lalong, the incumbent governor, defeated Jeremiah Useni, his PDP rival, to secure his second term.

Official results of Bauchi, Benue and Kano are being expected.

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About three months ago, Adekunle Gold released his first solo track of the year, the fantastic Before You Wake Up. Now, with the song still deservedly making the rounds, hes come through with an impressive remix, featuring Tanzanian star, Vanessa Mdee.

The remix smartly retains most of the elements that made the original song work so well, specifically Sess unimpeachable production work, the instantly catchy chorus and Adekunle Golds standout opening verse.

Vanessa Mdee, whos known for having impeccable chemistry with Nigerian stars, appears on the songs second verse, replacing Adekunle Gold until we get to the hook. From that moment on, it becomes a proper duet, with both stars harmonizing rather beautifully.

Already one of the best Nigerians songs of the year so far, we cant say we really needed a remix for Before You Wake Up, but its hard to complain when the end result is this good. If for nothing else, it should keep fans satiated until the release of his next single, Kelegbe Megbe.

Listen to the remix of Before You Wake Up below:

[embedded content]
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee business meeting on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Washington. Mariam Zuhaib/AP Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee business meeting on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Washington. Mariam Zuhaib/AP Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., right, and Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., left, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee business meeting on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Washington. Mariam Zuhaib/AP Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, speaks with Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., right, after a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee business meeting on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Washington. Mariam Zuhaib/AP

BOSTON  Members of a U.S. Senate committee looking into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care adopted two resolutions Thursday designed to hold CEO Ralph de la Torre in contempt  one for civil enforcement and another for criminal contempt  for not testifying before the panel.

The votes come after de la Torre refused to attend a committee hearing last week despite being issued a subpoena. Both resolutions will be sent to the full Senate for consideration.

Dallas-based Steward closed the 327-bed Texas Vista hospital in San Antonio last year. The 40-year-old hospital was one of only two hospitals serving the South Side and served many low-income patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said de la Torres decision to defy the subpoena gave the committee little choice but to seek contempt charges.

For months, this committee has invited Dr. de la Torre to testify about the financial mismanagement and what occurred at Steward Health Care, Sanders said at Thursdays hearing. Time after time, he has arrogantly refused to appear.

In a letter sent to the committee Wednesday, Alexander Merton, an attorney for de la Torre, said the committees request to have him testify would violate his Fifth Amendment rights.

The Constitution protects de la Torre from being compelled by the government to provide sworn testimony intended to frame him as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts health care system, Merton wrote, adding that de la Torre would agree to testify at a later date.

Our concerns that the Hearing would be used to ambush Dr. de la Torre in a pseudo-criminal proceeding were on full display last week, with the Committee soliciting testimony from witnesses calling Dr. de la Torre and Steward executives health care terrorists and advocating for Dr. de la Torres imprisonment, Merton added.

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The resolution for civil enforcement of the subpoena instructs the Senate legal counsel to bring a lawsuit in the District Court for the District of Columbia to require de la Torres testimony before the 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.

Even though Dr. de la Torre may be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Even though he may be able to own fancy yachts and private jets and luxurious accommodations around the world. Even though he may be able to afford some of the most expensive lawyers in America, Dr. de la Torre is not above the law, Sanders said.

Steward, which operates about 30 hospitals nationwide, filed for bankruptcy in May.

Steward has been working to sell 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.

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A federal bankruptcy court this month approved the sale of Stewards other Massachusetts hospitals.

Steward also has shut down pediatric wards in Massachusetts and Louisiana, closed neonatal units in Florida and Texas, and eliminated maternity services at a hospital in Florida.

At the same time, de la Torre has reaped hundreds of millions of dollars personally and bought a $40 million yacht and a $15 million luxury fishing boat, Sanders said.

Ellen MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Boston, testified before the committee last week that under Steward management, patients were subjected to preventable harm and even death, particularly in understaffed emergency departments.

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.

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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.

In San Antonio last year, when Steward Health announced announced in March 2023 that it would close Texas Vista hospital effective May 1, 2023, unless Bexar County and University Health took over the facility. It said the South Side hospital, which it took over in 2017, served limited-income, high-needs patients and that it was not sustainable to continue shouldering financial losses and risks. The hospital had been known Southwest General Hospital until Steward Health renamed it Texas Vista in 2021.

Before the companys announcement, employees said they saw signs that it was in financial trouble as Steward missed payments to vendors.

County staff said Texas Vistas leaders asked for a bailout of up to $10 million and that University Health received a proposal from Steward for a takeover with a deadline of March 1, when the company made its announcement about shutting down the hospital.

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The county and University Health opted not to assume control of Texas Vista, as officials said renovating the aging facility would be expensive and not a wise use of taxpayer dollars. Instead, University Health is building a hospital on the South Side near Texas A&M University-San Antonio with room for up to 286 beds that is expected to open in 2027.
NORMAL  As cities and towns along historic Route 66 prepare for its 100th anniversary in 2026, the iconic Sprague's Super Service Station in Normal is already at work restoring the site to its original state from the 1930s.

"It was always my dream to take it back to the original footprint," said Terri Ryburn, owner of Ryburn Place Gifts & Gab at Sprague's Super Service Station, 305 E. Pine St. in Normal. "All the contractors have been wonderful."

Ryburn operates the gift shop, which sells all sorts of Route 66 souvenirs and memorabilia, inside the first floor of the station, while she lives in the second-floor apartment above the shop.

In early September, the restored Tudor Revival building  one of only five two-story gas stations left on Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, California  had two non-historic additions demolished from the original portion of the building.

The Normal Town Council approved a roughly $300,000 contract in October 2023 to restore the exterior elements of Sprague's Super Service Station, along with separate restoration projects at Broadview Mansion, 1301 S. Fell Ave., and the Hewett House, 202 W. College Ave., where the Ecology Action Center is located.

The contract was awarded to Normal-based developer J. Spencer Construction LLC, and the town allocated $100,000 toward Sprague's Super Service Station, $175,000 for Broadview Mansion and $25,000 for the Hewett House.

The scope of work across all three sites includes selective demolition, masonry infill and tuckpointing, roof and soffit repairs, and window and siding repairs.

The non-historic additions at Sprague's included a stretch along the backside of the building, added in the 1940s to create a restaurant with a banquet room, kitchen and walk-in cooler. In 1967, a one-bay garage with an auto lift was added to the west side of the building.

Ryburn Place has been closed during the demolition work and will reopen sometime this month, or whenever the town gives the all clear, Ryburn said. They will close again for the offseason in January and February.

"The 100-year anniversary of the road is 2026, but I'm on a sort of grassroots committee here to plan some events, and we'll be coming out with something," Ryburn said. "I hope very shortly to announce what we're going to be doing."

Mark Clinch, director of facilities and energy management in Normal, said now that the demolition of both additions is complete, contractors are working to survey the land around the building and cover holes in the building left from the addition's old doors and windows before winter weather sets in.

The town will take the work that still needs to be done through the annual budget process to see what grants can be secured to continue funding the work, but the station should be fully completed by spring or summer 2026, in time for the Route 66 centennial, Clinch said.

"We're going to restore the exterior, essentially, to what would have been original, to the degree that is possible," Clinch said. "The demo went great, and there was no collateral damage to the original structure. Actually, that part couldn't have gone any better."

He continued, "What got revealed, we expected, (and) it's kind of an unusual story. Usually when you start tearing into something historic, you expect to have a few surprises, but (there was) nothing like that."

Decades of Route 66 history

Route 66 was only four years old when Bloomington businessman and contractor William W. Sprague built his two-story gas station in 1930. At the time, the building housed a cafe, a Cities Service gas station, and a two-bay garage, in addition to living quarters above, according to Ryburn.

By 1940, the four-lane alignment of Route 66 was completed around Bloomington-Normal, reducing traffic on the original 1926 alignment, Ryburn explained. The new alignment became known as Veterans Parkway  or the Beltline, to locals  and it was around this time that Sprague sold the station.

Over the years, the station passed through several hands, including in 1951, when then-owner Olin W. "Doc" Hetzler expanded to include Avis car rental and Yellow Cab businesses, an ambulance service, and a Greyhound bus stop, according to Ryburn.

By the mid-1960s, Grady Roberson was running the gas station and garage while his wife, Catherine, operated a cafe on the east side of the building, Ryburn said.

The cafe closed in 1970, and by the mid-1970s, Beverly Hodge owned the building, where she operated a bridal shop, wedding cake and catering business and rented the upstairs apartments to Illinois State University students. Hodge later rented the upstairs out to various civic groups and even catered their meetings; she also rented out the garage and storage areas.

In 1979, the gas tanks were removed, and the original gas pumps were sold.

Ryburn purchased the station in 2006, working to add it to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 and into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame. In 2011, it became a local landmark property for the Town of Normal.

Ryburn sold the service station to the town in 2016. In her 10 years owning the station, she had taught herself to write grants, and she received $375,000 from the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and the state, in addition to other grants from the town, to help with maintenance, upkeep and renovations.

"I struggled with that decision (to sell) because I put literal blood, sweat and tears in this, but the reason I ended up selling to the town is because they can guarantee that it won't be torn down," said Ryburn, noting that she invested about $90,000 in the building out of her own pocket.

She later opened Ryburn Place Gifts & Gab on the first floor of the site, where she has since had visitors from 64 countries and all 50 states. as well as Puerto Rico. She said she averages 500 to 800 visitors per month, with over 5,000 visitors per year.

In this past July alone, Ryburn said she had visitors from 24 countries: Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the Netherlands.

Ryburn said her passion for Route 66 came about when she was 5 years old in the 1950s, when her father moved the family from Bloomington to California in a Model A truck that had been converted into a camper.

Ryburn collected stories and memories from her life in her 2019 book, "No Crybabies Allowed: The Past as Told By Me."

Among her other accomplishments, Ryburn has taught an ISU honors course about Route 66, and written her doctoral dissertation on Route 66, earning her the nickname "Dr. 66" upon her graduation 1999 from ISU.

"I knew it could come back," Ryburn said of Sprague's Super Service. "I knew the importance of this building to Route 66 as well as to the town."

To learn more about Ryburn Place at Sprague's Super Service Station and receive updates, visit ryburnplace.com or facebook.com/SpraguesSuperService.

25 historic images of Route 66 in its early days Historic Route 66, in photos Chicago's bronze lions Facing another day of the 'Bunion Derby' A Santa Fe street scene 'Okies' arrive in California The original western terminus Outdoor basket-weaving First stop west of Texas A desert rest stop Overnight in Victorville? Maybe don't follow Bugs Bunny? The wide-open road Iceberg in the desert Heading east Making connections A namesake of the highway Check out the Gila monster A commercial thoroughfare Passing through the Duke City Souvenirs and novelties On a corner in Winslow, Arizona Through a harsh landscape The Boss loved it Save a horse? The Wigwam Village Motel The end of the road
GENEVA  The Kane County Sheriffs Office on Tuesday unveiled its newest program to help inmates get back on their feet after getting out of jail: a Small Business Development Center.

The Honorable William H. Hall IV Small Business Development Center, which is physically located in the sheriffs office, will offer inmates at the Kane County Jail programs to help develop their own small business plans and equip them with the skills they need to successfully run a business, officials said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony announcing the program.

This is going to change lives. Its going to change the direction of Kane County, its community members and other community organizations that it touches, Kane County Undersheriff Amy Johnson said at the ceremony. This is not just a one and done element. This is forever.

The new center is the very first Small Business Development Center in a correctional facility anywhere in the nation, a news release from the Kane County Sheriffs Office said.

According to Judy Dawson of the Kane County Sheriffs Office, SBDC's programs will be open to anyone in the community who was previously incarcerated or otherwise involved with the justice system.

She said the SBDC is one of many programs offered by the Kane County Sheriffs Office to stop those who previously were incarcerated from going back to jail, which is known as recidivism.

Small business ownership and entrepreneurship are ways to reduce recidivism and help formerly incarcerated people become economically self-sufficient, Dawson said.

The sheriffs office also offers drug treatment programs, educational programs, job training and other programs to help reduce recidivism, she said.

According to Dawson, the sheriffs office has already reduced recidivism rates significantly, from 49% before Sheriff Ron Hain took office to 18% in 2023.

At the ceremony, a number of current or former inmates spoke about their experiences with Kane County Sheriffs Office programs, particularly a business plan pitch competition that has been held the last several years, and how those experiences have turned their lives around.

One of the men who spoke was David Stewart, 41, who said he was an ex-gang member and ex-drug dealer.

Stewart said he has been in and out of the system for years, but because of the drug rehabilitation, job training and small business development programs offered by the Kane County Sheriffs Office, he now has a new outlook on life.

Now I understand the true meaning of freedom, because Im free  not physically free  but Im free on the inside because I found myself, he said. When I found myself, I found my purpose, and this is what Im able to see clearly now that the rain is gone: Inside Out Recovery, thats the name of my business.

Inside Out Recovery is Stewarts vision for his future, a business where he can give back to the community and help others, he said.

His business plan was conceived through the sheriffs offices 2023 small business plan pitch competition, which pushed him outside of his comfort zone, Stewart said.

This experience boosted my confidence level and it skyrocketed my self-esteem because I achieved something that I thought was impossible. Now I feel more alive and more free, he said.

The pitch competition will still take place in the Kane County Jail, but the newly-formed Honorable William H Hall IV Small Business Development Center will now be there to help inmates beyond that competition.

Inmates will now receive one-on-one counseling to further their business plan and will also be able to participate in a group program that will teach participants all the skills they need to run a successful business, according to Dawson. She said similar programs will be offered for those who were formerly incarcerated or in the justice system.

The center at the sheriffs office is actually a satellite of the full-fledged SBDC at Waubonsee Community College, which is partnering with the sheriffs office on the project, she said.

Waubonsee Community College is honored to be a part of this effort, to be a part of enhancing the lives of people who live within our community, NeKeisha Stepney, the colleges assistant provost of workforce development, said at the ceremony. We are very focused on our underserved and underrepresented populations. This is just an extension of that great work.

Funding for the project is coming through the Americas Small Business Development Center network of Illinois, another one of the sheriffs offices partners in the project, according to Dawson.

She said the network no longer asks those applying for loans whether or not they are convicted felons, which hopefully will open up more opportunities for the jails inmates and others in the community who previously did not have access to this funding source.

The sheriffs office also has other plans in the works for additional ways to fund the development of small businesses through the center, Dawson said.

Willette LeGrant, Illinois District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, spoke at Tuesdays ceremony and said the Kane County Sheriffs Office Small Business Development Center is the first of many.

This is going to be all over the state of Illinois, LeGrant said.
Olam Agri, a global leader in food and agribusiness, has held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for its state-of-the-art pasta production facility at its wheat milling factory at Kpone near Tema, in the Greater Accra Region.



The event was graced by the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi, and the Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Frederick Obeng Adom, and was attended by the traditional leadership of the Kpone municipality. Also present were Chief Executives and representatives from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and some key stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Water Company.



The construction of Olam Agris facility marks a significant milestone in the companys commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and nutritious pasta products for the Ghanaian consumer. When completed, the factory will be the first pasta production facility in Ghana, aiming to bring the product closer to the consumer, ensuring better quality control.



In an address read on his behalf by his Deputy, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon K.T. Hammond observed that whereas pasta has become a staple in many Ghanaian households, there is heavy reliance on imports, particularly from countries like Turkey, Italy, China, and South Africa.



I am therefore happy to note that, Olam Agri as a business is taking advantage of this opportunity to establish this state-of-the-art pasta plant reflecting the companys commitment to transforming Ghanas food industry. This facility is expected to meet the growing demand for pasta locally, supporting the governments import substitution and job creation agenda, Hon K. T. Hammond said.



The Minister stressed that the private sector plays a key role in promoting the growth of industrialisation in Ghana, adding that Olam Agri has long set a benchmark in agribusiness, from flour production to supporting local rice farmers and the companys understanding and dedication to quality is exemplified by the success of popular brands like Mama Gold and Royal Feast.



Mr. Baibhav Biswas, Country Head of Olam Agri in Ghana, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, Our 30 years presence in Ghana has been characterised by significant investments in infrastructure and human resources development. This facility is a testament to our dedication to the country and our effort to contribute positively towards its economic development and food security. This new facility aligns with Olam Agris broader strategy of strengthening its position in the African food market.



Mr. Baibhav Biswas expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for supporting Olam Agris operations in Ghana and for creating a friendly environment for businesses to thrive.



As our Grains business continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to providing quality floor products to Ghanaians. Our commitment to community development and sustainability has solidified our position as a trusted partner in the regions food industry Baibhav, said.



The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ms. Julia Esiam, congratulated Olam Agri on behalf of the commission and reiterated the institution's support through effective collaboration and partnerships. The Groundbreaking of this new facility will open doors to further opportunities for growth and development. This sets the stage for future achievement, innovation, and progress. Ms. Esiam added.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









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Fidelity Bank, Ghana's largest privately-owned Indigenous bank, is proud to launch its new campaign, 'b fa', celebrating in wavering spirit and visionary aspirations.



This initiative reaffirms the bank's commitment to being a supportive and forward-looking partner in its customers' lives.



'b fa', a Twi phrase meaning 'It will happen' or 'It will come to pass', encapsulates the message that Fidelity Bank is committed to partnering its customers through all the chapters of their lifes journey and supporting them to realize their dreams. The campaign emphasizes that every day is a new chapter in the journey to success, and with the right mindset and partner, every aspiration can become a reality.



According to Esi Edziiba Mills-Robertson, Director of Marketing at Fidelity Bank, "This campaign is a testament to our faith in the dreams and goals of our customers. We believe every moment is an opportunity to unfold a larger story with boundless potential."



The campaign features real-life stories of Fidelity Bank customers who have achieved significant milestones with the bank's support. These stories will be shared across multiple media platforms to create a movement that resonates with every individual, reaffirming that every dream is achievable with the right mindset, support system, focus, and perseverance.



Fidelity Bank invites everyone to share their own journey of resilience using the hashtag #ThisIsJustAChapter #BelieveWithUs #bfa, aiming to create a conversation that uplifts and motivates.



The bank has announced a series of community engagements, including Random Acts of Kindness and Inspirational Talks, to inspire individuals and foster an unwavering can-do spirit.



Through innovative financial solutions and its commitment to financial inclusion, Fidelity Bank is empowering Ghanaians to achieve their dreams. The bank's GreenTech Innovation Challenge (GTIC) 2024 has awarded over GHS 1,200,000 in grant funding to support innovative solutions addressing critical challenges within Ghana's agricultural value chain.



Fidelity Bank continues to champion the can-do spirit of Ghanaians through dynamic initiatives and campaigns that fuel creativity and support innovation.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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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Ghana lost over 15,000 people to Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C- related liver diseases in 2022, indicating 42 deaths per day.



Most of the victims, who died prematurely as young men and women, suffered from liver failure and liver cancer.



The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, who disclosed this at the Ghana Hepatitis Stakeholders' Conference 2024 in Accra yesterday, explained that Ghana had a high burden of predominantly chronic Hepatitis B, and to a lesser extent, chronic Hepatitis C, both of which caused significant illness and premature deaths from liver-related conditions for thousands of Ghanaians.



The high burden, he explained, appeared to be disproportionately shared between the northern and southern parts of the country, with the northern part having a higher burden.



The conference was organised by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in partnership with the Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana and Abbot Diagnostics on the theme, mobilising partnerships for viral hepatitis elimination in Ghana.



It was aimed at increasing the awareness of stakeholders about hepatitis and also enabling them to appreciate the work ahead so that they can support the country in meeting its obligation to eliminate the disease.



Hepatitis



Hepatitis is the condition that results when the liver is inflamed or when the liver is infected by disease-causing microorganisms. Hepatitis is very broad and includes viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and pathogens that cause hepatitis.



Within viral hepatitis, there is Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.



An estimate published in 2016 put the prevalence rate of hepatitis in the country at 12.3 per cent, which was far above the eight per cent prevalence threshold.



Dr Kuma-Aboagye said even though the country had a high burden of Hepatitis B and C, very few of these had been diagnosed due to low testing capacity and inadequate reporting.



He added that it had been estimated that every year, about eight per cent of new babies were born to mothers who tested positive for Hepatitis B at the antenatal clinics.



He further said there was a higher risk of transmission from mother to the baby, depending on the virus type and other factors.



He said eliminating Hepatitis B required concerted, coordinated and accountable interventions, and therefore, encouraged stakeholders to engage the control programme to identify available gaps in helping the country to eliminate the disease.



Worldwide



The World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Ghana, Dr Frank Lule, said worldwide, about 300 million people live with the disease, with more than a million new infections being recorded every year and more than a million deaths.



If you divide that, we are getting more than 3,000 people dying every day because of chronic viral hepatitis. And we are at a time when we have so many tools at our disposal to do something about the disease.



We now have the diagnostics. The medicines available to us have never been cheaper than what they are now so I think we are at a time when we can really do something about this, he said.

Source: graphiconline









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 Institute for Progressive Governance (IPG), has expressed its concern about the opposition NDC calling for a forensic audit into Ghanas voters register, describing the calls as not only strange but also unnecessary and not compelling enough to warrant an audit as proposed by the NDC.



IPG finds the demands of the National Democratic Congress strange since the party has not presented any substantial evidence warranting the calls for a forensic audit into the electoral roll. What the NDC presented to the EC is not enough for the Commission to knuckle under the pressure the opposition party is giving to the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission part of the statement reads.



According to IPG, the NDC is exhibiting double standards with respect to the calls for major overhauls of the countrys electoral system over the years. The former President and flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, has been vociferous in his demand on the EC to agree to a forensic audit by a foreign entity, held a completely different view over a similar call in the run-up to the 2016 elections.



Mr. Mahama had this to say when the then opposition New Patriotic Party called for a new register for the purposes of the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections:

Accusations and unprintable insults hauled at the person of EC Chair have become normal. This is unacceptable, but for students of politics we can see the strategy behind it. It is an old trick in the book; vilify the referee and reduce the credibility of the referee in the eyes of the public when you can tell you are losing the match. This creates the platform where, when you lose to discredit and contest the outcome of the match. This is the underlying cause for all the whining that is taking place against the Electoral Commission at every step of the electoral process, IPG quoted.



The statement from the then President John Dramani Mahama in 2016, according to the think tank, is completely worlds apart from his posturing today. His position now is parallel to the principled position he held in the run-up to the 2016 elections. IPG finds the NDCs flagbearers inconsistencies quite problematic and worrying.



It is also worth noting what the then General Secretary of the NDC said at the forum with stakeholders on NPPs calls for a new voter roll because the party believed the register was over-bloated. This is what Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said at the forum;



I have indicated that the process of deleting dead persons is the process of exhibition of the register. After every provisional register is compiled, it is exhibited. Before we go into any election, the register is exhibited, and the main purpose of the exhibition is for us to raise objections to people whose names are there which ought not to be there. There are forms and means of processing those objections that will lead to deletion of those names. It includes the deletion of names of dead people too, so opportunity is given for people to present evidence the statement further held.



From the above quotation, the then General Secretary of the NDC was saying that exhibition of voters register is the best way to correct anomalies discovered in the voters register. Is it not ironic that the same person is rejecting his own prescription, which was adhered to at the time, but now postulating a completely different sets of methods to deal with whatever anomalies the register may contain?



IPG, thus, has proposed the following measures to dealing with the issues raised by the opposition National Democratic Congress:

1. NDC must make available to the EC the full details of the anomalies they claim to have discovered.

2. The EC must be accommodative enough to give the NDC a hearing.

3. There should be a committee comprising all political parties, Peace Council, Clergy and some reps from the Diplomatic Corps.

4. A frank, honest discussion must be held over all the issues raised.



The think tank concludes by stating that there are already existing means of auditing the voters register without resorting to falling on any foreign organization to do so for the country.



IPG believes that there is absolutely no need for any forensic audit of the nations voters roll. If there are anomalies, the laid down procedures as stipulated in the ECs regulations as espoused by Johnson Asiedu Nketiah in 2016, ought to be employed to sanitize the register. Ghana is a sovereign state and cannot, therefore, hand over its voters register to foreigners in the name of forensic auditing IPG emphasized.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/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 debate over Ghanas mining industry has taken a fresh turn, with the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, rejecting calls for a blanket ban on mining activities.



Instead, he advocates for stricter regulations to ensure responsible mining.



This stance comes amid growing pressure on the government to tackle the devastating effects of illegal mining, known as galamsey.



The President of the National House of Chiefs, Gyebis comments highlight the complexity of the issue, acknowledging the economic benefits of mining while emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.



Gold is for us, but the right methods should be used to mine it, he stressed.



The Minerals Commission already regulates mining activities, and Nana Gyebi believes Ghanaians should utilize proper methods to harness the countrys resources.



Galamsey has ravaged the major water bodies and environment, prompting various groups, including the Ghana Medical Association and Organized Labour, to demand a ban on small-scale mining or a state of emergency.



However, the Chief, Gyebi warns that a blanket ban could lead to significant job losses, particularly among the youth.



Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdullai Jinapor echoed the President of National House of Chiefs, Gyebis sentiments, underscoring the governments commitment to combating illegal mining.



The Minister, Jinapor acknowledged the challenges posed by selfish interests and cartels but vowed to protect water bodies, the environment, and forest reserves.



The government faces a delicate balancing act: addressing the environmental and social concerns surrounding galamsey while preserving the economic benefits of mining.

President Akufo-Addo has previously called upon chiefs and MMDCEs to support the fight against galamsey.



The government has implemented measures to combat illegal mining, but the persistence of the problem necessitates continued cooperation and innovative solutions.

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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Massive rehabilitation work has commenced on the Apedwa-Ejisu stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway to restore the pavement's riding quality and improve safety and traffic flow.



The 160km Apedwa-Ejisu section is a critical highway connecting Accra to Kumasi and passes through key economic towns such as towns such as Bunso Junction, Anyinam, Konongo, and Ejisu.



The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, inspected the works yesterday and emphasized the corridor's vital role in linking the country's two largest economic cities.



Over the years, this important road has experienced extensive deterioration, with defects such as potholes, cracks, rutting, and depressions affecting large sections of the carriageway. Despite various interventions to maintain these sections, the road has continued to deteriorate significantly, necessitating a more comprehensive solution, the Minister said.



He indicated that given its strategic importance, the government has taken a bold decision to rehabilitate the corridor.



Hon. Asenso-Boakye explained that the 160km stretch has been divided into two lots; Lot 1 from Ejisu to Nkawkaw (90km) and Lot 2 from Nkawkaw to Apedwa (70km).



He further indicated that the scope of work for the project, includes pavement strengthening, asphalt overlays, and the installation of road furniture.



The Rehabilitation work is scheduled to be completed in 24 months and upon completion, it will significantly enhance travel safety, reduce journey times, and boost economic activities between Accra and Kumasi, the minister said.



Hon. Asenso-Bokye also indicated that the government is currently constructing four major bypasses along the Accra-Kumasi highway at Osino, Enyiresi, Anyiman and Konogo to help reduce travelling time, accidents and promote economic activities along the major towns on the corridor.



The Minister directed the contractors to put in place a robust traffic management plan to reduce inconvenience to commuters.



He further appealed to motorists applying the stretch to drive safely and adhere to traffic control measures that have been put in place by the contractors.





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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 HOS Ridgewind is currently at the likely splashdown site of a SpaceX Starship Super Heavy booster that landed and then sank in June. Courtesy Hornbeck Offshore The SpaceX Starship launches during its fourth flight test from Boca Chica Beach in June. A Super Heavy Booster, known as Booster 11, carried the Starship to space during the vehicles flight. It was the first booster to not explode before landing, but after landing, it sank into the Gulf. Brandon Bell/TNS Hornbeck Offshores HOS Ridgewind, a service ship equipped with a crane, is currently loitering around the splashdown site of SpaceXs Super Heavy Booster that flew in June. Courtesy Hornbeck Offshore SpaceXs Starship launches for its fourth test flight from Starbase at Boca Chica Beach. A Super Heavy Booster, known as Booster 11, carried the Starship to space during the vehicles flight in June. It was the first booster to not explode before landing. SpaceX via Associated Press SpaceXs mega rocket Starship launches for a test flight June 6 from Starbase in Boca Chica. SpaceX via Associated Press

For the past several days, an offshore service ship with a giant crane has been loitering off the coast of Boca Chica Beach near a spot in the Gulf of Mexico where a SpaceX Starship booster splashed down and sank June 6.



The presence of the 260-foot HOS Ridgewind has spawned speculation that Elon Musks commercial space company is recovering the 230-foot-long stainless-steel rocket booster that touched down on the waters surface and fell over before sinking.



Known as Super Heavy Booster 11, the massive fuel tank and its 33 engines carried an upper-stage Starship to space during the vehicles fourth test flight in June. It was the first booster to not explode before landing.



Immediately after the flight, SpaceX said it had no plans to salvage the craft. But apparently the firm, some other entity or perhaps a rich collector has changed their minds about leaving the high-tech rocket parts in the sea.

Last week, an X user with the handle TheSpaceEngineer began posting about HOS Ridgewind apparently working at the splashdown site.

It is impossible to be 100% of what is happening with situations like these, but less than 2 km from the estimated splashdown site for multiple days? they wrote. A very oddly specific job for a vessel with recovery capabilities.

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In a later posting, they wrote, The vessel HOS Ridgewind does indeed appear to be attempting to recover portions of Booster 11.

Accompanying the statement was a screenshot of the ships position near the suspected splashdown site of the booster, which aligns with vessel tracking services plots of the ships movements over the last few days.

SpaceX did not respond to questions about a possible salvage operation, but the company has worked with Covington, La.-based Hornbeck Offshore, the owner of the HOS Ridgewind, in the past.



In 2021, the HOS Briarwood, a similar ship to the one currently about 15 miles off the coast of Boca Chica Beach, helped SpaceX recover Falcon 9 rocket parts off the coast of Florida. Also, several people whove worked for Hornbeck Offshore now work directly for SpaceX in the fleet of ships it uses to support its operations off Florida and California, according to their profiles on the LinkedIn social media site.

Hornbeck Offshore did not respond to request for comment.

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I havent seen anything come up on our radar with NASA or SpaceX in a while, so this definitely isnt a Coast Guard operation, a Coast Guard spokesman said Wednesday. I dont think it would be considered a salvage operation, probably just a recovery mission.

He said the Coast Guard probably wouldnt need to be notified about a recovery operation if the work wasnt affecting vessel traffic.

On Wednesday, vessel tracking services listed the HOS Ridegewinds status as restricted maneuverability, which the Coast Guard said could mean a variety of things.

This is a notification to other mariners that this vessel doesnt have full capacity to move like it usually does, so they basically need to give it the right of way  or just basically stay away from it.

In other words, the status could mean the vessel is being used for some sort of stationary work or has a mechanical problem.

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Ron Hardrock Parker of San Marcos has spent months searching for Starship debris along the coasts of Texas, Mexico and several Caribbean islands. He said hed heard SpaceX was recovering the Booster 11 wreckage, but wouldnt disclose his source.

The only thing that they could be trying to recover is the Raptors, he said referencing the crafts 33 Raptor engines.

Some have said SpaceX could be after the boosters engines to glean additional knowledge or ensure they dont fall into the hands of rival companies or even other countries.

In 2013, Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO and founder of commercial space company Blue Origin, led an expedition that recovered parts of Saturn V rocket engines that sent Apollo astronauts to the moon in the late 60s and early 70s.

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Some of the artifacts are on display at Seattles Museum of Flight and the National Air and Space Museum in Washington.
On Monday, September 16, 2024, members of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs unanimously endorsed the second-term leadership of their President, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, the Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area, and Vice President, Naaba Anonsona Abisa Anthony Atasige III, the Paramount Chief of the Mirigu Traditional Area.



During the election process, both leaders presented their manifestos, highlighting their achievements and future plans. Pe Adiali Ayagitam emphasized his commitment that led to delivering on his previous promises, particularly the renovation of the Regional House of Chiefs. He proudly noted that this had been accomplished, transforming the facility into a structure befitting its status. He further pledged to construct a guest house in the regional capital to accommodate members during their visits, a project that he would undertake if granted another term.



In his address, Pe Adiali Ayagitam expressed confidence in his competence and experience, assuring his colleagues that he knew how to source funding for such developmental projects. He also encouraged the paramount chiefs to push forward the names of their divisional chiefs for consideration for elevation to paramountcy status, emphasizing the need for growth and progression within the traditional hierarchy.



Vice President-elect Naaba Anonsona Abisa Anthony Atasige III, who attended the event with the support of three of his divisional chiefsKandiga Naba Henry Abawine Amenga-Etego, Nabango Naba, Naaba Atogumzoya Atuguba, and Pungubiisi Naba, Naaba Francis Awineparigiya Anaafospoke of his steadfast support for the president. He outlined their joint efforts in fulfilling their promises to the House, including a complete renovation of the House of Chiefs and the installation of tiles to enhance its appearance.



Naaba Anonsona affirmed their commitment to the long-awaited guest house project, assuring that it would be brought to fruition during their new term.



In addition to their re-election, Pe Adiali Ayagitam III and Naaba Anonsona Abisa Anthony Atasige III were elected to represent the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs at the National House of Chiefs. They will be joined by three other elected members: Naaba Orlando Alebizire A. Awini, the Paramount Chief of Naaga; Pe Dennis Aniakwoa Balinia Asagipare Adda, the Navoro Pio; and Nab Yelzooya Asaaga II, the Paramount Chief of Nangodi.



These five representatives will serve the region at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi for the next four years.



The ceremony was a vibrant and culturally significant event, with chiefs donning a variety of traditional regalia that added splendor to the occasion. The atmosphere was one of pride and unity, reflecting the importance of the institution and the continuity of leadership within the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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 Ghana Queen Mother's Foundation, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Musicians Union of Ghana, and Royal TV, has launched a nationwide campaign against hate speech in the political landscape. The initiative, themed "Decency in Politics," aims to promote respect and civility in political discourse.



The initiative, themed "Decency in Politics," seeks to promote a series of reforms designed to foster respect and civility in political discourse.



During the launch, Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Akwasi Agyeman, emphasized that Ghanas peace and stability are significant attractions for tourists and are key characteristics of the nation. People who want to visit Ghana see Ghana as a beacon of peace, and we pride ourselves on being one of the most peaceful countries in the sub-region.



He noted that political discourse can and should be conducted peacefully, adding that the prevalence of hate speech during this election season poses a serious threat to the countrys peace, which could adversely affect the anticipated influx of visitors during the upcoming tourist season.



For tourism to thrive, there must be peace. We are in a political season, but politics should not divide us. We must be able to share our ideas peacefully, Mr. Agyeman stated.



A representative of the Queen Mothers Foundation, Nana Serwaa Brakatuo urged all Ghanaians and members of the press to actively promote the message of peace, especially during this election year.



You have only one thumb for voting, so why engage in violence? Elections are not warfare; they are an expression of your opinion. As mothers and grandmothers, we care deeply for our children, and we urge everyone to come together for peace, which is a priceless commodity that cannot be purchased.



Second Vice President of the Musicians Union of Ghana and head of the Womens Desk, Ruth Amankwah Gyamfi commended the Ghana Queen Mothers Foundation for leading this peace campaign.



She expressed her enthusiasm about women being at the forefront of this initiative, noting, I am thrilled that our wonderful Queen Mothers are spearheading this effort. As head of the Womens Desk at MUSIGA, I am committed to promoting womens leadership because when women rise up, significant change occurs.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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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A disturbing incident has shaken the Christian Methodist Senior High School (Chrimeto) in New-Aplaku, Greater Accra Region, as students allegedly attacked teachers for refusing to allow exam malpractice during the ongoing West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).



According to eyewitnesses, the students, fueled by anger and frustration, chased and stoned the teachers, including Walter Yesutor Adanunyo, who was captured on video running for his life.



Mr. Adanunyo, one of the assaulted teachers, recounted the events leading up to the attack.



On Monday, after the integrated science paper, a student informed him and his Head of Department about a mob at the school gate, threatening to harm Mr. Adanunyo for being too strict in the exam room.



The teachers promptly notified the headmaster, who called the police patrol team to intervene.



The police successfully dispersed the students, but the respite was short-lived.



The following day, without police presence, the students resumed their aggression, pelting the teachers with stones and sachet water.



Mr. Adanunyo described the chaotic scene: We were three permanent teachers and two service personnel. I told them to leave, but some students used other routes and met us halfway, throwing pure water and stones.



Police Intervention



The police reportedly arrested four students, although Mr. Adanunyo couldnt confirm if they were the same individuals involved in the confrontation.



This incident echoes a similar event during WASSCE a few years ago, where students at Bright Senior High School in the Eastern region exhibited similar behavior.

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 Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) says the petition for a forensic audit of the voters register being demanded by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) must be tabled at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting for the input of other parties and stakeholders on the matter.



Governance expert, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has also called for dialogue to resolve the issues that led to last Tuesdays regional-based simultaneous street protests by the main opposition party, suggesting that a third-party audit could be explored, while a political scientist, Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa, said the NDCs concerns were valid, and that a forensic audit would ensure the reliability of the register.



CODEO believes that the forum for this issue now should be at IPAC so that it will involve maybe the political parties, the CSOs (civil society organisations) and other organisations so that it will have a broad perspective, the election observer body said.



In an interview with Graphic Online's Samuel Duodu and Emmanuel Bonney in Accra on Wednesday [Sept 18, 2024], the National Coordinator of CODEO, Albert Arhin, said going forward, the electorate must show interest in the voter exhibition exercise to help to correct possible errors in the data system.



unapparelled luxury



Truly speaking, many of the issues involved could have been resolved amicably if people had gone in there, for example, to check whether their names were in the register or whether there were discrepancies here and there.



The bulk of Ghanaians don't go for exhibition exercises. They don't, so what does that mean? Honestly, if we are taking the exhibition exercise seriously, it is supposed to be correcting many of these anomalies, Mr Arhin said.



Some other prominent figures, namely the Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, and a Development Communications specialist, Patrick Richard Okine, have also added their voices to the call for an audit of the electoral role.



Dialogue



Prof. Agyeman-Duah, who is also a former United Nations Senior Governance Advisor, emphasised the need for consensus-building to resolve the issue, suggesting that a third-party audit could be explored.



"The EC claims to have an in-built audit process, but if there's a real need for a comprehensive audit, the NDC should provide partial evidence," he said.



Prof. Agyeman-Duah recommended legislating forensic audits at specific points during the electoral process to prevent future disputes over the issue.



"Making it a legislative requirement would prevent parties from disputing the register's credibility," he stated.



He also advocated continuous voter registration, leveraging technology to eliminate duplication and deceased individuals' names.



"With the Ghana Card, we can implement continuous registration, eliminating the need for periodic registration and reducing conflicts," he further stated.



Prof. Agyeman-Duah commended the NDC for exercising its democratic right to protest peacefully over concerns with the voters register.



He stressed that "the NDC has raised legitimate concerns, and it's essential that the Electoral Commission (EC) takes note and address them", adding that "if the NDC has evidence of discrepancies, it should present it to the EC".



Dr Akwetey of IDEG said dialogue should be foremost in trying to resolve the issue of the voter register between the NDC and the EC.



He said there was the need for a credible register, and that all should endeavour to cooperate with the EC, and where doubts remained and aggravating, it was important that if an audit would prove to everybody that that was genuine and clean, that is important.



That, he said, would help prevent potential violence because suspicion could create a lot of harm.



Dr Akwetey, however, said the call for an audit was in the hands of the EC, and that everyone should add their voices to encourage it.



Its a tough job, he said, referring to the EC, but added that they should also see what they can do to mitigate the suspicion.



He, however, charged all the parties and stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that the register was acceptable to all.



The demonstration by the NDC, Dr Akwetey said, was one of the most efficient Ghanaians had seen in recent political history, and described it as peaceful.



But for the incident in Kumasi, where the police and the protesters were locked in a stand-off at the concluding part of the exercise, he said there was no violence and destruction.



I think the police ought to be commended as well, Dr Akwetey said.

Source: graphiconline









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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James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly called 'Kabila', has labeled the National Democratic Congress' demonstration on Tuesday, September 17, as unlawful.



The National Democratic Congress (NDC) embarked on protest against the Electoral Commission (EC) demanding a forensic audit of the voter's register.



According to them, the register is replete with irregularities, hence calling for an independent body to audit it.



Commenting on the issue during Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show, the former CPP General Secretary slammed the leadership of the National Democratic Congress, particularly mentioning the National Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, saying "he knows what they are doing is against the law".



He challenged their request for an independent authority to audit the register, stressing "there has never been any audit of Electoral Commission's voter register by any independent body in this country. I am telling you!"



"Those claiming that there was an independent audit, so-called, sponsored by UNDP should tell us which body audited the EC's register. KPMG didn't audit any voter register; they don't have the capacity to do that. They didn't do that."





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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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Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh has called out former President John Dramani Mahama for labelling Clergy, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and traditional leaders as "hypocrites" for praying for the NPP and their leaders.



Speaking at a campaign rally at Ofoase in Juaben Constituency, he expressed concerns over Mahamas rhetoric, stating such statements undermine the dignity of the office he (Mahama) previously held.



Speaking during another phase of NPP campaign tour, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh underscored the key role that the traditional and religious authorities play in preserving the unity and moral fabric of Ghana.



He described these authorities as being crucial factor to fostering unity and development in the country, therefore, stressed they should be accorded much respect.



Further reacting to Mahama's disparaging remarks, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly called "NAPO", urged the traditional leaders, Imams and Clergy not to support John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming elections.



He seized the moment to also tout the achievements of the NPP, asserting they have outperformed the previous administration and affirmed the record of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government across all sectors is unmatched.



"We will continue to clearly communicate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's plans to further improve the lives of the people with bold solutions", he emphasized.



Furthermore, he pointed out that the NPP has communicated their achievements devoid of insults nor namecalling, hence urged the public to vote them into power on Dec 7.



He added that the leadership of his party exhibits humility and respect for the religious and traditional leaders, unlike Ex-President Mahama and the NDC.



Dr. Opoku Prempeh, as a part of his tour, also visited Kumawu and Oyoko in the Kumawu Constituency and interacted with the Chiefs and religious leaders as well as students in the communities.



During his visit, the Kumawumanhene, Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua expressed excitement over the appointment of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh as Running Mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, NPP flagbearer.



The Chief praised the NPP for their numerous developmental projects in the area, among them he mentioned are an ultramorden hospital and better roads.



Present during the occasion was Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, who, on his part, thanked the Chiefs for their warm reception and requested their prayers to effectively carry on with his work.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Western North Regional Chairman, Mr. William Benjamin Assuah, has delivered a strong message affirming the NPPs ability to retain the Sefwi Wiawso Parliamentary seat based on the remarkable developmental projects initiated by the party in the Sefwi Wiawso constituency.



Mr. William Benjamin Assuah expressed his confidence in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to secure a resounding victory in the upcoming elections, citing the substantial impact of the party's developmental projects on the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency.



The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has a track record of establishing the first-ever Sefwi Wiawso Nursing Training College in the Sefwiland, connecting a lot of rural communities to the national grid, constructing of 42.8kms road from Dwinase Tano bridge to Benchema Barrier and the numerous infrastructure projects, under the then President Agyekum Kufours administration, was detailed as evidence of the party's commitment and transformative impact on the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency



During a campaign trail with the partys parliamentary candidate, Hon. Festus Bumamka Agyapong, Mr. Assuah asserts that approximately 80% of the monumental and capital-intensive projects in the Sefwi Wiawso constituency under this 4th republic has been the handiworks of the NPP, which showcases the partys commitment to development in the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency.



He praised Hon. Festus Bumakama Agyapongs dedication to bringing the necessary developments to the constituency, emphasizing the Hon. Bumas focus on the well-being of the good people of the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency.



Hon. Festus Bumakama Agyapong, despite not yet holding the parliamentary seat, has actively advocated for various projects; including market construction, Astro turfs, reshaping of road, financial support for brilliant students, construction of KG block, donation of school desks, lightening up communities, renewal of NHIA cards, lobbying for mobile network for rural areas, assisting market women with soft loans, hence should be voted for him to continue the good legacies of the current Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie.



Mr Assuah joins the parliamentary candidate in campaigning across different communities in the constituency such as Achiachen, Akurafu, Kanchiabo, Kunuma and Suiano, to engage directly with the constituents and rally support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



Mr. William Benjamin Assuah expresses his belief in the exceptional performance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Sefwi Wiawso constituency and hes very confident that the party will maintain the parliamentary seat come December 7th.



He brought attention to the significant transformation in Sefwi Wiawso, underscoring its status as a Regional Capital with a numerous of ongoing projects. The recent facelift of the Sefwi Wiawso town roads demonstrates a tangible improvement in the area's infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.



He urged the constituents to vote overwhelmingly for Hon. Festus Bumakama Agyapong and Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia for their commitment to bring numerous projects to the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency.



As a gesture of support for the community initiative, Mr. William Benjamin Assuah donated fifty (50) bags of cement to the Sefwi Kunuma community to assist in the construction of a nurses bungalow.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has addressed the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) concerns regarding the 2024 Provisional Voters Register, labeling their agitation as "needless, deceptive, and mischievous."



In a press conference, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah questioned the NDC's refusal to submit evidence of alleged irregularities to the Electoral Commission (EC), citing existing electoral laws that provide mechanisms for resolving discrepancies.



Koduah referenced the Constitutional Instrument on the Registration of Voters, C.I. 91, as amended by C.I. 127, which addresses errors, omissions, and corrections to the register.



The NPP challenged the NDC to provide evidence of alleged irregularities, discrepancies, and manipulation of the provisional register, emphasizing that existing laws offer a clear pathway for resolving concerns.



The NDC had demanded an independent forensic audit of the register, citing alarming irregularities and discrepancies.



The Electoral Commission had requested the NDC to furnish details of the discrepancies, but the NDC has yet to submit the information.



The NPP cautioned the public against the NDC's "crafted false narrative" of an opposition party being cheated by a state-controlled electoral body.



The party emphasized the shared responsibility of ensuring a credible register, referencing the 2015 V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe led Panel's report.



Read the full statement from the NPP General Secretary.



*PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON RECENT DEMANDS AND AGITATIONS BY THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS REGARDING THE 2024 PROVISIONAL VOTERS REGISTER*



Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is pleased to have you in attendance for this press conference despite the short notice.



Ordinarily, given the demanding nature of our national campaign, the New Patriotic Party would have ignored the NDC for yet again, another needless demonstration in their desperate attempt to make a mountain out of a molehill regarding the Provisional Voters Register for the 2024 general elections. However, as the governing Party in Ghana, the NPP is a major stakeholder for all election related matters and cannot be silent on issues pertaining the 2024 provisional register.



Even more so, the NPPs position on the subject matter has become necessary following an open invitation from the NDC for our opinion. In a post made on his Facebook wall on September 6, 2024, Dr. Omane Boamah, Director of Elections for the NDC, questioned the loud silence of the ruling NPP on the alleged discrepancies with the provisional register and insinuated that we stand to benefit from the manipulation of the register and electoral processes. In view of the above, the NPP, as an important and legitimate stakeholder of election-related matters in Ghana, has every right to share its opinion on the 2024 provisional voters register.



*Background*



As many of us are already aware, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, embarked on a nationwide demonstration against the Electoral Commission on what they have termed as alarming irregularities, discrepancies and unauthorized manipulation of the Provisional Voters Register for the 2024 general elections.



It is worthy of note that before their demonstration, the Electoral Commission granted a stakeholder meeting with the NDC on Friday September 6, 2024, after the NDC had requested for a meeting in a letter dated August 27, 2024. The meeting accorded the NDC an opportunity to present their concerns of alleged discrepancies regarding the 2024 Provisional Voters Register to the EC.

It is also public knowledge that during the said meeting with the Electoral Commission, the NDC indicated that they had identified five issues with the Provisional Voters Register, details of which include; missing names and photos of registered voters, misplaced voter transfers, deleted names of registered voters, unidentified voter transfer paths and unauthorized voter transfers. On the basis of the above concerns regarding the provisional register, the NDC implored the Electoral Commission to accept an Independent Forensic Audit of the provisional register and re-exhibit same.



Ladies and gentlemen, we can also not run from the fact that during the September 6, 2024 meeting, the EC requested the NDC to furnish it with details of all the discrepancies it had identified. Till date, the NDC is yet to submit such information to the EC.



Demands by the NDC

Friends from the media, during the September 6, 2024 meeting with the EC and as detailed in their petition to the Commission on September 17, 2024, the NDC, on the basis of their own established discrepancies with the provisional register, is demanding that the Electoral Commission does the following:

(a) Permit an Independent Forensic Audit of the Voters Register and its IT System

(b) Convene Stakeholders Meeting

(c) Agree to Publish the Findings of the Forensic Audit

(d) Re-exhibit the Register after the Forensic Audit

(e) Review and Correct all Unauthorized Transfers

(f) Adopt a Revised Timeline for Electoral Activities and,

(g) Institute Accountability and Integrity Measures.



Position of the NPP

Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, we in the NPP would be hypocrites to suggest that the NDC acted wrongly by engaging the EC with their concerns pertaining the 2024 provisional register and other matters of electoral concern. Historically, the NPP has been known for being lead advocates and crusaders for most of the electoral reforms that have positively shaped our nations democracy. From campaigning against the use of opaque ballot boxes to demanding the introduction of voter identification cards with pictures, and the usage of biometric verification devices, the NPP has always been at the center and front of advocacies that seek to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections.



However, what many Ghanaians and the NPP cannot comprehend, is why the NDC has still not submitted to the EC, detailed information of its so-called irregularities, discrepancies and unauthorized manipulation of the provisional register despite several appeals by the E.C. For instance, in Page 2 of their petition to the EC, the NDC stated emphatically that they have uncovered evidence of Two Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty (243,540) illegal transfers, Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Seven (3,957) deleted names of voters, as well as over Fifteen Thousand unidentified voter transfer paths in the provisional register. Yet, thirteen days after the NDC first met the EC on September 6, 2024, they have still not provided a single document to authenticate any of these allegations. We ask, is this not interesting? Indeed, if the NDC have any evidence of illegal transfers, why have they not submitted evidence for such an illegality to be reversed by the EC? We believe strongly that the nationwide demonstration by the NDC would have been justified had the EC failed to act after receiving evidence from the NDC on the alleged irregularities and discrepancies.



As many of you will attest to, the NDC has a despicable reputation of throwing allegations around without any substantive evidence. It should be recalled that following the close of polls for the 2020 general elections, the NDC through several media engagements, declared former President Mahama winner (video attached) and in some instances, warned the EC not to change the verdict of the people. After the ECs official declaration of the results, the NDC suddenly alleged rigging, and urged their supporters to demonstrate on the streets and also refrain from recognizing President Akufo-Addo as winner of the elections. Some of the demonstrations as we witnessed, nearly turned bloody, as their hoodwinked supporters assaulted security personnel and innocent Ghanaians with various harmful objects. As fate would have it, when the NDC finally had their day in court, their current National Chairman who was at the time, General Secretary of the Party, could not tell the Supreme Court the total votes that were amassed by the NDC and the total valid votes that were cast during the elections (video attached).



It even becomes more interesting with revelations that were made by Mr. Asiedu Nketiah during his campaign for election as National Chairman of the NDC in 2022, when he boldly told a gathering of his Party supporters that the NDCs own collated results for the 2020 general elections would have disgraced the Party in court, the reason he lied to Justices of the Supreme Court that he could not furnish them with figures of the Partys collated results (video attached). It is obvious from Asiedu Nketiahs own admission that the NDC knew from their own collated results that they had lost the 2020 elections.



Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, it is obvious that we have allowed the NDC to get away with so many lies and deceptions. Lies that nearly tarnished our enviable democratic credentials in 2020 and in some instances, threatened the peace and security of our dear republic. Undoubtedly, recent outbursts by the NDC regarding the provisional voters register is just another grand old NDC strategy of lies and deception to court public sympathy and support in an election year. We are cautioning the public to be aware of the NDCs crafted false narrative of an opposition Party being cheated by a state-controlled electoral body. We are challenging the NDC to submit not only to the EC but the media and general public, their so-called evidence of alarming irregularities, discrepancies and manipulation of the provisional register.



As remarked by the Justice V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe led Panel on the Biometric Voters Register, which was constituted by the E.C. in 2015, the veracity of the Register of Voters depends on the honesty of all citizens of Ghana. At least, for once in our lifetime, the NDC must be honest with Ghanaians.



The NPP finds it difficult to comprehend the call by the NDC for an independent forensic audit of the provisional register for the 2024 general elections on the basis of alleged errors and discrepancies. Ladies and gentlemen, in addressing a critical matter of this nature, the law and history must always serve as a guide. The Constitutional Instrument on the Registration of Voter, C.I. 91 as amended by C.I. 127, anticipated such errors and made provisions for remedying any such occurrence. For emphasis, C.I. 127 makes provision for the resolution of discrepancies such as the inclusion of omitted names, removal of names of deceased voters from the register, correction to wrong spelling of names, correction to wrong registration center codes, replacement of poor quality Voter ID Cards, and also makes provision for the transfer of voters, special voters list and objection to names of unqualified voters on the register. Hence, the identification of any of such errors in the provisional register does not call for an independent forensic audit as being demanded by the NDC. A careful study of the petition submitted by the NDC to the EC vis-a-vis the provisions of C.I. 127, establishes one undisputed fact, there is no need for an Independent Forensic Audit of the provisional register as the existing electoral laws offer a clear pathway to resolving all concerns raised by the NDC.



It is worthy of note that when the NPP, Let My Vote Count Alliance and a host of Civil Society Organizations made a clarion call for an independent forensic audit of the voters register in 2015 on the basis of errors and discrepancies in the voters register, the V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe led Panel made the recommendation that the Electoral Commission has always had the constitutional mandate to take the ultimate decision. The position of the panel was supported by Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the then General Secretary of the NDC. During his presentation of a paper on the integrity of Ghanas 2012 Biometric Voters Register, he insisted that the EC by tradition and convention, has always been able to cure errors and discrepancies in the voters register. Further, Mr. Nketiah, is quoted in Page 20 of the panels report that cleaning the voters register can be done using existing mechanisms; the exhibition procedures, challenging and objecting to names of unqualified persons in the register.

Further, he boldly stated that the process of deleting deceased persons from the register is the process of exhibition of the register. The main purpose of the exhibition is for us to raise objections to people whose names are there which ought not to be there. There are forms and the means of processing those objections that would lead to deletion of those names and it includes the deletion of names of dead people too. So opportunity is giving for people to present evidence. Because lets face it, the environment we are operating in, if you say people should go and pinpoint the names of dead people for deletion without any evidence, I will go and pinpoint Kwabena Agyapongs name and say he is dead (video attached).



From the video we have just seen, it is clear, that there are existing protocols to rectifying errors in the provisional register and paramount to such protocols is the need for stakeholders to submit to the EC, an evidence of registered voters who should either be added to or deleted from the provisional register. On the basis of the panels position and that of the NDC which was communicated by Mr. Asiedu Nketiah, the NPP and other stakeholders abandoned their quest for an independent forensic audit of the 2012 voters register and agreed to the use of voters exhibition exercise to address our concerns. In view of the above, we want to ask the NDC, what has changed? Why, are they running from that tradition and convention? If there was no need for an independent forensic audit of the register in 2015, why should it be done now?



In playing the devils advocate, let us even admit there are errors with the provisional register. We humbly ask, how can such errors be corrected when the NDC are refusing to present evidence of the errors to the E.C.- the body clothed with the legal authority to supervise the compilation of a voters register?

Ladies and gentlemen, we can equally not forget the words of former President Mahama, who in October 2015, stated that the Electoral Commission is an independent body mandated by law to decide what to do (video attached). So Mr. Mahama, why are you and the NDC not allowing the E.C. to decide what to do but are embarking on demonstrations?

Hence, in view of the above, it is hypocritical for the NDC to be ordering the EC to conduct an independent forensic audit of the provisional register.



Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, I will conclude my statement by referencing Page 70 of the report by the 2015 V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe led Panel on the Biometric Voters Register, which states that political parties and all citizens of Ghana should exercise vigilance and maturity when the provisional Registers of Voters are exhibited so that they can check the entries and thereby help the Electoral Commission to have a Register of Voters as credible and as clean as possible. It is a shared responsibility. We ask, where lies the commitment of the NDC to help the EC produce a credible register when they are refusing to submit evidence of an alleged irregularity to the EC?

In view of the submissions made by the New Patriotic Party, it is obvious that the recent agitations by the NDC pertaining the 2024 Provisional Register is needless, deceptive, mischievous and a deliberate attempt to create tensions in the country knowing very well that they are bound to lose the 2024 general elections.



May God bless our homeland Ghana and make us great and strong.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah says Ghanaians should celebrate because the economy is bouncing back stronger and better.



His comment is in reaction to Bloomberg report that the second quarter GDP grows at 6.9%, exceeding by some 3.6 percentage points.



"Let's celebrate this performance because it means the economy is coming back, and it's good for Ghana."



Mr. Ahiagbah asked Ghanaians to commend the government for the good work resulting in this positive news.



Read his full statement below:

The second quarter GDP grows at 6.9%, exceeds estimates by some 3.6 percentage points. Let's celebrate this performance because it means the economy is coming back, and it's good for Ghana.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/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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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

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa can secure future food supplies by unlocking the potential of their people and farming systems, a new study reveals.

Sub-Saharan Africa faces several challenges impacting agricultural productivity and food securityincluding climate change, inadequate infrastructure, conflict, and limited access to modern technology.

But researchers have created a blueprint for future food security across the region, which builds on assets that can be used to enhance food system resiliencethese assets include abundant agricultural resources, genetic diversity, and a youthful population.

Publishing their findings in Food and Energy Security, experts from the University of Birmingham and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, in Addis Ababa, have identified a series of key factors which will help to build food resilience.

Co-author Dr. Helen Onyeaka, from the University of Birmingham, commented, "Sub-Saharan Africa faces many obstacles, but there are several drivers of food resilience that offer hope for a brighter future and greater food security across the region.

"Several key strategies will help to boost resilience. These include diversifying suppliers, empowering local farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in education and trainingreducing reliance on external sources and improving self-sufficiency.

"By leveraging abundant agricultural resources, genetic diversity, and a youthful population, Sub-Saharan Africa can transform its food systems and enhance self-sufficiency."

The proposed blueprint for future food resilience creates a comprehensive approach to building resilience in the region's food systemsfocusing on local empowerment, sustainable practices, and technological integration:

Technology: Digital tools and data-driven approaches can provide valuable insight and enhance efficiency in agricultural practices.

Resilience: Boosting food system resilience including diversifying suppliers, empowering local farmers, and reducing reliance on external sources.

Education: Farmer training initiatives and educational programs can build local capacityequipping communities with sustainable agricultural practices.

Collaboration: Governments, NGOs, private sectors, and local communities must work together to bridge gaps in capacity and disseminate best practices.

The researchers note that obstacles including climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to resources combine with rising urbanization and population growth to increase food insecurity. Climate variability affects crop yields and livestock productionemphasizing the urgent need for adaptive strategies.

More information: Solomon Abate Mekonnen et al, Building resilience in SubSaharan Africa's food systems: Diversification, traceability, capacity building and technology for overcoming challenges, Food and Energy Security (2024). DOI: 10.1002/fes3.563
Elizabeth Weston, shown during her divorce proceeding in 2022, has lost an appeal of the case. She had represented herself at trial. William Luther, Staff Photographer / Staff photographer Rackspace co-founder Graham Weston, left, testified during his divorce proceeding in 2022. He had filed a counterpetition for divorce. William Luther, Staff Photographer / Staff photographer Comal County District Court Judge Dib Waldrip, shown presiding over the Weston divorce case in 2022, issued a final decree of divorce in the case. An Austin appeals court recently opined that Wadrip did not abuse his discretion, as Elizabeth Weston had alleged. Jerry Lara/Staff photographer

The ex-wife of Rackspace co-founder and real estate developer Graham Weston lost her appeal of a contentious divorce case that ended in 2022 with the dissolution of their 27-year marriage. She wants the court to reconsider.

A three-judge panel of the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin late last month denied Elizabeth Westons appeal of the final decree of divorce and the division of community property.

A nonlawyer who represented herself in the trial and its appeal, she had argued that Comal County District Court Judge Dib Waldrip  who presided over the case  abused his discretion and exceeded his broad range of authority. She had asked the appeals court to reverse the divorce decree and send the case back to a trial court with competent jurisdiction.

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Last week, she asked the appeals court to reconsider its Aug. 30 opinion. Now represented by counsel, she wants the court to withdraw the opinion and send the case back for a trial on the issues of separate and community property. The court has not ruled on the request.

Graham Weston had opposed the appeal, arguing her appeal brief was wholly inadequate, in part because it failed to identify specific rulings about which she complains, and fails to cite case law.

It is long past time to end this dispute so the parties will not live in continued limbo, he said in the court filing.

Houston lawyer Wayne Paris, who filed the motion for rehearing on behalf of Elizabeth Weston, said he will probably file a petition for review with the Texas Supreme Court if the motion for rehearing is denied.

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Lawyers for Graham Weston didnt respond to a request for comment.

Salacious allegations

The Westons wed on Dec. 31, 1994, and their marriage produced three sons. They were officially divorced in October 2022.

Elizabeth Weston filed for divorce in October 2020 and Graham Weston filed a counterpetition that, among other requests, sought confirmation of his separate property.

It had the makings of one of the biggest divorce cases ever in the San Antonio area. Graham Weston, who co-founded Rackspace Technology Inc and has become a prominent downtown developer, had once appeared on Forbes magazines annual billionaires list.

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It was a bitter split. The estranged couple leveled salacious allegations, including that Graham Weston sexually assaulted his wife and had several extramarital affairs with women in London. Elizabeth Weston was accused of recording him and hiring a private investigator to track him for a year and a half.

Witnesses expected to testify included sex-addiction and domestic violence experts, psychologists and psychiatrists.

But jurors never heard from any of them. The judge ruled before the trial started that neither Elizabeth Weston nor her expert witnesses would be allowed to testify because Graham Westons lawyers never got to depose them.

After Elizabeth Weston presented no evidence supporting claims in the breakup, including for fraud and breach of fiduciary, Waldrip issued a directed verdict against her. Graham Westons lawyers went on to present the claims he made in his counterpetition.

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Representing herself

Elizabeth Weston said she has been silenced by the judges rulings, though he extended deadlines so she and her witnesses could be deposed.

She represented herself during the trial after numerous lawyers withdrew from the case and she said she had no money to hire new counsel. She alleged that Waldrip had prevented her from gathering information on marital assets.

Judge Waldrip  disallowed the presentation of proof that Graham Weston fraudulently created or modified 250+ LLCs that were started with community property funds, she said in her appeal. She added she was deprived of legal representation. She unsuccessfully sought to have Waldrip recused from the case.

She had sought production of bank and financial records dating back to the start of the marriage, but Waldrip limited the discovery period to no earlier than the beginning of 2015. But the judge said the parties could seek discovery from earlier periods for specific transactions.

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In her motion for rehearing filed last week, Elizabeth Weston said no specific transactions could be determined or identified without the earlier records back to December 31, 1994.

She added, The order of the trial court  was reasonably calculated to and did cause an improper division of property.

Graham Weston had argued prior to the trial that his interests in certain family trusts were his separate property, not marital assets. The court sided with him on that point after Elizabeth Weston submitted no summary judgment evidence to dispute his position.

It was up to Waldrip to decide the division of the marital estate. Graham Weston testified that he was proposing his ex-wife receive 100% of the the value of the community property  about $13.6 million.

She objected to proposal but the court ultimately divided the community estate in a manner it found to be just and right and granted the divorce, Justice Thomas J. Baker wrote in the appeal courts 15-page opinion.

In the opinion, the court said Elizabeth Westons argument failed to include a single citation from the trial despite the record being close to 9,000 pages.

The appeals court said she failed to demonstrate that Waldrip abused his discretion in dividing the marital estate or by excluding her expert witnesses' testimony at trial. Waldrip gave her many extensions of time to provide expert reports and make those experts available for deposition, it said.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Graphical abstract . Credit: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2024). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202411576

Rotaxanes have garnered interest for their unique structures consisting of mechanically interlocked axles and macrocycles. Numerous organic macrocycles have been employed to construct rotaxanes, including crown ether, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene), calixarene, pillararene, cyclodextrin, and cucurbituril.

Inorganic metal ions with unique electronic configurations have been employed to expand and precisely manipulate macrocycles at the molecular level. However, only one case has been assembled into polymeric rotaxane using the "axle-donorring-acceptor" mode. The controlled stepwise preparation of polymeric rotaxanes based on hybrid macrocycles remains a challenge.

In a study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a research group led by Prof. Zhang Jian and Prof. Fang Weihui from Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter of the Chinese Academy of Sciences propose an inverse "ring-donoraxle-acceptor" pattern utilizing Al 8 molecular rings, enabling the stepwise assembly of molecules, complexes, and polymers through tailored coordination chemistry.

The Al 8 macrocycle's interior resembles a tubular cavity with one hydrophilic ring Al 8 (OH) 8 and two hydrophobic ports. The inward OH groups bestow the Al 8 macrocycle with a unique "ring-H/axle-acceptor" binding pattern, providing abundant interaction sites for a wide range of acceptors, including anions, metal cations, and organic ligands.

Researchers encapsulated a variety of aromatic compounds within the Al 8 macrocycle, including single-site carboxylic acid (HNA, HBA) and dual-site bipyridine (bpy). The coordination sites of these aromatic guests all pointed towards the Al 8 (OH) 8 plane, suggesting the potential for constructing an axle structure by introducing a metal cation.

Ag+ and Na+ were well-suited due to their linear coordination geometry. Consequently, researchers obtained a series of [2]-rotaxanes, each with inner linear complex axles: Ag(bpy) 2 +, Ag(NA) 2 , HAg(BA) 2 and Na(AQS) 2 .

Considering the residual uncoordinated N sites in Ag(bpy) 2 + axle, researchers carried out further polymerization chemistry research. By increasing the amount of Ag+, they obtained a 1D infinite polyrotaxane in which neighboring [2]-rotaxanes were tightly held together by Ag+ cation via AgN bonds. The Al 8 macrocycles were strung on the [Agnbpyn]n+ chain through multiple non-covalent interactions, resembling a famous Beijing snack: Tanghulu (sugar coated hawthorn).

These host-guest complexes exhibit typically reverse saturable absorption responses in nonlinear optical (NLO) measurement. A quantitative evaluation showed that the NLO responses can be significantly enhanced by introducing heavy metal cations, increasing the conjugation of organic guests, and promoting polymerization.

Notably, the Ag(NA) 2  embedded [2]-rotaxane exhibits the best NLO performance with the highest nonlinear absorption coefficient and the lowest limiting threshold, outperforming some reported organic molecules, graphene oxide materials, and traditional crystalline compounds.

This study demonstrates a universal assembly strategy to achieve rotaxane and polyrotaxane constructions. The unique "ring-donor/axle-acceptor" pattern breaks the conventional fixed binding mode, significantly enhancing adjustability for the axle acceptors.

More information: YaJie Liu et al, Designed Synthesis of an Aluminum Molecular Ring Based Rotaxane and Polyrotaxane, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2024). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202411576 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The research team detected very large temperature changes in AU Microscopii, a very active star that is surrounded by a disk of dust and has at least one orbiting planet, seen here in silhouette. Credit: NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted (STSCI)

Astronomers study stars by looking at the different colors of light they emitcolors they capture and analyze using spectroscopy. Now a team led by Universite de Montreal's Etienne Artigau has developed a technique that uses a star's spectrum to chart variations in its temperature to the nearest tenth of a degree Celsius, over a range of time scales.

"By tracking a star's temperature, we can learn a lot about it, such as its rotation period, its stellar activity, its magnetic field," explained Artigau, an astrophysicist at UdeM's Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (IREx). "Such detailed knowledge is also essential for finding and studying a star's planets."

In an article accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal and currently available on the arXiv preprint server, Artigau and his team demonstrate the technique's effectiveness and versatility using observations of four very different stars made with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in Hawaii and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) 3.6-m telescope in La Silla, Chile.

A better technique for analyzing spectra

The scientists first turned their attention to stellar spectra to improve exoplanet detection using radial velocity. This method measures slight oscillations in a star generated by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet. The greater the oscillations, the larger the planet.

But it's hard to detect very small oscillations and therefore low-mass planets. To overcome this problem, Artigau and his team developed a technique exploiting the radial velocity method that analyzes a star's full spectrum and not just a few portions, as previously done with this method.

This makes it possible to detect planets as small as the Earth orbiting around small stars. Artigau then came up with the idea of using a similar strategy to detect not only variations in a star's oscillations but also in its temperature.

Distinguishing between stars and their planets

Temperature measurements are critical in the search for exoplanets, which are mostly observed indirectly by closely tracking their star. In recent years, astronomers have faced a major hurdle: how to distinguish between the observable effects of a star and its planets.

This is a problem in both the search for exoplanets using radial velocity and the study of their atmospheres using transit spectroscopy.

"It's very difficult to confirm the existence of an exoplanet or to study its atmosphere without precise knowledge of the host star's properties and how they vary over time," explained Charles Cadieux, a doctoral student at IREx who contributed to the study.

"This new technique gives us an invaluable tool for ensuring that our knowledge of exoplanets is solid and for advancing our characterization of their properties."

Unrivaled precision

A star's surface temperature is a basic property that astronomers rely on because it can be used to determine the star's luminosity and chemical composition. At best, a star's exact temperature can be known to an accuracy of about 20C.

However, the new technique measures not exact temperatures but temperature variation over time, which it can determine with remarkable precision.

"We can't tell whether a star is 5,000C or 5,020C, but we can determine if it has increased or decreased by a degree, even a fraction of a degreeno one's ever done this before," said Artigau.

"It's a challenge to detect such minute temperature changes in the human body, so imagine what it's like for a gaseous ball with a temperature in the thousands located dozens of light-years away."

Unprecedented insights into four stars

To demonstrate that their technique works, the researchers used observations taken with the SPIRou spectrograph in the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the HARPS spectrograph in the ESO's 3.6-m telescope.

In the data captured by these two telescopes for four small stars in the solar neighborhood, the team could clearly see temperature variation, which they attributed to either the star's rotation or to events at its surface or in the surrounding environment.

The new technique made it possible to measure large variations in temperature. For the star AU Microscopii, known for its high stellar activity, the team recorded variations of almost 40C.

With this technique, they were able to measure not only very rapid changes in temperature associated with short rotation periods of a few days, such as those AU Microscopii and Epsilon Eridani, but also those occurring over much longer periods of time, a difficult feat for ground-based telescopes.

"We were able to measure changes of a few degrees or less occurring over very long periods, such as those associated with the rotation of Barnard's star, a very quiet star that takes five months to complete a full rotation," explained Artigau. "Before, we would have had to use the Hubble Space Telescope to measure such a subtle and slow variation."

The new technique also made it possible to detect very fine temperature changes at the surface of the stars. For example, the team detected subtle temperature changes in star HD 189733 coinciding with the orbit of its exoplanet HD 189733 b, a giant hot Jupiter planet.

New horizons opened up

The UdeM researchers point out that the technique works not only with SPIRou and HARPS, but with any spectrograph operating in the visible or infrared range.

The innovative technique will be directly applicable to observations from NIRPS, a spectrograph installed last year in the ESO telescope in Chili. According to the researchers, it would also be possible to use this technique with space-based instruments, such as the James Webb Space Telescope.

"The power and versatility of this technique means we can exploit existing data from numerous observatories to detect variations that were previously far too small to be perceived, even on very long timescales," said Artigau.

"This opens up new horizons in our study of the stars, their activity and their planets."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Analysis suggests that the two pioneers of quantum mechanics, Niels Bohr and John von Neumann, may have had more similar views than previously thought regarding the nature of quantum systems, and the classical apparatus used to measure them.

In the early years of quantum theory, two foundational thinkers developed independent ideas about how measurements of quantum systems should be interpreted.

While Bohr suggested that these measurements require a clear distinction between the quantum system being measured and the classical apparatus performing the measurement, von Neumann argued that quantum mechanics should apply to everything, including the measurement apparatus.

Since these interpretations emerged, quantum theorists have widely viewed them as being in conflict with each other. Yet through new analysis published in The European Physical Journal H, Federico Laudisa at the University of Trento suggests that Bohr and von Neumann's views are far closer than currently thought.

The concept of measurement is central in Bohr's interpretation of quantum mechanics, especially in its description of interactions between quantum systems and classical measurement apparatus. Developed in the late 1920s, Bohr's theories didn't include a formal model of the measurement process, but did highlight a crucial need for classical concepts when describing quantum experiments.

This led to early debates on the relationship between the classical and quantum worlds, especially in the context of measurement. All the same, early textbooks didn't explicitly address the idea that quantum laws should be applied to classical systems during measurements.

Later on in 1932, von Neumann provided a formal measurement model which suggested that quantum mechanics must indeed govern the properties of both the quantum system and the measurement apparatus. For many theorists, this interpretation appeared to be in direct conflict with Bohr's theories.

In his paper, Laudisa questions whether Bohr would have actually disputed von Neumann's interpretation after all. By examining his ideas more closely, he argues that Bohr's views on classical concepts could have aligned more closely with von Neumann's approach than theorists presently believe.

Based on this insight, Laudisa re-evaluated the similarities between the views of both researchers regarding the quantum measurement process. He now hopes that the insights gathered from this analysis could contribute to a more accurate history of the measurement process in quantum mechanics.

More information: Federico Laudisa, Bohr and von Neumann on the universality of quantum mechanics: materials for the history of the quantum measurement process, The European Physical Journal H (2024). DOI: 10.1140/epjh/s13129-024-00082-7

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Pictured are rescue tigers Nyla (left) and Blanca (right), who came to In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center in Wylie, Texas (2022). Both tigers were confiscated from their previous owners, who supplied animals for circus and fair performances. Credit: Keri Osterman

Captive tigers in the United States outnumber those living in the wild. The World Wildlife Federation estimates around 5,000 of the big cats reside in the U.S., mostly owned by private citizens.

The health of this population is a genetic mystery for conservation groups and researchers interested in how the captive tigers could help stabilize or restore wild tiger populations. Are the privately owned animals just like tigers in the wild, or do they reflect characteristics popular in the illegal trade? Are they a hodgepodge of wild tiger ancestry, or are they detrimentally inbred?

New research from Stanford University, published Sept. 19 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, digs into these questions and offers a new tool that conservationists and law enforcement can use to protect the animals and prosecute those responsible for their abuse.

"We're trying to leverage genomic technology to be useful in a conservation contextthere are so few tigers. We won't get a second chance if they go extinct," said Ellie Armstrong, Ph.D., who is lead author of the paper.

An unknown population

The study was led by Armstrong, who conducted the research as part of her doctoral studies in biology, with her co-advisors and co-authors Elizabeth Hadly, the Paul S. and Billie Achilles Professor in Environmental Biology, Emerita; and Dmitri Petrov, the Michelle and Kevin Douglas Professor, both in the School of Humanities and Sciences.

The researchers became interested in studying the genetic diversity of privately held tigerscalled "generic" because their sources are unknownafter conducting a study on the genetic impact of the isolation of wild tiger populations.

"We were conducting a large study on wild tiger populations and leveraged these data to address the issue of captive tigers in the United States. It was a bit unbelievable, at first, that you could have a tiger living right next door and not know it,'" said Armstrong, who is now an assistant professor of evolution, ecology, and organismal biology at the University of California, Riverside.

"We got connected with Tigers in America, and that's when we realized that there's an enormous number of these cats outside of accredited facilities that were bred for animal encounters, performed as circus animals, or were trafficked as exotic pets. But we didn't have any idea what kind of tiger they were or where they came from," Armstrong continued.

A hurdle for the research team was the absence of official data on generic tigers. Shows like Netflix's 2020 "Tiger King" and the 2009 documentary "The Tiger Next Door" helped increase public knowledge of the problem of privately owned tigers, but accessing the animals for research purposes was still a challenge.

"There was so much hearsay associated with this captive population and a lot of it contradicts itself. People said, 'All of the cats are really inbred,' or 'All of the cats are genetically diverse,'" said Armstrong. "We had no idea what to expect and thought that genomic technology could help us answer some of these questions."

Building a genetic database

Through relationships with sanctuaries that had rescued generic tigers, the team obtained samples and learned about the tigers, including the rescue locations for many animals.

The researchers collected samples from 154 generic tigers and used another 100 available wild tiger samples existing in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. From their previous work, the team knew that there are six wild subspecies of tigers. With these data, they developed a reference panel for tigers that was used to accurately distinguish individual animals and assign their genetic ancestry. Armstrong compares it to the popular genetic ancestry tests for humans.

"When we do 23andMe, we're not sequencing the whole genomewe're sequencing a portion of it that informs us about your health and ancestry," she said. "That's what we want to be able to do, but for tigers. It's difficult and expensive to sequence and analyze a whole genome, especially in a conservation context. The workflow we built allows you to sequence a portion of the genome and get answers about the tiger individual and its ancestry."

A boon to law enforcement

Knowing a tiger's ancestry has uses beyond conservation and breeding programslaw enforcement can use it to prosecute.

The Big Cat Public Safety Act went into effect Dec. 20, 2022, ending the private ownership of big cats as pets and placing restrictions on breeding, commerce, possession, and use of certain species, including tigers. (Individuals who owned cats prior to the law passing must register the animals.) Still, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has storerooms full of confiscated tiger pelts, bones, teeth, etc., and cases they are unable to prosecute because they are unable to positively identify the origin and ancestry of the samples. The agency has already requested to work with the researchers.

"We'll be working with law enforcement to try to apply this in a forensic context to prosecute wildlife crimes like those seen in 'Tiger King,' monitor the populations in the U.S., and track the illegal trade," Armstrong said. "Materials like teeth and pelts have limited DNA in them, and the reference panel we built here can allow wildlife agencies to determine the ancestry and identity of confiscated samples, even by only sequencing a small portion of the genome. That's been the most rewarding part of this researchwe know that this work mattered and has immediate future applications."

Putting rumors to rest

As for those wondering, "What are these animals?" the researchers feel they can put this question to rest. The U.S. captive tiger population did not show widespread inbreeding relative to wild tiger populations. Nor did they show that the generic tigers maintain single subspecies ancestry, as is true of zoo-bred tigers or tigers in the wild.

These generic tigers are a mix of different tiger subspecies. Armstrong and colleagues also show that the non-zoo captive tiger population in the United States does not harbor more genetic diversity than that found in wild populations.

"This absence of unique genetic diversity in captive tigers means that there will be no 'genetic rescue' of wild tigers with individuals now in captivity," Hadly said. "In other words, the genetic diversity of wild tigers is all that evolution has to work with going into the future."

DNA is the only way to identify a tiger subspeciesthere are no distinguishable physical differences in the six recognized subspecies. If the unique evolutionary histories of individual tiger subspecies remain a priority for tiger management, and we can overcome the enormous hurdles of releasing captive animals back into the wild, the reference panel could be used to identify individuals that do not have mixed ancestry.

Said Armstrong, "This technology is usually a 'for fun' thing for humans, to find out more about your genetic ancestry, but we can use genomics in a very serious way to help our wildlife populations thrive in the wild and keep them from being exploited."

More information: Ellie E. Armstrong et al, Unraveling the genomic diversity and admixture history of captive tigers in the United States, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402924121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

For his 18th century thesis, Carl Linnaeus collected 643 different plant species that were then fed to horses, cows, pigs, sheep and goats. The results were carefully compiled but not analyzed until now, 275 years later, when they were also published in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.

"It may have been the first experiment in what would only later become the subject of ecology in the late 19th century. By today's standards, it was a huge experiment involving an impressive number of plants," notes Hakan Rydin, Professor of Plant Ecology at Uppsala University and one of the researchers who carried out the analysis.

Linnaeus' thesis, Pan Svecicus, describes 2,325 experiments involving 643 different plant species. It was published in 1749 and defended by his student, Nils Hesselgren. Earlier, Linnaeus and his disciples had traveled around Sweden collecting information from farmers about the best pastures for their animals.

Although the thesis was translated into German and English and was known among contemporary botanists in Europe, the results were never analyzed. Now, however, Rydin has worked with other researchers to compile and analyze the data.

The results show that pigs were the most selective, eating 32% of the 204 plant species tested on all the animals. This was followed by horses at 59%, cows at 66%, sheep at 82% and goats at 85%. The animals generally preferred legumes and grasses.

Credit: Uppsala University

"Pigs were probably the pickiest eaters because they are omnivores and do not solely eat plants. Somewhat surprisingly, the animals were not very good at avoiding the toxic plants. Cows and horses were the best in that regard," explains Rydin.

The thesis contains numbers and references to Flora Svecica, Linnaeus' list of Swedish flora. According to the researchers, this was one of the first times Linnaeus used the now common naming convention, which has also allowed them to identify the species involved in the experiments.

"Carl Linnaeus laid the groundwork for future scientists to analyze this area. It was about 200 years before biologists started using statistics. What is also absolutely fascinating is that all the data is documented. If this had been done in more recent times, the researchers probably wouldn't have saved the raw data," adds Rydin.

More information: Bengt A Carlsson et al, Are cows pickier than goats? Linnaeus's innovative large-scale feeding experiment, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (2024). DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blae084
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UVA researchers used high-resolution satellite imagery to examine Russian troop movements in the area around the kurgans. Credit: University of Virginia

As Russian missile strikes and heavy assaults by ground troops pace deadly attacks on Ukraine, a new report by University of Virginia researchers reveals another destructive facet of Russia's invasion.

Using commercial satellite imagery and other open-source information, associate professor of sociology Fiona Greenland and other researchers with UVA's Cultural Resilience Informatics and Analysis, or CURIA, Lab determined that multiple ancient Ukrainian burial mounds have been damaged in two locations currently occupied by Russian troopsa potential violation of international law.

These historically significant burial sites, called "kurgans," were constructed by the ancient peoples of the Ukrainian steppe. The mounds, up to 65 feet tall, contain human remains and artifacts dating back as far as 3000 B.C.E.

Greenland and the other archaeologists and researchers on CURIA's interdisciplinary team analyzed satellite imagery that they say indicates the kurgans have been disrupted by Russian trench lines, paths and fortifications built on and near the mounds.

Russian Federation armed forces may be using the kurgans to establish advantageous fighting and firing positions, the report asserts. While wartime damage to cultural heritage sites may be expected, damage to the kurgans could be a violation of international law, Greenland said.

The researchers focused on the Zaporizhzhia Oblast region of Ukraine, under the control of Russia's 429th Motor Rifle Regiment. The report concludes Russian troops may have violated the Hague Convention, an international treaty requiring, among other things, respect for cultural resources during armed conflict.

Ancient burial mounds in Ukraine, called "kurgans" are in the path of the Russian military invasion and, according to UVA experts, may have been damaged or even looted. Credit: University of Virginia

"Our analysis reveals damage to these sites from military action, but also possible theft or vandalism, which must not be ignored," she said.

Their report points to the value of satellite imagery, documentation posted online, and other open-source information, in an effort to identify the extent of destruction in dangerous areas where a "boots on the ground" approach to fieldwork is not possible.

"With this report, we're able to offer insight into what's happening in occupied Ukraine in areas that Russia has invaded and still controls," Greenland said.

"We know from eyewitness reports of extensive destruction of cultural sites, archaeological sites, museums, houses of worship and so forth. But documenting these impacts behind the front lines is very difficult, because it's too dangerous to send people to do this work firsthand.

"We're able to provide a look at an occupied area, Zaporizhzhia, through satellite imagery," Greenland continued. "We were able to carefully reconstruct a timeline beginning from before the full-scale invasion through to the arrival of Russian military units in the area and the corresponding impacts they continue to inflict on these ancient burial mounds."

CURIA Lab archaeologist Kate Harrell said they have reason to believe that the locations examined in their report are not the only examples of damage inflicted upon Ukrainian archaeological sites due to Russian fortification activities.

"There are thousands of burial mounds and, in this report, we only examined two sites in Zaporizhzhia oblast," Harrell said. "Further documentation needs to take place."

Christa Acampora, dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, commended the researchers for contributing their valuable expertise.

"The most powerful research overcomes many obstacles to discovery through creative, interdisciplinary efforts," Acampora said. "This new report by associate professor Greenland and the CURIA Lab exemplifies that makes a difference through its tremendous contributions to the global community. We are truly fortunate to have professor Greenland's expertise at the University."

The CURIA Lab is a research partner of the Conflict Observatory. Created in February 2022, the Conflict Observatory supports a consortium of independent, university-based experts who use open-source information to produce high-quality documentation of potential human rights violations and international crimes to increase public awareness and enable accountability.

The CURIA Lab report joins other Conflict Observatory publications that identify, analyze and preserve possible evidence of atrocities that impact Ukrainian people, places, resources and cultural heritage sites.
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Credit: The European Physical Journal B (2024). DOI: 10.1140/epjb/s10051-024-00720-5

Mathematical analysis reveals that within Brazil's agriculture and livestock industry, the biofuels sector is most heavily reliant on other sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions.

Brazil is a world leader in biofuel production, but the environmental sustainability of the sector has faced criticism due to its impacts on deforestation, water use, and biodiversity, especially in the Amazon rainforest.

In an analysis published in The European Physical Journal B, researchers led by Eder Johnson de Area Leao Pereira at the Federal Institute of Maranhao reveal new insights into the biofuel industry's dependence on high greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sectors.

The study shows that within Brazil's agriculture and livestock industry, the biofuel sector relies most heavily on other sectors that contribute significantly to GHG emissions. The team hope their results could contribute to discussions about threats the sector poses to the Amazon rainforest, and its overall impact on global climate change.

Today, Brazil produces an abundance of biofuels from sources such as sugarcane, vegetable oils, and animal fats. In 2018 alone, production reached more than 33 billion liters of ethanol and 5.3 billion liters of biodiesel, making a substantial contribution to the production of renewable fuels.

However, the environmental impacts of this production have raised questions about whether biofuels can effectively mitigate GHG emissions, highlighting the need to quantify their sustainability.

To investigate, Johnson de Area Leao Pereira's team carried out a detailed analysis of the ecological network of Brazil's agriculture and livestock industry. This mathematical method analyzes interactions between different economic sectors and their contributions to GHG emissions, allowing the researchers to assess the centrality of the biofuel sector in Brazil's overall GHG emissions.

Using this technique, the team discovered that along with the tobacco, food, and beverage sectors, biofuel production is the most dependent on other high GHG-emitting sectors. They now hope their results will contribute to discussions about the environmental threats the biofuel industry poses.

These insights could be pivotal in guiding future policies to make agriculture and livestock more sustainable in Brazil, and may ultimately underscore the need for Brazil to focus on other forms of renewable energy to achieve its emissions goals.

More information: Eder Johnson de Area Leao Pereira et al, GHG emissions in Brazilian Agriculture and livestock sectors and the risk to Amazonia conservation, The European Physical Journal B (2024). DOI: 10.1140/epjb/s10051-024-00720-5 Journal information: European Physical Journal B

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Floods in Italy due to Storm Boris pummeled the same area affected in May 2023 that killed 17 people.

Italian authorities evacuated some 1,000 people from their homes as the tail end of Storm Boris pummel a northeastern region that was devastated by deadly flooding last year, regional authorities said on Thursday.

The strong winds and rains which have swept across central and eastern Europe, killing 24 people, lashed the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions on Wednesday, leaving some towns under water.

Deputy Transport Minister Galeazzo Bignami told a press conference that two people were missing after they took refuge on a roof which then collapsed.

Schools closed and trains were cancelled Thursday as the rains lashed the same area hit by two floods in May 2023, which killed 17 people and caused billions of euros in damage.

Locals in Faenza told Local Team journalists they blamed authorities for fresh damage to their homes.

"There's one and a half meters of water in my house, again, after I'd just finished refurbishing it," one unnamed resident was quoted as saying.

Over 1,000 people have been evacuated, regional Emilia-Romagna authorities told AFP Thursday.

"We are in a full emergency," Ravenna mayor Michele De Pascale told Radio 24, saying the situation was "very similar to what we had last May (2023)".

"The population is on high alert," said Emilia-Romagna's acting president, Irene Priolo, told Radio Rai 1, adding that last year 45,000 people were evacuated but that the damage this time was not expected to be as extensive.

Priolo defended her administration, saying "so many construction works have been carried out" since the flooding last year.

Storm Boris has brought widespread flooding and torrential rain, with victims in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania.

Experts say climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as torrential rains and floods.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A paper, titled "How local governments avoid floodplain development through consistent implementation of routine municipal ordinances, plans, and programs," published in Oxford Open Climate Change uncovers evidence suggesting that, contrary to expectations, most U.S. cities are not doing too badly in avoiding development in areas prone to flooding, and those that are effective appear to be applying existing tools and strategies well, rather than doing anything particularly novel.

Despite billions of dollars of investments and widespread mitigation efforts, the costs of disasters in the United States have grown dramatically. Floods are the most prevalent and expensive U.S. disaster, and while climate change plays a role, the primary reason for rising costs is the concentration of people, infrastructure, and economic activities in hazardous areas.

A 2018 analysis by Climate Central and Zillow found that eight US coastal states are building faster on flood-prone lands than elsewhere.

One of the most effective ways to limit flood damage is to avoid building new infrastructure and housing in flood-prone areas, yet there is little empirical evidence of how effective local governments are at limiting development there and how such governments might improve their efforts.

Numerous studies have researched the contextual factors that lead local jurisdictions to adopt more numerous, advanced, or better-quality floodplain management actions. However, whether more numerous, advanced, and higher-quality actions lead to less floodplain development is less established because few studies have assessed floodplain development outcomes directly.

In this study, researchers reviewed patterns of municipal floodplain development and management in New Jersey from 2001 to 2019. The investigators picked New Jersey because it represents an extreme case. Climate Central and Zillow found that housing growth in the New Jersey coastal risk zone was 3.4 times higher than in surrounding areas.

Five New Jersey cities made the top 10 list for zone risk development, and Ocean City, NJ, built more flood-exposed houses than any other city in the country.

First, the study examined the relationship between wealth and proximity to the coast in development projects. Second, the researchers analyzed how floodplain development relates to municipal capacity and management actions in 128 municipalities across four counties. Finally, they conducted in-depth case studies in four New Jersey towns: Lumberton, Aberdeen, Weehawken, and Woodbridge.

The investigation indicates that most New Jersey cities limit floodplain development more than prior research would suggest given their geographic and socioeconomic context. Between 2001 and 2019, 422 New Jersey municipalities (85% of them) limited the development of new housing in floodplains more than would be expected based on the extent of the floodplain within the municipality and rates of new housing construction.

Some 335 municipalities (68%) limited increases in impervious surface (such as pavement and concrete) in the floodplain. A full 126 New Jersey towns (25% of them) put none of their new housing in the floodplain between 2001 and 2019. Just 14% of New Jersey towns are building in their floodplains more than would be expected based on the size of their floodplains and rate of development.

In interviews with people from the New Jersey towns, practitioners repeatedly stressed practical, common sense behavior, rather than complicated new plans.

"They're not doing anything special," one person interviewed during this research explained. It appears most towns can limit floodplain development with a few conventional local ordinances and typical levels of government capacitynot radical innovations or Herculean efforts.

The keys seem to be having a few high-quality land use tools and consistently implementing them, which requires coordination and commitment by local officials.

The paper shows that limited floodplain development is the norm, not the exception, in New Jersey. Municipalities routinely limit floodplain development using land use management and hazard mitigation tools that have been in use for decades and do so with modest and existing levels of local government capacity.

There are multiple paths to limit floodplain development, rather than one best practice, and having a few strong floodplain management tools and focusing on the quality of the social infrastructure (collaboration, commitment, consistency) may be more important than having many tools and trying to implement complicated new plans.

"It's surprisingly good news," said A.R. Siders, the study's lead author.

"There's room for improvement. But most towns are already taking action. The challenge is how to help them do even more and how to motivate and support the small minority of towns that are still concentrating on new buildings in their floodplains. That's a very different challenge."

More information: A.R. Siders et al, How local governments avoid floodplain development through consistent implementation of routine municipal ordinances, plans, and programs, Oxford Open Climate Change (2024). DOI: 10.1093/oxfclm/kgae017. academic.oup.com/oocc/article/4/1/kgae017/7759948
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new international collaborative study provides a list of the wildlife species present at the market from which SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, most likely arose in late 2019. The study is based on a new analysis of metatranscriptomic data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The data come from more than 800 samples collected in and around the Huanan Seafood Wholesale market beginning on January 1, 2020, and from viral genomes reported from early COVID-19 patients. The research appears September 19 in the journal Cell.

"This is one of the most important datasets that exists on the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic," says co-corresponding author Florence Debarre of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). "We're extremely grateful that the data exist and were shared."

"This paper adds another layer to the accumulating evidence that all points to the same scenario: that infected animals were introduced into the market in mid- to late November 2019, which sparked the pandemic," says co-corresponding author Kristian Andersen of Scripps Research.

"We have analyzed, in new and rigorous ways, the vitally important data that the Chinese CDC team collected," says co-corresponding author Michael Worobey of the University of Arizona. "This is an authoritative analysis of that data and how it fits in with the rest of the huge body of evidence we have about how the pandemic started."

On January 1, 2020, after the animals were removed and just hours after the market was closed, investigators from the Chinese CDC went to the market to collect samples. They swabbed the floors, walls, and other surfaces of the stalls; they came back days later to focus on surfaces in stalls selling wildlife, such as a cage and carts used to move animals, and then also collected samples from the drains and sewers.

They performed metatranscriptomic sequencing of the samples, a technique aiming to obtain all RNA sequences (and which can pick up DNA as well) from all organisms present in the samplesviruses, bacteria, plants, animals, humans. The Chinese CDC team, led by Liu Jun, published their data and results in 2023 in the journal Nature.

However, the article left unresolved the exact identities of the animal species found in the data that could represent plausible intermediate hosts. The Chinese CDC shared their sequencing data on public and open repositories.

According to the latest analysis of the data being published in Cell, SARS-CoV-2 was present in some of the same stalls as wildlife sold at the marketincluding raccoon dogs (small fox-like animals with markings similar to raccoons) and civet cats (small carnivorous mammals related to mongooses and hyenas).

In some cases, genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus and these animals was even found on the same swabs. The exact animal species were identified by genotyping their mitochondrial genomes in the samples.

"Many of the key animal species had been cleared out before the Chinese CDC teams arrived, so we can't have direct proof that the animals were infected," Debarre says. "We are seeing the DNA and RNA ghosts of these animals in the environmental samples, and some are in stalls where SARS-CoV-2 was found too. This is what you would expect under a scenario in which there were infected animals in the market."

"These are the same sorts of animals that we know facilitated the original SARS coronavirus jumping into humans in 2002," Worobey adds. "This is the most risky thing we can dotake wild animals that are teeming with viruses and then play with fire by bringing them into contact with humans living in the heart of big cities, whose population densities make it easy for these viruses to take hold."

The international team also performed evolutionary analysis of the earliest viral genomes reported in the pandemic, including these environmental sequences, and inferred the most likely progenitor genotypes of the virus that infected humans and led to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results imply that there were very few, if any, humans infected prior to the market outbreak. This is consistent with spillovers from animals to humans within the market. There may also have been spillovers of limited impact in the immediate upstream animal trade.

"In this paper, we show that the sequences linked to the market are consistent with a market emergence," Debarre says. "The main diversity of SARS-CoV-2 was in the market from the very beginning."

The new study landed on a short list of animal species in the wet market found co-occurring or close to viral samples that could represent the most likely intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV-2. The common raccoon dog, a species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and that carried SARS-CoV in 2003, was found to be the most genetically abundant animal in the samples from market wildlife stalls.

Genetic material from masked palm civets, which were also associated with the earlier outbreak of SARS-CoV, was also found in a stall with SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Other species such as the Hoary bamboo rat and Malayan porcupines were also found to be present in SARS-CoV-2-positive samples, as well as a multitude of other species.

While the data cannot prove whether one or more of these animals may have been infected, the team's analyses provide a clear list of the species that most plausibly could have carried the virus and genetic information that could be used to help trace where they originated.

The investigators stress the importance of understanding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in light of other recent spillovers, such as the spread of avian flu viruses in cattle in the United States. "There has been a lot of disinformation and misinformation about where SARS-CoV-2 originated," Worobey says.

"The reason it's so important to find out is that this affects national security and public health, not just in the United States but around the world. And the truth is, since the pandemic started more than four years ago, although there has been an increased focus on lab safety, not much has been done to decrease the chance of a zoonotic scenario like this happening again."

More information: Genetic tracing of market wildlife and viruses at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.08.010. www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00901-2 Journal information: Cell , Nature